《I Am Supreme》 1 Men Who Wield Swords, Command Brotherhood Men who wield swords, command brotherhood! Yun Yang murmured, raising his goblet for a toast and gulped the crimson wine, his gaze cold and thoughtful. He lazed on a chair, dressed in purple, under the orchid roof of the courtyard. His eyes seemed to be looking at the canopy of orchids, yet his dazed, faraway look was as if he was staring into another dimension. His features were delicately sculpted; perfectly arched eyebrows framed a pair of deep black orbs, and a straight chiseled nose sat atop lips akin to a budding rose. His face was a perfect piece of jade, with raven black hair tied carelessly on his head and a fringe which hung loosely, framing both sides of his face. His whole being exuded otherworldliness, the kind that was tinged with lonesome exclusivity. His beauty was parallel to that of a maiden. Even so, 99% of girls in the world would not have features as delicate. Yet the combination of such features brought about a cold and distant feeling, like a deity above the clouds that was dismissive of mortal emotions. Although he was rather thin, and his face was too pale, those added a melancholic charm instead. Yun Yang seemed to enjoy repeating the saying, Men who wield swords, command brotherhood! Then he offered a toast once more, as if inviting someone, and emptied the cup. An unmistakable sadness swept across his face, with abysmal agony sitting deep in his dark pool of orbs. Suddenly, his gaze turned sharp like shards of glass. The piercing gaze came and vanished in a flash, but several blossoms of orchids in front of his eyes trembled and fell, withering before they touched the ground. Yun Yangs gaze turned a little dull, wondering how long it would take before he could recover his own cultivation base1. He had too many things to be done yet not a single ounce of his cultivation base remained. Footsteps came from behind him. Young Master, an elder stood behind him respectfully. Yun Yang did not turn his head, merely asking, What is it, Lao Mei? The old man stood straight behind his young master in reverence. Although his young master was yet to heal from his injuries, his cultivation base was all gone and he could do nothing about it. His intimidating dignity and honor still could be felt despite his weak state. It was a strange feeling, seeming to come from nowhere, but its existence was concrete. There are two matters. Lao Mei said in a brief manner, First, the military had raided the houses of President of the Censorate2 Wu Wenyuan and a few censors3 without notice. Ive also heard that it was a direct order from Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan. Wu Wenyuans whole family had also been captured while Wu Wenyuan himself was arrested, and is now held behind bars. Yun Yang listened without saying anything. It was nothing out of the ordinary C just a downfall of an influential official from the imperial court. This would not be worthy of Lao Meis personal report so he knew that there was something more. And Lao Mei would divulge the details. Weve had our eyes on Wu Wenyuan for half a year now. This servant4 has made slight arrangements during the raid and found a secret chamber within Wu Wenyuans secret chamber. When the officials left after the raid, this servant had personally gone over to retrieve what was in the secret chamber. Yun Yang was not even the least bit curious about the fact that Lao Mei was able to enter the zone during the military capture of the imperial official, to find and retrieve what was said to be the most secure and obscure secret chamber. Lao Mei continued, There was an authorization tally5, a jade pendant, a medicinal pill6, and a beast pill7. Yun Yang frowned. Lao Mei quickly followed, On the authorization tally, the best time of the year is spring was written! On the pendant, it wrote tenth of the first month. The medicinal pill is a revival pill from Hall of Pills while the beast pill was a mystical pill made from a sixth grade mystical beast, the green-head hawk. Mm Wu Wenyuan is now being charged with treachery, and is alleged to be involved in the War of the Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Cliff, Lao Mei finished. Yun Yang was still silent, but Lao Mei could see the obvious shudder when his young master heard the words Tianxuan Cliff. Lao Mei felt the reducing temperature C a chill coming right from the heart permeating the courtyard, as orchids dropped without the existence of wind, forming a shower of petals. After some time, Yun Yang said, Bring Wu Wenyuan over, Ill question him myself! With Wu Wenyuan now jailed in the Ministry of Justices prison, how could he possibly be fetched over? Yet Lao Mei promised without hesitation and continued, Young Master, Ive heard that the military plans to pay homage to the Nine Supremes, with Wu Wenyuan and a thousand heads of the betrayers. Hearing Nine Supremes, Yun Yang paled, his heart panged as if stabbed with a dagger. He said, I have my ways. Lao Mei replied, Yes. Whats the second matter? Yun Yang then asked. Its that we have no more money. Lao Mei said awkwardly, We still have ten thousand silver taels, but my estimation tells me that they can only last us till tomorrow night. Yun Yang nodded, saying, I understand. Lunch is ready. Got it. Lao Mei then went away. A sliver of malice surfaced in Yun Yangs expression, Year! The best time of the year is spring! Tenth of the first month You guys are finally coming out? A faint smile appeared. It was one that would frighten anyone who saw it, as the faint smile was wicked and murderous, as if haunted with souls of the unrest! The dining table was full of mystical beasts meat, they were aromatic but too much to go around. There were at least 40 to 50 catties8 of meat. Yun Yang sighed and began to eat. Lao Mei turned his head away with a cough. This was a daily moment that he was most reluctant to watch C his usually elegant young master who seemed to come out from a painting, had to finish so much meat alone! Although his meal etiquette was impeccable, there were stillat least 50 catties of meat! How big of an appetite was needed to consume them all? His young masters appetite had increased to an insane amount ever since he came back bearing injuries a year ago. Each of his meals must be served with at least several dozen catties of mystical beasts meat, and each serving of meat for a meal would cost 8 thousand taels of silver. This was unsustainable, especially on top of other large expenditures. What really happened to his young master? Just as he was engrossed in his thoughts, his young master spoke, Send invitations to Ma, Liu, Zhang, Qin, and Ling. Ill host a banquet tonight at White Cloud Restaurant. The corner of Lao Meis lips quivered before he said, Yes. Soon after, Yun Yang ate the last piece of meat and swallowed the revival pill from the Hall of Pills easily, before popping the mystical pill made from the seventh grade mystical beast into his mouth as well. Just the value of the last two items alone were already close to being priceless. Just about full, Yun Yang said. The corner of Lao Meis lips quivered a bit more violently. The invitation had evoked furious wails in the courtyards of all seven different young masters! Im not attending! I have no money! Whoever goes is a son of a b*tch! Bastard, a banquet again? Oh my godhow could this be? Oh god, oh earth, kill him with a lightning strike please this vampire he hosts a banquet the very moment I have money Father, give me some money, Yun Yang is hosting a banquet again ...F*ck. Yun Yang went on his way as night came. Lao Mei followed him, with cautious steps. Yun Yangs robe seemed to change colors under the rays of the sunset; cold and distant in black with hints of mysterious navy when he walked, yet there seemed to also be a glimmer of elegant purple. His stroll on the street was elegant, yet naturally at ease. His pace was slow as his internal injuries caused burning agony within him with each step he took, but a smile hung on his lips regardless. It seemed that the searing pain allowed him to remember something, allowing him to imprint it in his mind. Only then would he feel better. Lao Mei, who was behind him, looked at him, feeling the otherworldliness of his young master. White Cloud Restaurant was the most luxurious restaurant in the Empire of Yutangs capital, Tiantang City. The workers of the restaurant were rather surprised. Seven young masters who dressed lavishly were in the hall, all of them regular patrons of White Cloud Restaurant. There was never a moment that they visited without much joy and pride, but this time round... All seven young masters wore the same haughty look, some sighing while some cussing; discontent filling the air What happened? Just as the workers were wondering, a shadow had already stood by the door. Everyone widened their eyes in amazement when a lantern light illuminated the persons face. Only half of his face was lit up by the light, yet it was enough to stir marvel within all that were present. A few waitresses lowered their heads bashfully, eyes radiating and hearts thumping, with their cheeks flushing a rosy pink. This young master is really handsome! If only I could The figure by the door sauntered in, with his robe in all sorts of elegance and mystery, with the ever-changing dark purple and navy. Haha, all my good friends came indeed. Yun Yang smiled, Please, please enter. We havent met in a long time, we must have a good round of drinks this time round. One of the young masters then said with gritted teeth, Young Master Yun, theres no need for drinks. Lets be straightforward, how much do you want this time? Yun Yang smiled as he tilted his head, replying in a friendly manner, Why, Young Master Ma, are you not honoring or even obliging me? Not even having a sip, are you? Young Master Ma paled, quickly defending himself, No, no, not at all. Who dares disregard Young Master Yun? Haha As he spoke, he kept signaling others with his eyes. Right, right. Young Master Yuns reputation is higher than the sky. Drink, we must drink. The few young masters nodded in agreement, with forced smiles and humorless laughter. Yun Yang smiled gently, If so, please. You first! Please! The young masters replied in an equally eager manner, walking upstairs harmoniously but when they turned around, all their faces were close to tears God, drinking this time? There was no such pleasant treatment the last time They wondered how much this goblet of wine would cost Everyone sat in their respective seats; Lao Mei stood behind Yun Yang, with a straight and unmoving face. A long time ago, there lived a rabbit. Once, it got drunk and actually assaulted a bear Yun Yang joked in a light tone. The joke was not even the least bit comical, but all seven young masters roared in laughter as if they had heard the worlds most hilarious joke. Young Master Yun, this is the ultimate joke Hahaha, Ill live depending on this joke for the next half of the year Ah, the laughter, my stomach hurts Yun Yang nodded smiling, Looks like everyone welcomes me, huh? Of course! Young Master Zhang spoke quickly, If anyone failed to welcome Young Master Yun, thatd be really really tactless! All the other young masters nodded like pecking chickens. Thats right, thats right. Anyone who doesnt welcome Young Master Yun is a bastard. Their eyes met, all of them thinking, Damn it, all six of you are bastards! Me too Anyone who welcomes this character that person is a bastard! Wine and dinner was served. Yun Yang coughed and said, Since all my brothers are here, Yun Yang has something to say, but he is also quite embarrassed Young Master Ma spoke, close to tears, Young Master Yun, please speak. Yes, since everyone welcomes me so much, Ill be straightforward then. Yun Yang chuckled abashedly and continued, Im strapped for silver taels recently, so Id like to seek for a way out of this, possibly with the help of you guys. All seven young masters expressions turned bitter, How much would Young Master Yun need? Yun Yang looked at the dishes on the table and exclaimed, The meal today is not cheap Before he finished, Young Master Qin had already interrupted him, Its just a meal, how can we let Young Master Yun spend on us? Let me do the honors! Yun Yang nodded, Young Master Qin is indeed sensible, Ill be disrespectful if I decline. Young Master Qins face was sour, Oh, don''t mention it, were all brothers. Mm, I told a joke before the meal. Everyone felt that it could last for a year''s worth of joy. Yun Yang said, I dont need much this time, 7 million silver taels. I think, that would last till the next joke All seven young masters were ashen-faced. 7 million taels? 1 million taels per person? What joke would be worthy of this much silver taels? Young Master Ma spoke with a frown, Young Master Yun, its not that I dont want to help you out, but currently... the family business is not doing so good, each branch is suffering losses Before he could finish, Yun Yang smiled at him, 2 million taels of silver from you. I Young Master Ma had his expression frozen, This Is 2 million taels too little? Yun Yang continued, Then 3 Not at all, not at all Young Master Ma interrupted him immediately, 2 million taels it is then. Young Master Yun, lets make a toast. He gulped the wine as soon as he raised the goblet, the wine tasting bitter in his mouth. He felt stupid. It was 1 million taels, why did he say anything more? The other six people looked at him sympathetically, with a gloat. Damn! Speak more, would you? Young Master Ma is just the kind of friend I like, forthright and noble! Yun Yang complimented, Who would think such friends are too many to have? Young Master Ma looked like he had just gobbled down feces, while the other six relished in his expression. Then, my 6 other brothers, I dont think you would think that 1 million taels would be too little? Yun Yang asked chuckling. Not little, not one bit little, they said, exasperated. This joke today was expensive. They knew it would cost them an arm and leg to attend this time, but nobody would have known that it was much more merciless than the previous times! Translator Notes 1 Cultivation base (Ϊ xi wi): the possessed Qi of a cultivator by practicing and/or cultivating. 2 President of the Censorate (ʷzu du y sh): the Censorate was a high-level supervisory agency in ancient China headed by two Presidents, another of which was called Ҷʷ (yo du y sh). 3 Censors (ʷ̨Աy sh ti gun yuan): officials of the Censorate. 4 This servant/laonu (ūlo n): literally means old slave; used as first person pronoun to humbly refer to oneself. 5 Authorization Tally/Fu (lng pi): a tally made of bamboo, metal (gold, silver, bronze) or jade used as a proof of authorization 6 Medicinal pill (ҩdn yo): miracle drug/medicine with various effects, often for immortality, boosting cultivation, antidote, etc. 7 Beast pill (޵sho dn): miracle drug/medicine with various effects, often for immortality, boosting cultivation, antidote, etc. with beasts as one of its ingredients. 8 Catty (jn): traditional Chinese unit of mass; 1 catty = 500 grams. 2 Blood Over Four Seasons It was a fruitful trip for Yun Yang. He exited the restaurant joyously as seven other young masters escorted his leave, Take care, Young Master Yun. Lets meet again next time The seven people finally let out a sigh of relief after losing sight of Yun Yangs figure. I''ll eat! Eat all I can! Young Master Ma gritted his teeth. How much do I have to eat to get back my 2 million silver taels? The other six young masters rolled their eyes, reveling in his pain, as there was at least someone unluckier than they were! Merely thinking about it made them feel delighted. Come, come, lets not return before were drunk! Boss, serve your dishes! Damn it, Im going to eat up the portion I deserve! Then, they entered the restaurant once more. Young Master Qin who was footing the bill, paled and exclaimed, You guys want to overstuff your stomachs? Get out! He scurried in to stop them. Lao Mei followed Yun Yang with his arms full of newly acquired wealth, but the questions in his head were more than the fortune he had in his hands. All these seven young masters were insolent brazen characters who did nothing good, so why were all of them so obedient? Just this year itself, they have already been blackmailed twice by his young master, let alone the years before. What kind of authority did his young master have on them? Use the 6 million taels in the few places generously. Yun Yang instructed as he walked, You know what to be cautious of. Lao Mei replied seriously, Dont worry, young master. I understand. Yun Yang nodded. As they spoke, they had already arrived at the gates of Residence of Yun. Yun Yang lifted his head to look at the four words on the metal plate, smiling in depreciation before he entered. Cloud Transcending the Heavens1. The golden words hung above the entrance of Residence of Yun. They were personally written by the current emperor; an ultimate sign of respect towards Marquis2 Yun, that very much resembled a dragon. The doors closed. Far away, some place outside the residence, a persons voice could be heard chanting, Nine Supremes of Yutang, heroes of the world, the nation mourns, warrior souls sent, ninth of the third month, knights by the altar, behead the cunning and wicked, homage to the souls of heroes, the souls of warriors shall forever be, their great spirits shall forever remain Countless of heavy hearted people were out; officials, military commanders, soldiers, civilians alike Everyone was heading towards the flower and incense shops All candles and incense were sold out that afternoon in Tiantang City. Faint sobs arose. Today was the eighth of the third month. Tomorrow would be the day to pay tribute to the heroic souls. Yun Yang leaned against the door of Residence of Yun, listening to the rise and fall of the chants in agonized longing. Nine Supremes shall forever be! Yun Yang spoke softly, his eyes determined, Because Im still here! Residence of Yun. Secret Chamber. Yun Yang was dressed in a purple robe, standing and watching Wu Wenyuan in front of him with crossed arms. A murderous glint flashed across his orbs as he spoke softly, Censor Wu, Ive long heard of your name, but never had the chance to meet you. Hence, I especially invited Sir3 Wu over today to have a good chat. Standing opposite him dressed in a prisoners uniform was Wu Wenyuan. He chuckled, Young Master Yun, Ive only thought of you as the young master of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds4, but never paid any attention to you before. It looks like youre one unpredictable individual in the Empire of Yutang. He laughed, To have easily brought me here from the prison gates, Young Master Yun seems to have exceptional tactics. Yun Yang looked at the President of the Censorate. He could see no hint of nervousness nor fear in the latters eyes. This was a person prepared for death. Yun Yang made a decision in his heart and briefly smiled, Just simple methods, please excuse them. Wu Wenyuan spoke, I wonder what it is that Young Master Yun wants to talk to me about, to have brought me out here from prison? Yun Yang smiled casually, Id like to play a game with Sir Wu. What game? Wu Wenyuan questioned. Hmm, a game of asking questions. Yun Yang laughed. Youll ask me a question and Ill ask you one in return. Wu Wenyuan chuckled as well, You may be able to answer my questions but I may not want to answer yours. Yun Yang smiled, speaking gently, According to my knowledge, Sir Wus entire family has been captured, including your old mother, your wife, two of your consorts, your three sons and a daughter. Wu Wenyuans gaze turned cold, What are you trying to say? Yun Yang continued gently, Sir Wu has already dismissed life and death, of course you shan''t need to care about anything anymore. Its just... would Sir Wu dismiss your familys lives as well? Wu Wenyuan narrowed his eyes. You mean? Yun Yang said lightly, If you answer my first question, I can grant you an easy death. This is the first bonus. Wu Wenyuan said mockingly, Would you let me live even if I didn''t answer any of your questions? Yun Yang lifted his head slightly. How you die matters, Sir Wu must understand this too. If you dont answer my questions, not a single family member of yours will live, but you, Sir Wu, youll have to live forevermore right here. He grinned, revealing a row of pearly whites. Sir Wu, what do you think? Wu Wenyuan was prepared to die. but he still had shivers running down his spine. To live forevermore... This auspicious term of longevity was connoted with a sickening dread coming from Yun Yang. Of course Wu Wenyuan could not fathom how he could live forevermore''. He was silent for a moment before saying, Did you mean that my family can still live? Yun Yang replied, Naturally. Answering my second question guarantees your wifes life, the third question is for your mother''s life... The fourth, your daughter. The fifth question, guarantees the life of your least favorite youngest son, and the last question, your entire family - except you - can live, and live as free men that is. Wu Wenyuan closed his eyes in anguish. And if I dont answer one of the questions? Yun Yang answered easily, For example, if you dont answer the fourth question, Ill let your daughter live, but in a brothel. And Ill make sure each customer knows shes Sir Wus daughter. Hmm, each question represents one person in your family. Wu Wenyuan glared with widened eyes as he hissed, Youre vicious! Yun Yang smiled. Its not me, its you. Its your refusal to cooperate that has led to such a tragedy. Instead, as a son, a husband, and a father, you could have provided them with a better living environment. Wu Wenyuan shut his eyes, despair filling his heart. His preparation to succumb to his death vanished without a trace. Yun Yang had gotten his Achilles heel right when he spoke. Young Master Yun indeed. Wu Wenyuan smiled dryly. What do you want to know? Yun Yang placed both his arms behind him and spoke softly, The first question, the best time of the year is spring. This is a good saying, but to uncover the meaning within, Id like Sir Wu to explain further. Wu Wenyuans face was of defeat, he seemed to be struggling for a while before he replied, Its the Four Seasons Tower four seasons in a year. This means to have Hall of Spring take action Yun Yang nodded. Very well, as a bonus for answering this, you can die with ease now. Second question - tenth of the first month, what does it mean? Im the tenth of the first month. Wu Wenyuan had his eyes closed, as he answered listlessly, Each season of the Four Seasons Tower has three halls; each hall is named after a month and contains thirty people, from the first to the thirtieth. Congratulations, your wife stays alive. Yun Yang continued with a grin, Third question, whos Mr. Nian5? Wu Wenyuan met Yun Yangs eyes and said, I dont know. Yun Yang frowned, staring into the mans eyes for some time before relenting, Okay, let me change the question, whos the head of the Hall of Spring? I dont know that either. Wu Wenyuan laughed humorlessly, You really dont have to keep asking me this. Weve been using a single-way contact all along so nobody knows who the other party is. I dont even know who is the ninth and eleventh of the first month, let alone the head of the hall! Yun Yang exhaled, he did not look pleased. The President of the Censorate in the imperial court is but only a day in the four seasons of the year without any duties Four Seasons Tower, what a colossus! Yun Yang chortled but the chill within gave Wu Wenyuan goosebumps. Since you dont know anything Yun Yang went on with a frown, Then, who are the people involved in ambushing the Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Cliff during spring last year? Just hearing about the ambush on the Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Cliff was enough to crack a spasm on Wu Wenyuans facial muscles. Im only a planted agent, the one responsible for implementing the plan has always been the head of Hall of Spring. I dont know whos involved. Yun Yang nodded. Other than you, there must be other planted agents. Are they from the military? Wu Wenyuan answered, The ninth and eleventh whove contacted me felt like military generals, but I dont know their exact positions and Im not sure of it either. Yun Yang continued, Alright, Ive finished asking my questions. You can begin asking me now, should you have any. Wu Wenyuan shuddered before asking louder, Why do you only ask these questions? Since youve asked about the incident at Tianxuan Cliff, you should have more to ask! Yun Yang answered coldly, Because I know the answers to the other questions. Besides, if I go on asking and you manage to successfully answer, Ill have to release your son, and Im not willing to do so. Wu Wenyuan was angered and shouted, But youve already asked me four questions! His anger was met with a flat tone, You didnt manage to answer the last two questions, so Ill be kind and count that as you answering one. Thus, in total, youve answered only three of my questions. The first question grants you an immediate death, the second question lets your wife live, and the third saves your mother. Dont worry, leave that all to me! Wu Wenyuans body went limp; hopelessness evident in his heart. This person gave him hope by betting on life & death questions, but cut it off at the most crucial moment C the most important person whom he cared the most about, was still unable to escape his fate of dying. He looked at Yun Yangs fiendish expression and asked abruptly, Who are you really? An extreme grief swept across Yun Yangs face as his gaze stayed frozen in midair while he slowly uttered word by word, I am Supreme Yun! I am Supreme Yun! Ever since his last battle and his return to Tiantang City with severe injuries both physically and emotionally, an utmost grief and pain filled his entire being each time he thought of his own identity. He could finally utter these four words by himself after a year! Because Ive found the first clue, I can finally have a slight wave of peace when I think of my brothers. Wu Wenyuans face was of intense shock, looking at Yun Yang, dumbfounded. The shock had rendered him speechless. He could only hear Yun Yang continue proclaiming word by word, I am Supreme Yun of the Nine Supremes! You didnt die?! Wu Wenyuan hissed, Youve died! A strange expression appeared on Yun Yangs face; his voice agonized, The Nine Supremes will never die! Wu Wenyuan snickered distractedly, So be it, so be it You havent died He whispered the line to himself a few times, his eyes losing glow and his soul seemed to have left him. Who would have known the central figure of the Nine Supremes is actually alive This, is this fate? Yun Yangs face was distant but his gaze was as deep as the ocean. With such pools of darkness, no one could see what a rollercoaster ride his inner thoughts were experiencing. Sink the clouds in the sky, whirl the winds on the earth, startle the lightning and thunder, secure the vault of heaven. Wu Wenyuan murmured, the golden ray shines, the dragon rises and soars up high, to infinity it achieves, prairie fire burns, traces of water lost to blood of the heroes, and for eternity it nourishes! Nine Supremes, theres still someone alive Yun Yangs gaze was set ablaze as he heard the lines; he mumbled softly, Indeed, Im still alive. And since Im alive, countless people must die! All who were involved in the incident of Tianxuan Cliff must die! The blood debt that so many of my brothers seek Yun Yang lowered his head and spoke gently looking at Wu Wenyuan who was in front of him, Youre the first. Translator Notes 1 Cloud Transcending the Heavens (֮ tinwi zh yn): literally means cloud that is higher than the sky/heaven; used to mean the superiority of Yun Yangs family C a word play using his family name Yun. 2 Hou ( hu): equivalent status of a marquis, that is a nobleman of hereditary rank in imperial China. 3 Sir (d rn): Chinese suffix (prefix after translating to English) used to address an official or a person of authority. 4 Marquis of Heavenly Clouds (ƺ tinwi yn hu): lit. Marquis of the Clouds outside the Heavens. Seemingly a title bestowed upon the head of the Yun Family. 5 Mr. Nian ( nin xin sheng): a person referred as year as halls were named after months and people in it were referred to in day 1 to day 30. 3 Birth of the Lotus of Fate, Endless Divine Art Descends Yun Yang was fully submerged in his thoughts, as he gazed at Wu Wenyuans decapitated torso, lying still in a widening pool of blood. Staring at the corpse, his expression twisted as he felt an unusual breeze envelop and penetrate his being C almost as if springing from the death of Wu Wenyuan. It was an exhilarating feeling. His dantian1, parched and meagre since he sustained those injuries a year before, began to awaken and bloom. Tentatively, like a child with his first steps, Yun Yang began to probe and control his flow of Qi2, feeling the whispers of energy start to flow through his long inexistent meridians3 - his eyes snapped open with a radiant glow; recovery was a possibility after all! Despite being unsure of the entirety of what was transpiring,Yun Yang was more than satisfied to have even arrived at this conclusion. Such are the rewards for answering my doubts, Yun Yang looked down at Wu Wenyuans lifeless form and murmured, I wont renege on my word. Although you proved to be a traitor to the Empire, wicked and treacherous... I shall keep my promises. Because this is the Nine Supremes promise. With that epitaph, Yun Yang walked out of the room without looking back. Send both the body and head back to the prison, then save Wu Wenyuans wife and mother and release them. By the time his final words dissipated, Yun Yang had disappeared; to be replaced by Lao Mei who had appeared, as silent as an apparition. When Yun Yang returned to the canopy of orchids once again, the moon was already waxing bright in the velvet sky. He stared at the moon in silence, a mournful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. A series of revelations flashed through his mind. Brothers, I know now who they are. The Four Seasons Tower! Mr. Nian is the mastermind of the Four Seasons Tower. 4 seasons in a year, 12 months and 365 days. They represent 365 people. Theres hope for my ability to recover! Dont you worry, I will live well. Like a mantra, Yun Yang chanted these in his heart, the pain and sadness crushing him like a relentless vice, causing his hands to tremble with rage. After a long while, Yun Yang exhaled, his anger tinting his puff of air crimson in the moonlight. Just as he was about to arise, the sliver of weak Qi in his dan tian finally reached its breaking point, having chugged through his meridians for the entire day. Any martial arts practitioner worth his salt could have their Qi flow through their meridians a few times in a single breath C even the most novice of them could do so C but Yun Yangs Qi had taken him almost two full hours to journey an entire round through the meridians. It was a clear indication how clogged his meridians were. Just as his Qi was about to complete a loop, Yun Yang felt a sudden surge in his mind, the clap loud enough to shatter his soul. Feeling his mouth fill up with blood, the last thing Yun Yang could recall was the landscape turning blurry, before he collapsed on the floor, unconscious. Lao Mei, hurrying over to him, was astounded to see the green glow emanating from the young masters body. It was filled with so much life energy that Lao Mei, who had seen many things before, was shocked. While he extended his arms towards the supine man, the green glow bloomed as bright as the sun, and Yun Yangs body began to shake. With a gasp, Lao Mei felt the energy wind its way towards him, picking him up like a rag doll, and flinging him clear across to the gates. Crashing bodily into the metal bars, Lao Mei was rendered immobile and barely able to stand. The impact was so great, he could feel his internal organs collapse, and his bones shatter into mush. Lao Meis eyes bulged as exquisite pain wracked his body. How could this have happened? His cultivation base qualified him as the top five known experts in Tiantang City. How could a brief contact with the gentle green glow hurt him so horribly? Picking himself up with great effort, he saw that the glow around Yun Yangs body had begun to fade. Rubbing his eyes in disbelief, Lao Mei peered incredulously at the young master C there was nothing unusual, nothing to indicate that he had unknowingly lashed out with enough force to harm innocents around him. Utter madness... Lao Mei muttered angrily to himself, Could I have imagined it? Caused myself harm? Why would I even do that? Yun Yang was somewhere else. An emerald light, not unlike an azure sun, rotated in the sky, and Yun Yangs body and soul alike, felt oddly at ease. Almost as suddenly as he had arrived, however, he felt a heart-stopping jolt, and his consciousness, mystified as it was, was wrenched back into his mortal coil. Immediately, his olfactory senses kicked in, and an overpoweringly pungent scent almost caused him to retch. He began to feel the coarse bed under his back, the air vile enough to possibly suffocate an entire towns population. An unmentionable epithet passed his lips as he leaped out of the bed and rushed out to escape the odour, only to realize that it emanated directly from him. Staring in horror at his arms and body, a slick covering of slime covered his entire torso, and seemed to fill every orifice, even his nostrils. Working on pure instinct, he held his breath and made a grand leap straight into the pond in the middle of the courtyard. The resultant splash drenched the sides of the pond and revealed a pair of frightened eyes that materialized right in front of the beleaguered Yun Yang. It was Lao Mei, whom, after attempting to attend to his master, failed utterly when faced with the noxious stench. Having nowhere to hide from the terrible fumes,and seeing that his master was in no real danger, Lao Mei had also decided upon the pond as a suitable getaway. To his horror, not only did he fail to escape the horrendous odours, the source of it had found him again. I have braved the dark underground of martial arts, and cheated Death countless times. I have faced enemies terrible beyond comprehension, and I have never faltered, not even once! None of that, however, compares to this abominable smell! Lao Mei was beginning to sway dizzily. Whats worse, it follows me wherever I go, and it reeks of maggots and corpses... I give up! With his eyes rolling all the way back into his head, Lao Mei collapsed into a dead faint. Yun Yang was already scrubbing mightily at the slime, trying to cleanse himself of it. It wasnt long before he began to see shapes start to emerge all around him. Blinking in speechless amazement, he could only chuckle as the fishes in the pond bellied up and floated in a macabre ring. After a gruelling two hours of scrubbing, Yun Yang finally began to feel live was worth living again. He was exhausted, and the faint glimmer of dawn marked the beginning of a new day. Lying down in the pond, the reluctance to move at all threatened to send him right under its surface. Lao Mei, who had finally regained consciousness after his fainting spell, was still somewhat tongue-tied. Young master, your skin The words came out crookedly. Is this how natural jade is meant to look like? Transformed. Yun Yangs face was smooth and clear, resembling the perfection of a jade carving. Fair and rosy, with an ethereal translucency, he practically glowed with an inner light. He had always been a dashing man, marred only by battle scars that would never disappear, most prominent of which was the one earned during a near fatal encounter. His face was now smooth as alabaster, the scars that marked him vanished like an old moon. Cleansed of impure meridians! Natural golden jade! Lao Mei exclaimed in awe. What had happened to his young master? How was it that this phenomenon that all martial artists sought for entire lifetimes, happen so suddenly and unexpectedly? Yun Yang extended his sense to probe his body, a hint of delight blossoming in his mind. Aside from his cultivation base that had yet to recover, his body now was akin to a newborns C healthy and flawless! Once the injuries in the meridians heal, it was only a matter of time before the healing energies of the cultivation base began to manifest itself. Yun Yang was happy with his condition now, despite not entirely understanding how it had occurred. Yun Yang was nothing, if not pragmatic. The lack of information did not overly bother him; the fact was that it had happened, and he was the better for it. He would find out how it happened soon enough, but of utmost priority was to recover his abilities with all haste! As it was, his strength had been sorely depleted since the horrendous battle a year ago. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed in consternation. Where was the frost jade that had adorned his wrist? After performing his ablutions, Yun Yang gingerly returned to his room, all the while escorted by Lao Mei and his intense scrutiny. Flipping his sheets over, he made himself comfortable on the soft mattress, and began his search for answers. Entering a mental state of fugue,a dense mist began to collate before his eyes, and amidst the swirling clouds was a rotating lotus seed, pulsing with golden light. A green aura surrounded the seed, and as he inhaled, he caught a whiff of a rather wonderful fragrance. The top of the lotus seed had cracked. A tiny seedling surfaced; its green stalks were fresh and translucent like that of jade. Anyone whose eyes laid rest on it immediately felt at ease. Swaying slowly, the seedling literally gave out waves of a strange energy. What on earth was this? As Yun Yang attempted to digest this new sight, an implosion of dizziness washed over him, as a surge of information flooded his psyche all at once. The agony almost caused him to blackout, and his head throbbed with pain. Faintly, a swivel of shiny, golden words appeared in his mind. Chaotic wuji4, it is the birth of all things; it comes out of nothing, and grows into infinity It absorbs the air of the wronged, soothes the injustice of the innocent, and conducts oneself in clear conscience. The bitter heart of the lotus forms the foundation of life; intention serves as its blade, severing all evil and within the massacred evil, a lotus seed sprouts. Brilliance shines across the land, dissolving impurities and dispels it to light Endless Divine Art. A mystical revelation consumed him, right at that very moment. Yun Yang snapped his eyes shut. After a time which could have been moments or an entire eternity, he reopened them, and the brilliance of epiphany shone clear in his eyes. So this is it I finally understand His meridians were suddenly cleansed, rid of impurities and corruption. Understanding finally dawned, but with it, came intense agony. If I had known If it had occurred earlier, my brothers wouldnt have had to die So, it was because of this that I didnt die. It was because of this, that I managed to crawl out of the hill of corpses during the battle at Tianxuan Cliff. I suffered from a myriad vital injuries, 17 in total, any of which would have killed a normal man... but I livedand it was because of this. That tiny bead of a lotus seed. Yun Yang closed his eyes in sorrow; his thoughts chaotic as they brought him back through time, rifling away through his memories. He had just joined the Nine Supremes, and had just fought three gory battles that very day. In the midst of battle rage and war fire, something, he could never tell what, descended upon his head, and he had ceased to remember anything after. It was his eight brothers that had saved him. Later, he realized that the object that had hit him, causing him to slip into unconsciousness was a lotus seed. A tiny lotus seed, which lodged itself deep inside his skull, causing no end of amusement for his brothers, who mocked him ceaselessly. The youngest of the Nine Supremes was laid low by a lotus seed! His brothers laughter still echoed in his ears. Yun Yang, flustered, attempted to extract the lotus seed from his head, with every intention ofsmashing it to bits. The oldest of them told him with a loud guffaw, Olninth, keep it with you. Anything could happen on the battlefield, keep this as a reminder to always be cautious of everything. You must know, even a lotus seed could knock out one of the Nine Supremes! Everyone exploded in bales of laughter, but he took the suggestion seriously, as he kept the lotus seed and hung it around his neck with a string of silk. In his idle moments, he would pull it out on its tether, and take good, hard look at it. Even a lotus seed can lay low a hero. From then on, he became more cautious; from being the youngest among the nine, he gradually became the core and the brains behind the Nine Supremes. Even the oldest of them exclaimed that he had somehow grown up all at once after the undesirable incident. Although everyone still laughed when the matter was brought up, the brothers no longer looked derisively at it; not after the number of times that Yun Yangs attention to detail and infallible planning saved their lives and brought them success beyond their belief. The brothers even thought that Yun Yang would be a notable figure in the Tianxuan Continent if he kept up with his progress! Yun Yang himself could feel the vigilance that the lotus seed had endowed him. It improved his clarity of mind by leaps and bounds, making him all that more appreciative of the seed, and increasing his reluctance to remove it. In his quieter moments, Yun Yang had even sworn to do all he could to revive this lotus seed when world peace had been achieved, and he could trade his armor for a plowshare. Then, he would build a large pond for this seed to allow it to grow and germinate into a pond full of lotuses. As for him, he would build a small hut by the lake and spend the remainder of his mortal life there.This very same seed C it was the lotus seed in his subconscious mind. Now, it had bloomed in his own subliminal thoughts, and to top it all off, it even whispered its name gently in the inner parts of his being, where peace and tranquility fought a balance with clarity and boundless energy. It called itself, Lotus of Endless Fate. Translator Notes 1 Dantian ( dn tin): the part where a cultivators Qi is concentrated and stored in their body, usually somewhere in their lower abdomen. 2 Qi ( q): an energy that exists in all things in the world; regular appearance in the novel as cultivators cultivate Qi. 3 Meridians ( jng mi): Channels for Qi to flow, similar to what blood vessels are for blood. 4 Wuji (޼ w j): the state before Taiji where yin and yang are not yet distinguished. 4 The Change Within a Nigh A lotus was growing in his subconscious mind. How extraordinarily peculiar! To think that such a strange phenomenon could exist in this world! Yun Yang was astounded. In his lifetime, he was reasonably confident that such an event had never taken place in the known universe. Improbable as it was, it had happened. And it had happened to him. Does this bode disaster? Would I be controlled, or morph into some form of demon? Or is this the calling of the heavens, and I am to answer it, losing my mortal relations in the process? In the entire ordeal, Yun Yang had remained as calm as any man could be expected to, given the circumstances. He was aware that there would be a rationale behind such an occurrence - it only remained to be seen if it was an event of great fortune or unparalleled mishap! Resigned to his fate, Yun Yang breathed a sigh of contentment. Be it fortune or disaster, I will accept it with open arms, he exclaimed with a smile. So long as I can complete my brothers unfulfilled wishes, and seek vengeance, I will cherish this opportunity that I have been presented, and shoulder the misfortunes that fate decides to deal. As what little of the mystical Qi residing in his body began to flow, a look of quiet yearning dawned on Yun Yangs visage. It was slow going and would consume a few more hours of valuable time before it completed a full cycle. Yun Yang was a patient man, however, and as he waited for its completion, weariness took over. Gradually, his eyes began to droop, and before long, the labors of the day took its toll, and Yun Yang dozed in peaceful serenity. In his subconscious mind, the seedling suddenly began to move. Wriggling was the closest approximation to describe this movement, and in its quaking, shards of pain began to lance through Yun Yangs body. Seething in agony, Yun Yang awoke, the pain climaxing until it became almost unbearable. He was close to the edge, when abruptly, he felt a tearing sensation, almost as if a barrier had been ripped away from the top of his head. He began to experience a new sensation, akin to a flow of cooling energy recycling through his soul. It was the Qi, entering and egressing through the peak of his body, churning powerfully as it came and went. Awakening of chakras1! Yun Yang gazed into an endless horizon, wide-eyed, almost fainting from the ecstasy that coursed through him. This Endless Divine Art could give rise to such an amazing experience! Being a skilled member of the Nine Supremes, how could Yun Yang not have known the difficulty in awakening chakras? Not everyone had the potential for its cultivation; even if one were fortunate enough to possess it, it was still a far cry from gaining mastery over it. Everything about being innately gifted was undeniably true, especially in the different levels of the world of martial arts practiced in Tianxuan Continent. From one level of Qi mastery to another, the differences and gaps were vastly and distinctly unique. It was the lifeblood of martial artists to cultivate chakras C tail chakra2, sacral chakra3, perineum chakra4, core chakra5, crux chakra6, medial chakra7, crown chakra8, third-eye chakra9, and occipital chakra10. Their cultivation was divided into three levels, Foundation Qi11, Spirit Qi12, and the highly vaunted Mystical Qi13. Of course, there were those of even higher levels, but they were rare, few and far in between. Foundation Qi martial artists possessed at most one or two innately awakened chakras (the sacral chakra and core chakra) or none at all; their strength predominantly arose from rigorous training while their energy came from expending and exploiting their physical potential. Their cultivation of Foundation Qi came from expending their own vital Qi. They were, however, doomed to reach only limited achievements, regardless of their best efforts. Spirit Qi martial artists C martial artists with internal strength14, possessed three innately awakened chakras; the power of yin15 contained within them could be used to inflict destructive damage upon others. They could cultivate their dantian and obtain spiritual Qi from Heaven and Earth, all through meditation. Those with higher cultivation could harness enough energy to split entire monuments and crack rocks, as well as unleash their maximum potential strength in a violent and intense manner. Mystical Qi martial artists, the elite of the lot C possesses six innately awakened chakras. Spiritually one with Heaven and Earth, they could cruise through the seas and reach for the skies given the amount of power they held in their hands. Those whose cultivations were at their peak could melt gold and even convert metals from base materials, climb mountains and wade through rivers like they were walking on flat ground. These masters could perform feats beyond the human imagination, and defy the laws of physics, stopping short of bending reality. Yun Yang, being possessed of six innately awakened chakras, was considered one of the most gifted individuals in Tianxuan Continent. That was all the more reason he knew the difficulty in awakening chakras, a nigh impossible feat. To awaken ones chakra, it would not only depend on ones effort alone but was subject to a terribly large dose of luck and fate. If one was born without any awakened chakras, there wasnt much that one could do to elevate ones self beyond normalcy. To some extent, it was said that awakened chakras could not be developed, it could only be bestowed.'' Yun Yangs awakened chakras were his tail chakra, sacral chakra, perineum chakra, core chakra, crux chakra, and medial chakra; these were innate. He thought this was all he could be his whole life C at best, a practicing expert somewhere, with no hope of becoming a legend. Who would have known that he was capable of awakening another chakra in such a short period after cultivating the Endless Divine Art? Crown chakra! The impossible had happened, and he was now a being with seven awakened chakras. This divine oddity would make him one in a million in the history of the Empire of Yutang. Although it was only an extra chakra, the impact it would lend to his physical attributes could only be described as the contrast between the heaven and earth. Where his soul was once dead and buried, now Yun Yang felt like it could soar gleefully in the skies. He could already distinctly decipher the mystical power of the Endless Divine Art, and with further cultivation, he could even increase his capabilitiesC this was a godsend indeed! With the birth of the crown chakra, spiritual Qi sourced from both heaven and earth began to pour into him. With mystical hands, Yun Yang moved the Qi to each crevice and corner of his physical body, cleansing and cleaning his meridians of all the impurities and corruption that begat the mortal form. As he continued to perform the ritual, he was unaware of the implications that his actions were having on the spiritual plane. High above in the sky, spiritual Qi from all across began to dissipate and wane, becoming increasingly weak and sheer. Martial artists who were cultivating nearby began to experience a sense of alarm, as they felt the absence of spiritual Qi as keenly as a man struck blind feels the absence of light. What was happening? With swoops of wind, silhouettes began to appear on the roof, one after the other as they looked around in a daze, feeling the odd change of spiritual Qi between heaven and earth. They stared at each other at a loss; the same incredulity reflected in every pair of eyes. Which grandmaster is it, who has arrived at Tiantang City? Only a grandmaster of legendary stature could claim enough spiritual Qi from heaven and earth to exhaust the entire pool. Only the grandmasters of old could have conjured such a phenomenon, and how many of them with such an elevated level of power still existed in the whole Tianxuan Continent? What would such an appearance in Tiantang City portend? Near the palace, a silhouette appeared high in the air as his eyes were filled with shock, gazing straight ahead towards the southwest towards the direction of the aura. Who is it that has come? Another silhouette shot up and landed beside him, his face grim. They looked at each other, their own eyes reflecting each other''s bewilderment. Whoever this individual is, he is immensely powerful. But its coming from the slums So who is it? The silhouette that was first to arrive forced a smile terrible to behold, Whoever it is, its someone we cant afford to provoke. Within Yun Yangs subconsciousness, the tiny seedling of green was wriggling and seemed to be expanding little by little. A pure form of vitality was emitted from the earth, from the very sky. Wild plants and living flora in Tianxuan Continent welcomed the same vigorous growth in the very same instant as well, blooming in into miraculous flowers and giant trees. Indeed, everything within the human realm seemed to have changed within a single night. My purple jade ginseng, how did you bloom within such a short span of time? An old man looked at his newly born flower that was emanating a crisp fragrance, dumbfounded in his courtyard. He had been taking meticulous care of this purple jade spiritual ginseng for twenty years, but the plant had never made even the slightest progress, let alone bloom. With a suspicious mind, the old man had initially thought that someone had switched the purple jade ginseng for another while he wasnt looking. In the borderless forests, a handful of hunters aroused from their slumber and looked at their surrounding in stupefaction. Just the previous night, they were worried that wild beasts would attack them in hopes of obtaining the warm flesh they so desired, so they made the extra effort to build their sleeping area atop a large tree branch. Come the morning, however, they found themselves surrounded and wrapped in a canopy of tree leaves. Whats going on? a hunter exclaimed in confusion, We just fell asleep not too long ago. This canopy of tree leaves looks like it has seen years of growth! Ah, look at the two trees beside us. I chopped two large branches yesterday as a support, but how how can these two trees grow so fast? Exactly where Ive cut the branches, new ones are growing, and even larger than before! He grabbed the closest person to him in panic, Brother, brother, how long have we stayed here? I just got married to Yaner last month, and I cant possibly be going back to meet a wrinkled version of her! Within a night, everything had changed. It was now dawn. Yun Yang exhaled lightly, feeling the vitality of his body that was like that of a newborns; a smile hanging loosely on his lips. Lotus of Endless Fate; a leaf of infinity, when the bud bloomed, there was the world; evanescence of time, years that lost count, the day the golden lotus blooms, echeveria16 cleanses all; the supposed creator of the world, awaits the fate that binds; now that fortune has arrived, your destiny is laid. Yun Yang squinted his eyes, uttering softly, Lotus of Endless Fate. After giving it some thought, the passage was easy to comprehend. When the bud bloomed, there was the world meant the first time the lotus seed budded, it created the universe and the world. On the second occasion when it budded, it blossomed into the echeveria of fortune; and the existence of echeveria gave birth to a new destiny. What Yun Yang was fortunate enough to experience this time, was the third budding of the Lotus of Endless Fate! Now that fortune has arrived, your destiny is laid. The words were almost prophetic in nature. Yun Yang tried suppressing the excitement he felt but failed miserably. Almost immediately, he returned inward into his subconsciousness to gaze upon the green seedling again, to gain a closer connection to the plant. He realized that the Endless Divine Art was only the first reward that the Lotus of Endless Fate had brought him. Only when he had completed the prerequisite of basic skills and when the first leaf had grown, could he begin to endeavor for more, with the growth of the second leaf. Yun Yang frowned. How could one hasten the growth of the Lotus of Endless Fate? In all the teachings, there was never any clue or hint on how to accomplish this. He rested his chin on his palm and began to ruminate on the problem. The lotus seed fell from the sky and knocked me out. I then hung it from my neck all this time. Nothing had changed before that deadly battle. I was supposed to have perished during the fight, but I returned fully alive, and the terrible wound I bore on my chest had healed as well. The lotus seed was missing at the time. Could it be possible that the lotus seed had entered my body, and bonded with my blood? Stroking his chin, perplexed, Yun Yang continued to ponder, But it had only gone in, and nothing else had happened I have not been recovering from my injuries nor have my cultivation base been replenished until today. I felt a surge of energy when I killed Wu Wenyuan and stood over his dead body. With this energy, only then did I realize the sudden appearance of the lotus seed. Then my dantian revived and my energy returned, and so I began cultivating the Endless Divine Art A hint of morbid enlightenment flashed across Yun Yangs eyes. He thought about the maxim, Chaotic wuji, it is the birth of all things; it comes out of nothing and grows into infinity It absorbs the air of the wronged, soothes the injustice of the innocent, and conducts oneself in clear conscience. The bitter heart of a lotus forms the foundation of life; intention serves as its blade, severing all evil and within the massacred evil, a lotus seed sprouts. Brilliance shines across the land, dissolving impurities and dispels it to light Comes out of nothing, grows into infinity air of the injustice massacres evil, the lotus seed sprouts It began to fall into place. Must I kill to obtain energy from the Lotus of Endless Fate?, Yun Yang mumbled to himself. While massacres evil could mean to destroy the wicked? As for absorbs air of the wronged, soothes souls of the innocent,'' thats easier to understand now A voice cut through Yun Yangs ponderings and brought his thoughts to a halt. Young master, today is the ninth day of the third month. The memorial ceremony for the Nine Supremes has begun. Lao Mei was outside, voice tinged with concern for his master. Today is the anniversary of the heroes sacrifice. The emperor and the bureaucrats will arrive at the heroes graves in another two hours. Yun Yang catapulted back from his subconscious, into the dreary physical realm once again; an agonized look of loss flashed across his eyes. Young master, will you be going? Yes, I will. Yun Yang inhaled deeply; countless scenes and memories of his family flashed through his mind, as he bit his lips in sorrow. How could I not send my brothers off? I will attend even if Im dead! Translator Notes 1 Chakras (Ѩ Qio xu): cultivators aim to awaken them to receive energy from the universe, these points are usually situated near glands in the body; not to be mistaken as acupuncture points, they are energy focal centers in the esoteric traditions of Indian religions. 2 Tail chakra (β wi l Qio) 3 Sacral chakra ( q hi Qio) 4 Perineum chakra ( hu yn Qio) 5 Core chakra ( mng mn Qio) 6 Crux chakra (筹 jing gng Qio) 7 Medial chakra (м ji j Qio) 8 Crown chakra ( dng Qio) 9 Third-eye chakra ( y Qio) 10 Occipital chakra ( shn Qio) 11 Foundation Qi (Ԫ yun q): lowest cultivation level among martial artists; Ԫ itself already means energy/Qi, but Foundation is added to allow distinction among levels. 12 Spirit Qi lng q): intermediate cultivation level among martial artists; spiritual Qi can be obtained through Heaven and Earth through meditation. 13 Mystical Qi ( xun q): highest cultivation level among martial artists; masters of mystical Qi can perform feats beyond human imagination. 14 Internal strength (ھ ni jn): cultivated energy in a martial artists body that could be used for a variety of purposes including healing wounds and expelling poison. 15 Yin ( yn): part of yin-yang, that is duality existing in all things of this universe; yin is the soft counterpart to yang. 16 Echeveria ( y di): Echeveria is a large genus of flowering plants in the Crassulaceae family, native to semi-desert areas of Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America. 5 When Would the World’s Atrocities End? Tiantang City, the capital of the Empire of Yutang. If a city were the crown jewel of a country, then Tiantang City would be the heart of the entire Tianxuan Continent. The city boasted a population of around 3 million citizens, with walls strong and high enough to deter even the most fervent of marauders. Fortified crenellations and numerous arrow slits made it a defender''s dream and an attacking party''s nightmare. At this moment, funeral music could be heard drifting on the wind in a quiet melancholy; denizens from every corner had come out, forming a long queue that headed towards the center of Tiantang City, where the Tiantang Square was located. The square was acknowledged as the largest square in the city within the Tianxuan Continent. Built under the supervision and commission of the Empire of Yutang''s founding emperor, it served as the militia''s training field, but on occasions such as these, was made avail to the general public. The founding emperor had once said, All the warriors who train in this square - now, and in the future - will forever be heavens guests, even when they have perished in the battlefield. Their brave souls shall never be forgotten, and will live on for eternity! Thus, in the very early days, it was called Heavens1 Square. As the years rolled by, it gradually came to be referred to as Tiantang Square. The original name of the city, Wu An City was also slowly replaced and became Tiantang City. A mass of bodies poured into Tiantang Square. Everyone was either wearing white flowers or had a strip of black silk crepe tied around their arm. In their hands, they carried either fresh flowers or candles, amongst other items for a memorial, their faces expressing the deepest respect and honor. Today was not just any memorial. Today, the entire nation came together in remembrance of the sacrifices that these noble souls had made, especially those by the Nine Supremes. The Nine Supremes were the most unlikely combination of heroes, with names akin to a mystery. Nine mystical paragons, they were nameless and without faces, yet everyone knew that they were the Empire of Yutang''s best-kept secret, its patron saints. The Nine Supremes had always been involved in the largest and most critical wars in the Empires history. Each time they appeared, a battle doomed to be lost would take a blessed and unexpected turn. Just their very presence was assurance of victory on the battlefield! The ninth of the third month last year C a date that the Empire of Yutangs people would never forget. That was the day that they had lost the Nine Supremes. The Nine Supremes had led 800 warriors to execute a secret mission when they were ambushed and killed at Tianxuan Cliff. There had been no survivors among the 809 brave individuals who partook in the mission. It had been an undertaking of the highest secrecy, but somehow, news of it had leaked out, resulting in the deaths of the Empires finest. The Empire of Yutang had thrown all of its vast resources to hunt down the culprit for over a year now, with little to show for its efforts. In the square, many generals and veterans looked towards the center of Tiantang Square with tears welling in their eyes. There, nine tall monuments stood proudly side by side C resembling the towering legends that they were built in memoriam after. These brothers had fought together when they were alive, and even in death, they would still stand steadfastly together. Ragged sobs could be heard from the crowd northwest of the square, where the veterans were bunched together. Having survived the wars by paying the price of limbs and longevity, these old and crippled warriors who could barely walk, stood up to pay tribute. Even those who had lost their legs sat upright; facing their heroes and saviors with their hearts brimming with reverence. A vision of the Nine Supremes charging through the battlefield appeared before them; valiant, brave and inspiring all at once. Dragons of soil thrash the earth, burying their enemies; as the Supreme Earth demonstrates his might. Flames spout high and mighty, as the Supreme Flame arrives. Turbulent waves churn the sea, as the Supreme Water moves. Wind, cloud, thunder and lightning split the tranquil sky, as the Supreme Wind, Supreme Cloud, and Supreme Thunder manifests themselves. The Nine Supremes! These were the litanies engrained in the monuments of the Nine Supremes. Those who had come to the square would stare long and hard at them, both saddened and agonized by the majesty of those words. Borderless earth rages like dragons C Supreme Earth. Refined gold in his hands, the pack caves in C Supreme Gold. Monstrous waves, churning majestically across the world C Supreme Water. Towering wood, standing indestructible C Supreme Wood. Rising flames of invincible victory C Supreme Flame. Thunder roars, intimidating the world C Supreme Thunder. Blood of the heroes, adversities await C Supreme Blood. The wind in the vast sky, justice with the kind C Supreme Wind. Heart of the Nine Supremes, clouds that could sink the heavens C Supreme Cloud! The names of the Nine Supremes were carved onto the monuments; briefly, the sight of nine masked heroes standing tall before powerful enemies, while calmly saying, Rally forth! seemed to greet everyones eyes again. The throng of people stood upright in front of each memorial, looking at them in tribute, with their heads raised high. There was an unusually large crowd that gathered in front of Supreme Cloud and Supreme Earths monuments. Supreme Earth, the leader of the Nine Supremes, had been the eldest. Supreme Cloud, on the other hand, had been the youngest of the Nine Supremes but was also the brain and heart of the team. The sun rose in slow cadence. Before long, the emperor arrived, surrounded by his bureaucrats, signaling the official start of the ceremony. Yun Yang stood silently in the corner, just another observer in the multitude of people. Young master, do you need me to go over with you? Theres no need. Yun Yang shook his head. This Now your Theres no need. As you wish, young master. Lao Meis voice was tinged with disappointment. Yun Yang had rejected Lao Meis company, not because he knew he would embarrass himself by being overwhelmed by emotions, but because he did not want anyone to know his true identity as one of the Nine Supremes! Until he had avenged his brothers, he did not deserve to announce his mantle to the world. Besides, the enemy was all too powerful, and knowledge of his true nature would put him at significant risk. He stood in silence, watching the nine monuments with heartache and longing in his eyes. Brothers, I am here. Im here to see all of you. It was as if he was invisible, standing quietly in the dark. The smell of candles and incense filled the air; the emperor read the funeral oration in an agonized voice, as quiet sobs came from the people. Yun Yang stood far away, his body ramrod straight and eyes dark as the night. People walked past him, but none of them seemed to realize that there was someone who was alive and breathing, standing in the shadows. The Cloud Veil was a spell unique to the Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes, one that rendered him invisible, a formless soul. He stood there silently and motionless; the breeze blew against his dark purple robes, while an air of loneliness swept over him. Dusk came creeping in. The ceremony had long ended. Fresh flowers covered the ground, the smell of candles wafted to the heavens. Warm blood drenched the space in front of the Nine Supremes memorial; the crimson red belonged to Wu Wenyuan and his cohort. The crowd bore no hint of sympathy for them, no tears of remorse towards their kin, even after witnessing the bodies being mutilated further after the execution. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan had kept a straight face throughout the event. Just yesterday, Wu Wenyuan had mysteriously disappeared from his prison, but just as suddenly, his dead body had reappeared at the stroke of midnight. It was also about then that they noticed Wu Wenyuans wife and mothers disappearance. These events had angered the old marshal. The military''s defense was impenetrable; the prison was guarded with utmost security, trained professionals keeping a close eye on the perimeters. How could such things possibly happen without a single hint of who had done it? The marshal would become the worlds laughing stock. He had already switched out three batches of prison guards in light of these events. The punishment served had already broken several dozen paddles, but it was too late to make any difference. Finally, the crowd at the square dissipated; the large space gradually cleared and silent once more. Yun Yang stood unmoving in the shadows, his gaze depthless and stern. This life was one of battles and deaths by warhorses; he wished his brothers a lifetime of safety and happiness in the next realm. The night breeze blew cold, and the entire Tiantang Square was cloaked in darkness. Yun Yang remained standing where he had stood the whole time, with his eyes closed and his senses extended outward. He could faintly feel the echoes of the past; he was standing beside hundreds of thousands of his comrades. The feeling of countless suits of steel armor felt incredibly real; he could almost hear the words as he and his brothers engaged in idle chatter. The breeze ruffled his stray hair, blowing it back from his well-defined visage. He resembled a delicate statue in the night, calm and secure, yet lonesome and melancholic at the same time. Soft sobs could be heard, as a young woman in white approached with weak steps and a tear-stricken face. Clutched tightly in her embrace was her young daughter, and by her side, an equally bereaved elder who supported her as she walked. Stumbling like a drunk, her mourning heart had apparently drained her of her energy, and she walked like one of the dead. Wang Zhuang, were going home. The young woman mumbled, her gaze and expression emotionless and numb. She passed by Yun Yang, close enough to touch him, but without noticing his presence. The latter had his eyes shut tight and remained motionless, but the corner of his eyes twitched as the deep grief hidden within surfaced once again. Assistant General Wang Zhuangs wife. Yun Yang remembered Wang Zhuang C the man had only been married for two years when he was deployed a year ago; his daughter had just turned one. However, he had never returned from his stint. The warriors who gave their lives for their country did so with no regrets, but what about their families? It had already been a year, how was Wang Zhuangs family faring after losing their pillar of support? The trio went on their way, slowly distancing themselves from Yun Yang. He sighed inwardly. A frown quickly followed the sigh. Something did not feel right. He opened his eyes and caught sight of four silhouettes appearing behind the trio. The dark shadows materialized into the shapes of four burly men; their gazes were lustily engulfing the weary woman walking ahead. Hiding carefully in the darkness, they continued to tail the woman from a distance, unknowingly passing by Yun Yang. A dangerous, murderous intent flashed across Yun Yangs eyes. As if sensing the impending menace, the men shuddered, feeling as if a ghost had crept up on them. This place is indeed a bit uncanny one of the men rubbed at his goosebumps that had appeared all over, as he murmured. Agreed. Let us go back quickly; there are too many dead souls here. Im feeling uncomfortable another man murmured softly. Yun Yangs gaze turned icy. Were there too many dead souls? For daring to utter such a phrase, the price would be death. But Wang Zhuangs death could not have come at a better time! The mule has been dead for over a year, and Ive also been waiting for just as long. Now that the memorial ceremony is over, everything should have toned down the round one who was most likely the leader chuckled in relish. Yeah, this dead mule, we couldnt do anything when he was alive; he still died in the end, and became a lonesome ghost hee-hee, the thug chortled. Hmph, we were bullied when Wang Zhuang was alive, now the tables have turned. The leader whistled, I must say, the bastard Wang Zhuangs wife certainly looks gorgeous especially with her teary doe-eyed look - it just makes her all the more attractive! Coupled with that small, soft body the words trailed into a lustful sigh. Hee hee hee the other three laughed lewdly as they ventured past Yun Yang. Yun Yang took in a deep breath and looked towards the square; it seemed like countless pairs of eyes were staring back at him. He nodded, pressing his lips together as he turned quietly; his purple robe billowed as he began to follow these thugs and their unwary prey. The road he took became increasingly deserted. They were moving towards the outskirts of Tiantang City, and their surroundings were turning eerier with every step they took. The young woman and her ward kept walking aimlessly, not having anywhere to go nor having a destination in mind. If it weren''t for the elder who was supporting her, she would probably have fainted away a long time ago. They approaching a building; there was a soft lantern light glimmering just a short distance away. That was her home. But alas, is a home without a husband still a home? Its been a year, Wang Zhuang. Are you alright down there? If it weren''t because I had to take care of our daughter, Id have gone down to meet you long ago Did you know, how hard it is to live alone like this? Just as the trio was turning into an alley, discordant laughter erupted from their backs. Oh, little lady, dont walk so fast A repulsive voice said, Turn around and let me have a look at that body of yoursTsk, tsk, how alluring you are! The woman continued walking as if she had not heard anything. The four burly men had finally caught up and moved ahead to block their way, smirking in triumph and anticipation. Oh I cant quite see clearly in the dark Isnt this General Wang Zhuangs little missus, Juaner? Tsk tsk its no wonder I can feel your allure. Hee hee, Juaner, how have you been? Why is there a white flower on your head? Ive heard that our valiant General Wang Zhuang is now a dead soul? What a terrible shame that must be! The entire monologue was spoken in the most lecherous manner possible. The trio faltered in their steps. The elder who was supporting the woman trembled in rage, Wang Bao! What do you want? Let us pass! The head of the thugs, Wang Bao, chortled, Give way? Why should I? Oh, sure, I had to give way when Wang Zhuang asked me to, because of his reputation. But now that he has been a spirit for over a year, why should I give way? He laughed, and in a salacious voice, he exclaimed, Still, I have to say Juaners dressing certainly looks enticing... My heart aches just to look at her eyes, all swollen from crying. Juaner, Wang Zhuang cant care for you anymore, so why not just let me The elder stood in front of the young woman, and practically screamed at the thug, Wang Bao, Juaners husband, Wang Zhuang died in a war for the Empire of Yutang. He protected the country by giving up his life, and he died a national hero. The things youve said, do you not have a heart at all? The beefy Wang Bao chortled again, Hero? Who asked him to fight in the war? Certainly not I! He didnt die for me, and I have no idea what you are talking about. To me, its all just a bag of wind! Wang Zhuang, that idiot, restricted us from doing so many things when he was alive. Ive wanted him dead for so long; it warms my heart to know hes finally gone! Hee hee, Ill admit that he was a spectacular bloke when he was alive, but hes been dead for a year! Now that hes buried six feet under, it''s time for me to have some fun with his wife. Is he going to stand in my way? With a glint of lustful menace in his eyes, Wang Bao began to advance on Juaner. Translators Note 1 Heaven ( tin tng): Shares the same phonology/pronunciation as Tiantang. 6 No Mercy Under My Sword These miscreants had always lusted after Juaner, renowned for her beauty, but while Wang Zhuang, enforcer, and avenger of justice, was alive, no one even dared to glance sideways at her. It was almost unbelievable that the bastard had finally died. What a good way to go, passing on in a blaze of glory while on the battlefield! Wasnt the memorial ceremony for the fallen men already over? Werent the culprits already caught and executed? Most honest men would already be on their way home, not lingering around like vagrants. These bullies were then definitely up to no good. The elder was enraged, Have you no shame? Wang Zhuang sacrificed himself for the country, and here you are, harassing his widow! Wang Bao, the end to your life will not be a peaceful one! Wang Bao laughed maniacally, licking his lips, Old Jia, dont you worry about how Ill die. Wang Zhuang though, he didnt die a real death, I must say. Old Jia, Im warning you, Ill beat you up as well if you dont get out of my way! He then took a step forward and stroked Juaners face, Juaner, tell me, darling, what did you enjoy most about marrying poor Wang Zhuang? Not only was the man a pauper, but hes also dead now If you had married me long ago, you wouldnt be a widow today! My heart has always belonged to you, for all these years Juaner looked at the burly ruffian with hatred, speaking through gritted teeth, Wang Bao, you will die a horrible death! Wang Bao laughed, I wasnt able to do as I please with you, back then. But now Ill die a horrible death, you say? If so, Ill make sure you die in pleasure tonight! Just as he laughed sleazily, a deep, bold voice cleaved from the darkness, Wang Bao, Ill have all of you die in pleasure tonight! Yun Yang emerged from the shadows, a vengeful god in his purple robe. He placed himself right in front of Juaner, blocking her from Wang Baos nasty ogle. His gaze was icy and merciless. Yun Yang was furious; his bloodlust was nearly uncontrollable. The blood of the warriors had been smeared over the battlefield, and lives had been lost for the country. Yet, some people could still bring themselves to speak ill of the dead to their families and kin, despite all their sacrifices! Such inconsiderate vermin deserved to be exterminated. Wang Bao and his three subordinates met Yun Yangs menacing glare as they lifted their heads; the latters murderous aura trembled with the power to summon a thousand spirits from the netherworld. The four bullies felt like they had just caught a vision of hell; their souls frozen with deaths chill touch. One of the men even cried in fear, as warm droplets trickled down his thighs; he had lost control of his bladder under Yun Yangs demonic glare. His entire body quivered with terror. Yun Yang stood silently; without uttering a word, his intent to kill them was as clear as day. The four large men paled as they took several steps back; that murderous aura generated from a soul that had fought countless wars and battles was not something they were able to face; it was akin to mice looking up at a vicious fox waiting to devour them. A sliver of shock ran up Wang Baos spines. He wanted nothing more than to turn tail and flee. However, his legs seemed to possess a mind of their own C they refused to move, rendered immobile under Yun Yangs stare. But as he looked closely at Yun Yangs face again, something he saw in it lent him calm. Yun Yangs face was pale, and his steps were uncertain C a definite sign that he was either sick or severely injured. Besides, he looked so young. Wang Baos tattered confidence began to knit itself back, as he mustered enough courage to ask, What did you say? The sensible part of his mind screamed in disbelief as he asked the question; only regaining some of his senses after managing to utter those words. Yun Yang smirked when he heard Wang Baos question. He raised his arm, and an unseen palm landed right across the latters face. Slap! The loud, resounding smack spun Wang Baos large body several rounds in midair before he landed with a loud thud, several meters away. Coming to his knees, Wang Bao spewed blood; along with the gush of crimson liquid and a dozen broken teeth. The seemingly ordinary slap had flung this man, who weighed nearly 200 catties, several meters away. Yun Yang strode over and placed his foot right on Wang Baos face. A sharp snap was heard; he had his nose broken under Yun Yangs weight. You didnt hear what I said, did you? Yun Yang ground his foot harder on Wang Baos bleeding face. The small, popping sounds of fractured bone were heard as he whispered calmly, Should I repeat myself? No No ohhhhh.. ughhh Wang Baos world was ablaze in agony. He could not stop moaning in torment, yet the sharp pain did not allow him to lose consciousness just yet. He wanted to beg for mercy, but as his whole face was trampled beneath Yun Yangs foot, his words came out muffled. Even as he writhed in discomfort, a detached part of his mind curiously pondered as to where this prideful young man had come from. How had the situation turned out like this? With his foot still on Wang Baos face, Yun Yang waved his hands, beckoning to the other three men, Come over! Hearing him summon them, the thugs were petrified. Although they were all too familiar with committing crimes around the city, they had never experienced this level of cruelty that was being displayed right before their very eyes. Their legs had almost given up on them when they heard Yun Yang calling for them. One of the men cried out in terror and turned around to run. Yun Yang snorted, Brave fool, do you have the courage to flee? Hands whipping in a blur, he flung a small piece of silver towards them C it struck the mans thigh in a lightning-quick motion. Everyone watched in horror as the man pitched onto the floor, moaning and writhing in pain. After only taking two steps, his leg had been twisted bizarrely, and his bones snapped out of their joints, at painfully perpendicular angles. The other two crooks exclaimed in horror, their thoughts fluttering like trapped butterflies; Death had finally come for them was it to be in the form of a great master? Incessant cries of pain could be heard, as the man with the broken thigh thrashed around aimlessly. Are you coming over or not? Yun Yangs foot was still on Wang Baos face, as he cajoled the other two men, What will it be? Do you both want me to strike your legs as well? The two crooks shuddered upon looking at the two pieces of silver that had appeared in Yun Yangs hands. Both of them dropped to their knees immediately, Great... great knight my humble my humble self begs for mercy Mercy? Yun Yang responded with the dispassionate tone of a vengeful god, If I let the both of you go, how will I be able to face my late brothers? Wang Bao groaned in pain, his voice trembling as he pleaded, O great knight, please have mercy We, we are from the Green Snake Clan, everything and anything can be brought to a discussion Green Snake Clan? Were they in a clan? Yun Yangs eyes glinted, Stand up, follow me! Do enlighten me, as to what exactly a Green Snake Clan is! He turned around and nodded at Juaner, Please return home, this has does not concern the rest of you. Juaner looked at him in shock; her expression aghast, apparently taken aback, Youre youre Wang Zhuangs brother? Yun Yang hesitated a moment before responding, My lady, you need not fear. There will no longer be a single soul that would dare harm this family of warriors anymore. Deliberately ignoring her question, Yun Yang turned away and hastened all four thugs to a deserted courtyard where he threw them to the ground and slammed the doors shut. Green Snake Clan? Who is the clan master? How many people are there? Where is your base located? Yun Yangs tone brooked no opportunity for deviation, and they could see what would happen to them if they lied. Wang Bao and his gang immediately answered his questions, as they were still suffering from agonizing pain. They were entirely certain that if they hesitated in their responses, this demon would inflict even more grievous injuries upon them. This man confronting them was the devil incarnate! Yun Yans smile began to grow wider as he gathered the information he needed, Green Snake Clan. Phew, it doesnt matter if you are from the Green Snake Clan or even if you are the crown prince. Only death awaits you if you ever harm any family member of the warriors! His intentions for bringing the thugs to this deserted courtyard were simple C to avoid causing further trouble for Juaner, and to gather information regarding the Green Snake Clan. Now that he had achieved his goal, well, there was nothing else stopping him from doing what he desperately wanted to do since he had first set eyes Yun Yang bloodlust was unleashed with terrible efficiency; a swift slash of his blade drew a brilliant line of silver across the courtyard. Blood splattered everywhere, as four heads dropped onto the floor with wet thuds. Yun Yangs voice was soft and sinister as he whispered, If the worlds atrocities will never end; there will be no mercy under my sword. Brothers in war share life and death as comrades, for we are family; Having me killed is like killing my father; Humiliating me is like humiliating my mother; The laws for high treason restrictive, the civil laws inadequate; Sword in hand, kin in heart; Kill on sight, have no mercy! No regret in drawing your sword, no qualms in living this life. 7 sEven Though the Law of Majestas Allows You to Live, I Won’t.” The blood of heroes had already soaked the battlefield, their families had earned the right to a life free of oppression and troubles. Yun Yang would never compromise on this, and as he had told Juaner earlier, he would not allow anyone to harass the families of these warriors anymore. If he had to, he would be ready to kill anyone who did. Gazing at the heavens, Yun Yang inhaled deeply. Big brother, I finally know what you meant all this while. I understand why you brought me back to serve as an enforcer, working outside the limits of the law. This world still bears witness to so many atrocities, and the vaunted official law of majestas will never be able to banish them all... Heroes may bleed, but they should never shed a single tear. Yun Yang mumbled, You were absolutely right, big brother. Dont worry, I will remember your words. And just as Yun Yang was about to depart, he paused when he felt a shudder wrack his body. Glancing across at the corpses of Wang Bao and his cohorts, he could feel a weak tug as a miniscule amount of Qi energy flowed from their bodies to his own. Just as I thought. Yun Yang looked inward into his subconscious, and saw the tiny swayinglotus. Was it just his imagination, or had it grown just a little bit bigger than it was before? My assumptions were correct. Absorbing the air of injustice hastens the growth of the lotus leaf. Yun Yang thought, Does this mean that the more criminals I kill, the faster the Lotus of Endless Fate will grow? Will the Endless Divine Art develop as quickly as well? His thoughts were coming hard and fast now. Theres such wonder in this world, a skill that matches my intentions! Even if this were not the case, I would still be out there removing these scum on my own. Having this effect is just a bonus thrown into the hat! With this amazing revelation, Yun Yang dusted off his blood-speckled robe, and faded away into the deepening night. If Wang Bao is an example of the members of the Green Snake Clan, let us see what kind of filth the others are made up of. If they were as vile, I would have to wipe them all out, starting from the very roots. Besides, my Lotus of Endless Fate needs a little fertilizer. Their faces were brutish, under the illumination of the dim yellow light. The headquarters was nothing more than an abandoned courtyard, conveniently occupied by these men. Now that the war is over, the nation will take better care of these soldiers and distribute pensions; this would make up a great portion of our income! The scar on Green Snakes face wriggled animatedly as he spoke, We wont be able to rob the strong and train in martial arts, but if we went back to our old ways and take from the disabled and weak Dont tell me we cant overcome those poor, crippled fools? The empire might as well hand their fortunes directly to us! The glimmer of avarice was replicated across the eyes of all those that sat there. They were no strangers to taking advantage of the weak, and it was indeed a simple task! These crippled veterans, they have already received plenty of silver taels upon returning home, Green Snake was practically foaming at the mouth from excitement, From what I know, the pension this year should be distributed within a few days We will make our move then, when they have gotten their silver taels. Big brother is far sighted! The other clan members were all delighted with his brilliance and greed. There was nothing complicated about robbing a few disabled men, especially those with broken legs after all, they couldnt even catch up even if they let them! It was a brilliant idea. Li Saner, find out how many disabled men are in your area; Du Tou, Sun Wu, both of you too. Well begin shortly. Swap areas, youll take his and hell take yours to avoid suspicion, Green Snake ordered. Okay. Were gonna be rich! Wang Bao, that son of a bitch, why is he still not here? Green Snake complained with a snarl, Hes still out fooling around at such a critical moment! Mark my words, that idiot is going to die at the hands of a woman sooner or later. Bang! The doors blew apart with a resounding crash; following in its trail, a figure in black walked in like a vengeful spirit in the dead of the night. Clutched in its hand, a sword glinted with a cruel chill. Recoiling in shock, Green Snake and his cohorts scrambled up, screaming, Who the hell are you?! Bastard, if you wish to pick a fight with me, you must be seeking your own death! Yun Yang had arrived just in time to hear the last few sentences of Green Snakes dastardly plan, but he had been angered enough to burst into action. Never mind that these bastards were neither respectful nor grateful towards those who were handicapped fighting in the war for their country, but to think about robbing them! They were practically the scum of society. With these thoughts furiously running through his mind, he slammed upon the doors with enough force to completely destroy it. Get him! Green Snake hollered. Two of the men by the door charged him with matching growls. Yun Yang strolled forward without uttering a word, his gaze cold; lips curled into a cruel smirk as they barrelled towards him. A quick flick of his sword and two heads fell, blood spurting from their necks like a twin pair of fountains. Yun Yang kicked the bodies aside and continued strolling forward. Each step he took sounded like a death knell to Green Snake. The blood in his face drained away as the others trembled, looking at the black-clothed man in fear. Who was this ruthless man? He entered the courtyard and started killing indiscriminately without so much as a single word! Who are you? Green Snake was terrified, backing away like a frightened mouse, Great knight, Im sure we can talk it out I I dont know how or when I may have offended you Yun Yang continued walking without making a sound; his murderous rage becoming palpable with every step he took. Another two men standing by the door attempted to escape, but with another flash of that wicked sword, two more heads came falling off. It happened so quickly that their headless bodies managed to take a few steps before they fell over and crashed onto the floor. Green Snakes bowels failed him at that point, releasing itself in intense fear, Great knight great knight What is this all about? Who are you? Why do you do this? Yun Yang was silent as he continued forward, his sword leaving a trail of crimson blood behind him. Drip, drip, drip It was the sound of blood dripping from the blade; to the remaining crooks, it sounded as if the king of hell had summoned them. The three men remaining cried in terror as they dropped to their knees, Great knight have mercy have sympathy... this lowly one still has an 80-year-old mother and a 3-year-old child Unmoved, Yun Yang waved his sword almost negligently C and three heads rolled off. There was only Green Snake left in the room. Yun Yang had already killed seven people from the moment he stepped into the room, without saying a single thing. From his knowledge, the Green Snake Clan had a total of 12 members. Including the four who had succumbed in his hands earlier, he had executed the whole bunch; the only one left alive one was the clan master himself, Green Snake. Thump, thump. Yun Yang footsteps rang clear as made his way to Green Snake, step by step. Green Snake was paralyzed with fear; he still did not know when and what he had done that had offended this killing machine, this demon who had yet to utter a word as he separated the heads of his men clean from their bodies. Glancing down, he saw Yun Yangs shoes that were right in front of him, and he knew there was no way out for himself. Like a cornered rat, he went berserk with fear. Yun Yangs sword was already raised. Hold! Green Snake shouted, This... This is Tiantang City, and we practice the majestas law! Although Im no saint, the crimes Ive committed dont call for capital offense! You, who are you to defy the law of majestas, slaughtering people with no regard? Law of majestas? Yun Yang almost rolled his eyes, but managed to keep his expression constant. He raised his sword even higher. Green Snake was near tears, You even if you want to kill someone, even if you want to kill me, you have to at least give me a reason! Why? Why!? Why? Yun Yan paused, and finally spoke with an air of dignity, You have a subordinate called Wang Bao, correct? Green Snake stared, his eyes wide enough that they seemed as if they were about to fall off his face. Yes that is correct. Wang Bao harassed a widowed mother and child. So Im here to see if everyone in his clan is the same type of scum. Green Snake froze, despair evident in his eyes as he shouted, feeling wronged, This this Wang Bao harassing a widowed woman so youre killing me? He cried hysterically, What what does that have to do with me?! Im innocent! I... Before he could finish his protest, his head was already rolling on the floor; his eyes wide open in terrified uncertainty. As his body slumped to the floor, Green Snakes last thoughts were that of confusion. Why was he killed, just because Wang Bao had harassed someone else? And then there was nothing that remained. Yun Yang wiped his sword clean on the body and sheathed it. He looked at the dead bodies that littered the floor with a chilling gaze. Law of majestas these scum want to talk about the law... with me. Yun Yang murmured, The nations crisis has dampened, taking away the conscience of these crooks. Their offenses dont call for capital punishment according to the law, but they should be killed for oppressing disabled veterans! Must be killed! Looking at Green Snakes headless corpse on the floor, he said, Youre right, and there is the majestas law in this city. It''s true that you didn''t have to die for your offense according to the law. However, even though the law of majestas allows you to live, I wont. Yun Yang turned to leave and as he departed, he felt the mystical energy being absorbed into his body once more. His subconscious gave a slight quake. The small seedling of the Lotus of Endless Fate was growing rapidly as it swayed, much to Yun Yangs surprise. Unforgivable heinousness and the extermination of it by the sword, followed by the absorption of the air of injustice, completes a leaf of the Lotus of Endless Fate. 8 Thousand Illusion Monkey Yun Yang had never felt more alive. A jade-green lotus leaf grew in his subconscious, slowly growing into the size of a fan, and now, the budding tip of another leaf could be seen as well. A plethora of information surged through Yun Yangs mind, and the intensity of it rendered him drunk and insensate. Straightening up, he quickly started making his way back to the Residence of Yun, while his mind possessed enough clarity to remember the way there. Due to the air of vitality that the Lotus of Endless Fate exuded, the entire sight of Tiantang City was painted in chaotic lucidity as he began his trek home. Among all the creatures in the universe, none were more sensitive to the ebb and flow of spiritual Qi than the mystical beasts on the Tianxuan Continent. The higher the level the creature was, the more perceptive it would be towards changes in the mystical Qi and the refined air of vitality. Tiantang City, being one of the top three cities on the continent, contained all sorts of crouching tigers and hidden dragons1; mystical Qi experts, professional martial artists, renowned schools and clans there were countless numbers of them. Among these people, it was not uncommon for them to own a mystical beast or two. Of course, these beasts were not regarded as pets, but as battle partners or familiars. These mystical creatures possessed an impressive array of combat skills, and it was widely known that the combat skills of a ninth level beast was equal to that of a grandmaster. Of course, ninth level beasts were extremely rare, and were more likely to be found in legends and stories shared by bards. Third to sixth level creatures, however, were plentiful in Tiantang City, and it was not entirely impossible to find seventh level mystical beasts as well. Right at this moment, all the mystical beasts in the entire Tiantang City were abuzz with anticipation... In Sky Room No.1 of Tiantang Citys Soaring Cloud Tavern, a young lady dressed entirely in black rested her face in her hands as she played with her pet happily. It was only by being in front of her little friend that she could be this relaxed and at peace. The creature stood approximately 3 feet tall, with a pair of jade-like horns on its head and lively crimson eyes; there were actually three tails on its back, its fur as smooth as silk. It was lounging on the bed cozily. Anyone who had an inkling of what it was would have exclaimed, Thousand Illusion Monkey! Mystical beasts were rare, but what was even rarer were their offspring! Any mystical beast hunter worth his salt could kill a mystical beast, but the magnificent creatures would usually take the lives of their own offspring first before succumbing to death. It was preferable that their offspring perished than to live on as slaves to humankind. This practice was especially true for the higher leveled creatures. In the case of the Thousand Illusion Monkey, it was even more so, hence, the word invaluable would be a poor way to describe the value of a young Thousand Illusion Monkey! Thousand Illusion Monkeys belonged to the Eight Mysterious Beasts, the highest ranked in the food chain among all known mystical beasts in the Tianxuan Continent. Furthermore, Thousand Illusion Monkeys could be leveled up; an extremely rare occurrence but not an impossible one. If the people had known that there was actually one now in Tiantang City, it would definitely cause a great deal of commotion and talk. At this moment, with the owner looking at it, the monkey suddenly straightened up; ears perked and crimson red orbs glowing. Something had made it so agitated that even the horns on its head seemed to be glowing! Lingling, what is it? The girl was surprised as she gasped, Lingling, what are you doing? Hey, where are you going? Come back! Instead, the Thousand Illusion Monkey stood up and with a wag of all three tails, shot out from the open window. It was a tall, eight-storied building, but height was nothing for the monkey as it scampered into the dark. The girl shouted for help, but realized that there was no one for her rely on since she had run away from home. Without giving it a second thought, she hopped off the window as well. Yun Yang finally felt at ease and was only plagued by a slightly pulsing headache as the flow of information continued to rush into his mind. He had no time to inspect his thoughts, however, and continued to hurry back home. The Residence of Yun would be around the next corner. As he was about to take the turn, an odd noise arose from somewhere in front of him in the gloom, and in the next moment, a dark shape charged towards him like lightning. Its speed was impossibly fast, and within a blink, the dark shape coalesced into a discernable shape before his very eyes. At first glance, it looked like a small, golden-furred monkey squatting in front of his feet obediently, its lifted head looking at him earnestly with a pair of bewitching eyes. Yun Yang was speechless. A monkey had materialized out of nowhere, right in front of him. What is this? Its looking at me like were familiar with each other. What a friendly gaze! Im sure this is the first time weve encountered each other though. Yun Yang was tempted to look around to see if he was still in Tiantang City or if he had been magically transported to the mystical beast forest. The little beast was eagerly hopping up and down like all monkeys do, and would not put up with being ignored by Yun Yang. Scratching its head, it clung onto his legs and looked up, as if asking for Yun Yang to carry it. It was the scratching, however, that revealed its pair of tiny horns, further surprising Yun Yang. Dragons horns on its head, several tails on its back; jade white as bones, crimson eyes; a mystical beast... Could it be a Thousand Illusion Monkey? Upon closer inspection, there was no doubt that the creature in front of him was actually a baby Thousand Illusion Monkey. This is strange Yun Yang began to scratch his own head as well, A Thousand Illusion Monkey coming to me to seek shelter on its own My luck today knows no bounds! Looking at the young monkeys pitiful look, Yun Yangs heart softened as he spread his arms to scoop the money up. The monkey nestled itself cozily in Yun Yangs embrace, its thin arms spread, purring in comfort as its eyes closed, seemingly about to fall asleep. All three of its tails coiled up and it began to curl into a ball of fur. Yun Yang was left in a daze. This was the Thousand Illusion Monkey of the Eight Mystical Beasts! Although this was only a three-tailed baby, its intelligence was still high; legends had it that Thousand Illusion Monkeys were aggressive, ill-tempered, powerful and ever-changing creatures. How was it that this one could be so approachable? I didnt do anything, but it jumped right into my embrace the first time it saw me? It looked completely at ease as well, obviously contented with where it was, curled up in Yun Yangs arms. Perhaps this baby monkey is daft Yun Yang peered at the monkey in his arms with a critical eye. At the moment, his senses tingled and he sensed a chilling aura surrounding him; it was piercing, with a murderous intent. It was as if he could feel a sharp sword pointing at himself; any rash or sudden movement could cost him his own life. With his abilities that had been depleted and barely replenished, he could do nothing to ward himself against the aura. Thief! What are you doing? A cold and crisp voice ordered from the gloom, Let go of my mystical monkey! Yun Yang lifted his head, seeing a slim figure appear from the swirling night mist. There was no sword in her hands, but the distinct feeling of a sharp blade did not diminish. A faint fragrance not unlike orchids but also resembling musk pervaded the air. As the slim girl stood amidst the mist, she looked like a fairy among the clouds, holy and elegant. Yun Yang was unaffected, however. No mystical beast or ravishing beauty was worthy of his attention right now. He lifted his head slightly, speaking in light tones, This Thousand Illusion Monkey belongs to you? The girls face remained concealed in the dense mist but her voice was cold, Could it be yours then? Yun Yang replied, Its does not belong to me, but I am no thief, so please, recant your accusations.. Although this girl was mysteriously enigmatic and had a strong cultivation base, it was still unforgivable behaviour. What is this, your monkey came to me on its own. I had no chance to chase it away, and now you call me a thief? The girl moved forward then, in anxiousness and impatience. Her pretty eyes widened along with her mouth as she looked disbelievingly at the tiny monkey lounging comfortably in Yun Yangs embrace. If it were not for the heavy mist concealing her face, Yun Yang would have seen how astonished she was. Even then, she still stumbled in shock, and her steps faltered. What am I seeing? Its the Thousand Illusion Monkey! Ive been at its beck and call for three months and its never been that close to me. It meets this man for the first time, but its already lying so obediently in his arms! It was becoming glaringly obvious that this man had not done anything forceful, and that the Thousand Illusion Monkey had been nothing but willing in all this! Seeing that she was here, the creature actually nestled further into the mans embrace, its head going into the mans robe as it directed its rosy bottom towards its owner. The girl calmed down a little. I apologize, this creature ran out on its own. I was distraught and overly rash. Please pardon me for my harsh tone. It was Yun Yangs turn to be surprised. This girls cultivation base was stronger than he had expected from such a young woman. Pride had always come hand in hand with youth, but she could surprisingly control her temper well and even managed an apology, albeit one spoken in a cold tone. This was such a rare occurrence. Girls like this were usually spoiled, and acted all high and mighty. Since she had apologized, Yun Yang backed down as well, Since this belongs to you, please take it back. A Thousand Illusion Monkey was a spiritual creature of heaven and earth but at that moment, Yun Yang could barely be concerned about it. He had not been impressed with a full-grown Thousand Illusion Monkey, what more this young one? He estimated that it would take at least another 70 to 80 years for the little fellow to grow up into a seven-tailed beast, and he would be a decrepit old man by then. An old man with a monkey by his side? That would be a sight to see. Hello little one, your owner is here. Yun Yang grabbed the monkeys head, Quickly, go back to her! If it was possible, the girls eyes widened even further. He had dared to grab the enchanted fur on the monkeys head? This was considered taboo; not even their owners or partners that had spent years together dared to touch that tuft of hair at the cost of enraging the monkey! It was what happened next, however, that left the girl dumbstruck. Translators Note: 1Crouching tigers, hidden dragons (Ի w h cng long): Idiom to mean hidden talented people, concealed talents not yet discovered. 9 A Destiny of Sabers The man had lifted the Thousand Illusion Monkey by the tuft of fur on its forehead, causing it to curl up into a ball, its flailing limbs vainly trying maintain an iron grip on the mans robe. It cried out in distress, fat tears rolling out of its eyes, not in anger, but in supplication and obvious reluctance to leave this callous mans embrace. As the owner, the girl naturally intuited that the monkeys actions carried a meaning as clear as day; Please dont make me leave, I want to stay right here! Youre not mine, so whats the point of clinging onto me? Yun Yang said impatiently as he tried to shake off the clingy creature. He managed to toss the monkey back to the girl which he finally noticed was dressed in green, but not before landing a solid smack across its buttocks. The girl caught hold of the monkey purely by reflex, but before she could even get a proper grip on it, it was already squirming mightily, trying to claw its way back to the man. The girl quickly clamped a firm hand on it as she spoke, Thank you young master, would it be too much to ask for the pleasure of your name? This man had to be either be a legendary beast trainer, or possess some sort of gem to have charmed the monkey to such an extent. As her question left her lips, she allowed her powerful senses to reach out to the man, conducting multiple delicate probes which eventually left her puzzled. She could sense nothing at all! His depleted cultivation base was only slightly stronger than an average person; he was no expert, and definitely not a trainer either. What then, had happened to the Thousand Illusion Monkey? For all the time that she had been taking care of it, it had never behaved as lovingly to her as it did to this total stranger. Not at all, Im Yun Yang. Yun Yang nodded. Since Ive returned it to its rightful owner, I shall be taking my leave. With that, he turned and left without a second glance, vanishing into the dark all at once without fanfare or commotion; as if he encountered fairy-like beauties and mystical beasts every other day. Normally, if such a wondrous vision had asked your name first, logic dictated that you also ask for hers in return. However, Yun Yang was no normal man. He behaved as if being distracted by a beautiful woman would cause him to be slower, to lose focus. The girl dressed in black continued to stare at Yun Yangs silhouette, although it had long disappeared. Blinking rapidly, she recited softly to herself, Yun Yang Nineteen this year, the only son of the Empire of Yutangs Heavenly Marquis1; he had arrived at Tiantang City 5 years ago and nothing is known of his past. Throughout that five years, only a handful of events that the young master was involved in had been documented. Was it because he stayed at home most of the time? Or was he even home at all? Although Yutangs Heavenly Marquis had always been a mystery, his real identity should be Absolute Swordmaster Seven Stroke Death2; otherwise known in the underground martial arts scene as Yun Xiaoyao. Since when did Yun Xiaoyao have a grown-up son? That was the type of news that the world wouldnt have missed. The young girl frowned, confused. It was supposed to be normal. A son of the Heavenly Marquis. But somehow, there seemed to be a cloud of mystery around it. It made sense in every direction but at the same time, there were also questions in every direction. What a strange character. The girl shook her head and laughed, A young lady coming to Tiantang City alone, bringing an extremely rare mystical beasts offspring. Anyone else would have acted with malicious intent, but this guy was not fazed at all! I suppose he could be considered an odd sort of fellow. Furthermore, this Thousand Illusion Monkey that has always been aloof towards anyone was bizarrely intimate towards this young master The monkey also dolefully looked towards the direction Yun Yang had left with falling tears as if saying, Why did you abandon me? Why didnt you bring me along? I want to follow you, I dont want to go back to my owner! This Young Master Yun The girls eyes glinted, Looks like Ill have to get to know him better Her voice was faint as she began to dissolve into the fog, becoming translucent and ethereal. When the breeze blew and the mist dissipated, the girl was nowhere to be found. Yun Yang had arrived back at the Residence of Yun where Lao Mei was waiting anxiously for him. His young master had gone to the memorial ceremony alone, still bearing the pain of severe injuries. The ceremony had long ended while the nights sky deepened to the darkest black, and yet, he still had not returned, until now. Young master, where have you been? Why did you only return after so long? Its not a good time to be out now, its dangerous outside! Lao Meis complaints were ceaseless, and had yet to stop since Yun Yang first stepped foot into the house. Comforting him with some mumbled assurances, Yun Yang halted Lao Meis rants and entered his room impatiently, closing his door with a bang. The first leaf of the Lotus of Endless Fate was already fully grown, and he could not wait any longer to find out what he would get. The changes in his body had buffeted him like strong winds since he had massacred the Green Snake Clan, and he was unable to stay calm or patient. To add to the delay, he had been waylaid by a mystical monkey and an equally mysterious girl. He had managed to get rid of them after some pestering, but he was already burning with impatience at that point. As soon as he entered his room, he sat down, folded his legs and delved into his subconscious mind. Purple fog immediately enveloped him, the large lotus leaf floating in mid-air and glowing an emerald green. The vitality contained in the viridescent light would make anyone looking at it feel at ease and delighted. The energy in his subconscious then entered his meridians, making Yun Yang feel as light as a feather. The grown lotus leaf trembled twice before it dropped off the Lotus of Endless Fate, floating towards Yun Yang. He extended his arm mechanically and the leaf landed on his hand. Where the leaf originally was, a small silhouette of a leaflet appeared; it was only half the size of a palm but its veins were clear as day. All around him, his subconscious rumbled loudly, and Yun Yang was withdrawn from it unwillingly. He was again sitting on his bed. Slowly opening his eyes in a daze, he only lowered his head to look at his hands when he felt a comfortable, cooling sensation emanating from his palm. Yah! Yun Yang cried out in surprise. In his hand, he held the jade green lotus leaf! The leaf, large as the table that sat in front of him, glowed softly, and a faint violet-gold sparkle could be seen glimmering in between. Violet-gold glimmer? Yun Yang squinted to take a closer look, and as he did, he could see rows of tiny words written on it. As he saw the words, the rows of writing lifted up from the leaf in a whirl, and turned into a pulsing golden light before entering the space between Yun Yangs eyebrows. comes out of nothing, grows into infinity eradicates ten sinners, lotus grows in a pulse; matches the destiny, follows the heart Yun Yang finally understood the mechanics of the seed. The first leaf of the Lotus of Endless Fate could only complete its growth when ten sinners were killed and the resulting air of injustice was gathered. His first kill had been Wu Wenyuan, followed by Wang Bao and the three men. Eight more of the Green Snake Clan had also been claimed by his hand, bringing it to a total of thirteen people. That was sufficient for not only the growth of the first leaf,but for the budding of the second as well. Destiny Lotus Leaf, goes with the heart; Destiny like saber, eternal saber. Yun Yang was deep in his thoughts, studying the lotus leaf. This Destiny Lotus Leaf would be the first gift bestowed by the Lotus of Endless Fate. It was obvious from the literal connotations that it would turn into your hearts desire; basically, into whatever you wanted it to become. Since destiny is like saber, lets have you turn into a saber then, Yun Yang looked at the lotus leaf gleaming in green on his palm. Being sound of mind, he was rather skeptical about how this leaf would go about turning itself into a saber of steel. However, with the words barely out of his mouth, he could suddenly feel his hand being weighed down by an unknown object. Incredulously, he raised his arm, only to find that the lotus leaf had been replaced by a saber, gleaming with cold conviction. The moment Yun Yang laid his eyes on it, he knew that this saber would be irrevocably his. The entire saber was violet in color, a budding lotus formed the pommel; and the grip felt like a lotus stem with tiny bumps protruding from it. Oddly enough these bumps did not feel like a hindrance when Yun Yang held the saber; they improved his grip instead. It felt light in his tight grip and a cooling sensation emanated from the very saber itself. He somehow knew that no matter how much blood or sweat drenched the grip, the saber would not slip from his hands as long as he held it. The cross-guard was a small jutting oval-shaped piece with a slight concave that formed an efficient angle; it could prevent the enemys blood from flowing as over his hands, as well as offsetting the resistance of his strength perfectly. The blade was icy and thin like a cicadas wing; the fullest part of the blade was a bit thicker, the edge as long as 2 feet and 7 C 8 inches, while its point was sharp and longer than most sabers by at least two fingers length. The blade glittered as if all the stars of the universe had been captured in its mirror-like surface; it should have looked bumpy but it was smooth and shiny even upon closer scrutiny.. Streamlined and flawless, every angle of the saber was perfectly sculpted. Even with Yun Yangs considerably complex and demanding tastes, he could not point out any flaw on the saber! Divine Edge! These two words blazed across Yun Yangs mind. It could not have been formed by anything other than Gods will; it was impossible for even a master weaponsmith to forge such a perfect saber! Divine Edge. Yes, it was certainly deserving of the name. Destiny like saber, saber of destiny, kill with the saber, kill for God! Yun Yang held the saber reverently, slowly entering his subconscious. In his mind, a figure was slowly practicing with the saber. Saber Truth: Destiny Blade3, Destinys First Form. Grip the hilt in concentration, watch the injustice without emotion; those rampaging and those who sinned, Destiny Blade will show no mercy! One form, two styles. First style, Merciless Saber. Second style, Merciless Dao4! Yun Yang felt that he had entered an intriguing martial arts world; this Saber Truth: Destiny Blade, had exceeded all of Yun Yangs expectations of forms and styles; and it was only the first form! Yun Yang couldnt help but imagine that if he had a sufficient cultivation base, no one in this world could escape from his saber! It was unfortunate that his cultivation base had only recovered, at most, one-tenth of his initial cultivation base. He had to start all over again. Time passed slowly Yun Yang had already memorized technical nuances of Destinys First Form by heart. Although it was only one form, he had to incorporate his body, mind and steps together in perfect unison for it to work. Although Yun Yang practiced with the lotus leaf consistently in his room, he could still feel the lack of power even as he was drenched in sweat and filled with exhaustion.. Looks like I can only practice and understand it slowly from now on. Yun Yang sheathed his saber and thought, I can only unleash half of the effect of this first form with my current cultivation base and its already taken up all of my spiritual energy the power of Destinys First Form is not to be taken lightly! He looked at the violet saber in his hand that was glowing like the night sky and smiled gently. Slowly, he drew the blade across his wrist, letting his blood drip onto the blade. He wiped the crimson liquid across the blade, speaking softly, Divine Edge, henceforth, you shall be my eternal partner. Allow me to banish all the injustice in this world with you in my hands! The battlefield was filled with blood, and fire seemed to burn bright in his eyes.. Countless warriors charged into the fight while smoke rose and flames danced across the plains. First, the faces of his eight brothers flickered through his vision, faces that he would never forget. Then it was the battle at Tianxuan Cliff, the event that would be forever etched in his soul. The families of the heroes came next, the harassment and hardships that the knights family had faced. His vengeful aura arose, gaining strength and purpose as the memories of injustice and wrongness flashed across his eyes. Divine Edge began to vibrate in his hand with a wild keening, and the blade pulsed with a radiant glow. It was like the constellations had fallen from the sky and landed among men, or an explosion of numerous rainbows. After some time, the blade quaked, right before sucking all the radiance of the stars and rainbows alike like a thunderous maelstrom! Translators Notes 1 Heavenly Marquis (, Tinwi hu) lit. Title: Marquis Beyond Heaven. Yun Yangs yet-unnamed father was first mentioned as ƺ,Tinwi yn hu, which had the additional character , yn, which means cloud. As such, he was previously called Marquis of Heavenly Clouds. We believe that Heavenly Marquis is a more general term for a specially ranked marquis of the empire while Marquis of Heavenly Clouds is the special title assigned to Yun Yangs father. 2 Absolute Swordmaster Seven Stroke Death (߲ɱ, Choj jindo goshu q b shshng) lit. Extreme Swords Expert Seven Step Kill. This name was a pain to translate. Regardless of how you play around with it, the name remains just as long. We considered removing the Absolute Swordmaster part or Seven Stroke Death part hoping it could make the name much more concise and readable. However, due to recent circumstances involving readers complaining about the inaccuracy of translations, we now try to alter as little as possible. 3 Saber Truth: Destiny Blade (⵶, Tiny do f) lit. Heavens Will Saber Law. 4 First style, Merciless Saber. Second style, Merciless Dao (һʽ顣ڶʽ, D y sh, do brng qng. D r sh, do brng qng!) Had to make a TL note for this as well, notice that the first phrase contains do which is the Chinese character for single-edged curved swords a.k.a. sabers. The second phrase contains do which is what most readers understand as the concept of the Dao. Basically, the author Feng Ling Tian Xia is playing with words that are pronounced the same (except for the sound), which we are unable to convey by translating the meaning of the words. 10 A Good Family Name, and a Great First Name While Yun Yang did not pass the night peacefully, another soul in another place was equally disturbed. In the residence of the old marshal, Qiu Jianhans brows were locked together in a tight frown. Who was it that spirited Wu Wenyuan away, and sent his lifeless body back? Who was it that rescued Wu Wenyuans mother and wife? The old marshal had difficulty trying to put a name to these two questions. If one had intended to do away with Wu Wenyuan, why bother saving his mother and wife? If this mysterious figure could do that, why not save Wu Wenyuans children as well? It was simply bewildering. What greatly distressed the old marshal was that this figure was capable of not only removing a person from a guarded facility, he or she could also return the body and make away with another two other prisoners with apparent ease. It was a prison! How someone could perform such a vanishing act in one of the most secure places in the capital was beyond him. By the marshals side stood a man, dressed in the ways of Confucianism. He had a serene look about him, as if the worlds problems were merely clouds, gently passing by. Marshal, I believe this is not an entirely important matter. After all, it could be said that the victim was somewhat deserving of his fate. The man smiled, There is, another issue that may warrant your attention. Hmm? Qiu Jianhan frowned in confusion. Killing Wu Wenyuan, returning his body, saving his wife and aged mother the Confucian scholar continued, It is obvious that the individual or organization that undertook this does not side with Wu Wenyuan; as accomplices, they would not have killed him. Qiu Jianhan hummed in agreement. My guess it that they killed Wu Wenyuan but saved his wife and mother as conditions of a bet. The scholar smiled, That sounds entirely reasonable.. They further demonstrated their animosity towards Wu Wenyuan by leaving behind his children, so as to prevent his lineage from surviving. The scholar said, This was why they did something so inexplicable. After a while, I am inclined to think that this person is on our side; friend not fiend. Although his actions were a tad over the top, and contemptuous of the law, it was understandable. Qiu Jianhan gave a slow nod, If so, what is this other matter that you speak of? The other matter The middle-aged scholar spoke slowly, Although Wu Wenyuan was convicted with concrete evidence, he had to have been backed by some formidable foes, as his other identity has not been exposed even until now! Has the marshal managed to look at the city gates record after the memorial ceremony today? For once, a slightly worried expression marred the scholars pleasant expression, There are many underground martial artists entering Tiantang City from everywhere, and through all the four gates. A lot of these individuals were among the experts, but their names were not on any of the records. I believe that these peoples identities were all fabricated at the point of entry. So many people coming into Tiantang City with concealed identities, at a time when Wu Wenyuan was just executed? This would be too coincidental to be genuinely unrelated. Im afraid that this mysterious organization has come for revenge. Or perhaps, they have some other malicious purpose in mind. The scholar concluded, I just wanted you to be aware of this. Qiu Jianhan nodded grimly. Its just, I still think Qiu Jianhan kept up, The incident in the prison is still a little strange. I feel that After a moments hesitation, the scholar continued, This incident is rather similar to when the Nine-Day Decree was ordained. In that particular year He frowned uncertainly as his voice lowered, There was the familiar feeling of an unstoppable tide, a series of incidents which we could do nothing about. It was as if someone had a hand in these events... Who? Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan shot up from his seat, his eyes glinting brightly, The Nine Supremes! It was barely dawn, but Yun Yang was already up and practising his swordplay. He was reluctant to use the Divine Edge just to familiarize himself with saber forms, so he held a practice saber instead. The saber was now cleverly camouflaged as a purple lotus on the sleeve of his robe. For a magical weapon with such an ability; it would be tactically unwise to reveal all his cards so early in a fight. As for wearing it on his hip, well it would just be plain foolish to do so. First style, Merciless Saber. Yun Yang rotated the ball of his foot and his knee moved along with the rotation of his calf to his hip, his body swiveled half a loop as the practice wooden saber in his hands slashed the air from top to bottom. He had been practicing this routine for a hundred or perhaps even a thousand repetitions. From afar, Lao Mei looked on with tightly pursed lips. This form While itlooked very impressive; it was too gaudy to be of any use in real-life combat. Yet, his young master had put in his all on the practice grounds. Hu! Yun Yang dropped to the ground with weariness when the last of his energy had been used up, clothes soaked through with sweat and dust. He kept his mouth closed, struggling to breathe with only his nose so as to cause the tiny amount of spiritual Qi in his dantian to flow through all his meridians through the use of the Endless Divine Art. He almost suffocated, but he flatly refused to breathe in through his mouth as that would nullify all his hard work this morning. Just a short while later, Yun Yang recovered his breath; his pale face gradually turning rosy again. Lao Mei went from skepticism to grudging respect; not everyone could be so harsh on themselves. Since his young master had begun practicing and regaining his breaths, he had broken through the human bodys physical limits a dozen times; a feat which would become the driving force behind Yun Yangs advancement in life C for he had chosen to train the hardest in his most exhausted moments! Young master will definitely become a great man in the future. Its just Lao Mei had a question bothering him for too long, Young master has always been cautious in doing things. Never rash, always planning before making his move. Beyond that, he is exceptionally intelligent and has always managed to avoid danger. What was it that had caused him to be injured so severely? To the point of losing all his cultivation base? Young master, what have you gone through? Despite being the faithful manservant for three whole years now, Lao Mei felt like he had never really understood his young master. It seemed that a cloud of mystery had always surrounded the young man. Moreover, it was puzzling that all the jade the young master kept on his person were gone. Yun Yang had loved Frost Jade a lot, as it could invoke a sense of calm, but he carried none of them on him now. Where had it vanished to? Loud, resounding knocks came from the door. May I know if Young Master Yun is home? a clear voice rang out. Both Yun Yang and Lao Mei were equally startled. A visitor? This was a highly unusual occurrence. The Residence of Yun closed its doors to visitors, and had never entertained any social contacts; this was an arrangement everyone in Tiantang City knew of. It had been at least four to five years since they had someone come a-calling, and out of of the blue, there were guests at the gates once again! Chi! chi! an excited chattering could be heard from doors. A golden-furred monkey bolted into Yun Yangs courtyard and hopped right into his surprised embrace, wearing an incredibly ecstatic look on its simian features. Yun Yangs expression was the very definition of perplexion. Had he not left this monkey behind yesterday? Why was he holding it in his arms again today? Do monkeys really like me that much? While he looked at the small creature in his arms, it crawled around in his embrace and shot up his shoulders then slid down from his back. It then crawled through the space between his legs and scuttled back up into his arms. Yun Yang rolled his eyes. A breeze wafted in from the doors, bringing with it a soothing fragrance. There, a beautiful lady stood, smiling at Yun Yang. She had a beautifully proportioned body. The ordinary black clothing she wore looked as if it was made for a queen, as she had an air of elegance that was unlike any average person. The face, however, was a little too commonplace. Of course Yun Yang did not think for a moment that this was the real face of the lady. Pardon me for the impromptu visit, Young Master Yun, the girls melodic voice was a pleasure to the ears. Not at all. Its my pleasure to have you pay a visit to my humble home. Yun Yang smiled gently, Please come in. Thank you. The lady entered, her eyes glittered merrily upon seeing the monkey that had not left Yun Yang since it got in. Pardon my impoliteness last night, it slipped my mind to ask for your name, Yun Yang spoke with an apologetic tone. The lady in black was tempted to roll her eyes, thinking, If I didnt come today, you probably wouldnt have thought of this for your entire life. My sudden visit would have served you well as an excuse for an opening line! This was the perfect example of a man who looked intelligent, but was actually not and did not care for what a girl would think! My family name is Ji1, Jimou2s Ji, the lady answered in response. What a wonderful family name! Yun Yang clapped, his expression and tone dramatized with a hint of sarcasm as he loudly laid on praise, Just this one word makes me think of people from ancient times up till the present, all of which successful because of utilizing tactics. Ji, this is the foundation of society; nothing is ever achieved without Ji! The young master has flattered me too much, the lady in black finally gave in, and rolled her eyes. If it were not for the Thousand Illusion Monkey and something regarding her own hidden agenda, she would have left immediately. You have mockingly complimented my family name, and with such glaring insincerity! Such temerity deserves a solid punch in the face! Yun Yang pinched his nose. May I ask for your full name, as well? The lady almost let out a groan, Its a single first name, Ling3. What a great first name! Yun Yang praised loudly once again, All Ji (tactics) have to be Ling (effective)! You have a amazing name! The saying goes, Ji Ling Ji Ling (effective tactic); Ji that is not Ling is not a Ji (tactics which are not effective are not tactics), only Ji Ling is a Ji (the only tactic is an effective one). Good name, a good name indeed! It represents the means behind every success Miss Ji Ling only felt blinding anger building up in her mind, so tempted was she to flip the table over and leave! If it were not for the impropriety of using foul language as a lady, she would have cursed him with all her might! Certainly, she knew she was not welcomed, but did he have to be such a boor? After all, she was still a woman, could this cretin not show at least a little bit of chivalry? Lao Mei, standing beside and listening to the entire tirade, heaved a sigh of exasperation. Young master, its no wonder youre still alone even though you have seen nineteen summers. Despite your fine features, just listen to your conversation with this lady! At this rate, it would be a miracle if you could ever get married! Translators Note: 1Ji (j): used as family name in this chapter; the word on its own also means tactic or scheme. 2jimou (ıj mu): tactic, scheme or plot. 3Ling (lng): used as first name in this chapter; the word on its own also means lark; effective. 11 A Whole Lot of Trouble The conversation had turned irreparably awkward. Yun Yang was clearly unconcerned about his boorish behaviour, while Ji Ling seethed with rage inwardly, a hairs breadth away from bursting out in anger. Lao Mei, for all his dry laughter, was internally picking his young master to shreds for his lack of civility and emotional quotient. The young master and thelady sat across each other at the tea table in a moment of awkward silence, broken only by a stifled cough. No, the awkwardness was all from Ji Ling; Yun Yang was completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere. In all her years, she had never come across such a situation! I apologize. Yun Yang sounded contrite. My humble home is extremely lacking. It has been far too long since a guest came, so we no longer have any more tea in the residence Please pardon my lack of courtesy. Lao Mei felt faint. Who said our house has no tea? Ji Ling looked at Yun Yangs flawlessly handsome face, and was completely dumbstruck. Heh, heh, heh Ji Ling forced a chuckle, and shook her head, I dont mind the joke, this is Ji Lings first time encountering such treatment since birth; or should I say, the only time in my life. Yun Yang straightened up, Youre wrong, miss. Ji Ling stared at him in confusion. Yun Yang continued, Whatever it is, once there is a first, there will inevitably be a second time! This is the law of the world. Today may be the first time that you have encountered such treatment, but mark my words, youll get the chance to be treated similarly in the future. He smiled, In time, youll eventually realize that Im actually right. Ji Lings large eyes stared unblinkingly at Yun Yangs face, with skin so smooth that even women would be envious of it. Her thoughts, however, were entirely focused on keeping her hands from lashing out and tearing that insufferable grin from his countenance. I have never met such a terrible man. Ji Ling spoke through gritted teeth. While she was generally more well bred than most of her peers, just a short encounter with Yun Yang had her contemplating murder. Youll meet more in the future. Yun Yang said slowly, How many gentlemen are there in this world? Sooner or later, you are bound to come across those who arent. Ji Ling sneered coldly, Looks like Young Master Yun is aware that he is not a gentleman himself. Yun Yangs expression was curiously composed. Miss, please do not insult me. Ji Ling replied, Having admitted that you are no gentleman yourself, how can you accuse me of insulting you? In a serious tone, Yun Yang said, What I meant was, do not mock me with the term gentleman. I do not deserve that title, regardless of whether you believe it of me or not.. Ji Ling was astounded. It was ironic that this man could speak of righteousness so unashamedly. Admittedly, there werent many people like him. She remained silent for a while before breaking out in laughter, leaving Yun Yang somewhat bewildered. Should this woman not be angered and leave? Why was she laughing? Ji Ling continued chuckling as she spoke, I am aware that Young Master Yun does not welcome me, but curiosity has gotten the better of me. May I make a few inquiries of Young Master Yun? Yun Yang answered guardedly, What would you want to know, my lady? Before last night, we have never met. As such, I am puzzled. Ji Ling asked with unfeigned interest, The young master wants me to leave so badly. Why is this so, Young Master Yun? Yun Yang grinned but Ji Ling lifted a finger before he could speak, Young Master Yun, speak truthfully, and then I will turn around and take my leave. I will not linger and play the part of the unwelcomed guest... Yun Yang looked at her questioningly as Ji Ling nodded in all seriousness. She meant what she had said. Yun Yang smiled in amusement, First, I dislike intrusions in my life I appreciate peace and quiet. Secondly, but also the more important reason, your visit heralds the coming of tribulations, and I am terribly averse to trouble of any sort in my life. Ji Ling asked in confusion, I can accept the first reason, but the second how are you so certain that Im bring with me tribulations? Yun Yangs split into a grin and started counting on his fingers, First, our encounter last night was not a delightful one. Second, you brought along with you a Thousand Illusion Monkey, which indicates that you are far from an ordinary person. Ji Ling nodded slightly in acknowledgement of this undeniable observation. Third, the appearance that you wear now is false; fourth, the same goes for the name that you have given me, Yun Yang spoke with the conviction of a person who knows that he is correct. Ji Ling blinked like an owl caught in bright light, and coughed, Perhaps not entirely real. Let us leave it at that, shall we?. You conceal your name, and came here alone with a false identity. Normally, ladies like yourself would travel in the company of a guardian but not you. This would mean, you ran away from home. That would be number five. Ji Ling coughed, nodding in resignation as she realized that she had been exposed... Simply these observations alone would indicate that you will be a whole lot of trouble, Yun Yang sighed. Theres more to it? the girl asked. Of course. Yun Yang continued, Sixth, although youve changed your appearance, Im not utterly blind. Your gaze is clear and your features distinct, but the skin tone of your neck under your chin is different; one side is slightly paler while the other side is that of your normal skin tone. The difference, though miniscule, is there. Ji Ling flushed, And what of this? If Yun Yang had not mentioned it, she would not have noticed it herself. This only means one thing; you are a terribly proud person. There arent many people that you hold in high regard. Yun Yang continued to elaborate, Therefore, youve formed a habit of tilting your head, unconsciously or otherwise, lifting one side of your chin when looking at people. Ji Ling frowned and acquiesced that this man could, unfortunately, be right in that aspect. She usually looked at others with a tilted head, lifted chinand slanted gaze.. With your personality, youd leave haughtily once theres a disagreement. Yun Yang continued, And you cannot be wrong. Am I right? Yun Yang looked at the lady and smiled. All that youve said well, youre almost there, Ji Ling answered guiltily because Yun Yang was, of course, spot on. She could tell that he had even held back from saying that she was proud, conceited, and somewhat spoiled. However, despite your proud and stubborn character, and even after our rather unpleasant encounter last night, here you are today. You managed to keep your temper in check,in spite of the treatment you have endured. It must be a terribly difficult undertaking for you. Since youre still here despite being provoked repeatedly, then it must be for something pressing. Yun Yang spoke, The eighth and final reason allows me to form my conclusion this pressing matter that made such a stubborn lady run away from her noble home and hold her temper even when mistreated; if its related to me, what else could it be but a whole lot of trouble? Ji Ling was stunned, this man had judged her based on these deductions? It didnt help that he was irrevocably right in his observations. You are absolutely correct. I am here to seek your aid. Ji Ling gave a small smile. I guess you would also know that by now. Yun Yang frowned, As promised, I have spoken clearly and truthfully. I believe that you have agreed with my observations, and admitted the truth of them. Now, I ask that you fulfil your part of the promise and leave quickly Ji Ling winked coyly. Wouldnt you at least want to find out what I came here for? Yun Yang was unaffected by her charms. My apologies, but I do not wish to know. What I desire most, is for you to leave and not to become that unwanted guest that you spoke of. Ji Ling laughed dryly, carefully choosing her words, Right. As I said, as long as youve explained yourself, Ill turn and leave. The problem is, well, I havent turned just yet. Yun Yangs eyes bulged with indignation. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, looking at this girl who had reneged on her promise. Ji Ling grinned mischievously. See, how can I leave without turning first? Am I not right? So saying, she turned to Lao Mei. Excuse me, your young master must be parched from all this talking hes done. Look at the sweat beading on his forehead! Do bring some tea over, thats a good man. Lao Mei reined in his laughter while looking at Yun Yangs expression; it was indeed the first time in his life he had seen his young master routed in a war of words. Young master, sweating? Hes not thirsty, hes infuriated! How could he not be when youve broken your promise? Why do you not honor your word? Yun Yang was exasperated; he had too many secrets, too many things to be done, and he could not afford to be harassed by this girl. Young master, why, Ji Ling looked around, do I have to honor my word? Yun Yang was almost apoplectic with rage. Why, not honoring your word is simply not the behavior of heroic men! Never claimed to be. Ji Ling chuckled righteously, Im just a girl, not some heroic man. Yun Yang rubbed his temples, feeling the onset of a terrible headache. Seeing this the Thousand Illusion Monkey thought he wanted to play with it and climbed up his head happily, its buttocks lowering right in front of Yun Yangs eyes and blocking his view. Oh my Yun Yang groaned in despair. Lao Lei had actually gone to prepare tea. Absently, Yun Yang wondered if he should deduct Lao Meis pay for leaving his side without express permission. The effrontery of the man knew no bounds. Please, be patient and listen to what Im here for, Young Master Yun, Ji Ling grinned. The grin was cunning, like a fox that had successfully stolen a chicken from the coop. In this case however, Yun Yang was obviously the poor chicken and he wondered if he would share the same fate. 12 Threats! The hardest thing to do in life is to reason with a woman. If you reason with a woman and attempt to convince her to acknowledge that youre reasonable, youre basically hopeless as a man. ------ Yun Yang Ji Ling was adamant about not leaving until she had spoken her peace. Even her pet monkey seemed to have adopted the place as its home, and it looked like there was no easy way to chase this pair off. Miss, it will damage your good standing if you linger on here. Yun Yang was relentless, This is, after all, a mans house. Oh, I absolutely agree! Ji Ling was positively beaming with delight. Youd have to agree that we should talk this through quickly, so that I may depart with haste. After all, if I do linger on and my name is tarnished, gossip will inevitably spread. The next thing you know, my family will be outside your door, calling for your head! Yun Yang spat out his drink at the temerity of this girl. Pointing at the fox that sat in front of him, he was momentarily speechless with exasperation. With his remarkable skills, he should be the one threatening others. Instead, he found himself being blackmailed by this scoundrel. Have I forgotten to mention? My family is huge much larger than the Eight Symbols1 the little devil winked. Once again, words failed Yun Yang. Lao Mei, standing beside his master, asked in bewilderment, Miss, surely you exaggerate? The eight most influential families in the world right now are the Eight Symbols. What other families could possibly be more powerful than them? Ji Ling pursed her lips thoughtfully. This mainland is enormous. The more renowned one is, the fewer people will know about them. Take for example, the man who proclaims himself to be the wealthiest person in the city. More often than not, there will be many others who are wealthier, just that they do not wish to flaunt their riches. Do you not know this? Even in his irritation, Yun Yang had to admit that this particular piece of wisdom was undeniably true. I believe you, Yun Yang muttered. You do? It was Ji Lings turn to be surprised. Yun Yang had taken her at her word? Was he not afraid that she might just be putting on airs or pretending to be someone she was not? You have about you an air of elegance, and you are bossy as you are prideful. The disregard you hold for the eight most influential families comes genuinely to you. Yun Yang continued slowly, While the Thousand Illusion Monkey is not a mystical beast of the highest tier, its future is limitless, as it has vast growth potential. Although it belongs to you, you keep it as a pet; not as a companion in combat. This obviously shows that your family background is incomparable to that of others. The members of the top eight families could have obtained similar creatures with levels comparable to this monkey, but their purpose in obtaining and training them would be vastly different. Their parents would not have agreed to their young masters and misses wanting to keep them as pets. Yun Yang was clearly becoming more upset as he spoke, It looks like I have managed to place myself in hot soup, even though it wasn''t I who started the fire. Infuriatingly enough, he had already sensed that she was trouble during their previous encounter, but he just couldnt seem to run away fast enough. Miss, what do you ask of me? Yun Yang inquired. Speak plainly, as I will not go the extra mile if it is beyond my means. Simply put, you wont force yourself to do it if you cant. Ji Ling rolled her eyes in contempt. This would be something simple for someone like you. I shall be the judge of that, Yun Yang retorted. The annual mystical beast tournament will be held at Tiantang City this year. Ji Ling continued, A great number of families, including the top eight, will all take part. This is a large event among the second generation of all the great families. Of course, we girls will also be competing against each other. How many ladies will there be in total? Yun Yang was already cringing in anticipation of the answer. Including myself perhaps a total of thirty-odd? Ji Ling was not entirely certain.. Hearing her answer, Yun Yangs face fell, and he felt that he was about to weep. Thirty-odd ladies! He had thought it was only this one insufferable girl, but now, he was looking at a whole troupe of them. Look, this is just not feasible. Yun Yang said, With my dashingly good looks, your friends will inevitably fall in love with me, and I would have signed my death warrant! Puu! Ji Ling almost choked on the bile that rose in her throat. She stared at Yun Yang, then nodded slowly. True enough, you are indeed good looking. Fear not, you dont have to worry about anything with me around! If you found saw someone you fancy, Ill even put in a good word for you, seeing as to how youve agreed to help me. Yun Yang raised his hand, Hold on! I havent agreed to anything yet. You still havent mentioned what it is that I have to do. Its really simple. Ji Ling said happily, Ive come to realize that Ling Ling is really friendly towards you, which means that you have an affinity towards mystical creatures. This is innate, a gift from God, and you should utilize it for something greater. Her tone and voice sounded remarkably like that of a scheming witch. Yun Yang snorted. It''s only your monkey that thinks so. Others may not feel the same way. Ji Ling smirked, The Thousand Illusion Monkeys defense mechanisms have always surpassed that of all the other mystical beasts. Why, not even ninth level creatures could hold a candle to it! Since it was so friendly to you, other beasts probably wouldnt be any different. She continued, For this tournament, each of us has to pair up with a mystical beast lower than the fifth level. Bets are huge in this competition, and of course, therell be other bonuses as well. Ji Ling grunted, Ive lost five consecutive years. This time, I have to win! She lost five consecutive years. You''d think that shed be used to it by now. Yun Yang thought with amusement. How does the tournament work? Yun Yang asked, feigning disinterest, despite the mild intrigue that he suddenly felt. Again, it''s simple. None of us can cheat, every competitor has to buy their beast in the mystical beast market after arriving at Tiantang City. Ten days later, we''ll compete in obedience, tacit understanding between the creature and its owner, and their abilities; not their innate abilities, but the new ones trained by the owners. This would prove the creatures dependence on its owner. Ji Ling said in frustration, The last one is rather difficult Indeed, it is, Yun Yang agreed. ...and that is why I came to you, Ji Ling finished, looking at Yun Yang with shining eyes. Yun Yang felt like a drowning man, as he waved his hand in protest, Look, I cant help you, find someone else. Mystical beast trainers are a dime a dozen in the mainland, why cant you just hire one? Trust me, if they were that capable, I wouldnt be here, Ji Ling said sardonically. Im not helping. Yun Yang stood up, his mind set. He refused to dig himself into a hole; even if the Nine Supremes were still here, he would still not put himself in such a tight spot. There would be thirty-odd ladies from all sorts of influential families present. He would be in a grave situation, regardless of who he offended. Yun Yang had a lot of things to accomplish, but joining a mystical beast tournament was not one of them. Again, Yun Yang stretched his arm out towards the exit, I cannot help you. Please, leave quickly, or I will have to call for someone to escort you out. Youre really not helping? Ji Ling squinted her eyes dangerously. No! Yun Yang shook his head vehemently. Amazing. Simply amazing. Ji Ling stomped her feet and turned back to say, Young Master Yun, think this through properly. If you help now, you would only be helping me. Only you and I would know about this. If you refuse me, I could just walk out onto the street and spread the news. Before you know it, it wont be just me but all the other thirty-odd sisters running in your direction. Not to mention the young masters as well. I sincerely hope that you can manage all that attention. They may not believe me, but they wont pass up the chance to find out the truth. When that day comes, youll offend everyone if you help only one and if you help none of them at all, well, itll still be the same. Harrumph, and good day to you. Ji Ling turned as if to leave. Ah Yun Yang could feel his head pounding, Lady Ji, please hold up. Ji Ling spun back and beamed like the cunning little fox she was, Yes, Young Master Yun? Forcing a pained smile onto his face, Yun Yang waved his servant over, Lao Mei, serve tea, the best that we have. Lady Ji, on a second thought, I think theres still space for discussion on this matter. Ji Ling turned around proudly, her face full of delight for successfully winning the rally. Youll agree to help? Yun Yang nodded in defeat. Yes, but I would like to ask, what are the bets involved? And how will you reward me for this? You wont allow me to help you without recompense, I hope? The men are the ones who make the big bets. Its only playthings for us girls, Ji Ling smiled, Some of us bet on spiritual pills, mystical stones, cultivation methods, seventh or eighth grade mystical pills and whatnots; nothing significant. But among the seven of us sworn sisters, we also decide on whos the oldest and youngest according to the competition outcome. Ji Ling was bitter. Ive been the youngest for five years already. Yun Yangs expression grew increasingly dark. Spiritual pills mystical stones cultivation methods seventh or eighth grade mystical pills and whatnots nothing significant she called these playthings! Playthings! Do you know how many people in Tiantang City would fight over a spiritual pill? Have you seen the riots that would break out for a mystical stone? Do you know that the whole underground martial arts world would turn into a bedlam over a cultivation method? Do you know a seventh or eighth grade mystical pill Forget it, never mind. Yun Yang was peeved. This was the first time he actually felt like a poor man; like a villager who had never seen the world. The ladies bets were already so shockingly decadent, and he wondered what the young masters would bet on. Throughout his entire internal tirade, Yun Yang remained stoic, What about my pay? Whatever Ive won, you will get half of it. That is, assuming I win of course. Ji Ling offered generously, What do you think? Yun Yang was tempted to say that it was barely sufficient, but he grudgingly admitted to himself that it was more than he had expected. Done. Yun Yang said, But for me to help you win this tournament,youll have to help me obtain some information. Would you agree to that? The world might not know about the Four Seasons Tower, but it should be common knowledge for these large, influential families. What information do you require? Ji Ling asked. Ill let you know after the tournament. If I cant win this for you, we''ll forget about this whole farce. Yun Yang continued, But if you win, I dont even mind not receiving my portion of the bet. Just promise to help me find out this particular bit of information. Agreed? Alright, agreed! Ji Ling nodded easily. Both of their hands clasped loudly together, sealing the deal. Ive just noticed that your hand is even fairer than that of a lady, and better looking to boot, Ji Ling observed as she peered closely at Yun Yangs hand.Let me take a closer look. Are you a woman disguised as a man? A flustered Yun Yang refrained from throttling the girl as he replied through gritted teeth, My dear miss, would you like me to drop my pants to answer your question? Translators Note 1 Eight Symbols (ﶬ chn xi qi dng, dng nn x bi): Creatively derived from Four Symbols which are four mythical beasts in Chinese mythology who each represent one of the four seasons and one of the four cardinal directions. Literally means spring, summer, autumn, winter, and north, south, east, west - each representing the family name of powerful, honorable families. Four was changed to Eight so that the title of the eight great families would not mislead readers. 13 External Forces, Warnings and Popinjays The deal was sealed. Unsurprisingly, Ji Ling insisted on spending the night at the Residence of Yun. Such a large home, and only for the both of you? Ji Ling asked. How lonely that must be! Im sure you wouldnt mind if I availed myself of your hospitality tonight then. Seeing as to how we are both unmarried, that would be an inconvenience. It would be much more appropriate for Lady Ji to rent a room at the tavern, instead, Yun Yang said while carefully nursing his bruised right eye, the price of his incessant mocking earlier. In that case, Ill just have a little chat with my sisters about how fondly these mystical beasts take to you Very well, which room will you have? Yun Yang endlessly sighed as he ate. Seated across him, Lady Ji watched with increasingly widening eyes as he shoveled food into his mouth. How can you possibly eat so much? Ji Ling felt nauseous looking at Yun Yang practically inhale the small mound of mystical beast meat, albeit with table manners elegant enough to rival any lord... This would come up to forty, maybe fifty catties? Eat quickly, Lady, Lao Meis hands flashed as he quickly skewered a piece of meat, Itll all be gone very soon. Ji Ling had nothing to say in response. Yun Yang, who initially had no interest whatsoever in the young ladys tournament, began to think to himself. The competition between these young masters will be interesting. Yun Yangs gaze glinted darkly, Im going against the Four Seasons Tower, but I have no clue where to start I have an objective, but its not strength, and even if I had the strength, I would still be lacking a target. Perhaps itd be a good idea to start with these young masters The more he thought about it, the brighter Yun Yangs eyes became. I can turn back if Im in error, but I cant go on sitting on my heels. Yun Yang continued to brood on the matter, his eyes gazing far away. If it were the mystical beasts tournament, wouldn there already be quite a number of young masters present here already? Ji Ling , in contrast, was feeling extremely pleased with herself. Be vexed with me, chase me away, but in the end, youll still have to aid me. Little did she know that Yun Yang had already made her his stepping stone in his plans. Furthermore, she wouldnt be the only one caught in his web. Soon, all the young masters from these influential families who were yet to come would be as well, and their foundations would be shaken from that day onwards. Faced with Ji Lings blustering threats, Yun Yang could have just ended the stand-off with a simple sentence, Whoever you speak to about me doesnt matter, Ill just make sure you dont succeed. However, he would never do that, because if it werent for Ji Ling, Yun Yangs train of thoughts would never had led this way. Since the moment she had appeared in the picture, a wide, spacious route was suddenly laid out in front of Yun Yang. These were external forces that even his own enemies would not have foreseen, making them the real threat. It looked like he would have to make his rounds in Tiantang City more frequently now. Tomorrow, well go pick out a mystical beast, Yun Yang said. Okay.Ji Ling smiled in triumphed. It was already late into the night at the Residence of Marshal Qiu Jianhan. The old marshal gazed endearingly at a painting on the wall in his study. It depicted a battlefield; nine different colors were splashed across it. The earth quaked, thunder roared and lightning flashed, flames spouted high and mighty as ferocious waves churned, strong winds blew and billowing clouds filled the heavens. It was a vision of the Nine Supremes valour, frozen for eternity on parchment. You nine men, the old marshals eyes were moist, had always been so careful. How did it come to this? The painting gave no reply, the nine masked warriors who stood brave in the battlefield were silent. The old marshal sighed heavily. Without warning, a sharp whistle tore through the night air. A stern voice hollered outside, Who goes there? In the blink of an eye, the quiet residence dissolved into chaos. A silver streak split the air as a sword flew from several dozen feet outside of the wall and crashed into the roof of the marshalls residence with a loud crack; broken tiles flying across the sky. There was a incandescent flash of light, followed by a thud, and all present could see a strip of paper fluttering wildly, pinned against the doorframe. In sepulchral tones, a voice hissed from the night, Qiu Jianhan! Forget about Wu Wenyuans case; we honour your reputation, but a smart man knows when to stop. If you choose to remain stubborn, even those sworn to protect you will not be able to guarantee your life! Showers of sword sparks flashed in counterpoint to the grunts of the guards. A glowing blade could be seen rising up into the sky, with a black shadow holding onto it. On the ground, countless guards gave chase. The light then flickered as daggers showered upon the residence, the steel shining brightly like meteorites. In panic, the guards weaved their swords through the air, attempting to deflect the shards of death. When the ray from the swords glow vanished, only the stars and moon could be seen in the night sky. The shadow that had been there was gone without a trace. In the midst of bedlam, Qiu Jianhan stood calm and collected by the doorway. His gaze was filled with disdain as his arms rested firmly against his back. Bring it to me. The strip paper was passed to Qiu Jianhans open palm. Unfolding the strip, it contained only a single line written with blood. The Nine Supremes are dead, seek no rancor nor vengeance! Pang! Qiu Jianhan tore the paper into shreds as his voice rang out loud, The vengeance of the Nine Supremes will be sated! The sheer volume of his voice echoed through the night, the still air buzzed with the force of his declaration. Heh heh heh The eerie voice spoke again, as if from a distance, So, youve chosen the fools way. Let us see what comes next! With that, the voice faded into the gloom. Old Marshal Qiu growled into the dark, his eyes blazing with fury, I shall not rest until I am dead! The old marshal was furious beyond words, and his cries carried out into the capital. Ive only begun to investigate a few culprits, and already you grow impatient? Who then would bring justice to the death of the Nine Supremes? Yun Yangs home was not far from the residence of the marshal. The old marshals bellows, amplified with traces of refined mystical Qi, had shaken the entire capital awake. Yun Yang had heard it all, as clear as crystal. He immediately sat up, a magical radiance flowing from his hands as they worked briskly to trace words which also glimmered with mystical Qi before disappearing into the air mysteriously. Investigate the night incident at the Residence of the Marshal! It was early morning at the mystical beast market. Yun Yang strolled along dressed in resplendent purple; although unwilling to be here, his innate elegance was not diminished in any way by reluctance. Although shops were lining the streets, the mystical beast market was entirely different from the pet market; here, it was clean without any unpleasant odors of animal waste or musk. The creatures being put up for sale here were all of good stock, second level and higher. These beasts had already begun to gain a reasonable amount of intelligence, and that included an aversion to being dirty as well. Ji Ling trailed behind Yun Yang, casually playing with the Thousand Illusion Monkey that was sitting comfortably on his shoulder. She was the very picture of innocence, but Yun Yang knew that this girl was far from that. The manner in which she could accurately identify his Achilles heel and threaten him with it was a telltale sign that she was no ordinary girl. The Thousand Illusion Monkey also managed to look docile, its horns had shrunk into its head and somehow its multiple tails had merged into one. Even if anyone were to look closely, it resembled a perfectly normal baby monkey. Its crimson eyes darted around in mirth along the entire journey, but it remained perched on Yun Yangs shoulder despite the many things that caught its attention. Ssss An odd hissing arose from the entrance of the first shop they passed. Here, a mass of golden, statue-like snakes writhing in a cage raised their hooded heads, hissing fiercely at Yun Yang. Their long coils undulated wildly as if attempting to break out. Slightly perturbed, Yun Yang pondered upon the means of concealing his innate ability. While it was certainly advantageous that he could attract mystical beasts, it would do him no good if he were to be caught and exposed! Nevertheless, Ji Lings eyes radiated with glee at the sight. Ive made the right choice indeed! Although Yun Yang had not practiced his cultivation, he could not entirely conceal his uniquely fresh scent and the immense air of vitality enveloping his being from these mystical beasts. Golden Silk Snakes, Yun Yang muttered under his breath and continued to saunter past the shop. These third level beasts were extremely venomous, but Yun Yang barely slowed down to even take a second glance at them. He did the same at the second shop, and then the third. The creatures would grow agitated and work themselves into a frenzy as Yun Yang passed by. In his mind, he had to keep to remarkably high standards when selecting a mystical beast. It had to be more obedient than the current one, able to form a tacit understanding with its owner, able to be taught new abilities, and must also able to show dependency on its new owner. All of that, and it could be no higher than a fifth level beast. That would come up to a total five conditions; the number of fifth level mystical beasts that could accommodate all of them was few and far in between. To Yun Yang, there was another condition; seemingly insignificant, but in reality, of utmost importance. It had to be able to receive training from a girl. This was Yun Yangs first visit to the market. He would normally never deign to step foot in such places; the lower level mystical meat that he consumed would usually be bought and prepared as a bountiful meal by Lao Mei. Now that he was here however, he saw how merry the place was. It was a lively arena, teeming with people walking about, all abuzz with excitement. Up front there were a number of people dressed in white, chattering loudly as they fanned themselves while walking. A chuckle almost escaped Yun Yangs throat when he recognized who they were. Ah, familiar faces. Young Master Ma and Young Master Qin had each brought their servants along and were looking around openly. Their gazes strayed everywhere but boldly lingered longest on the ladies who were passing by with their mystical beasts. Yun Yangs eyes sparkled with curiosity, was that a baby beast that Young Master Ma held in his arm? Its bright, innocent eyes seemed to be taking in its surroundings. Interesting indeed. Hey, little lady, have we met before? Young Master Ma attempted to waylay a girlishly slim figure that walked by, pretending to be deep in thought. Where was it again? Allow me to think The girl spat on the ground in disgust and stalked off in a huff. Hey, wait, dont go! Ive figured it out! Why are you leaving? Meh, girls these days. No fun whatsoever. Young Master Ma wore a bored expression. Hey, lady, seeing you today has inspired me to write a poem Hey, dont go! Young Master Qin stared at the girl dejectedly and said, I just wanted to show you my talents! Sigh. Undaunted, the two womanizers just shrugged and continued the hunt for their next prey. Yun Yang hid a smile. These lechers! Philanderers indeed! Those two popinjays are utterly unsavory! Ji Lings frowned in their direction. Even as she spoke, Young Master Qin and Young Master Ma had already spotted her from a distance. Although they could not see her face from the angle that she stood, her well-proportioned figure had the two animals rushing over in a frenzy. Being somewhat blinded by lust, they did not see Yun Yang standing just within arms reach. Casually placing themselves on both of Ji Lings sides, they wheezed, Young lady, you look familiar! Ahem, Yun Yang gave a discreet cough in warning. If he did not intervene in time, Ji Ling might have pummel the men to their deaths. Young Master Yun? Young Master Ma looked like he had seen a ghost. On the other side, Young Master Qin who had also heard the admonition turned around with a sour expression on his face. Brother Yun. It looks like there isnt anywhere we can go without running into each other. Yun Yang sneered, Are you two having fun? Young Master Ma laughed uncertainly, Brother Yun, you would know better! Theres no way we can compare ourselves to you. You certainly have an eye for the ladies, walking about with a beauty like this! Young Master Qin plastered on a pained smile, Right right, Brother Yun has all the luck when it comes to the opposite sex... It was at this moment that Ji Ling turned her head over, her eyes boring holes into both Young Master Qin and Young Master Ma. Their faces froze in a rictus as they caught her angry gaze. How could this lady possess such an elegant figure but have such a homely face? The compliments they were about to ply on her abruptly vanished, and they were left gaping in silence. Translators Note 1 Ancestors grave would smoke(ð z fn shng mo qng yn): to have really good luck or fortune. 2 Long Hu Dou( lng h du): literally dragon fighting against tiger; famous Cantonese dish made of snake and wild cat. 14 The Lightning Cat That Wasn’ Popinjays! Ji Ling spat and walked away with her head raised high. Young Master Ma exhaled in relief and looked towards Yun Yang, his expression filled with amazement. Brother Yun, I must say our tastes are... ahem, vastly different. Young Master Qins was a face of regret. What a pity, such a waste... Pity? Looking carefully at Young Masters Qins salacious eyes, Yun Yang concluded that he regretted letting that alluring body walk away from him, homely face notwithstanding. Yun Yang tried not to laugh out loud and instead, waved a negligent hand at the baby beast in Young Master Mas arms, Brother Ma, what is this is? Young Master Ma chortled, This? It''s just a Lightning Cat. I bought it since it looks like lots of fun. Initially, I was attracted to its snowy fur; its pretty and obedient. Ordinary Lightning Cats are worth about 1,500 silver taels each, but I had to part with 2,000 silver taels for this one, its so expensive! I had to see what was so special about it. Yun Yang nodded distractedly. The self-indulgent fellow had actually bought the cat just because it was more expensive than usual. He probably had no idea what to do with his money. It looks like I asked for too little the last time. Furthermore, he said that this was... A Lightning Cat? Yun Yangs thoughts came careening back to the grinning fool in front of him. How could this be a Lightning Cat? A Lightning Cat would normally attain its third level upon reaching adulthood, but this one had already achieved the third level while still in its infancy! This is not a bad cat at all. Yun Yang managed to keep the excitement from his voice. Does Brother Yun like it? Young Master Ma asked in delight. Please accept it then, with my compliments. He handed the tiny bundle of fur over to Yun Yang. Yun Yang was at a loss for words as he accepted the creature. Scratching his head, there was one thing he knew for sure; this wasnt a Lightning Cat. It had to be an unidentified mystical creature and it would definitely not plateau at the fifth level. For it to reach the third level before even a month of age, it was highly probable that the cat could reach the eighth or ninth level upon complete maturity! To have bought it for 2,000 silver taels was such a stroke of luck, even the ancestors grave would smoke1! Meanwhile, this philanderer Ma was willing to give it away, just like that. No, I couldnt possibly accept this. Yun Yang was torn. It is, after all, Brother Mas most prized gem. Young Master Ma laughed, This is nothing! Its just a cat! With you, itll probably live a few days longer; if I were to bring it home, it would end up with a golden scaled snake in a pot of Long Hu Dou2 Long Hu Dou If a small dragon was given to you, are you going to braise it too? What else do you know other than to eat? Yun Yang was tempted to ask. If you so insist, then I shall accept it. Yun Yang was graciousness personified. Should I pay you 2,000 silver taels? Young Master Ma waved his hands in exaggerated protest, Young Master Yun, please say no more! It would be an insult if I were to accept payment for such a petty thing. Are we not brothers? Even if you wanted my wife of course, youd never want my wife. But even if you did Yun Yang promptly cut him off, I get the point, lets not wander off too far. Young Master Ma, I am in your debt. Young Master Ma positively beamed with delight. Young Master Yuns favor! That would mean... Upon hearing this, Young Master Qin, wide-eyed with amazement, pushed himself over. Young Master Yun, I have one here too! he proclaimed loudly. Yun Yang saw a small black bear in the arms of a guard standing behind Young Master Qin. It was struggling in his embrace as it cried pitifully. Ah, a third level mystical beast Yun Yang shook his head, No more, please. I have already accepted the cat. Im embarrassed enough as it is. No worries there. Young Master Qin had already plucked the black cub from the guards hands and thrust it at Yun Yang. Dont be shy, were brothers! You absolutely must agree to take this as well! Yun Yang felt out of sorts hugging the black cub. I wanted the cat because of its potential; what use is this cub? This cat... where did you manage to purchase it from? Yun Yang asked, Are there others left? Why, sure, there were plenty! Young Master Mas words set Yun Yangs heart racing. Mystical creatures such as these were rarer than rare, and there were more where it came from? Astounding. Lets see, its just over there. Its the first, second, third, fourth, fifth ninth or tenth shop from here, Young Master Ma counted. Look for a big basket containing all these cats. Just as he finished, he saw a shadow streak past him, and Yun Yang was already gone. Wheres that man? Young Master Ma scratched his head. Whered he go? Beats me. Young Master Qin lowered his head with a disheartened look; Yun Yang had disappeared but he had also left behind the black cub. He had spurned his offering! To Young Master Qin, the world was filled with evil and injustice. Why did you accept Mas cat but not my bear? Its so much larger than his cat! Even if it were to be made into a dish, it could have been apportioned into so many more servings Young Master Ma was delighted as he hummed a nameless tune. Come, Brother Qin, let me buy you a drink to celebrate! Im not free! Young Master Qin shot his comrade a hostile glare and turned around to leave. ... Yun Yangs steps were leisurely at the start, but he began to pick up speed immediately, covering an incredible amount of ground within the blink of an eye. He moved like a raging whirlwind, but he had to remember to conceal the cat within his robes carefully. If nearby experts caught a glimpse of it, he wouldnt be able to hold onto it for long. Forcing himself to slow down, he maintained a brisk walk; his left arm was hugging a white kitten and on his shoulder rested a young golden monkey. Ji Ling, totally clueless as to what was happening, could only break into a run to keep up with the man. Yun Yangs had only one goal in sight, and he immediately recognized his destination when he saw it; clear as day, a large bamboo basket stood right in front of the shop. On the outer side of the basket was a sign, Precious Baby Beasts, Lightning Cat Offsprings. Inside the basket, a litter of snow-white kittens were playfully engaged in a ferocious fight. Yun Yang sprinted over in excitement but stopped short as he neared his prize. There, in front of the large bamboo basket, were a few young men playing with the kittens. Ji Ling who saw them at the same time as Yun Yang made an about-turn and promptly vanished. These men wore lavish clothing, their gazes were sharp, and they had an indescribable aura of wealth about them. They did not speak, but their bodies radiated pride and grace as naturally as the sun gave out warmth. They were unfamiliar to Yun Yang, and it was by that same unfamiliarity that their identities were unmasked. They need not have proclaimed their names, as there were no young masters in Tiantang City that he was not acquainted with. Ji Ling had mentioned that all the young masters and ladies from large, influential families would join the annual mystical beast tournament and this year it would be in Tiantang City. These men standing right before him were obviously some of those young masters, and they seemed to know exactly what they were about. Yun Yang kept his anxiety concealed, and walked over slowly. There were indeed three kittens that were different than the others, snow-white all over with sapphire blue eyes. Although they were tiny, they seemed disinclined to play or socialize with the other kittens. Looking carefully through squinted eyes, he could see that the other three were not as big as the one he held in his arms; they were not even second level beasts. However, that in itself was already a rare thing. The other three young masters looked thoughtful as well. These kittens are quite odd, the one bedecked in blue said. Perhaps they have consumed something nourishing? the one in white suggested. So small, and already attained the second level! the young master in green added. Its unfortunate that they are just Lightning Cats, the man in blue said regretfully. The mother cat probably ate some wondrous treasure to have given birth to these, but they are still only Lightning Cats Yun Yang heaved a sigh of relief. Only Lightning Cats? It was a good sign that these men were not very well versed, after all. Yun Yang had to admit to himself that it was to be expected. Had the Supreme Wind, his eighth brother, not forced him to flip through the Illustrated Encyclopedia of All Beasts during his idle moments, he would not have recognized these cats either. These white kittens are really not all that bad... Yun Yang who had a golden baby monkey on his shoulder squatted down while scratching the kitten hidden under his robes. Without giving away a hint of what he was doing, he sent a sliver of Endless Divine Art into the kittens body. The kitten immediately curled up peacefully and laid still. Simultaneously, he directed three other pulses of the Endless Divine Arts energy into the three kittens in the basket; comforting them. The three kittens that had wanted to move towards Yun Yang laid back down in contentment. It didnt matter who these people were, Yun Yang was determined to see his plan through; he had to have these little critters! His mannerisms practically screamed, I will buy them! 15 Care to Place a Wager? While Yun Yang was utilizing his talents, he did not notice the three young masters observing him with keen eyes, upon catching sight of the golden monkey on his shoulder. Shopkeeper! Yun Yang straightened up and asked in a loud voice, How much for these kittens? Delightedly springing out from his store, the shopkeepers plump face beamed like a blooming flower, Young master certainly has a good pair of eyes on him, these are the precious offspring of Lightning Cats. Why, Ive spent a fortune Yes, yes, just tell me how much does each one of these cost? Yun Yang feigned annoyance, Im buying them back for my lover as playthings. Money wont be an issue here! The shopkeeper was elated but carefully said, May I then know which one has caught the young masters fancy? Yun Yang straightened up and wove an air of wealth about himself, This one, this one, this, this, and this one. If the price is reasonable, I want them all. He pointed to five of the kittens, two genuine Lightning Cats mixed alongside the three unique ones. The plump shopkeeper was beside himself with joy, If young master wants all five I surely can give a discount of Hold up! Walking up, the young master in blue said leisurely, Brother, we have the first claim towards these kittens. Yun Yang turned around. What is the young master trying to say? The man in blue explained slowly, biting off each word, Simple, I want these kittens. Although he was unaware that a few of them were exceptional, he was irked by Yun Yangs arrogant manner, showing off his wealth, and felt an inexplicable need to bring him down a notch. He also had an odd feeling that he would regret missing this opportunity to procure these kitten. The young master in blue had always believed in his instincts. He did not fully understand how or why giving up a litter of puny, baby Lightning Cats would cause him regret, but he would stand by what his intuition was telling him. Yun Yang chuckled, You claim you saw it first, may I ask if youve asked for the price? The man in blues face darkened as he shook his head, No, I have not. Yun Yang then smiled. May I then ask if you have paid a deposit of any sort for these kittens? The man in blue frowned. I have yet to ask for the price, how could I have paid any surety? I see. Yun Yang nodded and continued, It seems to me that the young master had no intention of buying them, but upon seeing me make an offer, changed his mind immediately. Is this so? The young master in blue had no wise retort. It was the truth, more so in others eyes. The three of them had stood there for the longest time but had shown no inclination of making a purchase. Only right after the purple-robed young master came to ask for the value did they step in and claim first rights. What was this if not asking for trouble? All three mens gaze sharpened as they honed their stares on Yun Yang. He felt a piercing sensation of his face as if a sharp knife was held against his skin. The young man in blue spoke slowly, his tone light but imposing, Young master, your words are a tad too harsh. If I did not wish to buy them, why would I look at them for so long? I didnt make an offer right away because I wanted to take the time to choose He paused before continuing, Besides, even if I didnt want to buy them at first, I do now. Do you hear? Im buying them! I saw them first, and of course, that means they belong to me. Yun Yang laughed, May I ask if young master knows the Greatest Beauty, Shui Lanqing? He had switched the topic entirely. The man in blue was immediately on his guard, What do you mean? Yun Yang spoke in a carefree tone, Shui Lanqing was acknowledged as the Greatest Beauty in the world thirty years ago. Before she met her husband, Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui, countless numbers of people had seen her first, but of course, she was still married to her husband in the end. The man in blues expression darkened in anger. Yun Yang continued breezily, If Id seen Shui Lanqing then, I think, I would also have claimed her hand in marriage. Though, she might not have chosen me of course. But I couldnt very well say that Shui Lanqing is mine because I saw her first right? The young master in blue grew even more incensed. Ling Xiaozui, Shui Lanqing. This was Tianxuan Continents match made in heaven; Ling Xiaozui was a legend, an unrivaled expert! Dragons such as he soared above mortals, drunken with a tipple and sword; chasing infinity to the corners of the Earth, he was unrivaled among heroes across the world! Yun Yang was impudent to use this legend as an analogy. Although Yun Yang had a temper, he would have been willing to forgo arguing with these young masters and not think of it as a humiliation if these kittens had not been so very important to him. After all, there were a lot of influential people in this world, and grudges had always stemmed from petty matters such as these. On any other occasion, Yun Yang would usually steer clear from such troubles. However, he just had to have these kittens! It wasnt just for Ji Lings tournament; these Lightning Cat offspring were an undeniable treasure. Once they grew up, they would definitely be a force to be reckoned with! Such opportunities only came once in a lifetime, how could Yun Yang not insist on seeing it through to the end? The man in blue glared at Yun Yang for a long while before relenting, If that is so, let us bid for them. That way, you cant accuse me of bullying you. He looked like he was about to explode in anger but somehow, he had managed to force his fury down and replace it with icy indignation. Yun Yang said lightly, This can only mean that you are absolutely confident that you are wealthier than I am, and can afford to pay more than I; it may seem fair, but its just another form of bullying. Browbeating people with money. Where is the fairness in that? The man in blue took a deep, shaky breath, I must have these kittens! You must have them, and so must I. We will never get anywhere if we go on like this. Would you care to place a wager against me? Yun Yang gave it some thought and continued, Only with an absolutely fair method of course. If its laid, its played. The man in blue said, A wager? How? Yun Yang replied, With these kittens. We both have encountered them for the first time today. Lets bet on who these kittens are willing to follow. We can use anything to entice them, be it food or spiritual methods. Let them choose their owner! What say you? The man in blue squinted his eyes and looked thoughtfully towards the energetic kitties in the basket. When his gaze swiveled back to Yun Yang, however, it took on a different light altogether Yun Yang could feel his hackles rise as tendrils of probing energy slid over his entire form, seven or eight different ones all at once. There was a trace of inquiry in the tendrils; he could even whiff the scent of a Treasure Hunting Rat. These young masters were clearly making sure that he had nothing that would entice the mystical creatures hidden on his person. Standing in an open stance, he smiled gently. What say you, young masters? Would you dare take up this wager? Right from the very beginning, he had no intention of backing down. When you dealt with wealthy, spoiled brats, it was impossible to avoid disagreements forever. If they had to resort to a dispute, however, he fully intended to come out top. He had already cast the net, now was the time to delicately reel it in. The brains and intelligence of the Nine Supremes would never behave brashly. The young master in blue that faced him gave a confident smile, his hawk-like eyes boring into Yun Yang. Certain now that Yun Yang had no secreted items that would lend him an advantage, he was perceptibly more relaxed, assured that he would win this time. You want to bet against me? The man in blue smiled in ridicule; his friends beside him wore similar amused expressions. He was not a mystical beast trainer, but he had been familiarizing himself with the profession since he was young; he was certainly more skilled than the average trainer. The guards shared a look between themselves, and one of them hurried away. My stakes are high, and perhaps not everyone may be able to match it. He grinned at Yun Yang, looking for all the world like a cat toying with a cornered rat. Yun Yang frowned. Surely you jest? Have we not decided on the stakes since the beginning? Its these kittens! They belong to whomever who wins. The young masters smile never faltered, and he replied slowly, Just mere Lightning Cats are nowhere near worthy enough to serve as stakes. Yun Yangs resolution wavered slightly at that, but his gaze turned sharp again after a moment, If you insist on losing more treasures to me, it would be impolite of me to decline. I thought so too, the young master in blue retorted. In a shadowed alcove nearby, Ji Ling covered her mouth, trying desperately to hold in her laughter. When she first overheard Yun Yang requesting to buy the kittens, she had already seen the trap coming from a mile away. She was certain that the schemers ultimate goal was not the ordinary Lightning Cats. When she then heard Yun Yangs suggested wager, and how it was to be carried out, Ji Ling almost guffawed aloud. Even the mighty Thousand Illusion Monkey had submitted entirely to Yun Yang These young masters want to challenge his hold of obedience on mystical beasts? They might as well just give him the money right now. She watched as Yun Yang weaved like a boxer, first advancing aggressively with a single step, then retreating by two, successfully luring his opponent in without missing a beat; Ji Ling rolled her eyes, she had nothing to say about this behavior. It was simply unfortunate for these affluent young masters to have encountered Yun Yang. They would be slaughtered like pigs in the market. Furthermore, they had been the ones who had forced Yun Yang to up the ante; any misery that transpired from this debacle would be of their own doing. How could there be such miserable people around? It was certainly an eye-opener for Ji Ling, who had been observing the whole affair from her hiding place. After all, it was rare to find these sort of buffoons who would help their enemies set up a trap and then spring it themselves! 16 Ximen Wandai! Time to Reel in the Net... At that point, the guard came forward to put his head close to the young masters ear and whispered. The young master blinked, raised his head to look at Yun Yang, and let out a smile, Well, well, looks like we have a notable character in our midst. Young Master Yun, a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. Yun Yang surprise was unfeigned, Eh? The man in blue retained his knowing look as he spoke, Heaven Marquis Xiaoyaos young master, a famed name in Tiantang City Since Young Master Yuns reputation is of such stellar quality, I need not worry about the stake of this bet. Yun Yang stared at him. You made inquiries about me? Lets not call it an inquiry; success is all about knowing your enemy. The man in blue continued, I wonder what the young master of Marquis Yun would use as a bet? Yun Yang frowned, and for the first time, seemed hesitant. The man in blue smirked, Since Young Master Yun has suggested the wagers are you not able to suggest the stakes? Yun Yang spoke with caution, Perhaps we could throw in our money The other party laughed mockingly, Young master, we are both practitioners from the world of martial arts; what joy does gold and silver hold for us? Please, choose something else. The other two young masters beside him laughed in amusement as well; the young master in blue had scored a point in this bout. It was always amusing to see him back his opponent into a corner and force him or her to submit. Obviously, it was happening right now to this young master of Tiantang City. Yun Yang pretended to hesitate and summoned up an air of false bravado, If I were to announce my bet which would be of a sizeable sum, it might upset some of those present here Perhaps we should just let this go? At this juncture, the young master in blue was not about to let anything go; after all, who lets go of a giant fish that he has gutted? His face grew upset and his voice turned cold, Does Young Master Yun look down on my capabilities? Were you not the one who asked to place this bet? Will you also be the one to back out of it? Even if Young Master Yun is an influential figure in the Empire of Yutang, you have no right to manipulate people like this. His eyes narrowed with malice, and he said slowly and distinctly, Besides I, Ximen Wandai, am not someone Young Master Yun can make a fool of. Ximen Wandai. Finally, he had revealed his own name. Yun Yang nodded, nonchalant about the revelation. So its Young Master Ximen. Is Young Master Ximen still adamant on betting? Inwardly, he was pleasantly stunned. One of the top eight influential families bore the name Ximen. Could this Ximen Wandai be from that family? As Yun Yang was pondering upon this, Ximen Wandai answered with a sneer, Its too late to walk away now, even if you wanted to! How could he loosen his grip when Yun Yang was already half dead in his hands? Ximen Wandai could not help but feel pleased with himself for his sheer brilliance. Initially, he had been the one at fault, the boorish lord who had caused a ruckus just as the other party had been about to make a legitimate purchase. As the events unfolded, however, he realized that he was adroit enough to turn the escalating situation in his favor, and reap a significant amount of profit in the process. Waving his hands mockingly, he cried out, Could it be that Young Master Yun is unable to finance his part of the wager? The insinuation hung clearly in the air. You threw the gauntlet, and I accepted. Are you going to turn your tail and flee? Yun Yangs face flushed an angry red as he retorted, Who are you accusing of being unable to afford the bet? Name your stakes, and Ill do one better! Now, youve walked right into my trap! Ximen Wandai was thrilled, and using Yun Yangs own words against him, he said, I can bet a seventh grade mystical pill, a hundred mystical stones, and the treasured saber, Phoenixs Cry. The saber is one of the Seven Swords and Three Sabers forged by the Greatest Weaponsmith Ou Hunzi a millennia ago Now, I would like to hear what Young Master Yun has to offer to match these stakes! A murmur of awe rippled across the bystanders who had gathered to listen to the drama that was unfolding in front of the shop. If one were to pay with gold for a mystical pill from a seventh grade mystical beast, one would easily need to pony up easily a million units, it was that priceless! Mystical stones, on the other hand, were practically reservoirs of power for mystical cultivation; the amount of energy contained within a mystical stone could be absorbed over a span of three days, and yield the same result as a year of closed door cultivation! Ou Hunzis Seven Swords and Three Sabers were also globally renowned weapons. One of them, the treasured sword Merak1, was a national treasure of the Empire of Dongxuan C the value of these master-forged items were unfathomable! Most individuals would never even see any of these legendary weapons in their lifetime. What could Yun Yang possibly use as part of his wager? Somewhat astonished by how high the stakes had gone, Yun Yang couldnt help but think to himself that this was a total windfall! Triumphantly, he decided to jump in with wild abandon. Ximen Wandai was extremely pleased with his own cleverness, and mistook Yun Yangs hesitation for worry. What does Young Master Yun think? His tone was casual and light, It would be fine by me if Young Master Yun were to hedge any of these with similar items as well. Yun Yang took a deep breath, and shook his head, These are not sufficient. Ximen Wandai and his two friends were dumbfounded. Insufficient? What gem could you possibly bring to the table as a mere marquis son in this secular country? Yun Yang looked hesitant before he answered, I shall match your stakes with a ninth level mystical beasts offspring. Its singular value is beyond all the treasures you have proposed, combined! A ninth level mystical beasts offspring! Even Ximen Wandai recoiled with shock.. Whether it was wandering in the wild or ensconced in human society, these legendary ninth level mystical beasts would at the top of the pecking order, the cream of the cream! You own an offspring of a ninth level mystical beast? Ximen Wandais voice shook slightly in amazement. His eyes shone feverishly with barely contained greed. But of course! Yun Yang managed to sound regretful, If you dare not bet, however Ill bet! Ximen Wandai cut him off abruptly, his avarice getting the better of him. Where is your ninth level mystical beasts offspring? Even if it were the least gifted ninth level mystical beast, such a creature would not have gone undetected for long with human experts present. Yun Yang was sorely tempted to laugh and say, Why, right in front of you of course, while pointing at the kittens. These poor critters had somehow fallen from high places to this mean estate, and were weakened severely in the process. Their guardians had placed seals on their bodies before they arrived, effectively hiding their true nature. When they come to me, I will restore them to their rightful glory within a night, to the invaluable ninth level mystical beasts offspring that they truly are. We will only bet if Young Master Ximen trusts me, Yun Yang said vaguely. As I do not make a practice of carrying around the offspring of ninth level mystical beasts in my pocket, it is not with me. However, there is one when I say there is one. He lifted his head in a knowing smile. In any case, I wouldnt be able to escape the wrath of the Ximen family if I were to be caught lying. Ximen Wandais eyes brightened with cold certainty. Then it is a good thing that you are aware of that! He believed Yun Yangs words but it was now his turn to be worried. What would be on par value with a young ninth level mystical beast? It was obvious that the seventh grade mystical pill, a hundred mystical stones and a saber were extremely lacking now. Yes, these items could allow one to improve immensely but that was about it C insignificant treasure in comparison to a ninth level mystical beast! His very own Ximen family had only become one of the top eight most influential families because their ancestor had the great fortune of owning an eighth level pinnacle mystical beast as a combat partner. It was the foundation of Ximen familys meteoric rise to power, and was nearing 1,500 years of age! That being said, an eighth level pinnacle mystical beasts could not compare to this ninth level mystical creature, even if it is an infant. This was how the classes worked; the laws of nature could not be changed. If he were to get his hands on a young ninth level mystical beast, not only would his position in the family be sealed, the entire Ximen family would also leapfrog towards being the chief of the top eight families and their capabilities would increase tenfold! Ximen Wandais mind was awash with possibilities. The two young masters beside him, however, were shaken. How could they not know the importance of acquiring such a beast when they were of the same status? If Ximen Wandai got his hands on the beast Their gaze towards Yun Yang turned menacing. Ill bet two seventh grade mystical pills! Ximen Wandai cried, Five hundred mystical stones, thirty mystical crystals, the Phoenixs Cry of the Seven Swords and Three Sabers and an eternal promise to guarantee the safety and continuity of the Yun family! Should I win or lose, I swear by the Heavens and Earth that this will be done! He had doubled the mystical pills, quadrupled the mystical stones, and thrown in an additional thirty mystical crystals; a mystical crystals value was worth that of a hundred mystical stones! Young Master Ximen Wandai had truly given his all. However, even Ji Ling who was hiding in the dark was impressed with what he had said. This young master was not without brains after all. Yun Yang had inadvertently exposed his ninth level mystical beast under Ximen Wandais goading, so the next issue in line would obviously be safety. Like Ximen Wandai had said, nothing could compare to the value of such a beast, thus adding the promise to guarantee the Yun familys safety was the perfect touch to sweeten the deal. Despite his all-encompassing greed, Ximen Wandai was still sharp enough to think a few steps ahead in the game. Ji Ling sighed. Its still hopeless for you though. The more you bet, the more Yun Yang gets to bring home. It was just that, where would Yun Yang get this ninth level mystical beast? Ji Ling was certain that Yun Yang could breathe easy now. Indeed, Yun Yang took in a deep breath and his face beamed in triumph. Deal! He had put at stake a prizethat was impossible to resist. In addition to convincing his opponent to throw in an inordinate amount of priceless treasures as part of the wager, he had also secured the means to attain his additional goals. He had cast the net, it was now time to reel it in... Translators Note: 1 Merak ( tin xun) : a star in the northern circumpolar constellation of Ursa Major; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_Ursae_Majoris 17 Your Trap, My Scheme The assembled crowd would never have thought that a wager with such high stakes would have taken place in this small, mystical beast market! In full view of all the dumbfounded spectators, both the contestants took three steps forward and sealed the deal with a loud clasping of hands. The wager was now official. The spectator''s attention shifted towards the large bamboo basket that lay on the ground between the two men. They were only common Lightning Cats, but the fate of this amazing wager lay in their little paws! The entire ordeal was absurd; those watching at the sidelines were caught by surprise at the suddenness and speed at which it had escalated. It could rightfully be said that it was Yun Yangs doing, as he was the one who had first suggested the wager. It had to be pointed out however, that he did try to make an exit when the stakes rose, but he was pressured by Ximen Wandai. He could not be blamed for being backed into a corner. Perhaps the fault was with Ximen Wandai, but that wasnt entirely true either. He started off trying to intimidate the other party, but who would have known that the wager would involve the offspring of a ninth level mystical beast? All the young masters looked at Ximen Wandai with envy and jealousy. How could this young master be so fortuitous? Furthermore, they would be betting on the obedience of a beast! How could a mere marquis son from the Empire of Yutang end up as an opponent of the Ximen family, one of the eight greatest families, in a marketplace wager? It was as if fate had decided to hand Ximen Wandai the keys to his familys ascent up the ladder of greatness. ... A ray of light pierced the sky as silhouettes began to appear, swift as flight. The members of the Ximen family had arrived. Ximen Wandai let his guard down, glanced at his two companions encouragingly and called out to Yun Yang with a raised chin, Let us begin. Yun Yang inhaled deeply, silently looking at Ximen Wandai with an uncertain gaze. Ximen Wandai frowned in consternation, Hmm? His aura of haughtiness was palpable C if you pull out now, Ill see you dead! Yun Yang threw his arms up in apparent helplessness, Alright, begin then! Let us see who shall prevail. He put on a great show of worry by speaking through gritted teeth. Ji Ling who was still hidden in the shadowy alcove almost laughed out loud. Youve almost claimed his entire wealth, and still you play the part of the helpless fool. The shopkeeper was obviously distressed, his legs quivering as he moved the large bamboo basket. An elder with a hooked nose who had just arrived and was standing behind Ximen Wandai slowly spread his hands apart. An invisible circle of energy stretched out and expanded, forcibly moving the crowd away and leaving a large open area in its centre. Ximen Wandai suggested that, the bamboo basket should be toppled over in the middle of the space, and the two of them would begin the challenge of luring the kittens from ten feet away. After pretending to give it some thought, Yun Yang nodded in agreement, further delighting Ximen Wandai. A collective sigh could be heard coming from the gathered crowd, Fool, if you carry nothing, it clearly means you are unprepared; Young Master Ximen has come for the mystical beasts tournament, he would not have come empty-handed. By agreeing to this, you will lose, nine times out of ten! The shopkeeper held on to the basket with all the kittens in the middle, waiting for the order. Yun Yang was already seated with his legs folded, ten feet away as stipulated. Directly across from him, Ximen Wandai had produced a pile of snow-white pills and a compact bell in his hands. His smile was one of utmost confidence. Oh dear, the Yun fool is going to lose for sure! someone groaned. That is almost definite. Ximen Wandai has beast pills of the highest grade in his hands. Might I add, he also carries on him a Mystical Beasts Spirit Bell, the ultimate weapon in controlling these creatures! How Yun is going to compete with him, I have no clue. This would be another feather in the cap of the Ximen family, another young master sighed in resignation. These people had initially hoped for Yun Yang to be a dark horse, and act to prevent the ninth level mystical beast from falling into the Ximen familys hands. Their hopes quickly turned to ash as they witnessed his apparent lack of readiness. We can begin by using our own methods. Ximen Wandai said calmly, We shall start attracting the creatures and see if they would come over to me or you. Yun Yang put on a display of outrage, Young Master Ximen, seeing as to how you have those items, would this not be unfair? Ximen Wandai was triumphant as he said, I would not deem this to be unfair. I am still me and youre still you. I have not resorted to using any external forces to influence the challenge, and neither did you. We are using only our wit and skill; exactly as Young Master Yun suggested. I believe this to be a fair and just challenge, devoid of trickery. Ximen Wandai said with a straight face, Under such circumstances, I shall admit my defeat if I lose. Yun Yang was seemingly quivering with rage, You! Ximen Wandai frowned, Our bet has been sealed, and was witnessed by the heaven and earth! Unless... Young Master Yun wishes to renege on it? Yun Yang pretended to clamp down on his anger, If so, I shall concede my defeat if I lose as well, and consider it the price of making a new friend. Ximen Wandai laughed, Great! Let us begin then. Yun Yang said with the straightest of faces, Agreed, and God shall decide our fate. The official command to start was given amidst Ximen Wandais pleased chortle. The shopkeeper tipped the bamboo basket over, and nine, month-old kittens appeared, mewling timidly while taking in their surroundings. On one side, Ximen Wandai had already scattered a generous number of beast pills on the ground. His left hand began to trace patterns in the air as he casted skill to generate a wind-like force strong enough to blow the aroma of those pills towards the kittens. His right hand was also moving furiously, casting a skill that passed through the ground soundlessly in an attempt to block Yun Yang from executing the same tactics. At the same time, the Mystical Beasts Spirit Bell under his arm began ringing. The jingling that emanated from it had a strangely haunting melody. He had simultaneously executed all three ultimate tricks at once! Ximen Wandai was clearly eager to emerge as the victor in this challenge. Yun Yang was still sitting with his legs folded, frowning as if displeased at being cheated but the Endless Divine Art was already flowing at full force within his body. The leaves of the Lotus of Endless Fate started swaying, rapidly exuding a strong air of vitality. On the surface, Yun Yang put on a facade of anxiety. His eyes bored deep into the nine kittens as he called out nervously, Kittens... Quick, come over here... Come, come... I will take care of all of you... There were guffaws all around. How naive you are! Do you really think those kittens can understand your words? The heavy scent of Ximen Wandais beast pills permeated the surroundings as the kittens squeezed together, hesitant on the direction in which they would take. Ximen Wandais smile grew wider when he noticed an increasing number of the kittens casting timid glances his way. Sighs of disappointment could be heard from somewhere behind him. He kept his face still, but his eyes were actively seeking out the culprits. They were clearly individuals who did not wish to see the Ximen family obtain a ninth level mystical beast. They had called each other brothers, but who knew what hidden agenda each of them held in their hearts? He would have to reconsider who he would continue to call brothers after this challenge had ended. Gasps of surprise rose up from crowd. Startled, Ximen Wandai turned back to look. Among the nine kittens that had stumbled out of the basket, two of them had begun moving slowly towards him. Two small steps, and then they stopped in confusion. Their fluffy tails swished frantically, their weak mewling filled with indecision. Ximen Wandai was almost giddy with anxiety. All these temptations and you critters are still pondering? What are you even pondering about! Come over quickly! Yun Yang was still wasting his energy calling out to the kittens on the other side, Kittens come, come kittens... Miraculously, and with the highest improbability, the two kittens began to turn C towards Yun Yang and his laughable efforts. The observing crowd was stunned. Come back! Ximen Wandai shouted in panic, sweat dripping from his face. It could be said that it was his shout that frightened the cats into action, as both kittens immediately raced over to Yun Yang instead! As they ran in stumbling, ungainly steps, the ten feet separating them from Yun Yang was quickly covered. Two pairs of front paws came up to hug Yun Yangs legs and they mewled pitifully as if begging, Kind man, please keep us safe! That lunatic over there frightens us! Yun Yang, feigning surprise, elatedly picked the kittens up and stroked them in a friendly and intimate manner. The two kittens snuggled in deeper, doing all they could to pander to the man. Their tiny feline faces were pleased as they took in Yun Yangs scent greedily. The crowd looked on with eyes wide enough that they were in danger of falling right out of their faces. How did this happen? How is it that the one who has prepared everything is losing while Young Master Yun of Tiantang City, the one without much cultivation base, tactics, pills, and without equipment of any sort, is the one winning? Two kittens had chosen their owner. The tension was at an all time high now. Nearly hundreds of people were gathered, but no one dared to make a sound. Ximen Wandai circulated his mystical Qi to fully spread out the aroma of the pills, nervous sweat dripping down his face. Only two had gone over. Not all is lost! There was still hope! Come over quickly... Ximen Wandai prayed. As always, things never happen the way one wishes them to. Another white kitten began to move, its paw waving about in hesitation for only a moment before it made a graceful turn - towards Yun Yang. The audience blinked in indescribable shock as the cat turned towards him. This kitten was even faster, snuggling into Yun Yangs embrace within the blink of an eye, mewling happily. Ximen Wandais expression was as dark as ink. That was the third one, and he still had nothing! The spectators continued to watch, eyes bulging and mouths agape. This is utterly ridiculous! What Ive just seen cant be real! How could such impossibilities take place? Young master, do not fret so. There are still six of them. The elder from the Ximen family tried to comfort the young master, despite becoming increasingly worried himself. We still have hope! Ximen Wandai nodded nervously; the palms of his hands were drenched in sweat. At the very next moment, all six remaining kittens exploded into action. The three earlier kittens were those that Yun Yang really wanted, while these six were real Lightning Cats. Although they were only of the third level, they were still mystical beasts nonetheless! Their reactions were slower, but they could still sense goodness in the world, and recognize what was best for them. The six kittens mewled and turned as one, barrelling towards Yun Yang gracefully with increasing haste. Their eyes glimmered with joy; bushy tails swishing wildly with delight. Ximen Wandais face turned a pasty white. He had lost! 18 I’ll Pick a Better One for You! Damn it! Ximen Wandai growled as he stood up fiercely, flinging his palm up in a frenzied strike. A ray of gold flashed across the clearing, followed by weak cries of pain. The six Lightning Cats that had been running gleefully towards Yun Yang were flung bodily aside by the attack, their blood spraying like tiny raindrops drizzling from the sky. Stop it! Yun Yang screamed as he rushed out into the open space. Fast as he was, his cultivation base was still miles away from Ximen Wandais. He only managed to catch one of the kittens before the devastating mystical Qi enveloped him as well, wracking him with pain. Cough! Trembling, Yun Yang spat saliva flecked with blood, his face pale as a sheet. Even as he stood swaying, his eyes sent razor-sharp daggers in the direction of his opponent, Young Master Ximen, cant you accept defeat? Ximen Wandai literally shook with fury, his eyes glaring at Yun Yang with rage of equal intensity. He was reluctant to accept the outcome of the challenge, but their wager had been witnessed by heaven, earth and the many people who had gathered to watch. There was simply no way he could get himself out of this. If its laid, its played! Ximen Wandais expression was as vicious as a vengeful ghost, These things are all yours! Everyone present was still in a daze at the totally unexpected outcome. Ximen Wandai thought about the possessions that he had to surrender and his heart trembled with trepidation while his eyes remained dead. Two seventh grade mystical beast pills, five hundred mystical stones, thirty mystical crystals, and one treasured saber! Wealthy as the Ximen family was, the loss of these hefty assets would still cause significant damage to their coffers. Other than the blade that had only become his own after much begging to his father, everything else had belonged to the family treasury. He could foresee arduous days ahead of him after giving out these items; it would be impossible to maintain his current status now. Yun Yang smiled wanly despite his pale face, Young Master Ximen is indeed credible. Thank you, thank you! And as for the safety of my family, Ill leave it to the Ximen family then Ximen Wandai was tempted to spit a mouthful of blood at the insolent man, and his eyes bored holes into Yun Yang as he said, Of course, as stated in our wager, I will do my best. The crowds gaze towards Yun Yang was that of mixed emotions. Did he just win? How? Why? Ximen Wandais beast pills remained scattered on the ground, like everyones doubt. Members of the Ximen family left quickly, and eventually, the crowd dissipated as well. A few young masters observed Yun Yang with undecipherable expressions before they too took their leave. Yun Yang held a Lightning Cat cradled in his arms, the same one he had saved earlier. It was heavily injured, in a weakened state, and its eyes were closed tightly as it mewled weakly in pain. Yun Yang fed a flow of mystical Qi into its tiny body to help it maintain its tenuous grasp on life. The other three snowy kittens gathered by his feet as they looked at Yun Yang with tilted heads. Yun Yang grinned, happy for successfully getting hold of them. Beyond his expectations, he had managed to secure four of these kittens!. Young master, this the shopkeeper, however, was not as exhilarated at the outcome. Do not worry, I will pay for all of them, including the dead ones. Yun Yang continued, But I would ask a question of you. The shopkeeper heaved a sigh of relief. Ximen Wandai had killed his kittens and left without paying for them. He knew that he could not afford to further offend Ximen Wandai and was ready to accept this misfortune. Who would have known that Yun Yang would be so generous as to cover his losses? He gratefully replied, Young master, you may ask anything of me. In reference to the kittens with exceptionally white fur, Yun Yang asked, Where did you get those four kittens from? The shopkeepers face took on a flush of embarrassment, Well, around half a month ago, someone fainted in front of my door just before dawn. I took him inside and in his arms were these four kittens. Since they were also Lightning Cats, I figured Id just put them on sale together with the others The shopkeeper gave an abashed cough. Yun Yang became increasingly intrigued, Where is this man now? The shopkeeper sighed, Hes been unconscious ever since I saved him. I could only force him to consume some soup or water every day to make sure he stays alive. I would have called for a physician to check on him but I cant afford the large medical fee. I dont think he can last much longer though Bring me to him, Yun Yang replied. If his assumptions were correct, a man who could carry four mystical creatures offspring with him must have returned from the deeper parts of the mystical beast forest and faced unimaginable dangers. This man might have even killed a pair of adult mystical beasts to have been able to bring back the young. An individual with such abilities would definitely be a formidable presence. Ironically, this paragon had fainted outside a mystical beast shop and had to be saved by the shopkeeper who had mistakenly sold off his captured treasures as Lightning Cats. The shopkeeper led Yun Yang inside. Yun Yang held the injured Lightning Cat cradled in his arms as the other four kittens obediently tailed him in a beeline while the Thousand Illusion Monkey sat dutifully on his shoulder. The man was beginning to look like a street performer. Ji Ling had already rejoined him some time ago and was now looking at him with a grin that said Young master, Ill need an explanation for all of this when we get home. It may not have been widely known, but Ji Ling was absolutely certain that Yun Yang had indeed dealt a terrible blow to the Ximen family this time around. However, she was puzzled about the rationale behind his actions. Yun Yang and Ximen Wandai were from two different worlds. With the status he currently held, why would he want to offend the Ximen family? ... The scent of medicinal herbs greeted them as they entered the room at the back of the mystical beast shop. Inside, a man made only of skin and bones laid down, his breathing shallow and his face ashen. He cant last long but I am truly unable to save him. I wished to let him pass easily without prolonging the pain, but I just couldnt do it The plump shopkeeper was woeful, I have been full of worries these days. Yun Yang stood beside the man to study him. Frowning, he exerted his skill and delivered some air of vitality over to him. Then, he spoke, You wont be able to revive him here. Allow me take him from your hands. The shopkeeper was thrilled and incredibly delighted over Yun Yangs willingness to take over; he had been worrying about this invalid for far too long. Thank you young master, thank you. Yun Yang nodded, I will let him know that you were the one who saved him when he wakes up. Please, there is no need. The shopkeeper only wanted to send this ticking time bomb away, he would not need any further payment for that!. Just tell him that the young master is generous and kind. I have not done anything, and do not dare to take any credit. Yun Yang looked at him meaningfully and said, As you wish. The shopkeeper was oblivious to the opportunity he had just lost. Aside from the four ninth level mystical beasts offspring, the benefits he could reap from the expert owing him a favor alone would have been endless. However, Yun Yang did not plan to disregard the entire incident, as the shopkeeper was not a bad person. True, he was timid and craven; but he had readily extended his help; he could not do much for the man who was near death but had still tried his best keep him alive. When he settled the bill, Yun Yang added on an additional 1,000 silver taels. He then called for a stretcher to carry the comatose man to the Residence of Yun. Ji Ling followed behind with a smile on her face but remained silent throughout the entire journey. So, youve made a fortune today. How do you intend to thank me for it? Ji Ling came forward to claim her credit after Yun Yang was done settling the man down. Thank you? Yun Yang pursed his lips, in disbelieve, Why should I thank you? You vanished at the first sight of trouble, hid away when I was being bullied, and now you would still seek for my thanks? Ji Ling retorted angrily, Would you have won if it wasnt for me? Yun Yang rolled his eyes, women were indeed unreasonable beings. Are you saying I wouldnt have won without you? Ji Ling stomped her foot. You idiot! Those people knew me. If they had seen me, you wouldnt even have been able to make your bet. This would be the first reason... ...and the second? Second, if my Thousand Illusion Monkey had not been sitting on your shoulder, would they have been as civil to you as they were? Ji Ling grunted. As Yun Yang thought further about it, she did seem to have a point. The young masters had been eyeing the monkey with uncertainty. Had it all started because of this? They were civil to me because, I appear to be of good breeding! Of course Yun Yang would not admit the truth as he said, What do you wish to gain, by being so insistent? Ji Ling replied, Give me one of your four kittens. Ill take that as a token of your gratitude. Absolutely not! Yun Yang turned down the idea without a hint of hesitation. Dont even think about it! These were rare young mystical beasts that one could only come across by chance. How could you just simply ask for one? Are we even that close? Ji Ling fumed at Yun Yangs rejection. You, you, you youre impossible! You were supposed to join me on a search for a mystical beast to purchase! I didnt manage to bring even one home, and yet youve already taken so many by leveraging on somebody elses disadvantage. Im only asking for one puny third level mystical beasts offspring, and already you display your reluctance. How could you be so petty? Ji Ling asked with a murderous glare. Yun Yang smiled humorlessly. Petty? I cant afford to be generous about this. If you were my wife, well, I might give you one to protect you, but you arent Of course, he knew better than to speak these words out loud. Its not that I do not want to give them to you, but this third level Lightning Cat is too Yun Yang mind was racing, Actually, Ive been searching for a suitable one for you today and Ive already found it. Its certainly much better than this. Opposite the shop earlier, there was a fifth level pinnacle Silvermoon Celestial Wolf. I think that one would be better. If you choose that and also wish to keep this Lightning Cat, isnt the cat food for the wolf? It wouldnt make sense. Yun Yang was thinking fast on his feet, trying his hardest to persuade Ji Ling. Silvermoon Celestial Wolf? Ji Lings ears perked up in intrigue. Right, Silvermoon Celestial Wolf. Its fur is a shiny silver coat, and it looks obedient and adorable, harmless enough to become a pet. However, it can also protect its owner when the need arises. Most importanty, a fifth level pinnacle Silvermoon Celestial Wolf can level up if taken care of properly. Once it advances, it has vast potential. It might even possibly continue to level up until the eighth or ninth level. The trick is in how one trains and tames it, and how one invests in it. Besides, Ive noticed that the young Silvermoon Celestial Wolf is not even a month old. This would be the best time to bring one home. Looking at Ji Ling whose eyes had started to shine brighter as he spoke, Yun Yang grew increasingly motivated to continue his attempts at persuasion. Of course, the resources required to nurture a Silvermoon Celestial Wolf would cost an astronomical figure. Ordinary people would not have such resources but you wouldnt need to worry about that, would you? Not at all! Ji Lings eyes sparkled with excitement. Think about it, if the Silvermoon Celestial Wolf can progressively level up while in your keeping Yun Yang left his sentence hanging to allow her imagination to fill it in. Ji Ling was already filled with eager enthusiasm. She could imagine the pride and honor she would garner by then. Of course, if you really want this Lightning Cat, I could just give one to you. I have four of them anyway. One less would be of no consequence Yun Yang continued, Of course, if thats the case, Ill have that Silvermoon Celestial Wolf instead. Says you! Ji Ling shouted, The Silvermoon Celestial Wolf is mine! Im going to go buy it now! Turning around, she shot out the door. Yun Yang coughed, wiping the sweat on his brow after making sure the girl was gone. Buy the Silvermoon Celestial Wolf, and Ill help you train it when you bring it back. Best if I can send this great-aunt away as soon as possible in case she finds out she did nothing with the four ninth level mystical beast offspring right in front of her nose! Ill probably be doomed then. Yun Yang pursed his lips then sighed, Women are so hard to deal with, especially when theyre angered. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned ...but thats also in the future. Whats important now is these four little critters are all mine! Yun Yang looked at the four kittens surrounding him and smiled beatifically. 19 Emmie, You Thief! Finally, he had the little critters all to himself. Yun Yang consulted Supreme Winds Illustrated Encyclopedia of All Beasts before he began his examination on the creatures; he pulled their ears, looked at their stomachs, flipped their eyelids, peered into their nostrils, studied their throats, and even directed a small amount of mystical Qi into their small bodies to check. All of the tests matched the characteristics that were laid out in the book. At last, he had confirmed that these were the cubs of the ninth class beginner mystical beasts, Eclipse Panther! The Eclipse Panther was as swift as the wind, extremely adept in camouflage and concealment, and blisteringly fast when hunting its prey. It was hardly surprising that it carried the title of Assassin among the Mystical Beasts. A full-grown Eclipse Panther could consume gold and jade as sustenance, and it would be near-indestructible with skin malleable as bronze, and bones as strong as steel. Yun Yang was exhilarated. An undercurrent of curiosity marred the joy he felt for the the discovery. What wasthe real identity of his eighth brother, Supreme Wind? The Ximen family, being of the top eight, as well as Ximen Wandais companions are made up young masters of significant status. Even their guards and servants were all experts. They had not suspected a thing while these extremely rare creatures frolicked right under their noses. Each of the families had the wisdom of a thousand years, but that knowledge paled in comparison to a book tossed negligently besides Supreme Winds pillow! Even if each field had its own master, this was not something as simple. Yun Yang tucked the question somewhere in his heart; intent on findingout his eighth brothers identity and completing his brothers unresolved undertakings. First things first, however. He had to recover from his injuries and elevate his cultivation before he could once again face his enemies head-on! Young master, you Lao Mei was flabbergasted. Just a day ago, his young master had gone out and come back with a monkey and a lively young woman in tow. Today, his young master had gone out again, and this time, he brought home five cats and a dying man. Young master, when you next come home, will you bring back a pack of a hundred or a thousand wolves? Or perhaps another large group of men and women? Lao Mei was torn between amusement and horror at the very thought of it. Its nothing really, just a few pets, Yun Yang informed his manservant in all seriousness. Inform Ma and Qin to come over to the Residence of Yun tonight. Tell them theres something, ahem, good in store for them this time. Lao Mei wanted to shake his head. Inform them? Do they still dare to come? Wouldnt these young masters still be traumatized? I am certain they will come, this time, Yun Yang proclaimed in confidence. Lao Mei was somewhat confused by Yun Yangs conviction. Just as he was about to leave, Yun Yang took a small bag out and handed it to him. There are some cultivation resources inside, please use them. The sooner you can break through to the sixth peak, the better. With a bow, Lao Mei accepted the bag and left. It was only when he had left Yun Yangs sight that he opened the bag and let out an astonished gasp. His hands shook with such intensity that he almost dropped the bag. Inside, 50 mystical stones and 10 mystical crystal sparkled with a merry shimmer and radiated spiritual Qi. These were invaluable gems that would greatly accelerate cultivation! Where did the young master get these from? Theres so many of them! Lao Mei wondered, as his heart was flooded with warmth. For a long five years, he had been stuck at the bottleneck of the fifth peak, but with these, there was no doubt that he could advance to the sixth! Where did young master get these from? Theres so much of it. Lao Mei thought, his heart filled with warmth. He had been stuck at the bottleneck of the fifth peak for approximately five years already. There was a premise for martial artists who wished to cultivate to the level of true experts, Six innately awakened chakras are incredible, with those, one could step right into the level of a mystic; however the heavens dictate only three parts of your fate, the extrinsic seven parts that could make or break it can only be dictated by you. This meant that only those with six or more innately awakened chakras could be a mystical Qi martial artist. Even then, six innately awakened chakras were only gifts bestowed by God, nothing would come out of it if there were no effort put in. Only then would the proverb be of relevance twelve peaks of skill levels, a heavens difference between each! The sages once proclaimed, The cultivation of martial artists is like going up a mountain weighed down with a burden; only by traversing the path to the peak can one see where the next peak lies. This age old adage meant that a person will always believe that there is no higher mountain than the one he knows of; before arriving at the first peak, you would never know that there existed a taller mountain in this world than the one you were at. This mystery was more commonly known as a knowledge barrier. There was then another saying, To reach the heavens, one must first claim the peak; thereafter, a heaven lies. It simply meant, A whole new world awaits those who claim the peak of a mountain. Therefore, There are twelve peaks of skill levels with a heavens difference between each; conquer all twelve before all else, and brave the ninth heaven thereupon! It seemed simple and easy to comprehend, laced with some droll/,tasteless humor even, but it was a theoretically progressive maxim indeed! Im back! Ji Ling had a timid tiny silver animal sitting on her shoulder as she charged in excitedly. Look, Ive bought a Silver Moon Celestial Wolf! What do you think? You were talking about this little fellow, were you not? Yun Yang stepped forward to have a look and nodded in approval. Right, right, thats it! You were lucky it didnt get snapped up this whole time. Ji Lings eyes were squinted with joy. This is all thanks to you! The whole market is still talking about your shocking bet and no one has the mood to get back to business she graciously admitted. Haha Yun Yang chuckled loudly and said, Ill start training your pet tomorrow. How about we start now... Yun Yang interrupted her request before she could complete it, with an air of disdain. There are still many tasks I have left undone this day. Do you not see that there is a critically injured person here? This bastard is certainly unchivalrous. How could he be so rude and uncompromising to a pretty girl? Ji Ling muttered under her breath and stomped her foot indignantly, pouting as she left. She didnt speak as softly as she thought she did, so Yun Yang had naturally heard it, the corners of his lips lifting into a dismissive smirk. What is chivalry? Can it be eaten? Why is it that men have to be chivalrous towards pretty girls? Why do they have to compromise? If this pretty girl will ultimately become this mans wife, perhaps it would be alright to take a step back, but not every woman will become a mans wife. Should I bend over backward just because you are a woman? I would be digging myself a hole, not practising chivalry! Yun Yang did not say these out loud. Of course, if Lao Mei had known Yun Yangs thoughts, he would have definitely replied in frustration, Young master, theres a reason why youre still unattached when youre already 19! Yun Yang was heading into a room when he felt a vague unease, indicating that something felt off. He couldnt put his finger on where the feeling came from, but it was when he reached the bedside of the critically ill man that he thought about it. Why is there powder dropping from my stomach? He instinctively thrust his hand into his robes. Sucking in his breath with a hiss, he immediately extracted a bag that lay within. By all accounts it still looked the same except that the bag that was rather large earlier had shrunk to less than half its original size. Yun Yangs eyes widened into the size of two copper bells. What was going on? Opening the package, he could see that the contents were still the same; the mystical stones, mystical crystals and mystical pills won from todays bet. The mystical pills are unchanged, still two of them here. The mystical stones, however There arent as many as before. How did two hundred of them go missing? The remaining stones seem to have shrunk in size as well! The mystical crystals too, there should be thirty of them. Ive given five to Lao Mei, there should be another twenty five. Why are there only thirteen? Where did the other twelve go? Besides these items, there were copious amounts of powder in the package Yun Yang felt slightly giddy as he looked at them. Have my mystical stones and crystals all turned into powder? Yun Yang entered his subconscious in distress and saw that the leaves of the Lotus of Endless Fate were swaying in glee. Although the second lotus leaf had yet to grow, it was apparent that its shade had turned darker and stronger. Crystal clear mist coiled and condensed at the root of the Lotus of Endless Fate. Yun Yang shuddered with heartache as he looked upon it Is this not the most refined mystical Qi within the mystical crystals and stones? I was wondering how they turned into a powderThey were actually stolen! Despicable thief! Yun Yang glared at the seedling in rage. The cultivation resources procured at the cost of offending the Ximen family in a game of chance had actually been depleted by this Lotus of Endless Fate in the blink of an eye! As if sensing Yun Yangs anger, the small seedling swayed gently, its leaves coiling about as if in guilt. Somehow, it actually managed to appear abashed. It looked much like a misbehaved child who was admitting their mischief in as precocious a manner as possible, Aww, I know Im wrong The enchanting sight had Yun Yangs temper dissipating into thin air within an instant. Those calming Frost Jade on my neck and arm, under my pillow, and in my study days earlier did you steal them as well? The seedlings leaf curled up even tighter, almost into a ball, as it swayed lightly. Feeling amused yet inexplicably annoyed, Yun Yang finally understood what was happening. It seemed like this little thing needed not only the simple air of injustice to grow but also spiritual Qi from heaven and earth, as well as the refined air of treasured materials and gems of the earth. The only difference was that the air of injustice could increase the growth of its leaf and accelerate the leveling up process, while the spiritual Qi from both heaven and earth, as well as treasured materials and gems, could make it stronger. Just like a child who needs to grow tall and strong Yun Yang acknowledged. Alright, dont sneak around next time, just take it openly. But dont you touch those I required, otherwise, none for you! With a soft wah sound, the leaf immediately uncurled itself as the seedling swayed happily, dancing in celebration. Yun Yang could distinctly feel the pleasure radiating from the seedling and the corners of his lips could not help but lift into an equally happy grin. A lotus that can understand what I am saying? Yun Yang felt like laughing even as he thought about it. Who would believe him if he dared to share this revelation openly? Yun Yang watched the seedling tremble before a ray of green light shone through and shot into his meridians, as if in reward. Instantaneously, Yun Yang felt a cooling sensation throughout his body as an indescribable vitality filled his meridians. The injury he had sustained from Ximen Wandais strike disappeared, and the pain subsided. At the same time, he felt rejuvenated, his mind awash with clarity once again. This little fellow can heal me? Yun Yang was delighted as he asked, Could my cultivation base be restored to how it was a year ago, as soon as possible? Yun Yang had yearned for his abilities for far too long! Without them, he could not even hope to accomplish anything. The seedling swayed slowly, and seemed to be shaking its head in despair. Yun Yang had finally asked and had his doubts answered. It would seem that his cultivation base could no longer be recovered. After the lotus had merged itself into his blood and meridians, it had utterly devoured his cultivation base, the chance of it rebirth gone up in smoke. When the air of injustice came along, it would then sprout. Oddly enough, he could sense that the seedling was trying to convey an implicit message, Your power was utter rubbish it wouldnt make any difference if you possessed it or not anyway. Yun Yang had ambiguous feelings about this, and resigned himself to the fact that he would just have to start all over again. Its awkward to call you seedling or Lotus of Endless Fate every day. Why not allow me to give you a new name? Yun Yang asked in parley, You have the shape of a rattan with flower and leaves; Rattan? Stemmie? Flower? Leafy? Lolo? Emmie1? The seedling swayed in disagreement until the last name, Emmie, came up. It was immobile for a short moment before its sprout nodded slightly in agreement. Did it just actually respond to this name? Yun Yang felt a terrible headache approaching. Of all the names, the one he thought was the worst and least acceptable was actually Emmie and that was why he had placed it last. Who would have known that the name he had discarded for being the worst sounding was actually well accepted? Emmie Oh no Emmie Yun Yang slapped his forehead, feeling speechless, What kind of revolting name have I given you? In his subconscious, Emmie was undulating merrily, one of its tendrils rolled and twisted into various shapes in celebration that it had finally gotten a name. Emmie! Yun Yang remembered the task at hand, You have to think of something, that man in my room has to live! Emmie seemed to be stunned, but its tendrils quickly resumed waving about. No problem! Translators Note: Emmie (l l): Lotus of Endless Fates nickname given by Yun Yang; literally means light green and light green. Emmie is derived from emerald and attached with suffix Cie to make the nickname sound cute. 20 The Game Plan. Shared Profits Yun Yang looked at the man lying unconscious on the bed. He was a giant of a man, brawny and broad. From the length of the bed that he occupied, it could easily be surmised that he would be a valiant mortal of Herculean strength. Yun Yang performed a thorough inspection, and could not help letting out a deep sigh. For the man to have survived until now was no mean feat. At least a fifth of his bones had been broken, and a large portion of his internal organs had been damaged. His dantian had shattered; it was obvious that he had received blunt force trauma judging by the dent in his skull. His back was laced with endless scratches, each cut bone-deep. To top it all off, there were two separate sword wounds that had pierced his chest and gone through his back. He managed to retain consciousness despite his severe injuries, and only collapsed when he reached Tiantang City Yun Yang frowned. This would make him an expert, in all likelihood on par with Lao Mei, or perhaps higher. Placing his hand on the unconscious mans pulse, he called out softly, Emmie! Instantly, a refined air of vitality gushed out from the Lotus of Endless Fate through his hand and into the mans body. After the initial torrent, Emmie cut off the supply, like stopping a bottle of gushing wine. Swaying softly, it adamantly refused to deliver more, despite Yun Yangs cajoling. It could almost be heard saying, Enough, thats really enough Not only are you a thief, youre a stingy miser as well! Yun Yang said in disgust. Admittedly, the air of vitality that poured forth from Emmie was immensely potent. Even though it was only a sliver, Yun Yang could sense the mans labored breathing had become easier and his pulse strengthen. His pallor had also improved within that short span of time. While waiting for the man to regain consciousness, Yun Yang cultivated. The Thousand Illusion Monkey and five kittens ambled over to his side while he went through the motions. A monkey, one Lightning Cat, and four higher level mystical beast babies squeezed together, looking for all the world like a united and harmonious family. It was some time later when the man on the bed asked in a weak voice, Where is this? Yun Yang stopped his practice and looked over. The man was already awake and had his eyes opened, his gaze moving about with difficulty to take in his surroundings. This is my home. You have been heavily injured. Rest well, since you have just woken up, Yun Yang replied. Thank you! the man gasped. No worries. Yun Yang stood up. I perform but a small kindness. Be at ease. He then left the room. Although he knew that this person could be an expert, Yun Yang was unwilling to let his guard down before knowing this mysterious individuals name or background. Under the flower canopy, Yun Yang sipped slowly at his cup of tea. Lao Mei was cultivating in the room by the side, as mystical Qi could be felt wafting into the air in gentle waves. The sun hung low in the evening sky, the setting ball of light painting the land in brilliant crimson. A gush of wind brought about a fresh fragrance, as Ji Lings slim silhouette appeared beside Yun Yang. She looked at him curiously, Are you brooding all by yourself out here? Yun Yang replied, Yes, because I knew you would seek me out. Ji Ling chuckled after a momentary loss of speech at his audacity, Its still acceptable if you claimed that you were watching over your manservant who is cultivating. To say that I must be looking for you? Why, Young Master Yun, youd have to polish up your lying skills. Yun Yang remained stoic as he asked, If you were not looking for me, why are you here at this hour? Ji Ling stomped her foot in exasperation, Fine! I was indeed looking for you. Yun Yangs eyebrow rose. What is it? Ji Ling brows furrowed in confusion as she said, There are a few things that I dont quite fathom. Yun Yang replied, Correct me if I am wrong, but is it not true that there are three separate conundrums that you cant make sense of? Ji Ling retorted in disbelief, Oh? You know what it is that I dont understand? Yun Yang pursed his lips before responding, First, you are wondering why did I get into a conflict with Ximen Wandai. Based on my acute judgment, experience, and intelligence, it was impossible that I didnt know who he was before he introduced himself. Why then did I still decide to take him on? Despite herself, Ji Ling nodded in agreement. Exactly! You are certainly not a brash person. Yun Yang smiled knowingly and continued, Second, you are wondering why I did not back down, even after Ximen Wandai asserted his identity, and even made matters worse by claiming my prizes and further offending the Ximen family. Ji Ling was increasingly amazed. Yes, yes! Lastly, it is obvious that I do not own a ninth level mystical beast offspring, but I said otherwise to Ximen Wandai and got myself into a wager. As a result, plenty of people now think that I possess a ninth level mystical beast and some of these are dangerous men. The Residence of Yun and I might be placed in a situation of extreme danger, at the heart of the maelstrom. You must be curious as to why I did that. Yun Yangs tone was calm and collected as he rattled off what he knew was on Ji Lings mind. These people who think I own a ninth level mystical beast would definitely think of ways and means to take it away from me, while my abilities are depleted so badly that I would never be able to fight them off if they tried. I may have endangered my entire family, and you would like to know why I would do such a thing. Yun Yang said with a hint of a smile. Under the illumination of the moon, his smile actually looked as untainted as moonbeams. Ji Ling was flabbergasted, Spot on! You knew all this, and yet you went ahead and did it! How could you defend yourself against the top eight families? Are you a madman who has a death wish? Yun Yang only smiled and kept silent. Well, why did you do it? Ji Ling was growing increasingly perplexed; she had always figured that Yun Yang acted with an underlying motive. However, despite wracking her brain to the point of insensibility, she still could not reason out what drove Yun Yangs actions, and how he planned to manage the aftermath. Dignity lost to overwhelming curiosity, and she had come over to find out what she could. Who would have known that this man could be so reticent; she had half a mind to clobber that smug smile off his face! If I cant take it, theres still you, isnt there? Yun Yang smiled. I wont care! Ji Ling eyes were dangerously narrowed, Stop beating around the bush, speak the truth. Do you really wish to know? Yun Yang finally turned around and gazed at her with brevity. Yes! Ji Ling, yelled in frustration. In that case, I wont be telling you... Yun Yang beamed affably. You! Ji Ling finally exploded, sending a stone stool flying with a well-placed kick. Argh! You are going to be the death of me! Yun Yang laughed out loud at her response. To Ji Ling, it was the type of laugh that begged for a strategic blow right between the eyes. Inwardly, Yun Yang felt helpless too. It was indeed his intention to offend the Ximen family and spread the rumors about his ownership of a ninth level mystical beast. However, his real motives had to be kept under lock and key for now. If I wanted to tackle something as titanic as the Four Seasons Tower, I would first have to step up my own game. Yun Yang had never wavered in this belief. Ever since he had learned of the existence of the Four Seasons Tower, and that his eight hundred subordinates and eight brothers had died as a result of its schemes, Yun Yang had decided on his next course of action. Facing it head on was out of the question. Even if the Nine Supremes were resurrected and gathered together to unleash each of their phenomenal powers, they would still be an unworthy opponent to this mysterious Four Seasons Tower. If the whole Empire of Yutang had united to attempt a strike on the Four Seasons Tower, it was still impossible to uproot this mysterious organization. Shrouded in secrecy and mystery, no one knew who belonged to the Four Seasons Tower. Since then, Yun Yang had settled on his plan. My identity as Supreme Cloud can never be exposed. My life as Yun Yang, however, is remarkably peaceful. Therefore, I shall first place myself in a perilous situation. If I were to perish in the stormy waves, so be it. However, if I am able to emerge unscathed, Id be all the stronger for it. Besides, ninth level mystical beast C these four words alone would attract numerous influential families and invoke plenty of mayhem. I would then be able to utilize and manipulate these situations to my advantage! Its up to me to use them in the best manner possible. Yun Yang had a meaningful smile playing on his lips. Walking the tightrope is something I do too much of! On that very same night, seven young masters gathered in Yun Yangs courtyard. All had shown up with glee in their eyes, and their enthusiasm was unfeigned. It had become common knowledge that Yun Yang had amassed a respectable amount of fortune for himself. Brothers, I have called you all here to consider a deal, Yun Yang smiled and lifted his goblet. Before we go any further, let us drink to bright future together! Cheers! All seven young masters roared in unison before draining their cups in a single gulp. As you must know, I have just won two seventh-grade mystical pills, five hundred mystical stones, and thirty mystical stones. Yun Yang counted them off one by one. I wish to keep three hundred of those mystical stones, so I would naturally require the services of my brothers to trade the remaining two hundred stone. I would also like to keep twenty of the mystical crystals, and that would mean I would need your help with the remaining ten. The seven young master''s eyes glinted collectively in avarice. What a windfall indeed! For all of these, I only need three million gold taels. The rest of the profit from their sale, well, I suggest that it be divided among my seven brothers here. Yun Yang smiled ruefully, In any case, Ive blackmailed you all several times in the past, it would be about time that I let you in on the cut. He didnt bother to sugarcoat his words, and oddly enough, his directness caused the gathered young masters eyes to shine even brighter. It would be totally worth it to have these things at their own disposal even if they did not manage to sell them off! The two seventh-grade mystical pills alone would cost millions of gold taels, and that would be a prudent estimation. Two hundred mystical stones could go for ten thousand gold taels a piece, was the word was spread. As for the remaining ten mystical crystals, whatever profit they gained from the sale would be all theirs! Yun Yang was practically giving each of them an opportunity to earn at least twenty million gold taels each, and that would only be a reserved approximation! When their initial surprise had passed, however, they began to scratch their head in confusion. In all their years of knowing him, Yun Yang had never been this generous. Why the sudden change? Young Master Yun, why do you do this? Young Master Ling had his mouth agape. Youll definitely receive the short end of the stick! Incorrect. We will all profit from this. Yun Yang smiled warmly, Is it so surprising that I would wish to give something back, after all the things that Ive taken from you in the past? There will be no such thing as a shorter end or loss. Of course, besides this, itd be enough for me if your families nexuses could do me a favor when I need it. Would you be agreeable to this? The seven young masters looked at each other, all of them knowing what was on the other persons mind and nodded simultaneously, Deal! Although they all knew that Young Master Yun would never suffer losses in his dealings, this arrangement was still immensely desirable. He had only asked for a favor from their families nexuses in return for giving out such a large portion of the pie! Even if Yun Yang asked for a favor in the future that would far exceed the gain now, they would be true to their word and honor the request when the time came. Yun Yang smiled in satisfaction. Its simple. Yun Yang explained As for these three million taels of gold, there are two methods for you to provide recompense. First, you can give me part of the total and then the remainder of the amount only after you have sold the goods. The second method is simpler; all of your seven families can combine and return to me the full sum. As for how you sell the goods and how much you sell them for, it will no longer be any of my business! The seven young masters shared a look again. Yun Yangs suggestions held an underlying meaning. The first meant that he would be supervising; the second, he would let it all go. Who would be willing to have someone monitor their every move? We choose the second option! Young Master Ma jumped up, Young Master Yun, we shall send the gold over to you this very night! Splendid! How these seven families divided the resources was none of Yun Yangs concern. His only responsibility was to give them the goods. For the whole night, all seven young masters were engaged in a heated debate, each of them arguing and ultimately shaking hands with each other unwillingly. They then plastered on a simpering smile for Yun Yang and went back home to prepare the gold taels. All their family guards were already marshaled in front of the Residence of Yun. They didn''t dare to keep such valuable gems in their pockets and walk home without any protection. Even if the world was at peace, the seven young masters would not have been able to muster up the courage, so splendid was their newfound wealth. Before midnight came, three million gold taels had already been delivered to Yun Yang. They were all real gold, not the banknotes that Yun Yang had resolutely refused to accept. The gold taels formed a large, glittering pile and the Residence of Yuns backyard was illuminated by the shimmering splendor of wealth! 21 A Myth is but a Myth I am absolutely at a loss for words, a bewildered voice chimed from the back. Yun Yang remained silent at her admonishment. Perhaps you have taken leave of your senses? Ji Ling sighed deeply as she stood behind Yun Yang. Still, no matter how much of a loon a person is, he still wouldnt have done what you just did today. Yun Yang continued to smile but did not bother to defend himself. These cultivation resources that youve just sold could have advanced an ordinary man to the third peak. All that, for something so useless as gold! Ji Ling stared at him as if she was looking at a slow child. Do you not know what you have done? Unbeknownst to her, her voice was tinged with puzzlement, doubt, anger, and overriding it all, a sense of loss and disappointment. Of course I do. Yun Yang did not turn around as he continued, You and I, we are from two very different worlds. His tone was distant as he spoke. Ji Ling could no longer reign in her anger and said in vexation, I dont understand how you could be so short-sighted! What use would you have for so much gold? Even if you could have all the gold in the world, what would you do with it? A single piece of mystical stone would be far more precious to a mystical Qi martial artist than all the gold in the world! It would be able to lend him strength and longevity, and gold certainly cant do any of that! Ji Ling was breathing heavily by the time she ended her tirade, and she inhaled deeply to quell her anger, trying reigning her emotions in. I shouldnt be upset. This does not concern me, anyway. Yet, Ji Ling was not able to fully calm herself down and failed utterly at maintaining a calm demeanor. Yun Yang turned his head calmly and looked into Ji Lings fuming eyes. After an uncomfortable interlude, he finally spoke, in tones as chill as the grave, What is the use of discussing this, as we are are from two totally different worlds? Ji Ling wisely held her tongue and waited for him to continue. Perhaps gold is useless to you, and you can only see value in mystical stones and crystals. Yun Yangs calm gaze was distant even as he looked directly at her. But to me the value of gold far outweighs that of mystical stones. Gold can buy rice, food, and other things that could quell hunger. I am even able to receive some change after doing so. You cant do the same with mystical stones. Such is the difference in the way we think. Yun Yang attempted to conclude the dispute, Let us not argue about this at this hour. It is late, go get some rest. He then turned to leave. Ji Ling threw a parting shot at him, Then why didnt you sell all the mystical stones and crystals? Why did you sell just half of them? Wouldnt you have gotten more gold if you had sold them all? In his heart, Yun Yang laughed humorlessly. Id love to sell more too if only the rest of them hadnt been siphoned away by Emmie! Mystical stones would definitely be of use and make me stronger, but gold could feed the families of my fallen brothers! This takes precedence as I lack resources, even as I regain my powers Ji Ling flounced back to her room to sleep in a huff; one particular line resonated in her head as she lay on the bed. People from two different worlds! Indeed, we are from two very different worlds. Ji Ling was disheartened.Our viewpoints and values are all different Maybe hes right, whats there to argue about if we already know that we have such differing opinions? Sigh... It was late in the middle of the night when a group of a dozen men garbed all in black came silently to meet Yun Yang. Change all these gold to silver. Yun Yang ordered in a low voice. His mood was foul, his gaze chilling and depthless; nobody could have read what was going on in his mind or how he felt. The eight hundred families a thousand taels of silver for each of them. Distribute it all tonight, he continued. Yes, young master. Subsequently, all families of warriors and veterans in Tiantang City a hundred silver taels for every household, Yun Yang resumed his instructions on the logistics of distribution. Yes, young master. I presume that I wont be forced to repeat my orders? Yun Yang looked over at them with cold eyes that brooked no disobedience. We shall follow the young masters instructions carefully. No accidents, no disputes, and no pilfering! The masked leader of the men in black spoke in a rich, resonant voice. Go then. Yun Yang then said, One last thing. Pay heed to all that Ive ordered; should there be anyone who violates them or chooses to ignore my warning, report him to me immediately. Yes! The men looked like moving shadows as they ventured back and forth to collect the heavy pieces of gold. It took a few passes before they managed to cart a ninth of the gold away. By their estimations, a ninth portion of gold would be sufficient to carry out Yun Yangs instructions accurately. Yun Yang left the remainder of his treasure lying in the yard and returned to his room. Under the cold, sterile moonlight, the backyard of the Residence of Yun was warmly illuminated by the bright reflections of gold. The night passed without incident. The next morning, Ji Ling had regained her temper as she stayed in her room and trained the young Silvermoon Celestial Wolf, not inclined to venture out and risking an encounter with Yun Yang. Yun Yang, pleased with his newfound peace, went to check on his critically injured patient before he proceeded to cultivate and practice with the saber. He had planted the seeds of turmoil and trouble would come anytime now. Yun Yang intended to be prepared for it when it arrived. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan had just finished attending the imperial court meeting and had returned to his residence with a heavy heart. The imperial court meeting was abuzz with news on the enemy states, the Empire of Dongxuan and Empire of Dayuan were both ready to make their move; their target was naturally the Empire of Yutang, the largest prize in the collective eyes of all the empires. The prospect of war had been smoldering for years and had not lost any measure of heat. If the coals were to burst into flames, it would not be a pleasant prospect for the Empire of Yutang Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan sighed and turned towards the sky. Marshal, something strange has happened again last night. An advisor in the residence, as well as the Old Marshals close comrade, Sir Wang came walking in with a smile, his face calm and gentle. What do you think it could be? Old Marshal Qiu sighed, I am an inch away from boiling and youre asking me to play guessing games? What is it? Sir Wang could tell that the old marshal was not in the best state of mind today; he summoned up a serious mien and explained, The whole of Tiantang City experienced a night of falling gold once again.. Old Marshal Qius eyes shone with curiosity, Hmm? The families of the eight hundred warriors who followed the Nine Supremes to war last year; more than half of them had a large amount of silver appearing at their home. They were there when they woke up, and no one knows where it came from. Sir Wang described slowly. It has happened once again The old marshals eyes were alight at the bizarreness of the incident. It doesnt stop there. A number of families of the warriors and veterans also had silver materializing at their houses as if a generous benefactor was giving them out Sir Wang was clearly captivated with delight. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhans eyes shone even brighter, Brother Wang, from what you have seen could it be that someone from the Nine Supremes is still alive? Sir Wang briefly pondered upon it and replied, This does not prove with and certainty that anyone from the Nine Supremes is still alive. Nonetheless, the possibility is there and remarkably large at that. The first half of his conclusion dimmed the old marshals gaze, but the flames in his eyes roared again when he heard the latter half. Its obvious, however, that this generous philanthropist does not wish to be identified, Sir Wang said thoughtfully. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan sighed and replied, The death of the Nine Supremes is a colossal conspiracy. Our investigation didnt yield anything substantial, even with the entire nation involved. If this person were really one of the Nine Supremes, or even related to them, would they dare expose themselves? He waved his hand tiredly, Let us do what weve always done; close one eye and dont ask any questions. When the situation permits, remove all traces of this incident! Sir Wang nodded, Agreed! Let all traces of hints stop right here, the old marshal sighed, his tone despairing but resolute. Sir Wang replied, I have already issued the order. Excellent. Old Marshal Qiu closed his eyes in a rush of sadness and spoke softly, Are any of the nine of you still living? Even if you are hiding, I would hope that you would come speak to me This old man misses you Old Marshal Qiu had his eyes shut tightly, but traces of tears could be still seen in his countenance. Sir Wang sighed inwardly and took his leave soundlessly. Just as he got to the door, he suddenly remembered something and turned about, Marshal, about the mystical beasts tournament that is to be held in Tiantang City by the influential families With eyes still closed, Qiu Jianhan waved his hand in dismissal and said with a tired voice, Let them be. Sir Wang knew well enough that Old Marshal Qiu was reluctant to say anything more but he could not help but add, Rumor has it that just yesterday, Marquis Yuns young master, Yun Yang, got into a conflict with members of the Ximen family in the mystical beasts market. It was said that he almost won almost everything from the young master of the Ximen family on a wager... Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan groaned once more, This too just let them be. Since when did Marquis Yuns young master bother to show himself in Tiantang City in these past few years? Let Marquis Yun handle this himself. Sir Wang had thought about it and wanted to comment that this incident was a passing strange, but looking at the old marshals exhausted state, he kept his opinions to himself and left. After today, he would not be taking note of these small matters anymore C a wealthy popinjay of Tiantang City and a wealthy popinjay of the Ximen family how much trouble could they possibly get into? Heavy breathing could be heard from the room on the east side of the residence. It was the injured man controlling his breathing and flow of his mystical Qi in an attempt to heal himself. Yun Yang was not at all surprised by this and remained unmoved. Another door opened and Lao Mei walked out with a spring in his step. Have you managed to break through? Not just yet. But that half a step has already been taken. Lao Mei was thrilled, I shall be able to move forward within half a month! I would like to accumulate more practice so when I advance I could push myself forward a bit further. Yun Yang nodded. Pushing through the bottleneck was only half the battle; once the feeling was there, the breakthrough would not be difficult. The crucial part was to prepare for the accelerated improvement in cultivation base once the breakthrough had been achieved. This particular accelerated improvement would have to depend on accumulated practice as Yun Yang no longer had any spiritual medicine that could strengthen ones foundation and increase ones energy; allowing him to improve by leaps and bounds. Young master, the injured man does not look like he will be a simple problem, Lao Mei spoke in a deliberately lowered voice. He isnt. Yun Yang nodded in agreement. Young master, are you looking to form an alliance? Lao Mei probed, Or do you wish to subdue him? Yun Yang smiled coldly. This alliance that you hint at will never be forged. Lao Mei was puzzled by this. I beg your pardon? Yun Yang shook his head. This man had put his life on the line and risked everything to acquire four ninth level mystical beast babies, but they were now in Yun Yangs possession. How could he possibly be willing to form an alliance in good faith? When the man recovered his ability, he would most probably exact his revenge and forcibly attempt to make away with his treasures. I only wish to rein him in for my disposal. Yun Yang was brutally honest in his speech, I am lacking in manpower right now. Lao Mei then asked, What would happen if he refuses to submit to you? Yun Yang looked at Lao Mei, his eyes crinkling with mirth as he spoke slowly, What do you think? Lao Mei could only feel the faint tingle of fear all over his body as if a snowy breeze blew straight through him, the chill settling straight into his bones. If young master wishes to subdue him... Lao Mei suggested, Now would be the best time, as he is grievously injured, and incapacitated. Yun Yang shook his head, speaking confidently, This tactic is inappropriate against such an expert. I will need a more intricate method. Yun Yang chuckled inwardly, An expert who could venture in and out of the mystical beast forest alone, an expert who could fight and perhaps overcome a ninth level mystical beast how would it possible to have him submit with this petty favor? A more intricate plot? Lao Mei was confused. Yun Yang grinned, The idea of servitude as a reward for saving a life Lao Mei, such stories would only exist in myths. Let us take you as an example. You were near death from sustaining heavy injuries and someone has saved you. Would you agree to be a slave at his house as a form of reward? Therefore, a myth is but a myth and a story is but a story. We shouldnt be so na?ve as to believe in such things. Yun Yangs expression conveyed a myriad of meanings as he smiled. 22 To Parry and Subdue the Fealty Jade Sword Lao Mei scratched irritably at his head, his face filled with awkwardness. His young master who had barely seen the passing of nineteen summers had just called him, an aged man, naive! It was preposterous and laughable. Nonetheless, Lao Mei could clearly feel it; if he were to compare himself to his young master, he did seem to lack wisdom and knowledge of the worlds workings. He had not noticed it in his earlier years. He was aware that his young master was mysterious at times and worked hard at keeping his martial arts skills concealed. Whenever they were together, Yun Yang somehow always managed to look idle and indolent. His master would frequently vanish as well, his disappearances lasting for months on end. However, since he had returned home a year ago, he had never left again. Lao Meis instincts as a martial artist were sufficiently sensitive to inform him that his young master had borne serious injuries, and had lost his cultivation base as well. Those wounds were grievous enough to threaten his life, yet his young master didnt seem to mind them at all. Even now, he still appeared to be listless and lethargic. It was only during the late hours of the night that Lao Mei could see his young master sitting alone from afar, and catch sight of the despair and loneliness he carried within him, reflected in the desolate glow of his eyes. He knew then that the young master carried the burden of secrecy in his heart. Lao Mei did not dare to ask about it; even if he did, he was certain that he would glean nothing from his young master. Despite all appearances, a mighty force seemed to swirl around Yun Yang, and it had been gathering force. It was a raging, murderous aura that would set the world ablaze, and of late, it had only gotten stronger. In a sudden flash of comprehension, Lao Mei saw that his young masters prescience had been accurate beyond his wildest imaginations. It seemed that there was nothing that he did not foresee, and no dilemma he could not solve, just like a game of chess. A chess player who was able to predict the next three or four turns would be considered a formidable opponent, but his young master was able to see an additional dozen steps ahead, and that too wasnt sufficient for him. In the year that had passed since his master had returned, there were many underlying motives behind his actions, but Lao Mei was unable to decipher any of them. Young master says that Im na?ve Perhaps, I really am? I wonder what sort of ploy would my young master use to compel this man, now lying injured in the east side room? These five cats Lao Mei looked at the five snowy kittens trailing behind Yu Yang and coughed as his hand reached for his beard. He had taken only a day off and the residence had turned into a zoo overnight. Just consider them as Lightning Cats. Yun Yang said, Theyre rather adorable. Adorable The word seemed odd coming from the young master whom he had deemed scheming in his heart; Lao Mei suddenly felt that his perspective and views on life, values, and the world had turned upside down. The Thousand Illusion Monkey was sitting on Yun Yangs shoulder. The little simian had been practically glued to him for the past few days but had grown a little less lively as well. Furthermore, as long as the four kittens were below him, the Thousand Illusion Monkey refused to get down from its perch. Its eyes were alert; if it were not for the monkeys reluctance to leave Yun Yang, it would have run away ages ago. The friction arising from the level difference. Even though it was only a single level, it had made the Thousand Illusion Monkey feel threatened, a fact that escaped the attention of everyone present. Yun Yang had examined the four Eclipse Panthers, one of them was already in the fourth level while another two were in the third level; the weakest one had also managed to achieve the second level. These little felines were clearly Blood Masked. It was the greatest act of love a high-level mystical beast could perform for its offspring C using its blood to obscure their true nature, making them appear to be weak, insignificant mystical beasts in the eyes of others. It was a mechanism that would guarantee their safety, and ensure that no harm came to them before they had achieved maturity. However, Blood Mask could only be cast by ninth level mystical beasts C Yun Yang was certain of this. In this aspect, he was of a similar mindset with the parents of the brood, both reluctant to remove the Blood Mask. Once the Blood Mask had dissipated, it would be obvious to anyone with eyes that there were four ninth level mystical beast infants railing behind Yun Yang like lost ducklings. With his abilities still pathetically absent, he wasnt sure if he could even survive out there for two hours. For your own longevity, you fellows can continue to be cats. Yun Yang stroked the four Eclipse Panthers heads, four tiny pink tongues flicking out to chase after his palm. The real Lightning Cat mewled anxiously as it had not fully recovered and could only curl up on its side, unable to catch Yun Yangs attention. Yun Yang chuckled, Right, theres still one more here. He stroked the Lightning Cats head as well, the kitten purring in contentment as it showed its snow-white belly. As usual, flows of the air of vitality permeated the air; the ground was soon filled with snow-white balls rolling around in joy. The Thousand Illusion Monkey made impatient noises on his shoulder; Yun Yang could only direct another flow over to it, stopping quickly when he realized the pitiful amount left of his Endless Divine spiritual Qi. Despite the minute amount, the Thousand Illusion Monkey was content. It hopped off his shoulder and fled towards Ji Lings room. Yun Yang suddenly felt a sharp gaze train on him. As he turned, he saw a head popping up at the window of the east side room; a pair of eyes staring daggers in his direction. Yun Yang laughed and turned to begin his walk to the injured man. The man had already sat up and was leaning against the bed. He forced a smile when he saw Yun yang entering the room. Yun Yang observed that the mans hair was not as messy as it was yesterday when he was still unconscious. He had obviously tidied it up. Even though it was just a simple smoothing down of stray strands, it was apparent that this man took care of his appearance. Yun Yang also realized that his hands were impeccably clean. For someone who had just woken up from such serious injuries, there was not even a speck of dirt between his nails. Could you help me wipe my face? It was the first words the man had uttered after he smiled at Yun Yang upon their first meeting. Cold water will suffice. Yun Yang nodded, Certainly. He went out to bring in a basin of cold water and soaked a towel before wringing it and placing it on the mans face. When the moisture had almost evaporated, he took it off and dipped the towel in the water once more before placing it on his face again. After five cycles of this did Yun Yang use a corner of the towel to wipe his face. The man remained calm throughout the entire process. You are very young. He said quietly, Yet, you know how to administer to people. I hear the man calling you young master, which means you are not one accustomed to taking care of others, and still you appear to be extremely comfortable with it. This is Tiantang City. This is a large residence but there arent many people, I dont see any maids or guards around. I heard a female voice addressing you as Yun Yang. This man continued, Would you be the young master of Tiantang Citys Marquis Yun? Yun Yang? As a young master of a marquis, how would you know how to take care of somebody? the man asked. Yun Yang continued to wipe his face for him as he spoke lightly, You, on the other hand, are not young. Although youve been badly injured and lay near death, you only look to be about forty years old but I place your real age at eighty or higher. In the mortal realm, an eighty-year-old man would be considered aged. By looking at your cultivation base, however, you are definitely in your prime. It is not often that an ordinary mortal exhibits such curiosity. Moreover, you emphasize cleanliness and put stock in your appearance. Even if you die, youd want to depart in a clean state. People like you are few and far in between. You took the greatest care of your hands, Yun Yang wrung the towel and continued, Even though youve been comatose for a long time and your nails have grown their natural course, they are still very neat. It seems that youve paid them the most attention, seeing as to how you trim them regularly... The inner side of your right thumb and the inner side of your left index finger are both softer than the other parts of your hands. Under normal circumstances, this is where force will usually be exerted. If you were a martial artist, regardless of whether you were practicing with a sword or saber, it will be callused; but yours is not. It isnt even because it has never been callused but due to the overall cleansing of spirit and meridians upon reaching a certain level of cultivation. The blood and bones of the weakest parts were healed first, thats why it is much softer. Your left index finger and middle finger show no traces of using force, its obvious that your left hand is used to make sword incantation gestures; youve never practiced any other form of martial arts or else there would definitely be signs of them. You are an individual of power, used to dealing with people of a higher position. Your words are sharp as you speak them. You are, therefore, a swordsman. Your left shoulder has the look of being perpetually raised, and the back of it has the impression of being pressed on for years, so your sword is not worn on the hip but always carried on your left shoulder. This position must be the optimal position for you to unsheathe your sword. You have turned half of the cultivated mystical Qi in your body into sword Qi. Yun Yang continued, So you are nothing else other than your sword. Your gaze is sharp, a habit picked up from constantly staring at the point of a sword C staring at the point of your sword when you practice, to be exact. Thus, even if youre not using a sword or holding one in your hands, you still exude an intimidating aura, grievously critical injuries notwithstanding. Your eyes are clear and impartial, it goes to show that you are not a despicable man who would do anything to get what he wants. You do not have your sword on your person, and the part between your right thumb and index finger is badly torn with broken bones. I would hazard a guess that your sword has been broken as well. No sword and you refuse to reveal your identity, of which I am unable to accurately derive. You use a sword and have never practiced other forms of martial arts; you carry a sword yet how you unsheathe and apply it is unusual. You are impartial, you dont rob or steal. You pay attention to cleanliness and appearance; you live within your means. You are a proponent in the martial arts world, yet you dont belong to any nation; you dont appear to be an assassin, but your abilities are simply astounding. Yun Yang thought and said, From the little knowledge I possess, there are three people who are like you. The man appeared to be pleasantly astonished he asked, Which three? One of them is already deceased. Yun Yang replied, If you were he, I would have recognized you even if you had turned into ashes; the other is a legend, a peak expert. Experts like that would not even have gotten himself injured as you did. You, on the other hand, hobnob with mystical beasts. That leaves only one identity that fits you. Yun Yang smiled, Do I have the pleasure of addressing the renowned mystical beast hunter, Fealty Jade Sword Fang Mofei, otherwise known as Old Sir Fang? The man on bed stared wildly in disbelief, looking at Yun Yang as if he had seen a ghost. He had always thought himself a nondescript man. Being a solitary individual, he had always come and gone on his own terms, had few acquaintances, and always felt that not many people would be able to recognize him. Yet somehow this youth who sat in front of him and whom he had never met, had easily determined his identity purely through observation. Even though he had been unable to reshape his visage as a result of his severe injuries, he was certain that the youth had not examined him prior to this, and had made a spontaneous decision to observe and analyze even as he spoke. Although the contents of his speech were unorganized and repetitive at some points, he was ultimately correct in his assessment. This was simply incredible. Fang Mofei never knew that he carried upon himself so many telling signs! He did know, however, that the youth had only spoken at length because Fang Mofei had deduced his identity first; it was a deliberate parry to an initial sword thrust. Fang Mofei had intended to browbeat this seemingly inexperienced young man with his over and complex deductive prowess in unmasking his identity. He had hoped to build a position of superiority through his craftiness, and ensure that he could continue to stay here and heal his wounds. Not only had he failed miserably in his efforts, the latter had retaliated and completely subdued him! 23 The Four Noble Young Masters Fang Mofei stared wide-eyed, and his breathing became increasingly labored. The shock was just too much for the man who had just been recently injured. Before he knew it, he had collapsed in a dead faint, Yun Yangs laughter ringing in his ears. Why do people always feel that they need to gain the upper hand in every situation? Yun Yang murmured to himself. Fang Mofei had attempted to intimidate him by using his native intelligence to deduce Yun Yangs identity, even as he was confined to his sickbed. Yun Yang had turned the tables on him instead, using his superior powers of observation to gain the upper hand. Ji Ling had finally brought the Silvermoon Celestial Wolf out of her room and into the courtyard. The small, lupine figure with a snow-white coat padded behind her merrily, attesting to the reliance it already placed on her. These children from the influential families certainly have a way about them, Yun Yang looked out from the window and marveled. A single night of effort and the notoriously rebellious and highly unapproachable Silvermoon Celestial Wolf has already developed a sense of kinship with her. Yun Yang! Ji Ling howled from the courtyard, What is the matter with your kittens? Yun Yang peered out into the yard and saw that the timid Silvermoon Celestial Wolf had come to a complete halt, refusing to budge upon seeing the four Eclipse Panthers were lying peacefully on their sides. The corners of his mouth curling up in amusement, Yun Yang went out to them. Looking at Ji Ling, who had regained some semblance of her former self, his smile grew broader; he could sense the difference, a vague sense of distance, from the shift in her attitude. They were indeed from two very different worlds. Yun Yang smiled inwardly, but kept a straight face as he wandered over and asked, What is it? Why does my wolf not dare to go over? Ji Ling asked. Wolves are pack animals; they have been conditioned to move about in a large group. This little one is young and without companions; it hasnt even been through a battle and it now has to face five cats all at once. They are so similar in size, Id be surprised if it actually dared to advance, Yun Yang rolled his eyes. If that is the case, could you just share how exactly do you plan for me to obtain victory? Ji Ling asked in consternation. I shall keep it as a secret, for now. Yun Yang said lazily, I can guarantee that you will win, and I only ask that you keep your word at the end of it. Ji Ling rolled her eyes in exasperation as well, What a petty man you are! Of course, Ill fulfill my end of the bargain! Yun Yang looked at the young Silvermoon Celestial Wolf and squatted down whilst waving his hands, Hey little fellow, come over here. Good try, but it wont be that easy. Ji Ling laughed. Ive spent so much effort yesterday Before she could finish her chiding, the tiny Silvermoon Celestial Wolf stood up and wagged its tail like a puppy, before it shot towards Yun Yang, straight as an arrow, yowling in eagerness the entire way. Ji Lings jaw dropped in disbelief. How frustrating! In an attempt to get the baby wolf used to her presence, she had resorted to using her treasured spiritual medicine. This guy is great! Just a crook of his little finger and this tiny fellow here runs over, as joyous as if seeing its own mother. There is no longer any logic left in this world. Yun Yang scooped up the Silvermoon Celestial Wolf and patted its back with his right hand. Suddenly, he flipped the tiny body over, and held only onto its front left paw, leaving the rest of the torso dangling in mid-air. As it hung there, Yun Yang gave it a vigorous shake. What in the world are you doing? Ji Ling screamed and gathered up her dress, ready to charge over to this callous man. How could you treat such a tiny creature like this? If you didnt know your strength, youd end up killing it! Oddly enough, the young Silvermoon Celestial Wolf was howling in delight, its tail wagging feverishly even if it was held with just one paw. Yun Yang then tossed it like an embroidered ball straight up into the air. With a quick flick of his right hand, he caught the wolfs right front paw and swung it around. Ji Ling was paralyzed by fear at the sight she saw in front of her eyes. The wolf then flew into the air once more, this time hurled by its left hind paw followed by its right hind paw, and finally by the skin on its neck. Ji Ling was nearly beside herself with hysteria. This is a wolf, not a cat! What are you trying to achieve, grabbing it by its neck? She was almost certain that she could hear fragile bones cracking in the tiny cubs body. My baby wolf! Ji Lings eyes were rimmed red in distress. Finally, she looked on as Yun Yang tossed the cub into the air again, where he actually grabbed onto its tail and twirled it about. Instead of crying out in pain, the wolf actually howled in excitement and danced enthusiastically with all four paws waving about. Impossible! Yun Yang! Ji Ling could not hold it in any longer. Is my cub now part of your circus juggling act? Yun Yang turned around and smiled a genuinely delighted smile, Dont you see that this little fellow is almost frantic with joy? As much as she would have liked to refute that claim, Ji Ling had no reasonable response to his question. Instead, she remained sullenly silent. Alright. Yun Yang said, All I ask is that you leave your baby in my care for two days. You can then bring it to the tournament, and if you cant win it, Ill do whatever you want me to do. Of course, if you do win, you will have to adhere to your promises, as we agreed earlier. Ji Ling could not help but sigh, Again, the conditions. Must you always speak of them? Yun Yang replied with a grin, One always has to be practical. Ji Ling was immersed in her own ruminations as she brought her Thousand Illusion Monkey back to her room. Yun Yang, having gained momentary ownership of the baby wolf, carried it back to his own room with a grin. He patted the cubs head and said, I can tell that you understand what I am saying. If you win the tournament for your owner, Ill lift you the same way I did earlier, as your reward. Understood? The cub gazed at Yun Yang with its shiny eyes, its tail wagging furiously. Do you understand? Yun Yangs face darkened as he seized the back of the cubs neck and lifted it like a rag doll. Do you understand? If you win, Ill lift you up again. Agreed? The cubs sparkling eyes blinked twice before it suddenly lifted its front paws, its hind legs following closely behind. It then turned and pointed its rear end towards Yun Yang, tail standing tall. Its limbs and tail lowered down again and it hopped twice to indicate that it wanted to be lifted, to be shaken. Looking at Yun Yang, its dazzling eyes seemed to ask if it had shown the correct response to his demands. Yes, that is correct! Yun Yang was simultaneously exasperated and elated. Wooo! the cub howled in happiness in its yet unformed voice. A bargain had been struck. Yun Yang heaved a sigh of relief; these mystical beasts were creatures of intelligence, and yet, the Silvermoon Celestial Wolf had managed to exceed Yun Yangs wildest expectations. Staring into the little fellows distinctive pair of luminous eyes, he mumbled under his breath, Could this be the direct offspring of the Wolf King? Certainly, this girl cant be as fortunate as that! May I ask if Young Master Yun is available? a baritone voice hailed from beyond the gates. Lao Mei immediately replied, Who is it? The voice answered, Please inform Young Master Yun Yang that Ximen Wandai from the Ximen family, Dongfang Mingtian from the Dongfang family, Nangong Bubai from the Nangong family, and Beiye Qingkong from the Beiye family, are here to pay him a visit. As he heard the names being spoken, Lao Meis expression took an increasingly worried cast. Ximen Wandai, Dongfang Mingtian, Nangong Bubai, Beiye Qingkong. East, South, West, and North. By themselves, these four people would not have been the cause of much worry, as Lao Mei had never heard of them; but the weight of the bloodlines they represented was substantial. Arrayed in front of the Residence of Yun were members from four of the eight greatest families in the empire! The one who had taken up a wager against the young master was Ximen Wandai, and he was the young master of the Ximen family. It wouldnt be too far-fetched to assume that Dongfang Mingtian, Nangong Bubai, and Beiye Qingkong were also young masters from the other three families. While it was possible that they were not direct descendants of these noble families, they were still part of an elite group of people, worthy of immediate attention. Yun Yang waved his hands and his five kittens ran pell-mell into the eastside room obediently. Invite the four young masters in. Yun Yang directed Lao Mei, We shall have tea by the flower yard. The flower yard was the pavilion under the flower canopy in Yun Yangs courtyard. There the flowers had blossomed, their fragrances filling the air with the scent of serenity and peace. Yun Yang spoke with refined elegance as he held the teapot with a single hand, It is my honor to play host to four young masters today. This is spring tea, which I have just obtained this year. It grows only on the mountains snowy peaks and thrives in the coldest of blizzards. This is the shoot of the Evergreen Rattan; it has to be picked while still covered in frost, dried in the cold, dry air of the mountains, and baked under a chilly shade. After three cycles of steaming and drying, it is placed in an ice cave high in the mountains to absorb the spiritual energy that swirls in the frigid air, before being baked dry under extreme heat. This turns it into tea immediately and locks in the flavor. The tea cannot be kept for too long and has to be consumed within a month.If it were to be left out in the open, it would absorb the moisture in the air and be absolutely worthless in a day! The emerald tea poured out from the teapot was a vision of polished jade turned liquid, forming a crystal-clear amethyst surface; wisps of steam above the cup gave it a mysterious and ethereal look. This tea is called Snow Flurry of Cold Mountain. Yun Yang smiled as he raised his teacup, Please, drink up. As they sat silently, all four young masters were transported into the wondrous world of tea; Yun Yang, in his valediction, had made the story sound exciting and poetic all at the same time. Savoring the hot beverage, they could taste a myriad of flavors coiling about their tongues. Ji Ling looked upon the scene from the window of her room in the west and sighed. Yun Yang, who held the lowest rank and status, acted more the part of a great lord than the four other young masters who sat together with him. His poise, demeanor, and composure outshone his compatriots, and would probably even put the direct descendants of the greatest families to shame! They would not possess an iota of the grandeur that Yun Yang now displayed and Ji Ling surmised that it had to be from the tranquility that resided deep within his bones. Young Master Yun does indeed possess an amazingly grandiose demeanor as well as a benign temperament. Dongfang Mingtian gulped down his tea that of which he could not discern the flavor, and smiled lightly, It is no wonder that Brother Ximen lost to you. A glimmer of resentment flashed across Ximen Wandais eyes, almost too quickly to be noticed, before he smiled lightly in response, If its laid, its played. It is within Young Master Yuns capacity to win. As such, I admit my defeat. Yun Yang smiled amicably, Young Master Ximen is too polite. Fortune was on my side during our wager. Besides, I am immensely impressed by Young Master Ximens magnanimity and unrestrained nature. I have been longing to meet Young Master Ximen to form a companionship ever since that day. As he spoke, Ximen Wandais tensed face relaxed. Of course, I would also like to forge a friendship with the other three young masters here, alongside Young Master Ximen, Yun Yang spoke earnestly and without guile. The young masters still maintained a snobbish air, but the tense atmosphere had evaporated, and their animosity grew lesser with every word that Yun Yang said. Perhaps only Ji Ling, who was eavesdropping by the window, could truly understand the implied meaning of Yun Yangs words amongst these people, I wish to be friends with all of you, which allows me to swindle you even more easily! Looking at Yun Yangs artfully earnest face and the young masters who were obviously entranced by this charming man, Ji Ling almost laughed out loud. She grew increasingly certain that these young masters from great families could not hold a candle to an ordinary marquis son! These elites, who had received extensive education in the ways of speech and culture since birth, could come nowhere near Yun Yangs tranquil composure and cunning mind! How odd indeed! 24 I Have Never Seen One Either In Ji Lings extensive memory, there were only a few individuals who could have come close to Yun Yangs collected manner - and these were the very ancestors of her own family. They had been seniors who had suffered through the vicissitudes of life, endowed with a wealth of knowledge and served as the fount of wisdom for their honorable families. She knew full well what these paragons had to go through to attain such an esteemed stature; risking their lives in countless battles, witnessing an unending stream of births and deaths, suffering immeasurable heartaches and surviving an innumerable count of hopeless situations. It was only through these tribulations that they could become who they were, men and women unimpressed by authority that possessed of incredible foresight. They were always unruffled, a deep pool of clear water that would not be perturbed in any circumstance. How had Yun Yang achieved all these when he was just nineteen years old? Ji Ling was truly curious about this young man who was wise beyond his years, with an impeccable demeanor and flawless mannerisms. Nobody could fault him on the way he carried himself, bold with a graceful flair. All said and done, Yun Yang was a man with many secrets. we are here today, firstly to witness for ourselves Young Master Yuns grace. Their pleasantries had finally given way to the real meat of the conversation. Beiye Qingkong was the first to speak, Secondly, it was to sate our curiosity. The astonishing wager of the ninth class mystical beast offspring placed by Young Master Yun has indeed astounded the world at large. He seemed to be abashed as he rubbed his hands together, Truthfully, it is a tad embarrassing to admit this. While we come from great, influential families, we have never seen the young of a ninth level mystical beast with our own eyes. His words garnered the agreement of the other three young masters as they nodded furiously in unison. Yes, I have never seen it. A ninth level mystical beast has always been shrouded in mystery, I had always hoped to be able to catch a glimpse of one Sigh, my losses the other day can all be attributed to my greed for this being How could I not come to see it for myself? Ximen Wandai was the last to speak, his sigh laced with helplessness. Given a choice, he had initially planned to make this journey alone but the three other young masters, upon hearing his intent, had clung onto him like tenacious leeches. They refused to let Ximen Wandai experience the wonder of seeing the exquisite beast all by himself. If it were not for these troublemakers, Ximen Wandai would have wound up at the Residence of Yun on the very same afternoon of the day he had lost the bet. The young masters were all smiles but the tension in the air had obviously thickened. Ji Ling, who was by the window, too held her breath, unsure of how Yun Yang would figure his way out of this one. These young masters might be amicable now, but the moment Yun Yang failed to produce the ninth level mystical beasts offspring, the entire Residence of Yun might very well be razed down to the ground.There would be no exceptions as these people were here to hold him accountable. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that, they were here to divide the bounty! Whether Yun Yang was able to produce the ninth level mystical beasts offspring or not, it would be the end of him either way. The moment he brought it forth, the four young masters would certainly covet it. Regardless of who would ultimately end up possessing it, Yun Yang would certainly not be left alive as the original owner! The conviviality of these people now was simply the calm before the storm. A ninth level mystical beast baby Yun Yang smiled, It is something wondrous indeed. I do not doubt that the four young masters have never seen it. But then again, never have I.. As his words tumbled out into the open, the atmosphere in the courtyard grew silent with a sudden chill. Collectively, all four of the young masters expressions darkened instantaneously. You have never seen it? Ximen Wandais face had turned an odd shade of maroon as he gazed menacingly at Yun Yang. Taking a deep breath, he spoke with an eerie calm, Perhaps I have misheard what Young Master Yun has just said. If Young Master Yun has never seen a ninth level mystical beast offspring, then just what exactly was it that was offered to me as a stake in our wager? The other three young masters stared at Yun Yang with wide, unblinking eyes. If I had lost the wager, I would naturally have been able to keep my end of the bargain. Yun Yang was nonchalant, his tone taking on a defensive edge, But since Ive won, thats all water under the bridge. Ximen Wandai could feel his fury rushing up to his head, If youve never seen it, it means you dont have it. What then was your bet based on? Yun Yang smiled, It was based on a few premises, the first of which was that I was certain I could win. As long as I win, everything would be fine. Second Young Master Ximen, who was it that told you not seeing means not possessing? His words confused everyone, as they were meant to. If he had never seen it, did he or did he not have it? Dongfang Mingtians expression transformed at once, his icy smile replaced by a warm beam as he spoke, Could it be that Brother Yun has another explanation? I would really love to hear it. Yun Yang smiled faintly, lifting the teapot to serve everyone the hot beverage even as he spoke, Truth be told, I need not explain this. If it were anyone else I had challenged, thatd be the end of it; there would be no long-lasting consequences. However, since you young masters have all paid me a visit itd only mean trouble for me if I failed to explain. It would be proper of me to speak further. Ximen Wandais face was still the same crimson maroon as he said, I can admit my defeat but I loathe being cheated. To say that you were cheated is an exaggeration. Yun Yang spoke with a straight face, If Young Master Ximen had won and I could not hand the ninth level mystical beast baby over, that would be cheating. When I last checked, however, Young Master Ximen had not won. Hmm, this isnt important actually. Yun Yang continued, Please, do drink your tea. To gamble, one must have the capital to back up his wager; if one did not, that would be cheating. I suppose Young Master Ximens thoughts are also along this line?. All the young masters were thinking, Who would have come all the way here if not for this? Are you speaking rubbish? I really have never seen the offspring of a ninth level mystical beast. Yun Yang was assertive, It is true, from when I was young until the present, I have never laid eyes on one. Boom! The fuse was lit once again. You speak of a lot of things, but, you still have never f*cking seen it However, Yun Yangs emphasized, I have an egg of a ninth level advanced mystical beast that is about to hatch. Uh Ximen Wandai felt horrible, like his full-force swing had punched nothing but air. Where then is this mystical beast egg? Nangong Bubai asked with squinted eyes. Yun Yang smiled and shot him a quick glance. The four young masters understood well in their heart nobody would be willing to respond freely to such a question; It wouldnt mean that Young Master Yun is merely trying to tell us that doesnt have one, would it? Beiye Qingkong asked in an odd voice. Young Master Beiye, you do not need to provoke me. Ill speak what I have to. Yun Yang smiled, Simply put, I do not wish for any conflict with your noble and influential families; or should I say, I do not wish to hand to these young masters the instruments of their own deaths. Instruments for our deaths? Ximen Wandai smirked, Isnt that a bit absurd, Young Master Yun? Yun Yang looked at Ximen Wandai meaningfully, Would Young Master Ximen be willing to bet with me again? His gaze was disdainful, hints of condescendence and provocation apparent when facing these four great young masters. Uh Ximen Wandais face paled. Another bet? If he lost this wager again, he would have no means to survive. Dongfang Mingtian played the intermediary as he laughed, We would all become gamblers if we go on like this. Brother Yun, as we have traveled all the way here, please dont leave us guessing.. We intend to forge a friendship with Brother Yun; it wouldnt be beneficial for either of us if we got off on the wrong foot. Internally, he was thinking, Is he threatening us? Where does his confidence come from? Yun Yangs smile was full of meaning as he said, That is correct. It would not be advantageous for anyone if we have any conflicts. Admittedly, I was indeed rash about the ninth level mystical beast offspring. Yun Yang spoke casually, I instantly felt regret the moment the words left my mouth and I fully intended to call off the bet with Brother Ximen right on the spot If it wasnt for the slip of my tongue, this would have passed and there wouldnt have been as much commotion afterward. Everyones gaze had then fallen upon Ximen Wandai, whose face flushed red. He had been the one to insist on continuing with the wager, turning hysterical over the mention of a ninth level mystical beast baby. This relates to a secret of the Yun Family. Yun Yang said, I am not allowed to say much, but this ninth level mystical beast egg is a Golden Pinion Birds egg. A Golden Pinion Birds egg! All four young masters breaths quickened harshly. Legend has it that one of the strongest legendary beasts of heaven and earth was the Garuda. It was magical and could wreak havoc across both the planes. Of course, the Garuda had only existed in old myths and legends as nobody had ever seen it before. This Golden Pinion Bird was naturally not the Garuda itself, but an advanced mystical beast that had sprung from the weakest lineage of the legendary beast. Once fully grown, it would undoubtedly become a ninth level advanced mystical beast! What made it even more priceless was that it could fly! My master had always wanted to find a more powerful mystical beast offspring for me; firstly to keep me company as I grew up, and secondly so that I could protect myself when he was gone for good Yun Yang spoke slowly and admiringly, his expression was one of utter devotion. Your master? Dongfang Mingtian finally caught onto the main point. May I ask who is Brother Yuns master? Dongfang Mingtian questioned with barely veiled interest. Yun Yang kept quiet for a moment before his hand went into his robe and removed a small, wooden plaque, placing it gently on the table. Everyones gaze followed his slight movements. The wooden plaque was black all over but as they continued to look, it seemed to glow faintly. Upon further scrutiny, the glow seemed to glimmer like stars in the night sky. It was akin to the constellations of yore that glimmered with endless radiance, eons away. Stellar Wood of Onyx? Dongfang Mingtian shuddered in reverence. That is correct, it is the Stellar Wood of Onyx, or more commonly known as the Infernal Stellar. Yun Yangs tone was deliberately indifferent, My masters writings were carved on this. Please keep it in your heart when you look upon them. I have no choice but to reveal this plaque today, and this act alone would be an utter humiliation to my school! If news were to spread, my master would definitely be angered! All four great young masters felt the obvious threat within Yun Yangs words, and an indescribable tension fell on their shoulders. This small black wooden plaque was filled with greatness and grandeur, and seemed to be far heavier than thousands of catties. Since Yun Yang had brandished this small wooden plaque, there was no longer doubt in the hearts of Dongfang Mingtian and his cohorts. The Stellar Wood of Onyx was a treasured gem in the known world. What rendered it so impossibly invaluable was that there had only been one of it in this world for the past thousand years. Furthermore, there had been only one person who was known to have possessed this ancient talisman. No hand other than his could have held the Stellar Wood of Onyx! Its appearance signaled the presence of that vaunted personage. As the wooden plaque was turned slowly, four rows of words on its back struck the four young masters eyes like lightning; at that moment, all four pairs of their pupils actually contracted and their delicate faces grew pale. Long since have I been a guest of heaven; half a step to ethereality; by virtue of a soulmate, I was halted a step before the clouds. There were only these four lines, with nothing else to prove its identity. Four lines, however, were sufficient to demonstrate its extraordinary character, one which even the eight greatest families in the Tianxuan Continent were unable to offend. It was the singularly unparalleled mythical figure of his time. He was a legend who could already decimate the void and soar through levels five hundred years ago; the first and only one to attain the godly rank of his times, the unprecedented hero who triumphed in the Tianxuan Continent for over three hundred years. Dugu Chou! 25 It Has Already Begun It was said that Dugu Chou had been a paramount in the realm then, and no one in the known world could have deigned to challenge him. However, just as he was about to ascend into immortality, he came upon his soulmate and was subsequently caught in the snare of love. Unfortunately, his soulmate was innately weak and was unable to practice cultivation. Dugu Chou renounced his opportunity to obtain life everlasting, and instead, stayed by his lovers side for a decade, taking great care of her before she passed on from the world. The ensuing heartbreak and despondency drove him to self-imposed seclusion; he lived right by the side of his late spouses grave. The one and only Stellar Wood of Onyx could be found there, standing like a shade over the tomb and his mean hut. Long since have I been a guest of heaven; half a step to ethereality; by virtue of a soulmate, I was halted a step before the clouds. Those were the final words that marked the loss of a legend. No one had laid eyes on Dugu Chou ever since. In the wake of his disappearance, the legends that had always been his legacy grew increasingly large and vast. These tales became so incredible with each telling that none of the countless experts of mythical standards that sprung up in the Tianxuan Continent could even begin to rival his acclaim. The titles of Unrivaled Expert, Unrivaled Swordsman and so on would be held by a string of people that came and went every few years, but no being dared to challenge the honorific of Unrivaled in the World. In a realm where a contest of martial arts would easily forge heroes, his name still remained uncontestable to this day. Staring at the plaque, the four young masters were awestruck as they recalled the name and legend associated with it. They each felt a faint buzzing in their heads as they stared at Yun Yang, eyes almost comically wide with shock. According to the legends, the Stellar Wood of Onyx plaque was a representation of Dugu Chous identity. Only one of it existed in this world, and here it was, sitting in their hands. Dongfang Mingtian felt his palms tingle as if they were being scalded by red-hot steel before he quickly put the wooden plaque down, a sickly smile on his face. The other young masters laughter, too, had a strained quality to it. Brother Yun You and Senior Dugu? Yun Yang sighed, his expression remorseful as if experiencing a remembered pain, I was given this plaque as a gift by master upon our first meeting. It shames me to admit that I was found wanting when it came to the art of learning and had to depend on my masters name to stay alive. I was embarrassed to face him The thoughts of all four young masters were equally muddled and haphazard. Why are we here today? It certainly wasnt to make new friends. How did Dugu Chou come into the picture?How do we proceed from here? This ninth level mystical beast baby what do we do about it? Dongfang Mingtian took a deep breath, his face frozen as he plastered on a smile, Now, this is certainly a surprise. Who would have guessed that you had such an, ahem, exalted master, Brother Yun? Ximen Wandai suddenly frowned in realization as he began to gather his wits about him, Hold on, if your discipleship was under such an esteemed master, why is your cultivation base in such a state? These were young masters of influential and honorable families. Having seen and experienced many sights, they could clearly recognize that Yun Yang was highly talented, but his cultivation base was a ragged mess! He was, in all likelihood, lower than half a peak now, hardly better than an expert of the fifth or sixth peak. His non-existent abilities was an extremely peculiar situation to ponder upon. Yun Yang chuckled merrily as he said, Perhaps the main question that troubles you is not so much about this, but rather, why did my master accept me as a disciple in the first place? I believe that you would be highly skeptical about this fact. The four young masters shook their heads in unison, like a rattle drum, No, no, not at all. Indeed. Yun Yang smiled and said, You could say that my physique is unsuitable to practice cultivation. Under four pairs of stunned gazes, Yun Yang continued to explain in an offhand manner, My masters late beloved and I share the same physique! Oh! All four men exhaled a loud breath of comprehension; they finally understood why an illustrious legend would reach into the gutter and accept this highly inadequate man as his disciple. It was a labor of love, and after all, one would be hard-pressed to find reason or logic for obsessions of the heart. Although I too am a gifted person of innately awakened chakras, my meridians were a mess and could not be cultivated, so Yun Yang sighed dejectedly, My master uprooted my meridians. They have started to grow again, but I am uncertain how it will all turn out. He has also taken my safety into consideration, which was the reason why he traversed the world in search of a ninth level mystical beast baby. News finally came three months ago that he finally discovered one. Yun Yang raised his head to look straight at Ximen Wandai, That was why I dared take on the wager! I was also reluctant to continue with the wager and had decided to withdraw from it. Young Master Ximen, have I quelled all your doubts now? Yes, yes, Ximen Wandai answered shamefacedly. With Yun Yangs elaborate explanation, their cynicism had dissipated and they looked upon him in an entirely new light. This young master was indeed a fortunate soul, to be the disciple of an unparalleled master despite being utterly incompetent. He had only been taken in due to his inner demons; sharing the same nature of meridians as his masters madam. In other words, he was but his masters experiment, to the extent that his meridians had been destroyed to see if they could be regrown. In a nutshell, Yun Yang was both highly fortunate and sadly hapless. The young masters were already passing judgments in their hearts. They had established that Yun Yang had spoken the truth and that Dugu Chou was indeed his master. This Stellar Wood of Onyx would never have been placed in his hands as Dugu Chou had been the only one in the world who could lay claim to it. Furthermore, this Stellar Wood of Onyx was grown at his late wifes grave; Dugu Chou had always treasured it and would never have agreed to give it away willingly even if the emperor of an empire or the supreme master of the martial arts world had demanded it. By association, the ninth level mystical beast Golden Pinion Birds egg would also be true. They could not think of anyone in this world, other than Dugu Chou, who could match the speed of the Golden Pinion Bird, let alone kill it and obtain its egg. Putting together these thoughts with the disordered look Yun Yang had on that day where he went from being provoked to regretfully offering to withdraw his wager, the four great young masters were even more convinced of the storys truth. If I had been the one whose tongue had slipped Id definitely pull out from the wager as well! This revelation, however, meant that their original plan to go against Yun Yang could no longer be used. These four great young masters immediately shifted gears to decide how they would be treating Yun Yang from then on. They would not be imposing, but would not grow too close to Yun Yang either. It was also impossible to put an end to him as well. Although Yun Yangs master was phenomenally powerful, Yun Yang himself was obviously without potential. Dongfang Mingtian thought, Lets leave it first. I cant afford to offend him but I dont have to be overly close to him either. I should wait until he actually obtains the ninth level mystical beast to see if its true; what if hes been lying through his teeth? I would be the biggest joke in town if I pandered to him now, wouldnt I? Ximen Wandai was thinking, If his master were Dugu Chou, it is perfectly acceptable to have lost to him. However, it is impossible for me to forgive him and equally impossible to recover my losses from him now. The more he thought about his losses, the more menacing his expression became. Young Master Ximens eyes flitted around, while his mind conjured up ideas that he kept hidden from his fellow cohorts. Nangong Bubai was actually thinking, It would be beneficial to me if a strong alliance could be forged; even if I cant use Dugu Chou as a connection, Ill settle for the identity of Dugu Chous disciple. Still, this Young Master Yuns personality seems to jive with mine. I dont see anything wrong in being sincere friends. In contrary, Beiye Qingkong thought, If I could wait until the ninth level mystical beast offspring arrives before I terminate Yun Yang with no one the wiser, wont the baby beast be mine then? The ninth level mystical beast baby would need at least a hundred years to grow anyway, I could just disappear and hide myself during this period. Dugu Chou is only human how would he ever find out? While all four young masters had their own thoughts running through their heads, Yun Yang had surreptitiously kept the Stellar Wood of Onyx plaque. The moment it disappeared from view, it vanished without a trace, turning into a saber that was embroidered on the sleeve of Yun Yangs robe. Yun Yang had never been the disciple of Dugu Chou, so where could he possibly have obtained the alleged Stellar Wood of Onyx? He hadnt, of course. He had simply invoked the shape-shifting ability of the Destiny Saber and borrowed the name to protect himself momentarily. Yun Yang felt absolutely no guilt or shame in doing so; Dugu Chou would not have known anyway. In any case, what matter if he did? Ive never been bothered that the whole world is against me right now, whats more, you alone, Dugu Chou? After a round of pleasantries to bid their farewells and fix their next appointment, the four young masters went on their way, although Yun Yang had warmly welcomed them to stay on. They had stood tall and proud when they came, but they parted harmoniously on good terms and without fuss. They had wanted to wrestle the ninth level mystical beast offspring from Yun Yang with force and then tear down the Residence of Yun. Instead, they now faced a grave threat. Dugu Chou! Just thinking of the name had all four young masters feeling like spouting profanities. To think that our top eight greatest families are honorably unmatched, even though the four of us are not the legitimate successors of the families, the entire continent C even princes of the five empires, have to practice courtesy when they see us. Caution, even. Who knew we would encounter such a personage today? Instantly, all four great young masters greatly resented whoever it was who had decided to organize the mystical beast tournament this year at Tiantang City. Couldnt it have been done elsewhere? It just had to be held here. You might as well use our prestige to sweep the floor now! Its really f*cking unfortunate! Watching the retreating silhouettes of the four young masters, Yun Yang eyes narrowed, thousands of thoughts running through his mind all at once. First, I cause an uproar, then I impose a legend into your eager hearts. However, an uproar is still an uproar, and the burden of that turmoil lies solely in my hands. From this day forth, I, Yun Yang, shall be in your hearts and minds. This will suffice for now, and it seems that it has already begun. Hot on the heels of the four men who had just vacated the premises, Ji Ling emerged with the cub. Disbelief was written all over her wide, charming eyes that stared straight at Yun Yang as she asked, Youre Senior Dugus disciple? Yun Yang stroked his chin and said, Lets make a deal. I will tell you, only if you reveal to me your true face. Hmph! Ji Lings head was raised. It wouldnt kill me not to know, actually. Alarm bells suddenly rang in Yun Yangs mind. He had just successfully deluded the four masters and had temporarily evaded danger; his normally unflappable state of mind was slightly out of sorts. Had there been a teasing tone in his words just now? That would never do. He shook off the cobwebs in his mind and diverted the topic with a smile, Your baby wolf is obedient now, isnt it? Ji Lings attention was immediately distracted as she excitedly answered, It is! How did you do it? Im terribly glad the cub is so compliant now! As she spoke, she allowed the cub to waddle out and ordered it to perform tricks and impressions. She even commanded the cub to stay upright and walk on its two hind legs, and then suspend its hind legs in the air to walk on its two front legs. Yun Yang felt slightly ill. Even though the cub had such highly cooperative skills and an excellent foundation, the girl wasnt even focusing on its combat capabilities; she regarded it as an ordinary puppy, trained to answer her every beck and call! 26 Heartbroken Departures. Keeping Watch If theres anything more mysterious than a womans mind, I dont know what it is Yun Yang mumbled ungraciously under his breath. Ive decided to name the baby wolf Little Moon! What do you think? Ji Ling asked excitedly. Little Moon? The corners of Yun Yangs lips quivered with derision even as he replied with artificial enthusiasm, Marvelous! Ive never heard of a better name! Ji Ling, sensing the sarcasm that lay very close to the surface of the sly and perfunctory mans words, glared at him. She lacked the heart to reply with a witty rejoinder but soon forgot about her ire as her excitement shone through yet again. With Little Moons cooperation, Ill be able to win the tournament with ease! No doubt Ill be the big sister this time! No doubt indeed! Yun Yang exclaimed with profound skepticism. That is if your mystical beast tournament measures victory by how playful your pets are, and how they are trained! You dared to claim that it was a marvelous and superior tournament just before this? Definitely a victory! Ji Ling was confidence personified. If you are so certain of your success, Yun Yang was somewhat puzzled, Why arent you leaving? Why do you still insist on lingering on here? The smile that had been playing happily on Ji Lings face froze in mid-speech. Somebody up above certainly had a divinely twisted sense of humor! She had never met such an imbecile who was too thick to get the hint! You are not... attracted to me, are you? Yun Yang took a fearful step back. Lady, please take into account my youth, I am still Why dont you just find a way to end your own life? Ji Ling was mortified with embarrassment. Yun Yang leaped up as he cradled his right foot and hissed, We were talking courteously, why did you have to hit me? Ji Ling looked at him with gritted teeth and suddenly roared, Theres no one lingering, Ill be taking my leave right now! With her head lowered to hide her red-rimmed eyes, she charged out of the room, hugging onto her baby wolf. This bastard! This despicable Hey, wait up! Yun Yang called out frantically from somewhere behind her. Despite herself, Ji Ling slowed down her steps, a faint light of hope blossoming in her heart. What else do you want from me? Werent you chasing me away? She was absolutely certain that he had chased her down to apologize. I just wanted to remind you; dont forget about our deal!. Yun Yang said in all seriousness, Youll have to fulfill them if you win. Its absolutely crucial! Her delicate figure trembled like a leaf caught in a heavy wind before she fled, her words nasal and distant, coming as if from afar, I, Ji Ling, am not one to shamelessly cheat! And then she was gone. Yun Yang stood quietly for a moment before he murmured softly to himself, Just as long as you remember... I was just concerned that you might forget Lao Mei, who had been standing behind Yun Yang and had witnessed the entire spectacle groaned and smacked his forehead in frustration. Young master, this is the very reason why youll stay alone for the remainder of your life. You could have said goodbye, but did it have to be in such an unpleasant manner? Witnessing Ji Lings departure, Yun Yangs eyes glinted with an unreadable light before his expression turned somber, as if he had suddenly donned a mask and strapped on a burden that weighed down his entire being. Young master Lao Mei sighed behind him, You have hurt Lady Jis feelings Yun Yang exhaled and managed to keep his tone light, Nothing to be heartbroken about, my good man. We are obviously people from two very different worlds. The young lady may still be innocent but I have to practice sensibility at all times. Lao Mei was puzzled, Sensibility? Yun Yangs rebuke was gentle, Lao Mei, what do you know of Lady Jis background? Im sure you have been able to arrive at some observations. Lao Mei nodded with a sigh. If the two parties were genuinely involved with each other, we both know what would be the outcome, dont we? Yun Yang asked with a tinge of bitterness. Lao Mei heaved another sigh of reluctant agreement. Besides, at least this Lady Ji has not yet formed an attraction to me At most, its just a vague, juvenile interest just a passing fancy, am I not right? Yun Yang stated. Lao Mei sighed for the umpteenth time; Yun Yang was right. It was just that; not even a mild attraction, but merely a general sense that Yun Yang was an interesting character. Love was definitely out of the question! However, these things could be slowly developed... So, pray tell, why should I pursue this and bring further heartache to myself? Yun Yang smiled with cynicism, his gaze far away and chill enough to bring a nip of frost into the air. Young masters words do make a certain amount of sense. Lao Meis sigh was as deep as it was sincere. Yun Yang continued, Status quo its the perfect state to be. His heart was at peace but his mind was awash with a thousand thoughts, I have not avenged my brothers; my eight brothers and eight hundred comrades who passed on just recently. I am at a loss as to how to claim vengeance, how could I even start to think of romance? Romance, at this juncture, would be a luxury. Yun Yangs flickered with sudden bloodlust, the glimmer vanishing as soon as it came. Lao Mei, I will be away for a bit. Lao Mei replied, Please allow me to accompany you, young master. That will not be necessary. Marquis Yun will be back soon Lao Mei blurted out the first thing that came to his mind as Looked at Yun Yang who was about to take his first step out of the residence. Oh, really? With that, Yun Yang was gone. Sigh! Other than sighing, Lao Mei was at loss as to what to do. He had served Marquis Yun for a decade, but he had never known when Marquis Yun had taken a wife and fathered a child. It was until three years ago when he brought Yun Yang back and claimed that he was his son. Lao Mei was completely aghast at that time, going on to stay at Tiantang City and became a butler for three years. Of course, what had stunned Lao Mei, even more, was that Marquis Yun had only stayed for a month upon bringing Yun Yang back before leaving without a word for three years as if he had vanished into thin air. They were both equally matched in the nonchalance, and Lao Mei had never seen another pair of father and son with such a peculiar relationship in his life! This young master was still normal two years ago. Other than disappearing for a few months at a time, and voiding his appearance for two to three times a year, everything else was still normal. However, he was completely different when he came back this year! Yun Yang strolled leisurely dressed entirely in purple. His handsome face attracted attention along the way; women and ladies had all sneaked a peek at him and immediately flushed red. He did not walk fast, his steps carefree yet collected; it was a lazy aloofness that came from within. His cheeks were rosy, his mind peaceful. He turned a few corners after coming out from the Residence of Yun into the main street of the city and headed towards Tiantang Square. Before the Lionheart Pavilion, there were bountiful people paying their tribute, the scent of candles filling the air. Yun Yang followed the crowd to the front of the memorial; he straightened his body as he lit the candle and held it in his hands, bowing respectfully low; Brothers, keep me in your blessing so that I may seek hints of the enemy and avenge your death! Brothers, keep me in your blessing so that I may spot the treacherous in court and eradicate them! Comrades, your heroic souls are with me, witness how I take revenge for all! Comrades, worry not. As long as I, Yun Yang, stand, even if I have to exhaust my resources, even if I have to rob this world blind I shall never allow your family to feel wronged! Yun Yang straightened up and pushed the three joss sticks into the censer firmly, his head lifting to give a long stare at the memorial before turning to leave without a second glance. He turned into an alley briskly, disappearing from view. When he reappeared once again, he was already somewhere not unlike a slum. What was different was that even though the people here looked poor, they were content. Some silver-stranded old folks could be seen sitting at the roadside chatting, their faces that were etched with vicissitudes of life were content and happy as laughter came about occasionally. Once in awhile, a few handicaps C some missing an arm, some an eye or a leg could be seen walking past, holding onto each other. Their scarred faces were also filled with hope for life. Li the fourth, did your house get silver taels yet? Yes, we received them. You? Us too. I wonder which charitable person it was to have been so generous. These silver taels I received them with a shudder. What kind of wealth must one possess to be able to keep performing charitable deeds like this Exactly! I am a recipient of a persons kindness, and I dont even know who it is such shame. A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of Yun Yangs lips as he slowly walked by, his eyes barely glancing about. Behind him, a person with only one arm who had his voice lowered attracted Yun Yangs attention. Brothers, I keep feeling that The one-armed man was obviously on the lookout as he lowered his voice as much as he could, I keep feeling that this seems to be related to the nine great sirs The Nine Supremes? The rest of them exclaimed simultaneously. Hush! The one-armed man reminded them to speak softly. All those years, the nine sirs had always distributed silver taels to us but that was when we were in the military. Each time our brothers were discharged be it from old age or injuries, someone would always be quick to react C regardless the number of people who were discharged and sent home, everyone would get at least five hundred silver taels It was only much later that we knew that these silver taels did not come from the military... Do you all still remember? Of course we do! The immense kindness the nine sirs have bestowed upon us crippled veterans, how could we forget it? During those years, the people sent to distribute the silver taels by the nine great sirs were dressed all in black and masked The one-armed mans voice was shaking, That night, I ate something bad and could not sleep the entire night. I could faintly see a few shadows, masked and garbed in black, throwing silver taels into my room and disappearing. These men dressed in black, and the subordinates of the Nine Supremes last time they were similarly attired The others who were listening trembled, standing up with strongly shaken expressions as they asked, Can what you said be true? The one-armed mans voice quavered, his eyes glowing with moisture. He continued in a choked voice, Do you think could it be that the nine sirs are not dead after all His voice held great hope, his Adams apple bobbing up and down distinctly as he wished with all his might, Nine sirs, please be alive Other than the nine great sirs, who else would always have us handicapped veterans in their hearts? Yun Yang took in a breath and left with wide strides. The discussion continued behind him, the emotion-filled voices growing increasingly excited. How I hope that the nine sirs are still here! Yun Yang picked up his pace, turning a few corners until he got to a quiet, isolated place. Standing still, he leaned against an old wall as he took in deep gulps of air His heart ached like it was being wrung dry. Ive done exactly what my brothers did all those years. How could their responsibilities and insistence be gone once it came to me? He would think that his eight late brothers would be comforted to see him carrying on their previous efforts. After some time, he blew out a deep breath and departed. 27 The Guardian and the Popinjay in Green Yun Yang moved forward. Handicapped and raggedly-clothed people were everywhere but everyone here felt warm and content as if they had no other wish other than to be alive. Compared to our brothers who had fallen on the battlefield, we are indeed fortunate. This was what a blind veteran who had lost one of his legs told an armless veteran beside him as they lounged under the sun by the corner of a wall. His voice was low and his eyes were closed, as he continued to reminisce. Sunlight poured upon them, illuminating the serenity that was exclusive to a world without strife. As Yun Yang walked past them, he stopped to take the scene in, his gaze envious. On the street were also fierce-looking thugs who had their clothes left loose, roaming around with idle hands. Yun Yangs gaze shifted onto them as well, and the envy that was there turned icy cold in contempt. These were healthy and well-built individuals who possessed strength and martial skills, yet they took the despicable path to feed their family. Not only did they refuse to serve the nation nor volunteer themselves in the battlefield, they did not care to settle down peacefully nor help to maintain the safety of a less fortunate group. What they did instead were to steal and rob with their brute force, bullying the weak. These people had no consciences whatsoever. They did not commit large sins but small, collective crimes and their deaths would be the first to be warranted in this world! It was a plain courtyard. The wall was made of stacked rocks, five rooms were inside in addition to side-rooms on both the left and right. There was also a storeroom for junk on the south side. This family was not rich by the looks of it but it was obvious that they were better off than most of the others. The door was half-opened, a girl of about two to three years was seen squatting on the block of stone by the door; her face rested on her hands, the thoughts in her mind solely her own. A young, beautiful woman dressed in a plain robe came out from inside the house. Nannan1, come back inside. Why did you run out to sit here again? The little girl did not move, her childish voice ringing out shrilly, Im here to wait for daddy to return. Mummy, where did daddy go? Why isnt he back yet? The young woman froze, her eyes started to tear immediately as she lifted her head to look at the black evocation bell hung by the door. She murmured, When my Nannan grows up big and smart, daddy will be back again. Oh The little girl pouted and retorted, But Nannan has already grown up The young woman nodded forcefully, holding in her sobs as she said, Yes, Daddy will be back soon As she spoke, the dam finally broke, and her tears streamed down soundlessly. Yun Yang stood concealed in a corner, feeling his eyes prickling at the sight of the mother and daughter pining after their husband and father. This young woman was the one he had saved the other night C Assistant General Wang Zhuangs wife, Juaner. However, the little girl had suddenly cheered in delight, Hey, where did this kitten come from? Its adorable! Somehow, a snow-white fur ball of a kitten had appeared by their doorway. The kitten was sparkling clean, not a single speck of dust was on its body; its round emerald eyes looked at the girl curiously from where it sat not far away from her. The little girl Nannan instantly fell in love with it, tottering over. Hey kitty, are you here to be friends with me? The kittens fur stood rose in alarm but then it abruptly grew relaxed as it looked at Nannan and actually nodded elegantly. The girl crowed loudly with glee, Wow, wow, this is great! Her mother was about to chide her, feeling amused from her childs innocent words. The kittens just gotten here and it means that it wants to be friends with you? Does it even understand what you said? What happened next had the young womans eyes widen like saucers; she clearly saw the kitten nod, as if in reply to her daughter. It then walked gracefully towards Nannan and extended a snow-white paw to shake her hand. Oh my The young woman simply could not believe her eyes. Great! Youll play with me from now on, alright? Nannan hugged the kitten happily, stroking it gently like it was a gem, her eyes turning into little crescent moons. It was obvious that the kitten was rather reluctant but somehow, it did not resist and stayed in Nannans arms. Its delicate little paw raised hesitantly and lowered, as it mewled. Nannan was absolutely taken with the kitten, hugging it all the way back to her house. Mummy mummy, is there anything to feed it? Do we still have my biscuits? Do we still have my fish jerky? My The kitten wrinkled its nose. The young woman quickly followed, her voice faintly heard, There, there, Nannan, put it down. Whose cat is this? Maybe it has an owner, you cant simply take it, although I must say this kitten looks really adorable Yun Yang smiled, leaving without a single word. A pitiful meow could be heard emanating from the house. Henceforth, you shall be the guardian of this home Whoever or whatever threatens to harm this place, I need you to attack without mercy. This place, where the families of my brothers and my handicapped brothers stay I need you to preserve its safety. Every night, youre allowed to come back to the courtyard, Ill double all the cultivation resources and food for you. But the moment you complete a mission badly, even if its just once, all these will be taken away forever! Do you understand? Meow If any of those scoundrels threaten anyone, dont hold back. Understood? Meow! Good. This cat was the same Eclipse Panther that had achieved the third level of a mystical beast. Yun Yang directed a flow of air of vitality and added another layer of camouflage before assigning it such a heavy task. Following on the execution of cultivation, this Eclipse Panther would improve by leaps and bounds. With a future ninth level mystical beast here to protect the families of his brothers, Yun Yang felt vastly more relieved. Before he could take on the external forces, he had to protect and stabilize the internal ones first. My abilities are still weak, I am only doing what I can. My brothers, please do not judge me harshly. If I succeed in avenging you and remain alive in the process, I shall continue protecting my brothers families. If I were to fail what I can do now is to have them live carefree for these five years and not worry about their safety for at least a hundred years with this panther here! Im so sorry, brothers, for this is all I can do for now. Yun Yang left, resolute and with conviction. As the Endless Divine Art surged through his body, Yun Yang felt energized, his blood boiling with power. Although only at most a fifth of his ability was recovered, Yun Yang felt impatient. If I cant beat them, my scheme will surely work against them. Ji Ling had left the Residence of Yun, feeling wronged and so saddened that her tears dropped all along the way. What a nuisance! Such an absolute jerk! Im ignoring you next time! The more she thought about it, the more she felt maligned; she became increasingly saddened and grew increasingly convinced of Yun Yangs unreasonableness. You think Im attracted to you Hmph! Pfft! Youre even worried that Id stick around you! Is it so very impressive that youre Dugu Chous disciple? Hmph Its people like you that I hate the most in life! Even when she had reached the tavern, she was still very much angered, her tears could not stop flowing like a gushing tap. She had only the slightest liking towards Yun Yang, far from the deep depth of love that women felt for potential husbands. Yun Yangs attitude, however, annoyed her beyond belief and made her feel inexplicably wronged. You dare to bully me? Ill show you! Hmph! Even as these events transpired, waves of people from the martial arts world were headed towards Tiantang City. A man dressed all in emerald green, emerald green robe, emerald green shoes, emerald green hat, emerald green belt, and even had an emerald green bamboo stick sticking out of his head, swaggered through the city gate with an emerald green rucksack on his back and a long emerald green object clutched in his hand. This person looked young, he was only about twenty years of age but insolence could be felt seeping through each and every pore of his skin. He was green from head to toe. The only other color was the small black lion by his side. What made the difference even more startling was that the black lion had two heads. It was obvious that it was just a baby mystical beast but it still had an extremely ferocious look. Such strange clothing on a man was a rare sight, turning heads wherever he passed. He was surprisingly unperturbed by the attention, making his way through the city with haughty arrogance and actually heaved a large sigh of relief when he arrived at his destination. F*ck this! Tiantang City, your father2 is finally here! Two middle-aged men who were walking beside him with straight faces the entire time could take it no longer and said, Now young master can avenge the previous humiliation here, and take off this this Both men were wary that their words would offend their young master. Why do you feel embarrassed to say it? The youth snorted, This time, your father must win! Your father lost the last time and wore this clothing for a year; I admit my defeat, this is nothing! But if your father wins this time, none of them can even dream of being let off lightly, all of them have to wear this! F*ck! Your father will not have endured such misery this whole year for nothing! They should also taste what your father has gone through this year! The man spat mercilessly, a look of absolute menace on his countenance. The two middle-aged guards were speechless. Lets not talk about other things, just your catchphrase of your father Couldnt you use some other form of reference? It doesnt bother you in the slightest that youve been beaten up so often The last time you addressed yourself as your father when speaking to your elder brother, you were beaten until you couldnt get out of bed for three days; the head of the family then came to see you, your insolence infuriated your father, the twenty-four slaps almost gave you a concussion but you still didnt change. Your great grandfather then came to see you, you your father is fine had your fathers fathers father - your great grandfather leave right away. Even though you are ungrounded and can come out to roam, youre still an endless pit of your father This madman is indeed one of a kind. Quickly find a place to eat and drink. The green-clothed youth waved his hand, Your father is starving, your father is about to die of thirst as well! The two guards were sullenly silent; they really itched to beat him up even though he was far more superior. Who the f*ck are you calling your father? Your fathers baby is also hungry! The green-clothed youth patted the two-headed black lion beside him; the cub actually shook its head to fend off his hand, both its furry faces wore the same look of contempt for him. Even this bastard despises your father! The man in green was livid with anger, If you werent the least bit useful, your father will braise you tonight! The small lion roll all of its four eyes at once, quickened its steps and ran to the front. F*ck! The young man in green cursed, Your fathers own pet actually behaves like this! When your fathers ability advances, I shall beat it to death and eat it! Do you hear me? Braise it into soup today, chew on its hind leg tomorrow, the day after tomorrow Woo! The two-headed lion charged over fiercely, tearing a big hole in the green-clothed youths robe near the buttocks with a howl and turned to run away. F*ck you! The man jumped up while covering his bare bottoms, fuming. One day, your father will eat you The two-headed lion turned and growled, charging towards him menacingly; its aim this time was clearly his crotch. The young man in green took on a frightened mien, Dear sir, dear sir, your father calls you dear sir have mercy Owner! Ill call you owner, alright? Alright? The cub rolled its eyes and swaggered proudly to the front while the youth in green covered his buttocks and walked at the back with a pale face. Find your father an inn or buy a new set of clothes What is the meaning of this, exposing half of my buttocks? Both guards gave each other a side-long glance; they had nothing to say. Is this not your own fault, you loon? Are you simply too free, to provoke that aggressive lion? You really have nothing else better to do! The youth in green was continuing his journey when he looked towards the front with a questioning sound. This is quite interesting. Yun Yang was making his way back. He would reach the main street in front of him and arrive at the Residence of Yun right after the next turn. Just as he was about to move along, shouts of chiding and scolding burst out from nowhere and a shadow of a figure was thrown out from the door in front of him with a loud swoosh. The person fell solidly on the ground, and lay still, unable to pick himself up. Yun Yang angled his body subconsciously and took a step back, his eyes sweeping his sides and back while one of his hands already gripped the hilt of the Divine Edge. Translator Note: 1Nannan (nn nn): term of endearment used to address a child, typically a girl; used here as a term of endearment and nickname of Assistant General Wang Zhuang and Juaners daughter. 2your father (lo zi): used as a first person pronoun/ to refer to oneself in arrogance and contempt. 28 Let Us Reason This Ou Tilting his body to the side was his first attempt to avoid the attack; if he failed to evade the strike, he could still prevent it from inflicting damage on his vital parts; finally, he could use his arms, thighs, buttocks, or any less critical and less lethal body parts to block incoming blades or hidden weapons. The single step backward was to ensure his safety while glancing towards the side and rear was to position himself correctly - if the attack that had seemed to originate from the front was but a ruse to divert his attention, the real assault would come from either the back or side. While his torso automatically shifted into a defensive stance, his hand had already gripped the saber hilt, ready to distribute his body weight to prepare for a merciless attack. These were all Yun Yangs spontaneous reflexes from waging war in innumerable battles! It was only until he straightened up did he realize that the person thrown out was a one-armed man; blood spewed on the street as the man twitched in a fit, trying his best to pick himself up with his single left hand. Yun Yang frowned and peered upwards above the door. The crimson painted plaque that rested there was emblazoned with four large words C Residence of Halcyon Marquis. Residence of Halcyon Marquis Yun Yang immediately began to recite quietly in his heart, Halcyon Marquis, Xie Wuyuan; Deputy Minister of the Board of War and a civil official; his father-in-law is Grand Tutor Liu Wei of the present dynasty; he used to serve as an ordinary officer but had leaped straight to being the Board of Wars Deputy Minister due to stellar performance and exemplary achievements in the military field. There was no doubt regarding the authority that was present here. However, despite rapidly climbing the ranks with the salutations of warriors and generals, in addition to receiving a military marquis title from the Imperial Court and serving as an official of the Board of War, Yun Yang had no love lost for those that served in the military. Since time immemorial, the civil sector and the military had always been at odds! It was the same as in the imperial courts, but there was only a handful who dared to declare their allegiances as openly as Sir Xie. Sir Xie! The man had obviously fallen down hard; blood oozed from both his nose and mouth. He seemed to only have raised his guard as he shouted, This lowly one1 stands wrongly accused! Were both militants of this nation, why do you seek to drive me away? Both militants of the nation? Yun Yang frowned. As if in response to the mans proclamation, three figures slowly stepped out from the building, a man, and his two guards. Descending the staircase, the man had his arms behind him as he pursed his lips and spoke while watching the man on the ground, Chen San, I was kind and benevolent enough to grant you this chance, yet you squander it by stealing from your workplace. I have already shown mercy by awarding you a pardon, seeing as to how you have served in the army before. Now, leave quickly unless you wish to die! Chen San got to his feet with great difficulty, Young master have mercy, please allow this lowly ones wife to return with me. Please be wise, Sir Xie be wise, this lowly one has always lived an upright life and has never done anything deceitful. This lowly one is being wrongly accused! Scram! Young Master Xie glared, You say you have been wrongly accused? Do you deny that the jade pendant was found on your person? Chen San replied with despair, Somebody must have framed me! Young master, young master please judge wisely! Young Master Xie smirked, Of all people, somebody chose to frame you? Is it because of your striking looks? Chen Sans hopes began to shatter as hissed, Even if it was this lowly ones doing, it does not concern this lowly ones wife! This lowly one is willing to accept the punishment, young master, please let my wife go! Chase him out! Young Master Xie commanded, disregarding what the wretch had said, If he utters any more nonsense, send him straight to the courts! Young Master Xie! Chen San shouted in grief, This lowly one has long known that you are charmed by my wifes beauty! However, one should have some shred of conscience! Where is yours, that you accuse me of theft? Young Master Xies expression darkened; he issued his orders without a further glance at the man and turned to head back inside. Chen San attempted to push past the guards. Let my wife go! The two sentries adamantly blocked his way. Chen San, cease your rantings and attempts to despoil a mans good name. Any more words from you, and we cant save you from the courts! Chen Sans lips trembled. But my wife my wife One of the guards threw a solid punch straight into his face, sending blood splattering everywhere. What about your wife? Begone! Chen San fell writhing to the ground and let out a hopeless cry. God! Is there anywhere else in this world that is reasonable? Is this not Tiantang City, under the watch of the Emperor? Passersby stayed far away; they skirted the scene by walking along the walls, even as they threw sympathetic gazes over at the unfortunate man. This Chen San The Residence of Halcyon Marquis is beyond his abilities to offend. He hasnt done too badly He came out alive, didnt he? Sigh, if he continues to keep up with his rantings, hell be lucky to keep his life! A woman will be the death of him yet. These people were indeed omniscient; they knew the whole story by just listening in on a simple conversation. Yet who would dare speak a word against the influential Residence of Halcyon Marquis? Yun Yang pulled a long face and walked over. The guards, who saw his approach, cocked back a fist, ready to let loose at this unwanted irritation. Thud! He blocked the other guards punch precisely with his extended arm as his other hand was already pulling Chen San up. Veteran? What has happened here? Chen Sans face dribbled with both blood and tears. Yes, yes... Handicapped from the war at Yangwu Fortress four years ago Young master, who are you? Yun Yang repeated his question gently, Whats going on? Before Chen San could reply, both guards had surrounded him, menace clear in their eyes. Fool, dont poke your nose into another mans affairs! Yun Yang did not even bother to turn his head, but his legs were already moving in response. With two heavy thuds, both guards lay sprawled on the ground, breathless from his kicks. He moved his left leg back and propped both of his feet perfectly against each of the guards chests. The two guards felt like the weight of a mountain had landed upon them as they struggled to breathe. Their eyes felt as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. They struggled violently but to no avail. Chen San wiped the blood on his face as he explained his grievances, A month ago, Young Master Xie sent his men to me, inviting me to be one of the residences guards and for my wife to perform some sewing. We were unable to say no to the salary; it was enough to cover our expenses and have some spare change. I was of the impression that Young Master Xie sympathized with our lives and specifically given us jobs out of generosity. We were unprepared for what would happen next Just as I finished my duty today, the young master found his missing jade pendant under my bed This is an absolutely false accusation Yun Yang nodded, Say no more. A murderous aura sprang up from within his eyes. I care nothing about right and wrong. Yun Yang pulled Chen San along. But I take umbrage at the unlawful detention of a mans wife. Follow me! He took big strides towards the door of the Residence of Halcyon Marquis. The guards had finally picked themselves up from the ground and staggered over, Stop right there! Yun Yang frowned, turned and delivered two lightning-quick backhand blows. Blood spurted from the guards mouths as they spun away. It would be acceptable for anyone else, but by looking at both your actions and bearing, are you two not from the army as well? Your comrade is being oppressed and his wife is being held against her will in another mans house, what honor do you fellows have by being accomplices? You both are lesser than animals! Yun Yang scolded harshly. The guards laid on the ground, guilt written all over their faces. The injustice of this incident was clear, even more so when they were involved. Yun Yang! Young Master Xie, hearing the commotion, had finally come out, looking displeased. This has nothing to do with you, dont stick your nose where it doesnt belong! Yun Yang smirked and pulled Chen San along, striding along with large steps and stood in front of Young Master Xie. Xie Qingyun, what if I wanted to? Yun Yang asked in a voice suddenly gone quiet and cold. Xie Qingyun angrily replied, What right do you have to meddle with my affairs? Yun Yang gave a single nod, then raised his hand. Before anyone could stop him, a harsh slap sounded as his palm landed right across Young Master Xies face. His head snapped back as two teeth flew away, blood gushing out of his nose. Release his wife. Yun Yangs expression was colder than Death itself. You dare lay hands on me? Xie Qingyun was stunned, his eyes glared disbelievingly. Slap! Yun Yang slapped him again, the blow spinning Xie Qingyuns head around, even as his face remained oddly impassive. I said, hand the woman over. Xie Qingyun had collapsed onto the floor, woozy after the abrupt strikes. With the quickness of a desperate man, he got up and hollered hysterically, Guards! Servants! Guards! Seize this madman! Yun Yang took several strides forward as his limbs flowed into graceful action, sending the four guards who had surrounded him to the floor. He grabbed a fistful of Xie Qingyuns robe and lifted him up. His left hand delivered a powerful jab to his nose. Crack! Young Master Xies nose showered blood as the fragile bones collapsed under the vicious blow. Capture me? Even your father would not dare talk to me like this! Im only asking you this one last time; are you or are you not handing over the woman? Only whines and odd groans could be heard coming from Xie Qingyun; the man was unable to speak coherently with a devastated nose. A dignified voice called from inside, I was wondering who it was. I see now that I have the dubious company of Marquis Yuns young master. No one else would dare cause such a ruckus in my Residence of Halcyon Marquis! As the voice continued to ring out loud, a middle-aged man in a black scholars robe walked out with an impassive expression. Looking at his son, half dead in Yun Yangs hands, a sliver of heartache flashed across his face. Young Master Yun, this has nothing to do with you, please let him go. Yun Yang spoke coldly, Ask your son to release the woman and Ill let go. Let us all be reasonable. The man was the Deputy Minister of the Board of War, Xie Wuyuan. His expression was dark as he spoke, You didnt ask the right and wrong nor the cause and justification, yet you decided to intervene with violence. How is this reasonable? Yun Yang snorted with disdain, Reasonable? I would like to ask how the Xie family practices reason! Let us not argue if Chen San really did commit a crime; even if he did, why hold his wife captive? What reasoning is this? To catch adulterers, you catch them by a pair; to catch a thief, you catch them with the spoils C one does things with proof. What cause have you to apprehend his wife? Is this reasonable then, Sir Xie? Yun Yang smiled lightly and said, Since you men are without reason, why should I reason with you? I have only one question to ask of Sir Xie; are you or are you not releasing the woman? I do not care about the cause and effect, I wont belittle myself by discussing reason with you either. I only ask for the woman to be released, even if it has nothing to do with me! Yun Yang straightened up as he spoke, Now, are you letting her go or not? For your own sakes, please answer clearly. Xie Wuyuan looked at Yun Yang with a grim face. He did not know about this incident nor did he know if his son would actually do something like this but how could he back down now, under the scrutiny of so many pairs of eyes? What would happen if I refuse? Xie Wuyuan asked coldly. If you refuse? Yun Yang chuckled with grim delight, Why, Ill just go on in and get her myself. Even as he spoke, he released Xie Qingyun to fall heavily onto the ground and prepared to charge into the residence. Guards, stop him! Xie Wuyuan exploded. Seize him! Even if I have to enter the palace to meet the emperor with you, I need to make things clear; even if your Residence of Marquis Xiaoyao is influential and all-powerful, justice must be served! Allow me to save you the trouble, and serve you justice right now! Yun Yang smirked as he caught hold of Sir Xie, pulling him close as he lifted his knee straight up in a vicious blow. Bam! Bam! Reason? Im reasoning with you right now! Didnt you ask for this? Come on, lets reason this out! Yun Yang spewed profanities like a raving madman, his normally calm demeanor evaporated even as his fists flew in a flurry of blows. Although he did not use any mystical energy, Sir Xie was of a slight and dainty physique, and he collapsed after only a short assault. Let the woman go! You think to threaten me with the emperor? Even if we were to meet the king of hell, you would have to let the girl go first! Those spectating felt their eyelids twitch in outrage. This ruffian had not stopped at the son, but had also assaulted the father! Translator Note: 1Lowly one (Сxio rn): Used as a first person pronoun in regarding oneself as a person of lower status or more inferior to the other party. 29 You’re My Idol! Stop! Xie Qingyun had picked himself up, wiping the blood off his face, his expression minacious as he ordered, Hand the woman over to him! Then he glared at Yun Yang murderously as he spat, Yun Yang, youre doomed! To assault an officer of the imperial court, you are doomed I say! Yun Yang sneered coldly, My doom has nothing to do with you. Ill count to three. If nobody is handed over, then it is your doom that you should be concerned about. Yun Yangs gaze was icy, piercing right into Xie Qingyun. Xie Qingyun could feel the deadly intent within Yun Yangs eyes. Somehow, he knew that his death would be near at hand should he not hand the woman over! This man in front of him was a lunatic! He was utterly confused. This was but a crippled veteran who lost an arm and had other injuries on his body; there was nothing on him that was worth salvaging. Moreover, he was not even related to Yun Yang. What madness would compel this man to turn berserk as he had? His actions were as violent as his decisions were rash. It was almost as if it were Yun Yangs own wife that had been taken captive. Was there really a need to resort to such violence? Xie Qingyun could not comprehend the entire episode and why it had even occurred. Shortly, a distraught but beautiful young woman was brought out, breaking into tears as soon as she saw Chen San. Chen San went forth quickly and took her into his embrace, comforting her gently, Its alright, dont be scared. A throng of guards and servants of the Xie Residence looked on, none of them daring to move a muscle. Chen San and his wife then turned and kneeled down on the ground. Thank you, young master, for your kindness that is high as the heavens and as thick as the earth! Yun Yang frowned and told them curtly, Leave, quickly. Bring your wife home and live well. You are a man among men, your obeisance is unbecoming. Chen San puffed out his chest and said, Chen San will not leave! Young master has put himself at great risk Chen San today, how can Chen San just leave? Whatever you have done, it was caused by Chen San. Dont worry, young master, I, Chen San, shalt not let young master assume this responsibility for me! Despite the tense atmosphere, Yun Yang could not help but chuckle, What is this about assuming responsibility? Would I have dared to make such a big fuss if I didnt have any background to fall back on? If I were afraid of them, would I have been as presumptuous? Dont you understand this? Now, quickly, go home! The more that Chen San thought about it, the more he realized that the young master was right, but he was still worried. Alright, this lowly one will take his leave first. I will report to the Residence of Yun once I have seen my wife home safely. Whatever happens, Chen San will not run. He bowed deeply and left holding on to his wife. Those who stood around watched Chen San leave with a dozen troubling emotions. He had really met his savior who had saved him and his wifes lives from utter ruination. One thing he had been right about though, this Young Master Yun had indeed gotten himself into dire circumstances. Looking at the couples departure, Yun Yang crossed his arms as he walked leisurely towards the door. Hold up! Xie Qingyun wiped at the blood on his face as he spoke in incredulous tones, Yun Yang, youre leaving just like this? Yun Yang turned, speaking with confusion, You do not want me to go? Do you wish me to stay for a meal? It was right about then that Xie Wuyuan arose from his stupor as he let out a long moan of pain. Yun Yang, your Residence of Marquis Xiaoyao and I, shall forever be irreconcilable! A murderous glimmer flashed across Yun Yangs eyes as he spoke, You speak as if I had enjoyed the co-existence with your family. Bring on all that you have! I shall be ready for you. Xie Wuyuan was huffing anger, Just you wait! Just you wait! Choking on his anger, he spat blood amidst his furious tirade. Yun Yang only rolled his eyes and continued to saunter out. Before he stepped out of the door, he spat on the floor as he mumbled, This is what I think of your family. I dont need to waste any brain power on the likes of you. With those terribly insulting words, he left. Well, I never! Xie Wuyuan cried out in rage as he collapsed in a dead faint. Just as Yun Yang stepped out of the Xie familys door, a man dressed in green came walking towards him. Covered in green from head to toe, he sported green robes, green pants, green shoes, and a green belt. Yun Yang felt the corners of his lips twitching in amusement. There was even a green bamboo shoot on this fellows green hat! How f*cking much do you like the color green? The curious fellow came forward with an earnest mien, his laughter rang loud and clear, Oh my, oh my! How astoundingly marvelous! My admiration for you is unparalleled hmm, Young Master Yun I believe? That was so very, very impressive! So impressive in fact, that I even feel awestruck just by watching! Yun Yang was stunned. What ailed this man? He found him impressive? Did he not understand the seriousness of what had just transpired? Yun Yang did not know this, but this green-clothed youth had been watching with shiny eyes since the moment he went head to head with Xie Qingyun and was slapping his thigh in glee throughout the drama! Its so satisfying so fulfilling! Look at him! The youth in green chattered endlessly, his gaze towards Yun Yang admiring as if he had seen his ultimate idol. Not even words, right! Unreasonable, so what! Your father cant stand the sight of it! So what he says! Hes too remarkable! Too F*ck, this fellows got guts! He really gave them a trashing! Its impressive, not only does he lay into the young one, he doesnt spare the old one either! This this is my idol! The young master bedecked in green had been gesturing wildly and commenting, impressed beyond himself as he exclaimed to the two guards beside him, Did you see did you see? This is what a popinjay truly is! Such a pity! Ive been titled popinjay for so many years but have only understood the true meaning of it upon coming to Tiantang City today. What was I doing previously, being a popinjay This is the true founder of the popinjays As a citizen of Tiantang and descendent of a marquis, he dares to trash these imperial court officers once they come to a disagreement. This is so much harder than me bullying people. Whats more, he beats them up as just as he said he would with such directness. The most incredible thing of all? He doesnt even bother about the consequences! This is gratifying indeed, tsk , tsk A role model of my time! It is such a pity that I, Guileless Young Master Dong Tianleng, have only discovered this after so many years. All my days before have just gone to waste! This youth in green continued to natter on; his two guards faces slowly turning black as coal as they listened to him. Youre already lawless enough, now you are actually admiring this rogue who had assaulted people so openly? If you do the same when you go back, assaulting people just because you cant stand looking at them your days would indeed be numbered. Young Master Dong Tianleng had actually intended to go to Yun Yangs aid when he started walloping the men but was forcefully held back by his two guards. Now that he saw Yun Yang had completed his affairs, he had quickly attached himself to him. Young master, you are Yun Yang was still somewhat dumbstruck by this colorful maniac. Your fa Im Dong Tianleng1! The youth in green introduced himself with a serious expression. Dongtians Dong, Dongtians Tian, Dongtianlengs Leng. Yun Yang rolled his eyes. Alright, winter is indeed not hot. My name is Dong Tianleng! Dong Tianleng explained in exasperation. My family name is Dong, my first name is Tianleng. Good name! Yun Yangs compliment was genuine. I have to say, I dont know this fellow, so Id naturally have to give him the benefit of doubt, but the person who gave him this name, now; Im really impressed! What kind of intelligence did the person have to possess to come up with Dong Tian Leng? ... Are the winters where you live not cold? Dong Tianleng was beside himself with joy. No one he had met had passed up the chance to mock his name but this paramount in front of him had actually complimented it without hesitation. He was overjoyed but managed to retain his composure as he asked, Whats so good about it? Whats so good about it? Yun Yang scratched his head and finally said, Its good because its simple! Brutal! Direct! And it has a significant meaning in addition to being easy to remember. No matter who it is, no one would ever forget once they see you and hear your name! That, my friend, is the hallmark of a great name! The more he spoke, the more convinced Yun Yang felt that it was a brilliant name. F*ck, this really is a good name. Hahahaha! I never knew my name is actually this great I wrongly held my father to blame for so many years Dong Tianleng chortled and slapped Yun Yangs shoulder, Not bad, brother! Very well! Even-tempered, just, and clear-minded! Let me buy you a drink! Yun Yang had no intention or inclination to drink. He immediately rejected the offer politely, Apologies, I have to retire to my home, as I still have many errands left undone... No problem at all! I will just go back to your residence with you to drink! We can do so after youve completed what you need to do. The great young master Dong Tianleng had finally found someone to his liking; how Yun Yang handled things and spoke matched his tastes to a T; how could he be parted from him so quickly? Yun Yang rolled his eyes, What can I do if you choose to follow me? Why not drink together when we have nothing else better to do? Dong Tianleng wrapped his arm around Yun Yangs shoulder, beaming as he spoke with false melancholy, Brother, in this life, its hard to find a friend who knows you well. You and I are not friends, and I wouldnt confide anything in you! Honestly, I have encountered many popinjays in my travels, but to find someone who can be more simple, brutal, unreasonable, quicker to anger, and more inclined to poke his nose into others business than you? Dong Tianleng spoke with reverent awe, Why, Ive never been able to do so! Brother, you can be considered the head of popinjays in the whole Tianxuan Continent! Yun Yang felt a terrible headache coming on. What is this maniac going on about? Why dont I understand anything? Popinjay? How am I a popinjay? I had intended to create some sparks from the ashes, the father and son pair from the Xie family convenient sent themselves straight to my door so Ijust started with them Besides, I was standing up for a veteran how am I a popinjay? I wanted to ignite the fuse of conflict between the civil sector and the military; to create chaos in the imperial court. Ive thought out all the steps, and this is only the beginning. I still have a series of plots up my sleeves. Who knew it would sound so trivial when it comes from your mouth? Head of popinjays? If I were to carry this honorific, my title as the think tank of the Nine Supremes will become a joke! I still have a brain, nonetheless. Leng is ashamed to pale in comparison to brothers tactics. But this episode of yours today seems to have gotten rather serious. Dong Tianleng had his arm around Yun Yangs shoulder. But dont you worry, you cant possibly go wrong with big brother, me, here! At most tonight He lowered his voice conspiratorially, Tonight, we wipe them out Yun Yang hummed with joy in his heart, he was surprised that this fellow shared the same view as him C great minds did think alike after all. He had the same idea himself. Dong Tianlengs guards followed behind two of them with dark expressions on their faces, feeling a hundred kinds of disbelief. Such a tumultuous affair. Young master is going to attach himself to it just like that? Yun Yang had attempted to fend off the loon politely with all his wits and tactics but it was to no avail. Dong Tianleng kept his arm on his shoulder and off they went all the way back to the Residence of Yun. When he got home, Yun Yang had simply instructed Lao Mei to set the table. Prepare alcohol and dishes. Tonight, Brother Dong and I are going to have a good drink together. Lao Meis gaze was filled with questions, and his expression grew worried. I have just got word that you entered the Residence of Halcyon Marquis and attacked the father and son duo. Now you are coming home to celebrate? Have a good drink? Do you have any idea how much trouble you have gotten yourself into? Translator Note: 1 Dong Tianleng( dng tin lng): used here as a full name with Dong as family name and Tianleng as first name; the words as a phrase means cold winter day, i.e. (dng tin) means winter day, (lng) means cold. 30 Reverent Awe. Beyond Comprehension The wine and dishes were served. Young Master Dong Tianleng then began the meal that would leave the biggest impression in his life. Are you able to consume so much? In a single sitting? Dong Tianleng was shocked, his face a look of terror as he pointed to the big pile of mystical beast meat in front of Yun Yang. Ive reduced my appetite by half now, Yun Yang replied pleasantly. It was true. He had eaten about fifty to sixty catties in the previous days; he estimated that he would be full tonight with just twenty catties. This was terribly good news for him. Judging by this, he assumed that Emmie, too, should be about done with her energy absorption. It seemed that there was still hope for the day that he would return to normal. How he longed for the days where he could be full from seven or eight meat patties! Reduced by half Young Master Dong Tianleng repeated in a voice that held a hysterical edge. His jaw was in danger of dropping off as well. He was eating some twenty catties of meat per meal, together with other food and wine and this was an appetite reduced by half! This is nothing. Yun Yang said nonchalantly, Previously, my appetite had even scared myself! Youre indeed the idol of popinjays! Dong Tianleng was impressed beyond his wildest expectations. Look at him! Consuming mystical meat for every meal! Im a young master from one of the f*cking influential eight families but even I wasnt treated this well. Spending ten thousand of silver taels for a meal hes having all by himself Thats some character we have right here! This is extravagant indeed! Since youre here, why not drink without restraint! Come, come! Clink! Yun Yang placed a large wine jar in front of Dong Tianleng; the latters eyes bulged in shock again. This jar has got to be at least fifteen catties! God, do all of you drunkards at Tiantang City drink like a fish? Yun Yang then brought over another jar and waved invitingly at the two guards. The guards shook their heads to politely decline the kind offer; they had duties to carry out C such as ensuring their young masters safety! They had no assurances they could do so if they started to imbibe recklessly. They might even stick a sword in their own young master and not know it at all if they ended up roaring drunk! Ill just go ahead then. Yun Yang opened the clay seal with one palm and lifted the wine jar to his lips. Under the amazed stare of Dong Tianleng, he gulped the liquid down; within a breath, half the jar was gone! Wonderful! Yun Yang put down the wine jar and spoke, Drink up, what are you doing just staring at me? Dong Tianlengs eyes continued to bulge as his jaw hung open, Idol, do you all drink like that? Yun Yang rolled his eyes and said, I do not know about other people but Ive been drinking like this for a year. My lord! Dong Tianlengs lips were trembling and his eyes actually teared up as he held Yun Yangs hands, forgetting himself in his reverence. From now on, you are my lord! You are my blood brother! You are simply astonishing! So flamboyant, even if its just drinking wine... nobody in the past nor future could hope to surpass it! You must teach me Yun Yang looked at the fellow speechlessly. Whether it be eating or drinking, do you really think I wish it to be this way? Flamboyant? Flam my ass flambo- He was sorely tempted to drop his chopsticks and stop eating, feeling oddly dispirited. It was then that Young Master Dong Tianleng cried out and lifted the wine jar in an attempt to emulate Yun Yangs manly gulping. Young master, dont Just as the guards spoke, Dong Tianleng was already choking on the fiery liquid, Cough! Such a lowly popinjay like myself really cant hope to be as flamboyant as you are gah! Your Lion Dog is not all that bad. Yun Yang changed the topic, looking at the two-headed lion that was sitting obediently beside the dining table and continued to shower praise. Its two-headed as well, and obedient to boot. Marvelous! This is a Double-headed Elysian Lion Dong Tianleng glowed warmly as he spoke, It is an eighth level mystical beast Uh-huh. Yun Yang pulled a bone that he had sucked clean out of his mouth and threw it to the supposed Double-headed Elysian Lion, saying, You eat bones? It doesnt eat bones The corners of Dong Tianlengs lips twitched. My lord, its a Double-headed Elysian Lion; at home, it eats only the best. Even if it eats meat, it eats a complete piece of mystical meat, and would never stoop to eating something half-eaten by others eh? Dong Tianleng stared wide-eyed, looking at the Double-headed Elysian Lion that was chewing on the bone and happily wagging its tail beside the table. His eyeballs were in danger of popping clean out of his head. You must f*cking pulling my leg. Doesnt eat bones? Yun Yang looked at Dong Tianleng like he was looking at an idiot. What do you suppose its doing now? Dong Tianleng felt like digging a hole and burying himself in it. Looking at his Double-headed Elysian Lion that was chewing the bone with extreme contentment, great Young Master Dong Tianleng felt like his face had been soundly slapped. Each crunch it took was two loud smacks across his face. Why the f*ck wont it save your father some dignity? Thinking of this, Young Master Dong Tianleng had a sudden realization, Odd, this isnt right, why didnt I address myself as your father when Im with this fellow? This is obviously a Lion Dog. Yun Yang said with affirmation, The only difference is that its two-headed. Dong Tianleng was unable to come up with a reasonable objection to the observation. Im f*cking looking at this thing chewing its bone and wagging its tail and Im thinking that its a Lion Dog too! This dog looks good. Yun Yang extended his arm to catch the Double-headed Elysian Lion by its tail. Dont Dong Tianleng immediately cried out in warning. This Double-headed Elysian Lion would eat people! Especially if its tail was threatened, no one could touch it at all. There were a few poor souls in the past who had wanted to touch it but the Double-headed Elysian Lion had gone berserk and left no parts of their bodies unharmed. However, before he could even call out Young Master Yun, he choked on his words that had almost left his lips. Yun Yang had moved incredibly swiftly; he had already gotten the fat tail in his hand with a swoosh, rubbing and patting it before lifting it a few times and said seriously, This dog is really not bad at all! Dong Tianleng could only stare and could not get a single word out. He saw that the Double-headed Elysian Lion could still afford to look obsequious while it was chewing its bone and had even grovelingly pushed its rear end over as if afraid that this Young Master Yun could not get a good grip on its tail. Was this still an eighth level Double-headed Elysian Lion? This was exactly how a Lion Dog would behave! There was only one word for it; cheap! Dong Tianleng could only wonder about his own state of being. Am I f*cking ill? Or are my eyes going bad? Did I get hysteria? How could I imagine something so outrageous? The two guards were also similarly startled and wondered what exactly was going on. This Double-headed Elysian Lion had always been the ultimate darling back home. Without any regard for others, even its owner Dong Tianleng would have to pander to it and work hard just to give it a pat. Even then, the lion would only barely allow him to pat it lightly for a short while. Just a short while! However, it showed such obedience in front of this Young Master Yun Yang whom it had only met for the first time today! Both the guards were sure that even if it were dogs that they had taken care of since they were young they would not be as obedient as the two-headed lion was right now in front of Yun Yang! Have another bone? Yun Yang was still playing with it. This one? Theres still some meat on it, I just had two bites Heres a peanut Come, jump to catch it Swoosh! Yun Yang tossed the peanut as the Double-headed Elysian Lion jumped up gracefully and caught the peanut in midair before landing and wagged its tail at Yun Yang to ask for its reward. Good boy! Yun Yang handed over a bone that he had stripped clean. Dong Tianleng was utterly bewildered. The Double-headed Elysian Lion now had him wanting to reprimand the beast,How could you offer yourself so cheaply! The bigger question, however, was, Why? Dong Tianleng slowly turned his numb neck in a stupor and looked at Yun Yang. My lord Oh, my idol No Big brother! Blood brother! How did you do that? Yun Yang looked at him in confusion. Do what? Dong Tianleng let out a cry and suddenly stood up to lower his head in worship. Big brother! Please, take me in! Little brothers admiration towards you is like the river of Tianxuan, flowing endlessly, and like the borderless ocean, its waves roiling for eternity Both Yun Yang and the guards were rendered speechless by his frankness and cringe-worthy admiration. That night, Dong Tianleng drank until he was completely inebriated, hugging Yun Yangs leg as he cried and blubbered with tears streaming down his face. At the end, Yun Yang was half pushing and half pulling to try to get the young master out of his door. Big brother, my lord, blood brother! Let me stay, I wish to learn from you learn to be a popinjay Im absolutely sincere dont chase me away, blood brother! Dong Tianleng practically wailed in drunken desperation. Sometime later, with the help of two very embarrassed guards and the intoxication of the alcohol in Young Master Dong Tianlengs system, he was finally carried away like a pile of logs. Peace, at last. Yun Yang could not help but sigh in relief, then chuckled humorlessly, This fellow is remarkable indeed. Lao Mei, who stood behind him, looked at him with a wondering gaze. Yun Yang turned. Lao Mei? What is it? Lao Mei breathed deeply and said, I am uncertain how to say this, young master. Yun Yang replied warmly, My good man, you know you can always speak your mind. Lao Mei composed his thoughts and said, Well, I get the feeling that young master seems to have passed up on too many opportunities within these past few days. Yun Yang frowned, Whatever do you mean? First, Lady Ji Ling arrived at our Residence of Yun. She obviously concealed the fact that she is from an illustrious family. Even if she wasnt, it couldn''t hurt for both of you to be friends. In the end, however, young master totally did not bother to garnish your words. Even if not for her beauty but for something else, you could at least have pretended to be civil This is my first uncertainty. Young master, you had already intimidated the four great young masters with your identity before they arrived here; if an alliance were to be forged, it would be possible to claim these four families help, or at least one of two of them. This would be of great benefit to a family in Tiantang City but young master did not do so. Young Master Ma, Young Master Qin and the others have been swindled by young master a few times already. This time round, young master gave them ample profit to cover what theyve lost and to earn even more. It should be the best timing to further improve your relationship with them but you have given up on this chance, even ignoring what happened after that day. Fourth on the list, the injured person can already move around now. Young master has mentioned that you would like to recruit him but you have just left him to lie, without even going in to see him for the past three days. Lastly, this Young Master Dong has obviously thrown himself at young masters feet in admiration. With some flattery, young master, you could immediately have him as an underling. Again, young master did not do what I would have expected you to do. Lao Mei had said all of this in a rush of words, and was rather short of breath as he admitted, Young master, Lao Mei really cant comprehend any of this at all! 31 Concourse of the Underworld Yun Yang shook his head gently. It is not yet time. Lao Mei grew even more confused and bewildered. Is it still not yet time? If not now, then when? Will it only be the time when youve managed to insult and provoke everyone around you? Lao Mei, kindly dig out all that we have on Xie Wuyuans criminal past. Yun Yang did not bother to explain himself and steered the conversation into another direction. Certainly. Lao Mei smiled at his request. I took the liberty of preparing the records the moment I heard that young master was involved in the ruckus at the Xie family residence. Brilliant! Yun Yang then said cheerfully, Prepare a copy and deliver it over to Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan. Do I still send it over... discreetly? But of course. Lao Mei lifted his head to look at the sky and said, Ill go at midnight. Duly noted. With that, Yun Yang turned and walked over to the room on his right, which was still merrily lit. I guess there is no better time than the present to get things done. Fealty Jade Sword Fang Mofei had maintained a veil of guarded silence since the day the two of them had guessed each others identities. He barely spoke and did nothing else other than to practice cultivation, heal his injuries, eat, drink, and sleep each day. Walking was difficult for him; even if held onto the table as he paced around his room, he found that he would soon be panting, short of breath. While Yun Yang feasted merrily that night, Fang Mofei did not join the young master but cultivated instead. He was waiting - waiting for Yun Yang to eventually seek him out. He knew not how the confrontation would turn out, but he was certain that Yun Yang had his motives for allowing him to stay. Finally, he heard Yun Yang approach. This time around, there were no probing questions, no verbal fencing; Yun Yang came in and sat right down. Brother Fang, how do you fare? Yun Yang asked with a friendly smile. I am recovering speedily - much faster than I actually thought possible. Fang Mofei seemed to be surprised by his own healing capabilities as he continued, In any other circumstance, a man who had sustained injuries as I did would have died if there werent a godly physician to intervene and treasured gems of heaven and earth to secure his life-force. With the extent of my wounds, I was surprised that I even managed to regain consciousness. I have, however, examined my surroundings as I lay on my sick bed. These medicines I have consumed were merely ordinary remedies; that I can already stand up now is the result of a miracle. Deep in his heart, Fang Mofei was astounded; he had roamed the martial arts world his entire life, but it was the first time he had encountered such a bizarre incident. That it had happened to him and he had no clue as to how it actually occurred made it all the more puzzling. As Yun Yang enquired about his health, Fang Mofei felt an odd sense of irritation that he had called him Brother Fang. Although I look like a man in his thirties, the truth is that Ive seen closer to eighty summers. Would it not be inappropriate for a young whelp like you to call me Brother Fang? It was difficult, however, to voice such petty concerns to the man who had saved his life. Regardless of how and why, I would still wish to thank Young Master Yun for his grace. Fang Mofei nodded his head slightly in acknowledgment of his benefactors generosity. It was but a slight effort; please do not make further mention of it. Yun Yang grinned impishly and said, Besides, if you wished to thank me, what you have brought to me has already exceeded my expectations. Fang Mofeis heart sank as he replied, Young Master Yun, do you speak of the Lightning Cats? Yun Yangs smile held volumes of meaning as he replied, Lightning Cats? Why Brother Fang, if they were Lightning Cats, they wouldnt be worth the grace that you mentioned earlier. Fang Mofeis lips twitched in barely hidden worry at Yun Yangs insinuating comments. What I wish to know is this; how did Brother Fang, Fealty Jade Sword, manage to get his hands on these Lightning Cats? Yun Yang asked with an artfully puzzled expression. Based on my limited knowledge of these things, Lightning Cats make their homes in the borderless forest. Although they dont travel into the heart of the area, they are still the ultimate rulers of the outer rim! Yun Yang spoke in a tone filled with wonder, Fealty Jade Sword, Fang Mofei; seventh peak and sixth tier of mystical Qi; he wields an indestructible white Frost Jade Sword. At the tender age of seven, he had already learned the ways of the sword and achieved unparalleled greatness within a decade. He roamed the martial arts world, had been at the thick of countless battles and had reached the seventh peak of mystical Qi at the age of fifty-six. The only known defeat he has ever suffered was at the hands of a masked individual dressed entirely in shades of night, said to be the Saber of Cyclone, Wang Zifu. After being vanquished, Fang Mofei vanished for three whole years, before he made a spectacular comeback into the world at large. Outwardly, Fang Mofei remained impassive, a solid block of marble. Inwardly, he couldnt have been more dumbstruck upon hearing Yun Yangs litany of his impressive achievements. Ever since his reemergence, all of the information on his battles with friends and foes alike were neatly encapsulated in Yun Yangs reports. What was even more outrageous was the fact that Fang Mofei had never discovered the identity of the man who had managed to defeat him; this young fellow had just casually revealed the information that he had spent endless days trying to unearth. Fang Mofeis voice shook slightly as he nodded in agreement. Young Master Yun, your information is incredibly detailed. Detailed? Yun Yangs chuckle held no humor. These are simply the facts that are publicly known. There is, however, another set of stories that have always been kept in the dark; would you like to hear about those? Fang Mofei was alarmed. In the dark? Like a learned scholar, Yun Yang placed both his arms behind his back as he looked out the window, and spoke as if reciting from a parchment, Fang Mofei, nicknamed Fealty Jade Sword; the use of the word fealty, however, might be highly presumptuous. Fang Mofei is not a man who commits heinous crimes, but is unworthy of the word fealty. In Fang Mofeis hands, there exists another weapon, lethal once unleashed. Personally, I believe that the secrecy surrounding this weapon is the very reason the term fealty could have come about. This weapon is very well concealed indeed. Fang Mofei sucked in a cold breath of panic. On the outside, Fang Mofei appears to be just an ordinary mystical beast hunter. However, he disappears for periods of half a month if its a short duration, and even up to three months if its longer... There is nothing unusual about this in itself, as is it a common practice among martial artists. However, each time Fang Mofei disappears, we will alway hear news of expert martial artists of the fifth to seventh tiers that end up wounded or dead. They could be the strong and youthful of the martial arts world, or the old and forgotten, even those who had gone into seclusion. After the deed has been done, Fang Mofei would then return to the publics eyes. In my humble opinion, this would lead me to think that Fang Mofei has another identity Yun Yang did not turn his head but he could sense that Fang Mofei was trembling. If my hunch is correct, Fang Mofeis other identity would be that of an assassin. But from which guild do you hail? Currently, the top three assassins guilds that are prominent in the martial arts world are C one, Concourse of the Underworld; two, Hall of Crimson Blade; three, The Merciless Tower. The Merciless Tower offers their services with clear terms and prices; I think that it doesnt really fit your profile. Members of the Hall of Crimson Blade are fond of using sabers in their trade; we can exclude them as well. The only possibility left would be the Concourse of the Underworld. Yun Yang turned away from the window and spoke slowly, looking at the pale Fang Mofei whose eyes were dazed from shock, There are ten kings in the Concourse of the Underworld. Based on those already deceased within these past few years, they were mostly residing around the Youyan1 area. This is, of course, the territory of First Court2 King Qinguang3 of the Concourse of the Underworld. Fang Mofeis cultivation base has not yet reached the level of independent execution and also stands below that of King Qinguang. Thus, if my deductions are accurate Yun Yang smiled triumphantly and looked straight at Fang Mofei. ... Fang Mofei should be an assassin under Kings of Ten Courts King Qinguang of First Court from the Concourse of the Underworld, the worlds top assassination organization! With reference to Fang Mofeis cultivation base, he should be one of the most skilled killers within the Concourse of the Underworld. Unfortunately, your ranking within this dread organization could not be established, do forgive me for this lapse. Drops of sweat the size of soybeans streamed down from Fang Mofeis forehead, as he stood staggered under the weight of Yun Yangs accusations. He felt like he had been starkly exposed, pulled out from the shadows and placed under damningly bright sunlight. He no longer had any secrets left! Where did all this information come from? Fang Mofei felt his heart thumping hard, his voice dry and hoarse. From my subordinate. Again, I would have to apologize. Yun Yang said indifferently, I had him inquire about Fang Mofei but all he managed to obtain for me were mostly things I had already speculated Moreover, it doesnt even reveal the ranking of Brother Fang in First Court King Qinguangs best assassins. The poor man was so upset, he came immediately to seek my forgiveness. Seek forgiveness! Fang Mofei was a thread away from utter collapse. This set of condemning information had already exposed him entirely, he actually needed his subordinate to seek forgiveness! He even had the gall to say it wasnt comprehensive enough! Fang Mofei could only feel his brain turning to mush under the extreme anxiety he felt; he panted heavily, about to faint again. Of course, theres still plenty of information I left out. Yun Yang said, There are whole portions regarding Brother Fangs family; when Brother Fang first began showing signs of interest in women, your first contact with fairer sex, when and what caused changes in behavior, so on and so forth. The report also contains information on Brother Fangs attitude towards your family, an analysis of the possibilities that we could manipulate you through them, and about your children as well, including whos your favorite child. There are bits of information on those poor souls that Brother Fang killed throughout the years, who these people had offended, who were the most probable parties who had enough money to fork out to have them killed Yun Yang caught his breath in mid-speech, I have it all here. Does Brother Fang want to to take a look? No There is no need. Fang Mofei was a man defeated, his eyes the eyes of a soulless corpse. He did not know what to say anymore. Who would have known that just a single incident of being severely injured and comatose would have landed him in the hands of such an evil demon! Brother Fangs life experiences are certainly interesting indeed. Yun Yang seemed to be genuinely curious about his past, Of course, everyone has heard of the mighty Fealty Jade Sword but who would have known that the virtuous Brother Fang is actually a part of the dark and sinister Concourse of the Underworld? Fang Mofei was sweating profusely. To be honest though, all these are minor details that I dont care much about. Yun Yang walked over to the table and poured himself a glass of water, saying, I am, however, more curious about other things; with your cultivation base, Brother Fang couldnt possibly defeat an Eclipse Panther. To make matters even more incredible, not only did Brother Fang do just that, he even managed to overpower its mate and seized the opportunity to capture all four babies of the Eclipse Panther! Fang Mofeis expression was that of absolute awkwardness. A spiritual creature such as the Eclipse Panther would have first exterminated its own offspring if it faced impending death! This was common knowledge within the mystical beast world. The higher the level a mystical beast was, the more likely it was to behave this way. Nonetheless, Brother Fang succeeded in escaping in one piece, and have brought these four babies to Tiantang City. Yun Yang continued, I would like to hear the story behind these amazing events. Fang Mofeis expression turned bitter. He sighed heavily and said, Someone had stumbled across them unintentionally. It was a pair of Eclipse Panthers; the female beast was heavy with child. They had been attacked by another group of high-level mystical beasts and ran away wounded After we got wind of it, we organized a group of five to head into the borderless forest together. Fang Mofeis expression then morphed into one of grief as he continued, The process was smooth as the Eclipse Panthers were indeed heavily wounded. Among the five of us, we only paid the price of four heavy injuries and one death to complete this undertaking. Yun Yang listened quietly and could not help but smile mysteriously. The four of us then started home, holding onto one another. I was the least injured and had two people on both sides. Just as we were about to reach the outer reaches of the borderless forest, I was ambushed. Out of the blue, two swords stabbed into the left and right sides of my back even as they pierced through both sides of my chest. At the same time, I took a heavy blow to the back of my head. Yun Yang frowned, That is indeed correct. I saw the wounds on both sides of your back and chest and they looked a little too smooth. The blades met no resistance; it was as if you were caught off guard. Those three Hu Brothers Fang Mofei was anguished. We arewe were... sworn brothers for over forty years. Bound by a single oath, we have been by each others side for dozens of summers, sworn brothers that have faced life and death together, countless times. Yun Yang gave a soft sigh and spoke quietly, If you were brothers why was there a need to be bound by an oath? If you were not brothers, would an oath have any use at all? With those words, Fang Mofei felt as if a lightning bolt had struck him full force, with ominous thunder rumbling in the distance. Translator Note: 1Youyan (yu yn): Name used in ancient China for the present area covering the north of Hebei province and a part of Liaoning. 2First Court (һy din): One of the ten courts in Concourse of the Underworld where its concept has been derived from Ten Courts of Hell in Chinese mythology, in which hell is divided into ten courts where souls are taken to after death to atone for the sins they committed when they were alive. 3King Qinguang (عqn gung wng): King of First Court; concept derived from Ten Courts of Hell in Chinese mythology, in which all souls are brought to the First Court of King Qinguang to be tested for their sins and deeds then sentenced accordingly. If their good deeds exceeded their sins, souls are sent to the Tenth Court to await rebirth while the rest would be sent to Second Court for further judging. 32 Staying Square1 and a Cloud’s2 Headache If you were brothers why was there a need to be bound by an oath? If you were not brothers, would an oath have any use at all? Yun Yangs had casually tossed out those words in gentle rebuke, but in Fang Mofeis ears, they were loud as thunder. So, you killed them and escaped with the mystical beast offsprings? Yun Yang asked. I wanted to kill them. Fang Mofei sighed bitterly, But wasnt able to I couldnt tap on my abilities anymore. I had just sustained three heavy blows. When I managed to recover from those near-lethal strikes, there were three men charging me. I almost met my end then So, I had to use fealty Fang Mofei laughed humorlessly. It is a secret mystical method, and a vile weapon at that. Upon severely injuring the three, my last conscious thought was to run away with the mystical beasts Fang Mofeis eyes were rimmed red; he did not cry, but his anguish at his brothers betrayal was apparent. I depleted my refined blood the whole way, running without a care for my cultivation. To be honest, I dont even remember how I entered Tiantang City and fainted in front of whatever shop it was Fang Mofei sighed with mixed feelings, Those three the Hu Brothers, I dont know how they fared. When I lashed out, I remember holding back and struck only those parts that would not be lethal. Fang Mofei sighed, As such, they should not be in any critical danger. The Three Hu Brothers Yun Yang murmured as he lowered his head and thought for a bit. He then asked, Do you seek revenge? Do you wish to kill them? Fang Mofei was in a moral dilemma, the struggle apparent in his eyes. Tempted by greed, a dozen years of friendship had culminated in two unhesitant stabs and one blow. Do I wish to kill them? You need not answer this question. A hint of satisfaction flashed across Yun Yangs eyes. Fang Mofeis hesitance betrayed the significance of kinship to him. Although they were neither virtuous nor righteous, although they had forgone kin before profit, Fang Mofei was still uncertain about his next course of action. Yun Yangs tone turned much lighter as he said, Brother Fang, what future plans do you have? Although Fang Mofei had not understood Yun Yangs motives previously, it all became apparent when he heard his question. Did he seek to recruit him? Even after knowing he was an assassin of the Concourse of the Underworld? Future? I dont even know myself. Fang Mofei laughed bitterly, I can feel the obvious damage to my basic Qi after the severe injury. Im afraid it wont ever recover in my lifetime. Yun Yang replied calmly, That is just what you think. But I have a few speculations about Brother Fangs future. Fang Mofeis curiosity was piqued. You do? Pray tell. You have a few choices. The first would be this; when Brother Fangs injuries are healed, you leave this place and continue roaming the martial arts world, continue trading mystical beasts and be an assassin in the dark. However, this route is full of difficulties and extremely risky. Besides, like what Brother Fangs said, itd be near impossible to return to the peak once again upon damaging your basic Qi this time. I believe Brother Fang knows deep down that youll meet your death by the blade one day. Fang Mofei sighed as Yun Yang finished his words. As a practitioner in the martial arts world, this truth rang true. Sometimes, one could just die without reason; killed for an unknown offense to some unknown person. Second, your sworn brothers; they wont let you go. Since you had a falling out and they were in the wrong, they would think of ways and means to get rid of you. You should know this already as well. Yun Yang spoke slowly, On one path, you will continue to roam the martial arts world until someone puts an end to you. On another path, you leave the martial arts world and live a life of seclusion. However, now is not the right time to do so you have an insufficient foundation. Fang Mofei sighed in melancholy. That was correct, he had not gathered enough resources yet. Only death would be in wait if he left now. There is a third option. Stay by my side and serve me. Yun Yangs words were clear. Let us first disregard all other benefits. Starting with just on your body alone, it could be recovered to how it was, improved, even if you stay. Youve already experienced this. You can continue to be an assassin identity in the Concourse of the Underworld if you wish to. I wont interfere, but everything you do has to be done with my permission. Fang Mofeis gaze was focused as he pondered upon his choices. As he lifted his head and saw the faint smile on Yun Yangs face, he suddenly let out a humorless laugh and said, I believe there is yet another possibility that you havent spoken of. If I chose not to stay, I probably wouldnt make it out of the front door alive, would I? Yun Yangs gaze was indifferent. There are exactly four ninth level mystical beast babies in Young Master Yuns hands. Once this news gets out, Young Master Yun would never know another day of peace.I am currently the only one who is aware of this tasty morsel of information, Fang Mofei said. That is right. Yun Yangs eyes were half closed as he spoke, This information is crucial to me. Alright, Ill stay! Fang Mofei made his decision without hesitation. Young Master Yun has the type of intelligence that could conquer the world and set it in your hands. As a person, you are a critical thinker who delves far and deep; you would definitely be an outstanding talent of our age. Moreover, you have four ninth level mystical beasts that would become forces to be reckoned with in Tianxuan, given time. Ive roamed the martial arts world my entire life and made nothing out of it. What does it matter if I hand my remaining years over to young master? It was neither because Yun Yang might kill him if he left nor because he would face a horrible doom in the martial arts world due to his reduced cultivation base. It was simply because Fang Mofei felt that his state of mind had changed. The betrayal of his brothers had dampened his spirits; the vigor for life and vengeance when he used to roam the martial arts world and flowed wherever the currents took him, too, had disappeared. He felt only emptiness now. Perhaps, staying with Young Master Yun was a much-needed break in his life, a turning point. For a brief moment, Fang Mofei was willing to forget the Three Hu Brothers who had betrayed him and had now turned into bitter enemies. Looking at Fang Mofei who was making his oath, Yun Yang remained impassive as he spoke softly, Rest and cultivate at home over the next few days. You can help Lao Mei with some of the chores as well. I would have you recover and improve. When your injuries have fully healed, Ill have more important things for you to do. Yes, young master. The night was as cold as frigid water. Yun Yang sat under the canopy of flowers and looked up towards the vault of heaven, his thoughts far away. Fang Mofeis unintentional words almost pushed his train of thought off its tracks C Young Master Yun has the type of intelligence that could conquer the world and set it in your hands. This intelligence belongs to the Nine Supremes. It belongs to me and all my brothers. Three Eclipse Panthers and a Lightning Cat sat by his feet obediently, looking exactly like quadruple twins. The three Eclipse Panthers looked at Yun Yang from time to time, their gazes questioning. Where did the eldest of us go? Why has it been gone for so many days? A swoosh sounded as a tiny white silhouette shot in from outside the wall, arriving at Yun Yangs feet like a flash of lightning. It howled softly, the tone actually filled with much suffering. Master, you just threw me in there like that. That girl almost stroked me to death! Even you can feel wronged by her actions. Come over here, I have something for you. Yun Yang placed one of his hands on the tiny ball of fur as a gush of refined air of vitality flowed into it. The tiny creature mewled happily. This energy is really amazing! It is astounding indeed! As for food, go find it yourself. Yun Yang patted the little critters head and said, You must complete the mission youve been given as best as you can. If not none of this good bounty anymore The small Eclipse Panther nodded obediently and sniffed Yun Yangs hand with its tiny nose before going over to its siblings and frolicked with them in mock ferocity. A while later, it made a turn and shot out into the night once more. Yun Yang woke up from deep meditation. Feeling the mystical Qi that had become increasingly stronger in his body, an indescribable glow came from his eyes as he extended a hand, dropping five fingers slowly onto the table top. Without a sound, his fingers drilled clear through the three-inch-thick table, forming five clean holes with sawdust flying all about. Yun Yang kept his hand on the table and circulated his Qi slowly. Mystical Qi pulsed within him, an image of a mountain materializing faintly on his palm. The mountain was high, the top all covered in fog. However, the view was clear if one were to look down from the heights. Only the peak of the mountain itself was still covered with a thick mist. Another day and I will be able to break through to the first peak. Yun Yang was speaking to himself, Soon, I will be going through the first heaven in cultivation. He took a deep breath and changed his method of cultivation. Gradually, Yun Yangs body became blurry and dreamlike until it slowly dissipated into a roiling cloud. The cloud then floated around the bedroom, constantly morphing into different shapes. Even if there waS a gap that was only a fingernail thin, the cloud could go through it easily. This was the mystical method and skill that was exclusive to Supreme Cloud. Before long, the cloud shook itself apart as Yun Yang reappeared by the table, sweating profusely. He panted for air, his face pale and wan. Three breaths. Thats the longest I can last. Yun Yang sighed. There is a form but it is insubstantial. This wont do at all! The Endless Divine Art was powerful; entering the cultivation realm was faster by a thousandfold compared to ordinary cultivation methods. To go from absolutely nothing to breaking through the first heaven by cultivating with normal cultivation methods would require at least the span of a year, no matter how innately gifted one was. Yun Yang had only used four days but he was still dissatisfied. I cant hold the form long enough! Yun Yang sighed, It looks like Ill have to mind the time and provide Emmie with some nutrients. In his subconscious, Emmie was languidly swaying its tiny body in boredom, flows of refined spiritual Qi poised to gush out in time with its undulations. Yun Yang felt an impending headache coming on once he thought of providing it with additional nutrients. Emmie enjoyed great jades, mystical stones, mystical crystals, and other similar treasures. It also meant that Emmie liked anything that was naturally possessed of spiritual Qi, engorged from thousands and millions of years of accumulation. The problem was, where could he find these items that would cost an astronomical fortune? Emmie had already consumed those that he had won the other time, while the other half had been sold to fulfill certain economic requirements. Now, there were none left Yun Yang was also disinclined to go on a killing spree just to obtain the air of injustice. He was the Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes. It would be unbecoming of him to find fault with crooks every single day. As for his targets, Yun Yang did not currently have enough abilities to ensure that he would be able to survive any encounters! What a headache! Yun Yang had been frowning for far too long. He began going through the steps of his plan again. Every step is a matter of life and death Translator Note: 1Square (fng): Authors word play on title; the characterfng that is the family name of Fang Mofei also means square on its own. 2Cloud (yn): Authors word play on title; the characteryn that is the family name of Yun Yang also means cloud on its own. 33 A Fate-Sealing Dossier! Ever since the Nine Supremes case last year, on the ninth of the third month, Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan had virtually turned into an insomniac. Each night, his thoughts would run wild as ideas and speculations washed over him like the rising tide; he could only sigh in melancholic agony. The death of the Nine Supremes was a scheme of the highest order, so colossally large that his heart pounded with anxiety each time he thought about it.The year-long investigation, be it out in the public or privately, had only yielded a few small fish that barely qualified as an appetizer. There has to be a traitor, a powerful figure in the military; the same holds true for the imperial administration. As for the nobles Each time the Old Marshal contemplated the situation, his head felt like exploding. Im certain there would be conspirators from the other empires as well! Marshal, are you not asleep yet? Sir Wang came in from under the moonlight. With matters as complicated as they are, with the internal issues going on and external forces at play, how could I possibly fall asleep?. Qiu Jianhan gave a heavy sigh and asked abruptly, Have you made contact with them? No. Sir Wang frowned worriedly. Those people refused to keep in further contact. Since the rejection of our last attempt to reach out to them, they have all suddenly disappeared; vanished from the very surface of this earth. The Old Marshal groaned, If we dont obtain vengeance for the Nine Supremes, these people are highly unlikely to come out in the open. Sir Wang kept quiet for a few breaths before he said, Nonetheless, there are quite a number of hints revealing that these people are still actively pursuing their course. But of course. They would not forsake the revenge they seek as long as the deaths of the Nine Supremes go unsolved. The Old Marshal was hardly surprised as he continued, Labyrinth of Nine Heavens Intelligence C they had originally divided their territories into nine segments, each claiming one, but the death of the Nine Supremes has caused these nine heavens to merge into a single iron plate! They wont listen to anyone other than Nine Supremes! Old Marshal continued, Their refusal to cooperate now heralds their gradual exit from the imperial court. Slowly, they would become an underground force in the martial arts world; albeit one to be regarded highly in Tianxuan Continent. I really cant say how this will turn out. Sir Wang looked as if he was about to voice his thoughts, but caught himself at the last minute. What does Brother Wang wish to say? Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan asked. I could be wrong, Sir Wang continued, However, I cant help but feel that the Labyrinth of Nine Heavens Intelligence is still taking orders from someone... still under the control of a strong and powerful force. What? The Old Marshal immediately sat upright. What proof do you have? Allow me to elaborate. When they were alive, each of the Nine Supremes had a team of their own. These teams had always only belonged to each individual and their intricate crossover was what made the Labyrinth of Nine Heavens Intelligence. Sir Wang continued slowly, But this Labyrinth of Nine Heavens Intelligence also chooses their own leader within each team, which also means that there are successors after the Nine Supremes. If they were without a figurehead, these nine teams would definitely have crumbled and would never have merged into a single slab of iron. Sir Wang spoke, It is almost like nine different clans. Which clan leader would be willing to take orders from another clan leader? Yet, nobody in these nine teams has done anything foolish or rash. This means that there must still be a force above them that keeps them in check! Sir Wangs eyes shone with excitement. They wouldnt have avoided our attempts at contact otherwise. The Old Marshals eyes began to brighten with enthusiasm, as his body trembled. Could it be that the Nine Supremes are not dead yet? Sir, that is impossible. Sir Wangs words robbed the Old Marshal of his momentary hope and he collapsed back into his chair like a deflated balloon. But there must be another arrangement, Im absolutely sure about this. Sir Wang went on speaking, The most likely explanation has to be that His Majesty the Emperor has assumed control. Yet another possibility would be that they have appointed a general leader after the Nine Supremes. I dont believe there is any other possible explanation other than these two. His Majesty the Emperor the Old Marshal sighed, His Majesty has already spat blood and fainted on three separate occasions when it comes to matters concerning the Nine Supremes. Never mind, I will look for a chance to discuss this with His Majesty. Just as Sir Wang was about to reply, the sound of a fluttering robe suddenly whispered in the air. Swoosh! A silhouette flashed across the sky above the marshals residence. Who goes there? How dare you! The guards reacted with lightning-fast reflexes; they charged towards the sky in pursuit of the intruder. Within an instant, a large group of people was piled up on the roof. Too late. Sir Wangs expression was dark. Whoever, it was, he got away. Marshal, someone threw in a parcel. A very burly guard made entirely of broad shoulders and a thick waist walked over with large strides. Looks like there are papers inside. Qiu Dao, open it, Sir Wang ordered right away. Yes, sir. Qiu Dao tore it open without hesitation and a heavy dossier dropped out. The packet isnt poisoned, and theres nothing else within. Qiu Dao quickly gave it the once over. Bring it over to me, said the Old Marshal. On the dossier was a tiny symbol. Trembles ran through the Old Marshals entire being as he took hold of it. The symbol was comprised of nine stars dotted by ink that formed a circle. Right in their center was affixed a strange symbol that looked like a burning flame. Nine Heavens Dictum! Sir Wang almost shouted, his eyes wild with excitement. Its the Flame Dictum of the Nine Heavens Dictum Lords. Old Marshal Qiu took in a deep breath. A pity it wasnt sent by Supreme Flame himself. If it was, the flame would be in red. The expression on his aged face suddenly took on a razor-sharp edge. Since the Nine Heavens have sent a dictum, there must be something of great import inside. I shall take a closer look at it. The dossier was simple C it was the biography of an official. The Old Marshal had only perused half the document before he began to fume in utter rage. Xie Wuyuan! Even if this varlet were to be sliced and diced a thousand times, it wouldnt be enough to pacify the people! Contained within was all the information available on the Deputy Minister of Board of War, Xie Wuyuan. It went into great detail about how he had passed the imperial examination, how he had murdered his own wife and son right after to marry the Grand Tutors daughter, how he had framed the innocent and kind, how he had oppressed and intimidated men and women alike and how he had tyrannized the capital. There were already more than a hundred cases of homicide in the document. It went on further to explain how he had criminally appropriated and resold resources belonging to Empire of Yutangs military and people for his own personal gain and more.There were proof and evidence, witnesses and testimonies; all detailed enough to include information on the people who had provided them. Lastly, there were an array of cases on veterans being harmed and mistreated; at least a few dozen incidents were listed within. How could such a person so devoid of heart and conscience be serving in the imperial court? Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was in despair. Tomorrow, I must put this varlet in his place! Sir Wang breathed a sigh of relief, he could see the delight in the eyes of the Old Marshal. The Nine Heavens Dictums initiative to contact them had given the Old Marshal immense confidence. With the righteousness of the Nine Heavens Dictum behind him, he would have gone all out to confront the vile criminal, even it was the present prime minister himself, what more a mere deputy minister of the Board of War! During the morning assembly of the imperial court the following day, Grand Tutor Liu hopped out with a long face, his voice and expression befitting his dejected look as he complained, Your Majesty, please restore justice for this old official. His Majesty the Emperor was perplexed, What ails you, Grand Tutor? Grand Tutor Liu spoke sorrowfully, The son of Marquis Yun, Yun Yang, has no regard for the law. He assaulted the officials of the imperial court publicly and inflicted much harm on my son-in-law, Xie Wuyuans family. He even broke into the residence and wreaked havoc in the compound! The condition of the Wuyuans residence in the aftermath is terribly appalling. Could this be true? His Majesty the Emperor was shocked. Could the young master of Marquis Yun be so tyrannical? By the side, Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan could no longer stay silent as he stepped out. Your Majesty, this official has something to report. Grand Tutor Liu glared at the old man as he spoke with a frown, Old Qiu, you should wait until Im done with my case Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan glared right back at him as he replied, Actually, I intend to speak about this very same case as well! Incorrectly interpreting his intentions, Grand Tutor Liu was utterly delighted. Old Qiu, are you also unable to stomach anymore of Yun Yangs rebellious actions? What I cant stomach is your good ol son-in-law! Qiu Jianhan stared daggers at the Grand Tutor. Tell me, what sort of scoundrel have you taken as your son-in-law? It cant be that nobody wishes for you daughters hand in marriage; although shes not all that good-looking and a little fat around the edges, a lot of men in our military would be willing to overlook all that You ignorant old man! Grand Tutor Liu exploded in anger, Hold your tongue! Qiu Jianhan continued coldly, This official wishes to submit a report on the Deputy Minister of the Board of War, Xie Wuyuan. This blackguard has remarried after murdering his wife and son, lusted over wealth and extravagance, and is utterly devoid of heart and conscience. He has also oppressed men and women, slaughtered the innocent and kind, appropriated resources of the military and the people for personal gains and forged treasonous relationships with external forces. All in all, he has committed a total of ninety-eight different crimes! Your Majesty, I beg for your judgment on this villain. As he spoke, he passed the dossier over. The military and civil officials present in the imperial court spoke in hushed whispers, feathers clearly ruffled by these revelations. The corners of Grand Tutor Lius lips twitched in fury as he was filled with disbelief. Old ignorant man, all you do is spew nonsense. My son-in-law would never... Qiu Jianhan interrupted him coldly, Your son-in-laws crimes were all recorded in this document, complete with witnesses, evidence, and proof. You can take a look at it as well after His Majesty is done with it. If you still think that your son-in-law should be pardoned The Old Marshals gaze pierced Grand Tutor Liu like a sharp arrow. His underlying meaning was clear, If you still dare to speak for him, Ill have you in your place too! He did not have to speak out loud though. On his throne, His Majesty the Emperor had only gone through half of the dossier before he was shaking with rage. Read it out, listen to how well our Board of Wars Deputy Minister has performed his duties! All the officials listened with increasingly widening eyes as a eunuch proceed to recite all of Xie Wuyuans atrocities. Grand Tutor Liu himself had passed out in a dead faint upon hearing of the first case. Xie Wuyuan had been wedded with wife and son in his hometown. Upon passing the imperial examination, he had secretly sent people home to murder his wife and child. The bodies were buried at The middleman was The witness was Thereafter, he intentionally approached the daughter of the Grand Tutor Grand Tutor Liu had been deceived by this mountebank for so many years; even his daughter had been thoroughly hoodwinked! The person whom he had helped and supported with all his might turned out to be such an ungrateful bastard. His Majesty the Emperor spoke only two words in response to the heavy charges laid out. Familial extermination! He was of the same opinion as Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan; he was certain that Xie Wuyuans fate had been sealed once he saw the symbol of the Nine Heavens Dictum on the dossier! Ever since the death of the Nine Supremes, this would be the first time Nine Heavens Dictum had initiated contact with the imperial court. If nothing had come out of this matter, Nine Heavens Dictum could very well vanish again without a trace. Therefore, even though it would have been prudent to verify the authenticity of the document, it did not even cross His Majestys mind to do so! After dismissing the imperial assembly, His Majesty the Emperor beckoned to the Old Marshal. Old Marshal. His Majesty the Rmperor gazed at Qiu Jianhan like a hawk. Go and meet the son of Marquis Yun. Yes, this old official had intended to do just that, Qiu Jianhan agreed right away. Let it be at your residence. His Majesty spoke up again, I wish to have a look at him myself. The Old Marshal frowned in consternation. 34 Of Terrifying Nights, a Kindness Repaid and an Assassination Attemp On that very same morning, the Board of Wars Deputy Minister Xie Wuyuan was still waiting for the justice he had asked his father-in-law to exact for him. He was in the midst of thinking how he should add insult to Yun Yangs injuries upon his capture when his residence was surrounded by guards. With a single order, his entire family had been sent right to prison. Other than his wife, who had been defended by Grand Tutor Liu and brought back to the Residence of Grand Tutor, the rest of them were bound and carted off to be kept under lock and key. The judgment had been declared on that very day C execution after the passing of three days! These developments had everyone abuzz in shock. Shouldnt the perpetrator be the one that was punished? Why was it the one that had been assaulted that got jailed instead? The incident had immediately become an undercurrent flowing through the families of officials in Tiantang City, its message clear, The young master of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds is not someone to be trifled with. It was a terrifying thought. Whilst all these events were taking place, Ji Ling was stomping her feet violently in Sky Room No.1 of the most luxurious tavern in Tiantang City. Why wasnt this obnoxious man arrested?! There were several other girls in the room lazing around; some of them lounged on Ji Lings bed, their delicate jade-like feet twitching in boredom, kicking ceaselessly against the bed. These young ladies of the citys influential families looked peerlessly elegant and beautiful in the publics eyes but in front of their best friends, they did not bother to maintain the image they worked so very hard convey outside. Oh, whats gotten you so angry, little sister? An obnoxious man? One of the girls asked in mock surprise. Since when did Little Sister Ji meet such a man? How has this slipped by us? Ji Ling snorted, You girls wish to know him? If you have seen him, consider him an impostor! That is if he doesnt annoy you until you lose your appetite! Oh, if theres such a person, we sisters must get to know him then. The girl beamed brightly. How fascinating! Ji Ling snorted with a pout and kept rolling her eyes. Fascinating? Just wait until he annoys you to no end. You girls will know whats fascinating then! Within moments, five or six of the girls threw themselves over. Whats his name? How tall is he? Is he handsome? Is he good looking? Is he fat? Describe to us his physique! Hows his family background? Another girl even managed to look charmed as she said, Wow, I suddenly feel like Im about to meet my prince! Ji Ling smacked her forehead. Theres absolutely no hope for all of you! Tell us! Let us go have a look. Yes, maybe we could even find our other halves! This little kitty doesnt wanna share. Everyone, make her tell! Charge! Help me! Ji Ling screamed in mock indignation as the girls playfully piled on top her. It soon turned into a chaotic scene, with limbs flailing about and cheerful laughter floating on the air. Just as Yun Yang walked out of his room, he saw Lao Mei and Fang Mofei standing by the door. Excuse me? Yun Yang was surprised to find the two men hovering at his portal like silent statues. What is going on? It would be alright if it was only Lao Mei standing here. Its already difficult for Fang Mofei stand, let alone wait here, upright as a pole! Young master, there is someone called Chen San outside the door. He has been sitting by our door since last night. Lao Mei explained, He has not left until now. Yun Yang nodded and replied, Go on. Fang Mofei then spoke, Young master, I am unable to articulate my feelings. When I was cultivating last night, I could faintly feel a number of presences in the residence. They were all experts. Fang Mofei looked downright somber as he continued. They seemed to be looking something. Young master has to be alerted to this. Poor Fang Mofei had been completely terrified last night. Although he had not known the reason behind his alarmingly rapid speed of cultivation and the recovery of his deific consciousness, Fang Mofei was delighted to use it to survey his surroundings but the result was nothing like what he had imagined. Goosebumps had erupted all over his skin as he felt the eerie presence of strangers come and go from the Residence of Yun. When one left, another one took its place, some even in groups of three of five. Furthermore, Fang Mofei could intuit that those who had come were mostly experts of the fifth or sixth peak; some of them were even more advanced than he was and there were many of them. These apparitions had come and gone at least fifty to sixty times till late into the night; if it were only one person for every visitation, then there were at least fifty to sixty experts who had traipsed through the residence! Are they f*cking visiting the market? Fang Mofei was drenched with sweat from the fright. He had thought that it would be safer and more peaceful in the Residence of Yun. He had no idea that this could have happened. It was even more terrifying than roaming the most dangerous locations in the martial arts world. Yun Yang smiled faintly. Its alright, let them be. They can come over all they want, we have a smooth and spacious highway here. His smile was impossible to decipher. Fang Mofei blinked in confusion. He wanted to ask, What are you smiling about? Your own home is being treated as a marketplace by others! Its almost as if they were ready to set up a stall here and start trading! Four fur balls followed behind Yun Yang as they rolled out of his room, playfully nipping at each other on the floor. Fang Mofei sighed a breath of relief. He could not help but smile as well. Those people must have been here to try to locate the so-called ninth level mystical beast babies but they had missed what was right under their eyes, searching like they were in a market. He thought that the young master must have grinned due to how hilarious this would have looked. Fang Mofei returned to Yun Yang a smile of tacit understanding as well. Fang Mofei had thought wrong, however, as Yun Yang was not smiling about this... Early in the morning, Yun Yang had received five calling cards and an invitation. All four great young masters of East, West, South, and West wanted to come meet Yun Yang to forge a closer relationship, especially Ximen Wandai, who had suffered the greatest loss before he had expressed his wish the most earnestly. The other calling card was filled with the heady scent of fragrance; it was pink with neat and delicate writing that read, We have long heard of Young Master Yuns name, and we sisters have admired Young Master Yun for an inordinate span of time. Thus saying, we would like to pay a visit That was the general gist of it. Yun Yang was surprised at this calling card and pondered upon its possible origins. By the looks of it, was it sisters from a brothel who wanted to come over? What did they hope to achieve by coming over? Yun Yang stroke his face, feeling aggrieved for being so attractive. The other invitation was direct and straight to the point. Yun Yang was astonished to have received an invitation from the Residence of the Marshal. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan had prepared a simple feast and had invited Yun Yang to partake of it tonight. Yun Yang sighed. Where are these people who wanted to visit? Yun Yang continued, Invite them in. Lao Mei looked amused as he replied, There arent here. Yun Yang was momentarily speechless. Why give a calling card if you didnt intend to come in? You held the calling card and passed it through the door, then you would wait outside and only enter upon the permission of the host. That was how a calling card worked. It had also meant that since the card was now in the hosts hands, the guest must be outside the door right now. Unfortunately, the guest was nowhere to be found! Dont these fellows adhere to the common code of conduct? Yun Yang felt somewhat irate at the lack of common courtesy. They were all elite members of influential families, how could they not know? Why did they send the calling card but did not come themselves? Yun Yang quickly cast these thoughts aside. I dont care if you come or not. Walking out of the residence door, he stumbled upon Chen San who had been sitting upright at the side of the walkway. His face looked tired and pale, a testament to his tenacity at remaining on the doorstep throughout the entire night. Chen San, go home. Yun Yang spoke gently, Its alright now. Chen San, however, was adamant on staying. Young masters kindness to this lowly one is higher than the heaven and wider than the earth. Young master has even gotten into dire straits for this lowly one. How can this lowly one leave just like that? This lowly one will wait right here. If the officials are here to find fault with the young master, this lowly one knows exactly what to do. Yun Yang replied, The issue has been resolved. Xie Wuyuans entire family has been seized and placed in prison. Have you not heard of this? Is this true? Chen San got up to his feet, his eyes shining with pleasure. That wicked scoundrel who has done everything vile will eventually have his day! Yun Yang smiled. Since it has been resolved, this lowly one should return home. It will not look good for young master if I linger around here. Chen San continued, But for young masters massive kindness if ever young master requests for anything in the future, this lowly one would risk everything, even death, to fulfill it! He then kneeled down to bow twice and left. Yun Yang went after him, pushed a gold bullion into his hand and said, Live well when you get home. He wanted to say more but words failed him. A military man who once spilled blood on the battlefield was now handicapped and humiliated in his struggles for a living but his dedication to gratitude and kinship had remained. Chen San could only accept it after repeatedly failing to reject Yun Yangs generosity. He was immensely flustered, his eyes shining in equal parts with moisture and gratitude as his voice shook with emotion. Thank you, young master! Chen San is filled with immense gratitude towards young masters gallantry! Sigh, during those years when the Nine Supremes were still commanding the world, who in this nation dared disrespect the veterans? Such a pity that God is blind and does not bless the kind. Ever since the Nine Supremes left, us lowly ones He was unable to finish his sentence as two drops of hot tears rolled down his cheeks He thanked Yun Yang once more, and turned around to leave. Looking at Chen Sans retreating figure, Yun Yang felt a wave of emotions. During those years when the Nine Supremes were still commanding the world, who in this nation dared disrespect the veterans? We are here, still here, always here, Yun Yang said quietly in his heart. He returned to the courtyard in low spirits. Old Marshals invitation Yun Yang frowned. Its impossible for him to suspect my identity. What would it be for? Was it because I assaulted Xie Wuyuan yesterday?Xie Wuyuans case has involved the Nine Heavens Dictum. Looks like the Old Marshal is looking at me as the breakthrough? Yun Yang smiled grimly. Whatever the reason, he had to make this trip. Yun Yang walked slowly inside, entertaining his thoughts with a frown when he suddenly felt a faint tingle of premonition. Acting purely on instinct, he hurled himself to the ground. Tok! Tok! Tok! Metallic sounds rang out as three small flying daggers stabbed deep into the plants in front of Yun Yang, like three flashes of lightning preceding the rumble of thunder. Even as Yun Yang threw himself down, he was already moving like a spirit to the back of a tree. With a twist of his body, he vanished into thin air. At the same time, Lao Mei catapulted out into the courtyard with an angry roar as his rapid movements left trails of shadow in the air. It was an assassination attempt! On the opposite rooftop, a masked man in black peered inside the Residence of Yun with shock, disbelief written in his eyes. Even with his cultivation base of mystical skill that had reached the fifth peak, he had actually failed to hit an ant that was not even at its first peak! Worst of all, he didnt even understand how he could possibly have missed. He was only aware that his target had suddenly dropped to the ground just as he was about to make his move.The space that his target had occupied was already empty when the flying daggers left his hands! How had this happened? The masked man in black almost cursed out loud, Your father has been an assassin for so many years and has never yet encountered such a bewildering incident! 35 Assassins, Dictums and a Terrible Presen Lao Mei charged in like a bull, shadows trailing behind him with a menacing aura. The masked assassin in black leaped out soundlessly, a colorless silk string unwinding from his raised arm. He advanced upon the charging manservant, his left hand strengthened and braced for the impending impact. Lao Mei fell upon him like a roc, palms flashing as he landed a series of blows as loud as thunder strikes. The assassin singlehandedly deflected the attacks, and as Lao Mei attempted to break past his defenses, he soon found that he was hitting nothing but air. The man in black had flitted almost a hundred feet away, ascending to the sky. Lao Mei, caring for nothing but his prey, veered towards the direction of the escaping villain, leaving wisps of smoke trailing from his body. His efforts were wasted, however; the assassin was already a tiny, black dot slowly receding into the heavens. The man in black was obviously prepared; should he miss his target, he would flee far and high. Lao Mei returned with a sour face. The assassins cultivation base was clearly weaker than his but the man had managed to escape easily, with the aid of a magical silk string, and he could do nothing about it. An assassination attempt! Yun Yangs purple robe was free from dust as he frowned lightly. Who would want to kill me? Fang Mofei walked over to join the duo with a serious face. Old Fang, are you able to deduce the origins of this assassin? Young master, I can confirm that this assassin is not a member of the Concourse of the Underworld, Fang Mofei replied confidently. Why would you say that? Yun Yang questioned. Well, if he were from the Concourse of the Underworld, he would have King Yan1s Dictum on him. King Yans Dictum serves as an indicator of a mission in progress and as a reminder to others to stay away and not interfere. This is a commonly known rule for the entire Concourse of the Underworlds assassins, for those in the Silver Rank and above. This persons skills are commendable and he should already be a Gold-ranked killer but I am unable to feel the presence of King Yans Dictum on him, Fang Mofei explained. Yun Yang nodded. This assassin uses flying daggers. It is possible that hes not from the Hall of Crimson Blade. Fang Mofei continued, The Merciless Tower is known to be made up of sword-wielding assassins while the members of the Hall of Crimson Blade are, for the most part, saber-wielding killers but this is not all-encompassing. There are always exceptions to the rule. Besides, the flying dagger is a hidden weapon and not a proper tool of battle. This person is most likely to be from The Merciless Tower, Fang Mofei conjectured. The Merciless Tower. Yun Yang pondered upon the implications, An organization with very prominent characteristics. Their terms and prices are clear and transparent. They will only undertake the assignment upon receiving full payment. There is no hesitation, no questions on morality or about cause and effect. Their proof of success is the head of the target, they and will not rest until the mission is complete. Yes, that sounds about right. Fang Mofei agreed, Once The Merciless Tower accepts a mission, it is a machine that will not rest, and will continue to send wave after wave of murderers until the target is killed. The only difference is that the client has to supply an increasingly large amount of fees to support the men that they send. Yun Yang gave a faint smile and said, They dont rest until the mission is complete. Despite the circumstances, that is a rather commendable trait, which deserves respect! Yun Yang retired to his room and when he emerged again, there was already a new Nine Heavens Dictum being issued, moving fast and wide like a spider furiously enlarging its web. Nine Heavens Dictum; An Investigation! Who are the assassins of the world, who had recently entered Tiantang, as well as their characteristics and the weapons they carried. Above all, who could have hired assassins to kill the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds young master? As soon as the dictum was sent out, the underground world of Tiantang City immediately fell into a state of turmoil! Im going out for a walk. Yun Yang proclaimed, Both of you stay at home and look after the house. Fang Mofei, you are tasked to recover from your injuries; the quicker you do it, the better. He turned about to take his leave. Young master, allow me to follow you. Lao Meis pleaded earnestly. The assassin There is no need! Yun Yang adamantly refused the offer. Lao Mei, you have your responsibilities and I absolutely insist. The more danger that lurks around me, the more adamant I should be. Before Lao Mei could think about the meaning behind his words, Yun Yang had already gone out of the door and melted into the crowd. I have my responsibility, you have your stubbornness. Lao Mei thought about it for a long while before managing to come up with a reasonable argument, But my responsibility is to protect you! By the time he managed to come up with this logical repartee, Yun Yang was already long gone. Lao Mei suddenly thought of something. Young master, the calling cards! What am I to do if those young masters were to come? There were now crowds of people moving around outside the door; it was impossible to locate Yun Yang to inform him about his impending guests. Lao Mei turned around speechlessly and was greeted by Fang Mofei chuckling at him. What are you laughing at Lao Mei glared at him with the most intimidating look he could muster. DO you feel I have failed to fulfill my duties? Why, just give me half a reason, and Id give you a drubbing right now! Don''t think that just because your cultivation base is higher than mine, that Ill be afraid to do it. Fang Mofei smiled and said good-humoredly, I wasnt laughing at you not doing your job, I was simply curious. When did the Single-horned Flood Dragon Mei Wenjian who had once commanded the martial arts world become a butler of the Yun family? Lao Mei snorted in irritation, What does it matter to you? Your father is happy to do so! He stared at Fang Mofei with a scrutinizing eye. How about being a butler? Hasnt the Fealty Jade Sword also come under the roof of our residence? Fang Mofei wanted to chortle. I would suggest that you be more humble in the future. Lao Mei glared at him. It is only wise to respect your immediate supervisor! Fang Mofei had no response to that little bit of wisdom. Yun Yang melted into the crowd the moment he stepped out of his residence. When he wanted to be noticed, he could make himself the center of attention even a multitude of people; when he intended to conceal himself, he could stay unnoticed even if he were to walk alone in the middle of the street under bright daylight. When it came to camouflage, there was no equal to Supreme Clouds Cloud Veil! He drifted into the crowd as if aimlessly following the flowing current but he arrived at an alley within a few turns. At the end of the alley was a small hill, and under the hill lay a thick fog. This was the Residence of the Nine Supremes; it was also the site of the Nine Heavens Demesne. Ever since the downfall of the Nine Supremes, the Nine Heavens Demesne had been mysteriously covered with a thick fog which permitted no one to enter and withstood all efforts to destroy it. Within the year, hundreds of thousands of people had flocked over to the site, either during the day or in the dark but no one had been able to gain entry. Gradually, the place quieted down and fell still. It was surrounded by neatly arranged candles, the areas bordering the fog swept clean. A group of veterans had scheduled themselves into twelve shifts and they diligently swept the place regardless whether it was day or night. They would never allow the residence of their heroes to be covered in dust or dirt! In their hearts, the Residence of Nine Supremes should always be gloriously spotless! Yun Yang observed the scene from afar. Numerous single-armed men were cleaning the place meticulously, holding onto their brooms with the single arm they owned. They dropped the broom lightly and dragged it slowly, not a single speck of dust or dirt was whisked into the air throughout the entire process. Their expressions were of utter devotion and reverence. The Residence of the Nine Supremes, the Nine Heavens Demesne; to these veterans, it was holy ground. Yun Yang took in a deep breath, keeping his tortured emotions under check. He slowly made his way to a tree and stood quietly under the canopy. Looking at the white fog, Yun Yang could only felt his heart boil as his blood burned. He stood quietly until dusk fell. Throughout that entire time, many of the old veterans had swept passed his feet with their brooms but none of them had realized that there was a person standing there. The Nine Heavens Demesne C the thick fog had locked everything within. Perhaps, in the entire world, I am the only one who could possibly enter. Yun Yang closed his eyes. But right now, I dare not do so. He could almost see his eight brothers inside, waiting to ask him, Have you defeated the Four Seasons Tower? Have you avenged our deaths? Old Nine, are you living well now? Yun Yang breathed in deeply, the tears that he had bottled up for so long finally flowing freely. I have come to see you, my brothers. But now that I am here, I never wish to leave Old Marshal Qiu sat alone at the foyer, his expression tinged with anxiety. It was already dusk but his invited guest had not yet arrived. Sir Wangs eye twitched nervously. This was the invitation of the Old Marshal, a summons from the ultimate militant of the Empire of Yutang C how dare this man be late? Should I send someone over to call upon him? Sir Wang asked unhappily. There is no need. Old Marshal Qiu raised his grayed eyebrows. It doesnt matter anyway. His Majesty is not here yet either. His Majesty is coming as well? Startled, Sir Wang immediately sat upright. That is correct. His Majesty and I share the same doubts. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan spoke softly, It is not rather coincidental that Yun Yang attacks a person who then immediately becomes the subject of the Nine Heavens Dictum? Sir Wang said, Yes, it does seem rather strange. Furthermore, the Xie familys father and son duo has been guilty of committing those crimes for a long time now; why didnt Nine Heavens Dictum arrive then? Old Marshal Qiu asked in bewilderment. Perhaps this is purely happenstance. Sir Wang said with much difficulty, After all, this Yun Yang is nothing but a popinjay. Are coincidences so rampant in this world? Even if it were a coincidence, I still believe there is a reason behind it. Old Marshal Qiu said in all seriousness, Therefore, this meal today is very important to me. It will be worth it, even if I have to wait but a little longer. Sir Wang sighed, giving up on his attempts to persuade the Old Marshal Old Marshal Qiu glanced at Sir Wang and sighed in his heart as well. Sir Wang had come from a poor background and had managed to make a name for himself by his own hard work. Until this day, he was far prouder that he was a scholar, rather than a member of nobility; he was smart and collected in his thoughts, farsighted and plotted exceedingly well. He could even be considered as one of the worlds best. Unfortunately, Sir Wang had a deep-rooted bias that could not be changed despite the Old Marshals many attempts over the years. It was an instinctual stereotype that the entire second generation of nobles, officials, and wealthy businessmen were merely popinjays! In his single-tracked mind, these worthless and incompetent people were good for nothing other than harassing the unfortunate and tyrannizing hapless communities. The Old Marshal could say nothing regarding Sir Wangs point of view on this matter. Other than this single failing, he was near-perfect. Sir Wang could clearly see the suspicious circumstances revolving around Yun Yang but he stubbornly refused to consider that it was related to this popinjay. It was infuriating, but Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan could only try to make the best of it. The guards announced loudly from the door, Marshal, His Majesty has arrived. With a sigh, Qiu Jianhan stood up and went out to welcome the emperor. It was already night when Yun Yang reached the door of the marshals residence, carrying a box of fruits in his hands. Lacking a better idea for a gift, he had simply bought the fruits on his way there. The guards by the door looked at him with disapproving glances. It was an immense honor to be invited by the Old Marshal, and yet this fellow had the cheek to come late, proudly bearing a few bruised fruits! Please inform the Old Marshal, Yun Yang was polite and spoke with an air of elegance, Yun Yang from the Yun family is present to attend the dinner with a humble gift. The guard looked at the fruits in Yun Yangs hands; growing increasingly irritated as he counted the fruits C were there only five peaches? Exasperated, he growled at Yun Yang, Wait here. Translator Note: 1King Yan (yn wng): ruler/guildmaster of Concourse of the Underworld; concept derived from Yama, also known as King of Hell or Yanluo, the god of death and ruler of hell. 36 What is This? The guards felt outraged. It was certainly a humble gift, no doubt about it! He dared come up to the door of the Empire of Yutangs greatest military marshal with just five peaches and a self-satisfied look. Young Master Yun was a brazen man indeed! The guard went in to announce his arrival. Another guard came out instantly to invite the man in, wondering what would the Old Marshals expression be once he saw the peaches. Now that he thought about it, he was certain that this was going to be an occasion worthy of much gossip. Yun Yang thanked him and went straight in with his peaches. At the entrance of the foyer, Sir Wang smiled amicably. Good, Young Master Yun is finally here. The Old Marshal is waiting in the hall. With his status, it was impossible for Old Marshal Qiu to come welcome the man himself. In actual fact, with Yun Yangs second generation status, Sir Wang felt that the man had already been given too much honor when he sent to welcome the latter. However, it was an invitation initiated by the Old Marshal, Sir Wang could only humble himself and bite the bullet. Please, do come on in. Yun Yang beamed as he entered the hall with high spirits. The sight of Old Marshal Qiu sitting regally in the hosts seat greeted him, his intimidating aura welcoming the youth. Yet Yun Yangs gaze was not on the old marshal but rather on the face of the other person in the room. This person was in his mid-forties, his face square and jade-like. Although he was only dressed in a casual robe, he exuded an aura of natural authority and dignity. Even as he sat, it felt as if he had the whole world under his feet. Although the man was trying his hardest to keep his aura in check, it was still entirely exposed in Yun Yangs eyes. Moreover, Yun Yang had met this man, and more than once at that. It was His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire of Yutang, Yu Peize! Yun Yang didnt let his gaze linger and turned his head after a quick glance; maintaining his unaffected gaze and expression as he would have any other stranger C slightly curious, but cautious at the same time. Young Master Yun is indeed Marquis Yuns son; you both have the same charm, Qiu Jianhan broke the ice, in accordance with the duties of a host. It is my pleasure to meet Old Sir Qiu. Yun Yang bowed formally. It is this ones honor to be invited by old sir. Regretfully, this ones home is incredibly poor and barren. I have heard my father mention that the Old Marshal enjoys peaches, so... Yun Yang raised the peaches in his hands. Uh Although Old Marshal Qiu was as cunning as an old fox, he was still caught off guard by Yun Yangs actions. His thoughts ceased momentarily as he could only nod in stunned acceptance and forced a smile on his face, laughing dryly. Ahem, truly, peaches are my favorite. Servant, come, keep these peaches away. His heart though, was saying, I dont meet your rascal of a father that often, how would he know that I liked peaches? Isnt it amazing that I didnt even know that myself? I havent so much as seen a peach for years! That little wretch. Outwardly Old Marshal Qiu maintained a peacefully amicable expression. As my guest, you are an outsider no longer. Come, allow me to introduce you to your Uncle Yu. He is an old friend of your father. A pleasure to meet you, Uncle Yu. Yun Yang bowed courteously. You look so much younger than my father. Just a single glance tells me that Uncle Yu is a powerful official who takes care of himself well. I am certain that you lead a happy life, filled with joyous moods, filial children, and a harmonious family. His Majesty the Emperor did not know whether to laugh or cry upon hearing the youths words as he said, Please dont be nervous. Weve asked for your presence today just to attend Old Marshal Qius ample feast; there is no other intention beyond that. Dont be an outsider, sit. Yun Yang kept his arms wrapped around himself. This nephew1 is a good-for-nothing popinjay who has achieved nothing in both literature and martial arts. There is no place for this nephew in front of two distinguished elders such as yourselves Just sit when youre asked to sit! Old Marshal Qiu hollered impatiently. Yes, yes. Right. Yun Yang shuddered in fright, chose stool timidly and sat down, half perched on the seat. He spoke nervously, This this nephew is afraid. Seeing that he had finally sat down, Old Marshal Qiu and His Majesty the Emperor shared a look that expressed absolute disenchantment. How could this fellow be so weak? Courses of scrumptiously cooked dishes were served like an endless flow of water, the aroma wafting over to greet everyones noses. Just a moment later, the table was filled with over twenty dishes of unsurpassed excellence. Do you drink? Old Marshal Qiu was disappointed, his tone becoming harsh as he eyed askance at the young master. No This nephew doesnt doesnt drink, Yun Yang replied softly with a nervous bow. Do you drink or not! The Old Marshal hollered again. yes, yes, I do! Yun Yang lifted his sleeve to dab at his forehead. Pour it to the brim! The Old Marshal waved an impatient hand at Yun Yang, ordering him to quickly fill up the goblet. Yes, most certainly. Yun Yang hastily lifted the wine jar and filled the Old Marshals goblet before filling His Majesty the Emperors. Since His Majesty did not reveal his identity here, Yun Yang had poured the wine for the Old Marshal first, to keep up the pretense. Hmph! Old Marshals expression was turning darker as he raised his goblet. Bottoms up! I believe that this nephew should eat something first Yun Yang looked terribly uncomfortable at having so much drink on an empty stomach. Are you a woman, to behave so squeamishly? When I say bottoms up, you drink it all! Old Marshal spoke angrily and with heat. Yes, yes Yun Yang raised the goblet with trembling hands and emptied it. He immediately choked on the fiery liquid, and began to cough and splutter. The Old Marshal and His Majesty the Emperor looked at each other in disappointment. These two figureheads of paramount importance had taken the effort and time out of their demanding schedules to evaluate this mysterious young man, but they were sorely disillusioned to observe the revolting spectacle before them. Eat something, Old Marshal said in disgust. Yes, yes elder one, please eat as well; Uncle Yu, please eat This nephew this nephew has not been courteous. Yun Yang was obviously putting up a false front that belied his nervousness as he stretched his arm out and grabbed a big piece of meat that was about half a catty. With a large chomp, half of the half-catty meat had disappeared. Chewing twice, he stretched his neck like a giraffes before he swallowed it and said in an unconvincing attempt at flattery, Its really delicious! The veins on the Old Marshals forehead were about to pop as His Majesty the Emperor lowered his head, his expression dark. The Old Marshal sighed and emptied his goblet, attempting to drown his sorrows in alcohol. Bottoms up! Yun Yang raised his goblet stupidly, emulating the marshals large swig to empty the liquid in his own goblet as well. This child is a simpleton. His Majesty the Emperor was crestfallen at the realization. The Old Marshal sighed in response, Yes, since Marquis Yun is rarely at home, this child Halfway through his observation, he suddenly remembered, Innocent? This fellow just insolently wrecked the residence of the Board of Wars Deputy Minister yesterday, and beat up the father and son duo in the process! How could such a person be so innocent? Yun Yang. This nephew is here. Let me ask you something. Please ask all you wish, Old Marshal. This nephew will answer what this nephew knows without hiding anything. Why did you beat up the family of the Board of Wars Deputy Minister Xie Wuyuan yesterday? The Old Marshal was making only a marginal effort to keep his anger tamped down. Well... Yun Yang was hesitant in answering the question and looked immensely troubled that it had been asked. His Majesty the Emperor glanced at the Old Marshal and an unspoken agreement flashed between them. Let us ask him again after the alcohol loosens his tongue.. Lets drink! The Old Marshal caught on immediately as he lifted his goblet in a toast. Yes, yes. Yun Yang emptied his goblet, wiping his mouth surreptitiously. Heres another three more Drink up! Another three? Alright, alright. Clink! Clink! Clink! Look, our goblets are still full. Lets do another three! Clink! Clink! Clink! Come, Uncle Yu will drink another three goblets with you! Clink! Clink! Clink! Yun Yang ate ravenously as he drank the copious amounts of wine. With the increasing amount of alcohol that he had consumed, his actions grew unrestrained as he began to chortle and joke. He had a mystical beast thigh in his left hand and a big piece of mystical beast drumstick in his right; he took a bite from both sides respectively as he relished the delicacy. His eyes were squinted as he grew increasingly tipsy and said, Honestly Old Marshal, this meat is really good! The dishes and drink tonight are really gratifying. This wine is simply superb! Clink! He tossed down a goblet of wine without anyone prompting him to do so; his handsome face was already flushed as his body refused to respond properly to his instructions. Well, it is about time. Both old men nodded in agreement. Now, let me ask you again Yun Yang. Why did you beat people up yesterday? The Old Marshal repeated his earlier question. Yun Yang was already drunk and his head was tipped over as he spoke loudly, Beat him? So what about it? It''s a pity I didnt go all out! Hmph such trash, the world will be a much cleaner place the faster he dies! Why? old marshal asked frowning. Why? Yun Yangs eyes took on a glazed quality as he forced himself to sit upright and spoke in a loud voice, Old Marshal, you know as well as I do that this nephew is a good-for-nothing popinjay; this nephew Old Marshal fell speechless while His Majesty the Emperor came close to spitting out all that he had eaten. But this nephew keeps score in his heart! Yun Yang was swaying drunkenly. Yesterday, your father was prepared to keep his nose out of other peoples affairs. He had been using this nephew earlier but now he had begun to lace it with lines of your father, causing both His Majesty the Emperor and the Old Marshal to look at each other in exasperation upon hearing it. This is f*cking outrageous! In all the Empire of Yutang, no else but this fellow would dare to address himself as your father in front of us! Qiu Jianhan, with his long face, looked at His Majesty the Emperor with barely hidden resentment. I said no, but your majesty insisted on having a look at him yourself. Look at what good its done us, look at what Ive gotten out of this! But Old Marshal, did you know? The person they harassed was actually a veteran! A handicapped veteran! Yun Yang spoke with righteousness, his entire being lusted for justice, This veteran had gone to the war for this nation; his living was already made difficult with his handicap. That f*cking son of Xie Wuyuan actually wanted to get his hands on his wife, by accusing him of theft. This nephew is a good-for-nothing! Yun Yang spoke loudly as his arms waved, the juicy drumstick in his hand spurted sauce everywhere; His Majesty the Emperor and the Old Marshal were both trying to avoid the drips with humorless smiles but Yun Yang did not notice. But at least this nephew has a conscience! I know that soldiers went to the war for the country; theyre still heroes even when theyre handicapped! It would be bad enough if they were harassing people and ordinary citizens, your father doesnt have time to argue with them! Yun Yang howled, But how could they terrorize veterans? Since words were useless, your father had to intervene and take charge of the situation! Therefore, your father helps in the name of justice! I charged into the doors of the Xie family and valiantly showered them with my kicks and punches! Yun Yangs eyes grew increasingly glazed. This is for err justice! He burped a few times then roared again, flailing his arms, For justice! For heroes! Its too bad I didnt have a saber in my hands! He appeared to be slightly soberer as he sat down like a heap of potatoes and laughed in an ingratiating way, Well, even if I did have a saber, I wouldnt dare kill anyone with it anyway... His Majesty and the Old Marshal were flustered to the point of silence; sauces that had flown from Yun Yangs wild gesturing stained their robes. Although they had tried their best to avoid the splattering juices, the table was rather small, and they had no way shield themselves from the onslaught. The Old Marshal had sauce in his hair and beard; His Majesty the Emperor didnt fare much better as a lump of gravy dripped from his neck. These dishes are no longer edible. The marshal heaved a loud sigh but both of their jaws dropped in shock when they finally took a look at the spread in front of them. Where did the dishes go? What had happened to the meat? Miraculously, the table was empty. Translator Note: 1This nephew (Сֶxio zh): first person pronoun to humbly address self as someones nephew. 37 Disappointment, Verification, and a Dispatch of Undercover Guards The Old Marshal and His Majesty the Emperor stared incredulously at Yun yang who was devouring his mystical beast drumstick with relish, oil dripping from his mouth. For these two stalwarts who had already seen a great deal in life, it was all they could do to refrain from awarding the uncouth fellow a solid slap across the face for his insolence. There were at least f*cking twenty-eight courses and sixteen meat dishes among those. We''ve only managed to eat one or two portions of vegetables, how in the world did this child eat all of the rest? How many years has it been since he''s eaten a full meal? "You may eat slowly," His Majesty the Emperor felt a sudden rush of sympathy for this young man who had clearly seen some hard times in his life. "You dont have to rush," he continued with a slightly less harsh tone. Ooh! its okay, ooh, ooh! This meat is absolutely delicious! Yun Yang mumbled with a mouth full of food, his words almost inaudible. Our family is poor I havent had a chance to eat meat for the longest time ever! His Majesty stared at the walls while the Old Marshal kept his gaze lowered; both avoiding direct eye contact with Yun Yang. They certain that they would slap him if they continued to observe his boorish behavior. How f*cking old are you now? Havent eaten meat for some years? Is your family poor? Dont you realize thaw we know youve just won a nations fortune just days before? This rascal! I beg your pardon, but what about that immense fortune that you have so fortuitously won just days ago? The Old Marshal had his hackles raised, his suspicions beginning to surface again. I asked someone to sell them off. Yun Yang picked up a large bowl of sauce and gulped it down. I havent gotten the gold or silver taels from the just yet. If he wasnt in his own home, the Old Marshal would have run off with his face in his hands. Do you think youre eating a big pot dish1? Dont you realize that its improper to eat in such a manner? Lets have a few more dishes served! The Old Marshals expression was as dark as it could possibly get. How scrumptious! Looks like its just a coincidence. Could this all be just a pretense? His Majesty the Emperor pondered upon the possibility. With his eyes darting about, he turned towards the Old Marshal and said, Old Qiu, about the political affairs of our empire currently Old Marshal Qiu was quick enough to be able to catch up and keep the ball rolling. Yes, yes, it has been a very difficult time. Unrest on the inside and chaos on the outside. Indeed I think His Majesty does not feel at ease with this situation. Absolutely agreed. Among the descendants of His Majesty, which one does Old Qiu think could bear the grand responsibility? His Majesty the Emperor asked succinctly. Old Marshal Qiu was struck a sudden blow by the unexpected question, almost frightened off his seat. Why the f*ck are you bringing this up now? Your identity is being kept a secret, but I know that youre the Emperor. How am I supposed to answer your question? It was a dead-end road; bound to be incorrect either way. The Old Marshals forehead was dotted with sweat. His Majesty laughed and redirected his question to Yun Yang, Nephew from Yun Family, do you know the princes of His Majesty? Let us hear your opinion on them! The Old Marshal wiped off the sweat beaded on his forehead, visibly relieved to be let off the hook. Of course, the question is meant to test this cretin. Have pity, your father, with his slow mind, almost ruined it all. As an Emperor of the dynasty, it would never be an officials place to give any advice regarding this question. Any suggestion, logical or otherwise, would still be deemed inappropriate. His Majestys sudden attack was not only targeted towards Yun Yang but was also meant to test the Old Marshals mettle. The Emperor seemed pleased with the Old Marshals performance, or lack thereof. When Yun Yang heard the question, he could not help but scratch his head and replied, His Majesty the emperors sons I have absolutely no clue. He burped grossly before continuing, No matter who becomes the Emperor in the future, its got nothing to do with me. This nephew is incompetent, I will never be an official. If I make a small fortune every now and then, Im certain it wont offend the Emperor so I dont really care who takes the throne. Yun Yang spoke in an indolent tone, Whoever the f*ck feels like being an emperor, he can go f*cking go ahead and be one! Slap! The Old Marshal could no longer tolerate the young mans insolence and slapped his face into a dish of fish soup on the table. How dare the little rascal speak like this! The corners of His Majestys lips twitched in horrified amusement as well. This little rascal was incredibly tactless. They then probed him with a few more questions but Yun Yangs innocent and utterly moronic act had them completely fooled into believing that he was a good-for-nothing popinjay. Both His Majesty the Emperor and Old Marshal Qiu were helpless; both of them had brought themselves low to hold this feast and invited this young man in hopes of finding a hint of the enormous force that was the Nine Supremes subordinates. It was also partially due to their curiosity regarding Marquis Yuns son. However, it seemed now that everything they had hoped for had been too good to be true. This fellow would never have anything to do with the Nine Heavens Dictum. It was impossible that the Nine Heavens Dictum would ever recruit such a person. Thinking about this, both His Majesty and the Old Marshal lost their interest all at once. It was such a terrible waste that both of them had invited him over so cordially and had everyone retreat in preparation to hear secrets being told. By the look of things now, they had gotten nothing out of this whole endeavor other than frustration! Exchanging disappointed looks, His Majesty stood up first. Marshal, I suddenly recall something that needs my attention elsewhere. His Majesty was indeed a certified champion for being able to conjure undone chores in the midst of drinking but of course, he did not care how others viewed him, especially not this Young Master Yun. It was already an incredible opportunity for this young man to be able to sneak a peek at the Emperors face. It would be impossible for him to do so again, in future. Then, Brother Yu you must, of course, take your leave. The Old Marshal naturally knew how to respond appropriately and stood up politely. Inwardly, he felt a keen sense of abandonment. Youre the Emperor, the most powerful individual here! How could you just leave me to face this popinjay all by myself? Yun Yang stood up in surprise as well. Uncle Yu is leaving already? Yes, I am. His Majesty forced a smile and said, Young man, continue to learn more from the Old Marshal. With that, His Majesty the Emperor left, almost running in his haste to be away. He was afraid his patience would crumble altogether if he were to continue to face this young fellow. Besides, he had barely eaten throughout the meal. I will have to find some food once I reach the palace! Without outsiders anywhere, the Old Marshals expression turned sour. Yun Yang, have you eaten your fill? Of course, the Old Marshal fully intended to send him packing the moment he agreed that he was full. Well, not really, Yun Yang answered truthfully, the very picture of innocence. When a guest heard this from a host, one would immediately know that the host intended to call it a night. Obviously, Young Master Yun was completely oblivious to decorum. Serve another ten dishes! The old marshal hollered to the servants, the anger apparent in his tone. Not yet full? Your father will make sure you leave this place bloated! Oh, but theres something else, Yun Yang wiped his mouth and said, This nephew has almost forgotten What is it? the marshal asked irately. Someone came up to me when I was on my way here, and asked me to bring something to you. Ive completely forgotten about it, Yun Yang replied, his brow furrowed in concentration. Bring me something? The marshal frowned, Who was it? Yun Yang managed to invoke a terrified expression as he answered, Someone really fierce. He said he would kill me if I didnt pass it to you. The Old Marshal was almost beside himself with impatience, Get to the point, what was it? Yun Yang took a small package out of his robe and said guiltily, I almost forgot about it. The Old Marshals eye widened in shock. On the small cloth package lay the symbol of nine stars surrounding a flame in the center. The Old Marshals heart began to beat faster and moisture began to gather in his eyes. Holding the package tightly in his hands, he asked in a trembling voice, What did the person look like? Yun Yang helpfully described the mysterious individual, Seems like a very short man, but strongly built. I cant tell beyond that. I I didnt look properly. The Old Marshal almost slapped the man. You didnt carefully look at such an important messenger? Yun Yangs heart was calm like an old, quiet, well. He knew of his feelings and his situation now. Other than himself, Yun Yang dared not trust anymore C not even the Emperor! The Nine Supremes death was filled with too many mysteries! Did the Emperor have a motive to kill them? Most certainly. Even towards the Old Marshal, Yun Yang was only able to trust him at a level of sixty percent. Even if he had fully trusted him, he would never fully expose himself in front of the Old Marshal. An Emperor who could not keep a secret would lose his empire, an official who could not keep a secret would lose his life! As for Yun Yang, he felt that if he could not keep his secret, he would lose all hope! The Old Marshal was already lost in his own thoughts as he held onto the package. When Yun Yang bid his leave, the Old Marshal only waved his hands; his thoughts had entirely gone elsewhere. His concern was in the small package in his hands and were no longer on Yun Yang. By the time Yun Yang stepped out of the marshals residence, stars had decorated the night sky. He took in a deep breath and stumbled back after waving his hands about. Behind him, in the shadows by the door, Sir Wang watched Yun Yangs retreating silhouette like a hawk. With a wave of his hand, four shadows floated off like spirits and began to silently follow him. Yun Yang had only taken a few steps when he felt the presence of trailing spirits behind his back. He did nothing to acknowledge them, and instead went to vomit on the ground, holding onto a tree by the roadside before stumbling back his own residence groggily. To everyone who could be watching, he was nothing but a drunken popinjay. The four spirit-like shadows had dissipated after exchanging looks of fruitlessness when they saw Yun Yang stumble into the Residence of Yun. Behind the tree by the roadside, a tiny head popped out. Ji Lings eyes darted around as she mumbled, This lout is putting on a show again why is this he always cheating people? In the Residence of Marshal, the Old Marshal looked at the contents of the package. His expression was dark and unchanging. There was only a single tiny box inside. He was familiar with the secret method of opening it. It was obviously placed to prevent Young Master Yun, who had brought this package over, from sneaking a peek. Opening the box, a sheet of paper laid inside. Incidents at the Residence of Marshal : Three Days Ago. Three days ago, the Residence of Marshal had been attacked. On duty to investigate as ordered, our findings are as follows. Just these few words had the Old Marshal bitterly crying. Investigate as ordered! As ordered by whom? Who else could give an order to the Nine Heavens Dictum? The old marshal took a few deep breaths to calm his emotions down before he continued reading. Since the swords disappearance in the northeast direction of Tiantang, the inquiry has verified the entry of a total of one hundred and thirty-seven thousand martial artists who are mystical level and above from Tiantang Citys east, north, and south, all within three days. Among them were three thousand and four hundred people who were not in place; seven of them with a cultivation base of fifth heaven and above. Perhaps some might be missed, however Among the seven people, three of the accused were related to us; the other four are to be suspected as well. The duty has personally analyzed, XX, XX, and found them to be the most likely suspects, with our justifications as below Between the two of them, one of them has publicly revealed his identity while the other hides his name behind a blacksmiths trade The inquiry believes that this blacksmith could be the culprit. ... End. Should there be incompetence found in this inquiry, any punishment rendered will be dutifully accepted. Should these findings be true, the inquiry sincerely requests on behalf of all the Dictums brothers that the culprits life be left in the Dictums hands. At the end of the missive was the familiar nine stars symbol but now a drop of crimson blood decorated the center. The letter was about fifteen to sixteen pages long, explaining the important points of each step and linked the receiving of orders to their execution in exquisite detail. Anyone reading the letter would immediately understand what these people had worked on, if they were effective, and if the final result was credible. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan heaved a deep sigh; he was both satisfied and comforted but he was also disappointed and saddened. He had seen the reports of the Nine Heavens Dictum and now understood that each mission by the Nine Heavens Dictum would clearly list the person in charge for each link. However, the document in his hands now did not contain such a section. It was obviously for fear that he would hunt them down upon knowing their names. This meant that they were still unwilling to confront him face to face. Pass the order! The old marshal sucked in a deep breath. Dispatch the undercover guards! Slap! The old marshal slapped the table. The table, which had been constructed of solid jade, turned into powder at the touch of his hand, with a loud crack. The Old Marshal jumped up in shock, his eyes bulging out as he looked at the pile of powder on the floor and the broken dishes; he was too aghast to speak. What what is going on? Translator Note: 1big pot dish (d gu ci): famous traditional dish that is common in the north of China; it is a pot of simple daily ingredients like vegetables, noodles, meat, tofu and various ingredients braised together. 38 As Busy as a Marketplace! The Old Marshal looked down at his own hand, unable to fathom what had just happened. His table, which had been made of solid jade, was a gift from His Majesty the Emperor and was considered a treasured gem. How could it have shattered with just a slap? Even if he had slapped it using his entire cultivation base, it still should not have shattered into such fine particles! At most, it would have just developed cracks. Yet how could he explain the sight in front of him? His Majesty the Emperor could not have done this, and as for Yun Yang The Old Marshal was certain that his cultivation base had not yet achieved the first heaven of mystical Qi and that the fellow had not even crossed the first peak. To turn this jade dining table into fine dust while maintaining its shape without anyone noticing was just plain impossible. This is sheer madness The corners of the old marshals lips curled up in amazement, he sincerely believed that this could be constituted as one of the wonders of the world! When Yun Yang got home, Lao Mei looked bemused and even Fang Mofei wore a strange expression on his face. Young master, ever since you went out today, our residence has been plagued by a constant stream of guests. Lao Mei had to tone his grin down a notch. This was the first time in his three years in the Residence of Yun that it had gotten as busy as a noisy marketplace, with an endless tide of people coming and going. Who were they? Ling Family, Ma Family, Qin Family all seven young masters had people sent over. Among them, the young masters from the Family of Ling, Ma, and Qin had come personally while the others had men coming over, bearing a multitude of gifts. Certainly. What else? The young masters of East, South, West, and North all came today as well. This practically covered the eleven families who had appeared today. Yes, yes. Furthermore, there were six or seven... beautiful ladies who came bringing their guards and maids. They looked rather put out when the knew that the young master wasnt in. Lao Mei looked at his young master with a mystified air, unable to comprehend all of these. Since when was his young master such a ladies man for so many beautiful ladies to come to their residence just to pay him a visit? Yun Yang pinched the bridge of his nose and slowly massaged the spot with two fingers as he asked, Are they all gone? They are all gone. Young Master Dong Tianleng came by to wait here the entire afternoon. He only just left not too long ago, heaving deep sighs to himself. Lao Mei said. Theres no need to bother about him. Yun Yang felt it was a wise decision to hide outside for the whole day. So many people had come for him, the continuous efforts at socialization would probably have given him a splitting headache. How are you today, Old Fang? Better than yesterday, Fang Mofei replied with a confident now. Rightly so. Yun Yang nodded and went to his room reeking of alcohol. However, the moment he entered his room, the smell of spirits and the bewildered look he sported vanished in an instance. Meow Meawoo Weak whimpers emanated from the corner of Yun Yangs blanket on his bed. It soon raised itself and four tiny snow-white heads popped out. They looked like a set of quadruple kittens on the outside but their individual mewlings were sufficiently different to set them apart. All four little critters continued to hide their bodies in the blanket and only their heads showed, eight pairs of glassy eyes looking at Yun Yang. Yun Yang was overwhelmed by their lovable mannerisms at once. Have I not told you little critters a few times by now? Yun Yang frowned and pulled a long face in front of the three tiny Eclipse Panthers. Dont go meawoo next time. Say meow. Is that so hard to remember? Meawoo The three little beasts looked at Yun Yang as if he was wrong in the head as they mewled once more. Alright, youve got me there. Yun Yang smacked his forehead. The three tiny beasts waddled out of the blanket and happily clambered on Yun Yang. Yun Yang felt an inordinate sense of accomplishment. Eclipse Panthers would normally make sounds that resonated ooawoo, rather similar to that of a tigers, but Yun Yang had already forcefully changed them into meawoo. He was already halfway there. If he managed to change the other half these little guys would most probably have caused a commotion in the mystical beast world. They would become Eclipse Panthers that mewled meow like a cat, an utterly groundbreaking feat. Apparently, Yun Yang was steadily making progress on this route. Yun Yang sat down with folded legs and began cultivating. The Endless Divine Art gradually began to flow once more. Yun Yang was intent on breaking through the first peak today! However, even as he began, Yun Yang could already feel a difference in his surroundings.. This time, his meridians seemed to possess an additional load of spiritual Qi. Besides, his mystical Qi had gushed out violently the moment he began cultivating. It was much stronger compared to its levels this morning! This was normally a situation that could only occur after going through the first peak. What was going on? Yun Yang grasped hold of his mystical Qi as he began to charge through his level but strangely, there was no difficulty whatsoever, He had practically gone through without encountering a barrier! Furthermore, the spiritual Qi in his meridians still had the excess energy to push his cultivation base forward a tiny bit beyond after stabling the first level. Yun Yangs dantians Qi had only dissipated after he managed to break through the first level. Before he could examine himself, he dived into his subconscious. The excess energy he felt had come from the inside and was definitely not an external force. Other than Emmie, there was no other possibility. As the surroundings began to gain clarity, Emmie could be seen swaying around happily like it was dancing. Squinting to take a closer look, he saw that Emmies fresh green leaves had turned shades darker! Catching sight of Yun Yang, Emmie got even more excited as it shook once before a fine vine extended towards Yun Yang. It had even grown its vine now, and it could extend itself to such a great length! Yun Yang was suddenly frightened as he pulled himself out of his subconscious with a sha sound, leaving Emmies fine vine hanging in midair as it could not react in time. Why did he leave so fast when he had just gone in? Yun Yang briskly examined his body to see what he had lost once he came out of his subconscious. Had something by his side been devoured? Shockingly, he did not notice anything missing after checking high and low. Looking at Emmie, it was definite that it had absorbed something of great nourishment. Otherwise, it was impossible to have such a distinct change. But what had it consumed? Yun Yang went into his subconscious again. After much threatening, Emmie leaves finally drooped helplessly and projected an image of a table, indicating the item it had devoured earlier. Yun Yang was dumbfounded upon seeing it. Was this not the table in Old Marshal Qius house that had been made with Cooling Heart Nephrite? He had just dined on that table just now! It was said that His Majesty the Emperor had taken pity on the Old Marshal who had devoted his entire life to serving the military and had specifically gifted a set of gems to him. The set that included a bed, table, chairs, and cutlery that were all made from Cooling Heart Nephrite. It was the only set of its kind in the entire Empire of Yutang! Who would have known that the table with magical properties would be consumed in this manner once the Old Marshal had invited him over? Yun Yang was at a loss for words. Looking at the dejected Emmie with its drooping leaves, he did not have the heart to chide it. He could only sigh and try to think of a way to make it up to the Old Marshal in future. Sigh, it was fortunate that the Old Marshal had not asked him to stay the night, otherwise the bed would have met the same fate! As Yun Yangs train of thoughts carried him to a logical conclusion, a hint of regret arose, Why didnt I behave better? If the Old Marshal had asked me to stay the night, then his bed would have been eaten as well! Throughout the night, Yun Yang cultivated endlessly, turning the excess energy that came from within him into his own. The Endless Divine Art flowed through him in endless loops. Whatever gem it was, it was still only a gem. There was no external force that could compare to having that force himself! It was only when his meridians felt like exploding that Yun Yang had stopped. Amidst this process, a tiny shadow came in from outside the window. Yun Yang did not have to open his eyes to know that it was the Eclipse Panther he had sent away for a mission. Seeing that Yun Yang was cultivating when it came back, the panther hopped right into his embrace and stayed there quietly, not returning for the entire night. The three Eclipse Panthers and the Lightning Cat that had been with Yun Yang all this while stayed obediently by his side, not fighting for a spot in his embrace. All of them knew that the eldest among them was carrying out its mission outside and was rarely back, thus the best spot had to be reserved for it. After all, they had plenty of chances as they were staying by their masters side the entire time. It was dawn when the tiny white silhouette made a slow walk around Yun Yang longingly before leaping out of the window again. Yun Yang opened his eyes slowly as a flash of light gleamed through them. One would only see the first heaven after conquering the first peak. One peak would be more difficult than the other. Before breaking the first level, Yun Yang was but a tiny shrimp in a vast ocean. Although he had mastered countless techniques and experience within himself, he could not utilize any of them. However, upon breaking through the first level, he had finally obtained the ability to protect himself, even if it was a weak one. Moreover, the resilient mystical Qi in his body made him feel utterly rejuvenated! Yun Yang picked himself up. He was still in high spirits even though he had not slept for the whole night. A peculiar jade glimmered in his hand. Yun Yang cultivated to activate it and letters began to materialize on the jades surface; Fierce battle broke out in the north of the city during midnight. Four undercover guards dead, thirteen injured; culprit fled bearing heavy injuries. Tracking is in progress. No results regarding the assassination of Young Master Yun. No results regarding the assassination of Young Master Yun. No results. Suspect that the assassin has left Tiantang after missing the target. No results. Yun Yangs eye gleamed wickedly. Could the assassin really have left? Yun Yang sincerely doubted it but he quickly put it the thought away. Since the assassin had accepted the mission, he would not give up that easily and would wait for the opportunity to arise again. That was certainly not a matter of terrible concern. However, as for the killer who had escaped, that was another matter altogether. He had actually slipped through the exceptional hands of the Residence of Marshal and Yun Yang could only wait for news to arrive before he would find out more. The more urgent matter that awaited him right now was none other than Dong Tianleng C Young Master Dong, who had been waiting by the door since early morning! When Yun Yang caught sight of Dong Tianleng, he was astounded. They had only been apart for one day but Dong Tianleng looked completely different now. Youre Yun Yang looked at the wreck in front of him. His eyes were blacker than that of a pandas, his nose crooked and his lips had a two-inch swell; his ears were torn and his face sported various degrees of colors In short, he looked nothing like how did yesterday! Im Dong Tianleng Dong Tianleng opened his mouth to speak in a agonized tone; he was trying hard to open his swollen eyes that were only slits now. Yun Yang could see that his gums were still bleeding. Yun Yang was at a loss for words. He had just left him for a single night. How did he end up looking like he had been walloped by one hundred burly men? What is the meaning of this? Yun Yang looked over at the two guards beside Dong Tianleng. They looked peacefully calm, with not a single sign of injury on them. They did not even seem bothered to see their own young master beaten up to a pulp. This was remarkably bizarre! Besides, the Double-Headed Elysian Lion was also missing patches of fur and was bleeding all over its entire body. Judging by its sorry state, it was obvious that it had also been beaten up as well. Yun Yang did not know what to make of this entire state of affairs. If they had been in battle, Dong Tianlengs guards would have died before allowing the young master to arrive at such a state but these two men looked perfectly fine and dandy! 39 I’m Really F*cking Cheap… Its quite a long story, Dong Tianleng sighed dramatically. I have the worst possible luck ever. Bad luck? Yun Yangs eyes goggled in incredulity. It must have been terribly bad luck indeed for him to have ended up in this state! Well, last night, I waited for you for quite a while before I left. You didnt come back Dong Tianleng glared at Yun Yang irritably and spat, his saliva flecked with blood. Since I had nothing much to do, I went out to seek for a wager A wager? Yun Yang was terribly confused. What kind of wager could he have gotten himself into? Clearly, I lost. Dong Tianleng said regretfully. It was a simple wager; everyone was in for the fun of it. Each person placed a bet of a hundred mystical stones and a medicinal pill. We agreed that there would be roughhousing, but no deaths. The bet was that whoever lost has to be beaten up by his enemy, bad enough that even his own mother would not recognize him. Yun Yangs eyes twitched at the thought of such ridiculous conditions. Which son of a b*tch set this idiotic rule? Yun Yang was in disbelief. You actually agreed to it? Both guards coughed simultaneously and seemed to be looking everywhere else at once. Dong Tianleng blinked rapidly and looked at Yun Yang with a certain measure of guilt in his eyes. Well, ahem, that son of a b*tch just happens to be me. Yun Yang experienced a paroxysm of coughing upon hearing that. Dong Tianleng quickly defended himself and said, The younger generation of the great families are all very competitive and refused to acknowledge the possibility that others could be better. This sort of arrogance had caused several unnecessary deaths until all the families unanimously agreed to this rule. It was a way for us younger ones to compete against each other without any fatal mishaps occurring. It was a peaceful way to solve our grudges. Yun Yang couldnt help grinning at the irony of the statement. Gradually, everyone began quarreling, but it wasnt enough to fully vent the pent-up anger. It was about then that I suggested this wager. In future, whoever loses can be walloped by his opponent as a way to vent their anger but the opponent cannot beat him to death. He has to, however, beat him up until his own mother wouldnt be able to recognize him and the loser is not allowed to apply any medication or attempt to heal his injuries; he has to wait for it to heal naturally. Yun Yang sighed despondently. Who would have known that ever since the wager was formed, I would usually end up being the one who got a trashing. Dong Tianleng said with a sniff, There have been only eight wagers, but Ive lost five times already. Yun Yang was at a loss as to how to respond to this level of idiocy With your IQ, you were allowed to set the rules of this game? Then why are you here this early in the morning instead of resting in the tavern? What Yun Yang had truly wanted to say was Im very busy but he was too nice a person to do so without feeling a twinge of guilt. I believe that you are the only one who can help me, Dong Tianleng said looking at Yun Yang with undisguised admiration. Me? Yun Yangs said in strangled voice. You bunch of second generation children with all your crazy games; what could I possibly help you with? Yes, youre the forefather of popinjays! Dong Tianleng said in adoration, Among the people whom I have met, no one can challenge you in these games; no one can be a better popinjay than you. If you help me, its an absolute certainty that we will be able to beat these people. Dong Tianleng said hopefully and adoringly, Big brother, my lord, I ask that you use your enriched experience of being a popinjay to give these opponents of mine the trashing of their lives! Enriched experience of being a popinjay Yun Yang felt like crying woefully. I really dont have it! Looking at Dong Tianlengs hopeful gaze, Yun Yang said helplessly, Look, I really cant help you with this. No Dong Tianleng begged, Big brother, my lord, blood brother! As long as you help me, to beat those three bastards up just this once, Ill do anything you want me to! I will give you anything you want! I dont want anything from you and I dont want you to do anything as well. I cant help you. Yun Yang remained adamant. Youre really not helping me? No! Youre really willing to just stand there and watch me die? Dong Tianlengs expression was incredulous. No means no! Yun Yang was unaffected by Dong Tianlengs play at sympathy. Plop! Dong Tianleng dropped to his knees in front of Yun Yang. What on earth are you doing? Yun Yang tried to drag the hapless fellow up. I wont get up if you wont help me! Dong Tianleng spoke with stubborn determination. Get up and well talk about it! I wont get up even if I die if you dont help me! Its meaningless for me to live if you dont help me to win. Ill just kneel here until death comes to claim me!Ill take my own life first before I let anyone move me from this spot! Dong Tianleng spotted his two guards who were moving over to pull him up and hollered, Ill break my meridians! Ill starve to death! Ill kneel to death! IllIll behead myself with my sword! I dont want to live anymore, and theres nothing that you all can do about it! Yun Yang was out of his wits. He had gone along with the flow when facing Ji Lings threat previously but he always had a way out. Now though, he faced a knave who would not budge with force nor with persuasion, with oil nor salt, who simply refused to be swayed. Yun Yang felt a terrible headache start to bloom between his eyes. He pleaded to the guards Are you fellows not bothered by your young masters behavior? Both guards wore twin bitter smiles. Young Master Yun, its not that were not bothered but we really cant do anything about it. Its no use going after them! Dong Tianleng kneeled on the ground as he roared with newfound strength, Its useless going after anyone! Even if you ask my father to come over, it would be useless as well! I am my own man and Im not getting up until I decide to do so! Yun Yang was rendered utterly helpless by this young masters hysterical behavior. Look even if I could, I dont even know how to help. I dont even know what you fellows are betting on. Yun Yang massaged his temples, feeling terribly exhausted by this brief encounter. So youve agreed to help me? Dong Tianleng raised his head in delighted surprise. Why dont you tell me about it and Ill see if I can help, Yun Yang replied non-committedly. We bet on mystical beasts! Dong Tianleng sighed, We placed wagers on eighth level mystical beasts this time but we have no control over grown eighth level beasts so we placed bets using young ones. Two beasts would fight and the one that wins will move on to fight with another one thats won. The final round would be on the wagers mentioned earlier. My Double-headed Elysian Lion Dong Tianleng looked like he had f*cked a dog. I thought it was already the cream of the crop. Who knew those bastards managed to get their hands on a Silvertail Howler1, the young of an eighth level pinnacle mystical beast. Its one level higher than mine, an eighth level intermediate. Thats two levels higher. Yun Yang snorted before saying, Eighth level intermediate, eighth level ace, eighth level pinnacle. Thats two levels higher and still, you went ahead with the fight how could you possibly win? Thats how I lost. Dong Tianleng said pitifully, My lord, just look at how badly Ive been beaten! I really cant help you with this. Yun Yang shook his head. Two levels higher, just the restrictions stemming from the level difference could kill you. If they keep using this Silvertail Howler to fight you, you would lose even if you tried to fight a hundred times. But that Silvertail Howler is younger than mine. Dong Tianleng said hurriedly, That one is only three years and five months old, mine is already six years old. Six years old! Its still possible to win! Yun Yang sighed. Theoretically, it was possible. Realistically however, he would undoubtedly lose. Unless I take a personal hand in training this dog of a Double-headed Elysian Lion. Perhaps he could help after all. Dong Tianleng Yun Yang murmured to himself and finally said frowning, Lets put it this way.If you can give me a single piece of information, Ill help you with this. Big brother, just ask and you shall have it! Dong Tianleng jumped to his feet in high spirits, his movements spry and agile. I will give you whatever information you wish! Even if you want my fathers information, I will also Hold it! Yun Yang said exasperatedly. Follow me. You fellows wait right here! Dong Tianleng ordered his guards and turned to follow Yun Yang. The guards looked at each other wordlessly, certain that their young master had been bewitched. They had humbled themselves to ask their young master this question two nights earlier, Why do you treat Yun Yang so differently? Thinking back on their young masters answer had them both feeling absolutely f*cked. There are a lot of reasons. First, Boss Yun is not an eyesore to me; second, if I were placed in his shoes to do what he did, I wouldnt dare to; third, hes not an eyesore to me; fourth, hes not an eyesore to me. Both the guards had no reasonable response to this madness. Not an eyesore! Beautiful women are not an eyesore to your father either! What kind of a reason is this? In the room, the two men stopped to converse. Dong Tianleng. Yun Yang said, Ive always been curious about the most mysterious clan in the martial arts world. The most mysterious clan? Dong Tianleng asked in curiosity, The Concourse of the Underworld? No. Yun Yang said, A clan even more mysterious than the Concourse of the Underworld. Such a clan does not exist. Dong Tianleng said with unshakeable certainty. Doesnt exist? Yun Yang frowned. Are you sure? I am absolutely certain of it. Dong Tianleng nodded seriously. Yun Yang kept quiet for a heartbeat before asking, What about the Four Seasons Tower? Dong Tianlengs expression took on a sickly look. Shush! Dong Tianleng looked like he was about to throw himself over to cover Yun Yangs mouth. Big brother, my lord, your words are going to get one, if not both of us killed. How did you find out about the Four Seasons Tower? Yun Yangs eyes shone in triumph. You know about it? I dont know anything about it. Dong Tianleng replied through gritted teeth. My advice is that you remain ignorant about it as well. That sort of knowledge is not conducive to a long and healthy life. Yun Yang spread his arms wide. Then I have no choice in the matter. You can go get yourself beaten to death. I cant help you anymore. Dong Tianleng looked utterly miserable as Yun Yang walked over to the door, with no intention to linger. Big brother, dont Dong Tianleng pulled at his sleeve. Yun Yang already had a foot out the door. Please leave, I still have lots to do today. I really dont know much Dong Tianleng was terribly distraught over the matter. I dont want to hear about it anyway. Yun Yang looked at him weirdly. I really have something urgent to do. Dong Tianleng finally said helplessly, Alright, Ill tell you everything I know. But youll have to tell me why you want to know about Four Seasons Tower? I have things to do. I dont want to know about it anymore. Yun Yang flung Dong Tianlengs hand away. Dont, dont, dont Dong Tianleng was in utter panic. Looking at Yun Yangs cold demeanor, he let loose a string of expletives, Big brother, I wont ask anymore. Ill just tell you everything, alright? Im not asking and I dont want to hear it. Yun Yang rolled his eyes and turned about to leave. Dont Big brother Seeing that he could not stop him, Dong Tianleng dropped to his knees again, and wailed in desperation, Big brother, I beg of you to ask me and hear me out! With a loud smack, Dong Tianleng slapped himself as he said tearfully, Im really f*cking cheap --- Translator Note: 1Silvertail Howler (βyn wi hu): mystical beast with its concept derived from Chinese legendary creature that has ten characteristics that resembles animals: horns like a deer, head like a camel, ears like a cat, eyes like a shrimp, mouth like a donkey, hair like a lion, neck like a snake, belly like a giant shellfish, scales like a koi, front paws like an eagle, and rear paws like a tiger; legends says it if one of the Dragon Kings son that has the habit of guarding. 40 Information, Training a Lion and Prepping for a Figh The Four Seasons Tower is one of the most mysterious clans in the martial arts world. However, it doesnt exactly belong entirely to martial arts. Dong Tianleng began. No one knows the origins of the Four Seasons Tower. Nonetheless, we know that they secretly exist within the martial arts world, the imperial courts of the various empires, in the powerful clans and family sects, in the backbones of the eight great families and even among the experts from the hidden families. Even the mere mention of this immutable force in Dong Tianlengs opening words gave Yun Yang chills. But the Four Seasons Tower has never made its name known in the martial arts world. It has completely and utterly incognito in all of its operations. There are only a handful of people in this world who has even heard of their existence. This organization is closer to being a religion than a clan.. Dong Tianleng lowered his voice. I believe that there is the presence of the Four Seasons Tower in our Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter families, solely because the names make up the four seasons of a year, Dong Tianleng said. Yun Yang maintained an air of casual indifferently, Are they so very mysterious? I have heard people mentioning it a few days ago and thought that everyone knew about it. Everyone knows about it? Dong Tianleng snorted, This is the Four Seasons Tower were talking about! The most mysterious clan of all time in the Tianxuan Continent. Legend has it that Ling Xiaozui and the Four Seasons Tower were at war for an entire century yet Ling Xiaozui never managed to locate the Four Seasons Towers base and eventually had to give up his search. As for the Four Seasons Tower, they were intelligent enough to avoid provoking such a peerless expert as Ling Xiaozui. Since Ling Xiaozui decided to let it go, the Four Seasons Tower wisely refrained from attempting to put an end to him. Ling Xiaozuis skills were unparalleled after all. Dong Tianleng then sighed, All said and done, the Four Seasons Tower is a titan of colossal proportions. Yun Yang frowned. Do you then know who heads the Four Seasons Tower? Why, that would be Mr. Nian, of course. The words slipped out of Dong Tianlengs mouth, Everyone who knows about the Four Seasons Tower knows this as well. Who is Mr. Nian? Yun Yang asked, intrigued by this little tidbit. Other than Mr. Nian himself, nobody else in the entire Tianxuan Continent can answer your question. Dong Tiangleng smiled bitterly. Right. What else do you know? Nothing else. You know only this tiny bit of information? Yun Yang stared wide-eyed. You act as if it is some earth-shattering secret! Even a child on the street could have told me the same! Dong Tianleng began to bemoan his beleaguered fate, My lord! The information I have just shared is of the highest sensitivity! Four Seasons Tower has a rule that says only death awaits whoever exposes their identity. Even if your enemy doesnt kill you, the Four Seasons Tower itself will come after you! There werent many individuals who had attempted to expose the Four Seasons Tower in the martial arts world. They were only minor characters, as significant as a normal day in a month, but with no exception, they are all dead! Even their corpses had been turned and a dagger stuck into them, to ensure the thoroughness of the job. Every monarch of the empires dreams of uprooting the Four Seasons Tower. Dong Tianleng said humorlessly, But who could find them? Anything else? Yun Yang asked disinterestedly. Nothing else Oh yes, theres just one more thing. It is said that one could find the Four Seasons Tower by word of mouth. Dong Tianleng continued, Rumour has it that people have gone to Heavens Inquisition to buy information on the Four Seasons Towers. Heavens Inquisition? Yes, Heavens Inquisition. What price is exacted for this information? Heavens Inquisition demanded a hundred thousand mystical crystals, seven flowers of wonder, three herbs of poison, and spiritual liquid of the Five Elements. Dong Tianleng said, This is the cost for information on the Four Seasons Tower. The corners of Yun Yangs lips curled up in amusement. That was an astronomical price, no two ways about it. Just the hundred thousand mystical crystals was a number that could cause a pinnacle martial artist to breakdown, what more seven flowers of wonder, three herbs of poison, and spiritual liquid of the Five Elements! Each of them was a legendary item; each of them was priceless! Though the price is steep, all high-level martial artists in the world know that once Heavens Inquisition offers a price, the information is as good as truth. Dong Tianleng said. The only problem is that no one can afford the price. Yun Yang exhaled heavily. But in recent days, for the past fifty years or so, Heavens Inquisition has also mysteriously become increasingly obscure, and in danger of vanishing altogether. Heavens Inquisition goes by another moniker; The Know-It-All. Even if there are things heaven itself is not aware of, one would only need to go to Heavens Inquisition to obtain the answer! Yun Yang mumbled, Heavens Inquisition should carry the honor of being the most mysterious organization in this world. All true. However, Heavens Inquisition isnt an organization. It is a person. Dong Tianleng repeated himself, The fancy title is held by a single individual! An individual! Yun Yang was curiously outraged and amazed all at once. With that, Ive exhausted all the information I have on the Four Seasons Tower.. Alright then, one last question. Since the Four Seasons Tower has always kept a low profile and taken such great pains to remain nondescript, what then is the point of their existence? Yun Yang asked, In other words, what do they actually hope to achieve? I really have no clue about that. However, I do believe that there is no one in this that can provide you the answer besides this mysterious Mr. Nian. Nonetheless, everyone knows that the Four Seasons Tower has its nefarious purposes, and these purposes are extremely horrifying. While the exact details of these facts are rather sketchy, we can only wait for the day when it will all be revealed.. Wait Yun Yang snorted in derision; he was clearly displeased by this. Dong Tianlengs ingratiating expression returned as he pleaded, My lord, my lord help me win Seeing as how youve told me all these... Yun Yang huffed, Although its all useless information, I wont take it for granted. Consider yourself fortunate. Yes, yes, my lord is benevolent and generous, with a heart bigger than the ocean and intelligence higher than the heavens Dong Tianleng chuckled. So, how do we go about plotting their deaths? Plot their deaths? Simple! Yun Yang said, Let your Double-headed Elysian Lion fight again and youll win. He pointed at the beast with a confident smile on his face. Dong Tianlengs expression crumbled in dismay. Had the beast not already fought? Wouldnt fighting again be a total waste of time? Bring your Double-headed Elysian Lion over, Ill help you train it. Yun Yang smiled, Although mystical beasts possess innate killing instincts, they actually need to learn as well. Dong Tianleng looked at Yun Yang, dumbfounded. Does he want to take the Double-headed Elysian Lion as a disciple? I- I- I- Why am I a little confused? To prove his point, Yun Yang immediately began the beasts training right in front of Dong Tianleng. Beckoning the lion over, he flowed into a set of martial forms, demonstrating the techniques in order for the Double-headed Elysian Lion to follow suit. Dong Tianlengs face was ominously expressionless; both the guards beside him were trying their level best not to guffaw out loud. This is what this great sir meant by helping? The Double-headed Elysian Lion was obviously startled as well. If it could speak, it would definitely be stuttering, Prac- practice martial art forms? You want me, a lion, to practice martial form like a human? I may be an eighth level mystical beast, intelligent beyond the norm, but there are limits of course. Stupid! Yun Yang scolded without mercy, You have to hold your fist like this. Then he demonstrated as he spoke. How could a lions paw be like a humans fist? How could it even form a fist? Like this! Yun Yang walked over and grabbed the lions front left paw, prying it open and closing it again. You understand? Dong Tianleng and the guards broke down in irrepressible mirth. The Double-headed Elysian Lions four eyes brightened as it howled excitedly, Sss-awoo At that moment, an unimaginable amount of refined air of vitality flowed into its body. The effect was so apparent that the Double-headed Elysian Lion immediately felt that its front paw had become stronger at once and was filled with endless energy and potential! If the energy flow did not cease, it could even level up! What are you howling at? Yun Yang slapped the lions head, delivering another refreshing flow of energy into the beast. The Double-headed Elysian Lion wagged its tail like an excited puppy, unable to stop howling. Sss-awoo sss-awoo Be still and keep silent! Yun Yang landed slap after slap on the beasts body. The more he struck the lion, the more excited and delighted it got. Now right punch! Like this! No! Idiot, like this! Streams of the vibrant energy seeped into the exhilarated beast. Now we train the legs. Front kick, front stomp, turning kick, side kick, back kick Goodness, theyre all wrong! How slow can you be? Let me correct this Sss-awoo Sss-awoo sss-awoo Dong Tianleng and his guards jaws were in danger of dropping straight to the floor. This is the first f*cking time Ive seen this in my entire life! A Double-headed Elysian Lion standing upright on its hind legs, looking for all the world like a human as it delivered a powerful punch with its left paw. It then jumped up, spinning around as it delivered a roundhouse kick? Oh, I must be losing my mind.. Dong Tianleng covered his face with one hand as he lowered his head speechlessly. Had this fellow actually succeeded? Why was the Double-headed Elysian Lion behaving this way? How could it be so obedient? It was being pummelled mercilessly and it was reeling from side to side, yet it kept going back to him. Was it because of its cheap master that my lion has also followed suit? Dong Tianleng was convinced that there was no other possible explanation. Youre a f*cking lion, a Double-headed Elysian Lion. Youre innately blessed with the ability to manipulate Yin and yang as well as fire and water; wheres your innate ability now? If those cant be used, you can still f*cking bite, right? Whats the use of having two mouths? Now, this madman is getting you to execute martial art forms! Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were watching from the side as well, their stomachs cramped from attempting to rein in gales of laughter. Fang Mofei appeared gentle and refined; a middle-aged scholar who was weak and powerless. It wasnt far from the truth; his cultivation base had not fully recovered. Dong Tianleng and his guards only awarded him a single glance before turning away. The two guards from the Dong Family, however, eyed Lao Mei suspiciously as they could faintly feel the strong sense of threat arising from him.This Young Master Yun actually keeps such a butler by his side. Both guards were guardedly assessing the seemingly harmless man, Looks like he isnt just an ordinary person as well... Under everyones scrutinizing gaze, Yun Yang completed his efforts on the Double-headed Elysian Lion. Then the showcase began. Jump up and spin! Walk with two hind legs! Hug the ball with your front legs and walk with your hind legs straightened! Go, pick the ball Ive thrown back. Come, see my hand? Jump over it. Run to the gate and run back here within a single breath! Dong Tianleng was flabbergasted. F*ck, are you training a lion or a dog? Young Master Dong Tianleng could take it no longer and came to his feet. My lord, you Done! Yun Yang clapped his hands, stopping the exhausted Double-headed Elysian Lion. Go request for a battle. Have the Double-headed Elysian Lion fight the Silvertail Howler tonight, you have my word that you will definitely win! I beg your pardon? Dong Tianlengs eyes came close to popping out from their sockets. You just taught my lion a martial form and made it run here and there like a dog. Now, you expect it to be able to fight? Im sure that it isnt ready just yet? Dong Tianleng placed a hesitant hand on his head and felt the residual pain from being beaten up and said with a long face, If it fights tonight, Im afraid that I wont be able to recover in half a year Go, go fight again tonight. Are you confident? Yun Yang asked the lion. Sss-awoo! the Double-headed Elysian Lion was in high spirits as it roared its approval. Go on, tell your young master that youll definitely win! Yun Yang pointed at the dejected young master. The Double-headed Elysian Lion walked in front of Dong Tianleng and held both of its heads high with pride, its tail wagging violently. Woof! As much as Dong Tianleng felt like breaking down in tears, he couldnt find the energy to cry. You- you youve turned my Double-headed Elysian Lion into a dog! 41 Outcome of a Wager, Traces of an Assassin While Yun Yang was training the Double-headed Elysian Lion for Dong Tianleng, merry shenanigans were taking place elsewhere. Ji Ling crossed her arms as she looked at her six sisters triumphantly. Quickly, call me big sister! Six girls laid scattered all around the large bed, not unlike roosters that had lost a fight, their gazes soulless and dull. It was a collective look of the disappointment that one experiences when hit hard by reality. The Silvermoon Celestial Wolf walked around the floor arrogantly. On one side of the room were six different mystical beast babies that looked listless and crestfallen. Little sister Ling, how did you train it? An older girl among the girls asked with a long face, How did you get it to be so obedient? Did you just call me little sister? Ji Ling huffed, That would be big sister, to you! Are you girls trying to avoid acknowledging your defeat? Unlike you, Ive always been gracious enough to admit that Ive lost. All six girls sighed, feeling inwardly discontented while looking at the triumphant Ji Ling. Youre the youngest anyway. We should call you big sisters when we lose, but were all older than you! How are we supposed to do that? Thats not my problem, is it? Quickly, call me big sister! Ji Ling said, practically glowing with glee. Alright, but first, youll have to tell us what you did with your Silvermoon Celestial Wolf. The older girl bit her lips and said, We have three Silvermoon Celestial Wolves here as well, but none of them could compare to yours, in any aspect Yes, what did you do to it? I bought mine from the same shop as yours, just a little earlier than you did. I didnt choose yours because I saw the black spot on its ear. Yours was nothing like the others when you bought it but in just these few days, it has surpassed all the others. Little sister Ling, you must be holding onto a secret! Yeah, tell us quick. Tell us and we will call you big sister. We wont call you that if you dont tell us. Thats right!. Ji Ling raised her chin indignation. According to the terms of our wager, you girls have lost. Secret? Of course, I have secrets but I cant tell all of you. I want to keep on being the big sister next year. What would happen then if I were to tell you girls? Sisters, tickle her! All six girls charged her at once. Eek! Have mercy! You girls C dont want to call me big sister but Eek! Have mercy! The girls tormented Ji Ling for a while but it was apparent that she was not about to relent. With no other choice left available, they could only let this young girl sit at the main seat in triumph as they unwillingly went forward to bow and greet her, Big sister! Good! My little sisters are excused. Ji Lings eyes had already turned into thin crescents from the joy she was experiencing. All the other girls had their lips pursed in disgruntlement. We went to see Young Master Yun yesterday. We had already sent our calling cards to have him wait at home but he was actually missing when we went over]r. A girl in blue pouted prettily and complained, Whats so good about him? Right, right. Isnt he just a young master of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds? Such arrogance! No wonder big sister Ling is angry. Such a boorish man is totally insensible and knows nothing about manners or respecting others. Yeah, even the residences butler is so dull and lifeless! My blood boils just by looking at him. Nonetheless, that Young Master Yun has a commendable quality. The fact that he doesnt have any servants or maids at home would indicate that he is an independent man. Please, that just means hes poor! All the girls heatedly complained about Yun Yang. These girls were all apples of their great families eyes; they had never come across anyone who would dare to avoid meeting them. Although Yun Yang had done nothing this time around, he was at the center of a whole torrent of rage and dissatisfaction. Hearing Yun Yangs name, Ji Ling kept silent. He had really done it; he had promised success and indeed, she had won a landslide victory. Moreover, her Silvermoon Celestial Wolf was extraordinary. She could tell as much from her sisters conversation. It had only been in his care for just over a day and it had already had a complete transformation. Remembering her promise to Yun Yang, Ji Ling was troubled once more. The promise was to give him half of the wager she won, with the right of the first pick. Furthermore, she had to give him a nugget of information She wondered what sort information he would ask for. Recalling how Yun Yang had callously chased her out the other day, Ji Ling gritted her teeth in resentment. How she had hoped that she would not need to see this lout, who cared nothing about chivalry, again in her life! However, she had no choice but to send the wager to him, and she had to do it in person because she had a question to answer. That question would be none other than the information she had promised. Ji Ling was very upset by this. As she her face kept on getting longer and her frowns kept her preoccupied, she did not notice that her sisters had stopped their clamor and were quietly studying her change of expressions while exchanging looks with each other. All of them covered their mouths to prevent overly loud chuckles from escaping. By the looks of it, this little girl had thoughts weighing her down. Could it be matters of the heart? Sigh Ji Ling heaved a long sigh. She immediately heard six echoing sighs as the girls beside her mimicked her troubled vexations. It was a long and heavy sigh, one filled with the resentment of a young girl. Then laughter that ensued was deafening. You you girls Ji Ling pointed at them as she stuttered in dismay. Oh my, whats our new big sister thinking about thats got her so preoccupied? Yeah, our new big sisters expression looks like shes longing for something. What longing? Shes obviously thinking of men, yearning to be wedded! Maybe its a woman thats on her mind. *ss! She must be thinking of men. Maybe its that Young Master Yun It could be As the old saying goes, the person whom a woman could really remember is never the one that could make her smile but one that could anger her and make her cry so it must be true! Yeah. Looks like our new big sister has found someone to give her affection to already!. Who is it? Tell us big sister, we can help you assess this person! Yes! Let us examine him for you! The girls were abuzz with excitement again. Ji Lings eyebrows went flat as she chided, What nonsense are you girls talking? I was just thinking about other things, mainly about my brother who has left home for so many years without a single bit of news. I wonder what has happened to him. Ive heard a year ago that he was sighted in Tiantang City but theres been no news even when my family had sent so many people over to search for him Sigh She heaved another long sigh at the end of her words to drive her point home. I wonder where big brother Ji has gone to. Its very worrisome. The girl in black who had been the big sister sighed sadly too, her gaze tinged with a sense of longing. This time, no one cracked any jokes. They all knew how fond the eldest sister was of big brother Ji. A few years ago, when big brother Ji had first disappeared, they could still tease her about it. Now that it had been so many years without news, no one dared to make light about this longing of hers. They had all thought that it was a match made in heaven but who would have known that things would turn out this way? Sigh The exhalations this time around were sincere. Isnt it our duty to search for big brother Ji since the tournament has been organized here in Tiantang City? Lets separate and move around these next few days. Yes, we can go looking in places like the prison or the criminal jail. Right, we can check up on the military too. Well inspect the martial artists within three thousand miles radius of Tiantang City too. This is the main purpose of our trip here this time! It is compulsory for us to hunt for Sister Lans sweetheart for them to get married! You little rascals! Sister Lan put on a mock show of anger, fists cocked and ready to deliver a round of pummelling, but the merry mood didnt last long as she sighed sorrowfully and murmured, I only hope that hes safe and sound. Her eyes were rimmed red as she spoke. The girls quieted down, their hearts heavy as they felt the eldest sisters deep sense of longing and sadness. Dong Tianlengs expression covered a range of emotions as he left.. Doubts about his lord whom he had just acknowledged began to creep up like troublesome vines. He looked at Yun Yang dubiously as his lips moved, feeling an inexplicable urge to lash out at him. Yet he dared not do so. In his eyes, this forefather of popinjays could accomplish anything. Besides, it was such a rare occasion to meet someone who could see eye to eye with him. If you lose, Ill fork out ten times of your wager! Yun Yang frowned. How can you hope to be popinjay with your lack of spirit for adventure? How can you be so unambitious! You will compensate ten times of the wager if I lose? Dong Tianleng repeated dully. Yes, yes, not only ten times but Ill go along and accept whatever beatings you have coming your way. Yun Yang said disdainfully, Nonetheless, based on the martial form that Ive taught the little lion, theres no possible way that you can lose! The corners of Dong Tianlengs lips twitched in amusement. You are particularly proud of the fact that you taught my little lion martial art forms! However, Dong Tianleng was secretly relieved. He wasnt particularly taken by Yun Yangs offer of reimbursement but by his confidence! If his Lord Yun was already this certain of success, how could he not go out and make the wager? He could not be so cowardly even in the face of death. One cannot be a popinjay if he behaves like you do. Yun Yang tapped Dong Tianlengs shoulder in earnest approval. Popinjays should possess the indomitable spirit of fearlessness. The Dong family guards beside him were troubled. Our young master is already as much popinjay as he could possibly be and you still want him to be a little more fearless? Any more fearlessness and he would probably burn the entire family tree down to the ground. Alright! Consider it done! Dong Tianlengs crushed nose bled again as he became increasingly agitated. If I win, Ill turn the three of them into pig heads tonight! No, something even worse than pig heads! If you lose? If I lose? Well, at most, Ill just get beaten up again. I cant look any worse than I do now, whats whats the big deal about being beaten up again? Dong Tianleng shrugged, looking like he was going to risk it all. I cant be any uglier anyway. The last time I lost, they made me wear green for an entire year F*ck it! Its finally time for your father to avenge himself! Yun Yang suddenly came to realize that Young Master Dong was actually not in green anymore. Without warning, warmth began to emanate from Yun Yangs palm. A piece of jade materialized in his hand as he surreptitiously pushed it back to merge with his flesh and blood again.. The jade vanished at once, the entire process happening entirely in his sleeve. Finally, Dong Tianleng took his leave. If I win, Ill come celebrate with my lord! If I lose, Ill come back and beat you up! Dong Tianleng left these two lines hanging in the air as he departed, laughing all the way out. Beat me up? Yun Yang snorted in derision, Your Double-headed Elysian Lion alone is enough to bite you to death. He slowly went back to his room and hurriedly extricated the jade out to see the message and information that pulsed on its surface. Discovered traces of black masked man from the Residence of Marshals incident. Currently at Cirrus House. The message flashed continuously, its urgency plain for all to see. Cirrus House. Yun Yangs expression turned bleak. It was another place that he did not wish to visit, but this time round, he had no choice but to do so.. 42 The Fire in the Heart Has Long Scorched the Prairie The Cirrus House was a long renowned establishment in Tiantang City. The place was a pit where fortunes were burnt in a roaring furnace, yet it was also a mans paradise. It was, of course, a brothel. However, what made it different from other brothels was that all the women here were virgins as clear as ice and as pure as jade; they made their living as performers and not with their bodies. Once a girl was found to have given herself to her client, there would be only two outcomes for her; be redeemed by that client and go home with him, or be expelled from the Cirrus House. The present madam of Cirrus House, Yun Zuiyue, was an extraordinary woman. Legend has it that eight years ago, Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui had passed by and lingered at this establishment, meeting Yun Zuiyue in the process. They both discovered themselves to be kindred spirits and had an enlightening conversation. Ling Xiaozui had even promised, inebriated to the clouds, heart-to-heart under the moon; whoever offends shall take this blow of my sword!. Whosoever dared to offend Yun Zuiyue would have to face Ling Xiaozui! Nobody in his right mind would be willing to endure a blow from Ling Xiaozuis sword, and it was said that even His Majesty the Emperor would probably not dare to as well. It was now a known fact that there was an immensely terrifying force behind Yun Zuiyue. Every time an incident occurred in the Cirrus House, the house was not hesitant to employ that force in a brutally shocking manner. No one dared to stir up trouble here, making the Cirrus House the safest place in Tiantang City! Even as events were unfolding, Yun Zuiyue was sending a dozen military undercover guards out, all dressed in red and armed with a pretty smile. Take care, militant sirs. We dont harbor criminals here, so please dont come again; we cant afford to anger the military now, can we? The undercover guards looked sheepishly helpless. What other choice did they have? Who would dare to search the Cirrus House by force? Perhaps the Old Marshal could if he came personally; as for the others, they would probably be sent out courteously one after one. However, the Old Marshal was already enraged with their failure to capture the assassin. Now that they could not find the criminal after searching the entire Tiantang City, they wondered what sort of storm awaited them when they got back home. Yun Zuiyue looked like a vision dressed in red as she leaned leisurely against the pillar of a door in front of the Cirrus House, naturally exuding a sultry charm. Her face, one of unparalleled beauty, seemed to always be wearing a light smile, just a flitting look which conveyed layers of sensuality almost effortlessly.. Those who passed by could not help but stare, goggle-eyed at her seductive elegance. Deep in Yun Zuiyues eyes though, lay an indescribable grudge; she sighed softly, that faux foe of hers had not been here for more than a year already. Where has he gone to? Could it be that he has really forgotten? Yun Yang stood at the opposite the corner of the street. He was decked in purple as he stood with arms behind his back. He had been standing here for a while now, a witness to two teams of undercover guards being quietly sent out by Yun Zuiyue to avoid undue attention. Yun Yangs gaze was complicated, a little guilty even. He did not wish to go over, nor did he want to face Yun Zuiyue. However, the undercover guards had all returned, the efforts of their search an exercise in futility. Lao Mei was standing right beside him, not knowing why his young master waited here. Seeing that Yun Zuiyue was about to turn and head back in, Yun Yang heaved a long sigh and walked over in large strides. That was how Yun Yang was; he would ponder for ages before deciding on a course of action; he would also be able to withdraw himself from facing something that he would rather avoid. However, once his mind was set, it was a point of no return! There was nothing else on his mind except the vision of success. Yun Zuiyue sighed softly. Just as she was about to turn and head in, she suddenly saw the youth in the purple robe on the opposite side of the street striding towards her. Even Yun Zuiyue, who had seen the most exquisite faces in her industry, was impressed with what she saw here, an extremely handsome young man. Just as she was thinking about it, Yun Yang was already standing in front of her and spoke with a smile, Do I have the pleasure of addressing Lady Zuiyue? Yun Zuiyue flashed a lovely smile guaranteed to send mens hearts racing and said, And who might you be, young stranger? You dont look familiar. Yun Yang smiled. Unfamiliar is guaranteed but I know youre Yun Zuiyue and I would let you know now too that my family name is also Yun. We are but family. So were not strangers now anymore, are we? Yun Yang asked contritely. Yun Zuiyue lightly laughed with her mouth covered, a picture of innocence. Young master is really witty. You are absolutely right, we are no longer strangers. Seeing as how we are no longer strangers, may I then buy Lady Zuiyue a meal? Yun Yang continued, Right here at the Cirrus House? Yun Zuiyues tone was gentle even as her gaze was sharp as she said, Young master, the courses at the Cirrus House arent cheap. Yun Yang smiled lightly, No matter how expensive they are, they would be worth it, if it grants me the pleasure of Lady Zuiyues company. Young master has a way with words indeed. Yun Zuiyues laugh was soft and artfully charming. Yet somehow, I dont believe that young master is here at Cirrus House just to buy Zuiyue a meal. She looked at Yun Yang pointedly, her gaze conveying volumes. Perhaps the young master has a lady that he fancies in this Cirrus House of mine? Yun Yang replied, Ladies in the Cirrus House are too dear, and I find myself rather penniless. Therefore, this time I really do intend to buy Lady Zuiyue a meal and also I have a few questions that I would wish to discuss with Lady Zuiyue, if you would do me this honor. Yun Zuiyue chuckled and said, I knew young master must have a purpose. Since young master is so handsome, I find myself conveniently free as well. Young master, after you. After you, Lady Zuiyue. Yun Yang entered the Cirrus House in an assured manner, trailing confidently behind Yun Zuiyue. Having heard the whole exchange from behind him, Lao Mei was about to experience apoplexy resulting from shock. Our young master can actually flirt with beautiful ladies! Such sweet words, with impeccable skills in wooing the fairer sex, such natural confidence! An experienced expert indeed! It was all the more obvious to Lao Mei that he did not fully understand his young master. He could pay court to an inappropriate person so easily with mere words and without any awkwardness; yet in front of whom he should be wooing, he had only spewed harsh words coldly with no attempt at romance. Lao Mei followed them into the house in a daze, thinking, What is going on here? The top floor of the Cirrus House was a pavilion; the walls around were only five feet tall with pillars reaching the roof and layers of light chiffon surrounding the structure fluttered along with the breeze. Lao Mei did not follow them up, it was only Yun Yang and Yun Zuiyue. When Yun Yang had ordered him to stay behind, Lao Meis face was full of tacit understanding, Understood, understood. Yun Yang looked at the salacious expression on Lao Meis face C his I understand everything look and suggestive winks, and was sorely tempted to deliver a swift kick, You understood my *ss! Lady Zuiyue sure knows how to take delight in life. Yun Yang looked around as he walked with his arms on his back. Overlooking Tiantang City from several hundred feet above gives one a different perspective. In his heart though, he was coldly indifferent. How many times have I been here at this breezy pavilion? Yun Zuiyue smiled, Isnt everything we work hard for in life just to allow ourselves a more comfortable living? Dont you think so, Young Master Yun? Yun Yang replied, Lady Zuiyue is right but this is the majoritys thoughts. There are still some of those who dont care for this. Yun Zuiyue answered nonchalantly, The thoughts of the majority are good enough for me. Zuiyue does not wish to be part of the minority. Yun Yang then spoke softly, Lady Zuiyue is, in fact, the minority already. A flash of pleasure could be seen in Yun Zuiyues eyes as she said, Young master has flattered me too much. As she spoke, she slowly poured the tea she had brewed earlier into the teacup. Please have some tea, young master. We shall talk after we finish this pot of tea, yes? Her words seemed to never be rushed or impatient, each enunciation was soft and gentle to the core but it was never forced. Lady Zuiyue is absolutely right. Yun Yang raised the teacup and stared at the amber-like tea in it, speaking relaxedly, All the troubles of the world are contained in three goblets of wine, the greatest ambitions held in a pot of tea. Whatever it is, mentioning it after drinking a pot of tea in serenity would allow one to be more composed and poised. Yun Zuiyue chuckled. Could it be that young master has something that is too gauche to speak with Zuiyue? Yun Yang replied, That is correct. Yun Zuiyues expression slipped for the briefest of pauses but she concealed it right away with a charming smile and said, Have tea, young master. Lady Zuiyue, please drink as well. Yun Yang drank the tea slowly, feeling a flow of warmth going down his throat smoothly as his internal organs seemed to have acquired warm as well. He complimented lightly, Lady Zuiyues tea-making skills is getting increasingly refined. Yun Zuiyue took a glance at Yun Yang as she smiled saying, Young master, though this is the first time we have met, why do I have such a sense of familiarity towards young master? This is strange. A twinge found its way in the deepest part of Yun Yangs eyes as he smiled without letting anything show. This is the fate of Lady Zuiyue and I. Yun Zuiyue smiled, covering her mouth. Young master is full of mischief. As she lowered her head to make tea, her tone had turned cold and distant as she asked almost nonchalantly, Young master can now speak of what it is that is gauche in meeting Zuiyue this time. Yun Yang nodded and said, It is something that is hard to speak of. I seek a fugitive that has sought refuge here. The apprehension of this fugitive is of utmost importance. If he escapes, there will be hell to pay. Yun Zuiyues manner became completely aloof. She straightened up and spoke frostily Young master should have understood the rules of Cirrus House before he came. Yun Yang smiled bitterly, Its exactly because I understood that I find it gauche to speak of. Yun Zuiyue spoke dispassionately, Be my guest, young master. Zuiyue has suddenly felt unwell and can no longer keep young master company. As she spoke, she stood up and turned to leave without a second glance. Yun Yang remained seated. Watching Yun Zuiyue make her way to the door, complex emotions ran through his eyes as he finally said gently, Lady Zuiyue, its the fire in your heart. Yun Zuiyues foot that was about to make her final step out of the door halted in midair. Her slim figure seemed to have frozen completely; her voice quavered as she asked, What what are you talking about? She turned with the speed of a hurricane, staring at Yun Yang with a burning gaze. Yun Yang closed his eyes, swallowing the pain that had risen in his heart. Recovering his calm voice, he replied, Lady Zuiyue, fire is an amazing thing. Fire gives warmth to people and allows them to live above savages; it can burn away all the wickedness in this world as well But if this flame stays in your hearts, Im afraid it will destroy you. Yun Zuiyue trembled, her face had turned pale; all of a sudden, she charged over and grabbed onto the front of Yun Yangs robe. Her eyes stared unblinkingly right at Yun Yangs as she tried unsuccessfully to lower her voice and asked, Who who are you really? Yun Yang remained unmoved as he spoke softly, Water and fire have no mercy; fire can destroy everything. Nothing in this world can be completely unafraid of fire. The supremacy of an empire, endless acres of forest, borderless grasslands they could all perish under wildfire. But once the fire in the heart scorches like a prairie fireit is beyond control. Countless heroes and warriors in this world, they dont turn my head nor do I see them; no dreams were made in the maidens room, the fire in the heart has long scorched the prairie. Yun Yang suppressed his voice that was tinged with unspeakable anguish. Yun Zuiyues right hand gripped Yun Yangs robe so tightly that her veins stood out clearly on her skin. Her face was ashen gray, but her eyes were rimmed red; she attempted her best to remain calm but her legs were shaking uncontrollably. She uttered each word slowly, Speak, who are you? How could you possibly know this poem that I have written? 43 A Devoted Woman, Poison and Smoke Countless heroes in this world, yet they are nothing in my eyes. I dream of nothing and nobody else in the bedchamber, for my love belongs to a single person. All the other spaces my heart has been scorched by this devastating flame! This was an excerpt from a poem Yun Zuaiyue had written but never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined it coming from Yun Yangs mouth. This was impossible! Shaking his head at Yun Zuiyues question, Yun Yang sighed slowly and said, Im sorry, but I simply cant tell you who I am. Yun Zuiyues soul seemed to depart her body as she slowly let go of Yun Yangs robe and took a few steps back before she collapsed onto the floor despondently, her beautiful eyes losing their luster. You cant tell me who you are. Yun Zuiyue said through gritted teeth, one hand gripping the table tightly, trying her hardest to stop her body from trembling. In that case, are you able to tell me... the person who sent you the person who shared this poem with Where is he? If I knew that, its all the more reason that I cant share that with you. Yun Yang closed his eyes as he spoke, his heart aching with a sharp pain, like a knife had sliced right through it. If I tell you, your life is forfeit. You should at least know what his name is then! Yun Zuiyue looked at him fiercely, eyes staring daggers at the recalcitrant man. Im sorry, I do not know. Is he at Tiantang City? I dont know. Yun Zuiyue finally exploded. Then you should at least tell me, is he dead or alive? Yun Yang forced his roiling emotions down. After a brief interval, he finally answered with great difficulty, He wishes me to tell you to forget him. Forget him? Yun Zuiyue gave an anguished laugh. Hes a jerk! Worthless! Heartless! Irresponsible! He is practically the scum of society! Yun Yang closed his eyes and took in a long breath to steady himself while Yun Zuiyue continued to curse spitefully. Slam! Yun Yangs palm landed hard on the table as he barked harshly, Enough! His intimidating aura immediately filled the room as the loud crack cut through the womans rantings. Yun Zuiyues voice dropped away. She began to laugh hysterically. You men are all alike! You only dare to bully your own women; when it comes to anything else, youre practically gutless cowards! Yun Yangs chest rose and fell rapidly as he sought to maintain his own sense of calm, various reasons and explanations flowing through his mind. Finally he said, You already know where he is. Yun Zuiyue stared at Yun Yang with horrified eyes as she vehemently denied the accusation. No I dont believe it As Yun Yang started to speak, Yun Zuiyue began to shout hysterically, I dont believe it, I dont believe it, I dont believe it! Her red-fnotrimmed eyes pierced Yun Yangs soul, I wont believe anything you say. She seemed to be trying to convince herself, but it had also looked like she was praying to the heaven and earth. Although she spoke in a murmur, each word was clearly enunciated, He cannot be dead! Yun Yang kept silent and still. He did not have the heart to say anything to the woman who was already distraught and saddened by his appearance. Suddenly, Yun Zuiyue lifted her head and asked pleadingly, Hes not dead, is he? Tell me it isnt true! Yun Yang looked at her heartbroken gaze, his heart clenched with pain. He turned his head away and said softly, Yes, to me, he is not dead. He will stay alive in my heart forever. Yun Zuiyues slender figure stilled; she was as motionless as a statue when she heard his words. After a long moment, she began to sob and wail. It was as if all the worries and sadness she carried in her heart were finally unburdened upon listening to Yun Yangs declaration. Oh, how she cried, her tears flowing with utter anguish!. Yun Yang sat unmovingly; he knew of no words that could comfort her. He could only feel the wrenching agony in his chest. He how is he now? Yun Zuiyues sobs began to subside. Is he well? Its hard to tell. Since the first lie had passed his lips, he had no choice but to continue piling it on. His injuries are far too...severe. Those were critical wounds, and right now, it would be impossible for him to return. I understand! Yun Zuiyue nodded feverishly. I will wait for him! Ill wait, no matter how long it takes! Please, please send this message back to him. Its impossible! Yun Yang shook his head, feeling wretched. I wont be able to convey your words to him... Oh no, I understand, I absolutely understand. Yun Zuiyue said hurriedly, Since you have ventured out, it would be impossible for you to return; there are frightening enemies all around. Yes, it would be safer not to attempt it. Yun Yang watched the selfless woman and could only feel his heart grow colder with despair and guilt. There was something you mentioned earlier a fugitive? Taking a few moments to compose herself, Yun Zuiyue had finally wiped away her tears. Though her eyes were red and swollen, she had recovered some of her usual flair. What fugitive do you speak of? This fugitive could possibly be... Yun Yang left his sentence hanging, allowing his meaningful gaze to complete it.. Yun Zuiyues face instantly took on a dangerous expression. ...could possibly be related to him? Yun Yang nodded silently. Ill help you! Yun Zuiyues hissed menacingly, like a cold ferocious beast thirsting for blood in the night. Yun Yang exhaled deeply, amazed by the fiery vengeance he saw in this woman. Can we speak further? On another day, at another time? Yun Zuiyue looked at Yun Yang with anticipation, eager to gather as much information as she could on this topic. No! Yun Yang was resolutely adamant. Its simply too dangerous. I understand Yun Zuiyue lowered her head sorrowfully but she spoke with sympathy, Ive known all this ever since he was selected because I was with him when he went to the trials. I have kept this secret embedded in my heart, all these long years. Young master, you need not worry. Another pang shot through Yun Yangs soul. Fifth brother. Youve left this world, and no longer have any worries, but what should I do with this woman who is so devoted to you? I have the means to heal the world but how do I make up for this womans wounds of the heart? Li Changqiu sat comfortably in a spacious room of the Cirrus House; this was the chamber of Qing Shanxue, Cirrus Houses most popular courtesan. Li Changqiu, who was a regular at the establishment, looked ruddy as he sat in repose; the sandalwood in front of him kindling with a rising fragrance as a pot of green tea exuded its mild aroma. A platform thirty feet away was covered with chiffon as a harmonious string melody wafted from behind the opaque material. Through the chiffon, a slim figured girl with long hair, lustrous like a waterfall with equally refreshing purity could be seen playing the string instrument with delicate hands. It was a picture of artistic elegance. The sound of footsteps floated over from the door as a vision in red entered gracefully. Even before the person came into view, her laughter had already resounded in the hallway. Sir Li, are you pleased with my little sisters performance? Li Changqiu smiled and said, Her music sounds like it came straight from heaven. Yun Zuiyue chuckled, her waist thin to the point that it might break at any time. She smiled and said, Sir Li has been given a great honor. People are normally not allowed into this room of Xueer . Even as her older sister, I am occasionally forbidden to enter as well. Is that so? Li Changqiu chortled humorously. Sister Yue, since when have I forbidden you entry? An embarrassed voice hurriedly defended herself from behind the chiffon curtain. Now Ive gone and embarrassed Yueer. Yun Zuiyue continued, Sir Li, the kitchen has just made a few appetizers. Ive brought some over for you. I am indeed a lucky man then. Li Changqiu smiled but was taken aback when he caught sight of Zuiyues eyes. Pardon me, but are Lady Zuiyues eyes a little swollen? Has something happened? Yun Zuiyue kept her smile even as she sighed, There is. A sister received a letter from home saying that her mother has suddenly passed away from sickness. I cried with her for some time. All the while I was thinking, at least she had a mother. I, Yun Zuiyue, dont even know who my parents are As she spoke about it, her tears came streaming down again. Li Changqiu sighed and said, Life and death, separations and reunions; were more often than not helpless in the vicissitudes of life. My condolences, Lady Zuiyue. Yun Zuiyue forced a smile and said, It is hard to ease the hearts sorrow. Look at me, what am I doing speaking of these things. Come, Sir Li, have a taste of Cirrus Houses culinary skills. With a wave of her hand, a maid came in with an intricate platter; four small and exquisite appetizers were on it along with a beautiful wine pot. These were undoubtedly appetizers.The contents in each dish would, at most, serve two bites. The wine pot would only be able to fill up a single goblet. Xueer who was behind the curtain smiled while covering her mouth. Sister Yue is generous today. Even I havent eaten these sort of appetizers for a few months now. Yun Zuiyue chided, You little minx. Didnt you eat the most the last time? Youre not even afraid of getting fat! Xueer began to protest from behind the curtain as Li Changqiu laughed good-naturedly. You sisters certainly have a really good relationship. Yun Zuiyue sighed, Were but lonely people with no one to depend on. We can only seek comfort amongst ourselves. Li Changqiu chuckled and picked up his chopsticks saying, These appetizers are simply superb. Just looking at them stirs my appetite already. Such a pity that theyre in such small portions! Yun Zuiyue laughed. If their portions were to be larger, they wouldnt be appetizers anymore would they, Sir Li? Truely said! Li Changqiu chuckled and took a bite. Even as his teeth met the appetizer, he cultivated to send a probing tendril into the food and found nothing unusual or dangerous about it. He replied jovially, Lady Yue is always right. His chopsticks moved like a quick breeze as he took a bite from each appetizer. Checking with his cultivation and realizing that they were all safe to consume, his initial worries immediately fell away. With sips of wine accompanying each bite of the appetizer, the food was cleaned off instantly. He said smiling, This culinary skill would be good enough to serve at the palace! Lady Yue, just this bit cant even come close to quelling my hunger; it just makes me even more ravenous! The portions are just too cruel, a bait to reel people in! Yun Zuiyue smiled sensuously. Exactly, Sir Li! It is to hook people and reel them in; people such as yourself, so that you may come more often. Fantastic, absolutely fantastic! Li Changqiu guffawed, completely relaxed and at ease. Enjoy yourself, Sir Li. Zuiyue will step out first. Yun Zuiyue laughed, I would only disrupt Sir Lis mood by being here. Li Changqiu chortled and endeavored to make her stay but Yun Zuiyue was already walking out with a smile on her lips. The string melody resonated in the room as the fragrance of sandalwood permeated the air. Li Changqiu gradually let his guard down. It was indeed true that the Cirrus House was the safest place of all to be in! Pondering upon this strange irony, he grabbed the wine pot and took another swig as he exclaimed, Gratifying. Gratifying? A voice spoke out mockingly, I would like to know if Sir Li would like to feel a little bit more... gratified? Who is that? Li Changqiu jumped up and spun around, trying to find the source of the disembodied voice. A faint, purple silhouette appeared outside the door; a pair of icy eyes sent chills down Li Changqius spine. Li Changqiu snorted coldly and said, Are you attempting to scare me with your mystical parlor tricks? You dont have the skill for that yet! He maneuvered himself into a position to strike out even as he completed his challenge. The silhouette in purple stood unmoving as he spoke lightly, Li Changqiu Just a mere blacksmith and already able to afford visits to the Cirrus House three to four times a month Is it so lucrative to be a blacksmith these days? Li Changqiu huffed and secretly gathered his cultivation base as he replied, You need not be concerned about its profitability. What you should be worried about most now is your little Before he could finish his words, his face twisted into a paroxysm of agony. The overwhelming surge of mystical Qi that he had just gathered had dissipated without a trace! Li Changqiu hurriedly cultivated again and although he could still cultivate his dantian, it melted away faster than he could gather it in. The purple silhouette outside the door spoke indifferently, Li Changqiu, dont waste your energy. You wouldn''t be able to expel the poison from your body if you werent given at least an hour to do so. Even if it was an expert with mystical Qi of the seventh heaven and above, they would still need at least three breaths. You, unfortunately, have not reached the seventh heaven! Seventh heaven? Li Changqiu was inwardly delighted at his deception. The world has only seen me at the sixth heaven; appearing to be weak has its advantages after all. I have not reached the seventh heaven, have I? Let me show you what I have reached, right after these three breaths! Li Changqiu suddenly raised both of his hands and lashed out wildly. Boom! The concussive thunderclap sent thick fog exploding across the room, filling it instantly. The smoke was thick enough that one would not be able to see beyond their own raised fingers. It hung heavily in the air, refusing to be dissipated by the wind and obscured everything in its shadowy depths... 44 A Formidable Foe Easily Captured! Li Changqius voice resounded with sinister gentleness from within the depths of the fog. If you wish to kill me, youll have to step in here as well. Yun Yang smiled and retorted mockingly, Oh no, I wouldnt dare step into this Soul Reaping Smoke of course... but you, do you dare to come out instead? There was a hint of triumph in his voice. Li Changqiu began to feel a sense of discomfort as his voice turned harsh. What do you mean? Yun Yang continued to stand by the door and answered nonchalantly, Sir Lis battle with the Residence of Marshals undercover guards was a brave one indeed; one man going up against so many! However, Sir Li would have ultimately lost as the experts from the marshals residence are far more skilled than any ordinary person. When Sir Li attempted to escape, you used the Soul Reaping Smoke exactly the same way you are now. You managed to wipe out every expert whom you had ambushed at the Residence of Marshal. It was only after that episode that we understood Sir Lis vile tactics. We learned that once the Soul Reaping Smoke is summoned, it will remain in place and will not dissipate for a period of approximately fifteen minutes Within this quarter hour, anyone who steps into the insidious smoke would lose consciousness and have their soul absorbed by Sir Li. Not only does it protect you, the energy derived from the absorption of souls could even help to replenish your cultivation base. Yun Yang, who was dressed in resplendent purple, exuded an undeniably terrifying aura. The Soul Reaping Smoke is a long lost tool of the School of Dastardly Poison, its vile properties vague and mysterious. However, I do know that once the smoke is released, one of the two opposing parties must die. Even as I am unable to enter, you too are trapped within the Soul Reaping Smoke. Your only possible escape route is when you bolt out after devouring your enemys soul as they charge into their deaths unknowingly! This is your last resort. Yun Yang spoke coldly, Perhaps you were unaware but you have played right into my hands. All I had to do was to wait for you to summon the Soul Reaping Smoke. Li Changqiu asked hoarsely, Who are you? Yun Yang did not deign to answer but continued lightly, After your fight that night, Ive already established that your cultivation base is at the seventh heaven. In terms of individual combat, there truly arent many individuals that could threaten you in Tiantang City now. My method of blending poisons could only disrupt most of your combat power but it would not leach away all of your strength, and I would still be at risk. Your mystical Qi would still need at least three to five breaths to be completely depleted. If we fought amidst the duration taken for these three to five breaths, even though you would be unable to cultivate mystical Qi, you could still inflict a great deal of damage if you unleashed the Force of the Soul in a retaliatory strike! Unfortunately, I am still not competent enough to capture you without taking harm upon myself. Now that you stand within Soul Reaping Smoke, you are unable to leave. Yun Yang said, Therefore, Im standing here talking to you because with each sentence you I speak, the poison within you will consume another flow of your mystical Qi. Since I am in no particular rush, this would be my best chance to have a pleasant conversation with you. Yun Yang continued, You cant come out and I have nothing pressing to attend to. Its not often that I get to speak to my enemy, so I could just do this all day! A hacking cough emanated from within the thick mists of the Soul Reaping Smoke. Li Changqiu had obviously been agitated by Yun Yangs words and had spat out a mouthful of blood. He could also distinctly feel his cultivation base degenerating, even his dantian and meridians were all slowly reducing. What poison is this? Li Changqiu hissed in anger, Tell me! Yun Yang answered, Why, since you wish for me to talk more, Id love to explain it as well. There are many things in this world that are harmless, even beneficial, to the body when consumed on its own. Two items combined may be even better for the body. Three is fine too, four is also alright. But when these four medicines are consumed and combined with the fifth medicine that was soaked in alcohol, it can achieve an incredibly desired effect. Yun Yang smiled, Its enough that you only know that there are five medicines, you need not know any more of their details. Sir Li, your quarter hour is up. Indeed, the fringes of the Soul Reaping Smoke had already faded out. Who are you? Li Changqiu sighed hopelessly. He already held a sharp dagger placed against his chest. If I were from the Residence of Marshal, I wouldnt have come alone.. Yun Yang laughed softly, I have heard that Sir Li possesses a portion of the School of Dastardly Poisons legacy, so I wished to learn from Sir Li. Li Changqiu snorted, You wish! Yun Yang replied lightly, Sir Li, you need not worry. Only my people stand in this room now and there are only two of them. The information you divulge would go no further than this chamber. As long as Sir Li is willing to cooperate, I will have no reason to take your life as well. Yun Yang smiled amicably, It is only reasonable for me to leverage on favorable conditions to achieve my objective. Of course, Sir Lis cultivation experience sharing is something Id definitely want as well. Li Changqiu laughed, You actually believe I would share my cultivation experience when youre treating me this way? You are an optimist indeed! Inwardly, he heaved a sigh of relieve. So that is his objective. I may yet have a chance to stay alive. Contemplating the change in his situation, his resolve to take his own life began to falter. Young fool, do you not know? Experts of the seventh heaven would always have a chance at indestructibility. As long as theres still a breath of life, even if their dantian and mystical Qi were completely destroyed, a sliver of energy will still remain! As long as one stays alive, regardless of the severity of injuries, one could recover their entire cultivation base within a year. Once your father recovers his cultivation base I could annihilate all of you tiny ants in just a single breath! Yun Yang could sense the mans will to live gradually increasing. He was inwardly relieved as well. It would have been a waste if he had expended so much energy and almost exposed his identity only to capture a dead man! Young fool, you can only hope to succeed! I would rather die than see your wish fulfilled. Li Changqiu hollered arrogantly. Oh, I dont know about that. We still have lots of time. Yun Yang chuckled lightly. The Soul Reaping Smoke had dissipated entirely as the room regained its clarity. Li Changqius body formed a heap on the floor as his pair of eyes glared at Yun Yang; looking to swallow him whole. Yet he could not even move his finger. Butler! Yun Yang shouted with his arms still folded behind his back. Here! A silhouette appeared like a spirit and went over to Li Changqiu; a finger was pressed precisely on his chest as a palm struck his dantian. With a loud crash, the dust on the floor rose up in the air, swirling about in the room. Li Changqiu gritted his teeth but did not retaliate. He continued to smirk as he lay on the floor. His mystical Qi is no longer existent, Lao Mei turned around to inform his master. Very well. You can now bind him with sixth level mystical beast tendons. Yun Yang did not move forward but continued to issue orders from afar. Hearing his words, Li Changqius last hope died away. He had held back his last bit of energy, thinking to use all his life force to take the foolish youth hostage if he wandered over carelessly himself. He would never have thought that the young man would still be so cautious after successfully extinguishing his cultivation base with blended poison and after his guard had locked his meridians and struck his dantian to naught! Sixth level mystical beast tendons Even if his cultivation base had been undamaged, it would still be impossible for him to break away! Lao Mei quickly bound Li Changqiu up with two mystical beast tendons and stuffed him into a black gunny sack after carefully rendering him unconscious with well-placed slaps. Done. Yun Yang clapped his hands. Throughout the entire ordeal, he had stood still, his two feet never moving, yet he had managed to capture a seventh heaven expert alive! Lao Mei picked up the black bag and spoke, Young master, I shall head back first. Going back separately would be part of Yun Yangs plan, of course. This must be absolutely infallible. It shall be so. Lao Mei hoisted the bag onto his shoulder and flew out with a rush of wind swirling around the empty space where he had stood. Within the blink of an eye, there was no trace of him left to be seen. Footsteps echoed from the steps as Yun Zuiyue gently descended the staircase. Her eyes shone with life as she clapped. Young master is possessed of such amazing tactics! I am duly impressed. It is all thanks to Lady Yues cooperation. Yun Yang bowed politely and spoke with genuine warmth. If it werent for Lady Yue, such a dangerous feat would not have been so easy. Yun Zuiyue blushed prettily and smiled, Then, you folks will have to thank me profusely. Yun Yang chuckled in agreement That would be an understatement! Lady Yue, Cirrus House now ...Has no one else. Yun Zuiyue laughed, covering her mouth as she said, When I served the dishes, there were only a few of us left in the Cirrus House. I had my other sisters sent out to play for a bit. Yun Yang kept silent for a heartbeat and said, Then among those who know about this now are you, Lady Xueer, the maid who served the dishes earlier, me and my butler. A total of five people. The maid does not know, she left after serving the dishes. But you forget to include the one in the sack, so its still five people. Yun Zuiyue smiled an impish smile, Have I counted that correctly? Yun Yang spoke with utter seriousness, My lady, this is of utmost importance; I have to remind you time and again that I seek Lady Yues understanding. Yun Zuiyue nodded in understanding and said, Xueer is my little sister. Yun Yang was faintly surprised as he replied, My apologies, I was not aware.. Yun Zuiyue sighed and said, Its right for you to be more cautious. Her eyes were clear when she looked at Yun Yang and said, Your methods frighten me. Could it be that your status is too low? Yun Yang smiled bitterly. Compared to my brothers, I still have a long way to go. Thank you for your help, Lady Yue. Please take care. I shall take my leave now. Yun Zuiyue spoke softly, Must you call me Lady Yue? Yun Yang was stunned as Yun Zuiyue continued with to speak in a voice, gentle yet adamant, Is it so hard to call me sister-in-law? Yun Yangs Adams apple bobbed as he swallowed with difficulty. Finally, he gently replied, Sister Yue, please dont put me in a tough spot. Yun Zuiyues expression visibly dimmed but she then forced a smile and said, I would be greatly pleased to hear you call me Sister Yue. Wretched misery rose in Yun Yangs heart. In the future if theres anything else you need help with or if there is any news Yun Zuiyue looked at Yun Yang pleadingly and said, Please dont forget about Sister Yue Yun Yang was silent for a while before he said, I wont. You have my word on it. Yun Yang left the Cirrus House quietly. Having walked a distance, he turned back to see the red robe still standing by the door of the Cirrus House in an anguished daze. Yun Yang felt as if a huge rock was bearing down on his chest, the feeling heavy and miserable. This life has been devoted to the nation, how else could there be love for passion. Thinking of the two-lined poem his fifth brother, Supreme Flame, would always recite whenever he got drunk, and looking at the selflessly devoted woman in red who still stood waiting, Yun Yang could only feel his heart overflow with bitter grief. 45 There Must Be a Pattern! In a secret chamber in the Residence of Yun, Yun Yang alone stood facing a bound Li Changqiu. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei both remained outside. Lao Mei, the young master is really mysterious. Fang Mofei spoke in puzzlement, Its extremely uncanny. I was under the impression that the Residence of Yun contained only a young master and his butler. However, ever since Ive arrived here, why do I feel that there is a lot more to it than meets the eye? I just cant put my finger on it! Lao Mei chuckled and gave him a sidelong glance as he said, Cant put a finger on it, can you? Join the club! I, Lao Mei, have been in this courtyard for over three years and I still cant figure anything out up until now! You have just arrived, and you think you can make sense of it? He smirked in derision. Fang Mofei was genuinely shocked as he stared wide-eyed, With your abilities and three whole years to work with, you cant have it figured out? Lao Mei pursed his lips, feeling somewhat embarrassed and spoke harshly as that embarrassment turned into anger, Why are you so curious? Lets not talk about me. How about yourself? With your intelligence, forget three years, you wont get to the bottom of our young master even if you stay here for three lifetimes! Fang Mofei glared at him. My injuries have yet to recover, your father is not talking to you! He had an absolute firecracker in his hands! Young man, stop wasting your effort. Li Changqius eyes were glinting. I know nothing about this inheritance that you speak of. You will hand it over. Yun Yang leaned forward with a smile. Without warning, he raised his fists and began to pummel the arrogant man. Are you handing it over or not? Are you handing it over or not? Are you handing it over or not? Bam bam bam Li Changqiu gritted his teeth and took the beating without a sound, his heart more relieved than ever. You want the heritance? It would then be in your best interest to keep me alive! It was only when a flow of refined force suddenly sealed his meridians and dantian off that he finally felt a glimmer of fear. It was the first time in his life he had come across such pure and refined energy! If he possessed such godly skills, why would he still want the heritance of the School of Dastardly Poison? As his thoughts careened wildly, a lightning-quick punch came forth. Ooo Ka-cha Four of his upper front teeth shattered as blood poured copiously out of his mouth. A warrior can be killed but never humiliated! Li Changqiu looked at Yun Yang with resentment and said, Humiliating the strong like this Young man, do you still have the slightest dignity left in you? He was missing a few teeth, so his speech came out sounding rather strange. The strong? Yun Yang stopped his blows and smiled lightly. Taking out a white towel to wipe away the traces of blood on his fist, he spoke slowly, Li Changqiu, remember your status. Youre a prisoner here. Li Changqiu, too, spoke sternly, Ill remember you! Yun Yang smiled softly. Right now, your meridians are under my restraint, you wont be able to break your meridians, including your heart meridians. Ive sealed off your dantian so its also impossible to self-destruct your dantian; your movements are restrained as well so you cant injure or hang yourself. Ive also knocked your teeth out so you cant bite your tongue to commit suicide. He spoke slowly, Li Changqiu still felt chilled as he listened to him. What what do you mean? Nothing, I just dont want you to die yet. Yun Yang then grinned, showing his teeth. Because you will soon wish you were dead. Li Changqiu smiled in a grimace as he spoke almost inaudibly, Even if I die, dont you dare think that youll get your hands on the inheritance of the School of Dastardly Poison! Yun Yang face held an odd expression. You still think Ive captured you for that so-called School of Dastardly Poisons inheritance? Li Changqiu raised his head immediately, Wasnt that your reason for bringing me here? No. Yun Yangs expression turned icy, the corners of his lips forcefully pulled into a cold cruel smile. I only wish to ask you a few questions. Li Changqiu instinctively felt something was amiss, What do you wish to know? Which months which day are you? Yun Yang asked word by word. Goosebumps erupted all over Li Changqiu. Which months which day are you? They were just six ordinary words. Yet the significance it brought when they were strung together, especially the significance it held upon landing on Li Changqius ears was like a lightning striking from the highest sky right into the deepest corner of his heart. Right at this moment, he even felt dizzy and faint. How many years had it been since someone had dug his deepest pit right in front of himself C this was the most confidential of his secrets! Li Changqiu regained his composure and said, I dont know what you mean. Yun Yang smiled coolly and began to recite, Li Changqiu, nicknamed Blacksmith Li. Stayed as a recluse in Tiantang City for thirteen years. He has always been diligent; the weapons forged are all of the finest quality as well. People even claimed that as long as Blacksmith Li kept on working, he might break through one day and achieve a masters standard in the field of weapon forging. Blacksmith Lis reputation has grown much greater in these recent years; people feel proud to own weapons personally forged by Blacksmith Li. As a spy, or perhaps an informant, youve reached the peak of perfection at this stage. However, Blacksmith Li is ill-tempered and is always in a bad mood. Once this occurs, he will close his business and disappear. And when this honest, ill-tempered, rustic, and wrinkly Blacksmith Li disappears, a graceful and near perfect Li Changqiu, Great Sir Li, will appear at Cirrus House. Great Sir Li is affluent, spending money like a flowing stream. Each time he visits the Cirrus House, he would expend at least several hundred silver taels. This Great Sir Li will then vanish; no one knows where he comes from, nor where hes going to. But at the same time, Blacksmith Li will reappear and regain his calm mood. Hell carry on casting iron earnestly and forging swords while striving for perfection.: If Blacksmith Li hadnt exposed himself, or perhaps if he could always control his discontentment and not allow anyone to catch him unawares, nobody would ever connect the graceful Great Sir Li with the honest good-natured Blacksmith Li. After all, from the surface, they look like they are both from different worlds. Yun Yang spoke slowly, his eyes staring icily at Li Changqius. Li Changqiu smiled. I completely do not understand what you are saying. Yun Yang paid him no mind as he continued speaking slowly, If you hadnt taken the initiative to warn Marshal Qiu Jianhan, perhaps no one would have discovered you for the rest of your life. It is unfortunate that you still did so. I believe your superior will be surprised if he knew of this. How could Blacksmith Li, who has always been reliable, do something so ridiculous on his own accord? After all, even though no one could catch you and you could break yourself free any time, it still didnt make sense for you to do this. Li Changqiu smirked, Neither does the fact that youve captured me. Yun Yang smiled lightly. I was curious why would you do such a thing. It was just now that Ive finally figured out the reason.. Li Changqiu could not help but ask, Why? All these are only for four words. Yun Yang smiled. These four words are, roaming martial arts world. Roaming martial arts world Li Changqiu repeated the words slowly. You are an expert after all. Your skills have reached a height no ordinary person could. You must be a significant figure in the martial arts world before coming to Tiantang City as well.. You had your status, your reputation, your vanity, your pride. All these belonged to you alone. However, when you came to Tiantang City to be a blacksmith, you lost all these. You lost yourself. You had nothing, from then on you were only a blacksmith; your hidden identity is only a single day. Yun Yang continued, But the martial arts world is everywhere. While working at your forge, you would have come into contact with a lot of those in the martial arts world. When you heard about the changes in the martial arts world, when you heard of countless names, both familiar and unfamiliar, you heard that they are all doing well now C even those you know are far more inferior compared to you, On the other hand, you have sufficient ability but you cant display any of it. You couldnt make a name for of yourself. You look at these upcoming talents and potentials, you look at the newcomers surpassing the elders. Yet your name was being slowly forgotten by all. Therefore, you have not resigned yourself to such a fate; you felt betrayed and you refused to accept this. What was it about these louts? If I were still there, would they still be as arrogant? So your temper rises, you get irritable, your mood sours. You closed your doors; you were not willing to be this blacksmith anymore. Li Changqiu chuckled as he denied these observations in a low voice, Ridiculous. Yun Yang was unaffected as he said, Although you were unwilling to become a blacksmith and unwilling to be forgotten, you still understood that it was your main goal to lie low and be regarded as a real blacksmith. So you didnt go far, only as far as the Cirrus House; you didnt fight and kill in the martial arts world. You temporarily numb yourself in the Cirrus House, calm yourself down and suppress this agitation; then youll go back and continue to be a blacksmith. However, such habits form a very vicious cycle. Your temper will only get worse; the same goes for your mood. This is especially when youve done something significant but are unable to say it out loud, your mood sours even more. So throughout this year, your blacksmith shop has its door opened lesser and lesser as the days of you visiting the Cirrus House increases. Li Changqius face was pale. He did not say anything but stared right at Yun Yang. People like you have their hearts paralyzed with fear and anxiety. When something you cannot handle happens, you will do what you think should be done without a care for this world C like threatening Marshal Qiu. Because you sympathize with your kind, the capture of Wu Wenyuan set your bells ringing; you were afraid that you will end up with the same fate because after all, you and Wu Wenyuan are cut from the same cloth. So you didnt hold back. But its exactly because you didnt hold back that I have you here with me now! Yun Yang squinted his eyes as he looked at Li Changqiu who seemed to be in a trance and said lightly, Whatever it is C be it good or bad, as long as it happens, as long as someone did it, then there must be a reason and a pattern behind it! 46 The Ultimate Charlatan Li Changqiu exhaled a deep breath and did not speak a single word, but his eyes gave him away. Yun Yang began to explain himself, I was able to apprehend you because I took the time to understand you. I know that death holds no fear for you, but I had to capture you alive and prevent you from taking your own life. I had to give you a reason to live, so I intentionally mentioned the School of Dastardly Poison and the Soul Reaping Smoke. Those were merely excuses for you to forget about falling on your dagger. Ironically, despite the fact that I am your most hated enemy, I sincerely believe that no one else in this world understands you better than I do. Sadly, for you, I am your only confidant. I have not examined your person, but if I were to do so, I would undoubtedly discover a lot of things, including what I asked of you earlier - which day of which month are you? Yun Yang stared at Li Changqiu quizzically. Yet, I did not do so. First, I intend that you proclaim it yourself C as a sign of respect for me, this confidant of yours. Second, although you are most assuredly a strong character, I didnt want to put you in an overly tough spot. Li Changqius expression wavered slightly in light of Yun Yangs explanation. Even if I eventually resort to torture extort the information I need, I would still wish to maintain the respect that is befitting a powerful martial artist. Yun Yang spoke sincerely, That is why I dissected your psychology, your motive, everything about you. Because I wanted you to know that one, I respect you; two, losing to me under such circumstances cant be considered as losing after all. Li Changqiu heaved a very long sigh, at a loss for words. In the beginning, he had intended to be defensive and remain silent but listening to Yun Yang, he suddenly felt that all his stubbornness seemed to be a childish waste of energy. The opposing party had already studied him to such a degree, what else was there to hide? Wouldnt it be easier to just be direct and save himself the dignity of a practicing martial artist? Faced with such an individual, any attempts at denial or lies would be futile.As he had said, losing to him was indeed not an injustice. Unconsciously, Yun Yangs words had controlled the tempo of this conversation and even the flow of Li Changqius inner thoughts. Incredible! Li Changqius hostile glare mellowed and asked, Who are you really? Yun Yangs eyes beamed when he spoke, I spoke that truth when I said that I am not from the imperial officials, nor am I from the military. Li Changqiu replied disdainfully, I came to that conclusion ages ago. Yun Yang continued, May I ask Great Sir Li if any part of my earlier analysis rang false? Li Changqiu closed his eyes. No, you were absolutely correct. Yun Yang then said confidently, Then, there is no longer any doubt that you hail from the Four Seasons Tower! Li Changqiu huffed, Why do you still ask when you already know the answer? Yun Yang nodded in agreement and asked, Then which day of which month are you? Li Changqiu said slowly, Im the nineteenth of the first month. Yun Yang replied, Nineteenth of the first month According to what I know, although the Four Seasons Towers Hall of Spring is a hall, everyone is in charge of different things. Even if theyre in the same month, theyre not really affiliated. Li Changqiu looked up towards Yun Yang in bewilderment, Who are you really? How do you know so much about the Four Seasons Tower? Yun Yang did not answer him but continued to speak, However, when there is an important undertaking, a contact person will appear. This contact person will usually be a connecting link between the superiors and the followers. Li Changqiu retorted, You can continue to blather away. Yun Yangs heart sang a quiet song of triumph. Success! It was all pure deception of course; he was shooting in the dark, placing layer upon layer of guesswork in as confident a tone as possible. Contact person - any organization would need a contact person; so would any operation. If this contact person was not a connecting link between superiors and followers, how could the person be a contact point? It was a moot point. As Li Changiu had listened to Yun Yang explain his reasoning, as well as listing out his illicit information, it was easy for Li Changqiu to fall into the common misperception of Yun Yang being a know-it-all. But according to what I know, you, Li Changqiu, are not the contact person, Yun Yang said with a straight face. Li Changqiu raised his head at once, his gaze sharp as he asked, How did you know? Yun Yang answered confidently, I just do. Li Changqiu kept quiet, his gaze clear and focused, his thoughts an absolute mystery. Moreover, not only do I know that youre not a contact person, I also know that you are an important person and a key player in this entire affair. It was another line that could be understood either way and would make sense no matter how one looked at it. Looking at the perplexed expression on Li Changqius face, he quickly added, You, Li Changqiu, may look like someone of a lower status, but youre someone important in the Four Seasons Tower. At least, youre someone who could make decisions on behalf of those from the Four Seasons Tower in Tiantang City. Li Changqius surprise could not have been more palpable. It only served to bolster the impression of Yun Yangs intelligence as he continued attacking with ambiguous sentences while looking at the shock in Li Changqius eyes. Youre an impressive martial artist, youre not afraid of death, you have dignity.You have to be someone like a chief of a small team. Li Changqius face was pale as he mumbled, It shouldnt be possible for you to know this. Could it be that theres a traitor among us? Yun Yang did not deny the accusation as he continued, As for the rest, I still know a bit but Im tired of talking. Li Changqiu, I do not wish to take your life. You should know what I mean. Li Changqiu was confused. You do not wish to take my life? I should know what you mean? What should I understand from you man? Yet he did not have it in him to confess that he was clueless as to what Yun Yang was saying. It would simply be too embarrassing. Someones already turned you inside out but you dont even understand what the person means His heart was sure of one thing, Traitor! There must be a traitor in our midst! For example, how many subordinates report to you, their identities, what theyre in charge of, the ultimate goal Yun Yang looked relaxed, his tone light. I dont entirely understand them all, so its now your time to talk. Li Changqiu snapped his head up and asked chillingly, I just want to know who betrayed us? Yun Yang shook his head and corrected the enraged man, That accusation is inaccurate; its not betraying all of you! It was only your information that was disclosed.. Full-blown resentment shone in Li Changqius eyes. Only my information had been disclosed! In a place like Tiantang City, I would be fortunate to stay alive and not get sent directly to Deaths door! Yun Yang drank his tea slowly, a vision of peace and calm. The interrogation had been a success up to now. What was left was to continuously attack Li Changqius psychological defenses and provoke him sufficiently to raise his anger levels higher. His words had been purposefully ambiguous all along. Other than the analysis about Li Changqiu, the rest of them could have taken a turn anytime towards any other direction. How could you be an ordinary member of the Four Seasons Tower with such a high cultivation base? Youre not a contact person C how can you be one when youre a blacksmith? Youre a key player C I have guessed it from your gaze, so youre a chief; if youre a chief then how can you not be a head person? Likewise, since youre a head person, how can you not be a chief? Besides, other than a chief, who else could make his own decisions, who could decide on their own to go threaten Qiu Jianhan? Are they not afraid of being punished You said a traitor was among you. I didnt admit it, but I had.guessed it anyway. Since you said theres a traitor, and only I know the information about you alone C what does this mean? You have a nemesis. Someone wants you to die. Someone has already ruined you that I could take you captive here. Are you still keeping secrets for him? Are you still defending him? Yun Yang believed that Li Changqiu was thinking the very same thoughts as well. please, give me a glass of water, Li Changqiu requested hoarsely. Yun Yang poured a glass of water and took it over to him, tipping the liquid into his mouth carefully and said in a pity, Actually, you shouldnt be here. With your cultivation base, theres no place in this world you cant go to. I really do not wish to rob such a skilled person of his dignity. Li Changqiu smiled in a grimace, But I managed to end up here after all. Yun Yang continued sympathetically, Truly, the information regarding you that resides in my hands is so detailed that if I couldnt catch you, it would only speak poorly of me. I can only say this is fate, mine and yours. Fate? A menacing look flashed across Li Changqius eyes. No! This is not my fate! If it werent for the person betraying me, how would I be reduced to this stage? Yun Yang did not say anything for some time. Looking at Li Changqiu who was huffing in anger, he said in a low voice, Actually he didnt tell us much. Or at least, he didnt mention your real identity, cultivation base, real face, and some other more specific particulars. Li Changqiu laughed bitterly towards the sky. Im already in your hands, does he still need to speak of those? Yun Yang sighed. I am truly sorry. Li Changqiu breathed raggedly, his gaze ferocious. Suddenly, the pair of glistening eyes shifted to Yun Yang as the owner asked slowly, I would know just one thing. Yun Yang spoke seriously, Ask away. I shall speak if I know the answer. I shall tell it all once I speak; thus do I honor a skilled martial artist. Yun Yang had repeatedly mentioned his respect towards another practitioner of the arts. Li Changqiu asked quietly, Am I able to challenge this person, and live to tell the tale? Yun Yang didnt answer the question immediately, but gazed at his opponent with a thoughtful expression. Li Changqius fiery ire slowly dimmed as he looked at Yun Yangs introspective countenance. Yes. Yun Yang finally answered with difficulty. Just as Li Changqius angry blaze rekindled, Yun Yang was already continuing with his words, However, I do not wish to have you as an enemy, even though it may be too late. So I dare not allow you this opportunity C unless you swear with heaven as a witness to pledge your allegiance to me. Yun Yang looked at Li Changqiu with unusual frankness. Your cultivation base is simply too mighty to let it go to waste. Li Changqiu laughed bitterly, It seems to me that I will never have the chance to do so. Yun Yang spoke lightly, I dare not allow you the chance. As faithful as you are to the Four Seasons Tower, cant you be as loyal to me? Would I treat you any lesser? I believe that you can see for yourself that Im not one of those despicable rats! Li Changqiu closed his eyes and let out a forlorn laugh. Of course I can see that. Based on your respect towards skilled martial artists, based on your attitude towards me, of course I know that you are not a contemptible person. Besides, I can clearly see the sincerity in your efforts to recruit me from the beginning. Then all is settled. Yun Yang said with a satisfied nod. But I cant. Li Changqiu shook his head in despair and said, You wouldnt understand. 47 A Saber. Chu Tianlang1! Yun Yang continued to pursue the topic and asked, You do realize that this is your best chance at a long and fulfilling life, right?. Breathing in deeply, Li Changqiu took a long, hard look at the sky. Seeing things in the air that no one else could, he finally returned to the matter at hand and shook his head in denial, his tone heavy with grief.You wont understand! Yun Yang replied quietly, The Four Seasons Tower must indeed be formidable if it can stay your hand this way. Li Changqiu replied wryly, The Four Seasons Tower has no rival in the known world! I believe a mere formidable would be a gross understatement. It is indeed unrivaled in this world Yun Yang nodded his head in agreement and said bitterly, Im already amazed at its ability to command such loyalty and devotion. To remain unmoved in the face of death C other than labeling it as a seniors respectable ethics and loyalty, it is undoubtedly one of the Four Seasons Towers many tactics. Li Changqiu sighed silently. Up to this point of the conversation, Li Changqiu bore no hatred towards Yun Yang. Even if he were to accept his death from this young masters hands, at least he was not a contemptible man. The person who has betrayed me is the one who deserves death! Li Changqius loathing towards the person who had betrayed ran deeper than any river or ocean. The grievance and indignation he felt lay so heavily on his chest that he felt that he was about to explode! The man who delivered the letter to you; do you know where he is now? Li Changqiu asked in despair. No, I dont. Yun Yang answered honestly, We have never seen him. We dont know who he is nor what he looks like. That would certainly make sense. Li Changqiu said irritably, Being as careful as he is, Im sure he wouldnt be so careless as to leave so many hints! He fell silent for a long moment, deep in thought. After a long while, he finally spoke up again Can you tell me who you all really are? Why are you all against the Four Seasons Tower Yun Yang sighed deeply, his expression troubled. He glanced at Li Changqiu as if he was about to speak, but upon opening his mouth, he only said, Sorry. Li Changqiu shrugged dejectedly, Having fallen into your hands, I already lack the will to live. Furthermore, youd never allow me to step foot out of here alive. Is it so difficult to answer a question that a man will carry to his grave? Or perhaps youre still worried that Ill divulge your secret? Yun Yang replied in guardedly, The problem is, you may not be sentenced to death after all. Even I am unable to know your ultimate fate. Li Changqius eyes glinted. What do you mean? Yun Yang sighed, I still have my superior to whom I report to. I cant decide your death directly. Li Changqiu heaved a long sigh and spoke determinedly, Forget everything if I die! But if I dont, I shall never find fault with you! You may not believe me, but I swear this to be true. Yun Yang looked into his eyes and saw only sincerity in Li Changqius gaze. He smiled bitterly and nodded. I believe you! Li Changqiu said, Please enlighten me! I just want to know who and what organization did I end up with! Truth be told, Yun Yang gritted his teeth and said, Im from the Concourse of the Underworld! I knew it! Li Changqiu exhaled a long breath as if a great mystery in his heart had finally been solved. He actually felt lighter and smiled, These were the three words that have plagued me until now! The Concourse of the Underworld works upon payment. Is there someone who wishes to go against the Four Seasons Tower? Or perhaps its just against me? Li Changqiu spoke with understanding. I really cant tell you this now. I have already told you too much, as it is. Yun Yang gave a helpless smile. I understand! Li Changqiu wore the same helpless grin as well. This is being professionally ethical. I wouldnt have disclosed anything if I were you too. Any occupation would depend on this ability to stand tall and proud, and spread its wings across the world. Thank you for understanding, Yun Yang replied. However, the person who supplied the information; what are you going to do about him? It was obvious that Li Changqius question was one that carried a world of meaning. Yun Yang seemed to not have noticed it as he answered without hesitation, If it can be proven that he also hails from the Four Seasons Tower, of course, wed have to go after him as well. He had only realized his slip of tongue after answering and huffed in annoyance, Li Changqiu! You trapped me! Li Changqiu smiled a smile of triumph, and said, So you are after Four Seasons Tower after all. I rest assured. What are you relieved about? Yun Yang asked in alarm, his expression indicated he wasnt about to be tricked a second time. Im relieved about two matters. One, I can help you to capture that fellow while seeking vengeance for myself! Li Changqiu said gleefully, Subsequently, the Four Seasons Tower will seek revenge for me in turn, and put an end to you. It all works out perfectly. Yun Yang said coldly, I wish to avenge you, but how can I trust that youre speaking truthfully? Li Changqiu huffed, I desire him dead more than you do! If you still dont believe me, I have nothing to say. Yun Yang gave away nothing as he said, Wed have our ways to prove it. Then with a fleeting glance, he continued, Although I cant give you any special treatment, if what you said was true we can bring this person to you! Li Changqius eyes shone brightly. Really? Yun Yang smiled. You have my word. Li Changqius breath caught in his throat as he said, If you are able to do this, I will be in your debt! Yun Yang nodded and continued with sincere emotion, Senior, I really do not wish you to die. That is the simple truth. Li Changqiu sighed and said after some time, Its too bad that you cant make the ultimate decision. Yun Yang kept quiet. Sometime later, the greatest charlatan in history C Yun Yang - walked out of the secret chamber. The door closed slowly behind him. A glint gleamed in Yun Yangs eyes. Its actually him Initially, Yun Yang had only one thought after capturing Li Changqiu, that was to torment him and extort information about his accomplice. It did not matter if the information could be obtained but Li Changqius fate was to be cruel torture until death claimed him. However, Yun Yang had a change of heart just as he was about to begin his game. It was easy for him now to vent his emotions. Yet to restrain his emotions was not something easy. It was compulsory to do so, however, when he was faced with such mighty enemy like Four Seasons Tower. Therefore, Yun Yang changed his mind offhandedly. He did a complete analysis on Li Changqius psychological changes from the beginning to the recent years and how he had felt about the man after thinking about it carefully. He had first given Li Changqiu the illusion that he was the only person in this world who understood him. He then impressed upon him the long hours he had taken to study him. Li Changqiu had no secrets of his own any longer. When the illusion was successfully crafted, everything else would fall easily into place. However, it was another matter altogether to achieve the desired effects. It took Yun Yang much effort to cleverly form vague meanings that sounded precise in the other partys ears to tear down Li Changqius psychological defenses. He then led Li Changqiu step by step into his trap with ambiguous words. It had been a great success so far. Without utmost confidence, Yun Yang dared to confirm that Li Changqiu would now help him in tearing down the first line of defense of the Four Seasons Tower. He was already a right-hand man, a saber in his hands! Moreover, the man himself would not even know about it. However, the man Li Changqiu had named gave Yun Yang a slight pause. Chu Tianlang! He was a significant figure in and beyond Tiantang City, the owner of the Manor of Sirius C an unusual dwelling that stood outside Tiantang City. He spent his wealth lavishly, but his fortune paled in comparison to his kinship; he had friends at each corner of the world as he also had brothers from each side of the ocean. His cultivation base was superior and mighty, his foes a rare sight. He was a symbol in the martial arts world, both in and beyond Tiantang City. He was not from the imperial court; he was neither official nor nobility yet his influence was sweeping. He hosted countless experts and had plenty of guards safeguarding his premises. He was also chummy with some of the leaders in the military. Upon hearing this name, Yun Yangs forehead locked into a frown. No wonder Li Changqiu would think of him first once he heard that someone had betrayed him. How could such a person submit to someone else? Li Changqiu had most probably already felt an immense threat from Chu Tianlang for a long time. To exterminate the Manor of Sirius and Chu Tianlang though... Yun Yang frowned. It would be a difficult task indeed. Chu Tianlang was the twenty-first day of the first month. Should I utilize the military force? Or the influence of imperial power? Perhaps the surreptitious might of the Nine Heavens Dictum? Yun Yang paced around the courtyard as he attempted to think this through; the more he considered, the lesser ideas he had. His expression was grim, like a man burdened with troubles. Behind him, four white fur balls C three Eclipse Panthers and a Lightning Cat, strutted elegantly with coordinated steps as they mimicked his movements. Occasionally, one would throw itself onto the other one and roll around like a ball with all four paws facing upwards; they would then return to formation. Wherever their master walked, they followed. Yun Yangs grim expression was a stark contrast to the four little critters glee. How bothersome. Yun Yang frowned. I cant deploy Fang Mofei yet and Lao Mei must not show himself. The Nine Heavens Dictum is very useful in the shadows, but once exposed, it cant be used again. Imperial power? No, there would be too many doubts C information would be leaked easily and those civil officials have too many ill intentions, they wont be easily manipulated. The military force is not safe either. This has to be done in a single strike! I cant give Chu Tianlang a chance to react or retaliate. Yun Yang pondered for a bit then sent a message away, Wanted, all of Chu Tianlangs information! The message flashed and disappeared on the jade C it was already dispatched. Another day is about to pass, Yun Yang sighed in his heart looking at the darkening sky, feeling how little he could do every passing day. Young master, Lady Ji Ling has arrived, Lao Mei came in to inform his young master of her presence. Invite her in. Ji Ling came in with a long face and a package in her hands. It was obvious that she was still grouchy, her expression cold as if covered with a layer of frost once she saw Yun Yang. I am forever honored by Lady Jis gracious presence. Yun Yang welcomed her warmly. By looking at Lady Jis rosy glow, I guess that you must have won and become the big sister. Look at this pace befitting a dragon and the steps of a tiger, the intimidating aura is exactly the flair a big sister should have! Im impressed! Congratulations. Ji Ling rolled her eyes at his flamboyance. Just a few days of not seeing him, and he was already figuring out new ways to anger her! Translator Note: 1Chu Tianlang (ch tin lng): characters name with (ch) as family name and (tin lng) as first name in which (tin lng) also means astral wolf literally and carries the figurative meaning of Sirius ( tin lng xng), the brightest star from Canis Major, here in this story. 48 Dividing the Loot. Enraged, Tianlang I didnt even want to come back here. Ji Ling said with a pout, Its a terrible place withe a horrible environment; its so desolate and eerie at night. Worst of all, the owner is ugly, ill-tempered, and disgusts whoever sees him. Ill have at least three years of my life reduced each time I come! Yun Yang said grinning, That is certainly awful. Lady Ji is at most just above thirty years old. Youve been here five to six times now, that would mean a loss of twenty years of life. That would make you, Lady Ji, about fifty years old. Give or take some, of course. Ji Ling could feel her lungs tightening with anger. Youre the one in your thirties! Youre the one in your fifties! Your entire family is in their fifties! Yun Yang beamed. I am even more impressed by the fact that each time Lady Ji comes, your face is different. Ji Ling was stunned as she touched her face self-consciously. Is it not the same? Yun Yang nodded with the most serious expression he could musted. She looked at Lao Mei, who was trying his hardest not to smile as he said, Lady, it is really a little different. Ji Ling flushed an angry red and said, I was born beautiful, how can I let you, a lecher, see my real face? Yun Yang cupped his palm over his fist and bowed, saying, Thank you, Lady Ji. Lady Jis efforts to turn yourself into an ugly person saves me from an overwhelming sense of longing and desire for you. Ji Ling stomped her foot, her canine teeth bared with anger as she growled, How could you be so ungentlemanly? Being gentlemanly has never put food on the table.. Yun Yang switched back to the main topic at hand. There must be a reason for Lady Ji to have come here? Ji Ling tossed the package in her hands over to Yun Yang.. This is what Ive won. Everything is inside, go ahead and pick them yourself. You can have half of them, this is the reward that Young Master Yun deserves. Yun Yang opened the package, his eyes almost blinded by the scintillating, sparkling radiance. Mystical stones, mystical crystals, and two jade bottles what do they contain? Mystical pills, medicinal pills, and Yun Yang stared at them in a daze for a while before raising his head to look at Ji Ling. These are what youve won? This much? Ji Ling snorted loudly, Why do you look so surprised, these are mere playthings. Playthings. The corner of Yun Yangs eyes twitched with an uncontrollable tic. Ladies from wealthy families indeed. Yun Yang exclaimed, Your games place much bigger stakes than those so-called popinjays. Go on and pick. After that, tell me what information is it that you want. Ji Ling said coldly, I wont break my promise. I will tell you whatever you want. Yun Yang laughed and said, In that case, I wont bother with false shyness. Honestly, this is my first time seeing so many valuable items together. A hint of disappointment flashed across Ji Lings eyes as she said, I dont mind giving them all to you if you like them that much. Yun Yang smiled and replied, Our promise said half; naturally, I can only take half of it, no more, no less. Ji Ling replied nonchalantly, Youre a principled one, arent you? Yun Yang replied, Of course. My principle is something that no one will ever be able to take away from me. If it shouldnt be mine, I wouldnt take a half of it even if it was forced upon me. Its rather plain and simple. Theres a total of two hundred mystical stones here, Im taking half which comes up to a hundred pieces; fifty mystical crystals, Im taking half that is twenty-five pieces. Two bottles of spiritual water, Ill take a bottle. Three mystical pills, Im taking one of them while taking two of the three medicinal pills; its only fair. As for these books that are about mental cultivation methods of martial skills, they are related to the noble families secrets; youll be put in a tough spot if I take them with me, so Ill just leave them behind. Yun Yang quickly kept what he deserved and held them in his hands without feeling the least bit embarrassed before passing the package back to Ji Ling. Please keep the rest safely. Ji Ling accepted her package without a hint of expression; her heart was filled with mixed feelings as she scrambled for something to say. Yun Yangs fair and just division of the loot had scrambled Ji Lings thoughts. This is a fair transaction. Yun Yang lifted his head, his smile a beam of light as he said, Lady Ji is indeed someone who keeps her words. I am remarkably satisfied with our deal. Right, deal. Its only a deal, a transaction. Nothing more. Ji Ling bit her lips before smiling prettily and said, I also think that our deal this time is worth its value but Young Master Yun seems to suffer only a little loss. Yun Yang grinned. Nowadays, suffering losses is being advantageous. Ji Ling gritted her teeth and replied, The other condition that young master has mentioned, the information.What information is it that young master wishes to know? For some reason, the only thought Ji Ling had in mind was to flee when engaged in such a situation. She did not want to stay here for even a minute longer. There is one information that I want to know. Yun Yang looked at Ji Ling and said, I want to know who is the Four Seasons Towers Mr. Nian! Ji Ling was dumbfounded! The Four Seasons Towers Mr. Nian. In this world, who else would be mighty enough to know who he was other than Mr. Nian himself? If Mr. Nians identity were exposed, he would probably be long gone eons ago, even if he was peerlessly mighty and overwhelmingly clever. Its alright. If Lady Ji cant give it, I can Before Yun Yang could finish his statement, Ji Ling had already spoken, gritting her teeth. Just this information right? Dont worry, Ill give it to you sooner or later! After that, she took a glance at Yun Yang with a complicated gaze. Before he could say anything, she indifferently said, Ill take my leave now. Then she left with a swoosh. Ultimately, she could not keep it to herself as she turned around and growled, Yun Yang! You jerk! Looking at the girls retreating back, Yun Yang was stunned for a moment. What is going on here? Werent we just having a great conversation regarding the deal? Youre on a great favorable position in dividing the loot as well why are you suddenly enraged? Which sentence of mine had offended her? Yun Yang scratched his head as he shrugged with outstretched hands. Smiling humorlessly, he said, Lao Mei, look. Women are really hard to figure out. We were as right as rain, then she got angry Lao Mei looked at him speechlessly for a long time before he heaved a long sigh and went back to his room sadly. He really wanted to say Young master, youre hopeless but he could not get the words out. Yun Yang did not sell the mystical stones and mystical crystals this time but had given them all to Emmie instead. Yun Yang stared wide-eyed as the mystical crystal that was placed on his palm slowly shrunk and then turned into a small pile of powder before being blown away by the wind. It was the same for the mystical stones. In his subconscious, the spiritual Qi around Emmie increased visibly. Gradually, the girth of Emmies stem got thicker and longer as its rigidity increased as well. The lotus leaves became thicker and darker, while the tendril slowly became longer and flexibly tougher as the second tendril began growing quietly; from being fresh light green and thin to being a darker green and becoming thicker and tougher. Yun Yang could feel flows of refined life force pouring into his meridians and dantian. As for the bottle of spiritual water, Yun Yang had only opened its cap before the liquid was gone with a sha sound, leaving behind only the bottle. Both the medicinal pills were basic Qi pills; Yun Yang had not much use for them other than strengthening and increasing his foundation so instead, he gave one each to Lao Mei and Fang Mofei. As for the last mystical pill, Yun Yang popped it into his mouth. This time, his gains were gone within an instant! Flipping through Chu Tianlangs information, he frowned as he read through them. This stack of information was as detailed as it could get and made up a foot-thick pile. Chu Tianlang, born with a strong sense of justice in his youth, seven innately awakened chakras; practiced with a sword at the age of three, killed his first kill at the age of seven, entered the borderless forest alone to hunt and kill sixth level mystical beast at the age of fifteen and came back fruitful. He had built his fortune from scratch using an unidentified ploy to suddenly acquire large amounts of fortune from an unidentifiable source; he then built Manor of Sirius that intimidated some at the age of twenty-five. Chu Tianlang is formidable and exudes an aura of justice; a self-proclaimed Sirius Lord who descended from heaven and calls himself Sirius in the martial arts world. Skilled in using long and short swords, indestructible and unpredictable; a secret weapon is hidden in his sleeve, death is guaranteed once he has been unleashed.With an easy-going personality, has a booming laughter like thunder; his businesses spread across the inside and outside of the capital with countless branches. Birds nest thieves whom were once rampant were subdued by Chu Tianlang and disappeared mysteriously; however, theft within a thousand mile radius did not improve it is suspected that Chu Tianlang had subdued and taken him under his wings as another source of income. Chu Tianlang is especially fond of women; a night is not a night without at least three women, but he does not have a favorite. Upon investigation, females who were with Chu Tianlang had never lived past twenty years of life while many of them had disappeared without reason; it is suspected that he practices skills of reducing Yin and nourishing Yang. Swords and secret weapon are shown on the outside but one is to be wary of his surreptitious insidious punch and fist forms. Chu Tianlangs current cultivation base is estimated to be around the sixth peak from his several battles but it is suspected to be concealed. If this person is to be targeted, he should be considered as one of the seventh peak experts. This person has countless lackeys and henchmen; the aftermath would be disastrous if he was not subdued within a single strike. Discretion is to be considered if one wishes to uproot him The more Yun Yang read, the darker his expression became. Taking his glamorous exterior away, this person was nothing but a monster. Countless people had lost their lives in this persons hands each year yet he was still celebrated and called a saint by so many just because he would distribute porridge to the poor every fall and winter of the year. Moreover, his charity specifically allowed women of the families to go forth for collection in understanding that the men needed to go for their labor and might delay their work and affect their livelihoods. Combining the fact that he was skilled in reducing Yin and nourishing Yang, as well as the countless disappearances of women, the scheme within need not to be spoken out loud. A beast in humans clothing! Yun Yang wanted to slap the table in anger but the remaining information stunned him. Chu Tianlang had actually saved the present crown princes life. It was when the crown prince had gotten ambushed in his play trip out when he was young and Chu Tianlang had stepped forward to his defense at the most critical moment. The incident was highly praised during that time. His Majesty the Emperor had wished to bestow an officials title to Chu Tianlang but he had stubbornly rejected the offer. In the end, His Majesty the Emperor had rewarded Chu Tianlang with a Medallion of Immunity! As long as the crime was not treason, he could be let off of the death penalty just once. Yun Yangs gaze stopped on those words. His gaze lingered and went back and forth for some time around the mention of crown prince, stepped forward to his defense, Chu Tianlang, and Medallion of Immunity. His expression turned increasingly colder. Slowly, the cold stare that was like autumns water seemed to have frozen into a glacier that could not be melted. Yun Yang laughed humorlessly; his chuckle eerie and as icy as the immensely murderous intent that was contained within it. Chu Tianlang! A Medallion of Immunity and a crown prince! This is simply amazing! Hopefully, my guess proves to be false, otherwise, there will be a great deal of trouble as those powers could not be used to target Chu Tianlang. Yun Yangs gaze was sharp, his expression extremely dark. Obviously this person cannot be subdued head on. If so 49 A Breakthrough and an Assassination Yun Yang sat with his legs folded, the Endless Divine Art running through his entire body; even when he was in a cultivating meditation, he still managed to look dangerously menacing. Both Lao Mei and Fang Mofei who were in cultivating in their own rooms simultaneously felt something different today. It was as if the spiritual Qi they absorbed was a little different than on other days. The spiritual Qi that was normally full of vitality did not feel right today It ruined both of their moods, their cultivation saw no improvement either. On the top of Yun Yangs head, his crown chakra absorbed torrents of spiritual Qi and turned it into mystical Qi before allowing the Qi to follow the Endless Divine Art into his dantian and through his meridians. The potency of the mystical pills that he had just consumed slowly dissolved into the energy of the Endless Divine Art as the force of vitality flowed endlessly from his subconscious and nourished Yun Yangs soil, meridians, body, and organs. The wager rewarded by Ji Ling that he had consumed had unleashed all their potentials! Billows of white fog popped up above his head. Slowly, the shape of a mountain formed within the mist, slowly followed by the outline of a second mountain as Yun Yang increased his intensity of absorption. The mystical Qi in his body began to flow faster and faster. "Emmie! More! I must break through to second heaven today!" Yun Yang urged anxiously in his heart. Emmies tendrils danced, giving its all to direct whatever refined mystical Qi within its control into Yun Yangs meridians. Gradually, Yun Yang felt his meridians began expanding as the top of his head began to twitch with anticipation. The breakthrough was impending! Yun Yang gritted his teeth, carelessly urging his spiritual force into a forming tide. He could wait no longer! Yun Yang had not been impatient initially; cultivation was not something one could rush, so he had been content to strengthen his foundation. Although he knew that once Emmie leveled up, his cultivation base would also spike; although he was well aware that he could obtain the air of injustice by killing which would hasten the process to be one of the experts; he had kept himself under control. He had allowed his accumulation to increase but more importantly, he had allowed Emmies accumulation to build up as well. The thicker and stronger the accumulation of foundation, the better it would be. He had restrained himself from killing as well. These were all so that he could strengthen and solidify his foundation as much as possible before the breakthrough! Even if his foundation was filled to the brim, he wanted to compress, condense and repeat the cycle. It was only by fortifying the foundation to the point of it being substantially stable that one could achieve unprecedented success! Even though his prior cultivation base was not low, his foundation was not solid. Now that he got to repeat his cultivation this time, how could Yun Yang allow himself to make the same mistake? He could have tried to break through to the second peak a few days earlier but he had not done so and instead, spent the time accumulating. However, he had to do it today. Boom! A concussive implosion came within his body as Yun Yang jerked in shock; all of his orifices began to leak blood. The mystical Qi within him reared its head and roared.The fog above his head was so thick it began to coagulate. Two peaks appeared like staircases within the mists. In the rooms on the left and right of the residence, both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei opened their eyes at the same time, their gazes shining brightly. "Young master had a breakthrough again? How could he be so fast?" As Yun Yang opened his eyes, two rays of lights burst out from them, finally released from his closed eyelids. In the next instance, he stood up as his body turned into a cloud of mist. He then followed the breeze through the gap of the door into the courtyard, floating along the wind to rise several hundred feet away into the sky. Mystique method of Supreme Cloud C it could only be barely triggered in the first peak but it could now be used in the second peak. Yun Yang had to break through to the second peak to be able to achieve this! As he landed and recovered his human form, his purple robe turned pitch black. With a turn of his body, his physical shape morphed as well. Besides being black-clothed and masked, he was now well-built and physically imposing. Then he disappeared into the night without a sound. Ximen Wandai hissed in contentment as he got up from the girl under him; he was sweaty, a devilish smirk hung on his lips as he got up to wear his clothes. The girl who had been under him had tears over her delicate face, her gaze devoid of soul as she looked upwards. Her neck was actually bloodied as she breathed with much difficulty, her face bore a look of hopelessness. Ximen Wandai sat up with no sense of attachment as he checked his appearance in the mirror. Looking at the crimson orbs looking back, he chuckled in triumph. "Wang Fang!" Ximen Wandai called out. "Your subordinate is here." "Come in!" The rooms door opened, exposing the uncovered body on the bed but Ximen Wandai and his guard did not look bothered, obviously accustomed to such episodes. "Marquis Yuns information and activities, have you checked on them?" Ximen Wandai asked unhurriedly. "Yes. This Marquis Yun is rushing towards Tiantang City now." "Has the arrangement for the assassination been made?" "Yes, the appropriate arrangements have been made." "The plausibility of Young Master Yuns master and Have they been investigated?" "Unfortunately, we have no information yet." Ximen Wandai snorted derisively and said, "The murder of Marquis Yun must be done discreetly. Watch this Young Master Yuns reaction and see if he has any overt reaction when his blood father dies. It is only during these crises that people show their true abilities." "If he really is the disciple of Dugu Chou, then he would reveal the power he ought to have!" "And if he isnt?" Bloodlust glinted in Ximen Wandais eyes. "Then we dont have much to worry about. Whether he is or not, nobody can make me suffer such an unspeakable loss!" "Young masters teaching is right." "The setup to assassinate Marquis Yun must be covert." "Yes, no mistake shall be made." "Do away with this woman on the bed." Ximen Wandai sighed, "The blood of women now is of such inferior quality." "Most of the women we could get here in Tiantang City are ordinary female citizens. Those ultimate Yin bodies with cultivation base are few and far between. Please be patient, young master; we already have a target." "Dont disappoint me." Ximen Wandai said coldly, "Wang Fang, the few of you have already disappointed me once." "Dont worry, young master!" The guard named Wang Fang immediately bundled up the girl with the bedsheet on the bed. As the girl stared helplessly, he carried her and was about to head out the window when a cloud of mist appeared silently. A bright sliver of light shot out from the mist. Although this guard was of exceptional cultivation base, he would never have thought that he would be ambushed in his young masters room, which was off-limits to outsiders! Both his arms were carrying the girl so he could only retreat quickly as he felt death swirl around him. However, before he could back away, the ray of sword light had already pierced his throat like lightning. It then disappeared immediately. Ping! Ximen Wandais reaction was as fast as lightning. When the ray of sword light had appeared, he had already broken the window and jumped off from the seventh storfinstay without a care for the guards life. Only when he was midair that he shouted, "Guards! Theres an assassin!" Ximen Wandai was confident that his reaction had been fast enough, yet just as he jumped off, he saw a muscular silhouette streak after him. Black-clothed and masked, the persons right hand was raised high, a ray of sword light as radiant as the midday sun flared, blinding Ximen Wandai. With a cry of surprise, Ximen Wandais right hand jerked up as a bright light appeared and raced toward the sword light. His body continued to fall downward, faster and faster. Clang! The sword light flipped upwards as the black shadow gave a dull moan; the sword in Ximen Wandais hand was not damaged. "This rogues cultivation base is not high!" Ximen Wandai immediately calmed down and could he could not help but feel regret. This black-clothed mans cultivation base is obviously much weaker than mine. If I had stayed to fight, he wouldnt have been able to do much to me! With such a weak cultivation base, I could have ended him quickly. Its just too bad that Im afraid of death... cautious, rather... and jumped off from the window, jeopardizing myself instead. At the same instant as Ximen Wandai felt relief, the glow of a short, pithy sword gleamed from the left hand of the black-clothed man, and sank into his chest. With another shout, Ximen Wandai twisted his falling body and grasped at the sword light. The black silhouette gave yet another dull moan as Ximen Wandai realized that the fist that had come into contact with the sword edge was actually uninjured despite his expectations of being cut! "He couldnt even break through my defense mystical Qi!" Ximen Wandai grew even more regretful. What was I scared of What on earth was I running away for? The Ximen Familys guards had charged in from every direction. Each of them was incredibly swift, causing strong swirling winds as the entire tavern erupted into chaos. "Seeking death!" "Catch the assassin!" "Protect young master!" "Watch out for the sword!" "Stay put!" Rays of light and glowing lines sprung up from swords and sabers, intersecting each other in the middle of the air. They had already formed a large web, trapping the muscular black-clothed masked man in the middle. In the midst of the bedlam, the black-clothed masked man gave a rough laugh. "Die!" A burst of light flared from his sleeve before vanishing as quickly as it came. Although the glow was fleeting, it was as bright as the nine suns; no one could look at it directly. Ximen Wandai felt a cold prick on his chest before a hole appeared where his heart was, blood spurting from the wound. "This is impossible!" Ximen Wandai looked at the hole spewing blood on his chest in shock, feeling all his energy leached out in an instant. He could be completely safe upon landing, there was only a feet of distance left! The black masked man obviously couldnt penetrate my defense mystical Qi. How could I die? How did he do it? These were the final thoughts that raced through Ximen Wandais mind as his body landed hard on the ground like a rag doll. He had already stopped breathing before he came to a stop. He died with his eyes wide open C he had not died in peace. The brawny black-masked man chortled, his voice hoarse as if he was trying his hardest to conceal his real voice but it still boomed like thunder. "Theres just all of you left, and you want to stop me?" Before all the weapons that flew from every direction could reach him, he spun in the air and shattered a window with a loud crash before disappearing into the room within. The Ximen Familys guards charged into the room after him but only managed to startle a couple who jumped up from their bed naked and screaming. The brawny black-masked man had entirely disappeared! 50 Investigation. Someone is in the Room! The entire tavern was in pandemonium. The experts of the Ximen Family each looked like their parents had passed, their expressions grim. Half the tavern was filled with members of the Ximen Family. Under the guard of several dozen experts, they had actually allowed an assassin to take the third young masters life so easily and leave unscathed! The dozens of experts had ambivalent feelings; on one hand, they were upset; on the other, fearful. How could they explain this when they got back? In actual fact, they need not have thought much about it. They could never explain something like this away One of the doors to the rooms opened abruptly; as light poured out, a middle-aged man wearing white strolled out. Ximen Wandais dead body laid on the ground, his pair of opened eyes wide in disbelief and fear. The middle-aged man in white walked over to where the body was. Lowering his head to look at Ximen Wandais face, grief filled his face as he slowly extended his arm to close Ximen Wandais wide eyes. He spoke softly, Although Ive long known that this day would come to you, its still a little unexpected. Rest in peace, your older brother shall fulfill your vengeance! Although his face was filled with sorrow, it was also peaceful. His gaze on Ximen Wandai was very calm and cold. It did not contain the grief for the death of a brother nor did it contain the relief for a fallen opponent. Check the wounds. Match the memory of everyone around. All guards of the third young master are to take a hundred spike whips each. You live if you can survive it; if not, you will be buried to keep the third young master company. The middle-aged man in white said coldly. Thank you, second young master! A hint of relief surfaced on the faces of Ximen Wandais guards. A hundred spike whips would naturally be a torment but second young masters words would also mean that the punishment for this matter had been executed. He was protecting them. If the punishment was carried out when they had gotten back to the family, death would be guaranteed. By being punished here, they would still be punished when they went back but it would not be fatal. Theres only one wound C a hole on the front chest. The weapon is unidentifiable as the mark is tiny but it could crack the heart and destruct the mystical Qi easily. It is powerful; the killers mystical Qi is obviously very refined. Third young master had a cultivation base of the third peak but his tightened muscles in immersing his entire body with mystical Qi did not have any defensive effect, so the killers weapon seems to be an extraordinary weapon. The assassin charged in and first killed Wang Fang by slitting his throat with a right-handed sword then chased after third young master. He attacked with a sword in his right hand but did not strike the target; his left hand held a short sword and continued attacking but it did not strike the target as well. That was how this weapon of offense came suddenly from his sleeve. This means the assassin has at least three weapons. Two on the outside, one in the dark. The assassins physique is hefty and muscular, his voice rough and tone rugged. The assassins movement is rapid, his mystical skill is very high. Being able to kill the third young master with so many experts about, this person is bold but cautious; he would have all this planned out. He appeared without a sound and disappeared without a trace; he must have already arranged his escape route. This person must be familiar with the layout of the building. The assassins cultivation base; although the two attacks earlier did not break through the third young masters defenses, it could be his camouflage. The strikes were not lethal even if theyd successfully struck home and third young master would have landed on the ground. The assassin would have lost his chance to strike as guards would definitely pile over him. Those two strikes have missed for the third fatal strike! The assassins cultivation base should be around the fourth to seventh heaven. Lower than fourth heaven, one would not possess such audacity and scheme. Everyone had gathered to recall what they saw and think with all their might. They were using all their mental capacity at this moment at their only chance of redeeming themselves! The middle-aged man who was also Ximen Wandais elder brother, Ximen Wanli, listened quietly with squinted eyes. The emotions in his eyes were ever-changing as he was contemplated the situation. Has olthird offended anyone since he got here? Ximen Wandais guards looked at each other at a loss. Offended anyone? It was a problematic question. Was there a day that Ximen Wandai offend anyone? Was there a day he didnt harass anyone? Was there a day where he didnt seize a few beauties to bring back? Those he had beaten up, scolded, and harassed, list them down and investigate. Ximen Wanli issued his instructions item by item in a calm manner. Women whom he had seized, list their family background and so on, investigate those as well. Investigate Tiantang Citys martial artists one by one according to this assassins features. It shouldnt be hard to find as this killers characteristics are so distinct. Ximen Wanli coldly continued with squinted eyes, I want results and the assassins identity by tomorrow morning. I want to see the assassins head by tomorrow night! Yes, second young master! Yun Yang stumbled as he landed. Just the short intense battle had expended his mystical Qi. Although Ximen Wandai was a popinjay, he had still come from a historically noble family and had unyielding mystical Qi. With Yun Yangs current abilities he could never hope to beat him. If it were not for him using the Divine Edge, it would have been an unfruitful night. However, Yun Yang had already expected this. That was why he had taken such a risk since he had something as powerful as Divine Edge. Otherwise, how would he be so brazen? Yun Yang had not wanted to start his attack with Ximen Wandai but he had been too presumptuous since he had arrived at Tiantang City. There were already more than a dozen women dying in his hands just within the short duration he had been here. Since he was imputing the blame on someone else, Yun Yang simply had him bite the bullet instead. It was already near midnight when he had gone back to the Residence of Yun. Yun Yang entered his room immediately, one of his hands already on his belt ready to untie it and take off his clothes when both of his eyes stared wide in shock. There was a person looking at him with a glare so icy it emitted a glow in the darkness of the room! Goosebumps erupted all over Yun Yangs body but he managed to chuckle. What is the great Lady Ji still doing in my room at such a late hour? This is certainly unexpected. The person in his room was none other than Ji Ling. However, Ji Ling tonight was different; her expression was cold as her gaze at Yun Yang gleamed in iciness. She had completely hidden her aura; the fragrance on her body was also concealed with some unknown method. Young Master Yun indeed has many tricks up his sleeves. Ji Ling said slowly, Ive been following you, watching you change your physique and appearance before killing people then come back like it was nothing. You arent even surprised when you saw me in your room. Such impassiveness allows Ji Ling to understand that the young master is actually no ordinary person. Yun Yangs heart did a flip. Yet he said in mock surprise, I dont understand what Lady Ji is saying. His heart then calmed down immediately. Is she just trying to trap me? Yun Yang was confident that no one on this earth could track or follow his movements, especially with his ability to morph into a cloud, which was his and his alone! Furthermore, his caution and alertness had always been his best guard of secrecy. It was impossible for Ji Ling to follow him and then track him; it was even more impossible for her to first get to his room after he had committed murder. Although he had lingered outside for quite a bit and Ji Ling could have done it in that duration of time, it was still impossible for her to know his every move. Dont understand? Ji Ling said coldly, Could it be that Ximen Wandai did not die at your hands? Yun Yang was stunned at once and stood up right away. Ximen Wandai? Did he die? What happened? Surprise was written all over his face. Ji Lings gaze lingered on Yun Yangs eyes and she said slowly, Hes dead. You killed him. Yun Yang rolled his eyes and laughed without humor. My great lady, its fine if youre scaring me with these words. Please dont simply utter them outside. I cant afford to provoke the Ximen Family. Such a colossal accusation! Is there actually someone in Tiantang City who dares to kill Ximen Wandai? Ji Lings gaze finally turned doubtful as she questioned, Its really not you? This young lady is really trying to trap me. Yun Yang rest his forehead on his palm and said helplessly, My great lady How free must I be and what sort of cultivation base must I have to be able to kill Ximen Wandai? Besides, hes promised the responsibility to ensure the safety of Yun Family Sigh, youre unbelievable! You dont know this for sure, Ji Ling retorted. Yun Yang replied while rolling his eyes, Im just being a carefree young master. Ive just borrowed my masters reputation to suppress the trouble with Ximen Wandai, why would I go provoke him? We have no grudge against each other, does my brain look like it has a hole for me to provoke him? You brain does have a hole! Ji Ling said in a huff. You think its not done by you if you said so? Why werent you in your room just now? Yun Yang was totally unworried now as he put on an expression of being pained by a headache. Lady Ji this is my house. I can do whatever I want in my own house! If I want to be in my room, I stay in my room; if I dont want to be in my room, I can go out to look at the moon, go to the lavatory, take off all my clothes and bask under the moonlight while exposing my manhood. All these are alright, arent they? Rogue! Ji Ling flushed in embarrassment before keeping quiet. Yun Yang had finally gotten back the upper hand as he immediately said aggressively, Now I dont understand this. Lady Ji, the great pure lady, came to my room in the middle of the night C forget the fact that you barged in, you actually accused me of killing people! Where is the justification in this? Yun Yang glared with a look of righteousness on his face. Inwardly, he was thinking of only one thing, How did Ji Ling come in? I know I wasnt at home but its a little scary that even Lao Mei and Fang Mofei didnt notice it. Although he did not manage to determine Ji Lings real cultivation base from the beginning, she should not be at a higher level than Lao Mei and Fang Mofei! How had she come in? It was certain that he was no opponent against this young lady though. Ji Ling was flustered as she retorted forcefully, Ive only come to look in on you since I think youre suspicious! Look in on me Its a good thing that youre not a defiler! If you were one, I would be in danger tonight. Yun Yang patted his chest in lingering fear. Defiler Ji Ling was fuming. With your ugly looks Her heart was saying, True enough. This guy is so handsome; its not impossible for him to have lured a few female defilers As the thoughts crossed her mind, she could not help but scold herself, What am I thinking? Yun Yang crossed his arms, a look of condescendence on his face as if questioning a criminal. His gaze at Ji Ling was meaningful when he said, Speak, how did you enter? At this moment, their positions in their questioning game had completely switched around! 51 Girlish Notions. A Sense of Familiarity Well, I walked in, just like that! Ji Ling turned her head away. You walked in just like that. Silently waiting for me to return. Yun Yang paced around Ji Ling with his arms behind his back as he clicked his tongue saying, I must say, Lady Jis ability to engage in illicit affairs is highly remarkable. What did you say? Ji Lings initial embarrassment turned into anger as she bared her teeth. Say it again! she shouted in as threatening a tone as she could muster. Thinking about the time Yun Yang had mentioned female satyr and hearing him accuse her of being engaged in illicit affairs, her temptation to pummel him into the ground became increasingly harder to deny. With his head held high, Yun Yang said, What? You can do it but you dont allow me to say it? You! Ji Ling was fuming with embarrassment, on the verge of exploding from being at the disadvantage in their bickering. There is simply no way this rascal can get the better of me! She shot forward in a single step. Although Yun Yang had begun to move to avoid her, Ji Lings actions were brisk and she had already pinned his arm to his back. With a twist, she had locked Yun Yang to the floor; lifting her knee in a thrust towards Yun Yangs rear end, he flew out as if he sat on a moving cloud. Before he could moan out in pain as he lay on the floor, a heavy weight fell on his back as Ji Ling sat on him. Yun Yang felt as if he was being pinned under a mountain, his waist was slammed onto the floor again as he wailed in pain. Would you still like to say more? Ji Ling asked fiercely. Its my my house! Why cant I say what I wish to? Yun Yang was puffing heavily, putting in a whole lot of effort to raise his head up. Hmm? Ji Ling stretched her hands out and pinned both Yun Yangs arms against his back. As she exerted further force, Yun Yang continued to moan in pain, Ouch, that hurts! Still trying to say something? Not at all! Can I still come? Yes! Yes! Big sister, quickly let me go! Still dare to be mean to me? No no Ouch! Did you kill Ximen Wandai? Yes, I killed him! I was the one who killed him! Yun Yang was flailing about, trying to flip their positions but Ji Lings cultivation base was more than just a bit higher than Yun Yangs. She was at least several levels higher. Sitting on Yun Yang with all her weight, it would be difficult for him to move even a little bit. Ji Ling had the upper hand sitting on Yun Yang. For the first time in a long while, she actually felt triumphant. Thinking of the frustration she had suffered at the hands of this rascal for the past few days, she was elated with pride now, an exaltation from the initial sense of indignation she felt in her chest. She said triumphantly, Anger me further, I dare you! Let me tell you, its better to be cautious with your attitude when you dont have enough ability Just as she spoke about it, hurried footsteps arrived at the door. Before Ji Ling could jump up, the door to the room was pushed open by Lao Mei. His anxious voice followed right away, Young master what has happened? Why did I hear a fight here? He caught sight of the spectacle in front of him, and the words were strangled in his throat. Ji Ling turned her head back to look at him as Yun Yang lifted his head from the floor with much difficulty. Lao Mei stood at the door with disbelief written all over his face, his eyes bulged and his mouth was agape, almost wide enough to fit two duck eggs! Ji Ling sprung up self-consciously and said in near-panic, I can explain! Oh, no, no it doesnt matter, it doesnt matter at all Lao Mei grinned sheepishly, I didnt see anything at all! You two can carry on... I didnt I only I The more Ji Ling panicked, the more she stuttered and words failed her. It is no matter, no matter at all! Young people Lao Mei began his retreat from the room. Playing games its perfectly normal... Dont go yet! Ji Ling was practically hopping with anxiety. I was just I just wanted to teach him a lesson Right, I wanted to teach him a lesson. Thats why Im riding Even as she spoke the words, her face began to burn with shame. She wanted to teach him a lesson, so she climbed on top of him? Even Ji Ling herself wouldnt have been convinced by the inane excuse. No worries, no worries Lao Mei continued to bob his head in embarrassment, regretting his trip over as he said the first thing that came to mind, Actually, its the same regardless whoevers on top. Uh, Ill leave now Realizing he had said something wrong, he fled after closing the door. You two carry on No! Ji Ling rushed over to wrench open the door and said in utter panic, Its not what you think Dont misunderstand! Listen to me... There was barely a glimpse of Lao Mei at the door; he had vanished entirely. Ji Lings tiny mouth hung open. Looking at the empty courtyard, she could only feel her face flush like it was on fire. As the night breeze blew by, Ji Ling finally regained her train of thoughts after standing there dumbfounded. She covered her face with an incredibly flustered squeak as she squatted right on the floor. This misunderstanding I cant wash it away even if I jump into the endless ocean. My dignity! My reputation! Ji Ling squatted on the floor, she felt like she could not bear to see anyone anymore. As she entertained the thought of having lost her face, she actually began sobbing. What are you crying for? Yun Yang quickly got up and questioned in perplexity, Im the one who got beaten Why are you crying? Ji Ling wailed, What do you care? It doesnt bother me in the slightest Yun Yangs words had unknowingly triggered a huge wave of anger in the distraught woman. But this is my room and youre crying in here. If people were to hear it, they would think you were being you know... Ji Ling sprung up and turned around, her hands choking Yun Yangs neck as she said through gritted teeth and a red face, I dare you to continue your sentence! Argh! Let go! Cant... breathe The whites of Yun Yangs eyes were beginning to show, as he struggled to breathe. Ji Ling finally released him and Yun Yang coughed while holding onto his neck, saying, Almost Ji Ling only snorted. Anyway, why did you come in here late last night? Yun Yang spoke in all seriousness now as he could distinctly feel Ji Lings genuine suspicion. After fooling about, Yun Yang could also sense that Ji Ling was no longer doubtful that he had killed Ximen Wandai. Naturally, it was time for serious business. Its all because of you. Ji Ling huffed as her tone got icier. I heard that Ximen Wandai had ordered people to assassinate your father, so Ive been keeping an eye out over there. Who knows that it would suddenly turn chaotic, and the next thing I knew was that Ximen Wandai had died... I was idle and had nothing to do. If the Ximen family decides to take their anger out on someone, they will definitely come after you.. Ji Ling then said, I was on the way and came to inform you. Who would have known that you would be out? A tinge of warmth surfaced in Yun Yangs eyes. How could have guessed that this young lady was concerned about him? She had already been hurt by him yet she still took notice of the news. Once she got hold of the information, she still came forth to inform him. It was then that Yun Yang had an epiphany. This young lady had not intended to trap him, right from the beginning. She just felt like she had nothing to say and used that as an opening to prove that she wasnt here to inform him, but just to investigate. This was all but a delicate girls notions! Thank you, Yun Yang put away his frivolous side and thanked her with gravity, after having sucked in a light breath. His sudden change of demeanor had Ji Ling feeling out of character; she managed to reply after being stunned for a moment. Youre welcome. This is how it is. Ximen Wandais death has already angered all those in the Ximen family. Ji Ling said hurriedly, You have to be careful. Im leaving. Ji Ling had her head lowered, the domineering aura when she was on top of Yun Yang and manhandling him was completely gone. Behind her, Yun Yangs patient voice called out. Yun Yang is not someone who isnt sensible. I shall repay Lady Jis kindness, if there is a chance in the future. Ji Ling glared at him and said, Who wants your compensation? Then she stopped and turned around, saying, Now that you mention it, I do have something that Ill need your help with. Yun Yang was slightly taken aback by her brashness. I just said I would repay you and you immediately take me up on my offer? He could only say helplessly, Lady Ji, please speak. Ji Ling bit her lips before continuing, I have an older brother who has been lost for many years. Our family has searched high and low around the Tianxuan Continent but could not find any news on him We heard that he had been sighted in Tiantang City two years ago. Breathing a sigh of relief, Yun Yang asked, What is your brothers name? Ji Ling answered, My brothers name is Ji Lingfeng. He would be about twenty-five years old this year. He is not very tall but very thin. Theres a dimple on his left cheek when he smiles. He is rather... frivolous but he is still a good man. She spoke about her older brother with the amount of detail only a sister could remember and actually took a portrait out. Opening the portrait, Yun Yang only had to take a single glance before he was enamored by it. A man in black stood with his arms behind his back amidst the snow. His stature was tall and straight as his gazed determinedly at a spot far away. There was a sword on him, the grip of the sword the head of a dragon; he exuded an otherworldly aura as if he could depart with the wind if he so desired amidst the sky of snow. The man looked grim but seemed to detest restriction, a trait contained in his very bones. The painter was exceptionally talented to have been able to draw and reflect such charm. It was exceptional portrait just from the artistic aspect alone. The more Yun Yang looked at the man in the portrait, the more he felt a sense of familiarity. The face, the look, the accessories, the mans weaponC they were all foreign to him. Yet he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity and affability! He could not help but stare at it, deep in his thoughts with a worried frown. Looking at Yun Yangs expression, Ji Ling became slightly nervous. Have you met him? Have you seen this person before? Yun Yangs train of thoughts was interrupted as he shook his head in confusion, I have never seen this person before, but why do I feel I feel What do you feel? Ji Ling questioned without missing a beat. I feel like he is very familiar Yun Yang frowned. But it escapes me at this moment in time. Besides, I have absolutely no impression of this face. Ji Lings eyes glowed with hope. Please, think carefully Yun Yang scavenged through his memories; he recalled all the people he had met from when he could first form memories to this very moment. In the end, he shook his head and said helplessly, No impression this is strange! Theoretically, I have no justification to forget someone who could give me this feeling! But why cant I recall who he is? Ji Ling bit her lips and looked at him quietly. A long while later, she spoke. If you happen to remember or meet this person, please let me know. This is my older brother! He is my only family in this world. Yun Yang immediately agreed to do so. Ji Ling bid goodbye with a heavy heart but did not forget to roll up the portrait and bring it along with her. Looking at Ji Lings back, Yun Yang was still thinking about the portrait. The person on it was remarkably familiar. His state of mind should have not been ruffled by anything but he could feel an odd sense of unease when he looked at the portrait. This had almost caused Yun Yang to miss out something that Ji Ling had uttered C she was supposed to be from a noble family but why did she say that her older brother was her only family in this world? 52 A Miracle has Happened! A dire event had taken place in Tiantang City. The third young master of the Ximen family had actually died, a matter serious enough for the authorities to place the city under heavy guard. On the same night, in another tavern, a group of men was shouting and hollering; blissfully ignorant of the earth-shattering events that had taken place just outside. This was a mystical beast battle ring C a private one. It was obviously in use now. There were only four people participating in the battle of mystical beasts. Each person had brought two of their guards; there was a total of twelve people in the spacious area. Of the twelve, eight of them only watched silently while the remaining four were shouting with all their might. Emotions ran high as their veins stood out on their skin, they behaved as if possessed. There were only four people but their shouts actually made it seem like a terribly large wager was taking place. The eight guards beside them were sweating, listening to them yell and holler. It was already the final round. In the ring, a double-headed lion and a silver-tailed mystical beast that was covered all over in black fur were fighting; snapping and biting at each other. Bite it! Stupid! Ice blade! ice blade! Fireball! fireball! Good! Retreat, turn, counter! Wow! Beautiful! Go on! Bite its tail! Bite its tail! Ice blade, slice its penis with the ice blade! Youll win if you can do that! God! God! God! God! God! Oh my f*cking God! F*ck! Oh my goodness Thisis this still f*ck you! Dong Tianleng, did you f*cking send a human wearing the double-headed lions skin into the ring? F*ck me! My double-lidded dog eyes are being blinded for real This is the first time in my life F*ck me This world has gone mad! A dumbass lion is boxing now F*ck me, let your father rub his eyes I must be f*cking dreaming The Double-headed Elysian Lion that was on the losing end had suddenly stood up like a human; its hind legs buckled into a sparring stance while both its front paws suddenly came together and delivered a massive punch! Before the crowd could even howl in surprise, its other front paw formed a fist and jabbed hard at the Silvertail Howlers eyes! The Silvertail Howler growled, its right eye already visibly bruising. It could not help but stumble about around the ring. At the time, the Double-headed Elysian Lion remained standing on its hind legs as it suddenly sprung and spun in the air; one of its hind legs stomped right on the Silvertail Howlers face, fast as lightning. The four popinjays on the side of the ring exclaimed as if they had seen ghosts; all eight eyes looked as if they were about to bulge out of their eye sockets! Tornado kick! Oh my God! Its really tornado kick! Quick, look! Another kick! F*ck me, is this a side kick? F*ck his father, your father has wasted his years living This beasts side kick is even more powerful than mine I am about to faint Consecutive punches! Ow! F*ck, f*ck, mandarin duck string kicks! F*ck you, this is an expert we have here! I feel like Im in a place of immortality The lion has already become an individual, boxing like a human. Moreover, it f*cking punched and kicked a master of its time indeed! Four popinjays stared wide-eyed; no one had the heart to mind if they won or lost at that moment as they hollered with their all might. Even the eight guards who had seen much of life were like ducks that had been struck by lightning; each of them was frozen rigid with their necks extended while their eyes were wide like saucers and their bodies trembled like sieves. Im going to faint! A popinjay smacked his forehead and collapsed dramatically. I really cannot accept it. An eighth level intermediate mystical beast has won the fight against an eighth level peak mystical beast. It had even unleashed an unexpected martial art form when it was losing and turned the situation around in an instant... and won! I must be f*cking dreaming. Victory and defeat had already been decided in the ring. The Silvertail Howler was obviously beaten to a daze as it wailed, covering its head and gave up counterattacking. It still did not understand, Was I fighting with a Double-headed Elysian Lion or a man? Can the game be like this this is f*cking cheating! Then an even more shocking scene was unveiled. The Double-headed Elysian Lion that had won stood like a human again. Both its front paws actually went to its back as it walked slowly on its hind legs; looking exactly like an expert leisurely walking around the ring once in a winners stance. Oh, I am going to faint now. One of the popinjays eyes rolled up in his head and he collapsed in a soft heap. Ive already fainted Im already in a coma Somebody tell me this isnt real Your father has been shaken to the point where my *** is shivering Throughout the ages, we have really broadened our horizons. This could no longer be described as amazing as a cow, its one hundred thousand cows One million cows! One hundred million cows! All the cows in the universe! Mum, tell me this is not real Even Dong Tianleng who had won was pulling his hair and looking at the center of the ring in disbelief. Suddenly, he put his hands on his hips and guffawed, facing the sky. Your father has won! The other three popinjays suddenly regained their clarity as they heard his proclamation. Had this fellow really won? Yes, his Double-headed Elysian Lion was absolutely demonic. Who else should win if he doesnt? It can even perform punches! Be afraid not of berserk mystical beasts, be afraid of mystical beasts that know martial arts! This is the f*cking truth. Your father has finally won! Dong Tianleng roared, a sense of triumph when a despicable man achieves great success filled his entire being. You three fellows, come over to your father! Quick! Be good, all three of you. From the tip of the nose to the tip of the nose, stand straight with your rear ends sticking out! Faster! Your father wants to give a lecture! The other three mens faces looked as resentful as a bitter gourd. They looked at each other with humorless smiles and sighed. They had thought that they could have Dong Tianleng in their hands for the whole of his life with the Silvertail Howler. Who would have thought that only a night had passed before he had flipped the situation around! However, they readily admitted their defeat. Moreover, Dong Tianlengs victory was achieved by pitting an eighth level intermediate mystical beast against an eighth level peak mystical beast! All three of them looked at Dong Tianleng, resigned to their fate. Consider yourself lucky this time Less b*llshit! Dong Tianleng rubbed his palms together, his face full of anticipation. Had fun beating me up last night? Its your turn today! Think of how triumphant you fellows have looked last night!. How Ive begged for mercy but you blokes ignored and teased me. Ill bet that you didnt think that youll end up like this today, yes? He chortled in pleasure. Quick! Ive told you guys so, the wheel of fortune is ever turning. Life is full of ups and downs, never make fun of those down in the dumps! Flowers could bloom again, every dog has its day! Quick, stand properly! Three of them gathered together with faces that anticipated death; the three tips of their noses met as they stood straight. One of them said coldly, Dong Tianleng, dont go overboard! Dong Tianleng laughed, I wont. Im just going to follow the rules of our bet and beat you guys up to the point that your mothers wont recognize you! Even before he finished speaking, he had already aimed a kick in their direction. Come, come, dont cry, little brother. Ill still beat you up into a pig even if you cry! Pow! Pow! Pow! Little fellow, you shall not give in! The fact that youve lost remains unchanged! Pow! Pow! Pow! Come, come, little brother, youre so adorable. Quick, stick your rear end out so I can deliver a solid kick Dong Tianleng was so elated that each of his muscle sets was dancing. He trashed the three men to his hearts content, throwing punches and kicks from head to toe. He was especially relentless on their faces. The three popinjays were resolute as well, not emitting a single whimper although their eyes were leaking fire. They did not put up a fight either, allowing Dong Tianleng to wallop them without restraint. After a while, three of them became three pig heads fresh out from the oven! Dong Tianleng displayed absolute finesse as he had each part of the three mens face and head swell to its maximum capacity. The eight guards watched speechlessly; they really did not know what else these second generation children could turn into games. From today onwards, Dong Tianleng clamored, Every one of you, green clothes, green hat, green shoes, green belt, even your scabbard has to be green. Have a piece of emerald green bamboo stuck on your head as well! Your underwear has to be green also! Understood? Understood! This was my fate a year ago! Dong Tianleng felt incredibly pleased. So f*cking *** Three popinjays stood up with their pig heads and asked, Is that all? What, you fellows still want more? Dong Tianleng rubbed his fists together. B*llshit! One of the three guys who could barely see anything with his pair of eyes tried his hardest to open them into slits as he said, Its your turn now. Tell us, how could your eighth level intermediate mystical beast defeat my peak mystical beast? Even if weve lost, we need to lose with a clear mind as promised! How could Dong Tianleng tell them the truth? This was his secret weapon. If these fellows learned my secret, wouldnt it become my turn to get beaten up? With a hurried glance at them, he said, Ive only gone to find a mystical beast trainer B*ll-f*cking chained farts-shit! One of the popinjays swore like a sailor. How many mystical beast trainers have we gone to all these years? Too many! Even when we went to the master trainers, they could never do something like this! Dong Tianleng, if you dont speak the truth, dont blame us when we dont follow the rules! Ill tell you guys if we bet for another round tonight. Itll be for the whole of next year Dong Tianleng tried to test his luck. F*ck off! Are you telling or not! Always f*cking thinking of nonsense! Dong Tianleng looked troubled as he said, Alright, alright. Ill tell you fellows. I met an extraordinary person but hes ill-tempered and has a peculiar personality. It took me so much effort to have him help me the last time, I had to pay a terrible price. Cut the b*llshit! What price? Uh, half of the wager That is a lot? F*ck! Its won over anyway If it were me, I would have been fine giving him everything! This extraordinary person, I dont know where hes gone to Dong Tianleng began to concoct his own tales. He left after helping me. It would be impossible for me to find him. He was obviously unwilling to speak the truth. The other three men exchanged knowing looks and said irritably, Then forget it. In their minds though, they were thinking, He cant even lie properly. You still have to return to him half of your wager, how can you give it to him if you cant find him? We only have to follow you and well find him! Let me find him myself; it would be best if the other two didnt think of this. Let me win once as well. All four of them left the mystical beast battle ring with their guards, each thinking of their own plot. When they reached the exit , they saw the courtyard filled with people. Whats going on? All four popinjays were shocked at the number of people who were milling around. Ximen Wandai has died. Someone in the courtyard said, It just happened! All four men were dumbfounded as they swore in unison, F*ck me! He just died! 53 It’s Him! Operation: Kill Chu! It was just before daybreak. A chilling silence lingered in the tavern that the Ximen family had resided in. Ximen Wanli gazed hungrily at the people standing in front of him, like a famished wolf. Is the investigation done? We we have just checked up on the people who fulfilled the characteristics and listed them down. Our analysis is not yet complete Speak. There is a total of seven people who matched those characteristics. Among them, there are two who appear to be possible suspects. One of them is an unknown, while the other is Chu Tianlang of the two its more likely to be Chu Tianlang. Ximen Wanlis eyes glinted with suppressed glee, his voice strangely flat as he said, Tell me about this Chu Tianlang. Chu Tianlang is none other than the master of the Manor of Sirius, located outside of Tiantang City. Hes skilled in the use of long and short swords; hes hefty and well built, a central figure in the modern world of martial arts. Moreover, legend has it that Chu Tianlang has a radically unique skill hidden up his sleeves, a mysterious weapon literally concealed in his sleeves. We are uncertain if he has any other secrets or tricks Ximen Wandais gaze shone brightly. Long and short swords The assassin used long and short swords as well... Radically unique skill in his sleeve Didnt the assassin also unsheathe something from his sleeve too? Chu Tianlangs cultivation base is incredibly high; he is estimated to be at least at the sixth peak. Sixth peak, at the very minimum This also means that there is a big possibility hes in seventh heaven or seventh peak heaven too. It wouldnt be too far-fetched to say that he could be in the eighth heaven, would it? No, it wouldnt. Was olthree and Chu Tianlang at conflict? Or perhaps any of those that olthree had harassed and offended is related to Chu Tianlang? From the surface, nothing related. But both of them like beautiful women When nothing is related, that is when its the most suspicious. Ximen Wanli huffed in anger, his gaze fiercely gleaming. Second young master, although Chu Tianlangs characteristics match the assassins, its too big of a coincidence. There is something remarkably fishy about this, like someone wished to frame him, someone said, frowning. Frame him? Ximen Wanli hummed coldly. What about it? Chu Tianlang is still the first in our list, hes still our first target. If this had been done by Chu Tianlang, we kill him and things end here. If it wasnt Chu Tianlang, we capture him and begin searching among his enemies. Well find the real culprit sooner or later. Therefore, whether its him or not, we must apprehend this Chu Tianlang! Ximen Wanli said with conviction. We could discuss it, perhaps? someone suggested, with hesitation. Discuss? Ximen Wanli smirked. If he is alerted to our plans, are you going to be held accountable? The expert from the Ximen family wore an ashen look. I dare not. Then keep silent! Ximen Wanli snorted and said sternly, If any our intentions are leaked, youll be at fault! The person paled immediately, regretting his words. Ximen Wanli paced around slowly, his gaze fiery. There has been no news from the family yet but I guess they are already on their way. Someone has to pay the price, now that something of such magnitude has occurred. We must have Chu Tianlang in our hands before the experts from the family come! Otherwise, no one will come out of this unscathed! Ximen Wanlis voice was eerily calm, but everyone present came to an unpleasant realization. The main issue at hand right now was not to find the real culprit for revenge but to identify a scapegoat before the members of the family arrived, to pacify their rage. If they failed to do so, it would be doomsday when the members of Ximen Family arrived. There wasnt much time left, and that meant it had to be Chu Tianlang. Even if he wasnt the one who had done it, his fate was sealed. No one else had such strikingly similar characteristics! Gather information regarding Chu Tianlang and the Manor of Sirius be quick! Ximen Wanli commanded, his voice void of emotion. Yes! Make the best use of the time you have for analysis! Yes! However, once the analysis had been carried out, all of them gasped collectively. The Manor of Sirius was nothing compared to the entire Ximen Family but with the number of people they had now, they were no match against it. The Manor of Sirius was a monstrous creature around these parts! The experts were as countless as relationships were complicated; like tangled roots and branching stems, their defenses were strictly guarded as well! Send my calling card and invite Young Master Dongfang, Young Master Nangong, and Young Master Beiye here. Ximen Wanli ordered, We will have a discussion about. How could a mere Manor of Sirius stand up to the might of the four great families? At most, I would be in their debt. Young master is wise. Just as the sun rose, the four great young masters had already completed their plans. All four noble families would each send fifty experts to decimate the Manor of Sirius! However, there was only a seventh peak elder from the Dongfang family who came but he had refused to help. The other experts from the four families with the highest cultivation base were only, at most, at the sixth peak. If so, what about asking the elder to stay at the sides as support? Ximen Wanli came to a compromise. That would be good too. Then wed have six sixth peak experts, eight fifth peak experts, and the rest are all fourth peak experts. This will be enough to take on the Manor of Sirius! Dongfang Qingkong waved his folding fan. If so, we should go watch the excitement too. We still have to inform Tiantang Citys officials. If the military appears when we attack the Manor of Sirius it would be terribly inconvenient. Dont worry, Ive made arrangements for this already. Thank you all. I, Ximen Wanli, shall do my best should you have any requests in the future. Ximen Wanli palmed his fist in absolute seriousness. No worries, Brother Ximen. This is what we ought to do It should only be so; helping each other out among the four noble families like we are one. When do we begin our operation? This afternoon. Afternoon, before the sun sets, we begin our operation. We must end the battle before nightfall. Ximen Wanli wore a cruel smirk. I dont want to attack at night, I want to destroy them all in the light of day! I want to let the world know the consequences of provoking the four great families! Brother Ximen, your domineering ways and your valiance reaches the very clouds! It is decided! When afternoon arrived, a battle of far-reaching impact had suddenly begun. The Manor of Sirius was utterly defenseless as it was attacked from all four sides. Four troops attacked from four different directions, killing anyone in their path as they made their way towards the heart of the manor, leaving a trail of blood. Before the Manor of Sirius could even react, blood had already flowed like a river. Chu Tianlang had a feast with a group of men from the martial arts world just this noon, still inebriated from the delightful drinking and was sleeping on his bed. The sudden roar of fighting had him springing up and then stumbling from the abrupt action and his hangover. An intense headache kept him wobbly on his feet. Whats going on? Chu Tianlang hollered and jumped up. With a stretch of his arm, his sword was already in his hand. His mystical skill surged violently, white mist reeking of alcohol exuded from his body. At the same time, with a wave of his left hand, an icy force was unleashed; a cup of water on the table froze into ice as he crumbled it and applied it on his face. With a cold shudder, he sobered up. A manor worker stumbled into the foyer. Manor master, its terrible. There are invaders attacking our manor, theyve already made their way in! Invaders? Chu Tianlang was perplexed. Invaders from where? It had been peaceful for so many years, the Manor of Sirius maintaining its intimidating aura in the area. Who dared pull the whiskers of a tiger? How could there be a large group of invaders? We dont know where the invaders are from. All of them have a high cultivation base. There are already countless deaths and injuries in the manor. The enemys attacks are vicious and without mercy. Fifth Elder Qin has also fallen in battle. The young man was shivering all over. With a loud roar of grief, Chu Tianlang shot out of the foyer. Bells and whistles blared loudly in a combined cacophony. The sheer force of the Manor of Sirius was tested from all sides as they went head on with the four families that had charged in, shouting their battle cries. Chu Tianlang had already arrived at the bell tower, the highest point of Manor of Sirius, and looked down. All he could see was smoke and blood flowing in all four directions, battle cries booming like thunder. Wherever his eyes took him, dead bodies were there. The ordinary guards of the manor were no match against such a formidable enemy, falling almost immediately. Several shadows charged out like lightning; the experts of the manor had finally shown themselves. Chu Tianlang howled long into the sky then flew out like a meteor, choosing to head in the direction where the slaughter was at its wildest and heaviest, livid with anger. Two rays of sword light streaked from the sky; before they landed, two men were sliced into half by the light. Chu Tianlang landed with a thunderous crash, his sword landing harshly on the steel of another mans sword and sent it flying, the hapless man barely able to hold onto it. Stop! Chu Tianlang roared and hollered. Who are you? Why do you invade the Manor of Sirius without reason? These people were killing blindly. They were vicious in their attacks, more so than those in the other three directions. Their mystical skills were prominent. Chu Tianlang really could not recall the last time he had offended people such as these! The opposing force had halted their attack. A middle-aged man in white stepped forward with arms behind his back and looked at Chu Tianlang with his long, thin eyes. You are Chu Tianlang? Chu Tianlang held his gaze and answered, Right. And you? had there been a misunderstanding? The man in white wore a teasing smirk. Misunderstanding? As he smirked, he looked at the pair of swords in Chu Tianlangs hands; a long sword was in his right hand while a short sword was in his left. His gaze then shifted to the latters well-built and hefty body. Studying him for a brief moment, the man in white suddenly turned and stepped back as he cried, Kill him! Leave no man alive throughout the entire Manor of Sirius! Chu Tianlang hissed with fury. You! The members of the attacking force had already begun charging over. A frenzied old man was in the lead, his eyes bloodshot as if he bore the resentment of patricide and the grudge of adultery against Chu Tianlang; the old man roared and rushed him furiously. Clang! Chu Tianlang blocked the old mans attack and hollered in frustration, Shouldnt there at least be an explanation? We are all martial artists, everything should have its causes and effects! However, his voice was quickly drowned by the battle cries, no one cared about what he had said. Within an instant, most of the manor guests who had come out with Chu Tianlang had already fallen. Oh how livid, upset and confused Chu Tianlang was! What was actually going on? 54 The Downfall of the Manor of Sirius The battle in the Manor of Sirius continued to rage; people from all four noble families were killing without thought as were those from the Manor of Sirius. Both sides were engaged in a frenzied massacre. The enemy from the other three directions was destructive, slaughtering those in the Manor of Sirius from east to west, then from south to north, going through the manor several times. A dozen experts stood on the wall that fenced the Manor of Sirius, putting a graceful end to anyone who tried to escape the manor. It was a scene of mass slaughter. Chu Tianlang was livid, almost mindless in his fury. He was surrounded by a dozen experts; although their cultivation base was lower than his, he still could not break out due to the overwhelming press of people. The enemy had an endless supply of men. The middle-aged man in white was just standing at the side and instructing with his hands to have people fill up any gaps that appeared. Just as the enemys troops were flung away in strikes and an opening was made, two more people would fill in the gap under the orchestration of the man in white, keeping Chu Tianlang firmly surrounded in the center. The battle cries had gradually dwindled in all the directions as men drenched in blood holding their swords and sabers were walking towards him. Gone were his greatest days! An overwhelming sense of despair filled Chu Tianlangs heart. A commotion arose from the main block as the roar of battle drifted up. Chu Tianlang was shocked as he attacked with all his might to fend off the enemy and turned to look. There were already several people seizing a group of women and children with swords and sabers held in their hands and making their way over to him. Those were Chu Tianlangs family and children! A beheaded head came flying through the air and landed with a thud on the ground, rolling around until stopped, its face turned upwards. Chu Tianlang growled loudly, his entire body shuddering with grief. The head had belonged to none other than his own sworn brother; the person with the highest cultivation base besides Chu Tianlang himself. He had usually led ten other brothers and was a central force within the Manor of Sirius. He had a cultivation base of the sixth peak and had led experts to guard the main block once the battle began. Now though, he had been decapitated; it would seem that all the other ten brothers had fallen too. Stop! someone cried out. The men attacking Chu Tianlang took ten steps back like a receding tide. Chu Tianlang was bathed in blood as he looked over to east, south, west, and north; each direction had one or two youthful young masters leading a team. All the others were covered in blood and dirt but these young masters were clean, free from even a single speck of dust. Each of them was handsome and elegant, their grace exceptional. They were looking at him now with icy gazes. All the battle cries and clashes of weapons around the perimeter had ceased; only thick smoke rose from the corners and sides C the entire Manor of Sirius was akin to the region of the dead. Only the sound of feet against gravel could be heard as these people strolled over. Looking at his captured family, Chu Tianlang felt hopelessness grip his heart. Who are you? Chu Tianlang looked at these people with hatred as his lips trembled. When have I, Chu Tianlang, ever did you any wrong? What kind of resentment and hate do you have towards me and mine? How could you actually do something so void of conscience and humanity? Chu Tianlangs voice was exceptionally calm despite his obvious rage. It was as if several planets and universe had exploded in his mind, his vision blurry as he tried to take in everything at one. Ximen Wanli stepped forward. Chu Tianlang, my younger brother has never offended you either. Why then did you kill him? Chu Tianlang asked wearily, Who is your younger brother? He had killed so many people that he could not recall them all. Right now, he was just instinctively thinking, Could it be that Ive killed someone in the past, and their backup force has finally come to me? You will die a painful death today. Ximen Wanli said indifferently, I am Xinmen Wanli; my younger brother, Ximen Wandai, died cruelly in your hands last night! Chu Tianlang was stunned as he suddenly understood the situation. Ximen Family! The other young masters had to be from the Dongfang, Nangong, and Beiye families. Incredulity surged through Chu Tianlang as he said in surprise, I did not go out yesterday. How could I have killed Young Master Ximen Wandai? It was a moment of epiphany when the question came out of his mouth. He proclaimed loudly, I didnt do this! He had finally realized the severity of this matter. The Ximen family! If he took the blame, there was no other way left for him except death. A mere Manor of Sirius was no match for the colossal power of the Ximen family! He looked at the enemies around him with fear, taking in the unconcealed murderous intent on their faces. He looked at his family that had been captured. For a moment, he felt hopeless. Should I believe you? Ximen Wanli smiled lightly, a wild bloodlust appearing on his visage as he suddenly roared, Take him! I want him alive! At his command, everyone around him began moving all at once. Sword light gleamed as blood spurted into the sky; all of Chu Tianlangs family had been beheaded! Chu Tianlang screamed in primal rage; his anguish was expressed in an inhuman moan. Four noble families! I, Chu Tianlang, shall forever be irreconcilable with all of you! His maddened cry sent the burning flames trembling madly. Rendered absolutely berserk, he yielded the long and short swords in his hands and charged into the enemys formation like a frenzied tiger. Yun Yang stood at the top of a hill, looking at the rising flames and smoke from far away; his gaze calm like autumns sea. Lao Mei, youve broken through the sixth peak, right? Lao Mei smiled and answered, Yes, I have broken through. Moreover, with young masters mystical stones and crystals, my cultivation base has neared the middle of the sixth peak. Yun Yang thought about it and said, They have countless experts, a few of them are sixth peak experts as well. You have only one chance. After this one time, you must retreat immediately regardless whether youve succeeded or not. You must not let yourself be trapped inside. Lao Mei nodded. I understand. Go. Remember, once you are complete, you must disappear at once. Leave the rest to me. Yes. Lao Meis body shimmered in the air he sped towards the Manor of Sirius that was going up in flames. Yun Yangs purple robes also flashed once before he vanished from the place. Chu Tianlang was fighting in a frenzy, growling loudly as he charged left and right; he resembled a rabid tiger. His mind had already lost all sanity as it had been doused in hate. The long sword in his right hand was broken; he had replaced it with one that he had snatched up from a fallen body; the short sword in his left hand still glinted with a chilling ray. His entire body was covered with wounds. Pu! An expert from the Ximen family delivered a heavy punch to Chu Tianlangs back even as he was stabbed by his sword, sending the latter stumbling as he spat out a mouthful of blood. The short sword in his left hand drove into the chest of the person in front of him harshly yet his back felt another chill. Another jolt of pain C he had been stabbed once more in his waist. I must not die! The thought came to him suddenly. If I die, who would avenge my death! Charge out! I must charge out! He slashed and killed in a frenzy, his eyes scanning his surroundings. However, the enemy had immediately deduced his intentions. He means to escape, everyone stay alert! Those defending outside, be on your guard! Chu Tianlang charged the ring a few more times but did not manage to break through its heavy defenses, his body developing several more wounds as a result of his efforts. Suddenly, with a resolute heart, he roared towards the sky as his body suddenly exuded an extremely cold aura. Those around him could not help but feel the piercing chill, barely able to hold onto their weapons. Those in my way die! Chu Tianlang gave a maddened cry as he sprung up and charged towards the south. Four men standing there rose up together and went head to head against him with no fear of death. With his hand upraised, an icy, blinding, beam of light flashed from both of Chu Tianlangs sleeves. The two experts from the Nangong family who were charging towards him suddenly fell backward without a sound; they had breathed their last! It was indeed you! Ximen Wanlis gaze was vicious. Be careful of his secret weapon! Dont let him get away! Chu Tianlang had already fled some hundred feet away and was about to charge up the enclosing wall. Three people who were on it hopped off to attack at once. Chu Tianlang was growling like a wild beast, the long and short swords waving about in frenzied attacks. Sword light glinted like ferocious waves as the icy gleam in his sleeves blinked profusely. Bam, bam, bam. Three silhouettes fell with a flip of their bodies. Although they were prepared, Chu Tianlangs secret weapon was much faster than they could imagine; they could not avoid it. Seven to eight people rushed over from the sides. Chu Tianglangs face was pale. Unleashing five icy gleams from his sleeves seemed to have significantly depleted him. However, it had successfully killed five of the enemys experts, giving him just a little breathing space. Die should you be in my way! Chu Tianlang roared as he sprung into the air and charged towards the enclosure wall. This wall was personally designed by none other than Chu Tianlang himself. It was five hundred feet tall and extremely stable. It was supposed to defend invaders and ensure safety but such heights had now become fatal to Chu Tianlang! His body hovered in midair as glints of light came from everywhere; they were all scintillations of the secret weapons that were being used, someone had even thrust the sword in his hand over as well. He gave a long growl as both his swords danced violently, deflecting all the secret weapons. Within such short time, the opening that had appeared on the enclosure wall had another three people filling it as another two had come towards him from both sides with a howling wind. It was a sword and a saber that radiated with an imposing aura. Argh! Chu Tianlang roared as both his long and short swords went against the sword and saber of the enemy. He had wanted to escape using them as leverage but those two were determined to fight to the death. As their swords and sabers were blocked, they immediately gave their weapons up and threw themselves at him, punches flying with lightning speed. Chu Tianlang roared in despair; his body was thrown to the ground harshly by the enemy as he could not gain sufficient leverage while it hovered in midair From all around, a dozen people threw themselves at Chu Tianlang in hopes of trapping him. Chu Tianlang growled madly as icy gleams flashed profusely from his sleeves. Six experts died in succession from his mysterious secret weapon. Yet he knew that it was over! He had never used his secret weapon this recklessly before. Each usage depleted him too much. He was limited to using it for a maximum of seven times in battle! He had long exceeded his limit, his strength almost expended entirely. The enclosure wall that he had built himself seemed too high to be reached! His enemys combat powers were only partially expended. There were even a few more experts who were watching the battle leisurely from the sides. His death was an absolute certainty once these men finally showed their prowess. I am not resigned to this! Chu Tianlang roared in his heart. However, his movements were getting slower as the injuries on his body increased and his vision blurred. If the battle had ended right at this moment, Chu Tianlang would have fainted on the spot. He was near his end, supported solely by the grudge in his heart that was unable to accept his fate. Go on! Just a bit more! Ximen Wanlis eyes were shining cruelly. Take down Chu Tianlang! The crowd that was attacking Chu Tianlang reacted with a shout of glee as their battle spirits skyrocketed. Their enemy was at his end, this was their best chance to claim glory! They circled him menacingly. Such is my end. Chu Tianlang felt his impending mortality - he had finally run out of options. It was at this moment that a silhouette suddenly appeared on the enclosure wall. 55 Underhanded Substitution The silhouette was fully dressed in black and masked; he stood tall and straight, materializing at the enclosure wall in the evening light, like a disembodied spirit. Nobody had realized he had appeared, not until he raised his right arm as shards of frigid rays shot out like fairy lights. At the same time, he cried out, Chu Tianlang! Chu Tianlang turned his head upon hearing his name, his spirits immediately lifted. Although he did not know what was happening, he instinctively realized that the cavalry was here. However, he was not alone in his realization; everyone present felt the same way. The hundreds of secret weapons unleashed by this man in black had injured many of there, leaving those unharmed scurrying away for cover. Within the few moments that he had been seen, the specter on the wall jerked his hand as a rope flew out like a flying dragon, reaching Chu Tianlang before anyone could react. Hold on! Even before hearing his order, Chu Tianlang had moved forward in desperation and held onto the lifeline. His body floated lightly as the man on the wall pulled on the rope. Then the man disappeared from where he was standing. Chu Tianlang was like a large kite drifting through the sky, the rope on the other end being pulled by the man who was now sprinting away. The final glimpse of light had finally descended into the horizon; nightfall had arrived. Give chase! Ximen Wanli ground his teeth so hard they almost broke. He had been so close to success! How could he have been thwarted like this? Everyone sprung up at almost the same time, hopping over the wall to see that Chu Tianlang was still drifting through the air under the darkening evening sky as the person pulled on the rope, desperately sprinting into the forest. Stay right there! Rays of sword light shot out as hundreds of shadows gave chase. However, these people were carrying their exhaustion from the battle but the man had been waiting in leisure C their distance began to widen with the increase of time. By the time the party had given chase up to the fringes of the forest, they had lost all traces of Chu Tianlang and the mysterious man.They had disappeared like a drop of water into the deep ocean the moment they entered the forest. Search carefully! Ximen Wanlis expression was dark. Have some people up the trees to look around! Once there are any traces of them, blow a long whistle to alarm the rest. Yes! As they reached the forest, Chu Tianlang could feel his body falling in a straight vertical line as the man below caught him without missing a beat. Chu Tianlang wanted to speak but felt that they were still falling down. There was actually a tunnel under the pile of fallen leaves. The two of them had entered the tunnel almost immediately as fallen leaves covered the entrance once more with a soundless turn above the tunnel. In the tunnel, the mysterious man was sprinting swiftly pulling Chu Tianlang along. Who is your honorable self1? My saving grace Chu Tianlang was puffing breathlessly. Do not speak. A slightly older voice said hurriedly, Chu Tianlang, remember. This is too great a risk. They are four great families, their powers are immense. If not for this tunnel, we would definitely have been caught. Therefore, I will think of a way to divert a portion of the enemy after we get out of this tunnel. You need to head immediately to Emerald Bamboo Hill. Its only about a dozen miles or so; even if you have to sprint until you lose your breath, you must enter Emerald Bamboo Hill. There will be someone receiving you there. Can you remember? Chu Tianlangs heart skipped a beat as he answered, Yes. Your honorable self is? Who I am is of no concern. The mysterious man said, The exit is just in front. You must prepare at once. As he spoke, he took out a medicinal pill and stuffed it into Chu Tianlangs mouth. This could unleash your potential. Chu Tianlang, its up to you now whether you live or die. They had come to the end of the tunnel. Go! The mysterious man stretched his arm as the earth above them upended. He flew right out pulling Chu Tianlang with him. With a push from his right hand, he sent Chu Tianlang away. Run, quick! Chu Tianlang realized he was headed towards Emerald Bamboo Hill while the push had allowed him to drift some ten feet away without using much energy. He immediately lowered his body to sprint towards the direction of Emerald Bamboo Hill. Turning his head amidst the haste, he saw the mysterious man sprinting in the opposite direction. He was already several hundred feet away but his hand still held onto the rope and a mans form was actually still attached to the other end of it, floating like a kite! Chu Tianlang breathed a sigh of relief. Behind him, shouts could be heard. Over there! Over there! Still floating on the rope! Give chase! As predicted, a portion of the party broke away to give chase. There were also people standing on tree branches or those on the lookout hovering in midair who had spotted Chu Tianlang dashing in the opposite direction. Theres also one over there! Theyve separated one of them must be a decoy! Divide into half and go over there! Chu Tianlang dashed forward while staying close to the ground; he could feel his heart beating quicker in short rapid beats as the fog in his mind grew thicker, he could not support himself any longer. He desperately kept himself up, his heart feeling like it would burst, and sprinted all the way into Emerald Bamboo Hill. His pursuers were getting closer. Just as he dashed right into the hill, his body gave up on him as he collapsed. Yun Yang had been waiting here for some time as he caught Chu Tianlang and said in a low voice, Be silent.. With a flip of his body, a hole appeared on the ground next to them. Both of them fell, rolling into it. The hole disappeared as Yun Yang kicked upwards. The pit was approximately a dozen feet deep; there seemed to be an exit further away that blinked with a glowing light. As they neared the bottom of the pit, Yun Yang stretched his arm as another opening appeared at the height of a person from the ground. He dashed in, grabbing onto Chu Tianlang. Then the opening vanished. After they entered, Yun Yang struck the back of Chu Tianlangs head and the latter fainted without a sound. Yun Yang carried him and sprinted inwards; as he did so, the outer layer of soil continued to fall and covered the tunnel. The tunnel came to its end with a turn upwards, the exit stopping short a foot from the surface of the upper ground. Yun Yang was already worn out. However, he took in a deep breath right away and turned into a cloud. There was no sound coming from either of them; an unconscious person and another in cloud form. After searching around, those who were pursuing them had finally discovered a pit under a rock. They entered right away, giving chase through the tunnel and exited from the other end. Shouts and cries could be continuously heard as they were being exchanged back and forth. Finally, the noise quieted down after another fifteen minutes. Yun Yang did not let his guard down and continued to remain unmoving. An hour later, he regained his human form from the cloud and took in a deep breath, imploring Emmie to send him a gush of air of vitality from his subconscious to relieve the pressure from exhausting himself. He then turned into a cloud once again. Another five hours had passed and it was already late in the night when Yun Yang finally resurfaced on the ground, carefully carrying Chu Tianlang on his shoulder. The surrounding was quiet and empty as the night breeze blew cold. The four great families had clearly given up their search. Yun Yang sighed in relief and looked at Chu Tianlang who was unconscious but at peace, his face relaxed. He was obviously rejoicing at the fact that he had escaped. An icy smirk hung on the corners of Yun Yangs lips. Relaxed? Youll soon realize that it would have been better if you had been killed by Ximen Wanli and the four influential families rather than to fall into my hands. Yun Yang very cautiously made his way through a short route as the sound of wheels rolling came from afar. Lao Mei had recovered his original face and was coming on a carriage. On the carriage were bags upon bags of goods. They stuffed Chu Tianlang into a large sack and placed him on the carriage, covering him with a few bags. Yun Yang turned and left immediately. Lao Mei rode the carriage as he made his way towards the city gate leisurely. Along the path, people from the four great families were on a search like headless flies; no one realized that their target had entered Tiantang City openly on a carriage right under their noses! The carriage passed them by, leaving a trail of medicinal aroma. The goods were all authentic medicine. Ximen Wanli and the rest of his cohorts wore dark expressions, feeling infuriated as they looked at the overturned Manor of Sirius. They had killed everyone but the most important target, Chu Tianlang, had escaped! It had all been for nothing. Young master, we have found Chu Tianlangs treasury of gold, a subordinate had come to report the good news. Treasury of gold? The young masters gaze radiated with greed. Even Ximen Wanli who was fuming had his attention diverted and turned around at once. How much treasure is there? Ximen Wanli asked, trying not let his interest show. The treasure? Quite a fair bit, actually. The subordinate was more than a little shaken. No one could have thought that there were so much wealth and treasure in a mere Manor of Sirius. Without saying a word, the young masters turned and headed towards the treasury. Brother Ximen, this fortune We shall divide it equally. Ximen Wanli remained stoic. Is this not inappropriate? We have come to help you and you still want to share it equally with us? The Ximen family has suffered the most losses. By sharing it with everyone, we would be at even more of a disadvantage. B*llshit! This has been your family affair anyway. You have a lot of deaths, so do we! Besides, your family should have people dying for you but the deaths in our families are those of innocent men! F*cking b*llshit, what do you mean by that? Should my family have people dying? Can you f*cking talk like a human being? What about it? Is this not the case? Ximen Wanli, what do you want? Say it out loud! Ill make it clear for you; I will not budge if you give me any less! The four great families were engaged in a dispute over the distribution of loot. However, it was only a dispute, naturally, they would not resort to physical violence. After much bickering, Ximen Wanli could only take a step back. After tallying the treasure, the Ximen family will take twenty percent. The remaining eighty percent will be distributed among the three families, agreed? Now, thats more like it! However, whoever comes across Chu Tianlang in the future must not hesitate to apprehend him. He is now our mutual enemy. Of course! All was harmonious again. While the deal was being sealed, Lao Mei had already entered Tiantang City into the Residence of Yun, riding the coach. Yun Yang had his arms behind his back as he looked coldly upon the approaching carriage. Translator Note: 1your honorable self (zn ji): honorific used to address the other party when avoiding to address them directly as a form of respect. 56 The Might of the Nine Supremes. I’ll Help You! Young master, the goods have arrived, Lao Mei said. Very well, pull them into the warehouse. Yun Yang nodded his head. Lao Mei smiled. Fang Mofei was standing outside as well. He had recovered a significant amount of his health now. Although he still could not do much, it was not too taxing for him to help Lao Mei in some household matters. At his current recovery rate, he would need just over a month at most to recuperate fully. Fang Mofei was happily contented with his current state of affairs. With the injuries he had sustained, he should have been bedridden for at least a year and suffer damage to his cultivation base. However, not only did his recovery time shrink to a month, his foundation energy had already been recovered just by being here. Yun Yang thought about it as he entered the secret chamber. Li Changqiu was still tied up inside. Seeing Yun Yang enter, his gaze shone but he did not speak. However, he did not swear out loud either; his impression of Yun Yang was one of respect. It was, after all, Yun Yangs deception that had achieved such a great effect! Elder Li, Im very sorry I cant remove your restraints. Yun Yang poured and fed Li Changqiu a cup of water immediately after he came in, speaking in apologetic tones. I bet you wouldnt dare to either. Li Changqiu chuckled and said, I have no intention of leaving anyway. If you give me a clean death when the time comes, I would be more than happy. Yun Yang smiled humorlessly and said, There is still no news from my superior yet, Elder Li will have to wait a bit more. Li Changqiu sighed and said, I understand. He then looked at Yun Yang, not saying anything despite looking like there was something just at the tip of his tongue. Yun Yang took in a deep breath and said, The operation against the Manor of Sirius has been carried out now. I received news that the Manor of Sirius has been uprooted. Great! Li Changqius spirits were lifted as he said cheerfully, What happened to Chu Tianlang? Yun Yang smiled, Elder Lis wish will soon come true. Chu Tianlang has been captured alive, hes being sent over right this moment. When I have finished questioning him, Elder Li can meet the master of the Manor of Sirius. Li Changqiu chortled with pleasure. Chu Tianlang dared betray me, he never would have thought that his day would come as well. Although he has ratted me out, his lifetimes efforts and his life itself would still be buried by mine! What gratifying revenge this is! Yun Yang smiled and said, Ill report to the superior about Elder Lis cooperation and plead with them to let you stay alive. He continued sincerely, I cant guarantee that I can succeed. Still, I am very hopeful that Elder Li will be allowed to live. Li Changqiu looked at Yun Yang in amusement. Arent you afraid that I would exact my revenge on you if I were to live? Yun Yang smiled faintly and said truthfully, I am afraid but I value your life more. Li Changqiu heaved a long sigh, and said in a low voice, I wont be able to stay alive Even if the Concourse of the Underworld doesnt kill me, the Four Seasons Tower will. I am a dead man walking. Yun Yang sighed identical sighs and said sympathetically, Is there no other way? Cant you hide your name and conceal your identity? No one in this world can escape once the Four Seasons Towers begins a hunt. No one! Li Changqiu observed quietly. Yun Yang had no words to say to that. Is the Four Seasons Tower that powerful and mysterious? He forced a smile as he said, At least, we can still chat now. Elder Li, theres something which I really do not understand. I hope Elder Li can enlighten me. Li Changqiu replied, What is it? Obviously, Yun Yangs special treatment had melted some of the ice in Li Changqius heart, as his levels of cooperation began to increase. Yun Yang then continued, According to what I know, the ambush on the Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Cliff much earlier was the doing of the Four Seasons Tower, and it started from Tiantang City. Im very puzzled about this. Li Changqiu kept silent, not saying a word. Yun Yang paid him no mind and he continued as if speaking to himself, Logically, the Nine Supremes are powerful but they are still men; they rank, perhaps similarly to a mere military general of a nation. Although they could fight through thousands of troops and be the decisive factor in victories of wars, their cultivation base would never be any greater or more outstanding when placed in the martial arts world. Li Changqiu remained silent for a long while before saying, Youre wrong in this. You dont know what is the most frightening thing about the Nine Supremes. Yun Yang questioned, Oh? Li Changqiu explained himself, The Nine Supremes abilities are indeed not terribly great. If were looking only at mystical Qi, everyone one of them can only be rated as mediocre. Even the eldest of the Nine Supremes was only a fifth peak in mystical Qi; they wouldnt be able to withstand a direct hit. Youre right. Although a fifth peak in mystical Qi is already an expert, it is still nothing in the eyes of a real expert, true? Yun Yang said in confusion. But the Nine Supremes still have other strengths If that sort of strength grows, there is where the real threat is. Li Changqiu sighed. The Nine Heavens Demesne isnt a place to produce experts of the martial arts world anyway. The might of the Nine Supremes lies not within how powerful they are, but in the peculiar forces that belong to each of the Nine Supremes themselves. These bizarre abilities are what is truly frightening about them! Im sorry, I still dont get it. Yun Yang scratched his head. From what has been observed in the battles the Nine Supremes were involved in, their current prowess would only add to the enemys confusion, raising hell so that the enemy could not coordinate their troops nor formations. Once the Nine Supremes attacked, Supreme Earths ability to manipulate earth C he could change the form of earth under the enemys feet, perhaps collapsing them, or raising the earth up high, even upturning it - while useless in the fights that took place in the martial arts world, could be fatal when two opposite troops are faced against each other! Li Changqiu explained. That is remarkable. Yun Yang said. In addition, both Supreme Flame and Supreme Water share the same characteristics. What would happen if the military camp suddenly catches fire? Or the food supply routes were robbed and completely burned down? Perhaps a flood would appear and swamp the military base, putting the enemy is deep trouble. Its the same for the others. Supreme Wind could support any of them, perhaps Supreme Flame had cast fire but the direction of the wind was deterring him; Supreme Wind could change this and have the wind blow the other way how big of an effect would that be? As for Supreme Thunder, the ability to manipulate lightning and thunder and put them to use on the battlefield? This is what is so frightening about the Nine Supremes in their war strategies. They could decide the fate of millions of troops, their life and death or victory and defeat. But if they fought alone in the martial arts world, they probably wouldnt have as big a reputation as they did, do you understand? And the mightiest part about the Nine Supremes is their veil of mystery! No one knew the Nine Supremes real identities or faces; even among themselves! This is their most formidable aspect. If the Nine Supremes grew, even their mystical Qi cultivation base would be higher. Think about it; which military troop of any nation in this world could be the opponent of Empire of Yutang? Yun Yang then asked, But surely this couldnt be the reason for the Four Seasons Tower to take on the Nine Supremes? As mighty as they were, they arent much of a threat to the Four Seasons Tower. Li Changqiu replied, pondering deeply, I dont know what reason it could be either. But since theyve done it, there has to be a reason. Yun Yang was slightly disappointed. He could not get much information from Li Changqiu either. What level must one be in order to be qualified to know this secret? But in ambushing the Nine Supremes, Elder Lis side must be one of the crucial links, Yun Yang began to spin his deceptions again. Crucial link? Perhaps not! Li Changqiu chuckled with genuine mirth. Weve only supplied some intelligence in the Nine Supremes case, and those definitely arent anything of great importance. Intelligence? Yun Yang laughed and said, Its not an easy feat to discover intelligence about the Nine Supremes either. Li Changqiu then snorted coldly, Thats under Chu Tianlang. God knows where he got the information from, thats why that jerk has always been unwilling to submit to me. That bastard whose son was born without *asshole! Under Chu Tianlang? Yun Yang squinted his eyes and smiled. I will make Chu Tianlang talk. Li Changqiu wore a cruel smile as he said, If you cant get anything out of him, come tell me. I will teach you a few interrogation techniques. Even if hes made of steel, he will tell you whatever it is that you want! Yun Yang smiled, I must come ask for Elder Lis advice then. Li Changqiu chortled as if already seeing Yun Yang use his methods to torture Chu Tianlang. In another secret chamber, Chu Tianlang slowly regained consciousness. As he opened his eyes, his first impression was that he was already safe. However What is this on me? Why am I tied up? These mystical beast tendons had him trussed against a wide pole. Even his cultivation base had been locked. Is this a joke? Arent they on my side? Theyve saved me, they must be on my side Chu Tianlang was disoriented, momentarily uncertain of what was transpiring around him. Is there anyone there? Chu Tianlang asked aloud. Just as his words floated out into the air, he realized that his voice was raspy and rough, as if his throat had been torn. After calling out twice, footsteps came from the outside. Right then, a young man in a purple robe with features like jade entered, Under the dim oil lamp, the face of this young man in purple had Chu Tianlang feeling like he was looking at Adonis. He was immediately enraged, Who are you? Why am I here? Yun Yang smiled an odd smile. Who am I? Chu Tianlang, is this how you should talk to your saving grace? If it werent for me, you wouldve long fallen into the Ximen familys hands. Youre actually questioning me now? Chu Tianlang was bewildered. You saved me? Who else! Yun Yang snorted angrily. Did you lose your memory? You cant recall anything? Chu Tianlang said angrily, If you have saved me, why did you tie me up? How was I supposed to treat your wounds if I didnt tie you up? Yun Yang replied angrily, You behaved exactly like when youre f*cking conscious, tossing here and turning there with so much strength. If I didnt tie you up and lock your cultivation base, was I supposed to wait until you tormented yourself to death? Chu Tianlang was abashed. He had struggled hard when he was unconscious? He looked at the wounds on his body, they were indeed bandaged. He could not help but be apologetic. I see, I am sorry. Can you untie me now then? My limbs are uncomfortable. Uncomfortable? There are more uncomfortable times in store for you., Yun Yang said smiling. 57 Tortured in Interrogation! Chu Tianlang immediately felt that something was wrong. He lifted his head at once, his gaze turning sharp like a hawks and asked, Who are you? With a lift of the corners of his lips, Yun Yang gave a cruel smile and spoke slowly, I can tell you very clearly that C first, Im not from His Majesty the Emperors side; second, Im not with His Highness the crown prince; third, I am not from the Four Seasons Tower. The fear in Chu Tianlangs eyes deepened as he realized that he had fallen into a trap, a vicious trap! He had thought that he had found safety, able to escape from the four noble families but it seemed that he had gotten himself into a worse situation. At least, he knew who the four great families were and their backgrounds. He knew nothing about this youth in front of him. All of your family members have died. Yun Yangs slow voice carried his words clearly. So I can only find out what I want from you. However, I cant threaten you. He looked at Chu Tianlang with a gaze as cold and calm as a pool of water in autumn. I hope youre ready. Chu Tianlang chuckled and said sternly, You can try, see if you can retrieve anything useful from my mouth! Yun Yang said smiling, Of course, of course. I am sure that you wouldn''t tell me everything after just a mere slap. It wouldn''t be fun that way, and theres no sense of achievement from learning and applying. Chu Tianlang smirked, I have nothing left but I still have this set of hard bones. I would want to know how hard your bones really are. Yun Yang said softly, Do you not feel that your whole body is softening as we speak? Chu Tianlang was stunned, calling up his skills to check on himself but he suddenly realized that his mystical skills had vanished. His dantian was bare and empty. His muscles seemed to be loosening as well, even his bones felt brittle and sore; his teeth, too, had gone soft! What accompanied these sensations were wave after wave of dizziness. Shocked, Chu Tianlang remembered something as he lifted his head abruptly. Immortals Odium?! Yun Yang snapped his fingers. The Manor of Sirius master indeed, knows even of the Immortals Odium. I am impressed. Chu Tianlangs expression was one of hopelessness. Yun Yang moved a bench over and sat in front of him. I still have a cup of teas time1 before the Immortals Odium completes its work and you become completely pliant under my hands. We can have a good chat then. Chu Tianlang shut his mouth tightly and closed his eyes, resentment flaring strongly in his heart. He was unwilling to look at Yun Yang or even listen to him! Immortals Odium! It was hearsay that this was an extremely vicious form of skill-spaying medication. Ones cultivation base could still be recovered after the effects of common skill-spaying medications or could be saved with an antidote. It was impossible to do either with Immortals Odium! Ones entire cultivation base would be rendered non-existent once the Immortals Odium entered ones body, even the immortals in the heavens would become an ordinary commoner; at the mercy of others once they ingested Immortals Odium, which gave it its name. He was doomed! Chu Tianlang was clear about that much, in his heart. Even if he could escape alive, he was doomed nonetheless. I didnt want to take you on, master of Manor of Sirius. Yun Yang did not care if he was looking or listening to him and continued talking, After all, you, Chu Tianlang, have a great reputation. Although you have sinned so many times that it would be hard to even list all of them, these are not under my control. Chu Tianlang almost wanted to block his ears; he did not want to listen to this wicked voice. Yet Yun Yangs voice floated over like the wail of a siren as it slipped into his ears. Hearing what he said, he could not help but want to ask, You f*cking dont want to take me on nor care about your fathers business. Then what am I f*cking doing here today? Then he heard Yun Yang say, However, after I received word about you from someone, I immediately decided to destroy you! Chu Tianlang finally could not hold it in any longer and asked, Who? Yun Yang smiled a friendly smile, The nineteenth day of the first month! He had just betrayed Li Changqiu without so much as a blink of an eye. Nineteenth of the first month? Chu Tianlang really wanted to grit his teeth but they were already sore. He faked nonchalance and said, What nineteenth day of the first month? What does it have to do with me? Yun Yang then smiled. What do you think, twenty-first of the first month? Hmm? Chu Tianlang felt weak all over. He knew about the twenty-first day of the first month. What else did he not know about himself then? Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? Who are you, really? Chu Tianlang shouted in a mad rage. When and where had he gained such a formidable enemy? His identity had been kept under wraps, how had it come to light? Who am I? You will know when I deign to tell you. Yun Yang said gently, But you have to follow instructions. Chu Tianlang looked at him with hostility and spat a mouthful of sputum towards him. With a tilt of the head, the sputum flew past his ears. Yun Yang already had his hand stretched out in as he said smiling, You dare to spit at me? Do you know what is the price for a mouthful of spit? One of his hands pressed against Chu Tianlangs body, from his neck to his shoulders and then to his right arm. Simultaneously, his two fingers pressed against Chu Tianlangs pulse. Chu Tianlang was horrified. Devils Convulsion! That was what Yun Yang was using now. Unless one was a veteran who had been through the better parts of his life in the martial arts world, one would not know how to use it. This was a punishment that could terrify people by hearing its name being uttered. Before he could say anything, he felt a tendon in his arm suddenly rise and began rolling and twisting around in his muscles, convulsing in endless waves. The extreme agony was unbearable; Chu Tianlang raised his head to scream Yun Yang stretched his arm and stuffed a rag into his mouth, saying with mild amusement, Dont scream, I like peaceful silence. The tendon in his arm began twisting, from his shoulders to his neck. His bones were splintering from the spasming of his tendons, his shoulders were about to be ripped into two, one of the bones had almost gone to the left shoulder as another rose up almost to his forehead. His elbow had completely turned over, and the tip of his elbow was actually twisted to the front. Large beads of sweat rolled off Chu Tianlangs face, his face was completely contorted; his bloodshot eyes almost bulged out of his eye sockets. He wanted to scream but no sounds could be issued out. The muscles on his face were all twitching madly. Comfortable? Yun Yangs voice was eerily calm. If its not comfortable, I can add your left arm and two legs into it Chu Tianlang stomped both of his legs, his two eyes looking at Yun Yang in agony as his teeth clattered. Oh, I cant bear to look! With a clap of his hands, Chu Tianlangs tendons returned to normal as he breathed in big gulps of air and moaned softly through the gag in his mouth. Yun Yang took the rag out from his mouth and put it aside. Chu Tianlang, still spitting? He then thrust his face forward and said, Come on, spit once more. Chu Tianlang looked at Yun Yangs handsome face and suddenly shuddered in fear. This was a devil! He had just tormented him with such a cruel and vicious tactic but his expression and gaze had remained stoic throughout the entire ordeal! Looking at the face leering at him, Chu Tianlang almost gave in to the temptation to spit again, but he refrained himself after careful thought. Thats a good boy. Yun Yang grinned and patted Chu Tianlangs face insultingly. Listen attentively to my question after this, its fine whether you answer or not. If you dont listen clearly, all four of your limbs will go through Devils Convulsion at the same time! Chu Tianlang roared towards the sky in loathing. Yun Yang was unaffected as he said, I wager that you remember clearly the incident at Tianxuan Cliff. Let me ask you, where did you get the intelligence regarding the Nine Supremes from? Chu Tianlang suddenly stared wide-eyed, looking at Yun Yang as if he had seen a ghost. Did you hear that clearly? Yun Yang asked kindly. Clear. Chu Tianlang could not help but answer as he noticed the madness that lay just beneath Yun Yangs calm eyes. Then speak. Chu Tianlang puffed in short breaths. Suddenly, with a resolute mind, he said, I dont know anything! It would be best if you didnt know. Yun Yang smiled with delight. I like determined men the most. With a stretch of hand, the rag was stuffed into his mouth once more as he said with concern, It will be very painful later. Careful, dont bite your tongue. See how careful I am with you. Both his hands moved briskly, the Devils Convulsion was pressed on all four limbs simultaneously. Chu Tianlang trembled violently Yun Yang turned and walked out calmly. No hurry, Chu Tianlang. Ill make sure you stay alive for at least ten years here. We still have ten years to slowly grind you down. Trust me, as long as dont will it, you wont die. Terror was written all over Chu Tianlangs face. He wanted to speak but piercing agony had already rushed in like a tide. He watched as Yun Yang left, his gaze pleading. Yun Yang was already opening the door. I rather soft-hearted you see, I cant bear to see people in pain, so Ill be headed out. Best if I dont see anything. Manor Master Chu, enjoy yourself. No need to thank me. As he thought about it, he suddenly took a few steps back and pressed his finger against Chu Tianlangs temple accurately without turning around. A cooling sensation flowed through the digit. I almost forgot This force will keep you conscious. We cant have you fainting on us now, can we? Only then did he stroll out the door. Devil! Devil! Chu Tianlang swore furiously in his heart. However, the agony that was like an incoming tide came in wave after wave; it rendered him soundless as he could not even moan in pain. He could only struggle in misery while hearing the bones in his body knocking against each other. Chu Tianlang had discovered for the first time what the term better dead than alive meant. After a quarter of an hour, Yun Yang finally came in through the door again and tapped Chu Tianlangs body with an outstretched hand, saving him from his throes of agony. His smile was sweet as he asked, Manor Master Chu, are you willing to answer me now? Chu Tianlang huffed heavily, taking in gulps of air greedily. His eyes were dead as he felt the last bit of his energy being drained away by the pain. Yun Yang said smiling, Your bones must be really hard indeed! Still not willing to talk? Ill speak! Chu Tianlangs lips were trembling. I only plead that you give me a clean death! Translator Note: 1a cup of teas time (һյʱy zhn ch sh jin): about 10 C 14.4 minutes (time to drink a cup of tea from the moment it is poured into the cup to the moment the last drop is drunk); ancient unit of measurement for time. 58 In Retrospect, the World is My Foe! A clean death? Yun Yang asked. Yes, a clean death would be pleasant, wouldnt it? Let me ask you again, where did you obtain the intelligence on the Nine Supremes from? I I got the intelligence from the nineteenth of the first month its the truth! Chu Tianlang said trembling, The nineteenth of the first month has resources in the military Yun Yang nodded and said, As a reward for your dishonesty, this time an hour. The Devils Convulsion appeared once more but this time, it was not only his four limbs but also his spine as well. Yun Yang was heedless of Chu Tianlangs pleas, and stuffed the rag in his mouth even as he continued to cry, Ill tell! Ill tell!. He then turned to leave. The torment lasted the entire hour. When Yun Yang returned, Chu Tianlang could only exhale and had difficulty breathing in. His entire being was like a pile of mud, soaked through with water. His gaze towards Yun Yang was one of mute appeal. Yun Yang stopped the method on him unhurriedly and said lightly, Did you really get the intelligence from the nineteenth of the first month? I could let you continue to feel this twenty times a day, leaving four hours in between for you to regain your breath. Dont worry, ten years is a long time No, no, no, not the nineteenth of the first month Chu Tianlangs face was ashen as he said anxiously, Its another person but I dont know his identity. But I am certain hes not from the Four Seasons Tower. Go on, Yun Yang sat down and said pleasantly, His appearance, aura, manner, characteristics, weapons, physique. Tell me all about them. As Chu Tianlang recalled the details with all his might, tears and snot ran freely down his face. He had thought that he was all hard bones and could take any kind of punishment and torture but he had overestimated himself. He could not bear the agony any longer. It might be fine if he still had mystical skill within him but it seemed to have dissipated. Of course, the last straw that broke the camels back was the fact that he had no more reason or hope to continue living. His family was gone, his cultivation had been destroyed. What else was he holding on to? It was a very muscular man. He was wearing a mask but I could feel the unique temperament of blood and steel that belong only to those in the military. He had a very imposing manner, like one that holds a high position. At the very least, he would fit right in among the generals. He was about eight feet tall, the joints on his hands were wide and big, his voice was full and deep but it seemed put-on, like a disguise. When addressing him, I have only ever called him higher official I dont know his real name. His body had a strong scent of blood, a fiendish air that comes about from wanton murder. Chu Tianlang was absolutely serious in his recitation, careful not to miss a single word. Yun Yang squinted his eyes slightly as he searched for this person in his mind based on Chu Tianlangs description. He was now completely sure that Chu Tianlang was not lying to him. What he said was all true. Chu Tianlangs gaze had already broken down, his pupils were a hazy blur. This could not be faked. High ranking, gone through wars and slaughter; imposing, well-built, muscular, wide joints Yun Yang mentally shuffled his connections and acquaintances based on the description. Of course, he had to consider the possibility that this person had altered his appearance. Anyone Yun Yang had filtered out were only suspects at this stage. What else? Yun Yang asked calmly. No more Chu Tianlang thought hard but shook his head blearily. B*llshit! Yun Yang said with a cold edge to his voice, Whose man was it! You, Chu Tianlang, dont you dare tell me that you havent made your own judgment on this! Chu Tianlang shuddered and said, I would guess that he was a prince''s man But I really cant tell exactly who he was supporting. I had thought he was from the crown prince but I discovered later that it was ambiguous, and may not be at all. Yun Yang frowned. This answer was out of his expectation. He had almost locked his target down to the crown prince but was there now a plot twist here? What proof do you have? Yun Yang asked. Young master may have known that His Highness the crown prince and I could be considered as acquaintances. Besides, His Highness the crown prince has specifically paid a visit to the Manor of Sirius to thank my saving grace. A year ago, His Highness the crown prince has come over once more to take his ease. He seemed to have a heavy heart, sighing and grieving over the Nine Supremes death. He also loathed the situation in the imperial court too. I watched as His Highness the crown prince expressed his true feelings, he didnt seem to bother to put up a front. Chu Tianlang thought about it as he said, It was also from that time onwards that I began to have my suspicions. Yun Yangs brows locked into a deep frown like the three vertical lines that formed a Chinese character. That year when youd saved His Highness the crown prince from danger, was it from a collaborated plot? Or did you plot it yourself? Could it somehow have been a coincidence? Yun Yang asked. It was a collaborated plot. Chu Tianlang was now speaking truthfully without hiding anything. Collaborated plot Yun Yang continued, Then how did you know of the whereabouts of His Highness the crown prince? Chu Tianlang answered woefully, We have one of our men by His Highness the crown princes side. I dont know who this person is but he must have a pivotal role amongst the significant figures around His Highness the crown prince. Yun Yang nodded. What else do you know? For example, on the single-way communication as the twenty-first of the first month, do you know who your lower contact is? Who is you upper contact? How many others do you know of? Chu Tianlangs mind was clearly struggling to answer this. As he lifted his eyes, only Yun Yangs gentle and kind expression greeted him. He could not help but shudder as he said, I know that the nineteenth of the first month is a blacksmith. The twentieth of the first month is a general in the military, his alias is Zhenbei. Ive contacted him before but he was also wearing a mask at that time. I could see a curly beard under his mask, grayish and white. The twenty-second of the first month is an official in the palace. I dont know his real name either. I dont know about the rest as well. Yun Yang was surprised. The infiltration of the Four Seasons Tower was petrifying. Among those Yun Yang was aware of, there was already a Deputy Minister of Board of War, an aide of His Highness the crown prince, an unknown general, an official in the palace, a military general with the alias Zhenbei, a blacksmith, and a master of the Manor of Sirius in the martial arts world. It was absolutely terrifying. The Four Seasons Tower had its presence in every profession. However, this Chu Tianlang had obviously known more than the nineteenth of the first month. It was no wonder Chu Tianlang was unwilling to be subservient as much as Li Changqiu minded about this, Yun Yang thought to himself. What you know seems to already have extended past your job scope, Yun Yang commented coldly. I Ive been taking notice secretly and wished to move a step up. Chu Tianlang said, I had plans of my own. As long as Ive reached the position of hall master, the Supreme Lord will pass the Occult of Immortality Yun Yangs soul trembled slightly. Occult of Immortality? Or so it is Chu Tianlang wore a forlorn expression. Ive worked on it for so many years and have only gotten this much out. Furthermore, theyre all extremely vague. Anything else? Since youve met this General Zhenbei, you must have observed more than this. Yun Yangs gaze was chilling as he stared relentlessly at Chu Tianlang. He was very tall, about eight feet in height, muscular and well-built. He probably weighed about two hundred catties. He had about him the air of a superior who could determine life and death. Chu Tianlang tried his best to recall everything he could. He must have a pretty high position. Oh, right His eyes suddenly shone with remembered details. What is it? Yun Yangs eyes glinted as well. This person is a satyr. He had come to my manor previously on some other matter and Id arranged a maid to share his bed. According to the maid, his buttocks had a crescent shaped scar on the left cheek. Yun Yang attention perked up at that. Satyr, scar on the left buttock. This was an important hint. At least, there was something distinct to go on. Although the spot was not exactly decent, it would still be easier to find the person with his personality and mark given. He glanced askance at Chu Tianlang. This fellow was really something indeed! He had arranged a maid to sleep with him. No wonder he wore a look of embarrassment on his face! And then This time, Chu Tianlang thought long and hard before he finally gave, I really know no more Yun Yang frowned and asked, Then why did the Four Seasons Tower want to take on the Nine Supremes? The struggle within Chu Tianlang was obvious to anyone observing him; the question was testing the limits of his acquiescence. Yun Yang was in no hurry, and spoke in an even tone, The Four Seasons Tower is a titan, but it has no conflict with the worldly imperial power. It has never wanted to occupy the whole world as its own but operates as a transcendent underground force In the past, the Four Seasons Tower has never done anything during the rise and fall of nations. Why wipe out the Nine Supremes this time around? Chu Tianlang only kept quiet as a reply. Yun Yang smiled gently and stood up saying, Since youre not willing to answer, I wont force you either. Have a rest first, Ill heal your injuries. I will come ask you again three days later when youre just about recovered. Chu Tianlang shuddered as he quickly said, No, no, Ill tell! Continuous torment was a totally different matter compared to giving one enough time to heal then going through the torment all over again. Just thinking about the feeling had Chu Tianlangs whole body twitching in remembered agony. Yun Yang stood and smiled faintly. I wont force you to. Im willing to speak. Chu Tianlang hissed. I only beg that you let me die after I finish. Yun Yang said indifferently, That is impossible. I will need to verify everything that youve said. After that, I will naturally let you have a gratifying death should you deserve it. I know what Ive said is vague. I made a lot of my own assumptions based on my observations. Chu Tianlangs voice was weak. Regarding the Nine Supremes, the first reason seems to be if they were to continually develop their forces, they would eventually be able to conquer the world. Our Supreme Lord was very bothered by this possibility. This is what I inferred Yun Yang lowered his gaze as he said softly, Go on. There are a lot of people who wanted the Nine Supremes to vanish from the face of the earth including people from inside Yutang itself, the military and the imperial court, the royals and the nobles. The sentiment was even stronger in other nations Moreover, there were a lot of mysterious figures and clans that helped in taking on the Nine Supremes. This is all that I know Chu Tianlang diligently recalled. I remember there were a few lines of prophecy running about in the martial arts world that time but they disappeared rather quickly. Yun Yang frowned almost instantly as he spoke nonchalantly, "When the Nine Supremes unite, there will be an upheaval of heaven and earth, of the world and empires alike. The Nine Supremes shall reign unchallenged." Chu Tianlang lifted his head abruptly. Correct! Exactly those words! Yun Yang inhaled deeply. Chu Tianlang said, I remember that the words, supreme monopoly had wreaked havoc at that time, as this was uttered by Heavens Inquisition! It was a prediction of the future! Yun Yang sighed slowly and murmured, So thats how it is The whole world wants the Nine Supremes to dieA chilling glow flashed across his eyes. Heavens Inquisition. What were Heavens Inquisitions intentions, to utter such words? His prophecies, combined with the legend of the Nine Heavens Demesne, was certain to put the Nine Supremes in the publics crosshairs...the target of the martial arts world and everyone else! Last question. Yun Yang said, Who is your hall master? Who is the Supreme Lord? Chu Tianlang smiled bitterly. I believe whoever you asked wont know this either. Yun Yang nodded without surprise. Right. Yun Yang exited the secret chamber to the courtyard and sat under the flower canopy quietly, feeling the mounting pressure. As the incidents mystery was being unveiled bit by bit, Yun Yang realized that the enemies he had to face had increased proportionally. A chilling breeze blew by under the icy moon. Yun Yang suddenly needed a strong drink. There are a lot of people who wanted the Nine Supremes to vanish from the face of the earth including people from inside Yutang itself, the military and the imperial court, the royals and the nobles. The sentiment was even stronger in other nations Moreover, there were a lot of mysterious figures and clans that helped in taking on the Nine Supremes from inside Yutang itself, the military and the imperial court, the royals and the nobles mysterious figures and clans. Yun Yang mumbled, his handsome face suddenly turned hard and menacing. We guard homes and protect the nation, we risk our lives and flirt with death; we braved so many wars and battles, we have no other hidden agendas. All of this for what? 59 Marquis Yun. Alehouse! Yun Yangs heart was heavy. These bits and pieces of information had genuinely upset him. Advisor of the crown prince, officials from imperial court, generals in the military, servants of the palace and the so-called General Zhenbei of the twentieth of the first month. Yun Yang was sure it was a fake alias. Yun Yang had planned to call for the Nine Heavens Dictum and have them investigate the situation once he came across any hints. He dared not do so now. It was not that he was afraid to go against these people.He simply did not dare to let the Nine Heavens Dictum do it. The involvement was becoming too widespread. If those children got to know that their most respected bosses were killed by these people whom they had been protecting, only God knew what they would do. It was for certain, though, that Empire of Yutang would be in mayhem. He thought about His Majesty the Emperor who had spat blood and fainted several times, about the old marshal who had overworked and worried himself sick for this, about the millions of citizens of the Empire of Yutang who would be sacrificed once havoc erupted Yun Yang gritted his teeth and gulped down all the despair in his heart. I shall bear this alone! Watch as I single-handedly plunge this world into chaos. Yun Yang thought about Heavens Inquisitions words and could not help but enunciate it word by word, I shall reign... unchallenged. Yun Yang stood under the flower canopy; he was in the heart of Tiantang City, the lights were bright and merry around him. Yet at this moment, he felt extremely lonely. It was a despondent sense of loneliness. Yun Yang had a feeling that he was the only one that existed under the many stars in the night sky. He was the heart of heaven and earth. Despite the crowd and overwhelming tide of people, he was entirely alone. Yun Yang heaved a faint sigh. Lao Mei stood behind him quietly. Looking at Yun Yang, he could distinctly feel Yun Yangs loneliness; it was a desolate loneliness that resided in the heart. He could not help but feel sad for him. He could tell that his young master was shouldering a burden as heavy as the mountains. Young master, Lao Mei spoke softly. What is it? Yun Yang did not turn around. Lao Mei was silent for while, before he said in a low voice, Im really rather curious about young masters identity. Yun Yang smiled to himself. Curious? Yes. Throughout this whole year, Ive sent hundreds and millions of fortune out under young masters instructions. Lao Mei said, Now, we have taken down Li Changqiu and captured Chu Tianlang. Although young master has always stayed behind the scenes, these people arent insignificant characters in any sense of the word. Young master has seized both of them without much effort and does not allow anyone to be near during interrogation. Lao Mei said seriously, I know that young master is doing something important and does not want anyone to know about it, but Lao Mei is no outsider after all. I want to help young master as well. Yun Yang smiled warmly. I know. He then looked at Lao Mei. Lao Mei, you are one of the people I trust most regardless of the situation. Im not letting you know anything now because I am uncertain myself. It is not yet time. One day, you will know. I shall let you know. Yun Yang said gently, Lao Mei, please wait patiently. If I didnt trust you, I wouldnt have you involved in so many things Lao Mei understands, Lao Mei replied. Dont tell Marquis Yun these things, Yun Yang said softly. Lao Meis heart skipped a beat. Marquis Yun! Yun Yang had called Yun Xiaoyao as Marquis Yun! What did this mean? Thousands of miles away from Tiantang City, a tall silhouette dressed in black was flying in its direction. With a tiptoe, his entire being had skipped over a distance of a hundred feet like he was flying. Each step took him a hundred feet away! There was not a single misstep. He moved with the wind in this place where human activities were scarce. His black clothes fluttered, his handsome face calm with eyes black and deep; he wore a long black robe, a black belt tied around his waist as a long sword in a black scabbard hung by his side. Just as he entered the forest, rustles came from the fringes as a dozen men in black appeared from every direction. The man in the lead shouted, Is the man in front Marquis Yun? The persons gaze lifted slightly and did not answer but everyone could feel his bold stare answering for him, I am! Absolute Swordmaster Seven Stroke Death Yun Xiaoyao A swordsman from the martial arts world, now ranked as an official in the imperial court, you have enjoyed enough wealth. You are to come with us. The masked man in black laughed maniacally. With a wave of his hand, he shouted, Capture him! Marquis Yun who stood on the opposing side looked calmly at the dozen men in black charging towards him; within a heartbeat, he was floating in the air. With a flutter of his black robe, he raced serenely towards them. With an elegant swipe of his right hand against his waist, a ray of sword light appeared in his hands. There were sounds of the air splitting as he raised them high. Sha, sha, sha. Sky-blue lightning bolts suddenly cut through the air, brightening the night sky. Just as the men in black clashed with Marquis Yun, each of their throats spurted blood simultaneously; their eyes sparkling with disbelief. The chilling tip of Marquis Yuns sword had already pierced the leaders chest with an elegant sky blue aftertrail. The blade was as cool as water, the blue glow throwing gentle sparks about. The two of them stared at each other with a sword in between them. The man in blacks gaze was hopeless and disbelieving; Marquis Yuns gaze was calm like snow, nothing in it had changed. You you are are not at the sixth peak you youre ninth The man in black spoke with great difficulty. Looking at the sword in his chest, he could only feel the depletion of his energy as his life leaked out. It was all a joke, and he had been the butt of it. A ninth heaven otherworldly expert. Who was it that said he was only a sixth peak? And they were foolish enough to try to ambush a ninth heaven expert? This this was a setup! I was never a sixth peak. Marquis Yun spoke lightly, Who sent you? The man in black made some incoherent sounds as he mumbled, You think you could get it out from me? Marquis Yun nodded indifferently. With further force, the sword went entirely through his chest. Clang! The long sword went back into its scabbard. Marquis Yuns silhouette was already another hundred feet away by then. With another flash, he disappeared. I dont plan on asking! What should come, will come! I have my sword, and that will be enough! His long silhouette vanished into the forest as he flew towards Tiantang City. In the nightfall, he had turned into a speck of light. In the forest, the masked man in black looked at the bloodied gap on his chest in disbelief, not expecting that the other party would kill him so abruptly. Wasnt he about to ask something? Why didnt he ask then? He was so transparent. With confusion, the man in black slowly fell backward. The twelve bodies of the black clothed men laid on the ground, fallen facing in twelve directions. Twelve of their heads were almost touching each other, their legs spread outwards. It was like an extremely symmetrical flower had bloomed on the ground. A direct slash of the sword and the flower of blood blooms; killing twelve in a single stroke, therein lies the formation of life. There was a tiny alehouse by a corner in Tiantang City. The tiny alehouse had no name. The business was obviously poor, there were no customers. A white-haired old man sat on a small stool in front of the door, his eyes murky as he was about to fall asleep. Yun Yang appeared in the nightfall and came to the side of this old man saying, Old Dugu, a customer is here. The old man hummed a few times in reply, his eyes bleary in old age. What do you want to eat, sir? A warm smile came about on Yun Yangs face as he said, I wish to have the Chinese cabbage tofu dish that you make. Also, I would like a bit of Concentric Wine. The old man lifted his head and looked at Yun Yang. This sir does not look familiar. Yun Yang replied, Those who have eaten your Chinese cabbage tofu dish however unfamiliar they look, they will become familiar anyway. The old mans eyes shone as he said, Right, right, that makes sense. Please follow me. Yun Yang walked into the shop. The old man was just behind him as he actually put on the door panel and hung a sign outside. Shop closed. He was not receiving any other customers. This small shop of mine it has been a long time since anyone came in for a drink Old Dugu busied himself, hunching his body while he said in a low voice, If you hadnt come today, I was going to close down and leave if there werent any more people coming in the next few days. Yun Yang was in a trance, he looked around the tiny, dirty, shop as emotions rushed to his eyes. He could still remember each time they came back from a mission, all of them would use all sorts of tactics and methods to find their way here and gather. Each brother would sit at separate tables and drink alone but their occasional meeting of eyes were all filled with delight and happiness. Were together again. Now, the small tables were all still here in this shop. Each table was only about two feet wide and could only fit a dish, a pot of wine, and a goblet; there was no other space for anything else. All eighteen tables were arranged along the sides of the wall, neat and tidy. Yun Yang subconsciously went towards the ninth table and sat down. He could not help but scan the other few tables. Old Dugu looked at Yun Yangs expression and suddenly lowered his head, two drops of his old tears landed on the floor. He then carefully scrubbed the wok and the rest of the utensils. He did his work delicately. A Chinese cabbage that was translucent like jade then appeared on the chopping board. His fingers felt around and a hidden shelf appeared on the wall in front of him. He took out a kitchen knife that was gleaming with an icy glow from the shelf and murmured as if there was no one around, Do you want to learn this craft of mine? Do you want to learn how to make a Chinese cabbage tofu dish? This Chinese cabbage, you have to devein it This tofu, needs to be the water used has to Yun Yang listened attentively and finally said softly, Old Dugu, will you leave as well? Old Dugus hazy gaze froze in the void, dazed as he murmured, Everyone has left All the old customers have left They wont come again Whats the use of me staying here? Yun Yang felt his heart squeeze in pain and said, Ill come often. You wont come often, you cant come often too. Old Dugu mumbled, This is the last meal I am making for you. In his hazy eyes, the sparkle of tears danced. Yun Yang was quiet. Wont come often, you have too much to do; cant come often, it will affect your emotions coming here. Yun Yang understood. He was silent. Old Dugu was silent as well, as he went about with his cooking. The sound of the kitchen knife and of boiling oil an indescribable aroma filled the entire tiny shop. A strange sense of loneliness and a strange sense of warmth swarmed Yun Yangs heart. A dish of Chinese cabbage tofu was placed in front of him. The Chinese cabbage was like an emerald jade, translucent and clear; the tofu was like an ivory jade, white and untainted; the soup was like the sapphire sea and blue sky. A pot of wine was placed in front of Yun Yang, its fragrant scent greeted his nose. Old Dugu, serve the other eight tables a pot of wine and a dish too, Yun Yangs voice was raspy, unable to help himself. Old Dugu paused in a stunned silence before he murmured, Serve them? Serve them! Yun Yangs head was lowered, his voice hoarse and tinged with a faint tremble. F*ck hiding my identity. Im here now, I want to eat and drink with my brothers! 60 Old Dugu. The Medallion of Gratitude On the other eight tables, dishes and wine were served on their tiny surfaces; even the goblets were filled. Yun Yang sat down alone with his head lowered. He ate a mouthful of the dish and then drank another mouthful of wine, not speaking a word. Old Dugu sat at a corner looking at the eight empty seats, looking at the dishes and wine served on the eight tiny tables. After looking for a while, he slowly closed his eyes. Two tracks of tears streamed down silently. I found a place. Supreme Bloods voice was ecstatic. We can go drink there. Where is it? Is it reliable? Of course! Besides, the old man there only knows how to make one dish, that is the Chinese cabbage tofu. It is absolutely the best! Only Chinese cabbage tofu? Only Chinese cabbage tofu. Then we must go try it out. Not bad indeed. Big brother, let us all go next time. Alright. That old mans personality is peculiar; his business is terrible and there arent many people who visit. When we go, we can pay him more too. Alright. Last nights drinking was gratifying. Me too. I feel very relaxed going to that small shop. I havent felt this way for a long time! Olnine seems to have gotten drunk last night. Everyone, please be understanding. Olnine is still a child, he doesnt know anything yet. His hair isnt fully grown, and he tries to drink? Hahaha! Youre the child! Your whole family are all children! Youre the one whose hair hasnt fully grown! And yours has? Show us! Hahaha Yun Yang drank goblet by goblet as bits and pieces of his memories rushed into his mind. His memory of each incident was so clear as if all eight brothers were still sitting at their own seats, drinking and looking at the other brothers silently. Each of them was still happy and content. The fragrance of the wine and dishes merged together as if the souls of the nine brothers had melded together as well. Yun Yang drank another gulp of wine. Suddenly, a pang of sadness squeezed through his heart as he coughed and choked all at once. Cough, cough, cough He covered his mouth and lowered his head deeply, coughing endlessly as the tears dropped from his eyes bead by bead. It was a long while later when his coughing stopped. In his heart, he had already reported his discoveries during this period of time to his brothers, Im doing it, Im doing it! Have you fellows seen it? Old Dugu, where will you go? Yun Yangs voice was low and dull. I dont know either, Old Dugu said blearily. Come to my house. Yun Yang said, My residence is extremely lacking in manpower. No. Old Dugu looked at the back of Yun Yang who was half laying on the table lovingly, like an elderly looking at his weakened son who could no longer bear the heavy weight on his shoulders. He continued in his coarse voice, I have things to do as well Yun Yang said in a daze, Yes we have things to do After a long while, Yun Yang finally stood up, looking at the tiny tables longingly, looking at the eight dishes and wine that remained untouched; he could barely contain the sorrow in his heart as he closed his eyes and said in a raspy voice, I will be leaving now. Looking at Yun Yangs back that vanished after turning a corner, Old Dugus remained sitting there for a long time. The midnight breeze caressed his wrinkled face, the lines on his face were like the etches of better times that had passed. Child youre too worn out Old Dugu murmured soundlessly, Blood is my only family I picked the little fellow back from his swaddled blanket in the middle of the snow storm, watched him grow up day by day, watched him achieve merits and contribute to the nation day by day. In the end Ive received such news in return Thankfully there is at least still one left... Old Dugus expression gradually changed. Since there is still someone left, I am relieved as well. I am going to do what I should have done. A blood debt how can I not requite it! His sight turned sharp, like two strikes of lightning that sliced through the night sky, and his hunched figure by the door of the shop straightened. Boom! A soundless aura poured in a large gush. Behind him, the entire shop, including the tables and chairs, the kitchen utensils, and the whole house, turned into powder without a single squeak. Then with a spin of his body, his entire being vanished as if melted into the air. Yun Yang walked on the street, a depressing gloom was all that loomed over him. Cant I go to the shop anymore after this last time? In front of him, a faint shadow of a person suddenly appeared before his eyes. The person looked as if he was standing amidst a cloud of fog, he could not be seen clearly. Yun Yang could only see a vague outline. Young one, here is a gift for you. This blurry silhouette said and with a wave of his hand, Yun Yang felt something was placed in his robe. He called out into the night, Old Dugu? He could detect the scent of oil and smoke. Could it be that this Old Dugu was actually an otherworldly expert? The blurry silhouette did not reply, disappearing into thin air with a swoosh, leaving nothing behind. Yun Yang lifted his head and looked around. There were only blinking stars and the bright moon in the sky. Had there been a blurry silhouette at all? His extended his hand into his robe and took the item out, dumbfounded when he saw what it was. It was a metal plaque, dark red all over. In the middle was a word etched, Gratitude. It was made of Nine heavens mystical steel, a dictum to requite gratitude! Yun Yang was shocked. This was a kingly gift! The Medallion of Gratitude! There had been an otherworldly swordsman in the martial arts world who had mined steel of the nine heavens and the refined essence of deep ocean to forge three secret weapons that were called the Dictum of Soul Pursuer! However, his swordsmanship had improved to the point where it was peerless. The Dictum of Soul Pursuer had become useless by then C a man and his sword was enough to run the world, why else would he need secret weapons? Therefore, he remade the three secret weapons into the three Medallions of Gratitude. There were three people who had helped him tremendously or had saved his life; he had subsequently given the medallions to them. The meaning was clear, As long as the Medallion of Gratitude reaches me, I will do one thing for you as recompense C regardless of what it is! Regardless what it is C four very heavy words! No one knew who he had given them to but among the three Medallions of Gratitude, the return of two medallions had wreaked havoc on the world. One of the medallions return had the Empire of Ziyous His Highness the crown prince, alongside his guards in the Residence of Crown Prince, aides, advisors, concubines, maids, eunuch C a total of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight people - dead under the sword of this swordsman. The return of another Medallion of Gratitude had the School of Slashing Saber uprooted C everyone after the schools master in the most powerful clan of the martial arts world at that time were all slaughtered. It was a grand total of three thousand people who had lost their lives for just being in the school. Until now, the remaining survivors from the School of Slashing Sabers dared not address themselves as members of the said school in the martial arts world. After the swordsman had killed the crown prince of Ziyou, the Empire of Ziyou had sent countless experts to capture him but he had remained unharmed. Instead, those sent to pursue him had all died under his sword with no exception. It was from then on that this swordsman was called the Unrivaled Swordsman! Jun Moyan was his name. He crosses thousands of mountains in black clothes and wields a black blade, this sword is in the hands of Jun Moyan;he overlooks the worldly matters from above the clouds, the return of the Medallion of Gratitude shakes the heaven and earth. Two of the three Medallions of Gratitude had been returned. This also meant that the Medallion of Gratitude in Yun Yangs hands was the one and only piece in this world! With this medallion, he could summon the Unrivaled Swordsman Jun Moyan once! Regardless of what his need was. Yun Yang sucked in a breath and turned around in a quick sprint. Who was this Old Dugu? How had he come to possess such an earth-shattering item? However, this gift was too much to accept; Yun Yang dared not receive it with the weight it bore. Yet when he had returned to where the alehouse had stood, he only saw a floor covered with powder. There was not even scum where the alehouse had been; only powder as fine as sand was left covering the ground in a thick layer. On the wall by the side, a piece of paper was tacked onto it with the shiny kitchen knife. It was an empty piece of white paper. With a command from his heart, Yun Yang grabbed onto the spiritual Qi in the air and soaked the paper with it. A row of handwriting surfaced on it slowly, Do not look for me! My son has died, someone has to pay the price. Be at Yutang, I will go Dongxuan, Ziyou, Tianci, and Dayuan. Laid within the handwriting was a great and murderous intent. Yun Yang shuddered. My son has died! My son. Who? He thought of Supreme Blood who had always made a fuss to come here every time and who was always happy whenever this place was mentioned. This place had been discovered by Supreme Blood as well. This is Supreme Bloods father! My brothers father. This aged father had quietly looked over his children here, right at this old shabby alehouse, to this day. Even if he had otherworldly skills, he had lived on poorly. That was because he knew that as long as he was here, his son could find him. His children would have a home. Each time he cooked for his children, his heart was filled with happiness. He needed not the instability of the martial arts world, he needed not renowned reputation. He had only wanted to see his children safe. He had been waiting here when the whole world had announced the death of the Nine Supremes, he was still waiting for a slim hope; he had waited for one long year. Finally, Yun Yang had arrived. The old man could be completely eased of his worries now, yet he had also completely given up hope! The moment Yun Yang asked him to serve dishes and wine to the other eight tables, he knew his child was really gone. He knew not who this remaining one was, who among the nine people he was but he would never ask. A secret shall remain a secret. The childrens secrets were also his secrets! He had left immediately after he was sure he had seen one of them, one with his real face. He was going to exact revenge. This trip he was going on would be full of uncertainties and bloodied fights but he would not return anymore C because his heart had died. He had left Medallion of Gratitude before he left. Keeping the Medallion of Gratitude with me would at most kill a few more people but keeping it with this child could unleash an unimaginable force. Besides, let it be an amulet for my child from me! I shall tell Jun Moyan that Ive given the Medallion of Gratitude to this child. With the Medallion of Gratitude from the Unrivaled Swordsman on him, who would dare touch my child? Uncle! Yun Yangs heart was trembling fiercely. He suddenly growled to the sky, Why didnt you tell us earlier? He then collapsed onto the ground, tears streaming like a gushing spring. If only he had known earlier, that this was his brothers father I yearn for a family too. Even if youre my brothers father, youre my father too Why have you never said so? Why didnt you stay? I could have been a filial son! Even if it was revenge, couldnt we have achieved it together? At the South gate of Tiantang City, a grey blurry shadow had flown as if riding on a cloud out from the city gate to the outside of the city amidst the night fog and through the air. He inhaled deeply and turned to look back. Tiantang City stood proudly in the velvet night, magnificent and unmoved. My child, take care. He sighed lightly and made his way towards the distance, his body hunched over. On the opposite, a tall black clothed silhouette had rushed over flying from further away in the night. Both men met head on. A sense of extreme danger rose in Marquis Yuns heart as if he had suddenly met an enemy who would be difficult to overcome. This person was filled with a terrible rage and emanated an aggressive, destructive, and explosive aura. He was like a volcano waiting to erupt. Marquis Yun could not help but shudder as he looked towards the elderly man with a hunched back in front of him. When Old Dugus bleary eyes met Marquis Yuns face, he actually smiled and said gently, Take care! His body then sprung from the ground into the air and disappeared with a thunderclap, leaving not a single trace behind. Marquis Yun was sweating cold bullets. It was at this moment that he finally knew who this person was. Shocking thunder quakes the sky, thunderbolts follow wherever he goes; the name of Dugu is a lonesome one in the worldly realm! Dugu Jimo, a matchless expert that was just like a myth C why did he suddenly come out from Tiantang City? When was he even in Tiantang City? And he told me to take care! What does that mean? 61 A Conversation Between ‘Father and Son’ Yun Yangs mood was glum all the way back to the Residence of Yun. The Medallion of Gratitude was snuggled against his chest but it only made his heart feel waves of burning heat. Hopefully we shall meet again in the future. Yun Yangs gaze was determined. I shall definitely let the elderly enjoy the happiness of a family! Old sir, you must take care. He took a step into the house and before he could even readjust his emotions, he spotted Lao Mei looking at him with a strange expression. In the courtyard, another person stood with his back facing him. With a single glance, Yun Yang immediately understood what was going on. Lao Mei, you may take your leave, Marquis Yun said softly. Yes. Although Lao Mei was curious about the relationship between this father and son duo and was sorely tempted to stay back to watch, he had no choice but to leave upon Marquis Yuns command. You have returned. How have you fared? Yun Yangs smile was rather relaxed. Well, all things considered. Marquis Yun smiled casually too. He turned and looked at Yun Yang with an odd expression. Ive already killed the leaders of eight boorish tribes in the barren south. At least the southwest sector is now rudderless without their leaders. Yun Yang breathed in as his face took on an expression of confusion. I was just asking out of courtesy. This is your own affair, why are you telling me about it? Im not the one making you do all these things. How have you been of late? Marquis Yun said. Im alright, same old same old. Yun Yang droned in an unenthusiastic tone. Anyway, Im living a rather carefree life. Marquis Yun smiled. That is all well and good, just as long as you dont wreak your usual havoc. Yun Yang laughed and asked, Are you going out again? When will you return? Marquis Yun raised his eyebrows and said, Im making a trip to the grassland in a few days. The grasslands. Yun Yang hummed and said, The grasslands are unlike the barren south; countless experts dwell there. You have to be careful. Of course. This was indeed an unusual father and son relationship. The father did not have the demeanor of a father while son did not have the demeanor of a son either. They closely resembled a pair of courteous friends who had met by chance and were catching up without genuine interest. After a short exchange, both of them actually ran out of things to say. I will head on to bed now, Yun Yang said. Alright then. I have something to ask you. Marquis Yun told Yun Yang. I have always been very curious about your identity. Since you saved my life outside the Great Wall three years ago, I am aware that youre no ordinary person. But, who are you, really? Marquis Yuns gaze was extremely puzzled. At that time, you had me arrange this identity for you, saying that you would explain to me the reason three years later. Its been three years since. Yun Yang was stunned by his good memory. He smiled bitterly and said, Marquis Yun is but a person with a wealthy background. Almost no one knows that Marquis Yun is actually a descendent of the late emperor, surviving beyond the walls of the palace for all these years. You and His Majesty are actually blood brothers. Marquis Yun snorted. Although Marquis Yun has always roamed the martial arts world and never stepped foot into the imperial court, you still act with the welfare of the Empire of Yutang as a priority. When His Majesty was ambushed then and was helped by Marquis Yun, it was not a coincidence but your close attention to your own brother that has allowed you to save him in time. It was also because of that incident that gave His Majesty an opportunity to bestow upon you the title of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds. As for the late emperor who had named you Xiaoyao then, it was his deepest wish that you never take part in the imperial court. But it was through someones schemes that Marquis Yun met with danger three years ago. It was through fate that I managed to aid Marquis Yun then, seizing the opportunity to ask for a favor and to obtain this identity as Marquis Yuns son. Yun Yang said, I told you then that I would tell you the truth three years later. I do not deny my statement. Marquis Yun looked at him with a fiery gaze. He believed that Yun Yang was not simply blabbering when he suddenly began to gab. Since he had spoken about this at such a time, he had to have something in mind. No one can deny that Marquis Yun has served Yutang wholeheartedly. Yun Yang continued, We have something in common then, you and I. We were born as Yutangs man, and will die as Yutangs ghost. Marquis Yuns expression turned slightly delighted. However, I am still unable to reveal the entire truth to you because it still isnt the right time yet. Yun Yang lifted his head, his eyes boring straight into Marquis Yuns. I can only tell you that I am related to the Nine Heavens Dictum. Marquis Yun trembled. His gaze was suddenly feverish as his attitude became respectful at once, The Nine Supremes sirs Nine Heavens Dictum? Yun Yangs gaze glinted merrily. Im an undercover agent. It is enough that Marquis Yun knows this. Undercover! Marquis Yun understood tacitly. The Nine Heavens Dictums undercover agent. That simply meant that it should not be made known to anyone. I understand. Marquis Yun said, I offer my services if theres anything you need help with. Yun Yang then replied, I wont hesitate to ask if theres really something I need. But for now, and perhaps for a very long time more, I will need this identity. I understand. Marquis Yuns gaze was burning with passion. Since this is an affair of the Nine Supremes, it is a matter which concerns the whole Empire of Yutang. Please dont worry. Even if I, Yun Xiaoyao, die a horrible end, I shall never expose this secret. Yun Yang nodded and said softly, But Marquis Yun has to be alert as well. His Majestys children have all grown up they have their own ideas now. Marquis Yun sighed and nodded faintly. Yun Yang sighed as well. The Nine Heavens Dictums undercover agent. Right now, Yun Yang could only cook up an identity to curb any suspicions in Marquis Yuns heart. Moreover, Yun Yang believed that this Marquis Yun would never expose his secret. Besides, if Marquis Yun had really leaked his identity as a Nine Heavens Dictums undercover agent Yun Yang had countless methods to get himself out of the mess that would undoubtedly ensue. He did not really have many restraints. How many more days before you leave for the grassland? Ten days hence. Thats a good time to avoid the turmoil in the imperial court. I still have to meet His Majesty before I leave. Marquis Yun said frowning, The Empire of Yutang is already unstable, it can only get worse with these princes whims and fancies. If this goes on, how could any good come out of it? They have to keep themselves in check. Yun Yang smiled and said nothing. In his heart though, His Majesty the Emperor is also worried sick about this now, arent you adding oil to the fire by going over and bringing this up? It looks like Marquis Yun doesnt have much aptitude for politics. After a few more words, Marquis Yun took a package out and said, I came across a ferocious beast when I was at the southern border. Upon defeating it, I discovered that the creature was guarding a blood-colored lingzhi mushroom. Ive consumed half of it; my cultivation base has gone into the ninth heaven from the eighth level peak This is the other half. Marquis Yun said, I know you suffer troubles with your body. Three years ago, when you saved me, your mystical Qi was already at the third heaven peak. Now, its barely there. Perhaps this could help. Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit, feeling the excitement that emanated from Emmie. He nodded reluctantly and said, Thank you. Youre welcome. Marquis Yun patted his shoulder gently. Im entering the palace early in the morning tomorrow then Ill be visiting a few friends in the afternoon. I wont be home for these next few days. Yun Yang replied, Then meet me once more before you leave. Certainly. If anyone had overheard this between father and son, their eyeballs would have dropped off from their eye sockets onto the ground. Just as Yun Yang was about to leave, he suddenly recalled something. Does His Majesty the Emperor know about my affairs? He recalled the night when they met at the old marshals residence. If His Majesty the Emperor knew what was going on, he wouldnt have treated him with such an attitude. Indeed, Marquis Yun answered, He doesnt know. Ive already promised you; this secret can only be made known between the two of us! Thats good. Yun Yang returned to his room and rested. Marquis Yun was still standing under the night sky, his eyes focused on a plant beside him as he pondered the recent happenings. Undercover? He smiled lightly, his thoughts flashing by in his heart, According to Lao Meis observation during this period, it is confirmed that Yun Yang is related to the Nine Heavens Dictum. But his identity should that of someone more important. What identity it was, he could not be sure. Moreover, this fellows caution was already perfect. He only had Lao Mei whom he could use out in public, but he could still leave him in the dark after doing everything he had done. His mind was as impressive as it was frightening. He thought about it for a while before heading to Lao Meis room. Lao Mei, you may wholeheartedly serve Young Master Yun Yang from now on. Marquis Yun said with his arms behind his back, There is no need to report to me. Lao Mei replied, Yes, master. Marquis Yun sighed, At that time, you three had followed me to roam the martial arts world. Now, theres only one of you left. It would be better for you to stay with Yun Yang, who, unlike me, is always wandering. Lao Meis eyes were moist when he said, Young master, Mei Wenjian will never regret it even till death. I know. I dont think Ill ever settle down in my life. Marquis Yun sighed. Yun Yang is someone who will achieve something significant. Ill be happy if you would follow him. Lao Mei blinked and asked, slightly puzzled, Young master, this Young Master Yun Yang, hes really not your son? Marquis Yun smiled without humor. I would be honored if he was, but this is an unfortunate wish. Lao Mei heaved another sigh. Yun Yangs emotions were already calm as water when he returned to his room. Seeing he had come back, the four critters each came out from their hiding spots. One was climbing out from the blanket, one was climbing out from somewhere above the bed, another was hopping off the beam in the room while the last one had climbed out of a book on Yun Yangs table Meow Meawoo, meawoo Yun Yang almost chuckled. These critters really knew how to hide. How could a book on the table hide a cat? Yun Yang went over to flip it open and saw that the center of Biographies of Tianxuan Continents Emperors, Prime Ministers, and Generals had a foot of pages gnawed off. Closing the book, it still looked perfect. Once open, a big hole lay gaping within! Moreover, the shape was exactly the same as the form of a cat on its side. F*ck! Yun Yangs eyes bulged. They could hide really well indeed. Prying the paws of three Eclipse Panthers open, he saw that their paws were already sharp like blades, gleaming with a chilling glow. He ordered, Show me, scratch this chair. Sha! Puu! The little critter thought its master was playing a game with it as it waved its paw happily. A hole exactly the size of a cats paw appeared on the hard rosewood chair. Hey! Yun Yang was utterly dumbstruck! 62 Preparing to Strike! This Eclipse Panther was only at the rank of a third level mystical best; among Eclipse Panthers, it would be considered a newborn, and should not have any combat abilities. Although it was at the third level, its fighting prowess would never be on par yet. However, the scratch it had just dealt had completely stupefied Yun Yang! Even if it was a full-grown third level mystical beast, it still should not have been able to penetrate the wood so easily. What was going on? Emmie, could you help to explain this? Yun Yang asked, his head full of questions and suspicions. In his subconscious, Emmie swayed happily as both its tendrils danced, using them to illustrate the situation as she explained to Yun Yang. Emmie was easily pleased. As long as Yun Yang could go into his subconscious to talk to it or keep it company for a while, it would dance enthusiastically. There was nothing else it would ask for. Of course, if there were piles of life force for it to consume every day, that would be even better. Yun Yang finally understood. The air of vitality that Emmie exuded, even if it was only a little drip, was still a matchless gem to the mystical beasts. It could change the mystical beasts potential and allow the mystical beast to level up faster. It could even allow the mystical beast to reach a higher altitude as if being reborn. These little critters had been by Yun Yangs side the whole time; they were practically bathing in the air of vitality daily, how could they not grow faster? Although they had not varied much in size, their entire physical structure and intelligence were already different compared to others of the same species. This means that the Eclipse Panther now is equal to a human third heaven expert? Yun Yangs eyes sparkled with glee. It would great if that was the case. Emmie obviously had no idea what Yun Yang meant by a human third heaven expert. It swayed its tendrils in bewilderment for a while before folding them away and bent itself towards Yun Yang. It behaved exactly like a child who was pestering an adult for food. Yun Yang sighed. He knew the blood-colored lingzhi mushroom Marquis Yun had given him just now was a goner. He handed it over helplessly. I havent even figured out what this medicine does As he was mumbling, the blood-colored lingzhi mushroom in his hands dissolved into powder with a swoosh. The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched in amusement. Isnt this just a tad too fast? In his subconscious, Emmie was swaying happily; its tendrils rolled a big ball of pink spiritual energy and stuffed it into the soil covering its roots. It immediately appeared even more joyous and its body had become visibly thicker as well! Its thin tendrils rolled balls of air of vitality from its roots and juggled them in the air. As they bounced about, the air of vitality shot straight into Yun Yangs body. Emmie got even happier, twisting around and swaying in jolly glee. The little fellow was being well fed! Yun Yang sat on his bed with a generally improved disposition and began cultivating. The four little critters gathered around him and quietly snuggled against his still body. When Yun Yang woke up from his meditation, his embrace was still warm from the other Eclipse Panthers that had come back and left again without a sound. For the next few days, things remained calm and peaceful. Yun Yang was still unaware that many strange events had occurred in the area that the tiny Eclipse Panther was guarding. At least seventy to eighty hooligans had been discovered dead on the streets. To a man, all their throats had been torn by some kind of mystical beasts claws. It not surprising that people began to panic when so many had been people had been killed by mystical beasts within the span of a few days. The officials had investigated everyone in the area but every person they questioned was the very definition of perplexity. I dont know. I really dont know. Mystical beast? Are you joking? Everyone in this area is poor, who could afford a mystical beast? And such a powerful one at that. Huh? Are you asking about my opinion? Nothing much. Good riddance, if you ask me; those thugs have no conscience whatsoever, its, great that they died! The officials discovered from their investigation that all these thugs who died seemed to have one thing in common. Before they had lost their lives, all of them had either bullied the innocent or harassed the womenfolk. Could it be that this mystical beast knew how to enforce justice on behalf of God? However, it could be argued that its methods, although effective, was a little too harsh. Some of the thugs were only guilty of minor misdemeanors; an angry word here and a jostle there. The disabled people they bullied suffered no serious injuries, yet these relatively innocent thugs had also been clawed to death by this mysterious mystical beast! The officials remained in the area for a few days and had even picked out a few thugs who were too terrified to bother anyone as bait in order to lure the mystical beast out. These poor souls came to an unfortunate end when night arrived, but there was still no clue as to who did it! The officials were anxious and bewildered, as the situation became increasingly serious. Of course, when the officials were carrying out their duties, it was expected that the commoners would be watching from the sides. Sometimes, they would even gather in a crowd when the officials were examining the corpses. Occasionally, there would also be a pretty little girl hugging a tiny adorable kitten that was lazing in her embrace. However, when the crowd saw her, they would always chide her, Go home quick little girl, what are you doing here? None of them ever took a second look at the kitten in the girls arms. What was there to be suspicious about? A weak feline that had obviously not reached even a month of age. The kitty looked at these two-legged humans in front of it but closed its eyes after a while. It was all this little creatures doing, of course. Master said to guard this place. I have to guard it well. Master said that no one here is to be bullied. I will give those who dare to harass the people a taste of my claws! Did the person deserve death based on the severity of the crime? The little critter wouldnt have been able to ponder upon such complex matters anyway. It was only simply executing its masters orders! I will claw you to death if you dare harass anyone! Obviously, there would never be any clue left behind no matter how thoroughly such cases were investigated! For an Eclipse Panther that had reached the fourth level and was perpetually shifting its shape regardless of time, it could easily search and terminate any number of thugs without leaving a trace. In those few days, Yun Yang would interrogate Chu Tianlang once he had some free time. The same questions would be asked in different ways at every interrogation session. After that, he would verify them by going over to Li Changqiu. Chu Tianlang was almost at his wits end being tormented by Yun Yang. He would beg each time, Please, grant me death! I cant take this anymore! In this same period of time, Yun Yang had also collected plenty of information on the officials and generals, including those in the residence of His Highness the crown prince, and had built a file for each of them. The stream of information would be endlessly passed to him where he would then filter and check them one by one. Notwithstanding the information in the palace that had not been sent to him yet, the other bits and pieces of information had filled up the entire secret chamber. After continuously interrogating Chu Tianlang for seven or eight separate sessions, Yun Yang could finally confirm that whatever he had spoken of were all true! If my analysis is correct, the aide in the Residence of Crown Prince must be one of these three people. It is still a bit hard to determine the identity of the mysterious general but that General Zhenbei must be one of these. The ones in the palace are still out of reach. The same goes for the imperial court official. It would also be pertinent to note that the information here is incomplete. Certainly, there are more people that have infiltrated society than just this handful of misfits! There must be others that Chu Tianlang didnt know about. If I move too recklessly, things will get out of hand and I would have inadvertently alerted them. As Yun Yang tidied the information into reasonable spots, he could feel his head swelling at least three times its usual size.He did not plan to wait any longer or perform more analyses. He was going to strike. Yet there was still something that bothered Yun Yang, Dong Tianleng. Where has he gone to? Did he win? With his personality, if he had won, wouldnt he already be announcing it to the world? Its a little strange to have things being so peaceful. In addition, those young masters from Ximen Family and the rest Why has there been no further movement after they went against Chu Tianlang? Yun Yang had thought that those fellows would somehow come to test him but those who came were genuine visitors, and this puzzled him as well. The third doubt of his was regarding the ladies. Did Ji Lings sisters let it go after visiting him once and he had not been in? This did not match the spoiled girls behavior and there were issues that could only be glimpsed through Yun Yangs mind though. He gazed long and hard at the hundreds of names he had listed holding his brush, ultimately saying softly, We shall start from this so-called General Zhenbei then! This was also the one he had the most confidence in. The Four Seasons Tower may be almighty but as long as the mind is set on taking it on, I shall find out all the culprits following the clues one day! Yun Yang thought, Capturing Li Changqiu brought Chu Tianlang out while Chu Tianlang had exposed another few people. Following these steps, thered be a day when I will be able to get them all. What I possess is patience! Yun Yangs eyes gleamed brilliantly. Within the past few days, Fang Mofei had recovered most of his physical health as well as his cultivation base. This had more or less allowed Yun Yang to feel that he finally had a little backup to rely on. Old Fang, time to follow me out for some work. Yun Yang began to make his arrangements. Fang Mofei went out with him excitedly. Both of them left the Residence of Yun in the early morning; Yun Yang was still wearing his purple robes as he walked towards the Cirrus House. The Cirrus House was busy as usual; traditional string and wind instruments resonated throughout the corridors, the sounds melodic and harmonious. Once Yun Zuiyue knew that Yun Yang had come, she immediately excused herself to greet him and brought him to the highest floor. This was a special treatment that no one else got to enjoy. The other customers pursed their lips in jealousy. Isnt this Marquis Yuns young master? It is certainly useful to be handsome; one gets to be treated with the highest honors once one arrives! I have to say, this young man is really good looking. No wonder Lady Zuiyue is moved. Sigh, why didnt my parents give me a handsome face when I was born? Young brother, is there news? Yun Zuiyue seemed to look worse for wear, more haggard than the last time they had met. No, I am sorry. Yun Yang felt a pang in his heart. There had been plenty of times when Yun Yang had wanted to let it all out about the real situation so Yun Zuiyue need not go on waiting endlessly. However, he decided against it after looking her sorrow. Perhaps, she could still live on bearing such hope.Yun Yang really could not imagine what sort of result would arise if she was told the truth. Such a dedicated woman was like a brightly burning flame. Yun Yang had the opportunity to see what her true personality was like the last time. If regrettable things were to happen to her just because he had spoken the truth However, by not telling the truth, Yun Yangs conscience was also struggling as he looked at Yun Zuiyues current state. If no such need arose, he genuinely did not wish to see the poor Yun Zuiyue in grief! 63 The Past. The Plan The fact that Yun Yang was the one that had initiated the meeting this time had Yun Zuiyue over the moon. She was afraid of letting the cat out of the bag so she had never dared contact Yun Yang,yet the longing was always in her heart C would there be news? As long as Yun Yang was still there, she felt that the connection she had with her love was still there as well. Its fine if there is no news. Yun Zuiyue said chuckling, Just look at me, saying all the wrong things. Dont keep this in your heart, brother. Do visit your sister-in-law regardless. Then your sister-in-law would be contented. When she spoke to Yun Yang, there was even a tinge of caution in her carefully worded pandering. It was as if Yun Yang would not turn up anymore if she offended him. Sister Yue, you dont have to be this way. Yun Yang said, feeling more that little upset, The more youre like this, the worse I feel. Yun Zuiyue smiled gently. Its alright. Sister Yue is overjoyed that youre able to come. Her gaze dimmed when she heard that Yun Yang ultimately did not call her sister-in-law and followed suit to address herself as Sister Yue. But this young brother is hesitant to come. Yun Yang said, Because once I come, it is for sure that I will cause Sister Yue a great deal of trouble. Yun Zuiyue grinned. You must know that I am willing to be troubled by you. Whatever trouble youve brought, the more the better. Then, I can actually feel that Im doing something for him. Yun Yang asked carefully, Can I ask Sister Yue and Fifth Sirs past? Yun Zuiyue smiled sorrowfully. The past is fairly simple. Both of us came from the same place. It was a vicious training camp, there were too many orphans. I was only five years old when I was caught and put inside. He was six at the time. There, boys were trained to become thieves, pickpockets, killers, or beggars. Those without talent would have their arms and legs broken or tortured to deformity with various ways and brought out to beg for money. Girls who were prettier were trained to become escorts, or otherentertainment... that could please men and be sold. There were a rare few who were very talented. They would be trained to become killers or sacrificial spies. Those with ordinary looks and were talentless were all sent out to beg. When they grew up, they would be the mens playthings if they were well endowed; otherwise, they would be killed. Such an inhumane place! Yun Yang was enraged just listening to her. Where is it? Yun Zuiyue wore another sorrowful smile. That time, he was a strong one among the other children, always taking care of the few of us girls. He also had potential and was listed to be trained as a killer. When I was nine, I looked rather delicate; a guard had ill intentions but he killed him, and escaped from the place, bringing the three of us girls From then on, we roamed everywhere precariously. He worked hard every day, whether it was killing, robbing, stealing things, just to feed us. Yun Yang sighed. Yun Zuiyue did not elaborate this part of their past in great detail but Yun Yang could imagine how hard it must have been for a boy of only ten years of age to kill, run, and survive bringing three eight or nine-year-old girls. Fifth brother must have suffered a lot then When I was eleven years old, we met Madam Red Sleeves. Madam Red Sleeves took in the three of us girls in but he rejected Madam Red Sleeves care and went out to make a living on his own. He was only twelve at that time. Every year, he would come and visit us, bringing lots of gifts. Later, Madam Red Sleeves passed away from sickness and we were once again left to fend for ourselves when we were sixteen. He came back then. Then three years later, when I was nineteen, we had the Cirrus House. It was also that year when he brought a few brothers and eradicated that evil training base, killing everyone there. As for those in the Cirrus House, a lot of them were all brothers and sisters who came from the training base. He had been taking care of us all. After that, the the began its selection but we didnt know what a strange path it would have taken! We had no idea and a lot of people followed When we came out, he had been taken away. Then when he came back, he was excited. Yun Zuiyues gaze was woeful. I knew then that he was selected. Another period of time had passed before we knew that it was That place was selecting people to Yun Zuiyue said, unable to fully complete her words. The person I loved the most bore such a presence of a hero You have no idea how excited I was. Yun Yang was hit with grief. Excited Perhaps you didnt know then that fifth brother began the path that would make him an unparalleled hero but would also have been the end of your future together. It was that same night Yun Zuiyue smiled bitterly. I wanted to give my all to him. I told him that I wanted to become his woman, I wanted to become his concubine! Instead, he was enraged. He said that if he were to marry me, it had to be as his righteous wife! However, Id already known then that for us women who had undertaken the Cirrus House as our way of living, while we knew that we were pure and untainted, we were still courtesans in the eyes of the public! Id lost the right to become his righteous spouse. Of course, I could still be one if he were still a vagrant in the martial arts world but he was already not Yet he insisted. We had a big fight and it didnt end well. Yun Yang closed his eyes. To officially marry a woman while bearing the identity as one of the Nine Supremes. Oh, how difficult it would be! He recalled his fifth brothers look when he had first joined the Nine Supremes and become one of them. At that time, fifth brother seemed to always have something heavy weighing down his heart and was always gloomy. Although he always performed as he was supposed to do, anyone could see that he had troubles of the heart. He would be happy whenever he brought Yun Yang himself or the other brothers to Cirrus House but became morose again when they came back. The Cirrus House. He had actually come many times with his appearance altered. So we began quarreling endlessly. But he didnt want to change his mind at all. Finally, he told me he had it all figured out last year. It was impossible for us to be officially husband and wife... Yun Zuiyue continued, So, wed invite his brothers to drink and hold a simple ceremony when he came back from his mission. That way, we would be considered a married couple... We were both so very happy that day because I was finally going to become his woman, I was finally going to be together with my dream ever since I was young. He was very happy too, he thought that he had it all figured out It was the third day of the third month. Yun Yang lowered his head in sorrow. The third day of the third month. On the fourth day of the third month, the nine of them had departed to the Skyscraping Cloud Fort early the next morning to lead the other eight hundred brothers towards the east. On the ninth day of the third month, they had arrived at Tianxuan Cliff. On his mission this time Yun Zuiyue smiled sadly and looked at Yun Yang, speaking slowly, He hasnt come back until now Yun Yangs heart felt like it was being sliced in half. After some time, he finally said lightly, Sister Yue, come to me if there is any need for help from the sisters. Although Fifth Sir is not here I am. Yun Zuiyue smiled faintly. Of course. Despite her words, Yun Yang could hear her clearly even if she really faced any difficulty in the future, she would never go to him for help. Just like when Cirrus House had problems, she had never gone to fifth brother for help. She knew that their identities could not be exposed. Yun Zuiyue took in a shaky breath and wiped away the tears that had unknowingly fallen on her face discreetly. She put on a forced smile and said, Im sorry, I just cant stop when these things are mentioned. I havent asked, what is it that young brother needed from Sister Yue this time? Just so. Yun Yang gave it some thought and said, There is a high-ranking military officer who has called himself General Zhenbei. He is described as being well-built and hefty. Although he wore a mask when he interacts with people, the lower part of his cheeks had once exposed a corner of his curly, grayed, beard. He was rather brawny, about eight feet tall and weighs around two hundred catties. He should be of a position higher than an assistant general, a rank that could give orders or even higher. At least, it could be seen from his demeanor that he had the aura of a powerful man. Yun Yang continued, However, there were more than a dozen of high-ranking officers who fulfill these criteria in the military. I wish to hunt for this person from the dozens of people here. Yun Yang said softly, Among these people, seven to eight of them visited the Cirrus House regularly. I need Sister Yues help with this. Yun Zuiyue listened attentively and said, This person? Yun Yang said in a low voice, The incident of the nine lords involves both the civil and military sides, the royalties, the nobles, even the forces in the martial arts world. It was a combined effort that included almost a third of this worlds most powerful forces. Now we want to find out who these people are. We hope not for wealth and glamor, we hope not for the hereditary title of marquis, not even for our names to spread wide and great after our death but we must demand justice! We can let go of the generals and what-not from the enemy states because they have always been enemies; whatever they have done cant really be considered despicable C they are just in keeping with character. But the traitors in this empire, these accomplices in the martial arts world, we plan not to let even a single one get away! We will put an end to each one of them we find! Yun Yangs gaze was cold and determined. How do you plan to put an end them? Yun Zuiyue asked. Nine familial exterminations! Yun Yang spoke the sentence word by word, All accomplices are to be wiped out. All the members are to be exterminated. This time, to demand for justice, to seek vengeance, we are willing to perform such cruel deeds. Even if we were to be exiled to hell we would still have to do this! Amazing! It is most gratifying for me to see such resolution! Yun Zuiyues eyes shone with fervor as she complimented him. She then said, I shall give my all to help, no matter what! 64 I’ve Found You! The Cirrus House was abuzz as usual, songs and dances performed along with harmonious melodies as workers and customers came and went. Many had arrived to find that the rooms and the ladies were occupied, but they did not leave, sitting in the foyer downstairs to wait instead. It was only natural that the Cirrus House did not ignore these people and served them tea and cakes. Among the Twelve Golden Flowers of Cirrus House, the one featured to play in the hall today was Qing Shanxue. She wore a white dress and sat behind the light chiffon drapes; her opaque silhouette and resonating string melody were undeniably alluring. Those who visited, whether they be loutish men in the martial arts world or scholars themselves, had all put up refined and courteous fronts with no exceptions. Even the sharp lines on some of their brutish faces seemed to have softened upon hearing the calming tones of her music. On the side, there were a few people sitting up straight. Although they were wearing casual clothes, their militant aura was clear for all to see. These people were also enjoying the string music with squinted eyes. However, the arrangement today seemed a little different than usual.Behind the feathery chiffon, there was another white silhouette about the size of a fist hopping and running around actively. The string melody went astray. Ah! An exclamation came from behind the curtain. Right then, a tiny white shadow sprinted out from behind the curtain. It was a minute white kitten the size of a fist; it was absolutely adorable with its fluffy fur and blue eyes. It paused for a bit on the floor before scurrying under one of the tables. Giant Snow! Qing Shanxues panicked voice rang from behind the curtain. My Giant Snow ran out Was it Qing Shanxues pet? Instantaneously, Qing Shanxue came scuttling out from behind the chiffon as her eyes frantically searched the floor; anxiety painted on her beautiful face. Just standing there, she had everyone in the hall staring unblinkingly Her pitifully weak look coupled with her charming beauty had stirred everyones protective nature and brought it to the fray. Can everyone help to catch my Giant Snow? Please dont hurt it Qing Shanxues voice soft as velvet as she gazed shyly towards the crowd with hopeful eyes. Dont worry, Ill help you get it back! The crowd exploded into action. It was only a cat. What was so difficult about catching it? A maid walked through the hall as she bent low to find the kitten under the tables, calling out, Giant Snow Giant Snow come out quick With a sudden flash of white, a kitten sprinted out from under a table. Someones hand stretched out to catch it but the kitten jumped aside and avoided it with an agility belying its little frame. Suddenly, the white kitten actually scratched the maid who was bent over on her buttocks with a swish. It had scratched a large hole out at once; even her undergarments had been torn from the swipe, exposing her plump pink flesh, causing everyone to stop and gawk at the sight. Eek! The maid straightened up with a flushed face, one of her hands covering her rear end in embarrassment. Giant Snow, you naughty thing She covered her buttocks with her dress and fled in a flustered huff. Good job, Giant Snow! someone cheered, whilst some brave others whistled in appreciation. The kitten nimbly steered through the crowd, obviously unafraid of humans. Another maid went over and the kitten sprung up, scratching with her sharp claw. Swish! The dress around her buttocks was torn again. Cheers and whistles arose right away. Even those so-called scholars and gentlemen who had managed to act with utter prudence and reservation had shining eyes even as they muttered, Wheres the decency? Wheres the decency in all of these? Without hesitation, their eyes were taking honest peeks at the exposed flesh from the torn dress. The maid ran away covering her face as whistles emanated from all around the room. The maids were trying to catch the kitten but all the other customers were half-hearted in their efforts because they could see that this kitten seemed to like scratching womens dresses! A classic thug of a cat it was! A splendid job I say! Let it scratch a few more, why dont we? All of them began to herd the kitten towards the maids around them. The kitten was exceptionally agile as it sprung up and hopped down, slinking away through grasping hands; the maids were exclaiming in their velvety voices but came nowhere near catching the creature. Suddenly, a quick swish had a rotund set of buttocks scratched, exposing a large, spherical hind end. The men laughed. Councilor Li, thou art fair indeed! Councilor Li laughed as well. After all, men were less reserved compared to women. He laughingly scolded, This naughty, lusty kitten! He lifted his robes to cover his buttocks and sat down after taking two steps back; the man did not intend to leave despite the state he had gotten into. Swish! Swish! More peoples robes fell victim to the kittens sharp claws. The hall was in a commotion. Everyone was laughing and shouting, whistling vivaciously. How could this be the Cirrus House that used to be so quiet and refined? Qing Shanxue stood still, in stupefied shock. Yun Zuiyue appeared from the second floor and said angrily, What is going on? Catch the kitten quickly! Xueer, I told you not to bring the kitten around. Look whats happened now, what has become of this! Qing Shanxue said tearfully, Sister Yue Im sorry, I didnt think Upon Yun Zuiyues insistent urging, everyone quickened their movements but the kitten was unbelievably agile. When it seemed that it had nowhere to go, it would flip unexpectedly and escape. A few more men and another two maids buttocks were doomed. The laughing and chiding got louder and higher, yet no one was angered. It was obvious that everyone thought of this little accident as a strangely fun game. Soon, the few men with the bearing of militants stood up as well; two of were hefty and had a full face of hair. The kitten ran around like a ball of lightning. Suddenly, with two quick swipes, it tore through two of the militants robes. The boisterous laughter and unabashed exclamations were loud and delighted. Swish! Swish! Another handful of robes bore the brunt of the kittens ire as well. In the hall, there many patches of exposed skin moving about. Of course, most of them were men and they were unbothered by it, since it was only a small patch of damaged cloth. They wouldnt even have cared if they were naked! Swish! Just as the last bearded man stood up, the robe on his buttocks was shredded to bits. F*ck! The fellow cursed under his breath, to the glares of the surrounding people. How could you scold such an adorable kitten, one that truly understands what a man wants? You dont know whats good or bad for you. Over in the other direction, both Yun Yang and Yun Zuiyues eyes shone with triumph. On this mans buttocks was a crescent-shaped scar. They had found him! Yun Yangs gaze turned dangerously icy. Who is this man? Yun Yang asked softly. Zhao Binglong. Yun Zuiyues voice was even colder than his as she said, Deployed in the east throughout the year. He holds the highest rank and was once deputy marshal of the easts military troop. People called him Northwest Zhao! Zhao Binglong, Northwest Zhao! Yun Yang immediately filed this persons information in his mind and smiled lightly. No wonder he looks unfamiliar. Hes a high-ranking general of the northwest. This person is brave and skilled in warfare with a cultivation base of mystical Qi at the fourth level. He is also cunning and a schemer, his achievements in the war on the east are renowned and intimidating. In addition, he commands many skilled militants and courageous warriors. He is cautious by nature and countless men are willing to sacrifice their lives to stand by his side. His janissaries were even called the Thirty-Six Northwest Raiders, theirs names are known far and wide. Yun Yang tried to recall the records on the military dossier regarding this Northwest Zhao. This persons military service was filled with merits, his name known imposingly far and wide. Unfortunately, hes a satyr. Word has it that he keeps more than thirty concubines at home and is constantly searching for more women. He has made numerous offers to claim Xueer but Xueer doesnt agree. Neither do I. Yun Zuiyue said softly, I have always felt that this man was a tad... shady. He seems to quickly abandon the old for the new. I wouldnt agree to have Xueer follow him. Yun Yang nodded. Sister Yue, I have found him. I have caused you enough trouble these past three days. Coquet with grayed curly beard and physically well-built. A satyr with a crescent-shaped saber scar on his buttocks. It was him, and rightfully so. All the characteristics matched. Yun Zuiyue said, Please dont mention it. Instead, if I had a chance, I would hope that I could kill a few of these animals myself. Yun Yang said darkly, Sister Yue, if there is a will, there is a way. At that point, a maid came forth with news, Sister Yue, General Zhao wishes to meet Sister Yue for a discussion. Yun Zuiyues expression was bleak as she said, Cant you see I have a guest here? The maid retreated timidly with a blanched face. A while later, sounds of a scuffle came from just outside the door, General General, you cant enter A rough voice guffawed. Which honorable guest is Lady Yue meeting that she doesnt even wish to meet me now? The door was pushed open abruptly. A burly man stood there, his eyes quickly scanning the room. It was General Zhao C Zhao Binglong, Northwest Zhao! Seeing Yun Zuiyue, his gaze glinted in surprise as a hint of lust crept up. However, when his eyes came across Yun Yang, they squinted in irritation even as a chilling glow flashed across them. Yun Yang frowned. He had wanted to put an end to this General Zhao tonight, at his own leisure. Who would have known that this fellow was even more impatient than he was, sending himself right to the door! Who is this? He doesnt look familiar, Zhao Binglong said coldly as he pompously entered the room uninvited. Not even waiting for the host to welcome him, he sat down on a chair. Yun Zuiyues face was pale with fury. General Zhao, could you not be a bit more civil? Zhao Binglong laughed and said, Lady Yues words are simply odd. I been over here continuously for four days straight just to meet Lady Yue for a discussion of some matters, but have been denied an audience. How could I not be impatient? He said in a frosty tone, I have bathed in the blood of enemies killed at the border; people in the military are rough around the edges. I am slightly ill-tempered and impatient but I am certain Lady Yue will be able to forgive this. The threat in his words was thick and laid out heavily. Your father has killed plenty of people, I have innumerable brave soldiers at my beck and call, all rough and aggressive. If they were to do something unpleasant I will not be held accountable for it! 65 Extreme Tactics. Slaughter at the Doorstep! Yun Zuiyue had turned a pasty white, trembling with anger. Yun Yang turned and said calmly, According to what General Zhao had said, does that mean everyone will have to give in and give way wherever General Zhao goes? Zhao Binglongs eyes squinted dangerously. Child, who are you to speak like that to me, a general? Yun Yang said nonchalantly, Am I not allowed to speak to General Zhao if I am of no importance? One of the four people who followed Zhao Binglong in, his janissaries, stepped forward and chided loudly, How dare you! He raised his hand, aiming a slap towards Yun Yangs face. Yun Yang stood still, saying softly, Take him! A silhouette flashed as Fang Mofei, in his long green robes, appeared in front of Yun Yang like a vengeful spirit. With a stretch of his arm, a loud crack resounded in the room. Kachak! The mans wrist had been broken, twisted by Fang Mofei. With a kick, he was sent rolling out, moaning in agony. Even as he tumbled across, the sound of breaking bones did not stop. Both his arms and legs were torn along the way. How dare you! Fang Mofei said in a cold face, How dare you be disrespectful to my young master. Zhao Binglong, your father will help you teach your subordinate a lesson if youre not willing to! One knows when an expert strikes. Fang Mofeis movements were nimble and deft, he had handicapped one of Zhao Binglongs janissaries with just a single move. Zhao Binglong was startled inwardly, knowing that he had met an expert, but he was unfazed, saying coldly, Child, no wonder you can afford to be arrogant. You have an expert by your side as a guard. But no matter how many guards you have with you or how good they are, youre still in big trouble this time. Yun Yang was stoic as he retorted, Zhao Binglong, no matter how good you are, how many guards you have, even if youre a general, how many troops you command this time, you are in big trouble. Zhao Binglong nodded. What a bold young fellow! Speak your name! Yun Yang said tonelessly, You dont deserve to know my name. Zhao Binglong, will you walk out by yourself or would you have me throw you out? Zhao Binglong laughed menacingly, The general is here. Child, if you really have the steel, try me. This general wishes to see for himself how you are going to throw him out! Yun Yang nodded and said coldly, Since General Zhao has requested politely, it shall be as you wish! Have him rolled out! Yes, young master! With a hum of agreement, Fang Mofeis lean physique quickly flashed to the fore like a ray of lightning. Three of Zhao Binglongs guards stepped forward at the same time to block him. With a smirk, Fang Mofei shifted his body as three swift kicks sent all three guards rolling out like balls. Zhao Binglong stood in shock but Fang Mofei was already in front of him, extending his arm towards Zhao Binglongs neck. The general roared but his counterattack missed. He was a militant and would be equipped with exceptional skills. However, his abilities were only childs play in comparison to that of Fang Mofei. Fang Mofeis arm extended forward slowly. Zhao Binglongs palm struck Fang Mofeis arm with a clang but he only succeeded in breaking his hand with a loud crack. Fang Mofeis arm had already stretched forward and his five fingers had Zhao Binglongs neck in his grasp! Since youve asked to be rolled out, allow me to save you the trouble of walking out. Fang Mofei chuckled coldly as Zhao Binglong tumbled out like the three of his guards. With a stretch of leg, he kick out at the guard with broken limbs on the floor. Bring your men and f*ck off! Your father will beat you up each time you come here again! Silence filled the outside of the room. Everyone had witnessed the sight of General Northwest Zhao Binglong, who was renowned in Tiantang City, being kicked out along with his guards. Moreover, all of them rolled like rubber balls, bruised and swollen here and there, unable to stand. A green silhouette appeared on the second floor; his face was icy cold as his emotionless voice rang through Cirrus House, Brother Ling Xiaozui once said that whoever dares to offend Cirrus House should take a blow of his sword! Since this old one is here today, Ill save Brother Ling this trouble and do it for him. In future, whoever dares to cause a ruckus in Cirrus House, will be killed without mercy and nine familial exterminated! His chilling voice resonated around the large space. Once the words were spoken, everyone had a sudden epiphany. Cirrus House was under Ling Xiaozuis protection. Who could afford to find fault with that mysterious personage? It would seem that General Zhao had suffered an unspeakable loss this time around. It had been so long since Cirrus House had someone making a scene, everyone had almost forgotten about the consequences. Young brother, this is too rash, Yun Zuiyue said, looking worriedly at Yun Yang. No worries. First, I didnt reveal myself, Zhao Binglong doesnt know me; second, this guard of mine, Zhao Binglong doesnt know him either; third, Sister Yues place has been peaceful for too long, its time for a reminder for things that many have forgotten; fourth, Zhao Binglong is going to die tonight. It doesnt matter what he knows. Yun Yang said with a cold sharp gaze, Since he wanted to have the chicken killed to scare the monkeys before he dies, I shall certainly grant his wish! Yun Zuiyues gaze was gentle as she said, You men are always so reckless. Yun Yang smiled and said, Sister Yue has only seen the tip of the iceberg. I need to be even more reckless, and you will witness this tonight. Yun Zuiyue gave a pretty chuckle. I should leave as well. Looking at General Zhao Binglong who was swearing as he limped away, Yun Yangs eyes were filled with an unspeakable intensity. By the way Giant Snow Yun Zuiyue found it hard to bring up the subject. This Xueer quite likes it She wanted me to ask you No, not yet. Yun Yang smiled helplessly. He knew that this little creature was pretty and clean, it was obedient and adorable too; whether it stood or sat down, even just raising its paw, everyone would fall prey to its charm. Of course, girls would take to it but he did not imagine it could reach such a stage. The little thing had only been here for three days and it could make Qing Shanxue, a normally reserved individual, brave enough to voice her request. However, this one really could not be given away, making the situation awkward for Yun Yang. Yun Zuiyue was a little disappointed as well when she said smiling, Its fine then. Alright, alright. Ill let the tiny thing come over to play more Yun Yang scratched his head as he continued, Its not that Im unwilling to but this tiny critter is a high-level mystical beast. Ive put a camouflage on it. Its only a baby now, but when it grows up Im afraid it would be as large as five to six people Yun Zuiyues eyes bulged, her fair hands flying to her mouth. This cute little thing could be as big as five to six people when it grew up? Well then, it would be enough for it to come and play often. Yun Zuiyue smiled, That would be better. Then she apologized, Xueer has been a little rash on this occasion, please forgive her. Yun Yang was a little abashed and said, No, I am the one who is being miserly. Ill find a mystical beast each for Sister Yue and her sisters as protection when the time comes. Ill guarantee them to be adorable and cute and strong, at least better-looking than this little critter. Yun Zuiyue chuckled, highly skeptical of his statements. Which of these mystical beasts were not rare? How would it be so easy to find them? And one for each of the sisters? Impossible! Zhao Binglong was fuming all the away, his rage about to reach explosive levels. When he got back to his residence, he was even more infuriated, throwing and breaking things. He had been a tyrant all his life and had never been at such a disadvantage. Never in his life had he been so humiliated! His reputation had really been ruined at Cirrus House this time. How could Zhao Binglong, an absolute tyrant, accept this? Follow that boy! See which family he belongs to! Intimidating me with Ling Xiaozuis name f*ck him! Little bastard, youve been alive for too long! Your father wont touch Cirrus House but cant your father finish this mere bastard? Night fell. Zhao Binglong was even more agitated at home. Have you found out who the boy was? Not yet? You dont know where he has gone to? Bastards! Zhao Binglong was raging. Do I have to do all your work? Did you waste all these years living? You idiots can actually fail to follow a popinjay? Bunch of shit-eaters! Zhao Binglongs anger was a volcano about to erupt spectacularly. Behind him, an elder rolled his eyes faintly and said, General Zhao need not be angered. Well find this person sooner or later. Zhao Binglong looked like he was about t say something but he did not, opting to plop himself down on a chair with a sigh and said, You are right. With his position, he actually did not dare anger this elder and even said in a toadies tone, It is too bad Old Ji is not there. Otherwise, the child would have been put in his place on the spot. The elderly said half squinting his eyes, This old one never goes to houses of ill repute. Zhao Binglong choked and said, Old Ji has self-respect, of course Just as he was speaking, a loud crash could be heard from the doorway. A persons voice hollered, Zhao Binglong, come out to receive your death! The main doors had been shattered, crumbling like a wet pile of rags. The moment Old Ji heard the voice, he was already flying out of the foyer; his speed as quick as lightning, filled with poise and elegance. The main doors were already bloodied. A masked man in green had killed on his way in with a sword in his hand like a flood dragon that had just emerged from the ocean. Next to him was a masked man in black, slaughtering those who stood in his way, with a saber in his hand. They dared to commit murder so boldly in Tiantang City of Empire of Yutang, under the watch of the emperor! This mad behavior had everyone dumbfounded. The two of them charged over, side by side, as they slaughtered whoever was standing in their way. Zhao Binglongs general residence was filled with cries as the blood by the main doors flowed like a stream towards the courtyard. Old Ji flew in from the air like a bird as he hollered midair, Where are you from! How dare you behave lawlesslyin the Residence of General! The man in green smirked. Residence of General? What sh*t is Residence of General! Suddenly, his body shot up like a rocket as the sword in his hand exuded a long air of sword aura. I knew that there would be something like this. Get down! Clang! Old Ji trembled in the air for a brief moment before he dropped down like a kite with a broken string. He charged in with such vigor but his long prepared midair strike was deflected with just a single blow by this green-clothed silhouette! Seventh level expert! Old Ji spat a mouthful of blood, his eyes looked disbelievingly at the green figure who had landed on the ground, charging into the crowd to begin his slaughter once again, Who are you? The man in green waved his sword as Residence of Zhaos guards on both sides fell like chopped weeds. He was charging over amidst the massacre, his speed impossibly fast. Old Ji had lost all hope, the strike he had attempted earlier only proved that he was no match for this person. He stumbled back as he shouted, General, leave quickly! Before he could complete his sentence, the man in green had mercilessly cleaved him in half, from the top of his head to the bottom of his crotch! 66 Say Not that the Martial Arts World is Distant, Say that the Worldly Realm is Far Away! The lightning-quick blow had caught Zhao Binglong completely by surprise. When the two warm halves of his bloodied body separated at the center, Zhao Binglong watched the mans organs drop to the ground, feeling his legs giving up on him. He could not run even if he had wanted to. On the other side of his body, the silhouette in black strolled across lightly; a saber in his hand. More than twenty lives had been lost in an instant. He did not seem to have expended much effort, his physical skills were incredibly peculiar. He was obviously standing in front of ones eyes yet he seemed to possess no physical form. Only his saber shone cruelly in the dark night, each glint accompanied by the gleam of blood! He was silently killing but his speed was no slower than that of the man in green. Each strike of his saber elegantly and unhurriedly carved a life away. Zhao Binglong had entirely lost his courage and soul by now. He scrambled to stand and run towards the backyard. The man in green then laughed. Still running away? An icy ray sparkled in the night as a long sword ran right through Zhao Binglongs thigh and pinned his body to the ground!. Boom! The strong mystical Qi on the sword exploded at once, numbing Zhao Binglongs entire body. His body was trembling but he could not move any part of it; he could not even speak. He stared wide-eyed at his prized janissaries and guards, his highly paid experts; all assistants who had been sent to him by the organization. All of them had been slaughtered like vegetables under the kitchen knife! It took only a few breaths, but the whole courtyard no longer contained a living person. The masked man in green flew with a swoosh right into Zhao Binglongs residence while carrying his sword, the trail of light trailing behind looking like a soaring dragon with a radiance that pierced the very universes being. With a single order, no one from Zhao Binglongs family shall remain! Cries and moans came from the backyard. The man in black had already arrived to stand in front of Zhao Binglong, wielding his saber. Before the man could speak, he had knocked him out with his sabers grip and put him into a sack that he had retrieved from his person. After that, he began to search the residence without restraint. He seemed to be familiar with the Residence of Zhao as he chopped the thick steel wall to Zhao Binglongs secret treasure chamber open with just a single slash of his saber. Hopping in, he came out with a large sack in just a short period of rummaging. The study met the same fate as well. While he was doing this, the man in green was completing his task of slaughtering in the backyard. After a while, the man in black came out as the man in green, too, came back with a strong scent of murder, picking up the sack containing Zhao Binglong with one hand. You didnt kill anyone you didnt have to, did you? No, I only took Zhao Binglongs family. A lot of his concubines were forced to serve, let them go. Young master, those concubines werent killed but Zhao Binglongs wife and son, along with the maids and guards whom hes close to, none of them remains! Good. Let us leave! The man in green nodded in agreement. The man in black whom had been Yun Yang all along changed his mind. Its not good if there wasnt a scapegoat to take the fall for such a dire event. Fang Mofei lifted his head to look at his young master in shock. He could only watch as Yun Yang picked up a piece of cloth and soaked it in blood before writing on the wall, Say not that the martial arts world is distant, say that the worldly realm is far away; you who dared to pick on the tigers might, a swords strike sees the surge of blood! His handwriting was of soft strokes but determined turns, the characters exuding an imposing aura. After writing on the wall, he left with Fang Mofei. Alarm bells arose from all over as the galloping of horses resounded along with the footsteps of soldiers. The trained troops of the capital city were fast approaching. Flames rose high in the air. When the officials arrived, all that welcomed them was a gory scene from hell! There was not one living soul left in the Residence of Zhaos courtyard. Zhao Binglong himself was missing. In the backyard, Zhao Binglongs direct family members as well as family guards and maids were all piled in a heap, leaving some thirty women huddled together in terror. These were Zhao Binglongs concubines. Seal off the scene immediately! Someone shouted. Tally the deaths, look for the murderer. Complete the questioning and send copies to each department! Theres a poem here! Someone exclaimed in surprise. Poem? Let me see. Look at the words! Say not that the martial arts world is distant, say that the worldly realm is far away could this have been done by Ling Xiaozui? Sheesh All of them exchanged looks of shock. During the commotion at the Residence of Zhao, Yun Yang and Fang Mofei had quietly returned to the Residence of Yun. Seeing that Yun Yang had returned, Lao Meis gaze towards him was tinged slightly with jealousy. You used to make me come along with you for whatever you had to do; now that Fang Mofei is here, you now bring along Fang Mofei Young master, youve forgotten the old once you get someone new. Yun Yang felt goosebumps all over for some unknown reason, looking at Lao Meis gaze. The muscles on his face twitched as he said, Next time... Lao Meis envious expression did not dissipate completely. Yun Yang scratched his head, feeling slightly queasy and switched the topic. Is Marquis Yun not at home? No, dont know where he has gone to, Lao Mei with feigned disinterest. I see. Yun Yang fled quickly, picking Zhao Binglong up and going straight to the secret chamber. Fang Mofei had already changed and come out, standing in front of Lao Mei with a distant look. Satisfying? Lao Mei asked in an upset tone. Gratifying! Fang Mofei nodded happily. Under the watch of the emperor in the capital, under broad daylight, striking recklessly Lao Mei was already walking away while rolling his eyes. Under broad daylight I think you have gone mad from the satisfaction Its f*cking eleven in the night now Yun Yang entered the secret chamber and threw Zhao Binglong onto the floor, and left without a second glance at the prone body. He had killed too many people today, a total of forty-nine souls claimed by his hand. In addition to the assassination of Ximen Wandai and his guard, the air of injustice he had accumulated in this period of time was ample indeed. Retreating into his subconscious, he could not help but feel shocked. Emmie still looked the same, only a little wider and bigger but the second leaf was still That was odd. The second leaf seemed to have grown a little as well but it was still far from becoming a full spread of lotus leaf. The last time, he had only killed twelve people and the first leaf had appeared. Besides, ten people were enough to accomplish that. With the same calculation, the remaining two from prior events and fifty-one from this incident, that made a total of fifty-three people already. Why had the second leaf not formed yet? This was a tad strange. Emmie waved its tendrils around, gesturing despicably in the air C if each leaf could be formed by only killing ten people, then wont you only need to kill a hundred sinners to become the supreme one of the universe? Where would there be such a steal? Yun Yang was dumbfounded. He had wanted to obtain another leaf to make a gem but by the looks of it now, he had lost his chance. He did not have even the slightest idea when he could get his second gem. Emmie waved about violently once more, its despise was thick and heavy. Its already defying natures laws by possessing one gem like that yet you actually wanted to obtain one with each piece of leaf? What are you thinking? You have a terribly good imagination! Thats an inherently ranked treasure. Yun Yang was a little sheepish. Before he left, he warned Emmie fiercely, Talk to me despicably like that once more, I wont let you eat anything ever again! Emmie gave in right away, waving its tendrils to hug Yun Yangs legs. It behaved like a small girl who was pleading adorably C soft, innocent and cute. Yun Yang instantly fell for its charm. Since he wouldnt be able to level up, he would go to Zhao Binglong. Yun Yang appeared at the secret chamber and hung the unconscious Zhao Binglong on all fours straightaway. Looking at the unconscious man, Yun Yang eyes were filled only with coldness. Yun Yang would not be surprised that the enemy states or the Four Seasons Tower had gone against the Nine Supremes. He would exact his revenge but he would not get angry. However, why did Zhao Binglong, a general of Yutang, also wish to see the Nine Supremes dead? It was this kind of people in particular that Yun Yang could not forgive! Zhao Binglong was finally awake after being splashed with a basin of cold water. Just as he opened his eyes, he saw Yun Yangs face that was calm yet filled with murderous intensity. His icy orbs had Zhao Binglong feeling like he was being marked for a trip straight to hell. General Zhao, we meet again. Yun Yang said faintly, smiling humorlessly. We are fated indeed. You cant wait to kill me while I have been waiting to have a chat like this with General Zhao for a very long time. Zhao Binglong laughed menacingly, Boy, dont be so arrogant. I am an important general of Yutang. Even the gods would be angered by the fact that you dare treat me this way; the law knows no mercy! The law knows no mercy? Yun Yang smirked and suddenly looked at him with a sharp gaze as he slowly asked, When you have leaked information of the Nine Supremes and schemed against them, have you thought then that the law knows no mercy? Zhao Binglongs eyes immediately went wide at once, looking at Yun Yang in disbelief and screamed as if he had seen a ghost. His voice was raspy, Who who are you? How did you know? How did I know? Yun Yangs expression was upset and glum as if near to tears. Dont do something if you dont want anyone knowing about it. Zhao Binglong, your retribution is here! He looked at Zhao Binglong dead in the eyes. Who would have thought that the Empire of Yutangs powerful general guarding the border is actually the twentieth day of the first month of the Four Seasons Tower! Amazing indeed! Zhao Binglong deflated like a punctured ball, his fierce gaze turned listless instantly. Not even an hour later, Yun Yang walked out of the secret chamber covered in blood. After meeting Zhao Binglong, he had already lost the confidence towards the possibility to gain more clues from him. Greedy, lustful, violent, unwise, and possessed of low cultivation base. If he was the mastermind of the Four Seasons Tower, he would never let this dumbass be privy to too much information. Although he was a general, he no longer participated in the battlefield, being drenched in blood while killing enemies, in the recent years. The courage that was once in his bones had long been corroded by a comfortable life, power, and wealth! True enough, after some persuasive methods employed by Yun Yang, Zhao Binglongs bottom line was completely destroyed! He had admitted to everything and explained the details clearly. However, other than ratting out Chu Tianlang, he did not know the rest of the Four Seasons Tower. Since when did you know it was Chu Tianlang? Two years and a half ago because the Nine Supremes information were frequently passed on so I know Chu Tianlang was also one of the organizations men. And after that? There were no missions after that. Then when did you join the Four Seasons Tower? Who introduced you? Who recruited you? Three years ago it was a masked man but he only appeared that one time and never again. What were his characteristics? He had covered himself entirely in black. I couldnt see anything. Your mission? To collect information on the Nine Supremes information. It was just this one task. How could it be so easy to collect information on the Nine Supremes? Who told you? I dont know. All I know is that when I was needed to pass the information, a letter would appear on my table. Where are the letters? I followed the instructions and burned them all. When Yun Yangs interrogation had reached this part, the temptation to beat this man to death grew unbearably strong. Are you a pig? 67 Supreme Lord Spring Fros Ignorant fellow. The person was already in front of you and you didnt even bother to observe and save the impression. Yun Yang had also finally understood that Zhao Binglong was probably only an unimportant member that the Four Seasons Tower had temporarily recruited in going after the Nine Supremes. He had long been discarded after being used, but had not known it himself!. Why did you join the Four Seasons Tower? The Four Seasons Tower sent an Art of Immortality and a Copulation Scripture Zhao Binglong said timidly. Yun Yang was shocked. A Copulation Scripture an infernal art of reducing Yin to nourish Yang could make you betray your country? Make you scheme against the countrys warriors? Could it make you an accomplice in plotting against your comrades? Do you know that the information that went through you was lethally dangerous to the Nine Supremes? Zhao Binglongs gaze gleamed with inner satisfaction. Did you know that you were committing treason? Joining this conspiracy Dont you feel the slightest bit of guilt or shame? Yun Yangs anger was slowly rising. I I have, I am ashamed I feel guilty Zhao Binglong said anxiously, My heart suffers Slap! With a sharp strike, Yun Yang crushed Zhao Binglongs head. He could no longer bear to listen to him nor look at him. If it were not for the need for an interrogation, Yun Yang did not even wish to speak even a word to people like Zhao Binglong. Even after killing him, Yun Yang was still shaking with anger. Although Yun Yang was still enraged and resentful while facing people like Li Changqiu and Chu Tianlang, he could still be patient and go through the motions with them to acquire clues and new information. Yun Yang could still withhold his rage for this. However, it was exactly people like Zhao Binglong that Yun Yang could not bear to reign in his anger for even a minute. What I loathe the most is a stab coming from the back! Who I wanted to kill most are the traitors among comrades! Although we were not on the same battlefield, we were still comrades after all! We were fighting for the same goal. No matter what is it that youve betrayed your brothers for, you will never be forgiven! Yun Yang exited the secret chamber exuding a murderous air. His clues had stopped once more upon reaching Zhao Binglong. With a turn, he went to Chu Tianlang. Chu Tianlang, I believe I still have other discoveries from you. Chu Tianlang had completely broken down, his eyes had lost all zest for life. I really dont have anymore Youve tormented me enough for so many days Please, I beg you, kill me now. Yun Yang had an idea. Ill bring you to see someone. Lifting Chu Tianlang up, he exited and entered the secret chamber that held Li Changqiu. Old Li, Ive brought an old friend to see you. Yun Yang said with a grin. Li Changqiu whose entire body had been shackled turned his head with difficulty, his eyes suddenly glowed when he saw Chu Tianlang, who was near death and chortled with much delight. Chu Tianlang, you idiot, you will have your day as well! Chu Tianlang was equally resentful as he cursed, Li Changqiu, you f*cker! You dare sell your father out! You wont die a noble death! Both of them glared at each other as if they were in a cockfight, their eyes bloodshot as the resentment lying within made even Yun Yang, who was the mastermind behind this plot, shudder. Humans resentment is actually so terrifying Yun Yang sighed. Both of you hold grudges against each other. Yun Yang tied Chu Tianlang in front of Li Changqiu and sighed again, So Im putting the both of you together. Im unable to make the decision of letting you go nor of killing you so Im giving a chance for you fellows to vent your anger. Li Changqiu turned and said seriously, Thank you. At the same time, Chu Tianlang was also saying sincerely, Thank you. They glared at each other in sullen surprise. Li Changqiu was thinking to himself, Chu Tianlang betrayed me. Now that this young man is giving me the chance to curse him to death, of course, I have to thank him. But what is Chu Tianlang thanking him for? Chu Tianlang pondered, Li Changqiu, this fiend, plotted against me. Now that this young man has given me the chance to vent my rage, of course, I have to thank him. But what is Li Changqiu thanking him for? What are you thanking him for? Li Changqiu looked at Chu Tianlang with disgust. Shameless contemptible trash! Chu Tianlang swore, Thank your f*cking mom! Li Changqiu your dad wont die a noble death! He had no more hope for this life, he knew he was a dying man. Chu Tianlang was swearing as profusely as he possibly could. After he had finished his swearing he could not help but feel gratified looking at Li Changqiu who was pale in the face and fuming in the eyes. He asked triumphantly, What are you thanking him for? Li Changqiu cursed aloud as well, Im thanking your f*cking mom too! Spit! Chu Tianlang spat in Li Changqius face. Angered, Li Changqiu spat in return; a mouthful of phlegm landed precisely in-between Chu Tianlangs eyes! Both of them could not move their limbs so they could only spit as their form of attack. Immediately, both their faces were full of spit as they kept going at each other back and forth C they looked absolutely humiliated! Shameless contemptible scum! Animal with no conscience! Trash deserving to be chopped and slashed a thousand times! Jerk confirmed to go to hell! F*ck your father! F*ck your grandmother! Both of their curses became more savage as they got increasingly heated up, their faces flushed while they huffed and puffed, eyes glaring daggers at each other as they scavenged their mind for more vile words. Failing to make an appropriate response would make them feel as if they had suffered a loss! How dare you betray me! You sinner of an organization! How dare you plot against me, you rotten bastard with sores on your head and pus on your feet! Bullsh*t! Did I plot against you? If you didnt betray me, would I plot against you? You reap what you sow,God is watching what you do! Bull-eighteen of your grandmothers continuous stinking-sh*t! Did I betray you? Even if your father is too free to the point that my scrotum starts to hurt, I wont degrade myself to sell you out! Youre not worth it! Chu Tianlang cursed. However, just as he finished his tirade, both of them were stunned once more and they quieted down right away. They simultaneously turned suspicious gazes upon Yun Yang. Yun Yang had crossed his arms and was looking at the both of them with an amused grin. Chu Tianlang blinked. You said I betrayed you? When did I betray you? Li Changqiu was stunned as he stuttered, Youre still not admitting to this? You think you can still walk out alive? Chu Tianlang scolded out loud, I wouldnt be lying now! What did I betray you about? Why doesnt your father know? You pig! You didnt you give your fathers information to this boy? Li Changqiu seemed to slowly comprehend the situation as his eyes gradually went from shock to rage. And then have this child capture me? Chu Tianlang exploded angrily. Surname Li! Use your pea-sized brain and think, how big of a possibility if that? If I have sold you out why am I here now? Would I sell you out so thatyou could plot against me in resentment? Just so that we could die together? Chu Tianlang was in despair! No wonder he was so unlucky. This fellow thought that he had betrayed him. What an incredibly inaccurate accusation! Could it be that this Li Changqiu had no brain left in his head? Was it all full of dung? Li Changqius face paled as he turned his head slowly and looked at Chu Tianlang in disbelief, uttering each word slowly, Chu Tianlang didnt betray me? Yun Yang looked at him while grinning but did not say anything. It was all part ofyour conspiracy? Li Changqiu asked hopelessly. Yun Yang was still grinning as he asked, Yes, Old Li. Does it feel gratifying? His cheerful demeanor began to wane as he heaved a long sigh and said, gritting his teeth, I dont know if youre gratified but I feel absolutely amazing! My brothers who had died under your conspiracy would feel gratified too! With a loud cough, Li Changqiu spat blood and let out a bloodcurdling shout, You have deceived me! Suddenly, his eyes glared as he spat in the direction of Yun Yangs face. It was impossible for Yun Yang to be targeted as he avoided the spit and with a tilt of his body, a slap landed harshly on Li Changqius face. He chided coldly, Spit again and Ill keep you alive here for one more year! Li Changqiu shuddered in fear as he glared at Yun Yang with hatred but he dared not spit another mouthful. Alive for one more year! Li Changqiu was clear about what it meant! On the other side, Chu Tianlang collapsed like a deflated ball. He sighed woefully, opening his mouth as if wanted to speak but then closed it without a word. Things had gotten to this stage, what else could he say? Curse and swear? It would only serve as an excuse for him to torment the two of them. However, Li Changqiu seemed to have not realized this as he seemed to have lost his wits. The extreme humiliation and extreme resentment that stemmed from being played by Yun Yang, from wholeheartedly helping him to plot against his own people as a subservient captive had caused him to lose his mind. He was immensely embarrassed and infuriated, how could he have been so stupid! He scolded menacingly, Little bastard, little wicked plaything without descendants Just you wait, our Supreme Lord Spring Frost will never ever let you go! Shut up! Chu Tianlang hollered. Li Changqiu snapped his mouth close at once, his eyes were filled with terror. However, it was already too late. He suddenly cried out as his eyes went wide. Both his eyeballs seemed to bulge from his eye sockets as all seven of his orifices bled at the same time. He looked at Yun Yang and Chu Tianlang dumbfounded. Suddenly, with a loud cry, his entire body collapsed on itself. Under the gaze of two pairs of eyes, blood-colored mist issued out from Li Changqius body as his entire being kept shrinking. The bloody mist ceased. Both Yun Yang and Chu Tianlang shuddered simultaneously. Within a single breath, Li Changqius well-built body had turned into a desiccated, dwarf-sized mummy. All the blood, flesh and organs from his body had mysteriously disappeared. There was only a layer of skin left wrapped around dried bones that seemed to have been exposed to the sun for three whole years. Li Changqiu had died in a spectacular manner! Chu Tianlang watched dumbfounded, terror evident in his eyes as his entire body trembled. Witnessing the bizarre scene, Yun Yang could not help sucking in a cold breath as well. He felt chilled to the core, his scalp going numb. His eyes, however, radiated with triumph. Supreme Lord Spring Frost! 68 Disheartened and Shaken! Supreme Lord Spring Frost! Li Changqiu had virtually disintegrated after he had uttered these four words! This also meant that these four words were extremely strange. Why did the four words hold such great power? It was only four words. Yun Yang had never had an innocent motive to place these two together. Although both of them had been deceived, they were not stupid. They would understand the situation once they were put together. Of course, Yun Yang was aware of this. It would be the last time he was using the both of them. He had wanted to catch what they would spew unintentionally in anger from questioning him after both of them had argued and knew the truth. He did not really have high hopes; he was only making one last attempt at the end of both these peoples lives. However, the strange scene that greeted him had him shaken. Yun Yang turned abruptly and looked at Chu Tianlang, his gaze cold and sharp. Chu Tianlang, that was a question. Chu Tianlang laughed humorlessly. Kill your hope Even if you torment me ten thousand times more cruelly I would never dare to explain those four words to you. As the icy glare flashed in Yun Yangs eyes, he suddenly thought of something as he said softly, Soul shattering? Never to reincarnate? These four words are a blood curse? Chu Tianlang shuddered as he looked at Yun Yang oddly. Yun Yang took in a deep breath. Looks like Ive guessed correctly. Yun Yang now understood why they would rather be tormented for a few more years, even to the point of death, but was unwilling to commit suicide by uttering these four words. Such a tactic had still chilled Yun Yangs bones. There was actually such maliciousness in this world! What was this spell? Chu Tianlang kept quiet for some time before saying, Since weve arrived at this stage and since Li Changqiu has died, I assume my good day is today as well? Yun Yang smiled coldly and said, Youre very smart. Chu Tianlang, no matter what it is, even if youre a martial artist, youre still one of Yutangs people in your bones. I believe you wont deny me this. Chu Tianlangs gaze was uncertain as he said, That is true, I am Yutangs man. As a Yutang citizen, you joined in the conspiracy to harm Yutangs guardians, the Nine Supremes. Yun Yangs tone was icy. Chu Tianlang, is there anything you have to say? Chu Tianlang opened his mouth but felt like he could not say anything. Whatever the reason is, it overcomes the treason you have committed. Yun Yang exhaled lightly. But I still dont understand. Li Changqiu is not from Yutang, lets forget about him. But you, what is it really for? Give me an answer. If Im satisfied, I can give you a noble end today. Chu Tianlang thought for a long while before murmuring, I am a martial artist. Martial artist Yun Yang retorted coldly, So are you not one of Yutangs people? If Yutang was wiped out, do you think you can keep your family and your friends alive by saying youre a martial artist? Lives were lost around you do you feel righteous and at peace? Yun Yang did not speak anymore after that and turned to walk out. When he reached the door, a chilling aura spread through his body as the Divine Edge flew out from his hand. With a glinting radiance, it chopped off Chu Tianlangs neck. I, Yun Yang, loathe traitors of the nation! I dont even wish to so much as take a glance at these people. He said these softly with his back facing Chu Tianlang and walked out in big strides. As the radiance glowed, Divine Edge transformed itself into a streak of light and chased Yun Yang, turning into an intricate pattern on the sleeve of his robe. Lao Mei, clean up the secret chamber. Yun Yang was inexorably despondent as he left the chamber. Marquis Yun stood in front of Yun Yang, dressed all in white. Who is it in the secret chamber? Marquis Yuns gaze was sharp like a hawks. A traitor to the nation, an accomplice in the Nine Supremes fall. Yun Yang did not bother to hide anything. Good kill! Marquis Yun complimented. I will be leaving then. So early? Yun Yang asked, lifting his head. You would be restricted if I were to remain. Marquis Yun had a bitter smile on his face. I can see that there are a lot of things you dont want me to know. After all, I hold an awkward status here. Right. So Im leaving earlier. Marquis Yun smiled while looking at Yun Yang. I anticipate the day you can officially show your identity. That time, I shall really come to offer you my help. Yun Yang kept mum for a bit and said, That day wont be too far away. He raised his head and looked at Marquis Yun saying, One day, if you receive news about my death, you can come back immediately because Tiantang City will really need you then. Marquis Yuns gaze stayed frozen. From his words, Marquis Yun could feel how heavy a burden Yun Yang was bearing right now. He could also hear in his tone that Yun Yang had no confidence in this impending battle. Looking at Yun Yang, this youth who was lean and light, Marquis Yun could distinctly feel his loneliness, his unyielding manner, and the determination to never back down even when he was alone against the world! He was like a child who had long been abandoned. He was wounded all over, hurt everywhere, yet stubbornly wanted to plant flowers and plants for this vile world. He was trying so hard to bloom, to exude the freshness that had only belonged to him. Take care! Marquis Yun felt a lump in his throat, he squeezed a smile out. Good people dont die so easily. A smirk of ridicule appeared on Yun Yangs face. Would good people not die easily? With a twist of his wrist, he took a small jade bottle out and passed it to Marquis Yun. Youre leaving but I have nothing to give you. Hold on to this. Consume it when youve gotten to somewhere safe, it may be able to help you charge up to Tenth Perfection. Tenth Perfection! Marquis Yun trembled, a tremor quaked through his slim face. He was not the least bit suspicious of the credibility of his words but he was in doubt. Why dont you save this for yourself? Yun Yang looked afar. Its temporarily useless for me if I consume it. But if you achieve Tenth Perfection, it will be a great show of strength of the Empire of Yutang to the outer world! Marquis Yuns gaze was grim as he received the bottle slowly, feeling like he had received a humongous mountain. He was clear that Yun Yang was not confident in his battle at all, that was why he had given this to him. If anything happened to Yun Yang, at least the Empire of Yutang would have an exceptional expert of Tenth Perfection residing in it. Whether it be to the martial arts world or the enemy states, it was still imposing. However, he was still perplexed. Why was Yun Yang unwilling for him to take part in his matters? Why are you unwilling to allow me to join you? Marquis Yun finally asked the question. First, although I trust you a lot, I dare not completely believe in you regarding this matter. Yun Yang was unusually honest, making Marquis Yun laugh bitterly. However, Yun Yangs next words had him stared wide-eyed. Besides, forget about Tenth Perfection, even if Ling Xiaozui joins, I cant guarantee he wont be killed too! Yun Yang continued, This matter of mine it is not appropriate to be making a loud fuss about it now. If I die, it means that this matter ends completely. My enemy wont find fault with Yutang anymore. So that is when your Tenth Perfection cultivation base must be put to use. Otherwise Yun Yang did not continue. The hint of loneliness on his face was only getting more distinct. He was sure that the Four Seasons Tower would not participate in empire hegemony. It had taken on the Nine Supremes for an unknown reason but they would never go against an empire. If he won, everything would naturally end. However, if he died, the Nine Supremes incident would be forever be sunken in the ocean. The Four Seasons Tower would never lash out at the Empire of Yutang nor at Marquis Yun. That way, everything would still be at peace. It would still be a good thing to the Empire of Yutang. Only then would Marquis Yuns Tenth Perfection cultivation base be the most powerful, whether it be in warfare or in the imperial court during that time. This was Yun Yangs arrangement for his country. Once he knew of the blood curse, he had felt the pressure mounting at least a hundred times more. He was not assured at all. However, he had to go on this path, no matter what! What is your background? This was Marquis Yuns last question. Yun Yang looked at the weeds under his feet, stubbornly shaking and standing up again after being stepped on. He smiled faintly but all the smile contained was bitterness. My background I dont even know it myself. He stood there straight and tall. Marquis Yun felt that this youth of delicate looks of jade and prideful stature had been keeping endless grief and loneliness in his heart. Even his laughter seemed to be so oppressed and forlorn. Marquis Yun left. Yun Yangs life took a peaceful day off as well but his heart was not at peace, not even for a minute. He had wiped out the so-called General Zhenbei. Who then was the crown princes aide? He still needed to observe that. He also needed to investigate which servant in the palace it was, as well as the influential general in the military. He would be of significance too. Yun Yang knew that the person must have a much higher status than Zhao Binglong! There was also the Supreme Lord Spring Frost! What sort of existence was that? On the same night, a letter once again appeared bizarrely on Old Marshal Qiu Jianhans table. Nine stars gathered as the center held the shape of high waves. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan understood that this meant those who had gathered this dossier were the subordinates of Supreme Water. Opening it to take a look, he grew increasingly infuriated. The individual who had ambushed the Residence of Marshal has been eradicated. The incident of the Manor of Sirius happened for a reason. Zhao Binglong was exterminated as well. These three people were accomplices of the nine lords downfall, evidence as below A sin that deserves more than a thousand deaths! Even death would not suffice as a punishment! Qiu Jianhans slap landed angrily on the table, his heart filled with pain. The evidence was irrefutable! However, the old marshal felt disheartened. He finally understood why the people from the Nine Heavens Dictum refused to contact him. Disregarding the mysterious assassin Li Changqiu, just the Manor of Sirius master was enough to shake Qiu Jianhan. The Manor of Sirius master was related to His Highness the crown prince. After the incident at the manor, His Highness the crown prince had asked around and even stepped out to greet the young masters from the four noble families in an attempt to spare Chu Tianlangs life. This person had actually participated in the conspiracy against the Nine Supremes! The Old Marshal felt helpless. The conspiracy involved His Highness the crown prince? Just thinking about it had his heart writhe painfully. This was the future emperor of their nation! Furthermore, the powerful military general, Zhao Binglong had also taken part in the Nine Supremes incident! How could this allow the Nine Heavens Dictum to contact him without fear of reprisal? Only God would know how many authoritative officials in imperial Yutang and how many influential and powerful people had taken part in this! The old marshal closed his eyes, feeling crippling exhaustion snake up his spine. After some time, he finally stood up. To the palace. He must speak of this to His Majesty the emperor but how would he even begin to talk about this? The old marshal was in doubt as much as he was enraged for the entire journey. Zhao Binglong looked like he was only a general but the Old Marshal knew that he was the third princes man while the Manor of Sirius was related to the crown prince. This scheme involved two of His Majesty the emperors sons at once! The more he looked at the situation, the more he realized that this was only the tip of the iceberg! 69 Piercing Agony Pang! Crash! Whoosh! Whoosh! In the royal study of His Majesty the emperor, countless items were being thrown and crushed by the infuriated leader! Upon receiving the news, His Majesty the emperor had suddenly exploded like a berserk lion. He was hysterically destroying everything he could see, systematically tearing down the royal study. His eyes were rimmed red. Old Marshal Qiu watched the emperor fume in shock and with an agape mouth. It was expected that His Majesty would be enraged; the Old Marshal had guessed that the emperor would be immensely angered as well. However, he had not expected that His Majesty the emperors reaction would be this extreme. It was terribly unanticipated. Sounds of crushing objects emanated endlessly from the royal study; all the eunuchs had been chased far away. Within several hundred meters, there was only the Old Marshal and His Majesty the emperor left. After a long bout, His Majesty had finally calmed down. He sat down directly on the floor amidst the chaos with his royal yellow robe. With no regard to his image, he had covered his face with two hands and sobbed in a low voice, hot tears rolling down his cheeks. He wanted terribly to hold his anguish in but he found that he could not. Tears seeped from the gaps between his fingers. Qiu Jianhan was dumbfounded. Although he knew the emperors reaction would be extreme, he would never imagine it to be this violent! Was this still His Majesty who had always been stoic in reigning his empire? Your Majesty, you The Old Marshal was perplexed as he said carefully, There are only clues, for now, it doesnt necessarily mean that it involves the two princes. Your Majesty? His Majesty the emperor lifted his head to stare at Qiu Jianhan unblinkingly, not speaking for a long while. However, the hysterical hopelessness in his gaze brought despair to Qiu Jianhan. After a brief interlude, the emperor said in a low voice, Old Qiu. Did you know that, the eldest of the Nine Supremes Supreme Earth he was my son, the eldest prince? To say his words were shocking was an understatement indeed. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan froze as if a thunder had struck him in the head; his eyes bulged as he looked at the emperor in disbelief. That was my child The emperor puffed, his eyes reddened. Old Qiu, Nine Supremes was so powerful. No matter how open minded I am, I would never have been comfortable allowing it to be handled by an outsider. How my son reacted to the descent of the Nine Heavens Demesne How delighted I was! The old marshal finally understood everything. It explained why a Supreme Earth popped out after the descent of the Nine Heavens Demesne! A few months later, the eldest prince had suddenly passed away. It explained how Supreme Earth could have secretly perfected the Nine Supremes powers and His Majesty the emperor could be carefree without poking his nose in such a powerful existence that could manipulate the sovereignty of his empire. It explained how the Nine Supremes could form so quickly and why the Nine Supremes had no restraints placed on them! Why? All these was because of Supreme Earth, the eldest of the Nine Supremes, the eldest prince. The moment the eldest prince had accepted this mission, his fate to renounce the throne was already sealed! It was because, in the eyes of the public, he was as good as dead! He was no threat to the throne. No matter how powerful the Nine Supremes were, there would not be any danger which was why the emperor could give his trust so willingly! He did not need to know everyones identity, it was fine for them to go on being mysteriousC because it was the eldest prince who was leading them! Old Marshal Qiu had also understood at once why His Majestys mask had slipped today. My child he was sensible and smart, sophisticated in intellectual matters and astute in warfare; he was resolute and straightforward, the cream of the cream. I was so sure that I would have someone to take over but the descent of the Nine Heavens Demesne gave this entire empire hope. He had given up the throne for himself to build this intimidating force in secret. Hed given up his all to build a safe future for this nation. My child he threw himself into battlefields and put his life at stake endlessly from then on He contributed all he had and stayed loyal to Yutang. From being a royalty who could live a lavish life to a warrior who battled death daily. Ever since he received this mission he has not had a comfortable day. Did you know, just last year on new years eve, after the feast had ended, I summoned Supreme Earth of the Nine Supremes to discuss confidential matters. Sigh, The old marshal heaved a long breath. How could he have known this? He had been absolutely dubious about the Emperors actions; summoning Supreme Earth for a discussion on a new years eve. Why would the emperor not even allow people a days rest on new years eve? It was only now that he knew there had been no discussion after all. It was a father reuniting with his son on new years eve! That time my child drank some wine and excitedly told me of the formation of the Nine Supremes and how their power was gradually getting stronger. He was very happy. But later on, he got drunk and wanted to sleep. He was kneeling in front of me then, cushioning his head on my legs and told me in a soft murmur. His Majestys tears streamed again. My child said, Father, Im so tired. Qiu Jianhans heart gave a leap. Im so tired. How could he not be? He had to watch himself die despite being alive, witness his birthright be given to his brother, look at the throne that he had absolute no fate to sit on; yet he still had to endlessly battle with his life for this empire. No matter how much he did, how big a sacrifice it was, he would forever be invisible. On the first day of the new year, my child left, leading his brothers to complete their mission. The emperor was drenched in tears. Until the ninth day of the third month, when he was going for his mission, I still remember that it was the second day of the third months night. He specifically made his way to the palace to meet me. Before he left, he hesitated before saying, Father, take care!. I was angry at that time and chided him, saying that he needed to keep his guard up whenever and wherever he was. He had to always remember that he could not call me father! His Majesty looked at the sky in despair, his tears streaming endlessly. I wouldnt have known then that it was actually the last time my child would call me father! He was Supreme Earth; he could sense things but he wouldnt know his fate, so he subconsciously asked me to take care. He worried about me This is my child still being filial to me before he died. But how silly I was! I still chided him during our last meeting. From then, we have been separated by heaven My child Father father is so sorry! His Majesty the emperor bawled loudly. Now I know that those involved in the conspiracy against the Nine Supremes actually have people from the crown prince and the third prince. The emperor howled in agony, a mouthful of blood suddenly gushed out from his mouth as he fainted. Your Majesty! The royal physician! Call for the royal physician! Guards! Although His Majesty the emperor had quickly regained consciousness from suddenly spewing blood and fainting, he was still torpid. Old Marshal Qiu, who had entered the palace late last night to hold a discussion with the emperor became the subject of the crowds accusations. What happened? Why did His Majesty suddenly faint? What did you tell His Majesty? The old marshal was anxious even as he was speechless, especially when facing the empress cold, questioning gaze. He was even more helpless as he had his tongue-tied, unable to speak. What Ive told His Majesty Can I tell you the same? It was only until the emperor had awakened that Old Marshal Qiu would be saved from his anxiety. When the emperor had regained consciousness, his gaze was icy as he weakly proclaimed his decree. The crown prince is to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors and grounded in his residence for three months. The third prince, fourth prince, and fifth prince are not allowed to step outside! They are disallowed to contact any outsiders! Once caught, he should be relegated to peasantry; those he had come into contact with shall have nine familial exterminated! Both decrees were bizarre and did not make any sense. However, looking at the hidden rage behind His Majestys icy gaze, everyone was sure that once that rage was released, it was enough to burn everyone on the spot to ashes! Zhao Binglong conspiring against the state, collaborating with the enemy, sentenced to nine familial extermination! All of them are to be put to death under the penalty of a thousand cuts! Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan stayed the whole night in the palace, returning to his residence only when it was dawn. Until he laid on his bed, his mind was still muddled. He could only heave loud breaths. What His Majesty had mentioned was like a thunderbolt. He, too, was feeling the piercing agony that His Majesty was experiencing. The emperor was not the only one suffering from the loss of his son. Its not easy to be an emperor But its also not simple to be a prince. The old marshal sighed. He was about to sleep. From this entire day to His Majesty spewing blood and fainting, the old marshal could feel his exhaustion seeping in too. Marshal! Emergency at the border! Just as he was about to enter dreamland, a voice came from the outside. Qiu Jianhan felt his head ache. Sitting up and withstanding the pain, he asked, What is it? Border? Which side? The east side! A guard entered with brisk steps and delivered a wax-sealed letter. Two hundred thousand soldiers of Dongxuan are lined at the border; war is about to erupt Dongxuans infantry and cavalry are all before Resilience Fortress The urgent situation at the border fortification chased all hints of sleep away from Qiu Jianhan. As he picked himself up from his bed and got dressed, he sent his orders. Send the information to the military immediately. Prepare the horse! Im entering the palace at once! Send orders to each department of the military, prepare for war! Find the treasurer, have him enter the palace! Send orders to troops in all counties, mobilize food support and send it to the east! The Old Marshals residence was abuzz with activity; the Board of War was also in a commotion. All the higher-ranked officials in Empire of Yutang had been alerted! The gray clouds of war loomed over the capital of Yutang. What an inappropriate time it was too. How defenseless the nation was! It had drizzled through the entire night; Yun Yang felt refreshed after cultivating. The mystical Qi in him had turned into vigorous waves of energy as they stormed through his meridians, He seemed to be filled with endless power. I shall charge for the third peak tonight, go take a look at the third heaven that I havent seen in such a long time! Yun Yang was in high spirits. As for the little critters following behind him, their improvement was even faster. Although the four Eclipse Panthers had no obvious changes in their appearance, they had all entered the fourth level. Beyond his residence, the noise from the military troops and the rapid clatter from the warhorses were heard. Yun Yang was stunned, his gaze suddenly became incredibly sharp. That noise. It was all too familiar! Usually, this meant that there would be an emergency at the border! Was war impending? Yun Yang stood by the door of his residence and watched the chaos taking place outside, his eyes in a daze. Last time, he would have already received notification by this time and he would already be gathering with his brothers. Before waiting for a response from the imperial court, they would already be out of the city and on their way within the hour. They would fly forth on their steeds, their clothes black like ink; no one would speak then, all their eyes seemed to have looked past the scenery on their way and saw only the havoc on the battlefield Each time round, eldest brother Supreme Earths voice would ring loudly in his ear. Give all intel to Supreme Cloud! Supreme Cloud, hurry up and figure out the strategy. We dont have much time to give you, we can only execute it once we get there after you have thought of it on the way! Dont worry, big brother. He would always answer the same, his young voice full of spirit. This trip would be filled with dangers and obstacles but we would also definitely kill the enemy and return triumphant! Olnine is ambitious! Yun Yang stood by the Residence of Yuns doors, his gaze bleak. War looms over Yutang once more; I still wish to fly forth to the battlefield with my brothers on our horses! But, where are all of you? 70 Mockery. Keeping an Eye Out. Coercion! The capital was in chaos. In reality, Tiantang City had been chaotic all this while. Ji Ling and the ladies of each noble family were going around inquiring about one particular individual during this time. They had sent out countless others to help them in their efforts. As for the four great families of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, they were involved in the search as well. Later, even the families of East, South, West, and North joined in as well. Of course, they were not only searching for Ji Lings lost brother. They were also searching for Chu Tianlang, or perhaps, the person who took Chu Tianlang away. There was competition among the young masters too, be it out in the open or in the dark; it was strange, however, that they were divided into two camps, in obvious separation. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter were together while East, South, West, and North played in one team. Although they were fighting all over the place internally, both camps would never intersect each other. On the contrary, their hostility towards each others camp was thick and heavy. Even when they walked together, they disregarded each other. Even if two people in the same troop were arguing, as long as one of them had a conflict with someone else from the other party, they would simultaneously redirect their attack outwards! Ximen Family had the most people now C since Ximen Wandai had been assassinated, Ximen Family had more than a hundred men gathered here. Other than the ten of them who were to send the coffin home, the rest of them had stayed in Tiantang City. The proclamation of Chu Tianlang as the assassin was obviously a guise to temporarily save themselves from punishment. Therefore, they still had to investigate and find the real murderer. In this, the Ximen family would not give up easily. In the process of the Ximen familys investigation, someone had mentioned that they should reacquire the loot that Ximen Wandai had lost in a wager, now that he had died. Ximen Wanli was rather partial to this. However, just as they were about to act on their words, the girls had come over, led by Ji Ling, the newly appointed big sister, to mock and ridicule them. Ximen Family cant afford to lose? The person has already died but they actually want to go ask for the wager. A wager that they had lost! Why didnt you ask for the wager that your Ximen family ancestors lost three hundred years ago? You guys can go right on ahead to ask for all the wagers from your dead Ximen family members millennia ago. Then the Ximen family would prosper! The whole world would be yours! So brazen! So shameless! Whichever sister who gets married into the Ximen Family would have a lot to spend the wager that ancestors have lost in bets, just go ask for them after the ancestors have passed on. How fascinating, it makes me want to be married into the Ximen family. Such thickness of skin! The girls were sharp-tongued, passing the ridicules back and forth, mocking the people from Ximen Family to the point that they almost wanted to kick the bucket. After much begging and pleading, they finally sent this bunch of tigresses away. As for finding Yun Yang to ask for the wager, they would never speak of it ever again! It wasnt worth the provocation that came with it. They had eyes, they could see that these girls had come due to Yun Yang. They had come specifically to stand up for him! If they had insisted on going, these girls would probably do more than just mock them. The Ximen family had two elders to lead the party this time. Both the elders were puzzled. Who had Ximen Wandai offended? Who did he bet with? Why did it come to this? The corners of Ximen Wanlis eyes kept twitching. He really could not imagine that his dead ass of a brother had made such a big mess. That Yun Yang was from Tiantang City He doesnt have much of a background; his dad was merely Marquis of Heavenly Clouds of Tiantang Then why all of this? Both the elders were perplexed. This Yun Yang is very good-looking. In every other aspect, hes practically useless. someone said. There you have it. One of the elders had a sudden realization and huffed, How can a good-looking man be considered useless? Dont you know theres an old saying, girls like handsome men How could there be no reason for this incident today? All the youngsters of the Ximen family had the corners of their mouth twitching in amusement. They would never have imagined that third grandfather, who had always been rather uppity, was also one of their kind. F*cking girls like handsome men; this saying came from the brothels. It would never be appropriate to use that epithet on these girls! Looks like third grandfather was also a promiscuous figure before! One of them teased. F*ck off! Third grandfathers slap came flying true, sending the fellow tumbling across the floor. On the other hand, the quartet that was Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter was attracting their own share of attention. Wherever they had gone, they had everyones eyes on them! Three young masters were dressed all in green, sauntering besides their guards and wearing a swollen pig head. Each of them was green from head to toe, their green hats even had an emerald green bamboo shoot! Their belt, shoes, sword and saber scabbards were all in green! Young Master Dong Tianleng was beaming in delight. He was dressed in white, gleaming like pure snow, as his arms were crossed behind his back, walking alongside the three green-dressed men who stood out strikingly. Although he still had some injuries on his face, he had been allowed to heal them after winning the bet so there were only faint scars left behind. Wherever they went, before everyone else could comment, Dong Tianleng was already causing a commotion. Oh, sh*t! Look at this everyone! There are three peculiarly dressed people here! Brother, may I ask why are you dressed like that? The more people they were, the more Dong Tianleng was diligently questioned. The other three were fuming internally, cursing Dong Tianlengs ancestors over and over again in their hearts. How could this guy be so cheap! It was a wonder how the Dong familys elders could give birth to such a cheap thing! He was so unbelievably cheap that no one could even hope to surpass him. However, they could only grumble and murmur in their hearts, they could never say it out loud. The three of them kept their glares trained on Dong Tianleng. No matter what happened, they must never let this fellow move about alone! Even if he was going to the washroom, someone had to accompany him. We know this rascal will go and find the person who helped him win! We must keep an eye out! We must never let him move about alone! This person must be found no matter what it takes! Otherwise, we will only keep losing, and that is something I cant withstand! Find the person and we can win when we go up against other! Dong Tianleng was helpless. It was Yun Yangs stern order that this never be leaked. How could Dong Tianleng dare to disobey? What should I do if my lord doesnt want to help me anymore? Dong Tianleng was so impatient these past few days that he almost fell prey to hemorrhoids. However, under the strict and deadly watch of the other three young masters, he had no chance of sneaking out! Even in the darkest hours of the night, someone would tail him right away when he got up from the bed and out the door. What are you doing! Nothing, Im just looking around. Are you done looking? Not yet! Im f*cking going to the washroom and you want to follow? Cant I take a leak in the middle of the night? Of course you can, who said you cant? Its such a coincidence, I wish to go as well. Shall we go together? Together your f*ck! Dong Tianleng was going crazy but the three young masters were enjoying themselves. They kept their eyes even more firmly on him. This fellow is cheap but he doesnt have much patience. We keep an eye out for a few more days, its about time. Right! Just a bit more! This is the crucial moment, we must not slack! Everyone was occupied with their own business and did not go to Yun Yang. Naturally, Yun Yang was glad to be left alone. To him, it was best if none of them came at all! As for the distribution of Dong Tianlengs loot, well, Yun Yang was indifferent about the whole matter. At that very moment, Yun Yang was walking towards the Qin Familys jade farm with Young Master Qin. The Qin familys jade ware was the best of the best in the entire Tiantang City and the nearby areas. Yun Yang knew that even in the palace, most of the jade ware used by the royalties had mostly come from this place. Yun Yangs excuse today was, Young Master Qin, you still remember what I told you the other time? Of course I do. I need to purchase a batch of high-quality jade from your jade farm. It will be a rather big batch. Young Master Qin was silent, too stunned to speak. What is it? Can I not do so? Yun Yangs gaze turned dangerous. Its not that you cant Young Master Qin was hesitant. I believe that you are aware that my familys jade farm specifically provides supplies only to the royals. Its fine if you want just a little, but a big batch might be harder to fulfill. I see. Leave then. Please dont be like this, Young Master Yun I said leave. I am not buying from your family then. Henceforth, let us sever all ties. Young Master Qin was terrified. Young Master Yun, Young Master Yun, please listen to me. Theres nothing left to say. Words spoken to you are like passing gas; what else do I need to say? Young Master Yun, Young Master Yun Do not worry, I wont make too much of a fuss. The last time you transacted with Treasure Pavilion, you sent to them good jade, keeping the special grade jade for yourselves and making a tidy profit. Using first-grade jade as a substitution to replace the special grade jade for the royalties is definitely a scheme I will enjoy sharing with the world. Dont worry. Young Master Yun! Young Master Qin was terrified out of his wits, dropping down on his knees in front of Yun Yang. Young Master Yun, I will complete your request. Just tell me how much jade you need! Its no problem, its no problem for our jade farm! As I just said, there is no need. Why would I want so much jade for? There are only two or three people in my house, we cant use that much. Leave! Young Master Yun, I am in te wrong I am at fault Please forgive me! You are not at fault, you are simply loyal to royalty. Your loyalty should be praised. I am the one at fault, I shouldnt force others to do what they obviously cant. Leave. Plok, plok, plok. Young Master Qin continued to prostrate himself on the floor. Young Master Yun, Young Master Yun please be magnanimous. Think of me as an annoyance and let it go It will cost us our lives! How can this be? As you just said, you specifically supply only to royalty. No, no, no. Young Master Yun, with just one word from you, I can totally be in charge of this! You really can? Really! As good as gold! Youre not lying to me? Would I dare to? I still do not wish to go. In all honesty, your rejection earlier has completely wiped away my interest I absolutely have no mood to do so now Please dont! We wont charge you! That wouldnt be right at all. Its alright, its good, it is absolutely alright! Its the greatest! As long as Young Master Yun is willing to honor us with your visit, it will forever be our jade farms pride and honor Young Master Yun, please, we shall go right away! We can go now! I still have errands to run. Young Master Yun, please give us this honor! If you dont go, itll be hard for me to explain to all my family ancestors. Alright, if it''s to allow you to be able to explain to your ancestors Yun Yang walked forward amicably, the jade farm was just in front. Just as he walked over, two litters stopped on the opposite side. These were royal litters, come to collect their jade. Young Master Qin immediately turned pale. What a coincidence! Before he could think of how he should manage this, a few horses had come from the other side; people from the crown princes residence were here as well. Clip-clop, clip-clop Horses galloped over; men from the other princes were here as well. Young Master Qin was utterly dumbfounded. This is going to cost lives! Young Master Qin thought hopelessly, he could not help but voice it out, This is going to f*cking cost peoples lives! Oh my God! 71 Domineering! Move! Why are you not walking? Yun Yang asked curiously from behind him, Are you going back on your word? No, no, no Young Master Qin was pasty white with horror. How can I Young Master Yun, after you. After inviting Yun Yang in like serving a lord, Young Master Qin had led like a shot rabbit. He needed to quickly inform his father about this. Any mistake could cost the entire Qin Family None of those who had come were people they could afford to offend. Yun Yang sat drinking tea by himself. He was in no hurry, a warm smile hung by the corners of his lips C he looked like a piece of jade himself. He was elegance and grace personified, with no trace of irritation or impatience. The palaces jade was about to be used up and the purchase was today; of course, Yun Yang knew about this. The jade used for rewarding or other purposes at the residences of the crown prince and the other princes were about depleted as well. Besides, the crown prince and princes were all grounded, they could not go out, so naturally, they would need more things to keep themselves occupied. They could not go out, what could they use to do what they had to? In this world with the community that highly valued jade, it was natural that they needed good jade. It was today that the crown princes residence and the other princes residences began purchasing the jade at the same time. Obviously, Yun Yang had been privy to all of this. If had not known, he would not have come at this time! He drank his tea quietly, his good looks complemented by an otherworldly aura; he resembled a serene portrait, putting the maids by the side in a trance. What a quiet, beautiful man! They had not the slightest clue that this quiet, beautiful man was plotting a series of earth-shattering events. Today, this quiet Young Master Yun was about to set off a humongous wave in this jade farm! After a short while, Young Master Qin came running with sweat dotting his head. Sorry, Young Master Yun, Im sorry. You have waited for too long. It doesnt matter. Yun Yang was gentle. Should we go pick the jade now? Young Master Qins expression was bitter. There are men from the palace and the princes are choosing their jade now, Young Master Yun. What you mean is that I should choose the remains of what theyve picked? Yun Yang asked with a smile, In your eyes, do I look like I enjoy eating leftovers? No. No, no, no Young Master Qins face began to resemble a bitter gourd. What I mean is What you mean is that we should all join in the fun. Yun Yang stood up and headed outside. Let me see for myself what is called the royal flair, the descendants of heaven. No, no Young Master Qins frowns were about to turn into wrinkles on his face. Fathers meaning is that Young Master Yun need not be impatient. We shall go straight to my familys secret treasure chamber later. Everything inside is treasured for generations in my house, they are all absolute gems, much better than the so-called special grade outside. This was the last resort. Father Qin had reminded him over and over to never mention it unless forced to. However, just Yun Yang standing up had already coerced Young Master Qins into desperate new heights. Yun Yang stroked his chin and looked at Young Master Qin suspiciously, saying slowly, Really? Really! Truthfully and genuinely real! Young Master Qin swore. Then I shall go over to see. I wont fight with them, Ill just watch together with you. This would be alright, wouldnt it? Yun Yang said. Yes, its alright. Its just that... your status Young Master Qin heaved a sigh of relief. Just tell them my status. Would it be so scandalous? Yun Yang looked at Young Master Qin oddly. Im here to buy jade and Im letting them pick first. Im just looking from the side. I just wish to experience it, cant I do that? Yes, you can. Being the top jade farm in the Empire of Yutang, it was only logical that the Qin familys jade farm was humongous! It was Yun Yangs first time here. Along the way, the courtyards around the farm were all functioning workshops, the noise loud in their ears. This is the first level warehouse. All the stones that could produce good jade are here. After mining them from the mountain, not one piece would be discarded as long as they were found to be of high quality. This is the second level warehouse. All the unprocessed jade rocks are here. The most inner part is where the displays are. Young Master Qin introduced the place as they walked. Once they entered, Yun Yang could feel Emmie in his subconscious getting excited; its leaves along with its stem and tendrils were all twisting around madly. A velvety soft and tender thought kept urging Yun Yang on. Good stuff! A lot of good stuff! Quick, let me eat them! I want to eat them! There is so much good stuff! Its cajoling bothered Yun Yang so much that he hollered out loud with a dark expression, Shut up! On the side, Young Master Qin shut his mouth at once and looked over in fear. Young Master Yun, are you alright? Yun Yang felt a bead of sweat drop. Im not talking to you. Young Master Qin was befuddled. Theres only two of us here Youre not talking to me, then who is it that youre talking to? What did I say wrongly that Ive made him impatient again? Please go on Yun Yang looked at him oddly. Why have you stopped talking? As Yun Yang entered the foyer, he saw several groups of people there C a total of six groups of people who were clearly divided. Why are there six groups? Yun Yang questioned in his heart. A group from the palace, one from the crown prince, an underage prince even if the rest of them were included there would only be three groups, how were there so many? The last group was sent by the consort who has just given birth to His Majestys young prince last year Young Master Qin whispered in Yun Yangs ear. Yun Yang was speechless. The prince was not even a year old and the consort had already wanted to build a team of followers for her son? Was this not too early? A soft feminine voice was speaking, Ive come this time with royal orders. Itll be good for Master Qin to show me anything of better and higher quality. I will take them and leave lest I cause any more disturbance to you. On the other side, Young Master Qins father was sweating profusely. Show you? Do I dare show you? If I give you all the good ones its fine for you to leave after picking them but for the rest who requests to have the same quality as yours where do I go to get it for them? And the rest of them which one can I afford to offend? However, Master Qin was someone already used to handling sticky situations like this. If so, why dont we go to the third floor together, Eunuch Wu? The entire third floor contains high-quality good jades. Master Qin was rather direct as he said, There is enough for everyone. Very well. Eunuch Wus voice was soft and feminine. He had brought along four young eunuchs who were all actually very good-looking. He raised his hand and tapped one of the young eunuchs head and stroked his neck as he said, After you. As he made his move, he caught a glimpse of Yun Yang from the corner of his eye. Warm radiance shone from his pair of eyes at once and he stopped moving. Walking over, friendly but with reservation, burning with internal heat, he asked delicately, Who is this young master? So handsome. I absolutely love this sort of look... His gaze on Yun Yang was exactly like a satyr who had seen a beautiful, naked woman! Hungry and depraved! Without stopping to think, Yun Yang smacked him across the face. Initially, Yun Yang would have endeavored to find out more about this man even if there had been no ruckus. Now that this fellow had disgustingly brought himself over, it was impossible for Yun Yang to restrain himself! Slap! A concussive boom rocked the place. It was strange that a slap could actually make such a loud sound. Eunuch Wus body sprung up like a gunny sack as he spun some seven to eight rounds in midair; before he could land, he had flown out like a gyro and landed heavily against the group of crown princes men, knocking two of them out. As he opened his mouth, a big mouthful of blood spewed out along with seven or eight teeth. His gums had turned to mush from the force of Yun Yangs strike as well. How dare you! A young eunuch shouted shrilly. The foyer was in chaos! Yun Yang stepped forth but a leader from crown princes group who was obviously an expert blocked him. Insolent fool! Trespassing in public, do you not know we have laws? Yun Yang snorted as the tip of a sword dropped onto the floor with a twitch of his hand. On the royal yellow sword grip, sixteen tiny words formed two rows, lining the top clearly, The sword transcends mountains and rivers, as though Ive personally come; regulation of officials, decapitate then report! The guard from the residence of crown prince widened his eyes. Its the Sword of Dominion bestowed by His Majesty to Marquis Yun! At that time, the Sword of Dominion bestowed by His Majesty to Marquis Yun was supposed to read lambast vacuous monarch above, decapitate deceitful officials below! but Marquis had objected to that, so the lines were changed to these sixteen words. Can I not beat him up? Yun Yang asked coldly. You can, you can. The man was pale as he took two steps back. Yun Yang hopped on and walloped Eunuch Wu on the floor. Just a while later, the eunuch was badly beaten up; his cries growing louder first before it gradually turned weaker. Young Master Yun Young Master Qin came forth to persuade him to stop with an ashen face. Stop beating him up, youre going to kill him if you go on! What if I do? Yun Yang said angrily. In the end, he gave another three or four kicks even as he was being pulled away by the crowd. He began to scratch his arm. How disgusting Look at these goosebumps on my arm Everyone exchanged looks of exasperation. A single sentence and you beat the person in charge of purchasing sent by the palace to this place? No one else could have this sort of temerity. While Yun Yang was walloping the eunuch, he had prepared countless hidden tactics as a precaution. If this fellow were to be from the Four Seasons Tower, he would definitely not be someone to trifle with. He must be an expert, there was no doubt about it! If it was necessary, even Fang Mofei had to strike. However, he did not expect to finish him with just a slap. Even Yun Yang was a little stupefied at that. It would seem like this fellow was not from the Four Seasons Tower. Since this one was eliminated, how about the one from the crown princes party? Yun Yang raised his head. Looking at the leader of the crown princes party, he asked provocatively, What is it? What are you looking at me for? Do you disagree with me? The person was speechless. I didnt do anything Why are you suddenly targeting me? Youre holding the sword given by His Majesty that allows you to decapitate first and report later, what can I disagree about? What is your name? Yun Yang wore a look of absolute resolution. Speak up. I am Han Wufei! The man said with a cold expression, Although I work at the residence of the crown prince, I am not an official. Young Master Yun, what do you want? Bullsh*t! Yun Yang chided, Does this land under the sky not belong to the emperor? Are all the people in this land not the emperors officials and people? Do you feel dejected that youre not an official? Where had all this come from? Han Wufei felt like he was about to burst from rage. He had never seen someone so illogical. The rest of you, tell me your names as well. Yun Yang looked at the other leader figures. If Im ambushed walking at night. Remembering everyones name, Yun Yang sheathed his sword into the scabbard leisurely and told Han Wufei with a tilt of his head, Han Wufei, be good and alert next time! He then rolled his eyes and left unhurriedly. Since he knew their names, he now had a direction for his investigation. He was content but Han Wufei who was behind him had sparks flying from his eyes! This is really an undeserved disaster! Eunuch Wu from the palace has some unique preferences, everyone knows this. Its his fault today to have provoked someone he shouldnt have everyone was clear about this too. Yun Yang could not take the humiliation and had gone berserk everyone expected it. But the problem is are these relevant to me, Han Wufei? What is the relevance? What is the relevance? On what grounds has this mess ended up with me? He even wanted me to be good and alert the next time! Listening to his words, those who did not know better would have thought that they had offended some sort of thug or ruffian. The other fellows were even more innocent. Why did he ask for our names? What is it for? What did we do? 72 Jade. A Second Assassination Attemp Young Master Qins gaze towards the mighty Yun Yang was full of admiration. He had never seen something like this; the stunned man had experienced something new today. Yun Yang felt that he was incredibly fierce and a little cheap. If he had never met Dong Tianleng, he would never have thought to use such a cheap reason and method! It was too violent, there was no way to put his wits and elegance on display. I must steer clear of that cheap fellow in the future! I have been unduly influenced. Yun Yang made a solemn resolution in his heart. What are you looking at me for? Is there a flower on my face? Yun Yang glared at Young Master Qin. No Young Master Yun, you are terribly fierce today! Young Master Qin was babbling with nervous flattery, bootlicking to the point that Yun Yang was all smiles again. Grovel all you will, youll still have to give me the best jade. Yun Yang asked after relishing in the praises, Where is the warehouse? Young Master Qin rolled his eyes and said, Here I knew you wouldnt forget your jade. I can forget it, I can leave now too. Yun Yang was unfazed. Lord Big brother Young Master Qin was frightened as his face was drained of blood. Dont After opening seventeen or eighteen locks, they had finally entered the small warehouse. Boxes containing high-grade jade filled the large space as they were placed neatly all around. Once they entered, Emmie was twitching even more vigorously in agitation. This is marvelous! Yun Yangs eyes gleamed. I want them all! With a plop, Young Master Qin fell to the floor. Have mercy, big brother. These are all the treasured collection of my family for some three hundred years. Ive only brought you here to show my sincerity but father has reminded repeatedly that Young Master Yun can only, at most, take ten pieces! Please, dont put me in a tough spot if you take them all, our family No! Yun Yang rejected without hesitation. Should I believe you just because mention ten pieces? Your bottom line must at least be twenty items if you can mention ten pieces right away! There are several hundred boxes here! You let me in once and allow me to take only ten of them? What sincerity is this? At least one hundred! Yun Yang said decisively, his demand exorbitant. Oh my God Young Master Qin cried in despair. Why not take my life straightaway? I can give you, at most, eleven pieces! At least ninety?! No! Absolutely not! At most, twelve! At least eighty! No, at most 13. I dont wish to bargain anymore. Yun Yang had lost his patience. I dont care what your bottom line is. Ill give a number, Ill take them and pay you if its a deal; if not, Ill leave right away and not pester you anymore. What say you? Young Master Qin asked anxiously, Then how many do you wish for? Fifty!! Yun Yang said coldly, Forget it if you can meet my demands.]! I dont want yours anymore. Young Master Qins face was as bitter as a gourd. Fifty? The bottom line his father had given him was no more than twenty-five pieces. This lord was simply being generous by doubling the amount directly. These treasured jades here were not from an ordinary jade; each piece was a priceless gem that could be turned into the highly treasured revival jade. Is it so hard to decide? Yun Yang gave him a sidelong glance. Actually, even if I said I want them all, you have to give them to me too. I only want fifty now, and Im paying for them. Deal! Young Master Qin said through gritted teeth. How much? In gold? They would cost at least five million gold taels. Young Master Qin held his bleeding heart and gave his cost price. No problem! Yun Yang agreed easily. If its only five million gold taels, youve got yourself a deal. How about the payment? Put it on my tab. Young Master Qin had no tears to cry even if he felt like weeping. Ill pick them then, Yun Yang said. Its easy to damage them while moving them about. Besides, all the jades here have a similar quality. Young Master Yun can simply take any fifty boxes, Young Master Qin reminded him kindly. Dont worry, I shall then choose fifty boxes at random. Yun Yang laughed, Ill depend on my luck then. Emmie was all prepared to strike in his subconscious. It was already clear which box was would be the most useful to it. In a short time, Yun Yang had picked out fifty boxes. The process took less than half the amount of time taken to burn a joss stick. Ill take these. Yun Yang said, If I pick and choose carefully, it would be hard for you to explain to your family too. Young Master Qin was greatly touched. Young Master Yun is sensible! Finding the traitor from the Four Seasons Tower was only one of the objectives for Yun Yangs visit. The other goal was to find nourishment for Emmie. Since he discovered that Emmie was especially needy of jade, Yun Yang had targeted the Qin Family. There was only Qin Family that could have such a large jade reservoir in the entire Tiantang City. He had rushed to come over when everyone else was also going. It was so he could enter this secret chamber. However, he would not go over the line. Their deal was only fifty boxes so he would only take fifty boxes; nothing more, none of those in the dark tactics as well. he Qin family had no choice but to transact with Treasure Pavilion then and committed disloyalty to the emperor. Although Yun Yang held this as blackmail, he knew that the Qin Family was compelled to at that time. After using this as a form of coercion for a few times, Yun Yang would naturally return the favor. He would never really drive someones family to a corner. Young Master Qin could vaguely tell this too, which was why he had allowed Yun Yang to blackmail him without a care and even allow him to take advantage in giving him the lowest price. He knew that Yun Yang had never mentioned it but he would never really take advantage of those without the means for repayment. It was enough that they knew this tacitly. Some of the things were never supposed to be said out loud At least, when someone tried to find fault, he could say righteously that he was being coerced When the royal parties were still making their selection, Yun Yang had left the jade farm in his carriage. Emmie could no longer hold it in and was already twisting here and there like a spoiled child, asking to be fed. Yun Yang was determined to reject it. He wanted to go back and have a good look at what he took it would be good for him to have a price estimation when he was preparing in the future. At the same time, he had sent the several names he had gotten back. Those who could be sent to the jade farm by the princes were definitely among the top five if not the top one figure in each prince residence. Yun Yang wanted these five names as a breakthrough. As for Eunuch Wu, Yun Yang kept it in his heart after much thought, not sending the name for investigation. Someone who was near death by just one slap Four Seasons Tower would not want to even look at him right? Just when Yun Yang was approaching the Residence of Yun, Yun Yangs heart jerked as a sense of warning suddenly appeared. Fang Mofei who was beside him raised his head thoughtfully as well. The dangerous aura was gone in a flash. Yun Yang and Fang Mofei exchanged a puzzled look. Was that the assassin previously. Fang Mofei passed the message without moving his lips. However, Yun Yangs cultivation base could not allow him to do the same. He could only nod his head and spoke, The feeling is familiar too. After all, assassination attempts on me arent frequent. This fellow has received the same threat, twice in a row; he feeling is the same. Fang Mofei sighed and said, Young master, I have a premonition that you will have a lot of similar experience in the future. Yun Yang glared at him speechlessly. Catch this man tonight, Yun Yang said. Fang Mofeis lips were still not moving. This should be a real assassin. Once his attack missed, he retreated completely, faraway too. After some time, when his target is relaxed, he comes back for a peek and finds his opportunity to strike. Very experienced despite his ability being utterly mediocre. Fang Mofei commented. Its just that such experiences are not applicable on me, Yun Yang replied. Fang Mofei misunderstood what Yun Yang meant as he nodded in agreement and said, Because the more people young master has offended, the more alert you will be. Therefore, each night this assassin come, people who wanted to kill young master would increase so naturally, young master would be more on guard day by day. It is indeed inapplicable. Yun Yang was speechless. Could they still carry out a proper conversation? On the same night. Yun Yang took three boxes out, keeping the rest somewhere Emmie could not reach. Emmie was too young now, Yun Yang was afraid that this tender shroud would overfeed itself Opening the box, an emerald glow shone brightly. Emmie danced happily with glee. Emmie, why are you especially fond of jade? Yun Yang questioned. Emmie fed itself joyously answering the question with a sway of its; although the idea was vague, Yun Yang could still understand it. Jade was originally an ordinary rock. It was only formed after hundreds and thousands of years of precipitation and continuous absorption of spiritual Qi. Therefore, jade was the purest form of basic Qi from heaven and earth; the higher grade a piece of jade was, the purer the Qi was. Mystical stones and mystical crystals cant compare to jade? Yun Yang still did not understand. Mystical stones and mystical crystals are specific products that are only available at certain places that could cultivate mystical Qi while jades are spiritual hearts of the earth that are available on any continent and any space. Although mystical stones and mystical crystals seem to have higher practical value than jade, in reality, jade is purer. I see. Yun Yang finally understood. Amidst the questions and answers, Yun Yang could distinctly tell that a sense of danger was approaching. The assassin was here again! He was not afraid though. Ive waited for you long enough. Come, dont be afraid to strike. Big brother shall make you an opportunity. Yun Yang sighed with leisure as he walked out, pushing the door open. He looked as if he was soothing his boredom that had accumulated in this night by going out for a stroll. Behind him, thee Eclipse Panthers tailed him closely like three tiny fur balls. However, they did not fool around together but was each located at the back, left, and right. Walking to the plants in the courtyard, Yun Yang could not help but exclaim as he looked at the plants swaying silhouette under the moonlight, What alluring scenery of the night He stood at the side, his head lowered as he watched the plants shadow with his arms on his back and recited softly, What mystery it is to know how long the moon in the ninth heaven has shone upon the worldly realm for? Reunion and separation, defeat and victory, generations of heroes and warriors of the worldly realm whose life could compare to the eternal bright moon in the sky? Yun Yang raised his head in a sigh, Moon, oh moon, wont you age? The moonlight was serene like water as it shone down coolly. As Yun Yang raised his head, his throat was clearly shown under the moonlight. His entire being was relaxed as he was immersed in melancholy. Both of his arms were behind his back If there was to be an assassination, this would be a perfect time! Indeed, an icy glow flashed in the night sky. A ray of chilling air shot over from another rooftop outside the wall about a dozen meters away! It was extremely fast and soundless; there was absolutely no noise from piercing the air! The cold radiance had just gleamed but it had already arrived at Yun Yangs throat! The killer was confident that this Young Master Yun would never ever escape from his assassination this time around. This time, he had only come back to check and did not intend to strike. Neither did he expect to come across such good opportunity! This fop had actually come out to heap praises o the moon in the middle of the night. If he did not strike when given such an opportunity, he would feel bad for himself! Besides, he would only need to use the plant beside him as leverage and flee right away after killing him. The cold glow was approaching, streaking through the air. Yun Yangs throat could feel the lethal chill as goosebumps rose on his throat, frozen with malicious intent. 73 At Noon Tomorrow, I Shall Enter the Supremes’ Residence! Just in the nick of time! A smile surfaced on Yun Yangs face. A saber had somehow materialized in front of Yun Yangs neck to block the attack. Clang! The assassin had used the same move. As the tip of his sword crashed against the saber, he was horrified to discover that his weapon C a sword that was forged using mystical steel mined from under the ocean, had immediately crumbled, like snow melting when thrown against burning red steel! The disintegration began at the tip of his sword, followed by its entire length. Such a bizarre scene had terrified him immensely. How could this have happened? A flash of white streaked past. All three kittens on the ground that had looked harmless and resembled pets that could be hugged in a warm embrace had sprung up at the same time. Swish, swish, swish! Three scratches whisked simultaneously! The assassin moaned in pain as three scratches appeared on his thigh; blood gushed from the beginning of his leg to the middle of his calf. Another three scratches on his back were almost bone deep while his right hand holding his sword was thoroughly eviscerated by one of the kittens, a large chunk of flesh being torn away. What kind of cats are these? Are these even f*cking cats? Im a fifth heaven peak expert, my entire physique and skin are like copper and bones of steel, how could these kittens even... However, he had no time to ponder on this question. It was paramount that he should seek a way to escape with his life, after having fallen into a trap. The assassin growled as his body spun abruptly, making a graceful turn in mid-air, unbelievably fast as he released the remainder of his sword. He managed to suspend himself in the air while he scrambled for purchase on a tree, in hopes of getting away. His reactions were amazingly fast and precise. Both his legs stomped on the tree trunk as his entire torso flew up from the leveraged energy; his left hand thrown outwards as a colorless silk string flew out. Another step and even deities could not keep me from leaving! However, he felt a shadow coalesce in front of him. A muscular silhouette had suddenly appeared to block his path. His grasp loosened, the silk string that he had thrown out was actually in this persons hand. Fang Mofei! Get down! Fang Mofeis palm had solidified the air into a large steel trap within a ten-meter radius of the tree as he slapped against it hard. Splat! The assassin spat a mouthful of blood as the cracking sounds of bone shattering shook his entire body. He seemed to have lost all his bones as he collapsed to the ground in a soft heap, blood springing out like a geyser in the air while his body sprayed the liquid out like a rainbow. He had lost all his abilities to defend himself under Fang Mofeis strike that far exceeded his powers. He laid on the floor facing up, twitching in a painful spasm but his eyes were full of resentment. His throat rumbled as he tried his hardest to speak. What a good trap! Closed-mouth phenomenon! Yun Yang hesitated only briefly before he flung his arm as a ray of light shot right into this assassins mouth and through his brain, piercing him to the ground! At the same time, Fang Mofeis sword flew like lightning with an angry growl towards the very same spot However, Yun Yangs Divine Edge had reached the target first, so Fang Mofeis sword ended up stabbing against the Divine Edge instead. The shrill noise was an accompaniment to Fang Mofeis wrenching pain in his heart as only the grip of his sword remained. The body, from the tip of the sword to the entire blade had disappeared like evaporated snow. Upon closer inspection, however, it could be seen that he blade had turned into a pile of silvery dust! That was close! Yun Yang said, feeling incredibly fortunate at the turn of events. With a wave of his hand, Divine Edge flew back and landed on Yun Yangs palm, vanishing as his hand turned. If we hadnt noticed his closed-mouth phenomenon, this corpse explosion would become... Yun Yang was relieved to the point of being unable to complete his sentence. Fang Mofei nodded dumbly, still looking at his sword grip. What had happened? The key word was a half-opened-mouth phenomenon but it became an open mouth when the assassin said it. Yun Yang instinctually felt there was a problem and had struck immediately. At this moment, a small black granule rolled out from the assassins mouth, unearthed by the Divine Edge that had chopped off the root of his tooth. Fang Mofei flipped it around and sucked in a cold breath of air. A corpse explosion pill! This was an extremely wicked item, hidden in the mouth and protected with a coat of crystal. Once faced with an impending death, the owner would only need to break it by biting it. The poison from the corpse explosion pill would course through the entire body and the person would die immediately. When the corpse was fully immersed in the poison, it would cause a violent explosion. Each piece of flesh would produce a poison that remained even after a few years no matter where it landed; each drop of blood that landed on a person would have the person die immediately from rotting! It was indeed one of the most inhumane things on earth. This is really The Merciless Towers work! Fang Mofei looked at Yun Yang with myriad emotions. Only Gold-ranked assassins and above from The Merciless Tower can be equipped with corpse explosion pills. I really dont know... He swallowed the latter part of his words. Obviously, it was to be I really dont know how you managed to provoke people from The Merciless Tower even after finding so many faults in Tiantang City... Yun Yang was also a little bewildered. When did I provoke The Merciless Tower? This looks more like people paying to assassinate me, isnt it? ... Quick clean up the corpse and take a rest for the day... Yun Yang looked at Fang Mofei in puzzlement. What are you doing, standing there gaping? My... my sword... Fang Mofei looked at his swords grip, as the severity of his loss hit him. My jade sword... The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched. Fealty Jade Sword... was this is your reputable jade sword? Fang Mofei had no tears with which to cry. Fealty Jade Sword Fang Mofei, had a very highly regarded reputation in the martial arts world. However, after following Yun Yang, the only time he had used his sword resulted in his jade sword destroyed without so much of a reason. Yun Yan gazed at him with a puzzled frown. Old Fang, you are really mighty. You could roam the martial arts world and make reputable name for yourself with such a thing that is not any tougher than tofu... I cant be unimpressed by you now... Not any tougher than tofu... Fang Mofei felt his teeth clenching as he gritted them and said, This is mystical jade from under the ocean, a place of extreme coldness. Mystical jade formed from frost chalcedony hundred thousand feet below, fused with heavens will iron jade and the essence of constellation steel; it took ten years to forge this sword! What he meant was that this was much tougher than tofu! Oh... Yun Yang hummed and retreated into his room. Fang Mofei was still befuddled. Young master, your... what is your sword made of? how can... With a slick, grating sound, Yun Yang unsheathed the Divine Edge. Look clearly! This is a saber! Old Fang, I have to chide you for this. Youve roamed the martial arts world for so many years now and you cant even differentiate between a saber and a sword? Fang Mofeis eyes were wide open. Yun Yang had already turned to leave. Its only a sword... Why are you so concerned about it? Ill distribute three hundred gold taels to you tomorrow. Go buy some splendid weapon to help you resolve your sadness at losing your old one. Fang Mofei was about to faint. Its only a sword? That is the weapon to the path of my glory! Besides, you think three hundred gold taels is a lot? Go and buy some splendid weapon? I cant even buy the rust on the splendid weapons grip! Fang Mofei had decided forlornly to first buy an ordinary sword as temporary replacement tomorrow. His heart was still filled with endless questions though. He would be hard-pressed to find a similar saber in this world! Yun Yang returned to his room, tracing out three names with his finger in the air and was in deep thought for a while with his head tilted. These names were people he assumed would pay to assassin him. There were only three... for now. Yun Yang feasted delightfully despite the fact that it was already past midnight. He was hungry. Moreover, what made him satisfied was that he had felt extremely full after only eating eleven catties of mystical meat, three big steamed buns, and two meat pies finished off with a bowl of soup. My appetite has reduced... a lot Yun Yang was happy. If this kept on with this, he could return to an ordinary persons level in less than a month. Yun Yang really did not want to eat so much because it wasnt natural. After his happiness, he began thinking, Who should I find fault with tomorrow? A faint horn sounded from far-away, completely weighed down Yun Yangs expression. The war was about to begin. The military troop was to set off in no later than three days. For the entire day and night, Yun Yang had forced himself to be happy, forced himself to be domineering, forced himself to blackmail and threatens innocents, and forced himself to adjust to his own self and to find clues on Four Seasons Tower, forcefully telling himself that he was supposed to have his revenge! He was not about to lose his focus to other things! However, he had ultimately realized that all his efforts had been destroyed with just one blow of this faraway horn. War. That was the Nine Supremes battlefield. Do I ignore it when my brothers arent here anymore? Yun Yang picked himself up and looked at the nightfall outside his window, breathing in deeply. In his mind, the voices of his eight brothers were simultaneously reciting a line in a low and reverential tone. Blood of Yutang, soul of Yutang; men of Yutang, troops of Yutang! In front of his eyes, his eight brothers watched him intently, National enemy and personal grudges, olnine, which side do you tend to first? Dont force me! Yun Yang closed his eyes, murmuring, Im not a saint! Im not powerful enough to turn the forceful tides! I dont want to risk my life in the war and battle with all my might to protect a bunch of people who are scheming they have to put me to death! I dont want to fight with my life and have these people harass my family after I die in the battlefield. I dont want my brothers wronged deaths to sink into the ocean and never be heard of again after I die. I dont want any of these! I am no saint. Yun Yang kept telling himself that, to assuage his guilt. However, in the end, he smashed his head against the table and moaned in anguish. At noon tomorrow, I shall enter the supremes residence! Finally, it was time to face things head on. After all, he still had to face the bloody, cruel, truth and tear open the scar in his heart! I dont want to! I only wish to go after I take my revenge. Yun Yang laid against the table quietly, as if fallen asleep, unmoving. He was not asleep though. He had lain down, waiting for the arrival of dawn. He could somehow feel there were eight pairs of eyes somewhere watching him lovingly, their gazes hinted of warm smiles and a soaring intent to battle. Olnine, we are Yutangs Nine Supremes. The Nine Supremes came only after Yutang. Not for the world but for the people, we fight the national enemy then avenge the familial grudges. Yun Yangs being, Nine Supremes soul! Olnine, go. To not have homes burnt down and to not have families harassed... ... Early in the morning. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei had woken up to cultivate in the dawn but they could feel an unusual silence today. Usually, young master would have long been out here exercising, absorbing spiritual Qi of heaven and earth, and collecting the radiance of dawn. Why was there no activity at all today? Both of them exchanged knowing looks. Fang Mofei shook his head. Lao Mei sighed and walked to the front of Yun Yangs door, knocking lightly. There was no response. Listening with his ear attached to the door, his expression changed as his shoulder knocked the door wide open with enough force to almost shatter it and charged in. There was no one in Yun Yangs room, but a note was on the table. I am alright, returning home late. Where had the young master gone to? ... 74 Farewell, Yun Yang Yun Yangs purple robe fluttered as he moved but his heart was heavy as he stepped out of the door a result of having decided to go to the Residence of the Nine Supremes. He had been extremely reluctant to go to the place ever since after the ninth day of the third month last year. Each time he was near the Residence of the Nine Supremes, he felt ashamed to face his brothers. What are you doing here? Have you achieved the vengeance that is due to us? Yun Yang made his way with a heavy heart. Just as he made a turn, he came face to face with a group of people. Both parties were simultaneously stunned. The person walking at the front of the pack was none other than Ji Ling. She wore a pale purple mask and was dressed in a long black dress. Although the color of her clothes was plain, the otherworldly aura that she exuded when they first met was unmistakably there. Beside her were five or six girls, each one beautiful with a clear set of eyes and gracefully slim figures. The rest of the group was made up of servants, maids, and guards; there were more than a hundred of them.When they caught sight of Yun Yang walking, deep in thought, the girls eyes sparkled gleefully. They saw a young man dressed in purple strolled amidst the morning fog, his features remarkably handsome and his finesse outstanding; hints of sorrow surrounded him despite his airy robe that fluttered in the wind. The scene looked remarkably like it had come straight from a portrait. Even the faint morning fog seemed to have turned refined and ethereal. Oh, its you. Ji Lings gaze gave no hint as to the emotions she was feeling within. Where are you going? Yun Yang replied, I would ask the same of you. Where are you going this early in the morning? The rest of the girls eyes danced with merriment when they heard their conversation, watching them with without a word, faint smiles playing on their lips. Ji Lings gaze took on a softer tone before she smiled and said, Im walking in this direction so early in the morning which means that I am headed out of the city. Surprised, Yun Yang said, Headed out of the city? Isn''t the shorter route on the opposite street? Sheepishly, an embarrassed Ji Ling retorted, What do you care? Among the girls, someone chuckled while they covered their mouths. Their twinkling eyes exchanged knowing looks and winks; although they did not speak, they still buzzed with a noisy chirrup, much like a symphony of grasshoppers. No wonder this little girl doesnt want to take the short route and must go out of the city using this path. The hapless Ji Ling really did not wish to see Yun Yang again yet she had insisted to pass by Yun Yangs doors before leaving this city. She had never thought that she would actually come across him so early in the day. Yun Yang realized then. Youre leaving? The anger that was boiling within Ji Ling vanished without a trace as she nodded lightly and said, We have heard rumors indicating that a Young Master Lingfeng has appeared in Tiannan. It could be my brother. We are going over to take a look at it. Her voice was low, filled with an inexplicable emotion. Yun Yangs heart lurched but he said mildly, Tiannan? That is really very far. Ji Ling said, Yes, that is very far. Yun Yang continued calmly, It is a seventy-five thousand mile journey to Tiannan. Please take good care of yourself. Ji Lings gaze dropped to her feet, and she replied faintly, I will. You too. Yun Yang nodded, both of them at a loss for words. A wave of melancholy slowly spread and grew. Ji Lings eyes were downcast, as she felt her heart grow sorrowful and bitter. You know its seventy-five thousand miles, a long and far journey. Have you considered that the chances of me coming back after leaving this time are very little? Do you know that the chances of us meeting again after I leave this time will be very slim? A girl who was obviously a little older than the rest, who had a light veil of woe clouding her frown, looked at Ji Ling seriously then at Yun Yang. Suddenly, she blinked and said, Yes, young sister Linger may not ever come back here this life after leaving Tiantang City this time around. While she spoke, she carefully watched Yun Yangs expression. Yun Yang said softly, True. We are parted by high mountains and wide oceans from then on, we shall meet should it be our fate... This girl in white frowned, thinking in her heart, Why cant this child get it? She grew slightly put-out, but looking at the pitiful Ji Ling in the morning breeze, her heart softened and she said, Separation is impending, does this young master not want to say something? Yun Yang was stunned. What should I say? Gritting her teeth, the girl said, Fated to know each other, you should at least leave your mark in each others life. Young Sister Ling, I saw you twisting and turning last night. You had that scented sachet, what was that for? Ji Ling was so embarrassed she almost screamed, Sister Lan! Sister Lan persistently continued with her questioning as she said, Since youve met face to face, are you really going to throw it away? Even as you are going out of the city? Do you not plan to give it away?" Ji Ling snorted. Composing her expression to remain stoic, she said with a cold voice, Young Master Yun, its fate that we got to know each other. Now that separation is evident, I have a gift; all I ask is that the young master treat it with respect. Her ears were flushed red after she finished speaking. Biting her lips, she took out a small white scented sachet and passed it hesitatingly. Yun Yang sighed in his heart and said, Thank you for Lady Jis warmth. He could only extend his arms to receive the gift yet his heart knew fully well what this was. Is this not simply an infatuation? However, it was just like what he had said himself. Tiannan was high and far, this journey alone was seventy-five thousand miles; the journey would be hindered by countless mountains and seas. To and fro would make it a hundred and fifty thousand miles! Even if it were an expert, it would still take a year. Furthermore, both of them had their own matters to attend to. Should there be any feelings, there would be no outcome or future from it. An infatuation was merely an infatuation. Seeing that Yun Yang remained motionless after receiving the gift, Sister Lan frowned and said, Young Master Yun, my younger sister has already given you a scented sachet, dont you... wish to reciprocate?" Yun Yang patted himself down; he had not carried anything on his person that was suitable as a gift. With a helpless chuckle, he said, Luckily I won a saber that last time I placed a bet. This saber is small and delicate, I have no use holding onto it as a man. Let me give this to Lady Ji. I hope that this saber could secure Lady Jis safety in the chaos that is the martial arts world. As he spoke, he took out the treasured saber, Phoenixs Cry. One of the Seven Swords and Three Sabers forged by the Greatest Weaponsmith Ou Hunzi C the treasured saber, Phoenixs Cry! After Yun Yang had won it previously, he realized this saber was a womans weapon. Perhaps, it was more of a girls saber. He had no use for it. He understood now why Ximen Wandai had been so willing to place this saber at stake. He couldn''t use it either. Yun Yang had nothing on his person; he had only brought this saber. He initially meant to use it as a camouflage to his Divine Edge should something happen. Now that he had nothing to give to the other, he took this saber out. Sister Lans eyes sparkled as she said, Young master is considerate. Young Sister Ling, are you not going to accept it? Ji Ling flushed behind her mask, extending her arm to accept the gift. Yun Yang sighed softly in his heart, feeling the pure notions of this girls feelings. As we separate today, perhaps I will not live to the day of our next meeting. If so, for this notions of yours, let me give you a real gift before we part. He held Phoenixs Cry in his hand, his right hand holding the saber grip. With a single thought, Emmie unwillingly delivered life force into the treasured saber. The process was completed within a few minutes. Yun Yang turned the scabbard around and passed the sabers grip into Ji Lings hands as he said softly, Evil lurks as threats are aplenty. Take good care. Ji Ling brutally suppressed her emotions as she bit her lips and nodded faintly. You too. Her voice was low, almost inaudible. As she received the treasured saber, she suddenly felt a strange sensation, as if this saber had instantly merged with her body. She needed not wave it in practice but had already felt it sit comfortably in her hand, a familiar friend. Have a smooth journey to Tiannan. Yun Yang stood tall, his smile gentle and graceful. We shall part here, separated by high mountains and long miles; we shall meet again someday. We shall meet again someday. Ji Ling repeated quietly. Then, biting her lips, she kicked her feet, Cha! The healthy steed hissed and began to move slowly. Ji Ling sat frozen atop the horse, her thoughts absolutely blank. The horse moved forward, each click and clack signaled a step further away from Yun Yang. However, she did not turn back. She let the horse moved forth on its own, the pang in her heart slowly turning into grief and pain, throbbing woefully. She could still hear the endless chatter of her sisters behind her. Sister Lan was saying, Young Master Yun, take care. We part here and shall meet again someday. Another sisters voice was laced with smiles. Young Master Yun right? Im Xia Yuhan, do remember my name! Young Master Yun, Im Yuxianger. Can you still remember me the next time we meet? Young Master Yun, Im... The joyous chatter was endless. The clip-clop of her horse became faster, and she was soon far away. The sounds of farewell fell behind her and turned silent. Ji Ling struggled with her thoughts of turning back to take a last peek, her delicate physique continued to ride the horse rigidly. She had only to keep moving forward with a blank mind. Her tears had already blurred her vision some time ago. Her hand, however, grasped Phoenixs Cry tightly. Sister Lan caught up with her, urging her horse forward and sighed softly. Young Sister Ling, you can cry if your heart is upset. Youll feel better. Ji Ling lowered her head, a string of tears landed soundlessly onto the dust. She bit her lips and said, Sister Lan... why must you... make me give him the scented sachet? Wouldn''t it have been better if I had just forgotten about him?" Sister Lan smiled faintly and replied, Will you forget? Ji Ling did not answer. Women... we dont have many opportunities for our true feelings to come forth in this life. Sister Lans voice was filled with old memories as she said sorrowfully, Just like today. This Young Master Yun is obviously the one we didnt manage to visit the other day, isnt he? Hes from Tiantang City, and we are from two different worlds. Perhaps after parting today, both of you will never see each other again in this life. But if theres somethinsg with you to remind you of your feelings, even if it is considered an infatuation, its still a good thing. Its better than feeling regret in the future when you didnt leave any mementos in your life despite your heart being moved so." That is real remorse. I made you leave the scented sachet in exchange for this saber so that you dont have the same regret as I do in your future. Sister Lan said, her grief becoming increasingly evident. Empty in both hands... Ji Ling hugged the treasured saber tight, feeling as if that persons warmth still remained on the saber. She was calmed by it, and she, in turn, comforted the other girl, Sister Lan, we will find my brother. Sister Lan shook her head, sighing softly, Yes, we will find him." Her voice held no conviction. Two streams of tears rolled down soundlessly. Ji Ling shared the same feelings. Seeing the city gate approach, she finally could resist the temptation and turned her head. What greeted her was an empty stretch of street, the morning breeze rustling fallen leaves on the ground. It was empty, where would there be traces of Yun Yang? Ji Ling could not help feeling her heart ache, tears brimming in her eyes. Cha! With a loud holler, the group began to pick up speed, charging out of the south gate of Tiantang City. Drip. Drops of liquid joined the dust and sand on the ground. Farewell, Yun Yang. 75 Pearl of the Flood Dragon. The Residence of the Nine Supremes Yun Yang held the scented sachet in his hands, feeling somewhat despondent as he watched Ji Ling leave without even a single glance backward. Sighing, he kept the scented sachet into his robe and began to walk. Suddenly, he felt Emmie grow increasingly agitated. "What is it?" Yun Yang was sensitive to such changes, "Could something be amiss with this scented sachet?" Holding the scented sachet in his hands once again, he pressed it lightly. Indeed, there was a round bead inside, rolling about in his palm. Yun Yang was bewildered. Opening the sachet, he could see a round pearl among the spices. It was the size of the pad of a little finger, glowing with a faint radiance while subtly exuding a soft fragrance. Holding it in the middle of his palm, an iridescent overcast dazzled on the surface of the pearl. As it turned, a tiny green dragon could be seen gliding away through the clouds, puffing heavy columns of smoke. "Pearl of the Flood Dragon!" Yun Yang was stunned! This was a priceless gem indeed. Comparing the treasured saber he had given against this Pearl of the Flood Dragon was akin to comparing heaven and earth! The Pearl of the Flood Dragon was literally a treasured pearl taken from the clutches of the flood dragon itself. The flood dragon was a ninth level peak mystical beast, almost exceeding the mystical beasts categories. It was perhaps because there were only nine levels that the flood dragon was classified as such - there were no categories suitably grand to include it! If the world were to have twelve levels in the categories, the flood dragon would then undoubtedly belong to the twelfth level peak. Each part of a flood dragon was treasure immeasurable. Its blood, meat, skin, meridians, and bones were all gems revered by martial artists. However, the most precious of them all was the Pearl of the Flood Dragon between the flood dragons vertebral joints! The flood dragon had twenty-four vertebral joints, each joint possessing a Pearl of the Flood Dragon; they were the essence of the flood dragons vital force, each pearl consisting a part of the dragons soul. By wearing the Pearl of the Flood Dragon on ones body, one could absorb the power of the dragons soul and the essence of the flood dragon at any time. It would be immensely useful even for a grandmaster-ranked peak martial artists. Moreover, the pearls contained the force of heavens will. If a grandmaster could wear the pearl every day in an attempt to gain the sense of knowledge, he might even be able to comprehend the old dragons legacy and step into immortality. Priceless was an understatement for such a treasure. "This girl" Yun Yang sighed with a heavy heart. What was she doing, leaving this treasure with me? When he turned, the place was already empty; Ji Ling and her group had already exited the city. The scented sachet in his hands was still giving out its fragrance. Yun Yang sighed softly and returned the scented sachet into his robe. He was in an emotional turmoil when it came to his feelings for her, as always. "Emmie, you cant eat this," Yun Yang murmured. Emmie swayed as its tendrils waved around, as if saying in a spoiled manner, "I wont. Ill just look at it." Yun Yang smiled, the Pearl of the Flood Dragon entering his subconscious as he let it go, landing near Emmie as it rolled around. Emmie rolled up the Pearl of the Flood Dragon with its thin tendrils and rolled it around its root, having fun playing with the pearl. Yun Yang realized that Emmie was really not going to eat it, and was even trying to deliver some of its air of vitality into the pearl. The pearls faint glow began to pulse in response. To think that a shrub and a pearl could actually have fun together like that. Yun Yang chuckled and let them be. The Nine Heavens Demesne was also the Residence of the Nine Supremes. On the outside, there were already a few veterans cleaning the place amidst the morning fog near dawn. They were serious in their cleaning for this was a holy ground in their hearts. They would never allow a speck of dust to tarnish the the Residence of the Nine Supremes. Even if it were a fallen leaf, it would not be allowed to land on this ground that the heroes had once stepped foot on! Yun Yang hid behind a tree, his gaze staring at the Nine Heavens Demesne concealed by a thick fog; the emotions in his orbs ever-changing. Even if it were the strongest wind that could blow down a mountain, it could do nothing against the thick mist of the Nine Heavens Demesne. Yun Yang sighed soundlessly, his body dematerializing slowly as it leaned against the tree and turned into a cloud of fog. It floated in the morning light, dissipating in the air Just a moment later, it blended into the thick fog of the Nine Heavens Demesne. It was pin-drop silence in the thick fog. Yun Yang entered the the Residence of the Nine Supremes soundlessly. Looking at the imposing forces hiding and flashing in the thick fog around him, storm and thunder, golden earth and water, murderous blood and flame Yun Yang felt that he had come right home. Only he and his brothers could come in unharmed. Every one else, even the greatest grandmaster of this world, could never think of stepping foot into the Nine Heavens Demesne! In front of the building was a sturdy foyer; it was made of a material that was neither gold nor jade. It was also the only spacious part in the the Residence of the Nine Supremes where the brothers used to gather for discussions. Now, there was only him standing alone in this vast and empty foyer. Yun Yang felt a pinch on his nose as hot tears gushed down his cheeks. No matter how emotional he was in front of the others, he would never let a single tear drop. However, now that he was alone in this familiar space, he could no longer contain his emotions. "I, Yun Yang, wandered lost, alone, and helpless; the development of my skills were stunted, my teacher harmed by others. I roamed the world and was finally found by eldest brother and became one of the Nine Supremes. I could never describe the happiness and contentment I felt; from being alone and uncared for to suddenly having eight brothers." "Even if going to war and battlefields is our daily bread and butter, I would have it no other way as long as my brothers are by my side. Yet God saw fit to only give me five years of such happiness." "I am still alone in this world after all." There were rooms were around the foyer made of the same material that was neither gold nor jade; it was malleable but could never be destroyed. Yun Yang looked at each room that had its doors shut tight. It was like his eight brothers had closed him away/. Yun Yang closed his eyes, reigning in the bitterness in his heart and headed inside. It was a tiny room, empty for the most part but secretly possessed the secret activation to the the Residence of the Nine Supremes. Yun Yang entered the room and suddenly spun about like a tornado. His feet danced in a peculiar pattern, each step holding different degrees of force and direction. He spun continuously for nine rounds, his entire being blurred in the room. Finally, his last step landed heavily in the center. Clak, clak, clak. There was a soft and subtle sound. In the middle of this tiny room, the ground slowly cracked into a large hole. The inside was gleaming with the shiny luster of steel; it didnt seem to be made of any known material, possessing a thickness of over a hundred feet. Everything was actually forged with this strange steel! Gradually, the ground gave way to a pit about three feet wide; a flight of stairs made of the strange steel rose slowly from beneath to where the opening stood. In a blink of an eye, Yun Yang was already on the first step of the staircase. The flight of stairs slowly sunk at the same time he stepped on it, the steel opening began to slowly close on itself as well. When Yun Yang had completely sunk to the bottom of the ground, the ground above him had gone back to the flat surface it had been without a trace. It was a bizarre setting.There were still the same nine doors, all tightly shut. The only difference between the doors were the differing symbols that were carved on the top of the frames. This was where the Nine Supremes cultivated! This was also where the real secret of the Nine Supremes laid. In this entire world, only nine people knew of this secret. As for now, there was only Yun Yang. In the center of the nine surrounding doors stood a peculiar tall platform. It was clear and dazzling C an unblemished jade. If others had seen it, they would definitely have exclaimed in surprise. Relaying Jade! The common Relaying Jade that the world knew was already incredibly pricey despite its small size, but there was an entire piece right here that was the height of a man! On the platform was a medallion. This was the bona fide of the Nine Heavens Dictum! Yun Yangs gaze was somber as he slowly walked up to it. His right hand extended unhurriedly and held the medallion. "Brother, Im taking the Nine Heavens Dictum out." Then he came to the door that had a cloud etched on it. Cultivating, an untainted white cloud appeared in the air as the cloud on the door floated up without a sound. When the second cloud merged with the one cultivated by Yun Yang, the door opened abruptly. Yun Yang entered swiftly as the door closed behind him. He stayed there for a full ten days. Within that period, thick clouds came about as the wind bellowed in this small room. When he came out again, he went to the front of eight brother Supreme Winds door. His eyes glinted as he raised his palm C the sound of gusting winds rose harshly. The winds were channeled to the door, and in that moment, Supreme Winds door opened. It was empty inside. Tears began to drench Yun Yangs face. Eighth brother, I would never enter if you were here but now I have to. I need to know who you are. I need to know where your family is. Eighth brother, dont worry. As long as Yun Yang is here, no one can harass our family! Yun Yang entered swiftly. In Supreme Winds room, there lay Mystique Winds complete cultivation method. Yun Yang memorized the secret chronicle by heart and took out an envelope kept at the bottom. It was Supreme Winds will. " I dont know which brother will eventually read my will but I am in high spirits now. I am still alive and well and I, Supreme Wind, do not believe that there is anyone in the Tianxuan Continent who could kill me. However, since the eldest insisted that I write this will and leave it here, I am left with no choice. Who made him the eldest of us brothers anyway?" "If I, Supreme Wind, am still alive, I shall fulfill my wishes one by one. Of course, if I really had to die, I would still have a lot of things to care about.." "My family name is Ji and my name is Ji Lingfeng. Is that not an interesting name?" As Yun Yang read this part, a tremor quaked through his entire being and his face turned pale. He stood up abruptly, intending to charge out of the room, but eventually gave up entirely and sat down. Ji Ling had left for about ten days. How could he still catch up to her? "I have an elder brother, he has been missing for many years" "My brothers name is Ji Lingfeng" Ji Lings voice that was laced with sorrow that night seemed to resonate in Yun Yangs ears once more. "We have heard that he has appeared in Tiantang City" "Im so stupid! Why am I so stupid!" Yun Yang raised his hand, giving himself a harsh slap. "Yun Yang, what right do you have to call yourself the Nine Supremes think-tank? What right do you have to call yourself Supreme Cloud!" "Your brothers portrait was right in front of your eyes, couldnt you tell? You still had the temerity to say it was familiar!" "Ji Ling is eighth brothers younger sister, his blood sister!" Yun Yang was awash with regret. How could he not have remembered? 76 A Dream of a Hero, a Lifetime of a Woman! Yun Yang heaved a long sigh. "Ji Ling is heading seven-hundred and fifty thousand miles away to find her brother" Yun Yang closed his eyes in agony. How was she going to find him? Supreme Earth had asked the heavily injured brothers to write their wills after a particular battle some years ago. "The pitcher will at last break by the well, generals risk perishing at the frontline. If were all not here anymore one day, we have to make arrangements for after our deaths. This is one of those arrangements. Next, its best if the cultivation method of Nine Supremes doesnt lose its legacy when we arent here anymore." "If there were to be an accident one day, our brothers who are still here can read the wills and help others fulfill their last wishes." Everyone had quietly accepted the decision at that time. They then began their own preparation, passing the first stage of their mysterious cultivation method to the next brother upon returning. Such was the order C Earth, Gold, Wood, Water, Flame, Thunder, Blood, Wind, Cloud. After they did it, all of them had complained of their heavy hearts, laden with too much sadness that the effort stopped then and there; all of them had then gone out to relax and empty their mind. He remembered it was then that Supreme Blood had pulled him along saying, "Olninth, come with me. Big brother is taking you along to have some fun." Yun Yang reminisced, a faint smile hanging on his face. It was only after some time that he lowered his head to continue reading the content of Supreme Winds will. "Ill just speak about what I cant let go of but I dont think Ill need the help from all of you." Supreme Winds tone was light and playful, obviously not regarding this with brevity when he was writing it. Yun Yang, however, grew sadder as he continued reading. " I have a young sister, shes my only family. My sisters name is Ji Lingxi. Its a nice name, right? Let me warn you bunch of scoundrels, none of you can hit on her!" "Both of us are orphans but we were found in a small village inthe Empire of Yutang. Should we be considered as Yutangs people? I consider myself as a citizen of Yutangs citizen anyway. My parents passed away when I was eight, my younger sister and I were adopted by Ji Family. The head of the family had no descendants at that time, so we were taken in as their children. Ten years later, the head of the family got his own son my status became rather awkward. My sister is a girl after all but from then on, I was the eldest young master. You guys understand this right?" I do, I understand! Eighth brother, you speak light-heartedly but I understand the sadness in your heart. "I dont care about being head of the family or being the eldest young master but my existence would undoubtedly be a prick in my family, so I the only thing I could do was to run away." "Who would have known that once I got out, I would be lured here by our eldest. Lets not talk about unhappy things. If I really died, brothers, help me take care of two people." "The first one is my younger sister, Ji Lingxi. Lingxi is my baby, Ill never not be worried about her. If something happens to me, you must take care of my sister for me. You must not tell my sister Im dead, you must not let my sister cry and be sad, you must not let my sister end up with someone dodgy, you must not let my sister bear a grudge! You must not let my sister be unhappy. If you cant fulfill any of these, you might as well wish you were dead!" It was a whole string of must nots. The image of an elder brother who doted on his younger sister was glaring. It was as if Yun Yang could see Supreme Wind in front of him, looking at him unhappily wearing a frown. "Sorry, eighth brother, I" Yun Yang sighed deeply. " I think Ive made our younger sister unhappy for far too many times." "My sister is the first one, my treasured baby. Anything good must be given to her first, she must be protected and cared for lovingly. My sister likes to scrunch her nose when shes angry; whoever lets my sister scrunch up her nose, Ill climb out from the coffin and beat him to death!" "The second one is my fianc. Didnt expect that, did you? Actually, it was a marriage arranged before the others were here. I was still young then but I really liked her when I was growing up. Her names Yue Rulan, isnt that nice? This is also the woman I liked the most and felt the most sorry for other than my sister" "She likes me too. I initially thought that I would marry her as long as Im alive. When our business as the Nine Supremes comes to an end, Ill invite all of you to my wedding. Hopefully there wont be a chance to ask your help to take care of her." "Because of my family, Ive distanced myself from her for quite some time. Do you think Im really unlike a man? Ive figured it out now. I want to marry her!" "Of course, if I really died, go tell her that my heart has changed. Ive married some other woman and am living in seclusion. No explanations are needed. But you must keep an eye out for her. Shes very sensitive; Im afraid that she takes things too hard Watch her for at least a year, this girl is stubborn and a bit difficult. I think I wont die anyway. How could one of the Nine Supremes die? I think I wont be needing help from all of you." Yue Rulan. Yun Yangs expression froze in shock again. He recalled the girl in white who had accompanied Ji Ling when they met that morning as Ji Ling was going out of the city. She had even helped both of them exchange gifts. There was a sense of grief veiling her expression. Her entire being had looked depressed, as if being weighed down by matters of the heart. Ji Ling had called her Sister Lan! She was going to find Ji Lings brother with her. Could she be Yue Rulan then? Yun Yang felt his heart squeeze in pain. Eighth brother, Im sorry. Ive met these two people, but I could do nothing... " Other than this, when I dont have mission, my other identity is" Although Supreme Wind did not care much for the will, he had still listed his biggest secret on it. These alternative identities were for when the Nine Supremes were lifted off of their duties and needed to relax themselves. This identity would be the other identity that only they knew themselves. Yun Yang chuckled bitterly and could not help but roll his eyes. The last time his other identity had conflicted with someone outside and was almost put in disadvantage, it was actually with this eighth brother He had never thought that eighth brothers other identity was actually a person he had always wanted to take his revenge on! "Next, theres a hole under my chair. Who dare says its damaged from my wind, Ill kill him! Inside it is the first stage of olsevenths Art of Crimson Soul. You can open olsevenths door after successfully cultivating it." "Other than olsevenths cultivation method, theres also my complete Mystique Wind Conjuration, my Supreme Wind Dictum and a Pearl of Mystique Wind. Theres also a Pearl of the Flood Dragon, pass this to my sister; theres also a piece of jade given to me by Laner previously. Im giving it to whoever who reads this. Maybe you can give it back to Laner as well. If I die, she needs to be rid of all hopes too. Otherwise, she would only be waiting longingly for a dead man. That is sof*cking... inauspicious." "However, Ive left some words for Rulan, When I become a hero of the world, I shall marry you, bringing along a one hundred thousand-strong army! But if my will is being read by all of you, then thats really a dream of a hero, a lifetime of a woman. I implore you to think of something, brothers. Be a matchmaker, dont make her waste her life for me. I wont rest in peace even when I die." "Ill also mention something else. In the past, I had a mysterious incident, falling into a mountain stream then into a pit. Some experts have resided there. There were a few books, about all sorts of beasts and whatnot; theyre all on my table, Ill give them all to you, whoever is reading this letter. The Pearls of the Flood Dragon were obtained from there as well. Ive used the rest, dont think about it." "Last but not least, Im going to complain. The eldest is such a drama queen, blowing things out of proportion. Were all living well but we have to write our wills. F*cking hell. Im thinking if us brothers can combine and prank him This f*cking toy of a will, your father wrote it with such a headache Ive almost cried. Really, our eldest is such an idiot!" Then it was a bunch of complaints that followed. "Lastly, something serious. How do I say this? We as Nine Supremes,could be considered heroes, protecting the country and guarding homes. If theres really a day when we die from an occasion in the battle field, when we die because of our countrys war, your father will still be pretty proud of it." "Im a Yutang citizen, Ill die happily even if I die for the nation. If I die in the battlefield, dont avenge my death C theres no resentment! Warriors from other nations are fighting for their own countries as well, who doesnt want their empire to reign the world?" "The eldest seems to always have something heavy on his mind, I feel like hes always gloomy. Second, third, and fourth brothers are pretty innocent, those heartless jerks; Im not worried about them. But fifth brothers matter should really be hurried along. If I die, you guys urge him, tell him I said this. Your father hasnt drunk his wedding wine even until death, dont make the other brothers miss it too. Make him hold the wedding quick! F*cking hell, such a good woman is waiting for him and its not like he has no flaws. This cheap jerk is so pretentious!" "Theres nothing much with olsixth either, just a bit more secrets on him. I feel like he has an unusual background, perhaps a noble family? Always pretending hes better than me. Olseventh has too much of his murderous aura, let him know what I say C I hope seventh brother could look on the brighter side before I die. Olninth is too devious, such a young age and hes always plotting schemes and strategies. Talk to him more when nothings going on, dont let him be like an old man. Even if you beat him up for nothing, its still better than his state now If I die, you believe that what Ive said must surely work?" "Ill stop here, Im sad already!" In the will, Supreme Wind was laughing, yet tears streamed down Yun Yangs face as he read it. Eighth brother, you didnt say it out loud but in your heart, youre still the most worried about us brothers. Do you know the rest of our brothers are gone? Yun Yang had finished reading the will. He was incredibly reluctant, reading it again, word by word, as if eighth brother was right in front of him, smiling and smirking. After a long while, Yun Yang stood in Supreme Winds room, watching Supreme Winds will slowly turn into ashes in a ball of fire. Each stroke and every line in the will was already etched in his mind. "Eighth brother, Im going out. Ive cultivated the first stage of your Mystique Wind Conjuration in these ten days so that I could open your door but to open seventh brothers door, I need to cultivate the first stage of Art of Crimson Soul." "Wind and cloud are related, hence the cultivation is quick. It wont be so easy for me to cultivate Art of Crimson Soul though, Ill come see you again by then." "Dont you worry about our sister. Ill find her and Ill take good care of her. I guarantee it! As for Sister Lan" Yun Yang was troubled and woeful. "You have Sister Lan here searching for you everywhere, while fifth brother has Sister Yue waiting longingly for him. Eighth brother, fifth brother, what do you want me to do? " "How can I hurt her so cruelly as per your instructions?" Yun Yang poured his complaints as if eighth brother Supreme Wind, who had always been carefree and laid back, was still sitting in front of him, wearing a cheeky look. "All of you have passed all these matters to me now but what do I do, eighth brother?" Yun Yang moaned in despair. "How I wish its you who are reading my will now!" Yun Yang murmured, his handsome face taking on a menacing expression. He mumbled and sat down for a long time. After a while, he finally picked himself up. "Ill leave first. Ill come see you again when I find our sister and sister-in-law." "Remember to tell our brothers, ask them not to be impatient." Yun Yang said in a low voice, "Olninth is still here. Olninth can still bear it even if the sky collapses!" Yun Yang bowed deeply towards all the eight doors before turning to leave in big strides. A cloud of fog floated among the clouds above the Residence of the Nine Supremes. There was a slew of corpses decorating the entrance. Was it from the people who had wanted to break through to the Residence of the Nine Supremes in these ten days? "Serves you right!" Yun Yangs gaze was gleaming with cold sternness. "I shall strengthen the Nine Heavens Demesne further. Come what may, whoever it is, as long as the intention is to crack Nine Heavens Demesne, you can all die here." After some work, a cloud of mist floated out from the Residence of the Nine Supremes. The air was suddenly filled with a deep sense of sorrow. Two old veterans who were cleaning the area were both affected. "The nine sirs" "How could we lose this battle, if the nine sirs are still here?" "It''s just too bad, the nine sirs are no longer here after all" Yun Yang was stunned. The frontline, had they been lost? 77 Yutang’s Warriors Remain. Building the Fortress with Integrity and Loyalty! Yun Yang had made plans for himself. One of them involved sending the Nine Heavens Dictum in search of news on Ji Ling, after he came out to complete eighth brothers wish. Then he would continue hunting for the Four Seasons Towers men, seizing each member in the palace and around the crown prince, searching for the influential military general, and tracking the rest by following the clues. Next would be the war; Yun Yang intended to intervene and contribute in any way possible. However, he would never have guessed that they would have lost the war after only staying in the Nine Heavens Demesne for only ten days! Logically, although it was a small scale war, its still not something that could be resolved within such a short time Yun Yang was perplexed. Its so fast Could there be problems cropping up? He made his way forward, everyone he had seen on the street wore a heavy-hearted expression. The gray clouds of the lost battle had obviously engulfed the entire Tiantang City. Horns sounded from every corner. The uniform clip-clop of the horses rang in the streets while incessant drum beats boomed in Tiantang Square. Who could have set it off this time? Yun Yang changed his direction and headed towards the square, a cloud serenely floating by. On the stage, Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan and another old general with gray hair and beard were both standing straight and tall in their armor; cold radiance glinted from their entire body, resembling two statues of war gods. Amidst the thunderous roar of drums, a Golden Dragon sword and a Tiger talisman were held respectively in both old generals hands as they passed the items to a muscular general in front who was almost two heads taller than an ordinary person. Marshal Tie, you will shoulder a huge responsibility at the Easts defense this time. We now pass the empires security into your hands! Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was serious and stern. Reconquer the Fortress of Resilience, you must. Liberate the empires land from Dongxuans troops! Standing across from him, the muscular man in military uniform answered with a rich, sonorous voice, This humble general shall not fail the order! The Army of Dongxuan shall have no return! The Fortress of Resilience shall forever be Yutangs! The marshal flag was raised, a large Tie character fluttered in the breeze under the crimson sky. Drum beats roared once more. Tie Zheng raised his head and met the eyes of Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan, intense emotions reflected in his otherwise sharp gaze where no outsiders could see. The old marshal looked at his prized disciple, his gaze simultaneously sorrowful and proud. This humble general understands! Tie Zheng rose slowly, accepting the Golden Dragon sword and Tiger talisman then raising both of them high in the air. He did not speak as his cold gaze scanned the Trinity Battalions. Sword in hand, he raised his arm high. Below him, the battalions suddenly exploded as if reaching a boiling point. Victory! Victory! Victory! Fight! Fight! Fight! The volume was deafening, the voices of one hundred thousand soldiers felt like it would form a crumbling pit in heaven! It was a wordless action, yet the warriors of the Trinity Battalions immediately responded with a fervor. This was Tie Zhengs extraordinary charm, it was also Tie Zhengs pride that was exclusively his! The Empire of Yutangs marshal who had never lost a battle! Tie Zheng was Old Marshal Qiu Jianhans most prized disciple, ranked seventh among Tianxuan Continents most notable generals. Loyal and resilient, he was the very soul of a military man. The soldiers and commanders under Tie Zheng were best of the best; they had always been the Empire of Yutangs defensive military force. Tie Zheng campaigned across the empire, his conquests were legion C there were none that he had never won and none that he could not quash; his military achievements were so abundant that most awards would no longer suffice to reward his merits. It was all the combined effort of Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan and Old General Leng Daoyin to stifle and reign his abilities in, so he had never set off to war in recent years. Now, it was finally time for this ever victorious troop to charge! It was as if a lion that had been kept in its cage for far too long was finally taking steps out of its captivity; it was shaking out its fur, gaze already set faraway while its fangs were slowly being revealed. It had not yet charged but the color of fresh blood had already engulfed the entire prairie! Below the stage, each and every one Tie Zhengs officer was dressed smartly and stood proudly; their eyes towards their marshal on stage were filled with pride and respect. The moment their marshal had received the Tiger talisman, everyones eyes C from the generals to soldiers, glinted with battle-lust.Those eyes were thirsting for blood! To them, the battlefield was for them to obtain glory. Enemy? Which enemy in this world could defend themselves against us? This was the belief and confidence that only belonged to these outstanding battalions! Tie Zhengs muscular build turned towards the army, his piercing gaze scanned over them slowly. Without the need for a single word, the Trinity Battalions quietened down. It was pin-drop silence in the entire square. Everyone knew that Tie Zheng was about to speak. Tie Zheng stood up. Under the stare of His Majesty the emperor and beside both the old marshals, he then suddenly howled towards the sky. His voice was strong and resonant in the air. The murderous intent within his howl was thick enough to chill the .air. Let me tell all of you! Our enemy this time is the continents god of war, the best marshal of Empire of Dongxuan, the first among the notable generals C Han Sanhe! All of you, are you afraid? No! A hundred thousand militants growled together. Let me tell all of you! Were about to face the Empire of Dongxuans ever victorious cavalry, the Dongxuan Shadow Cavalry! Are you afraid? No! Let me tell all of you! Some of you will die in this expedition! Tie Zheng was hollering with all his might, Are you afraid? No! The same might in their voices was reflected from below the stage. Tell me! Who are we? The Yutang Steel Cavalry! The Yutang Steel Cavalry, unmatched in the world! The Yutang Steel Cavalry, unmatched in the world! Tell me! Have all of you been defeated in a battle? Tie Zhengs voice boomed like thunder. Were undefeatable! Unmatched in the world! Were undefeatable! Unmatched in the world! Let us tell Han Sanhe together, who am I? Tie Zheng! Loyal and resilient! The soul of the military! Wonderful! Tie Zheng shouted once more, For Yutang! A hundred thousand soldiers cheered lustily, For Yutang! For our family! Our family! For us! For us! For glory! Glory! Let us tell the invaders! Tie Zheng was shouting, Undefeatable Yutang! Unmatched in the world! Undefeatable Yutang! Unmatched in the world! It was like an abrupt roar of thunder, everyone could feel the tremor that went straight to their hearts; each strand of their hair was almost standing from the agitation in the air. Yutangs warriors remain! Tie Zheng bellowed with his arms spread wide. Building our fortress with integrity and loyalty! the Trinity Battalions roared together at once. Tie Zheng flew, mounting his horse and roared, raising his sword high, Depart! Deafening drum beats tore the sky as the troops - a hundred thousand men strong - began to move in uniform. Those at the front moved but those at the back remained still despite their overflowing killing intent; they moved their steeds only when it was their turn. They were eager and swift. Smoke rose to the sky, the sound of horse hooves from the soldiers were surprisingly uniform. The troop then blasted off like a dragon taking flight. It had been only less than an hour before the troop of a hundred thousand men had exited the city and galloped to their battlefield! It is indeed a joy to watch Tie Zheng lift his troops spirits. Old General Leng Daoyin watched the shrinking silhouette of the army as he smiled, stroking his beard. Short words and his mighty officers are all roused to an unrestrained blood-lust! Old Qiu, your disciple is not all that bad. Qiu Jianhan sighed softly, his gaze worried. Tie Zheng has phenomenal potential indeed but the enemy this time is not to be underestimated! Han Sanhe. Hes our old nemesis Old Leng, you must know of Han Sanhes prowess Leng Daoyin sighed as well, murmuring, Han Sanhe we were the lionhearted duo of saber and sword all those years ago and he almost beat us. Qiu Jianhan sucked in a deep breath. If Tie Zheng cant keep him at bay, Yutang will be in real danger. Once Tie Zhengs troops lose, it will only be the two of us old bones If we cant defend them, I suppose we can only evacuate the capital. Leng Daoyin remained quiet. Much later, he said, What did you tell this prized disciple of yours before he set off? Qiu Jianhan kept silent for a long time. Finally, he closed his eyes and enunciated word by word, If the fortress remains then you shall too, should the fortress perished then you shall as well! A tremor ran through Leng Daoyin. Did Tie Zheng have any other request? he asked. Tie Zheng has only asked me, Are the Nine Supremes still here?. A bitter smile appeared on Qiu Jianhans face. Leng Daoyin was stumped. Tie Zheng doesnt have the certainty to win this battle. He doesnt have the confidence to win This is bad. Leng Daoyins hands shook, pulling a few strands of his white beard along with it. Who would dare to assert their victory when facing Han Sanhe? Qiu Jianhan sighed. Tie Zheng leaving this time Leng Daoyin looked at the smoke rising valiantly far away and asked, What else did he say? Qiu Jianhans expression was crestfallen. He asked me one more thing, Why did we allow the Nine Supremes to be gone just like that? He holds a strong grudge regarding this. When the Nine Supremes incident first happened, Tie Zheng brought his janissaries and almost surrounded the palace, demanding an explanation. Leng Daoyin could not help but chuckle, This childs temper is something indeed. Qiu Jianhan replied with a bitter smile. Two of the five best cavalries in the entire Tianxuan Continent, Shadow Cavalry and Steel Cavalry are finally meeting head to head in battle. Leng Daoyin murmured. Outside the city, the army was on its way. Tie Zheng was stoic, his muscular body still on the horse as if a quiet mountain. Throughout his military life, throughout so many of his battles, this was the only time he had not one ounce of confidence or certainty! If the fortress remains then you shall too, should the fortress perished then you shall as well! The officials of Yutang Tie Zheng thought in his heart, If we come back victorious this time, even if I am rid of all meritorious titles, they still need to be scoured off the face of this earth! If were defeated this time, we still need to go on one last massacre! War torn empire of chaotic times, the souls of militants must never be gone! Beside him, the hundred thousand militants, from the generals to soldiers, shared the same expression C they were all stoic and emotionless but their eyes were heated and murderous! What do I, Tie Zheng, have to be scared of! Tie Zheng chortled against the sky and spoke aloud, When we come back from this battle, your father will buy everyone drinks for my wedding! With a loud roar, the entire troop exploded in cheers. We shall congratulate marshal with unbeatable merit in this battle! An assistant general cheered with his arms spread out wide, his face flushed with excitement. We shall congratulate marshal with unbeatable merit in this battle! The hundred thousand men roared at the same time. Tie Zhengs laughter was bold and unrestrained. The troop picked up their speed, the sounds emitted were uniform and resonated with force as they galloped away. We are the first line of defense! Do we still want to attend marshals wedding? Send another division of scouts! Scouts from all ten divisions, I want to know whats coming up from the six hundred miles in front! Quick, quick, quick! Soaring Eagle Squad, follow the scouts! Dark Night Platoon, assist Soaring Eagle! Relay in secret at any point you are able to.. Saber Edge Squad, prepare for the enemy! Mystic Archers, get ready! Shield Camp, assist the Mystic Archers! Everyone, follow Impedimenta Division closely, be ready to retreat at any time! Orders after orders ran through the entire troop using the extraordinary communication method that belonged only to Tie Zheng. Yun Yang watched Tie Zhengs troop set off until the city gate, still hovering as a cloud. He knew the cruelty and danger of this battle. Although Tie Zheng was mighty, his enemy was none other than Han Sanhe, the continents god of war! Tie Zheng might not be able to hold on for long; Yun Yang could feel an increasing sense of urgency. Can I still make it in time? Hold on, Tie Zheng. Wait for me! 78 With War Raging in Our Dreams, Even Handicaps Could Still Serve the Country! Yun Yang returned to the Residence of Yun. He went straight into the secret chamber without bothering to explain his doubts to Fang Mofei and Lao Meis. "Emmie, I need to break through to the third peak in the shortest time possible. Besides, Mystique Wind Conjuration needs to break through to the fourth stage too!" "Eeyaya" With Dongxuans troops overwhelming the border and the impending life and death situation of Yutang, Yun Yang had finally decided to temporarily forget his grudges and personal matters to delve wholeheartedly into cultivation. What Yun Yang needed to cultivate now was Supreme Winds Mystique Wind Conjuration! Then it was seventh brother Supreme Bloods Art of Crimson Soul where he needed to cultivate only the first stage to enter the Residence of the Nine Supremes. Once in there, he could open seventh brother Supreme Bloods room and retrieve sixth brothers Thunder Crash Spell. After cultivating its first stage, he could then go on to find fifth brothers Fiery Charm and go on cultivating. Time was short, and yet, Yun Yang had to do it. Only the combination of wind and flame could help the army now. It would be best if he could cultivate the Thunder Crash Spell to the third or fourth stage as well, but Yun Yang guessed that he would not be able to do it even if he tried with all his might. Time was already running out, and he still had yet to cultivate to the third or fourth stage of Fiery Charm. However, Yun Yang had to accomplish this even if it meant his life. Brothers, you have all guarded this nation for so long. The Nine Supremes glory must not be lost on my watch! "Fifth brother flame, how good it is if you were my seventh or eighth brother I have to open eighth brothers door to get seventh brothers key, open seventh brothers door to get sixth brothers key, and only by opening sixth brothers door can I get your key"Yun Yang complained in his heart. If Supreme Flame was still here, it would be inevitable for Yun Yang to be beaten up This child wishes to lower my position? "He vanishes for ten whole days without a reason and when he returns, he goes straight into closed door cultivation?" Fang Mofei asked irritably. "What is so shocking about this?" Lao Mei rolled his eyes. "He has disappeared for three months without a reason before, and return to closed door meditation for three continuous months. Have you not seen that before?" Fang Mofei was shocked. "Was there such a thing?" Lao Mei rolled his eyes and advised mockingly, "Old Fang, theres a whole bunch of strange, abnormal, bizarre things that will come out from the mind of our young master. You just got here, youll have to adapt to them. Now, go sweep the courtyard." Fang Mofei looked at Lao Meis retreating figure and felt befuddled. "Such a big marquis residence and theres no place to spend all that fortune. Would it kill you to hire a maid or servant?" Out of their minds, really! Making your father, a seventh peak expert, sweep the courtyard! Tiantang City sunk into reticence. Everyone was waiting for news from the front line, whether it be victory or defeat. News began to travel back and forth like pieces of snowflakes. On the fourth of the sixth month, war erupted at the Fortress of Resilience. Dongxuans army crossed the border. On the fourteenth of the sixth month, the Fortress of Resilience was besieged. On the fifteenth of the sixth month, Tie Zhengs troop took action. On the twenty-first of the sixth month, the front line of Tie Zhengs troops joined the battlefield, wiping out anyone who stood in their way and forcing the enemys retreat to the Fortress of Resilience. The news spread, and the entire nation cheered. On the third of the seventh month, all fronts of Dongxuan attacked. Shadow Cavalry made their move outside of the Fortress of Resilience; Tie Zheng dispatched twenty thousand Steel Cavalry as a response. An arduous war raged on until the fifth of the seventh month; all twenty thousand of the Steel Cavalry had fallen, less than two thousand survivors remained from the thirty-thousand strong Dongxuan Shadow Cavalry. The entire nation was shaken. On the eighth of the seventh month, two hundred thousand of the Empire of Dongxuans backup troops arrived at the battlefield; the front line was in a critical state. On the tenth of the seventh month, Yutang sent the last batch of backup troops. This was the last batch of backup the empire could send for the time being. The empire could not afford to supply any more support for at least two months. The entire nation fell into a state of sullen resignation. Despair and hopelessness began to spread throughout the land of Yutang. Tiny Nannan hugged a big fluff of white as she opened the door of her house; her curious clear eyes looked at the uncles in front of her. They were all clean and smart today, what were they going to do? Juaner came out from her room and was shocked. "Brother Li, Brother Liu, Brother Fang, Brother Meng. What is going on?" "We have come to inform sister-in-law." A middle-aged man who had three saber scars on his face and had one eye blinded wore an honest smile on his face. "We wish to enlist in the army." "Enlist?" Juaner asked in surprise, "Werent you guys discharged already?" The handful of men were either blind with one eye or had lost one arm; all of them had actually donned their old military uniform again, a faint valiance exuding from these people once more. "Discharged weve only lost an eye or crippled with one arm. We still have legs, or at least, an arm." Brother Li smiled good-naturedly. "Now that the nation is in danger with its life and death on the line, we have to go to the battlefield if we can still fight." "Otherwise, when Dongxuans army come, that will be our humiliation!" "Although weve taken off our military uniforms, were still militants! Since were Yutangs military force, of course, we have to go fight for this country." "So many of our fallen brothers families are in this country. Our lives were exchanged with our fallen brothers anyway. Now that the front line is critical, we must go." "Our debt to our brothers, we must return. There better not be a day when we meet in the underworld when theyd call us bastards." "Weve come forth to bid farewell to sister-in-law We want to inform you that the chances of us coming back from this trip is extremely slim. If sister-in-law needs any help next time, find old crippled and the rest. Theyre handicapped, they cant run so all of them arent going this time." Another young man without his left arm smiled and said, "I have one more thing to ask for sister-in-laws favor. You know it, we dont exactly have anyone who could read at home. My kids dont have anyone to teach them either. If sister-in-law is free, please teach them more, dont have them go astray. When they grow up in the future, let them go to the battlefield, revenge for your fathers." "We ask for Juaners help in the future." The handful of men bowed at the same time. An old veteran blinked his only eye as he smiled good-naturedly. "Coming back for all these years, I didnt do much but give birth to a few children. Our generation will be gone in war but when these children grow up, my family could at least provide three men! If each of them works hard to give birth to two kids, your fathers wish could be fulfilled through them." "Words of a bastard, why are you not wishing the children to achieve merits and become generals" An old veteran beside him slapped his head. "Im afraid they dont have that in their blood." The previous old veteran chuckled. Juaner felt hot tears prickling her eyes watching these men. "Let me send all of you off. Have dinner here tonight, Ill go buy some wine." "No, no." They beamed kindly. "Were all eating at our own home tonight. Were leaving tomorrow morning. Tonight, we will still need to talk to our wives and children." As they spoke, they passed a package over. "Both of you are orphaned and widowed life is much harder for you than us. These are some silver taels collected by us brothers for when we arent here anymore. Use these to buy Nannna some patterned cloth to make new clothes, buy some good food and find yourselves some good in-laws." Amidst the good-natured laughter, the dozen people turned to leave. Tears had already blurred Juaners vision as she watched the old veterans retreating backs. "All of you will definitely return safely" She was at once resentful; she held a grudge against the military that had once taken her husband away and never let him return. However, looking at these old veterans now, she seemed to have suddenly understood something. Perhaps, in the hearts of these zealous patriotic men, they did not have any intention for supremacy but they were all for protecting the nation and families, guarding everything they had ever cared about. Just like what they had said, "So many of our fallen brothers families are in this country. Our lives were exchanged with our fallen brothers anyway." They were going this time as repayment to them. "Our debt to our brothers, we must return. There better not be a day when we meet in the underworld where theyd call us bastards." Once Juaner thought of these words, her tears streamed endlessly. Nannan asked with her sparkling clear set of eyes, "Mum, what are those uncles leaving to do? They wont play with Nannan anymore?" "No, no" Juaners tears gushed like the spring as she answered, "Those uncles will be protecting you forever" Chen San stood in front of the Residence of Yun in his military uniform. Lao Mei opened the door. "May I ask Sir Butler if young master is in?" Lao Mei shook his head, "Im sorry, hes not." A hint of regret surfaced on Chen Sans face as he smiled foolishly and said, "Id wanted to bid farewell to young master face to face. Chen San probably wont be able to repay young masters great kindness in this life." Lao Mei frowned. "Whats up with you?" "Im going to the battlefield" Chen San grinned. "A lot of brothers are going. Weve heard that the front lines are very critical After all, weve killed the enemy and seen blood; were not scared of anything so were going once more." "Now that the Nine Sirs are no longer here, Yutang is in danger We still have arms and legs, we can still fight. We have to go." After he finished speaking, he kneeled down with and bowed whilst facing the main doors of the Residence of Yun. "Young masters honorable kindness, Chen San shall repay it in the next life!" Then he turned to leave. Lao Mei felt his throat clogged up when he shouted, "Chen San!" "What is it, Sir Butler?" Lao Mei took out two gold taels and pushed them to Chen San. "Take these back to your wife. Dont reject them, you will be dishonoring young master if you reject them." "Do well! Chen San, come back alive!" The same scene was everywhere in the entire Tiantang City, the entire Empire of Yutang. Early in the morning on the next day, handicapped veterans walked out from alleys and worn-out houses, lining up in neat formations quietly on the street. They were almost done gathering before the sun could rise. A soft blow of a horn later, as if afraid to wake their wives and children who were still in peaceful slumber, the veterans quietly began moving towards the city gate. Some of them had lost their left arms, some of them their right; it looked strange when they walked in total disorder. Yet when only their legs were watched, their strides were completely uniform. They held weapons that they had once conquered the battlefields with, their face serious but their baggage light as they walked out of the city. There were already plenty of people amassed outside the city gate. Many old veterans with broken legs had opted out of this operation but they did not sleep through the night either, arriving at the skirt of the city early in the morning to send their brothers off. This was a troop of handicaps, none of them were uninjured, none of them were not handicapped! Many generals who were handicapped mounted horses while wearing their armor, watching as their brothers assembled from each and every direction, like rivers joining at the ocean; their numbers increased as time passed. "Send off the brothers with valor!" Pot after pot of wine was placed on the ground, countless veterans with crippled legs straightened their upper bodies at the same time. All the veterans who were about to set off bowed deeply simultaneously. "We ask for the brothers help at home!" There was no ceremony, no gongs or drums to send them away. "Brothers, depart!" Someone shouted in a raspy voice. A huge flag fluttered in the air. "With war raging in our dreams, even handicaps could still serve the country!" The troops advanced quietly; there were more than ten thousand of them! Each of their steps was determined, no one turning their head back. "You shall not turn your head! If you return from this battle alive, you could look on as you please! If not, turning back will only upset you more!" The morning breeze blew through Tiantang City quietly. The troops moved further and further. On top of the city wall, countless women finally dared to show themselves. They had been here all along, covering their mouths as they watched their children and their men go off on an expedition once again. Their tears rolled down soundlessly. When would these chaotic times, these war-ridden days end? The galloping of horses could be heard. Two speedy steeds charged out of the city gate, galloping like a strike of lightning. On them were two old generals, riding with hot tears brimming in their eyes C Yutangs two gods of war. Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin! Looking at the troops that were getting further, both old generals stood still for a long time, fresh tears stinging their eyes. "They are all warriors." "It is us who have mistreated these heroes!" 79 Wind in Tiantang Tiantang City seemed to be much emptier, devoid of its usual zest. Even those chit-chatting merrily in restaurants had decreased in number. Everyone was living in limbo, taking note in the absence of news from the front line. However, in somewhere dark, the thugs who had been harassing the old citizens were dying in batches. A lot of them seemed to have expired from the wounds of a mystical beasts claws but there were also a lot who had died from swords and sabers. The old marshal had sent out almost all of his military undercover guards. Prior to this, the old marshal was high and mighty; he no longer felt that way but he was steel-hearted this time. All those who have harassed the families of deployed warriors, all those who have harassed the families of fallen warriors, all those who have harassed the families of veterans... Kill them without mercy! When the old marshal had given out this order, his eyes were rimmed red. Those who were doing this at the same time included the secret guards of His Majesty and the trusted subordinates of Old General Leng Daoyin; Yutang, too, had restructured its punishment to be incredibly serious and severe. Therefore, all the thugs and crooks in the Empire of Yutang were in bad luck. If they went out to collect fees, they were risking their very heads! This was an extremely brutal tug of war! The Dongxuan Shadow Cavalry from Han Sanhe had always prided themselves as the strongest army in the world. Facing such a mighty opponent as the Steel Cavalry, they would definitely retaliate with their all! It was difficult to guess who would win this battle. Reserve troops flooded in continuously but all the higher-ups of the empire knew that only Tie Zhengs hundred thousand-strong armies could really determine the outcome of this battle. They were currently the strongest force that could be unleashed. If only the Nine Supremes were still here. Many of Yutangs citizens were thinking the same in their heart. If the Nine Supremes were still here, forget the others! Even the Dongxuan Shadow Cavalry would never dare show themselves! Then how could such a precarious situation occur? Similar thoughts gradually began to surface in the Empire of Yutang; be it in restaurants, alehouses, taverns or shophouses there was not a single person who did not sigh while mentioning this. If the Nine Supremes were still here, would the Shadow Cavalry dare to invade? If the Nine Supremes were still here, even Han Sanhe would not dare to take action! If only the Nine Supremes were still alive How good that would be! The Fortress of Resilience is not far away from Tianxuan Cliff, the site of the nine sirs downfall The peoples expressions were somber. I really wish to go pay tribute to the nine sirs Not too far away? Are you muddled? Tianxuan Cliff is behind the Fortress of Resilience, its in our country! The Nine sirs were harmed in our own country! How is that possible? Sigh It was now the fifteenth of the seventh month. Dongxuans two hundred thousand-strong army are in formation, decisive battle has begun with General Tie Zheng! The war is now in a deadlock both sides have approximately a hundred and fifty thousand-strong army in a standstill battle in the area within three thousand miles of the Fortress of Resilience. The results are hard to tell! But our side suffered great casualties News from the front lines flew in like paper scraps. Everyone in Yutang was becoming more heavy hearted, their hearts hanging on a thin thread.The battle was continuously in a tug of war. On the forty-fifth day of General Tie Zhengs stand-off, Yun Yang walked out from his closed door cultivation. The front line was about to perish. Once Yun Yang came out, he headed east immediately, all by himself. Wind blew in the clear sky, and a white cloud soared, moving briskly under the erratic wind! The wind in Tiantang City suddenly grew stronger. Hoo, hoo, hoo. The old marshal watched Tiantangs flag that fluttered in the strong wind in Tiantang Square with his head raised, not speaking a word for a long time. This feeling was terribly familiar. Once, there was a time when the wind bellowed and clouds whirled; as the clouds whirled, thunder boomed; as thunder boomed, dragon of earth soared as golden rays shone, waves surged while wood shot through infinity, whispers of flame flared and blood drenched the sky. Now, the wind had begun to bellow once again! Too bad, the valor of Nine Supremes is hard to be seen again. The old marshal heaved a long sigh with arms behind his back, his expression forlorn. In front of the Fortress of Resilience, battle cries tore through the sky. Opposing troops were engaged in the war, arrows shot above heads, unrelenting like pelting raindrops in a storm. This was not hundreds or thousands of people, this was tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of soldiers who were fighting. Swoosh! An arrow shot right by Tie Zhengs face. His expression was stoic; he did not even blink once. He stood somewhere high wearing a loud golden cloak; in his hand was a twenty-five-foot long spear while under his legs was an extremely handsome fiery red swift horse that was fifteen feet tall; on his head was a golden helmet while on his waist was a long sword. He was right up at this tall spot, mounted on his steed and watching the battlefield coldly. As the marshal of the troops, he knew that he should be in the marshals tent. However, facing the berserk attacks of Han Sanhes Dongxuan army, he could only stand here, remaining still in the loudest outfit! He wanted all his fighting warriors to see their marshal standing right here, like an imposing mountain, once they turned to look back! He was still standing here! Even if the sky collapsed, the marshal was still here! Before two opposing battle arrays, tens of thousands of cavalry men were killing each other. Right in front was a troop of imposing cavalry, they were black all over, from the men to their horses! Even when they were on the battlefield, exploding with battle cries, this troop was still and calm like the ice of a tall mountain. Even their steeds were silent. They brought with them a formless and intimidating aura. It was an indifference developed from going through too much life and death, they had never regarded the battle that ensued in front of their eyes. In their eyes, there were no life and death nor was there victory and defeat; there was only massacre! A similar troop was there among the battle array of Yutang, their appearance and manner almost similar. The only difference between the Shadow Cavalry and the Steel Cavalry was that the Shadow Cavalry was donned in black clothes, black armor, black horses, black helmets, and black coats while the Steel Cavalry had the same outfit and an additional steel-colored mask. On this steel mask, there was sign only their own people could recognize! Both parties were glaring at each other. Life and death on this battlefield were no longer in their eyes at this moment. Tie Zheng stood majestically, the killing intent in his gaze bursting out, yet he was overwhelmingly calm. He was like a rock in the ocean amidst the violent crashes of waves and erratic winds, he took note of all that was happening on the battlefield with an emotionless gaze. He dispatched troops and commissioned generals in his stride, making full use of the military might in his hands so each battalion could unleash their maximum capacity! Each new battalion that entered the battlefield was positioned at where the enemy was the weakest and most penetrable. However, the response from the opposite party each time would also nullify his strategy. Each ordering gesture of his was determined and unhesitant, eve his manner was elegant and poised. The generals by his side all looked at him with admiration and heated gazes, executing his orders without a hint of slack. They knew deep down that not every troop could have such a marshal and not every marshal could be as unfazed! The marshals calm and steadiness was the reassurance of the entire army/ We shall never be defeated as long as marshal remains! Tie Zheng was calm on the outside but his heart had long been anxious. He knew he was about to crumble but the enemys fatal blow was yet to come. Han Sanhe had not yet taken action throughout the war. Those fighting against Tie Zheng currently were but his three generals. Even the two hundred thousand-strong Shadow Cavalry that was on display was definitely not Han Sanhes lethal tactic! He must still have something up his sleeves. What was it? Tie Zheng remained calm on the outside but his heart was pounding madly. They would only be expending resources if the current battle prolonged but he could not afford to do that. Tie Zheng was clear that all his reserve troops had arrived. The empire could not offer any more support to him after this. The enemys aided troops, however, were continuous and endless! The Fortress of Resilience was right behind him. If it had never been conquered and he could defend himself using the fort, he was confident that he could block Han Sanhes attack outside the fortress even if the latter had attacked with all of his nations military force. Worse come to worst, he could die together with the enemy! Now though, the enemy had taken the Fortress of Resilience and had completely damaged it. When he had come over with his troops, the opposite party had immediately retreated from the Fortress of Resilience. With such conditions, even if Tie Zheng was courageous and gutsy, he would never dare play the defense card. He could only play tug of war with the enemy on the plain land outside the Fortress of Resilience. Who knew if the enemy had set some vicious trap upon conquering the Fortress of Resilience? Even if there had been no setup, the fort walls had all collapsed. How could he defend the fortress? The enemy came forth in attack and that had forcefully put them in the same situation as the other party. There were thirty thousand Steel Cavalry behind Tie Zheng. He had never deployed them no matter how critical things became. They were fed the best and sheltered. Once the battle went downhill, these thirty thousand cavalry men were the last card of his last hand. Ooo, Ooo. The dull sound of horns resounded from the enemys tent. A black stream moved gradually, from slow to fast then growing into a sharp tide. The uniform clip-clops were like the bells of soul reapers. At that moment, the enemys horn blew. Tie Zheng had waved his hand without hesitation as drums sounded from his side simultaneously. After the battle array, five thousand Steel Cavalry moved uniformly. Two troops that were like black fuming dragons charged towards each other quietly on the battlefield. No one let out any battle cry from both troops, not even a grunt. They had charged against each other so quietly, the bloodlust maddeningly clear in their eyes! The two troops of cavalry men were not unlike raging dragons colliding with a crash amidst the silence. Right at that moment, Tie Zheng was on this side and Dongxuans general who was watching at a high spot over the other side had their pupils shrunk abruptly! Blood sprayed through the air like a wave, it was a battle of the elite against elite! The Shadow Cavalry was emotionless, uncaring that their comrades beside them were falling off their horses, as they attacked and charged in, holding onto their weapons; the Steel Cavalry wore steel masks as they too were quiet in combat. This was a battlefield; the only conversation was to be spoken using weapons, using life and death! Puhh, puhh Wu Jundao, the Steel Cavalrys assistant general, was the one leading Yutangs Steel Cavalry. The spear in his hand went out like pelting raindrops, glimmering like cold stars before black silhouette after black silhouette was picked up and thrown down. His steed did not stop even once as he led his soldiers into the center of his enemys formation like a sharp knife. The enemy was using the same strategy as they charged straight into the Steel Cavalrys formation! Other than the colliding noises of the weapons, everything was done in a lull of silence! Both sides were charging; both sides were suffering from casualties. Bang! A black silhouette was thrown off by the opposite troops horse and landed harshly on the ground. Just as he was about to stand, countless horses from both troops immediately trampled him under their galloping hooves. 80 Imminent Defea All the soldiers that had fallen off their steeds become mincemeat within the blink of an eye. Blood sprayed liberally and spewed endlessly. From afar, only broken arms could be seen flying up after being detached from bodies upon the collision of both cavalry troops; heads rolled in the air like frogs hopping out of water before landing, there were also complete bodies that were hurled like rice sacks as blood sprayed from their entire physique before they fell limply to the ground. Wu Jundao charged in to kill with all his might. Suddenly, he felt his movements unhampered, the restraints around him vanished as his front view became unhindered. He had charged out of the enemys cavalry formation! Behind him, the Steel Cavalry that was still in a uniform arrangement charged out as well; Wu Jundao raised his spear diagonally as his warhorse fled, making a complete swing before readjusting his aim towards the enemys formation. He charged in once again without a sound! It was a moment of life and death; it was also the point of victory and defeat! Somewhere higher up, Tie Zheng stretched his arm towards the sky as he hollered, Yutang Steel Cavalry! His voice roared like booming thunder, traveling and resonating through the battlefield. Hundreds of thousands of warriors shouted in response at the same time, Unmatched in the world! This was the first time that the Steel Cavalry had made a sound since the war began, their bloodlust rising under the lead of their marshal. In the enemys battle array, deafening drumbeats sounded as well but a cruel smile had already claimed its spot on Tie Zhengs face. He had been slightly quicker, and the marshals thunderous growl was no doubt an essential boost to the battling warriors. Yutangs Steel Cavalry grew increasingly maddened, roaring Yutang Steel Cavalry! Unmatched in the world!, as they charged towards Dongxuans Shadow Cavalry on the opposite side like a whirlwind. In the enemys tent, the general conducting the battle wore a grim expression, sweat dropping from the tip of his nose. A thin elder stood with his arms behind his back. He looked at the battlefield as he said indifferently, The Shadow Cavalry has lost. Beat the gong, signal the retreat. Marshal! The unwillingness to back down was written all over the generals face. A defeat is a defeat! The elderly said coldly, Beat the gong and signal the retreat. Yes! The enemy had pull backed its own troops but it would be difficult for the cavalry in the thick of battle to regain their own side. They were still at each others throat and slaughtering indiscriminately. Each of them was charging through the other partys battle array to return to their own. On the ground, corpses of flesh and blood were trampled into mush. Do you know where your defeat was? The elderlys gaze was wise. I was slow. The general lowered his head in shame. Correct. The elder was none other than Dongxuans god of war Han Sanhe. Our Shadow Cavalry is basically the same as their Steel Cavalry. Both have the most elite combat skills, both could sustain injuries and not be defeated easily. In conducting their movements, however, you have lost. Our side has commissioned five thousand cavalrymen in this battle and so did they. Those returning to their camp number approximately three thousand five to four thousand people while our brothers who returned to our camp were at least five hundred lesser men than them! Why is this? Because the moment when the men charged through the formation and rearranged their troops, Tie Zheng grasped the opportunity in this battle. His roar spurred the army to new heights, and rallied their morale! Cavalrymen from both sides have already reached the end of their tether. It was only morale that spurred them on. Whichever side had the higher morale, that side would win. The opposite troop has made the first move, the morale of their troop was boosted; we were slower by one step, our morale inhibited. In the first wave, the casualties on both sides were actually equal. The additional hundreds of casualties from our side compared to theirs happened during the second wave when we lost our dominance. You are not worthy to be Tie Zhengs opponent. The thin elder said slowly, Another reason for your defeat is that Tie Zheng has been standing there all along, where all his men could clearly see him. You, on the other hand, were invisible to your own soldiers. A general is the soldiers gut and the armys soul! Han Sanhe sighed softly, Tie Zheng is truly an outstanding general talent of our time. The general beside him was ashamed. After this battle, the Shadow Cavalry will be temporarily held of their battlefield. Their dominance would definitely be oppressed. We need to search for opportunities to retaliate if we wish to survive this war. If we were to face the Steel Cavalry again where their psychology has already taken on a superior state, we would still be defeated. For forty-five continuous days, the three of you have pursued the battlefield respectively against Tie Zheng. Three of you, losing half of the war! Han Sanhe squinted his eyes and looked at the battlefield. Looks like I have to take care of this myself. This lowly general is ashamed, I am willing to be taught warfare. This is not warfare, this war is supposed to be practice for all of you! Han Sanhe said coldly, The three of you, open rivals and veiled strife, challenging each other within the nation for that so-called top general of the younger generation. This battle was to show all of you how far all of you are from being a notable general. I hope you remember the countless heroic souls that have fallen in this war because of your mistake. Han Sanhe looked at the general, then at the other two generals who stood straight and crestfallen, uttering each word slowly, This time, I am letting all of you practice warfare using actual lives a fact that you should never forget. In front of a truly reputable general, all of you are lesser than sh*t! If you dont improve, all of you will die on the battlefield sooner or later. Han Sanhes voice was icy; all three generals were flustered with their heads lowered, wanting to dig a hole and bury themselves in it. This is how the making of a great general is built; upon a mountain of fallen souls! Han Sanhe wore a straight face as he ascended the podium. A large flag was suddenly raised amidst the wind in Dongxuans military camp! It fluttered without restraint C Han! The entire Dongxuan army, several hundred thousand warriors in all, erupted into roars. The warriors cheered, their shouts deafening as it echoed across the air. On the other end, Tie Zhengs expression was stoic. Han Sanhe had finally decided to take the field himself! He had raised his flag to tell him that I view you as an opponent that is a viable threat. I shall do battle with my all! This was the respect Han Sanhe paid to his opponent. However, this respect almost made Tie Zhengs heart skip a beat. He would rather Han Sanhe look down on him or despise him than to have the latter come at him with such a ferocious intent. The pressure was as heavy as a mountain! Orders resounded continuously from the enemys camp, the ongoing battle on the battlefield was forcefully halted as all the deployed soldiers returned to their base camp. The armys morale was high and boosted as much as it was also overwhelming; within a hundred-mile radius, the wind bellowed as the great flag fluttered like a dragon! Han Sanhe had only begun reorganizing the troops but the entire Dongxuan army was already exuding a different vigor! Whether it be their dominance, the will to fight, or killing intent, everything seemed to have instantly taken a few notches up! This was the ever-victorious confidence that a peerless notable general could give to his troops. The instinctual fear of the soldiers had for the battlefield were entirely wiped off of their hearts the moment Han Sanhe had taken command of the army himself! Facing the imposing dominance that was hitting him overwhelmingly in the face, Tie Zheng took in a deep breath as he gave his own orders. All soldiers were to retreat to base camp. Although he knew such a decision could only place him at a disadvantage, he could only do so when facing such an overwhelming force. If they battled now, his side would definitely be wiped out. The enemys morale was burning! Just a show of force without any attacking orders had forced Tie Zheng to change his strategy from attacking to defending! There was no trace of triumph on Han Sanhes face, he was only calmly and methodically giving out orders. Countless battalions began moving from every direction towards Tie Zhengs Yutang troop, attacks that seemed chaotic yet executed in an orderly fashion. Wave after wave they came, they attacked and retreated; as they charged from the east and west, so did their conquest advance from the north and south. Tie Zheng was exhausting his minds capacity to calculate the strategic possibilities; he was tackling each tactic with another technique, going head-on against the enemys attacks. Arrow! Time passed bit by bit. Tie Zheng looked calm as day throughout the entire ordeal but his heart was already powerless. Han Sanhe was attacking for three continuous days, the attacks were endless in various tactics and from various directions; sneak raids, hijacks, outright charges, ambush, fire attacks it was an encyclopedia of warfare. Piecemeal aggression! This was Han Sanhes piecemeal aggression that had intimidated the generals from every nation C nibbling the enemys military resources bit by bit! No matter how one played his defense, he could figure out ways to erode the enemys shield in small increments. Tie Zhengs troops were forced to retreat time and again. Three days later, the enemy had already completed half a circle in addition to displaying all their military might. This was an obvious disposition of following up! Subsequently, the only thing left to do in regards to such a situation was to continue the battle although Tie Zheng had not one ounce of confidence to win if they did so. They could only retreat once defeated. However, once they retreated, the enemys fifty thousand-strong Shadow Cavalry that had not been commissioned would come on in overwhelming waves. If he had insisted on running by then, Han Sanhe would probably give chase in direct follow-up attacks straight to Tiantang City! The continents god of war; the name is indeed befitting! Tie Zheng heaved a deep sigh, exhausted and weary. He had not even realized in hindsight how the enemy had plotted their warfare but impending doom has just swept over them! There were no loopholes to be found. Marshal! The soldier on lookout shouted in panic as he stood on the top of the hill. What is it? Why are you panicking? Tie Zheng fumed but he was immediately shocked. Behind him, a battalion of cavalrymen had appeared. It was dark and ominous, a large column of countless men. The Dongxuan Shadow Cavalry! Since when had they arrived behind him? Tie Zheng was stripped of all hope. He turned to look at the enemy camp; Han Sanhe still did not show his face but Tie Zheng knew that he was doomed. The persistent and unforgiving attacks Han Sanhe had executed these past few days were all for this unexpected move. Outflank and attack the rear! While he had been occupied tackling the enemys attacks from various directions, this troop of cavalry had come up from the rear. There was no path to advance just as there was no route to escape! Han Sanhe was obviously going for the complete annihilation of the Empire of Yutangs military might! Right now, the enemy was attacking from every direction, their rhythm picking up. Without a doubt, the main attack was about to begin, and it took place, all hell would break loose! Tie Zheng squeezed his brain in search of something to rid themselves of this fate of imminent defeat and death! If he were to be defeated, the entire east border of the Empire of Yutang would crumble entirely. However, even as his temple began to throb, he still could not manage to figure out a countermeasure. Han Sanhes attack was closely-set and impenetrable. It was impossible to guard against them. Marshal! The lookout shouted again but in delight, Marshal, there is a commotion in Dongxuans battalion, in the southwest direction. There seems to be a battle Tie Zheng was surprised. Southwest? He had intended to break through the enemys line there and set up their defense by the mountains. However, Dongxuan had obviously caught on as the defense established on southwest direction was impassable. How could there be a battle there? 81 Wind Hails at an Impasse Tie Zheng turned to look. Thick smoke was rising while battle cries could be heard distinctly even from several dozen miles away. It was primed to be a grand battle. Tie Zheng felt his heart pumping violently, his lips parched. Send orders, signal semaphore! Ask what is going on. Before they could take action though, nine pillars of smoke, without traces of a spark, were already soaring into the sky. Those are our people! Tie Zheng could feel his heart about to leap out from his chest. Where did these reserve troops come from? Dongxuans Han Sanhes side had also realized the commotion in the southwest as ten thousand men were sent charging over like a flying arrow in a single command. Charge over! Tie Zheng decided immediately that this was their only chance of survival! Assemble there! To Tianxuan Cliff! Even if there were backup troops now, defeat was already imminent. The only thing he could do was to head over to Tianxuan Cliff and rebuild a defensive line using the geographical advantage, holding on as long as he could! War erupted without any preamble. Tie Zheng led the troops personally, leading all of them to penetrate the defense at southwest. This was something Han Sanhe had never expected as much as Tie Zheng had never dared to wish for to attack from this direction! Both sides were equally surprised. The brutality of the battle was even more unexpected. Yutang Steel Cavalry! Tie Zheng roared, his mounted form on his steed leading the troops. The thirty thousand-strong Steel Cavalry that he had kept aside throughout the war moved together, charging over as if they were a giant hammer. At the same time, fifty thousand of the Dongxuan Shadow Cavalry counter-attacked! The thirty thousand-strong Shadow Cavalry who had outflanked Yutangs army and were attacking from the rear reacted a beat slower before they began charging in for the kill. Prior to this, no one could have expected that there would be such a loophole at the most unexpected of locations. Yutangs total of two hundred thousand men broke through collectively while Dongxuan concentrated their elites to block the charge with all their might. Han Sanhe stayed on as a commander as he commissioned soldiers and appointed generals, giving out directions endlessly. Tie Zheng, on the other hand, was charging in a single direction with maddened eyes! The goals of both parties were extremely clear. If these two hundred thousand men could retreat all the way to the west of Tianxuan Cliff without damage, then the Empire of Yutangs military force could still be retained; they could still fight. If these two hundred men were to be stifled here, the Empire of Yutang would definitely suffer in its military might! Han Sanhe had strategized for so long to achieve this, how could he allow Tie Zheng to flee? Tie Zheng led his troops, acting as an incredible shield as his two and a half foot spear split into shadows that burst through the air, piercing through the enemy soldiers. Where he had passed,not a single person remained alive. His steed was like a whirlwind as it led thirty thousand Steel Cavalry to charge forward with a resolute objective C they charged, knowing that they put their lives on the line. Over on the other side, an unknown troop was charging towards them with all their might to receive Tie Zhengs breakout. The determined might there was a perfect comparison to the spirit here! The Yutang armys brave spearheading roused the war to its climax! Tie Zheng led the charge in fury, Charge! Charge over! This was their only chance! Where did this troop come from? Han Sanhes sunken face was full of doubt as well. He was well aware of the Empire of Yutangs army organization like his own palm. There was definitely no more reserves to backup Tie Zheng. How could such a troop pop up from nowhere? Tie Zheng charged as his steed galloped through the several dozen miles of blood drenched soil. He was finally approaching the battlefield in front but his heart almost stopped the moment the battlefield greeted his eyes. His eyes were rimmed red as hot tears rolled down his cheeks. Charge over! Assemble with our brothers! On the opposite side, handicapped veterans dressed in old military uniforms and old armor! Whether it was the officer who was in command or the soldiers,they were all either blind with one eye left or handicapped with one arm remaining. They cried in unison as they fought fiercely and charged. Undefeatable Yutang! Unmatched Yutang! I as Yutangs man shall serve the country with my death! Save Marshal Tie! Brothers, its time to go all out! One by one, the handicapped veterans charged over like madmen; they were not avoiding the attacks at all, exchanging one life for another. A slash by the enemy was greeted with a similar slash to the enemy! I am crippled, I cant fight you. All I can do is to give my life in return for yours. An old veteran charged, guffawing while facing two Dongxuan soldiers who were raising their sabers. He did not bother to avoid nor hide, his eyes glaringly wide as he growled, Were not here for war! Were here to brave death! He welcomed the two sabers with his neck and chest as the saber in his hand landed harshly as well. As blood spurted, three heads rolled off together! Another handicapped veteran with only an eye left hopped off from a high spot throwing himself into a sea of sharp sabers and pointy spears; his body was pierced through but his saber had also chopped of a Dongxuan soldiers head! Marshal Tie, over here! The handicapped veterans fought as they braved death, crying battle cries. Our lives are not worth much! Only death awaits us A handicapped veteran general hollered, Marshal Tie! The Empire of Yutang cannot lose you! We have no qualms dying in battle in front of the Nine Supremes sirs Tianxuan Cliff! We have no regrets to leave following the nine sirs! Tie Zheng teared up. Charge! Charge over! Do not let our brothers die in vain! He shouted madly before the valley. Suddenly, he hopped off his horse as his muscular build charged towards the enemys formation like a berserk tiger; his spear danced like pelting raindrops as chilling sparks formed an arc C hundreds of Dongxuan soldiers were killed with his spear! A gap had been opened! Charge over! Ill cover you! Yutang Steel Cavalry gushed through this opening in a wild stampede. Tie Zheng was crazed! He had lost all sense of rationality when he saw these handicapped veterans! These old brothers of theirs were opening the ranks for the army with their own lives! They did not have a sole authoritarian command. Although they were many in number, they lacked a uniform organization. They could only use such barbaric and brutal ways to realize their combat value! How could I, Tie Zheng, use my brothers lives in exchange for my own! Let me breach this gap with all of you! Tie Zheng roared. Once the spear of two and a half feet length spun, nothing within a hundred feet radius could penetrate it! Their marshal was covering for them with his own hands, the army of Yutang knew they had to grasp the opportunity as they surged in swiftly, following the way. As each general saw their own battalion charging through, each of them returned immediately, with no exception, to cover for the army alongside Tie Zheng! I as the general, should cover for my brothers to our deaths! I as the general cannot only use my brothers lives to accumulate meritorious awards! I am the general! The generals by Tie Zhengs side increased in number, each of their expressions stoic as they killed without mercy. They formed a wall of steel, blocking the hounding attacks of the Dongxuan army. In the enemys battle array, a cold voice resounded. Shadow Cavalry, charge over! Stampede through them! The enemy who were killing in berserk fury suddenly separated towards both sides. Behind them, countless rows of intimidating Shadow Cavalrymen were surging over as swiftly as devils materializing in the dark and as unstoppable as a collapsing mountain! Fierce resolution flashed across Tie Zhengs eyes. Marshal! Countless handicapped veterans charged against the incoming Shadow Cavalry. Run, quick! Shoot the arrows! A command came from the opposite side; the sky turned dark. Hundreds of thousands of arrows had shielded the sky completely. Leave! The veterans in the valley ran with their all at the same time towards the Shadow Cavalry, towards the sky-shadowing arrows. Tie Zheng! If you dont leave, these brothers will never rest in peace! A piercing shout resonated. Tie Zheng was drenched entirely in crimson blood as he growled hopelessly. Two assistant generals were pulling him along madly. Marshal! Let us leave, quick! We still have a chance once we have passed Tianxuan Cliff The sockets of Tie Zhengs eyes were already torn from glaring wide, fresh blood pouring out as it mixed with his hot tears. He finally roared brokenly, Leave! Leave! The despair in this agonized growl was similar to an injured beasts roar in the wild. Han Sanhe! Tie Zhengs voice was loud and echoed across the land. As long as I, Tie Zheng, am alive, I shall kill you! I shall kill you! The army had retreated to the valley. However, Han Sanhes Dongxuan troops pursued in a manic frenzy, as if giving their all as well, biting on the Yutang armys tail relentlessly. Shadow Cavalry! Even if all of you die in pursuit, do not lose Tie Zhengs troops! This was Han Sanhes deadly command. The heartlessness of this god of war was beyond anyones imagination. He was brutal against the enemy but he was also harsh on his own men! This was a rare opportunity! As long as they pursued Tie Zhengs disorganized troop, as long as they were hot on their trail, Yutangs military force was certain to crumble! Even if the Empire of Yutang still stood in this world after this war, the critical state of the Empire of Yutang as well as the significant shrink in the land would definitely remove it from being one of the five greatest empires! It would then be reduced to a weak force that would be at the mercy of others. Han Sanhe was determined to never give Tie Zheng a chance to reorganize his troops no matter the cost. Deploy the Dark Shadow Squad, intercept Tie Zheng! Countless veterans automatically opened rank to allow their brothers through, but they remained still themselves. There isnt much use for a crippled body, were covering for the army with our lives! A number of handicapped veterans automatically charged towards the legion of enemy troops that were coming in a paralyzing manner, with their lives. They would delay them if they could, if only for a short while. My fallen brothers! Someone shouted shrilly, I am coming! All the brothers are coming! Another hefty man hollered. His remaining single arm waved his saber about as his muscular build rushed forward like a tower. My brothers families, I, Du Heizi, cannot do much for all of you anymore. But your father is happy to meet all of you! I have no regrets! Hundreds of handicapped soldiers chuckled together as they raised their sabers in their charge towards the enemys formation. No qualms about the nation! No qualms about families! No qualms about my brothers! It was a cliff on the other side. Eight hundred veterans were throwing rocks they had collected on the cliff but their actions still could not deter Dongxuans troops. Suddenly, a loud command split the sky. A saber, a person, a life to stop another! Eight hundred handicapped veterans formed groups of fifty as they jumped straight off the three-hundred-foot high cliff, raising their sabers with bloodshot eyes. Just the height alone could kill them! They used their bodies as rolling logs and rocks, rolling logs and rocks that carried sabers! Consider it my gain if I could kill someone with a chop! Consider it my gain if I could kill someone by landing on them! If I cant kill anyone with my saber or myself, I will f*cking land and become the rock that deters your advance! Tie Zhengs tears and blood streamed down in unison, he wanted to roar, to perish in the battle here. Yet he did not even have a chance to reorganize his troops. He was being tailed in pursuit; the handful of times that Tie Zheng wanted to reorganize his troops, he could not do it in time. The Shadow Cavalry was right behind them, less than a thousand feet away! If they stopped to shuffle with such a distance, the enemy could have annihilated all of them with a single charge. They could only flee to a safe distance. However, how could their enemy grant them such a distance? The forest was dense on both sides while bushes and weed were lush under their feet, drowning everyone to their waist. The northwest wind swirled with vigor, as if blowing upon their trail. Tianxuan Cliff! They had arrived at Tianxuan Cliff! Tie Zheng cried against the sky, Tianxuan Cliff! The Nine Supremes sacrificed themselves here. Could it be that I, Tie Zheng, have to perish in the war here too? What does it matter if I, Tie Zheng, perish here I only resent the fact that so many of Yutangs souls would fall foul under Dongxuans Shadow Cavalry I, Tie Zheng, cant die in peace! Nine Supremes! If you are blessing us from above, if you are watching this, save us Yutang! Save us Yutang! Tie Zheng cried hopelessly, spurting a mouthful of blood with his shouts. At a corner, the many silhouettes of the Shadow Cavalry glinted ferociously. In the dark, some forty to fifty shadows appeared like spirits; they were soundless, the gleaming chill from their swords and sabers had already surrounded Tie Zheng in a glimmering circle. Dark Shadow! Tie Zheng was already exhausted. He suddenly guffawed. Dongxuan Dark Shadow! Your father has long admired your reputation! Come at me! He roared, welcoming the squad with big strides; those people in the dark were soundless as they descended from all directions. Tie Zheng growled, his sword swinging rapidly in counterattack but he was a militant after all. His ability obviously paled in comparison to these martial arts experts as several wounds were added to his body within an instant. Marshal! A dozen of his janissaries sprung up, blocking the swords and sabers with their bodies in the air, shielding Tie Zheng from the sudden attacks. Blood splattered, warm crimson droplets landing on Tie Zhengs face. The man roared deafeningly, his heart throbbed with so much anguish that his breathing almost ceased. Another dozen janissaries charged forward with their lives, a rough chortle resounded in the dark night. Marshal! Dont forget to give me a toast at your wedding! The person who spoke had sent his saber right into the enemys chest as his head simultaneously flew with a chilling ray. Only swooshes from swords and sabers as well as the splutter of spurting blood could be heard in this dark night. With a jerk, Tie Zheng fell onto the ground. Beside him, a guard was breathing in labor; his intestines were threatening to drop out as blood spurted from a frightening gash on his stomach. Brother Tie Zheng tore off a strip of cloth with much difficulty with the intention to bandage his wound. Marshal! The injured soldier suddenly growled and sprang up with all his might, pushing Tie Zheng aside as a saber was driven like lightning right into his stomach. Tie Zheng roared, swinging his sword at the assassin, cleaving him from his head down to his toes before turning to look at the soldier. Brother Marshal The wounded soldier smiled. Dont forget to give me a toast of wine at your wedding Id wanted to congratulate marshal with the utmost glorious merit, Im very sorry With a tilt of his head, his breathing ceased. There is! There is! Brother! Drink however much you want to! Hot tears stung Tie Zhengs eyes as he sobbed, Brother, my brothers His janissaries charged forth to fight against the enemy in this darkest of nights, the clashing sound of metal against metal resonated through the air. Outside the valley, the galloping of warhorses approached. The Shadow Cavalry was here! Yutangs Steel Cavalry who was retreating had suddenly reigned their steeds in uniformly; their faces solemn. Marshal! Lets give it our all! Hundreds of thousands of people shouted at the same time, their eyes bloodshot with battle fury! Give it our all? Tie Zheng picked himself up with much effort, his muscular build drenched in blood. He murmured and suddenly bellowed maniacally, Give it our all! I, Tie Zheng, have let down my brothers this life. Let us perish in this war, let us reassemble and fight again in the underworld! It is us brothers who have let the marshal down! An assistant generals voice was tearful. We wanted to congratulate marshal with the utmost glorious merit! It is too bad that the brothers have let you down! We have let sister-in-law down the most Sister-in-law. Tie Zhengs gaze froze. The delicate figure that waited against the door seemed to appear in front of his eyes. The battlefield is vicious and dangerous, take great care. Of course, Qianer. When I return, I shall take you as my wife! I shall make the army and all of Yutangs citizens come celebrate our victory, come celebrate our marriage! I will wait for you Tie Zheng laughed bitterly against the sky. He had enlisted in the military since he was young. The busy years he had spent stationed away as a militant! It was only when he was thirty-nine years old this year that the thought to marry finally came to him. It was too bad that everything was for nothing... The galloping of the enemy was blaring in their ears, the hollering deafening. Tie Zheng, dont you think of escaping! Kill! The gentle face gradually distanced away from Tie Zhengs gaze, merging into the faraway scenery. Find good in-laws after I die But remember, never find a militant again! He turned around, his expression already cold and hard. His spear pillared against the ground as he bellowed like a majestic mountain that reached the heavens, With our lives! With our lives! All warriors in the army cried together, blood shooting into their pupils. Prepare to recoup! Brothers, get ready! Tie Zheng laughed, his laughter carefree and unrestrained. The delicate silhouette in his eyes dissipated into thin air, leaving behind a murderous thirst for copper blood and a willingness to brave death! Five hundred feet away, a battalion of the Dongxuan Shadow Cavalry appeared; the chilling glint of their spears and sabers blinked in the dark night. Is everyone here? Tie Zheng roared, his shout loud and clear through the air! Here! Tens of thousands of the army answered in unison. Just as Tie Zheng was about to issue his command, his spear aimed diagonally towards the front; just as he was about to cry for them to fight to their death, he stopped abruptly. His entire being froze. It was because, right then, a surge of wind suddenly hailed from above Tianxuan Cliff! Hoo, hoo, hoo. The northwest wind that was bellowing in fervor had actually switched its direction, blowing over in the opposite path. The wind bellowed, growing stronger and stronger Woo, woo. The shrill cry of the wind had changed into a devils roar. All the trees in the entire forest bent simultaneously towards the Shadow Cavalry! Tianxuan Cliffs blessed topography had turned into a fatal circumstance for Dongxuan! Tie Zhengs heart lurched, as did all of Yutangs armys! This scene was so familiar. Could it be? Could it really be? 82 The Wind Hails, a Flame Rises A ferocious wind hailed from the opposite direction. With a wail, the wind suddenly grew to its strongest, uprooting the weeds on the ground and breaking the branches on the trees. It swirled, bellowing against the Shadow Cavalry that was hot in pursuit. Oddly enough, Yutangs army was not affected at all. Tears and blood decorated Tie Zhengs face. He stood still as a statue as his eyes stared wide in the direction of Tianxuan Cliff. The Nine Supremes! Has Supreme Wind come at last? Following the wind that had reached its peak, a rising flame suddenly soared from behind Tie Zheng. The spark of the rising flame was spreading at an incredible speed towards Dongxuans army! The spark had just glinted but it was already burning several hundred feet high in the air. Dongxuans Shadow Cavalry that had just charged through, over a thousand of them and their steeds, were engulfed in the sea of flame! The rest of the cavalrymen who were in hot pursuit could not rein in their horses in time as they tumbled into the fire one after another with anguished cries and moans. The flame crackled like the devil. With a sudden crash, it soared and catapulted to the prairie. Immediately, the Dongxuan army that was within a three-hundred-mile radius were all plunged into a burning sea of fire. Amidst the spark of flame, there seemed to be a demon cackling. How dare little Dongxuan be unbridled before Tianxuan Cliff! The wind bellowed! Flames rose to the clouds! Supreme Wind and Flame! Hot tears brimmed in the hundred of thousands of Yutang armys eyes as they watched the quiet Tianxuan Cliff. All of them kneeled in unison. The Nine Supremes sirs! They roared. The voices of these patriotic men who had flirted with death were choked, hot tears rolling down their faces. Han Sanhe looked towards the southwest where Tie Zheng had broken through and the Shadow Cavalry was hot in pursuit! Thirty thousand Shadow Cavalry men were outflanked while another fifty thousand Shadow Cavalry tailed behind; Han Sanhe dared guarantee that Tie Zheng would not have half a chance to escape with such an overwhelming force in pursuit. Even if it were to be him, he would never have reorganized his troops and turn the game around under such circumstances. The victory and defeat of this war had been decided! It was finally time to reap what he had arduously sown for so long. Luckily, the Nine Supremes were no longer here. Otherwise, coupled with the Empire of Yutangs complex topography, he did not dare make careless advances with the Nine Supremes existence. They would have been victims of a sneak attack at any given moment. What was more, they would also be defeated unexpectedly. Marshal, Yutang has almost entirely fallen into your hands this time. The general beside him was excited. Only the marshal could easily attain the merit of expanding our empire land. Han Sanhe smiled calmly. Ive forcefully decimated Tie Zhengs hundred thousand army and two hundred thousand reserve troops without a care for what it would cost our military resources. Its still too early to talk about empire expansion. At least, the Empire of Yutangs dominance could no longer be recovered within ten years time after this war. The biggest return for our side should be extending our territory for another two thousand miles encroaching Yutangs capital. But its hard to say that all these are within our grasp. An earnest want was deep in Han Sanhes eyes. Because the two old folks in Yutang have yet to make their moves. Although that Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin are called the heroic duo of saber and sword, they have not been leading troops for so many years. Besides, they have aged. They are no longer how they were in those years. The marshal will definitely achieve what you want once you strike. The general beside him was a born bootlicker. A big portion of Yutangs elites have already been wiped out by the marshal in this battle. Even if Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin unite as the saber and sword duo, they still cant do anything without having any troops to be deployed! Han Sanhe said lightly, Perhaps Mu Wuyuns lack of deployable troops still makes sense but Gao Han, you have to take note of what you said about them no longer being how they were in those years You must never look down on your enemy at any given time! It is a lethal mistake, the reason behind a downfall! Both generals beside him bowed at once. This lowly general remembers. Even if they have no deployable army, these two old folks can still definitely guard Yutang and expend three to five years against me. Han Sanhes expression was solemn. Because the emperor of Yutang grants unreserved trust on both these men! Behind him, Mu Wuyun, Gao Han, and Zhan Ge were silenced in fear. All three generals dared not speak a word. The old marshal was incredibly meritorious that the emperor got suspicious. It was no longer a secret in the military that Dongxuans emperor was extremely scrupulous to the old marshal. Han Sanhe, commenting on this now, was naturally exclaiming from his thoughts. After this war, Dongxuans invincibility shall be fortified! Han Sanhe said in solitary, However, Yutang can be reduced, can be weakened, but it can never be conquered. It is like a ferocious tiger. It is enough to break only its claws and fangs! If the empire were to be annihilated, we might not be able to stand as long as Yutang. Han Sanhe sighed. Yutang has three renowned marshals after all, thats why they could hold out for so long. In the top ten ranking of the continents most notable generals, Yutang alone has taken three spots! But Tie Zheng and his trusted aides must die! There was respect in Han Sanhes eyes as he said slowly, Tie Zheng covered for his troop in the last battle.s All his generals automatically stayed back to cover for their army. Theyve already won the hearts of Yutangs army. With time, they would definitely form the real blood of steel and soul of militant! After this fight, Tie Zheng would rise to the same level as Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin in Yutangs army, if not even higher. Moreover, Tie Zheng is at his prime right now That is the most terrifying! Therefore, anyone else can be saved from death in this battle but Tie Zheng, must die! Otherwise, he shall become our greatest downfall! Han Sanhes appraisal of Tie Zheng had increased by three whole levels after this battle! As the southwest wind blew, the three generals felt that Han Sanhes thin silhouette was akin to a god at this moment. A turn of his hand could conjure clouds; the other way, rain. Right at this moment though, the wind seemed to have stopped suddenly. Han Sanhe frowned and said faintly, Why does the wind stop? The three generals shared a look, unable to fathom the meaning within. Ive observed the night astrology. The southwest wind bellows these days as it is the time to pursue following our dominance. Our troops attack following the wind, it is the best time why does the wind stop now? Just as he was speaking, the wind came again abruptly, blowing against their face strongly enough to prick. The direction of the wind had changed. Han Sanhe was startled. The world shares the knowledge of the Nine Supremes death Supreme Wind is not here but why did the wind suddenly take an opposite direction? A look of uncertainty surfaced in Han Sanhes eyes. It only took two spoken sentences for the wind to grow stronger and bellow right against them. The force was so strong that the handful of people standing almost lost their footing. There must be something strange! Han Sanhes frown was deep. Send orders, ask the pursuing troop to slow down! It was a difficult decision. They could totally destroy Tie Zheng while pursuing his troops with their current dominance. Once they gave this up while holding back, they would be giving Tie Zheng a breather. It would allow a variable in this battle. Marshal, please think twice. Zhan Ge said, The death of the Nine Supremes is certain! The change in winds direction now is only a display of natures might The enemy is near defeat, its impossible Han Sanhe could only feel the dread in his heart growing more distinct. He was curt in his decision. There must be a reason for this peculiarity in the battlefield! Send the order right away! The horn was blown. However, just as the horn blared, Han Sanhes expression took a turn for the worse! Thick smoke had suddenly risen up front while fiery flames licked about! The flame seemed to have engulfed the entire forest within the blink of an eye! Another blink seemed to witness the fire doubling in size! The next moment saw the fire consuming everything within its reach, the flicker of flame encompassed thousands of miles as it soared into the sky! Supreme Wind and Flame! Han Sanhe was alarmed. Retreat immediately! It was too late. All his warriors who had been pursuing the enemy into the valley were swallowed up in the flaming blaze! The blazing trail seemed like a flaming dragon that had a life of its own as it charged out of the valley and deluged the thousands of cavalrymen nearby! The fire was overwhelming, spreading in its wake, its speed incredibly fast! The blessed topography of Tianxuan Cliff, the lush trees in the dense forest C all of them turned into a consuming sea of fire, at this end of summer and at this beginning of autumn. How could this be? Disbelief smeared Han Sanhes eyes. The Nine Supremes were dead! This news was bona fide. Some people from his side had even witnessed the Nine Supremes death with their own eyes! They were involved in Nine Supremes death personally! How could they still make an appearance? Even though it was hundreds of miles away, the heatwave from the blaze still stung their faces. All this seemed like a dream, an illusion. Yet it was happening right in front of their eyes! A bellowing wind and a rising flame had turned approximately two hundred thousand men into naught! What pained Han Sanhe the most was the loss of entire eighty thousand men in the Shadow Cavalry! Retreat! Shuffle the troops! Headcount! Clear the loss! Han Sanhe gritted his teeth as he shouted his commands, Give up the pursuit, switch to defending! We have been defeated! Retreat, return to defense. Guard the border, Lunar Cliff Fortress. Drop this west expansion conquest at once! As Han Sanhe finished speaking standing on the top of the hill, his face paled suddenly, his skinny frame about to crumble. He could not accept the outcome of this war! He knew that the Nine Supremes had died so he had accepted His Majesty the emperors appointment and led the troops forward. Who would have known that he would fall right into a vicious trap in this battle! The Nine Supremes were not dead! Supreme Wind and Flames attacks had wiped out over a hundred thousand of Dongxuans elites in one single encounter. If he dared to advance under such topography, if the other Supremes were still there, then it would not be bizarre at all if all four hundred thousand men were completely annihilated! Han Sanhe gritted his teeth, his eyes spurting sharp, killing intent. Who was it that supplied such ridiculously wrong intelligence? Investigate in detail once we return! The Nine Supremes had died, all the empires in the continent were taking breaks to recover the toll taken on their military prowess that the previous chaotic years had damaged. This was never a time to deploy troops but the empire insisted. Now, they realized that the Nine Supremes did not die! Had they just used two hundred thousand men to perform a probing action? Suspicion rose instinctually in Han Sanhes heart. Thick smoke rose within an eight hundred mile radius in front, the radiance of fire shot high into the sky. Countless men and their steeds rolled in the flame like fireballs as they cried and shouted in agony. Some shrill cries had gradually disappeared as the bodies burned but the flame was still brightly ablaze. Han Sanhe shut his eyes solemnly. After some time, he spat word by word, This battle is my humiliation for life! Not only did he lose the war, he might have been tricked! The Empire of Dongxuan had called back its troops. Tie Zhengs side had also reached its limit. They were beyond expended and there was simply no way they could pursue them in a follow-up attack. What a joke it would be. It was already by gods mercy that they could survive under Han Sanhes persistent attacks. Besides, the Empire of Dongxuan did not really fall. Their troops were as uniform as their combat abilities were complete. If they had gone to pursue them, they might even be bitten in retaliation. However, Yutangs army was a scene of enthusiasm! A bellowing wind and prairie fire had completely fended off the enemy! This was a miracle. What was even more thrilling was that the Nine Supremes had reappeared! The Nine sirs have made their presence felt Someone said tearfully. Bullsh*t! Someone else fumed. The sirs have never died. Theyve just gone into hiding. Tie Zheng took a while to catch his breath before he could stand up again; his head was dizzy and he felt like he was stepping on cotton. His wounds were still bleeding profusely. His janissaries came forth to stop his bleeding in a rush but he seemed to not feel it, his eyes dazed. After some time, he shuddered and shouted suddenly, Where are you, nine sirs! This lowly general, Tie Zheng, wishes to bow to the Nine Supremes sirs in gratitude for your saving grace and your generous kinship. Please grant the permission to do so! After he spoke, everyone held their breath. Even the severely injured soldiers were gritting their teeth to keep any noise down. All of their gazes were heated as their neck raised in staring unblinkingly at Tianxuan Cliff. How they wished that the nine mysterious masked figures would step out from the forest! That would be the happiest thing to ever happen to Yutangs warriors. Countless people were puffing in their throats, feeling their hot blood about to gush all the way up to their hearts. They were all waiting, they would cheer with all their might once the Nine Supremes appeared. The flame was still licking the sky, the wind still bellowing as the crackling sound of burning was incessant. However, other than these, there were no other sounds. Tie Zheng refused to give up as he shouted once more, Nine Supremes sirs! Tie Zheng wishes to meet you! There were still no sounds, the forest was silent. There were no replies. Tie Zheng sighed. Reorganize the troops! Check for casualties! Aid the wounded! Charge back to the Fortress of Resilience with the fastest speed possible. Summon the citizens help to rebuild the Fortress of Resilience! Assistant generals, be in charge of these. Send the wars results to the capital immediately, go three thousand miles a day with a swift steed! In addition, check on the Empire of Dongxuans activities, do not slack! The assistant marshal nodded in acceptance as he asked, What about you, marshal? Tie Zheng sighed, I am tired. I wish to rest here. The assistant marshal knew the underlying meaning. He knew the marshals intention. He was still insistent on meeting the Nine Supremes. The Nine Supremes would not appear when there were so many people. Perhaps the Nine Supremes would come out when there were fewer people around. Also Tie Zheng closed his eyes, his tears streaming. Bury the remains of our fallen brothers Before he could finish speaking, he spewed another mouthful of blood, trembling with a pang in his heart. Yes The assistant marshal kept quiet for a while and said in a low voice, If marshal can meet the nine sirs, please greet them for this lowly general. He then turned to shout orders, Janissaries to stay. The rest, depart at once! Tie Zheng stood by Tianxuan Cliff. This was the Nine Supremes memorial that the Empire of Yutang had built. Nine statues of masked men stood on the podium in a carefree and natural manner, their gazes blithe as if insouciant of the worlds happenings. Tie Zheng had waited for exactly three days and there had not been a single trace of news. Marshal, A janissary said cautiously, Supreme Wind sir and Supreme Flame sirs statues seem to have some dirt, and the charred smell of the prairie fire Is it really both sirs making their presence known? Tie Zhen wore a forlorn expression. Indeed. Compared to the other seven statues, Supreme Wind and Supreme Flames statues seemed to have really stepped out from their perch. Even Tie Zheng was a little suspicious. Could it be that Supreme Wind and Flame were really just blessing them with their presence? And not that they were still alive? It was known that the Nine Supremes had always gone into war with all nine of them in unison. There was never a time where it was only two of them who did battle! Nine Supremes sirs! Tie Zheng kneeled down. Thank you for helping! Your heroic souls did not leave, accept my homage! After Tie Zheng paid his tribute, he heaved a long sigh and descended Tianxuan Cliff. Since the Nine sirs do not wish to meet, let me feign ignorance as well! Send the order well say that Tie Zheng was thinking deep and fast as he said softly, The army was about to fall. In the nick of time, Wind sir and Flame sir of the Nine Supremes blessed us with their presence and annihilated the enemy; the border was then able to be preserved! Yes! After the war, the bellowing wind switched its direction. It became a strong wind towards the east. Yun Yang had expended the last of his energy. The wind howled through the air as clouds decorated the sky. They were like a mighty army that was advancing towards Yutang speedily; they were like countless heroic souls that were still in uniform formations, advancing towards their homes. Blades and spears, through hundreds of wars on the battlefield, it is inevitable that a general perished on the front line; the life of a man holds no regrets, why not perish for the nation and the people? Hearts of loyalty reflected in the sun and moon, patriotic bones and souls forged the borders; wind hails from the ground thousand miles away, sending faithful souls in return to Yutang! 83 After the War. Aftermath The entire Empire of Yutang was abuzz with excitement. The Nine Supremes blessed the army with their presence, entirely decimating the enemy troops. It was a mythical incident that had the makings of a legend; it was being narrated vividly by hundreds and thousands of men returning from the battlefield. It would undoubtedly cause a huge stir! The swift steed was urged to gallop three thousand miles a day to deliver the good news. It pushed itself, neighing all along the way, completing its duty in just seven to eight days as the entire Empire of Yutang was bombarded with the news. Victory was being celebrated on the battlefield, the empires land had been successfully defended. The mighty enemy had retreated, the nation was safe again. In such a war, the legend of the Nine Supremes was born. In a restaurant, conversations were abuzz with the recent news. Do you know? The Nine Supremes sirs appeared again! I only know from hearsay that the Nine Supremes sirs blessed us with their presence and defeated Dongxuans army. Yes, yes. It was a fire that burned hundreds and thousands of Dongxuans mighty soldiers! They even made the continents top god of war, Han Sanhe, retreat in defeat. Oh, how gratifying! It was all thanks to the Nine Supremes lords. Who knows what would have happened otherwise? I know that kind people will be blessed with good returns. The Nine Supremes sirs must not have died yet! I hear that theyre dead. They only blessed us with their presence this time. someone said hesitantly. Immediately, the merry atmosphere froze. A handful of people turned their heads towards the man who said that the Nine Supremes were dead, their expressions ugly. The man was immediately panic-stricken. I didnt mean it that way Then what way do you mean? Someone chided sternly, You dare say the nine sirs are dead! Brothers, beat him up! A group of people stood up and made their way over. Shut up if you dont know how to talk! F*ck you The Nine Supremes sirs wont die even when your whole family is dead! Please, have mercy The nation was brimming with celebration. Tie Zhengs report was one thick dossier of information. This official has sinned and almost failed. Your Majesty, please present the sentence and punishment This official has something to say. This official has seen handicapped veterans taking the initiative to enlist in this war. They have risked their lives to do battle. This official is immensely touched. On behalf of three hundred thousand warriors, this official asks that these veterans be rewarded! This official pleads for Your Majesty to be generous in pension distribution and honoring their glorious feat. one hundred thousand Steel Cavalry, thirty-seven thousand and five hundred have perished; approximately two hundred thousand men were left from the total of three hundred thousand. It was expected of our troops to sustain injuries and sacrifices but the veterans have enlisted in the army on their own initiative. A total of eighty-three thousand veterans have gathered from all over the nation, twenty-seven thousand three hundred and sixty people have perished! There were no wounded men. With such casualties, this official is ashamed. Half of Tie Zhengs report was admitting mistakes while another half was asking for merits for the veterans. However, the entire dossier bore no mention of the two words C Nine Supremes. In the morning assembly, His Majesty the emperor recited it with emotion. How many patriotic warriors does Yutang have? What does Yutang have to be afraid of with such citizens! It was I, who have mistreated these meritorious warriors all along! Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin stepped forward at the same time. War erupted at the border. Retired soldiers and handicapped veterans from all over the nation spontaneously entered the war during the most critical moment of our military state. Several days after the war ended, our troops still have veterans from the outskirts who have formed squads to join the war. Loyalty and patriotism burns in the souls of Yutangs militants. This old official has a joint letter here from the veterans. They have asked for this old ones help to pass it to Your Majesty, Qiu Jianhan said. Recite it! His Majesty the emperors face was flushed from the waves of emotion he experienced as he spoke loudly, Recite it. Recite it to our civil and military officials. Let all of us remember and teach officials of all ranks how to be considerate and caring! Yes. The old marshal agreed and took a letter out from his robe. Opening it to read out loud, he was dumbfounded as he glanced at the paper. His muscular build trembled as his otherwise stern eyes were rimmed red. There are only a few words. The old marshals voice was trembling. Long live Your Majesty. Your subjects are immensely fortunate to have this letter in Your Majestys hands. We lowly ones were officers in the military but due to our inadequate abilities, we lowly ones were handicapped in the battlefield and could no longer battle alongside our comrades in contributing to the empire. These lowly ones bear shame in our hearts Your Majesty distributes pensions annually, we receive them with much shame. Now that the empire faces a threat, we have taken the initiative to help fend off the enemy. It is what we ought to do, we do not ask for a reward. Once the war has ended, we will take off our armor and go home. Our perished brothers in this battle have wives and children, old and young in their families. We plead that Your Majesty can be magnanimous in allowing them more pension. Our wish is then fulfilled, we have nothing else to ask for! We were men in the army, we have patriotism in our hearts; whenever the nation needs us, we shall battle in the war once again. Although it was obvious that this letter by the veterans had been edited for better fluidity, the cohesion was still lacking as were the wordings. It was even a little all over the place, what was more, for flair. However, the raging patriotism and earnest loyalty were clearly apparent! Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan recited it without changing a single word; the entire imperial court was stunned into pin-drop silence. Great, great, great! Quite a while later, His Majesty the emperor praised with hot tears brimming his eyes as he said loudly, This is my people! This is Yutangs people! I am deeply comforted, I am deeply moved! Towards such patriotic souls, such resilient loyalty, if they are not awarded Before His Majesty could finish, the old marshal had butted in, Your Majesty, please halt your anger in allowing this old one to interrupt. These veterans have each gone back to their homes after the war ended. They are scattered everywhere now. Im afraid it will be extremely difficult to gather them once more. It was utterly impolite to cut off the emperors speech but Old Marshal Qiu had to do so. If His Majesty spoke of awards or honors that called for ceremonies, it might become an awkward matter when it was so difficult to reassemble the men. His Majesty the emperor was slightly disappointed. Wont I be mistreating these meritorious officers then? Leng Daoyin sighed and said, This official can guess these brothers thoughts. They dont believe that they have achieved anything meritorious but they think of it as an obligation. Besides, they still think that they are in debt to those brothers whom they have set off together with but did not return alongside. Leng Daoyin heaved a long sigh, Your Majesty all the people who survived the battlefield would think that being alive is already the greatest gift by the heavens! No matter how bad things get or how hard life becomes, they are still much better and happier than those brothers who have fallen in the battlefield Old Marshal Qiu understood the feeling as well. His Majesty the emperor let out a loud sigh. If so, let the twenty-seven thousand three hundred and sixty veteran warriors who perished be given a heavy pension! His Majesty announced seriously, Ten gold taels for each family, the children at home to be sponsored to school. Also, the supervision over this sum of pension must be strict. If there are those who misuse or abuse it His Majestys voice was cold when he continued, Nine familial extermination! After the dismissal of morning assembly, everyone had left on their way. Old Marshal Qiu was held behind by His Majesty the emperor who was rather impatient. Is there news? Qiu Jianhan shook his head. No. No? His Majesty looked at Old Marshal Qiu with doubt. Tie Zheng didnt tell you? Old Marshal Qiu laughed helplessly. His letter is here. He retrieved it from his robe and passed it to the emperor. His Majesty read it meticulously and his eyes widened in disbelief. Tie Zheng is also saying that he was blessed with their presence? Old Marshal Qiu pulled a long face, he did not know what to say. Bastard! The emperor could no longer hold it in as he stomped his foot in rage. Do you believe it? Old Marshal Qiu pursed his lips. I dont believe it either. Then who is Tie Zheng trying to fool? The emperor was in an apoplectic rage. Am I that foolish? Blessed presence? Does Tie Zheng wish to live a long life? Recall him! I shall punish him harshly! Your Majesty, please hold on! Old Marshal Qiu stopped him quickly and said sombrely, This old official can understand Tie Zhengs standpoint. Besides, it is indeed more appropriate to call their presence a blessing. His Majesty was huffing and puffing in anger but his mind had begun to work as well. He was not dumb, his mind was only muddled with impatience and care. With Qiu Jianhans hint, he finally understood. The Nine Supremes have always made their move with all nine of them together. But there was only Supreme Wind and Flame. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhans expression was sad. In addition, Tie Zhengs secret letter says that he felt that Supreme Wind and Flames performance was much worse than what he remembers. His Majestys face fell. The battle at Tianxuan Cliff is definitely real. Even if someone from the Nine Supremes had survived out of poor luck, the rest probably did not. It would be within expectation that their abilities were impaired. There would be too many uncertainties in Tianxuan Cliffs battle Old Marshal Qiu was hesitant, wording his speech carefully. Why not assert this news of their blessed presence then, and so and so Then the nation could regain its peace as the enemy will hesitate to act. Besides, the other empires would definitely be suspicious and in doubt, not daring to attack. This would give us a breather. The Nine Supremes fall let us put other empires and the martial arts world aside. Just within the imperial court itself, traitors among all ranks must be found. Otherwise, the aftereffect would be endless. They could cook up Tianxuan Cliff, could they not cook up another incident a second time? If it comes to that, it would be imminent doom! Old Marshal Qiu advised in earnest. As for Tie Zheng, the Fortress is Resilience is in ruins and in need of repair. Let him clean the place up. When the outside is slightly calmer and the Fortress of Resilience is rebuilt, when Dongxuan is confirmed to not be a threat anymore, Your Majesty can then summon Tie Zheng to the capital and have him report to Your Majesty in great detail. It wont be too late. Until then, Your Majesty only has to say it if he wants to beat or punish this child. Old Marshal Qiu said. This is true. But Tie Zheng has a request, Old Marshal Qiu continued. What request? The emperor asked curiously. He wants to hold a grand wedding and invite all his military brothers, including the warriors who have perished! Old Marshal Qius expression was grim as he recounted the entire tale, explaining in detail about the cause and effect with a sigh. His Majesty pursed his lips. Tie Zheng inviting so many people to drink? Does he have such a big fortune? Old Marshal Qiu coughed and did not speak. Inviting a hundred thousand men and fallen brothers to drink it would be an astronomical figure! Let me pay for this! His Majesty gritted his teeth. The treasury is empty but this weddings wine must be spent. Old Marshal Qiu sighed, stopping himself despite wanting to speak. All of the countrys wealth had been spent on the military and on pensions now that war was ongoing. The emperor had never been stingy in this aspect. However, the nation was really out of pennies now. This weddings wine would definitely cost an astronomical figure at that. If the amount was spent, it would most probably cause a commotion or even be called misuse. The emperor would then face a huge amount of pressure C living was already difficult as it was and youre spending so much fortune just to buy wine and pour them on graves? If the emperor did not spend the sum was he unable to fulfill even the last wish of thousands of heroic souls, a last wish so simple and small? They only wanted to drink a toast of their marshals wedding wine! The old marshal thought that it was really vexing to be His Majesty the emperor. His Majesty was pacing around when he suddenly lowered his voice and asked, Old Qiu, do you think that Supreme Wind and Flame are still alive? Could this be possible? Qiu Jianhan felt helpless. He had explained it so clearly just now. Its best not to discuss this why do you insist on asking this? This old official thinks that it is possible... Qiu Jianhan hesitated. His Majesty was growing more excited. Then do you think that if Supreme Wind and Flame are still alive, is it also possible that the other Supremes are also alive? The old marshal widened his eyes. Are you thinking too much? Its still hard to say about these two Then my child The emperor was hopeful. Is he also His eyes were sparkling as he spoke. still alive? Old Marshal Qiu felt like he was going crazy. Perhaps the others still stood the slimmest chance of possibly being alive but it was most unlikely for Supreme Earth. If Supreme Earth was still alive, even if he had a single breath left, His Majesty the emperor would be the first one to know about it! It is most unlikely. The old marshal was brutally honest. His Majesty stared wide-eyed, his rage fanning into a flame. How bold, Qiu Jianhan! How dare you commit treason! The old marshal was speechless. When did I commit treason? Even if youre the emperor, you cant simply accuse me of such a wild charge! 84 Worth It! This old official has been wronged! Qiu Jianhan was speechless. You have to give me a reason if you are going to sentence me to something. This old official has never hidden anything from Your Majesty this old official dares not admit to Your Majestys charge. Old thing! Youre still not admitting your fault! His Majesty the emperor was obviously impatient and anxious. The witness and evidence are right here! Qiu Jianhan was bewildered. Secret letter! Secret letter! The emperor stretched his arm all the way under the old marshals nose. Give it! Let me see! If not, you would be committing treason! What secret letter? The secret letter that Tie Zheng has given to you! You said it yourself just now! The emperors menacing expression was tinged with triumph. I knew you, master and disciple were colluding! Committing treason! The old marshal finally recalled what he said just now C In addition, Tie Zhengs secret letter says that he felt that Supreme Wind and Flames performance was much worse than he remembered. This was not stated in the memorial he had presented to His Majesty. His face soured at once. How could I have been so careless? Both the emperor and his official were fooling around; the emperor knew that he was too whimsical just now too. He sighed and said, Old Qiu, what is that child from Yun Family doing now? Old Marshal Qiu reported, Ive heard that he has not stepped out of his house for a few months now. Hes taking care of cats at home. Taking care of cats? The emperor felt exasperated. This bastard! Old Marshal Qiu pursed his lips. After the meeting that night, His Majesty seemed to have left in disappointment but he had sent a secret decree over immediately C follow Yun Yang closely! The old marshal had sent thirty of the militarys spies out for this; the entire Residence of Yun could be considered as heavily guarded. All the activities that went on there would be under their watchful eye. Is the Residence of Yun quiet as usual? His Majesty asked. Its alright. The old marshal smiled helplessly. His butler is an expert but he seemed to have a breakthrough recently, turning even stronger. This child then recruited another expert whos even stronger than that butler from god knows where some time ago. It is said that the mystical beast wager then Qiu Jianhan had investigated this matter long ago and explained it to the emperor. Even the emperor was puzzled. Simply pick up a person? An expert at that? And so loyal from then on? His Majesty the emperor was perplexed, Why didnt I pick up such a simple-minded, grateful and loyal person? The old marshal looked up to the heavens. About two months ago, Marquis Yun entered the palace. He had a short talk with me. His Majesty chuckled, a glint flashed across his eyes. I asked him, you havent gotten married all these years. When did such a grown son appear? Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was interested. What did Marquis Yun say? This is the sixth time Ive asked him this question. The emperor said, Before this, hes been telling me not to bother about matters like this. But this time, his reply changed. He said that he wouldnt be revolting anyway, why did I keep asking? His Majesty smiled without humor. The corners of Old Marshal Qius lips jerked. That was actually this way of replying. But this answer made me understand. The emperor said faintly, Yun Yang is not Marquis Yuns birth son. Old Marshal Qiu really wanted to retort, What does this have to do with you? Why are you so concerned about it? Then he immediately thought of it. This had everything to do with His Majesty If Yun Yang was indeed Marquis Yuns birth son, he would be of royal lineage! Thank god hes not. Old Marshal Qiu exclaimed in relief in his heart. His Majesty said, Its always better to be more cautious. I keep feeling that the child is not as simple as we thought. The emperor frowned. I feel the same. The old marshal frowned as well. Both the emperor and his official wore a look of deep thought. The Nine Supremes blessed presence this time His Majesty snorted, obviously dissatisfied with the words blessed presence, and said, Is there any activity with this child? Qiu Jianhan shook his head, Not one bit of movement. Great Young Master Yun who was purportedly not moving as reported by Old Marshal Qiu was indeed not moving a single bit right now! He was currently laid on his bed lethargically; his face pale and cheeks sunken, he was more like a skeleton. Yun Yang was completely exhausted. His physical and mental strength were both utterly expended. For a continuous fifty days, Yun Yang had not slept a wink. Mystique Wind Conjuration was not a challenge, wind and cloud were one, so Yun Yang had only spent ten days in the Residence of Nine Supremes before he opened Supreme Winds door and retrieved the Art of Crimson Soul. Bringing the Art of Crimson Soul home, he had used eight days to complete the cultivation with all the help Emmie could provide and the assistance from the two Pearls of the Flood Dragon, in addition to the multitude of good jades and refined Qi, as well as Emmies continuous delivery of refined air of vitality. Only then could he open the door to seventh brother Supreme Bloods room. Retrieving sixth brothers Thunder Crash Spell, its cultivation was even harder than cultivating the Art of Crimson Soul. Yun Yang had cultivated for twelve days without sleeping to complete the first stage and entered sixth brother Supreme Thunders room. It was then that he got fifth brothers Fiery Charm. From then on, it was only the beginning of endless cultivation. The war news came like falling snowflakes. Tie Zheng was obviously not Han Sanhes opponent. Han Sanhe had his way of deploying troops, he was at the top of his game in this era. Although Tie Zheng was also a mighty general, he was still a novice compared to a god of war of his time. Defeat could happen anytime. Yun Yang had to cultivate the first three stages of Mystique Wind Conjuration and first three stages of Fiery Charm before Tie Zhengs troops fell. This was the bare minimum! Otherwise, it would be useless even when he had gotten to the battlefield. Yun Yang had cultivated as if crazed during that period of time; Emmie almost gave up working after being continuously exploited; both Pearls of the Flood Dragons energy was almost sucked empty as well. One and a half months later, Yun Yang finally broke through to the third stage of Fiery Charm. He immediately rushed towards the battlefield, reaching it just in the nick of time! After the war, he scurried home through the night, lying straight for days once he returned but he was still exhausted. The burnout this time had Yun Yang feeling that he was strolling along the fine line of death. However, seeing the army celebrating with such joy, the people who cheered victoriously along the way, the countless veterans who returned gloriously, Yun Yang still felt that it was worth it! It was absolutely worth it! It was especially so when he watched the veteran troop disbanding outside of Tiantang City yesterday and running towards their families. The tears of joy of the family reuniting, the countless relieved smiles. Plenty of elders wore worry on their wrinkled faces but the smiles that came from the bottom of their hearts when they saw their family returning Watching these men who did not fear death laughing and throwing their children who ran to them high up in the air, they had the happy look of a harmonious family. This is exactly what I want to guard. Yun Yang reminisced the scenes lying on his bed, smiling genuinely. He was so happy! This was the first time Yun Yang felt his heart being full ever since his brothers had met with doom. Living in this world, there are things to do and never to be done! Man of men, a hero when you do things within your power; a sinner when you dont even if its within your power! This is my homeland! These are my family! I only want to have a clear conscience, its enough for me! But Ive felt even more lonely since... After a severe war, the Empire of Yutang finally entered a peaceful stage of calm. Yun Yang took a break for some time as well. He really could not handle it, the miles of the journey had entirely worn him out. In addition to that, he was forcefully using Mystique Wind Conjuration and Fiery Charms power that only could be unleashed in the peak of the third or fourth stage. He laid on the bed weakly for most of the month, recovering in slight increments. When he could finally get off his bed, both of his legs felt like jelly. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei were utterly stumped. Young masters behavior was extremely strange during this entire period of time. They could feel an inexplicable atmosphere of breakthrough but it was cyclical. The breakthrough went on for a dozen times and it quieted for a while. Then he had become this weak! Both of them could not understand the situation no matter how much they thought about it. Even Yun Yang did not expect to land himself in such severe aftermath upon giving his all for once. On the most serious days, he could not even cultivate his mystical Qi, not even move a single finger. The entire time Yun Yang spent on his bed, Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was overwhelmed with anxiety. After the old marshal had ended his discussion with His Majesty, he returned home to find the atmosphere immensely strange. After a few days, the feeling grew stranger. He felt eyes on him no matter where he went. The situation had only gotten increasingly dire. The old marshal could distinctly tell that the eyes meant no harm though and that they were not murderous. What was going on? There was only one organization in the capital that could do this without malice C the Nine Heavens Dictum! But why is the Nine Heavens Dictum following me so closely? The situation had suddenly vanished one morning after ten days. Everything had gone back to normal. It was as if the inexplicable attention was all in the Old Marshal Qius imagination. It was as if everything had never happened. Old Marshal Qiu knew well in his heart but took no action. One thing was sure C there must still be someone alive among the Nine Supremes! The obvious falter in performance during the war had made the Nine Heavens Dictum immensely nervous during this period. Perhaps the Nine Heavens Dictum did not even know which of their lords had attacked and wanted to check from his side. This conclusion made the old marshal very happy. Although it did not feel good to be watched from the dark, the old marshal was drinking by himself cheerily almost every night. Each goblet he gulped had him sighing in contentment. He did not know who was it that was still alive C but as long as someone was alive, he was beyond content! Although Yun Yang could now move around, he was still very weak and powerless to continue striving against the Four Seasons Tower. Therefore, he stayed home, not venturing out. However, early this morning, the Residence of Yun received an invitation from the Cirrus House. Yun Zuiyue had invited Young Master Yun to Cirrus House, citing that it was to show her newly choreographed performance to Young Master Yun. When Lao Mei passed the invitation to Yun Yang, he could obviously see the flash of apprehensiveness on Yun Yangs sallow face. It was an instinctual sign of wanting to flee. Ill arrive on time, Yun Yang said closing his eyes. Cirrus House. Once Yun Yang arrived, he was pulled along by Yun Zuiyue to have a private conversation in the most secluded room of Yun Zuiyues secret chambers. It was him! It was him, wasnt it! Hes made a move, hasnt he! Yun Zuiyues face was radiant! The sparkle in her eyes was glimmering brightly like the stars in the night sky. The orbs were full of hope, full of life, full of yearning! Supreme Wind and Flame assisted in the war! Didnt they? Yun Zuiyues face was flushed from her intense emotions yet fat tears dropped endlessly from her eyes. She was crying from happiness. Hes really fine Thank god thank god Yun Yang was stupefied. Watching Yun Zuiyues euphoria, his throat choked up. He could not let out even a word. 85 Soundless Threats Yun Yang had only thought about his own responsibilities and his brothers when he decided to do what he did, to quash the war using the Nine Supremes identity. To protect this country, to protect the people of his homeland from further suffering during the war. It was only when he saw Yun Zuiyues invitation that Yun Yang finally felt the pangs of regret. His actions had undoubtedly proven an inconvenient truth C Supreme Flame was still alive! It meant that he had personally given Yun Zuiyue a dream that could never be realized! He had crafted her an everlasting hope that was utterly impossible. How cruel this would be to Yun Zuiyue; it was even more heartless than Supreme Flames sacrifice! Initially, Yun Zuiyue could still repress her feelings, gradually forget this love and begin a new life. However, after this incident, there was no longer any hope for that In Yun Zuiyues heart, perhaps even in all of the people of Yutangs hearts Supreme Flame was still alive. If he was not dead, how was Yun Zuiyue supposed to gradually forget about him? How could she start anew? She would only wait on more anxiously, guard this love even more deeply. Looking at Yun Zuiyues expression, Yun Yang was utterly convinced that she had gone mad with happiness! Young brother! Yun Zuiyues eyes radiated unabated glee. Where is he? Where is he? Tell me! Please! Yun Yang looked at her helplessly. Please tell me! Yun Zuiyue said anxiously, He has already come out to do battle. Hes no longer hiding Cant you tell me? Yun Yang looked at her and spoke mechanically, I dont know Yun Zuiyue took two steps back in disappointment, her heated gaze towards Yun Yang slowly calming down. It was like a burning flame that slowly shrunk to a tiny spark which then extinguished completely. Are you really Flames brother? Yun Zuiyue looked at Yun Yang with a cold, sharp gaze. Hearing that theyre still alive, hearing that theyre still fighting... How can you not be one bit excited? Yun Yang heaved a long sigh. Sister Yue, may I ask you something? Yun Yang said. What? Yun Zuiyues eyes were still guarded. Do you think that is it better for a person to live with a dream? Or is it better to live forever in a dream? Or Before Yun Yang could finish, he was cut off by Yun Zuiyue. She said coldly, This is a silly question. If a person doesnt even have a dream, what is there to live for? Especially if a woman doesnt even have a dream, then what is she staying alive for? If a woman doesnt even have a dream, what is she staying alive for Yun Yang repeated in his heart. He finally sighed softly and said, Sister Yue, you are right. I am not the least bit happy hearing that theyre fighting. I am truly upset. Yun Zuiyues expression darkened as her cold eyes looked at him. What do you mean? Yun Yang sighed softly, Sister Yue, perhaps you are not aware what price this battle exacted upon us. The womans face scrunched in anxiety, growing increasingly nervous, What is it? I can only act accordingly. Yun Yang decided in his heart and no longer hesitated. After they were injured, there wasnt any news for a whole year. Perhaps its too much to say that they were on their last legs but its absolutely not an exaggeration to say that they were at their maximum capacity. Now that the empire is at risk, they have to make a move. The price for this war isnt only the potential of whatever life they have remaining. Yun Zuiyues face fell. Especially when the lords have already successfully hidden themselves from the worlds eyes by feigning death but this war would immediately turn them into everyones target once again. Yun Yang looked at Yun Zuiyue and said, Why should I be happy? Yun Zuiyue was befuddled, pacing around in panic as she spoke anxiously, That is true Why didnt I think of this? They are indeed really more at risk than before Yun Yangs heart throbbed with a pang. It is a critical period right now. I have been hiding at home and wouldnt have headed out under normal circumstances. Yun Zuiyue was apologetic as she said, Young brother, I apologize Your Sister Yue is always like this. Women we are prone to being suspicious. Do not worry about it. Yun Yangs heart throbbed. Sister Yue doesnt have to blame yourself. Im really worried now but I cant do anything about it. I dont know how the situation stands. Yun Zuiyue exhaled a long sigh, her gaze drifting towards the outside of the windows and said softly, As long as youre alive and well As long as youre alive and well Im willing to take on all the sufferings for lives to come Her voice was pious, as if praying to the heavens. Yun Yang felt his heart wrench with pain. Such a loyal woman His soul grew troubled. How could he end this never-ending passion? Fifth brother Yun Yang suddenly thought of fifth, sixth, and seventh brothers three wills that were lying in his secret chamber after he opened Supreme Flames room. He dared not open them previously in order to concentrate cultivating. It looked like he had to go through them upon returning tonight. However, Yun Yangs heart was pricked each time he thought of Supreme Winds will. Now that he had to face all three brothers wills at once, Yun Yang was slightly afraid of what he had to do. He genuinely did not feel like opening them. The unfolding of each will felt like it was brutally tearing his heart apart. Sister Yue, Zhao Binglongs incident previously Did anyone find fault with you? Yun Yang asked. No, no. After all, Zhao Binglongs crimes were announced to the public right after that Yun Zuiyue continued, But I do have a sort of pesky problem now. She hesitated but smiled charmingly right away. Its nothing I cant handle though. Yun Yang frowned. Since Sister Yue has already mentioned the problem why not explain it further? Could it be that young brother here is still considered as an outsider? Sister Yues words have hurt me. Yun Yangs words pulled at Yun Zuiyues guilt as she quickly laughed in apology and said, Young brother, dont be angry. Its just a few of the young masters of noble families As she spoke of this, she suddenly fell silent. Yun Yangs expression turned into one of menace right away. North, South, East or West? Or is it Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? Yun Zuiyue forced a smile as she replied, Its nothing big. Young brother, please go back to your business. Sister Yue has a talisman here, who dares lands a hand on Sister Yue? Yun Yang changed his mind then as he laughed as well, This is true. Young brother has lost his composure. Looking at Yun Zuiyues expression, he knew in his heart that this problem would not be easily solved. Besides, Yun Zuiyue said who would dare to lay a hand on Sister Yue?. These words made Yun Yang realized that it was not the people from Cirrus House that was being accused, it was Yun Zuiyue herself. Or perhaps, the entire Cirrus House. This was already enough to rouse a strong killing intent in Yun Yang! However, he did not let it show. He chatted with Yun Zuiyue for a bit and politely begged to leave. Sending him to the door and seeing that he looked normal again, with a gentle gaze and still possessed of his usual grace, Yun Zuiyue was slightly relieved thinking that he was no longer concerned about what she said. She had only herself to blame. Why did you mention this of all things? What if young brother really Isnt it my sin then? Yun Zuiyue oh Yun Zuiyue, how many things have you been through already, why cant you get a hold of your tongue? Hopefully Yun Yang has really let it go. Please dont be rash After Yun Yang bid farewell to Yun Zuiyue, he still wore a friendly face as he walked back leisurely. It was until he made a turn into another street that his expression changed entirely. Who dared to trifle with Yun Zuiyue and Cirrus House? It was a death wish. He stretched his hand into his robe to hold the jade pendant right away, sending the Nine Heavens Dictum. Cirrus House had been a place of emphasis for Yun Yang; whatever that had happened here had naturally been recorded. It was barely fifteen minutes after Yun Yang had sent the dictum when the entire story was sent back to him. Ten days ago, Qiu Yunsan, Qiu Familys young master of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, the four noble families, came to Cirrus House with the others. Upon meeting Yun Zuiyue, he became infatuated with her. For ten continuous days, he has frequented the Cirrus House every day. He spent his fortune lavishly, even kneeling outside Cirrus House to ask her hand in marriage publicly. He wants to marry Yun Zuiyue, to take her as his concubine. Yun Zuiyue did not agree while this Young Master Qiu did not give up as well; his methods only become more aggressive. He even made use of several influential powers to persuade Yun Zuiyue on behalf of himself. He has not done anything impolite but his pestering every day is enough to cause a headache! A chilling gleam radiated in Yun Yangs eyes. Qiu Yunsan? Yun Zuiyue as his concubine? How dare he? As he thought about it, he sent another Nine Heavens Dictum. Who are the influential men behind this? The reply was even faster this time round, sent over almost immediately; there was not even a moment of hesitation. Obviously, the other side knew well of this lords temper and had already prepared all the things needed. Shui Yuehan, an aide from the crown princes residence? Board of Wars Old Marshal Leng Daoyins son-in-law, Zhou Zizheng? Tiantangs keeper of Plethora Gem Tower, Fu Guansan? And Looking at the last name, Yun Yang was unexpectedly shocked. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhans Mistress Ding! What bullsh*t is this! Yun Yang felt like a fool, a fuming rage that threatened to burn the entire Tiantang City rose in his heart. Fifth brother had not passed for long and his love was actually faced with such coercion. Family members from the Board of Wars two old marshals were actually involved! There were also people from the crown princes residence and an influential keeper of Plethora Gem Tower, one of the mysterious forces in the martial arts world. Yun Yang was infuriated! If you court her sincerely and grant her the position of official consort, even if Sister Yue doesnt reciprocate, as long as youre not using despicable tactics, I wouldnt make a fuss out of it despite not feeling good about this. After all, fifth brother is gone I cant possibly allow such an unmatched beauty to be grieving her entire life! However, this was outright coercion; manipulating people using status! Although Young Master Qiu had not done anything outrageous, Yun Yang understood the intention behind his actions C Im assigning these people to pressure you, Im not bullying you. As long as you think about it, youll wonder how youre supposed to continue making a living once you offended these people in Tiantang City. Can you afford to dishonor these people? What would be the effect? What will become of Cirrus House? What will become of your sisters? These were all soundless threats, and there were few people in this world who could shoulder such threats. Yun Yangs eyes were about to spurt fire. This had absolutely crossed the line, he even loathed the old marshal now. If you didnt know about this, you are safe. However, If you knew about it, dont blame me when the world feels my wrath! 86 A Farce On the same night, Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was browsing through the military news in his residence. It was temporarily peaceful. The Empire of Yutang finally had its days of peace as things were rested and calm. The old marshal felt light-hearted as well. He even had the mood to order the kitchen to make a few side dishes and drank alone. However, before he could drink as he raised his goblet with a smile, a long cry tore through the air suddenly as a stern voice bellowed, You have gone too far! A white light then shot down from the sky. A concussive boom cracked the air before all traces were gone. The person had entirely disappeared before anyone from the marshals residence could run out. A ball of flame suddenly ignited in one of the side rooms; the fire soared high as thick smoke began to roil upwards. Put out the fire! Bring in the water! The residence was in chaos. In an instant, hundreds of guards crowded the front of the foyer as military experts filled the rooftop. The area within thousands of feet around the old marshal was guarded heavily in the blink of an eye! Everybody retreat! The old marshal stood by the foyer entrance, his muscular form trembling lightly. His eyes watched the room that caught fire strangely while his lips quivered faintly. A saber was in his hand! Blood was on the sabers blade. What has happened? Everyone in the residence was on their guard, even the old mistress had made an uncommon appearance. Nothing! Qiu Jianhans face relaxed. Its just a secret letter that needs to be handled urgently. As he spoke, he turned right away heading to the study room without looking at anyone. His pace was brisk, the old marshal was very agitated. There was a symbol of nine encircling stars on the letter. Nine Heavens Dictum! On it were a few words C To be read personally by Old Marshal Qiu. Old Marshal Qiu understood the meaning behind these words well. No other person should be seeing it. Therefore, he had gone to the study room immediately and locked himself inside. This was a red colored package red like a ball of flame. Old Marshal Qiu exhaled before he opened it with trembling hands. Without surprise, there was a letter inside. It was only one thin sheet of paper within the envelope. Qiu Jianhans face fell when he read the first line. It was without courtesy C Why does the Board of War harass me? The old marshal could feel the flaring murderous intent within the words right away. It was a boiling wave of rage. He read on, almost holding his breath. The more he read, the more his eyes widened. Suddenly, he shouted, This is terribly infuriating! He glared hard, a palm landing harshly on the table. The sturdy table cracked and split at his heavy strike. Cirrus Houses Zuiyue belongs to the heart of Supreme Flame. What is the intention behind the people from the Board of Wars Heroic Duo of Saber and Swords residence persuading her to marry others? What position am I, Supreme Flame lord, placed at when Old Mistress Ding made her personal appearance? If old marshal is interested, why not find another spouse for His Majestys empress? Why humiliate the family of Nine Supremes? Nation-guarding generals residence as the matchmaker, marshals residence as the guardian, crown princes residence as persuasion, Plethora Gem Tower as a set up; Such humiliation had been sworn not to be accepted under Nine Heavens Dictum! This justice shall be granted at the price of lives! This has gone too far, it is absolutely absurd! The wordings in this letter were harsh, the grudge within deep, terrifying to any reader! It had even said If old marshal is interested, why not find another spouse for His Majestys empress? Why humiliate the family of the Nine Supremes?. Obviously, the other party was beyond infuriated. The old marshal was enraged to the point of almost spitting blood before he could finish reading the letter. It was not because of the harsh tone employed in the letter but from the shameful matter that happened within his own residence! The humiliation could last for millennia. Qiu Jianhan could feel his face burning. Even if he was beaten violently to near-death, it was still better than this feeling right now. He loathed the act of harassing the warriors families the most, but who would have thought that his home was one of the perpetrators now? Recalling the Nine Heavens Dictum that had informed him by setting a room on fire, they must be extremely enraged to be using such an extreme method. Thinking of the war, Supreme Flame had obviously made his move Was there still a need then to guess who it was who had ignited his room? The old marshal had even felt that they were already being lenient. Your father has just ended the war for all of you and youre forcing your fathers woman to marry someone else? What is this bullsh*t? The old mistress was immensely worried. The residence had suddenly caught on fire. While the fire was not serious and had only burned one room, the intention within was terrifying enough. A sense of utter danger gnawed at her heart. Who in the world dared to set fire directly to the marshals residence? Worried as she was, she heard the maids outside exclaim in surprise before an angry roar followed. Out of my way! With the sound of a slap, she then saw her husband charging in enraged. What good deed did you do? He hollered furiously. The old mistress was shocked before she got angry as well. What is it? Are you crazy? Qiu Jianhan was infuriated. He suppressed his voice as he retorted, Bullsh*t! Its you who are crazy! What good deed of yours, neither virtuous nor righteous, gross and shameless, and you still have the guts to cuss at me? The old mistress was dumbfounded. Old Marshal Qiu had always thought that he had neglected his beloved wife with his devotion for the military, so he had always been gentle and subservient to the old mistress his entire life. Since when did he ever show such a violent temper? What was this now? He had shouted something so vulgar to the ears! The old mistress felt something was amiss. What has happened? She was not even angry but a sense of panic rose in her heart. Things must be impossibly awry to have this husband of hers who had been docile to her this entire life become so absolutely angry! Qiu Jianhans eyes were spewing fire as he growled, Utterly shameful! Let me ask you, did you decided to become a matchmaker recently? The old mistress understood it right as she heard. What about it? It was your nephew, infatuated with Cirrus Houses Yun Zuiyue just as he got to Tiantang and asked me to help me, saying he wanted to marry her as his concubine. Hes come to our doors to plead and you were not here. Moreover, this is nothing significant. Qiu Jianhan was shaking with rage. Not something big? My wife, youre about to make the sky fall! What else is considered big? Youve gotten foolish! The old mistress paled. What has happened? Qiu Jianhan huffed and puffed, trying hard to recover his emotions but still replied through gritted teeth, You went to be a matchmaker. Didnt you first check if the woman was married? If she already has someone she loves? If shes willing? Have you just gone ahead like this? Qiu Yunsan that bastard likes her! So what if he likes her? You went just because he likes her? Are you going if he likes the empress? This is utter bullsh*t! The old marshal was blinded with rage, spewing even coarser words. The old mistress was shocked. Could it be His Majestys? She sucked in a cold breath. The old marshal bellowed, Not His Majestys! Just as the woman heaved a sigh of relief, she heard her husband roar, Its even more terrifying than His Majestys woman! My wife, youre really putting me in the land of vile and unjust The mistress was stupefied. More frightening than His Majestys woman? Who was it? What what should I do? All in all, do not stick your nose in this matter anymore! Otherwise, I do not have any face to live in this world; I would have to commit suicide The old marshal sighed, his gaze in despair. This is utterly humiliating! If Qiu Yunsan comes to the residence again, make him stay! Wait for my return to put him right where he belongs! Im going to Old Lengs residence. Both our families have been shamed. Qiu Jianhan spat his words and left mounting the horse, rushing over to Leng Daoyins residence with great urgency. The old mistress collapsed on the chair, her aged face pale and ashen. She could gauge how serious it was from her husbands reaction. Regret filled her heart as she had never thought that she would cause such trouble unintentionally. She was still doubtful though. What was involved to actually infuriate her husband so much? On the same night, Leng Daoyin was pacing furiously in the residence of the guarding general, directly asking his janissary to call his son-in-law out and scolded him. He had even broken his son-in-law, Zhou Zizhengs legs, just like that. Go once more to spew nonsense and persuasion in matchmaking, I shall end your life by brutally beating you up! My eyes must be blind to marry my daughter to such a humiliating failure! Old General Leng fumed, the entire residence was terrified into silence. Man of men going to be a matchmaker, this is utter bullsh*t! Why dont you The old man swallowed the following words, it must be something vulgar indeed! Zhou Zizhang was in agony from his broken legs but he gritted his teeth did not make a single sound. This man was nothing as bad as the old general had mentioned. On the contrary, he was actually a rather capable general. Otherwise, Leng Daoyin would not have agreed to marry his daughter to him. However, by making a mistake now, he had become worse than bullsh*t in this old mans eyes. Qiu Jianhan went straight to the crown princes residence. He could speak honestly to Leng Daoyin as the latter would never leak the secret but it was not the same for the other people in the residence of the crown prince. Therefore, the old marshal charged in and harshly spat, Yun Zuiyue is this old mans adopted daughter. I shall be in charge of her marriage, His Highness the crown prince need not be worried! Then he left without a second glance. His Highness the crown prince had no idea what happened and was chided by the old marshal just like that. Qiu Jianhan then made his way to Plethora Gem Tower. Find fault with this old mans goddaughter again and I shall seal this broken tower! The threat rang loud in his words. When Qiu Jianhan returned to his residence, Qiu Yunsan had already been summoned to the place by the old mistress, his head lowered after being scolded. The old man said nothing but took a stick as thick as a bowl and landed blows right on the man accompanied with curses. What f*ck do you consider yourself as! Pestering the woman just because youre infatuated with her? What kind of bastard are you! Other than f*cking humiliating me, what else have you done growing up? I shall beat you to death today so you dont go on causing shame to the Qiu Family! ...taking in concubine take your grandmother The old marshal was out of his mind with rage. The others quickly stepped forward to stop him when they saw things were amiss. Young Master Qiu was already bleeding here and there. When the old mistress had saved this nephew from further damage, he had already taken eight to nine beatings. Not only was he bleeding, his waist had been beaten to a point where it almost fractured. If it were not for this nephew having some martial skills, he might really be beaten to death by the merciless stick This entire incident was just like a farce. Hearing what had happened, the anger within Yun Yang subsided. Obviously, elder Qiu and Leng, and even the crown prince, did not know of all these. Since the old marshal had gone berserk once, even Qiu Yunsan who was the culprit was quelled, this incident should have passed. However, what Yun Yang did not understand was how could this matter be so simple? 87 An Inescapable Dragne It was early in the morning when Yun Yang leaned against a tree as he breathed in deeply. Spiritual energy from the rising sun was absorbed into his body like tendrils of smoke. He stretched himself, his bones popping and cracking. When Yun Yang opened his mouth, a long cloud of condensed white air jetted out from his mouth like a dragon! It rose, barely dissipating, into the morning breeze, only making a soft pop after several hundred feet that resulted in a small hole in the enclosing wall. Oh my god! Fang Mofei and Laomei who had been closely watching him were both dumbfounded. Bones like cracking thunder from the heaven, dantians Qi like a soaring dragon! Fang Mofei was speechless. He had only achieved this stage after cultivating to the seventh peak while Lao Mei who was already at the peak of sixth heaven barely came close. Yun Yang seemed to only be third heaven? It was an unexplainable phenomenon. What was going on? Both of them simultaneously looked towards the sky and peered suspiciously at their surroundings. Nothing had changed and they were still on the same earth Could it a problem with my cultivation method? Fang Mofei and Lao Meis eyes met, reading the same question from each others gazes. Yun Yang recovered from his cultivation, standing up slowly while taking in the feel of his surroundings. Both Fang Mofei and Laomei then realized with a shock that the weak state that had always clouded Yun Yang before this had vanished. He brimmed with life and vigor! They could scarcely believe their eyes. Just yesterday, he was still sickly and was unable to lift his leg up; today, he was already spirited and energetic? Yun Yang breathed in and out deeply. The lingering exhaustion had completely recovered today. The absorption of air of injustice from killing the enemy on the battlefield was minuscule, no matter how many he had killed. Based on his calculations, his conjured wind and flame had burned at least a hundred thousand men of the army of Dongxuan but his collected air of injustice was at most derived from twenty to thirty people. Perhaps these belonged to those who were especially wicked Yun Yang pondered upon the recent developments. It was still better than nothing. At least Emmie was a little stronger as the air of vitality it could provide increased and got richer. However, Yun Yangs exploitation of Emmie during this period of time had made it extremely recalcitrant. It was always listless with its leaves flopping down, not waving its tendrils anymore and appeared lethargic. It looked exactly like a child who had been greatly wronged but dared not speak up, jutting its lips in a pout. Yun Yang felt his heart soften at the sight, and immediately gave it ten pieces of the good jades he had taken previously. It was only then that Emmie perked, waving its tendrils again and regaining its blithe. It got friendlier when it saw Yun Yang too. However, Yun Yang grew troubled again. Looking at the remaining twenty-three pieces of jade from the original fifty he had C it was running out too quickly. His resources were about to be depleted again. Even most of the Pearl of the Flood Dragon was depleted. Although Emmie would nourish it when it had some energy C it seemed reluctant to let the Pearl of the Flood Dragon be gone too, what they could make use of now was all about to be used up. Those mystical stones and mystical crystals, including the treasured gems that he had gotten from searching through Zhao Binglongs residence, had all been consumed! Just as Fang Mofei and Lao Mei came over with intention to congratulate Yun Yang on his breakthrough, they heard him murmuring to himself, Time to raid someones house if I dont raid another house, theres no living to be made Whose should I be raiding? Fang Mofei and Lao Mei stumbled, almost falling to the ground. You cant make a living if you dont raid someones house? What has gotten into you? Old Fang, what is your current cultivation level? Yun Yang asked. Seventh intermediate. Although Im accumulating spiritual Qi every day, the improvement is not distinct. Lao Mei, what about you? Sixth, pinnacle. But I still feel like the next breakthrough is very far away Too slow! Yun Yang frowned. Too weak! Its not enough to do the necessary! Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were both exasperated. Yun Yang continued, Both of you need to work harder! He sighed and went back to his room. Both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were left speechless. It was a strange feeling, to be chided by a third peak cultivation amateur when they were sixth and seventh level experts themselves! In his room, Yun Yang frowned. He was not simply saying that their abilities were insufficient. The incident with Cirrus Houses Yun Zuiyue earlier seemed like a farce no matter how one had looked at it. It was only quelled after Yun Yang made a ruckus directly at Qiu Jianhans residence. However, the activities in recent days made Yun Yang highly alert, feeling all his goosebumps raised. Nine Heavens Dictums intel arrived, flying in like speeding clouds. Qiu Jianhans mistress felt deeply ashamed, giving up on Cirrus Houses matter and stayed indoors to reflect on her mistake. Qiu Familys Young Master Qiu Yunsan was injured from Old Marshal Qiu Jianhans beating C grounded and stayed indoors to reflect on his mistake. Old General Leng Daoyin punished his son-in-law harshly, the latter grounded at home. No one in the Residence of Leng is to partake in Cirrus Houses matters. Residence of Crown Princes aide Shui Yuehan was punished, His Highness the crown prince apologized to Old Marshal Qiu. Great keeper of Plethora Gem Tower Fu Guansan went to Cirrus House personally to apologize. It looked like things were falling into place. Residence of Crown Princes aide Shui Yuehan began frequenting Cirrus House, infiltrating Cirrus House continuously under the guise of apologizing. He is wealthy and generous, handsome and graceful as much as he is elegant and gentlemanly; his mystical skill is high and unable to be estimated. Great keeper of Plethora Gem Tower Fu Guansan frequents Cirrus House as well, with the same reason as Shui Yuehan. Fu Guansan and Shui Yuehan met each other at Cirrus House today. Both of them decided upon each other as their target and refused to compromise. In the end, with provocation of words, Shui Yuehan spent a thousand taels of gold in one go while Fu Guansan splurged on a hundred thousand silver taels! Cirrus House took the limelight in Tiantang City. Shui Yuehan invited guests to Cirrus House and invited his colleagues for a feast. Fu Guansan held a feast in Cirrus House, inviting wealthy businessmen.. Each of these messages looked so normal but with the previous farce, Yun Yang could sense something was amiss. It was a disturbing feeling, a premonition about a deadly danger that was fast approaching! Yun Yangs expression was grim. Prior to this, days before Tianxuan Cliffs battle, he had had the same feeling and had reminded his brothers to stay alert. All of them were immediately on their guard. Due to this feeling, they had even brought the troops through longer routes and probed by separating into smaller divisions but they had still stepped into the enemys trap! Now, the feeling was here again. Four Seasons Tower! You have finally noticed! Yun Yangs eyes radiated with a chilling glow. You have finally made a move too! Yun Zuiyue is in danger! Yun Yang paced around in a panicked frenzy. Although he had been very cautious in his actions, both Li Changiu and Zhao Binglong, members of the Four Seasons Tower, had met their doom in Cirrus House. Li Changqiu has gone missing after the army has gone for a siege but Four Seasons Tower must know the fact that Li Changqiu frequents Cirrus House. This makes it one of their suspects after Li Changqiu went missing Yun Yang thought deeply. Zhao Binglong was driven out from Cirrus House directly then his entire family was slaughtered. Although it happened in his house, it could be said that Cirrus House was involved too. Both men are related to Cirrus House and have met their doom Without a clearer suspect, the Four Seasons Tower has decided to make one of Cirrus House This is a tactic as well. If so Yun Yangs face fell. Then Qiu Yunsan should be a chess piece used as the first probe to Cirrus House. If Yun Zuiyue were to be eliminated, Cirrus House would naturally come crashing down as well. It would then also pick the thorn out of their heart. If she cant be taken down, then it is proven that Cirrus House indeed has a secret guardian, a hidden benefactor. With Ling Xiaozuis words safeguarding the place, it shouldnt amount to a large worry. But they would still think of everything possible to infiltrate Cirrus House. This is my biggest problem. Perhaps they dont know it yet, they are still probing to find out. I must take action when they target Yun Zuiyue! This is a complete scheme to me! No matter what, I cant stand by and watch fifth brothers love be bullied. Its would be too easy to find me this way. And my rage this time followed with Old Marshal Qius anger, would only reassure them that Cirrus House has a strong backup influence in Yutangs official and military side besides Ling Xiaozui! From there, Old Marshal Qiu who obviously knows whats going on would also become their target. Perhaps, Leng Daoyin would also attract their attention This move of the Four Seasons Tower has revealed three of my weaknesses in a single swoop! If I didnt attack by turning into wind and flame in the battle for the Fortress of Resilience, perhaps the Four Seasons Tower would not be so quick to act. However, once wind and flame got out, the Four Seasons Tower has obviously perked up. They couldnt find anyone to blame so they could only start from other places. A cold glow was flickering in Yun Yangs gaze. He did not regret his rash actions earlier. If he had not cared for Yun Zuiyue being bullied, then Qiu Yunsan might really succeed in getting what he wanted! The pressure from the military, combined with the coercion from the crown princes residence, in addition to Qiu Family of the eight great noble families in the martial arts world, plus the threat of a super influence in the martial arts world, Plethora Gem Tower Even if Yun Zuiyue really had a pinnacle expert like Ling Xiaozui being her guardian, it would still be difficult to stave off their wrath! He would feel regret forever. Even when he had died, what face did he have to meet his fifth brother Supreme Flame? Yun Yang scoffed. He could already feel the dragnet slowly expanding coming down on top of Tiantang City! Where he stood right now was exactly the area it covered. Since youre making a move, you must expose yourself! Even if Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan are not from the Four Seasons Tower, they must be related! Qiu Guansan could actually summon Old Mistress Ding and Zhou Zizheng There must be some sort of mysterious force behind the coercion as both these people are not someone one could simply call upon. You are looking for me but I am seeking you out as well! One of the aides in crown princes residence is from the Four Seasons Tower. How big of a possibility would it be that the aide was Shui Yuehan? Yun Yang silently thought. The enemy had made its move. Now, it was up to him whether he could counter it. However, his biggest weakness was inadequate ability! Lao Mei and Fang Mofei alone would definitely be insufficient to stand up to them, this was for sure. They have only commissioned those who have made an appearance. There must be many of them in the dark who are just watching and remaining unseen. One careless move and I would lose it all! Yun Yangs heart was heavy. I must be really cautious, as cautious as anyone can possibly be! 88 My Lucky Star. God of Contemptible Shamefulness What should I do when I can solve it with my own ability? Yun Yangs train of thought switched tracks as he mumbled, Dong Tianleng should have won, why hasnt he come to return his debt? He was just thinking about it when suddenly a voice rang out by the gate, Lord! Is my lord in? Little brother is here to visit you! The voice was coquettish and cheap with a hint of inexplicable lewdness in it. Yun Yang was stunned. The old saying is true.The people of Tiantang are bizarre. Speak of the devil Quick, come in! Yun Yang said, raising his voice. He had wished for this cheap thing to come so badly that he was actually a little thrilled when he heard Dong Tianlengs voice. Hes here to deliver resources! Here to do dirty work! Yun Yangs welcoming courtesy was unnecessary as Dong Tianleng had already invited himself in, charging in the same way he had sneaked out. Before he could meet Yun Yangs eyes, the Double-headed Elysian Lion under Dong Tianlengs robe had already rushed over to Yun Yang; its heads and tail shaking with joy. Have you changed your dressing today? Yun Yang stared incredulously at him. Ive won. Why would I still be dressed in green? Dong Tianleng smiled triumphantly. Its those three who is dressed from head to toe in green now! Yun Yang scratched his head. Youve won? Ive won! Dong Tianleng scurried over and knelt on the floor, almost worshipping Yun Yang with all his limbs on the ground. Lord, youre a man of god! Akin to immortals descended from heaven! My lord, my admiration for you is like Tianxuans great river, like the borderless ocean, like the majestic snowy mountain, like the divine mountain ranges. Oh, even the term Midas Touch would no longer suffice to describe you. Even manure could become gold if you touch it Dong Tianleng was sincerely devout. Oh my lord Im I C I I love you! I am in love with you... Stop! Yun Yang felt goosebumps erupt all over him, chills running through his body. He almost lost the ability to blink. The f*ck! These were the only two words that came from Yun Yang. Supreme Cloud had always been gentle and graceful. Dong Tianleng was really talented to be able to force Supreme Cloud into spewing a curse. Dong Tianleng! Yun Yang looked at him angrily. You You cant be My lord! Dong Tianleng felt like he was immensely wronged as he spoke indignantly, I, Dong Tianleng, am still a descendant of a noble family. How could you accuse me of that? I still like women Yun Yang looked at him doubtfully. Really? If you dont believe me, I can take off my pants and show you! Whatever for? Yun Yang kicked out viciously. You only wish to disgust me! Thus is my admiration towards my lord. Dong Tianleng was not the slightest bit angry at being kicked but felt rather proud as he said quite triumphantly, A man of god like my god should be respected! Yun Yang palmed his forehead. Why are you here alone today? Where are your guards? This question had touched Dong Tianlengs sore spot; his long sigh briefly unnerved Yun Yang as he began to complain. My lord, you have no idea what kind of a life I have been living these days Dong Tianleng was almost tearful. Since Ive won, they swore that they would have me expose the expert behind this But who am I. Dong Tianleng? I, Dong Tianleng, have always been loyal to kin and justice, righteous and noble; Id die for my friends and risk even my life for my brothers! How would I betray my friend? Dong Tianleng spoke vehemently, So I didnt say anything at all. They then grounded me, stalked me! Even when I go to the washroom someone is always with me What kind of f*cking days are these Dong Tianleng was eager to get Yun Yangs approval and sympathy, his narration vivid and teary. You obviously wish to have this victory to your own! Yun Yang immediately saw through his subterfuge. Uh Dong Tianleng did not even feel embarrassed but switched immediately to exude a mien of benevolence. My lord, who on this earth doesnt want to have it all? Since we have such good resources, why share with others? Both of us make a huge fortune and let the others beg for their meals, how gratifying is that? Toss them a few copper coins when we feel like it and have them bark like a dog, isnt that a wonderful feeling? This would be the ultimate achievement in life. Yun Yang was speechless. This fellows life Is thats all he asks for? Stop all this nonsense! Yun Yang stretched his hand out. Where is the wager youve won? Dong Tianleng froze. My lord, why do we speak of wealth between us brothers You do not wish to hand it over? Yun Yang was calm as he chuckled. Then I dont want it too. No Its not that I don''t want to.. Dong Tianleng panicked. He was here to send the gift, why did he carry on like he did earlier? Let me go to others and see if they would be more willing to give me some. My lord, Im begging you! Dong Tianleng kneeled down again. I wont get up if you refuse to accept it! How contemptible! Yun Yang was speechless. I think so too Dong Tianleng was speechless as well. What is this if Im not being contemptible? This is not even being shameful, this is being f*cking shameful! So much? Yun Yang looked at what Dong Tianleng had taken out. We wagered a high sum this time. Dong Tianleng chuckled excitedly. The total of the wager was a thousand and five hundred mystical crystals. I think these were too little so Ive put in another five hundred mystical crystals myself to honor my lord. That doesnt sound right. Yun Yang looked at Dong Tianleng suspiciously. You said that each of you would bet a hundred mystical stones and one medicinal pill. In addition was the head to toe dressing rule and a round of beatings. No matter how the calculation was made, it wont add up to two thousand mystical crystals. Dong Tianleng scratched his head. Its like this The wager this time, theyve asked to hike the price since the time gap was so close; they wanted to win everything your father has so the wager increased to two hundred mystical crystals each plus a meridian cleansing pill Yun Yang coughed and rolled his eyes. They have counted all the chickens before the eggs hatched. They dont have meridian cleansing pills in their families. Even if they do, itd eons later when they finally get to get their hands on them. But my great grandfather is the top alchemist in the eight great families so my family would never run short of these meridian cleansing pills Dong Tianleng was half gritting his teeth and half triumphant. They wanted to scheme against me. I suggested to do battle and they wagered two hundred mystical crystals and a meridian cleansing pill each against me. These rascals indulged in their wishful thinking! They never planned to lose, they wanted to win all I had! So then they would each have mystical crystals and meridian cleansing pills, and they could beat me up! Yun Yang grinned. They were obviously out to get you and yet you agreed? Dong Tianleng was abashed. I was the one who suggested to do battle, how can I not agree with their conditions? I had to stay there even if I knew they were there to get me I cant possibly pull out after they had stated their wager when I was the one asking to bet. My lord, I cant afford to lose my face like this Yun Yang was speechless. He looked that his despicable face and thought in his heart, Just with this face You cant afford to lose it? Do you still even have half a face? Dong Tianleng began to get excited. Even though I knew that they wanted to trick me, I was confident in you, my lord. You said Id win, then so I shall! I wasnt afraid at al, insisting on going head on with the challenge. You didnt see it, big brother. Once those three fellows realized that they had lost, they looked like their mothers had died. How happy I was! Elated, really. I was so happy I was clapping the whole time! Yun Yang rolled his eyes. Dont be a bootlicker. How can I not know your intention, Dong Tianleng? I told you before, Id bear all the cost if you lose right? You dared to bet because you f*cking remember this, didnt you? Dong Tianleng swore, Boss, am I that type of person? Look at my honest face Yun Yang scoffed. Dong Tianleng was embarrassed then, chuckling dryly as his eyes glanced around. In actuality, this fellow was in that exact mind frame at that time. Yun Yang had said he would cover his loss C Hmph, if I had lost, I would blame it all on this fellow! At most, Ill get beaten up... It wouldnt be my first time anyway If I win though hes my god of fortune then. Being exposed by Yun Yang, he was slightly embarrassed before forgetting everything about his honor, recovering right by swearing loudly. Forget it! Yun Yang rolled his eyes. Thats still not enough. They didnt even have meridian cleansing pills. Those three losers, this young master doesnt want to force them as well, so it became three hundred mystical crystals each as a replacement. Dong Tianleng whined, Boss, I only speak the truth Yun Yang scoffed. Where are your guards? The guards are at the tavern I sneaked out. Dong Tianleng beamed happily. Theres something going on these days, those two rascals are totally occupied. It was only upon seeing that surname Qiu got out, that I could be free. Surname Qiu? Yun Yang was stunned. That popinjay from Qiu Family! Qiu Yunsan! Thats really one prodigal troublemaker Dong Tianleng was jolly and cheery. We went to Cirrus House a few days ago and this fellow somehow made a bet with someone, saying that he would court Yun Zuiyue in three months and started the courtship right there and then. In the end, this courtship sank the ship. This Yun Zuiyue has a really strong background. Not only did Qiu Yunsan lose the bet, he was beaten severely by his uncle. Ive heard he almost got his nuts grounded too Hes still lying half-dead in his uncles house now Qiu Yunsan? Cirrus House? Yun Zuiyue? Yun Yangs eyes gleamed, putting on a delightfully interested front. Now, this sounds interesting. Tell me quickly, I just love to listen to the misfortunes of others. Yun Yangs sudden change in demeanor had Dong Tianleng feeling like he had met his soulmate. Slapping his thigh, he said, Boss, you are really my lord. I revel in others downfall as well. Great minds think alike! Yun Yang had an inexplicably growing penchant for Dong Tianleng. This guy is contemptible but hes my lucky star. When I lack resources, he sends me his winnings; when I lack news, he sends me information; when I lack hands to do the dirty work it looks like theres no problem in finding a few after all. 89 Ins and Outs What is really going on? Yun Yang wore the fa?ade of a gossipmonger. I remember now. Yun Zuiyue is Cirrus Houses madame isnt she? Its not common knowledge, you see.. Dong Tianleng was triumphant, pleased that he held the upper hand. Theres a secret within! A peculiarity! He glanced askance at Yun Yang. His was mischievous and practically screamed, If you want to know, youll have to beg me for it! He reveled in tempting people half-spoken stories. My, I feel so sleepy. Yun Yangs face suddenly fell, and he yawned. I feel like sleeping, all of a sudden. Excuse me? Dong Tianleng was dumbfounded. Big brother, why are you not behaving enthusiastically, as would a normal person? Please leave now. Yun Yang laid back lazily on the chair and closed his eyes. I remember I still have something to do tomorrow. Im not leaving! Dong Tianleng grew teary-eyed. My lord, youre too petty; its just a small matter and youve gotten angry. Let me tell you, my lord. Its fun I dont want to hear it. Yun Yang appeared listless. Im very sleepy. Leave, dont come again next time. I dont know you. My lord! Dong Tianleng kneeled down with a look of despair. I beg you, let me tell you about this bit of gossip. He slapped himself harshly. Dong Tianleng, why cant you change this despicable habit of yours? Yun Yang lifted his gaze lazily. Are you still going to make me beg? I swear to god! Dong Tianleng made an oath, I wont make my lord beg me anymore! If theres a next time, I shall be called the god of shamefulness! Speak then, Yun Yang sighed. This thing is outrageous. Dong Tianleng had turned jolly once again. This entire incident was due to me.its absolutely hilarious! Yun Yang looked at him wordlessly. I had just won the wager. Happy, your father decided to treat these three rascals to a drink in Cirrus House! Dong Tianleng said gleefuly, We realized its really not bad a place when we got there. The girls are beautiful, the place is great and elegant! It suits graceful young masters like myself. We ordered some side dishes and wine and watched the performance. Suddenly, someone began making noises the voice was like a ducks. Dong Tianleng shrugged his shoulders. When I heard the voice, I thought about the eunuchs in the stories and I wanted to take his pants off to look. Yun Yang sighed.Was it worth his time to listen to this? You said someone called out in a ducks voice? What did the voice say? Are you sure it sounded like a duck? Yun Yang noted down duck voice. A hundred percent. This guy called out isnt this Young Master Qiu?. Dong Tianleng continued, He came to look for Qiu Yunsan. Yun Yang looked relaxed and lazy but his entire concentration was focused on the story. He knew that this plot against Cirrus House and Yun Zuiyue began from this voice. This guy came sashaying over and your father smelled the lecherous scent he should be a eunuch from the palace. Dong Tianleng scrunched his nose. There was still a middle-aged man beside him, tall and large. He knew Qiu Yunsan too, Qiu Yunsan calling that guy Keeper Mi F*cking hell, there are actually people with family name Mi1 Tsk, tsk. Obviously they were familiar with each other since they sat together at another table right beside us. Then I heard them starting to make a match out of drinking. After a while, the one with the family name Mi sighed, saying he had been courting Yun Zuiyue for a few years but has never succeeded. Things about longing and such Dong Tianleng said, I was listening by the side, wondering if it was that difficult. Then Qiu Yunsan looked at him with disgust and said hed take at most half a month for whichever girl he laid his eyes on. That man retorted by asking him not to bullsh*t. This Yun Zuiyue, forget half a month. If you manage to get her within half a year, Id run naked in Tiantang City from east to west Yun Yang sighed when he got to this part. This was an exclusive trap made for these noble young masters, the second generation who was not one of the families elites! He had to say, even if the trap was roughly made, it was absolutely effective. To these second generations, their biggest joy was to gamble and toy with women. Using this as a wager was hitting the nail right on its head. Dong Tianleng continued, Qiu Yunsans eyes radiated then, saying Are you serious!. He was obviously moved Not only him, we were as well F*cking hell, court a woman and we get to see somebody run around naked in Tiantang City Is this not f*cking thrilling? Then the person said, Young Master Qiu, this is no joke. My advice is not to provoke the woman, your looks will most probably fail you from the onset. Qiu Yun San replied, If I cant get her, Ill do whatever you want me to do!. Then he actually forced the man to clasp their hands together to seal their oath. Yun Yang sighed again. Were these second generation members bad people? Obviously, they were not. However, their demeanor, sculpted by their environment since they were young, made it too easy for them to fall into peoples traps and become the scapegoat! They were manipulated using their temperaments to achieve certain unspeakable goals! A family, especially one with a thousand years of legacy, would definitely have innately genius elites; they would also have the pillars who silently worked hard, but there would also be popinjays like Qiu Yunsan and Dong Tianleng. It was not that education had failed them; it was a must for a noble familys development. When these guys caused trouble and provoked people they should not, they could get away with an apology and punishment if matters were nothing serious. If it were serious, they could be thrown out to be slaughtered and no pain would be felt. However, sometimes, when the elites could not make public appearances to stir trouble, they could use these popinjays to ignite the fire and derive benefit from the chaos it caused. This was unavoidable. All in all, they would act logically when logic was needed and they would be barbaric when sensibility was not needed. This was a way of life. Then they began betting. Qiu Yunsan had to successfully court Yun Zuiyue within a month. After some persuasion from the Mi, it became a three-month wager. Three of us were witnesses to the deal. Three of us had even wagered five hundred mystical stones each. Dong Tianleng was reveling in other peoples misery. Yun Yang was speechless. You fellows are betting even on this sort of matter. Then Qiu Yunsan started his operation. Nothing could sway Yun Zuiyue indeed It was agreed that no force could be used so this fellow had nowhere to begin with Dong Tianleng chuckled and said, We met a few days later at Cirrus House. Not only did he not progress, Yun Zuiyue would not even meet him!She did not even allow anyone to pass her messages Qiu Yunsan was troubled while the one with surname Mi said that such a woman deserved to be cared for lovingly. Its fine to even marry her. Such a pure and self-loving woman could be married off with the help of a matchmaker Dong Tianleng continued, This Mi began thinking of who could serve as the matchmaker and it triggered Qiu Yunsan. So this fellow began searching for connections with the intention to marry Yun Zuiyue as his concubine. He actually found quite a few people willing to help. Ive never realized it but this Qiu Yunsans background was rather far-reaching. He could actually call upon many influential figures, especially his aunty. If he hadnt mentioned it, I would never have known that Qiu Yunsans uncle is actually Marshal Qiu Jianhan. Dong Tianlengs look was impressed. Qiu Familys connection is indeed far and deep. As Yun Yang listened to him, he could already infer all that followed. Dong Tianleng need not continue narrating. The opposite party had long studied Qiu Yunsan and set him up as their target. Step by step, they lured Qiu Yunsan into their trap, putting him in a tough spot before using various connections to influence him. The pressure on Cirrus House was from each and every direction. Consequently, under that pressure, Cirrus House would definitely be like a drenched towel, expelling more water with every squeeze. One day, the water would all be forced out. This was their ultimate goal! Although Qiu Yunsan had failed and all the pressure was gone, half of their goal was still completed! At least, they had successfully pulled their real target, that was himself of course, into this mess without a choice to get away! As long as they continued to play such tactics on Cirrus House, he would not be able to stay away. If he could not stay away, then this massive and secretive organization would one day find him. This was certain! He could not watch fifth brothers love be bullied not matter what it took despite the other party not knowing this. However, the connection was extremely clear. From Dong Tianlengs narration, Yun Yang took note of another two people. A person who spoke with a ducks voice, possibly a eunuch; another with the family name Mi and was called Keeper Mi. These two people were definitely important members of this scheme. In addition to Shui Yuehan from the crown princes residence and Fu Guansan, keeper of Plethora Gem Tower, Yun Yang had at least four people as his target. Although Yun Yang could ask Dong Tianleng about the appearance of this duck voice and Mi, it would appear too obvious. Yun Yang thought again before he said unhappily, Say no more. I understand now. Dong Tianleng, you keep calling me your lord but you went drinking and had fun, even inviting people to Cirrus House but not me? Dong Tianleng was still clouded with excitement from his gossip but he grew sober when he saw Yun Yangs long face. He was shocked. My lord, did you want to go too? Yun Yang rolled his eyes. No, I do not! Since someone had the temerity to exclude me, why should I go? Ill invite you! Me, me, me! Absolutely! Dong Tianleng patted his chest. Shall we go now? Its too late Yun Yang said lazily, You invited others first and I had to ask before you invited me. I shall not be humiliated this way. Leave now! Dong Tianleng dropped down to the floor without hesitation this time. It is all this young brothers fault. My lord, I beg you, let me buy you this meal. If you dont go, I wont get up! Yun Yang was chagrined. Has this fellow finally gotten the hint after so long? 90 Becoming Siblings I fancy a lot of things, but my favorite is exquisite places. Yun Yang stood up. Alright, since you insist. Dong Tianleng understood right away. If my lord wants to go to Cirrus House next time, this little brother will always treat you! Hmm? Yun Yang sighed. As long as you dont anger me, its good enough. How dare I make the great young master, Young Master Dong, buy me a meal? Dong Tianleng grinned and said ingratiatingly, As long as my lord is willing to go, even my ancestors will feel blessed! The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched. I wonder what the seniors of the Dong Family would think if they heard this? Im only going to drink with you and your ancestors of Dong Family would feel blessed? Dong Tianleng reminded Yun Yang repeatedly on their way, If we come across the two fellows from Chun Family and Xia Family, dont ever speak of the lions case. Sigh, Qiu Yunsan wont be able to come out now. I dont know if his wounds have already rotted with pus Its so gratifying Yun Yang really could not take it anymore. When they were near the doors of Cirrus House, he finally said frowning, Dong Tianleng, let me ask you what type of education is it that you have been receiving since young? Dong Tianleng scratched his head and said, Kindness, kinship, courtesy, intelligence, faith, loyalty, filial piety, modesty, justice, a lions heart for the nation and its people Yun Yang replied, F*ck off! This young master is here again! Once Dong Tianleng entered Cirrus House, he displayed the demeanor of a noble familys descendant. From the moment he entered, each servant and maid he saw previously was given a hundred silver taels each. However, they realized that there were no more rooms to be had. Dong Tianleng was direct, throwing a thousand silver taels into one of the halls. Brothers, please honor me. Take these taels and give the hall to me. A scholar inside frowned. You bas Dong Tianleng put his palm down again. Five thousand taels! We dont mean this The person hesitated. Another wave of his palm, Ten thousand taels! With a loud swoosh, five to six people immediately disappeared from the Winter Snow Hall. Yun Yang was speechless. He had witnessed several cases of harassment using ones wealth but it was still a first for him to see such exorbitant behavior, escalating the amount from a thousand taels like the great Young Master Dong. Somehow, he got to enjoy the feeling of being a millionaire as well. Gratifying? Dong Tianleng threw himself onto the chair leisurely and crossed his ankle on his other leg with a chuckle. If they dont leave with ten thousand taels, this young master shall stuff them with a million taels! Yun Yang was rolling his eyes endlessly. It was natural for Yun Zuiyue to know that Yun Yang had come. She was a smart woman after all, noticing the oddity in the recent atmosphere, she was both happy and worried. After some hesitation, she finally decided to still come greet him. When she arrived at the entrance of the Winter Snow Hall, she heard Yun Yangs voice from the outside. Dong Tianleng, youre probably not as familiar to Cirrus House as I am. Im a regular Yun Zuiyue was stunned. Yun Yangs tone was rather cocky. This is a little odd. Yun Zuiyue walked in softly and saw Dong Tianleng right away. This fellow had been frequenting Cirrus House so often recently that he was a regular too. Why, Its Young Master Dong. Yun Zuiyue greeted him courteously. Dong Tianleng chortled in triumph and said, Lady Zuiyue, you honor me too much by coming over personally. Those fellows cant even see you after all trying sorts of methods. This man had frequented Cirrus House for about a dozen times already but he had only ever seen Yun Zuiyue on his first visit. Seeing that Yun Zuiyue had actually come over this time, he was surprised by the sudden attention. You wish! Yun Yang stood up and chuckled. Sister Yue, little brother misses you so much. Yun Zuiyue understood immediately. She replied in a velvety smooth voice, Little flirt! How many days have you not come to see Sister Yue already and you actually dare say you miss me Am I not here now? Yun Yang cried like a man wronged and said shamelessly, Ive been so antsy these days. Ive heard that a popinjay has clung to Sister Yue so I came running over immediately. How dare I wait to do this? Yun Zuiyue replied, her eyes sparkling, Its fine now That young master doesnt come anymore. Yun Yang nodded. That is a good thing. Dong Tianleng was poleaxed as an ox as he stuttered, You know each other? Are you very close? Yun Yang looked at him like he was seeing a foolish child. What do you think? Dong Tianlengs expression was crestfallen. So you didnt come because of me Yun Zuiyue chuckled, her radiance beaming beautifully like blooming flowers. Both Yun Yang and Dong Tianleng stared at her; one was genuinely admiring while the other was acting for all his worth. Sister Yues place is buzzing as always Yun Yang laughed and said, Its so busy every day. Who has come today? Is there anyone Im familiar with? Yun Zuiyue understood the meaning behind the seemingly innocent question and said, Please, Young Master Yun is my honorable guest. However, there are really not many from those who have come that Young Master Yun is familiar with. Yun Yang said surprised, Surely not? You havent been here for while so you have not heard Yun Zuiyue smiled, covering her mouth. All seven halls of Cirrus House are full today. Even the biggest hall in the middle has people queueing up for it. Sister Yue is about to be consumed by the hectic pace of this place. Yun Yang laughed and said, Sister Yue, does that mean that you cant keep me company for long? I knew Sister Yue would be running away again. Yun Zuiyue was torn. Its mainly because other customers would be angry. Im afraid to cause you trouble as well. Yun Yang chuckled and replied, Sister Yue, I have yet to introduce you. This is Young Master Dong. Yun Zuiyue smiled. I know him already. Thats you knowing him, not me introducing him. Yun Yang pointed at Dong Tianleng and said, Young Master Dong Tianleng is a very good friend of mine. Hes righteous and forthright, a good friend anyone would ever ask for. Dong Tianleng felt himself beaming with pride, puffing his chest out as he laughed. Brother Yun has flattered me, its an exaggeration. Yun Yang continued, This brother of mine is the descendant of the Dong Family, one of the eight noble families in the martial arts world. His cultivation base is exceptional and his enemies are rarely found roaming the martial arts world! Hes heroic in the face of injustice, avenging grudges and dismissing worldly matters! He is indeed a man of men of our times, an extraordinary man whos hard to come across. Dong Tianleng felt like he was on cloud nine from the compliments, his eyes disappearing into lines from his grin but he spoke otherwise, No, no youre flattering me His heart though, was yearning C My lord, compliment me more, give me more praises! Never has there been anyone who praised me like this ever since I was born. Everyone who met me would call me outright C You shameless ass! This is really my first time ever to be complimented like this Yun Yang did not let him down as he continued singing praises. Sister Yue, theres nothing Brother Dong cant solve in Tianxuan Continent. If Im not here, go to him for anything! If he doesnt care about them, it would be his reputation at stake. Dong Tianleng patted his chest and said with burning generosity, Thats right. Sister Yue, come look for me, Dong Tianleng, if anyone dares find fault with you. If I dont get back at them, Im C Im not brought up by a human being! Yun Zuiyue smiled gently as she said, Young Master Dong, theres no need to be like this. Besides, theres not much trouble Its already great that Young Master Dong can spend time here. Dont spoil your mood for the sake of such petty matters. Dong Tianleng clapped his chest loudly. Sister Yue, what do you mean! Sister Yue is my lords Sister Yue, this means youre my birth sister! If I could still remain indifferent to whoever dares mess with my birth sister, how could my dignity remain intact? Dong Familys ancestors wont let me go too! Yun Zuiyue chuckled softly and said, Young Master Dong Dong Tianleng urged. Sister Yue, just call me Little Cold. Were siblings, call me Little Cold, its my nickname! Yun Zuiyue smiled, I dare not! Dong Tianleng grew anxious. Sister Yue is mocking me! I really dare not. Yun Zuiyue shook her head and said with a troubled expression, Young Master Dong is my guest of honor. Dong Tianleng was anxious as he sprung up and kneeled down on the ground. If Sister Yue despises me and doesnt call me Little Cold, I wont get up! Yun Zuiyue was dumbfounded. How could Yun Yang get along with this oddball? Why was he kneeling down? She looked imploringly at Yun Yang. Yun Yang coughed. Little Cold, this is not good. Sister Yue is afraid to cause you troubles, how could you not understand her kind intention? Dong Tianleng kneeled determined. Im not afraid of any troubles! Sister Yue, I wont get up if you dont call me Little Cold! Yun Yang sighed and said, Sister Yue, Little Cold is not an outsider Besides, outsiders wont know it, it wont spoil his reputation. I dont have a reputation! Dong Tianleng was agitated. Sister Yue~ Alright, Little Cold. Yun Zuiyue was helpless. Sister Yue, I wont get up if you dont come to me when there are troubles in future! Dong Tianleng went a step further. Yun Zuiyue sighed and said softly, Little Cold, this sister knows your kind intention. Im happy as it is, just knowing your thoughts. Sister has had a hard life, and this place is not somewhere you can come often Get up quick, Ill take you as my brother. Sister is still taking me as an outsider! Dong Tianleng grew lionhearted, a sense of justice rising from his heart. But Ill keep my words! I wont get up if sister doesnt promise me! Alright, alright Yun Zuiyue said exasperatedly. I promise you. Dong Tianleng sprung up in delight. Thank you so much, Sister Yue! Thank you, boss! Yun Zuiyue gave Yun Yang a glance, not understanding how this fellow was so capable of having fooled a young master from the noble family into such a state of oblivion. Since Little Cold is now my little brother, everything shall be on the house when Little Cold comes the next time! Yun Zuiyue said in a gentle voice, Think of it as this elder sisters small token from today onwards A meeting gift for little brother. Dong Tianlengs eyes were rimmed red. Absolutely not! Little brother is rich! It doesnt have to be free, you can charge me double, ten times even. Really, I dont have anywhere else to spend my fortune! 91 A Goblet of Bad Blood Despite Dong Tianlengs courteous efforts in declining her offer, Yun Zuiyue was brutally insistent. Little Cold, if you dont accept, you can forget about being siblings! Only then did Dong Tianleng give in. Servants, serve dishes and wine, the best we have. Yun Zuiyue ordered. I shall drink with both my little brothers today. The entire Cirrus House was taken aback when the words came out; the eyes of the people standing around bulged in surprise. Since when did Yun Zuiyue drink? And with her guests at that? It was an unprecedented event. Of course, whispers began to come about. Im drunk, arent I? Did I hear that Yun Zuiyue is drinking with someone? Who has such a high honor? Right, right. This is indeed an honor. I have spent several hundred thousand taels in Cirrus House and Yun Zuiyue has never come over to sit with me. Who is it inside? Im envious! Sigh, we can only blame our lack of status Dong Tianleng felt buzzed with lightheadedness; he could literally ride the cloud nine that he was on. What an honor he had been given! A gentleman would die for the patron recognizing his worth C this was exactly what Dong Tianleng felt at the treatment he was given. For a brief moment, he was moved to tears. The dishes and wine were served. Yun Zuiyue smiled gently and spoke with a velvety voice. Three of them sat in a triangle with Yun Zuiyue at the hosts seat to serve her two brothers. Dong Tianleng was naturally arranged to be seated at the main guests seat. I need to thank Young Master Yun. Yun Zuiyue held her goblet up high. I gain another younger brother today She smiled, her eyes reddened. I have been an orphan since I was young, I dont have any siblings. Suddenly, I find myself with another brother today I am deeply moved. Let me propose a toast to Young Master Yun. Yun Yang laughed. Sister Yue, no worries about that at all. I shall empty this goblet then. He raised his goblet and gulped the liquid down. Dong Tianleng felt his heart jerked in sympathy as he sighed and said, I never knew Sister Yues background was so sad. From now onwards, I shall be your birth brother! You have to be obedient if you wish to be my younger brother. Yun Zuiyue said in a gentle manner, Drink less wine and take good care. Dont make a ruckus and worry Sister Yue. Dong Tianleng nodded urgently. Dont worry, Sister Yue! I shall be very good. As Yun Yang listened, he took another sip of wine. Youre very good Hmm, very good. Let me drink another goblet of wine then Three of them continued to imbibe with growing delight. Dong Tianleng grew more contented as well, his heart joyous when he saw Yun Yang drinking to stave off unhappiness. His boss had introduced him to Sister Yue and now Sister Yues attitude towards both of them was significantly different. She called him Little Cold but she still called the boss Young Master Yun. This difference in closeness was apparent. I cant help but feel a tinge of satisfaction when I see my lord being upset. At this time, a maid came in and called softly for Sister Yue. What is it? Yun Zuiyue asked. Its Shui Yuehan from the crown princes residence. Sir Shui The maid bit her lips and said timidly, He has heard that Sister Yue actually has the interest to drink today and wanted to invite Sister Yue over for a toast Yun Zuiyue was surprised, looking at the goblet in her hand in a dazed manner and said, Say that my alcohol tolerance is low. I wont be going over. Alright. The maid then left. A frown had already made its way onto Dong Tianlengs forehead. This Shui fellow However, he maintained his gentlemanly demeanor while looking at Yun Zuiyue and thought that it would not be good if he went over to find fault if they had only sent a messenger over once. Im drinking happily with Sister Yue, how dare they come to disturb? A while later, the maid entered again. Sister Yue What is it this time? Yun Zuiyues frown was deepened. Er Fu Guansan from Plethora Gem Tower, Sir Fu heard that Sister Yue started drinking today and wants to The maid looked troubled. Wants to ask Sister Yue over for a drink Yun Zuiyue sighed again and said in a low voice, Say Im not feeling well, I wont be going over. These are my younger brothers here, Im accompanying my family to drink. Please help me explain this to them. Yes. The maid went out again. Dong Tianlengs expression grew darker. He realized that he had just caused trouble for this sister he had newly acquired. On the other side, Yun Yang said frowning, Sister Yue, you shouldnt be drinking today. You havent been drinking for so many years. Its fine when you dont drink at all but now that youve started, its hard to tell what will happen in the future. Yun Zuiyue was silent for a bit before forcing a smile and said, Its alright, Im happy today. Come, Little Cold, let sister give you a toast. Dong Tianleng felt a heaviness in his heart, actually sighing and gulping down the goblets content, thinking how should he solve this problem. At this moment, a clear laughter rang outside saying, Since Lady Zuiyue refuses to go over but is drinking for the first time in so many years, I really dont want to let this opportunity slip and come uninvited. Allow me to propose a toast to Lady Zuiyue right here! I dont know if Lady Zuiyue would honor this wish of mine? Just as the voice stopped, a handsome middle-aged man with a carefree and leisurely aura pushed the door open himself and entered; a goblet in his hands. Yun Yang kept quiet. The veins on Dong Tianlengs temples were already throbbing, an obvious sign he could no longer reign himself in for long. This person was genuinely shocked when he saw the two people in the room and said, So its Young Master Dong This is Marquis Yuns Young Marquis Yun? Yun Yang nodded but did not speak. Dong Tianlengs expression was hostile. This had to be Shui Yuehan. He chortled and said, I was wondering who had such great honor, I see now that its Young Master Dong. Both Yun Yang and Dong Tianleng were here but Dong Tianleng was sitting at the main guests seat. Naturally, Dong Tianleng would come first; no matter whether it was the status in the martial arts world or the influence of family background, Dong Tianleng was far more superior. Just as Dong Tianleng was about to explode in anger, another chuckle came from the outside as someone said, I should come join in the fun since Lady Zuiyue is in a good mood today. I feel guilty towards Lady Zuiyue, let this be a toast of apology. I implore that Lady Zuiyue gives me this honor. As the monolog continued, another person came walking in, a goblet in his hand as well. This person was muscular, his pace sturdy and dominantly strong. Yun Zuiyue stood and smiled. Please, both of you sirs are really putting me in a tough spot. Zuiyue is not good at consuming alcohol Besides, both of you are here together, how can Zuiyues alcohol tolerance hold up to this? Shui Yuehan guffawed and said, Lady Zuiyue has a naturally high tolerance, what can a goblet of wine do? Besides, Ive come over today. If Lady Zuiyue refuses to give even this honor, my reputation would really crumble to the ground. Fu Guansan smiled. Brother Shui is right. Since Lady Zuiyue is so jolly today, we should congratulate you. I hope Lady Zuiyue honors our wish. He smiled faintly and continued, In addition, Young Master Dong here is proof of that. If Lady Zuiyue could drink with Young Master Dong all this while, then just this mere goblet of mine should not be a problem. Beside them, Dong Tianleng finally lost his cool and stood up abruptly. He pursed his lips saying, Oh, what are you trying to do now? This lady is unwilling to drink. Are you fellows coming here to force her? Yun Zuiyue quickly stopped him with an angry glance. Young brother! With a change in expression, she smiled at Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan. Both sirs have taken good care of Zuiyue all this while. Of course, Zuiyue has to drink to this toast. Young Master Dong has had a little too much to drink. Both sirs are old friends of Young Master Dong, I hope that the both of you wont be too upset with him. As she spoke, her hands went towards the goblet in Shui Yuehans hand. Hold it! Dong Tianleng hollered and stood up with a flushed face. Sister Yue, dont drink it! Who are these two imbeciles? How dare they come and force you to drink?. I must Yun Zuiyue cried softly, Young Master Dong! She turned and signaled for him to back down with her eyes as she said, This is a matter for the Cirrus House. Young Master Dong, if you cannot hold your alcohol, it would be better for you to return home sooner than later. On the other hand, both Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansans expression turned dark. They took a glance at Dong Tianleng, both of them filled with doubts. This Dong Tianleng had frequented Cirrus House recently too. Although he was only acquainted to them, they did not have any conflict with him. Why was he behaving this way today? Moreover, it was obvious that Yun Zuiyue was defending him tonight. It was clear that Yun Zuiyue was reluctant to have Dong Tianleng meddling in this, trying to find a way out for the man. Dong Tianleng though, was already seething with rage. He was not an idiot, how could he not know that Yun Zuiyue had been constantly defending him? He had just said that he would shoulder whatever matter it was and solve whatever problem that presented itself. Now he had caused trouble for his newly acquired sister just because he drank with her, and to have this sister defending him repeatedly without a care that she would be upset herself, was too much to bear. How could Dong Tianleng allow this to happen? I am not drunk! Dong Tianleng stepped out right in front of Yun Zuiyue. He smirked at Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan. Were not drinking to this toast! If both of you are sensible, return to where you have come from! Dont anger this young master! Shui Yuehan frowned and asked, Young Master Dong, what ails you today? Dong Tianleng was unable to control his rising temper. Seeing that these two people were still here, he broke out in a vicious rage and began to scream aloud, Should you be calling me Young Master Dong? Am I that f*cking close to you? What f*cking shit are you? Would you actually force your fathers sister to drink in front of your father? You really have some guts, dont you? F*cking hell, being a slave to the crown prince for a few days now and you think your status has gone up? I f*cking asked you to get out and youre still f*cking staying here? Son of a b*tch, has your father given you too much honor? His swearing was merciless and brutally upsetting to the ears. Shui Yuehans gentle expression instantly turned ugly, his breathing quickened as he glared at Dong Tianleng. And you! Dong Tianleng turned to Fu Guansan, a palm slapping the goblet in the latters hand, causing the wine to splatter onto the floor. He pointed at him and shouted, Youre just a shopkeeper! Is there nowhere else for you to spend your fortune? Did you f*cking come here to anger your father? Your father is drinking here, how dare you f*cking come in uninvited? F*ck you, how can you be so audacious? Glare at me? Go on, glare at me again! You have eyes but you cant recognize anyone, are your f*cking eyes for pissing? Believe me when I say your father is going to dig them out! Piss off, are you waiting for your father to spend wine on you? Bullsh*t! You refused a toast only to drink a forfeit! Dont know how much you weigh? YOu really believe that you can soar up high with just that bit of fortune? F*ck off! Dong Tianlengs tirade against both men was amazingly fluid and had no holds barred whatsoever! 92 Things Get Terribly Out of Hand The rebuke was surprising and shocking. The words used were extremely harsh to the ears and the tone was laced with recklessness. Anyone who had been humiliated publicly like this would surely feel like committing cold-blooded murder. Who was it that was so arrogantly swearing out loud? The entire Cirrus House experienced pin-drop silence at that moment. Everyone knew something had happened, and curiously made their way to where the drama was unfolding. "What is going on?" "I have no idea! I heard its a young master from a noble family scolding someone." "Who is being scolded?" "Again, Ive heard that they are members of the crown princes residence and the great keeper of Plethora Gem Tower" "Oh, no. Have they started fighting yet?" "Step aside, Im going over to take a look!" Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan both shuddered with suppressed rage. Their eyes spewed fire and brimstone, staring daggers at Dong Tianleng with only one thought in their heads C Dismember this rascal into eight separate pieces! Strangely, a strong sense of doubt rose in their hearts C What is going on? Why is this fellow behaving like a raving lunatic? "Young Master Dong" Yun Zuiyue was troubled. "Dont be angry, this is not a big deal Besides, you dont have to be infuriated over such a small matter." Dong Tianleng scoffed and said, "Sister Yue, dont mind me. Since you have called me your younger brother, nobody can force you to do something youre reluctant to in front of me, no matter what it takes!" Yun Zuiyue smiled humorlessly, "But" "No buts!" Dong Tianleng waved his hand loftily and said, "These people are spoiled. They think they have such high honor if I hadnt spoken up. I must let them know that there are certain things that should never be done and some people who should never be bullied!" "Young Master Dong!" Shui Yuehans expression hardened, his gaze piercing. "I respect you as a member of the Dong Family, I only ask that you speak with respect as well!" "Respect my ass!" Dong Tianleng was practically hopping with rage. "You f*cking barged into my room and forced my sister to drink. Did you f*cking respect me then?" "Your sister?" Both Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan were stunned. They were agitated had not paid much attention to the earlier conversation. since when did Yun Zuiyue become Dong Tianlengs sister? What had happened? "Of course shes my sister!" Dong Tianlengs simmering anger rose to a boiling point again. "What are you asking for? If shes not my sister, could she be your grandmother?" Both Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan were fuming, but at the same time, a thought sprouted in their minds C Could it be that Cirrus House was actually part of the Dong familys many businesses? Perhaps the Dong family was overseeing the operations. Was this possible? "Dong Tianlengs sister is also our sister." Another voice cut in abruptly, throwing cold water on Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansans raging emotions that were about to explode. The crowd separated to allow two green-dressed youths to stroll in. They wore green clothes, green robes, green hats, green belts, green scabbards, green shoes, and had a lush green bamboo shoot sticking out of their green hats! The color of spring painted them from head to toe. These two people were very skinny and tall. At first glance, they looked like two lush green bamboos sashaying in from the outside. They were none other than Spring Familys Chun Wanfeng and Summer Familys Xia Bingchuan. Both of them sauntered in and stood in front of Dong Tianleng, bringing their guards along; as one, they raised their heads, four eyes staring straight at Shui Yuehand and Fu Guansan. "And what about it? Are you not happy?" Shui Yuehan was utterly bewildered. What was going on today? Their plan was guaranteed to be smooth. What had happened to turn things around? Were these three popinjays not on their side? After all, they were the ones who had kicked up a fuss. Why did they all decide to go mad today? He knew the main problem laid with Dong Tianleng; Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan were only adding to Dong Tianlengs confidence and dominant position! Fu Guansan was already puffing with anger, his face turning yellow. "So, this is Young Master Dongs sister." Shui Yuehan quelled his anger as well, almost spewing blood on himself as he said, "Then Ive indeed crossed the line today." He was a man who adapted well to circumstances; he actually smiled and replied, "My apologies then, I should not have done so today." Behind the crowd, Yun Yangs voice came floating over, "An apology is a great method to shirk responsibility. In the name of apology, you could come to the house every day, just like great keeper Fu Guansan. It just makes things official what a great idea this is!" He continued in a strange tone of voice, "Otherwise, Keeper Fu didnt even use to visit Cirrus House Now hes coming eight times a day. The pretext of apologizing is a useful one indeed." Yun Yang hid behind Dong Tianleng but his voice was mysteriously projected using the Endless Divine Art and ended coming out from behind Chun Wanfeng. Shui Yuehan turned his head abruptly, glaring pits of fire at the two guards standing behind Chun Wanfeng. The words were spoken with precision! Looking at the party who had given in, Dong Tianleng was placated but the words had made him realize the truth immediately. His anger soared as he stepped forward. A crisp slap resounded across the room. His palm landed on Fu Guansans face as he continued to chastise the hapless man, "F*cking hell, I finally understand why this ugly ogre comes to apologize every day. F*ck your grandfather, you businessmen are all cunning! You almost had me deceived!" Fu Guansan was trembling with rage. He was unprepared and had not expected Dong Tianleng to actually use violence in the public. He took in the solid slap, infuriated to the brim. "Do you come here every day to apologize with the same intention?" Dong Tianleng had planted himself in front of Shui Yuehan, a slap flying out. However, Shui Yuehan had long been ready, how could he let himself be slapped? Besides, he was a concealed expert after all. Raising his right hand, he caught Dong Tianlengs wrist and said coldly, "Young Master Dong, do not go beyond the line. It does no good to anyone." Dong Tianlengs wrist felt as if it was shackled with a steel ring, the pain shooting up in pangs. He grew angrier as he roared, "How dare you beat me! You f*cker actually dare to beat me!" "Catch them all!" He hollered. "Guards!" Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan shouted at the same time. Expert guards from both the Chun Family and Xia Family simultaneously exploded into action. With a resounding crash, a wall collapsed. How could the skills of these people who had been carefully selected to protect the young masters of these noble families, and only two at that, be that bad? Once the fight broke out, Shui Yuehand retreated with a dark expression as people he had brought along charged forward. Amidst the chaos, Yun Yangs hand moved soundlessly in his sleeve. A hole bore through the thigh of a guard from Chun Family. When he glanced at the source of his pain, his leg was already bloody. Before he could think, he shouted, "Be wary, theyre going all out!" His hand retrieved his sword at the same time, swinging it downwards with a loud shout. Fu Guansans guard who was in front of him was slashed from his head all the way to his stomach, blood splattering all over. They were just pushing and grappling, no one had the intention to really engage in a brawl; they were all still thinking about how to resolve this problem. The guards did not expect the other party to behave in such a manner and as a result, were eviscerated instantly. The copper scent of blood filled the entire hall. "Charge!" Fu Guansan shouted amidst his rage. With his arms stretched, he charged towards the four guards of the three young masters. Yun Yang blinked, his arms behind back as his fingers moved in his sleeve. The Divine Edges attack was as quiet as it was deadly. Pow, pow. Blood sprayed from the chests of Shui Yuehans two guards at the same time amidst the chaotic tussle, the men collapsed without even emitting a grunt. The wound was tiny but lethal nonetheless. Blood gushed like fountains, reaching as high as the ceiling; the scene turned gory and eerie. Everyone was stained with blood; Cirrus House descended into bedlam. "Murder, murder!" Shouts rang out. Shui Yuehan lost his sanity to anger as well when both his guards were killed. "This is too much!" He grabbed the long saber of a Chun Family guard and both parties clapped their palms together with a concussive blast. The sixth peak expert paled as he staggered backward, coughing up a mouthful of blood. Shui Yuehan remained unmoved, springing up like a hawk in the crowd and charged towards Dong Tianleng. "Stop!" Yun Yang finally hopped onto the table and hollered. "Are all of you planning to make this worse?" The situation was descending into chaos; everyone was being drawn into the thick of things. His ringing voice jarred some sense of sanity back into their heads. Shui Yuehan was just about to grasp Dong Tianleng but suddenly remember that things would could become even more complicated if he really did grab or injure him. He immediately stopped himself and retreated. On the other side, Fu Guansan regained his consciousness abruptly as well. Suppressing his anger, he accepted the hand of a guard and retreated from the commotion. "Stop!" Chun Wanfeng shook himself out of his trance as well. They would not hold the upper hand if they really did brawl with people from the crown princes residence in Tiantang City. "Stop this fight at once!" This came from Yun Zuiyue. Her expression was filled with despair and she was almost in tears. "Stop fighting! Cirrus House will suffer from this for long years to come!" "Sister Yue" Dong Tianleng was filled with shame. Both sides had stopped the tussle, but there were already three bodies on the floor C a follower from Fu Guansan and two guards from Shui Yuehan. As for the three noble families, one of them had a terrible hole in his leg, one was pale with blood streaming from the corners of his lips while the other had a wound on his shoulder. A hole had somehow found its way onto Xia Bingchuans right ear too! He was jumping in rage and roared, "F*ck, who attacked my ear! Who attacked my ear!" The guards were shocked as well. Young master had been hiding at the back, how could his ear be pierced? So many things had happened in such a short amount of time that even Dong Tianleng and Shui Yuehan were stupefied. How had the situation escalated so quickly? "Tsk, tsk, tsk." An authoritative sigh emanated from above the heads of all present. Everyone raised their head to see a young master dressed in purple standing on the table and looking at the floor sympathetically. His face was pained as he said, "Everyone It was just a dispute over feelings Why stoop to murder?" Both Dong Tianleng and Shui Yuehan actually looked regretful over their behavior. Things had gotten out of hand; lives had been lost. Before this, who would have thought that coming over for an innocent toast would ultimately result in the deaths of three people? Even Young Master Xia Bingchuan was almost left with only one ear. No one could have predicted this, even in the wildest of their dreams. Yun Yang stood on the table and said loudly, "Let this young master introduce himself. This young master is none other than the son of Tiantangs Marquis Yun, Yun Yang..." He was a little pale, a telltale sign of being frightened but he still went on courageously despite his ashen face. "Everyone, can all of you listen to a word of my advice? This is Tiantang City after all, we are under the watch of the emperor" "With this unfortunate incident that has just occurred," Yun Yang said in an agonized voice, "How can we still interact together harmoniously in the future?" 93 Happy Ending? Interact harmoniously? Everyones eyes went towards the three bloodied bodies, and they shuddered. Three lives had been lost here. Interact harmoniously? How magnanimous you are! However, Dong Tianleng, Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan and even Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan knew that things had rapidly gotten out of hand. It would be a difficult mess to clean up. Dong Tianleng and his cohorts were slightly more na?ve C so what if things got out of hand, my family will clean up the mess for me! It was a different case for Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan, their minds were muddled goo. How had things gotten this way? We were just beginning to approach Yun Zuiyue We had more tactics up our sleeves, more detailed plansWe had not yet even begun! What should we do now that this has happened? They stared at this Young Master Yun in bewilderment for a moment. Of course, they did not miss his low cultivation base. Was he not even at the third peak? Perhaps barely at the third peak? He was just an ant! "I really dont understand." Yun Yang said as if agonized, "Everyone here carries a certain status and reputation I was still planning to watch the fun but you fellows just murdered a few men within the blink of an eye How could you? How could you do this?" Xia Bingchuans ear was pierced, blood dripping profusely; he was agitated and said in an ill-tempered manner, "What are you trying to say? Can you be a bit more straightforward?" Yun Yang held Dong Tianleng back from erupting again and said sincerely, "Actually I have no place to speak in this but now that things have gotten to this stage, we need to resolve it. This young brother is thick skinned enough to become the peacemaker. Of course, if young masters, Sir Shui and Keeper Fu think that Im not qualified, I shall just take a step back." All of them did not wish for this to drag on. Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan had other important responsibilities with them, how could they allow the matter to worsen? Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan and the rest felt that they had the advantage since the opposite party had three people dead while their side only suffered minor injuries. Naturally, they wanted to end things on that note. Although everyone wore disgusted looks, clearly not considering Yun Yang to be substantial enough to listen to him speak, they did not comment, and their silence acknowledged their consent to have Yun Yang as a peacemaker. "This is very normal." Peacemaker Young Master Yun Yang said in earnest, "Its all just a dispute over emotions. I have to chide Sir Shui and Keeper Fu though Lady Yun is a woman. She doesnt like to drink but the two of you just had to keep on insisting." "Lady Yun is simply drinking with the brother she has just acknowledged, with family. What jealousy did you fellows harbor?" Yun Yang shook his head and sighed, "Young Master Dong, your temper is really volatile, springing up like that. How could you be so rash? Your actions will trouble your sister too, how is she going to make a living in Tiantang City after this? You cant be here every day. I have to say, you didnt think this through enough." Dong Tianleng was ashamed. "Sister Yue, its my fault. Ive caused you trouble." Yun Zuiyue forced a smile and said, "Younger brothers trouble will never be trouble to this sister." Dong Tianleng felt even more remorseful, heaving a long sigh. Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan both looked at Dong Tianleng in shock. Whats wrong with this imbecile today? Hes admitting to his mistake after being chided. F*ck me, is this still Dong Tianleng? "Sir Shui and Keeper Fu came to force his newly sworn sister to drink" Yun Yang said earnestly, putting himself in the others shoes, "Honestly, itd be hard for me to swallow too if it were me. This is too humiliating to set aside." "So some harsh words were thrown and then three lives were lost." Yun Yang looked as if he was at a loss for words. "Honestly, I didnt even see how these three had died." Everyone including Shui Yuehan with the highest cultivation base nodded. Yeah, how did these three people die? I didnt even see how it happened. Was it that chaotic just now? "However, we must resolve this matter before word gets out. With the high standing of everyone present, waiting for the official sentence would be somewhat embarrassing." Yun Yangs words struck a chord within everyone. The ruling of the officials would mean that everyone would be taken away How could this work? "It will severely affect Cirrus Houses reputation as well. Once the officials butt in, even if the house doesnt close down, its certain to put a halt to business for a few months with the loss of these three lives," Yun Yang sighed. Everyone nodded in agreement. Dong Tianleng nodded. I cant cause my newly acquired sister to lose her business and not make money. She has just taken me in as her younger brother and Ive already caused her years of effort; her money-making business will go down the drain! Who else would dare to forge a relationship with Dong Tianleng? Im f*cking called Dong Tianleng, Im not called the Star of Misfortune Both Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan nodded. We still have missions in Cirrus House. If the business closes, how are we supposed to complete them? "My suggestion is to let it go, just as it is." Yun Yang said in a magnanimous manner. Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan both looked like they had swallowed turds. We have three of my people dead here, and hes suggesting to let it go just like this? "Absolutely not!" Xia Bingchuan gritted his teeth, tension on his neck. "Someone pierced through my ear!" Dong Tianleng said angrily, "Its your ear thats gotten pierced, not under your stomach. What are you making a fuss about?" Xia Bingchuan raged. "Dong Tianleng, do you still have your conscience? This was all for helping you!" "Hey, hey, both of you. Listen to me." Yun Yang continued to mediate, "What I meant was that you shouldnt be going about it this way, listen to me first, alright?" "The three people who died This incident started from Young Master Dong Tianleng after all. I dont know how to say this too but their men have died. Its certain that they suffered a loss here. Its plausible for Young Master Dong to assume magnanimity, what do you think, Young Master Dong?" Of course, Dong Tianleng agreed wholeheartedly to what Yun Yang had said. He believed Yun Yang would never be on the others side as well. He nodded without hesitation and said, "Magnanimity, no problem at all!" His words exasperated Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan. You killed our men and you still want to be magnanimous "Lets go this way!" Yun Yang continued, "Young Master Dong, reimburse the three dead men a hundred thousand silver taels for everyone, pass the financial aid to their families. How about that?" Dong Tianleng rolled his eyes and hummed. Yun Yang turned and asked Shui Yuehan, "Sir Shui, is this acceptable?" Shui Yuehan gritted his teeth. After some time, he finally said, "As long as Young Master Dong can afford it, I have nothing to say!" "Then what about Keeper Fu?" Yun Yang turned to asked Fu Guansan. Fu Guansan was puffing in anger but he dared not mess up his other responsibility. "I have no comment." "Great, this is settled then" Yun Yang continued, "As for Young Master Xias injury, Young Master Dong will compensate a hundred thousand taels and pay for the healing of it. Is that alright?" Xia Bingchuan snorted and said, "Forget about me!" Yun Yang coughed and said, "Right, you should discuss among yourselves as brothers. Look, is this not a happy ending?" "Happy ending" Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan mumbled the words, both thinking, "You dare call this a happy ending?" Weve been angered and had three of our men killed You and us, happy ending? This is simply unbelievable! "Quickly, let us get these cleaned up!" Yun Yang began to issue orders. "We want to drink later Lets not hold up the business! Come, come, let us all smile. Lets bury the hatchet, this shall be just another story in Tiantang City" It was impossible for them to bury the hatchet and smile at each other. Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan felt humiliated, leaving with ill feelings after taking the taels. Dong Tianleng was also abashed, wanting to leave after causing such a huge catastrophe to his new sister. Yun Zuiyue persuaded him to stay. "No such thing, younger brother!" Dong Tianleng insisted on leaving a hundred thousand taels of banknotes to compensate for Cirrus Houses loss while Yun Zuiyue insisted on not accepting it. Both of them pushed the buck around and finally, Yun Zuiyues eyes grew red. "Are you looking down on this sister? You stood up for me and almost got yourself killed. You still want this sister to take your silver taels? Forget it, I will keep them if you really want to give them. But dont ever call me sister from now on" Although Dong Tianlengs temper was bad, he yielded to the guilt and not by force. He quickly kept the banknotes. "Sister Yue, I am in the wrong" "Hush!" Yun Zuiyue then said, "Since you know youre wrong, dont be like this anymore. This sister will set a feast to thank younger brother and two young masters." Yun Yang said, "Ill leave if theres nothing else." Yun Zuiyue replied, "Its all thanks to Young Master Yun today, how can Young Master Yun leave? Why not keep me company?" Yun Yang laughed. "I have things to attend to at home. Besides, Sister Yue didnt say thank you to me earlier." "Of course Id have to thank you." Yun Zuiyue smiled. "If you really want to thank me, Id rather be given some silver taels. I have not really been doing well at home recently" Yun Yang scratched his head and winked surreptitiously. Yun Zuiyue understood the meaning of that wink. "Of course." Yun Zuiyue persuaded him to stay when Yun Yang insisted on leaving but did not manage to hold on to him. She then ran to him holding a banknote worth fifty thousand taels and said, "Young Master Yun, its all thanks to you today. This is a token of my gratitude, please accept it." Yun Yang protested loudly but Yun Zuiyue was close to tears the more she spoke. In the end, Yun Yang left with fifty thousand taels. This happened under the watchful eyes of everyone, causing envy everywhere! Young Master Yun had not paid a penny for a visit to Cirrus House and he actually earned fifty thousand silver taels. However, in the eyes of the others C Yun Yang had done so much but did not stay for the meal, leaving with a considerable sum of money. On the other hand, Dong Tianleng and gang stayed on at Cirrus House to be served by Yun Zuiyue. The difference of closeness was apparent yet not distinct, it was hard to pinpoint exactly how the relationship worked. Moreover, this entire incident did not seem to be related to Yun Yang at all. He was just a peacemaker. If Yun Yang was really involved then why would he step up to mediate at the most critical moment? Looking at Yun Yangs retreating back, a lot of people pondered about it. However, Dong Tianleng and the two young masters of Spring and Summer were concerned about other matters. Cirrus House would not belong to the four noble families of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Spring, would it? This should be investigated They would not believe that both parties would become siblings just after meeting each other! 94 Where did the Fatal Stab Come From? Yun Yang had basically rid himself of all suspicion concerning the incident at Cirrus House. An endless set of troubles now dogged Dong Tianleng and the two young masters of the Spring and Summer Families. Yun Yang felt that he had executed this matter perfectly, made especially flawless with the cooperation of Yun Zuiyue. All in all, both sides had to thank Young Master Yun! If it were not for him, things would have really gotten out of hand today Yun Yang walked in the nightfall, his mood jolly as he muttered a few names under his breath. "Shui Yuehan, Fu Guansan; duck voice, Keeper Mi" Yun Yang hummed in his heart, "Shui Yuehan is rather chummy with Han Wufei" Four Seasons Tower, perhaps your plan is perfect and executed like a dragnet. However, your father has escaped with his tactics; Ill leave it to you folks to go against the four noble families. Besides, you have so many people exposed in front of me How do I make the most of this opportunity? Yun Yang walked while he thought, with a frown creasing his forehead. Whose force should he be using? The Residence of Yun was just right in front of him. Coming out alone at this time was also part of his plan. After all, it spoke volumes for Popinjay Yang to take action himself without his guards by his side. If he had brought Lao Mei or Fang Mofei along, guards would definitely be the first to strike out in such a situation. Then the incident would have a change of direction. As Yun Yang was deep in thought, a sense of danger suddenly rose within. A piercing killing intent appeared behind and headed straight at him, charging under this brightly lit street! This assassination arrived without forewarning. It was a close call. Yun Yang felt his goosebumps prickle as a sense of death engulfed him. He twisted his body with some effort and executed the Fog of Cloud Conjuration. The shiny tip of a blade had pierced through Yun Yangs right chest, just as he began turning into a cloud of fog. With an angry growl, Yun Yang charged across the remaining hundred and seventy feet and turned his body in midair with great effort. His back crashed against the gate of the Residence of Yun as his consciousness blurred. Following his charge, the blade tip was harshly pulled out from the front of his chest. Fang Mofeis angry roared sounded from within Residence of Yun, "Who is it?" Swoosh, swoosh. Fang Mofei and Lao Mei both appeared on the wall almost simultaneously. Behind him, a blurry silhouette was about to go for another stab but both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were already rushing over with a loud exclamation. "Young master!" The silhouette pulled up to a stop and scoffed in a low voice, "Consider yourself lucky!" Yun Yang tried his hardest to open his eyes amidst the great pain, only seeing a blurry shadow turning to leave C the body melted into the dark with just a single step! The last thought Yun Yang had was that the back seemed rather familiar Endless darkness then consumed him as he spat a mouthful of blood before he fainted... Yun Yang was already in his room when he regained consciousness. Two flows of refined basic Qi was being delivered into his body from the front and back continuously. It was Fang Mofei and Laomei healing him with mystical Qi. He could faintly feel the taste of medicine in his mouth too. Yun Yang opened his eyes slowly and exhaled before speaking weakly, "What time is it now?" "Its about to be dawn soon" Lao Meis face was pale with sweat dotting his head, it was obvious he had expended his mystical Qi. He continued, "Young master, do not speak. Its more urgent to heal you first." Behind him, Fang Mofeis voice was slightly more relaxed but his tone was serious when he said, "Young master is really lucky this time. This is a piercing wound, coming from the back going straight through to the chest But you were incredibly fortunate that it missed all your organs. Otherwise" A smile surfaced on Lao Meis face too. "Thats right. Young master is extremely fortunate. That damned assassins stab is really an opportune one. Going through the gap between all the organs Simply amazing" Both of them were frightened out of their minds when they found Yun Yang. A hole had pierced through his back and front while blood gushed out profusely. This was a fatal wound. Who would have known that the organs were not damaged at all? Both old men had considered it a blessing from god. Such an occurrence might not even happen once in hundreds and thousands of years in the entire Tianxuan Continent! It was astoundingly peculiar! Both of them did not even know that there were gaps among the organs from the back to front. Yun Yang perked up. He was lucky that his cultivation had reached the third stage and could dematerialize his chest instantly, thus avoiding this fatal attack. Otherwise, he would have bee a real goner this time! He inhaled deeply and said weakly, "Retract your cultivation. I can already move my own mystical Qi" "Okay." Both of them agreed. External mystical Qi, while mighty and could even allow a life to hang on, still couldn''t beat the internal mystical Qi that was more useful in healing injuries as it contained the effect of self-heal. Both of the elders were experts so they were clearer about this. Controlling their mystical Qi, they retracted it slowly while feeling a refined vitality rising within Yun Yangs dantian. In his subconscious, Emmie was waving its tendrils frantically. Balls of green air of vitality were rolled and thrown out only to be bounced back; it twisted around in distress. If it could speak, it would have cried out in impatience already. Immediately, Emmies tendrils waved around excitedly as it sent all the accumulated air of vitality out at once. Yun Yang had woken up. When Yun Yang was unconscious, Emmie could only deliver the air of vitality into his meridians, allowing the essence of life flow to where the wounds were following the meridians. Naturally, the efficiency of this was low. After Yun Yang regained consciousness, he could direct the air of vitality himself, sending them to heal his wounds. These had two vastly different effects. Yun Yang cultivated weakly, breathing with difficulty. Following the flow of mystical Qi and the entrance of Emmies air of vitality, he slowly recovered some color in his face. Gradually, a faint white fog rose from his body as it began to condense Yun Yangs entire being then began to drip water, as the surrounding fog enveloped him entirely. "Hes not in critical danger anymore!" Fang Mofei heaved a sigh of relief. Lao Mei held his breath, watching Yun Yangs expression and watching the bleeding wound slowly close up. Looking at his young masters breath that gradually grew more even, he finally straightened up and wiped the sweat of worry away. "Thank god!" Both of them then exchanged looks of curiosity. Who was it who had attempted to assassinate Yun Yang? An assassination attempt of the Residence of Yuns Young Marquis Yun right before the residence itself! What courage! Moreover, with this mysterious and terrifying enemy hidden in the dark, it was really hard to guard against the danger. Could Yun Yang still be so lucky if there were to be a second time? "Old Fang, do you think" Lao Meis expression was glum. "Youve figured it out too." Fang Mofei thought for a while and said, "This persons cultivation base is nothing lower than mine. Hes at least a seventh peak!" "And this persons animosity towards young master is extremely strong!" Lao Mei said, "His stab is like a lightning strike but experts like that should be able to control his execution force. He should have been able to make the tip of his blade stay in the chest and not protrude from the front, this could make young master suffer more and his injury harder to be determined but he has pierced through the wound to make sure he dies!" "Thats right. Moreover, the moment the tip of his blade entered the body, it was accompanied by mystical Qi that began spreading and erupting outwards. Its bizarre that young masters organs were not the slightest bit damaged" "But that unique force and air of charmed malevolence remains." Fang Mofeis expression was grim. "If it were you or me, we may have already lost our lives. But young masters cultivation is quite magical. This cultivation could not deal any damage to his body!" "No matter who this person is, he is certainly a powerful enemy. Both of us have to be more alert!" Fang Mofei was deeply upset. "Having young master assassinated in front our own doors would be terribly humiliating." Lao Mei nodded earnestly. The sky had turned bright then. Yun Yang exhaled lightly and tried to move his body to get off his bed. He felt his body twitch as dizziness clouded his mind, the youth almost falling down to the floor. "Excessive loss of blood." Yun Yang quickly determined his own bodys condition. "Basic Qi damaged but everything else is fine." Yun Yang felt the fear that lingered on from the incident. If he had not sensed it earlier and immediately executed Supreme Clouds skill in turning his chest to fog, he would already be a dead man now! However, the speed of the stab was extremely swift. As fast as he could react and dematerialize his body, the stab had still struck home. He would not be injured at all if he could completely dematerialize himself. "I have to reach the Fog of Cloud Conjuration if I want to achieve that" Yun Yang puffed as he directed his energy into the wound in a continuous stream, speeding up the healing process.. After some time, he finally took his first tentative step and then a few steadier ones as he exited his room. Feeling the breeze against his face, he actually felt as if he had been cut off from the outside world for eons. He had just picked his life back up! "Young master, why are you walking about?" Fang Mofei was shocked. Yun Yang answered with a pale face, "Its alright, its not a serious injury. Walking is good for the healing process." Not a serious injury? Fang Mofei swallowed the words he was about to speak. If had been anyone else, they would have been reincarnated by now. Not a serious injury? Im speechless. Despite his words, Yun Yang knew that his injury was nothing light. He probably would not be able to totally recover in the coming days. He had been injured so badly right when he was about to make his move! Would his plan need to be delayed? Yun Yang wore a grim expression. "Young master, the assassination attempt this time" Fang Mofei probed, "Is there any clue about the killer?" A chilling glint flashed across Yun Yangs eyes. He saw the back of the assassin once more in his mind. A familiar back. He must have met this person before! However, he had never come across such an eerie aura. Where had he seen this person before? And to hold such deep hostility towards him at that When had he offended someone like this? 95 To Follow the Procedure Was there a clue? Fang Mofei watched as Yun Yangs face grew dim and glum after he asked this question.. "Yes, there is a clue!" Yun Yang gritted his teeth and inhaled deeply, answering as he pondered, "When I was attacked from the back, I immediately charged forward to get away from the blade then turned around in midair to catch a glimpse of my attacker." "Even if I were to die for from the stab, I had to see who was it that I would have lost my life to!" "It is terribly humiliating to die from being struck in the back! It is only right that a man of men should face death head on!" Yun Yang said lightly. "But my glance did not let me see this persons face, only his back." Yun Yang continued, "Although this person melted into the night, the back was very familiar to me." "Very familiar?" Fang Mofei frowned. "Very familiar" Yun Yang thought with a frown. "I must have met this person and offended him before." "But when was it and who was it?" The cogs in Yun Yangs mind spun in an effort to recollect his memories. He rummaged through the list of everyone whom he had met within this month in his mind like a revolving lantern. He had not made any friends but had offended everyone. Even with Dong Tianleng, Yun Yang was only using him now. Besides, he had no intention to make new friends. "I dont want to have new friends." A stubborn thought was rooted in Yun Yang. "I dont want anyone to replace the place all of you have in my heart." His mind turned to deep thoughts as he ran through all that happened in this period of time more than once, comparing everyone to the silhouette of the back he had seen. Who was it? Suddenly, Yun Yang trembled. His pallor had turned to ash. Fang Mofei had been watching his expression. Suddenly, he perked up and asked, "Young master, have you figured it out?" Yun Yang breathed in deeply and replied, "This person is a little strange I cant be sure" Fang Mofeis eyes radiated curiosity. "Who is it?" Yun Yang hesitated for a good while before he finally shook his head and said, "Ill tell you when Im sure." Fang Mofei was stupefied. Looking at Yun Yangs expression, he had obviously found the person but why was he unwilling to speak of him? It was true that Yun Yang knew who it was that the back belonged to but it was also exactly because he knew and confirmed it that he felt outraged! How could it be him? A slap, followed by a loud crash! A defenseless body flying to the ground, some seven or eight teeth spluttering out of the mouth, even half of the gums were coming out. Then he charged forward and exploded into a flurry of attacks. The one in charge of purchasing in the inner palace the one he met previously at the jade farm Eunuch Wu! The Eunuch Wu who liked men! The Eunuch Wu who was already dead from his slap! Yun Yang felt like his world had turned upside down. Was there even a possibility that such a mighty expert could be beaten to pulp with a single slap? Then why did he not retaliate at all even when humiliated publicly? He had forgotten about him when he walked out of the jade farm. What was the use of remembering such a foolish and defenseless eunuch? However, the disappearing back amidst the night actually resembled the back who had been beaten up by him! Yun Yang reexamined his assumption cautiously, comparing the silhouette of the back from every angle. Finally, Yun Yang sighed against the sky, "Ive indeed underestimated a mighty man of the world!" "I have indeed underestimated how one could sacrifice himself in order to complete a task!" "I have indeed been careless!" Fang Mofei asked cluelessly, "Young master, whatever do you mean?" A gentle smile hung on Yun Yangs face. "I mean that this injury of mine was my own doing! Even if I really died this time, it is fitting that I should die from this persons strike too! There is nothing humiliating about it!" "Underestimating the enemy is sure way to death!" Yun Yang exhaled leisurely and murmured, "From today onwards, I shall not underestimate anyone in this world!" "Anyone!" These three words were repeated and enunciated word by word with a sombre tone. Fang Mofei was bewildered. Why did young master say this? Since he had followed Yun Yang, he had been around the latter but he still felt that Yun Yang was a cloud of mystery! He could not see past him and could not approach him. Moreover, Yun Yang possessed massive influence in his hands but it was concealed all along! Yun Yang would never underestimate any enemy as well! He had been cautious and had a strong sense of foresight; sometimes, he could even be described asscheming and cunning like an old fox! These words of self-reflection from Yun Yang today had shocked Fang Mofei. It was true. With Yun Yangs current maturity, caution, and single-handed tactics C someone he had thought to be extremely cautious still needed to reflect upon himself! Fang Mofei had suddenly felt that the fact that he was able to stay alive after roaming the martial arts world for so many years with his temper was because he was f*cking blessed by the god and possessed massive amounts of luck. Yun Yang sat in his home for the entire day and did not venture out. He used all sorts of healing medicine, even Emmies continuous supply of air of vitality. He had finally recovered half of his injuries when night came. Then he immediately laid down. "Whoevers come, say that there was an assassination attempt and I am resting on the bed, unable to meet any guest." Yun Yangs order bewildered both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei. Youre not laying down when you should, moving around and walking here and there Now that you have recovered partially, you lie down right away What logic is this?? On the same night, Yun Yang held onto Nine Heavens Dictum, sending an order soundlessly. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan felt increasingly embarrassed these days. To have such incidents happening in his own home was utterly humiliating! Even when the old marshal was drinking tea, he could feel his face burning. His residence actually produced such outrageous incidents Forcefully matchmaking for the widow of the nations heroes, the Nine Supremes? How could this happen? The old marshal sighed. He was even more troubled since the Nine Heavens Dictum did not send any news over these past few days. Are they angry? Have they utterly lost their hope in me? For days, the old marshal had lost sleep over this matter. Putting himself in their shoes, if it were him, he would probably not forgive the culprit too either. It was this night that Qiu Jianhan paced around under the pavilion, his heart weighed down. Suddenly, there was movement at the peripheral of his vision. "Nobody panic." Qiu Jianhan was absolutely delighted. Looking at the familiar package that was dropped in front of him, the old marshal almost felt like bursting out in happy tears. The package was different this time a lively cloud was drawn on it. The cloud shook the old marshal C "Soul of the Nine Supremes, Dictum of Supreme Cloud!" The entire world knew that while the Nine Supremes eldest was Supreme Earth, the one who could summon the Nine Supremes to move together and make significant decisions was the youngest of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Cloud! It was Supreme Clouds package that was lying in front of Old Marshal Qiu now. This meant that the contents had been sent by Supreme Clouds men. It could also be said that it had been sent by Supreme Cloud himself! Old Marshal Qiu grabbed the package and charged into his study room. "Nobody is to disturb me!" "The previous incident at the Cirrus House was the enemys scheme" Supreme Clouds package explained everything and pointed out, "The most suspicious ones now are Shui Yuehan from the crown princes residence, Fu Guansan from Plethora Gem Tower" "These two people were involved in a homicide case recently in Cirrus House" The old marshals eyes shone when he read this part of the missive. "It is inappropriate for the Board of War to make a move now but feasible for the Board of Justice to do so. Seize them and place them in the interrogation room of the Board of Justice accompanied by a thorough interrogation the procedures still need to be followed." The letter ended there but the old marshal understood tacitly. I was still wondering how our residence could stir something like this Its indeed being plotted, its indeed a scheme Nine Heavens Dictum was right about these suspects. It was easier if the Board of War took matters into their own hands but if Board of Justice made a move, they were righteously investigating the homicide case in Cirrus House under normal and standard procedures. However, what the old marshal anticipated more was What would come next after they were captured? The next morning saw the officials from the Empire of Yutangs Board of Justice doing their work. They first went to Cirrus House and looked for Yun Zuiyue to understand the situation and ordered her to not go out, not to go missing, and to wait for the Board of Justices summons! The words used were harsh indeed. Then these people went to the tavern and took Dong Tianleng, Chun Wanfeng, and Xia Bingchuan to the Board of Justice with extreme politeness to cooperate in the investigation. They then sent people over to summon Plethora Gem Towers Fu Guansan to head over to the Board of Justice for interrogation. Finally, they sent people with a letter to the crown princes residence in search for His Highness the crown prince and told him about Board of Justices case in needing Shui Yuehan to head over to the board. Everything was the most ordinary of procedures. Cirrus House was indeed the place of a homicide case. Although both sides had made peace and no one pursued the matter further, the loss of three lives was not a small matter as this was a place under the emperors watch. It was compulsory for the Board of Justice to assume some responsibility and make a report of the case. Therefore, Shui Yuehan went over without feeling any pressure. Upon arriving at the Board of Justice, after the few obligatory questions, Shui Yuehan answered as agreed upon, "Those people had too much a drink and fell to their deaths" This rotten excuse was a uniform explanation from the young masters of the three noble families, the keeper of Plethora Gem Tower and the aide of the crown princes residence. After all, this was their discussed countermeasure. All three parties then gathered and went through the case together. Dong Tianleng, Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan, Shui Yuehan, and Fu Guansan all reiterated the case. This relieved everyone even more. What else could there be if they could gather all of us together? This was just by procedure. Therefore, everyone cooperated well. After the reiteration, the official from Board of Justice spoke abashedly, "I am sorry, I cant release all of you yet. After all, theres still one more checking procedure to be done. All of you have to stay the night at the Board of Justice" The crowd was prepared for this anyway, so they obeyed the order. "Everyone can return home first thing the next morning." The officials tone was subservient, knowing well that he could not afford offending any of these people. "Sorry for the inconvenience. The Board of Justice doesnt have extra rooms so all of you can only pass the night in the prison cell." All of them were alright with it but they still showed an upset front and entered their cell without a sound. It was no issue at all, they could just take it as a vacation! 96 A Nighttime Ruckus at the Board of Justice That night, the Board of Justice served dishes and wine to Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan as a sign of apology. "Everything has happened within expectations. We shall be returning tomorrow. This unexpected turn of events can finally be put to rest." Although both Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan heaved sighs of relief, they still felt uneasy -this case with Cirrus House did not seem so simple after all. They had not really done anything but they had already put themselves in trouble and exposed themselves. It was time to change up the game. In the residence of Old Marshal Qiu, feelings were running riot. "They were only held for a day?" Qiu Jianhan was adamant that they shouldn''t have been let off that lightly. It was the Dictum of Supreme Cloud! Supreme Clouds men usually made a move with the foresight of ten moves; how could there be something so simple and easy? So much effort had been wasted to go through to the Board of War to pressure the Board of Justice, then with the execution of the nations law through the Board of Justice, suppressing the crown princes residence, the martial arts world, and the noble families! Had they utilized the government''s arm to suppress all the influences and send them to the Board of Justice only to keep them in the prison for a single night? How could it be so trivial and insignificant? "If nothing happens until the next morning" Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan mumbled to himself with a frown, "I''ll go stark raving mad." "If something really had happened, there shouldnt be any deaths at all. Supreme Clouds plot wouldn''t have been so shallow." Old Marshal Qiu was thinking hard now. "Maybe they were beating around the bush just to create suspicion? Lure them out to catch the real culprit?" "But that can''t be it either. The mastermind behind all these wouldnt be moved from such petty matters. Who would dare to make a move before feeling a strong sense of danger?" "This is extremely odd. What do they really want to do?" The old marshal sat in his study room and mumbled to himself as if crazed. He could not discuss this with anyone else. Although everything seemed to have happened out in public, only he knew the ins and outs of this situation in the entire Empire of Yutang! If anything had been leaked out, the aftermath would be unimaginable. Thinking about it, Old Marshal Qiu grew even more despondent; the sense of creeping madness began to grow stronger. Night came around soon enough. Borderless darkness enclosed the land as silence wrapped Tiantang City, the prison cells even more so. Although Shui Yuehan was in a prison cell, he was very much at peace. He looked like he was just sitting with his legs folded but he was cultivating, inhaling and exhaling deeply in a regular pattern as his breaths grew longer. There was nothing else more suitable to be done other than cultivating in this silent night, especially so for the prison was quiet; not even the insects chirping could be heard. The peaceful silence even made Shui Yuehan think to himself, "Its not bad to cultivate here, the efficiency is high. Let me see if I could make some connections and come here to cultivate in the future." From this train of thought, he recalled a legend in the martial arts world. Word had it that a martial arts expert was captured while committing a crime. The crime was not small but it was not severe enough to incur the death penalty either. The expert was sentenced to a long eight years in prison. When he was released, however, he had actually become an intimidating expert, with few men who dared to challenge him. The entire myth seemed outrageous but it was logical C this man''s ability was not restrained so naturally, he became the lord of all the prisoners. People served him every day in the prison so he had no worries, not even the petty matters of socializing and hobnobbing. Under such circumstances, cultivating actually became the only way to curb boredom and so, he broke through several levels within the eight years as his capability increased by leaps and bounds. After this man was released, his proclamation was always the same C eight years of prison had built his valiant reputation! Prison was a good place indeed. Thinking about this, Shui Yuehan broke out into a smile and murmured, "This man might have really been speaking the truth. With some planning, this prison could become a good place for cultivation." The night became deeper as the surroundings grew quieter. Shui Yuehan ended his cultivation and began immersing himself in his train of thoughts, combing through what he had done so far in his mind. Just wait until Im released. There had to be something going on at the Cirrus House! Perhaps it was related to the escape of the Nine Supremes. Was it a coincidence for all three young masters of the noble families to gather here or was it all a set-up? I can use this unfortunate prison night and the power of the crown princes residence to reveal all the details of this incident! He was thinking hard with his eyes closed, completely unaware that something with no color nor scent had somehow appeared in his cell. A faint, wispy smoke issued from a corner under the cells bed, merging into the air as it coalesced. There was no scent at all as the smoke entered in an endless stream. After a very long time, Shui Yuehan felt himself getting drowsy, his eyelids fighting to stay open. "How can I be so sleepy" Just as this instinctual exclamation came out from his mouth, Shui Yuehan jumped in surprise. A rarely - seen look of shock adorned his sculptured face. With his cultivation base, he would not be this tired even if he had not slept for a whole month. What was going on today? Something was wrong. He took in a deep breath and began directing the mystical Qi in his dantian immediately to prepare for the unknown. It was right then that things took turn for the worse. The energy and vigor that was hidden within his body could not be summoned at all. All of his mystical Qi seemed to be shackled in his chakras; he could not tap into them no matter how hard he tried. Shui Yuehan stared in wide-eyed terror. Right in front of his eyes, another ball of fog appeared out of nowhere. The cloud was morphing and growing, condensing continuously in the air. Shui Yuehans eyes were about to bulge out of their sockets, he watched this fog of cloud with a horrified expression. He stared unblinking as the cloud condensed thicker and materialized into a thick fog right in front of him; a persons silhouette then gradually appeared before him like a bizarre conjuration. The person wore a black mask, a pair of cold eyes gleaming with a calm glint; he was tall, standing with arms behind his back. "Supreme Cloud!" Looking the bizarre apparition, Shui Yuehans mind recalled this name without any hesitation. In this cell that was completely sealed off, without any noise and gap, where no tunnel could reach, a cloud had been conjured from thin air and a person had stepped out of it. There was only one person in this whole wide world who possessed such a skill. Even Ling Xiaozui, who had become a legend, or Dugu Chou, who had become a myth of the human realm, could never have done it! There was only Supreme Cloud of Yutangs Nine Supremes! There was only one person in this world who could do this. Yun Yang looked at Shui Yuehan from behind his mask and smiled softly, saying, "Sir Shui has good senses indeed, no wonder you are a significant force in theFour Seasons Tower." Shui Yuehan forced a smile and replied, "Forgive my ignorance but I dont understand what Supreme Cloud is saying. Supreme Clouds heroic return this time has an additional flair compared to the old days. It is indeed an honor and a happy occasion for Yutang! The hero is safe and sound; I am incredibly elated." Yun Yang said indifferently, "I shall make you even more so." With a stretch of his hand, he reached out towards Shui Yuehans neck. Shui Yuehans hand instinctually reached out to block as his eyes bulged, but he was only an ordinary person now that his cultivation base was gone. Just as his hand came into contact with Yun Yangs, his arm broke with a loud crack. Yun Yangs hand was already choking his neck. Shui Yuehan looked at Yun Yang, as absolute abhorrence glinted in his gaze. "Immortals Odium?" Yun Yang smiled. "Sir Shui is indeed knowledgeable, its fitting that you are the Four Seasons Towers pillar of force." Immortals Odium C a poison loathed by all cultivators as it rendered a person a cripple. Once ingested, his or her entire cultivation base would be destroyed and there would be no hope to recover it. Shui Yuehan had lost all hope by then, saying softly, "May Sir Supreme Cloud allow me to speak a few words?" Yun Yang blinked, his hand still on Shui Yuehans neck as he said, "Speak up." Shui Yuehans gaze transitioned from panic to calm. He said after sighing softly, "Ive said something like this after the incident at Tianxuan Cliff then, If someone from the Nine Supremes were to still be alive, forget the others, the handful of us would definitely face our deaths." Yun Yang commented, "Oh? How could you be so sure?" Shui Yuehan smiled faintly, "Honestly, if I knew that someone from the Nine Supremes WAS still alive, that someone being Nine Supremes soul, Supreme Cloud, I would have already concealed my identity and destroyed all traces of my existence, moving hundreds of thousands of miles away to a deserted island!" Yun Yang said serenely, "You should have known that the Nine Supremes would never really die, so you shouldve run away long ago. But in reality, you didnt." Shui Yuehan smiled humorlessly. "One should never take chances in life. If I make it to the next one, I would remember this lesson for infinity. For now, I can only hope that there is a next life." Yun Yang looked at him, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes as he said softly, "Shui Yuehan, Sir Shui, youre the first one from the Four Seasons Tower whom Ive met to be so decisive!" Shui Yuehans laugh was devoid of humor. "Thank you for your compliment. May I ask how did Supreme Cloud confirm that it was me?" "Should I not be sure its you?" Yun Yang said softly, "I couldn''t catch you if you had stayed still. But once you moved, there was no way for you to escape my grasp. I''m sure you know what I mean." Shui Yuehan sighed softly. "The Cirrus House is indeed related to the Nine Supremes, the connection between deeply rooted too. This step was never a wrong one, its just a pity that the attack had exposed us at the same time." He smiled faintly. "Supreme Cloud, I hope that you grow stronger by a thousand fold, a hundred thousand fold even, to eventually annihilate the Four Seasons Tower. If there were to be such a time, please dont forget to tell me about it." Yun Yang replied, "I will. Leave in peace." Shui Yuehan looked at Yun Yang without any retribution in his eyes as he muttered softly, "Supreme Lord Spring Frost!" 97 Prison Break A column of black smoke billowed up. Shui Yuehans gaze never left Yun Yang''s eyes as his entire body trembled; his flesh and blood crumbled into dust with a soft sigh, leaving only a desiccated mummy on the floor. The mans life, soul, blood, flesh, and skeleton had all condensed into a pile of decayed bones. Yun Yang sighed softly, waving his hand as a breeze blew past, turning what remained of Shui Yuehan into dust. When Yun Yang had cast his first glance at Shui Yuehan, he knew that it was destined that he would gain no reprieve this time. This man was too calm. Overly so, truth be told. This was a person who had looked at death in the eyes and had no fear. When he had exclaimed "Supreme Cloud", he had known that he was doomed. It was then that he knew death was imminent. When Yun Yang had mentioned the Four Seasons Tower and disregarded his denial, he had already made up his mind to utter these four words and die with dignity. He was so calm and collected, prepared to face the end of his life; Yun Yang didn''t even have to torment him in the slightest. Yun Yang even felt that perhaps this Shui Yuehan was genuinely what it meant to be one of the pillars of strength for the Four Seasons Tower. Zhao Binglong and whoever else before this could not even be considered as anything of substance; even Chu Tianleng was at most, only an outsourced hand, a weakling for hire. These two were probably replaceable at any time. While Li Changqius camouflage was intelligently done, he was also only a spy. He was a member of the Four Seasons Tower, but he was never as important as Shui Yuehan! Yun Yang sighed, extending his hand to grasp the thin air, the traceless smoke condensing into his palm slowly. With a wave of his sleeve, the floor was clean again. He then turned into a cloud of fog and drifted out. His only hope now was that Fu Guansan would not die as easily. Otherwise, other than killing two people confirmed to be from the Four Seasons Tower, he would have gained nothing else. On the other side of the prison, Fu Guansan was already sleeping soundly on his bed, not noticing anything amiss. For his muscular build, the bed seemed a little too tiny for him. Although the size did not fit, his feet dangling off the bed, Fu Guansan was snoring as he passed the time in sound slumber. Immortals Odium was very convenient to use; it only required one to sprinkle it on the target. As long as the target still needed to breathe, there would be no way he or she could escape. Fu Guansans cultivation base was turned into thin air without any difficulty. This time around, Yun Yang did not even turn into a cloud. He sat by the bed, perfectly visible, but the man was still snoring in his sleep; even though he had been there for a while, he had not been alerted in the slightest. "As a martial artist, he has absolutely no sense of alertness." Yun Yang stroked his chin and looked at this Keeper Fu as if he was watching a strange beast. "My favorite people are those like this; people whose resolutions have all been corroded by their comfortable lives." Yun Yang exclaimed. In the middle of the night, right at the stroke of midnight, to be exact, a thunderous boom suddenly erupted in the otherwise quiet prison of the Board of Justice. The loud crash was deafening; it resounded in the silence and inactivity. All the guards immediately woke up from the sound, those sleeping soundly fell right off their beds, frightened by the thunderous roar. All of them stood up blearily, sleep still clouding their minds; they had no idea what was happening. "Over there at the prison cells!" Someone shouted. "Someone is trying to break out!" With a clamor, everyone dashed over in the same direction. That swift moment saw Shui Yuehans cell door crumble into dust with a loud thud as a tall silhouette charged out like a lightning strike. He decimated the door to Fu Guansans cell with a single blow as he shouted, "Follow me, quickly!" The voice was low and rushed but it belonged to none other than Shui Yuehan. The three great young masters in three cells by the side were all shocked from the noise, springing up from their respective beds. Their doors were also crushed as hidden weapons like balls of ox hair enclosed the tiny cell. A strange-sounding laughter resounded. "Little rascals, even if your lives cant be taken, all of you should at least suffer a little!" A thick fog then erupted with a puff as two silhouettes flew out with a swoop like a long, sinuous dragon. Just one long leap and they were already on top of the fifty-foot tall wall encircling the Board of Justice. With a stomp, both of them sprung like rocs and disappeared into the darkness. Plow, plow, plow. The officials who were there just in time to stop them were swept off the wall like falling dumplings. "Shui Yuehan has escaped!" "Shui Yuehan has escaped with a prison break!" "He has brought Fu Guansan along too!" "He has wounded the guards!" "He has even wounded the three young masters from Chun, Xia, and Dong Family Guards, quick! The three young masters are covered in thin needles all over now, they resemble three porcupines!" The entire Board of Justice was in chaos. A quarter hour later, the entire Tiantang City followed suit. How many years had it been since something like this had happened? The suspect had actually caused a ruckus in the prison cell of the Board of Justice and escaped in the wake of violence. The Board of Justice was in utter turmoil. The three young masters had really become porcupines, each of them had fine needles, not unlike ox hair, on their face, neck, chest, stomach, thigh and feet. Luckily the needles were not poisoned nor were they aimed at fatal points, the impact had not been very strong, so all three fellows were alive and very much conscious. Obviously, Shui Yuehan had only wanted them to suffer a little and not have them killed outright. After all, if he had gone all out, he would be forging a deadly grudge with the three noble families. However, all three young masters were moaning and groaning like pigs about to be slaughtered, especially Young Master Xia Bingchuan whose cries were the most pathetic, "Take those on my face off first Have mercy on my handsome face!" Young Master Dong Tianleng was enraged. "F*cking Shui Yuehan, wait till I get out! Just you wait! Bastard! Jerk! Your father will have you caught even if your father has to mow the crown princes residence to a flat plane! What a f*cking jerk" "I shall be irreconcilable with this person!" Young Master Chun Wanfeng was the calmest of them all, gritting his teeth as he allowed the officials to pull the needles off his skin. Suddenly, he shuddered. "God, go gentlyOuch, its so painful... oh my god You are doing this intentionally, arent you, you jerk! Cant you wait till I finish acting tough? Its so painful oh my god Ouch, ouch... Oww" Of course, it was impossible for these three young masters to continue staying in the prison cells now that such a serious case had taken place. Guards from all the three families rushed over with the news, all their expressions hard, with anger filling their eyes. There had to be an explanation now that our young masters were so badly injured in Tiantang City. Where is Shui Yuehan? Hand him over quickly! The Board of Justice is to blame as well! Our young masters were respectful and cooperated with you to ease your work. What''s your excuse now, since something so calamitous has happened? All three young masters were taken away by their families. The Board of Justices men could do nothing about it except rail in absolute anxiety. "Im not going back!" Dong Tianleng fumed when his guard persuaded him to return. He pointed at his face and said, "I f*cking look like I have pox now, can''t you see? How can I go back without revenge? I wont go back even if you beat me to death! How can I be stepped on like this?" "Exactly! Go back? Over my dead body!" Xia Bingchuan scoffed. "If I dont have these two jerks dragged out and sliced into millions of pieces, I, Xia Bingchuan, shall never go back even if I have to die right here!" "Of course I wouldn''t go back either." Chun Wanfengs face was long. "I had some seven hundred needles in me more than seven hundred needles! Do you want me to go back after such suffering? What are you thinking? This shall never be let go!" "Tell everyone in the family, tell my grandfather, my grandmother, my eldest grandfather, my third grandfather, my fifth grandfather, my sixth grandfather, my eldest uncle, second uncle, third uncle, fourth uncle, my sixth uncle, seventh uncle, eighth uncle, ninth uncle fifteenth uncle let them all avenge me! I wont go back no matter what you say! I have suffered so much, I won''t let this go without an explanation!" "Thats right, tell my father, my mother, my grandfather, my ancestors Im not going back, Ive suffered too much loss!" "Me too, tell" All six guards from the three families felt their heads throb with pain. Three lords indeed. They could break out of prison so recklessly in the Board of Justice, is it so dangerous now? If your little lives were lost here, this means our lives would be lost here too! However, these three young masters were adamant on not going back, they were all mightily enraged. The guards could only send letters to the family and ask for their experts assistance. We cant contain it any longer here, we genuinely have no power to do anything. "Thinking about it" Dong Tianleng suddenly thought out of the box, "We brothers are really in the same boat. That bastard, Qiu Yunsan, was just almost beaten paralyzed a few days ago and is still lying in bed now. We are also beaten down, our situation is even a little worse than his. Come to think about it, aren''t we realizing the saying, ''birds of a feather suffer together''?" "True, true." Xia Bingchuan agreed and said, "I was still teasing him then F*cking hell, now your father is worse off than him, turning into a smallpox patient." "It wont really be smallpox, these needles are so fine; perhaps well be okay" Dong Tianleng continued, "Lets bet once more when we go out. Whoever loses has to be the one with smallpox forever; he won''t be allowed to heal the needle punctures on his face" "F*ck off!" The Board of Justice had really tasted disaster, everyone was abuzz with nerves. Officials from the Board of Justice went to the crown princes residence anxiously to be met with the latters stupor. "E- Escape?" "People were beaten up as well?" "Three great young masters were injured?" The crown prince was stupefied by the recent turn of events. Didn''t we talk this through? Be remanded for a day, and cooperate with the investigation. You would have been released the next morning, what were you thinking of by trying to break out in the middle of the night? You could have come out by the break of dawn! What show are you putting on now? The crown prince felt like he was slowly turning insane himself. Why cant I understand the minds of these martial artists? 98 So It Was Him! "Check Shui Yuehans home!" The crown prince was enraged. "Crown Prince, there is nobody at Shui Yuehans place. There are also no traces of things being moved about, we believe he hasn''t been back yet." "Go out and find him!" "Yes!" "Head over to the Plethora Gem Tower and see if Fu Guansan has returned!" "Yes!" At that point in time, the Plethora Gem Tower was also submerged in chaos. A prison break was not a trivial matter. The Board of Justice tightened its hold on the Plethora Gem Tower at once, subjecting all its occupants to an interrogation. The Board of Justice did not dare to offend the three noble families and the crown princes residence but the Plethora Gem Tower was only an organization in the martial arts world C it was unthinkable that they would be involved in such a caper. Under the circumstances where no one else could be offended, someone had to be placed on the chopping board. Otherwise, what justice was there if theBoard of Justice did not take any action? With a single command, the Plethora Gem Tower was sealed and all its men held in custody; all of them were taken to the prison! All these had happened within a single morning. "Cough, cough, cough" It was dawn when Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan heard the news. He was drinking water from a bowl but spat it out immediately when word reached his ears. He managed to choke himself, coughing and wheezing for quite a while. "Cough, cough, cough" "Cough, cough, cough" "Cough cough mm cough" Everyone in the marshals residence looked at the old marshal in shock. What was going on? They had never seen him coughing so badly before during the early hours of the day. Even Sir Wang who had come to report this was dumbfounded. the Board of Justices incident was not a small matter but it certainly wasn''t severe enough to cause one to lose their composure. "Cough cough cough" The old marshal had finally stopped coughing, his face flushed from the exertion. I knew those children had something up their sleeves! Shui Yuehan escaped from the prison? Your father wouldnt believe it even if he was beaten to death! He must have been taken away secretly. I knew they would have a plan but isnt this too underhanded? Using the nations body to do your dirty work? "Yes, duly noted" The old marshal said in a collected manner, "Simply a case of a few martial artists breaking out of prison by force. At most, someone from the crown princes residence was involved. So what about it? Did you have to come all the way just to report such a petty incident to me?" The corners of Sir Wangs lips twitched in irony. Such a petty incident? Really? Did you think that I didn''t see you almost wheeze yourself to unconsciousness just now? Yet Sir Wang replied in a stoic manner, "Yes, this matter is not worthy to be reported indeed but it involves the crown princes residence and Plethora Gem Tower. Its expected to cause some commotion, we should still practice some degree of caution." "Hmm, this is a problem." Old Marshal Qiu stroked his beard and said, "Tell the Board of Justice to release them when its about time. It wouldn''t be a good idea to involve unnecessary people. The Plethora Gem Tower is one of the ten organizations in the martial arts world of Tianxuan Continent. We still need to pay them their due honor. Besides, the others might not even know what Fu Guansan did!" Sir Wang agreed to his words and left immediately yet he was thinking, "Old Qiu is a little strange When has he ever cared for the dignity of these martial artists?" The Board of Justice was in chaos, the crown princes residence was in bedlam, the entire Tiantang City was buzzing with excitement, the three young masters lives were also a mess and even Yun Yang himself faced some tumultuous days. Fu Guansan had been seized but Yun Yang realized something amiss. Once he applied some persuasion, the Keeper Fu was already in agony, almost reporting all the details of his ancestors. "What happened to your cultivation base?" Yun Yang was slightly befuddled, almost losing faith in his own judgment. "I cultivated to the fifth peak" Fu Guansan was teary-eyed. "Then I lost it all." Yun Yang was jolted with surprise. "But I saw you take action in Cirrus House." "Thats the effect of the Dream Dust Pill" Fu Guansan was shaking all over from pain. "When I need to fight, Ill take one Dream Dust Pill and the cultivation base I once had would return temporarily it could only last one hour though Once the effect wears off, Ill feel weak but it wont be anything serious" Dream Dust Pill Yun Yang had heard of this medicinal pill before. It was said that an alchemist had found fault with an individual and had hunted the person for thousands of miles just to destroy the persons cultivation base. However, he realized afterward that he had wronged an innocent man. Deep in remorse, the alchemist searched for spiritual medicine all over the world to concoct this Dream Dust Pill but it was only suitable to be consumed by people who were lower than the seventh peak mystical Qi cultivation base. Experts with a destroyed cultivation base higher than the seventh peak could only unleash a seventh peak power when they took the Dream Dust Pill C this was the limit. In Tianxuan Continent, however, the Dream Dust Pill had another well-known moniker C Repentance Remedy! Yun Yang looked to the heavens, somewhat at a loss for words. If I had known that you were consuming Repentance Remedy, why did I even need to use Immortals Odium? Ive practically wasted it! Im probably the first in the universe to use the precious Immortals Odium against useless trash. "Why did you go to Cirrus House?" "I I... fancy... the Lady Zuiyue" "I want to hear the truth!" "This is the truth.I am really besotted by the Lady Yun!" Yun Yang was speechless. "Why are you matchmaking for her if you like her?" "Ive been asked for a favor, good relations make wealth for a businessman. Id naturally take the advantage to advance where Young Master Qiu failed." YunYang was tempted to slap this fellow to his death. However, it was lucky that he asked another question. "Asked for a favor? Qiu Yunsan asked for your favor? Do you even have enough qualifications for Young Master Qiu to ask for your favor?" "It wasn''t Qiu Yunsan." Fu Guansans face was twitching from the pain. "Keeper Mis the one who asked for the favor to help Young Master Qiu. How can I afford to offend Keeper Mi?" "Although Im unwilling to matchmake for others, Keeper Mi promised me that when Young Master Qiu has gotten her, he will figure a way to also let me be in on it!" A murderous intent set itself on Yun Yangs face. He forcefully suppressed itand said, "Who is this Keeper Mi?" Fu Guansan watched Yun Yangs expression carefully and said, "Keeper Mi is Mi Kongqun!" "Mi Kongqun!" Yun Yang blanched. He had thought of all the shopkeepers in Tiantang City with the family name Mi but he had missed this one. An Inner Court Attendant! The one who had control over the entire palaces purchasing. Some would say that he was the Minister of Imperial Household! Someone who stood by His Majesty the Emperors side! No wonder everyone regarded him highly. Influential and powerful indeed! Even as Yun Yang felt enlightened, he was also deeply worried. "Keeper Mi! No wonder he has been called Keeper Mi. His task is to oversee the inner court." "From Eunuch Wuhan who had previously attempted to assassinate me to this Keeper Mi how deeply has the palace been infiltrated?" Yun Yang frowned. He had never figured out who the ninth and eleventh of the first month Wu Wenyuan spoke of were; was the crown princes aide mentioned by Chu Tianlang Shui Yuehan or was it somebody else? He could only confirm that Tie Zheng of the Empire of Yutangs five greatest generals was not the mighty general mentioned too; then who was it among the four? Perhaps he was someone lower -ranked? He could not be anyone ranked higher because if one were to go up in the military, there were only two people left. Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin. The saber and sword duo, guardian marshals of Yutang! These two would never ever be from the Four Seasons Tower. As for the palace, he knew at least two suspects now C Eunuch Wu and Keeper Mi. Was there anybody else? His actions this time was to borrow the officials power to eradicate Fu Guansan and Shui Yuehan directly, what would the enemy do next? Who could the mysterious Supreme Lord Spring Frost, who possessed such a wicked blood curse, be? It would seem that he had entirely destroyed the other partys scheme this time round but was this really true? Would they still go after Cirrus House? Yun Yang fell deep into his thoughts, an elegant yet mysterious aura on his face under the dim light. Fu Guansan looked at his face and had a sudden thought that this face did not seem to belong to the human realm but more to the eerie underworld! As he kept his eyes on him, he actually shuddered helplessly. "Young master you-young master" Fu Guansan was trembling like a leaf. "Ive told you everything I know. Can you can you let me go? I dare not do it again" Yun Yang raised his head slowly, his emotionless gaze finally falling on Fu Guansans face. Fu Guansan grew even more terrified and said, "I-I This lowly one is only the keeper of Plethora Gem Tower, my power is limited Young master, young master my brother-in-law is the person in charge over there for Plethora Gem Tower Please have mercy I shall repay your kindness" Yun Yang looked at him quietly with a tilted head, a few stray strands on the side of his face added to the depressing aura he carried in the gloom. Sha! The bright gleam of a saber flashed through the darkness. Before Fu Guansan could say another word in his defense, his head had already landed on the floor. It was clean and direct cut. Yun Yang picked himself up slowly and headed out the door. It was only a while after he had exited the secret chamber that Fu Guansans headless body collapsed to the floor. His head rolled about, coming to a stop with his face facing upwards. The last expression that remained on his face was not of fear, only of endlessly inexplicable questioning. Even unto his death, he could not understand why he did not kill him outright but had only struck when he spoke of his background, his brother-in-laws influential status, his organization, and how he would repay him. A saber that rendered him into two halves! Why was this so? Yun Yang went back to his bedroom, a place which had become an escape for Yun Yang. It was his bedroom but it contained too many things for him. Wind, Flame, Blood, Thunder, Cloud C other than Supreme Flames will that he had destroyedhimself, the others letters, including his own, were all here Among the documents were his brothers cultivation methods. Pearl of Mystique Wind, Pearl of Fiery, Pearl of Cloud, Pearl of Crimson Soul, Pearl of Divine Thunder. Looking at these five pearls that were filled with mysterious forces, Yun Yang sat down silently. He first poured a goblet of wine and smiled. "Older brothers, do you all know? Our enemy is unimaginably mighty. As my investigation continues, I realized that the Four Seasons Towers reach is impossible to be estimated. I dont know if you fellows have ever thought about this before." "Perhaps weve never had to think of it in this seemingly peaceful world, but the undercurrents are actually vigorous and utterly frightening!" 99 Brothers’ Last Wishes Yun Yang smiled serenely. It was like an active volcano that was about to erupt, going through the final stages of boiling up. It was the calm before the storm. "Actually, I really miss the simple days when we didnt have to think much. All there was to think about were always victory and defeat, and killing the enemy. We would never consider the fierce undercurrents under the fa?ade of this calm times." "Perhaps only eldest brother, only the eldest has thought of it. That time, the eldest had held my hand when he was near death. He said, Olninth, if you can go escape with your life, be an extrajudicial enforcer." "Perhaps the eldest had already seen the ugliness and the flaws of this nation then, the hidden tumors and sores" "Perhaps the eldest had only seen the undercurrents that were brewing like the most violent of storms and wanted to save me. My identity as Supreme Cloud once it has been exposed, only death awaits" Yun Yang sighed, retrieving his will. What an odd feeling it was for someone alive to be reading his own will. Yun Yang had only a few lines scribbled it. "I dont know who I am. I dont have any worries to leave behind, so, there is nothing much to say." Yun Yang smiled, thinking whether his brothers would laugh or cry if they were the ones reading his will. But, I really do not know who I am The will belonging to Yun Yang then slowly turned into ashes in his hand, becoming a ball of smoke and ceased to exist. "Old Dugu is my father, help me take good care of him. Let him pass his remaining years comfortably, help me provide for him and send him off when the time comes!" This was seventh brother Supreme Bloods will. Other than the various comments and advice like all the brothers had left behind, he only had these words to say about himself. Yun Yang felt a pang in his heart, the Medallion of Gratitude against his chest hot like a burning coal, pressing with uncomfortable heat against his heart. Sixth brother Supreme Thunders will read, "I got chased out by my family, I have eight innately awakened chakras and still got called trash. I wasnt able to cultivate my familys cultivation skills; my birth parents were both dead and I was chased out by my eldest uncle. If I have died, any one of my brothers who are still alive, go offer incense to my parents, should there be a chance. Tell them their son has gone to find them, theyve passed too early and their son was bullied Hmm, I forgot to mention; my home is at the Bound of Universe, Lei Family. Forget about avenging me, the Lei Family is too strong; Ive lived rather happily anyway. If I wasnt chased out, I wont have met all of you. If any of you really go stand up for me and got injured and died in the process, I wont acknowledge you in the next life!" "Live well, live wonderfully and live life at its best that I, Lei Mufeng, did not have the time to!" Yun Yang stared at the letter. Supreme Winds words seemed to replay itself right before his eyes, "Olsixth seems to be the descendant of some noble family." What family was this Lei Family? They actually called the gift of eight innately awakened chakras trash? Even to the point of chasing him out? Even if he was not the first in the entire Empire of Yutang to have eight innately awakened chakras, it was still rare. It was still an obvious gift that one ought to be proud of! How could it have been called trash by the Lei Family? I only manage to have seven innately awakened chakras from the Lotus of Endless Fate If sixth brother is trash, am I worse than trash? And that Bound of Universe Where is it? Ive never heard that such a place exists in Tianxuan Continent! With the Labyrinth of Nine Heavens Intelligence, its truly a wonder that Ive never actually never heard of this place. "Bound of Universe" Yun Yang murmured, "Sixth brother, dont worry. If my ability is inadequate, Id definitely not provoke a mighty force but once little brothers capability is up to par, I shall wipe out this Lei Family to stand up for you. As long as I dont get hurt or die, you have no excuse to not acknowledge me." "Leave the offering of incense to our parents to me. As long as I get news of it, I''ll get youreunited with your father and mother." Yun Yang looked at Supreme Flames will that he had left unopened. What would fifth brother say? Thinking of Supreme Flame, thinking of Yun Zuiyue, thinking of Yun Yang felt his heart throb with a piercing pain. "If I die, help me take care of Zuiyue." Supreme Flames letter contained a sense of passion within its indifference. "Zuiyue is a stubborn girl. All of you know her. Whether I die or live, shes my wife! Call her sister-in-law whenever you see her, whether youre older or younger. If you dont recognize her status, she will follow my footsteps." "Eight or ten years later, when her emotions have simmered, think of a way to give her the happiness of a family. If she finds a good family, none of you are allowed to disturb her. All existence of the Nine Supremes are to vanish before her, In case she reminisces of the old times and hesitates when she sees any of you" Yun Yang sighed despondently. "Im an orphan, so is Zuiyue. Yun Zuiyue is a name she gave herself later on, like how I made up my own name as well. It doesnt matter if I mention it, I still like Supreme Flame the most." "If I die, I only hope that my brothers who are alive can continue living." "Actually, I really dont want to die. Im still thinking if I could find my parents, ask them if they abandoned me or sold me? Maybe theyve long passed and I could still offer them incense." "What I want the most is to hold Zuiyues hands and offer incense before my parents grave; maybe find them alive and call them father and mother. Whether I was abandoned or sold, I dont hate them, I would still acknowledge them and be filial to them." "I dont wish to die. I still have a lot of things I wish to do, all of you cant do them for me." "Theres a mark on my chest that looks like three peaks that were burned, forming a mountain-shaped flame. If I really did die, please find my parents and call them father and mother for me. Ive never called them that since I was young, I dont even know if Id cry when I really called out to them. Also, dont blame them. These are such a chaotic times." Supreme Flames letter ended with a sigh. Reading Supreme Flames will, Yun Yang thought of himself. A sense of forlorn loneliness rose within his heart suddenly despite the massive world, despite the many souls in this realm. The depressing feeling lingered within his heart, unable to be waved away; its weight heavy and pressed down on his soul, making it hard to breathe. "I have a new decision now." Yun Yang said quietly, "Ive taken everything out from the Residence of the Nine Supremes. I am very selfish. Other than us, I dont want anyone else being called the Nine Supremes!" "I cant accept that." "It''s fine if the Residence of Nine Supremes could never be trespassed on. But what if it was, one day?" Yun Yang murmured, "So I made this selfish decision, I hope all of you dont blame me for it." "I only have seven innately awakened chakras now, I could only cultivate everyones first stage and Cloud, Wind, and Flame. Besides, these three cultivation skills are already difficult to advance. I might really be less than a piece of trash." Yun Yang said quietly, "So I need to increase my capability Only then could I unleash a mightier power" "These two people in the palace are too mighty, I cant easily overcome them." A radiant chilling glow gleamed within Yun Yangs eyes. "But no matter how mighty they may be, I would make them, make the Four Seasons Tower behind them, pay the heaviest price!" The first stage of Endless Divine Art was completed in perfection now while Yun Yangs mystical Qi level had gotten to the pinnacle of the third peak too. Yun Yangs renowned Fog of Cloud Conjuration was cultivated to the third stage as well while Mystique Wind Conjuration and Fiery Charm were pushed to the same third stage from the battle previously. As for Thunder Crash Spell and Art of Crimson Soul, they were only cultivated to the first stage. However, Yun Yang had hit a bottleneck. It was arduous for his cultivation base to break through to the fourth stage. Yun Yang had gotten his Fog of Cloud Conjuration to the pinnacle of the third stage as well before his cultivation base was damaged much previously and was stuck there abruptly. Now that he had redone his cultivation, this part was still a hurdle. Yun Yang knew that this was because his potential was limited. It was not only the Fog of Cloud Conjuration, the Mystique Wind Conjuration and Fiery Charm were the same C unmoving after they had gotten to the pinnacle of the third stage. He believed that the Thunder Crash Spell and Art of Crimson Soul would most probably be the same. That was why Yun Yang was impatient to break through the second stage of Endless Divine Art. Since the cultivation of the first stage could awaken a new chakra, there should also be some benefit for breaking through the second stage? On the same night, when Yun Yang went out, he had gone out in the form of a cloud of fog. Both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were clueless as to his whereabouts. Towering Wind Pavilion1. This was a very strange place. Under the Towering Wind Pavilion was a medium-sized gambling den, that could fit about four to five hundred people. However, this was the most renowned gambling den in Tiantang City. There was only a pavilion master and a main housekeeper in the Towering Wind Pavilion, the rest were all stewards, so their manpower was not exactly the strongest. However, throughout the four years Towering Wind Pavilion had stood in Tiantang City, no one dared to trifle with the pavilion. The only exception was three years ago when Yun Yang was out of money since caring for the veterans and their families needed a big flow of fortune. After much consideration, he ultimately decided to take on the Towering Wind Pavilion. That one time did not really see Yun Yang taking the upper hand as he could not get any advantage after a tussle with Towering Wind Pavilions master, both of them almost meeting with swords and sabers. In the end, eighth brother Supreme Wind had stepped forth to quell this case and had even taken ten million silver taels from the Towering Wind Pavilion to resolve the money issue. Afterward, he had bought Supreme Wind wine and asked for his lessons, since he did not handle the case perfectly but had left a big mess behind instead. Yun Yang felt ridiculous just thinking about it. The reason that it had panned out so well was that the Towering Wind Pavilions master was none other than Supreme Wind himself. This fellow was really something. He first brawled with him and solved the matter himself then shamelessly bought wine for the hapless Yun Yang. He was both the antagonist and the protagonist, all at once. He still chided him righteously then, "Towering Wind Pavilions master can give compensation after resolving the matter but would never admit his loss. Otherwise, how could Towering Wind Pavilions casino stay strong for so long? Understand? Satisfied?" How could he say anything? How dare he say anything! Supreme Winds pretense and skill at deception were certainly admirable! 100 The Extermination of Evil Must Be Thorough! Although the mask Yun Yang was wearing now was that of the Towering Wind Pavilion''s master, he still stopped to complain, "The master of the Towering Wind is utterly shameless!" Having worn black clothes and the unique mask, Yun Yang entered the Towering Wind Pavilion. "The Pavilion Master is here!" A flock of stewards came up to greet him; Yun Yang just harrumphed loudly and moved along. A man in white appeared in front of him almost immediately. He stood tall and proud, his face gentle and gracious, but his voice was incredibly raspy, as if his vocal cords had been severely injured, rendering him unable to speak above a whisper. "Pavilion Master, youve finally appeared," the man in white said. This was Supreme Winds Towering Wind Pavilions right-hand man - Young Master Soundless, Shui Wuyin. Yun Yang was rather interested in this person, and even considered him someone to watch out for. It was said that this person was a cautious planner, his plans well thought through, with every possibility considered. He had much potential. However, Yun Yang only had one question in his mind. What do I do with Shui Wuyin now? Do I tell him that eighth brother is gone? Its a pity to let go of such a talent but how do I make him stay? Do I have to go on deceiving him using eighth brothers identity? "Wuyin, how is our profit for this current period?" Yun Yang sat on the pavilion masters seat, his voice soft and distant. "Not too bad." A graceful smile hung on Shui Wuyins face. "But Pavilion Masters disappearance for so long had worried this subordinate. I almost absconded with the money." Yun Yang smiled. "You wouldn''t know what to do with such a small sum." Shui Wuyin chuckled in a raspy voice and said, "Will Pavilion Master stay on longer this time around?" Yun Yang frowned and asked, "Is there something going on?" "Not at all. It''s just that I might need to head home soon." Shui Wuyin continued, "Pavilion Master has not been around for a while, so I did not dare to leave this place unattended. Now that the Pavilion Master is back, I have to go home to take care of my affairs." "Just put Towering Wind Pavilions business on hold when you go back. Reopen it whenever youre back." Yun Yang said nonchalantly, "How much have we gained during this time? How much trouble did we encounter?" Shui Wuyin answered, "The profit for one and a half years is approximately two billion silver taels. Net, I might add." "Two billion taels" Yun Yang said thoughtfully, "Send them to the bank later in exchange for banknotes, change them all to five hundred and a thousand." "Certainly." Shui Wuyin continued, "As for trouble,Big Swell from the Mezzanine Casino opposite us finds fault with us almost every day. Since the Pavilion Master hasnt been here for quite some time, he has managed to damage the place when he was around." Yun Yang frowned, his gaze sharp. "He still dares to come?" "He has not been coming recently. Ive heard that forty to fifty of his subordinates were killed." Shui Wuyins couldn''t help but gloat. "Tiantang City is guarded firmly while laws are being strictly enforced.His underground prostitution racket could barely be maintained since the last time Pavilion Master almost played him to his death. Now this fellow''s wealth had dwindled to a tenth of his original sum. His days have gotten harder, so he hasnt been here in the past two to three months." Yun Yang nodded. "Go exchange the banknotes first. Ill go to the Mezzanine Casino later, we cant have him always coming and not us going over. Courtesy demands reciprocity." Shui Wuyin chuckled. "Ive long been waiting for Pavilion Master to say that. Shall I go with Pavilion Master tonight?" "Whatever for? You go exchange the banknotes right now!" Yun Yang gave him a glance. "Ill head on over myself. Wouldn''t it be overkill if we both went?" Shui Wuyin gave a raspy chortle but his instincts were telling him something was amiss. Be it the physique, speech, tone, aura, gaze, action, or behavior of this Pavilion Master before him, they were all flawless, not the slightest bit different from before. However, Shui Wuyin felt strange since the beginning of the meeting. The familiarity that had been engraved into his bones had not come from the person before him. There were just a few hints of distance that remained. "Boss, do you still remember my old injury?" Shui Wuyin asked suddenly. "Your injury is not a problem at all. There will be a remedy soon." Yun Yang said, "Dont be impatient. When you return again, I can heal it within three months." "Thank you for the concern." The strange feeling still lingered but Shui Wuyin no longer said anything more. On that night. Yun Yang charged right into the Mezzanine Casino and wiped it out from top to bottom. He had long heard of the Mezzanine scamming its players and setting people up for loans. Once there was no more fortune to be acquired, they would force women into slavery or prostitution. Their crimes were abundant. Last time, he needed this casino to be an open opponent for the Towering Wind Pavilion. Now that he needed to absorb the air of injustice and punish evil, Yun Yang had no plans to keep the Mezzanine Casino around. He tightened his grip on the neck of the boss of the Mezzanine, Big Liu, who had a large swell on his head, the result of a brief tussle. A simple deception was sufficient to get him to pass his remaining tenth of his wealth and to gather all his men in the secret chamber. Confirming that no one had been left out, Yun Yang began his massacre right under their terrified gazes. The blood of the unfortunate thirty to forty people painted the secret chamber crimson. The profuse flow of air of injustice was gladly accepted by Emmie. As Yun Yang strolled out from the secret chamber and watch its doors close slowly, he cultivated and brought the entrance crumbling down, burying the secret chamber underground. "Let all of you be buried under the ground!" Yun Yang scoffed, a massive fortune gathered into ten gunny sacks. When Shui Wuyin came to assist with the items, his eyes were wide and unblinking. "Boss, did you just rob the Mezzanine?" Shui Wuyin asked in a shaky voice. "No," Yun Yang answered. Shui Wuyin was confused. Yun Yang continued softly, "Henceforth, there will be no more Mezzanine Casino in this world." Shui Wuyin was at a loss for words. Boss, I thought you were only going to find fault with them, not wipe them out entirely! "I guess we wont have a fixed source of income from now on ." Shui Wuyin said sadly. "Back then, if you were a little tight, you would just head over and blackmail them. This time, however, it looks like you took more permanent steps." Yun Yang sighed, "Unfortunately, I am in need of money now. I had to start from the top." I have nothing to say to that. Shui Wuyin was utterly speechless. All in all, there was still an extreme difference between Yun Yang and Supreme Wind. Supreme Wind was playful towards life, he could tolerate the existence of the dark side of life while utilizing them as his tools. As for Yun Yang, he hated evil with his all; the extermination of evil had to be thorough! It was his motto. Once any trace of evil was discovered, it had to be vanquished immediately! His tactics were efficiently brutal and it was not all because of the air of injustice needed by the Lotus of Endless Fate. There were both pros and cons in their personalities as there were no right nor wrong. Hailing a carriage, Yun Yang told Shui Wuyin, "Ill take these with me. Close the doors and leave whenever youre going home, you dont have to inform me again." Anything spoken now would be redundant. He could only find an opportunity in the future. Looking at Yun Yangs retreating shadow, the emotions in Shui Wuyins eyes danced and morphed. He did bother to follow, instead, he sat down helplessly, not speaking for a long, long while. Everything and every scene since the arrival of the Towering Wind Pavilion''s master were slowly replayed in his mind, resulting in a terrifying conclusion. He felt his feet going numb, as did his mind. The dizziness that followed was an indescribable terror. "Youre a fake." The words finally bubbled from his throat as he looked at the empty street. "I wont leave now." Shui Wuyin murmured, "Im going to find out who you are and why you are pretending to be my boss. How are you so well versed in our operations? How could you imitate my boss accurately enough to deceive me!" "It''s alright if it was the boss himself who sent you. But if youve harmed my boss and to take over his possession,I, Shui Wuyin, shall forever be irreconcilable with you!" Yun Yang had felt Shui Wuyin''s suspicion, and knew that he was beginning to doubt him. He had to leave and had no time to explain everything. His subconscious space was beginning to turn topsy-turvy. The air of injustice from the thirty to forty people he had just killed was now showing its effects on Emmie. The outcome was significant and Yun Yang was guessing that it was enough for Emmie to advance to its next level. The carriage came to a deserted corner in the quiet darkness. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei emerged out from the dark and took the reins. However, Yun Yang catapulted home immediately. He did not even leave behind any orders but went to his bed directly. Meow The three Eclipse Panthers that Yun Yang had successfully modified and the Lightning Cat came out in a swoosh. All eight eyes sparkled as they sniffed the simmering force of life. Yun Yang was shocked when he entered his subconscious. Although he had guessed that the extermination of evil this time could stock up a fair bit for Emmie, he did not expect to see the entire space filled with an almost solid green gas. Facing such a rich force of life, an unusual sense of immortality wreathed itself around Yun Yang. Seeing him appear, Emmie waved its tendrils around happily, like a child boasting about its new toy. Come look, quickly come look! Yun Yang watched then, his gaze on the second piece of Emmies leaf that was slowly spreading out, its color a clear emerald. Rays of rainbow radiance flowed about the lotus leaf as they kept changing directions Emmies tendrils had increased to four now, waving about in the air. An odd mystical thought entered Yun Yangs mind. "Watch them wilt upon killing hundreds, eradicate the injustice in this world; countering evil with evil forges the heart of heaven, a pair of Lotus of Endless Fates leaves then complete themselves." It was a breakthrough of the Endless Divine Art to the second stage! Yun Yang could distinctly feel the endless green air of vitality in his subconscious charging in waves all over his body, from top to bottom and from inside to outside, cleaning him instantly! 101 The Awakening of the Third-eye Chakra. Whitey’s Level-Up Yun Yang felt the area between his eyebrows throb with pain before a violent itch replaced it as a queer sensation seemed to erupt from between his brows. Countless flows of energy, clear as a spring, seemed to gush in from the same spot, spreading themselves towards his limbs and body; his bones began to feel much lighter. Dark-stained blood oozed out from the pores all over his body. "The awakening of the third-eye chakra!" Although Yun Yang had anticipated the benefits from the breakthrough of the Endless Divine Art, he was still struck with a sense of numbing excitement when he felt the awakening of the third-eye chakra. Eight innately awakened chakras! This was a rare gift, one to be envied in the entire Tianxuan Continent! However, thinking of sixth brother Supreme Thunder who had been deemed as a failure and chased out despite having eight awakened chakras, Yun Yang spat, "Bound of Universe! Are you so mighty to judge someone so?" Following the gush of vital force into his meridians and dantian, the force of life simmered for a bit before it flowed out once more and charged through the barrier of mystical Qis third peak without difficulty into the fourth peak. It remained vigorous and vivacious in his meridians as it flowed in strong, continuous currents. Yun Yang kept what he could of the sensations he felt, stopping the development of his cultivation even if it meant wasting this energy away. This was because he could clearly felt the mystical Qi charging through the fourth heaven and was not stopping; it was growing stronger instead! If he did not stop it, it wouldnt take much effort to break through to the fifth peak with the help of this force. It was a done deal. However, Yun Yang did not want to break through to the fifth peak so quickly. It was a heavens difference between each peak. This explained the arduousness in improving ones cultivation but more importantly, it also hinted at the importance of ones cultivation foundation. He had just arrived in the new world of the fourth peak; he had not even enjoyed the scenery outside of the peak. If he had charged through to the fifth peak now, even if his ability could increase tenfold, his journey of cultivation would forever be dented with the fact that he had never experienced the fourth peak. It was one thing to step into the realm of the fourth peak, it was also important to go through the journey in fourth heaven! If he did not experience it, it would only do him harm and never benefit him in his future path. Although Yun Yang desperately needed to increase his ability, he would not take his future lightly. Suppressing the stampede of his inner force, Yun Yang turned his attention to the second lotus leaf and watched it intensely, wondering if this piece of leaf would fall and turn into some sort of treasured gem like the Divine Edge. However, the leaf did not budge even when his eyes grew sore from the unwavering stare. Emmie waved its tendrils about, enveloping Yun Yang with them as it continued to behave coyly; it was obvious that Emmie was overjoyed as well! It seemed that it was elated beyond words and the happiness was escalating. The clingy behavior made Yun Yang happy as well, his heart was at ease and pleased. However, he still felt a frightening premonition.The Endless Divine Art and the Lotus of Endless Fate were nothing to be ignored; its first level-up killed ten people while this second one was achieved through the murder of approximately a hundred people. He had killed a hundred and twenty people, give or take a few heads, in this duration of time, especially tonight, where he had killed close to forty people at one go. It was at this time too that the Lotus of Endless Fate leveled up while Endless Divine Art advanced to the beginning of the second level! Ten, a hundred... Would that mean that the next level up would require a thousand headcounts? Would the fourth level then need ten thousand? A hundred thousand for the fifth level? Sixth level Would he be required to kill billions of people for the Lotus of Endless Fate to complete its growth and achieve perfection? "But does this world even have so many sinners!" Yun Yang looked at Emmie a little helplessly. "Little one, do you really need so much air of injustice? Ive already felt that there isnt much hope now!" Emmie continued to cling onto Yun Yang and behave like a petulant child. "Itd be difficult to have a complete advancement then. There isnt much hope to sound optimistic, it is in fact, hopeless" Yun Yang sighed. Feeling the flooding mystical Qi in his body that was still trailing everywhere, Yun Yang had a strange feeling that he could do anything and manipulate anyone. The benefits of the Endless Divine Arts level up did not only stop at Yun Yangs increase in rank. With the level up of the art, it also sped up the improvement of Fiery Charm, Mystique Wind Conjuration, and Fog of Cloud Conjuration. If Yun Yang had not suppressed the advancement of his mystical Qi, it would probably have already charged through the fifth peak and went into the sixth peak. By then, Mystique Wind Conjuration and other cultivation skills would also soar to no lesser than the fifth stage. It sounded like a reachable dream but Yun Yang gave up on it curtly after thinking about it. "Towers of a hundred thousand feet are built from a flatland, giant trees touching the sky first need to take root!" "The foundation is the most important of all." Saber Truth: Destiny Blade was also ready to advance following the second breakthrough of Endless Divine Art but to Yun Yang, he could only watch and let it go. He had not entirely grasped Destinys First Form even until now. This form was intricate and deep. Although Yun Yang was delighted over it, the more he cultivated, the more he felt it was endless and unpredictable. At least, to Yun Yang now, he was still far from total enlightenment Although the second form was there within his reach, he could only temporarily keep it away. "The most important matter at hand now is still traitors!" Yun Yang thought in his heart. Just as he was about to get up from the ground, he gave a stunned look at his surroundings. White fur floated all about; looking around, there seemed to be several piles of it around him. "Whats going on?" Yun Yang almost suspected that he had grown fur but turning to look, he saw four naked pink critters curling up to sleep soundly in the fur piles. He was surprised but understood immediately. It looked like he was not the only recipient of the benefits coming from Emmies level up and the breakthrough of the Endless Divine Art. These fellows that were lazing around him had gotten much of the benefits too! They had actually shed fur in unison and it did not seem like they had shed only once judging by the piles of fur that stood around. Yun Yang could not help but anticipate the culminations of recent events. The first one to spring up with a meow was the eldest of the Eclipse Panthers that was sent out for a mission, Big Whitey. It must be mentioned here that Yun Yang had given all four Eclipse Panthers and the Lightning Cat names and those names were unique. Since the one sent out was called Big Whitey, the rest were Whitey Two, Whitey Three, Whitey Four respectively and the last Lightning Cat was naturally Whitey Five Great Young Master Yuns naming sense was unique and unexpected. Thinking of it, his naming standard was rather high. Big Whitey was sleeping soundly; it opened its bleary eyes and looked at its body, licking it with a tilted head. Its slightly dazed state almost making Yun Yang laugh. The little critter sprung up and shook itself, the fur on its body coming off and revealing its pink skin. It looked utterly ugly like it was cooked in a wok, not a single strand of fur remained! "Meow" Big Whitey looked at its naked body with much sadness, calling out again with its head raised to look at Yun Yang. Its eyes were actually moist. The meow basically meant, "Woo woo so ugly" "Stupid, will your fur continue to grow in a few days time?" Yun Yang felt exasperated. "What level are you in now?" Big Whitey licked its body continuously, occupied with the task. Suddenly, a white fog came from its body. After some time when the fog dissipated, Yun Yang realized with a start that Big Whiteys fur had grown again, smoother and shinier than it used to be! Big Whitey swagged and stood up, shaking its body proudly. It snorted twice before it sashayed in elegance and sprung out of the window with a swoosh. Before it left, it actually rolled its eyes at Yun Yang in despair. Yun Yang scratched his head. "Could this fellow have gotten to the sixth level just like this?" Yun Yang was rather perplexed with the little fellows development. How much did he advance? Besides, how could its size not change even after leveling up? It was still so tiny and adorable; this did not seem logical at all! A while later, Whitey Two, Whitey Three, and Whitey Four had all woken up. All of them went through a similar process as Big Whitey but after a moment, they were once again three rolling balls of happy white fluff on the floor. It could be seen clearly that the mental state and aura of these Eclipse Panthers were significantly different that they had been! Obviously, these little critters had gotten some great nourishment. How great it was though Yun Yang was unable to see it with his eyes currently. The only thing he was certain about was that their sizes did not increase; this was not a bad thing at all! Right now, there was only the Lightning Cat, Whitey Five, that was still lying there motionlessly. Although Whitey Five had been playing with Whitey Two, Whitey Three, and Whitey Four all this while, it was ultimately still a Lightning Cat. Its birth had determined that its state would differ greatly in comparison to the other Whiteys. Yun Yang could see that new fur was growing out of the Lightning Cat endlessly. It shed swiftly and grew its hair again. All three Eclipse Panthers watched the Lightning Cat happily but did not go to disturb it, it was as if they were clearer about the Lightning Cat, Whitey Fives, current situation more than Yun Yang was. Finally, after the eighth shedding of fur, the Lightning Cat finally stood up. White fur covered its entire body, smooth and silky, but its size was five to six rounds larger than it used to be. Looking at it now, this cat weighed at least a dozen catties. Perhaps it could be considered a big cat already, although it still exuded a childish aura! "Meow~" The Lightning Cat mewled lazily. Yun Yang could finally hear the difference. The Eclipse Panthers were "meow!" while the Lightning Cats was "meow~"; their difference was the weak vibrato at the end. However, this Lightning Cats size was at least four to five times larger than the Eclipse Panthers! When they got together, it looked more like a big cat leading three newborn kittens. Yun Yangs eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. The cat got bigger but the panthers were still so tiny. Yun Yang felt that he could totally find someone to b*llshit and make a bet, "My cat at home is four to five times bigger than a panther, do you believe it?" "No? Shall we place a wager then?" 102 The Return of Tie Zheng! The delighted Yun Yang checked cautiously and realized that the Lightning Cat Whitey Five had broken through the level limit of the Lightning Cat species, becoming the first Lightning Cat ever in Tianxuan Continent to break through to the fourth level. It was at the pinnacle of the fourth level! Just one more step could see it going into the fifth level. The other Eclipse Panthers improvement had Yun Yangs eyes glazed with shock as well. Eclipse Panthers, ninth level beginner mystical beasts! This was recorded clearly in the Illustrated Encyclopedia of All Beasts, there could be no mistake. However, if the three panthers of his were to continue growing at a normal speed from now on, they could go on to the ninth level pinnacle! And this was already being prudent. Forget everything else, the Eclipse Panthers ability now had already risen to the fifth level intermediate! These furry fluff balls had actually become extremely lethal. This current situation made Yun Yang feel more confident about himself. Like a fox assuming the tigers majesty, like a human borrowing the force of mystical beasts? However, the surprise did not stop there and continued to roll in in droves. In the courtyard, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were terribly excited. "How are you?" Fang Mofei asked. "How are you?" Lao Mei echoed, almost shaking with delight. "I am now at the seventh peak pinnacle I can go into eighth peak anytime I wish!" Even Fang Mofeis tongue was trembling from sheer excitement. "Ive finally gotten to the seventh level" Lao Mei was also thrilled. "I feel like Ive been dreaming all this while If this goes on, I can even challenge Dugu Chou next year!" "Tsk" Fang Mofei showed him an inappropriate finger. Challenge Dugu Chou? Dont you think youve thought too much of yourself, brother? When Yun Yang came out, both of them went over to him at once. "Young master, we have good news! Erk! Young master, have you broken through as well?" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. "This residence has really good Fengshui!" Fang Mofei felt that Residence of Yun was incredibly blessed. "Im hungry!" Yun Yang was famished. "Your meal hasbeen long prepared!" Lao Mei was winked triumphantly. Three men, three panthers and a cat moved towards the dining room together. The mystical meat was still piled in a heap in the center, but Big Eater Yun Yang only felt nauseated looking at the mountain of meat, feeling full before he actually ate. He sighed and sat down to eat. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei were already chowing and devouring the meal. They had no choice. They had to be quick when eating with their young master; you got nothing by being slow and then you would starve. However, both of them had realized only after wolfing down two catties of meat each that Yun Yang had actually only drunk a bowl of congee, ate less than half a catty of mystical meat, and two slices of fruit. He then wiped his hands and mouth, and stopped eating! Was he not eating anymore? With a loud clack, the bone between Lao Meis teeth fell as he was too shocked. "Young master, are you full?" "Yes, I am." Yun Yang looked at Lao Mei strangely, not realizing it himself, but his eyes bulged immediately. "Im full?" Fang Mofei and Lao Mei lowered their heads incredulously at the same time. "Im actually full!" Yun Yang was not done being surprised. "How much have I only eaten? Im actually full!" Both the elders felt speechless. Feeling his state, Yun Yang went out to practice a round of his punches before he entered again with an elated expression. "I''m full! full! This young master is really being blessed by the god, Im actually full today!" If others had heard this, they would probably think that this fellow had been starved for years. Who would have known that Yun Yang was really content to the point of bursting at the seams right now! His defect of having a massive appetite ever since he had gotten injured was miraculously cured after breaking through to the second stage of the Endless Divine Art! Acknowledging the fact that his voracious defect had recovered, Yun Yang realized another surprising delight, that his Endless Divine Art that attracted mystical beasts could be concealed if he did not cultivate intentionally. This made Yun Yang heave a huge sigh of relief! The end, finally! Possessing this superpower that could not be controlled was really a source for answers to his troubles! There was another surprise for Yun Yang C Towering Wind Pavilion had halted its business.Everyone inside had disappeared without a trace along with Shui Wuyin. Shui Wuyin mentioned that he was going home. Had he done so? Yun Yang kept feeling that there was a reason behind this; he seemed to have felt the pair of eyes that were staring at him with endless suspicion. Yun Yang had a feeling that Shui Wuyin would not disappear, he would not leave. He could even be waiting for his next move! It seemed that he would have to provide a clear explanation the next time they meet. Otherwise, this would be a massive misunderstanding! How was he going to explain though? Once he began to explain, it would tie everything and connect everything. Even Yun Yang felt an impending headache. Tiantang City was exceptionally quiet for the following dozen days, the calm prickling at Yun Yangs comfort. Nobody went to find fault with the Cirrus House anymore. The Board of Justice was still filled with anxiety and panic, searching for clues but they had no hints or signs work on. The three noble families had finally given up making a fuss at the Board of Justice but it was up to the witnesses to decide how heavy a grudge they held in their heart. This was because the young masters had gone to the crown princes residence instead C "Hand Shui Yuehan over!" Where could the crown prince find a Shui Yuehan to hand him over to? He was very much agitated as well; the three fellows would not budge, being difficult and shameless in using whatever tactics they had. This caused the crown prince a rather severe headache. All in all, the capital seemed to have returned to how it was. Yet Yun Yang felt the calm before the storm. The usual ferocious undercurrents had all disappeared in an instant! Yun Yang summoned the Nine Heavens Dictum to take note of any activity but there was nothing at all. "This can''t be good!" Yun Yangs alertness was cranked up to the highest notch! There must be a reason behind these things that were out of the ordinary. "The impression that I put up of Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan escaping through a prison break is probably too obvious. The Four Seasons Towers men must be investigating from this angle too. Although they could not be sure where Shui Yuehan had gone to, they were more familiar with Shui Yuehans personality" "So theyd find out one day And they definitely wont give up on things here." Yun Yang thought, "As long as someone in the Nine Supremes is alive, or has the possibility to be alive, they will never give up!" Other than focusing on the Four Seasons Towers response, Yun Yang had one more thing to do. Tie Zheng had returned! This commander that could be considered a legend of his time had committed a huge sin after staying at the Fortress of Resilience and rebuilding it C Tie Zheng had slaughtered everyone in the Residence of East Defense Protector! His reason? Treason! Although this had caused huge repercussions, it was ultimately suppressed by the joint efforts of His Majesty the emperor and several influential elders. Why Tie Zheng did this and dared to do this, was not without a reason. As a notable general, to be outflanked and attacked from the rear without any defense during a war was a great humiliation to Tie Zheng. Even when his opponent was Han Sanhe, Tie Zheng would not admit his loss; he would never be so foolish! He investigated meticulously after the war and finally found out that this matter was related to the Residence of East Defense Protector! Tie Zheng had a reason but he did not have proof, nor solid evidence. Actually, it was only normal to not have proof. The other party had already decided to do something akin to treason, how would they possibly have left any evidence? Therefore, with no other way and after hesitating for half a month, Tie Zheng went in for the kill himself. He was willing to just disregard reasoning and sensibility for once! "Even if I were to be beheaded, Id never allow such traitor to stay alive!" The Residence of East Defense Protector had not one soul remaining. Once that had happened, the civil officials in the consulate went berserk as did His Majesty the emperors headache. "Why did you kill so many officials of the imperial court?" "Because they committed treason!" "Do you have proof? Is your proof solid evidence?" "No!" "If not, then youre a treacherous official, an unscrupulous perpetrator, committing treason to your emperor and disregarding the nations law C your crimes are heinous!" "I have proof!" "And what proof is that?" "When Han Sanhe and I were engaged in the war, he could actually send troops to outflank me from the rear, and with precise timing too. If there wasn''t a traitor, this would be impossible!" "What kind of evidence is this? This is only your assumption!" "This is foolproof evidence!" "Youre being ridiculous!" "This is evidence I say!" Indeed, from the perspective of the military, this was foolproof evidence! Proof that had no place for doubt! In terms of warfare, it was still acceptable to be outflanked from the rear if it had been by the infantry since the infantry could use a number of methods, spreading out to lie low then rapidly reassembling they could even camouflage, there were various tactics. However, he was being outmaneuvered at the rear by thirty thousand cavalries! That was absurd! Forget Tie Zheng being a notable general. Even if it were an assistant general, he would never have made this absolutely foolish mistake! There must be a reason behind everything that had happened. Since the investigation showed relevance to Residence of East Defense Protector, there would be absolutely no mistake that they were involved! In other words, his massacre this time was not a mistake. Even Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin could guarantee this with their heads. On the other hand, the military side was obviously finding excuses for their own mistakes from the perspective of the civil officials. How dare you kill people so recklessly without any evidence? Just from the guarantee of words? Then allow things to end like this? What if we call you traitor how about that? Due to this, Yutangs imperial court was rendered into a heated argument; both civil and military sides about to roll up their sleeves to brawl with each other. It was after much persuasion that this matter was finally resolved. The military side would, of course, defend Tie Zheng with all their might. Besides, His Majesty did not plan to sentence Tie Zheng; the man had just achieved a merit. However, the stake was that the military did not think Tie Zheng was in the wrong and the civil abhorred this standpoint. They were very much against it and that had caused the never-ending argument. The emperor who was stuck in the middle was utterly troubled and ultimately fined Tie Zheng two years of his salary just to close the case. The civil was happy to see Tie Zheng actually being punished, at least he did not get away scot-free. Tie Zheng was not sentenced to any punishment but only a fine; the militarys view was that Tie Zheng was still innocent. Now, this man was finally returning. He was coming back for his marriage! "On the day of my marriage, all my brothers whether alive or dead shall have wine in their hands!" This was what Tie Zheng had said. He had sworn it on that day the war ended. "I am poor, I cant afford everyone to have a pot. But a goblet a person I shall do it even if I have to go bankrupt! Even if the latter half of my life were to be in debt for this marriage wine, this wine must be toasted!" Tie Zhengs words spread through the land of Empire of Yutang! Disregarding the troops in West, South, and North, just Tie Zhengs troops of the East alone totaled five hundred thousand headcounts! This included the fallen brothers, the veterans who enlisted in the war, the logistics support, the chariots Even with the most reserved estimation, Tie Zheng would have to prepare at least three million goblets of wine this time! 103 The Challenge of the Wine Money What a sum three million goblets would come up to! As a notable general of his time, it was socially unacceptable for Tie Zheng to provide wine that cost only a dozen copper coins per catty for his wedding. He would need the kind of liquor that came at a heftier price of ten silver taels and more per catty or even the more expensive ones. However, even with the cheapest wine at ten taels per catty which could serve three goblets with each catty, the estimated consumption of wine was at least one million catties. In other words, even without including the other costs for his wedding, he would need at least ten million silver taels for the wine alone! With Tie Zhengs salary as it was, he could not afford this sum even if he paid for it for over ten lifetimes. However, he was a man of his word, and he intended to go through with it, no matter the cost. Tie Zheng charged along to his destination. This time, however, he found that his state of mind allowed him to experience a huge difference from the time when he was setting off to war. Each man he encountered in theEmpire of Yutang seemed so much more affable and friendly! He had lost count of the number of people who had come forth to send him money on his way. "Here you go! Mere gold and silver taels to spend forthe marshals wedding!" "Marshal, please honor this wish and accept it!" Tie Zheng refused them all. He knew his promise was rash, foolish even; his brothers were all probably worried for him now. He would rather die poor than to take these brothers money and be in debt forever! Its my own prerogative to invite all of you for a goblet of wine for my wedding! Can I still call myself Tie Zheng if I spent your money to hold the wedding and buy wine? "When I get back, I will sell off the two manors His Majesty bestowed upon me; I can get about three million taels for those. I can also get another two million taels after selling whatever jade and gems we still have at home and all the rewards I''ve accumulated over all these years" "My savings and the smuggled goods from the war that I... ahem... didnt report... should be worth about three hundred to four hundred thousand taels. Selling my land title could get me about two hundred and seventy thousand taels. Id then have eight million taels." Tie Zheng added up all the sources of income in his head. "I would still need about three million taels. I can borrow that sum from Old Marshal Qiu and Marshal Leng, gather some from the generals in the Board of War. That should be enough!" "No matter what it takes, whether they are alive or have perished in the war, I must let my brothers share this goblet of wedding wine with me! "This is the wine thatI, Tie Zheng, owe everyone! This is the wine all my brothers ought to drink!" "I will not allow His Majesty to pay for the this. The treasury is already empty, the remaining fortune left should be given as pension to my brothers. I cant take that money to drink." "I, Tie Zheng, can still afford wine for my own wedding!" The thirty-six loyal guards by his side were also discussing among themselves. "How much can you get your hands on?" "Less than ten thousand. Ill think of ways to make it ten thousand, there shouldn''t be a problem toreach ten thousand." "My familys rather well off. I can get a hundred thousand, a hundred and twenty thousand if I try hard enough. I shall endeavor to make it that number." "I am ashamed. Ive spent them all through these years. I only have a hundred taels on me. Let me think of something, borrow from people. Ill gather five thousand taels, would that be alright?" "F*cking hell, Wu Olsecond, you actually didn''t save up for this critical period?" "Im actually poorer than Wu Olsecond" After a round of arithmetics, it was discovered that twenty-seven of the thirty-six guards were poor as paupers. They had the heart but not the capability. The brothers shared a look of exasperation. The leader lamented loudly in frustration, "You rascals, I see all of you spending lavishly like the f*cking rich folks How can all of you be so pathetic when it comes to serious matters?" The faces of all twenty-seven of them fell. It was true C a man without money is no man at all. It was a saying that would hold true always. "Its mainly because were always going to war. The twenty-seven of us dont have spouses and children, our parents have passed on and we dont have any family left. Whats the use of money to us? It''s best if we spend them all in the afternoon right after we get the money in the morning. What a waste it would be if we died one day but our moneys not spent!" "I didnt simply spend them all though Once I got them, I gave them all to the families of our fallen brothers. Who knew this would happen!" The men exchanged looks with a deep sigh. "Whatever it is, the marshal is getting married. This wedding must be perfect! Glamorous!" The team leader was slowly losing his mind. "Cant you fellows go rob the rich and help the poor?" He was really at his wits end, to actually talk about robbing the rich and helping the poor. "None of you go!" Tie Zhengs voice was layered with an edge. "Each of you picked your life from the battlefield arduously, are you fellows so impatient to meet death right after the war? Not one of you is to speak anything more! Your father is rich! The wedding wine wont make your father poor!" "Keep your money! Those without wives, find a woman and leave your lineage!" Tie Zhengs expression was dark. "What is the use of spending it all on your father? Even if your father is in debt everywhere, Im still the one with a wife! All you single people, dont follow me blindly!" Those who were familiar with each other would know each other well; how could the thirty-six janissaries not know the background of their general? All of them were glum and in low spirits. "What pitiful look are all of you trying to sport? Tiantang City is right in front of us!" Tie Zheng warned with a low voice, "We are all meritorious officials! We are heroes. Show me the spirit of a hero! Look at your pathetic faces now" All thirty-six of them hummed, rubbing their faces at once to look ruddy and spirited. They tidied their attire too, brushing their warhorses once before mounting the steeds and charging vivaciously. Just as they passed a forest, the wind suddenly blew as leaves in front of the squad were rolled into a long line. "Hush!" Tie Zheng stopped his steed, as thirty-six riders behind him followed suit. A voice came from the forest, "Marshal Tie, since youve come, why not come meet me in the forest?" The voice was soft and elegant. Tie Zheng replied, "Who are you? If you intend to meet me, why do you hide in the trees?" The voice answered, "Dont worry, we are friends!" "Friends?" Tie Zheng scoffed, "Why dont I remember having such a reclusive friend?" As he spoke, his hand had already gone to the grip of his sword. Behind him, all thirty-six riders had their swords in hand as well, even as they held their bows and arrows ready. The person in the forest kept quiet for a bit and said, "It''s all right if you refuse to come in." Suddenly, a package landed in front of him with a thud. The elegant voice said, "Marshal Tie, this is my lords congratulatory gift for Marshal Ties marriage!" Before the voice could fade from the air, the silhouette on the other side had already vanished. Tie Zheng looked at the red-clothed package in front of him with a suspicious gaze. Urging his steed forward, he carefully flipped the package over with his twenty-five-foot long spear. Instantly, Tie Zhengs face flushed as his body trembled. Springing up, he shouted, "Honorable one! Please hold up! Brother! Brother hold up!" However, there was no answer. Tie Zheng catapulted into the forest, not caring if there was an ambush inside. He made a few rounds, eventually finding a rock that was clean as if someone had sat on it. Walking over anxiously, he saw a note pressed onto the rock. There were words written on it, "Congratulations on Brother Ties marriage. Wishing you a harmonious union lasting a hundred years and may both of you be blessed with a son soon. The wedding wine shall be on me." The message was short but it was signed off with a motif resembling a ball of flame. A burning flame in the middle, surrounded by nine stars! Tie Zheng was trembling then, words could not describe the remorse he felt. Why had he not entered earlier? Why had he been so suspicious? "Marshal!" The leader finally caught up with him. "Marshal... there is twelve million taels worth of banknotes in the package!" He was excited, but deep down, he heaved a sigh. He knew his marshal well. With the marshals temper, he would not accept the money, especially when it had come out of nowhere. "Keep it!" Tie Zhen exclaimed with a sigh. "Yes, I shall send it right back I beg your pardon?" The leaders eyes almost bulged out of their sockets in shock. "Keep it?" F*ck me. Did the marshal say it wrong or did I hear it wrong? We brothers were gathering the sum so sincerely for him and the marshal has rejected us all. How can he just accept the money now? What about being family, being brothers? Are we no longer brothers now? "This is a congratulatory gift from the nine sirs! He said that the wedding wine would be on him." Tie Zheng smiled humorlessly. "I can reject the world, reject His Majesty even but I cant reject the nine sirs money, I cant say no!" His words made the janissaries leader shake with agitation. "Nine C nine sirs?" 104 Letter of Credence. Four Great Popinjays Tie Zhengs wedding preparations were underway. This wedding would be the greatest event for the entire nations army! Nobody could have thought that a seemingly foolish and ridiculous promise would make a generals wedding the unprecedented wedding of the Empire of Yutang! No wedding would be grander than this one, no wedding had more meaning behind it than Tie Zhengs wedding! The twentieth of the tenth month would be the date of Tie Zhengs wedding. There was still two and a half months time from now but the impending wedding had shaken all the countries across the continent C all brothers, alive or deceased would have a goblet to drink and celebrate together. The Empire of Yutangs army all felt that they could stand taller when they were walking on the street. The excitement was not only in the Empire of Yutang. The news had made all the east continent militants blood boil. Dayuan, Tianci and the other empires Board of War, as well as their generals, had all sent their regards. "Can an enemy of the battlefield have a goblet of drink too?" Even the Empire of Dongxuans Board of War, whom they had just ended a war with, sent a letter personally signed off by Han Sanhe over. "Congratulations from a fellow militant! May we attend the generals wedding for a goblet of wine?" There was, of course, a debate taking place in Yutangs imperial court over this matter. The civils thought that Tie Zheng was creating something out of nothing, trying to pander to everyone and get into their good books. Even the chief generals from the enemy nations wanted to attend the wedding Cwhat was this supposed to mean? A lot of people with their own theories were sure that the other nations were here to spy on the militarys intelligence in the name of wedding wine. With such considerations, this ridiculous farce should be ended right there and then. At least, the other nations should not be allowed to join! However, His Majesty the emperor of Empire of Yutang was exceptionally resolute this time, standing strong against all objections and sending a letter of credence. "To the seven warriors of five empires, a promise from a man of men C there shall be no war before the new year for there to be wine in times of peace. Can we all agree on this? " Each reigning monarch of the empires responded to this letter of credence at once C "Agreed. There shall be no war before the new year." The letters of credence that brought peace were announced to the world accordingly and there was not a single soul that did not know of this in the entire east continent. All the notable generals of the east continent were about to gather in Tiantang City to attend Tie Zhengs wedding, to drink the wine that belonged to brothers in the battlefield! However, time was running out quickly; there was only two and a half months time left after all. The entire Tiantang City was abuzz with excitement. Some generals who had longer journeys to be made had even begun their treks from their home countries already. This was all for nothing but their brothers in the battlefield. There was no distinction between host and enemy, they all possessed the souls of heroes. To hoist a goblet of wedding wine for their perished brothers was the shared wish of all militants! However, such a wish was a wild one, an extravagant hope that could barely be fulfilled in their empire. Forget the common generals, the chief generals of higher status was even less likely to do it. Even if they had wanted to, their emperor would be doubtful C What are you trying to do, inviting so many people to your wedding? Are you buying your way into their hearts with your wedding wine? The generals achievements were already incredibly meritorious that an emperor''s achievements would pale in comparison. If they did something like this, they would really be beheaded. It was their life-time regret that they were not being able to organize it. However, this rare opportunity had finally come since someone else had managed to pull it off. They could not be bothered about the long stretch of distance then, not even by the fact that it was for a nation. I have to go. A lot of the generals were burning with passion. To ask for a goblet of wine for my fallen brothers, even if this was the wedding wine of the enemy, this wine belongs to all militants in the world! Even if I have to die in Yutang for this, its still worth it to be able to drink this wine! . No one could have expected that a farce in the eyes of the civilians, a mere militants wedding, could become an unprecedentedly grand occasion that all the armies from the continent would be joining! It was a festive event for the militants. This occasion was not only unprecedentedly grand, it would be hard to be on par with in the future! Yun Yang sat quietly under the flower canopy, taking note of the intelligence coming from all around. He still lacked the confidence to face the enemys inexplicable lurking. They had actually slithered away after failing to land even a single strike. This was somewhat dissimilar from the regular behaviour of the Four Seasons Tower. At the same time though, Yun Yang believed that once they attacked again, it would be one of massive destruction! This was because they were already sure that there was still someone alive among the Nine Supremes, and as long as one of them were alive, they would never give up! They would only advance to increasingly intense tactics and a terrifying strength in the future. The East, South, West, and North Family had left Tiantang City soundlessly, taking along with them their influence. However, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Familys young masters were insistent and stayed in Tiantang City. Other than finding fault with the crown princes residence regularly, they also frequented Cirrus House. Qiu Yunsan was released from being grounded and had joined the gang. He was beaten up by Dong Tianleng, his nose being pointed even while he was being warned, "Hit on my sister once more and I shall skin you alive!" Qiu Yunsan was honest like a teething child. "Needless to say even if you beg me to, I wont dare to Im still limping now." Qiu Yunsan shuddered as he thought of it, terror surfacing on his face. "Have you guys seen a storm?" The other three popinjays reveled in his misery. "Oh, right. Dong Tianleng, wheres that fellow who was with you the other day?" Chun Wanfeng fanned his green folding fan. If it were not for the green bamboo shoot on his head, he would actually look rather graceful. "Why is it that I haven''t seen him of late?" "Who are you speaking of?" Dong Tianleng said irked. "Thats my boss!" "Your boss?" Three popinjays exclaimed at the same time. Dong Tianleng was on guard at once, realizing that he had inadvertently leaked the information, he quickly tried to salvage the situation. "Hmm, my boss, I dont know him!" "Right, and are we to understand you?" Three popinjays nodded seriously, while Yun Zuiyue smiled on the other side. With her intelligence and knowledge, how could she not know that these fellows were talismans Yun Yang had arranged for her? With these guys around, it was basically the power of four noble families guarding her shop. Who dared to trifle with her? Yun Yang had really put in a lot of effort. Therefore, Yun Zuiyue mingled with these four fellows easily, calling them brothers and ridding them of any charges for the wine and fun. While this made all four young masters felt honored and unexpectedly loved, they were guilty inside, feeling like they were too much in debt towards this new sister. Now that Yun Zuiyue heard them talking about Yun Yang, with a thought in mind, she said, "Young Master Chun is right, Young Master Yun has indeed not come for some days now. But its normal too. Hes seldom visited last time; hes the young master of Marquis Yun after all, he should be quite busy usually" "Young master of Marquis Yun" Qiu Yunsan, Xia Bingchuan, and Chun Wanfengs eyes all shone at one. Dong Tianleng was unhappy with the proceedings. He did not expect Yun Zuiyue to expose Yun Yangs background just like that. He could no longer hide it There was a ninety-nine percent chance that he would not get to take the lions share now. What was there to do? Dong Tianlengs eyes flitted around, thinking of a countermeasure. The other three were also making the same eye exercises, thinking that very surely the person who helped Dong Tianleng secretly was this Young Master Yun Yang! What should I do to pull this strong force of assistance to me then? Yun Zuiyue sipped the wine with her red lips, a gentle smile on her face. Young brother, earn what you can among four of them then. You should have enough advantages for you. "Alright, alright. Ill go invite our boss over. Let us drink together." Dong Tianleng said, "You folks wait here." The other three were reluctant. "What are you saying? Your boss is our boss, how can you go alone? Not only does this not honor our boss, its not giving us face as well! "Yeah, we are all brothers. Your boss is my boss. Dong Tianleng, what do you mean by that? Are you trying to show that youre above us all?" "Exactly. Dong Tianleng is so cunning and deceiving, hes obviously trying to instigate a misunderstanding between the boss and us! He might even speak poorly of us in front of boss if he goes alone" "It must be so" "You! " Dong Tianleng glared at the three hapless people. "I have never seen anyone as shameless as the lot of you!" What do you mean your boss? Have you fellow even met him? You fellows havent even spoken a word to him and all of you are calling him so intimately. Do I want to ask if all of you are this respectful to the elders in your families? "I must get to know such a lord. As long as I see him, I, Chun Wanfeng am prepared only to see him!" "From today onwards, I, Qiu Yunsan, shall look up only to boss!" "My lord is courageous and intelligent, a gifted genius; theres nothing he cant do. I, Xia Bingchuan, am willing to follow him forever till the end of the world!" "Hey, hey, hey!" Dong Tianleng shouted with a glare, "Can all of you stop acting like youre close to him? Thats my lord! Only mine! You guys havent even seen him, what relations are you trying to make? Who was it that asked me yesterday, Dong Tianleng, how come the fellow with you the other day hasn''t come recently? How come hes become a lord today?" Xia Bingchuan said lamely, "Thats Chun Wanfeng, hes the one who said that." "I didnt! That was you, why are you putting the blame on me?" Chun Wanfeng retorted immediately. Xia Bingchuan was angered. "Chun Wanfeng, that line saying, One glance tells me the handsome fellow with Dong Tianleng is a paid escort. You said at least this, didnt you?" "B*llshit! Qiu Yunsan even said that one glance at the man with Dong Tianleng says that he has a kidney deficiency! He probably has erectile dysfunction too "You fellows fight it out, what does it have to do with me?" Qiu Yunsan raged. "Just dont incite ill feelings between me and boss." The three of them were flustered in anger, trying to expose each other; Dong Tianleng watched the three of them tussle with a scoff. "Who is it thats scolding me?" Following an angry voice, a silhouette appeared by the door with a dark expression. "Id only drank once with Dong Tianleng. How could my reputation become so ugly to the ears?" All four of them turned their head in shock. A tall figure with a handsome, poised, face stood gracefully by the door, loose strands of hair fluttering in the breeze; he looked as if he could vanish with the wind at any time. He wore a purple robe, his appearance light and carefree. It was none other than Yun Yang. 105 Instigation of the Boss "Boss!" Dong Tianleng sprung up. "The three of them are talking behind your back! All three of these arent good people, theyre all two-faced! My lord, you have to be careful when making acquaintances with them. Dont be deceived by these contemptible rats!" "Dong Tianleng, you bastard! Boss! My lord!. I wasnt talking about you earlier. I am Chun Wanfeng. Do you know me, my lord? Its fine if you dont, well know each other well enough after today. You shall be my boss from now on!" Chun Wanfeng wore the face of a sycophant, sliding over like a slug as he spewed flattering praise. "Boss! My birth lord!" Xia Bingchuan looked agitated, tears coming from nowhere as if he was about to sob. "Ive finally found you! From today onwards, I, Xia Bingchuan, shall serve you unto death!" "Boss, my lord" Qiu Yunsan stumbled forward with a limp. "My lord! Ive finally met you. My boss, have pity on me that my legs were almost broken to meet you, they still havent recovered to this day. From now on, Id never dare to oppose where my lord wants me to go! I shall never defy your instructions!" It was a shocking scene for the three of them to rush forward simultaneously. At least, Yun Yang himself was shocked. What was going on? He still heard these people talking about the person with Dong Tianleng just the other day. How could they change in just a blink of an eye? However, Yun Yangs attention was attracted by something else. "Youre Qiu Yunsan?" Yun Yangs gaze scanned Qiu Yunsan from head to toe, his eyes hostile. If it were not for this guy, would he be at such a passive spot? "Im Qiu Yunsan" Qiu Yunsan was rather perplexed C why is the boss glaring at me? "My lord, you can call me Little Qiu or Little San. Your tone is scaring me" "I just got beaten up" Qiu Yunsan rolled his pants up to complete his pitiful look, pointing and saying, "Look, boss, my feet are still swollen" "Serves you right!" Yun Yang scoffed, "Well, you have eyes, dont you? This is only the first time. Try me and say that you want to marry Yun Zuiyue as a concubine tonight. I dare you!" Qiu Yunsan moaned, "I don''t dare to anymore, boss. That Keeper Mi is to be blamed for all this, it has nothing to do with me!" "Nothing to do with you? If you weren''t so stupid, it wouldn''t have been such a mess!" Yun Yang had already sat down as he continued to talk. "You jumped right into a trap they have dug for you. You have to thank your uncle, or else youd be dead now!" A hint of menace flashed across Qiu Yunsans face. "My uncle told me about this too F*cking hell! Mi has stepped too far! This has not ended yet!" "So" Yun Yang felt that he had already provoked the man enough so he might as well add the last fuel to the fire. "Forget the fact that Im qualified to be your lord but I wont be willing to have such an easy catch as my follower." Yun Yang smiled. "Who would have known that you would drag me into the rabbit hole. Its better not to have such a subordinate." Yun Yangs gaze swept pass Dong Tianleng. The man in question was immediately compelled by justice. "That''s right! Look at the mess youve caused. Not only were you used by them, you involved the three of us too, being held in the Board of Justices prison for the night. Its such an undeserved disaster Do we have to give our all if it werent for you? Weve been totally dragged into this by you, dont you go pulling our boss into it!" Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan might be bad at other things but they were exceptionally proficient when it came to adding fuel to the fire. "Exactly. Ive never heard anything so sensible from Dong Tianleng." "Yes, Old Qiu, really, youre just like an unlucky star of late." "Look at how youve troubled Sister Yue!" "Look at how youve troubled us!" "Look at how youve made my face grow small pox!" "Maybe he caused us to lose to Dong Tianleng earlier. Since when did we ever lose?" All three of them stopped suddenly. Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan said at the same time, "F*cking hell this f*cking makes sense!" Qiu Yunsan was in despair as he heard them accuse him, retorting angrily, "Just you guys wait. If I I cant have a better payback at him within three months" Dong Tianleng commented nonchalantly, "Oh, a self-appointed duration of three months? Its so short! It will pass soon enough. I see, let me make an oath too. If I dont become peerless within three thousand years, I shall kill myself C clear-cut and direct, this I swear to god!" Xia Bingchuan and Chun Wanfeng guffawed in support of his proclamation. "If I dont die within three thousand years, Ill hang myself!" "If I cant urinate while riding the sun once within the next thirty thousand years, Ill slit my own throat!" Qiu Yunsan was trembling with anger, his face turning pale from the rage. "Just you wait! If I dont make this bastard pay in three days, I wont take my family name as Qiu!" Yun Yang quickly saved the situation. "Everyone is just joking. Why are you being so serious? Come, come, drink, drink." Seeing that the boss had stepped forth to make peace, all of them broke into smiles as they made continuous toasts. Yun Yang gulped them all down, the group calling each other brothers in familiarity once again. Only Qiu Yunsan still wore a long face, unable to put his pride aside. He was being ganged up on. Although he forced a smile to drink with Yun Yang, he went back to sulking when he turned his head. After some time, when everyone was feeling warm and fuzzy from the alcohol, a loud shattering crack rang out loudly. Clang! Qiu Yunsan threw the goblet on the floor abruptly, crushing the porcelain, as he said with red eyes, "How dare he set me up! I must kill that bastard!" His sudden exclamation shocked everyone. They then watched Qiu Yunsan get up abruptly and charged out in an inexplicable rage. Yun Yang frowned and gave Dong Tianleng a look. "Quickly, go talk to him." Dong Tianleng ran out in reluctant pursuit. The group stopped drinking then, hearing Dong Tianlengs voice floating in from the outside. "Look at you, how can you be such a wet blanket? Everyones drinking and having a great time. What are you doing? Are you angry at being set up? Its not your first or second time anyway, you have to get used to it! Look at your unfortunate face, who knows you might get set up again if you''re going to find Mi this time!" Yun Yang stared wide-eyed in surprise as he said, "Is this his idea of advice?" Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan were both laughing, sharing a look that spoke volumes. I knew it! Stupid as expected. Indeed, Dong Tianleng walked in with a puffed chest but said helplessly, "Boss, Ive persuaded and advised him with much effort. Ive put myself in his place and mulled over what he has said but he didnt want to listen. I have no other way." With so much effort, put yourself in his place! You f*cking know how to use those words! Yun Yang was exasperated and warned the gathered men, "Dont ever let him make a big fuss over this. Tiantang City is not at peace now, the military force from all the nations are coming over. Its the calm before the storm, uncomparable to the usual days. If anything really happened to Qiu Yunsan here, you fellows know the aftermath. I wont be pulled into this but you three will be held accountable. Be careful in whatever you do." Dong Tianleng and the other two were moved to tears as they said, "We brothers will remember the boss reminder. Dont worry, Qiu Yunsan is just ill-tempered. It will pass after a while, nothing big will happen." "Dont provoke him when you meet him again." Yun Yang reminded good-naturedly, "Its just bickering, enough is enough. I realized all of you are really sharp-tongued!" Three of them chortled jovially, "Thats because you havent witnessed Qiu Yunsans real personality, boss. If this had happened to us, that bastards even more sharp-tongued than we are! Weve given him enough respect seeing as to how youre here today." "Yes, thats right. If we give our all, we could have ganged up on himuntil he hangs himself!" Yun Zuiyue sat aside, watching how Yun Yang easily instigated this matter and easily removed himself from it. He did everything so effortlessly, subtle throughout the process. She was genuinely impressed. This young brothers tactics were really powerful in the sense that he could turn tables around as easily as a flip of palm; the opposing party had provoked Qiu Yunsan to kick up a fuss and he had instigated him to do the same right away. His tactics were clean and straightforward. No matter who he faced, he could adapt right away, adjusting what he should say, what tone he should use, what attitude he should sport. Everything was just right. "A rare talent indeed!" Yun Zuiyue thought to herself. This is an exceptional figure who could steady himself and take charge or mess up the situation whichever was called for, wherever and whatever environment hes in! Was there actually such a notable figure in the Nine Supremes? Why didnt Flame tell me about it if there was? "Ive been studying something in this period of time," Yun Yang said. "What is it?" Dong Tianleng and gang asked simultaneously. Dong Tianleng had long been loyal to Yun Yang while Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan felt that Yun Yang was someone great who could be befriended just shortly after coming into contact with him. Honest, passionate, friendly, straightforward, loyal to the brotherhood, considerate, flawlessly gentlemanly, with an elegance that hinted at wealthy grace, traces of delinquency that us young masters like the most. This is someone who doesnt mind fooling around with his own people but is absolutely unreasonable to outsiders C exactly like me! Therefore, these two popinjays had turned from favor-seekers to sincerely wanting to be friends in a very short amount of time. This was an extremely big change of heart. Yun Yang said, "Is there a possibility for mystical beasts, beyond the established rationale or perhaps, extremely accustomed frame of thought, to break through and advance to a higher level?" Yun Yangs words seemed random, the three popinjays stared wide-eyed as they listened to his question. All six eyes came close to popping and falling out of their sockets! 106 To Be Called Sister-In-Law. No Regrets in This Life "Wha C what did you say?" All three of the popinjays stuttered through the question. "I dont know if each noble family has their own secret methods but I personally think there is such a possibility." Yun Yang continued, "Do you still remember your double-headed lion? Does it work, after I''ve trained it?" "It works, it absolutely works!" Dong Tianleng''s agreement was tainted with some small measure of guilt, as he looked at both Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan awkwardly. They both snorted in anger and looked towards Yun Yang with heated gazes. "Actually, the method to train the Double-headed Elysian Lion was previously only limited to increasing its spirituality and breaking through its initial behavior and actions. Although there would be an improvement in its ability, it did not touch the natural classification of mystical beasts level yet. Im still experimenting with the methods to break through the classification barrier. Actually, even if its successful, there might not be much improvement." Yun Yang knew that the temporary congeniality was not the way to go with these noble young masters. These four people looked na?ve but Yun Yang was clearly aware that they were not as simple as they seemed. How could they really be that foolish when they could, one day, be sent out by the four noble families to roam the martial arts world themselves? These four might look like they were easily deceived but if he really believed that, he would most probably be the biggest fool among them. He was useful and they wanted to befriend him, they would do whatever it took; however, if he became useless, then they would do whatever it took as well. Once there was a benefit to cutting ties, it was not impossible for them to betray him. On the other hand, they would be less likely to turn on him if he could promise some sort of benefit and continue to remain as their boss or even subdue them completely. As for the said benefit, it had to be something they could not reject and could not achieve themselves! Dong Tianleng was already asking impatiently, "So how much improvement would there be?" Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuans gazes were heated, as they held their breaths. "I really dare not say how much it will be now," Yun Yang said, "At most, I can make it go from beginner to pinnacle. It would still be impossible to go pass the level barrier! For example, Ican enhance a seventh level beginner mystical beast to the seventh level pinnacle" Yun Yang nodded thoughtfully. Dong Tianleng was shaking with excitement. "What if its a ninth level beginner mystical beast?" Yun Yang replied, "Based on the same theory, it would improveto the ninth level pinnacle." He raised his head and looked at Dong Tianleng with some surprise. "You can''t infer the outcome from the analogy?" "Forgive him, he''s rather slow." Chun Wanfengs teeth were chattering with delight as he pushed forward and asked, "Boss, are you sure you could really advance a ninth level beginner mystical beast to ninth level pinnacle?" Yun Yang was stumped and pondered upon it for a bit. He finally replied, "Youve asked the main point of this all. Im really not entirely certain but I want to slowly perfect this study of mine. I guess I''ve succeeded in a small part of it." Three pairs of eyes shone even brighter. "However, fostering a mystical beast to break through its level barrier must start from the point when its young and it must be trained in all aspects." Yun Yang said seriously, "Otherwise, the chance is slim." "Of course, of course!" Three of them nodded like chickens pecking rice. Their hearts were thumping vigorously. How much would the difference between a ninth level beginner mystical beast and a ninth level pinnacle mystical beast be? The most reserved illustration would be that a ninth level pinnacle mystical beast could effortlessly wipe out ten ninth level beginner mystical beasts! In addition, this ninth level pinnacle beast might not even be wounded in this battle; it would, at most, be a little tired. This was the significantly vast difference between the two, the difference between heaven and earth! Thinking about the early days of the East, South, West, and North families, the Ximen family had only risen to fame because their old ancestors had a ninth level ace mystical beast that their family had developed step by step. Although Ximen Family had kept boasting that it was a ninth level pinnacle beast, they were all from the eight noble families C who would not know the truth? If their family could own a ninth level pinnacle mystical beast Three of them were suddenly anxious. They needed to let their family know about this quickly; they had to get their hands on a baby ninth level beginner mystical beast, regardless of the cost! Dong Tianleng was the most impatient one as he beamed with the aim to please. "If I have a ninth level beginner mystical beast, boss, could you you know... help out?" Yun Yang rolled his eyes and said, "Can you count the chickens before the eggs hatch? I have had some results with my experiment but please dont assume that I am God. Do you think its easy to foster a mystical beast? This includes a lot of conditions like mystical crystals, spiritual jades, treasured gems, all of them in large quantities. Mainly, Im still exploring. You think high-level mystical beasts are so easily found? That you can lay hands on them anytime you want? However, if you could fulfill all the conditions, we are brothers on clear terms. I can still help you once we set those terms." Yun Yang sighed. "We are all brothers. Are you fellows calling me boss just for fun? But theres something I need to make clear C if this is made known to others, I will never have another peaceful day in my life again" "We shall never let others know about this!" Three of them made a wicked oath but all of them were joyous. The boss had said, "Are you fellows calling me boss for fun?"; he had said "you fellows" and not "you". This meant that everyone was involved. This was simply amazing! Nobody would be so foolish as to announce such thing. It was good enough for them to stay quiet and earn from it. "Also, all of you should work together more in the future" Yun Yang put up the front of a boss and chided, "Four noble families belong to the same root. You fellows are reveling in the misery of Qiu Yunsan being set up, are you not? If I were to be set up in the future, would you fellows do the same to me?" "Boss, we are in the wrong. We really didnt handle this properly, there wont be a next time!" Dong Tianleng, Chun Wanfeng, and Xia Bingchuan reflected upon themselves sincerely. "We are sure to be united and love each other! If the boss faces anything, we are willing to risk any trouble for you!" "Shut up! Stop trying to impress me!" Yun Yang rolled his eyes and waved his hand. "I know you fellows are impatient. Go send the message to your families. Come back to drink after that and dont say that I''ve not been considerate." "Thank you, boss!" All three of them sprung up at once. Within a breath, they were gone. Yun Yang turned and looked at Yun Zuiyue, who sat up straight. "Young brother, do you have something to say to me?" Yun Zuiyue asked a little worriedly. "Nothing that is of importance. Sister-in-law, you dont have to be so cautious." Yun Yang smiled easily. Yun Zuiyue felt like a thunderbolt had just struck her. Sister-in-law! Yun Yang had always been reluctant to call her sister-in-law. Why did he call her that so naturally now? Why? Moisture shone at the corners of Yun Zuiyues eyes as she trembled in disbelief and delighted surprise. "Young brother, you what what did you call me?" "Sister-in-law." Yun Yang said again, each word clearly enunciated. "Fifth brother says you are his wife, regardless whether hes dead or alive!" Yun Zuiyue took two quick breaths, her beautiful face suddenly flushed as tears began to fall. She covered her mouth; her other hand started to move to wipe away her tears but they lingered on at her side. "That heartless" Yun Zuiyue sobbed. "Hes finally opened his eyes" Tears were still streaming down her face as she chuckled. "Im not yet married to him. On what grounds does he flatter himself so" Yun Yang smiled. "However, I can still only call you Sister Yue in front of others, I hope sister-in-law can forgive me this." Yun Zuiyue was glowing. "You should. Besides, you will only cause me trouble if you call me sister-in-law." This was obviously only to comfort Yun Yang. How Yun Zuiyue wished to let the whole world know that she was now a sister-in-law! I, Yun Zuiyue, am wedded now! "Where is he now?" Yun Zuiyue was crying and smiling, asking even as she wiped her tears away. "He cant come back for the time being." Yun Yang said carefully, "Perhaps hell need a very very long time" "Ill wait, no matter how long it takes!" Yun Zuiyue stopped Yun Yang from going on with a raised hand and said seriously, "Brother, come, let us have a toast to celebrate that heartless boy, who has finally become a man today!" Yun Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry. He wondered how fifth brother Supreme Flame, who had always been like a firebrand, would respond if he had heard this comment. Yun Zuiyue emptied her goblet. Emotions danced in her eyes with a look of sultriness as she said, "Young brother, do you know? That this is the most gratifying, the most comforting, the most content, and the happiest goblet of wine Ive drunk after so many years!" "From now on, I am promised to someone in this life!" "From now on, I have somewhere to pour this love!" "From now on, I have someplace for this heart to belong to!" Yun Zuiyue chuckled, her eyes blurred with tears as she said, "From now on, I have no regrets in this life!" Yun Yang could only feel a wave of sadness gushing upwards, threatening to clog his throat up. He coughed and said, "I am very happy as well." He raised his goblet to empty it, feeling all sorts of flavors and tastes within that single goblet. Dong Tianleng and the other two fellows were back soon enough, happily wishing to drink until they passed out. Yun Zuiyue excused herself, saying that she could not stay up late and went back to rest. Her retreating steps were extremely light though, a liveliness that belonged to a teenage girl in love. Yun Yang had even heard the easy chuckles that Yun Zuiyue could not help but let out just as she exited the room. However, the gaiety was like a sharp needle that pierced Yun Yangs heart. What should he do in the future? Yun Yang had no idea. He felt like a futile tinker, mending with all his might the upper part of a net that was torn at the bottom. It was a lie that would crumble at the slightest touch. Yun Yangs group of four drank while they chatted. Other than Yun Yang, who was inwardly heavy-hearted but did not let anything show on the surface, the other three looked slightly nervous, as if waiting for something. Finally, the doors banged open as a person charged in through them. "Young master, its bad!" It was Dong Tianlengs guard who had dashed in; it was an expert of the sixth peak but anxiety was written all over his face. "Young Master Qiu is in big trouble!" 107 Borrowing a Saber but Getting a Bomb Instead "What is it?" Dong Tianleng asked worriedly. "Young Master Qiu, he Young Master Qiu" The guard was gasping for breath. "Hed catch people from the Mi Family and is currently parading them through the street in the middle of the night towards the tavern." Dong Tianleng and the other two young masters sucked in a cold breath. All three of them felt a spasm course through their faces. This great Young Master Qiu Yunsan was indeed swift to take action. He had avenged himself in no time at all, directly seizing all the family members of the Keeper Mi. However, this was turning out to be a huge calamity! This Keeper Mi was no ordinary businessman but the Minister of the Imperial Household! He held a high position that could reach out to the emperor if he wanted to. What are you doing capturing all his family members so openly, armed only with the status of a noble young master from the martial arts world? Even if the Qiu family were great enough to surpass the common law, you are creating a ruckus in the capital! It was stepping over the line and totally unjustifiable. Although he had an uncle who was the chief militant in the imperial court, Old Marshal Qiu, he still could not get away just by relying on him! Yun Yangs hand that was holding the goblet quivered as well. Here I am, still thinking on the tactic to use as revenge; Ive even thought of hundreds and thousands of them but I would never have thought that youd use such a direct, unreasonable, simple, violent, and brainless tactic, big brother! Yun Yang was rendered speechless. My initial thought was only to borrow a saber to do the dirty work. It would have done the job just fine. Simply put, I just wanted to borrow a saber but you threw me a bomb and a lighted one at that! "Uh oh!" All four of them said it at the same time. "Lets go over quickly and see if we can still turn things around!" Dong Tianleng sprung up like his rear end was on fire. "F*ck me, were really doomed to being dragged drown by this unlucky star. Oh my God, please dont kill anyone! Weare all doomed if you really do" All four of them dashed out the door. Yun Yang looked calm and collected but he felt a roiling turmoil inside. Other than feeling completely f*cked, he had no other thoughts of the behavior of these great young masters. The quartet had just arrived at the Tower To Heaven Inn but could not even call out to Qiu Yunsan as the third troop had made their way here too. The one leading them was none other than Old Marshal Qiu! Obviously, the old man was infuriated. He could not be blamed for feeling that way though. As far at the eye could see, the foyer of the inn where Qiu Yunsan was at was filled with over a hundred people. These were all residents at the Mi Family residence, they were all family members of Keeper Mi; these included very distant relatives but all of them had been seized by Young Master Qiu as well! Due to the hour at which they were captured, a lot of the captives were not even wearing clothes, shuddering with cold within a bedsheet wrapped around their bodies, their faces full of terror or lost in a daze. "You have to pay the price of tricking your father!" Qiu Yunsan was murderous, the veins on his neck popping. "I dont care if youre some f*cking Minister of the Imperial Household or Minister of the Mini Household. How dare you scheme against your father! If that thing without a d*ck is not here to give your father an explanation before dawn, your father shall bury all these people alive!" "Rascal!" Old Marshal Qiu was infuriated and growled in a deafening roar, "Release them at once!" "No!" Qiu Yunsan was determined as he shouted back, "Old Marshal Qiu, youre the marshal of the Empire of Yutang but this here today is about personal vengeance. Theres no place for you to poke your nose in!" The child did not even address him as uncle now. Old Marshal Qiu was seeing red, seething as his eyes darted around in search of a stick. "Does uncle wish to teach me a lesson? You and I are both descendants of the Qiu Family. Theres nothing undeserving if youre teaching this nephew a lesson with this identity of yours!" Qiu Yunsan stared right at the old marshals raging eyes. "But your identity now is the Empire of Yutangs marshal, uncle. One side is for the nation while the other for family, they both contradict each other. Did uncle forget that Mi had not only tricked me, he had tricked you as well. Whatever it is, whatever youre going to do, it is the Empire of Yutangs business, but how I seek my vengeance is the business of the Qiu Family!" "These two things must not be confused as one. If I let this go just like this, what honor does the Qiu Family have to roam the martial arts world in the future? Admitting loss and letting it go despite knowing fully well that were being tricked and schemed against? Then what if we are tricked again in the future? Do we do the same thing then?" Old Marshal Qiu was stunned as he heard his nephew''s words, the rage in his being simmering. "This incident stemmed indeed from me being a popinjay. I was not sensible, I was childish, I made a fuss; my weaknesses allowed others to set this trap." Qiu Yunsan said with pride, "I admit to whatever Ive just said and I will accept the penalty when I return to the family. However, these are not reasons for Mi to set me up!" "Firstly, my surname is Qiu. No matter how useless I am, Im a part of the Qiu Family; I represent the Qiu Family. Setting me up means setting the Qiu Family up and the Qiu Family can never allow this sort of humiliation to happen!" Old Marshal Qiu heaved a long sigh, his anger was gone. His gaze towards Qiu Yunsan was even laced with some sense of comfort now. This rascal, he has finally grown some brains. He now knows how to put me out of the equation. Looking at the unusually reasonable Qiu Yunsan, a thought sprouted in Old Marshal Qius heart C hes grown up. Yun Yang, Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan, and Dong Tianleng who were listening too were shocked as they exchanged glances among themselves. Since when had Qiu Yunsan become so reasonable? This was certainly unlike him indeed. "This has to be solved nonetheless." Old Marshal Qiu sighed, "But you must not cause any deaths! Otherwise" He left his sentence hanging, only casting a glance at his nephew that conveyed volumes. Qiu Yunsan proclaimed, "It ultimately depends on what Mi does in order to not cause any deaths. If Mi does not give me an explanation, I must kill all his family members! This is non-negotiable!" The old marshal sighed and waved his hand. "To the side, into formation! Retreat!" He then strode along to the side. Yun Yang instinctively wanted to hide but Qiu Jianhan was already taking wide strides directly towards him. "The Yun familys master!" Qiu Jianhans gaze pierced Yun Yang like a hawk preying on a sparrow. Yun Yang grinned and stepped forward with a bow. "Nice to meet you too, Old Sir Qiu" Qiu Jianhans inquiring gaze landed on Yun Yangs face, a faint smile plastered on his own. "You have arrived rather quickly. I''ve come to realize that you seem to be involved in everything?" Yun Yang was stupefied. "Wha C what?" Qiu Jianhan snorted in anger. "I meant that youre pretty fast to be the spectator, even faster than I am" Yun Yang smiled humorlessly. "I dare not Who dares be a spectator to this matter I just happened to stumble across such opportunity as fate would have it and Im unable to get away from it. I was drinking with Young Master Dong and the others In the end, they came running over to support their brother. How can I be so shameless as to go home alone?" Qiu Jianhan looked stern. "Theyre loyal to the brotherhood. What about you?" Yun Yang patted his chest with pride. "Old Sir, be my witness, this nephew is only a popinjay but brotherhood is a word I keep forever in my heart. Where the brotherhood is, I shall risk my all; brothers and friends, that is the greatest brotherhood." Qiu Jianhan frowned, helpless against this rascal who was quick with his words. "Are you free tomorrow?" Old Marshal Qiu asked. Yun Yang felt something was amiss right away but he had no excuses to dole out at the moment and could only say, "Perhaps Id be free but Im not sure" Qiu Jianhan felt his anger gushing in. "Stay right at home tomorrow, whether youre free or not! I shall visit your house! So it shall be!" Yun Yang pulled a long face and replied, "Old Marshal, please think twice. This nephew is poor, this nephew cant even afford a maid. I will certainly be unable to give you a suitable welcome..." "I am an unrefined man, what need do I have for a maid to serve me? This is fixed then!" Qiu Jianhan was adamant. Yun Yang opened his mouth wide, he had never seen someone so unreasonable. Qiu Jianhan scoffed with derision. He had been following Yun Yang closely and the latter, who should not have appeared here was actually present at such an unusual incident. He could not help but have second thoughts. He inexplicably felt a sense of mystery surrounding Yun Yang. However, this mysterious person had successfully put up a front, a popinjay''s mask that was utterly contradictory to what he suspected was a shrewd character. As the old marshal thought about it, he was suddenly surprised to realize that this fellows popinjay behavior seemed only to surface when he was with him! "Your father seems to have been deceived!" Qiu Jianhan had even started addressing himself your father. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that this guy was insanely heinous. Suddenly, a commotion erupted from somewhere in front. Shards of silhouettes flashed by continuously as a group of imperial guards rushed over. Yun Yang pursed his lips and said, "Old Marshal, Sir Mi is here, things are about to turn ugly." Dong Tianleng and his gang became nervous again. Qiu Yunsan had been extremely rash in his actions this time, seizing the other partys family without so much of an explanation. Even if you gave the reason of being set up, youve entirely lost your edge when you captured their family. And you, a second generation member of the Qiu Family who was not the direct descendant heir, are going against a nations Minister of the Imperial Household in Tiantang City, the capital of his land. You dont seem to be qualified enough, no matter which way you looked at it! 108 An Overwhelming Sense of Power If Mi Kongqun had stepped within the Qiu Familys area of influence, into the martial arts world or even if had left the area of Tiantang City, it was easy for the Qiu Family to exact revenge. However, they were still in Tiantang City after all. As a local influence, it was as easy for Mi Kongqun to retaliate against Qiu Yunsan effortless even. Imperial guards continued to arrive in squads. Wordlessly, they began to occupy the high points and defense spots all over the place. They did not interrupt Qiu Yunsans tirade and did not save anyone, just watching the scene quietly. However, their increasing numbers was forming an overwhelming sense of power. Old Marshal Qius expression was turning darker as he swore, "Damned eunuch, what a big shot hes being!" Yun Yang made it seem unintentional as he talked to Dong Tianleng, "Little Cold, how many people have come from your family? The situation doesnt look good to me, I''m guessing that the Qiu Family doesn''t have the upper hand." Dong Tianleng was already breaking out in sweat as he replied with an anxious face. "We have the least people. Other than me, there are only two more guards." Dong Tianlengs worried expression spoke louder than his words, "What do we do now? How could things have turned so dire?" Old Marshal Qiu Jianhans face had already fallen completely. Slow footsteps rang out from the gloom, each step sounding as if it was being dragged along the grounds surface. The noise was unsynchronized and oddly macabre. Five silhouettes slowly emerged from the street at the other end. All of them were slightly hunched. All of them were pale without any facial hair. All of them wore the eunuchs uniform. All of them wore empty expressions like the dead, their gazes as still as that of zombies. All of them had a fly-whisk in the crooks of their arms. All of them sported a measured gait with their feet splayed outwards. Turning the corner of the street in the middle of the night, this group brought with them an aura of unexplainable horror. The one in the middle seemed to be the leader of this group, his build slightly larger than the others C middle-aged, beardless, pale, muscular, and his eyes seemed much colder as well. However, Yun Yangs gaze was on the person on the furthest right. Eunuch Wu. It was the same Eunuch Wu who was almost dead from his single slap and had half his teeth coming off; the familiar back that had attempted to assassinate him in front of the Residence of Yuns doors! The person Yun Yang had no chance of meeting again after he came out that one time and had been staying in the palace ever since. This would be the first time he encountered this person ever since the attempt the other day. Yun Yang took cover behind Dong Tianleng as he observed the eunuch carefully. What greeted his eyes were still the weak steps, listless eyes, and hunched body, not a trace of someone with cultivation. Anyone who saw him would have concluded that this was an empty shell of a eunuch, a castrated man who had only a few more years to live. However, Yun Yang noticed something that others would usually not care about. He had beaten quite a number of teeth off this man so his cheeks should have been sunken but it looked full now as if he had never been injured! This was interesting indeed. As if sensing Yun Yangs gaze, Eunuch Wu lifted his head and looked at Yun Yang who was staring right at him, the eunuchs gaze clouded with seething hate. "Young Master Qiu." The eunuch in the middle called out; he was none other than Keeper Mi, Mi Kongqun. Mi Kongqun squinted his eyes, focusing his sight at Qiu Yunsan who was among the crowd and said indifferently, "Were friends after all. Arent you a little over the boundary to do this?" Qiu Yunsan replied furiously, "F*cking b*llshit! Are you not over the boundary when you set me up? Mi Kongqun, quit fooling me. Let me ask you, how do you plan to give me an explanation?" Mi Kongquns eyes were still squinted as he said chillingly, "I just want to know what kind of explanation do, Young Master Qiu, want?" Qiu Yunsan scoffed and said, "Mi Kongqun, you set me up and sent the Qiu Familys reputation down the drain. You have even made me enter the trap myself, almost ruining my reputation! Thanks to your scheme, do I have any other way to go other than asking for your life?" Mi Kongqun laughed eerily. "The explanation that Young Master Qiu wants might be a little difficult for me to obtain!" He chuckled. "Young Master Qiu, you dare to openly kidnap innocent citizens in the capital of Yutang, the city under His Majestys watch. I wonder what explanation Young Master Qiu plans to give the Empire of Yutang for such recklessness that doesn''t regard the nations law!" Qiu Yunsan was startled and replied angrily, "Mi Kongqun, are you arguing over explanations with me?" Mi Kongqun''s laugh was devoid of humor. "Argue? Argue about what? I, Mi Kongqun, am from Yutang. How could I allow you, a mere rat, act however you wish? I shall first seize you today and bring you to Old Head of Family Qiu to ask for your punishment. Giving the explanation to the Old Head of Family Qiu is the right way to go!" Qiu Yunsan chortled. "Mi Kongqun, how dare you?" Mi Kongquns gaze was wicked. "Young Master Qiu, you shall know soon if I dare to or not!" Watching both sides growing more heated and Qiu Yunsans raging gaze that hinted at his impending move, Yun Yang sighed instinctually. Qiu Yunsan was still too young. Even if he had his plan, he was still too rash. All Mi Kongqun had mentioned was the Empire of Yutang, using the name of justice to the nation. If Qiu Yunsan remained stubborn or was the one who made the first move, even the Qiu Family could not say anything out in the open if he was killed here today! Disappointment flashed across Old Marshal Qiu Jianhans orbs. Qiu Yunsans original intention was to put a hat of martial art worlds vengeance on this entire incident. He had forced Old Marshal Qiu to take a step back earlier with this point as well. However, he had not managed to do so, or perhaps missed his chance to do so, and had allowed Mi Kongqun to assume the first chance, changing the following developments completely. He was still too young. "Mi Kongqun!" Old Marshal Qiu''s greeting was deceptively light. "Old Marshal." Mi Kongqun bowed respectfully. Although he was a close servant of the emperor, he knew that it was only him that would be doomed if he really did have a fight with Qiu Jianhan. "You speak of the justice of nation in every word you said. This old one wants to ask you instead, what nations justice was it based on when you set Qiu Yunsan up?" Qiu Jianhan questioned, "What nations justice was it when you set Qiu Yunsan up to snatch a peasant girl?" Mi Kongqun lifted his head abruptly. "Old Marshal" Qiu Jianhan would naturally not give him any gap for an explanation as he continued, "You plotted to involve this old ones mistress and what nations justice was that based on?" Mi Kongqun was shocked, his face took on the expression of the unjustly accused and said, "Old Marshal, I know youre Qiu Yunsans uncle and Qiu Yunsan is your nephew But you" Qiu Jianhan brows squeezed tightly as he cut the other man short, "This is the Empire of Yutang, its Tiantang City. What do you imply talking about uncle and nephew? Is this your excuse? Or perhaps you mean to say that Im abusing my authority and practicing favoritism? It''s fine if you refuse to answer this old one about the questions regarding our nations justice but don''t you dare relate the topic to our family. What a good tactic of blurring one for the other! Mi Kongqun, is this the answer youre giving me?" Mi Kongqun replied angrily, "Old Marshal ignores the reckless ruffian who has openly provoked and kidnapped others right in front of us but questions me, a victim, so aggressively. What do you mean by this then?" "What can this old one mean?" The old marshal pointed at the imperial guards around them and said nonchalantly, "You are the Minister of the Imperial Household but what power do you have to summon so many of the palaces guards? Where is your permission order to muster the guards? Show me! This old one is immensely interested to see who it is whos given you such huge power!" Mi Kongqun was already sweating nervously as his voice rose up in pitch. "This minister has the power to muster the imperial guards to defend the nation against despicable scoundrels who harbor ill intention towards the imperial palace!" Qiu Jianhan pressed on. "What great authority indeed! May I ask where is the palace? And where are we now? Minister Mi, the so-called authority cant be simply used even in the palace! If it wasn''t a critical emergency, can you decide something like this so easily?" "Who gave you the power to bring the imperial guards out of the palace and come all the way here in such an announced manner? This is a military power that belongs to the nation! The force that defends the palace! They are not personal guards at your, Mi Kongqun, a mere eunuch''s, a castrated mans disposal!" Qiu Jianhan words were harsh. His nephew would definitely be at a loss if he did not step forth, a loss that he could not say anything about and could cost him his life. Although he could turn the tables around by stepping forth like this, it impossible to avoid giving offense to this close personnel of His Majesty! The aftermath would be terrible. In the face of Old Marshal Qius aggressive attacks, an extreme resentment surfaced in Mi Kongquns eyes. Qiu Jianhan no longer spoke to Mi Kongqun as he turned to face the imperial guards on the wall. "Which one of you is the leader? Come over!" A muscular guard hopped down. "Old Marshal." "Show me your muster Tiger talisman!" The old marshal stretched out his hand with an authority that could not be doubted, "Let me see who it was that allowed you fellows to exit the palace, who was it that signed the order to allow you all to follow Mi Kongqun out!" The guard was flustered. "I have none." This was a personal operation, how would there be a permission order, a Tiger talisman? "None?" The old marshals expression turned dangerously calm. "All of you came out just like this? Your responsibility is to protect the imperial palace! Protect His Majesty! How could all of you leave your post and responsibility behind like this? How many heads do you have to face the consequences if anything happened in the palace? You can give up your own lives, but how about those of your families?" The leader flushed red. "This lowly official this lowly official" "All of you are to return to the palace now!" Qiu Jianhan glared. "Should this old one chase all of you instead? Reflect on your actions upon returning. I shall report to His Majesty if this happens again in the future, with a harsher penalty! Nine familial extermination! It will save you the effort of flirting with death." "Yes, sir!" The leader took a final glance at Mi Kongqun and ordered, "Dismissed!" 109 Allow Me to Make Peace Not a single one of the imperial guards remained. Only the five eunuchs were left behind. They had the upper hand and was more dominant, but now, the tables had turned! Mi Kongqun was shaking with anger; his long slits that served as eyes stared at Qiu Jianhan like a venomous snake, his gaze was filled with endless malice. Qiu Jianhan waved the sleeve of his robe, saying softly, "This old one has no interest in interfering with the vengeance of the martial arts world. Such petty personal grudges! Let me warn both of you C don''t ever kick up a fuss in the city of the emperor or this old one won''t be as merciful the next time!" "Let us leave!" "Mi Kongqun, we shall settle our differences after you finished putting these petty insignificances in order! This old one will not take advantage of your situation today. I suggest you be wise and do the right thing." With a nod, the old marshal turned and left with big strides, not leaving a gap for anyone to interfere. Yun Yang and the others were utterly impressed! Old Marshal Qiu was indeed the expert. As they said, the older the wiser! His thuggish ways were really something to behold. Yun Yang was immensely impressed! Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan''s roguish ways were divinely and perfectly timed. He saw his nephew about to crumble and stepped in right away without waiting for the situation to worsen. His strike landed on the Achilles heel without mercy. Short and precise with the nations justice as his main point, it was an eye for an eye, tearing Mi Kongquns domineering aura to shreds and leaving him no chance to retort. If Mi Kongqun dared to counter his argument, Qiu Jianhan would seize him immediately; the procedure that would follow was only taking its natural course. Even if Mi Kongqun was wise and dared not to retaliate, Old Marshal Qiu could still drive his people away using his authority and in the name of justice, strip them of any support. Old Marshal Qiu, who had taken sides despite saying that he could not be bothered since it was the martial arts worlds matter and he would not capitalize on the situation, had left just like that. No, he had actually left behind a threat as well C we shall settle our dispute after you take care of things here. Basically, it meant that if you did not take care of it nicely, this old one shall really settle the differences with you! Settle everything once and for all! Lets see how you tackle my nephew! It would be your misfortune if you were knocked, bruised, wounded, or even dead when my nephew struck but if something happened to him, we shall go on settling our differences! The shamelessness of being thick-skinned in this was nothing compared to the thickness of a city wall! It should at least be compared to the corner of a city wall! "He is indeed a real pain in the neck, the original thug, the epitome and perfect embodiment of being unreasonable! The exemplary paradigm! Impressive, Im in awe!" Yun Yang was deeply moved. There was so much room for improvement and so much for him to learn on being shameless, being a pain in the neck, playing the rogue and being absolutely unreasonable! Look at the old marshal, he had turned the tables around the moment he saw that his nephew was at a disadvantage. The marshals tactic was so much more cunning than the crooked ones he had thought of just now C simple, rebellious, and direct! The effect was instantaneous, the impression lasting and real! Looking at the five eunuchs who were dumbfounded, they could barely contain their laughter. There are just a few of you castrated men , who had long stayed hidden in the palace, and you want to pick a fight with Qiu Jianhan, the veteran rogue, the original thug, the real pain in the neck? Both parties were on two wholly different levels! Even if you discounted everything else, both sides were already different by one important organ! Mi Kongqun snorted coldly with squinted eyes, looking at where Qiu Jianhan left. "The old marshal is eloquent with his gift of parting words. This is just a petty personal grudge, why kick up such a fuss? The hour is late too, lets settle this quickly. Its nothing big after all, its only right we end this with haste." Yun Yang stepped forth with graceful steps and began mediating. "Actually, I believe that this was just all a misunderstanding. Keeper Mi is not an outsider, Young Master Qiu is also a friend; lets talk harmoniously to end this misunderstanding. How about that?" Mi Kongqun scanned Yun Yang with his icy gaze, clueless as to who this fellow, who had popped out of thin air, was. Who do you think you are, forcefully being the peacemaker between two strongly opposing parties? Who gave you the right? "Never mind, you folks are really reluctant to talk." Yun Yang changed his tone immediately seeing that no one was going to reply him. "Theres always a plaintiff and defendant in all grudges. Lets end the matter of the martial arts world with the ways of the martial arts world. Why not be straightforward and end this resentment here with the ways of a martial artist!" "I suggest a fight!" "The harder your blow is, the more correct you are." Yun Yang said, "On one side will be the four great families while the other side, the five eunuchs. From the number of people, five is still more than four; I can chip in too. Its Eunuch Wu over there, isnt it? We''ve acquainted already, let us have a chat! Ill leave the rest to the rest of you." He was being utterly shameless! As Yun Yang finished speaking and when the rest were still in a daze, he had sprung up and charged towards Eunuch Wu. Let ninth sir have a proper look at this fellows real ability. On the other side, Qiu Yunsan was easily compliant. "Boss Yuns words are exactly my thoughts . Leave Keeper Mis people alone, we shall only be serving Keeper Mi alone today! Charge!" Before the echo of his words had the chance to quieten, the eight main guards of the four noble families and the other guards had already dashed forward. They were seasoned players of such events, not daring to make any rash moves, not when the imperial guards were plenty and their dominance distinct. Now that the scales had tipped, in addition to the obvious implied killing intent by Old Marshal Qiu before he left, it was best if they could keep Keeper Mi in his place once and for all. Besides, how could Dong Tianleng and gang be left out in the name of doing others a favor, just to go along with the advantageous situation and bully the minority? "Here we come! F*cking shit, not only were we manipulated by you this time, the aftermath we were in had come from this too. We have to settle this with Mi Kongqun!" "Yes, I need his compensation for my smallpox!" "Me too!" "That Shui Yuehan is most probably his accomplice as well!" "Exactly right, they must belong to the same team! Look out for my punch!" Eunuch Wu who saw Yun Yang charging towards him fled without a single word or change of expression. Yun Yang gave chase, throwing a brick right at the back of Eunuch Wus head; it struck with a thud; the man giving a dull groan of pain. This was only the beginning though. Yun Yang had somehow managed to procure seven to eight bricks in his arms and threw them at the eunuch one after another. Eunuch Wu struggled, finally running to a corner but he had already been hit by five to six bricks then. The impact was hard, the eunuch was bleeding and swelling in the places where the bricks had made contact. Yun Yang was thrilled, knowing that this man did not dare expose his real abilities out in public. He enjoyed the situation; he could attack him directly since the eunuch was holding himself back. You could either expose yourself or die from being hit by me! Yun Yang roared and gave chase with all his might. However, he was stunned when reached the turn. The street was empty. No trace of Eunuch Wucould be seen . "He has indeed escaped!" Yun Yang turned to return right away, refusing to give this fellow a chance to assassinate him. He could not win him now so it was already great that he could take his advantage like this. "This fellow will indeed only show his real cultivation base when away from the attention of the crowd and wont give me a chance to retaliate." Yun Yang thought as he walked, "But shouldnt this fellow be in the same gang as Mi Kongqun? Why does he not dare to showcase his real ability in front of him?" "Hed rather be beaten to death and humiliated badly but wont show his real strength. Why is that?" This was the current riddle but Yun Yang believed that he could solve it soon now. This man had already suffered twice from his actions; it would be the biggest puzzle if he did not wish to take revenge. Just from the last incident, he had come back for revenge rather quickly. It was easy to determine this persons vengeful personality. Yun Yang believed that he would try to kill him again soon and he would be able to figure everything out then! When Yun Yang returned to the scene once again, he was shocked. Three out of the four eunuchs who were left had already collapsed, leaving only Mi Kongqun alone to defend himself. Mi Kongquns abilities were exceptional, looking rather relaxed even when he was alone against the attacks of four young masters, eight guards, and some thirty to forty experts! He moved around the crowd agilely, his occasional attacks were sure to strike someone and send him retreating and bleeding! This Keeper Mi was obviously an accomplished expert! He could keep up with the simultaneous attacks of forty to fifty experts. Although most of them were in their fourth or fifth peak, all eight guards were the sixth peak and above, two of them were even seventh peak experts! The combined effort was a significantly mighty power but even they could not take down Mi Kongqun! From what Yun Yang was seeing, Mi Kongqun was not even using his maximum ability. Either it was Old Marshal Qius echoing warning or he knew himself that it meant nothing for both parties to have a brawl in the open; it could even be the buffer they needed to end this grudge. However, if he had really killed these four popinjays by mistake even if he was divinely skillful or even if he hid in the palace forever, he would never be able to escape his fate of death by the hands of four noble families. Yun Yang was extremely sharp, being able to pick up this point instantly. He had even concluded that his own group would not be able to kill Mi Kongqun tonight! "Stop it!" Yun Yang hollered. "Everyone, honor my presence, please! Let me be the peacemaker!" 110 Blackmail. Luminary Paste No matter how much of a popinjay these four great young masters were, they knew fully well that they could not win against the strong enemy. Just as they were worrying over this, they quickly retreated upon hearing Yun Yangs voice, as if receiving the holy decree. Mi Kongquns icy gaze landed on Yun Yang again, feeling inexplicably exasperated. Its this fellow again! This man had suggested a brawl to solve the problem when they were dominating the situation with their larger number of people; now that he saw so many of them could still not put him down, he sprung out to be the peacemaker. Minister Mi could not help but feel that this child''s shamelessness was comparable to Qiu Jianhans despite his young age. What a f*cking talent! However, Mi Kongqun wanted to put an end to this event too. Things would really get out of hand if it went on. Seeing that the opposite party had stopped, he followed suit and pulled himself out. "All of us here are people with status after all!" Yun Yang moved to the center of the circle they made and said earnestly, "How can we brawl and kill each other so barbarically?" Mi Kongqun and the four young masters rolled their eyes together. You were the one to say everyone was from the martial arts world and to solve everything with a fight. Your words were still resounding but you turned everyone into a person of status once you saw that the situation was going awry. This guy could really say anything he wished. "We can just explain ourselves face to face if theres any problem or misunderstanding. Why must we use violence?" Yun Yang continued his mediation efforts, "Young Master Qiu, its better to make friends than foes. Weve fought for so long, any anger should already subside. Why lets talk about it in peace!" Qiu Yunsan thought to himself, "My anger is still here, its just that I cant win against them." Mi Kongqun thought, "My anger is still here too but there really isnt any benefit for the fight to go on" "Keeper Mi" Yun Yang looked at Mi Kongqun. "Ive heard about the cause and effect of this incident too. Youve just made a wrong move with harmless intention and caused Young Master Qiu to be in trouble. A more severe trouble, am I not right?" Then he turned to Qiu Yunsan. "While Young Master Qiu, you are young and reckless. You have too much pride, isnt it? Its definite that we have to find our honor once its lost, don''t you agree?" Both sides nodded their heads. "Therefore, I shall provide a solution for both sides consideration." Yun Yang continued, "Young Master Qiu, first, you need to send everyone youve invited back. I believe you dont have the intention to seize or kidnap them, you were just joking with Minister Mi... Give a hundred silver taels to each person as compensation for frightening them. This shouldnt be much for you, should it?" "And for these three eunuchs, you must not skimp on them; a thousand silver taels each for their medical fee!" Yun Yang said, "If so, Young Master Qius side is done!" He turned to look at Mi Kongqun. "As for Minister Mi, how you handled things left much to be desired. Since Young Master Qiu has agreed to let things go, Minister Mi should show your sincerity by compensating with some imperial households Luminary Paste." "Imperial households Luminary Paste!" Mi Kongquns pitch took a sharp turn, his eyes stared wide at Yun Yang. "Are you being a peacemaker here? This is obviously daylight robbery, youre demanding too much!" Qiu Yunsans eyes glinted as he said, "Boss is right. As long as Minister Mi could offer five Luminary Pastes, we shall forget everything thats happened here today!" "Think of it as never happening!" Dong Tianleng and the other three young masters eyes shone as well. "Brother Qiu is right. We are friends with Keeper Mi anyway, why are we hurting each others feelings? As long as there are five portions of Luminary Pastes, lets forget our grudges and make peace!" Mi Kongqun laughed with an increasing sense of rage. "What is the good of counting chickens before the eggs hatch! This is impossible!" Imperial households Luminary Paste was Yutang royaltys rare secret medicine. Its effects were powerful and significant. It was said that the founder emperor of Empire of Yutang had acquired the corpse of a legendary mystical beast, Yin Yang Ophidian, by chance. It was also because he had eaten the flesh of the Yin Yang Ophidian that he had obtained mystical skills that were peerless. His conquests were the stuff of legends as he expanded his territories, gradually building his dominance towards the Empire of Yutang. The current Empire of Yutang was an empire built from scratch with the founders bare hands. This showed how powerful the Yin Yang Ophidian was. However, its strongest aspect was not its flesh but its internal core. This internal core was the sole recognized top mystical beast, Yin Yang Ophidians internal core, in the entire Tianxuan Continent. Not one cultivator could ingest it to strengthen their cultivation base; even when it was a highly skilled expert of a grandmasters level, only the bursting of ones body entailed once the core was ingested! A gem that could not be utilized would only be useless no matter how rare and precious it was C this super internal core was even reduced to a symbolizing treasure for some period of time! By chance then, someone from Yutang royalty discovered that this internal core that could not be ingested could be marinated in wine; the wine upon margination would be greatly improved too! The marinating process was simple C leaving the internal core in a bowl full of wine for one full day and night. The wine would automatically condense into a half solid paste form, forming only a layer on the bottom. Consuming this layer could make one invincible and increase the sexual capacity of men. However, this was only a secondary effect. The main thing was If there were an expert by the side, fully assisting to deliver mystical Qi, someone naturally gifted might be able to awaken another chakra upon cultivating to break through after consuming this Luminary Paste! This was where the Luminary Paste was truly unbelievable! Although awakening another chakra was only a possibility, it was still the only way to break through innately gifted chakras in the entire Tianxuan Continent! Besides, such good stuff was only available in Yutangs palace in this whole world. Now that Yun Yang wanted five of these things in one go, how could it still be considered as an exorbitant demand? It was an absolute daylight robbery! How could Mi Kongqun agree to such a condition? "This is absolutely impossible!" Mi Kongqun was unhesitant. "Luminary Paste is a secret medicine of the Imperial Household, its even under His Majestys supervision. Not only are you making this extremely hard for me, you dont even have the intention to make peace by offering such conditions! Otherwise, how would you request for such impossible feat!" Mi Kongqun was the Minister of Imperial Household after all. Even when he was at a disadvantage and even when he already had the mind to compromise, he was still firm and resolute in rejecting such harsh terms. Would you exchange a few thousand silver taels for Luminary Paste? Is this not over bargaining? Its you folks who kidnapped my people first too! Even the greediest robbers in this world would never make such request! Qiu Yunsan smiled chillingly. "Others might really not be able to do it but Keeper Mi surely has your own way. Besides, even if Keeper Mi has no ways to do it, you have to think of a way anyway! Theres no other way out!" Mi Kongqun replied, "All of you have regarded me too highly, dont you think? Im the Minister of Imperial Household but Im still a servant with a missing body part after all. How could I obtain something so heavenly like the Luminary Paste? If young masters have to put me in such a tough spot, Ill just go along with it! Its only inevitable that both sides will be destroyed!" Had Yun Yang not mentioned the Luminary Paste, Qiu Yunsan and gang might still be frightened by what Mi Kongqun had said about both sides being destroyed. However, such considerations did not exist right now. What was echoing in their ears was only the name Luminary Paste! To these men who were immensely weakened by playing popinjays for so long, no other gem in this world could be more tempting that the temptation of Luminary Paste! With such temptations at stake, it was worth it to gamble with their lives! Chun Wanfeng scoffed and said, "Is this Keeper Mis oath to fight with your life? Too bad the four of us have never been afraid of this, weve not grown up being scared all our life anyway. If Keeper Mi insists, then we shall really kick the fuss up here tonight." Xia Bingchuan chuckled coldly. "Right you are! Perhaps we couldnt seize Keeper Mi with our manpower but, not one family member of Keeper Mi can wish to stay alive. Even if Keeper Mi is able to get out of this alive, I cant guarantee how much of your life will be left. Perhaps a tenth?" "Even if youre lucky to get away, so what? Were irreconcilable after this, sworn enemies. Four families will definitely hunt you down, not giving up until youre dead!" Dong Tianleng lifted his head in a gentlemanly manner. "I can guarantee that youd be found by us before your injuries could recover and death shall greet your soul then!" "The four of us are willing to make oath to the heavens, promising such words with all our might!" Qiu Yunsan said. "Theres nothing to talk about if Keeper Mi is unwilling to offer the Luminary Paste as a sign of sincerity." Chun Wanfeng continued, "Even if you refuse to fight, we wont let you go too!" All four of them chorused before the luring temptation, words harsh and direct, a complete display of noble familys young masters insolence and roguish ways. Mi Kongqun was in despair and burning rage but the feeling of being wronged more so than the other two emotions. He said angrily, "You are asking for Luminary Paste! Is it something so simple? Thats the top secret medicine of the royalty! The internal core of Yin Yang Ophidian could make Luminary Paste but it could only afford to make ten of them! Any more and there wont be such effect I can still think of a way with one or two, perhaps theres room for discussion, but you guys want five? What is this if not imposing a difficult task for me!" "We dont care!" Dong Tianleng was unreasonable. "Theres only one condition. If you agree to it, we shall shake hands to make peace; if you dont, our next meeting calls for life and death!" The flame was threatening to spew from Mi Kongquns eyes, the man glared hard at Dong Tianleng. He was quiet for quite a long while. After a while, he turned abruptly as three cracks resounded. The three eunuchs behind him were struck to their deaths at an alarmingly rapid pace. All of their heads had burst open, the men dead on the floor. "Alright. Five Luminary Pastes it is. This ends here.a" Mi Kongqun emphasized each word he spoke, "The goods will be delivered to the Cirrus House within three days!" 111 An Assassination Attempt on the Way Home Mi Kongquns gaze was sharp as the blade as it danced across their faces. All of them could feel the stinging pain on their faces as if they were being sliced. "Straightforward!" Qiu Yunsan was delighted as he waved his hands. "Let him go!" Mi Kongqun snorted coldly, springing up to make a turn in midair and disappeared without a trace. He had not the slightest ounce of patience to take even a peek at these people. If it were not for his ultimate mission, he would have gone all out to attack. Even if he had to flee for his life and run across the globe, he would still want to end all four of these annoying fellows simply to curb his fury. "Its ours! The Luminary Paste is ours!" Qiu Yunsan hopped with joy, his face breaking out into smiles. Dong Tianleng and his cohorts were joyous as well, contentment written across their faces. "I really cant believe that this old fellow really has the capacity to obtain the divine item that the Yutang royalty treats as a forbidden treasure!" "Really, if the boss hadn''t reminded us, wed never have thought of it." "Its all thanks to the boss! The boss is our lucky star" "This is great! I must marry a few more concubines once I return. Ive always worried about my decadence and wondering if it would be the death of me. Well, it looks like I no longer have to worry about that!" "What do we do with the extra one?" Chun Wanfeng asked. "How is there an extra? Including boss, we get one each!" Dong Tianleng stared at him. "What do you mean, dumb*ss?" Chun Wanfeng was quick to shake his head. "Thats exactly what I mean. I just wanted to test all of you, to see if you guys are sincere to the boss!" "Tsk!" The other three scoffed. Anyone could see that Chun Wanfeng had other thoughts in his mind, but no one bothered to call him out on it. Yun Yang snorted and said, "It''s good to see that you fellows at least have some conscience. But keep them for yourselves. If Im correct, and even if he did send the Luminary Paste over, I would never dare to eat it." "Why?" Dong Tianleng said, "Would he dare to poison them?" "Why wouldnt he?" Yun Yang retorted cynically. "He did not dare to kill all of you today most likely because he was restrained by Old Marshal Qiu and the following counter attacks by all four families. But if all of you were to die within the next few days, he would just say that he knew nothing about it, he was in the palace all the while. Even if your families wanted to find the culprit, his cultivation base is perfectly fine so he could do whatever he wants." "Perhaps, he could even vanish right away after confirming your deaths. The world is huge, where are you going to find him?" Yun Yang looked at the four men with disappointment. "How could all of you roam the martial arts world so carelessly? A tiny temptation like this is sufficient to corroded all your alertness?" The four young masters were shocked, exchanging looks of guilt. "Surely... he wouldn''t?" Chun Wanfeng gaped like a fish on land. "He swore to the heavens just now" Yun Yang waved and turned to leave. "I know you fellows just can''t let go of the Luminary Paste. However excited you are, though, be careful. Who knows if its the genuine Luminary Paste but mixed with something else that could bring about death?" Listening to Yun Yangs warning, the popinjays faces fell as if struck by lightning. How could this be? They had gone through so much trouble to get their hands on the legendary holy supplement for men, the Luminary Paste, only to be told that it might be poisoned? When they shook themselves out of their daze, Yun Yang was already nowhere to be found. "Boss must have his reasons for saying that." Dong Tianleng said, "I wont immediately consume it when the Luminary Paste arrives after three days, Ill put it aside first. If you good folks arent afraid, you can go ahead and try it first." The other three were immediately angered. F*cking Dong Tianleng, are you making us your lab rats? Yun Yang had left briskly. Just as he stepped out of the alley, he had immediately departed using his skills. He could vaguely tell that someone had been waiting for him. Actually, it was more like the person had never left but had been stalking him all this while. Since you''re still here and are so intent on revenge, this young master shall not let this chance go to play with you tonight! When he walked towards the Residence of Yun,the feeling of being followed grew increasingly distinct. Yun Yang kept on walking even as he cultivated the Fog of Cloud Conjuration. When he passed a corner, he waved his arm nonchalantly and a few white shadows left his side soundlessly, melting into the dark. One of the white shadows sped towards the Residence of Yun like an arrow in flight. Yun Yang continued his stride. Seeing that he would make a turn in front, he suddenly halted his steps and scratched his head. With a frustrated look, he said, "What a terrible memory I have? I forgot it again" He then turned around as if going back to retrieve something. The person lurking in the dark almost swore out loud. F*ck, this bastard had almost reached the perfect ambush point he had set. How could he turn back now? His pace was rather quick as well. Ugh, your father must catch up and end him now! With a swoosh, the person sprung up onto a roof. After a few strides that measured a hundred feet per step, he quickly reached ahead of Yun Yang. As he stuck his head out for a peek, Yun Yang who was still walking slapped his head suddenly. He heaved a long sigh, "Sigh, Im really foolish. Did Ihave to retrieve it tonight? Its not a big deal, I guess I can go and take it tomorrow." "The way is not short either." He stood by the road to ponder his dilemma, scratching his ears and finally turned back once more. "I should just go home to shower and sleep." He then walked back, swinging his arms with wide strides. The person lurking felt himself explode, watching this scene. F*cking hell, what why is this bastard being so hesitant? However, his target was on the move, so he had no choice but to follow suit. When Yun Yang was near another corner, he stopped again, about a few hundred feet afar. Looking at his side, he exclaimed, "Hey, is that a kitten here? I can bring it back to keep the few I have at home company." The person in the dark was exasperated as he stole a glance at the infuriating target. Indeed, there was a fluff of white at the corner of a wall. This Young Master Yun Yang had really gone to catch the cat. It proved to be a difficult task as Yun Yang came nowhere near to laying hands on it, even after much effort. In the end, he had used his mystical Qi to trap the kitten. Holding it in his embrace, he was comforting it in a gentle voice; the scene pretentious and exaggerated. "Little fellow, you shouldve been good from the start, shouldn''t you? Is it more comfortable in my embrace than on the cold floor? You just dont get it Sigh, Im doing a good deed by bringing you back today Little kitty, you dont know about it. Ive met a few eunuchs tonight and Im so disgusted The scent on them" The stalker was infuriated. He really wanted to charge forward and ask, "Yun Yang, youre sick, arent you? Right? Right?!" He had had enough! However, Yun Yang still had to walk over. He moved leisurely, his head lowered as he stroked the white kitten in his embrace lovingly and murmured, "Little kitty, let me name you alright? Youre mine from now on Big White? Don''t you like it? Little White? Tiny Teeny White? Little Whitey? Whitey Tiny White? White Tail? F*ck me, you dont like them all? Why don''t I give you a human name? There was this person I just met tonight. Lets call you Eunuch Old Wu! Kitty, youre a female; youre similar to Old Wu! In fact, youre actually more complete than he is!" With clenched fists, the person lurking in the dark almost broke his molar teeth from grinding them too hard. He could not hold it in any longer. Although Yun Yang was still thirty to forty feet away from his set ambush point, the person in the dark did not want to keep on waiting anymore. The killing intent within him was boiling and threatening to spill over! If he did not kill this man, he swore he was not a human! With a swoosh, the person hopped down from a high wall by the corner like a streaking shadow. His rapidly moving body left a silhouette trail in midair as a shiny sword reflected the moonlight, brightening the night like a lightning strike in the middle of a cloudy sky! The strong murderous intent was so palpable that it stopped even the breeze in its tracks. Facing such a clearly approaching killing intent, Yun Yang seemed to be shocked as he threw the kitten away from his embrace. "Oh god, theres an assassin!" His body tilted then, obviously to avoid the death threat that had materialized right before him. Although Yun Yangs counter was not exactly great, it was still acceptably mediocre. He might have been able to avoid an ordinary assassins attack but this stalkers strike was remarkably swift and deadly, having prepared it for so long. How could he avoid it? A pierced stab resounded in the gloom. The radiance of the blade pierced through Yun Yangs right shoulder. Oddly, it pierced right through it; the blade slid through without any resistance whatsoever. The assassin was shocked. What had happened? He had aimed at the lethal point but why was there nothing for him to exert his force on? How was this possible? What was happening? The answer was immediately apparent. Yun Yang, had appeared on his the other side, totally unscathed. What was different was that a saber had appeared in one of his hands. As this saber greeted the world, its radiance was so blindingly bright that even the clear moon in the sky paled in comparison. Although the killer was still bewildered by what had happened, he moved without hesitation as he crept stealthily like a ghost to stand in front of Yun Yang. His blade was raised to strike a blow but there was no sound of the wind parting before a sword cleaved the space right in front of him. This strike seemed to be even faster than the last! With a turn of the wrist, the radiance of Yun Yangs saber filled the entire gloom like the fanning of a peacocks tail. Saber Truth: Destiny Blades first style C Merciless Blade! 112 Besieged The chilling ray of the saber graced the world with its presence, as grand as stars falling from the sky to land all across the earth. The assassin was shocked to see such a style and emitted a low hum of surprise. As a high-level martial artist, he instinctually felt that this style could actually exploit all the flaws within him. He might be able to deal a significant blow to Yun Yang if he pushed forward with his attack but Yun Yangs blow would definitely be able to kill him! What style of saber form was this? How could such a resplendent and luminescent saber form exist in this world? My cultivation base is at least three levels higher than this fellow. In theory, he might not even be able to land a strike on me even if I stayed stationary. Why is it that I feel threatened now? He took a step back instinctively as the blade in his hand subconsciously twisted out in a blocking manoeuver. He felt an icy breeze blow past before his blade was soundlessly shattered; strangely, he had not felt anything strike against it? The icy breeze came forth once more. Shocked, he took three continuous steps back, avoiding the fatal blow just in time. His body that had been concealed as a shadow ceased to maintain it''s invisible state, revealing his true identity to Yun Yang for the first time. Yun Yang grinned. "I guessed as much." The assassin was none other than Eunuch Wu who had not even changed out of his eunuch uniform yet. Eunuch Wu who was fifty feet away now resembled a roaming ghost in the night, his eyes under a pair of eyebrows glinting like a will-o-the-wisp, staring at Yun Yang eerily. He suddenly asked aloud, "What skill is this? What saber truth? What blade?" Yun Yang answered lightly, "This is called Destiny, Saber Truth: Destiny Blade, the Divine Edge! It also means that it is my destiny to have this saber in my hands, avoid your assassination attempt and to kill you!" Yun Yang was speaking the truth, it was just that the tone that enveloped his words made it sound like there was an implied meaning. Eunuch Wus grayed eyebrows raised as he said indifferently, "I see." His body then suddenly floated again like a specter, turning into countless silhouettes within the blink of an eye. As one shadow appeared, the other disappeared into thin air; all of them looked illusory, real yet imaginary. "At the end of it all, I would like to see whether your so-called destiny will bless me or you!" He threw the shard of what was left of his blade on the ground. His treasured blade that had accompanied him through endless years of life and death was discarded like any other piece of junk. To Eunuch Wu, who was a top assassin himself, things that he could not use were to be considered as junk. What was there to be reluctant about when throwing them? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Sounds of explosions resounded in the air. Eunuch Wus hands turned into a pair of hawks claws as they struck at Yun Yang, nearly invisible from their speed. Without casting a single glance at him, Yun Yang maintained his style C Merciless Blade! The sword-light gleamed again like stars. Eunuch Wu retracted his attacks and quickly retreated. He shook his head. "Looks like that won''t work." After some thought, his body became as if a stream of water, flying over in a fluid manner as his palms landed lightly yet brought out a strong power within. Yun Yang continued to use the Merciless Blade as his countermeasure. Although he had used it for the third time now, Yun Yang felt that each time he used this style, he seemed to understand it a little more. It was especially under the overwhelming pressure of facing a life and death situation that the sentiment was deeper. This time, a spark flew out amidst the starry glow of the sword-light. Eunuch Wu was once again forced to retreat; the front of his robes had been slit. He was alarmed. How could this be? He had gone through countless battles, his cultivation base was even at the peak of his life, reaching the seventh level pinnacle of mystical Qi. This young man from Yun Family was only a third or fourth level mystical Qi. The difference between their cultivation base was more than the difference between heaven and earth. Yet the opposite party had a saber in his hand, and was blocking all his attacks with a single style; Somehow it was sufficient to keep him at bay! If he continued to push through forcefully, there was some risk of him being injured. This was unbelievable! Yun Yang took in a deep breath. The continuous three blows, while flawless and mighty, had set his mystical Qi blaring in a warning from the exhaustion. Thankfully there was Emmie supporting him but this situation could not last long. Emmies support was limited as well. Yun Yang estimated that he would be at his end with another two blows at most. Yun Yang felt a glaring sense of helplessness. He could clearly tell that if he had sufficient power, even if he only had the cultivation base of a sixth heaven beginner, he could chop this formidable enemy into two instantly with a single blow of the Merciless Blade. He had such intense killing intent and a lethal skill yet he could only defend himself when facing an enemy that was higher by three levels. As he pondered, Eunuch Wu suddenly chuckled coldly and said softly, "Young Master Yun, die." He sprung up, advancing twenty and a half feet in the air as a palm came striking down! The Slashing Palm! They were twenty feet apart but Yun Yang could already feel the imposing force coming at him. He raised his saber to block; the impact was so strong he skidded five steps back. His chest felt as if it had been struck by lightning as his face paled from the exertion. Seeing that a melee attack could not do much, Eunuch Wu struck with a ranged mystical Qi attack that would expend the most cultivation base instead. This was the one attack that Yun Yang could not block right now. "However sharp your saber is, however strong your saber form is, you can''t face down such an intense force!" Eunuch Wu chuckled gleefully. "What use do you have of such proficient skill? Tonight, this old man shall give you a lesson just before you die!" Yun Yang suppressed the surging billowing in his chest as he smiled faintly. "Youre only a eunuch with a handicap. How are you qualified to call yourself old man? Do you know what a man means? Can you be a man? Do you have what it takes?" To Eunuch Wu, no amount of wicked curses could compare to the vileness of his words. His ruddy cheeks were drained of colors instantly, turning a rusty green. He grew eerily silent, the murderous intent in his eyes heaving, as his anger rose to the boiling point. Without words, he took three steps in midair; three blows of strong wind rippling over simultaneously. Yun Yang crumbled like a withered leaf in the wind, retreating to more than a hundred and fifty feet away. The mystical Qi from Eunuch Wu did not weaken, the blow undulating onto the Divine Edge from over a hundred feet of distance. "Wa!" Yun Yangs head lifted as he spat a mouthful of blood into the air, the crimson liquid spraying like a fountain. He staggered and almost collapsed. Eunuch Wu chuckled strangely, his laughter was filled with endless resentment as he gave chase like a lurking shadow. "Young Master Yun, let this handicapped eunuch send you on your way. Although I am handicapped, I am still alive in this world. Young Master Yun has a complete body but only the underworld awaits you. Leave in peace!" He raised his palm like a blade as he landed the strike even more forcefully. Boom! A loud explosion resounded. Eunuch Wus thin body flew some thirty feet away like a broken kite. A muscular silhouette stood in front of Yun Yang, its aura imposing and majestic. The newcomer was dressed in black, his gaze staring at Eunuch Wu sharply as a scoffing smirk hung on his lips. "A mere eunuch wants to send my young master on his way? Dont regard yourself so highly!" It was Fang Mofei. Whitey Three was huffing behind him too. Eunuch Wu was surprised. Looking at this person who was full of vigor and the solid attack just now, he knew that this persons cultivation base was no lower than his. "Who are you?" "My surname is Mei!" A cold voice rang out from the dark. "Lets send you on your way! Youre already handicapped, why do you wish to continue living? Better to quickly die and hope for reincarnation!" Eunuch Wu spun like a whirlwind as one of his palms struck out with a massive blow. With a loud thud, the person behind took three consecutive steps back as his body twirled like a flood dragon whirling through the clouds and sailing in the fog. A palm struck like the sharp horn of the dragon in the clouds! "Single-horned Flood Dragon Mei Wenjian!" Eunuch Wu roared, flailing with both his hands and legs. "The butler of the Residence of Yun!" Lao Mei snorted. "And what about it?" He did not back down, soon, both of them were engaged in a fervid brawl. Fang Mofei sprung into the air then, his palms chopping down like a mountain ax; both experts besieged Eunuch Wu together! Eunuch Wu had exhausted himself fighting with Yun Yang earlier. It would be arduous to face even Fang Mofei alone, what more Lao Mei who was no weaker than Fang Mofei. Eunuch Wu growled as his punches lashed out at Lao Mei while his kicks flew out towards Fang Mofei; his body twirled like a whirlwind as his hands attacked tirelessly. His entire person seemed to have transformed into a thousand-limbed devil. Puu! Eunuch Wu spat blood but he had successfully saved himself from the two men''s concerted attack. He spoke in a broken voice, "Todays grudge shall be avenged in the near future!" Meow! A white shadow appeared out of thin air like a strike of lightning following the mewling, two sharp front claws extended to strike. "A mere Lightning" Eunuch Wu scoffed as he extended a punch. However, before he could complete his sentence, the kitten charging over suddenly mewled sharply, "Meow!" With a shake of its head and tail along with a howl, the kitten''s head, which was only the size of a fist suddenly increased to the width of a basin. Its gaping mouth grew bigger than its head as the chilling ivory fangs gleamed with the luster of steel. It began chomping relentlessly on Eunuch Wus right fist. "Eclipse Panther!" Eunuch Wu felt his soul leaving him then, as he pulled his fist back with all his might. Even though he had reacted spontaneously, he had still been snapped at; the surface of his fist was bloodied and the pain sunk deep into his bones. Such a paradox was totally unexpected. It was a kitten that meowed but it was an Eclipse Panther that charged over? Eunuch Wu felt his mind becoming increasingly muddled. He had never seen nor heard of such a bizarre event in his life! 113 Slain! Seeing that he could not advance, Eunuch Wu retreated hastily to seek for another way out. However, the panther hovering in midair was not done with its attack yet, its mouth opened after the initial bite, a green glow suddenly pouring out from its throat. Swoosh! Eunuch Wu could no longer avoid this sudden attack as the green glow exploded in front of his chest. The green luster turned into a storm of sharp blades, careening and striking against every open surface. "Argh!" Eunuch Wu howled in agony. His chest had been pincushioned by the airborne blades, bloodied in every inch where the eyes could see. Even his bones had been exposed by the deadly hail of steel. The little critter in the air trembled before it fell to the ground helplessly. It was a cub, after all, the attack was all it had. Fang Mofei leaped a few hundred feet across like lightning, his body as stable as a mountain. With a shout, nineteen consecutive punches fell like nineteen heavy hammers, landing hard enough to break heavens ground. Behind him, Lao Mei appeared like a ghost. The sword in his hand gleamed icily before turning into three streaming rays which sped towards the back of Eunuch Wu. In that instant, death was near for Eunuch Wu who was already heavily wounded and was now being fatally attacked simultaneously from both his front and back. It was expected that Eunuch Wu refused to accept the impending death. With a harsh cry, he turned quickly as his feet shuffled like a tornado, sharp kicks meeting Fang Mofeis punches. His right hand jerked, a saber appeared from thin air. Clang, clang, clang, it rang shrilly against Lao Meis strikes. Fang Mofeis power, Lao Meis energy, and Eunuch Wus recoiling force mashed together, forming a gravitational force field of its own. Yun Yang who wanted to helped could no longer attack; intervening now would mean attacking all three people at the same time. Not only would his attacking power be thinned, he had to bear the countering force of the three of them merged together. He would only suffer from it! For now staying still was a better idea than making a move. He could only observe the situation and seek for a good chance to attack. The three who were in the whirlpool roared simultaneously, attacking and defensive methods applied in a controlled rage. The force field whirlpool was being formed from their conjoined forces. Once one of them died, his power would crumble, thus terminating the whirlpool. To Lao Mei and Fang Mofei, it was best to end Eunuch Wu as soon as possible; they renewed their efforts and intensified their attacks. The pressure mounted in a straight line for Eunuch Wu but he was a decisive man. A circular arrow of blood shot from his mouth, his face turning increasingly pale as his body flew up like a sharp sword towards the sky. He was using a self-harming method, forcefully twisting three sides of power into a pushing force. Although he had to sustain the most direct impact and pain, it allowed him to fly some two hundred feet high and tore himself away from where the three powers combined into a force field whirlpool. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei were still temporarily trapped in the whirlpool, unable to pull themselves away in time to catch him. It was only now that Eunuch Wu began to feel relief. As long as he could change his direction in midair, he could perform a full retreat today. Who knew that he would be reduced to this stage just by taking revenge against a youth who had humiliated him? He had to be more cautious in the future! Perhaps when both experts were still entangled in the force field whirlpool, he could try to ambush Yun Yang so as to curb any future disaster? As Eunuch Wu continued to hesitate, a tiny white shadow appeared in front of him. It was another white kitten the size of a palm. "Meow!" Eunuch Wu was first shocked but he recalled that the Eclipse Panther earlier had already expended itself and could do nothing more. Owning one ninth-level mystical beast like the Eclipse Panther was already an insane blessing, who could be so mighty to own two at the same time? It was impossible! "Childish!" Eunuch Wu scoffed. "You think you can deceive this old man with a misleading troop!" He delivered a hard punch, confident that it would mash this Lightning Cat in front of him into a meatball! However, there simply are things that you have to believe in, impossible as they are. "Meow!" The kitten cried a high-pitched cry and with a sudden shake of its head, a gigantic panther head appeared. The fangs were pointy and cold as it chomped down on the hand. "Argh!" Eunuch Wu was scared out of his wits. It really was an Eclipse Panther? Ah Eunuch Wu, who had already been severely injured,could not respond in time and was not as lucky; his right hand snapped off with a loud crack. The tiny panther cried as its body was flung away like a ball. In its mouth was Eunuch Wus complete right arm! Despite the injuries, Eunuch Wus punch with its remaining energy had completely warded off the young panther. Eunuch Wu, missing an arm, howled into the sky. His body staggered back in midair before it fell downwards. Yun Yang had already picked himself up, gathering the helpless falling panther into his arms. He threw Eunuch Wus right arm away in disgust and hugged the small panther lovingly. The tiny panther mewled before it fainted in Yun Yangs embrace. Eunuch Wu was still falling in the air but a white shadow flashed in front of him once more. It was another tiny panther, its eyes fiery. This old bastard dared wound two of my brothers, you shall die! The panther shook, a green luminesce shot from its mouth with a roar. As expected, the Aeroblade Spheroid was unleashed! "Theres actually one more" Hopelessness clouded Eunuch Wus heart. Did I fall into a nest of Eclipse Panthers tonight? Why are there so many of them? The Aeroblade Spheroid was looming large before him. Eunuch Wu could no longer avoid or counter this attack in time. The mans eyes shut abruptly as he roared, unleashing all of his mystical Qi, potential energy, and life force! Pow, pow pow His neck, chest, shoulders, and face were bloodied; his face almost stripped of skin and flesh. One of his eyes was also struck by the Aeroblade Spheroid amidst an agonized cry. Murky black liquid spurted, the sign of an eyeball being squashed. Eunuch Wu was howling in anguish as he fell. Suddenly, a long cry accompanied a growing glow on his body; his entire being was suddenly enveloped in a green radiance as he charged with an incredible speed like a shooting star into the sky. "Its the Incandescent Meteor Soul!" Fang Mofei who just pulled himself out of the force field whirlpool failed to give chase for Eunuch Wus current speed had exceeded all human limitation. His speed was even increasing, making it impossible to catch up. "Young master, quickly avoid it! Thats the Arcane Ruins of Star and Soul!" Fang Mofei knew it was not plausible but he gave chase with all his might, hollering his warning with anxious sweat dotting his face. Ruins of Star and Soul! It was the extreme method of using a persons vital force in becoming a meteor in the sky as one last attack called the Incandescent Meteor Soul! With the increasing speed, it could even kill someone three levels higher! It was indestructible, and there was no one had the speed that could match that of this skill. However, the executor had to pay the price of exhausting his entire vital force, and essence and blood, as well as destroying all his meridians and blood vessels upon using it. Even if the immortals and gods were here to save him, they would be helpless. That being said, this skill had never missed its target. Fang Mofei had never thought that this eunuch who had always been in the palace would actually possess such mystique skills and unleash it in such a sudden manner. Eunuch Wu had already charged in front of Yun Yang; his speed did not slow down at all as he went straight at him. The resulting impact was sure to crush a huge pit even if it were the city wall. However, Yun Yang who had been standing right before his eyes disappeared abruptly, just in the nick of time. He disappeared; he vanished entirely into thin air. In his place was a thick cloud of fog. Eunuch Wus accelerating body ran right through the fog without any friction. The only thing he had achieved was to form a big hole through the complete fog and bringing some of it away with him. The eunuch finally stopped after another few hundred feet of running. He seemed to have thought of something as he sunk into an unprecedented state of trance. He turned around slowly like a puppet, staring at the fog of cloud that had not dissipated and maintained the large hole in the middle. Disbelief painted his only remaining eye. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei had rushed over to the site as well. Their four eyes stared dumbly at the fog of cloud,bewildered beyond explanation. The cloud morphed and slowly, Yun Yangs shape formed again. The sliver of cloud that was brought away by Eunuch Wu returned to its owner as well, Yun Yangs silhouette growing more distinct. When the cloud of fog had completely disappeared, Yun Yang stood rather weakly in his purple robe. His face was pale and his eyes listless. The loud puffing of air was loud enough for the other three to catch it clearly. Despite it all, he was still standing there; he was alive. Although he looked rather lethargic and like he was about to pass out, he was still standing there, breathing and alive. Shock and stupor were written all across Eunuch Wus single eye. Within them, there was also a sliver of terror. "Cloud" Eunuch Wu murmured with difficulty, "Supreme Cloud?!" Yun Yang straightened himself slowly. He stood tall and straight; in that moment, his entire being shone like a sharp sword soaring towards the heaven as his gaze turned tired yet majestic. He said softly, "That is right. I am Supreme Cloud." "Cough Heh hehe cough Hahaha" Eunuch Wu coughed, blood spurting from his mouth and within the liquid were pieces of crushed organs. He was still laughing though. The laughter reeked of despair and self-mockery. His voice was weak, the fraction of life left to him dwindled like a candle amidst the wind. "I I never thought that I would actually die in the hands of the legendary Supreme Cloud. Im really blessed from my previous lives, I have not wasted this life either" The light in Eunuch Wus gaze dimmed. "The arduous planning still came to naught in the end..." The clarity in his eyes was dimming rapidly, his voice growing frailer. Yun Yang took one step forward, his voice collected. "Eunuch Wu, tell me who you are." Eunuch Wu shook his head and mumbled, "Is there still a point?" Yun Yang pressed on stubbornly, "Which day of which month are you?" Eunuch Wu shuddered, his head that he would not be able to lift anymore jerked slightly. He looked at Yun Yang, the last sliver of radiance vanishing in his orbs as he murmured, "Autumn is here Its the eighth month Its time to reunite for mid-autumn" 114 Young Master Supreme Cloud. The Transcendental Cliff Before he finished speaking, Eunuch Wu swayed on his feet before he fell forward with a loud thud. He fell into a kneeling position, crushing his calves and knees before his entire body collapsed, his head falling off and rolling merrily away. He had exhausted all of his potential life force; even his soul and subconscious had been poured into the execution of the Incandescent Meteor Soul. His body was like cracked porcelain, primed to shatter upon a delicate touch. Yun Yang took a deep breath. Autumn is here. It is the eighth months mid-autumn. Time to reunite Obviously, Eunuch Wus identity was the fifteenth of the eighth month! "Were going right from spring to autumn" Yun Yang mumbled under his breath, feeling confused and bewildered about this entire case. This Hall of Autumns man had just died in his hands, and for no practical reason whatsoever. It had all been just an attempt to mildly probe the enemy, an unexpected test for both sides. Both Yun Yang and Eunuch Wu did not realize that they were each others real enemy, yet victory and defeat had been decided. Yun Yang turned and met Lao Mei and Fang Mofeis extremely shocked yet adoring and respectful gazes. "You are Supreme Cloud?" Lao Mei asked with a violent stutter. Fang Mofei stared heatedly at Yun Yang. "Lord Supreme Cloud?" Yun Yang sighed as if he had seen one too many years of life. Finally, he said in a resigned voice, "I am your Young Master Yun once again." "Yes, young master!" Both Lao Mei and Fang Mofei stood impeccably straight, their gazes radiating admiration and awe. They had never thought that the man they were serving could be the empires guardian, a man that each and every citizen of the nation idolized with almost a religious fervor. Our young master is actually such a heroic figure! Warmth rushed into their hearts as their throats clogged up, they did not know what to say, feeling somewhat starstruck. Supreme Cloud! The cloud that soars in the heavens! Fang Mofei and Lao Mei felt moisture welling in their eyes, springing from the intense emotions, from pride. The entire Empire of Yutang seemed to be enshrouded in ominous gray clouds when the news of the Nine Supremes being ambushed was spread; everyone was heavy-hearted, each of them so repressed that frustration began to eat them up. Yet when both of them heard the words Supreme Cloud, those feelings of despondency immediately vanished. The gray clouds that were always hovering about had disappeared at the sound of these two words. Both of them experienced a moment of euphoria, especially for the hapless Lao Mei. Why Yun Yang would often go missing and reappear suddenly Why there were no maids or servants in the residence Why his young master had always been so mysterious! It all made sense now. Young master was Supreme Cloud! Havoc had been wrought in the capital of Empire of Yutang tonight. It was four noble young masters against the empires Minister of Imperial Household! More than half of the capitals influential figures were following the developments of this incident closely. Although Mi Kongqun had said himself that he had made peace with the four fellows and it was only a misunderstanding, it was still worth wondering why none of the four eunuchs he brought along had returned. As for the palace, it was not a small matter either. However powerful Mi Kongqun was as a Minister of Imperial Household, he still needed to explain the situation. It was reasonable and expected, even, for the four great young masters to act so recklessly but for Mi Kongqun to actually do the same and to dispatch so many imperial guards in a mass movement it was something worth pondering upon. Those influential figures that were still anticipating the developments of the story were shocked to discover that the incident was not mentioned again the next morning. It was as if the huge havoc last night was a wispy breeze, leaving no trace after it blew by. Qiu Jianhan was too lazy to make the effort to mention it and was also waiting for Keeper Mis further actions. He would and observe the man''s next move. As for the others, especially the imperial officials who would normally leap at the chance to make a fuss out of nothing not a single one of them stepped forth to condemn the culprit. Qiu Jianhan felt genuinely perplexed. His eyes met those of Leng Daoyin, perhaps trying subconsciously to see if the same confusion was reflected in the other mans orbs. Qiu Jianhans eyebrows scrunched into a frown. He had been in the thick of things and could hardly be blamed for missing out on things, but for Leng Daoyin who was an outsider to this incident to not notice anything was really bizarre! When Yun Yang returned to his residence, he went straight into cultivation. The turn of events in tonights battle was beyond Yun Yangs expectations, more so when his goal was to never kill people. He had wanted to extract more information on people from the Eunuch Wu but this objective had obviously failed. However, other than gaining more insights into the saber truth, he had obtained a surprising bit of information C Eunuch Wu was actually autumns man! He had previously been involved with the Hall of Spring, going around in circles and never seeming to get out of them. Now that a personnel from Hall of Autumn had emerged, he was becoming increasingly confused. "I believe Mi Kongqun is from the Hall of Spring and while Eunuch Wu and he were aware of each other, they may not know each others other identity. At least, Mi Kongqun doesnt know Eunuch Wus background and the latter has never shown his real combat abilities in front of Mi Kongqun." "Ive used all I have in the battle today, including three Eclipse Panthers, but Eunuch Wu was only slain with a bare margin to spare. Its impressive, and he was only the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Hall of Autumn!" Yun Yang could truthfully feel the terror his words invoked. Although he had ultimately won, he had paid a great price by using the Fog of Cloud Conjuration to counter Eunuch Wus lethal strike. Besides, the two panthers had to recover from their injuries. Yun Yang entered closed-door cultivation immediately, activating the force of life to begin his healing. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei each sat meditating in a secluded spot in the courtyard. Their eyes opened occasionally, the surging, warm, blood in their heart still unable to fully cool down. Supreme Cloud! The young master was actually Supreme Cloud! This piece of information was like a thunderbolt, crackling in both of their minds. Yun Yang did not say much but both of them had chosen to keep quiet. What did the identity Supreme Cloud entail? Did it need more explanation? This secret alone was enough to trigger three earthquakes throughout the entire continent! If the news were to be leaked out, the aftermath would be severe! "What I wish to see the most is the moment when young master soars up high in the sky as an unexpected advantage!" Fang Mofei and Lao Mei shared the same thought in their heart. Just thinking about the scene made them trembled with emotion. However, by being Supreme Cloud, young masters enemies would come from the entire continent, and all the strong ones at that. It was no wonder young master kept saying his ability was inadequate and complained about slow improvement. He was simply speaking the truth. We, standing by our young masters side, have to increase our abilities too! It was a mandatory requirement. With that resonating in their minds, both their cultivation states entered an unprecedented frenzy. When Yun Yang woke up the next morning, his body felt relaxed as he stretched; his injuries had all recovered. As for the Eclipse Panthers, the one with the most severe injuries had recovered more than half of its vigor while another one was completely healed. "That was rather quick." Yun Yang opened the messages sent by the Nine Heavens Dictum. "Not even the slightest bit of repercussion?" Yun Yang read the intel collected from all over, his splendid eyebrows slowly scrunching into a frown. This did not seem normal. So much had happened these few days From Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansans incident that dragged until now, to Mi Kongquns case, the accumulation of these matters somehow had not caused any untoward ripples. Theoretically, the few boards, princes, and even both civil and military officials, as well as censors, would be at each others throats and tear each other down in the imperial court alone. The argument would go on as one defended and the other attacked, vice versa. Digging deeper into the matters from these arguments was only the right thing to do. However, there was hardly a whisper of news regarding these significant incidents. What did that mean? It meant all that had happened had been quelled by an impossibly influential hand, forcibly suppressed and rendered insignificant. Who in the capital wielded such influence? Yun Yang inhaled deeply. Regardless of all that happened, at least Cirrus House could have its peace for now. As long as the four popinjays were still in Tiantang, the Four Seasons Tower would still restrain themselves from making any reckless moves. After all, they had lost five people over at the Cirrus House. There would be much for them to consider, even if was just to contemplate on the countermeasures. "I can finally take a breather..." While Yun Yang was thinking about this, other developments were unfolding,tens of thousands of miles away A man in gray clothes sat quietly on a cliff enveloped in cloud and mist. There were five to six coarse metal chains that were dark red in color looped around him; in the middle of them, all were ropes of dark red mystical beast tendons. Two chains snaked through his shoulder blades as the third chain pierced his chest, going two rounds around his spine and extended into a deep cave As if that was not enough, each of his legs bore the same chain. It was unimaginable how much torment this man was in, yet he was sitting in front of a stone table with a peaceful expression, preparing and drinking tea. Looking at the dense sea of clouds, his face was somehow calm and collected. A white silhouette came through the sea of clouds, breaking them into wisps of vapor. Wherever he passed, the clouds naturally separated into two, creating a path through which one could walk. 115 A Heart That Is Not Yet Weary, a Tea That Is Not Yet Cold He resembled an immortal descending from heaven, landing gracefully as his robe fluttered in the wind. The otherworldliness was inexplicable. On his face though, was a shimmering gold mask. It invoked an extreme sense of chilling cold, designed to make one grow more nervous. He flew in gracefully and landed on the cliff. Looking at the gray clothed man who was chained, his eyes sparkled and as he gently smiled. "Brother Gu, I see you remain as elegant as ever though I have not seen you in years. This young brother is relieved." The gray clothed man said flatly, "If these chains were taken off, Ill have you know that my elegance is even more prominent than it has ever been." The man in white chuckled, his white robe was pristine like snow without a speck of dust and his voice was clear. "Forgive me, Brother Gu. Forgive this young brother that I cant do something so foolish." The man in gray laughed. "Youre an absolute bastard! Speak, why are you here? Or perhaps youre just here to visit your prisoner?" The man in white replied, "Its still the same matter. Brother Gu should know why Ive come to look for you now." The man in gray answered, "I dont. Do enlighten me." The man in white robe did as he was told. "The previous Heaven Seal Formation has secured thousands of miles radius within Tianxuan Cliff and exhausted years of my treasured collection. Only then did I completely seal the nine young fellows morphing abilities and subdued them all. You told me that I could rest assured forever then but things dont look all that optimistic now." The man in gray lifted his eyes and said faintly, "Is it not? Youve promised to set me free after that time too, have you done so?" "Brother Gu, you must understand me." The man in white said sincerely, "Your skills could be considered thoroughly mighty, how could I let you go? You should understand my choice." The man in gray smiled. "Right, you dare not let me go." Sympathy surfaced in his eyes. "As for the nine young fellows, Ive told you long ago. Its all destiny." "How can I believe this thing thats called destiny?" The man in white stood with his arms behind his back on the cliff, his robes fluttering noisily. Clouds that had gathered together again were blown away. "Brother Gu, youve mentioned that when the Nine Supremes unite, there will be an upheaval of heaven and earth, of the world and empires alike. The Supreme shall reign unchallenged!" The man in white enunciated the sentence word by word, "Ive asked you then, what if the Nine Supremes would be left with only one man? You said no." He turned and looked at the man in white. "Tell me again now, is it a yes or no?!" The man in gray smiled. "This is a mystery of heaven; it is not for me to reveal it." The man in white showed hints of anger in his eyes even as he smiled gently. "Brother Gu, you are forcing my hand." The man in gray cast his gaze lower and said faintly, "Everything has been decided by destiny, including my impending doom." The man in white kept quiet for a bit then he said, "Brother Gu, you only have to tell me one thing. Which Supreme is it whos still alive among the Nine Supremes?" With a slight twitch of an eyebrow, the man in grays eyes seemed to freeze slightly before he smiled. "I can only tell you, you wont find him. That is all I have to say." A long growl from the man in white had all the clouds within a thousand-mile radius around them soaring up several thousand feet high, turning the view clear at once. Lush green mountains greeted them, a splendid array of nature and scenery. "So beautiful." The man in gray watched the unveiled scenery in a daze as he murmured, "So, this is the world" His eyes darted around before they came to a stop at the man in white by the cliff, his voice faint. "So this is the world" The man in white gave another echoing cry, releasing all the frustration he held in his chest and recovering his initial state of ease. He smiled softly. "Right. What Ive met is the world, what youve met is also the world. However, we hold different attitudes, we have utterly different states of mind." The gray clothed man smiled. "That is correct. The man hasnt left but the tea has already gone cold." With a humorless chuckle, the man in white said, "Thats why Brother Gus name is a good name. Gu Chaliang1, just watching your tea turn cold on the sideline, until it no longer tastes like tea, is terribly satisfying." The person in question shook his head and said softly, "Whether the tea is cold or cool, the aroma remains. The fragrance of tea does not dissipate but stays in one''s heart." He lifted his head to look at the other party. "For you and I, our tea has cooled but for others, their tea is still boiling. The aroma of tea travels far and wide, over the oceans and mountains." The man in white laughed. "Brother Gu, we have been brothers for years, its not good to be on bad terms. I truly do not wish to torment you. I only need you to tell me this." The addressed man said lightly, "The tea has cooled. Would you still believe what I say?" The other party was shocked. The man in gray continued, "I can tell you that the Nine Supremes are all dead but do you believe it? If I tell you someone is still alive, would you believe it?" The man in white said, "I could just buy the information, you know." A soft sigh came from the shackled man, "Heavens Inquisition is already dead, who are you going to buy it from?" "But Gu Chaliang is still alive!" The man in white continued, "Tell me, is anyone from the Nine Supremes still alive?" A slight nod came from the prisoner. "Ive told you, everything is destined!" The man in white chortled. "This young brother has never believed in destiny!" A guffaw later, his body suddenly shot up towards the sky, turning into the clouds. His voice boomed, coming from the nine heavens above. "The Nine Supremes are not dead yet. They must be men of Yutang. When I kill all of Yutang, the world will have its peace! Even if the sovereignty will be at risk and thousands of lives are lost, the empire shall be broken and I shall be free of inhibitions!" The laugh faded. The man in gray closed his eyes as he murmured, "The wine is still flavorful after years in the world, the tea is not yet cold in this life" He picked himself up slowly, bringing along with him the five chains but entered the cave as if floating airily. Although the chains knocked against each other, no sound came from them. Only the cries of a desolated warbling come from deep within the cave. "It is destined for the Nine Supremes to reign unparalleled, across the vastness of heaven and earth, and the clouds that hover between." When Yun Yang went out his door, he saw a man in his thirties with only a single arm on the street. He was hoisting a little girl in floral clothes with two braids on his shoulders. Although he only had an arm, he held his daughter locked securely. The girl was swaying happily on her fathers shoulders, her soft child''s voice making random requests lovingly as clear ringing chuckles accompanied her innocent queries. The mans expression was absolutely loving; everyone who saw the scene would believe that this man would willingly give all he had to his daughter without reservation. In his heart, his daughter was a unique gem, his most precious little princess! "Father, father. Look, they have candied flakes over there" The little girl laughed and called out, bouncing herself on his shoulder. "Okay, okay Lets go over to have a look" The man smiled contentedly, walking away with his daughter. Yun Yang stood with his arms behind his back. His gaze seemed to be looking afar but the corner of his eyes was focused on the girl. The truest form of envy brimmed at the bottom of his eyes. "Father, father. Look, the candied flakes are over there" The words echoed in Yun Yangs heart, a bitter smile adorned the corners of his lips. Forget candied flakes, it was already difficult to have a chance to call out ''father'' in his life! Never did he have the chance to do so! Fang Mofei, who was standing by his side, could feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness in his young master. Yun Yang who had remained still for some time suddenly took large strides forward. He came to the front of the candied flakes vendor and tossed him a silver ingot, taking a stick of candied flakes. The vendor was calling out behind him for his change but Yun Yang was already far away. Yun Yang brought the stick of candied flakes to his mouth, carefully taking a bite before the sweet sour taste seemed to sink right into his heart at once. "Its really tasty" He strolled forward leisurely, his mouth munching on the taste of the candied flakes as if without a care in the world. A deep pang of pain ached in his heart as he trembled; the corners of his eyes blurred with moisture against the morning sun. Finally, when only the last candied flake was left, Yun Yang wiped the stick clean and kept it along with the last candied flakes into his sleeves, murmuring, "Let us think of it as both of you buying it for me" He faced the sun, grinned and said softly, "I am living well." Translator Note: 1Gu Chaliang (˲g ch ling): man in grays name with Gu as his family name and Chaliang as his first name; the name literally means watch the tea gets cold C Gu means watch while Chaliang means tea to get cold. 116 Missing Veterans Yun Yang first went to the west of the city to make a round of the slums. Looking at the happy smiles on the faces of those handicapped warriors, he was comforted. He then went to the south of the city before heading to the east and north... Yun Yangs pace was quick, each step seemed at ease but his fast movements had already taken him dozens of feet away. Fang Mofei tailed him closely without losing a beat. It was during this afternoon that people in the capital swore that they had seen a handsome young master with otherworldly grace pass before their eyes. Yun Yangs strides were fast, assisted by his qinggong skills, but it was already midnight when he completed a complete round in Yutang City. He did not do much and had only roamed around. He was like a lonely lion patrolling his territory; soundlessly, but with pride and solitude. He was contented to watch the people under his care living in peace. When he finally returned, Lao Mei came forth with an upset expression. "Old Marshal Qiu came over today" The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched in amusement. Why would I be roaming around for the whole day if it werent for him? He said softly, "Yes, and what about it?" "The old marshal was infuriated when he heard that youve left early in the morning" Lao Mei looked trouble. "Heknocked over our lion statue before he left." Looking at the shattered lion statue, the corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched uncontrollably. Finally, he clapped and uttered his praise, "Old Marshal is growing stronger with age! Its something worth celebrating." He paused and continued, "Go out and order a hundred lion statues tomorrow. Place two hereso the old marshal can vent his anger each time he comes over." The shock was written all over Lao Meis face. Do you intend never to meet him? If Lao Mei did not know of Yun Yangs other identity, he would definitely be advising or persuading him. However, Lao Mei had long changed his stance; he was irrefutably on Yun Yangs side and acknowledged all his decisions. Even if the other party had been Old Marshal Qiu, he put it aside and continued to the next visitor. "General Tie Zheng came over as well." Lao Mei said, "He brought Marquis Yun a few boxes of border specialty fruits." Yun Yang sighed, "That Tie Zheng. He is already so poor, why does he still give fruits? Where are they?" "Theyve been eaten by the kittens." Lao Mei was exasperated and so was Yun Yang. "Right, did Old Marshal say anything before he left? Better yet, don''t tell me. Its better if I didnt know." Yun Yang had a sudden change of heart. "Eat, eat. Eating is important." It was too bad that the eating had to stop as well. The four noble young masters had dropped by in the middle of the meal. "Boss! I am here again." Dong Tianlengs unique voice was like his signature. "Boss!" "Lord!" Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan, Qiu Yunsan, and Dong Tianleng were all here. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter had all gathered at Yun Yangs place. Yun Yang sighed. He could not help but think of the Four Seasons Tower the moment he saw these four. "I knew the boss is eating. The four of us havent eaten either." Dong Tianleng chuckled and acted as if he was the most familiar with Yun Yang, turning around to call out, "Butler, butler. Come, bring out another four sets of cutlery. Lets drink until were drunk today, lets not return if we are still sober." Lao Mei rolled his eyes at the behavior of this boor who regarded himself as someone close but still went to retrieve the requested utensils. After some drinks, Dong Tiangleng finally brought up the main topic. "Boss, do you remember the mystical beast case that youve mentioned previously?" "Guaranteed!" Yun Yang wasted no time with pleasantries. "Then will the Luminary Paste really be poisoned?" Qiu Yunsan asked hesitantly. "Have you got it already?" Yun Yang asked. "Not yet." "In a nutshell, be very careful." Yun Yang reminded, "Always be on your guard against anyone and everyone." All four of them nodded seriously. Drinking quietly, the excitement that had been in their hearts had been somewhat dampened. Apparently, the nights mood was meant to be mellow as Yun Yangs mood was somewhat subdued. As the five of them drank in silence, a ray of sword-light shone suddenly at the south of Tiantang City. A scrawny silhouette appeared, carrying a large wine gourd on his back, reeking of alcohol; his gaze filled with longing. "Im back again." I wonder hows the little girl doing now? "I have things to do this time. I should finish what I need to and retrieve the item first. After all, it cant be delayed anymore." The spiritless man smiled. He entered the city gate with light steps. Yun Yang and gang were drinking and chatting when suddenly a series of sharp raps emanated from the door. Bang, bang, bang. A person called out from the outside, "May I ask if Young Master Yun is at home?" It was already late in the night. Lao Mei frowned and said, "This voice sounds familiar. I believe it belongs to Chen San, who you saved the other day, young master." "Chen San?" Yun Yang frowned. "There must be something urgent for him to come knocking this late. Quickly, let him in." A short moment later, Chen San entered in a hurry and kneeled down. "Young master, young master, please save my brothers!" He continued to bow ceaselessly. Yun Yang frowned. "What has happened? Do stand up to speak." Yun Yang could see Chen San walking with a limp, saber scars scattered around his face. Those scars seemed to have been around for some time already. "Chen San" Yun Yang seemed to understand. "You went to the enlistment to war by handicapped veterans too?" Chen San was taken aback before he said in a guilty tone, "Young master is wise. Chen San has indeed gone to the battlefield but could only welcome the enemy. Not only did I not kill a single foe, I came back bearing injuries everywhere. I feel embarrassed on behalf of the young master." Yun Yang said sternly, "What are you talking about? Man of men has things theyd never do and things they must do! Youre a lion-hearted man going to the battlefield wholeheartedly. Whether or not youve killed an enemy is only a minor detail. The brothers who have gone with you, have they returned too?" Chen Sans eyes were rimmed red. "Young master, Chen San has come for this. When we retired from the military, we gathered to live together and help each other out. Our days are a bit hard but at least we were at peace. Forty-three people from our area have set off for this war, thirty-two people were lucky to return while we lost eleven brothers in the battle." "However, of late, these brothers have been going missing. In the beginning, we thought that they went out to gather for reunions with their comrades but since then, they have been missing in increasing numbers. Oddly, they were the veterans who had fought on the battlefield" Chen San was tearful. "There were already nine people missing as of tonight. We dont know whats going on, but we have a feeling that these missing brothers would probably not be coming back anymore" He was trembling all over. As a handicapped veteran at the lowest class of society, his world was only this big. The only upper-class figure he knew was Yun Yang who had helped him when he was bullied. With this incident happening, it was his largest effort, after much hesitation, to come seeking for Yun Yangs help. He was his last hope. Yun Yang stood up abruptly, his gaze a menacing glare. "Many missing veterans?" A ferocious killing intent gushed and exuded from him. Dong Tianleng and his cohorts who were gathered around Yun Yang all shuddered in fear. How could such an intensely murderous aura come from Yun Yang, a noble familys young master? It was the aura of a being who had been through hundreds and thousands of vicious battles and mindless killing. "Let me go look this up." Yun Yang stood up. "Well come along as well." Dong Tianleng and the other three young masters stood up as well. "No need." Yun Yang said in a collected manner, "A large number of people will only increase the chances of being a target. If I really need help from all of you, Ill voice it out. I wont be shy, I promise." Qiu Yunsan tapped his chest. "Dont worry, boss! Only one word from you and we shall provide whatevers needed, be it men, money or energy!" Yun Yang waved as he headed out with Fang Mofei and Lao Mei in tow. "For now, just play among yourselves." A quarter of an hour later, Yun Yang and the other had appeared at the south side of the city C a rather desolate-looking neighborhood. All the houses in this area were very old and worn out. Although it was already late in the night, twenty-three men were standing around when Chen San led Yun Yang into the courtyard. These men were all either injured or handicapped. Old veterans with blind eyes or broken legs were on the trail as well. Even when the few of them had broken legs and could only prop themselves against the wall, they looked respectful with a faint grief that was unable to be concealed. "Young Master Yun is here." Chen Sans voice was excited. "Young master, please take the lead for us!" All of them kneeled simultaneously. "Everyone, please rise." Yun Yang was touched. "Please, tell me what happened here. Let us analyze the situation." With Yun Yangs decision, everyone quickly sat in a circle and began describing the process leading up to the incident. Fang Mofei had already gone up to the roof. Under the guard of a seventh peak pinnacle expert, this place was considered unassailable. Following everyones narration, Yun Yang had figured out the outline of this particular incident. For nine consecutive days, a handicapped veteran had gone missing each day from this area. It was within reason to say that they were from the same barrack; comrades that had survived death together and had a certain degree of tacit understanding. However, amidst the discussion, Yun Yang had surprisingly realized that these nine people were the closest among the others. In more precise words, other than the nine of them, their relationship with the other veterans was only normal. They were only closest and most truthful with each other. There were still two left who shared a tight-knitted relationship with the nine among these people; the two of them were the most anxious now. However, Yun Yang had gotten confirmation from these two men that despite their close relationship with the nine missing men, it still could not compare with the relationship among the nine themselves. "Missing without a trace" Yun Yangs brows locked into a frown. "One missing each day" "Yet no one else has gone missing since the day before yesterday." How could something so bizarre be happening? 117 The Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood Missing cases usually happened to children, young masters and ladies, kidnapped to blackmail their families. It rarely happened to grown , adult men, especially these handicapped veterans who had nothing and lived in poverty, barely able to get their daily meals. Even if they were kidnapped, how much could be gained from their ransom? What was outrageous was that nine people had been kidnapped in nine consecutive days! What kind of situation was this? Yun Yangs train of thoughts halted suddenly as enlightenment struck; his face drained of color. Nine. Nine days. Nine people. Why nine days? Why nine people? Yun Yang suddenly realized a terrifying possibility. He thought hard and said, "Go home, all of you. If my guess is correct, there wont be any more of these happening in the future." Chen San asked, "What does Young Master mean?" Yun Yang heaved a long and worried sigh. "There is another reason behind this. Perhaps it involves a wicked mystique method that can only be activated with nine people. I think I already know the reason behind this. I honestly hope Im wrong otherwise, the consequences are severe!" He took a package out from his robe, opening it with some difficulty. Shimmering gold laid inside but Yun Yang had never realized that the color was so blindingly unpleasant to the eyes! He said softly, "The families of those nine brothers shall be under your care. Please send these gold ingots over for me." The men bowed at the same time. "Thank you, young master! We thank young masters saving grace on behalf of our missing brothers!" "Saving grace?" Yun Yang''s smiled was devoid of humor, his face full of despair. Can mere ingots of gold really replace the life of a hero who had sacrificed his life for the country and for its people? If it can, Im willing to exhaust all my wealth, robbing homes and the world from now on to acquire more gold! It could not, though. How could these golden things ever be equal to the lives of heroes? It could at most only make up for his guilt. It was only the smallest of tokens! Yun Yang walked out of the deserted alley, feeling his rage rocketing. He then took out the Nine Heavens Dictum out without any hesitation. Yun Yang was using the real Nine Heavens Dictum this time! It was not the medallion that each of the brothers had owned, it was the sole principal medallion in the Residence of Nine Supremes. A faint purple radiance illuminated the medallion, lending it an ethereal cast. Yun Yang gave it some thought before he took seventh brother Supreme Bloods medallion and attached it to the Nine Heavens Dictum. He then held the Pearl of Blood in his hand and sent out a dictum directly. Streaks of blood-red rays shot out from the Nine Heavens Dictum. "Investigate if any veterans or serving militants around the city have gone missing. If there are, did they go missing, one a day and for nine consecutive days? Are there any other sets of nine people missing? Report back immediately if there is any news! There must be no delay!" The crimson colored beams were gone in a flash. It was during this night when countless people hidden in countless secret places had tears streaming down their faces. Looking at the Nine Heavens Dictum that gleamed a bright scintillating red, a host of people were speechless from the intense emotions they were going through. "Supreme Blood boss has finally reappeared!" "This is the real Nine Heavens Dictum!" Countless men sprung up and charged over to check the contents of the Nine Heavens Dictum with a speed rarely seen in recent times. "Quickly, everyone spread out and investigate!" "Delve deeply! The quicker the better! We must produce the most detailed results in the shortest amount of time!" "Quick, quick, quick!" "This is the first order after Supreme Blood''s return. If we dont investigate this meticulously, we can die of shame, for having embarrassed Supreme Blood!" "Quick! Hurry! Everyone is doing their job. Were under the Dictum of Blood, we are the direct force of the lord Supreme Blood. If we fall behind, we can commit mass suicide already!" After Yun Yang returned, the Nine Heavens Dictum was placed on his chest all the way back. He could faintly feel the incoming surge of messages. From these messages, he could see the intense emotions and feelings of these people who sent them. "Boss! Boss, youre back!" "Supreme Blood lord, our boss when will he be back?" "Supreme Blood boss, our Water lord" "Supreme Blood sir our Cloud sir" Looking at the anxious yet anticipatory messages, Yun Yang could emphatically feel the senders anxiousness, desperation, and caution. He was helpless and brokenhearted, facing such messages. For a moment, his heart clenched in pain, having no words to answer them. "Do your job well!" Yun Yang''s reply was generic and non-committal. Looking at the deep, dark night, he wanted nothing but to let it all out in a roar, to vent hysterically. However, he just gazed afar for a long, long time. Finally, he heaved a long sigh. It was only after dawn when the Nine Heavens Dictum flashed with the news. Concentrated around the borders of Tiantang City, veterans who had been through countless battles hard started to go missing regularly since one and a half years ago. There was a total of three instances where nine men went missing each time. The first time was one and a half years ago C it was the second month when nine veterans went missing in the west of Tiantang City. There was no news of them at all as if sand had been thrown into the ocean. The second time was after last years ninth day of the third month. From the fifteenth of the third month onwards, nine handicapped veterans had gone missing for nine consecutive days in the north of Tiantang City. The third time was this current instance, at the south of Tiantang City. All three missing cases had a similarity C the nine missing men were very close to each other. They had something in common with each other as well C they were all veterans of countless battles, experienced militants who had taken at least three lives. "It has indeed happened because of the Nine Supremes. It is indeed Spectral Path of the Soul, the Abyss Trail of Blood." Yun Yang inhaled deeply and sent another order. "Focus on the east of Tiantang from today onwards. Report immediately if any cases of missing veterans are discovered. There must be no delay in this." Once the dictum was sent, Yun Yang fell silent. The Four Seasons Tower had actually used such a vicious method. "Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood" was an extremely vile and immoral yet inefficient mystical tracking method. Such an extreme yet ineffective method was only used when one could not find the target and was not even sure of its approximate location. The methods efficiency was low yet the conditions to execute it was terribly harsh. The first condition was to find nine people who were very close to each other; they had to be immensely loyal to the person you were looking for as well. Next, these nine souls had to possess the spirit of war. The spirit of war was the soul of the battlefield. It meant that they had to have been through the real agony of war. In addition, they had to be fearless in the battlefield in order to have such spirit of war within them. Not only did they have to possess the spirit of war, they had to possess bloodlust. A person who was savage could possess some degree of bloodlust, so could people who robbed and snatched; even people who slaughtered pigs and cows for a living could have some form of it. However, the bloodlust on the battlefield was different C it was the madness of slaughter after having lived through countless battles. Killing one''s enemy would rid one of nervousness and fear; killing two enemies would make one fearless and increase ones courage; killing three enemies would raise ones aura and bloodlust. This was also why people dared not approach and be close when some warriors who had fought so many battles greeted them with smiles upon returning home after retirement. It was a genuine fear that came from the heart. This was bloodlust! Its existence was undoubtedly true and could only be washed away with time spent peacefully. Only when all these conditions were fulfilled could the Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood be executed! In other words, the core of the so-called "Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood" was to toss the souls of such men onto the sacrificial altar and use an extremely inhumane method to find the location of people they wanted to search for. The method was mystical but it was also utterly vicious and inefficient. Yun Yang had only thought it to be a myth. He despised and held the mystical method in contempt, yet he had never expected that such sadistic and heartless deed would happen in his lifetime C and it was to find him! "Kinship is forged in life and death, troops are formed through bloodlust and war; the spectral path of the soul, abyss trail of blood." "The Four Seasons Tower!" Yun Yang uttered these words in clear diction, his tone sharp and chilling like the icicle from an iceberg. "Emmie, I am entering closed-door cultivation!" Yun Yang was raging. "Lift all the suppressed energy from before I come out. I intend to charge to the fifth peak!" Yun Yang no longer cared about stabilizing each stage of the levels, about fortifying his foundation. He only wanted stronger abilities. As long as his cultivation base went through the fifth peak of mystical Qi, he could charge for the fourth stage of Mystique Wind Conjuration, the fifth stage of Fog of Cloud Conjuration, the fourth stage of Fiery Charm, and also Supreme Blood and Supreme Thunders cultivation skills. By then, his maneuvering ability and manipulation skills would increase by leaps and bounds. He would have more confidence and tactics when going against the Four Seasons Tower! "It doesnt matter how you fools plot against me or the Nine Supremes. Well go head on with our abilities!" Yun Yang was seething with rage. "But why do you harm the veterans who had gone through so many wars and battles?" "Theyre the empires heroes, the peoples heroes! They went to war for the country. Even when they were handicapped, they never forgot to repay the nation. Each and every one of them is a real man of valor!" "Each of them is worth your shame for three lifetimes! You fools were crazed enough to kill these heroic men just to achieve your goal. Very well, I shall grant your wish." "When I appear before you, I shall not be held accountable for any cruelty you will experience in my hands!" Yun Yangs eyes were bloodthirsty, his murderous aura was strong and intense. Perhaps the Four Seasons Tower did not expect the hysterical decision Yun Yang had made, driven to action because of their inhumane methods. Perhaps it had fulfilled the saying C God is watching your every move; you shall reap what you sow! 118 Dispatch of the Nine Heavens Dictum! It was already autumn now. The autumn wind was growing chilly; an autumn shower made the weather seemed even bleaker. As the breeze blustered above Tiantang City throughout the entire day, almost every man of Yutang, especially the warriors who had fought in battles, could not help but raise their heads to watch when they heard the ruffling noise. This strong wind is sometimes the doing of our guardian, Supreme Wind, who manipulates the worlds air currents. The wind roared in Tiantang. However, where had the hero gone to? Early in the morning, three days later, a loud bellowing came from above Tiantang City. It was the autumn wind again. Wilted leaves danced on their way down as dust fogged up the air. The wind today seemed a lot stronger than usual... Yun Yang emerged from his closed-door cultivation in the secret chamber, turning into a gust of wind with a twist of his body. He ascended into the sky soundlessly, becoming one with the roaring autumn wind. The autumn wind had become strange. "The Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood. The maximum of bloodlust brings about the climax of bitterness, the bleak wind and fog of souls must have an origin. Where the injustice lies, God will see!" Yun Yang was well aware of this. Whoever and whichever organization that used such extreme tactics would be despised by both god and humankind, loathed by both immortals and ghosts; it clearly went against the law of nature. Similarly, understanding the enemys tactics meant that Yun Yang only needed to observe where the bloodlust was and where the grudge lay heaviest to know where his target was! The autumn wind coalesced, forming a whirlwind in the air. Instantly, all the wilted leaves dancing in midair in Tiantang City were flung higher into the air once more. Amidst the air was a massive pillar formed by a whirlwind, connecting heaven and earth, changing its position continuously as it followed the wind. These occurrences had often happened last time, so people were not unduly worried seeing it. They had only thought of it as a common and natural phenomenon. In the south side of the city, the whirlwind swept, wilting leaves danced across the sky like airy butterflies. All was well south of the city. As far as the eyes could see, it was a peaceful scene; there were no traces of bloodlust. Yun Yang maintained his whirlwind form and headed towards the west. The Four Seasons Tower had actually left the east of the city alone when the biggest suspect should have been there. Yun Yang understood, however, that the citys east was a concentrated area of poverty where most of the veterans gathered; it would be difficult to find a spot to execute the sacrificial ceremony for "The Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood". A deeper underlying reason was that it was normally the wealthy areas or the official''s areas with a heavier air of bitterness while the area with the heaviest resentment laid within the palaces! It was the same for every empire. No matter how open-minded the reigning monarch was, the palace was still where resentment and injustice were the most concentrated in a nation. There were not many wealthy people in the east of Tiantang City, most of them were scattered in the west, north, and south; therefore, the citys east was actually the area with the least air of bitterness in the city! When Yun Yang had ridden the whirlwind around earlier, he had already made a rough observation of those locations. Other than the palace in the center of the city that was roaring with an air of bitterness, it was similarly malevolent in the west, south, and north. The east was peaceful in contrast. He only needed to comb through these places slowly. Yun Yang was neither in a hurry nor was he impatient. He would go through these locations slowly. It was tedious work. Around an hour later, the whirlwind disappeared. The autumn wind was still loud but it had become a drafty gust at the west of the city. Streets and alleys became drafty places as wind blasted through each alley, each narrow street, and each road. The wind did not subside for the entire day and night. When Yun Yang returned to the Residence of Yun, his face was pale as a sheet. He just had a few mouthfuls of rice before he almost fell asleep, spent beyond exhaustion. He rested for a bit and began to cultivate again. He had to go on no matter how tired he was. His mission now was to cultivate, besides trying to pinpoint the location of the air of bloodlust. Only by increasing his ability a thousand-fold would he have the capability to face the impending storm. The autumn wind swept by once more in the middle of the night. It was the same for the three following days. All the streets in Tiantang City were swept clean of any dust by the shrieking autumn wind that seemed to linger longer than before. "Why is it so odd this year? This autumn wind doesnt seem to be ending" "Yeah, last years autumn wind began in the day and would stop for a bit at night, and die off in the middle of the night. This year though, the wind grows more hysterical the later in the night it gets, like a howling ghost. It gives me the goosebumps." "Hey, youre right. I didn''t pay much attention to it earlier. This is an ill wind." A burly man with a straight face among the crowd did not chip in and had only listened quietly, a hint of delight flashing unnoticed through his eyes as he left with wide strides. In a secluded area, several people sat in a circle with unusually somber faces; there were a few more people approaching the area. "Brothers, there may be good news." "What good news?" "The autumn wind is never-ending these days. Its really bizarre. Dont you fellows think that this is unusual?" "Autumn wind you mean" "The autumn wind this time looks normal but comparing it to the previous years, it doesnt seem so at all." The man speaking was excited, but his voice was hushed. "We all know that Blood sir had appeared a few days ago, sending his order." "Actually, didnt both Wind and Flame sirs make their moves in the previous battle? Although word has it that it was both sirs blessing us with their assistance, I, Qi Olsixth, dont believe a single word of it!" "And the autumn wind now is extremely odd." The man named Qi Olsixth seemed to have his throat clogged as tears glimmered in his eyes. "Could it be that our Wind sir is moving once again?" Shock washed over everyones face as delighted surprise poured out from their eyes... "Keep calm!" The leader of the men frowned as he hollered with a straight face, "What are you fellows so worked up about? What we need now is patience, immense, absolute patience. We need to wait slowly. Do all of you remember what the nine sirs have said? The Nine Heavens Dictum shall be forever!" "All of you are only beginning to suspect now" The muscular man who had been quiet all this while had a slight tremble in his voice; his eyes were misted as his lips quivered. He forced a calm front and laughed. "Your father has never believed that the nine sirs would die!" "All of you, fulfill your own duty! Each of you must do your own part." The mans gaze was cold. "Anyone who makes a mistake and embarrasses sir Dont blame me, Boss Zhao, for speaking harshly!" "We dont need Boss Zhao to speak harshly" Everyone laughed. "Well gather around to beat up whoever makes a mistake!" Boss Zhao snorted and said, "Why didnt the Nine Heavens Dictum collapse into a mess when the nine sirs went missing? It was because everyone believes that the nine bosses will return!" "Therefore, everyone from the nine halls is even more competitive when the nine sirs are not here! Everyone has been preparing and working hard. We must not embarrass our Wind lord!" "Most importantly, our lips are sealed, act quickly and in secret!" Boss Zhaos gaze was penetrating. "The nine lords are unprecedented heroes. We must never taint their reputation!" "Yes!" "Dismissed!" Boss Zhao stood up. "Go back and watch your fellow subordinates well. Anyone who slips up, even if we cant see it and wont wallop you, ask your own conscience. Can you live with it? Do you still have the face to do so?" The same conversation cropped up in various secret locations. "Blood lord has appeared and the autumn wind is bellowing peculiarly. It seems like Wind sir has reappeared as well. How come there is still no news of our boss? All the more we have to keep calm! Whoever shames the boss Im sure I dont need to say it!" "Both Wind and Flame sirs have taken action at Tianxuan Cliff and now Blood sir has made a reappearance. There must be a reason,for theyve been quiet for so long and have finally made such a bold move!" "Our Cloud lord is the soul of the Nine Supremes. Hes usually the one to make plans and plot schemes; such a method of deceiving everyone in the world is what Cloud sir would have done! Im not boasting but unless it was our Cloud sir, it could not be done even if the other bosses planned it personally." "We, the Cloud Clan, must not pale in comparison to the others!" "Stay collected and work diligently!" "Cloud sir will return!" At the Residence of the Marshal, the curiosity ran high. "Has Wind really come back?" Old Marshal Qiu paced around as his old mistress watched. This old man had walked about several dozen miles just within the courtyard of his home. "Old Marshal, His Majesty asks to see you." "I shall go at once!" The old marshal did not even bother to change but left right away after simply donning a cloak. Yun Yang kept searching and filtering his possibilities, finally deciding on eleven locations that he thought were the most possible targets. The inside of the palace was the best place to execute the wicked method as it ranked the highest in terms of the air of bitterness. Next was the execution ground, where the criminals of many felonies were executed after being sentenced; it was also a good spot for the mystical method as this was where the most people had died in Tiantang City. What surprised Yun Yang was the third, fourth, and fifth location C they were the crown princes residence, the third princes residence, and the fourth princes residence! Other than those who had yet to grow up, the residences of those who were already adults among all the princes of this dynasty all had a deep sense of bitterness hidden within. The one with the lowest ranking was already the ninth! There was a total of five grown princes. Their residences had made up half of Yun Yangs eleven suspected locations! 119 A Late Night Meeting at the Crown Prince’s Residence Yun Yang was somewhat taken aback by the outcome C just what were these fellows up to? There were another four places that Yun Yang committed to memory - the Residence of Grand Tutor, the Residence of Northern Trouncing King, the Residence of Grand Commandant, and the Residence of Prince of Concord. The intended location to execute the method had to be one of these eleven places. The more he thought about it, the angrier Yun Yang grew. The eleven suspects that he had confirmed were all influential and powerful people. They were either royalty, nobles or imperial officials that held great authority! As he continued to ponder, Yun Yang began to despair. All of you are of high status, wearing luxurious clothes and having extravagant food; your demands are always indulged. Dont you know that the wealth, position, comfort and the indulgences you revel in now comes hand-in-hand with the lives of the fighting warriors? Yet when all of you are enjoying these, some of you have become the Four Seasons Towers accomplice and harmed the meritorious officials. This is an absolute loss of conscience; heartless and without consideration! Sometimes, even Yun Yang could not understand why such behavior could exist or why such incidents could happen. Are you not men of Yutang? Are you even still human? How could a human being be so shameless?! "Break through to the fifth peak tonight!" Yun Yang gritted his teeth with resentment. "Charge to the fifth stage of the Fog of Cloud Conjuration and the fourth stage of the Mystique Wind Conjuration!" "I must find out who the culprit is by tomorrow!" "If it is indeed one of the nine, I shall destroy him, no matter the cost." Yun Yang had never suspected His Majesty the emperor, not even in the slightest. Among all these people, His Majesty the emperor had the least reason to do so. His sons, however, were a different matter altogether. Spiritual Qi flowed from all directions. Yun Yang did not achieve any breakthrough for three continuous days. Emmie controlled the delivery of the air of vitality with precision, allowing Yun Yang to remain at the border of breakthrough, always with the slightest distance but never really going past it. Yun Yang turned into the wind as well, working his mystical Qi to its limit every day and only coming back when he had expended his mystical Qi completely. That meant that he was usually exhausted when he returned, to the point of not being able to even stand properly. However, each recovery after such an extreme depletion and exhaustion had Yun Yang feeling significant improvements. Arduous training under continuous strain and roaming the border of breakthrough, Yun Yangs cultivation foundation managed to turn even more solid. Yun Yang did not want to drag it on any longer though and wished to forcefully break through. In this, Emmie was helpless. According to Emmie, Yun Yang needed at least a day to sustain such extreme depletion and border roaming. It was better to at least make sure that the number of recoveries went up by five to six times. However, since its owner had made his demand, Emmie could only follow his order. Mystical Qi gushed from the sky while ferocious refined spiritual Qi arose from Emmies tendrils Yun Yang could feel the already unstable barrier of fifth peak crumbling. Countless golden stars spun before his eyes as if a universe had exploded in the recesses of his mind. Although his eyes were tightly shut, he could still feel the collapse of heaven and earth before the radiance of a riot of colors shone brightly... Yun Yang suddenly felt as if his vision became more open, as if he had never noticed and never seen some things that had always been right before his eyes. It was only after this breakthrough that he realized he had missed out on so much. It was an inexplicably wonderful atmosphere. This made Yun Yang think of the words from Supreme Earth who had the highest cultivation base among the brothers C "Only when youve advanced to the fifth peak and see the fifth heaven that youll feel that youre actually just a frog in the well." "Before the breakthrough of fifth heaven, you wont even have the self-knowledge of being a frog in the well yourself!" When Yun Yang had heard of this then, he had only smiled, feeling his eldest had exaggerated. It was only now that he had the internal realization. The words rang true, even if they did not completely capture the entire situation. "Fifth peak" Yun Yang took less than a quarter hour to experience such a foreign feeling before he went right into cultivation again, cultivating the Fog of Cloud Conjuration, Mystique Wind Conjuration, Fiery Charm. Finally, the cultivation had begun! Yun Yang was in a race against time now. He had to upgrade his cultivation base, ability, and mystique skills in the shortest time possible! He had to charge forth without a care. Not only was cultivation his avenue of self-protection, Yun Yang felt that he could be nearer to his brothers whenever he spoke of his feelings regarding the dependence towards each other when they were still together. The breakthrough of Fog of Cloud Conjuration was an anticipation within his grasp; so was Mystique Wind Conjuration. When his cultivation base reached the required level as did his level, a breakthrough was something expected. However, the Fiery Charms cultivation development was a different story altogether. Even if his cultivation base sufficed, it still needed much effort to break through its initial stage. The Fiery Charm had not gotten through to the fourth stage even when dawn arrived but Yun Yang was immensely satisfied with his current progress. His cultivation base had reached the fifth peak. In every sense of the word, he could already be considered an expert. When compared to the others, he knew this to be true. His mystical Qi was in the fifth peak and the beginner of fifth heaven while his Fog of Cloud Conjuration was already in the fifth stage; his Mystique Wind Conjuration had also reached the same level Supreme Wind was once in. Such developments were already enough, sufficiently adequate to handle the current situation. Yun Yang, whose cultivation base and ability had improved a thousand-fold, went out happily. At the Residence of Crown Prince, the crown prince was still fuming over the disappearance of Shui Yuehan. After the man had gone missing, the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Family kept coming over to provoke him. Furthermore, his mood was already bad after being grounded. In the midst of being lambasted by the noble families but having to reply with courtesy, the crown prince grew even moodier, frustrated to death. "Shui Yuehan. I really dont understand him. He is normally rather intelligent, how could he do something so foolish?" As His Highness thought of it, his anger began to simmer once again. "He would have been fine once dawn came around, but he escaped before the sunrise! Does threat short amount of time matter that much?" Anger and confusion were written all over His Highness the crown princes face. "Is he not finding fault with no basis to do so?" "Your Highness." A kind and gentleelder with silver hair and beard beside the crown prince suddenly looked up and said softly, "This old and useless one has a different opinion regarding this matter." "I beg your pardon?" "It as been some time since this has happened." The elder said slowly, "If Shui Yuehan is not dead, he would have contacted us. However, he did not." "We would never have betrayed him or given him up without cause. Shui Yuehan has been loyal to the residence for years and he is an intelligent man. Theres absolutely no reason for him to do such a thing." The silver-bearded elder said softly, "Therefore, this old and useless one thinks that Shui Yuehan is most probably already dead. Furthermore, I believe that hes already dead before the prison break took place." "There is someone else who has created the illusion of a prison break!" "Fu Guansan as well he should have been dead already!" "Someone has set up all these!" The white-bearded elder said in grief, "Otherwise, all that has happened has no explanation." "Besides, if Shui Yuehan really did escape from jail, he had no need to ambush the popinjays. That is a clear example of finding fault where there was none to be found. If he wanted to flee and live in the corners of the world, why offend Spring, Summer, and Winter Family first? He should know that attacking those three at this point in time meant making a lifelong grudge with the families! There would be no other way out. The so-called merits of having mercy and not killing them was only a means of camouflage. It was easy to get once you thought about it. It was simply a tactic to deepen the resentment between Shui Yuehan and the popinjays, making them irreconcilable!" His Highness was growing increasingly pale. "Dead? Is there no other possibility?" The white-bearded elder said with conviction, "Its most probably so. Shui Yuenhan and Han Wufei are sworn, brothers. They are so close that its not an exaggeration to say they share life and death. Both of them have roamed the martial arts world for years before coming to serve in this residence. If Shui Yuehan isnt dead, even if he was wary about telling us, he would definitely tell Han Wufei." Standing beside them, handsome Han Wufei was wearing a sad expression. "Brother Shui must have been harmed! Your Highness, you must stand up for Brother Shui. You cant let him die wronged and bear such a wrongful crime. Prison break is a heinous crime!" The crown prince sat down slowly and said, "If Shui Yuehan was really killed in the Board of Death, who could have done the deed?" The silver-bearded man sat down in silence, his eyes drifting towards the other aides. The others did not speak but stared right back at him, as if imploring him to proceed. "This old and useless one shall start at the beginning, the others will fill up the blanks later." The elder smiled rather helplessly and said, "This old and useless one thinks that there are only a handful of targets in the open for the person who killed both Shui Yuehan and Fu Guansan." That certainly caught everyone''s attention. "The third prince is the most suspicious of the lot. Shui Yuehan is someone important in our residence. His death would undoubtedly cause considerable damage to the residences abilities. With the onset of this incident, the crown prince would be going against Board of Justice as well as forging grudge with Spring, Autumn, and Winter Family C making a number of formidable enemies without much reason. The third prince, however, has nothing to do with it and would be perfectly unaffected, so there are only pros without cons." "Of course, using the same intention, the fourth prince, fifth prince, and sixth prince are possible candidates too." "The reason the third prince is the most suspicious is that he is the most favored royal currently. Once Your Highness loses your power and influence, he shall have the most gain." "Other than the princes, the people from the four noble families are suspicious too. Even the two old marshals from the military are to be suspected." "Perhaps I should put it this way C any person or influential figure that stands to gain from this incident shares a certain amount of suspicion. The only difference is the level of suspicion and how much gain they would get." "As for Board of Justice that was in the center of this whirlpool and received the first wave of impact in a terrible manner, well, they were the one with the least suspicion." The elder looked wise and confident in his knowledge as if everything was within his grasp. 120 Old He. Critical Wounds As he spoke, the crowd nodded in agreement. "However, I still have one suspicion besidesthese easily available people." The white-bearded elder stopped for a bit before saying softly "I suspect that this might be done bythe Nine Supremes." "The Nine Supremes?" Everyone was stunned beyond belief. The crown princes expression changed only slightly before he hurriedly asked, "Why do you think so?" The elder looked hesitant as he said, "This This old and useless one is only guessing, there is no hard evidence. I am merely speculating." The crown princes expression grew heavier, emotions danced in his orbs but the meaning behind them was too complex to be understood. After some time, the crown prince suddenly said in a low voice, "If the Nine Supremes really did get involved, why are they partaking in this? There should be a reason somehow. Besides, what kind of gain could they take from this?" No one could answer the crown princes question. If they went along the same line of thought, the consequences that followed would be too terrifying to face. The final stage of this line of thought would only mean that the Nine Supremes were against the crown prince! "Hold on to this thought first. After all, theres no evidence or hints that could say that the Nine Supremes are really involved in this." The crown prince murmured as if comforting himself. The elder smiled while stroking his heard. "It would be good to do so. Itis just this old and useless ones feeling anyway. I dont have any proof of it myself, so the Nine Supremes really are the least suspicious." However, the more he said so, the more the crown prince grew agitated. Could it really have been the Nine Supremes? The Nine Supremes had never seemed to act for personal gain so there was no significance in saying that they had the least suspicion! Such secretive discussions happened almost every day at the princes residences. Many wild guesses were thrown about, but it was hard to come to a conclusion. After all, there would be no truth without any hard evidence! Yet, somehow, all forms of discussion and discussion would come to a crashing halt when they came to the Nine Supremes. Silence filled the air. A gust of autumn wind blew through the sky; Yun Yang had flown through all the corners of the ten targets but did not come across any clues. He was, however, not one that was easily discouraged. Instead, he bent his will into a more focused searched. It would have been even more suspicious if it had been so easy to unveil the intricate scheme of the Four Seasons Tower. Patience was definitely a mandatory virtue when going against the Four Seasons Tower. Just as he ended the day''s search and was about to head back to the Residence of Yun, he suddenly felt an unusually strong tingling sense emanate from somewhere behind him,a sense that disappeared as quickly as it came. Yun Yang noticed the oddity of the occurrence and instinctually headed towards the direction. The autumn night was clear with hardly a cloud in the sky. The autumn wind swept by; it was now late in the night. The meeting at the crown princes residence had ended; the silver-haired elder exited the place with clumsy steps. Han Wufei followed him out. "Do allow me to send Old He back as thanks for speaking on behalf of my brother andfor being generous tonight." Old He chuckled tiredly, his age apparent, "I would trouble Sir Han then. This old and useless one is rather tired too. I could talk to Sir Han on the way, the atmosphere in the hall was too heavy anyway." Hearing their conversation, the crown prince canceled his orders to the guards to send them back and said, "If so, have a safe trip back and a good rest tonight." The crown prince was exhausted as well; he had only pushed on to maintain the gentlemanly ways of a scholar. Seeing the crowd leaving, he yawned surreptitiously and went to rest. Old He and Han Wufei walked out of the crown princes residence and made their way home through the quiet streets, the silence surrounding both of them. Under the illuminating stars, the lines and wrinkles signifying old age were clear on Old Hes face. His legs seemed to be wobble as they walked. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that this man had already seen a better part of life. After some time, the duo came before Old Hes doors. It was then that Han Wufei finally lowered his voice and said, "Old He, is it too early to dismiss the Nine Supremes as suspects?" Old Hes gaze glinted mysteriously as he said softly, "Han Wufei!" The words were enunciated with distinct diction. An overwhelmingly dangerous aura spilled out from the elder before quickly dissipating. Despite its brief flash of existence, the intimidating aura had Han Wufei breaking out in cold sweat and trembling. It was the same aura that had surprised Yun Yang, high up in the air. "Yes, its this subordinates mistake. But this subordinate still feels that therell only be more harm than good to throw this out to the crown prince now. We dont have proof after all" Han Wufei was explaining himself nervously, "If things go awry, we might cause undue panic instead" The autumn breeze blew past in the sky, gently, without a trace. The silver-bearded elder said softly, "You dont have to worry about this, Ill" Halfway through his speech, Old He suddenly stopped. An overwhelming force burst like an erupting volcano from him, soaring abruptly as he lifted his head to holler, "Come down!" The two words were like deafening thunders breaking the clear sky. He flipped his bony palms and struck out at the air. Sharp, strong winds appeared as they formed layers of shards, shooting towards the sky. Not only was the force immensely strong, Old Hes strike was also wide in its attack range, covering hundreds of feet in radius. A howl came as if the autumn wind in the sky had been torn to pieces by the attack. A deep and wicked ly dark hole had actually formed in the sky! The black hole seemed to be able to devour anything and everything in the human realm as it emitted an extreme sense of chilling terror. The autumn wind had been weakened, yet it remained, blowing faintly in the air up high. The chill of autumn cooled the hearts of passioned men. However strong the force of a man, how could it extinguish the wind of nature? Old He stood before his door, stiff and unmoving for a full quarter of an hour, his ears tuned to pick up any movement in the air. After a long while, doubt came into his eyes as he scoffed, "Is nothing there?" When Old He had suddenly struck, Han Wufei had immediately taken three steps back, his body coiled like an arrow ready to take flight. When Old He retracted his force, Han Wufei grew bold enough to approach. His voice was low when he asked, "Old He what did you find out?" Old He frowned, his gaze darted around the sky as he spoke softly, "It was very odd. I realized that the sound of the wind changedI sensed a feeling of being watched secretly My attack was just to be safe, but there was nothing out of the ordinary when I sent out my probe." Han Wufeis heart skipped a beat as his voice went even lower. "Did Old He mean Supreme Wind?" The last two words were so faint that it was almost inaudible. Only Supreme Winds mystical methods of wind could allow one to lurk closely and observe the world without leaving any trace. Old He frowned and kept quiet for some time, his expression grew grim. "Yes, if Supreme Wind wasn''t already dead, and I wasn''t just an old man with an overactive imagination." Han Wufeis expression fell. "Never underestimate their ability to morph." Old Hes expression was serious. "Be extra careful next time. Think it through before you speak and take action. Dont move if you dont have to! Not until the day when nothing would go wrong has come. Understood?" Old Hes eyes that were misted with age were dark and inky now, like the vile black hole that appeared earlier. "Yes." "Dont ever mention these words in whatever situation you find yourself in," Old He warned again. "Yes." Old He remained standing by the door with his arms behind his back, frowning deeply. He cast his eyes towards the sky occasionally, as if still waiting for something. After a very long time when even Han Wufei felt tired from standing, Old He finally said, "Looks like there''s nothing to be worried about. Go home." With a flap of the sleeve of his robe, he turned to enter his residence. Only then did Han Wufei bow with a palm cupping his fist, as if being pardoned from a crime, and leave at a quick pace. After covering several feet of distance, he used his cultivation skill and disappeared at the end of the street like a billow of smoke. The wind was still blowing softly as if it could go on forever. After some time, Old Hes aged silhouette appeared by the door again. His head was lifted to stare into the night sky, his body still and unmoving for a long, long while. It was at the break of dawn, when the first glimpse of light tore through the horizon in the east when heaven and earth were once again illuminated, that Old He finally turned to slowly enter his residence. He was mumbling to himself; or perhaps, to someone else altogether. "Supreme Wind if you are alive, this old man will thank god with incense. The whole of Yutang is at stake, all the other empires in the continent are ready to pounce. Yutang can''t do without its nine sirs." His voice was the sincere wish of an elder who had seen better days praying devotedly to heaven, making a wish he hoped would come true. The day gradually grew brighter. Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were frantically cultivating in the residence, wholeheartedly improving themselves. Suddenly, a soft pop resonated in the air as a person fell from the sky. A shocked Fang Mofei charged forward towards the fallen person. The figure in a purple robe was none other than Yun Yang. Yun Yang was pale as a sheet, his breath coming in short gasps as if he would keel over and die at any moment. Even his pupils were widely dilated with pain. Seeing that it was Fang Mofei running over, Yun Yang could finally relax. His mouth opened and poured out a river of blood which couldn''t seem to cease. Before he could even say a word, his head tilted back as he passed out into a cold darkness. 121 Never Come Again! "Lao Mei, come quickly!" Fang Mofei was terrified, almost losing his usual calm demeanor. Lao Mei was distraught as well, dashing over with hurried steps and almost fainting the moment he saw the morbid scene. He was overwrought as frantically issued orders. "Send young master into his room first, place him down carefully, I will go look for medicinal pills. Remember to stabilize young masters pulse with mystical Qi C remember to stabilize it no matter what! Medicinal pills, where did I put the medicinal pills god damn it; oh right, check with mystical Qi to see if there are any blood clots that he hasn''t spat out yet, if there are, try to force them out.If not, then you" Lao Mei rushed away as he shouted, knocking a large hole out of the wall in his room before the noise of nervous rummaging came about. It was unbelievable that he actually did not pause in his long rant, not even taking a breather in between. It was Fang Mofei who had almost suffocated listening to him instead. Slowly, his mental state began to strengthen as he kept a grip on his calm and sent Yun Yang to his bed. When Yun Yang regained consciousness, he felt as if his bones had been broken into pieces; billions of sharp needles seemed to be poking and piercing his brain. The pain was thorough and continuous; it was such extreme agony he felt being dead was better than being alive. Even his subconscious and soul seemed to have been ripped into thousands of pieces;he was still dizzy when he awoke. He could not form any thoughts, everything was blurry and incoherent The situation took only a slightly better turn when night came. The billions of needles were still poking his brain.His eyelids did not seem like his own as he could not even blink; what was more, it was somehow terribly difficult to perform small movements like twitching his finger. Yun Yang was still in a trance at this stage. He could vaguely sense as if he had drunk something or his mouth had been pried open to put in some kind of medicinal pill. Then Yun Yang fell into a deep slumber again. Just this short period of being conscious had taken all of his energy but he still could not open his eyes. He felt heavy as if his soul was floating around the clouds. There seemed to be an illuminated path in front of him. Subconsciously, he placed his foot on it and started walking. There were a few people in front who were walking forward while talking among themselves. Yun Yang could recognize them right away. The silhouettes were tall and lean, their stroll leisurely and exuded and inexplicable sense ease and carefreeness. "Big brother! Second brother! Fourth brother!" Yun Yang felt his chest bursting with emotions once the thought registered as he quickened his pace to give chase. They turned together, surprise written on their handsome faces. "Olninth? Why are you here?" Yun Yang was crying with joy. "This is wonderful! I thought Id never see all of you again" These people in front of him were not wearing the Nine Supremes masks but Yun Yang did not feel estranged at all looking at them. He could accurately tell who was Supreme Earth, who was Supreme Water, who was It was a familiarity of having known each other for what seemed like billions of years! It was a sense of familiarity and trust that came from within the heart and seeped deep into the bones. "Where are eighth brother and the rest?" Yun Yang asked happily. Supreme Earth, who was the leader, did not answer but frowned at Yun Yang. "Olninth, why are you here?" "Why am I here?" Yun Yang was taken aback by the question. "Why cant I be here?" He suddenly remembered then. "I know who killed us, I also know" Supreme Earths eyes widened. "You know? Have you avenged us?" "I" At his hesitation, the brothers began to level their ire at him, "Since this grudge has yet to be avenged and the country is still facing enemies from all sides, how could you, a critical pillar of support, actually come here? You are all they have left, what do you wish to do here?" The men sent playful kicks his way as Supreme Earth hollered, "Roll your way back! Never come back again!" Yun Yang felt himself being kicked into the air, flying backward as his surroundings became a blur. The scenery in front of his eyes began to fade, Supreme Earth and the other brothers were slowly enveloped in a layer of mist. "No! I dont want to go back! I dont want to!" Yun Yang shouted, "I want to stay! How could you all abandon me? I dont have anything else and you have left me behind!I dont want to be separated from all of you" Yun Yang opened his eyes abruptly. The moment he regained consciousness, he registered endless pain coming towards him in waves, one higher than the other. He could not help but grunt, sweating profusely. "Boss, boss" A voice called out by his ear magically. It took Yun Yang a lot of effort but he could see a blurry image in front of him looking back. It was another long moment before he realized that Dong Tianleng was actually the owner of this face. Yun Yang held in the agonizing throbbing in his head and forcefully controlled the muscles of his face to give a wan smile. He then closed his eyes again. Despite the pain and discomfort, he was awake. The clarity of his thoughts returned, he was no longer in the misty trance. However, it hurt, even more, being awake. The pain did not stop at the physical level but it was a much more agonizing pain that came from his heart and sunk right into his soul! The faces of Supreme Earth and the other brothers were clear before his eyes, the laughter and chiding seemed to echo in his ears; he could still distinctly feel the loving kick in his stomach. "Roll your way back! Never come back again!" Yun Yang turned his head, shutting his eyes tightly. A voice came from his side. "Boss, youre finally awake.I''ve been hanging onto the cliff''s edge by the nails these three days, I''m so exhausted!" It was Dong Tianleng who was speaking, "Hes passed the gate of hell, hasnt he? How could this be, why did he suddenly get so ill?" Fang Mofei spoke next, "We dont know either. We heard a loud cry from the young master the other day and found him like this. Something probably went wrong in his cultivation" "Ive brought a few recovery medicinal pills anyway, feed him all of it" Dong Tian Leng''s voice was relieved. "If these don''t help, I don''t know what can!" "Thank you for helping in the time of need, Young Master Dong." "Dont mention it, this is my lord! You fellows wont understand the relationship of us brothers. Forget these pills, even if boss wanted my wife" "Cough, cough" However tired Yun Yang was, the corners of his lips could not help but twitch with mirth. This cheap ass! He then fainted again. This time, the Endless Divine Art finally kicked in and began the process of self-healing. When Yun Yang woke up again, it was already nightfall. Dreariness spread within him as the lone lantern shone weakly, illuminating the endlessly dark night. Yun Yangs abdomen was warm C three Eclipse Panthers and a Lightning Cat had curled up obediently against him, trying to pass their warmth to their critically wounded master. When Yun Yang woke up, the first thing he realized was a tiny paw cautiously pulling at his eyelid. When Yun Yang opened his eyes abruptly, the tiny paw was obviously startled as the paw swung down in a scratching motion by instinct. Luckily it stopped in time and halted right in front of Yun Yangs eyes. His face had almost been disfigured. What followed was a delighted meow. Four snow-white heads stretched their necks to look over. When they were certain that Yun Yang had really opened his eyes, they mewled together and sprung up simultaneously, doing somersaults in the air. Their tails swished around in joy as they expressed their happiness however they could as if the emotion was going to consume them. One of them had even shot out of the door. Soon, he saw Fang Mofei walking in with his hair being painfully tugged by the Eclipse Panther that had left as he begged for mercy, "Okay, my young lord, here I come Dont pull anymore! Stop that! My hairs falling off! Young master, are you awake?" Yun Yang smiled as he blinked slowly. He could clearly feel himself getting better, the searing pain had been reduced by half. Although he was still in agony, he no longer needed to escape it by losing consciousness again. The Endless Divine Art was operating in him as his dantian had begun working as well. Yun Yang could also feel Emmie being unusually weak in his subconscious. It was extremely slow in retracting its tendrils and curling them up, its leaves flopping down as it absorbed the energy to nourish itself instead. It was obvious that Emmie was his biggest savior in his efforts to recuperate. However, Emmie had fully expended itself as its basic Qi was greatly damaged. Fang Mofei hoisted Yun Yang up and carefully passed a bowl of medicinal paste over. "This was concocted from the five hundred-year-old blood lingzhi mushroom that Qiu Yunsan sent over this morning and the royal spiritual juice that Chun Wanfeng provided. Young master, drink it quicky. It is of utmost importance that we nourish your basic Qi right now." Yun Yang swallowed the medicine in small gulps. Once the medicinal paste was ingested, he felt a surge of spiritual energy flowing through his entire body. The feeble energy in his dantian increased in its wake too. Slowly, the numbness engulfing his limbs vanished. He was in a better state at almost immediately. Closing his eyes, he said softly, "This medicine has extraordinary effects. I am beginning to feel better already." Even his speech was much clearer. Fang Mofei was delighted as he said, "Great, this is wonderful! I shall go inform Lao Mei now. He has almost worked himself to death these past few days." He then left in a hurry. Yun Yang shut his eyes as he laid down quietly, with a troubled heart. This sudden injury of his had caused him to be in debt to so many parties. Just the four noble young masters alone had probably taken out their well-kept gems. One could see the larger picture by looking at the small hints; the five hundred-year-old blood lingzhi mushroom and the royal spiritual juice were already extremely rare. It was not impossible to find a five hundred-year-old lingzhi mushroom, but to get a blood lingzhi mushroom Even to find one that was a hundred years old was a miracle in itself. As for the royal spiritual juice, it was an even better medicine of magical potency. In addition to Dong Tianlengs medicinal pills earlier,these were probably life-saving items the four noble families had given the young masters in case of emergencies. Furthermore, his injury this time had also fully proven Fang Mofei and Lao Meis reliability! 122 Someone Formidable Yun Yang took in a deep breath and began re-adjusting the energy of the Endless Divine Art within himself. A quarter of an hour later, Lao Mei came over to see Yun Yang already in a state of cultivation as layers of mist engulfed him from head to toe. Being a cultivation expert himself, Lao Mei knew that he could not be disturbed. He was relieved nonetheless, excusing himself and stepped out of the door unhurriedly, seating himself right in front of it. The four little guys knew well enough not to take advantage of the situation as each of them picked a window and stayed there, the last one hopping up to the roof and sat there leisurely. Eight tiny ears perked up at the same time, eight tiny eyes darted around to keep guard. The moon hung high in the sky. Yun Yang woke up again and sat up. He tried getting off his bed but his feet were wobbly, barely able to support his weight. He made several attempts, finally succeeding in standing up by holding onto the bed. After moving around for a while, he finally felt his feet stepping on solid ground. With more exaggerated movements, his bones cracked throughout his body like beans being stir fried. "Young master is finally alright." Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were all smiles. "Ive troubled both of you greatly this time." Yun Yang wore a soft smile as he said this. "Being able to serve young master is a blessing we aren''t able to get again in this life." Fang Mofei and Lao Mei said respectfully, "Such insignificant work is nothing compared to that." Fang Mofei hesitated for a bit and finally asked carefully, "Young master, what has happened this time?" Yun Yang sighed softly. This time was really a narrow escape from death. To be even more accurate, he just picked his life back up! The hazards of this incident were even more severe than that one time at Tianxuan Cliff. Just as the elder had lifted his head, Yun Yang could sense that he had been locked in as a target. It was within that instant that the wind Yun Yang had turned into threw itself upwards a further five hundred feet into the air. Then he saw the elder raise his arm as a devastating attack came from all around him. If he had not noticed earlier and managed to put some distance between himself and the elder, he might be roaming the Underworld now, ten lives notwithstanding. The flash of terror was something Yun Yang still felt until now and shivered from. He was too strong! He was too formidable! There was no way to defend himself against him! Yun Yang still could not understand how he, who had turned into the autumn wind in the sky, could actually be discovered. It was probably his inadequate cultivation base and inability to understand the state those highly proficient cultivators were in as well as the responses they could make. All in all, he was almost dismembered under the terrible onslaught. If he had not just advanced and reached the fourth stage of Mystique Wind Conjuration, if Emmie had not lent him support just in time to maintain his basic Qi and forcefully keep his form of wind, then he would really have died C the type of death where his cultivation skills and soul were destroyed, an irreversible death! Having survived the attack and being severely injured, Yun Yang wanted to leave fast and far but he knew that the elder would not let it go just like that. Therefore, he maintained his form of wind with all the strength he could muster and kept on circulating through the air. Indeed, this formidable elder had tested him for an entire night! In the end, Yun Yang had wholly depleted himself and had to depend on Emmies support to make it home. If there had been any blunders in the process, he would have died, his soul shattered! Before this, Yun Yang had not known there was such an elder in the crown princes residence. He had thought that he was just an old scholar, an aide; at most, he had more experience in life and had higher intelligence but that was all. Looking at his age freckles and his wobbly walk, this old man had people thinking he might only have a few years of life left. Yet when he struck, he had revealed himself to be an earthshattering, formidable presence! It was only at dawn that the elder finally gave up and retracted his aura. When he returned to his residence, Yun Yang was barely holding himself up. Even then, the elder had actually said wheedling words that were extremely deluding. How he lacked trust, and yet, was still confident. Yun Yang had judged the elder in his heart C he was not a martial artist of the fifth, sixth or seventh peak. Even Marquis Yun or Old Dugu who had been waiting for the brothers in the small alehouse had not exuded such a formidable aura like this Old He! This person must have exceeded Tenth Perfection! His attack that needed no preparation, had no foretelling signs, and could not be defended against, had left Yun Yang terribly close to death, shattering his soul almost to the point of no return. How should one fight against someone so formidable? He could not challenge him with force. Even if he had thousands of clever plots, they were useless against such power. Yun Yangs brows locked in a deep frown. There were two enemies in Tiantang City right now whom his ability could not handle. One was Mi Kongqun in the palace while the other was this Old He. What could he do to exterminate them? "How long have I been unconscious?" Yun Yang asked weakly. "Including today, its been full four days and nights." Fang Mofeis gaze was still frightful thinking about it. Watching Yun Yang falling from the sky had traumatized him severely. "Four days have passed?" Yun Yang exhaled easily and said, "Has anything momentous happened in these four days and nights?" "We have heard nothing major but maybe its because we didnt really go out." Lao Mei said, "But the four noble young masters have been coming over a few times every day. They also brought a lot of spiritual medicine with them." Yun Yang nodded. He had to acknowledge the help he had received during hard times, even if they had ulterior motives. "Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan came once." Lao Mei rambled on, "But this time was different than the last. He arrived an angry man but was stunned seeing your condition. He then left and sent some medicine over." Yun Yang perked up at once. "This old man came again?" Old man Fang Mofei and Lao Mei exchanged a look of exasperation. In the entire world, there would probably only be this one person who dared to call Old Marshal Qiu an old man. Somehow, they would have admonished Yun Yang about this before they knew that he was Supreme Cloud but now that they knew, they would only disagree in their hearts. Besides, Yun Yang was talking easier now and had even begun to joke, so he must be physically better. That relieved both the elder men as their worrying hearts could finally be at ease. They knew that Yun Yangs injury this time was far more serious than they had thought. The recovery process could not have been a walk in the park. It had been another two days but Yun Yang still felt listless. Despite his condition getting better and the speed of recovery fast enough to shock those who knew him, how could Yun Yang be contented? The continuous surge of the Nine Heavens Dictum''s messages was telling Yun Yang that the Four Seasons Tower was expediting their moves and measures. "The crown princes residence has begun retracting its defense as its aides have started going around to make connections; their contact with officials and generals is unusually frequent, three times more compared to last month." "Third princes residence has similarly begun to contact the officials. In addition, they are figuring out ways to contact men of the Nine Heavens Dictum. Although no contact has been discovered as of now, it doesnt look promising." "Fourth princes residence is doing the same as well." "The same goes for the fifth princes residence." "Things are currently uncertain with the Grand Tutor. Hearsay has it that he has argued with General Leng Daoyin but the exact reason is not yet known." "In the meantime, Marshal Tie Zheng is borrowing money from everywhere to prepare for his wedding." "The censors and civil officials are still against the Board of War, attacking anything of the military that they could attack. Old Marshal Qiu has deflected all the attacks, His Majesty the emperors attitude is clear too." "This subordinate has managed to find out that His Majesty is not in good health these days. It seems like some issues are going on in the palace but we could not penetrate further to understand the details" "The civil and military officials are going head to head with each other C the civils thought that the letter of credence for peace has been signed so there wouldn''t be any war for the time being. This could be the opportunity to make peace with other nations and use the gap available to reconstruct the nation and develop the life of our men and the economy; the troops can be deployed home to save money and food. What should be done now is to manage the river system" "However, the military side insists on a different option. They thought that the conflict between Yutang and other nations could not be resolved. The rise or fall of the nation is at stake as the so-called letter of credence for peace is but an illusion of peace, the calm before storm Even when they come to celebrate Tie Zhengs wedding, it is only a temporary reprieve." "Both sides are held in a stagnant argument. Among the princes, the crown prince and fifth prince are on the military side while the third, fourth, and sixth princes are on the civil side" "The residence of the Grand Commandant is closed all year long but Old Marshal Qiu has entered some days ago to talk to the Grand Commandant. The topic of conversation is unknown. Hearsay has it that the Grand Commandants health is also deteriorating and his doom is impending." "Contact between Residence of Prince of Concord and Residence of Crown Prince has gotten more frequent than usual. It makes contact with the other princes too but it is the most frequent with the crown princes residence. This subordinates analysis says that Prince of Concord should already have his decision made." "Northern Trouncing King remains in the north and continues to trounce the grassland. There arent any messages or news delivered" "Some of the generals from other nations are already halfway here to celebrate the wedding. This subordinate personally feels that Marshal Ties wedding will definitely be an intense competition as storms from all over the place are gathering at Tiantang. It is unimaginable what would happen ultimately." "Martial artists entrance to Tiantang City in the last ten days is not frequent. The frequency has lowered significantly compared to previous days." "When this subordinate was collecting information, this subordinate has discovered someone fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake but no fish has been caught for days. The man fishing seems to be an expert but his motivations are unknown. This subordinate is not sure if this piece of information is of use" Doubt was obvious in the last message. All sorts of irregularities had to be reported when investigating but this fishing news seemed a trifle too... ordinary. The surge of messages clearly indicated that the Empire of Yutang was now like a pile of mud, a pot of porridge that was mushy and weak. 123 Young Master Yun Goes Fishing Yun Yang was somewhat distressed but he had to settle for only reading and passively receiving the Nine Heavens Dictums messages for now. Severely injured, he could not even direct his mystical Qi to send out any orders. Yun Yang estimated that he needed more than three days to be able to use a tiny amount of mystical Qi without leaving any permanent damage. As for a full recovery, he needed at least half a month more! This was the result of an encounter with the formidable ability of a top expert. One did not need to receive the full brunt of the attack to be affected, only the aftermath of one. One would still be fatally wounded if one fell under the targeted area, even if the expert didn''t even manage to locate his prey! Faced with such a situation, Yun Yang could only sigh at his own inadequacy. As much as he hated to admit it, in such circumstances, he was practically helpless - even thought he was the soul of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Cloud! To be fair, Yun Yang did blame himself for the outcome of the entire affair; his opponent had simply been too strong. Even if he did not have the identity he possessed now, he would still have been tempted to take a look at the sudden burst of energy the expert had emanated. As long as he was a person, a martial artist, he would be attracted to that force. What more when he had come with an ulterior motive? "Being in the martial arts world, one really must not have any curiosity. Any hint of curiosity would sink even an experienced martial artist to the abyss of unrecoverable misfortune!" Yun Yang had to forcibly remind himself of this. However, what comforted him was that the Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood had not appeared yet. At least, the elevated aura of bitterness had not yet been discovered. Perhaps this meant that those people were still alive! Yun Yang was slightly relieved. Since he could not do anything, he might as well take a break instead. Recovering his initial state was of utmost importance. "Perhaps its only when Im severely injured that I could be so free in this life" Yun Yang chuckled without humor. "If so, lets enjoy this rare moment of ease." Yun Yang spoke about resting but he had only laid down for a moment before he picked himself up and moved around. He felt that he could freely move around now, able to make simple movements as long as he did not use mystical Qi or his life force. He moved about and exercised for a while. Just as he wanted to speak, he seemed to have thought of something else and sat down right away to open the messages from the Nine Heavens Dictum, immediately moving on to the last message. "When this subordinate was collecting information, this subordinate has discovered someone fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake but no fish has been caught for days. The man fishing seems to be an expert but his motivations are unknown. This subordinate is not sure if this piece of information is of use" As Yun Yang continued to read this strange missive, his thoughts began to churn. "Thousand Feet Lake no fish caught for days and still insisting on fishing an expert?" Yun Yangs eyes were shining. He ignored the fact that he still could not use mystical Qi as he called Lao Mei over and placed his right hand on his shoulder. Cultivating, Lao Meis mystical Qi flowed into Yun Yangs meridians as the latter borrowed this energy to send out an immediate order. "Report in detail about the elder who fishes at the Thousand Feet Lake." His meridians were already hurting even when it was just a short spurt of use. Four hours later, the complete set of information, documented in great detail, were sent over. Yun Yang took two full hours to go through them; his eyes shone brighter than ever the more he read. It was at the end of the message that he grew slightly hesitant. There was a line that attracted his attention. "This man has a wine gourd that he carries on his back all the time." Wine gourd? Yun Yang clenched his jaw and murmured, "Death is still death, no matter who killed me. Lets do this!" Early morning, the next day, orders were being issued. "Lao Mei, watch over the residence. Serve anyone who visits. If they send medicine, reject courteously but firmly." "Retrieve my well-kept wine. And" Yun Yang continued to make arrangements as he said, "Come, Old Fang. Get a carriage, let us go fishing to relax." "Fishing to relax?" Both Lao Mei and Fang Mofei were stupefied. They could not have ever imagined that their young master would have such a whimsical request. What need was there for high-level cultivators like us to go fishing? We could catch the biggest fish the moment we stick our hands into the water! Is there any need to trouble ourselves? If they had seen the Nine Heavens Dictums messages, they might have broken down in despair. You ignore the many serious matters of the empire and run amuck the moment you hear people fishing? What about the nation''s guardians, the Nine Supremes? What about the justice of Supreme Cloud? Yun Yang wore a faint smile. It was exactly because of these that he wanted to go fishing and relax. If that person was really an extraordinary expert, he must have his reasons for waiting there for three days. Otherwise, was it not more convenient to catch fish with mystical Qi? Back in the day, Supreme Earths hobby was to fish and at the Thousand Feet Lake as well. That time, it had only been him fishing in the entire lake. Sometimes, he could not even get one fish. Yun Yang was familiar with fishing; he just did not have much interest in it. Why there if you couldnt get a fish? Isnt the purpose of fishing to get a fish? A smile found its way to Yun Yangs lips just thinking about Supreme Earth. It was not entirely a misfortune to be injured this time. At least, he had met his brothers once more I shall see who this fishing expert is and find out about his purpose fishing there. A carriage made its way towards the center of Tiantang City and towards the Thousand Feet Lake. The deepest part of Thousand Feet Lake was said to be a thousand feet deep. The water was crystal clear; if it was a clear sunny day, several dozen catties or even a hundred catties worth of fish could be seen swimming freely in the lake. There was another saying about the Thousand Lake Feet. It could also be interpreted as one of the lakes unique characteristics. The west and east lakeshore were a thousand feet apart; the west lakeshore was a thousand feet of hell while the east lakeshore was a thousand feet of heaven. The east was radiant with bursts of color and lively with chirping birds, the fragrance of flora and fauna spread through half the city while the west was dark with dimly lit lanterns, weeds growing into wild bushes. The situation was not entirely due to geographical differences. It was because there was an unmarked cemetery not too far away from the western lakeshore. No one would be willing to cross such a place. The south lakeshore was connected to the main street while the north was crowded with rocks and half a cliff further behind. Supreme Earth would turn into a fisherman at the north lakeshore when he was free, holding onto a fishing rod to fish for up to two days at a time. He would normally fish alone at the lake. All the locals knew that the Thousand Feet Lake was too deep. Even with very good luck, one could only find fish about the size of a palm by the shore; one would never be able to catch any sizeable fish here. Therefore, what was the man fishing there for? Yun Yang held an open mind C if you really have something up your sleeve, my effort to come here is not a total waste; if youre only here to spend time, that would be fine as well. I wasn''t lying when I said that I wanted to take a break and fish to relax! A short while later, Yun Yang and Fang Mofei arrived at the north lakeshore of the Thousand Feet Lake. Just as Yun Yang got off the carriage, a shocking sight greeted him. There really was someone fishing at the northern lakeshore. Furthermore, he was occupying the exact same spot Supreme Earth had usually occupied, and was holding the fishing rod in rapt attention to the fish. The person wore a large cape made of straw and a huge straw hat that covered most of his body; a fishing rod as black as ink was in his hand as he sat still like a stable mountain... Yun Yang had a sense of dj vu as if Supreme Earth was smiling at him. For a moment, he thought that time had rewound itself. This was because the person before his eyes was dressed the same way Supreme Earth would dress when he was fishing. Was it a coincidence that this person was also occupying the same spot? The north lakeshore was spacious, there was certainly more than one fishing spot to fish from. However, Yun Yang made Fang Mofei send him to the centermost area, a fishing spot that sunk in. It was here that others could only see that someone was fishing but could not see what the person looked like. At most, they would only catch sight of a shadow. The person was here as well. It was not a spacious spot. There was only a big rock protruding on which the person was firmly perched on. A single glance told Yun Yang that the man did not want anyone approaching him. Whether he was an expert or not, his body language was saying, "Dont talk to me" C and loudly at that. Yun Yang knew then that he would be disappointed if he did not take the initiative to talk to the man. However, was this man that person? Beside the man was a rock that was exposed, rising up from the water. It was about half a feet wide. From Fang Mofeis point of view, it would not make a comfortable seat. "I shall sit here." Yun Yang pointed with a smile, showing the spot where he would like to rest. Even though Fang Mofei was troubled, he could only think of a way to make a sitting spot out of nowhere. "I apologize." Fang Mofei spoke to the man and sprung up to pick a huge boulder and drop it into the water. Plop! Water splashed everywhere. Following the boulder that sank, water bubbles rose as ripples spread out across a rather large area. The man mumbled something under his breath as if he was scolding someone. Yun Yang stayed standing quietly with his arms behind his back. Hearing the persons murmur, he chuckled in his heart. You dont want anyone to talk to you? Ill make you talk to me then. "Go on." Fang Mofei scratched his head and continued moving the rocks. Plop, plop, plop. A dozen boulders were dropped into the water continuously; Fang Mofei had actually built a solid platform across the lake. Naturally, the lake water splashed and splattered, the surface turning murky. Whether Yun Yang could sit well and fish later was a topic for discussion afterward. The person beside him was definitely unable to fish for now! 124 The Prime of Wine The yet unidentified man frowned as he looked over, tilting his head with a dissatisfied gaze. It was obvious that he was extremely displeased. Anyone could understand why he was upset. I was here fishing quietly and you came throwing rocks the moment you arrived. Not only have you frightened the fish away, you''ve destroyed my mood to fish as well! And here you are, making a platform. Why dont you stack it up all the way up to heaven? While you''re at it,why dont you build a house here as well? Despoiler of all things good and fair! He glared, watching in disbelieve as the outrageous actions of the newcomers became increasingly irritating. The culprit seemed to be a young master from a wealthy background, the type who was weak and could do nothing. No, this one was severely injured Why was he here to fish when he was so badly injured? Upon closer inspection, everything was being executed by the man who came with him. He had stacked the platform, set the chair and even a backrest for Yun Yang; he then was prepared the fishing rod, passed over the fishing line, tied the hook and buoy He had even set a small blanket for his master. Are you going to help him fish as well? Is he not done yet? Are they still going on with their antics? Plop, plop, plop He threw in the baits without a care, as if he single-handedly wanted to kill all the fish swimming merrily in the lake. After a while, he turned to the elder and smiled, saying, "I apologize for scaring your fish away. Let me share this with you as well." Plop, plop, plop He threw the bait to where the elder was standing. The man fishing was entirely stunned C shocked, stupefied, speechless. With his years of experience, he was still dumbfounded by the odd development of events. He could not help but scratch his head in irritated wonder. His actions allowed Yun Yang to observe the gray hair on the mans head. He did not know how high his cultivation base was for now, but it seemed that he was rather aged. When Yun Yang finally sat down, at least an hour had passed. What a farce! However, this absurdity was not ending anytime soon, it was just the beginning. The elder watched as Yun Yang sat down firmly. He was just sitting, not even looking like he would extend the rod out. He was just holding the bait and toying with it in his hands. What was this fellow doing now? "Ahem!" The man coughed and questioned the young man, "Young master, you have set your spot up with so much effort, and dropped so many baits. Why are you not throwing your line in yet?" Yun Yang answered with a smile, "The fish have been frightened just now. They wont dare come close for now but there are baits underneath so I only need to wait quietly for a while and the fish will come. Of course, Id have to drop the fishing line then." Despite his irritation, the man could not help but chuckle. "Then the young master might have to wait for some time. With this old and useless ones experience, only palm-sized fish would return within two hours after such a commotion. The bigger fish wont come for sure. Youll have to wait at least six hours for bigger fish." Yun Yang sat down comfortably, leaned against the backrest and said, "As long as I can get the big ones, six hours is nothing. Id wait even if it took me three days and three nights." Yun Yang smiled, "Patience is needed to score the big prize. Old sir, do be calm and dont be impatient." The elders intention to mock Yun Yang failed and he had been taught a lesson instead. Outraged, he sat down, fuming internally and shut his mouth, not saying another word. He had intended to chase this man off with ridicule and regain his peace back but who knew that this fellow would actually be willing to wait for three days and three nights. He would just have to wait to see if this young master, who needed someone to do everything for him, really had such patience. However, just because he kept silent did not mean Yun Yang would stop speaking as well. "Old sir, where did you purchase this straw cape? It looks mightily fine. As long as you wear it, you have to be afraid of neither storm nor snow. And for the straw hat, why, it could cover even the entire lake." The elder snorted but did not deign to reply. "It is so sunny. If only I had a straw hat as a shade" Yun Yang sighed, lamenting his situation. The elder remained quiet. "May I inquire as to old sirs name?" Yun Yang then asked. The man watched his buoy with intense concentration as if he did not hear the question directed at him. "How old is old sir?" Yun Yang asked again. The mans gaze remained on the buoy bobbing on the water''s surface, not speaking a word. Yun Yang scratched his head and suddenly produced a rock as big as a mans head from his side, throwing it out with a loud hey. Plop! Water splashed high and far. The rock had been thrown right in front of the old mans fishing rod. The rock made a large ripple; the surface of the lake that had just regained its peace formed ripples again. It would have to be a very long while before fish would come here again after the rock had been thrown. The old man stood up at once and shouted angrily, "How can you be so insensitive? You C you are you looking for trouble?" Yun Yang asked with an impudent grin, "May I ask for old sirs name?" The elder was huffing. "This old man is changing places, Im not staying here anymore." He then stood up, getting ready to leave. "Old Fang, were not staying here either. This old sir looks like an expert, how can we lose the chance to make an acquaintance with an expert? Lets follow him, well go wherever he goes. We cant afford to lose him." Yun Yang called out for Fang Mofei and stood up as well. The elder was speechless, heaving a long sigh against the sky. Losing his composure, he felt around his back, producing a large wine gourd. He twisted the cap opened and gulped down a big mouthful, glaring. "Im so infuriated" "Old sir, you shall not be angry. Dont be enraged, dont be furious." Yun Yang said gently, "You have seen many years of life. What if something bad resulted from your anger? This place is so secluded and lifeless, the consequences will only elicit sighs What if something unexpected occurs?" Not only did the old man feel like he was about to pass out from the frustration, even Fang Mofei was exasperated. He still could not fathom the objective behind Yun Yangs intentional trouble-making. Was he looking for trouble for no apparent reason? Young master, are you still young? Is it really acceptable to behave this way? Yun Yang looked at the large wine gourd, a strange emotion dancing in his orbs as he said softly, "Old sirs wine looks good!" The old man scoffed and rolled his eyes as he hugged the wine gourd. Does this child think that he can try my wine? Hes thinking too much. The old man snorted and wiped his mouth, putting his wine gourd back, still refusing to acknowledge the irritating pest that stood before him. "Old Fang, where is our wine?" Yun Yang asked turning his head. The corners of Fang Mofeis lips twitched in amusement. "Right here." A while later, a table was set up securely in front of Yun Yang. Ten steaming dishes were served to the table, a plate at a time. Two crystal-clear goblets and a wine pot were placed by the side of the table. With just a single glance, it was obvious that the wine pot was immensely aged. Even the label on it was close to being ineligible. From the look of things, this pot of wine was aged C a good wine indeed! The old man held his fishing rod and took an unintentional peek at the pot of wine. He actually did a double take. His eyes, shielded by the straw hat, stared unblinkingly. "Speaking of wine There are countless master brewers in the world, countless wine types that compete against each other. They have their own characteristics and specialties, an abundance of them." Yun Yang continued slowly, "However, right until now, there is only one master brewer who is acknowledged by the whole continent and recognized by the world C the god of wine from three hundred and thirty years ago, Feng Xiange." As he spoke, even the old man who had been ignoring Yun Yang all the while, could not help but nod in agreement. Indeed, Feng Xianges achievement in the field of wine was undeniably impressive. "Feng Xiange, as an expert of his times, stood aloof from worldly strife. From his prime age of thirty to two hundred and seventy-nine, he has only disappeared twenty years ago. He has only focused all his efforts on two things throughout his life C medicine, and wine. Members of the martial arts world called him the Phantom Physician God of Wine then." "His medical skills were phenomenal, his physical arts mostly unconventional thus lending him the moniker phantom. However, were not talking about his medical skills today, only his wine. There was a legion of wine personally brewed by him in his lifetime, but those that were acknowledged by him were rare and few in between. There were only seven types which he called the Wine of the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper." The elder sat aside, derision apparent on his face under his straw hat. What do you know? Feng Xiange has even better and highly praised wine Yun Yang continued nonchalantly, "However, not many people know that this so-called Wine of the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper was the only wine that Feng Xiange released to the public. Despite each type of the Northern Dipper wine being a top grade brew, they were still far from being superior!" "Actually, the three types of wine that Feng Xiange valued the most, the ones that he used to serve his closest friends, are sorted into Heaven, Earth, and Man. They were served to his friends depending on the relationship, cultivation base, the past, and experience." The elder heaved a sigh of relief, thinking, "This child actually knows such a tale. Rather impressive, actually." Yun Yang went on. "Even when these three wines were called superior, they are still not the best acknowledged by Feng Xiange. His best-kept wine, the most superior of the entire Tianxuan Continent, is not Heaven, Earth, and Man but the Prime of Wine!" "The Prime of Wines brewing ingredients were already extremely rare. Feng Xiange had searched all over the world for the rarest and most treasured ingredients to brew it, brewing only ninety-nine pots in his lifetime." "The day the wines were ready, they were sealed for storage before being tasted, only being opened when there was a suitable occasion. Even Feng Xiange himself hardly got to drink it. After the age of two hundred and thirty, this was the only wine hed take every time he drank. To Feng Xiange then, there was no other wine in this world that could be ingested other than the Prime of Wine!" "Until the day he disappeared, of the Prime of Wine that was renowned yet had never been tasted by others, only nine pots remained." "Once they had been released to the world, people went out of their way to get them. In the end, only six pots entered the market and went through numerous auctions. The highest offered price reached three thousand mystical crystals!" Yun Yang narrated unhurriedly, his voice laced with a certain charm. Three thousand mystical crystals. The old man wearing a straw hat looked up into the sky, remorse filling his heart. The news about that auction has reached my ears far too late! Otherwise, one of the six pots would definitely be mine! What are three thousand mystical crystals? I can afford it, even if it cost me thirty thousand! 125 This Would Either Make or Break! "Until today, those six pots that had made it into the market have all been added to various wine lovers collections, never to be seen in the open again. As for the remaining three pots, nobody knows where they have gone to. However, the Empire of Yutangs Marquis Yun has unintentionally saved someone when he was out one day, thereon forging an unexpected friendship. On the eve of their separation, that person has gifted a pot of wine to Marquis Yun. Not coincidentally, that wine, of course, was the Prime of Wine!" "It has already been a hundred and twelve years since Feng Xiange brewed this wine." Yun Yang smiled. The elder could not hold it in anymore and said loudly, "What are you trying to say after so much banter? Could it be that this wine of yours is the Prime of Wine? Utterly ridiculous!" Yun Yang smiled, "It looks like old sir is not from Tiantang City." "Yes, and what about it?" The old man''s tone was aggressive. "If you were from Tiantang City, you must know that the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, with his formidable sword skills, has an only son called Yun Yang." Yun Yang continued, "This Young Master Yun Yang is handsome and graceful, his lips rosy and his teeth pearly; he has an extraordinary flair, an elegance that sits within his good-looking features. He is indeed one of the most handsome men in this world. Perhaps, if there were a beauty pageant for beautiful men in this world, Young Master Yun Yang would be crowned king without even having to participate!" The old man could barely keep his anger in check, almost erupting in rage. "Youre still spewing nonsense, complimenting others to the ends of the Earth!" Since he could praise this Young Master Yun Yang so highly, he couldn''t possibly the man himself. How would there be a person in this world who could praise himself so highly? That would be overly shameless! Since he was not Yun Yang, what good could he be? He was still missing out on the Prime of Wine! Yun Yang said grinning, "Old sir, it is fate that we would meet like this. Let me introduce myself, I am Yun Yang. I am Marquis Yuns only son whom we were discussing and praising earlier." The old man was close to coughing out loud. His words were very bizarre indeed. All those compliments and they were all about you? How could such a shameless person exist in this world? The old man almost laughed from the exasperation. He looked at Yun Yang and said mockingly, "So yourethe Marquis of Heavenly Clouds young master Yun Yang? According to what youve just said, this pot of wine would be the Prime of Wine? One of the remaining nine pots? "That is incorrect." Yun Yang said without hesitation. The elder was stunned yet again. "If not then what are you bullsh*tting about?" Yun Yang continued, "According to what I know, while those six pots were auctioned off to connoisseurs in wine, they were all severe alcoholics. They had long emptied this superior liquid of dreams! Nobody knew where the remaining two pots were, no one knew if they still existed in this world." Yun Yang said in a light voice, "So this pot of wine could be called the only pot of the Prime of Wine left in the world. I wouldn''t be exaggerating even if I say its the sole unique pot." The old man was in a daze. "Is this really that pot?" Yun Yang replied indifferently, "Theres naturally only one way to verify it. Since old sir is a wine lover too, you must have heard that the moment the clay seal is broken, the aroma of Feng Xianges Prime of Wine would form a phoenix spreading its wing, about to take off in the air. This is Feng Xianges exclusive mark. I believe no one could imitate this for the few remaining pots of wine" The old mans interest was whet; he could not sit still, salivating at the thought of the wine. He watched as Yun Yangs palm struck the cover with a pop. The clay seal was broken, an indescribable aroma diffusing in the air. The old man took three steps over, his nose wriggling with urgency. Sniff, sniff, sniff The aroma of wine rose as an image of a phoenix spreading its wings as if about to soar appeared in the air; although it was only an illusory impression, the aloofness was contained in its gaze as it looked upon the world proudly. "Its its re-really the Prime of Wine!" The old mans eyes were bulging, his breath quickening as he looked at the phoenix that slowly dissipated in the air. With a flick of his hand, his straw hat flew off his head. What was revealed was a chiseled face that age had left its mark on but his gaze was clear. His eyes were like that of a four to five-year-old child; they were clear and distinct, black and white, tinged with some naivety. The old mans hair was indeed grayed like what Yun Yang had seen, but looking at it now, it did not look old but revitalizing. The vicissitudes of life etched on his face seemed to say that he had gone through everything there was to go through in life. A quick once-over spoke of the thick and thin in life as well as loneliness but a more careful look told of a handsome face, especially his eyebrows that were raised at a slight angle yet without conveying the air of violence. However, if they were to be raised, the intimidation within was still formidable. Yun Yang was more assured when he saw his face. "Of course its Prime of Wine." Yun Yang began to break the last seal on the wine pot slowly, cutting a thumb size gap using a dagger. Appreciation surfaced on the elders face. Those who had never sipped Feng Xianges wine would never know the intention to do so. It would be an extreme waste to even let the slightest bit of the aroma of Feng Xianges wine go. What Yun Yang had done looked like a thumb-sized gap from above but it would only be a soybean-sized hole going downwards. Pushing a cork into the cut after pouring the wine would perfectly save the aroma from spreading into the air. Yun Yang smiled and said, "Its Feng Xianges Prime of Wine after all, of course, I have to appreciate it more." The old man nodded with a smile. "Thats right." Yun Yang picked the pot of wine up and poured the bright yet slightly sticky wine into the goblet slowly. When it was eight parts full, the aroma of wine was already rich and inebriating, spreading across the entire lake. Pouring a goblet, Yun Yang took a sniff and reveled in it. "It is indeed a dreamily superior item close to dao1. Legend has it that drinking the Prime of Wine could allow one to be closer to the realm of dao Too bad, there''s just so little left." As he sighed, he inserted the cork back into the pot. He placed the wine pot to the side carefully and sipped from the raised goblet. His eyes shone as he exclaimed, "A great wine! An unprecedented wonderful brew indeed! Worthy of the dreamily superior item''s name!" The elder by his side was stupefied looking at Yun Yang as he stuttered, "You Youre not letting me drink it?" This fellow had set up a table of dishes, brandished a pot of wine, spoke of the old and current, praised himself and boasted unashamedly, and tempted this old mans gluttony but he drank it all by himself in the end? You have put two goblets out, could it be just for show? Yun Yang looked even more shocked than he was, staring at the man with wide eyes. "Let you drink why should I let you drink?" The old mans mouth was agape as he looked at him dumbfounded. "You Didnt you speak so much just now to let me drink?" Yun Yang looked at him speechlessly. "Old sir Me speaking so much to let you drink? How where did this come from? Are you perhaps thinking too much?" If Dong Tianleng and the other popinjays were here, they would be slapping the table in amazement. A boss was a boss indeed C what was wrong with me boasting about myself, analyzing the origin of my fantastic wine in great detail? Could I not boast? Boasting was something that had to be done in front of other people! This was the ultimate epitome of a popinjay; this was the extreme example of acting clever and putting up a show. It was a perfect enactment of the way of the popinjay, pure perfection! The old man was exasperated, veins throbbing in his temples. He was speechless for a moment. "By speaking so much, I only wanted to introduce my wine all along." Yun Yang said in confusion. "Ive finished introducing it. You know now, do you not? You understood it, correct? Our delightful conversation has been completed too, correct? Isnt it also a kind of joy watching me drink? Do you think that anyone would get to see the wonderful Prime of Wine? We must be contented with what we have!" Yun Yang said seriously, "At least, Ive let you watched the phoenix arise" For a brief moment, the old man had a rash thought of killing someone. Has your father listened to you ramble for half a day just to watch the phoenix rise up from the wines aroma? How easily appeased must I be to do that? "Actually, I have a hobby; to introduce what fine possessions I have to others. It is alright by me ifyou think Im boasting." Yun Yang smiled, his grin extremely condescending as he said, "Whatever wonderful things that I have in my possession, be it good food, drinks, fun I could have a few extra bowls of plain rice without wine or dishes just watching others covet them while I revel in them. Its gratifying, you know" The exasperation within the old man was growing increasingly intense, almost displacing him from where he stood. He felt as if he was being stampeded into a pool of dung by billions of galloping alpacas. It was so embarrassing! Your father has lived for so long, several hundred years, and has never been as hard pressed in a predicament as he is now! This rascal is really the vilest person your father has seen in my entire life! However, why do I think that this fellow makes sense? Even if his logic is askew, its still sensible. I have nothing to come back with! "Hmph!" The old man stomped his foot and turned to leave. He had no dignity left to remain here anymore. However, Yun Yang spoke again, "Still, if old sir is really bored and is not angry that I have disturbed your fish, we can fish, drink, and talk together while watching the scenery and enjoying the breezy autumn wind. Its one of the joys in life too." The old man had already turned away. Hearing this suddenly, he was even more upset. If I turn back to drink, won''t I embarrass myself even further? Even if he had the intention to turn back, stubbornness stopped him from doing so. However, if he did not turn back, the pot of wine had already been opened. It might very well be gone soon. He heard Yun Yang speak again. "Having fun together is always better than having fun alone. Please give the pleasure, old sir." The old man returned like a tornado, chuckling. "Since youre so sincere, this old and useless one will be in guilt if I dont comply." The smile on his face had turned softer too. Yun Yang was delighted. He had learned this from Dong Tianleng; he had to admit that the fool''s tactic was rather useful. Yun Yang had formed the better part of the plan when he heard about this person but the opening was always the difficult part. It was most crucial in getting him to drink his wine. How could such a character simply accept ones offer to drink? Yun Yang had finally achieved his first goal after so long. Since he had already made him drink as expected, it was time to proceed. Regardless of whatever happened, this was the only way he could figure out how to defend himself against the other side. What he was about to do next would be even more significant. This would either make or break. 126 Seven-Scaled Fairy Of course, Yun Yang would not go on making things difficult for him. He poured him a goblet full of wine and raised his own. "Go ahead!" The elder had already raised the goblet hurriedly as well. "As you please!" With a tilt of his head, he emptied the goblet with loud praise, "The best in the world indeed. Its befitting of its renowned name, the Prime of Wine. I might have to quit alcohol altogether after drinking this wine!" His expression then turned awed. The alcohol had spread through his body as a strong, strange force could be faintly felt. It was a charge against the state of Dao. Although it was a weak one, almost undetectable, the charge was enough to stir his surprise, a person with a high cultivation base. The force of Dao state that could only exist in the finest of wine was what made Feng Xianges wine so renowned and precious! He took a deep breath immediately, collecting the alcohol from all over his physical body and suppressing them into a concealed part of his psyche. It was not the best time to contemplate the charge now, so he would only release what was collected whenever he felt the time was right. With his cultivation level and the degree of control he had over his body, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he could force the goblet of wine out from his body if he wanted to and transfused them into the goblet to drink it once more! The inebriation and effect that would occur again would not be reduced in the slightest! If Yun Yang knew of the old mans actions, he would definitely be dumbfounded! Storing the wine he drank and swallowed in the body but not digesting it? This was real wine! It was beyond Yun Yangs current abilities to imagine what level of an expert one must be in order to be able to do that. One would be able to tell the whole picture just by looking at a small hint. If this elder were to be slightly more extreme and decide that he disliked Yun Yang, he would probably be able to kill Yun Yang by unleashing his intimidating aura without even needing to move a finger! An exceptional expert indeed! However, Yun Yang had genuinely placed life and death beyond himself before he came here. Yun Yang had guessed that he might not be able to go against Old Hes cultivation base even if he cultivated for another ten years; if he could not find a breakthrough here, there was no reason for him to stay alive either. "Heres another round." Yun Yang said, intoxicated from the superior brew. "Great wine!" The old man looked at the inebriation Yun Yang was in and felt speechless. He had to say, it was really a reckless ruin of things and an extreme waste to let Yun Yang drink such fine wine that only the immortals were worthy of drinking. With Yun Yangs current cultivation state, he would never be able to experience the real wonder of this wine. "What a waste" The elder sighed, gulping down his raised goblet again. Yun Yang rolled his eyes. Whats wrong with you, you old thing? Ive already let you drink my wine, the Prime of Wine thats so exceptional, but here you are saying its a waste that Im drinking it. This was indeed extraordinary. However, both men seemed to get closer to inebriation with the building intoxication. Fang Mofei who had been watching in boredom from hundreds of feet away had countless question marks hovering over his head. He could not figure it out. Young master! Supreme Cloud! Youre not paying attention to so many important matters. Instead, you came here to fish. It''s fine if you just fish; youre injured so its good if you could rest and recover your energy. Yet youre not just fishing. You provoked someone whos fishing happily on his own, offending him, then offering him wine. This would be fine too but youre offering the only pot of invaluable fine wine in the entire Tianxuan Continent to an old man whom you dont even know and have only met for the first time. This was really an utter waste! Fang Mofei, who knew full well about the Prime of Wine, felt like fainting. If he had not known that Yun Yang was Supreme Cloud, his behavior portrayed an extreme popinjay C an exceptionally superior popinjay! "I see old sir likes to fish very much." Yun Yang smiled. "Fishing is a hobby, its also a way of life." The old man drank with squinted eyes. "What you have said is true. Yet there really arent many in this continent who could concentrate on fishing anymore," Yun Yang sighed in genuine disappointment. "I like fishing a lot too." Yun Yang sounded far away. "Since old sir is much older than I am, I suppose you must share a deeper sentiment?" The elder asked amused, "Sentiment? What sentiment do you have, being so young? Why not tell me of it first?" Yun Yang smiled gently. "Then this younger one will break the ice first and wait to listen to old sirs thoughts. I humbly think that when were fishing, we become heaven, earth, and man, all coexisting together." The elder was stunned. "Would you care to explain yourself?" He had indeed never heard of such a view. Even being so experienced and knowledgeable, he was still curious. "When were fishing, were heaven. The water before would naturally be earth while the fish in the water is man." Yun Yang said unhurriedly, "The baits we threw in could be all things in this world, they could be wine, women, avarice, pride, they could also be rank, fame, fortune and the fish beneath would chase after different baits according to their different personalities and wants." "Whether the fish are big or small, it would be hooked once they see the bait that they like. The only difference would be the how long it takes before they bite." "Even if the fishwas above all this worldly strife, it can never avoid being tempted by a certain bait and be hooked onto it." Yun Yang continued, "Just like life in this continent, how many are there who could stand against the temptation of the cardinal vices and materialistic wants?" "Looking at the fish I have fished, its really a mix of indescribable emotions in my heart at that moment." "Because it means that the fish hooked could no longer escape its fate no matter how much it struggles." Yun Yang said, "Isnt it the same for men? As long as youve chosen a path, working towards some sort of goal, there is no turning back." "We are actually being baited each and every day. Perhaps, it could also be said that were moving forward to the bait that we have dreamed of so much." Yun Yang smiled and raised his goblet. "Go ahead." The elder frowned and thought deeply before he said, "That makes sense! That makes complete sense! Youre so young yet you have such wise sentiments!" Yun Yang smiled faintly. "In addition, look at the water before us. Even when it doesnt move, it still looks like it wanders, ever-changing Perhaps when we aren''t looking, the fish in the water have long gone through the evanescence of life." "And destiny despite being in existence since the beginning of time, how would it care for a person? Or even take notice of a person? Destiny goes on unending, yet how much has the human realm already changed from its vicissitudes?" "From such a perspective, whats the difference between us and fish? In some ways or other, were even lesser than them." "Man being lesser than fish" The old man closed his eyes, pondering Yun Yangs words. After some time, he opened his eyes and sighed softly. "This is a good phrase." He paused before saying, "What you have just said is exceptionally wise and makes a whole lot of sense indeed!" He shut his eyes for a while. When he opened them, he said to Yun Yang, "Thank you for your advice, young friend." He then bowed to Yun Yang in genuine admiration. Wonder was all there was in his gaze. After some time, he said, "Young friend, you are still young but you seem to have gone through many tribulations." Yun Yang smiled faintly. "Not as much as you have, I am certain." The elder kept his thinking cap on and smiled. "Drink, let us drink." "Please do." Yun Yang drank as he poured wine; the elder emptying his goblet every time the liquid was refilled, being absolutely at ease. The pot of the Prime of Wine was only about a dozen catties. After hundreds of years of sedimentation, there were only four to five catties of wine left. It was emptied not too long later. Yun Yang drank quite a fair bit of wine but it was only two or three-tenths of the total. The remaining seven to eight-tenths was all in this old mans stomach. Fang Mofei was displeased looking at this, inwardly disagreeing with the proceedings. Oh dear young master, oh dear Supreme Cloud, why didnt you share this fine wine with Lao Mei and me? Was it really right to give it all to an outsider? "There is only one point in my young friends words earlier that isnt suitable to be used here though." The old man took the initiative to speak unabashedly, now that he had drunk all the wine. "May I ask which point would that be?" Yun Yang questioned. "There is a type of fish in this lake that not only do the fishing experts rarely catch, but the cultivation experts are helpless against them as well," the elder said. Yun Yang was surprised to hear it as he said in shock, "Oh? May I ask what exceptional type of fish is this that cultivation experts could do nothing against?" The elder chuckled joyously as he replied, "The fishes have an innate ability that keeps them from being caught. Once they are attacked by an external force, be it mystical Qi or whatever else, even if its the force of will, they will turn into a stream of water immediately. They leave no trace in their wake, how could one catch them?" "Even when you catch this fish by force, the moment you loosen your guard, it will still turn into flowing water and vanish without a trace. No matter how strong ones cultivation base, not one bit of the fishs essence could be seized." "The Thousand Feet Lake actually has such a magical fish?" Yun Yang was stunned. "Correct, it has this strange fish!" the old man replied. Thinking of something, Yun Yang asked, "You said fishing experts rarely catch them but you did not say that they never caught them. Does this mean that this fish can still be caught despite it being so magical?" The elder smiled. "Right. This fish can never be obtained by force but can still be caught. As long as the hook is caught in the fishs mouth, the fish will lose its ability to turn into water." "When it leaves the water''s surface, it is no different than an ordinary fish. Well, it''s not exactly right to say its the same as ordinary fishes because this fish looks odd. There are only seven pieces of scales on the fishs body, each scale a different color." "Is old sir talking about the Seven-Scaled Fairy?" Yun Yang looked startled. "But it''s only a myth of the Thousand Feet Lake." "Correct, I speak of the mythical Seven-Scaled Fairy. But I can guarantee that this fish really exists." The old man said softly, "Moreover, there are only three places that this fish dwells in the entire Tianxuan Continent. The Thousand Feet Lake is but the fourth location that nobody else has discovered yet." Yun Yang suddenly thought of something. It was a past related to fourth brother, Supreme Water. 127 Do You Know Who I Am? When the Nine Supremes had gathered back then, Supreme Earth had once said that while Supreme Waters physique matched the Nine Heavens Demesne, it was still not the best. One day, the group realized with surprise that Supreme Waters cultivation speed had become one of the fastest among them, upon his return. Supreme Earth wondered about this, even asking Supreme Water what had happened. Supreme Water could not explain it either, only mentioning that he had gone fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake out of frustration that his cultivation improvement could not keep up. He ate a few fish that he caught and did not notice any changes. However, when he had cultivated the Water Pneuma Spell, it was unusually smooth C almost as if the Water Pneuma Spell had been made for him. He did not need much effort and had already improved by leaps and bounds. The few of them had even gone to the Thousand Feet Lake to catch fish in an attempt to emulate the effect. After all, the only unusual occurrence was that Supreme Water had eaten a few of the Thousand Feet Lakes fish. It was a pity that they had caught so many fish, almost emptying the lake of them, eating to the point of bloated stomachs but there was no other effect other than getting fatter together. In the end, they gave up their attempts. Supreme Earths fishing habit had been formed ever since then. Supreme Earth, Supreme Water, and Supreme Thunder had the highest cultivation base among the brothers but with regards to their mystical cultivation, Supreme Water was clearly in the lead. As Yun Yang reminisced, another memory came to the surface. About two years ago, Supreme Earth had come back from fishing and had called upon Supreme Water mysteriously, offering him some fish. Ever since then, Supreme Waters mystical cultivation had improved at an unprecedented speed, gliding along and breaking through to the Water Pneuma Spells seventh stage! That was three to four stages higher than the other brothers. However, everyone was only happy for him and did not think too much about it. It was then that Supreme Earth would come here to fish whenever he had no mission or had nothing to do. "Could it be that this is what makes big brother come here to fish whenever hes free?" Yun Yang began to come to the realization within his heart. "Old sir, since no one else had discovered this peculiarity of the lake, how did you find out about it?" Yun Yang asked curiously. "There was this old man that came to Tiantang City several years ago and ahem... spotted the Thousand Feet Lake by chance and saw that there was a faint rainbow there. I came down to fish. On my first cast, I caught the Seven-Scaled Fairy and ate it with delight." The old man''s smile was slightly unnatural when he spoke. His words would probably be heard and dismissed by most people but Yun Yang had caught on to two main points. Spotted the Thousand Feet Lake by chance! What did he mean by spotted? The Thousand Feet Lake was flat with no platform, where did you spot it from? How exactly did you spot it? There was also the point where he had come down to fish. Where did you come down to fish from? However, Yun Yang did not let anything slip as he smiled and said, "Legend has it that after eating the Seven-Scaled Fairy, one could become immortal and stay forever young. I wonder if that is true." The elder scoffed, "Thats only the myth of foolish villagers to pass their time, how is it credible? Theres nothing in this world that could make one immortal and forever young!" Yun Yang continued asking curiously, "May I ask senior then what are the benefits of eating a Seven-Scaled Fairy? Senior has caught one previously by chance so I suppose you must be familiar with its benefits." The elder took a meaningful glance at him and said, "The human body matches the destined yin and yang of the universe, as well as gold, wood, water, fire, and earth, all five elements. These types of physiques allow one to defy the law of nature. However, those who know of this theory is rare and there are few in this world." "Most people in this world wont know what physique they have their entire life, wasting the sacred human body. Among these physiques, theres a type called the Water Pneuma Soma. In simpler words, its the body of water, water physique." "Water physique is not actually that rare. A lot of people who learn swimming faster than others, who swim faster or dont feel any difficulty diving, those who can change their breath underwater or feel perfectly fine staying in the water for long periods at a time C these are what we called water physique. They are innately familiar with water." The elder continued softly, "But this is only the most general state. To improve such physique to Water Pneuma Physique, one needed to undergo harsh conditioning and plenty of life threatening efforts yet it still might not succeed." "However, if one could be assisted with the Seven-Scaled Fairy in this lake" The old man seemed to despise the name Seven-Scaled Fairy but he continued, "Only eating one of this fish could activate all the potential a water physique person possesses, turning them into the real Water Pneuma Soma!" "This is the fishs special effect. Even if a person without water physique eats it, they would notice that they will be as at ease as being at home, there is no need to be afraid of ever being drowned." Yun Yang hesitated before asking, "What If it is being eaten by someone of other physiques?" The elder frowned, rather put off by the question. "Eaten by someone with other physiques? This effect will still take place when people of other physique eat the fish but the effect isnt significant. For example, wood physique would benefit from eating the fish because water nourishes wood but if gold and earth physique eat the fish, there wouldn''t be any effect. Even worse, if a fire physique eats the fish, it would damage their own physique; water and fire being incompatible as it is." Yun Yang lowered his head, feeling his heart warmed. The eldest Supreme Earth had not come here to fish frequently for himself, it was all for his brother Supreme Water. He had fished here without fail for so many years as long as they had no mission, just so his brother could increase his ability after eating this fish! "What if someone were to eat two Seven-Scaled Fairies?" Yun Yang questioned without missing a beat, feeling his heart throbbing with strange emotions. The old man looked at Yun Yang strangely. "This old man has only managed to fish one in so many years, I already count that a blessing. You actually want to eat two?" Yun Yang chuckled in awkwardness. "The world is never constant, you cant predict what happens next. Who could say anything for sure about this, theres always the possibility." Another idea popped in his mind as he thought of his physique now and the air of vitality. He could not help but ask, "Is this fish considered a mystical beast?" This question stumped the elder as well. He froze for a bit and thought about it for a fair while before saying, "Im not entirely sure about this." He then looked at Yun Yang, studying him from head to toe and chuckled. "However, if you eat this fish, it just might be useful for you." Yun Yang was delighted. "Am I of Water Pneuma Soma?" The old man chortled strangely and said, "Youre definitely not Water Pneuma Soma but you can eat the fish. Trust me, it will be useful if you eat it." His gaze was grew increasingly odd as he finally smiled an amused smile. "Because your physique shares yin and yang, having both sides of the world and all five elements. Your physique actually gathers all the different types of physique men could possibly have!" Yun Yang breathed in relief. "Well, I''m glad to know that my physique is so impressive." The old man could not hold his laughter in anymore. "It is impressive indeed. This old man has never known that such a physique like your own exists in this world. Your physique is certainly unparalleled in this world!" Yun Yang did not really care for the old man''s tone, but his curiousity was piqued, nonetheless. "Really?" "Really." The elder smiled strangely. "Your physique is unparalleled among the world''s... rubbish!" "Water and fire flows together, wind and thunder merges into one; yin and yang melts into each other with all five elements present; the heaven and earth matches. Your physique its like the Milky Way!" The elder could not help but guffaw out loud. "Your characteristics are more than the stars in the sky, just like the mess that makes up the Milky Way." He was still rambling in his explanation. Yun Yang was exasperated, his handsome face darkening like the bottom of a burnt pot. Looking at this old man who was chortling in delight with his tongue still rambling, he felt terribly insulted. I offered such a fine wine to you and you actually mock me like this. Dont you have the courtesy to moderate your speech? How he wished to dig into the man''s body and pull all the wine out. Give me back my wine! Give me back my Prime of Wine, the superior item of dreams! "Alright, alright. We have talked a fair bit and much time has passed. We better concentrate on fishing." The elder strolled back. "If this period of the year passes, we wont get to catch your so-called Seven-Scaled Fairy anymore" An idea bloomed in Yun Yangs mind as he said, "Old sir, what do you think of a bet?" The old man turned and raised his eyebrows. "Bet? What do we bet on?" Yun Yang replied, "Since we are where we are, the bet must be on fishing. Let us bet on catching this Seven-Scaled Fairy. How about that?" The elder looked at him thoughtfully and chuckled. "Child, I guess you know who I am?" Yun Yang smiled unabashedly. "I didnt, initially." The old man snorted. "Didnt know initially?! If you really didnt know, would you have brandished such fine wine? Using all sorts of tactics so that this old man could notice you then provoking me and using the wine to make peace. Talking about life and going about it step by step, all the way until the point where you make a bet with this old man." "A pot of the Prime of Wine is not something an ordinary person could offer so nonchalantly, but you''ve used it only to open the door." "Why would you go through all this effort if you have nothing to ask for? Since you have an ulterior motive, how would you know if I could fulfill it not without knowing who I am? Child, dont be glib!" Yun Yang smiled. "Dont be angry. Of course I have a favor to ask, as you have guessed. I, Yun Yang, as a man of beauty of my time, am not stupid." The elder frowned as he mumbled, "This old man feels that he has just fallen into a trap" 128 Yousre Not the Only One Who Knows How to Cheat! "Trap? How would that be possible?" Yun Yang smiled. "What trap would I dare to set after knowing your identity?" The elder glanced at Yun Yang as he nodded derisively, "You, my child, are not simple, not simple indeed!" "You paid such a hefty price just to bet with this old man. I just want to ask; how did you confirm that it was me?" Yun Yang chuckled, knowing that it would only backfire if he played tricks with this person. He opted to be totally honest instead. "Its really a coincidence how this actually began. I heard that someone was fishing here so I became really curious. To the best of my knowledge, the Thousand Feet Lakes fish cant be caught, so there are rarely people fishing here. For this reason alone I sat up and took notice." "Then when I saw the way you dressed, suspicion rose in my heart." "At that time, I was only one-tenth certain of my guess. When I got here and saw you, one-tenth became two-tenth. When you suddenly unleashed your aura, despite it being very weak and temporal, seeing as to how you retracted once it came out, it increased my suspicion. My suspicion then became three-tenths of certainty when I saw your wine gourd." "The sentiment about life Ive spoken about was actually more of a test as well. Those with much experience would share the sentiment while those with less experience will feel that its sensible. However, when you thanked me, my confidence increased." "Then senior talked about the fish and even spoke of the Seven-Scaled Fairy of this lake. Speaking of such a huge secret so easily obviously shows that you dont want to be in debt to me so youre giving back a piece of information that exceeds the value of my wine" "There arent many people around with such a demeanor." "That was when I became fifty percent confident about my guess." Yun Yang continued lightly, "Fifty percent of confidence is already enough to form the basis of my judgment. It doesnt matter whether youre who I thought you to be or not. I had already formed an acquaintance. Betting was simply another trick. Whether I won or lost, our acquaintance was already there and wouldn''t simply disappear." "If I won, I could ask you for a favor. If I lost, the acquaintance remains. The martial arts world is vast and the world is huge, we would definitely meet again one day." Yu Yang smiled. "People like myself will never give up on any chance that could benefit me. People like you, on the other hand, would never place emphasis on the things that I care about." "Therefore, it wouldnt matter to you if I recognized you and knew who you were. It would only be an ordinary meeting, wouldnt it?" Yun Yang chuckled. "Whats even more of a coincidence is that Im really free now. Fishing is really good, more so when theres someone to keep me company. If I won the wager, it would be even better. But even if I didnt win, I can wait for the next time C it would still be great!" The elder laughed. "Child, youre an interesting one. Whats rare is that youre speaking the truth in front of me. Each word of yours is really what you truly think. This is something good." Yun Yang smiled helplessly. "If I was confident that I could deceive you, I would have tricked you all the way but any lies and plots are just a joke to you! Its better to just speak the truth. Youre happy with it and so am I. It simply saves us the additional effort!" The elder chortled once more. Then he asked, "Do you really wish to be on fishing with me? Wouldn''t it be a little too daring to bet on the Seven-Scaled Fairy with someone who has caught it before?" Yun Yang replied, "Loss is not definite in a wager. Youve said it yourself; youve only caught one Seven-Scaled Fairy before. What if Im lucky this time and really caught it?" The elder laughed out loud then. "How courageous you are! How do we go about the wager then?" Yun Yang smiled. "Of course the winner would be whoever catches the Seven-Scaled Fairy first or whoever catches the most. The duration of the bet will be over three days. Whoever loses then has to admit his defeat." "Whats the ante?" The elder asked, his eyes squinted. "Wager" Yun Yang considered it for a moment before saying, "If you win, Ill think of something to get another pot of the Prime of Wine for you. If you are unlucky this time round and lost, I will just need your help with one thing." The elder snorted. "You think that pot of wine of yours is that valuable?" He gave Yun Yang a mocking stare. "Then the elder can decide." Yun Yang acquiesced without hesitation. "What do you want me to do if I lose?" The old man was stunned when Yun Yang said this. What can you, an insignificant ant, do for me? "How about this? If I lose, you can ask for anything." Yun Yang was thinking of ideas for him diligently. "Once you win, Ill be fine even if you want to be my godfather or my master." "In your dreams!" The old man rolled his eyes as he said mockingly, "You want to be my godson, want to take me as your master with this physique of yours. That is wishful thinking! How ridiculous can you get?" Yun Yang smiled faintly. "I am relieved by your refusal." Of course, the old man would not know that his refusal today would taint him with remorse for his entire life "Wait, what if we came to a draw? You wouldn''t be thinking to exchange the wager so this old man would help you with a favor and you would take me as your godfather or master, would you?" The elder paused for a moment. It would be a tie if both of them could not catch the said fish. Yun Yang was taken aback listening to him too because he had never thought of coming to a draw. He paused and said, "You are really thinking too much. If we come to a draw, our bet will be canceled. If you have so much reservation or if youre afraid to lose, we can just forget about this wager!" "Child, you dont have to provoke me. This old man will agree!" The elders beard had almost twisted itself from his anger. "What then is the wager youd like junior to place?" Yun Yang persisted in his questioning. "Forget it. Apot of the Prime of Wine it is." The elder looked like he was already regretting his decision as he said rather grudgingly, "This old man will be willing to suffer some loss." Yet in his heart, he was thinking, "If I have another pot, perhaps I could really break through the barrier now by borrowing the Dao state in the wine By then, thatd really be perfect" "Its really unimaginable that this child wants to challenge me in fishing." "This old man has honed his fishing skills for so many years just for this Kirin1 Fish and meditated unceasingly" "Besides, its still unknown how many Kirin Fish there are in this Thousand Feet Lake. We will likely end up in a draw after three days. By then, this old one shall leave without a burden." "How would this Yun know that the Kirin Fish is the smartest fish in this world? Once one of them has been caught, the other Kirin Fish will sense it and turn into flowing water. They will not be caught again and wont even feed for at least a year." "Old sir, what bait are you using?" Yun Yang stuck his head over. The old man shrunk back immediately, hiding all his bait behind his back as his eyes stared wide at Yun Yang. "Youre competing against me to fish and youre asking what bait Im using? This old one has never seen someone as shameless as you!" Yun Yang rubbed his nose, slightly abashed. "Knowing oneself and the enemy well is the way to be ever victorious" He then sheepishly returned to his spot. He retrieved his bait that he had already kneaded together and hooked some of it onto the fishing hook. Standing up, he swung the fishing rod out abruptly. The fishing rod Yun Yang was holding was impressive; it was made of Feather Bamboo, light and adequately long, reaching thirty feet in length. The fishing line was also of top notch quality. However, his casting skill was a little devastating to be watched. Just that one action had the old man almost laughing out loud. He was a complete amateur! The fact that he had actually cast away the bait absolutely gave him away. Do you wish to fish with an empty hook? Amazingly, you had the steel to bet with me? With those skills? Was this child planning to lose to me on purpose and bribe me with wine? This old one would not be accepting it! Once I have won, there will be no place for negotiation! Yun Yang at least had some form of self-awareness and quickly realized that he had made a mistake. He retracted his fishing rod briskly and hooked the bait again before casting the rod once more. This time was much better than the last. An hour later, the elder began catching fish. Although they were only ordinary fish, they came one after another in an endless stream. The speed was brisk, the fish pile growing in size. At first, they were only palm-sized. Then, they became more than a catty, more than two catties, five catties Now, fish of a dozen catties, approximately twenty catties, some thirty to forty catties were being caught... He caught them all but the elder did not keep any of them. He snapped his finger against each fish caught on the hook, rendering them unconscious before returning them back to the water. The fish would float upside down for a bit before fleeing once it gained consciousness. The biggest advantage of doing so was that the fish would dare not bite onto hooks anymore for at least several days. As for success rate, the old man had already caught at least a hundred fish yet Yun Yangs buoy remained still. "The Thousand Feet Lakes fish are the hardest to fish. There must be a problem with his bait for this old man to continuously fish so many of them!" Yun Yang grew increasingly agitated. "This old man must be cheating!" Yun Yang finally lost his calm demeanor after failing to catch any fish for so long. The old man, on the other hand, was catching them easily with the next one being larger than the last. "You''re not the only one who knows how to cheat!" Yun Yang had only intended to cheat tomorrow, but looking at the situation, he would definitely lose if he did not do something right now. The old man had said it himself;he had caught a Seven-Scaled Fairy before, after all! Once he had caught one and all the others had turned into streams of water it would be too late for him to cheat. He called out in his subconscious. "Emmie! Come out quickly." "Aye, aye!" Emmie was contentedly waving its tendrils around in the subconscious space but happily kept them upon hearing Yun Yang''s call. It sent out a surprised response, "What? What? What is it?" "Give me some energy. Im fishing!" 129 I Admit My Defea "Aiyee!" Emmie was upset. It had wrapped itself up securely within its tendrils from top to bottom, refusing to reply to Yun Yangs call. Do you want to fish with my energy? Big brother, surely you jest! Even if you catch a fish of one hundred thousand catties, it can''t be worth what I have to give up for you to do so! "It is a Seven-Scaled Fairy fish. There are a lot of benefits from eating it." "Aiyee!" "It''s true! Try it if you dont believe me. If its useless, Ill feed you ten jade pendants!" Yun Yang promised. "Aiyee?" Emmie retracted part of its tendrils, revealing half of its body and waved them towards Yun Yang suspiciously. "Really! Ten jade pendants is a lot, isnt it?" "Aiyee..." "Too little? Emmie, dont be too greedy. Alright, as long as you agree, Ill give you two jade pendants tomorrow morning, two more before noon, two more at noon, two pieces in the afternoon and another two pieces at night! This should suffice, right?" Yun Yang clenched his teeth. "Aiyee!" Emmie finally agreed, waving its tendrils around in joy. Master is rarely so generous; hes going to give me so many valuable items tomorrow! In response, a scintillating ball of energy dropped out. "This ball is too much, what a waste. Let''s divide it into a hundred parts, alright?" Yun Yang negotiated. "Aiyee!" One can always be bought if the price is high enough C Emmie easily agreed and got down to work. Yun Yang cast his fishing rod into the lake once more. The elder glanced at the amateur from the corner of his eye, still feeling thrilled in his heart and so very confident. Here the amateur goes again! Suddenly, the water surface where Yun Yangs fishing line sank into began to bubble, as if a lot of fish were violently trashing underneath. The buoy that had not moved all this while dropped abruptly. Yun Yang was delighted to see it, raising his fishing rod to see the fishing line swishing C a big fish had been caught! The old man stared in surprise. It was obvious that Yun Yang was slow in setting the hook. Usually, the fish would have long escaped but how could he still catch it now? The elder watched Yun Yang''s shouts and exclamations as well as his terrible follow-up method, there was obviously no skill involved as he pulled the rod up by sheer force. After much pulling and dragging, a big fish of about a dozen catties was hauled up. The old man was speechless. "What line are you using?" Yun Yang smiled happily. "Wild silk yarn! Soft and flexible!" "What about your hook?" "Mystical steel! They cant run away once they bite onto the hook" The elder raised his head to stare at the sky as if to confirm if he was still in Tianxuan Continent. It was true that wild silk yarn was soft and flexible but it was too light; it would float the moment it entered the water. Although the mystical steel hook was substantial, it was full of the cold air of yin; fish would usually avoid it the moment they felt the cold. This fellow had actually caught a fish using the combination of wild silk yarn and a mystical steel hook! It was the most peculiar thing he had seen in his life. "Luck. It must be luck. It wont happen again" The old man murmured irritably to himself and resumed his fishing. He then realized in shock that there were no fish taking his bait now! Where Yun Yang was, the water was murky from the rippling and bubbling movements. There seemed to be a competition underneath the surface among the fish as if only one of them could take the bait if it won! As if to confirm the elders imagination, the buoy on Yun Yangs fishing rod sunk once again. As Yun Yang set the hook, a large fish of about twenty catties was forcefully hauled up. The old man was a little bewildered, disbelieving what he was seeing It was the official opening of Yun Yangs fishing show as he kept dragging big fish after big fish using his extremely poor fishing skills, knocking the creatures out and releasing them The water turned murkier as the water churned violently. Some fish that were impatient had even jumped out of the water and charged right at Yun Yangs fishing hook with all their might. "This is eerily abnormal" The elder mumbled to himself. Im not using any random ingredients. These baits were specially made to cater to the fishs appetite, using treasured materials and rare gems. There are even Fish Charm Herbs, worth thousands of years, in them What is going on? What is this? "What bait are you using?" The old man finally could not help asking. "This one." Yun Yang tossed a ball over casually. The elder caught it and took a sniff. After inspecting it carefully, he was sure that it was an ordinary form of bait. He tried hooking them to his hook and indeed, the buoy remained still as no fish bothered to head over in his direction. Yet the fish over at Yun Yangs side were crowding together as if rushing to the market. They had formed a big shaded area on the water surface, cramming together. The old man felt like his world had been turned upside down. Could it be that this fish now favored amateurs like this? How could such a scene be explained otherwise? Subsequently, the old mans side quieted down as Yun Yang''s got busier than ever C large fish began flying up into the air in a frenzy. Twenty catties, thirty catties, forty catties the biggest one had even gone up to eighty catties! When the fish was caught, it had to be hauled forcefully like a small boat! Thankfully, Yun Yang was using wild silk yarn. If he had dragged the haul with any other material, his fishing line would definitely have given up and snapped into two. The elders eyes almost dropped out of his face. He had never seen something so outrageously peculiar in his hundreds of years being alive. Suddenly, all the fish in the water seemed to vanish all at once. Yun Yangs side quieted down as well. The old man heaved a sigh of relief C Damn it, this is only normal. If no one could get the Seven-Scaled fish, I wouldn''t have lost - we would come to a draw! However, as he thought of it, he saw Yun Yangs buoy sink and bob up abruptly like a rocket! As Yun Yang set his hook, a colorful fish nosed its way out of the water. "The Kirin Fish!" Lightning seemed to have struck the elder. This child has actually caught a Kirin Fish! Oh my god, Im not dreaming, am I? "This fish is too small, isnt it? Not even one catty. What can I do with it?" Yun Yang tilted his head to observe the fish and put it into his bucket. "Too small?" The old man felt like crying in frustration. Its already extremely rare to catch such a large Kirin Fish, okay? This old man has fished for hundreds of years and has only caught one thats of this size before. As he was engaged in his thoughts, the old mans eyes grew unfocused again. He watched as Yun Yangs buoy dipped in once more and when it was lifted, another rainbow colored fish came up with it. Still a Kirin Fish by the looks of it this one was a full two times bigger than the last! This one weighed at least two catties! The elder felt stars dancing before his eyes. Was this the end of the world as he knew it? Since when could Kirin Fish be caught so easily? Would other Kirin Fish not be frightened and refuse to feed for at least a year once one of them had been caught? Forget it, forget the random details. It was more important to drop the hook and start fishing now! The old man cast his fishing rod and concentrated but his buoy remained unmoving. Some moments later, a splash could be heard from Yun Yangs side as he landed another Kirin Fish weighing about a catty. Here''s one. One more. Another one! Whoa, another big one! I bet this is at least five catties C a really big fish! It was only an hour later when Yun Yangs bucket was full. There were approximately twenty Kirin Fish of all sizes flipping about inside. The old man was utterly dumbfounded. The amount of fish he had caught in his entire life would probably never compare to the number that this child had caught in the last hour. How many Kirin Fish were there in this lake? They might all be gone if this went on. Yun Yang cast his rod again However, there were no more movements, even after a long time. The elder heaved a long sigh. He had lost without so much of a solid reason yet he had lost infinitely! He had never been so badly defeated in his life before. As he sighed, he heard Yun Yang cry out in surprise. His fishing rod was flying towards the lake like an arrow. This fellows fishing rod was actually being pulled away by a large fish because he had momentarily lost his focus. "Im f*cking unlucky indeed." The elder shook his head speechlessly as he sprung up and gave chase to the fishing rod floating towards the center of the lake. As he stretched his arm towards the rod, a huge, dazzling, seven-colored fish hopped out of the water. Looking at the size of the fish, the old man almost lost his breath and fell into the lake himself. Kirin Fish! This one was at least twenty catties! How could such a huge Kirin Fish actually exist in this world? When he hauled the fish up to shore, Yun Yang thanked him profusely. "Old sir, its late now. Why don''t we call it a day? We can resume the match tomorrow." The elder almost spat out blood in frustration. Resume the match? What are we still competing for? "There''s no need." The old man''s spirits flagged as he said in despair. "I admit my defeat." 130 Requiting Fish. Ling Xiaozui "Of the three days, only one day has passed ." Yun Yang was a slightly shocked. "Youre admitting defeat? This junior will win without a fight?" The elder gazed grudgingly towards Yun Yang. Win without a fight? What f*cking fight do you want? The resentful gaze almost had Yun Yang laughing out loud. "Alright then. Let us go back and have an all-fish feast. We cant waste this entire days effort!" Yun Yang was straightforward as well, assuming the gracious role of the winner since the other party had admitted defeat. He picked the bucket up and looked at the abundant Kirin Fish inside. After some consideration, Yun Yang kept about a dozen of them that were over three catties and poured the remaining ones back into the water. "This is the only time this will happen, alright? You all have to be careful in the future Dont let any one else catch you again" The elders eyes practically bulged out of their sockets before bouncing back in again. Oh my, this child is releasing so many Kirin Fish? Those are invaluable treasures! Those are good stuff that even money cant buy! However, the following scene stunned the old man into disbelief again. Not a single one of the released fishes left. Instead, they form a neat queue in the water as they popped their heads out and nodded at Yun Yang. Were they actually thanking Yun Yangs grace? Then all the Kirin Fish vanished, leaving nothing else other than some bubbles. Both Yun Yang and the old man were dumbfounded. The world was unpredictable and worldly matters were always miraculous, yet there was such a thing! Wonders were everywhere indeed. What happened next though, shocked two of them even more. Not only was the old man stupefied, Yun Yangs eyes almost fell out too. The big fish in the bucket had all straightened their bodies and stuck their upper halves out of the water, looking at Yun Yang with rounded eyes, as if pleading for their lives. There were even two round beads of tears slowly rolling down from the eyes of the biggest fish. Yun Yang and the elder felt the top of their heads prickling with numbness. Was this a f*cking fish at all? Yun Yang sighed, his hands gripping at the edge of the bucket as he said seriously, "I dont want to eat you little ones, but my physique really needs it I have no other way" The biggest fish tilted its head, its beady eyes staring straight at Yun Yang. There was no way of telling if it understood him. Suddenly, its body swayed as it swam to Yun Yangs right hand; with a pop of head, its mouth landed on Yun Yangs hand. A ball of emerald green liquid spluttered out from the fishs mouth onto the top of Yun Yangs hand. It was one big lump of green. The emerald green liquid vanished immediately upon landing on the back of Yun Yangs hand as if it had diffused into Yun Yangs body. After the biggest fish had spat out the green liquid, the iridescent radiance of the scales on its body dimmed immediately. It did not stop though. After some build-up, it spat another mouthful of emerald liquid with a sound from its throat. It was the same emerald green liquid as before, diffusing directly into Yun Yangs skin. However, upon spitting the second mouthful of emerald liquid, the seven scales on the big fish dulled, losing all their brilliance. It was holding on, however, wanting to spit the third mouthful Yun Yang felt his heart clench. He stopped the fish at once and picked it up. "Enough, enough. Keep the rest to yourself. Ill let you go." With a single thought, a ball of air of vitality was delivered into the fish. With a splash, the fish entered the water. It did not leave immediately, hopping up happily and nodding at Yun Yang in the air. It went back into the water and swam over again, going to and fro for three times; the longing apparent. "Go." Yun Yang felt his tone becoming gentle. "Dont get caught again." The big fish made a big splash and swam towards the deeper water longingly. Yun Yang sighed. When he turned again, the dozen of fishes in the bucket had all stuck their heads out; their throats were making a slight noise as their eyes stared at him C they all wanted to spit at him Yun Yang was exasperated but he was growing more tenderhearted. He put his hand on the side of the wooden bucket, gifting a flow of air of vitality to the fish after each of them gave their gifts, before releasing them into the water. He was not having the all-fish feast after all. He had won anyway. The elder watched the shockingly tragic drama of man and fish unfold before him, his eyes already hanging out of their sockets. He was beyond dumbfounded, his face blank. There was no shortage of peculiarity in this world. Seeing that the bucket was left with the last three fish, the old man broke from his trance. He knew he could not let this opportunity go as it would not come around the second time. He approached awkwardly and said, "Excuse me Young friend?" Yun Yang turned and hummed questioningly, "Yes?" The old man actually blushed as he said, "Can you let these three fishes spit on me?" Yun Yang was stunned. "Oh, certainly." He then moved aside without hesitation. The elder placed his hand over only to have the three fish that were preparing to spit swoosh their way back into the wooden bucket. None of them acknowledged him! Awkward embarrassment was apparent on the elders face. He had never been as compromised in his entire life! F*cking hell, even fish despise me. Yun Yang was puzzled as well, going forward in an attempt to persuade them. "Spit at him, its the same. It''s just spitting anyway" The remaining three fish of four to five catties weight in the bucket came up unwillingly and spat on the elders hand. Yun Yang then picked them up and did the same thing, delivering the air of vitality to them before sending them back into the water. A short while later, all three fishes had spat the liquid and no more fish was left in the bucket. The three fishes swam a few rounds in the water, spitting bubbles to Yun Yang for a moment on the water surface before reluctantly swimming into the deeper water gracefully with a whip of their tails, quickly vanishing. After some time, the lake recovered its initial serenity. The old man took in a deep breath and exhaled it. His face became serious, bowing officially to Yun Yang. "Young Friend Yun Yang, I, Ling Xiaozui, am in your favor today! Thank you!" Although Yun Yang had already guessed it, to have the elder affirm his identity himself at this moment still felt like an earth-shattering shock to him. Ling Xiaozui! This was Ling Xiaozui! The acknowledged Unrivaled Expert! A significant figure like the mythical dragon and one that had a far-reaching impact! The majesty of a dragon that was far from the worldly realm, Ling Xiaozui who carried only a pot of wine and a sword; he roams the corners of the world, he stands supreme among the worlds heroes! A living legend, a legend of this lifetime C Ling Xiaozui! Knowing that the person before him was the living legend in all the myths, the Unrivaled Expert, Ling Xiaozui, Yun Yang maintained a straight face as he smiled. "It is indeed Elder Ling, Ive guessed right." Ling Xiaozuis gaze was bright and clear as he looked at Yun Yang; his entire grace, aura, and even his face had suddenly changed entirely. It was still the same face, but it emanated an entirely different aura now. "Youve explained it just now and found me." Ling Xiaozuis gaze remained on Yun Yang. "But I still dont understand. All that youve done and the pot of the Prime of Wine? Just for this?" Yun Yang''s chuckle was devoid of humor, and he replied in a serious voice, "Even if I were only the least bit sure, I would have to put in one hundred thousand parts of effort. Elder Ling should understand what I am saying." Ling Xiaozui was moved as he said, "I see." He took a good glance at Yun Yang and said, "Young friend, you seem to have lived a wearying life." Yun Yang wore a faint smile, his gaze faraway. "Who could live easily, living in this world? Im living in exhaustion but Elder Ling, being someone detached from the world, must have lived in exhaustion before as well?" He had come all the way here just for a possible guess, having heard from so many intelligence sources. It seemed like a coincidence, but how many strategies were already contained within this coincidence? How could it only be coincidence and luck? An airy, spiritual aura spilled from Ling Xiaozuis entire being but his bright eyes that were distinctly monochromatic seemed like those of a curious child. His nature was such that allowed his martial skills to soar high; it was that very temperament that allowed him to leave so many appealing legends behind, including the admiration of Yun Zui Yue then and the friendship with Yun Yang now. However, it was also the same spiritual person, a living legend, that had gone against the Four Seasons Tower for over a hundred years of worldly affairs C over a hundred years! Yet such a legend C the Unrivaled Expert - had not been able to destroy Four Seasons Tower in that hundred years, not even damaging its foundation! The formidability of the Four Seasons Tower had increased to another level in Yun Yangs eyes. "But just these three fish doesn''t seem to warrant Elder Ling thanking me like this?" Yun Yang asked curiously. As he spoke, he packed his things. Fang Mofei was helping to clean up diligently too. An extreme sort of shock was still apparent on Fang Mofeis face; the dazed look in his eyes was out there on full display as well. Ling Xiaozui! Oh C my god This was the Unrivaled Expert, acknowledged by the entire world! Fang Mofei was moving in a trance as he packed their belongings, carelessly shoving Yun Yangs chair into the water with his buttocks. It was really a wonder for a seventh peak pinnacle expert to embarrass himself like this! 131 Is Someone Blocking the Way? "There is something that my young friend doesnt know." Ling Xiaozui looked at Yun Yang with a mysterious gaze. "This Kirin Fish, which is also what you call the Seven-Scaled Fairy, is a magical gift by god. It is said that it is a spiritual creature of the divine river and cannot be attacked with any force or mystical method in this world but can only be seized by fishing. Just eating it wields a substantial effect, so great that it defies nature, but in reality, even that doesnt unleash the real value of this fish." "The Kirin Fish is spiritual by nature. Fishing, killing and eating it means that you are also eating all the resentment and grudges the Kirin Fish possesses. Such a grudge will greatly limit the Water Pneuma essence as one can only obtain the essence of Water Pneuma but not the crux of Divine Water." "Because of young friends kindness, the fishes you have caught today have requited with thankful hearts, giving their essence to you freely. This is the bona fide crux of Divine Water, the purest form of Water Pneuma energy in this world." Ling Xiaozui sighed, "I dont know how you managed to catch so many Kirin Fish in one go, and I dont know how you could inexplicably obtain such gratefulness of the Kirin Fish. So much so that they would give their essence without a care that they would damage themselves. The old legend has it that there was once a man who formed a kind fate with the Kirin Fish. The fish released the crux of Divine Water willingly to the person, making him a legend afterward. It was all because of the assistance of the crux of Divine Water. However, for so many Kirin Fish o gift it together and even lingering longingly... why, I believe the is the first time in history that it has happened in Tianxuan Continent. Its unprecedented, and I believe that it''s not going to happen again in the future." A shock jolted Yun Yangs heart. He knew that few others would be able to do what he had just done, but he did not expect the scene to be so unusual in Ling Xiaozuis eyes. Of course, this also meant that what he had gotten today would be a surprising gain far exceeding his initial expectations. "Although the crux of Divine Water that Ive obtained is only by three fishes and could never compare to my young friends, its more than enough for me to reset my physique and wash away the Kirin Fishs grudges that I previously absorbed." Ling Xiaozui said honestly, "This can entirely be considered as a rejuvenating grace to me! The reason I am here is for the Kirin Fish but Ive never expected to acquire such gains. I would have thought that itd already been gods blessing if I can catch one but I did not expect to gain so much of an advantage in our first meeting. My cultivations barrier will acquire an unprecedented breakthrough after resetting my physique this time; this barrier has already shackled me for over a hundred years!" "Therefore, you have every reason to accept my thanks." Ling Xiaozui was absolutely sincere in his speech. Yun Yang nodded seriously in response. "In that case, I shall accept Elder Lings thanks. If Elder Ling can change his physique with just three fish, then I" Yun Yang''s trailing words showed his urgency. He had received at least a hundred times more crux of Divine Water compared to Ling Xiaozui. If Ling Xiaozui could reset his physique, then shouldn''t he be able to do so? Even if Ling Xiaozui was the Unrivaled Expert, his innate ability and potential couldn''t possibly be higher by a hundred times. Yun Yang himself was also a talent of eight innately awakened chakras as well! Ling Xiaozui coughed, sympathy strong in his voice. "Young friend, your gain is more than a hundred times compared to this old mans but its true that your physique is too disparate. Although the crux of Divine Water can make you anew, youll be affected by another impedance. Let us put it this way. You can advance by leaps and bounds by cultivating skills of water but youll eventually meet a bottleneck that will stop you from going forward." "Unless, of course, you can cultivate all the cultivation skills that match your physique and maintain their similar development, followed by pushing the water cultivation skills once more after reaching a certain level; otherwise" Ling Xiaozui shook his head sympathetically, heaving a deep sigh. Looking at a lucky star who was equipped with a peerless gift in certain aspects but could only remain as an ordinary person due to his physical restraints, Ling Xiaozui was awash with a deep sympathy. Yun Yangs expression did not change. He was even smiling, unaffected by his words. "Actually, I still have a way to help you," Ling Xiaozui said after some hesitation. He still could not stifle the pity in his heart. "What way would that be?" Yun Yang asked. "Young friend, your cultivation is still in its foundation stage. IfI use my cultivation base in combination with Water Pneumas Art of Supernal Rime that I cultivate to freeze all the aspects that dont belong to water in your body" Ling Xiaozui continued excitedly, "Then you can have just a single characteristic of water, turning from trash to treasure. When your cultivation base has improved considerably and merged with the Supernal Rime Qi that Ive planted in you, you can easily turn all that has been frozen into water into an attributed gift!" "However, doing so will deal a significant damage to me and your future potential can only reach to where I am now, unable to proceed a step further." Ling Xiaozui sighed, "That much of crux of Divine Water can definitely allow you to soar further than where I am now Its such a pity." "Does it mean that I wont be able to cultivate the cultivation skills of other attributes after being frozen by you? Say, for example, the cultivation skill of fire?" Yun Yang asked worriedly. "Correct. Nonetheless, your development in water attributes will be shockingly fast. Itll take at most ten years and you can already be qualified to be among the top pinnacle experts of this time," Ling Xiaozui replied. "Forget it then." Yun Yang said, "I think what I have right now is just fine. Haste makes waste. I wont be coveting that superior qualification after all." Ling Xiaozui was shocked upon hearing his words. Even Fang Mofei, who was standing behind them, had almost fallen into the lake. These two elderly men almost refused to believe what their ears had just heard. More so for Fang Mofei who felt the insides of his head buzz inexplicably. To change his physique and become the genius of Water Pneuma, to be able to advance to the state of Ling Xiaozui and become unrivaled Would you actually reject this opportunity? Are you still human? Are you not content with this? Young master, I hope you aren''t a devil intending to achieve immortality! Fang Mofei was sincerely muddled. Ling Xiaozui was astonished as well, looking at Yun Yangs collected yet unhesitant answer, the resoluteness in his tone, and the unexpressive face. He had hundreds of years of experience in reading people''s emotions and behavior. How could he not know that Yun Yang was not being rash and that it was a decision made after much consideration and pondering? In the end, he gave a soft sigh. A faint smile hung on Yun Yangs face. If I give up on the rest, I may be able to have the strongest ability quickly and achieve something significant for myself but what about my brothers reputation and legacy?! Those that are in me are my brothers! I wont give them up even if I have to die! Not even if I have to be lesser than trash for my entire life! Besides, Ive plotted so much for you to be in debt to me. How can I let you return the favor so easily? Yun Yang got up onto the carriage as did Ling Xiaozui; the latter leaned against the carriage wall and closed his eyes to rest, his expression at ease. He did not ask Yun Yang about the wager, not a single word about what Yun Yang wanted him to do. Yun Yang did not speak of it either. Both of them kept quiet. Yun Yang was checking for any changes in his body upon receiving so much crux of Divine Water while Ling Xiaozui was also sorting through the same thing. It was an important moment for the both of them so there was not much of a mood to engage in casual banter. He had fished for a whole day, his tightly wound thoughts were finally uncoiled; Yun Yang, whose seven injuries just got better felt exhausted at once. After all, he still could not use mystical Qi. Emmie could not help in further recovery as it had expended itself prior to that as well. As Yun Yang relaxed, both physically and emotionally, he felt even his elbow hurting. In the warm glow of the setting sun, there was a faint fragrance of rouge and powder. It came from the east lakeshore where the buzzing conversations and light string melodies were wafting out from. Numerous brothels and pleasure houses had lit their lanterns before their doors. The carriage continued forward without a care for the bustling on the opposite shore; Fang Mofei sat on the shaft of the carriage as the coachman. He was a seventh peak pinnacle expert who was now a coachman, but Fang Mofei did not at all feel that his status had dropped. He knew fully well who were the people sitting in the carriage now. One was Supreme Cloud who was renowned in this world, the personification of loyalty to the empire; another was the living legend of this lifetime, Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui! Fang Mofei was utterly proud to play the part of coachman to these two people. Do you think anyone could become their coachman? It needs qualifications, abilities and a terrible fortunate turn of fate too! The Thousand Feet Lake had been long put behind now. Both sides of the highway were decorated with hung lanterns, crowds piling everywhere under the nightfall. Looking on from this path, the hustle and bustle of Tiantang City would make it the most exciting place in the world. Fang Mofei drove the carriage in a discreet manner, making his way on the side of the road, afraid to have disturbed the two larger than life personas in the carriage. However, not three miles after they made a turn from the Thousand Feet Lake, a squad of people had briskly bypassed the carriage from the back and stood right before it, blocking the way. Fang Mofei almost did not manage to react in time. Are they blocking the way? What was going on? Are you fellows after money, lust or people?! Do y C you, you you imbeciles know who is sitting in the carriage? The leader of the squad was extravagantly dressed in silk; he stood with hands behind his back, arrogance adorned his face as if he was better than the common man. "Please halt. My master would like to discuss something with your honor." The request sounded ridiculous to Fang Mofei as he replied, "May I know who your master is? Do you even know who we are?" The silk-dressed man snorted as his tone turned unpleasantly nasty. "Why are you asking so many questions? Call your master out quickly, we have something to discuss with him." Fang Mofei did not wish to make an additional fuss so he suppressed his anger and lowered his voice. "You at least have to tell me who you are and from whom you fellows are from. I need to have a name to inform my master." The man waved his hand and said without any expectations of being questioned, "Tell your master that we are acolytes of His Majesty the fourth prince who has come forth to discuss something with your master upon His Majesty''s orders!" 132 The Effort of Lifting a Hand The corners of Fang Mofeis lips turned up into a sardonic smile. If it had been only Yun Yang inside, he might still be worried; Yun Yang would be at a disadvantage if he had to face off against a prince. Fang Mofei, however, was only amused by the situation at this point. He turned around to report into the carriage, "Old sir, young master, the fourth princes acolyte requests for your presence." The man in the silk clothes had his expression frosted over when he heard him utter the word ''requests''. Request? Who do you f*cking think you fellows are? Yun Yang rolled his eyes and began to haul himself off of the carriage. "Ask him what is this all about." The man standing before the carriage looked at the handsome youth with doubt in his eyes as he said suspiciously, "Child, can you make the decision? Ask the old man inside to come out." Yun Yang was sorely tempted to vent his rage and have these fellows run away like whipped curs, but upon hearing what the man said, he immediately knew what he had to do. "Elder Ling, it looks like youre the cause of this. You are still needed to step forth." He turned and went back inside the carriage after speaking. Ling Xiaozui looked exasperatedly at Yun Yang who had made his way back in; he poked Yun Yangs forehead and scolded him with amusement evident in his voice, "You are indeed a wicked child!" Yun Yang spread his arms helplessly. "Could you be more reasonable? Theyre obviously looking for you, why would I want to interfere? Is this even related to me?" Ling Xiaozui snorted in derision. Yun Yang saw a flash before his eyes and Ling Xiaozui was already gone from the carriage. His voice then wafted in from outside, "What does your master want , looking for me?" The man dressed in silk replied, "Old sir, it has come to our attention that youve been fishing day and night at the Thousand Feet Lake these past few days. Youve packed up early this afternoon; have you caught something? Rumor has it that you managed to reel in several colorful fish." His smile was reserved. "His Highness the fourth prince has asked me to request that you share the fish with us." Ling Xiaozui was somewhat perplexed upon hearing his words. Wasn''t it Yun Yang who caught those fish? Why are you looking for me then? More importantly, how did you know we caught anything? We released the whole school of them back into the water! If you fellows had been spying on us, how could you not see it? "Share with you?" Ling Xiaozuis attention was rapt on this phrase. "Certainly not." "Old thing!" The man in silk took a step forward, his expression turned menacing. "You better think this through. This is a request from His Highness the fourth prince." Slap! Nobody had seen Ling Xiaozui move but the man he struck was already lying several feet away, bleeding from the mouth. The people who had accompanied the hapless fellow were all experts from the fourth princes residence. Seeing that this old man had the temerity to strike their charge, five shadows charged forth with loud yells. Slap, slap, slap The five of them flew away as well. There was a total of six men lying on the ground in a row; all of them could not even move a finger as if paralyzed. They looked at the old man with the fluttering robes who was standing with his arms behind his back; there was terror in their eyes and their minds were muddled. Was this old thing some sort of devil? They had literally collapsed and hadn''t seen anything coming. The leader, a seventh peak expert and the top expert in fourth princes residence, was especially petrified that he could not counter this old man! Not only was he unable to counter him, he could not even see how the old man had attacked him. Who was this old man? Why was he so mysteriously terrifying? Ling Xiaozui clapped his hands and made a sweeping motion with his robe; a strong wind tumbled these six men from the middle of the road to the side. He then returned to the carriage. "Let us be on our way." The carriage continued its slow amble. The six men were still lying on the ground side by side, remaining still. A very long time later, after they had finally recovered some energy and picked themselves up under the bewildered gaze of the others, they exchanged looks, their faces ashen. "Report this back to the fourth prince." The man in the silk dress clenched his teeth with his hand supporting his back, his face swollen. A chilling glimmer flashed across his eyes. "Have our men followed them?" "They have." "Find out where the old man belongs and where the carriage has gone to." The mans expression was of menace and brutality. "As long as hes still in Tiantang City, what can he do, even if his martial skills is alarmingly high?" The leaders lips moved but he stopped himself after feeling the burning sensation on his face. He wanted to say that some proficient martial artist was really not someone a mere prince could offend; what was more, the uncle of a fourth prince! "Old man, youre not being virtuous at all." Yun Yang looked at Ling Xiaozui in discontent. "Pray tell, why is that?" Ling Xiaozui was rolling his eyes as he asked the question. "Why didnt you eradicate all evil?" Yun Yang said in anger, "Just kill all of them then flash your name and leave. Who would then dare to make a rash move? This can add another color of myth to your reputation as a living legend. What you did provoked trouble instead; then you leave after having done absolutely nothing and have all the consequences left to me How could you do that?" Ling Xiaozui rolled his eyes. "What did you say? Kill them all and leave my name? We hold different opinions on adding more to the legend but surely you can carry my name from then on and do whatever you want in Tiantang City, can''t you? This is the ending you want, isnt it?" Yun Yang retorted self-righteously, "Isnt this what you should do as a friend?" Fang Mofei, who had heard this, instantly began to sweat. There would really be nobody else who could be as shameless as he was. However, he had to admit that young master had a point as well C if I were him, I would want a support function like this as well! A full hour later, the carriage had finally gone back to the Residence of Yun. Men from the fourth princes residence who had followed them returned quietly to report to their master. Ling Xiaozui and Fang Mofei ignored this C you can report anything you want, what can you actually do about it? "Serve wine and make a feast tonight to treat the living legend." Yun Yang warmly invited Ling Xiaozui to stay. "Were not going back without getting drunk first." Ling Xiaozui looked at Yun Yang with a slightly strange gaze before he smiled and went through the door. It feels really odd being with this child. With my status, there isn''t a single person who isnt obsequious and courteous wherever I go, be it big clans masters or decision makers, even emperors of a nation, or famous schools in the martial arts world. This child before his eyes, however, had only the most insignificant cultivation base; his status and background were completely heaven and earth in comparison as well. Yet it was this man who remained honest in front of him, at ease and true to himself. What was worth noting and was the most important was that this fellow was not faking it; he was sincere and genuinely truthful! This was definitely odd. This child was collected; each step he took was calculated and cautious. His thoughts were well thought-out and his intelligence seemed to be above average. He did not seem like someone careless that would behave recklessly. In addition, this fellow had never concealed his genuine intentions C Im making you stay to utilize you, your martial skills, your reputation, and everything else, just to benefit myself! Yet he did this out loud and in the open! This aroused Ling Xiaozuis strong curiosity towards Yun Yang. What confidence does this child have to be able to act as my equal and be indifferent to my status? The moon hung high in the sky as two people drank under a canopy of flowers. One was calm and collected; another was laidback and spiritual. Their topic of conversation was otherworldly as well. This made Lao Mei and Fang Mofei, who were both listening while serving them, shudder. Young master, how could you have said what you''ve just said? You are facing the worlds peerless legend! A living legend! Arent you too carefree before this mythical character? "I actually had a lot of assumptions about you even before I met you. But after having done so, I realize that youre very different from what I''ve heard." Yun Yang said with no hint of embarrassment whatsoever. "What have you heard, and how am I so different?" Ling Xiaozui asked while grinning after drinking a mouthful of wine; curiosity in his eyes. "The legend says that you hate evil with passion and are difficult to approach, something about you being lonesome at the highest peak of your cultivation. Theres also the famous tale of you being an Unrivaled Expert" Yun Yang counted them off on his fingers and recited them from the back of his mind. Ling Xiaozui shook his head. "Legend is only that. There will definitely be exaggeration and imagination contained within. Just say what you think after seeing me personally." Lao Mei and Fang Mofeis hearts hung by their throats C this was the moment of truth. Young master, you have to answer this well. "After seeing you" Yun Yang began, "I mostly only think that youre straightforward and naively forthright, and also a little childish. You act as you wish without much reservation but you still hold on to honor. All in all, I feel like, Ling Xiaozui, these three syllables arent that mysterious anymore after seeing you. At least, I find it difficult to link your name to the legend." Lao Mei and Fang Mofei broke out in cold sweat. Straightforward is fine but naively forthright and childish Did you use these to describe Ling Xiaozui? Are you bored of being alive? How can he not be linked to the legend? Hes the world acknowledged Unrivaled Expert, isnt that what you would call a living legend? Ling Xiaozui chortled unreservedly, his mood light and easy. Yun Yang continued to speak thoughtfully, "If I have guessed right, Elder Lings main cultivation skill should be something related to ones temperament?" Ling Xiaozui kept quiet for a bit but suddenly laughed in spite of himself, shaking his head. "I shall speak since I desire to. It is the Guileless Art of Cherubs Heart. Although there were some changes later on in accommodating my physique to cultivate Water Pneumas Art of Supernal Rime, its still along the same line." Realization finally hit Yun Yang. "I see, so this is it." The Heart of the Cherub, forever a child at heart, acting as one wished C I shall do what I want without being restrained or tied down; my heart is forever lively and guileless. It would only be laughable and could only come to a terrible end if you opted to play tricks and ploys on people like this. Be nice to me if you want to play; I will leave if you try to trick me, whenever I want to. Similarly, I shall kill if I wanted to; I shall slaughter if I wanted to. It was all too easy for one to come to a terrible end! 133 Long-Drawn Grudges. Mercy for Four "These so-called experts of the martial arts world, they need not be mysterious and elusive, or even look and sound exactly like were, or even act the part, once they have found a little fame." Ling Xiaozui looked at Yun Yang as he said, "Always remember, if a person cant be himself, then there isnt much meaning even if he has any higher achievement. At least, it rings true to this persons being!" Yun Yang repeated his words several times in his heart, immediately won over by their wisdom. If a person cant be himself, then there isnt much meaning even if he has any higher achievement. Sweat seeped profusely and drenched Lao Mei and Fang Mofeis clothes as they listened, feeling Ling Xiaozuis words being etched into the deepest part of their soul like the resonating ringing of early morning bells. After the meal, Ling Xiaozui finally asked, "No need to hold back and be hesitant now. I have lost our bet. Seeing as to how I''ve lost, I should fulfill what has been wagered. You can tell me what it is now." Yun Yang took a deep breath and said, "I would like to ask you to kill someone for me." "Kill someone?" Ling Xiaozui smiled bitterly. "I knew the request would be illicit, but I have to inform you about a disclaimer first. Although Ive killed plenty of people in this lifetime, there are four types of people I shall never kill." "Mercy for loyal officials, mercy for men of justice, mercy for na?ve women." Ling Xiaozui said smugly. "That''s three. Whats the other type?" Yun Yang questioned inquisitively. "I dont kill people from the Four Seasons Tower either!" Ling Xiaozui answered with a slightly guilty look in his eyes. Yun Yang sat up abruptly. "You wont kill people from the Four Seasons Tower?" It had been said that Ling Xiaozui and the Four Seasons Tower were at each others throat back in the day, killing legions of people yet there was never news of the grudges ceasing; both sides stood irreconcilable. Yun Yang had even thought of joining efforts with Ling Xiaozui to tackle the Four Seasons Tower; the job would definitely be easier with the help of the latters martial skills! How could he have expected Ling Xiaozui to reveal that he was not about to start killing anyone from the Four Seasons Tower? Yun Yang was disconcerted then, his plans thwarted. It''s fine if you can''t bring yourself to kill anyone else, but are you saying that you dont kill members of the Four Seasons Tower? Then why did I go to so much trouble to locate you? I should have just saved myself the trouble! Did you have to kill the opportunity for our cooperation so quickly? Is that really acceptable? "I went head-to-head against the Four Seasons Tower due to an incident back in the day and it has gone on for a hundred and thirteen years. It was only then that I really killed anyone from the Four Seasons Tower and only because I was either ambushed, attacked, or someone had tried to assassinate me, almost everywhere I went." Ling Xiaozui began to reminisce about the old days. "No, not almost. It was every day. At any point in a day, I was trying to slip the layers upon layers of intricate traps set by the Four Seasons Tower." "I depended only on my skills and enthusiasm then. Despite the delight of revenge, despite the triumph of overcoming each battle, despite the gratification of killing so many enemies, I knew myself better. The days were spent in moments of life and death, each step was arduous and cautious. Even with a high cultivation base and the ability to maintain an endless flow of mystical Qi, the heart grew tired. Theres always a limit to a persons heart." Ling Xiaozui continued, "Those days were spent on slaughtering and not much else. I killed more than a dozen people on asingle day in those times. When it came to killing the last few people, I grew hesitant. Not because I got soft-hearted but because I got tired of it" "Of course, this is not the main reason Ive given up chasing after the Four Seasons Tower. Perhaps I should say that I was set on exterminating the Four Seasons Tower since the very beginning but never have I thought that the Four Seasons Towers scale was this grand. The reach of its power was unprecedented and the secrecy of its organization unimaginable. Much later, I found two of the four supreme lords of Four Seasons Tower by chance and managed to heavily wound them. I was irritated enough to provoke the mastermind of the Four Seasons Tower to appear, just over a hundred years after I began to oppose them." "Mr. Nian suggested a single, final battle,after meeting me. Both of us battled for a full day and an entire night but there was no sign of who would win or lose. If it had gone on, there was only death for both sides C we wouldn''t have left with just injuries. We ceased our struggle, and Mr. Nian spoke to me." Ling Xiaozui sighed as he recalled the memories. "What did he say?" Yun Yang asked excitedly. If all he knew was true, this was the moment that called for the cessation of the titanic war between Ling Xiaozui and Four Seasons Tower. These words had to be significant enough to convince Ling Xiaozui to give up. "Mr. Nian said, Brother Ling, I know why you have come to Four Seasons Tower. It is because your sworn brother, King of Transcendental Saber, Li Wujun, has died at our hands. That is why you wish to wipe us out; you seek vengeance for your brother. This is absolutely sensible given the relationship the both of you had; admittedly, youve done well all these years, where you even managed to shake the foundations of the Four Seasons Tower." "But you should know this; Li Wuju was killed because he had first killed three of the Four Seasons Towers men." "We killed Li Wujun for revenge, or it would have been hard to pacify the men of our tower. You oppose us for revenge as well, but let us put the issue of unending grudge aside for a moment. Today, I shall only speak of truth. I believe that you, Ling Xiaozui, have many family members. Your relatives, even those related to Li Wujun, including the brothers, friends, and family in the martial arts world must be plentiful in number." "All these people have helped and did their part when you went up against the Four Seasons Tower, directly or indirectly dealing a terrible blow to us. There is only one thing I wish to ask C have we ever attacked any one of them?" "This towers main objective is to take revenge against the perpetrator and never involve others who are not the culprit. This is the dignity that holds this tower high, it is also our guide. However, you, Ling Xiaozui, are so strong that manpower alone cant wipe you out!" "However, even if we couldn''t kill you, couldn''t we have gone after your brothers? Even if we were so inadequate and failed to kill your brothers, it would be impossible for every one of your brother''s family members to be experts. If the Four Seasons Tower had wanted to, you might not have been able to save anyone other than yourself!" "Even if you had given your all to protect just one person, you would ultimately have been disappointed if the Four Seasons Tower really wanted to go after him or her." "But we didnt." "No matter if you think of it this way, or perhaps you have never thought of it this is a huge favor we have performed for you." "The first and foremost objective of the Four Seasons Tower is to take revenge when there is a reason for it and never involve others who are not the culprit. While this is the dignity that this tower holds high and our guide in all that we do, you, on the other hand, have killed thousands of our people all these years!" "That is why Ive come for a fight with you but youre far too strong. This battle has proven that you cant be exterminated by man alone! Therefore, I have decided that if Brother Ling still feels that his bloodlust is not sated, I shall pass the word down that the Four Seasons Tower shall retaliate in the most extreme ways towards Ling Xiaozui. However, the target will no longer only be you but everyone related to Ling Xiaozui. There shall be no end until both sides are destroyed!" "On the other hand, if Brother Ling thinks that the Four Seasons Tower is still an enforcer of justice in the martial arts world who bears you respect, then we shall make peace from now on and no longer intervene in each other''s lives. This grudge of a hundred and thirteen years shall end right here, right now." Ling Xiaozui gave a soft sigh as did Yun Yang. Mr. Nians words were impeccable! If Yun Yang were to be put in his shoes, he was no longer certain that he could single-handedly smoothen things out or coerce Ling Xiaozui to comply with it. Of course, if it were to be Yun Yang C since he had the ability to go neck and neck with Ling Xiaozui - he would definitely have gone all the way even if both parties ended up losing. The vengeance of brothers would remain his first choice. "From then on, both sides have ceased fighting." Ling Xiaozui said, "I have also promised that as long as the Four Seasons Tower does not provoke me first, I shall not kill their men." "This is why there is a fourth group of people that I will not kill." Ling Xiaozuis clear gaze set itself on Yun Yang as he said calmly, "I am guessing that the person you wish to see dead is from the Four Seasons Tower, seeing as to how youre so concerned about this." Yun Yang grinned sardonically. "I cant confirm that the person is from the Four Seasons Tower just yet. Besides, the Four Seasons Towers men have always been elusive. Since when have they ever exposed their identities on their own volition? How could I know who is and who isnt from there?" Ling Xiaozui tilted his head and said, "Why not tell me his name, and we shall see." Ling Xiaozui knew that Yun Yang was trying to gloss over the fact that his target was a member of the Four Seasons Tower. He did not mind though. If he could kill a Four Seasons Towers member and return the favor, he would be happy to C as long as he did not break his promise! Yun Yang coughed. "Actually, I believe that you would be quite hard-pressed to eradicate my intended target, so the fact that he or she is from the Four Seasons Tower is rather moot!" Ling Xiaozui''s interest was somewhat piqued by this statement, and ventured to ask, "Who is your target that its so hard for even me to handle?" Yun Yang chuckled. "This persons ability is superb, it has even exceeded the levels of the cultivators I am familiar with. However, my ability is insignificant so my judgment cant exactly be trusted. Perhaps this person wouldn''t even catch Elder Lings eyes. Anyway, I said that this task would be difficult for Elder Ling because this person seems to have fulfilled all three terms of your no-kill policy. Back in the day, he was the late emperors teacher when he was still the crown prince. Then, when the late emperor was enthroned, he became his crown princes teacher. When His Majesty was enthroned, he retired from service. However, he is now the crown princes teacher once more" "in the eyes of the people, this person is a loyalist among loyalistsC the teacher to three generations of emperors." Yun Yang continued, "Since he has educated three generations of emperors, you can imagine his age. At least, he looks elderly and certainly past his prime This person is even a profound scholar of the Empire of Yutang; his disciples are plenty and widespread across the world. He could be said to be the forefather of Yutangs scholars C a prestigious sage of noble character" Ling Xiaozui sucked in his breath. "A teacher to three generations of emperors, the predecessor to all scholars, a person of lofty virtue and should be highly regarded by the rest CThis is the person you intend to kill?" As he stared at Yun Yang, it was clear that he was wondering if this young man was in possession of all his faculties! 134 This is Supreme Lord Spring Frost! Yun Yang smiled bitterly. "This persons achievements do not end there. He has also challenged the sovereignty several times in the name of defending wronged officials, vouching for them with his own life. He is also extremely supportive of his disciples, going to great lengths to fulfill their requests. This individual could be said to be a model scholars model and the personification of a sage. If something were to happen to this person, there must be countless followers who are willing to follow him to his death." "There will also be countless high ranking officials who will stand behind him and not budge in their support even if it meant sacrificing their own lives." Yun Yang continued, "This individual is a loyal official and man of justice. I wouldn''t be exaggerating if I referred to him as a living sage whos highly regarded, well respected, and has made a lot of contributions to the society." Ling Xiaozui scratched his head, momentarily at a loss for words. "This persons name is He Hanqing." Yun Yang said, "I am uncertain if Elder Ling has heard of this name before." Ling Xiaozuis expression took on a peculiar mien. The shock was gone and in its place was an inexplicable emotion. "Its him." Yun Yang was somewhat taken aback by his reaction, "Elder Ling knows his great name too?" Ling Xiaozui chuckled humorlessly as he spat his reply out, "Of course I do. He''s Supreme Lord Spring Frost!" When the last four words were spoken, Yun Yang felt a tremor rack his body; a thunderstrike seemed to erupt in his head, his ears buzzing from the aftershock. He had just thrown out the question, his intention was only to test if Ling Xiaozui had heard of this person but never in his life would he have expected this answer. With Ling Xiaozuis reputation and status, he would never lie; it was also impossible for him to have made a mistake as well. In other words, for Ling Xiaozui to be so sure and affirmed about this C he must have come across this person before. However A profound scholar of our time! An aged official of three generations! The predecessor of scholars! A loyalist and a man of justice! In reality, this paramount was a villain; vile, wicked, devoid of conscience, perverse, brutal, and absolutely maniacal Supreme Lord Spring Frost! Yun Yang recalled the members of the Four Seasons Tower who had died immediately upon mentioning Supreme Lord Spring Frost C a terrifying death that banished the soul and spirit altogether and turned the corpse into a mummy. He tried to equate that image to the kind-looking He Hanqing who was well past his prime yet was still exuded righteousness, whose name must be recorded into history and be forever glorified. Yun Yang could not help shivering from the chill of terror! "Back in those years,in the course of fighting against the Four Seasons Tower, I met this He Hanqing, also known as Supreme Lord Spring Frost. Almost all the traps and schemes they used against me were designed by him. In the end, he even combined forces with another Supreme Lord to annihilate me" Ling Xiaozui heaved a long sigh, "I mentioned two of the four Supreme Lords that I critically wounded in one of the fights. One of them was this Supreme Lord Spring Frost, He Hanqing. With your current cultivation base that is next to nothing, of course, you wouldn''t be able to determine his power. If both of you had been in battle, I truly wonder how you were able to free yourself. You must have been immensely fortunate!" As Yun Yang listened, goosebumps erupted throughout his body, the fear still lingering on after the incident. Elder He, He Hanqing, was actually a powerful entity who had fought with Ling Xiaozui in the past. He had managed to survive after engaging in the most extreme of battles and actually faced Ling Xiaozui who was at his peak of murderous intent then. Somehow, he had only paid the price of being severely injured! "Elder Ling is called the Unrivaled Expert, could it be" Yun Yang asked cautiously. "Theres no need to mention the term Unrivaled Expert in front of me." The bitter smile on Ling Xiaozuis face was genuine. "How could I be unrivaled in the world with just this insignificant ability of mine? There has never been any unrivaled person in this world!" Ling Xiaozui said grimly, "If there is, the unrivaled person must have been framed by his rival." Yun Yang coughed and scratched his head; he was shaken to the core of his being. Ling Xiaozui had said this insignificant ability of mine. Insignificant? Someone at Ling Xiaozuis level would not use such words to appear to be humble C there was no need to. What had he meant when he said that? "When I had gone head to head with the Four Seasons Tower, I was only a slightly famous martial artist in the large martial arts world. Upon the drawn-out killings spanning dozens of years, I was suddenly crowned the Unrivaled Expert" Ling Xiaozuis smile was awfully bitter. "The famous poem about me that has been making its rounds? That was personally writtenby the Four Seasons Towers Mr. Nian himself." As Yun Yang digested what he said, his thoughts brought him increasing terror and another bout of goosebumps. The majesty of a dragon that was far from the worldly realm, Ling Xiaozui who carried only a pot of wine and a sword; he roams the corners of the world, hes the supreme of the worlds heroes! Such a renowned poem had been used to frame someone? "Is it really wise to become famous? The challenges, ambushes, traps, and assassination attempts that I endured afterward were even more than the Four Seasons Towers intentional set-ups. That was the price of fame C one that the person in question has to bear even if hes unwilling to" Ling Xiaozui''s chuckle was devoid of humor. "The grudge has ceased but this title can never be taken off I became the target of the members of the martial arts world for the rest of my life." Yun Yang nodded. It was a wickedly brilliant ploy by the Four Seasons Tower C a prolonged and subtle murder. If Ling Xiaozui could never rid of his title as the Unrivaled Expert, then the controversies that came from this crown would never stop. Only death could put an end to his troubles. Sword-slash of the Unrivaled Expert, Ling Xiaozui! What a title it was! Who in the martial arts world would not want it? Yun Yang thought about it and said, "If so, He Hanqing is not some saint nor loyalist. Hes just another scheming villain of the Four Seasons Tower who wanted fame." Ling Xiaozui frowned. "Thats not entirely true. Admittedly, he had done plenty of good for the Empire of Yutang. Although motivations may not be genuinely for the empire but more to balance the power of each nation in the continent, those deeds were mutually beneficial to all the parties." Yun Yang said indifferently, "It was never within my consideration how meritorious his achievements are. I only know that he is Supreme Lord Spring Frost now. His Blood Jinx has caused all his subordinates to lose their lives immediately the moment they uttered the four words, Supreme Lord Spring Frost. Their souls were shattered. Just this vile act alone would be enough to sentence him to a thousand deaths but a thousand deaths wouldn''t be enough to wash his sins away!" "Blood Jinx?" Ling Xiaozui straightened up right away as his expression turned grave. "He cultivated Blood Jinx?" "That is correct." Yun Yang thought about it and said, "I had previously identified and kept a few men from the Four Seasons Tower captive. When these people uttered Supreme Lord Spring Frost, their bodies churned up smoke as their flesh and blood dried up. Even their bones turned into ashes. No one deserves such a horrible death." "This is where the Blood Jinx is truly terrifying. Whoever breaks the blood curse, his soul will be shattered while his spirit would forever be gone." Ling Xiaozuis face was grim. "Recently, the Empire of Yutangs seasoned and handicapped veterans began to disappear. The disappearances saw nine people missing each time." Yun Yang said faintly, "In addition, these nine people shared a very good bond with each other." Ling Xiaozui could only feel blood gushing towards his head. As a top expert in the martial arts world and a martial master of the times, of course, Ling Xiaozui would know this vile method of locating a person C the Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood. His blood boiled as he thought of the inhumane use of this skill. "I can''t believe someone would stoop to using this." "Indeed. It was because of this that I met He Hanqing by chance. I didnt know then that he is Supreme Lord Spring Frost, the individual who Ive been investigating all along." Yun Yang took a deep breath. "Whatever it is, this Supreme Lord Spring Frosts ability is beyond imagination. No one in the Empire of Yutang could really their own against him." Ling Xiaozui hesitated, the killing intent that soared within him suddenly vanishing. He said in a troubled tone, "But my promise" Looking at Ling Xiaozui''s conflicting emotions, Yun Yang suddenly experienced a strange feeling towards this Unrivaled Expert. His faithfulness towards a promise was more so than his life. It was pedantic but Yun Yang thought he was all the more charming for it. Besides, he felt that it was exactly due to such a faithful temperament that Ling Xiaozui could reach the paramount of martial skills that he was at now! If he had given up on his faith and promise, perhaps he would not be simultaneously as formidable and charming then! Yun Yang thought about it and said, "Actually even if Elder Ling really did strike, youre not breaking any promise. The Four Seasons Tower has attacked you first." "Attacked me first?" Ling Xiaozui replied wryly. "Tell me, good sir, why was I not aware of being attacked at all?" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. "They attacked people Elder Ling cared about. Is that not breaking the promise they made?" Ling Xiaozui was still puzzled but he did not interrupt, merely waiting for Yun Yang to continue. Without losing a beat, Yun Yang told of how the Four Seasons Tower had plotted against Cirrus House and coerced Yun Zuiyue to engage in marriage, along with all the other plots that had been leveled against her. Of course, Yun Yang was trying his hardest to be objective in his narration but it was understandable that he had still added much fuel to the fire. "They knew youve pledged to protect Cirrus House but the Four Seasons Tower had still done so. Isnt that taking a shot at you first?" Seeing that Ling Xiaozui was still hesitant, Yun Yang continued, "In addition, Im not asking you to end this Supreme Lord Spring Frost. As long as you gave him a good trashing C it doesnt matter if you severely wound him or leave him with his last breath, as long as hes did not die in your hands, you would still be keeping your word." Ling Xiaozuis eyes shone as he clapped in amusement. "This is a splendid idea!" Lao Mei and Fang Mofei, who were beside them, were flabbergasted upon hearing the conversation. How was it possible that such an awfully pathetic excuse could be received with such fervor? Both of them were wondering how could this Unrivaled Expert be so easily deceived. The plan was set. Ling Xiaozui and Yun Yang began chatting as they toasted each other, drinking to their hearts content. Their drinking session did not end until late in the night after sending Ling Xiaozui to the guest room. It was only then that Lao Mei raised his concerns cautiously. "Young master, it wouldn''t be possible that you met Ling Xiaozui''s imposter, would it? Why does it seem that it was rather too simple to deceive this man?" Yun Yang chuckled meaningfully. "Easily deceived? Have you tried lying to him?" He laughed and returned to his room. Ling Xiaozui was easy to deceive? How could this be possible? The reason Lao Mei and Fang Mofei, who were both so experienced in life, could have such a misperception was because Ling Xiaozui had not just decided to help Yun Yang after hearing his weak excuse. He had already decided to help Yun Yang since the very beginning. Firstly, it was the wager from losing the bet; secondly, the favor of the three Kirin Fish spitting the crux of Divine Water willingly. He was only making Yun Yang think up of enough reasons so that he could strike without remorse. Of course, when it was confirmed that the target was the Four Seasons Towers Supreme Lord Spring Frost, Ling Xiaozui had tossed away all his inhibitions of an all-out attack! 135 Seize the Fugitive! Early in the morning, a troop of the fourth princes men had gathered by the doors of the Residence of Yun. The fourth prince had sent a good amount of people; five hundred armored guards had arrived and assembled in front of the Residence of Yun with much fanfare. The handful who were defeated yesterday stood at the forefront of the troop. Although their aura was intimidating, no one dared to charge in by force and stood to wait outside the doors. Their intention was clear though C they would not give up as long as their goal was not achieved. People who passed by hastened their steps, afraid that they would fall victim to the commotion. Even those who were slightly braver only took a second glance before they, too,passed by quickly. By the looks of it, the Residence of Marquis Yun had found themselves in big trouble. It was at this time when a few loud voices hollered out aggressively. "Give way, give way! Whats going on with such a big group of people here?" "What are you fellows doing here? Training formations this early in the morning? Give way, give way, dont block this fathers way. Good dogs dont block the way!" "Am I wrong to say youre blocking the way? Arent each and every one of you standing in front of the residence''s doors? What? Are you glaring at me? I swear I''ll..." "Boss, Im Dong Tianleng. Ive come to visit you." "Boss, Im Qiu Yunsan. Ive come to share the joy and sorrow, the weal and woe, the fortune and disaster with you" "Boss" The four young masters shoved their way through the five hundred guards to stand before the Residence of Yuns doors. They were harsh with their words but their faces were at peace, unbothered by the drama that was playing itself out before them. If there was something really dire, why can''t it be solved when there are so many of us? Unless, of course, the sky was falling. Opening the door, Lao Mei glance at the five hundred guards with the same collected manner before ushering the guests in warmly as if he had not just seen five hundred armed men waiting to draw blood. "I see that the four young masters are here! Quickly, come in. My young master hasnt woke up yet, he has had too much to drink last night" Curiosity was painted on Dong Tianlengs face. "Had too much a drink? With who? Who was so great that he could get boss drunk? He must be taking advantage of boss vulnerability since he has just recovered. What a despicable person" "Exactly! Call him out, we seek revenge!" Qiu Yunsan rubbed his palms together. "How dare he make boss drunk to the point he cant get up? Look at how I shall knock him down all by myself!" "Let me do it." Xia Bingchuan said in a strange tone, "Qiu Yunsan, you better not get cheated again after you get drunk. We''ll have to clean up after you then F*cking hell, the Luminary Paste isnt even here until now. How many days has it been? Where is the trust among people? Nevermind that, wheres the person himself?" "Theyve fooled Qiu Yunsan to the point of enlightenment" Chun Wanfeng quipped from the side, "Im rather thankful that thing is not here though. If it was here, Qiu Yunsan might be manipulated beyond recognition; this young master will be ashamed to be seen with him then" Qiu Yunsans face was flushed with anger. "Are you all still not over this? Ill cease whatever relationship it is I have with whoever f*cking speaks another word of it! The three of you popinjays, is it fun to make light about someones wound every day? Look at how I reveal you guys to boss later" The four of them entered the residence bickering among each other. Outside, the fourth princes men were concurrently enraged and bewildered. Did they not see the number of guards that were standing right outside the door? How could they still be so calm? "Butler Mei!" The middle-aged man who led the troop spoke with a straight face. "Please report that we are under orders to seize the fugitive. Please ask Young Master Yun to open the doors in order not to delay our efforts in capturing the fugitive." Fugitive! The word shocked all four young masters. Was boss keeping a fugitive here? What was going on? Lao Mei answered, "Very well, I will report to the young master about this. I ask for your patience." With a jarring crash, he closed the doors again. The men outside had no choice but to wait patiently. Marquis Yuns residence was different from other marquis residence. It had a precious sword guarding the residence. If one trespassed, it had every right to slash out at the trespasser; it was not a crime even if it really did kill you. However, the troop had no choice but to do this. "Boss, youre awake! You look great." Dong Tianleng pushed himself over in a friendly manner. "Are you alright now?" "Boss, Dong Tianleng doesnt know how to speak or act with consideration. Boss does not only look good, you look like you''re in high spirits and well rested. It looks just like you have just nourished yourself with three girls" Well, that was Xia Bingchuan. "You only know about girls! F*ck off! Boss, youre growing more handsome by the day! Sometimes, I wish I were a girl, that I could stand beside my lord. Then I can become boss concubine! It saves me from my woes of looking but not being able to touch..." This was Qiu Yunsan. "My lord is the best!" The extremely short but effective praise came from Chun Wanfeng. Yun Yang did not look one bit spirited, listening to the men''s rambling with a long face. "Hold on for a bit, the few of you." He then spoke to Ling Xiaozui who was slowly practicing his punches by the side, "Elder Ling, there are people outside who are here to seize the fugitive. You, as the fugitive, go handle it quickly." Ling Xiaozui felt exasperated. Me? Youre the fugitive! Your whole family is made up of fugitives! However, the fourth prince seemed a little too persistent about the whole matter. No matter how down to earth and how good a temper Ling Xiaozui had, he was still offended. Dong Tianleng and the others were all stupefied. Hes at your residence and should be under your protection. Youre not going to solve it but you''re actually making the fugitive go handle the situation all by himself? Dong Tianlengs eyes moved about and he said easily, "Friend, why not allow me to help you?" Ling Xiaozui was already fuming inwardly so he replied with a faint "Dont worry about it!" and turned to walk to the door. The four noble young masters were reasonably unhappy by his flippant manner. Dong Tianleng pursed his lips. "Boss, who is this? Why is he so arrogant?" Chun Wanfeng said, "Looks like he has a bit of an attitude I guess he thinks very highly of himself." Xia Bingchuan commented, "Hmm, interesting." Qiu Yunsan said, "I know that this poor soul has no idea of the worlds evils and is asking to be taught a lesson, just by looking at him." Yun Yang coughed dryly and ignored their comments. "Come, come. Have some tea." The four of them wanted to ask more about Ling Xiaozui. Yun Yang could figure that out, no matter how outlandish they were, but he hated people who used this tactic on him the most. I might tell you the truth if you had asked directly. However, the four young masters had dug their own graves, waiting for Yun Yang to bury them. Yun Yang did not like it a single bit. If it were before, he would have liked it. After the severe injury that had the four young masters saving him, without a care for the price it took, Yun Yang did not like this way as much as he used to anymore. A loud commotion came from just beyond the doors. Ling Xiaozui, who had gone out, could be heard objecting, but the opposite party seemed to still insist on their orders. Suddenly, an imposing and palpable aura erupted. Ling Xiaozui had only said a single thing to the leader of the troop, quietly so that no one but the leader could hear. As he spoke, the leader''s face turned ashen, then white. After he was done, Ling Xiaozui returned inside without another word. Behind him, a few guards rushed forth to capture the criminal that had finally appeared but the leader knocked them down onto the ground as if maddened and followed up by issuing several commands in a shrill voice. "Retreat! Quickly, turn back!" "Quick, quick! Go back Are you still speaking? Go on, speak more Ill make you speak even more" As he shouted, he removed a whip from his belt and dealt a terrifying beating to his assistant, as if crazed. As the entire troop turned around in confusion, the leader was the first to flee anxiously as if there were numerous tigers chasing after him. It was said that the leader was still wearing a terrorized face when he got back to the fourth princes residence, with sweat dripping profusely from his brow. Those who had gone in high spirits but returned without so much of a reason were all bewildered, of course, discontent spread among all of them. Only the leader had a pale face and would not let a word out until he saw the fourth prince himself. "Wheres the Seven-Scaled Fairy that I sent you to retrieve? Why" The fourth prince started to ask in surprise. Everyones gaze went towards the leader, their meaning clear C Ask him! We have no clue about what has happened! The leader continued to tremble and went close to the fourth prince to whisper something softly in his ear. His voice was so faint that nobody could anything at all. Everyone then saw the fourth prince who looked like he was at the top of the world, ruddy and confident, collapse onto the floor in a seated position after hearing what the leader had to say. His rosy cheeks turned ashen at once; his eyes were filled with terror while his limbs trembled like a sieve. The middle-aged man who was the fourth princes uncle went forward in a dissatisfied manner. "Your highness, what is going on? The Seven-Scaled Fairy involves" "Involve my ass!" The fourth prince exploded into movement as he sprung up and began to land a flurry of blows on his uncle. "Do you know the extent of trouble youve caused? I am doomed! Doomed, I say! Doomed, because of you!" After a long while, the fourth prince, who had finished venting his rage, released his uncle who had been beaten badly and mumbled distractedly, "What what do I do now?" He was at a loss. He actually called Ling Xiaozui a fugitive and sent men to capture him. The fourth prince felt the world closing in on him Had he actually done something so outrageous? Ling Xiaozui a fugitive? If word got out about this, his reputation as the prince would really remain for a long time in this world - a joke of a prince! "Your highness." The leader stepped forward and said in a low voice, "The only way now I believe an apology is in order. Otherwise, the consequences will be devastating." The fourth prince was in despair as he said helplessly, "Is that the only thing I can do about this?" Before Dong Tianleng and the gang could drink a sip of tea, they saw the fugitive returning leisurely from the door. "Done?" Yun Yang asked, his tone casual. There were only five hundred guards of the fourth prince. What trouble could it cause to Ling Xiaozui? He was not worried at all. "Done." Ling Xiaozui was nonchalant, as he shrugged off the incident as absurd and ridiculous. It was his first time coming across such a foolish travesty. "Please, have some tea." Yun Yang chuckled. "It is rare that I get to gather with Brother Ling. I dont know if our fate today can be repeated in the future. We must enjoy all that we can within the few days that we still have." 136 The Suicide Quarte Ling Xiaozui chuckled and replied, "Young man, if you are able to survive this whole debacle, I believe we shall meet again one day." Yun Yang nodded. "I hope your words come true. I shall see you in the martial arts world. I am in your debt." Yun Yang knew full well that Ling Xiaozui had indeed done him a great favor! From then on, the tale of Ling Xiaozui being a guest in the Residence of Yun and sharing a delightful chat with the young master would definitely spread far and wide. It was like adding a talisman onto himself. Although there were benefits and drawbacks to his actions, at least the benefits would outweigh the drawbacks in the near future. That was as long as his true identity was not exposed, of course. After this ruckus today, Ling Xiaozui would leave immediately as well. Once he had stepped out of the Residence of Yun, it would be far easier to ascend to heaven than to meet him again! Qiu Yunsan was huffing and rolling his eyes, his dislike towards the old man growing as he asked sardonically, "Brother Ling, is it? May I ask you for your name?" Dong Tianleng, Chun Wanfeng, and Xia Bingchuan looked over with irritated glances as well. This fellow looks a little simple; he seems to have some age on him. I hope hes not turning dumb from living so long. How dare he be so arrogant? Who dares to be disrespectful when they see us, the four noble young masters? Even if they hated us to the core of their beings, they would still have to put on a courteous face when they see us! Even that Keeper Mi from the palace, influential as he is in the imperial court, still behaved politely and obsequiously, didn''t he? Granted, he hasn''t sent over the Luminary Paste yet, but still... Where is this fellow from, for him to behave so? Hes not the slightest bit bothered to even give us any regard! This attitude is unbelievably unendurable! Seeing that Ling Xiaozui and Yun Yangs conversation was winding down to farewells, he could not help but butt in. Hearing him, Ling Xiaozui raised his head to look at Qiu Yunsan and gang before glancing irritably atYun Yang. Yun Yang lowered his head to taste his tea, pretending that he did not see the veiled stare. Ling Xiaozui smiled faintly. "And who might this young master be?" Qiu Yunsan answered with an upraised chin, "Im from Qiu Family, Qiu Yunsan. Old mister must not have heard of it." Dong Tianleng shrugged and said, "This father is called Dong Tianleng. Have you heard of this fathers name?" Father? Ling Xiaozuis gaze lingered on Dong Tianlengs face. Xia Bingchuan continued, "Im Xia Bingchuan, from the Xia Family. A small family with no achievements to speak of." "Im from the Chun Family, Chun Wanfeng." Chun Wanfeng smiled reservedly. "An insignificant character, indeed." Fake smiles were plastered on the four young masters'' faces. Were courteous to Yun Yang, even calling his boss, but thats with reason. Old man, we aren''t to be trifled with! The four noble families hold a substantial existence no matter where we go! Are you shocked, old man? Why have you not fallen to your knees, after hearing our names? Ling Xiaozui''s gaze flitted from one to another with bleary eyes as he said, "Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Family? Truly, I have not heard of them. They must be somewhat mediocre, to have missed my attention." The four great young masters felt great anger rising from the bottom of their hearts but they heard Ling Xiaozui continue, "However, I can still remember a few old acquaintances of mine who share these four family names. Let''s see, they were Chun Shuiyao, Xiao Jinghai, Qiu Kaitian, Dong Hanyue. Coincidentally, these people share the same ancestors as you fellows. Do you know of them?" The four young masters faces began to twitch uncontrollably. Know them? These four noble young masters did not know them. However, these four names belonged to the only remaining ancestors of the four families. Their names brought about a quake of grandeur,but they had still only heard of them and had never met the owners of these names. Yun Yang smiled and said lightly, "Brother Ling, please dont frighten them." Ling Xiaozui said with faint amusement, "They are brave men indeed! Just look at the tone they took with me with just now! Even the four old acquaintances Ive mentioned just now wouldn''t have dared to speak to me in such a manner." Dong Tianleng felt numbing chills on his scalp. "Then then May I ask senior" Ling Xiaozui turned the teacup in his hand gently. "I shall repeat myself since you good folk seem to be somewhat deaf. Ive really never heard of your names but my name is Ling Xiaozui. Have the four of you heard of me before?" Ling Xiaozui honed in on Dong Tianleng''s ashen face. "This father? Have you heard of it?" Yun Yang and Ling Xiaozui resumed chatting as they drank tea, seated opposite each other; the atmosphere was harmonious and friendly. The four noble young masters looked like their parents had died as they stood aside obediently to serve tea and pour water. Their faces were drained of all color. When they stepped out of their houses today, they had not expected to meet a ghost, a legend. Ling Xiaozui! The Unrivaled Expert acknowledged by the world C Ling Xiaozui! Boss had tried to warn them and even pleaded for mercy on their behalf, but they had still gone ahead and offended him. This was the unforgivable sin that would be the death of them. Recalling how he had raised his chin to ask Ling Xiaozui "This father is called Dong Tianleng. Have you heard of this fathers name?", Dong Tianleng felt cold sweat pouring out from his pores. He desired nothing more than to dive into deep, cold pond and disappear. Nobody else could have been capable of embarrassing themselves like that! Of course, nobody could have offended someone else as badly too. The moment they heard Ling Xiaozuis name, the four young masters were simultaneously stricken. They did not even notice that the teacups they held in their hands had dropped to the floor to shatter with a loud crash. All of them stared mutely at this old man who was disgustingly pretending innocence when he was already so old with their mouths agape, feeling like the sky, nay, the world was collapsing on them. They felt their blood run cold especially when Ling Xiaozui had said, "I really didnt know that Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Family actually nurtured such outstanding youths who possess applaudable courage after so many years. I must make a visit after a few days in case I offend these four noble families and did not know when to stop, even if disaster was looming over me". If their families knew they had offended Ling Xiaozui if Ling Xiaozui did actually visit them their doom was certainly written in stone. The master of the family would personally hunt them down and hang them to dry on the doorway in order to ask for forgiveness and avoid subjecting the rest of the family to catastrophe. These four people served the seated men while standing obsequiously like four obedient kittens. Each of them had a teapot in their hands, fighting one another to pour tea and refill water C absolutely and extremely attentive "Brother Ling, let it go." Yun Yang played the reluctant mediator. "These are my young brothers, young and reckless. Who has never been reckless when they were young? Besides, they were innocent, not knowing the truth beforehand." Ling Xiaozui said lightly, Oh, I dont blame them. However, my old acquaintances didnt earn their fame easily. They have put in an entire lifetime of effort to bring their family to where they are now.Popinjays such as these will provoke a genuine disaster sooner or later. This reminder is needed; I was actually being kind." He smiled faintly. "Besides, the four of them share a past with me after all" The smiles on the four popinjays faces were sickly. Ling Xiaozui and their four ancestors were not simply old acquaintances but old friends? Yun Yang replied, "How about this,Brother Ling continues to roam the world like a free cloud, a wold crane. Just forget about this incident. Consider it a promise that this young brother will make this trip for you once I am free." Ling Xiaozui hesitated and hummed softly. All four young masters felt their hearts skip a beat, their gaze towards Yun Yang fearful and anticipatory. Big brother, help! "Consider giving this young brother an honor" Yun Yang smiled gently. "I have taken care of your food, accommodation, and entertainment as my guest I believe that I should still have this little honor to ask from Brother Ling, do I not?" Ling Xiaozui snorted as he said, "Forget it!" Yun Yang''s face was stern as he turned his head to face the four men. "Pour tea to apologize, quick!" As if receiving a holy decree, the four men stumbled across each other to comply. Just as the four of them was about to step forward, they heard Ling Xiaozui say, "What need is there for an apology? This old man is not so petty just yet. I take it as kind fate in life to have known young brothers coming to Tiantang , in addition to relishing good wine and foid. I still have uncompleted affairs to attend to and am unable to stay here for long. I shall bid my leave. May we meet again sometime in the martial arts world." Before Yun Yang could speak, Ling Xiaozuis sitting silhouette disappeared, leaving only the whisper of a breeze behind. He had left without a sound nor a trail. Even after Ling Xiaozui was long gone, the four young masters still wore expressions of respect and humility, their gazes sincere and admiring. After some time, Chun Wanfeng was the first among the four to collapse on the floor. Like a domino effect, the other three young masters fell onto the floor as well. Sweat streamed from their heads as their faces were drained of color. It was not that they did not want to maintain their fa?ade, it was just their legs seemed to have lost all of their strength, like trying to stand on soft noodles. These four people shared similar physiques and cultivation base, even the pressure they shouldered were the same. When the first pair of legs gave up, it was a natural chain effect for the other three. "Mother!" They called out to their mothers at the same time the moment they regained their train of thoughts. They had been badly frightened by the incident. The four of them had simultaneously offended the worlds first deific monument. To make matters worse, they had initiated it C they were seeking their own deaths! If it had not been for their lord''s intervention, they might have met their ends right there and then. Even if Ling Xiaozui did not chide them, he only had to express the tiniest bit of discontent about them and let their families know about it to doom these four. Their families wouldn''t blink an eye to sacrifice them in order to appease God Ling and beg for his forgiveness and mercy. Thinking about this, four pairs of grateful gazes locked upon Yun Yang; each one teary as they cried out, "Boss thank god for you" Yun Yang rolled his eyes in a huff. "Do you now know how bad it can get? Do you dare to make a fuss again next time? You fellows think youre the best, that the reputation of the four noble families is strong. The reliance is absolutely worthless when you fellows meet the real deal!" If it were not for what had happened today, these four young masters would only take Yun Yangs lecture lightly C maybe humming in agreement for the sake of it, but they were completely enlightened now as if hearing the clear resonating ring of the morning bell. "We dare not, we dare not anymore!" The four pale-faced men wailed together. Yun Yang looked at Dong Tianleng and continued to tease him, "This father, do you still dare to call yourself father in the future?" Dong Tianleng was ashen-faced as he shook his head in a negative, rattling like a drum. Despite the other three being heavy-hearted from what happened, they could not help but chortle thinking about Dong Tianlengs arrogance in saying those words earlier. These four guys had been abruptly woken from their trance but they were still feeling the disorientation from the shock; Dong Tianleng picked the teacup up to drink in order to calm himself down but ended up pouring it on his face instead. Qiu Yunsan fared worse. It was as if his soul had left his body as he could not stop trembling, the muscles on his face twisting about as if experiencing a seizure. Word had it that Yun Zuiyue was under Ling Xiaozuis wing. Now that Ling Xiaozui had come and really appeared before his eyes, he recalled that he had intended to marry Yun Zuiyue and make her his concubine. Qiu Yunsan could only feel darkness looming before his eyes. There was no more daylight to be seen. "I have been blinded by lard..." "I think you dont have to be called the four great young masters anymore. You can call yourselves the suicide quartet" Yun Yang mused, suddenly feeling that the nickname suited these four gentlemen impeccably. 137 Serve the Cloud of Wine. Drunk to High Heaven Seeing that the four men would not recover from the shock anytime soon, Yun Yang began inspecting his rewards from the trip to the Thousand Feet Lake. He did not feel any strange changes after having so many cruxes of Divine Water enter his body. Perhaps when these fellows had left, he would test it out in the water to see the benefits. It was the essence of water after all; the hidden benefits might not show themselves immediately It was during the evening of this day that a few significant events took place in Tiantang City. A black-clothed man appeared before the Cirrus Houses door, materializing out of nowhere. As if sensing the presence, Yun Zuiyue rushed out to the door before calling out in delighted surprise, "Brother Ling!" Her words silenced the entire Cirrus House at once. Who was it that Yun Zuiyue would call Brother Ling? Was that question even needed? It would be no one other than the living legend, the Unrivaled Expert C Ling Xiaozui! "Yueer." Ling Xiaozui entered the house with a smile on his face; the otherworldly etherealness made all those who looked lower their heads in uncertainty. His gaze had only briefly flicked over the place, but the imposing pressure that came with it was enough to overwhelm the entire Tiantang City. It was only after they watched Yun Zuiyue lead Ling Xiaozui upstairs in happiness that the people downstairs began whispering to each other. "Ling Xiaozui is here! Hes really here!" "The legend is true. Ling Xiaozui is really Madame Yuns big brother!" "Oh my god!" "Is this the reinforcement that Yun Zuiyues asked for?" "Of course. If I were the one to be bullied like that, I would call for help as well" "How could she not call for help when she was just harmlessly doing business but was suddenly forced to be married off, as a concubine at that? If I had reinforcements of this kind, I would have asked him to come even earlier!" "This is amazing! Look how those people had forced her then. Now that the calvary has arrived, get the popcorn ready." "Karma! This is what people call immediate karma!" "Agreed! Its not that karma doesnt exist, it just wasn''t time yet. Now that the time is right, karma strikes!" "Who would have known that Ling Xiaozui would have gotten the news and come to provide relief. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have appeared in such a spectacular manner!" "True, that." "However, since hes made such a grand entrance, those folks who have bullied Yun Zuiyue must be about to meet their misfortune." "Lets wait and watch!" "Weve certainly visited Cirrus House at the right time today! We managed to see the Unrivaled Expert, witness the arrival of the living legend. Its absolutely worth the visit" "My heart is still thumping" Over and hour later, Yun Zuiyue appeared by the foyer again. Everyones gaze towards her had changed. If their gazes had been domineering and lustful while coated in fake chivalry before, they were now full of awe and admiration. Ling Xiaozui had indeed been keeping an eye on this place all along. Suddenly, a loud crashed shocked everyone to their senses. A clear voice rang out, "A mere Plethora Gem Tower actually dared to bully my sister. Who gave you such teeming courage to taunt the tiger? Why should I spare this tower, what regret would I suffer if I destroyed it? Tell the keeper of Plethora Gem Tower to explain to me in the martial arts world! Plethora Gem Tower shall cease its existence in Tiantang City from now onwards!" The voice was unhurried and there was no anger laced in it but the sheer iciness of it chilled the hearts of everyone present. This great god had indeed come to stand up for Yun Zuiyue! The building where the Plethora Gem Tower was once situated had actually been split right down its middle. One-half tilted to the left while another to the right; there was only a crack with its width decreasing going from top to bottom. The widest part was two feet wide while the lowest and thinnest part was only a slim gap. The crack was smooth and straight; it had obviously been made with a sword. The members of the Plethora Gem Tower were all standing on the street outside the building with pale faces and shudders; some of them had even wet themselves. They had been working in the tower when the crack appeared out of nowhere It was an absolute nightmare. Some of their expressions were dazed, thinking of the scene they had just witnessed C the silhouette of a black-clothed man dropped from the sky, and just as they were about to indulge their curiosity about what this man was going to do next, a ray of bright sword light fell from the sky, scintillating brilliantly like the Milky Way. Two men who had been talking while facing each other watched as a foot of distance was added in between them within the blink of an eye. Lowering their heads to see, they noted that they were standing right at the edge where the sword had gone through. The feeling of vertigo drove a buzz through their heads, causing their hairs to stand on end! It was overwhelmingly terrifying. The deed completed, the black silhouette arrived at the top of the palace with a casually asked question C "Where is Mi Kongqun?" Eunuch Mi, who was in the palace, was terrified out of his mind, hiding in his room without making a sound. Although he possessed a good cultivation base, he was not idiotic enough to compare it to that of a living legend! As part of the Four Seasons Tower, he knew fully well of Ling Xiaozuis power. The Four Seasons Tower had long laid out its rulesC the first of which was to never provoke Ling Xiaozui. The Four Seasons Tower would not arrange the funeral for anyone who broke the rule and died; what was more if he or she had been seeking revenge. Right now, Mi Kongqun was praying to all the deities and higher beings while he hid in hope that Ling Xiaozui would develop scruples due to the presence of royalty in Yutang to avoid his death. However, the four walls of the room Mi Kongqun was in disappeared with a loud roar, the roof flung entirely away. It flew off as a whole piece, just like a huge umbrella, to soar an unimaginable distance away. A gentle voice spoke, "Keeper Mi is really plotting isn''t he? Come, come, take a stab of my sword!" Mi Kongqun fled outside quick as lightning without looking back; he could still find the time to cry out, "Its none of my business!" Yet a cold, majestic air of a sharpened sword could be felt tailing him. With a loud cry, Mi Kongqun did all he could to twist his body and flip himself in midair, barely saving himself from the living legends sword. Almost immediately, he felt a chill on his shoulder where a thorough hole had appeared and his mystical Qi was frozen at once. He fell from the air with a cry and his face facing the ground. "I shall pardon you from death this time." The clear voice rang in the sky, "Be careful with your pathetic life if you would like to avoid there being a next time!" The black silhouette floated upwards as the gentle voice came again, "Your Majesty of Yutang, do not be angered. Ling Xiaozui has no intention to be an enemy to royalty. I was only here for justice. Now that it has been served and the grudge has been avenged, I shall bid my leave. I wish Yutang all prosperity and success." The voice faded away. His Majesty the emperors voice was then heard. "Please, don''t worry about it. Since Master Ling has come all the way, why not drop by for a cup of tea?" "If fate will have it, I shall trouble you no further. Take care, your majesty." Ling Xiaozuis voice was growing increasingly distant. In the next moment, a deafening boom suddenly shook the entire Tiantang City. Ling Xiaozuis voice echoed from far away. "He Hangqing!" A loud explosion erupted followed by a glowing radiance and rapidly colliding sounds like the continuous firing of cannons. A cloud of black gas suddenly rose up and spread across the sky, the force growing stronger. However, the radiant sword light grew brighter and stronger too while the black gas slowly lost its strength and weakened Just a short while later, the black gas in the air dissipated and gave way to the radiant sword light that adorned the sky with a veil of shimmering energy, illuminating the world and giving light to all. A holler resounded in the sky, "He Hanqing, seeing that youre an old official of three generations and have benefited the people in many ways,I shall spare your life However, god is watching you. Mark my words, there will naturally be a person to put you in your place for whatever vile crimes you have committed." An old voice laced with unspeakable pain said in resentment, "Ling Xiaozui, you behave like a man on a rampage, based on the martial skills you have. What sort of hero are you, if you can stoop to bullying this old man who has already seen his better years. Did you, Ling Xiaozui, build your name in the martial arts world based on this? Is this how the living legend is written in the history? That would be an absolute joke!" From the air, a resonating scoff sounded. "He Hangqing, I dare you to repeat that again. Do you dare to?" An oppressive threat was brimming in his tone; there was no reply that came from the ground beneath. A howl sounded once more abruptly, through the air, "Say not that the martial arts world are distant, says who that the worldly realm is far away; serve the cloud of wine, still drunken to the sky! Not bad, not bad at all!" The luminous sword light soared to the sky again, reaching thousands of feet high. An echo rang, the sword light pierced a large hole in the sky high clouds and flew through it before entirely disappearing. Only silence greeted Tiantang City now. An extreme, pin-drop silence that spread its overwhelming oppressiveness. Those who had wanted to cough had to suppress the itch in their throats with all their might. The silence was deafening; no one dared to act impetuously. They had finally witnessed the might of the Unrivaled Expert today! It was no wonder that the saying ''dragon soared in grace leaving the worldly realm far '' was absolutely true. Charging thousands of feet through the sky and vanishing after reaching the clouds C this was obviously something unimaginable and unbelievable. Was he still human? Perhaps he was already an immortal of the land. Yet why did this living legend find fault with Old He? Old He was a renowned man of justice be it in the imperial court or out in the world. Of course, he could actually fight with Ling Xiaozui. Despite the short duration, his cultivation base was unexpectedly mighty. Could anyone in the Empire of Yutang surpass him? Did Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin possess such capabilities? That black gas too, was it from Old He? It did not look like something savory. Ling Xiaozui had said that god was watching him and the vile things that he had done. Those tended to turn cogs in ones mind and created space for doubts! In the Residence of He after the battle, disarray greeted the eyes of all present. All the rooms and blocks had collapsed while the master of Hes residence, Old He, was sitting among the disorderly mess holding his chest in agony with a pale face. He had ceaselessly spat out dozens of mouthfuls of blood, the crimson dotting his beard. He looked like his spirits and vitality seemed to have been sucked away. The lines on his face had deepened while there was only a sword mark on his chest. It was a mark that did not even pierce the skin. However, He Hanqing was fully aware of the wounds severity. It would not heal without at least ten years of rest, and he could never use his high-level mystical Qi within these the years! 138 The Shangguan Family of Generals Ling Xiaozuis sword attack was extremely wicked. Once he used his high-level mystical Qi, it would ignite the counterattack of the sword wound laid within his body to explode within him. This was shackling him with an extreme limitation! From then on, he could no longer use any powers that exceeded the eighth peak! He Hanqing clenched his jaws and gritted his teeth; seething against the insult dealt by this sword wound C Ling Xiaozui had done it on purpose! He had known who he was but he had still struck anyway. He was intentionally placing him in a dire position. However, could he speak the truth? The moment he spoke of it, he would have revealed his true identity. Ling Xiaozui had looked for He Hanqing, not Supreme Lord Spring Frost! This unforeseen misfortune, this humiliation. He could only swallow the bitter medicine. Every inch of the Residence of He had been entirely upturned, including the most secluded spots. The nine people being kept there, who initially had no way out, were all free to go now. They were doing exactly that, scurrying and scrambling to escape; despite their weakened state, their survival instincts were still strong. When their eyes met those of He Hanqing, resentment was the only emotion that could be found in those stares. A few guards in the Residence of He had just regained their composure and tried to detain these nine people, after seeing the change of events. He Hanqing took in a deep breath. A sinister gleam flashed across his eyes even as he sighed resignedly and waved his hand. "Let them go!" This was another trap, of course, one that was even crueler than the one Ling Xiaozui had set up. It looked like Ling Xiaozui had left but He Hanqing could clearly tell that he still lingered. He had freed these people from captivity but he did not intend to save them, leaving them to escape on their own C what was the underlying intention behind his actions? If he tried to kill these people now, Ling Xiaozui would appear immediately and save them. He would then have a reason to exact revenge on him. Thus, even though these people knew his secrets, he could not kill them. He might even have to protect them from harm instead; otherwise, Ling Xiaozui would still arrive in a blaze of indignant glory and accuse him of wrongdoing. He Hanqing was extremely frustrated with this but he had not much choice in the matter. His mystical Qi was sealed in and his body was severely injured. The Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood was a tactic he could not use before he fully recovered. "Ling Xiaozui! You and I shall stand irreconcilable!" He Hanqing spat another mouthful of blood before he stood up shakily and stumbled once, almost falling down again. The nine veterans looked at the Residence of He one last time and walked out, holding on to each other quietly. There were countless guards around the residence but not a single one of them stepped forward to block them. Finally, these nine people walked out of the residences doors supporting each other and disappeared among the crowd immediately. Those who witnessed the sight could not help but question the truth in Ling Xiaozuis words. Were these nine handicaps the proof of this Yutangs old official, Old Hes, vile sins? The moment Ling Xiaozui departed,Cirrus Houses business grew more prosperous than ever. Its customers seemed to be of better quality as well. Each of them was dressed smartly and acted elegantly; their demeanor gentlemanly and smiles amicable. Although the customers would usually not misbehave, they would still sometimes take advantage of the maids passing by. However, each and every one of them was polite and well behaved now, even more, obedient than children in a classroom; none of them spoke any louder than the next person. The fourth prince finally managed to get his moment of fame! Ling Xiaozuis arrival and his highly public activities paved the way for the public to know what the fourth prince had done, garnering everyones awe at once. He had actually sent five hundred men to capture Ling Xiaozui and even called him a fugitive! He was one spectacular oddball indeed. Everyone was inexplicably amused speaking of this. How could such a mistake happen? The crown prince and the other princes were reveling in this. One of the princes had even said, "This fourth princes joke will keep me entertained for at least two more years..." Yun Yang relaxed and stretched his body; an immense enjoyment and delight came as he laid in the pond in his residence. He could clearly feel all the cells in his body responding positively; as if cheering and throwing a party. They were finally in the water! He had not specifically trained his water pneuma before this but he felt naturally one with the water; there was no barrier between them. He felt even freer than the fish. Even when he dunked his head underwater, he did not feel the normal strain of suffocation. It was as if his skin could breathe underwater; he had nothing to be worried about. Yun Yang began imagining what it would be like if he cultivated fourth brothers Water Pneuma Spell. Thinking about it triggered his anticipation immediately. However, what he needed to do now was to develop his Fog of Cloud Conjuration, Mystique Wind Conjuration, and Fiery Charm first. Then he had to cultivate the Art of Crimson Soul and Thunder Crash Spell to the same stage. Only then could he think of doing other things. Yun Yang was still lucid enough to remember that great haste does not always mean good speed; even though he was already in great haste he was definitely not making good speed! The fourth prince had gone to the Residence of Yun to apologize, but turned back in the middle of his journey C Ling Xiaozui had left, what there to apologize for now? From then on, Yun Yang had become increasingly enigmatic. Ling Xiaozui had been a guest in his residence and hearsay was that they had a good time chatting. Ling Xiaozui had fished at the Thousand Feet Lake with Yun Yang and they had called each other brothers as if they had known each other for a long time. Young Master Yun Yang was mighty and had vast connections indeed! "I thought that Young Master Yun was only a popinjay but it doesnt look like it now." "What do you mean doesnt look like it? Of course, he cant be a popinjay! How can a mere popinjay be friends with Ling Xiaozui?" "True, true. Looks like Young Master Yun must be the still water that runs deep, feigning ignorance in this worldly realm to train himself with the vicissitudes of life. My guess is that Young Master Yun Yang must also be an otherworldly expert!" "The saying holds its value C the great corresponds with the great. How can Ling Xiaozuis friend be an ordinary person?" "Not only is Young Master Yun handsome and mighty, his cultivation base is extraordinary and his demeanor elegant Oh, Im absolutely smitten! How can someone be so perfect?" "Wake up, brother. Youre a man. Even if you had a crush on him, will he even bother to see you?" Whatever it was, Yun Zuiyue and Cirrus House was safe now following Ling Xiaozuis visit while Young Master Yun Yangs name had spread far and wide. People would even smile obsequiously when he strolled past on the street. Peace was in abundant supply in those few days. Yun Yang began closed-door cultivation during this time, rejecting all invitations and visits, be it from Cirrus House, nobles or the four great young masters. He cultivated diligently. Since Chen San had brought the nine handicapped veterans to the Residence of Yun to thank him for the other day, Yun Yang had temporarily put the Spectral Path of the Soul, Abyss Trail of Blood off of his mind. However, Eunuch Mi still hid securely in the palace while he still could not tackle Old He He Hanqing despite his severe injury. He had no avenues left to him. Yun Yang naturally put all his attention into increasing his abilities. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan had sent someone to ask about him but had not come again ever since; Tie Zheng came a few times though but it was to leave a message for Marquis Yun C asking for his help to take care of his son. Marshal Tie came to and fro a few times but did not meet Yun Yang in any of those visits. Yun Yangs diligence in cultivating and training himself within this period of time had gone into a remarkably frenzied state. It was all because a large storm was already brewing and was about to land. There was less than a month now to Tie Zhengs wedding. Some of the generals from other nations, who had long made their journeys here, had already entered the boundary of Yutang. How could peace last when these notable generals from all the other countries gathered in Tiantang City? There would definitely be chaos and havoc then. Yun Yangs current routine and training were all to actively prepare for what was about to come. It was finally the fifteenth of the ninth month. Yun Yang came out from his closed-door training today because he had no choice. Someone had already been waiting for him at the Residence of Yun for three days. This person held a special identity, one that was very unique! "Would this be Sister Lingxiu? How had Sister Lingxiu found the time to visit my small residence? This is an honor of a lifetime! A lifetime;s honor indeed!" Yun Yang''s smile was as warm and friendly as his welcome. In front of him, a young lady sat stiffly upright. She was all in black and while she was not a peerless beauty, she was distinctly pretty. She exuded an iciness that was not unlike the snow lotus in the land of ice and snow; it was a coolness that greeted the bones as her pure charm stood out. She was tall and lean, a heroic spirit oozing from her entire being. She had a pair of straight eyebrows that went up towards the hairline, rarely found among women. Although she was a female, she held the aura of a powerful general who could command troops and cavalries directly from where she sat. A rigid air of sanguinariness flowed easily across her features. Shangguan Lingxiu. A person Yun Yang could neither ignore nor disrespect. Shangguan Lingxiu was only twenty years old, about half a year older than Yun Yang, yet her family background already garnered the respect of all the people in the Empire of Yutang. She was from the Shangguan Family of Generals! Stars of the sky encompass the Big Dipper, generals of the world revere Shangguan! Shangguan Lingxius great grandfather and his two brothers once ruled the battlefield undefeated; the three brothers were the Empire of Yutangs East, West, and North Marshals C the brothers were the top three marshals while the father and sons were among the top ten notable generals. Back in those time, the Shangguan Family alone shouldered Yutangs Board of War! It was no surprise that these three marshals had all lost their lives during their twilight years in the battlefield. The youngest one was already fifty-eight years old when he fell in the battlefield. After that, Shangguan Lingxius grandfather and his eight brothers then perished in the war at the east border, one after another. As for the generation of Shangguan Lingxius father, the sons of Shangguan Family totaled thirty-six brothers; they had even been bestowed the title Thirty-Six Celestial Lionhearts of Shangguan. However, all of them had given their lives to the Empire of Yutang in all the years of war against external forces. Thirteen of them had not even been married yet when they had perished. Shangguan Lingxiu was the youngest girl in her generation. She had two brothers and twenty-eight male cousins. None of the men had survived the final battle, defending the nation against an invasion five years ago. Throughout the history of the Shangguan Family, not one Shangguan member had ever given in and acknowledged defeat regardless of the battles they were in; not even one of them would flee. All of them had perished while battling the enemies of other nations. The blood of Shangguan could be said to paint the mountains and rivers of the Empire of Yutang! Yet now, the Shangguan Family of Generals that was once renowned and had intimidated the world was left with a family of orphans and widows. Shangguan Lingxiu was the sole female of their current generation while the rest were six children who were no older than nine years old and no younger than four years old. The children were Shangguan Lingxius nephews; the youngest one was a posthumous child. His Majesty the emperor had personally penned C "The Family of Valiance, The Shangguan Family of Generals". It was a family that everyone in the Empire of Yutang revered! 139 Born for the Battlefield, Bred for the Battle Ever since Shangguans current generation of men had all perished in the war, the family had grown quiet; the senior women of the family stayed home to educate the children in martial skills and studies with hopes that they would one day fight on the battlefield again and rebuild the family name. It looked like the Shangguan Family would remain quiet for a while longer. However, if anything were to happen to the Old Shangguan Mistress, His Majesty would not dare to neglect the issue and would treat it seriously. As for Shangguan Lingxiu who sat in front of Yun Yang right now, she was the younger generation of the Shangguan Family of Generals, the one who shouldered the main responsibilities now. This woman was just like her name, spiritual and refined; she knew of worldly affairs but rarely stepped out of her doors. Since she had come to the Residence of Yun to find Yun Yang, there had to be something Yun Yang could not afford to ignore. It was all for four words C Shangguan Family of Generals. It was natural that Yun Yang was respectful and could not reject her. "Young Brother Yun." Shangguan Lingxiu smiled and said, "My aim in coming here is to ask Young Brother Yun to introduce me to Ling Xiaozui, Master Ling." Her speech was laced with the distinct air of the military, it was clear and direct, going straight to the point without beating around the bush. "Ling Xiaozui?" Yun Yang replied, "He has just left. Why does Sister Lingxiu look for Ling Xiaozui? Can you tell me? I shall see if I can help." It was not polite to probe in other people''s affairs, but Shangguan Lingxiu had hoped to contact Ling Xiaozui through him; no matter how much confidence Yun Yang had in the Shangguan Familys reputation, he still had to be clear of the others intention to decide if he would help. Shangguan Lingxiu answered without skipping a beat, "Even if Young Brother Yun hadn''t asked, I would have explained it anyway. Three of my nephews have the gift of eight innately awakened chakras. I want to try my luck to see if Master Ling takes a liking to any of them and would take them as his disciples." "If this can be done, the Shangguan Family can have a few experts in the future. When they fight in the battlefield, they will have a better chance of staying alive," Shangguan Lingxiu said humbly. When she mentioned about the chances of staying alive, she could not help but lower her head sadly. Yun Yang was inwardly shocked. "When they fight on the battlefield? How old are they now? Why are you talking about fighting in the battlefield already?" Shangguan Lingxiu''s reply was proud, "The three nephews I mentioned are six years old now. The Shangguan Family is born for the battlefield and bred for the fight. Shangguan Familys men should step foot into the battlefield once they reach fifteen years of age. They are to contribute to the nation and defend against the enemy!" Yun Yangs heart skipped a beat. Was she already planning for the current six-year-olds to fight in the battlefield and kill the enemy for the country? Yet everyone from the Shangguan Family seemed to be in favor of this, even instinctually feeling that it was a natural course of life. "It''s too bad Master Ling has left. I dont know where he has gone to either. It will be difficult to find him." Yun Yang sighed, shaking his head. An inexplicable emotion rippled in his heart. How much had the Shangguan Family of Generals given for the four words The Family of Valiance? How much more did they have to give? It was as if it had been imprinted in this familys stubborn heart that the lifetime of a man should be spent fighting in the battlefield until his perished body was brought back by his warhorse! This was a family anyone and everyone should respect! Yet it was also an immensely sad family. Dejection showed on Shangguan Lingxius face as she mumbled, "Actually, Ive only come to try my luck. Even if I do really meet him, Master Ling might be reluctant to take them to take the descendants of a family bearing such grudges and blood debts as disciples." "My purpose is only so when my little brothers go to war" Shangguan Lingxiu sighed softly and stood up. "Young Brother Yun, thank you. I shall bid my leave." She was incredibly direct and clear-cut; speaking of what she came for and leaving once it could not be done. Yun Yang could not help saying softly, "Actually, your little brothers future might not have to be sealed to the battlefield." Shangguan Lingxiu replied with her back still facing Yun Yang, "Generations of Shangguan Family have all fought on the battlefield and perished; only to be brought back wrapped in the horses hide. If they were not to kill the enemies on the battlefield, who shall ask for the blood debts of these generations? This is the mission of the Shangguan men, their ultimate fate." Yun Yang was taken aback when he heard Shangguan Lingxius words. "The men of the Shangguan Family have died on the battlefield, whether from harmed by conspiracies, ambushed from each direction, or killed in a righteous fight; this is the fate of a militant. There is no regret nor remorse. We wont take revenge with other methods outside of the battlefield in case we taint the reputation of our ancestors. But this blood debt exists. Since it exists, it should be resolved in the battlefield, before two troops. A life for a life, washing the resentment with the enemies blood and souls, to quell the grudge of our ancestors." "Shangguan men are born for the battlefield, they live for the fight; they die fighting for the nation, they fall serving the people!" Shangguan Lingxiu said emotionally, "This is the Shangguan Familys precept!" "Born for the battlefield, live for the fight. Die fighting for the nation, fall serving the people!" Yun Yang repeated her words in a murmur. This was the Shangguan Family of Generals family precept! Watching Shangguan Lingxiu turning to leave, the tall lean back demonstrated the elegance of a lady yet this Lady Shangguan exuded an aura of intimidating force! Her steps were determined; once she took a step, she would not turn back. She was only twenty years of age but her pace was the valiance of sanguinariness. "Sister Lingxiu," Yun Yang could not help calling out. "What is it?" Shangguan Lingxiu turned to look at Yun Yang and suddenly smiled before saying, "I shall be leaving now." She waved and turned back. "If Sister Lingxius purpose is only to let your nephews cultivate their mystical Qi and increase their abilities to be more capable of protecting themselves, you need not find Ling Xiaozui." Yun Yang began, "I have some methods of my own as well." Shangguan Lingxiu shook her head with her back facing Yun Yang as she said, "We have cultivation methods too, we know about each other. My real purpose in finding Ling Xiaozui is not really for the cultivation, I just wanted to find something that could guarantee their lives of my nephews. Thats all." "The reasons are only excuses." Shangguan Lingxiu smiled sadly. "Shangguans men will never return once they enter the battlefield. Weve long known this, its a fate that no one can defy." "No enemy will dare allow the Shangguan Family of Generals descendants to grow up. Although all the generals in the entire continent have only reverence and awe towards the Shangguan Family of Generals, once they are all on the battlefield the destiny of these descendants will only get worse." "No military in any country will hope for the revival of the Shangguan Family of Generals." Shangguan Lingxiu said calmly, "When it is time for my nephews to enter the battlefield, it will be their deaths." "But our destiny is the battlefield. We can never avoid it." "That is why I am here to find Ling Xiaozui today in hopes to get a talisman for my nephews. Although I know the enemy in the battlefields would do whatever it takes and might not even acknowledge this talisman, I still have to try. But now that Master Ling is not here, I guess it once again proves that the fate of Shangguan men is indeed sealed." "Thank you, Young Brother Yun." Shangguan Lingxiu left with wide strides. Her tall silhouette gracefully disappeared before Yun Yang. Yun Yang was left in a trance, his thoughts fragmented and disparate. The wind of autumn swirled in the sky of Tiantang City. The backyard of the Shangguan Family was in the midst of an intense activity C it was a mini drilling ground. An old woman with a head of silver strands stood coldly by the side with her arms behind her back, watching the movement in the drill grounds without missing a thing. Six children formed a row in the center of the drill ground; the oldest was about ten while the youngest looked to be about five to six years old; they were all young children. These children were practicing a horse-riding stance; sweat drenched each of the children as it trickled and soaked the earth under their feet, they were puffing warm breaths but all of them held on. It was tiring for their tiny bodies as they shook and trembled; the younger ones already had tears stinging their eyes. Their sweat landed with their tears but they shut their mouths tight, refusing to cry out loud. "Hold it in!" The old mistress gaze was cold, as if not seeing her grandsons pitiful state. Finally, one of the children shook before he fell to the ground, fainting dead away. "Drag him away!" The old mistress hollered. Plop, plop Some moments later, the other kids fainted one after another, unable to take the training. "Break for a quarter of an hour. Begin horse riding and archery training right after that!" The children regained some energy after the rest, climbing onto the horses deftly as they moved around the bumps and jolts of the moving horses, gritting their teeth. They slid to the side from horseback, crawling to the bottom of the horses stomach and rolled back on to the horseback from another side, immediately pulling out their bows. There was a total of a dozen actions, continuously repeating in a loop. Even when the horses were tired, the six children were still going at it. However, these children had depleted too much energy from the horse-riding stance earlier. How much could a quarter of an hours rest do? They were already exhausted holding on until now and were only holding out solely through sheer willpower. Even then, they breathed heavily. Finally, one of the youngest children teetered before he fell off the horse. This mistake was different than the previous one; making a misstep in a horse-riding stance would only make one collapse on the floor but falling off a horse, one that was still moving, the danger would increase ten-fold! Watching as the galloping horse was about to stampede the tiny body, the old mistress hollered, "Nobody move!" Those who were about to rush out to help halted their steps immediately, casting their worried glances towards the drill ground. Long had the eyes of the noblewomen by the side been rimmed red, their tears brimming and threatening to fall. The child who had fallen off the horse turned his body with all his might, barely moving on the floor, while the landing hoof clopped on the ground, almost brushing against his face. However, hearing the commotion, the other horses had come charging over. 140 Grueling Training The child was unable to stand up in time, and could only roll on the ground in obvious pain; his reaction was pure reflex, an instinctual reaction to avoid danger and survive. The six horses galloped past him, brushing past his face with little room to spare. The danger was finally over The child then stood up in a sweeping motion as stars greeted his vision just as his feet planted themselves on the ground. He immediately fell over again. The near-death situation earlier had taken all his energy; now that the danger was past, he lost his hold on consciousness the moment he heaved a sigh of relieve. "Wake him up!" The old mistress was enraged. "How can he faint at such a time? Splash him awake with cold water! The training has to continue!" One of the noblewomen standing at the sides could no longer watch as she begged weakly, "Mother please let them rest a little more Little Fif, hes only six years old!" Shangguan Lingxiu, who was standing on the other side, bit her lips tightly. Determination painted her face instead of the supposed gentleness of a woman. The old mistress shut her eyes and sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt in her heart. In most occasions, she would have been obstinately resolute, but this time, she finally softened her stance. "Alright. Why not" Just as she spoke, Shangguan Lingxiu hollered loudly, "No! No rest! Nobody gets to rest before the time is up!" The determination in her tone held no room for discussion. "Lingxiu!" The middle-aged woman beside her was spewing fire from her eyes. "Do you intend to torture them to death?" Shangguan Lingxiu bit her lips tightly. "This drill ground has existed in the Shangguan Family for over seventy years! All these years, the men of Shangguanhave all trained and drilled in this very spot before they entered the battlefield." "I was born late. I was not fated to watch my grandfather train here." Shangguan Lingxiu said loudly, "However, I have seen my father and uncles trained and ground to perfection here!" "I have also watched my brothers take charge of this place, clenching their teeth and bleeding, drilling themselves since they were three or four!" "All of them worked hard, really really hard." Shangguan Lingxiu said aloud, "But even though they broke their backs practicing here, they still died in the battlefield!" "The difficulty of training now has only increased a tiny bit compared to when my brothers trained at this age. However, its still far from satisfactory!" "Id rather they trained to their deaths in this drill ground than to enter the battlefield in future and fall on the cold-blooded earth, beneath the enemy horses'' hooves, for them to become the enemies meritorious achievement!" "Keep it up! Continue the training! The only way you can rest before the time is up is if you die!" "No favors for anyone! Now, get back to work!" Shangguan Lingxius delicate face was flushed, her gaze burning with fervor. "Faster! Otherwise, youll be caned!" With the slicing sounds of the whip, six children shakily climbed up onto the horses again as they gritted their teeth and continued to go through the different motions. "This is the Shangguan Family of Generals!" Shangguan Lingxiu announced loudly, "This is how it is for the descendants of the general family. You either revive the Shangguan Family of Generals glory by stepping on the enemys corpses and carrying the heads of your foes or you succumb to the enemys blades and become their victory!" "This is the destiny of the Shangguan Family of Generals men. There is no other way!" Her declaration was shrill and sharp, carried by the autumn wind, adding a chill to the billowing wind. It was evening when Shangguan Lingxiu brought her nephews out as the group moved soundlessly. Their route grew increasingly deserted. Finally, the group arrived at a squalid destination. This was the red-light district of Tiantang City; countless thugs and gangsters, criminals and fugitives gathered here, surviving in this dark slum. This was the land of the forgotten. It was quiet abandonment where almost no person or activity could be seen during the day yet when night came, all sorts of monsters and demons came out from their hiding spots to hold a party of their own. People drank and argued; some brawled while others grabbed onto any woman that was handy to fulfill their carnal natures. Under the dim lantern lights, twisted faces were everywhere C menacing, scary, and brutal. A burly man came stumbling over and extended his claws towards a ragged woman. "Come to me my love, have fun with this father." Before his claws could reach his target, a tiny shadow suddenly appeared as a punch landed on the mans stomach. "Little f*cker, you dare punch your father? Are you seeking your death?" The man could feel the intensity of the punch as if his guts were about to spill out. However, he was furious enough to ignore the pain and countered the attack mercilessly. His opponent was a tiny shadow who could only be five to six years old at most. The shadow stealthily dodged the attack and skipped agilely away. He was avoiding the man''s strikes while trying to find a window to counter; the tiny fist that seemed weak could actually pack a powerful punch. The man cried out in pain as the began to throw a flurry of punches in his direction. It looked like victory and defeat was clear but the burly man was an adult after all. A single punch or kick that reached the child could turn the situation around as the child would never be able to shrug it off, small as he was. Even though he had been through an extremely grueling training regime, he was still just a six years old child after all. Thud! The child cried an agonized shriek as a kick connected with his stomach, unable to avoid the attack in time. The tiny body was flung thirty feet away and landed heavily on the ground, the boy unable to pick himself up immediately. The burly man chuckled menacingly as he rushed over. The intention was clear; he wanted the child to die right there and then. Kindness, conscience, and sympathy were only talk in places like these; those who were aged, sick, women and children, the weak,would fall as sacrifices in this wretched place. The man who got the upper hand would only nip it in the bud, preventing any chances of a possible disaster! Shangguan Lingxiu clenched her jaw as she trembled but remained still, observing the unfolding events with a stare. The child on the ground rolled over with much effort, seeing that the man was charging over. He picked himself up as he held onto his stomach, sweat already dotting his forehead. The man laughed menacingly as he pounced, wanting to put an end to this living bundle of twigs. The child suddenly gave a loud growl, sliding away and jumping up high as two of his fingers stabbed straight into the mans eye sockets. Letting out a shrill cry of pain, the man threw wild punches against the small body that was hanging onto him. The child yelped and wailed but he scrambled upwards determinedly and bit down on the mans throat with his baby teeth. Blood gushed and spurted; the man screamed in terror but his tone of his voice had changed. His large build collapsed weakly, jerking once before it went completely still. The rest of his body was quickly drenched by the crimson blood. The body that had supposedly returned to nature moved suddenly; a tiny head crawling out from underneath the corpse. His head and face, and his entire body were covered in blood, his breathing was hoarse while the small frame shook occasionally. Obviously, the child had won this battle but the price he paid had far exceeded the amount a six to seven-year-old could or needed to take! However, just as the child regained his breath, he puffed out his chest and held in the soreness and pain of his body as he raised his arm. "I win!" The child had long understood his destiny C the men of the Shangguan Family would never be able to enjoy childhood. There was only life and death, victory and loss! Tears escaped Shangguan Lingxius eyes as she lowered herself and spread her arms to welcome the triumphant return of her nephew, hugging the still trembling body tight in the shadows. "Good job! Good job, third child! You are aunty''s pride!" Shangguan Lingxius voice was tearful. "My family name is Shangguan, my name is Shangguan Longtao, Im not a third child." Third child murmured against his aunts embrace, "Im a Shangguan man, Shangguan Longtao" Before he could finish, he had fainted dead away. The brutal fight just now had been overly cruel to a child of only seven years. He had used all he had and had even sustained some injuries but his face was one of pride even as he collapsed in a small heap. Ive won! I am Shangguan Longtao! I am a descendant of the Shangguan Family of Generals! "Next!" Shangguan Lingxiu wiped her tears away forcefully. Late into the night, Shangguan Lingxiu brought her six nephews who were wounded and injured to the west of the Thousand Feet Lake where the unmarked cemetery lay. Will-o-the-wisps hovered along with mysterious noises. "Sleep here if youre tired." Shangguan Lingxius expression was hard and cold. "Dont take the tombstone as your pillow. Point your head downwards and put your legs on the tombstone when you sleep." No matter how worn out they were, how could these children fall asleep in an unmarked cemetery? What courage must they have to be able to enter dreamland in this environment? Each of them looked at their surroundings timidly, their gazes terrified. "Auntie Im scared" The smallest child pulled Shangguan Lingxius sleeves as he begged pitifully, "Lets go home" "No!" Shangguan Lingxiu said decisively, "The descendants of the Shangguan Family of Generals are not to be scared! Were not even scared of the living, why should we be afraid of the dead?" "Let us separate here!" Shangguan Lingxiu continued sternly, "Five steps apart from each other, do not stick together! Do you hear me? Do not stick together! Both of you will be punished once you get near each other disregarding who approached another first!" The six children were then separated mercilessly. Shangguan Lingxiu hid behind a tombstone after separating her six nephews, carefully observing their actions. The six children were weeping and sobbing in fear when a child suddenly stood up. "I cant sleep. I shall practice my punches." Pow pow, pow He had actually started his practice, flowing into the proper stances with punches and kicks. The other childrens eyes glinted merrily. "We shall practice too then!" The six children moved about in the unmarked cemetery, each of them throwing punches in their distinctive colors. Shangguan Lingxius eyes grew damp watching this scene. She then slowly squatted and pulled her robes around herself tighter; her eyes darted around furtively in fear. This hero, who did not seem to be afraid of anything, was trembling all over. 141 In the Unmarked Cemetery Shangguan Lingxius face was pale was fright but she was adamant on seeing this through. Compared to her six nephews, her fear of this unmarked cemetery was even more intense. No matter how much of a heroic bearing she had or how much tougher she was, Shangguan Lingxiu was still a girl. Facing the bellowing autumn wind around her and the mice that scampered from the bushes, any slight movement was enough to make her shake. As a girl, no matter how much of a tough front she had put up, her timid nature could never be changed. Yet humans were odd like this; the more timid one was, the more one would not close their eyes and the more they would take note of any movement around them, frightening themselves even more. Rustling noises drifted over as Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes widened in fear, watching as a tiny round thing stalked towards her from the bush while her body remained frozen. Her small mouth was agape, her delicate face drained of color. The dark shape was approaching; her breath quickened while her hands clung to the material on her chest in a tight grip as she came close to fainting. Finally a porcupine emerged from the bushes. Shangguan Lingxiu heaved in relief, patting her chest; the porcupine before her eyes was so much more adorable in comparison to the mice. It was at about this point that she clearly heard a long sigh come from her side. Goosebumps erupted through her entire body, she knew that she had not heard it wrongly. There was indeed something that had sighed beside her ear. This was an unmarked cemetery, who else could be sighing here in the dead of the night? Shangguan Lingxiu was terribly close to breaking down in hysteria. She stood up nervously and felt herself drenched in cold sweat yet she was determined to check on her six nephews. Certain that her nephews were safe upon hearing their punches, she felt more assured, the fear diminishing at once. However, another sigh rang beside her ear. The nightmare was here once more as Shangguan Lingxiu gave a gasp of surprise and jumped up high, feeling herself melting into a puddle. "You w C who a C are a C are you?" Her teeth were clattering, her speech incoherent. She then heard an unhurried voice mutter behind her, "What is this for?" It spoke! The ghost had spoken! There was really a ghost! Shangguan Lingxiu jumped some eighty feet into the air and turned around to see a black shadow standing at the tombstone where she had hidden herself. The black shadow looked foggy and intangible as if the body was continuously morphing into new shapes under the dark nightfall. "Ghost Ghost Theres r C really a ghost" Shangguan Lingxiu was still hanging in midair, forgetting to guide her mystical Qi in panic and was falling down like a weight from the air. She was some eighty feet high though. If she were to fall, she would definitely bear some serious injuries! The silhouette by the tombstone sighed. It shifted and caught Shangguan Lingxiu accurately in its embrace. If the silhouette had not caught her, this hero of the Shangguan Family of Generals could have been critically injured, if she did not die outright. Not many people would forget to direct their flow of mystical Qi while hanging so high in midair. "Let me go!" Shangguan Lingxiu screamed instinctively. Terrified, she used the hidden skill of a female without hesitation. "Calm down, it''s just me." Yun Yang rubbed his nose helplessly. With just this little bit of bravery and she could actually bring six children to train in the unmarked cemetery. He was absolutely speechless. The six children were not even that frightened yet the one bringing them here was traumatized through and through. "Its" Shangguan Lingxiu kicked about in Yun Yangs arms with her eyes tightly shut before opening them upon realizing that the voice was familiar. What greeted her eyes was an exasperated handsome face whose hair she had pulled into an unkempt mess, wearing a helpless expression and staring back at her. Who else could it be if it was not Yun Yang in front of her! "Its you!" Shangguan Lingxiu felt her spirits coming back at once as blood returned to her face. Replacing the fear was an icy coldness. "Put me down at once!" Yun Yang dropped the woman without a word. Shangguan Lingxiu picked herself up and dusted herself off with a flustered face but asked in a hard voice, "Why are you here?" "I had no choice" Yun Yang shrugged. "I was going home after drinking and saw you bringing six children here. I was that bit curious and wanted to see what you were up to It''s hard to imagine that you actually brought me right into an unmarked cemetery." "Furthermore, youre not leaving after entering the cemetery, you wanted to stay the night here." Yun Yang patted his chest. "I, for one, am truly frightened." Shangguan Lingxiu wore a flushed face. "Youve been watching us all this while?" "I was curious." Yun Yang replied, "Sister Lingxiu is really the hero among women who are no less superior to men. Young brother is utterly and whole-heartedly impressed with your courage. Sister Lingxiu is utterly deserving of my admiration!" Shangguan Lingxiu flushed red hot and suddenly unsheathed her sword with a zing. She shouted furiously in embarrassment, "Yun Yang, I have long heard that your mystical skill is amazing and famous across Yutang. Come, come, let us have a friendly match." The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched in amusement. Since when have you heard that my mystical skill is amazing? Famous across Yutang at that too why didnt I know I enjoyed such fame? Youre obviously angry and embarrassed that Ive witnessed you being a coward and just wish to vent your frustration. Although Yun Yang felt sympathetic, he had no intention of being a punching bag right now. "Hold on, I know youve gone to great lengths, Sister Lingxiu." Yun Yang said, "But I see this as destructive enthusiasm, your impatience won''t do us any good." Shangguan Lingxiu sighed softly. "How could I not know that haste makes waste? But its better than not doing anything. Urging their growth could at least make them grow the tiniest amount, their enemy might not give them time to even mature." Yun Yang was stunned, the cogs turning in his head. He suddenly realized that Shangguan Lingxius words made great sense. The six children had heard of the commotion by now and had run over to see what was transpiring. Seeing that there was another silhouette standing beside their aunt, six tiny bodies charged over with a shout and formed a short human wall in front of Shangguan Lingxiu; six pairs of eyes glared at Yun Yang as they said simultaneously, "Dont bully my aunt!" "Bad man!" Yun Yangs interest was piqued. "Your aunt has brought you all here to intentionally torture you. Why are you all protecting her?" The eldest of the bunch raised his chin high in reply, "Aunty is training us, her intention is to drill us and give us more abilities to win on the battlefield. This is the Shangguan Family of Generals business, what does it have to do with you? Were the Shangguan Family of Generals men, it is our responsibility to protect girls! Bad man, you better leave quickly and well forgive you. Otherwise" "Otherwise? What would you dare to do?" Yun Yang was amused and continued to bait the child. Shangguan Lingxiu felt her eyes sting, the surging warmth in her heart almost breaking her barrier; she pressed it down and said with a straight face, "What do you six rascals know? This is your Uncle Yun, he is auntys friend. Go, quickly practice your skills." The children were surprised. The eldest of the children said naively, "Uncle Yun? Ive never heard of him, is he going to be auntys husband?" Shangguan Lingxiu was enraged, "If you children dont go back to practice, Ill" Before she could finish her words, the six children had disappeared into thin air. Looking at Shangguan Lingxius abashed state, Yun Yang felt genuinely amused as he said, "Children''s words carry no harm. Sister Lingxiu, you need not worry about it." Shangguan Lingxiu scoffed and said, "You still havent told me what were you doing, following me around like that." Yun Yang replied, "I didnt follow you. Todays meeting was really just a coincidence." Seeing that Shangguan Lingxiu was about to explode, with her eyebrows turning up, Yun Yang laughed and said, "Actually, I just didnt have the heart to watch. Perhaps there is still some benefit to training them like this in the short term but in longer terms, you might destroy the cultivation journeys of these martial geniuses. Such unsophisticated training is never the way to go, definitely not the path of a cultivator!" Shangguan Lingxiu looked at him quietly without speaking. Yun Yang continued, "Before Ling Xiaozui left, he gave me a mystical Qi cultivation manual called the Triple Threat Cultivation Skill. After studying it, I realized that its not suitable for my physique despite the exceptional information contained within." Shangguan Lingxius gaze radiated heat. A mystical skill left by Ling Xiaozui! Just this one was enough, more than enough. Of course, Yun Yang did not have anything left by Ling Xiaozui. What he had was sixth brother Supreme Thunders commonplace cultivation skill other than his Thunder Crash Spell. Yun Yang was not simply being courteous. The cultivation skill was indeed not suited for him. Besides, thinking of Supreme Thunder saying that the Bound of Universe where he came from seemed to be extraordinary, this Triple Threat Cultivation Skill should have its own charm, despite its common-sounding name. In addition, he had been moved by the Shangguan Family of Generals. Yun Yang took out the Triple Threat Cultivation Manual and passed it over to Shangguan Lingxiu, yet the lady took a step back and glanced at it nervously. She rubbed her hands together excitedly and said, "Is is this acceptable? This was given to you by Master Ling. Is it really alright that you just give it away like this?" Yun Yang was certainly amused. This girl before him obviously wanted the manual in his hand very much. If he really took it back, she might just rush forward and snatch it from him yet she was being impeccably courteous. It was, somehow, adorable. He could not help smiling and said, "Its alright, I can guarantee it. Besides, Ling Xiaozui knows that my physique is not suited for this, but still left this cultivation skill to me. He obviously knew what he was doing." Shangguan Lingxiu hummed and carefully reached for the Triple Threat Cultivation Skill. She then flipped the pages and started to read. As she advanced further into the manual, she grew increasingly delighted and shocked, all at once! 142 Heroes Should Not Be Without Posterity! Each word written in the manual was a gem and each phrase incisive; it was so much more astute than the mystical Qi manuals she usually read. The more she flipped through the book, the more astounded she was and the more she felt the charm of this mystical skill. "This mystical skill is too invaluable." Shangguan Lingxius fair hands gripped the Triple Threat Mystical Skill manual tightly. "Im afraid that the Shangguan Family of Generals and I cannot accept this gracious gift!" Yun Yang frowned and said, "Sister Lingxius words are all too formal. We are children of the martial arts world, it would only be right that we behave like a family. I have no reason to hold onto this skill manual, why are you being courteous to me? It would only be hypocritical to still be courteous at this point." Shangguan Lingxiu burst out laughing, regained her straightforward manner and said, "Alright, I shall keep it. Young Brother Yun, I shall remember this favor of yours!" Yun Yang smiled. "It is my utmost honor that the Shangguan Family of Generals can accept my gift. That being said, you cant train them like this anymore, Sister Lingxiu; their mystical Qi cultivation should be the top priority. Youll also need to take note of treasured gems, mystical stones, mystical crystals and anything else that can help increase their mystical Qi. Also, mystical meat should be one of their staple diets from now as well. This is very important to cultivators of higher level mystical Qi, you wouldnt want to skip that." Shangguan Lingxiu nodded seriously and said through gritted teeth, "I know! Yun Yang, if the Shangguan Family of Generals could ever revive its former glory in the future, its all thanks to you and what youve done tonight!" "Sister Lingxiu is exaggerating the whole matter." Yun Yang smiled. "I shall bid my leave then. You should go home too. You need not toil so hard in future. Actually, you might need to work even harder just to supply these children with their cultivation resources. The amount needed will almost cost an astronomical figure, you should be prepared for that." "Thank you." Shangguan Lingxiu straightened up and bowed to Yun Yang respectfully. Yun Yang chuckled and turned to leave; his lean figure instantly disappearing into the night. Shangguan Lingxiu sighed softly looking at where Yun Yang had faded away; her expression then returned to its usual hardened calmness as she hollered, "Come over, nephews! Were going home!" "Really? Really?" "Really. You need not exhaust yourselves so much in the future and you wont have to come here to train your courage anymore." "Really? Wow, thats awesome!" The six children cheered, hugging and patting each other on the back. Looking at the six childrens joyful faces, Shangguan Lingxiu was happy as well. Her grasp on the mystical skill manual was tight, her emotions were intense. It will be alright! The Shangguan Family of Generals will be alright! Thank you, Yun Yang. When Yun Yang returned to the Residence of Yun, the sky was already gaining its radiance as dawn showered the world once more. The truth was nothing coincidental like what Yun Yang had told Shangguan Lingxiu; the truth was that Yun Yang had watched everything that had happened in Shangguan Family of Generals by the side for the entire day. That included the six children being woken up before daybreak to train. First, they had to adjust their breathing before they began their long-distance run bearing weights. All manners of physical training then followed suit. When they had completed everything, the sky had only held the slightest glimpse of sun rays; the toll it had taken had made Yun Yang immensely shocked. However, it was still a start. Various training and drills followed; exercises to work all physical aspects of the children before they began practicing with both ranged and melee weapons including swords, spears, sabers, axes, forks and more. Soon, they began their archery and horse riding as well. The break period was only two hours during noon but even then, the children had to read books and records on the art of war while they rested, memorizing classic war examples accompanied by some random quizzes. What can one do to prevent this battle from suffering a huge loss? What can one do to turn defeat to victory under such circumstances? What can one do in this situation in order to keep the abilities intact? Do you choose to retreat and conserve resources or die fighting under that situation? Punishment awaited each wrong answer. Yun Yang felt his heart twinge while watching the scene; the eldest among the children was nine years old while the youngest was only six years old. It was far too brutal for them to train like this, or even to live in such a harsh environment. After they had dinner and rested for a bit at night, Shangguan Lingxiu brought them out again to the shoddy red-light district to fight with thugs; training them in actual combat and experiencing the fleeting vagaries of life and death. Until late in the night, they were not given a chance to rest but were brought to the unmarked cemetery to train their courage instead. What the children had gone through in this entire day gave Yun Yang the chills C this was a day in the life of the children of the family of generals! Yun Yang heaved a sigh that wafted up to the sky. Looking at the all-female seniors in the Residence of Shangguan and looking at the innumerable ancestral tablets in Shangguans ancestral hall C this was the price paid by the family of generals. Of course, Yun Yang understood why they had to do this; they were not intentionally torturing these children, their own flesh and blood. In truth, they felt even more sorry for these children than anyone else. Yet they had to do this! Even when they had thought the training was incredibly brutal, they still could not prevent things that were far worse from happening. These children had their destiny sealed the moment they were born, their futures had been decided C they were to be gruelingly trained from a young age without a single day of rest and get married when they grew up to leave their lineage. After that, only the battlefield awaited them. They would inevitably perish in war. Their remains would be brought home, wrapped in horse hide. This was their life. Looking at the grief-filled gazes of the widows had when they watched their children, it was known that they had long seen the coming of this day. Just like what Shangguan Lingxiu had said, no matter how much respect militants from the other nations had for the Shangguan Family of Generals, they were enemies the moment they entered the battlefield. They would never allow the descendants of the Shangguan Family of Generals to live and have their day when they revived their glory! The day of their glorious revival would only be clear in the enemys memories! Since ancient times, the ultimate ending for the entire family of lion-hearted men and women in the legends of the family of generals was none other than being ruined and left without heirs. There was never an exception! None! "What a depressing fate this is! Why must a lion-hearted family of meritorious officials succumb to such a cruel fate? Is this the destiny of a warrior, the pre-requite for one who defended his country and protected homes?" Yun Yang was lost in his thoughts as he stood in the morning breeze. Could the Shangguan Family of Generals tragedy really be avoided based only on Shangguan Lingxius current efforts? It was impossible, of course! Life and death were fleeting the moment one entered the battlefield! Descendants of the Shangguan Family of Generals had always been the enemies center of attention; others would only be relieved when this center of attention was gone. "Let me help you all." Yun Yang said softly, "The family of meritorious officials who have bled for the nation should not be without posterity!" The Nine Heavens Dictum was suddenly flooded with requests, various messages coming in at an alarming rate. "All the influential officials of the imperial court have attacked the military simultaneously. These actions were executed without any warning." "His Majesty the emperor seems to have issues with his health as his pallor has worsened of late. Suggest that extra attention be paid to this." "A lot of petty crimes committed by middle and low-ranked military officers have been blown out of proportion and their past crimes pursued with the intention to severely punish them. There are already seventeen assistant generals currently imprisoned. Personal opinion suggests that there must be a significant cause behind this." "Other than the crown prince, the other princes are closer to the civil officials than the military officials; this trend is growing increasingly apparent." "The two old marshals seem to still be able to subdue the commotions representing the military side but there have been withdrawals in minor aspects. This phenomenon does not bode well." "Old He is currently bedridden from sickness; the crown prince has personally visited him as has His Majesty the emperor There arent any rumors surrounding the incident as it seems to have been swept under the rug." "The nearest of generals from other countries have arrived within a five-hundred mile radius of Tiantang City" "Regarding the Towering Wind Pavilions men that lord wished to be investigated, a few of them have appeared but Shui Wuyin has yet to be seen. He is suspected to have left Tiantang City. A search across a wider areais currently being conducted." "There are countless unknown martial artists entering Tiantang City of late and they have spread out soon after, disappearing within the city. Is this to be investigated?" "The grasslands grass has been lush this year as its combat power is pushing towards its peak. This subordinate estimates that war is near." "Dongxuan, Dayuan, Tianci, and the other powerful empires are making active preparations and foraging for provisions in an effort that involves the entire nation; the word is out is that they are stocking their national treasury to prepare for the rumored drought. Their real motive, however, remains unclear." As Yun Yang opened the Nine Heavens Dictum, message upon message popped up. After reading through them, Yun Yang could sense the distinct smell of fumes that belonged solely to war. The military must have more channels than he currently possessed to know about the other empires activities and the imperial court must have already known the information he now held in his hands. However, with the wit and intelligence of His Majesty the emperor, it was rather unusual that he had still not reacted until now. Things were not looking altogether optimistic as the influence was weak from the military since there were only Marshal Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin, and Tie Zheng who were making appeals while civil officials were hard at work trying to sabotage the entire situation. What Yun Yang was most bewildered about were the civil officials attitudes. Even though civil scholars had never liked war and detested militants, even when they were attacking the military to acquire more power, how could they not see that the nation was in danger? Why were most of them still adamant on not having a war? This was terribly peculiar. Yun Yang was not ready to believe that all the civil officials in the imperial court were short-sighted or blinded by power and wealth; his gaze lingered on the activities of the civil side as he mused, "Could this be related to He Hanqing?" "The hand that has been secretly manipulating the Empire of Yutang or at least, Tiantang City is it He Hanqing?" "What has happened to His Majesty the emperor?" Yun Yangs thoughts were as scattered as his brain. 143 I Have An Urgent Matter "Im afraid I will have to look this up myself" Yun Yang had made up his mind to work on some of the messages later and set the Nine Heavens Dictum aside. He focused his concentration on cultivating again to increase his ability. Another day and night passed. Both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei, who were already used to Yun Yangs recent inactivity, were left to their own whiles accordingly, only casting worried glances towards Yun Yangs room occasionally. Perhaps the two of them were the only people in the entire world who knew how unimaginably heavy the burden their young master was carrying must be. When Yun Yang came out from his room, he saw Fang Mofei looking at him as if he was about to say something, but was reluctant to. "What is it?" Yun Yang glanced at him suspiciously. "Just spit it out." Fang Mofei mulled over his words before he finally said, "Nothing." Yun Yang frowned, wiping his face with a towel, and said calmly, "Did your three sworn Hu Brothers find you or did the Concourse of the Underworld come for you?" Fang Mofei chuckled bitterly. Yun Yang nodded. "It''s the Concourse of the Underworld, isnt it? Asking you to kill someone? Or requesting that you leave and return to the martial arts world?" Fang Mofei heaved a heavy sigh and said, "One of the kings from the ten courts has arrived in Tiantang and somehow managed to locate me. He wants me to leave this place." Yun Yang kept a straight face as he asked, "And what was your response?" "Of course I wouldn''t leave young master!" Fang Mofei said indignantly, "However, Lord King Qinguang is exceptionally influential. I am afraid that I will bring further trouble to young master." Yun Yang said indifferently, "When your Lord King Qinguang arrives, tell him Id like to meet him." Fang Mofei replied, "Alright." Somehow, Fang Mofeis heart grew calmer upon hearing Yun Yang''s words. Although his young masters mystical skill was still very weak, Fang Mofei was comforted by his immense confidence towards his young master. If young master said it was alright, it had to be alright! If young master was confident, it had to be achievable! "You two dont have to follow me today, I will be making the journeyalone." Yun Yang continued, "Stay at home and cultivate; the faster you break through to the eighth peak, the better." "Yes, young master. Have you already advanced to the fifth peak?" Fang Mofei asked in wonder, watching the veil of radiance illuminate Yun Yangs face. The latter smiled and left without answering his question. Yun Yang had advanced to the fifth peak a few days ago; he had also gotten to the fifth stage of Fog of Cloud Conjuration, Mystique Wind Conjuration, and Fiery Charm while Thunder Crash Spell and Art of Crimson Soul were already at the third stage. Yun Yang currently relied heavily on these mystique mystical skills. To gain these improvements, he had to deplete all the cultivation resources he had accumulated earlier C mystical stones, mystical crystals, jades,mystical pills and treasured gems Yun Yang felt like a complete pauper now; he had nothing other than gold and silver banknotes. He was so poor that the only thing left to him was money! Yun Yang went out of his residence; a light breeze blew past and he entered the palace quietly. When he materialized again, he was back in the Residence of Yun once more. Yun Yang frowned, deep in thought and finally gritted his teeth before rushing to the marshals residence. On his way there, he had sensed someone following him but no matter the tricks he played, he could not find out who the stalker was. The Residence of Yun was not far from the Residence of Marshal Qiu. Yun Yang arrived at the marshals door within an hour. "Do inform that Marquis Yuns son, Yun Yang, has come today to thank old sirs show of concern these past few days." Yun Yang spoke in a well-mannered tone, polite and courteous. "Please hold on, Young Master Yun." The guard at the door was equally respectful. After all, the name of Tiantang Citys Young Master Yun had shaken Yutang and spread far out into the world; who would not have heard of him now? If it had been anybody else, they might have felt a tad guilty that they were just assuming Ling Xiaozuis reputation to bolster their own. This, however, was Yun Yang. He had never felt the slightest bit guilty but was hoping for another fateful meeting; it would be even better if there was someone else famous for him to entirely borrow their name. It could be Dugu Chou or anyone, some experts of a legendary and mythical level; he would never think that there was too many of them even if he were to meet eight to ten of them each day. The only way to achieve my goals in time is by using your reputation to subdue these demons. "This rascal actually dares to come here!" Old Marshal Qiu was instantly furious upon hearing Yun Yangs name. This fellow would end up being a punching bag by bringing himself to his door; the anger he had kept bottled in from the imperial court these days was threatening to release itself in a spectacular fashion. "Make that child roll himself in for this old one!" The old marshal hollered. His words almost made the reporting guard laugh out loud. Yun Yang rolled in rather graciously. "Ever since parting from our meeting previously, I havent seen old sir for some time. Old sirs charisma is even more dazzling now. This is an occasion to celebrate! It bodes well for Yutang and for the world!" Old Marshal Qiu was upset enough that hearing Yun Yangs words of courtesy almost cut off his air supply. "It also bodes well that your father hasnt been angered to death by you!" This bastard, how dare he say long time no see? This old man has gone to his place three times; the first time, you avoided me; the second and third time, you were dead on the bed and couldn''t even open your eyes. How was I supposed to see you? You can actually say this out loud! And what do you mean that this bodes well? It is good for Yutang that this old man is still fine but how is it a good thing for the world? Which nation other than the Empire of Yutang in this continent does not wish that this old man would die faster? "What are you doing here, child?" Old Marshal Qiu sat on his armchair and looked at Yun Yang with a tired expression; the more he looked, the more he felt that his handsome face was growing increasingly annoying. He could not help saying harshly, "Look at you! Youre a man but you have a face made of porcelain, more delicate than a womans. How dare you wear it out in the public?" Yun Yang grinned. "Youre right. I do think that I am overly handsome as well. I have made far too many people feel sorry for themselves and feel utterly inferior but I do believe that the blame cant be entirely put on me? Laugh at me if you want, I have long wanted to mutilate this exquisite face of mine!" The old marshal was enraged. "Speak now if you have something to say! Fart now if you have gas!" "Perhaps, I will fart right now" Yun Yang chuckled, but tone turned serious immediately after. Looking at his expression, the old marshal felt his heart grew heavy. By the looks of it, this child really did seem to have something that was worrying him. "Old Marshal, I dont know if youve noticed, but does His Majesty our emperor seem to be a little unwell recently?" Yun Yang asked after picking his words cautiously. "What?" The old marshal straightened up at once, his gaze turning as sharp as a hawk''s. He looked at Yun Yang without blinking and asked, "What is it that you are trying to say?" Yun Yang coughed. "Its not me but" His gaze then darted furtively to the doors. The old marshal was exasperated C your previous sentence has already revealed too much and it has only occurred to you now to be a bit more secretive? "No one would dare to eavesdrop at my residence!" Qiu Jianhan scoffed. What was it that had this fellow acting so mysteriously? The old marshal began to feel slightly nervous, looking at the young fellow''s behavior. "Didnt Ling Xiaozui enter the palace a few days ago?" After much consideration, Yun Yang finally brought up Ling Xiaozuis name. This fellow was a natural pick whenever a scapegoat was needed. It was especially so when he had entered the palace at such an inopportune time, and he had a good friendship with him; it was only natural and logical to do so. "I beg your pardon?" The old marshal was good at playing along as well, his expression turning anxious. "What did he discover?" "He told me after he returned that although he has only seen His Majesty once, he could see that the emperors health was very bad. If hes not taken care of in time, death would come in only a matter of months" Yun Yang''s was low as he spoke. Bang! The old marshal kicked over his chair, as he almost sat on the floor in shock instead; his aged face paled as he stared straight at Yun Yang, unable to speak for a brief moment. "Old Marshal, dont be so worked up. Ling Xiaozui said this, not me," Yun Yang explained hurriedly. "Is this true?" Qiu Jianhan asked with clear enunciation; a murderous intent roaring from his eyes, threatening to spill out. "No wonder His Majesty looked washed out recently. This old man thought that it was due to fatigue Hmph, what courage!" Yun Yang lowered his head and did not reply. He would only err more if he continued to speak, it was better to be quiet. "Since Sir Ling has found out, does he know what must be done?" The old marshal grasped Yun Yangs hand and asked anxiously. "He left three pills but didnt say that they would be effective. After all, he only took a glance and couldnt conclude much" Yun Yang said nervously, "But the consequences are too heavy and its difficult for me to find someone to discuss this." "You still wish to discuss this with someone else?" Qiu Jianhan glared at him and paced around the room. Finally, he waved his hand and said decisively, "Better to believe this than to doubt it! Come, follow me to the palace immediately!" Yun Yang jumped. "Pardon? I" "You cant avoid entering the palace!" The old marshal held a straight face. "Whether Ling Xiaozui has said those words, whether the pills are real or fake, even whether the three pills are medicinal or poisonous, these all are on you! It would be impossible for you to leave without any responsibilities!" Yun Yang wore a long face. "I told myself that I didnt want to come into this, Im too high and far from being involved Sigh, its all the old mans fault" Even as he lamented, he was already being dragged out of the foyer by Qiu Jianhan and could only hear a string of orders being issued. "Prepare the horses! No, prepare the carriage to enter the palace!" "Quick, quick, quick!" 144 The Painting in the Royal Study It was only when the carriage was fast approaching the palace that the old marshal regained his breath from the string of orders that had left him puffing for air. "Child, Im asking you one last time - is this entire tale true?" Qiu Jianhan looked at Yun Yang sternly. "We haven''t entered the palace yet, theres still a chance to turn around. Once we are in the palace if theres any kind of mistake your life would be forfeit!" "This nephew might be a popinjay but this is an urgent matter that involves the destiny of a nation. How could I lie about this? This is unmistakably true," Yun Yang spoke with conviction. "Dont mention anything about being a popinjay" Qiu Jianhan looked like he was having a terrible headache. This fellow would just pin the title of popinjay to his head for whatever happened as if it was his best hope of reliability. It was truly enough! Was it so easy to become a popinjay? Do you think that this old one cant see that youre merely pretending to be a popinjay? With a loud thud, the old marshal landed a kick on Yun Yangs buttocks. "Stop your b*llshit! Follow your father in!" It was only natural that the old marshal was unobstructed in his meeting with the emperor due to his status. After passing the message, both of them had their way to the royal study room without a hitch. They could see His Majestys silhouette cloaked in royal yellow standing before the painting of the Empire of Yutangs territory; a dossier was in his hand while his brows were locked in a frown. The atmosphere was thick with tension. "Old Qiu, youre here." Seeing that Qiu Jianhan had entered, His Majesty wasted no time inf meaningless formalities, heaving a loud sigh before starting to complain, "The floods are severe at the east of the river, millions of people have been robbed of their shelters. Old Qiu, looks like" As he reached that point in his tirade, he finally saw Yun Yang enter as well, tailing the old marshal, and could not hide his surprise, "Youre here too." Yun Yang seemed to be paralyzed with shock upon hearing him as he put up a front of extreme surprise. "Uh Uncle Yu? Uhh Your Majesty this" The old marshal landed a slap on the back of his head and chided him loudly, "Are you still pretending? Speak properly! Human language, please!" His Majesty laughed and waved his hand, saying, "You''re both not outsiders, be at ease. Come, sit down." Watching the both of them take their seats, the emperor stood up instead and frowned, "This flood on the east of the river its really sudden, too sudden! Theres no way to handle it." "The old dragon stream got flooded overnight, most likely due to the continuous storms we''ve been experiencing. The water level keeps rising and the embankment has finally collapsed. A total of thirty-six counties are affected, its really a natural disaster" The old marshal sighed too. "To the empire, this natural disaster is adding insult to the injury. What did the Ministry of Revenue say? Have they come up with a correspondence?" "What charter can they come out with? Other than saying that the treasury is empty and we cant do much due to the lack of funds!" The emperor massaged his brows and heaved a long sigh. "There are only three million silver taels left in the treasury but these are supposed to be rewards for the east border army The armys pay is also included in that amount. Its already insufficient for rewarding them, what more for other things" "The Ministry of Revenue suggests to first use those silver taels for disaster relief in order to quickly quell the flood and pacify the people; hold off rewarding the army and save the flood victims first Even so, the sum is still far from being sufficient." The old marshals straight brows squeezed together in a frown as he said, "Your Majesty, this must never be done! The army has put their lives at stake for the country and if there isnt even the basic allowance and pension, not even their pay, isnt this setting them up for disappointment? Who will then give their all and give their lives when they go into the battlefield next time? Please reconsider, Your Majesty." The emperor rubbed between his brows again and said, "Of course I know about this but one cannot make bricks without straw. Not only does the Ministry of Revenue recommend it, I myself agree with it" Qiu Jianhans frown locked deeper, feeling that something was amiss while watching the emperor. His Majesty had always been incisive and discerning. When he was met with matters like this, his solutions had always been quick and sharp; he always had a way to pacify both civil and military officials. Yet why was his corresponding tactic so weak this time? He seemed to be powerless and only had the capacity to sigh in futility. "I know cutting their provisions like this will disappoint the army but desperate times call for desperate measures. Its far more urgent to first solve the flood situation. Perhaps its not that difficult to think of an official name for this matter." The emperor was still rubbing his brows, seemingly more troubled and frustrated. "But I really dont want to do so it''s too troublesome" The old marshal and the emperor carried on with their conversation. Yun Yang had been inspecting the royal study ever since he entered the room. As far as a royal study went, a place for the emperor to go through dossiers and call upon his aides and officials for a meeting, it was remarkably ordinary. There were almost no decorations. Yun Yang had only seen two paintings since he first came in. One painting was on the left wall of the emperors chair. It was a scene of the wind, clouds, thunder, lightning, water, and flames surging while the earth lay upturned. It looked odd, strange phenomena happening simultaneously as if it were the end of the world. Yun Yang knew, however, that this painting represented the Nine Supremes; it depicted a scene of the Nine Supremes descending to this world and gathering at Yutang. The emperor had actually hung Nine Supremes painting here! Yun Yang was taken aback to see it there. Another painting was right behind His Majestys chair. This painting held Yun Yangs gaze for a long time, his eyes refusing to leave it. The backdrop of the painting was obviously in this very royal study; a handsome youth who stood tall and proud had his arms behind his back with his chin slightly raised and his eyes gazing far away. This personage wore a royal yellow robe that had soaring golden dragons embroidered on it. It added some nobility to the youth in the portrait. The soft lines on the youths face reflected unyielding strength while his gaze was deep and had the slight sorrow of deep meditation; it was as if he could see the bitterness of worldly lives as distinct empathy could be seen brimming in his gaze. Royal yellow robes with soaring golden dragons C this was obviously the costume for the crown prince! The person in the portrait was the current crown prince? However, the portrait was not of the crown prince. Yun Yang had seen the crown prince before and he was certain that he had never seen this person in the painting! Certain as he was, Yun Yang still felt an inexplicable familiarity with this person. The familiarity was as if it had been ingrained in his blood and bones. It was especially the eyes that seemed to peer into his heart. Looking at the portrait, Yun Yang felt his heartbeat increase. His vision began to blur as a sense of vertigo crept up on him. A lightning strike seemed to jolt his mind as he suddenly recalled the day he was severely injured and near deaths door He had met a few of his brothers on a path when he lost consciousness. The one leading the brothers was the eldest, Supreme Earth. He did not have his mask on then. He was looking back at him with his gaze filled with love and empathy, with the trust he spoilt his brothers with; he then landed a kick on Yun Yang, scolding, "Get back! Dont come here ever again!" His face, his aura, his gaze, and expression was exactly the same as the person painted in this portrait. "Big brother?" Two words popped out from his mind amidst a whirlwind of thoughts. He felt a piercing pain through his heart and suddenly a mouthful of blood spluttered out from his throat. The old marshal and the emperor were discussing some matters with worried frowns and looked over once they heard the odd sound, just in time to witness Yun Yang spewing blood onto the floor. Both of them were, of course, immensely shocked. When they got a better look, Yun Yangs face was drained of color as he swayed weakly on his feet. The old marshal acted quickly, holding on to him while the emperor was bewildered. "What has happened to this child?" Qiu Jianhan sighed. "He has somehow deviated from his cultivation earlier days ago and almost passed out. He has been bedridden for several days, unconscious and dead to the world. He has just managed to move around for a few days now; he probably hasnt fully recovered and is being affected by his old injuries as well." His Majesty asked in concern, "Are you alright?" "I am alright." Yun Yang took a breather and smiled bitterly. He cultivated to recover for a moment and replied, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was just affected by the sudden imbalance of meridians and was caught by the blood clots accumulated from old injuries. I didnt manage to hold it in and have soiled Your Majestys study. Please pardon my sin." "You are injured. What sin have you committed?" His Majesty waved dismissively. "Really, what are you doing coming all the way here and not resting at home when you bear such severe wounds? Let me call the royal physician to check on you later. We''ll have to make sure the root cause is cured!" Yun Yang managed to pull a weak grin. "I absolutely cant sit still." He had suppressed the whirlwind of his Qi and blood, for now, his pale face regaining its color. His waves of emotions, though, had not recovered in the slightest. It was his eldest brothers portrait! It was Supreme Earths portrait! Why would Supreme Earths portrait be hung here though? Furthermore, why was big brother wearing the crown princes robe? Yun Yang felt as if a cosmic explosion had erupted in his mind; he could pretty much guess the reason but nothing felt right in his befuddled mind. Looking at the approximately eighty percent similarity between the emperor and the portrait, Yun Yang could barely contain the waves of emotions surging within. The old marshal cast a glance at Yun Yang, feeling perplexed upon looking at his dazed state and could not help coughing in irritation. He had entered the palace today all because of this fellows intelligence; just when he was waiting for him to speak and break the myth, he had actually become mute at the most crucial moment upon entering the palace. Your father has spent so much effort to bring you into the palace, and youre doing this to your father?! Yun Yang coughed and reined his thoughts in forcefully; he then caught Qiu Jianhan''s eyes. The latter felt almost engulfed in anger with that single glance. I suppose this bastard hasnt heard anything we said earlier. This old one has talked so much here and I was just wasting my saliva all this while? If they were not in the royal study, Old Marshal Qiu felt that he would have tackled the child, pulled his pants down around his knees, and walloped his rear end! If he didnt give dole out a good beating, his rage would never be subdued! 145 Poison! Qiu Jianhan was fuming inwardly but he could only play along; feeling somewhat out of sorts, his face had taken on a sour expression. He spoke with a long face, "Why do I feel that this old official does not really understand Your Majestys words? Your Majesty is at the prime of life; I''m certain that you are feeling worn and distressed due to worrying about the empires affairs, but why would you feel helpless?" The emperor rubbed at the spot between his brows again and said grimly, "Of late, I have been listless, and insomnia has become a nightly problem." Yun Yangs eyes were directed at the spot between His Majestys brows. Why did His Majesty keep on rubbing at that particular spot? How could he not know that the old marshal was admonishing him? It seemed that the emperor was so dismissive of his affairs recently so much so that as astute and quick-witted as he was, he could not fathom the implied meaning of the old marshals question. He did not even notice the tone the marshal was using; even worse, he failed to observe Qiu Jianhans despondent expression. It was a peculiar situation indeed. Yun Yang coughed and asked in concern, "I notice that Your Majesty has been rubbing at that area between your brows. Is Your Majesty feeling a throbbing pain there?" Qiu Jianhan turned his head immediately, his gaze flying to the spot that Yun Yang had mentioned. As on official, it was taboo to look at the emperor directly or on even at a parallel level; needless to say, it was even moreof an affront to direct your gaze at the emperors lethal point. The emperors closest officials were not exempted from this, but how could the old marshal be concerned of such taboo right now? He had noticed earlier that the emperor had been massaging the spot between his brows far too often previously, but he had not been overly concerned about it. After all, His Majesty had been having the habit for several years now. He had long forgotten when exactly it was that the emperor had picked up this practice. "Yes, I do feel a throbbing sensation around the center of my brows. Its very uncomfortable. I feel dizzy all day long and am tempted to head to bed, but when Ive laid myself down, I cant fall asleep. I keep thinking of these affairs of state. In the end, I gave up trying to sleep." His Majesty''s voice was troubled even as he continued to rub at his forehead. It was as if the motion had become a subconscious reflex and was not controlled by the mind anymore. Yun Yang replied, "I see. I hazard that Your Majesty must be overly worried about the affairs of state and have over-exhausted yourself. Adding these two together, its easy to overwork your body. However, I don''t think you''ve experience much success by rubbing your forehead like that. This nephew has learned of a few relaxation techniques from some experts; should this nephew be so bold as to offer a massage for Your Majesty?" As he spoke, he gave a surreptious glance at the old marshal, speaking volumes with his eyes. Qiu Jianhan understood the unspoken message, and played along. "Since this child is so filial, why not let him try, Your Majesty? Let the younger generation show some degree of filial piety." The emperors body was not something an ordinary person could simply lay a finger on; what was more, his head. Just a slight mistake would be considered a heinous crime, a familial extinction catastrophe! Qiu Jianhans words had undoubtedly brought about a certain degree of risk to himself. Having had a hand in persuading the emperor to relent, he would definitely be pulled into the whirlpool if Yun Yang had ulterior motives; a nine familial extinction would be inevitable by then. "Yes, that would be a good idea." His Majesty put his hand down and closed his eyes tiredly, sitting relaxedly on the chair. Yun Yang positioned himself behind him and stretched his hands to place both his index fingers at the emperors temples. The Endless Divine Art quietly worked its magic. Qiu Jianhan stood right in front of the pair, his entire body slightly tilted and ready to act; his eyes bored holes into Yun Yangs hands. If Yun Yang made any wrong moves, the old marshal would not hesitate to kill him. Although he trusted him wholly, he could not help but feel slightly nervous seeing Yun Yang''s hands at the emperor''s temples. Yun Yangs Endless Divine Art had only gone through the emperors meridians once but his expression had turned dark immediately. The old marshals heart grew heavy as well, watching his expression. When Yun Yang retracted his hands, the emperor had fallen into a deep slumber. Perhaps this was the one and only period of quality rest the head of the empire had experienced in many years. "How is he?" the old marshal asked nervously. "It is indeed like what Ling Xiaozui has said." Yun Yang inhaled deeply. "His Majestys condition is extremely critical. It should be due to a prolonged consumption of one or a few different kinds of poison. His meridians wouldn''t be in such a mess otherwise." "His Majestys cultivation and mystical Qi is still intact and are all safely stored within his dantian. Perhaps this is why the emperor didnt notice any oddities within his body. He didnt know that while his mystical Qi can still flow, his meridians are as good as gone. He is barely hanging on by a thread and the victim wouldn''t even realize it himself. Once the accumulated poison reaches the tipping point or if the emperor were to be engaged in a fight, his meridians would break apart from the overload and it will bring about as swift and sudden death, as the mystical Qi within his body has nowhere to go!" Yun Yangs tone was grim. "The discomfort between the brows is the only external sign of the poison. Unfortunately, this also indicates that the poison has gradually wormed its way to His Majestys brain" The old marshal felt his world splintering around him. "That serious?" Yun Yang nodded worriedly. Even though the old marshal did not know much about the ways of poison, hearing that the poison had gone to the brain frightened him immensely. He knew that His Majestys habit of rubbing between his brows had started a few years ago; he was chilled to the bones just thinking about how much the poison had spread now with the long amount of time that it had been allowed to course through his body. "Is is there still a chance of a cure?" The old marshals voice wavered as he asked hopefully. "We can only leave it to god now." Yun Yang said, "I have checked His Majestys internal condition. Its not optimistic indeed. Ling Xiaozuis pills, even if theyre magical pills, can only soothe the situation but could never wholly cure it." The old marshals gaze was aggrieved, he was rendered speechless for a moment, unable to even experience any form of anger. He could only feel an indescribable grief, fear, and heartache growing within him. Such a wise emperor, perpetually striving to prosper the nation, a man of great strategy and bold vision C the emperor of Empire of Yutang who served the nation and its people for his entire life had actually been poisoned silently in his own palace for years. The implications behind this revelation were terrifying to say the least. "My cultivation skill is different from others. It helps to recover and expel poison." Yun Yang gritted his teeth. "I cant enter the palace often, though. If Old Marshal can think of a way to bring His Majesty to the Residence of Yun or the marshals own residence every half a month, I can help to comb his condition through with mystical Qi With the three pills, there might still be hope" Yun Yang did not say those words merely to pacify the old marshal; to his surprise, he had found out that the Endless Divine Art was a poisons nemesis. Whereverthe Endless Divine Art traveled to in the emperors body, the poison there would instinctivey avoid it. The poison that did not move aside in time would be destroyed entirely, like boiling water poured on the snow. No matter how enchanting the Endless Divine Art was, the poison within the emperors body had spread to his meridians. It still wouldnot help with only one or two sessions of combing through even if Yun Yangs art of cultivation went another level higher. The only hope now was to expel the poison through frequent bouts of healing sessions in addition to Emmies air of vitality. Old Marshal Qius eyes radiated hope. "That''s good enough for me.Leave these all to this old man, you just have to focus on healing him." Yun Yang replied, "It is my responsibility to do so but His Majestys meals and environment must be carefully monitored from now on. Although it cannot be determined that the poison came from food or a daily object, the poison should not be allowed to harm the emperor further! A cure would be impossible otherwise." An icy glare flashed in Qiu Jianhans orbs. "This must be the conspiracy of a traitor! Whoever it is, he or she has to be eradicated immediately!" Yun Yang shook his head and replied, "No, we can''t do that." Qiu Jianhan frowned. "Why not? How can we still allow the perpetrator to keep on doing so?" Yun Yang chuckled humorlessly. "It would be an easier task to capture the culprit and force them to hand over the cure, wouldnt it? But this method is unattainable; it is within sight but beyond reach." "Why is this unattainable?" The old mans temper rose; his eyes wide with anger as he began to breathe harsh, ragged breaths. "Old Marshal, please think about it. This perpetrator managed to poison the emperor in the own palaceand yet has not been discovered for years. What does this mean? What can it mean?" Yun Yang continued, "This in itself is something extremely terrifying to consider." "Firstly, one must be an expert of experts to be able to poison the emperor in this manner. Secondly, there must be a mastermind orchestrating this entire thing. Thirdly, the country is currently facing it''s most challenging times; it cant afford such turmoil and neither can His Majestys body afford such turmoil as well." Yun Yangs chuckle was void of humor. "I have a question for Old Marshal. If... and I am saying only if If the mastermind behind this were to be His Highness, the crown prince, what would Old Marshal do? If the investigation leads us to the empress, what would Old Marshal do then?" Old Marshal Qius eyes were wide, obviously dumbfounded by Yun Yangs bold guesses. "Does Old Marshal know how many people His Highness the crown prince has to think up ideas and strategies for him? How many forces that are involved and how big a profitable organization it is that surrounds the future head of an empire? As for the empress or the concubines, how many influential groups are there surrounding each of them?" "Worse still, if the perpetrator were to be found and he or she were to be an extremely skillful expert who was peerless, what do we do? Wasnt it due to Ling Xiaozuis high cultivation base and unrivaled skills that he could walk in and out of Yutangs palace so easily?" Yun Yang continued, "The Empire of Yutang is struck with flood woes internally and has other empires preying upon it externally; it is a seeting mass of calamity. How can the Empire of Yutang face a large-scale rebellion? His Majesty is sinking fast and there is poison spread within his entire body. Any vigorous action or overwhelming emotion could cause a regret of a lifetime. Old Marshal, how can this time be the best time to sort out such a thing?" 146 A Good Child After a period of silence, Old Marshal Qiu heaved a long sigh, directing it to the heavens. The current powerless state that rendered him helpless almost broke down this marshal who had been slaughtering in the battlefield his entire life! It was true that he could not take the same approach this time around. If this matter were to be brought to light, the Empire of Yutang would be torn to pieces. Despite the roundabout way of Yun Yangs explanation, how could the old marshal who had seen so much of life not understand the implied meaning? The fact was that someone had been able to poison the emperor right in his own palace for years without being discovered. What could it mean? The amount of effort and thought that had been put into this grand scheme was indeed detailed and chilling to consider. The old marshal sat aside, clenching his jaw and gritting his teeth; he absolutely loathed the situation he was faced with. After a very long time, the emperor finally woke up. The first reflex after opening his eyes was to rub between his brows but he halted his actions as his eyes glowed with pleasure. The pair of orbs then went straight to Yun Yang as he looked at him with surprised delight. "Yun Yang, your massaging skills are impressive! I feel much better and I managed to sleep well. I feel like my mind is much more refreshed now. It is the best slumber Ive had recently." Yun Yang smiled and said, "If Your Majesty likes it, this nephew can assist to condition Your Majestys body, anytime that you please." The emperor chuckled heartily and nodded. "Then, I am afraid I would really have to trouble you in future." The old marshals expression was still dark as he said, "Yun Yang, theres is nothing here that concerns you now. This old man shall ask someone to send you out of the palace as I still have something to discuss with His Majesty." Yun Yang knew that the old marshal and His Majesty would be speaking of important matters of the empire; it was inappropriate for him to continue lingering on. Besides, the old marshal clearly intended to protect him, so he stood up right away. "This nephew shall take his leave then. I bid you goodbye, Your Majesty." The emperors gaze towards Yun Yang was appreciative as he replied, "Good, good. Come often to the palace when youre free in the future. There are times when I am very much lonely." "Certainly." Yun Yang promised. When he retreated to the door, he could not suppress the waves of emotions that roiled within him and finally asked, "May I ask Your Majesty if the portrait behind Your Majesty is of a time when Your Majesty was still a youth? It is a very charming portrait indeed." The emperor shut his eyes abruptly, feeling the piercing pain coming again from his heart; his ruddy cheeks suddenly turned white. Qiu Jianhan fumed. "How dare you! Are the things in His Majestys room for you to question?" His expression was livid with rage while his eyes signaled for Yun Yang to quickly depart. The emperor waved his hands with his eyes still shut tight as he said in a low voice, "It doesnt matter. Its alright." "The person in the portrait it is my" The emperors voice was raspy and he could not go on but said in a heart-broken voice, "Go home" Yun Yang held in the waves of emotions and said as he lowered his head, "Take care, Your Majesty." He then retreated. When Yun Yang had left the palace, His Majesty was still standing there dumbfounded, feeling pangs of heartache. "Take care, Your Majesty." Yun Yang''s wishes had left the emperors emotions in a turmoil. He could hear the honest intention laced within his words. Yet it was this truthfulness that made him rekindle the deep feelings and longing for his eldest son, Supreme Earth when he had kneeled before him and said "Father, take care." before he went on his final mission. "This child only looks like a grown up. His mind is still very simple. Hes really insensitive sometimes." Old Marshal Qiu coughed and said, "Ill teach him a lesson when I return." The emperor waved his hand and stopped the old marshals speech as he said earnestly, "Old Qiu this is a good child." He swallowed and enunciated each word clearly, "Good child!" Good child. This two words had been what he had always wanted to tell his son as Supreme Earth but until his son had passed away, he had never gotten to say it aloud. He had finally uttered these words now. The clenching heartache of the emperor seemed to engulf him like a vast ocean. My son he is a good child indeed. The person in the portrait, he is my Yun Yang had understood the meaning, despite His Majesty not finishing his words. He felt as if a thunderbolt had struck him; he could not help but gaze pitifully at the emperor. This this was big brothers father! It was why he had spurted out, "Take care, Your Majesty" when he bid his leave. Yun Yang still felt lightheaded as he made his way out of the palace. Just as he left, he saw a person standing before him; his scattered attention coming back into focus instantaneously. "Greetings, Young Master Yun." The person in front of him was someone he had met once before C Han Wufei from the crown princes residence! Yun Yang took a glance at him and frowned, saying indifferently, "I remember you. Han Wufei, the crown princes residences aide, is it not? What ails you?" Han Wufei answered politely, "I come with the crown princes order to invite Young Master Yun to a gathering." Yun Yang asked suspiciously, "I have never met His Highness the crown prince. Why does he look for me?" Impatience was etched across Han Wufeis features when he heard the question and answered irritably, "Naturally, there is something to be discussed since His Highness seeks Young Master Yun''s company." His impression of Yun Yang had not been great; now that he heard this fellow making a fuss even when it was a direct invitation from the crown prince, his anger boiled and threatened to overflow. Yun Yangs gaze turned icy as he said coldly, "Family of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds has never partaken in any partisan dispute and me, myself, am a person of no import, a popinjay. What is there to be discussed when the crown prince looks for me? It is a waste of effort and it does not benefit anyone; what meaning will there be whether I meet him or not?" Yun Yang made his stand, making it clear that he was not willing to be involved in the princes faction over the crown prince position. Besides, the status of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds family was superior, more so than the other nobilities. According to common logic, Han Wufei should have given up by now and turned to leave. However, Han Wufei gave no sign of being affected by the brusque answer, and replied, "Young Master Yun, that is no way to speak. His Highness the crown prince is the monarch while we are merely officials. An official couldn''t possibly refuse to obey when His Highness requests to meet. I suggest that Young Master Yun come with me now and not dig yourself deeper into the mire." This reply clearly indicated Han Wufeis sheer determination in making Yun Yang meet the crown prince and had even implied that he would do whatever it took to force Yun Yangs compliance! Seeing that Han Wufei was not backing down, Yun Yang suddenly wore a very peculiar smile. Han Wufei unconsciously took a hasty step back. Why was this fellow smiling like that? What was he smiling at? Suddenly, Yun Yang began to scream hysterically. "What is this? Do you want to kill me because I don''t wish to go with you? Didnt I already say that family Marquis of Heavenly Clouds does not partake in partisan disputes?" Yun Yang cried in shock, his round eyes glaring at Han Wufei. "Are you threatening me? It is His Highness the crown prince that made you threaten me like this, didn''t he? Threatening to end my life just because I refuse to follow you? How on earth does this make sense?" They were near the entrance of the palace. While there were no outside passersby, there were quite a number of high-ranked officials standing around; there were even more guards that warded the palace gates, be it out in the open or lurking in secret. Yun Yangs clear voice rang out loud in these peoples ears. Instantly, everyone turned their head over in shock, unable to believe what they had just heard. Partisan dispute? The crown prince coercing the family of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds? Han Wufei gritted his teeth in fury, lowering his voice immediately and barked harshly, "Yun Yang! What do you think you are doing? Lower your voice, you idiot!" The volume of Yun Yangs tirade went up instead. "Why do you want me to shut up? On what basis do you want me to shut up? Im Marquis of Heavenly Clouds only son, the next generation of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds! Am I not allowed to call for help when Ive met a villain or when Ive encountered danger? You fellows are going to kill me and I still cant speak for myself? Can you fellows be more reasonable? Has the crown princes residence always been this preposterous?" There were experts among the people that stood around them. Not many of them had heard Han Wufei''s words earlier because he had intentionally suppressed his tone but after Yun Yangs loud cry, they had shifted their attention over and their ears could pick up the slightest noise. As for Han Wufeis even softer words at the end, there were people who heard him loudly and clearly since there were already a number of people who were paying close attention to the commotion. Dont speak of nonsense? These eavesdroppers connected their words and filled in the gaps themselves, coming to their conclusion rapidly. They scoffed inwardly among themselves, "You rascals are already threatening the poor man and you still wish for him to stay silent! Whats the justification for making him shut up? The aides of the crown princes residence are tyrannical indeed!" The silent stares that came from all around were like icy arrows. Han Wufei was rendered speechless in awkward embarrassment. He then said angrily, "You are spouting nonsense. Since when did I threaten you?" Yun Yang smiled coldly, "Are you angry from being embarrassed? Will you hit me now?" Han Wufei was fuming, his voice rang out loudly as well, "Speak clearly, you fool. Since when did I, Han Wufei, say anything about threatening you? This damages the reputation of the crown princes residence, I will fight you to the ends of the earth on this." Yun Yang replied, "May I ask why is His Highness looking for me? Me, an ordinary person, a popinjay?" Han Wufei looked at the passersby who had their ears perked up and could not help being tongue-tied at the unfolding events. "How would I know why the crown prince looks for you? Its not my place as a subordinate to ask about my superiors affairs and his activities!" "I have just left the palace and here comes the crown prince. Why is that so? I have stated my stand earlier, you can very well go back and report it. Why must you make me go with you?" Yun Yang asked in anger. "His Highness the crown prince sets his vision far and high; what he does are all-important matters. How can I make guesses about them? What I can do is only to fulfill the assigned tasks by His Highness as completely as possible and not performed a half-baked task!" Han Wufei scoffed. "This also means that His Highness is looking for me to discuss important matters once I left the palace. If I hadnt entered the palace, the crown prince wouldn''t be looking for me for this supposedly important matter, would he?" Yun Yang intentionally diverted the topic far and out of reach; he had broached a sensitive topic. Han Wufei pondered his reply but words failed him; he was entirely drenched in sweat even as he tried his hardest to answer, "His Highness the crown prince just wants to invite Young Master Yun over to discuss something. Even if Young Master Yun didnt enter the palace, he would have done the same." "I, Yun Yang, have stayed in Tiantang City for years now but His Highness has never looked for me for any discussion. The day I enter the palace, he comes seeking for me? Could you just tell me what it is that he wishes to discuss? Other than what has happened today, what else is there that is related to me, an ordinary being, a popinjay?" Yun Yang did not compromise, repeatedly bringing up his entrance to the palace, the fact that he was an ordinary citizen, and relentlessly proclaiming himself a popinjay of no import. The message was clear C you fellows have an ulterior motive! 147 Fan the Flames and Let the Residence of He Burn! It was a wonder to watch the changes in expression of those who were listening. Aside from the issue of "I just entered the palace", in the eyes of the public, Young Master Yun was labeled a carefree person or a popinjay. The matter that had to be discussed with him was indeed worthy of much speculation! There could only be one reason for someone influential seeking a popinjay for discussion C the power behind this seemingly inconsequential figure. Han Wufeis expression was beginning to turn livid for he had realized that if they remained entangled on this topic, Yun Yang might even spew out dangerous statements like the crown prince was planning to rebel. "Why must Young Master Yun lash out like this? This involves His Highness reputation, dont sabotage yourself in the process!" Han Wufei lambasted coldly. "Still concerned about my welfare, are you? Can''t you come up with newer threats? May I ask why would I lash out if the crown prince hadn''t sent you to get me once I left the palace?" Yun Yang smirked. "You look for me, threaten me openly, force me to comply, and disallow me to speak up. Once I lash out, Im arguing, arent I? So, if I argue, Im tainting the crown princes reputation. I can''t dispute this at all, it is so very reasonable!" Han Wufei was fuming with rage, hissing through gritted teeth, "Truly, a bite from a thief sinks to the bone." Yun Yang cried out in indignation, "I am a thief now, am I? Even if I did take a bite out of all of you, how can it sink to the bone if you didnt come seeking for me?" Han Wufei was sorely tempted to physically strike the fool in front of him. "His Highness the crown prince has so sincerely" Yun Yang continued to portray a sense of shocked fury. "Sincerely threaten me? Such sincerity is truly profound!" Han Wufei could no longer hold himself back. "Silence! Yun Yang, one more word from you and I shall" "What shall you do?" Yun Yang cut him off in anger. "Could it be that you dare kill me?" Han Wufei charged forward. "Do you think that I wouldn''t dare too?" His tone was chilling, his murderous intent obvious. Yun Yang chuckled. "Youre threatening me again! This time, with death, no holds barred! If I dont comply, it looks like my life is really on the line." The topic had gone a full circle and came back to threats once again. Han Wufei was about to pass out from overwhelming anger. "When have I threatened you? Dont spew nonsense; this is related to the crown princes reputation, dont sabotage yourself!" "Oooh" A wave of hisses and snickering emanated from the crowd. The crowd looked at Han Wufei as if witnessing the village idiot at work. It was just mere seconds ago that you loudly proclaimed that you wouldn''t hesitate to kill him, and now you follow-up with an inane question like, "When have I threatened you?" Are you sure you care about the crown princes reputation? Your own actions are damaging his name already. Wow, this man is really something! It certainly looks like he''s the one digging his own grave. Han Wufei was an experienced official and reacted quickly, not mulling over his words uttered in his impatience as he said, "But I didnt threaten you just now!" Yun Yang put on an exasperated front. "Then tell me, what do you really want?" "I" Han Wufei said angrily, "His Highness the crown prince has sent me to invite you" Yun Yang looked speechless. "Does your residence make it a habit to invite their guests like this?" The passersby were extremely amused by the proceedings C His Highness the crown prince had actually sent someone like this to invite his guest? Did he intend to invite or offend? Han Wufei''s was unbearably muddled at how the situation had panned out. Yun Yang looked at him sympathetically and said. "Go back. First, I wont go over; second, youre not yet qualified to invite me like this. I, Yun Yang, am still a descendant of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds. How can I be at someones beck and call? Third, youve been threatening me all along, no two ways about it. I dont know if its the crown princes or your own intention. If its yours, let His Highness invite me using someone else; if its the crown princes, how dare I still go?" "Furthermore, the family of Marquis Yun has never been involved in the affairs of the imperial court. Based on what I have just said, please go back." Yun Yang smiled softly and turned to leave. Han Wufei hollered angrily, "Yun Yang!" His voice rang loud and clear but Yun Yang did not turn back again, continuing to walk further away. Those around them wore delighted expressions C not a single one of them had expected to witness such a show today. Although it was more of a monologue, it was still a classic! Yun Yangs steps were unusually light as he strolled home. It was never his intention to antagonize the crown prince all along. Han Wufei had said something accurate C the crown prince was the monarch while the rest were all officials. If it had not been necessary, Yun Yang did not wish to make an open enemy of the monarch; if he did, the ripple effect would be huge and might even sway an already shaky empire. This was not something the Nine Supremes would like to see. It was something that should not be done with Empire of Yutangs current situation. However, what Yun Yang had done was to complicate things further and make the situation even more confusing. Since the crown prince had sent Han Wufei over, he might as well use the hapless fellow. Those who had listened to the farce in front of the palace were not common folk; all their attention must have shifted to the crown prince now that he made such a public outcry and fuss. At the very least, the crown prince would have to fully think through his decisions before doing anything in for the time being. This was only the beginning of a whirlpool though. Yun Yang entered the third princes residence as the night turned cold, with a light breeze blowing through the sky. He tossed over a forged document he had prepared earlier. "The crown prince is secretly planning a rebellion, the evidence is irrefutable. Below are" Soon enough, the entire third princes residence was on guard for the entire night; aides and officials were coming and leaving as they discussed and tossed about ideas and strategies. Yun Yang made his way to the fourth princes residence next. This time, he placed a confidential document on the fourth princes study table C "Olthird and olfifth have worked together in a conspiracy to first exterminate the fourth prince before they combined forces to go against the crown prince. Here is the evidence" Yun Yang did not forget the fifth princes residence. The water supply had inexplicably vanished after midnight even as Yun Yang set fire to the place. The fire was ferocious as its blaze soared towards the sky, almost staining half the capitals sky red. Afterwards, the Residence of the Grand Commandant, the Residence of the Grand Tutor, Residence of Prince of Concord and many others had all received something different. A few of the residences were set alight as well. The capital was in shambles. Finally, Yun Yang went to the Residence of He. He had gone everywhere he had to go; it was all the more reason that he could not let this place slip. Old He, He Hanqing, was currently meditating in his secret chamber. Around him were mountains of mystical crystals as if forming a magical formation. He had hoped to extract the energy from these mystical crystals to speed up the healing of his injury. Old Hes wounds had not recovered yet, so he could not heal himself with high-level mystical Qi and could only heal his injuries using more mundane methods. He was a person of schemes and ploys, thus he was constantly and equally worried about people doing the same to him; it was a given that he dared not cultivate and heal himself outside, putting himself in the shoes he had always placed others in. If he were to be schemed against, it could cause a very dangerous and disastrous consequence even if the opposite party did not strike and had just interrupted his healing. There would be hell to pay even if they just provoked his anger or activated his mystical Qi. However, his cautious decision of not recuperating outside had made it convenient for Yun Yang to complete his task. Yun Yang floated around the Residence of He as a breeze, intending to look for something yet he was shocked to realize that there was nothing unusual in Old Hes residence. More accurately, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Even his study had nothing other than a few calligraphies hanging on the walls. It contained no books, not even those with his own handwriting. Yun Yang searched through all the buildings in the Residence of Hes grounds disbelievingly for anything at all C wealth, gems, treasure. There was nothing to be found. He could not find anything on the grounds but there was still the underground secret chamber. However, Yun Yang did not dare to enter Old Hes underground secret chamber even though he had turned into the wind and improved his cultivation. There were eight strong auras surrounding He Hanqings secret chamber, well concealed but could be faintly felt, lingering and waiting. Not a single one of these eight auras was weaker than Mi Kongquns! Furthermore, a few of the auras were actually much stronger than Mi Kongquns. Although he knew He Hanqings secret was right under his feet, Yun Yang dared not enter. Unfortunately, he was equally reluctant to just leave. In the spur of the moment, his anger rose C "Your fathers burning your f*cking nest! If I cant kill the old bastard then Ill just kill the young bastard and his little followers first!" Therefore, Old Hes residence had suddenly broken out in flames without any warning in the middle of the night. This fire was different from the previous ones. The entire residence was ablaze just as it started to burn. The flames spat and rose a thousand-feet high into the air! Just as the flames flickered, it was clear that this fire could never be put out until it had consumed everything in its path. He Hanqing, who was in the secret chamber, was recuperating while the guarding experts suddenly perked up and one of them drifted away to check on the situation without. He came back right away with a hard expression on his face. "The Residence of He is on fire!" The two of them stayed back to act as guards while the other six went out together. When they reached the ground level, they saw the conflagration. It was as if the ball of flame had a life of its own, happily rolling around the Residence of He; whatever it touched, flames blazed brightly into the night sky! The experts charged over and extinguished the ball of flame with a single thought. However, there was nothing to be seen after the ball of fire went out; a wind blew past without leaving a trace. Suddenly, a vigorous breeze began to pick up, increasing in its intensity. The howling wind aided the remaining flames, setting the very ground of the Residence of He on fire! The experts returned to the secret chamber with fear and worry C the conflagration could no longer be contained. When the flames had burned almost everything in its wake, the experts were barely able to put them out by using mystical Qi, but the entire Residence of He had already turned into ashes! Not single family member had managed to escape, all of them had been burned down to charred remains. In the midst of the chaos, a name popped out in all the guards heads. Supreme Flame! Could it be that this sprite of flame had not died after all? Within the formation, He Hanqings expression took on an ugly cast as he suddenly spat two mouthfuls of blood. Hundreds of mystical crystals dissolved into powder in the blink of an eye. He Hanqings face was pale. His upheaval of emotions almost had him deviate in his cultivation. His internal injuries had not gotten any better; if anything, they had only gotten even more severe. His family that was above the ground they had all been buried in the flames. None of them had been spared. "Supreme Flame!" He Hanqing weakly spat these two words out. "This old man shall be irreconcilable with you!" The eight experts exchanged looks of consternation C Was Supreme Flame still alive? You''ve almost killed all his other brothers. The fact that you and he are irreconcilable is a moot point. The meticulous search efforts almost exhausted Yun Yan. He was utterly impressed though. It was his first time encountering a villain like He Hanqing who left nothing incriminating behind. Everything had been impeccably arranged and hidden. It had been too clean. Even asYun Yang made his way back, a deep sense of doubt and uneasiness lingered on. 148 Night Encounter Yun Yang was extremely perplexed. The eight forces he had felt in He Hanqings residence represented the eight top experts, each of a strong cultivation base. These eight experts did not seem like they had appeared before; when Ling Xiaozui had come, these eight people were probably not here yet. If they were already here, they would have emerged to interrupt the fight. With their aid, the fight would not have been a landslide victory even if Ling Xiaozui would still inevitably win. The question hung unanswered in the air - when had these eight people come? Yun Yang recalled the intelligence he had received from the Nine Heavens Dictum C Numerous martial artists have arrived in Tiantang City of late but there has been no more news about them since they came. "It looks like He Hanqing knew that someone would definitely seize the opportunity to kill him after he had weakened by his injury, so he had transferred some of the Four Seasons Towers support in the event of an emergency. Firstly, it was to ensure his safety and secondly to set a deadly trap for those who were preparing to strike. With these eight individuals, even if Marquis Yun and Old Dugu came together, they would be severely disappointed. "What a way to turn someones trick against him; killing two birds with one stone indeed. His plans are really well thought out!" Yun Yang''s chuckle was devoid of humor; in this instance, he was the very person who was preparing to strike. He Hanqing had been half crippled by Ling Xiaozui limiting his cultivation to an eighth of his usual strength. It was no doubt the best given time to attempt an assassination, yet who would have thought that He Hanqing had turned this fatal loophole into a flawless lethal trap? If he did not come today and had arranged for someone to attack or to attack him directly himself, he would definitely have fallen into this deadly trap! "This cunning old fox!" Yun Yangs teeth gritted with resentment but he was also genuinely impressed with the foresight and cautiousness possessed by He Hanqing. He was indeed a pillar of force for the Four Seasons Tower; his identity as Supreme Lord Spring Frost was truly apt. Yun Yang exited the Residence of He and headed home. Suddenly, his senses tingled even as he melted into the air, changing his form with a single thought. At the same time, the sound of robes fluttered through the air. A white shadow flitted like lightning some hundred feet to the front; the incredible speed of the shadow had even turned the air in his wake into a vacuum. It was like a white tornado swirling through the streets. Hot on the trail of the shadow, a terrifyingly chilling force rocketed from afar. Under the cover of nightfall, a person in hemp clothes materialized from the dark. Yun Yang could feel the sound of a chilling, ghastly wind billowing, a sound which accompanied the specter''s materialization in the space before him. It was the symphony of countless wronged souls and malicious ghosts clawing through the air and advancing upon him. The vision flashed momentarily in the air before it disappeared again. The direction of the billowing wind blew exactly where the shadow which moved with lightning speed had fled to. There was no mistaking it. The ghastly, chilling wind fluttered as the shadows chased after each other; it looked like a troop of hundreds and thousands of ghouls followed the shadow as it moved. Yun Yang only felt the ghastly aura dissipating after the person had been gone for a good quarter of an hour. "What a terrifying person." Yun Yang slowly materialized by the corner of a wall, sucking in a cold breath. "This person should be First Court King Qinguang of the ten kings in the ten courts of the Concourse of the Underworld who came inexplicably to Tiantang City and found Fang Mofei" "Looks like he didnt exactly come with peaceful intentions. Hes most probably here to kill someone" Yun Yang was itching with curiosity because from the looks of it, the person the First Court King Qinguang was attempting to assassinate was no ordinary individual. The safest estimation would still put him at Marquis Yuns level of ninth peak pinnacle. Otherwise, King Qinguang, who was the king of the First Court would not have to personally appear and give chase over a thousand miles with no results whatsoever! "If they were to fight head to head, this person would definitely not be the First Court King Qinguangs opponent but his speed was incredible, above King Qinguangs at that. Although I just caught a glimpse of it, I can still determine that he pulled a distance of three breaths away from King Qinguang and for an expert like this the distance of three breaths should be no less than several dozen feet" "Looking at the situation, he would still be unable to take on the First Court King but it still wouldn''t be an easy feat for King Qinguang to catch up and kill this person it might even be impossible." "This will be a prolonged war, no doubt about it." "A contest of time, endurance and confidence!" "It is just rare to meet even one of these otherworldly experts in Tiantang City but why are they appearing in such huge numbers now?" Yun Yang chuckled depreciatingly, shaking his head. It looked like the current situation was growing increasingly complicated. "But this person First Court King Qinguang is chasing after has got quite the character Despite being hunted down by such a strong opponent, he dared to dress in white, the taboo of night crawlers. It''s almost like he''s afraid of being overlooked Hes really something indeed." Yun Yang returned to the Residence of Yun. Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were cultivating C two strong forces circled endlessly above the Residence of Yun, growing and expanding as it swirled. Yun Yang did not interrupt them, going back to his room alone. He needed to sort through his thoughts meticulously before he did anything else. Tiantang City was slowly turning from an orderly metropolis into a big melting pot! It was unprecedentedly chaotic and messy, a situation made worse by the presence of various skilled martial artists and mysterious experts who had all congregated at this place. In addition, the renowned generals of other nations were coming too. Yun Yang could vaguely sense that Tiantang City would inevitably become the core of a universal storm. It was certain and inevitable. Such a tendency would probably only grow even more frightening and thrilling a few days later. Yun Yang finally came out with an evaluation Cthe four noble families had placed the four noble young masters here, so they would definitely still send experts over. The issue with Mi Kongqun who was in the palace had seemed to come to an end but in reality, it could not be so yet. He Hanqing would not give up that easily either; the king from the Concourse of the Underworld had come as well; The Merciless Tower had previously attempted to assassinate him, so there should also be someone coming. Then there were the affairs of the civil and military officials tackling each other and military generals being wronged; the old marshal would definitely not ignore these, thus the situation would turn around as soon as the emperor got better. As he thought of the emperor, he realized that he had to talk about the odd poison in him. It was the top priority of all things and a cause that could set a series of explosion alight; it should be no problem as long as he helped in His Majestys recuperation! Tie Zhengs wedding was near and the notable generals of other nations were coming, one after another. Subsequent to the arrival of these generals would be the assembly of martial artists from various empires in Tiantang City. It was a given vision of what would become of Tiantang City by then. Besides, with so many things happening at the same time, Yun Yang would never believe it if he had been told that there wasn''t a mastermind behind all of it. Yet Yun Yang had Yun Zuiyue to care of while the squad sent by the Nine Heavens Dictum in search of Ji Ling and company had not come back with any news yet. All of these did not seem to have a direct correlation to Yun Yang but every one of these things was either directly or indirectly relevant to the Nine Supremes. What was worse was that Yun Yangs current ability was still minuscule so all the more he needed to borrow all the resources he could gather in order to take advantage of this stormy match of forces and turn the deadly situation around. "As the saying goes, the stronger the ability, the bigger the responsibility. I dont even have a strong force but I have so many responsibilities. How can I live if I dont depend on other forces and influences?" Yun Yang sighed. Hundreds of thousands of miles away, Ji Ling was fondly toying with the treasured saber, Phoenixs Cry. The more she played around with it, the more she felt that it was connected to her flesh and blood as if it was a part of her and was equipped with a sense of spirituality. A few nights earlier, Ji Lingxi had been ambushed. The Phoenixs Cry had actually cried out a clear warning to alert her that a mishap was impending. Although she and her company had been prepared for this incident and had noticed the enemys approach, this characteristic of the Phoenixs Cry had made Ji Lingxi like it even more. Holding onto the saber, it was only natural to have thought of the person who gifted it to her. "Lingxi, you seem to have changed a lot these few days." Yu Xianger stared at Ji Lingxi rather enviously. "Changed? Where? Nonsense!" Ji Lingxi was caught off guard as she returned from her dazed reminiscing, feeling a little guilty about her inattention. "Come on, you know you''ve changed. If you havent, why are you acting so guiltily?" Xia Yuhan quipped from her side. "Youve become quieter, hugging your saber while deep in thought whenever you are free. You look like youre hugging your lover, what a blinding sight it is!" "Yuhan!" Ji Lingxi flushed red as she whined in embarrassment. "You''re blushing! What are you blushing about? I didnt say who I meant, I didnt say the name either" Xia Yuhan pursed her lips, mirth dancing in her eyes. "Hmph." Ji Lingxi turned her head away to ignore her completely. Yu Xianger refused to let it go. "Lingxi, why are your face and skin so fine now?" She grasped Ji Lingxis hand over and gasped, "Why is your hand so soft? Let me see Oh my god, the marks from cultivating are gone too How C how is this possible? Quickly, tell me!" Yu Xianger was staring at Ji Lingxi with a heated gaze and a yearning look. Among all the sisters, Yu Xianger was the most careful with her appearance and complexion; she had long noticed the change in Ji Lingxis and could not keep it in any longer. Women who practiced martial skills or cultivated would have marks on their hands no matter how much they took care of themselves. Unless their cultivation had soared high enough that their essence and meridians were sufficiently cleansed to restore themselves to natural purity, it would be extremely difficult to have their bodies shed these marks and callouses. Ji Lingxis mystical Qi cultivation obviously had not achieved such a state but it was true that the marks that came from cultivating had all vanished, leaving no trace behind. This had almost maddened the vain Yu Xianger. "Have they all gone?" Ji Lingxi checked herself blearily. 149 Spiritual Treasured Saber! In some matters, the reaction of the person at the heart of the affair would be the slowest to realize the truth C just like Ji Lingxi right now. She really did not notice the difference that had come over her. Yu Xianger charged over and grabbed Ji Lingxis elbow before pushing her sleeve up and doing the same to herself to compare their arms. She cried out in agony, "Look, all of you, look! This girl must have some divine method. All of you, look! How tender is this elbow, how smooth and soft!" The girls cramped over when they heard her, eyes of various sizes stared in the same direction as a wave of gasps resounded in disbelief. "Its true! Look at this rosy flush within the fairness its really delicate!" It was not just Yu Xianger; how could any woman protest against the temptation of flawless skin with a complexion as fair as snow and impeccable like jade! "Ive bathed with Lingxi last time" Yu Xianger admitted grudgingly, "Her breasts were smaller than mine and her skin was darker than mine... Her breasts are now bigger than mine and her skin is fairer than mine too! Shes already taller than me This is outshining me in every aspect Oh my god, I dont wish to live anymore!" The other sisters looked at Ji Lingxi curiously as they gathered together. "Lingxi, tell us honestly, what secret have you used?" "Quick, surrender it and share it with us! Otherwise, we wont let you go!" "Exactly right! Be honest and generous, or else well serve you the severest of punishments!" Ji Lingxi was in a trance as she said in confusion, "Did I really change? I didnt notice it Haven''t I always" "Are you saying that you didnt change despite these obvious differences? Are you trying to fool a fool?!" The sisters berated her together. Ji Lingxi wore question marks on her sleeves as she looked utterly lost. She really could not remember that she had any unusual encounters that could have resulted in this She had only felt delighted and at ease every time she held the saber. There had been nothing else. "Then you girls tell me when have I actually changed?" Ji Lingxi asked blearily. Yu Xianger remembered it precisely as she replied immediately, "You began to shed your skin not two to three days after we got out of Tiantang City. You were still complaining about the amount of dead skin you had on yourself then!" As she spoke, all of them recalled the time. "Thats right, Lingxi. You did complain about it in those days about the ever shedding flakes of skin and we comforted you about it" Ji Lingxi recalled it at once but grew even more helpless. "But what is going on? I didnt have any unusual encounter and all of us are stuck together everyday" Yu Xianger frowned when she these words and thought hard about it. Suddenly, she said out of nowhere, "Could it be that could it be that Lingxi has already um.. been um... in Tiantang City?" The sisters echoed the question, "Been what?" Yu Xianger blushed and said, "Uh been nourished by Young Master Yun?" Her unexpected words were indeed shocking as the girls all blushed at once. They were sisters, after all, so they spoke with fewer qualms; Xia Yuhan slapped her thigh and said, "It must be so. They say women who have been nourished are the most beautiful. Lingxi, tell us honestly, did you give yourself away?" Ji Lingxi was abashed as she cried out with a sob. Her face was flushed red as she answered, "No, not at all. How could I?" As she spoke, a sigh followed, "Its not like you girls dont know how much a woodblock that fellow is" Her sigh resonated with what she felt. "Oh why does this girl look like shes rather disappointed that she didnt give herself away" Yu Xianger pursed her lips and immediately put her hands on her hips. "Tell us honestly! What is really going on?" Yue Rulan had not been talking but her eyes had been boring holes at Ji Lingxis face in wonder as well as the Phoenixs Cry in her grasp. The saber had not left her hands since they had left Tiantang City. She spoke while thinking, "Lingxi, pass me your saber." The girls were intelligent and knowledgeable. Once Yue Rulan remarked upon it, they immediately connected the dots. "Could it be that the oddity lies within the saber?" Ji Lingxi hesitated. It was not that she was reluctant, she was just not used to the saber leaving her hands. It was already a habit to constantly have the saber by her side since she had been hugging the saber every day. Just as Yue Rulan accepted the saber, the Phoenixs Cry suddenly shook; she almost lost her grip on the saber in surprise. Yue Rulan exclaimed in shock and raised her head to look at Ji Lingxi. "Lingxi, this Young Master Yun of yours is really generous" Ji Lingxi was still in confusion. "What is it?" Yu Xianger came over to snatch the saber. This time, the sabers reaction grew more vigorous as it kept pulsing in Yu Xiangers hands. Yu Xianger quickly returned the saber to Ji Lingxi in fright and watched as the Phoenixs Cry turned motionless again once it reached Ji Lingxis hands. She immediately thought of something as shecried out in shock and envy, "Its a spiritual treasured saber!" As her cry rang out, everyone turned silent. All the girls were elites of noble families, how could they not know the implied meaning behind her words? A treasured saber that was spiritual picked its own master; once it acknowledged its lord, it would never have any other! "I have seen the Phoenixs Cry before." Xia Yuhan was perplexed. "I saw it when it still belonged to Ximen Wandai but the saber was nothing extraordinary then. Not special like it is now..." "This saber feels a little different than before Its color and luster are all different" Xia Yuhan said as she looked at the blade. "What has happened?" Yue Rulan replied, "Theres probably a new composition within this saber. It was just a normal ladies blade when it was with Ximen Wandai but once it got to Young Master Yun Yang, he must have altered something within this saber to allow it to gain its spirituality. It is a great destiny that Lingxi has received this saber by chance." "The changes occurring within Lingxis body had initially happened after we left Tiantang City and the changes for the better were vast within such a short amount of time. I think the flakes shed that you complained about werent skin but the impurities of your body. They were being expelled after this saber has fused with your spiritual energy, helping you to cleanse your meridians once the saber became one with you." "Thats why your body experienced such a change; it was akin to being reborn." Yue Rulan took in a deep breath, her gaze towards Ji Lingxi was filled with envy. "This is why I say Young Master Yun may look like a woodblock lacking sense on the outside but hes really treated you well. He has actually given such a precious treasure to you without saying anything. I assume that he must be worried about the pressure you would experience if you knew." Ji Lingxis face was glowing even as she blushed. She asked in barely suppressed delight, "Is it really so?" "Stupid girl." Yue Rula was truly envious of her now. Oddly enough, she was not jealous about the saber itself; it was the sentiment behind the gift of the saber. "Its too bad this saber is technically useless to us all because it only belongs to you and wont be giving us its energy. Yet to you, Lingxi, you can revel in the assistance this saber provides to you anytime" Yue Rulan continued, "You have spent just a short duration with this saber and havent felt the full extent of its benefits yet. Thats right, your cultivation has advanced to the seventh peak, hasnt it? Youve achieved breakthroughs of two levels in just two months. Would this have been possible before? This is how the saber benefits you!" Ji Lingxi was blushing profusely as she shook her head softly. All the girls stared at Ji Lingxi in unconcealed envy; a vague sense of jealousy laced within their looks C why isnt there someone who treats me like this? However, most of them were happy for Ji Lingxi C for her possession of such a treasured saber and for someone who could give her this saber without hesitation. Even when it was within all the eight noble families, such a spiritual treasured saber would be considered a peerless gem. It would be rare to own one even if they were the elites of the families! "If the Ximen Family knew that this saber has become something like this now I wonder what sort of remorse would they go through" Yue Rulan looked at her sisters seriously. "This is something only we know. Never ever leak the knowledge. Otherwise, Lingxi will be in trouble." All the girls promised fervently, "Dont worry, this is our secret! How could we expose it?" That very night, as Ji Lingxi was sleeping in her room, Yu Xianger had crawled into her bed and insisted on lying beside her shamelessly. She had hugged Ji Lingxi in their slumber throughout the night, even though the air was warm and humid. She discovered that she had indeed gained some benefits from the sword the next day C a patch of skin had begun shedding on her elbow. Therefore, Ji Lingxi was forcibly seized by Yu Xianger for the consecutive nights. A few days later, the delightedly mad shrills of Yu Xianger attracted everyones attention and thus, turning Ji Lingxi into a favorite among the sisters. There was someone hugging her to sleep every night; each of them shamelessly latching on like a parasite that could not be chased away. They had openly declared that they wanted to bask in the benefit that Young Master Yun had given as well. "Im so sleepy" Ji Lingxi was entering a state of trance by then, yawning deeply from not sleeping well for so many nights after being pestered by her heartless sisters. At least her sisters had started to glow as well. Finally, the dreaded day arrived. A sudden influx of news banished all the girls delight instantaneously. " According to our investigation, Young Master Lingfeng has been found. He is the son of Moonshadow Citys master. His name is Niu Lingfeng, born in year and month, years old currently his appearance " The detailed information came like a bolt of thunder to Yue Rulan; her face paled immediately as she almost lost her footing. Her hope that she had been holding on to for so long shattered into a million pieces. It wasn''t him! 150 Stopped by the Crown Prince! The girls had turned pale upon receiving the news. Ji Lingxi swayed on her feet but did not forget to extend her arm to hold on to Yue Ru Lan, crying out, "Sister Lan!" Yue Rulans eyes had lost all its radiance as she murmured, "Ji Lingfeng, where are you?" As she finished her sentence, she coughed and blood spurted from her rosy lips as she fell into a dead faint. The long search had finally taken its toll on her, Yue Rulan had long been exhausted both physically and mentally. She had been holding on without ever breaking down all this while because of the slim hope that she held in her heart. Yet as one piece of news after another was proven false and each sliver of hope was shattered like a popped bubble, Yue Rulan was left without anything other than her footprints all over the continent. The crushed hope this time was the last straw; she could no longer hold herself up. Ji Lingxis eyes were rimmed red. Brother, where are you? Why cant I find you after searching the entire world? "What do we do now?" Yu Xianger asked in a trembling voice. All the girls were silent, staying silent for a long time. Ji Lingxi stood rigidly, her mind blank. It was at this moment that she suddenly felt her own feebleness and helplessness. Sister Rulan, who had accompanied her and comforted her for so long ever since her brother went missing, had finally crumbled herself. Lost as she was, a dispirited feeling of loneliness in a vast world was roused; she mumbled instinctively, "What should I do? Where do we go?" A shard of pain struck her heart as tears streamed down her face. Yu Xianger said softly, "We have been out for so long My family wanted me to go back immediately Lingxi, why don''t you and Sister Lan come play at my place for a while? Lets think of something, there must be something we could do to turn the situation around" Xia Yuhan said in a low voice as well, "My family wants me to go back too, theyve urged me to do so for a few times now Lingxi, we cant go on wandering aimlessly like this" Yue Rulan gradually stirred and sighed in exhaustion. "Sisters, you have all helped so much... Please go back. We will continue the search when there is news or perhaps, well gather again when we have the time." "Dont worry about Lingxi and I. We will go back as well." Yue Rulan said listlessly, "We have so many guards following us and theyre all experts we will be alright." Yu Xianger asked in concern, "Where will the both of you go back to?" Persistence shone in Yue Rulans orbs as she clenched her teeth gently, saying, "Locations where the more precise news came from previously one was this Young Master Lingfeng while another was in Tiantang City." She said with resolution, "Since we have confirmed that it isnt the former, well return to Tiantang City!" Hearing Tiantang City being mentioned, Ji Lingxis eyes suddenly radiated with hope. Tiantang City! The night passed without many words being said. The next morning, the sisters bid each other farewell with tears in their eyes. Yu Xianger sobbed for quite a while, hugging Ji Lingxi before she was finally persuaded to part ways. Both Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan began their journey back, bringing forty to fifty guards along with them. Their journey back was spent in silence but Yue Rulan seemed to have made a determined decision in her heart. Upon confirming that the Young Master Lingfeng they heard about was not Ji Lingfeng, Yue Rulan had lost all hope C the hopelessness had come from her heart, a feeling that death would be welcome as there was no longer a love in her life. It was exactly the reason she had suggested to return to Tiantang City. It was all because Yun Yang was still there. Young Master Yun. A man that Ji Lingxi was fond of. Ive tasted the heartbreaking anguish of losing my love forever. I must figure out a way not to let Lingxi feel the same. Lingfeng, even if I cant find you in this life, I will continue to search for you in the next. Even if I cant find you forever, I will take good care of your sister. Your only sister! Yue Rulans hair fluttered alongside her white dress in the wind; an indescribable calmness spread on her delicate face. Ji Lingfeng, do you remember what Ive told you? Even if you soar thousands of miles through the wind and leave no trace of yourself in the world, the moonlight remains for life1, as it has since ancient times. It remains gentle and lingering, forever unchanged. Even if I no longer guarding anything in this life, Ill wait in silence for the person who can smell the fragrance of my orchid2. All the sisters who left left with loud sighs. They could all return home now but Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan could not. Once they returned home, they would be forced into marriage, a union that could not be refused. "I can only wish that both of you can find Brother Lingfeng" Yu Xianger turned around and looked at the vast scenery, the luster of her unshed tears glimmering brightly. "Never forget to come look for us if ever you encounter any difficulties." Yun Yang could vaguely tell that something was wrong. He had been waiting for days for the old marshal to come to him with the emperor but no one came. What was going on? Yun Yang firmly believed that his Endless Divine Art could soothe His Majestys poison and his physical condition. He was the only one who could do so without causing harm to him. He believed that both the emperor and the old marshal understood this but why had they not come to look for him? It was fine if it was just the emperor but there was no news even on the old marshal. It was mind boggling! Besides, Towering Wind Pavilions Shui Wuyin was gone without a trace for the dozens of times Yun Yang had gone there. There had been no news of him at all as well. Where had Shui Wuyin gone to? Yun Yang was certain that Shui Wuyin was still in Tiantang City and was watching over Towering Wind Pavilion in the dark, yet he could not find him, no matter how hard he looked. Yun Yang was bewildered. Shui Wuyin was indeed eighth brother Supreme Winds right-hand man, a talent to behold. He was a difficult man to locate indeed! Yun Yang was on his way to Cirrus House when an entourage came from the opposite direction. They were the people from the crown princes residence. Yun Yang could see Han Wufei in a single glance. He was watching him with an irritated expression, his finger pointing all over the place. Beside him, four middle-aged men dressed in black turned their heads to focus their gazes on him as well. Yun Yang could distinctly feel as if four arrows had struck his face at the same time. These four men were all experts C first class experts! As he thought of it, Yun Yang halted his steps as he directed his eyes towards the entourage before him. These guys did not come with kind intentions. He watched as the team of people part as a youth in royal yellow robes strolled forward with his arms behind his back; his gait was majestic while his manner aristocratically graceful. He wore a warm smile, one that roused a pleasantly comfortable feeling in anyone who saw it. The aristocratic grace that exuded naturally from him reflected his superiority, an otherworldly aura that overlooked the world. This person before him was the crown prince. The second son of His Majesty C Yu Chenglong! The crown prince had not spoken a word since he appeared but the authoritative presence that surrounded him had made everyone who was prepared to make a scene retreat timidly; no one dared to disobey him. "This orphaned one3 has long heard of Young Master Yuns name and couldn''t wait to meet Young Master Yun in person. I didn''t expect to be able to see Young Master Yun in person today. It is indeed better to see one in person than to hear of their name." The crown prince smiled as he said, "Young Master Yuns charm is extraordinary, the top in Tiantang and most superior in the world!" Yun Yang observed the face in front of him quietly; the more he studied it, the more he was upset. The person before him reminded him of the face he had seen in his dream when he had been severely injured. If this face were to be more mature, friendlier, darker, without eyebrows as thick, it would be as if his eldest brother, Supreme Earth, was standing before him, alive. It was these minuscule differences that made it odd. Yun Yang suppressed the wave of emotion he felt as he replied gently, "Your Highness royal elegance renders Yun Yang in awe. I have long heard that Your Highness is a gentleman among gentlemen and has a great thirst for talent; Your Highness has never assumed supremacy as well. Seeing it for myself today, it is indeed true to its name. This is the perfect example of the saying ''It is indeed better to see one in person than to hear of their name''." The crown prince chuckled lightly and said, "This world is the world of its people. These so-called royalties are only supervising for the worldly people and acting as a moderator to all; what supremacy can there be? Young Master Yun cracks a good joke." Yun Yang laughed and said, "Though, I wonder what noble errand it is for Your Highness to stop this subordinate like this." The crown prince said with sincerity splayed across his face, "This orphaned one has always wanted to meet Young Master Yun and thus, previously sent someone over to extend an invitation. Who would have known that Wufei had misunderstood my intentions and has offended Young Master Yun; Young master is not at fault for this while Wufei cannot be blamed as well. This orphaned one should be held responsible for not making things clear instead. Since were fated to meet today, this orphaned one must apologize to Young Master Yun and explain the situation thoroughly." As he spoke, he straightened up and spoke loudly and clearly, "Young Master Yun, I apologize. The affair earlier was all this orphaned ones mistake." Han Wufei, who was standing by the side, was shocked. Although he belonged somewhere else and was not sincerely serving the crown prince, he was still grateful to see the crown princes actions. He knew the crown prince was putting a front just to win people over but it was definitely not easy for an empires crown prince to stoop to such a low position. He was really doing what others could not have done and enduring what others could not have endured! Yun Yang bowed as he said, "Your Highness has spoken fairly. Just like what Your Highness has said, it was just a simple misunderstanding the other day. There is no need to be so official and ceremonious." The crown prince smiled but was inwardly critical of this young man, "Small misunderstanding? It was because of your small misunderstanding that this orphaned one is in such an uncomfortable position these days. Doubt was written on the civil and military officials faces when they look at me." That has almost put this orphaned one on a grill to be barbecued. You have it easy, speaking of this as a small misunderstanding, but can this orphaned one not manage it carefully? I have to be this ceremonious and official to reflect my generosity and my absolute lack of ill intention! The criticism remained internal as the crown prince wore an amicable expression. He chuckled again and said, "Since Young Master Yun takes no offense, an encounter is always preferred to an arranged meeting, does Young Master Yun have the disposition to have a drink with this orphaned one?" 151 Willfully Offensive Yun Yangs gaze flickered with indecipherable intent as he said, "Since Your Highness is in the mood, this subordinate will definitely be glad to offer you company. However, it would only be reasonable if this young brother plays the part of the host. Come, come, let us go to the Cirrus House. I am more familiar with the amenities there." Han Wufei hollered in outrage, "How dare you! Have you forgotten the status that the crown prince holds C how can His Highness go to such a lowly place of dirt and carnal pleasures with you?" A person of the crown princes nobility would definitely be chastised by the censorship board tomorrow if he did actually go to the Cirrus House. No matter how innocent and righteous the Cirrus House was in its business dealings, it remained a brothel in the eyes of the public. The impression would not negate itself just because the people in the place did not sell themselves for pleasure. Nonetheless, Han Wufeis words were offensive, as he had obviously intended them to be. Yun Yang smirked after he heard his words. "If Your Highness does not wish to or can''t go, you can just say so. Why resort to such unpleasant words? I am sincerely inviting the crown prince to drink and trying to be a good host. Are sincere invitations not to be accepted these days?" The crown prince frowned slightly. Someone beside him stepped in quickly and replied politely with a smile, "Perhaps Young Master Yun was unaware, but if His Highness were to go to the Cirrus House, his reputation would be tarnished. I am not entirely surprised that Young Master Yun was not aware of this, as Young Master Yun is not an official of the imperial court. It is a perfectly normal mistake, I wouldn''t worry about it if I were you." Yun Yang raised his eyebrows and said, "Do you mean to say I am an incapable idiot with a penchant for self-degradation? And that I harbor the ill intention to pull His Highness along into the mire?" The crowd was taken aback upon hearing those words. No one had expected Yun Yang to be so sharp-tongued and tactless in his speech. The person who had stepped out in an attempt to defuse the situation flushed an angry red, rendered dumbfounded and speechless on the spot. He had meant to contain the snip in his words but who would expose the implication behind them in front of everyone? The crown prince remained smiling as he chuckled softly and said, "Young Master Yun has taken their words too literally. This orphaned one has long heard of the Cirrus House, but due to my social status, have been unable to visit the place. Young Master Yun is carefree in his temperament and free to move around as he will; this is being truly unfettered, a freedom that this orphaned one can only be envious of." Yun Yang said in reply, "Your Highness words have demonstrated yet again the bearing of a nations future leader. Yun Yang is utterly impressed. Still, the two followers of yours can really anger someone with their ways of speaking. One uttered unpleasant words while another mocked that Im not an official and cant be one. I am not a fool, how can I not discern the implications of their words? Please forgive my direct way of speaking but the constant company of these two people by Your Highness side might only bring you detriment and no benefit. The only they can probably do is to help Your Highness to lower your status." The expressions of both men in question twisted in rage but before they could speak, Yun Yang continued, "I am only speaking the truth. I have only had two encounters with Your Highness be it directly or indirectly but Ive been offended both times. Of course, Your Highness can be forgiving and ignore it as Your Highness is immensely generous but I truly feel that these two fellows might actually have been sent to you by some hostile force as a means of sabotage by offending everyone for you. Your Highness must be wary of this; one must not harbor the heart to harm others but one must never be without the heart to guard against others! Who knows, others might just be waiting to benefit from one of your mishaps!" The smile that had been hanging by the corners of the crown princes lips disappeared completely once Yun Yang finished speaking. It was a weapon of mass destruction C he had nicely roped in all the princes at once. This uncouth youth''s way with words was debatable, but his ability to stir up trouble was certainly formidable. The crown prince inhaled and recovered his warm smile. "Brother Yun has spoken too seriously. Since its not feasible for Brother Yun today, let us gather again another day. I shall send the invitation to Young Master Yuns residence and Young Master Yun must honor my invitation then!" Facing such a fickle fellow, the crown prince was also unable to bear with him. If this went on, he really had no idea what frightening words might be said in public. Yun Yang replied, "I did not say that its not feasible for me today. Didn''t I just offer to be the host and entertain you? How can that be unfeasible? Your Highness has misunderstood me." The spectators standing around gawked at this fellow like he was a lunatic. A majority of those present secretly felt that this child was an exotic fool, utterly unique in these parts! His Highness the crown prince has already given you so much face and had spoken so courteously, yet you actually dared to say, "I didnt say it wasn''t feasible for me." This was outrageous. The entourage from the crown princes residence was looking on with murder in their eyes C Misunderstood? Misunderstood your *ss! The crown prince tried his hardest to maintain the smile on his face as he replied, "Then what does Brother Yun mean to do?" "It is fate that we met today. Since we are so fated, how can we not drink to our hearts content? Speaking of places to drink in Tiantang City, there is no place that can rival the Cirrus House. Since it is inconvenient for Your Highness to visit the place openly, why not disguise yourself? You wouldn''t need to worry, I am very highly regarded in Cirrus House. Ill definitely make Your Highness feel at home and enjoy yourself so much that you forget about going back, as will yearn to return again" Yun Yang grew excited in the telling of his idea. The crown prince was utterly speechless as he watched the curious expressions of those around him. Would it still work for me to go in disguise when so many people have overheard our conversation? AS to feeling at home and enjoying myself so much that I forget about going back, as well as a yearning to return again are these really the things you should say as the sole descendant of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds? When the crown prince left, he felt his mind in a muddle. He had long heard about this rascals reputation as a popinjay but he had never expected that this bastards emotional quotient was so low! He was the sole descendant of Marquis Yun but he behaved like a boor. He was utterly hopeless! In a nutshell, what in the blazes had just happened? Han Wufei and the others who were beside the crown prince had their faces coated in anger. As long as the crown prince gave his order, they could immediately turn and swallow Yun Yang whole even if the deed was to be done in broad daylight. However, the crown prince was deep in thought as he walked. He finally remembered something. "This isnt right." His Highness frowned and muttered in a low voice, "Although Yun Yangs reputation as a popinjay has been spread previously, nothing bad about him has come out. This is the first concern. Number two, how can someone that Ling Xiaozui has acknowledged be so ordinary? His intention today was to anger me so as to confuse me and interfere with my judgment." "But why does he want to anger me intentionally?" The crown prince was stumped. A scholar, a young man just in his thirties who had not spoken beside him said smiling, "It might not be to intentionally anger Your Highness. Perhaps I should say that no matter which prince this Young Master Yun has met today, hell do exactly the same." The crown prince seemed to be enlightened but he was still perplexed. "Please explain, sir." The middle-aged scholar said, "There is only one purpose of Yun Yang doing so that is to have all the princes, including Your Highness, to give up looking for him." "Hes purposefully distancing himself from the royalty, refusing to be involved with anything to do with them." The scholar continued, "What he has done today seems to have offended Your Highness greatly. The truth is that he has just angered Your Highness slightly, and Your Highness wont truly put him at fault nor resent him. After this, the other princes will know that it wasnt a success even when the crown prince has stepped up himself Therefore, Yun Yang can bask in his peace from then onwards, watching the competition and doing as he pleases" "In any case, no matter how much a popinjay he is, he still has Marquis Yun to depend on. Marquis Yun is His Majestys sworn brother after all. Regardless which prince it is who has won the influence, in the end, he can be carefree as long as His Majesty and Marquis Yun are here!" The middle-aged scholar smiled. "The biggest significance of him doing so is still to pull Marquis Yun out of this gigantic whirlpool This is a smart way to play safe, a way to survive as the sole descendant of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds! He may look like a popinjay but he can be said to be very wise indeed." "I see." It finally dawned on the crown prince. "However, since we now know of the intention of this Marquis Yuns young master" The scholar continued with a smile, "It is a good thing that other princes dare not make their moves at this point in time. Your Highness can still afford to pull some tricks to win over the family of Marquis Yun. Furthermore, this can be accomplished through Young Master Yun." The crown prince thought and asked, "How would I do that?" "Your Highness has said something very ingenious just now." The middle-aged scholar tried to recall the conversation, "Yes, you said you would send him an invitation. That is a stroke of genius indeed." The crown prince caught on as he chuckled and clapped his hands in delight. "Not bad, not bad at all." A frown immediately followed the smile. "However, if another mishap crops up" "It will be fine. Your Highness can carry to send the invitations. It is his choice to decide what he does with it, but how we handle it is our bearing." The scholar smiled confidently. "Even if he remains unaffected, its fine too. When Marquis Yun returns and finds out that his son has offended all the princes and only the crown prince has been forgiving all along, showing an effort to be friendly even what does Your Highness think Marquis Yuns reaction will be?" He smiled with squinted eyes and said, "Theres been a saying that goes, regarding the child means regarding the parents. It was an appropriate reference to Marquis Yun. By then, even if we cant win over Marquis Yun, at least he wont make an enemy out of Your Highness!" The crown prince was truly enlightened this time as he smiled saying, "Wonderful, wonderful! Sirs tactics are marvelous indeed; subduing the enemys army without even lifting a finger to fight. You, sir, are really this orphaned ones right-hand man, a constructive official!" "No, no." The scholar smiled in self-deprecating modesty. Yun Yangs gaze was deep and his thoughts unknown to anyone as he watched the crown prince leave. With some effort, he assumed an undisturbed manner and let his aristocratic grace roam his surrounding. He then went to Cirrus House himself. The middle-aged scholar had only gotten half of the reason behind Yun Yangs action right. As for the other half "There is only discomfort and strangeness when being with these so-called princes" Yun Yang muttered to himself, "Big brother fights in the war, bathing in blood and puts his life at stake. That costume should be his!" Yun Yang was cranky and a little pushy regarding this issue. He knew that if he apologized and went along with the crown prince, it would greatly benefit his plan but it was not in his mind to correct his obstinacy. So what if I have offended you? I cant bear to see those robes on you! What are you going to do about it? Even if you were a good person, I cant bring myself to look at you! Im pushy, so what? 152 A Poison Without an Antidote "No matter how much I dislike him, this crown prince is still a shrewd character, despite looking like he doesnt know of the difficulties of the outside world after staying in the palace for so long." Yun Yang thought, "Lets see what hell do then!" "It would be best for him not to bother me but if he really does, Ill just go along with my plans." At the Residence of Qiu, Qiu Jianhan, who had parted with Yun Yang for only a few days, had gotten considerably thinner. It was one thing to listen to what Yun Yang had said and another to prove that the emperor had been poisoned. It was a crucial issue, after all, so the emperor and the old marshal had decided to take matters into their own hands after lengthy discussions; they could not just listen to whatever Yun Yang, as a child, said! Is the situation critical just because you said it is? What if Yun Yang was just exaggerating to emphasize his own importance? Both the emperor and the old marshal had thought about the possibility before. The highest merit one could receive in life was none other than saving the emperor but it was two different thing to soothe the emperors condition and to save the emperors life! While Yun Yang was questioning their absence,Yutangs top-tier physician had come to the marshals residence. Hands of the Saint C You Tiexin. Despite the noble title, he had another moniker. Everyone called him Three-Inch You out of respect for his exceptional skills in a particular healing art. A golden needle of three inches dictated life and death C a persons life and death could be speculated, decided, and salvaged; all within three inches. The old, saintly physician had spent his life working with acupuncture needles; his healing hands had saved the people of this world for almost seventy years, the toll his holy deeds took on him were evident in the silver strands within his beard and hair. This old man was Qiu Jianhans sworn brother, one of the few people whom Qiu Jianhan trusted the most in this world. If it were not for Old Marshal Qius relationship with him, Old You might not have come. If the invitation had been from the emperor alone, it would have been even worse. He might have come, but he would have taken his time about it. His Majesty was laying in his bed now, the old marshal looking at You Tiexin who was seated in front of the bed nervously. You Tiexins face was grim as he cultivated the Inquisition Way of the Heavenly Physician; a gush of unique mystical Qi that was brimming with vitality coursed through the emperors meridians. After a while, Old You retracted his mystical Qi and sighed softly. With a raise of his right hand, a total of a hundred and eight golden acupuncture needles embedded themselves in the emperor from head to toe. His Majesty had turned into a human porcupine within the blink of an eye. You Tiexin took a deep breath. It had been but a moment but this saintly physicians face was already covered in droplets of sweat; just the action of spreading the needles had depleted more than ninety-five percent of his mystical Qi! Logically, Old You should have meditated to readjust his breath and recover his condition first. Depleting more than a ninth of mystical Qi at once would damage any cultivators basic Qi; it was no exception even when Old Yous cultivated mystical skill was attuned to the healing arts. Yet Saintly Physician You forced himself to breathe again as his ten fingers blurred in frenzied motion, gracefully weaving his skill. His fingers moved deftly around the emperors body C pressing, pulling, poking, shaking, and jerking The hundred and eight needles were accompanied by a hundred and eight different techniques as they went completely through His Majestys body. The blurring shadows of his fast motions disappeared abruptly, You Tiexin was panting harshly but he did not slow down. Another golden needle appeared in his right hand; without a sound, it pierced the tip of the emperors left index finger with a cold, glimmering flash. Buzz, buzz. The hundred and eight needles that were stationary suddenly trembled on the emperors body, buzzing loudly when the last golden needle pierced the Emperor''s skin. Immediately, a black line, visible to the eyes, coursed speedily towards the index finger following the meridians of the emperors left hand. Finally, a drop of black blood spurted out. You Tiexin urgently caught it in a tiny jade bottle that was only the size of a finger pad. The acupuncture needles were still trembling but the black line had been stopped in its tracks. It remained frozen for a short while before it slowly faded away. A moment later, the black line was thoroughly gone while His Majestys skin returned to its original color as if nothing had happened. The golden needles continued to buzz, but nothing else happened to the emperors body. A long while later, the golden needles finally quieted down. You Tiexin had expended all that he had, sweating profusely and puffing violently; his vision was slightly blurry from his efforts. It was an effect of forcefully performing the acupuncture despite expending most of his mystical Qi. The old saintly physician made an effort to control himself and extracted all the golden needles from His Majestys body; before he could keep them into the box though, he collapsed onto the floor as sweat drenched his entire being, draining the color from his face. The needles he had just extracted lay scattered all across the floor. Qiu Jianhan was shocked, scurrying over to hold him and transferring a flow of refined mystical Qi into You Tiexins meridians. The mystical skill the old marshal cultivated was different from Old Yous, so he could not have helped when Old You was performing the acupuncture. However, the old marshals skills were sufficient to help Old You. Now, he could at least refill his damaged basic Qi. After some time, You Tiexin had finally regained his calm composure. His Majesty had sat up from his bed as well, his gaze directed at You Tiexin. Somberness tinged his gaze. Although he had made an effort to put up an indifferent front, he could not do it C even though he was the emperor of an empire. The fact that the poisoning attempt came from the inner court of the palace had still hit this astute emperor of magnificence with the pang of a piercing heartache! You Tiexin finally opened his eyes; his vision brimming with a strong sense of exhaustion. "How was it?" Qiu Jianhan was hopeful. You Tiexin did not answer but held onto the tiny jade bottle. White fog emanated from his entire body as the unique mystical Qi of Inquisition Way of Heavenly Physician was activated once more. After a moment, he put the jade bottle down. As Qiu Jianhan and His Majesty directed their eyes to it, they could see that the drop of blood in the jade bottle was gone. Replacing it was various colors of mist dancing around the bottle. Looking at the colors of the mist within the jade bottle, You Tiexins expression grew heavier. "Theres a total of twelve colors" You Tiexin was finally sure of the poisons composition but the first thing he had done was to sigh. The old marshal was perplexed. "What does that mean?" "If there is only one color in the bottle, it means that this person is not poisoned and that would be the color this person possesses. The more colors there are, it means that the more types of poison there are in the body." You Tiexin rubbed his temples, troubled and clearly uncomfortable. "In other words, the poison in His Majestys body isnt just one type, its a mixed poison. It should be medicines that are harmless when you only take one or a few types together, they can be beneficial even. However, when all twelve types of medicines are mixed together, it evolves to this present frightening lethal poison after such a long time" Both the old marshal and the emperor looked aghast. "This means that Your Majesty has to go through at least eleven different procedures to be able to be poisoned. And the consumption must have been over all these years too, to achieve this state." You Tiexin shook his head. "How can something so outrageous happen in the inner court of the palace? Its ridiculous and unimaginable!" Both the other men were speechless as the exchanged glances; their looks of consternation were precisely because of this issue and its severity. If he was only poisoned at one place, it was still reasonable. Now though eleven different spots! This was beyond worrying. It was absolutely terrifying! "If there had been only one type, it would be nothing worth mentioning. But there are at least eleven types of medicines. The effects of the poison from combining all of them can be more petrifying than the most venomous poison in this world, the Ghostly Bane! With Your Majestys cultivation base, even if Your Majesty had been accidentally poisoned with the Ghostly Bane, there would still be a point of return. Well, timely help and an appropriate remedy would help greatly as well. But this poison" You Tiexin sighed. Qiu Jianhan immediately turned pale. The legendary Ghostly Bane poisoned one without leaving a trace; the process was without a hint. When this poison came to its boiling point, the victim would turn into a foggy mist, entirely losing cohesion and ceasing to exist. That was how the name Ghostly Bane came about. It was also an immensely toxic poison that all the experts of Tianxuan Continent were wary of. That was how the Ghostly Bane was crowned as the holder of the throne in the way of venoms in Tianxuan Continent. However, it seemed that such an extreme poison paled in comparison to the poison within His Majesty now. "Can it be cured?" The old marshals voice was shaking as he asked. The top-tier saintly physician of Yutang, who could tackle even the Ghostly Bane - was there something he could do? A sense of helplessness surfaced on You Tiexins face. "No." Bam! Qiu Jianhan dropped himself onto the chair in a senseless heap, stricken by the news. "Not only is it incurable, there is something else" You Tiexin said, "The complexity of this poison has gone beyond the intricate craftsmanship that excels nature. Disregarding my standpoint, even this old man would be eager to possess this poison. With that, I conclude that person who possesses this poisons recipe must not be any ordinary character!" "Someone who can possess this recipe and can use it" You Tiexins facial muscles jerk. "This old man cannot imagine how strong of a force we are going up against." His Majesty, true to his noble bearings, did not display any outward signs of dismay. He stood up silently and said softly, "I am not afraid of death. Its a pity but such is my lot in life. It can only be so." "What pains me most is the continued existence of the person who poisoned me." A weak smile hung on His Majestys face. "The person who can do so and is able to do so it must be one of the people Im the closest with and trust the most." He took in a deep breath. "Yutang!" "It is now stricken with war externally and traitors internally. The thousand-mile stretch of land on the east is barren with drought, no crops can be harvested; the south is being drowned in a rainy deluge, the people there stripped of their shelters. How can I leave in relief when this country is about to be torn apart? How can I willingly shut my eyes to its plight?" The emperors gaze was solemn. "Is there truly no remedy? Truly nothing that we can try?" The old marshal looked at You Tiexin hopelessly, feeling his heart trembling with fear. 153 Young Master Yun, Pills! You Tiexin lowered his head solemnly; he actually dared not return the gaze of his old friend, Old Marshal Qiu. He did not speak but his reaction had conveyed more than words ever could. "Perhaps you cant remedy it, but what about others?" The old marshal refused to give up hope. "Based on what I know about this poison, there is no one in this world who can cure it. Even the person who poisoned His Majesty himself may not have the antidote!" You Tiexin spoke with conviction, utterly certain about his analysis. This was the self-confidence that Saintly Physician You had built from his years of practicing medicine. However, it was also this self-confidence that dealt a devastating blow to the old marshal. Amidst the silence, You Tiexin thought of something and spoke with some hesitation, "Theres still one more thing. Your Majesty, please do not be unduly upset." "What is it?" His Majestys voice was calm. "Your Majesty has been poisoned for over ten years. The poison has merged with the bloodstream, flowing along the meridians and mystical Qi. In other words, this poison has become part of your body as well." You Tiexin stammered, slightly apprehensive to continue; he finally sucked in a breath and continued, "Within these ten years, if there were any heirs born princes or princesses" The emperors expression changed in a flash. "What about them?" You Tiexin lowered his head; he spoke softly but his words were clear. "They may be affected as well." Wham! The emperors palm struck an offending table, smashing it to smithereens. His Majesty shook violently as he swayed on his feet. The hard blow had finally roused the hopelessness within His Majesty''s being. He had known the pleasure of so many consorts in these past ten years. As a healthy man in his prime, one that had base needs and excellent mystical skills, how could the emperors heirs be in short supply? There were approximately twenty princes and princesses who had been born during this period of time. If these children were all His Majesty dared not entertain the inevitable thought, his face turning pale from just the suggestion of it. Qiu Jianhan stared mutely for a moment before he suddenly sprung up to his feet. "Go! Ask for Young Master Yun!" "I don''t give two hoots about whatever he is doing, send him over immediately!" The old marshal was panting harshly, his eyes bloodshot; he was near to breaking down in a state of hysteria. Yun Yangs information had been proven to be true yet this knowledge had come, leaving them utterly defenseless! When Yun Yang had said the emperors physical state was bad, the old marshal acknowledged the severity of it but did not think of it as incurable. He thought that he could still depend on his sworn brother C the top-tier saintly physician of the times, You Tiexin! Yun Yang was a young man after all. Despite his experience and capability, his overall ability was still weak. Even if he had not been exaggerating, the situation might not be as hopeless as he had painted. Once the diagnosis confirmed that the emperor was poisoned and the type of poison was determined, how could there be a poison in this world that You Tiexin could not remedy? However, the truth was that You Tiexin was unable to do so. What was worse was that there might be no one else in the world who could. The old marshals only hope now was Yun Yang. For now, he was the last life-saving straw! When Yun Yang arrived, he saw the emperor standing before the window with his arms against his back. Qiu Jianhan and another individual were sitting in the room looking like they had lost their parents. "What has happened?" Yun Yang smiled. "Old sir must have had something on to summon me here" "What fool are you trying to play?" Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan pulled him over and slapped the back of his head, as his scolding scalded the young man''s ears, "How can you not know why I called you here? Quickly, speak of what methods you have! If you beat around the bush, I swear Ill kill you right here." Yun Yang braced the back of his head speechlessly. It was the first time that the young master had encountered someone pleading for help with open hostility. For a brief moment, Yun Yang was tempted to turn and leave, or at least assume an arrogant attitude. If he delayed the old marshal''s efforts for a few days, the old man would know why he should not simply slap Yun Yangs head. However, the person in question was the emperor. Even if the issue had nothing to do with the Empire of Yutang, the emperor was still his big brother Supreme Earths father. He could not avoid trying to save him; not only did he have to heal him, he had to do it quickly and wholeheartedly! Why was the feeling so contradictory? "He has a way?" You Tiexin was peering doubtfully at Yun Yang. What could this young man before him do about such a venomous bane that he, the preeminent physician in the entire world, was helpless against? Yun Yang sat down and said collectedly, "Old Marshal, impatience wont solve anything. I need to know whats the result all of you have obtained through these past few days?" Result? The verdict was that it was Incurable. Only death waited at the end. The old marshal flushed, unable to speak for quite some time. The old marshal should not be blamed for being tactless in this entire affair. Yun Yang was just a child in the old marshals eyes, one that had just recently turned into an adult at best. He had placed more of his hope on Saintly Physician You; after all, the one poisoned was His Majesty. The most guaranteed method had to be prioritized, of course. He could tell this to anyone, but Yun Yang would never hear him admit this. This is just great! I told you about His Majestys condition and have given you the healing method but you forgot all about me immediately, finding someone else to treat him. The treatment didnt work and now you have the affront to think of me again? You Tiexin was clueless about all of these, so he naturally told of all he knew in great detail seeing as to how Yun Yang had asked. Old sir had been practicing medicine all his life; he was not one to abbreviate. His explanation was extremely detailed and meticulous. "That Ling" The old marshal was highly excited. The pills Ling Xiaozui had given were still with Yun Yang. Before the old marshal had gotten the green light from his old friend, the top-tier saintly physician, how would he dare let the emperor simply consume the medication? "Dont worry, Ive brought the pills. They are here." Yun Yang took out a jade bottle carefully. contained within it were three lustrous emerald pills. Each of them was the size of a lotus seed. The old marshals eyes darted around, feeling that something was amiss. The last time he saw it, they had only been the size of soya beans. Why did they seem to have grown? Could it be that the old man had been mistaken? You Tiexin accepted the bottle and just as he opened the cap, a rich scent of spiritual Qi could be detected. He took a deep whiff without a second word and capped the jade bottle immediately. He closed his eyes. "Good pills! Great pills!" You Tiexin exhaled deeply after a long while and looked at the three pills rather enviously, "May I ask young brother where did these three pills come from? Instead of calling them three medicinal pills, they should just be called three lives!" "Three lives?" The old marshal perked up. "What do you mean?" "These three pills arent really medicine, they dont even contain any medicinal properties." You Tiexin said with a sigh, "These are pills with the most refined air of vitality!" "Any one of these pills can revive anybody, even one who is about to die from grave injuries!" You Tiexin said. "Then give these three pills to His Majesty" the old marshal asked anxiously. You Tiexin answered, "These three pills are, without a doubt, very useful and can rescue people from deaths door but its core effect is to increase the persons vitality. This means that they can only add to His Majestys life force strengthening him all over but they are not an antidote to the poison. I dont know if Old Qiu can understand my explanation." The old marshal coughed and looked a little stumped. "I dont really get it." "These pills cant remedy the poison but can increase His Majestys immunity towards it." You Tiexin continued, "Which also means that if His Majesty can hold out to a maximum of two months right now, these three pills can make him hold on for at least another three years." "Three years?" Qiu Jianhan looked disappointed. Could it only postpone death for three years? "Old Qiu, what reaction is that? Do you know how terrible His Majestys condition is right now? Panning across the worlds most precious treasured gems, theres barely enough rare materials that can prolong His Majestys life. Its immensely invaluable that these three pills can prolong His Majestys life for three years" "Actually, if Your Majesty didnt toil so hard, it wouldn'' be difficult to maintain Your Majestys life for another five to ten years. But since your Majesty works so hard every day. the maintenance for these years of turmoil will be tricky even with the assistance of spiritual medicine; whats more, theres such a vile poison contained within the body and will endanger Your Majesty any given moment." You Tiexin sighed softly. The emperor and Old Marshal Qiu were both somber. The empire''s affairs were hectic, as issues cropped up, both internally and externally. Even when the emperor had worked so hard, the effort was still like stepping on eggshells C any careless mistake would sink the entire boat. How could His Majesty not toil hard under such circumstances? How could he let go of his work and recuperate in peace? Anyone in the nation could let their job go whenever they wanted to, but this was a privilege that the emperor would never enjoy. "Well, about that" Yun Yang coughed. These three men have just turned away to study the effects of the medicine. Is it really okay to toss this older brother aside? Could it be that this older brother is not the most important person here? This older brothers existence is far more significant than those pills His Majesty smiled softly and said good-naturedly, "Not only would I be thankful for the blessings of heaven to be able to have another three years, its a blessing in defiance of nature. I will be content with what I have." His smile was peaceful and wise, without a tinge of fear. As an emperor of an empire, the monarch of Yutang, he who should cherish life and fear death the most were so accepting of it; since they were out of his hands, he had long placed issues of life and death beyond his consideration. It was also in that same smile that something else that had not been there earlier began to show itself C it was a bite, a savage bite that came from within. "Well, I believe..." Even as Yun Yang spoke, he was shocked watching the conversation of these three people unfold. They looked like they were about to speak of the funeral three years later and were preparing right now to seek vengeance. Are they really ignoring this older brothers existence? 154 A Massacre "What are you trying to say, you rascal?" Old Marshal Qiu glared at Yun Yang, obviously dissatisfied that he was interrupting the conversation with a total disregard of the situation he was in and a total lack of awareness of his own inconsequentiality. Did you not see us adults discussing with such conviction and ambition? "I wanted to say that I can soothe the condition further with these pills" Yun Yang looked at Qiu Jianhan innocently. "The mystical skill I cultivate has a unique effect towards poisons and toxins. As long as I condition His Majestys meridians every few days, I can suppress the poisons deadly progress. I am confident about this, didnt I already prove myself the other day?" "What did you say?" Qiu Jianhan was rather skeptical of what he had just heard. Even his old friend, the top-tiered Saintly Physician You Tiexin, for whom he had such high hopes, was helpless and could do nothing. This child was affirming that he could tackle it? If you had such capability, why arent you in heaven yet? "Im speaking the truth. Ive combed through His Majestys meridians the other day. You think His Majesty can be so level-headed today if I hadn''t done that? Its because Ive subdued the poison that has gone to His Majestys head that His Majesty has regained his astuteness! Old Marshal, you cant just ignore my merits!" Yun Yang spoke with indignation of someone who has been gravely wronged. All three listeners were stunned. Old Marshal Qiu recalled the situation previously. The young man was right, of course; the emperor had been rather muddled and was not as incisive as usual. His recovery was the direct result of Yun Yangs contribution! Perhaps things were not as hopeless as they appeared to be. "Why didnt you say so earlier? Don''t you know how important it is?" Qiu Jianhan managed to sound angry despite being utterly delighted. Looking at the unreasonable old thing. Yun Yang was exasperated. "Old Marshal, we have to be reasonable That day when I began healing His Majestys body, Ive told you about the emperors condition and the counter treatment but it was you who set things aside afterward. Youve only thought of me today! No, you didnt even think of me C you only thought of the three pills! This is the third time Ive spoken about this today, did you realize?" "No, you didnt!" The old man continued to be unreasonable as he raised his hand, about to reward the young rascal with violence. "Fine, I havent said anything about it since you say so Consider that Ive forgotten to mention it, okay?" Yun Yang changed his words according to the situation at once and apologized, "It is my mistake, is it not? You, old sir, who are merciful and meritorious, I beg your forgiveness." "Then what are you muttering about? Haul yourself over here to treat His Majesty, quickly!" The old marshal huffed. He seemed to be a little flustered as well; perhaps he was abashed or experiencing some other form of a malady, but it wasn''t entirely clear what it was. Yun Yang chuckled dryly and agreed subserviently at once, looking at You Tiexin who was laughing a little and the emperor whose eyes were laced with smiles. He then went over. I truly cant mess with this old thing. "Let me try out your mystical skill and mystical Qi to get a feel of them." You Tiexin extended his hand. Yun Yang knew that there must be a reason for this old man to do so; the latter was a physician, after all, his considerations must be well- rounded. Yun Yang did not refuse nor mind and directed a flow of his mystical Qi to course through You Tiexins meridians. Before even a single round was completed, You Tiexin grew alarmed as his expression took on worried cast. His eyes were wide as they bore holes into Yun Yang; the old man was close to gasping out loud. "Alright, that is enough." You Tiexin was trembling a little, his gaze towards Yun Yang tinged with wonder. "Your Majesty, Old Marshal." You Tiexin began before mulling over his choice of words and continued again, "With these three pills and Young Master Yuns mystical skill these pills only have to be consumed every three months while allowing Young Master Yun Yang to direct his Qi in conditioning the emperor The poison in Your Majestys body will remain for at least C the safest estimation would be..." He trailed off and paused for a bit before continuing, "There isnt a need to be overly worried for at least five years. Even if Your Majesty uses mystical Qi occasionally, that would be fine as well. In addition to that, if Young Master Yuns cultivation base improves in the future, perhaps Your Majestys poison can be gradually extinguished by Young Master Yuns unique mystical skill and be cured entirely!" He heaved a calm sigh, "It is Yutangs fortune and that of the world at large!" The emperor, who had long tossed the matter of life and death aside, could not help but be delighted as well. No matter how open-minded and liberal a person was, who would really want to die if given the chance to live? Old Marshal Qiu was thrilled! If he had not made an effort to hold himself back, he might already be dancing with joy. He stepped forward and slapped Yun Yangs shoulder. "Good job, young man! Good job indeed. You will be the Empire of Yutangs national treasure in the future!" Yun Yang stepped aside to move to behind the emperor and rolled his eyes discreetly before beginning to treat His Majesty. National treasure? This older brother has always been a national treasure! The Emperor , who had consumed a pill and recuperated by Yun Yangs Endless Divine Art, stood up with good spirits. He felt lighter and more at ease than ever before this period of time as he said good-naturedly, "Looks like I shouldnt die yet! The heavens have sent me a savior." His Majesty had actually made ajoke. Qiu Jianhan could only feel the rock that was pressuring him being taken off. "Still, Your Majesty shouldnt be careless" You Tiexin advised, "Your Majesty should still be very cautious for the duration of time especially in what Your Majesty eats If the perpetrator were to realize a turn in Your Majestys situation, they might change their tactics. Were fighting an invisible enemy, after all, its better to be wary." The old saintly physician did not finish speaking but the old marshal and the emperor had both understood what he meant. His Majesty nodded gently and said grimly, "I naturally understand this." Just these five words had the hearts of You Tiexin, who had been used to life and death, and Lord Supreme Cloud, who had been flirting with death, jumped slightly. On the same night, a severe case of treason erupted in the palace. Some three hundred eunuchs, a hundred maids, including all chefs in the royal kitchen, and His Majestys three favorite consorts and their families, as well as numerous eunuchs and maids from the royal study and royal bedchamber, were all banished within this night! All of them had been beheaded in public This wave had seen a total of over eight thousand people dead. This unforeseen incident had elements of aggressiveness but what had turned heads was the strength of counterattack the targeted crowd possessed. Firstly, the inner court guards had unexpectedly faced a strong resistance when they were capturing a few head eunuchs in the palace; seven to eight of those eunuchs actually had fifth to sixth level exceptional skills. After a big fight, the inner court guards had only managed to seize all of the eunuchs, at the cost of countless casualties. They actually did not seize all of them because there were three eunuchs who had fled, wounded, charging through the defenses based on their skill & abilities. As for the maids of the three favored consorts, some of them were rather skilled too. One had managed to flee while the others were killed on the spot after a tough battle. For the consorts families, two families had been captured entirely,being caught off guard while another actually had several thousand members of the personal army. They had openly fought against the royal guards who had come to seize them and not only were they not at the lower hand, they seemed to be able to turn the tables around. It was only when the city soldiers had summoned a thirty-thousand strong troop that the family could be annihilated. After the battle, the capital city fell into a hotbed of blood and blades; the thick copper scent of blood in the air did not dissipate even after a number of days. Once the emperor was infuriated, it was true that there were many corpses scattered everywhere while blood streamed in rivers. The whole of the capital was trembling in fright. All the civil and military officials were holding their breaths, not one dared rebel. This rebellion had come so abruptly that it was extinguished even more brusquely. The fourth prince, who had entered the palace to pay his respects, was initially fine. For some reason, he had asked about this incident and the emperor had replied chillingly, "My son is rather concerned about this, is he? I wonder which close subordinate of yours has had their benefits being removed that my son has to come and ask for himself. Since youre so concerned about it, isnt it better if you sit on this throne of mine?" "Could it be that I need you to question me on how I handle things? Are you going to go further and manage a level higher just because you asked?" Facing such penetrating and exposing words, the fourth prince had fled the palace soaked in sweat and petrified beyond belief. He had left the palace and gone back to his residence, but he was still pale. His colors refusing to return to his face. The fright was immense as he got sick soon after. Not only was the threat implied in His Majestys words menacing, its core implication struck right at the fourth princes ulterior motive! Almost all the members in the palace were reorganized. On the second day, the new chef from the royal kitchen had somehow violated the emperors taboo and His Majesty had flipped the dining table out of rage. The chef was beheaded in public and a new chef was inserted in the afternoon. There was also hearsay that the empress had pleaded mercy for one of the consorts and the reply had only been the icy-cold gaze from His Majesty. After that, the empress was grounded and had never exited Longevity Palace ever since. It was also hearsay that she might not be able to come out for the following year! "There is only about half that has been annihilated this time" The emperor and Old Marshal Qiu had met in secret on one of the nights after the incident had passed as the former said bluntly, "I know who the rest are but we cant wipe them all out now." Qiu Jianhan replied in a comforting manner, "Its already an absolute delight to have Your Majestys health saved. We have lots of opportunities to work out the accounts with these fellows in the future. There is no need to be impatient indeed. It would utterly fail if we roused their alert instead!" "Agreed!" 155 The Emperor’s Trick While the emperor was enjoying Young Master Yuns mystical skill massage, he felt an inexplicable urge to test the fellow''s intelligence. He asked, "Yun Yang, let''s just say that the royal treasury is empty. Not only is it insufficient to cover the armys salary and rewards, the flood needs plenty of silver taels for disaster relief. What should be done about this?" Yun Yang was distracted, his head wrapped around the portrait in the emperors royal study, and answered without really thinking of his response. "I don''t really see the problem, actually. Just a few small actions and everything will be solved. Since Your Majesty is not exactly done with the massacre yet, whoever dares to object will also be the first to die. Your Majesty can use the naysayer as an abject lesson; I believe that this person who raises his voice to object would probably be in the opposite camp as well. Your Majesty can confiscate his property and that could be of help to the current issue." When the emperor and Old Marshal Qiu heard Yun Yangs countermeasure, they both exchanged looks of surprise. This child''s idea was extremely efficient! He could gauge precisely what was happening in the imperial court and his ways were savage hitting the bullseye right on the dot. What a talent! The last suggestion to confiscate the objectors wealth was nothing short of breathing life into the idea as a great finishing touch! "Yun Yang,have you ever thought of being an official in the imperial court?" His Majesty asked nonchalantly. "Oh, no." Yun Yang was shocked. "If I were to become an official, I am certain that I would be beheaded by Your Majesty within a few days of my appointment. This nephew is extraordinarily irritating and offensive; being an official will just mean that I will officially be the source of many problems. Its better to just save yourself the trouble" His Majesty and Old Marshal Qiu chortled and clapped their hands together. Both of them did not think of Yun Yangs refusal as an act of disobedience. Ironically, his answer was within reason. If one were to think about it at length, the young man was truly not suited to be an official. If he were to be put into a crowd, he would immediately become the common enemy. The idea of making Yun Yang an official, be it civil or military, was discarded like so much trash. The next day, at the morning assembly, His Majesty raised two items of concern. The first was about the armys salary, pension, and rewards while the second was concerning the monetary relief after the flood. The sudden introduction of these two pressing matters almost made the President of the Board of Revenue dissolve into a frenzy. Your Majesty, you only have so little money left. Its not enough to spend, no matter how you tackle these issues! Even if you physically divide a copper coin into eight pieces, it still wouldn''t be enough! It wasn''t long before someone from the civil party had stepped forward and said that the nations affairs and its people should be prioritized, while the army could put up with a shortage for a few months. It was also assumed that they should understand about the whole affair as well. Usually, this would be the beginning of a heated daily debate but the emperor''s mood today was significantly different. In a fit of rage, he hollered his order for that hapless official to be arrested. "What I need during the discussion of state affairs is for all of you to come up with ideas and strategies, not pushing things around while shirking your responsibilities. I need a well-rounded strategy that takes care of both sides, not your flowery words of justice and morality to disappoint my loyal army!" Under the frightened gazes of the officials, the emperor stood up abruptly. He lorded over the court with arms behind his back and said unhurriedly, "Seize him! Raid his residence and conscript all the family members to the military!" "Your Majesty, please have mercy!" A group of people wailed in abject terror. "The warriors need to be rewarded while the deluge needs to be managed. The empire is troubled, swaying amidst storms. Desperate time calls for desperate measures! Otherwise, how can we subdue the voices of rebellion and tackle the external threat together?" "We can still think our way out of a lack of wealth, but without the army and our people, is there still an Empire of Yutang?" "This fiend shirks his responsibilities and banters endlessly about the most trivial of things. How can the army be placated if he is not punished? How can Yutangs law be enforced if he is not executed?" "Raid this fiends residence and confiscate all the silver taels to place in the treasury; the Board of Revenue is to shuffle it to where they are needed. I would also like to organize a donation drive here. I shall cut down the budget of the palace for the coming three years and that will save us around a million silver taels in expenditure. My dear civil and military officials, all of you should chip in what you can as well. In addition, some unnecessary items in the palace will be put up for auction." "Your Majesty, this cannot be done!" A censor sprung up to his feet to object. "Your Majestys actions will damage the eminence of the royalty greatly. Please reconsider, Your Majesty." The emperor continued without missing a beat. "The army that is putting their lives at stake at the border are without salary, the warriors who have perished in foreign lands are without pension, the generals and soldiers who have contributed tirelessly are without reward. How can there be eminence without their sacrifices and contributions? Where the deluge struck, lives were lost; those that perished are all people of Yutang. They are the foundation of Yutang and they are about to be eradicated! The Empire of Yutang is wholly submerged within storms and near to collapse; the empire is about to be an empire no more and you still wish to speak about eminence to me?" "If the empire were to vanish, what would be left of the royalty''s eminence? Are you speaking on my behalf or are you reluctant to part with your wealth? Guards, seize this fiend! Chase him out of the palace and behead him in public!" The were to be two beheadings, both of them of the officials, simultaneously! "My dear officials are my indispensable arms, the very pillars of this empire. Let us talk about the donation drive. Just mention a number. Of course, dont deplete the very core of your family''s wealth; I would be deeply unsettled if you do so. Just do what you can." All the officials were stunned. This did not seem right. It had been five years since his Majesty had resorted to such dire measures. His actions today seemed to have surpassed the nature of direness, and had wandered into the region of reckless bullying. The emperor would not compromise on his decision. There would be no room for denial and refusal! Not agreeable to this? Certainly. Guards, off with his head. Raid his residence while you''re at it. Youll be stripped of your wealth and your life. Then the idea of a donation came about. Will you not donate? If you do, His Majesty wins. If you dont, be prepared to receive an abject lesson. Would you want to end up with nothing and be called a fiend? No? Then be good and obey orders. "This official is willing to donate one million silver taels." Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was the first to start the ball rolling. "This official is willing to donate one million silver taels." It was Leng Daoyin. "This official is willing to donate one million silver taels." The Grand Commandant was fast to add on his generosity. All the civil officials rolled their eyes. These three militants are f*cking loathsome. Do you think we aren''t aware of your background? Despite your considerable salaries and allowances, most of your wealth has been used to aid the veterans and families of fallen warriors. Where will you fools get this much money? Where did your one million silver taels come from? If you folks are so amazing, why haven''t you ascended to immortality yet? Please don''t get us wrong, we aren''t belittling you. If the three of you old men can gather five hundred thousand silver taels, wed all be willing to hang ourselves together. They were obviously being asked to do so by the emperor but they had forced the rest of the officials into a corner. "These three dearest officials are my right-hand men indeed. I am much comforted!" The emperor was delighted. "This old official doesnt have much and have little saved throughout these years. I will donate five hundred thousand silver taels," The Grand Tutor sighed softly. There were already three influential figures leading from the military side; they had come in with such momentum as if they had nothing to lose... If no one stepped out to be a representative from the civil side, would the imperial court not be overwhelmingly dominated by the militants in future? It would be a landslide dominance that would include the emperor as well. This could never be. Therefore, no matter how reluctant the Grand Tutor was, he had no choice but to lead the charge with five hundred thousand silver taels. "This official is willing to donate a hundred thousand taels." "This official is willing to donate two hundred thousand taels." This was exactly the method Yun Yang had thought of the previous night. "Your Majesty can raise the issue of insufficient funds in the morning assembly. If I know the people well enough, there will definitely be someone who objects based on extremely petty matters. Your Majesty can wipe this sh*t away and confiscate his properties to be absorbed into the Board of Revenue. Then Your Majesty can suggest a donation drive among the officials; I believe there will still be someone wholl make a fuss about it. If this persons standpoint is sound or if its someone Your Majesty doesnt want to kill, Your Majesty can just chastise him. But if the person is coincidentally one whos ignorant and someone Your Majesty has been wanting to put an end to, Your Majesty can kill another one of these nay-sayers. As long as both old marshals take part, you will have them all in the palm of your hand. At least it can quell this emergency; the officials in the imperial court are rather wealthy anyway." "Who isn''t afraid of dying? How many can there be who will give up their lives and not their wealth? I recall Your Majesty has used the same trick before in the past." The emperor was exasperated then. He had indeed used the same trick prior to this, but how could he bear it when this child spoke so nonchalantly of it? He had to retain some of his dignity as well. That was why the emperor had asked if Yun Yang wanted to be an official. As long as you have the urge to become an official and when you have really become one, I can poke at your honesty whenever I need to. Yun Yang had, of course, surprisingly but reasonably rejected the offer. Then came the farce in the morning assembly. The scene in the morning assembly was a leader who was steadfast and brutally resolute, making the officials reminisce about a long forgotten memory. His Majesty had done the same all those years ago; he had been so assertive in his authority that his majesty was not to be questioned. However, time had passed since then and the emperor had never been so unreasonable. Most of the time, he was both benevolent and authoritative, generous with his rewards yet stern in his punishments. His measures in recent years had grown even gentler and rarely would he actually behead someone. Why had he resorted to such extreme measures today? At that moment, all the officials experienced a sense of dj vu of an emperor who had managed his empire with an iron fist many years ago. They then fell into submission instantly, without hesitation. "This official is willing to donate" The last one to speak was the President of the Board of Punishments, Wu Lie. President Wu was flustered as he struggled to speak, "This official is willing to donate a hundred silver taels." The amount of wealth offered by the previous officials numbered between a hundred to five hundred thousand taels. Not a single one of them had come up with a lower figure; who would have known that the President of the Board of Punishments would actually come up with a meager sum of a hundred taels? 156 An Impartial Arbiter A handful of officials chuckled aloud, thinking that the fool had just embarrassed the emperor. Did he just utter out loud a sum of a hundred taels? This was humiliating indeed! However, those who had laughed immediately felt daggers in the glares of over several hundred pairs of eyes. One of those pairs included those of His Majesty. The President of the Board of Punishments, Wu Lie, was a rare, steel-headed gem in the Empire of Yutangs imperial court C he was an unusually scrupulous and upright official. Since he had become an official, from being aseventh rank county magistrate in the beginning to second rank president now, he had never accepted any sponsors nor leveraged on any connections. He would never agree to even a bought meal or a cup of tea! The tight constraints he placed on himself and his family were strict to the point of being unreasonable as well. "Your Majesty has appointed me to the position of an official and bestowed upon me a salary; thats the reward I should have for contributing to the imperial court! However, any other benefits aside from that are not what I should be entitled to. After dinner comes the reckoning. I, Wu Lie, cannot do wrong to the position I hold, to Your Majestys trust, and to the expectation of Yutangs people!" "This is especially true as I am the President of Board of Punishments now, overlooking the criminal laws of this empire. It becomes even more imperative that I place constraints upon myself and ensure my utter compliance in all matters!" "I will never participate in acts for my own personal gain!" "There is no extrajudicial mercy in my eyes, the law is the law! Even if the prince were to go against the law, he needs to be punished like any other citizen." Criminal cases in the Empire of Yutang had indeed decreased significantly in the years after Sir Wu had been promoted to the position he held now; the unlawful activities of other officials had been quietly resolved as well. No one dared to be as open and reckless as before. Sir Wu could be said to be an enforcer of the law, an individual who had, with herculean efforts, made the Empire of Yutangs law and order what it was today! Countless corrupt officials, even those who were yet to be exposed, would shudder and feel and unexplainable need to admit their dastardly deeds whenever they saw him. However, this Sir Wu had been stricken by continuous mishaps. First was his wife whose legs had been hacked off as a form of revenge before she passed the age of thirty when Wu Lie was still a Deputy Minister of the Board of Punishments; later investigation showed that not only were her legs handicapped, she had been poisoned. This had resulted in paralysis, relegating her to the status of the living dead. His son had been kidnapped for revenge as well. Despite being returned alive, he was weak and often fell ill; he had also been poisoned to the point of blindness. He had not grown any better to this day, and his life was sustained through the use of medicine. The medications used to prolong his wifes life cost a princely sum indeed. These incidents had caused Sir Wus life to be extremely difficult throughout all these years. Kind-hearted folks who could not bear to see the righteous man''s suffering would sometimes send a bag of silver taels to the courtyard of his house discreetly in the middle of the night, but he would throw it out without hesitation whenever he discovered them! Whether the intention was out of kindness or otherwise, Sir Wu was insistent that he did not wish to receive any wealth that he had no right to. Even if he had to die from poverty or hunger, he did not want them. In reality, Yun Yang, as Supreme Cloud, had assigned his men to send silver or gold taels to Sir Wus house several times in the past. Even when he was being told that it was a gift from the Nine Supremes, Sir Wu still shook his head in refusal. Sometimes, he did not even accept His Majestys rewards. If he had done something well in his job, he would take the emperors reward; he only took something that he felt that he had a right to claim. If he did not believe that he had performed well enough, he would not accept the emperor''s thanks or commiseration. Sometimes, the emperor was even angered that this official had refused his generosity. It was clearly beyond his conscience to accept even a hundred taels from such an offical. "My dear Official Wu." His Majesty was indifferent towards the other officials who had donated a hundred or two hundred thousand silver taels but he could feel his heart throbbing in pain upon hearing that Wu Lie wished to donate a hundred taels. "Forget the donation. Keep the taels and take care of your daily affairs," His Majesty said gently. "All the officials have contributed to this donation drive. How can this insignificant official be exempted? It should not be so. I still have a hundred and seventeen taels and thirty-five copper coins at home. It will be enough for this months expenses." A smile surfaced on Wu Lies stern face. "But my dear officials spouse and child will still need to use some funds as well. This donation is voluntary but helping others should be based on your ability to do so." His Majesty advised gently, "Please, take it back." Wu Lie replied with a serious mien, "Your Majesty, this official knows that the hundred silver taels that this official donates is barely significant and can''t contribute to the larger plan. It can''t compare to the others, but this official is still a part of the Empire of Yutang. The empire is facing a hard time and this official assumes responsibility in helping to donate. Besides, this donation sum is this officials money. This official will donate if this official wants to, or not donate if this official doesnt want to." His words were stubborn, yet held an undeniable tone of pride. In more casual words, it was basically saying, "Your fathers money shall be spent however your father pleases. You cant f*cking restrict me Even if youre the emperor, you cant be controlling how I spend my salary!" His Majesty almost overturned the table under his hands in exasperation. Both Old Marshal Qiu and Leng Daoyin chortled; the old men laughed as they pointed at Wu Lie and said, "This is a f*cking donkey1!" Wu Lie answered stiffly, "You fellows are the donkeys! Your families are all donkeys!" The emperor guffawed, finding their exchange hilarious despite his earlier anger. Other than Wu Lie, there probably would not be anyone else who would dare to throw insults back at the military heroes, the duo of saber and sword! Not even the emperor himself dared to spew insults the way Wu Lie had. He had even said it so righteously, passionate and heroic! With his own words, it would probably go, "Your father has done no wrong to heaven and earth, the monarch nor the people! So what if you''re much more influential and skilled? Why does your father have to be afraid of you?" The civil and military officials could not suppress their laughter when they saw both marshals spluttering in indignant disbelief. These two arrogant old thugs had been making their way in the imperial court all these years; it was indeed a delight to see the both of them being soundly drubbed! "This old man is willing to donate another five hundred thousand silver taels!" An old official with gray hair stepped out. "Ill donate it even if I have to surrender my very last bit of fortune. This old man is gratified to watch these two old rascals being insulted! It is fortune well spent!" It was Chancellor Du Ruobing. The old man was beaming like a blossoming flower; he had endured both of these two old thugs cavalier ways his entire life and had thought that he would not have the chance to seek vengeance anymore since he was old and at the end of his life. Now that someone had opened the gate for him, how could he not chip in the money for the ticket? "It''s too bad that this old man only has five hundred thousand taels as my funeral fund. Otherwise, it would be worth it even if I had to chip in another one million taels!" The old chancellor looked contented and at peace with himself. His Majesty smacked his forehead with his palm. He could see that the old chancellor could die without any regrets now. Otherwise, he would not speak of things like this. The emperor had collected a lot of silver taels in this donation drive, brutally harvesting nineteen million taels in a single session. It was like gaining a fortune that fell from the sky. As His Majesty heaved a sigh of relief, he could not help thinking, "These rascals are all problematic especially afew of the bunch. If they only depend on their salary, they wouldnt be able to take out such a sum even if they fast for another hundred years. I have never heard that they have any sort of business running in their family as well. Where does this fortune that they have donated come from?" As the emperor continued to wonder, his gaze towards the handful of people turned chillingly cold. The officials were relieved that they had finally completed the donation drive personally chaired by the emperor but another headache was impending. "Next, my dear officials and I shall donate a few items to put up for auction outside. I believe we can gain some more silver taels this way. Itll probably be sufficient, in addition to the donation amount today." The emperor revealed another card, uncertain that the amount of wealth collected was sufficient for his needs. All the civil and military officials began coughing simultaneously. Your Majesty, it looks like wealth is at the top of your priorities today. The morning assembly ended. As Wu Lie exited the palace gate, Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was in front of him, blocking his way as he looked up at him. "What?" Wu Lie looked at Qiu Jianhan warily. Old Marshal Qiu was the head of the Empire of Yutangs three thugs; his recklessness had always been infamous. It was one thing for Wu Lie to retort and insult the old marshal but it would not be a surprise if the old marshal decided to pick up the tab afterward and beat him up! The old marshal snorted and threw a bag of silver taels over saying, "This is two thousand silver taels that this old man is giving to you as a loan. Remember to return them when you have money! Im lending this to you, not just giving them, understand?" He then turned to leave without another word. Wu Lie swallowed dryly as he hugged the bag of silver taels; he felt warmth gushing in his chest, rendering him unable to speak. He could not help thinking back to last night. It was late last night when Wu Lie washed his wife and fed her the medicine. He then heard his son cry a painful groan; his son had gotten up to wash but had stumbled due to his blindness. It was a difficult task to maintain his balance from being so weak, so he had crashed to the floor rather painfully. Wu Lie gave his son some medication quickly and picked him up to carry him to bed. When he was about to fall asleep from all the exhaustion, someone glided into his room like a cloud. "Sir Wu." "Who is it?" Wu Lie remained calm even then. "Sir Wu and I are familiar with each other." The person had come all dressed in black and was masked, but his voice remained friendly. "Sir Wu should have heard of me. Im Oleighth of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Wind." As he spoke, he raised his hand and wind blew softly through the room that had its windows closed. The wind danced around the room gaily, picking up items in the space it moved over and putting them back gently. Throughout the entire time, the man dressed in black had not moved his limbs except for the initial wave of his hand. "Is it really you, Supreme Wind?" Wu Lie was shaken. "Hush, there is no need to speak anymore. I can only hope that Sir Wu can keep the information that Im still alive a secret." Supreme Wind said, "Ive come today to contribute my insignificant prowess because Ive heard that Sir Wus wife and young master have been stricken with illness." Translator Note: 1donkey (¿l): an insult meant to disrespect the addressee to be as stupid as a donkey. 157 Blood of the Hero Wu Lie was very much affected by his presence. He could hear the smile in Supreme Winds words, "Sir Wu, I believe that you wont think that Ive come to bribe you, will you?" Wu Lie flushed a bright red and replied, "Of course not. Nine sirs kindness cannot be considered bribery. Even if it were to be bribery, I shall accept it shamelessly." Supreme Wind laughed at. Without further preamble, he took out a few pills and fed them to Wu Lies wife and son before cultivating to comb through their meridians. "I will come every night from now on. Your son will regain his sight about ten days from now and his eyes will recuperate to their usual state about half a month later; the poison in his body will be entirely cleansed as well. As for the mistress, I can only revive her and enhance her health; unfortunately, I can''t do anything about her broken legs. Wu Lie was near tears. After so many years, this was the first time that Wu Lie, as an impartial arbiter, was so moved. Wu Lies tears coursed suddenly as he watched as his child blink timidly and his wife sleep so peacefully for the first time in years. When he woke up from his trance, Supreme Wind was already gone. There was a note on the table, the handwriting on it terribly messy. "Man of fealty, an official of patriotism C the heaven will bless, the people will see; dedication for the empire and for its people shall forever be; take care dear sir, long live Yutang!" Recalling the scene last night, he held onto the silver taels the old marshal had tossed over. He had said it was a loan and he had to return them, since the start of the conversation. The old marshal knew that he would not accept it otherwise. My dignity is being cared for by so many people! They have carefully guarded it for me, afraid to hurt my pathetic ego. Wu Lie took in a deep breath, determination shining in his eyes. His pace was wide as he strode towards his home, hugging tightly to the silver taels. With such patriotic and devoted officials, why worry that Yutang would not regain its glory? He would do his part in realizing this greatness. When Yun Yang left his dwellings once again, he suddenly realized that Tiantang City had become much cleaner. It was already the ninth of the tenth month now. There were eleven more days before Tie Zhengs wedding. Two teams of people from other countries had already arrived and had stopped outside the city. Tie Zhengs wedding C a goblet of wine for every militant in the world; this was a huge affair for the armies all across the earth. Of course, it could also easily become a titanic event that would turn Tiantang City into a volcano waiting to erupt. Yun Yang had decided to first complete Tie Zhengs wedding before speaking of other things. After all, this goblet of wine belonged to all the militants in this world, whether they were dead or alive! They were all qualified to have a drink. Yun Yang would not allow this momentous occasion to be sabotaged by anyone. He strolled towards the promised location, stepping on the sparse, wilted leaves on the street. "Young Master Yun, youre here." Young Master Ma stood up, a warm smile on his face. "Yes, about the wine Ive booked earlier - how much of them are ready now?" Yun Yang asked gently. Young Master Ma coughed and said, "Since Young Master Yun has mentioned it two months ago, this young brother did not dare to slack and has worked all through the nights to change all the labels on the Drunken Immortal Brew we have in stock to the Blood of the Hero. Even the pots have been changed so that no one could tell the difference. Other than that, the twenty-odd branches under the Ma Family have been producing the wine day and night. There are already eighty-five thousand pots of this new Blood of Hero in stock, as of now." "How much is a pot?" Yun Yang asked. "I know, I know, weve been working around the clock during this entire period" Young Master Ma smiled amicably. "The quality has to be the best since Young Master Yun has asked it to be so. The market price for each pot is about six hundred silver taels while each pot is twenty catties in weight." Yun Yang frowned. "Six hundred taels? One pot? Twenty catties in weight? Doesnt that mean that a catty of Blood of the Hero is worth thirty silver taels? Young Master Ma, are you fellows trying to eat people alive or drink their blood?" "Of course, if Young Master Yun wants all the wine, we only need" Young Master Ma gritted his teeth and continued resolutely, "Two hundred taels for a pot is good enough! Young Master Yun, we have cut all the labor cost for this price Any lesser and our family will really not profit at all!After all, its a large sum" Yun Yang hummed softly and did not speak as he raised his cup of tea. He was mentally calculating furiously, "Eighty thousand pots will be one million and a hundred and sixty thousand catties. One catty can make three goblets of wine so therell be four million and eight hundred thousand goblets" "Not enough, by far." Yun Yang shook his head, "I need at least a hundred thousand pots of Blood of the Hero!" "Oh, my" Young Master Ma moaned. "Boss, another hundred thousand pots at this price You''ll put my family under the ground." Yun Yang looked at him coldly. At the receiving end of Yun Yangs gaze, Young Master Ma finally lowered his head in resignation. "Sigh, alright, alright..." "No need to be so disheartened." Yun Yang patted Young Master Mas shoulder. "Your family wont be at a loss, I guarantee it! When this business is done, as long as the wine from your family is not priced extravagantly and the quality is controlled your family will be renowned throughout the continent! You will have a hard time if you tried to stay poor then." Young Master Ma laughed even though he felt close to tears as he replied, "I sure hope that willcome true." "So, its a total of three million and six hundred thousand catties of wine!" Yun Yang said, "Ten taels for a catty so its a total of thirty-six million taels." Young Master Ma looked at Yun Yang pleadingly. They owned a brewery, not a bank. They really did not have so much capital to fill the gap; more than seventy percent of their familys current assets were divested everywhere as at the moment. If Yun Yang asked to put the payment on hold, he would be doomed. "I have thirty million taels right here." Yun Yang produced a stack of banknotes with a flourish. Young Master Ma heaved a sigh of relief. Although he had to lose six million taels, it was still within an acceptable range. "I will have Marshal Tie Zhengs men contact you and deal with the wedding wine." Yun Yang said unhurriedly, "Just give them the wine and ask for six million taels from them as payment." Young Master Ma lifted his head abruptly, surprise and shock was written all over his eyes. Yun Yang turned his head and said indifferently, "Are you surprised? That day will be a merry celebration for the militants of the world. This is also a day the fallen warriors in the underworldwill look forward to." "Young Master Ma, I hope you will pay very close attention to the work you are doing on this. Dont skimp on the quality and the amount must be sufficient. Dont rat me out either." Yun Yang turned and walked out of the door with his purple robe fluttering behind him. "Please." "This is the favor you fellows owe me, consider it paid today. I will not resort to blackmail anymore." Young Master Ma stood quietly in the same spot for a long while, even after Yun Yang had been long gone. "Dont you worry!" A warm feeling rose in Young Master Mas heart. "Even if the Ma Family has to be reduced to total bankruptcy, we will complete this order without a flaw." As Yun Yang was returning to the Residence of Yun, he could feel his residence emanating a chilling aura even from a distance away. He sighed in his heart. What had to come would come. He had made his peace. It was good to have solved this issue before Tie Zhengs wedding. He had been walking briskly but his pace slowed when he felt the chilling force; his mood had become calmer the nearer he got to his residence as well. In the Residence of Yuns backyard, a man in black was sitting quietly under a tree in the pavilion. Lao Mei was sprawled on the stone table; there was no way to tell if he was dead or alive. Fang Mofei looked weary and pale-faced, the front of his clothes bloodied. He was staggering, trying his best to lean against a tree. Although the man in black was sitting there, he seemed to meld and ripple in the air as his sense of existence was near to none. He was like a ball of black fog, shimmering into opacity anytime a breeze blew by. Yun Yang entered leisurely as if he did not notice the man in black. His steps were light-hearted as he approached the stone table where Lao Mei was sprawled on to check his pulse. After he was sure that the latter was only unconscious and his meridians blocked, he heaved a sigh of assurance. He then went to Fang Mofei and checked his pulse before being completely relieved. Before Yun Yang had gone back to his residence, what he hoped least to happen was that someone from his side had been killed. It would cause both parties to come to a point of no return where things would not end without one side being totally eradicated. As both of his men were merely injured, it meant that the situation could still be salvaged. It was especially so for Fang Mofei. He looked especially injured, but he had actually just suffered from the other partys punishment simply because he had not defended himself and counter-attacked. His injuries were not critical, mostly made up of superficial wounds. The man in black was still like a black mist, his face entirely veiled in fog. He seemed like he was indifferent towards Yun Yangs actions but Yun Yang could feel the persons gaze locked onto him when he was still ahundred feet away from his residence. Yun Yang casually sat in front of the man in black and said nonchalantly, "First Court King Qinguang of the ten kings in Concourse of the Underworld?" The man in black chuckled in an equally indifferent tone. "Marquis of Heavenly Clouds Young Master Yun Yang; a person of marvels, held in high regard by Ling Xiaozui." Yun Yang smiled. "I wonder what brings King Qinguang here to honor this simple residence with your presence." "I just wanted to come and have a look at your ability myself; see what it is that could make a person of my Concourse of the Underworld stay!" First Court King Qinguang chuckled icily. Even as he laughed softly, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense as if a fight was about to erupt at any moment. "If you only wanted to have a look at my ability" Yun Yang said quietly, "Did you have to resort to this?" "Of course I did." First Court King Qinguang replied. "Youre only of the fifth peak mystical Qis standard right now. This king of court shall do battle against you with the cultivation base of the fifth peak mystical Qi." "If you lose, Fang Mofei has to die. That is the price for his betrayal. The price is the same for you as well. Even if you have Ling Xiaozui''s support, you will still need to pay!" "And if I win?" Yun Yang said faintly, "What do I get then?" 158 First Court King Qinguang "If you win?" First Court King Qinguang snorted. "If you win, I shall let you all off the hook." Yun Yang was silent for a while before he spoke, "There is another condition. From now onwards, Fang Mofei will be free from the machinations of the Concourse of the Underworld!" King Qinguang sneered derisively. "You can ask for whatever you wish, as this is a battle you cannot win!" Yun Yangs expression was still as maddeningly calm as he said softly, "Very well, after you then." First Court King Qinguang chuckled softly yet his chuckle seemed like the chilling wind of hell ascending the world. The ghastly fog expanded abruptly to cover a radius of over a hundred feet, engulfing both himself and Yun Yang within it. The abrupt fog had inhibited Yun Yangs vision so much so that he could not even see his fingers in front of him. Without hesitation, Yun Yang immediately closed his eyes. His body swayed with the wind and cloud; a chilling breeze blew through the fog but Yun Yang remained unmoved, allowing the macabre wind to whisk past him. Yun Yang twitched slightly, his finger flicking out just as the ghastly wind howled across him. A soft hum emanated from the side, followed by a powerful force that came crashing from the top. Yun Yang remained stationary; his opponent''s energy had slashed at him, slicing down from head to toe in a powerful chop but until it landed on the ground, it faced no resistance. Yun Yang, who had been dealt a terrible blow, had lashed out at the same time, his palm punching out in a counterattack. His palm landed right on the leg that had crushed his body. King Qinguang made another hum of surprise before his entire being turned into a foul, billowing wind. It rapidly encircled Yun Yang as the wind took the form of sharp blades and arrows, spinning and slashing at Yun Yang from every direction at once. It was no longer an easy feat for Yun Yang to stay stationary, so he shifted his body accordingly. His body faded into illusion, as ethereal as the wind and clouds, his physique dissolving and reassembling itself at will; a head to head battle against the first court king then ensued in the fog. The more King Qinguang fought, the more he realized that there was something odd about the person he was fighting with. He could help but grow increasingly worried about this child''s ability to shift in and out of existence, an ability which almost rivaled his own. What was worse, a few of this child''s attacks had actually gotten past his defenses. Although their abilities were vastly different and Yun Yang could never actually hurt him, he still felt the keen sting of humiliation. King Qinguang could not help second guessing himself C could he really win this battle? This was the first time King Qinguang had doubted himself, especially when he was sure that he held victory within his grasp. A cold glint flashed in the mist followed by a bone-chilling growl; a colossal force suddenly exploded within the murky depths of the fog. Yun Yang groaned as he was flung away like a kite with broken thread. The chillingly thick fog immediately dissipated. Victory and defeat had been decided. Yun Yang staggered to his feet, seventy paces away in the courtyard, his gaze icy as an iceberg. He did not wipe away the blood that dripped from the corner of his mouth as he said quietly, "Youve lost." An extremely cold fog erupted right before King Qinguangs face, charged with the macabre fury of vengeful spirits. "Pressing on no matter your position? You started the battle by using mystical Qi of fifth peaks level, but in the midst of our struggle, you unleashed the Wraith of the Underworld." Yun Yang continued nonchalantly, "After three subsequent strikes, you began to use the cultivation base of the sixth peak As for the last strike, you used" Yun Yans gaze was mocking as he completed his sentence on a triumphant note. "You used the cultivation base of at least the eighth peak! You have lost the battle." "Your Highness King Qinguang." Yun Yang smiled lightly. "The Concourse of the Underworld is indeed faithful to their promises." The intense gray fog that had been roiling about the First Court King Qinguang stilled abruptly. From the solidifying fog, it was obvious that he was infuriated, but suddenly, the ghastly aura disappeared. "You have indeed won this battle." The black mist around King Qinguangs face dissipated to reveal the unremarkable face of a thirty-seven or thirty-eight-year-old man. He looked at Yun Yang with no small measure of surprise and doubt. Yun Yang smiled and walked back towards him leisurely, not at all worried that he would inflict any harm on him and said in a relaxed manner, "If theres one such day by chance, Ill let you off the hook too." King Qinguang chuckled eerily and said, "Are you not afraid of me?" Yun Yang laughed. "Why do I have to be afraid of you? Can you kill me?" First Court King Qinguang actually thought long and hard about Yun Yangs words before he sighed softly and answered, "No." He shook his head in puzzlement. "My cultivation base is at least a hundred times stronger than yours, but I sincerely believe that I wouldn''t be able to kill you. Your skill is so inexplicably bizarre, its amazing." Yun Yang replied with a smile. "Actually, my favorite thing to do is to make friends. An additional friend opens additional paths; making enemies is simply a waste of resources C not something a wise man would do." First court kings gaze glinted merrily like the flickering light of the will-o-the-wisp as he let out a strange chuckle. "My mantra is exactly the opposite of yours. All Ive done in this life is to make enemies; I have never made friends." Yun Yang questioned, "Could it be that the other nine court kings are not your friends?" King Qinguang was quiet for a bit before he replied faintly, "We are not friends." He enunciated his next words clearly, "We are brothers." King Qinguang was bewildered about the situation he found himself in. As he spoke his last few words, the expression of the young in front of him began to darken as he fell into a stony silence. He was utterly perplexed. What ails this man? Is he enchanted or stunned? Does he actually feel jealous about the words I have just spoken? Fang Mofei looked at Yun Yang worriedly from the sidelines. King Qinguang had no intention of kicking up a fuss when he came overC firstly, he had other, more important, things to do and it was not the time to complicate matters; secondly, it was an important point to the Concourse of the Underworld that Fang Mofei was the first person to willingly leave the organization. The others had either died in battle, left due to handicaps, or had taken their own lives as payment for failed missions. King Qinguang was extremely curious about this, so he had come to Fang Mofei to find out the reason behind the desertion. The latter had spoken unceasingly of Yun Yangs positive points and saving grace, babbling about how he would be willing to die for someone who understood him best. The truth and the reason that could quell King Qinguangs confusion, however, was not mentioned at all. This made King Qinguang immensely curious about this person named Yun Yang. Having met the fellow, he felt something akin to kinship, an appreciation of the similarities between them. There was another reason why King Qinguang was reluctant to give in as well. He had come with the title of king of the underworld, yet this man could not seem to be defeated, regardless of the severity of his attacks. He even had the ability to phase his body in and out of existence. In that sense, Yun Yang was more like a ghost than he himself was and that was why King Qinguang felt like they were similar as if he had finally met his own kind. Of course, the main reason behind the feeling of kinship was because he realized that he could not defeat this man. His cultivation was much higher and stronger but he was certain that he could not best this man. King Qinguang felt the sharp sting of humiliation keenly. Because of the seeming invincibility of the man, King Qinguang was certain that he was a force to be reckoned with in time to come. "Why arent you saying anything?" King Qinguang asked Yun Yang. "I am thinking of your nine brothers." Yun Yang grinned, one that held no real mirth. "I am really envious of you." His dark expression and silence were due to jealousy? "Envious? I have never made a friend, not a single one." King Qinguang said sincerely, "But if I had no choice but to form such meaningless relations, well, you would be the first on my list." Yun Yang smiled. "Truly? You regard me so highly?" "Truly!" King Qinguang was the very soul of sincerity. "I even rank you higher than Ling Xiaozui!" If this evaluation was genuine, it was one that came highly praised! Yun Yang laughed. "Since this is the result of todays battle, this issue shall be forgone once and for all. Fang Mofei" King Qinguang turned to look at the man in question and continued, "Henceforth, you shall no longer part of the affairs of the Concourse of the Underworld." "Thank you, Your Highness." Fang Mofei said shakily, still unwilling to believe the turn of events. It has been solved, just like that? So easily? Isnt this childs play? "Farewell, my friend." King Qinguang stood up and waved at Yun Yang. "If ever the situation permits, I shall present you to the Concourse of the Underworld." The gray fog wreathed him once more and King Qinguang turned into a chilling ball of wind. He dissipated into the air, disappearing within the blink of an eye. "That day won''t be far off." Yun Yang murmured, looking in the direction where the first court king had left, "Perhaps we can meet again at Tiantang City." He sighed and turned to walk away. After just two steps, Yun Yang, who had been the victor, seemed to lose control of his emotions as he spun around to kick the stone table right into the air. With a loud crack, the stone table disintegrated into dust as it reached its peak in midair. Holding his head high against the swirling dust in the air, Yun Yang shouted with clenched jaws and gritted teeth, "Do you think you are the only one who has brothers? I f*cking have brothers too!" This was, of course,in reply to King Qinguangs earlier words, "Were not friends, were brothers." When King Qinguang had proclaimed it, Yun Yang was immensely envious C insanely jealous of the radiance dancing in the kings eyes. He could only vent his frustration and anger now. Oh, how pitiful his ranting must sound! Fang Mofei and Lao Mei, who had just regained consciousness, were simultaneously dumbfounded. They could hear the endless heartache contained within his brief growl that sounded suspiciously like a heart-shattering sob. Tie Zheng had his frown locked deeply in place for days now. He had finally come to realize that his budget was insufficient. He had tried to ascertain the final number of guests, but he had never thought that there would be so many of them! 159 Brothers, There’s Wine Now! Other than the absentees from the Wolves of the Grasslands and the Southern Border Tribe, all the countries in the continent, including the four empires, saw their fair share of participants. Of course, with so many people in attendance, each general had his own requests and demands. "Can this general reserve another hundred pots of wedding wine?This general asks that General Tie honor this request. For the brothers of this nation who are unable to attend the banquet, of course. Whether they are dead or alive, I''m sure they would love to drink a goblet of this wine that belongs to all militants!" "Can I reserve a thousand catties of Marshal Ties wedding wine? This nations military men who cannot come are all dying to try them!" Tie Zheng was sorely tempted to let loose a string of expletives as he thought about the situation. I cant even afford wine for our empires men and you want me to reserve wine for all of you? Wishful thinking, certainly. Of course, there would be wine. As long as there were silver taels in abundance, you could have tens of millions of catties of wine! There were more than ten millions breweries in the Empire of Yutang alone; how could there be a shortage of wine? As for Marshal Tie Zhengs wedding wine, no brewery would be able to turn down the order. However, the only problem lay in the fact that Tie Zheng did not have the wealth to pay for them. Tie Zhengs wedding had caused much excitement among the militants in all the countries across the entire continent; the wine served at the wedding would never be of poor quality, as it would be a shame to host guests with an inferior wine. After all, this banquet involved the pride of Yutang! What would happen if a good wine was not served? If an inferior wine, those that cost only one silver tael for ten catties, was used, would they want the generals of the enemy countries to drink to their deaths? A catastrophe could occur if such wine was imbibed. The cheapest of the good wine that could be served at a wedding would need at least ten taels for a catty! Tie Zheng would need at least two million catties and above of said wine. That would bring the cost up to a total of twenty million silver taels! Where was Tie Zheng supposed to find so many silver taels? Even if he crushed his bones and sold the powder he would not be able to gather together this astronomical amount. Marshal Tie was becoming increasingly distressed over this issue, prone to heavy sighing in recent days. His Majesty had just organized a donation drive and emptied everyones pockets. At this juncture, he could not even find someone who could lend him the money. He did not regret this decision he had made, he was simply worried about how he was going to pull this off. Silver taels, oh silver taels! Sometimes, when Tie Zheng lay awake at night to worry, he would think C why not send twenty thousand men in ten different directions to pilfer the required sum? It was undoubtedly a way to solve his problems and a tempting idea at that. "Marshal!" The leader of his janissaries called out. "Someone from the Ma Family has asked to meet you." "Who is it?" Tie Zheng asked impatiently. "Which Ma Family?" "That Ma Family that is said to be Powerhouse Ma, the top-tier brewery in Empire of Yutang." The leader said excitedly, "It is their young master Ma Chenglu who has come." "Send him in." Tie Zheng was puzzled. The Ma Familys wine had always been on the higher end side; the most inferior of their wines would still cost some seven or eight silver taels a catty. This was not in tune with the wine he was using for his wedding, why was he looking him? Upon his arrival, Young Master Mas words had delighted Tie Zheng, to his pleasant surprise. "I have long heard of Marshal Ties wedding. Coincidentally, we have a batch of wine that has been stored for some time Were willing to sell them to the marshal at a low price. We would be deeply pleasedif the marshal were to honor our request." "How much wine is there?" Tie Zheng asked with genuine interest. "Four million catties!" Ma Chenglu said. "Twenty catties per pot so that would be a total of two hundred thousand pots!" "So many?" Tie Zheng was shocked, but after his initial surprise, he immediately realized that the wine would definitely be sufficient for the wedding. The only question that remained was that of the price. Even as he thought about it, Tie Zheng asked aloud with some lethargy, "How much for a catty?" In his mind, he thought about the types of wine that came from Powerhouse Ma, the Ma Family. It had to be exquisitely premium wine since it had been stored for so long without being sold; even if they were let off at a low price, they would still cost between fifteen to twenty taels. If it was, say, twenty taels, that would total up to eight million silver taels. If this fellow had the temerity to mention a similar number, your father will kick him out right away! Look at me, do I look like I would have eight million taels lying around? Are you here to fool your father? Forget eight million, I would be dancing with joy if I had even two million taels? "This lowly shops four million catties of wine will be priced at six million silver taels. How about that?" As Young Master Ma Chenglu spoke, a flurry of emotions coursed through his heart. Yun Yang! My great Young Master Yun, why did you do such a thing? That was a total of thirty million silver taels! You just tossed it out without even blinking an eye and you dont even want others to know about it. After the emperors trick, Tiantang Citys monetary situation was in a state of trepidation; there were few who dared to make transactions of large sums. Tie Zheng had wished to sell his manors and past rewards in exchange for silver taels but it remained only a wish. No one wanted to buy them even when he had offered them at a low price. If it were not for this, Yun Yang did not have to put in such a big effort! "I cant afford them sorry, what did you say?" Tie Zheng had just uttered the first three words absently, but as he muttered them, his eyes grew wide with disbelief. "How much did you say it was?" He almost could not believe his ears. Six million silver taels for four million catties? One and a half silver tael for a catty? So cheap? "Theyre not inferior wine, are they?" Tie Zheng looked at Ma Chenglu doubtfully. This had to be the only explanation. How could it be so cheap otherwise? They must be subpar wine; otherwise, how could they be kept for so long and not been sold? "Ive specifically brought a hundred pots here today to quell Marshals doubt." Ma Chenglu said, "They are sitting outside. Marshal can taste them for himself." The pots of wine were being carried in. The moment he laid his eyes on the pots exterior, Tie Zheng had immediately taken a liking to them. The green colored wine pots were not oblong like the usual pots but they were a little rectangular with distinct corners; a large piece of red cloth sealed the opening, the red as crimson as blood! Four large black words were written on the red cloth C "Blood of the Hero". Just the pot, the red cloth, and the four words were enough to rim Tie Zhengs eyes red. Even if these wine were not of the highest tier, I would want them too! Behind the pot was the same red cloth that had two rows of tiny words on it C "Fealty hearts of vibrant blood that guard the nation and family, patriotic lionhearted souls that built the fortress." Tie Zheng felt as if a thunderbolt had struck him as he stood petrified for a moment, his tears streaming down his face. When the wine was poured, its color was red like blood while its aroma wafted up pleasantly to greet the nose. Tie Zheng raised his bowl with trembling hands and emptied the contents, feeling a burning sensation gush through his throat. Immediately after, a burning fire coursed through his stomach! "Good wine! Great wine!" Tie Zhengs words were accompanied by his tears. "My brothers must be satisfied!" He asked in a quavering voice, "Are all the wine of this quality?" "Yes!" Ma Chenglu answered confidently. "If there is any pot that is of a lower standard, this lowly shop will not charge anything at all for all the wine!" Tie Zheng sucked in a deep breath and took Ma Chenglus hand into his grasp, disregarding his status; he was overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you!" Which man in the military would not like a good wine? Tie Zheng was the same, of course. The wine was certainly not of secondary quality, and it was certainly of the highest possible perfection! Selling them for one and a half silver taels was the same as giving them away. Young Master Mas home must have suffered a huge loss at that price. Ma Chenglu hesitated and said, "Marshal need not be overly concerned. The Ma Family will not suffer too much of a loss from this deal. This favor had been requested by someone we are not the ones you have to thank, Marshal." In the end, it was impossible for him to keep it to himself. Tie Zheng was surprised. "Who is it?" "Forgive me for being unable to tell you." Ma Chenglu said, "That person has reminded time and again to keep the secret for him I ask that Marshal does not put me in a tough spot." "I wish Marshal a happy marriage." Ma Chenglu took two steps back and bowed to bid his farewell. "I also hope that the brothers in the military can have a hearty drink. I shall take my leave now." "Hold up." Tie Zheng called out, "I will bring the banknotes out, please take them with you." Tie Zheng extracted his banknotes and insisted on paying an additional two million taels but Ma Chenglu obstinately refused to take them. In the end, he went home with six million taels worth of banknotes. On the afternoon of the same day, the military had assigned some men beholden to the Ma Familys wine house to send carts of wine into Tie Zhengs residence. The two large warehouses that had long been emptied were filled within just a cup of teas time. The courtyard was filled with neat rows of wine pots by the army men as well. The whole courtyard had been occupied but only less than a third of the wine filled the space. The men then cleared a piece of land outside the courtyard to erect a military tent and store the wine inside. When everything was done, a thousand men were all sweating from the work. "Open a few pots. Brothers, you have all worked hard. Let us have a good drink first and feel good, shall we?" Tie Zheng spoke and moved to carry some wine over. His two janissaries then charged over and hugged him tightly. "Marshal theres no need, no need at all!" Tie Zheng turned his head to look at his sweating warriors in shock and asked, "Arent you fellows tired? Whats wrong if this general offers you some of the wedding wine first? Are younot giving me the honor to do so?" "No, no" One of his janissaries smiled good-naturedly. "Theres no such need Not only is this Marshals wedding wine, its also all our brothers wedding wine C those dead and those alive. If it had been any other time and any other wine, we would just drink them. But this wine we would feel guilty should we drink it before the big day." "We understand Marshals sentiment right now but its enough that we regard it in our heart." The janissary leader said seriously, "After Marshals wedding, we will drink more if there is wine left. If that day were to lack a few pots of wine just because we consumed them today, we would be shamed, even if we brothers die right away. We would be too humiliated to go meet our fallen brothers in the underworld." Looking at their sincere faces, Tie Zheng could only felt his throat clog up. "Alright!" "Good brothers!" Tie Zheng stumbled into his room and suddenly laughed, hollering into the sky, "Brothers! See these wine? Have all of you seen them! This is my wedding wine! Our wine! Your wine!" When he reached the last few words, his voice was already raspy with tears. 160 Yutang, Foe of the World! "One thousand men is not enough!" The janissary leaders expression was one of deep concern. "Send another two thousand people over! From today onwards, this wine is our life! Even if all three thousand brothers have to die in battle, the wine will not get any lesser, not even by a single drop!" "Besides our brothers here, millions of our fallen brothers are also waiting in anticipation!" The leaders eyes were rimmed red. "Let us anticipate the day to toast with all our brothers, both alive and dead!" "Just thinking of that moment, that day, as long as I get to experience it, I shall have no other regrets in this life." On the eleventh of the tenth month, Tiantang City began implementing curfew and washing its streets with water as well as filling them with soil; the number of patrol teams increased threefold. All the shops and stores in Tiantang City, regardless of their origin and background, received the same notice C no one was to cause trouble within this important month. Offenders would be stopped from doing business without question for a month and follow-up procedures would only resume after that period of closure. On the twelfth of the tenth month, some larger shops and significant buildings began cleaning their properties and hanging celebratory decorations. The atmosphere was merry and jubilant. On the thirteenth of the tenth month, there were already three foreign troops that had arrived at the camp outside the city. Other representatives who had promised to come were all on their way, slowly approaching. ON the fifteenth of the tenth month, Marshal Han Sanhe , who wore the title of God of the Military in the Empire of Dongxuan, had arrived with his troops. Tiantang City was abuzz with his arrival C it was not of a sense of joy, but of loathing. The commonfolk could not help but wish that they could eviscerate Han Sanhe into oblivion. Dongxuan and Yutang had just ended their war; the Empire of Yutang that had emerged victorious still paid the price of hundreds of thousands of casualties in that war! The blood of the warriors who had sacrificed themselves in that battle had not even dried, their perished bodies still warm, their souls not yet at peace, yet Han Sanhe had come to Tiantang City so easily! How could it not cause a commotion? Waves of sinister undercurrents gushed unabatedly in streets; theimpact of his arrival was unprecedentedly huge. "Letter of credence of peace states that those who come are all guests; the festive event of militants is to be ended with a merry drink. This event has never taken place before and shall remain unparalleled for years after; it is to be praised through the ages, its renown to remain immortal. Do not bring shame to our heroes and do not let guilt taint them." The shortly-worded flyers were sent to each family and household by tens of thousands of soldiers. Three soldiers formed a team C one to knock on the door, one to step forth with a bow and present the flyer with both hands while the last was to carry the humongous stack of flyers. "Please understand. This is the wish of countless brothers, thank you for abiding by it." Each family, each inn, each shop had been sent one of these flyers. As long as there was someone inhabiting the place, the soldiers of Yutang would send a flyer over. Other than being an enemy, those who had come bore the identity as a militant; they were as loyal as any Yutang warrior. They had come to celebrate Tie Zhengs wedding as a soldier, they had come representing countless Dongxuan warriors. Even if both sides held different standpoints, there should be adequate respect given during this occasion; resentment and grudge should only be resolved in the battlefield after this, and no one was to act rashly. The vicious undercurrents were pacified instantly. The elderlies who had not been sent flyers had opened their doors early in the day, making food and preparing tea to serve at their doors. When they saw the soldiers who were distributing the flyers coming over, all of them tried their best to make them welcome. "Child, work hard, fight hard!" "Take care! We understand you!" "Child, kill a few more men when you return to the battlefield. My second son has died at the Fortress of Resilience. When I see you, I see my child coming back home You must have something to eat and drink, and rest a little before you leave!" "You have worked so hard!" An elderly woman gripped the soldiers hand tightly as she gently stroked the saber scar on his face; love and sympathy filled her expression "Oh, child, how youve suffered" All the soldiers who had gone to distribute the flyers came back with full stomachs and red-rimmed eyes. Silence filled the city as well as the top of the city wall. Silence filled the outside of the city as well. Half of the generals in this continent had gathered here, their flags fluttering merrily in the wind. Han Sanhe emerged from his tent and made his way to a small hill that was slightly higher than it''s surroundings to gaze upon Tiantang City. The autumn wind blew strong, so violently that one had to stagger against it. In spite of this, Han Sanhe stood quietly, looking into the distance at the flags above Tiantang City, at the Yutang soldiers who looked exceptionally spirited at Tiantang City. He remained statuesque, just gazing faraway. "Marshal." Zhan Ge approached with a cape on his arm. Han Sanhe waved his hand to stop him and continued to gaze, murmuring, "Yutang... its destiny as a nation has not yet diminished!" Zhan Ge and another two men widened their eyes and looked into the distance as they stood behind Han Sanhe Marshal, where are you seeing this? How is it that we cant see a thing? "Do you all know?" Han Sanhe spoke softly, "There are so many countries in the continent, many other countries that are preparing to strike against us, but this old man has never held them in high regard. It was only when we went against Yutang that this old man made a move, even when I knew it was a ploy. Haven''t you wondered why? I suppose you it wouldn''t have mattered before the war, but weren''t you curious?" The three of them were stunned and carefully recalled the incident that had happened all these years ago. Han Sanhe would only take things into his own hands when there was war with the Empire of Yutang. If it were with the other nations, he would send either one of them or the other generals and ignore it himself. They had only thought that the marshal regarded himself highly and couldn''t care less about striking out by himself but it seemed that there was another reason now. "May I ask Marshal why is this so?" Zhan Ge scratched his head and asked in confusion. "The ranking of the continents notable generals is terribly confusing, but there several points to note that are contained within." Han Sanhe squinted his eyes against the autumn wind and said faintly, "Have you all noticed that the Empire of Yutang has taken seventeen spots out of the current top fifty notable generals in this continent? This ratio is higher than any other nation." "As for the top ten notable generals, Yutangs proportion in it is even more frightening. Theyve taken up to three spots!" Han Sanhe continued softly, "Perhaps you three dont know about this, but back in the day, the Empire of Yutang took up to seven spots in the top ten ranking of the continents most notable generals!" "Seven spots?" Mu Wuyun and Gao Han were shocked to hear it. Zhan Ge was stunned as well, asking, "Is this because of the Shangguan Family of Generals?" "Exactly. Among the seven spots then, five of them belonged to the Shangguan Family of Generals while the other two were Yutangs old marshals who had passed on long ago. In spite of this, Yutangs glorious military feats in those years had indeed subdued the world! Even when this old man thinks about it now, the fear still outshines the surprise within. If it werent for the conspiracy that time where the three nations had set up ambushes from all thirty-six sides and killed all of Yutangs Shangguan Family of Generals, this world might have already become Yutangs territory." Han Sanhes voice was grim. "Although Yutang had been powerless to expand its territory after that battle, its upcoming marshals and generals were all splendid in their own terms. Regardless of the years, Yutangs generals will always be more abundant and stronger than those from the other countries." "Do you know why this is so?" Han Sanhes voice was growing even more solemn. "Why?" Gao Han was reluctant to accept the fact. "How is it that Yutangs men are so gifted in military prowess? Is it because they are terribly talented?" "No!" Han Sanhe said indifferently, "Yutangs strength lies within its geography. Since the Empire of Yutang was formed, its capital has always been in Tiantang City. The border of Empire of Yutang sits at the central area of half of this continent." "The strongest feature of the Empire of Yutang is that it is surrounded by enemies!" Han Sanhe heaved a long sigh. "The generals of Empire of Yutang are deployed to wars almost every year. Every general is a warrior who has fought in the battlefield and gone through a hundred wars!" "When I say go through a hundred wars, I meant it literally. As for the other four empires, Dongxuan, Dayuan, Tianci, and Ziyou, other than a handful of generals, the reputation of going through a hundred wars honored upon the rest of them is only a decorative name, high-sung praise. Except for those belonging to Yutang, rare is the general who would dare say that he has gone through a hundred wars. In reality, there are probably less than thirty who have fought so many wars throughout the continent." "Yet, the Empire of Yutangs generals have all truly gone through a hundred wars! Several hundred, even!" "They no longer fight with their lIves, but are fighting all their lives! Can you all understand the difference?" "The wars weve faced were mostly fighting against another force but the Empire of Yutangs soldiers are fighting the east, the south, the west, then the north. Possibly, they have to fight northeast, southwest, so on and so forth." "Because even if they didn''t initiate the war, we would have attached them anyway! Its a never-ending cycle, no one has a choice in it." "Going through such a cycle, those who have experienced hundreds of wars and managed to stay alive how can they not be terrifying?" "Unfortunately, there is no nation on the continent that can avoid Yutang if they go on their conquest to expand their territory." Han Sanhe sighed, weary after having spoken so much. "Therefore the world acknowledges Yutangs prowess! They will never be able to deny it." "I am an old man now. Even if I insist on holding on, I cant be fighting more than a few more years of war. But all of you must remember, you must never take things lightly, no matter which of the Empire of Yutangs generals you may face on the battlefield in future, renowned or otherwise. If Yutang maintains its reign, the Empire of Yutang will eventually conquer to this world." "Yutang has wiped out first; only then will other countries have the chance to compete." "This is also why the four empires rarely declare war on each other but have focused on efforts on Yutang instead." Han Sanhe said softly, "Yutang, foe of the world! The world shudders in fear at the name!" "Look now, there are soldiers on the city wall." Han Sanhes gaze went up, as did other three mens. 161 Majestic Yutang Standing tall at the city walls were Yutangs soldiers, bedecked in vibrant armor. Even the blades in their hands gleamed brightly, reflecting the rays of the sun. As they marched, there was a dignified and rigorous air about them. "Do you see that? That does not come at a request of their general, not from an imposed order. Those expressions come from the heart! That is the way that they reflect their innermost feelings." "The glow on each of their faces tell of glory and pride." "Let me tell three of you, these are soldiers who are proud because they were born in this country, who bear pride because they are able to defend this country, to be part of the strongest army! It is a great nation and people indeed who could cultivate such an army." "When they go to war, Yutangs army shouts of defending their country and protecting their homes C because they have always been the one to be attacked! That is why their battle cry sounds that way! As for other nations, even our own army of the Empire of Dongxuan, a lot of people think of fighting a war and acquiring merit as a way to rise up the ranks and be wealthy!" Han Sanhes voice was tinged with bleakness. "These are two very different things, indeed. Different in every aspect." "The more they shout of defending their country and protecting their homes, the more it becomes the armys spiritual belief! Once the mantra is ingrained" Han Sanhe bit off each word slowly, "They will become the most terrifying thing on earth. Indestructible." "Yutang fights against Dongxuan on the east, goes to war with Tianxi on the north, comes into contact with Ziyou on the west while they face off Dayuan in the south Yet, they remain safe and sound despite being besieged from all four directions!" Han Sanhe chuckled dryly. "If Yutang only needed to fight against one of the four empires with all its might, that empire would already have become Yutangs conquest!" "It is only today that we know of Yutangs power." Three generals sucked in a cold breath together. "I have never spoken of Yutangs heritage and prowess in the past because I was afraid it would deflate your spirit and confidence. However, this man has grown old. If I didn''t take this chance today to tell of all these to you, one careless mistake could cause you a landslide loss when you all face Yutangs generals in the future!" "Even an ordinary Yutang cavalryman who has stayed alive throughout his hundred battles can easily surpass a cavalry leader of a five-hundred man cavalry when he comes to our nation! His performance would be equally outstanding." "Again, you must remember that I am comparing only a single soldier!" "My only hope now is to tackle the Fortress of Resilience while I am still alive and absorb seven thousand miles of Yutangs eastern lands into Dongxuans territory. That would be enough." Han Sanhe said lowly, "Once Yutang loses this big piece of border plain, a third of its resources will be gone. By then, all other nations, especially the Dongxuan, can conquer the world if we take a step forward or at least remain an influential force even if we were to take a step back." "Marshals wish can be fulfilled definitely. Didnt we almost complete this goal the last time?" Mu Wuyun said. "It''s just too bad that such a chance will be difficult to come by again!" Han Sanhe spat quietly to his side and continued right after, "What I am most worried about now is the Empire of Yutangs emperor, Yu Peize! In any other nation, Tie Zheng, who has gotten into his head to host a wedding, would have been beheaded and his family exterminated. But here in the Empire of Yutang, not only has he successfully organized it; His Majesty has even sent a letter of credence of peace personally to support this militant festive affair." "How generous!" "isnt Thereany suspicion between the emperor and officials?" "Serving an emperor like this, what more could a man ask for?" Han Sanhe sighed wearily. Standing beside Han Sanhe, the other generals from other countries were all observing Tiantang City quietly. There was no hostility in Tiantang City. It stood alone, quiet and proud. Its city gates were wide open; countless people entered and left in a steady stream. As far as the eye could see, peace and harmony greeted them. Yet it was this peace and harmony that had unnerved these notable foreign generals who had been through countless wars. The passersby who looked at them and at their military camps, the hate in their gazes that seeped into their bones, the tightened fists they did nothing about it. They raised their heads and left. Those were just ordinary citizens! "Letter of credence of peace emphasizes this point during the festive event of militants. We During this period, no harm will come to you until you leave Yutang safely!" "Because we cannot embarrass our warriors, we cannot let the heroic souls be shamed!" "Life and death, victory and loss, they are all matters of the battlefield! This is our pride." The people of Yutang did not say these aloud but all the foreign generals who came heard them loud and clear! They saw them with an equal amount of awe and fear. On the sixteenth of the tenth month, military troops comprising of three thousand men began a large-scale cleanup of the burial grounds, as a memorial ceremony. All the homes that housed veterans or fallen soldiers hung a piece of red cloth on their doors that read, "Fealty hearts of vibrant blood that guard the nation and family, patriotic lion-hearted souls that build the fortresses!" Yun Yang was preparing for this wholeheartedly as well, putting down everything else to focus on the task at hand. He had learned so much now. There were too many experts in this world. Setting aside Ling Xiaozui or Supreme Lord Spring Frost whose abilities were well over the top, even King Qinguang from Concourse of the Underworld was highly skilled and could stir up feelings of envy and jealousy within him. Who knew if his rash actions would attract the attention of other low-profile experts? It would be better to be cautious now. The autumn wind billowed as he blended into it at once, coursing through the skies and gazed upon the land. Although the number of foreign militants who had arrived was not all that high yet, they were all elites C some of them belonging to the category of experts of experts! The imposing aura they generated had already raised plenty of fears and doubts in Yun Yang. The only surprising thing was the four noble young masters who had become goody two shoes overnight. They were definitely occupied with something; they had not come to pester him nor did they go carousing at the Cirrus House. He knew that they were still in Tiantang City but that was about it. It seemed that they were in constant contact with their families. As for the higher leveled experts from the four families, they seemed to have come in increasing numbers as well but there was no sign of any covert operations. "They seem to be waiting for some kind of news" This was the information that the Nine Heavens Dictum had sent over. What exactly they were waiting for remained an unknown. The clip-clop of horses'' hooves could be heard outside the city gate. A team of people with armor so shiny that those who were watching came close to being blinded, had arrived. It was Tie Zheng himself, coming to welcome his guests. Notable generals from half of the continent had all come to attend and congratulate Tie Zheng on his wedding; the amount of buzz it generated would inevitably be praised for years to come and recorded in the annals of history. In spite of this, Tie Zhengs wedding could not be held in the city. Firstly, there was nowhere in the city that had so much space. There would be at least several thousand soldiers attending from Yutangs military; including the generals, that would sum up to hundreds of thousands of men. In addition to the foreign militants, despite their lesser number, each nation had still sent several thousand men each. Adding them all up would make a line-up of several hundred thousand men sitting together for a drink C how big a space would that call for? Secondly, and also the more primary reason, was worry. The foreign militants had professed to being here to congratulate Tie Zheng on his wedding and gather at this festive event, but who knew what they were really thinking deep down inside; the will of others is not ours to see, who could have known which one of them was kind or evil? The risk was far too great if they were to place tens of thousands of foreign militants in the capital of Empire of Yutang! Therefore, it was outside the southern gate. The flat pane was filled with tables arranged so neatly that one could mistake them to be sitting on the very ledge of the sky. A stage had been decorated in a prosperous manner, numerous soldiers fussed about the elevated platform. They had taken their decoration jobs so seriously that they were exceedingly careful with the placement of each wooden block; the shape and size of those wooden blocks were under strict supervision as well. It was as if they had wanted to turn this stage into a perfect piece of art. This was where Tie Zhengs wedding would be held! Yun Yang turned into a soft breeze and returned to the city, heading towards the Shangguan Family of Generals. Recently, he had frequently gone to take alook at the six children whenever he had the time. Yun Yang was genuinely surprised and impressed by these childrens persistence and resilience. Since they had gotten the mystical skill manual, the six children had devoted themselves to cultivation almost as if starved. Yet the normal, grueling physical training did not stop and was still being conducted as usual. If anything, it even looked like it was becoming even more difficult. With the nourishment of the mighty mystical skills and the supplements of the high-intensity physical training, the growth of the children had improved by leaps and bounds! This occurrencehad Yun Yang thinking deep thoughts. When he got home, he immediately formed a training ground in the Residence of Yun and began torturing himself incessantly. Yun Yang had planned to torment himself for seven days to see its effects. He would determine if such extreme training was good or bad and how much benefit it could bring. Yun Yangs hellish training was no joke at all At the beginning of each session, he practiced the first style, the merciless blade of Destinys First Form thrice, exerting his all in the style without the benefit of Emmies refill of energy and depleting all his mystical Qi contained within. He then trained as harshly as the six Shangguan children to expend his physical strength. In the end, Yun Yang was only forcing himself to train by relying on his sheer will. It was only when he had almost fainted, sweating bullets and laying on the ground like a dead dog, did he readjust his mystical Qi and cultivated the Endless Divine Art to recover. Within a single day, Yun Yang could clearly tell the immense advantage of training like this. The recovery of his mystical Qi had come from the first gathering, bit by bit before it gushed in like ferocious waves. When it had completely recovered, Yun Yang could feel the strength of his inner breathing growing significantly! His body, that had completely recovered after the extreme exhaustion, was also experiencing an inexplicable feeling of wellbeing; the improvement of his physical condition could be easily felt as well. What was more obvious were his willpower and subconscious strength. The improvement of willpower was self-explanatory. His subconscious strength, however, was a different story altogether. Yun Yang had realized from Emmies thrilled reaction that the space Emmie was in had actually expanded the slightest bit from how it originally was! 162 Maligned Influence Although the result was tiny, insignificant almost, it was the result of only a single day''s training! Judging by Emmies thrilled reaction, this had to be an amazingly rare occasion. "To help others is to help oneself. It''s a wonder that I only realized this now." Yun Yang felt strongly about it. It was because he had wanted to help this family of valiance that he finally grasped the meaning of this theory. People had always said that opportunity was difficult to chance upon, but who would have known that the fate usually walked by ones side. The birth of a thought would eventually die if not acted upon; he had acted upon his kindness then to enjoy the fruits today! Although the fruit obtained today was substantial, the bigger benefit was that he acquired an understanding, a realization that many martial artists would never be able to attain. Somehow, through the mysterious workings of fate and chance, he had obtained enlightenment. "Going beyond the limits in sole emphasis of physical training will overburden the body and destroy a persons potential. However, the sole emphasis on mystical Qi cultivation will limit ones route and restrain ones future, even though there is still some achievement in this. Expert cultivators have always said that the body is the cultivators temple; its true meaning is well contained. Only when the physical strength is guaranteed can the growth of mystical Qi be possible, a growth that will turn stronger by the day, approaching perfection." Thinking of this, Yun Yang could not help recalling what Ling Xiaozui had said. "The human body is a temple, but plenty of people have squandered this gift of god." Thinking of his words, Yun Yang went silent suddenly as another thought came to mind. The old Yun Yang, the old Supreme Cloud, would always rely on his unique illusory cloud skills that allowed him to materialize or dissolve himself at will, rendering him unafraid of any form of physical attack. He was used to being the bait, a temptation to lure his enemies in and defeat them without knowing that such a trick was not an honorable one. If he were actually that mighty, was it not better to face his enemies head on and defeat them fairly? If his enemies were really skilled, what could he do even if he could change into a thousand shapes? From then on, he had placed more emphasis on training his physical state. The attention he had paid to the Shangguan Family of Generals these days was also because the atmosphere in Tiantang City had recently become slightly more bizarre. Since there were foreign militants staying outside, a strange rumor began to spread within Tiantang City. Its influence was growing unmanageable as people everywhere began discussing the long forgotten affairs of the Shangguan Family of Generals. The three Shangguan marshals had already been fighting in the wars then, their valiance and intimidation well on their way to overwhelm the world. Nobody would have imagined that the President of the Board of War, Zhuo Wenlong, was being blackmailed by the enemy nation and had been leaking military secrets. He had sent a fake decree and ultimately caused the three marshals to be ambushed by the four enemy nations troops, all of them perishing in the conspiracy. This issue had long been a matter of the past. A definitive conclusion had been drawn as Zhuo Wenlong had long since been beheaded and sentenced to nine familial exterminations. Recently though, a malicious rumor had begun to spread. It spoke about Zhuo Wenlongs descendant who had managed to escape his doom and had brought his death will with him, indicating that the past was not as simple as it had seemed. The story went that the three marshals had been planning to rebel and fight for the throne, to replace the royalty and change the empire; Zhao Wenlong who was the President of the Board of War stumbled upon their conspiracy. He could not bear to see Yutang being threatened, nor could he let the nation and its people suffer. He decided to take the extreme route in snubbing the traitor for the empire. Although he had to conspire with the enemies and join a largely scaled scheme, he had the best of intentions and its consequence had been favorable. However, the process of the incident had been tortuous. The three marshals had died in the ambush before their treasonous plans could be exposed, causing the entire Yutang to be kept in the dark. Zhuo Wenlong, who was patriotic to the empire and loyal to its people, subjected himself to the execution of his family and a wrongful death. It was now time to reverse the case for Zhuo Wenlong! The slogan was C we owe Zhuo Wenlong, the hero of our nation, justice! This maligned influence started out among the people as a rumor but within a day, it had reached the scholars. All sorts of rumors and debates then began to spring up, like mushrooms. Amidst the rumors, a large number of scholars had referred to the incident to analyze the situation and had come out with a conclusion C Shangguan Family of Generals three marshals had acquired a third of the empires military power; their merits were undoubtedly higher than the emperor himself. This was an absolute fact that no one could deny. Besides that, the Shangguan Family of Generals had a soaring reputation. Each of them had countless men willing to die for them and to these men, the Shangguans orders were the royal decree while the authentic royal decree held no weight whatsoever for them. The scholars had even pointed out sharply that the soldiers under the leadership of a marshal should be loyal to the empire and the emperor. They should never and could never be loyal only to the marshal. From this angle, the crime of all three marshals was debatable but their intent alone warranted their execution. Zhuo Wenlongs deeds had also been unearthed, how he had fought for the people, how loyal and patriotic he was, how he advised the emperor in a frank and direct manner, how righteous and fair Zhuo Wenlongs letters to his friends, his reports, calligraphies, poems One of the lines had read C "forgo reputation, toss away this life; never allow traitors to sway this sovereignty". The burning loyalty reflected within him had been proved to the world. All in all, this treacherous official that the entire Empire of Yutang had been cursing for over a hundred years had suddenly turned into a lion-hearted official who had died a wrongful death! There were theories and logic, witnesses and evidence. The rumors grew increasingly outrageous as it spread more severely each passing day. Plenty of scholars had taken to the streets to summon the reversal of Zhuo Wenlongs case to redress the injustice of the hero. They sought the downfall of the Shangguan Family of Generals who had deceived the world and assumed its glory, to put them in their rightful place! Following the arrival of the foreign generals and their stay outside of the city, the influence in the city grew increasingly vigorous. Countless scholars used classics as their examples and condemned Shangguan in both their speeches and writings, their accusations leaving no space for rebuke. The public who did not understand the truth was also instigated, lashing out at Shangguan Family of Generals in the same manner as everyone else. In recent days, the Residence of Shangguan became the target of frequent physical attacks; the piles of rotten eggs, vegetables, and half-slabs of bricks grew each day. Their doors were decorated with cuts and slashes as well. Putrid substances were frequently hauled into the residence. Even then, the publics anger did not subside but grew more aggressive each day. The people from Shangguan did not dare to step out of their house at all, in fear of being attacked the moment they did. Despite feeling angered and despaired by this ridiculous situation, Yun Yang was also extremely curious. Who was behind all of this? It had seemed that the phenomena had only appeared after the arrival of the foreign generals. Their hatred towards the Shangguan Family had never been concealed, wishing the entire family to be eradicated but Yun Yang knew that things were not as simple. "Investigate!" Yun Yang sent his order as the Nine Heavens Dictum that he scattered everywhere reacted immediately. Afterwards, Yun Yang glided into the Shangguan Family residence, taking full advantage of nightfall. The six children were still training as usual on the drilling ground. Although all of them were gritting their teeth with expressions of pure resilience, Yun Yang could see the genuine sadness that came from within on their tiny faces. Putting himself in their shoes, he empathized with these six childrens emotions! How would he have felt if the Nine Supremes, who were like gods in the heart of Yutangs citizens and who had wholeheartedly served the nation and its people, were criticized and condemned as criminals after so many years? Shangguan Family of Generals today might very well be another heros future! "What are you sad about?" Shangguan Lingxiu paced back and forth with her arms behind her back, her voice cold. "Was I wrong to have beaten you all? The truth is the truth! All of the Shangguan members who have died, died on the battlefield. Is this not the best proof? All of you dared to ask me if the rumor is true or no! Even if I beat all of you unfilial descendants to death today, it is well deserved!" The six children kept quiet and continued training without uttering a single word of protest. "If the Shangguan Family of Generals had intended to rebel then, Yutang would have long changed its owner!" Shangguan Lingxius voice was as cold as ice. "Not only great grandfathers generation, even when it was grandfathers generation, my fathers generation, and your fathers generation, the Shangguan Family of Generals have always had the capabilities to do so!" "However, the Shangguan Family of Generals intention is to defend Yutang, defend the nation and protect the families, to be brave and patriotic! The heaven sees Shangguan Family of Generals loyalty; how can it be wiped away with just mere accusations? Justice is in the hearts of the people, right and wrong cannot be swayed by rumors!" "Continue the drill! Do not think of any further nonsense!" Shangguan Lingxius expression was stern. "Aunty, since we are so loyal, why didn''t anyone step out to defend us?" The youngest of the children was already nine years old. His eyes were wide when he asked angrily, "Could it be that those who knew of the case then have all died now? Zhuo Wenlong''s vile descendants are still alive, dont the other officials of the same period have their descendants as well? Why doesn''t anyone want to speak a word of justice? Arent the issues of right and wrong being manipulated by rumors now?" Shangguan Lingxiu hollered, "Is this what you should be worried about? Marshal Ties wedding is approaching, all the old sirs in the military are occupied with it. This petty matter of our family will naturally be handled when the old sirs are done busying about. Justice is in the hearts of the people, can you not understand what I said?" The child refused to back down. "What justice is still there? Those people who are attacking our family, their ancestors were people the Shangguan Family protected with our sacrifices! Why is it when our family member have died, when our family has been reduced to this stage that these people will still believe such rumors? Are we sacrificing our lives to protect people who attack us? Is our sacrifice really worth it?" Slap! Shangguan Lingxiu slapped her nephew, her body shaking with unshed tears. "Do you know what you are saying? The contributions of our ancestors are naturally recorded and passed down through history! The Shangguan Family of Generals has been built step by step like this! What does it have to do with you whether others understand it or not?" She said loudly, "What does the Shangguan Family of Generals family injunction say? Say it out loud!" "Born for the battlefield, live for the fight. Die fighting for the nation, fall serving the people!" All six children recited tearfully. "Does the family injunction say anything about being understood, being comforted, being protected, or being requited?" Shangguan Lingxiu questioned harshly. "No!" The six children answered with puffed chests. "What did the ancestors say about life and death?" Shangguan Lingxius voice grew harsher. "We should only die for the nation, how can we ask for our remains to be brought back, carried in horsehide?" "It is good that you know this." Shangguan Lingxiu hollered loudly, "This is the Shangguan Family of Generals! Do you remember now?" "Yes!" 163 His Motive Alone Warrants Execution! After the children were done with their physical training, they went to cultivate mystical Qi. It was about this point that Shangguan Lingxiu, who had been tough and cold the entire time, went lax, walking towards a tree by the side of the drilling ground with hunched shoulders. Under the tree was a stone table with a few stone stools. Shangguan Lingxiu sat down limply, her eyes gazing faraway as her straight back hunched for the first time. Gradually, anger clouded her face as she murmured, "The Shangguan Family has splattered its blood far and wide in the mountains and rivers all over Yutangs territory. Could it just be to protect these people who bite the hands that feed them? What then is the meaning of our sacrifices?! A gentleman will die for the patron who recognizes his worth. The gentlemen have died, but where are the patrons? Have they ever existed in the first place?" "Generations of the Shangguan Family of Generals have fought in wars for the nation and have never given up. The blood of the men of Shangguan filled the border of the empire just to protect this home that sits behind them! These people who reside in their homes peacefully now call us traitors! Justice in the hearts of the people? Right and wrong will not be swayed by rumors? I must be fooling myself!" She gritted her teeth as she mumbled to herself in a low voice. She needed to educate her nephews in a positive manner because they were young, their hearts as pure and untainted as a piece of white paper. If that paper were to be stained with other colors now, it would be hard to clean them up in the future. It would taint the innocence of the Shangguan Family of Generals. Yet her anger burned far more aggressively in her heart than it did in her nephews who had not yet seen the world. She felt all the more wronged and saddened! "If you dont know the truth, cant you just watch quietly from the side? Why do you attack us widows and orphans just because of hearsay? Where is the conscience of these people?" "Where is their conscience?" "Where is their conscience?" "All of you behave so ruthlessly towards the orphans and widows left by the heroes who sacrificed themselves in wars for the country! "Where is your conscience?" Shangguang Lingxiu clenched her teeth as she smashed her fist against the stone table, blood splattering everywhere. Her fist had been torn from the force of the blow, but she seemed to not have noticed, shaking and trembling all over. It was a disappointment that came screaming from within. It was a feeling of unworthiness that came from her soul. A soft sigh could be heard coming from behind her. Shangguan Lingxiu did not bother to turn her head and huffed in irritation. "Youre here again! Are you here to advise me? Is Justice in the hearts of the people? Right and wrong will not be swayed by rumors?" Her tone was harsh but she had no plans to conceal her feelings. She knew who it was who had come. She had witnessed too much of Yun Yangs elusive appearances these days that she was no longer surprised by his sudden visits. Behind her, Yun Yang, who was clad in his purple robe, stood under the shade and said gently, "What advice is there for me to give about this? This is just how the world works." "How the world works?" Shangguan Lingxiu was shaking, her angered eyes about to spew flames. "Could it be that the generations of sacrifices from the Shangguan Family of Generals are to be exchanged for the mantle of a traitor? Could it be that the price paid of being left with orphans and widows is to receive the worlds condemnation?" Yun Yang replied softly, "Youre overly emotional now. Even if you wanted to vent your frustrations, you need to consider the method." He sighed faintly and said, "Sister Lingxiu, do you know what is the biggest, most common ailment of this world?" "What is it?" Shangguan Lingxiu asked. "It is oblivion!" Yun Yang continued, "Whether its a good person or bad, a wise man or a fool, the biggest, most common ailment is oblivion C forgetting what has happened, forgetting the heroes who once existed, forgetting the kindness once received, forgetting everything in this world" "No one from the Shangguan Family of Generals has gone into the battlefield In recent years. Although you women have exerted your all in hopes that these six children can drape the war capes over their shoulders and head into battle as soon as possible, the world doesnt know of it. Therefore, a lot of people have begun to forget. They forget the sacrifices the Shangguan Family of Generals has made in the past. As for the perpetrator of this scheme, this person has used the peoples common ailment of oblivion to spread these rumors." "It is an effective tactic." Yun Yang said, "They start spreading the news among the peasants and then to the scholars, like a wildfire. No one bothersto ask for the official explanation" "However high and mighty we are, we cant kill the people even when faced with their rage, even when were absolutely angered and in despair." "All we can do is to bear this grudge, we remain wronged!" Shangguan Lingxiu gritted her teeth. "There has to be someone behind all of this. Our family has long thought of this as well, but what disappoints us the most is the reaction of the Empire of Yutangs citizens." "They have forgotten all the rights and wrongs, forgotten all the history. As long as someone stirs things up, they immediately swarm over!" Shangguan Lingxiu bit her lips, her eyes rimmed red. "Looking at this prosperous nation, everyone generously putting their life at stake one after another for this country, for these people They have gone joking on their way out and returned only with their remains they leave behind orphaned children and widowed wives yet they have to bear these humiliations" "Why?" Shangguan Lingxiu turned her head to look into Yun Yangs eyes, her own teary orbs burning. "Yun Yang, you tell me, why is this so?" Yun Yang remained speechless for a while and finally said softly, "We ask for the peace of heart and the presence of justice" Shangguan Lingxiu snorted. She was tempted to ask Yun Yang if he felt the irony; saying so as an outsider reflected his high moral standing, but what about the person who was in the thick of things? "This matter goes on incessantly mainly because the scholars are still going at it" Yun Yang said slowly. "Especially those scholars who have ulterior motives are exaggerating these rumors wholeheartedly." Shangguan Lingxiu smiled coldly. "This is why I am even more despaired and saddened! It is fine if those who instigated or leading these are the public who are illiterate. These scholars are intellectuals, full of knowledge from the sages. How can they really not know the details of this case? How can they not differentiate the right and wrong of this matter? Why are they still doing this? Its not even just one person, its a whole big group! There are plenty of them! Have their conscience been eaten by dogs?" Yun Yang said faintly, "Justice usually comes from the lower class, heartless ones are mostly intellectuals. Its exactly because they have knowledge and experience that they want to kick up some fuss and they are able to do so." Speaking of which, Yun Yang suddenly thought of something and was stunned. Scholars? Seeing that Yun Yang had bid his leave so abruptly, Shangguan Lingxiu pondered about it before sighing and going to check on her nephews. She was doubtful inwardly, what had Yun Yang thought that he had left so abruptly? "Everyone under the Nine Heavens Dictum, investigate those who have spread the rumor carefully, check where they have been before they began spreading the rumors." Yun Yang sent out Nine Heavens Dictum. He had faintly noticed something from the information sent back previously and was only verifying them by sending a dictum now. In the early hours of the morning, the messages returning had indeed verified Yun Yangs guess. "This particular scholar has been summoned by his teaching to visit his home. When the visit ended, the scholar began instigating the case of Zhuo Wenlong" "This official has" "The central figures of this movement are famous scholars of Confucianism. These renowned scholars were all invited by Old He before this" Yun Yangs eyes lingered on the two words C "Old He", not moving away from them for some time. Supreme Lord Spring Frost. Ive not found fault with you recently since I want to go through this festive militant event peacefully but who knows that you wish to destroy the militants from their very foundations! The Empire of Yutangs military was the party that was most proud of Shangguan Family of Generals! The family was also a family of militants that had once garnered the respect of soldiers across the continent! The Shangguan Family of Generals had always been the best material of promotion for generations of enlistment. Once the promotion involved the Shangguan Family of Generals, all the youths in the nation seemed to be injected with patriotism! This was what formed the Empire of Yutangs militant soul that was indestructible. If the Shangguan Family of Generals were to be accused and the case to be reversed, befalling the loyal souls to treacherous officials, it would be no different than to pick away at the spine of Yutang military! As for a nation and its people who condemned the heroes that protected them how united could they be? How spirited could they be? "His motive alone is enough to warrant execution! This person should be condemned to death! His crime is worthy of a thousand deaths! Even a thousand deaths cannot pardon it!" Yun Yang gritted his teeth. The next day, the emperor had come to Old Marshal Qius residence in secret as per usual; so did Yun Yang. In the study room, Yun Yang ended his narration calmly. "There is such a thing among the people?!" His Majesty stood up slapping the table, anger filling his face. Qiu Jianhan was infuriated as well, growling menacingly. How could both men, as two of the highest ranked figures of the Empire of Yutang, not know of the consequences if this matter was successfully perpetrated by those people? If it did happen, the men in the military would lose their faith C a disaster waiting to happen. If the military troops had broken down where could the safety of this nation be? "Scholars who wronged the country, this is an act of destroying the nation!" Qiu Jianhan was fuming. "Your Majesty! This must not be forgiven!" "Of course it must not be forgiven nor tolerated!" His Majestys face was icy as frost. "Yun Yang, do you know who is the perpetrator behind this?" "This nephew really doesnt know who the culprit is." Yun Yang said carefully, "Actually, how can the mastermind appear so easily behind such a massive case? This nephew thinks that its already impressive I was able to even get a rough view on the situation" The emperor and Qiu Jianhan instinctively felt that this child was hiding something; Yun Yang knew the mastermind behind this but he was not saying a word, no matter how they asked. It was not that Yun Yang did not want to exterminate Supreme Lord Spring Frost. It was simply a matter of timing. Even if he said it aloud, His Majesty would probably not be able to do much about him! Supreme Lord Spring Frosts open identity was He Hanqing was a teacher of the emperor. Even now, the emperor was still very respectful of this person. He was the teacher of three generations of emperors, an old official who had taken care of the emperor himself! He was the leader of intellectuals, a teacher of a generation! Even if it were the emperor himself, he would not dare to simply do anything to such a person. The consequences were simply too severe. 164 The Saber Is In My Hands. Today, I Shall Exterminate all Evil! Yun Yang did not say it because he intended to have the emperor investigate it himself. The shock would be more impactful than if he had said it. Besides, there was another, more primary, reason C Supreme Lord Spring Frost had been severely injured by Ling Xiaozui and suffered from a largely reduced ability but the eight experts under him were frighteningly skilled. If they had gone berserk from coercion, the damage they could wreak could easily reduce half of Tiantang City to rubble! This was the sort of damage the Empire of Yutang could not afford right now. Even if they had really done so, there was a big possibility He Hanqing could still leave safely. "This issue" His Majestys frown was locked onto his face. "If the imperial court had stepped forth, there might be another commotion. The unnecessary fuss will be used by others to make more rumors and spread even more stories." Qiu Jianhan was brimming with a murderous intent. "Dont worry, Your Majesty. Leave this to the military." Yun Yang was excited. "This nephew will follow to do what I can, the more the merrier." "Get out!" Qiu Jianhan glared. "This is none of your business!" Yun Yang shrugged. He still could not understand how this old thing could be so skilled and how he could discard someone so easily after using them. He was really the leader of Empire of Yutangs three biggest thugs. How many times had he done this before? The old marshal had said it was none of Yun Yangs business, but how would Yun Yang be so obedient? He had gone to hide in the midst of the military early the next morning. He planned to watch the old marshal closely to see how he was going to give his orders to solve this vile matter. He did not expect Tie Zheng to be there too. "What are you doing here?" The old marshal frowned as he looked at Tie Zheng. "Your wedding is the day after tomorrow. Are you showing your quality as a militant, coming to report at the military now or are you here to make a fuss?" Tie Zheng was fuming. "The warriors spine is about to be picked away. How can I be interested to go on with my wedding if this is not resolved! Old Marshal, let me handle this!" Qiu Jianhan thought about it and said solemnly, "This matter calls for lives to be taken. Youre going to be a bridegroom. It is inauspicious to kill people before your own wedding!" "Old Marshal, your words are without merit." Tie Zheng continued aloud, "Not only is this a matter of Yutang, the Shangguan Family of Generals is the pillar of militants across the continent. Killing is something that warriors do, how inauspicious can it be? As a soldier, seeing blood before my wedding is a precursor to good fortune. If it were up to me, I would say that this is a great thing, bestowed upon me by the heavens, a greatly auspicious gift! If I were to do this, I would drink with more vigor too!" "Seeing that my wedding is the day after tomorrow, I ask that no one argues with me about this today." Tie Zheng cupped his fist with his palm and blustered, "Whoever fights with me about this will have no wine to drink. I will keep my word!" The soldiers were all stunned. Weve never seen such shameless people. Did we say we were going to fight with you? Do you have to be so villainous to withhold our wine? This is wicked! Is this how a bridegroom behaves? The old marshal was speechless and could only leave the explanations to Tie Zheng. "When taking such an action, one has to consider all aspects. Please dont go overboard. Do not be too soft either! Ponder your judgment well." Tie Zheng chuckled. "This lowly general knows so!" He then left with large strides. Yun Yang returned to the base camp as a soft breeze, knocking Tie Zhengs assistant general out with a punch that materialized in the air and hid him under the bed. Immediately, he changed and disguised himself as the assistant general, walking out after patting himself down. He then saw Tie Zheng arriving on his horse, a whip in his hand. "Call up a thousand men, and follow me!" In the city, thousands of scholars were making their appeals in front of the Museum School of Culture. One scholar stood on the stage with arms outspread, his expression intense as his loud speech was filled with words of instigation. A number of people under the stage were shouting slogans as well. Enthusiasm filled the air. This place was the cradle of the civil officials of the empire, the sacred ground of knowledge. Numerous scholars who knew better sighed shaking their heads; some of them went out of their way to stop them but they had no luck stopping the boiling emotions. "Yutang owes Sir Zhuo justice!" "Could it be that our majestic Yutang actually cant give a loyal official an explanation?" "Could it be that we are to be kept in the dark all the time? To have our children and future generations be kept in the dark as well?" "We have the right to let everyone in the country know the truth!" "We have the responsibility to award justice to Sir Zhuo!" "A loyal official should not be tainted with wrongful accusations." "A hero should not be shamed!" Too many glorified and impressive words were spewed with so much vigor and passion from these scholars mouths that they were deafening to hear. These people were physically weak but were terribly skilled in the matters of instigation. Through their mouths, the Shangguan Family of Generals were vermin; even if they had been left with orphans and widows, their death toll was still far too low! As for the treacherous Zhuo Wenlong, he had become an unprecedented saint, dignified and unattainable. The reversal of guilt seemed to reach an almost unimaginable state. It was at this moment that the clip-clop of horses'' hooves thundered on the ground. The crowd immediately dissolved into chaos. Waves of cavalrymen in neat formations surrounded the place immediately. Many citizens fled the scene like mice after witnessing the approaching storm. The soldiers did not bother to stop them. It was the passionate scholars that the soldiers took careful notice of. The hundreds of intellectuals on the platform were surrounded. The faces of a dozen of people on the stage and several hundred more under it were still filled with indignation but their eyes began to show faint signs of fear and distress. Tie Zheng sat atop his horse, his gaze towards the scholar on the stage cold and unyielding. The latter returned his gaze without fear, staring back with infuriated indignation. "Who are you? Why do you try to change history and drive the common folk into a frenzy?" Tie Zhengs tone was icy, without any attempt to hold back the rage he was feeling. "This younger one is honest and forthright in his actions. My name is Sun Wenhua. May I ask what does Marshal Tie want to do by dispatching so many soldiers, surrounding so many scholars, and approaching us in such an aggressive manner?" Sun Wenhua asked instead. "You have instigated violence among the people, accused the loyal and kind-hearted of treachery and mix up what is right and what is wrong; What crime should I be penalizing you for, I wonder?" Tie Zhengs gaze was murderous as his words dripped with venom. "This young one has never done what Marshal Tie has said." Sun Wenhua spoke with his chin raised high, "As a scholar, this young one is only doing what he thinks is right." He faced the crowd and continued to speak righteously, "This young one is only a weak scholar who can do nothing. My mannerisms and actions are the way of an intellectual. The way of an intellectual is none other than spoken speech and written words, talking based on literature; the way of an intellectual is to spread knowledge to the world, assist the emperor and educate the citizens. This is what a scholar like me should be doing!" The scholars around him cheered in agreement. The people who knew better snorted inwardly, "He has accused the loyal and mixed up right and wrong but he can still paint such a nice picture of righteousness and justice These scholars are really shameless." Tie Zheng tightened his fist. Just as he was about to reply, he heard his assistant general beside him start to speak; his voice booming and sonorous. "Absolutely correct! You intellectuals do things your intellectual way. This is logical and undeniable. Yet we martial people do things our martial way as well! Since you think that your movement to pick apart the spine of Yutang and destroy the faith of Yutang is correct, we think that killing all of you is correct as well! Brothers, charge! Leave no one alive!" Right after his brief speech, Tie Zhengs assistant general charged, whipping his horse forward without any further warning. Before Tie Zheng could even say anything, he saw the assistant general raising his saber as the heads of the dozen of scholars on the stage flew into the air! Not a single one had been missed, including that of Sun Wenhua. The air was tense with the violence and rage that roiled within Yun Yang. Reason? Who f*cking talks about reason? You all have done such vile and wicked things and you still wish to talk about reason? F*ck reason! Where the blade passed, blood spewed. The assistant general, who was really Yun Yang in disguise, had no intention of stopping; he charged into the crowd, his saber turning into a life-consuming weapon of the devil as blood flowed in rivers wherever his saber slashed. "This saber in your fathers hands shall send all of you down to wait for justice together with your Sir Zhuo!" Under his lead, the accompanying cavalrymen who had been lingering impatiently had charged right into the bloodied scene, skewering anything that moved with their blades, as they followed their assistant generals example. "Kill them all!" "Kill these bastards who overturned right and wrong, who tipped the black and white over!" "Kill these treacherous traitors!" "Kill these self-righteous fools!" "You dare to humiliate the family of generals? Serves you right if you die tonight!" Boom! Pow! Slam! It was just the first pass of the charge, but all the scholars had died without leaving behind a single survivor! "I know who has stirred this up. Brothers, follow me! As long as the culprit is not exterminated, the rumors will not end and the accusations against the family of generals will not stop!" Yun Yang, as the assistant general, hollered again and led the bloodthirsty cavalrymen away. Tie Zheng finally shook himself out of his stupor. F*ck, whos the main marshal here? I was about to give a command yet this bastard has taken the lead. I havent even vented my anger; my burning rage hasnt exploded yet! Besides, the old marshal specifically told me not to go overboard before we came. Now everyones been killed. What else is there for me to say? "F*cking hell! Wang Ziqi!" Tie Zheng hollered for his second in command. "Where the f*ck are you going? Stop this right now!" He gave chase immediately with his horse but he was too slow. Although Yun Yang had plenty of words of advice in his previous conversation with Shangguan Lingxiu, he had felt a murderous rage the moment he put himself in her shoes. Now that the chance was here, how could he let these culprits go? If he did not lead the squad and strike down the source of all these troubles, he would be wasting this God-given opportunity! Yun Yang, who was disguised as Assistant General Wang Ziqi, led the squad and charged into several homes of famed scholars who had been earlier identified. He slashed the doors open and killed everyone in the residences from the main entrance; he then crashed forcefully through the back wall and charged towards another residence. "The saber is in my hands. Today, I shall exterminate all evil!" Yun Yang had an accurate list in his hands, it''s precision would not allow him to kill one wrong soul or miss out even a single person. When he was about done, he charged back, turning his horse in the opposite direction... ...only to come face to face with Tie Zheng. The man was apoplectic with rage. "Wang Ziqi! What f*cking guts you must have! Dont you f*cking run away! Dont go! Stand right there!" How could Yun Yang not flee? He whipped his horse and increased his speed as he galloped away. 165 If Heroes are Bitterly Disappointed Tie Zheng only managed to catch up to Yun Yangs warhorse at the next bend, but there was already no one riding it. "Crap!" Tie Zheng shuddered. "Could it have been a spy?" This person would have caused a great disaster if the people they had mercilessly executed were the wrong targets. Not only would Tie Zheng be the scapegoat, he would rightfully deserve the punishment that was bound to be meted out. However, as it turned out, the hapless people who had been killed were all guilty, deserving of their terrible fate. These people were the culprits, the very source of this issue! Tie Zheng was bewildered and confused. What was going on? He scratched his head in confusion C no matter how he looked at it, he could make neither head nor tail of the situation. Tie Zheng returned to the base camp in a puzzled state only to find Wang Ziqi gazing around in confusion at the camps entrance. "Marshal, where did all of you go and what did you all do? Why isnt anybody in the camp?" "Who are you trying to fool?" Tie Zheng hopped off his horse and grabbed the horrified man to trash him within an inch of his life. After that, he hollered out his order, "Tie the rascal up!" Wang Ziqis face was swollen and his nose bled profusely as he called out incessantly, "Whats going on? Whats going on?" The trashing was totally uncalled for! When Marshal Tie had gleaned the entire story from Wang Ziqi and connected it to what he knew, he finally understood the situation. However, he was astounded, unable to give voice to the exasperation he felt. There was no way he was going to report this. Someone managed to disguise himself as your assistant general right under your nose. This is the biggest joke. If it were to happen on the battlefield, do you know what consequences could have come out of it? The entire troop couldve been wiped out! Even though he killed the correct people, there is no way you can explain yourself if he had slipped up and executed just one innocent bystander. How could you be such a fool? Tie Zheng could imagine the condemnation he would suffer if he reported what had happened today, so he could only keep quiet and pretend nothing had happened. He was curious though C who was the person who had pretended to be the assistant general? How could have executed the killings with such precision? It could not be Old Marshal Qiu, could it? "That assistant general of yours is not bad! Not bad at all!" Old Marshal Qiu was full of high praise when he saw Tie Zheng passing the general medallion. "Clean and direct, efficient with his methods; he reminds me of this old mans style back in the day Not bad, not bad, he should be commended and rewarded well." Tie Zheng''s face was draped in irritation. "So, you know how to be ashamed as well? You said youre going so you went but what nonsense were you spewing before? Take them right away and be done with them! You went and asked them what crime should they be penalized under? Can you win by reasoning with these intellectuals? If you can wave the saber around, the less nonsense we''ll face. The saber is our way!" After complimenting Wang Ziqi, the old marshal chastised Tie Zheng by pointing at his nose, "If it werent for Wang Ziqi, who decisively executed his intentions, you would probably have been pushed into their roundabout pit! Look at you I shouldnt be scolding you since your wedding is near but have you f*cking grown a pigs brain?! How blind must your wife be, for you to have been able to catch her?" Tie Zheng went back to his camp with a sour disposition; his exasperation brimmed as he brought the commendation dictum and promotion decree of Assistant General Wang Ziqi back. "Me?" Wang Ziqi pointed at his nose that was almost broken from being beaten up, incredibly surprised. "Commend me? Ive been promoted? Why? I C I When have I contributed anything of merit?" Looking at his comrades who wore envy and awe on their faces, Wang Ziqi was indeed muddled. "Marshal I" Tie Zheng roared. "Shut the f*ck up! Do you feel guilty that you''ve been f*cking promoted? Are you taking your undeserved gain for granted now? Left and right, charge!" Pow, pow, pow. Wang Ziqi had been knocked out, replaced, commended, then walloped again C the bizarre series of incidents felt like a dream, befuddling the poor man. As for the culprit, the mastermind, the perpetrator, Yun Yang, he was delighted and happy! The exhilarating slaughter today came up to two hundred casualties. This was secondary though, what made Yun Yang so joyful was the active state Emmie was in now. It was obvious that it had gotten the air of injustice it needed, and the injection today was exceptionally strong! Yun Yang had thought that despite the scholars having ill intentions and making the wrong decisions, they did not really lose their minds and wished to harm the Empire of Yutang. By the look of things now, these scholars had become sinners by definition; the air of injustice Emmie had gathered was the proof and could not be denied! "These people that were wreaking havoc knew that the Shangguan Family of Generals is the real hero. They knew the truth but theyve still chosen to do so. This can only stem from ill intentions." "Their movements have triggered the military and the sense of justice among most citizens, thats probably why theres so much air of injustice this time round" Yun Yang thought. "The more they should be damned to death!" "They know right from wrong, black from white, but theyve still mixed them up in order to achieve their goal. Who else should die if not them?" Yun Yang snorted. "If ever I see one of these people in the future, I''d definitely strike them down immediately. No time for nonsense!" They could even twist history; these people who spewed self-righteous claims would only cause more harm the more knowledge they gained. Yun Yang had not held back at all in this slaughter and he would only become more aggressively if there were similar cases in future. Of course, Supreme Cloud could never step out to handle this personally. He had borrowed somebodys hands and given him a large boon in the processC this was the reward of borrowing the persons identity, a thank-you gift for temporary replacing him! Assistant General Wang Ziqi, who was very lucky to have contributed merit in the confusion and gotten a trashing before becoming the culprit, was not exactly an innocent scapegoat. Even if Yun Yang had not done what he did, Wang Ziqi had to go for the mission as well; the end would have been the same. It was on the same day before the civil officials could form their retaliation, lambasting the peremptory ways of the military side and criticizing the decaying of the nation if their ways were not severely punished that His Majesty the emperors royal decree descended unto the world. "Intellectuals challenge the law with their civil ways while warriors violate the bans with their martial ways. Yutangs scholars have muddled black and white, overturned right and wrong, twisted the truth of history; they have forgotten about justice and loyalty, overwriting the kind and patriotic with their self-righteous proclamations, putting the traitor of treason on a pedestal. How are they different from a treacherous official?" "The Shangguan Family of Generals has been devotedly patriotic, the rivers and mountains of Yutang are witnesses to its faithful souls of vibrant blood. The entirety of the Shangguan Family sacrificed themselves to serve the nation. They have perished for the empire; the once massive family has suffered so many casualties that only widowed wives and orphaned children remain today yet their patriotism does not waver. The faithful and lion-hearted officials who have given their all to the nation are being accused and condemned to become treacherous officials C where is the justice in this? Where is the conscience in this? It has only been a hundred and fifty years, the loyal officials bodies are still warm. Their souls have not wandered far, but they have to take this vile accusation of muddled truth; how can they possibly rest in peace?" "The thousands of scholars are well educated, they should know the difference between right and wrong C to share the nations woe and to spread the name of kind loyalists. They have, instead, for their personal gains, stirred this vile movement to instigate the resentment of the people, to disappoint the souls of faith and hurt the lion-hearted This crime is intolerable in this majestic land! These criminals must be killed to quell the grudge of people, they must be executed to pacify the faithful souls." "From today onwards, nine familial exterminations shall be executed unto anyone who speaks of similar claims! Yutangs scholars should be aware and use this incident as a reminder! Faithful souls of vibrant blood are to leave their names in history, are to be praised for generations; they are never to be condemned by outlaws." The emperors royal decree was exceptionally harsh. It was as if His Majestys stern face and infuriated expression could be seen from the decree, his soaring rage was almost palpable. With the announcement of the decree, the crisis was quashed at once. The emperor had ordered a further investigation as well, the order rendering all the scholars in Tiantang City who were involved to be doomed. "Those who have died deserved their deaths, their families are to be punished as well; those who survived will be recorded in the official dossier, never to be appointed officials for the rest of their lives!" The most uncorrupted officials would still earn hundreds of thousands of silver taels; plenty of people had studied hard and even acquired their reputation through various channels just so they could score the highest degree in imperial examinations and be accepted into the bureaucracy. Once the order of call to account was given, it was just like a tree trunk had fallen across these peoples path to bureaucracy! Moans and cries of agony echoed instantly. The action taken by the emperor was steadfast and resolute, he was quick to resolve the mess C proclaiming a royal decree right after a slaughter. The masterminds men were all killed; even if he had wanted to wreak more havoc, he had no means to. He could only sigh helplessly against the current situation. There was no chance to overturn the situation nor was there room for retaliation. About a ninth of the disposable men had been killed while the remaining were filled with grudges from their halted path to bureaucracy, there was simply no one to be utilized. What use was there to make a fuss in the imperial court? Besides, His Majesty was angry right now, even his eyes were blazing with fury. If someone simply hopped out to create chaos, he would probably be exterminated without question. Therefore, the civil officials had chanted "Your Majesty is incisive" wisely and let the matter go. There was another decree given alongside the one to hold perpetrators accountable, it was the emperors comfort towards Shangguan Family of Generals. Both old marshals from the military had gone out personally to send gifts of consolation to the Shangguans residence with gongs and drums; the impetus was loud, creating a buzz in the city. Countless people who had been roused by the rumors immediately regretted their actions, sobbing and apologizing at the doors of the Shangguan Family while kneeling down; they were tearful and sincere, remorse exuding from their entire being. After days of being extremely wronged, Shangguan Family had finally welcomed a sunny day. If seen from the sky, there was a sea of black of heads from the people on their knees before the Shangguans residence doors. "I have thrown rotten eggs... I am deserving of death!" "Its all the scholars fault, spewing nonsense like that. I actually believed them I deservedeath as well!" "I loathe myself, I cant read asingle word yet I followed the crowd like an idiot. I truly deserve death." "I beg the forgiveness of the family of generals" "I plead for the forgiveness of the family of generals, this lowly one has been an utter fool!" However, not a single member of the Shangguan Family came out to accept the apologies; they did not show signs of concern either. There was only the butler who had come out to say, "There are only women and young children in the residence. It is an inconvenience to come out for a greeting. We ask that all of you clear off soon and apologize for the lack of hospitability." These were the words passed, nothing else was said. Yet the indifference and the bitter disappointment within the words engulfed everyones heart. The crowd was clueless of what to do, they felt something amiss but they could not put a finger on it; subsequently, they lingered in front of the Shangguan doors. Some people were angryC it was just a simple misunderstanding. We have apologized, what more do you want? Old Marshal Qiu and Leng Daoyin had arrived at Shangguans doors together. Seeing the crowd that was gathered there, they thought something had happened again but the situation was made known to them after they hurried over. Looking at the filthy doors of the Shangguan Family of Generals, sniffing at the distinct stench of feces on it, looking at the people who had come asking for forgiveness after what they had done, Qiu Jianhan was infuriated. The old marshal took large strides towards Shangguans doors and sprung up to the doors wall before he pointed his index finger at the gathered crowd, "All you rascals, you have the face to come and apologize here? Can you have some dignity? Some form of basic human decency?" "Throughout these hundred and fifty years, generations of Shangguan Family of Generals men have all died for the stability of the Empire of Yutang, leaving behind widows and orphans. All of you who are protected, who are enjoying peace and safety, chose instead to believe the outrageous rumors, wreaking havoc and attacking the family of generals! Do you all still have the slightest bit of conscience left in you?" "You have all disappointed the hearts of the family of generals, spewing ill words and doing wretched things. Now that the case has been cleared, you think things can be settled just by bowing here, saying sorry and showing your remorse? You wish, you ungrateful bastards! Everyone in the Shangguan Family of Generals has bathed in blood in the battlefield for generations, have fought and killed until their fallen bodies are brought back in horsehide! They have done all this to protect you, you conscienceless bastards!" "Apologize? Remorse? You all can say it aloud? Looking at you people, I feel sorry for the Shangguan brothers who have sacrificed themselves in the battlefield! They bathed in blood in the war, their remains brought home in horsehide; generations of their descendants enlisted incessantly, their loyalty unwavering! All to protect you ingrates! Ungrateful, ignorant of history, shameless!" "Despicable, unrepentant, scurrilous, sordid, contemptible!" "Have you heard the cries of the loyal souls of the family of generals beneath? Have you seen the faithful souls of vibrant blood enraged? Felt the unworthiness of their sacrifice? With such incidents, how can the warriors be willing to go to war with their all again? Are they putting their lives at stake, risking their all to have their dead bodies carried back in horsehide just to protect you all? Who are you to them, anyway?" 166 It Is Enough! The old marshal was furious, his anger knew no bounds; his deafening growls were accompanied by rage and laced with helpless despair. The old marshals current emotional state was similar to that of Shangguan Lingxiu and Yun Yang. However, his was even more volatile! He could lead troops of a million men to defend against the enemies thousands of miles away; he could command these troops easily and carry out military strategies effortlessly; he could throw himself into the thick of warfare and overthrow the army without fear. Yet, facing these fools who were easily swayed, easily instigated, he was helpless! To the old marshal, redressing Shangguan Family of Generals tainted name was a fortunate event. It was also a reminder, a reminder he could empathize with. It could be the Shangguan Family of Generals today, it could be words that would bring about the fall Leng Daoyin or Qiu Jianhan tomorrow. They were all militants; the Shangguan Family of Generals who had been the epitome of patriotism, of historical merit, was almost wiped out just like that - he was definitely no safer than them! In the backyard of the Shangguan residence, the widowed women stood quietly, their faces stoic. Hearing the old marshal berating the people from afar, everyone in the family suddenly had their eyes rimmed red, their tears falling in streams with their fists tightening; the anger and despair they had been feeling could not be expressed by words. They did not weep when they were wrongly accused, they only felt anger and resentment. When the truth was unveiled, when their reputation was recovered, each of them could not help the tears the flowed freely down their faces. The old mistress lit a joss stick with a trembling hand and raised it high over her head, softly sticking it into the censer before the ancestral tablets. The smoke rose slowly. The ancestral tablets were arranged neatly as they watched the rising smoke silently. Both the living and the dead had nothing to say; all the womens eyes were trained on the old mistress. The old mistress face was expressionless, but her tears were endless. She quietly straightened her body and looked at the many tablets with moisture in her eyes. After a very long time, she murmured, "I know what you all want to say You wish to ask forpeace of the heart and the presence of justice. This is what you all want to say, is it not? I knew it! The entire family, you are all wretched rotters! You wouldn''t regret what you did, even if you had to die a hundred deaths!" Her voice trembled as she spoke, "You had your fun, didn''t you? All of you roared and charged forward, dyingheroic deaths! Dying and leaving everything else behind, isnt that easy? But all of you left us behind! The peace of heart and the presence of justice all of you wanted, the sacrifices you made for the nation without regret... but you left us C a family full of widowed wives and orphaned children! Do you not feel any guilt at all?" "Your deaths are an end of everything you, all of you know nothing else. But we are all still alive here! I guess it just serves us right - we have to bear everything that has happened..." The old mistress was sobbing. Suddenly, she hollered harshly, "But what sins have we committed that we have to bear all these?" Her skinny hand pointed towards the doors behind her as she shouted, "Why must we bear all these! Come out, one of you, tell this old one, why is it so?" The ancestral hall seemed to shudder slightly at the vehemence in her voice. The women were all shaking with red rimmed eyes. Outside the doors, Qiu Jianhans low voice resounded. "Elder sister-in-law, we are here." Old Mistress said coldly, "Both marshals arrival is honorable but this contemptible land is unworthy of your footprints. How can this old one afford such respect? This family is full of widows and orphans that dont deserve the courtesy of a visit by two influential military officials. Please go back." Shadow flitted by the doors before Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyins tall forms appeared at the doors and walked over quickly. Coming to the front of the old mistress, both men knelt on the ground. "We are late. Elder sister-in-law, please forgive us!" These two marshals of the imperial court, superiors of the military, old generals of theEmpire of Yutang that could shake the nation with one holler, had just gone on their knees before this old mistress subserviently, guilt and remorse colored their faces. The old mistress anger clogged her throat then; the old lady did not speak a word for a long time. Finally, she exhaled a soft sigh; the crutch in her hand shook as she said, "Get up." "Yes! Allow both of us to offer incense to the family of generals ancestors, brothers, and children, to at least show our sincerity." Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin got up and went to get a joss stick each. They respectfully lit them and raised them up high before bowing; their expression solemn and serious. There seemed to be a glint flashing across the marshals eyes, as if the long forgotten heroic scenes of the Shangguan Family of Generals dictating the battlefield flashed before their eyes. The atmosphere was silent. After some time, both the generals straightened up. The old mistress was still standing straight. She suddenly gave a sigh and said softly, "Young Qiu, Young Leng, let me ask the both of you" She wore no expression on her face and there was no emotion in her voice, there was not the slightest bit of feelings; her arm stretched out slowly, pointing towards the doors as she questioned faintly, "Is the generations of sacrifice of our family to protect these people outside?" Old Marshal Qiu and Leng Daoyin replied with their silence, unable to come up with a worthy answer. A long time seemed to have passed when both men puffed their chests and said bitterly yet resolutely, "We are Yutangs soldiers, we take the imperial courts salary and enjoy what the people give. The military food and pay are supplied by the nation as well." "We only ask for the peace of heart and the presence of justice! Nothing else!" Both old generals chanted the mantra simultaneously. The peace of heart, the presence of justice! It was these words again! These two phrases were terribly convenient. Old Mistress erupted into another fit of rage, tears gushing out of her eyes as she scolded them, "Is this what you two ask for as well? The peace of heart and the presence of justice? Good, good. You are all-righteous with justice, you are all-passionate with generosity! Get out! Get out now! Go and get your peace of heart! Go find the presence of justice! Out, out, out!" She sobbed as she berated them, the crutch in her hand landing harshly on the two old generals. Both aged generals took it in their stride without a single movement, their gazes clouded with heartache and grief. They shared the same sentiment about the treatment that the Shangguan Family faced, the bitter disappointment that was endless and the icy chill that went to the core. Plop! Old Mistress threw her crutch on the floor and collapsed in front of the ancestral tablets to bawl her heart out. The endless bitter disappointment and heartache were poured out through her heartbreaking sobs. The numerous memorial tablets stayed stationary amidst the rising smoke, as did Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin who remained still as statues. All the women in Shangguan Family did not move as well, their expressions grieved but there was also a hint of relief. "We ask for the peace of mind and the presence of justice!" There was a latter phrase to the line C "It is enough!" Yun Yang who was blissfully unaware of the developments on the other side had returned to his residence with delighted ease but was surprised to find out that Yun Zuiyue had sent someone to send him an invitation, citing an urgent matter that required his presence. Yun Yang could not help being shocked when he heard it. Why was Yun Zuiyue looking for him at this time? What did she want? Just as he was about to leave to find out what was going on in the Cirrus House, a girl in black appeared, accompanied by two men. It was Ju Chen from the Twelve Golden Flowers of Cirrus House; she was not close to Yun Yang but they knew each other. "Young Master Yun." A smile hung on Ju Chens delicate face. "Sister Yue knows that Young Master is busy and the meeting is not at the Cirrus House so she has sent this young sister to escort you." Yun Yang returned her smile. "This is fine. I wonder where Sister Yue is now." Ju Chen smiled again and said, "Sister Yue is waiting for the young master at an... exciting... place, and is looking forward to your speedy arrival." Exciting place? Speedy arrival? Yun Yang scanned Ju Chens face thoughtfully and nodded. "Since Sister Yue is calling for this meeting, let us make haste." He turned to wave his goodbye but secretly winked at Fang Mofei. Fang Mofei lowered his head to ask softly, "Young master, do you want this subordinate to go with you?" "No need. Whatever for?" "Lao Mei, watch the house." Yun Yang rejected his offer and said, "You watch the house too." Before he departed, Yun Yang blew a whistle that saw Whitey Two catapulting over and into Yun Yangs embrace. Yun Yang laughed, pushed Whitey Two deeper into his robe and followed Ju Chen. Fang Mofei chuckled after Yun Yang left and immediately dissipated into the air. "Lao Mei, Im the first wave, youre second. Dont get yourself noticed or else young masters trick will be spoiled." Lao Mei snorted and mumbled angrily, "Are you starting to order me around now? Does the order of arrival matter?" He then followed with a disgruntled expression. The sky was gradually growing darker, it was nearing sunset in the evening. Ju Chen led the way, all smiles as she chatted with Yun Yang; her two guards followed beside her with blank faces. "How these two certainly looks unfamiliar. Have I met them before?" Yun Yang asked with a grin, looking at the two guards. Ju Chen chuckled softly covering her mouth. "Does the young master recognize all of us in Cirrus House?" Yun Yang laughed. "Right, right. How could I possibly recognize all of you?" He stopped speaking then but each glance towards Ju Chen bore more coldness deep in his gaze. Recognize all of you in the Cirrus House? I can recognize each and every one of you in the Cirrus House. Not only the guards but also the maids and chefs I know each and every one of them. He maintained his leisurely stroll with hands behind his back, like a wealthy young master who was out to relax while accompanying a beautiful lady. He exuded grace and leisure, as well as an air of romance. Ju Chens occasional glances towards Yun Yangs face could not help but reveal hints of sympathy. It was too bad that the gentle young master had unsurpassed looks and demeanor The further they went, the further they seemed to move away from the normal paths; they were approaching the red-light slum. Looking over, the people on the streets had suddenly increased in number. Finally, they came to an area that had both sides crowded with street vendors after turning past a filthy street. Why were there so many people doing business from their stalls at this point of time? Yun Yangs lips quirked as he asked nonchalantly, "Ju Chen, where are you bringing me to? How can Sister Yue come to this place? What is so exciting about this place?" Ju Chen forced a smile and said, "Young master is impatient. We are already here." "Here?" Yun Yang turned his head to point at the street and asked, "Right here? How fun can this place be?" Seeing that Yun Yang had his head turned, Ju Chen took a few quick steps back as she hollered, "Attack!" 167 Shura! The street was filled with close to five or six hundred people. All of a sudden, everyone stood up, holding sabers and swords. The chilling glint on their blades gleamed as they charged towards Yun Yang from every possible direction. All of them wore a consistent look of menace, a murderous aura gushing from their very beings. Yun Yang was like a lone island amidst the deluge and suddenly he was being hit by ferocious waves. The blades shone with their metal luster. Ju Chen was fast, quickly stepping away, yet she had only taken three steps back before she realized with a start that her rapidly retreating body was being held tight. Turning her head back, Yun Yangs handsome face twisted into one of confusion as he asked her, "Ju Chen, what is going on here? There''s no excitement here, only danger" His grip on Ju Chens shoulder was tight as a vice, the girl was unable to move at all. Her pretty face paled she screamed, "Let me go!" "Stop your nonsense. I am protecting you!" Yun Yangs gaze was icy. "I have the most tender heart for women. The situation has turned terribly treacherous, how could I leave you alone and in danger?" Besides the surging crowd around them that screamed murder, teams of men all in black attire appeared at the roofs surrounding them as well; they held bows and arrows in their hands, the icy arrowheads pointing in their direction. Petrification colored Ju Chens eyes as she cried, "Let me go! Let me go quickly" Yun Yangs face was stoic as he said indifferently, "As I said, I have a soft spot for women C as long as you tell me who asked you to do this. Just give me a name and Ill let you go. You see it too, they dont care about your insignificant life; theyre probably releasing the arrows even as we speak." Indeed, a cold voice could be heard in the air, "Shoot!" At the same time, Ju Chens eyes widened in disbelief as fear filled her orbs. As far as the eye could see, the sky was entirely covered by countlessblack-feathered arrows. Even the last rays of sunset were blocked as the arrows brought the color of death with them, filling ones entire sight! Ju Chen could not help screaming, a cry which held the knowledge of her impending doom. The opposite party had not cared about her at all! Yun Yang pushed Ju Chen behind him and stretched his other arm out; it looked like a blur in the air but he had actually drawn a dozen circles at an impossibly furious speed. A magical flow of mystical Qi emanated from his palm. His hand made circles in the air as his body turned around; the mystical Qi engulfed his entire being. Pow, pow, pow. More than a thousand feathered arrows fell before Yun Yang''s feet, their arrowheads aiming downwards, deflected the moment they came within three feet of Yun Yang. Instantly, a dense layer of arrows filled Yun Yangs surroundings. The sight was frightening and alarming to behold. Countless arrows pierced the ground deeply, forming a prison made of arrow-lengths. "You wont have the chance anymore if you dont speak now." Yun Yangs expression was cold as he shook Ju Chen and said softly, "Ju Chen, this is the one last chance you''ll have." Ju Chens pretty eyes were already bleary with fear now as nervously said, "It it was people from the Residence of Grand Tutor, the top aide of Grand Tutor, Cheng Menghan, who found me and wanted me to" "Cheng Menghan? Residence of the Grand Tutor?" Yun Yangs gaze flickered as he said faintly, "If you can survive this day, remember to never return to Cirrus House. If I ever see you there, I will kill you." Just as Yun Yang completed his warning, his right arm jerked as Ju Chen screamed. Her weak body had been flung away. The toss sent Ju Chen flying several thousand feet away, like she was riding a soaring cloud, out of the ambush area. Ju Chens tears dropped then, as she turned her head in midair while her voice came weakly through the wind, "Sorry" However, a glint of steel split the air and was gone in a flash. Before Ju Chen could even gasp in surprise, the sword stroke had chopped her into two! Blood filled the air. Yun Yangs gazed coldly towards the direction where both halves of the body was falling out of the air, but there were no emotions behind his eyes. "Kill him!" All around him, countless people held blades in their hands while they charged Yun Yang. Yun Yang sucked in a breath, facing the sky as a gentle smile pulled at the corners of his lips, murmuring, "Its been so, so long that Ive come across something like this!" "Nobody strikes!" Yun Yang shouted commandingly. Then, with a flick of his right hand, a luminous ray of saber radiance illuminated the dim street! A saber had found its way into Yun Yangs hand. When the saber appeared, it was not accompanied by the usual, menacing aura. On the contrary, everyone who saw it felt like they were looking at a gentle splash of colored rays. It felt like one had fallen into a beautiful dream, where all your eyes could see were iridescent splashes of colors. The front half of this saber seemed to be made of illusion, difficult to be described in detail. In comparison, the latter half that was concrete looked intricately designed despite the ethereal feeling it gave off, rousing ones innate desires. "First style, Merciless Blade!" Yun Yangs saber gleamed in the twilight. The thirty to forty people who were charging over saw a ray of luminous saber light C there was only a single ray, yet it bore towards the center of their brows from far away. Looking at the advancing ray of light, everyone experienced the same thought C it was impossible to defend against or block! The radiance of the saber had long attracted the attention of all those who would be struck but still ran helplessly towards it. Swoosh! A thin red line appeared, beginning from the center of the brows of the twenty-oddpeople in front; their bodies were still charging forward as they were abruptly torn into two. Yun Yangs attack did not stop there. Spinning around, the same gentle smile hung on his face as he cast his second style. "Merciless Dao!" Unlike the prior merciless blade, this style manifested itself in the form of a glowing ball of light, scintillating brilliantly before it exploded, rays of radiance shooting outwards in every direction with Yun Yang as it''s center. Ploo! Ploo! Ploo! A string of heads flew into the air like balls of meat being spurted from a fountain. After the first style, Merciless Blade, and the second style, Merciless Dao of Destinys First Form, more than fifty people had been slashed into two, their heads ending up at different places from their bodies. In spite of the horrible end of these men, there were still plenty in the ambush. They disregarded their fallen comrades as they charged over after one another, bravely launching themselves at Yun Yang. In just a blink of an eye, several dozen people materialized before Yun Yang again. With a glide and a flash of purple, Yun Yang ran into the charging crowd, alone with his saber, without any intention to avoid the incoming attacks. His purple robe fluttered alongside the radiating saber light in his hands, his face was cold but gentle; his saber slashed left and right for the kill C a slash to the left split a man into half who died with a scream while a chop to the right sent another mans head flying into the air. A step forward with his gleaming saber light broke dozens of weapons simultaneously. Concurrently, another string of heads flew into the air while the moist, sloshing sounds of blood became a constant hum in the background. Yun Yangs stride was wide as he moved forward; his steps were unrelenting, so was the saber light that seemed to have merged into one with any direction that it was heading. When the airborne heads touched down, Yun Yangs left hand softly slapped them, sending them flying off again like cannonballs. Whoever got hit on their bodies would vomit blood while those who were unlucky enough to get struck on their heads saw their skulls exploding like a blooming flower, a result of the terrible impact with the human ''cannonballs''. Yun Yang had not spoken a word since the beginning of the ambush, he was calm and collected but each step he took required him to shed even more of his humanity and soak in increasing bloodlust. Where he had passed, only corpses and limbs remained. Killing people right now came easier to him than chopping vegetables. All the enemys men who had arrived before him were ended with a simple slash before they could even land a strike. Since the beginning of this massacre, Yun Yang had already shifted three hundred feet. Each step he took held a constant distance, like a professional dancer who landed her steps precisely with every beat; he looked like he was dancing and gliding through the blood storm with peerless grace. Instantly, Yun Yangs body drifted like a cloud as his purple robe fluttered, his feet stepping on six mens head in his stride. Just as the six heads exploded like six crushed watermelons, Yun Yang landed airily and chopped down another three people who wanted to flee with a flash of his saber. Blood jetted like streams of liquid rainbow, vibrant yet bloody Pow! Yun Yang sprung up again and stepped on another mans head with a slight crouch. It was not that he was inconsistent in his skill, it was an intentional deviation. The unfortunate man''s head was crushed all the way into his chest from Yun Yangs crouched step and went flat as Yun Yang made a cushioned landing from the leverage. His purple robe flapped in the night breeze, the saber light glided around like a drifting dragon and dropped the last seventeen assassins to the ground, their heads parted from their bodies. The ground was littered with dead, unfeeling meat. The broken sabers and swords that pitter-pattered like raindrops were gently hooked up by the delicately feminine fingers of Yun Yangs extended left arm and tossed out like a bunch of blooming blossoms. Plow, plow, plow. Shards of broken blades changed their direction in mid-air, shooting away like meteorites chasing the moon while the belching sounds echoed loudly. Those assassins who were petrified and were now running for their lives ran wherever their feet brought them. They fell face down with blood spurting from their backs, hearts punctured and stopped. Flickers of black filled the night C the feathered arrows that were embedded in the ground had mysteriously uprooted themselves and now hovered in the air. The archers by the roof and wall had just pulled their bows when all of them collapsed with a swooshing sound that accompanied the feathered arrows. The street of the red-light district resembled a bloodied slaughterhouse. At least four hundred men were dead, lying on the ground and leaving behind pin-drop silence. No one was left injured in this battle; all of them had died with a single strike, departing to the underworld together. Wiped out! Plow! The last archer fell from the wall. He had intended to flee after witnessing the disaster, half of his body already ready to hop down from the wall but an arrow had gone through the back of his neck, killing him in a single stroke. Yun Yangs purple robe danced as he stood still in the middle of the street. His robe was still impeccably spotless after the massacre. The tip of his saber in his right hand pointed towards six different directions in the dark before it pointed upwards towards two higher spots by the roof corner; he said faintly, "Come out!" The last ray of the setting sun illuminated Yun Yangs face; it was still the calm and gentle smiling expression that he had been wearing just now. Yun Yang looked like a wealthy young master who had come out for a night of carousing; a naturally relaxed air oozed from him while the corners of his lips were raised slightly to form a soft smile, like he was exclaiming the beauty and radiance of this world while facing the setting sun. The scene was full of an inexplicable sense of sadness and pride. Yet under his feet was a crimson sea of blood from over four hundred dead bodies. The handful of men hiding in the dark felt a chill shooting up from their feet, their scalps going numb with goosebumps rising on their skin. This this is the popinjay Grand Tutor has asked us to kill? If he''s considered a popinjay, what are we then? 168 Tell the Grand Tutor, Donst Hurry to Your Death! All of them recalled Manager Cheng''s orders for the mission C "Make sure you leave nothing to chance; send more men over if you need to. Finish it once and for all, take advantage of the commotion now that all the generals from the other countries are here." "Even if you strive for perfection, don''t you think that your method is overly extensive,Manager Cheng? Were only taking care of a young popinjay, why would we need five hundred men?" The leader had chortled as if he knew something that the others did not. "Assurance is prioritized over all else." Manager Cheng spoke softly, "The lion uses his all when preying upon the rabbit. Besides, Young Master Yun isnt a total popinjay, he has a cultivation base as well, meager as it is. He is the only son of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds after all" "What cultivation base can defend itself against the simultaneous attacks of five hundred martial artists? Even if its Marquis of Heavenly Clouds himself, can he ward off such an extreme show of force?" A few men who led the team grumbled inwardly. Someone had been assigned to lure him to the right spot, the trap was set, and the ambush was an all-out killing circle. Five hundred men to tackle a popinjay of a young master. This had given him so much honor! They soon realized the truth. Five hundred people? To Young Master Yun, it was a laughable attempt! The exact extent of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds abilities was unknown, but his only son, Young Master Yun, was like Shura1 reborn! He had killed so many people in a single breath but he was still smiling gently, as if in the midst of reminiscing. What was going on in his head as he dealt death left, right and center? It was truly mind numbing! They had been hiding C only one of them had lashed out to kill Ju Chen while the others had never moved, waiting for the chance to strike and end things once and for all. However, following the show of Yun Yangs shocking ability, any thought of attacking had vanished instantly. When they saw the fifth peak expert who had led the five hundred men being slashed into two by Yun Yang, their plans of pressing on the ambushed began to seem terribly unwise. One strike for the fifth peak! How many hits could they, of the fifth peak pinnacle, take? The person who had killed Ju Chen with a mid-air slash felt worse, his face already losing its color while his heart thumped madly in his chest. He could clearly remember that Yun Yang had raised his head to look at him coldly when his sword struck, ending Ju Chens life. Witnessing Yun Yangs combat skill, he was certain that Yun Yang could definitely save Ju Chen in time. If Yun Yang had intended to prevent it, he would never have been able to kill that woman. Yun Yang did not though C he did not wish to save her. The more he thought about Yun Yangs cold gaze upon him, the more he was petrified. Yun Yangs purple robe billowed as he strode through the pool of blood, saying softly, "Hmm, are you all not coming out? There are eleven of you now, five on my left and four on my right; the one whos grabbing onto the roof tiles, the one who killed Ju Chen earlier, you need not hide. Ive noticed you a long while ago. As for the other two on the two highest trees, do you think your camouflage is flawless?" Yun Yang raised his head slightly, a smirk hung clearly on his face. "Could it be that all of you think you can escape? Outrageous. Come and greet your death!" Crack! One of the men who had been hiding had broken a tile out of sheer fright. Yun Yang looked over without moving and said coldly, "If all of you dont step out, Ill come for you instead. Separated power is weak power; you are all split into different places, all the more you will be unable to beat me. It doesn''t take a genius to figure out the outcome - the entire lot of you are going to die by my hands." Sha, sha, swoosh, swoosh. Eleven people materialized together on the rooftop. The gazes of a row of uneven heights were cast downwards with mixed feelings towards the purple-robed man standing in the sea of blood and mountain of corpses. His tall, muscular build and his insanely handsome face could rouse the shame of all men. Their gazes, however, were filled with petrified fear, as if they were looking at a sinister ghost that had escaped from the confines of hell. "Young Master Yun we have long heard of your great name." The leader of the men chuckled dryly, his eyes fearful even as he spoke, "The brothers are doing this involuntarily. Were working for others, after all, we have to obey their instructions. There''s nothing we could do." Yun Yangs gaze focused on the leader, his eyes flickered suddenly as his pupils contracted but the change was gone as soon as it appeared. He nodded and said, "I understand. You ward off disaster for someone after accepting their money, that''s how the saying goes! Such is my understanding though. I can only sigh helplessly that so many have died by my saber After all, man will always choose to defend themselves when facing danger, do they not?" Yun Yangs tone was calm, laced with a sense of exhaustion and gentleness. The man opposite of him felt goosebumps rising on his skin; those who were beside him could see the fine hairs on his face and elbows standing up straight. "Young Master Yun is right. Right indeed" This man could only laugh as a cold sweat trickled down his brow. "Since you have all come out, do give me an explanation." Yun Yang said as he smiled, "Something needs to be left behind whenever such an incident happens in the martial arts world. Experienced men would be aware of this rule of the martial arts world, wouldn''t they?" The mans expression was bitter as he asked, "I wonder what Young Master Yun would like us to leave behind though?" Yun Yang smiled gently and said, "The debt of life should be repaid with another life, of course, Id love to leave your heads behind. I am certain every one of you would be reluctant to do so." The pause in his speech frightened these eleven men terribly. Big brother, your habit of taking a breather between words absolutely has to go; it scares people to death all too easily! "But according to the rules of the martial arts world, such an incident requires at least leaving behind an arm." Yun Yangs eyes were glinting dangerously like a sharp blade. "Either an arm, or an eye, or a leg. I''ll leave it to you." "One more thing, remember to keep your lives. Remember to go back and tell the Grand Tutor" Yun Yang raised his head and said, "Tell him C he is an old man now, and he has been working hard for the country and its people. He can be considered a good official, his reputation did not come cheaply. His son-in-law deserved it anyway. Ask that old man don''t be in such a hurry to rush into his own death." The leaders eyes glinted, his voice hoarse. "Young Master Yun, this is rather... difficult for us to convey." Yun Yang smiled lightly but did not say a single thing. Two shadows appeared on both sides of the men; a formidable aura spreading out like a canopy as the eleven people felt their breaths quickening at once. Under such an oppressive force, how could they not know that the two men who had suddenly appeared were stronger experts against whom they would not be able to defend? Yun Yang smiled. "I had thought that this trap set would be absolutely devastating. As such I have brought two of my own guards here as well" He smirked. "If Id known, how would Ive blown things out of proportion? Although its said to better be safe than sorry, being too cautious will always exacerbate the situation." Seeing the large disparity in the abilities of both parties, the leader gritted his teeth in defeat. "Young Master Yun is exceptional indeed. We brothers will bow down to your wisdom this time." The others looked like they had given up all hope as well, their last sliver of luck slipping out of their grasp. A flash of saber light welcomed the scream of the leader; he had chopped his left arm off, blood spurting like a fountain from the remaining stump. "Young Master Yun, is this... acceptable?" The big man covered his wound with his hand, the pain causing him to hiss his words while large beads of sweat dripped from his forehead. His menacing face was as white as a sheet of paper. Yun Yang looked at him without giving away anything in his expression and moved his gaze towards the next man. The man closed his eyes and tore his sleeves to ball it into his mouth. Clenching his teeth, a flash of light saw another arm drop to the ground with a wet thud. The rest looked at Yun Yang pleadingly. Their pitiful gazes were returned with a gentle one that spoke of calmness and coldness, not a slight bit forgiving nor was it kind. Youve all come to kill me. I have shown great restraint by not asking for your lives. You are actually hoping that I will be merciful? Everyone felt the keen sting of hopelessness. As one, they understood that it was impossible for the devil who could kill five hundred people in a single breath to be merciful and have sufficient pity on them to forgo this punishment. To a man, they gritted their teeth and hacked one of their arms off, feeling utter regret accompanied by blinding pain. How could they be so unlucky? Why were they the ones sent out to complete this mission? Did the people in the Residence of Grand Tutor eat sh*t? This Young Master Yuns skills were incredibly formidable, yet they called him a popinjay C someone who only knew some paltry martial skills and had insignificant mystical Qi cultivation base? If such a cultivation base were to be insignificant, how should they call their own? How many people in this world could then call their cultivation base exceptional? "Since you have all paid your price, you may leave." Yun Yangs expression was still cold. "All of you are lucky that you are able to walk away with your lives today. This doesnt mean that your luck will hold forever." A sharp killing intent flashed in his eyes when he said, "Dont forget. Tell Grand Tutor Lee don''t hurry to seek death!" With a flip of sleeves, Yun Yang turned and left with wide strides, stepping daintily in the pool of blood. Just as he got to one end of the street, a fierce-looking thug stuck his head out from a corner stealthily, only to see the mountain of corpses and the sea of blood. Despite his best efforts, he could not stifle his gasp of shock. Seeing Yun Yang strolling away from the bloody scene and advancing towards him like death personified, his heart stopped beating all of a sudden, as his eyes stared straight at Yun Yang, unable to look away. Yun Yang turned indifferently, his icy gaze glanced at him before he continued on his way; where his feet stepped, there were bright red footprints left behind. Yun Yang''s icy glance was like King Yama gazing out from the nether depths of hell. Heart beating spasmodically, his eyes went limp as his throat gurgled, crying, "I didnt kill them I just Dont come over, you dont come over" Who knew what terrifying things this person was thinking. Before he could even complete his whimpering, his eyes bulged in its sockets as he ran two steps forward and fell to the ground, twitching slightly before he became completely still. The thug had been frightened to death by Yun Yangs emotionless gaze! Translator Note: 1Shura ( xi lu): broadly derived, in general character, the opposite of wicked Asura of Hinduism. 169 Antecedent. Fifth Brother? Yun Yang walked out of the street slowly but he could still faintly hear the mens voices. His expression twisted slightly as he halted his steps. Behind him, eleven people were moaning in pain and bandaging grievous wounds for each other; all of them looked defeated as much as they looked drained. Tonights battle was a nightmare. "Boss" One of them looked at the leader with an ashen face. "I" "What do you want?" "I wish to retire from the martial arts world." The mans face was bitter. "When we go back this time, I will be checking on how big a pension that the Grand Tutor can award me. This young brother can''t do this anymore." Everyone else obviously agreed with his speech, as they nodded wordlessly. Everyone was thinking the same thing. The leader was silent for a moment before he said, "In the past, I was in debt to the Grand Tutors kindness. Who would have known that my personal affairs would burden my brothers? So be it. If all of you wish to leave, I will request for an increased pension, on your behalf. At least youll have somewhere to belong to during your later years." "Thank you, boss." One of the men sighed and said in a disheartened tone, "Tiantang City is really a place of hidden experts. This young brother has lost his resolve I might not forget tonights incident for the rest of my life! I wont have the courage to pick my sword up again" The leader chuckled dryly and said, "During the year that I became the leader of cavalrymen I was struck off my horse in the battlefield and was about to die. Supreme Cloud suddenly appeared and saved my life Ever since then, I have been afraid of the battlefield and did not dare to go to war anymore. Taking off my armor and returning home, I was recruited by the Grand Tutor. Thats why Im here in Tiantang City today. Who would have known that I have been terribly afraid to roam the martial art worlds since then?" The others gazes shone. "Did you really have such an interesting past? You managed to see Supreme Cloud?" "Supreme Cloud was wearing a mask then no one knew what the old man looks like, how could I be an exception? Nonetheless, my life was indeed saved by the old and respected Supreme Cloud." The leader sighed. "I feel ashamed. I am strong and healthy but I have given absolutely not though about defending the nation; I fled the battlefield from fear a terribly despicable and cowardly act.." "When I finish asking for everyones pension, I shall roam the border again" The leader sighed. "I will pay my respects to Supreme Cloud... then I shall go find all of you." "Let us go together!" The rest of them said it simultaneously; all eleven men held onto each other as they left. Standing with his purple robe flapping in the nightfall, Yun Yangs face seemed to be veiled with a cold, hard mask. Fang Mofei and Lao Mei understood then. It was no wonder that their young master had been brimming with so much anger while he held the upper hand, but had unexpectedly been merciful in letting these people live. It was all because their young master had recognized the mans origins the moment he came out. Looking at Yun Yang who stood alone in the night breeze, both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei felt they eyes prickling with emotion; the lonely silhouette pulled at their heartstrings, a heartache that was difficult to be described with words. Both of them had the crazily impulsive though to rush forward and pull Yun Yang into their embrace, to comfort him lovingly. The heart of this hero has been terribly battered! Yet they could only watch him silently. Only Yun Yang himself could sooth his own heart and enlighten himself. Yun Yang picked up his steps again and moved forward, his face cold, as if he had heard nothing. The eleven men who had walked out of the street coincidentally saw the back of Yun Yang vanishing around the corner, his purple robe seemed to have flickered before their eyes. The leader shuddered instinctively, his already pale face drained even further. "Why does the back seem so familiar? I must have seen it somewhere before. Where could that be?" His questions went away as soon as they came; what replaced it was the delight of surviving the disaster as he called out, "Lets leave quick!" . As Yun Yang walked, a vigorous stream of mystical Qi roared within his body. The accumulated sanguinariness on him gradually disappeared, following the movements of his mystical Qi, until there was no trace of it left, not even on the soles of his feet. When that was done, Yun Yang finally shifted his direction and went towards Cirrus House. He had to tell Yun Zuiyue of this matter. "Ju Chen?!" Yun Zuiyue stood up abruptly; a murderous rage erupted within her pretty eyes, the very same ones that had been looking straight at Yun Yang. "Yes, it was her." Yun Yang drank a mouthful of tea, sipping rather tiredly at the rim. "She is already dead." "Good." Yun Zuiyue gritted her teeth but her eyes were rimmed red at once C not because she was sad but because she was angered. "Let me investigate." Yun Yang continued, "No need to be impatient. I would like to ask Sister Yue about the background of Ju Chen." "She is... was... one of the sisters who had been fostered by Madam, all the way back then." Yun Zuiyue was a little saddened. "Before this, she never showed any sign of deviation. How could she turn a total hundred and eighty degrees ?" "Is she with you and fifth brother?" Yun Yang asked. "No." Yun Zuiyue smiled bitterly. "During those days there were only a few of them that were with fifth brother and me." "Then I am relieved." Yun Yang heaved a sigh and said, "Sister-in-law, forgive this young brothers direct words. There might be people around you that might need some... spring cleaning. This time around, I was their target and their understanding about me was terribly off, so its nothing more than a simple scare. However" He did not finish his words but Yun Zuiyue understood what he meant, as she nodded slowly and said, "I know. I shant be careless about this." "Hmm." Yun Yang nodded and continued, "I shall not extend my stay here then, I shall bid my leave. Take good care, sister-in-law, and be more cautious." Yun Yangs retreating silhouette left the Cirrus House in a quiet state and disappeared into the nightfall. Yun Zuiyue felt her heart grew heavy, her fury from being deceived was barely suppressed as well. Her sister, whom she had taken care of growing up and trained well, had betrayed her! She had not noticed any hint prior to her betrayal too. This was odd! "Check on the type of people Ju Chen has been interacting with recently. I want news as soon as possible." Yun Zuiyue sent her order and sat on her chair, staring at the one Yun Yang had been sitting on in a trance. It was fortunate that Yun Yang was exceptionally skillful and was trustworthy. Otherwise how could she face Flame again? Flame Yun Zuiyue suddenly thought of something as her expression changed. Suddenly, she sprung up, shooting out of the door to give chase to Yun Yang. However, she suddenly halted when she got to the door, her expression was one of uncertainty. She had suddenly realized something. Just now, even a few times prior Yun Yang had called Supreme Flame "fifth brother" when addressing him! As for tonight, "fifth brother" had appeared once more oh Yun Yangs lips! It was not only once, at that. It was obviously not a slip of the tongue C it was the truth. Yun Zuiyues eyes shone brighter. Those under Nine Heavens Dictum would only call him Fifth Sir or Flame Sir! They would never call him "fifth brother"; they dared not and they would never offend someone so rudely! It was only the brothers among the Nine Supremes who would call out "fifth brother"! Yun Yang had called Supreme Flame as "fifth brother" and herself as "sister-in-law"; did that not mean Yun Zuiyues eyes glowed with excitement. It was no wonder that this young brother could manipulate the world in his hand, turning the capital city round and apart yet he could stay concealed behind the curtain steadily without exposing himself. It was no wonder that his thoughts were so detailed, each step he took was utterly secretive, yet unusually solid! It was no wonder that he was so young but his cultivation base was so high; no one could get a grip on him despite the number of people who had gone after him. It was no wonder that Ling Xiaozui, who had his eyes set so high, could sing high praises of him and said that he owed him a favor. It was no wonder that he could remain so graceful before the four great young masters, reining them in without a trace and so effortlessly at that. Such a person with such tactics, such thoughts, and such plots This Young Brother Yun was one of Nine Supremes! Yun Zuiyue sucked in a deep breath and called Qing Shanxue in at once. "Xueer, help me check our sisters backgrounds and activities for now, especially those who have frequent contact with the people outside Then investigate them in greater detail." Qing Shanxue agreed softly, "Yes, sister. But what has happened?" Yun Zuiyue replied, "Nothing. I just feel that something isnt quite right and want to clean Cirrus House up a bit, expel those who arent very compliant. Things are different now. That big brother of mine, Ling Xiaozui, has announced directly that Cirrus House is his family. This is a great fate but it is not something to be simply used. Can you understand what Im trying to convey?" Qing Shanxue frowned and said, "If thats the case, Im afraid a good amount of Twelve Golden Flowers sisters has to be cleared" Yun Zuiyue sighed. "This cant be helped. We can only give more silver taels then to have the sisters make a living of their own. Cirrus House cant have so many people around anymore." "Okay, sister." Since she understood the reason behind Yun Zuiyues order, Qing Shanxue agreed without hesitation. Like Yun Zuiyue had said, it was fate that Ling Xiaozui promised to guard them but it was also a shackle. If someone in the Cirrus House had rashly used this chance, they would only kill themselves! Watching Qing Shanxue leave, Yun Zuiyue heaved another soft sigh. Regardless of the reason, Cirrus House had to be cleaned up. The more people there were, the more voices there would be. If she could not be entirely eased of worry, did that not mean that Yun Yang would be in danger at any time as well? This is Flames brother! Hes my brother too. I, Yun Zuiyue, shall never allow my brother to be stricken by any calamity. Ju Chens incident once is already too much! If there were to be a next time what dignity do I, Yun Zuiyue, have to continue living in this world? 170 Ours! Finally, it was the nineteenth of the tenth month. Since evening, Yutangs military had come from every direction possible, to gather at the southern gate of Tiantang City. The sight was akin to rivers of steel flowing endlessly towards the ocean. All of them wore solemn faces and shiny armor, their military uniforms clean and spotless. All these rough men had cleaned themselves up to appear neat and tidy; most of the soldiers had even shaved their beards. On a spacious piece of land near the southern gate, they halted their steps simultaneously and checked themselves again cautiously. Beyond their clothes and shoes, they had even wiped the dust off their warhorses hooves. Only after straightening themselves up did they form organized formations and head towards the assigned campsite. From the west, a hundred thousand soldiers, led by ten different generals, approached slowly in ten symmetrical rows; their flags fluttered loudly in the air but all ten flags were without the symbol of their generals. Only four words were emblazoned on the flags C Western Troop of Yutang! With a deafening holler, a string of horns resonated uniformly. All the soldiers snapped to stillness simultaneously. Boom! A hundred thousand men had ground their spears on the floor, but only a single, sharp crack could be heard. After the sound, pin-drop silence greeted the space as the entire army ceased to move. Facing the foreign generals on the stage, the ten generals acted as if they did not see them and moved on to gesture their commands. "Ours!" It was only a single word, but it saw five thousand men from each row moving to arrange tables, chairs, and the wine that had long cavalrymen in heaps in the center. The ten generals command looked like it meant C "Bring our tables, benches, and wine over." All the other generals from the other countries on the stage seemed to hear another meaning. Ours! This place is ours! Ours! In less than an hour and without much commotion, the hundred thousand men from the western troops stood still around their tables, with an average of ten men to a table. Another deafening roar tore through the sky. "Sit!" It sounded like roaring thunder crackling in the air, but it was only the sound of a hundred thousand men shouting "Sit!" at the same time! As the word echoed faintly in the air, the entire western troop sat down uniformly; their backs in an upright posture. The ten generals sat as formally as the rest of their soldiers; there wasn''t a hint of laziness or slack among any of the men. The moment they sat down, they totally ceased all movement, resembling a hundred thousand statues that had somehow moved over quietly. The uncanny discipline and precision of these hundred thousand men from the western troop had impressed the foreign generals, although none of them would have dared to admit it openly. Nonetheless, the looks on their faces changed from disdain to grudging respect. Horns sounded from the north as another hundred thousand soldiers came marching in. They arrived in a similar fashion as their western counterparts, in ten rows led by ten generals, and wore blazingly shiny armor and high spirits. "Northern Troop of Yutang!" Their flags fluttered in the air; the soldiers looked alert but at ease; even their horses held a dignified air. "Ours!" The northern troops generals cried at the same time. "Sit!" The performance was repeated, adding another hundred thousand statues into the mix. Each table held only a single pot of wine C it was enough! The sounds of galloping horses came from the south and stopped abruptly. The troops straightened up and dusted themselves off before another hundred thousand men and their ten generals sat down to join their compatriots. From the east, The Eastern Troop of Yutang was Tie Zhengs very own command, the main host of this affair. The autumn wind billowed wildly; smoke and dust that came from the hundreds of thousands mens movement were blown into the air. What it revealed was the hundred thousand-strong Steel Cavalry from the east that was already in their formations. The same horns sounded as the hundred thousand men of the Steel Calvary moved forward. It was still the ten rows led by ten generals similar to the previous troops. The sonorous sound grew closer, their steps remaining as uniform as the previous troops despite the additional warhorses that were in the formation. Any other noise was not allowed in this display of discipline. The heaviness, the valiance, and the aura that greeted death in its eyes were showcased naturally. "Ours!" The ten generals hollered together; their voices filled with the pride and passion of self-sacrifice. Han Sanhe and the rest stood on the stage as they watched in silence, the feeling of prohibition stronger than ever. As the handful of notable generals of their time, they were acutely aware of the differences between the eastern troop and the other three troops. After their generals had hollered "Ours", the Steel Cavalrymen, all hundred thousand of them, had simultaneously puffed up their chests and raised their heads together as one. All of their eyes were glowing with a formidable radiance, like that of a wolfs. Even the warhorses they were mounted on looked fiercer than the average steed. "Among Yutangs four-sided troops the eastern guard is indeed the strongest!" Han Sanhe said slowly. The generals from the other countries were all business now; their gazes were concentrated at the four troops as they compared them to the own troops they led. There was a total of four hundred thousand soldiers from Yutangs military; all of them stayed uniform and alert from evening to the wee hours of the morning, not moving in the slightest. As time passed, not only did the soldiers not show a single sign of fatigue, they were growing increasingly charged. As for the foreign generals who were surrounded by Yutangs four-hundred-thousand-strong army, each of them was at ease; they were graceful, showing the vaunted demeanor of great generals. In the small hours of the morning, Yun Yang was resting at Residence of Yun. Nothing could possibly go wrong at Tie Zhengs wedding. Yun Yang had been incredibly busy these days, it was of utmost priority for him to rest as soon as he could. After all, he had to attend the wedding a little while later. Therefore, it was unexpected to hear someone at the door as a voice called out, "Young Master Yun!" Yun Yang was immediately shocked upon hearing the call. Was this not Tie Zhengs voice? What was the bridegroom doing here when he should have been impatiently preparing for his wedding? Could something have happened? Even if something were to happen, he still shouldn''t have come here! This was the residence of Marquis of Heavenly Marquis; there was only Yun Yang, a popinjay, and no one else! Nonetheless, it was Tie Zheng in the flesh. No matter what he had come here for, Yun Yang dared not delay in seeing him. With a flash of movement, he was already at the door. Fang Mofei was already there, ready to open them. As the doors opened, Yun Yang saw Tie Zheng, who was decked in clothing and accessories of auspicious colors, standing by the door like a large tower, looking extremely serious. "Marshal Tie! Why are you here at this time" Yun Yang asked, "Has anything happened?" Tie Zheng was initially surprised but realized that Yun Yang had misunderstood the situation, and chortled. "I have come to invite Young Master Yun to attend my wedding! To have a goblet of my wedding wine." Yun Yang was shocked as well, pointing at himself, dumbfounded and a little puzzled. "Why did you think of inviting me?" No matter how looked at it, his current identity did not entitle him to this treatment. Tie Zheng, Marshal Tie, the third person of importance in Yutangs military after Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin. He was the bridegroom of todays wedding and he had come personally to invite a popinjay to attend his wedding C this was an immense honor! Tie Zheng took a step forward, his face grateful as he lowered his voice and said, "How can thirty million taels not be worthy of me to come to your doorstep and invite you to have my wedding wine!" The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched and he chuckled dryly. "I knew it! That simply can''t keep a secret!" It wasn''t entirely surprising. How could Young Master Ma have withstood Tie Zhengs questioning? Of course, he would have given him away. Yun Yang smiled humorlessly, but he was still touched by the turn of events. Regardless of the outcome, at least a part of his heart was comforted. Tie Zheng laughed and extended his arm. "Young Master Yun, after you!" An earth-shattering cheer had suddenly erupted at the city wall of Tiantang City. Two squads of calvarymen came galloping in from the left and right as the red carpet looked like rolling waves on the ground rippling forward; it was a hundred feet wide and it stretched all the way to the stage. It was about then that Tie Zheng entered, mounted on his horse. Next to him was a slim woman seated nervously on another horse, her hands gripping the reins tightly. She wore a bright red dress, a head scarf of similar color covering her head. Next to the bride was another woman C Shangguan Lingxiu. She wore a dress of pink, the elegance of a lady tempered by her boyish grace. The man accompanying Tie Zheng was Yun Yang, of course. Young Master Yun was clad in his signature purple robe as he rode a horse, looking rather excited. As the bride and groom, bridesmaid and groomsman appeared together, wave upon wave of thunderous cheers rolled and crashed upon them. A young and handsome assistant general was watching Yun Yang with jealousy from the ranks. The scene that played itself out before his eyes had a story of its own. To make Shangguan Lingxiu the bridesmaid, Tie Zheng had gone to her residence to petition the old mistress a few times to finally have his plea answered. Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin had gone to persuade the old mistress as well; only then could this favor have been granted. However, Yun Yang, as the groomsman, was truly a last minute addition. Tie Zheng was genuinely thankful for Young Master Yuns gift of such a princely sum and did not know how to thank him; it was only just now that he had a flash of brilliance. Young Master Yun was infamous for being a popinjay and no popinjay could refuse a chance to be at the center of the limelight. The limelight that was on the bridegroom would naturally swivel to his groomsman right after him. Therefore, at the last minute, he had replaced his assistant general, who had long been waiting for this glorious moment. That assistant general was a youth at the prime of his life, a rather renowned upcoming talent in the military who had been courting Shangguan Lingxiu for a few years now. He had been beside himself with excitement when he had been given the chance of a lifetime to stride onto the wedding stage with his goddess, despite it being Tie Zhengs wedding. Whoevers wedding it was, we would still have been side by side, would we not? Even if he could not be with her in the future, the memory that would have been made was still a pleasant one Who would have known that Tie Zheng would inform him of the switch when they were so close to the wedding, his magnificent chance snatched away by Yun Yang! How could the assistant general not be bitter? It was truly a blow to his love life, but he had no tears to spill for it, even if he had wanted to. 171 Generals of the World Revere Shangguan! For this grand affair of the militants, Tie Zhengs wedding had almost given up all traditional wedding practices of Empire of Yutang. He had brought the bride out with her head covered in a head scarf to display to the wedding guests. According to the Empire of Yutangs old culture, Tie Zheng, a general who held such a high status, would have to go through a number of ceremonies that would have been utterly troublesome for his wedding. However, Tie Zheng had promised and both old marshals had gone to his in-laws home, as well as the home of the President of Board of Civil Appointments. They had spent a good amount of time to persuade and advise, so the old father-in-law could only go along with their request, despite his initial reluctance. As a winning shot, the Old Marshal Qiu had said something that had won over the dear President to his side C there would never be another woman in this entire continent to have a wedding as glorious as your daughter ever again! A wedding of this scale had never been done before, and was unprecedented in every way! What else were you doubtful about? When the old president heard his word, he immediately became an enlightened man. Smiles broke out on his face and he had no more objections. Watching Tie Zheng and his bride on their wedding march, the four-hundred-thousand-strong army cheered in excitement, as could be expected. Howls and wolf-whistles came in waves. For a moment, the thousands of miles outside of the southern gate seemed to have been surrounded by wolf packs. These military men finally had their moment of release; all the unrestrained men were so excited that their necks had flushed red from it. Tie Zheng was not offended at all, laughing as he said loudly, "Quiet! Quiet, all of you! F*cking hell, you rascals. Your father has served the wedding wine today, what else are you cheering for? Have some manners!" The ten generals before the hundred thousand Steel Calvary of the eastern troop stood up abruptly as they howled into the sky, "We want to see the bride! Do you call these manners?" All hundred thousand soldiers roared in enthusiasm as well. "We want to see the bride! Don''t worry, we will behave!" Then it was the northern troop''s turn C "We want to see the bride! We will be well-mannered!" The southern and western troops then followed suit. The cheers came from every direction; all of them wanted to look upon the bride, all of them said that they would be on their best behavior! Tie Zheng was exasperated as he hollered, "Even your father hasnt seen her. *ss is what all of you are seeing!" "We will agreeable to seeing *ss too!" The four hundred thousand men hollered all at once, their words growing increasingly raunchy. Everyone was swaying left and right in bawdy laughter. On the stage, Han Sanhe and the other generals who were enemies exchanged a look and suddenly stood up as well, shouting together, "We wish to see the bride as well! Were well-mannered men too!" Ow, ow, ow The area immediately outside the southern city gate had reached its boiling point. At this point, no one regarded each other as enemies as they howled and cried in unison. Tens of thousands who were living for the commotion had even put their fingers into their mouths to make shrill wolf-whistles. When tens of thousands of people wolf-whistled at the same time, it was an unimaginable scene to behold. For once, laughter, howls, and whistles blended into a big ball of merry sounds. Tie Zheng chortled and brought his bride to the stage along with his groomsman and bridesmaid. Behind the bride and groom was the royal congratulatory decree. It was His Majestys reminder C Tie Zhengs limelight today must not be overshadowed, no matter what happened. When they reached the stage, the eunuch who delivered the royal decree recited it to Tie Zheng in a low voice and left quietly. The ceremony was so abrupt it was like he had never appeared. The city gate suddenly turned quiet. A unit of people had exited the city, they and their horses were clad in black clothes and armor; their speed extremely slow. The person in front who was leading the unit was an old woman holding onto a crutch, walking over at an unhurried pace. Beside her was Yutangs emperor, dressed in royal yellow, his clothes rich but casual. The emperor walked over slowly, holding Old Mistress Shangguan. There was a huge plate behind the both of them with four big golden words painted. It had been written personally by the emperor C "Shangguan Family of Generals!" What had attracted even more attention than the plate were the people carrying it C it was hefted on the shoulders of six children who were moving forward, carrying the huge plate with all their might. On their heels were three thousand palace guards in black. It was a merry affair of the militants, of course, the Shangguan Family of Generals had to be there! There was also the reigning monarch of the Empire of Yutang, His Majesty the emperor Yu Peize. He had come in casual clothes, indicating that he was attending this grand event in a personal capacity. On the stage, Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin stood at the front, shoulder to shoulder while Tie Zheng was next to them. The three of them congregated and held their place. Han Sanhe, who was in Empire of Dongxuans side, stood up to get a better look at the scene. He took slow steps forward and stood side by side with Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin. Immediately after, gray-haired generals from each of the other three nations stepped forward. Seven old generals stood in a single line. They disregarded the animosity among themselves as they stood straight and solemn, their gazes directed to the front, watching the approach of the huge plate. Nearly five hundred thousand people outside the southern city gate stood in pin-drop silence. Finally, the plate stopped about a thousand feet from the stage. Another stage, albeit a smaller one, was propped up where it had stopped. The emperor and the old mistress ascended the stairs. The plate of the Shangguan Family of Generals hung high on the stage; there were eight large flags raised on both sides of the platform, higher than the rest of the generals flags. Each large flag had the same four words C Shangguan Family of Generals! The old mistress sat in the center while her six grandchildren sat in a row behind her. The emperor stood up and went to the front of the stage, turning to face the old mistress. Silence permeated the air. Qiu Jianhan and the other six generals of high status spoke with their mightiest effort. "Stars of the sky encompasses the Big Dipper!" In response, all four hundred thousand militants hollered at the same time. "Generals of the world revere Shangguan!" "This is a grand event of the militants which takes place once in a million years; homage is paid from four directions, heroes come from all places. There is no militant in this world who does not revere The Family of Valiance, the Shangguan Family of Generals!" Qiu Jianhan spoke loudly, "The grand event of militants begins first by paying homage to the family of generals. Attention! Soldiers, bow to the family of generals!" All seven old marshals straightened themselves before bending over into a deep bow. As one, four hundred thousand militants bowed in respect. On the stage, the emperor bent low as well. The old mistress sat gracefully and accepted the honor without moving a finger. Behind her, all six children kneeled down to return the respect they had been given. It was the Shangguan Family of Generals well-deserved honor to be saluted by the worlds militants, the homage by the latter came from sincere hearts. The Shangguan Family of Generals had been the strongest beacon of the army in this half of the continent; they were the very symbol of faith! The tug-o-war among the nations had been long on-going, it had never stopped for all these hundreds of thousands of years. Yet a family of generals that had contributed so meritoriously and sacrificed so tragically, its generations of descendants unwavering even to their deaths, a family of generals who protected the nation and guarded homes so faithfully and loyally Conly the Shangguan Family of Generals could fit the description. The vicissitudes of life seemed to flash through the old mistress eyes as if she had once again seen the rows of ancestral tablets in the ancestral hall of her home. Such a superior honor of homage paid by the worlds militants - in exchange for the rows of ancestral tablets. Could all of you fathom the emotions? Have you all felt it before? Turning her head to look at her six grandchildren, her heart was filled with sadness. The six children were flushed with radiance, their faces glowing with pride while their tiny statures straightened perceptibly. The resolution in their eyes was intense like an all-consuming flame. This is my family! This is the Shangguan Family of Generals! When I grow up, I want to guard the honor of the Shangguan Family of Generals too! These were the thoughts shared by all six of the children. The old mistress could see right through them, even as she sighed deeply in her heart. Guard the honor of the family of generals. It may sound easy, but do you all know the price that is to be paid for it? It was a thought that she did not dare entertain. If any one of these six tiny humans now could have a good end in the future she believed that the ancestors of Shangguan who were long gone would smile too! However, for the past four generations of Shangguan Family of Generals, throughout the duration of over a hundred and fifty years, no man had escaped the fate of perishing in war. Could one among these six children break the curse? The homage paid to the family of generals by the worlds militants had also signaled the official start of todays grand military wedding. Old Mistress Shangguan stood up to invite the emperor to sit; everyone, including His Majesty, was only an audience today. Todays main character was Tie Zheng, as well as all the soldiers gathered there. Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin went over to sit, their seats coincidentally placed next to Han Sanhes. Han Sanhe nodded with a smile but Qiu Jianhan snorted and turned his head to the other side while Leng Daoyin rolled his eyes and ignored him. Both men had suffered losses due to this bastard for tens of years in the battlefield. How could they show him any kinder expression? Besides, they might be engaged in more wars after today and it would have been the doing of this person. Han Sanhe smiled. "The lion-hearted duo of saber and sword ever so direct in your demeanor." Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin could clearly hear the implication of Han Sanhes lionhearted duo as dog-hearted. Exasperation grew as they turned their heads over and said, "Han Sanhe, your father will make you drink to your death today!" Han Sanhe shrugged and stroked his beard calmly smiling. "This old man is terribly afraid, of course." Leng Daoyin was already breathing hoarsely in rage. "This old man is the master of ceremonies today. I have a great responsibility and no time for arguing with you, old thing." Qiu Jianhan was flushed red with anger as well. Beside them, the old generals from the other three empires looked over, reveling in their bickering. "Weve not seen the dog-hearted duo of saber and sword for so long, your valiant bearing is more vibrant than it used tobe, and rings true to your reputation!" It would have been a compliment if one disregarded the first half of their words but if one were to listen to it in full, it was undoubtedly intended to slight! Qiu Jianhan stood up abruptly, the murderous rage that surrounded him was so intense that the aged generals around him took an unconscious step back. Qiu Jianhan chortled. "Good children, do not be afraid. I have no intention of beating you up!" 172 A Mountain of a Man and a Woman of Water The three old generals were filled with embarrassment, each taking a step forward as the fight trickled out of them. Qiu Jianhan took a huge step and said in a voice like rumbling thunder, "Brothers!" A roar emanated from four hundred thousand throats in unison, "Here!" Han Sanhe rolled his eyes. "Look at him going brothers it sounds just like bandits shouting" The other old men looked amused. Qiu Jianhan ignored his nemeses and continued to project his voice loudly, "Today is a great day!" He went on and on. Today, he played the part of the master of ceremony for the bride and groom, to pay their respects to the heaven and earth, their parents, the emperor, the family of generals, and of course, to each other. The bride was flawless. She was tall and slim, her looks garnered all the attention; Shangguan Lingxiu, who was the bridesmaid, was tall as well and exuded a sense of valiancy. Compared to the females, the males looked a little out of place. The groomsman was fortunately dashing as well, standing at a height of just over six feet with God-gifted looks; his handsome bearing put him into the place of a male god, no matter the occasion! Under normal circumstances, asking Yun Yang to be a groomsman required plenty of courage on the part of the groom, since the groomsman would be entirely too eye-catching. However, Yun Yang was not at the absolute center of attention today. There was only one reason for it C Tie Zhengs height! The bridegroom was incredibly tall C Tie Zheng stood at about seven and a half feet tall He was very well built as well, blessed with broad shoulders and chiseled muscles. Standing there, he looked just like a looming tower. As a man, Yun Yangs only physical regret was that he was slightly skinnier, reflected even more so when clothed. Standing beside Tie Zheng, the comparison was akin to a bean sprout under a big tree. Putting aside the audience, Yun Yang himself felt awkward as well. Does Tie Zheng actually bear good intention by asking me to be the groomsman today? Yun Yang stood impeccably straight but he was still shorter than Tie Zheng by a swords length. He tilted his head up to look unhappily at the tower but could only see his chest. The grudge in his heart deepened as he thought, "This fellow is so tall and so strong while the bride is so small. Will this bastardkill her on their wedding night under his weight?" Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan stood far away, but upon seeing both Tie Zheng and Yun Yang comically standing side by side, he burst out into laughter and almost lost his ability to conduct the ceremonies. When the ceremony was finally done. Yun Yang fled off the stage as if he had been pardoned from a death penalty. He had never felt this embarrassed in his life before. Is it so fantastic being tall? Does being muscular entitle one to look down upon someone? Shangguan Lingxiu came to him and saw his exasperation. She could not help chuckling and said, "What is it? Do you think youre too short?" Yun Yang lowered his head to look at Shangguan Lingxiu and kept silent, with a sheepish smile. Why had he never felt the terrific feeling of looking down at someone before? Looking at his expression and the mirth dancing in his eyes, Shangguan Lingxiu bit her lips and suddenly landed a kick on his rear end. "Hmph!" This bastard was despicable! He was actually reveling in his height, lording it over a woman Could he be even more shameless? How bad could you get? "Sister Lingxiu is really pretty today." Yun Yang, who had been kicked in his rear end, stared boldly at Shangguan Lingxiu from head to toe, his gaze earnest. Shangguan Lingxiu flushed in embarrassment and said in a low voice, "Really?" "Of course! Why would I lie?" Yun Yang nodded seriously. "Ive only realized today that Sister Lingxiu is truly beautiful when made up like this. Why, you finally look like a woman" Bang! Shangguan Lingxiu aimed another harsh kick at Yun Yangs rear end and turned to leave with an icy face, her veins almost popping on her forehead. This bastard! What do you mean finally look like a woman? Your grandmother is a woman, alright? Yun Yang chuckled and hopped, hugging onto one of his legs, hissing like he had been badly kicked. With a tilt of his body, he fell onto a chair and called out, "Sister Lingxiu, come sit with me. Girls have to be graceful. Graceful, you know?" Ill sit on your head! F*ck you and your graceful nonsense! Shangguan Lingxiu snorted and glared daggers at Yun Yang before she found a seat far from him and sat down, showing absolute disdain to be sitting with him. After she was seated, she turned her face towards the other side, trying not to look upon that contemptible face. Shangguan Lingxiu was afraid that she would rush over and hack at him with a saber if she were to take a second glance. On the side, Han Sanhe watched Tie Zheng for a while before shifting his gaze and stopping at Yun Yang absently. Was this person the son of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds? These six words were all that Han Sanhe knew about Yun Yang but when he looked at him right now, he could tell that the man was not what he seemed to be. Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin, being terrible thugs, had displayed a sense of discomfort at being present at such a grand event, but this young master of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds had been at ease, joking and being himself while still bearing his natural air of grace. Even if he had been rather embarrassed on stage due to Tie Zhengs extraordinary height, he was still effortlessly at ease; an expression or an action of his would naturally turn all his embarrassment into naught. This young man was someone to take note of. In other words, was his reputation and image, as well as the information gathered from the intelligence all just a show? If the rumored personality of a person was all a false front, then how scary would this person be? What then would be his real character? Han Sanhe continued to ponder as his expression became increasingly thoughtful. "Is that groomsman the son of Marquis Yun?" Han Sanhe turned to ask when Qiu Jianhan sat down beside him. Qiu Jianhan rolled his eyes and replied, "This old man doesnt recognize anyone!" Han Sanhe fumed, blowing heavily on his beard, "You old bastard!" Qiu Jianhan continued to roll his eyes, "What other intelligence do you still want to know? This old man knows nothing! What can you do about it? Bite me?" Han Sanhe''s reply was an infuriated glare. Han Sanhe, who was greatly experienced in life, had to sigh in exasperation when facing Qiu Jianhan, whose face was thicker than the corner of the city wall. However, turning his head back around, Han Sanhe realized something. Although that old bastard Qiu Jiahan had totally dismissed him, he had said something C "What other intelligence do you still want to know?" Intelligence? Why did he call it intelligence? Could it be that the identity of this young master of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds was actually important enough to be regarded as intelligence? Why was that so? Behind Han Sanhe, a scrawny man dressed in black who had his face hidden in the collars of his clothes looked thoughtful as well. He came close to Han Sanhe and whispered into his ear. Han Sanhe nodded faintly. The noise suddenly died down. Tie Zheng stood valiant, like a tower on the stage, dressed in a red war robe. Beside him was his beautiful bride. Her head scarf was already taken off, thus her beauty was accentuated more so by her slim figure clad in the bright red dress. Her gaze was gentle like a stream of water; the woman was truly a beauty. "Brothers!" Tie Zhengs sonorous voice bellowed, "Today, I, Tie Zheng, have married! Today is my wedding day! Look, look at your sister-in-law; is she not beautiful?" "Yes!" All four hundred thousand soldiers shouted simultaneously, their answer a thunderous roar. "Is she not radiant?" Tie Zheng hollered. "Very much so!" The answer came in unison again as it''s intensity shook both heaven and earth. Tie Zheng chortled, tears coming to his eyes. "Alright. I, Tie Zheng, am now married; I have a wife. It is a joyous occasion but" Tie Zheng continued to speak with his voice that soared across the heavens, "Half a year ago many of my brothers who went to war did not come back with me. They did not have the chance to witness this moment today." The atmosphere immediately became solemn as his words spilled into the crowd. "Eight months ago, I got engaged to Qianer, our wedding date had been set. But war erupted at the border and the Steel Cavalry deployed. When we set off for the war, I have told my brothers that when we come back in victory, I shall invite my brothers to have my wedding wine." "My brothers were all very happy then, everyone told me that they would congratulate their marshal with unbeatable merit and exchange it for a goblet of wine!" Tie Zhengs voice gradually grew raspy and a sob threatened to break out. All four hundred thousand guests there held their breaths and concentrated their widened gaze on Tie Zheng. "I promised then, that everyone could have my wedding wine if we came back victorious." Tie Zhengs Adam''s apple bobbed, his voice was hoarse as he faced some difficulty keeping his emotions in check. "Over a hundred thousand of my comrades have fallen in this war." Tie Zhengs voice was hoarse. "The words theyve spoken to me, I can remember each one of them; they echo in my ears everyday but they never came back!" The wind bellowed, the very sky was weeping; over four hundred thousand soldiers stood in silence. "Those brothers of mine who hollered about exchanging the wedding wine with unbeatable merit a large number of them have come to an end on the battlefield!" Tie Zhengs straight and tensed body finally trembled, his tears dropping to where his feet stood. Everyones fists tightened, their gazes trained on Tie Zheng. Qianer moved a few steps on the stage lightly, shyly extending her small hand and held Tie Zhengs hesitantly. She then tightened her hold. She did not know why she did so but she had naturally done so because she could distinctly tell that the man beside her needed her support right now! His strong, tower-like build still stood like a majestic mountain but she could tell that he really needed her to hold him at this crucial moment. She could distinctly feel his vulnerability. Therefore, she had done so naturally almost without a second thought. The hundreds of thousands of soldiers gazes immediately shone brighter. It was especially so for Tie Zhengs eastern troop, where each and every one of their breaths quickened and their stares grew intense with repressed joy. It was this tiny movement that had made all the militants love and acknowledge this gentle woman. All the militants, regardless of their animosity, wore bright and loving expressions;they looked upon Qianer with gentleness, at this woman who had won their hearts with a simple gesture. 173 Cheers, My Brothers Tie Zhengs trembling form gradually recovered, as he returned to his usual calm. Feeling the soft and tiny hand in his, he laughed suddenly and announced loudly, "My brothers who have perished, have all of you up there seen this? This is your sister-in-law!" "It was on that day that I, Tie Zheng, swore that all my brothers, whether dead or alive C as long as I, Tie Zheng, am still alive, then this wedding shall go on, then all my brothers, whether up in heaven or on earth, shall each have a goblet of my wedding wine!" "This goblet of wine belongs to militants of Yutang!" Tie Zhengs voice was deafening, like the thunder that crackled through a cloudless sky. "This goblet of wine belongs to the militants of Yutang! But this goblet of wine also belongs to all the militants of this world!" The four old marshals of the four empires sprung up in unison and echoed his words. "Joyous occasions in life grants everyone a goblet of wine each, whether the brothers of the battlefield have fallen or not! This is a grand affair of Yutangs militants! The few of us old men had a discussion and we wish to turn this grand affair into a merry event of the continents militants!" "We want to have a goblet of wine too! Our fallen brothers want a drink of this wine as well! This goblet of wine should include them." "Yutangs fallen militants have perished in our hands while our brothers who rested under the earth now have also fallen in the hands of Yutangs militants. We have been enemies of life and death, we walk different paths but the wine all of you are drinking, we want to let our brothers have a goblet of this militants wine too!" Han Sanhes gaze scanned his surroundings like two lightning bolts that struck through the sky. "As militants, we have drunk countless flagons of deployment wine, we have also drunk countless goblets of victory wine but we have never drunk this wine that belongs to all the militants." "The wine of militants belongs to our brothers, whether they are dead or alive, enemy or comrade, since the beginning of time!" Han Sanhe continued, "This goblet of wine has never existed before, and will not exist ever again!" "General Ties wedding today has provided a rare and wonderful opportunity, one that would be hard to come across in a thousand years." The old marshals all stood straight as a ramrod. "We are enemies on the battlefield, but no matter how we have fought, militants will always be each others best partners!" "Thank you, General Tie. Thank you, Yutangs militant brothers, for making this grand event of the worlds militants a success!" The four old marshals, with their grayed beards, cupped their fists in salutation. Tie Zheng laughed. "Brothers, have you seen this? Today, those standing on this stage are all our biggest nemeses! They are our greatest enemies! But they are thanking us sincerely! We shall accept this gratitude without any burden; remember their faces now. After this feast of wine today, any head among these people that you chop off would be a supreme merit, one that can grant you the status of nobles and generals!" It sounded like a joke as he said it, but everyone knew better. Each of them understood the meaning of his words. The four hundred thousand soldiers became more alert, their eyes looking at the generals on the stage, marking them in their minds as best as they could. Those who stood further and could not see as clearly were pleading, "Brother, big brother, please let me go in front of you Let me see" "Big brother in front, draw them down Your father cant see clearly; itd be the greatest regret if I had a chance to behead them but missed the opportunity because I was uncertain!" "These are all the most valuable heads I ask for the big brothers in front to give me their portraits..." "I would ask for their portraits if I had to be nude in the world of ice and running for thirty feet!" "I dont ask for much Id be thrilled if I could hack seventeen or eighteen heads" "Seventeen or eighteen? If your father can behead even a single one of them, my entire family can live without worries for generations" "Theyre so f*cking valuable, are they still heads? These are paths of gold!" "F*cking hell, the more I see, the more I feel that these heads are really handsome. Let us sacrifice all of you for your fathers generations of nobles" How did it feel to have four hundred thousand people staring at your head with bloodlust and knowing clearly that these four hundred thousand soldiers were itching to hack your own head off? Han Sanhe and the rest were not exactly afraid, but it was inevitable for them to feel amused and disturbed at the same time. "Serve the wine!" Tie Zhengs voice tore through the air. Countless soldiers began to move, hauling pots of wine onto the stage, one after another. This wine was no longer a secret to many of the warriors in Yutangs army but to the generals of other countries, their eyes shone with anticipation; their breaths hastened when they saw the labeled name of the wine pot. Blood of the Hero! This was the wines name? When they saw the smaller rows of words, their blood boiled like crackling flames. "Fealty hearts of vibrant blood that guard the nation and family, patriotic lion-hearted souls that built the fortress!" These two lines of words described Yutangs militants and similarly described the worlds militants too! Fealty hearts of vibrant blood was not only applicable to Yutang C for so many years, the blood that spilled over every inch of land and river in Tianxuan Continent was the blood of heroes, regardless of whether they were friend or foe. All of them had guarded their nation and family, all of them were building their fortresses! Instantly, everyones blood boiled in excitement. Pang, pang, pang. The aroma of wine permeated the site the moment the clay seals were broken. Crimson red wine was poured into bowls, its color vibrant like fresh blood. "The first goblet of wine!" Tie Zheng announced, "To Yutang, to Your Majesty!" The emperor, who was on the stage further away, had not expected to be involved. He stood up, smiling, and said, "Today is the grand affair of militants. I have come onlyto witness this event, there is no need to propose a toast to me." Tie Zheng replied, "Your Majesty has treated this insignificant official and the soldiers well. This is Your Majestys great grace. How can this official not make this toast? This official shall empty his goblet first as respect." Behind him, six marshals and hundreds of generals from the five empires raised their goblets at the same time and toasted the emperor far away, emptying their goblets as well. What they could not have said with words, they said it all with the wine. His Majesty was magnanimous about the entire affair, hollering to the cheering crowd, "Great!" He then raised his bowl of wine and gulped down its contents. He knew why the militants had toasted the first goblet of wine to him. That was because he had done something during his reign that no other emperors could or dared to! Gathering the generals of all enemy nations within his reigning territory, sitting with them at the same feast and drinking with them such magnanimity surpassed those before him and would be difficult to be challenged by those after him! This goblet of wine had been toasted to him by all the generals of this continent; although they had not spoken explicitly of the meaning, it was obvious. Based on this point alone, he deserved the praise of the greatest emperor! It was because the emperor understood this that he drank this goblet of wine with gratification; he was happy as much as he was proud! He even felt that with this goblet of wine today, he could face the previous generations of emperors with his chin up when he died; he would be proud to do so. "The second goblet of wine!" Tie Zheng was still facing the same side. "To the family of generals!" All the notable generals raised their goblets in unison. "To the family of generals!" Old Mistress Shangguan stood up with a slight waver and raised her goblet to empty it without saying anything. Behind her, all six children flushed and trembled like they were drunk despite not having a single drop of wine. "The third goblet of wine!" Tie Zheng shouted, "To all the living brothers in Yutangs army!" With a howl, the entire army stood and raised their goblets in accordance to Tie Zheng''s words. A loud explosion rumbled in the sky; fireworks, doubling as military signals, had been launched towards the heavens. With a shrill noise that tore through the air, similar sounds of fireworks being launched came from far away. From all directions, military signals were incessantly launched further and further. Within the blink of an eye, it had already gone thousands of miles away. After a quarter of an hour, Tie Zheng raised his goblet. "Brothers! Cheers!" All four hundred thousand soldiers raised their goblets and gulped the wine in large mouthfuls. Yutangs militants who had been scattered all over the empire stood straight at the same time, emptying their raised wine bowls! Tears hung in their eyes but the blood in their chest burned with passion. A long while had passed before fireworks erupted in the sky again from all the military sites at the four borders of Yutang. All the soldiers stood up as they raised their goblet of wine. "Congratulations for Marshals wedding; let us drink, brothers!" Warriors of Yutang, wherever they were, emptied their goblets together. "The fourth goblet of wine!" Tie Zhengs voice had reached its fever pitch as he howled into the sky, "Yutang''s brothers who have perished! Tie Zheng toasts all of you! Heres wishing that all your heroic souls shall never leave, never forget Yutang where youve all laid beneath this land. If there is another lifetime, let us fight again together!" In the face of Tie Zheng''s words, Yutangs militants stood up again with respect, their faces solemn. The aroma of wine spread through the crowd, soaring right into the clouds. In a military cemetery, the soldiers who had been waiting there poured the wine in their hands onto the earth. "Drink, brothers!" "This is our marshals wedding wine. It is also our marshals promise that day. It is the wine you all deserve to drink!" In the homes of each fallen soldiers family, there was a bowl of crimson red liquid; the Blood of the Hero. Like it''s namesake, it still coursed through vigorously. For each family, there was a bowl of wine and a silver tael; it was not much money but it was Tie Zhengs greatest effort. It was his gift of respect to his brothers. At the border, there were countless bowls of the Blood of the Hero being poured at the cemeteries where their departed comrades rested. "Brothers, wine is served!" Crimson red wine, not unlike blood, seeped into the earth slowly, like the tears of the standing soldiers that dropped into the soil. "This is marshals wedding wine, the wine we said before that we were going to drink until we get drunk at the marshals wedding." "The underworld is near, the heroic souls stay close. To the brothers beside me, lets have a drink together." "Up in heaven and down under the earth, here in the world and there in another realm; our heart stays together, our blood courses the same." "Brothers, cheers!" The autumn wind blew by, the weeds at the fallen soldiers tombstones danced along while trees across the forests and mountains overlooked the grass in the prairies and the land bowed, forming uniform waves of emerald. It was as if the hundreds and thousands of heroic souls who had died were still in uniform formations, about to mount their horses as they raised their sabers after drinking this goblet of wine, waiting for the command to charge forward.... Cheers, my brothers! 174 A Lifetime through Nine Goblets of Wine "The fifth goblet of wine!" Tie Zhengs fierce eyes roamed over the gathered men. "To all the Yutang brothers who were wounded and handicapped on the battlefield!" "Their bodies may be handicapped, but their spirits are not! If there were to be a war, they would still drape their armor! These brothers, each one of them, are amazing! Each and every one of them is a hero!" "Brothers! I, Tie Zheng, toast all of you! Cheers!" "Marshal" All the veterans, sitting in their homes, were overcome with tears; regardless of the handicap they bore, whether they could consume alcohol or not, if they should even drink C all of them held a bowl of the Blood of the Hero, emptying its contents in tearfully. They immediately felt the valiant passion throbbing in their hearts with intense emotions. "The sixth goblet of wine!" Tie Zheng continued loudly, "To the Nine Supremes Lords!" Tie Zheng emptied his goblet, as did all the other militants. At this, the foreign generals had a brief moment of surprise; Yun Yang, who was standing backstage, felt his heart flip in his chest as well. "The seventh goblet of wine!" Tie Zheng said aloud, "To the worlds heroes! To the enemy troops from all sides! To all the militants who are still fighting in this world!" Han Sanhe and the others stepped up, the notable generals standing side by side as they accepted the toast with somber expressions. "With the toast of this wine, we shall fall into war without grudges, we shall win the war with pride. We are brothers as militants, we bear spines of steel! We smile even as we perish on the battlefield, not caring if we return wrapped in horsehide! We drink, toasting each other today and greeting each other with swords and sabers tomorrow; this is the life of militants of the world, shouldered by you and me!" Han Sanhes voice was full of emotions that were reflected in his intonations, his voice spread afar. The northern wind blew at the flags, the fluttering sounds rose loudly into the sky. The crowd was silently solemn for a long time. Generals of all the nations, soldiers of all the countries, everyone raised their goblets at the same time. Emptying the wine with a gulp, unshed tears glimmered in the eyes of the gathered crowd. Someone had begun to chant in a low voice earlier. Those following the chant increased in number until it ultimately became all four hundred thousand men chanting aloud simultaneously. Everyone was spirited but their expressions were serious. "We fall in the war without grudges, we win the war with pride. We are brothers as militants, we bear spines of steel! We smile even as we perish on the battlefield, not caring if we return wrapped in horsehide! We drink, toasting each other today and greeting each other with swords and sabers tomorrow; this is the life of militants of the world, shouldered by you and me!" Their voices chorused like thunder that rolled forward in the air onto the earth. "The eighth goblet of wine!" Tie Zheng hollered, "To all the military brothers that have fallen on the battlefield! This wine shares the pride and honor, banishes the grudges and resentments! We will gather as brothers or fight again as enemies in the next lifetime with this goblet of wine!" Pang! The site burned with emotions. Countless people were shouting, "We will gather as brothers again in the next lifetime! We will fight again as enemies in the next lifetime!" Each one of them shouted with all their might, their eyes were rimmed red. Han Sanhe and the other notable generals gulped down the wine with tilted heads and red-rimmed eyes as well, feeling the burn of alcohol gushing through their blood; they were equally burning with passion. This was the wine of militants! This was but the wine of militants! They had drunk enough wine in the better half of their lives yet this was the only time they felt that this wine had reached the depths of their hearts! Whether alive of dead, wounded or handicapped as long as they were in the military, as long as they had gone to the battlefield it did not matter if they were still here or not C all the brothers of the military shared this wine! "Blood of the Hero1" Han Sanhe took a pot of wine over and stared at it for a long time before exclaiming, "A good wine!" Pouring himself a bowl, he shut his eyes as two drops of tears glided from the corners of his eyes; he gulped the liquid down. "It is a good wine indeed" "In the future, Blood of the Hero shall be the exclusive supply of Dongxuans troops!" Han Sanhe decided. "No matter what these bunch of bastards think, the wine used in my troops in the future shall only be Blood of the Hero!" "This is the only wine that the militants of the world should be drinking!" "Militants, whether living and dead, victorious or defeated, share this bowl of wine." "We share the blood of the hero, the blood of the hero courses through us all; it is only right that we drink the Blood of the Hero together!" The other old generals were also reveling in the aftertaste of the wine. These people held high positions in society; they were people of influence and power. They had had already consumed more exquisite wine than they could even remember throughout their lives. Although Blood of the Hero today was not exactly common grade, it was not terribly rare or exquisite either. Still, everyone sang high praises for this wine, reveling in the aftertaste. It was because those who had drunk this wine shared the same sentiment C that it would be meaningless to drink any other wine that was not Blood of the Hero with their military brothers in the future. "The ninth goblet of wine!" Tie Zheng closed his eyes. "To C to the wives and mothers of the worlds militants. At the same time, to my wife. I want to last a lifetime with my wife; I wish to grow old with her and watch my children give birth to my grandchildren; I want world peace and everyone to be in good health and for every family to be happy." The militants went quiet then. "But I might not be able to do this C I am a militant of Yutang. The country is stricken with wind and storm, I do not know when I will be summoned to the battlefield; I dont know when I will lay forever in the battlefield." Tie Zheng raised his head. "But I have no regrets! This goblet of wine is to my newly wedded wife, and to the families of all militants in the world! All of you have suffered a great deal. When we are alive, you all worry for us anxiously and expect our return wistfully; when we die, you all suffer bitterly to support the family. Whether we die or stay alive, all of you are the ones who are the most worn out C physically and even more so, emotionally!" "To all of you!" With a tip of his head, Tie Zheng emptied his goblet. This time, there was no command nor was there a previous rehearsal but all the generals and old marshals on the stage and the soldiers stood up in unison once more to salute and raise their goblets to gulp its contents down! "To the families of the all the militants in the world!" The autumn wind billowed through the sky; other than it''s gusty hum, the surroundings were quiet. Old Mistress Shangguan heaved a long sigh looking at the bride Qianer who was pressed next to Tie Zheng shyly on stage in her bright red dress; her face spoke of happiness, contentment, and willingness. The old mistress could not help shutting her eyes softly. My stupid girl, Im afraid youve been immensely touched by his words and felt that youve found yourself a good husband who is responsible and cares a lot about you. But you didnt hear the reality of Tie Zhengs words! Guilt is laced through each and every word he has said! The wedding was considered done. The emperor, Old Mistress Shangguan and their company had all left slightly earlier; the soldiers and cavalry from all four sides had retreated accordingly too. The groom, Marshal Tie Zheng, held a thick stack of banknotes in his hand and felt the joy of suddenly becoming a wealthy man. The generals who had come to congratulate him and hoist a drink knew well of Tie Zhengs difficulty in organizing this grand event of militants. How could they come empty-handed? Even if they were enemies, no one would exclude themselves from this wedding gift and they would not deign to give any less. The Empire of Dongxuan, which had given the least, had still presented him with two million silver taels. "These are collected from the military comrades, it has nothing to do with the standpoint of our country! This is the wedding wine money that the military men have pooled voluntarily to celebrate Marshal Ties wedding. You cannot refuse this." "It is our honor to have drunk this goblet of wine today but it has also been an interruption. Weve shared the glory, of course, we need to reciprocate. If Marshal Tie refuses to accept this, you are intentionally putting us in a difficult position. Could it be that Marshal Tie wants us to owe him this favor and use this as an opportunity on the battlefield in future?" With these words, the foreign generals were already adopting both subtle and obvious tactics. Tie Zheng had no way to reject them; thinking about it for a moment, he ultimately accepted the monetary gift but said, "We have shared a goblet of wine, our kinship ends today. When we meet on the battlefield in future, either side still has to fall for another to live, there are no exceptions. This is but how a militant should be." In the end, Tie Zheng received more than twenty million silver taels as a monetary gift. After Marshal Qiu and Marshal Leng discussed among themselves, they had ordered Tie Zheng to keep two million taels for himself while the remaining nine-tenths would be absorbed by the treasury and another two-tenths of it would be divided to the veterans and families of perished warriors. "Why am I still given the silver taels? What do I want so much money for? Give them all away, we will help more veterans and their families!" Tie Zheng was very unhappy about their decision and complained aloud. Qiu Jianhan looked at the block of wood sympathetically and sighed aloud. On the other side, Tie Zhengs father-in-law, the President of the Board of Civil Appointments, was burning in rage and staring murderously at his new son-in-law. Even his newly wedded bride was watching Tie Zheng nervously. Paying for the wine and purchasing all that was needed for the wedding, including various matters at the border, had rendered Tie Zheng unable to make ends meet; in uglier words, he was as poor as a pauper! The description was no exaggeration. If Tie Zheng had his way, this fellow would have to seek dinner at other generals homes later when he returned. That, or he would have to depend on his wifes dowry to fill his stomach To think he was complaining about having too much money! "Take it when youre asked to, what f*cking nonsense are you going on about?" Qiu Jianhan glared at him. Tie Zhengs face twitched as he accepted the bank notes. Feeling troubled holding them in his hands, he pushed them to his bride right away. "Mistress, you handle the finances at home." Qianer blushed then, exclaiming inwardly, "What a bastard, giving away the grand family control in front of so many people" "But why am I so happy?" Qianer held the banknotes in her hands and lowered her head, blushing prettily. Disregarding the animosity among their countries, all the generals guffawed as they witnessed the scene. "Passing control of the finances on the first day of marriage Hah! We have the addition of another terrific marshal into the henpecked group! Its worthy to be celebrated, its truly a joyous and congratulatory occasion!" The old men laughed, their eyes disappearing into lines as they roared hilariously. They dug into their pockets again to congratulate the newlyweds under their own name. Each of their wishes was honest and sincerely heartfelt. Qianer and Tie Zheng thanked them politely and accepted their gifts. Everyone was beaming happily but all of them knew the harsh truth. Despite the harmonious atmosphere right now, akin to long forged friendships, none of them would have mercy when they next faced each other on the battlefield. 175 To Find a Tour Guide Qianer accepted the endless stream of gifts. Looking at these people, her gaze was gentle but it was also tinged with animosity. She knew that her husband was a militant and a militant was to enter the battlefield. Once on the battlefield, life and death were in the hands of god; either the enemy or their own people would fall. If there came a day when a mishap happened to her husband, it would be caused by these people who were in front of her, passing her gifts with friendly grins. With this understanding, this innocent lady could not help feeling the irony within, that she had to accept gifts from these people and listen to their sincere wishes. Yutangs troops from all four sides had mostly retreated now; the tables and stools that had stretched for tens of miles away were also packed away cleanly. It was as if nothing had ever happened on this quiet piece of land. The occasion had finally come to its end. However, reluctance reflected in the generals gazes when they looked at the vast empty land. Did this just end like this? This grand affair, that shook the entire military force of the continent, had just ended like this?! For a moment, they were at a loss. "Ive clearly felt it just now" An old general from Dayuan shut his eyes tight. "That theyve come just now they were drinking with me" Hearing his words, the other old marshals trembled with unexplainable emotions, their minds wandering off. It was not just this old general; all the other old generals felt it clearly as well, the presence of their comrades who had fallen in the battlefields throughout these years, gathered around them. They were smiling, all of them were ecstatic. They still shared the same determination of dying and living together, they still shouldered the same happiness and disaster like in the days of old! Qiu Jianhan sighed at the sky. "How many brothers have we sent away throughout all these years" On another side, Han Sanhe sighed as well. Qiu Jianhans gaze turned fierce. "Its ended now, why don''t all of you get lost? Are you all addicted to the wine? Looking to drink a few more times? Let me tell you old men, in your dreams! There wont be a second time for this great event!" Han Sanhe rolled his eyes and said while smiling, "Theres still some time before the letter of credence of peace expires. Why should we leave so urgently? Why cant we have a few more drinks? You may not be willing to receive us, but there are others who might be happy to take us in!" Leng Daoyin said nonchalantly, "Brother Han, and you old slaughterers, dont bear such wishful thinking. If you dont leave now, you might not have the chance to later. Tiantang City doesnt welcome any one of you." "Each one of you holds a blood debt of no lesser than a hundred thousand Yutang men in your hands!" Leng Daoyin spoke slowly, "It would be a terrible regret if any... mishap... were to happen to you here." Han Sanhe shook his head and said, "Let us not lie in front of veterans. I would worry about that in any other country, but not in Yutang." "This old and useless one has come to attend the merry event of militants. Secondly, I wish to visit the Residence of the Nine Supremes, to pay homage to their heroic souls. Then I shall go to the ancestral hall of the family of generals to pay my respects to the Shangguan ancestors. After that, I will stop by at the Thousand Feet Lake." "Other than these, there is also the Snapped Blade Pavilion thats famous across the continent and the Lionheart Hall that militants of the world revere." Han Sanhe spoke slowly, "These are the places I must visit. If I have come to the Empire of Yutang but did not go to these spots, it''s like returning empty-handed upon entering a treasured mountain C a lost chance that will never return!" Qiu Jianhans face darkened immediately. Han Sanhes list; the Residence of the Nine Supremes, the family of generals ancestral hall, Thousand Feet Lake, Snapped Blade Pavilion, and Lionheart Hall would take at least five days for them to complete the visits. If they went a little slower, it could even stretch into ten days. Some of the places were so mesmerizing that even a person of Han Sanhes stature would forget to return after having seen them; it would be a godsend to be able to stay there for a period of time! However, it was a sensitive time; could it be that this old thing had ill intentions and wished to wreak havoc?! "Old Man Han is right." Another old man chuckled and came forward. "The few of us would like to have a look at these places too." Not only Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin and Tie Zhengs face darkened as well. The three of them understood well that perhaps the others could still meet disaster or mishap in Yutang but these old men would never have to worry about their safety. Once anything happened to them, the consequences would be catastrophic. Just their disciples and old friends in this country alone were countless, it could easily cause a calamity. It could even be said that the disciples and generals under these six marshals from the five empires here had control over more than a seventh of the military power of all five countries combined! If these people were to be stricken with mishaps, the Empire of Yutang would face the wrath of over a seventh of these four empires military troops! What was worse was that they could attack under the name of justice, to seek vengeance for their masters. Innocent lives would then be lost while the nation would be sunk into disaster. Qiu Jianhan and gang would never dare to instigate such a catastrophe, reluctant as they were to allow these men to stay. These old men had come in peace, but who knew what tricks they had hidden in their sleeves? If Qiu Jianhan were told that there were no tricks at all, he would not believe it, even if he was beaten to death. The five thousand people Han Sanhe brought along had already puzzled Qiu Jianhan. If there were no exceptional experts among these five thousand men, none of those pinnacle martial artists who were confident enough to bring Han Sanhe in and flee Tiantang City should they be assassinated well, Qiu Jianhan was willing to pluck his head off to be used as a soccer ball. It would just be outrageous! "as stated in the letter of credence, Its the period of peace, of course, all of you may enter the city for a visit." Qiu Jianhan wore a cold expression as he said, "However I cant have all five thousand of your company enter the city. Arrange it among yourselves. If there were to be any commotions, there will be no favors, and Yutang shall sentence severe punishments." "Why would we wish to bring five thousand men in?" Han Sanhe asked with his eyes squinted in a smile, "Even if we were all allowed to enter, Tiantang City wouldn''t have enough guestrooms to receive us. Each country will just bring fifty people in." The other old men were smiling as well. "Thats right. Fifty men will be enough." Qiu Jianhan scoffed coldly and said, "Even then, we dont have much time to be hospitable to all of you." Han Sanhe laughed. "Why do we need your reception? We plan to entertain ourselves upon entering the city. With your company, would we be able to have fun to our hearts content? If you think you have to be courteous, just send someone to guide us around. We would be immensely thankful for the hospitality." Qiu Jianhan released a sigh of relief and said, "Who do you want to bring you around? Officials from te Board of Rites?" Han Sanhe was still squinting his eyes as he said, "Were all militants, it wouldn''t do to have those civil people accompany us. I dont want anyone sent from your military side either; we would resent each other inwardly but speak courteously to each other on the outside. Why not let that young man, Yun Yang, from Tie Zhengs wedding keep us company and guide us around? That child is rather handsome, a piece of eye candy. Itll be appropriate to have him take us old folks around. According to what I know, he is the only son of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds; hes not from the civil nor the military side, a nobleman whos impartial and a Yutang citizen who has the least grudge against us." Qiu Jianhan was shocked. "Yun Yang? Have you taken a liking to him?" "Thats right. This old man is rather fond of this child." Han Sanhe stared at Qiu Jianhan quietly for a moment before he said, "Could it be that Old Qiu cant even let such a person go?" The other old marshals from other countries truly had no idea why Han Sanhe wanted this handsome fellow along but they made the appropriate noises anyway, "Right, right. Well take this young man, all of us like him indeed." Qiu Jianhans face was icy as he rejected the request without hesitation. "This child is unavailable. You said it yourself, hes the only son of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds. Marquis Yun is not in the city right now, how can this old man be qualified to assign responsibility to his only son?" He was speaking words of courtesy but it was also the truth. Marquis of Heavenly Clouds was not only a marquis that surpassed all other nobilities in Yutang, his status was higher than all of the imperial officials as well. Even if it were the emperor, His Majesty could only invite him and could not assign him things to do. Old Marshal Qiu truly had no authority to assign Yun Yang any chores! The real reason, of course, was also because Yun Yang was the last chance they had to prolong the emperors life and heal him; no risk could be taken as of now. He was the emperors healer now, it was a critical position. How would Qiu Jianhan be willing to let Yun Yang follow Han Sanhe; anything accident that befell the young man would be an earth-shattering event to Yutang! "Old Marshal regards Residence of Marquis Yun with too much honor. This nephew is feeble and unable to shoulder the responsibility of national defense but its truly nothing extravagant that these old sirs want me to guide them on their tour. Besides, I dont have anything important to do other than taking care of my cats at home. I can use this opportunity to enjoy the scenery and talk about the folklores and stories with these old sirs." A gentle voice interjected itself into the conversation. It was Yun Yang, of course. Han Sanhe smiled as he looked at Yun Yang. "Young Master Yuns words have just turned us old men into cats. All the more this old man wants him to follow us. Id love to know how Lord Marquis Yun gave birth to such an exceptional son." Qiu Jianhan opened his mouth and shut it again. He then said, "Ugh, someone useless. Han Sanhe, take him for your yourself then." He then flung his sleeves and turned to leave, huffing in irritation. The old marshal had obviously noticed his own abnormal behavior. Although Yun Yang was the only son of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds and his identity surpassed the ordinary, he was still undeniably a nobleman after all C he was not altogether that important. Yet, the old marshal''s direct refusal had reflected Yun Yangs hidden capability, one that they could ill afford to lose. While Yun Yangs interjection was like a late remedy to the situation, nevertheless, it was still a remedy. Without it, the consequences of rejection might have been severe indeed! Looking at Qiu Jianhans departing silhouette, Han Sanhe smiled meaningfully. This old man was cautious and was good at weighing others reactions. It would be amiss if he did not find out the reason behind Qiu Jianhans reaction. "Young Master Yun, we bunch of old men are under Young Master Yuns care for now." Han Sanhe grinned as he looked at Yun Yang. Yun Yang looked surprised at all the attention he was receiving. "Of course, of course. Ill definitely take great care of you all. So much so that all of you will be smiling and ultimately be reluctant to even go home!" 176 Miser! Yun Yang thought to himself, "No grudge against me? Speaking of this hurts my teeth." "The animosity between us is immense!" " I would love to take all you old things to the underworld! Anticipating a tour of Tiantang City are you? This young lord will take great care of you all!" It was a quick job to filter out those who were entering the palace among the five empires; each empire had fifty slots while the rest would stay outside of the city. Han Sanhes party included the three generals Zhan Ge, Gao Han, and Mu Wuyun, which was no surprise. What did surprise Yun Yang was the inclusion of an unknown young man. This young man was dark-skinned and short, reaching only to Yun Yangs chin even if he stood up straight. He was skinny and wore a large black robe, looking like he was floating when he walked; his overall ensemble was odd indeed. This mans eyes were deep, like the coldest, darkest pits of water. Yun Yang felt utterly exposed when those eyes fell on him. This person had been at Han Sanhes side all along; he spoke no words, only following the marshal around like a shadow. What Yun Yang had noticed was that Zhan Ge and gang rarely talked to this person; their occasional exchanges were short and wary. Yun Yang scratched his head, trying to form an internal assessment C it looked like this fellow was the real deal! Those who had been selected by the other foreign old marshals were basically the same; they all had their own unique merits. Looking over, Yun Yang could already see a few fellows who were intentionally concealed. Although these people had disguised themselves well, they could not fool a man with Yun Yangs identity C and his absolutely astute sight. As long as he paid attention, there were not many in this world who could deceive him. "Its best for everyone to first search for an inn and stay together." Yun Yang suggested. "We can then maintain uniformity when we go out on tour. As long as you all go according to my arrangements, theres nothing to be worried about. You folks have really found the correct person to bring you around. There is nowhere fun in Tiantang City that I, Yun Yang, do not know of or am unfamiliar with." "If I may suggest, everyone can stay at the largest inn in the city, the Tower To Heaven Inn! It has a strategic location and a great environment; its services and food are among the best of the best. Ill send someone to chase all the other guests away later" Yun Yang looked excited. "This young master has an adequate reason this time, so lets see who dares not to make way! Its been so long since I felt so empowered, especially to Tower To Heaven Inn, the top inn in Yutang. I must enjoy this thoroughly" The old marshals watched Yun Yangs demeanor, shocked and speechless. They then shifted their gaze to Han Sanhe. "Dear Old Han, you have made such efforts only to find such a ridiculous person as our tour guide. What does this mean? Is this alright?" "Four countries, two thousand generals, and one big group of experts" Yun Yang beamed happily. "Let us help each other out. I shall book the entire place, no matter where we go, dont worry! A few famous brothels in Tiantang City had beef with me in the past; let us visit them one by one this time, I can assure all of you that you''re bound to have incredible fun" Han Sanhe was growing increasingly exasperated. Youre bringing so many notable generals from various countries to visit brothels and sleep with the ladies? The two hundred men from four nations concentrated their gazes on Yun Yang in unison, looking at him like they were looking upon an immortal. What a f*cking talent! What a great talent! The old marshals, on the other hand, were furious and incensed enough to begin brawling. There were also a few dozen generals who were looking at each other. After exchanging glances, they walked over and tapped Yun Yangs shoulder while wearing a meaningful look C their intentions were all contained in their silent actions. Obviously, they had felt that they had met friends of similar interests. A few bearded men came over to ask in a low voice, "Are there any good casinos?" Casino? Yun Yang patted his chest in assurance. "Of course! Great casinos are abundant! As long as no one is a sore loser, our casinos in Tiantang City are guaranteed to have everyone feel at home and allows everyone to take home their winnings!" The bearded ones beamed like flowers blooming when they heard him, patting Yun Yangs shoulders and saying repeatedly, "Good brother, great, great!" Facing such a chaotic scene, even Han Sanhe who was so experienced and stern, felt an oncoming headache. This bastard had only spoken a few words before he actually pulled a big portion of these great generals down the drain of depravity with him "Old Marshal Han is the best at judging people C you have truly found the right person in seeking me to be your tour guide! Who from the military or the civil side would dare to challenge me in this aspect? I am that confident!" Yun Yang patted his chest again, speaking passionately, "For those who want to listen to music and feel good, our Tiantang City has the best brothels!For those who want to gamble their money and buy excitement, our Tiantang City has the best casinos! Those who want to drink, we have Blood of the Hero! Authenticity is absolute once Blood of the Hero is served; if there is any difference from what youve drunk today, you can tarnish my reputation as you wish!" Hearing the words Blood of the Hero, the eyes of the generals who had been indifferent began to shine brightly as well. There was someone who asked doubtfully, "Isnt this Blood of the Hero an exclusive wine that only belongs to General Tie? Are you able to get hold of it?" All the foreign generals had wanted to bring more Blood of Hero back if they could; even if they had to spend a fortune to buy it, even if they had to bid for it with a high price tag, they were absolutely willing. After all, the reputation of wine that only belongs to the worlds militants was such a delight to the heart. Even if the price was higher than the norm, they still wanted to bring a batch of it home. There were countless soldiers waiting longingly in the military bases under them, all of them thirsting for a taste of the militants wine! Although the amount of the Blood of the Hero Tie Zheng had promised to give each foreign troop to bring home was not a small amount, it was still far from sufficient. Yet this wine posed no difficulty to Yun Yang at all. It might not be easy for Tie Zheng to get more of this wine since the price tag that sat there was genuine; even with all his savings, how much could a pauper like Tie Zheng buy? How many militants could get a taste of the wine? However, for Yun Yang, it was only a matter of words! "Dont worry. Although Blood of the Hero is precious, this young brother can still get his hands on as much as he wishes to, whenever he wants to! However, everyone here knows that this is a great wine, it doesnt come cheap." Yun Yang then pounded his chest and said, "This young brother of a nobleman is not immensely wealthy but I still have some fortune left for me. This young brother will give everyone a pot when you generals are leaving. Who would have known that I''d take a liking to militants!" A pot for everyone The dozens of generals who had been hankering for the wine drew loud gasps simultaneously. What could a single pot do? How could you think you''re being generous when a single pot wouldn''t be enough even for ourselves? If it were ten thousand pots per person, now, that would be something else altogether. It was just a pot for each person, yet the proclamation seemed to indicate that it was something significant. "Why are all of you looking at me like that?" Yun Yang''s happy grin slipped as he began to feel rather put out. "A pot of the Blood of the Hero for each one of you means that I have to spend one thousand and five hundred silver taels! Count that yourself, how many people do you have here? Thats a grand total of two hundred men! F*ck it, just look at you! I am certain that you all are thinking that I am a terrible miser. Forget it, since it pleases no one, Im not giving anything, not even a pot." "The Blood of the Hero costs one thousand and five hundred silver taels a pot?" A bearded general exclaimed in shock, "Didnt Tie Zheng say it was thirty taels a pot?" The rest of the generals looked at Yun Yang with suspicion, thinking of how dishonest this child was to have inflated the price by fifty-fold. Selling us a pot of wine that costs thirty taels for one thousand and five hundred taels? It was not even inflation anymore, it was pure extortion! Yun Yang snorted, "Thirty taels? It costs thirty taels a pot just because Tie Zheng said so? Youve all drunk the wine, twenty catties to a pot. Speak truthfully, does the wine taste like it would cost a silver tael for a catty?" As generals, there were not many among them who did not like wine. Listening to his words, they shook their heads as understanding dawned upon them. All of them had been drinking for so many years. Although they were not absolutely familiar with the grades of wine, they still knew well enough about quality. The Blood of the Hero would cost at least forty taels and above for a catty and that was excluding the packaging and marketing; it was a complete joke to think it cost a silver tael a catty! "The Blood of Hero used to serve everyone has been supplied to the military, disregarding the loss in business by Yutangs top-tier brewery for this grand event. Now that the occasion is over, you actually want to buy it at thirty silver taels? Has the wine addled your brains? Which brewery would still do so for a normal day? Not to mince words, that brewery has almost gone bankrupt for this event; if they still sell the wine at this price, wouldn''t you think that the owner is incredibly stupid?" Yun Yang gave them a glance and said, "Yutangs military will definitely have a stricter control over the wine after this occasion today, in addition to purchasing it in bulk. In other words, forget about buying the wine at a normal price; even if you bid a high price, would you even be allowed to purchase it? Ill also let you all in on this C even if you have raised your price to ten thousand silver taels a catty, you all still wouldn''t be able to get your hands on it! Do you foreign generals feel your own greatness surpasses ours? Are you doubting me? Hmph! That is what I term as taking kindness for granted Pft!" Yun Yang scoffed and continued angrily, "Forget it, I''m not giving anything. Forget I said anything. Buy the wine yourself if you can, let us see which one of you can be capable enough to buy Blood of the Hero from Yutangs top brewery. This is a terribly dull conversation. Let me bring you folks to the brothels and casinos But allow me to be frank, spend your own money. As the saying goes, you can buy someone a meal or a drink but never buy someone a prostitute. You can rape but you cant force a gamble In any case, I wont be treating all of you to these two things." The foreign generals felt insulted by his statements C this child''s words were f*cking painful to the ears. After talking for so long, he wanted everyone to pay for themselves? What a miser! Yet why did this child speak like he belonged to the military? "Young Master Yun, have you served in the military before?" One of the men asked curiously. "Does it look like I have?" Yun Yang rolled his eyes in irritation. "No." "Then why are you asking? Are you sick? I guess being put in your place isn''t enough for you!" 177 Racketeer All the generals were speechless upon hearing how sharp a tongue Yun Yang had. He was generous just a second ago, but had somehow become a sticky, glass-hearted miser - stingy and prepared to take advantage of his guests There was nothing they could do about it, though. What Yun Yang had said had mostly been true. Yutangs top-tier brewery did favor their countrys militants and disliked holding a grudge against the other empires; it was also true that they would not be able to buy the wine; it was impossible to ask Tie Zheng to buy it or them, since Yutangs military would probably be troubled by the price that they should be paying for the Blood of the Hero in the future! "Brother Yun, how much can you get for us? Just name me a price, I wont say another word!" A burly man with a curly beard grabbed Yun Yangs shoulders and said earnestly, "I, Old Sun, will take everything you''ve got!" The generals standing beside him immediately chastised the greedy man, "The one with the surname Sun, how can you be so shameless? Whether we can purchase it or not, what are you leaving for us if you want all for yourself? Are you spoiling for a fight?" General Sun''s face was flushed red in embarrassment but he held his ground. "Im striking a deal here. Were willing to pay more, we have more people, so were buying everything!What are you going to do about it?" The crowd began to bicker, everyone was filled with indignation. "Bullsh*t! You have a lot of people, do you? Does any of us have lesser? Your fathers side has hundreds of thousands of men, you dare to f*cking say you have more people? Do you think thta only your country is wealthy? We will be willing to pay more and buy it all, how about that?" General Sun was flustered as he looked at Yun Yang. "Brother Yun, please act in the interest of justice. I have only one thing to say; I wont bargain on the price!" Yun Yang coughed and replied, "General, you have placed me between a rock and a hard place.If I could get my hands on a million pots of Blood of the Hero for one thousand and five hundred silver taels a pot, are you going to want them all?" General Sun was caught unawares then, bending his fingers to count but was unable to calculate the total price. An old man beside him chortled and said triumphantly, "Bastard, can''t you even do this simple math? Let this old man tell you! If you want them all, thats a total of a hundred and fifty million silver taels! You couldnt pay that even if you sold your soul! Your great show is crumbling all around your ears, my good man!" "Ptui!" Han Sanhe spluttered as he began to cough violently. The others who understood his reaction immediately laughed, as they complimented the hapless man in unison, "Great math indeed!" "Were impressed!" "If you folks can really buy the pots of wine with this price, I will match you, and double the price! If I dont have enough to pay, Ill go back and turn my troops into bandits so I can buy them!" A few people among the crowd chortled too but their laughter felt awkward. It was obvious that they could not calculate how much the total should be; even with ten of their fingers, they were asking those beside them as they scratched their cheeks, "So how many silver taels in total for the wine? Is it really that figure?" The young man in black behind Han Sanhe could not help grinning too, exposing two neat rows of his pearly whites. Yun Yangs attention was caught by the strange man, and he went over to question him, "What is brothers family name? Why do you look so unfamiliar?" As he spoke, he tried to sling his arm over the young man''s shoulders in an attempt to express his friendliness. The dark-skinned youth stealthily avoided the arm, abhorrence coloring his eyes as he answered in a low voice, "Im no one important, Young Marquis Yun need not concern himself about it. We wont meet again after today." "Nonsense. Put aside the fact that youre my guest, they say that it is fate people meet C how much fate do both of us share?" Yun Yang had long noticed that this young man was unusual, so his arm raised in another attempt. "Since were fated, how can we not be closer?" Anger flashed in the dark youths eyes as he avoided the mans groping hand again and said, "Young Marquis Yun, please have some self-respect." Han Sanhe who had noticed the exchange discreetly placed himself as barrier before Yun Yang and laughed, saying, "Young Marquis Yun is indeed capable if you can obtain such an exquisite brew as the Blood of the Hero. I have nothing much to say. Dongxuan plans to purchase fifty thousand pots of Blood of the Hero from Young Marquis Yun! Is Young Marquis Yun willing to help?" He had subtly diverted Yun Yangs attention far away. The youth in black had taken the opportunity to hide at the back of the crowd, murmuring under his breath. Yun Yang chortled and retracted his groping arm somewhat regretfully as he said, "How can it not be when Marshal Han asks for it? Fifty thousand pots is certainly not a problem! But the payment has to be made first; at least half of the seven hundred and fifty million silver taels needs to be paid to me first. The goods will be delivered within three months, will you be agreable to that?" "Seven hundred and fifty million taels? How did you come up with this sum? Why dont you go and hang yourself?" The youth in black finally exploded in indignation. Han Sanhe chuckled and said, "Alright, seventy-five million silver taels it is. I shall first pass this sum to Young Marquis Yun later." Yun Yang scratched his head. "Is it seventy-five million? Did I count wrongly?" He began counting on his fingers. Han Sanhe smiled helplessly; he could see that he was just playing the part of the fool. It would be the biggest joke if he really could not count right! However, it had been a tricky situation earlier. If he had not been thinking clearly and had agreed, the consequences would have been dire indeed. Rumors were made out of words; as long as Han Sanhe had made a slip of the tongue, this mountebank before him would definitely make a shameless scene C we were selling it for one thousand and five hundred taels a pot but we would not mind if you all wanted to pay seven hundred and fifty million silver taels for fifty thousand pots. After all, not only was it common to see the buyer paying tips in a such transaction; it would be reasonable too. More importantly, Marshal Han Sanhe had agreed to this price in the beginning, right in front of all the foreign generals of this continent. Could it be that Marshal Han was bullsh*tting? If when the lump sum would not be given to him then, his reputation would be gone, destroyed. "No matter how expensive this wine is, we have to bring some back. Otherwise, our brothers will grumble and complain until our deaths once we return," a general said, sighing and shaking his head, seeing that Han Sanhe was making his purchase. Yun Yang questioned curiously, "Didnt General Tie prepare some for all of you? Have you all not made such requests previously?" Han Sanhe smirked. "Young Marquis Yun is very well-informed if you knew that weve requested some wine previously." Yun Yang guffawed. "Why would Tie Zheng keep this from me? Im his groomsman anyway, did all of you forget that I was here too?" As they thought about it, they realized the accuracy of his words. One of the old men said, pursing his lips, "A groomsman who only reaches the grooms stomach after standing straight yes, weve all seen you. You dont have to mention it repeatedly with so much pride; we shall forever remember Young Marquis glamor in our heart and never forget it." The heartless crowd burst out in laughter. Yun Yang rolled his eyes and said, "Oh, I don''t know, I do believe that I haven''t fared too badly. Unlike some of those among us two hundred people; forget the grooms stomach, the grooms buttocks will be an unachievable height as well. Isnt that so, a certain someone?" As he spoke, he directed his gaze at the dark-skinned youth who was hiding at the back to intentionally anger him. The dark-skinned young man was spewing fire through his eyes then. If he had not held himself back forcefully, he would have charged out to fightYun Yang to the death. Why is he picking on me? The rest of the crowd chided him, laughing, "Talk about the wine, talk about the wine." One fellow complained, "Your Marshal Tie is a terribly stingy scrooge! He has set a twenty pot quota for each country; what can these twenty pots do? If these twenty pots were really brought home, forget about drinking them C theyll be gone with everyone coming up to take a sniff!" His words almost made the crowd burst out into laughter again. "I see the case now. Then you all have to buy the wine! Not only should all of you buy the wine, you should buy as much as you can. Marshal Han has ordered fifty thousand pots, any other countries want the wine? Theres no more once you miss this chance, speak up if you want any; this shop will no longer be operating after you pass this place." Yun Yang began to set in motion his money-making scheme. One could not blame Yun Yang for shamelessly selling wine, he was about to go mad when he thought about how pathetically poor he was now. At this point in time, Yun Yang was even poorer than Tie Zheng. They could be said to be brothers in affliction C one poorer than another. However, Tie Zhengs debt need not be returned, while he also had two million silver taels of monetary gifts to aid him. Yun Yang, on the other hand, was still owing money for jades. Now that there were so many fatheads from other countries here, it would be a waste not to profit from them. Once they entered the city and had contact with others, he would no longer have this opportunity. Therefore, Yun Yang began collecting signatures, holding his finance book to realize his windfall profits. Han Sanhe had wanted fifty thousand pots of Blood of the Hero; the other nations would want no lesser. Every country had ordered fifty thousand pots of wine. After Yun Yang was done obtaining their signatures, he began collecting the deposits. The deposits alone were easily a large amount of manna from heaven. He had collected twenty million silver taels worth of banknotes from each party. It meant that eighty million taels had gone into his pocket in the blink of an eye. Once the fortune was his, Young Master Yun was beaming so much his eyes had disappeared into crescents. "Come, come! Let us go to the Tower To Heaven Inn now. Please prepare yourselves; everything is great at the Tower To Heaven Inn but its fee is a little exorbitant. I cant afford that amount of money myself" This time round, even Han Sanhe was unwilling to talk to him anymore. Are we not your guests? It is only reasonable that you, as the host, should pay the entrance fee.You are especially wicked child indeed! Having just collected a huge sum of eighty million silver taels from us, you''ve put it aside with just a turn of a head. You actually want us to pay for our accommodation! What kind of a person is this? Along the way, Yun Yang talked and joked enthusiastically, looking as if he was at the top of the world. In spite of this, he could clearly feel at least thirty to forty pairs of eyes boring holes into him like sharp arrows among the two hundred people behind him. Each gaze was composed of pondering and questions. Obviously, his performance had not brought down the guard of these old folks who had long been on the battlefield. On the contrary, a lot of them were even more wary of him now! 178 Windfall Those who qualified to become notable generals of his country were not of common stock. Yun Yang thought to himself; the oldest men around him were already wearing snow-white beards, yet their thoughts were much more astute and far-sighted than cunning, thousand-year-old foxes. "The hour is late. Everyone has come a long way and have had many drinks; I suppose all of you must be exhausted. We shall rest for the night. If you all wish to eat, the Tower To Heaven Inn offers a great selection. They can prepare whatever it is that youd like to have. As long as you have silver taels and can pay for the meal, there isn''t anything this place can''t cook up for you." Bringing so many people to lodge at the Tower To Heaven Inn meant that Yun Yang was prepared to flee. "I still need to deal with the wine reservation; its so famous now, Ill have to quickly place my order. Of course, I won''t forget about the brothels and gambling dens C Ill have to make a reservation too in case the owners arent willing to take you all in I''m fated to work throughout the day! I shall take my leave now." Yun Yang smiled warmly as he slipped away, ignoring the generals pleas for him to stay. if I were to stay, I would be obliged to buy your dinner and wine. Do I look like a fathead to all of you? The day that I will treat everyone here is the day I get to poison all the dishes. Yun Yang surreptitiously slipped out the door. Without having to receive further instructions, several representatives from each country vanished, disappearing without a trace, like ghosts. A short while later, these people reappeared in the crowd once again. Han Sanhe looked at the man beside him who had returned without giving anything away, his gaze full of questions. The person shook his head with a peculiar expression on his face. Han Sanhe frowned as a voice spoke softly in his ear, "That child disappeared around the corner. There were so many of us and so many pairs of eyes but no one realized how he disappeared, and no one knows where he went to either." "There wasnt even the slightest hint of his breath in the air. This is extremely peculiar." The expert who had given chase was utterly bewildered by Yun Yangs disappearance. He was a Tenth Perfection expert, a grandmaster if he wished to be called so; it was an easy feat to stalk a fifth peak vermin yet he had managed to lose him. It was amazingly embarrassing to return with such news. The other generals from other countries had received the same replies; some of them hissed in anger while the others wore grim looks. "Tiantang City is filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers." Han Sanhe sighed softly and said, "Forget it, we still have time. He still has to bring us around for another ten days of so were not in a hurry. The time will come when we can manage to figure this fellow out." How had Yun Yang disappeared the moment he stepped out of the door and around the corner? It was simple. Yun Yang had turned into a breeze of air, executing his wind cultivation skill, making it seem as if he had vanished. Do you wish to follow me? Brothers, surely you jest? "How many pots did you say you wanted?" Young Master Mas heart was about to burst out of his chest. "Two hundred thousand pots." Yun Yang crossed his legs casually. "So many?" Young Master Mas eyes were wide. "Weve just completed Marshal Ties order by working extra hours and installing additional operations. Excluding the workers, just the supervisors were already worn out enough. Two hundred thousand pots may not be a big sum but we might not be able to deliver the goods within such a short amount of time." "Understood. As long as you can send the first batch within three months, it will be alright." Yun Yang continued reservedly, "Also, you wont suffer any losses from the order this time; just give me a reasonable price, let me know how much a pot would cost me." Young Master Ma hesitated upon hearing his words. The previous promotion of two hundred silver taels for a pot of wine had ended. Even so, he and his father had been generous and had added forty thousand pots to the total. The transaction had cost them a loss of ten million silver taels, a great wound indeed. "Brother Yun, why don''t you give me a number and Ill consider it? If the price is good, I wont argue." Young Master Ma had learned his lesson as well; if he were to give a low price and have Yun Yang press the price down further, he would not be able to afford it. "I said I wont allow you to suffer loss, and it shall be so." Yun Yang said, "What about five hundred silver taels a pot this time?" "Five hundred taels a pot?" Young Master Ma almost jumped with joy. He had thought that he was going to have to toil without a return again this time; that, or he would have to dump another lump of fortune in. However, five hundred silver taels for a pot of wine meant that there would be about a hundred and fifty silver taels of net profit for each pot. Even when the transportation fee to the countries was deducted, even if he took another fifty silver taels off each pot, one pot could still make him no less than a hundred silver taels of profit. For an order of two hundred thousand pots of wine, there would be a total profit of twenty million silver taels. This order would allow him to regain the ten million taels he had previously lost, and then some. If everything went smoothly and unnecessary costs were cut, it would not be impossible to make a sweep of twenty million taels! "Are you sure?" Young Master Mas breath quickened, hardly able to believe his own ears. "Why would I lie?" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. "I told you before that I would make you another profitable deal. Now that your chance at a windfall is here, dont doubt it. Two hundred thousand pots of wine are only the first batch. When the Blood of the Heros reputation as the militants wine is well established, what is two hundred thousand pots? Young Ma, you have to be far-sighted. I said that your brewery is the top brewery in Yutang, did you think I was making light of it?" "Thank you, Brother Yun!" Young Master Ma bowed respectfully. "Only now do I know that Young Master Yun is awarding us a windfall I can see why my father made such a decision then." "What decision?" Yun Yang asked curiously. "Father says that as long as the reputation of this militants wine is well established, a tenth from any sales after this will be given to Brother Yun as a bonus." Young Master Mas face was glowing. "I beg your pardon?" Yun Yang was really surprised this time round. Did he have a talent for business? He was already making a huge profit from being a racketeer on one side, he actually got to enjoy a bonus from this side as well? That would mean that he was earning from both sides without any cost to himself. This deal was worth it indeed; he had come empty-handed but had left with a jackpot. "This wont be right" Yun Yang chuckled and rubbed his hands. "I wonder when I will be able to enjoy my earnings." Young Master Ma had wondered how abashed this guy would be and was ready to persuade him into accepting the bonus. Who knew that Yun Yang was not the slightest bit embarrassed and had only spoken words of courtesy before asking for the money. This person was truly forward. Such an unusual person! He did not even bother to put up a token show of resistance to the idea. Both men conversed happily, calculating how much they could ultimately earn from this deal. Young Master Ma thought, "I am so happy! Too happy, really. My previous losses will all be covered. I think we can earn another twenty million taels too Earning two hundred million silver taels in half a year C how gratifying! This was like pennies falling from heaven And its only the first order, the rest will come continuously. Our objective is to earn the reputation for Yutangs top brewery! Were getting rich! Rich!" Yun Yang was also thinking, "Im so happy! Too happy, really. I was still worrying that I have no money and this bonanza has sent itself to me. Ill be earning a thousand silver taels from a pot of wine; two hundred thousand pots means I can earn two hundred million? Oh my god in addition to Ma Familys bonus!" "Without investing even a single copper coin, a deal that calls for no cost C Ive gained two hundred million taels just like that? Not only is this gaining thousands without cost, its gaining millions! Im rich! Rich!" "Actually, Im not that greedy either. Things like this doesnt have to happen often,three to five times each year would be good enough@" Young Master Ma left with a good disposition, he had wanted to buy Yun Yang a drink from the absolute delight but Yun Yang had refused promptly. What a joke, the old brother is now making millions in minutes. Drinking with a popinjay like you? Not only will it lower my status, itll hold up my chances of making money! The Towering Wind Pavilion. Yun Yang who was under the disguise of the Towering Wind Pavilion Master stood with his arms behind his back. Shui Wuyin, shouldn''t you appear right about now? Ive been looking all over for you and I know that youve similarly been looking for me! I cant find you but you wont be able to find me either. Ive brought myself to stand right under your nose now. Are you coming or not? Yun Yang, as the Towering Wind Pavilion Master, stood before the doors for a while, as if he was enjoying the view. Then, with a wave of his arm, a mystical blew the closed doors open, and he proceeded to enter. He had not met anyone along his way; his steps echoed through the empty space. Yun Yang came all the way to the top floor. There was a chair there C it was where the Towering Wind Pavilion Master usually rested. He had checked numerous times over the years. The Towering Wind Pavilion Master would sit here and look at the landscape whenever he had time to spare. Yun Yang sat there and allowed his gaze to wander accordingly. It was then that he realized that there was an unusual gap in this building; following the gap, what greeted his eyes was where the Residence of Nine Supremes lay. Yun Yang sat still then, staring at the faraway Residence of Nine Supremes. He felt a surge of emotions run wild within him. His gaze lingered as he waited. He did not plan to wait for long; he had only given himself until the clock struck one. The time given to Shui Wuyin was at one am in the night. If Shui Wuyin was still not here by then, Yun Yang would leave without hesitation and would not appear in the Towering Wind Pavilion anymore. This was a test C a test that Yun Yang had given Shui Wuyin. He believed that Shui Wuyin had now confirmed that he was not eighth brother, Supreme Wind, meaning that he was not the real Towering Wind Pavilion Master. In other words, he was in disguise, an impersonator posing as the real Towering Wind Pavilion Master. If Shui Wuyin were to come, he would face a grave danger. Yet it would mean that this person was loyal to Yun Yangs eighth brother. Since eighth brother had trusted this man so much, he could trust him as well. If Shui Wuyin did not come, it would mean that he did not dare to. No matter how loyal he had been, Yun Yang did not need someone who was afraid of death. If he appeared, it meant that he would qualify to be one of his men; a no-show would signal the end of their encounter. I will not care about nor trust you from then on; the Towering Wind Pavilion will never return to its former glory! 179 I Promise! Yun Yang sat quietly but he did not have to wait for long. Just as the eleventh hour came around, the sound of footsteps could be heard from the staircase. It sounded like there was only one person, the heavy footfalls solid and determined. There was only a momentary hesitation when the person came to the door but the footsteps began again almost immediately. Resolute, there were no further pauses after the initial one. A smile of assurance and admiration hung on the corners of Yun Yangs lips. It was only human to pause before the door. Even the greatest hero, one who disregarded death itself, would still hesitate when facing such a situation. Going another step further would precipitate the possibility of being killed while taking one step back meant that the person would still be able to roam the world freely. Someone who could take this one step forward, even if was with hesitation, was someone who would stand at the side of justice with no regrets, even if he saw death at the end of the road. How could he not admire such a person? At the same time, Yun Yang was comforted that eighth brother had such a subordinate. On the contrary, if Shui Wuyin had come in without any hesitation whatsoever, Yun Yang would have been more leery about this man''s character. This was because there would only be two possibilities C one was mindless courage, acting boldly without much thought; another was overconfidence, having an exaggerated estimate of his own abilities. Yun Yang did not like these two types of people very much. The approaching footsteps had stopped; he was already standing at the open door. Yun Yang could even imagine the look on the man''s face as he gazed upon him. He did not turn his head to face him but sat stationary to look outside, watching the Residence of Nine Supremes from afar. It was illuminated by a string of lights,covered in the fog of the night. Even though the vision was blurry, he knew that the Residence of Nine Supremes was there. "You came." Shui Wuyin stood at the door, his voice hoarse. Looking at the silhouette in the shadow that he was extremely familiar with yet so estranged at the same time, he felt a sudden shudder tingling in his spine. "You came as well." Yun Yang said nonchalantly, "Where have you been all this time? Ive been looking for you." Shui Wuyin trembled then, his voice raspy as if his vocal cords were about to tear when he spoke, "Looking for me? Ive been looking for you too!" Yun Yang exhaled easily and said, "You must have made preparations before coming here." Shui Wuyins unusual voice sounded like two pieces of sandpaper rubbing against each other in the night. "Thats right. You are the most threatening person Ive ever come across in my entire life. I dare not come without being complete prepared." Yun Yang smiled softly and turned to him, facing Shui Wuyin with the face that belonged only to Towering Wind Pavilion Master. Shui Wuyin sucked in a deep breath and said, "Since Ive come, please take off that face." Yun Yang questioned, "Why?" "This is my lords face, not yours." Shui Wuyin stood by the door, his raspy voice tinged with a hint of iciness. "Do you know who your lord is? How do you know this is not my face?" Yun Yang looked at Shui Wuyin with clarity in his eyes. "Could it be that you know your lords true identity?" Shui Wuyin said softly, "What youve said is not important. What matters is that you are not my lord, you are only an impostor!" Yun Yang replied, "Impersonate Have you wondered how trusted and familiar someone would have to be to impersonate your lord and deceive you for even a short period of time?" Shui Wuyin said coldly, "Of course I have. But there are only two possibilities regarding your identity C first, you could be someone close to my lord, someone whom he trusted the most but you have exploited this relationship to kill him and take over his property." Yun Yang chuckled. "The second?" "You could be someone who was close to my lord, close enough that he trusted you to impersonate him and manage his affairs for him." Shui Wuyins voice was hoarse and displeasing to the ears, but it had been calm all along, icy even. Yun Yang thought about it seriously. "True, there are indeed only these two possibilities. Which of these do you think is true?" Shui Wuyin answered honestly, "I am unable to figure this out; only time will tell. But since youve come today, and Im here too, lets get some things straight. The worst that can happen is either one of us dies here today." Yun Yang sighed softly and said, "Its still early to discuss life and death. Ive always been curious about you as a person, your identity, and background. I know a lot about your lord but the only thing he didnt explain was your origins. I have wondered for a long time." He said slowly, "Your lord once told me that he had never seen Shui Wuyin anxious before. I believe this because Ive never seen you anxious as well, until now. I believe if your lord were here now to see you so worried about him, he would be deeply touched." Shui Wuyin tightened his fist and looked at Yun Yang. "I only wish to know who you are. All else is secondary." Yun Yang stood up slowly. He had not moved but the windows around them slammed shut on their own. Shui Wuyin had been standing by the door and was not entirely inside the room but for some reason, his body took a step forward involuntarily and the door behind him closed soundlessly. Shui Wuyin snorted and said, "Do you think that by closing the door you can convince me to stop questioning you?" Yun Yang said gently, "I wish to tell you the truth, but nothing can leave this room. It would be better if only our ears are privy to our conversation." Shui Wuyin snorted and ignored him. Yun Yang continued, "Your lord is someone who is very close to me." A mocking expression came over Shui Wuyin''s face as he said, "I know and have always known that youre very close to my lord. Nonetheless, do you know that right now, there are thirty-six people outside, holdingtriggers to hidden weapons aimed here, ready to fire at any time?" He was not bothered by what Yun Yang had said and continued speaking, "Besides, there are enough explosive materials placed under this pavilion to turn an entire lake into a desert if detonated." "I have also hollowed a portion of the wall to insert poison in there." "I believe that portion alone would be enough to kill half of Tiantang City." Shui Wuyin said calmly, "Therefore, even if you have the highest cultivation base, even if youre Ling Xiaozui himself, you will never be able to walk out of here alive if you cant give me a satisfying reply." "I dont even have to order these to be triggered. With my willpower alone, I can bring all of these to bear upon you." Shui Wuyin said softly, "Are you familiar with the control of willpower?" Yun Yang replied, "Control of willpower? Could I possibly be speaking to an Eldar?" Shui Wuyin only snorted and asked, "Speak, who are you?" Yun Yang smiled faintly. "You have told me so much. It is only right that I repay you with the same. I dont doubt anything that youve said. Its just too bad that none of these will work against me!" Shui Wuyin chuckled coldly and was about say something derisive, but the silhouette standing in front of him had vanished. What replaced him was a cloud of white fog, floating in the air and churning gently. Shui Wuyins eyes went large, his mind and train of thought crashing wrenched off its tracks. The fog in the air separated into thousands of flows of mist at once, filling up every inch of space available in the room. It then recombined into the ball of fog. Yun Yangs body then materialized in front of Shui Wuyin once again. Looking at Shui Wuyins extremely shocked gaze, Yun Yang smiled warmly. "Wuyin, can you recognize me now?" Yun Yang had shown his true self. "Young Young Master Yun? Yun Yang? Is that you?" Shui Wuyin was stuttering but he had instinctively lowered his voice. Yun Yang sighed softly. "You still cant recognize me?" Intense emotions and reverence danced in Shui Wuyins eyes; he nodded with a flushed face, his voice suppressed to the faintest of sounds. "You are Supreme Cloud?!" Various sentiments seemed to glide past Yun Yangs gaze as he said slowly in a solemn tone, "Your lord is my eighth brother." "Wind" Shui Wuyin was dumbfounded! His lord, whom he had been serving, was Supreme Wind? A hero that the entire world revered? "Your lord my eighth brother Hes already" Yun Yang closed his eyes. "Your guess was right. He has given everything of his to me. That is why I impersonated him I must say, I didn''t do too badly, considering that you were the only one who could see through me." Yun Yangs words sounded humorous, but both men only felt despair and grief. Shui Wuyin stood dumbly, his mind abuzz with a hundred thoughts. Countless peals thunder and lightning were running amok in his mind, turning his brain into mush; even his spirit seemed to have been broken into rapidly vanishing pieces. What was left was Yun Yangs voice repeating in his ears like a dream. After a long, long time "Do you believe me?" Yun Yang asked. "I" Shui Wuyins gaze was pained as he said hoarsely, "I do! If I cant even believe Nine Supremes words, there is no one else in this world who is worthy of my trust!" "I hope that you can help me." Yun Yang said seriously, "Help me seek revenge, help me C help us complete what we have yet to complete." Shui Wuyin shut his eyes tightly and murmured, "My lord is he really not here anymore?" Yun Yang turned away and did not speak for a while. Yet the muscle on the side of his face that twitched wildly was all the answer Shui Wuyin needed. "I promise!" The muscle on Shui Wuyins face tightened with resolve. He gritted his teeth and said without hesitation, "I promise you that I shall do all that you ask, I shall serve you loyally. But I have a request that I hope you can grant." 180 Scapegoat Material Yun Yang asked, "What request would that be?" An intense resentment surfaced in Shui Wuyins eyes when he said, "When the culprit is found I would like to personally hack off his head with my own hands." Yun Yang raised his head and looked at Shui Wuyin silently for a moment. Shui Wuyin clenched his teeth and said, "As you have pointed out, I am an Eldar. You must know that the Eldar have their own...methods... with souls.If the decapitation is done by my own hands, I will be able to torment the soul, for as long as I want." Yun Yang said softly, "Very well, I promise you that. In addition, I shall also make another promise; that day will surely come." Shui Wuyin exhaled a deep sigh. "Thank you." Before the sound of his last spoken syllable ended, Shui Wuyin''s body spasmed; his face contorted horribly as it underwent extremely agonizing convulsions. As it subsided, he spat a gob of pink smoke from his mouth onto Yun Yangs palm. Upon touching his hand, it disappeared instantly. The process was so swift that Yun Yang could not even react. "Will of the Soul?" Yun Yang was shocked. "Wuyin, you didnt have to do that." Shui Wuyins hoarse voice was weak. "Yes, it is the Will of the Soul. From now on, from this moment forward, my life and death lie in your hands. This spell will never be broken." "Why did you do this?" Yun Yang said. "Because only by doing so will you completely trust me and allow me to fully participate in all your plans." Shui Wuyins raspy voice was determined. "This our first time meeting each other, you wouldn''t be able to gather much from this encounter. I have no time for a probationary period, I want to take action immediately." "Ive never believed the saying about not using the person you doubt and not doubting the person you use; I need your complete trust. I can unconditionally trust the Nine Supremes; the entire world reveres you! However, each step that Lord Supreme Cloud takes involves danger and each moment are a threat. On what basis can you trust me?" "Only the Will of the Soul can save us the time and allow you to trust me fully. Only your unreserved trust will allow me a greater chance to avenge my lord with my own hands!" Shui Wuyin said hoarsely, "I know that someone who could kill my lord, who could harm the Nine Supremes very existence will definitely be a formidable enemy that I cannot imagine. But from now on, I, Shui Wuyin, have only this goal for the rest of my life. To achieve this goal, I can do anything required of me regardless of its price. I will do whatever it takes!" Yun Yang was moved by the man. This was eighth brothers subordinate! His gaze bored into Shui Wuyin for considerable moments before he said, "Wuyin, call me young master from now on." "Yes, young master." Shui Wuyin said, "I understand." A wistful smile finally came about his face. He knew that from this moment on,Yun Yang would begin to trust him fully. His Will of the Soul was a worthy sacrifice. My lord, I must avenge your death! I swear it. "Wuyin, you are certainly a brave man." Yun Yang joked. "You dared to come here and threaten me all by yourself." Shui Wuyin smiled abashedly. "Nonetheless, I didnt deceive young master after all." Yun Yang chuckled. "Honestly, I believe that most people in this world would have been deceived by your plot today. Except me, of course. Even those legendary experts might be unable to exclude themselves." Shui Wuyin said faintly, "Maybe its just how I am, innately. I dont blush when I am lying. Sometimes, I even believe the lies that I tell. Perhaps this is the meaning of the saying, ''Deceive yourself before you deceive others; only when youve deceived yourself that you can deceive whoever you want to''!" Yun Yang was taken aback for a moment. "That is an impressive saying!" The threats that Shui Wuyin had just made were largely empty. There was no ambush, no one waiting with their fingers in the trigger, no set up of explosives, and there was no poison that could possibly kill half of a city. Everything was a sham. This was a complete stratagem of an empty city. It was utterly amazing that Shui Wuyin could act out the stratagem of an empty city so realistically as if there were really such a thing. If Yun Yang had not released some probes to verify the man''s claims, he would most probably have been deceived. Everything had seemed so real from their conversation and interaction; at least Shui Wuyins consciousness acknowledged that there was such a setup. If Yun Yang had not actually validated it, he had no reason not to believe him! "Since we parted that day, young master hasnt shown up for so long. There must be something important for young master to reappear suddenly tonight," Shui Wuyin said. "You are right. A bunch of cash cows will be coming to the Towering Wind Pavilion either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow." Yun Yang raised his brows and said, "I need your cooperation. It is compulsory to let these fellows lose everything, even their pants, here." "That naturally isn''t a problem." Shui Wuyin answered with a straight face. It was, of course, a simple task to him. "Of course this will be easy for you. I want you to take note of a few people among them. Go especially hard on these men." Yun Yang listed a few names and continued, "I dont believe that no one among the high-level generals from these four empires is enlightened about the incident at Tianxuan Cliff. But this will need further observation and analysis. If we mistakenly identify them, it will only rattle the real perpetrators and cause a retaliation." "To get what we want, a mind that is constantly clear and objective is needed other than possessing strong thinking skills and abilities." Yun Yang said, "Eighth brother kept saying you have a good mind. Only now do I know that you are an Eldar. This task might suit you more so than it will me." Shui Wuyin replied calmly, "I understand. As long as those people exist among these visitors, I will ferret them out within the shortest time possible." Yun Yang exhaled a breath softly. It wasn''t until now that he was slightly at ease. Shui Wuyin would definitely make an exceptional right-hand man! This person was even more levelheaded and calm than he himself was most of the time. Yun Yang had responsibility for the country so he might sometimes behave rashly from passionate patriotism; nothing of the sort would ever happen to Shui Wuyin. "He is a coldblooded fellow, there will never be a time that his blood boils with passion. His cognitive abilities are so remarkable that hes almost on par with olninth. Besides, everything he has done was done with the most rational perspective. This person possesses no emotions nor impulses. If he had wanted to, he would have been a top assassin. Hed have this world within his calculations if he were an aide; hed not have a single failed strategy of war should he become a marshal." This was eighth brother Supreme Winds comment about Shui Wuyin. It sang praises that were so high that it was terrific yet terrifying. "I have always wished to recruit him to the Nine Heavens Dictum but his heritage, his identity as an Eldar, will never be recognized and acknowledged by them." Supreme Wind was right on point but Yun Yang had surprisingly seen the agitated side of this coldblooded fellow that Supreme Wind had mentioned before. When he had heard that the Towering Wind Pavilion Master was Supreme Wind, when he had heard that Supreme Wind was already gone now, Shui Wuyin who never had a ripple of emotions, was so agitated that he came close to breaking down. "Eighth brother, dont worry. I will take good care of your brother for you. As long as the situation allows, I shall help him fulfill his wish, and your wish to heal his voice." Yun Yang walked out of the Towering Wind Pavilion unhurriedly. The first ray of light was already peeking out from the east. Yun Yang came to the Tower To Heaven Inn, first thing in the morning. "Does anyone have a concrete plan for today? Should we go enjoy some music? Perhaps have some fun in casinos?" Yun Yangs words had the dark-skinned youth beside Han Sanhe rolling his eyes. Yun Yang was unperturbed, he even responded by making faces at the fellow, squinting his eyes and contorting his face into all kinds of expressions. Dont like me? Ill make you look at me all the more, have your eyes stay on me all the time; I''ll have you die from anger! "Today is the first day. Whatever it is, no matter how important, needs to be let go." Han Sanhe said seriously. "Today, we will visit the Residence of Nine Supremes." Han Sanhes eyes lingered on Yun Yangs face. Yun Yang frowned and said, "You all dont have much time. Why are you going to the Residence of Nine Supremes? Theyre Yutangs heroes, our guardians; they have nothing but animosity towards you, what is there to visit? Besides, the Residence of Nine Supremes is surrounded by fog all year long, nothing can be seen. Could it be that you all want to break through the Nine Heavens Demesne?" Even as he spoke, a sharp, icy look of suspicion flashed in the deeper parts of Yun Yangs eyes. He then heard an old marshal sigh. "The Residence of Nine Supremes is a wonder in the world. Nine Supremes Lords have subdued the world with their almightiness. Its one of our main purposes during this trip; to pay homage to the Nine Supremes. Although theyre our enemies, we still respect Nine Supremes Lords valiance and loyalty. The trip to Residence of Nine Supremes must be made." Han Sanhe watched the faint guardedness and doubt in Yun Yangs gaze carefully; finally, a hint of disappointment flashed in the bottom of the old mans eyes as he continued, "Nine Heavens Demesne is not destroyable by any human force. Even if we wanted to destroy it, we cant do anything against it. Why would we find fault with ourselves and make such a fruitless effort? You dont have to be worried about this." Yun Yang shook his head. "Sorry, I still need to ask for permission regarding this matter no matter what youve said. I cant decide this on my own." The group nodded simultaneously in understanding. Yun Yang mounted a horse and hurried to the marshals residence. Han Sanhe and the other generals smiled, looking at each other. This fellow would indeed go to Qiu Jianhan for permission, regardless what the matter was. Qiu Jianhan, that old thing, could it be that he thinks us all idiots? How can he not know about this? Not a while later, Yun Yang returned on his horse, wearing a happy look. He said loudly with pride, "I almost forgot. I can still decide this on my own, so I came back again after going halfway through. All of you can prepare to be on your way" The group jutted their lips out. Or course, we believe you. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan who was the leader of Yutangs three thugs would naturally not know that he had become the scapegoat once again. In addition, he would only continue to be one in the future. He would go on being the scapegoat until these fellows left Yutang then he would have new faults to pin on other people. He could truly play the part of scapegoat, no two ways about it! 181 Tarnished Reputations At that very moment, a certain Marshal Scapegoat was sighing loudly as he lounged in the palace. "Who would have known that these fellows wouldn''t leave immediately after Tie Zhengs wedding but choose to stay behind? What are they up to? I can''t believe that they are just planning to sightsee, they must have an ulterior motive!" Qiu Jianhan was like a raging lion that was pacing around its cage with its claws extended, ready to tear into anyone who got too close. "Didn''t we already foresee this?" The emperor looked at Qiu Jianhan with a slightly amused expression. "It was no mean feat for them to arrive here, perhaps this is the only chance theyd ever have to enter Yutang. How can they just go back empty-handed?" "These people wish catastrophe upon Yutang! They will certainly act upon their wishes now. I''m certain they are looking for undercover agents and installing spies. At the very least, they must be stealing information." Old Marshal Qiu was indignant. "Let them be. How much damage can they do? I, on the other hand, hope that the longer they stay, the more they will feel like making their home here, and forget about returning. That would benefit us all." The emperors generosity stunned the old marshal. "My apologies Your Majesty, isn''t that a tad overambitious? Even I dare not have such high hopes. What a wild imagination one has!" His Majesty laughed and said, "All in all, let them be. I''m just surprised that they asked for no one else but Yun Yang. This makes me curious. What places can Yun Yang bring these generals to?" When he spoke about that, the old marshal felt like laughing too. "I heard that that rascal suggested to book a brothel for them and have everyone enjoy the place for ten straight days" "Enjoy a brothel for ten days?" The emperor stared eyes wide before he coughed incessantly. "Cough, cough F*cking hell! This child''s way of handling matters is highly amusing!" His Majesty guffawed for a long while before realizing that Qiu Jianhan was staring at him with disbelieving eyes. He then recalled the inappropriateness of his words; it wouldn''t do for an emperor to curse like a common sailor. Indeed, it would damage his image as a reigning monarch. He quickly salvaged the situation by saying, "It seems the shock has loosened my tongue and caused me to swear unbecomingly. Well, it''s all for my own gratification, of course." Puu! It was better if the emperor had not bothered to explain himself. Qiu Jianhan could no longer hold it in and chortled. "Your Majestys curse is exactly the same as this old officials thoughts!" "I laugh aloud at the thought of Han Sanhe visiting a brothel. I really hope that Yun Yang is capable enough to let Old Man Han enjoy the brothel for all ten days" Qiu Jianhan was reveling in the others misery. However, the old marshal and His Majesty would be disappointed, at least for today. Yun Yang had already departed with his entourage, heading merrily towards the Residence of Nine Supremes. On their way, Young Master Yun displayed his eloquence, introducing the scenery without stopping as he spoke whatever that came to mind; he talked easily as if he was speaking of his own family. The way he introduced topics, however, were singularly bizarre. "See this house? This house has some story to it. Back in those days when the founding emperor was building this empire, this was where the Chancellors father-in-laws brother-in-laws brother-in-laws sister-in-laws lover stayed. Why is this place famous? Its all because this Chancellors brother-in-laws brother-in-laws" Zhan Ge who was listening to the long-winded introduction could no longer reign in his irritation as he retorted angrily, "Isnt this Chancellors brother-in-laws brother-in-law the Chancellor himself? And the Chancellors brother-in-laws brother-in-laws sister-in-law the Chancellors own sister-in-law? You make so many roundabouts about such a simple relationship the sister-in-laws lover" Yun Yang, was actually confused by Zhan Ges reiteration. Blinking, he said, "This thing is rather complicated. You are terribly observant..." Everyone else was looking at him sardonically. "Look over there, see this tree? Look, you fellows, look at the entwining roots, look at the huge canopy. This trees story is even greater. Legend has it that this tree is a tree that has been enlightened. It blesses this place with favorable weather and prosperity; its powerful in its ability. But do you all know how many times has this tree been struck by lightning in these the past hundred years?" Yun Yang ''s voice lowered as he spoke mysteriously. "How many times?" The dark-skinned youth was reluctant to acknowledge him, but he could not help himself. "None." Yun Yang replied seriously, his face as smooth as a blank slate. The youth glared at him like he was about to swallow a certain someone whole. "Such a huge tree but its never been struck by lightning even once in so many years" Yun Yang said, "This is an astonishing matter in itself." A bearded general retorted in a dissatisfied tone, "This tree is at most as wide as the mouth of a bowl, I can''t believe that it''s more than ten years old, what more hundreds of years Besides, a tree thats over a hundred years old isn''t exactly an aged tree either what are you trying to do say?" Yun Yang lowered his voice intentionally and said, "Look, fellows, do you see that unpleasant-looking person by the street? The one who ducks away after seeing us, and behaving suspiciously? Is that an assassin from the Empire of Dongxuan, here to wreak havoc?We have to consider everyones safety, there shouldnt be any accidents. If any of you were to be struck by misfortune of if you managed to get yourself beheaded here in the Empire of Yutang, we would have a diplomatic row on our hands!" The generals were speechless upon hearing his words. This bastard is really brutal C any ordinary person would try to avoid such a large group of people. Why are you seeing assassins at every corner? Blabbering about misfortune and beheadings? We''ve put up with it, but you are clearly becoming used to this insolence! "The only misfortune that will take place will be all on you!" "If anyone is going to be beheaded, it''d be you!" "You kid wont have much time instead, you should be well on your way!" The ill-tempered generals started to holler loudly at the young master. "Are you scolding me? Are you actually scolding me?" Yun Yang was enraged. "I was kind enough to become your tour guide and take care of you all meticulously. I personally think Ive done all I can and can only hope to be amicable to all of you. I didnt expect that you would be so ungrateful! Do you all still have a conscience? Do you all still have the slightest self-awareness as a guest? Do you all still have" The generals were exasperated. Cursed you? Who started cursing first? The more aggressive few were beginning to shoulder their way to the front to start an earnest argument. "All of you are scolding me!" "Well, Im not bringing you all to the brothels tonight!" "Let me warn you, from now on, theres no way that you''re going to set foot in any of the brothels!" "Ill have you all hold back your urges!" "Not only wont I take you fellows to the brothels, Im going to put aphrodisiac in your meals! Then Ill ask some ladies to dance for all of you but wont allow any one of you to touch them!" "You dare to scold me? If so, youll have to bear the consequences, truly, utterly dire consequences!" "Were not going even if you beat to death. Play with each other in your rooms! Bust your *ssholes and get injured!" "You all dare to scold me Is there still reasoning, is there still justice, is there still a heaven? What is this, wasting your fathers kindness? This young master has been so hospitable, finding you all brothels with good intentions in mind It looks like you all have no inkling of how to reciprocate such kindness!" Yun Yang was smooth-tongued, retorting at last three times when the others had only argued once; he was extremely potent in his articulation, speaking of brothels here and holding back urges there, talking as if these influential generals were all bachelors who had been deprived for years and had never seen women before. Their bickering along the way was loud, as all of them fired at salvos at each other, exchanging insults. The generals were indignant. We f*cking came from hundreds of thousands of miles away just to visit a brothel in Yutang? This little bastards way of putting words can really make even the dead jump in their coffins! Passersby sneaked a peek as they walked. They witnessed a group of authoritative-looking folks dressed in lavish clothing and speaking of brothels, prostitutes, aphrodisiacs, and *ssholes, all while cursing and swearing like a common hooligan. Their words were a torture to the ears, an affront to their culture, all under broad daylight! Yun Yang did not cower under the crowds upbraiding, rebuking the generals of this continent left and right and chided whoever he could get his hands on. When he sensed he was on a losing track, he would just retort with "Im not bringing you to the brothels anymore!", "Hold your urges until you die!" or "Play with each other, bust your *asses!". His words were artfully crafted to anger; the generals veins were popping from having a headache from the rage. As things escalated, Yun Yang went in for mass destruction. "What is wrong with all of you? Each one of you is looking like you want to swallow me whole Could it be that you generals from these countries only think of women? Cant you all have some other yearning except women? Cant you all relieve yourselves on your own? Even if you cant, you could ask the people around you for help!" "No wonder you have been at war with us for so long. It must be because our Yutang girls are pretty? Look at all of you, you couldn''t find a wife for yourself in your motherland? Otherwise, why would you all rush here when you heard that Marshal Tie was getting married? It must have been to appease your eyes. Are you all loathing Marshal Tie with envy and jealousy now? Now I truly understand your true side Notable generals of the continent indeed! Such a fa?ade, such plots C how extraordinary!" Those who were fortunate enough to be walking by only caught a sentence or two; sufficient fodder for them to grow infuriated. Did these people really have such intentions? Filling in on what they missed on their own accord, all the foreign generals had suddenly become extremely deprived sex maniacs who had been holding their urges for dozens of years; they were lusting after any possible relief, that was how depraved they were! The news, as they always do, then spread and circulated in increasingly large ripples! 182 Making an Issue of Pretex While Yun Yang was still hurling insults back and forth, rumors had begun to spread in Tiantang City. "Do you know? I heard Young Master Yun lashing out at someone earlier" "These scoundrels have come here, asking Young Master Yun to bring them to brothels" "Lecherous maniacs. Theyre generals, for crying out loud. What the heck?" "From which country are they from? Is that even a question? Of course, theyre from Dongxuan, Dayuan, Tianci and the others" "No wonder they seek war with us every year to snatch our women!" "We cant let them have their way no matter what it takes. Once they fight their way here, our families will be in danger!" "F*ck! Your father is enlisting in the army to fight these bastards!" "We must do what we can. We must never allow these sex maniacs to fight their way here. Young Master Yun has said it, they could do whatever it takes" "Say, Young Master Yun is in a tough situation as well, having to fight with so many people alone. Hes not bringing them to the brothels, yet those fellows are forcing him to. Young Master Yun must be suffering immensely..." "Young Master Yun is really having a tough time" "Young Master Yun is a man of justice and benevolence, his actions are commendable! Even if its brothels, they belong to Yutang! How can these foreigners visit them just because they want to? No way!" "Young Master Yun is protecting these prostitutes. He is a man of justice, of righteousness; hes so upright and caring, a man with a tough exterior yet gentle inside" "Youre exactly right!" Yun Yangs courage mounted as the battle progressed, his eloquence escalating as he hurled insults at the generals and charged in boldly; he was fighting against ten and even a hundred men alone, his sharp tongue carrying him through and rendering the generals enraged yet speechless, without any suitable retort. This was a grave accusation! Each and every one of us is a powerful general of a country. Weve gone from east to west in conquests, weve subdued many and our achievements are plenty. How could we have become lecherous creeps who want nothing but sex through this rascals words? Han Sanhe''s forehead was in his hand right now, his head aching from the situation. How can this rascal be so senseless? Hes making a scene without a care for where we are, and he utters heinous words without a care for decency. This is so "Marshal" The dark-skinned youth beside him slid over and said in a low voice, "Hes instigating the people" Han Sanhe was shocked hearing it. Turning to look around, his eyes saw passersby hearing a few lines and leaving swiftly. People were moving about in throngs so there must have already been a multitude of them who had heard of the argument here and gone back into the crowds, dispersing into every possible direction. Imagination alone could tell what a wave these people could conjure. What was the most terrifying was that this incident today was not intentional nor purposefully created. It was just being passed by mouth by these ordinary citizens yet it was exactly such dissemination that possessed the most frightening speed "Quit arguing!" Han Sanhe bellowed. "What propriety do you still have?" Han Sanhe had actually articulated similar words a few times before but their effect had been incredibly limited. Even when someone wanted to listen to him, they would be quickly riled up by Yun Yangs sharp comments and dive back into the argument. However, Han Sanhes tone this time was sterner than before, shocking everyone. The bickering then stopped right there and then! "Young Master Yun, let us go straight ahead to the Residence of Nine Supremes. Let us not talk about anything else for now." Han Sanhe said each word slowly, looking at Yun Yang, "Especially about the scenery along the way; were not interested to hear about it." Yun Yang knew that Han Sanhe was currently at the end of his limits. Going too far would be as bad as falling short and he would have opportunities for more instigation later; he did not have to be impatient. Therefore, he nodded easily and said good-naturedly, "Right. Marshal Han is reasonable. Look at all of you, talking about brothels and comfort houses each time you speak; what is that all about? Look at Marshal Han he doesnt speak of brothels publicly he sneaks there behind everyones backs" All the generals were close to losing their tenous grip on civility C Who is the one talking about brothels all the time? Under the intimidation of Han Sanhes gaze, nobody said anything further. They had already chopped Yun Yang into pieces hundreds of thousands of times in their heart. This bastard, he better not end up in my hands in the future. If theres such a day, let us see if your father will f*ck you over! The group continued on their way. Han Sanhe sighed inwardly. He was a military leader, but he was no politician. If he were a politician, he would have realized Yun Yangs intention from the very beginning and stopped him then. This child''s brain was overly active. Just this argument today that was being broadcasted by Yutangs citizens would definitely make waves and ripples; when word of mouth spread, Empire of Yutangs xenophobia would be unprecedentedly united and intense. Some people could not be bothered with national affairs, nor about the rise and fall of their country but as long as one was human, who wouldn''tbe bothered with their parents, spouses, and children? Therefore, if the rumor about these generals being lecherous creeps spread in addition to countless people being witnesses to it C that even the highest ranked general went in search of a brothel upon coming to Yutang these countries reputations would be entirely diminished. Once the war began, the Empire of Yutang would be united from the knowledge of the rumor, their determination would be strong while the flame of patriotism would blaze in every heart! Trivial it would be for the soldiers to die than to surrender but even if there were to be the day when Yutang had lost and their capital had been conquered, only a city of the dead would await! Han Sanhe knew that Yun Yangs words seemed to have been uttered by chance, but he must have planned and even had a backup plot. His ultimate goal would be to use them to spur the protective nature of the people of the Empire of Yutangs against the enemies, and achieve the goal he had thought of previously! It was not the most efficient way to just instigate the crowd; the mightiest trick would be to make the entire nation xenophobes, loathing intruders and willing to face death than to surrender or experience humiliation! When such a time came, the nations spine and its peoples spirit would naturally be melded into one, however different Yutangs people were! This was the foundation that would be secured! "Young Master Yun is indeed far-sighted and insightful." Han Sanhe looked at Yun Yang thoughtfully as he went on his way. His gaze was of wonder and also of regret C why had he chosen such a fellow to keep them company despite the other choices he had? He was right about his feelings about this fellow, he was a dangerous one indeed but was this not too dangerous now? "Not at all, not at all. Old Marshal has really flattered me. Yun Yang has only spoken the truth, how can I be far-sighted?" Yun Yang put on a triumphant front as if saying, "Justice is in the heart of the people, there is no way you can twist the right and wrong. Sound reasoning is on my side, you folks naturally cant win in an argument with me. I feel really gratified today." Looking at the frivolous fa?ade Yun Yang intentionally wore, the alertness in Han Sanhes eyes only grew stronger. Along their way, there were already a large number of people who watched their group with a strange gaze There were even some who spat on the ground right after their group passed by. "Spit!" The Residence of Nine Supremes. When the group saw their destination from afar, engulfed in a thick fog that did not dissipate, all two hundred of them immediately grew somber. The legendary Residence of Nine Supremes had just stood there quietly in its majesty, exuding an aura of intimidation, causing everyone who looked upon it to experience a sense of awe. The sound of brooms sweeping the ground sounded softly yet rhythmically. When the gazes of two hundred generals followed the sound, their eyes were greeted with the sight of veterans wearing old military uniforms holding long brooms and cleaning fastidiously, scattered all around the Residence of Nine Supremes. Their bodies were bowed, the large brooms forming an angle against the ground as they dragged the dust away with force yet not a cloud of dust would fly into the air. The ground was speckled; even if one were to roll around where they had cleaned wearing white, their clothes would remain pristine. There were small forests on both sides, each tree rising straight to the sky as their branches that stuck out halfway were trimmed away neatly. The dust and dirt that were cleaned from the ground were gathered and poured away around the tree roots. The veterans assembling here wore exceptionally serene expressions; it was as if working like this was their ultimate dream in life. Han Sanhe sighed softly. "Are these all handicapped veterans?" Han Sanhe saw that these people, who were wearing the old military uniforms, were either lacking an arm or an eye. These handicapped veterans kept themselves clean and tidy, even their hair was slicked back neatly. "The Residence of Nine Supremes was also very clean before the Lord Nine Supremes were stricken with a mishap, but it was never as clean as it is now." Yun Yang said quietly, "Since the news of the Lord Nine Supremes doom were relayed back, this place has become the holy ground of Yutangs people!" "There were never once a person or authority that has summoned the movement, nor had anyone set this up intentionally. The cleaning work here is done voluntarily by these old veterans; theyve automatically arranged themselves into duty slots and maintained everything here on their own volition." "There isnt any salary or repayment, everything is done voluntarily." "To them, their biggest wish is none other than seeing the return of the Lord Nine Supremes." "They are worried that the Lord Nine Supremes will be unhappy if they see the place unkempt when they come back." "Theyre also disallowing the sacred spaces in their hearts to be tainted by any impurities." "As time passed, it has become how you see it right now." Yun Yangs tone was heavy as he emphasized each word, "These people, each and every one of them, are all great men who have risen above the battlefields and killed many in their day!" "The Residence of Nine Supremes is being protected by loyal souls, it is guarded by the lion-hearted." The foreign generals were sober as they listened to the narration. They looked upon the Residence of Nine Supremes with reverence. After some time, they bowed in unison, their actions unusually formal. "Majestic Yutang, monumental Nine Supremes; they who fought against the world, protecting the nation and its people; they who emerged ever-victorious, the supreme of the battlefield. Battlefields of all sides, you are the armys heart; hundreds of thousands of warriors, you are the armys soul" Han Sanhe heaved a long sigh. "These heroic souls are still around, long live their heroic spirits; we as militants likewise have come to pay homage to you; your meritorious feats shall always be, your distinguished majesty shall forever be!" 183 The Real Motive One of the old generals who was from Empire of Dayuan sighed softly and said, "The Nine Supremes are indeed a legend of our times. The wars these nine people have been through are perhaps more than those that any of us could have experienced in three lifetimes! No wonder Yutang calls them guardians of the empire. Theyve countered each attack and emerged each war victorious, they were never defeated! This old man completely acknowledges them as legends, I cant deny this fact!" All the other generals nodded quietly. His words rang true. No matter how reluctant they were, they had to acknowledge it C it was an irrefutable truth. Yutangs border was its battlefield, the wars they faces were incessant, especially so when the legend of Nine Supremes came about and casting Yutang into the role of public enemy number one. Since then, the battlefield had been mostly brutal to Yutang, yet each time Yutang came close to being defeated, the Nine Supremes would save the day. Sometimes, it was just a few of them while other times had all nine of them partaking in the warfare; sometimes, they would end a war only to immediately head into another once the other side called for assistance. If one had not been involved personally, no one could really know how these nine people had done it. Most of the generals here had led their troops in the war against the Nine Supremes; with the most reserved estimation of a battle for every person, that would still make two hundred battles in total! Besides, some of them had definitely been through more than one war involving the Nine Supremes. At this rate, the Nine Supremes had gone through several rounds of the hundreds of wars; there were also generals who were not here as well as generals who had died fighting them in addition to the wars with the grasslands and southern border. If one were to calculate the wars Nine Supremes had been through, these generals who were renowned in the continent and prided themselves for having gone through a hundred wars would have to sigh at their own incompetence and be dumbfounded at the Nine Supremes achievements. Now that they had seen the legendary Residence of Nine Supremes with their own eyes, it was like they had once again seen the nine masked people dressed in black on the battlefield who resembled both like deities and devils. Those nine different masks When they came alone, their martial skills were rather ordinary C subpar, even; they were no threat at all. However, their nine powers that allowed them to shapeshift were tricky to defend against. As long as any two of the Nine Supremes worked together as one within a battle, they would be the pacesetter of the war. They were a force to be reckoned with. Now, these nine people were finally gone! Once the generals of each nation had verified the fact, they felt both loss and relief at the same time. Han Sanhe stepped forward slowly C there was a clear border before the Residence of Nine Supremes that was nine steps away from the residences door. The distance was not far since everyone could see the Residence of Nine Supremes clearly before the border. The line had stopped anyone from moving forward; since the news of Nine Supremes doom was relayed, nobody dared cross this line again. Han Sanhe moved a few steps forward, standing very close to the line. He could feel countless gazes watching him icily. Startled by the animosity, Han Sanhe turned around to look for the source yet all he saw was that the veterans cleaning the surroundings had stopped what they were doing to straighten up and watch him with a menacing gaze. These peoples stares were like airborne black-feathered arrows that were poised to kill! With a jolt, Han Sanhe stopped before the border in front of the Residence of Nine Supremes. The other generals had also stopped at the same distance, their gazes growing increasingly perplexed. Each of them felt that if they continued forward, catastrophe would befall them the moment they came into contact with the line. Even if the veterans had abilities and could manage to be a threat, the intimidation they formed was already frightening enough that no one dared do otherwise. Well, not exactly no one C the youth dressed in black who had been following behind Han Sanhe did not stop like everyone else; he was about to take his next step forward when Han Sanhe stretched his arm and said smiling, "This old mans wish for years has been fulfilled, as I got to see the Residence of Nine Supremes today. It is indeed the legendary Residence of Nine Supremes, its existence is simply otherworldly! Seeing this structure today, I am content, without any further wishes." His extended arm had blocked the youths path to move forward without seeming intentional. However, a skinny man dressed in black who had been behind a marshal from Empire of Dayuan came forth then and said slowly, "But we didnt get to go inside the Residence of Nine Supremes after all. That would be regret." Han Sanhe only let out a short exclamation, "Oh?" The man dressed in black was skinny with the hollows of his face prominently shown; he was like a dried malnourished fruit. His eyes were cold as they sunk into the sockets of his skull. By the looks of it, he was most probably not a militant. Yun Yang was certain with just a single glance; a militant would not possess such an aura. Therefore, Han Sanhe and the other marshals might not be able to stop this fellow, and he seemed to have further demands that he wished to put through. Yun Yangs gaze turned cold then, a smirk hung at the corners of his lips C he would love to see what this fellow planned to do. It doesnt matter what cultivation base you possess C even if you were a grandmaster of the times, you will only enter standing and stay lying inside if you have an ulterior motive towards the Residence of Nine Supremes in front of me today! "This trip today will be difficult to emulate. Allow this lowly one to enter this so-called Residence of Nine Supremes and have a look on behalf of all the generals." A smirk appeared on the skinny mans face as he continued indifferently, "Let me see if this Residence of Nine Supremes that has lost its nine supreme owners still possesses the ability to intimidate the world." Yun Yang put up an angered front and said loudly, "What do you want to do? The Residence of Nine Supremes is a holy place. How can you simply violate it? You despicable one, how dare you overstep the boundaries so rashly?" Before the sound of his words died, Yun Yang was already making a dash to stop him but a few generals blocked his path. "Dont be angered, young master. We are already here. If we cant see the Residence of Nine Supremes thats said to be incredibly sturdy with our own eyes, its going to be a regret of our lifetime. Besides, what harm can it be to let us verify the legend?" The old veterans who were sweeping the floor gathered with a smirk but no one came forward to stop anyone. They watched the group with crossed arms as one of them said coldly, "We shall not stop any of you who wishes to trespass in the Residence of Nine Supremes but well put up this disclaimer. Dont blame us or say that we didnt remind you when youve died inside; anyone who trespasses within the residence dies without a burial, theres nothing to be sorry about." The skinny man seemed to be slightly perturbed by this, even as he scoffed coldly. His body then convulsed as the eeriest scene began to take place. In front of everyone''s eyes, a silhouette materialized beside the skinny man dressed in black. The silhouette had the same clothes, appearance, and bearing of this skinny man; they were both exactly the same. The mans body convulsed six times continuously, generating another six clones. These seven identical people stood before the Residence of Nine Supremes door in a row, like septuplets. Yun Yang blinked. Shadow clone? Could this fellow be from the School of Spectre? He had to admit that it was a pretty good idea. The technique of the Shadow Clone was the School of Spectres sole descending mystique skill. Cultivators who cultivated this skill could produce clones according to the development of their cultivation base; each clone was as real as the original. as they were equipped with the originals abilities. More importantly, everything and everyone that the clones eyes could reach could be seen by the original at the same time. Although the cultivation skill only had such effects, it was a rare exceptional cultivation skill in the world. This skill had another unbelievable effect C whether it was the original or the clone who had been attacked, the cultivator could recover in a certain amount of time without suffering fundamental damage as long as one of their clones survived even when the original body had died. The cultivation skill was indeed a powerful yet mysterious one. The man in black had obviously known of the reputation of the Residence of Nine Supremes and prepared himself well. As long as he realized something was wrong, he could just sacrifice his clones. Logically, he did stand a good chance to see the inside of the Residence of Nine Supremes with this skill. The icy glint in Yun Yangs eyes danced for the slightest moment before it went away and his eyes continued watching the skinny mans subsequent actions. A flash of movement saw a clone of the skinny man in black clothing rushing into the thick fog of the Residence of Nine Supremes. The clone had successfully entered the Residence of Nine Supremes area. The thick fog remained how it was without any sign of being jostled while the silhouette who had gone in emitted no sound. The skinny man was surprised. He could feel his clone in the Residence of Nine Supremes but he could see nothing. It was unlike the blinding dark where one could not even see ones own fingers; it was just thick fog as far as the eyes could see but there was no premonition of incoming danger. After some time of roaming though, there was still nothing concrete that came into contact with his hand. This was odd. The Residence of Nine Supremes sat right in front of everyone yet his clone had gone around for so long without touching even a single wall. The clone had even sprinted in just one direction yet there was no obstacle nor end to the run. It was odd indeed! Sometime later, the skinny man in black''s expression began to change. His clone had somehow lost the connection with him, where he had gone was unknown. No matter how he called or controlled the clone, there was no further response. Yet the clone was obviously not dead; he could still feel him. "How can this happen?" The mans sunken face was filled with confusion. "What is it?" A general from Dayuan asked. "Ive lost contact with my clone but hes not dead. Its the first time this has happened" The skinny man answered, still shocked and confused. "Since there isnt any danger, just send another one in to pick him up!" The general from Dayuan was not bothered at all, suspecting that the fellow was slacking and was reluctant to give his all, being afraid of the danger contained within the Residence of Nine Supremes. Looking at the other clones, the general still felt dissatisfaction bubbling in his chest. You have so many clones just send a few more in! Youve only sent one clone; hes alone and cant do much. If more of them work together, cant the entire residence still be checked? Its obvious this fellow is not wholehearted in doing this. The skinny man thought about it with a frown. With a wave of his hand, two more clones entered the Residence of Nine Supremes. 184 Dead! After the second clone had entered, they lost contact with the man again after a while; this time faster than the first clone. "This is rather odd." The skinny man chuckled humorlessly and said, "Why don''t you folks try as well?" Only three men from his group stepped out. One of them said, "Brother Fei, we dont have your replicating skill. Well have to enter personally if we were to go in; the risk is huge." Brother Fei answered with a frown, "This situation unprecedented. My clones didnt meet any obstacle upon entering. Although they are illusory, they can still sense physical objects. This residence is huge, but there must be a limit to it. How can they not have come into contact with anything?" "Its better if a real person could go in to get a feel of the place. The emptiness now makes me miserable; even though my clones are still not gone yet, they cant do anything!" Another person commented with another frown, "Since the Residence of Nine Supremes came into existence, no one has succeeded in probing it. Every trespasser has died, without exception. Are we really going to violate the place in person?" "This trip holds a substantial risk indeed, its not worth undertaking" Another person stroked his beard and said with a grim face. Brother Fei clenched his teeth and said, "Brother Liang, just go in. Ill let my remaining three clones go in with you. As long as you stay together and never separate, I believe there has to be something that can be found." He smiled and continued, "Even if the Residence of Nine Supremes had lurking danger, with my clones going in the frontline and Brother Liangs Tenth It shouldnt be a problem to ensure you come out unscathed." The one being called Brother Liang was an old man, who had seen some fifty to sixty years of age. He looked at Brother Fei with an icy gaze and hesitated. After some thinking only did he speak, "If so, this old man will enter and check it out. See if I can be the exception to the definite death of the Residence of Nine Supremes trespassers!" Brother Fei did not complete what he said just now but Yun Yangs eyes had still flickered in surprise. Brother Liang? Tenth? Could this be Liang Yunqi, the man whom people called the Dragon of Clouds, the legend of Empire of Dayuan? If Ling Xiaozui was the worlds legendary myth, then this person was the Empire of Dayuans legend. He had countless disciples and cultivated generations of exceptional talents; he was also a Tenth Perfection expert himself. It was said that Dayuans emperor had to address him Tutor Liang respectfully when His Majesty met him in person. As Yun Yang was wondering if this man was Dayuans legend, the three clones had moved together and soared airily to charge towards the Residence of Nine Supremes. Brother Liang floated as if he held no weight as well, tailing the three clones as he entered the thick fog behind them. The thick fog closed up, engulfing all traces of the clones and Brother Laing. The thick fog was like a devil with its mouth opened wide, swallowing these four people with a large gulp. "Although not all their experts have gone in, its still more than enough with that Liang fellow" With a switch in thought, Yun Yang secretively lowered his head; the light in his eyes glowed with a flash as one of his hands that was in his sleeve took hold of Nine Heavens Dictum C the real Nine Heavens Dictum. Everyone was still staring at the fog above the Residence of Nine Supremes, waiting. Suddenly, the fog that had been quiet without any movement rose abruptly. With a swooshing sound, a ferocious wind bellowed within the cloud of fog. The dense fog was swished around then, rolling and gliding with the noise of the wind roaring; the scene was formidable. There was a clump of gray clouds gathering in place in midair. After a while, a glaring brightness came from the cloud of fog! Those who were boring their eyes into the situation at the Residence of Nine Supremes felt their eyes burn from the blinding light. A purple lightning as thick as a mans thigh materialized and struck with a deafening cry. With the first came the second Purple lightning appeared incessantly as they crisscrossed in the dense fog, growing from dozens to hundreds and finally to thousands. The thunders roared alongside the cracks of lightning, the ground beneath everyones feet seemed to be quaking from it. Watching such a scene, the veterans who were observing from the side wore mocking expressions. Just you vermin want to destroy our Lord Nine Supremes residence? You must be seeking death! Since you seek death, you should really die then! The lightning and thunder flashed ceaselessly. As they grew more violent, a ball of fire burned brightly within the clouds; the wind that swished the clouds around grew more vigorous as well, a green trace of wind could almost be seen within the fog It seemed like a solid wind was blowing, At this moment, a ball of red appeared without any warning, turning the cloud of fog crimson at once. A pained moan then sounded C Brother Fei who had been gesturing incantations outside suddenly paled as he spat a mouthful of blood. Six more mouthfuls followed before he collapsed on the ground soft like mush without any more sound. He had lost consciousness. Everyone on the spot understood the situation C his six clones inside were all dead. No matter how magical the technique Shadow Clone was, being able to recover as long as one clone survived, it was not without its price. Brother Fei, whose six clones were all dead suffered from grave damage, his basic Qi greatly ruined. The thunder did not stop while a persons silhouette could still be seen vaguely in the rolling clouds. It was hopping and sprinting to avoid the storm within the fog at an incredible speed. Obviously, Brother Liang was still holding on and fighting against the combined attacks of the wind, thunder, and flame "Tenth Perfection expert indeed Liang Yunqi, Dragon of Clouds he can even hold on in such a situation, an amazing feat!!" The rest of the group was mesmerized by the storm. One who could avoid the ceaseless thunder and lightning, bear the sharp graze of the traces of wind, the attack of blood, and the burning flame at the same time Dayuans legendary expert was indeed a grandmaster of ones times, a legend of Dayuan! However, this legendary expert could not get himself out. He was so near yet he could do nothing. The next moment witnessed a cry from deep within the fog. The color of blood grew even more radiant! From the vague view, hundreds of thousands of lines of blood erupted from the grandmaster''s body that was hovering in the air! The wind billowed ferociously like it never had before, almost deafening everyone with the vibrations it made. It was at this moment that the thunder grew vicious with an alarming speed! The burning flame turned white-hot as well, its fumes soaring high into the heavens Boom! One last splitting quake sounded; even the ground tremored thrice. Everything then returned to silence, not a sound could be heard. The color of blood was gone; the blazing flame was gone; the thunder was gone. As the wind quieted down, the fog of clouds returned to its still state. Even the most distinct smoke and traces of previous violence were all concealed by the clouds. It was as if nothing had ever happened. Everyone on the spot stared wildly, their backs seeped through with cold sweat. Everyone knew that not only Brother Feis six clones were all gone, Liang Yunqi, who was called a legend of ones time, the Dragon of Clouds had really turned into a dragon no one could ever see again in the clouds inside now He was entirely gone! This was the end of the legend, the last chapter of his life! The old general from Dayuan stared at the clouds unblinking. Suddenly, with a roll of eyes, he fainted. He had not expected this. It was just a simple probe but he had actually lost a great pillar of Dayuans martial artists! With a worldly grandmasters level of Tenth Perfection cultivation base, he could not even escape the Nine Heavens Demesne that had lost the Nine Supremes! "Why are none of you moving?" Yun Yang shouted anxiously, "Call your people out quickly! The Residence of Nine Supremes is Yutangs sacred place. Its really ill-mannered and unreasonable for you all to do this! Make them come out quick! Otherwise, none of us from Yutang will ever stop going against you! Im speaking the truth, Im not even threatening all of you!" Come out? Everyone sighed. If the old marshal from Dayuan had not fainted, perhaps he could even sigh out loud, "If I can call them out, I would have f*cking done so long ago! How I wish I could call them out C no, I wish that this has never happened at all. Why make Master Liang seek death inside?!" What could possibly ''come out''? Six clones of Brother Fei had entered and a Tenth Perfection grandmaster expert most likely they would not be able to come out again. As for Brother Fei himself who was standing outside, he would more or less be like trash in the recent eight to ten years from the severe damage, as his six clones would be killed continuously in such a short period of time. All six clones were dead and had almost brought his soul along There would be a way to recover, definitely, but how could it be any easy with the humongous price that came along with the method? Everyones face was pale and filled with disbelief. Looking at the dense cloud above Residence of Nine Supremes, their bodies could not help shuddering as the thunder storm was still ongoing and striking each one of them Such ending was extremely surprising. Han Sanhe was rather rigid. He actually felt some sense of fate. It was lucky that the initial rash side was not his side. If it had been his side who had made the first move, the one suffering losses would be Dongxuans force then. It could have been worse. "Residence of Nine Supremes is indeed mystical. Its not destructible by human force," Han Sanhe sighed softly. Those around him nodded silently, their emotions inexplicably complicated. "No wonder Ling Xiaozui, who has frequented Yutang, has never come close to the Residence of Nine Supremes. Its the sense of an ultimate expert to automatically avoid danger yet we probe around arrogantly. Were really killing ourselves, seeking our own death we cant blame anyone else." Another old marshal sighed as well, his expression solemn. 185 None of You Can Compare to Us Han Sanhe was quiet for a long time before he finally said in a low voice, "Has anyone realized something earlier?" The three old marshals beside him nodded. Realize something? Yun Yang was curious C what have these old men noticed that I have not? I''mterribly interested to find out! Han Sanhe said, "This old man has carefully observed that the thick fog of clouds that surrounds the Residence of Nine Supremes has always been there, we can perhaps ignore this since the residence has been this way all along. There hasn''t been any change, so its likely to be a feature of the Nine Heavens Demesne, with the intention to conceal itself as much as possible." "However, despite the formidable sight of crisscrossing thunder and lightning, the glaring radiance of crimson blood, the bellows of wind, and the blazing flame that worked together in attacking the trespassers earlier" Han Sanhe cautiously said in a low voice, "The rest, like Earth, Water, Wood, Cloud, and Gold didnt appear in the battle. This occurrence requires some observation" Even as Han Sanhe explained his thoughts, a look of comprehension dawned on those present. "Does that mean there are still four people alive among the Nine Supremes?" Han Sanhe felt his throat getting dry. "That Supreme Thunder, Supreme Wind, Supreme Blood, and Supreme Flame are still alive in this world?" "And that those whose energy that did not appear are already dead?" The group fell silent. Based on that reasoning, at least four of the Nine Supremes were still alive. These four people could sufficiently support the entire Yutang''s defenses. The question was, where were they now? The sweeping sounds started again as the old veterans began cleaning diligently as before. One of the large brooms actually came close to their feet. "Have you had enough of your sightseeing?" The veteran held his large broom, his gaze mocking and condescending as he said, "Leave quickly if youre done. If you still want to meddle and probe, do it quickly too. We have to clean this area after all of you leave, with water." Yun Yang was curious and asked, "Why do you have to do so?" "Because this area is filthy, tainted!" the old soldier said coldly and began sweeping again. Filthy? Tainted? The generals were speechless. Weve only stood here for a short while. How can this piece of land be dirty or tainted? What do you mean? Are you implying that we have tainted it? The group was forced to take several steps back as a few single-armed men carried buckets of water and poured them across where the group had stood. Seven to eight veterans then lowered themselves to scrub the ground harshly, cleaning it meticulously. Another bucket of water followed. Rage flickered in the generals eyes C this was too much! Yun Yang said nonchalantly, "Please don''t get worked up just because you dont see this often. This is the respect Yutangs people have for the Nine Supremes; such respect wont reduce over time. Lord Nine Supremes arent here anymore but this place is still off-limits to any desecration. If I have to say, cleaning the ground with water is already a courtesy to all of you. Its a huge toleration of theirs to not step forth and give you a beating. As humans, we must know when to be content. Those who know to be content shall always be happy while those who dont well..." Yun Yang crossed his arms and faced all the generals, including Han Sanhe, with a proud face. He asked softly, "Generals. you can ask yourselves, is there anyone who is confident enough to say that people would do the same for you once you are gone?" "Anyone who has such confidence to say that years after hes passed, there will still be" Yun Yang did not finish his words, merely chuckling coldly as he ended his speech. A few foreign generals were flustered by his comments. Old as the marshals were, they could not help feeling ashamed, looking at Yun Yangs contemptuous gaze. Their achievement of this lifetime was insignificant and incomparable to the Residence of Nine Supremes that stood silently in front of them. "Of course the Nine Supremes are mighty. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have to come to pay our respects." The youth in black looked at Yun Yang coldly. "What are you so proud of? Look at you, as if youre actually one of the Nine Supremes." "Let us speak of your first problem. You said ''pay respects''." Yun Yangs expression was one of utter ridicule. "Child, does your family think of how to dig away the grave when paying respect to your ancestors? Perhaps they would ask some experts help to probe the ancestors grave? Ive never thought that your countrys culture is so different than our Yutangs. I have really gained enlightenment today, this trip is indeed eye-opening! But isnt it utterly disrespectful to your ancestors to pay respect like this? Anyway, if my future generations dares to do so to their ancestors, theyd be considered lucky if I didnt kill them outright." The youth in black was caught speechless, his face a deep red as his eyes spewed fire. "You...!" "What about me?" Yun Yang was relentless. "I am just a tour guide anyway, are you stopping me from speaking? Im sorry, you can ignore if Ive eaten or not but you cant stop me from talking." "Besides, Im proud because the Nine Supremes are from Yutang! Theyre Yutangs people! You can ask the veterans if theyre just as proud as me because we are like the Nine Supremes, were all Yutangs people." Yun Yang raised his chin and said, "Also, not only does Yutang have the Nine Supremes, we also have the Shangguan Family of Generals! We have Lionheart Hall as well!" "What do you all have?" Yun Yang chuckled easily. "We honor our heroes to such a stage that it comes from our sincere hearts. But the few of you well, Id rather not speak of it" The youth in black said angrily, "Go on! What would you say about us?" "You? You know your issues best. Do you really want an outsider to talk about it?" Yun Yang said coldly, "I didnt want to peel your scabs open but since you want to hear it so much, Ill speak then." He paused and said, "Lets start with the Empire of Dongxuan then. Let us begin with your god of war, Han Sanhe. Hes Dongxuans pride, isnt he? It''s too bad that this Marshal Han, ever meritorious in Dongxuan, is our irreconcilable foe who owes us a blood debt! That being said, how suspicious has your royalty been about your Marshal Han C do I really have to say it out loud?" Yun Yang continued indifferently, "Let''s just say if Marshal Han is stricken with mishap and passes on forget if he could be treated like how weve honored the Shangguan Family of Generals or the Nine Supremes here; Ill ask Marshal Han just one question C after you have passed on, how many more days do you think your family can continue living for?" "Do you dare tell me your honest thoughts?" Yun Yangs gaze was sharp as a blade, his words similars; they were precise and aimed straight at the bullseye. Han Sanhe turned pale then, momentarily at a loss for words temporarily, because Yun Yangs words had obviously struck right at his Achilles heel. If Han Sanhe were to fall, his family would lose the umbrella that had shaded them from harm Doom was imminent, potentially on the same night. This was a fact that the entire continent was witness to, there was no way of denying it. Without waiting for Han Sanhes reply, Yun Yang turned to look at the old marshal from the other three nations. "Marshal Xiao Yuntian from theEmpire of Tianci, do you think your position in the Empire of Tianci is any different compared to Marshal Han? Perhaps you can confidently say that your situation is much better than his, but how much better is this better? Is it by a strand of hair?" Xiao Yuntian trembled, equally at a loss for words. "The old marshal who has fainted over there is from the Empire of Dayuan, is he not? Your situation must be better than Marshal Han''s and Marshal Xiao''s, so much better" Yun Yang said faintly, "Dayuans emperor and its officials are working well with each other so it seems that there are no worries, but this fa?ade has its limits. Perhaps I should say that its only temporary because this young master has heard that while His Majesty of Empire of Dayuan is wise and strong, giving birth to a little princess a few years ago, the emperor is already seventy-five years old now? He has terminated three to four crown princes throughout the years and the crown prince now has been in this position for nearly a dozen years. Hes almost forty and seems to be rather anxious to be rid of this throne." Yun Yang said nonchalantly, "These are the royaltys affairs and should have nothing to do with old marshal but Ive also heard that the old marshal had an unhappy past with His Highness, who hadnt been titled crown prince then. His Highness, who was still only a prince, took a liking to the old marshals granddaughter but the old marshal was adamant on rejecting the relationship. The old marshals granddaughter then inexplicably committed suicide upon returning home from a trip Rumor has it that the old marshal charged into the palace and attacked the prince, rendering him unconscious, just for this matter" Yun Yang continued, "I wonder how well will the old marshals family do when this crown prince ascends the throne. Perhaps His Highness is astute and wise, keeping no grudges. Anything is possible." "Actually, these are bits and pieces of gossip that have no concrete evidence. I didnt want to mention them and I shouldnt too but why did all of you treat our national heroes like this? You cant put the blame on me. Rumors remain as rumors for a reason!" Yun Yangs gaze set on the last marshal and he said softly, "You must be Marshal Zi from the Empire of Ziyou then. Im speaking of you last because your situation is the most stable. There isnt much to be said. After all, Marshal Zi is royalty yourself and is the blood brother of the emperor, sharing the same mother the situation is safe and sound but old marshal, should I speak directly?" Marshal Zi gritted his teeth in reply, "There''s no need for that." Yun Yang turned to look at the Residence of Nine Supremes and said softly, "Our Empire of Yutang C our emperor is at his prime and possesses a strong cultivation base; its not a problem for him to keep his reign for another thirty years. What has happened in your countries will not happen here with us. I don''t think you can deny this." "Generations of Yutangs generals and marshals hold the power to the military force throughout these hundreds of years. The military power in our generals hands exceeds a seventh of the total, yet have our past emperors ever suspected any one of them?" 186 This Is a Crook! "From the Shangguan Family of Generals then to the great Generals Qiu and Leng now they might indeed contribute so meritoriously that it overpowers the emperor but His Majesty has never minded this. This is what is so precious about all this, the genuine trust between the emperor and his officials!" "His Majesty has never known the names, identities, origins, nor appearances of the Lord Nine Supremes, yet the emperor dared to appoint the fate of the nation and warfare to them. What kind of man does it take to do so?" "Youve all come to compare yourselves to us with harsh words and sharp tongues but can you really do so? All of you arent only conceited, biting off more than you can chew, all of you are ants trying to shake a big tree!" Yun Yangs icy gaze glided across each of the generals'' faces and said softly, "This is why I can stand proudly before all of you C because Im Yutangs citizen! Not only me, but every ordinary citizen of Yutang will be equally proud when faced with your questions!" "This is not my personal pride, its the nations pride!" Yun Yang smiled and turned to face the dark-skinned youth, speaking mockingly, "Child, I know your identity is special and must have come from an exceptional background. If you really have the steel, go back and tell your emperor not to cast doubts over Han Sanhe, can you do it?" The youth in black clothes huffed angrily and turned away clenching his teeth; this time, he did not even bother to reply in any way. He could not have done it. If this could be done so easily, Han Sanhe would have done so a long time ago; would he have waited until now? The group had bickered during their entire journey to the Residence of Nine Supremes. It was a surprise that they had actually argued all their way back too. It was when they were about to make a turn, leaving the Residence of Nine Supremes behind, that everyone turned to gaze at the residence engulfed in clouds simultaneously C there were myriad emotions captured in their stares. No matter what happened, this place would become a legend of the Tianxuan Continent. It would become a sacred place for the Empire of Yutang C for the entire continent, even. Yun Yang looked like he was unaware of what was happening, only walking forward in a furious rage, but he was carefully observing and scrutinizing everyones reactions. Some of the members of the two hundred men were in wonder and some of them were deep in thought. Some of them had mysterious glints in their eyes and the rest were simply fiendish. There were some who would come to the Residence of Nine Supremes again tonight! Yun Yang could have guessed this without even using his brain. He was not at all worried though. To be a little boastful, Yun Yang was confident that the Residence of Nine Supremes defensive formations could even kill Ling Xiaozui if he were to personally enter the place. The man whom the world had acknowledged as the Unrivaled Expert would perish within as well; what more others? In any case, anyone who wished to tempt fate was invited to come, the more the better. It would be best if all two hundred of them would enter and die together inside; it would save a lot of trouble that way! Since the beginning of their return journey, all the generals realized with no small amount of surprise that their Yutang tour guide seemed to be more passionate than ever. "Hey, everyone, why don''t we go to the Pavilion of Twirling Beauties tonight? Pretty ladies, there are abundant, all of them are talented and only sell their talents. They pick their clients so those who visit have to at least have some self-confidence; if one were to be rejected by the ladies, how embarrassing will that be?" "If you dont like that or dont have confidence, we can go to the Fairies Aerie. While ladies there arent real fairies, they come quite close! For real." "Not your fancy? Too elegant? We can go to the Tower of Rouge and Powder. The ladies there are all soft and warm" "Could it be that all of you are looking for the most direct way to happiness? Were all men, we can be honest with each other. If you want simple things, we can go straight ahead to the Hall of Beauties where you can enter as long as you pay. Not only are the ladies pretty, theyre skilled too, guaranteed to have all of you forgetting to return home" "Where do all of you actually want to go? Speak up. There must be a preference Its easier for me to arrange it if you tell me Besides, didn''t you come all the way for this? Dont be abashed. Is it so hard to utter a word, you gentlemen?" "Quick, quick Sigh, do you feel embarrassed with me? Were all men, theres tacit understanding among us" "Could it be that youve all stayed in the military for too long and harbored fetishes? That wouldn''t be a problem either; Im not an expert in these things, but Yutang has places for this as well. It wouldn''t be a problem to find a few to solve your woes, but you have to go one by one, and you cant be too violent" Yun Yang was extremely hospitable along the way; making ceaseless recommendations and uttering a continuous stream of nonsense. All the notable generals from various countries looked at the rascal with an irritated glance; no one wished to hold a conversation with him. Not that you''re being overly friendly, weve almost forgotten how you scolded us for the exact same topic on our way here. Weve also almost forgotten that youve chided us all earlier However, other than ignoring Yun Yang because his words were too harsh, it was more so because everyone had still not recovered from the fact that they had just lost an expert right before this. They were still thinking about the mystery and strength of the Residence of Nine Supremes, how would they have the heart to think about anything else? Besides, the bastard keeps on talking about us coming for the women, introducing brothels incessantly and all of that drivel How are we supposed to go when youve said it like this! You''ve taken our dignity, thank you very much, and you want us to go to the brothels with you? Arent you too optimistic? Even the handful of generals who were indeed lecherous and needed to be satiated every night wore expressions of guardedness. What if they had followed this fellow into the brothels and he hollered, "This is General Zhan Ge from the Empire of Dongxuan. Hes come a long way just to look for Yutang ladies to quench his thirst You all must serve him well"? The ladies would most probably blow up and chase all of them out then! That would be utterly humiliating! How likely was it that Yun Yang would do such a thing? After thinking about it and judging from his demeanor this whole day everyone knew that it was almost certain that he would do it. Perhaps he would even cross the line and charge in, bringing others with him when they were naked and in action On this basis, everyone ignored Yun Yangs passionate and hospitable invitations like they were deaf and mute C they could not hear him nor did they want to speak, they had no mood to do so anymore. "Or" Yun Yang suggested, "Perhaps we could go have fun somewhere else? We cant be walking like this for the entire day." No one answered him. "F*ck me. What does each one of you want to do? F*cking say something!" Yun Yang finally found a reason to lash out so he erupted reasonably, "See, have all of you become mute? Youve asked me to become the tour guide but youre all not talking to me now. Im already putting up with all of you and introduced so many places of your dreams but all of you are treating my kindness like this you, all of you, what do you actually want?" Yun Yang roared like he had been greatly wronged, "Could it be that all of you want to have your way with me" The generals were exasperated, their hands reaching for their heads to soothe a headache they were about to get. Each of them had rounds of bickering with him, they knew full well that this fellow was not an easy pick! Han Sanhe was having a headache due to this as well because he had realized it early on. Yun Yang was even more of a thug than Qiu Jianhan was; this fellow was purely spinning everyone around, entertained by his own cleverness and reveling in the entertainment he derived from this. He was a crook! He could be talking to you nicely one moment but lash out at the next. He would then grow berserk and attack everyone before swiftly changing his stance and look for someone to talk to him and build an amicable atmosphere After he got familiar with everyone, he would begin chastising everyone again without warning; it came easily to him like he was a professional. Yun Yang had such a gift, changing his mood five to six times in just about a day and a half. Even Han Sanhe was helpless against this thug. Are we here for our own ulterior motives or are we here especially to cooperate with this childs farce in allowing him to provide Yutang with unity? This is really something. Furthermore, who among us is not a legendary-leveled general in Tianxuan Continent? Most people from this continent are respectful when they see us; those who are timid will even be intimidated to speechlessness by our sanguinariness Not only is everything useless before this Young Master Yun, it produces the opposite effect. He smiled and raged, so at ease with whatever he was feeling C smiling when he wants to and opening fire once he feels like scolding everyone! After criticizing everyone, he can still approach us as a friend. All the generals had seen much of life, given their old age, but it was still their first time coming across such a shameless pain in the neck. Compared to the Incredible Troublemaker Qiu Jianhan, who was infamous in the military and his nation, this child could almost overtake him in being an absolute thug! After all, Qiu Jianhan was only marginally shameless; it was not like he did not have any shame at all. Yet Young Master Yun here could be as courteous as one could possibly be for one moment and had no care of his dignity in the next Facing a troublemaker of this level, even Han Sanhe who was experienced and wise could not do anything to him and could only sigh helplessly. "Why don''t we drink?" Yun Yang had been firing salvos at the group for a while now but suddenly had a change of heart and plastered on the most gentle of smiles. The sincerity contained in the lifted corners of his lips was so genuine that no one could reject him. "Ill go get a few pots of Blood of the Hero later, let us all get drunk. Dont worry, these pots of wine are all on me. I wont have you all spend so much." "Its rare that we get to gather and share similar interests. Were all good friends; wealth is only what you cant bring away, what is it worth?" Young Master Yun said righteously. "Good friend? Whoever befriends you must have done terrible wrongs in their past life, their ancestors grave must have already collapsed" All the generals grumbled in their hearts but their eyes shone brightly. Blood of the Hero? 187 Soul-Sealing Spike With Blood of the Hero used as bait, the militants who just had a sip of the wine and whose yearning for it had not yet subsided could not put up much of a fight. Besides, they were going to be here for about ten days and they had so many ulterior plans to be carried out in the dark; it would not be beneficial if they got into a fight with this appointed tour guide of theirs. Yun Yang, you want to act? You won''t be the only one who knows how to do so! An eye for an eye, this is what were the best at! "Good, good. Young Master Yun is straightforward indeed." A bearded general stood up and laughed. "We must have some more of this wine indeed." "Of course. One thousand and five hundred silver taels for a pot, how many are we taking?" Yun Yang said breezily, "Whos paying?" The bearded generals stared mutely at him for a long while. He breathed for some time but could not manage to spit a number out. Did you not just say you wanted to get us the wine? Yun Yang looked back at him with clear, glassy eyes that screamed justice and righteousness, saying frankly, "I said I would buy you all a few pots of wine; Ill definitely do it but itll indeed only be a few pots. Are you sure a few pots can satiate the whole bunch of you? Are you intending for me to pay for the rest? Whats the reasoning for this?" Who could have defended against such nonsense delivered with so much righteousness? The bearded general fumed quietly but did not dare argue with Yun Yang. After all, all the generals here would not be this child''s opponent even when they combined forces to see who was more shameless. What was more, he was alone; it was better not to humiliate himself. "I will!" The bearded general rummaged for bank notes while gritting his teeth and clenching his jaw tightly. His first move here was actually footing the bill! Although he knew that to put up a tough front was important, he was still indignant that he had scrambled to be the first to suffer the loss. "Just exactly how many pots are we planning to buy? We have quite a number of people here, there''s a total of two hundred people." Yun Yang asked generously, "Would a hundred pots suffice?" The general gritted his teeth, holding in his anger. "A pot is twenty catties so a hundred pots will make two thousand catties. How can we finish so much? A hundred pots?" In the end, the bearded general gave in with a generous wave of his arm upon catching the odd gazes of the other generals around. He would not lose his face here. "General is easygoing indeed! A character to behold, effortlessly forthright!" Yun Yang accepted the bank notes and laughed. "I shall proceed with the purchase of wine now. Hmm, and the side dishes Shopkeeper, keeper! Come here! Pick your signature dishes and serve these twenty tables See that easygoing general over there? Hell foot the bill!" Yun Yang exited the place, face glowing. "I shall go get the wine now, Ill be fast. Returning in a second!" Before he finished his words, he was already out the door and disappeared into the crowd. The aforementioned general glared but his entire being was in a stupor. This bastard! He actually tossed the dishes bill to me as well? How how many silver taels did I bring? These silver taels are for my brothers wine when I go back! By the looks of it, he would be bankrupt after this meal. The other generals who were from the same country stood up quietly and said, "Dayuan will pay for this meal." A glint erupted in Han Sanhes eyes C it seemed that Dayuans generals were rather united after all. According to what he knew, this bearded general was hot tempered and did not share a good relationship with his comrades. However, the rest of them did not push him further down the hell hole this time round, but chose to forgo their personal grudges and bought this meal under Dayuans name. Even though Yun Yangs trick to expend their wealth was a shot right in the gut, sharing the cost out among fifty people reduced the pressure greatly. They would suffer a loss but it was not unbearable. That night, the Tower To Heaven Inn was brightly lit with lanterns in a merry atmosphere. Yun Yang held on to the wine and was going around, toasting anyone he could see. "Come, come. Cheers!" "Let us have another bowl!" "Let us drink this together!" "Everyone is forthright indeed, come!" "Men of military indeed, have another go!" "This wine is really good. I can feel my blood on fire drinking it. Come, come, lets drink!" As the drinking went on, some of the generals were unhappy. "Each of us drinks one full bowl but youre only taking a sip. Whats the meaning of this?" "You have drunk with all of us but this bowl of yours hasnt even gone down by even half yet, has it?" "This child is cheating!" A few of them charged over. Swish! Yun Yang emptied his bowl in one gulp. "Alright, lets begin for real!" The gathered crowd felt slightly faint upon hearing his words. Was the earlier drinking session just for show? Admittedly, Yun Yangs alcohol tolerance was commendable, holding his own ground after downing bowl after bowl of the potent brew. As the group drank late into the night, most of them were strewn all over the place, collapsed from drinking too much. Yun Yangs sight was still sharp, however, as watched the proceedings intently. There were those who had too much to drink and those who were already intoxicated; there were also a few people who had quietly left the scene to somewhere... unknown. After some more drinking, another seven to eight people disappeared, along with an increasing number of intoxicated men. If it had been anyone else, they would think that these bunch of people had too much to drink but were still courteous enough to leave in search for a place to sleep. Yun Yang would never assume so. These people had come with ulterior motives. How could they miss this chance to act on their covert missions? He had intentionally created this chaotic drinking opportunity to force their hand How could they miss this godsend chance? Those who had disappeared had most probably gone to the Residence of Nine Supremes. Yun Yangs gaze flickered before he hopped onto the table, swaying like a drunkard and called out, "Who else? Who else is a man? Come, drink with me! I I shall make all of you drink to your deaths today" After another session of wine pouring, another seventeen to eighteen people vanished from his sight once more. Yun Yang could clearly see that those who were missing were the generals guards or followers while not even a single one of the generals from the various empires had so much as moved from their spots. Go, all of you; the more the better. When Yun Yang felt that the time was about right, he stumbled towards Han Sanhe. "Marshal Han uh, hic- uh er uh let me provide a toast to you, here, cheers!" He raised his wine bowl and straightened his neck; the crimson liquid gushed out of the bowl but most of it ended up on his neck Young Master Yun then rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Good wine! Good Wine! So f*cking satisfying!" Before he finished his words, his eyes clamped shut and he had collapsed right into Han Sanhes embrace. Right then, thunderous snores erupted from the seemingly comatose man. He snored as he slept, wine-mixed saliva gurgling outwards from the corner of his lips. Drunk? Han Sanhe did not expect such a turn of events and could only look helplessly at Yun Yang who was sleeping in his embrace C with such an odd sleeping posture too. The exasperation he felt at that moment was unparalleled. Han Sanhe made a few attempts to revive him and could not help sighing after being certain that he was indeed unconscious. This fellow really knew how to pick his targets; he would have been tossed or kicked away had he collapsed in someone elses embrace but he had fallen into Han Sanhes arms. He was crowned the top notable general in this continent, the continents god of war; even if he wanted to, he would not be able to actually kick the child away However, did he have to hug him while he slept? Han Sanhe thought about it and felt goosebumps spring up throughout his entire body. "Send him to a room." Watching Yun Yang being carried away, Han Sanhes gaze turned thoughtful. The youth clad in black, who was beside him, looked at Han Sanhe with a questioning glance. "Dont go." Han Sanhe sucked in a deep breath and said, "The operation on the Residence of Nine Supremes, give it up." "I beg your pardon?" The youth in black was puzzled. "If those people who have gone there is able to return, its nottoo late for you to go tomorrow." Han Sanhe continued in a low voice, "If they fail to come back. I hope that you give up this idea outright." The youth in black lowered his head and nodded without saying a word. "This Young Master Yun what do you think about him?" Han Sanhe asked. "He''s just a popinjay, whats there to think about him?" The youth pursed his lips in contempt. "Whats there to think about him?" Han Sanhe inhaled, his gaze clear as day. "This person is a terrifying person to trifle with! Theres no doubt about this." "A terrifying person? Can extremely terrifying even come close to describing him? For goodness sake, he collapsed in your embrace earlier, without any caution!" The youth rolled his eyes and said, "Besides, even is hes truly terrifying, he will no longer be a threat in the future!" Han Sanhe questioned, "What did you do?" "I tested to see if he was really drunk with a Soul-Sealing Spike." Murderous intent burst from the youths eyes. "The poison on the needle will react after half a month Ive made sure just now that the poison from the Soul-Sealing Spike has turned into a blue line melting into his blood vessels." "So even if this person could reach heaven, his fate is sealed." The youth in black smiled smugly at his own cleverness. Han Sanhe frowned and said, "Are you that confident?" "There is no antidote for the Soul-Sealing Spike." The youths eyes were icy cold. "Just like that poison" Han Sanhe sighed softly, his frown a sign of his disapproval about such doings but he did not comment, only saying softly, "This old man is old already" The youth dressed all in black said, "Marshal is at the prime of your life. What do you mean old?" He then stopped speaking and brought Han Sanhe back to his room for his rest. In the guest room. Yun Yang was sprawled on the bed, his snores deafening as he slept like a dead swine. In spite of it, his right hand was stuck to the base of his thigh. Yun Yangs snore was rhythmic; his eyes were closed with his eyeballs unmoving. He was even mumbling occasionally and gurgled wine out of his mouth every now and then. Anyone who saw him would never have the slightest idea that this fellow was actually faking his intoxication. Yet his right hand that was on his right thigh had jerked swiftly. A faint blue glow flashed on his thigh before a needle as thin as a cows hair was held between his fingers. In the blink of an eye, the fine blue needle vanished. Despite his apparent drunken state, Yangs head was clear. "What a wicked tactic!" "Its a Soul-Sealing Spike!" 188 The Storm Through the Nigh "The Soul-Sealing Spike has no antidote. Theres no cure for whoever has been pricked. The entire world knows this." "The Soul-Sealing Spike is known for where it comes from, the School of Spring and Autumn. it is common knowledge that it is their uniquely secret weapon." "Could it be that this young man is related to the School of Spring and Autumn? Does the School of Spring and Autumn have anything to do with the Four Seasons Tower? Spring and Autumn? Thats half of the Four Seasons; is there a mystery behind this or is it just pure coincidence?" "In addition, the poison in this Soul-Sealing Spike is slightly similar to the poison that courses through His Majestys body Could it be" The cogs in Yun Yangs mind turned like the gears of an intricately built gigantic machine. He knew that he had caught on to something, something just at the edge of his thoughts Yun Yang did not sleep that night, he was only pretending to be comatose; in fact, he had pretended to be deeply asleep from his drunken state throughout the night. There were many people who did not manage to get a good sleep that night. The entire Tiantang City was hard pressed to get anything close to peaceful slumber. For most of the period after midnight, lightning and thunder struck, alongside gusting winds. They had only stopped when dawn arrived. The deafening thunder and ferocious wind that bellowed shook Tiantang City; later at night, several odd cries and ominous roars could be heard, but they, too, were drowned by the ceaseless thunder. Everyone was waiting C for an end. For all that had happened, it seemed to everyone that Yun Yang was in deep slumber. They had concluded that after checking on him numerous times through the night. Young Master Yun had never changed his position, snoring loudly as he slept like a log. Those who saw could only shake their heads in speechlessness. This fellow could really sleep. He had slept so soundly despite the weather outside looking like the end of the world, with thunderous storms that almost overturned the ground. Could it that his thunderous snores had countered the thunder outside? Was it that effective? However, all of them were no longer interested in him anymore, as what happened last night had shaken fear and bewilderment into everyone. The loss suffered by each foreign country at the Residence of Nine Supremes was gravely terrible. Yun Yang had guessed right. Their reconnaissance in the day was actually to pave the way for their actual intentions towards the Residence of Nine Supremes in the night. The existence of the Residence of Nine Supremes in Yutang was akin to a hovering blade above the neck of all the other countries. The peerless valiance of the Nine Supremes back in the day saw them dominating the battlefield and the enemies by combining the powers gifted by the Nine Heavens Demesne with their insignificant cultivation base. How could the other nations not covet it? Nine Supremes seemed to be dead now C they had disappeared, but traces and signs showed that someone among the Nine Supremes was still alive! Even when it was certain that the majority of the Nine Supremes were dead, the remaining few could not be ignored as they still had the capability to stir up a storm and turn the world around. Besides, the Nine Heavens Demesne was here. What if the Empire of Yutang filled the positions of the Nine Supremes once again? It was not an impossibility. They had to destroy this hidden disaster; they had to prevent the unimaginable from happening! They could not move the Nine Heavens Demesne back to study it nor use it as their own but they could certainly make sure no on else could. It was on this basis that even when there were two grave examples of Dayuans legends who had perished and Brother Fei who was severely injured in the morning, each country had still sent a great number of people C eighteen experts and six high-level mystical beasts. This was a star-studded squad. They were confident that if this squad had attacked together, they could take down even Ling Xiaozui himself. This highly capably squad that all the foreign nations had high hopes for had divided itself into twenty-four different directions and charged into the Residence of Nine Supremes at the same time. It was a pity that none of them came out. Not only did the experts fail to escape, the six high-level mystical beasts, including the two flying beasts of the eighth level, had not survived the attempt. Thunderstorms in the Residence of Nine Supremes bellowed throughout the entire night. It was only about dawn that peace was regained. The Residence of Nine Supremes stayed as it was, though; it did not sway nor did it look any different from yesterday. The eighteen experts and six mystical beasts that had gone in, however, had all disappeared without a trace. They were like statues of clay tumbling into the ocean, melting into the seabed and never again seen. It was after losing this star-packed squad that the flow of information regarding the Residence of Nine Supremes ceased. They could not deal any damage to even a single piece tile at the residence! The perpetual fog that hovered above the residence was also impervious to their efforts to disperse it. Such a result was absolutely unacceptable to the foreign countries. Other than the Empire of Dongxuan, the other three nations were filled with immense remorse C they had really suffered a great loss this time. When Yun Yang woke up the next morning, he exited his room in staggering steps to wash his face shakily before finally looking a bit more alive. Han Sanhe and the youth in black observed him out of the corners of their eyes in the foyer. Yun Yang had only taken two steps before his right hand scratched his thigh seemingly subconsciously. He scratched hard, taking another two steps before he resumed scratching it again. "So itchy, why is it so itchy" Yun Yang frowned. "The renowned top suite of the Tower To Heaven Inn must have mosquitos. It certainly doesn''t live up to its reputation." The eyes of the youth clad in black showed hints of a triumphant smile. Han Sanhe exhaled softly. It looked like the Soul-Sealing Spike had really entered Yun Yang''s bloodstream; it looked like they were not going away empty-handed after all. "Where are we going to have fun today?" Yun Yang had a big piece of mystical meat between his teeth somehow as he mumbled inaudibly with an oily mouth, "Bosses, which brothels do you all want to go? Have you finally thought of it after one night? Just tell me frankly, its no problem." The youth in black frowned and said haughtily, "Can you stop talking about brothels?" Yun Yang was quick to reply, "Certainly. Then which cathouse do you all wish to go to?" The youth was incredulous. "Can you speak of something less lowly?" "Alright. Which bordello do you all want to go? Classy enough?" Yun Yang asked. The generals from the Empire of Dongxuan ignored him, while the generals from the other empires wore dark looks; no one was speaking to him for the time being. They were not in a good mood; who would feel like entertaining him? They did not even feel like picking a fight. Han Sanhe sighed and said, "Let us go pay our respects to the family of generals today." As the words left his mouth, Han Sanhe immediately felt uneasy. It would mean that they had totally given up on the operation against the Residence of Nine Supremes. Dongxuan did not send anyone out last night. Despite maintaining their force, Han Sanhe was all the more alert. If the Residence of Nine Supremes was so powerful, would there be a chance that it could be reutilized in the future? Would there be a new Nine Supremes? They would need to search for the remaining Nine Supremes who were still alive and terminate them all, regardless of what it cost. Otherwise, this sharp blade that hovered above everyone''s necks would fall at any time. Han Sanhes suggestion was well received by all the old marshals from the other countries. Those who wore deep frowns nodded in agreement as well. When they were exiting the inn, Yun Yang casually counted heads and shouted in shock, "This isnt right. The number of people isnt right. We have two hundred of you in total; even if one of you were stuck at the Residence of Nine Supremes and one more was severely injured yesterday, that should at least leave me with a hundred and ninety-eight people. Why is there only a hundred and eighty? Wheres the rest of them? Have they gone to heaven?" The generals glared at him. This fellow was really sharp-tongued, aiming for where it hurt most! However, Yun Yangs question was perfectly reasonable. He was now a tour guide from Yutang; it was within reason for him to do a headcount and ask for the whereabouts of those who were not here. The foreigners did not know what to answer though, for they could not possibly say, "Those people had died going out for their missions last night.". They were here as guests; at least, that was their identity out in the open. "Quickly, go find them." Yun Yang reminded kindly, "Its not good to miss them out. Could it be that theyre still sleeping from drinking too much last night? They dont have much of an alcohol tolerance, do they? We drank so little!" One of the generals said with a dark expression, "There'' no need to find them. Since theyre not here now, it just means that they dont want to join todays activities." "What do you mean?" Yun Yang said incredulous, "Do they not respect the Shangguan Family of Generals?" Before the sound of his last word even ended, his tone turned indignant as he said angrily, "Why are they not going to pay respect to the family of generals? What is the meaning of this? Call them out quickly! This is shameful, overly so!" All the generals felt like strangling him. Those people were dead, how could they call them out? If they had really gone to call them, not only would those people fail to reply, they would not have returned either! "Things go deeper than what can be seen on the surface. The Shangguan Family of Generals has been enemies to the generals of all nations for generations; the resentment is set deep. It is not compulsory that everyone must revere them. Our standpoints are opposite after all. Let them be; if theyre not going, let us go on our way." Han Sanhe said with a stern expression, "There''s no need to quibble over such petty matters!" Yun Yang glared but did not say much, choosing to mumble inaudibly instead. One of the men had gotten closer to him and heard, "These bastards, arriving at Yutang but not paying homage to the family of generals. I curse your entire family to die completely without descendants and that your ancestors grave will bless your entire family to die horribly by the plague..." That man had almost stumbled and fallen down. This bastards curse was a brutal one indeed! 189 The Legend of Shangguan As Han Sanhe spoke, the situation lost its tense edge. His words were absolutely reasonable. It was beyond doubt that the Shangguang Family of Generals was revered by the continents militants but they had still accumulated a world of foes. The Shangguan Family of Generals was indeed left with widows and orphans. Their meng were long gone, but there were even more generals from the other nations that had been killed in the hands of Shangguan Family of Generals. While the descendants of these fallen generals respected the patriotism of the Shangguan Family of Generals, they still stood irreconcilable with them. It was difficult to blame these families who had not gone to pay homage to the Shangguan Family of Generals today due to the grudge they held. Yun Yang was still murmuring and mumbling, leading the way while chastising his wards incessantly, "These people are utter bastards theyre here as guests but they dont do as the Romans do, actually making a fuss at this important time and thinking of themselves so highly. Your father curses these bastards that they dont ever wake up from their sleep" "Theyre actually absent at such an important moment, what is the use of them being alive? May they die so that they can quickly reincarnate." The foreign generals glared at him, but they had nowhere to vent the bitterness they felt. They could not even rebuke him, despite the terrible temptation to do so. Yun Yang talked under his breath for as long as they walked; the generals were about to break down from his muttering. It was an unprecedented experience of helpless incredulity. They had been chided along their way to the Residence of Nine Supremes and they had been once again chided on their way to the family of generals. Did they really come all their way and spend their fortunes at Yutang only to be scolded at every turn? They had basically not done anything other than spend a fortune coming to Yutang this time; other than losing their manpower and suffering damage to their combat powers, the only other thing they had done was to get chastised by a young scoundrel "What are the generals from the four empires doing now?" The emperor looked at Old Marshal Qiu casually seated facing hin. "I heard that the Residence of Nine Supremes experienced some turmoil last night, so severe that the entire Tiantang could feel it." As Qiu Jianhan was about to speak, his shoulders jerked abruptly while his face beamed like a blossoming flower. Just as he opened his mouth, he coughed, "Cough, cough Haha C cough Hah" The emperor rolled his eyes discreetly and looked at the old man who was slowly going insane. "Your Majesty might not know it yet" The old marshal chortled for a good amount of time before he finally stopped, his body still trembling while he looked like he could burst out laughing at any time. "Of course the Residence of Nine Supremes is safe and sound, steady like a mountain. I heard that a lot of their people died inside, even the top expert of Dayuan C Liang Yunqi, Dragon of Clouds, fell within its walls. Its so gratifying!" "There is one more thing that makes this old man uncontrollably thrilled. I have to say, Han Sanhes vision is brutal indeed. He has wanted Yun Yang ever since he saw him, wanting him to become their guide and he couldn''t have chosen a better person." His Majesty was puzzled. "Why so?" "I heard that Yun Yang has almost tormented all the generals to death" Qiu Jianhan was heaving from laughing too much, "This child is a genius. His eloquence sits at the top of this world, peerless in this universe. I heard that" Old Marshal Qiu was patient as he narrated what Yun Yang had done once more. His Majestys eyes bulged as he listened. "He actually used the word brothel and break so many of them down? He united our people in loathing the enemy and lifting their morale?" "He rebuked everyone in front of the Residence of Nine Supremes and they couldn''t even find anything to say?" "He berated them throughout the entire journey?" "He hit the jackpot by selling them wine?" "Hes still admonishing them along the way now? Scolding the generals like their status was very much lower than him?" As the narration went on, the emperors sonorous laughter boomed through the hall as it resonated through the palace, scaring all those who had heard him. It seemed that they had not heard the emperor laugh so happily for a long time now. What had happened today? The laughter was utterly joyous and heedless of ones status! What good had happened? It must be something really amazing to have His Majesty forget himself in such a manner! The emperor was still heaving from laughing so much. He had almost ran out of breath especially when the old marshal imitated how Yun Yang had berated the generals, how shameless he had been, how he had purposefully turned hostile and erupted in anger C making friends one moment while swearing at their mothers the next. The list went on. He had not been this happy for a very long time. "There shouldnt be much today. Theyre just going to pay respect to the family of generals. I believe these people wont be able to make trouble in front of Shangguan." His Majesty laughed and said, "Im looking forward to what Yun Yang will do next. Old Qiu, have your people take note and report the current news at all times." Old Marshal Qius eyes had almost disappeared from how much he was grinning. "Dont worry, Your Majesty. How will this old man forgo such an exciting event? This old man has even arranged undercover guards along their way to wherever it is that they will be going! Whatever they say will be recorded and reported to this old man. It would be best if they could record Yun Yangs various expressions too. It''s too bad I wont be able to witness the farce with my own eyes, what a fly in the ointment" The emperor was shocked. Was this old man overreacting? He had sent out so many undercover guards just for this petty matter. However, it was still not a waste to assign so many of them as extra cast members in this farce of the century! "This old man has never come across something so gratifying and so hilarious in my entire life. Of course, I need to collect more information. When these people leave, this old man will think about it whenever Im free, Ill think about it whenever I feel dispirited. Eventually, Ill always be happy and never feel down" Qiu Jianhan chuckled; the old marshal, at this moment, actually looked rather sleazy. The emperor coughed and said seriously, "Send a copy to me after the recording has been completed. I shall check if you all have misappropriated public resources as personal means!" Of course, the greatest emperor of history, too, had his sly side; he sounded righteous but he had something else in mind. The family of generals had received the combined visit of the foreign generals neither with passion nor with hostility. They were properly prim. It was Yun Yang who had become more scrupulous instead, not even speaking much. Honestly, the old mistress in the family of generals made Yun Yang genuinely nervous, rendering him unable to be himself and unable to crack a joke in front of her Shangguan Lingxiu brought the generals to pay their respects at the ancestral hall. There were also a few generals who were especially interested in the drilling ground of the Shangguan Family and took a few rounds walking there. They looked at the various weapons that shone from so much friction like they had been polished with a layer of oil. They studied the ground, harder than steel from being stepped on for drills and practices through hundreds of years. They observed the rows of ancestral plates lined in silence, looking at the story behind each of the Shangguan members all the generals were lulled into reticence. "Shangguan Sheng, married at the age of fifteen, enlisted at the age of sixteen, promoted to the front line of the army at the age of eighteen, perished at the eastern border at the age of twenty" "Shangguan Jie, enlisted at the age of fifteen, led three hundred cavalrymen in charging through the base to save his trapped comrades and perished under the disorderly arrows without the return of his remains during the winter of the same year" "Shangguan Dong, assistant general at the age of sixteen, main general of a battalion at the age of eighteen, general of a troop at the age of twenty-two, assistant marshal of the army at the age of twenty-five, marshal of the eastern troops at the age of twenty-eight, marshal of Yutang at the age of thirty-two, killed by a stray arrow at the age of thirty-five" "Shangguan Tiannan, enlisted after being married at the age of seventeen, perished at Onyx Fort in the same month" "Shangguan" The generals suddenly realized that the men of Shangguan had all enlisted before the age of twenty; they generally entered the battlefield when they were about sixteen or seventeen years old. Then it was war after war, merit after merit until their war robes were stained with blood and until their bodies were returned, wrapped in horsehide. It was rare that they died in the same year they had enlisted and deployed for war; it was mostly due to bad luck. Most of them had risen in the military step by step, obtaining their promotions based on their meritorious contributions and becoming generals and marshals There was one person in the records that the group of foreign generals was the most taken aback at. "Shangguan Wudi, , front line general of western troop at the age of twenty-eight, charged through the Empire of Ziyous two-hundred thousand men from the west to the east and back to the west again for his sworn brother who was ambushed and trapped; for the seventeen times he had charged through the enemy and killed hundreds of thousands of them, he finally perished under the surrounding attack of arrows after his warhorse lost its front leg from being expended" The generals from the Empire of Ziyou read this record carefully; Zi Yuanlong, Empire of Ziyous top marshal, paled. Old General Wang Yutang from the Empire of Ziyou, who was covered in silver strands of hair and beard, exclaimed in remembrance, "This old man is ninety-three years old this year Im of senior age in the military now This old man was nineteen during the battle when Shangguan Wudi charged through our troops. I was only a team leader, leading five brothers in serving the military. Despite the battle being 74 years apart from now, my memory of it is brand new. Each time I dream of it, its as if I can still see Warrior Wudi holding his spear and whipping his horse, coming at us menacingly..." "Shangguan Wudi held the golden spear of an overlord mounted on a lightning beast then, seeing the hundreds and thousands of army as naught despite being a lone man with his lone horse. He came and went like the wind, his gaze overlooking all of us what valiance that was" "Before the hundreds of thousands of men, he stood there alone, saying to Ziyous two hundred thousand men, The marshals flag shall not be raised! Otherwise, it shall be chopped down!." "How could the marshal feel threatened by him then? The marshals flag was raised high and proud to show our pride, yet right when the flag stood tall, Shangguan Wudi had dashed towards us alone, through the thousands of cavalrymen, and to the marshals flag. He hacked the flag off and turned away, disappearing within the blink of an eye. Within that one month, he had chopped off seventeen of the marshals flags! The marshal was angered to his death, spewing blood at this affront." "The courage Shangguan Wudi had then was peerless in this world." Han Sanhe spoke softly from the side, "Why did such a hero expend himself in charging through two hundred thousand cavalrymen for seventeen times? Who was the sworn brother who could make him do this?" 190 The Grudge of the Family of Generals Shame was painted on Wang Yutangs face. "Initially, it wasnt for the sworn brother when the marshal was done vomiting blood in anger, the marshals son had sent an expert into Yutang to kidnap Shangguan Wudis wife and children" As soon as his words were uttered, there were murmurs of disgust among the other generals. On the battlefield, life and death were determined by extreme measures; one could and one would be able to use any contemptible tactic available to him; winner takes it all. However, using any trick beyond that of warfare was taboo; holding hostages was the lowest and most tasteless tactic of all. Any general who did this would be stripped off his qualification to be listed in the continents notable generals, no matter how valiant he was, what came out of his battles or what merit he could achieve in the future. To involve another man''s wife and children were the biggest taboo to the militants! To use such a despicable tactic against a generations hero was all the more disgusting and vile! "Shangguan Wudi received a letter saying that if he charged into the enemy as promised and died among them, his wife and son would be released. If he could save them, the grudge would be forgotten then and there. However, after Shangguan Wudis wife knew that she was being used to threaten her husband, she immediately took her own life, but not before killing her own child that she held in her embrace." "The woman had said, I will not let my worthless life determine my husband''s destiny. He will die if he meets the enemy; if I die and leave my son alive, he shall be ashamed for the rest of his life, knowing his father has died for him when he grows up. Let him go to the underworld with his mother; his mother has done you and your father wrong in this life, I hope I can make up for it in the next." "After she finished her words, she killed her son and herself; a smile lingering on her lips." "Shangguan Wudi was fighting through the throngs of the enemy when he found out that his wife and son had died. Aggrieved, he decided to die amongst the cavalry C all because he didn''t want to live any longer" From the side, Shangguan Lingxius cold voice said, "Ancestor Wudis death is a great shame to the Shangguan Family. From then on, the Shangguan Family has sworn that if this blood grudge is not avenged to put an end to the past, it shall forever be veiled in the name of dying for a sworn brother!" "Only when the blood grudge is avenged that our grandmother and uncles memorial tablets will return to our ancestral hall. This is the blood oath made by ancestor Wudi using his dantians Qi before he died; one that Shangguans descendants remember by heart!" All the generals stood in silent awe. "It was then that the continents militants set a new rule C no matter how the slaughter in battlefield went or what tactics were used, the opponents family, wife, and child, shall never be touched." Shangguan Lingxius words were like iced beads that were scattered to the ground, chilling yet ringing clear to the ear. Yun Yang asked from the side, "What would fulfill the requirements for it to be called revenge?" The Empire of Ziyous Old Marshal Wang Yutang closed his eyes solemnly. Shangguan Lingxiu said faintly, "The Empire of Ziyous marshal then was Zi Hengzong. The one who had done such an uncouth thing after he died was his son, Zi Yicheng. After the incident, Zi Yicheng rebelled and removed the Empire of Ziyous emperor from his throne, turning his own family to royalty until today" "To end this grudge, the Empire of Ziyou will have to be wiped out; Ziyous royalty has to be exterminated. Only then will this end!" The expression of Marshal Zi Yuanlong from the Empire of Ziyou turned ugly. He was the Empire of Ziyous royal blood; he could not refrain from feeling shaken when faced with this historical case. Shangguan Lingxiu looked at him and said coldly, "Marshal Zi doesnt have to worry, we will not attack you when youre in Yutang. Your death needs to take place on the battlefield; the termination of Ziyou needs to happen formally as we break Ziyous army and charge into Zitian City. We shall uproot the imperial Zi lineage, witnessed by the heroes in this world!" Shangguan Lingxiu said softly, "This is the only military grudge left in this continent, recognized and acknowledged by the nations! There is no grace nor resentment involved for the rest, whether they live or die, win or lose!" "The promise of no grace, nor resentment despite the hostility originates from here." Shangguan Lingxiu looked calm and at peace but Yun Yang had sucked in a cold breath listening to her. To destroy the Empire of Ziyou and uproot its royal members! It seemed to be an impossible revenge to exact. Yun Yang was never one to belittle himself. It was not wrong to say that he was full of himself, regarding himself highly. For a single family to uproot an imperial family, however... Yun Yang did not have such a plan for now C it was simply too ambitious! "Generations of the Shangguan Family shall attempt to fulfill this wish; whatever it takes, we shall reunite Ancestor Wudis family in the underworld!" Shangguan Lingxiu continued softly, "From the ancestors of the Shangguan Family, five or six out of ten among those at the memorial tablets here have stories similar to Ancestor Wudi If all of you want to pay your respects to each of them, Im afraid it will take too long." This was obviously an implied order for the guests to leave. Even Han Sanhe dared not object when faced with the order to leave by the Shangguan Family. How many among those in the legion of ancestral tablets had contributed many more meritorious deeds than him? How much more among them were the life-long idols of militants in this world? These were not just ancestral tablets, they were the heroic souls of militants. As long as one was a militant, it wasn''t entirely incorrect to say that coming to this place was a pilgrimage. "Everyone, please." Yun Yang called out then, "Its enough that your wish was granted. You should be content that you have paid your respects to the heroic souls of the family of generals. Why are you still here? Lets go, lets go. Could it be that you all are so shameless to try to wheedle a meal from them?" As he spoke, he pushed the group out, actually chasing the hundred over generals of foreign nations like he was chasing a flock of ducks. Shangguan Lingxius almond-shaped eyes glanced at Yun Yang in shock. Since she had known Yun Yang, Yun Yang had given her the impression of a polite gentleman, laidback and graceful despite his reputation; it was as if nothing that happened could have changed his innate elegance. However, Yun Yang was showing Shangguan Lingxiu a side that she had never seen C not at all conscious of others feelings, utterly uncourteous, and somewhat thuggish. Was this how Yun Yang looked like when he faced his enemy? Shangguan Lingxius eyes formed slight crescents as she said, "After everyone." When everyone bid farewell to the Shangguan Family of Generals, they were exceptionally heavy-hearted. After experiencing the grim despair in the ancestral hall, their heart seemed to still feel the weight of it. EVen though the heroes had passed on years ago, the grandeur of their lion-hearted spirits was still majestic and overwhelming when they faced them C even though they only stood in front of ancestral tablets. When they walked out of the door, a ray of sunset shone on their faces, surprising the group. It did not feel like they had spent a long time with the family of generals, but it was already sunset when they came out. "There is nothing else for the night, this old man made no other plans. Let us rest early. We shall go to the Snapped Blade Pavilion tomorrow morning and to the Lionheart Hall in the afternoon to pay our respects to our old opponents Then those who wish to return to their homeland can do so," Han Sanhe announced. His words had directly shrunken the initial itinerary to half but the other foreign generals had no objections. After all, everyone was here for two main reasonsC the militants wine and to probe the Residence of Nine Supremes. Now that the wine had been drunk and they had tried to infiltrate the Residence of Nine Supremes, there was not much else that they needed to do. Instead of staying here under the uncomfortably hostile gaze of this nation and Yun Yangs bothersome mutterings as their tour guide, it was wise for them to leave as early as possible. Besides, all the countries except Dongxuan had suffered damage to their high-level combat power during their misadventures at the Residence of Nine Supremes. The safest guess would be that at least a tenth of the nations combined combat prowess had been lost, and this loss must be compensated as soon as possible lest more troubles crop up before they were fully prepared to face them. Therefore, it was the best for all of them to return to their motherland as soon as possible. "I''m glad to hear that theres nothing else for the day. In that case, I shall go home tonight and not accompany all of you. These two days have really tired me out. This job is f*cking hard, I need to drink more water to replenish myself." Yun Yang pretended to heave a sigh of relief. What he did not know was that these foreign generals were the ones to really breathe a sigh of relief. They were afraid that this fellow would try to showcase his eloquence once more; it was honestly the worst experience they had ever come across. They grumbled inwardly, "You want to drink more water to replenish yourself? Youre thirsty because you dehydrated yourself by scolding us you bastard!" Han Sanhe smiled faintly saying, "It has been hard for you, Young Marquis Yun." "Merely doing my duty." Yun Yang chuckled. "Can you make your way back to the inn? I guess you all dont have much interest in gambling anymore either, we can scrap that plan." A few generals from Dayuan snorted and said, "Does Yutang frown on even a small gamble?" Yun Yang rubbed his nose and replied, "Of course its not banned. I am just worried that theyll pinpoint all of you upon your admittance and make their animosity apparent. That would spoil everyones mood Especially if there are sore losers or if homicides were to happen, you would all die in a foreign land, and have no way to return home!" "F*ck!" The generals cried internally, "What have we done? Why do you say we are sore losers? Dying in a foreign land and not able to go home? I shouldnt have expected this rascal to say anything nice or anything that doesnt insult us!" One of the Dayuan generals could not hold himself in and said, "Do you think we''d be unable to win anything? That we would be sore losers when we gamble away our pants? Just tell us where we can gamble or else you can just shut up!" Yun Yang chuckled. "I see that you really wish to gamble. If all of you are really keen, I can help organize a single game for the group. How about that?" "Single game?" The generals immediately sensed that Yun Yang was plotting trouble and luring them into a trap. "What single game? How? Are you playing?" Their tone was highly guarded. This child was full of mischief; they had to be alert. If he himself were to play, who knew if he would cheat? The generals were almost entirely certain that Yun Yang would stoop to such terrible behavior! 191 Another Windfall! "Why should I be playing? Im not going to be your gambling associate but I do have a few lads who are in Tiantang City right now C I believe you may have heard of them, the four young masters from the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Family. Besides being terribly wealthy, they have something in common with you - they are extremely free. If you all want to have a game, I can have the four of them play with everyone. Win some, lose some, have some fun. Let''s get the rules straight to avoid any additional hostility" Yun Yangs smile was sincere. "Of course, if you don''t wish to play or cant afford to, it''s fine as well. Gambling with them needs a certain amount of courage and wealth. Any mistake on your part could end up a catastrophe." As the generals listened to him C especially some of the seasoned confirmed gamblers - their interest was piqued. Disregarding Yun Yangs goading words, just the titles of the four noble young masters alone was a great temptation. Yun Yang would not play? Gambling with four noble young masters? Perhaps it wouldn''t be a big a problem as they had feared. As long as Yun Yang did not take part, they did not need to worry about being cheated or scammed. After all, the reputation of these four noble young masters as popinjays was infamous; perhaps they could even make acquaintances with them through the game. Even if they could not forge any meaningful relationships, gambling was a matter of luck. There were so many of them, surely their combined luck would be far more than the four of them? Against their better judgment, they began to reason that they needn''t win all that much, that it would suffice if each of them could earn the money to buy a few hundred pots of wine. "What harm would it be to have at it for a few rounds? Lets set this single game tonight, can you arrange it?" A bearded general said; it was the general from Dayuan who had paid for the wine. He was still suffering from the loss of his silver taels. Now that he had a chance to recover his loss, how could he let the opportunity pass? "Will this single game be set at a proper casino?" another person questioned. The question was not a surprise. Under normal circumstances, it was simply too easy to manipulate the gambling equipment telekinetically or to interrupt the results since there were so many experts in Tianxuan Continent. Therefore, any gambling den worth its salt would have a Golden Mystical Rock on the premises. A Golden Mystical Rock was also a Forbidden Mystical Rock; no one could use mystical Qi in the effective range of a Golden Mystical Rock that was kept in a casino. Of course, a Golden Mystical Rock could only affect a cultivators mystical Qi flow on a small scale. It could not entirely suppress the use of mystical Qi. If a cultivator were to channel his mystical Qi into large torrent, a Golden Mystical Rock would then be of no use. However, the mystical Qi used to cheat in casinos would usually be more intricate, so it would be inhibited by a Golden Mystical Rock. In addition, there was a limit to a Golden Mystical Rocks restrictions. Once it came across an expert above the ninth peak, it could hardly ever work. However, no experts above the ninth peak would be so silly to use their high-level mystical Qi to cheat in a casino. If they were to enter the casino, it was certain that they were genuinely there to have an honest time. Besides, larger-scaled casinos would usually use Golden Mystical Rock to completely tile their floors, nipping the problem of cheating in the bud. By asking this question, it was easy to infer that this person was a regular at casinos. "Youll know at once if its proper or not by testing it out for yourself." Yun Yang said, smiling, "Even the ceiling of the casino I mentioned is made of Golden Mystical Rock." As the generals heard this, their worries were instantly assuaged. There would be no possibility of cheating then, everything would depend on luck and skill. Speaking of the latter attribute, those who had a penchant for gambling would usually think they were the best. "We will go at night!" The eyes of approximately thirty to forty people began to shine with avarice. Generals who were more serious or who held higher positions and were more authoritative would not engage in such activities. Those who reacted as such were basically those in their thirties or early forties; some of them were even exchanging looks of greed and excitement. In his heart, Yun Yang snorted with disdain. These punters either wanted to seek some thrills and win some money or they had some other dastardly motive in mind. There had to be plenty of these generals from a handful of countries who had a collusion and had yet to settle it. They would probably use this chance to resume their communications and discuss the possibility of working together or perhaps they would just conspire something among themselves. Yun Yang knew full well about these but he still said, "Were set then. Ill go arrange it now and bring everyone over after dinner. Well meet at the entrance of the Tower To Heaven Inn later. Leave quickly, all of you will have fun tonight. I wont cause any more trouble for everyone." The generals rolled their eyes. At least this child knows that he''s causing problems for us all. Han Sanhe replied with a smile, "Dont forget the Blood of the Hero that weve ordered, Young Marquis Yun. Our return date has been altered, do keep track of it and remind the brewery." Yun Yang answered, "Not a problem. Theyre actually rushing with all the resources they have; youll have at least the first batch to take with you when you all depart. Oh right, Ive given the silver taels the other day to the brewery but youll all need to clear the remaining sum when you collect the first batch of wine. I cant help with this. After all, theyll need to money to be able to continue their business. Just remember to pay it to me by then." Han Sanhe chuckled easily. "Of course, that is the rightful thing to do. Besides, were not afraid that Young Marquis Yun will defraud us." After an exchange of pleasantries, Yun Yang turned to leave. "Lets first run through the four nations follow-up plan before going to the casino tonight," Han Sanhe said in a low voice. He earned nods from the other old marshals. Perhaps the biggest boon he gained from coming here this time was the four-empire-plan he had come up with the other old men in these past few days Other than that, everything else was a total flop. "If its possible this old man hopes that" Han Sanhes voice was soft like a buzzing mosquito. "Yutang can be taken down or completely annihilated by our hands. My old brothers, we have to keep our spirits up. We afford any careless mistakes on our side." "Of course." "Naturally!" "We feel the same!" Yun Yang had only rested for a short while once he arrived home before he turned into a soft breeze in his room and left hurriedly for the Residence of Nine Supremes. He could not afford to skip the visit and he could not be late as well. Too many experts had died inside last night; what was more, there were six high leveled mystical beasts that had also expired. If Yun Yang had tarried in his visit, the mystical pills of these six mystical beasts would be directly turned into refined energy by the Nine Heavens Demesne. The six mystical beasts, especially those six mystical pills, were a huge source of wealth to Yun Yang, who was as poor as a pauper now! He could not just let them dissolve into nothingness. As the night fell and darkness swept across heaven and earth, the Residence of Nine Supremes was still engulfed in a fog of clouds. The only similarity between the nightfall and the residence was probably the sense of invisibility they shared. A soft wind blew; Yun Yang had entered the Residence of Nine Supremes without a sound, stealthy and utterly undetectable. About nineteen corpses lay scattered on the ground made of unknown material. The cause of death was the same; all of them were burned black, even their bones were charred. Yun Yang sighed softly. He had hoped that these people might have carried something valuable with them when they entered so that he might earn an extra windfall. One could not blame Yun Yangs greed for wealth now that he would not even let the dead ones go; he was truly impoverished. He was dirt poor; even the ground was cleaner than his state of wealth! It was too bad that by the looks of it, even if the experts from other countries had carried banknotes or other items of value, they had all become charred remains now that their owners had fallen in the Residence of Nine Supremes. Despite the disappointment, Yun Yang did not waste his effort to come here because there were some glittering items on the ground that would be worth his trip. Yun Yang picked up the glimmering pieces one by one. There were actually a hundred and ten mystical stones, amongst which were a dozen mystical crystals as well... This would make up a good amount of fortune. There were also a few weapons that could be of use. These were weapons that the martial artists had carried with them; they must be of extraordinary quality to be able to remain unscathed in the Nine Heavens Demesnes storm. Yun Yang did not lay a finger on them though C he already had the Divine Edge, no other weapon could attract his interest anymore. Besides, these people had died in the Residence of Nine Supremes. If he took these weapons out to sell or trade, it might give something away, exposing himself to unnecessary scrutiny. Yun Yang was delighted at his gains over the other side; it was the highlight of Yun Yangs trip anyway C the six mystical beasts. Upon checking, the highest level of these six beasts had reached intermediate of the eighth level while there were three beasts that were just beginners of the eighth level. The weakest two of the six were also at the pinnacle of the seventh level. Of course, the real surprise was that the corpses of these mystical beasts remained unscathed as well. It was obvious that the endurance of mystical beasts towards natural forces was much stronger than that of humans. The Residence of Nine Supremes clouds had gathered over by now, absorbing the spiritual Qi that was sizzling in the air into their fog. It was lucky that Yun Yang had arrived when he did. If he were to be any later, the two corpses of the seventh level pinnacle mystical beasts would have been ravaged by the clouds. Yun Yang, who knew well about the Nine Heavens Demesnes force, dared not tarry. He unsheathed the Divine Edge at once, intending to collect the mystical pills, yet he stopped just as he was about to begin his work. The moment that the Divine Edge appeared and gleamed coldly, the fog around him had somehow swirled away from him as if avoiding the steel''s stern gaze. The area within a hundred feet radius of where Yun Yang stood was clear, devoid of any fog or clouds! 192 A Game of Chance The sudden turn of events was unexpected; the clouds that hovered around the Residence of Nine Supremes was wary of the Divine Edge. "To think, this saber has such an ability. How intriguing." Yun Yang immediately considered the possibilities. "If its equally effective on any cloud or fog-related air particles, would it aid me if I journey to places that are mysteriously surrounded by mist all year long or odd spots engulfed in miasma?" Yun Yang was delighted, despite being aware that the effect of the Divine Edge towards anything air related still needed further verification. For now, it was more important for him to clean up the six mystical beasts corpses. Holding the saber, Yun Yang took the beasts mystical pills out swiftly and dried their external layer with mystical Qi before performing a simple cleaning process; the mystical pills that were enveloped in the beasts flesh and blood then turned clean and round. Yun Yang seemed to be extremely familiar with the process and was undoubtedly passionate about it. It was a fortune after all. What should he do with these mystical pills though? Should he give them directly to Emmie as nourishment or should he pass them on to the four noble young masters for auction in exchange for his and Emmies cultivation resources? Honestly, the gains would be greater and the results further-sighted if he passed them for auction to the young masters. Yet, Yun Yang could feel Emmie moving in his subconscious space. It was twisting and turning around, calling out softly and pleading to be fed; Yun Yang knew about the benefits and losses but he had still given half of his pills to Emmie anyway. Emmie delightfully received the mystical pills and placed them around its roots, digging a pit with its tendrils and burying them inside. After a while, it grew increasingly ecstatic. Both its leaves swayed together, its emerald tendrils waving about in a joyful dance as it made happy noises, just like a child who was thrilled upon getting tasty food. Pauper Yun Yang had unsparingly given away half of his recently acquired loot but feeling Emmies joy, he could only felt his heart turning into mush. With a chuckle, he returned at once. He had a feast that awaited him. As long as things went smoothly, there would be another godsend to be pocketed; another step to getting rid of his status as a pauper! "Boss is inviting us to gamble?" Dong Tianleng held the letter, wearing a face of shock and disbelief. It was weird; they were asked to gamble, but they were not allowed to lose. "Lets go! Why not?" Chun Wanfengs eyes were radiating avarice. "Im so free these days that my balls hurt" Xia Bingchuan quipped, "What you don''t have can''t hurt you." Qiu Yunsan was somewhat curious, asking instead, "How come there is no news about that old eunuch? He said he would give us the Luminary Paste what has happened to this old bastard? Do we need to notify boss and go look for him directly in the palace? The Luminary Paste is a big deal! Theres a portion for boss too." The rest of the young masters gave him a side-long glance simultaneously while Dong Tianleng raised his tone and said, "Oh, Young Master Qiu seems to be rather desperate for Luminary Paste. Tsk tsk, I heard that its good for men. Tsk, Young Master Qiu is so anxious for it. What does this signify, I wonder?" Chun Wanfeng quipped from the side, "Young Master Qiu cant do it anymore!" "I see, so Young Master Qiu cant do it anymore" Xia Bingchuan added on. Qiu Yunsan was enraged. "Who said that? All of you are talking nonsense! We have to go support boss tonight; we should be discussing how were going to win. How many silver taels should we be bringing? And should we set any secret signals, just in case?" Dong Tianleng guffawed then. "Qiu Yunsan is diverting the topic again. It looks like this fellow really cant do it anymore. Oh my god, Young Master Qiu, how old are you? Are you already... failing? Sigh, I suddenly feel unsophisticated being with you" Chun Wanfeng added oil to fire, "People say that one takes the behavior of ones company. If there''s one who can''t do it, will the others follow suit as well? Young Master Qiu, maybe youd want to stay further away from us" Xia Bingchuan agreed heartily, "Right, right. Exactly what I was thinking!" Qiu Yunsan was flustered as he bellowed, "Youre the only one who cant do it, all of you cant do it! I only wanted to attain some benefit for everyone, who would have known that all of you would bear such vile thoughts? Do you still know what shame is?" Dong Tianleng guffawed while slapping the table. "Qiu Yunsan really cant do it anymore Qiu Yunsan cant" Dong Tianlengs voice was loud and deafening, his words traveled far; Qiu Yunsans face had turned a shade of purple. He dashed over to cover the formers mouth. "Brother, you be my blood older brother, alright Keep it down" The young masters from Spring, Summer, and Autumn Family were still chortling with their mouths wide apart all the way until the Towering Wind Pavilion; their laughter so loud and hearty that they could be heard even a few streets away. Qiu Yunsan followed behind grumpily, his expression ugly. Shui Wuyin rolled his eyes when he saw these men. He could hear the three lunatics laughter from three streets away. The sound of their laughter actually got nearer and entered Towering Wind Pavilion; furthermore, they were still laughing after entering the pavilion. Were their laughing acupuncture points pressed all at the same time? "Hahaha is this the casino hahaha?" "Hahaha the environment is not bad hahaha" "Hahaha why is the boss not here yet hahaha?" Shui Wuyin genuinely wanted to holler, "F*ck you! What is there to laugh about? Each one of you is mad" Before long, a big group arrived, under the lead of Yun Yang; there were over sixty foreign gamblers. There were quite a number of foreign generals who had come. Those who had stayed back in the inn were mostly old seniors while these people whom Yun Yang had brought were basically under the age of forty. Once they entered the Towering Wind Pavilion, their eyes gleamed. Upon their entrance, Forbidden Mystical Rock lined the walls on both sides, the floor, and the ceiling. The same rock layered the bottom and even the sides of the game tables in the hall, gleaming faintly with a red radiance. Those were the highest qualities of Forbidden Mystical Rock. These qualities would prevent even a Tenth Perfection grandmaster from using mystical Qi to cheat. Even if no one noticed, the highest grade of Forbidden Mystical Rock would gleam in white to warn everyone of any hanky-panky that might be going on. "This is a good place indeed." The bearded generals eyes shone brightly at once. "I truly enjoy a fair competition! This casino has the most Forbidden Mystical Rock I''ve ever seen!" The four popinjays stood up at the same time. "Boss, long time no see." Yun Yang chortled and introduced the two parties to each other. When the generals heard the word boss, most of their expressions darkened. After everything, these men were the followers of this rascal? They were thinking that if Yun Yang did not play, they could easily avoid a certain amount of cheating but now that these four men were his followers, the probability of them cheating increased significantly. However, curiosity was painted on most of their faces as they looked at Yun Yang. How could the four young masters of the four noble families call this fellow a boss? What was going on? A lot of them could not help reassessing Yun Yang. After all, it was a known fact that the young masters of the four noble families were unimaginably prideful and arrogant. Even when they were popinjays who knew nothing much, their sights were still set immensely high. How could they have awarded someone the title of ''boss''? They were either entirely convinced, completely subdued by force, or this person had an earthshattering quality hidden within him. There would not be any other possibility other than these. No matter which one it was that Yun Yang possessed, it was still better to keep an eye on him now than to let him become a danger later. In spite of it, everyones attention was rapidly attracted by the game tables. However dangerous Yun Yang was, it was something that could be discussed later. One should enjoy to the fullest when there was a gamble today, problematic characters should only be spoken of tomorrow! "Were all brothers, coming to the game table. Come, come, we only acknowledge gold and silver taels here. We acknowledge treasured gems and precious resources as well, mystical stones and mystical crystals are accepted too." Dong Tianleng hopped onto the table and hollered, "Come, come. What do you all want to play? Dice? Pai gow1? Those with preferences, there are the mahjong tables over there F*ck, this casino is top graded; there are all sorts of gambling devices. Good, good, great! Come, come, lets take this one. This young master will be the banker for this table, whoa! Come, come! Abracadabra ca C ca C ca!" Those who heard him could not help turning to look at the madman. Was this young master from the Dong Family an impostor? The legendary noble young master was actually like this? Everyone was here today to play the game of chance; they had just watched for the first round C everyone was a veteran gambler. After the first round, it would be clear if there were any rackets being run here. Obviously, Dong Tianleng and the other three young masters were absolute amateurs; at least they were not people who would play tricks! The group of generals swarmed over them. Each of the four noble young masters had temporarily become bankers for a game, chasing the original dealers of the casino away. Immediately, they were hollering and cheering; gold and silver taels, as well as banknotes, were flying everywhere Another dozen people had gone to another table to quietly have a game of mahjong Did they have something to talk about? Shui Wuyin calmly welcomed everyone as he went around tables to supervise; his arms were behind his back while he paced around, a faint smile on his face. It looked like everyone was already losing themselves in the fun "Its so merry today, so many unfamiliar faces. Let me play too?" A quiet voice could be heard by the door. A man dressed in white had appeared at the casino, as clean as one could be. Yun Yang frowned and glanced at Shui Wuyin, who wore a look of surprise. After the herd of scapegoats had entered, the casino had been closed. How had this person come in? Shui Wuyin maintained a straight face as he smiled and greeted the man amicably, "How do I address you, friend?" The man in white answered coldly, "Friend? I would not dare to assume so if I were you. I am only a gambler. Your respectful one has opened doors to do business, you wont turn away a visiting customer, would you? Shui Wuyins smile grew gentler as did his tone. "Everyone within the Four Seas is a friend. Since you have come here, you are my honorable guest. Why does it matter how I address you?" The man in white seemed to wear a mask of ice as he replied coldly, "Let me repeat myself, Im not your friend. Neither are you mine." As Yun Yang watched the uninvited guest, he had the strangest feeling that the man in white was rather familiar but he had obviously not seen this persons face before Hold on Yun Yang suddenly recalled a clear memory; it was the white silhouette that First Court King Qinguang was chasing with all his might the other night! Translator Note: 1Pai gow (ƾpi ji): a Chinese gambling game played with a set of 32 Chinese dominoes in major casinos. 193 The Man in White Takes Par Even as he pondered upon this, Yun Yang stepped forward and said, chuckling, "This is a casino, of course, gamblers are most welcome here. Since thisrespectable brother wants to have a game, the host definitely welcomes you." As he spoke, he gave Shui Wuyin a seemingly imperceptible eye signal. Shui Wuyin, who caught on, replied, "What does this respectable brother want to play? Is there any specific gambling game you like?" From Yun Yangs abrupt intervention to his meaningful glance, Shui Wuyin was shocked as he immediately knew that the person before his eyes must have an extraordinary background. What kind of person would he have to be to have Supreme Cloud acknowledge his prowess? "Ill play the dice, winning or losing is clear and quickly decided." The man in white maintained his straight face but continued coldly, "Theres something I need to mention first, I only have fifty silver taels." Fifty silver taels Realization dawned on Yun Yang at the man in whites sudden announcement as he replied leisurely, "Thousands of gold taels are not considered plenty while a copper coin is not considered little. As long as you play, losing is indefinite. Boss Shui, do bring this respectable brother to Qiu Yunsans table. I would like to see this respectable brother win a lot and return home with great gains." At the mentioned table, Qiu Yunsan was the banker as he hollered, face flushed with excitement while he chortled occasionally. Around him were generals muttering curses It would seem that Young Master Qiu had won a great deal, having luck on his side. Shui Wuyin brought the man in white over, speaking without mincing his words, "Young Master Qiu, this is Boss Yuns friend, here to play at your table." Qiu Yunsan chuckled. "Ask boss not to worry, his friend is Qiu Yunsans friend as well C my blood brother!" Shui Wuyin nodded and turned to leave without any further ado. They had not interacted much, not even for small talk, but Shui Wuyin had long understood that his words held no significance before Qiu Yunsan and his cohorts; things would only get done smoothly when he used Yun Yangs name. Yun Yang and Shui Wuyin divided themselves into two parties as they strolled around to oversee the games. Both of them were the only two people in the entire casino who were not involved in the wagering. A while later, the game table where Dong Tianleng was playing banker broke out in commotion; waves of shouts and hollers loud enough to tear the roof down came from tens of people who were crying with all their might, "Small! Small! Small!" "F*cking sh*t! Ahh" Dong Tianleng who was the banker was swearing loudly, unfiltered vulgarities flying from his mouth. "F*ck, you f*ckers, actually winning your fathers money! F*ck, f*ck" The generals did not relent. "What the f*ck are you chirping about? This is a game table, we dare to take even the emperors money! F*cking hell, be quick! F*ck off if you dont have enough money to be the banker. Let your father have a go at it!" Dong Tianleng cried out aloud, "Insufficient capital? Your father will make all of you lose to the point of taking off your pants today! Im so angry" Yun Yang called out from the side, "Dong Tianleng, let me tell you, if even one of these folks walks out of here with his pants on, you can f*cking head back to your home! My mission to you is clear C win all their money, not even their undergarments are allowed to stay!" Dong Tianleng replied with a howl, "Dont worry, boss! I will f*ck them over!" The generals guffawed listening to the. "There''s just you, yet you dare boast like this? Watch your brothers f*ck you over one by one!" "Lets go again!" Young Master Qiu slapped a big stack of banknotes on the table, shouting with his face and neck burning red, "Your father has nothing else except money!" The thick stack of banknotes held at least forty to fifty pieces of notes, with the lowest amount being worth at least ten thousand silver taels. The heavy flow of capital caused an eruption of a fresh bout of wagering at once; weird cries and odd shouts once again filled the casino. Yun Yang and Shui Wuyin made a round each before they gathered together after watching the crowd gambling and bellowing with all their might, completely losing themselves in the games. "How is it?" Yun Yang asked. "The man in white has only watched without playing. Hes watched about a dozen rounds up to now but has yet to make a move." Shui Wuyin said, "This person either has an ulterior motive or hes a veteran. I lean towards the latter." Yun Yang had not phrased his question clearly, but Shui Wuyin knew well who and what he was referring to. "Why do you believe so?" Yun Yang questioned. "I believe Supreme Cloud can see that this person is an expert." Shui Wuyins eyes were glinting with a sharp sparkle. "I can feel his immensely grand aura akin to a mountain; the mountain has to be an iceberg, one that is icy and chilling to the bones." "This persons cultivation base is higher than anyone that Ive ever met." Shui Wuyins voice was raspy, he spoke extremely slowly but with exceptional brevity. "Although our game today has been planned, nothing is set yet; it can still be chalked up as coincidence. If such an expert has come with an ulterior motive, we can still force his hand." "Therefore, I lean towards the possibility of this person being broke and coming here to try his luck. After all, the Towering Wind Pavilion has a good reputation. As long as the money is won with genuine luck or skill, you can bring however much youve gained home!" "Logically, such an expert has no reason to be short of wealth. Even if hes short of money, he will have his way of getting his hands on them. His presence here only means that there are two possibilities C either he has no channel of earning or he simply likes gambling." "He has chosen to earn his fortune by gambling, a risky business, but not in any other way This person should a principled man." Shui Wuyin continued, "Such a person will usually be well prepared, rarely putting himself in an awkward and tough spot, so he must be facing some difficult circumstances." "Such circumstances Other than a strong enemy, theres hardly any other possibility that could force such a person to such a stage." Shui Wuyin spoke extremely slowly. Every time he finished talking, he would take some time to consider before resuming. He finally concluded, "If my guess is correct, this person must have a formidable foe in Tiantang City against whom hes unable to defend himself. Even so, this formidable enemy might be someone so mighty he has no chance of survival. Once they meet, even escaping will be a difficult task." Pure admiration poured from Yun Yangs eyes; eighth brother was right, Shui Wuyins mind worked exceptionally well. How precious it was that he could infer everything so close to the truth just by observing the man entering to gamble? If Yun Yang had not seen this man in white being chased by First Court King Qinguang, he might not have been able to guess things up to this stage. On the contrary, it was also because Yun Yang had known the capacity of this man in white that he knew Shui Wuyins guesses were accurate. It wasn''t hard to infer the rest from the little he knew. "Since he wants to win, make him lose! However, fifty silver taels is too little!" Yun Yang smiled and said in a low voice. Shui Wuyin understood tacitly and replied in an equally low voice, "Ill go adjust it." He then left with a flap of his sleeves. Yun Yang smiled faintly and remained where he stood, waiting for good news. The abundant Forbidden Mystical Rock that was placed all over the casino was bona fide; every piece was the real deal. Even if a pinnacle expert had come in and used mystical Qi, he could never do it without giving himself away. The gamblers who were aware of the rock''s capabilities were assured that there would be no illicit activity going on. However, having Forbidden Mystical Rock did not mean there was no other way to cheat. At the very least, there was one person who could pull a fast one using external means here C Shui Wuyin himself. When all the cultivators in this continent were cultivating mystical Qi, Shui Wuyin, who was a mysterious Eldar, cultivated the Eldar skills instead. He could use the power of the soul to intervene and change the ultimate result of the games without the slightest trace of tampering. "This is probably why eighth brother made the Towering Wind Pavilion a casino and not any other business" Yun Yang inwardly grumbled at his eighth brother''s choice, "This fellow had planned to trick others from the beginning its hard not to earn when you open a casino with this stealthy scam existing here." The man in white who had been watching almost thirty different games seemed to have finally made a decision. Seeing that Qiu Yunsan was about to put the dice cup down, he put all fifty silver taels on seven points without hesitation. He had wagered everything on a single combination! Betting on a combination was a rare betting tactic in the game of dice. Three dice would make at most eighteen points or at least three points in total; there would only be sixteen combinations, thus a winning wager would mean a ten to one payout was very unlikely. If he had placed a bet on seven points, then Qiu Yunsan would have to payout five hundred silver taels C a payout multiplier of ten! However, despite the extremely high payout odds, there was only one chance out sixteen that it would happen. How easy could that be? Everyone around the table was shocked. Was someone actually playing like this? Was he that confident or was he impatient to lose? Or was he going mad wanting to be rich? Shui Wuyin stood near the outer circle of the crowd as he watched with his arms behind his back. Amidst Qiu Yunsans chortling, the dice cup was opened. The three dice inside respectively showed two points, one point, and four points! The combination of three dices had come up to seven points. "F*ck me! Seven points?" Qiu Yunsans neck stretched, his eyes bulging. "This is peculiar!" The man was swearing aloud but his hands pushed five hundred silver taels to the man in white without any hesitation. Although the payout multiplier was ten times, the man in white had wagered very little; it was only fifty taels, an insignificant amount. The crowd could not help commenting on the good fortune of this person. Why did such good luck go to him alone? They then sighed at their lost opportunity to bet hundreds and thousands of silver taels on seven points just now. Otherwise, they would have earned big too! The man in white, however, stood tall, wearing a nonchalant expression. Obviously, he had expected this result. The generals from the other countries were all experienced men who had seen a great deal in life. Witnessing this mysterious individual who looked like an expert, they were tempted to watch and see if this person would continue to lay down surprises and throw everything he had to wager on a single combination! 194 What Do You Have to Pawn? After his initial success, the man in white did not go all-in on a specific number, blending into the crowd and betting only on big or small. He actually won his four consecutive wagers, the five hundred silver taels he originally had grown to four thousand silver taels. The generals were seasoned gamblers; how could they not know that this person was an expert on the game of chance? At least, he was exceptionally attuned to listening to the dice. All of them hope that he would continue placing his bets and win, while some were secretly pleased that they had seen through this persons skills and had managed to win a tidy sum by following his wagers C he was an absolute godsend! The winning streak of the man dressed in white drew the other generals that were betting at other tables over, like sharks that smelled blood. Just as the crowd stared at him in anticipation of his bet placement, hoping to follow in his footsteps, the man in question kept his banknotes leisurely and went back to watching the game. A Dongxuan general who was beside him could not help egging him on after seeing that, "Brother, quickly place your bet. Were all waiting for you!" The man in whites gaze hardened but he did not reply; his attention towards everything around him vanished along with his desire to gamble. To him who was clad in white, he already had four thousand silver taels. As long as he concentrated and observed a little longer to decide on a number to throw in his entire hand, he could walk away with forty thousand silver taels. The amount would sufficiently cover his recent expenditures. One should not be overly greedy. The casino was not going anywhere; he could come again when he lacked funds. The crowd today was odd; the men around him were muscular and large, they had sanguinary guards following them as well. They were most probably militants. If he were to be involved with these people, there would be trouble, even though he was unafraid of them. The mans gaze tightened into a sharp focus. Almost no one saw how his ears were slightly quivering. Qiu Yunsan, who had already lost four times, held the dice-cup in his hands and shook it thoroughly. Suddenly, he jumped into the air and slammed a palm on the table C a skillful look, as he laughed. "Place your wager, place your wager. Dont you dare place them after losing your compass! Finalize your bets!" The generals could not help moaning and groaning as they slapped the banknotes in their hands onto the table, hearing Qiu Yunsans provocative words and seeing that the man dressed in white was not really placing his bets. The man in white hesitated for a moment before he pushed all the banknotes he had to an empty square C he had gone all-in for another specific number! However, everyones eyes bulged this time; they looked at the man as if they were seeing a god. The man in white had thrown in his entire hand on the number 18. That was a specific Triples! what made An 18 Triplesdifferent was that its probability was less than ten thousand and the payout odds for an all-in was another ten times. This also meant that once the player won, the wager payout would be a hundred times the original amount. If the result was indeed 18 this time, Qiu Yunsan would have to lose four hundred thousand silver taels just on the man in white''s wager! It was a game of high stakes indeed. The man in white was helpless as well. In complete honesty, he had only wanted to win forty thousand silver taels but he had clearly heard Qiu Yunsan shaking an 18 Triples this time around. Since he had shaken the cup and he had heard it himself, that was four hundred thousand silver taels being thrust into his hands C how could he not accept it? The corners of Qiu Yunsans lips twitched. Is this really boss friend? Quite a ruthless man, truth be told. As he extended his hand to flip the dice-cup, his palm was actually trembling a little. With a roar, he finally uncapped the dice-cup. He would acknowledge his defeat if it really came to that. Admitting defeat when it comes, is I, Qiu Yunsans, virtue. When the dice-cup was lifted, three dice laid there quietly under the crowds gaze. They were six, six and five. It came up to a total of 17. The wager had been placed incorrectly! A slight rumbling arose as the other generals were more concerned with their winnings or losses of big and small. "F*ck, I lost again!" "I win, I win! I win this round!" The man in white focused his vision on the 17 points on the table, unable to shift his sight away. What was going on? Qiu Yunsan did not cheat, he was entirely sure of this. Before the dice-cup was upended, the numbers inside had come up to 18 points C that was unmistakable too. How could it have turned into 17 when the cap had been lifted? On the outer circumference of the crowd, Shui Wuyin left with a faint smile to check on other tables. The man in white looked at the 17 points on the table quietly and looked at Qiu Yunsan chortling while sweeping the banknotes to himself quietly. He then turned to leave without any emotion displayed on his countenance. Yun Yang was already by the door; he had even moved an armchair over and was seated comfortably with one of his legs propped up against another. Seeing that the man in white had walked over, he said in shock, "Hmm? Not gambling anymore? Do you not wish to play a few more rounds?" The mans expression was short of being delighted; he gave Yun Yang a scowl before walking towards the exit. Yun Yang chuckled. "Did you lose badly?" This fellow was a nuisance! Tha man in white frowned, almost losing his temper. If it had only been the fifty silver taels, it was fine, but he had accumulated four thousand silver taels after a fair bit of work. That was a rather sizeable sum to lose. Yet it was all gone in just one go C he had lost four thousand silver taels, not fifty. Looking at the man in whites displeased expression, Yun Yang chuckled inwardly C that was Shui Wuyins doing. It was an art to allow one first win to a certain degree before having him lose everything in a single go. The grievance that arose from such a situation would normally be terribly extreme! Since Yun Yang had said losing fifty silver taels was too little, Shui Wuyin had allowed him to win more before cleaning him out. "It was only fifty taels. Why are you so upset about it?" Yun Yang smiled amicably. "Youre welcome to come again." The man in white snorted; he wanted to ignore him and walk right out, but he couldn''t help retorting, "It was four thousand taels, you idiot!" Yun Yang chuckled. "How could it have been four thousand taels? This respectable one has admitted to only having fifty taels then! Even if this respectable one had won four thousand silver taels in the process, the three thousand nine hundred and fifty silver taels were only chips They dont exactly belong to you. Its true that there isnt necessarily any defeat with gambling but bargaining chips are just that; those that you bring away ultimately are only yours!" "Those that youve brought initially will only be those that youve lost." The man dressed in white went pale for a moment but he had no way to respond to that. "Leaving after youve lost is a great gambling ethic indeed, but there must be some degree of disappointment. Sigh, what a pity it is to have lost fifty silver taels just like that. I can only imagine the frustration you feel from losing all four thousand taels youve won along the way from the original fifty. I totally understand. This cant be helped Who doesnt want to win, when it comes to gambling Dont take it so hard, this is life. Life" Yun Yang was trying to comfort the man, rattling on and on, but the mans expression only grew darker. He finally stopped and turned back to look at Yun Yang. With a low rumble, he said, "Shut up!" Yun Yangs eyes went wide. "What? Look at you, didnt you lose just fifty silver taels? Do you have to be so worked up over it? I was comforting you with kind advice but you instead, you''re lashing out at me! My kindness is simply a waste of effort." "Those were the last fifty taels I had on me!" The man in white said in a pained voice, "I dont want people to insult me with that." "Last fifty taels" Yun Yang nodded and said, "This is worthy of sympathy then. But why are you leaving just like that? Do you need me to borrow you some silver taels? To win back your money?" The mans eyes suddenly shone with hope. "You would do that?" Yun Yang answered, "Bringing convenience to others is bringing convenience to one''s self, but you have to pawn something of value. I''ll loan you the silver taels but of course, I need some surety." "What about this?" The man removed a jade pendant from his robes. "Sure." Yun Yang received it and looked at it carefully, testing its weight on his palm. "I dont know much about this jade pendant but I''ll give you three thousand silver taels for it." "Three thousand taels" The man sucked in a deep breath. "This is Heart of Sea jade" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. "Just tell me if you want the loan or not." "I do!" The man dressed in white clothes swallowed his temper, even as he was about to explode in anger. He had no money on him now, not even his last fifty silver taels. What could he do if he did not take the loan? Did he have to go steal or rob, perform despicable deeds? With the three thousand silver taels, he had a chance of winning his money back. What could he do with the high interest? Everyone knew that the interest for taking a loan at a casino was sky-high, but that was for ordinary people. He was not some dummy who knew did not know of gambling tactics. Taking the three thousand silver taels, the man in white clothes scowled and glared at Yun Yang from the corner of his eye. "Youre not allowed to leave. I remember what you look like. Ill come back for this jade pendant immediately once Ive won." "Rightly so!" Yun Yang was grinning. "Heres wishing you the best of luck. Oh right, I should mention this too. If you return the three thousand silver taels to me within an hour, the jade pendant is yours. Once it passes the hour, youll need three thousand and five hundred silver taels to clear the debt." How unscrupulous! Charging one-sixth of the loan as interest for just one hour This was not a loan shark anymore, it was plain robbery C no, it was even more brutal than that! The man in white snorted and walked in. He did not even bargain. Obviously, he had a great deal of confidence in himself. A quarter of an hour later, the same man came before Yun Yang, utterly exasperated; the veins on his face were popping while his temples throbbed. "Youve won your capital! And so quickly, at that! Brother, your luck is not bad at all!" Yun Yang complimented the man, ignoring the murderous glare he was being given. The man in white was clearly upset, his expression growing darker as he heard Yun Yangs words. "Could it be that youve lost?" Yun Yang looked shocked, watching the man in disbelief as he said in mock surprise, "How can you have lost so fast? It''s only been a quarter of an hour. We agreed on an hour just now, you didn''t have to be ao impatient!" The mans temples throbbed; his cold gaze locked on Yun Yang as he said icily, "I wish to pawn something else this time." 195 Do Me a Favor and We Shall Call It Even "What valuable items do you possess? Let me have a look. If I like it, pawning it is no problem," Yun Yang said. A quarter of an hour later, the man dressed in white wore an expression that was the opposite color of his clothes. "I have a piece of Stellar Al. Shouldnt be a problem to pawn it for ten thousand silver taels, should it?" "Of course not." One hour later, the man stood before Yun Yang, gritting his teeth. "Im not playing anymore!" "The f*ck? That was thirty thousand silver taels. My lord, youve lost them all within less than two hours. I finally know why you can lose four thousand taels in one go!" Yun Yang shook his head and advised seriously, "You shouldnt gamble anymore. You care too much about the gain and loss, youre not fit for the game of chance. Gambling is good if you play a little but its bad if you go all out on it!" The man in white kept quiet, but the muscles on his cheek throbbed. "Good bye." He walked out, each step seemed to be weighed down with lead. "I think If youre not near giving up, you can pawn your sword as well." Yun Yang sighed slowly, "But its better if you leave" "You want my sword?" The man in whites right hand went towards the grip as he spat the words, his green veins popping. "Why would I want it? Im just giving you another chance to win all that youve lost seeing that youre unhappy with your losses? Never mind. You better leave quickly!" Yun Yang shook his head. "Or else it will only turn out worse for you." The man dressed in white made a decision then, taking large strides back. "Ill pawn it to you!" Yun Yangs eyes went wide. "Respectable brother, Im just joking with you. I was just pulling your leg, its my fault. You wont have anything left if you lose this sword. I know what the sword worn by a martial artist means to him; listen to me, dont gamble anymore. Really. Gambling is like a pit, its easy to fall in but its never as easy to climb out of it." The man in white clothes only replied coldly, "You dont have to say much. Im just asking if you accept it or not?" Yun Yang was quick to say, "Of course I accept it! Respectable brother, with a single glance, I can tell that your sword is no ordinary one. Im willing to offer twenty thousand silver taels. You can redeem it anytime, okay?" The man was incredulous. "What did you say? My sword cant be bought even with a hundred thousand mystical stones and youre pawning it for twenty thousand silver taels?" Yun Yang pursed his lips and said, "Your sword is worth a hundred thousand mystical stones now just because you said so? Even if I sell this casino, I believe I''d get the same amount too! You mean to say this sword is worth this casino? Why dont you go rob someone? Youre the one asking for a favor now, are you not? Forget twenty thousand taels, even if its Hmm, alright, alright" Yun Yang said with a shrug, "This way. I can assume your sword is worth a hundred thousand silver taels but I can only give you twenty thousand taels each time. I will only give you those silver taels for four times too. The fifth time Ill still give you twenty thousand silver taels but you cant gamble anymore. You have to leave, taking the twenty thousand silver taels with you. You can still live for some time like this, theres a chance for you to rebuild everything. If you agree to it, well have things done this way. If not, leave with your sword!" The man in white wore a dark expression. He knew this fellow in front of him was luring him into the deepest pit, step by step, but he still had to say, "Thank you." What a f*cking bizarre feeling it was! His sword that was worth tens of millions silver taels if converted to money was pawned for a hundred thousand silver taels, and he would be given twenty thousand each time yet he had to say thank you. The man dressed in white entered the casino once more alongside an odd emotion that he could not even put his finger on. After a while C "Give me twenty thousand taels." Quite a while later C "Give me another twenty thousand silver taels." Yet a while later C "Give me another twenty thousand silver taels." Then it was about a quarter of an hour later C the man stood in front of Yun Yang again, looking lost and bewildered. He could obviously hear how many points that had been shaken. There was no doubt nor mistake about this. The number shaken out was obviously what he heard. There was no one cheating with mystical Qi throughout the entire process as well. Besides, if there were to be someone cheating C someone with Xiao Lingzuis level, he could also sense it! Even if he failed to sense it once or twice, it was not possible for him to have missed it with so many times down the road! Why though why did he keep losing? He was just losing all the way! No matter how confident he was, he kept losing C utterly and overwhelmingly so! When he came, he was poor but at least he still had fifty silver taels on him. Now C in less than two hours, the fortune he had on him, his jade pendant, his rare metals, were all pawned; in addition, he was also in a huge debt of two hundred thousand silver taels! Even the sword he always carried around was in someone elses hands. What was more, the debt he owed was accompanied by a rapidly growing interest. Without everything else, he would already be in at least a two hundred and fifty thousand silver taels debt when he came here again at the same time tomorrow! It would only be half a months time before it became impossible for him to redeem all these items of his! With the role of interest, the total debt might already have grown into an astronomical figure that he could not repay, even if he went bankrupt and used up ten lifetimes in returning the debt! "You lost again?" Yun Yang looked at the man dressed in white sympathetically. "Your luck is really why not leave with these twenty thousand silver taels and come try your luck again tomorrow? Looks like its not good for you to gamble today, theres no hope for you to win back your losses." The man was a little taken aback. Come again tomorrow? Was he going to come back tomorrow? Looking at the noisy game tables inside, a wild fear suddenly arose. It was as if those game tables were one big mouth wide open, waiting for him to go near and swallow him whole! "I" The man held onto the twenty thousand silver taels worth of banknotes, feeling parched. He really, really hated First Court King Qinguang to the core at this moment; he had never felt such rage at the man before. He had been living well, roaming the martial arts world in a carefree manner; there was not a single person who could do him harm. Yet this bastard had been appointed by god knows who and had begun hunting for his life, giving chase to him for a whole twenty thousand miles. He had chased him from the border of Yutang to Dayuan, then from Dayuan to the Grassland but he did not stop; the hunt persisting all the way to Tiantang City He had barely gotten himself rid of the hunt only to realize in despair that the dozen thousands of silver taels that he had brought along were reduced to fifty taels after buying medicine, pills, information, healing his injuries, and other items. He had come here to test his luck in an attempt to soothe his financial crisis, more so to use the thrill of winning to kick the frustration of being hunted all this while. There was not much anticipation in such game that wins and losses had been long decided but who would have guessed that the game was not at all within his expectation. The game had only ended with him being high in debt! How could the man in white not blame First Court King Qinguang? If he did not hunt him down, would he have come here? If he did not hunt him down, would he have expended his fortune? If he did not hunt him down, would he have gambled out of helplessness? If he did not hunt him down, would he have fallen to this stage that even his sword had belonged to others? With so much debt, the type that he probably could not clear within his lifetime! "First Court King Qinguang! I shall stand irreconcilable with you! Never!" the man in white cursed under his breath, gritting his teeth. Looking at the man walking away with anger, Yun Yang called out to him, "Respectable brother." The man turned to see Yun Yang smiling sincerely. "What else do you want?" Yun Yang held his sword up with both hands. "I shall temporarily return this sword to you, for your use. Cultivators and martial artists alike, its still necessary to have a sword by your side. There would only be regret if a familiar weapon is lost. I was only joking with you previously." The man in white suddenly felt a rush of emotions. He was touched. "Why?" His gaze towards Yun Yang was full of yearning but he did not extend his arms to accept the offered sword. "A martial artists life is only whole when he carries his weapon." Yun Yang said faintly, "Youve taken a loan from me and lost it to my casino. From a certain point of view, I dont suffer from any loss. I wont use it even if I hold onto your sword. No matter how valuable your sword it, it doesn''t really matter to me. Lets think of it as making a friend?" "Since you lack silver taels, Ill support you with some. It''s a good relationship to forge, anyway." "Were all people of the martial world. Who knows who might need a favor in the future?" Yun Yang said in a friendly manner, "Who knows, I might need your help in the future. Just take it." The man stared long at Yun Yang before saying, "If so, thank you." He took his sword rather emotionally and said, "Young master, consider that I owe you a favor today. If a chance arises in the future, I promise to return the favor." He said formally, "This is my promise!" When he said those words, he held sincere gratitude in his heart. "Return the favor?" Yun Yang smiled. "What would you do?" The man in white said earnestly, "It can be anything!" Yun Yang clapped then, saying, "Anything? Thats great. Since it can be anything, lets not wait for the future. I have something here I need some help with." The man in white clothes stared at Yun Yang in a stupor, feeling all sorts of emotions ranging from extreme happiness to extreme despair. He could faintly feel that he had hopped into a deeper pit without completely getting himself out from another; the jump was without hesitation. However, a promise said was a promise made. He could not go back on his words. The white-clothed man gripped his sword tightly, feeling it burn in his hands for the first time after years of being with it. He asked with a dark expression, "What is it?" "You werent just saying it for the sake of saying it, were you? Alright, alright, I wont ask for your help without anything in return As long as you complete this, not only will I return your sword, all your debts will also be considered cleared!" 196 Caught! Yun Yang smiled amicably. "I believe that this favor asked of you is not hard to deliver. Besides, I can help you with other things as well. Come find me after you complete it and we can talk about it in detail." "I have nothing I need your help for." The man in white ground his teeth until it almost shattered. "The moment I complete this favor, we will no longer know each other. We will have nothing else to do with each other, no relationship whatsoever." "A deal is a deal." "There''s no going back." "Speak." "It''s rather simple actually. I only need you to" When the man had heard all that Yun Yang had to say, he was surprised. "Your ultimate goal is only that? My promise is so precious, yet you only want me to kill a single person?" Yun Yang grinned. "Youre completely right. This isnt as easy C to me, of course." "Whats so hard about killing a person?" The man in white scoffed arrogantly. "I should still remind you then. If you are caught, and you expose me, the deal is off." He reminded him earnestly, "This is a friendly reminder. No matter when or under what circumstances that makes you utter my name, then your debt C be it your word or other things - will be mine." The man dressed in white felt his anger soaring. "Of course." Yun Yang took the jade pendant and all sort of rare metals out, placing them on the table. "Please" Just as the word left his mouth, Yun Yang stopped abruptly. Although these items still looked like how they used to, Yun Yang could tell that at least ninety-five percent of the spiritual Qi contained within were already gone! Yun Yang was exasperated. He had only kept them on him for such a short amount of time but Emmie had already devoured the entire lot The man in white was obviously beside himself with rage, sweeping everything into his arms without even looking at them and said, "We owe each other nothing from now on! Good bye!" Yun Yang let out a breath of relief. "Whatever you say. We owe each other nothing then. Remember what you said!" The man replied, enraged. "I, Bai Yixue, am not someone who reneges his promises and goes back on his words." He had turned around to leave even before the last few words had left his lips. Yun Yang heaved a long sigh of relief, "Oh my god, that was so close!" Yun Yangs judgment had told him that this man''s level was at least higher than the Dragon of Clouds, Liang Yunqi. If this man were to be infuriated and went head to head with him, he would really be in trouble. "Emmie, Emmie!" Yun Yang entered his subconscious with a dark expression. "You" "Ayaya" Emmie obviously knew that it had been caught red-handed as its soft tendrils wrapped around Yun Yang to placate him. The tip of its tendrils ran around Yun Yang softly to appease him, actually going under his armpits. It was like a young daughter who knew she had done wrong and was appeasing her father with all the charm she could muster, adorably flattering him, using everything it had without a care for what it was "Alright, I lose" Feeling mollified, his anger dissipating, Yun Yang could only give it an empty threat, "You cant do that in the future, alright?" "Ayaya" Emmie waved its tendrils and snuggled around Yun Yang intimately. "Emmie, how far away am I from leveling up?" "Ayaya" "Only several dozen people away? So few?" "Ayaya" Yun Yang exited his subconscious space gently, a smile on his face and his body light. It was then that he realized the rage he was filled with earlier did not even lash out before it dissolved into nothing Emmies ability to divert anger was top-notch! The sudden episode with the man dressed in white ended there and then; Yun Yang shifted his attention back to the gaming tables. Compared to the unexpected man in white, the foreign generals were todays real goal! However, Yun Yang was no longer interested in the wager here C no, perhaps it should be said that Yun Yang had never bothered with the monetary wagers the generals had in the first place! Those were birds in the hand, it was only a matter of time. A little while later, a certain someone passed an eye signal to Shui Wuyin. The latter nodded slightly without giving anything away. What followed was the sudden improvement of the four noble young masters skills in the game of chance. It was like they had calculated intricately, winning more than they had lost in every round. Silver taels entered their pockets like rising tides, the generals from other countries were reduced to moans and cries as they howled for their losses. "You would know my mightiness now? This older brother is just amazing!" Dong Tianleng was on a winning streak, he had long forgotten about everything else around him. "Brats, all of you remember now C from now on, this older brother is the top God of Gamblers in the Tianxuan Continent. Dont call me Dong Tianleng, Young Master Dong or anything else. Please call me by my nickname C Dong Straight Wins!" "Who are you f*cking calling brats?" The generals were already enraged from their losses, their pockets dry and empty like they had encountered a drought. Listening to such goading, they erupted like a volcano that had been building up its fury for decades. How could they contain themselves? Of course, they would respond with anger. Dong Tianleng chuckled. "Whoever whines is the brat. Since so many of you are behaving that way, thats simpler. All of you here are all brats and trash." "Quickly, beat this bastard up!" The crowd, who suffered tremendous losses, lost their temper as well as they scurried over to attack the infuriating man. The four noble young masters showed no compromise as they stepped forward. "Come at us, come" The fight was a mess, chaotic as a spinning whirlwind. The four great young masters were swollen with bruises all over but the foreign generals did not fare any better. They knew that this was a battle among gamblers, so no one went all out. After all, everyone knew each others background. If anything serious were to happen, the consequences would be grave. Therefore, all of them held back their attacksC in fact, they were very, very restrained. No matter how restrained they were though, the Towering Wind Pavilion Casino was devastated. Even though no one had exerted their full strength, the ripples were still sufficient to tear the entire place down! This ending was not exactly surprising but the incident that followed was beyond anyone''s expectations. Everyone was stupefied with what ensued. With a loud crash, a group of people charged into the casino, the spears and sabers in their hands glinting icily, exuding killing intent. "Nobody move!" It was the royal guards. Shui Wuyin was drenched in cold sweat as he said, "Were just friends jesting with friends, its nothing big nothing big at all" The royal guards did not heed his words as they ordered frankly, "Tie everyone up, bring them back for interrogation!" While the generals were still dumbfounded at the sudden intrusion, the royal guards pounced on them like preying tigers. It was a dozen men against one, the one had to be cautious and careful not to retaliate all the more; the situation was easily a landslide C the four noble young masters, the foreign generals, and anyone involved in the fight were all tied instantly like dumplings before they were escorted out. "Wheres Yun Yang? Where has Young Master Yun gone to?" The generals who were caught began to regain their senses and hollered after the rascal, but Great Young Master Yun, who had been standing by the door, was long gone! Yun Yang was sprinting back to the Tower To Heaven Inn, knocking the door open with a loud bang. The old generals who were seated in the discussion were all startled. "What has happened?" "Its bad no, no its really bad" Yun Yang was heaving as he huffed and puffed, saying, "The generals were gambling in the casino but they started fighting after losing too much The ruckus was too noisy and alarmed the royal guards. Now they''ve all been caught" A dead silence greeted his words. Everyone looked at Yun Yang with their eyes almost popping out of their sockets, digesting the shocking news brought by the man. No one dared believe what they had heard. "They''ve all been caught by the royal guards?" the Empire of Ziyous old marshal had his beard trembling. "Since when did the royal guards bother with such a petty matter?" Yun Yang said anxiously, "All of you must quickly think of a way Save them This is bad" Han Sanhe, who had regained his calm after the initial shock, looked at Yun Yang with a hidden smile. "Young Master Yun, you were the one to bring them out yet you just watched them get caught? Is this how you treat your guests? Or should I say, is this how Empire of Yutang treats their guests?" Yun Yang cried as if he had been terribly wronged, "Old Marshal Han, you cant simply accuse someone! What does this have to do with me? The cause of this is because they started a fight? The royal guards were only doing their job. Im just a popinjay Even if I were to be an official in the imperial court, I cant ignore my conscience and forcefully stop people from doing their jobs, can I?" His phrasing of words was flawlessly executed, it was righteous and justified. Not only did he impeccably place himself beyond the entire incident, he had even sung praises of himself as well as complimented the impartiality of Yutangs officials. "F*ck me, this fellow isa two-faced snake; he has said everything there is to be said!" The old generals were chiding themselves internally. This bastard! He had thumped his chest like he was the most capable man in the world like he could do anything without mishap; there would be nothing wrong as long as he was here. Now that something had actually happened, he would just say "Im just a popinjay". He had cleanly pushed everything aside, claiming that he was helpless C what a f*cker! Everyone was certain of one thingC the cause of this had to be Yun Yang! Only a man without a conscience could do something like this. Only an outstanding host would be able to entertain his guests all the way to prison! 197 Personal Plots The youth dressed in black had a radiant shine gleaming in his eyes as he looked at Yun Yang and said faintly, "What a good trick, Young Master Yun. Astonishing. In spite of all this, Young Master Yun, place your palm against your heart and ask yourself, do you really dare kill these people?" Yun Yang slapped the table once he heard him speak, bellowing in anger, "What are you talking about? What do you mean that my trick is good? Ive toiled so hard bringing them out for a night of fun; my effort still counts despite not contributing any merit? Besides, the situation they are in now is because they fought after losing money and caused a ruckus. Can you actually blame me for that?" The youth replied coldly, "Young Master Yun should be clearer than anyone else about what really transpired! I''m only asking Young Master Yun if you really dare to get them all killed by playing them for fools!" Yun Yang exploded in rage and said, "Do you think I wouldn''t dare to? Speak another word. Just one more word and let me hear it! F*cking hell, your father cant plot death against those on the battlefield, could it be that I cant plot death against those in prison? Just say another word! Try me, let''s see if this young master dares to kill a handful of them!" Yun Yangs palm landed on the table once more. "Are you trying to start a war? Which year has the Empire of Yutang not been in a war? Who the f*ck are you trying to scare?" The youth in black sucked in a deep breath and clenched his teeth; he did not dare to say anything further. Yun Yang, who had the upper hand of this argument, would naturally not give in so easily. He kicked the table before him away and said enraged, "F*cking hell, your father takes on the responsibility of an official and became a f*cking tour guide. Not only do I not get paid a single cent, I have to bear such uncalled for anger! Its clearly the people from your side who are incompetent enough to lose their money, starting a fight with minimum grace and causing problems. Your father breaks his legs running back here to inform all of you and heres someone doubting me! Oh my god Open your eyes and just take a look. Does this world still have reason left in it? Justice is not even within ones heart, right and wrong are forced from the mouth of others!" Han Sanhe shut his eyes from an extreme headache he had started to experience; the initial calm fa?ade long gone. He was honestly sure of one thing by now C if the foreign generals continued to stay here, it wouldn''t be a surprise if a few of them died simply from being the target of Yun Yang''s capers. It was better for them to leave quickly even if they had to give up their plans This person was someone they could not f*cking afford to provoke. "Never mind. This old man will think of a way," Han Sanhe said with a frown. After he spoke, he discussed with the other old marshals for a while before all of them went to Qiu Jianhans residence. They were genuinely helpless this time, they could only admit defeat to that old thing. They could not afford to keep their stiff upper lip. If someone among those who had been caught were to die in the cell, they would be in real trouble! The handful of them sighed while walking. Yun Yang continued to admonish those who remained there, "You fellows tell me, is there still reason? Ah, this is so f*cked up Tell me, why do your generals bear such a demeanor? What demeanor is this anyway? Really F*ck me, you fellows wouldn''t have made up a tour here to just to corrupt Yutangs culture, would you? Have pity on innocent people like me whos like a little pure white flower; Ive only kept you all company for a few days and Ive already got a foul mouth now" "Can this job still be done? Is this Yutang or Dongxuan or Tianci or Dayuan or Ziyou? Its lawless here, everyones twisting the truth and mixing up facts, disregarding their conscience. Oh my god I feel so devastated, I feel so tired" The generals looked speechlessly at the man who seemed to be on a rampage. This fellow had gone too deep into his own little drama. What a drama queen, why don''t you go collect an award for it? No one bothered replying him though. After the brutal lessons prior to this, the foreign generals understood Yun Yangs craziness;the more one argued with him, the more worked up he would get. He would slowly play it down once no one showed any sign of concern. "I have a headache I''m going back to my room to lie down for a bit" "I have a headache too" "I have a stomachache" "I suddenly remember something I have to do" "What could that be? Ill go back to my room to think about it" The generals stood up as if they had nothing to do with the current situation and left on their own, rolling their eyes, not even casting a glance at Yun Yang. Behind them, Yun Yangs endless grumbles continued, "What are these people What bearing is this What even Losing bets in gambling, beating people up and being caught, how humiliating I acknowledge defeat. How shameless" Bang! The generals slammed their doors close to block the chanting voice outside their room. Each of them hugged their heads and sighed deeply. All of them felt impossibly upset and incredulous about the whole episode. They could not help scolding "This bastard!" but as for who they were swearing at it depended on the person who was doing the swearing. On the same night, Yun Yang turned into a soft breeze and entered the prison cells without the slightest sound. He had gotten all these people captured for a single goal. Yun Yang made a round through the prison soundlessly, sighing as he exited the place. He shook his head, it was not enough; besides, it had other uses Why did that fellow not give him more? The next morning came. When Han Sanhe and the other marshals brought the detained generals out from the prison, all of them were ashen-faced and looked dejected. Of course, the old marshals had given them an earful alongside some beatings to teach them a lesson. Afterwards, the few of them had a discussion C if they were to go on, it might mean their deaths. It was a unanimous decision to pack up and leave. It was then on this day that Ziyou, Dayuan, and Tiancis people went to Yun Yang swiftly to bid their farewell. Although they really did not want to meet this bastard, he was responsible for their Blood of the Hero. Yun Yang nodded his head vigorously at that, patting his chest. "Leave it all to me!" When the generals left, Yun Yang accepted payment for fifty thousand pots of wine while giving each country ten thousand pots to carry home. Before Marshal Zi from the Empire of Ziyou left, Yun Yang had a secret conversation with him. When they came back, Yun Yang had something in his hands that he thrust it into his robe; some kind of transaction had been made. When the militants exited the city door, they were greeted with hundreds of thousands of contemptible glares all along their way, while all sorts of whispers and mutters filled their ears. "See that, its from Dayuan. Psh, I heard that hes either a lecherous creep or a seasoned casino thug" "I heard that they didnt come for Marshal Ties wedding this time but just for the prostitutes!" "Even if its not true, its near to it. Theyre here either for sex or to gamble, none of them sincerely wishes to congratulate the marshal!" "I also heard that they lost their wagers and got caught fighting" "How can those people be like that? Lecherous and gambling addicts, in addition to being sore losers So very disgusting" "Are they actually generals?" "This is probably the meaning of picking generals from a bunch of crooks!" "This spoils the definition I have for my values" "Look at those people, so weak and listless Must be from not getting their fun with the ladies!" "F*ck! They deserve to die!" "Right, they deserve to die!" "F*ck off faster!" "Dont ever come back again!" "Well beat you to death if you dare to come again!" The generals exited the city gate with lowered heads they were too embarrassed to look at anyone; they could not even defend themselves. Their journey home resembled a pack of rats slinking away. The foreign generals had all left. Other than himself, Dongxuans generals had been sent home by Han Sanhe as well. They could not stay any longer, the tour guide they found was too wilful C they could not handle him. Han Sanhe himself had stayed on at Tiantang City. Right now, the only foreign guests left in Tiantang City were Han Sanhe himself, the youth dressed in black, and eight of their guards. Yun Yang muttered to himself. He knew that Han Sanhe must have his reasons for staying back but that was about as much as he knew. No matter how capable Yun Yang was, he would not be able to guess the real purpose of Han Sanhes stay without any hint or help. Since more than a ninth of the foreign generals had left, it was only expected that Young Master Yun, as the officially appointed tour guide, had lost all meaning of his existence. He had shed the responsibility and returned home to count his wealth. Yun Yang had gone from a pauper to being one of the handful of millionaires in Tiantang City amidst the duration of serving these foreign generals. He had more than two hundred million silver taels in his possession, how could he not be triumphant and spirited? To become rich at that speed, it was uncertain if there would be someone to top him in the future but it was absolutely certain that it was unprecedented. Yun Yang smiled faintly, taking out a good jade that was purple in color and clear before tossing it to Emmie. This was the reward Yun Yang had obtained from the deal he had made with Marshal Zi from the Empire of Ziyou before they left. It was simple. Marshal Zi was of royal lineage, so he was naturally more influential than the other foreign marshals; he had made orders for future batches beyond the first batch of fifty thousand pots of the Blood of the Hero. The piece of jade was a deposit to Yun Yang as well as a token of thanks. Looking at the generals retreating figures, Yun Yangs gaze was cold; a chilling murderous intent glinted across his eyes. "Let us see when it is that you fellows will realize." Yun Yang mumbled to himself coldly. "After all, I am from Yutang." 198 A Newfound Guard A formal invitation arrived at the inn. Old Marshal Qiu had invited Han Sanhe for a long talk. Han Sanhe had gone with the other marshals last night to earnestly ask Old Marshal Qiu to release the captured generals. Due to the urgent situation, Han Sanhe had immensely lowered his position and of course, it was very gratifying for Old Marshal Qiu! He was still reveling in it until now although it was a little too short for his hearts content. Therefore, the old marshal had invited Han Sanhe over to reminisce about the old times early in the morning, hoping to recall good times and pick things up from there. "Reminisce." Old Marshal Qiu was smiling triumphantly, his beam said it all C he did not bother to hide his glee. What a jerk! Han Sanhe kept a straight face as he said indifferently, "It has been so many years. We should be reminiscing indeed." Old Marshal Qiu laughed and said, "Those people you begged me to release yesterday theyve already left the city today?" Han Sanhes bony face subconsciously twitched. You begged me yesterday Han Sanhe straightened up in his seat and said formally, "This old man wants to curse with something like shameless old wreck. Should I say it?" Old Marshal Qiu coughed and replied, "Since its a curse, of course, its better not to say it." Han Sanhe snorted. After a while, Old Marshal Qiu finally asked after scratching his cheek for a while, "Han Sanhe, youve helped those people so much. Didnt they thank you?" Han Sanhe was flustered but he did not say anything. "They should at least give you something, shouldn''t they?" The old marshal was very curious. "Tell me, how did they thank you? How many gifts have you received? You old thing must have made a fortune. Although youve put yourself down to beg me, it must be worth it" Han Sanhe stood up with a flutter of his sleeves and left, not even saying a word of farewell. Facing such a shameless old thing whose face was so thick it could be made into a shoe insole and who reveled in poking fun at others wounds, even speaking half a word was too much! Watching Han Sanhes diminishing back, Qiu Jiahna hollered, "Old Han, just speak up if you need any help in the future. As long as I can do it, this old man shall never refuse. Nothing is too hard to be brought up to us, theres no need to beg or plead. Thats disheartening" Han Sanhe quickened his pace, speed walking away like he did not hear anything. The old marshals guffaw could be heard from behind him, the laughter loud and triumphant. "Old wreck! How dare he harass me like that!" Han Sanhe who exited Marshal Qius residence had long worn a stale face, the resentment he felt filling his chest. The old bastard had tricked him into coming here, saying he had something urgent to discuss with him early in the morning. In the end, it was all for the old bastards self-gratification. Now that the old thing was happy, he was wounded, on the other hand, angry fume licking about his internal organs. "If we were to meet on the battlefield in the future, I shall definitely catch this old bastard and push him to death myself!" "What a bully!" "A tyrant! Han Sanhe was genuinely angered, words that he should not have uttered tumbling out of his mouth! The youth dressed in black clothes did not say a thing, merely following closely behind him. Turning into the next street, the group was startled as they halted their steps immediately. Right in front of them, a man in white stood in the center of the road. It was at this same moment that the group felt the icy chill of icebergs flowing towards them. The man wore plain white clothes that were not unlike snow; his face was fair like snow as well. Other than his hair and eyes that were black, every other part of him was snow white, like he was mourning. It was fine if he was just in this unprosperous shade of white but his age was also tricky to be gauged. It was reasonable to say he was in his twenties, it was also acceptable to say he was in his thirties, it would be fine too to say he was above forty years old. It seemed to be a logical case to say he was a few hundred-year-old monster! Not only was his unprosperous shade of white dizzying, he exuded an iciness similar to icebergs and glaciers. Seeing that the man had blocked the way with such an intimidating aura, the youth in blacks expression coiled tightly at once as he took a step forward and shielded Han Sanhe. The four guards who were beside Han Sanhe wore similar expressions as if they had met a formidable enemy as well. Shing, shing Before they said anything, the guards were already gripping their weapons; a faint whirlpool of mystical Qi forming rapidly in midair. Witnessing what had transpired, Han Sanhe could not help being impressed. He had never been renowned for his mystical skill; his mystical Qi cultivation base was sufficiently limited. There was no way he could gauge the mightiness of the man in white standing opposite them but his four guards were expert mystical Qi cultivators. Just the appearance of the newcomer had all four of them moving simultaneously and pulling their weapons out; it was enough to show the capability of the opposite party. What was more, the four mens initiative had already put them on the lower hand since it only meant that his four guards had no confidence of tackling this man in white C they had to direct the flow of their Qi beforehand to ensure their safety. Who was this man in white? Why did he have such an overwhelming presence? "Who are you?" The youth in black was on his guard, his eyes alert while his right hand was already pressed on the jade bangle on his left wrist. The man in white replied faintly, "Is this how the Great Marshal Han treats his friend?" Friend? Han Sanhe frowned and asked, "May I ask who this respectable one is?" "Marshal Han need not ask too much. Ive been asked by someone to protect your safety while you reside in Yutang." the man in white answered. Han Sanhe despite what he was told,"May I ask who it is who has asked respectable one to do so?" The man snorted but did not reply, his expression arrogant. "What is this respectable ones name?" Han Sanhe continued to ask. The man in white said coldly, "I am Bai Yixue1!" When the name Bai Yixue was uttered, the youth in black and Han Sanhes four guards all took an involuntary step back. White clothes that soared into the snow all over the sky Was this person before them actually Bai Yixue, the most famous hitman in the world of martial arts? It was said that this person had battled with Jun Moyan, the Unrivaled Swordsman, back in the years and had lost to Jun Moyan due to a slight mistake. Although he had suffered a severe injury in the form of a pierced chest, he had still escaped, flying through the air so swiftly that Jun Moyan could not give chase. He was so graceful even in flight that he had become a legend in the generation of swordsmanship. Bai Yixue C divine sword and white clothes through the nine heavens of stormy snow! He was sixth in the current swordsman rankings. Han Sanhe wanted to ask further questions, but Bai Yixue was already speaking coldly, "Marshal Han need not ask any more about whose favor it is, I wont answer even if you do. You only have to know that if I had been sent to assassinate you, you would be a corpse now." Bai Yixue spoke faintly like he was just announcing a fact. Han Sanhe chuckled bitterly but did not say another word. Bai Yixue was right though. If had been tasked to kill Han Sanhe, it was highly probable to succeed C if it wasn''t a hundred percent guarantee, it was at least ninety-nine percent. Just looking at his four guards who blanched as if they were facing a mighty foe, he could already know the truth behind Bai Yixues words. "You can''t be so sure." The youth in black said coldly, "If you were to really come for an assassination this time, no one knows who will die and who won''t." Bai Yixues clear, icy orbs were trained on the youths face when he replied softly, "Perhaps I might perish due to your hidden powers, but the target I wish to kill will definitely die before I do." The youth sucked in a deep breath, without saying anything further. Obviously, Bai Yixue was speaking the truth that gave no space for debate. If Bai Yixue were to put his life at stake in order to kill someone, there weren''t many people in this world who would survive the attempt. Han Sanhe caught on immediately, smiling as he said, "If so, I shall thank Bai Warrior Bai." Bai Yixues face twitched for a bit before he said, "You flatter me. I dare not take the title of warrior Since ancient times, those with the name of warrior die more devastatingly; there arent many who have enjoyed a good death." The group was left speechless. How were the others supposed to reply like this? You''ve already killed the conversation with only a few words. In spite of this, this group of Dongxuan men no longer suspected that Bai Yixue harbored any intention to assassinate the god of war, despite still having lingering doubts about him. Han Sanhe and group were wary of him but their intention to forge a relationship grew stronger after the initial wariness was wiped away. After all, it would only be odd not to make an acquaintance with such an expert, given the beneficial situation now. Bai Yixue then successfully entered the marshals group; he was somber, but the group did not mind that much. Experts usually did things their own way; what was more, an extremely proficient expert. Besides, this was the legendary white clothes and divine sword C Bai Yixue. It was expected for him to be arrogant and cold. Now Han Sanhes group had experienced a bolstering of skills and force. Bai Yixue had become a bodyguard of the group; whoever dared to make a fuss would have to go through him first and he was honestly not the easiest man to get through. Bai Yixue followed Han Sanhe as he paid his respects, sightseeing for the next two days, never staying far C showing the accountability of an experienced guard. Although he was serious all the time, his moves were forthright, adding a sense of comfort and safety to anyone who saw them. However, the Great Swordsman Bai Yixue was rather ill-tempered in these few days; his expression was ugly as if someone owed him a huge debt. The group did not think much of it, assuming that it was a demotion for him to be a guard, given his status. From the afternoon of the second day, Han Sanhe and the youth in black alongside their guards had gone to Thousand Feet Lake C holding their fishing rods to fish. Bai Yixue followed, as usual. Time passed but there was no fish caught. Han Sanhe was not dejected though, only stopping to rest before returning to the lake again. Since Han Sanhe was resting, of course, the guards needed to rest too. Two men were left to guard the door while the rest retreated to the room beside to replenish their energy through meditation and rest. "Im going out for a personal matter." Bai Yixue stood up with his cold face and informed simply; it was not known who it was he was speaking too but he went out without waiting for a reply. The sword that never left him was no longer worn at his waist but clenched in his grip. "Im not waiting any longer!" "Im leaving as soon as this is done. As long as this is sorted out, I will never ever come to Tiantang City in my lifetime, and never meet that Young Master Yun too! I would just be tricked!" Translator Note: 1Bai Yixue (ѩbi y xu): a man dressed in whites name with Bai being his family name while Yixue being his first name. Literally, (bi y) means white clothes and ѩ (xu) means snow. 199 Tricked Again? "Ranked sixth among the worlds top swordsmen. Such arrogance indeed." A guard said softly, pursing his lips as he watched Bai Yixue''s departure. "I wonder how skillful number one has to be." Another person rolled his eyes with contempt. "Well, this one certainly behaves like he''s at the top of the league." Another one was twisting his neck to catch a better look at the man. "Shush, being ranked sixth is no mean feat. Why arent we ranked otherwise?" Another person sighed, "It''s a good thing we''re on the same side now. It wouldn''t kill us to tolerate him for a bit." "Big brother is right." Were they really on the same side? Bai Yixue strolled out of the inn and made his way to his destination. His eyes carried frost but the grudge he carried in his heart was far more grave. "I shall never gamble again in this lifetime. Ever!" Bai Yixue said in his heart. He had followed Han Sanhe around these past few days and had been seen in public. A large number of people in Tiantang City was aware of Bai Yixue being Han Sanhes bodyguard. Looking at him walking over, icily clad in his pristine white clothes, everyone had avoided them swiftly as if they had come across an icy storm. Nonetheless, they were also curious where this fellow was heading to. By the looks of it, he seemed to be walking towards the palace. However, Bai Yixue was not really going to the palace. He came up to the front of a residence and abruptly stopped. The residence before Bai Yixue was not a small building; it looked newly built, the cement pasted on the wall had not even entirely dried. It was Old He, He Hanqings residence. It had already been some time since He Hanqings residence had been burned down by the flame that was Yun Yang. The charred structure had been restored and it had only been three days since Sir He had moved back to his own residence from a temporary shelter. It was so recent that he had not even sat long enough to warm his seat in this residence. Bai Yixue stood before the door and did not move, merely looking inside with cold eyes. The people inside were also peering curiously at this person who had appeared out of nowhere and remained motionless. What was wrong with him? Was he a crazy man? Why is he standing outside our residence like a statue is he envying how great a residence we have here? Bai Yixues right hand eventually moved, holding the grip of his sword as he said faintly, "Apologies, I have my orders. I have no choice but to do this!" Before he completed his words, a bright sword-light flashed like a ray of lightning across the night sky. Swoosh! Old Hes door that was just completed just days ago crumbled with a soft sigh, dust, and debris flying into the air in a billowing cloud. With his fluttering white clothes, Bai Yixue entered the residence, sword in hand. "Give way, you insignificant ones! I seek only He Hanqings life today!" This was what Yun Yang had sent him to do. Yun Yang had asked him to follow Han Sanhe for six days and had asked him to assassinate He Hanqing after Han Sanhe had left, but Bai Yixue could not wait any longer. "I shall end this quickly and leave at once. I shall never come back to Tiantang City ever again," Bai Yixue muttered irritably to himself. "As for that bastard Young Master Yun, I dont want to see him ever again in my life!" Bai Yixue had lost all patience and approached the residence in a publicly forthright manner. His actions were under broad daylight, and he had charged into He Hanqings house with no attempt at stealth whatsoever. It was wishful thinking to hope that everyone would step aside for him. Almost immediately, a team of guards charged over with war cries filling the air. Bai Yixues expression was as cold as ice, the murderous intent glinting through his eyes while the sword-light blinked rapidly, surrounding the courtyard like bolts of lightning. Cries sounded ceaselessly, the guards who scurried out had all succumbed with moans and cries. Most of them had been decapitated, their heads rolling on the ground like watermelons; there were some survivors but not a single one of them was spared from having one of their limbs severed. Blood flowed into a small river on the ground. "He Hanqing!" Bai Yixues howl was loud and deafening. "Come out quickly and accept your death! Why let so many innocent people lose their lives? I only want to kill you!" A sonorous voice that was cold and hard spoke faintly, "Han Sanhe sent you?" Bai Yixues sword drew circles of bright luminosity in the air, keeping him safe within it. He answered as indifferently as he could, "No! I kill whoever I want to. No man commands my hand!" The man scoffed coldly. "Bai Yixue, no matter who sent you, you will not leave this place with your life." Before the words were entirely spoken, a sharp wind tore through the air; the silhouette of a saber appeared in midair, it''s glimmering blade seemed to be a hundred feet long, the glowing radiance slashing downwards in a precise line. "Shameless boasting." A tinge of surprise flashed across Bai Yixues eyes but the sword in his hands blocked the attack and deflected it easily; with a tilt of his body, he charged forward in a forceful attack, hoping to subdue the enemy before he could flow into his next attack. Bang C bang C pow C pow The sounds of two people engaged in a heated battle rang clear in the air. Right then, another figure charged into the fray, tailed by an icy glow heading straight for Bai Yixues back. The attack came soundlessly like a ghost; it was stealthy enough to avoid detection until death came to claim its victim. Bai Yixue, however, seemed to have eyes on his back as the enemys weapon behind him was deflected away by an amazing parry with his sword. The sword-light gleamed once more, enveloping the person who had ambushed him within its radiance. The duel switched to a three-way fight. Although Bai Yixue was one man against two, he still held the upper hand. Two scintillating flashes of steel cleaved the air on his left and right, the after-trails of a stealthy attack. Bai Yixue was once again surprised, but the light from his sword glowed brighter, spilling gouts of light like a gushing waterfall which engulfed both newcomers. Although Bai Yixue had once again dominated the fight, the surprise he felt was beginning to increase steadily. In the Empire of Yutang, He Hanqing was only a useless old man. Even if he had his own reputation, what prowess did he possess to have so many pinnacle experts as his guards? This was decidedly odd. Have I been tricked by that Young Master Yun again? Despite Bai Yixue''s curiosity, his hands did not slow down the slightest bit; his title as the sixth swordsman of the world was indeed well deserved. The sword left behind a trail of blinking stars, the chilling glow domineering the fight as he completely subdued the four people. Under his sword, the best the quartet could do was to drag the battle out and maintain it so they were not defeated. Suddenly, the sky went dark, a large veil had been drawn across the sun. A loud and powerful sound of wind breaking came from the heavens. What now? Bai Yixue was genuinely astonished. He finally admitted to being utterly confused by the turn of events C it was simply too bizarre. What did that bastard actually send me to do? Did we not agree on just killing an old, useless scholar? Why does it seem like I have landed myself in a bees nest? It certainly seems like this place is detrimental to my longevity. An old and useless scholar is being guarded by five top-notch experts; such grandeur could only be accorded to a reigning monarch. No matter how shocked he was though, he had to counter the disaster that was headed straight for him. Bai Yixues sword-light gleamed brightly, the tip of his sword pointing towards the weapon that was coming for him from above. Puu! Flipping back, Bai Yixue cleared a distance of over seventy feet as his face flushed red with excitement. His opponents weapon was a huge hammer that looked like it weighed at least seven to eight hundred catties. He would never have expected the falling attack to be a gigantic hammer; the mistake had him caused him to suffer a great loss, the tremor that resulted was so strong that it wounded his internal organs. The man opposite him fared no better as well. With a grunt, he spat a mouthful of blood; his body flew high from the resulting quake, while his hammer looked worse than ever. Although the hammer-user had succeeded in his ambush and managed to deal damage to Bai Yixue, the huge difference between their mystical Qi level had resulted in a great deal of damage to him when their weapons met since his cultivation base was much weaker than Bai Yixue; the mans injury was far more serious than what Bai Yixue was experiencing. The unexpected injury sent Bai Yixue into a defensive position, urgently adjusting his energy to recover himself fully. He was still under heavy attack, he could not afford an injury. Suddenly, the ground quaked as a pair of hands stretched out like two iron pliers and locked onto Bai Yixues ankles, shaking him brutally. The five people who were blown away by Bai Yixues previous attacks then charged over fiercely, running in from five different directions. Bai Yixue was alarmed. Death was approaching and he had to give it his all; he began to draw on his Qi with a low rumble. That moment was akin to thousands of icebergs exploding simultaneously as an icy air came overwhelmingly from above. The eruption was the limit of Bai Yixues lifetime cultivation. The person underground, whose hands were limiting Bai Yixues movements, was the first to be affected by the blow, suffering the powerful attack and unable to hold onto his ankles anymore. With a cry, his hands were blown apart gorily while blood spurted like spring water from his wrists. The five people who were charging over all around him to attack grunted at the same time as well, retreating involuntarily. Each of their faces was pale. Bai Yixue had been unexpectedly injured, his movements inhibited by the person underground too, but his real ability was much higher than all six men. When he erupted to his maximum potential, it was only expected that the end result would be valiantly impressive! However, Bai Yixues current condition was not all that great. His ankles were bruised with pulsing pain that pierced the heart while the outburst earlier had flared up the mystical Qi he had used to suppress his previous injuries as well. To top it off, the powerful blow had deepened his internal injuries. Bai Yixue, who knew he was severely injured, turned around swiftly with his sword to study his surroundings, obviously intending to leave this eerie place full of hostile attacks. Who would have guessed that there were two more silhouettes who were running over, bringing cutting wind with them without the fear of death amidst the fluttering debris and dust? There were two more? What angered Bai Yixue more was that he had not even seen the old scholar called He Hanqing despite fighting everyone almost to the point of death! What the f*cking hell! The ground quaked and rolled like it was about to explodeC the person underground had emerged. Bai Yixue was outnumbered, one to eight! Bai Yixue moved his sword around to defend against the simultaneous attacks with all he could muster, spinning around to deflect the attacks and trying his hardest to avoid any mistakes; however, the two previous wounds added to his pre-existing injury, and gradually left him powerless. His opponent had eight different weapons C saber, sword, spear, hammer, whip, staff, short sword, and a ribbon! There were long and short, light and heavy, stiff and soft among all eight different weapons; the combination of them was flawless as they worked with each other tacitly. The longer the contention went on, the more intricate their cooperation. Bai Yixue was inwardly groaning at his own helplessness. He was certain that he had been tricked again! 200 The Man Behind Bai Yixue Bai Yixue was filled with regret. He should have just started off brutally, killing one or two of them the moment he appeared or perhaps wound them heavily. If he had done so, he wouldn''t have been in the situation he was in now. With the tacit cooperation of these eight fighters, he might only have been able to incapacitate one or two of them after a long fight even if he was in superb fighting condition; fleeing at the earliest opportunity. It would have been impossible to kill all eight of them. It was slowly turning into a disaster and he was slowly losing the upper hand. While most of the eight were wounded, their coordination was so impeccable that he could not find a weak link in their chain. "F*ck, I''ve been tricked again" Bai Yixue grumbled in his heart resentfully as he countered a devastating attack. "That bastard said it was a simple mission, just kill an old, useless scholar" Yet this place was obviously more hazardous than all the dragon''s lairs and tiger''s dens he had ever seen C much more so! The sense of danger began to heighten dramatically. With a roar, Bai Yixues sword issued eight separate shards of crystal light, diving straight at the eight individual fighters. When he turned to look, he saw an elderly with white hair staring back at him, standing in the courtyard with arms behind his back. The elder exuded a grand aura that was solid and deep like the depthless oceans. It was at about this point that Bai Yixue was truly shocked, as he could already tell that the elders cultivation base was stronger than his own when he was in his prime. Who was this individual? He then heard the elder speak softly, "This old, useless one is He Hanqing himself. However, I don''t understand what brings Bai Yixue, Great Swordsman Bai, to my residence to kill me." Bai Yixues heart went cold as his words sunk in. F*ck! He had been misled! That fair rapscallion was a piece of bad news C all these pretty boys were evil indeed! He had sent me to assassinate an extraordinarily powerful individual who far exceeds my limits, and has eight extremely capable guards with him. All by myself, at that. He f*cking obviously intends to send your father to his death At this point, Bai Yixue had no choice but to leave immediately; a painful death was all too possible here. Bai Yixue roared as his entire body spun rapidly like a speedily spinning top; the sword-light around him emanated a chilling glow, the radiance growing increasingly violent. At the same time, an unexpectedly cold wind billowed through the courtyard, as if it had come from the icy mountains. Bai Yixue howled loudly into the sky, "Die, those who dare block my way!" Bai Yixue, like the light that emanated from his sword, shot into the sky before he catapulted towards the three people who were situated at the top of the wall. His life was dependent on this singular attempt at escape. If he could not break through the barrier, he had no doubt that he would meet his end here. The five remaining fighters around him growled before they struck out with a saber, a spear, a sword, a hammer, and a staff against the violently churning sword-light C they intended to block his path, to further corrode Bai Yixues beaming sword aura. Bai Yixue did not even attempt to avoid the five incoming attacks nor did he change his direction. He shot out like a soaring dragon. All the weapons that collided against the sword-light made ripples that threatened to entirely dim it but did not manage to stop his leap forward. "Get out of the way, let him leave!" He Hanqing hollered, frowning deeply. His cultivation base was much higher than Bai Yixues; of course, he could see clearly that Bai Yixue was risking his very life by being here. If his three subordinates atop the wall had stopped him forcefully, they would definitely slow down Bai Yixue''s progress but he would undoubtedly lose all three of them. In addition, a few among those who were about to leap into the fray would have succumbed to the same fate too. Currently, he could not afford such a loss. Besides, he still bore the grievous injuries from being wounded heavily by Ling Xiaozui; he could only intimidate with his oppressing aura but he could not physically take part in the fight. With a low grunt, the three men on the wall move aside but they still tried their luck by hurling their weapons into the path of the sword light, in a last-ditch attempt to bring Bai Yixue down. The ray of light wobbled uncertainly as Bai Yixue spat out a mouthful of blood. In spite of it, the sword-light grew faster, like a meteor tearing across the sky, before disappearing entirely. In the blink of an eye, the sky regained its silent serenity. At the last moment, Bai Yixue had turned for a peek and was at ease after seeing He Hanqing standing still. As long as the old man himself did not intervene, he had much more confidence of escaping alive. Bai Yixue had vanished into the ether, his speed swift like a meteorite chasing the moon. All eight men knew that they could never catch up with him. Furthermore, his cultivation base was much more superior than theirs. Even if one or two among them caught up with him, they would ultimately be defeated by Bai Yixue. "There''s no need to give chase." He Hanqing sighed, his frown locking into place. "Bai Yixue has sustained severe injuries his retreat was the telltale sign that he has lost his judgment." A guard said, "Even if he survives, I believe he wont be able to do much for some time to come." "Why did he come? He was aiming directly for Old He." Another guard looked at He Hanqing with a face full of doubt. "I heard that Bai Yixue is currently Han Sanhes bodyguard, specifically ensuring Han Sanhes safety in Yutang. Whatever Han Sanhe does, he has never left his side But why does Han Sanhes guard wish to assassinate you, my lord?" another guard asked. Han Sanhe was quiet for a while before he said, "Asan, take my signed card to invite Han Sanhe here for a talk." Asan smiled humorlessly and said, "My lord, I am afraid this isn''t possible. If this was the doing of Han Sanhe, how dare he come here? If he had nothing to do with this, he wouldn''t come either!" He Hanqing said faintly, "Incorrect. Whether he is involved or not, he will still come." A speck of black floated across his eyes then C a precursor to the murderous thoughts he entertained. He continued slowly, "Even if this was not done by Han Sanhe, he has to know what is going on." He Hanqings voice was cold, like the eerie cries of ghosts that had surfaced from the deepest hell. Han Sanhe had just lied down for a nap but as he teetered on the edge of drowsiness before falling into slumber, the Tower To Heaven Inns door was kicked wide open. A loud voice rang out, "Where is the Empire of Dongxuans Han Sanhe?" Eight of Han Sanhes guards got up immediately and headed towards the voice. They stared daggers at the two men who had entered the inn. "Who are you? How dare you holler like an uncouth peasant?" The strangers had just called out Marshal Hans name, without the slightest inkling of protocol or manners. The man at the door said coldly, "Upon Sir Old Hes orders, we are to invite Han Sanhe, Great Marshal Han, over to the Residence of He." As he spoke, he held out a calling card. Looking at the card that had been sent in, Han Sanhe was dumbfounded. He Hanqing? Why would the Empire of Yutangs leader of literature and sage of scholars be looking for him? The manner in which the invitation was delivered was undoubtedly rude as well. Not only was the invitation unexpected, it was unusual. Faced with He Hanqings invitation, Han Sanhe had no choice but to make the trip. Despite the boorish subordinates who had sent the invitation, Han Sanhe was committed to going since the host was a significant figure in the literary world and among the scholars. Besides, He Hanqing had taken the initiative to invite him; he would be committing a faux pas by not going C one that was not only represented by him but the whole of the Empire of Dongxuan. After all, Han Sanhes official identity right now was the Empire of Dongxuans military representative to congratulate Tie Zheng on his wedding. Yet when Han Sanhe came before He Hanqing, he realized right away that he had committed a grave mistake by attending. No matter how big a faux pas it would have been, it was still better than to step into the lions den and stare at his own death! The conversation began amicably enough, but He Hanqing was not one to beat around the bush. Once they had exchanged pleasantries, he cut right into the main topic. "As embarrassing as it is to admit, this old and useless one was ambushed here earlier. I guess Marshal Han doesnt know about this yet?" He Hanqing said unhurriedly as he made tea. Han Sanhe was taken aback. "Ambushed?" It had just happened and He Hanqings men had just reached the inn. Han Sanhe was in Yutang after all, how could his news travel so fast? Of course, he would not have known. Why did Old He ask such a question? "Someone actually dared to make an assassination attempt on Old He? How brave! Has the assassin been captured?" Han Sanhe earnestly. With the experience and knowledge he had, how could Han Sanhe not fathom He Hanqings meaningful words? He could also see that He Hanqings expression was dangerously mild. Unfortunately, Han Sanhe would never have expected this to be related to him. "Catch him? How will we be able to do that?" He Hanqing sighed shaking his head, "That assassin didn''t bother to hide his ambush, based on his high cultivation base, and walked into the residence publicly. If it werent for these men of justice who risked their lives protecting this old and useless one, barely ensuring our safety, this muddled head of mine would have been taken clean off!" "A public assassination? This hitman must be incredibly daring. Is the identity known? Old He should report it to the officials so the assassin can be listed as a wanted man" Han Sanhe was the very soul of nobility as he shook his head, unable to believe the audacity of the assassin. He clearly did not understand the purpose of He Hanqing inviting him over. What was the relevance between him provoking an assassin and Han Sanhe as a foreign general? Could it be that the assassin had been sent by Han Sanhe? "Wanted? I wish it was that easy. This old and useless one is a feeble man of civil literature, my knowledge of martial cultivation is extremely shallow. I only remember the assassin declaring his name, called himself Bai Yixue; that his operation has nothing to do with anyone else and he only wanted to kill me alone. The men of justice who protected me earlier, though, told me that this man is one of the top swordsmen in the world, ranked highly in the ranking of the worlds swordsmen. They were lucky that they could counter his attacks" Old He explained slowly. His pair of seemingly bleary eyes was gleaming with a cold icy glint, his gaze directed at Han Sanhes face to detect any signs of recognition or deceit. "Bai Yixue? Are you sure it was him?" Han Sanhe was bewildered by the revelation. "Is Marshal Han surprised by this? Truly, it was this man, who bears the existence of top-notch swordsmanship, as rumored." He Hanqing said gently, "This old and useless one just doesnt know how I managed to offend such an expert!" Click. As the cogs in Han Sanhes head turned and things finally fell into place, he broke out in a cold sweat. 201 The Perfect Scapegoa Han Sanhe finally realized why He Hanqing had invited him over. He honestly had never expected that the assassin who had ambushed He Hanqing would be Bai Yixue, his current bodyguard. With such damning evidence, who was He Hanqing supposed to look for if not him? Han Sanhe inhaled a long breath before he chuckled dryly, "I see the real purpose of Old Hes invitation then." He Hanqings eyes that looked like they were bleary with age studied Han Sanhe as he said in a gentle tone, "Marshal Han seems to be missing a guard." Han Sanhe replied frankly, "Bai Yixue has indeed become my guard for the past three days," He Hanqing chuckled. "Then how would Marshal Han explain this to me?" "Would Old He believe me If I were to say that this has nothing to do with me?" Han Sanhe''s smile was devoid of humor. He Hanqing replied, "Ive always heard that Marshal Hans words are authoritative and will never be rescinded. This old and useless one shouldnt be doubting that. It would have been fine if it involves only this old and useless ones life but these men of justice standing beside me were unwilling to let me die just like that; this old and useless one is reluctant to let their kind intentions go to waste too, so for the lack of a better wordC please provide something credible, Marshal Han!" Han Sanhe felt a splitting headache coming on. His earlier question was very much like his last struggle; one that rode largely on the hope that Old He would give up on his questions, taking into account Han Sanhes identity. He knew that He Hanqing would seek evidence but he had still hoped for the best. It was unfortunate that things did not go his way C he would inevitably be held accountable! "From what Marshal Han has said, Bai Yixue has only become your guard four days ago?" He Hanqing continued, "If I may ask Marshal Han, why is a man like Bai Yixue willing to become your guard, with his obvious status and background?" His words hit the bullseye. With Bai Yixues swordsmanship and cultivation base, as well as his capability and status, he would not bother even with positions like the emperors guard or the chief commander of royal guards, what more, a marshals guard. Was Han Sanhes honor that high? Han Sanhe pulled a taut smile. "Hes only said that he was asked to do so as a favor to protect my safety." "May I ask who was it who asked him to do so?" "I dont know." Han Sanhes eyes were closed when he uttered the words, bitterness was all that he tasted. He knew that he was unknowingly being bamboozled in a spectacular fashion. "You dont even know who sent him yet youve let him stay by your side so easily, Marshal Han." He Hanqing chuckled, "Is Marshal Han being generous or magnanimous now?" Han Sanhes chuckle was without humor. "I know its hardly believable but this is the truth; this marshal has no other proof." He Hanqing smiled faintly and asked, "I guess that Marshal Han truly has no other words for me then?" "Old He, I didnt pass this life of mine by doing nothing. What I have truly done, I wont stoop so low as to deny doing it. I sincerely have no idea of this incident," Han Sanhe replied with a serious mien. "Have no idea " Old He smiled meaningfully and said, "If so, I believe that Marshal Han has no idea where Bai Yixue has gone to now, as well?" Han Sanhe could only reply with a helpless sigh. Any sort of explanation would be redundant now. What laid before his eyes C the fact had spoken louder than his words. He had undoubtedly become a scapegoat! Looking at the chilling iciness in Old Hes eyes, Han Sanhe felt utterly powerless. He stood up to bid his leave saying, "This is what I can say. If Old He has no other matter concerning me, I shall take my leave now." The eyes of the two men behind He Hanqing flashed dangerously as they spoke softly, "Could it be that Marshal Han intends to leave with just a few half-hearted words after Marshal Hans subordinate has done something so vile?" Han Sanhe took in a deep breath, suppressing the rage he felt and said, "Could it be that Old He intends for me to stay the night?" He Hanqing only gave a faint smile. "How could I insist? Escort the guest out." Han Sanhe straightened up to leave while He Hanqing did not move at all, just speaking in an eerie tone from where he was seated, "I do not know when Marshal Han will be returning. The journey must be far, danger lurks in the martial arts world as threats. Do take care along your way." Han Sanhe stopped, understanding immediately the thickly laced threat within the old mans words. He replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, Old He. I shall reiterate again C this incident really has nothing to do with me." There was no reply, only a cold smirk hung on He Hanqings lips as if he did not hear anything. When Han Sanhe walked out of Residence of He, his expression was as dark as night. How could such an expedient accusation C one that was utterly ridiculous, fall on him just like that? It was unbelievable. Who could have plotted such a dastardly scheme against him? "An old scholar who has long lost his position actually dared to threaten me like that He really thinks hes something." Han Sanhe sighed closing his eyes, thinking if he should make his trip back earlier. Although He Hanqing had not stepped into the imperial court for years, his influence over Yutangs royalty was still substantial. If he told the emperor about this, he might not have Han Sanhe killed but it would be hard for him to do anything else afterward. With the addition of an enemy lurking in the dark, it was near impossible for Han Sanhe to do much. It would be meaningless for him to stay here any longer. Han Sanhe sighed against the sky. He had always taken pride in outwitting the enemies and planning with every conceivable possibility taken into account before making a move. However, since he had come to Yutang, he had realized that he was truly out of his depth. His plans had all failed. It was truly the first time in Han Sanhes life that he felt so awful; he had either struck air or he was utterly powerless. Subconsciously turning to glance at the Residence of He, Han Sanhe was utterly speechless about this incident regarding He Hanqing; he had no inkling of who could have set him up this way. Those involved in the gambling ruckus were all on their way back to their home countries and Han Sanhe did not even know how they were doing. There would be no way to ask even if he wanted to find someone for discussion. On the same night, Han Sanhe and the youth in black sat by the Thousand Feet Lake holding their rods to fish quietly. Behind them, all eight guards standing at attention throughout different spots. The night was dark and silent. "Gugu, are you sure well be able to fish?" Han Sanhe spoke in a low voice, "Hearsay is that Ling Xiaozui has been here and left with some enhancements. With the Qirin Fishs characteristics, itll be hard to catch them within a short amount of time!" The youth dressed in black, who had been identified as Gugu, had confidence painted all over his face. "Theres nothing in this world that is definite. Ling Xiaozui had caught them earlier probably due to his patience and luck; itll be hard to come by again, of course. Such will be a lot of ordinary people. But the bait Im using has been developed wholeheartedly by my master for years, its a specially made bait for this unique fish. My master once caught a dozen Qirin Fish continuously at the Onyx Lake within a single day. The smell of this bait is a temptation the Qirin Fish cant resist. We wont miss." "Thatd be great." "Too bad its hard to catch Qirin Fish in Onyx Lake now. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have to come all the way here," Gugu, the youth dressed in black said regretfully. The same regret laced Han Sanhes tone when he said, "Onyx Lake will forever be devoid of the Qirin Fish species!" Gugu replied, "Well, at least it''s not extinct. The king fish is still in Onyx Lake, there are still chances of them multiplying. Its just a pity that the king fishs level is one that couldnt be caught. If we could get the king of Qirin Fish, thats more than hundred times better than normal Qirin Fish." "I didnt know that" Han Sanhe quipped. Gugu sighed, "Theres Fish Fatale in my masters secret recipe for the bait. Other than the fish king, its an irresistible lethal lure to the other Qirin Fishes. We only have to be a bit more patient now, there will be Qirin Fish coming to the hook." Han Sanhe, who had grey clouds hovering over him for day,s finally showed the hints of a smile. "Thats great. Well return at once when we catch some Qirin Fish!" "Fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake?" Yun Yangs eyes widened as he stared at the message sent to him from Nine Heavens Dictum. Han Sanhe had gone fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake He had come from so far but was now fishing every day? Where did such interest come from? With a change of direction in his thoughts, Yun Yang understood at once. The ultimate objective of fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake must be for the Qirin Fish! He had not expected that one of Han Sanhes goals for coming to Yutang was also for this! Yun Yang stood up to pace around, his brows locked into a frown. From what he knew and the characteristics of the Qirin Fish that Ling Xiaozui had described the other day, the Qirin Fish in the Thousand Feet Lake had been caught once; it would be impossible for them to be caught by other people any time soon. It was impossible for Han Sanhe not to know this though. For him to still try fishing there, there must be something else he was depending on. It would always be wise to play safe. Otherwise, the consequences would be too much to handle! All in all, Yun Yang did not want Han Sanhe to accomplish a single thing in Yutang. Whatever it was that he wanted to be done, that would be Yun Yangs next target of destruction! Thinking about it, Yun Yang turned into a fog and disappeared C only the sound of breeze played in the sky. A strange aroma was slowly spreading over the waters of the Thousand Feet Lake In the deeper parts of the water, there were already faint flashes of color; Qirin Fish were slowly making their way to shore. The wind blew. An almost inaudible sound came from far away as if something had entered the water. Han Sanhe asked with a frown, "Why does it sound like someone has gone into the water?" A guard behind him answered with a bow, "Marshals hearing is exceptional. Someone has indeed hopped into the water on the other side of the bank but were about ten miles away from each other. The effect is insignificant, there is no need for Marshal to be overly worried." Han Sanhe nodded and continued to fish. The youth in black looked more at ease than the marshal; his bony frame was clad in a large black robe as he sat like a statue, his breathing inaudible. After so long of fishing, the ordinary fish that were taking the bait hysterically were reducing. It had been one hour since they had gotten anything on the hook C the buoy was not moving anymore. Han Sanhe and the youth in black were very focused. Both of them knew that this situation probably meant that the Qirin Fish had begun moving in the water. Once the otherworldly fish moved, the rest of the fish species would avoid them. In other words, it would only be a matter of time now before they caught a Qirin Fish! 202 To Be Led Somewhere Both Han Sanhe and Gugu waited with bated breath. Yun Yang, who was already underwater, had dove into the deeper parts of the lake. He swam leisurely in the deep water like a huge fish, more agile than when he was on firm ground. It was not an illusion. Yun Yang could feel the stark difference the moment he entered the deep water. He did not feel at all suffocated or discomforted underwater but was at ease and full of joy that filled his delighted form. The lake water around him seemed to have turned into a part of his body. There was no gap between them. He was able to breathe freely in water; every stretch of his arms and legs was indescribably light and lithe. More so, Yun Yang felt that he was even more comfortable now than when he was on land. Every pore on his body seemed to have opened to rejoice. He could move however he wanted; with just a forward stroke of an arm, he could move a thousand feet in the lake soundlessly. There was not even a ripple or disturbance caused by the water above him. It was already a rare sight but the fish around Yun Yang did not avoid or hide from him. They were swimming around him, keeping him company despite the constant distance they kept; it was a natural suppression of their differences. When he kept his aura in check, all the schools of fish he met when he was swimming guarded him quietly, perhaps as a form of welcome. The feeling was amazing, an indescribable delight. Suddenly, a luminous silhouette appeared. It was a Qirin Fish. Its tails shook softly as if it was verifying something. Then, with a flap of its tail, the fish shot into his embrace and swam around him; it occasionally rubbed against his face, displaying pure joy at seeing this strange being in its home. A gentle smile hung genuinely on Yun Yangs face, his heart grew more at peace. With a wriggle, he dove deeper into the waters. At that moment, the colorful abundance that had been irresistibly attracted by the odd aroma and was rushing to the source had all turned to leave with Yun Yang, without exception. The school of Qirin Fish and a human swimming towards the deeper parts of the water without hesitation was a sight to behold indeed. "The Thousand Feet Lake is exactly like what its rumored to be C bottomless How can this only be a thousand feet?" Yun Yang mused as he dived deeper, not yet seeing the bottom of the lake even after diving seven thousand feet downwards. After descending for an improbably long time, Yun Yang was surprised to find an abyss under the lake. Some four thousand feet into the abyss, he saw other Qirin Fish swimming around the place. Another three thousand feet deeper saw an increasing number of Qirin Fish. They were swimming about, like rays of dancing rainbows. A few larger Qirin Fish had swum out, snuggling to Yun Yangs side as if to show intimacy. Yun Yang laughed in delight. Before he could reach the bottom of the abyss, he could see a large opening on the side. Countless schools of Qirin Fish were entering and exiting the opening; it was most likely their nest. From what he could see, Yun Yang could tell that the legion of Qirin Fish numbered in the thousands! The largest Qirin Fish that he had caught earlier finally showed up. When it saw Yun Yang, it became lively at once, charging over with a wag of its tail and nuzzling its mouth against Yun Yangs face. The delight contained within it was immense. Yun Yang then realized with a start that the Qirin Fish he had released earlier did not turn thinner or weaker from spitting their essences to him but instead had become much bigger. Only a short amount of time had passed since the episode but their sizes had at least doubled! It would seem that the air of vitality he had given them was what the Qirin Fish needed; it might even be their most effective nourishment. Yun Yang suddenly wanted to communicate with the Qirin Fish. He then remembered that he was still human despite being comfortable in the water. How could the fish understand his words? Since words would be useless, Yun Yang used his deific consciousness instead in an attempt to communicate with the fish. Deific consciousness was an ability that any life in this world with some achievement in cultivation could acquire; it was so for humans, same for the fish. With the level of the king of Qirin Fish, it might possess some measure of deific consciousness as well. Sensing Yun Yangs deific consciousness, the King Qirin Fish was stumped. Its tail stopped swaying as it raised his head to look at Yun Yang thoughtfully. Right then, Yun Yangs deific consciousness picked up a message but it was unclear what the message was. That did not stop Yun Yang from being thrilled though. Could this really work? Could the King of Qirin Fish have cultivated its own deific consciousness? Although he was unsure of whether or not the king already had deific consciousness, it was not important. Yun Yang had managed to communicate his message, "There are men fishing with ill intentions above. The strange aroma is their bait. Do not go up. You all have to control yourselves in the future, dont swim up to eat things that suddenly appear in the water. No matter how good a thing it is up there, dont get tempted. Good things that fall off the sky are easily accompanied by danger. If you cant control your urges, only death awaits you!" After seven or eight times of communicating this, the King Qirin Fish finally seemed to understand. It flipped over in the water angrily, its tail flapping until the water turned murky. Then, it opened its mouth from which Yun Yang could feel an odd frequency being transmitted. Right away, swooshes and swishes could be heard from all around. Countless Qirin Fish swam over from everywhere; some of those were only the size of a thumb, probably Qirin Fish that had just hatched, gathered over as well. The colorful legion gathered together into a shadowed mass. Yun Yangs mouth went agape slowly as he floated in the water and took the tremendous scene. King Qirin Fish floated high on a rock as if sitting on its throne. Below it was schools of Qirin Fish, with the largest in size at the front and consecutively smaller in size towards the back assembled neatly. Those way at the back were the newborn fish. All the Qirin Fish formed neat, dense rows as they raised their heads in unison to look at their king above. Only then did the King Qirin Fish begin speaking. Yun Yang did not know exactly what it said but he could feel flows of strange frequency vibrating C he understood nothing though. That did not mean the fish did not understand as well, however. Some of the fishes tails swayed anxiously before all of them scrambled away in a wave of chaos. Qirin Fish that were below five to six catties were chased into the currents inside the opening while the larger-sized Qirin Fish moved around nearby. There were eight Qirin Fish about a dozen catties each swimming back and forth around the opening but never leaving the entrance of the cave; once other Qirin Fish swam to the entrance, they would be chased back immediately. Yun Yangs eyes were about to fall out of their sockets. Qirin Fishes could do this too? This was no different than humans assigning troops and going for guard duty. No matter if the King of Qirin Fish cultivated its deific consciousness, just their intelligence shown now had proved them worthy of their title as the divine species; they were indeed impressive and unique. Yun Yangs goal was achieved. He believed that Han Sanhe would gain nothing after he had warned the fish. Naturally, Yun Yang wished to head back. Before he left, he informed the King Qirin Fish of his intentions using his deific consciousness. The king got anxious at once, shooting to the front of Yun Yang and blocking his way with its body; its tail wagged furiously as it used its large head to knock Yun Yangs chest. "Youre not letting me leave? Do you have something else for me to do?" Yun Yang pointed at his nose. The king conveyed a blurry image and pushed Yun Yang again with its head, making both of them go backward. "You want to bring me somewhere?" Yun Yang could vaguely understand its intentions. Turning around, he swam towards where King Qirin Fish intended them to go. The king made a delighted jump before its tail swayed and it swooshed to the front of Yun Yang, leading him towards the other side. It turned back to check every now and then; seeing that Yun Yang was still following it, it wiggled happily and continued leading the way. Yun Yang went along with the king, unknowingly swimming tens of miles away. Their surroundings got darker. If Yun Yang were to be incompatible with water, this would already be hindering him from just moving. Along their way, they did not meet even an ordinary fish nor a Qirin Fish. The more they moved forward, the more the waters turned wider. Yun Yang began to suspect that the Thousand Feet Lake might actually be connected to the ocean. Not only did the waters grow more spacious, the cave wall around them looked stranger too. The King Qirin Fish was luminous itself, sparkling with colors, but it could not give off much light, so the surroundings were still dark and grey. Going forward, a weak light flickered in front of them. Yun Yang could not help looking up. Although he did not mind his surroundings, as a person, it was an innate instinct to feel more comfortable where there was light; no one likes total darkness. King Qirin Fish increased its speed, swimming forward. Finally, after going through ribbon-like watergrass, Yun Yang was greeted with abrupt brightness. He realized that the water only reached his knees and he could stand up to walk. On the other hand, the King Qirin Fish was relatively large so it had to tilt to its side to keep moving in the shallow waters; given its current size, it was a difficult task. Yun Yang looked around. Raising his head, his eyes caught an inky black stone platform that was only slightly exposed out of the water in front of him. There was a strange rock that had its center dented atop the stone platform; as for the dent, nothing was inside. King Qirin Fish propped itself up with its tail with much difficulty before it turned towards Yun Yang to nudge him. Slightly taken aback, Yun Yang did not really think twice as he walked over to the strange rock. Looking carefully now, he realized that the dent did have something contained within C it was a faint fog that sparkled with vague colors, resplendent as rainbows. It was faint, only a thin layer that was invisible to the eyes once the distance grew further. 203 An Enchanted Encounter! Yun Yang looked at the King Qirin Fish in confusion, not knowing the intention of the king bringing him here. He did not dare to move rashly, only waiting for the fish king to give him the next clue. The hint appeared in the form of the fish king flapping its tail against the water happily, splashing water all over. It then swam over and leaned against Yun Yangs legs C unmoving, like it was resting. Resting? Yun Yang felt incredulous. Youve brought me here all the way for what? To rest? It was when Yun Yang was absolutely at a loss that he felt an indescribably overbearing force arriving. The feeling was akin to the sky suddenly falling. At the same time, he felt his heart palpitate. The deeper ground underneath his feet was also quaking and ripples broke the peaceful surface of the water. The fish king stuck closer to Yun Yang as if comforting him, "Dont be scared, its okay." Yun Yang grew increasingly exasperated but not too long later, a bright light shone from the wall above. It was a pure purple ray that grew bigger, like a bubble that was expanding, until it grew to the size of a human head and hovered above the dent. A bubbling noise emanated from below the ground. Right then, a colorless gas shot up from the dent right into the purple ball of light that hovered above. With a clear ringing sound, the fog shot outwards like arrows flying in every direction. When the arrows of gas refracted, it did not grow weaker but struck against the cave wall, making echoes upon collision. When the gas bounced back again, it formed another new ball of gas above the dent on the stone platform. What was different was that this ball was no longer colorless; it had turned a luminous rainbow sheen. It rotated as it flowed faintly, the movement slow but ceaseless. When the King Qirin Fish saw it, it let out a sharp cry like it was cheering. Then it nudged Yun Yangs waist with its head, asking him to go forward. "You want me to take this?" Yun Yang asked in shock, pointing at the rainbow ball of gas that was beginning to dissipate. The fish king got anxious, charging over and raising its head to take in a large mouthful of gas. A big flow of gas then rushed into its opened mouth. It turned to look at Yun Yang, its tail flapping in the water anxiously as if saying, "Quick, do as I did." Yun Yang shrugged, not daring to simply do so since he did not know what it was after all. However, looking at the King Qirin Fish that looked very at ease now, he figured that the gas would not be dangerous; he stuck his head over to inhale some of the gas despite still being somewhat doubtful. Just as the doubtful whiff of rainbow gas entered his mouth, Yun Yang could feel the mystical Qi in his dantian give a violent tremble. He felt a sense of wonder then, a warm comfortable sensation enveloping his entire body. Emmie, that had been swaying around in his deific consciousness suddenly turned quiet; its tendrils that never stopped waving about froze in the air too; its leaves curled up as well before they suddenly stretched out. Then, it began swaying like it never had before. Emmie wore a look of absolute anxiousness. The fish king had only taken three breaths, absorbing less than one-tenth of the ball of gas energy. It stopped, laying down in the water and closing its eyes, obviously digesting the power contained within the gas. Three mouthfuls were all it could take. Yun Yang could feel Emmies urgency now. After a slight hesitation, he directed Qi from his dantian and took a deep breath. Yun Yang breathing in, based on mystical Qi, was a much stronger inhalation than his first. It was more than the fish kings inhalation as well. The ball of rainbow gas turned into billows of mist at once, flowing slowly but surely into Yun Yangs mouth. Emmie grew even more ecstatic as it shook around, waving its tendrils. As it made noises filled with glee, it absorbed the colorful gas into the subconscious space and placed them around itself. The two emerald leaves curled up and stretched out several times as the tendrils danced. Before long, the gas that was the size of a head was entirely absorbed. The faint fog that accumulated on the dent was nowhere to be seen. The surroundings returned to its initial peaceful calm. Yun Yang could tell that he felt different but he could not pinpoint what the difference. Emmie was in an unprecedentedly content state. It swayed around endlessly in the consciousness as its soft calls rang out continuously. After making sure that the rainbow gas had been entirely absorbed, Emmie immediately delivered the collected gas into itself. Its thin leaves grew thick, the surface area enlarging while its color deepened to a dark green, that was close to black. This was the sign of an extremely healthy plant! Its tendrils grew thicker too, the length doubling. Yun Yang watched the changes with his mouth agape; he was finally sure that the mysterious colorful gas was a rare gem, and he had fallen upon a legendary enchanted encounter today! Yun Yang had never seen any resources of heaven and earth that could make Emmie grow so quickly and vast. Ordinary treasured resources might not increase Emmies level, seeing that it was an extraordinary force of tremendous power from nature, yet this special gas had given way to such huge changes! It was easily fathomable how amazing a gem this gas was. Furthermore, his meridians seemed to also be strengthened. Yun Yang directed his cultivation to try it out and realized that his meridians were more resilient than they used to be by tenfold and perhaps more! It led him to wonder how far all of the rainbow gas energy could take him if he could still acquire such vast improvements when most of the energy contained within the colorful gas had been absorbed and stored by Emmie. Yun Yang could only ponder about it though; he was still clueless about many things, including what was right before his eyes. What gas was this? How could its potential be so magical and potent? Why did it happen? It was definitely not manipulated by man; it was a strange coincidence of gods fate that such a divine phenomenon existed. It was by heavens fate, the mystique of celestial being C impossible to have been man-made! The King Qirin Fish had already awakened from the rainbow gas it absorbed. Obviously nourished and strengthened, it charged around the shallow waters like a handsome powerful horse, splashing water everywhere. Yun Yang was quick to notice that the colors of the fish king seemed to have deepened greatly. It looked like the benefits of the gas towards Qirin Fish was unusually great as well. The King Qirin Fish had led Yun Yang all the way here; now, it was also leading Yun Yang back C happily. Its fat tail splattered water everywhere along the way, the triumph and content it felt obvious to anyone who observed its behavior. Halfway through their journey, Yun Yang chuckled and hugged the fish kings head, rubbing it affectionately while directing a flow of air of vitality into the king. The King Qirin Fish was thrilled about the gift. Feeling the increased amount of air of vitality compared to the previous time, it spun around like it was dancing. With a swoosh, it shot a thousand feet away before it came back with another swoosh, repeating the process The fish and the man left the abyss gleefully, returning to the waters of the Thousand Feet Lake. Yun Yang really needed to leave now. The King Qirin Fish tailed him longingly, following him for quite a distance. "Go back." Yun Yang patted the fish kings head and said comfortingly, "Ill come back soon, well see each other before you know it." He was speaking the truth. How could he not come when this place possessed something so magical Even if he did not come, Emmie would pester him to do so. The King Qirin Fish rubbed its head against Yun Yangs embrace like a spoiled child who did not want an adult to leave. It was different from Emmies affection but it touched Yun Yangs heart all the same; after a period of comforting, the king finally stopped with reluctance. After Yun Yang had left, it laid there unmoving for a long time. Yun Yang had indeed received a tremendous gift from this enchanted underwater encounter despite not knowing it himself. Han Sanhe and the youth in black by the lake bank were in a totally different scenario, however. The initial baiting of ordinary fish had passed; it should have been the Qirin Fishs turn but the ordinary fish species that should already have stayed away came again in batches. There were carps, grass carps, blackfishes, catfishes, so on and so forth. The Fish Fatale of Gugu, the youth in black, was made especially for Qirin Fish but the bait that could attract even the King Qirin Fish, king of all fish, undoubtedly posed a stronger temptation to normal fish. What was worse was that those that bit the hook one after another were only small fish that weighed about a half cattie despite the multitude species that came. There was not much valuable Fish Fatale to go around and they had all been used to feed these random fish. Even when the Fish Fatale was used up, not even half a Qirin Fish was seen. It was truly odd! Too f*cking odd! What was the problem? 204 Bai Yixue Has Come Han Sanhe and the youth in black looked at each other, both at a loss for words. They knew that it was a lost cause and their hopes had been flushed down the drain. "Perhaps this Thousand Feet Lake doesnt actually have Qirin Fish." The youth in back grimaced as he unwillingly uttered what they were both thinking. Han Sanhe frowned but could not bring himself to speak. He was puzzled about it as well, but he did not wish to lie to himself. "If the Thousand Feet Lake doesnt have any Qirin Fish, why did Ling Xiaozui come all the way here to fish?" The youth spoke softly, almost as if to himself, "My master said that Ling Xiaozui had need of the Qirin Fish. Where Ling Xiaozui stopped to fish, there the Qirin Fish must exist." "This is an unmistakable fact." "Furthermore, Fish Fatale is our schools top treasured medicine. It is of a much higher grade than the bait Ling Xiaozui uses and it was made specifically for Qirin Fish. It is ridiculous that he could catch them but we cant" The youth in black was growing increasingly agitated by second. The effect of Fish Fatale was amazing; so was its rarity. Be it the ingredients or the difficulty of making it, its complexity was close to being unimaginable. He had brought a lot of Fish Fatale out this time, thinking that he could achieve something big. He had entertained visions of a school of Qirin Fish which would improve his cultivation base by leaps and bounds. Who would have known that the bait would eventually be fed to a random assortment of fish? If the news was relayed to his school, he would definitely become the schools laughing stock, even when his master would not really blame him since he was the favorite... "Did you know, masters favorite pet, Gugu, brought a tonne of Fish Fatale out to catch a bunch of tiny, miscellaneous fish" "That is hilarious!" Gugu was near his wits end thinking about what could happen. "Has it been confirmed that Ling Xiaozui himself caught Qirin Fish here at the Thousand Feet Lake?" Han Sanhe asked softly, "Perhaps they were merely rumors..." Gugu fell silent. It was truly uncertain if Ling Xiaozui had ever caught any Qirin Fish. After all, no one dared go to Ling Xiaozui to verify this. "If Ling Xiaozui didnt catch them, perhaps the Thousand Feet Lake really doesnt have this species of fish" Han Sanhe said. Gugu, the youth clad in large, black, clothing, lowered his head without saying anything. "Lets head back," Han Sanhe sighed. "Qirin Fish is a divine creature of heaven and earth. If it could be so easily obtained, it wouldnt have been as precious." Han Sanhe attempted to console himself. "Nonetheless, with your peerless potential of nine innately awakened chakras, you shall still be Tianxuan Continents notable figure in future. Perhaps its your fate not to take such a shortcut." The youth sighed and stood up dejectedly, saying, "I guess that''s the only way left to me now." Both of them did not even bother to pack their fishing rods, leaving them behind. Since they could not catch any Qirin Fish, what was the use of keeping the rods? They picked themselves up and walked back slowly, sighing to themselves all the way. "About Bai Yixues incident... Ive reported it to my school." The youth dressed in black said, "My master has sent someone to search for Bai Yixue. He has to provide an explanation for this, somehow." "Gugu, Bai Yixue isnt any ordinary person. Who has your master sent? Will it" Han Sanhe reminded, "Precautions must be considered. The situation must not be taken lightly." "My master has sent the eldest senior brother this time. Senior eldest brother has fought once with Bai Yixue back in his time, so he knows all about Bai Yixue. I believe there wont be an accident. Dont worry, marshal," Gugu said. He paused before continuing, "Marshal, I''m actually more surprised by something else." Han Sanhe was startled. "What is it?" Gugu thought for a bit and said, "Actually, Im doubtful about that Old He, He Hanqing" Still startled, Han Sanhe asked curiously, "Do say what you think." "Does marshal still remember the day when we met Bai Yixue?" Gugu asked. Han Sanhe was sharp; with a swift change of direction in thought, he could vaguely guess what Gugu meant. "You mean to say that He Hanqing held back on his words and wasnt truthful?" "Not only so, Im greatly doubtful of him. Marshal, please think about it. You have eight guards with you who are all equipped with the best of skills; although they arent the best in the world, four of them combined can still fight with the best in the world. Even if they will ultimately lose, they can still drag the battle on for some time. However, the combination of four guards didnt bother Bai Yixue; he easily broke through their combined effort. This was why when Bai Yixue said that he could definitely kill you, the rest of us had nothing to say to that. Marshals guards already the best regardless of which nation they are compared to, yet how could that Old He escape Bai Yixues assassination attempt? Based on his word alone?" Gugu explained in a low voice. Han Sanhe allowed the words to simmer in his head before he slowly said, "He Hanqing is rather reputable. Hes well respected in Yutang as well. Perhaps he really has some kind of experts around to help him." "If so, it''s even more obvious that Old He isn''t an ordinary man. To form a squad that could defend Bai Yixue, the power he has to wield must be terrifying. If he were to target us, our journey back will really be a long one!" Gugu answered. Han Sanhe nodded. "I understand what you mean. Its not plausible for us to stay in Tiantang City much longer. Since we didnt get any Qirin Fish, let us go back soon." Gugu, the youth dressed in black, answered, "Yes." He then turned to glance at the undisturbed waters of the Thousand Feet Lake, defiance flashing across his eyes. Early the next morning, Han Sanhe sent someone to deliver his letter, written in simple words, to Old Marshal Qius residence to say that he had left. Qiu Jianhan heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the letter. The god of misfortune had finally left. He wanted to send off himself but was told that Han Sanhe and his company had left the city gates early in the morning. They would already be several dozen miles away from the city by now. "The next time we meet, it will be a matter of life and death." Qiu Jianhan sighed and raised his goblet, as a toast to his departing enemy. "Han Sanhe, have a safe trip home." Yun Yang had just woken up and was greeted by Lao Mei and Fang Mofei, who were standing outside his door with grim expressions. "What is it?" Yun Yang asked while he wiped his face with a towel. "Something big. Bai Yixue is here," Fang Mofei said. Yun Yang gave a faint nod. "I shall take a look." When he did see Bai Yixue though, he was astonished. Bai Yixue was here, but he did not look the least bit human. Although he was standing, albeit with some effort, he appeared utterly wretched. His eyes, however, were glaring daggers at Yun Yang. The pristine white clothes he wore were torn, almost hanging on his body in strips; he was covered in blood stains. There was a bloody puncture on his shoulder while a dozen more covered both sides of his thighs. If it had been anyone else who had suffered such grievous wounds, they would have died long ago. "What happened?" Yun Yang asked shocked, "Brother Bai, how did you end up like this?" It was fine before Yun Yang spoke. Once his question drifted through the air, Bai Yixues eyes glimmered red. "What happened? How can you not know what happened?" Yun Yangs mouth hung open. "I really dont" Bai Yixues eyes were about to spew fire. "Stop acting f*cking dumb! Tell me, honestly, that He Hanqing C who is he?" Yun Yang answered in a surprised tone, "The sage of Yutang scholars, a leader of Confucianism" Before he could finish his words, Bai Yixue cut him off impatiently, "F*ck scholars and leaders of Confucianism. Youre f*cking leading me to hell" Bai Yixue growled in despair, "I wasnt even this whipped when I went up against the Concourse of the Underworld!" Bai Yixue felt utterly wronged. He had never met someone who could mislead others like this. Ever since he left the Residence of He, he realized that he had suddenly become a public target! Wherever he went, there were assassins waiting for him; whoever he met, they would attack him. So far, he had been ambushed and engaged in at least a hundred and twenty battles. How long had it been? What was worse was that there was actually a dozen of them among whom had fought him who possessed a similar cultivation base as the eight men in the He residence. There was even one who had a higher cultivation base than he did; out there looking for him. If Bai Yixue were not this alert, he would have long been a resident of hell. He was none the better now though, going from being a free man to a rodent crossing the street C everyone was trying to kill him! Even when he had been hunted by First Court King Qinguang, it was not as dangerous. There was still a gap for a breather even when it was a hunt for his life since the First Court King was only a man. This time, it was like a hunting party that surged in endless waves! He had just killed a fifth peak expert before a seventh peak one popped out; when he had killed the seventh peak one, a ninth peak one came; upon injuring the ninth peak expert, several Tenth Perfection ones appeared The opponents who came only got stronger and increasingly skilled It was as if the men who were sent to get him would only increase in skills and power as long as he could still fend them off until he was killed! Bai Yixue really could not take it anymore. He had initiated a Blood Shield and expended his potential energy to come to Yun Yang directly with incredible speed after a particularly harsh battle. Murphys Law had said that if something can go wrong, it will. He had even met First Court King Qinguang, who had disappeared for a dozen days prior to his way back. After a fight that saw him gain severe injuries and putting him very near death, he finally escaped using all the skills he could muster, struggling to keep his breath to come to Yun Yang. "I have to get a clear explanation now!" The more Bai Yixue thought of it, the more he felt wronged. He said in utter grief, "What sort of lions den did you make me walk into?" How could he cheat him like this? 205 Ambushed On The Way Home How could Yun Yang admit the part he had to play in all this? Yun Yang frowned and said, "Lions den? How could that be? He Hanqing caused chaos in the imperial court and confuses what is right and what is wrong, black and white; hes the culprit responsible for the previous family of generals case. He should have been executed for his heinous crime. Ive done so much to obtain such confidential information as this despicable one is too influential among scholars. As long as he wants something done, it will be executed as soon as the thought is formed. That was why I wanted him exterminated." "I only wanted to take out the treacherous one for the nation, destroy the evil for the people, bring justice on behalf of heaven. There aren''t any personal grudges involved and Ive even used you all because you have the convenient alibi of being Han Sanhes guard; it can confuse people. There isnt any deeper meaning than that. To me, your ability allows you to succeed at this task easily and the blame can be put on Han Sanhe, but by listening to you, I gather that things took an unexpected turn?" Bai Yixue almost spat blood as he shouted angrily, "Are you saying you aren''t aware of your intended target''s actual capabilities?" "I only know that this person brings great harm to Yutang and must be destroyed. Otherwise, why would I do so much and conjure up plots to tackle him?" Yun Yang answered seriously. Bai Yixue was at a loss for words. Yun Yang had been straightforward and all too eager to share his plans. What could one say to that? Listening to his narration, it seemed that this Young Master Yun was the hero of this nation and its people but he had been so brutally tricked What was that all about? Yun Yang sighed, "Before we speak of other things, first, let us deal with your wounds." "Are you sure that this place can ensure my safety?!" Bai Yixue chuckled bitterly. "And what if it can''t?" Yun Yang sighed. "You knew that you shouldnt have come to me, it means exposing me and putting me out there to dry but youve come anyway. Youre obviously cornered but you cant accept dying just like this! Dont worry, I wont really be cruel despite your unkindness. No matter who youve provoked and if its related to what Ive asked you to do, you are still here. I wont send you away without meaning. Besides, youve failed at what Ive asked you to do. Our deal is naturally not done yet, I wont let you die just like that" Bai Yixue almost fainted. "You you dont believe me I didnt God, you still want me to go and kill him" He looked as if he wanted to retort with a few more words but before they could come tumbling out of his mouth, his eyes rolled back and he fainted. He had been carrying severe injuries. That he could still stand up was a testament to this man''s will. With the surge of exasperation and tightly wound nerves, he finally gave in and lost consciousness. Of course, he was also running away from the reality, forcing Yun Yang to do the same. It would be the best if his mission was canceled along with his loss of consciousness. Yun Yang did not expect this fellow to be so ill-tempered. He could not help chuckling and said, "Let this Lord Bai stay at ours for now. If King Qinguang were to find his way here, have him look for him directly. I have my ways." Looking at Bai Yixues unconscious face, Yun Yang gave a meaningful smile. This fellow wishes to play the part of a shameless thug. All the foreign generals had left, including Han Sanhes own group who had left the last. Yun Yang sat under the flower tree in his purple robe, deep in thought. Musing about what had happened, Bai Yixues assassination could only be considered half-completed. Yun Yang had never wished that Bai Yixue could actually kill He Hanqing. With He Hanqings force, Bai Yixue could never win, no matter how strong he was. It was clear as day. Yun Yangs real motive was to stir up a conflict between the Four Seasons Tower and Han Sanhe; that was all. Yun Yang would love to see if these two sides could stand up against each other and become enemies from it. With the operation of the foreign generals in Tiantang City coming to an end, Yun Yang naturally shifted his attention back to Supreme Lord Spring Frost. The only thought he had right now was solely to kill He Hanqing! As for Bai Yixue, Yun Yang did not have much planned out for him. No matter how he fared in the process, Yun Yang did not want to bother. However, the situation now was very much different from what he had said. His initial plan was to have Bai Yixue assassinate He Hanqing after Han Sanhe had left. Regardless of the assassination outcome C whether Bai Yixue fled or died, Han Sanhe would have left then; he would have to be the scapegoat. By then, He Hanqings rage would burn angrier than it did now because he would have lost the immediate chance and target to vent his fury. Yet, what happened was that Bai Yixue made a move before Han Sanhe even left and both parties involved had even met face to face. Even when their discussion did not end well, the outcome was not pretty! These two old men were sly foxes, it was not guaranteed that their misunderstanding could be resolved. "Doesnt keep his words, doesnt do things responsibly; what a nuisance!" Yun Yang sighed. For Bai Yixue to come to him at such a time, it clearly indicated he was not entirely dumb. He knew that he was severely wounded and death was finite if he continued to roam outside; therefore, he had come here to avoid the calamity and heal himself in the name of interrogating Yun Yang and asking for a reason. This concealed thought of his was clear as day to Yun Yang. In spite of it, Residence of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds was truly the one place in the entire capital city that Bai Yixue could have his narrow escape from death and from his old nemesis! Not only did He Hanqings influence cross boundaries, there was also no turning back even if First Court King Qinguang came. This was Bai Yixues fortune C good luck that no one else knew except Yun Yang. "Since you came, with such a handle in my hands too it wont be as easy when you want to leave." Yun Yang chuckled unscrupulously, already calculating the probability of subduing this swordsman who was ranked sixth in the world. It was probably after being the tour guide of the foreign generals and the incident with the family of generals that a certain someone grew even more devious. He was shamelessly deceitful now, his empty promises sounding incredibly credible! "Young master, that" Fang Mofei hesitated his words. "What is it?" Yun Yang asked. "Uh Whitey Two, Whitey Three, Whitey Four" Fang Mofei was rather anxious. "I havent seen them for a few days. Are they alright?" Those Whiteys were actually superlative mystical beasts; Fang Mofei knew this better than anyone else, so he was especially concerned about them. Yun Yang smiled. "No worries, theyve just gone out to play Its nothing, theyll come back after completing their work." "Play? Work?" Fang Mofei was confused. Were they out to play or to work? How could these two things be put together C did his young master know what he was saying? "If you have time to ponder those creatures whereabouts, its better to ponder about yourselves. Have you improved recently?" Yun Yang diverted the topic. Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were speechless, not knowing how to answer. What do you mean recently? Youve just asked about our cultivation improvement ten days ago? You think therell be obvious improvement within ten days C that would be as good as advancing a level huh? "Send a message to those four fellows from Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Ask them to come," Yun Yang ordered. "Yes." Far away, the Empire of Ziyous generals were making their way speedily. They were approaching the border shared by Yutang and Ziyou now; the journey had been really smooth. The anxious group finally breathed in relief, relaxing now that they were close. "Its Ziyous territory after the mountain in front and through the dense forest. Even if Yutang has something set up, it would be hard to execute them." Marshal Zi Yuanlong pointed with his whip. "Were finally back." The generals were thrilled looking at the long cavalry troop behind them and Blood of Hero that they transported back. "We didnt let out brothers down with this militants wine, did we?" "Did you all manage to contact the spies youve placed in Yutang?" Zi Yuanlong whose white beard fluttered asked in a low voice. "Only a portion of them were contacted. Plenty of them didnt respond. Weve stayed much shorter than weve planned, so there could be that, but theres a big possibility that those we didnt manage to contact were already exterminated by Empire of Yutangs people," a general replied. "That wont be a surprise. As long as there are spies, our setup is considered a success." Zi Yuanlong sighed. "Remember to send a good amount of pension to the families of those sacrificed." "Yes." A general said smiling, "But Empire of Yutang is exactly what marshal has envisioned. Our hidden troops werent utilized at all They really let us in and return safely, not even half an attempt to attack us." "Yutangs martial arts bearing is its culture, its heroic spirit richer than any other country. They despise attacking generals of enemy nations under such circumstances. This is also Yutangs integrity I guess," Zi Yuanlong replied, the old marshals face painted with unsaid sentiments. "Thats right. Although I deeply respect Yutangs people for doing so, I cant help but be amazed by their pedantic nature." Another general commented, "What a good chance this is. If theyd attacked, theres an extremely high percentage of dealing severe damage to the military higher-ups of various nations" Zi Yuanlong replied faintly, "Xiao Yuzhi, could it be that youre disappointed because they didnt attack you and kill you?" The aforementioned general had his mouth agape before he cackled awkwardly. "Marshals joking, is he not? Im only musing for a bit, barking at moon Im barking at the moon" "Hahhaa" Listening to General Xiaos self-depreciating remark, the generals around guffawed together. The group had entered the dense forest amidst their chatter; it was already Empire of Ziyous territory. Everyone seemed much more relaxed. However, just as they went slightly further, a noise of rapid wind breaking sounded amidst their laughter. A white silhouette appeared from the woods and was rushing towards Zi Yuanlong like a ray of lightning. Everything had happened so suddenly, the change abrupt. Zi Yuanlong did not even notice the change yet, his body had been turned to joke around with others. His guard in front of him, on the other hand, had taken note of the strange occurrence and shouted to warm him. "Careful!" As he cried out, the guard picked himself up and flung himself before Zi Yuanlongs horse, disregarding his own life. Pow! The guards head was scratched to mush. 206 Han Sanhe, What Is This? It wasn''t that the guards cultivation base was poor but the attack had killed him before he could prepare his defenses C he could not cultivate his mystical Qi in time to save himself. The white silhouette did not stop, opening its mouth wide in the air as a ball of light shot out with terrible force. Swoosh! "Marshal, be careful!" Another two generals jumped up without hesitation to push Zi Yuanlong off his horse with fervor. With a loud bang, two large holes appeared in both the general''s backs; Zi Yuanlong who was under them let out a low grunt of dismay. The white shadow had moved so swiftly that it only left blurred shadows in the air. It struck the group continuously like rays of lightning; after pouncing with its paws, it shot out another three balls of light. A dozen generals died, their heads exploding like ripe melons during this attack, their manner of death petrifying to the eyes. "Block it!" Green mystical Qi rose rapidly around one of Zi Yuanlongs guards. Only now did he manage to react after the chaos that just ensued. He called out, "Its a ninth level mystical beast, an Eclipse Panther! Everyone be careful!" Several guards charged in, their swords and sabers dancing through the air to cordon the Eclipse Panthers movements and limit its incredible speed. Several of Ziyous generals managed to initiate their cultivation base to simultaneously attack the Eclipse Panther that was catapulting back and forth almost imperceptibly after watching it in agonizing fury. The Empire of Ziyous experts had also finally rushed to the thick of the battle from behind the troops, springing into the air with loud howls to descend into melee. With a sharp cry, the Eclipse Panther tumbled in the air and retreated swiftly to the top of a huge tree five hundred feet away. The attacks that were leveled at it seemed to originate from all around; no matter how swift the Eclipse Panther was, it was still struck by the furious onslaught! When the group saw that their target wilt under the relentless attacks, they grew bolder and combined forces, determined to kill the vile ninth level mystical beast and avenge their brothers deaths. The Ziyou expert sprung into the air once more, leaving behind a blurred shadow as he flew towards the tree. The white shadow flashed again, moving a thousand feet away; another flash saw it disappear entirely. "Meow" Despite being sorely wounded, the Eclipse Panther was as quick as a frightened bird, dashing towards the dense forest far away from the battle. A ninth level mystical beast had just run off after attacking stealthily, without any warning, leaving behind a ground full of corpses. "Whats going on? Why were we ambushed?" Zi Yuanlong pushed himself up with some effort; his back was gory, his flesh torn while a large portion of his hair was gone as well. Even though his guard had given his life to push him from harm''s way and two of his generals had sacrificed themselves to save him, the innate spiritual energy-driven attacks of the Eclipse Panther had still gotten through to him. Although the injuries were not serious, he had still sustained damage during the brief fight. Fury blazed in Zi Yuanlongs eyes. The rage was not for himself for the comrades who had died within the blink of an eye around him. "It was an Ecplise Panther that ambushed us a ninth level mystical beast" The guards surrounded him while the other experts at the back of the troop were making their way to the front; they were all afraid that the Eclipse Panther would return for the second round of mindless slaughter. What happened just now was abrupt, ending entirely in just a snap; the Eclipse Panther that had just attacked had also mysteriously vanished. "How can there be an Eclipse Panther here? How can this be?" Rage flickered dangerously in Zi Yuanlongs heart as he looked at the quiet forest. As he stared at the dozens of generals guards on the ground who had died morbidly, his heart clenched with uncontrollable pain. "This place usually doesnt even have third or fourth level beasts. How can there be a top leveled mystical beast that can just emerge to ambush us?" Zi Yuanlong was infuriated. "Scout the area!" The troop immediately separated into ten separate teams as they began searching towards the deeper part of the forest. Just as the operation started, a strangled cry arose from the dense trees! A bearded general who had been leading one of the teams suddenly froze up while his eyes bulged out in fear; his hands were outstretched but a coughed up a mouthful of blood that was green in color! Staggering, the general toppled over with his face towards the sky. "Whats wrong now?" Zi Yuanlong growled. "What happened?" The generals around him gathered around the bearded general, thinking that he had been ambushed by the Eclipse Panther but upon further inspection, they were speechless when they realized that that was not the case. "General Bu seems to have been poisoned" The general in question had turned entirely green, his breathing shallow as he laid on the ground; his entire being was frozen, only his lost eyes were blinking weakly. "How on earth could he have been poisoned?" "When was he poisoned? Since when does the Eclipse Panther poison its prey?" Zi Yuanlong was looking anxiously at the bearded general. "What poison courses through him? Heal him quickly!" The physician that accompanied the troops was already moving promptly to check on the general but before he could come up with any particular diagnosis, another three people cried out suddenly before collapsing like puppets with their strings cut. Three of them turned green as well and spat the same green-colored blood. Their symptoms were similar to the bearded General Bu; somehow, they had come into contact with some kind of poison and were all in dire straits. With so many consecutive incidents that happened without prior warning, everyone was stripped of their ability to think clearly. What had gone wrong? When were they poisoned? Were they the only ones or were there more of them who had been poisoned as well? "What poison is this?" Zi Yuanlong shoved a general aside and approached the physician. "Can you identify it?" The general he pushed away turned his head unintentionally and shouted in alarm, "Marshal! You" Zi Yuanlong who was simmering with rage yelled back, "What are you shouting about? Can''t it wait..." Before he could finish his words, Zi Yuanlongs expression took on an extremely strange cast before he shuddered violently, feeling dizzy. Lowering his head, he saw his hands and wrists turning green. "Marshal!" A few generals exclaimed and dashed forward to hold Zi Yuanlong. The marshals face was already green as well, as he swayed, about to fall. Several moments later, he spat a mouthful of green blood and collapsed. Seeing that their marshal had been struck by calamity as well, the situation grew even more chaotic. "Quickly return to the country!" Zi Yuanlong said hoarsely, barely able to get the words out. What the rest saw, however, was the washed-out dimness in his eyes. They were no longer searching for the Eclipse Panther, leaving behind a small squad to move slowly with the wine, while the rest of them C all the physicians and generals - detached themselves from the main troop to send the five poisoned men back with all haste. As the physicians kept up with the hasty speed, they hurriedly began healing the men. They were not hoping to remedy the poison, they only attempted to slow down the speed of the poison from spreading towards the heart. Once it reached that vital organ, it would be too late for any of them. All the men were in various stages of fright, everyone was worried that someone else had been poisoned. Who knew if someone might just fall off his horse as they made their way home. Fortunately, no one else fell victim to the poison along their journey; the group of men breathed a sigh of relief. They could basically be sure that there were only these five people who had been poisoned. It was supposed to be a fortunate event that only five of them were poisoned but the fact that Marshal Zi Yuanlong was one of them erased any joy that they might have felt. The physicians did their best C Zi Yuanlong, who had consumed seven to eight different types of pills, could finally breathe a little easier despite still looking slightly greenish. His eyes were brimming with rage as he waited quietly for the physicians diagnosis. A while later, a physician stopped what he was doing and looked at his colleagues with a grim expression. The handful of them exchanged worried looks before they nodded in collective agreement. "Marshal, we can confirm the poison that you all have ingested," the physician said in a low voice. "What poison is it?" Zi Yuanlong asked, his tone suppressed, his rage that was boiling underneath threatening to lash out anytime. "Its a Soul-Sealing Spike" The physician swallowed before continuing, "Its the School of Spring and Autumns unique secret weapon Although the poison''s strength is slightly weaker, the poison is indeed from a Soul-Sealing Spike." "Soul-Sealing Spike?" Zi Yuanlong was dumbfounded; his eyes seemed to have glazed over as well. When the generals heard the news, they scurried towards the side of the carriage. "How is the marshal? Is he alright?" "A Soul-Sealing Spike''s poison would normally work so quickly, but the sudden appearance of the Eclipse Panther might have hastened the eruption since everyone cultivated everything they had in order to protect themselves against the beast." The physician did not look pleased. "Although this Eclipse Panther has killed a few people, it seems that its real motive was to cause the poison to flare up quickly." Zi Yuanlong wore an unusually ghastly expression as he spoke slowly, "Han Sanhe, what is this?" He stared into the space before him dumbly after finishing his words, as if all the strength left in him was being sucked out. With a tilt of his head, he lost consciousness. "Marshal! Marshal!" "Han Sanhe? What had he said about Han Sanhe? Is this related to Han Sanhe?" "What strange poison is this?" A series of questions came tumbling out from the generals'' mouths. One of the physicians replied grimly, "The poison that the five of them have running in their veins is the poison of a Soul-Sealing Spike the Marshal has fainted after hearing our verdict." "Soul-Sealing Spike!" The Empire of Ziyous assistant marshal, Wang Yutang, was alarmed. "School of Spring and Autumns secret hidden weapon? Can you confirm this? This is an extremely grave accusation, its best not to simply point fingers until you are absolutely certain!" The physicians all replied at the same time, "This lowly one does not dare to say things without consideration. The Marshal and the other four mens poison is indeed the poison contained in a Soul-Sealing Spike. There''s no doubt about it C this lowly one dares to guarantee it with his life!" 207 Who Is the Mastermind? Wang Yutang breathed in deeply as his expression turned unprecedentedly glum. A few of the more authoritative generals looked grim as well, while fury clawed its way out of their souls. One of the generals said with barely contained rage, "If this lowly general remember correctly, that eerie youth dressed in black whos been following Han Sanhe is from the School of Spring and Autumn!" "Thats right. I remember Han Sanhe mentioned it that day when some of us had gone gambling while the others kept the old sirs company to talk. He was rather proud of it at that time..." Another general chimed in with his thoughts. "How did the School of Spring and Autumns Soul-Sealing Spike come into our midst?" Wang Yutangs brows locked into a deep frown. "How else?" Another general said impatiently, "Han Sanhe encourage the culprit to secretly make his deadly move. God of war, my foot..." "Shamelessly contemptible!" "Return to the country first. This lowly general must report this to His Majesty and send troops to Dongxuan to seek justice!" "Agreed. We must seize that despicable Han Sanhe and avenge our marshal!" The generals were agitated, every one of them worked up with a burning rage. If this incident was the brainchild of the Empire of Yutang, they would probably have been less enraged. After all, they were enemies; it was destined that they stood irreconcilable. It would have been more acceptable for them to tackle the enemy with whatever contemptible or tasteless tactics they could conjure, without giving much thought to honor and integrity. However, things were entirely different if the perpetrator was Han Sanhe, an impeccable ally! This was like dying on the battlefield; killed by an unexpected arrow from ones own comrade! Being betrayed by ones own comrade or ally was the biggest battlefield taboo of all militants; it would only stir feelings of rage and hatred from generals and leaders alike. Wang Yutang spoke loudly, "Let us not act rashly now. Right now, it''s more important that we save our marshal and brother''s lives than to seek revenge against Han Sanhe. Everything comes after we return to the capital. Those with connections, quickly figure out how we can obtain the antidote for the Soul-Sealing Spike. Check yourselves carefully. Seeing as to how cunning Han Sanhe is, he might have more than this trick up his sleeves. Be careful; we might not have seen the last of his treachery!" Wang Yutangs grey beard swayed. "Nobody does anything rash for now. Even if we want revenge, moving rashly will only add to our casualties. It does nothing other than wreaking havoc on our side!" "Since Han Sanhe dared to pull this off, he must have set it up in advance. Making any move blindly will only put us deeper into his trap. Its better to stay put and act only after weve thought things through!" "Weve all gone through countless battles. I believe all of you understand what I mean and need no further elaboration!" Wang Yutangs beard was still fluttering as he issued his commands, "Lets first head back to the capital as fast as we can to remedy those spiked." "Yes!" The Empire of Ziyous troop then fled homeward hastily. In the horribly shaky carriage that looked like it was about to collapse at any moment, Wang Yutang had bitten his finger, drawing blood to write his message on a white handkerchief, "Your Majesty, Marshal Zis poison" The group frantically rushed home, refusing to stop for a break regardless of whether it was day or night. The four physicians kept their worries under wraps. They had heard that the Soul-Sealing Spike had no antidote; those spiked would inevitably die as the poison would run its course and erupt in approximately ten days. Even if it never reached the heart, it would destroy the meridians and corrode the bones; one would die since the body would perish. However, despite the critical state the five men were in C paralyzed and tinted a greyish-green, their organs consumed by the poison as well, they did not show signs of dying on the spot. They could at least stay alive for ten days or up to half a month. Could it be that the Soul-Sealing Spike''s reputation was overinflated? There was also the sound of the Eclipse Panther before it left. "Meow" The four physicians were not very far away, they had heard it clearly. It had indeed come from the Eclipse Panther. Mewling? What was that? Besides the four physicians, the leading expert of the Empire of Ziyou, a Tenth Perfection master, had heard it as well. It was a given that his senses were sharp but he, too, was puzzled, thinking he had heard it wrong. How could an Eclipse Panther mewl? This was very peculiar. The Empire of Dayuans troop that was making their way home had arrived at a forest. There were also three people who had succumbed to the poison. After some panic, they had found out that it was also due to the Soul-Sealing Spike! Dayuans old marshal wore an ugly expression. "Han Sanhe! Everyone can see that you have a man from the School of Spring and Autumn. Why are you doing this to your ally? Why so brutal? Is it to suggest an alliance of empires to attack Yutang? Dayuan has suffered the most losses in this trip to Yutang; even Sir Liang has perished within the Residence of Nine Supremes. Dongxuans damage is the least significant among the nations and only Han Sanhe stayed behind when everyone else left together. If he hadnt planned it long ago, how could this happen?" The rest of the generals were disheartened as much as they were infuriated. It was when they were frantically trying to soothe those poisoned men that an Eclipse Panther suddenly emerged from the forest and charged into the crowd, slaughtering the hapless men to its hearts content! When the guards and experts finally counter-attacked, the Eclipse Panther, that was the size ofa calf, had long gone up a tree, fleeing high and far through the dense jungle like a fleeting flash of lightning. Looking at the mess and the dozens of casualties caused by the Eclipse Panther, the Empire of Dayuans generals could only feel the agony churning inside them. Who could have thought that they would be ambushed by a ninth level mystical beast at this acknowledged safe space, just as they were about to reach home? "Go back. Get the antidote from Han Sanhe at once!" "If he refuses, we will declare war!" "He will bow in apology; otherwise, this matter shall never be put to rest!" The same catastrophe struck the Empire of Tiancis troops as well. Their situation was more or less similar to that of Dayuan and Ziyou C three people were spiked with a Soul-Sealing Spike while an Eclipse Panther appeared to ambush them. Their casualties were the lightest though; it was probably because the Empire of Tiancis relay troop had long been waiting in place. Although the Eclipse Panther was a ninth level beast, it could not take on an entire army. It had left after causing a brief interlude of chaos. However, the rage of Empire of Tiancis troop burned like a prairie fire. "Han Sanhe!" "Despicable! How dare he poison us?" It was the same for all three empires; what had transpired was clear in everyones eyes, there was no way it could be concealed. Word about Han Sanhes schemes spread far and wide, the militants boiling with anger. Despite the three empires suffering casualties, most of them had still returned safely. Han Sanhe and his groups journey back to Dongxuan, however, was the epitome of chaos. Dongxuan had sent five thousand men to Yutang; when Zhan Ge and the rest left, they had only brought one thousand men from the troop with them to ensure Han Sanhes safety. Therefore, Han Sanhe and the rest of the four thousand men C guards and experts planted within included, should be of superior capabilities. If there were no actual military troop blocking them, there were not many forces in the world that could hinder them. In spite of this, Han Sanhes troop was stricken with ceaseless roadblocks and ambushes since the second night of them leaving Tiantang City even as they rushed home, running the entire day and night. It was worse when Han Sanhe swiftly concluded that the intensity of attacks was actually not from Yutang! The perpetrators were all men of the martial arts world. There were various killers, different clans, an assortment of forces, a multitude of organizations, plenty of Sometimes, there was only one man who charged into the throng for a solo massacre before leaving abruptly; sometimes, they were a group who assaulted the troop and simply killed whoever they passed by. The most outrageous one of all had to be bandits setting checkpoints on their route to specifically block their way. Their homeward journey saw the spilling of blood on each inch of the path they walked on. Before they were even halfway through their journey, the four-thousand-man troop was left with less than seven hundred people C three thousand and three hundred people had lost their lives along the way. Such casualties gave chills to even Han Sanhe, who had long experienced the brutality of the battlefield. He vaguely knew that these along-the-way assassinations were arranged by none other than the old scholar in Tiantang City, He Hanqing! No matter how Han Sanhe thought of it though, he could not figure out who this old scholar was. How could he be so influential in the martial arts world? Other than his personal influence, he had even lavishly hired top-tiered assassins to ambush him! Along the way, men from The Merciless Tower had appeared thrice while members of the Concourse of the Underworld had popped out several times as well. As for the local combative force, they were crme of experts as well. The damage they dealt and the terror they caused could not have been handled by any ordinary troop. Of course, no matter how mighty these people were, they could never be opponents of an experienced troop that was well disciplined in warfare. Unfortunately, Han Sanhe had too little disposable manpower right now. "If I had twenty thousand men, this marshal is confident that we could bury them all in the army whatever experts or assassins they may be. It''s just too bad" Han Sanhe could only sigh at the high heavens. He was right. It was a sure victory if a martial artist were to face a militant but it would have been a definite loss if a thousand martial artists were to face a thousand militants! There would hardly be an exception even if the martial artists cultivation base was much higher than the militants. Even if it were a master of Tenth Perfection, if he had landed himself among thousands of skilled cavalrymen, under the command of a marshal like Han Sanhe, only death would await him. However, what happened was that these people never fought up front with Han Sanhes troop in their ambushes. They left immediately after killing a few militants; there was no longing for more kills nor were they foolishly engrossed in the battle. They were like a pack of wolves taking down a lion C pouncing to take a bite and leaving while a new pack of wolves would replace the previous one. Even though Han Sanhe was a mighty warlord, he was helpless against such a situation. No matter how ferocious the lion was, it would still be exhausted going against packs of wolves; eventually, it would serve as the wolves'' next meal. "Who exactly is this He Hanqing? How can he wield such immense influence?" Han Sanhes face was drained of color as he thought to himself, "Also, who is that that asked Bai Yixue" "There must be a mastermind directing everything." "But who is this mastermind?" 208 He Must Be the One Who Framed Me! "There aren''t any signs! This old man has prided himself on being perceptive, acting only after thinking things through, yet I dont even know who my opponent is. I''ve really landed myself in a sticky situation this time." Han Sanhe felt like he was walking in a thick fog, not knowing what was in front and frustratingly, not knowing what was behind either; it was just a dense fog of mystery that surrounded him. As for He Hanqing, he had severely underestimated him; he had thought that he was only a scholar. Looking at the pickle he was in now, the man was obviously a tough one to handle. Was it possible that he had offended some sort of martial master? The waves of havoc were endless; the assassins who came had cultivation bases that were at least of the fifth peak. The four-thousand-man troop was relentlessly attacked, being massacred at every turn. They kept losing members, each attack taking more men than the preceding one. The youth in black wore a grim expression and said, "Marshal, Ive already sent a signal for help the day before yesterday. I believe our relief troop will be here soon but this is really bizarre" "The most significant issue now is He Hanqings identity. We must figure out who this person really is." The youths voice was very low. "There arent many who could do this in the martial arts world. We must know who our opponent is in order to tackle this issue accordingly." "Let us list the forces in the martial arts world that could do this." Han Sanhe spoke quietly. Gugu, the youth, chuckled humorlessly. "Marshal, the Tianxuan Continent is vast and wide, filled with plenty of capable people. Powerful schools or clans that possess an exceptional background and tremendous abilities arent all that few. Although they dont expose themselves much, rarely ever seen, there is still a dozen of them. The abilities they carry exceeds the limits of a nations defense, so there isnt much use listing them out. As for the forces that can send so many people for assassinations like He Hanqing, while there arent many of them, there aren''t that few either. There will at least be forty to fifty organizations with such power perhaps more." Han Sanhe replied, "Are there so many hidden forces in this world? Why do I not know of them?" The youth shook his head and replied, "Marshal is a militant after all. Being with the military troop all year long, these bits and pieces of information regarding extraordinary human prowess wouldn''t have been made avail to you. Besides, these forces rarely chip into the unrest of empires; it is even less likely for them to go against the militants head to head. Both sides will barely meet, so" The muscle on Han Sanhes face twitched before he said, "If the higher-ranked officials of the Empire of Yutang have always had such tremendous force, why" This was the underlying reason he had underestimated He Hanqing. While He Hanqing had shown that he was no minor character C possessing guards who were experts that could survive the forthright attacks of Bai Yixue, a top swordsman, why were his capabilities never utilized when Dongxuan and Yutang had been battling for so many years? Even when Yutang was almost doomed, He Hanqing had never shown up. Other than being a sage, he was also an extremely experienced official of three imperial generations. There were too many times that could have put his influence to good use but he had never made a single move! That either meant he was unable to or incapable of doing so C it was for this reason that Han Sanhe sank deeper into his thoughts and worry. As the chilling realization began to dawn on him, he realized how worrying the truth could be. No one would have thought that the reason this old official of three generations, a sage of literature, and an acknowledged loyal minister, had stayed aside was actually that he was never personally provoked C his life had never been threatened! Now that Han Sanhe had done exactly that, He Hanqings real demeanor had been revealed to him. Thinking about it now, it no longer seemed to be just worrying C it was utterly terrifying! "I guess you can''t underestimate anyone. Ive never thought that I, Han Sanhe, would ever have to face this day." Han Sanhe sighed dejectedly. He suddenly thought of something. If He Hanqing was just a trivial character with no special influence, why would the lurking mastermind spend so much effort to frame him? The mastermind had conjured up so many plots and even used the sixth swordsman of the world, Bai Yixue, in his machinations. While he was the target of this setup, he was still a secondary prize C He Hanqing was the one whom the mastermind really wanted! Judging from this, the hidden mastermind must not be an ordinary person and had to be a tremendously mighty character. Han Sanhe could only blame himself for understanding too little too late. If he had seen past everything earlier and told He Hanqing about it, things would not have transpired to this stage. Should he be blaming He Hanqing for concealing himself well or for not even being bothered in the first place? He could only blame it on his own carelessness! "Marshal doesnt have to be overly worried." Gugu comforted him, "He Hanqings actions doesn'' t indicate that he seeks the marshals life. He is mostly testing the waters, trying to lure the third party out. He never thought that were also the third partys pawn. Therefore, while the dangers along our way are plenty, there isn''t much threat to our continued survival." Han Sanhes frown was locked into place while his gaze deep. He doesn''t seek my life, but he takes those of my men at every turn. "I guess He Hanqing just wants to kill everyone around the marshal here. Only then will he let marshal return to Dongxuan. The assassinations will only end then" Gugu sighed. Han Sanhe immediately understood why Gugu was sighing. If Ha Hanqing had indeed wanted to kill everyone until he alone was left, did that not mean Gugu would be sacrificed too? It was at this time that a sharp cry sounded C another wave of ambushers had plunged into their midst yet again. "Prepare to fight!" Han Sanhe hollered. Despite not having a great number of people, seven hundred men in the hands of an exceptional marshal was still a power not to be trifled with. When they were about a thousand miles away from the capital of Dongxuan, there were only less than a hundred of Han Sanhes troop left. Everyone carried injuries and open wounds on them; their nerves so high strung that they were close to breaking down. It was a journey of death. Luckily, the relief troop the youth in black had been waiting for was finally here. A sliver of hope had come for the worn-down troop! A large eagle, with a wingspan that measured a thousand feet, slowly descended from the sky. "Its eldest senior brother!" Gugu shouted, his voice sharp with ecstasy. Anyone would be afraid of death, especially one that came without cause nor explanation. Seeing that his hope for life had come, how could Gugu not be thrilled? A lanky silhouette hopped off the back of the eagle; the newcomers robe fluttered with the wind as he descended like an immortal from the nine heavens. Han Sanhe breathed a sigh of relief at the sight while Gugu beside himself with joy. It was not without reason that both of them were so delighted. After this person came, the attackers from He Hanqing melted away, like they had never been there. Han Sanhes group finally returned to the capital safely. However, the marshal who had just gotten back was filled with anxiety. TheEmpire of Dayuan, Tianci, and Ziyou had sent pigeons with harshly-worded messages; the resentment that was contained therein was immense, with no effort at tact or diplomacy. "Give us the antidote!" Looking at the order, Han Sanhe and Gugu were both stupefied, unable to fathom the meaning behind the messages. Used Soul-Sealing Spike on them? Us? When? "Gugu, did you?" "I certainly did not!" Gugus face that he painted dark himself was flushed red. "Then who was it?" Han Sanhe paced around, thinking for some time before he finally said, "Gugu, are you sure youve only struck once in Tiantang City?" "Yes, Ive only targeted a single person. And its only one Soul-Sealing Spike! Used on that Yun Yang," Gugu said affirmatively. "Yun Yang" Han Sanhe chuckled bitterly. The young man with good looks that did not seem to belong to this realm seemed to have appeared before his eyes once more; he was so witty, using all sorts of tricks with so much ease C their Tiantang City guide who had resorted to any conceivable means to make fools of them all. Han Sanhes gaze met Gugus. The same sliver of possibility could be seen in each others eyes. "If this situation has really taken place, there is only one possibility!" Gugu said a little hesitantly. "There was only that person who had the chance" Han Sanhe continued, "But how could he use one Soul-Sealing Spike on so many people?" Gugu said angrily, "It must be that bastard who framed me!" Framed you Han Sanhe sighed. If you hadn''t used the Soul-Sealing Spike on him, he couldn''t have done what he did Even when we know its him now, we cant explain it to other countries; we have no evidence. You''ve been framed just because you said so? "The Soul-Sealing Spikes poison is rare, difficult to be found in this world. There is no antidote. So many of them were spiked but none of them have died. This means that the poison has been diluted" "By using one spike on so many people at the same time, it has lost its potency." Gugu said with a bite in his tone, "This Yun Yang, hes a devil indeed! His actions have instigated the conflict between us and the other three empires military forces!" "If there were a chance, I shall mince him into a hundred thousand pieces!" Gugu was so angry that the disguise he put on almost dropped. "This fellow has a high tolerance. He knew that youve harmed him but gave nothing away. Instead, he framed you using your method on the other foreign generals in the dark" Han Sanhe smile was devoid of humor. "Now that weve each gone back to our homeland, the other empires are all several hundred thousand miles away from us there isnt even a chance for us to sit down and explain things This tactic is impressive indeed." "There has to be a solution..." Gugu clenched his teeth and turned to look at his eldest senior brother, his voice pleading. "Eldest senior brother" The eldest senior brother, who was dressed in a black robe and wore a mustache alongside a beard smiled faintly. "We dont have the antidote for the Soul-Sealing Spike but theres still a way to suppress it. Besides, they were not heavily spiked; all the more it isnt a problem for us who have come from the same school. Since they have misunderstood and this misunderstanding involves our schools weapon, we will have to make this trip." Gugus eyes shone. "Eldest senior brother is the best!" The man smiled softly. "However, I can''t have my eagle carry an ugly child like yourself. If you were a clean, delicate beauty, the hawk would be more than happy to do so." 209 External Woes Solved, Now Time for Internal Affairs! Gugu puffed his cheeks. "Eldest senior brother only knows how to bully me." The elder man laughed, no longer joking as he said, "Gugu will go with me on my eagle. Itll be faster this way." "As long as we go and Gugu is physically present there, this misunderstanding can be resolved." "If so, Ill leave the troubles to the both of you," Han Sanhe sighed. Marshal Han was rather at a loss. Too much had happened recently, too unexpected and bizarre beyond imagination. In spite of all this, Han Sanhe knew the grave consequences that came with this issue. If the three empires had misunderstood him due to this, things would quickly spiral into catastrophe. What was important now was to put an all-rounded end to this issue, with the hope that no one would die in the process. They could then comb through the details and the cause and effect of the entire incident. If someone had died, the grudge would still be on him and the entire Empire of Dongxuan even if they did realize the cause and effect afterward. "Let us not delay this any longer. We depart immediately." The eldest senior brother smiled. "In case someone has really died there things will turn out rather badly." The School of Spring and Autumns eldest disciple had obviously considered the severity of the issue. Otherwise, with his exalted status, he would not have come so far to help them out. "When this is settled, dont go elsewhere when you come back, Gugu. Master will look for you soon and I shall go to Tiantang City to take a look at this person who could crush my little junior sister." The eldest senior brother laughed, bringing Gugu up into the sky with a flick of his sleeve. The mystical eagle came to them with a cry; it soared up like a black arrow with another long screech. Looking at the large eagle turning into a small black dot among the clouds, Han Sanhe was filled with solemnness. "Everything is such a mess now. From the looks of things, whether its He Hanqing being ambushed, the generals being poisoned, the assassinations along our way, or everything in Tiantang City its all a big ball of mystery. I have no clue what is going on." "There has to be a concealed mastermind behind all these!" "He has planned, controlled, and manipulated everything C playing everyone and forces in the palm of his hand. This person is frightening indeed" "The more pressing matter now is who is this mastermind?" "How can he hide so well, so perfectly?" Han Sanhe pondered for a good while before his expression darkened. "Yun Yang? Could it be him? The foreign generals being poisoned certainly sounds like his doing If the rest of the matters were also due to his manipulations, he is a force to be reckoned with." Han Sanhes eyes glinted with a sharpness as he called out loudly, "Guards!" "Here!" "Send a few capable men to Tiantang City. On top of that, announce a reward in the martial arts world." Han Sanhe sucked in a breath. "Kill Yun Yang. See what are the consequences." "Yes!" Han Sanhe eyes gleamed with a sinister glee. "If there are no further incidents after Yun Yang is killed, he has to be the one behind all these. If there are still further incidents then so be it" "There arent any better ideas now. Well try this out and see." "I, Han Sanhe, have never used such a tactic before. Ive actually broken my standards just for this child!" Yun Yang did not slack even when his schemes against the various countries yielded success. He began sorting out the various forces he had C first filtering the Nine Heavens Dictums people, then arranging for Shui Wuyin to partake in the Nine Heavens Dictums work. As for the Towering Wind Pavilion, it had gradually turned overly troublesome since no one was supervising it as Shui Wuyin had hidden himself to help Yun Yang. The latter had sold it off right away. With the turn of events, Yun Yang managed to garner a copious amount of silver taels C a remaining two hundred and ten million silver taels were left after clearing his previous debts. It was so huge an amount that Yun Yang was still considering how he should spend it. After all, Young Master Yun only had one concept of spending C only money that you spent was truly yours! What was the use of keeping it? To look at it? After the four noble young masters had been summoned, Yun Yang was unexpectedly made known of the reason these four fellows had been quiet recently. Ever since the four of them had gotten Yun Yangs promise, they had immediately contacted their families, ordering them to search for high-level mystical beast after reiterating the credibility of the matter C swearing, making an oath, wagering, or any spoilt manner that could allow the development of their order. Until today, there was already substantial progress from each of the families. The Spring, Summer, and Autumn families had each gotten an eighth level pinnacle mystical beast offspring and were already sending them here, while the Winter Family C Dong Family, had nothing despite their best efforts. Initially, the news Dong Tianleng received was that his family had found a high-level mystical beast that was waiting to go into labor. It was only a matter of time before they could get their hands on the offspring and a newborn was obviously easier to train than a young offspring. When Dong Tianleng had told the other three men, boasting and tooting his horn while waiting with a raised chin, he had been informed that his family men had been set upon by a large group of mystical beasts when they were ambushing the female that was in labor. It was debatable to call Dong Familys luck great as their targeted pregnant beast was the queen of the mystical beasts. Not only was its prowess amazing, it had attracted similar- leveled mystical beasts of its own species. Not a single one of the dozen of eighth peak experts from the Dong Family who joined the hunt had survived the fight. It was indeed to go out for wool and come home shorn. Now, Dong Tianlengs gaze towards the other three men was red with intense emotions! It was an opportunity that he had first gotten but it was the three of these jerks who effortlessly gained in the end. He became the one who got nothing! This made Dong Tianlengs insides churn while he fumed, the jealousy he felt almost made fire flow out from his eyes. "Boss please delay those three first" Dong Tianleng pleaded, "You must teach all of them together, only after my familys beast offspring gets here" Of course, Yun Yang was not at all bothered by Young Master Dongs pettiness. "Boss what do you think if I drugged their baby beasts once they get here first? Delay them like this I believe my baby beast is going to be here soon" When Dong Tianleng spoke, he did not notice that Chun Wanfeng and the other three had coincidentally approached where they stood talking. Of course, Dong Tianleng was then walloped soundly by the other three young masters. Yun Yang was totally disinterested in the four mens monkey business; his entire attention was on something else. Right before this, the Nine Heavens Dictum had sent news of the four empires C a handful of generals among those returning home was stricken with illness; the Empire of Dongxuan was dealing with the other three empires now. The issue had escalated this time, so each empire was in chaos as all sorts of opinions and voices were raised. Some had said that only blood could resolve this grudge while some said that they should not make rash decisions; there were also people who said that the perpetrators should be held accountable since the truth was before everyones eyes but there were also some who said that the matter was peculiar and they should be careful of tricks. All in all, the various stances were so scattered and scrambled that it was hard to mediate them all. "This is exactly what I want C for all of you to be in an upheaval. If youre not disorderly, how can I grab the opportunity within?" Yun Yangs gaze was shining. "This shall plant the seed of resentment in each nation. Its not something easily resolved; after all, there are so many generals Even if the poison was remedied and the people were saved, the grudge stays" "Especially for Han Sanhe, he has even offended He Hanqing. I believe he wont spend his coming days in peace. As for the continents empires, they probably cant make any big issue for now I wonder if Dongxuans emperor would use this chance to wipe out Han Sanhe I doubt he''d leave him alone while the opportunity to strike was this hot." "Since the external woes are soothed, I can now concentrate on solving other matters now. The despicable remains of the Four Seasons Tower must be hauled out and eradicated; that Supreme Lord Spring Frost, He Hanqing, as well If he can be wiped out, its going to benefit the future greatly." "The Four Seasons Towers affairs must be cracked while the other nations are still in unrest. Time waits for no man, this opportunity must not be lost. I must complete it!" Shui Wuyin had succeeded Lao Mei to officially become the Residence of Yuns butler. "Wuyin, what do you think regarding these matters? Any conceivable suggestions?" Yun Yang sorted through the aforementioned issues. Since the night meeting in which they had shared, Yun Yang thought highly of his extremely comprehensive cognitive. It was now time to showcase his talent! Shui Wuyin mused for some time. Grabbing a brush, he wrote the matters down onto four different notes and put them on the table. He then frowned, staring at the four pieces of paper, frozen for a long time. This was his first mission upon becoming the Residence of Yuns butler; a new broom ought to sweep perfectly clean! However, it was a given that intricate efforts must be exerted in how to do these things as well as accomplishing them perfectly. As it was, none of them was easily accomplished. "Young master, Ive tied up some loose ends about what youve mentioned." Shui Wuyins voice still carried the odd rasp but Yun Yang had long gotten used to it. "Why not just push Mi Kongquns case to the first in the sequence. This is the only easier one amongst everything else. Not only can we tackle Mi Kongqun if he comes out; even if he stays hidden in the palace, its not a difficult task to young master too." Yun Yang nodded. It was true. Shui Wuyin continued, "The only thing to consider is Mi Kongquns ability. Thered be a lot of work if you do not strike him down in one pounce. Young masters real identity will be exposed once you strike. If you miss, then news of Supreme Cloud being alive will be spread throughout the world!" 210 Yun Yang’s Weakness Shui Wuyin gave his thorough analysis in an unhurried manner. "According to what young master has described, Mi Kongquns ability should be above the eighth peak, just short of reaching the ninth peak. If he has gone to ninth peak, hed have fully recovered by now, and he wouldn''t have been injured from the simultaneous attacks of the four noble young masters experts. If hes any lower than the eighth peak, he would have fallen in his previous battles long ago. This subordinate guesses that this persons real ability should be somewhere between eighth peak intermediate and ace. The slight deviation wont be significant." Yun Yang nodded. As he listened to Shui Wuyins analysis with full concentration, he had the intention to find out the difference between his and Shui Wuyins trains of thoughts. His plan would only grow more solid if he patiently listened to constructive opinions which could offset his weaknesses. Besides, Shui Wuyin was no fool. Although his intricate web of thoughts could not compare to Yun Yangs spontaneous reflexes to the ever-changing warfare, his penetrating insights and thoroughness still trumped that of Yun Yang! "Also, Mi Kongqun was deeply wounded by Ling Xiaozui. His injury was severe, I heard that he was still healing from it up until now. According to my experience, a normal eighth peak ace expert could recover within a month despite an extremely serious internal injury given their personal healing speed in addition to treasured gems, resources, and medicines. Mi Kongquns injury, however, came from Ling Xiaozui. It was intentional too. This subordinate thinks that it must be very limiting for Mi Kongqun even if he had already stumbled across them.." "I even suspect that even Mi Kongqun probably could entirely squash Ling Xiaozuis sword air!" "Therefore, his best state right now will only be at the seventh peak aces level. It would be Impossible to be any higher. If Ling Xiaozuis sword air remains, it can even inhibit him even more. An unintentional strike can worsen his injuries and crush his combat ability." "Speaking of which, if young master strikes at the right time by shapeshifting to kill him, the percentage to end him when he doesnt notice is as high as ninety-percent!!" Shui Wuyin continued, "This target no longer needs our worry with the assured ninety percent of winning chances. Its only a matter of time and a little patience before hes entirely gone." Yun Yang nodded softly. Shui Wuyins decision and his expectation were almost entirely similar regarding Mi Kongquns case. The only difference was that Shui Wuyin analyzed from each direction and concluded after sifting through them, showing a more meticulous side to him. "The second target is the aide of the crown princes residence, Han Wufei. Hes a confirmed target but this subordinate still thinks that assassinating him would be overkill. Han Wufei can only be considered a tiny pawn; theres nothing beneficial to the bigger picture by killing him but instead, it might alert our real target. After all, our main aim is He Hanqing and as for him we can''t-do anything to him as of now. Its best to save him for last." "As for the third target young master mentioned, influential generals of the military. The range is blurry for this. If a thorough confirmation is needed, young master will have to grant me the authority to get in touch with all the powerful generals who fit the described physique and temper The possibility of confirmation can only come after searching for their doubtful points. There isnt any concrete analysis now so its difficult to identify them. We can only tackle it at a later stage." "The two targets in the military According to young masters suspicions, youve ruled out the eastern troop C Tie Zhengs troop. This subordinate thinks that his troop should not be excluded!" Shui Wuyins voice was raspy but each word of his was enunciated with much confidence and stability. Yun Yangs gaze gleamed. "We can''t say for sure there aren''t any spies in the internal ranks of the eastern troop. The war the other day saw Tie Zheng being attacked from both front and back, pushed to a corner. If young master didnt rush to assist and salvage the situation with your might, there might not even be an eastern troop today. Yet the decisive moment of victory and defeat that day was Han Sanhes cavalry troop outflanking them from the rear that formed attacking wedges from both sides. This was so bizarre that its illogical. Even when the Residence of East Defense Protector took the blame afterward, I can''t believe that the East Defense Protector was the only one who perpetuated this." Shui Wuyin looked at Yun Yang and said slowly, "Its only logical and reasonable, with the addition of a general whos familiar with the assignment and division of the military situation exposing the whereabouts and defensive loopholes of our troop" With a jerk, Yun Yangs head raised slowly to stare at Shui Wuyin. His eyes were filled with wonder. "Also, even if there were spies in the eastern troop and were sure of who they are we cant be sure that the rest of the army , including the Board of War, no longer has the infiltration of the Four Seasons Tower." "All these need to be checked carefully. We might need a thorough restart of the investigation," Shui Wuyin said. Yun Yang only nodded his head silently. "Furthermore" Shui Wuyin continued, "Young master, its not impossible that the Four Seasons Tower would still have people planted among the commonfolk in Tiantang City or the civil officials in the imperial court." "This will need to be verified and filtered meticulously too." Shui Wuyin said, "Heres also an excessive reminder of mine to young master C He Hanqing, as the Four Seasons Towers Supreme Lord Spring Frost, possesses utter respect and influence; he has only one above him and millions under him yet hes stayed in Tiantang City for so many years, serving three generations of the emperors. Why is that?" "It completely shows that Tiantang City is Supreme Lord Spring Frosts base camp! It is the Hall of Springs headquarter! Since its where the headquarter is theres a huge possibility that at least more than half of the Hall of Springs powers are situated within the Empire of Yutang while Tiantang City is where it matters the most. If there were eighty Hall of Springs people in the Empire of Yutang, there will at least be nothing less than fifty women in Tiantang City." "That would explain why He Hanqing has stayed put here for so many years!" "This also indirectly explains why He Hanqing didnt plan to move away even when hes been exposed by Ling Xiaozui and is rendered to danger anytime. Thats because he believes that no one can do much to him here!" "As for the reason He Hanqing can be so confident, this means that he has sufficiently intimidating power that lies in Tiantang City." "Such intimidating power could only mean a mass of experts. That, or a web of connection thats intricately woven and exceptionally strong." "Since He Hanqing is Supreme Lord Spring Frost, an expert who stood off theFour Seasons Towers Hall of Spring staying in Tiantang City definitely wont be a small number. To the very least, it has to be over thirty to forty people. As for young masters targets, there is only a handful of men. The numbers are hardly tallied." "In addition, unexpected circumstances will happen anytime if our vision is set too narrowly. Our capability right now cant afford to let that to happen; once it does, well be rendered into an unprecedented passivity." "Therefore, I conclude that there are at least thirty people in the Hall of Spring from Four Seasons Tower. Young master has mentioned that the eunuch youve killed is from The Hall of Autumn This also means that while most of Hall of Springs men are here, there are also hints of Hall of Autumns influence. Combining both sides the number of Four Seasons Towers manpower will have to increase even more." "In a nutshell, Tiantang Citys battle will be truly tricky. The difficulty is tremendous." Shui Wuyin came to the conclusion after narrating his thorough analysis; Yun Yang nodded slowly with a grim expression. "Uh There are also two mistakes in the direction of young masters previous decision orientation." Shui Wuyin sucked in a breath, seemingly hesitant but finally saying out loud in courage. Yun Yang said thoughtfully, "Do speak." "There seem to be two aspects that young master has never paid attention to!" Since Shui Wuyin had started to speak, the hesitation earlier was gone. "One of it is women! As of now, the Four Seasons Towers people whom young master has met are all male but that doesnt mean that Four Seasons Tower doesnt have any females or one dit . In spite of it, young master has subconsciously excluded all women in young masters direction of target choice. Young masters been in the military all year long so its always men where the eyes see, even the enemies are men, so its only subconscious that young master rules out women. Although its reasonable, its a big loophole." "Four Seasons Towers influence is massive. Its imaginable that the spies or intel they planted wont ignore the presence of women. There are a lot of circumstances, places, and things that only women can enter or accomplish. After all, women possess some innate advantages that men do not." "So we should reevaluate information regarding this aspect of the work, recheck and refilter what we have. We have to treat both male and female equally in." Yun Yang sighed and said, "Correct. Ive indeed missed this point Wuyin, if you didnt remind me, I might go on like this until I suffer a loss." "This is my mistake, a grave one at that." Yun Yang acknowledged somberly. A flash of admiration came through Shui Wuyins gaze. It was a precious characteristic that surpassed most ordinary people to be able to acknowledge and correct ones mistakes immediately. "What about the second mistake?" Yun Yang asked humbly, his tone tinged with a sense of consultation. "Young masters second mistake is" Shui Wuyin mulled over his words and said, "Young masters sight is a little too high. Its always set on the top and never towards the bottom" Yun Yang frowned and asked, "Towards the bottom what do you mean?" "The people in the palace, in the Residence of Crown Prince, the generals, Supreme Lord Spring Frost, even the mastermind of Four Seasons Tower Mr. Nian" "Chu Tianlyn! As well as the blacksmith, Chu Tianlang, and President of Censorate whom the young master killed" Shui Wuyin commented, "These people are higher up in an ordinary persons eyes They possess the authority to command changes and stir unrest Its also why theyve been noticed by young master. On the other hand, young master has never set sight on the street thugs or even ordinary citizens." "There are a lot of things that dont necessarily require the involvement of significant characters." 211 A Conversation Before War Shui Wuyin continued slowly, "Some people from the lower castes can do them too. Since the Four Seasons Tower is a massive, all-encompassing organization, it wont exclude the darker sides of society. Perhaps I should say places that people usually dont take note of." Yun Yang looked concerned as he asked, "For example?" "For example brothels, casinos, gangsters, beggars, bodyguard establishments, banks maybe even Tiantang Citys slumps." Shui Wuyin was combing through his thoughts unhurriedly as he spoke of his perspective bit by bit, "If I were to be in charge of the Four Seasons Tower, I will never rule out the main bosses of the red-light districts. These are people I must have in my hands." "Because those places can have unexpected effects under specific circumstances." Yun Yang nodded again as he mulled over what was being said. Listening to Shui Wuyin, it was as if his perspectives had broadened. Shui Wuyin was right. He had been tackling the entire issue only from the significant aspects while not paying much attention to everything and everyone from the lower classes. Just like the family of generals case the other day C if he had noticed the rumors spread among the people earlier, the entire incident could have been nipped in the bud! This was indeed a blind spot in his thinking process. "Although young master is the think tank of Nine Supremes, having exceptional intelligence, all of young masters focus has always been on the military conflicts. That is why young master will also always tackle things from the macro view." Shui Wuyin commented. "Its not that young master missed out on the two mistakes Ive mentioned earlier. Young master has simply never come across such a situation before this." "But theyre what we must face afterward Wuyin can only hope that I could patch young masters loopholes at any given time. Still, we cant afford any surprises. We must have everything within our control!" Yun Yang sighed and replied, "Wuyin, you need not comfort me. Its true that Ive never thought of them; a mistake is a mistake. I cant and need not deny this. If I cover it up, I will only commit the same mistake in the future." "Just like what you said, we cant afford any accidents. And in this world right now, any careless step could cause a mistake from which we can never recover from. We cant afford to err." "So, it is my oversight." Yun Yang emphasized his words, "I admit it and I shall remember to never commit it again!" Looking at Shui Wuyin, Yun Yang spoke seriously, "Wuyin, I am lucky to have you." Shui Wuyins eyes flashed with admiration and relief. "I can rest my worries now that young master can think so. Our first target, for now, will be Mi Kongqun!" "Lets first focus on the target that shows itself. Only then we shall look for those that are concealed." Shui Wuyin said, "The intel we have right now is limited but Supreme Lord Spring Frost, He Hanqing, must have the name list of everyone belonging to the Four Seasons Towers Hall of Spring!" "It''s like pulling chestnuts out of the fire. We have to go through it step by step; we cant be impatient nor can we err!" Shui Wuyin heaved a long puff of air; he had finally finished his analysis. He could not help rubbing his temples, this was indeed tiring to the mind. "Great!" Yun Yang puffed as a sharpness tinged his gaze. "Since weve decided on the target, we shall delay no longer. Lets do it!" Mi Kongqun would be first on their list! It was night at the Cirrus House. Yun Yang had recently formed an unusual habit. Each time when he was about to do something, he would come here first. Although he let nothing out of the bag, it was as if he was subconsciously reporting it to his brothers. "Im going to end them!" "Im going to seek revenge for us!" He could even persuade himself that as long as he did so, his brothers would know C and they would bless and protect him. "They will be very happy when I succeed!" "As long as I uncover the spies and kill the enemy, then perhaps my brothers will clink their goblets of wine together in the underworld to celebrate for me too." Even when he knew that his thoughts were self-indulging and self-deceiving, he was willing to believe it, willing to be deceived! Of course, everything was true to one who was willing to be deceived by himself, even when it was false! When Yun Yang saw Yun Zuiyue today, instinct told him that something was vaguely amiss but he could not tell what it was. Yun Zuiyues gaze towards him seemed to be more affectionate and sympathetic than it used to be; she had always treated him very well but the friendliness seemed to be a bit more than the norm today. Also, Cirrus House had very few patrons tonight. Yun Yang was very familiar with the people in Cirrus House. With a single glance, he was sure that other than Qing Shanxue and a few other familiar faces, the rest of the Cirrus Houses staff, including a few sworn sisters who were the closest to Yun Zuiyue, were all gone. "Where are the staff? Why are there so few of them now? Has something happened in the Cirrus House?" Yun Yang was naturally puzzled about it. Looking at Yun Zuiyue, he could somehow show his true self to a certain extent, thus directly asking the questions that were at the top of his head. Yun Zuiyue sat down gently and explained, smiling, "The eyes see and the mouths speak too much when there are a lot of people, so I simply sent some away. Its much more orderly now." Yun Yang was shocked hearing her words, instantly falling silent. He could guess Yun Zuiyues thoughts. It was probably due to Ju Chen; that was why she had sent all those she was uncertain of or had doubts about away C nipping everything in its bud before they could possibly turn into a hidden disaster. "Sister Yues expenditure must be quite high then? Especially those who have to be sent away despite the fact that they are no threat. Sister Yue probably doesnt feel good about it too," Yun Yang said. He had called her sister-in-law previously but upon Shui Wuyins reminder, Yun Yang felt that he had to be even more careful with his words and actions. For example, the current term of endearment; sister-in-law. If he were to form a habit addressing her so, it might become the reason for an unforeseen catastrophe. If Yun Zuiyue were to be stricken with a mishap, Yun Yang would definitely kill himself. Therefore, he reverted to calling her Sister Yue. "Nothing so serious." Yun Zuiyue smiled. "Its not out of will that we sisters enter this field. As a woman, who doesnt hope that they can find a good man and a stable home to return to; perhaps, a life that one dreams of. All the sisters who left this time, whether they have somewhere to go, were all given one million silver taels. I believe they can live well after this, its a life they can see future in." Yun Zuiyue heaved a long sigh. "I sincerely wish all of them safety and happiness, leaving such a place to live lives belonging only to themselves, live that they have always dreamed of." "An industry based on youth will always be temporary. How can it last?" Yun Zuiyue chuckled bitterly. "The sisters will have to leave sooner or later. I only helped them decide that it would be sooner." "Sister Yue is right. I hope they can really live life as they wish and be happy and safe," Yun Yang replied. Looking as Yun Yang with her clear eyes, Yun Zuiyue asked with concern, "Does young brother not have good rest these days? You look frightful" Yun Yang laughed and replied, "Nothing as bad as that. My days are more comfortable and at ease than Sister Yues." Yun Zuiyue nodded her head but could not help casting her eyes down, thinking, "All your brothers arent by your side now. Youre alone in the center of this whirlpool, facing life and death at every moment How can you be more comfortable and at ease than me?" "So many of Cirrus Houses sisters have left. I wonder if Sister Yue" Yun Yang switched to another topic. " will also have ... the life you dream of too?" Just as the words rolled off his tongue, Yun Yang regretted them immediately, wanting very much to give himself a few harsh slaps. It was likely prodding a terribly tender spot. Yun Zuiyue chuckled softly and said, "If I leave too wont he have to spend more effort looking for me if he comes back? As for life that I dream of its the life I have now!" Yun Yang kept quiet, the melancholy rang deeper in his heart. Yun Zuiyue continued softly with a faint smile, "The life of a woman is really simple actually; its all about waiting. Its the same no matter what type of woman one is. When a woman is young, she waits for her man and a home. When she has a home, she waits still; she waits for her man to return home from work, waits for him to have a meal, waits for him to reunite, waits when she gets older, she waits for their children and grandchildren" "As for me right now, Im also waiting C waiting for my man." Yun Zuiyue went on. "As for this wait, this process its one that Sister Yue is happy to go through. As long as theres someone in a womans life whos worthy for her to keep on waiting like this its also a kind of happiness." Yun Yangs Adams apple bobbed; he swallowed dryly before he spoke, "Yes Yes. Its indeed a kind of happiness. I have no doubt at all about Sister Yues words." Yun Zuiyue chuckled, beautiful like flowers blooming. "Why is it always about me? Lets talk about you this time. Young Brother Yun, if Im correct, Im afraid your real identity isnt the only son of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds?" Yun Yang was taken aback at once C stupefied; he obviously did not expect Yun Zuiyue to deliver her words so directly, so frankly. "Im just guessing." Yun Zuiyues eyebrows formed a pretty curve. "Sister Yue is indeed intelligent. Your guess is right, Im not Marquis Yuns son by blood." Yun Yang sighed softly. "Then is it acceptable for Young Brother Yun to disclose your real background?" Yun Zuiyue asked curiously. Yun Yang wore a straight face when he answered, "I dont even know this myself." Yun Zuiyue made a sound of exclamation. "Pardon? What do you mean?" 212 Night at the Palace She continued to ask him, "How can you not know? Just like your fifth brother and I C although weve been sold at a young age, we still know who our parents are. Even when theyre dead, theyre still our relatives after all. Its where we came from" "According to what I know, fifth brother doesnt know his identity" Yun Yang replied. Yun Zuiyues gaze shone as she chuckled, covering her mouth. "Right. Its a slip of the tongue, Ive gotten it wrong." Inwardly, she was thinking, "He does indeed know everything about Flame." Yun Yang said quietly, "Im the same as fifth brother. We dont know where we came from." A forced smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Its like we just popped out of the bushes." Yun Zuiyue was startled. Looking at Yun Yangs numb expression C looking at Supreme Cloud, who could single-handedly cause an upheaval in the world and shoulder the mountainous weight of his fate, a surge of heartache came suddenly to drown her entire being. At the moment, she only wanted to hug Yun Yang and comfort him. She stood up and walked over lightly; squatting before Yun Yang and looking at him with a raised head, Yun Zuiyue spoke softly, "Young brother, you still have this sister-in-law. How unfortunate weve been in this world, yet how lucky we are now because of each others existence. We still have family in this world, after all, we still have solacefrom each other; thats immensely precious." Yun Yang smiled softly in reply. "Yes, Sister Yue. Were all very lucky." Taking a deep breath, he continued, "Im leaving, Sister Yue. Im going to collect some interest tonight." "Be careful in everything you do. Come back alive! Only by being alive can you speak of revenge!" Yun Zuiyue replied softly. "Agreed." Yun Yang nodded, his purple robes fluttering as he stood up; strands of raven hair fell too, covering half of his face as he turned to say, "Sister Yue, youre really clever." Yun Zuiyue was surprised when she heard him but Yun Yang had already gone out the door. A soft, almost inaudible voice drifted in through the wind, "You already know my identity." A sad smile was etched Yun Zuiyues face. Yun Yang had disappeared C under the warm lanterns, under the nightfall. Coming to the window, all that Yun Zuiyue saw was a cloud floating away slowly in the sky. It was already a second fragment of the night1. Mi Kongqun curled himself up as he coughed softly. His plump, fair face had lost a lot of weight; his wrinkles, too, had deepened significantly. He clamped his mouth shut. It was as if a snake coursed through his torso continuously, while a surge of mystical Qi flowed around encircling his body. It was like a mini tornado was spinning in his room. After a long time, his mouth opened abruptly as a green smoke sprayed out. Two harsh coughs followed before he spat out a mouthful of blood. At the same time, a weird pop came from his thigh and a bloody puncture appeared where the sound came from. A hiss of sword air gushed from the puncture immediately, slashing the painting hung on the wall opposite into half with a crack. Mi Kongquns huffs that were already labored became strained, a deep resentment pooling in his eyes. Not only did Ling Xiaozui heavily wound Mi Kongqun with a strike of his sword the other day, he had left refined sword air in his body too. The sword air was so refined that it stayed condensate; it was also this exceptional sword air that was destroying Mi Kongquns body. As long as he cultivated, the sword air would react promptly by exiting his body in the form of a sharp sliver. No matter how minuscule the separated sword air that came out, it was still one that was left by Ling Xiaozui; it was not something Mi Kongqun could defend himself against. It also came from within him so it was difficult to avoid it; Mi Kongqun had only dissolved one-third of the sword air after so long by doing everything he could, cultivating to expend it or exhausting it intentionally. Based on the dissolving speed, he only needed two months before he could entirely dispel the sword air. However, the separated sliver of sword air that erupted from within bore an unexpected destructive force. Even if Mi Kongquns body could last for two months, his internal and motor functions would be useless as most of it would be exhausted! It was either a misfortune as a blessing in disguise or vice versa, though, as Mi Kongqun managed to stay safe when the entire palace was being overturned; the purge left him alone since he was in a critical state and no one bothered with him. Otherwise, he would have been gone on that day itself. Until now, Mi Kongqun, who had turned better, was much more careful. "Ling Xiaozui!" Mi Kongqun panted heavily. Despite the resentment that was painted in his eyes, most of it was also helplessness. He knew that there was no chance of revenge in this lifetime. Even if he cultivated for the rest of his life, he could not take even a single strike from Ling Xiaozui. Two young eunuchs entered his room respectfully, leaving only after cleaning and tidying the space. The night was late now. A ray of moonlight came in from the window, casting its glow before Mi Kongquns eyes. Mi Kongqun looked at the bright moon hanging in the sky, slowly fading into a trance. A gaze that was cold like the moon surfaced in his thoughts. Among the people in the Mi Family who were seized by Young Master Qiu Yunsan the other day there was an old hunched woman who was long past her prime. She had looked at him with such a gaze then. From the moment he appeared to when he had left, she had watched him with that terrible look on her face, whether she was seized or freed. Mi Kongqun sighed deeply. It was his wife! He could still remember back in the days when they were newlyweds. They were very loving, ascending to the roof every night with his darling in his embrace; they would sit on the roof and watch the moon together. Her name was Leng Yue2. He wondered when tender warmth had vanished. It was when he had joined the Four Seasons Tower and had cultivated an unparalleled cultivation skill that he had begun to neglect his beautiful wife. It was when he had cultivated to a certain stage that he realized the cultivation skill was actually the legendary Art of Seclusion. His skill improved vastly each day upon cultivation; the improvement more than ten times faster than a normal cultivation skill. Yet once he had cultivated this skill, he could no longer fornicate, no longer enjoy the intimacy that he once had. It was also at that time that the Four Seasons Towers order came for him to be castrated to enter the palace, in order to achieve the bigger goal. He could no longer copulate then, always feeling slightly disparaged before his wife. Since there was such a mission, he had gone for it without hesitation. He had actually remembered everything about the parting that day; he had always remembered The deep emotions contained within his wifes gaze when she watched him leave; it was drizzling that day too. After so many years, she had never spoken a word to him. Even when they met during his occasional returns, she would only look at him quietly. It was just like the cold moon in the sky right now, looking at him silently and coldly. Mi Kongqun felt a sudden sense of bitterness. How long had he not felt so already? It was indeed a long absence! He went to the window with slow steps, his gaze bored into the moon with his head raised. The bright moon was still cold and pure, unchanged, just like when both of them had watched it side by side, fifty years ago. However, the beauty from fifty years ago had now waned. As Mi Kongqun looked at the moon in a stupor, two lines of words surfaced in his mind. It was the words that Leng Yue had said ever so softly with starry eyes on the rooftop, when she was snuggled in his embrace, with an arm circling his waist. "The moon is here today, and so are you; thats great. When we get old and are here to watch the moon again I wonder how it will be when the time comes." Upon saying this, Leng Yue had chuckled innocently, her hold against him growing tighter. It was as if Mi Kongqun could still feel the soft arms around him once more; the longing of his lover was still so clear He watched the moon in a daze, murmuring, "When we get old and are here to watch the moon again I wonder how it will be when the time comes." For a moment, the heartache that blossomed in his chest was suffocating. The image of the hunched old woman with the wrinkled face and a head of silver strands alongside eyes that were deep like the dead waters emerged before his eyes again. "Leng Yue" Mi Kongqun could not help calling out. He clenched his eyes shut, feeling as if his heart was shattering. After a while, he mumbled, "I am sorry." "Sorry? Mi Kongqun, there arent a lot of people youre not sorry about in your life," a voice spoke faintly. Mi Kongqun was still stilted in inexplicable bitterness. A hopeless sense of despair was crawling its way out C it was guilty remorse that ate him inside out. Mi Kongqun, who was in a trance, was not at all alarmed by the intruder. Instead, he spoke blearily, "Who are you? Has Leng Yue sent you to punish me?" The masked man dressed entirely in black in front of him was none other than Yun Yang himself. Hearing his words, he was taken aback. Leng Yue? Who was that? Yun Yangs stupor gave both of them a breather; Mi Kongqun had also regained his clarity from the hesitation and reacted. With a deep exhalation, he turned cold. "Who are you?" Yun Yang said faintly, "Has Keeper Mi forgotten our wager earlier?" Realization hit Mi Kongqun then; he asked coldly, "So youre from the four noble families. What temerity you have, trespassing into the internal palace at night!" "Its not important where I come from, what matters is the unpaid debt. Wont Keeper Mi invite his guest to have a seat inside?" Yun Yang replied. Mi Kongqun seemed to have an internal battle with himself before he finally said, "Come in and let us talk about it." As he spoke, he opened the window. If the opposite party had come to kill him, of course Mi Kongqun would not mind making a big fuss over it. Since the man had only come to ask for the debt, and he had indeed lost the royal Luminary Paste that day It was best to keep things peaceful and low-key. If the issue were to be blown up, Mi Kongqun would only be stricken with more misfortune even though the other party would not benefit in any way. It was under such a judgment that Mi Kongqun invited the person into his room despite his obvious reluctance. Translator Note: 1second fragment of the night (r gng): Night in ancient times was divided into five parts according to the shifts of palace duty. Each part is two hours respectively as so C first part of night (һ y gng tin) is 7pm to 9pm; second part of the night ( r gng tin) is 9pm to 11pm; third part of the night ( sn gng tin) is 11pm to 1am; fourth part of the night (ĸ s gng tin) is 1am to 3am; fifth part of the night ( w gng tin) is 3am to 5am. 2Leng Yue (lng yu): the name of Mi Kongquns wife; it also means cold moon literally. 213 A Heart to Heart Conversation "Which family are you from?" Mi Kongqun stepped back and sat on a chair. His expression was still inexplicably somber. After he had affirmed that Yun Yang was only here to ask for the debt, Mi Kongqun had let his guard down and the melancholy had returned. It was not as strong as before but even a blind man could see it was there. Yun Yang was not blind; his vision was very much better than most as well. He could feel the slightly odd atmosphere C was this man having a bad day? Musing to the moon? Reminiscing? Initially, Yun Yang was still upset over his previous carelessness. Although Mi Kongqun was not as dazed as he was earlier, he was still stricken and submerged in an eerily sorrowful mood; he was somewhere in between waking and dreaming and would continue to be so for a while. What? What a fluke! The situation had improved somewhat. Although Mi Kongqun was seriously out of sorts, Yun Yang would still have to endure his retaliatory strikes before death claimed him, even though he would eventually prevail over Mi Kongqun. Now, there was a huge chance of total victory, as long as he was careful; he could eliminate his target and leave without injury to himself! Yun Yang sighed softly. "I come on behalf of the Qiu Family. Trust me, it is not on my own free will. It is unfortunate that Keeper Mi has indeed tackled this issue tactlessly." Mi Kongqun snorted coldly and said, "Could it be that you, from the Qiu Family, were genuine and amicable when kidnapping and blackmailing my entire family?" "Tact and authenticity are matters of opinion. If Keeper Min didnt first provoke the Qiu Family, this reputed one wont be here today!" Yun Yang replied coldly. Mi Kongqun wanted to retort but he only sighed without saying anything. His current state of mind had left him significantly powerless; he also did not have the mood to argue. After a long time, he said, "Lets not beat around the bush. I didnt plan to owe the wager promised but Ive never planned to actually give it. I cant even let myself go if I did" "Since youve come all the way here for me let me just lavishly fulfill your wish this time." Mi Kongquns expression was growing more miserable; he looked lost and empty like he no longer had a purpose in life. The sadness was exceptionally prominent. A profound sense of despair overwhelmed Mi Kongqun; it felt like he had suddenly lost all interest and thirst for everything in this world. Yun Yang felt the emotions very clearly. What had happened to this fellow? How could a high-level cultivator be so absent of will? How could he have simply believed a stranger just because he said he was from the Qiu Family? Moreover, what was that all about, sitting on the chair with that anguished look on his face? There was not the slightest bit of alertness in him. Yun Yang had come to kill him but he was rather bewildered now When the target offered its own head on a silver platter, Yun Yang was at a loss on how to proceed. "The Luminary Paste" Yun Yang started. Mi Kongqun tossed five small boxes in front of him, saying self-depreciatingly, "I believe if it were anyone else, they wouldn''t have handed it over Too bad theyre completely useless to me." Yun Yang seemed to have caught on as he replied, "Everyone has different ambitions. It cant be forced." Mi Kongqun chuckled, looking like he was about to say something but swallowed his words instead. Yun Yang, sensitive as he was, could tell that Mi Kongquns emotions were going through a rollercoaster ride once more. He could not help perking up, sitting down on a chair in front of Mi Kongqun and said softly, "I didnt expect Brother Mi to be so forthright. I am impressed. I hope to be friends with Brother Mi after this matter." Smiling indifferently, Mi Kongqun replied, "May I ask for this respectable ones name? What is your nickname in the Qiu Family?" Yun Yang tensed but said in a low voice, "I can only tell you that I am in the top five of the Qiu Family." With a slight shock that was reflected in his gaze, Mi Kongqun finally lets out a chuckle and said, "Looks like your respectable family still regards me rather highly." "But this reputed one has never thought that Keeper Mi is so easygoing," Yun Yang said. Mi Kongqun sniggered upon hearing his words. "There are a lot of times when Im not this docile. Since youve achieved your goal, leave quickly. This is a palace, after all, its not a place for casual conversation." With a chuckle, Yun Yang replied, "Its not that I dont want to leave. Its just Ive prepared well before coming, wanting to have an exchange of skills with Brother Mi. Perhaps Brother Mi doesnt know this but your reputation is renowned in the four noble families, especially our Qiu Family! How could I have known that this would unfold so smoothly Im actually quite surprised and a little embarrassed. I see that Brother Mi is rather down; Ill just keep Brother Mi company here to talk and kill some time." "Hmm?" Mi Kongqun hummed incredulously. He obviously did not believe Yun Yangs words. Even if this Qiu Familys man was grateful, their relationship was still too short; it was too much to have a heart to heart talk with an acquaintance. Yun Yang sighed softly and said, "Actually, I can understand Brother Mis current state of mind. Martial artists like us, weve been shedding blood before blades our whole life, struggling with life and death; all we ever asked for is fame, fortune Cand power." "But for this fame, fortune, and power, what weve given and what weve gained arent necessarily proportionate" Yun Yang sighed softly, "The gains and losses in this human realm, is naught after all People like us, what we used to imagine weve mostly gotten them; even if it''s not everything, it''s still quit close." Mi Kongquns Adams apple bobbed but his face was still closed off and distant. Yun Yang knew that he was about to speak then, he had just forcefully swallowed his words again. Since there was already progress, he had to keep on pushing. He continued persuading the eunuch to speak, "Actually, this reputed one doesnt know Brother Mi; we have even held opposite stances in the past. Some words are indeed too much for such an acquaintance but todays situation is different. I feel suffocated if I dont speak easily Brother Mi is considered successful, why are you so devoid of drive?" "Successful?" A pitiful laugh tore through Mi Kongqun; he pointed at his chest and said harshly, "Brother Qiu, do you think that someone like me with an incomplete body C even when I have a mighty cultivation base - can be consideredsuccessful when all I do each day is to serve someone else in this palace?" "Each to their own, really. The path you take is the path youve chosen ultimately. Since Brother Mi has chosen this path and has gotten to the position of Inner Court Attendant, its already at the peak. How can it not be considered as successful?" Mi Kongqun gave another chortle of despair. "Ive chosen? Ive chosen, really?" He sucked in a deep breath. "If I could choose, who doesnt want to have a beautiful wife and pretty concubines? To be titled duke or marquis for generations to come? Whos willing to castrate themselves and enter the palace to serve?" "With Brother Mis cultivation achievement, who can coerce you to do anything if its not your free will? Well always lie to ourselves in some things in this world. There isnt a need to say much, each person has their ambition, I understand as much," Yun Yang commented after a snicker. Anger flashed across Mi Kongquns expression before he wore a meaningful smile and said pointedly, "Damned a man shall be upon entering the wrong career, damned a woman shall be upon picking the wrong man. What a maxim! What I regret the most in this life is entering the wrong career and causing my wife to marry the wrong man!" His head raised slightly to look at the cold bright moon still shining on him gently from the sky; a pained gentleness surfaced on his face where some green veins formed bumps on his forehead. His hands were clenched into fists, he was fighting for his control over his emotions. Yun Yangs gaze danced when he said, "But youve entered the palace, after all, to become a eunuch." His words were brutal C especially so for the current Mi Kongqun. It was like clawing all his wounds and scabs apart at once, showing the bloody mess and countless gashes. It was a fatal blow to Mi Kongqun who was not very much himself right now. The wicked words had sucked all of his rationality C under the unchanging tenderness of the moonlight, Mi Kongquns expression morphed into one of menace. "All these are not what I wish!" He was near growling like he was arguing with himself. A young eunuchs timid voice came from outside, "Eunuch Mi, whats going on there? Do you need this young one to go in?" The unexpected yet reasonable "Eunuch Mi" was like a handful of salt rubbed into Mi Kongquns wound. He shouted hysterically, "Out! Roll as far away as you can!" "Yes!" The young eunuch was obviously frightened, disappearing immediately. Mi Kongqun looked green under the moonlight; he clenched his teeth and said harshly, "Im also a man. My goal is nothing different than all yours! Its just that Ive become a disciple of a master then!" He did not want to say anything. However, the resentment he had suppressed for tens of years had suddenly surged in tides; he could not restrain himself, he could not have poured them out. In addition to the other partys provoking words, the tides grew fiercer. He finally could not help himself but begin talking. "My great master gave me a cultivation method!" Mi Kongquns expression was still as ominous. "I was only twenty-three years old then! I was young, I didnt know better! I cultivated that cultivation skill, the improvement was rapid. One year of cultivating it could compare to ten years of cultivating other cultivation skills!" "Do you understand the vast improvement, the kind that flies forward each day?" "I cultivated wholeheartedly. Very quickly, Ive got to the third stage. With the continuous cultivation, I slowly realized that my interest towards the cultivation skill grew; it became more and more irresistible. While towards sex I seemed to grow more disinterested. I didn''t feel anything My wife had only gotten married to me for two years and a half then!" "Do you know how it feels?" Mi Kongqun chuckled again without humor. Yun Yang answered faintly, "Wholeheartedly cultivating is a necessary process in the path of cultivation. Theres nothing undeserving about it. Its just a difference in everyones state of mind." The deprecating snicker came from Mi Kongqun again. "It was until later that I truly understood its not that Ive neglected it. I cant anymore I cant, you know?" 214 Granting Your Wish "I went to physicians and searched for medicine; nothing helped until I found a physician who was proficient in mystical Qi. He told me the problem lies within the cultivation skill I trained in C Second to None Magic. The martial arts world calls it Art of Seclusion." Mi Kongqun said, "My Second to None Magic was given to me by my master. He already knew the pros and cons, as well as the risks, of cultivating it." "But there was no turning back once I realized it." "Even if I destroyed the skill Ive cultivated at once, or the entirety of my cultivation base even, nothing helps. My physical condition cant be reversed!" "I went to look for my master, I wanted to ask for an explanation. I couldnt find him anymore." "Afterwards, I realized that theres nothing else I can seek other than power Gradually, from reluctance to an acknowledgment of my condition, from humiliation, from anger, and from despair I managed to accept it C accepting because I had to accept it." "Five years passed. Ive changed totally within the five years, into an entirely different person. My master appeared again then." "He asked me frankly, is it hard?" "Is it hard? What say you? Is it hard?" Mi Kongqun laughed weirdly. "I guess your reply then should be it isnt!" Yun Yang answered softly. Gritting his teeth, Mi Kongqun smiled saying, "Correct. My answer then was, indeed it isnt hard. Ive already become so C even when Im filled with complaints, whats the point of it? Theres no meaning!" "Seeing that I was willing to accept the reality, my master was pleased. He found out about the tense atmosphere at home too, saw how I suffered to go through days in the family He asked if I wanted a way out, to change the state of my life." "That time, I answered without even thinking C I wanted to leave!" "Back then, I felt that I had been patient for far too long!" "My master arranged for me to enter the palace, saying since I cant achieve the success of a man, I should seek another way. As long as I can achieve another kind of success, my life would not be a waste" "I chose to enter the palace, never regretting my decision until now." "I havent returned home in a long, long time." "It was until that day when your family kidnapped my family that I went back. It was then that I saw my wife again." "My wife Her stunning beauty had been unsurpassable then. Now, she has become an old wrinkled woman adorned in silver strands!" Mi Kongqun snorted. "Do you know that feeling? No, you wont. If you hadnt experienced it personally, how will you know what youve missed?" Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit. Then, he asked, "Your master why did he harm you like this?" The resentment burned brighter on Mi Kongquns face. Yun Yang cultivated Endless Divine Art to cool his heart down completely, like wrapping snow and frost around it. Then he used the prowess of his deific consciousness, exuding it to its limit as he said unexpectedly, "The people your master arranged to enter the palace all these years I believe you were not the only one?" No matter what had caused Mi Kongqun to drop his guard tonight, it was a godsend opportunity to Yun Yang. It was because of this that he attacked with his deific consciousness without hesitation. Mi Kongqun felt even more dazed, the old tender romance that had long been buried in his heart surfacing fragment by fragment. It caused his resentment to flare like a prairie fire. Without a thought, he spat, "Of course there wasn''t just me. The Minister of Imperial Household, Jiang Zhong, came in even earlier than I did." "It shouldnt only be the two of you. Since its a planned conspiracy, how can a storm be brewed if there are only two participants? There must be people who assisted you all," Yun Yang continued to pester the beleaguered man. Mi Kongqun sighed, "Since it was supposed to be a wide-scaled affair, both the military and civil sides were unavoidably involved. Even during the royal purge this time, I was helped by both military and civil people Speaking of which, it was only recently that I know that we have quite a number of men." Yun Yangs deific consciousness was exerting its force to push Mi Kongqun; Emmie was helping with all its might too. His tone grew more nonchalant as he said smiling, "I believe there must be a special existence that youve never expected" "Its not only one person." Mi Kongqun smirked. "I didn''t expect Shen Yushi and Yang Botao to be ours. Whats even more surprising is that the top man of Board of Wars Grand Commandant is also one of our people." Before he could finish, Mi Kongquns gaze flickered, perturbed. With the obvious growing unrest in his eyes, it was easily his self-defense mechanism kicking in and his subconscious struggling from being misled. Sweat dotted Yun Yangs forehead as it added to his pressure but his eyes bored holes into Mi Kongquns own pair and said, "Then your master is the Four Seasons Towers" Mi Kongqun was having an internal battle but words rolled out his tongue before he could do anything about it. "Of course hes the Four Seasons Towers Autumn." That was all he could manage before a loud bang erupted. The chair he sat on was blown apart as he stood up, hollering angrily, "You" A saber light shone in Yun Yangs hand C a cold flash of glinting steel. The Divine Edge was already deeply embedded into Mi Kongquns chest. After being in a trance controlled by Yun Yang, he was defenseless the moment he struggled free, an attempt aided by pure luck. Yun Yangs blow had gotten its target with just one strike! Mi Kongqun turned quiet suddenly. Looking at the shiny saber where part of it had penetrated him, despair emerged on Mi Kongquns face. The saber went right into where his heart lay C death was confirmed! Mi Kongquns soul seemed to have left his body then. He was not even angry from being manipulated, only looking at the saber on his chest and said calmly, "Who are you? You are not from the Qiu Family." Yun Yang did not expect to hit his target so easily. He replied, "Your guess is right, Im not from the Qiu Family. But you havent finished your last sentence. Do you have the mood to complete it?" "Is it not plenty enough, what Ive told you?" Mi Kongqun laughed self-depreciatingly. Yun Yang was quick to reply, "I will never complain too much of information like this." "Your timing is great. Today was the only time Ive ever lost my focus in my entire lifetime," Mi Kongqun sighed limply, feeling the saber destructing his meridians in a flurry but did not make any move to counter it. Yun Yang acknowledged what he said. "I didnt think to come across such a coincidence tonight too. Ive gained much more than expected. The high heavens have gifted me a terrific chance. Perhaps, god bless kind people. Otherwise, how would Keeper Mi suddenly have a lapse of skill on your last day?" Mi Kongqun let out a miserable laugh. "Everything has its reason. Ling Xiaozuis sword air injury the other day has erupted the devil within me I didnt feel anything odd when the clouds gathered and wind bellowed the previous days but tonight the cold moon is high in the sky the cold moon hangs bright" "Ling Xiaozui has crushed my cultivation base right to second peak" "You neednt be so careful. Im a person of trash who has an imminent death, theres no chance for retaliation," Mi Kongqun said. "I know. Thats why I want to know more," Yun Yang replied. He continued with genuine sincerity, "Eunuch Mi, this life of yours is incomplete if you are holding remorse to your heart. I guess you know it well too that you have no other opportunity to claim that regret with whats transpired now Although Ive ended your life, if Eunuch Mi trusts me, I can still grant you a wish C your last wish." "What price do you need me to pay in exchange for this help?" Mi Kongquns eyes shone brightly. "Your masters identity C it will be enough!" Yun Yang answered. Mi Kongquns gaze reflected the struggle he had with himself while Yun Yang attempted to persuade him faintly, "I believe that one of the people you loathed the most in this lifetime is none other than this person. Whether you tell me or not, youll have to die Its up to you if you want revenge, or leave an opportunity for revenge." "If you dont want it, I will send you on your way, quickly and easy." "After all, this is the inner palace. The scent of blood attracts too much trouble, I cant stay for long," Yun Yang finished composedly. With a chuckle, Mi Kongqun took a step back, trembling, pulling himself out from the tip of the saber. Blood spurted from the gash as he looked at the glowing blade that was illusory and praised its owner, "What a terrific saber!" Raising his head to look at Yun Yang, he asked, "You which Supreme are you among the Nine Supremes?" Yun Yang kept mum for a bit and questioned instead in a low voice, "How did you come up with this judgment?" "Other than Nine Supremes, no one harbors such a great grudge against the Four Seasons Tower," Mi Kongqun answered. "Hearsay has it that Supreme Wind, Flame, Blood, and Thunder are still alive in this world" Mi Kongqun raised his question, "Which one are you?" A ball of clouds bloomed from the tip of Yun Yangs finger and floated before his chest; he spoke lowly with emphasis on each other, "Not only are Wind, Flame, Blood, and Thunder alive, I am too." Mi Kongquns eyes brightened then. He exclaimed in relief, "Its Supreme Cloud! The strategist of the Nine Supremes!" "Yes, that would be me." Yun Yang admitted wryly. Mi Kongqqun laughed dryly, suddenly bowing low and said, "Supreme Cloud,my apologies!" Yun Yang was startled but Mi Kongqun turned abruptly, pulling a wooden chest from under his bed slowly and said, "Lord Supreme Cloud, we were enemies before this C I, Mi Kongqun, have done the Nine Supremes plenty of wrongs too, but knowing that youre Supreme Cloud, Im relieved instead. Because youre someone worthy of my trust." "So I ask for your favor to pass this fortune to my family Theres also this letter, and this moon jade pendant before my chest C pass them to my wife, and tell her this." Mi Kongquns chest was bleeding endlessly, his face turning pale as a sheet, but he did not mind. His orbs were full of regret and guilt as he spoke word by word, "I regret it, truly I do. But its too late, theres no turning back. I really want to watch the moon again with her just like those years." Yun Yang memorized his words and replied with gravity, "I will remember." "Thank you!" An easy smile, never seen before, hung on Mi Kongquns face, the upturn of his lips genuine. He took two steps back slowly to sit by his bed, his hands searching for his blanket and pillow shuddering. He heaved a slow exhalation of breath and said softly, "Supreme Lord Spring Frost is He Hanqing, while my master is Supreme Lord Autumn Chill. Right now, hes the top courtier for the Empire of Dayuans royalty." 215 You May Regret It, But I Don’t! Upon hearing the words, Yun Yang jumped slightly before he said, "Thank you." Mi Kongquns body twitched, blood oozing from his mouth and nose as he said, "There arent many men from the Hall of Autumn in Yutang because this is Supreme Lord Spring Frosts territory There, Ive told you all I know" "With Supreme Clouds ability, its more than enough to take them on. Youre blessed by the heavens, Gods will shall always be on the side of the kind. I believe it now" Mi Kongqun curled into himself, even more, his voice turning ragged. "Right, you must be careful A blade hangs from the sky" "A blade hangs from the sky?" Yun Yang asked absently, still unrecovered from the surprise. Mi Kongquns consciousness was blurry, his blood almost entirely drained. "I beg you destroy the lower half of my body after I die I beg you" Yun Yang sighed. Mi Kongqun was hanging on his last threads now, everything coming from him was merely instinctive mumbling. Suddenly, Mi Kongquns wilting body sat up abruptly. His eyes went wide, his pupils already beginning to dilate; it was as if he was using the last of his life force to say urgently, "Tell my wife Leng Yue, I regret it so much, I do I really regret it so much I reg C" He did not manage to finish his last word. He stiffened before his entire being went limp. There were no more sounds; that was the end of his life. Yet in his eyes that had lost its luster, remorse and guilt could still be seen. He leaned against the bed just like this, eyes wide and no longer moving Yun Yang left without a trace, leaving Mi Kongquns body in the room. He had obeyed his last wish, destroying his lower body while keeping his upper half perfectly intact. As a bystander and also a man, Yun Yang could understand the thoughts Mi Kongqun had before he died. Cultivating the special cultivation skill was already a reality that could not be altered; there was no way back, what else could he do if not move forward? He could only go along the path, even when he knew the road ahead was darker. Yet as he walked further, the light in his heart dimmed; how could he not have felt anything? How could there not be a ripple in the calmness? Actually, Yun Yang had only decided to risk manipulation with his deific consciousness to probe about others from the Four Seasons Tower after Mi Kongqun mentioned that his cultivated skill could improve ten times faster than other cultivation skills. Mi Kongqun had cultivated for so many years and the advancement of the cultivation skill he was proficient in was possessed of rapid improvement. In spite of it, he was only an eighth peak pinnacle. There must be a reason for it. If the improvement was so fast and he had cultivated laboriously for forty to fifty years, he should have at least had a cultivation base of the ninth peak and above even if he could not reach Tenth Perfection, the restraining shackle of a martial artist. Mi Kongqun was stuck at eighth heaven pinnacle, obviously, his heart had not been at ease. The unrest in his heart, in addition to his resentment, had long sown the seed for this calamity. Otherwise, with Mi Kongquns foundation, he would never have been swayed by Yun Yangs words. Furthermore, he would rather be crushed into pieces when he was near death than to leave the world with the handicap in his body. All the more it had proved the loathing Mi Kongqun held in this matter! Yun Yangs gaze was deep. He had gained information beyond his expectations C Minister of Imperial Household Jiang Zhong, Shen Yushi, Yang Botao, and the top authority after Grand Commandant of Board of War Yun Yang was not very much delighted at the news. What filled him more was the shock that came in vigorous tides. If it had only been the Minister of Imperial Household Jiang Zhong, Shen Yushi, and Yang Botao, it was fine; after all, comparing them to Mi Kongqun, an Inner Court Attendant, it wasn''t much of a surprise. However, the top authority after Grand Commandant of Board of War it gave Yun Yang goosebumps. Although both old marshals C Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin, belonged to the Board of War, their influence had long exceeded it. As for the Grand Commandant of Board of War, he was aged and weak, long past his prime. He had left his responsibilities in the hands of a successor he had hand-picked himself. In other words, the military affairs of Yutang were entirely in the palm of that acknowledged successor. If he were to be from the Four Seasons Tower, the consequences would be more than grave C it would be almost impossible to deal with. "A few people have been hauled, those who were substantially significant," Yun Yang thought as he drifted away. "Mi Kongqun, I shall complete your request." In the Mi Familys alley in Tiantang City, Yun Yang returned fully disguised, hovering in midair from faraway, looking towards the spacious courtyard. The courtyards structure was very unique; the land it took up exceptionally wide. There was even an immense pavilion built atop the roof, looking out of the place. Someone was sitting alone in the pavilion. The persons head was raised to gaze at the bright moon in the sky C staying still for a long time. Under the moonlight, the persons silver strands glowed. The eyes were like two murky pools while the face was adorned with wrinkles. The persons body was hunched too; it was thin like it could be blown away at any time. It was an elder in her declining years C an old woman. The old woman was hugging her knees, her body tucked into herself as if it was very cold. The night breeze that came fluttered her clothes and her silver strands Yun Yang suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of loneliness and dreariness; he suddenly recalled Mi Kongqun who was leaning against the window, gazing at the bright moon longingly just as he had seen him upon entering the palace. The actions, the expression, the longing gaze C they were eerily similar to this old womans mannerisms. Yun Yang suddenly knew who this old woman was. Was she most likely Mi Kongquns wife C Leng Yue? The night had descended into the third fragment of itself, it was also the eleven months climate. The night breeze was chilly. The old woman just sat there. No one had come to comfort nor persuade her to come from the cold. Obviously, her habit was one that her family grew familiar with; they knew that it was of no use persuading her, so naturally they stopped doing what that would only be fruitless. The sound of a soft breeze caressed the air. Yun Yang landed without a sound, still clad in black with a mask on his face. Seeing Yun Yang appear out of nowhere, the old woman was calm and distant, like she had not seen him at all. She turned away after a glance, still staring at the moon with utmost concentration. She was not at all bothered by the intimidating stranger who had suddenly appeared beside her so mysteriously. It was either magnanimity that allowed her to be so, or it was an absence of yearning for life! "Do I have the pleasure of addressing Mistress Leng Yue?" Yun Yang asked softly. The old woman trembled abruptly and asked slowly, "Did he ask you to come?" Yun Yang was taken aback. The old womans gaze was as slow and meaningful like her tone when she said, "It has been many years since someone has called my name." "You are correct. Keeper Mi has asked me to come," Yun Yang said in relief. The old woman sighed softly. "Where is he? Why didnt he come himself?" "Mi Kongqun has passed on," Yun Yangs answer was clear and direct. A strange change colored the old womans expression; her eyes seemed to have frozen for a moment. She turned her head slowly then, a pair of orbs following Yun Yangs face closely from the fluttering strands of white. "I was the one who killed him." Yun Yang said, "However, before he died, asked me to do something. I promised him I would." The old woman nodded slowly as she said, "Youve killed him." She then went quiet. What surprised Yun Yang was that there was no grief after she knew of Mi Kongquns death, nor was there resentment. There was only silence. After a long, long time, the old woman said, "After so many years, hes finally free" There was no sense of animosity nor hate laced within her words; there was not even curiosity. She did not even question what Mi Kongqun had asked Yun Yang to do. In spite of it, her calm face was lined with tears as she spoke, falling drop by drop. Her voice was still calmly composed. "Youve killed him. I should hate you." The old womans poignant voice drifted through the air. "But I only want to thank you now. Thank you for freeing him. Hes had it hard, hes been suffering for fifty-three years, seven months, and five days" Yun Yang was stunned. Fifty-three years, seven months, and five days; she had actually kept count. Yun Yang placed a huge package in front of the elderly woman softly and said, "This is Mi Kongquns lifetime savings. There are various treasures and gems inside; just the banknotes alone are worth about several million silver taels" "Mi Kongquns savings was not insignificant. The several million taels of banknotes were only of slight value; those gems were what was truly valuable. If you sell them, the fortune gained would be astronomical." The old womans eyes did not even flicker, she only continued staring at the moon miserably. Her tears seeped drop by drop, ignoring a large amount of wealth placed before her. Yun Yang stretched his hand out. "Mi Kongqun has especially asked me to pass you this jade pendant he wore on his chest" In his palm was a jade pendant the shape of a crescent, shining faintly with a chilling glow under the moonlight... The old woman turned her head abruptly; her murky eyes suddenly shone with an unprecedented radiance as they focused on the crescent-shaped jade pendant in Yun Yangs hand. Her body gave a violent shudder. One of her hands flew towards her mouth, her entire body shaking terribly while tears coursed like a broken string of pearls. When Yun Yang passed the pendant over, her hands clasped his tightly and sobbed, "Brother Qun" Yun Yang heaved a deep sigh and said, "He asked me to tell you" The old woman clung onto the jade pendant as she raised her head to look at Yun Yang through bleary eyes, "What is it?" "He said, I regret it, but theres no way back. I really want to watch the moon with her just like those years.." Yun Yangs reiteration of Mi Kongquns words was very slow, his intonation flat, but the radiance within the old womans eyes was bright. He could even see the happiness contained within her gaze. Her years of devoted waiting were not for nothing; her devotion had finally been answered C even when it had come too late. "His last words were Tell my wife Leng Yue, I regret it so much, I do I really regret it so much I regret it" Yun Yang repeated each word Mi Kongqun had said meticulously, conscientiously reiterating them to the old woman before him. He knew that the lifetime this poor woman had used in waiting was for the exchange of these words. If he had skimped a few words just to save some effort on his part, it would be extremely cruel to this old woman. "Regret" "Is there regret that this lifetime has passed just like this? Is there regret in losing after having in this lifetime? We loved each other but we were doomed to be separated heartlessly C is there regret?" The old woman chuckled sorrowfully. "You may regret it, but I dont!" 216 If There Is to Be a Next Life, Let Us Not Part! The old woman murmured softly, "Thank you." "There is no need," Yun Yang replied prudently. The elderly woman hugged the crescent shaped jade pendant in contentment and continued softly, "This isnt actually valuable but its our token of our love Hes actually been wearing it all these years" Putting the pendant near her cheek and slowly rubbing against it, the affection in her gaze was deep as the ocean. Finally, she sobbed softly, "Ive never hated him Ive been waiting for him Why didnt he come back and tell me himself" "Theres also his letter." Yun Yang said, "He seemed to have written this letter long ago, like he has long known that this day would come" The old woman smiled contently and replied, "Thank you Although I shouldnt do this, and I dont have any right to ask, this old one wishes to ask a favor from respectable one." "Do speak," Yun Yang replied after being quiet for a bit. The old woman asked, "Can you use the weapon youve killed him with to kill me?" Yun Yang was dumbfounded when he heard her words. "If I could die from the same weapon that killed him, perhaps I can catch up to him faster. This is my last wish." The womans voice was soft. "Please grant it." Yun Yang took in a deep breath and said, "Im sorry, I cant do this. I really cant." Killing an innocent old lady for no apparent reason was even harder than battling He Hanqing himself! The elderly lady was understanding and did not press on, only speaking, "Mi Kongqun said he was regretful and sorry Actually, hes never known what it is that hes sorry about since we were young" "All the more he doesnt know what it is that I ask for" The aged lady smiled gently. "Thank you. I wont be reading this letter." Her stare was set on Yun Yang as she murmured, "Thank you, for completing a wish for me and Brother Qun As a token of gratitude, if respectable one is free, do go have a look at the Seven Star Lake." "Seven Star Lake?" Yun Yang was confused. The old woman did not answer. Lowering her head to look at the jade pendant quietly, she suddenly grabbed the crescent jade to kiss it and mumbled, "Brother Qun, if there is a next life, will you still marry me? Will you still have done me wrong?" Suddenly, the jade pendant glowed with a radiant luster C it was the look of being infused with mystical Qi. Seeing it, Yun Yang was shocked. "Dont" He had realized it too late. The old woman erupted her mystical Qi and with a jerk, the crescent-shaped jade pendant stabbed right into her chest like a sharp knife, embedding itself deep into her heart! Yun Yang felt his head buzz; he had not expected the old woman to be so resolutely seeking death C dying just as she wished without hesitation! In addition, the old lady actually had the mystical Qi cultivation base of fourth peak; she had even self-destructed in the most extreme way possible, erupting her entire cultivation base and terminating any chance of her rescuscitating her vitality. If she had not done so, Yun Yang could still save her, despite the unforeseen action. Filled with shock and vexation, Yun Yang watched the dying woman rustle the jade pendant in her chest determinedly as if she did not feel any pain. A genuine ghost of a smile surfaced. "Actually, he doesnt know that I was also cultivating earnestly after he left Although it was a bit too late, I still want to keep up the fruitless effort. Even if I cant catch up to him, I can be closer" The old woman chuckled sadly. "Even when I knew later that he would never return, and this bit of cultivation base I have cant be used to fight the enemy, its enough to use it on myself" "Its enough to have heard those last words of yours in this lifetime" Yun Yang sighed, not knowing what to say for a moment. The womans eyes danced with a bright glow, delighted as if she saw something that no one else could see and said, "Brother Qun, go slower Wait for me, I C I cant keep up" Suddenly, her voice ceased altogether. Delight still shone in her eyes, it was the radiance of love, like she had met her lover once again in another world. She was, however, no longer breathing and had no pulse; she was making her way to the underworld. Yun Yang felt his heart weighed down; the initial shock replaced by the sentiment of this genuine love. The moon was still as bright and as cold in the sky when he raised his head to look at it; perhaps, the moon tonight was like the one Mi Kongqun and his wife had watched together all those years ago unchanging. The moon remained the same but everything else had not. The noise the encounter had made finally alarmed the people below as panicked voices drifted up. "Who is it?" "Is old mistress still up there?" "Go have a look." Yun Yang sighed softly as his body dematerialized slowly, turning into the chilling wind that billowed in the air. "I hope theres a next life for the both of you; may you never part, staying together for as long as the moon shines." Yun Yang returned quietly holding the five receptacles of Luminary Paste; he dared not keep any more precious gems or rare medicine in his embrace. Emmie would not care where the items came from nor what they were used for; as long as they were useful to it, it would absorb it directly. After several pained lessons, Yun Yang finally etched that reminder into his memory. However, he had not yet recovered from his heavy heart upon returning to the courtyard of his home. Shui Wuyin was like an invisible man standing quietly under the tree; Lao Mei and Fang Mofei who were at the side both wore expressions of discomfort. It was clearly because of Shui Wuyin. Despite the fact that he stood right in front of them,they had some difficulty seeing him. It was as if he didn''t really exist, cut out from the fabric of reality. Both the older men refused to believe it, searching and trying to locate him with their deific consciousness directly but that had only caused their jaws to drop even further as they could not even sense anything. He was a living, breathing person, but their senses told them otherwise. Reaching out with their innate abilities, they encountered nothing, as if he wasn''t really there at all. Both Lao Mei and Fang Mofei were exclaiming in disbelief at the absurdity of the situation. How could this be? It was only when Yun Yang came back did Shui Wuyin walk out of the shadows. Like a ghost, a step into the sunlight dissipated the dark fog around him as he reemerged in the human realm. Lao Mei and Feng Mofei who were nearby could not help gasping, both of them grumbling inwardly, "Monster!" They then walked away as if nothing had happened, obviously fearful of this man who appeared to be something more than human. Shui Wuyin was not bothered with what the two had said. Looking at Yun Yangs grim expression, he asked in a low voice, "Failed?" Yun Yang sighed, "Not only did I succeed, I succeeded exceedingly well." Shui Wuyin let a smile grace his face and said, "Thats a good thing. Was there an accident?" He could not be blamed for asking; since Yun Yang said he had succeeded and exceedingly well at that, his trip should have paid off. However, Yun Yang looked so weighed down; it was easy to doubt and have second thoughts about his endeavor. Yun Yang kept quiet for some and told Shui Wuyin the events of the night. Upon listening, Shui Wuyin was emotionless. "Young master, youve acted too impulsively." "We still lack money, young master." Shui Wuyin continued, "The fortune Mi Kongqun left should have been taken as ours. There was also no need to send the letter. Whether it was a trap or not, there really wasn''t any need for that." "Young master has to know, theres a price to be paid for everything done. This is the only truth between heaven and earth! No matter how cruel or pitiful the price was, it should be paid." Shui Wuyin smiled then. "However, for young master to return victorious and have unexpected gains, its still great news for us." Yun Yang nodded and stole a meaningful glance at Shui Wuyin; he realized now that Shui Wuyin had his flaws as well. He was extremely meticulous and saw death as his ultimate destination; he was wise and composed, his actions impeccable and flawless, but he was too cold as a person! Cold! Callous! Unfeeling! It was like he had a heart of ice; it was a good thing for the wise and strategists to have a cold heart but to Yun Yang, it was nonetheless the sign of an incomplete man. One was only human with blood and flesh. "Wuyin, we have to see the affection in this world sometimes." Yun Yang said softly, "Even if it were our enemies, its only our standpoints that are different. Its one thing to kill them but to completely deny their feelings? This has nothing to do with what theyve done after all." "The heavens have no affection, men should." Shui Wuyin kept quiet for a bit and said, "Perhaps this is the difference in our personalities. To me, an enemy is an enemy. No matter how theyre killed, it represents an end to a case Theres no feelings to be talked about. What does it have to do with me whether the enemy is filled with emotions or not? What I want is the life, it similarly has nothing to do with his feelings." Yun Yang sighed, unable to shake the feeling that it was like playing the lute to a cow, trying to reason with this coldblooded man. "My identity now is a strategist, an aide. What I strategize involves only victory and loss, life and death. Other than those, I wont consider anything else. Emotions have nothing to do with me." "Boss, one of the main reasons grand events have been foiled since the beginning of times in this world are these so-called emotions," Shui Wuyin said coldly. Yun Yang replied with a sigh, no longer having the strength to argue about the matter of feelings. Talking about emotions to Shui Wuyin was worse than playing the lute to a cow; at least the cow would not retort when you played the lute to it, Shui Wuyin could retort to the point of rendering you speechless with an agape mouth! "There are a few things that need to be done as early as possible." Shui Wuyin had sorted through all the intel from the Nine Heavens Dictum. "One, although the Nine Heavens Dictum has always been within our grasp, the hearts of the men have changed; its being led by personal awe and prestige, there will easily be loopholes. I suggest to comb through and integrate it once more, the best if all nine groups of people can be gathered and be under a single command." Yun Yang nodded. "Right." This was indeed necessary. The Nine Heavens Dictum was like a scattered plate of sand; it was not easy to gather and unite them. When he was only tackling petty matters the last time, the resources he needed to utilize was proportionately limited; it was naturally not a problem. However, his operations would only grow larger in scale. Currently, the scattered manpower he possessed lacked power but it would be lethal if they were exposed easily. At the same time, the men would easily grow uncontrollable. This was indeed an urgent issue to be considered and tackled quickly. 217 This is Absurd! "Secondly, we need to gather more manpower." Shui Wuyin continued to elaborate his point, "Our manpower is laughable, our cultivation base weak. If we were to meet a strong opponent, we wouldn''t even have the power to maintain our defenses." How could Yun Yang not know about this? It was not an easy task to curb this weakness. There were indeed plenty of experts and talents out there but there were few who would willingly be a subordinate and obeys orders when they had already reached the fifth peak and above. Fascinating as it might be to be called Supreme Cloud, the think tank of the Nine Supremes, the one who attacked the front line in wars, one whose reputation was known among the people; Yun Yang was nothing much when faced with a genuine expert. On how large a foundation did he stand on? How could he attract the strong ones to follow him? "That would be easier said than done" Yun Yang chuckled bitterly. "Thirdly" Shui Wuyin continued, "We cant only strike with our own forces in the future. Others will hire assassins to kill us. We can, of course, do the same." "Leveraging the incoming attacks to strike against the others is a tactic we can definitely use right now C we cant forgo it. Although such actions will need to be supported with copious amounts of wealth, we mustnt totally discard them." Yun Yang stroked his chin in agreement, this was indeed something worth considering; he had an abundance of wealth anyway. "Fourth, you may have to flaunt your identity, boss," Shui Wuyin said. With a frown, Yun Yang questioned, "My identity? What do you mean?" "Of course not your genuine Supreme Cloud identity, letting others know that you were the Nine Supremes think tank will only attract endless waves of attacks. What I meant are your other identities. You can portray the illusion of the Nine Supremes being still alive and keep in touch with important contacts whilst roaming the world" answered Shui Wuyin. "You can also borrow forces from the entire nation, the military and the civil side" "Boss will have to consider this with more depth as to how to do it in order for it to be a surefire tactic," Shui Wuyin ended his explanation. Yun Yang gave a deep nod. "I understand what you mean, Ill think of how to go about it and what to do later." It was a weakness that Yun Yang had found out recently C no matter what it was, he could only use his popinjay identity of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds son in handling it. Obviously, such an identity was inadequate! It could, perhaps, resolve some petty matters, but for more serious cases, it was severely insufficient! "Anything else?" Yun Yang asked. "Yes but theyre still scattered thoughts. I need to reorganize them before I can raise them for discussion," Shui Wuyin replied. Yun Yang heaved a long sigh. "In addition the probability of the few names young master has gotten from Mi Kongqun being true is very high C at least an eighty percent chance, in fact." Shui Wuyin announced, "These people shall be our next targets." "First, I have to collect some interest for my boss!" "Our initial target is, of course, Supreme Lord Spring Frost He Hanqing" "Although this person is an urgent plague that needs to be terminated, the plausibility to wipe him out is still less than a tenth of a chance, even if we use all the tricks up our sleeves. The privilege to try isnt even ours when were so powerless before such a strong force Its only possible to tackle him when we have assistance from a powerful one who can compare to his prowess We can attempt to recruit some experts after this C best if they serve us but even if theyre only helping us just this one time, its much better than us simply attacking by ourselves!" Shui Wuyin finished his speech and looked at Yun Yang. He could only speak for him and watch the rest regarding the topic he had just raised. Shui Wuyin had too cold a heart, so he did not know too many people, had no friends to speak of. Yun Yangs replying chortle was devoid of humor. Looking at the room Bai Yixue resided in,healing his injuries and feeding himself well without stepping out of the door, his lips pursed. "Which of these big lords are easy to serve?" If it had been before, Yun Yang would have been thrilled to kill someone as important in the Four Seasons Tower as Mi Kongqun, in addition to obtaining several other peoples accurate information. Now though, not even a hint of happiness existed C it was all because of He Hanqing! He knew Supreme Lord Spring Frost was like a grand mountain obstructing the path right in front of him but no matter what he did, he could not move him! It was this that reflected his powerlessness the most. Just like what Shui Wuyin said, he had only the intention but not the power before an absolutely formidable force. When the Nine Supremes prevailed, the world was their oyster; having met their doom and leaving only Yun Yang behind, he still held the same ambition close to him C with vengeance for his brothers added to his agenda. However, with the improvement of his cultivation base and skills, as well as the increasing meetings of experts, came the realization of his own insignificance. All the more he felt the infinity of the universe and his inadequacy; the peak of a hill was but the bottom of another mountain "But" Yun Yangs eyes glinted suddenly. The matter was not hopeless after all, it seemed. "Fang Mofei" Yun Yang turned to call out C he had figured out a way. Bai Yixue, who was dressed in his usual white clothes, sat quietly before the window. He looked at ease and relaxed, very much enjoying the serenity of the Residence of Yun. When he had come to question Yun Yang to get to the bottom of the matter, he was also using him to avoid the impending disaster, despite the indignation and eagerness for an explanation. After all, he genuinely had nowhere to go; there was only death awaiting him if he had not come here. In spite of everything, he did not feel like leaving anymore upon being here, especially after having spent some time here. It was such a quiet and spacious place, no one he did not want to see would be here to interrupt him C what a perfect shelter! As of now, not even He Hanqings men could come here, King Qinguang himself could not find his way here either... All in all, Bai Yixue really did not feel like leaving. "Im injured, I shall leave after my injuries have healed," Bai Yixue more often than not persuaded himself in this manner during the duration of his stay. Yet, the reality was apparent even though Bai Yixues injuries were severe and littered all over his body, one needed to be reminded of his cultivation base level. Two days without any disturbance, alongside the assistance from healing spiritual medicine, saw most of his injuries recovering quickly. He had really grown fond of his shelter and did not want to leave! Bai Yixue sat with his legs folded to begin cultivating his cultivation skill. His injuries no longer posed any critical health risks so it was naturally time to recover his cultivation and sword air. Not only had the previous battles wounded him heavily, his cultivation base was damaged as well. Now was the best time to recover. Although Bai Yixue had begun to enjoy the Residence of Yuns atmosphere, he would not be careless; it was better to recover as soon as he could. Who knew when King Qinguang or He Hanqings subordinates would find him here; relying on himself was always better than counting on somebody else. "I dont have many resources now. I need to think of something," Bai Yixue sighed internally and began retrieving items from his robe. Bai Yixue had brought dozens of strange metals with him; they were what he had pawned to Yun Yang previously. These strange metals were very valuable; it was not an exaggeration to compare their value to that of a city. Bai Yixues talent was unusual, so was his cultivation skill; an abundance of metal spirit was needed to nourish his sword air, to improve his abilities. Although strange metals were rare in the world and those of peoples knowledge cost a fortune, there were still plenty of extraordinary metals that could not be smelted nor melted in the hands of ordinary people. The inability to do anything but to watch them rendered them useless, but it was these things that were the best supplement to Bei Yixues cultivation. It also explained why he had so many of these various metals with him. "The metal spirit from these casting materials should be sufficient for two months use. Hopefully, these two months will be totally peaceful" Bai Yixue thought as he placed the pieces of metal on the table. Two months was not a long time, it would pass in just a blink of an eye, but Bai Yixue had estimated that he would completely recover in two months time. As long as his abilities were recovered, he would leave Tiantang City, where he was apt to get in trouble, right away. With the protection of his exceptional skills, he could just collect the rare metals again. However, Bai Yixue was completely frozen; his eyes bored holes into the assortment of rare metals he had removed from his robes and almost fell out of their sockets. What C what was going on? The three pieces of siderites he just took out were lacking in luster, the metallic sheen belonging to rare metals absent from the eyes as they looked more like decayed logs. The siderite was covered in tiny holes, dense as if pricked by pins; the sides even showed signs of decomposition like it was weather-beaten. "This" Bai Yixues eyes widened as he stretched his arm to pick up a piece of Stellar Steel to observe it closely. A moan escaped him as he felt his strength slipping away. As soon as he had picked it up, he could tell something was wrong. The weight was no longer the initial heftiness, as it felt light like it was only the slightest bit heavier than an ordinary piece of log. Bai Yixue tried to pick at it with his fingers in denial. Crack! He managed to break a part of it off effortlessly. Bai Yixue was breaking down now. Even if it was a log, it could not have been so fragile His hands trembled as he shifted his focus to the next piece of metal. Similarly, looking at it had sirens blaring in his ears; it broke easily with a single pinch. Was this still the most mysterious and toughest siderite in the world? Bai Yixue was shuddering now, hysterically retrieving all his other metals, chalcedonies, underwater pearls, chill steel and others. Everything was the same! Cultivating with the assistance of these things - not even cultivating or nourishing his sword air - even a kitchen knife could cut them into pieces! Knocking them with a wooden plate could crush them into powder! Bai Yixue was at a loss, his legs giving out as he flopped onto the floor. His grace was gone, his eyes dazed. It was the first time such a bizarre situation had happened in his life! These were metals! Not ordinary ones, at that. These were mystical metals, stellar metals, chill metals, the essence of golden jade These were not crackers! There were only three words flashing in Bai Yixues mindC This is absurd! Yun Yang had entered at that moment. Taking in Bai Yixues trance and the rare metals on the table that he had pawned to him, he understood what had happened at once. Bai Yixue did not know it, but Yun Yang was certain that Emmie had absorbed most of those rare metals essences! The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched. It would be easy to maneuver his body that had just entered, out of the room immediately to leave this troublesome place. Why then did he have such a guilty conscience? 218 Come, Let’s Strike a Deal! "Hey" Yun Yang was already moving to leave when Bai Yixue called out to him. The latter was confused - This fellow must have a reason coming in here; why is he leaving the moment he saw me? Whats going on? "What is it?" Yun Yang looked puzzled. What is it? "Shouldn''t I be asking you this? You came in to look for me." Bai Yixue was thinking it, but the cloud of mystery floating in his heart was more pressing. "Yun Yang, this is very strange. I have been staying at your house. Why did all my collected rare metals become decayed powder? What is going on?" Yun Yang heaved a sigh of relief inwardly knowing that the fool was not suspicious of him. With that, he retorted, "Whatever do you mean? Bai Yixue, you sound suspicious. Do you mean my house has this strange effect? Your items are useless, but youre blaming it on my home? Are you suspecting someone in my house has ill intent and has changed your collectibles?" Bai Yixue replied in embarrassment, "They are what they are, they havent been changed. Its just that they have lost their value. These treasures are no longer treasures; can you understand what Im saying?" Bai Yixue was rather lost with where he was going. He knew what he meant with what he had said but speaking it aloud seemed to bring another meaning to it! Yun Yang, who knew exactly what was going on, pretended otherwise and asked, "What are you saying, Bai Yixue? Are you sure youre speaking human language? What do you mean treasures are no longer treasures? What should I be understanding?" Bai Yixue knew that his words were muddled; after a brief stupor, he resorted to arguing fallaciously instead. "Anyway, my things were fine until they turned into trash here. How do you explain this?" Yun Yang snickered, knowing that Bai Yixue was just putting up a tough front. "Bai Yixue, Ive kindly sheltered you to heal your injuries. Are you trying your luck, seeing how kind I am? See that lock? See that sword? See this saber? See this hammer? These arent rare metals but theyre metals are they not? Why are these perfectly fine in my house while you say yours are spoiled by taking them out in my house since youve kept them to yourself Sigh, Bai Yixue, blackmailing is an art; you cant go about it like this. You wont be able to blackmail me for sure. Next time, think of a reason that can first deceive yourself, will you?" Blackmail! Certainly. Bai Yixue fumed from the embarrassment, jumping up with rage. "Im only discussing this bizarre occurrence with you, why are you twisting it around to say I''m blackmailing you? This is slander C total slander!" Yun Yang countered his argument, "Since you know you cant succeed because your blackmailing tactics are simply amateur, are you changing to it to slander now? Thats some improvement! Ill just ask you one question. Do you discuss things like these at home? Let me take a piece of soil to discuss it with others a few days later C eh? This is a thirteenth level mystical beasts inner core, why has it become trash in your house? You have to compensate for this bizarre occurrence. What a great method! I shall grow a fortune discussing several times with others like this, an endless fortune at that too." "I didnt ask you to compensate me. Im just saying that that..." Bai Yixue was flustered. Obviously, a certain someone had lost the last of his confidence. Yun Yang who was already by the door retraced his steps leisurely. "Why arent you leaving? Didnt you want to leave?" Bai Yixue was both sulking and bewildered, not wanting to talk to his source of misery any longer. "This is my house, why should I leave? On what basis are you making me leave?" Yun Yang was righteous in his tone. "Besides, I have something left to settle with you. I wanted to leave just now because I wanted to save you some dignity seeing your distracted and lost look. Since you dont even want your dignity, lets go back to business; well play by the rules!" Yun Yang more or less had a guilty conscience earlier but after the argument, he was sure that the fool truly knew nothing. The guilty conscience was unwarranted. With that, he began to argue the facts. This actually showed that there was no limit to how low a person could be; perhaps it grew with time C at least, it was so for Yun Yang. "Stop spewing nonsense. When did I not want Whatever What is it?" Bai Yixue wanted to argue but he had spoken as he did, he was not as shameless to retort blindly. He could only clean up after himself gloomily. His treasure had turned into trash inexplicably and he had to be reprimanded by a child. "Of course its about you and me, what you promised to do for me is not complete yet!" Yun Yang said seriously, "I know that it exceeds your capability doing it alone so I wont ask for you to complete it yourself. I will get a few experts to work with you after a few days to make another attempt." Bai Yixue was speechless. The previous time he did it, it was already like striking a bees nest. He had almost gotten himself killed; now he had to go again? "Also, I wanted to ask" Yun Yang raised his question curiously, "Why is First Court King Qinguang hunting you?" Bai Yixue almost jumped out of his skin. "How do you know that he wants to kill me?" "I saw it with my own eyes," Yun Yang replied casually with a wink. "I dont know which m*therf*cker hired the First Court King Qinguang to kill me" Bai Yixue was grim just thinking about it. "Ive always been kind to people and have never offended anyone." Yun Yang turned to leave right away. You, an executioner who baths in blood, a killing machine who had murdered tens of thousands of people, you actually have the conscience to say youve been kind You may be able to say it, but I cant bear to listen to it. There is no limit to the depths that a man can sink to! "Be a bit more alert these few days, dont expose your own presence." Yun Yang winked and said, "First Court King Qinguang will be here anytime." Bai Yixue was stunned. "Why? What is he here for?" "I''ve hired him to kill a person for me," Yun Yang answered. Bai Yixue felt exasperation clouding his mind, he was at a loss for words. You wanted me to help you with a favor, then you hire the person who wants to kill me to do it with me? Is there a hole in your brain? Why dont you be God if youre so great? Bai Yixue found out afterward that the bastard wasn''t joking C he truly did wish to go to heaven! The exceptionally familiar eerie aura had arrived without warning and enveloped the Residence of Yun; he even felt the eeriness begin to surround him First Court King Qinguang was here. Although he was not here to kill him, Bai Yixue still felt uncomfortable with the eerie aura coalescing around him. He could only do as Yun Yang said, to stay in his room and keep any trace of his presence to himself; not only did he dare not go out of the room, he dared not even move. He felt even angrier. How could Yun Yang get anyone he wanted? Characters like First Court King Qinguang was not someone could simply look for just because they wanted to. How did Yun Yang do it with his inadequate capability? While Bai Yixue sulked, he did not know that Fang Mofei was in Yun Yangs residence C Great Swordsman Fang, was an assassin under First Court King Qinguang. Perhaps it would be a difficult task for others to contact the king but it posed no problem to Yun Yang, especially when First Court King had just returned to Tiantang City since his target had not been struck down yet. "You were looking for me?" First Court King Qinguang arrived at the Residence of Yun with a ghastly howling wind, looking at Yun Yang with surprise. "Why did I ask you to come if Im looking for you?" Yun Yang felt like the fellow was stating the obvious. "Then is there something that you wish me to do?" First Court King was still bewildered. Why is this fellow looking for me? Why does it feel so frightening? Yun Yang should already be immensely proud of himself for being able to frighten First Court King Qinguang, "Would I look for you if I had nothing for you to do?" Yun Yang thought that there must be something wrong with the fellow, thinking, "Can we stop wasting time and get down to business?" King Qinguang was still perplexed. "I am merely the head of assassins what business can there be between us?" Yun Yang sighed with a lowered head, thoughts running rampant in his mind. If you werent the f*cking head of assassins, I wont even be looking for you. Finding the head of assassins is of course to kill someone There must really be something wrong with his head. "Of course there is an important matter that demands King Qinguang''s attention. This is actually your expertise" Yun Yang cut to the chase. "I want to strike a deal with King Qinguang." "A deal?" King Qinguang suddenly turned attentive, actually winking as he said, "Young Master Yun wants to kill someone?" "Exactly." Yun Yang smiled. "If it werent for this reason, I wouldn''t dare to look for Your Highness to pass the time even if I wanted to." "You must remember that our fee is very high." First Court King said. "As long as theres a price." Yun Yang beamed. "Any problem that can be solved with money is not a problem at all." King Qinguang coughed, actually feeling awkward for having nothing to say. "Who is the target?" He asked directly instead. "Give me a name. Ill check and see how much it will cost you C as long as its someone I can deal with. Ill knock off a fifth of the amount for sure; why I must say that I''ve taken a liking towards you!" There are discounts for these kinds of things? Take a liking? Do I need you, a ghastly mans liking? Yun Yang grinned saying, "Thank you for Your Highness partiality. Actually, my target is an old scholar in Tiantang City. I didnt want the Concourse of the Underworld to do this but Ive always prioritized consistency in what I do. Theres also another hidden reason that calls for such a decision." It was a surprise that First Court King Qinguang became alert and said in a low voice, "Someone in Tiantang City? An old scholar? Tell me the targets name." "He Hanqing," Yun Yang spoke without mincing his words. "He Hanqing?" King Qinguang frowned. "Why is this name so familiar?" 219 Why is the Smoke Black? Yun Yang replied nonchalantly, "Its reasonable that Your Highness has heard of this person. This person is no ordinary scholar; he is the father figure of Empire of Yutangs literati and the assisting official for three generations of emperors C he is nothing if not well known!" First Court King Qinguang looked at Yun Yang suspiciously, vaguely feeling like this fellow was digging a pit, waiting for him to jump in but he did not know where the pit was. This He Hanqing as the leader of Empire of Yutangs literati and assisting official of three generations of emperor and whatnot was perhaps an impressive figure in the imperial court but he was an old scholar after all to First Court King Qinguang. What was so great about him! "Let me go back and check with the Concourse of the Underworlds special class name list." First Court King went about the matter carefully and replied, "As long as theres no problem with the crosscheck, I will undertake this job for you." "Big brother, do you still have to check this petty matter? I thought it can be set right now and itll be done when you leave later Your Highness First Court King Qinguang, your daring resolution tsk tsk, if this were to spread, it would sound rather poorly for you," Yun Yang said with a roll of his eyes. King Qinguang actually blushed then, saying, "This is the Concourse of the Underworlds practice. No matter what mission we encounter, we have to check it first. This is an assassins responsibility, to be safe when we do things; whats so embarrassing about it?" "But as a legendary assassin, you still have so many apprehensions in accepting a small deal" Yun Yang sighed saying, "First Court King Qinguang, I know an assassination organization requires absolute discipline and there are some prohibited figures or missions that cant be accepted." First Court King nodded adamantly. "Its rare that Young Master Yun knows about it too; the rules of our expertise render us helpless sometimes. Its true that there are things we can''t do and missions we cant accept, there are people who we cant kill as well. Once we so much as lay a finger on the person, it easily brings a load of trouble to our organization C perhaps a calamity that might even end us all." Yun Yang replied, "But this list of names of these dangerous figures must be regarded highly by the Concourse of the Underworld. The higher-ups must be absolutely familiar with it." "Of course," King Qinguang agreed. "This means that the Concourse of the Underworlds leading figures such as the Ten Court Kings should always remember the list of names at any time, right?" "I can take it as these peoples names have all been memorized by heart and all of you will remember that they cant be accepted in a deal once someone mentions their names?" Yun Yang continued. After some thought, First Court King answered, "Correct. There are only that handful of people we cant kill in this world; at least to the Concourse of the Underworld, they are few and far in between!" As he spoke, a look of pride was etched on his face. Yun Yang pursed his lips and said, "Then Im curious Your Highness First Court King Qinguang, as an absolute higher-up of Concourse of the Underworld, how can you not know if He Hanqing is in the list of names or not? Do you really have to go back to crosscheck? Or is my understanding flawed?" First Court King Qinguang scratched his head. "That name is probably not there. I dont have an impression of that name indeed! I just thought its rather familiar" "Is it? Since its not on the list, hes someone you can kill. Is there a need to go back and verify it?" Yun Yang continued slowly. King Qinguang shook his head then nodded dumbly. "Since you know that the list doesnt have this name and Your Highness King Qinguang says to go back and check instead" Yun Yangs expression turned cold and distant as he said faintly, "Your Highness, are you rejecting me in a roundabout way or do you not want to help at all? Perhaps you dont want to give me that discount and spoil the Concourse of the Underworlds other regulations?" "Young Master Yuns words are too harsh. You and I feel like weve long been friends and I very much like you." First Court King scratched his head again. Yun Yang waved his hands and said with a straight face, "Dont, dont say it so nicely. Since Your Highness King Qinguang cant decide on this, do take your leave soon then. I shall look for someone else. I hope Your Highness wont expose this matter with regard to the rules in the world of hired kills; I, Yun Yang, shall be immensely grateful then!" King Qinguangs mouth was agape. "Send the guest!" Yun Yang stood up coldly and raised his teacup. "I still have other matters to attend to, and as such, I wouldn''t be good company. Please feel free to help yourself, Your Highness." He left after finishing his words like he did not want to stay even a minute longer. First Court King Qinguang felt his mind going blank. Is this fellow being too practical? He was still negotiating the deal a moment earlier with smiles than when he heard I cant do it the next moment No! I didnt say I cant do it; I just said I have to check and verify it. How can he turn hostile and start chasing me out! Is your face a curtain? Pulling a long one whenever when you want to? "Young Master Yun!" First Court King Qinguang ''s pride was attacked pretty badly. With his status, how could he have been stepped over like this? His pride took over as he hollered, "We can still talk about this deal." Yun Yangs steps did not halt. "For what? Since Your Highness cant decide, its better for me to change to another organization, find someone who can decide when discussing the deal. Otherwise, well just be wasting each others time. Im a popinjay, it doesnt matter much to me but Your Highness is such a busy person, you have to verify information with a crosscheck; how dare I delay you?" Can''t I decide? Whats there in the Concourse of the Underworld that can''t be decided by me? First Court King Qinguang felt anger rushing into him as he said loudly, "Deal! The Concourse of the Underworld will take up this deal!" Yun Yang who was already a dozen steps away stopped at once and turned around; the smile he wore was gentle, friendly, and courteous. "Aye, if so, Ill first wish that we work together happily then. Yun Yang knew that Your Highness is an easygoing person. You didnt know it, you and I felt like friends for a long time; I took a liking to you the moment I saw you. This is probably what they say about feeling like old friends despite only a short encounter!" King Qinguangs mouth was still agape, the cogs in his brain could not turn properly looking at Yun Yang. What C what is the situation now? A few seconds ago, you were enraged and fuming, ready to leave; how can you talk about working together happily now? He was indeed Tiantang Citys Young Master Yun, the figurehead of a bustling city. Just his cultivation base of changing his face If changing ones facial expression and emotion could be a mystical skill, this Young Master Yun must be peerless and at the top of the peak when placed in the martial arts world! "Then lets talk about the price." Yun Yangs chortle was light and easy as he said, "Its one thing that we take a liking to each other C short reckonings make long friends. Just give me a price, Your Highness. I wont bargain no matter what the digits are just because youve been so easygoing!" First Court King Qinguang scratched his head and said, "Under normal circumstances" "Does the discount Your Highness mentioned just now still apply?" Yun Yang asked grinning. Discount King Qinguang felt his brain slowly melting under the incredulity he was feeling. You just said you wont bargain and here you are asking for a discount What kind of person are you? Sighing internally, First Court King said, "Although He Hanqing is an aged scholar, hes still a teacher to three generations of the emperor, a chief figure of the literati. Just from this, the Concourse of the Underworld will have to bear a huge risk and face the Empire of Yutangs interrogation This price won''t be low." The king made a mental calculation and said, "Back in earlier years, we accepted a mission to ambush one of the Empire of Ziyous Presidents. We charged five hundred thousand silver taels then" Yun Yang hummed but did not say anything, his expression stoic. King Qinguang clenched his teeth and said, "But so long has passed so the price will have already been raised. With reference to the price of assassinating the President of a nation one million silver taels?" Yun Yang snapped his fingers easily and agreed, "Deal! Eight hundred thousand silver taels it shall be! I will pass you the banknotes right now. An easygoing person, easygoing decision, and easygoing vibe C youre happy and Im happy!" "Eight hundred thousand taels?" First Court King Qinguangs eyes widened. He was suddenly confused. Did he say one million or eight hundred thousand just now? Yun Yang smiled amicably. "Thank you for Your Highness'' discount that saves me a whopping two hundred thousand silver taels! Itd be disrespectful of me to refuse but I find myself unworthy to accept it. How about this C I shall buy dinner tonight, what does Your Highness want to eat?" His Highness King Qinguangs eyes were wide, unblinking as he really wanted to say that the one million silver taels he mentioned was already the discounted price. Looking Yun Yangs sincerely beaming face, how could he still utter those words? He accepted the payment in confusion and took out the Concourse of the Underworlds contract; upon signing their mark, a droplet of blooming blood turned into black smoke with the oath and soared into the sky The contract was immediately effective. The corners of King Qinguangs lips were quivering as he looked at the black smoke rising into the sky. This isnt right! It was only a contract to kill an old scholar C why was Underworlds black smoke rising? This was a contract of a premium oath acknowledged by Gods will and formed with a mystique method Logically, it should only be exuding a white smoke. Even when he had accepted a mission to kill someone like Bai Yixue, the smoke was only green in color Why was it black now? Could it be that He Hanqing had another identity other than being the father figure of literati and assisting the officials of three generations? The contract had already become effective though, no one could back away from it; otherwise, the heavens punishment would fall upon the contract bearer. First Court King Qinguang grumbled in his heart and prayed silently, "Perhaps this person is too important to Empire of Yutang Lets hope so!" "Come, come, I shall be your host for tonight!" Yun Yang invited him with passion, "I know that Your Highness status is unsuitable to have a meal in the publics eyes Lao Mei, Lao Mei!" "Go to the best restaurant, order the best dish, pick the best wine! I shall host His Highness King Qinguang tonight, we must have a good drinking session," Yun Yang said generously. "There is no need for that." First Court King Qinguang was already alarmed, impatiently wanting to return to crosscheck his list to see what sort of mission he had actually accepted. How would he have the mood to stay for wine? 220 Brothers, I’m in Hot Water! "I still have matters that require my attention Thank you for the hospitality, young master. Let us gather again next time!" First Court King Qinguang said, thinking that Yun Yang would definitely hold him back; he had no intention to stay, however, no matter what Yun Yang said. This was a serious matter. "Ah, I see. Since Your Highness is so busy, I wont be keeping Your Highness up. Itd be ignorant of me to have delayed Your Highness urgent matters." Yun Yang beamed as he cupped one hand over the other and said, "Have a smooth journey, Your Highness. Come often if youre free." When First Court King Qinguang walked out of the Residence of Yun, he felt immensely bewildered. Why was this fellow incapable of speaking in logical sequences each time they conversed! Logically, when a host invited the guest to stay passionately but was refused by the guest, should the host not hold the guest back even more passionately? Even when the host knew well that the guest would not stay, shouldn''t the host still make pleasantries? "But how could this Young Master Yun behave like this?" "Hes too honest! Indeed too honest" "Its just why do I feel so apprehensive with his honesty?" "Forget it, let me go back and quickly check the background of He Hanqing C that is paramount!" King Qinguang told himself. He did not feel good about this matter, wondering faintly if he had been tricked First Court King Qinguang turned into a ghastly mist and swiftly floated away After a long, long time in a remarkably hidden location, King Qinguang let out a loud cry; his face was pale, drained of all color. He shuddered slightly as his eyes bulged, moaning in despair, "You damned bastard! What deep pit have you pushed your father down this time?" Initially, King Qinguang was relieved upon making sure that the name He Hanqing did not appear on the banned list of names but as he flipped through the list for dangerous figures, he realized something The real intention of the list of people they were banned from killing was that if they could not kill them, then they should not; killing these people would only bring huge trouble upon themselves. In spite of this, it was not that those people were completely untouchable; as long as the price was high enough, an assassination could still be attempted. Yet things were entirely different with the list of dangerous people. The list of dangerous people meant that these individuals posed a serious threat. Firstly, the threat was reflected in the ridiculously high capabilities of these figures. One might not be able to kill them but one could very well die from an attempt to ambush them. Secondly, even when the target was killed, the case would not end there. There was still the backing force of the target that could possibly bring grave danger to the Concourse of the Underworld C a threat that could even end the organization. These were people that should never be provoked! First Court King Qinguang immediately saw the problem when he was scanning the list of names. When he went through them the first time, he did not find the words He Hanqing. It was when he decided to close the list that he saw a familiar section and could not help glancing at it more carefully C the Four Seasons Tower Immunity List. Mr. Nian, Saber, Sword, Snow, Frost, Ice; Four Supreme Lords. There were only aliases but there were no particular names for the six people in front while the latter four Supreme Lords were attached with names and the first one of them read Supreme Lord Spring Frost He Hanqing! First Court King Qinguang gave a violent jerk, his eyes bulging in shock. With an anguished moan, he sprang up as goosebumps raked through his body C hairs standing and pores opening. He felt like he was freezing up. Oh oh, my god I must be dreaming! He then checked once more without blinking. Finally, he moaned again, his face ashen. It really was him! An important figure of the Four Seasons Tower C Supreme Lord Spring Frost! He Hanqing! He wasn''t only extremely dangerous C he was absolutely untouchable! "According to the Concourse of the Underworlds principles, this was someone that no one was to lay a finger on, even when the other party paid millions in gold. Who would have thought that I would sign the Absolute Kill Contract with the price of one million silver taels today?" "Ive even given a twenty percent discount for the one million taels!" First Court King felt like dying. Looking at the signed contract and thinking of the acknowledgment of Gods will and the punishment if he violated the contract King Qinguangs despair was simply too deep for tears. "Im doomed, Im doomed. Im really in the deepest pit, how can this be?" King Qinguang paced around in his secret chamber, making a total of seventy rounds in just a short while; he was pulling at his hair, his frustration was making him bald. "I must discuss this with the other brothers" First Court King Qinguang was a nervous wreck, turning into a ghastly fog and charged out of the secret chamber hastily like he was being chased by a million men. He was rushing back with all his might, to the headquarters of the Concourse of the Underworld. He wanted to discuss the matter with his other brothers. This was simply too large a problem to deal with himself. Brothers, Ive stirred up the biggest mess! King Qinguang was wearing the most miserable face he could conjure as he rushed back. No wonder I felt that this was so familiar There are actually four more words before the three words He Hanqing, those four words were where the deafening impact lied. Thats why the name He Hanqing right at the back was so easily ignored. Of course, I didn''t recognize the name He Hanqing, why didnt you tell me you wanted me to kill Supreme Lord Spring Frost? Im doomed, Im doomed! Im doomed this time I will never hear the end of it from my brothers once they hear of this. "Are you a pig?!" "Whats in your brain? Mush?!" "Even if there no mush, water must have gone in!" "All these years youve been alive are they for nothing?" "Are you stupid?" "Why haven''t you gotten yourself killed yet?" He did not know more but these lines would definitely be thrown right at him! First Court King sighed as he continued on his way. F*cker, I knew pretty boys are good for nothing; your father has indeed been tricked today Oh, your fathers eyes! Why did you take a liking towards him? Why are you so fond of him? Pretty boy toys are nothing good C what a maxim! King Qinguang had left. Yun Yang could finally breathe in relief. They had signed the contract, witnessed by Gods will. Even when King Qinguang realized it afterward, he could not back out of it. Although this was tasteless and despicable, violating his own principles, this was how things were; he could not afford to care how other people''s sentiments at this point in time. Bai Yixue could finally relax as well. Coming out from his room, he looked at Yun Yang like he had seen a ghost C disbelief, bewilderment, and doubt was splayed across his face. There was shock in his eyes. "Young Master Yun, you must know He Hanqings genuine identity!" Bai Yixue said. "Why do you think so?" Yun Yang asked. Bai Yixue answered, "If you didnt know how much a terror he is, you wouldn''t have tricked First Court King Qinguang! You know King Qinguang''s status, the consequences will be grave for bamboozling him like this. You knew this but you still did it anyway. This can only explain that He Hanqings identity is far more terrifying than that of First Court King Qinguang." "That might not be the case," Yun Yang replied calmly. "Who is He Hanqing, really?" Bai Yixue asked in a low voice. Yun Yangs eyes were filled with mirth when he looked at Bai Yixue. "Are you sure you want to know?" "Ive already offended him to no end. I would know his real identity." Bai Yixue retorted angrily. Yun Yangs gaze at Bai Yixue changed into something else altogether. It was by instinct that Bai Yixue felt the apprehension as he continued, "If its not convenient" He was supposed to say "If its not convenient, then dont say it." but before he could finish his words, Yun Yang was already replying coolly, "He Hanqing is the Four Seasons Towers Supreme Lord Spring Frost!" "Supreme Lord Spring Frost!" The four words were like a streak of thunder that crashed into Bai Yixue; he actually felt dizzy for a short moment. When he regained his senses, Bai Yixue felt extremely speechless and exasperated! He he had actually offended the most terrifying clan in the martial arts world, the Four Seasons Tower! To add to that, he intended to assassinate their Supreme Lord Spring Frost as well. Was he tired of living? Bai Yixue was looking at Yun Yang with grudging admiration, "I must say, you''ve gotten me good!" "Its useless to kill me or to rat me out. Youve already offended someone you shouldnt." Yun Yangs smile was very gentle. "I''ve been had!" Bai Yixue said in anguish, his mouth agape. Yun Yang was still smiling when he said, "You wont regret it in the future." Bai Yixue felt like punching the smiling rascal. Only after digesting the shock did he realize something. Bai Yixue said, "But even if this was so C you C shouldn''t have been able to pull a fast one on First Court King Qinguang!" "I yet I did!" Yun Yang said calmly. "And Im confident." "Confident?" Bai Yixue was stumped. What sort of character was First Court King Qinguang, how could he really not know He Hanqings identity? The more he thought about it, the more confused he was. Watching Yun Yangs confident grin, Bai Yixue finally understood that his brain was nothing worthy of mention when compared to that of Young Master Yun''s. He was not guessing anymore; it was best to just ask honestly. "Young C young master Yun, how did you do it?" Bai Yixue was actually stuttering. Yun Yang shot a meaningful glance at Bai Yixue and smiled faintly. "Because of you, I could do it." "Because of me?" Bai Yixue was still stumped. What did this have to do with him? He could feel the inadequacy of his intelligence right now; he wondered if all this was an illusion. Ever since he had stayed at the Residence of Yun to heal his injuries and to avoid being hunted, his mind had been pretty useless. He had planned to seek refuge here with the excuse of pointing fingers at Yun Yang, yet the tables were turned quickly enough; his dignity had been torn to shreds and he could not even leave from the anger. Then, his treasured collectibles had been reduced to nothing. He had only asked a few questions before he was viciously attacked with arguments; he had been so close to breaking down from the sulking. There was something else that truly incurred the sense of defeat and fear, petrification even, within Bai Yixue. First Court King Qinguang had arrived today and had been unknowingly led into the pit by Yun Yangs brief words; there was even the acknowledgment from Gods will. This was obviously a deadly trap. Recalling his own situation, was he not the precedent of King Qinguang? Yun Yang was doing the exact same thing, pouring the old wine in a new bottle! 221 Isve Been Tricked Again! Even as he thought of it, Bai Yixue was left speechless. In his heart, he was still laughing at First Court King Qinguangs foolishness, but what difference was there between the two of them? To be fair, he was worse than the latter. At least King Qinguang had been subtly tricked, but what about himself? He had taken the initiative to hop right into the pit! "Because the reason First Court King is here and stayed for as long as he did was to kill you!" Yun Yang chuckled lightly and continued, "And the reason youve come to Tiantang City is also to avoid King Qinguangs death hunt, am I right?" "You are, but what does my issue have to do with your matter?" Bai Yixue scratched his head. Yun Yang snorted and said, "Its very simple logical reasoning. You were being hunted by him, fleeing to wherever you can and kept on your toes all day long; how did you suddenly have time to roam around? Not only did you have time to gamble, you had time to accept my request to complete a favor for me. All these spoke of the fact that First Court King Qinguang was not in Tiantang City; he must have left due to some unexpected emergencies." "Thats why you can be so carefree C youre safe because your biggest opponent has left. Otherwise, how could you be in such a leisurely mood? How dare you roam around so freely?" "But it also shows that King Qinguang has no interest whatsoever towards anyone else in Tiantang City, especially since your assassination attempt on He Hanqing. He doesnt know about that," Yun Yang said. "Is this related to me trying to kill He Hanqing too?" The corners of Bai Yixues lips were twitching C could they stop mentioning this? "Of course it does, very much so! If he knew that your attempt failed and youve suffered a loss, he will most probably not accept this business deal. He will need to at least consider and hesitate before deciding, making sure of the targets background and identity. Even when he finally accepted it, the price hed ask for will bea terrifying number which Ill be unable to afford." "And it isnt as if there are very few people in Tiantang City who knows about this incident! Therefore, as long as King Qinguang comes back, he will know about it too, given a little time." Yun Yang continued, "Its this period of time that I cant give him, so Ive been looking for him the moment he came back to Tiantang City." "Not giving him the time to know what had recently happened in Tiantang City means that he wont know what sort of deal hed get himself into" "Besides, Im also betting on He Hanqings identity C that his title as Supreme Lord Spring Frost could very possibly be one that Concourse of the Underworld might not take full note of. Im betting that King Qinguang only remembers Supreme Lord Spring Frost among the many names in the list, but he may not remember the name He Hanqing." "If he does, this entire case has no hope but if he doesnt, I would have my chance." "Just like what youve seen and heard, my chance came, and I took it." "I was thinking that this might not work, but I also thought to try, whether or not it would succeed. What if luck was on my side? So I gave it a go." Yun Yang smiled before going on. "It worked. I really need to thank you for being his prime target and for taking on injuries earlier. Most of his attention is on you, or else this wouldn''t have succeeded." "I understand. When First Court King Qinguang realizes the severity of the matter, he has no way back. The contract has been signed! The retaliation of violating Gods will is something he cant bear; no matter how unwilling or how enraged he will be, he has to obey the contract!" Bai Yixue was utterly impressed. "I, Bai Yixue, have never really been impressed with anyone in my entire life. I have never known anything that couldn''t be solved with a sword, but today, I realize that the most lethal weapon is not the sword - it is the scheme!" Bai Yixue sighed and said, "Todays incident allows me to realize that even without any martial force, one can still plot doom against a nemesis with a high cultivation base." Yun Yang did not look triumphant though, saying faintly, "Of course such schemes can help to achieve ones goals and can even gain greater benefits in a short amount of time but the core of it is contemptuously tasteless. If theres a choice, I would honestly be reluctant to do so." "All these have only been due to my inadequate capability." Yun Yang said, "The casualties will be high for the Concourse of the Underworld to complete this mission. Ive used King Qinguangs fondness towards me in this matter. Im despicable, Im playing foul, I admit it But if I had to do it again, I would." "Then I wonder if Young Master Yun feels guilty towards me? Youve tricked me the same way!" Bai Yixue said with a jut of lips. Yun Yangs lips pulled into a grin as he said, "Im going to compensate you." "How?" Bai Yixue asked, looking incredulously at Yun Yang. The latter thought for a moment, stroking his chin and said, "I will compensate you generously. I can guarantee that you wont have to worry about your basic necessities for the second half of your life, from now on! I will take care of all your needs. For this welfare, you only have to help me with a few things occasionally in the future." "Do you really think Im stupid? " Bai Yixue said reprehensibly. He continued furiously, "Ive almost lost my life just for one favor, and now youre saying there a few more things more Youre obviously taking me in as a subordinate! To hell with you!" "Bai Yixue, youll definitely regret it in the future if you dont agree. And itll be too late then, even when youre filled with remorse." Yun Yang said slowly. A scoff was all he received as a reply. Bai Yixue already knew Yun Yangs genuine intention. How could he still be deceived and tricked into jumping further into the pit that had already been dug? He would be stupid to do so! However, just after a few steps, he stopped with a violent jerk, wholly dumbfounded. He turned back again stiffly to look at Yun Yang. Yun Yang smiled. "You''ve tricked me" Bai Yixue bemoaned, "I''ve been tricked again!" He had finally figured it out. From the moment Yun Yang told him about Supreme Lord Spring Frost, he had no other way to escape. He could still comfort himself blindly when he did not know who his enemy was. He knew it now, and he knew well about the Four Seasons Tower, a formidable foe. Just like what Yun Yang had said earlier, he could not return even if he was afraid now; he could not return even when he sold Yun Yang away Even if he did not become Yun Yangs subordinate, the Four Seasons Tower would never let him go, no matter where he was! If the Four Seasons Tower went against him, he was also going up against the Four Seasons Tower. This could also be considered as indirectly working for Yun Yang! This little bastard. Bai Yixue was utterly speechless. How could you push me to the point of no return? Cant you let me go in this lifetime? Shui Wuyin smiled; he had not made a single sound all along. He thought that it was spectacular how Yun Yang had managed to pull the Concourse of the Underworld into this mess C a marvelous feat indeed! Shui Wuyin did not have Yun Yangs psychological burden of being despicable and low-down; he was happy to see how things turned out as he said, "Young masters tactic is amazing. With the intervention of the Concourse of the Underworld, our following plan will be much smoother. If other similar clans can be pulled into this in the future, its no longer a dream to plot an assassination attempt on He Hanqing." Bai Yixue rolled his eyes and turned to leave, finally having heard enough. These fellows did not know death. "Do you think that an organization like the Concourse of the Underworld will be thrilled when they find out they''ve been tricked like this? Youre thinking too much! When this matter is completed, the revenge from the Concourse of the Underworld will be unimaginably terrifying and cruel. I hope the both of you can still laugh by then. Forget everything else, your father will never join your side even if Im beaten to death. Come to think of it though, Yun Yang was already flirting with death anyway. He has already provoked the Four Seasons Tower, why would he care about the Concourse of the Underworld? Left or right, it''s death either way. Thinking about it, Bai Yixue heaved a long sigh. "Who have I offended, really? Why am I swept into the most petrifying whirlpool of the world without a single reason?" Of course, Yun Yang had thought of what Bai Yixue would think of as an objection. Looking at the man leave, his sense of ease left him as well. He frowned, wearing a worried look. Shui Wuyin spoke, "Is young master worrying about the Concourse of the Underworlds subsequent act of revenge?" Yun Yang smiled faintly and answered, "Even if the Concourse of the Underworlds combined forces is weaker than the Four Seasons Tower, it won''t be far different. For us to manipulate such colossal organizations Even when theyre bound by the restrictions of the contract, the future trouble will still be a handful. Technically, our plot this time isnt that much worthy of the effort; were kind of suicidal in our own way." "I actually have an idea about this, but well have to see the men sent from Concourse of the Underworld this time and the final result of this case to be able to decide. Its still too early to speak of it now; changes run faster than plans after all!" Shui Wuyin replied. Yun Yang sighed. He was not being dramatic. He truly did not feel happy for succeeding in his trap; he was nothing as carefree on the inside as he was displaying externally. The Concourse of the Underworld; the Four Seasons Tower C two colossuses in the martial arts world. The Concourse of the Underworld operated in the dark while the Four Seasons Tower was completely hidden; one was an assassins guild while another was a mysterious organization. As long as First Court King Qinguang accepted this mission, there was no doubt that He Hanqing would die. With the capabilities of the Concourse of the Underworld, it was not an arduous task to kill Supreme Lord Spring Frost. Yet once He Hanqing died, Yun Yangs troubles would come back to haunt him even when he could instigate a fight between these two forces. After all, he was the puppeteer behind the fight on both sides C he was their common enemy! What was more crucial was that he had used his original identity as Yun Yang to carry out this plan; First Court King Qinguang had also seen his cloud cultivation skill. If all these clues were stringed together, the conclusion of him being Supreme Cloud would inevitably be realized. It was not that Yun Yang had not thought of putting on a disguise to pull this episode together but King Qinguang was no fool. If he had not stepped forward as himself, the king might not even bother to have an audience. "For now well have to prepare our precautions and think ahead." Yun Yangs gaze glimmered with sly glee. 222 A Foul Man! Mi Kongqun had died. When the palace staff found his body, it was already the afternoon of the next day. Looking at the mush that was Mi Kongquns body, the Minister of Imperial Household Jiang Zhong was infuriated, immediately ordering an investigation to be carried out. This news shook the entire palace. Mi Kongqun was no ordinary eunuch; other than being an Inner Court Attendant, he possessed the cultivation base of eighth peak pinnacle. His previous battle with the four noble young masters and ability to survive a strike of Ling Xiaozuis sword had already captured the notice of the royals. When such a capable figure could die without a sound and trace, it sent shivers down everyones spines. All of them were afraid for their own safety and it was this mentality that had everyone keen on the investigation, regardless of their real intentions. Yun Yang went to President of Board of Punishments, Wu Lies home, for the second time. "Congratulations, Sir Wu." Yun Yang conducted a thorough check and said, "Your son is considered completely recovered now. He will be able to enjoy the years of an ordinary person." Wu Lie was beyond delighted, thanking Yun Yang profusely. "However because your son has been weak for so many years and his most fundamental functions were damaged, in addition to not being especially gifted" Yun Yang picked his words before continuing, "He can only develop himself in the aspects of literature and knowledge He must not cultivate mystical Qi ever, itll only do further damage to his body" "I understand, I understand. As long as my son can live as long as an ordinary person, its already the best I can ask for. This old man has never thought that this day would come. How dare I have other indulgent wishes?" Wu Lie said in utter contentment. He smiled and continued, "Besides, the saying is that those who are poor shall be scholars while those who are rich can practice martial arts. Not only talent is needed, an abundance of wealth is also required to practice martial arts. And our home its as good as penniless; how can it support the growth of a mystical Qi cultivator? To see my young son become a scholar of a clear conscience is already something I would never have dreamed of. This old man is content and happy!" "This subordinate is happily impressed by Sir Wus broad-mindedness," Yun Yang replied. Wu Liu said gratefully, "I should be the one thanking Lord Supreme Wind. Lord Supreme Winds grace towards the Wu Family is immense. This old man this old man has nothing to requite." Wu Lie was moved to tears of gratitude but his personality could never allow him to say things like going through hardships in order to return the favor; he would never use the authority he held to make any promises! This was his philosophy of life, his basic principle; he would never go against his original aspirations. Yun Yang laughed and said, "Sir Wu being well means the laws of Yutang being well. You are most welcome." Wu Lie was at a loss for words from this gratitude, he could only hold onto Yun Yangs hand and shake it endlessly. "But I do have a request; I may need a little information from Sir Wu," Yun Yang began. "What is it?" Wu Lie asked. "As long as its something I can do and doesnt go against the nations law, I wont hesitate to help." "Its Shen Yushi. How much does Sir Wus know of this person?" Yun Yang said. Once Wu Lie heard his words, he frowned. Shen Yushi was the deputy minister of the Board of Punishments, the first authority in the board right after Wu Lie. This person carried himself with a low profile, however, just like a shadow. He did his work diligently but he never showed himself, never taking any credit. There were few records about this person. In fact, the Nine Heavens Dictums recorded information of Shen Yushi held nothing eye-catching as well. If Mi Kongqun had not exposed him, it was impossible to associate this person with being a Four Seasons Towers spy. Yun Yang was doubtful of the fact as well. He could not simply kill someone just because Mi Kongqun said so What if he mistakenly killed an innocent person? Wu Lie hummed thoughtfully before saying, "Shen Yushi May I ask the reason for Lord Supreme Wind suddenly asking about this person? Is there anything wrong with him?" "Honestly, I suspect this man to be related to the ambush we suffered in Tianxuan Cliff," Yun Yang answered. Wu Lie was taken aback, replying, "So Lord Supreme Wind also suspects this person My lord must have put much thought into this." "Also?" Yun Yang questioned in a low voice, "What does Sir Wu mean?" Wu Lie shook his head bitterly. "Shen Yushi is careful and keeps a low profile in what he does, never doing anything that could bring him into the limelight. Whatever he does, there is no greed for merit and promotion. Even when the achievement is his, he gives it out however he can and thus enjoys a good reputation among his colleagues." "Even when someone among the colleagues gets promoted using him as a stepping stone, he has no complaints. Staying in the same position for several years, hes still calm and gentle, not at all impatient about it. Occasionally, hed be implicated by the others and get demoted; even then, he does not grumble Rather than calling him a good old man with no temper, hes more like a living saint." Wu Li continued, "But this old man has been suspecting that this person carried a gigantic secret with him." "How so?" Yun Yang asked. He vaguely knew what Wu Lie was suspicious of from his description but it would not hurt to gather further evidence. "This old man has been in criminal law for so many years now. I know deeply that in this world, as long as ones a man, he shall err and he shall have his mistakes. But this Deputy Minister Shen Yushi has been too perfect." "He has no ambition for official titles, wealth, reputation, nor serving the people" "Its like hes almighty Hes reluctant to show any results regardless of what he does and if he did complete something worthy of merit, hell push everything to others Hes not keen on getting promoted and being wealthy" Wu Lie continued. "Ive thought that perhaps hes an altruist, only knowing how to benefit the people without asking for power nor fame but I realized that this isnt the case from some incidents I''ve witnessed." "So sometimes I think, why did this person become an official for so many years without chasing for fame nor benefiting the people?" Wu Lie questioned, "Is there really an official without any aim in this world? One who is an imperial court official at that too?" Yun Yang thought about what he said and asked, "Has Sir Wu investigated this person?" "Yes." Wu Lie chuckled morosely and said, "Shen Yushi was assigned to me as an assistant back then. This old man has always been cautious, so how can I now check if my assistant is clear? So I began investigating." "But one and a half months later, all the men from the Board of Punishments whom this old man had sent had all died in an untimely fashion, without exception." "It was also then that this old mans wife was harmed." Fury and indignation flowed through Wu Lies eyes. "But Shen Yushi was still my assistant, respectful and courteous towards me. If there was an order, he still did his best to fulfill it All those who died had a reason of death, whether it be coincidence or killed by someone strong or Anyway, none of their deaths had anything to do with this Sir Shen!" "Yet when this old man investigated meticulously himself, I confirmed that the only similarity among these people was that they were investigating Shen Yushi." "This old man reported it to the imperial court then, and asked the Board of Wars Grand Commandant to assist in the investigation" The muscles on Wu Lies face twitched, a deep hatred shone from his gaze as he said, "It was that night that this old mans son was stricken with an ill fate." "There still isnt any evidence. But since that moment, hes been under my nose for all these years; he was promoted when this old man was promoted and has been this old mans assistant ever since" A violent sense of helplessness wracked Wu Lie. "This old man has even erred intentionally to ask for a demotion, wanting to become a local officer instead to rid myself of this person. Who would have known that hes actually become my adviser after a few days; the procedures are formal and frank, not a single loophole exists" "When this old man couldnt take it anymore, and His Majesty coincidentally needed someone, this old man went back to the Board of Punishments. But its been only three days before he came back with me and became my assistant once more His Majesty is benevolent with his grace and promoted this old man to the Board of Punishments President but that Shen Yushi has followed suit to become the Board of Punishments Deputy" "There arent any traces of unnatural manipulation in everything. With my experience, this is absurd. If they werent what this old man has experienced personally but was told by a third party, I will never believe it" Wu Liu looked conflicted as he continued, "This old man knows well that the polite and respectful man whos never left my side is my greatest enemy whos harmed my wife and son C a reckless criminal who disregards the empires constitution, but I cant do anything to him. I cant avoid him, I cant seize him, I cant investigate him nor can I kill him" "I can only watch him stroll back and forth before me every day" "Even when I feel like walloping him with the excuse of being drunk, I couldnt possibly win This old man is powerless" Wu Lie heaved a deep sigh. "I dont know if Lord Supreme Wind can understand this old mans feelings" Yun Yang could not help rubbing his hands against his face, equally speechless. Hearing what Wu Lie had to say, Yun Yang felt goosebumps raking through his body. Shen Yushi was really something He could be as vicious to this point No one could even compare. Harm be upon your wife and your son, then before you shall I appear every day, following you wherever you go. I love seeing your helpless look despite having so much hatred towards me Yun Yang decided there and then; I will kill Shen Yushi. Perhaps some people would lie and make use of someone else to get rid of their enemy but they could never be Wu Lie! Since Wu Lie said that this person was problematic, it had to be true. Yun Yang trusted Sir Wu Lie unreservedly. It was also because of this trust that it was no longer of priority whether or not Shen Yushi was from the Four Seasons Tower. "Looks like this Shen Yushi is really someone conniving, controversially so!" Yun Yang replied. Wu Lie agreed, "Its for sure that this person is questionable but I have no evidence to convict him What can I do to him? And I believe that if we sanction this man rashly, he could pull countless stacks of evidence, witnesses, and proof from all aspects to show that were wrong. There will also be countless influential officials to back him up!" Yun Yang replied with a faint smile, "Sir Wu belongs to the law, it speaks well of you to speak of evidence but I I am not someone who moves with the law." He looked at Wu Lie and chuckled softly. "I never had need of evidence to kill someone." 223 Death at the Doorstep Wu Lie was clearly having a debate with himself as he murmured, "How can he be charged without evidence? How can you catch him? How can you kill someone? It doesn''t seem possible" He was then shocked to realize that Supreme Wind was already gone while he was still mumbling to himself. He had not realized when he had vanished so silently Stunned, Wu Lie resumed his murmuring. "How can one stray from the country''s laws? There isnt any proof This isnt the way to go about it" Whilst Sir Wu Lie was still having his debate of the century with himself, Yun Yang had already turned into a chilly gust of wind, traveling tens of miles to the home of Shen Yushi, Deputy Minister of the Board of Punishments. It was a terribly ordinary-looking house, paling in comparison to the common imperial court officials C compared to the grandeur of the others, it was rather plain. Yun Yangs entered the residence directly in the form of wind, the faint chimes of the bell at the front of the roof the only hint that there was a stirring breeze. A few guards were huddled together, chatting softly in the residence, not at all mindful of the tinkling sound. Yun Yang made his rounds, realizing that only the study room was lit; there was someone inside. At the backyard, all the other rooms were dark, with nobody staying in them. It showed that Sir Shen Yushi actually had no family here with him, not even maids nor concubines. As for the man himself, he was currently seated in his study, quietly reading a book. He looked graceful and virtuous; the solitude he was in hinted at his impartiality. His beard fluttered before his chest from his square face, his raven hair combed neatly with some silver strands showing C a telltale sign that he was no longer young. Yun Yang took notice of the book he was reading, it was a poetry collection by a predecessor. The man was immersed in the poems, occasionally lifting his finger to paint strokes of words like it was a brush before admiring the work. "So carefree!" Yun Yang could not help complimenting the man. Having done so many things, yet being able to be so elegantly and at ease, this mans psychological state must be immensely powerful. If they were to swap places, Yun Yangs conscience told him that he would most probably not be able to do the same. Yun Yang coursed through the residence quietly. He was already sure that there would definitely be things that didn''t belong in this place if this Deputy Minister Shen was truly questionable. What he had to do now was to search for all these things! Sir Shen Yushi, who was reading in the study, had somehow slowly picked himself up, beginning to pace around, mumbling with one hand holding the poetry book and another hand on his back. He came slowly to the front of the window, walking back and forth around the area. Did he discover me? With a shift in his gaze and thoughts, a gust of wind billowed before the window harshly. As expected by Yun Yang, Sir Shens gaze that seemed to be focused on reading glinted abruptly before he concentrated on the book again, as if nothing had happened, like he did not notice anything. He even sighed afterward, "Tonights wind is so strong. Looks like the chilliness of winter has come early this year I wonder if the nations people have prepared well for the cold" He sighed once more upon finishing his words, putting up a devoted dutiful front that empathized with the citizens. In spite of this, Yun Yangs wind form that was all-pervasive had already found a spacious space under Sir Shens study room. There was actually a secret passage in the righteous Sir Shens own study that held another secret world beneath it. The hidden door to this secret passage was behind the painting that was at the back of the chair Shen Yushi had just sat on. "Indeed there is a mysterious passage." Yun Yang flew out without hesitation, slapping the guards unconscious right as he approached them. Bam, bam, pow The eight guards and another two doorkeepers were all struck unconscious by Yun Yang in the blink of an eye. He did not plan to stay unnoticed with his subsequent actions. Shen Yushis eyes gleamed, he was already looking towards the direction where the commotion was coming from. It was through this action that spoke of the complexity and the mighty cultivation base this man bore! Yun Yang raised his head leisurely to smile at Sir Shen through the window, a sign that he had everything under control and was unafraid for Shen Yushis subsequent reaction. Shen Yushi was still calm and composed, still holding on to his book with one hand and pacing around his study with graceful ease as he hummed softly, playing the part of a weak scholar who was powerless. Yun Yang smiled inwardly, deciding to walk up to the window frankly and knock on it as he called out with a suppressed voice, "Sir Shen?" Inside, Shen Yushi seemed to be shocked as he turned pale and replied, "Who is it?" "A friend," Yun Yang answered. Shen Yushis voice was trembling when he said, "What what friend? This official doesnt have any friends like you" Yun Yang had no patience to carry on their little farce; he slapped the window open and appeared before Shen Yushi with a gust of chilliness, saying in a mocking tone, "Has Sir Shen forgotten your own doings?" Shen Yushi fell onto his chair as mock panic colored his face; he forced himself to stay calm and shouted, "Who are you? What has this official ever done?" Yun Yang sighed, "Shen Yushi, Im already standing here. You''re wasting time by continuing to put on an act." Icy killing intent shot from his eyes under the black mask. "Shen Yushi, I have only one question. Which month and which date are you among the seventh, eighth, and ninth month?" Shen Yushi seemed to be confused. "This official doesnt understand what you mean" He then turned angry abruptly. "Where are you from, criminal? Trespassing into an imperial court officials residence deep in the night, do you know what penalty you will be convicted of? Guards, theres an assassin here!" Yun Yang rolled his eyes, already cultivating the mystique wind and cloud cultivation as his body changed but remained in its ethereal form. He walked over airily and pulled the painting on the wall with a swoosh, revealing a clean slab of white wall. With a snort, Yun Yang hit it with his palm and the wall gave way with a crack like a log that was broken in half. A dark hole that descended into the ground appeared right before his eyes. It was at this moment that Yun Yang felt wind fluttering behind him; a piercing sense of vicious sentiment shot through him with a flash. "Cant hold it in anymore?" Yun Yang did not turn but delivered a strike with his palm. A loud boom rent the air. Yun Yang charged three steps forward, leveraging on the strong force and entered the passage that had just revealed itself. Words drifted from the dark passage, "Shen Yushi, not pretending to be a delicate scholar anymore?" Before his voice finished echoing, his person was long gone in the dark tunnel. "Seeking your death!" Shen Yushi who looked virtuous and gentle initially was now painted with a rusty green, his killing intent surging like never before felt. His eyes were shining with an emerald glow, following Yun Yang into the dark tunnel in an unthinking rage. Before he was entirely gone into the passage, his right hand pressed something on the wall. Immediately, swooshing sounds sounded incessant from below. It was the activation of all the mechanisms and traps set from the entrance to the secret chamber inside. However, Yun Yangs body had turned into a gust of breeze just as he entered the tunnel, drifting speedily inwards. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh He had only gone as far as thirty feet, before even arriving at the bottom of the secret passage, when countless scores of hidden weapons came shooting from all over the place without so much as a gap among the attacks. A copious amount of poisonous gas was being emitted as well, all the colors found in a rainbow similarly found in the passageway, signaling the various types of poisons contained therein. There were also needles as thin as a cows hair that seemed to fill the entire space. On one side, there was a large, oddly-shaped hammer that came crashing down. The shape of the huge hammer was exactly the size of the tunnel C no matter how thin one was, they would never be able to avoid it It was unfortunate that even the most dense attacks were useless against the wind. Yun Yangs wind form breezed through easily as it went right through the countless weapons and continued ten feet downwards right to the turn at the bottom. Without thinking, he drifted past it. Behind him, a disgruntled roar sounded, "Criminal, stop right there!" Yun Yang barely slowed, moving even faster instead. He had instantly advanced another seventeen feet, going right to another end despite being under attack by row upon row of pelting hidden weapons. Yun Yang had gotten to another turning; a crackling sound rose with a press of his hand C it was another concealed door that was being opened. Similarly, an arsenal of hidden weapons was catapulting towards him. It was impossible to avoid them but Yun Yangs body was only an illusion; even when hundreds of thousands of weapons penetrated him, there was no damage done. Right when the slightest gap was opened from the second door, a green glow was already catching up to Yun Yang. The sword emitted a dazzling sword air in the dark tunnel as it struck down. In spite of it, Yun Yang had unbelievably squeezed through the sliver of a gap and left the sword air far behind. Another thirty feet later, brightness greeted Yun Yangs eyes. It was a secret chamber with a radius of ten feet that which had Luminous Pearls embedded all around. Despite being tens of feet underground, the secret chamber was bright as day. The setting of the room was very simple; there were only a table and a chair. With a curl of his body, Yun Yang went towards the chair. When Shen Yushi caught up and entered the chamber, what greeted his eyes was a black-masked man in black clothes, looking at him mockingly as he sat on the chair proudly; the domineering aura obvious in the air. Although Shen Yushis eyes were flushed with aggressive murderous intent, the surprise and intimidation were stark. How could the simultaneous attacks of his full-blown strikes and trap mechanisms in the secret passage earlier not have blocked the other party for even an instant? To what stage had this persons cultivation base gone? One must know that the hidden mechanisms of traps and hidden weapons were so dense and tightly packed that they were all-pervasive, He could not figure out how this man, alive and normal-sized, could arrive here without a single wound amidst the storm of hidden weapons! 224 Impasse Looking at the pristine state Yun Yang was in, without even the tiniest hole on his black clothes, Shen Yushi knew that the opposite party had not even been scraped by the terrifying arsenal of hidden weapons. His gaze bored into Yun Yang who was seated on the chair as he raised his question word by word. "Who are you?" Yun Yang smiled faintly and replied, "I should be asking you this instead. Shen Yushi, who are you?" "Friend, a straightforward person does not make insinuations." Shen Yushi stood with arms behind his back as he spoke faintly, "Since you can find your way here, I believe you have some sort of purpose; you can speak of it frankly. Since you know that this reputed one is from the Four Seasons Tower, you should know full well what sort of existence the Four Seasons Tower carries!" He continued slowly, "Even Ling Xiaozui, as the Unrivaled Expert back in the day, had to avoid going against Four Seasons Tower. As for whether or not you can afford to provoke the Four Seasons Tower, you should consider it thoroughly." "Oh?" Yun Yang smiled faintly. "So you are really from Four Seasons Tower?" "Is there any point trying to prove this now?" Shen Yushi scoffed. Swiftly, his expression changed into one of menace as he said, "Speak of your aim directly. If it''s not overboard, I can let you go; I''ll take it as... making a friend! If it were to be anything else, friend, wait for the assassination from the Four Seasons Tower!" Yun Yang tilted his head and replied, "Sir Shen... Deputy Minister Shen, are you that confident that the Four Seasons Tower can hold me accountable?" "I have seen your cultivation base. Perhaps I am not your opponent as it''s indeed peculiar and worthy to be prideful of, but you still have no hopes of making me stay today!" Shen Yushi said composedly. One of his hand remained on his back as the other pointed around, saying, "Since you could make it here, I bet you also know the wonders of a sally port like this... There are a total of ten tunnels in this secret chamber, all of them extending out from different directions." "Even though I can''t fight you, I can still defend myself and you shall never keep me here! As long as I exit from any one of these tunnels, I can guarantee that from now onwards, there shall never be a day of peace in your life until you''re dead!" Savageness tinted Shen Yushi''s face as he uttered each word. "What a strong threat indeed." "I''m actually afraid. A curse of a nightmare to last a lifetime! What do I do?" Yun Yang said. His tone was relaxed, not at all frightened, despite his words. A flip of Shen Yushi''s wrist had a long emerald sword emerging in his hand; he said indifferently, "Since you''re heedless of my kind words, don''t accuse me of being brutal." Yun Yang was still seated, waiting. He said smiling, "You know that you''re not my opponent yet you''re not thinking of fleeing right now but to fight me. Obviously... there''s another purpose." Shen Yushi''s expression changed. "Let me guess what your purpose is." Yun Yang said airily. Menace flashed in Shen Yushi''s eyes. With another flick of his wrist, his long sword had suddenly turned into a flash of lightning. He clearly did not plan for Yun Yang to finish his words. Yun Yang executed the steps of the Destiny Form, cruising through the sword light that was like a dragnet as he continued nonchalantly, "Your purpose... there''s something you care very much about in this secret chamber or some important thing that can''t be seen by an outsider, so you can''t leave." "Even if you wanted to flee, you have to conjure up a fight - even if you''re not my opponent, you need to find an opportunity to destroy those things or take them away. Only then will you be able to leave without worry, right?" The more Yun Yang spoke, the uglier the expression was on Shen Yushi''s face, and the more frequent the sword light was emitted until it scintillated with energy. "Let me guess what it is." Yun Yang''s Destiny Footwork hastened in urgency as he continued cruising through the tightly woven net formed with the sword. However, the sword air generated only grew in intensity as faint noises of friction and wind were heard. With a screeching sound, a green light flashed on Yun Yang as a hole was torn through the hem of his black robe. A wave of cultivation skill finally showed itself. Shen Yushi was taken aback before he chuckled coldly and said, "And here I was still thinking which almighty person it is. So you''re only a sixth peak juvenile? You think you can do anything with just this little peanut''s worth of peculiar cultivation skill?" It was just moments ago when Shen Yushi had attacked with all the strength he possessed that he managed to coerce the revelation of Yun Yang''s true ability with his eighth peak pinnacle capability. After affirming Yun Yang''s true ability, Shen Yushi was relieved. He was no longer thinking of retreating but was resolute to make Yun Yang stay in this chamber forever! The longsword stirred a ruffle of sword light before it was brought to the front of Shen Yushi''s chest, the emerald radiance shining brighter, waiting to pounce. Shen Yushi wore absolute confidence on his face. "Child, take off your mask quickly and speak of your origins. Otherwise, this reputed one''s sword will send you to the underworld!" With the retraction of Shen Yushi''s sword, Yun Yang could clearly feel the intense sword air around him vanishing. All of it had concentrated entirely at the tip of the sword in his hands! The tip of his sword formed a huge whirlpool like a black hole, sucking even the air in this secret chamber; Yun Yang began to feel suffocated. "You should know that with your cultivation base of the sixth peak, it can never withstand One with Myriad attack of my sword." Shen Yushi faced Yun Yang, taunting him with utmost confidence. He was scared witless by the fellows trick of coursing through the secret chamber earlier. He had thought that the man must be some sort of otherworldly expert. In truth, he was but a trickster with an exceptionally unique cultivation skill. No matter how amazing his skill was, however, Shen Yushis sword had sealed all the space within the secret chamber. Even if a mosquito were to possess the speed of a lightning, it could never escape from him, what more a living man. This black-clothed man would definitely die. Since this was the eventual outcome, he might as well vent the frustration he had felt from being frightened just now. Recalling that he actually almost turned to flee just now, Shen Yushi felt inexplicably furious! If the secret chamber did not hold his secret as mentioned by the man, he might really have fled from the fright! This was an utter humiliation that he could not accept. Shen Yushi was ready to lash out, the assurance within his gaze sparkling brightly; he was utterly confident that he could end this person with a slash of his sword C there was no chance of escape since the enemy was already locked down by his aura. Within such a close distance and an uncanny observation of his opponent, he was sure that he could chop even the strand of hair from the enemy''s eyebrow if he so much as twitched C that was how confident he was. Naturally, everything else was within his grasp with the rocketing confidence he felt; of course, he could play the opponent as he wished to wash away the humiliation of being at the lower hand earlier. Even when Shen Yushi understood that it was just an illusion of being shocked from Yun Yangs peculiar cultivation skill, his fury knew no bounds; he had to do something about it. He had always been a petty person, his anger was already surging. Yun Yang remained seated on the chair steadily and said, "Kill me? Sir Shen, are you that confident of yourself?" "Try me." Shen Yushi smirked cruelly. He really wanted Yun Yang to move right now, to keep moving, to keep facing failure, and to keep feeling the terror of death; he would toy with him to his hearts content, play with him until he died! Yun Yang sighed, "Ive been found out" "Do you think you can deceive me?" Shen Yushi laughed coldly. Yun Yang stood up slowly to the unmoving tip of Shen Yushis sword; the hundreds of thousands of shards of sword air had already coagulated to a solid essence, licking about in fumes. Moving around the table, Yun Yang moved forward step by step until he was three feet before the tip of Shen Yushis sword. He halted then, saying faintly, "It looks like I wont be able to escape today." The sadism in Shen Yushis eyes grew like a vulture in the desert, replying quietly, "Since youve gotten here, I suggest that you keep this sense of naivety." "I guess this secret chamber will be my burial ground" Yun Yang said in disappointment, to which Shen Yushi replied, "It''s good that you know this." "I cant intimidate you but I can accede to an impasse instead. Its fate. Before I die though, can Sir Shen quell my doubts?" Yun Yang sighed. "What doubts do you have?" Shen Yushi asked, feeling in total control over Yun Yangs entire being. Yun Yang raised his doubts. "I wont be enlightened without asking. I dont feel good not saying this aloud. If Sir Shen can answer me, then I shall tell whatever Sir Shen needs to know unreservedly!" "But you will still have to die. Theres no way out other than death for you now. Not a single piece of information can be exchanged for your chance to live!" Shen Yushi said coldly. "I understand that you have to kill me, of course. I don''t mind dying, but if I can become a ghost of clarity upon death, that would be the best," Yun Yang said without the slightest tremor in his voice. "Then let me first see your sincerity, take off your mask!" Shen Yushi said coldly. Yun Yang plucked his mask off easily, revealing a middle-aged man in his forties with a thin, sculpted face. There was no fear written on that face. "Actually, I dont have too many doubts. My first question is what Wu Lies family had gone through has it all been your doing?" Yun Yang asked. "Wu Lie?" Shen Yushi frowned suddenly. "Did that fellow send you? If he did, thats rather surprising" Yun Yang did not reply but Shen Yushi answered himself. "No, it could never be that prude. Firstly, that prude doesnt have that kind of fortune and secondly, hell never do something like this. Instead of saying he sent you, Id rather believe that youve unintentionally encountered his tribulations before looking for me because of it, triggering todays encounter!" Yun Yang remained wordless as he looked at the man who was rambling to himself. Shen Yushi was not exactly wrong; he was at least half correct. If it were not for Wu Lie, Yun Yang would not have dealt with him as quickly. "If youve come for Wu Lie, I might as well admit that I was the one behind everything to do with Wu Lie! It''s just unfortunate that you simply can''t do anything about it." 225 Incinerated Shen Yushi showed a cruel sense of delight as he said, "That old prude has been wanting to catch my weakness. How can I not know?" "However, provoking me means paying the price for it. Im letting him know clearly that I am the one who has harmed his wife! It was me whos killed his subordinates! It is, I, who handicapped his son!" "Then I follow him wherever he goes. Do you know how gratifying it is to be the audience to your nemesis despair every day?" Shen Yushi said. "Gratifying?" Yun Yang frowned. "Of course its gratifying!" Shen Yushi chortled, his mood light and easy. "You know I am the one behind everything, but you have no evidence, you cant convict me and you cant do anything to me personally. Even if martial strength is used with abandon to resolve this, you cant find the combat power that can compare to me. Then I follow you at all times, stalking you incessantly, and glancing at you triumphantly whenever I feel like it" "Its my favorite feeling. The gratification of manipulating and tormenting someone within your palm, its indescribable with words nor language. It is the ultimate form of happiness." Yun Yang was speechless. Wu Lie had been tormented for so many years but he actually had not broken down and gone mad yet; he could still carry out his responsibilities dutifully. It was not easy to have such determination and bear the torment that ordinary people could not. He was truly marvelous C and must have suffered for his resilience. Shen Yushi was extremely jovial. "It''s not only in the past, Im still following him and watching him now and will do so in the future; I want to watch how he obviously loathes me and knows absolutely everything but cant do anything to me Isnt he a benevolent official? Ill keep him as such until the very end! Let him be in such an atmosphere for the rest of his life!" "His wife and son are both crippled. Even if he wants to risk his life, hed be reluctant to die because his family still needs his care." Shen Yushi guffawed. "This is the best! When Wu Lie dies, Ill find someone similar and do the same to them This is absolutely the most sublime joy in this world!" Once the topic was mentioned, Shen Yushi began to chatter ceaselessly, like it was the most gratifying matter in life, speaking of it in great detail. Obviously, he felt very accomplished about this matter. However, Yun Yang did not want to keep on listening. Such a perverse case could actually bring so much joy to the eyes of this man C there was no humanity in him. "Other than Sir Wus case, I still want to know what position Sir Shen holds in the Four Seasons Tower and what secret is there in this secret chamber." "I believe my impending death is closely knitted to these two points. If I cant make them clear, I cant die in peace," Yun Yang said. The sword in Shen Yushis hand came up, pressing against Yun Yangs throat. With the slightest bit of force, a small bead of blood oozed from the latters skin. Shen Yushi laughed brutally, "Why are you guessing that Im from the Four Seasons Tower? And to even limit my identity within the seventh, eighth, and ninth month, who are you? On what basis do you know these?" Yun Yang answered lowly, "Im from The Merciless Tower. As for you the reason I know so much about you is of course due to the fact that someone wanted to kill you, but how is it possible to thoroughly check your exact details? I just didnt expect your cultivation base to be as such. And the environment and atmosphere today. You wont be able to do anything to me if any of these two were absent It''s alright if I can''t complete my mission, but I''m unwilling to die in confusion." Watching as Yun Yang flipped his sleeve to reveal a gold medallion, Shen Yushi could not help smirking and said, "The Merciless Towers gold ranked assassin - and you want to kill me. Even when you knew I am from the Four Seasons Tower, you dared to make a move yourself; how courageous." "Other than being The Merciless Towers assassin, Im also the Empire of Yutangs man. Sir Wu is one of Yutangs pillars and youre his enemy, thus he deserves your death!" Yun Yang said in a low voice. Shen Yushi chuckled coldly. "There I was, wondering how can this not be related to Wu Lie. So youre born in Yutang. Then your actions today must have been based on something personal. The Merciless Tower cant even have an excuse to pick a fight, your death today is such a waste!" Up to this moment, Shen Yushi was still hurling attacks at Yun Yangs mental state, wanting to see him wholly broken down. "You even know The Merciless Towers rules. You must be from the Four Seasons Tower. Which month and day are you?" Yun Yang questioned his impending executioner. With a savage laugh, Shen Yushi said, "I might have to disappoint you. Im not any month nor day!" Yun Yangs gaze narrowed as he blurted out unintentionally, "Impossible. If you arent from Four Seasons Tower, how can you be so powerful?" A faint sense of ridicule surfaced on Shen Yushis face as he replied, "Idiot, I just said Im not any month or day; since when did I say Im not from the Four Seasons Tower? I shall let you be a ghost of clarity today, this old man is the end of the seventh month!" Yun Yang nodded. "The end of the seventh month, that is the thirtieth of the seventh month. How can this not be a day? Why do you mince your words?" The ridicule on Shen Yushis face deepened as he replied, "So you dont even know the difference. Looks like youre really dying in vain. The seventh month has two leaders, one is the seventh month while the assistant is the end of the seventh month!" "There isnt a specific date!" "Do you understand it now?" A strangely cruel color painted Shen Yushis face. "Yes, I see!" Yun Yang realized with a start. "So every months hall is divided into the head of the hall and the vice head of the hall." Yun Yang commented, "The Four Seasons Tower is indeed mysterious!" "As for the secret in this secret chamber" Shen Yushi answered faintly, "Its just some lore and the Four Seasons Towers secret records. I dont think youll be as interested in them but Im still telling you, so you dont have to die muddled. Am I not a kind man?" "Of course, theres a chance to rise high in a single step it is here as well, but you wont be able to see it!" Yun Yang nodded. "I see. No wonder I feel like my spiritual energy cant be concealed upon entering. If it isnt so" In his mind, he was thinking, "A chance to rise high in a single step?" "Its only a small formation to absorb spiritual energy but its enough to restrain your peculiar cultivation skill." Shen Yushis gaze was cruel as he asked, "Now, you should explain yourself. Who sent you to kill me? I was almost deceived by you. Even when youre born in Yutang, The Merciless Tower is strict with their rules; an order can restrain movement while a word can incur punishment. Youve come with confidence and was long sure of my identity as the Four Seasons Towers man." Yun Yang sighed. "I am unable to deceive you. Ive thought too highly of myself. Since youve told me your identity with all honesty, I shall do the same. The one who ordered this assassination is The Merciless Towers higher-up" "Then who is it who hired you fellows to kill me? According to The Merciless Towers rules, even if it were the higher-ups order, you still get to know who the hirer is! Otherwise, how can you submit your assignment?" Shen Yushi continued to question; this was the puzzle he was the most concerned about. Yun Yang looked troubled like he was struggling with himself. Shen Yushi attempt to persuade him by saying, "Your death today is confirmed, why obey these so-called rules If you tell me the truth, Ill give you a painless end. Otherwise, you''ll find that you will actually be wishing for death when I am done with you." Yun Yang frowned, like he had finally decided after a great internal debate and said in a low voice, "Alright, the person who actually wants to kill you is" Shen Yushi could not help focusing on his words, even his ears were perked up. He was extremely vengeful and vile inwardly though, thinking, "If I were to know, I shall" Before he could think of the vile things he would do, he suddenly heard a name that took him by surprise; perhaps, it was a word. "Me!" Shen Yushi was befuddled by the word. He then saw the man in front of him retreating abruptly to get away from the immobilizing force of his sword air. With a shift in his thoughts, he suddenly understood the true meaning of Yun Yangs words. Angrily, he growled as the sword air erupted at once. How are you going to flee when we are so near? Do you think youll be able to escape? No, youll only die a more painful death. Youll die in torment and in agony! However, Shen Yushi realized right away that the person in front of him had vanished! He had disappeared into thin air; there was no trace of him to be found! "You shouldnt have let me get so close to you," an icy voice whispered in his ear. A scorching heat seared him C as far as Shen Yushi could see, there were flames everywhere! Boom! The ball of flame had attached itself to him, burning with a continuous crackling; as the blaze engulfed him, it roared to life! "Oww" Shen Yushi cried out in agony, the pain insufferable. He took in a deep breath, the air of vitality deep within his dantian erupting to its maximum; he was obviously cultivating his mystique skill, wanting to extinguish the fire forcefully with his vital force. Yet the sharp inhalation allowed a sliver of flame to run into his mouth. With a soft concussion, black smoke erupted from his seven orifices! "Ah! Ahh!" Shen Yushi was screaming in anguish from both the external and internal burns of his body. He did not know what to do, already rolling about as he threw his long sword on the floor with a loud clang. Shen Yushi had executed four to five mystique methods within that instant to get rid of the blaze that ignited both inside and outside, but the flame burned fiercely, not relenting no matter what he did. After some time, the fragrance of grilled meat arose from Shen Yushi. "Youre Supreme Fire You C you This is impossible" Shen Yushi was still shrieking tragically, his body rolling about but the fire only burned brighter. Oddly enough, the flame was only consuming Shen Yushi; nothing else in the entire secret chamber was scorched C not even a piece of paper. Shen Yushi sprang up to charge outwards manically but the flame had turned into long strings of molten steel shackling his feet, pulling him back as it burned. With the opposing forces taking place, the muscles on his feet were charred almost instantly. Collapsing on the floor, Shen Yushi could not pick himself up. He did not give up, trying to crawl out with all his might, supported by his arms, yet the burning flame had seared his fingers down to the white of his bones. With a crack, his fingers were broken from the heat of the incinerating flames! 226 A Mysterious Treasure Map Shen Yushi let out a loud cry but it was a gush of flame that came blazing through his mouth along with charred, powdered particles. Despite his formidable mystical skill, how could he withstand burning organs? Torn inside out by the flames, he closed his eyes, knocking his head harshly against the secret chambers floor. "I beg you I beg you Grant me an easy death!" Another surge of fire rose from his body; his body spasmed while his throat made gurgling noises. With a sudden swoosh, the flame left his body without leaving behind even the slightest trace of fumes; making a few rounds in the air, it took Yun Yangs form and landed on the floor. However, the moment Yun Yang landed, he staggered; his face was as pale as a sheet. It was obvious that his flame manifestation had taken his all to successfully defeat the enemy although the price paid was substantial. It was lucky that it was worth it; after all, he had retained the man! Yun Yang had never considered losing in this battle. Despite knowing that the opposite partys cultivation base was higher than the sixth peak he had just broken through C perhaps more than a little higher - he still withheld absolute confidence in his ability to win. As Yun Yangs cultivation base improved by leaps and bounds, the power for each of his manifestations improved tremendously. Even if he faced a ninth peak expert, they would undoubtedly die if he were to show his last card. What truly muddled Yun Yang was that despite winning, the differences between their abilities could not retain the target! Just as Shen Yushi had said, the secret chamber contained several hidden passageways that offered several chances of escape. With the capability of the other partys cultivation base, he could leave unscathed, once given an opportunity. Yun Yang could not even block him, given that Shen Yushis cultivation base was much higher than his. Once the latter managed to escape, he could possibly expose Yun Yangs secret. The enemy would definitely be alerted and there would be terrible consequences. Therefore, Yun Yang had purposefully manoeuvred them into this situation C first, he had to trick the words out of his mouth, but this wasn''t the primary objective. His real purpose was to be within five feet of Shen Yushi! It was only then that he would be wholly confident and assured that he would win. Indeed, he had C but Yun Yang was also exhausted. On the floor, Shen Yushi had already been burnt to charred cinders C his eyes were two sunken, black holes. An ordinary person would have been long dead if they were rendered into this state but Shen Yushis cultivation base was exceptional. He was left with one last breath. He was groaning as his remains trembled and spasmed. With a wave of Yun Yangs hand, a chilling breeze caressed his face. With a final shudder, Shen Yushi stopped moving. Black smoke was oozing from his mouth as he coughed weakly. "Cough Cough, cough" As the coughing persisted, black smoke came out in puffs from his mouth. "Expert of the eighth peak mystical Qi, truly exceptional indeed. To be able to survive this state! Remarkable!" Yun Yang said nonchalantly, "Shen Yushi, can you still hear me?" Shen Yushi had already lost all sanity, clinching onto the last slivers of stubbornness that showed itself as disbelief as he murmured, "Im C impossible Impossible How can this be S C supreme Flame" His voice was weak but the disbelief laced within his tone was clear as day. Yun Yang could already see that Sir Shen was on the brink of unconsciousness from being incinerated; it was this sense of disbelief that was spurring him on but it made Yun Yang immensely curious C why was he so sure that its impossible for me to be Supreme Flame? He had never even suspected that Yun Yang was one of Nine Supremes all the while. It was very bizarre. After all, his fire attack was Supreme Flames Fiery Charm Spell! "How can it possibly be Supreme Flame I C I watched them die with my own eyes my own hands" Shen Yushis voice was soft; the absurdity of the situation was reflected in his tone. With a violent jerk, Yun Yang pulled back abruptly. Looking at Shen Yushi, who was about to lose his last breath, an unprecedented murderous intent erupted in his eyes. A strong sense of abhorrence grew like mushrooms after the rain. Watch them die with my own eyes? My own hands? Yun Yang raised his saber with a cold fury. "If that is so, what afterlife do you even need?" The Divine Edge slashed down. When the saber flew downwards, it was already laced with Emmies energy. Shen Yushiss charred head rolled off, following the sound of a swoosh while his spiritual energy that had just left his body was struck with a green ball of power, dissipating into nothingness right away. The shattering of soul and deific consciousness C irreversible and forever obliterated! "Own hands! Own eyes!" Yun Yang took in a deep breath, feeling his body tremble. This dead man before him was the first one of the masked men in the battle at Tianxuan Cliff whom Yun Yang had found to this day. It was no wonder he had never suspected him to be one of the Nine Supremes! Only those who had watched Nine Supremes die with their own eyes and those who killed Nine Supremes with their own hands would be as confident. "Damned to death!" Yun Yang huffing, barely recovering after a very long time. Suddenly, he laughed with his head raised. "Brothers, I have found one! Ive killed one of them!" His emotions were on a rollercoaster ride. "I hate it that I dont have the capability to capture him alive. If I could I would surely know more And if I had the power, I will make him live as long as possible C forever!" Yun Yang clenched his teeth harshly. Suddenly, he swung his foot, kicking Shen Yushis charred remains into dust. The bones were crushed, ashes flew. Death had always been a significant thing; any ordinary person would not defile corpsesC Yun Yang normally despised such deeds. In spite of this, Yun Yang hated the fact that he could only kick the corpse once. He wanted so much for Shen Yushi to be resurrected and kill him again and again! He wanted to make him experience the taste of shattered bones and a shredded soul time and time again! Even then, it was not enough to quench Yun Yangs hatred. "Hah" After a very long time, Yun Yang finally walked to the front of the table and sat down slowly. There must be something substantial in this secret chamber! Yun Yang tried hard to relax, forcing himself to calm down and shifted his attention to the table. There was a flat slab of white jade on it, placed on top of papers and other knick-knacks. Yun Yang gave the white jade to Emmie swiftly. Under the white jade was an old, torn piece of mystical beast skin that looked like an incomplete piece of a map; it was smoky and had traces of being burned, the years leaving their signs on the skin. Yun Yang picked it up and tried pulling at it, unable to stretch it to his surprise. He could not help feeling curious, increasing his force to pull harder but still did not succeed. He pulled harder, more forcefully Until Yun Yang had exerted his force of sixth peak cultivation base, he could not stretch this piece of odd leather! "What skin is this?" Yun Yang was bewildered. With Yun Yangs current physical strength, even a ninth level mystical beast leather would be hard pressed to withstand his exertions; the pulling and stretching should have torn it into pieces yet this piece of leather was not damaged at all C not even a trace of it being stretched! Yun Yang was deeply curious; this piece of leather was a rare treasure. Whatever was recorded on it must have held an even higher value. As he observed it closely, he realized that the leather was only a corner of a whole piece of a painting; its side was smooth like it had been cut by a sharp blade. "It must have been an extraordinary weapon to be able to cut this tough leather!" "What has been recorded on this piece of skin?" "A treasure map?" "A mysterious place?" "Perhaps the residence of an immortal?" "Ancient ruins?" Yun Yangs imagination went wild, one idea linking to another. "Could it be that this is what Shen Yushi had said earlier the so-called chance to rise above others in a single step?" However, it was hardly possible to find the marked place on the painting based on this incomplete corner of a map. Since it could not be turned into a usable resource right away, it had to be temporarily put away, thrust into Yun Yangs robe. After all, he still had things to do; there would be a time in the future to slowly study this odd piece of leather. Consequently, what was on the table was some other things that Shen Yushi had penned personally. He was very cautious in what he did though, writing everything in code. The information gave Yun Yang a headache just scanning through them C "Certain day of a certain month, ninth day accepted work of east and was paid seven hundred thousand silver taels. Mission code 7938 times completed, reported by Autumn" "Certain day of certain month" Everything was penned down in a similar fashion. Yun Yangs eyes were big circles as he read them. A pile of papers was pressed on the last page. Written atop it was, "Prepared were sixteen directions, ambushes from ten places and attacks from nine routes to give chase into Tianxuan Cliff. Strikes of all sides overturned the world, heaven and earth upheaved as two hundred and forty mystical cultivators combined to assassinate the Nine Supremes. Hereby to recorded the extermination of the seeds of future troubles. Glory to reputable Nian, long live Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter." These words were obviously documenting the attack by the Four Seasons Tower on the Nine Supremes. Yun Yang clenched his teeth, reading the next sheet of paper but realizing that the contents were similar. Each stroke of penmanship in each sheet of paper was clear and precise. Shen Yushi must have felt triumphant over the incident, using the contents of the paper to practice his penmanship C more than once. The tens of papers contained the same thing; then, the content changed, "This lowly subordinate is only giving suggestions and making contacts, serving the tower master to the end of my day; this lowly one dares not take credit for it." The words repeated once more much like the previous content C the man was obviously an undying devotee of the Four Seasons Tower. "Are you this thrilled to frame the Nine Supremes with schemes and plots?" Fury rose from within Yun Yang as he struck the two piles of papers into shreds with one palm. He then opened the drawers of the table to conduct a meticulous search. He found a complete piece of a map in one of the drawers but the location of the map could not be determined since there were no symbols on it. From the folding marks, though, it seemed that the map had been unfolded and folded countless times. Yun Yang was acutely aware of the maps possible use so he stored it carefully. After finding more things that did not seem to be of use nor possessed any hint of information, Yun Yang began plundering the place recklessly. When he was done, he was shocked by his the loot he had unearthed. 227 Another Level Up Firstly, his loot came in the tangible form of twelve million taels of silver banknotes and two million taels of gold banknotes. The sum was already substantial but this was only scratching the surface. He had also found three thousand and seven hundred pieces of mystical stones, six hundred pieces of mystical crystals, three hundred and fifty-six pieces of fifth level mystical pills, seventy-five pieces of sixth level pills, eighteen pieces of seventh level pills, and even two pieces of top-grade eighth level mystical pills. There were also one hundred and seventy-five pieces of exceptionally high-quality jade! Yun Yang opened a secret door at one of the secret chambers corners and found an assortment of rare treasures, gems and treasured resources of heaven and earth filling the space inside. It bewildered Yun Yang. This Shen Yushi was only a vice head of hall for the seventh month in the Four Seasons Tower. Why did he feel like he had captured Supreme Lord Spring Frost himself? Could a mere vice head of the seventh month hall really possess such power and collect such a fortune? It was frightening. Since there were so many resources that they could not be completely taken away, Yun Yang gave most of those that he could not stow away to Emmie directly C it was an exception to let a certain seedling eat all it can! "Ayaya" Emmie was ecstatic, absorbing the energy available greedily. It was only moments later that Emmie had already absorbed all the essence of the resources, leaving behind piles of powdered remains. There were plenty of precious metals as well; other than thirty or forty pieces that Yun Yang could recognize, there were at least eighteen of them that he had never seen before. "Ill bring all these home, and see how Bai Yixue behaves. If hes good then Ill give them to him" Yun Yang thought. "If not" Finally, Yun Yang dug out all the Luminous Pearls that were embedded in the secret chambers wall. At the same time that the secret chamber fell into total darkness, Yun Yang left in his wind form together with his immense store of wealth. This trip was fruitful indeed. Other than an immensely well fed Emmie that was almost always burping now, Yun Yang carried a huge sack on his back, slipping away into the night The sack was made by combining a few bedsheets in Shen Yushis home, only then could it contain all the loot to be taken away C those were the ones that Emmie could not finish. Other than some of the resources being of such high quality that Yun Yang was reluctant to let Emmie have them, Emmie could not even finish the rest. However, these were all valuable resources to Yun Yang, regardless of their grade. Just the one million taels of those banknotes could kill Supreme Lord Spring Frost; perhaps he could kill Mr. Nian with ten million taels? One must be daring with his imagination C what if that was how success come about? Luckily, it was already the fourth fragment of the night When Yun Yang returned home, Lao Mei and Fang Mofei hurried over to help when they saw what an embarrassing state Supreme Cloud was in, carrying a huge sack on his back like a thief. Great Swordsman Bai Yixue was indignant about petty matters like this, only observing their activities with his deific consciousness. Yun Yang was delighted that he did not bother to come over, happy that the swordsman saw nothing. If the Great Swordsman Bai did see how much resources there were that were compatible to his cultivation of swordsmanship, there was a likelihood he would shamelessly snatch them all? Yun Yang would not be able to fight him now! Ones true intention was always concealed, one must always be on guard against others. Yun Yang then asked Shui Wuyin to come over. Seeing that Yun Yang carried so many things home, the latter knew right away that Yun Yangs trip was smooth C he had succeeded! "Take a look at these papers" Yun Yang thrust about half a sacks contents to Shui Wuyin and said, "Check if theres anything valuable inside." Shui Wuyin was not prepared for the sudden move, almost staggering by the motion. Just as he was about to speak, Yun Yang suddenly crowed with joy, "My babies are back!" "Meow!" "Mewl" "Meoww" "Meow meow meow" Four snow-white fur balls that were actually palm-sized kittens charged over towards Yun Yang in delight. Shui Wuyin realized at once that he had nowhere to sling his arm. There was one kitten each on Yun Yangs shoulders, one atop his head, one hanging on his waist, and what was that? There was another one swinging at his buttocks Yun Yang hugged them all in his embrace with a chortle. "Youve all worked hard this round Come, come, let me prepare something tasty for all of you. I shall reward all of you handsomely Let this raspy one handle the laborious work, well go play!" As he spoke, he left bringing the balls of fur along, completely at ease and graceful in his bearing. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei were more than used to his whims, separating the loot Yun Yang brought home and moving them to the warehouse to store them properly; Shui Wuyin, on the other hand, was utterly speechless. Such discourtesy! You have the cheek to order me around like a menial worker... Despite his grumbling, he still carried the big pile of papers with unknown scribbles back to his room with a sigh, to meticulously check through each sheet. It was a task that called for an eye for details; Shui Wuyin thought that there was no one else in the world more suitable for this job other than him. However, there was still a need to send the Nine Heavens Dictum. Yun Yang was cultivating; it was vastly different compared to previously. Emmie, bloated from how well fed it was, was unprecedentedly joyful, thus the spiritual Qi it exuded was also richer than ever before C ample and abundant. The four Eclipse Panthers and a Lightning Cat snuggled into Yun Yangs embrace together comfortably. Yun Yang could distinctly feel the five little fellows'' tiny stomachs rise and fall from their breathing as they pressed close to his skin. It was a warm and comfortable atmosphere Yun Yang entered a deep state of meditation as well. Whitey Two, Three, and Four had sustained different degrees of internal injuries from their ambush operation this time. They would need to rest for at least a few months according to the self-recovery of high leveled mystical beasts but these felines were young beasts after all; there was a difference in their self-healing mechanism. In spite of it, they had all recovered completely within an hour when Emmie generously delivered an air of vitality. Then the five Whiteys shed fur together. Yun Yang was cultivating with folded legs; he had no idea that his body was drowned in layers of white fur shed by his Whiteys, only feeling the exceptionally lively flow of his mystical Qi cultivation today. Endless amounts of spiritual Qi from heaven and earth were gushing into his meridians as they rapidly gathered in his dantian. The speed of the process was unimaginably swift. As for the air of vitality oozing from his subconscious, it was also surging against his meridians forcefully. The magical spiritual Qi coming from the Qirin Fish was also filling and expanding his meridians, the assistance of these layers of boosters allowing heaven and earths spiritual Qi to surge like an undammed river. The spiritual Qi gathered above the Residence of Yun before it disappeared at once; a thick layer reforming almost immediately... Shui Wuyin and Bai Yixue had started cultivating tonight upon noticing the odd atmosphere surrounding them. Despite their rather fruitful results, they could not compare to the other two people. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei who had seen plenty of similar situations before had left whatever they were doing right away to dive into cultivation. The sun had risen high. Tiantang City was sunny, the weather beautiful. Despite that, the sky above the Residence of Yun was cloudy and blurry to the naked eye C it was a specific phenomenon caused by attracting copious amounts of spiritual Qi. Lao Mei, who had cultivated for the entire night, felt his meridians expanded to their limit, his entire body felt like exploding from how full it felt. With a sudden, deafeningly long howl, his bones cracked loudly like firecrackers. When Lao Mei opened his eyes, each strand of his long hair was flying as two rays of sharp light shone from his eyes C a breakthrough to the eighth peak! As for Fang Mofei, he was also filled with vitality, accumulating to the pinnacle of the eighth peak and a step away from the ninth peak; he only needed to wait for another opportunity to break through to the ninth peak. Bai Yixue was shocked; his cultivation base had improved tremendously within the night, the benefits he gathered bountiful The remaining internal injuries that were supposed to completely heal after at least several days of rest had wholly recovered within moments. The gush of spiritual Qi then had even Great Swordsman Bai feeling strange like he could not digest them in time as his body drank them up. Was C was this still cultivating? This felt like leveling up could be achieved even when one laid down and did nothing! This place was wonderful indeed, its destined opportunities abundant. Bai Yixues experience and knowledge of cultivation base exceeded those of Lao Mei and Fang Mofei, and even Yun Yang himself. Of course, he would not miss such a chance that might not recur, squeezing space in his dantian with all his might to allow his cultivated skill to grow. After all, with his exceptional cultivation base, improvements could only be achieved with tens of years of hard, intricate effort. Bai Yixue was even thinking dreamily of this current situation C if such a state could go on, he might even break through to the Tenth Perfection, advancing to a more refined level of a mystical cultivator! If it were to be so, he might still be unable to fight Jun Moyan, but to move up a few ranks in the swordsman ranking or even up to top three C he was rather confident about achieving it. Purple gas engulfed Bai Yixue as he absorbed heaven and earths spiritual Qi with all his might. Perhaps, it should be said that he was absorbing spiritual Qi as if his life depended on it! Shui Wuyin was also doing the same. Despite not knowing how or why there was such a gush of spiritual Qi, he would never miss such a godsend opportunity. As an Eldar C especially when he was not innately gifted, it was harder than anything to improve his cultivation base. Yet with the density of spiritual Qi and air of vitality right now, hope was rekindled in Shui Wuyin who had long given up on cultivation. He did not ask for much; he would already be beyond content if he could heal his innate handicap! As the sun rose higher and the noises of livelihood grew louder, the fog in the Residence of Yuns courtyard dissipated gradually, attaching themselves to flowers and plants. Finally Yun Yang felt like his meridians, blood vessels, and bones were so bloated that they were stretching his body to its limit, waking up amidst a sharp pain. "Emmie!" Yun Yang hollered after breathing heavily with some lingering fear. It was only now that Emmie knew it had almost caused a disaster. Its leaves and tendrils curled up, only a tiny bit of its seedling was visible as it peered around. "Ayaya" It actually looked embarrassed. 228 Two Targets Yun Yang glared, exasperated. Emmie had been fed well beyond expectations last night, so much so that it got overly ecstatic, exuding an air of vitality far exceeding Yun Yangs expectation; not by one or two times but dozens of times. The result of such an unexpected situation was that everyone had leveled up together. Unfortunately, Yun Yang was the one who was most dissatisfied with the current state of things. He had just advanced to the sixth peak of mystical Qi three days ago. Although he had felt his strength increase within these three days, he had very little combat exposure, and his accumulation of experience was miserly at best. He had only practiced a few times with Lao Mei and Fang Mofei and those could not be considered as part of his efforts to stabilize his foundation and solidify his current level! His only actual combat experience was the one and only battle with Shen Yushi last night. Even under such circumstances, Yun Yang, who was the direct benefactor, had still leaped from a sixth peak beginner of mystical Qi all the way through intermediate, ace, pinnacle, then over to the seventh peak and ferociously to seventh peak intermediate from the surging spiritual Qi! It was akin to rising to heaven within a single step. However, the level up was so rapid that Yun Yang was at a loss. Yun Yang thought anxiously that his practice sessions with Lao Mei and Fang Mofei had to be faster and more brutal in the future He might even have to challenge Bai Yixue at some point in time Otherwise, he could not compensate for his lack of experience. Just as he wanted to speak, he suddenly felt a strange sensation in his mouth. "Puu!" Yun Yang spat harshly. "What is this?" He had spat out a ball of white fur. Lowering his head, his eyes bulged in shock. "F*ck me!" Yun Yang was tall and lean; despite sitting with his legs folded, he was still at an impressive height. Yet he was buried in fine white fur all over, leaving him to wonder just how many times had the five Whiteys shed to accumulate this amount of fur. Although Yun Yang was covered in fur which accumulated in his mouth and nose, he was not truly angry about it. It was probably because the white fur that had been shed was shining softly, with a clear luminosity. Yun Yangs judgment told him that if these white fur were collected as raw material to craft something, the outcome would be of exceptional quality. It was a pity that he did not the relevant talent around him, thus he could only sigh helplessly at the thought of wasting such a gift. Redirecting his gaze to his embrace, the five Whiteys had turned into red, naked meatballs. Their stomachs rose and fell as they slept peacefully, a sign of being in a perfectly blissful state. Yun Yang sucked a deep breath in to direct his cultivation skill and felt the intricate pulsing of his mystical Qi. He felt the smooth flow of his meridians, the surging tides in his dantian; he felt he was at his best. He dared not make any exaggerated movements though, the little critters had yet to wake up after all. What if his actions jostled them from their slumber, affected their transformation or interrupted some kind of mysterious evolution? That would be a great loss. No matter how much he wanted to verify the advancement of his capability, Yun Yang stopped after a moment of cultivation. He stayed stationary and patiently waited for the five Whiteys to wake up naturally. Lao Mei, who made another breakthrough, was thoroughly thrilled, hopping and bouncing around the courtyard like an excited child. Truthfully, he was already old; his meridians were long formed and a breakthrough would hardly come by anymore. Now though, he seemed to have experienced a rebirth; his bones and body seemed to have changed and he had the capability to move towards a higher goal C how could he not be ecstatic? As for Shui Wuyin, Bai Yixue, and Fang Mofei, they were standing under the courtyards tree while inspecting this almost unfamiliar place. The courtyard was still how it was but the view inside How could it have changed so much within a single night? The trees in the courtyard were initially very common but had now grown no less than twenty feet while the canopy was stretched wider than twice its initial size. From only covering half of the pavilion, the canopy now drooped as it shielded the entire space and continued to extend all the way after the structure. Other than the accelerated growth of the trees, the weeds on the ground had grown monstrously as well, reaching about a man''s height; the paths that were bald from repeated steps were once again dotted with a fresh green color. In short, the drilling ground they were practicing on last night had turned into a lush grassland! The grass had covered ones ankles, fresh and soft upon stepping on them that one would almost be cruel to lay their feet on these new forms of life. It was only a night, yet the entire courtyard seemed to have gone through years of untended growth. Yun Yang''s tiny courtyard housed a few green vines at the base of his wall that had initially crawled up at most half of the slab of concrete, but by looking at them now, they had gone from all four walls of his courtyards to the roof! As far as the eyes could see, it was green-colored vitality. Crystal-clear dew rolled on the grass, leaves, and petals; the fresh scent of greenery was rich to the nose as a soft breeze blew by. It was already the eleventh month now C winter, but a fresh floral fragrance was drifting through the air. The supposedly ordinary courtyard of the Residence of Yun seemed to have turned into a paradise on earth where the vibrancy of life greeted the eye wherever it looked! As the three people observed the place, a sense of calm colored their eyes unknowingly. It was rare to see such lively greenery in the weather of the eleventh month. Even though winter was slightly warmer this year and the biting cold was yet to come, the surroundings were already looking dreary and desolate C how could such beauty exist? The surprise came in pairsC when Yun Yang finally came out of his room, even Shui Wuyin who was usually composed looked bewildered at the scene. What was going on? How could boss cultivate to the extent of becoming a white, furry man? What a strange cultivation skill it was - what was the use of cultivating such a skill? The white fur on his body was floating everywhere. Yun Yang could not be bothered by the alarmed gazes of the others as he began cleaning himself up hastily. As a flow of mystical Qi rose, the white fur was instantaneously lifted up from his body and hovered in the air. A soft breeze swirled with an easy sweep of his hand, collecting all the fur into a ball and thrown haphazardly into the room. Five tiny heads stuck out from Yun Yangs embrace, all of them blinking blurrily and mewling. The five Whiteys were stripped bare in pink, their tiny tongues licking kittenishly at their naked bodies; not one of them was used to their current state. Why are we suddenly naked? "Come, let us do a magic trick!" Yun Yang grabbed one of them and tossed it C the little fellow whose luck was yet to be decided was Big Whitey. Big Whitey cried out in surprise, "Meow!" Suddenly, it somersaulted, a layer of long white fur growing on its bare body with a soft poof before it made its landing on the ground like a fur ball, rolling about in the emerald grass. The other four people watched with widened eyes. Its fur had grown in completely just by being tossed like this? Was C was this really a magic trick?! Swoosh! Another Whitey went sailing through the air. Similarly, its fur grew to cover its body with a soft poof of air. It grunted twice in dissatisfaction before scurrying away in search of Big Whitey to roll about together. The remaining three Whiteys went through the same process, returning to their initial physical state without a hitch. Soon, five adorable fur balls rolled about on the ground. Yun Yang''s sharp eyes noticed that the spirituality in the five little critters eyes had increased significantly; their gaze towards him was brimming with affection and intimacy. He felt rather accomplished about this. Whitey Five, the Lightning Cat, could be said to have gone through a rebirth as it had far exceeded the innate limits of a regular Lightning Cat. Yun Yang would not be surprised if it could break through to the seventh level of a mystical beast in the future. Whitey Five, that had leveled up once, had shrunk in size too, going back to the image of a snow-white kitten that weighed three to four catties. This change spoke for itself C although it was still slightly larger than the baby Eclipse Panthers, the difference in their sizes was not as obvious anymore. As for the four Eclipse Panthers, Yun Yang was even more contented with them. Emmie had changed these four fellows innate capabilities once again, increasing their potential so much so that it was possible for each of them to level up to the ninth level pinnacle! Such a conclusion was made just based on these little felines'' current foundation. Who knew how many more times of energy cleansing they would go through being by Yun Yangs side? Their ultimate achievement would truly by limitless and unimaginable. There was something else about these four Whiteys that piqued Yun Yangs interest as well. After the level up, the four Eclipse Panthers had ascended to the state of returning to their pure nature. As long as they did not show their true forms intentionally, no one could identify their genuine identity as long as they maintained their current physique. This was Disguise Morphing, a unique skill that belonged exclusively to ninth level pinnacle mystical beasts! Fang Mofei walked over, wearing shock on his face as he said in a muted voice looking at the four Whiteys, "Young master, these four little fellows are they." Yun Yang answered frankly, "They have indeed improved some more but they have yet to grow. Now is still far from the day they can tower above the rest and be at the helm of others." Tower above the rest and be at the helm of others? Fang Mofei understood at once how they had improved; astonishment colored his eyes as he sucked in a deep breath. Truthfully, Yun Yangs comments were somewhat understated. With the power these four Whiteys currently possessed, any one of them would already be in the rank of an eighth level beginner mystical beast. Besides, the innate speed-shifting of the Eclipse Panthers had been upgraded to an outrageous state by Emmie so much so that they could roam the entire world without fear. For some reason, Emmie had especially favored these five little creatures, always putting its all into elevating their attributes. "Looks like these five tiny fellows are the biggest benefactors this time." Yun Yang chuckled and shook his head. The five fur balls rolled around on the ground for a while before Big Whitey perked up suddenly while its ears twitched a few times; it looked towards the sun, its pupils contracting into a straight line. It paraded on the ground once, sashaying, before licking the other Whiteys. Four of them sat still, only their ears twitching about as they watched Big Whitey. "Meow" Big Whitey called out before it charged out of the Residence of Yuns wall, transforming into a ray of white light and vanished from sight. The rest of the felines remained where they were, gazing in the direction where Big Whitey had left with their tails standing tall, only drooping after a long time. One of the Whiteys sashayed elegantly to Yun Yang and pulled at his robe with a tiny paw, looking at him questioningly with its head raised. The sight melted Yun Yangs heart. The man chuckling and said, "If you all miss it, go look for it. As long as you finish your training mission every day, you can go play with it any other time." Upon hearing his words, the four fellows were leaping about in joy, scurrying back and forth in the air as they mewled to their hearts content. Bai Yixues eyes were wide. "They they can understand what you said?" Looking at these four felines that looked nothing unlike ordinary Lightning Cats, Bai Yixue was muddled. If he had not seen it with his own eyes, he would not have believed this to be possible. "What if they did?" Yun Yang snorted and continued, "Im going to send them to school after some time. Even if they were sent to learn how to be an official, they would be much stronger than those fools who know nothing but to tear each other down, to instigate internal conflicts, to frame the innocent, and to compete for fame and power." "Let them learn more things so these little critters can fight to the end when the enemies find their way here!" Bai Yixue left, rolling his eyes, feeling like he was talking to a lunatic and that he somehow suffered a deterioration of class by doing so. "Well have to take action tonight." Yun Yang looked at Lao Mei and Fang Mofei whose faces showed excited anticipation upon hearing his words; they were growing rusty from cultivating all the time without going out for missions. "Fang Mofei, I need you to do something in advance for this." Yun Yang went close to Fang Mofeis ear and whispered. Blinking uncertainly, Fang Mofei almost laughed aloud as he replied, "Young master, dont worry. Leave it all to me, there wont be a problem!" "Wuyin, stay at the Residence of Yun. You only have to complete your own task, theres no need to bother about anything else. We shall move according to our discussed plan, everything should be alright." Yun Yangs gaze bored into Shui Wuyin. "Still, be careful!" "It''s alright if we don''t achieve the mission, better to be safe than sorry," Shui Wuyin added another line. Looking at Shui Wuyin, Yun Yang suddenly thought of something as he spoke lowly, "Wuyin, I have something to ask you." "What is it?" "If I brought someone back, you" Yun Yang questioned slowly. Before he could finish, Shui Wuyin understood what he wanted to convey and answered, "I could torture someone for three months or even longer, but if its interrogation you want, then it has to be someone with Spiritual Soma." Yun Yang rolled his eyes and huffed, "Those with Spiritual Soma are about Ling Xiaozuis level, can I capture them? Your words are redundant." Shui Wuyin said embarrassedly, "I cant help it. My cultivation base isnt up to par. If I have gotten to the stage of astral travel" Yun Yang pointed his finger. "Stop. Go tackle what you should, those are your priorities!" If you were to be able to astral travel, you would already be at Ling Xiaozuis level. We can kill the enemy face to face then, why would we need to interrogate people and beat around the bush while spewing meaningless platitudes? Shui Wuyin scurried away in embarrassment. They had two targets tonight C Yang Botao and Han Wufei. 229 Why Are We Being Hunted? They could only catch these two targets at night, so there was not much to do during the day. Yun Yang left casually C the day had come for him to soothe His Majestys symptoms. With his improved cultivation base, he could theoretically make the emperor more comfortable and suppress the poison, perhaps, dissipate it slightly as well. The sudden disappearance of Shen Yushi and the subsequent mysterious discovery of a secret chamber in his house had, of course, attracted close attention from Yutangs higher-ups. The emperor and Qiu Jianhan, however, knew all about the situation for the Nine Heavens Dictum had sent its message over. "Shen Yushi, vice head of the Four Seasons Towers seventh month hall; involved in Nine Supremes incident with concrete evidence" His Majesty sighed deeply. "Old Qiu, this Four Seasons Tower what sort of organization do you think it is? How" His Majesty was at a loss for words, his hands trembling as he counted on his fingers. "From Wu Wenyuan until now how many has it been already? Officials from my imperial court a thing would be hauled before another after a few days" "Is this still my Empire of Yutang? This is about to become the Four Seasons Towers sovereignty!" The emperor was extremely fretful and irritable; he was close to hysterics. "If I found out about this myself, it would have been alright, I couldve just executed these bastards in public and exterminate their families But I didnt. If it werent for the help from the Nine Heavens Dictum, I really dont know how much longer they would have stayed under the radar." Qiu Jianhans chuckle was devoid of humor as he said, "Your Majesty if it were to be us who found out perhaps the trouble will be even more catastrophic." The lines on his face seemed to have dug themselves deeper. "The matters of the martial arts world ought to be solved via the martial arts way." The emperor scoffed and said, "What are these matters of the martial arts world that you speak of? Casting harm upon the Nine Supremes is no different than terminating the Empire of Yutangs reign. How can it still be considered a matter of the martial arts world? Wu Wenyuan, Shen Yushi and others C which one of them arent from my imperial court? Can they be called roamers of the martial arts world?" With a sigh, Qiu Jianhan replied, "Your Majesty, the distinction of court and underworld is no longer clear; the forces of martial arts world have long become the dominating force in this equation." He finished with a sigh, suddenly at a loss for comforting words. The worlds land was the emperors land; the worlds people were the emperors officials C that was the saying. It was the basis, a foundation of a nation, the principle of a ruler. No crowned head would be happy to be provoked by the martial arts way yet for so many years now, the forces, clans, and schools in the martial arts world were growing in their capabilities; with that, came the reluctance to obey the sovereignty. It was no longer a matter of being unwieldy but an issue of those forces being impregnable. To the imperial power, it was a massive impediment as it was a colossal threat. At the same time, it was also an unforgettable humiliation. War was unceasing among countries as they fought to hinder each other; there was simply no more manpower to clean up this case with the martial arts world. Old Marshal Qiu did not fully finish his words C if such phenomenon persisted, a colossus that could manipulate the succession of imperial power, maneuver the change of a dynasty, and even steer the rise and fall of the world would definitely appear in the future. Until then, it would be true grief for the imperial power C one that was more sorrowful than a kingdoms fall. To remedy this situation, the reigning emperors from each nation must work together to execute imperial military examinations and absorb the worlds talents as their own. With the gradual passing of time, one that could take up to generations, only then would the forces in the martial arts world be worn down bit by bit and return supervision to the imperial court. This was the only way this plight could be alleviated, or perhaps digested completely with regards to the influence of the martial arts world. In spite of it, the current Yutang was unable to do so. Once such a practice was carried out, civil officials would definitely make waves of objections. Even when that was not the case, to subdue or balance out the gradual increase of military martial officials then would still pose a difficult question. After all, everything had to be changed and reformed for what was being said to be done. Right now, hope was far from reach while the possibility to do it was virtually nil. "Old Qiu, about how many of the Four Seasons Towers people do you think are still in the imperial court?" His Majesty switched the topic swiftly, knowing that he was only grumbling and was unable to change their current plight. Qiu Jianhan sighed helplessly in reply. "Lets first put aside what Four Seasons Towers ultimate goal is for harming the Nine Supremes. The trap they managed to set up and the accurate intel they could get their hands on should have already been assisted by the higher-ups among the civil and military officials. Besides, if there arent middle ranked military officers relaying information through the process or even the participation of the royals, itd have been impossible to execute their plan so intricately and impeccably. In addition, there must also be help from a significant number of lower-ranked men." Old Marshal Qiu sighed, "To execute such an immense plan, the few people exposed now are still far from the total estimation, so" Before Marshal Qiu could finish, the emperor fell with a plop onto his chair like a deflated ball. Qiu Jianhans words were organized and direct; not only had he highlighted what was crucial, he also gave the emperor a conclusion he was most reluctant to hear C there must be more than only a few of these people. There were definitely more of them! What could he have done, knowing this? Even when he knew that there were still plenty of traitors, he did not know who they were; how could he even think of wiping them out? "Your Majesty needs only to wait now the Nine Heavens Dictum is already making its move, I believe some targets have already shown themselves. When someone from the Nine Supremes actually appears this issue will be close to an end." "By then, everything will be crystal clear," Qiu Jianhan comforted the emperor. "Could, I, the emperor, be this useless, waiting passively and be of no help at all?" His Majesty murmured. Old Marshal Qiu could only sigh about the emperors self-deprecation. Help? How? They did not even know if their men sent to help were from the Four Seasons Tower, how could they be of help? For a moment there, they had nothing to say to each other; it was not that they did not wish to speak, it was that they honestly did not know what to speak of C even words of comfort were woefully inadequate in this situation. When Yun Yang arrived, it was this unusually heavy-hearted scene that greeted him. He made no comment; there were things that he, as Marquis Yuns son now, had no right to ask. Supreme Cloud could do it, he could even strategize a decision, but Yun Yang had no stance nor eligibility to interfere! Twenty thousand miles away from Tiantang City, on a steep mountain, Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan and their guards were making their descent. There were nearly a hundred guards that had accompanied them when they were coming back from Tiannan; however, they were left with only eighteen now. These eighteen men were nursing injuries of their own. As for their maids who followed them closely, not a single one of them remained. Yue Rulan was pale, her white clothes stained with blood; Ji Lingxi was huffing and puffing, her face unusually flushed. The sound of flowing water coming from the front colored everyones eyes with a bright dazzle. "Theres a mountain spring!" Ji Lingxi cried in delighted surprise, licking her chapped lips subconsciously. The team held out and made their way forward, finding a mountain stream that was flowing with clean and clear water. With a cheer, everyone pushed forward to replenish themselves with big gulps, no longer remembering to be alert. "I cant move anymore" Ji Lingxi sat down, holding onto a small tree and breathing heavily. After the drink, the momentary rejuvenation only emphasized their extreme physical fatigue. Yue Rulan stumbled before lowering herself slowly onto a rock. Obviously, she was also exhausted. Other than the two leaders among the eighteen guards who were holding out and ushering everyone to assemble their water pouches so they could refill them, the rest of the guards were sprawled across the ground, breathing harshly. After resting, some of them had gone downstream to rinse their various necessities. It was unpractical to cleanse everything now so they would only wash whatever was of priority first. Everyone was bloated with water, every step they took had them feeling the violent shaking in their stomachs. "Sister Lan" Ji Lingxis mask had long been lost, the face that was exposed was the disguise of the dark face she wore when she was in Tiantang City. Only her eyes retained the same sparkle like icy snow. "I keep feeling that something is wrong this whole journey. Its just not right." Ji Lingxi caught her breath and continued. "Since we left to find my brother, weve left our tracks in about half of the continent for so many years down the road and weve never met something like this" "How can this ceaseless hunting kill be normal?" Yue Rulan thought about it; as she was about to speak, she coughed; a string of blood hung at the corner of her lips but was wiped away swiftly like it was of no import. She replied, "Not only is it not right, there are too many things along our way that are just plain bizarre." "Since weve been separated from our sisters, weve been hunted, assassination attempts, ambushed all sorts of traps and setups" Yue Rulan said. "As for the summons of help we sent to our families they actually arent here yet even after so long!" "These people who blocked our way obviously dont want to kill us immediately but they have other intentions. Its just that we dont know their real purpose." Yue Rulan continued. "Each time were forced into a dead end, there must be an escape for us to charge out fleeing, but each loss we suffer is substantial." "Every time we are fortunate enough to flee, we''ll end up heading in the wrong direction." "As long as we move towards the Tiantang City or even around it, well be hunted right away!" "The repetition is definitely no coincidence." "Someone is obviously manipulating us from the dark" Yue Rulan suggested. "If there arent any other intentions, then theyre just purposefully deceiving and torturing us." An icy glow flashed in Yue Rulans eyes. "This is very bizarre indeed!" "Does Sister Lan mean that theres somebody who doesnt want us to go back to Tiantang City?" Ji Lingxi asked. "Thats not entirely it. Perhaps there are other reasons but we still dont know of it yet," Yue Rulan mused, worry mirrored deep within her orbs. As she pondered, she suddenly asked, "Lingxi, that younger brother of yours, how old is he this year?" 230 To Escape an Assassination Disgust tinged Ji Lingxis expression as she replied, "He should be seventeen this year; hes younger than me by two years." Yue Rulan hesitated before saying, "My older brother is twenty-three this year" Ji Lingxi frowned, retorting, "Sister Lan, I truly only harbor respect for your older brother!" "I know." Yue Rulan replied, smiling. She seemed to have something else to say but the words could not leave her lips, and she only heaved a soft sigh. I hope my guess is wrong. "Lingxi if it werent for your sudden breakthrough last afternoon, Im afraid both of us would be somewhere else by now" Yue Rulan sighed solemnly. Ji Lingxiu was confused as well when she replied, "Youre not the only astonished one. Im curious too. Ive just advanced to the seventh peak not too long ago and now Ive reached the eighth peak instantly. After the initial excitement, all Im left with now is confusion and a little fear." "What are you scared of? Breakthrough is always a good thing, especially to us right now. Its of the utmost importance." Yue Rulan smiled when she continued. "You have gained the most from this adventure of ours. Before we came out, your cultivation base is only of the fourth peak but as we go along our way, youve advanced to the eighth peak within a year. Its honestly my first time hearing of advancing four levels in a year without the help of any treasured gems or spiritual pills and medicine." Ji Lingxi, too, was doubtful of her improvement; genuinely concerned, she mumbled, "I don''t know what is going on either. I just saw you almost being taken away then an energy somehow came from somewhere and I just charged over without thinking Then I realized that I had a breakthrough but I didnt even feel the rush of leveling up then I still feel like Im dreaming even until now. I cant believe that Ive gotten to the eighth peak. Sister Yue, say, will there be an interruption with my current cultivation base? Will I drop back to the seventh peak after a few days?" Yue Rulan only hummed, regarding the question, not answering it. It was bizarre indeed but both of them were no experts of this field. Despite their deep-rooted and far-reaching family background, they had never heard of similar cases. She could not comb out any cause and effect nor pros and cons, could only keep this confusion in her heart and pose the question to someone who might be proficient in this instead in the future. Just like what Yue Rulan had said, Ji Lingxis abrupt breakthrough to the eighth peak that resulted in an upgrade of her abilities would always be beneficial to their current situation! However, such an advancement might even cause the martial experts eyes, like those of Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, to bulge, if they were to know about it. After the rest, the teams energy seemed to have been replenished. Ji Lingxi washed her face with the mountain stream water and let out a long breath, saying, "Sister Yue, lets go." Yue Rulan smiled faintly, a mournful look found its way to her face as she spoke, "Im afraid we cant anymore." Her eyes were directed towards the sky through the lush canopy of trees. Ji Lingxis gaze followed her line of sight and was greeted by a large crimson red bird that was rounding the sky and crying out sharply. "They caught up to us again!" Ji Lingxis jaw clenched tightly. Those men were incessant hunters. Yue Rulan looked worried. If her guess was right, this brief moment of rest was a gap their enemy had intentionally given them. "Lingxi!" Yue Rulans voice spoke lowly and urgently. "Remember Sister Yues words If we are to be separated, do not look for me! Do not go home. Do not ever go to my home" Yue Rulan said with resolution, "Go straight to Tiantang City, look for Yun Yang! Dont do anything else and dont be bothered by anything else!" Ji Lingxi was quiet, an icy killing intent blooming in her eyes. "Sister Lan so youve guessed it too." "Yes," Yue Rulan acknowledged with a deep sigh. "They must have some grudge against our families Or maybe someone in our families are plotting against us" "Weve spent all these years outside and ignored all our family orders Im afraid weve long stirred their dissatisfaction and they arent going to let us go this time!" Yue Rulan said, "My heart is as good as dead now, but not yours!" Ji Lingxiu clenched her teeth. "Sister Yue, I have an idea!" "What is it?" Yue Rulan asked. "Let us separate!" Ji Lingxi replied, "But not the separate youre thinking about well split away from our guards!" "Well take a way of our own, camouflage ourselves and destroy our traces so we can flee quietly." Yue Rulan started with surprise before saying, "We will still be obvious targets if we were to stay together." "We stay together, alive or dead." Ji Lingxi gritted her teeth and gathered their guards over quickly, making swift arrangements and then cutting open hers and Yue Rulans scented sachets to let the guards carry the scented spices with them. "Take care, all of you. Perhaps your chance of escaping will be bigger without us being with you all If danger befalls, theres no need to fight to your deaths; staying alive comes first We shall proceed separately and meet at Tiantang City." "Lets go!" Ji Lingxi hollered. The decisiveness Ji Lingxi had shown during this moment of emergency had truly astounded Yue Rulan. Before she could recover, she had been dragged away by Ji Lingxi into the bushes. The grass and leaves they passed by along their way were all pulled by the latter, balling them up and squishing them harshly. She smeared the juice squeezed out onto their bodies and faces. "These juices can cover the smell of our bodies. Well double back and surprise them!" Ji Lingxis teeth gritted. "We cant let them succeed, no matter what!" The large bright red bird that was circling the sky was pointing out various locations, giving out directions. Its instructions, however, were not as accurate as they used to be, looking a little all over the place. More precisely, it was simply giving scattered directions. The targets on the ground were dispersed and it had obviously confused the animal. The men who were rushing over watched the large bird flapping its wings in confusion. What was going on? There should only be one direction of escape. Even if they were divided into two teams, there should still only be two directions. What the red bird was showing though, there were seven to eight directions. Could it be that they had men heading into every possible direction? How many had men had they with them then? There was someone who was familiar with the big birds traits, reacting quickly after the slight confusion. "They must have fled separately; the crimson bird shows us that they are fleeing in different directions Send out the signals immediately, reduce the size of the besieging ring; seize them from all directions, let no one escape!" Hundreds of people charged into the mountain at once, conducting a tight search. Among them, a middle-aged man dressed in white wore a dark, serious expression. For their prey to be moving in different directions, the spy he had installed among them would be useless. Ji Lingxi walked back towards where they came from, cautiously pulling Yue Rulan along. The direction that they were supposed to go was already noisy with commotion; each chaotic outburst meant that one of their eighteen people had been discovered, found out, or killed! The ladies looked upset and heavy-hearted. Their occasional exchange of glances reflected the heaviness and doubt in each others eyes. It was confirmed now that their families were faced with issues. What issue it was, though, was still unknown. On the same night, Han Wufei looked rather weighed down when he left the crown princes residence. The higher-ups in the Four Seasons Tower were frequenting recently, the situation a foretelling sign to him that something big was about to happen. What an event it would be to have so many higher-ups of the tower gathering within Yutang? It was mind boggling! Other than the Four Seasons Towers matters, there was also his responsibilities at the Residence of the Crown Prince. His task had been wrenched out of his grasp forcefully and passed to another person by the crown prince for an absurd reason. While Han Wufei still held the title of the Residence of Crown Princes adviser, he had nothing to do in reality C befitting his title of adviser. Sitting around his home, Han Wufei who had nothing to do, could not help but feel like returning. His wife and children were staying in his secluded villa and it had been so long since he saw them Should he take this opportunity to return? Han Wufei ordered the kitchen to make a few dishes to go with his wine. For some reason, his wish to return home burned even more vigorously. After a few drinks, the emotion was like a prairie fire C unable to be salvaged. "Ill just bid my leave to His Highness first thing tomorrow morning and go home for a short stay. The capital is at a peculiarly tight spot now anyway, its good to take myself out of the equation," Han Wufei decided inwardly. Just as he was set in his decision, a wind came as a loud crash came from the doors. The whole slab of the door had been crushed and sent its splinters flying everywhere, wounding a few guards of his residence who were standing closest to the explosion. The incident had happened abruptly, there was no early sign or warning. A black shadow charged in like a ghost from the door, bringing with it a bottomless, murderous aura; all the lanterns along its way went out as if the silhouette had brought darkness with it to the Residence of Han. The Residence of Hans guards who were not injured rushed forward in a group to block him but the person came on like a whirlwind, going head to head with the group like a flood dragon that dominated the sky and ocean. Quick flashes of icy glints blinked as blood painted the sky. Han Wufei, who had heard the wind-breaking sound from the attackers weapon in his room, knew that the person did not come with good intentions. With a swoosh, he dashed out of his room. What was unexpected was that the black masked person had appeared before him with great momentum amidst the pelting droplets of blood, raising his palm like a saber and brought it slashing it down. There was not one bit of hesitation while behind the masked person, the Residence of Hans guards who had been flung into the air had still yet to land. Everything had happened too swiftly. A palm descended with the force of mountains! 231 Strike, Kill, Leave! The unforeseen events were unfolding with extreme swiftness. Han Wufei , who saw his impending doom, was not at all panicked. With a block of his left hand, his right hand unsheathed his sword. As he was about to counter with the blade, he felt a strong force surging towards where he was blocking with his left hand; unable to stop himself, he was moving backward from the mountain-like pressure against his chest, his breath growing short. Seven consecutive steps back, he realized that the sword in his hand had not been used in any attack. "Eighth peak expert?" Han Wufei was startled and asked loudly, "Who are you?" Being proficient in the cultivation field himself, Han Wufei could already tell that the other party was an eighth peak cultivator from just a single exchange of blows; the attackers ability was formidable, and more importantly, above his own. In spite of it, Han Wufei stayed calm. As he moved back, a jerk of his left hand sent a firecracker shooting up into the sky and erupting hundreds of feet in the air. He was sending a distress signal; help would be on their way to him as long as he could buy himself some time. When the black silhouette saw Han Wufei, an odd surprise flashed in his eyes but the attacks grew fiercer without a care for his own safety. Upon succeeding in his first strike, the attacker did not slack, turning into a whirlwind and charged forward speedily again. His palm landed strike after strike like a hacking axe; the silhouette did not speak, merely lashing out with a flurry of blows. After two exchanges of attacks, Han Wufei fell into a disadvantaged position. Frightened and alarmed, he shouted, "Who are you? Who are you? F*cking give a name or alias if you intend to kill me!" The man in black remained silent, making a circle with his right hand that sparked a light before another harsh punch came flying. Han Wufei avoided it swiftly but when a cold gleam appeared out of the blue in the attackers hand and lashed out like lightning, Han Wufei could no longer dodge the attack. Along with a pained cry, his stomach was adorned with a long gash as blood splattered; bone could be seen from the deep wound. Another icy glint flew but it was simply the long sword in Han Wufeis hand being struck away. Han Wufei was truly composed, remaining unperturbed despite the grave situation; he slid back continuously, his dodging of attacks speedy and swift. Even though he was calm, he no longer wanted to be part of the battle. His will to fight and confidence were all gone now under the constant domination of the man in black. The mentioned silhouette in black tailed him closely like his shadow, incessantly throwing punches and kicks while the cold gleam that was the attackers sword swooshed stealthily, impossible to guard against or ward off. It was like lightning strikes that tore through the night sky, dazzling the eye with irregular patterns as they added wounds to Han Wufeis body. Blood dripped as much as they splattered from Han Wufei; although he dodged to the best of his ability, the accumulated injuries had already sucked up most of his strength. After another loud cry, Han Wufei who was forced to an impasse opted to confront his opponents palm strike with his own, head-to-head. Han Wufei sucked in a deep breath, his palms retracted as a strong suctioning force appeared. He was fierce and reckless C absorbing and sustaining both parties force of the battle unto himself when he was the weaker one bearing injuries and a lesser cultivation base; he then forcefully changed the force he absorbed into an effort to retreat! Such actions caused his meridians and internal organs to suffer heavy damage instantaneously. As he spat blood, he flew up into the air shakily, grasping the opportunity to do so. Han Wufei had expended his all, paying the price of bearing severe internal injuries for this opportunity to flee by inflicting harm on himself C how could he let it slide? His foot stomped on a tree powerfully, his body about to catapult away C as long as he drifted away, he would be free from the critical situation; at least, there would be a chance for a breather. The man in black below him would not be able to give chase in time then, having to deal with the aftereffects of their duel. Just as he sprung up through the air, a white shadow flashed unexpectedly and appeared before Han Wufeis hovering form. The man howled, petrified, for a gigantic bloody mouth had suddenly appeared right in front of him! As he flew, he was sending his head right into this agape mouth! The white silhouette was actually a large, snow-white panther that made its appearance like a ghoul, opening its mouth with a howl. Han Wufei cried in despair, feeling his world going pitch black. His head was engulfed in the strange panthers mouth before he was disconnected from the world. The Eclipse Panther had actually bitten Han Wufeis head off with a snap, leaving his headless body in the air obeying his last wish C flying forward swiftly. The scene was extremely macabre! After some time, Han Wufeis headless body finally lost its momentum, landing somewhere unknown and causing ceaseless shrill cries from faraway, highlighting the event. The Eclipse Panthers tail wagged as it landed on a tree, dropping Han Wufeis head once its mouth opened. In the blink of an eye, the large Eclipse Panther was gone; what was left in its place was a palm-sized kitten that was trying to get down from the tree with an extended paw, looking absolutely adorable. As for the black masked man, he had not even raised his head from the moment Han Wufei catapulted outwards. He could not be bothered with him, going straight into Han Wufeis room and began searching thoroughly. It was obvious that the masked man in black was sure that Han Wufei must have died and needed no further verification. The main objective right now was to search for valuable items! With a bang that opened the secret chamber, the man in black slotted himself into the room. After a while, the man in black shot out, carrying a big bag. As two more bangs echoed, the man in black killed the remaining guards in the Residence of Han. It was then that he left, carrying the large parcel and vanished within the nightfall. His arrival and departure were swift as lightning. After he left, flames arose in the Residence of Han; smoke soared as the fire burned brightly. Another moment later, two silhouettes rushed to the residences direction speedily. "Han Wufei has sent the signal. This bastard, how dare he emit our towers assembly signal at important places like Tiantang City? Is he seeking death?!" "Lets go over and check first. Han Wufei has always been a sharp person, maybe his life was indeed threatened?" "Lets go!" "Sh*t! Theres a fire right there, the direction seems to be coming from the Residence of Han. Han Wufei is really in danger" "We might already be too late. There arent any sounds of colliding weapon or physical attacks It looks like theres been a commotion there" "Its a headless body... Eh, why does it look so familiar?" "Go get a better look. There might be a clue." When the men checked the headless body, they were speechless. There was no doubt that the headless body was wearing Han Wufeis clothes but what were those wounds littering his body? The peppered gashes were obviously from a sword but the wound on his neck It was impossible that his head was cut down by a sharp blade; it looked more like it was bitten off by a beast. This was odd! What beast could have done this in Tiantang City? No matter how weak Han Wufei could be, he was still a seventh peak expert. What level did a mystical beast need to be to chomp his head off and throw his body this far? There was certainly a distance between the Residence of Han and here! When they could not find anything, they came to Han Wufeis home and were surprised to find Han Wufeis head on the ground. Fortunately, it was not consumed by the fire,the face looking towards the sky with fear leaking through his frozen gaze. "It was bitten off indeed" One of the men frowned. "This is so bizarre" "Looks like his residence has been robbed" "His guards have all died. This is looking like someone exterminating his residence now" "There aren''t any clues left, how are we supposed to find out who ordered the kill?" "Look, over there. There should be a secret chamber in Han Wufeis home" "Its right there, already broken into. How could there still be things left?" "Check it. Then lets head back quickly, its more urgent over there!" "Of course!" "Careful! The murderer might still be around!" Both men glanced at the scene, perturbed and surprised. They went through the place meticulously, not letting any abnormalities anywhere stray from their eyes. Their attention was rapt, a formidable aura faintly exuded. It was right then that C "meow". A weak trembling mewl could be heard. Both of them turned to look at the source subconsciously, seeing a kitten curling into itself on a big tree as it trembled. Its tiny paw was trying to stretch downwards but it looked timid from how tall the tree was It was an endearing sight. "Could this kitten be from Han Wufeis home?" One of them asked uncertainly. Another person waved his hand, a strong wind billowed as it frightened the kitten. The feline sprang down without a care then, crying aloud. The men avoided it subconsciously as the white kitten landed in between them, seemingly docile. Its head was raised to stare at both the men, its eyes innocent and doe-like. "This kitten is quite cute Too bad its a normal pet that can only be a plaything, pretty useless" One of them commented, his hand raised to chase the kitten away but his actions were exceptionally gentle, obviously enamored by the lovable kitten. The kitten seemed to have been frightened even more then, the white fur on its body straightened as it meowed loudly. Both its paws pounced, scratching both the mens legs. "F*ck! Damn it!" Both the men were taken aback. The sudden attack had torn their robes and their flesh! Flustered and angered, the affection they had was long tossed away; oh how they wanted to catch this kitten and turn it into soup! However, the kitten meowed lowly and scurried into a shadowed spot, losing the sight laid upon it in a blink of eyes. The speed was unexpectedly fast C outrageously so! As for the men, their legs were still bleeding profusely. How could a mere kitten deal such damage? 232 Stepping into an Ambush! Both the men would never have expected that such a small kitten that looked like it had yet to wean could be this lethal. The twist of events, in addition to their lack of alertness, made capturing the kitten to vent their fury by beating it up impossible as the feline was long gone. After swearing loudly to let out their frustration, they left it at that. They were the Four Seasons Towers men after all; they were no ordinary bumpkins. Han Wufeis accidental death had already happened, but what he left behind might help to determine what had just taken place. Thinking about it, both men were exploded into action, directing their mystical Qi cultivation base and diving into the sea of flames. It was a pity that they were left irritably angry once more after searching with much effort. Who was it who did this? How could it be done so thoroughly, like a locust swarm? Everything valuable had been cleared out, not the slightest worthwhile asset was left behind; the clearance was even more thorough than a robbery. Even the absolute hidden secret chamber within the secret chamber was emptied out! "We have to report to our lord about this as quickly as possible Some kind of information must have leaked out," one of the men said urgently. "Correct. Shen Yushi has just met his doom the other day, so his side carries the most suspicion. The entire Hall of Ninth Month just ended its gathering and this happened right when everything had been passed to him to be consolidated and submitted Then Han Wufei was met with disaster here as well If the culprit were to be the same person, not only would they be almighty, they could be moving against the Four Seasons Tower." "You mean" "Head back quickly!" Both men disappeared at once. On the other end, assassinating Yang Botao was not as easy as tackling Han Wufei as Yang Botao was an influential military general of Yutang. Purely speaking of position ranking, he was only a step below Tie Zheng C an important figure ranked in the top ten of Yutangs military men. He was also the marshal of the north troop. If anyone were to lay a finger on this man, the consequences would be immense. In other words, Yang Botaos existence was on a whole different level compared to Shen Yushi, Han Wufei and the others. Yun Yang and Fang Mofei arrived at the Residence of Yang, concealing their tracks. Following their established plan, Yun Yang slipped into the dark while Fang Mofei who was masked and dressed all in black stepped forward with large strides, raising his foot to land a powerful kick at the generals residence doors without a care for the guards questioning. The door was flung into the air with a loud crash. Fang Mofei then charged into the residence with a long cry. His nearly eighth peak pinnace cultivation base currently was comparable to Mi Kongqun when the latter was at his best, perhaps stronger, even. As he unleashed his potential completely, the damage he dealt was immutably fatal. As he charged his way inside, his momentum was tremendous C no one could stop him. Under normal circumstances, a cultivation base of the eighth peak could put one into the position of a solid top-notch expert; it would be more than sufficient to assassin even Tie Zheng, who was not within a troop formation. Therefore, the landslide massacre by Fang Mofei was not entirely surprising. It was too bad that the momentum could only last until he met with an exceptionally strong obstructing force just as he entered the second courtyard! A few dark shadows that were not unlike big birds hidden in the dark flew from several directions towards Fang Mofei simultaneously. At the same time, a sharp whistle sounded; the ordinary soldiers and generals within the residence disappeared at once, replacing them were metal armor-clad elites who had emerged from the dark. These people dispersed then up to the surrounding walls, the trees, and roof, lining the high surfaces in great numbers. There was a crackle C hundreds of bows were equipped with arrows, pulled tautly; the black steel gleaming with an icy luster. The atmosphere was splendid in an imposing manner as much as it was terrifying. Fang Mofei who had come in with weapons flailing was overwhelmingly outnumbered; not only was he placed in an equally forceful pause, he was targeted by countless of arrows! Like a ferocious beast that fell into a lethal trap, he had turned from predator to prey. As the plot unfolded with a twist, the main chambers door opened. A dozen middle-aged men came walking out with arms behind their backs, each pair of eyes gleaming with a cold, cruel glint as they looked towards where Fang Mofei was battling his enemies. Two elders came out after the group, one on each side; their strides were slow, their stance calm and composed. The last one to emerge right at the center was Yang Botao; casual clothes hung on his muscular and tall frame while his eyes on his square face locked onto the same space like a hawk. "Youve come indeed." "Light the fire!" Yang Botao commanded. As a boom resounded, the secondary courtyard of the generals residence was suddenly illuminated by thousands of torches; it was bright as day, the place clear to the sight. Since he had broken past the doors, Fang Mofei, who had only charged less than a thousand feet into the residence,was already blocked as he arrived at the secondary courtyard. In spite of this, the weakest of experts engaged in the battle with him were of the seventh peak! This was one ridiculously lavish squad in terms of its abilities. Forget Tie Zhengs guard, even Han Sanhes eight top-level guards were just about the same level C maybe a little weaker. How could a mere Yang Botao possess such a formidable squad? Fang Mofei was plowing to the left and barreling to the right; his attacks incessant but he could not even push through the current siege, much less assassinate Yang Botao! Despite landing himself in such a critical situation, there was no fear evident within Fang Mofei. He gave a long howl as the sword in his hand waved, the cold gleam of steel danced. He began attacking and charging with all he could. Swoosh! An arrow was released without a warning from the roof, coming towards him like a falling meteor and reaching him instantaneously. Be it the arrows timing, direction, or angle, every aspect was delivered in perfection. It was when the surrounding enemies moved, it was when Fang Mofeis frame was shown in the open, it was right when he took a step over. The timing was truly wonderful! Clang! Fang Mofei deflected the incoming arrow with his sword yet the weapon in his hand actually trembled before the tremor traveled to his wrist; he could not help exclaiming aloud, "Deicide Bow!" Not only did the arrow land on an indigenous spot at an excellent angle and timing, its lethality was equally tremendous! It was an arrow released from the Deicide Bow! Someone among the siege chuckled coldly. "Not bad, knowledgeable you are. It is from the Deicide Bow!" Deicide Bow C mystical steel arrow! The legendary Deicide Bow was made entirely from the horn of a Carapace Rhino, a sixth level mystical beast, while its bowstring was made from the tendon of the same creature. As for the mystical steel arrow, the shaft was made from refined steel but its tip was wholly mystical steel! Having great precision in normal circumstances would only be an unworthy joke to an archer who possessed a Deicide Bow. Ordinary bows and arrows needed only the force of eight stones1 and above before one could be considered a strong archer and was able to dominate the battlefield. However, Deicide Bow needed the strength of at least thirty stones and above just to pull the bowstring taut; such feat was not easy even when ones mystical Qi cultivation was up to the third or fourth level. Besides, taking aim was a lengthy task in addition to keeping the bow stable and releasing arrows continuously; it was truly a difficult feat! Yet when a Deicide Bow archer released an arrow, the arrow shot could destroy even rocks. If thousands of the arrows were released simultaneously, a Tenth Perfection master would have to leave their life to the arrows. If it were not this superior, how could it dare own the title of Deicide? The original intention of the creator of Deicide Bow was exactly that C to kill even a god that had descended with this bow and arrow! The material used to make a Deicide Bow was extremely rare. A Carapace Rhino could at most have only two horns and making a Deicide Bow with one horn was merely adequate. Even if there were occasional excess, it could hardly be used. Moreover, there was also the limitation of making the bowstring with the beasts tendon. Such a bow had always been listed as the militarys secret weapon. Unless a formidably strong opponent was met, like Shangguan Wudi, a peerless general back in those years, it would barely be used. It was believable that no one would have thought that General Yang Botao could actually have more than four hundred of these bows at home! Furthermore, he had more than four hundred archers who could utilize the Deicide Bows at their own will. Any archer who could use a Deicide Bow would be crme of archers as they must have the composure of ice. These people were usually the killing machines of war formations. They could move about freely and decide their own shooting timing; their train of thoughts was unusual, randomness their personality. Yet once they released an arrow, a strong militant from the enemy must fall. After all, the mystical steel arrow that went with a Deicide Bow was also a precious item. Any missed attempt would be a big waste. Fang Mofei looked unperturbed but he was already bemoaning his fate internally. To him, he had thought that he could be at the helm of the situation valiantly with the breakthrough of his cultivation base. Who would have known that he had stepped right into the gravest trap just as he entered, putting himself in such an unprecedented state of criticality? Besides the besieging enemies and the almost insignificant chance of breaking past them, those men positioned at the door who had yet to attack must possess an even more formidable skill. Just these people could already kill him many times over, but they were not the only people targeting him! There were still four hundred Deicide Bows aimed right at him. Arent you fellows regarding me a little too highly? This is tackling me like Im Ling Xiaozui! Fang Mofeis regard of the Deicide Bow was above those of the siege. He, who was originally an assassin, knew too well about the terror of a Deicide Bows mightiness. Once he was struck, he would bear a severe injury even if he was not dead; his capability would be reduced drastically. The Deicide Bow was like a devils palm that could haul his life at any given time to him; right now, it was barely avoidable and he was helpless against it. Swoosh! Another arrow leaped from the bow. While Fang Mofei dodged with rapt attention, he had exposed his weakness and was slashed with a sword on his back. If it were not for his instinct as an assassin that allowed him to leverage on the force once he was stricken by the sword, he might have already sustained a grave injury. Even so,he almost cried out loud. The mystical steel arrow that had been dodged by Fang Mofei went straight into the ground alongside the swooshing sound it made. The tip was entirely buried in the floor. "I might have to die here tonight!" Translator Note: 1stone (ʯdn): a unit of measurement equal to a hundred and twenty catties; government officials during Qin and Han dynasties were paid in grain that was counted in stones. 233 A Tornado Rises As he began to calm down, Fang Mofei regained his composure as his will to fight burned even brighter. The situation was clear, the disparity in power great; he believed that his young master could make the right decision C as long as the young master did not strain himself while fighting, he would not expose himself; even if Fang Mofei came to his end here, it would be worth it! Of course C if he could bring down a few of the enemies with him, his death would be even more worthwhile! Fang Mofeis sword trembled as he bellowed into the sky, the volume of his voice exceptionally ferocious as it traveled through the clouds and resonated in the heavens. The sword light that erupted from his blade stretched far and long like a flowing dragon, its radiance valiant and majestic, causing the eight experts who faced him to pause momentarily. "The fool laughs at death, but it is too bad that brute courage will only last him one fine moment. He still has to come back to his destined impasse and die!" One of the people watching afar smirked softly. Before his words ended, someone standing beside him chuckled. "Such a merry fight. Itll be a pity if he succumbs to the ambush; let me keep him company and play a good game!" He skimmed over eight feet into the air and hovered above the battle right after finishing his words. With a shout, a long saber materialized in the air; the saber came crashing down like a hammer as the man swung it around before it thundered downward like a landslide. Fang Mofei dared not hold back the attack, going against his enemies with all his might. It was too bad that he had just exerted his cultivation base to its limit earlier to gain a temporary edge, and temporary edge it was C useless to the battle yet expending his energy. Although it was not utterly hopeless, he had still lost the upper hand. The saber knight who joined later was better in his cultivation base compared to Fang Mofei, wisely guessing that Fang Mofei had already exhausted his current resources and went right after him. How could Fang Mofei defend himself? With a clear clack, Fang Mofeis sword broke as he spat out blood, staggering backward. As he stumbled, a strike of a blade landed on his shoulders and a palm struck his back. If he had not pushed on, he would have collapsed on the spot. Fang Mofei was still as composed but he could already feel his insides churning as his cultivation skill dispersed. Yet the only thought he had in his head was C "Young master, dont you dare appear!" Please never ever appear! Leave quickly! When it was close to impossible for Fang Mofei to deflect any more attacks, a wind blew suddenly around the Residence of Yang. Gravel and dust were whisked into the air and two of the archers on the tree were blown clean off the branches. It was only within a moment that the strong wind billowing through the site turned into a tornado that headed straight towards Yang Botao like a furious dragon. Someone in the crowd involuntarily exclaimed, "It this Supreme Wind?" Yang Botao and his company glared daggers at the fellow who spoke, wanting nothing but to slash him into pieces! The tornado licked the ground as it came surging forward; two eerie-looking elders beside Yang Botao wore plain smirks as they took a step forward to block the wind like two hefty mountains. With a loud boom, the surge of wind turned its trail towards the sky, as helpless as a torrent that crashed into two mountains. Both elders cultivation base and capabilities were obviously far exceeding everyone elses there; they struck swiftly and in unison. Even when the tidal wind was mighty, it could not break through the defenses formed by these two men. The gust of wind that changed its direction was not stopping, however, only whisking in more gravel and grass. For a moment, it was pitch black; then, a ray of flame kindled, burning brightly within the battle circle. Yang Botaos men were elites indeed. There was no hesitation as they took the change in their stride. A loud bang that blew open a large pit on the ground saw everyone working together to extinguish the fire that seemed to only grow stronger. The wind rose once more like a raging dragon that was flying into the fray; there was a vague silhouette of a man that could be seen engulfed in the center when a composed voice spoke, "Yang Botao! You, as an authoritative general of the empire, are not thinking about requiting the country but instead conspired with the enemies to harm my Nine Supremes brothers C your sin is unforgivable! Today is but a slight penalty. If you dare commit the same sin again, you shall be executed without mercy!" The voice was drawn out, sounding far yet close to everyone within the area that they could hear him clearly. The wind finally vanished. A large pit made its appearance in the Residence of Yangs land while the masked man in black who sustained severe injuries could no longer be found. The two elders beside Yang Botao were gone as well, giving chase to the attackers but it was uncertain if they could catch up with them. Yang Botao looked calm as ever but within his eyes, fury brimmed. A good amount of archers perched around the walls were currently dumbfounded. Perplexed gazes came from every direction possible to land upon Yang Botao. The voice earlier was it really the long-absent Lord Supreme Wind? Were the words true? Was Yang Botao really corrupted that he conspired with the enemies and had harmed the Lords Nine Supremes? There was no truth to support such claims, no witnesses nor evidence to back up the credibility of it yet it was obviously Supreme Flame and Supreme Wind who had appeared just now! There was no doubting it! Everyone there had gone through the battlefield and fought alongside the Nine Supremes several times; the sense of familiarity would never deceive them. If these words came from the mouth of these two lords, would evidence still be needed then? C No! The Empire of Yutangs militants would never question the Nine Supremes words C regardless what the content was, there was simply no room for doubt! Clang! An archer who was standing atop the wall retracted his stretched Deicide Bow and hopped off, taking a few large strides towards Yang Botao and asked aloud, "Marshal Yang! May I ask if Supreme Winds words are true?" Once his question left his lips, the other archers gazes shot over like sharp arrows from wherever they were situated. Other than the hundred archers directly under Yang Botao, the other archers gazes were heated as they focused on the marshal. There were even plenty of those who were directly under his command lowering their head with perked ears, awaiting Yang Botaos answer. Yang Botaos face was dark when he replied in a holler, "It was just the assassins nonsense in an attempt to confuse everyone, how can all of you fall into this trap? Did you not see this marshal thwart an assassination attempt? Military orders are inviolable, do all of you want to have a taste of the price of disobedience?" The mechanism of the military would always be the same; absolute obedience to the superiors orders; any raised questions about the superiors orders would deem a penalty worthy of death. Under normal circumstances, Yang Botaos words would have kept everyone in their place even when the rest of them still had qualms about it. To everyone''s surprise; the archer who had stood up to ask the question just now replied equally loudly, "This lowly subordinates qualm is not within myself but with the Nine Supremes Lords words. It is with hope that Marshal Yang will ease our brothers worries. Should my words violate the military, this lowly subordinate will shoulder everything and repent with death as my punishment! It was obviously Supreme Flame and Wind who appeared just now alongside their fire and wind. Since both lords were here to accuse the marshal, I believe that they must have a reason to do so." "This involves Yutangs national affairs. This lowly subordinates life is far unworthy to be mentioned but the issue must be made clear. Everyone knows that the marshal is one of the empires pillars, the guardian of the border. Why would the Nine Supremes Lords come for the marshal to find fault with him and accuse the marshal of being involved in harming them?" The archer was unafraid when he asked, "Do answer our doubts, marshal!" Before the last sound of his words faded into the air, three hundred archers behind him said in unison, "Do answer our doubts, marshal!" Yang Botaos face was dark as ink when he replied slowly, "Theres an assassin attempting murder on this marshal openly yet all of you are" Before he finished, a man dressed in green clothes beside him said, "Marshal Yang, there are only two people who acted in the ambush today. One was the brutal killer who made the first move while another was the one with the strange cultivation base but his ability was nothing exceptional. The fireball he tossed was probably fromthe Thunderclap Halls ways but his skill of turning into the wind with his mystical Qi was bizarre indeed and should be taken note of!" On the surface, this mans words were analyzing the origin of the assassins but in reality, he was crafting ways to allow Yang Botao excuses to tackle his qualms. Connecting the dots, Yang Botao frowned, "Two people? Not three?" The person stepped out and picked out something from the large pit, saying, "Marshal Yang, do take a look at this kerosene thats not yet entirely burned the color is bright tinged with green, its obviously a trace of Thunderclap Halls unique kerosene from its Bolt from the Blue! The question is when did the marshal offend people from Thunderclap Hall to provoke such ambush?" Yang Botao frowned and sighed deeply. "About a year ago, the young master of Thunderclap Hall served me as my subordinate. His initial intention was to rise up the ranks using his military credits but was executed by me when he violated the military rules Sigh! I deemed myself righteous and free of guilt in handling this matter but I may have been too stringent It was during wartime though, I truly cant afford to be merciful" "I see. Military law will always come first during the war; any violation calls for interrogation and stringent penalty C thats the way it should be." The man in green clothes said, "However, Thunderclap Halls influence is vast. Marshal must be more cautious in the future to prevent being taken advantage of by these despicable ones." Yang Botao sighed shaking his head and answered, "How can the military allow mercy? Even if it were to be repeated, this marshal will still follow the discipline strictly. Theres simply no room for discussion about it." "Since Thunderclap Hall has come for me, what can I do?" Yang Botao said righteously, "Im only worried that our brothers harbor second thoughts from the enemies many tricks." Someone else hollered with a straight face, "Has everyone heard it? Dont make assumptions and believe everything you hear blindly C more so from an assassin! Wouldnt the military be swayed then with simple words from anyone? Whats there to be thought of the military then?" The archers shared a look of shame but the doubt remained in their eyes; they lowered their stance ultimately, saying, "We were too agitated just now and have misunderstood the marshal. We ask for the marshal to penalize us." The archers heads hung low, looking at each other helplessly but saw the bright question still dancing in each others orbs. They had heard it and saw it with their own ears and eyes; how could that have been erased with just some words? Yun Yangs brief narration had then planted the seed of doubt within all the warriors of the northern troop. Was it true? 234 Stirring up a Commotion Yang Botao sighed and said, "Patriotism fills each one of you, how could there be a penalty? I too wished that it was so, it''s not just all of you I wished that it was really Lord Supreme Wind and Flame who had really come Even if both lords have misunderstood me somehow and would have killed me... As long as theyre still here, it would be Yutangs greatest news!" The crowd sighed in unison then; with that, the episode in the Residence of Yang was called to an end. Yun Yang, who had transformed into the tornado, brought Fang Mofei with him as both of their forms vanished, leaving two silhouettes behind to chase after the trailing gusts of the whirlwind. Yun Yang knew the other men were mighty; he would never be able to shake them off with just his flame manifestation. Without further hesitation, he waved his arm swiftly. A ball of flame hurtled at the two old men behind him, forcing them to counter the attack. With their cultivation base, a pair of upraised hands had the incoming fire extinguished. It was this that puzzled the two old men; the flame was too weak, gone once they came into contact with it C there was no room for a battle. Just as they pondered upon it suspiciously, another ball of flame, one that was wider and burned fiercer enveloped them. The old men were surprised, wasting no time in cultivating to first protect themselves and then to put out the raging fire altogether. The intensity of it exceeded their expectations, the area it took vast, yet it remained just as weak, unable to withstand their countermeasures. The area the flame covered was too wide, the tornado long out of sight when the two men charged out of the blaze. The men were battle veterans, stopping immediately at the slightest signs, and began searching with their deific consciousness. Supreme Wind seemed to have left, bringing the other person along, but the elders were only interrupted by the flame for a moment. Supreme Wind and the injured assassin could not have gone far, they must still be hiding nearby. As long as there was a meticulous search, they would definitely be caught. How could Yun Yang not know that the two hot in pursuit were not ordinary people; his trick just now could only hold them back for that long. Yet it was exactly what he wanted for he had already brought Fang Mofei into an abandoned house to hastily bandage him and say, "Stay here, dont move. Leave at once after I distract them. It shouldnt be a problem to you; theres no need to say anything anymore." As an assassin, to have your own ultimate assassination technique was second to being able to conceal all traces of your vitality; it was ones best skill to be able to hide all signs of life. If Fang Mofei did not have even the skill to camouflage his presence during these critical moments to prevent being tracked, his death would be well deserved! Before Fang Mofei could say anything, Yun Yang had turned into a gust of wind and vanished into the air, holding a black silhouette by his side. How could the pursuers who saw the tornado leaving with a companion let it go? With a loud yell, they swiftly continued their pursuit. It was not that the calculating elders did not think that the person manifested in wind form did not flee with the injured man, but they were not at all concerned about Fang Mofei. He was only an eighth peak cultivator, unworthy of mention. It was this Supreme Wind before their eyes who was their target to be eliminated without further ado! Watching the shadow of death draw further away from him, Fang Mofei was solemn but he moved quickly, hastily making his escape. A tornado tore through the sky like a lightning strike, shattering the clouds stretched across the dark night as it whirled towards the city limits When Yun Yang got back to the Residence of Yun, it was already the fourth fragment of night. He was exhausted, his legs quivering as they threatened to give up on him. Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were already home for a while; even Fang Mofeis wounds were already treated. Shui Wuyin was deep in his own thoughts, facing a pile of things while scribbling occasionally. "How is it?" Yun Yang was honestly worn out, plopping himself down right in front of Shui Wuyin just as he got home. There was no hint of defeat woven into his expression though. "Our attack this time is a perfect success!" Shui Wuyin looked pleased, delighted even when he said, "Our current goals are basically completed in totality." His words stupefied Fang Mofei who was reluctant to go into closed-door healing at once and had been suppressing his severe injuries to wait for Yun Yangs return. Lao Mei had easily killed Han Wufei in their simultaneous ambush this time, so he had indeed completed his mission perfectly but Fang Mofei himself had stepped right into an ambush and was almost dead from the enemys attacks. If Yun Yang had not helped him, he would really have been dead. How could this b*tch face say it was a perfect success? Was Shui Wuyin comforting or mocking him? Could he be less sarcastic and say what he really meant? Yun Yang nodded in agreement. "Its not bad indeed, fulfilling our set goals." Fang Mofei could not hold himself in anymore and spoke up, "Young master, uh We didnt kill Yang Botao This This subordinates cultivation base is lacking and has disappointed young master." "Old Fang need not blame yourself. Our ambush on Yang Botao this time is only a smokescreen; it has been a diversion since the very beginning," Yun Yang replied, smiling. "A smokescreen?" Fang Mofei was even more puzzled now, not at all understanding where Yun Yang was coming from. "Of course its a smokescreen, I never expected you to kill Yang Botao alone." Yun Yang continued, "Even if we disregard Yang Botaos Four Seasons Towers background, his status in Yutang is still revered C hes one of the four main marshals in Yutang military after all, and the northern troops look up to him. Even when there is concrete evidence, we cant assassin someone like this using this method!" "Speaking of which, Han Wufeis case is an unexpected gain." Yun Yang smiled and said, "Lao Meis trip there was more of a probing exercise. If there were an ambush, Lao Mei would have returned right away and not put himself at risk. We didn''t expect that they actually focused all their manpower at Yang Botaos side and even going the extra mile to install Deicide Bow archers They probably thought that Han Wufei should be alright since Supreme Lord Spring Frost would be there for him" "This is true. There weren''t any adequate guards over at Han Wufeis place. The assassination was so smooth that even I was bewildered. I was prepared to flee when I shattered the doors but upon casting my senses out, there wasn''t even an expert around. It was only Han Wufei himself who was more skilled. When I took the upper hand, I was still in disbelief and surprised" Lao Mei replied. Fang Mofei looked at Lao Mei rather grudgingly. This fellows luck was really good. Could it be that a lower ability secures better fortune? "There were three targets set today. One, to stir up a commotion and peep into the enemys stowed capabilities; two, to announce the resurrection of Supreme Wind; three, to signal the empires higher-ups." Shui Wuyin said pleased, "It looks like all three aims are checked perfectly with an unexpected gain as well. Just like what boss said, their additional Deicide Bow archers were truly an extra precaution; with the five hundred archers stationed there, the reappearance of the Nine Supremes could never be concealed. Boss will only need to stir more things up subsequently." Yun Yang snorted. "Stir things up? What I want to do most right now is to destroy everything and start a massacre." As he spoke, Whitey Two was sashaying over gracefully with a meow; its head rubbing against Yun Yangs calf incessantly. "Whitey Two was great in this fight." Lao Mei said chuckling, "Han Wufeis head was bitten right off by Whitey Two." Whitey Two raised its head proudly and mewled. Yun Yang, who was picking Whitey Two up felt abhorred then, tossing the feline right away as he said with a frown, "Whitey Two, you actually ate someones head? Disgusting!" Whitey Two mewled, feeling extremely put out. "Whitey Two didnt eat it, it spat it out. There were two people who went over to Han Wufeis body afterward and Whitey Two stayed there for an ambush, scratching a bloody mark on each of their calves!" Lao Mei reported. Yun Yangs eyes shone. "Whitey Two, can you recognize them if you see those two people again?" "Meow" Whitey Twos head was raised in pride again as it meowed daintily, looking full of itself. I can recognize them even if they turn into ashes! "Great!" Yun Yang chortled. The Residence of Crown Princes advisor had been assassinated! There had been an assassination attempt on the Northern Marshal, Yang Botao! Two assassination cases within a single night had shattered Tiantang Citys peace and tranquility. There were also rumors that the killer who attempted an ambush on the northern troop marshal had turned into a tornado and a fierce flame The incident alerted all the higher-ups of Yutang, everyone instantly connecting the dots to Supreme Wind and Flame. The message the assassin left had been heard clearly by those at the scene too; no matter how Yang Botao could manipulate or explain it to his troops, it would be an arduous task to stop so many pairs of lips from passing on the news. It took only one night for the word to spread to every corner of Yutangs capital city! "Yang Botao! You, as an authoritative general of the empire, are not thinking about requiting the country but instead conspired with the enemies to harm my Nine Supremes brothers C your sin is unforgivable!" These words were like a lightning bolt striking on an otherwise sunny day, shaking the entire Yutang. When the morning assembly came, His Majesty the emperors expression was as dark as it could be when he sat down. There was no effort on his side to conceal the bad mood he was in. The Nine Heavens Dictum had sent the information to Qiu Jianhan that the Residence of Crown Princes aide, Han Wufei, was proven to be from the Four Seasons Tower and was already executed. It was supposed to be good news but it added a knot to the emperors heart. The Residence of Crown Princes advisor Chu Tianlang who had previously been killed was already related to the crown prince and it had enraged the emperor; here was Han Wufei who was the main aide in Residence of Crown Prince. These pieces of unfortunate coincidences frustrated His Majesty even more as fury spread itself onto the emperor. Besides, there was this He Hanqing. Even if he was an old official who had served three generations of emperors and a father figure of Yutangs literati, of what consequence would that information be? He seemed to be related to the Four Seasons Tower no matter how anyone deigned to twist the matter around. Ling Xiaozuis face to face condemnation was the biggest proof in itself. The Empire of Yutang was vulnerable, both from the inside and out. The emperors heart felt burdened as if being crushed by a large mountain. 235 A Brawl at the Golden Court! If it had not been for the healing sessions Yun Yang had performed recently, the emperor would not have been able to take this flurry of rage. His recovering health would entail him a long life, despite the frustration and anger he felt as long as he was not involved in brutal battles. After all, His Majestys cultivation base was no mean thing. Before his mood could stay bright for even half a day, the case of Yang Botao possibly being one of the Four Seasons Tower''s stooges cropped up. The sudden knowledge trampled the emperors emotions and the man was rendered breathless for a moment. He was a pillar of the military, one of the four main marshals! "Is the Grand Commandant here yet?" His Majesty sat on his throne with a dark expression clouding his face. Qiu Jianhan coughed before replying, "The Grand Commandant has not been feeling well lately but he will still come today. The current weather is too chilly for the Grand Commandants health; he may have to take a longer time to prepare before arriving." The emperor nodded in understanding. "Then we shall wait for him." "Has the Grand Tutor arrived?" "This insignificant official is here." "Are the marshals from all the parties in attendance?" "Reporting to Your Majesty, this lowly general is here." His Majesty felt a burning desire to scoff aloud, but he kept quiet, shutting his eyes to rest. It was only a while later when a gruff voice resounded, "This old official is ashamed to be late." The emperor opened his eyes only to close them again. He had thought that it was the Grand Commandant but the individual that greeted his eyes was the old man Leng Daoyin. This old thing is neither sick nor unwell and he has the temerity to be late. Do you think this is your own dining hall? Leng Daoyin was greeted by Qiu Jianhan with a questioning glance, to which he replied with a roll of his eyes and a sigh that passed between pursed lips. The corners of Qiu Jianhans lips twitched; he glanced at Yang Botao discreetly while Leng Daoyin stepped into the imperial court with wide strides. Tie Zheng was the tallest among the officials in the imperial court. Standing upright, he was actually two heads taller than the second tallest person there. His height made him stand out from the rest as he overlooked the court as if from an eagle''s eye view. Nobody spoke but Tie Zhengs eyes were glaring at Yang Botao without blinking as if he wanted to swallow the latter whole. Yang Botao was annoyed being the attention of Tie Zhengs ire and finally asked angrily, "What are you looking at?" "What concern is it to you?" Tie Zheng growled as he grew increasingly enraged. Yang Botao behaved in an equally boorish manner, erupting in anger as he hollered back, "Try looking at me again. I dare you." "Try speaking another word." Tie Zheng cracked his neck and gave Yang Botao a side-eye. Feeling rage simmer in himself, Yang Botao spat, "Are you crazy?" Tie Zheng saved his words, opting to reply with his fist as he sent it flying towards Yang Botaos face. He then swore out loud, "F*ck you, not only does your father want to look at you, I wish to beat you until you stand at Death''s gate!" Yang Botaos cultivation base was not something to toy with, but he had not expected Tie Zheng to actually dare attack him in the imperial court. When the punch came into harsh contact with him, rage colored his eyes as he exploded in fury. "You, with the surname Tie!" Before he even finished his words, Tie Zhengs second punch came crashing onto one of his eyes while a kick landed on his stomach. Yang Botao, who was equally muscular, fell with a loud thud in the council court as dust was sent flying into the air, while a few civil officials behind him took hasty steps to avoid the altercation. The civil officials were watching with twitching eyes that exchanged meaningful glances C "The military ones are fighting amongst each other today, how unusual, how rare! Such a farce is like gold dust!" Tie Zheng was unrelenting, charging over to press Yang Botao down and continued to wallop him. The latter knew that Tie Zheng was already seeing red, the brawl could barely be stopped if he only used words. When the opportunity arose, his foot shot up to land a vicious kick on Tie Zhengs stomach, resulting in a low grunt from Tie Zheng. The man then grabbed Yang Botaos right leg in a sweep, spinning his body with the intention to twist and break Yang Botaos leg. Yang Botao roared, bending his body from the floor to grapple with Tie Zhengs neck. Both the men fell to the floor simultaneously before a flurry of punches and thuds resounded in the court. These men were militants, their muscles hard and build solid; at once, dust swirled and concrete gave way in the council court. Both old marshals Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin were exasperated, stepping forth to mediate the fight, yet they were holding Yang Botao back, seemingly unintentionally allowing Tie Zheng to land blow after blow. It took only a few punches before Yang Botao was bleeding profusely. The emperor had only taken a brief shuteye yet when he opened his eyes upon hearing the commotion, the space below him had already turned into a raging battleground. Blood dripped while the furniture was smashed into pieces. Tie Zheng tackled Yang Botao to the floor, sitting on him and swinging punches like a local thug. Each blow was accompanied by expressive swearing. "F*ck your grandmother!" "Bastard!" "Meet your death!" "F*cker!" "What a piece of trash!" "I" His Majesty looked despondent for a moment, feeling slightly out of sorts; when he regained his bearings, he shouted, "Stop this at once!" Tie Zheng backed away and spat, "Youre lucky, son of a b*tch. Why didnt I just beat you little sh*t to death?" Yang Botao scrambled free from his restraints and growled, launching himself up from the floor like a fearless tiger and barreling towards Tie Zheng. He had obviously lost his sanity. Yang Botaos military position was nothing under Tie Zheng. He had truly lost face today after being tackled to the floor and beaten up like this by Tie Zheng in front of the civil and military officials of the imperial court C where would his dignity stand? "Stop it!" The emperor was furious. "Yang Botao! Did you not hear what I said?" Yang Botao, whose rationality was clouded by rage, finally came back to his senses. Looking at Tie Zheng with blood staining his entire face, his trembling finger was stretched out to point at Tie Zheng. "Just you wait!" Tie Zheng glared back with an equal rage. "F*ck your father, how dare you threaten me! Just you wait. Your father will kill you tomorrow if not today!" "All of you shut your mouths! Are you planning to commit treason?" His Majesty berated the two furiously panting men. Both the marshals glared at each other with hostility before turning to take a bow. "This official has sinned. Do simmer down, Your Majesty." The emperor was huffing in anger, almost losing his breath as he chided, "Whatever next? Whatever next!" Yang Botao looked incredibly maligned as he spoke, "Your Majesty, this official has been wronged. Tie Zheng has beaten this official up like a lunatic today. This official didnt even offend him." Tie Zheng snorted, the sound filled with disdain. His Majesty bellowed, "Tie Zheng, what is the reason for your violence in the imperial court today?" Tie Zheng answered loudly, "Could that bastard not know what he has done? F*cking hell he dares to cry innocence! Innocent my *ss! You sick, ungrateful, contemptible bastard! Devoid of conscience!" "Tie Zheng, explain yourself clearly!" Yang Botao fumed. "You bastard, you still want to pretend foolishness, do you? Let me ask you, what was last night all about?" Tie Zhengs large build took an abrupt step forward. Yang Botao felt his heart sink but said, "Last night? This marshal was almost assassinated last night! Were still after the killer!" "After your mums *ss!" Tie Zhengs bared teeth were about to gnaw Yang Botaos face as he continued, "Supreme Wind and Flame went to your residence and announced that youre one of those involved in harming the Nine Supremes during their last battle. What else do you have to say about being innocent?" "Nonsense! The lowly one that attempted the ambush last night was obviously from Thunderclap Hall. They resented me for killing their young master by rote of the execution of the military law. Tie Zheng, how can you believe what the assassin said? Are you stupid? Cant you use your brain? Supreme Flames mystique method of fire and the blazing technique of Thunderclap Hall are different; one comes from within while the other one is external. Their very bases differ, anyone who knows could see that!" Yang Botao argued aloud. Tie Zheng pursed his lips in contempt and said, "Killed the young master of Thunderclap Hall by execution of military law? What an impartial and stringent Marshal Yang! Come, come, tell me then; what was the name of the young master who served in your troops? What position did he take? In what way did he violate the law that made you execute him? Here, here, tell me all about it. Let me investigate if this young master of Thunderclap Hall is real and if his crime ever existed!" "This matter has long passed, who would remember such a petty issue? If it werent for last nights episode, the execution wouldve been just that; whose hands have never stained byblood from executing the military law?" Yang Botao replied. Tie Zheng exploded in rage. "You think Ive never led an army? Stop f*cking with me. Executing penalties in the military has always been recorded. Are you f*cking leading a troop of idiots? Yang Botao, a thousand deaths cant even begin to atone for your crime!" "Tie Zheng, your cutting words are just because of your jealousy towards my military achievement and my position above you. I know you have long been upset with me. As long as I remain, your title as the top militant of the younger generation would be difficult to be achieved" Yang Botao jabbed where it hurt most. His statements were faced with Tie Zhengs jeer. "Top militant of the younger generation? Forget that your father doesnt even care about this title, are you worthy to be compared to your father even if theres such a claim? Why, tell me what merit did you achieve for the past two years? Your father is in charge of the east and youre in charge of the north; what is there to be upset with you about? You arent my f*cking son! Am I unhappy with you? Maybe! You conscienceless thing! Youd just tarnish my name if you were my son!" Tie Zheng was on a roll with his rebuke; although Yang Botao deflected each of his admonitions, the latter''s stance was far weaker than the formers. His Majesty had wanted to stop them, but as he thought about it, he remained watching from the sideline. Yang Botao suddenly turned to kneel down. "This official is at Your Majestys disposal. Tie Zhengs jabs were callous and vile, humiliating and falsely accusing this official before the entire council. This official has been wronged! Your Majesty, this official asks for your justice!" Tie Zheng growled, about to lash out to wallop the man again but was held back by Qiu Jianhan. Tie Zheng struggled hard, his eyes were rimmed red and the heaving of his chest was audible. "This ungrateful sh*t! He was ambushed during the northern border war back in those years; if it werent for the Nine Supremes who came and saved his *ss, the weeds at Yang Botaos grave would have been thirty feet tall! He actually participated in harming the Nine Supremes Lord This abominable subject who has lost his mind Your father shall forever stand irreconcilable with him!" 236 Sweet Words Old Marshal Qiu yelled, "Tie Zheng! Watch your words! It is a heinous crime to link to such an influential general; how can you simply spout such atrocities? Whatevidence do you have to support this?" However, he was making surreptitious eye signals even as he berated the man. Tie Zheng was huffing and puffing, his veins popping up on his skin from his agitation. When he finally calmed down, his jaw was clenched tight as he glared at Yang Botao; as long as he had a chance, he would pounce on the man to bite him! "Your Majesty this aged official is late" Panting could be heard by the council court entrance as an old man whose hair and beard was all white was helped into the hall as he coughed until he hunched over. It was the Empire of Yutangs military Grand Commandant, Fang Qingtian. The pillar who had held Yutang for so many years was now past his prime, needing someone to support his steps. The peppering of scars on his face that was seasoned with age spots was s memento from the wars he partook back in the years, a relic of the old generals valiance. The person who supported Fang Qingtian into the court was the old Grand Commandants assistant, his trophy disciple C Fu Baoguo, the sole authority who supervised Board of War. "Move a chair over here!" The emperor ordered. When Fang Qingtian was finally seated, he was still trying to catch his breath and said rather uneasily, "This old official is ashamed. This official is unable to take a bow yet Your Majesty has to bestow this official a seat, this official is utterly ashamed." The emperor was moved, and replied, "Todays matter is far too serious. There is no way but to trouble Old Grand Commandant to make this trip. I should be the one worrying instead; my dear minister, do not blame yourself." "May I ask Your Majesty why are we gathered here today?" Fang Qingtian asked. His Majesty heaved a deep sigh. The officials knew that this was the start of todays proceedings; each of them held their breath in anticipation of the events development. Tie Zheng was the only one who was still glaring at Yang Botao; Yang Botao initially returned his glare only to turn his head away afterward. "Sigh Too many things have happened recently, especially since the case of the Nine Supremes ambush Its a heavy blow towards Yutangs national destiny" As soon as the emperor spoke, he dove straight into the heaviest of topics. The change of expression was apparent in Yang Botaos face as signs of slight panic emerged. He did not expect that the emperor would pinpoint this incident in such a straightforward manner. "Before this Ive thought that the internal purge prior has already cleared most of the traitors what with so many things that have happened. Now, it looks like Ive been too optimistic seeing that more complications have cropped up right under my nose" His Majesty looked at Yang Botao as he spoke, "Last night, Yutangs marshal of the northern troop, Yang Botao, was the target of an assassination attempt. The killer has claimed in public that it was for the Nine Supremes revenge. This is not to be taken lightly." The entire council court was silent, the absence of noise like the stillness of death. The old Grand Commandant with his wrinkled face and droopy eyes raised them slowly to glance at Yang Botao. It seemed an ordinary and unintentional gesture, but Yang Botao broke out in cold sweat. Despite his old age, the Grand Commandant was still as lion-hearted, his valiance still as mesmerizing as it was all those years ago. "Explain yourself, Yang Botao," Fang Qingtian asked faintly. His eyes shut slowly, looking like a log that seemed to be rotting; not a glimmer of life could be seen in his mannerisms. Those who knew him well knew that the old Grand Commandant was using his carefully curated skill C Ingenious Volition. This unique skill of the old Grand Commandant rarely failed. The enchanting part of this arcane cantrip was that it could hear the slightest turmoil within the speakers emotions. In other words, any lies would show themselves before the old Grand Commandants Ingenious Volition. Yang Botao stood in front with his face still stained with blood as he spoke in a saddened, raspy voice, "Last night, there was an assassination attempt in my residence and the assassin trumpeted the title of the Nine Supremes, but those who were there knew well that it was but a confusion created to form a falsehood This official wished for Your Majesty to redress the balance by coming to the assembly today so as to get rid of this accusation! Who knows" Yang Botao said self-depreciatingly, "I was beaten up by Marshal Tie Zheng right at the beginning of the assembly. Our colleagues even used the name of mediation to hinder my counterattacks to allow Tie Zheng to continue his violence." "When the old Grand Commandant got here, Your Majestys first agenda was to ask me, Yang Botao, to explain myself!" "First, I survived an assassination attempt before I was walloped, then I was isolated and now Im asked to fend for myself!" "I, Yang Botao, have enlisted in the army since I was young and have always been on the frontlines.Ive gone through over seven hundred wars and got to where I am with the merits Ive accumulated. Your Majesty is merciful that Yang Botao could only worry about not being able to requite the majestic mercy" "I, Yang Botao, fought hard at the northern battlefield, death becoming an insignificant possibility. I cant build merits to the nation, unable to expand our lands, but Ive ensured that not an inch of land was lost to the enemys conquests" "To this day and this moment, the wounds I bear are copious, the physical and mental exhaustion all-consuming." Yang Botao let out a sob, tears glistening in his eyes. "I need not speak more of my contributions in the past. Since Your Majesty, Old Grand Commandant, my colleagues, and the rest of the civil and military ministers think that Im guilty, think that the words of the assassin are truth C then I, Yang Botao, have indeed harmed the Nine Supremes Lords" "Under such circumstances, how could I defend myself? I have nothing to say; my patriotism, my loyalty, my clear conscience yet I cant argue when faced with such an accusation. I, Yang Botao, cannot stand the humiliation!" "Since the world doesnt allow me to clear my name, only death shall prove my conscience with hopes that truth shall one day prevail!" Yang Botao was in utter despair, his grief immense. Suddenly, he charged to the entrance of the court with a roar and, "Clang!", he snatched the sword from the guard on duty. Without hesitation, he raised it to slash at his own neck. "Yang Botao shall serve Your Majesty in the next life!" With this cry, the sword reached his neck. A silhouette flashed; Fu Baoguo, who was beside the old Grand Commandant, moved in stealthily and grabbed the blade of the sword, stopping the advance of the sharp edge. In spite of this, Yang Botaos neck was already bleeding profusely. Another half an inch deeper into the gash on his neck would mean the end of his life. The wound was evident of the determination enclosed in the wave of his sword. Although Fu Baoguo managed to stop Yang Botaos suicide attempt, his right hand was covered in blood from Yang Botao as well as his own from grabbing the blade; he yelled angrily, "The entire situation is unclear right now. Youre only needed to defend yourself but here you are, seeking death! Yang Botao, youve disappointed me!" Fu Baoguos right hand was still working as he clutched the sword to throw it away swiftly. The sword embedded itself into the ground outside of the court with a clang, trembling with the momentum; its blade was cold, blood dripping slowly from the sword. As the ministers watched the quivering sword outside, everyone was quiet. Yang Botao burst into tears from the anguish he was in as he sobbed, "How do I go on with my life bearing such humiliation? I should just die to for it to end!" Fu Baoguo heaved a long sigh and turned to where the throne was to kneel down. "Your Majesty, perhaps there are still uncertainties worthy of doubt about this... It should be managed cautiously. Even if Yang Botao is indeed guilty, he should be judged fairly according to the imperial law. Forcing him to a corner in this council court would go against the constitution Please think twice, Your Majesty!" Watching Yang Botao drenched in blood while Fu Baoguo pleaded his case, also bleeding, the emperor was struck by emotion,but he said nothing. The old Grand Commandant, Fang Qingtian, sat securely in his seat too, not even batting an eye. Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyins gazes focused on Yang Botao like blades, the iciness within it remained the same. As for Tie Zheng, he grunted and murmured, "Pretentious Disgusting!" After a while, the emperor frowned and said solemnly, "This case involved the battle of the Nine Supremes ambush; the relevance is too grave, more so than the crime of treason. I hereby order Old Marshal Qiu, Old Marshal Leng, Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and the Chancellor to investigate with combined effort while the Grand Commandant plays the part of mediator. This case must be investigated with caution. No accusation nor partiality should be allowed, do not malign the heroic souls nor the truth!" The events in the assembly had happened so abruptly; the sudden internal strife of the military side stumped the officials while the civil ministers hardly said anything, so shocked were they at the proceedings. After all, the internal strife of the military side was what it was C internal; the damage and harm done regardless who would fall ultimately would still be a good thing to the civil side. "This shall be concluded as such. Dismiss, my dear officials. Grand Commandant and Old Marshal Qiu, Leng, please stay to have a word with me." Upon the dismissal of the assembly, Tie Zheng scoffed and left with wide strides without further delay. As he walked, he was mumbling curses to himself, "Disgusting! Trash! What a realistic pretense, f*cking hell. If you really want to die, why didnt you break your pulse? Why dont you destroy your spirit? Have you to rush to the entrance to grab the sword and come back to commit suicide? Do you really think everyone else is blind?" There were two muscular generals who caught up to Tie Zheng briskly and said, "Old Tie, looks like you know about the case well. Tell us about it!" "What the f*ck should I say?" Tie Zheng raged. "Are you two blind or deaf? Can''t you see what happened? Cant you understand what you heard? If youre really blind and deaf, you cant hear it even if your father told you about it. Your fathers got no time to bother with you two idiots!" "Tie Zheng, we have no intention to offend you. Why are you angry with us? We only wanted to understand the truth. Speak if you want to, it''s fine if you dont. Spewing fathers here and there, shut your trap!" the generals retorted in anger. Tie Zheng ignored them as he continued walking briskly; his legs were long, just two steps had the two reluctant generals behind him giving chase and raising questions continuously. It was then that Tie Zheng spoke gruffly, "What else is there to say? The Nine Supremes being ambushed is Yutangs piercing agony. Yet with how mighty the Nine Supremes were, how could all of them be doomed if it werent a surprise ambush in addition to the betrayal of traitors? Now that Supreme Wind stepped out personally and accused Yang Botao in public, theres actually still a need for investigation! His Majesty is foolish and cant differentiate between right and wrong; he still goes on about not doing wrong to the truth and justice prevails The investigation is unnecessary, it will only disappoint the souls of warriors." Before he finished, a hand was clamped securely over his mouth by the general beside him. "You bastard, you really dont want to live any longer, do you? You cant say this before us, even if you dont f*cking want to live!" 237 Military Action on All Sides Tie Zheng broke free and continued his tirade, "It is you people, greedy for life and fearful of death, who allowed the culprit to go scot-free! Things are so clear but you all can actually pretend that its not. If you have guts, follow me to wipe out the Northern Marshals residence!" Both the generals turned away without saying another word. They honestly dared not speak to this fellow anymore. Any further words and they might really be hauled along to battle it out at the Residence of Northern Marshal. In spite of this, they were exchanging whispers as they went on their way. "Its not like Marshal Tie doesnt make sense!" "Nobody says he doesnt! Its just that even if he were right, some things cant be spoken out loud like this! After all, Yang Botao still has his position!" "So what if his status is higher? Ive long felt that something was wrong with Yang Botao!" "Forget it. If it werent for what happened today, would you dare say so?" "Never mind Say, do you think the Supreme Wind who appeared last night was real?" "I hope he is." "Me too. But if he is, then Yang Botao is a goner." "So be it. As long as Lord Supreme Wind is still alive, what importance does Yang Botao carry?" "True. If Lord Supreme Wind is still alive, maybe Lord Supreme Flame is too. And Supreme Earth, Supreme Water and the rest, they might all still be here!" "I hope so" Yang Botao returned to his residence with heavy steps, burdened by the bleakness of his future, his gaze dimmed. He could vaguely feel the approach of his impending doom; the fact that he had not been punished right in the assembly was already a tribute to his years of contribution. The vague sense of doom had been lingering in his heart today even before the morning assembly. It was just that he had hoped to be lucky with how he had suppressed the hundreds of Deicide Bow archers last night and several preparations he made prior to this, but the reality had been spoken. The Nine Supremes were far too important to the Empire of Yutang. A word of theirs fared much higher than his accumulated merits. This was a hopeless truth, his reality! "Call to assemble! Meeting!" When Tie Zheng returned to his residence, he made the same command C "Call to assemble!" "Assemble fifty thousand men at once. Upon assembling, depart and head on to surround the Residence of Northern Troop Marshal immediately! Make sure that the daily affairs are not hindered; other than that, no one is allowed to enter nor exit!" "With my summons, shut all four gates of Tiantang City! Martial law will be imposed from today onwards, only entrance is allowed! No one goes out!" "Gather the experts in the military! Cultivators of the fifth level and above are to be ready to mobilize upon my summons!" "Gather Deicide Bow archers, ready their aim at the Residence of Northern Troop Marshal! Kill anyone who makes a rash attempt to enter. Even if its a bird from the outside, it is not allowed to be admitted!" Tie Zhengs commands rang clearly, one after another. "Marshal, uh this is without the royal decree nor tiger talisman To direct the army personally is a severe crime!" Tie Zhengs aide was beyond worried; ever since he worked for this eastern troop marshal, shock and surprise were his daily constants. Tie Zheng was bold and reckless, outrageously so! Whenever his temper rose, he cared for nothing and erupted without a sliver of rationality left to temper his actions. "This marshal shall be held accountable for whatever consequences there will be! Just do as youre told, no more words!" Tie Zheng bellowed. It was still this line. The aide sighed inwardly. If the emperor were not benevolent beyond belief, Tie Zheng, who could contribute even more merits, would have been sentenced to nine familial extermination time and again. "Yes, I shall arrange the manpower immediately!" "Id rather be convicted of sedition than to allow the culprit who harmed the Nine Supremes Lords to run free!" Tie Zheng hollered again, "Order to the troops, set out to the Nine Supremes Lords altar! Once we act, heads shall become our tribute!" At the same time, generals of the western troops who guarded the capital began to mass. "Shut the city gate!" "Follow the whereabouts closely!" "All Deicide Bow archers, get ready!" "Gather the experts, be ready to move anytime!" At the southern front... "Assemble!" "War call from now onwards! Anyone must report their whereabouts before doing anything, even if its just going to the toilet! Nobody goes home even if someone is your family passes away!" "Guard the base heavily, be prepared to strike at any time!" "Deicide Bows, all archers stand ready! Ten mystical steel arrows to one bow!" All the military bases around Tiantang City were engulfed in a solemnly violent aura. The soldiers were brimming with killing intent, their faces hard and merciless. The portraits of the Nine Supremes were laid out, pasted on the walls respectfully. Before the portraits, two large tables were set; one was filled with fruits and other tributes while the other was only covered with a white cloth, empty. It was being prepared to receive the heads of the executed. Large flags were raised from each military base, out of the blue. "Yutangs Nine Supremes, heroes shall never leave!" Each soldier who passed by the flags paid respect with their unfaltering gaze, their steps solid and resolute. Countless militants were emotionally overwrought; as they wiped their weapons silently, their ears were perked in concentration to note any movement, worried of being the slightest bit slower once there was an order to move. Each of them was high strung, tight as a bowstring C as long as the command arrived, they would catapult towards their target at once. There were also plenty of warriors whose eyes were damp. It was not grief that they felt, it was the buzz, the thrill of finally taking action. Nine Supremes Lords, we we can finally do something for all of you. "Once the news is confirmed, even if we risk being slashed into pieces, we shall obtain revenge for the Nine Supremes Lords!" They had been holding in this indignation for more than a year now. Once it erupted, it would be nothing less than colossal! The base camp that was entirely different in the atmosphere compared to the other military bases was the northern troop base situated in the capital city. The northern troop military base was noisy and chaotic as far as the eyes could reach. Numerous generals were suppressing the sudden uproar within the camp anxiously but neither their persuasion nor forceful subdue was working. Not only was the effect less than significant, it was plain useless! There was a continuous stream of seasoned soldiers who stalked over to the entrance of the military tent coldly and asked, "General, is it true that the marshal has harmed the Nine Supremes Lords?" "Generals, was last nights incident real?" "Can you just give the brothers a conclusion?" "Is it yes or no?" The generals were a wreck, knowing whatever they said could be interpreted wrongly, and could only try their best to pacify the rest. "This is still under investigation. The top three authorities of the military have cooperated to investigate this together and the old Grand Commandant is being summoned too. Just wait for the news, all of you; we must not sway each other within the troop!" "All of you go back, wait patiently! When the news arrives, there''s no way we can hide it from you all." "Do what you should! o! Well inform everyone once theres an update." "I hear that Supreme Wind appeared in the marshals home saying that marshal is the killer Is this true?" "Go back quickly! You, Im talking about you, get lost!" "What are you being fierce about? Im just asking if the incident is real! I shall ask even if you behead me!" An old soldier glared, his eyes bloodshot while a hand was pressed on the grip of his saber. "Weve been comrades who risked death together for so many years, stop f*cking pretending in front of me. I just want an honest answer, is it yes or no?" "Ridiculous! What attitude are you showing me? Do you realize your position? Are you going to coerce me with your saber?" The general roared. "I only want an honest answer, cant I have even that?!" The aged soldiers veins were popping, his neck stretched taut. "Is it yes or no? If its a yes, forget about ny hold my saber against you. So what if I slash you open, do you think I wouldn''t dare to?" "F*ck! Even if it was true, thats Marshal Yangs personal case! You think my status could hold me up to such big thing?" The general had been simmering in frustration; being absolutely irritated, words spewed out of his mouth without any form of filtration. "So you mean its true?" The soldiers aura was growing dangerous. "I didnt say that!" "You did! F*ck your m*ther! You f*cking said so! You said it!" The old militants eyes were two orbs of flames, his killing intent growing increasingly heated. "I didnt say it! I didnt say anything! All of you go back! Go back quickly! What are you doing surrounding your father? Is there still any discipline at all?" Seeing that neither appeasement nor direct rejection would work, the general broke out in a bout of swearing instead, "Your father is also waiting for the news, the update! What the f*ck can be done for all of you to surround your father? If this is true, your father will battle it out with Yang Botao, risking the conviction of being a rebel! But everything could only be certain when the confirmed news come!" "Cant you all wait a while longer patiently? Do you think that only you fellows are impatient? Your father is about to go crazy with the suspense as well!" Both the higher-ups and the subordinates in the northern troops were boiling in commotion. "Everyone of us in the northern troop owes the Nine Supremes Lords at least a life! If this is true how could all of us in the northern troop face our brothers from the other sides! Shame could have drowned us! Guilt could kill us alive! People say to do things openly and have a clear conscience, we wont ever be able to do or have any of that from now on!" "Is it true! Is it really true!" "F*ck you! Your father is asking only a question, you b*tch better answer it!" Before the entrance of the military base, the soldiers on duty had their heads lowered like they were admitting their faults. They were the unluckiest bunch; everyone else could hide inside their tents and be obscured from the public but they, who were on duty, were exposed to the everyones sight. It was chaos inside the military base but the entrance was desolated like a dead area. There were already countless troops from the west, east, and south who were making their way over; the military threat was haunting but unconcealed, aiming towards the northern troop base. There were also generals under other aliases who circled the northern troop base, bringing their own men. Their gazes were filled with unadulterated contempt and hatred! A general with beard scoffed loudly as he led his cavalrymen towards the entrance of the northern base camp. The soldiers who were guarding the said place lowered their heads, even more, consumed with shame. 238 Raise the Flag! "What a bunch of ungrateful people! How could they stand the fact that they actually exist in this world? The heavens have no eyes for them!" The bearded general did not speak softly, his voice was filled with contempt. "What a humiliation to think that your father is actually serving in the military with such gross people!" "I can''t believe that the northern troops can really do something like this Theyre the most useless ones throughout these years of war, losing the most men and requiring the most help from the Nine Supremes. F*ck, its these people who got the Nine Supremes killed in the end!" "Son of a b*tch By the looks of it, they can kill even their own parents!" "Of course! Theres no doubt about it. Come on, let us leave!" "Wait for the command!" "Lets see if these fools can still be as proud when the evidence of their crime is confirmed! If they dare stir up another ruckus, your father will end all these bastards, even if I have to get myself beheaded and my entire family exterminated!" The bearded general spoke harshly and brought his men away with a wave of his hand. Drip, drip, drip The soldiers on duty refused to raise their heads, their tears falling to the ground drop after drop; the humiliation they felt was overbearing. Gradually, the sobs grew in volume while outside, whispers floated around among the various troops. "Our camp has raised the flag of vengeance for the Nine Supremes Lords respectively but why isnt the flag raised here yet? Do they not hold the Nine Supremes Lords in regards at all? Dont they want to avenge their lords?" "Thats the northern troop youre talking about. They were the ones who sent the Nine Supremes Lords to their doom. Not only do they lack the dignity to do so, I guess that they dont even want to do it; dare not, at least!" "So, its not just that m*therf*cker Yang Botao, even his subordinates are a bunch of cowards!" "They dont even dare erect the flag of vengeance for the Nine Supremes Lords I wonder whether they are torn by guilt or feel nothing at all" "F*ck, dont these people have the slightest bit of shame?" "Your father is going mad just thinking about it How many times have the Nine Supremes Lords saved the northern troops How can a man be so void of conscience?" "They arent even men. Why would they have any form of conscience? Its long been devoured by the dogs!" "Don''t insult the dogs. Dogs dont eat dark, vicious hearts..." "If we really were to fight, your father shall be merciless! Kill them like the dogs they are!" "Me too!" "Here, here!" "I told you not to insult the dogs! Dogs are the most loyal of creatures, which part of them could be compared to dogs?" "Right you are..." All the soldiers before the base entrance hung their heads low, but their necks were tilted harshly to glare at their leader with a side-eye; the hostility and killing intent were immense. The leaders head was hung low as well, his eyes rimmed red. He gritted his teeth and said, "Wait here, Ill go ask about it!" "Quickly!" "You shouldve gone long ago!" Dozens of choked up voices roared in unison. The leader wiped his tears away harshly and mounted his horse, leaving with an urgent whip to the flanks. "General! Why didnt our troop raise the flag of vengeance for the Nine Supremes Lords?" The leader scrambled to the generals tent, about to break down as he cried with a loud sob, "The brothers from all other sides have raised the flags Could it be that we, the northern troop, are really burdened with a guilty conscience?" "What flag of vengeance are you talking about?" The general was stumped. "The flag of vengeance to bring justice to the Nine Supremes Lords! Why didnt the northern troop raise it?" The leader was weeping openly, snot and tears running free on his face. "Your father has been in the army for so many years, so numb to the life and death in the battlefield that your father has never cried! But your father has had enough today! Your father has been humiliated to the point that I dare not make another sound. Ive never wished for an immediate death so badly!" "When I heard that the Nine Supremes Lords were ambushed, your father made a slash on my own face, swearing with blood to avenge the lords death When the time is finally here, it looks like the blame is actually on us!" "Could it be that the rumors outside are true?" "Could it be that our northern troop is really ungrateful?" "Have we murdered our saviors? How could the brothers live with this knowledge?" The leader sobbed, grief wracking his body. "Flag of vengeance?" The generals eyes were red-rimmed as well. "Send some men to find out." "Im not going!" "I dont want to!" "Me neither!" An assistant general was appointed, and he roared with a flushed face, "Why am I the one to go? Why arent you going? What pride do I have to go out there? Your father doesnt even have the face to face my own crotch, how can there be one to face the brothers from all other sides?" The generals eyes were spitting flame. "All of you arent going out, are you?! F*ck the hell away then, your father shall go out to see it for me!" The general kicked his horse and went away, coming back furiously almost instantly; his face was flushed, so were his eyes. He growled, "Make the flag! Raise the flag!" "Set up the altar!" "Quickly!" "We, the northern troop brothers, are not ungrateful people!" "We are not gullible fools!" "If it had really been Yang Botao who has plotted the Nine Supremes Lords doom, the brothers of the northern troop will be the first to fight him!" The general bellowed. Once the command was issued, the military base was set into motion. The soldiers went back to make flags, their faces finally a more normal color. "Gather the men, gather!" It was the same generals who roared over the din. A group of men came over coldly. "What is it now? Jiang Chenglong, are you trying to rebel, gathering men on your own?" These men were Yang Botaos best janissaries while the one who spoke was the leader of them all. Jiang Chenglong''s bloodshot eyes bored straight into them as he waved his hand. "Assemble! Ignore them!" The leader of the janissaries stepped forward in a large stride. "Jiang Chenglong, how dare you make your own decision without the marshals order?! It''s your choice to brave death for assembling the men personally but how many lives do you have to compensate for once your underlings are involved?" The janissary was quick-witted, knowing well that not only was forceful suppression useless, it might lead to the opposite effect. Perhaps it would be more effective to shift the aim of the threat to the subordinates. Jiang Chenglongs glaring eyes looked as if they could spurt tears of blood anytime when he replied fiercely, "If Yang Botao is really an accomplice of the Nine Supremes doom, hes not worthy to be the marshal of our northern troop! Your father shall fight him to the end personally! So what if this summons of assembly is made by your father? Your father shall pay the price with my own life later! I have to give this order!" "F*ck your m*ther! The marshal has been wrongly accused! Didnt he explain everything yesterday?" The janissary leader bellowed in fury. "If the marshal is wronged when the truth is revealed, I, Jiang Chenglong, would send myself willingly to ask for my penalty C my death! Death is deserved for personally gathering the army, the military is merciless C there shall be no wrongful accusation nor partiality! But now, the northern troop must move according to my command!" Jiang Chenglong howled, "As the deputy marshal, I have the authority to mobilize the troop while youre but the head of Yang Botaos janissaries. What right do you have to come and interfere with how your father works?? F*ck off or else Ill have you penalized with the military law right now!" The leader of the janissaries stared at Jiang Chenglong with his chilling gaze, his hand moving to slowly press on the grip of his saber; Jiang Chenglong remained stationary, his gaze equally savage. However, it was everyone around Jiang Chenglong who unsheathed their swords and sabers with a simultaneous roar. Their gazes on Yang Botaos janissaries were not unlike those of famished wolves. Only a glance C perhaps a single twitch, was needed before a battle would ensue. "F*ck off, will you?" Jiang Chenglong bellowed. "Do you really want to fight?" The janissary leader took in a deep breath and stretched a finger out to point at Jiang Chenglong. "Just you wait!" He then left, bringing his men with him. "Do what Ive said right now! Immediately!" The expression on Jiang Chenglongs face was as hard as steel. The janissary leader returned to his tent solemnly, surprised to see that an altar was already set outside his tent and the portrait of Nine Supremes already hung on the wall. There was a slight waver to the leaders gaze. The janissaries around him had flitting gazes; some of them huffing and puffing yet everyone looked like they had a lot to say. "Leader, is it true?" A large-sized man finally asked with a quivering voice. "I believe the marshal would never do that! Its all the traitors lies that twist the truth!" The leader held out with clenched jaws. "What if its really the marshal?" Another person asked. There was a spasm of the facial muscles of the janissary leaders face. He stood straight without speaking, gazing at Nine Supremes portrait and suddenly fell into a kneeling position. Dejection hung on all the janissaries face. "As the marshals janissaries, were at the frontline each time we go to war. Each losing battle is when we fought the hardest and the riskiest so each time the Nine Supremes Lords came, everyone was saved." "But were the marshals janissaries!" "If this is real the entire northern troop can say that it was the marshal''s own hand that directed it... and its irrelevant to the entire troop. We cant!" "Even if we did say so, no one will believe us!" "Were the marshals janissaries, were people the marshal believes in the most, the closest of confidences. "The Nine Supremes Lords have been our saving grace for countless times, but marshals grace towards us is also immense." The leader closed his eyes and said quietly, "If its true If its true" He choked. "If its true, no matter which side we stand on right now, on what grounds do we go on to continue living after this?" Once his words flew out of his lips, his surroundings fell into silence. In the palace, Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian was breathing harshly as he leaned against the chair. The emperor sat on the large chair in the royal study as he waited patiently for the result, while Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin were observing the old Grand Commandant with wide eyes. After a long, long time, Fang Qingtian opened his eyes and said, "Yang Botaos words are lies lies that he is extremely familiar with like hes been saying them for many times. Therefore, there must be something up with Yang Botao in this matter." His Majesty nodded solemnly and replied, "With old Grand Commandants skills that distinguish between what is real and what is false, Yang Botaos treason has now become a smaller issue. The main point should be the tornado that appeared last night C was it genuinely Supreme Wind? And the attacker who launched an attack while in the manifestation of flame, was it Supreme Flame?" 239 Seething Resentmen Qiu Jianhan said, "I think that this shouldnt be too far from the truth, but the presence of a ball of flame is insufficient to prove much. However, we can confirm the existence of Supreme Wind, its just hard to tell if hes willing to show himself." The old Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian coughed and said, "Your Majesty mustnt take this lightly. Although my Ingenious Volition has verified that Yang Botao is indeed guilty, its not as astute as it used to be. Yang Botao might have something else up his sleeves. His real capabilities are probably not as simple as what weve seen and he is one of Yutangs four marshals after all" "Right you are. I have been too na?ve in my thinking earlier. Even when Yang Botaos hidden forces are taken out of the equation, the matter has been pushed all the way to its tipping point. Its impossible to take down such an authoritative military figure without concrete evidence. In this matter, I can''t simply do as I wish," the emperor said with a deep frown. "But if Supreme Wind did appear C as long as he is certain that he can take Yang Botao down, he would definitely emerge to verify this matter. As long as Supreme Wind appears and confirms his identity, there wont be a need to judge Yang Botao anymore. He can be punished for his crime, and his subordinates wont even bother to defend him anymore." "But if Supreme Wind doesnt deign to show up" His Majesty continued to ponder this dilemma. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan said, "Supreme Wind has to come out in the open, but what we need to consider seriously right now is the same thing that he is wondering - how do we ensure Supreme Winds safety once he emerges?" "That is a difficult task indeed." Old Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian coughed gruffly, his hand covering his mouth while Leng Daoyin passed over a handkerchief swiftly. After spitting out a wad of phlegm, Fang Qingtian finally felt his breathing turned easier as he said, "Its hard. For as long as Supreme Wind remains concealed, the world is his playground. The moment he comes out in the open, he paints a target on himself for all his foes to aim at! Even when the Nine Supremes were still together as one, they still succumbed to the deadly ambush. Now that theres only Supreme Wind, it would be a dicey thing, even if he had support from Supreme Flame." "After all, their enemies come from both the other countries and the martial arts world C even traitors within our imperial court" Old Grand Commandant caught his breath and continued, "We can''t guarantee his safety with any certainty. Although Yang Botaos doom can be set once Supreme Wind appears, the price that has to be paid might be too high." "This old official knows that Your Majesty wants to meet Supreme Wind and be assured of doing so, but to coerce Supreme Wind to come out may bring more harm than good!" The Grand Commandant coughed violently. "If it were up to me, Id go the hard and fast way C exterminate Yang Botaos entire family in the name of treason." The official said darkly while coughing, "This way, Supreme Wind wont have to make himself known and while Your Majestys dictatorial methods may not be vastly popular, it is not an undeserved course of action." The emperor chuckled humorlessly. "Old Grand Commandants suggestion is terribly tempting; I dont mind being dictatorial for once, but the key now is this; was it really Supreme Wind who appeared? If we can be sure, then killing Yang Botao will be just; but if we cant be sure, wed be blamed for killing an innocent man. The price paid will be equally huge!" "Verifying that Yang Botao is guilty with Grand Commandants Ingenious Volition is credible to us, but it cant hold up in the court of law. If we did behead him, the people will say that weve killed a nations marshal just because some random assassin dressed in black was heard to have turned into a gust of wind by uttering a single word." "The consequences will be immense and it might spiral into another case of Zhuo Wenlong. Worse still, the other nations military figures might spin the tale and melt the unity of Yutangs military away" the emperor chuckled bitterly. The old Grand Commandant kept mum with a frown. The emperors considerations were reasonable too. Executing penalty without concrete evidence would only sow the seed for rumors. Empire of Yutang was already the public enemy; once there was to be a chance of attack, the other countries would definitely latch onto it and that would be difficult to defend. "Showing himself to the world just to set his sights on Yang Botao? I believe that Supreme Wind has the intention to prosecute Yang Botao. If he appears briefly, there wont be too much of a problem as long as he doesnt expose his real face and identity." Leng Daoyin said, "The only thing to be settled right now is the aftermath of Supreme Winds appearance. Its the key to prevent him from being tracked and hunted down." "I am certain that if Yang Botao does indeed have an ulterior motive, the forces behind him must also be waiting for Supreme Winds appearance; to unveil his real identity and providing the support needed to get Yang Botao out of this situation." "Since theyre waiting, they must have ways to track him and even the confidence to prevent Supreme Wind from escaping in his wind manifestation," Leng Daoyin said. "Like what Old Leng said, this is the main issue. The mystique skills and strange arcane magic that these people who come from all parts of the world possess are unknown to us." Qiu Jianhan heaved a long sigh. "How are the military bases reacting to this?" His Majesty asked. "The bases are heating up to their boiling points; theyre almost out of control." Leng Daoyin chuckled dryly and said, "Its not only the military actually, the entire Tiantang City has been rendered into a state of frenzy!" The emperor mused and replied, "This needs to be settled as soon as possible. We shall hold Yang Botaos open trial at Tiantang Square, before the Lionheart Memorial." The rest of the groups eyes brightened abruptly. "Marvelous!" "Qiu Jianhan," the emperor called. "Youre in charge of arranging this. You must ensure that nothing goes wrong if Supreme Wind chooses to make an appearance!" "Yes! This official shall meet Your Majesty holding my head in my hands if there are any mistakes in this open trial!" Qiu Jianhan exited the room with large, bold strides while Leng Daoyin''s reminder floated over to his ears, "Dont forget about the twenty to thirty experts who appeared out of the blue in Yang Botaos residence when the assassination attempt was being carried out!" "Do you think Im you?" Qiu Jianhan was already out of sight but his words rang out loud. Leng Daoyin rolled his eyes, choked by his anger. Tiantang City had turned into the ocean of resentment within a single day. "Revenge for the Nine Supremes Lords!" Flags like this could be seen everywhere, be it in the military camps or among the citizens; each and every one of the people was aggrieved and solemn in their bearing. Yang Botaos residence was on lockdown while all the houses along the residences street had their doors closed. Only Yang Botaos residence was prohibited from closing its doors, regardless of the hour. Other than the teeming militants, no one else was seen on that street. When someone would occasionally pass the ends of the alley, they would look upon the residence with hate and leave right away. Life still went on for the hundreds of people in the Residence of Yang though; although there were stored grains, there was still a need to buy fresh produce. The military would not forbid them from heading out to make purchases. The steward in charge of purchasing walked briskly with his head lowered. He had been tasked to do so all along, so he was already very familiar with the vendors in the market. Now, he only wanted to head home and stay in his room after buying what he needed as fast as possible However, when he got to the market, this steward was shocked to realize that things had changed. The resentment in the gazes he was greeted with felt like he was responsible for getting their parents killed. He had only made a dozen steps far in the market before he was engulfed in an incredibly tense atmosphere like he had stepped right into the lions den! The stares directed at him were all filled with brutality and an eerie glint of maniacal fury. The vendors who had pandered to him in hopes of making more sales were totally different from how they had been; not only did they not strike up a conversation to promote their wares, they looked like they wished to beat someone up. What was worse was that he could not even buy anything, even though he had silver taels! "Not for sale!" "Oh, youre asking about this? This isnt for sale!" "Why are you setting up this stall if youre not selling them?" "It''s to look as if I have something to do but in actual fact, Im just waiting for a debacle. If Ive finished selling my goods, then Id have to head back. How could I watch the fun then?" "What fun is this that it is so worthy of such anticipation?!" "Someone is about to die a horrendous death. Ive heard that its a marshal. How can I not wait for such fun?" There was no way the conversation could go on. He decided it was better to go to another vendor. "Are you selling this?" "Its not for sale!" "Why not?" "Im happy enough with my sales today!" Happy? What a solid reason. The steward could only go somewhere else. "Are you selling this?" "Its not for sale!" "Why not?" "Im not happy!" Not happy? It was an equally solid reason, but it made sense if he was happy not selling his goods; how could he not sell things because he was unhappy?! The steward wanted to question the rationality behind these statements but he held himself back. He might be given a trashing once the question was raised. He would not have been afraid to raise a conflict if it had been any other time, but now he had better just go to someone else. "This vegetable" "Its not for sale. What am I going to feed the pigs at home if I sell them to you?" "This vegetable" "Its for humans. You cant eat it" The replies received grew increasingly insulting as the underlying meaning escalated one after another. The steward asked around patiently, finally finding one who was tempted by the silver taels and wanted to do business. Just as the vendor extended his hand to accept the silver taels, he realized that everyone in the market was glaring at him. There was contempt within the countless gazes focused on him; some of them were so angered that he was swayed, while some others looked like they were going to beat him outright. The persons hand flinched back like he had been burned. He could see from those peoples eyes that if he had sold even a stalk of green to the Yang Family today, there would be no hope of him making a living here for the rest of his life! He gave a dry chuckle and retracted his arm, saying, "Ive forgotten. My vegetables today arent good." As the steward was almost about to succeed, he panicked. "Whats not good about it? Isnt it just the same?" "You might mind" The man laughed with no humor in it. "Ive urinated in the vegetables today My son has defecated on them too. If you really dont mind" The stewards eyes went wide at these vitriolic statements! 240 Can’t Get Through Ugh! The steward almost retched. I could wash it twice more and it''ll be fine? F*ck you, I say! Normally, if someone were to talk to him like this, he would have slapped him twice over, but now he honestly did not dare do anything so rash. Even if he had to retch his guts to death, he dared not jump off his feet. The steward made his way through a total of three markets but did not manage to buy even a stalk of vegetable. He returned with empty hands, but his trip home was not as relaxed as when he had first come out. He was stopped and checked every few steps, being searched everywhere and even in his most private of places. After being manhandled, he encountered another round just several steps away; it was the same, being patted down wholly without regard to his personal space. It was to see if he brought back any messages What if the search was not meticulous and there were to be a mistake? Those private places were the highlights of the search. When this steward finally returned to the Residence of Yang, it was already the fourth fragment of the night. The searches and checks along his way home had taken about half of his life away; he was even checked in between his nail gaps, where else had they not touched? It was rightful to say that he was bruised and battered! In the internal yard of the Residence of Yang, Yang Botao looked calm and composed on the outside but he had long been feeling anxious and fidgety. There were twenty people surrounding him right now, experts of the Four Seasons Tower who had slipped in using various identities. Although there were quite a number of people milling around, it was still quiet. To these people, this matter was only a minor one; it was not worth mentioning whether it was a success or failure in the end. In spite of this, the meaning such a case held was entirely different to Yang Botao! Yang Botao, as a Yutang citizen, had grown up and built his career in Yutang. Having come a long way, it was not an easy feat as he remembered all the sweat and blood it took to get where he was. It was only after a few days that Yang Botao experienced the sudden realization that what he had worked so hard to maintain, what he had fought so hard for his whole life, was about to be destroyed. The cause of it all had been a secret deed he had made, thinking that it was carefully hidden and unknown to anyone He could hardly describe what he was currently feeling. He felt his anger rise when he watched the experts of the Four Seasons Tower being so indifferent. "Of course you all dont care. The worst that can happen to you is leaving this place and going back to the martial arts world. Anywhere in the world is your home, youve gotten used to such a life anyway." "But what about me?" "Has anyone thought about me, for even the shortest moment?" Yang Botao muttered darkly under his breath. A young pretty maid walked over timidly, and said, "Marshal, the mistress asks for you." Yang Botao coughed and replied, "Has the mistress mentioned what it is for? This marshal still has urgent matters to attend to. If its nothing important, well speak of it later!" For some reason, Yang Botao felt unnerved and apprehensive to face his wife of ten years. He had no task at hand anymore and was bored out of his mind but he dared not speak the truth C dared not face her. "Mistress seems to have something important to discuss with the marshal. Do make your way over quickly," the young maid said. "Let the mistress know Ill be there soon." Yang Botao began to pace and mused for a while. Finally sighing, he said, "Do sit around for some time here, everyone. Ill be back soon." The leader, an elder in green clothes, replied with a smile, "Feel free to do as you please, marshal." Yang Botao nodded and left with large strides. "Mistress is looking for me?" Yang Botao stepped into the bedroom. This was the most private space in the entire Residence of Yang; it was usually only the spouses and a close maid who was in charge of cleaning who could enter this room. Right now though, the small private space had a small table added in front of the bed. There were four side dishes, a pot of wine, two goblets, and two pairs of chopsticks laid out. "I somehow suddenly have the mood to have a drink with you tonight." Yang Botaos mistress was a descendent of officials, a lady of a noble household. Despite being near her forties, she was still in good shape and beautiful like a blooming flower. Married to such a wife, it was common knowledge that the people around Yang Botao were envious of him. "I didnt expect you to be in the mood. This marshal shall have a drink with the mistress!" Yang Botao chuckled easily, as if he was in the mood as well, and sat down, inhaling the aroma of the dishes and reveling in it. "Your culinary skills are getting better" "Have more if you think its good." Mistress Yang sat in front of him and raised her goblet, looking at Yang Botao with her liquid eyes. "My husband, after you." "Mistress, after you." Yang Botao chortled and emptied his goblet of wine. He looked joyous and easygoing, lightheartedness added to the usual taut authority he held; that was his way of entirely concealing his negative emotions. Mistress Yangs sleeve covered her face as she slowly downed the goblet of wine in her hand. As she drank, her eyes never left Yang Botaos face. "Why are you looking at me like this?" Yang Botao chuckled. "Have I gotten old?" Mistress Yang smiled softly. "My husband is in his prime, theres nothing old about you. But for me when I watched the moon last night, I was struck with the realization that its been twenty-seven years since Ive been married to the Yang Family" Yang Botao sighed discreetly. Had it been twenty-seven years? It had been so long Beauties shared the same fate as notable generals since the coming of times C the world shall never see their grays. Be it beauties or notable generals, time was their biggest enemy that they were powerless against! "The case this time" Mistress Yangs eyes were directed to the outside of the window as she spoke slowly, "Seems rather hard to go by?" Yang Botao was slightly startled, hesitating before replying, "Dont worry. This is only a misunderstanding. When things are sorted out, everything will be made clear and go back to normal. Those who are innocent shall remain so, theres nothing to be concerned about." Mistress Yang turned her head back slowly and cast her gentle gaze on Yang Botaos face, catching his gaze. Yang Botaos stare had only met hers briefly before he avoided her eyes, lowering his own gaze and raising the goblet for the second time. "I know its true." Mistress Yang said, "Weve been husband and wife, sharing the same bed for so many years. I know your habits. Once you have a guilty conscience, you''ll avoid a long gaze C especially when youre facing me!" Yang Botao kept quiet, not replying for a long time. "Since the year before last, your temperament has turned bleak, your temper gotten shorter, and youd go out for walks draped with a robe in the middle of the night" "Since then, I knew that you have something on your mind," Mistress Yang said. "Last year, when Nine Supremes Lords were ambushed, youve grown more and more strange. Ive initially thought that you were worried as a marshal due to the Nine Supremes Lords doom and the damage it brought to Yutangs national state. However, after you killed the old dog youve taken care of for dozens of years, I could vaguely tell that things arent as simple as that" "Later, you kept waking up with a start in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. All the more it tells of your strangeness." Mistress Yang said quietly, "I know that something is troubling you, but since youre not talking about it, I didnt ask. Men you all need your own space too. What you couldve told me, I believe you wont hide." "I even thought, naive as it was, that youd get over it yourself, that you must be able to adjust back quickly" Mistress Yang chuckled sadly and said, "So Ive been waiting C waiting for when youve gotten over whatever it was and tell me about your experiences and feelings." "But Ive never expected that the wait would come to an end this day and what Ive waited for is such terrifying news. Is my world collapsing?" Mistress Yang shook her head and sighed. "My husband, why is this? Tell me, I must know!" Yang Botao sat like a statue, frozen and silent for a long, long time. Since Mistress Yang began speaking, he had not moved an inch; the only thing that changed was his expression that had gotten worse, pale as a sheet of paper. When he heard the word ''why'', Yang Botao could not help but tremble. "Youre born in Yutang, its Yutangs blood that is flowing within you. Since youve enlisted in the military, youve gone through so many wars; up to now, you have only one over you and millions under you. Its the peak of being a minister. Youre even a marshal in the battlefield C a command that has hundreds of thousands of soldiers flirting with death without remorse or fear" Mistress Yangs voice was calm. "I know youve been hurt and suffered a lot for the Empire of Yutang. Theres a total of a hundred and thirty-five scars on your body! Youve never been behind anyone in at the front line of the battlefield, protecting the nation and it''s families. My husband is a great man, hes a patriotic man of men! He is a loyal minister of Yutang! I have no doubt about it." "But its also because of this that Im so confused. Since my husband is such a hero whose reputation could leave an eternal legacy, why would he do such a thing?!" There was no agitation in Mistress Yangs voice. It was when she finished her last word that she slowly raised her head up and stared at Yang Botao with a clear gaze and spoke unhurriedly, "Why would you have conspired against the Nine Supremes? Tell me!" When she got to the last words, Mistress Yangs flat narrative tone turned high. Yang Botaos forehead was dotted with sweat. "Tell me. Each time you spoke about military affairs two years and a half ago, youd clearly speak of the Nine Supremes and what they did. From calling them the rascals in the beginning to the Nine Supremes Lords afterward, it showed your absolute acknowledgment about the nine lords." "Speaking of Nine Supremes, youd always have a lot to say then, especially when youd been ambushed that one time and Nine Supremes appeared to save you and the army that was close to being defeated. Youve made an oath that any time in your life is a time that youd requite their help." Mistress Yang continued, "But somehow, you no longer talk about the Nine Supremes anymore. You dont speak much at the dining table. Its been two years since Ive heard the words Nine Supremes from your lips." The muscle on Yang Botaos face was twitching while sweat streamed as his face paled almost unhealthily. "Since Supreme Wind has made his appearance personally in this incident and called you out directly, even when His Majesty has yet to order your detainment, I guess you cant get through this time." 241 Wind! The Wind is Coming ! Mistress Yang placidly uttered: "Since half a year ago, I had already arranged for Xuaner and Yang Qin to go to his grandfathers house. You asked before, even miles of the journey wont be considered as far, but why isnt he coming back yet?" "Now, I am able to answer your question. Qin''er wont be coming back anymore; he did not go to his grandfathers house. Instead, he went to worship under a sect, and became the sects disciple; this was my arrangement. I was afraid that you might not agree then, hence I did not spell out the truth. I only hoped that one day, when Qin''ers cultivation base was accomplished, he will come back and explain it to you himself. However, for now, it seems like...everything has succeeded by a lucky stroke, and it also leaves Yangs family with a little trace of the bloodline." "This can be considered as, being a Yang familys daughter-in-law, a bit of contribution to the family, I suppose." Yang Botao let out a long sigh, as if he had managed to unburden a heavy weight in his heart, extremely grateful and uttered, "Thank you, my virtuous wife!" Mistress Yang cast a sly glance at Yang Botao, and said, "Even until now, you still arent willing to tell me the reason, are you?" Yang Botao took a deep breath, he seemed to have something to say, yet the speech he nearly blurted out was swallowed once again, and he replied, "For this part, there is no need for my lady to know. You can just imagine as if Yang Botaos heart had been broiled and possessed. His eyes were filled with the color of deep grief, and he moaned, " Me, in my entire life as Yang Botao, managed to disappoint the Nine Supremes and also disappoint you, my lady." He stood up, with both of his eyes fixed on his wife, he knelt down and uttered, "My lady, I am sorry that I have let you down!" Mistress Yang forcefully held onto her tears but to no avail. Her tears gushed out like a raging river. In spite of everything, he was still unwilling to speak secrets, even in this tender moment. Yang Botao stood up slowly and left without looking back. Yang Botao knew his path was one of no return and had known for some time already. Mistress Yangs tears streamed down; after a long while, she whispered, "Never mind, let bygones be bygones. To say it will be death, and to not say it, it will still be death too. There is nothing bad about being a muddled ghost. As humans, we can''t expect to know everything, can we?" She held up a glass of wine, drank it slowly, and murmured, "Initially, I intended to poison this wine and to allow death to end all the problems, but yet, in the end, my heart wasnt unfeeling enough to do it." "It is of no importance. We shall wait until the day of the public trial, and we then well head to the nine springs together ..." ... The dim light of the night remained grave and staid, the wind whistled across the horizon, the blowing of the wind seemed to grow stronger and stronger. The chilled wind whizzed through half of the sky, inadvertently stirring a high-pitched sound; as if there were ten thousand spirits rushing through simultaneously. It was eerie enough to cause a person''s hair stand on end. For the whole of Tiantang City, countless people were waiting for dawn. Perhaps when the sky shone, it would be the time when the whole truth was revealed. Tie Zheng, however, was an exception. He had gone to bed early, snoring deafeningly and sleeping exceptionally soundly, like a log. However, when it passed three in the morning, he sat up all at once, causing his wife to break out into goosebumps. "Why so early?" "There will be a big event today! I''m up early to preserve the spirit, and to get make early preparations." Tie Zheng was shirtless. He galloped down onto the ground swiftly as a chilly wind blew across his exposed chest, hitting him on his face, immediately causing him to quiver. The only remaining bit of exhaustion vanished within a split second, disappearing without a trace. Tie Zheng used the icy chilled well water to wash his face. He wore his gown quickly and tidily. Whilst wiping his face roughly, he uttered, "My lady, I am going to work now." He didnt wait for his wife to answer. Without leave, he moved a big step forward, and strode out quickly. His wife draped a gown around herself and leaned against the door; she somehow sensed something peculiar about Tie Zheng today. It is only a normal day of attending the courts affairs..he doesnt need to be in such a valiant and vigoros manner, as if he was marching into some decisive battle, does he?" Yes, thats right, to attend to the courts affairs! However, Tie Zheng had his sword on this waist. Hung on his chest was a breast protector. Wholly armored, his army was helping him to carry his large saber. How was this about going to attend to the court affairs? Apparently this was the preparation for close combat! Whilst thinking about it, she couldnt help but to hold her tiny mouth in terror. Wanting to chase after him to ask further, Tie Zhengs silhouette had already vanished around the corner. ... At this moment, Tiantang Square had been filled with masses of people. A pole sporting a towering, giant banner, could be seen standing upright at the center. This banner was at least twenty ten feet tall, with a blood-red flag face, raised high into the sky. Under the flag, there was a large arena. This arena was the main court for the public trial! However, for this times public trial, all the high-positioned officers knew that it was nothing but a pretense. Regardless of whether it was Yutangs high-positioned officers or that of the Four Seasons Towers, everyone was waiting for one person to emerge. Whether the offense was real or not, it did not rest on evidence. However, that persons figure still had not appeared! If Supreme Wind had appeared, then Yang Botao would be guilty, his offense would be heinous, and unforgivable! If Supreme Wind did not appear, then Yang BoTao would not be guilty, all the offenses would have faded away, and he would remain safe and sound! There was nothing to do with any documentary or oral evidence, these were all not counted! The sun had since risen three poles high, sunshine illuminating the whole area. For this moment, all of the five judges had arrived, and the party involved , Yang Botao, had emerged to wait for judgment. Yang Botao did not bring many people alongside his journey this time. There were barely thirty people in totality. But despite the fact that they were all clad in military uniforms, their aura was unique enough to cause Qiu Jianhan and the others to catch glimpses of them. The tyrannical aura of this group of people, which was entirely different from that of the military personnel, was clear in everyones eyes. It was apparent that this group of people was not pure, and this was not a simple matter, to begin with. Old marshal Qiu snorted: "Marshal Yang, the masters in your own armies arent less, are they? All of them were competent and capable, making me uncertain of whether I should admire or to feel envious about it when I see them!" Yag Botaos face was as pale as chalk as if he wasnt being attentive. In response to Old Marshal Qius words that were laced with innuendo, he did nothing but barked out an "en", as if he did not hear clearly what had been said, without uttering any explanatory or debatable words. To everyones surprise, the original pine-like backbone had finally stooped. Tie Zheng had observed all that had been done and said by Yang Botao ever since his arrival. All of a sudden, his heart shuttered; It seemed like it was only a fortnight but this Yang Botao had grown old as if twenty years had passed. Was there any unforeseen event that had happened in between? Tie Zheng heard old Qius seemingly positive, suggestive words, making him more attentive to Yang Botaos actions. Initially, he thought that Yang Botao would defend himself unceasingly and unyieldingly, like a marshal with his lifetime military horse, with a loyal and brave heart, and to command masses of patriots help. That wouldnt be weird at all. If Yang Botao did say so, Tie Zheng would definitely rush over. Even if he did not fight with him, he would have spit on him. However, Yang Botaos actions were too peculiar for now, making Tie Zheng uncertain of what to do, except to sit down quietly. Not only were Old Marshal Qiu and Tie Zheng''s glances focused on Yang Botao, all the people were put on the spot as well. All of them had cast their stares on him. Faced with sword-like glances all around him, Yang Botao lowered his eyelids; he did not move or speak, his expression was blank, as if he had been crafted out of wood and mud. Within the group of people who shadowed him, there were two people who would always follow behind him at each of his sides, whereas the others were quietly without any trail amongst the crowd. They appeared as they were moving randomly, but were in fact forming a surrounding net, a large, round circle. Yang Botao closed his eyes while sitting there, his expression was solemn like submerged ice, while his heart was being awakened by a long-recollected word: "Why?" That was the word of his wife, a question filled with doubts and suspicions. Why? Yang Botao heart was also asking this question! Yet his face had but a bitter grin; there was nothing to be said, and he had no heart to face it. Today as he stood here, he had but to wait for a result; If Supreme Wind appeared, then this case shall be closed like a coffin and deemed final. Regardless of how he argued, or how much more perfect evidence was tendered, it would be of no help. If Supreme Wind still did not appear... If he did not appear... Yang Botao couldnt think of any single reason why Supreme Feng would not appear. Judging by the way the Nine Supreme did things, there weren''t that much of taboos that need to be worried about, but only the should and shouldnt s. In the past, Yutang''s war affairs often encountered risks, there were countless war affairs that were pretty worrisome. However, no matter how critical the war affairs were, so long as they were managed to catch up, one of the persons in Nine Supremes would definitely rush to the rescue. They never care about the so-called danger, but only should and shouldnt s! In fact, even if Supreme Wind did not arrive, what change would it bring? My act of betrayal with the enemies has already become a settled case in the hearts of the high-positioned officers in Yutang. Regardless of whether Supreme Wind would appear or not, the separation with my wife this morning would be the eternal parting in this lifetime! My wife would not have wait for my return again. To think at this juncture, Yang Botao felt a twitching ache in his heart. The four sides surrounding the tower were all scattered with fully armored soldiers, protecting the towers peace and security. Even further, arrays of tall and majestically positioned armies could be seen, forming the second line of defense; and only then would you find the common people who came to watch in a circle. Unfortunately, the persons who came to watch was exceptionally humongous, crowded like an ocean. The end was out of view. On the spot, everyone was waiting. Inside the palace, the King was waiting. In the Residence of Great Commandant, the Great Old Commandant was waiting. Across the vast sky, there were other existences who were waiting...Yang Botao and his other master guards. "According to the decree of the King, this case is about one of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Wind is suing the marshal of Tang Beis army, Yang Botao, alleging him to have collaborated with the enemy and to entrap, and was being heard as a public trial." Leng Daoyins voice was as sonorous as gold and steel: "This matter affects the fate of the country, it shouldnt be done without the witnesses of the realm, nor to be done without unjust and connive practices. everyone should not let wise spirit, keeping its vengeance in the nine springs.." In the towering arena, only Yang Botao was standing alone. There was nothing in front of him, it was completely void of items and spacious. Everyone was waiting. If Supreme Wind were to appear and testify, it must be now. All the persons who were aware would know, this was a trap. It was not aimed against Yang Botao, but Supreme Wind or maybe any one of the luckily survived Nine Supremes! If Supreme Wind appeared, that means, Yang Botao would be found guilty of confirmed death! No other way to go around it, it was absolute! However, Supreme Wind was about to bear the greatest danger. Besides Yutang, the entire realm had viewed the Nine Supremes as the root of the realms disaster, all would like to eliminate them immediately and happily! But if Supreme Wind did not appear, the case which he had intended to aim at Yang Botao would have its direction changed. There would be countless witnesses to prove that he was being wronged. The fact that an honored chancellor who was being wronged would, in a same vein, not to be accepted by the masses. The former would have the turning events of the high-positioned officers coming. If the accusation were to be reversed today, Yang Botaos reputation and power in Yu Tang would go up a ladder from today onwards. Regardless of the views of the high-positioned officers, no action would be taken against him within the short period! Amidst the attention of the crowd, everyone was waiting quietly. They were waiting for Supreme Wind to confront them with this two-faced difficult situation, as well as to decide. Had it appeared to destroy the betrayers mask, or to face the unpredictable danger directly? Or to reserve his useful body, and to wait until the other day to appear!? The time was ticking, but Supreme Wind did not appear. Gradually, around the arena, bits of indistinct whispers echoed. Tie Zheng, fully dressed in martial attire, holding a sword on his left, while grasping his gigantic saber on his right, was staring at the tower, fiercely like a tiger. However, so long as there was no commotion at the other side, the bottom of Tie Zhengs heart was drumming sturdily... He strongly believed in what Supreme Wind had said; Yang Botao must have been a betrayer, must be the person who sold out the Nine Supremes. But for this matter, his mere belief would be out of the question. In order to try the case in front of the public, one must have had sufficient public confidence. And for this point, only Supreme Wind could fix the capital;, the others were merely floating clouds! Looking upon the towering arena, the old marshal Qiu Jianhan gazed into the distance with a pensive expression. Would you come, or not? A few moments later, someone exclaimed in excitement: "The wind, it comes! " " The wind, its getting stronger!" 242 Why? Yes, the north wind that had been blowing grew stronger as the armys flags fluttered and danced harmoniously in the wind, adding to the grandeur of the event. The expressions on countless faces changed when they saw this phenomenon; some of them were delighted while some of them were worried; others just had mixed feelings. Somewhere among the crowd, there was a small group of people who remained stoic but their gazes shone brilliantly, the sharpness within barely concealed. "Indeed" Qiu Jianhan stood in the breeze, his gaze distant and longing. The wind grew stronger and more violent. His Majesty, who was waiting with his head lowered, raised it high in alarm as he stood up expectantly. Yang Botaos eyes shut slowly. He would come! How could he not? Once he comes, Im gone. It was something he had acknowledged and had been prepared for, but when the time truly arrived, his last sliver of hope would be gone. Nobody among the Four Seasons Towers experts was bothered with Yang Botaos emotions; they were concentrating and connecting their deific consciousness to lock the entire Tiantang Square down. "Get ready!" The wind came as it ruffled the clouds. The puffs of clouds fluttered and rippled, shifting far towards the other end of the sky from where they condensing above the heads. The sky broke through then, a dazzlingly blue sheen; not a cotton puff of white was seen for as far as it stretched. The sun was incandescent as it shone upon the world. The crowd in Tiantang Square cheered C it was the voice of the people. "Supreme Wind! Supreme Wind!" The deafening cheer was ceaseless, the peoples eyes moist. What was never lost could hardly be appreciated C it was always taken for granted. When the Nine Supremes were still here to contribute to the nation and fight in their wars, everyone revered them, acknowledging the existence of the nine heroes C they were Yutangs guardians. It was until they had lost them that they truly realized what the Nine Supremes had brought to Yutang in guarding the empire. It had been a little more than a year since the Nine Supremes doom, while the war was still ongoing from four sides of the country. The empire was tiptoeing on eggshells, the situation so critical that even an ordinary home in Yutang was affected. With the influx of news on the war came the news regarding the souls perished during the battles. If the war news from all countrys borders were described as falling snow, the countless notifications of death were like snowstorms. The Empire of Yutang had triumphed with its army, yet it was a public enemy and had been attacked from all directions; there was only a handful of families in Yutang who did not have someone enlisted in the military. It was nothing out of ordinary for a family to send seven to eight men out to the war; for some homes who had more sons, it was incredibly common. When the Board of Wars personnel began distributing the list of fallen names and pensions, everyone waited anxiously with outstretched necks. Each one of them was petrified of their name being called out as that would only mean that one of their relatives had sacrificed themselves to the nation! Such anxious anticipation would only be quelled when the list of names was done being announced. They would then comfort those wailing in grief before returning home to wait for the next notification The cycle of waiting would then be repeated, as would the anxious suffering. Almost everyone had realized that the war news had been unprecedentedly frequent in the past years and the number of soldiers who had fallen had escalated. When the people gathered, it was rare to hear someone asking, "Have you heard? Someones son from the next village has fallen somewhere" They would then shake their head sighing and went on with each other''s lives. It would be a long time before similar news would be heard again. It was totally different this year. Every once in a while, the relaying of war news that spoke of countless lives that one had seen, those of their neighbors and relatives lives that once they had encountered with their own eyes, they were all turned into names on a piece of paper and were never seen again. There were too many of them! There were seven brothers from a family who had joined the military together to guard the border. The family had only received the brothers letter the year before last that relayed their wellbeing of all seven brothers. However, since last year, news basically arrived once a month that the family had already received six death notifications up till today. The poor old lady had wailed in grief for a long time The citizens who didn''t even know how to read had realized something clearly C it was the Nine Supremes! A Yutang that was deprived of the Nine Supremes was entirely different. Previously, everyone could live their lives in contentment while the Nine Supremes were still here; despite the existing risk for a loved one to join the army, they would be fine thinking that their loved one had just gone for a long trip. There would come a time when they would be back and a family reunion could be set. There was only a handful of casualties every year, ones family would not be that unfortunate C it was a common understanding. Now that the Nine Supremes were no more, each sending-off between a family and their children to depart for war was anguishing. It was a separation that might be for life. It was an immense difference. As time went on, as the warfare grew frequent, as the countrys situation turned increasingly precarious, as the people who received the notification of perished names increased everyone began to miss the days when the Nine Supremes were still around. More and more people were thinking, "If the Nine Supremes Lords were still here, how can Yutang lose so tragically? How can so many soldiers have perished?" "If the Nine Supremes Lords were still here, my son would not have died." "If the Nine Supremes Lords were still here" When Tie Zheng returned from the Tianxuan Cliffs battle with the news that perhaps someone among Nine Supremes might still be alive, the entire nation was thrown into an uproar. However, so much time had passed and there was no longer credible news that was being relayed. Hope gave way to doubt and disappointment. There were also a group of people who assumed the news was a trick of the higher-ups to pacify the people. In spite of all that, today was a good day! They would finally see the Nine Supremes Lords with their own eyes! There was indeed amember of the Nine Supremes Lords who was alive! At this moment, as the wind billowed in Yutang, no one could ever understand the turmoil in each of the Yutang citizens hearts! Their hearts were as one, anticipating Nine Supremes Lords to reemerge in the human realm to guard Yutang once more. The wind whistled, slowing turning into a huge tornado in the air as it swirled swiftly above Tiantang Square in a column that was slowly descending. As the air whistled, a silhouette in black appeared in the sky; the tornado had suddenly become the image of a person dressed in black, wearing a black mask. The man landed on the two hundred feet tall flagpole lightly as he stood on one foot, overlooking what laid beneath him with fluttering clothes. Qiu Jianhans gaze tore through the distance to look upon the faraway individual, his entire being shaken the moment their eyes met. How much desolation and how much loneliness were swirling in the gaze; how much despair and how much resentment! He had come. Despite the thunderous cheering of the crowd beneath him, he stood tall on the flagpole C like a sharp sword that stabbed towards the heavens! He did not come down. Qiu Jianhan took a large step forward and cupped his palm over his fist, asking, "Is it Lord Supreme Wind who has come?" High in the sky, the man in black waved his arm C the medallion of Supreme Wind clearly on display for all to see. Without waiting for Qiu Jianhan to speak another word, Supreme Wind, who stood on the pole scoffed faintly and said, "Nine Heavens Dictum, Residence of Nine Supremes. Wind has come today to end a grudge." Faraway, on the other side where the Residence of Nine Supremes could still be faintly seen from where they were quaked out of the blue before nine rainbows gushed and soared into the sky! Red, orange, yellow, light green, green, blue, purple, white, and black. The nine rainbows swirled and intersected each other in the sky like they were alive, like a dragon. They went higher and higher, gradually disappearing into the high heavens where the eye could no longer follow. Was this a miracle? Perhaps it was God''s will! It was something that could not be forged nor imitated. "Lord Supreme Wind! Its really Lord Supreme Wind who has graced us with his presence!" The entire Tiantang City was abuzz. When the wind grew stronger, the people at the square could already sense it and smiles on their faces grew as well; when the silhouette amidst the wind appeared, Tiantang Square turned immediately into an ocean of happiness. Supreme Wind had appeared. He had reappeared in Yutang. He need not prove his identity. Just arriving as a gust of wind and waving his arm about could already unite the crowd and rid them of their doubts. With the consecutive reaction from the Residence of Nine Supremes, it had further verified Supreme Winds identity. Plenty of soldiers who had never shed a single drop of tear had their eyes shining with brimming moisture. The Nine Supremes Lords who were undefeated had appeared once more today! At the same time, three strong mental forces met in the air. "What is going on? There is no doubt about the mans physical being but why cant it be caught hold of?" "I cant get a hold of him either. The physical aspect looks real but its like hes only an intangible mirage." "Same situation here. Shapeless as the wind may be, traces would be left wherever it passes. How can it be so unreal!?" "F*ck, what is happening?" As the consciousness separated, they had made a decision swiftly. The man still stood tall on the flagpole, his voice desolate and forlorn. "On the battle at Tianxuan Cliff that day, eight hundred and eight brothers of mine were ambushed and succumbed to death Until now, whenever I think of their voices and faces, its like theyre still right before me. Yang Botao, can you tell me why?" The battle at Tianxuan Cliff C The Nine Supremes and eight hundred warriors who had fallen into an ambush in their advance to assist. It was a fight that brought great pain, how could anyone have forgotten it? Speaking of the battle, not only was it unforgettable, it was the most heartbreaking fight for Yutang in nearly a hundred years C more so than the war that the Shangguan Family of Generals three marshals had perished in. The reason was that it was in this battle that the Empire of Yutang had lost the Nine Supremes! It was for this reason that the Empire of Yutangs recent critical battles had no way of being turned for the better; it was for this reason that countless men from Yutang had sacrificed themselves. Whether personally or formally, whether it was for the country or people, everyone in Yutang loathed the people who planned the conspiracy, resented those who formed the ambush, hated the men who killed these fallen warriors. In spite of this, it wasn''t the people who killed Nine Supremes that everyone in Yutang, His Majesty included, hated the most. It was their own countrymen who had betrayed the Nine Supremes behind their backs! Everyone wanted to ask, "Why are you doing this, as a man of Yutang?" Everyone else outside of the Empire of Yutang held an opposite stance against Yutang, they were enemies. Being hostile, targeting, scheming and even tricking the Nine Supremes were measures within reason. Even if their tactics were tasteless, they could hardly be blamed. However, as a citizen of Yutangs citizen, how could you? Today, when this person had appeared and was questioned directly by Supreme Wind, one of the Nine Supremes, the question in everyones heart was finally raised, "Why?" Gazes of unadulterated resentment were harshly directed at Yang Botao. 243 Chaos! If looks could kill, Yang Botao would have died many times over. Yang Botao was sallow, more ashen than the dead. Since Supreme Wind had appeared, he knew that he was doomed; any sense of hope had all turned into popped bubbles. Supreme Wind had put himself in danger to take him down! How could one shy away when witnessing such staunch resolution and unfaltering intransigence! The heroism, the wholehearted devotion, what was to do and what was never to do had always been like that! "Why? I have nothing to say to that." Yang Botao sucked in a soft breath and chuckled humorlessly. Raising his head to look at Supreme Wind perched on the flagpole, he said gruffly, "I know an apology doesnt mean much but I still wish to say it. I am truly sorry." Behind the mask, an icy smile was sculpted on Yun Yangs face. That was eight hundred and eight brothers lives! A sorry? What a tremendous sorry of yours it was! "Yang Botao, youve been a recipient of His Majestys grace and have enlisted in the military since youth. Youve fought hard in the battlefields, going through hundreds of wars and accumulated more than enough merits to become a marshal. These are real, a truth that cant be ignored. I do not intend to cross them out." Supreme Winds voice was vehement amidst the cold breeze. "I wonder though, if Marshal Yang still remembers the saying that circulates among Yutang militants C You live as Yutangs man, you die as Yutangs ghost!" Silence permeated the crowd; the soldiers were somber. "I am reluctant to wipe Marshal Yangs merits away because I believe that Marshal Yang has once lived with this saying!" Supreme Winds tone was dripping with confusion. "Its also because of this that I am puzzled. Why? No matter which angle that you look at it from, you have no reason to betray us! How can a sorry end this entire story?" Yang Botao laughed dryly. "Other than sorry, I have nothing to say. I dont have any further explanation to Lord Supreme Wind either." He inhaled deeply and stood up to say loudly, "Now that this is how things have become, any arguments or defense will only be an absurdity. As a man in this life, Im ready to be accountable for what Ive done. What happened then has been my doing!" Before Yang Botao finished the last of his words, a roar of condemnation sounded from below as words of hatred were thrown his way. Yang Botao wanted to continue speaking but was abruptly cut short by a voice. "Go!" One could still hear the sound but three silhouettes had catapulted faster than rays of lightning from three different directions, charging for Supreme Wind on the flagpole while two faint silhouettes sprung up while hollering, "How dare you, you despicable one!" At the same time, there were dozens of people who leaped towards the direction of the stage like tigers freed of their constraints. These people were initially spread out across the square, so the large movement had affected the ordinary citizens who were watching around them all the way to the stage. The groups charge had flung some of the people away, lighter injuries consisted of broken bones or pulled tendons while more severe ones had brought about death. Tie Zheng, who had been keeping watch, roared, lifting his huge saber of twenty-four feet while barreling his way over with bloodshot eyes. "Do not let Yang Botao get away!" The army who had been on guard moved at the same time, reacting to his command. Yun Yang, who was perched on the flagpole and was faced with an ambush from all four directions, was calm and composed. He had been prepared, knowing fully well that there would be danger awaiting his arrival. To truly harm him though, was a question up for debate! When Yun Yang had known that the open trial would be held in Tiantang Square, he was even more sure of his assumptions and countermeasures. Even if the Four Seasons Tower could plan all sorts of tricks below the stage, they could not do anything to him as long as he stayed on the flagpole and prepared his support earlier. As long as he did not descend and land first, he would be fine without having to fear for his life, no matter how complicated a scheme the Four Seasons Towers had planned out. He had everything within his fingertips, but seeing Yang Botao shouldering all his mistakes, Yun Yang could not help but sigh. It would seem that his hope to haul Jiang Zhong and Fu Baoguo in one go using Yang Botao as a pawn would not work now. Yun Yang could see it clearly. Yang Botao wore the determination to die right where he stood; he would put an end to himself and stop the traces of hints right there and then after he finished speaking what he wanted to. It was not something Yun Yang was glad to see as it meant that he had lost the chance to chase after the other traitors. However, what happened next was out of Yun Yangs expectation. Yang Botaos death would put a halt to the investigation of other traitors and guaranteed their confidentiality C it was what the Four Seasons Tower would go for exactly, but they had actually made their move first to ambush Yun Yang! With a start, Yun Yang thought of something else. Could it be that Four Seasons Tower had still not yet given up on Yun Yang until now? Before he could dwell on the thought, the three shadows who had pounced the earliest had reached him swiftly. With a snort, Yun Yangs illusory physique struck with his saber C a brilliant radiance of saber light appeared in a blinding flash. Divine Edge, strike C one form with two styles in a simultaneous attack! Merciless blade C a chilling saber that beheaded foes; Merciless Dao C the ever turning Gods will that pardoned no one! Two rays of saber glow spurted as they sprayed towards the incoming enemies. The three silhouettes blinked amidst the icy brilliance, moving forward in a direct attack without even trying to avoid the rays. They obviously disregarded Yun Yangs styles and wanted to subdue him by breaking through them before assassinating Supreme Wind of Nine Supremes to end things once and for all. However, in the next instance, the fast-approaching saber light that was supposed to weaken according to their expectations remained at its initial surge of strength, ignoring the three mens defenses C their air of blade and their cultivation skills were all useless as if they had never even existed. The saber light escalated into incandescent brilliance. With the possibility of death so near, the three men gave a shout before their rapidly advancing bodies exchanged spots in the air like ghosts. It should be noted that they were in midair and charging forward at a high speed, not moving on flat ground. Although they had only exchanged spots in support this time, the move had exposed their real cultivation base C they were all experts of Tenth Perfection. Any one of their capabilities would not pale in comparison to the Dragon of Clouds, Liang Yunqi, Dayuans legend who had fallen within the Residence of Nine Supremes! Such a squad was more than adequate to assassinate an emperor! Their current state was less than favorable now though; blood was streaming from their bodies while the grunts they let out was a hint of their pain. Yun Yangs one form two styles had successfully injured the three experts but he sighed inwardly despite it. He had given his all in the two styles and was already at an advantage since the opposite party had underestimated him in addition to the peerlessly sharp blade of the saber in his hand. Yet he could only injure them instead of killing them outright; there was still a matter of difference in their cultivation bases that could not fulfill his intentions! To dwell on the thought, if the three men had not been reckless in underestimating their opponent and were well prepared, they might even have avoided being wounded and could successfully counter his styles! "What saber is this?" The question escaped one of the three men. While the reason for their failure was the marvel of Yun Yangs Destinys First Form, it laid mainly with the absolute sharpness of the Divine Edge. Not only could it cover up Yun Yangs inadequate cultivation base, it could break through the mystical Qi protection of the three men. How could the men not be alarmed? Despite it not being the best time to ask questions, they still could not help themselves. "A saber that kills!" This was not Yun Yangs reply. It was the two elders who had sprung up after the three men. These old men were wrapped in large robes and peppered with signs of old age but they had installed themselves firmly between Yun Yang and the three men. Both of them blocked the three experts of the Four Seasons Tower, engaging in a heated battle in the air. Although the three superior experts of the Four Seasons Tower had sustained some substantial injuries, their real capabilities were still undamaged. As for the two elders who had come to interfere, they had not placed themselves at a disadvantage despite being two against three C it also meant that these two men would be about the same skill level as the other three they faced! On the other side, the Four Seasons Towers man had knocked Yang Botao out and carried him on his back. It was out of the question to just charge out and flee as Yutangs army had securely guarded the surroundings in addition to the enraged Tie Zheng who was already running with Yang Botao in his sights. The man who had knocked Yang Botao out obviously had his plan though. Even if Yun Yang wanted to stop him, he was too far and ultimately, helpless. "Fetch!" The man tossed Yang Botao into the air abruptly and swiftly. Deicide Bow archers had long been prepared, but the change of events was too unexpected such that they could not launch their arrows at once, despite their famed reaction rates. Furthermore, the speed at which Yang Botao was tossed was too fast. After all, ordinary citizens filled the space around the stage. If their arrows were to miss, they would land and harm members of the crowd beneath. Yang Botao was already hundreds of feet away now, gradually losing momentum but someone from the crowd sprung up to catch him before he pushed mightily once more and sent the two-hundred catties body shooting away like an arrow. In spite of this, Yang Botaos luck had run out. Swoosh! A chilling black shadow flashed through the air as blood spurted in the sky. Those with better eyesight who followed the source could see a mystical steel arrow going through Yang Botaos thigh with unerring accuracy. The archers were Deicide Bow archers after all. Although there was a sudden turn of events and the initial hesitance of mistakenly injuring the citizens had stopped them from launching their arrows right away, the repetition of Yang Botaos escape could not be tolerated. A Deicide Bow archer who was nearer had released his bow and hit the target; too bad it had only gotten Yang Botaos thigh and could not end his life. Another shadow appeared on the other side to cushion Yang Botao before launching him away once again. Tie Zheng pushed those around him aside with a menacing growl as he leaped onto the stage and cried long and loud, "Yang Botao!" In his hands, a bow was equipped with an arrow and pulled tautly; the arrow was then released in chase of a soul like a shooting meteor that blazed through the sky. 244 Revenge! As the bow was released, it sent the arrow streaking like a meteorite. The bow Tie Zheng used was also made from the Carapace Rhinos horn, but due to his innate gift of superior arm strength and long arms C in addition to the bow being made from two complete horns and the bowstring from double layers of mystical tendons, his Deicide Bows formidability and shooting range was much better than ordinary Deicide Bows! Upon being fetched and tossed three consecutive times, Yang Botao was only a small black dot in the air, yet Tie Zheng took aim and shot the arrow without hesitation. The arrow disappeared in the blink of an eye as if it was freed from the constraints of space and distance. Yun Yangs sight was excellent, able to witness the blood spurting from Yang Botao. However, the distance was simply too great. He could not be sure where the man was injured or if it was a fatal wound. A man sprung up high beneath Yang Botao but this time, he carried his body close and pranced several times in midair to avoid three more mystical steel arrows before both of the men vanished completely. With asingle thought, Yun Yang turned into a breeze of wind and followed the disappearing pair. Yang Botao, where could you have gone to? The battle around Tiantang Squares stage was ascending into a climax instead of simmering down. Yang Botaos men were at least seventh peak and above in their cultivation bases while more than half of them had reached the ninth peak. The comparison of the individual cultivation base and that of military experts ensured that Yang Botaos men would totally subdue the latter. However, it was only a theoretical point. When they had gone head to head with the army, sunken into their besieging capabilities, they were immediately engulfed within the crowd! Furthermore, there was a strong general like Tie Zheng who was commanding the fight from the stage; victory and defeat had long switched places. "No one escapes!" "Deicide Bows! Free shooting! No empty targets!" "Outer circle, retreat. Drive the citizens out of the square, prevent accidental injuries as much as possible!" "Center squad, maintain formations and listen to my command!" "Left side, advance! Go in with your life!" "Right side, forest of spears! No distinction of friend or foe!" "Front and back, forest of spears! No distinction of friend or foe!" Tie Zheng, who was standing higher than the rest being on stage, commanded the strategy of battle, his voice hoarse despite the short time it took to bellow those orders. The tactic Tie Zheng was using now was exactly the one that always saw success whenever the army had to go against experts of the martial arts world. So what if you could fly, sprint, hop, or fight? Youre at an advantage with your cultivation base and skills; I wont be able to fight you under normal circumstances but I still can risk my life to bring you down. I can die, taking you with me! I use my life to trick you and bring you along to the underworld with me! I dare to die. Do you? The four-sided siege was all about sacrificing one front C the particular sides men would hinder the experts movement with their own lives before their comrades from the other three sides killed the enemy by piercing the spears through them as well! It was a brutal kind of warfare, but it was also the most effective tactic in tackling experts. The slightest misstep during an exchange of skills by the experts would result in significant consequences, thus the experts were always wary of the brief lapse in deciding life or death. When the army had staked their lives to create many brief moments in hindering the experts movements C as long as one of the briefest lapses was utilized, an expert had only one life to give away, no matter how skilled or tremendous one was. As cries belonging to the dozens of Four Seasons Towers seventh to eighth level experts chorused, they lost the ability to defend themselves completely, pierced through by the spears under such barbaric tactics. A dozen soldiers hopped off from their comrades shoulders, swinging their sabers about, going down like dumplings into soup. As one was flung or kicked away, another took his place Even when the experts reaction was sharp and swift, as long as they could not fling one away in time when held down, the hesitance would make way for another five people to tackle them and spears piercing through the pile from every direction! If the soldiers could find no gap, they would plunge the spear right through their comrades'' bodies, clenching their teeth and tearing up C no matter the cost, they had to stab their target to death! It was because all of them were clear that as long as the expert who was about to fall could regain his footing, all their prior sacrifices would be meaningless. Their efforts would be wasted! Therefore, they could only follow through with their tactics; they had to finish killing their targets. "Revenge for the Nine Supremes! Exterminate the traitors! Fight to the end!" Tie Zheng roared on the stage; he was standing at a higher point so he could see everything clearly. He was throwing weapons to attack the enemy, not even using his bow; his exceptional arm strength was put to good use now as his higher position helped in his accuracy, allowing a clear view of those he intended to attack. As the army from all four sides joined in the battle, the scene dissolved into utter chaos. The five men who were fighting in the air had stopped their duel. Although the three men from the Four Seasons Tower were injured and bleeding profusely, the other two men could not grab hold of them. Besides, Supreme Wind who had been perched on the flagpole had vanished some time ago. Now that the target of the battle was gone, what was the point in continuing to fight? The mid-air tussle could be called to a halt, but when the three men glanced downwards, they knew that the situation was bad. The twenty-seven to twenty-eight people who had come with Yang Botao had all fallen during Yutang armys siege. Other than the handful of men who were initially planted for the escape plan who had fled, the rest might all be doomed. Even if the three men had gone in to salvage the situation, it was useless; they might even go through the same thing and lose their lives. "The days are vast, we shall meet again!" The three men spat in hostility before turning to leave. Just as they left the area of the fluttering flag, a phalanx of Deicide mystical steel arrows came shooting up at once. Their cultivation base was exceptional, however, forcing themselves to spring up higher and they managed to escape the shower of Deicide mystical steel arrows. As the three Tenth Perfection experts left, the tumultuous fight in Tiantang Square came to an end. The handful of ninth peak experts left were still putting up a fight, but it was obvious they could not hold out for long. Other than the fact that the three Tenth Perfection experts whom they thought of as their saviors were gone and there was no more help to rely on, it was because the militants were all mad! Cultivators who could reach the ninth peak and above were people who had seen and been through a lot; they had roamed far and high, coming across countless military troops but they had never encountered such a troop before! There were only two words coming out from each of their mouths, "Seek revenge!" With the ability of ninth peak cultivators, a troop of soldiers was a joke to them. They could wipe them out with a single wave of their hands, not even giving them a chance to get close; what more allowing them to engage in close combat. However, they were now dragged into the waves of militants. Everywhere they could see was filled with ordinary soldiers who were charging towards them with raised spears. They were surrounded! What could they do? They could only retaliate forcefully with their cultivation base, to counter and avoid in a small area. To direct the flow of mystical skill, shift and maneuver themselves agilely and leverage incoming forces to their advantage was near impossible; there was no chance to do so As for the idea of flying into midair, it was hardly a feasible one. Hovering in midair would mean becoming a living target as there were thousands of Deicide Bow archers in the square! What made matters worse was that these soldiers were not afraid of accidental injuries, they only wanted death! To kill someone on the experts side, the troop would not hesitate to send hundreds and thousands of their men into the fray C as long as they could kill one of them! The experts had watched with their own eyes, their companion of a ninth peak intermediate expert being shot by arrows released from Deicide Bows all over the place just as he sprung into the air. In a flash, the expert had turned into a human porcupine, covered in arrows from head to toe. Although the storm of arrows cost Yutangs military between twenty to thirty lives, no one was affected! "Revenge for the Nine Supremes!" A soldier cried out in determination as he leaped up high and charged downwards. As the ninth peak expert focused his gaze on the militant and slashed his sword instantaneously to chop both the militants arms off easily, he did not expect the soldier to lower his head and widen his mouth to bite his blade that was swinging in to decapitate the hapless man. The soldier had actually used his own teeth to bite the blade made of refined steel of hundred cultivations. The ninth peak expert had encountered plenty of formidable foes but when had he ever met such a ferocious one? He was taken aback, but his arm did not hesitate to carry through his motion. With a ring from the blade meeting the soldiers teeth, the sword went through. In the unexpectedly brutal fight the soldier who lost his arms had put up, the military managed to spot the briefest split second of a gap, yet it was this tiny gap that had six soldiers around him pouncing onto him as hundreds of men around them cried, "Revenge! Revenge!" Hundreds of spears came plunging in simultaneously. Knowing that avoiding or defending with his blade would be too late, the ninth peak expert could only erupt his cultivation base in a forceful retaliation to fling the six militants off and away from the spears surrounding him. However, he staggered back from the force of the quake; immediately, more spear points came stabbing from around him No matter how much the ninth peak expert had poured into defenses, he had still succumbed to the ceaseless attacks! The battle had only approximately taken the time it took to savor a cup of tea before all the men Yang Botao had brought with him had died under the stage, with no exception. The furthest they had fled was only two thousand feet. Tie Zheng walked over with a limp and blood on his face. He was not supposed to be wounded but the ninth peak expert who had held out to the end was too skilled and Tie Zheng had joined in the fight. Although the man was successfully killed, the price paid was great too. The area below his waist to his thighs had received about a dozen slashes while accidental injuries from his own side cost him another dozen stabs around his buttocks and thighs. He was not defiled but he was definitely damaged; it seemed that Marshal Tie had almost been sacrificed! 245 To Bring Glory in Death, To Refuse Living in Shame It wasn''t only Tie Zheng who had been in the thick of battle; both the old marshals Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin were also covered in blood stains. How could these two aged generals miss such a grand melee? Thanks to their excellent cultivation base, both of them had taken down an expert from the enemy each. It was also their experienced guidance that allowed the battle to be a landslide victory in wiping out all of the Four Seasons Towers experts. "Tally the casualties!" Tie Zhengs expression was somber. Although the experts brought to the attack had all died, Yang Botaos current state was unknown. Besides, the open trial was considered a failure since the suspect had been rescued. Furthermore, the casualties today would definitely come up with a frightening number. "Casualty report" After a long time, an assistant general spoke with a low voice rubbing his eyes, "Six thousand three hundred and forty-two fallen comrades. Among them, General Wan Fenggui, Wang Dezhu, and Wei Dexu have all perished. In addition to that" The muscles on Tie Zhengs face was twitching wildly. "How many of the enemy?" "Twenty-eight killed." "Twenty-eight!" Tie Zhengs face was blanched. "Just these twenty-eight men have taken six thousand three hundred and forty-two of our brothers?" He turned his head slowly, watching the bloodied faces around him and feeling the aching heaviness in his heart. He had only been thinking of exterminating the foes; he did not consider the damages on his own side. Even when Tie Zheng had an estimate of his own casualties, he was still deeply pained when he heard the exact number to be so great. "Marshal Tie! This lowly subordinate thinks that even the fallen brothers will feel gratified in this battle! Their deaths are worth it!" A fellow who had lost an arm and an ear straightened himself up with much effort as he continued, "The injured brothers feel that it was worth it as well! Gratifying, I must say!" Countless wounded soldiers around them hollered in unison, "Thats right! Gratifying!" "We have done something for the Nine Supremes Lords after all!" The warriors looked solemn. "Previously, it has always been the Nine Supremes Lords who have shielded us from danger and kept us above death threats. Weve never done anything for the Nine Supremes Lords. Now that we face their enemies, its out of sheer willingness no matter how much is required from us brothers." Tie Zheng sighed with his chin raised and suddenly laughed with unshed tears. "Nine Supremes Lords, the brothers have gotten revenge for all of you. Do you all see it?" Qiu Jianhan was catching his breath when he saw a guard walking over hurriedly. He called him anxiously, "What happened?" The guard had been assigned to relay messages C why would he have come here in such a hurry? Could it be that something unexpected had happened? The guard replied in distress, "Yang Botaos residence has been engulfed in a huge fire, it cant be extinguished. It was Mistress Yang who poured all the oil in the residence onto blankets and furniture All seventy-one people in the Residence of Yang didnt make it." Qiu Jianhan was shaken; Tie Zheng turned around abruptly, staring at the guard with mixed feelings. "Mistress Yang has probably gathered everyone and consumed poison" The guard was fretful. "There was only a package pressed under a rock in the yard and a letter was found in it" The guard passed the mentioned letter with both his hands. Small, neat, writing decorated the parchment, saying, "For Old Marshal Qiu only." Qiu Jianhans eyes were rimmed red as his hands stretched out shakily to receive the letter, tearing the seal off right away to read it. "Uncle, your niece bids farewell today. Your niece has been the wife of a hero for half of her life. This will more than suffice. This niece personally thinks that I have done nothing to embarrass my parents and this niece will never be a sinful wife at the end of it all." "Id rather bring glory in death than to live in humiliation!" "Your niece knows nothing about this matter of Yang Botao. Uncle need not feel ashamed of your niece. Please explain all this for me before my parents grave, uncle." "This unfilial daughter bows and wishes you farewell." Qiu Jianhans hand were trembling, tears coursing down his face. This was the daughter his comrade of a brother who had perished in the battlefield had left behind Her last words in this life were actually to defend herself C I didnt know! If I had known, things would be different. I didnt disappoint you, I didnt do my parents wrong. I didnt do Yutang wrong. Leng Daoyin stuck his head over to have a look, sighing and saying gravely afterward, "Its the child San Langs left back in that year, isn''t it" Qiu Jianhan was still tearing up. "Clean up, report to His Majesty about this as soon as possible." It was on the afternoon of the same day that the royal decree was announced. Yang Botao had committed treason, his crime heinous. He had conspired against the Nine Supremes and caused their deaths in addition to throwing the empire into a critical state. The order was nine familial extermination. If Suspect Yang were to be found, anyone could kill him! Anyone who reported the whereabouts of contemptible Yang would be awarded a thousand silver taels while anyone who killed him would be awarded ten thousand silver taels and be titled marquis! That was the core meaning of the decree. The northern troop was reshuffled. His Majesty had given his personal order to allow Eastern Marshal Tie Zheng to reorganize the northern side with the company of his close officials. The position of Eastern Marshal would temporarily be led by the assistant marshal of the eastern troop. This adjustment was out of helplessness as the northern troops morale was divided and needed a strong, resolute marshal to unite them before they could be of service again. Other than Tie Zheng, there was no second candidate in the whole of Yutang. On the same night, Tie Zheng brought a few of his janissaries and entered the base of the northern troop. Yang Botaos janissaries had long been seized. They were aware of their situation too, keeping quiet and not putting up any fight. Once Tie Zheng arrived, his first request was to meet these people. Right now, the northern military base was enveloped in an indescribable atmosphere of dread desolation. Wherever his eyes looked, all Tie Zheng could see was the lifeless gazes of people awaiting death; their eyes were hopeless and forlorn. All five hundred of Yang Botaos janissaries were there, all of them were engulfed in the dreaded sense of death that belonged wholly only to them. "Everyone gather!" Tie Zheng ordered aloud as soon as he stepped into the base, his voice sonorous through the space. Once the order was given, the five hundred men had gathered very speedily upon hearing it despite their pensive and glum emotions. Just this motion alone proved that this group of people were the crme of the elites! They were the janissaries of a marshal after all. How could they have qualified for this responsibility if they had not possessed a certain level of capability, loyalty, and duty! Therefore, Tie Zheng was even more determined on the decision he had made earlier. He held a serious expression as he walked towards a higher spot. His height had always been towering but he still preferred to stand at a higher place. Standing there now, it highlighted his height even further. He looked like a tower, perched impressively there. "What are all of you doing, lowering your heads?" Tie Zheng hollered. "All of you, lift your heads up now!" Silence still permeated the scene below, only a handful of men raised their heads accordingly. Tie Zheng snorted and said, "Are you all rebelling now? Did you not hear the military command Ive just given? Youre all here now. Lift your head, puff your chest, and look at me C all of you!" The military command was the ultimate order. Since Tie Zheng was the highest ranked officer there, his order would naturally be the ultimate military command. Everyone there had to execute it unconditionally and immediately C there was no hesitation allowed. As the command sounded, all five hundred men lifted their heads with their chests puffed and focused their sights on Tie Zheng. Whether these janissaries were willing or reluctant in doing so, their vision contained only Tie Zhengs valiant form on the stage. "I wont speak much of flowery or intimidating words." Tie Zheng said, "Yang Botaos crime is heinous but this man kept word after all. He didnt bring anyone from the military with him in the end." "No matter how vile, crazed, and lacking conscience he is, theres still a little heart left in him for not involving any of you in todays open trial." "He at least stays a man of men." Tie Zhen continued, "Youre all his janissaries, we cant change this fact. However, I believe none of you are involved in the case of Yang Botaos betrayal of the Nine Supremes Lords. He wont dare to complete it through you all. If it had been me, Id do it personally too! The consequences are too great; no matter how much he trusts all of you, there will still be some reservation. Therefore, this case must only be Yang Botaos doing C unrelated to all of you. You all need not look like youre all about to die, no one is deciding what to do with you all anyway. After all, other than being Yang Botaos janissaries, youre all soldiers of the northern troop, militants of Yutang. This fact cant be ignored either!" As Tie Zheng spoke, all of their eyes shone. "Now, Im giving all of you a chance to freely pick your fate. The first option, those of you willing to follow Yang Botao endlessly, not giving him up until death, you can quit from this squad. I wont hold you accountable for anything, Ill respect your choice and feelings but Ill have to take your militant status away. You shall become a man of your own from now on, free to do what you wish." "Second choice. I, Tie Zheng, have come with His Majestys order to lead the northern troop. I have brought only less than thirty people with me so I lack janissaries of my own C people who can triumph on the battlefield alongside me, janissaries whom I can count on even with my back facing them. If youre willing to become my janissary, Im more than happy to accept you. As for the third option, its to remove your status as a janissary and return to the army, starting from the bottom once again to slowly prove your loyalty to Empire of Yutang on the battlefield!" "I pick option three!" The leader of the janissaries raised his arm and said, "To return to the army and start from the bottom!" Tie Zhengs eyes glazed over slightly, his gaze focused on the leader. The leader had said "I" and not "we". It meant that he was leaving the freedom of choice to his other brothers. After all, they could equally prove themselves worthy in choosing to become Tie Zhengs janissaries. When there was someone who spoke of his choice first, people gradually followed in standing up to pick the third option as well. Finally, four hundred and seventy-one out of the five hundred men had stood up to opt for the third choice. There were still twenty-nine men who stood where they were, their expressions numb like they were dazed. "What are your choices?" Tie Zheng asked. A tall man with scars peppered on his face stood up to say, "I pick the first option." Tie Zhengs gaze stayed frozen then. It was unknown if it was because the man with scars had spoken first as the rest of the twenty-eight men then said, "We pick the first option too." Tie Zheng nodded slowly and said, "Alright. Scrivener, record the names of these twenty-nine men. Follow the common procedure of military retirement, distribute the pension and remove their military status. They shall leave the military from now on. Send my orders as well, no one is to find fault with them under the name of these men being Yang Botaos janissaries. Those who violate the order shall be heavily penalized!" "Yes!" "Thank you, Marshal Tie!" "Leaving now, no matter when or where we are, we shall always keep Yutang in our hearts and the spirit of a militant alive! We only wish to send Marshal Yang along on his last journey." 246 A Blade Hangs From The Sky! The tall man, acting as the leader, said, "Its not that the brothers are unwilling to serve the nation, its just that" He sighed and said, "Theres no need for the pension in the form of silver taels. We brothers will be forever grateful for Marshal Ties order today. We bid you farewell." As he finished his words, he brought his brothers out of the military base. The four hundred and seventy-one men who had chosen to start over from the bottom stood quietly, using their stares to send their comrades, who had opted to leave, away. Just like Tie Zheng had said, those who stayed had no regrets, while those who left harbored no shame C everything was a personal choice stemming from individual intentions! Tie Zheng redirected his gaze to the ex-leader of the janissaries, the latter straightening up and said, "Do not blame us, Marshal Tie. We, as Marshal Yangs janissaries, will be uneasy even when the entire northern troop wont be dissatisfied at Marshal Tie if Marshal Tie were to take us in as your janissaries. Were willing to kill the enemies and bathe in their blood, we dont mind starting over again. Actually, its more than enough for us as long as we can still fight on the battlefield." Tie Zheng sighed; he knew the implied meaning behind the janissary head''s words. Although he had stated clearly that these janissaries were not involved in the conspiracy against the Nine Supremes and should not be accused nor punished, Yutangs army and the rest of their comrades had no idea of the reason within. If they saw that the janissaries who had followed a traitor were now serving the new marshal of the northern troop, how could they not feel resentment? Oh, so those who had committed mistakes could still enjoy their initial privilege C there was simply no such reason! "Alright, I respect your individual choices." Tie Zheng said, "All of you collect your booklet later, youre all to start over from the lowest rank in your military status. I shall reiterate this C we are to go through the journey in the future together and not speak of the past!" "From now on, the northern troop bears the name of Tie!" Tie Zhengs chin was slightly raised, his tone soft but firm as he said, "Pass on my command, the northern troop shall set up a training camp. Double up the original training content of the northern troop!" "Expand the training base of the northern troop at once!" "I want to see thirty thousand trained men joining the war at the northern border within a month. If the replacement troops do not achieve the war requirements, the training leader shall be executed!" "For any commotion that happens within the northern troop base in Yutang, the main generals shall all be executed without exception." "Mobilize a ten thousand-men army to follow me towards the northern border tomorrow!" "I, Tie Zheng, shall subdue the northern border of the empire, and I will not return without victory!" On the afternoon of that day, Tie Zheng patrolled the area of the northern troop base for the first time, gathering the higher ranked generals together for a briefing. Later that night, the eastern troop assembled one thousand men according to the list of names Tie Zheng had requested and sent them to report to the northern troop immediately. They were then deployed home to reunite with their families. The next morning when dawn had just arrived, Tie Zheng led ten thousand soldiers to officially make their way towards the northern border. It was also the third fraction of the same night that seventeen of the twenty-nine men who had been Yang Botaos janissaries slit their own throats in front of the ruins of what had been the marshals residence. The whereabouts of the other twelve men were unknown. If Yang Botao had died a wrongful death or from any other reasons, the people who would die in the same way as his seventeen janissaries might only increase in number. On the other hand, if Yang Botaos treason and betrayal of the Nine Supremes were true, then there would only be these seventeen men who perished here. Even then, these seventeen corpses who stood straight had still stirred some agitation up in the capital city. Qiu Jianhan had personally given the order to bury them in elaborate funerals, sighing, "Such good men, yet this is their end. Its a pity. Sigh, no matter what reason it was for Yang Botao to have harmed the Nine Supremes, his achievement as a troops marshal has indeed been impressive." Back in the afternoon where Yun Yang had chased after Yang Botao all the way out of Tiantang City. Initially, Yun Yang had thought that the unearthing of Yang Botaos betrayal towards the Nine Supremes and his act of treason would render him useless to the Four Seasons Tower, as they could no longer utilize his skills. Be it inside or out, there was no chance of him coming out unscathed, whether it was to Yutang, Four Seasons Tower, Nine Supremes, or Yun Yang himself C death was the only way out. In spite of this, the Four Seasons Towers combat repertoire had lent a helping hand unexpectedly. The many experts of the seventh peak and above who had died in this combat were all because of Yang Botao. It was unreasonable, defying the Four Seasons Towers normal code of conduct. Unless Yang Botao had something about him that neither he nor the Empire of Yutang knew about. It would be unknown if such a feature was about his status, background, origin, or regarding something confidential, but since it was worthy of the Four Seasons Towers attention C then where Yang Botao was about to go next must be some sort of base for the Four Seasons Tower! That would be what Yun Yang would value, so how could he miss it? As Yun Yang maneuvered both his manifestations of wind and cloud, it looked like a chilling breeze rushing after the clouds in the sky but it was actually Yun Yangs cloud form moving by himself as the wind followed rapidly. It was also due to this that Yun Yang realized the answer to a question he was previously stumped by. Yun Yang had always been confident about his own safety. Even if the Four Seasons Tower had possessed the power to immortality, it could not have set the spiritual sealing formation it did at Tianxuan Cliff within a night at Tiantang Square. As long as he kept away from being involved in the fight during the day of the open trial, he did not have to fear any ambush with the five powers of changing his form he was equipped with. What puzzled Yun Yang instead was why the Four Seasons Tower was so confident as to allow the open trial to go on so smoothly without intervention. Could it really be just to have Supreme Wind appear in public? If that were to be true, did that mean they also had the confidence to kill Supreme Wind right when he appeared? What would they use to complete the execution? Before going to Tiantang Square, Yun Yang had not been able to figure out the answer. However, when he arrived at the square, Yun Yang had sensed a threat coming from the higher boundaries of the sky. The sense of danger was unprecedentedly strong, more so that the one he had felt from Ling Xiaozui previously. In other words, the source of this threat would be a superbly skilled expert who might even exceed Tenth Perfection! Yun Yang was not afraid at all, however. His cultivation base had improved vastly; he was no longer comparable to himself when he had faced He Hanqing much earlier. He was prepared to leave by turning into the wind too, being able to do so with just a thought C anyone could only continue to hope to catch him. Yet when he had followed the expert who had saved Yang Botao and made his way out of the city, Yun Yang had finally realized what it was that he had been so wary of C perhaps, he should call it what the Four Seasons Towers ultimate trick to kill Supreme Wind was! It was the green shadow of a saber who had been tailing his wind manifestation. If it had not been for Emmies support in increasing his deific consciousness observation skill, he would not have discovered the hidden saber in the sky! The simultaneous cultivation of his power separated a force into a gust of advancing wind while his physical form blended into the clouds among the sky, moving along with the breeze. As for the saber light, it had been following the gust of chilling breeze ceaselessly. Yun Yang had changed the speed of the wind several times, switching between fast and slow gusts but the saber light had maintained its pursuit. It must have utilized some sort of principle or method to lock down the force of his conjured wind. Yun Yang felt a jolt of surprise. This was the Four Seasons Towers ultimate weapon of execution! If he had really been eighth brother Supreme Wind and could only manifest into wind, the hidden saber light could have exterminated the manifestation of wind C as long as his mystical Qi cultivation base was expended while being hunted like this, he had to return to his human form eventually, and that would be when he would be killed instantaneously! Thinking about it, Yun Yang had a flashback to the time when he had killed Mi Kongqun. Mi Kongqun had said something to him before he died, "Right Careful A blade hangs from the sky!" Yun Yang had not understood what he meant all this while. A blade hangs from the sky? How could there be a blade in the sky? He got it now! There was indeed a blade in the sky! C it was an infallible formless saber. Right now, this saber would be the tool that the Four Seasons Tower intended to kill him with! Yun Yang believed that his wind manifestation was entirely locked down in the eyes of this saber, he had become the meat on the chopping board C helpless against what the saber could do to him. As long as the saber lay in wait, he would be able to wait for the wind to return to its human form and make certain who the target was. He would also be sure if the target had any other support before he finalized his ultimate operation to wipe all of them out. "Why is he not making a move now though? Pursuing me for so long might incur other turns of events. Even if my cultivation base was weak and I didnt notice it right away, its not likely that Ill remain ignorant forever. On the contrary, if he slashed through my wind manifestation, I wont be able to escape from his manipulations and will definitely be caught. Why waste so much effort? Even if he could lock down the wind entirely, he wouldn''t be able to destroy it completely." As Yun Yang pondered, he came up with a conclusion. "Is this blade in the sky a person? Or is it only a blade controlled by a person?" In front of him, the person who had saved Yang Botao from the open trial was still carrying the latter and advancing speedily. His speed did not slow down at all throughout the rescue and they were already two hundred miles away from Tiantang City... The person was still running forward with all his might. A mountain was in front of them, dense with thick forests. The mans speed was swift, throttling forward at full speed. Yun Yang had even seen the man spitting blood throughout the process, but his speed escalated in a tiny increment instead of decreasing. It meant that the man had performed some sort of self-mutilation to forcefully urge himself forward and maintain his high speed. He was practically toying with his life. Was Yang Botao that important or Yun Yang suddenly jerked up. "Could it be that somewhere in front is where their real trap lies? Was everything that has happened in Tiantang Square only a smokescreen? Thats right, it is indeed easier to lay an ambush at isolated places like these" "If so, the price paid for this trap and the work done prior to this is commendable indeed!" 247 Unceasing Chase! The plan was to have Yang Botao , the marshal of the northern troop and thirty of the Four Seasons Towers top experts sacrificed, and to utilize the saber in the sky, to set up a fatal death trap at a distant place. This arrangement was ingenious and more focused. Looking at the situation, this person who had saved Yang Botao and escaped would have had no one capable of chasing him, and even if there was, he would be slaughtered by that saber of his. Only Supreme Winds wind manifestation could possibly allow him to succeed in the chase. So long as Supreme Wind had come, the plan would be considered as partially accomplished. Bearing in mind that Yang Botao was the target of vengeance as deep as an ocean for the conspired murder of the Nine Supremes, as well as the reason that Supreme Wind had reappeared, how could Supreme Wind let go of the chase? Despite knowing that there were risks, he still had to give chase. Hence it could be said that, this times focused planning was infallible, secured and without loopholes. What was more, if Yun Yang was merely Supreme Wind, he would only have the power of wind manifestation and he would not have been able to notice the saber that had locked down on him from his back! It would have been the end of him. Unfortunately, at the moment, the originator of the wind manifestation was not Supreme Wind, but Supreme Cloud. The so-called foolproof trap designed specifically would then have a giant loophole! Yun Yang came up to a conclusion immediately. There must definitely be a trap in front and that kind of trap would most probably similar to the Spiritual Sealing Formation at TianXuan Cliff that limited the ability to manifest into their powers. This was also the killing style used against Supreme Wind by the other party. Even if an accident had occurred and the Spiritual Sealing Formation could not slaughter him, it would not have been a terribly important concern as the saber that had followed him from behind would become his shadow, continually following him. It would be impossible to remain as his wind manifestation forever. As long as his mystical Qi cultivation base was being exhausted, he would have to revert to his human form, and once he reverted, he would die. Furthermore, the other party must have thought to get the fruit by following the vine, to extinguish him in order to avoid future danger. Yun Yang thoughts churned madly, planning on how to face such a dangerous situation. For now, he had become prey from being a predator. His situation was beyond dangerous, and he had to figure out a way to solve it. The cultivation base of the saber hanging from the sky was undoubtedly and mysteriously profound. Most terrifyingly, Yun Yang did not know how high this persons level was. Yun Yang was uncertain if even Supreme Lord Spring Frost who during his most glorified period, had possessed such a cultivation base! Back then, He Hanqing only relied on only one strike to have Yun Yang who was manifested as a gust of wind seriously injured. However, the event that day was unexpected and due to the fact that Yun Yang just had a breakthrough, he had been mettlesome and careless. Most importantly, at the time, Yun Yang had just managed to break through fifth peak, and his cultivation base for other manifestation had merely reached the fourth tier at most. For now though, not only had his own cultivation base increased, his cultivation base for other powers had also improved tremendously. He was also attentive and wary at all times. With such a bearing, Yun Yang was confident that even if he stood against He Hanqing, it would definitely not be a problem to escape in one piece even if he was still unable to challenge him face to face. However, the saber in the sky''s unerring aim at Yun Yang was like bone-clinging maggots. It constantly kept him at arms length, neither too fast nor slow. And at this point, Yun Yang had been shocked and terrified by it! Yun Yang even suspected that one must at least possess the level of Ling Xiaozui, Jun Moyan, and Dugu Chou, to be deemed capable enough to pull this off. Even though there might be a disparity, it would not be far. Judging from his own cultivation base, whether he would be able to escape from the mortal chase of this saber in the sky, not only would Yun Yang himself perish, the whole Residence of Yun would all go up in flames once his identity was exposed. Yun Yang also believed that, even if he gathered all the combat power of the Residence of Yun, it would nevertheless, not be a competent rival of the other partys saber. This was the true strength of the Four Seasons Tower! However, how would he be able to tackle this person? In order for Yun Yang to purely escape was not difficult at all. He was not Supreme Wind who only possessed the power of wind manifestation after all. Considering that he had now occupied the advanced opportunity since he had discovered the other party, it was not a difficult task at all to escape from the others pursuit. However, if he did that, it would definitely allow Yang Botao to escape from this danger as well! And for that, Yun Yang was utterly unwilling to give up and be resigned to it. The root cause of reappearing today as a member of the Nine Supremes was to take aim at Yang Botao. If he were to let him escape, not only would it spoil the ship for a hapenny worth of tar, it would be a great defeat and loss; how would one still have the prestige to meet the masses of the souls of his brothers? Yun Yang was determined that he would not let himself see Yang Botao be rescued regardless! This contemptible one must die! The enemy who killed his own brothers had already been discovered, and for that, he must die! If he were to allow the tiger back to its hill, then the next time that he would be able to see him again would be unknown. Yun Yang meticulously drew out some of his attention to continually controlled the whistling of the gale. Although his body had been following the white cotton clouds, he deliberately yet secretly collected the clouds and mist around him to slowly gather them and turn the skysullen gradually. It seemed like it was going to rain. Lightning started to flicker gradually among the clouds... Yun Yang had directed his mind to several causes, utilizing all sorts of techniques and stitching an elegantly devious plot. However, the trail of the gale had never seemed to weaken nor slowed down at all, still unceasingly chasing the black shadow in front of it, until it whizzed through the mountains to the other side. Until the gale had reached into the mountains, a mysterious dazzling saber light was seemingly displayed across the vast sky. However, the light of the saber only flashed by, as if it had not been present at all. It seemed like it had returned to waiting. His duty had been half- accomplished. He only had to wait quietly for the results. Supreme Wind had entered the forest chasing the person, thus the rest would be a matter of the other side. Even if the large scaled scheme there could not get Supreme Wind murdered, Supreme Wind would still transform into wind to escape ultimately. As long as Supreme Wind did so and he had already locked on his senses of a trace, immediately he would be able to chase the person, hounding him until he reached his base or until the moment where his prey''s mystical Qi ceased. Regardless of whether it was to wipe any associates out or to kill Supreme Wind alone, Supreme Wind would die anyway! Although he had promised Ice to bring Yang Botao back alive, Yang Botao''s fate was the only thing to be blamed if he were to die before he could strike. For this mission, killing one of the Nine Supremes was of utmost priority. In the mountains, the grasses and woods vegetated wildly, the degree of visibility was worse than the level ground. Furthermore, grey clouds enveloped the atmosphere at this moment. The surroundings was so dark that one could not even see his own five fingers when he held out his hand. Even in such an atmosphere where one could hardly see, the black silhouette had still retained its rapid forward-motion carrying Yang Botao; there was no delay in his movement, his familiarity of the landscape of this forest was apparent. All of the sudden, the sound of the whistling wind increased tremendously. Yang Botao who was collapsed on the back of the black shadow still remained unconscious. There was a clear hole on this thigh, the result of being penetrated by an arrow released from a Deicide Bow. A big chunk of his bone had been shot away too. If there were no exceptional skill of skeletal rearrangement, Yang Botao would inevitably be a cripple for the rest of his life. On his waist, there was another mystical steel arrow pierced through, only to expose half of its arrow shaft. Yang Botao wore a soft armor of some strange material; nevertheless, the mystical steel arrow that had been released by Tie Zheng with full strength had actually penetrated the soft armor and stabbed Yang Botao. Judging from its depth, it must have gotten into his abdominal cavity. The gale was cutting like a saber, making the forest echoed with ghastly sounds. Countless tree branches were broken, beating on the black shadow and Yang Botao like a torrential storm. Blades of wind materialized out of the blue, fluttering crisscrossed following the both of them and displaying its sharpness. In complete darkness and amidst the chaos, the old shadow could not even avoid anything but to roar in madness, spitting a mouthful of blood and shining bright in green physically. The silhouette had used his refined mystical Qi cultivation base to envelope both of themselves in marching forward courageously. However, it was imminent that their speed would slow down doing so. The black shadow knew it in his heart that the finale of the planned trap was located at the top of the mountain. However considering his advancing speed and the fact that Supreme Wind was preying on him from the side and unceasingly attacking him, he would definitely be unable to persist to the top. "Ol''fourth Qiao!" The silhouette urged the flow of mystical Qi to maintain his current defense. While making his full effort to sprint to the top, he suddenly hollered with all his might, "Come down to cover for me!" Someone answered from the top of the mountain before rapid whistling wind could be heard. This change had been in the calculations of the black shadow. After Supreme Wind realized that the silhouette was calling for help, he pushed his wind manifested attack to the maximum, apparently wanting to kill him along with Yang Botao before his relief troop could come upon to help! It seemed like Supreme Wind hated Yang Botao to his bones. He would not stop until he died.... Although understanding this point, the black shadow was powerless. If he were to be at his flourishing prime, he would be capable of contending against Supreme Winds siege of cutting wind. Even if he could not do so, to persist till the point of the arrival of his relief troop or to persevere until the summit would not be a problem at all. Now though, he had been charging all the way from Tiantang City with the convenience of being at the outset tier too. He had bolted and darted all the way down and away from the citys wall in addition to erupting his basic energy Qi twice. He was already at his end! If he were not exhausted to his core, how could he have shouted for help? His current state might not even support him to defend a fifth peak cultivator''s forceful attacks. The blades of wind swirled. Finally, they came to a thump... The mystical Qi shield cracked while the expert blurted a mouthful of blood. He stumbled a bit, colliding with a big tree still carrying Yang Botao. This mouthful of fresh blood was no longer the cost of forcefully erupting his mystique skill, he was really suffering from a serious injury. The expert had finally been entirely exhausted, no longer able to persist in this race. However, the sound of the wind remained as plaintively sharp, its blades continually showering. An icy light flashed before it gave way to the shine of blood. The black silhouette of an expert who had been carrying Yang Botao on his back all the way had actually died before Yang Botao. With a loud cry, the expert''s head and body were separated and off he went to the underworld! Following his death, there was a stream of warmth that had flowed through Yun Yang. It was the air of injustice. Yun Yang scoffed before he changed his manifestation again. Somewhere higher, another black silhouette came bolting like a sharp arrow. "Supreme Wind! What a well-deserved reputation, take this strike of mine!" A billow of sword air came shooting from the sky like a flying dragon! 248 Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb Not only did Yun Yang ignore the strike, he carried Yang Botao right up into the air. The silhouette yelled in anger and changed his direction at once, springing up from where they were, hovering in the middle of the mountain-side and flew several hundred feet like a speeding dart. He grabbed hold of Yang Botaos legs for the briefest moment and cried, "Come down!" Yun Yang had just terminated a skilled opponent and was still in a daze; besides, the wind he cultivated had just begun billowing, gathering momentum. With a soft sound, Yang Botao was tugged down immediately. The wind then whizzed again, giving chase ferociously. As Yang Botao was the rope in the tug-o-war between the two parties, in addition to being unconscious, his mystical Qi was flowing passively and could not sustain such callous pushing and pulling. He spat out a mouthful of blood and slowly regained consciousness, only to see a green silhouette arcing down on him from above while he was being carried away. "Put me down!" Yang Botao coughed and shouted with a surge of unexpected energy, "Its Lord Supreme Wind that''s above us, Yang Botao has something to say!" The person carrying him was shocked by his response and would never have expected himself to be ambushed C the culprit being Yang Botao himself. When Yang Botao had regained his consciousness, he had directed all of his energy to strike the persons back recklessly! Although Yang Botao was severely wounded, he was still the marshal of an army, thus possessing a mystical Qi cultivation base that was not to be underestimated. Moreover, his strike was executed right at the point on the back with no sense of distance and alertness. Even if the man in blacks cultivation base was far better than Yang Botaos, he still had to suffer from the excruciating force and spat blood. Staggering, Yang Botao who was being carried on his back naturally slid and rolled off, knocking himself against a huge tree trunk. He then spat a mouthful of blood as well. "You C you You bastard!" The man in black felt like his spine had been crushed by Yang Botao, the pain immeasurable. Seeing such a turn of events, Yang Yang was surprised too but he adapted quickly, focusing his chase on the black silhouette. Having been struck by Yang Botaos palm, the man was fumbling to regain his stance. How could he have received Yun Yangs aggressive attack gracefully? Being struck once more, his entire body was flung against the tree trunk, and he almost passed out from the pain. Knowing that he had sustained severe internal injuries and seeing the green ball of wind descending slowly with the obvious intention of attacking, he swore, "Words of advice cant bring back a doomed person. Even if he has pulled away from the gates of hell, he will eventually find his way by dashing in!" As he finished, he turned around and fled. He could not stay here any longer. If he did, he might lose his life! Yang Botao was in a daze. Seeing that the green ball of air had spiraled down to land before him, slowly turning into a vague figure of a man, he could not help but ask, "May I ask if this is Supreme Wind himself?" Yun Yang replied indifferently, "Yang Botao, what do you have to say to this reputed one?" Despite causing damage to the man of black silhouette earlier with his strike, Yang Botao had also suffered from the recoiling force of the mystical Qi. With his weak physical condition that had been through numerous attacks, he was in a critical state. Even a slight struggle would cause the mystical steel arrow in his waist to separate his body into half. He did not look like he would make it as he spat mouthful after mouthful of blood. Yang Botao no longer had the valiance of a marshal of the northern troop. His eyes stared unblinkingly at Yun Yang and said, "Lord Supreme Wind, my wife, is she" Yun Yang grimaced before saying, "You should understand your wifes personality. Think about it yourself, how high of a possibility it is that shed still be alive now?" Yang Botaos gaze dimmed as he said, "I have wronged her." Yun Yang said coldly, "Yang Botao, you did no wrong to her nor did you do wrong to me. But being a man of Yutang, don''t you think you have done wrong to this country? Wronged those brothers who should not have died but did anyway because of what youve done?" Yang Botaos gaze was still dark as he answered, "Things have come to this point, words can''t change them any longer." Yun Yangs murderous intent had long burned out. If Yang Botao had not risked his life for the chance to attack the black shadow man, how could Yun Yang have given him a chance to speak? He replied quietly, "You said you have something to tell me. Is it only to ask about your wife?" Yang Botao smiled with much difficulty as blood oozed out from the corners of his mouth. He spoke dryly, "When I was young, my parents were loving and my days were filled with peace and happiness. However, my mother died in an accident when I was twelve years old. It had been too much for my father, and his whereabouts since then have been unknown. It was also in that year that I enlisted in the military" "After so many years of going to war, Ive become the marshal of the northern troop. I, Yang Botao, can be considered successful; I personally dont think Ive humiliated my ancestors." "It was until the year before last that my father found me. He looked terrible he wasnt going to live long" Yang Botao chuckled sadly and said, "Other than being ecstatic that I could reunite with my closest family, I observed the irony of wanting to take care of my father who wasnt going to be around for long. For months, I stayed by his side and even delayed a war" "I only had one wish then. As long as my father could get well, I would be willing to have my bones crushed and insides torn apart. I would have been willing to die many times over." "But the many reputable physicians I found from all over was unable to make my father better. It was when I was helpless and in agony that my father told me that his injury could not be remedied, but there was a way to make him continue living. It was just that the method was extremely difficult." Yun Yang listened carefully. Yang Botaos voice was soft, his words choppy. Yun Yang knew, though, that not a single word from Yang Botao right now was false. "From what the many physicians said, Ive long known that my fathers illness couldnt be cured. There would hardly be a change. Yet hearing my father said he had a way, oh how melodic the words had seemed then! I only knew I had to save my fathers life C I was not afraid of any danger or threat, what other difficulties could I have been afraid of? My father told me his body condition was defying the heavens, it had been a karmic injury from the ether. There arent any antidotes nor cures for his injury, no spiritual medicine or mystique arcane magic could help. Only the purest form of power could help him. In addition, only one form of power would be useless. It had to be the nine great powers of gold, wood, water, flame, earth, thunder, blood, wind, and cloud combined to assist the renewal of his five elements and cleanse his tainted blood, where the wind and thunder crushed his bones while the cloud formed his shape. Only then would he be able to change anew and recover entirely. But to complete this, the Nine Supremes had to be gathered. I despaired, for it had far exceeded the area of my authority." "It was utterly impossible. Not only was it difficult to locate the Nine Supremes, even if I could meet one or two of them, we wouldn''t have the opportunity to talk. Besides, the Nine Supremes Lords were supporting Yutang on the battlefield all year long. When they hardly had the time for rest and peace, how could I have troubled them just for the sake of one person from a single family?" "Moreover, His Majesty had long restricted everyone from digging about for information on the Nine Supremes." "I lost nights of sleep over this. I had even gone to the Residence of Nine Supremes boldly several times but I was fated not to encounter any of them." "Afterwards, my father told me that he could complete the matter of asking the Nine Supremes for help personally because he had a treasure that would make the Nine Supremes oblige. It was the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb. As long as he could see the Nine Supremes, he would exchange for a chance to live. If Nine Supremes still didnt agree, only then would he use my name to plead for mercy." Yun Yang sighed, "And you believed it?" The Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb C it was a legendary holy item of heaven and earth, a treasure of extremely blessed fortune. It was surely something that was the highest possible grade! The Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb was magical. Legend had it that when the sky was strangely filled with stretches of purple clouds, nine rainbows would appear. When these nine rainbows appeared, there would be lightning flashing through the sky. If this descending strike of lightning were to strike someone, the nine rainbows that hung in the sky would then flow into this persons dantian. If this person was, coincidentally, a mystical cultivator, then the nine rainbows would morph into the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb within the persons dantian! The herb had nine leaves in nine colors, each of its leaves possessing the purest shine. If one were to consume all nine leaves of the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb, not only could they be immortal and peerless in the world, they could possess the formidable cultivation base where their hand could wreck heavens while their foot could destroy the earth. This individual would be an immortal, with the eternal power. If the herb was shared among nine people, these nine people would become brothers for eternity and be bestowed the trappings of an immortal. As long as they worked together, they could continue to live out their lives forever. However, all these tales were just myths. There was no evidence and no one would have assumed it to be true. First of all, the conditions for the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb to emerge were too harsh. Forget the rarity of a sky being covered in purple, to have nine rainbows appearing simultaneously when the sky was purple it might not even happen in a billion years. What was even more absurd was asking such a phenomena to be accompanied by lightning. A purple-hued sky decorated with rainbows would most probably be a sunny day. How could there be lightning? It was impossible. Besides, the lightning had to land and strike someone that was a mystical cultivator. It was absolutely outrageous. There were simply too many coincidences that were required for it to take place. Furthermore, the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb had to be cultivated and grown in the lucky persons dantian even when all these conditions were fulfilled. If the herbs effects were so miraculous, the nutrients it would need during its growth was unimaginable. What type of mystical Qi cultivation would be needed in order to support it? Moreover, even when the cultivator could supply the abundant nourishment needed, the person must be somewhat skilled in their cultivation already. How could they be willing to sacrifice themselves for a herb in order to build another person up? Therefore, such a herb could not, and should not exist. 249 Unable to Die in Peace! Yang Botao looked crestfallen, his smile cheerless. "If it had been anyone else, I wouldnt have believed it, but it was my father! My blood father! My father made me check his dantian. Upon feeling it, there really was a nine-leafed plant within it. It was also in that probe that I felt my cultivation base improve quickly. If there werent such a magical item, how could it have been so incredible?" "My father also said that there were two choices. One was for me to consume that herb so I can be immortal. But that rainbow herb is an item of a gods jealousy, it has to be plucked before the host dies. In addition, the host cant commit suicide before it is extracted. In other words, I had to kill my own father to obtain this Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb. As for the second option, it was to use the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb in exchange for the Nine Supremes help. The reason my father had been stricken with the karmic injury was all because he had nourished this herb. The heavens were jealous of this herb; all nine powers had to be gathered to rid my father of this catastrophe and keep him alive. After explaining, my father asked me to choose between the two. No matter how I chose, he would understand." The more Yang Botao spoke, the more ecstatic he became and the smoother his words flowed. His pale face was tinged pink. Yun Yang sighed. He knew that Yang Botao was already in terminal lucidity; he would keel over at any time now. "Speaking of which, Im ashamed. I actually hesitated, imagining momentarily the utmost glory of being an eternal immortal" Yang Botao chuckled humorlessly. "However, I decided at once that I wanted to save my father, no matter what it took. I had to help him stay alive. Until then, the Nine Supremes Lords who had acquired the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb would increase tremendously in their abilities and truly become Yutangs legend, forever guarding Yutang" Yun Yang was stunned as he heard Yang Botaos narration up to this point. He had never expected the inception of this entire incident to have such a plot twist. Was this not an uncanny turn of events? This was the initial intention of conspiring against us nine brothers? "I told father my decision and father said that before I could locate the Nine Supremes for help, I needed to find a mystical medicine called the Inconsolable Odium. Once the location of the Nine Supremes was known, hed consume the Inconsolable Odium and suppress his injury temporarily. He would then seek out the Nine Supremes to talk and once its done, his dantian could be cut open to retrieve the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb when the Inconsolable Odiums poison attacked. Nine Supremes would consume it and deliver their spiritual force to remold my fathers skeleton and blood, and to restructure his five elements. His death seal could then be discarded and everyone would have walked away happy." "Besides, father wanted me to make an oath. If the Nine Supremes refused to help or nine of them couldnt gather together, he wouldn''t be able to live as the timeframe for Inconsolable Odiums consumption was short, but I wasn''t to blame it on the Nine Supremes. After all, were all Yutangs men. The Nine Supremes are too important, I cant resent them for a personal issue. Yang Botao looked uneasy. "I believed my fathers words wholeheartedly then. I was even worrying all the time that if the Nine Supremes didnt agree to it, wouldn''t my father have to die then? Id become an orphan again, the grief of being unable to serve my father would always haunt me." "It was from that day onwards that I began collecting all of the news and information on the Nine Supremes. It was anything and everything about them Ive even bribed a few people to get hold of it." "Ive always wanted to talk to the Nine Supremes but I didnt have the chance after all. Finally, when I exited the palace one day, I coincidentally heard that His Majesty wanted to meet Supreme Earth" "I expended my means to wait in the palace to finally manage to speak to Supreme Earth, Lord Supreme Earth, I wonder if its feasible for you to help me with something?." "Supreme Earth replied with shock and then said, What is it that has brought Marshal Yang to me? I shall find you at your residence later.." "I went home happily to wait for Supreme Earths arrival so I could complete what had been weighing me down all this time. But Supreme Earth didnt come that night. Instead, I received His Majestys decree to admonish me, penalizing half a year of my salary and contributing merit to shoulder my wrongdoing." "That time, I finally knew that it was impractical to solely wait for a chance. Someone in the palace told me that the Nine Supremes were going to do something big in a few days time. I knew then that my chance was here; if I missed it, I wouldn''t have another shot at it." Startled by his admission, Yun Yang asked, "Who told you this?" "Minister of Imperial Household, Jiang Zhong!" Yang Botao gritted his teeth in resentment. "How could I have missed this ultimate opportunity? So I went around to find out where the Nine Supremes Lords were going. It was also then that someone else found me and told me that the Nine Supremes were bringing eight hundred warriors to complete this mission. It was Fu Baoguo. We were chatting at the Board of Wat and mentioned it casually, he didnt speak anymore after saying it. I only felt thrilled then, thinking that heavens will always bless the kind, thinking that God was taking pity on me; I, who wanted to save my father so much. That was how I got the information!" Yun Yang honestly did not know what to feel now. All these loops surrounding Yang Botao They were intricate and secure to a fault. Yang Botao had been collating information about the Nine Supremes and these people were close to him; of course, they would help him. No matter if it was intentional or otherwise C even if they had leaked the information to Yang Botao, there was no proof that these particular people were spies of the Four Seasons Tower! Such a plan was eerily disquieting. "My only thought then was to find the Nine Supremes. Mobilizing eight hundred people is not the same as when the Nine Supremes move alone; there would be tracks left behind. Im a marshal of a side of directions, after all, it was rather easy to know about such mobilizations. After observing the situation from several aspects, I finally confirmed that there was a squad exiting Tiantang City towards the east. That squad would definitely be where the Nine Supremes were!" "I know that this was the only chance, one sole chance that I was sure where the Nine Supremes were going, so I went back to tell my father the information. My father had ingested the Inconsolable Odium and revival pill right away, recovering his real cultivation base of Tenth Perfection and went after them in the deep of the night." "After that, I awaited fathers news. I hoped to wait for father to return, wholly recovered, to wait for the Nine Supremes to be renowned worldwide to be peerless experts and to be Yutangs eternal legends Yutang could then let its army rest and retain its peace throughout the continent!" "Sometimes I wondered why my fathers cultivation base was so high. I would try to convince myself that father must have some sort of enlightenment. If it werent for such a cultivation base, how could he cultivate and form the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb? There were so many unknown experts anyway, I, as my fathers son, should be proud to have such a father. How could I suspect my own blood father? I was really unfilial!" "I waited and waited until I received the most terrible news of all. None of the Nine Supremes survived the ambush at Tianxuan Cliff!" "The news was devastating. I broke down on the spot. I was eating then, and I crushed the entire table when my hand slipped. It was like I lost my soul, I couldnt have dreamed of such an ending!" "But that was my blood father. Not only did his face, sense of familiarity, and his love to me remain unchanged, he knew everything about me including how mischievous I was when I was a child, and what birthmarks I had. He was my true blood father How could I have suspected my own father?" "All his doings and thoughts were logical and well within reason. They were even heroic. On what basis should I suspect him?" "If it werent for the fact that no one would lie about such tragic news, I wouldnt have believed it. But the truth was right before my eyes, how could I not know that there was something wrong with my father and things had gone wrong because of the information I had provided?" "I, Yang Botao, had become the Empire of Yutangs most unforgivable eternal sinner just like that!" The helplessness and no small hint of madness were evident in Yang Botaos eyes as he mumbled repeatedly, "Eternal sinner! Eternal sinner!" Yun Yang sighed inwardly, not knowing what to say. As Yang Botao spoke, his pulse weakened as he turned increasingly pale. He struggled hard, pleading softly, "Lord Supreme Wind, please give me a sliver of breath to let me finish my words." Yun Yang sighed and stretched his hand to press hard on Yang Botaos back, where his heart was, delivering a stream of refined mystical Qi. "I wanted to carry this entire incident with me into my grave I didnt even tell my wife about it. This is the shame of my lifetime. It would sound better for me to just be titled the vilest criminal But seeing Lord Supreme Wind, when Lord Supreme Wind cast the blame on me clearly, I felt like letting it all out. It is only now that I finally decided to speak my peace. I would not want my mistress to turn away from me when I meet her down there." "I C I dont want my mistress to still think that her husband is a deceiving traitor and full of lies. Even though she has passed on and she remains in the underworld, I would not want her to think that Im wicked and unforgivable, that shed married the wrong man her whole life" Yang Botaos gaze was beginning to dim; he was murmuring with forced breaths now. "She wont," Yun Yang sighed. He really did not know what else to say. Was it his duty to comfort him instead when so many of his brother had died due to the information he had leaked? Yet who could he blame? "After a dozen days, my father returned said he wanted to bring me high and far away that hed provide me a better future" Yang Botao said weakly, "I asked him then, why? Why did he do what he did? Why?" Even now, Yang Botaos eyes flashed hysterically. "Actually, I could already vaguely tell then that my father was from the Four Seasons Tower and was a higher-up of the higher-ups within the tower. If not, I would definitely have been killed to seal my mouth! But I had to ask then, question all of it! I couldn''t just let it go. Ive fought so hard all my life for Yutang only to become an eternal sinner. My father told me very frankly that the existence of the Nine Supremes was a great threat. They had to be eradicated. The deaths of the Nine Supremes would be good news for the continent. This isnt a personal matter, its something to be done and should be done But I didnt understand him, I genuinely couldnt!" "Then I asked him if the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb was real. He said it wasnt. Everything had been a lie just to confirm the Nine Supremes location." "And I, Yang Botao, was the most important link in this set-up." "The one to push me, this link of utmost importance, had been my own father!" Yang Botaos voice was bitter. He was laughing but his laughter was self-depreciating; his eyes were empty and dead. "If I died on the battlefield, or from illness or poison, I can die smiling, without fear. But dying like this C for such a reason, carrying an eternal sin that will be spat upon, unable to be cleared of such humiliation C I, Yang Botao, cant breathe my last with a clear conscience." "I am unable to die in peace!" 250 An Accounted Death Resolves All Resentmen No one would feel good to be deceived and used by their own father like that, whoever it was. What was more, everything had been destroyed for people like Yang Botao! The one to destroy everything he had was the father who had given him life. It was a quandary indeed. "He wanted to leave with me but I wouldnt budge. He left after a few days. I didnt send him away when he did, I didnt know how to face him!" Yang Botao continued, "But I still wanted to keep living here. I wanted to redeem my wrongdoing with my actions, I wanted to keep on serving Yutang and compensate for my mistake until the day I died on the battlefield. I was still very na?ve then, thinking that perhaps I could die on the battlefield in some major war and end everything that way. Perhaps I could still be lucky and keep my innocence" "I had to guard this secret. Since nobody knew, I can only carry it myself because I have so many brothers of the northern troops behind me I cant let them shoulder the shame and unable to raise their chins up because of me." "I could only try my best to keep it hidden, try to do everything cautiously" Yang Botao said, "However, I didnt manage to wait until the day I died in a war. Innocence was a luxury I couldnt afford; everything we do, God is watching. Gods will is always changing, since when has He had mercy?" "Lord Supreme Wind, I, Yang Botao, do not regret being able to die in your hands today," Yang Botao said softly, looking at Yun Yang. "In fact, I am glad. Despite not being at peace, I am still grateful." Yang Botao said weakly, "Theres just one thing I need to remind Supreme Wind. After the incident, Ive thought long and hard, connecting all the dots together. I realized that a lot of people realized I was digging out information about the Nine Supremes and a lot of them had supplied me with the news, intentionally or otherwise. But none of them have stood out to confront me about it afterward. Isnt this strange?" Yun Yangs gaze glinted as he asked, "Who else provided you the information?" "So, so many of them Other than the Minister of Imperial Household Jiang Zhong and Fu Baoguo whom Ive mentioned there was also Inner Court Attendant Mi Kongqun Right, the fourth prince had talked about it with me too" Yun Yang froze and stood stock still. "Fourth Prince? Are you sure?" "Would I lie to you? After all this?" Yang Botaos gaze was sorrowful. Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath and said, "Last question; who in the Four Seasons Tower is your father? I believe that you must know the answer to this! I am certain that you would want me to avenge you, do you not?" Yang Botao smiled mournfully. "Indeed I know the answer, but Lord Supreme Wind Im truly sorry. I can''t reveal it to you" Yun Yang was dumbfounded. "No matter how wrong and corrupt he is, hes still my biological father" Yang Botao spoke choppily, "I know that if he hadnt appeared, I might have had the chance to become Yutangs legend, be recorded in the history and leave the legacy of a notable general Now, whats left of me is only the deplorable sin of a terrible reputation" "However, he is my father after all This can never be denied" "This is the reason that I havent spoken of it and kept it a secret all along Although my biological father had done me wrong, I dont want to betray him" Yun Yang closed his eyes and said softly, "Then go, Yang Botao. Ill think of a way to reunite you and your wife in the afterlife after you die." Surprise flickered in Yang Botaos eyes as he replied, "Thank you. Ill explain this to my wife under" As the last word left his lips, a gush of thick blood suddenly spouted out and blocked his throat. His eyes stared into nothingness, his gaze flickered suddenly as he exerted what force he was left with to swallow the mouthful of blood back down. His throat was cleared as he looked at Yun Yang and said sincerely, "Im sorry Oh" Yun Yang heaved a long sigh and closed his eyes, turning his face away. He could hear the gurgling noise in Yang Botaos throat as the latter suddenly said in a gentle voice, "So, youre still waiting for me Its great that youre by my side" As Yang Botaos body went lax, his pulse stopped. This notable marshal of Yutang, a general of his times, who carried a denounced reputation that could not be cleansed in this century, had finally bid the world farewell. Yun Yang straightened up, feeling a pent-up rage simmering with the oppression he felt. Four Seasons Tower! It was still the Four Seasons Tower! These vile men who had no hearts! When could he kill them all? Looking at Yang Botaos body that was slowly losing its warmth, Yun Yang could only feel a wave of grief. He was such a notable marshal of this generation, he had a lifetime of a clean reputation. Yet he had taken step after agonizing step to reach this day after being deceived. Other than calling it the trick of destiny, there was no other explanation! Even if it were a saint, how could they suspect their closest family? What was more, he had seen the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb with his own eyes C how could he not believe it? As a son, could he have cut his fathers stomach open to prove him wrong? He had supplied the whereabouts of the Nine Supremes and had indeed caused the ultimate demise of the Nine Supremes but still Yun Yang heaved a large puff of air, enunciating each word piercingly, "Four C Seasons C Tower!" Suddenly, his head was clearer than ever as he grew increasingly puzzled. He had been talking to Yang Botao here for so long. Why had the Four Seasons Towers men not appeared yet? Was their objective not to uproot the Nine Supremes? Logically, they should have been here a long time ago. Yun Yang was still in a state of illusory manifestation. To be precise, he was only a gust of gathered green wind, swirling and whirling about A soft sigh came from behind him, like a soft breeze passing the tree branches. He turned around swiftly. Indeed, a masked man dressed entirely in black stood a few hundred feet behind him. The person had blended into the dark shadows of the trees without a hint of a breath or pulse. If Yun Yang had not turned to see, he would not have realized that there was actually someone else besides him. In reality, the man in black had been standing there all along. From his pose, it seemed that he had been standing there for some time. Seeing that Yun Yang had turned around, the man chuckled lightly. "Supreme Wind, whose name intimidated the world, your reputation rings true indeed. This old man has stood here as long as the time taken to finish a cup of tea now." Yun Yang replied faintly, "Perhaps you have to keep on standing. Dont assume that you could have hurt me if you had moved." "If Id made a move, the conversation Lord Supreme Wind had with Yang Botao wouldnt have been as smooth," the man in black said faintly with a smile. Yun Yang scoffed. It was true though, and that made it hard for him to summon a suitable retort. "Ive waited patiently until youre done listening to all Yang Botao had to say. Only then did I make a sound. I think that this is the greatest respect I can give to Lord Supreme Wind." "I know that Lord Supreme Wind still has a lot of doubts. This is also the main reason for me to wait here for you." The voice of the masked man in black was clear as he said, "My master is waiting just up there. Lord Supreme Wind can perhaps go over for a talk and all your doubts and questions will be resolved." "Resolve all my doubts?" Yun Yang chuckled mockingly and said, "Is that Mr. Nian of yours up there then?" Yun Yang was not saying it out of hope of embarrassing the enemy nor was he being airheaded. If they knew of his doubts, they would know of his secrets as well. In retrospect, no one in this world could allay his doubts other than the Four Seasons Towers Mr. Nian himself! Be it the entirety of the Four Seasons Towers network, the hidden members scattered across Tianxuan Continents countries, insiders to spy in all the sects and schools, experts, recluses, pedlars, potters, ordinary people, those who were known and those who were not C only Mr. Nian himself could know all about them. Other than that, Yun Yang had also always wanted to understand the most basic question of all. Why was the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian, spending so much effort to take aim at the Nine Supremes? The Nine Supremes birth was to help the Empire of Yutang, to protect the country and guard the homes of its citizens. Even if the myth was real, that the Nine Supremes would turn powerful and the Empire of Yutang would conquer Tianxuan, it would hardly sway the Four Seasons Tower. Although the Four Seasons Tower had deeply infiltrated all the nations, it was enough to speak of the infiltration within the Empire of Yutang. To have the Empire of Yutang unify the continent, perhaps it would aid the mastermind behind even more. There was simply no benefit to speak of in tackling the Nine Supremes with so much effort! This was what Yun Yang could not figure out. Although the nine brothers possessed the mystical power of manifestations, their real cultivation base was of the most ordinary standard. They could only use it in warfare; they would be totally powerless when faced with a genuinely skilled expert. This was proven when He Hanqing had almost killed Yun Yang, who had just improved his cultivation base, with just a single strike the other day. Was there really a reason for Mr. Nian to attack them that day with such a well-staged ambush? Or perhaps, there was more to the so-called Nine Supremes myth that he was not aware of? Yun Yang did not want his brothers to die without a clear reason. He had to find out everything about this! The masked man chortled. "Such a petty matter does not require the personal appearance of our reputed master." "So this is a petty matter to the respectable one. That is great indeed." Yun Yang said nonchalantly, "Ill have to ask respectable one to wait for a bit. Words said are a promise made, one cant stand in this world without keeping promises they have made; Ive promised Yang Botao just now that Id reunite him and his wife so they could meet again in the afterlife!" Before his words finished echoing, Yun Yangs hand spilled a gout of flame that engulfed Yang Botaos body before it burned brightly with a hissing flare of radiance. The sound of the wind whistled urgently as it whirled around the flame. The fire grew fiercer as an indescribable scent gradually filled the forest. It was only a brief moment before Yang Botaos muscular build was turned into ashes. Yun Yang heaved a deep sigh and mumbled, "Yang Botao, the reasons behind your actions are clear now. We brothers do not hate you anymore! May you rest in peace. If there were a next life, I hope we can get to know each other well." His hand jerked, a robe was spread out on the ground as Yun Yang carefully swept Yang Botaos ashes into it and tied the robe into a parcel to carry on his back. Looking at the charred ground, Yun Yang could not stop the sighs that heaved within him. A notable general of his times, a hero of this century C he had ultimately ended his life this way. In spite of this, how could Yun Yang have thought that it was such a reason prior to this? "Yang Botaos father?" Yun Yang frowned. "Yang Botaos father had used his son to do such a thing, destroying his sons life. He is unworthy to be a father! However, it isnt perplexing for Yang Botaos father to participate in something like this. What is odd is that he could stop the Four Seasons Tower from killing his son after it was done. This is something to ponder upon." "Yang Botao has obviously been ratted out, but there were still so many Four Seasons Towers experts guarding him. When his death was sealed, the towers experts saved him at the cost of their own lives This obviously points to the authoritative position Yang Botaos father must have within the Four Seasons Tower" "But the highest position in theFour Seasons Tower is held by Mr. Nian and thats obviously not his father." "After Mr. Nian, the four Supreme Lords? Maybe Yang Botao is the son of one of the Supreme Lords? A blade hangs from the sky? Could it be that there are still some other ranks that exist above the four Supreme Lords?" 251 A Feint! He had always heard of people deceiving ones own father but for Yang Botao to be tricked by his father instead was an eye-opener C one that was utterly reprehensible. It was lamentable, lamentable indeed! "Do not worry, I will fulfill my promise!" Yun Yang said quietly. After that, the green shadow of a wind twirled to face the man in black who had been waiting patiently. "Lead the way. Let this reputed one see what other tricks the Four Seasons Tower has in its sleeves!" The man in black chuckled and replied, "Lord Supreme Wind is courageous indeed. Please follow me." He then leaped like a whirlwind, speeding upwards to the mountain. Yun Yang snorted and followed suit, whirling up into the air in his green form of a gale. With a swoosh, he soon reached the higher regions of the sky. The gale billowed and suddenly changed direction, catapulting towards Tiantang City. This was surprising. The man in black was heading towards the top of the mountain when he felt an odd change in the sound of the wind behind him. Lifting his head to take a look, he was enraged. "Supreme Wind! Are the so-called Nine Supremes so afraid of death then? What about what youve said earlier, about how one cant stand in this world without keeping promises made?" The wind was still fluttering in the air, and the following words were accompanied by a mirthless chortle, "Please relay this to your master setting the same trap once is already one too many times.Are you hoping for this reputed one to step into the same pit twice? Are your pig brains worthy to speak of trust with me? Could it be this childishness that built the Four Seasons Towers intrepid reputation?" Even as the guffaw reached his ears, the gale had wafted a thousand miles away. "Until I triumph in this world, I shall wipe out the Four Seasons Tower!" Looking at the wind that vanished so swiftly, the expert dressed in black who was now on the mountainside was momentarily stunned before he broke out in a violent string of curses. Vulgar words spilled from his mouth as they formed a morbid poem of their own. The man clutched his chest, feeling it throbbing with his anger. This Supreme Wind was unbelievable! He who said that one could not stand in this world without keeping the promises made C where was that man again? Where was your promise? You must have eaten your own words. He had waited there for so long like an idiot, watching the man speak with Yang Botao for such a long time and for the man to keep him waiting as he cleaned up the corpse slowly. He had agreed to everything but he had fled the moment he completed his affair! He was f*cking playing him out! The masked man in black almost spat blood. There was no use raging no matter how angered he was C not even if he died from the fury. After all, not even the shadow of Supreme Wind could be seen anymore. In the end, the man in black could only dash toward the mountain peak as he mumbled curses along his way. On the mountaintop, there were plenty of people who were as dumbfounded as him; people who had been waiting for days after setting up the trap The green gale moved faster and faster until it turned into a hurricane and thundered past the high altitudes towards Tiantang City. Where the hurricane was in the high altitude, the blade from the sky reappeared unsurprisingly as it trailed closely after Yun Yang. "He actually didnt buy into the trap?! No matter how he thinks, he will not have expected me to lock down on him from the back. He has to head past me if he wishes to escape. If the legend of the Nine Supremes ends in my hands, I will be a legend adding another page to my book of legacies!" The saber light was secretly pleased with his idea, resolved to write another page of his legendary feats. Upon deciding, he acted more cautiously. Catching up to the hurricane, he tailed Yun Yang carefully and intentionally lengthened the distance between them. He was afraid of alerting Supreme Wind and ruining his chance of an eternal legacy The return journey had been decided by Yun Yang himself, so his speed was faster than when he had come. Although the person carrying Yang Botao had the cultivation base of Tenth Perfection, he was carrying a big-sized man after all; his speed would undeniably be hindered. Now, Yun Yang was advancing with the speed of a hurricane, how could he be slow? The blade that hung from the sky was not at all anxious; he was admirably patient. Right now, he preferred to stumble upon Supreme Winds hideaway through this opportunity and affirm if there were anyone else from the Nine Supremes who were still alive. After all, the ambush on Yang Botao the other night included flame attacks that hinted at Supreme Flames existence. He had gotten Supreme Wind right where he wanted anyway, there was no rush in killing him so hastily! As the chase persisted, it went as far as a hundred and eighty miles. Tiantang Citys majestic walls could already be seen from far away but the blade in the sky was suddenly stumped! To his shock, he realized that Supreme Winds will that he had been after was actually dissipating. A few moments later, it had totally disappeared. He had just been right behind him, locking him down with his deific consciousness C how could he have lost him just like that?! The saber from the sky was obviously unable to accept such an ending. After a slight moment of indecision, he began making anxious rounds around the clouds, searching his surroundings helplessly. Compared to thinking he had been tricked all along, he was leaning more towards the theory that he had been found out by Supreme Wind halfway through the chase and the latter had executed some sort of skill to temporarily vanish. That was how the will he had locked down on dissipated! If so, Supreme Wind would not be far. He had to be somewhere nearby! The blade from the sky extended his deific consciousness to the maximum in search for him. He was no longer hiding his search but it still proved fruitless. Finally, he had to admit that he had been tricked! In spite of this, he still did not get it. He had been in hot pursuit from the city and now back to it; he had already locked his aim and it was not any ordinary aim C it was locked with the Soul Seal. How could it just disappear? Was it possible that a persons Soul Seal could vanish from some sort of trickery? Would that not be a skill of the legendary Yang God level and above? How could it be possible with Supreme Winds insignificant cultivation base? The saber light stayed hidden within a cloud; he was in a daze, thinking hard and long but still unable to figure it out. He only felt terribly cheated. The frustration and odd disappointment were eating him up. Even when he was so knowledgeable and experienced, he was still unable to make sense of what had happened. What had really happened? The reality was really simple. The hurricane the blade was trailing after was only a sliver of Yun Yangs wind manifestation. It had the essence and the form but it was only maintained with a breath of energy. As the energy dissipated, the essence and form would vanish accordingly. What was so strange about the power of wind disappearing into thin air? As for Yun Yangs real self, he had transformed into a cloud and was still hovering over the mountain up in the air. He had never truly left. Dense, gloomy, clouds had gathered while lightning strikes were crisscrossing the sky C it looked like a heavy rain would come soon. It did not yet, though, and the rocks at the top of the mountain beneath Yun Yang weighed him down heavily. The oppression reminded Yun Yang of Tianxuan Cliff, of the brutal battle The depressing weight actually felt much lighter here compared to that fated day at Tianxuan Cliff. All in all, however, the feeling cast upon him felt the same. "There is indeed a similar ambush like the spiritual sealing formation" Yun Yang cursed inwardly. Upon being sure of the other partys set-up, he moved even more carefully. If he were to be found and they were to activate the formation, he would be in an embarrassingly compromised position where his manifestation skill could no longer be used. Death might come to him then, the hope to live considerably lessened It was not only Yun Yang who was spewing curses though; lambasting blasted from the ground below as well. "That Supreme Wind is too sly! F*ck, weve prepared everything and he actually skipped out on us." "Your father has waited for so long with everyones pants off and he actually softens? Fleeing at the last minute?" "That f*cker ran so fast, not even a sign of him could be seen!" "Bastard, weve set this up with so much effort and for so long but its all in vain!" "Why do I feel like an idiot?" The group was critically berating their cowardly target. At the top of the mountain, a man in golden clothes sat atop a large rock on the highest point of the mountain. His intimidating aura enveloped the entire forest and more, emphasizing his distinction which far outstripped from the rest. Yun Yang hovered thousands of feet above, observing the activities carried out beneath and carefully controlled his trace of pulses behind a cloud to prevent it from spilling over. The roaring thunder and flashes of lightning grew increasingly urgent. It gave off the illusion that a storm was approaching. "Forget it, spare your energy." The man dressed in gold who had been quiet finally spoke, "Supreme Wind didnt come but a storm seems to be approaching. No use wasting so many treasures." The dozens of men scattered around stepped over quickly, cursing violently but they set out to collect whatever they had set up around the forest. Yun Yangs eyes widened at once, focusing all of his attention on the items being set out. He saw a man retrieving something shiny from beneath a rock. As the shiny item was taken, the oppressive mood suddenly went away. Yun Yang jolted, the gale whistling billowed harder while the gloomy clouds pressed lower and the thunders roared louder. Seeing the change of weather, the men below hastened their actions, working swiftly amidst the strong wind. The man in gold stayed where he was, standing with his arms behind his back and a closed-off expression. This persons eyebrows were like two brushes that were thick and dense. The corners of his brows drooped with a hook while his eyes were embedded deep in the nooks of his face. His gaze was cold, without the slightest ruffle of emotions yet when one stared into his eyes, one would inevitably feel as if he was looking at death itself. It was eerie and petrifying. The other men were covered in black and wore masks. To a man, they all exuded a formidable aura as well. Yun Yang''sinitial thought was to attack with thunder and lightning, using his advantage of being in the sky to exterminate these people. However, when he got near and felt their tyrannizing auras, he knew that nothing would happen even if he expended all of his current capabilities. The most he could do was to fluster them but he could never inflict any damage. Not only would that be futile, it would only alert them. He was wary, especially of the man in gold. His capability was frightening. It was nothing Yun Yangs current ability could waver. Yun Yang only dared to observe from above, watching the shiny items being retrieved from afar. He could not see what those things were. Despite wanting to find out what they were, there was the possibility of being discovered if he lowered himself further. The difference between the abilities on both sides was distinct. Once he was discovered, only death awaited him. He could not take the risk. Besides, his objective today had been achieved. He should leave immediately. With that thought in mind, the wind whizzed harder in the air but the grey clouds had slowly moved higher. It felt like a different world altogether. After a while, the glum sky seemed to brighten. The man in gold clothes lifted his head to glance at the ominous sky and scintillating lightning strikes. They seemed to have lessened considerably. The storm that was supposed to arrive did not but it was turning sunny instead. How could there not be rain after the long simmering of thunderclouds? Years of life experience did not tell of such a phenomenon. Some rain had to fall from such heavy, ominous weather! What was going on today? He frowned. Suddenly, he sprung up with a long howl; his hands glowed with a dazzling light as a tremendously sharp sword air surged through the sky. The sword air went up into the sky and pierced the clouds, cutting and shattering the grey clouds within a thousand feet of its reach. Translator Note: 1Tricking ones father (ӵkng di): First word(kng) means to be tricked or cheated while second word (di) refers to ones father. Used as a modern slang, it means the reverse of ones expectation; to describe the discontent and anger of being deceived. Here, it is used literally C deceiving ones father, in order to facilitate the wordplay that follows. 252 Concourse of the Underworld The manifestation of a cloud was physically formless. Even when it was shattered, it would gradually reassemble itself, totally unaffected by the blow. The man dressed in gold scoffed, making a slow landing, but his expression grew darker. "Lord, did you discover something?" someone asked. "No." The man clad in gold said darkly, "The weather earlier was the sign of a storm but the rain did not come after so long. The gloom is moving away, dissipating I was suspicious, so I tested it out" He continued ominously, "I must have thought too much about it. Unless Supreme Wind, Cloud, Thunder, and Water are working together, such a phenomenon would hardly ever occur. But I checked for any strange deific consciousness around us earlier and didnt get anything. Even if these four Supremes werent dead, their absence for a single year couldnt have allowed them to improve to the point of being able to wholly evade my senses. As long as its affirmed that its not them, everything is fine!" Yun Yang was profusely breaking out in cold sweat high above in the clouds. If he had not risen another five hundred feet just for the sake of being safe, he might have been ripped into shards by this sword light. Even if his cloud manifestation was unafraid of physical weapons and it would not have been life-threatening, he would still be injured and would have exposed traces of himself. Even then, his body had been caught in its ripples and was aching everywhere. He even felt a throbbing headache that did not seem to be going away anytime soon. Just like the man in gold dress had said C if it had really been Supreme Wind, Thunder, and Water here, they would never have escaped his probe. After all, it was impossible for the three Supremes to have improved as much as he did! Who was the man clad in gold? How could his ability be so stupendous? The clouds continued moving slowly while people underneath packed up speedily. A while later, the men in black descended the mountain led by the man dressed in gold. Seeing that everyone from the other party had left, Yun Yang turned to retreat, even though he was indignant about the situation. When he was near Tiantang City, he saw a ball of saber light roaming about faraway in a futile search. It was like a headless fly darting about Yun Yang snorted inwardly and rose up high in the clouds, leaving quietly. I still have a lot of things to do, I have no time to play hide and seek with you! Faraway, within a dark eerie palace, First Court King Qinguang was speechless with his head lowered, the top of his head peppered with saliva froth. "Are you dumb?" A person dressed in white was sputtering in disbelief. "Dont you think youre dumb? Ive never seen someone as foolish as you in too many years!" There were another eight people around who rolled their eyes as they surrounded First Court King Qinguang. "This is an idiot!" "I knew that he was stupid before, but I didnt expect him to be this stupid!" "Hes stupids father, imbecile!" "Hes denser than a pig. Im speechless anyway, too speechless" "Oleighth! You bastards need to watch your mouth! Dont insult the pigs! Pigs arent as idiotic as he is, you cant give a backhanded insult to compliment him" First Court King Qinguang stood in the center, looking pitifully wronged. "I didnt think it would escalate to this" "Say, what were you even thinking of?" The saliva froth of the muscular man sprayed on King Qinguangs face the moment he opened his mouth. "No matter how dumb, stupid and dense you are, you should at least check the records! You actually skipped this step and youre crying pity that you''ve been tricked? Can you even blame the other person for this?" "Things shouldnt have gotten to this stage even if there''s nothing but dung in your head!" First Court King Qinguang kept quiet with a pout after being chastised. "This child who gave the mission was rather sly, though. He must be the foul and revolting type. Let me go kill him!" Someone else stood up and said angrily, "Tell me his name quickly, Ill go put him in his place! No matter how dumb and stupid and dense my brother is, I cant let him be manipulated like this!" King Qinguang opened and closed his mouth, still not speaking. "Have you gotten addicted to being manipulated? Still taking your time to tell us who he is, are you?" The rest questioned him as well. "Quick, quick! I understand youve been made a fool of; well just kill He Hanqing then but this person who played us for fools cant be forgiven!" The corners of First Court King Qinguangs lips twitched as he said, "Ill never tell you all this persons name. You fellows cant kill him" The other nine men cried out in confusion, "Did you really turn f*cking stupid? Not only are you stopping us from killing him, you wont even tell us his name? What are you thinking?" "Have you found your gratification from being tricked? Are you addicted to it? Youre a pig! Why am I making absurd comparisons again? Sorry, pigs!" "I dont f*cking get it Could it be that this idiot here has been stricken with the other partys beauty entrapment or enchantment pill? Say, is the person exceptionally beautiful that youre infatuated with him?" "Really, who knows if the person might really be a beauty. Its acceptable to forget everything before a beauty" "Impossible, even if its acceptable. Boss, check him. Has he been bewitched by some mysterious arcane magic?" "I think a trashing is the most practical answer to this. Who knows, he might wake up." Someone was rubbing their hands together in anticipation. "This person really cant be killed" First Court King Qinguang was near to tears now. "If he can be killed, would I have not let all of you go?" "Why not? Does the other party possess some powerful background or a special identity?" Half of the group questioned the poor man. King Qinguang kept silent. "F*cking hell, you better say something" A few of them were hopping about in impatience. "When have you f*cking turned into an enclosed gourd? Youve always been an empty vessel, haven''t you?" "This person" First Court King Qinguang said stiffly, "His identity is very important" "How important?" Someone else asked aggressively. "Even if its Dugu Chous illegitimate son, Ill kill him too this time around! Just hurry up and tell me!" The corners of King Qinguangs lips pulled before he said, "This person is either the Nine Supremes Supreme Wind or Supreme Cloud." Once King Qinguangs words left his lips, the rest of the group fell dead silent. Nine of them stared at First Court King Qinguang with their eyes as round as saucers, as pin-drop silence permeated the entire eerie palace. After a long time, someone finally asked, "You C how did you know? Are you sure?" "How can I not know A Gold-ranked Assassin under me was subdued by him. I went to find fault with him and engaged him in a duel Could you all not know the manifestation powers of Nine Supremes?" First Court King Qinguang chuckled bitterly. A person in gold robes coughed and said, "Are you really sure? Or was it just a guess?" First Court King rolled his eyes. "Do all of you really think Im that stupid? There must be a reason behind what happened, otherwise how could things have come to this?" The brothers kept quiet then. "I believe no one will forget the past about Haunting Temple" First Court King Qinguang chuckled humorlessly. "Other than Big Brother and Olthird, the rest of us brothers were trapped in the strange environment of Haunting Temple that time and couldn''t escape. Although our cultivation skills are mystical, they can only hinder the bizarre power of Haunting Temple but we couldn''t hold out forever. Once it was dragged out, wed have been turned into ghosts by the temple and be forever trapped inside..." "Luckily the place was not far from Yutangs battlefield and what a coincidence it had been that Supreme Earth was turning the tides of warfare using his mystique skill of swirling earthen dragon It had been Big Brother and Olthird who found Supreme Earth and Supreme Earth had brought his two brothers along C using his power of earth to overturn the outer layer of Haunting Temple, Supreme Wood to direct an abundance of woody plants in penetrating Haunting Temple, followed by the infiltration of Supreme Waters power. Only then did the shackles of Haunting Temple break and the brothers were saved from the impasse. We brothers owe the Nine Supremes an immeasurable favor" "Although Big Brother sent some treasured gems over as a token of gratitude afterward, how can we forget such a favor? How can we not requite it?" "Although Supreme Earth and his group didnt know who theyd actually saved back then and didnt know the true symbolism of what they had done they didnt even know that there were eight of our brothers still trapped underneath can we really forget their virtuous help?" "The reason I wasnt on guard and got tricked so easily then its because Ive had an exchange with this person, Im sure that he must be one of the Nine Supremes." "Thats why I stopped. Thats why I didnt pursue the incident of him taking my Gold ranked assassin and was even so very fond and friendly." First Court King Qinguang was still chuckling bitterly. "Thats why I went over without a care when he looked for me. Thats why Id agreed without checking when he asked me to kill someone." "Because I know that I couldn''t reject him C cant refuse his request." "Of course, it also happened because I genuinely and sincerely wanted to do something for him." King Qinguang pulled a long face. "Ive never thought that the person he wanted to kill was actually Supreme Lord Spring Frost C not only is this target out of my expectation, its taken me aback because hes beyond my capability. However, Ill accept it regardless of the consequences. Actually, whether he tricked me or not, I would have accepted this request! I also believe that if it had been any one of us brothers this times C even when he had explained clearly face to face that his target was Supreme Lord Spring Frost, can you all reject him? Who dares say that he wouldn''t have done the same?" The other nine people were smiling helplessly, tinged with a sense of awkwardness. Indeed, how could they not acknowledge such a colossal grace? It could never be refused. "Although the Nine Supremes didnt know who it was theyve helped, we owe them this debt. We cant possibly act as if itd never happened!" First Court King Qinguang said, "From what we know, all of the Nine Supremes have perished I guess theres only this one left. It would have been alright if we didnt know about it but since we do now, and he has asked a favor, we have to fulfill this promise, no matter what!" "Its the hardest to repay the debt of favor. If the payment of that day''s grace was not to this person, who else? Are we really going to ignore our conscience and fool ourselves?" First Court King Qinguang said in anguish, "All of you called me an idiot and said Im dumb and dense. Even if I were really stupid and dumb and dense and idiotic in this matter, whos asked us to owe them such a debt? He has come to ask for it, we have to repay it! That fellow might not know about it, but we do!" The weak smiles on the rest of the nine mens faces grew even more feeble as they had nothing to say. 253 It Has to Be Done! After a good while, the person clad in a golden gown laughed bitterly, and uttered, "The day Nine Supremes were being manipulated by Four Seasons Tower, we knew it was too late. The moment we rushed over, everything had ended. Initially, I thought that the Nine Supremes had already been destroyed, and bearing in mind that the Four Seasons Towers strength is beyond ours, no matter how unwilling we are, we can only opt to close an eye. I know that our brothers are heavy-hearted and impassioned, living like we''re without a sense of gratitude and justice. A debt of a favor is difficult to return, whats more, it''s such a kind of debt without a debtor. And we know for a fact that even knowing the way to return the favor, we were left without choice as our capabilities could not match our intention..." "However, for now, this remaining person from Nine Supremes obviously knew that it was the Four Seasons Tower who was playing the tricks. What the person had done was intended for revenge" "And Ol''seventh has fatefully or not, met him... We really cant take our hands off this matter." "But to stand against the Four Seasons Tower, we have no chance of winning at all. It was so then, and it remains so now." The person with the golden gown sighed: "We have already obtained the power from Haunting Temple and have only digested less than one-tenth of it until now... If we were given another twenty years of time to stand against the Four Seasons Tower, what fear is there? However, for now, we can''t hope to rival the Four Seasons Tower." "Let us discuss this matter. How should we go about it?" the golden-gowned person solemnly uttered. First Court King Qinguang lowered his head and did not say a single word while the other brothers were also somber-faced. It was no small matter to stand against the Four Seasons Tower. The Concourse of the Underworld would most probably vanish in a puff of smoke in its entirety and obliterated completely amidst the battle. Some of the brothers stood here now would also be sacrificed or even be utterly wiped out. This decision was a tough one. "Notwithstanding the others, Supreme Lord Spring Frost must die." First Court King Qinguang mumbled in a low voice: "I''ve already accepted the assignment. I have to get rid of this target regardless..." The brothers remained silent, there was no one who spoke. After a good while, a tall and sturdy man uttered, "No matter how you look at it what is owed, must be returned." Another person bowed his head and said, "The last time Nine Supremes were being murdered, we did nothing at all. Even though we knew the circumstances would overwhelm us and couldn''t have not do it, your father doesn''t feel right still, and I couldn''t hold my head up..." "Thats right. I somehow feel that I owe them an apology." "I also feel ill at ease. Ol''seventh is right; you will be disheartened not returning the favor if you owe someone a debt. If a debt were not returned, what is there to talk about conquering the pinnacle and achieving perfection of the mind..." The brothers exchanged their mumbled words with all their heads lowered. The gold-gowned person creased his eyebrows, and uttered, "Can everyone just say what should be done straight away?!" The brothers answered in unison, "Big brother, you make the decision!" The gold-gowned person said angrily, "Then why did we have to discuss all this?" The person who had not been speaking - Fifth Court King Yama who had squared facial features, pondered for a while and uttered, "The Concourse of the Underworld is an assassin organization but upon absorbing Haunting Temple''s power, it''s equivalent to the existence of a reincarnating underworld... The cycle of karma, of good and evil, will all be recompensed. Kindness must be rewarded, and vengeance will be provided; if not, it will leave a pit in the heart that we are incapable to transcend, and we will no longer be qualified to talk about attaining enlightenment." "That is why I think we can no longer evade this matter. The last time we acted like a turtle which hid in its shell, it had already formed knots in the brothers hearts. This time, if we were to cower again, I fear that the knots will grow into internal demons in the heart... In that case, it will only cause harm to our cultivation with no gain to be recognized. The journey of practice will be unbearable." "That is why I feel that, for this matter, we absolutely need to do it; it must be done!" The words of Fifth Court King Yama served to spur the others into making the final decision. "Right!" The person in gold gown exclaimed, "In this case, we shall do it! The target right now is only one Supreme Lord Spring Frost anyway. Crush Supreme Lord Spring Frost, and we reconvene to observe the reaction of the Four Seasons Tower!" Tenth Court King of Cycle rolled his eyes and uttered, "We received the trust and we should fulfill it, we''re an organization that does what we are paid for. So what if Four Seasons Tower have any complaints? Even if they come to us through our doors, we will have our own say. So we can''t kill anyone from the Four Seasons Tower now?!" The golden-gowned person, who was Third Court Emperor Song, laughed bitterly and uttered, "We are fortunate that this person only requested Supreme Lord Spring Frost to be assassinated. If he had proposed Mr. Nian himself" All ten brothers giggled together, "If the target were Mr. Nian, that would be heh heh heh... Nevertheless, we shall still do it!" Third Court Emperor Song scolded, "Keep quiet, each and every one of you! Let us now discuss how we should complete this task." He snapped his fingers and uttered, "It''s only Supreme Lord Spring Frost. Let just skill him and be done!" "Kill him!" The other nine brothers cheered loudly, all of them were in high spirits in a split second. First Court King Qinguang blinked his eyes and said, "This matter is easier said than done. Even that fellow is one sticky character to be tackled." The other nine brothers then turned to look at him with hostility, "So what if the target is tough? Was it not you who attracted this unmanageable target home? Before we do it, how about we do away with this bastard first? Let us be pleased and invigorated! " "Lets go!" The nine went up to surround their sole target together. In a split second, they had First Court King Qinguang turned over on the ground, following up with a flurry of punches and kicks! First Court King Qinguang exclaimed loudly, "Have mercy!" Thump! Thump! Thump! ... Yun Yang went back to Tiantang City quietly and found an isolated corner to recover his original appearance. With great fanfare, he returned to Residence of Yun. However, when he stepped into Residence of Yun, he was surprised to spot the peculiarity in Fang Mofei and the others'' expressions. Right when he was puzzled, he saw a person walking out in a slow pace, staring at him and smiling amicably but with a profound implication. Qiu Jianhan. Old Marshal Qiu was actually here. Yun Yang coughed, piling smiles on his face as he uttered, "Since when does Old Marshal has the free time to come to my place? What a rare guest!" Qiu Jianhan tilted his head in saying, "Why, am I not welcomed?" Yun Yang chuckled dryly and said, "Old sir, where did such saying come from? Of course, you can come. Not only are you welcomed, old sir''s honorable visit has brought glorious light and splendor to this humble Residence of Heavenly Clouds!" Qiu Jianhan snorted and looked at him with a side-eye, saying, "You kid don''t have to speak so many flowery words to this old man. Where have you gone to have fun this time?" Yun Yang''s voice quavered, "I''ve just gone to witness the big event... Ey, the fight just erupted over at the tower as I watched. Everywhere I looked was crimson-red blood and bloodied flesh! It was too frightening, it terrified this nephew and I had to hide aside trembling. That was how I managed to recover my wits to walk back home! Ay, it was all blood..." Qiu Jianhan snorted, "So Young Master Yun is so timid huh?" Yun Yang began to feel that there was innuendo in the old man''s words, so he replied rudely instead, "May I ask what is it for to that Old Marshal has come? If there is nothing, I will need to go inside to have a nap. Todays commotion was too frightening; it terrified me and got me feeling dizzy. I will need to get inside quickly to calm down and regain my composure. That''s a serious matter to be done." Qiu Jianhan snorted coldly, and said, "It seems like Young Master Yun was so busy about witnessing the bustle today that you''ve forgotten that today''s the day to help the emperor relieve and ease some stress? I wonder what''s more of a serious matter to Young Master Yun?" Yun Yangs heart skipped a beat. He had, in fact, forgotten about this matter. Of course, it was his duty to help nurse His Majesty''s health and it was an important matter but there were so many things in sight that needed to be handled personally by him. He was indeed less concerned about the emperor''s matter since his body was not at a critical stage anymore now. There was always a sense of priority to every matter... However. Yun Yang would never dare say this in front of the old marshal. If he did, Qiu Jianhan would definitely not pull back his punches! Besides being Yutangs old marshal, Qiu Jianhan was also one of Yutangs three top-ranked rogues! "Haha... The emperors health is naturally the most important proper matter. Of course it must be done first. I will go now, I will go now!" remarked Yun Yang awkwardly with sheepish laughter. On the journey, Old Marshal Qius glances kept focusing on Yun Yang, it was filled with speculation and bewilderment. Yun Yang felt as if there were brambles and thorns on his back, making him feel uncomfortable and uneasy. However, he did not dare to speak up but only to mumble in his heart, "Is it possible that this old thing has managed to weed out a crack of mine somewhere? Otherwise, why is he looking at me like that?" Just when Yun Yang and Qiu Jianhan, an elder and a youth, took several steps forward, they saw two of the four noble young masters, Qiu Yunsan and Xia Bingchuan, walking head-on into them merrily. Each one of them was flanked by twenty guards who all looked high-spirited and full of mettle; apparently, each one of them was a top expert. Just by looking at these guards'' level, it was obvious that they were already positioned far above the for young masters'' previous guards! Clearly, all of these guards were the backbone of the Top Four Families and were superb experts. Yun Yang roughly compared these new guards beside Qiu Yunsan and Xia Bingchuan in his heart, any one of their capabilities was no less than the Four Seasons Towers men who were in charge of protecting Yang Botao that very day. It seemed like the Top Four Families had really dispatched the cream of their families strength this time. However, would it not be an overkill to place such high level combat strength by the side of these Top Four Young Masters? Would it not be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Casting another glance, Yun Yangs muddled thoughts suddenly became clear. Both young masters were carrying a plump mystical beast offspring in their arms each. The moment the young masters glances fell on Yun Yang, both of them were overjoyed. Fine if it was only Xia Bingchuan but even Qiu Yunsan had ignored the presence of Old Marshal Qiu aside and jubilantly rushed over to him. "Boss! Hahaha... Boss, what a coincidence today! You''re also walking ahaha!" Qiu Yunsan was flushed with pleasure. "Boss, boss boss! Heh heh, it''s really such a coincidence that we met you here again at Tiantang City. We, as brothers, are truly fated..." said Xia Bingchuan. "What is this called? Uh, we''re fated to meet each other even over a thousand miles. Boss, look at this..." Qiu Yunsan pressed himself over with a pandering look, "Look at this one of mine... Heh heh, this is my familys baby treasure..." The tiny mystical beast in his embrace that had yet to open its eyes was only grunting. "Boss, look at this. Look at mine!" Xia Bingchuan moved a step forward, pushing Qiu Yunsan to the side. "It''s better to just look at mine... Mine was just sent over. It''s really adorable... I wish I could just swallow it whole!" Similarly, there was also a little plump mystical beast with soft velvety fur and a clammy little nose in Xia Bingchuans embrace. The corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched. Right. These two were eighth level ace mystical beasts'' offspring! There was no doubt about it but what kind of mystical beasts had these two families gotten! 254 Two Main Ingredients Yun Yang could identify the one in Qiu Yunsans embrace with just one glance. It was indeed an eighth level ace mystical beast C undeniably so. Oddly enough, the tiny mystical beasts nose seemed to be bigger than its face. This eighth level ace mystical beasts name was Three-eye Boar! The name was literal, of course. The heritage of this mystical offspring was a wild boar C one that had three eyes. It was said that before the third eye opened, the combat power of Three-eye Boars was negligible. Except for the high level mystical beasts, they would not be much stronger than ordinary wild boars of the same size; at most, their furious charging might be very powerful! However, the ray that shot from the third eye once it opened could kill a ninth peak mystical cultivator within seconds C an impressive feat indeed. However, the third eye would only open when the boar had grown into adulthood. Therefore, Three-eye Boars were considered as rather useless eighth level mystical beasts that could kill a more advanced level enemy! Other than that, Three-eye Boars were no different from ordinary pigs C gluttonous and lazy with thunderous snores. The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched; obviously, he was not fond of such useless beasts. After all, a very long time was needed for Three-eye Boars to enter adulthood. It was not as long as Thousand Illusion Monkeys that needed between seventy to eighty years of growth but they did require at least thirty years; it was simply too hard for them to be useful! Yun Yang was more interested in something else about the Three-eye Boar though C Three-eye Boar meat was a rare delicacy! What surprised Yun Yang instead was how the Qiu Family had acquired this young Three-eye Boar. It was already an arduous task to catch a mystical beast alive, even harder to seize a young cub! Mystical cultivators could kill mystical beasts of course. However, mystical beasts in their incubation period would usually kill their own offspring before they died; they would rather kill their babies themselves than for their babies to become slaves to humans. The higher the level of the mystical beast, the more common was this practice. The reason Yun Yang was puzzled was also due to the characteristics of the Three-eye Boars. Adult Three-eye Boars had ray of death that could kill mystical cultivators. It would be difficult to obtain a Three-eye Boar cub without paying a substantial price; the casualties of several ninth peak cultivators would be imminent. Even when the cub was caught successfully, a long period of time was needed to bring it up to adulthood.It was only by then that Three-eye Boars could bring its unique combat power into play, but the proportion of the return against the effort was barely justified C a smart person would not have opted for it. Yun Yang was doubtful but he did not show it. Scanning the Third-eye Boar, he sighed at its small size C there were less than two catties of meat on its frame. Lets see when it grows up some more. If the Qiu Family knew that the mystical beast offspring that they had gotten their hands on so arduously had actually become a high-graded ingredient in Yun Yangs eyes what would they have felt? Yun Yang shifted his glance to the eighth level pinnacle mystical beast in Xia Bingchuans arms. This cubs level was half a grade higher than Qiu Yunsans eighth level ace Three-eye Boar but it was tastier than the Three-eye Boar! Here, the cub was a Greedy Bear, also known as a Ten Thousand Catty Bear! The name was supposed to be the precursor of what the bear would become C not unlike its name, this bear mystical beast was famous for being able to provide a generous meal. It was nothing extraordinary for these bears to grow up to seven or eight thousand catties when they were full-grown; they could easily go up to tens of thousands catties as well. As for the innate talent of such bears, it was their strength that was immense! There did not seem to be a conclusion of how strong a Greedy Bear could be; it was most probable that the more it ate, the more powerful it would be. Due to its large size, its combat skill against the enemy was a direct strike with its paw. No matter what kind of enemy it met, it would attack with swipes of its massive paws. The strength contained could destroy mountains and crack the ground. A Herculean effort indeed! Therefore, these bears had paws with a famed nickname C Grisly Palm of Paw! A Ten Thousand Catty Bears had another characteristic; if three consecutive strikes could not knock its opponent out, it would turn to flee without any exception. It was not that it was afraid of the enemy but it was a change of strategy because all of its strength was only sufficient for three paw strikes! After three strikes, it could only recover after a large amount of feeding. The Greedy Bears then had another derogatory nickname C Three-Slap Bear! The power of the three slaps was a Herculean factor; a slap from a Greedy Bear of ten thousand catties could fling a small mountain away. The problem now was C what sort of enemy would stay stationary for you to slap them? Besides, if a Three-Slap Bear missed, it would result in it spinning seven or eight rounds from its own sheer force Furthermore, such bears were mentally slower than normal bears that had no levels to begin with. If it were not for the bears thick skin and flesh so rough that normal ninth level mystical beasts could hardly penetrate its defense, such bears would have gone into extinction a long time ago. Greedy Bears were perhaps high-level mystical beasts that were the easiest to obtain, yet the most useless ones! If Three-eye Boars were useless, Greedy Bears were even worse. In Yun Yangs eyes though, this Ten Thousand Catty Bear carried more benefits than the Three-eye Boar. Bear paw C delicious! Bear gall C expensive medicine! Bear meat C delicious! Bear penis - Qiu Yunsan would find the use for this Perhaps he would be alright eating it. Yun Yang looked at Qiu Yunsan and Xia Bingchuan rather speechlessly. "Both your noble families have taken the time of half a year to catch these two toys? One stranger than another What were both of you thinking? Are your families playing you two or are they playing me?" Qiu Yunsan and Xia Bingchuan both flushed and coughed. They were helpless! If there had been other choices, how would they make a fool and embarrass themselves! Of course, those mystical beasts that could fly or had innate skills were great but they could not catch those! Capturing these two was possible because they were relatively easier to be hunted down! "Its a genuine eighth level ace mystical beast, after all, it must have some sort of training value" Qiu Yunsan chuckled awkwardly. Yun Yang huffed speechlessly. "Boss, look over at this" Qiu Yunsan said hugging the Three-eye Boar excitedly while the cub snorted in his embrace. "Lets begin?" "F*ck off!" Qiu Jianhan was exasperated standing by the side. "All of you f*ck off, your father says!" The old sir had finally exploded. F*cking hell, your fathers been standing here for so long C have I become invisible? None of you saw me, did you? Were you fellows that excited? Qiu Yunsan paled as he turned his head around slowly. "Third uncle uh what a coincidence" "If you dont f*ck off soon, Ill make your cheeks say what a coincidence to your buttocks! They f*cking look the same anyway!" Qiu Jianhan berated, "Useless junks, go your way now! And you!" The old marshal turned to look at Xia Bingchuan. "Say, cant your family send someone decent? Our familys Yunsan has learned to become a popinjay just by being around you fools Stay away from our Yunsan next time!" Xia Bingchuan and Qiu Yunsan were defenseless against the top rogue of Yutang, fleeing helter-skelter like fish that managed to escape the net The guards from both families bowed to Qiu Jianhan rather awkwardly before they left feeling exasperated. It was terribly embarrassing. We recognized the third sir of Qiu Family from hundreds of feet away and these two fellows actually didnt realize that even when they stood so near and talked to Yun Yang for so long This is wonderful! To say that theyre popinjays are really f*cking true to the name C so very fitting that its impeccable, flawless! "This child of the Xia Family is utterly disappointing!" Old Marshal Qiu made his way forward with Yun Yang and said, "Always doing only the sinful, drinking all day long, fighting and brawling, flirting with innocent ladies And that Dong Tianleng from the Dong Family and Chun Wanfeng from the Chun Family, theyre hopeless as well. Yet a member of my own family likes to join them to learn all their nonsense." Yun Yang rolled his eyes. Its hard to tell who is the bad influence among the four of them but your nephew, Qiu Yunsan, is absolutely one of the pioneer influencers! Old thing, do you not feel abashed when accusing others? His Majesty the emperor had already been waiting at the Residence of Qiu. He was restless if he were to stay in the palace, so he was always thinking of ways to come out. The Residence of Qiu was almost becoming part of the emperors extended palace nowadays. As Yun Yang unclogged His Majestys meridians, he smiled and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. After this session of recuperation, the last bit of poison has been cleansed. As long as more precautions are taken in the future to prevent being poisoned again, its all fine." Hearing such good news, His Majestys face that had been glum relaxed a little while Old Marshal Qiu heaved a big sigh. The gloomy atmosphere in the room turned lighter as well. "This Yang Botao" The emperor sighed and began discussing Yang Botao. Both the emperor and the marshal had long felt safe with Yun Yang; they did not mind having Yun Yang around during whatever it was that was the topic of their discussion and this time was no exception. However, the more these two old men went about the topic, the more they were bewildered. Yang Botao had always been so loyal to the Empire of Yutang. If he really did intend to rebel against Yutang, he need not betray the Nine Supremes through so much effort; he could just conspire with other nations and use his troops against Yutang. Yutangs line of defense at the north would definitely collapse then and nothing could have saved the situation. Therefore, it was unreasonable to say that Yang Botao would commit treason. In spite of it, it was also a fact that he had committed such a sin C even Yang Botao had admitted it himself! "Crimes are not to be pardoned, merits are not to be omitted," His Majesty finally said these words after sighing solemnly. Other than sighing, Qiu Jianhan had nothing else to say; Yun Yang, on the other hand, felt bitterness in his heart. Yes, it was for Yang Botao. Such a notable marshal of ones times Only he alone knew the truth about Yang Botao now in the entire city of Yutang C the reason, the injustice, the anger, and the helplessness. There was also a boundless ocean of bad luck that he had to endure. What Yang Botao had done was wrong but the reason behind it was worthy of sympathy. In addition, he had been lied to from the beginning and was used to being deceived yet the one to cheat and use him was his biological father Even Yun Yang who was the most impacted could not help sighing for this tragedy! Yun Yang had even thought that if Yang Botao had taken the initiative, to be honest and open about all these then what would await him? Perhaps he would still die. Perhaps Yun Yang would forgive him. Even when Yun Yang had initially wanted so badly to dice him, skin him alive and pick his bones apart, he could not help wanting to be merciful upon understanding the reasons behind it. Thinking about it, Yun Yang did not stop himself from saying, "This young one has a thought about Yang Botao that I wont feel good if I dont speak of it." The emperor could not have expected this fellow to suddenly chip in in the midst of his comment and was stunned for a moment. Although he had never avoided Yun Yang when he discussed the nations affairs with Old Marshal Qiu previously, this guy had been quiet like a mute. He had never participated nor expressed any opinion. Even when His Majesty would ask for his thoughts whether intentionally or not, this particular person would dance around the question and skip away. What was going on today? "Feel free to speak your opinion." The emperor was obviously quite interested. "Like Your Majesty has said, his crimes are not to be pardoned, his merits are not to be omitted!" Yun Yang mulled over his words as he spoke, "Although Yang Botaos crime was inexcusable, it seems now that there are only punishment and abomination while his past merits arent mentioned at all. Isn''t this an omission of merit?" Qiu Jianhan was taken aback hearing what he had said. If he had not known that Yun Yang was filled with high praise of the Nine Supremes and had no acquaintance with Yang Botao, he would believe that Yun Yang fully intended to reverse Yang Botaos verdict by speaking like this. His Majesty was not offended at all as he replied gently, "Then how do you propose we go about this?" 255 Old Marshal’s Doub As Old Marshal Qiu mused, he watched Yun Yang with slight intrigue; he would like to see what this fellow had to say. Yun Yang arranged his thoughts for a moment before beginning to speak. "Perhaps Your Majesty can consider accounting biographies for all the meritorious ministers who have perished in the battlefield or have passed away; their achievements will not conceal their wrongdoings while their wrongdoings will not nullify their achievements... The memoir of these people will be recorded and documented from an entirely fair, partial, and objective point of view, so these exemplary ministers can go down in history with glory This would be their life story that could not be altered, I think" His Majestys eyes shone while Old Marshal Qius hawk eyes radiated admiration as well. This strategy was marvelous! Be it civil officials or military generals, who would not want their crown of glory to stay within history after toiling all their lives? In spite of it, how many were there who could actually leave their legacy behind? If this were to be done, not only would the families of the late meritorious ministers feel proud, the officials who were still serving the country would be more keen on their service too! What a good idea! It was not only regarding Yang Botaos personal matters as well! Wise and ingenious indeed! "This method is remarkable!" His Majesty complimented the plan. "Wonderfully so!" Old Marshal Qiu was full of praise as well. "What then?" the emperor continued the train of thought. Yun Yang was shocked. "Just reveal whatever else youre thinking about and whatother suspenseful games you''re trying to play here!" Old Marshal Qiu chided. "Then?" Yun Yang scratched his head. "No more then." His Majesty was taken aback as he heard him while the old marshals expression changed right away C Child, are you playing with us? Weve been so intrigued then you tell your father that theres no more to it? Do you still want to live? Right away, both men switched to looks of mock anger. This fellow had been sly all along; it had been his image all this while. What was so worthy of surprise was when he said that there was nothing more. Perhaps, it should actually be within reason. More so, it was already impressive that he could supply this idea. Besides, with the most basic start, what followed would only be a logical train of thought. Although Yun Yang had only given a lead, both His Majesty and Old Marshal Qiu had thought of countless follow-ups at once; they had thought beyond what was on the layer that involved even the process and how the utilization would be made. Once the general direction was set, the rest was all about the fine-tuning and then execution. The continuation by Yun Yang who was the initiator was not essential; it was better without him, even C it would be a marvel. His Majesty, who was adept at his skills of an emperor, subconsciously thought deeper and could not help casting a meaningful glance at Yun Yang. Yun Yang had dealt with the matter with detailed consideration; each seemingly meaningless word held great significance, showing his vast wisdom. He was not at all greedy with merits and advancing in status, nor was he crazy over power and influence; he seemed to understand the worldly affairs with a sense of propriety and was able to adjust himself freely. He was amazing and for such a character to refuse to enter the imperial court as an official was Yutangs loss. "Fine. So theres nothing more than. The follow-up of this matter is vast, your popinjay personality cant provide much help anyway. But Yun Yang, this old man has something to inquire of you." Marshal Qiu Jianhans expression shifted as he asked, "The mystique skill that you cultivate, where does it come from? It seems that not even Marquis Yun has such an astonishing cultivation skill." Yun Yang was stunned. "I beg your pardon?" "Pardon? Do you really think that this old man knows nothing?" Old Marshal Qius eyes glared. "This old man comes from the Qiu Family. Although Ive spent much of my life on the battlefield, Im still considered knowledgeable and experienced, yet Ive never seen such incredible skill.My old friend You Tiexin said the other day that this cultivation skill is the one and only one in this world in its aspects of rejuvenating injuries and damages, reviving and prolonging lives, being an antidote to poisons and illnesses, and other healing properties. Furthermore, its never appeared in the Tianxuan Continent in so many years! If such a cultivation skill were to emerge, it would have wreaked havoc! Asking you this today isnt to question your background but its from worrying about your safety. Since the other party dared poison His Majesty, theyd be watching His Majestys physical state all the time. Once they realized that His Majestys healed, theyd search for the person who cured His Majesty. One clue leads to next, will you still be able to run then? Answer quickly, so this old one and His Majesty can think for you!" "How did you know it?" Yun Yangs eyes darted around as his mind was working hard to come up with a reply. Aged ones were the sharpest indeed. Yun Yang had honestly not thought of this old thing realizing something amiss from the start yet had only questioned him after so long in waiting for His Majesty to totally recover. This old things ability to forget previous favors had never dulled! He could even gloss his words so rightfully like he had asked because he cared for him and Yun Yang would be the one at fault for being ungrateful if he did not answer truthfully. "Uh my skill is a coincidental chance of fate" Yun Yang was thinking quickly. "I learned it from my master" "May I ask who is your master?" Old Marshal Qiu scoffed. "Ling Xiaozui! Dont you guys know? Didnt he come over previously" Yun Yang hauled someone no one could afford to offend into the picture and said, "I thought you knew about our relationship long ago. If it werent for this relationship, how dare I offer the medicine the other day? I believe that my master wont frame me and that was why I spoke of His Majestys physical condition and offered the three spiritual medicines. If you dont believe it, you can ask him!" Old Marshal Qiu almost choked from the huff of air stuck in his throat. Yun Yangs answer was within reason and logic; the key point was C ask Ling Xiaozui? Where do the f*ck I go to look for him? Is he someone I can simply question? "You didnt speak honestly. If Ling Xiaozui had cultivated such skill, his achievement might be far higher than what hes achieved now." Qiu Jianhan glared at Yun Yang and continued, "Besides, since when did Ling Xiaozui become your master?" Yun Yang answered seriously, "Old Marshal, its all your words that Yun Yangs cultivated skill is amazing and so on. Its also your personal judgment that decided my masters cultivation base level. This junior is young and inexperienced, lacking the qualifications to rebuke. I can only say that not a word Ive said is false!" "Dont play with words now! Thats this old mans archaic trick. You think this old man doesnt know that all your words are lies?" Qiu Jianhan raged. Yun Yang rolled his eyes. The reputation of Old Marshal Qiu being the head of Yutangs top three rogues was true to its name and well-deserved. He had even found out the deeply implied words within words but so what if this old one could find out? Dare he bite him? The emperor could not help chuckling as well as he said, "Never mind. Its a good thing after all that this young one has such luck. Old Marshal need not mind, really." "This child is lying!" Qiu Jianhan sighed and kept quiet, thinking, "Your Majesty, you dont know too many things Its not only his cultivated skill that Im doubtful of" He did not know that the emperor was thinking of something vaguely C Yun Yang was carefree and righteous; despite his exceptional intelligence, he had no intention of being a mandarin yet everything he had done was on Yutangs side. Even if he could not absorb such a person into his personal repertoire, he must not force him too much! His Majestys evaluation of Yun Yang was so immensely high that it was akin to how he would treat an otherworldly expert! When Yun Yang finally bid his leave and left, he realized he was already drenched in cold sweat upon coming out. "Was Old Marshal doubting me?" Yun Yang thought, "Its not that hes doubting if Im someone with ill intentions but hed straight up suspect if Im one of the Nine Supremes or under the Nine Heavens Dictum!" He left Qiu Jianhans residence with a mind filled with musings but did not return to the Residence of Yun, opting to find out where Yang Botaos mistress was buried instead. He buried Yang Botaos ashes on his mistress grave quietly. "May you reunite and meet again down there from now on." Yun Yang stood quietly for a while before he murmured, "There are no more deceiving plots and tricks underneath this earth in the underworld, no father who would deceive his son Yang Botao, if there were a next life, I believe youll still be a good man." "Mistress Yang, your husband has been a good man all long C a good son. You have no need to be ashamed being married to him. I am Supreme Cloud, I wish you two well here and shall tell you two formally that the Nine Supremes have no ill feelings towards you husband and wife; the resentment is over, the grudge is gone, everything has ended. Heres hoping that the heavens bless us with the fate of being good friends in the next life." The breeze was soft as the wild weeds beside the grave swayed gently, as if Yang Botao and his mistress were waving farewell to Yun Yang. "No need to long for worldly affairs, reincarnate sooner. Forget the regrets of this life, pen another legend of a hero." Yun Yang bowed slightly and turned to leave, straightening up. He had only taken a few steps before realizing that a few people were walking towards where he was with hurried steps. With a thought in mind, a soft breeze rose to bring a layer of soil up and covered the fresh soil that he had just moved away from while he went to hide in a darker spot. The newcomers were Shangguan Lingxiu alongside her two guards. Yun Yang was surprised. Why would Shangguan Lingxiu come here at this time? What was she doing here? 256 The Secret of a Lady’s Hear Shangguan Lingxiu came to Mistress Yangs grave and set up incenses, candles, and the rest of the offerings. She did not speak, however, standing there quietly. It was after a long, long time that she poured a whole pot of wine before the grave and said softly, "Sister Juaner, I miss you so much." She sighed silently and said, "Rest in peace, I shant speak ill of Yang Botao in front of you. If your blessed spirit is still here, come to my dreams; let us sisters talk again." She stood just like that, not leaving, despite having spoken words of farewell. She heaved another long sigh. "All of you, retreat. Wait for me after the hill, let me stay here alone for a bit." Both her guards nodded their agreement and went on their way. Seeing that her guards were further away, Shangguan Lingxiu sighed once more. From what Yun Yang could see, Shangguan Lingxiu seemed to have lost all her energy as she slowly sat by Mistress Yangs grave. "Sister Juaner, youre supposedly much older than me and its honestly an overstep for me to call you sister but that is how the Shangguan Familys seniority works. If Id call you aunty and all, that wouldnt be proper. When we gathered the other day, you teased me so much just because youre the older sister. If I were any younger, you would have bullied me to no end." A gentle sense of longing painted Shangguan Lingxius expression. She hugged her knees sitting before the grave as a rare tinge of softness colored her face; she looked unusually pitiful and indescribably lonesome. There was also an occasional hint of indirectness that belonged specifically to girls C the mannerism was hard to put into words. Yun Yang felt his heart tremble as he watched the scene. It was the first time that Yun Yang had seen the gentle softness of a girl in this lady from the family of generals. "When we talked, Ive never spoken any words from the bottom of my heart Honestly, Im unable to, I cant I have no one to spill them to in this world, I can only talk about this here now; I hope you dont blame me for this" "Just a few days ago when we were chatting, you were telling me to quickly find in-laws and fix my marriage." Shangguan Lingxiu looked at the white clouds floating in the sky and said sorrowfully, "I told you that I had no such intentions even after you tried to persuade me for so long" "However, in the Shangguan Family of Generals, those who are aged are already old while the young ones are too young. Im the only one who can at least shoulder the family burdens. If I were to get married, what should happen to all the people at home?" "You asked me if I had someone I fancied You said that a womans life is only complete when shes married and has children. Did you think I was unaware of the reasoning of your words? It wasn''t only you; grandma, eldest aunt, mother and the rest kept telling me this too" Shangguan Lingxiu murmured softly, "However, the Shangguan Family cant do without me now Grandma and the rest look like theyre still tough and well now but I know I know that they cant hold out for long. Even when they could physically, their hearts are long exhausted I can feel the urge to fade away in each and every one of them" "The previous mention of the family of generals case C despite the truth prevailing, it only crushed them even more. I used to think that a dead heart is only a metaphor but I see now that a persons heart can really be so devoid of life!" "Im the only one left in the younger generation of the generals. I cant just see the Shangguan Family of Generals fade away like this" "Even though Im a female, I also bear the family name of Shangguan after all" "Im twenty-one this year The girls I used to play with have all married, their lives happy. They sometimes visit me with their children too Those little tykes are adorable but I" "As for the person I like which girl doesnt have a person they like? Its a pity that I" "You remember Marquis of Heavenly Clouds Young Master Yun?" Shangguan Lingxius voice dropped to a whisper. "He has helped me so much in this period of time Hes not at all the popinjay the rumors make him out to be. Hes really, really kind, and a very, very good man" "Yun Yang Hes worthy of any girl entrusting the rest of their life to him" "Sister Juaner, you know how straightforward I am. If I werent a Shangguan Familys girl, if my father or brothers were still here, I would have told him long ago. No matter if it comes to fruition, whether he likes me or not, I would tell him directly. If he doesnt like me, Id let go and just like him myself; I wont force him to like me But if he likes me too, then we could get together" "But my identity doesnt allow me to do so. Hes so splendid, so noble; hes dauntless but considerate, unflinching yet gentle. I believe there must be many girls who like him as well and I cant do anything, I can only watch from afar. Perhaps one day, Ill watch him marry some other girl with my own eyes and be together forever while I can only watch from afar." "My nephews are still so young. When theyve really grown and could shoulder the responsibilities of this household, its going to be seven or eight years later and Id be almost thirty by then" "Ladies who arent married by the age of thirty in the Empire of Yutang theyre too scarce throughout the many years. Even if my feelings remain the same, how can I hope that he is also single? I shouldnt have such indulgent thoughts" "Sister Juaner can you understand the suffering of my heart?" There were two soft pattering sounds, those were Shangguan Lingxius tears that had dropped quietly to the ground. "No matter how tough I act, Im still a girl" Shangguan Lingxiu said softly, "You said before that a woman will only be tougher once the heart belongs to someone, will only know what happiness means but all these dont belong to me. Theyre simply out of reach for me" "Now that your soul rests in peace, it is ultimately at ease; you dont have to care for a thing anymore Even if Marshal Yang carries the worst reputation, you cant hear them at all. Actually, the hard days were only these few days in your life then they ended forever Although such life is not perfect, its enviable C at least, Im envious of it!" "Because I have to keep holding out, shouldering and toiling. I knew that theres no end but I have to clench my teeth and carry on. I have to put up a cold front before the eyes of others, like a man I have no one to tell of the weakness in my heart, I have no one to lean against" "After today, I wont speak of these to anyone ever again." "I dont know how many people there are in this world, the crowd that buzzes in Tiantang City every day, so tightly packed yet Ive always felt so lonely like theres only me who walks alone on this earth." "Im alone. I dont know where the goal is, I dont know where the front lies, I dont know also where the end is Day after day, I remain so lonely, and it feels like I''ve been that way forever" "Sister Juaner, its so painful." Her voice grew softer but the sound of teardrops pitter-pattering on the ground grew stronger. Yun Yang, who had hidden behind a tree, could not help feeling a bitter ache engulf his heart. She was right, there was really no one woman who was as lonely and weighted down as Shangguan Lingxiu currently C to have to support what she had single-handedly, to have the entire familys responsibilities dropped onto this weak lady She could not put the weight down, she could not support it, she could not hold out C but she had to go on taking shaky baby steps forward with all the strength she could muster. There was simply no room nor possibility for her to think of her marriage C the main affair of her final settlement in life. Thinking about it would only yield a mental picture! It was only when the youngest generation of this family could stand on their own feet that Shangguan Lingxiu could be freed! Yun Yang sighed inwardly. Time passed fast; an hour had slipped away just like this. Shangguan Lingxiu stood up. Her tall frame stood dolefully for a while before she bowed formally and left. After a dozen steps and a turn, she took in a deep breath and rubbed her eyes. Abruptly, she puffed her chest and recovered the indomitable confidence of the daughter from the family of generals, leaving with large strides. She was a general who stepped onto the battlefield, sharp and resolute! Her steps were unwavering, her form spirited. Watching Shangguan Lingxius slim figure get further, watching as she faced the world with that cold front C the fortitude that paralleled a mans, Yun Yang just watched quietly, exclaiming and sighing inwardly. This lady did not have it easy! If Yun Yang were an ordinary man or maybe if he was more softhearted, he might have run over to confess, share her feelings, or even clap to make a noise. After all, that was the common expression of a person! In spite of it, Yun Yang kept his silence and did not move from his spot. He did not know what he could say by stepping out C what he could have done. Honestly, Yun Yang had never thought the slightest bit about his marriage. Speaking of which, he paled in comparison to Shangguan Lingxiu or Ji Lingxi; those two ladies at least knew what they wanted and only circumstances had held them back from acting on their desires. Yun Yang really had no thoughts about it. Yun Yang thought nothing of Ji Lingxi who had left, he thought nothing too of Shangguan Lingxiu now. His entire line of thinking was about revenge. Since the day Yun Yang had revived inexplicably, only a ferociously stubborn sense of conviction filled his mind C his older brothers had all died and he was the only one who survived. It was already too late for him to seek revenge, how would he have the time to muse about romance and love? If he had done so, was he still human? Even if a hundred years passed, what dignity would he have to go down and meet his brothers with? Yet watching Shangguan Lingxiu leaving in a state of melancholy, Yun Yang could feel his heart being weighed down. Should he catch up to her and comfort her? Forget it. It was the Four Seasons Tower he was against C the most terrifying colossal force of the entire Tianxuan Continent. Who knew he might just die on any given day? Since he was not capable enough to give the lady any kind of promise, it would be uncouth to tantalize her and give her false hope! 257 Slight Intimidation! Yun Yang was as touched as much as he was happy about the love between fifth brother and Sister Yue, he was even envious before too, but the sympathy he felt regarding Yun Zuiyue being alone for the rest of her life triumphed the positive feelings C it was better of similar fate did not occur to anyone close to him again! Staying together amidst hardship it was better to forget each other in that moment C the latter would be more suited to the current situation! Qiu Yunsan and Xia Bingchuan who brought ten Qiu Family experts and ten Xia Family experts with them respectively had waited at the Residence of Yun for some time now. Almost wearing their eyes out from eagerly waiting to see Yun Yang, they were ecstatic once they saw Yun Yang return. They went over to him thrilled, calling out, "Boss, youve returned." Yet when the twenty high-leveled experts of the two noble families saw Yun Yang, it was all doubt within their eyes. The child did not look anything like a mystical beast trainer of high levels. Could he really make mystical beasts level up by breaking their limitation that others could not? Would their young masters have been tricked? Any cultivator who had slightly more experience with the martial arts world would share the same doubt. After all, Yun Yang was too young. No matter how good looking he was, it could not camouflage the fact that he was young while one of the characteristics of a high ranked mystical beast trainer was to have plenty of experience, be it heard or learned. This was something Yun Yang could not have done, given his young age. Yun Yang was exceptionally weighed down with matters of the heart now. With a hum, he ignored the two people and went back to his room alone. He has just left the two great young masters outside standing and staring back at each other like that. The instant reaction of the guards was naturally to being infuriated C how could this fellow be so ill-mannered?! Did he not know who we are? We are the elite experts of the Qiu and Xia Family! With their identities, background, and cultivation base, along with the sheer number of them gathered here, even a reputable marquis or the master of a renowned sect would dare not regard them as lightly. This group of people was ready to explode and make their move but Qiu Yunsan and Xia Bingchuan had pacified them. Both of them were clear that if their guards had offended Yun Yang today, there would be no subsequent opportunity to train their mystical beasts! Boss Yun Yang had never been someone one could easily converse with. At this moment, another team of people had arrived at the doors hastily C "Wheres boss?" The person who spoke was Chun Wanfeng. Chun Wanfeng was hugging a tiny mystical beast baby to himself as well; it was a tiny tiger-like beast with a colorful body that looked so very soft that it made one want to touch it. Just by judging from appearances, Chun Wanfengs cub had beaten the ones Xia and Qiu had to the abyss C there was simply no comparison to be made! Upon Chun Wanfengs entrance, a man who looked dejected and displeased followed; it was none other than the last person from the four noble young masters, Dong Tianleng. This fellow had come alone this time. "Wheres boss?" Dong Tianleng asked the same question as Chun Wanfeng. Xia Bingchuan and Qiu Yunsan both rolled their eyes, ignoring him while hugging their mystical beasts. The one hugging a cub asked; what were you asking for without having a mystical beast with you? Did you not see the two of us being displeased? Actually, it was not only Xia and Qiu. The experts from their families were all looking unprecedentedly grim with their gazes trained at the small tiger in Chun Wanfengs embrace; some of them even looked deeply jealous and envious. Chun Wanfengs cub did not only trump the mystical cubs from both families on the sole aspect of appearance, that was for sure. This was a pure combat breed eighth level pinnacle mystical beast, Sable-winged Tiger! Once such a mystical beast grew into adulthood, a pair of wings would grow from the sides of its ribs. Although the pair of wings could not allow it to soar high in the sky, it was a symbol of distinction that differentiated it from other beasts. Other than the pair of wings being unusually hard and could be used as a weapon to kill, it could also be used for short-distanced gliding that it was an easy feat to drift through mountains and rivers. Even if one had to go against the course of the wind, the motion would still be achievable. Besides, the Sable-winged Tiger possessed an innate skill C it could shoot sharp air arrows from its mouth. Not only could the arrows penetrate through anything, its accuracy was marvelous. It was the equivalent of a sniper among the mystical beasts! It was an elite combat mystical beast that one could not have asked for more. Be it Xia Familys Ten Thousand Catty Bear or Qiu Familys Three-eye Boar, they could not compare to this Sable-winged Tiger. They were just plain garbage in comparison! "Boss!" Chun Wanfeng was pleased and proud, mettlesome and boisterous, as he called aloud in a flaunting manner. "Young master is taking a rest." Fang Mofeis sturdy build appeared from the side as he said lightly, "I ask that everyone wait a while." Once Fang Mofei appeared, his strong aura surged immediately, calling the rapt attention of the three families guards. "Eighth level pinnacle mystical cultivator!" Almost everyone tensed, bringing themselves on guard. Although their cultivation base was no weaker than this person before them C some of them much higher than his, to have such a high-leveled cultivator in the ordinary residence of a young master such as Yun Yang was beyond everyones expectation. When Lao Mei stepped out from the pavilion under the tree, everyone was surprised once more to find out that there was another eighth level expert present! Despite this recent appearances cultivation base paling slightly compared to the previous man, he was still a solid eighth peak cultivator. Could it be that high-level cultivators were worth so little now that there were easily two of them serving in this residence? However, surprises only came consecutively to them. Within the room, Bai Yixue spoke lazily, "All who have come are guests. Feel at home, there is no need to be uneasy." His voice came unhurriedly, accompanied by an indifferent tone, but a pressure not unlike a mountain poured over the entire Residence of Yun from where the voice spoke. All thirty high-level experts from the three families grew pale; this was obviously a peak cultivator who had exceeded Tenth Perfection! A mere marquis residence could actually have such an advanced cultivator residing in it. Had they really dropped to the standard of a frog in a well? For once, the group was at a loss. Have we really come to the residence of a worldly marquis young master? Or have we actually arrived at the Concourse of the Underworld? Perhaps the headquarter of the top five sects? Does this residence have an even higher combat capability that its still keeping concealed? More so, could the so-called ability to make mystical beast offspring break through their personal boundaries and level up against be actually true? Perhaps its really true in this odd place of unexpected power! The arrogance within everyone vanished; not a single drop of it remained. Instead, they were even a little more cautious now. Yun Yang was standing by the window in his room to watch the grim expressions of the thirty experts. It was understandable that the three families wanted nothing to go wrong in the process of sending the hardly acquired mystical beast cubs but to send such a mighty group was over the top. There were even several ninth peak cultivators; there probably had other intentions. That was why Yun Yang had sent Bai Yixue out to make a slight intimidation, snubbing the seedling three families could have before it could even sprout! If they were to be in an argument once they arrived, there was simply no benefit to his subsequent plans; that would only expose the real abilities of his side. As long as these people stayed, they would probably have to join in if he were to engage in a duel with Four Seasons Towers experts. They were hoping for him to train the mystical offspring, did they not? In spite of this, Yun Yang had no intention to go out today. Upon killing the high-level cultivator from the Four Seasons Tower with his blades of wind earlier, Yun Yang could clearly feel the slight restlessness of his Endless Divine Art. He would have to go through it to be rid of worry. Moreover, there were too many unexpected incidents that had happened in this timeframe C too much, too miscellaneous, too unruly. He needed to sort them out meticulously. Shui Wuyin was still putting the task Yun Yang had assigned to him in order. He had turned haggard but the Nine Heavens Dictum had taken a better shape with his organization now that it had begun to shine. He had not made the organization known in the open nor did he gather all these people in totality. The Nine Heavens Dictum could only unleash their greatest potential while being in secret; once it was to be exposed in broad daylight, it might be useless standing against a colossus of the Four Seasons Tower, turning into the target of destruction instead. Shui Wuyin resorted to constant assignments of orders and tasks to allow the men under the Nine Heavens Dictum to gradually realize that it was Lord Supreme Wind who was behind everything. He then straightened things up and united everyone step by step through his orders. The process took a long time, definitely, but it sloughed any ill possibilities off and away. He had even occasionally instigated the members to set their hearts of revenge alight before sometimes painting the scenery of a great future It was an undeniable fact that Shui Wuyin was an expert manipulator! Through his tricks and strategies, the Nine Heavens Dictum was working more efficiently than ever while cooperation had taken place among departments. There were also rare cases of misunderstandings. It was a total miracle to have achieved this stage without the need to meet the higher-ups and resort to forceful restraint! At least, Yun Yang knew that it would be difficult to have done so himself! After Bai Yixues gentle reminder, everyone from the three noble families waited quietly at the Residence of Yuns yard. The weather was a little chilly but it was no big deal to these high ranked cultivators. Furthermore, the abundance of spiritual Qi in the Residence of Yun compared to anywhere else paralleled that of blessed locations. There were only pros without cons to staying here. However, it was one thing for them to stay willingly; it was another to remain curious. Upon returning, this Young Master Yun had gone to his room with a dark look like someone had owed him a fortune Why was that? It was afternoon already but Yun Yang was yet to appear. Someone else came instead. "Is this the Residence of Marquis Yun? May I ask if Young Master Yun Yang is in?" A gentle and clear voice sounded from outside the doors. Hearing the voice, the group looked over. There was a man dressed in green who smiling at the entrance of the yard accompanied by a large bird on his left while a youth with a darkly sculpted face stood on his right. He had already entered without being invited. 258 Deeply Attached? The one who came upon the massof people was shocked by the presence of so many individuals who had gathered at the yard. Furthermore, they were all of high-ranked cultivation bases. His brows flinched uncontrollably, having come across something unexpected. Once again, he squinted to observe more closely, and he found a few familiar faces in the throng. There were, to his surprise, three from the top four families, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Obviously the person could in no way have thought of that. These top three families ingenious experts, had surprisingly gathered in numbers at this place. What were they thinking of doing? Are they here to ambush me? The man could not resist turning over to look at the door plaque, his face showing signs of shock and bewilderment. Was this Residence of Yun? Or one of the Residences of the top four families? After all, the formation of thirty-three people with high cultivation bases was too frightening. Despite looking highly upon himself, he had no assurance that he was able to stand against so many expertss. Once the immense fight started, it was wishful thinking to contemplate fleeing! The expressions of the few ninth peak cultivators changed when they saw the newcomer. As one, they all stood up, and one of them uttered: "Brother Wei? You....why are you here?" Brother Wei was also as bewildered as he uttered, "I''m here for some matter. How about you?" At that moment, both parties were looking at each other stumped, each of them were filled with a stomach full of doubts. Gugu, the youth clad in black, had her eyes darting around as she said, "Eldest senior brother, who are these people? Why are they gathered here?" Brother Wei softly uttered: "They are among the best of the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter families. Each one of them is a top expert. Do not act unthinkingly, and speak prudently." Gugu''s eyes darted around before she opened her mouth and asked, "If I may ask, why are you seniors gathered here? Could you help assuage my curiosity?" One of the experts of the Spring Family cringed and waggled his eyebrows after hearing those words, but carefully answered, "Brother Wei, if I may ask, who is he?" "Brother Wei" seemed to laugh awkwardly, and said, "This is my youngest junior brother... he''s young and immature. If he had, in any case, offended any of you... please accept my apology." The masses smiled reluctantly. The reason the masses was gathered here, was but because of the message from the four young masters, who had mentioned that the owner of this place had possessed the method of cultivating high-ranked mystical beasts cubs and was able to break through the innate restraint. Hence, every family had gathered here in trying their luck. Although this experiment had yet to be justified, the implication within was too complicated. If the cultivation matter was true, it would definitely change the influence layout of Tianxuan Continent. Hence, it could be deemed as the most important thing among other important things. If it could be done, they would have silenced the youth by killing him directly instead of even replying to the youths question. However, everyone also knew that, this "Brother Wei" who stood before them had already reached the level of Tenth Perfection. He even had the background of coming from an influential sect, thus was not someone who could be easily trifled with. It was already hard to want to tackle him. In spite of it, it could still be done with the combined efforts of the 33 experts since training the mystical beast cub was a matter of utmost importance. So long as the deed was done cleanly, even if his sect were to investigate this matter, it would be difficult to find any traces of clue! However, besides having vaunted abilities, this person also had a ninth level pinnacle spiritual mystical beast as his saddle! Moreover, it was a flying spiritual beast! The combination of a bird and a human escalated their combat capabilities to more than a expert of the Tenth Perfection. Although the noble families would still able to kill him, it would come at a devastating cost. Although the top three families said that they were on the same side, and this time around they were also standing on the same line of formation, to really pay the enormous price and to establish enemies without any reason would be worthless. Especially at this moment, where they only knew that the owner of this place had the ability of cultivating mystical beasts, but yet to witness it themselves as proof, they could not jump the gun just yet. "We are here for sightseeing at Tiantang City." One of the people laughed dryly, and uttered, "A few of our families young masters are coincidentally here, and we came to have a look around. We have no other intentions than visiting, of course. I wonder if there are any doubts left to this young master that we can ---- answer." Gugu eccentrically and in a playful manner, said, "You can say so, but I''ve visited Tiantang City before. At that time, the four young masters were also here, but why didnt you seniors come at that time? I''ve left for only a few days and suddenly all the seniors are here." There was an old man with a slim and slender face from the Spring family who faintly uttered, "We are here by coincidence, we gathered coincidentally and coincidence caused us to meet as well. If this world didnt have such coincidences, wouldn''t it be boring? Or even if we were here for other matters, I suppose we dont have any obligation to report to you..." Apparently, Gugu''s questioning manner had annoyed these people. We are all people with powers and positions, what do you take us to be by asking us so many questions? Gugu who was slapped by the words was not angry but uttered, "Coincidence I see, the matter that concerns you all have nothing to do with me anyway. However, the owner of this place, Residence of Yuns Young Master Yun - we know each other." The faces of thirty-three people turned rigid at the same time. You are Yun Yangs friend? Suddenly, a sound filled with excitement could be heard, "Gu Gu?" The masses were spellbound. Gu Gu? Was there a pigeon somewhere? Yun Yang was clad in violet, his elegant and graceful grin was like a stream of the glacier spring. Walking quickly, his violet gown hovered in the air, displaying a sense of mystery. The moment Yun Yang saw Gugu and his eldest senior brother, there was a sense of danger that wrapped itself about his heart. How could he not know that the great problem had arrived? How could he solve this problem? Yun Yang could only react spontaneously. The best choice, of course, was to play along. "Gugu... it''s really you! I thought my eyes have played tricks on me!" Yun Yang roared with laughter, his expression was extremely merry. "For these past days, I''ve been missing you so much... When I woke up the other day, you were no longer there. Why didnt you wake me up the moment you left?" Someone was growing shameless with the innuendo within his words, the implied meaning had led one to have fanciful thoughts and an overactive imagination! Just before he finished his sentence, Yun Yang went forward with the intention to hug Gugus shoulder; apparently after his flirty words, he was going in with flirty advances as well. Gugu rapidly squirmed away and furiously exclaimed, "Yun Yang, what nonsense are you talking about? Please have some respect!" Yun Yang rapidly halted, smiled albeit awkwardly and said, "I was unaware just now. Why are there still so many people around? Normally there wouldn''t be any one at my house. What a surprise! Let us wait until there''s no one left." The eldest senior brother at the side had since had his eyes wide opened and his mouth agape, standing rooted at the spot. What... what is all this about? "I missed you so much"... what is this? Fond longing of each other? "When I woke up the other day, you were no longer there..." What did that mean? "When you left, you didnt wake me up" what was this about? The other day... dont tell me that you both have slept on the same bed? If not, what else could it be? Both of you were hugging each other the moment you met. dont you tell me that you''ve been so acquainted to this point? "Normally there aren''t many people at my house" Could it be true that flirty touches is the usual mode of interaction between the both of you? Wait until there was no one left? What are you going to do when there''s no one else? The eldest senior brothers face was full of question marks; the more he thought of it, the scarier it got. This matter was indeed more terrifying the longer you thought about it! Looking again at Yun Yangs good looking and elegant face, he was like a tall handsome pine standing there with his lean build; his gaze seemed to have stored boundless affection... A fine young master in this worldly realm, such an elegantly beautiful youth -such compliments could not be more precise. If his own junior sister had changed to her ladys attire and recover her real looks, she would have made a perfect couple with this Young Master Yun! The so-called flawless match of bead and jade was none other than being so perfectly fitted in its congeniality. While stroking his jaw, Brother Wei looked thoughtful. "The one with the surname Yun!" Gugu was furious to the extent that her face had changed its colour. "Stop talking nonsense over there! My identity back then was an envoy. I wonder what are your intentions for talking so much nonsense?" Yun Yang nodded his head like a chicken pecking the rice. "Of course, an envoy. That day you did tell me that. It was your surface identity. I knew about it." The faces of the masses had become more dubious. "We''ve greeted each other in terms of brothers. It was just a few days since then, is this how Young Master Yun treats his own brother?" Gugu said in pretense manliness so as to try saving her own image. However, it had only served to highlight the inharmonious ambience. "Of course, of course!" Yun Yang squinted his eyes and uttered, "Brother Gu, it has been several days since our parting, how are you? I''ve indeed missed you more. Come, come. It''s rare that you come today, please do come in and have a cup of tea This was hand-plucked by me, specially for you..." Hearing his every word that was intended to cause misunderstanding of the people, Gugus dark face of a disguise turned red in anger. "Yun Yang, you are despicable and shameless!" Yun Yang remarked joyfully with a laugh seemingly full of tenderness as he uttered, "Yes yes, I am despicable and shameless. Whats more, I am also deliberately making trouble!" There were several people from the masses of three families that couldnt resist making remarks. All of them had been long lived in this world, how could they not been able to hear the tease within? Gugu was even more enraged as she hatefully uttered, "Yun Yang, you bastard!" Yun Yang who was gesturing to invite them in had his arm frozen and he no longer spoke. After a while, he looked at Gugu with a gloomy glance while the corners of his mouth broke into a mechanical, icy grin, as if he had been struck with an unprecedentedly enormous setback, and he coldly uttered, "Brother Gu, you''re...?" Gugu who was infuriated was panting with rage. She closed her eyes and solemnly she uttered each and every word, " Yun Yang, don''t you dare contaminate my pure name!" "Brother Gu how could you say this?" Yun Yang then displayed a reserved beam, a grin like one had been rejected by people over a thousand miles. He lifted his head and with a solemn voice, he uttered, "Brother Gus good name would be mine to protect with full effort. For this, Brother Gu need not keep reminding me. Never mind. You''ve come a long way anyway. Consider gracing me your presence and allow me to serve you a cup of tea. We would talk about the rest later." He lifted his head in pride, as if he had been hurt to the greatest extent yet was trying to maintain his self-dignity and pride at all cost. He lifted his jaw and said rather coldly, "I understand. Our countries are fighting and you and I are supposed to be in opposing stances. It was known that one would not befriend another if their paths were different. If you wouldnt even want to grace me this opportunity... then please help yourself." Smiling indifferently, he pointed his finger and said, "The main door is on that side. Walk towards the south after the doors to head to the city gate to exit the city. Be on your way!" His behavior was exactly like a couple who had felt dejected and was acting rashly out of their disagreements. 259 The Perfect Man Gugu looked menacing as she trembled from the anger. Seeing that the situation had taken an odd turn, Brother Wei, who was standing aside, jumped out quickly and said with a smile, "This is Young Master Yun? Im Gugus eldest senior brother, my family name is Wei." Yun Yang looked surprised, a panicked expression that wanted to pander to the former yet not knowing what to do. He looked like he wanted desperately to leave the family of the person he liked with a good impression but was at the same time miserable from being unable to rearrange his expression. "Uh C uh this Eldest senior brother uh C I I didnt know Come, come C quick, come in Uh, treat my home as your own home when coming here'' He actually smiled shyly while he spoke, scratching his head helplessly C a perfectly innocent look of a na?ve youth. Gugu was about to spit blood from the fury. Looking at her eldest senior brother actually being beguiled by Yun Yang and was about to take a step forward, she screamed, "Eldest senior brother, ignore him! He really isnt a good man!" Eldest senior brother glanced at Yun Yang subconsciously as he heard the words, being greeted by Yun Yang who looked sorrowful but was suppressing his feelings; Yun Yangs gaze dimmed a little when he said softly, "Gugu, I know that I shouldnt have done that You have every right to be angry but I am Yutangs man after all" He grinned bitterly and turned to say, "Were people from two different worlds. Eldest senior brother, please take Gugu and leave. This is Yutangs land. If you two stay any longer, there might be repercussions Both of you no longer possess the identities you all did the last time" He lowered his head and said, "Take care Take good care of yourselves in the future." Yun Yangs crestfallen demeanor was engaging, his heartbroken fa?ade seemed utterly genuine. Watching his expression, the eldest senior brother could not help feeling like he understood as much and that his junior sister was a little overboard and heartless with how she had reacted. The truth was laid before the eyes C what else could he not understand? It was a pair of matching lovers who fell in love at first sight, but due to their background of two different countries, two different worlds they had to suppress whatever it was that they had felt. Yet they were a young man and lady after all, the emotions could hardly be stifled upon meeting once again. Therefore, a constant stream of conflicts was on repeat once both of them got together. Yun Yang had said just now that he should not have done that C what did he mean? The eldest senior brother felt like he knew well enough what it was. What was it for that he and Gugu had darted around three countries? Was it not for the Soul-Sealing Spike? Gugu had left a spike for Yun Yang although she had said that it was to use the needle to plot against Yun Yang, it seemed now that the real situation might not be so There used to be romance sparked from swords, this right now could be romance sparked from spikes! As For Yun Yang, who had utilized the Soul-Sealing Spike and plotted against the other countries, causing the massive misunderstanding between Dongxuan and the nations then resulting in Gugus rage, the reason of her anger was probably less of what she said about embarrassment turned to fury from being inferior in her skills but it was because the person she liked had used her and deceived her! Everything about this matter was crystal clear; it was so obvious and logical, taking the most natural course! Looking at Gugu, who was trembling and about to tear up, then at Yun Yangs guilt-stricken face in addition to his miserable expression the eldest senior brother could not help wanting to sigh C the word love would be the most troublesome since the beginning of times. The ancient sayings never lied! "Since weve come here already, we shall have to stay for a cup of tea regardless." The eldest senior brother smiled warmly and said, "It just remains to be seen whether Young Master Yun is convenient to have us." Yun Yang looked surprised from the affection as he hurriedly said, "It is, it is! Very convenient! Convenient even when its not!" He then welcomed the duo inside, almost too warmly. His gestures were big and he almost waved his arms away. If Gugu were to remove her disguise, her pale face could probably be compared to a dead persons. She was huffing while her feet seemed to have been nailed onto the ground; her eyes glared at Yun Yang unblinkingly, like she wanted to swallow him whole. The eldest senior brother pulled Gugus sleeves and said in a low voice, "Gugu, stop being impulsive. Have you forgotten what weve come for?" Upon saying so, he pulled Gugu in. The eldest senior brother was more rational than emotional about the current event. No matter what an entanglement they were in, they stood against each other; the conflict of them being enemies remained after all. No matter how tasteless and shameless Yun Yang was in using the Soul-Sealing Spike, it was rightful of him to resort to any conceivable means since they were enemies. If they were to only speak of the results now, disregarding the fact that their standpoints varied entirely, the eldest senior brother would express his admiration over the excellence of Yun Yangs trick C it was wonderful, marvelously so! Gugu was so enraged that she might just die from of suffocation, the fury licking about in her core was ready to explode anytime now but she had to walked in passively. Her eldest senior brother was right; if they did not enter straightaway, what meaning would their trip to Yutang this time entail? How could they solve their current impasse? If she were to return directly from being infuriated, was it not foolish to have made their trip here? To travel thousands of miles only to turn around? That would be absurd. Thinking deeper, for Yun Yang who was such a despicable, shameless, and scurrilous bastard, he must have no other aim than to muddle up and confuse others C he might even reap some benefits from the chaos, and Gugu would never let him get his way! Yet this bastard was such a natural in his acting, worthy of an award, that her eldest senior brother had already bought his flowery words and believed that she had some sort of unspoken feelings for him! This was what Gugu could not accept the most. It was a feeling harder to swallow than eating a fly. Her glare towards Yun Yang grew even more brutish, like she was just a sliver of self-control away from pouncing and chewing two mouthfuls of Yun Yang to vent her anger. "Wait up please, everyone." Yun Yang made a simple request towards the people from the four noble families and walked right into his yard. The eldest senior brother and Gugu followed; one of them was graceful and elegant while another had her head lowered while watching her stomach, feeling like it might explode any given second. She had to hold it in in fear of her eldest senior brother being tricked Behind them, the experts of the three noble families looked like they knew what was going on C it was obviously a couple who had an argument; it was obvious from the shy looks and refusal to lift the head up. Certainly, it must be so. However, at the bottom of their hearts, Dong Tianleng, Chun Wanfeng and the other two young masters knew something was amiss. This seemed a little strange. Since when has boss been related to this girl? If he was, we wouldnt have not known it. Besides people like boss, even if he really did like the girl, hed never behave this way. This was more like acting! We, four popinjays, will need this sort of trick to get the girls but excellent goods like boss did not need such effortC he only needed to wait for the girls to get him Such humbleness and subservience there must be something wrong! The four young masters glanced at each other, exchanging of a series of looks. The saying that the wise sometimes makes a mistake while the fool could sometimes score was true. Experienced as the aged martial artists might be, they could sometimes make a blunder in their judgement while the popinjays had moments where they could see the truth! "Eldest senior brother cough I wonder if I can call you so" Yun Yang said abashedly, "May I ask for your name?" The eldest senior brother smiled warmly and answered, "My family name is Wei, as in the word danger; this surname is quite rare. My name is Wei Xinglu, call me eldest senior brother just like Gugu." "Eldest senior brother Wei," Yun Yang called. "Your reputation precedes you." Wei Xinglu smiled faintly. "Ive long heard that Young Master Yun is superior to others. Now that Ive met you today, indeed you shine brightly, your elegance is extraordinary." Yun Yang laughed. "Eldest senior brother flatters me. I say eldest senior brother is the outstanding one; the School of Spring and Autumns reputation is renowned throughout the martial arts world while eldest senior brothers valiance spreads afar. This younger brother has always admired such that Id love to join School of Spring and Autumn and spend time with eldest senior brother." Wei Xinglu chuckled and thought, "This child probably loves to join School of Spring and Autumn and spend time with junior sister instead. Use me as a smokescreen? Not bad, not bad at all." "A standard like yours and you wish to enter the doors of the School of Spring and Autumn? Dream on! Even if you did enter, youre only worthy of being an odd-job man who cleans! Such a status should already make your ancestors proud!" Gugu snorted in derision. Yun Yang seemed to be submitting to the indignation as he answered, "Gugu is right My talent is ordinary, its my wishful thinking Ive thought too much" Wei Xinglu could not take it anymore as he chided, "Gugu, how can you speak like that as a lady? Youve already taken your restraints off in front of everyone just now, how can you still be like this now?" Wei Xinglus tone was stringent, his intention to teach Gugu a lesson evident. Gugu pouted like she was greatly wronged but no longer spoke to retort. Yun Yang hopped in to mediate, saying, "Gugus always been forward and direct. Eldest senior brother neednt mind, there arent any outsiders here." Wei Xinglu smiled, all the more satisfied with his junior sisters crush; he especially agreed with what Yun Yang said about there being no outsiders here, thinking that his junior sisters tough personality was complimented well by Young Master Yuns gentle manner that was forgiving. Just thinking about both of them being together, he knew his junior sister would not suffer for the rest of her life. Besides, although this Young Master Yun said that his talent was ordinary, his real ability was anything but that. Despite his young age, he already had the cultivation base of mystical Qi sixth peak in addition to the surging mystical Qi within him, it was obvious that he was near another breakthrough In other words, this child might advance to the seventh peak very soon! It was no simple task. Just like the innately gifted disciples in the School of Spring and Autumn, how many of them had Young Master Yuns cultivation base when they were his age? The combination of all the above C Young Masters striking looks, his excellent capability, his personal arduous personality, his mild temper and even his substantial family background while it might still pale a little to suit his junior sister, it was more than alright. Too much would not be great as someone who was higher qualified might not look at his junior sister instead! 260 To Cooperatively Feign For now, the problem that laid before the both of them was the fact that they belonged to two different countries that were in a rivalry. Looking at it from the point of a normal person, it would be difficult to explain and incapable of being resolved. However, as long as the both of them truly loved each other, all of the problems wouldnt be a big issue; in fact, there was a high possibility of turning those problems around! It was obvious that Yun Yang was deeply in love with Gugu, yet he had, for his country and nationality, opted to do what had to be done, hence the regret. This was a display of a man who knew his responsibilities. It was an utterly precious and invaluable trait indeed! "Young Master Yun is terribly wise. Unfortunately, your responsibility has caused Gugu to suffer tremendously," remarked Wei Xinglu with a laugh. Since it had been confirmed by his own heart, he naturally had to defend his own junior sister with a few words. As for Wei Xinglu, the other matters, well, did not matter at all. To an elite sect that had transcended the secular, and to these top masters who had been placed above the ordinary people, the countrys war and the treacherous tricks were all worthless even to mention! As for the misunderstanding that had been created by Yun Yang, the most serious one would be that between him and Gugu, as a couple. That would be considered urgent and had to be solved immediately. If not, once it had formed a knot in their hearts, it would have an impact for a lifetime. For now, the task was to help both of them to alleviate the tension. The act of his junior sisters was indeed improper, as all the people had been clear of what was happening. Even then, she still acted so aggressively. If it was not for the fact that Yun Yang had been so in love with his junior sister that he did not mind the slight,such menacing and unruly behavior would be sufficient to break the fate between them! Yun Yang smiled coldly and said, "For this part, I really couldnt help it. I only hoped to attain the goals then, and never did I think about anything else. Since the Nine Supremes were no longer in existence, millions and millions of Yutangs citizens would have to bear the pain of war fire which was getting worse, day by day. If the four empires had indeed attacked together, Yutangs common people will then fall into terrible hardship. Even if Gugu could not understand this, and even if she was hateful towards me...I would still do what I did..." There was boundless of determination within his faint smile. Wei Xinglu nodded inwardly. What a great fellow! Such a responsible man! A great man had things that could be done and some that he could never, he would also have things that he should do, and must do! Although he deeply loved his woman, he knew clearly what his priorities were. No matter how he would dote upon his woman, he would never be a pure slave of his wife in the future. Such a patriotic and honest man who could clearly distinguish between favor and grudge was very rare. Gugu should have treasured him more. To act with such menace, and to talk maliciously, would only push such a good man away. "Argh, it is so frustrating!" Gugu could no longer withstand the irritation; she stood up and shouted across the sky. It was indeed difficult to let out the gloom that lay within her! Gugu knew that her eldest senior brother had always been wise, and he treated her as if she was his little daughter, full of tenderness and love. Due to this, she could not figure out what had happened to him today. Why did he trust Yun Yang so much, a man whom he had newly met? He had not even allowed her to defend herself! This was absurd! Was it possible that he had been poisoned? She did not know that it was exactly because Wei Xinglu was especially concerned about her that he worried over her marriage, and did not wish for her to miss the opportunity to have a good man as a husband. In so, he was afraid that she would be too stubborn that she would destroy the prospects of this wonderful marriage. This was the extreme concern of an elder towards his children who had reached the proper age. "Gugu!" Wei Xinglu sternly exclaimed, "Stop playing the fool." Gugu was angered to the extent that she could not talk, she turned her head to the side and saw that Yun Yang was looking at her. Undetected by Wei Xinglu, Yun Yang winked and made a funny face at her. Gugus rage had risen to another tier; golden stars had emerged in front of her eyes and she was growing increasingly dizzy. "I''m about to die..." groaned Gugu. She slumped her delicate body on the chair. Her whole body was powerless. On the other side, Yun Yang and Wei Xinglu had begun to chat about anything under the sun. From the art of tea to slowly delving into the art of chess and of the sword. Both of them even talked about fishing techniques for half a day. After that, their discussion covered a myriad of random topics, the chatter going into full swing. Wei Xinglu was growing increasingly surprised at how learned this young master was. He was familiar with a wide range of fields, and was even quite well-versed in them! As long as he started the topic, Yun Yang would be able to delve into it deeply and discourse intelligently. His views were original and extremely distilled. The more they talked the more satisfied he was, and the more they spoke, the more regretful he was for meeting him that late. "Young Master Yun, the sky is darkening. How about we stay at your residence so that we can have a heart-to-heart talk on another day." Wei Xinglu acted as if he was the brides family, directly requesting to stay overnight. "Yes of course, that''d be my wish that I dare not speak aloud!" Yun Yang was utterly astounded. "You still have guests outside, why dont you go and entertain them first? " Wei Xinglu was beaming lightly, his eyes fixed on Yun Yang, full of admiration and satisfaction. "Yes, yes. Eldest senior brother, please have a seat. Gugu...." Yun Yang hesitated a bit and said, "Tonight, I''ve ordered the kitchen to prepare your favorite, deep-fried double-flavored prawn, and specially ordered them to remove the back. Also, I''ve gotten them to serve the thigh meat of the dragon bird which I had sent my men out to buy... I will be going out now." Yun Yang walked out slowly. Gugu was angered to the point of death. She did not have the time to berate the scoundrel furiously as Yun Yangs shadow had disappeared around the corner. Wei Xingly''s eyes were full of satisfaction as he said, " Gugu, this kid is really not bad. He''s observant enough to recall your favorite food. Without a doubt, he is really being kind to you! " Gugu hid her face, feeling as if the intestines in her stomach had twisted into each other, and wishing to cry but she had no tears to shed. "Eldest senior brother... you have it all wrong..." Wei Xinglu replied sternly, "For the other things, I can allow you to fool around, but for your marriage, it is a matter that will affect the rest of your life... and in this, you must listen to me! Do you understand?" Gugu rolled her eyes as if she had been gassed until she fainted. "Just let me die!" ... There were sounds of a commotion, but it seemed like the people arguing had intentionally suppressed their volume, in order for them to avoid stray ears listening in. "Do not talk about this matter again. Dong Tianleng, I know that your sister is beautiful and exceptionally talented. This is uncontested since I''ve witnessed her true face. However... I still cant promise you..." Yun Yangs voice was suppressed, as if from afar. "What if... overheard... Shut up, say no more!" Dong Tianlengs voice boomed despite his best efforts to keep it low, "Boss... since the day my sister met you, she has had her affections deeply rooted. She is fully devoted to you. It''s either you or she''ll not marry at all. She would be merrily contented even to become a concubine." Yun Yang groaned, "Dong Tianleng, I''ve already told you clearly, I will only want to have one person with me, together, for this lifetime. My heart belongs to someone else, how can I waste the time of such an honorable lady? You are wanting me to become an irresponsible man, arent you?" Dong Tianleng was clearly oppressed, looking dejected as he sighed. Xia Bingchuan chimed in, "Dong Tianleng, I too have fallen in love at first sight when I saw your sister. I am willing to take her as my wife... If you dont object, I will order people back home to officially propose at your door later..." Dong Tianleng had only two words as a reply. "Get lost!" Qiu Yunsan interjected, "Dong Tianleng, how about me? Besides granting your sister a proper wife position, I will also promise to treat her nicely for my whole life!" "Get lost, both of you! And also you Chun Wanfeng, say nothing. If not, get lost as well!" "Why don''t the four of you fellows just get lost together." Yun Yang sighed in despair, "I haven''t forgotten about your matter. However, I have to solve my own affairs for now. I''ll go look for you fellows two days later. You all have seen for yourself today, it will not be convenient to come by these few days. After the matter here has been done, you fellows can come directly to my house, I will immediately accomplish the promise I''ve made." The four popinjays were delighted. "Thats great, thank you boss!" Right afterwards, Dong Tianleng suppressed his voice as he muttered in a tone filled with compassion, "Boss, although a woman needs to be treated tenderly, you can''t spoil her too much. To be frank, just seeing what happened just now, I can''t even bear to have finished watching it. Except for the fact that my sisters cultivation talent is a bit inferior, her other conditions arent really all that bad. Not only is she pretty and chaste, her nature is gentle and soft, tender like water..." Yun Yang roared at the four popinjays, "Dont you understand humans words? Get lost, quickly and immediately! For how far does the ocean stretch, is how far you should get lost!" The four of them left, chuckling in mirth. The place where they had been talking was far from where Wei and Gugu were staying, and it was already located at the other corner of the yard. Since they were soft-spoken words, the volume of their whispers could be said were at their utmost minimum. With Gugus cultivation base, she would not be able to hear it naturally, and she had angered herself so much that she was fuming quite literally. However, what was Wei Xinglus cultivation base? Although the voices were soft, it all had landed into the ears of this Tenth Perfection cultivator. He had heard the entire conversation clearly. He could not help but to let out a sigh. It was fair to call Yun Yang a wonderful young master despite the chaotic times, an elegantly beautiful youth. His looks was exceptional; even a man who witnessed it would have fallen for him. It was not difficult to think or to guess how many ladies would have taken a fancy to such a man posed for great demand. However, he was able to be so loyal in his feelings. This was too precious, utterly invaluable! Although Gugu was usually stubborn, this time around, she would not be allowed to mess this up because of her own attitude. She must be woken up. If I were to allow her to keep doing whatever she wanted, it will be certain that I would lose this great son-in-law. By seeing what she had done today, a lot of marks would have been deducted. Anyhow, a lady should be gentler, even if Young Master Yun was deeply attached and would not care much about it. Why couldnt Gugu, this silly girl, be able to know that to have an affinity with each other would be great, however, to be able to find the other half who would love her, and to be willing to tolerate her would be the luckiest thing of all? It was better to get this matter finalized. Once such a great man had been missed, it would be a lifetime of regret! 261 Summoned by Old He Until the moment where Yun Yang had walked out, the four noble families were preparing to leave. Apparently, Dong Tianleng had followed Yun Yangs order to temporarily leave together with the other elites and to wait for Yun Yang''s call. Meanwhile, at the small yard where both Wei and Gu were staying... "Eldest senior brother, please, believe me, I have no relationship with Yun Yang at all! Previously, I was clad in a mans attire all the while. Besides, even the old marshal Han knows that I am a girl, Yun Yang would naturally not be privy to such information. If he really does have an interest in me, then he is a rabbit!" Gugu explained anxiously. "Gugu!" Eldest senior brother frowned and said with great dignity, " Do you know what you are saying? Are you implying that Yun Yang is a homosexual? Are you saying that there no one could possibly discover that you are a lady? Do you even believe it yourself?" Gugu nervously uttered, "Yes, I do believe so. How can I not? No one knows my true identity. Even more, no one knows about the fact that I am a lady!" Eldest senior brother buried his forehead in his hands, and after a while, he uttered, "It seems that I should be the one to reflect upon myself. I have misled you greatly all this while. I can certainly say that not a single person here today can fail to see that you are a woman. Are you still certain that Yun Yang doesn''t know that you are a lady?" Although Gugu was from the School of Spring and Autumn and her background and origin were extraordinary, she had very little experience. She thought that by disguising her appearance, it was sufficient to conceal her identity from the others. Little did she know that her true identity had been exposed to observant people such as Yun Yang and the like. Eldest senior brother did not have it wrong. The people at the Residence of Yun today, no matter whether it was Fang Mo Fei, Lao Mei or the four noble families, they were all experienced persons. How could they not able to see through her amateur ploys? Even Dong Tianleng and the remaining four had managed to see the fact that she was a lady. Although it was true that the fact these four people were able to see through it had nothing to do with their experience at all, the four of them were experienced men who had toured around through clusters of flowers. Regardless of how superior Gu Gus disguise was, her feminine wiles had left imprints everywhere, how could she conceal that against these four men? Eldest senior brother noticed that Gugu still wished to argue. With a straightforward voice, he cut through her protests and said, " I will treat you as with embarrassment, having so many people witnessing your private matters. You flew into a rage out of humiliation and it was reasonable. Yet for every matter, you must not overdo it. This matter was related to your lifetimes jubilation. If you still remain ungrateful and wish to act recklessly until the day where you no longer have the chance to appreciate it, I am afraid that you will regret it for your entire life." Wei Xinglu sighed softly and said, " One must know that even flowers will have the time where it will blossom again, yet a person will never experience youth more than once!" Gugu held her forehead in hopeless resignation, "Eldest senior brother, do you still remember the reason we came here this time? We came here to investigate Yun Yangs background, whether Yun Yang had been involved in the Soul Sealing Spike dispute, and what should we do next, as well as how we should deal with it. Is this not our real goal?" Gugu fumed, "Eldest senior brother, why would you rather believe Yun Yangs complete nonsense, than to believe my truth? I am your real junior sister apprentice..." Wei Xinglu complexion remained calm and unchanged. Faintly he uttered, "Then you should first answer me; since you grew up, how many times have you spoken the truth?" Gugu was tongued-tied for a moment, she had nothing to say. Apparently, eldest senior brother had her on her crucial point, making her speechless, incapable of responding. "I am now answering your question. With regards to the things that you said, is there still a need to check it? Hadn''t Yun Yang already confessed in public earlier? He had revealed everything of his own volition, what else do you still want to check? The truth is apparent. Regardless of the motivation, means, or the people who had handled it. They are all obvious with a single glance. They are all reasonable and within expectation. At this point, why would you still want to go around looking for clues?" Wei Xinglu stared at his own junior sister apprentice with a strange glance. Apparently, he was suspecting his junior sister apprentices intention of replaying the same old tune. Wouldnt it be too inferior, or too brainless even, to do so? Even if you wanted to change the topic by turning it around, wouldnt that allow people to sculpt through her motives easily? The legend that the wisdom of men and women in love would turn to zero was true. If that was the case, how was it that Yun Yang had no such signs at all? No, the fact that Yun Yang was able to fancy his own junior apprentice and to be deeply attached with her, was in itself a depiction of a low intelligence. It was even a display of pure stupidity. He must have his junior sister apprentice delivered to him, if not how could it be all right? Gugu''s eyes turned wide and her jaw dropped. Stunned, she began to protest, "But..." "What else do you wish to say?" Wei Xinglu said, "This matter is clear without a shadow of a doubt. The goal of the journey this time has been settled. Have you not understood the key to this matter? For the turning of the accident, if it hadnt involved our School of Spring and Autumn''s unique hidden weapon, I would not even have bothered about it. Yet for now the whole thing has been cleared up, our schools secret weapon has not been leaked. Our worries have been completely lifted. For the remaining follow-up actions, specifically on how to do it, are the matters for Han Sanhe and the Empire of Dongxuan to think about. Your brother will not intervene anymore as those people and things had nothing to do with us. Gugu, you must not forget your identity, you are a pupil of theSchool of Spring and Autumn, not to be involved in the secular dynastys hegemony. This time, you came here with Han Sanhe because of fate and of chance and for no other reason! "I understand, since things have been cleared up, then lets go now. This is a place where I do not want to stay for a single moment longer." Gugu was stunned for a long while, a feeling which eventually turned into dejection. Though knowing that what had been said by her eldest senior brother was reasonable, she still couldnt wait to quickly leave the strange place where the big devil Yun Yang was staying. This area was indeed eerie. Before this, she was in full confidence that she was able to get a lot of Kirin Fish. Yet, it was entirely futile, a pure waste of countless pieces of valuable bait. For now, only the artificial words of the popinjay had managed to confuse her eldest senior brother who has always been wise. For now, it would be proper to leave quickly. "Why are you in a hurry to leave? " Wei Xinglu grinned and said, "We still have one thing to do; we still have to explore the matter on He Hanqing side!" Gugu said, "I know.Even if we have to investigate or deal with He Hanqing, there is no need to live in the home of the person with the surname Yun!" Wei Xinglu beamingly exclaimed, "Why should we not stay here? I see that this is a good place." Gugu forehead appeared to have a few more black lines, only to feel that the powerlessness of her heart had converged into the ocean. Eldest senior brother had been too stubborn, how could you not discover that the person with the surname Yun is, in fact, an actor! No, he was an actor only to her eldest senior brother. She had since managed to see through his sinister face and would never be fooled! She was unaware that Wei Xinglu had been sighing deep in his heart. "Silly girl, I am here to create the opportunity for you. How can you not see that?" Dinner time was full of awkwardness. For whatever Yun Yang uttered, Gugu would have it countered. The eldest senior brother would have liked to turn it around, but he did not know how to do it when he saw Yun Yang''s expression which forbade any further words. After a moment of awkward silence, Yun Yang was beaming brightly; he changed the topic but he was then mercilessly targeted, followed by another moment of awkward silence. This repeated itself for a few times. For any topic that could be continued unexpectedly, it was probably due to the fact that Gugu and Yun Yang had actually managed to see eye to eye! The more Wei Xinglu observed the situation, the more he felt that a problem might actually exist between this little couple! The problem certainly had to be on Gugus side. Her temper was simply terrible. This was also a display of Yun Yangs true love, together with his good temper. If it was me, it wouldn''t be long before he lost it totally. Wei Xinglu stared at Yun Yang, mixing his own feelings with the elements of compassion. The dinner continued in an awkward atmosphere. All of a sudden, Lao Mei, who was standing outside, softly uttered, "Young master?" Yun Yang stood up, "What has happened?" Outside, Lao Mei did not answer. Yun Yang excused himself, then went out. There was no sound that could be heard. "There shouldnt be any words that one couldnt tell. Acting in such a ghostly and sneering manner, certainly, he was engaging in some sort of evil idea... hmph!" Gugu pouted. With her chopsticks, she fiercely forked out the items on the dishes, and murmured, "This person with the surname Yun has a belly full of bad water,filled with intrigue! He''s lying if he says he''s not sizing people up!" For just the few days that her eldest senior brother had been in Tiantang City, a wise people like him had been deceived by Yun Yang. Gugu started to feel that all the crows had been flying all over the sky, turning it as dark as ink. This Yun Yang was too evil. Wei Xinglu did not argue, but only closed his eyes, exercising his mystical skill, listening attentively to Yun Yang''s conversation outside. His butler had come over, and by not saying a word in front of them, he must have some private things to share. This thing was likely to be related to the both of them. Yun Yang had escaped to a very far corner. Having to exercise all of his cultivation base, he was able to hear a little sound at last. The two men had stopped in their paces. Yun Yang barely audible voice could be heard faintly, "What has happened? Cant you see that I have guests?" The voice of the butler sounded worried, "It was Sir He who sent me over. He has asked young master to go over. There are things he has to discuss." Sir He? Wei Xinglu''s hackles rose unexpectedly. Dont tell me that it was the He Hanqing? If that was true, all the many things that had happened before would surely have some relation to the so-called He Hanqing! Yun Yang''s voice clearly sounded a bit apprehensive, "Why would Sir He send someone over at this time? Could it be that he has discovered that Gugu has arrived?" Lao Mei uttered, "He has expected this. Young Master, I do not wish to say this, but this pair of senior brother and junior sister have come here uncovered. They must be open and aboveboard. Not only do the people from the four noble families know their identities, their whereabouts have since fallen into the hearts of the people. I am afraid that they will be an obstruction to you, young master." Melancholy could be heard in Yun Yang''s voice, "What obstruction? Before this, our position was different. I had done my part for the things that a man of Yutang should do. Now, Gugu and her eldest senior brother had come over for a visit. At most, they are just here to trace the matter of the secret weapon, which has nothing to do with dynasty disputes. How can that be? Can they say that I am a traitor by just relying on this single point? Do I no longer have freedom when it comes to making friends?" 262 I Am Your Old Uncle! Lao Mei''s laugh was bitter, "Its alright for young master to say this to me ... Still, young master, I would say that its better to let them leave as soon as possible. It is not for the sake of young master, but who would dare to doubt young master when he is in the Empire of Yutang? However, when each others identities are hostile against each other, how can coexistence be possible? Old Sir He has always been cautious, he would never allow the possibility of "what if". He would definitely have precautionary steps to cater to this, in case the two met on the road." Yun Yang was clearly startled by this statement, "Yes, yes, what you have said is reasonable. I was only determined to let the guests stay, but I''ve neglected this part. This is really a matter of concern. The way I allow the guests to stay is but delaying their established actions." "Don''t sigh anymore young master, old Sir He is still waiting over there. I think its better for young master to go over, you might have a fighting chance." The butler sounded very worried, "Old Sir He is among the few people who can influence the Emperor himself." Yun Yangs response was sullen, "Well, it seems like this meeting is unavoidable! I have to go over to greet him so as to slow down the old mans actions. This bunch of old men. They never cease to interfere in other people''s lives." Lao Mei said, "Old Sir Hes starting point is for the great cause of Yutang. Young master, you..." "Well, well, I will be going in a while. However, I have been accompanying our guests halfway through, how can one leave in the middle of that?" Yun Yang was clearly angry, "Old Sir He has nothing to do. Add the fact that he is of age now and older, there is nothing wrong to keep him waiting for a while, is there? " While he was saying that, footsteps could be heard. Someone was walking back toward the room. Wei Xinglu silently recovered from his deific consciousness, his face showing a touch of a smile. The door opened, Yun Yang walked in. "Apologies for the long wait." "No harm done." Wei Xinglu was beaming still, just that his smile had become slightly more sincere. However, on the other side, Gugu rolled her eyes, not showing the slightest kindness towards Yun Yang. At first glance, Yun Yang looked the same as before, but how could Wei Xinglu not notice that he had since become heavy-hearted, filled with worry. They then drank a few more glasses of wine with each other, and Yun Yang suddenly asked, "Gugu, for this time that you came to Yutang, how many days can you stay?" Gugu ruthlessly rolled her eyes, "What does it have to do with you? I will stay for as many days that I am willing to. Even if it was for a lifetime, how are you able to control it?" Gugus intention was just to ridicule Yun Yang, but the eldest senior brother, who was listening closely, had got it wrong as if he thought it was going to rain when he heard the howling of the wind . He thought that Gugu had inadvertently spelled out her own intentions. To stay for a lifetime? Was she not tempted by this handsome man? Yun Yang laughed dryly, and replied, "That has nothing to do with me. It''s fine for you to stay for however long you are willing." Suddenly, it seemed like he had been struck by a thought; with a solemn voice, he uttered, "Since there is nothing to do here... why don''t you head home earlier?" Gugu grunted, "I am going back whenever I wish. It is of no concern to you!" Wei Xinglu noticed that Yun Yang had silently let out a sigh. After a long while, with some difficulty to start his speech, he uttered, "For now, the world may not be at peace. No matter where one is, one must be extra careful." Gugu coldly replied, "Now that you have the time to worry about others, why dont you worry about yourself first?" Yun Yang did not bother to reply and raised his wine glass instead. "Please, let us drink together. It is not easy to gather, lest we drink without stopping." Gugu scoffed, "Eldest senior brother, do not drink that! Who knows if the wine is poisoned or not?" Yun Yang grinned dryly, "Gugu is too humorous. For a great wine that was being poured out from the wine pot, if theres poison within, I would poison myself to death as well..." The more Wei Xinglu observed, the more sympathetic he felt. His junior sister was too unruly, and he could no longer stand for it. He raised his wine glass and said, "Please, thank you, young master, for your hospitality. If there is an opportune time in the future, please do come over for a stroll at the School of Spring and Autumn. There are a lot of picturesque sceneries there. If young master were to come, I am willing to be your tour guide, while we appreciate the colors of spring and autumn together." Yun Yang eyes lit up, "It is a must to go, to visit the long reputed School of Spring and Autumn''s boundless scenery. It would be a waste if I couldnt have the chance to witness it with my own eyes." Gugu pounded on the table, "I dare you to come to our school and see!" "Gugu!" Wei Xinglu snapped and said, "How can you speak like this? I took the initiative to invite Young Master Yun to go, how dare you object to it?" Gugus eyes were red. She felt wronged and speechless, almost in tears. "Please dont mind her, Young Master Yun." Seeing that his junior sister was about to cry, it was incorrect to say that Wei Xinglu was not sorely aggrieved. However, at the moment, it was inconvenient to comfort his sister junior. He could only comfort Yun Yang first. "Junior sister has had an excellent family background, talented and smart since childhood. Thats why she has been spoiled by my master since she was a toddler. " Yun Yang grinned, and with a forced smile on his face, he uttered, "Well, Gugus character is forthright and straightforward, her rhetoric unrestricted. This is why she isso lovely..." Wei Xinglu rolled his eyes superciliously. To him, Gugu was great in the eyes of the beholder. It is true that love will turn one blind. Even being scolded had become a pleasure... Wei Xinglu knew about Yun Yangs difficulties. He drank the wine continuously, deliberately finishing the banquet quickly. He had heard it clearly. He Hanqing was still looking for Yun Yang for some reason. He had delayed his time and inevitably this would cause Yun Yang trouble. After less than half an hour, Wei Xinglu creased his eyebrows. While holding his forehead he murmured, "It is too bad that I am already of age, and can no longer withstand the strong alcohol, hence I must lay down for a rest..." Yun Yang seemed to be relieved, and he replied, "Well, please do have a rest eldest senior brother.I...I have something to deal with and have to leave for a while. I will be back soon..." "At your pleasure, Young Master." Wei Xinglu pulled Gugu, who was just about to talk, half dragging her to walk toward the room. Little girl, please dont provoke him anymore. Such a great man, he is! It came back to the saying, if this opportunity had been missed, one would definitely regret it for a lifetime! As soon as Yun Yangs front foot had stepped out from the door, Wei Xinglus foot silently followed. The eldest senior brother was not of Gugus fledgling generation. By his own calculations, how could he believe in whatever things that he had heard of? As it was known that the auditory was virtual and the seeing is real. Of course, he would naturally follow Yun Yang to have a peep, especially since he was rather interested in He Hanqing too. It was just in time for him to take this opportunity to meet this Yutang three dynasties veteran, a savage character with a deeply embedded capability that he had almost fooled Han Sanhe! He watched as Yun Yang brought along Lao Mei; the two people kept silent all the way. Yun Yangs face was filled with heaviness. Wei Xinglu''s sympathy grew even more. How old is this youth? Was he just eighteen or nineteen years old? Apparently he was at such a young age, yet he had been involved in the flourish and decay of the wars of this country, and bore the burdens that should not be his responsibility. What was worse, he had to sacrifice his own feelings for the sake of this responsibility. The reason why Gugu had been so relentlessly, unreservedly, and forcefully causing catastrophe to Yun Yang; wasnt all this because of the Soul-Sealing Spike accident that happened the other day? However, for all these pressures that had been burdened on the shoulder of such a weak youth, how could he withstand them? It made one feel sorry for him just thinking about it. After walking for a bit, Yun Yang suddenly paused. He then turned his head around, his eyes peering sharply around him. Wei Xinglu was shocked. Could he actually feel that someone was tracking him? How strong was his cultivation base? Assuming that with a cultivation base that could sense his tracking, his innate spiritual awareness would be godly indeed. Fortunately, I am far away, and his cultivation base was is low compared to mine. He would not be able to confirm his suspicions to any degree of certainty. Yun Yang had been turning his head back and forth for many times, suspiciously and dubiously. This made the tracking extremely difficult. It soon developed into a distance where he could only observe over a few junctions, further away... In short, it was extremely thrilling! Wei Xinglu was conceited enough to believe that he had a strong cultivation base. Even though he was separated by several junctions, he was still able to observe the general movement of Yun Yang through his mind from a distance. Finally, Yun Yang reached the front door of the Residence of He. Wei Xinglu was still watching from afar. He could see Yun Yang speaking a few words to the gatekeeper of the Residence of He, and then it seemed like both of them had started a dispute. It could later be seen that Yun Yang had walked back furiously... The distance between the Residence of He and his current location was not far. There were many experts within the Residence of He. Wei Xinglu did not dare to utilize his deific consciousness to eavesdrop entirely. It was also too far apart; even if he wanted to eavesdrop, it would be futile. Hence Wei Xinglu only saw that Yun Yang had arrived at Residence of He and it seemed like he had been subject to a stern reprimand. By the look of the gatekeepers, it seemed like they had wanted to chase and beat Yun Yang, to the extent that when Yun Yang turned around, his face was full of rage. His mouth kept muttering as if he was cursing to release his anger. What had actually happened? Could it be that both sides had not communicated well, so much so that it had turned into a quarrel? Wei Xinglu memorized the location of the Residence of He. He then quietly followed behind Yun Yang and started to track Yun Yang once again. This time around, it was probably due to the anger, Yun Yangs alertness had greatly been reduced. Even though the eldest senior brother had approached a little nearer, still Yun Yang had not been vigilant enough to notice it. Because of this, Wei could hear the muttered curses of Yun Yang. "This is unreasonable indeed!" "How could this be reasonable?" "The didn''t even let me in the door! Didn''t I only arrive late by an hour? I have friends there to take care of, and it was not without reason after all!" "It was unreasonable indeed! He even wanted to take control of me choosing my own wife. Even my father had never tried to control me, why should he?" "Curses to the three dynasties veteran. If not for the fact that he was in control of a number of high-level cultivators, dare he be so arrogant?" "So unreasonable! Unreasonable indeed!" Along the way, Yun Yang had muttered the word "unreasonable" a few hundred times! His anger-filled face could break through the horizon. He was completely in a state of rage. "Young master ... the fact that Old Sir He did not want to see you was not without reason. As a noble person that was quite occupied, it was really difficult for him to spare the time. He had been waiting for you for an hour, you can''t blame him for that. You really should have gone over earlier ..." Between his words, it was clear that he was full of praise for the old man. He kept pointing out Yun Yang''s faults in his words. "He was busy as a noble person, does it mean that I am an idler then? Besides, I had managed to guess what he wanted me to do long before.What is the difference between late and early? Do you know that what did the old man intend for me to do? He actually wanted me to lay out a trap to ambush Gugu and her eldest senior brother ... it was unreasonable indeed! This old man had been confused, I suppose! "exclaimed Yun Yang furiously. "It is, in fact, a difficult task for you, young master. However, Old Sir He''s actions were made out of a public mind, and not to deliberately put you in a tough spot, young master. Young master should pay more attention next time ..." "Hmph..." To speak until this point, Wei Xinglu had basically been aware of the current state of affairs. He was lucid and clear about the context of the whole story. The original truth was so, he thought. Young Master Yun was a great man who cared about comradeship and affection. However, at the same time, his heart was also full of rage. He Hanqing had actually wanted to lay a trap for him? ... However, little did Wei Xinglu know that although Yun Yang had, in fact, went to the Residence of He, the words that he spoke to the gatekeepers were definitely not the words being imagined by Wei Xinglu. "Is He Hanqing the old bastard at home?" "Who are you?" "I am your old uncle!" "Presumptuous fool!" "You watchdog, how dare you curse your old uncle?" The heated exchange was merely the uttering of these incendiary phrases! 263 To Bare Ones Hear Anyone saying these words was spoiling for a fight, as long as the opposite party was still a human. Still, the person would have been sophisticated enough to not engage in a fight directly. After angering the door guards, Yun Yang then returned to his home. What a tough job it was for him to keep up the angry look all along the way. It was a performance worthy of a prize. Observing the man beside him, Lao Mei truthfully felt that his young master was arduous indeed. To what extent should one able to master his own emotions and expressions for him to be able to perform so vividly and authentically? Of course, a similar compliment had also found its way in the heart of Yun Yang, but with Lao Mei as the subject of his praise. Little did he notice that Lao Mei was such an outstanding performer. Lao Mei had managed to play the role nearly to perfection, the image of a loyal servant who knew all the things about his master. It was the role of a great helper who rendered all his effort as well as a person who served his country and the people. His sound, appearance, rhetorical and entertaining skills were all vividly impeccable, and outstanding indeed! Yun Yang returned to his residence. He unexpectedly found out that Wei Xinglu had yet to sleep. He was still sipping tea under the flower tree. The night breeze was howling gently, the floral smell was almost overwhelming. Wei Xinglu, clad in his wide gown and large sleeves, was sitting in the pavilion, with a posture as if he had kept himself away from the secular worries of the world. "It is so late, why hasn''t eldest senior brother rested yet?" Yun Yang walked over, beaming. "You''re back?" Wei Xinglu stared at Yun Yang, albeit with a complicated gaze. "Yes, I am back. In fact, there was nothing of import over there ..." Yun Yang smiled gently, "Old He most probably just wanted to test me on what he had taught me recently I guess..." Wei Xinglu grinned slightly, "Its great if theres nothing." He gently let out a sigh of relief, and uttered, "What a sleepless night. Would Young Master Yun be interested in having a long chat with me? In order to kill the boredom?" Yun Yang chuckled, "I was intending to do so. The chance to learn from eldest senior brother is not one to be squandered." After seating, seemingly unintentionally, he asked, "I''m not sure if eldest senior brother has a list of tasks to complete by appearing this time? I have quite an extensive network here, I might be able to lend you some aid, or help you to eliminate some unnecessary waste of time." This child has started to feel the peril and wants us to leave quickly ... yet he does not know how to convey it. The melodic twist spoke of his hard effort. Wei Xinglu had seen his point, and he knew about everything. Yet it was also because of this, that Wei Xinglu felt a trace of warmth in his heart. This child is really concerned about us. If not, why act in such a convoluted and tactful manner? "Our journey to Yutang was long, and we have things to do in fact." In a gentle manner, Wei Xinglu uttered, "However, this matter is not major at all. It can be settled within a day or two. If theres nothing further to do, we will depart after a few days." Yun Yang was relieved at first, followed by a bit of worry as he said, "Does that mean that you are going to leave within these few days? Why not stay a few days more, so as to allow me to perform my duties as a host! This child was still probing. It seemed that Yun Yang was still concerned about them. Yet with such immense wisdom, and words that did not reveal any information, he could be described as intelligent. "There are other things that need to be dealt with at the School. We have to leave right after the matter here has been settled, probably within these two days, I suppose." Wei Xinglu nonchalantly committed to a date of departure. "This is a long way to go, eldest senior brother has to take care of yourself!" Yun Yang was seemingly contemplating his words as he said. "This ... ... this martial arts world is full of danger, I would advise that you proceed with caution." Wei Xinglu giggled in fascination, and said, "That is natural; since when have the disputes in the martial arts world ever stopped? The path of martial people is always filled with constant turbulence and with unceasing waves." Yun Yang seemed to hesitate a bit and with a pang in his heart he uttered, "Eldest senior brother, I am afraid that there will be an ambush along the way ..." Wei Xinglu eyes stared at Yun Yang, his glance was filled with warmth. "Rest assured, I will be on my guard. Besides, I have a flying mystical beast, I will be flying back with Gugu as it is. Do not worry." Yun Yang let out a long sigh of relief, his heart suddenly light, and he said, "That''s great, that''s great. Its too great indeed." Wei Xinglu laughed merrily. His favor towards Yun Yang had grown even stronger. Standing up, he strode two steps forward under the flower tree, and he uttered lightly, "Young Master Yun is young and full of talent, you have the shoulder for great responsibilities and the determination to do great things. I wonder if you have any plans for your future?" "My future path?" Yun Yang smiled and said light-heartedly, "I really have not thought of my future." He thought of his own responsibilities. For a time, his heart had delved into a state of emptiness and spiraled into a meaningless void. He could not help but let out a sigh. However, Wei Xinglu misinterpreted his actions and with a faint smile, he uttered, "Are you a little lost?" "Yes, I must be." Yun Yang nodded in agreement. "To become high-ranking official? Rich and prosperous? Invincible? Triumph in the martial arts world? To be above the clouds?" Wei Xinglu suggested a number of possibilities in quick succession and said, "What does Young Master Yun think of these paths?" Yun Yang took a deep breath, and said, "To me, being a high-ranking official is but a burden. Wealth and prosperity are temporary possessions. As for being invincible, to triumph in the martial arts world or even to be above the clouds... all these are too far beyond reach and too unrealistic." "Now, I only wish for..." Yun Yang eyesight was firm as he said, "For Yutang to be forever. For the country to be prosperous and its men to be safe. For peace within the four directions and war to cease in the world. For the peace of heart and the presence of justice. To live this lifetime without regrets nor remorse." These words came from Yun Yangs heart and was ultimately true and pure from his nature and temperament. Wei Xinglu was in awe and inspired. He replied, "Young Master Yun is benevolent, thinking about the worldly people. You''re a man of ambitious kindness." Yun Yang smiled bitterly, "What man of ambitious kindness? I do not possess such empathy. It''s just that, to live in this world, one should always have something to pursuit, and to shoulder some sort of responsibility." "As a person, one must be in clear in his conscience to heaven and earth, to his brothers, to his family, to his own self, and to the country." Yun Yang said, "To first be a wholesome human himself and then only to talk about the others." Wei Xinglu pondered and said, "Young Master Yun had placed the country last. Is this random, or you did you intentionally do so?" Yun Yang beamed slightly, "Eldest senior brother may not know about the fact that I, Yun Yang, am a selfish person deep in my bones. I cannot afford to have my families and relatives abandoned, single-mindedly worrying about the nation and people. As the old saying goes, one cultivates his own moral character then unites his family before he rules the country and makes peace in the world. Isnt it that to cultivate ones own moral character, and to handle a family was placed before ruling the country and to keep the world at peace?" "I know exactly what kind of person I am." "So I have my own goal, working at it at my own pace. Although I have my doubts and question myself sometimes, the road ahead will remain clear." Yun Yang said softly. Wei Xinglu kept silent for a long time after hearing the words, and said, "Does Young Master Yun have any specific plans for your own partner?" Yun Yang kept silent for a long time before replying, "Eldest senior brother, can we not talk about this problem?" Wei Xinglu chuckled, "Very well, we wont talk about it then." He sat down and said, "Our School of Spring and Autumn is one of the top ten ancient sects in the Tianxuan Continent. The spreading of its teachings has been in existence in this world for thousands of years. Any one of the brothers from my generation is a preeminent person.However, we are far from being the pillars of our school. Because on top of us there are masters, senior uncles, senior granduncles ... until it reaches the grandmaster... " "All my junior sisters are also stunningly beautiful each of their identities is impressive enough. Just like my junior sister, Gugu ..." Wei Xinglu gave Yun Yang a meaningful glance and said, "Gugus family background is the most outstanding among the other junior sisters. The status of our school in the world of cultivation can be described as transcending. Even those who are from more ordinary backgrounds aren''t to be simply coveted by the gifted disciples of the other top sects. Hence in order for one to pursue any of them, the obstacles and resistance ahead will be great... " "There is no doubt that in this world, fate and cause are of importance ... yet nothing is absolutely fair. Whats more, there is no guarantee that you will be rewarded for what you have worked for." Wei Xinglu was clearly contemplating his use of words. He paused for a second and gradually uttered, "I think Young Master Yun had been preparing for this." Yun Yang kept silent for a moment, and said, "The paths are rugged in this worldly realm. I will do my best, and strive to move forward. Even if in the end they are all futile, it shall be so. As for what eldest senior brother has said, you wont necessarily be rewarded for what you have worked for." With a wry smile, Yun Yang said, "However, for one who does not work, it is certain that there will not be any gain." Wei Xinglu broke out in laughter, "Yes, no matter whether it is gain or loss, it is necessary to maintain the pure intentions of the heart, and also to maintain an open heart. These two kinds of hearts should not be lost." Yun Yang faintly said, "As long as one has gained it before, even if it is destined to lose it, it will also be a lifetimes happiness. As the saying goes, a moment of eternity. Well, such is the case." While talking about this, the eight brother''s faces flashed before Yun Yangs eyes. Yes, we were all brothers and we have shared some time together. Those moments of time, it will remain embedded in my memory and will never fade nor be obliterated! It will exist forever, and Ill have it with me forever! The time spent with the eight brothers before this is the greatest happiness of my life. Yun Yang eyes overflowed with true emotions, from his own nature and temperament, and had Wei Xinglu greatly moved. Apparently, the eldest senior brother had got it all wrong. However, this eldest senior brother had never understood Yun Yang correctly, a habitual mistake. "There is nothing that you cant do for secular matters. It all depends on what heights you can reach now, and in the future," uttered Wei Xinglu, vaguely trying to encourage Yun Yang. Yun Yang nodded. After experiencing so many changes, Yun Yang indeed had personal feelings towards the words said by Wei Xinglu.He was deeply moved. They spoke through the night. From national events to love affairs, and from the world hegemony to the dominion of the martial arts world, then to aristocratic schools and sects. From the current sects that dominated the martial arts world, to the hidden schools. They talked about the legendary schools and about the world heroes ... The more they discoursed, the more regret they felt for meeting each other so late. Looking into Yun Yang''s eyes, Wei Xinglu was getting more and more satisfied with him and with his admiration grew. This youth was, smart, witty, loyal, magnanimous, high-spirited, reliable, responsible, aspiring, and insightful... He is indeed a rare intellect, a genius among geniuses, enough to be the leader of the crowd and to bear the name to superciliously overlook and to stand above the others at the same time. They talked into the third fragment of the night before the both of them started to feel a tinge of sleepiness. Yun Yang had embarrassingly asked, "Do I dare to ask eldest senior brother, about this journey of martial arts ... what other kinds of realms or levels are there above the Tenth Perfection?" This was the biggest doubt in Yun Yang''s heart. Before this, the brothers did not know the answer to this, and even though he had finally met Ling Xiaozui, he did not even have time to ask. Now that eldest senior brother was from a reputed school, and bearing in mind the fact that he had a great impression of himself, why not take the opportunity to ask? This was the only way to dispel the clouds of mystery in his heart. 264 It Is Tonigh Wei Xinglu giggled and said, "The journey of martial arts is endless and without limits! How can there be perfection? If perfection truly exists, how can there be a realm above it?" Yun Yang scratched his head, his expression abashed and at a loss for an answer. "The so-called Tenth Perfection is but the secular people''s recognition of the journey of the cultivation base and the spread of their own cultivation base." Wei Xinglu tittered and continued to explain, "However, the current concept of nine peaks and nine heavens exists for a reason. Only after one has reached the peak is he able to see the heaven on the other side of that peak. Nonetheless, it is only limited to seeing. If one wanted to gaze upon the entire heaven and earth, he will have to conquer a higher peak." "There are few people in this world who are able to climb the mountains, conquer the summits and reach that peak. Those who have arrived at such heights will not have the mood nor the time to return and boast about it." "Therefore, this journey of martial arts is engulfed in the clouds and fog. Just like how we, the more notable schools and sects, are aware of the mystery within, the disciples will not take the initiative to announce anything. Although there might be some efforts to maintain accuracy, there are also some elements that have been lost in the telling and the entire concept is difficult to explain..." "After all, for some realms, when you are there, well, you are there. If you arent - you arent. There isnt the slightest thing to hide. Whether one understands it and whether one knows it, is as clear as day!" Yun Yang listened to him quietly. "The major sects have confirmed a total of three identification barriers to the way of the martial arts in the Tianxuan Continent. The first is the notion of nine peaks which was well-known as the realm of peaks among the major schools." "For most people who had cultivated until the ninth peak, the belief is that they have generally reached the pinnacle. Under normal circumstances, the people who managed to reach this level were mostly the elders that are near the end of their lives. They were no longer able to achieve any further breakthroughs." "However, once someone passes the realm of ninth peak to an even higher level, it is what''s known by the worldly ones as the realm of Tenth Perfection, an entirely new realm. The advancements of his cultivation base will be leaps and bounds. It is also at this point in time that the cultivator will experience a rebirth. Martial artists who are more gifted or have a consciousness that exceeds the ordinary will be able to go through the phenomenon of rejuvenation, causing the decrepit body to regain its prime of life at the point of breakthrough. With this breakthrough as the starting point, we call it the realm of heaven. It is also the nine heavens realm that I mentioned earlier, another starting point for yet another cultivation journey." "Is there any more information about this? From the knowledge of the masses of our school, only when one has broken through the so-called realm of Tenth Perfection would he be considered as truly entering into the realm of heaven, and to enter into first heaven! He will continue to progress forward until he reaches the ninth heaven. It is again, a process from a lower point to a higher place. However, from its literal meaning, the nine peaks is like hiking the mountain while nine heavens are like reaching for heaven itself!" Yun Yang could not help but to sigh and exclaim, "So, this is the true meaning behind the so-called a heaven''s difference between each peak. The realm of heaven is the realm that most cultivators are unable to reach. As expected, the realm of heaven is as difficult to reach as the blue sky!" Wei Xinglu chuckled, " As difficult as reaching the blue sky? That is both true and untrue. For experienced cultivators, reaching heaven is not difficult at all! What is difficult to reach is each tier of heaven in the nine heavens! Well, the saying of a heavens difference between each peak cant be completely wrong. It''s simply a joke made by people who have little knowledge about it and had forcefully insisted to have such false analogies. We have discussed this argument with our school many times. Presumably, it was some words spoken out of the motions of some people who had reached the realm of heaven. Listing the realm of peak and heaven together is probably because the both of them have nine tiers. However, it is also because of this that gives birth to ambiguity, causing people to seemingly understand it, and to treat a heavens difference between each peak as the ultimate rule ... Although this argument is a reasonable one for ordinary cultivators, it only serves as a joke those who are more experienced." Yun Yang was silent because he had also spent most of his years immersed in the same ''joke''. "As for the saying of being above the realm of heaven'', there is still the realm of Dao. " Wei Xinglu suddenly chuckled wryly and uttered, "However, as to this realm of Dao, I only know about its name, without knowing which level it involves. My cultivation base is still far from that, even lower than the state of a frog trying to catch a glimpse of the sky from the bottom of the well. I have asked the elders of our school about the mystery of this realm. However, the elders had said that it is not a good thing to know about it too early. They said that I will know about it naturally when I reach that said realm." "So the route of the martial arts is extensive indeed, and endless as the saying goes." Wei Xinglu uttered, "The realm of Dao, as far as I know, is the end of the Tianxuan Continent. However, there must be higher levels above the realm of Dao! Eith regards to the other mysteries, I know nothing. One thing is for sure; even if there are still hundreds of levels, it is still far away from the end of the martial arts way." Wei Xinglu said his next words very slowly, "The route of martial arts cultivation is without end, there is only the beginning!" ... On the second day, Wei Xinglu went out with Gugu. Yun Yang did not ask about why they went out, as long as he had his peace. He had been putting on his best act for a whole afternoon followed by the whole night. No matter how much of a born actor he was, he was still human, and hence, able to tire. "Have they gone to the Thousand Feet Lake?" Yun Yang creased his eyebrows, and shrugged, "Why are they not giving up yet?" Although Yun Yang didnt bother much with that idea, Yun Yang had been going back and forth from the Thousand Feet Lake the entire time. He had explained it clearly since a long time ago. At least within this short time period, the Qirin Fish King would definitely deny any of the Qirin Fish permission to appear in the Thousand Feet Lake. During this period of time, Yun Yang had taken in the mystical mist thrice. By now, he had worked it out through experience, that it took an accumulation of ten days to occur once, and it might not even appear ... On this morning, there were a group of strange experts of the martial arts world that entered into Tiantang City together. All the high-leveled cultivators in Tiantang City had instinctively experienced feelings of mild fear; the whole atmosphere in Tiantang City had turned silent and still, followed by an unusual sense of disquiet and eerieness. Even under the bright light of the sun, there was an inexplicable sense of the macabre. It felt like the gates of the residences of hell had suddenly opened, and the ghouls within had taken the opportunity to pour into the human realm. Eventually, the sky over Tiantang City turned dark with a large number of grey clouds materializing out of thin air. With the sun covered by the clouds, the clear blue sky began to dissipate and disappear altogether. Among many, Yun Yang was the most sensitive towards the changing of the weather. While observing the turning of the sky that brought about dread undertones, his heart could not help but leap onto an intuition, "Has the Concourse of the Underworld moved entirely? Are they announcing their intentions openly?" In the afternoon, Yun Yang had received a piece of paper brought by the chilled wind. "Kill He Hanqing tonight!" This piece of paper was full of bright speckles. As soon as Yun Yang read through it, it flared, burning itself into ashes. "Kill He Hanqing tonight?" Yun Yang frowned, pacing back and forth in the yard. Finally, the Concourse of the Underworld has ventured into the ring. But ... is it that easy? If that saber was absent, beheading He Hanqing should prove too large a problem. The strength of the Concourse of the Underworld was at the pinnacle of combat power. Sending out a few Kings of Court to deal with a Supreme Lord Spring Frost would be sufficient. As long as the cultivation base of these few kings were equivalent to that of First Court King Qinguang, of course. However, there was now that accursed saber which was more tyrannical than He Hanqing himself. It would make it just that much harder for the Concourse of the Underworld to have He Hanqing beheaded. The entire enterprise might even fail entirely. "For me, this is a God-given opportunity. It might be the only chance to kill He Hanqing. How can it be missed just because of the Concourse of the Underworld ''s misjudgment?" Yun Yang frowned. "Confirm whether Wei Xinglu and Gugu are at the Thousand Feet Lake." Lao Mei promised to do so and went away immediately. "Bai Yixue." Yun Yang said lowly, "Tonight is your time to show off your talents." Bai Yixues facial expression was bitter as a gourd. It was impossible to evade his task. Very well, a fight you shall have. ... At the Residence of He, He Hanqing, Old Sir He felt that he had been extremely unlucky of late. To phrase it even more accurately, his current streak of misfortune was unprecedented. Firstly, he did not know that why the long-absent Ling Xiaozui had come looking for him, and without reason, had gotten himself seriously injured. He Hanqing had yet to figure that mystery out until now. It was but a pretense when Ling Xiaozu spoke. For all of these matters, Ling Xiaozui would have known it earlier, since he would have had plenty of chances to fight me. Of all times, why had he chosen that particular day? He had seriously wounded him, and then floated away, never to be seen ever since. What did this all mean? The whole thing was within clouds and fog, thoroughly inexplicable. He Hanqing even hoped that Ling Xiaozui could directly reveal the identity of Supreme Lord Spring Frost so that he could have his own room for rebuttal. There was no need to have Ling Xiaozui believe it, so long as the people other than Ling Xiaozui believed him. As long as Ling Xiaozui revealed the fact that he had been planning his attack because he was the head of hall from the Four Seasons Tower, someone in the tower would naturally come forward to deal with him. He himself did not even need to consider about being vigilant against Ling Xiaozui! For now, Ling Xiaozui had targeted He Hanqing and not Supreme Lord Spring Frost. The high-ended forces of the Four Seasons Tower could not even intervene. Once it got involved, then it would be the Four Seasons Tower who had breached the accords first! Ling Xiaozui was simply too strong. He Hanqing was helpless, and could only rage secretly while concentrating on recuperation. However, just when there was a little improvement in his healing, the Residence of He had caught fire, a blaze which had destroyed his entire house. Not only was this fire unexpected, it was extraordinary as well. If it was common fire, several palm strikes from the high-leveled cultivators of He Hanqing to spray the water into a shower or form gusts of wind would be sufficient to extinguish it. However, for that fire, neither wind from palm strikes nor sprinkles of water from the force could help. Sir He could only watch as the fire completely engulfed the whole Residence of He, witnessing as it was destroyed by the column of flame. Initially, He Hanqing suspected it to be the doing of Supreme Flame. However, it was difficult to conclude as there were no further events after that. After these calamities had taken place, He Hanqing had secretly hidden in the dark room to avoid being affected by random chance. Still, due to the inconvenience of so many unfortunate events that plagued him, exacerbated by fear and the incapability of calming his mind, his internal injuries had become increasingly critical. Finally, he was able to weave a sense of calm about himself. Just as he had managed to soothe his senses, Bai Yixue leaped at him out of thin air. It was even harder to explain the appearance of this individual! 265 A Jolt at Midnigh This fellow was even more audacious, forcefully and directly executing his assassination attempt. The poor man clearly had no idea who he was and was simply being used by others to achieve their own end! He was known to be Han Sanhes bodyguard. Logically, he should have set his sights on Han Sanhe, to start his counter-attack. Although he had managed to kill the entourage of Han Sanhe, the actual harvest was pitiful. He carefully analyzed the situation. The turning of events this time brought no benefit to Han Sanhe at all. He was contemplating whether there was any other party attempting to sneak around behind his back to deliver a mortal blow. However, there was nothing to trace. The entire affair was chaotic and unruly, reeking of desperation and poorly planned actions. He imagined a strong counterattack would have some effect on Han Sanhe and Bai Yixue, a deliberate show of strength as a warning. Never would he have thought that the entourage at his side would perish continuously, one by one. A lot of those affiliated with the Hall of Spring had died, but why couldnt he find out who was the real murderer? Involving the people and affairs of the martial arts world had already caused He Hanqing a headache. Besides, he did not know why the emperor had been alienating him recently. Even the crown prince sought excuses to be far away from him. His previous efforts in unearthing once more the past of Shangguan Family of Generals to rattle the absolute united morale of Yutangs army had been demolished by an incompetent nobody, who had, instead, killed his personnel in a shocking display of open savagery. The others did not know it, but how could He Hanqing not know about it? His personnel in the Four Seasons Tower numbered among those who were killed, his subordinates in the Hall of Spring! They had all inexplicably perished in that unfortunate turn of events. After experiencing a series of misfortunes, He Hanqing gave birth to a feeling that at the other side of a hidden corner, there was a pair of eyes observing himself closely and constantly. Regardless of any movement he made, he was incapable of hiding himself from this pair of eyes. They were in a constant state of readiness, to aim with a blow on the head, aiming directly at the crucial point. This force must have belonged to the Nine Supremes, and might even be one of them! However, regardless of whatever means utilized by He Hanqing, or with countless plans, he was still unable to pull this force out! Not a clue could be found. "This old man has been wandering about the martial arts world for so many years, I am confident that my plans are cautious and detailed. However, the current situation is like being in the clouds and fog. This is my first time faced with such a situation, where I am unable to fight back, and have nowhere to put in the effort. This is indeed my first encounter. Compared to the current opponent, I would rather go up against Ling Xiaozui. Although Ling Weizui is powerful and difficult to compete against, at least the goal is clearer and there will always be means to counter it. On the contrary, for hidden daggers which I am completely unfamiliar with, there is no way to start. It is difficult to put in the effort, lamented He Hanqing. A slender man clad in a green attire sat opposite him. The green-attired man stood in the midst of a swirling green fog. His facial features were blurred within but a cutting sense of saber air could be seen circling around him. Although the facial features of this person could not be seen clearly, yet it gave one an impression that he was smirking lightly. He picked up the teapot himself and filled a full cup of tea. Indifferently he uttered, "Supreme Lord cares too much about that person ... Although all sorts of troubles were pretty annoying, it was still considered a small matter. If you don''t think about it, you won''t mind it either." "It is because Supreme Lord was concerned about it that you find it difficult to deal with him, having your mindset that the enemy is very difficult to be handled. However, if you let it go ... to be free for a certain period of time, this person will most probably have himself exposed." "Now we can be sure that the other party has vengeance against the Four Seasons Tower. They wont stop until they die and its impossible for us to coexist. Since they would have recognized your identity for sure, they will come back again and act against you." "As long as Supreme Lord is still here, they will come again and again, and to repeat their actions. Although they may be able to conceal their whereabouts once or twice, they cant conceal perfectly every time, can they? Once they reveal any of the flaws, then their defeat will be inevitable. Sooner or later, the place of the Supreme Lord will become their burial place." "How could it be that the forces ofthe Four Seasons Tower''s Hall of Spring are unable to put an end to a group of trivial rebels?" The person clad in green chuckled indifferently. He Hanqing grinned bitterly; the muscle on his face began to twitch. The way this man uttered it was light-hearted indeed. How could he be so righteous while holding Supreme Lord Spring Frost out as a bait? Judging from the meaning of his words, so long as they didnt die, he would have to keep doing this work of luring the enemy, over and over again? Even if the truth was such, how could one speak like this? "Venerable Lord Saber is so highly talented that you''re emboldened by it, of course, you wouldnt care about all the trivialities." He Hanqing face was filled with loneliness, "I am already of old age. It is strange to say that, to live as a person, the older you are, the more you will be afraid of death. This is especially true when you have encountered with the slash by Ling Xiaozui. I was already starting to feel decadent. How was I able to withstand the continuous attack by the opponent!" The person in green sneered twice and said, "Are you so upset that this reputed one has taken you, Supreme Lord He, as bait?" He Hanqing pulled his face down and casually uttered, "I dare not be. Venerable Lord Saber is one of the veterans who had grown the empire with the boss since the beginning. I''m only a runner. Add the fact that I''m gradually becoming older, how could I dare to have any dissatisfactions against Sir Saber? The voice of the person clad in green was sonorous, like the unsheathing of a sharp blade from its scabbard, "He Hanqing, you have to know the crux of the problem. Only then can you induce the other remnants of the Nine Supremes to come forward for an attack. As for our future, the most important part is to completely exterminate the Nine Supremes. There should not be any mistakes at this point. Despite having a strict layout last time, it failed. Boss has been very unhappy ever since." He Hanqing coldly uttered, "No one would have wanted boss to be unhappy. I can say that, for the previous plan, I had already done it with full effort and without reservation, with every scheme well-thought-through. As for the omissions when it comes to its implementation, why should it have anything to do with me?" The person clad in green coldly snorted, "Do you dare say these words in front of the boss?" He Hanqing was silent for a moment, whispering softly in reply, "I have, at most, eighteen more years." The facial expression of the green-gowned persons had changed; waving his sleeve, he uttered, "This is your fate, does it involve any other?" He Hanqing sneered and no longer had his mouth open. The green-gowned man grunted. In a flash and with the gleam of the saber, he disappeared into thin air. And he was gone, just like that. He had disappeared in the middle of a dispute while waving his sleeves. He Hanqing sat still for a long time, his face tranquil without the slightest expression. After the minutes had ticked by, the cup in his hand suddenly shattered with a loud crunch. The two outside had heard the peculiar sound. They pushed open the door and uttered, " Supreme Lord?" He Hanqing coldly uttered, "Where are the subordinates of Venerable Lord Saber?" "There are twelve men in the neighborhood, the others are waiting for their orders outside the city." He Hanqing took a deep breath. In a gloomy tone, he asked, "Outside the city? How are they able to receive my orders here? Deliver my Spring Dictum, have them come forward to assist in the defense of the Residence of He." "It shall be done. However, they may ask for specific details on what is required of them." "Tell them that there is a need to lure the enemy. They are only responsible for attacking them from afar. When they come, do bring along your people and put them into a dark corner. Let them wait for the opportunity to take action, with safety as the priority." "As you wish." "Open the secret chamber later, I would like to recuperate in seclusion. Do not interrupt until I come out by myself." "As you wish." The senile figure of He Hanqing then disappeared into the room. The news was relayed. The saber light flashed across the air and it was gone. No matter how reluctant He Hanqing was, he had to receive the task to act as the bait. Besides wanting his own people to come forward to increase his safety precautions, it was more to get their side involved as well. However, the Venerable Lord Saber cared nothing for this. For him, forcing He Hanqing to succumb was of utmost priority. For him, there was nothing more important than to eliminate the Nine Supremes. He Hanqing''s life, and those of his men were the same. "Venerable Lord Saber, there is one thing that I do not understand." "Speak." "Even though Sir did not say it out earlier, only He Hanqing could act as bait. There was no need for Sir to say it aloud in front of him, or to rip each others egos apart!" "You are curious as to why I used such a tone and attitude to aggravate He Hanqing, are you not?" "Yes, this subordinate is slow-witted." "Even if I did not aggravate him, he will be the bait and even if I did, he will still be the bait. In any case, this is his mission, and he cannot escape from it." "The reason why I added fuel to the fire was not to remind him of the fact that he was to be the bait, but because I wished to humiliate him." Venerable Lord Saber laughed coldly, "Within the Four Seasons Tower, all four Supreme Lords are elderly, their cultivation base can hardly improve another inch further, and their mortality is coming to an end. It would be long for them to keep up with the pace of this tower''s expansion. However, the authority that they possess is exceedingly great. Although no one dares to deny their experiences and wisdom, their hearts are no longer filled with radical impulses ... " The few people in front lowered their heads. No one dared to interrupt this topic. It was a competition of high-level authority; the more one knows, the more danger one will face ... ... Before long, it was already the latter part of the night. He Hanqing''s residence was in complete serenity. From far away came the sound of the watchmans clapper, suggesting that it was already the third fragment of the night, where the darkness lay the deepest. Within the residence, a dark shadow suddenly moved. Some people stood up, "Today is only the first day we''re here, dont tell me that we already have uninvited guests? Didn''t Supreme Wind just punish Yang Botao? Will he act again so quickly?" This man had apparently been rather sleepy. Before this, he had been waiting outside the city for so many days, setting up a large formation that had managed to distill almost all the mystical Qi. Having barely rested for half a day, he had then received orders to assist in this Residence''s defense immediately. It was a tiring and weary day indeed. Immediately after he finished his words, without having to wait for the response from his comrades, the man''s eyes widened abruptly, his eyes threatening to pop out of their sockets. 266 An Operation by the Kings of the Concourse of the Underworld! "There''s something there!" He let out an alarmed roar. Before the sound could be freed entirely from his throat, a ball of dense fog coalesced right in front of him. The thick mist bore sinister overtones, which caused all present to fill an eerie chill. - Hush - Large, slender white hands appeared out of the cloud of fog, extending itself rapidly to grab his neck, cutting short his roar of warning. The cultivation base of the man who had intended to warn the others was not weak at all. He had clearly witnessed the appearance of the apparition drifting towards him and he could see the other party moving to attack. In spite of this, he had no opportunity to dodge the attack or even struggle. His neck was immediately broken. After succeeding in locking upon his throat, the hands did not lessen its efforts but continued to exert force, causing the man''s neck to crack continuously. The man''s mystical Qi could not be utilized at all, he remained limp like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered, like a fish on the chopping board. This peculiar scene had caught the attention of the other men at their vigils. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. Twenty separate silhouettes emerged from the dark one by one. "Who is it? Let go of him!" At the same time, a surge of air billowed within the fog as an eerie voice uttered, "Where is He Hanqing?" The eyes of the person being choked had popped out from its sockets while his throat made gurgling noises. He couldnt utter a single word. The sound of a long roar emanated from the clouds. The soundwaves penetrated through the fog and advanced forward, " He Hanqing, your old friend has arrived. Why dont you come out and welcome your guest?" Within the vast sky, the sound of a peculiar laugh could be heard, "F*ck, I think you''ve visited brothels too frequently, asking for guests to be received once you speak. Even if He Hanqing dared to take guests, your father dares not play. Your father does not have the taste for it." The experts surrounding the Four Seasons Tower were duly worried and furious. Since the other party had uttered such ugly words, it was unlikely that the situation would end well. Growling in unison, twenty men charged forward simultaneously, preceded by the flash of their sabers. The giant hand exerted its force, generating a cracking sound, crushing the neck within his hand. The hand then simply made a tossing gesture, throwing out the dead body with a gigantic force. Following that, a silhouette clad in hemp garments and a high hat could be seen walking out from the fog. A sharp, clanking sound could be heard. As the metallic ring grew stronger, a nine-section whip appeared in the silhouette''s hand. The nine-section whip whipped into the night, turning into a green dragon which shuddered from its head to tail. Rolling on the ground, it rushed towards the twenty men. The charging dragon was a sight to behold; an unstoppable behemoth gaining momentum with each step it took. Clank! The whole Residence of He was soon enveloped by dense, dark clouds. The hairs on the men of the Residence of He had their hairs stood on end as they witnessed it. One of them shrieked, "First Court King Qinguang? How can it be you? " The silhouette did not answer but continued to laugh in a spectacularly frightening manner. The green-dragon transformed from the nine-section whip rushed into the crowd. The sickeningly soft thuds of weapons meeting bare flesh drifted in the air. Three silhouettes flew up in the air, struggling desperately. Despite being whipped by the nine-section whip, they had suffered injuries. With luck, they would survive this clash. Unexpectedly, there was a silhouette that appeared in the grey clouds. An eerie, toneless voice rang out for the second time; "He Hanqing, are you not coming out?" A flash of phosphorescence flickered suddenly. The three silhouettes that were struggling endlessly instantly. With a ''snick", they all fell to the ground. The bodies looked like they had been left to rot for eight to ten years. Only the decaying skulls without the slightest bit of flesh were left behind. They obviously were still able to breathe while in the air and to struggle as well. However, the moment they touched the ground, they soon became skeletons, without the slightest bit of flesh or skin. "Second Court King Chujiang!" The rest of the twenty-four men cursed loudly, and a great deal of hollering rang in the air, "Get into formation!" The simultaneous arrival of both underworld kings from the Concourse of the Underworld was enough to strike fear into the hearts of those present, so ruthless were they as assassins. It would mean that death was imminent. It was better to gather manpower together in order to survive. Most of the people were experienced from generations of fighting. Together, their efforts were like a whirlwind. They instantly converged into two circles, with the larger one encompassing the smaller ones, spinning rapidly. By gathering twenty-four individuals, they had managed to resist the movement of the green dragon. While letting out a roar, the green dragon was struck by an explosion, vanishing into the clouds and transforming back into the nine-section whip, to fly. Apparently, by gathering the forces of twenty-four people, they had managed to overcome the nine-section green dragon issued by First Court King Qinguang. First Court King Qinguang caught his nine-section whip as he furiously uttered, "How dare you hurt my magical army, seeking death, are you?" Before his voice had even settled, the nine-section whip vibrated in the air, crackling like firecrackers. However, the formation of twenty-four people was like a whole unit, forwarding and reversing together. Despite facing King Qinguang''s attack, they were not being placed in a downgraded position. Just when King Qinguang Wang repeatedly and exceptionally fired his attack, a flash of a saber lit the air up. A large saber had emerged out of thin air, heading straight for First Court King Qinguang! Over the dim clouds, the silhouette reappeared as he uttered in sudden doubt, "Isn''t this Saber''s man? Is this actually He Hanqings residence? A loud explosion could be heard towards the East. The hall of the Residence of He suddenly flew open. At least thirty people rushed out from the hall, with their swords pulled out from their scabbards, while their torches lit up the surrounding environment as if it was day. Someone overlooking the blazing knives from the Residence of He laughed coldly, "What a hurry to come forward. Go back!" A flicker of saber light showed a man clad in green, standing in at a high position. The green figure instantly turned into a flash of a saber, disappearing in the blink an eye. Behind him, eighteen figures emerged in turn. Rapidly they went, chasing the flash of a saber. After the initial fierce attacks turned futile, First Court King Qinguang grunted in rage, and he waved his hands together. A thick stream of fog from the underworld, rushing out like the tide of waves. The nine-section whip was still being used endlessly, circling in the fog. The whirring sound of the wind was getting stronger. Apparently, he wanted to attack the twenty-four experts by relying on his own force to defeat the enemy. Unexpectedly, the sound of King Chujiang could be heard in the air, "The saber has come!" Following on the heels of those words, the fog began to rapidly spread out. A silhouette metamorphosed out of the thin air as he,"You fellows continue here, I will go and stop the saber." It was the Third Court Emperor Song. he then went away swiftly. Following his movement, the sky above the Residence of He had turned more cloudy and dim, eerily solemn, with the howling sounds of ghosts. Will-o''-the-wisp drifted over the sky, floating with high speed. It was like hundreds of ghosts walking overnight, the descendants of hell upon the human realm. The force of saber light was oddly fast. Within a split second, it had come near to the sky above the Residence of He. However, there was a person who appeared suddenly with arms on his back, and a crown on his head. In a calm and chic manner, he blocked the saber light. With a spooky voice, he uttered, "Since Venerable Lord Saber has graced us with your honorable arrival, why not pause for a reunion?" Venerable Lord Saber. The green-gowned person felt a surprising tinge in his heart, and he exclaimed, "Emperor Song? Are you here as well? The three of you lords of hell had arrived concurrently, is the Concourse of the Underworld going to fight against the Four Seasons Tower?" Emperor Song shook his head. His face was full of frustration as he said, "I was trapped by someone with an ulterior motive. Even knowing that it is difficult, but we had to do it anyway. Come. Allow this reputed one to chat with you, Brother Saber. Venerable Lord Saber coldly uttered, "You are not my opponent, retreat quickly! I do not want to form enemies with the Concourse of the Underworld!" Will-o''-the-wisp flickered within the eyes of Emperor Song as a fog of otherworldly mist burst out his eyes, flickering in front of him. Electrical arcs could be seen flashing constantly in a gloomy way. With an eerie voice, he uttered, "Not your opponent? Where does your confidence come from, Venerable Lord Saber?! " The body of the Emperor Song emperor could be seen spinning. A white light emerged from the crown on his head. A treasured sword with golden light materialized. Following the birth of the sword, it immediately spread into flashes of sword gleam over the vast sky. Right after, thousands of golden yellow sword forms gathered in a formation in they sky, as the majestic sword air locked onto Venerable Lord Saber. Thousands of sword forms were derived from the golden spiritual sword, while impressively arranged into a triangular sword formation. All the long swords stood still in the air, with slight tremor at their tips, neatly aimed at the saber light that was the camouflage to Venerable Lord Sabers body. This group of swords was like a well-trained army. They arranged themselves neatly in the air. The chilling flash of the swords coming from their tips, leaving the body of the swords converging into a cold halo. Third Court Emperor lightly uttered, "Venerable Lord Saber, does your saber dare to come in?" The face of Venerable Lord Saber became extremely ugly. He had previously fought against Emperor Song, with the latters cultivation base slightly inferior to his own, hence, the saying of "You are not my opponent" just now. Such words were not merely boasts. Unexpectedly, the sword formation of Emperor Song today had become shockingly strong. Although he was not afraid, if his saber had rushed into the sword formation hastily, it would certainly have shattered! However, if he were to bring himself into the formation with his saber, what he would have to face was a fight to the death! Ultimately, whether it was the Emperor Song who killed himself, or it was he himself who killed the Emperor, it would definitely lead the two forces into an extreme war! This outcome was not a delight for the Four Seasons Tower, especially at such a critical moment. It must be avoided at all cost. Below, the sound of screams was flocking endlessly. Obviously, the arrival of Venerable Lord Saber had made First Court King Qinguang less impulsive. The First Court King had banded together with King Chujiang, going in to massacre the masses of the guards from Residence of He. "Ask your men to stop." Venerable Lord Saber took a deep breath. Slowly, he raised the tip of his saber. His fingers and knuckles were all white. Coldly he uttered, " Dont turn things into an extreme state. The Four Seasons Tower has no intention to punish the Concourse of Underworld, but it is not because they weren''t able to do it. Emperor Song, dont blind yourself to what is good for you." Emperor Song sneered coldly and did not answer. Two shadows suddenly appeared by his side. They were King Yama and King of Cycle, "So what if we really do blind ourselves against whats good, what can Venerable Lord Saber do to us?" "King Yama, King of Cycle? You fellows are here as well?" The pupils of Venerable Lord Saber shrunk, "Below are King Chujiang and King Qinguang... It seems like the Concourse of the Underworld has put in a great effort. You have actually dispatched five of your kings! Dont you tell me that you are determined to fight against the Four Seasons Tower yourself? " Emperor Song smiled lightly, "What has been said by Venerable Lord Saber is only correct by half. You have calculated wrongly. If we were to only send five people to pluck the whisker of a tiger, how can it be, considering our determination to fight against the Four Seasons Tower?" Lord Sabers heart suddenly skipped a beat; as he continued to face the vast cloud he roared, "He Hanqing! Come out!" Instinct told him that something was wrong. 267 To Annihilate the Hall of Spring! The Concourse of the Underworld had put up such an impressive display of combat repertoire, it was apparent that they were determined to achieve their objective. Did they look too highly upon He Hanqing, to think that five people were too few and send ten Courts of Underworld Kings of the Concourse of the Underworld all at once? Now, only five of them had appeared. What if the others had come along too? If so, where were they? Emperor Song chuckled coldly. He did not intend to bar Venerable Lord Saber from delivering any messages. Since things had gone to this extent, he might as well have a clean sweep! ... He Hanqing sat silently within the mystical crystal formation. The four experts slowed and soothed their breathing to deliver mystical Qi in order to activate the mystical crystal formation and help heal He Hanqing. However, just as the purple light started to flicker, signaling the fact that the healing formation had been activated, a loud, crisp, sound hit the center of the formation. Hundreds of high-grade mystical crystals burst into a worthless pile of debris. A sharp voice spoke out of thin air, "He Hanqing, to heal yourself at this point in time is a waste of effort. Come, come, leave with my Spirit Summoning Fetters. Your time is up!" A cloud of fog had surrounded the secret chamber in entirety, and a giant mountain of earth materialized in mid-air, hurtling towards the mystical practitioner. The four guards swore angrily and attempted to throw up their defenses. "King Taishan!" He Hanqing remained seated in his original spot. His appearance remained calm. However, his pupils shrunk instantly, seeing the attack originate in front of his eyes. He crossed his two hands in front of his chest. From his body,a strong aura suddenly sprung up. A palm coalesced in mid-air. The giant mountain of earth that bore towards them vanished, disappearing into nothingness. The mountain seemed to be tangible as if it was a real entity. It would indeed be real for ordinary people; they would feel like they were under a falling, giant mountain. However, for high-leveled cultivators like He Hanqing, it was simply a minor threat. Not more than a palm was needed for the form to collapse. The winner was apparent! A silhouette snorted, "Supreme Lord Spring Frost''s reputation rings true indeed." A disdainful voice replied, "Could it be that my reputation is just for show then?" Along with this voice, a pale white sword cut through the somber fog, like white horses galloping across the mist. Faster than the eye could see, it swung toward the throat of He Hanqing. "King of Equality!" He Hanqing exclaimed. Apparently, he did not expect the two underworld kings from the Concourse of the Underworld to appear at the same time in the secret chamber. Not only had they appeared out of the blue, they had attacked him in unison. While snorting, the whole of his body turned unusually light. In a split second, he had swerved away from the deadly sword of the King of Equality. Immediately, He Hanqings face flashed red. He headed up and vomited three mouthfuls of blood. However, his aura did not recess because of that, but instead, climbed to another pinnacle. He Hanqing''s palm and the King of Equalitys sword forcefully met each other over a dozen times, the clanking sounds constantly ringing. After a flurry of exchanged blows, the two grunted and fell back in mutual reprieve. The Concourse of the Underworld. The King of Hades had acted! It was equivalent to the arrival of death itself. Although He Hanqing did not know the reason behind the arrival of these skilled assassins, he clearly recognized that he was in a perilous position. He immediately activated the Art of Soul Inducement, suppressing all his injuries instantly at the cost of ten years of his mortality. He had to be able to fight without restraint. Any other way would mean a terribly low chance of survival. If he did not achieve his optimum fighting form, a year from today would be his own death anniversary! It was a pity to have damage done to ten years of his life, but as long as he met Mr. Nian, there would still be a chance to compensate for those years. However, if he could not tackle the critical situation at hand and became a corpse instead, there was no future to even speak of. "Get out!" He Hanqing exclaimed sharply. His hunched form became upright. With a thunderous clap, he had blown open the secret chamber to form an underground passage right through to the surface. The force of his palm strike was powerful indeed! The people from the Concourse of the Underworld had come; in this case, the underworld kings had come personally. This chamber could no longer be relied upon as it would become the sanctuary for the kings from Concourse of the Underworld to plot their executions. In order to fight for the chance of survival, it was critical that he reached the surface immediately! However, just as the passage had been formed, a peculiar laughter rang out before a chilly wind rushed towards him, following the flow of the passage. "Get back here!" He Hanqing fell back to the ground with trembling hands. Shocked, he uttered, "You ... how many of you are here? Why?" A silhouette clad in grey and wearing a crown flickered into view, "He Hanqing, your time in this living world is up. I am acting in place of the Gods to take you back to hell!" "Nonsense!" He Hanqing was furious, "It was agreed that the Four Seasons Tower and the Concourse of the Underworld were to refrain from dabbling in each other''s affairs, like the streams of river and wells, where their waters do not mix. Why have you all attacked this old man? What is the reason? Does the Concourse of the Underworld wish to form enemies with Four Seasons Tower?" It was the same question again. Obviously, it had never occurred to the higher-ups in the Four Seasons Tower that any school of the Tianxuan Continent would dare to initiate an attack or provoke them. Today, obviously, was an exception. The man spoke quietly, "We are dutifully abiding by the orders of the heavens and lawfully by our duties to collect the damned souls for reincarnation. We are only working for the Gods, what is there to say about not interrupting each other?" A chilling order resounded in the still air, "Underworld Army of the Undead, where are you? Take He Hanqing into reincarnation immediately!" In mid-air, the howling of ghosts became more apparent. Numerous ghastly silhouettes spread across the Residence of He, surrounding the entire place. Not only the air, even the eaves and the ground were occupied by the netherworld beings. It was dark everywhere. Incessant shriek and screams could be heard. Unknown to many, this was obviously an area of mass executions. It was a trend to kill them all, without leaving any lives behind that could tell tales. Although there were numerous experts within the Four Seasons Tower with extraordinary cultivation bases, having to face the seemingly countless assassins from the Concourse of Underworld and numerous Kings of Hades who had personally joined in the fight, it was obvious who would be victorious. It was not the strength of the Four Seasons Tower that was inferior. He Hanqing most appreciated his own life. Despite abandoning his subordinates to face successive damages recently, the Four Seasons Tower''s Hall of Spring had had deeply invested powers. Most of the subordinates lost were only the ones that were being exposed out in the open. The damage of the high-leveled powers was minimal. More importantly, He Hanqing was at the period of recuperating, it would be natural that they had all the elites gather there. Coupled with Venerable Lord Saber''s subordinates, a show of strength of this scale would not have suffered any threats unless it was a fierce attack by a top-notched cultivator like Ling Xiaozui. Let alone the fact that there was Venerable Lord Saber himself who was observing at the side, he would not do without help in case of any extreme condition. Unless, of course, it was indeed Ling Xiaozui who had come personally. He Hanqing had obviously missed out the Concourse of the Underworld in his calculations. Never would he have thought that the Concourse of the Underworld would breach the covenant between them and the Four Seasons Tower to attack with such fury. The might and power of the group sent for this mission was simply over the top. Among the ten court kings of the Concourse of the Underworld, as many as seven had appeared! Above their heads, in the sky, Emperor Song, King Yama and King of Cycle had formed an impenetrable line of defense, barring the Venerable Lord Saber and others from taking any action at all, except to stare dryly at them. Furthermore, there were people from the Four Seasons Tower who were constantly falling from high altitudes in the midst of battle. Rumbling sounds could be heard as the ground trembled. Apparently, not only was Venerable Lord Saber unable to gain the upper hand, there was no silver lining in this battle. On the other side, two illusory silhouettes had appeared in the air in, commanding the numerous undead army that had came along, accompanied by a chilly wind. An Ox-Head and a Horse-Face held the Spirit Summoning Fetters, getting closer and closer. The atmosphere had been filled with ghostly vibes, cold wind tragically howling. Clank, clank. A series of seventeen silhouettes screamed as they fell to the ground. Even if there were several lucky ones that had survived with injuries, they were all behead right after. The Concourse of the Underworld''s assessment of survivors had been the most astute, how could they not know whether the targets were dead or not? How could they let their target stay alive? Regardless of the living or the dead, it was better to check after beheading them! This time around, the killing instinct of the underworld kings roared into He Hanqings place. While laughing madly, the nine-section whip in the hands of First Court King Qinguang had once again turned into a fog of green dragon. Bang! With the reappearance of King Qinguangs green dragon, the last few among the Four Seasons Tower had had their brains burst out amidst the ghastly clouds. Their souls had soon made their own way to the underworld. With a furious roar, a silhouette could be seen flying up like lightning from beneath the ground, breaking through the fog and rocketing up to the sky. That person was clad in a scholarly garment. Although his face was old, with white hair hovering beside him, his furious appearance could hardly cover his overflowing scholar vibe. It was He Hanqing. As a father figure of the literati, He Hanqing was slightly trembling with a stream of blood flowing from the corner of his mouth, although he was seemingly standing tall and straight like a mountain, "Why? Why would you do this?" He Hanqing''s eyes were staring at the First Court King Qinguang. First Court King Qinguang was the most hard core and agitated in this battle. His current situation was no better. His royal robe had been raggedly torn off at several parts. His hair had long been scattered. Drips of blood were oozing from his chest, with injuries all over. Yet he did not care at all, but smiled strangely and uttered, "He Hanqing, your time in this living world is up. It is time to make your way to the Netherworld!" He Hanqing furiously exclaimed, "Nonsense! First Court King Qinguang, our Tower has been allowing the Concourse of the Underworld to do as you please. We had no vengeance against each other .The original covenant was still within sight, what is the reason for this massive attack?" He let out a suspending roar, "Emperor Song! Give me a reason!" The long sword in Emperor Song''s hands moved, and suddenly, a mountain of swords appeared in front of the Venerable Lord Saber before he immediately withdrew himself. Emperor Song had his eyes focused on He Hanqing, lightly he uttered, "He Hanqing, what the Concourse of the Underworld, did was in accordance with the rules. Dont you know that what place the Concourse of the Underworld is? We take payment in exchange for people''s life, putting an end to their misery upon taking their money. Since Concourse of the Underworld had collected the silver taels, then you, He Hanqing must die!" Venerable Lord Saber was behind as he lightly said, "So, how about the original covenant that we made?" Emperor Song uttered," The covenant with the Four Seasons Tower was nothing but a waste of paper, dont you know that ghosts tell a pack of lies? With money, you can make devils push the millstone. With enough fortune, the world goes round. To talk about covenants and principles with the ghosts, it''s all by your own ignorance. What does it have to do with us, ghosts?! " Venerable Lord Saber snorted angrily, how could he not know that these creepy ghosts would not tell the truth. The real series of lies was before his sight. 268 Do You Think Yousre Actually Worth That Much? Both He Hanqing and Venerable Lord Saber still had doubts in their hearts. There had never been any connection between the Concourse of the Underworld and the Four Seasons Tower. There had even been a martial arts world covenant between them that listed all the higher-ups of the Four Seasons Tower in the exemption list of the Concourse of the Underworld. The so-called martial arts world covenant was, of course, simply a letter and could easily be disregarded. However, for it to be so, the prerequisite was that the strength of the particular party must be strong enough to bear the consequences of a breach. If one did not consider thoroughly, it was better to comply with the covenant and not tempt fate by breaking the rules. After all, to always be on guard against the Four Seasons Tower''s counterattacks, plots, ambushes, and revenge were by no means a good or simple matter. It was particularly so when the Concourse of the Underworld knew that despite their formidable force and undeniable capabilities, they still paled in comparison to the Four Seasons Tower. Thus arose the confusion over the happenings today. These actions could not be possibly have been sanctioned. Even if the Concourse of the Underworld managed to kill both He Hanqing and Venerable Lord Saber, the clues the Concourse of the Underworld would leave behind were too obvious. It would be impossible for the Four Seasons Tower not to find out eventually. Being as they were, the Four Seasons Tower would fight endlessly until death came to one of the parties. Forthe Concourse of the Underworld, who was at a disadvantage in terms of strength, defeat would only bring about death. Emperor Song had said that Venerable Lord Saber was unwise, but in Venerable Lord Saber and He Hanqings view, the Concourse of the Underworld was the unwise one! No matter how doubtful He Hanqing and Venerable Lord Saber were, the battle would not stop just because of their doubts and hesitation. In the blink of an eye, a few screams could be heard. The remaining subordinates of Venerable Lord Saber had died tragically in the hands of the other Yama Kings. Besides He Hanqing and Venerable Lord Saber, there were only a few of survivors from the Four Seasons Tower. It was an irreversibly, serious loss, and defeat had almost become a concluded outcome! This was tantamount to having all the elites of the Hall of Spring slaughtered simultaneously. The King of Equality''s face was full of compassion. Appearing in the air, he murmured, "Ah, sin... Sin..." His mouth moved as he muttered softly, "For this life was full of evil, so here we come for salvation, between life and death, there is no injustice and hatred. This life has ended, be there for the next. Go now, quickly; the gate to the afterlife is open..." Venerable Lord Saber took a deep breath, "Emperor Song, the Four Seasons Tower will never forgive today''s actions. Concourse of the Underworld, you shall regret this. Even if you havemoney, you will need your life in order to enjoy it!" He then turned around and shouted, "Let''s go!" " "If Venerable Lord Saber would like to leave, we will not hinder you." Emperor Songs face was indifferent, "However, Supreme Lord Spring Frost here has to stay." He smiled faintly, "Well, we don''t actually need all of himto stay behind, just his head will suffice." He Hanqing chuckled even as a glance of violence flashed across his eyes. Chillingly, he uttered, "It appears that there are only the Seven Kings and two envoys from the Concourse of the Underworld who are here today. At most, you brought along a few Gold-ranked assassins. With such combat might, this old, useless one and the Venerable Lord Saber will have to admit defeat. However, if you want to keep this old man here just by relying on these, you are merely hoping in vain, and probably suffer from some form of delusion as well." Emperor Song had both of his hands behind his back, as he lightly uttered, "Whether it is possible or not, we will have to do it in order to know. What do you say, Supreme Lord He?" With a brazen flash of the saber, Venerable Lord Saber moved to He Hanqings side. In a cold voice, he whispered, "Even if this reputed one has always been at odds with He Hanqing, at this juncture of life and death, this reputed one shall as we are both of the Four Seasons Tower! " He uttered icily, "Emperor Song, I believe that you can see it yourself. Although we are somewhat disadvantaged, one of your brothers life will be the price to kill He Hanqing! And if you were to add me to the equation also... well... " Venerable Lord Saber continued to sneer, "Even if you managed to kill He Hanqing in the end, the ten Yama Kings of the Concourse of the Underworld would have three members less, at the very least. I can even guarantee it. After all, unlike He Hanqing, I am uninjured." "How could Emperor Song not see such a clear and distinct situation?" "It''s alright if you kill the ordinary members of the Four Seasons Tower. However, if you kill one of the four Supreme Lords, you have to think about the consequences!" Emperor Song hovered in the air with his arms behind his back. His eyes were resolute, but he did not speak. He naturally knew that what Venerable Lord Saber had said was but the truth. Since everyone had already reached such levels, a lie would not be able to deceive anyone. There was no feeling each other with simple deception. The situation was so simple and clear. In this battle, his side had undoubtedly occupied an overwhelming advantage. If He Hanqing had been alone, the ten of them working jointly would definitely be able to take He Hanqing down, albeit at a sore price. However, there was Venerable Lord Saber now. They would have to sacrifice at least two to three peoples lives to kill He Hanqing alone. Yes, it was entirely possible! Moreover, it was impossible to keep the Venerable Lord Saber behind! They were all experts of the same level. Working together to block or defeat the other party was not difficult at all. However, if they really wished to kill the other side by not paying the same price, the difficulty level would have surged up more than ten-fold. By comparing their current combat power, it was an impossible feat. Emperor Songs expression was unreadable, while he coldly calculated the situation, a person from his own camp could be seen rushing forward without leave. "There''s nothing much left to say. He Hanqing''s time is up and he must be returned to the afterlife today!" First Court King Qinguang had already made his first move. Following that, the King of Equality, King Taishan, and King Chujiang had simultaneously acted. The four of them instantly enveloped the whole sky with the underworld''s fog. Two silhouettes could be seen looming elusively within the mist, seeking for an opportunistic attack. They were Ox-Head and Horse-Face, the two envoys of the Underworld. He Hanqing was extremely angered and bitter. It was indeed the first time in his life he had encountered such dire enemies. What sort of the price had the person that bought his life offered to the Concourse of the Underworld to have them act in such a desperate manner against him? For a person as wily and crafty as He Hanqing to be so confused, it was difficult for him to imagine the possibilities. However, since the other side had initiated the attack, He Hanqing had no time to keep on pondering. He let out an extensive roar and charged into the fray. "What kind of price could get me killed?" wondered He Hanqing in amazement as he came up against First Court King Qinguang. While they had been talking earlier, First Court King Qinguang was the first to rush forward. It meant that he was the most desperate. It was often the case that the most desperate person was also the one who accepted the money for executing the task for other people. Since he could not figure it out himself, he decided to simply ask about it. "Do you really wish to know?" First Court King Qinguang let out a strange laugh. Within the eyes of He Hanqing, ice and fire burned and flared at the same time. His arcane magic had been ignited into execution. Countless Force of the Soul that he had swallowed over the years had all been activated, "Are you going to tell me or not? First Court King Qinguang chuckled, "He Hanqing, your old life wasn''t cheap. It came at the price of one million silver taels and I had just given the man a twenty-percent discount, making the deal worth eight hundred thousand silver taels in total." "Eight hundred thousand silver taels... " Cultivating his skill at this critical juncture in addition to being besieged by the three Kings, He Hanqing was so angry that he was bursting with dizziness the moment he heard the price. I, He Hanqing, am only worth eight hundred thousand silver taels? If you said that it was three or five taels, I would know that you were trying to humiliate me and I wouldn''t get angry. Alternatively, you could have said that it was tens of millions of silver taels or millions of gold taels or even hundreds of thousands of mystical crystals. Eight hundred thousand silver taels? What was the matter with you people? The Concourse of the Underworld had dispatched dozens of Gold-ranked killers, as well as the ten Yama Kings and two messengers to execute him. All this for a mere eight hundred thousand silver taels? Would you have me sold for eight hundred thousand silver taels? This was the greatest insult of all! A gush of sword energy rushed up into his body. As he was vaguely absent-minded, he could no longer suppress Ling Xiaozuis sword air. With a shriek, He Hanqing vomited three mouthfuls of fresh blood. The black fog surrounding his body had disappeared altogether. All the Force of Souls that he had ingested over the years had fully collapsed instantly. Eight hundred thousand silver taels... That had He Hanqing defeated immediately. "He Hanqing, do you think you''re actually worth that much?" First Court King Qinguang Wang chortled, "For your lowly life, eight hundred thousand silver taels was terribly overpriced." He Hanqings rage rushed into his heart. He continued to spit mouthfuls of blood, desperately parrying the ensuing attacks. However, King Qinguang and the other three had been attacking with gusto, forcing He Hanqing into a tight spot, landing him into an awful situation where it was almost certain that he would be taken soon. "First Court King Qinguang, you are looking for death!" The flash of a saber flickered and Venerable Lord Saber rushed forward madly. A silhouette appeared and Emperor Song courteously blocked the descending saber with his sword energy that threw sparks into the sky. "Venerable Lord Saber, we have yet to finish our reunion." Venerable Lord Saber furiously uttered, "Emperor Song, you will regret this." The incandescent light of the saber could be seen shimmering forcefully. The body of Venerable Lord Saber suddenly vanished, leaving only the saber hovering in mid-air. The Blade that Hung from the Sky had displayed its true capacity for the first time! A thick saber that was hundreds of feet long could be seen soaring across the sky. It gleamed as brightly as the sun. Appearing unexpectedly, it had lit up the sky for hundreds of leagues around while filling them with radiant colors in an extraordinary style. Emperor Song sucked in a breath, " Stop him! Let the four of them finish He Hanqing first!" King Yama and the King of Cycle answered the call and moved towards Venerable Lord Saber. While waving his sword, Emperor Song charged straight at the Venerable Lord Saber. However, by virtue of their cultivation bases, Emperor Song was roughly the equal of Venerable Lord Saber. It was difficult to distinguish the winner and loser in such a short period of time as they fought mano a mano. At the very least, Emperor Song would not be at a disadvantage. However, to be evenly matched was one thing, to be able to kill the other was another. To totally constrain the others actions were not a similar matter, but an impossibility! Even with the joint efforts of King Yama and the King of Cycle, it was possible to have Venerable Lord Saber completely restrained! The current situation was clear. If the Kings did not manage to stop Venerable Lord Saber and allowed him to rush over and reunite with He Hanqing, tonights operation of the Concourse of the Underworld would be tantamount to failure. The Concourse of the Underworld had pulled no punches this time. They had made several practice sessions prior. This victory was compulsory to them. He Hanqing had to die, with no chance of survival. However, they had not accounted for Venerable Lord Saber, whose cultivation base was above He Hanqing, being here in Tiantang City! It was a fatal oversight to the perfect assassination plan of the Concourse of Underworld. For so many years, the Venerable Lord Saber had never appeared in this area. According to the Concourse of Underworlds intelligence, the five Venerable Lords and four Supreme Lords had major disagreements with each other. Although they did not interfere with each other''s affairs, they were wholly incompatible. Yet at this moment, both of them had banded together to ward off the attack. It was an event that went beyond their expectations. Unfortunately, it had happened during such a critical operation. The hearts of the ten Yama Kings from the Concourse of Underworld were full of bewilderment. Little did they understand what was the true problem that they faced. 269 A Fatal Blow! The fighting proceeded while the situation continued to escalate. Waves and waves of intense attacks were layered upon each other. He Hanqing had to constantly wipe the blood away from his mouth during the course of the battle. The reason he was vomiting blood was not because ofthe arcane Art of Soul Inducement but it was by virtue of the sword air that had been left in his body by Ling Xiaozui. He almost could not suppress it. Add the fact that he was surrounded by four strong enemies and instantly his life was at tenterhooks. He could only utilize the Art of Soul Inducement once more, yet the use had its own limitations. His life would run out soon. Initially, even without fighting, he had been close to death. Unless he had the help of Mr. Nian or achieved hi own breakthrough, he could easily die at any time within a span of eighteen years. Now, however, the continuous use of the Art of Soul Inducement, twice, in fact, had consumed his eighteen years of longevity. He was like a lamp that had all used up all its oil. Faced with the siege of the four underworld kings from Concourse of the Underworld, it was not hard to imagine how fierce the fighting was. Even if He Hanqing had exerted the Art of Soul Inducement for the second time, allowing him to return to peak condition, his own arcane had, nevertheless, inexplicably collapsed and he would no longer be a worthy opponent of the Four Kings joint attack. Another drawback of the Art of Soul Inducement was that it could only briefly aim to destroy. However, the combat power was simply unsustainable and would only go from bad to worse. He Hanqing was attacking while fleeing, wishing to take advantage of the gap to escape while his current combat force was still strong. However, King Qinguang and the three others had been chasing him unceasingly, locking him down and preventing him from escaping. An extended roar rang out. With the gleaming flash of his saber that greeted the world from the sky, the Venerable Lord Saber went all out in his attack. Whistling sharply, the saber light lanced in front of King Qinguang and the others. The saber light exploded out of thin air like a crystal ball, diffusing into the sky with after trails of saber energy, barring the path of the four men in pursuit. The Venerable Lord Saber had managed to break through the blockade of Emperor Song in the end and came to give support. "Faster, leave!" Venerable Lord Saber urged anxiously. He did not have even to say it. In a flash, He Hanqing had turned into white smoke, speeding into the horizon. This moment was still at the point where the combat power of Supreme Lord Spring Frost was at its peak. His speed was akin to streaming lightning! Venerable Lord Saber roared loudly once again. A stunning flash of saber light exploded again, spreading in all directions. By his own power, he had managed to hinder the chase of the seven Yama Kings. He Hanqing bolted all the way. Within the split of fingers, he had managed to rush out for hundreds of thousands of feet. However, unexpectedly, there was turbulence in the air before him. Three men clad in hemp garments appeared out of the blue. Their faces were indifferent, yet their auras were no different compared to the seven underworld kings. An immensely chill wind blew alongside these three, forming a violent whirlwind. Almost at the same time, overwhelming shadows and flashes of swords flew down from above. "He Hanqing, leave your life here before you go!" "I already knew that you fellows would be lurking in the dark!" He Hanqing whistled loudly. His figure, which had been bolting forward at high speeds,impossibly changed its direction, soaring towards the sky. His speed of movement was not reduced but had increased instead, forming a trail of white smoke behind him. He then swept past over the heads of the three kings. To their surprise, the defense line built by the three Kings had turned out to be totally ineffective. Or perhaps it wasn''t. Suddenly, above the line of defense formed by swords and sabers, a flash of sword light burst out magnificently, catching up with He Hanqings end. Its speed was above the escaping velocity of He Hanqing. Soon after, a stream of blood emerged behind He Hanqings path, caused by the slash of a sword. An elongated wound could be seen appearing on He Hanqings back. However, He Hanqings escape rate did not diminish at all. Within a single moment, he had flown thousands of feet away. At this juncture of life and death, He Hanqing''s objective was to escape at all costs, and he was not to be slowed down just because of a slash from a sword! "F*ck!" These three people that had appeared was the last three Kings of the Ten Court Kings, namely, King Wuguan, King Biancheng, and King Dushi. The changes that had happened before them was clearly beyond the expectations of the three. The initial foolproof ambush and the plan of barring the escape of the other did not take into account the possibility that their victim was prepared for it. In the most unlikely occasion, he had managed to find a way to escape. Even though he was wounded, he was still able to continue escaping without any decrease in speed. His title as one of four Supreme Lords of the Four Seasons Tower was duly justified. Of course, the three of them would not give up at that point. Turning their bodies back, they were back in hot pursuit. However, since He Hanqing gotten a head start, his speed had reached its maximum limit. By that time, it was apparently unrealistic for the other three to catch up with him. A little while later, the saber light flashed again and again. It was Venerable Lord Saber catching up from behind. Apparently, the speed of the Concourse of Underworld''s kings was incomparable to the swiftness of Venerable Lord Saber who was utilizing his saber. Even though they were desperately trying to catch up, they were all gradually left behind. At this moment, all the people from Concourse of Underworld were speechless. This mission was an absolute failure. This was the first time the Concourse of the Underworld had all ten courts of Yama Kings jointly appearing, and was unable to accomplish their task. What a great joke indeed! It was extremely shameful. " Damn..." cursed First Court Qinguang while continuing with the mad chase, "Have our people from the Concourse of Underworld gotten soft? With so many people, we still managed to let him escape." While still in pursuit, the other brothers cast murderous glances at him. You are the one who has gotten soft! Out of so many brothers, you are the only one who has gotten soft! That was Supreme Lord Spring Frost. Why didn''t you comment that so many people had been killed by Ling Xiaozui? When this task was over, this dog of a person had a beating waiting for him. He Hanqing kept on running, face against the wind. He felt the mystical Qi within his body being continuously consumed. His life force was rapidly fading. However, his heart was without fear. As long as he was still alive, there would be hope. Now that he had been exposed, to remain in Tiantang City had become an impossibility. With the rightful justification of the Concourse of the Underworld forcing an attack against him, boss would have to help him figure out ways to heal himself. Not only would he be able to lengthen his life, the sword air that Ling Xiaozui had shot into his body might be taken off too. With that thought in mind, it seemed like this times assassination attempt was neither a crisis nor impasse at all, but a fortunate turning point, a new world for him to start all over again! The biggest task at the moment was to survive. His chances of survival were high. As long as he was alive, everything would be put in the hands of the boss and would not be a problem at all. He was dashing at his own maximum speed limit, like a meteor sliding magnificently over the sky. Suddenly, his expression changed. The wind rustled in mid-air. To his surprise, two wailing sounds of the sharp wind plunged down from the above. "Be careful!" Behind him, the pupils of Venerable Lord Saber, who was still far away, suddenly shrunk. However, it was too late. The other was actually faster compared to He Hanqing who was at full speed. The velocity had come to a point where there was almost no time to respond. He Hanqing cried out loud. A golden gleam suddenly shimmered from his body. He flung out all the attacking or lethal weapons he had on him. He punched out with both palms brazenly, trying desperately to counter-attack by facing the sky. A loud bang, followed by the sharp screeching of an eagle could be heard. Soon, feathers were flying all over the sky. A huge, black hawk swooped and dived in the air. Together with it was He Hanqings right arm, that had been clawed away by the hawk! The ninth class mystical beast had pierced He Hanqings entire arm while he was unaware and off guard. He Hanqings cultivation base could be considered deep and profound as he had not simply died on the spot. He Hanqing yelled in agony as he looked at the sky. The sharp torrent of pain from the hawk pulling one of his arms off was unbearable. However, following his yelp, his face ashen in ultimate despair. A bright light emerged before his eyes. It was a brilliant beam of sword light that was approaching him head-on. Not only was it sudden, its approaching speed was extreme and indescribable. He Hanqing had just been dealt a terrible blow, his old force was gone, while his serious injuries increased. Even more importantly, the dismemberment was a critical strike. It was difficult to have his stature turned around in such an instance. How could he have dodged this sword which hurtled at him like a thunderbolt? Bellowing loudly, he hurriedly twisted his body, moving it slightly to the side. A sword pierced right through He Hanqing''s stomach with a swoosh and at an incredible speed, forming a hole right through his abdomen. The sword was still not done as it went towards Venerable Lord Saber behind him, glowing with blood alongside the whirring wind. Clang! A thunderous ringing could be heard. Venerable Lord Saber crashed forcefully into the sword with his saber light, causing the sword to buzz and fly obliquely outwards, carrying a trail of light with it, landing in the deep unknown. However, a middle-aged man clad in a green robe and with elegant features appeared before He Hanqings eyes. He did not hold a sword, with only a fishing rod in his grip. However, within the dark confines of his silhouette, the fishing rod had soon turned into a thunderous storm, each rod craving for a chance at blood. The shadow of countless fishing rods had completely enveloped He Hanqing! "He Hanqing, die!" That man was Wei Xinglu. Initially, Wei Xinglu was bringing Gugu to fish at the Thousand Feet Lake. However, after enduring over the whole night, neither the Qirin fish nor a single fish fin could be seen. The entire Thousand Feet Lake was like a dead pool. How could they know that ever since the repeated warnings by Yun Yang, even the common species were difficult to be caught, not to mention Qirin fish? If they were using common bait, they might still able to catch some fish. However, for the Thousand Feet Lake, the more special the bait, the more difficult it was to catch the fish.This was one of the grand views after Yutang, a view of wonders! After bitterly enduring boredom for a night, Wei Xinglu was about to bring Gugu back to the Residence of Yun as he was disheartened by the lack of any success. However, suddenly he heard the violent sounds of fighting, brought over by the wind. He Hanqing! Was someone attacking He Hanqing? Wei Xinglu heart was palpitating with eagerness. He was bold, given his great skill. Furthermore, there would not be any danger to be concerned about in this place. He simply went and observed whether it was true, thus coming all the way here. Gugu suddenly exclaimed, "Isnt that He Hanqing being chased?" Yu Tangs father figure of literati, the leader of scholars, the sage Old Sir He? Wei Xinglus interest was ignited when he heard the words. Yes indeed! He had initially intended to cause trouble for this old fellow. However, even before he had managed to go over himself, he had come across an opportunity to beat the fallen dog. Since the opportunity had appeared before his eyes, it was a waste of fated chance if he took no action. Wei Xingly simply exerted a push. With a soft wave, Gugu was hidden in a secret corner. He then immediately, without hesitation, rushed forward. A man and a hawk. Both attacked at the same time Such a joint effort was equivalent to the level above the Tenth Perfection. Coincidentally, they had picked the subtle moment where He Hanqing was off-guard, thinking that he had escaped an ambush. The strike of his sword was duly unexpected! Having to make dreams over his lifetime, never did it occur to He Hanqing that he would have to face such a nightmare! Not only had all the ten Kings and two envoys from Concourse of the Underworld appeared, a man such as this was waiting for him! Wei Xinglu was the purest form of force at this moment. No one could have anticipated that there would be a third party involved. The sword had penetrated right through He Hanqings lower abdomen. A single strike and everything had fallen apart! Since the attack on He Hanqing, this was the most fatal of blows! 270 Ceaseless He Hanqing had taken a devastating sword stab that went through his body. His abdominal pain was truly overwhelming, the fresh blood gushed out like a stream. Meanwhile, there was a long tendon on his shoulder that kept on pulling... After several successive blows, He Hanqing''s mind had since plunged into a drowsy state, just managing to desperately dodge the subsequent attacks purely on instinct. "Who are you?" That person''s face was full of gentle smiles, yet his fishing rod was mercilessly slapping and striking He Hanqings body and legs. Accompanied by the cracking sound of his femur, the mans voice was distant, "The route of the secular is a dangerous one, it is difficult to keep going forward. Sir He, Wei Xinglu sends his regards." In the midst of frightening shrieks, He Hanqing felt dizziness flow in front of his eyes. His body''s strength had flowed out from the wound. His body was like a broken kite falling downwards. His internal organs were crushed, yet he could only furiously shout, "Wei Xinglu, you are from School of Spring and Autumn! How could you..." He Hanqing was in extreme pain and confusion. Since when had he offended the School of Spring and Autumn? What exactly was going on? The Concourse of the Underworld was desperate enough to kill me for eight hundred thousand silver taels. It was simply crazy. Even to kill someone like Han Wufei, there must at least be a million silver taels involved. A mere eight hundred thousand silver taels to kill me? This had been a rare surprise in itself. Now, what kind of affairs did the School of Spring and Autumn have on this merry occasion? You fellows aren''t assassins! With a sprint, Wei Xinglu managed to keep up the chase as he lightly uttered, "I did not expect that there would be such a good opportunity to send Sir He on your way. However, it seemed like you had been a little too wanton. Never mind the fact that you wanted to dominate the world and aid Yutang, why would you want to kill my youngest junior sister? Why would you provoke the School of Spring and Autumn?" He Hanqing mentality had turned half-fuzzy, yet he was utterly dumbfounded upon hearing this sentence and asked, "Your youngest junior sister?" His mind was bewildered as ever. His thoughts were awhirl with questions; Who is your youngest junior sister? When did I want to kill her? Since you said it is junior sister, she must be a lady. Has this old man killed any women recently? " Wei Xinglu sneered, the fishing rod in his hands weaving about as a long fishing line flew out from it. The hook then latched precisely onto He Hanqing who could no longer defend himself, as he shook it forcefully and muttered, "This reputed one has been fishing for the whole night, I didnt expect that there was fish to be caught after all. It''s one heavy fish indeed. This trip was not wasted, and worthwhile indeed!!" "Let go!" Suddenly a saber light came flickering across and the fishing line was broken into two. It was the Venerable Lord Saber, with his whole body covered in blood. Wei Xinglu could not help but taken aback by the scene. The fishing rod in his hands was not an ordinary tool. Whether it was the rod itself or the fish hook or the line, they were all top graded treasures. The line was made from the refined meridians of the Northern Sea beast. Not only was it extremely flexible, it was also very difficult to be severed by bladed weapons. If this was not the case, how was it able to be used catch fish Qirin fish which was well-known to be the king of the fishes? While using his fishing tool, he had also exerted his own art of movements and routine. That was how He Hanqing managed to get himself seriously injured and being in a discounted state, his nose hooked with the mere movement of Wei Xinglu. Wei Xinglu''s prized extraordinary weapon had been broken by the other party in half. Besides feeling unfortunate for his fishing rod, he was utterly stunned! However, eldest senior brother Wei was experienced in the martial arts world, agile and quick with his reflexes. Throwing his fishing rod away, he tilted his body as a soft sword light could be seen shaking upright, spraying tens of thousands of golden needles, flying towards the face of Venerable Lord Saber like a sudden rainstorm. His soft sword then turned into a streaming gleam to continuously collide, for a few hundred times, with the domineering saber energy of the other party. The ringing of metal against metal was unceasing. After the exchange of blows, Wei Xinglu vomited a mouthful of blood. His body could be seen staggering amidst the air, descending a few hundred feet. His face was pale as he solemnly asked, "Who are you?" Venerable Lord Saber let out a furious roar, his saber light flickered, shattering countless golden needles as he hatefully replied, "School of Spring and Autumn''s man? Who are you?" Without taking the time to listen to the latter''s answer, Venerable Lord Saber rushed over. This was indeed a critical fight, as the situation was now grave. Not only had He Hanqing''s lower abdomen been pierced through, his legs had been broken. His injuries were extremely serious. If Venerable Lord Saber did not extract him in time, the fate of Supreme Lord Spring Frost would be death. Venerable Lord Saber had been in pursuit from thousands of feet above, in a terrifying display of prestige. There simply wasn''t time to follow up on his attack in a victory against Wei Xinglu. Behind him, with only a difference of around a hundred feet, where the masses of experts from the Concourse of the Underworld, still very much in the chase. Wei Xinglu coldly snorted. Sucking in a mouthful of air, he had rushed downwards as well. The Yutangs father figure of literati, He Hanqing was so damned abhorrent. Not only had he wanted to kill his youngest junior sister, he also wanted to ambush them, going to the extent of threatening Yun Yang. It was sinful indeed and should not be forgiven. Since there was such a great opportunity today, no matter whether it was for himself or the country, he should not be allowed to live! One does not stop until the job was done. It was such a fated opportunity granted to have He Hanqing extinguished entirely! Billowing gleams of saber light came roaring down; Venerable Lord Saber had long been focusing on He Hanqing, how could he not notice He Hanqing''s painful face as he fluttered in the air. It was merely eighty feet from the ground at this moment. For such a height, any achieved martial artist would not have given a care. However, since He Hanqing had been successively subjected to heavy blows, he had exhausted all his Qi and energy, leaving nothing but a bedazzled mind. He would become a pool of mud if he were to fall from here. Venerable Lord Saber had realized this as well. With an extended roar, he accelerated his body. In a split-second, he already moved to the back of He Hanqing, almost as if he was an illusion, and extended his hand to grab him. Within seconds, he had caught He Hanqings vest. However, He Hanqing could not even afford to operate and exert any cultivation base. The falling momentum gained from his weight of over a hundred catties falling from a high height had caused Venerable Lord Saber to become unstable in mid-air, falling together after He Hanqing. Thump! Venerable Lord Saber desperately stomped on the trunk of a giant tree below, leveraging on the force, his saber light brightening up once again. While carrying He Hanqing, he soon dashed over the distance madly, turning into a stunning, elongated rainbow-like saber light with an after trail. There was no hope of a comeback in today''s duel, in particular when He Hanqing had now become powerless to engage in combat. He would pay with his own life if he did not flee rapidly. Right now, escape was the best option. Within his eyesight was all forest.Once they got over this forest and crossed over the houses, it would then be Yutang''s city wall. As long as they were out of the city walls, despite having thousands of manpower, the Concourse of the Underworld would not stop themselves from bringing He Hanqing back! He Hanqing could not be dead. Venerable Lord Saber was determined. While waving the saber in his hands, the movement of the saber light was getting faster and faster, leaving all the people who had been tailing him far behind. An exceptional ride, an impossible catch up. While looking at the saber light on the other side leaving like a shooting star, Emperor Song could not help but issue a sigh. Certainly, they would not be able to catch up. The ultimate strength of the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lord Saber was indeed above his own... Fortunately, this time, all of the subordinates had been dispatched, only that they could create such results. If they were only to accord to their original plan by sending three or four people to attack He Hanqing, in the face an unexpected change such as the emergence of Venerable Lord Saber, it would no longer be the talk of success or failure. Some of the brothers might not even able to make it back... Fortunately, all the brothers had exerted a force in this matter, in order to work with full autonomy. As the saying goes, one would be able to know the whole picture by looking at the subtle details. It was acommon belief that the real strength of the Four Seasons Tower was beyond their highest assessment. They must be more careful in the future, in case they were to fight again! Wei Xinglu snorted and halted his pace. As he looked in the direction of Venerable Lord Saber''s departure, his heart was full of unwillingness. Unexpectedly, even for such a chance, He Hanqing had also managed to escape. The Empire of Yutang had a lot of experts indeed! A mere novice with a saber already had his strength topped over himself. What if there were other followers? Such an opportunity to kill would soon turn into a fatal tragedy and a trap. The changing of opportunity could happen within a split second. Following an extended screech, the huge body of the black hawk had landed. Only when Wei Xinglu had ridden on the back of this hawk that he started to feel relieved. Looking at the few eerie figures on the other side, he knew who they were even before he could think about it. They were the people from the Concourse of the Underworld. Assassins. Coincidentally the top assassination organization in Tianxuan Continent! Someone must have hired the Concourse of the Underworld to kill He Hanqing. Although they all had the same goals, the Concourse of the Underworld was a killer organization. There was no need to forge any ties with them. It was better to leave immediately. Seated on the back of the hawk, he uttered with his palm cupped over his fist, "Though I intended to kill the despicable, I have no intention to join the forces. No need for much words given our little fate. The future was long overdue, and we shall meet again." Before the sound of his words had faded, the black hawk had already fluttered its wings. With a long cry, the black hawk delved into the sea of ??clouds, disappearing without a trace in a blink of an eye. Only when they reached within the sea of ??clouds that Wei Xinglu suddenly recalled something of import. The place where he was fishing just now was too far away from He Hanqing. However, he had heard the sound himself. What was going on? His own listening ability should not be that good! This matter ...was seeping with peculiarity. Emperor Song and the gang were all surprised by the emergence of this helper. Their eyes had almost fallen out of their sockets. What was up with this fellow who had crawled out of the blue? There was someone to intervene in this business deal? However, if it wasnt for the help of this person from the School of Spring and Autumn, it would be more difficult to kill He Hanqing. Although they were still unable to kill He Hanqing at this moment, in the end, they had to bear the favor given by him. After all, if it wasnt for him, they were afraid that He Hanqing would have escaped earlier and would not have been injured to this extent! Moreover, how many more people did the person who bought the life of He Hanqing had dispatched , in order to kill him? Even the people from School Spring and Autumn had been successfully employed by him. It was magical and remarkable indeed ... At that point of time, Venerable Lord Saber had taken He Hanqing passing over the wall, like a hovering wind. The troops stationed below did not find anything strange at all. Both of them had gone to the high altitude outside the city. Venerable Lord Saber was finally relieved. Out of the city! Freedom was just before them. Next, he would have to find a place to rest and to send He Hanqing back. If they were to be further delay, even if this old man would not die, his whole cultivation base would be entirely depleted! However, just at the juncture where Venerable Lord Saber had let out a sigh of relief, a white shadow had slowly risen in front of the night scene and it uttered, "Finally this matter was about to be settled today ... it was not easy at all!" A feeling that something was amiss arose in his heart as Venerable Lord Saber shouted, "Who is that? Get lost!" The white silhouette snickered, "Get lost, you m*therf*cker! Leave He Hanqing here!" The flash of the sword, like white waves, could be seen overflowing in the sky! 271 Beheaded in a Single Slash! The sword light that had appeared abruptly was like a tidal wave that surged over with unstoppable speed. The person wore white clothes, while his sword light was bright as snow. Venerable Lord Saber seemed to recall who the other party was as he bellowed, "Bai Yixue, are you seeking death?" Although Bai Yixue was ranked top ten among the worlds swordsmen, the difference of his skill compared to that of Venerable Lord Saber was not little by any means. Even He Hanqing who was at his prime could easily kill Bai Yixue, let alone Venerable Lord Saber. However, He Hanqing had lost all ability to fight while Venerable Lord Saber had fought for the better part of the night. His opponents were all experts of the same level as well; his energy had been greatly depleted from executing his mystique skill in order to shake the pursuers off just now. He was near the end of his exertions now as he was immensely exhausted. Facing Bai Yixue who was well rested and prepared, he could not have equipped himself any better for the time being. Bai Yixues sword energy was frost-like. His dominance escalated to his peak as he said coldly, "Your cultivation base is formidable, far above mine and even higher than He Hanqings. This saber of yours is enchanting and mystical as well. If it were any other day, Id be blessed to deflect anything more than three to five strikes of yours. Its a pity that youre exhausted and can barely support yourself. You cant protect He Hanqing anymore; as long as you pass He Hanqing over, the future is yours and we shall meet again in the martial arts world. If you heed not my advice and get yourself killed, wouldnt that be a waste?" Venerable Lord Saber was infuriated as he shot back, "Contemptible rat that capitalizes on the disadvantages of others, how dare you boast in front of this reputed one?" Once he finished his words, he took a deep breath and stood upright. The saber in his hand came down, slashing against the wind with an unprecedented tyranny. Bai Yixue growled, his long sword turning into pieces of snowflakes that fell from the air. Clang, clang, clang! As the saber and sword collided continuously, Bai Yixue could feel the impact of the saber force that was like huge hammers pounding against his heart. For a moment, he felt as if his internal organs were alight all at once. The cultivation base of this person before him was terrifyingly strong; so strong that it raised goosebumps on his arms. He was already in such a pathetic state yet he could still unleash such standards of combat skill! Impressive could not suffice to describe him! Bai Yixue knew that he could not afford a direct confrontation. He took cross-legged steps back to fend off the momentum but Venerable Lord Sabers attacks were tightly packed as his saber light chased after the sword light. As the former took a defending stance while the latter attacked, they reached the border of the forest. "Go!" A roar erupted. A ray of sword light shot through from the ground. It was Fang Mofei, who was masked and dressed in black, pouncing like a dragon from the dark. His sword was used like a stick as it came crashing down with brute force. It no longer made sense to seek a contest of skills when facing an unpredictable expert like Venerable Lord Saber. One could only take the chance to beat him with barbaric ways when he was weak. Venerable Lord Saber snorted coldly as the saber in his hand tilted slightly. A ray of saber glow flew from the blade as it deflected Fang Mofeis sword with precision. Not only did the saber glow managed to block Fang Mofeis stick of a sword, it counterattacked C leaving a deep gash on Fang Mofeis chest as blood spurted at once. Just one strike had deemed Fang Mofeis injury severe but he cared nothing about the wound. With an angered roar, a red radiance spurted from his mouth. Fealty Jade Sword Fang Mofei! Fang Mofeis jade sword ceased its existence but he still had his fealty heart! At long last, he had utilized his famous skill. The turn of events caught Venerable Lord Saber by surprise. The saber light had erupted while Bai Yixue was charging forward like a crazed tiger with his swordsmanship blooming to its maximum capacity. His sword fluttered like snowflakes that were laced with unadulterated murderous intent. The crimson radiance that Fang Mofei spewed was the least expected trouble; its incoming speed was incredibly fast;there was no time to block it. With a change of thought, Venerable Lord Sabers knee raised to hit He Hanqings back; at the same time, his hand released his grasp. He Hanqing then flew forward, welcoming the crimson radiance head-on. Venerable Lord Saber had actually tossed He Hanqing out to defend himself against the saber at such a critical moment! He Hanqing was important, but in this life and death situation, nothing was more important than keeping himself alive. Of course, Venerable Lord Saber knew how to make his choices in the face of such urgent threats. Simultaneously, his saber light condensed once more to collide harshly with Bai Yixues sword. Bai Yixue was flung away, his motions jerky as if he had been electrocuted but Venerable Lord Saber fared no better. He tumbled back; mouth agape, he spat blood while his ears thrummed like thousands of drums were being struck inside his head. His seven orifices bled at the same time. Venerable Lord Saber was taking care of both sides by dividing his force into two. His current combat ability was no stronger than that of Bai Yixue. Although he had managed to flick Bai Yixue flying with his attack, his divided strength meant that he had to sustain some damage as well. He Hanqing had been unconscious but upon being kneed in the back, he cried out in pain and jolted awake, spitting a mouthful of blood. Just as he regained his bearings, the incoming crimson radiance greeted his eyes at an incredible speed. "Lord Saber, you" He Hanqing understood everything at once and cursed aloud. He maneuvered his Qi forcefully and used the last ounce of energy left to struggle for his life, scrambling the slightest bit upwards. Plow! The crimson radiance shot into He Hanqings chest like a lightning strike. He Hanqings entire being spasmed as a hopeless expression colored his face. The crimson radiance then came out through his back and flew towards Venerable Lord Saber without slowing down in the slightest. However, the glow of a saber flickered. Clang! The crimson radiance twirled in the air with a wobble before it flew back. Fang Mofei was already spluttering blood now as he fell towards the ground; he had collapsed even faster than He Hanqing. There was too much a difference between his and Venerable Lord Sabers cultivation base. After attacking with all his might, he could no longer support himself. Bai Yixue flew a hundred feet away as he spat three consecutive mouthfuls of blood; he looked weak, a sign of rapidly diminishing combat power. Venerable Lord Saber spun in the air, his saber light turning into a whirlwind as it went after He Hanqing. His cultivation base was formidable indeed. It was just after a breather but his combat skill gained some recovery; the killing threat had passed now, he still had to try leaving with He Hanqing. He Hanqing was feeling groggy once more. It was worse than the last now, he had entirely lost control over himself. Venerable Lord Sabers hand was about to grab onto He Hanqings rob when a brutally radiant saber light materialized from thin air between both of the men. The brilliance of the saber light was akin to a meteor that hurtled through the galaxy. Majestic justice was overflowing within the energy of the saber. Where the saber light passed, there was only obedience to Gods will; where the saber light went, there was only destined fate! However, it was still an ambush. Venerable Lord Saber was shocked, retracting his arm in a hurry. He could feel the chilling murderous intent brimming from the saber light in that split second, moving back immediately once the thought formed in his mind. Slash! A sharp saber light sliced its way through the lower abdomen of Venerable Lord Saber; a pang of pain shot seized his heart immediately. Venerable Lord Saber let out a loud cry, fear arising in his eyes. What sort of saber was it that could tear through his mystical Qi protection and wound his lower abdomen? The momentary doubt allowed him to feel an escalating pressure on his chest like his internal organs were being squeezed out from the gash on his lower abdomen. Venerable Lord Saber could not help the petrification that rang within him as he got himself a strip of cloth to bandage his wound securely. He cultivated his mystical Qi without reservation to protect his wound then, finally relieved when he no longer felt his safety threatened by the injury. However, when Venerable Lord Saber lifted his head again, all that greeted his eyes was a ray of saber light splitting through He Hanqings neck gracefully. He watched unblinkingly as He Hanqings head flew off, before being grabbed hold by the person who had made a sudden appearance. He Hanqings body that had lost his head dropped onto the ground like an emptied sack, his broken legs jerking twice. The person had appeared too suddenly; the force within his skill was stronger than anything Venerable Lord Saber had seen in his life. It was so clean and direct - beheaded with a single slash! With that, He Hanqing died. Venerable Lord Saber felt his mind going blank. For so many years, this was the first time the Four Seasons Tower had lost a higher authority like the four Supreme Lords. When they had faced Ling Xiaozui then, they had never suffered such a loss. Yet today C right now, Supreme Lord Spring Frost of the four Supreme Lords had died right before him. The saber light glinted again. Venerable Lord Saber could feel a piercing saber energy flying towards him with a faint sense of himself being its target. He was weighed down both externally and internally now, about to lose his competitive edge. If he were to stay any longer, he might end up like He Hanqing. From the moment the Concourse of the Underworld began its hunt, wave after wave of ambushes came unceasingly; each time more surprising than the last and each time more brutal than its predecessor! This last gleam of saber light had far exceeded Venerable Lord Sabers knowledge of saber art. He no longer had any intention to fight. Who knew if there were stronger opponents waiting for him afterward? Besides, He Hanqing was dead. It simply did not make sense for him to stay and fight. With a long howl, Venerable Lord Saber soared into the sky as a ray of saber light, reaching far into the clouds and disappeared in the blink of an eye. A resentful voice came from afar. "Concourse of the Underworld, School of Spring and Autumn! This is not done yet!" Not done yet? Yun Yang materialized from thin air and patted down He Hanqings dead body before snorting and said, "Lets leave!" He then left speedily with Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue. Not done yet? Im more afraid that you fellows will want it to end right here! Yun Yang and the other two men disappeared into the forest hastily. Only a while later, the ghastly wind and clouds surged over C the ten people from Concourse of the Underworld had finally arrived. They were never known for their speed and what transpired here had been too swift. It was only an instance before everything had ended. Therefore, when these ten people arrived at the scene, they only managed to catch a glimpse of blurry shadows disappearing into the forest. It was then quiet all around. There was also a headless corpse on the ground. The ten kings sucked in a cold breath in unison. The corpse. "This is He Hanqing!" King Qinguang exclaimed as he drifted downwards to identify it in confusion. The headless body was indeed Supreme Lord Spring Frost He Hanqing himself. 272 Loneliness He Hanqings dead body was a macabre mess. His head was gone, so was one of his arms; his lower abdomen was pierced straight through while both of his legs were broken; a stab wound ran through his chest and a hundred other wounds tore other parts of his body. All ten Court of Yama Kings were dumbfounded. The Concourse of the Underworld had dispatched all of its forces, yet this was a tough character they had failed to kill. How could he have just died here, with his head apart from his body? They did not even know who''s doing it was, and Venerable Lord Saber was nowhere to be seen. The ten Yama Kings were stupefied. Nine of the brothers breathed deeply in shock as they exchanged stares before glancing at their eldest, Emperor Song. "So long as its He Hanqing, I have no further questions. With the body here, it will suffice as the missions answer. Return immediately!" Emperor Songs face was grim when he said, "This case ends here but the grudge between the Concourse of the Underworld and the Four Seasons Tower begins here as well. Prepare yourselves well once we get back! From this moment onwards, we have become prey instead of predators. Be careful in whatever you do after this, it''s better to be safe than sorry!" The nine brothers and both Gold-ranked assassins Ox-Head and Horse-Face kept quiet as they stared at He Hanqings corpse on the ground as if they had seen the forthcoming mayhem. The Concourse of the Underworld would undoubtedly be right at the center of this pandemonium. "How many years has it been for the martial arts world to experience such an upheaval This time, Im afraid" King Chujiang frowned and chuckled bitterly. "Think of today as the warmup for the martial arts worlds upheaval that will soon come, everyone. The merrier moments will begin tomorrow, my brothers." However, the brothers felt like they had swallowed bitter pills; the tart taste better to be left forgotten. In spite of that, they could only acknowledge what had happened since all that had transpired. What could they do if not so? Could they resurrect He Hanqing so that the brothers could kill him again? It was simply impossible, even when one thought with their buttocks. The ghastly fog dissipated C clarity once again greeted heaven and earth. Venerable Lord Saber was moving with the wind, feeling many degrees of fury and disservice. It was merely the Concourse of the Underworld and merely the School of Spring and Autumn; how dare they make their move against the Four Seasons Tower? How could they even dream of kill Supreme Lord Spring Frost of the four Supreme Lords? Ever since the birth of Four Seasons Tower, they had never suffered such a loss. How could the Four Seasons Tower still speak about domineering the martial arts world if they did not seek revenge? He was going back to report it to the boss C this would require his personal attention! The wound on his body was burning with pain. His severe injury that almost took most of his life paled in comparison to the pain in Venerable Lord Sabers heart. How many years had it been since he had fled like a coward? This was absurd! Something that would never occur even in his dreams. He had to avenge his slight. Venerable Lord Saber vanished into the sky like a glimmer of light. He was resentful about this siege, revenge sworn as he sped back to report it to the Four Seasons Tower and begin to plot retaliatory plans. After all, they would be facing the Concourse of the Underworld and the School of Spring and Autumn, two strong forces, at the same time. If they were to only tackle any one of them, the Four Seasons Tower was confident of their easy victory. However, facing both forces simultaneously, it was still a tricky business. Despite dueling with Yun Yang directly and intimidated by Yun Yangs impressive saber skill, Venerable Lord Saber had not assumed him to be a third party. One of the reasons was Fang Mofei. Although his ability was insignificant, his assassination tactics and resilience to give him all had all reflected his identity as a Gold-ranked assassin in the Concourse of the Underworld. Therefore, Venerable Lord Saber had instinctively assumed that the last person to appear using a saber was also from the Concourse of the Underworld. Another reason was due to Bai Yixue. Bai Yixues official identity previously was Han Sanhes guard; he had made an undeniable act against He Hanqing too. Repeating his objective this time was more or less within prediction. To Venerable Lord Saber, Bei Yixue would at least be related to the School of Spring and Autumn even if he no longer belonged to the Empire of Dongxuan! Until Yun Yang and the other two men had returned to Residence of Yun, all that had happened today still felt like a dream to them C unreal and unexpected. Supreme Lord Spring Frost. He was such a massive role in the martial arts world, one of the Four Seasons Towers pillars. Such a tough character that could survive despite meeting Ling Xiaozui back in the day, yet he had succumbed to Yun Yangs plot! To kill He Hanqing was something major that Yun Yang had been dreaming of for so long. From the moment he knew of He Hanqings identity, Yun Yang had been planning C from entertaining Han Sanhe to setting up the events that followed. First, it was Bai Yixue whom Yun Yang had unintentionally laid his eyes on; then, it was the Concourse of the Underworlds First Court King Qinguang who accepted his assignment; afterward, it was Wei Xinglu whom Yun Yang spent some arduous effort to trick him into his scheme. He did not think much about everything then, he only wanted to resolve the critical situation he was in. Yet it was one coincidence after another that the Concourse of the Underworld had to face right now. Yun Yang had noticed it right away and notified Wei Xinglu, sending the noise over with a gust of conjured wind. Everything seemed to look like coincidences from each aspect but they would never have happened if not for Yun Yangs meticulous arrangements. When the Divine Edge had beheaded He Hanqing in one slash, Yun Yang clearly felt his brothers watching him with smiles on their faces. "Olninth, good job!" Whether the feeling at that moment was real or his imagination, it was genuine enough to Yun Yang. It was just that there was not much happiness within him then, it was more of an indescribable sense of sorrow bitterness. Brothers, Ive finally executed a formidable enemy!! Our enemy! Today was just a startC a prequel. I shall go on finding those involved in ambushing us that day and hold them accountable for the debt they owe us! The debt of lives was to be filled with lives! Although Yun Yang and gang had successfully assassinated He Hanqing in this battle, Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue had sustained different degrees of injuries albeit light ones. Returning to Residence of Yun, both of them went into closed-door recuperation individually; it was only a matter of days for them to fully recover. Yun Yang tossed He Hanqings head and things he had pilfered from his body into the secret chamber and hurried back out. The moon was bright tonight as it hung low in the sky. There were already glimpses of luminosity at the east, casting a blurry filter over the world. It was already near sunrise. Yun Yang sat under the tree as he boiled a pot of water quietly. Vapor rose from the simmering liquid but there was a cup of leftover tea beside his hand. Yun Yang was still clad in his purple robe that was spotless; a sense of sorrow seemed to veiled his handsome eyes as he sat in silence. The lid of the teapot was dancing from the boiling water, but he did not seem to hear it. He looked weighed down by matters of the heart like he was very miserable. Of course, such a front was put up as a show for interested parties. It was undeniable that if Yun Yang were to time travel to the present, he would be a close contest for an Oscar actor! After a while, the breeze turned stronger. A large shadow loomed over the Residence of Yun as it descended. Yun Yang did not pick himself up, merely turning his head towards the noise. The black hawk was surrounded by the wind breaking the air as it landed in the yard, flapping and fluttering the dust off the ground. Wei Xinglu and Gugu hopped off the back of the black hawk. Seeing that it was them, Yun Yang did not make further move. He turned back to face the dancing teapot lid in a trance, as if not knowing it was them. It was just that his gaze seemed a little more frozen Wei Xinglu scanned the perimeter with his deific consciousness and realized that Yun Yang had not slept for the entire night. It seemed that he had been sitting under the tree. Had he been sitting there for the entire night? Casting his gaze further, he saw the youth underneath the tree whom melancholy found a home in his eyes. He seemed so weighed down that he looked lonesome, as if isolated from the world. The scene made one feel like protecting him Even Gugu, who had always been at odd ends with Yun Yang, could not help the slight quiver in her heart when she saw him. He was actually awake at this time, waiting here. What was he waiting for? Everyone was at home except for the two of them; could it be that he was waiting for them? Of course Wei Xinglu thought so. Observing such devotion right before himself, he could not help sighing softly. He moved gently, entering where the youth was seated. Yun Yang was still void of reaction, his eyes boring holes at the teapot as if the simmering water had attracted all of his attention. "Brother Yun." Wei Xinglus voice was laced with a sigh. "Looks like you havent slept at all? Has something happened that kept you up the entire night?!" Yun Yang jolted like he was shocked C most of it, surprise. Upon turning his head, a relieved smile etched on his face at once. "Eldest senior brother, you guys are back." It was a strange feeling being relieved C especially distinct. Fatigue from staying up and out all night was apparent on Yun Yangs face; even his sideburns were damp from the dew. He looked indescribably drained. "What urgency was it that kept you up all night!" Wei Xinglu frowned, distressed due to the fondness he had for Yun Yang as an eldest senior brother. Although Yun Yang was smart and astute, resilient and quick-witted, he was but a child no more than twenty years old. His childlikeness had still spilled unintentionally when he dealt with ways of the world but it was such innocence that deepened Wei Xinglus penchant for him. Cultivators who had yet to lose their innocent naivety were the rarest, the most precious! Yun Yang smiled. "Eldest senior brother is funny. Ive had a good sleep, Im full of energy now. I''ve just woke up and was just about to set the boiling water to make tea out of boredom" Gugu took advantage of the situation, not missing the chance to insult Yun Yang as she mocked, "Just woke up? Your big pot of water has dried from boiling, did you boil it from sleep-walking? Did you make tea in your dream?" "Uh" Yun Yang was taken aback as he lifted the teapot and replied abashed, "Maybe Ive drunk too quickly just now and emptied it without knowing. I like drinking hot tea" Wei Xinglu smiled, he could see it clearer than Gugu. There was no way he did not notice the tealeaves in Yun Yangs cup that was drained of color from dilution. The tea must have been seeped for at least ten times for it to be so void of color and aroma. That pot of water too, is was obviously dried from over boiling Inferring the time that passed from this, Young Master Yun must have sat here since last night. Waiting while drinking tea C until color had left the tea and darkness had left the sky. He must have been out in the night breeze and windy frost in lonemouir s, sitting without a company and his heart C without a companion. Just thinking of the scene brought about waves of misery in the heart. 273 He Had Thought It Through "Its bad for health to drink tea in the morning when the dew is heaviest. Its better to head inside for a rest," Wei Xinglu urged, instead of trying to say too much. "Im alright, really." Yun Yang smiled and continued, "You two have been occupied the entire night too, hurry on to sleep. Ive had a good slumber and drank a lot of tea; I feel so very rejuvenated. Im doing some training and cultivation later, how can I waste such a brilliant time of the day?" As he spoke with a smile, he stood up in a motion to walk forward. Just as he did though, his legs quivered and he almost sat back down. It was like his legs were actually numb from sitting the entire night. In spite of this, he straightened them right away, standing in an upright position. However, his bones could not help giving out a loud crack. Wei Xinglu said in a gentle tone, "Coming back now, we arent going out anytime soon. Let us all rest and meet again in the afternoon, shall we?" "Sure, of course." Yun Yang rubbed his hands together, a look of a pure, innocent, young man. Wei Xinglu pulled Gugu along. Since Wei Xinglu had given his advice, Gugu did not say another word. Both of them were walking forward slowly when a low sound came from the back; it was a relieved sigh. "Gugu, have you noticed?" Wei Xinglu spoke in a soft voice. "What?" Gugus voice was equally soft. "He hasnt slept for the whole night, drinking tea while waiting for us. His tea had long been tasteless and colorless. Even if you make a dozen pots of tea from the tea leaves, it would not have reached this stage To have made a pot of tea to this degree, he has been steeping it for more than six hours" "That pot of water. It should be a full pot of boiling water no one boils water with just half a pot full more so for making tea. But only the thin layer was left covering the bottom of the pot. He didnt notice it. This pot of water must have been boiling for more than two hours. Luckily, the fire for tea isnt too strong, or else the pot wouldve been burned right through" "Hes been thinking of his troubles." Wei Xinglus gaze was filled with wonder as he looked at Gugu and asked, "Say, why is he awake for the entire night?" Gugu kept her head lowered without saying a word. "Its obvious that hes waiting for us, or more precisely, for you. He was worried about your safety. Ive never expected that someone as formidable as He Hanqingis would have experts even stronger than him as his company. Luckily there were the ten court kings from the Concourse of the Underworld. Otherwise, how could Ive defended myself? Thinking about it now, I still feel the lingering fear!" Wei XInglu said seriously, "How could Yun Yan not know that the commotion at He Hanqings place tonight was so huge? I believe he must have had some knowledge about He Hanqings ability, thus his worry and relief when he saw you coming back safely." "When he stood up and almost fell, as well as the crack of his joints, it was obvious hed been sitting in a trance thinking about things. Such a situation only happens when one doesnt move for a long time. Think about it yourself, hes a martial artist with excellent cultivation base; he has much better endurance than ordinary people. How long must he have sat to have such a martial artist crack his joints and bones like that?" "Yet when you come back, he moved right away and stood up." Wei Xinglu sighed. "Whats more precious is that he was reluctant to admit it and kept saying that he woke up after a good sleep. Look at that fatigue on his face, how does that look like hes even shut his eyes?" "Why didnt he admit it?" Gugu said in a low voice. "Stupid girl, why would you ask so? Where has your usual wittiness gone? Hes obviously afraid of burdening you with his feelings" Wei Xinglu heaved a long sigh. "Its so rare to see such devoted man in this world" Gugu lowered her head and kept mum. Wei Xinglu uttered softly, "Gugu, I want to tell you something C very formally so!" "What is it, eldest senior brother?" Gugus voice was lowered to a murmur. "If, in the future" Wei Xinglu said softly, "If you two cant be together, then at least dont hurt him too deeply. This is a good child, a very good one!" Gugu resumed her silence. Surprisingly, she did not deign to reply. It was afternoon when Wei Xinglu and Gugu walked out after packing their belongings. "Young Master Yun, were bidding our farewell now. Thank you for serving us all these days. If youre free to visit the Empire of Dongxuan, you must come to the School of Spring and Autumn. We senior and junior siblings shall welcome you warmly." Yun Yang looked calm as he smiled, saying, "Eldest senior brother, Gugu, have a smooth trip. Take care." Gugu turned around and stood aside, not saying anything. Wei Xinglu sighed before saying, "Young Master Yun, you must take care too. Remember, visit our school." He had wanted to say, "Dont worry, that Sir He of yours can no longer threaten us. His best condition right now would have to be near death with severe injuries; he wont have the mood and effort to pursue us." Wei Xinglu had sustained some injuries from the battle last night and had left the duel early. He did not manage to witness the death of He Hanqing like the Concourse of the Underworld did and had only thought that He Hanqing had been brought away by Venerable Lord Saber C severely injured but not yet dead. However, entertaining the thought, Wei Xinglu knew that he must not say what he had wanted to. From their current perspective, He Hanqing was the Empire of Yutangs aged minister, a three-generation sage. Yun Yang was also serving the Empire of Yutang, so the two of them were basically from the same standpoint. If he had mentioned the incident, it might disrupt the current peace they had besides dealing a huge blow to Yun Yang. After all, Wei Xinglu was much responsible for adding salt to He Hanqings injury. At this point in time, it was better not to provoke Yun Yang with the truth! Wei Xinglu was certain of Yun Yangs character, a man who could forgo romance for his principle and country. It was exactly so that the incident with Soul-Sealing Spike had happened, so it was better for him not to say anything. "Gugu, speak now if you have anything to tell Young Master Yun. We do not know when our next trip to Yutang will be!" Wei Xinglu urged with a smile while he brought his hawk aside meaningfully. Yun Yang bestowed a warm beam on Gugu. Gugu turned and spoke softly in cold tones, "Yun Yang, well meet in the future." Yun Yang smiled and replied, "The journey spans a thousand miles now, the route in the martial arts world far and long. You must take good care of yourself. Gugu, your future must soar above the clouds of the nine heavens while I, Yun Yang, shall anticipate it with wine, waiting for the day youve become a legend whos renowned across the world. I shall raise my goblet in celebration for you then." Gugu snorted derisively, "Who cares?" Yun Yang chuckled and said, "Meeting within this heaven and earth is fate, so is being gathered together. Take care now as we bid farewell. Do pardon me for not sending you off." He waved as Lao Mei came out with a parcel. Yun Yang said, smiling, "Some snacks for your journey. It is not something impressive, nor a feast for your eyes. Please accept it anyway. Ive offended you a lot in the past, thankfully we have to separate now and we wont be meeting in the future. If Lady Gugu still minds, think of it then as a nightmare. Ive been impulsive previously. I hereby apologize." He cupped his palm over his fist, his expression nonchalant and carefree. It was as if he was indifferent about this farewell as if he did not care in the slightest. "Who would want your things? Since you know its sore to the eyes, why embarrass yourself before everyone?" Somehow, Gugu was upset too, yet she had only harsh words to say. Before her voice was done echoing, she had turned to leave. A smile hung on Yun Yangs face, morose and bitter. A hand extended over to take the parcel. Wei Xinglu said with a chuckle, "I was still worrying about what to eat along this long journey. Brother Yun is considerate indeed, Ill accept it without much regards to courtesy now. Brother Yun, the future is unpredictable, we shall meet again for sure. If youre free then, you must come to the School of Spring and Autumn, Mountain of Polar; I await your honorable arrival." Yun Yang took a deep breath and recovered the warm beam he had earlier; it was more forced now though like he was wearing a mask. He cupped his palm over his fist once more and said, "I will definitely visit your respectable school. Have a safe journey, both of you." "Farewell!" Wei Xinglu imitated Yun Yangs gesture before pulling Gugu along and hopping onto his hawk. With a sharp cry and a strong gust of wind, the hawk rose into the sky and soared right up. Gugu and Wei Xinglu looked down from the back of the hawk through its wings, seeing Yun Yang who seemed to have given a small chase before stopping fruitlessly. He then raised his neck to watch the sky, his gaze filled with longing. The hawk flew higher, rendering Yun Yang into a small black dot, almost invisible. His body seemed to waver before he plopped down on the ground. A cloud floated by coincidentally, obscuring their vision. Both parties could no longer see each other. Wei Xinglu overlooked the scenery with his head lowered. Softly sighing, he uttered, "Hes thought it through, I guess." Gugu bit her lips and remained mute, turning to watch the other side of the sky. After a long while, she asked softly in the high altitude, "What has he thought through?" Wei Xinglu sighed, "Before we left, didnt he say your future will be above the clouds of the nine heavens? He also said that its fate to meet and that we may part this time and not meet again in the future?" Gugu bit her lips and replied, "Arent these the customary words of a farewell?" Wei Xinglu chortled and said, "Customary words? Its indeed so for ordinary people but who are you? Youre the School of Spring and Autumns prized disciple, youre destined to be above the rest! He has realized this. An ordinary man of the secular world, a blessed lady loved by the gods who are high above the rest both of you are from two different worlds. Even if youre both in the same realm, youre from two opposing nations. Whatever perspective its from, both of you can never be together!" "Thats why he said what he did. Gugu, you might not be able to imagine how upsetting it was for him when he said that." Wei Xinglus eyes seemed to glaze over as he stared at the empty sky. For a moment, he recalled a faraway past and felt his heart wrench abruptly. "Upset? I saw him smiling all along, the calmness on his face looked more like he was hugely relieved, like he couldn''t wait for me to leave sooner," Gugu sneered. "You dont understand You dont understand a mans heart, little girl. When you do, youll" He wanted to say "Youll feel your heart twist in agony," but upon consideration, he said nothing. 274 Not Quite Righ Wei Xinglu spoke softly, "Hes acted so because hes afraid of you being upset over it Thats why he had to put up a calm front. Didnt you see him falling to the ground after we took off? Thats the energy holding him upright being used up; he cant control his feelings anymore How could a rather achieved cultivator collapse on the ground without reason? How could you not notice it at all?" Gugu bit her lips, almost piercing them with her teeth, but she was still stubborn when she said, "Its good that hes at least this self-aware. Were two worlds apart anyway; whats the use even if there was wishful thinking?" Wei Xinglu chuckled dryly. The girl was stubborn with her words but how could he not see that she was sad as well? He said nothing more. Gugu sat unmoved on the hawks back the whole way, keeping her silence throughout the journey. The black hawk went through the clouds towards the Empire of Dongxuan, swift as an arrow. "They finally left!" Yun Yang who had looked absolutely crestfallen sprung up from the ground as he chortled, "Im so exhausted these few days, my face is about to go numb from all the smiling." Lao Mei chuckled as he uttered, "Young masters acting skills these days are really useful, killing the enemy by using the enemy and exerting power by leveraging other forces. If it wasnt for Wei Xinglu and his unexpected assistance, it might be hard to successfully take down He Hanqing" "Its really a coincidence. I didnt intend to add him to the assassination attempt but without him, itd really be arduous to take Supreme Lord Spring Frost down this time!" Yun Yang smiled gently. "There might be a sequel with these two though. I saw the obvious changes in Lady Gugus attitude towards young master when she was about to leave," Lao Mei said after heaving a soft sigh. Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit and said, "I cant really think of what to do next. Although weve killed He Hanqing, our situation didnt take a better turn. The School of Spring and Autumn is also a colossus that we cant afford to offend. If I still had my past attitude, Id have made things tense. Once the situation got out of hand, it would be explosive and unmanageable." "Even if we can kill both of them here, we wont be able to keep that hawk. The School of Spring and Autumns revenge will only come in waves and wed be exposed to everyone due to this. We can''t even take on the School of Spring and Autumn, what more the Four Seasons Tower? The subtlety tells of its significance; weve leaked hints of ourselves in the past, any link back to us will definitely bring about countless consequences" "With the inadequacy of our capabilities, we can only use such tricks to ensure our safety." "Im afraid well have a long journey ahead of us." Yun Yang said faintly. Lao Mei nodded but sighed inwardly, "Young master, youve indeed gotten through a critical situation, and you''ve succeeded in achieving your goal using the opposite partys power, but youve also truly touched a girls heart" "Dont you feel the slightest tinge of regret?" It was fine if Lady Gugu was as hateful towards Yun Yang from the beginning to the end but if her feelings had changed, that would be an extremely cruel thing to that lady! Lao Mei kept the words in his heart, not uttering them aloud. Would his young master have minded it? After all, be it identity, background, standpoint, or any other aspects C both of them stood at opposite ends. The chances of them being together were almost close to none! Such a romance could only be left in the hands of time. It had to be pointed out that Lao Meis current way of thinking was somewhat similar to Eldest Senior Brother Wei! Yun Yang returned to the flower tree in his yard and made a proper pot of tea this time. Boiling the water, he watched the vapor rise from the simmering tea while wearing a faint smile. The tree was lushly green, dotted with pigmented red flowers; it swayed with the breeze while the flowers fragrance drifted in the air. The aroma of the tea permeated the air, the young master in fluttering purple robes resembled a jade sculpture C the scene looked like a peaceful painting. Lao Mei watched it for a while before finally sighing and went back to his chores. When Yun Yang felt Lao Mei leave, he actually went lax at once, sitting lazily as he slouched. He watched the water bubble and come to a boil. He then thought of the unusual silence when Gugu was about to leave. Out of nowhere, he sighed softly. Night crept in. A gust of ghastly fog entered the Residence of Yun soundlessly. As Yun Yang occupied his wait with tea, a silhouette wearing hemp materialized before him. First Court King Qinguang was finally here. What had to come, came after all. Since the mission was assigned and completed, the time had arrived to put an end to this matter! When the ghostly fog appeared, Yun Yang could not help grinning. He could not keep a straight face for this unique appearance was too obvious C highlighting, without a doubt, the opposite partys identity! To someone who was already used to the eerie atmosphere, the dark ghastly mist only served to obscure the vision C nothing more. Besides, the owner of this cloud of fog was here to bring him the good news. "What are you grinning at? Do you not know your doom when you see it?" First Court King Qinguang said coldly, with a dark expression. He and his brothers had spent so much effort this time, especially he himself. He had really put his all, almost losing his life, just to do things for this child. Yet when they had done so much and were close to being totally expended, this fellow had just appeared and chopped the targets head off, taking it with him What the actual f*ck? Could they consider this mission as theirs? Although First Court King Qinguang did not see who was the one who had killed He Hanqing, such mysterious and traceless methods allowed him to affirm that it must be Yun Yang himself who had beheaded He Hanqing! There was no need to even ask. More so, Emperor Song who was the most meticulous and observant had pointed out without hesitation that there seemed to be the contribution of a Gold-ranked assassin from the Concourse of the Underworld in the last wave of attack. Other than the Concourse of the Underworld itself, only Yun Yang had an ex-Gold ranked assassin from the concourse in this entire world! In other words, the Four Seasons Tower would most probably decide that it was still the concourses men who had killed He Hanqing. This did not go against Concourse of the Underworlds intentions but they had still become the scapegoat. To supposedly be a scapegoat and to passively become someones scapegoat was a whole world of difference C it was honestly an ill feeling! Seeing Yun Yangs handsome, grinning face, this man who had taken everything for granted, First Court King Qinguang , who was the assignee of this mission, felt his anger rising. "I know that youve completed your mission seeing that youve come. A mortal malady of mine is gone, how can I not beam with joy?" Yun Yang was graceful and collected but it only served to anger him even more. First Court King Qinguangs face grew darker. "He Hanqing is dead," King Qinguang said softly. The mission was completed but there was still a need for customary notification, and that was the main purpose of this trip today. "I know." Yun Yang replied, "His head is in my secret chamber right now. Although I was the one who beheaded him in the end, this would not have happened without all ten Yama Kings making a concurrent appearance and the Concourse of the Underworld throwing all its resources. My gratitude goes to all of you!" First Court King Qinguang said, "Since weve confirmed our completion of the deal, Im here to bid farewell, besides informing you about the mission. We have to rush back to the Concourse of the Underworld in preparation for the upcoming retaliation." "It wont be too late to part later. I believe that everything in He Hanqings residence, including those things in his secret chamber, is in your hands," Yun Yang said. First Court King Qinguang rolled his eyes as he replied, "The most valuable things that He Hanqing carried with him have all landed in your hands and you still care about those insignificant items? Could it be that youre so poor that you''ve gone mad?" Yun Yang laughed. "Not so. What if I offered to buy those things from you all with a high price?" "What high price can you, a pauper, offer? Theyre only petty items, well just give them to you," First Court King Qinguang said condescendingly. "Why so generous?" Yun Yang was genuinely surprised. From Yun Yangs point of view, the worst that could happen would be the Concourse of the Underworld interrogating him for the fault upon completion of the mission. It would be possible for them to kill him in a siege too. After all, there was a high chance that the concourse could have guessed his identity. Moreover, the Concourse of the Underworld had utterly offended the Four Seasons Tower this time. If they were to redeem themselves with the life of Supreme Cloud. of the Nine Supremes, and explained that they had been deceived, they could totally wipe this grudge away! In spite of this, they had not questioned his fault today and were even willing to give him their gains. This deal of theirs had been agreed upon a losing ground anyway. Although Yun Yang was shameless and scheming, as thick-skinned like the corner of the city gate, he was suddenly doubtful of his actions. "We only ask for your mercy and do not assign us such a deceitful mission in the future" First Court King Qinguang said scornfully. Yun Yang chuckled but he was relieved. He Hanqings possessions left behind were significant to him and it was wonderful that the concourse was willing to give them to him. It was also rather strange though. Why was the request so easily complied to by the Concourse of the Underworld, such brute assassins? They were willing to give them to him without asking for anything in return! Yun Yang was stumped about this. There was simply no reason, no matter how he thought about it. It was like these fellows wanted to help him. Could it be that that fellow''s words were true C that they were actually fond of him? Yun Yang suddenly shuddered and said hurriedly, "Its been great working with you. I shall pay you the rest of the silver taels." "No need for the remainder." King Qinguang said, "After all, we didn''t kill He Hanqing Keep your silver taels." Yun Yang was even more stunned now. An assassin''s organization that accepted silver taels to buy others lives was the most classic epitome of emphasizing fortune over life; now that they did not even want the supposed payment, it was purely odd no matter how you looked at it! "Yun Yang, I know youre taken aback. Initially, we were furiousregarding this matter" First Court King Qinguang said with dissatisfaction. "We were very reluctant in this operation against such a high authority with a concealed identity." Yun Yang said beaming, "I cant be blamed for this, can I?" First Court King Qinguang was speechless. Cant blame you? Who then, should I blame? 275 Loot! First Court King Qinguang felt that Yun Yang had nothing much going for him other than his outstanding looks. He was a scheming rascal, and King Qinguang would only suffer further losses if he continued to dally with this man. He had too straightforward a character, as such, he was unfit to argue with this rogue! The more he spoke the higher the chance of getting tricked again. First Court King Qinguang kept quiet and sent out his messages. A while later, nine people arrived consecutively, bringing He Hanqings belongings along. It seemed that they had genuinely brought everything that they had picked up, even the smallest piece of paper. Yun Yang suspected that this group of assassins might have even spring-cleaned the Residence of He upon killing He Hanqing. "These are my subordinates. Theyre pretty senseless. If theyve offended Young Master Yun somehow, I shall teach them a good lesson upon returning," First Court King Qinguang said triumphantly. His words instantly asserted the determination of his nine subordinates to give him a good trashing the moment they returned home! First Court King Qinguang continued, "Weve exhausted ourselves this time. Children, this is Young Master Yun, the man who has assigned us the mission." The way he called the ''children'' had the nine men gritting their teeth, but they chuckled and went forward to greet Yun Yang. "Young Master Yun has the looks of a talent indeed, outstandingly handsome. No wonder you can assign this mission to us, even though it was a trap" "Ive heard so much about you, Young Master Yun." After exchanging pleasantries, King Qingugang left with his nine subordinates. A cloud of eerie fog rose quietly; the ten men disappeared instantly the moment they blended into the mist. Seeing that the Concourse of the Underworld group had left, Yun Yang subconsciously scratched his head. He still felt that everything was not quite right; perhaps, they were not right at all! "This isnt right Ive tricked them into walking into a trap. Even if they dont find fault with me before killing He Hanqing, now that our collaboration ends with the death of He Hanqing C how can they still hold back their fury and willingly help me without asking for anything? The only way they chastised me was with First Court Kingqinguangs mocking words. Even if his words were considered my lesson, they were certainly very easygoing with me..." "Why is this so?" Lao Mei walked out. "Young master, these people arent simple at all." Yun Yang smiled faintly and said, "First Court King Qinguang is hilarious, assuming Im stupid. The nine people who came later have cultivation bases which are not far from his, even exceeding it. Of course, they must be the other nine of the Concourse of the Underworlds ten court kings!" Lao Mei was stunned. It was the Concourse of the Underworlds ten Yama Kings who came in unison? "They have sent things over to me together This is just not right. Theres a very subtle yet genuine sentiment, its like theyre here to see what I look like but they have no ill intentions." "This is so odd." Shui Wuyin walked out with a messy head of hair and his expression turned even more bitter when he saw the courtyard full of assorted items. The things collected the last time had occupied him up until today and he had finally managed to find some clues within. It would seem like these things here would have to go to him once again! "Although its odd, young master doesnt have to be too taken aback." Shui Wuyin said, "Since the opposite party didnt opt to turn hostile but showed their friendliness instead, then the Concourse of the Underworld must be wanting to make acquaintances with young master. Although they must have their reasons for doing so, we need not care about it for now. Those will be for later. Young master only needs to observe the changes and the truth will eventually unfold." Yun Yang said pondering, "This is right. We indeed have no room to think about this." "However, from today onwards" Shui Wuyin said smiling, "Young master has the unexpected additional assistance of a strong force. The Concourse of the Underworld has killed He Hanqing, but has no further grievance against us. This means that theyd be holding a deadly grudge against the Four Seasons Tower, theres simply no room for things to take a better turn. Whether theyre willing or not, were locusts tied to the same string" "Youre the locust! Stop making irrelevant metaphors!" Yun Yang glared at him and continued, "See these? These are all He Hanqings possessions. They belong to you now, go through them quickly! See if you can find new clues." Shui Wuyin let out a pained moan. "I knew that''d happen" Yun Yang was already nowhere to be seen though, leaving only his words, "The few of you, I dont care what methods you use, whether you risk your life or otherwise, break through and increase your capabilities within the coming period of time. Just get to your individual limits of advancement!" "The Four Seasons Towers hysterical revenge will come soon!" In the secret chamber, He Hanqings head was placed properly on the table. His white hair flowed; there seemed to still be remnants of fear in his eyes. The Four Seasons Towers Supreme Lord Spring Frost who had once intimidated the world, who had sinned heinously his entire life and killed countless people, someone with endless brutal tactics; he was truly a sinner C would he have felt fear before he died? Yun Yang glanced at his head coldly for a moment before looking at the important items He Hanqing brought with him when he fled. Only these things would reveal He Hanqings real secrets C these were things he truly cared about. The first item to greet Yun Yangs eyes was a piece of jade pendant. The jade pendant was ocean blue, like the color of the deep ocean when the sun shone the brightest. It was ethereal yet mysterious! Holding it closer to his eyes, Yun Yang saw glimmering specks of light within it. He could vaguely feel that they seemed to be the blinking stars of the night sky. The edges of the jade pendant felt smooth to the touch, an obvious sign that this jade pendant must have been toyed with in He Hanqings hands for an immeasurable amount of time. In this world, jade was mostly yellow, green and white; red and black jade were fewer in between while blue jade was simply even rarer. For a jade to be this blue and even had unknown light specks flickering within it, it was almost acceptable to say that it was the only one of its kind. Yun Yang had never even heard of it anyway. When he toyed with the jade pendant in his hands, the touch was no different than a piece of ordinary jade but there was an odd feeling in Yun Yang C this jade pendant was nothing simple! Musing for a moment, Yun Yang decided to press it with his hands instead. He did not use much force and could do nothing to the piece of jade; upon increasing his exertions, nothing happened. Finally, when Yun Yang had used a tenth of his cultivation base, the jade pendant had still remained the same. Yun Yang was shocked. With the strength he had now, he could at least leave distinct marks if not mold even a piece of Stellar Steel. Yet the jade pendant was not reacting to his strongest force. What was this? Changing his mind, Yun Yang took out a short sword to try cutting it only to find it a fruitless exercise. He then switched to a sword made from metal, cast a hundred times and infused it with his cultivation base, slashing the jade pendant with the sword energy but the results remained disappointing. Ultimately, Yun Yang went all out and retrieved a small hammer to pound it with all he had It shattered. However, it was the hammer that shattered; the jade pendant looked exactly how it had looked like since the start C there was not the slightest bit of damage! "So hard?" Yun Yang was rather taken aback now. What was this thing that could be so tough? Stubborn Yun Yang retrieved the Divine Edge. The Divine Edge was the sharpest blade that Yun Yang had ever known. It was peerless. No one, nothing, nor even any skill prior to this could defend against a blow from this saber. Even Venerable Lord Saber who was so formidable had sustained injuries from this saber; Yun Yang did not believe that the Divine Edge could not cut this strange jade pendant open! Holding the saber in his hand, Yun Yang hesitated momentarily before he swung the blade with all his strength. Clang! The Divine Edge sprung up; there was still no traces on the blue jade. The Divine Edge that had never failed before suffered from a futile attempt against this piece of jade pendant! Yun Yang checked the blade of Divine Edge at once. When two strong forces went neck to neck, the damage would basically fall upon another party if one party was completely intact. The small hammer earlier had succumbed to the jade pendant, broken into bits. Luckily, there was no damage inflicted on Divine Edges blade as well. Yun Yang suddenly sucked in a cold breath. It was expected if the weapons in this world could not wreck this piece of jade, but for the Divine Edge to fail was unthinkable. Did this mean that the jade pendant existed in the same realm as the Divine Edge? How could He Hanqing have something so impressive with him? Looking at the smooth plane of the jade that had come to be from being held, Yun Yang could imagine that it must no less than tens of years, a lifetime, probably, for He Hanqing to hold onto this pendant. He Hanqing must have known that this jade pendant was nothing secular. That was why he had always had it with him, studying the item at all times. Until he died, he did not find out anything. "Emmie!" "Ayaya" "Look at this jade pendant." Yun Yang tossed the item in. It landed at Emmies roots. "Ayaya?" Emmie stretched a tendril curiously, grabbing the pendant and flipping it over. Observing it for a long time, it did not share its opinions. "Ayaya?" Emmie lifted the jade pendant and wrapped its tendril around it, looking like a child who brought an item it was curious about to the front of its eyes to look upon it. Thrums of life force caressed the jade pendant. Yun Yang watched with widened eyes. This was probably the first time in a long time that Emmie had not ingested a valuable directly once it had gotten it. It was not only Yun Yang who was dumbfounded though, Emmie was as well. The stone was obviously valuable, better than anything it had received in the past C why cant I absorb it? In the next moment, something that shocked Yun Yang and Emmie even more occurred. The dense rush of vital life energy Emmie had released right onto the jade pendant had all vanished. 276 A Treasure Map of Dragon Skin The vital energy within Emmies space was extremely rich. Emmie had always been the one to absorb spiritual Qi, never the other way around, but this jade pendant could do the same. Of course, as long as it was not energy directly sprayed upon the jade, the jade would not take it; it would just lay still. However, as long as it was something Emmie spurted onto it, it would be absorbed right away! Emmie was utterly shocked. "Ayaya" Emmie whined, flipping the jade pendant again before making a swooping motion... ...to throw it out? Yun Yang was stunned looking at the jade pendant that had just been tossed out from his deific consciousness. Whatever it was, it was still an excellent piece of jade. Emmie, greedy Emmie, that would take anything good, was turning it down? "Ayaya" Emmies tendrils waved around before the two of them separated to both sides listlessly. It looked just like a person with arms spread out to make a helpless shrug. I cant absorb it, and it''s taking in my vitality to boot C why would I keep it? "Its a great gem, but you cant ingest it?" Yun Yangs eyes were bulging with shock. The jade was definitely a gem, the energy contained within abundant, but Emmie could not consume it? He scratched his head. It seemed that this little thing was indeed a gem, perhaps even the gem of gems! He was yet to penetrate its secrets; he would leave it to fate then! Yun Yang thrust the jade pendant into his robe. He Hanqing couldn''t figure it out, but perhaps I might have better luck. He left the jade pendant aside and went through other items. Upon scanning the belongings, a small parcel that was folded into a square came to view. Yun Yang opened it to find a torn leather scrap with lines penned on it. The leather looked rather familiar. Yun Yang instantly recalled the strange leather he had retrieved from Han Wufeis place. It seemed to look similar... He pulled at the skin forcefully, realizing that this piece of leather was the same as the previous one he had found C indestructible and unusually resilient! He then took out the leather from Han Wufei and placed beside this piece of skin. Upon more cautious comparison, one of the edges matched but the middle portion was still missing by a fair bit. "It looks like this is a complete drawing." Yun Yang frowned and studied the pieces, murmuring, "Its only a corner upon putting these two pieces together a lot is still missing in the middle. There have to be at least five more snippets to be able to know the complete contents of this picture." "It''s odd that Han Wufei had one. His level was not the highest, so he might have gotten a treasure map or a map to some mysterious place by chance; the drawings significance might not be all that great but the problem now is C He Hanqing actually has one as well!" "Who was He Hanqing to keep such a drawing so carefully, not getting rid of it even when fleeing at the most critical of moments it must be something!" Yun Yang noticed sharply that He Hanqings piece was kept much carefully compared to Han Wufeis! From a different point of view, it spoke of He Hanqings emphasis on this drawing. "A gem indeed." Yun Yang tossed both the shreds of painting into his subconscious space, saying, "Emmie, help me keep these. Remember not to eat them." "Ayaya? Ayaya" Emmue was quite curious about the material of both leather pieces, checking them as it rolled them up with its tendrils and suddenly cried out loud, "Ayaya, ayaya, ayaya" "What?" Yung Yang turned his head abruptly, "Are youre saying that these are pieces of dragon skin?" "Ayaya!" Emmie affirmed, its tendrils waving as it nodded seriously to confirm its reply. A surge of emotions washed over Yun Yang. Dragon skin! This was a painting made from a dragons skin? A dragon! What did that mean? It was a mythical creature! It could soar in the sky, tunnel through the ground; there was nothing it could not do for it was exceptionally powerful C a superbly mythical creature that had endless magic. Generation of emperors across the countries had taken dragon as the most honorable animal! Truthfully, dragons were indeed only a myth in Tianxuan Continent for the most part. Everyone knew of such creatures but not even a handful of them had ever seen it. Yun Yang had always thought that dragon was but a symbol that did not exist in reality. It was only a myth, an abstract C something spawned from an overactive imagination! In spite of this, two remnants of a drawing he had with him now were actually made of dragon skin? Yun Yang felt like he had to reevaluate his values and perceptions of the world now. "Emmie, are you sure?" Yun Yang felt a little disorientated and subconsciously questioned Emmie''s observation. He was like an ordinary person who was suddenly notified of the existence of immortals in this world and that what he had in his possession had originally belonged to the deities! "Ayaya!" Emmie was upset at being doubted by Yun Yang. How could I have mistaken this for the skin of a mere worm? Hmph! Yun Yang felt slightly faint, the enormity of the situation finally sinking in. These were dragon skin! A map that was made out of a dragons skin! What could have been hidden in it? What sort of person could have slaughtered a dragon let alone skin it? It was a total waste to have used a dragons skin to make a map. What damage could ever be inflicted if the dragon skin was made into a suit of leather armor? This person actually made a drawing of a map Yun Yang suddenly felt like a huge treasure had fallen upon him. "Its still far from revealing it''s secrets though. The other pieces have to be found too" Yun Yang stroked his chin as he continued to muse. He had not harbored many thoughts about Han Wufeis map but now, his interest was piqued! On the same night, a high table was suddenly set in front of the Nine Supremes statues at Tiantang Square in Tiantang City; a head was placed atop C the head belonging to He Hanqing! A large piece of red cloth was set aside, scribbled in ink, elaborating He Hanqings extensive crimes. The damning script covered the entire cloth from top to bottom. It spoke of him being Supreme Lord Spring Frost of the Four Seasons Tower and how he had infiltrated the Empire of Yutang for years About how he had set up plots and schemed against the Nine Supremes, how he had planned the conspiracy, so on and so forth. It included the few accomplices who were exposed previously, stating that they were He Hanqings direct subordinates When the patrolling squad discovered the red cloth, it had already been seen by plenty of people. They collected it in a hurry to send it to the officials. The news had spread C the government was shaken! The morning assembly the next day was tense; the emperor was infuriated, his rage unstoppable. The list of crimes on the red cloth was but a corner of a glacier. His real felonies had already been sent to the emperor and Old Marshal Qiu, utterly shocking both men. It was hard to believe that with the status and title He Hanqing enjoyed in the Empire of Yutang, he could actually be a Four Seasons Towers spy. He was a senior minister of three dynasties, a teacher to three generations of emperors! He was the sage of Yutangs literati, the leader of scholars! It was impossible to imagine that such a person was actually the culprit who conspired against the empires pillar guardians! The consequences of such, the people it involved they were frightening. He Hanqing had been through Yutangs three generations and had countless disciples. His influence in the Empire of Yutang was deeply rooted, hints of which could already be seen when the case with Shangguan Family of Generals had taken place. To investigate this matter thoroughly from now on would mean more than a reform of Yutangs civil officials! Yet, it was impossible to close an eye on this. From the moment Ling Xiaozuis sword had landed in the Residence of He, the higher-ups of Yutang had focused their attention on this old minister of three generations; it was due to this incident that His Highness the crown prince had distanced himself. With so much evidence, it was more than proven that He Hanqing was the rotten core, the traitor who wanted Yutang gone! Such was the cost of his loyalty, the pretense of faith that concealed his conspiracy! How could his disciples and subordinates not be thoroughly investigated and identified then? There must be no compromise; it was better to accuse the innocent than to allow the criminals to get away scot-free! "All of He Hanqings disciples, students, subordinates" His Majesty asked for Wu Lie, the President of Board of Punishments to the royal study and ordered with a grim face, "Investigate them all carefully. No compromise is allowed this time; we need stringency over leniency!" "Yes, Your Majesty!" Wu Lie left with the royal instruction. The emperor heaved a long sigh. Luckily there was still Wu Lie now, a patriotic minister who was stubbornly loyal to Yutang. Wu Lie would never be partial nor accuse the innocent of any case passed to him! Only he could conduct a clear search regarding this matter. The entire Empire of Yutang abuzz with the news. Yun Yang visited Cirrus House in this morning after a long stint away. There were officials from the Board of Punishments who were passing slowly, seizing a number of criminals on the street. The felons who were hobbled with rope were messy and dirty, obviously not having a good time of this. Despite their clothes being stained, the material the robes were made of was excellent, hinting at good days in the past. "Are these He Hanqings disciples or associates? His Majestys actions are quick indeed. Since they served under the traitor, they deserve such treatment for their wrongdoings; it is the logical consequence, gratifying indeed!" Yun Yang thought to himself. Cirrus House. When Yun Yang met Yun Zuiyue again, he suddenly realized that there was something very wrong with this person before him. The clarity and forthrightness usually mirrored within Yun Zuiyues eyes were no longer there, instead, it had been replaced by endless doubt and loss. She was in a trance like she was still in a dream that she did not want to wake up from. Yun Yang was taken aback when he saw it. What had happened? In Yun Yangs memory, Yun Zuiyue had never been so dazed, even during the saddest days when she knew of fifth brothers death. What was going on today? "Sister Yue?" Yun Yang called out softly. Seeing that Yun Zuiyue was still as dazed like she did not hear him, he increased his volume and called out again, "Sister-in-law?" "Yes?" It was only now that Yun Zuiyue shook herself out of her trance, but the look of thoughtfulness did not leave her. "Sister Yue, what is going on with you? Did you not rest well?" Yun Yang asked. Yun Zuiyue smiled, looking absolutely lost, and answered gently, "No big deal. Young brother, you must have something to tell me again, to have come all the way over despite being so busy?" Yun Zuiyue was reluctant to elaborate on her problem. What could it possibly be about? 277 The Last Meal Yun Yang pondered for a moment, and uttered, "Sister Yue, you have a point. I came for an important matter." "We won, fully victorious this time. In fact, we killed one of the Four Seasons Tower Lords, Supreme Lord Spring Frost. This incident is bound to alarm the higher-ups from the Four Seasons Tower, and they will launch a counterattack soon enough. For that, we should take precautions." "Although Han Hanqing, Supreme Lord Spring Frost is dead, there are other deployments of the Four Seasons Tower in the Empire of Yutang. Nevertheless, the deployments will also be hard to operate effectively since they are without a leader, like a snake without its head. However, it is precisely because of this that the other side will fear no more. Once there is an attack, it is bound to be brazen and might appear in any form..." Yun Zuiyue had managed to catch the hint and said, "What you want to say is that, I''m not safe here, is it not? No, it should be that I''ve already become your weakness, your Achilles Heel!" Yun Yang mused and uttered, "Yes. Lets be honest since we are all people from the same side. Sister Yue, it is no longer safe to stay in Cirrus House." Upon hearing these words, Yun Zuiyue frowned and pondered, followed a moment of silence. "Recently, people from the Four Seasons Tower were consecutively stricken with accidents. If they were to investigate the source of this affair, the connection to Cirrus House will not escape notice. Regardless of the intentions, it is inevitable that the Four Seasons Tower will take action against the Cirrus House..." Yun Yang said, "Sister Yue has to quickly decide so that I can arrange a safe location to hide." The so-called safe location was but a backup plan that had been earlier arranged by Yun Yang. Yun Yang had long intended for Yun Zuiyue to seek reclusion, yet she insisted on waiting here for the return of Supreme Flame and would not want to leave, regardless of what had been told to her. However, it had since come to the point of life and death, Yun Yang believed that no matter how reluctant Yun Zuiyue was, she would certainly have to make a choice. Yun Yang had been planning for this matter for a long while. Not only was she a relative of the Nine Supremes, Yun Zuiye''s beauty would lead to a great deal of danger if she continued to stay here. Yun Zuiye sighed softly. She looked around. Within her sight were all her familiar things. Her glance was filled with the color of reluctance. A long time went by before she uttered, "Tomorrow. Tomorrow I will make a decision. Young Brother Yun, you need not worry." Yun Yang was relieved, and said, "We shall conclude it tomorrow. I will come again then." Yun Zuiye took a deep breath and said, "Young brother, would you like to have a meal here tonight?" Yun Yang was stunned for a moment, "Have a meal?" "Yes." Yun Zuiye softly uttered, "We will be leaving after today. I wish I can have a last meal here, yet there is no one to accompany me If you can come, then it can be considered as ... having a farewell meal with the other brothers." Yun Yang said, "Not a problem at all. Allow me to return to arrange some affairs and I shall certainly come and accompany Sister Yue for a meal before night falls." A touch of an amiable smile appeared across Yun Zuiyues face and softly she uttered, "It''s a promise then. I am now going to arrange and collect more ingredients. I will cook for you personally and allow you to have a taste of my cooking." Yun Yang respectfully said, "Looking forward to enjoying your cooking tonight and to eat ones fill, Sister Yue!" Yun Yang went back to the Residence of Yun and started to ponder about the things that happened during the visit today at Cirrus House. There was something wrong with Yun Zuiyue today. It seemed like there was something that she was hiding from him. So, what was it? "Has she been threatened? Or is it some hidden secret that was difficult to speak of? Or is someone spying on Cirrus House?" Yun Yang subconsciously ran through all the possible scenarios. The past records for the Four Seasons Tower were too shocking. If one did not personally experience it, it was hard to imagine that they would have their spies extended broadly in all aspects. One could hardly imagine when the Four Seasons Tower would act. Yun Yang dared not be too optimistic about the whole affair. Regardless, he would be able to know everything after attending tonights feast. Yun Yang had an intuition that tonights meal was going to be unusual. Even so, he did not fear. Even knowing that the danger was right before his eyes, he still had to go! Even if Yun Zuiyue was coerced to do something harmful to him due to some circumstances, Yun Yang could hardly blame her! "No matter what matter, and no matter what people ... as long as they are not like Mr. Nian and Ling Xiaozui - those mighty ones who are unexpected and unstoppable, it wont be easy to seize or kill me! " Yun Yang was confident that he was well-prepared, sufficiently ready to deal with all the possible variables that may arise. In the evening, lanterns began to light up. Yun Yang as promised, arrived at the Cirrus House on time. Upon his arrival, Yun Yang suddenly discovered that the whole Cirrus House was empty. As far as he could see, the entire House was left with only two people, Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue! The other people of the Cirrus House had disappeared. Yun Zuiyue must have dismissed everyone else after Yunyang left the place. After welcoming Yun Yang into the House, Yun Yuezui and Qing Shanxue closed the door. Yun Yang beamed as he followed Yun Zuiyue into the hall. His behavior was no different compared to his usual self. Only his eyes could be seen glancing all over the corners, searching for any peculiar details that differed from the past. The many seats that were found across the hall had now disappeared. There was only a small round table that was placed in the center within the whole huge hall. Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue were all dressed in white with no jewelry nor ornaments, casually dressed as if they were living at home. The face of Yun Zuiyue blossomed with a smile, "Tonight is set as a family feast, all the dishes are personally cooked by Xue''er and me. These are our best dishes." Qing Shanxue giggled along. Yun Yang chuckled, "It seems like I can finally eat to my fullest, like what I had said this morning. What a blessing to have two sisters personally serve and cook for me! It seemed like I was the only one in the whole world able to enjoy this!" Yun Zuiyue beamed sweetly. Yun Yang had mentally prepared earlier. However, it wasn''t until he saw the whole banquet prepared by the two that he realized how lavish the meal was. It had nearly reached an extreme point. For such a luxury, one could have said that it had reached the pinnacle of this world! Yun Yang firmly believed that it was absolutely impossible to even for His Majesty to ask the royal kitchen within the inner palace to prepare such a luxurious meal! "Young brother, as the saying goes, food is the people''s priority while congee is the first among foods. This Fish and Poria Fungus Porridge is stewed with Solomon''s Seal Rhizome Rice of the northern region, Spirit Pearl of the Flying Spiritual Fish from the southern sea, and Lingzhi mushroom extract from the snow mountain. Try it. " It was only the first dish but Yun Yang was already shocked. Solomon''s Seal Rhizome Rice of the northern region? Spirit Pearl of the Flying Spiritual Fish? Lingzhi mushroom extract from the snow mountain? Three kinds of rare, precious ingredients had been used only for an ordinary Fish and Poria Fungus Porridge? Solomon''s Seal Rhizome Rice of the northern region was the north''s specialty. Its entire annual output was only several tens of catties throughout the entire northern region. Moreover, it had always been the case that only the elders of the superior sects there who were eligible to enjoy it. Forget the ordinary people, even the royals of the northern region could hardly ever enjoy it. In the past, Yun Yang had only heard of the name by chance, never would he have thought that he would have a chance to taste such a first-class legendary rice. As for the Flying Spiritual Fish of the southern sea, it was a mystical fish of the world, rare among fish. This fish could grow up to ten thousand feet upon reaching its adulthood. Only the adult Flying Spiritual Fish that could form its soul fully and the innate fish pearl sealed within the extraordinary fish was the essence of the entire creature. It was already tough to catch such a gigantic fish; what was harder was that once the fish pearl was shattered, not only would the Flying Spiritual Fish die immediately, its spirit would also disappear at once. Only by forcefully subduing and catching this fish alive was it possible to obtain the fish pearl. Nevertheless, among the three materials, the most precious one would be the snow mountain Lingzhi mushroom extract! Judging solely by its name, to think that the snow mountain Lingzhi mushroom extract was the essence of Lingzhi mushroom of the snow mountain, was in fact, a great error. This was because the snow mountain Lingzhi mushroom extract was by no means the ordinary essence of the Lingzhi mushroom. One must have gathered ninety-nine snow-capped Lingzhi mushrooms which were more than a thousand years of age and ensure that all of them absorbed the essence of day and night evenly before bringing all their medicinal properties together. The next step was to cultivate them with a mystical method in order for it to become a living creature that possessed spirituality and soul. The last step was to extract the essence of the soul from the living creature. Only then it would be considered as the ultimate snow mountain Lingzhi mushroom extract! Any one of the snow mountain Lingzhi mushrooms or the Flying Spiritual Fish''s spirit pearl were rare and wonderful items. If they were to be combined, their effectiveness would increase tenfold, and completely turn into spiritual power. It had immense benefits for any martial artist! Whoever was able to consume it, regardless of his body, meridians, soul, or mystical Qi ... they would all be upgraded entirely! However, these two rare items could not be simply integrated, but it had to have a third item as a catalyst. Only then could their functions be combined into one and be brought to their best! The Solomon''s Seal Rhizome Rice of the northern region was the best catalyst to carry both these ingredients. In other words, all of the forces that had been narrated above was in this small bowl of congee before him. Even for one with limited cultivation base and was unable to absorb all of the nutrients, the essence contained in it would not simply disappear. It would only melt into his meridian and only perform its function when his cultivation base had improved accordingly. Even a person of Ling Xiaozuis level would have coveted this bowl of porridge upon seeing it and commended that it was the most valuable treasure in heaven and on earth! Furthermore, this was only the first dish that was being served by Yun Zuiyue tonight! "Young brother, have you turned slow? Better to savor it now. It will not be delicious anymore if it turns cold!" urged Yun Zuiyue. Yun Yang chuckled. Without hesitation, he drank the whole bowl of porridge. He originally thought that the atmosphere of this meal was unusually odd.Could it be that Yun Zuiyue was being threatened or was there some other sinister objective? Was there something else within the dishes? Poison, perhaps? However, even if there was really poison within, Yun Yang would have also drunk it anyway, without hesitation. The only thing to do now was to go with the flow, in order to bait the possible mastermind behind this and extricate Yun Zuiyue from her current dilemma. Hence, he would even drink a bowl of poisonous wine without hesitation, let alone Fish and Poria Fungus Porridge! Nevertheless, he found no abnormalities after drinking it. His heart could not help but feel strange. Such valuable items could rarely be seen in tens of thousands of years. Even if there was a hidden objective or there were enemies compelling it, how could one simply take it out for him to savor? 278 Unprecedented and Unsurpassed At the very least, Yun Zuiyue could not have possibly done so herself. Yun Yang dared to assert that even Ling Xiaozui may not be able to come up with such precious ingredients! However, it was now certain that there was someone who was willing to let him savor this bowl of porridge! However, what could it possibly be for? Was it a trap? It seemed like there was no need for to be so luxurious and decadent. Bearing in mind that he was already present as promised and his cultivation base was not high and that there was Yun Zuiyue here as an impedance, to use such a poisonous trick could be deemed as a lowly act. If that was the case, it would certainly be overstepping the rules. However, if the person who had planned all of this was his own people Then it made even less sense. He would not have ignored such a great figure if he happened to know such a person who could manage this great feat! If the current bowl of porridge before his eyes was genuine, even an expert with the level of Ling Xiaozui might not be able to get his hands on the ingredients to conjure the dish given another hundred years. Most likely, he would end up exhausting his whole life getting nothing! Yun Yang was in chaos. He felt as if he was surrounded by fog, his mind muddled. He was hand-bound, and had no way to respond! "Young brother Yun, after having the porridge as a starter, do have a few sips of the soup too. This is a soup brewed from the brain-pulp of the Celestial Mussel from the northern sea with Enigmatic Pearl. It is freshly brewed and hot, albeit in small portions. Young brother must not be displeased with it." Displeased? From the ingredients, it was evident that it was another impressive dish, and was no less superior than the Flying Spiritual Fish and Lingzhi mushroom extract dishes earlier! Yun Yangs eyes that were already staring wide widened once more, almost falling out of their sockets. It was another legendary dish. If it mixed with the porridge earlier, they would be complementary to each other, resulting in a synergistic outcome of one plus one equals to three. "It was too extravagant and too grand," sighed Yun Yang while laughing. He finished the soup in a single gulp. However, the laments of extravagance and grandeur seemed to come too early. The subsequent dishes had fully astonished Yun Yang that he was rendered in complete disbelief. "This is the heart of the superior mystical beast, the Eastern White Horned Tiger, complemented by the Millennial Mystical Lingzi mushroom. Try it, young brother." "This is made from the internal pellet and the neck of the superior mystical beast, Western Snow Python, added with slices of five-thousand-year blood ginseng." "This is the superior mystical beast, Underwater Three-headed Flood Dragon''s" "This is the superior mystical beast, Ninth Cloud Scintillating Phoenix''s..." "This is..." The so-called superior mystical beasts referred to as mystical beasts that ranked beyond the levels known in the world, exceeding the class of ninth level pinnacle mystical beasts. Their existences seemed to only occur in myths. Even if the ordinary people came across with any of them, it would have been sufficient to boast about it for half of their lifetime, let alone to capture them. The Eclipse Panthers owned by Yun Yang were already elites among the other known mystical beasts. However, strictly speaking, their level halted right at the ninth level pinnacle and had yet to reach the level of superior beasts. In other words, any ingredients of these dishes on the table would trump the Eclipse Panthers! Since Yun Yang had sat down, there was a total of eighteen dishes before him. The ingredients of each dish were all the essences of the superior mystical beast! The eighteen dishes were all being served in exquisitely small plates and in delicate portions. Apparently, these extremely precious ingredients could only produce such small servings. They were all being served on the table, arranged closely to each other as they filled the space. Yun Yang was completely stunned! Judging from Yun Yangs current cultivation base and the strength of his normal digestion ability, even the normal meat of these superior mystical beasts the size of a finger would have him digesting them for some time. However, what Yun Yang was eating was all the core essences of these superior mystical beasts. What was key was that they could really be eaten! Among the eighteen dishes, there were a few ingredients legendarily known as inedible by cultivators. Once they were consumed, they would cause issues with growth. However, it had been explained by Yun Zuiyue that those ingredients that were inedible had been treated by the other treasured ingredients, making them absolutely edible for now! Not only was it edible, it was scrumptious. The efficacy of the ingredients would not be weakened in the slightest after being consumed. In fact, it would be even more enhanced than before! In other words, all the medicinal power that was within the processed ingredients of the superior mystical beast would no longer cause uncontrollable and unmanageable heaving. Only its extending effects were to remain. While Yun Yang was having the feast, the boundless medicinal power had all been stored inside his body, without any setback or eruption. Just like what Yun Zuiyue said, the meal would be of great help to Yun Yangs cultivation journey. However, Yun Yang could hardly believe it. By analyzing from Yun Zuiyues words, the combined effect of these eighteen dishes could have caused the destruction of any of the Empires in Tianxuan Continent three times over! There were a total of eighteen dishes on the table. All of them were the most concentrated essence of the eighteen superior mystical beasts. Additionally, they were laden with twenty-four kinds of the worlds most top-end treasured gems and materials. It was no longer just a simple matter of extravagance or indescribable grandeur! The reality left no room for Yun Yangs disbelief as the effect of the food had begun to kick in. Although the effects that could be absorbed by Yun Yang did not even reach one-thousandth of this meal, the other huge forces did not go to waste but were stored dormant in his body. It would make grant him success more easily when he cultivated in the future, it. A little at a time, they would be transformed and absorbed to his own use! After confirming the reality, another unsettling conclusion could seemingly be made. Yun Yang''s body would have transformed into a treasure after this meal! Even if he had too much to drink and relieved himself, his urine would transform a seventh class mystical beast into an eighth class mystical beast if consumed... Anyone who was able to have a bite of Yun Yangs meat would increase their lives by sixty years, at the very least! It was even more outrageous if one was able to drink his blood. Even a person who was originally mediocre with no innate talent at all would be granted the potential to reach the pinnacle of martial arts! To describe it in laymen terms, Yun Yangs meat was extremely precious, even more, precious than Monk Tangs. The meat of Monk Tang was only for the masses of demons during the westward Journey. Yun Yangs flesh and blood, on the other hand, was effective for all living creatures in the Tianxuan Continent and its effect was extremely remarkable. It was similar to the reemergence of the fruit of ginseng! Yun Yang who had no choice but to face the reality was completely dumbfounded! The reality was too terrifying, how could such a thing have happened? Where did Yun Zuiyue find these things? "The food have all been served. Are you satisfied?" Yun Zuiyue clapped her hands in satisfaction and said, "I have all the dishes served first because I''m afraid that the wine that I had prepared was unsatisfactory. It is an unknown wine but its still pleasant to drink. Come, your sister-in-law shall fill your goblet. You must drink more as a sign of honor to your sister-in-law! Estimating visually, the jade bottle in the hands of Yun Zuiyue was not large. Its design was antique and simple.The wine inside seemed to be two catties at most. The wine was viscous when it was being poured. It was so thick that it was stringy and landed in the goblet drop by drop. What was most unusual was that there was no trace of the wine aroma at all, throughout the whole process. This was bizarre. There should a slight aroma, even for a less satisfactory wine. However, Yun Yang had long been observing the entire process. The moment the wine was poured out of the bottle, there was an invisible barrier spontaneously surrounding the liquor, tightly attached to it, preventing its aroma from vaporizing. Was this the legendary spiritual Qi barrier? Only such a legendary spiritual Qi barrier could protect the taste of wine and its effects, preventing it from evaporating away. Yun Yangs eyeballs were almost popping out of their sockets. This wine ... was unsatisfactory? Sister Yue, are you being too modest? Too humble to the extent of being hypocritical? Just the characteristics of the spiritual Qi barrier keeping its aroma alone had stated the legendary status of this special wine! It had been too long in the entire Tianxuan Continent since someone had truly come across such wine and since someone could actually brew such excellent vintage! This was because this wine already possessed a soul. Only a wine with soul would allow for such peculiar circumstances to occur. It had its own intentions, forming a barrier with spiritual Qi to protect itself, preventing its aroma from vaporizing! The three glasses of wine had since been filled up. The goblet before Yun Yang was filled to the brim, going fuller than the mouth of the goblet by about an inch. The liquid wobbled, yet not a single bit of wine was spilled or dripped down the sides. This was indeed a legendary and outstanding wine. If one were to say that the trapped aroma was insufficient to prove so, the observation of the brimming yet unspilled wine was once again another concrete evidence for its remarkability! The goblets before Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue were only filled with a shallow layer that covered the base of their goblets. "After you, young brother." Yun Zuiyue held up her goblet. Yun Yang frowned. The class of this wine was superb indeed. It was even better than most of the dishes on the table. How could it be not up to par? It had exceeded ones expectations, incomparable, and so satisfying indeed! Yun Yang was certain that this was no enemys trap, but a great opportunity in his life! Furthermore, this opportunity was actually being provided by Yun Zuiyue! The ups and downs of life, joy and sorrow, opportunity and coincidence, were all so unexpected in this world. Although Yun Yang could barely understand the cause and effect of such an opportunity, he knew that a consequent sip of wine meant a consequent diminishing of it. If he were to let go of such an opportunity, it would be the most regrettable thing in his lifetime! "Sister Yue and Sister Xue, have your goblets filled, and we shall consume this excellent wine." Yun Yang raised his goblet, "If you both were to drink so little, isnt this tantamount to me drinking alone? How can I enjoy myself to the fullest?" Yun Zuiyue giggled, "Young brother, trying to force ladies to drink is not something a gentleman would do. Since I am your sister-in-law, its even more inappropriate to do so. Although the wine is unsatisfactory, its effect will linger long. Are you sure you want to let me drink more?" While smiling wryly, Yun Yang rubbed his nose. Hearing such a remark, it seemed like it was impossible to persuade her. What kind of a person would I be if I continued to do so? However, my intention is not to force you all to drink... this is indeed really remarkable vintage! It would be a pity to miss it! "I still have this wine here." Yun Zuiyue beamed sweetly, uttering the words to illicit further shock from Yun Yang. Having said that, she then brought out a wooden box. They were all of the same kind of jade bottles, a total of ten bottles within! 279 Reduced to Ashes Yun Yangs eyes were wide open. Ten bottles! A single bottle would be sufficient to set off a reign of terror in the martial arts world! Even strong figures like Ling Xiaozui and Mr. Nian would be tempted by it! However, the amount that Yun Zuiyue had was sufficient to conduct a wholesale business. Yun Yangs mouth twitched. He could hardly withhold the shock within him. HIs perspective of the world which was completely subverted was utterly relieved now as he raised his goblet and uttered, "Sister Yue, Sister Xue, cheers!" "Cheers!" The three of them toasted and emptied their goblets. Yun Zuiyue began to fill Yun Yang''s goblet again, holding the wine bottle. "Come, young brother, try this." "Young brother, try this too." The two beauties served Yun Yang the dishes. It was not long before the numerous delicacies were piled up before him. These dishes, made from the essence of the superior mystical beasts that even people of Ling Xiaozui''s standard could hardly see, were piled up so high that they almost hit Yun Yang''s nose tip. "You two have it as well. Dont just keep on serving them to me." Yun Yang laughed helplessly. "Sure, lets eat together." The three of them ate while talking. Yun Zuiyue shared all her past experiences, things from when she could start remembering since a child to her current affairs. Qing Shanxue, on the other hand, began to talk about her own musical experiences. Yun Yang spoke about strange news and odd occurrences, causing the two ladies to laugh from time to time. In short, the atmosphere was harmonious. Yun Yang could clearly feel that his capability had increased, following every mouthful of dishes he ate. Such feeling of enhancement was long lasting and endless, like the boundless ocean! "Ayaya..." Within his subconscious space, Emmie was beyond amazed. A mere dance would not have been able to express its joy. It was waving about in a wild dance, overwhelmed and jubilant to the point that it could not even recognize who it was! Such a great force had simply been eaten by Yun Yang, flowing to his stomach. Of course, Emmie would secretly absorb some of it. It could hardly help itself. There was simply too much temptation! Emmie had secretly absorbed a little at a time, afraid to be found out by Yun Yang. When the medicinal power that entered Yun Yang''s body got stronger, Emmie started to fully absorb them, heedless of the consequences. Awesome! Scrumptious! Too contented! Even if Yun Yang were to punish and chastise it, it was going to eat until its heart''s content! Anyway, it was uncertain when Yun Yang would be able to digest them all. it was only right that it helped him in the digestion with full effort. However, no matter how hard Emmie had sucked everything in, like an inhaling whale, waves of power entered the deific consciousness space endlessly. They were difficult to be reduced no matter how much was consumed. What was more, not only did the energy within Yun Yang stop reducing, it had gradually increased, following the incoming food and good wine into his stomach. The potential benefit had grown larger and larger! Yun Yang did not care about whether the food would be wasted at all. This was because he was certain that all the spiritual power provided by the food today would be thoroughly integrated with the peculiar great wine and turn into a kept force of his own! To ones surprise, this wine was actually the ultimate catalyst and fusing agent. All of the spiritual power were all being transformed into the purest and most basic energy of the dantian, vitality, and force! Initially Yun Yang was still worried about whether he would become a human nutrition pack after the meal, a snack coveted by everyone, with all the creatures rushing over to bite a few mouthfuls of his own flesh. After all, the spiritual Qi previously had turned Yun Yang into a gem, not unlike the holy medicine. The traces of it could not be covered at all, once he had walked out, every living creatures would fight over him like a pack of wolves at the sight of meat. However, after having several goblets of wine, all the medicinal power had turned neutral and accumulated as Yun Yangs stored capability. The previous air that would tempt people into frenzy was completely eliminated. Yun Yang now had reverted to the normal youth that was no different from before the meal. Well, of course, still a very handsome looking and elegant youth! At the moment, Yun Yang had already drank six goblets of wine. Upon seeing Yun Zuiyue holding up the wine bottle to pour out more wine for himself, he could not help but to laugh wryly, "Sister Yue, you are good in asking people to drink. It seems like you are the one who wants me to get drunk!" Yun Zuiyue sweetly said, "How can it be? For todays wine, I would not have allowed it even if you want to have more. You can only have nine goblets!" Nine goblets! Yun Yang was startled. The number nine had triggered Yun Yangs sensitive nerves. The originally harmonious atmosphere had suddenly turned solemn. A gleam of regret flashed through the clear eyes of Yun Zuiyue. Hurriedly she tried to laugh it off, "Come, young brother. Have more dishes. It will be such a waste if all the dishes cant be finished today." Yun Yang beamed wryly. If that was so, wasteful could hardly describe it. Even tyrannical waste would not be able to describe such an action. To do so would be insanity, to the point that it caused people to shiver! "Sister Yue, where did you get all these great ingredients?" asked Yun Yang, who could no longer hold in his doubts. "These ingredients ..." Yun Zuiyue smiled and said, "There was a strange old man who left three boxes here and died after that. It was a coincidence that I discovered these items in those boxes when I cleaned up my items after dismissing the subordinatesThey came on time for me to treat you in todays feast. Is it not common to leave great items for family to enjoy, young brother?" Was that so? Well, everything you say is right. Yun Yang did not believe a single word of Yun Zuiyues speech. How could there be such a thing? An old man came here to leave three boxes and died? For someone who could possess three boxes of such items, even if the old man was being slaughtered into pieces, so long as he could still eat, he would be able to survive and live a long life! Also, the tone and speed of language were extremely fluent when Yun Zuiyue said this, seemingly without any consideration. It was apparent that she had long been ready for Yun Yang to ask her this. This was even growing even stranger. Yun Yang could not figure it out, even if he had broken his mind. "Yun Yang ... brother." Yun Zuiyue staring tentatively at Yun Yang, her eyes were filled with unconcealed sympathy and affection. Raising her goblet she uttered, "Brother, you ... have been having a hard time... Let sister-in-law propose a toast to you." Having a hard time? Yun Yang was stunned upon hearing this. Somehow, a heart-wrenching feeling rose within him upon hearing these words. Having a hard time Yun Yang suddenly thought of his eight brothers. Took a deep breath, he beamed and uttered, "Thank you, sister-in-law. Bottoms up!" Without a second word, he raised his goblet and emptied its contents. Yun Zuiyue slowly drank the wine inside her goblet, and then quickly filled up another goblet for Yun Yang. Hers, however, were only filled at the bottom of the glass. She hesitated for a long time and slowly uttered, "Brother ... in the future..." She stopped. With a strange expression, she lingered for a while and said, "... you''ll be alone faced with so many enemies from all over the world... you ... you must take care of yourself in the future." Yun Yang sighed with emotion, "For the peace of the heart and the presence of justice, it doesn''t matter even when there are enemies everywhere. So what if the world is my enemy?" His eyes were calm and serene, determinedly resolute. Facing Yun Yang''s resolute gaze, Yun Zuiyue felt an ache in her heart, How could she not know what Yun Yang was thinking? Revenge for the brothers! No matter how bitter... No matter how tiring... No matter how awful... No matter how painful... No matter how difficult... No matter how painstaking... I, Yun Yang, was willing and happy! There was no one to accompany me on this route, yet I ... would go on forever! Until the day when the vengeance has been settled or the day when I can no longer continue! "Young brother Yun, I am extremely grateful for your care and protection all this while." While beaming, Yun Zuiyue raised her goblet and said,"Sister-in-law hereby toasts you! " "Please dont say so!" Yun Yang said profoundly, "Fifth brother''s family, is my family! We are one family!" He smiled faintly and said, "I am afraid that I did not manage to take care of you properly ..." Yun Zuiyue could not help but feel an ache in her heart. She took a deep breath. Young brother... He has been bearing too much responsibility. Her eyes reddened and there was a pinch on her nose. She almost fell into tears. She immediately held the tears back, raising her goblet with Yun Yang. She smiled and had it finished. "Be sure to take care of yourself ... " murmured Yun Zuiyue. After eating a few mouthful of dishes, both Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue held their stomachs. They were full, unable to eat anymore. Apparently, a few mouthfuls of the dishes had been the twos limit. If not for the suppression of the odd wine, both of them would have had turned into a human nutrition pack, just like Yun Yang. What was more, they would become the most gorgeous of beauty nutrition packs! Yun Zuiyue kept urging Yun Yang to finish off the dishes on the table. Although the eighteen dishes were delicate and their amounts were extremely minimal, having to savor them all had caused Yun Yang''s belly to bloat. After all, Yun Yang''s legendary large appetite had been a thing of the past. Even if his enormous appetite were to remain, it was easy to fill up that large appetite by casually eating a mouthful of todays delicacies. What had happened in the past was different for now, only change was constant! Having to drink the nine goblets of wine, as expected, Yun Zuiyue no longer poured more. Nevertheless, Yun Zuiyue was still unwilling to answer Yun Yang''s questions This made Yun Yang felt as if an odd feeling had settled within himself. "I will come and fetch sister-in-law to move tomorrow. Never did I know that the dishes made by you were so delicious. If there is the time in the future, I will have to come and interrupt sister-in-law once in awhile to have my stomach filled," uttered Yun Yang. "Great." Yun Zuiyue stared deeply at Yun Yang and said, "Sister-in-law will wait for you tomorrow afternoon." Just when Yun Yang was about to get up and leave, Yun Zuiyue was suddenly been reminded of something and said, "Right, young brother. Do bring all these wine back with you lest they are accidentally broken when we are busy moving the items tomorrow." "To bring them all?" Yun Yang frowned, "Sister-in-law you ..." "These wines are priceless treasures. It is fine when they have never greeted the world previously. Since they had emerged, if I were to leave them here, even if it''s only a night''s time..." Yun Zuiyue smiled wryly, "Maybe it will become the root cause of the disaster by then. Do carry them with you. Help me move them over after all has been settled. Anyway, good wine is only for our family to drink." Yun Yang considered it and thought that she was right. In fact, there was no need to be that vigilant since it was only a night''s time. Since Yun Zuiyue had already said so, such a hidden danger might actually exist. If Yun Yang did not move them away, it would appear as if he did not care about the safety of both Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue. As for the secrets of these dishes, it was fine if Yun Zuiyue would not want to speak of it. Anyway, there would be more time to talk about that in the future. He believed that one day Yun Zuiyue would tell him about it. Even if she did not want to speak of it, after all, it was fine too. As what Yun Zuiyue had said, they were family. How bad would it be if they were to have their own little secrets? The outcome today had been far beyond Yun Yangs expectation. After all, the more mysterious and powerful Yun Zuiyue was, the happier Yun Yang would be! ... Yun Yang took the wine out of Cirrus House. Yun Zuiyue sighed in relief as if the stone in her heart had been lifted! ... Residence of Yun. "Wuyin, how''s the arrangement of the place?" "All has been settled." "How secretive it is? I want absolute security!" "Rest assured boss, no one will be able to find it. I have a hundred percent confidence in this!" "That''s great! You will still have to pay attention to safety when you are helping them to move tomorrow. Leave no risk of threat!" "All the arrangements have been made. Security troops had been arranged at more than ten different spots." "In order to be safe, Fang Mofei, you and Lao Mei hide in the dark to observe any suspicious people. No carelessness will be tolerated in this matter. It would better to wrongly kill someone than to let go of anyone who is suspicious! "Yes." Yun Yang arrived at Bai Yixues room, "Brother Bai, there are things that I need your help with tomorrow." "I havent recovered from the previous injuries! Also, I would seriously resist all request. Every time you asked me for help, I would have to face one or sometimes more strong rivals that I can hardly cope with. I am not insane and I dont want to torture myself," protested Bai Yixue while rolling his eyes. "Tomorrow''s matter is important." Yun Yang solemnly said, "As long as tomorrow''s matter is settled, I promise that all the things that happened between us will be written off. After that, you can go whenever you like." Bai Yixue pondered for a moment. Yun Yang uttered, "In addition, I will give you one million banknotes, and one hundred pieces of rare and precious metals!" "Well, deal! Even if I were to meet a hard player, I would have to admit it!" "It shouldn''t happen. Just stay hidden tomorrow..." After listening to that, Bai Yixue had his eyes wide open and uttered, "You are willing to pay such a price for such a trivial matter? Are you crazy? Or is there a trap over here? Tell me if there''s really a trap so that I can make some mental preparation?" Yun Yang sighed, "Just tell me if you''ll do it or not, and stop talking nonsense!" "Yes, I will do it!" "If there is any slip-up, Bai Yixue, you know what to do with yourself." "If any slip-up occurs out of such a trivial matter handled by me, I would go and face the fallout myself!" "I will have your word on this." "Anyway, I''m still curious. That woman must be very important to you, right? For such a little thing, your price would be too high otherwise." The gossiping nature of Bai Yixue had intensified unexpectedly. Yun Yang glanced side-eye at him, "Yes I have too much money. Are you able to control it?" Bai Yixue was speechless. There was a sudden impulse to swing a punch across Yun Yangs face! Didnt you know that talking in such a manner before a person who had lent you a high-interest loan was very annoying? Do you really think that I dare not kill you? Well, I really don'' dare to. ... That night, all was in complete silence, when out of the blue, a loud crash resounded. Boom! An unexpected burst of explosions woke all the sleepers in Tiantang city from their dreams. Countless people had briefly turned deaf because of this. With a buzzing sound in their ears, they were all stunned for a long time. Those who were closer to the source of the explosion were bounced off their beds, falling to the ground in confusion. At the Residence of Yun, Yun Yang, who had been trying his best to digest the accumulated medicinal power through meditation had jolted awake because of this abrupt explosion. A pair of eyes opened immediately. At the very next moment, Yun Yang had rushed out to the yard. "What has happened? Where is the explosion?" Yun Yang urgently asked. His usual calm and collected face was pale. Yun Yang was haunted by an extremely ominous perception. "I dont know ... " Fang Mofei and Lao Mei felt their heads buzzing from the noise. All their minds and hearts were in chaos. While trying to calm the negative feelings with their cultivation, they thought and said, "The origin of the explosion seems to come from the center of Tiantang City" Having said that, Yun Yang bolted over to the place immediately. His speed was faster than the lightning! ... Yun Yang let out a roar as if his heart had been pierced right through. His mind was complete, immeasurable, blankness. Before him, there was only a large pit, a ruin. The original building that had been standing here was the Cirrus House. However, the Cirrus House had disappeared. Completely and utterly disappeared from this world! What was left was only the broken bits of earth and debris. Devastation lay heavily across the land. With a thump, Yun Yang fell to the ground. With eyes full of desperation, he stared at the ruin in front of him, extremely mournful and anguished! Never would he have thought that he would ever have to experience the pain of losing his eight brothers again. It was even more intense and unforgettable this time! Previously, he was helpless, despite wanting to rescue his brothers as he was trapped in the same situation. However, how could this have happened? Where was the Cirrus House? Gone Thoroughly and completely wiped away. The largest piece of debris was but the size of the human head; If there was someone inside, it wasn''t hard to imagine their dire fate. With his eyes focused on the large pit before him, Yun Yangs mind was completely blank. At that moment, his face was frighteningly pale, and his eyes were almost going to bulge out of its sockets. The place had since been surrounded by people who came over to see what had happened. They were all staring at the ruin before them in horror. Of course, they also stared at Yun Yang who was in the middle of the ruins. This was because Yun Yangs condition was most unusual at this moment/ Yet Yun Yang did not care at all. He did not care about his actions, as well as the possible consequences! He was instantly reminded of the speech uttered by Shui Wuyin, "I have placed explosives beneath this house, sufficient to blast it into a lake!" The way Shui Wuyin talked about it last time was as if it was true and his tone was sincere. Even if there was really such an arrangement, Yun Yang would have been able to foresee it, since he had cloud manifestation to verify the truth. However, on second thought, how much explosives should be placed to be able to turn it into a lake? It was simply an impossibility to achieve, how could he believe in his lie? Somehow, it had turned into truth. How could such an amount of explosives, sufficient to flatten the whole Cirrus House, be hidden underneath the building? Perhaps it wasn''t explosives. However, what kind of class did an expert need to be in order to do such a thing? Yun Yang felt as if his soul had been shattered, scattering all over the sky, unable to think for long. He trembled, his gaze was dazed with disbelief. His entire body had stiffened. After a long while, Yun Yang could be seen rushing into the ruin with a mad roar! "Where are the people here?" 280 Piercing Heartache With a loud bang, clouds of dust billowed in the air. Yun Yang was completely enveloped in the smoke and dust. He used his hands, legs and mystical Qi to lift everything in the ruins, aimlessly inspecting every inch of the devastated ground. Fragments of flesh and blood, as well as shreds of clothes,were found... In such a violent explosion, it was a difficult task, even to find these things. However, Yun Yang had refused to stop, relentlessly continuing the search. Fortunately, after a while, he slowly came to his senses. He had often come to the Cirrus House, hence he was able to recognize the location and directions for every room.He knew where every piece of wood and every feature was, even if he had his eyes closed. By following his mind''s eye, he had soon located the original site of the Cirrus Houses front door. He then receded, standing there quietly for a while, with his eyes closed. He then strode in with large steps. With a sudden hush, the gravel around the gate disappeared. He then walked forward, looking around like how he had usually arrived at the enormously spacious hall. While entering the door, he instinctively glanced around to observe if there were any repercussions or peculiarity. After a brief pause, he walked inward again. Following Yun Yangs path, the gravels along the way began to part. The dust had engulfed the sky, covering the horizon. However, even such a harsh environment posed little obstruction to Yun Yang. "This was the place that we drank last night. However, all the objects and people are no longer the same and have been separated into two different worlds..." The ache within Yun Yang was getting more intense. Yesterday, Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue were still sitting here beaming sweetly, accompanying him to drink. Yet, today ... He shook his head and once again, cleared the debris in front of him. Clutching onto the slimmest of hopes, he walked inwards once more. This was where the private room was located. The musical instruments hall was here, and here was a bedroom. Here was... He continued to search, room by room. Finally, he saw some dark brown matter in the area where the kitchen used to stand. "Blood?" Suddenly, within Yun Yangs eyes emerged a murderous intent which could hardly be suppressed. He searched frantically, but to no avail. Eventually, after discovering the location of the underground warehouse and delicately cleaning all the messy rubble and other objects there, Yun Yang came to a complete halt when he spotted something. This was the place where Yun Yang found the most bloodstains, a place with the highest density of blood stains in the whole of the Cirrus House! Pieces of fragmented flesh and blood appearing almost everywhere that he could lay his eyes on. All the flesh, blood and bone fragments were no bigger than a finger. In addition, there were countless scraps of charred clothing - white, cloth fragments. The pristine white cloth had been stained with blood, making it even more macabre. Sniffing tentatively, the faint fragrance of makeup remained on the clothing shreds. As far as Yun Yang could recall, it brought to mind the ones Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue normally used. Yun Yang had even found supple hair strands within the ruins as he dug messily through the rubble. In another corner, half of the base remained intact. The base, however, was filled with traces of scarlet blood, together with long, messy hair strands and fragmented skull pieces. Yun Yang was seemingly struck by lightning. The only faint hope that had remained in him had been completely broken. He staggered, ready to keel over at any moment. A hand materialized just in time to support him. Fang Mofei''s muffled voice could be heard, "Be careful, young master." Yun Yang was dazed, barely hearing the gentle words. Although the sound was close, Yun Yang felt as if Fang Mofei''s voice came from the clouds in the sky, ethereally elusive, ringing true but vaguely indistinct. He glanced around blankly. With a sudden cough, the corner of his mouth leaked a trail of blood. The gentle voice of Yun Zuiyue echoed in his mind. "Young brother, you must have had a hard time." "Young brother, do eat more." "Young brother, try this." It seemed like her gentle glance was still gazing into his eyes. Even her concerned look and gentle voice before their separation still remained fresh in his memory, "Young brother, do take good care of yourself in the future..." Her beaming expression and voice were frozen in time, and yet ... Yun Yangs heart was wracked with pain. Suddenly, a glint of light could be seen gleaming through the rubble. Yun Yang impulsively rushed over and pounced on the ground. With both of his hands, he dug out the gleaming object. His hands trembled as if he was holding the last trace of hope; it was a fragment of jade. Although it was just a sliver, its tenderness and glimmer reminded Yun Yang of someones hand. Yun Zuiyues hand, to be precise. Her fairly-skinned wrist had been ornamented with a pair of bangles, emerald in color. The glimmer actually came from the fragment of jade. It was all rounded, tender and curved. It was obviously a shard of the jade bangle. He stared at it in a daze. Suddenly, golden stars sprang up and circled before his eyes. His heart felt as if it was on fire. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him before he fell unconscious. With a cough, Yun Yang spat a mouthful of blood before he collapsed. "Young master!" Upon seeing this, Fang Mofei cried out in panic, grabbing the falling Yun Yang. When Yun Yang woke up, he had already been returned to the Residence of Yun. He stared at the ceiling in a trance. His eyes were dull and lifeless, taking no note of the sight that lay before him. There were pieces of memories that were rotating back and forth in his mind. The voices and beaming expressions of Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue kept flashing in front of him, one after another. "Young brother ..." "Brother ..." "Can''t you call me sister-in-law? ..." "Young brother, take care of yourself..." Yun Yang slowly closed his eyes, tears leaking silently onto his pillow. Fifth brothers lover, this poor lady. He had failed to protect her after all! Such an extraordinary beauty had just turned into ashes before him. Yun Yang recalled last nights meal, remembering the words Yun Zuiyue had told him, thinking of her strange expressions that appeared yesterday ... Had she sensed her doom approaching even then? Although every sentence was like the ordinary conversation of daily life, if one were to carefully consider them, one could sense that every word was rife with meaning, filled with the vibes of parting. Not a brief separation, but a farewell of a lifetime! He gritted his teeth tightly, the throbbing in his heart unquenchable. "If only I had brought Sister Yue away ... then everything that has happened today could be avoided!" His remorse had reached its boiling point. "I''m so stupid!" "She couldn''t have painted a clearer picture for me!" "Last night''s dishes themselves were of great doubt." Suddenly a hope blossomed within Yun Yangs heart. "... Perhaps Sister Yue isnt dead after all ..." However, thinking of the hair strands at the underground warehouse, the fragmented flesh and blood, the charred white clothing, the fragmented jade bangle, and the familiar faint fragrance... All of these had relentlessly broken his own fantasy that his sister-in-law was still alive! "Damn you all!" Yun Yang bounced instantly from his bed. With his eyes bloodshot, he once again vomited a mouthful of fresh blood. He then let out a mad roar. In a flash, he transformed into a hurricane, disappearing from his residence without prior warning. "Young master!" Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were utterly shocked upon seeing this. They hurriedly ran to the door, but the trail of wind outside was long gone. Yun Yang, who had fallen into an unprecedented fury, was charging rapidly away. All that remained in his heart was the seething rage that could only be quelled by violence. His only objective was to wreak havoc and to kill. Never before had he felt such an overwhelming urge to take lives! His heart had already been filled with anger and sorrow. He could no longer care about others. The so-called scruples, considerations, and contemplations were no longer within his sight, and certainly not in his heart. Fifth brother, I''m sorry! I did not manage to protect my sister-in-law! I have let you down! Yun Yang could only feel that the blood in his body was about to erupt from every orifice. He had almost lost his ability to think. What was left was but the violent urgings of revenge! A hurricane had entered the royal palace in the silent hours before dawn. It was serenely quiet inside the royal palace. The Minister of Imperial Household, Jiang Zhong, could be seen hunched over while carefully examining the work of his subordinates, meticulous and in a proactive manner. He was a dutiful old man who would do his best for everything that was within his sphere of responsibility, repeating them daily. Therefore, His Majesty had always been assured of him. A snow-white fly-whisk could be seen gently resting within his arms, appearing to be neat and clean. His pace was slow, walking as if he was sweeping the floor. It seemed that he was old enough to the extent of not being able to lift his leg. Yet whenever the sweeping noises were made, all the guards and eunuchs would involuntarily hold up their chests and feign attentiveness Jiang Zhong, the old man in Yutangs palace. The Minister of Imperial Household. His authority within the palace was undoubtedly influential and his position in the imperial household was exceptionally important. Within Yutangs palace, His Majesty was the emperor of the country while the empress was the ruler of the nine palaces. Even so, there were still people who dared defy their orders in secret despite putting on the front of obeying them when in the open. However, no one would dare to alter or even trying to ignore or neglect the Minister of Imperial Household, Jiang Zhongs commands when he issued them. Not even the slightest bit of slack was tolerated. For years, countless eunuchs had died under his cruel punishment. Someone once said that for as many wrinkles that appeared on Minister Jiang''s face, that was the number of people who had died in his hands. If one were to observe carefully, the dense wrinkles that had appeared on Jiang Zhongs face were uncountable. Naturally, the number of people who had died at his hand was uncountable as well. "The sky is going to brighten. It is another new day ..." muttered Jiang Zhong. With his stooped figure, he swaggered towards his own room. Two small eunuchs followed him respectfully. With each and every step that Jiang Zhong took, they followed accordingly. They did not dare to cross over or lag behind. The three people then walked through the imperial garden to the row of houses behind, Jiang Zhongs residence. 281 A Violent Battle in the Imperial Garden Everyone knew that Minister Jiang had the habit of not sleeping at night. Every day, he would only head to bed when the sky was about to turn bright. The night was the time when people rested. It was also during this dark stage where the human vigilance was at its lowest. However, this strange habit of Jiang Zhong had helped to ensure the peace of Yutangs palace for many years, where no incidents would occur in the dark night under his watch. It was also because of this that Jiang Zhong''s position had always remained steady and uncontested over the years! His order was the true depiction of the law and prohibition. In the imperial garden, lavish green trees were awhirl with shadows. Numerous lanterns had been put out, causing the area to appear dark and gloomy. The north wind was whistling in the sky, delivering chilly vibes. It was not a warm season. Jiang Zhong could be seen hobbling slowly, forcefully wrapping his robes around his hunched body. "I am old, and no longer useful. I cant even stand this chilly weather..." sighed Jiang Zhong while murmuring, "A few years back, however..." The two small eunuchs behind him kept their mouths shut, not daring to speak a single word. Minister Jiang would always like to cherish his past memories and to boast about himself in soft murmurs, but he had never needed anyone''s response nor affirmation. It seemed sufficient for him to just reminisce about himself. That was enough for him. However, all of a sudden, the surge of wind before dawn grew stronger, bringing with it an unprecedentedly sharp whistling sound. The staggering body of Jiang Zhong who was walking forward suddenly stopped in his tracks. He looked up at the sky and his blurry eyes gleamed with a sudden light! A gust of wind could be seen rushing from the sky above towards him. In the meantime, a gnashing voice roared, "Jiang Zhong!" A saber energy more piercing than the gust of wind came falling down from the sky. Jiang Zhong made a screamed shrilly. His body instantly turned into a blurring figure that moved rapidly. He quickly evaded the strike of the piercing saber energy. A high-pitched sepulchral sound responded, "Supreme Wind, what is this for? What reason have you to attack the inner palace? A gush of saber air came cutting across, tearing Jiang Zhongs robe apart, leaving a big hole which seeped blood. While snarling, Jiang Zhong''s body twisted and divided itself into dozens of silhouettes, shuttling back and forth in the air. Although he was the only one who had reacted,there were immediately dozens of figures displaying the high-speed trajectory, deriving numerous fragmented shadow. In an instant, the area where the shadows reached looked like there were hundreds of men present. The wind kept on whistling. In mid-air, the greenish whirlwind was like a raging dragon, filled with furious vibes and extremely insolent with a raging killing intent. Although it seemed like Jiang Zhong had been clumsily evading the attack, he was only injured because the first hit had come unexpectedly. After that, even under Supreme Winds storm-like intensive attacks, he had remained unhurt and safe. Even though his clones were being crushed by the gleam of saber light, he was able to create more silhouettes clones by moving more rapidly. "Lord Supreme Wind!" while dodging, Jiang Zhong roared, "What is this for? What exactly do you want?" The wind was more violent than ever. Its state was getting more and more ferocious without responding to Jiang Zhong''s confusion. The gleam of saber light was like bolts of lightning, striking continuously within the night. The solemn and ferocious murderous vibes had ignited feelings of fear within everyone in the royal palace. Supreme Winds fury was apparent, his anger had reached an unimaginable stage. Numerous imperial guards in the inner palace had flocked to the spot. However, they were all startled when they saw it was Supreme Wind of the Nine Supremes who was attacking Jiang Zhong. No one dared to react without trying to understand what was taking place. The question was in all their hearts; what was happening? On the day of Yang Botao''s open trial, the name of the Nine Supremes had reappeared, boosting the Yutang''s low morale. This time, the sudden emergence of Supreme Wind to directly target the Minister of Imperial Household of Yutang''s palace, Jiang Zhong, had caused everyone''s imagination to run wild. Could the inner palace have been infiltrated by Yutangs enemy? The target right now was the Minister of Imperial Household; could Jiang Zhong, a high-positioned person who held great authority, actually be an enemy of Yutang? The lanterns could be seen flashing. The emperor, accompanied by numerous guards, was approaching from afar. How was the emperor able to fall asleep with such a great commotion? Particularly when he had heard that it was related to Supreme Wind. Of course, he would have had draped his robes around his shoulders immediately and rushed straight to the scene of the incident. He arrived while still buttoning his cotton robes. His face was alive with urgency. "Is it really Supreme Wind?" There was no need for this question to be asked, nor was there a need for confirmation. His Majesty himself had seen the shadow which was circling and whistling in the air. To add to the dread, there was the constant, thunder-like gleam of saber light! The strikes were full of tyrannical madness and extremely murderous intent. It was a sight to behold, the very vision of unplacatable rage! Upon seeing this, His Majesty was utterly aghast. The emperor had been eager to help when the Nine Heavens Dictum was eradicating the traitors, yet he had never been able to do so. He was left helpless even he had had the intention. The crucial part was that the people of the Nine Heavens Dictum had never come to disturb the palace. To initiate such a blatant move against the palace was an impossibility! What was more, it was Supreme Wind himself who was personally leading the attack. This was an unprecedented event indeed. The face of His Majesty had turned pale at the ramifications of these happenings. Jiang Zhong! The target of Supreme Wind was actually the Minister of Imperial Household, the elderly man who had seen him grow up. How could that be? How could it possibly be him? Comparatively, He Hanqing, who had been the teacher to three generations of emperors and minister of several dynasties, was not worth mentioning before Jia Zhong, the elder who had been accompanying His Majesty for almost a lifetime. How could he be a spy? A hypocrite? What was more horrifying than such a reality? At this point in time, the murderous intent displayed by Supreme Wind could be said to have diffused all over the place. His furious emotions had infected everyone who was present. Such a raging attitude had apparently highlighted the point he intended to make. Could it be that ... While dodging the attacks, Jiang Zhong could be seen crying his outrage, "Lord Supreme Wind, what what is all this about?" Jiang Zhong felt maligned by everything that was happening to him. He was an expert with the cultivation base of ninth peak pinnacle, almost reaching the stage of Tenth Perfection. Judging by his cultivation base, so long as he did not meet the so-called top-notch experts, he was confident that he would have been able to protect himself and maybe even win the battle. However, today, he could barely initiate any counter-attack when facing Supreme Wind! He could only dodge the death that was being thrown incessantly at him. Although the real cultivation base of this person was not high, not even reaching the eighth peak, Jiang Zhong did not dare to let his guard down in the slightest. This was because it was Supreme Wind who was before him, one of the vaunted Nine Supremes. If he were to fight back, he would be charged with treason. There would be no chance to explain himself at all! Did he not see that the crowd of imperial guards that were surrounding him could not make a single attempt to help him? Normally, these imperial guards were extremely obedient to him with no one daring to defy his orders. However, it now seemed like all their eyes were staring at him vigilantly, colored with suspicion. Faintly murderous vibes could be spotted everywhere. Obviously, in these people''s minds, whoever being attacked by Supreme Wind must be of the evilest character! There must be a reason that you, Jiang Zhong, are being targeted by Supreme Wind! If Supreme Wind wanted you dead, then you must die. No explanation, evidence nor trial is needed if Supreme Wind wishes you dead! It was as ridiculous as that! Didnt he see that since His Majesty the Emperor had arrived, he was only observing from afar? He did not give any orders to stop the fight, nor did he have any intention to get down to the bottom of this. He wasn''t even seeking a chance to clarify what was going on! Only then did Jiang Zhong fully realize the influence that the Nine Supremes wielded in this country! Their words and actions were even more effective than the imperial edict! If he did not fight back at this moment, it wouldnt cause Yun Yang to show mercy towards him. The other was filled to overflowing with madness and murderous intent. Yun Yang was full of sorrow and hatred. He was attacking with all his might, without a care. He would surely kill the person before him, smashing him to death and crushing his bones and soul! "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" Jiang Zhong had no choice but to call for help, "This old servant is innocent! This old servant is innocent!" His Majesty stood by quietly. His deep eyes were looking at the scene before him. Lightly, he uttered, "Relay my dictum, no one is to act carelessly. Whoever interrupts the fight will be punished with death!" All the imperial guards and servants stood rooted to the ground once the dictum was announced. Intentionally or otherwise, all the surrounding people soon formed a large circle, hemming the beleaguered man in. Apparently, it was to prevent someone from escaping. Who were they trying to prevent from escaping? Who could that someone be? It went without saying. Jiang Zhong felt feeble and debilitated at the thought of this. His Majesty the Emperor was watching Jiang Zhong intently. His ghostly and unpredictable motions was a form of his mystical talent that was rarely seen. With a single thought, he was able to initiate the blurry and peculiar mystical Qi images... The terror in his heart was getting more and more intense, and his fear had skyrocketed. The Minister of Imperial Household Jiang Zhong! Never would he have thought that the cultivation base that Jiang Zhong possessed was that earth-shattering! Since his childhood, Jiang Zhong had been serving his father, and when he was a toddler learning to walk, it was the old man who had held his hand and remained so until now. He would never have guessed that this loyal old servant would actually have such a profound martial cultivation base! Yutang''s emperor, Yu Peize, was not an ordinary, leisurely character. Not only was the mystical Qi cultivation base he owned extraordinary, he was also an adept veteran. Although he could not figure out the foundation capability of the skillset demonstrated by Jiang Zhong, he was clear about the quality and level of such mystical methods. Experts of this mettle were extremely rare, at least in Yutang. In other words, there must be a damning story behind Jiang Zhong ''s origins! "Supreme Wind!" His Majesty spoke in a solemn voice. Within the whistling sound of the wind, a suppressed, low voice could be heard, "What do wish to say, YOur Majesty? The emperor continued in a calm manner, "May I ask what is going on? What is the origin of this contemptible one? His Majestys remark had effectively concluded that Jiang Zhong was a treacherous official. For the masses, it made a difference to hear His Majestys own conclusion although they had themselves vaguely assumed the same. In mid-air, the gleam of saber light was still shimmering like thunderbolts within the whistling of the green air. A series of eighteen slashes followed after. That low voice that shook with suppressed fury said, "The Cirrus House is gone! The Cirrus House was gone? The earlier violent explosion had woken His Majesty the Emperor from slumber. Of course, he was aware of this matter. However, since when was the Cirrus House so worthy to the extent of making Supreme Wind that angry? Although Yun Zuiyue was known to be Unrivaled Expert, Ling Xiaozuis confidante, this point had yet to be corroborated. In addition, Ling Xiaozui would have taken the initiative into his own hands. What was the reason for you, Supreme Wind, to do so instead? In an instant, the Emperor question had been answered... "Yun Zuiyue, the owner of Cirrus House, was the Nine Supremes family member!" "With an explosion, the Cirrus House had instantly been reduced to ashes. Everyone in there has been slain." Yun Yang''s voice was as cold as the freezing winds from Hell. His Majesty''s pupils had widened instantly. The fact that Yun Zuiyue was the wife of Supreme Flame had been mentioned by Yun Yang to the old marshal before this. However, in order to ensure the confidentiality of the matter, the old Marshal had never explained it clearly to His Majesty. That explained why His Majesty had only learned now. However, only God knew about the shock that His Majesty had experienced after hearing those words! Nine Supremes family member? The originally poised figure of His Majesty trembled slightly. His face was pale with shock. He had suddenly recalled something. It was when he had secretly met with the crown prince, Supreme Earth. "My son, although you shouldnt have exposed your identity as Supreme Earth, you are no longer young after all. You should have considered your marriage. Even if you did not favor the throne nor imperial power, you should still aspire to have your own heir." "I have my own plans about this, father." "What''s the plan? You have not been seen to have taken any action for so long. If you were to act earlier, why would I have to mention it to you face-to-face? Right now, I am just advising my son as a concerned father. Do you understand the difference between?" Supreme Earth hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your son is not entirely carefree and unrestrained by romance. There is someone I have feelings for... unfortunately, it is unsafe to reveal her identity, so ... I have no choice but to be sorry to her ..." Although His Majesty was overjoyed for getting the result that he wanted, Supreme Earth had never given any further answers, even under extreme pressure and cajoling by his exuberant father. Therefore, apart from being exasperated and disappointed in the hope, what was worse was the heartache felt by His Majesty. Due to his own fault, he had mistreated his son, his daughter-in-law. If there was a chance, he would have compensated them, compensated them well... His heart had since reserved such hope. Since his son had said that he already found his confidante, it would naturally mean that he would soon have a grandson, would it not? After all, it had been long enough since he knew about his sons confidante ... The emperor had long had other grandchildren, but he still kept an inexplicable anticipation towards the child of his eldest prince. The debt that had been owed to his eldest son... If he could, of course, he would compensate his grandson plentifully. His Majesty the Emperor had even thought of how he would do it. However, Supreme Earth had met with the accident just before he could even get to question him intensely on this matter. As his son did not leave any clues, his daughter-in-law may not even know that his husband was of royal blood. Thinking of this, His Majesty was often upset and vexed. Not only would he not know if he had any grandchildren, he was afraid that he would not even have a chance to meet her. Now, Supreme Wind''s words had reached his ears. "Cirrus Houses Yun Zuiyue was actually a family member of the Nine Supremes!" "Cirrus House has been reduced to ashes, everyone has been slain!" Upon hearing these, a blackness filled the Emperors eyes. With a sharp angst in his heart, he almost felt the claws of unconsciousness grab hold of him... 282 Seize Him! The emperor was in better shape after Yun Yangs care and ministrations; otherwise, such a contrast of joy and grief, such turbulence of emotions, would be enough to trigger the worst attack of what was in his body and cause death instantly! In spite of this, His Majesty was not exempted from staggering and having the color drain from his face! This was it The younger ones among the Nine Supremes were not much older. Those who could have a family would be the few ranked in front. Was she my sons family? The emperor''s thoughts instinctively headed in that direction. In the air, the wind rustled with a voice that was terribly resentful. "Someone must pay the price for this! Jiang Zhong shall be the first among those! Jiang Zhong, a remnant of the Four Seasons Towers vices!" Once the words were uttered, the emperor was shaken to the core once more. He raised his head abruptly, iciness frosted his eyes that were staring at Jiang Zhong. "Your Majesty Dont believe him This old servant is wrongly accused" Jiang Zhong cried out anxiously. The emperor spoke softly, "Jiang Zhong, if you give up defending yourself at once and allow yourself to be arrested without a fight, I promise you justice! How about that?" It seemed that there was a turning point with the emperors words but truthfully, it was akin to another impasse being added onto Jiang Zhong. How dare Jiang Zhong give up defending himself now? Others might not know Yun Yangs thoughts but how could he not know? If he lowered his defenses, he would be doomed. "Your Majesty!" Jiang Zhong was holding onto his life with all his might as he sounded absolutely aggrieved, "This old servant has been wrongly accused!" The emperor remained stoic in his expression but an icy glint flashed across his eyes. "If youre truly wronged, I guarantee your safety as long as you stop putting up a fight. Supreme Wind wont kill the innocent recklessly." "Justice prevails; theres no arguing over black and white. Everything will be cleared once it has been explained well. Why put up such a fight?" His Majesty said unhurriedly, "Ive spoken and have given you a chance. If youre innocent, no one can harm you. Youre still my Minister of Imperial Household! On the other hand, if youre guilty as charged, no one shall safeguard you!" He lifted his head to watch the whizzing silhouette of wind in the air. "Supreme Wind, can my guarantee be considered?" Supreme Winds voice could be heard amidst the hurling wind, "Your Majesty is the leader of a nation. Your Majestys promise is naturally words of faith, a promise that weighs heftily indeed!" The emperor felt his heart sink deeper. Supreme Winds words showed complete trust towards him. If so, did that not mean that Jiang Zhong was truly controversial C that there was no doubt he was a Four Seasons Towers spy? Jiang Zhong was still racing about, silhouette after silhouette emerging and dissipating as he avoided Yun Yangs consecutive thrusts of saber energy. He hissed, "Your Majesty, its not that this old servant doesnt trust you Supreme Wind has truly been brutal in his attack, this old servant cannot stop shielding himself I really cant" His Majestys face turned utterly cold. His chilling gaze stared at Jiang Zhong who was still twirling and moving in the air as he hollered, "Guards, seize Jiang Zhong!" Jiang Zhong cried, "Your Majesty, this old servant has served you loyally for dozens of years; there should at least be an appreciation for hard work if there arent merits? Dont you consider our past at all? Are you putting aside this old servants lifetime of hard work just for somebodys words?" His Majesty replied coldly, "Ive given you a chance, Ive given you a promise. What did you do though? What youve done is in the eyes of others, are you still going to argue?" Jiang Zhong suddenly laughed in misery, facing the sky, "So this is how it is. A person whos served Your Majesty for his lifetime cant obtain even the slightest sympathy from Your Majesty. If so, what hope is there for us? Forget it, we have followed such a master blindly; death is justifiable indeed. Then, why does it matter if I die?" Before the last of his words echoed, Jiang Zongs rapidly moving physique halted suddenly and landed. He stretched both his arms out, looking like he was ready to be arrested and prepared to submit to whatever that would come his way. He looked thoroughly aggrieved, the disappointment and will to die apparent. Everyone there was surprised C was was he surrendering himself? Jiang Zhongs arms were extended while he glanced towards His Majesty in despair, speaking with a raspy voice, "Your Majesty, master for a day, master for life. This old servant is going now, you must take care in the future!" As his words tumbled out, the sound of whizzing wind and lightning emanated from his hand. Jiang Zhong gritted his teeth and pounded his head harshly into his open palm. It was at this moment that His Majesty, who witnessed Jiang Zhong committing suicide, jolted in violence. The specter of having wrongly accused an innocent man rose within his mind. Jiang Zhongs palm struck his own head; there was a soft cracking sound before his five sensory organs and seven orifices spurted blood. Stumbling, he slowly fell to the ground. The jolt within His Majesty grew even more violent. He could not help taking two steps forward. Even the guards under orders to seize Jiang Zhong halted their steps in unison. Everyones gaze fell onto Jiang Zhongs dead body who laid within the pool of blood; all of them were indescribably muddled. Proving his innocence with death? Could it be that His Majesty has really accused him wrongly? Perhaps it was Lord Supreme Wind who was wrong in his accusations? Like Jiang Zhong had said, he had served the emperor so loyally all these years; how could he acquire such an end to his aged life? It was truly distressing. Suddenly, a shout came from the sky, "Careful!" Accompanying the warning, a sharp howl arose. Jiang Zhong, who had collapsed onto the ground, suddenly turned into a stream of light as he charged through the barricade of eight guards at a lightning towards where the emperor stood. His palms extended furiously, like an enormous rock that was about to split the mountain! Jiang Zhong was self-aware that he would never be able to escape with his own strength. Even when he was adeptly skilled, there was still only death facing the mass of inner palace guards and the siege they had formed. That was why he had put up the tragic suicide drama; to aim for a chance at going for the emperor! It was his only way out. Only when he held the emperor hostage would he have the trump card to be entirely safe! As for what happened after, he would think of it after the trump card was in his hands! This sudden turn of events was honestly out of everyones expectation. Someone who had just died, someone who the crowd had just witnessed committing suicide, he was actually springing up to attack! This in itself was already an extremely dramatic twist although the attackers speed had even largely exceeded what was known to them! Jiang Zhongs suicide attempt just now was not entirely an act; the bleeding of seven orifices upon being struck was him activating his mystique skill that temporarily enhanced his ability to the level above the maximum of his original capability. Moreover, Jiang Zhong was already a cultivator of ninth peak pinnacle; the breakthrough now took him escalating to Tenth Perfection. The formidability of his capability was adequately above everyone else on the spot! He was already approaching His Majesty. It was only a matter of timing before he could manipulate the emperor as he wished. Swoosh! A green shadow of wind landed from the sky abruptly like a falling meteor. Everyone had been careless in this incident but not Yun Yang! He had always known that the Seasons Towers men would never seek death so easily C especially when this old one was so powerful and he had not even reached an impasse. Why would he kill himself so readily? Therefore, Yun Yang had long been on guard, wary of his hidden tricks. When Jiang Zhong had moved, Yun Yang had taken action at the same time. Despite Jiang Zhong activating his mystique skill, despite his cultivation base accelerating to Tenth Perfection temporarily, his speed was still slower compared to the wind C compared to Yun Yang! A green tornado blocked the emperor from the incoming Jiang Zhong, a surreal sight. At the same time, a saber light akin to thunderous lightning gushed forward like a surging tide! Boom! Jiang Zhongs palms launched themselves in a toppling momentum at Yun Yangs intricate web of sabers C the green tornado shattered immediately. Yun Yangs cultivation base paled immensely in comparison to Jiang Zong; what was more, the latter was in Tenth Perfection as of now. The force of such a brute attack depended solely on the strength C how could Yun Yang not lose? However, what Yun Yang was fighting for was but a sliver of a gap. Although his saber web was completely destroyed, Jiang Zhong had taken a step back from the collision. It was just a steps difference but Jiang Zhong had already lost his edge! Knowing that the situation was no longer dandy as his plan failed, Jiang Zhong roared in rage, "Supreme Wind! You shouldve died long ago! Why? Why?" The guards and experts of the emperor had rushed out during this slim gap, all of them were aghast with shame. They had so many of them here, it was already an advantage but still, they were almost deceived by this old eunuch! Fueled by the fury from their embarrassment, the mass momentum was heaved. Everyone was murderous towards a certain Jiang; how could their disgust be vented if they did not kill this despicable one? How could their humiliation be sated? The wind that had diminished swirled in urgently once more. The green light was gathering from each direction rapidly. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh Countless Deicide Bows bowstrings were crackling, their target aimed straight at Old Eunuch Jiang. Jiang Zhong who was surrounded by dense counterattacks struggled with his might, retaliating and bolting left and right; it was an impetus. However, the mistake just now had shamed the guards. They were infuriated, thus going all out as well. Even when body after body was flung from his strikes, more people jumped forth boldly. Bam! Jiang Zhongs chest was struck harshly by the head of the guards. As he staggered back, the wind whistled as a chilling gleam flashed. Yun Yangs saber struck. Merciless Blade! The style of Destiny Blade greeted the world once again; even Venerable Lord Saber had to bleed when the form of Gods will struck; what more, Jiang Zhong? Seeing the launch of a saber style was propelling him to grandeur; Jiang Zhong roared and erupted his mystical Qi. Slash, slash, slash A dozen gashes were added to his body as blood sprayed like fine strings. Merciless Dao! Yun Yangs saber light blinked, landing again amidst the raging green wind. Jiang Zhong wanted to avoid the attack but sabers and swords were all that surrounded him. There was no room for him to move. With a determined clench of his teeth, he dropped himself down. With a piercing shout, Jiang Zhong spat another mouthful of blood. His vital force that was eventually diminishing from the siege soared again! He was using the Art of Soul Inducement, forcing his maximum capability for the second time. 283 Captured Alive With Jiang Zhongs second eruption, his ability mounted once more to Tenth Perfection. With a loud crash, those who were attacking him in a besieging pattern were flung back from the force. Although the inner palace guards had higher cultivation bases than the military and were not lacking in fighting spirit, they lacked the most basic tactical training. The mass of militants could trap ninth peak experts or even strong Tenth Perfection individuals and lead them to their deaths but when these inner palace guards, who had higher cultivation bases, were launching their attacks, loopholes tore their way through the initially perfect siege once the enemy charged through forcefully. Yun Yangs tornado was pushed away by the opposing partys brute force too; he could not block him in time as well. Seeing the sole chance of survival, Jiang Zhong hurled his body into dozens of illusory silhouettes with a growl and fled in every possible direction. The Deicide Bow archers stationed around had no idea which silhouette was Jiang Zhongs genuine form. The bows were pulled yet they could not release the string. In the next moment, the illusory shadows sprung high into the air. Jiang Zhong was escaping! Although he knew that the chances of success were terribly low and his real persona would easily be exposed and become the singular target of the Deicide Bow archers, Jiang Zhong decided to risk it. There was only death for him if he were to stay! The efficacy of Art of Soul Inducement had reached its limit, it was impossible for him to use it for the third time. If he missed the opportunity again, this day next year would be his death anniversary. A whirlwind soared; Yun Yang ground his teeth and executed all his mystical Qi! His saber blade shone before the worldly realm, life and death were decided within a thought; his intention would be known with a glimpse at his blade, this saber shall send you to the Yellow Spring C Destinys Second Form! The first style, Saber Laic! Jiang Zhong had an abstruse feeling like he had fallen into a strange dream, once the saber light flickered. In his dream was an odd, ethereal realm. He worked hard to ignore, it felt so real. However, time in this secular world was extremely temporal; within the blink of an eye, he would go from his childhood to youth, adulthood then old age, and death! Death, it was the eternal theme of all creatures in this profane world; it was the eternal fate! The saber light was like a dream, like the worldly realm of the profane world; once one was captured by it, they could not struggle their way out. Hopelessness flashed in Jiang Zhongs eyes. He exerted the last of his energy for the ultimate retaliation. In spite of this, gentle saber light caressed his body slowly, leaving slits of bloody wounds. Each cut was not deep but blood came gushing out like a spluttering spring. Amidst the wind, a large foot came streaking through the air. The foot stomped right on Jiang Zhongs chest. With a cry, Jiang Zhong fell like a meteor as he flew back uncontrollably. As he was still tumbling through the air, a palm landed solidly on his back. As numbness consumed his body, a punch struck his dantian. All his mystical Qi disappeared instantly. The energy and force of dantian he had evaporated under that single punch! Jiang Zhong deflated like a punctured ball, filled with despair. The green whirlwind came whizzing as an arm stretched out from within and caught Jiang Zhong. It whirred, rolling Jiang Zhong up in the air. The consequent turn of events had shocked everyone present. What was Supreme Wind doing? "Your Majesty, the revenge of the Nine Supremes is an affair of the martial arts world!" A low voice rang out from within the tornado. "It has nothing to do with the imperial dynasty and it shouldnt. I shall take this man back for interrogation; Your Majesty will know if I have any news." The emperors scratchy voice was low, "I only want to know whose wife Cirrus Houses Yun Zuiyue was." The low voice spoke with great grief. "She was Supreme Flames wife!" His Majesty sighed, "I C hope to know the result of Jiang Zhongs interrogation." "It shall be done." The tornado soared. Rising up, the green blast of wind disappeared above the palace instantly and vanished in the sky. "Gag order!" His Majesty said after pondering for some time. He understood Supreme Winds words immediately after some thought C affair of the martial arts world! Revenge! Supreme Wind had decided the absolute nature of this incident. It also meant that Supreme Wind and Nine Heavens Dictum had taken absolute responsibility for this matter all by themselves. No matter how enraged the Four Seasons Tower was, however much they wanted revenge, their target could only be the Nine Supremes and Nine Heavens Dictum C this was a slaughter perpetrated by the martial arts worlds grudge! It was not Yutangs government that had killed the towers man. No doubt this was a mediation for the Empire of Yutang in shielding the nation from the Four Seasons Towers anger. However, an indescribable sense of despair engulfed the emperor. As the sovereign of an empire, he had to actually resort to such methods to fend off troubles? How useless was he? He had never suspected Supreme Wind nor did he even doubt the truth of Jiang Zhong being a Four Seasons Towers spy. From the moment Jiang Zhong refused to obey his order and refused to give up fighting, His Majesty was certain. Jiang Zhong was definitely a planted Four Seasons Towers mole in the inner palace. He felt a surge of rage and embarrassment! He did not expect that other than He Hanqing C teacher to three generations of emperors - there was also Jiang Zhong! A Four Seasons Towers spy who had lurked beside him for so many years! Just He Hanqing and Jiang Zhongs long-hidden identities as plants was enough to tell of the Four Seasons Towers foresight; the conspiracy might be even more wide-spread than this! Then how many more people could he actually trust within the Yutang palace that he thought he had control over? Thinking carefully, the eunuchs and maids caught in the palace purging previously were but a corner of a glacier; they were but spies who were the least concealed. So were Eunuch Wu, Mi Kongqun afterward, and Minister of Imperial Household, Jiang Zhong! His close servants, Inner Court Attendant, and Minister of Imperial Household were all spies of the enemy C planted agents. What was so surprising was that he had been the oblivious victim of a subtle poisoning for over dozens of years... There were also his concubines, whose families rebelled instantly once they saw that things were askew. The crown prince and other princes were included too C none of them could rest assured since each of them had their own motives and were fighting for their own personal gains. These were only the inner palace and the central royals; what about the imperial court? His ministers, whether civil or martial, were hauled one by one too, proven to be undercover agents of the Four Seasons Tower The emperor was suddenly doubtful of his authority then, of his capability as an emperor. There was a faint sense of decadence C I cant even manage my palace properly, how can I be a good emperor? An emperor like me, do I really have the qualification to talk about world peace and uniting Tianxuan? This day, Yu Peize did not attend the morning assembly. The eunuch on duty informed the civil and military officials that the emperor was not feeling well so the assembly was canceled for the day. Whatever the civil and military officials gossiped, however urgent the national affairs were, the emperor shut himself in his royal study for the entire day. Not a sip of water nor a mouthful of food was consumed. He just stood quietly in his royal study, gazing at his eldest sons portrait; he stared at it with boundless love. "Im old but you are the one who has left" "My son, do you know that father has thought it through? If I get a second chance, what I shouldve done?" "If time can really be rewound Id rather the Residence of Nine Supremes not land in Yutang, I would hope that you never became Supreme Earth!" "Id rather not have imperial territories, I dont want to stand over the world, not even to unite Tianxuan. I only want you to live well and long!" "I shall teach you all the theories of managing an empire, pass you all the ways of being a sovereign and the thinking of an emperor. I would hand over all my effort and wealth to you, as well as all my wishes yet to be completed Id even pass this country wholly to you" "Father wants to see you manage the country, watch you mature gradually and witness you accomplish eventually what I cant." "Father really misses you" "My child, how I wish to hear you call me father just once more!" "I regret it" "Your family, your lover, where are they now? My child" "Ive thought that I have the world, everything was within my grasp. It was only in retrospect did I realize that I have nothing at all!" His Majesty shut his eyes tightly, allowing his tears to course freely. Supreme Earth in the portrait before him was clad in a royal yellow dragon robe; he looked youthful and handsome, his elegance apparent in his bright eyes as he stared ahead in high spirits. He did not speak, nor did he move. It was on that day that he had said he wished to appoint the crown prince and told his favorite, his eldest son, that it was to be him. Come, my son, wear this outfit and show me. His son wore the robe of a crown prince and stood before him while he clapped his hands,laughing, "My crown prince indeed!" He then summoned the painter to paint a portrait of his eldest prince. How triumphant, how exuberant, and how handsome his eldest son was then! Despite him suppressing his emotions and managing to stay calm, how could he not see his sons emotional rollercoaster! It had only been two months when he turned his own son into Supreme Earth! "Do you hate father?" "Even if you say you dont and you understand, was there really not a sliver of resentment each time you woke up at night? If I were you, I would hate me. I dont think even I can understand!" The emperor put himself in his sons shoes, his tears streaming down in torrents. His only son, who was kind and well-intentioned, had been ruined by his own hands! At the Residence of Yun, in the secret chamber, Jiang Zhong was a pathetic wreck, not looking the slightest bit human. Yun Yang, who sat opposite him, was calm and indifferent, but a flame flickered dangerously in his orbs. "Old dog, your bones are hard indeed." 284 Don’t Ever Go Sof Since dawn, when Jiang Zhong had been caught by Yun Yang, the interrogation had proceeded for almost the entire day. It had soon reached the downcast of the night. For almost fourteen hours, Yun Yang had exhausted all means of questioning his captive. From the picking of the tendons and breaking of the bones, from slitting the meridians and clotting the blood, to burning the blood vessels and wounding his basic energy - all kinds of cruel techniques that Yun Yang knew had been executed thoroughly on Jiang Zhong, one by one. Furthermore, most of the techniques were used more than once! Jiang Zhong was almost reaching his last breath, seemingly ready to die at any time. However, the half-dead eunuch was still looking at Yun Yang''s eyes without fear, his own eyes filled with cynicism and disdain! "Dont you ever expect ... to obtain anything from me!" The edge of Jiang Zhongs mouth was constantly dripping with fresh blood, grinning malevolently as he uttered, "Young Master Yun, the son of Marquis Yun, you are actually Supreme Wind, one of the Nine Supremes. I am pleased, extremely cheerful. Even if my death was fated, having the opportunity to see the true identity of one of the Nine Supremes will make my demise worthwhile indeed!" Jiang Zhong smiled malevolently, "I know all the intelligence you wish to know, I know it all! However, dont you ever expect to fish anything from me, not a single word! For so many years, this old man has had a thorough understanding of life and death. Do you think that the mere torturing of the body will cause me to yield? Utter ridiculousness! "Theres no hostage for you to threaten as I have been a loner for many years. Not only that, I do not have any relatives, nor have I ever dealt with any friends! Even if you wanted to threaten me, there is no one that you can threaten me with!" Jiang Zhong chuckled in delight, "Although I will eventually die in your hands, as long as I am able to see your helplessness and powerless manner, I will feel comfortably jubilant, even if I were to be tortured to death!" Looking coldly at the old thing, Yun Yang fury had raged stronger, instead of diminishing. "You will tell me." Faintly, the words came out one by one from between the slits of Yun Yangs teeth, "Old dog! You will tell me, I promise." With a sarcastic glance, Jiang Zhong looked at him, "Don''t just blather. Bring it on! Any remaining means you may have! If those were the only means you had, dont you think that it was a bit too outdated? Any other new tactics? Bring it on and see if this old man will surrender!" Yun Yang nodded, "Your bones are really tough, though to be frank, I really and sincerely hope that you are able to stay as stubborn with those tough bones you have! Old dog, let me tell you, you must hold out until the end. If you grow soft, I will be very disappointed. " Having said that, Yun Yangs hand could be seen slowly extending outwards. However, the inside of the fair palm was clear and empty. The ridicule within Jiang Zhongs glance grew even stronger. However, Jiang Zhong''s widened. He could clearly see a shimmering of green had slowly emerged from the palm of Yun Yangs hand. It was clearly some kind of mystical emanation. In the meantime, a rich air of vitality had filled up the entire chamber. For the first time, Jiang Zhong eyes revealed a sliver of inexplicable terror. He had no idea what Yun Yang was going to do. Just by smelling the enshrouding green gas, the pain from the wounds that he had received all over his body began to lessen. The originally sluggish spirit that was forcing itself to hold out began to feel invigorated once more! "What is this? How can it have such a magical effect?" Suddenly a touch of vigilance flashed through Jiang Zhongs eyes. He had already faintly figured out the manner and tactics of YunYang as he suddenly shouted,"Yun Yang, you bastard, kill me if you dare!" Yun Yang continued to induce the life energy, as he said lightly, "I am not afraid to tell you old dog, not only do I possess the skill of rapid recovery of physical trauma, I also know about the Art of Soul Shifting and Arcane Hypnosis, and am substantially adept in the field of hallucinations... Any of these methods could have easily gotten me anything I wanted from you! Well, you are a well-informed elder, you should know what I mean! To deal with a person like you, one who has lost all the cultivation base, with a lost mind and incomplete body, there are too many methods that could be used. Arent you are too na?ve to think that you are without any weak points by having no families and friends?" A malicious grin flashed across Yun Yangs elegant face, "However, I will not use any of these methods on you! They are too gentle and kind. I want to torture you with pain, to torture you after you have you recovered, to let you taste the painful process of neither dying nor living time and again, and to always have you immersed in extreme travail! I am going to force you to speak out the truth in such a lengthy manner! I am looking forward to this process. And I hope you wont disappoint me with your long-lasting patience!" "The longer the better!" He stretched his left hand and grabbed the ear of Jiang Zhong. Slowly exerting his force, he gradually tore it off, pulling it down bit by bit in the midst of Jiang Zhong''s twisted expression. He then pressed it back into its original position. Fresh blood was flowing copiously. At the same time, Yun Yang poured the refined energy of life towards the torn ear. Jiang Zhong felt a surge of spiritual Qi of life entering into his body from the wounded gap. All his broken meridians had rapidly recovered and connected as soon as the Qi passed through. His wound was rapidly healing especially his freshly torn right ear. Being the part that benefited the most, an irritating sense of itchiness began to grow. That was a prelude to a complete recovery of the wound, the muscles and tendons were nearly exposed to the air! He even felt that his gradually draining energy had flourished. It was clearly the feeling of fullness and recovery. His spirit was getting more and more joyful, immersing himself in the extreme rhythm of inextricable life! Two hours had passed in that manner. Surprisingly Jiang Zhong discovered that his torn -off ear had reverted back to its original position. Besides a ticklish feeling, it felt no different from its prior condition. The wound had been seamlessly sealed as if there wasnt any injury before. Most of the wounds on his body had been healed with scabs. The scabs, for some lighter injuries, had been shed off, revealing the intact skin below! However, in the face of such vivid and miraculous conditions, he showed no trace of delight. Besides being shocked, a distinct fear was haunting him. He was now fully aware and sure of what Yun Yang was about to do next! Jiang Zhong lowered his head, extended his tongue and forcefully bit it! He wanted to commit suicide. This was not like the time he was trying to play tricks in front of His Majesty. He was now seeking rapid death by attempting to take his own life. Now he knew that Yun Yangs intention was to have him tortured again and again! In order to torture himself, he was even willing to generously use such a precious mystical skill on his own body. Jiang Zhong did not know about the extent of Yun Yangs hatred to him, but it was nevertheless, not difficult to imagine. In the face of such a reality, he had doubted his own willpower for the first time. That was why he wanted to commit suicide, to end this nightmare with death. Even if you had such magical items which could rejuvenate the fractured bones and flesh, yet I do not believe that you are able to save a person from death! Unfortunately, just as his teeth were about to tighten, his mouth landed on the surface of a blade. It was the Destiny Blade! Even though it was only in a split second, like the flash of electric and stone, Yun Yang who had been prudent all this while, had calmly put the blade into his mouth, blocking his teeth. The row of teeth underneath had long been broken by Yun Yang! Due to the forceful bite, the upper row of teeth which had landed on the Destiny Blade had all shattered. Jiang Zhong had refused to give up, pushing himself forward; apparently, he wanted to commit suicide by using the blade. However, the blade had soon receded, seemingly faster than the time, it was being thrown out. Yun Yang did not make any remark. A dozen great slaps were flashed across Jiang Zhongs head and face, causing all the teeth in Jiang Zhong''s mouth to crumble, without leaving any residue. "Come! Let''s get started!" Beaming coldly, Yun Yang extended his hand. "You seem to be the most capable of defending the picking of tendons and breaking bones. So let''s start with what you did best! It''s more fun this way!" "Don''t grow soft, don''t beg for mercy, I hope you can maintain your dignity, and maintain these tough bones of yours. For a longer time, at least." ... Such interesting games lasted until midnight. Once again, Jiang Zhong was being salvaged by Yun Yang''s air of vitality. No matter how he cursed, how he refused, the vital lifeforce was like the stomatitis maggot that continued to surge through his body. He was horrified to find out that his bodily functions had gradually recovered again! This was the third time! Jiang Zhong slowly raised his eyes. The handsome features of Yun Yang appeared like a devil disguised with an evil charm. No matter how Yun Yang had tortured him, his eyes had not been destroyed. "I want you to see with your own eyes, your own mortality." Yun Yang stared into Jiang Zhongs eyes, and with a gentle smile, he uttered, "Jiang Zhong, I wanted you to always regret in the remaining years of your life on why would you do such a thing!" Finally, Jiang Zhong could not help but tremble uncontrollably. He was really a demon! So far, he had tortured him day and night, and yet there was not the slightest change in his expression. His eyes were even full of pleasure and excitement while watching himself being tortured to the brink of death. It was followed by recovery, and then once again death, and being restored again... Such reciprocation had caused the demons pleasure to become more and more intense, wave after wave, one after another continuously! Jiang Zhong even suspected that the real purpose of this person was no longer about probing what he knew. He was only there to torture him! The more he kept silent, the happier he was! The more motivated he was! The more pleasurable he was! He was really willing to continue with the torture. Despite hoping to obtain something from Jiang Zhong, he had enjoyed the gratification of getting Jiang Zhong ravaged and tortured more! 285 Successfully Broken Down The process of interrogation was but a mundane process of question and answer! "How ... how much more spiritual matters like this do you have?" Jiang Zhong asked in a hoarse voice. He knew that couldn''t hold on much longer. The only hope was that there were not much of such magical items that could recovery left. "No more, this is the last one." Yun Yang replied gently, "As long as you hold on this time, you can die! Isn''t that good news? Do you look forward to it? Work hard and persevere! You will win if you keep at it!" Jiang Zhong spat in contempt. He had said the same thing the last time he asked him. Despite Jiang Zhong''s deepest wish to let it all go, Yun Yang took out the treasure again, mindlessly using it as if he did not mind wasting such a precious spiritual item on a captive! How many more times would he still able to repeat the process from life to death and vice versa to himself? How long would he be able to sustain himself under such a desperate and hopeless situation? Jiang Zhong was at his wit''s end as to what to do. "What exactly do you want to know?" uttered Jiang Zhong desperately, "As long as you promise to give me a clean death, I will say it!" "What I want to know is too much. Even if you are willing to say it, you have to waste a lot of time. However, you should not waste any time now!" Yun Yang reached out his hands, "How can you not understand? How many more of such precious spiritual items are there in this world? How much more could I possibly have? Maybe if you hold on this time, theres no need for you to say anything in order to die. Jiang Zhong, lets start all over again. If you do not like the picking of tendons and breaking of bones, we will then start with the burning and corrosion of meridians. You just have to endure it, you wouldn''t want to disappoint me would you?" "I will tell! I will tell! I will tell everything!" Once the wall of defense had been broken, his instinct for self-preservation had kicked in. Jiang Zhong was struggling desperately, miserably crying out, hoping to end this extremely cruel process. Ignoring his wailing, Yun Yang once again placed his hands on him. Jiang Zhong cursed, furiously and desperately. Yun Yang remained indifferent and continued to keep showcasing his art of torturing people, step by predictable step. This time it really began with the burning of meridians. However, the pain suffered by Jiang Zhong seemed to surge ten-fold! He screamed miserably, begging, cursing. His psychological defenses had completely collapsed, making him no different from an ordinary prisoner! It was even worse than with an average person. His psychological defenses had been totally exhausted, feeling as if his previous insistence were all in vain. The mental fatigue that had been accumulated before this came crashing down. Jiang Zhong had completely broken down! This time, he had been tortured to the brink of death... Muddle-headed, a surge of spiritual life force bloomed expectedly. "Dont... dont ... dont ..." Jiang Zhong desperately kept his mouth shut, trying to eradicate the indoctrination of the vital energy. However, Yun Yang pinched his nose and after a while, Jiang Zhong involuntarily opened his mouth. It was still the same, concentrated air of vitality, entering into his body as always, repairing his meridians bit by bit so that his body would revert to a state of rapid recovery. However, Jiang Zhong''s true fear was for such swift healing! He could no longer stand it. "I will tell!" "I will tell everything you ask!" "I will really tell it, tell it all, please, stop torturing me!" Jiang Zhong bawled and blubbered uncontrollably. He had thought that he would never shed tears for all his life. How could there be tears by having an iron heart? However, he now bawled until he had mucus and tears all over his face. "Jiang Zhong, you''re a ninth peak pinnacle high-leveled cultivator!" Yun Yang frowned, and uttered, "How can you not have the dignity as a cultivator? How can you give in so quickly under a little torture? Aren''t you a self-proclaimed person with tough bones? What a shame to ninth peak cultivators!" Jiang Zhong squalled even more loudly this time. When did I say that I had tough bones? However, I never thought that my bones would be so weak! However, no matter how tough the bones are, how could one sustain such repetitive torture? The young master Yun before him, who was also Supreme Wind, was definitely a madman! "Why don''t you keep on persevering? Dont tell and dont give up your dignity as a high-level cultivator!" Yun Yang whispered softly, "At least allow me to try it once again. I promise you, as long as you can hold it for this time, you can die. I do not have these kinds of spiritual elixir anymore. This was the last, alright?" Those hands could be seen stretching over him again. "Dont!" Looking at that pair of fair hands, Jiang Zhong felt as if he was witnessing a poisoned snake, desperately he shrank away as he uttered," I will tell! I will tell... not anymore ... ..." "I am not Jiang Zhong, I am Jiang Zhongs twin brother, Jiang Cheng. I am not Jiang Zhong! Last time, acting on the orders of the tower master, I sneaked into the palace and killed my own brother Jiang Zhong and have pretended to be him ever since." "I entered the palace thirty years ago. I did a lot of things. A lot of things ..." Jiang Zhong had totally broken down. As soon as Yun Yang''s hand stretched over him, he began to narrate the things that he had done, at an extremely fast pace! He was terribly afraid. He was afraid that if he was to tell it slowly, the devil would begin to torture him again! "I killed Concubine Li and her family. I also took care of the Royal Chef Eunuch Du. I ... had a hand in the poisoning of Yu Peize as well. I was responsible for one of the crucial parts...also, the death of the Ninth Prince was because of me." "I''ve also done ..." "The affairs involved the Nine Supremes. I had participated in it, I was responsible for ..." "Fu Baoguo had been misled. I tricked him into getting in touch with Supreme Lord Spring Frost, and then executed the Art of Soul Shifting, several times in a row, the process was ... " "I..." Jiang Cheng said it desperately, not even pausing in the slightest. This was because Yun Yang''s hand was just before his eyes. He spoke quickly, describing and narrating all the things that he did, spilling all the beans. Yun Yang cast a cold glance at him, his eyes were solemn. At the shadowy corner, Shui Wuyin was waving his brush swiftly, quickly recording all the words of Jiang Zhong! In such a quick narration, no one could lie! Jiang Cheng kept talking about recent affairs, from the death of Mi Kongqun until the death of He Hanqing. "I was scared. You fellows were able to investigate Mi Kongqun, and then He Hanqing, and I would then be found at any time... I was thinking of ways these few days, trying my luck and thinking of escaping at the same time ... but I ..." At this moment, Jiang Cheng had paused in his narration. He did not know how to continue as he had told all the major things he had done in these few decades! Nothing more. He looked up at Yun Yang in horror, "There''s nothing more, I swear." "Nothing more?" Yun Yangs face sank, "Keep on talking!" The tears of Jiang Cheng that had just stopped continued flowing out again, " Nothing more, I swear to God, theres no more! I totally have no idea about the affairs of the Cirrus House. I dont even know who did it! If I knew and didn''t tell, I will become a bastard in my next life, I''ll be a bastard every day, I''ll be a bastard even when I''m already a bastard for my whole life... " To become a bastard in next life! For eunuchs, this was the most extreme and vicious curse ever! For in this life, their bodies had already been incomplete, and finally, when the next life came, they had to become a bastard every day... This curse could no longer be deemed as not malicious. With a snort, Yun Yang overturned his palm. Jiang Cheng''s entire body could be seen trembling violently. He looked at Yun Yangs palm in horror. The thick birth of the emerald green air of vitality could be seen rising from there, the size of a human head! Those that had got him recovered was just the size of a finger... How could such a thing appear in such a great size? How many more times could this thing last to torture him? To torture him until the day he reached a hundred years old? Jiang Cheng felt that this was not an empty threat. "Your subordinates, your upper line and your lower line!" Yunyang uttered coldly, "Tell me everything, and I will let you die. If you miss even one, we will continue to play; the right to decide is on you." Jiang Cheng nodded his head like a chicken pecking rice, "I know, I know, I was the Hall of Second Month''s master, my subordinates respectively are... Those in the palace are ... ... Those outside of the palace are ... among the civil officials are ... among the generals are ... " "My superior was the Supreme Lord Spring Frost, who has just been confirmed dead." "Other than that ... I have no idea ... " He was begging Yun Yang, with tears gushing out madly, "Believe me, I really have no idea anymore ... and if I did, I will become an eternal bastard ... " Yun Yang kept silent, closing his eyes. A sharp ache filled his heart. He had no idea anymore. It seemed like he really did not know anymore ... However, for the affairs that had happened in Cirrus House, who was the one who did it? "Repeat what you have done before." Yunyang uttered coldly. "Yes, yes." After a long time, it was already the third fragment of the night. Shui Wuyin brought along his records, rubbing his wrists and uttered, "All the records are completed, and are confirmed without errors." Yun Yang gave him a look and muttered, "It seems incomplete, there was little left to be said ..." Suddenly a hand, with lightning speed, could be seen pinching Jiang Cheng''s arm, "You lied!" The picking of tendons and breaking bones are going to be carried out again! Jiang Cheng let out a roar. His whole body was trembling violently, his crotch area dripping wet. Excretion came from the front and back of him; apparently, he was incontinent after being frightened by this word, "I did not lie, I really didnt. If I did, let me ... " For a time, his speed of speech had almost reached a new record high. In a breath, he had spelled out seventy to eighty curses! He would never want to bear that kind of torture again. Yun Yang was just reaching out without having to exert any action, he was almost shocked to the core. With a snort, Yun Yang raised his palm. Snap! Jiang Cheng''s head was instantly crushed like a rotten melon. A long sigh escaped his nostrils, a tinge full of peace as if being relieved from a terrible burden. It was finally over. His body did not move but simply felt empty. Yun Yang eyes were dark and solemn. "One, two, three ... of his subordinates, there are seventeen that are yet to be caught!" 286 Massacre! Yun Yang grunted, "Give me the testimony. I''m going out for murder tonight and I will wipe out the Hall of Second Month from Four Seasons Tower''s Hall of Spring!" He grabbed Jiang Chengs testimony. With a quick twist, his body had turned into a hurricane! Brimming with endless waves of murderous intention, he then rushed out from the spot! Yun Yang''s surging rage was uncontrollable. It did not need to rest just because he had personally killed Jiang Cheng. Yun Zuiyue''s case had made him unprecedentedly vicious. Now that he got a large list of hidden accomplices, his heart had tightened instead of growing more relaxed. What he wanted to do now was to kill all the people in the Four Seasons Tower, without a single exception. Coincidentally, he had a name list of the members of the Four Seasons Tower in his hand. On this very night, throughout the night, the wind could be heard roaring and whistling, raging madly over the sky of Tiantang City! The reek of blood was growing increasingly dense. Yun Yang would not indiscriminately kill the innocent, and would not jump into mass murder just by listening to the single testimony of Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng''s confession was only to provide direction. With Yun Yang''s various manifestation techniques, he could easily find those on the list, to identify them through the personal status of these people, and determine if they were the members of the Four Seasons Tower. By confirming their identities, it seemed like it was a complete and strategized business to interrogate them based on his intelligence and to immediately behead the target. Wherever the wind passed through, the spies of the Four Seasons Tower were like the autumn leaves being swept through, caught and decapitated instantly! Beheaded! Beheaded! Those times when he faced certain extremists, Yun Yang would simply behead them and even their closed ones together. Whoever had joint forces with the members of the Four Seasons Tower would be deemed as taking a proper course of death; they deserved to die! For the whole night, there were eighteen families that fell, three-hundred and seventy heads were being chopped off.Rolling heads were everywhere. All of these people either belonged to the Four Seasons Tower or were associated with them. It had been confirmed. Although Yun Yangs hands were stained with blood, yet he felt no burden in his heart. A massive air of injustice flowed into him like river streams. The only disappointment to Yun Yang was that these people did not even know about the anomaly of Cirrus House last night! A cracking sound could be heard from the outside. Yun Yang exerted his force to snap the head of the last person. Turning into a gust of wind, he then disappeared from heaven and earth. However, there was no trace of soothing within Yun Yangs heart. It was burdensome still. Why? After killing so many people and questioning them, there was no one who knew about the insider story of Cirrus House. Then, what had actually happened there? How could it be destroyed without any clue or sign? It had vanished into ashes. No matter how he had investigated, there was not the slightest clue to be found. Why did the members of Four Seasons Tower know nothing about the Cirrus House? Could it be that the position of the persons he had found was too inferior that they did not even come into contact with the news regarding Cirrus House? Or were there any other reasons? What exactly was going on? The Cirrus Houses misfortune was currently the biggest impediment to Yun Yang. If it could not be solved as soon as possible, the impediment might eventually turn into an internal demon. Initially Yun Yang wanted to directly go and seek for Fu Baoguo to see if he could obtain any other clues from him, but dawn was approaching, and secondly,the spiritual Qi in his body had formed a tsunami that was about to breakthrough. Yun Yang could no longer suppress it. Within a night, Yun Yang had beheaded more than three hundred people in one go. This number had exceeded the required number by Emmie to advance. Previously, just a few people more were needed in order to break through the third stage of Endless Divine Art. In fact, Yun Yang had had that feeling of a breakthrough when he beheaded He Hanqing; just that he had it suppressed then! Furthermore, he had ordered Emmie to forcefully suppress it to prevent him from breaking through the current realm! At that time, Yun Yang had already reached the seventh peak of mystical Qi. According to Yun Yangs own judgment, if there was a breakthrough,he would have at least eighth peak pinnacle or even straight to the realm of ninth peak. However, after tonight, Emmie had sent feedback to Yun Yang that its own repression assistance had come to the limit. The successive adventures that Yun Yang had these past few days had caused his cultivation base to accumulate exceptionally. Particularly, tonight, where he had beheaded more than three hundred people at one shot, had caused Emmie to generate more spiritual Qi. Hence, he must now seek a breakthrough. If he were to continually suppress it, it would be as if he had not done it well! It had far exceeded his expectations. The reason Yun Yang did not want to have any breakthrough was mainly because of his realm of cultivation base that had been improving too fast. He was afraid that his foundation might be not strong enough for that. Hence, he had asked for aid from Emmie and through self-control, dually suppressed his own cultivation progress. However, throughout these times, he had continually fought. The slaughter of He Hanqing and the battle against Venerable Lord Saber as well as the great fight with Jiang Cheng for instance. What was more, he had even beheaded eighteen sinners of the Four Seasons Tower plus their accomplices within a night. In just several days, war had been instigated again and again. The cultivation bases of almost all the rivals were beyond Yun Yangs. Such leapfrog fighting and intense battling had helped to form his current concrete foundation. What was more, the recent feast of eighteen superior level mystical beast flesh and blood essence, together with the aid of mystical wine had caused Yun Yangs cultivation base to accumulate to an alarming extent. The saying of weak foundation could no longer be applicable to Yun Yang! Since he could no longer suppress it, he might as well stop trying to do so. Based on his self-assessment, Yun Yang felt that now was probably the moment for the breakthrough! Although he had yet to exert his full force, the target was imminent. It was not too late to execute it later! He would have more confidence after the breakthrough! He would have more capital to fight against the Four Seasons Tower! ... Following that, the whole Tiantang City was abuzz. What had happened in the palace a few days ago was unknown to the vast majority of Yutang; at least Yutang''s ordinary citizens had no idea about it. However, it was only after a day that the entire Yutang was covered with bloody vibes. Although most of the people would not know what exactly had happened, they would able to sense that the affair was unusual, with many people dead. Of the eighteen officials who had background connections with the Four Seasons Tower, six families were wiped out while the remaining seven to eight families were all beheaded and killed, except for women and children. Even the house guards and gardener were not spared. The fresh blood of the deceased was gushing out like streams! After hearing the information, the Board of Punishment''s men was madly hectic. They could be seen rushing around for investigation and yet they were being summoned back when they were just about to start their work. ... Jiang Cheng''s testimony, name list and the other background information regarding the eighteen officials who were slaughtered by Yun Yang had all been neatly placed before the study room of the old Marshal Qiu. Without delaying any further, Qiu Jianhan had sent all of the items and presented them the Emperor in the first instance. However, Yun Yang had deleted the part pertaining to Fu Baoguo in the testimony. To talk about Fu Baoguo, it seemed like he was quite innocent to be controlled by He Hanqings Art of Soul Shifting. Since He Hanqing had died, Yun Yang had to ponder on how to punish him. Pang! His Majesty slapped on the table, trembling. Most of the things that he had had no idea previously had been solved and answered after reading the testimony... All in all, it turned out to be ...like this! Jiang Cheng! Jiang Zhong ... that loyal old minister had been dead for decades! And the person who had been impersonating him was actually Jiang Cheng! The twin brother of Jiang Zhong? There were numerous things and countless unidentified deaths without cause. Many of them had made His Majesty suffer,and yet when His Majesty made an order to investigate, there had never been a clear response. It seemed like there were some people would just die unknowingly. Although it seemed like they really deserved it, if one were to meticulously think about it, doubtful points would arise everywhere. However, it was hard to continue the investigation without evidence anyway. Only now that he learned about the existence of such a high-profile figure who was able to hide the truth from the masses in this palace! It included the cause of him being poisoned. Although he had suspected many, he never suspected the old slave who had been serving him since he was young! Never would he have thought that the person who had poisoned him was actually Jiang Cheng who had replaced his twin brother! The person who had been loyal to him, Jiang Zhong had been substituted by another long ago! A faint delight was surging within His Majestys heart. After all, it was not Jiang Zhong who did it. "Board of Punishment is to investigate the crime, the sin does not end with death!" His Majesty the Emperor closed his eyes, the matter was finalized. At this moment, His Majesty the Emperor experienced an inexplicable feeling. Perhaps the legend was not a lie. The Nine Supremes were superb indeed. It almost took a country, and spies from half of the imperial court... preparing for such a long time, only to deal with them! Peak organizations among the martial arts world and numerous experts had worked together with countless of spies, to coordinate them. From the insiders of the palace to the relatives of the royal family; to the civil and military senior officials; how much manpower and resources, timing and coordination were being combined, before it could finally "Nine Supremes!" His Majesty the Emperor closed his eyes. If more time was given to them, what would the outcome be? Thinking of this, His Majesty heart was shredded with pain. There was a line in the letter by the Nine Heavens Dictum that had comforted the Emperor''s feelings. "The traitors of the nation, the source of calamities; despite the shocking number of their daunting mass, their riddance shall give way to a whole new level of morale. Good riddance - the gap stings but it saves lives. The loss is great when we lost the Nine Supremes from Four Seasons Tower''s conspiracy but the haul of traitors is beneficial to the nation!" "Seven or eight out of Yutangs tentraitors are already gone." Upon thinking on that, His Majesty eyes brightened. "Seven or eight gone out of ten..." To think of this, His Majesty had let out a long sigh. It was a great news indeed! Although it was great to have most of them gone, there were still one or two left which could be deemed as a hidden danger ... the Nine Heavens Dictum had yet to kill the remaining one or two, why was this so? Was it because the position of the party was too high? Too sensitive? Or Also... the families of Supreme Earth, whether they were still safe and stable ... could the Supreme Wind have revealed it? ... The moment Yun Yang returned to his Residence of Yun, the boiling energy within his body had almost reached an uncontrollable extent! Emmie had been jumping anxiously ever since, squealing non-stop! 287 Nine Chakras Were Prodigious, What About Ten? Nine Chakras was Prodigious, What about Ten? It was true that it had the gift to restrict acultivation base breakthrough, but a limit was still imposed. Now that Yun Yangs competence had hiked a hundred-fold and his personal cultivation base was nearing the limit of another breakthrough, he was terribly close; in addition to the spiritual Qi of over three hundred lives, no matter how gifted Emmie was, the layers of pressure coming from both inside and out were too much for the seedling! Yun Yang knew that he was bursting his limits as well, charging into his room like a tornado. Fang Mofei and the entire group could feel the presence of surging spiritual Qi that came gushing out, unstoppable like the greatest river! "Young master is about to advance to another breakthrough!" Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were both inexplicably thrilled about such an unusual yet familiar situation; at the same time, they felt conflicted. They were thrilled because each time their young master had a breakthrough, they could tag along and advance accordingly, improving in their cultivation journey. On the other hand, they were wary of the swiftness of their young masters breakthrough. It was simply too fast. Not too long from now, their cultivation bases would be of no help to young master. They had to cultivate and train harder from now onwards; they had to keep up with their young masters pace! As soon as Yun Yang stepped into his room, he could feel the agitation within his dantian that expanded mightily, like it was about to burst. A faint, crisp flare resounded, like his dantian had indeed ruptured. His entire being shook accordingly. Yun Yang came to realized something unusual; his dantian had not exploded, it had expanded two times larger! Besides, there was another surge of force that was still moving; it was on a conquest, expanding the awakening of a chakra above his dantian. When the chakra was successfully awakened, all the spiritual Qi that was drifting above Tiantang City was suddenly gone. The entire capital, taking up thousands miles of land, had turned into a spiritual Qi vacuum in space. The spiritual Qi from thousands of miles away was ferocious, filling the vacuum in endless torrents, but it was in vain. The outpouring of energy was simply too slow to meet the gaping hole in the sky. The awakening of the ninth chakra! Nine innately awakened chakras! Yun Yang felt the subtle and inexplicable sense of the clouds dissipating and seeing the clear sky; it was a relaxing sentiment that flowed from his physical to his spiritual self. Have I advanced to the ranks of the so-called super geniuses? However, the change within Yun Yangs body showed no signs of stopping. The enormous force from the chakra awakening were still in motion. It soared all the way up, unstoppable and fierce; Yun Yang who was delighted, suddenly felt a swelling pain. Upon pondering, he was filled with joy instead of shock because he knew that it was his meridians that were experiencing changes. They were expanding; if his initial meridians were like narrow streams, they now resembled mighty rivers! The impediments throughout the meridians in Yun Yangs body were washed away in a relentless torrent; there were no obstacles as the energy burst forth in a concentrated stream. Boom! Just as Yun Yang was in ecstatacy about his current condition, his body was inexplicably shaken! A salty, copper taste tinged his nose and mouth. Yun Yang knew that something was amiss. Checking his inner physique hurriedly, he was shocked to find that the spiritual Qi within him was gradually concentrating at an unknown chakra spot and was beginning to collide violently against it. The collision did not manage to charge through though, the most direct effect from the failure being the tremor that ran through Yun Yangs internal organs like they were about to be flipped around. The sharp pang of pain stunned Yun Yang, leaving him gasping in bewilderederment. "This what is this for?" "Isnt the gift of nine awakened chakras already the legendary talent of a superior prodigy? Why is there still a discharge? Could there still be chakras left?" The large quantity of energy within Yun Yangs body was not submitted to his manipulation, however, as it flowed with its own will. Boom! It was another rupture - that failed. This time, it caused blood to stream from Yun Yangs nose and mouth. With a low grunt, he quickly tried to redirect the mystical Qi within him, but soon found out that he could not affect it in the least, what was more, to steer them with his own will. The assaults came unceasingly. Each lash caused Yun Yang to feel his internal organs shattering simultaneously but he could only passively endure it. The Endless Divine Art had never existed in this world and Yun Yang was its first cultivator. He had absolute no idea what was going on right now. The loss of control in redirecting theflows of his cultivation method, the passivity to take in the consequences, the autonomous circulation of the surging mystical Qi C Yun Yang could only clench his teeth and endure... It was a wonder which would come first; the unknown chakra awakening or his death from his inability to endure the damage done to his internal organs. The situation did not look good. Yun Yang was continuously taking in the countercharge and violent lashings; damage was accumulating on his internal organs and his injury was growing more severe! Luckily there was Emmie to support him. Although the spiritual Qi of heaven and earth was unprecedentedly rich, most of Emmies air of vitality was brutally oppressed by the mystical Qi. There was only the remaining sliver of vital force that could help soothe Yun Yangs injuries. If this were to go on, Yun Yangs condition would only worsen; the consequences would be grave! Of course Yun Yang was reluctant to submit to fate, he was waiting for a turning point and he believed that the mysterious and magical Endless Divine Art would not fail its host without a reason. There must be an explanation for all that was happening. Although he could not control the operation of mystical Qi, he could observe the slightest changes and try to understand them. Following the incessant charges, he finally saw an anomaly. Cracks finally appeared at the seemingly stable spot of the unknown chakra. It was only a tiny gap, but a chain was only as strong as its weakest link; as long as there was a slightest loophole, it was his chance C his turning point! Boom! Boom! Boom! After another three consecutive assaults, Yun Yang was dizzy with the agony of his organs being ground to bits. He almost fainted. The violent streaks of pain made him almost want to give up. In spite of this, the turning point had emerged; hope was right before him. How could he give up after seeing such hope? Yun Yang held on, trying his hardest to maintain the clarity of mind. Finally, when the next violent thump came With a crisp, shattering, sound like a glass container breaking chirping within Yun Yangs consciousness, he suddenly felt at ease. It was the sound of the seal bring broken and the chakra being awakened! An enormous force with the momentum of a tsunami charged in. It was like a river that had broken through the dam and was rolling on in waves, knocking down remnants of the structure and jetting forward recklessly. Ten awakened chakras! Yun Yang''s eyes widened abruptly C ten chakras? The tenth chakra? Didn''t the human body only have nine chakras? Cultivators who could have nine awakened chakras were already the most top-notched gifted achievers. Why was there a tenth chakra now? What was going on? Yun Yang opened his eyes and inspected his body; it was still the same, he had not turned into some three-headed, six-armed monster With the awakening of the special chakra, mystical Qi and Emmies air of vitality managed to enter Yun Yangs internal organs and were rapidly nourishing and repairing them. Yun Yang was still dumbfounded. He did not die, and had even inexplicably surpassed the limit of nine chakras and awakened the tenth chakra C but what was the meaning of this tenth chakra? Could somebody explain this to me? Yun Yang, who was still in bewilderment, felt his body lighten then, leaving the ground before he could think of anything else. Before he knew it, he was floating half a feet from the ground. "I Im not using any force why am I hovering in the air?" Yun Yang tried kicking in the air and stretching his arms, purposefully relinquishing his hold on mystical Qi. He then realized that he was really just floating midair. The spiritual Qi that was emanating from his dantian allowed his body to drift like a balloon "A body like a feather that soars through the clouds, the worldly realm is but your playground; a return to purity enlightens the path ahead, the end of a myriad leads to heavens bridge!" Yun Yang ruminated on the saying. The realm upon breaking through the ninth peak most probably felt like this, a solid feeling of airiness within the short period after a breakthrough. One would feel like he was about to embark on immortality and turn into along-lived individual. Prior to this, Yun Yang could not understand how it felt to be ethereally airy and to feel so for anyduration of time. He knew it now; such a feeling truly existed. The reality was that his body was afloat, hovering in midair If he did not feel so, he would be lying to himself! The mystical Qi was still jetting in, thus the state of hovering persisted. Yun Yang sped up the flow of the Endless Divine Art to gulp the spiritual Qi from heaven and earth all into his dantian. To his surprise, the energy within his dantian had gone through a huge change. No matter how refined the mystical Qi in his dantian was previously, it had remained a cloud of air. Now, despite the air being as dense as it was in gas form, there were golden liquid droplets underneath the cloud of gas. The golden liquid was exuding a faint, mysterious, purple sheen. Upon closer inspection, Yun Yang noticed that when the concentration of spiritual Qi in his dantian reached a certain degree from the incessant absorption by his body, it would condense into a droplet of the purplish-golden liquid. As the purplish golden liquid collected, it formed a small patch, gradually becoming a shallow pool shimmering with the same purplish-gold sheen. The pool was shallow, but it was only a matter of time before it rose higher! Yun Yang could affirm that it would be the next level-up of his Endless Divine Art when his dantian was filled with this purplish golden liquid, despite it being a long and arduous journey. After all, if his dantian now was akinto a house, the purplish-golden liquid was at most a fingers size worth of water. To fill it up completely was terribly difficult! "Much still remains to be done!" Yun Yang exclaimed. Sudddenly 288 The Heaven Shakes from the Third Lotus Leaf Boom! A sudden quake came from deep within his deific consciousness! Yun Yang felt like a planet had exploded in the confines of his own head. The swift event was unforeseen and utterly unanticipated. Not only did the violent quake cause Yun Yangs seven orifices to bleed, tiny shards of blood shot out from all his pores. There seemed to be hundreds of thousands of stars that were spinning and blinking before his eyes. Yun Yang dropped onto the floor with a thud, the fall making him lose his bearings. He was, however, not anxious about losing so much blood; he was exceptionally levelheaded instead. Perhaps even more so than he initially was. The power of his deific consciousness seemed to have left the Tianxuan Continent, soaring higher and higher until he was overlooking the world. It was like his deific consciousness was borderless and sweeping, far-reaching into the vast expanses of the world C like he had truly bound the entire world into his area of vision. Yun Yang could even felt himself seeing the untamed waves splashing in the endless ocean; a giant fish was diving upwards along the seawater amidst the waves. Only half of its head was already the size of Residence of Yuns courtyard! There was also a giant bird in the sky above the ocean; it had rainbow colored feathers, soaring in the sky before it swooped down. The spread of the birds wings almost covered half of Tiantang City! The giant fish leaped out of the water C it was then that Yun Yang realized half its head that came out earlier was a pointed head; the size of its body was unexpectedly gigantic, like a mountain, as it reached for the sky. As for the enormous bird, it catapulted downwards with a long cry. Both the fish and bird collided harshly, waves spluttered as the world around roiled and rumbled! Yun Yangs deific consciousness caught a mans silhouette that flashed past, diving between the fish and bird. The person seemed to have sensed something; with a turn of his head, a pair of deep eyes met Yun Yangs deific consciousness. Potent light shot out from his eyes immediately. Yun Yang felt a sharp pain in his deific consciousness as he was flung back into his body. In spite of this, extreme terror lingered in him. How could this be? My deific consciousness How could there be such a gigantic fish in this world? Such a giant bird? If what I saw was real, what level would the fish and bird have to be to reach those proportions? The person who appeared Who was he? What level would he be? "This world is interesting indeed. What I can see now is only a mere glimpse of a much bigger picture. No, perhaps not even a glimpse." Yun Yang took in a deep breath. "When the Four Seasons Tower is uprooted, when my revenge is complete, I shall fulfill my brothers wishes and travel the continent. I shall leave my trail in this secular world and take the whole of Tianxuan into my eyes!" Ending his thoughts and regaining his usual sense of being, he felt his body itch irritatingly. What was going on? Lowering his head, Yun Yang was once again stunned. The violent explosion just now did not just happen within his subconscious mind, it existed in reality too, shredding his clothes. Right now, he was lying naked on the bed while Big Whitey, Whitey Two, Whitey Three, Whitey Four, and Whitey Five were all licking each part of his body fervently with their tiny tongues. From head to toe, from his chest to buttocks, they had not missed a single part of his physique. These little critters were licking incessantly Yun Yang recalled hastily that the shards of blood that had shot out from his pores during the inexplicable explosion. He was still wondering if he might die from the loss of blood, but now that he thought about it, it was probably a process of replacing old blood with new. That said, his old blood still seemed to be of value. After all, he had consumed so much nourishment that his entire body was a gem! No wonder these little creatures were so ardently licking away. Watching them, his arms, stomach, shoulders, even his feet had been licked clean. When they approached his crotch "Holy" Yun Yang grabbed Whitey Four from under his crotch, his expression bemused. "You dont know your tongue has backward-facing barbs, do you? Anywhere else but here!" Whitey Four looked at him innocently; with a mewl, its tongue licked around its mouth before it looked completely contented. Big Whitey and Whitey Two were already sprawled on his head, beginning to lick his scalp "Remind me tp never bleed or be injured enough to faint in the forest in the future" Yun Yang decided inwardly. "Otherwise, I might become a pile of refuse when I wake up" He had to be aware and avoid such a situation, the possibility of it happening was far too high! Thankfully, these Whiteys were brought up by him and there was affection Or else, they would have torn him apart by now. Yun Yang broke out in a sweat before grabbing a large towel and wiping down his body. Seeing that there were no more treats for them, Whitey Three, Whitey Four, and Whitey Five climbed off his body unwillingly and turned to lick the walls, bedsheet, and everything else in sight. After all, those spots had Yun Yangs essence as well. Yun Yang covered his eyes, allowing the two tiny ones atop his head to meticulously lick his scalp. Although it did not feel good, it was nourishment that should not be wasted if possible After some time, he delved into his deific consciousness again. "Ayaya!" Emmies cheer almost scared Yun Yang witless. As he glanced around, he jumped at what greeted his eyes. The space in his deific consciousness was three times bigger than it initially was! Emmie was still situated in the center, puffing a green air of vitality then incessantly absorbing spiritual Qi. Emmies third leaf had grown from this event, completely so. It was dark green and thick, the lushness rich. A sense of green spiraled in the air and slowly formed a few lines of words. Once Yun Yang spotted them, the words turned into green smoke and scurried into Yun Yangs mind. Clarity instantly filled his mind. This was the third stage of a breakthrough of the Endless Divine Art. "Nine-hundred and ninety-nine souls under the saber blade, I shall be the guardian of good and evil in this state; The blade is cold, cleansing the world in its peace, The heaven shakes from the third lotus leaf." "A breakthrough?" Yun Yang tried moving according to the new route of his skillset, immersing himself in the different cultivation experience and feeling the energy course through his entire body. The feeling and atmosphere excited him, but he was not overjoyed from it; there was only heavy-heartedness and grief! "Brothers, I am finally able to have a little power to protect myself now." A hungry glint like that of a wolfs shone in Yun Yangs eyes. "Ill continue speeding up my cultivation improvement! Fifth brother, about sister-in-law Im very sorry. I have failed to protect her, I couldn''t ensure her safety!" "However, I shall seek revenge for her! To me, Sister Yue is no different from all of you" Thinking of Yun Zuiyue, grief filled Yun Yang. This pitiful but honorable confidante whose beauty could cause the nation to swoon and had a heart made of the purest flowers; there were only a handful of days throughout her life that she had passed in comfort. She had been trafficked since young and undergone so much torture; upon escaping with fifth brother and having a few stable years, the person who took care of her had died; even when reuniting with fifth brother, having her heart belonging to someone, her love had followed his fate and become one of the Nine Supremes! It was the rotation of fate, the urging of destiny; it was also an indescribably huge honor. Yet at the back of such glory was the waning of their love. Not only could they not have a happily ever after, they had to go their separate ways, hardly ever meeting again. Although Yun Zuiyue had never minded this and was willing to keep on waiting silently for the day her lover returned, it was with such anticipation that greeted the news of her love being betrayed and dying elsewhere a few years later. Yun Yangs appearance had temporarily put her out of the shadow of despair and kept her waiting in the illusion of hope but ultimately, she could not avoid her end; a beauty a tragic life. Other than wandering in hardship and waiting devotedly, there was actually nothing else in this life of hers! The saying since the beginning of times about beauties having a short life was so hard to break! As Yun Yangs thoughts carried him here, he recalled again Yun Zuiyues reminder before they parted that night, asking him to be careful and thanking him Thanking him? Yun Yang though process froze. "Wuyin!" Yun Yang called out. Shui Wuyin shuffled over tiredly. "Hows the result of the investigation?" Yun Yang asked the man directly. "Surprisingly, it was not an explosion that crushed the Cirrus House completely. Perhaps the situation should still be categorized as an explosion but the source of it wasnt explosives!" Shui Wuyin concluded frankly, "There wasnt a tinge of the smell of explosives there, neither was there any trace of combustibles." Yun Yang snorted. "Could it be that the opposite partys tactic is unusual and has exceeded the areas of your knowledge?" "Impossible. The amount of explosives needed to turn the entire Cirrus House into a flat plane is considerably high. Besides, to collapse a building with explosives is not achievable just by installing a volatile bomb in one spot; a very intricate set up is needed. Even if its successful, the traces of such a large amount of explosives will be left behind, difficult to erase. Cirrus Houses state was definitely not caused by a bomb explosion. Judging by the current state, it seems more like" Shui Wuyin said hesitantly, "An extremely strong cultivator striking from midair, landing a blow that caused such damage. Only when extremely powerful and undefendable mystical Qi comes into contact with the ground and causes a radioactive-like explosion could the whole building be totally destroyed. This will also explain how the deep pit in the ground which only affected Cirrus House came about." Yun Yang immediately understood Shui Wuyins hesitance. It was already difficult to strike high from the sky and turn the Cirrus House into debris with a single punch but what was more difficult was the ability to avoid damage to any other structures around the Cirrus House. Even Ling Xiaozui himself might not have achieved such a manipulation of force and power! Yet, how was there such an expert in this world? 289 Cenotaph Was it possible that the level of the person who had destroyed the Cirrus House surpassed that which was known to all the people on the Tianxuan Continent? If this was true, the people inside the Cirrus House would be doomed to total extinction; it was impossible for them to have escaped with their lives. "Is there anything else?" "I carefully examined every inch of the ruins, to ensure that I missed nothing, subtle or otherwise." uttered Shui Wuyin, "Finally I found some ... broken ornaments ... " With that, he produced a small fabric bag and placed it in front of Yun Yang. Glancing at it, Yun Yang could felt a muscle twitch on his face. Within the tiny cloth bag, there were broken pieces of jade bangles, curved golden hairpins, hair sticks that had broken into several sections, and ... "Is there any more?" "All the remaining flesh and blood left on the scene. I collected them so as to confirm that there were no complete body fragments. Under such a devastating explosion, the human body ... is simply too fragile... absolutely impossible..." Shui Wuyin could sense Yun Yang''s simmering rage as he continued cautiously, "However ... the pieces put together could form a person or two ... that had the unfortunate fate of being dashed to pieces ... " "Judging from the hair and the broken muscle texture, the deceased should be a female ... a young female..." Shui Wuyin''s words became increasingly uncertain. Yun Yang felt as if his heart was being tightly squeezed; he had difficulty breathing as he those words. He turned his head to look at Shui Wuyin with red eyes, "These are all that you found after a whole day of scouring? What are the chances that Yun Zuiyue managed to survive?" "All I want to know if it is possible that she is still alive?" Yun Yang growled. Against all hope, he was looking forward to a positive answer from Shui Wuyin. Even though there was none, he did not want the kind of answer that completely denied the possibility. "According to my comprehensive analysis... If Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue were at Cirrus House at the time ... then .... " Shui Wuyin coughed and continued gently, "... they would not have survived." If they were at Cirrus House at the time. How could they both not be at the Cirrus House at the time? Yun Yang inhaled heavily, trying to get his bearings. As the saying goes, the greater the hope, the bigger the disappointment. Yun Yang was well aware of the slim chance of Yun Zuiyue''s survival. All he could see pointed to death. However, Yun Yang still hoped that he might have seen it wrongly, hoped that Shui Wuyin would miraculously bring him good news. However, Shui Wuyin had practically confirmed the fears that he had known all the while. "I acknowledge your judgment... but I still feel that she has yet to die. She was still drinking with me that night and served me a meal that could never be tasted again in this world. She even told me to take care and gave me the wine to take care of. " YunYan eagerly continued,"All of these points to the fact that she already knew about the destruction of the Cirrus House, and had been prepared for it. She was actually aware of this matter. That was why she acted so peculiarly." "Logically speaking, she could not have known about the fact that I had been arranging her future stay in advance. If she did, she would not have had such a response." "Since she has done so, since she was prepared for it, how could she let herself perish?" "Also, Wuyin, try to think about it ... She had been waiting for my fifth brother for so long without even a single suicidal thought, why would she commit suicide at this juncture?" "So, she ... she was actually trying to cover her traces by pretending that she was dead! Right? It must be true!" "Say that she might still be alive!" "Answer me, Wuyin, am I right?" Yun Yang was desperately seeking agreement from someone, anyone. Deep in his heart, he did not want to believe that the fact that Yun Zuiyue had died so tragically. He was looking forward to someone to prove to him that Yun Zuiyue had not died! His way of doing it was comical, na?ve and somewhat unreasonable. A man like Yun Yang should not have been doing such things. He had always been calm and was possessed of a crystal-clear, conscious mind. However, he could barely even calm himself down at this juncture. His cultivation realm had been accumulating too vigorously to the point of a breakthrough. His state of mind had also been challenged by having to face a series of slaughters and fights. However, the sudden heartache and the lurking psychological trauma of his Nine Supremes brothers dying had been scraping away at his heart. Now that Yun Zuiyue, who had a deep interrelation with the Nine Supremes, had died too, it had completely triggered the negative emotions within Yun Yang. The burden of such a trauma could already be deemed as internal demons! Shui Wuyin let out a long sigh. He truly understood Yun Yangs thoughts at this moment. He even understood Yun Yangs state of mind, which was unable to accept reality, harsh as it was. In fact, he had experienced a similar state of mind as Yun Yang before. It was the moment when he learned about the downfall of Supreme Wind, that he had experienced a similar psychological state. Hence, it could be said that he was the best person to understand Yun Yang! He also knew that Yun Yang''s current state of mind was not reasonable. However, now was not the right moment to confer soothing words but the best was to issue harsh, direct assertions. This was because the Four Seasons Tower''s revenge could come in a grand manner at any time. There was no time left for Yun Yang slowly accept the facts. If the state of the backbone was as such, his whole army would be easily defeated. He had to wake Yun Yang up to face reality and to look into the face of truth! "Young Master!" uttered Shui Wuyin in a solemn voice, "Please, the truth is apparent; no one could have survived such an inferno." Shui Wuyins words had angered Yun Yang, causing him to stare wildly at the calm servant. Solemn, reasonable, vibes enveloped Shui Wuyin. "All the ornaments that I had collected were originally worn by the two ladies, Yun Zuiyue and Qing Shanxue; what they had been wearing on their heads, and hands ..." "They must have passed on. We aren''t wildly guessing anymore." "The idea of faking their deaths to conceal their tracks is but a way to fool yourself; an unwise move!" Shui Wuyin was relentless and extremely cold-blooded, "I know that young master can''t accept their deaths. However, it is the truth. You have to accept it, even if it was unacceptable. That is why I collected all the remains and shredded clothes." Shui Wuyin continued, " I think, being their only relative in this world, what young master should do now is to build a cenotaph for them, so that their souls can rest in peace without having to wander about in this realm." Yun Yang raised his head slowly, casting an icy glance at Shui Wuyin. After a long while, he broke into a faint, wry smile and uttered, "Shui Wuyin, how much I sometimes wish I could kill you? You are certainly a brutal one, without the slightest touch of humanity! I wonder where your faithfulness to eighth brother comes from. How could you even be loyal with such a cold heart?" "All the brutal truths are logical by your own words, but your manner of speech brings about a great deal of pain." Without fear or reprisal, Shui Wuyin met Yun Yangs gaze and said, "The dead are gone, what we have to do is not to cry for them nor we should be obsessed with the case. What we should do is to take revenge, as well as to let them rest in peace. Let the living lead a better life and remain alive." "All the sadness and anger should not be emotions that we possess! The so-called human affection should not appear within us, we avengers!" Shui Wuyin said indifferently, "I think young master should agree on what I have just said. Without such determination, how can one talk about revenge?" Yun Yang stood up glowering, as he spoke softly but menacingly, "What you should do now, is to go back to work.: "Yes, young master. This subordinate bids his leave." Shui Wuyin respectfully bowed, meticulous as always, without a tinge of emotion. "Get out!" Yun Yang bellowed. The veins on his forehead had surfaced in great numbers. ... After that, Yun Yang had taken a whole day to build an exceptionally delicate cenotaph in his own garden. The whole cenotaph was built with white jade. Only a tiny rock of jade could be seen bulging from the ground if seen with the human eye. "Sister Yue, this is my home. It is yours now as well. From now onwards, you and fifth brother will be here to accompany me. You could even call it a kind of gathering!" Yun Yang muttered, "Sister Yue, did you know that I am actually also an orphan who often fantasized about having my own family in this world. Since the day I met you, I felt as if I found a sister. If you weren''t my sister-in-law, I would have taken you as my sister. Nonetheless, sister-in-law is no less an honor for me to have." "Throughout this time, Ihave visited the Cirrus House too often. Even knowing that it should not be done as it would give rise to people''s suspicions, I always tried to find an excuse to pay you a visit. " "Because when I met you, I felt as if I had met my family." "Your accent, tone and the way you speak allowed a hope to blossom in my heart; yes this is my family." "I felt happier and more contented than I ever had for a long time because I have found my family in this world." Yun Yang ignited an incense, as he silently uttered, "Now I know, the warmth in this world does not belong to me after all." "From today onwards, I am all alone again. You have all left me here, to go your own ways." Yun Yang laughed bitterly, "What I can do now is to send my regards to you, wishing that you have reunited with fifth brother underneath, and to stay together forever and eternally wherever you are." Yun Yang stared at the cenotaph. He felt as if his fifth brother and sister Yue had not passed on, but were standing side by side before him, holding their hands while beaming at him. Yun Yang shook his head, and his eyes widened. The day had grown dark all around him. ... It was night. The wind was whistling with a wailing keen. In Tiantang Square, a flame was burning before Supreme Flame. The wind blew softly, driving the flames higher. The flame did not turn violent nor extinguish itself but continued to burn. "Fifth brother, sister-in-law has gone to look for you." "Do remember to welcome her and make sure you take good care of sister-in-law. She is a good woman. It''s a pity that you''ve missed her this life, fifth brother. I hope that in your next life, you won''t make the same mistake again." "I am truly sorry that I did not manage to protect her. Once again, I am in your debt." ... The breeze was blowing softly, as the night in Tiantang City turned colder and colder. The fire was burning unceasingly in front of the statue. ... Fu Baoguo felt immensely restless in his own residence. Even though he had tried to meditate to seek serenity, it appeared that his mind was full of illusions and his heart had been filled with internal demons. A tall and burly body could be seen treading back and forth in the study room. The squared face displayed nothing but traces of uncontrollable panic. He had been sleeping late for the past few nights. He knew what he had to face in the future. He hoped it would arrive earlier, yet he wished that the day would never arrive. All of them were dead. Fu Baoguo began to count meticulously. As far as he knew, the Four Seasons Tower had placed a total of twenty-one people in Tiantang City, in the Empire of Yutang. Now, twenty of them had died. Shen Yushi was dead. Jiang Zhong was dead. Han Wufei was dead. Even Supreme Lord Spring Frost was dead... Now, there was no one else left. No one but himself. 290 Fu Baoguo! Fu Baoguo had been waiting for Supreme Wind to come question and kill him for quite a while now. However, Supreme Wind had not appeared. He did not have any high hopes; concealed as He Hanqing and Jiang Zhong were, they were still incapable of avoiding arrest and had been killed by Supreme Wind through various means...he was certain that Supreme Wind would have no trouble finding him. He was sure that he had been exposed much earlier. It was precisely because of this that he had constantly attempted to find solutions in the past few days by utilizing various excuses to transfer his family members, such as paying a visit to relatives and friends, rekindling a past relationship, or to go to a friend''s house for a short stay. However, those who had been forcibly sent out with his authority had disappeared outside the city almost immediately. These included his own eldest son, daughter-in-law, and his little grandson ... Fu Baoguo knew that it was all useless, that all his efforts were futile! No matter how he struggled, there was no use, as the trap had been laid out for him for a long time since. An escape attempt was doomed to fail. Furthermore, Fu Baoguo himself did not wish to escape. In the dead of night, Fu Baoguo could be seen clad in a military uniform. Together with a helmet and armor, he dressed as if he was going for war. A strange sound could be heard in the dead of the night. His face betrayed a momentary glimpse of misery, but with a touch of relief. It was the howling of the wind. It sounded like the opening of the gates of hell, with thousands of devil''s souls rushing out, floating across the night sky, seeking for their enemies, slavering for their lives! "You have come!" Uttered Fu Baoguo softly. His expression was an array of complex emotions. However, Fu Baoguos sentence went unanswered. He began to realize something. Walking out from his study, his pace was slow but without hesitation. The clouds above were dark, like black ink. The breeze was as cold as a metallic saber. The entire horizon was filled with desolation and bleakness. Fu Baoguo stood unmoving in the yard. The chilly wind was scraping over his face. The tinge of pain was like his bones were being sharpened by the cold blade. He raised his head. Watching the billowing of dark clouds, his gaze was strangely calm. A gust of wind fell from the sky, forming a tornado before him. Although the sudden tornado was not unusually large, it connected the earth and sky, like a flood dragon floating in the air, flying vivaciously. Several night guards who witnessed the abnormal phenomenon had commanded coldly, "Who goes there? Who dares to cause trouble before the Residence of Marshal Fu?" Fu Baoguo waved his hand to order them back,"All of you, retreat! No one should ever come near this yard without my permission!" "Yes!" All the guards, janissaries and the Residences experts instantly receded with shuffling sounds. Fu Baoguo was obviously a capable Marshal of his time. His military command was like a law that commanded immediate obedience. Once the prohibition was ordered, no one had dared to disobey. His orders were instantly followed without question. The tornado could be seen condensing, growing thicker in its original spot. A moment later, a magnificent figure slowly appeared within the careening wind. Although the tornado was still peripherally whirring and whistling around him, the figure within remained motionless. At first glance, the face, eyebrows, nose, mouth and other features of the person were blurred and difficult to be identified. Only a cold stare could be felt gazing deep into the soul of Fu Baoguo. They exchanged glances. Fu Baoguo could sense the fear within himself tremble instinctively. The silhouette in the wind issued an indifferent sigh, "Marshal Fu, this is probably the last time I would identify you as Marshal. From now onwards, you no longer deserve the title." Fu Baoguo laughed bitterly, and he replied dryly, "Lord Supreme Wind speaks correctly. It was Gods favor to me to be called Marshal Fu at this juncture." Yun Yang laughed lightly, "Fu Baoguo, I am here today to end the vengeance with the Four Seasons Tower, the matter is destined to not rest until death arrives. However, considering the efforts that you have contributed to Yutangs military force all these years, I am willing to listen to your predicament. You have the right to spell out your defense!" Fu Baoguo was different from Yang Botao. He was the successor elected by the old Grand Commandant, Fang Qingtian. He was to be the next highest authority of the military. His status and identity were already above the northern troop''s Marshal Tie Zheng, who was well known as the most renowned militant in Yutang right now. As for how he could achieve such an honorable status - other than being exceptional in warfare, peerless in the younger generation of Yutang''s military, and providing various contributions, he had been protecting Yutang from various wars at each order during his twenty years of enlistment. He was the cornerstone of the Yutangs military force after the top three marshals Qiu, Leng, and Fang retired from the battlefield and before Tie Zheng had come up in force! Had he not already confirmed that this person was extremely dodgy, he would not even want to believe that this person had actually joined the effort in going against the Nine Supremes! Even if the evidence was conclusive, Yun Yang was still willing to give him a chance to explain his betrayal to Yutang. After all, considering his experiences on the battlefield, if Fu Baoguo intended for Yutang to perish, he could have done it anytime he wanted. As long as he failed in any war he had led as a marshal, Yutang would have inevitably fallen, without a single chance of survival. Fu Baoguo clenched his fist. His face was twisted by conflicting emotions. However, in the end, he unclenched his hands helplessly and uttered bleakly, "There is no need. There are too many heinous criminals out there who have their own reasons.All of them would have had thousands of personal justifications. How could the felony of treason be forgiven with just the excuse of hardship?" Yun Yang coldly replied, "So you actually acknowledge this. Why then did you do it?" Fu Baoguo took a deep breath, "Like I said, the reason is not important. What is important is the outcome! What I had been waiting for is also an outcome, for the judgment of the Nine Supremes. Since I had implanted the cause, why should I evade the effects?" Yun Yang indifferent laughter was coldly piercing to the bones. He calmly uttered each word, "Fu Baoguo, you can say it bluntly, but are you really at ease in your heart as your words indicate? If I had not appeared, could you''ve gotten this judgment and effect?" For a moment, Fu Baoguo''s square face twitched, filled with malevolence. "On that very day, if all the members of the Nine Supremes were to perish at the Tianxuan Cliff - none left alive, all your deeds would have been forgotten, gone without a trace. If that was the case, will you still have said what you did just now?" Yun Yangs voice was growing colder. Fu Baoguo did not speak but just lowered his head. "You have never thought of admitting your guilt!" Yun Yang was as cold as ice, "The reason you are pleading your guilt is that you have no way to escape nor resist. You are being forced by circumstance because you know that you have no way to go but a dead end. The only path left to you is death!" "This is the real reason why you are waiting here so quietly. It seems that you are waiting for a punishment that you deserve, but the truth is that this is the only choice that has been left for you!" "Fu Baoguo, what you are doing today clearly shows that you are a coward and nothing else!" Yun Yangs voice was cold, wintry and frosty. Each and every word uttered by him had pierced deeply into the heart of Fu Baoguo. His burly and upright body could be seen shaking uncontrollably. The originally robust body stooped slightly. With a hoarse voice, he uttered, "Yes, my sin is great and unforgivable even if I were to die a thousand times!" Yun Yang smiled sardonically, "You have been going here and there these days , trying everything possible to send your families to safety. Fu Baoguo, is that because you know that your death is impending, and trying your best to preserve your family? " Across the mighty face of Fu Baoguo, there was nothing but desolation. He whispered, "Lord Supreme Wind, my own wrongdoings should not affect my family." Yun Yang uttered coldly, "Then did you ever think of the families of the brothers that were killed because of you?" Fu Baoguos face turned chalk-white instantly. Holding in his irritation, Yun Yang uttered, "Have you ever thought of our family?" Fu Baoguo let out a regretful sigh, "Great mistakes have been made. I have nothing to say to that." He then chuckled miserably, "In fact, from that day onwards, I knew that my sins will in no way be forgiven, no innocence to even speak of! The only escape was death. Now that this day has finally come, it could be considered as having... one of my wishes fulfilled." Looking at this military veteran, Yun Yang let out a long sigh in his heart. He was still waiting, waiting for an explanation from Fu Baoguo. Among the people who had colluded with the Four Seasons Tower, Fu Baoguo was the only one that Yun Yang did not wish to kill. Besides his previous achievements in Yutang, he was the one who could be considered as caught in a real predicament! Although the reason was not great enough, nonetheless, it was worth forgiving. "All this while, I had been slowly waking up from a nightmare. Even though I told myself I had my own reasons, I never wanted it to turn out this way. Fu Baoguo uttered, "However great mistakes have been made. No matter what was the reason, the outcome was the same. All the reasons were nothing but excuses. So was the case to me, the offender, so it was the same to the victims." Fu Baoguo looked down and glanced at his armor, "This is my favorite armor. Since Sir Fang had summoned me back due to his sickness, this armor has been hanging on the study wall ever since." "Perhaps, I have to wait for very long, or I might not even have a chance to wear it again to fight on the battlefield. I have only one request for now. Lord Supreme Wind, will you allow me to die in this armor?" Raising his head to look at Yun Yang, Fu Baoguo pleaded sincerely. Yun Yang uttered indifferently, "Do you still think that you deserve to die while wearing this armor that belongs to the Yutangs militants?" Fu Baoguo lowered his head for a long while without saying a word. Trembling vigorously, he drew in several brisk breaths and looked up. Hw, he uttered, "Lord Supreme Wind, how could you begrudge me such a small request? Do you know what I have experienced? Do you know the agony of being controlled against my own will by the Art of Soul Shifting?" "No, you wouldnt know. How could you know? How could one know without immersing himself in the same situation! Every single time, I did not mean to betray the country! The Shangguan Family of Generals accumulated generations of loyalty but the Fu Family is nothing less inferior than them. We''ve remained patriotic to Yutang for generations as well. In order to defend the country, five consecutive generations of my families had all been sacrificed in devastating battle. To die on the battlefield and returned wrapped in horsehide was not only the province of the Shangguan Family of Generals! To what extent do you know of all these? Since I had made this mistake, I should not be forgiven for my sins. However, my family should not be involved in this guilt! 291 Heinous Sins Find No Absolution in Heaven, Penance Is Earned by Death on the Battlefield! "Before I, Fu Baoguo, was manipulated by the Art of Soul Shifting, I saw myself as a patriotic man; Ive always been loyal to Yutang, loyal to my homeland! If it werent against my will, I wouldnt have betrayed my country, even if I died with shattered bones! How much of these would you have known? I didnt want to speak of these, whats done is done. No matter what my genuine intention was, what my sincere motive was, the truth remains that the Nine Supremes have fallen because of me. I have to pay for it, Im willing to, I deserve it. Why does Lord Supreme Wind want to take away even my last bit of dignity? Isn''t that uncalled for?" Yun Yang asked brusquely, "Uncalled for? You said that you were manipulated with the Art of Soul Shifting, it was without your consent. Let me assume you speak the truth, but your first time may have been involuntary. What have you done after that? Have you spoken of your tribulation, of your lack of consent? Old Sir Fang and Old Sir Qiu are people you couldve gone to explain what youve done and how you were tricked. Have you told them?" "The first time came and went. When the second time passed, you spoke no words of it! You allowed your involuntary actions to continue to harm Yutangs warriors. Your so-called coercion is only an excuse for your lack of action!" "Moreover, when Yang Botao asked around for information from you, you werent controlled by the Art of Soul Shifting then, were you? Still, you leaked the information anyway! Did the Four Seasons Tower coerce you then?" "Until my brothers were stricken with calamity C you knew full well what youve done before and after that. Were you really forced against your will?" "Have you redeemed yourself?" "Did you even think of redeeming yourself?" "After the Nine Supremes had fallen, hundreds of thousands of Yutangs warriors retreated in the battlefield. Countless brothers succumbed to the enemys blades. What have you done then?" "You met Jiang Zhong in secret plenty of times throughout this incident and within this one year, youve met up to eight times. Were these meetings involuntary too?" "There were only a total of three times when He Hanqing executed the Art of Soul Shifting to manipulate your mind C only three times. The experience of these three times could prove that your initial motive wasnt to rebel but what about afterward? How do you explain it? Are you blaming it again on involuntariness?" "Fu Baoguo!" "All said and done, you are simply a coward!" Yun Yang continued sharply, "When the elders of Fu Family gave you the name Fu Baoguo (to serve the country), what is it for? Fu Baoguo, you say it is uncalled for, that I am stringent on even a piece of armor. Then let me ask you if you die right now, what dignity do you have to face your ancestors with? Can you really look at your own name with a clear conscience? Just by saying that everything was done against your own will, do you think it omits all the wrongdoings youve committed?" "Youre an Empire of Yutangs man, youre Yutangs militant, youre the authority of the military, the appointed successor to being the Grand Marshal. Ask yourself with your palm against your heart, who have you not let down with your actions in these past two years?" "The nation, your family, others, yourself C which of these can you face with a clear conscience?" "Should you give up on yourself upon being deceived by others? Should you sink yourself deeper and submit to degradation after being hauled into the mud by others? Dont you have even the courage to dig yourself out?" "Watching the warriors perish in war and their families bawl their hearts out, you sell your assets in secret to send silver taels over. Can this really redress the guilt in your heart?" "While you help the Four Seasons Tower relay information, you sell your assets to compensate the families of the fallen soldiers. Fu Baoguo, dont you think that your actions are contradictory?" "Youve said it yourself just now. Fu Family is also a family of generals but you, how can you face the patriotic souls of your ancestors?!" Fu Baoguo trembled. The killing intent within Yun Yang spiked but he remained hesitant to make the ultimate decision. Although his words indicated how much he despised Fu Baoguos actions, putting him down to unworthiness, Fu Baoguos most initial motive was truly against his own will. From being controlled by He Hanqing using the Art of Soul Shifting to continuously doing deeds defying his intentions, things had slowly escalated to the point where he was forced to turn to the dark side; his situation was worthy of sympathy. What was key was that other than indirectly participating in the accident regarding the Nine Supremes, Fu Baoguo had indeed done nothing else. He had never leaked any of the military intel of Yutang. Otherwise, with his status and title, Fu Baoguo could have easily made copies of Yutangs warfare tactics without anyone knowing It would be somehow a pity to really kill him. Besides, Yutangs military could not afford any more losses. Yutangs military morale, too, could not afford the setback of their pillar being a traitor! The green shadow spun, Yun Yangs voice came out slowly, "Fu Baoguo, you know full well of your sin. I shall not kill you today, but I hope you meet your end on the battlefield. This would ensure the generations of reputation and patriotism in your family as well as be a penance for your sins!" "Your family shall all return to the Residence of Fu safely tomorrow morning." "Fu Baoguo, conduct yourself well!" "Yutangs military can no longer take the loss of a great general" Yun Yangs voice faded, the green whirlwind leaving the ground and shooting into the firmament like an enraged dragon before dissipating into nothingness. He had left without further preamble. "I shall confess my crimes tomorrow!" Fu Baoguo murmured, "And await the sentence of His Majesty!" Words came from the sky, "Nobody is asking you to confess your crimes! Too much turmoil has occurred within the empire recently, too many traitors. The military morale is already wavering, so are the peoples spirits. If even you, Fu Baoguo, became a spy it is not a good thing towards Yutangs morale." "I hope you redeem your wrongs, not atone it with death. Your end cannot be a rushed slaughter, use the remainder of your life to guard Yutangs border!" "Since youre sincere to make amends, then think of how you should compensate and make up for it!" Supreme Winds voice slowly flowed into Fu Baoguos ears. For a moment, Fu Baoguo was overwhelmed with emotions. He stood trembling there, the same guilt painted his face but his expression was changing. A while later, he collapsed onto the ground; with arms hugging his head, he sobbed before it gave way to a loud wailing. This great general, who had been going to war his entire life, who had been through so many wars C would not have turned a hair if he were to be executed, but was sobbing like a child now. In the assembly the next morning. Fu Baoguo filed his application to be deployed to the eastern border. Tie Zheng had gone to the north out of responsibility. After all, Yang Botao had just died and the northern troop needed to be pacified by a capable general. In spite of this, the Empire of Yutangs greatest enemy and the most dangerous opponent was still Dongxuan! The Empire of Dongxuan had never lacked capable generals and was even fortified by the God of War, Han Sanhe. Dongxuans garrison could actually be considered as the Empire of Yutangs riskiest garrison! The entire imperial court had been suffering from a headache about the talent appointment in this case. Now that Fu Baoguo volunteered himself, both civil and military officials were stunned. Not only was Fu Baoguo capable, his reputation, achievement, and merit technically surpassed Tie Zheng and paralleled the three military old folks. It was due to this that he was appointed as the military successor, becoming the Grand Marshal after the current Grand Commandant retired and the military authority in the imperial court. Yet it was also due to Fu Baoguos extremely commendable reputation, achievement, and merit that if he were to only become one of the four borders marshal, there would easily be a suspicion that he was being oppressed. Besides, the old Grand Commandant could not hold on for long now; he could not leave this successor at all! Therefore, everyone could think of Fu Baoguo as a candidate but no one could nominate him to be stationed at the eastern border. Now that he had volunteered, the situation was different. His Majesty applauded Fu Baoguos request and had approved it swiftly. Fu Baoguo was quick to act too, reorganizing his troops and departing on the third morning. The Old Grand Commandant and Old Marshal Qiu and Leng went out of the city to send him off personally. Looking at Fu Baoguo clad in his military uniform, the three old sirs were awash with emotion. "Take good care!" Old Grand Commandant Fang had always been fond of his disciple, his most prized successor. Disregarding the fact that Marshals Qiu and Leng were by his side, he uttered word by word, "Baoguo, it is an extremely dangerous feat to face Han Sanhe. You must plan well, remember these nine words!" "Please enlighten me, teacher." "Aim not for great accomplishments!" Old Grand Commandant Fang enunciated each word, "But to not err! To not make any mistakes before Han Sanhe is already a great achievement in itself; never advance recklessly over the greed for merit!" "Yes!" Fu Baoguo promised with a bow. Old Marshal Qiu took a step forward, his eyes glimmering as he watched Fu Baoguo. The materials that Yun Yang presented to the emperor had taken the entire chapter about Fu Baoguo off but none of it was concealed from Qiu Jianhan; all the details were carefully documented. There were only three people in the entire nation who knew that Fu Baoguo had been manipulated C Yun Yang, Shui Wuyin, and Qiu Jianhan. "Does Old Marshal Qiu have a word of advice?" Fu Baoguo asked in a collected manner. Qiu Jianhan inhaled deeply before speaking, "Baoguo, sometimes, being alive is harder than being dead! Some things can be done only by being alive! I hope you remember this old mans words C Yutangs eastern border is in your care now!" Fu Baoguo felt a sharp pain inside, almost tearing up; he nodded profusely. "Old Marshal, I shall remember it! Even if I die, I will make sure the eastern border stays safe!" The flags fluttered, the army departed. Suddenly, wind billowed in the air. The flags flapped harshly in unison, fluttering noises filled the ear; the armys spirit was boosted immediately as they raised their heads. Fu Baoguo suppressed the emotional rollercoaster within him as well as he could and lifted his head as well. A large tornado emerged high in the air once more, the silhouette of a person stood vaguely within the wind. "Marshal Fu, take care! This deployment must be dangerous. On behalf of my eight brothers, Wind is here to send the troops off!" "Thank you, Lord Supreme Wind!" Fu Baoguo teared up then, giving a low bow of respect and said determinedly, "Even if Fu Baoguo dies with crushed bones, I shall keep the empires eastern border! As long as I still have a single breath left in me, Dongxuans army shall be stopped before the empires border!" "This heart and this body are devoted to serving the country; the will shall never waver, only upon death shall it rest!" 292 Conquer the World by Force, Bloodshed in the Martial Arts World! Fu Baoguos voice spread far and wide. All the deployed soldiers raised the weapons in their hands as they cheered in unison, "This heart and this body are devoted to serving the country; the will shall never waver until death shall it rest!" With a single command, the troops departed. Fu Baoguos muscular build sat mounted on the horse easily, galloping forward like a released arrow without turning his head back. Somehow, Old Grand Commandant Fang felt a sense of resolution watching the back of his prized disciple. It was as if Fu Baoguo was never coming back, this was his last time leaving! His direct-lined successor, his close disciple C it was farewell! This was a small temple. Where nothing and nobody existed within thousands of miles in the mountains, this small temple stood quietly. This temple worshipped the Great Sage True Lord, one of the transcendent immortals of legend for hundreds of thousands of years in the Tianxuan Continent. The legend of him was renowned, but to have this lords temple in such a secluded location was still a wonder in itself, a remarkably picturesque scene. Incense smoke was curling up in the small temple. A person in robes was sitting with his legs folded into a lotus position, his eyes closed without moving nor saying a word. His face was obscured by the rising smoke, obscuring it from view. It was just like the Great Sage True Lord who was being worshipped, where his true face could not be seen; there was a sense of blurriness like this person was amidst the clouds and did not belong to the worldly realm. There was another person in front of this man C Venerable Lord Saber, who was littered with wounds and bore numerous injuries. Venerable Lord Saber had been ambushed by three parties prior to his arrival; his basic Qi was already damaged but with Yun Yangs stab, his skill method was handicapped. He then rushed all the way here without rest nor recuperation. He was near his end; if he recuperated with just his individual cultivation base, it would be difficult to recover for years. "So, this towers various setups in the Empire of Yutang is entirely gone, without any lucky ones managing to escape?" The person in robes spoke faintly. "Yes." Venerable Lord Sabers head was bowed. "Has He Hanqing died as well?" The person in robe said indifferently, "Even his double?" "A lot of unexpected events have happened recently. First, Ling Xiaozui inexplicably condemned He Hanqing and planted a soul-freezing stab within him; before he could entirely drain the stab away, He Hanqing couldn''t use his clone at all. To forcefully use it would only damage his spiritual soul even further. This time, He Hanqing was killed outright, his head separated from his body." Venerable Lord Saber continued to explain, "Before he died, he executed the Art of Soul Inducement continuously, so his spiritual soul would have been expended. Even if his double were still here, it would have been difficult for him to go back to his body to be resurrected." The person in robe snorted and said nonchalantly, "So many years of setting up plots, so many years of martial arts world experience, and yet he was uprooted by a child, the one that got away C even losing his life ultimately! If the entire Four Seasons Tower were made up such men, we can hardly speak of a foundation of a thousand years and a conglomerate of eternity!" Venerable Lord Saber dared not say anything in response to that. "The hundreds of people set in Yutang is about a quarter of the Four Seasons Towers force! How easily they were destroyed!" The robed man had his eyes closed, his expression stoic. "It looks like He Hanqing is really old!" Venerable Lord Saber kept quiet for a bit before saying in a low voice, "What has happened up to now may not wholly be He Hanqings fault. Its also partly because the enemy is simply too strong. In the last battle, its not the survivors of the Nine Supremes that we were up against, they were the School of Spring and Autumn and the Concourse of the Underworld The most fundamental reason for this battles failure is the simultaneous appearance of the Concourse of the Underworlds ten court kings. They performed well and their attack caught us by surprise; their follow-up tactics were incessantly dire too. The difference in abilities of both sides was too much and it was difficult to overcome! Faced with such a situation, perhaps a small move could cause the martial arts world to be at war; this subordinate dared not make rash decisions and has especially come to inform my lord." The man in robes said lightly, "It looks like its been too long since the Four Seasons Tower intimidated the martial arts world. The practitioners have all forgotten the Four Seasons Towers terror the fear that prevented the clans from simply daring to step on the tower." Despite the indifference in his tone, there was a barely-hidden hint of rage in his words. Venerable Lord Saber trembled slightly before his eyes exuded a strong sense of fighting spirit. "Back then, the Four Seasons Towers twelve halls, four Supreme Lords, five sides of heaven and earth, twenty-four celestial heads, and three-hundred and sixty-five formidable men subdued the martial arts world and secured the status of being its top sect. So few years have passed and this intimidation is non-existent already?" The person in robes opened his eyes slowly, two rays of light shot out from them. "The martial world is forgetful; the practitioners have gotten used to forgetting as well. Therefore, a lot of experts dare not return to seclusion once they have obtained fame C because as long as they go back to seclusion, their legend will cease to exist in the martial world." "A lot of people can only show themselves in the open continuously, continue to perform feats, keep making their reputation known, keep on dueling in the martial world Only then could their statuses and reputations be maintained. Only when their status and reputation are kept alive for a long time in the martial world that profit will be a constant companion." "Whoever it is, whether in the imperial court or the martial world, whether scholar or martial practitioner C as long as one is alive in this world, one lives for two words; personal gain!" The person in robes spoke in a low voice, with a unique cadence. "This is the origin of the longest circulating saying in this world C being in the martial world, one is bound by its code. It is as simple as that!" "Being in the martial world and being bound by its code has its own legend. Its appropriate to use it on those who are at their pinnacle or sects that used to be utterly glorious C because they have contributed enough earth-shattering legends. Although their existences ceased in the martial arts world, there will still be a lot of people, plenty of outsiders, who will spread what theyve done back in those days of their own accord. This is how their statuses remain." "Such an existence will only be even more glorified the longer the seclusion takes place; their legends will only be more absurd and terrific. Such is the case for Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, and Jun Moyan." "As time passes, the legends will only become increasingly unbelievable" A hint of mockery revealed itself on the face of the man in robes. "This is how immortals are born in this world!" The man in robes had been calm as he narrated these statements, but Venerable Lord Saber was sprawled on the floor, profusely sweating and not daring to make a sound. "These rankings of the martial world C Greatest Beauty, Unrivaled Expert, Unrivaled Swordsman, Unrivaled Saber Knight, Peerless Assassin, Top Sect, Top Ten Unprecedented, so on and so forth..." "The core of their origins stems from this," the man in robes said faintly. "Since the Four Seasons Tower has come into view and later exited the picture, it holds a transcendental existence. It is based on such a legend C one that is most formidable currently, yet because it struck out against the Nine Supremes that this legend has fallen into disrepute!" "The Four Seasons Tower has become a normal sect of the martial world in the eyes of ordinary people, one that is, at most, very cable. Emboldened, the minions are out to play they think that the Four Seasons Tower is merely so, that they can take down this washed-up legend, this force of the martial world, and even replace it." "At this time" The man in robes stood up, clouds surrounding him as he paced slowly and said, "The Four Seasons Tower can no longer remain placid and allow them to be. It has to attack brutally C conquer the world by force and wash the martial world with blood, so as to build an unshakeable name. This is the way we must go!" "Like youve said, an unprecedented war of the martial arts world is inevitable." "If there is no movement, the Four Seasons Towers opponents or forces that dare attack the tower will only increase!" The expression of the man in robes was distant and calm. "Since the Concourse of the Underworld and the School of Spring and Autumn have emerged this tower shall use them to make a statement." Such simple words, yet they hinted at the approach of a catastrophic war. The entire martial world would be in chaos due to these two lines C conquer the world by force, bloodshed in the martial arts world! "Yes!" Venerable Lord Saber sucked in a deep breath. "Saber!" The man in robe looked at Venerable Lord Saber with a sharp gaze. "How long has your cultivation base been stuck in its current state? How long has it been since there was an improvement?" Venerable Lord Saber was ashamed as he answered, "Twenty-seven long years. For twenty-seven years, it hasnt budged forward an inch" The man in robe replied indifferently, "This martial war will be a huge test for you. If you do not break through, the chances of you dying from it is more than eighty-percent! Whether its the siege of the Yama kings from the Concourse of the Underworld or the old monster who has stepped forth personally even if was just an elder from the School of Spring and Autumn you wont have any chance of victory, your opportunity to survive would be slim!" "Sword, Snow, Frost, and Ice, the four of them have advanced to the eighth tier in heaven realm now. Frost even has a big possibility to advance to ninth tier this year and he will then try to charge into the realm of Da. Yet youve stopped at the fourth tier of the heaven realm for twenty-seven years. Theres nothing to speak of such a difference!" The man in robes said faintly, "Now the world knows that a blade hangs from the sky but why dont they know that theres snow in the sky? How about the rest? You have kept your Venerable title, yet theyve chosen to quietly increase their capabilities." "This is the difference! Where there is a gain, there must be a loss," the man in robes said. Venerable Lord Saber was sweating profusely, his tongue tied. "You must learn to understand this saying." The man clad in robes stood with his arms on his back and strolled leisurely around. "With a gain, there must be a loss accompanying it. However, there is still an opportunity to regain that loss after all. If the loss had come first, then there might not be a chance to reacquire that gain" He walked out slowly, calm and collected, "Perhaps, it may never be reacquired." Venerable Lord Saber could only feel chills running through his body, like all the frost in the world had fallen on him; the iciness pierced his bones, going straight into his core. He followed the person in robe out blearily. It was already snowing rather heavily outside. Although the weather had turned colder in the worldly realm now, it had not gotten to the stage of snowing. Yet in this mountain where no one lived, silver had enveloped the forest as snow painted it white. 293 The Dawn of Havoc "Cultivation in martial arts and the chase for fame in the secular world holds the same core principles. Some people pursue fame and fortune with all they have; some who are lucky enough might achieve what theyre after, but they will lose their health from the mindless chase. Some people are healthy all along but have no fate with fame and fortune; prosperity is simply not their destiny. Yet there are plenty of people who could gather the worlds fortunes without ever being sick or stricken with disaster. This is an individuals destiny, luck, and fate; it can never be forced. Even when forced, rarely would one succeed! Those who have forced it and succeeded are few and far in between!" The man in robes wore a distant expression. "Saber, do you understand what Ive said?" In the icy surroundings where the chilling wind was almost cold enough to peel ones flesh off, Venerable Lord Sabers face was dotted with large beads of sweat. He could distinctly hear his lords unspoken intention of wanting to give up on him. A mere Supreme Lord Spring Frost and Hall of Spring were insignificant, but if anyone from Saber, Sword, Snow, Frost, or Ice perished, then the Four Seasons Tower would have a solid reason to declare war on the martial arts world! The person dressed in robes turned and his icy gaze fell on Sabers face. The Venerable Lord Saber could only feel as if a bucket of ice cold water had been poured on him; with a puff of his chest, he said shakily, "For my lord, Saber has no regrets, even if I had to die a thousand times!" The sharp gaze of the man in robes slid away from his face. It was a long moment before he spoke again, "Who among the Nine Supremes has survived?" Venerable Lord Saber answered, "Based on the current circumstances, there is a terribly high chance that Supreme Wind is still alive." "Supreme Wind?" "If that is so, how did that strange flame appear just before this?" the robed man said faintly. Venerable Lord Saber was tongue-tied. The robed individual murmured to himself, "When the Nine Supremes unite, there will be an upheaval of heaven and earth, of the world and empires alike. The Supreme shall reign unchallenged. This saying probably means that the survivor has gleaned the cultivation methods of all the others, so the nine manifestation skills have merged into one; not only Supreme Wind or Flame, it could have been any one of the Supremes" "Does one really believe that this reputed one would be unable to decipher the implied meaning?" The robed man snorted and said, "Illusion; it has been a smokescreen all along. There is only one among the Nine Supremes left, the very last one! I have no doubts about this!" "In other words, if manage to find and kill that person, the legend of the Nine Supremes shall disappear forever!" The robed man said calmly, "Although the Hall of Spring has entirely fallen, it is also confirmed that this sole survivor is in Tiantang City. Losing the Hall of Spring was worth it, to get this bit of information." "Since the Nine Supremes is down to this last man, then" The robed person turned to look at Venerable Lord Saber. "Go heal yourself at the Reinvigoration Valley. Summon Snow when you have recovered, and bring along four or five of our people. Enter Tiantang City in secret. When youve caught and killed the remainder of Nine Supremes, then only will you head back here." "Yes!" "You will do nothing regarding the counterattacks by Concourse of the Underworld or the School of Spring and Autumn" The robed mans tone was cold as he issued his instructions. "Yes, thank you, my lord!" Venerable Lord Saber was instantly relieved. If he were to only focus on the remainder of the Nine Supremes, the risks were much lower. Despite the Nine Supremes having mystical powers of their own and being even more powerful when their nine manifestation powers were merged into one person, the ambush upon them earlier had long revealed the low cultivation base of the nine individuals. It had only been over a year since the battle. No matter how shocking the improvement of the last of the Nine Supremes was, it would have its limits. Besides, it was already arduous to refine the advance of one power C that person had to cultivate all nine. Even if he had multiple opportunities and numerous magical encounters, his improvement could never be rushed. Venerable Lord Saber was confident that a strike of his saber was sufficient to deal with this sole Supreme! His lords arrangement guaranteed his life, shielded him from danger; for that, it was an immense favor! "Don''t get too overjoyed. I have something to say first." The robed person lifted his head, allowing the fluttering snowflakes to land on his face; he said nonchalantly, "If you are unable to seize the remainder of the Nine Supremes this time, I would suggest that you do not return. Even if you could seize him but your cultivation base has no breakthrough in this period of time, you need not come back either C you would be of no further use to us." "Yes!" Venerable Lord Saber was drenched in cold sweat, determination filling his heart. He had to capture his prey. No matter where he hid, this mission must be accomplished! Moreover, he had to achieve a breakthrough in the process. Even if he were to die while practice, he had to advance himself. His lord had already spoken; this was the last chance he would be given. A character who could no longer be of greater use C how could he relish the reputed title of being a side of the Four Seasons Towers heaven and earth? "Send my Cosmo Edict!" The robed person said faintly, "Ice and Frost, to the Concourse of the Underworld; the Four Seasons Declaration of War is to greet the world!" "Sword, pay a visit to the School of Spring and Autumn." "Additionally, send out the Four Seasons Declaration of War; an order to all sects, clans, and practitioners of the martial world C avoid this war! Violators are to be killed without pardon!" "Cosmos Edict C there is an absolute kill order on Bai Yixue. Anyone who helps him in opposing this tower shall have their entire family wiped out and disaster upon nine familial generations!" "So it shall be." "Yes." Venerable Lord Saber bowed respectfully and turned to leave, seeing that his lord had no other instructions. Snow fell in flurries. The robed man looked towards the sky, the iciness frosting his face remained. "There are still forces unbounded by rules that exist in this world after all" He inhaled deeply and mumbled, "Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, Jun Moyan Looks like I need to find these old friends for a gathering" His body shone, a glimmering flash appeared amidst the snow and grew brighter. It turned into a ray of light that soared upwards, entering the tiny temple via a mystical trail before vanishing from sight. After a while, the lord was in black clothes instead of his robe. With a leap, he rose in the air; a wave of a sleeve later, the snow around him seemed to gather in a single direction. With a snap of his fingers, the entire temple was covered in layers of snow. As far as the forests stretched, it was all snow white that greeted the eyes; no traces of the temple could be seen anymore. The black-clothed lord disappeared within the snow. The martial world in Tianxuan Continent, placid for the longest time, was suddenly abuzz with excitement. Things seemed to have heated up overnight. Following the appearance of this strange edict medallion, the entire martial arts world had been shaken to its core! The edict medallion looked odd, it was in the shape of a hexagram; on four of its pointed corners, there were a lush green willow branch, a sun, a red leaf, and a snowflake while on the other two opposite ends, there were the words heaven and earth. A circle was located in the middle, a word situated within the circle C Nian! As the odd-looking medallion greeted the world, some rather experienced practitioners in the martial world grew anxious. Numerous travelers began to turn back on their journey; they were not rushing home C they were in search of a stop that was safe! No matter how important the outdoor chores were, they were completed as soon as humanly possible; those unable to be completed were given up and abandoned. Everyone was in a hurry, and had a premonition C the chaotic times of the martial world was here once again! The Four Seasons Declaration of War, the Cosmo Edict Medallion, had reappeared in the martial arts world. It was a grand event of the millennia in the martial world. The eight noble families and six great sects, as well as the franchised merchants that spread over half the continent,had all taken the same precautions C all members outside were summoned home; all external activities were to be ended completely; all business transactions were entirely retracted. In the subsequent days, other strange medallions that had never appeared in the world before emerged one after another; experienced practitioners answered the lingering doubts C those were summoning orders from the top ten historical sects. They were summoning all their disciples outside to return to their schools in order to avoid calamity. The Concourse of the Underworld had sent an emergency summons as well C all Gold-ranked assassins of the concourse were to give up their assigned missions and return to the headquarters for further orders within ten days. The Concourse of the Underworlds peer, The Merciless Tower, sent out instructions as well C all the assassins outside were to stay put for pending orders. Before a new instruction was sent, The Merciless Tower would not be taking on any new missions. It seemed that even the air was filled with a suffocating oppression. Everyones pace was hurried, their faces grim. Even those who were lesser-experienced and were clueless about the severity felt inexplicably weighed down. "Senior, what is this?" "Quickly, go home. This martial arts world cannot be roamed anymore." "Why?" "Just take care of yourself." "Brother, may I ask what has happened? Why does it seem like everyone has gone mad?" "A word of advice for you C dont ask, in case you get burned. Its more important to return home as soon as possible; find a wife and sleep with a blanket covering yourself; that will guarantee your safety." "What is going on? What is all this talk about importance and safety?" "Curiosity kills the cat. I have no more to say to you, farewell!" "Grandfather, why the hurry? Weve only come out for two days I havent had enough fun." "My precious baby, the sky is falling do you still wish to play? The only thing to do now is to return home quickly! You must listen to grandfather this time. Any later and there will be disaster." "What is going on? Cant you explain it clearly?" "To put it simply, the havoc in the martial world has been unleashed..." In an unknown and secret location, people were muttering among themselves. "Do you see it?" "The Four Seasons Towers subjugation of the world has begun. Its going to start bathing in the blood of the martial arts world again!" "It has been so long since there was such a big ruckus Why has it suddenly begun again?" "There must be a reason. Theres no benefit in pursuing the cause right now; its better to leave this place of faults quickly and pass our days back home in simplicity. No point being splashed with mud in this puddle." "Right, if were still involved once we return home, then we can only acknowledge our bad luck. If we continue roaming the world and get pulled into it, I say we deserve it. We cant blame anyone else for that." "Rightly so. Lets go quickly! Let us all leave at once!" "My, my, such havoc indeed!" 294 Isnst It Merely Ten Years of Service? Such havoc! This was the two words that hung at the lips of the practitioners of Tianxuan Continents martial world at this time. Legend had it that when the Four Seasons Tower had had just come into being back in the day, a man had brought his three subordinates to assault the martial arts world; wherever they had gone, even the mightiest among the opposed would have succumbed. They were invincible! After some time, the Four Seasons Tower was officially established and began spreading its name; this was where the legendary litany ''subdue the world by force'' came from. Later, the Four Seasons Tower had successfully wiped out three of the nine top sects C a true period of bloodshed in the martial world. It was also then that the Four Seasons Towers infamous reputation was earned. After several hundred years, it seemed that these people had been replaced by another batch of leaders who poised to take the martial arts world by storm. Then, it was called the Twelve-Year Bloodbath of the Martial World! Within the twelve years, the Four Season Towers experts had subdued the world by force once again, causing massive losses in the martial arts world. The peerless expert of the martial world had been annihilated by the Four Seasons Towers big boss himself. Anyone and everyone, forces who were dissatisfied, had an opinion against or conflict with the Four Seasons Tower was completely uprooted. For that twelve years, the entire martial arts world was terrorized, petrified the moment they heard of the Four Seasons Towers name. For the next three hundred years, no one dared call themselves the Unrivaled Expert. It was only until Dugu Chous rise that a new legend graced the martial world C there was a new unrivaled, a new top one in the world! Somewhere along the way, the Four Seasons Tower had begun to work in secrecy; no one knew if there were any more battles However, Dugu Chou had also gone into seclusion once he had triumphed in the world, halting before ascending to the heavens. Then along came Ling Xiaozui, the acknowledged Unrivaled Expert who had even gone against the Four Seasons Tower head to head. They had fought for over a hundred years, give or take a few years; despite the fact that the Four Seasons Tower seemed to be at a disadvantage, no resolution to the conflict was ever revealed. There was no saying whether the Four Seasons Tower had lost or Ling Xiaozui had won. Things had finally come to a head. The legend of the Four Seasons Tower and its intimidating might seemed to have faded from everyones sight but at this point in time, this mysterious organization that had long lurked in the dark and had almost been forgotten by the world had reemerged once more without warning. It came at the entire martial arts world forcefully, baring its fangs. No one knew the reason behind the Four Seasons Towers reappearance but everyone chose to, wisely, avoid it. It was simply because the words that were being bandied around, ''subduing the world by force'' and ''bloodshed of the martial world'' were too terrifying to accept. There was only one Dugu Chou, there was also only one Ling Xiaozui; there were a lot of overconfident people in the martial arts world but there was truly none who dared to say that they could compare with these two. Yun Yang cultivated every day. The news of current events was being sent to him incessantly as well. Once Shui Wuyin received the information, he came in search of Yun Yang immediately. "Young master, the Four Seasons Tower has started its grand machinations." "Are you prepared?" "I am always ready." "Good! Leave at once." "Yes." Shui Wuyin had disappeared from the Residence of Yun from that day onwards. This was a plan both of them had come up with a long time ago. Before the Four Seasons Tower decided to lash out, the Nine Heavens Dictum could still be of use and operate in its current state. Once the Four Seasons Tower executed their revenge, the Nine Heavens Dictum would have to immediately go from operating in the dark to entirely being obscured underground! Other than urgent situations, the Nine Heavens Dictum would not have any activities in this short period of time! Any form of carelessness could bring about grave consequences. Shui Wuyin had been making preparations for a long time. Any Nine Heavens Dictum member who could be contacted were put into obscurity; waiting for new assignments; those members who could not be contacted were put aside for now. All the strings and codes related to them, in addition to contacts from all aspects, were chopped off to ensure their safety. Aside from that, Yun Yang had one more request for Shui Wuyin. "Wuyin, it is my hope that you can build the worlds top underground intelligence organization using this opportunity. I dont mind the title, in particular, being used for this intel organization but the complete control must be in our hands C it cannot be passed to anyone else!" "I will do so." Shui Wuyin then vanished. Bai Yixue pushed Yun Yangs door open with a loud bang. His face was pale and his lips quivered when he looked at Yun Yang; his gaze was fixed. The current Bai Yixue was devoid of his usual grace; his boring gaze was not much better than a person with an affliction. "What, again?" Yun Yang asked in surprise, "Right. Why arent you leaving yet, Bai Yi? Didnt you say youre leaving today? The past is in the past, we dont owe each other anything now; havent I given you everything I should? The deal is done, the silver taels paid; if you linger here any longer, it will be in your head!" Bai Yixue watched Yun Yang for a long, long time with trembling lips; finally, he whined in a teary voice, "Yun Yang, you have dug one pit after another; your incessant manipulation is simply vicious! I have finally come to terms with the fact that once I''ve fallen into one of your pits, there is no getting out of it." Yun Yang replied in feigned shock, "How could you say that? Where do we begin? Although were already friends, you cant simply say such things; I would feel overly proud if you praise me like this!" Bai Yixues expression grew uglier as he began to sob. "Forget it, forget it. Feel proud, be proud of it all you want! Anyway, even if youve dealt with the end of this appropriately and have long calculated to put yourself out of this mess, it will not be of use now" "Why not? Spit it out, let''s see if I can handle it!" "The Four Seasons Tower has announced their Cosmo Edict on me C an absolute kill order on Bai Yixue!" Bai Yixue felt like all hope had dimmed within him. "From now on, I am the martial arts worlds public enemy" Yun Yang, shocked, sighed heavily, "Truly, that is a brutal situation to be in." He sighed again. With a wave of his hand, Lao Mei came in with a tray as Yun Yang said sincerely, "Bai Yi, I know you are ambitious and have your heart set in the martial world. I would like to think that we have become friends throughout all the trials that we have been through. Now that youre leaving, please take these along with you." Bai Yixue''s eyes widened and he stared at Yun Yang in disbelief. "Here is one million silver taels worth of banknotes, five hundred pieces of mystical stones, eighty pieces of precious metals and ten pieces of high-quality jade." Yun Yang smiled amicably as he said, "A small token of my appreciation. Brother Bai must not think too little of it. The future is vast, I am certain we shall meet again." He was actually chasing the man away. Bai Yixues face twisted with confusion. "Leave? Where do you want me to go to?" Yun Yang gestured negligently with his hand as he said, "The world is your oyster. With Brother Bais skill, where cant you go? Weve helped each other through our hard times, this shall not be forgotten within the martial world; we shall meet again." Bai Yixue snorted and said decisively, "I am not leaving! It''s just too convenient, throwing me away after using me. I didnt know you are such a callous person!" Yun Yang was flabbergasted. "Youve turned me into the worlds enemy and seeing that the absolute kill order has fallen on me, youre chasing me away?" Bai Yixue continued in irritated tones, "Do you think that you will be safe after I leave? You can only hope. Let me tell you, the Four Seasons Towers absolute kill order sweeps up everyone related to the target. Anyone who aids the target against the tower''s wishes will have their family wiped out and have disaster fall upon nine familial generations! You will never be rid of this problem!" Yun Yang frowned. "Brother Bai, youre incorrect. Your mission has been completed, we have no relations anymore. You are currently a freeloader here who refuses to leave. How can it be said that I am helping you? Please do not speak nonsense, someone might die from your claims of relationship Besides, your host has run out of funds. Ive already given you so much travel allowance, isnt it enough?" Bai Yixue replied resolutely, "Whatever you say now will not change my mind; Im not leaving either way. I belong to the Residence of Yun from now on. Lao Mei and Fang Mofei can be your guards, I should be even more qualified than them! Dont even think of disassociating yourself from me C I am yours, from now on!" Yun Yang looked awkward. "Is Brother Bai somewhat condescending? Its easy to say youre my man, but can I forcefully make you stay when you leave without a care afterward?" "It is decided. I shall leave it to you to decide if you want me to be your guard or butler, Im not leaving anyway," Bai Yixue said. Yun Yang snorted, "If I have a guard like you, my lifespan will definitely be shortened by a few years! It is so exhausting!" Bei Yixue retorted in mocking tones, "You are exhausted? Im absolutely expended! Having a young master like you, my life might just end tomorrow!" Yun Yang replied quietly, "Since it causes so much exhaustion, why tire everyone, why wear out our physical and mental energy? Leave quickly! Its so chaotic now" Bai Yixue replied coldly, "You dont have to push me away with your words, I wont leave for sure. Im all in to become the Residence of Yuns man! As for the Four Seasons Towers absolute kill order, the Residence of Yun is included in its scope! Disaster upon nine familial generations!" Yun Yang scoffed and said, "Do you wish to follow me that much? Its fine if you really want to be a part of the Yun Family but you have to make an oath first." Bai Yixue glared at him and with a sudden stomp of his foot, he said, "Do you think that I am afraid to take an oath? I shall be your guard wholeheartedly for the next ten years!" Obviously, Bai Yixue had long decided on this plan; he had precisely calculated his stance. A duration of ten years was neither long nor was it short. If he had roamed alone in the martial arts world as long, his death was imminent. After all, the Four Seasons Towers absolute kill order was the most effective in the martial world; on the other hand, there was still a chance of survival in the Residence of Yun. Not only was the Residence of Yun a force to be reckoned with in Tiantang City, Yun Yang himself was a master of tricks too; his fate at chances and destined luck far exceeded that of an ordinary person. For example, when he was injured and he returned to his residence, his recovery was rapid beyond belief. Besides, ever since Bai Yixue arrived, the improvement of his cultivation base improved by tenfold. Such a speed was even more efficient than the few and rare gifts he had received in the past. Summarizing all the points above, it was a steal to buy his life with a decade of service. If the Four Seasons Tower found him and wanted to kill him within these ten years, then it was his fate. After all, his death was definite without a dash of hope if here to go against the tower now. However, with the buffer of ten years, his ability might hike to the point of being able to protect himself sufficiently! The Four Seasons Tower could probably not do much to him when he left then. As for being Yun Yang''s guard, what were a few years of service? As Bai Yixue continued to calculate quietly, he began to feel increasingly certain that he had gotten the sweet end of the deal. Isn''t it merely ten years of service? 295 Mishap! Bai Yixue felt he had gotten the better part of the bargain by exchanging a decade of his time for the right to use this cultivation mecca for another ten years. Disregarding the other extra benefits, this deal was one very worthy steal! "Ten years it is! Agreed!" Yun Yang urged, "Then make an oath quickly. Let the heaven be our witness, you shall be held accountable for your words." They were charging along into a covenant, like a fire that had met dried branches. In spite of this, Bai Yixue was wary of Yun Yangs reaction. "Why is he so agreeable to this?" "Why do I feel like something is not quite right? Like Ive fallen into another trap?" "Has this cunning rascal dug another pit?" "Hes the king of traps though, could it be that this is latest of his sly schemes?" Yet no matter how Bai Yixue thought of it, he could find nothing wrong with the arrangement. Considering things from all angles, it still seemed beneficial to him. Besides, he was a veteran practitioner now; even if his benefactor was pulling a fast one, how could he lose to a child? Therefore, Bai Yixue swore readily. With heaven as a witness, the oath was spoken and sealed. Yun Yang was beaming as he said, "Since you have sworn to become my guard, then you have to look like one! There are twenty-four rules you must follow as my guard." Bai Yixue was immediately taken aback C twenty-four rules? "Why so many? Don''t you dare bully me just because Ive never been a guard before. Do you think Ill obey subserviently just because you say it with such a serious face?" "You have no choice but to obey subserviently. Whether others have so many rules or not, that''s the way it is here," Yun Yang grinned. Bai Yixue felt that he had indeed fallen into another pit. Why didnt you f*cking say it before I made the oath? Now that I''ve gone and done my swearing with heaven as my witness, you tell me about your rules? Besides, I dont think Fang Mofei and Lao Mei have to follow so many rules? "About my rules, firstly" "Secondly " "Lastly, the twenty-fourth rule is..." When Yun Yang had finished reciting all twenty-four rules, Bai Yixues face had turned blue. Am I not a f*cking guard? Even if it was the most stringent, most ridiculous, most conscienceless contract it probably wouldn''t look as bad as this! "What do you mean I have to apply leave to ease myself?" Bai Yixues eyes were as round as saucers. He was a guard, why would he need to apply leave to empty his bladder? Yun Yang might as well have said that he personally wished to witness him perform the act! "What if you leave with the reason of relieving yourself when Im being attacked? I cant be too careful about this. This is a good excuse for cowards to flee! Since theres such a possibility, it''s better to be safe than sorry C better for us both!" Yun Yang answered. "Besides, your character is really extraordinary." Yun Yang finished with a meaningful glance at the fellow. "You vicious one, you!" Bai Yixue was fuming. What grievance do you have with my character? Is there anyone with a better character than mine in the martial world? He glared at the young master for a long while. Upon seeing that Yun Yang was still as sure as ever, without the slightest hint of changing his mind, Bai Yixue left with a huff. "Its only f*cking ten years! Your father can afford to play this game!" When he returned to his room, he realized his stomach was bloated like a toad from how much he was fuming; he was even a little dizzy from the anger. Fang Mofei and Lao Mei cast discreet glances at Bai Yixues door, sharing the same thought, "This fellow. Since youre aboard young masters pirate ship, how will you be able to alight so easily?" "Done within a decade? You are certainly optimistic, you old steel!" "Youre your fathers man for life, just acknowledge your fate!" Why were they so discreet? It would be mindless to ask. Although Bai Yixue had also become Yun Yangs subordinate, his martial skill was still the highest in the Residence of Yun. It would be child''s play to battle Fang Mofei or Lao Mei; he could not do anything to Yun Yang but it was another story with the other two men. It would be nice to call it an exchange of knowledge and generously announce that he was bringing up the juniors while beating them up C what a joy that would be! Therefore, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei would only mock him behind his back; they truly dared not do it in the open!At least, they dared not do so before their cultivation base had caught up to Bai Yixue. On the same night, Yun Yang gave Bai Yixue a disguise. "You cant carry this sword around. You have got to change your white-clothed appearance too, being white from head to toe is too striking. Come, come, lets dye your hair white too. This mole on the corner of your right eye; this birthmark in front of your ear Right, stick two of this thin mustaches above your lips Dont pull at them!" After some time, Yun Yang took two steps back to observe his work. "The base is good after all, youre still a rather handsome man!" He had managed to go through the torment. When Bai Yixue grabbed the mirror to check on his appearance, he growled in despair, "Whats the f*cking use even if your fathers base is good? This is a f*cking monster! Is this still a f*cking human? This is a rat f*cking acquiring spirituality!" "Its all for your safety. Besides, donning a disguise is one of my rules! I told you" "F*ck me!" It was late in the night of the same day when Yun Yang was cultivating. Suddenly, a squeaking sound could be heard. The source of the sound was the Thousand Illusion Monkey? Yun Yang sprung up abruptly, looking around. Was this not Ji Lingxis spiritual beast? Why was it here? No matter how much it disliked its owner and missed him, there was simply no reason for it to appear here. What has happened? As he got out of the door, the Thousand Illusion Monkey had hopped to his feet impatiently while gesturing with frantic motions as it called out anxiously. It pulled at Yun Yangs robe, trying to pull him out. Yun Yang noticed immediately that the Thousand Illusion Monkey was weak and covered in blood, with wounds peppering its body. He could not help but worry. Some mishap must have taken place! The Thousand Illusion Monkeys owner, Ji Lingxi, was currently carrying Yue Rulan on her back while moving rapidly through the forest. The violent heaving hinted at her less than great condition. In fact, Ji Lingxi thought that she was in a bad shape; she even felt that she would collapse at any given time, and as long as she went down, she would not be able to pick herself up again. She was on her last legs now. The only thought supporting her right now was to survive with Sister Lan. Ji Lingxi had never thought that the path of the martial world was such an arduous one; it had never crossed her mind that a person could be this vile. The third disbelief of hers was that the cause of this impasse was the two families where she and Yue Rulan had come from. She had never felt a sense of belonging to her family while Yue Rulan was devoted to her brother and had decided long ago to never marry anyone else. Yet it was this time that their families met a sudden encounter. A young master of a reclusive family had appeared out of nowhere and offered an abundance of resources in exchange for their hands in marriage. The young master had asked to marry both Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan at the same time. Be it to Ji Family or Yue Family, this was unexpectedly good news C great news even. The resources that the young master had offered was considered a copious abundance, even to these two noble families. It was hard to resist, despite the families not knowing the reason that this young master insisted on marrying Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan. However, it did not stop these families from taking in this godsent opportunity! After all, the items the young master offered as betrothal gifts were enough to allow these two families to go up one level each. These were rare and extremely unusual gems of heaven and earth, in addition to a large sum of cultivation resources! Putting courtesy aside, the acquisition of these items would allow the two families to cultivate their young heirs to the realm of Tenth Perfection. It might be an exaggeration to say that it would be easy, but it was something that could be done; it was only a matter of time. Moreover, it was not as simple as bringing up one or two Tenth Perfection experts; the number of resources was sufficient for the production of ten or even more Tenth Perfection cultivators! All these were only for the first-time gift C a meeting gift that was meant to open the door, to ask for permission. Although it was in the name of a betrothal gift, everyone knew that the real betrothal gift had not been offered yet. It also meant that there were more to come! Subsequently, once they were married, resources like these would be endless and bountiful. If they could Depending on such a secretive family for their support, the two noble families could easily be pushed to the domineering position in Tianxuan Continent! Facing such temptations and glamorous dreams, the noble families had agreed without hesitation. Ji Lingxi was an adopted child anyway. Her marriage was an exchange of chance which could contribute to the advancement of the family C what was there to hesitate about? As for Yue Rulan, despite her being biologically related and from the direct line of descendants, engaged even, Ji Lingfeng had been lost for so many years C he was probably never to be found! Besides, even if Ji Lingfeng was still here, how could he compare to this young master from a reclusive, influential family? The difference was simply too great. The Yue Family would get itself out of the engagement even if Ji Lingfeng were to remain. After the Yue Familys higher-ups had discussed with the Ji Family, they broke off the arranged marriage and gave up some of the resources as compensation. The Ji Family did not mind at all, happy to see what it would turn out to be. Ji Lingfeng was only Ji Familys adopted son anyway and he was missing now; being able to obtain an extra portion of resources from this convenient fact, the family had agreed wholeheartedly. There was no resistance at all from both the families. Everything had become a matter of course and would be done once the brides were married off! Who would have expected the reclusive familys young master to suggest something out of the ordinary? He wanted to go and meet his two brides personally so as to forge a deeper bond with them. Since they had already decided to sell their own daughters, of course, the two families had no objection to the young masters suggestion. However, no family would have guessed that this was how the young master intended to build his connection C he had brought his men to hunt down Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan over tens of thousands of miles, like a cat chasing after a mouse! 296 How Could This Madness Be Without Reason? What was even more absurd was that the young masters goal was not to kill or capture the two ladies. Once he saw that they could not continue, he would stop the pursuit. When they recovered, however, he would initiate the next round of the hunt; such was the unending cycle. He would not kill the two ladies, but he did not let them go easily either, surrounding them like a lingering nightmare. Not only was it a depraved activity, it was outlandishly nonsensical! It was only when the guards and maids accompanying Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were all killed that they were notified by their families of the nonsensical farce of hunting beauties in the guise of bonding! The flying messenger beasts sent by the two families had been tracked down and killed by this young master. Ji Lingxi finally managed to get her hands on one and find out the entirety of this matter. Upon knowing this, both the ladies almost passed out from the anger. It was only when the young master knew that he could no longer keep things a secret that he stepped out to talk to the ladies. The ladies abhorred his madness, how could they agree to the ridiculous polygamous marriage? So they continued to flee and the young master continued his pursuit, maintaining his previous tempo. He would not let anyone who appeared around them to get away, but he would never kill or severely injure the two of them, so the situation remained such that they played cat and mouse C he was not in a hurry to kill them nor was he impatient to catch them, yet he would never let them go; it was a test of endurance to see who would outlast the other. The nonsensicality and bewilderment of this matter were unsurpassed in the entire world. The remarkable beauty of these two ladies often meant a continuous stream of suitors, but they had never once met one like this before! "Sister Lan, what is going on?" Ji Lingxi was sweating and trying hard to catch her breath. "Even if hes courting us, or trying to force a marriage, why is this madman doing this?" Yue Rulan was equally perplexed. Her leg was broken in one of their escapes, so she could only be carried on Ji Lingxi''s back now. Thankfully, they had known the truth and were at least relieved that they were not that pressed to flee. Once they were tired, they would just rest on the spot without hesitation. Although the other party seemed to be preventing them from escaping to Tiantang City with a mysterious motive, it was still a fact that he had not been exactly harsh on them. Up to now, he had only restricted their passage to Tiantang City. This puzzled the ladies even more. "I dont get it, no matter how I think of it." Yue Rulan shook her head, weighed down with her thoughts. "Since hes given the betrothal gift to our families, he must have been moved by some aspect of us C is it our appearance? I dont remember ever meeting this person. For someone who does things like this, he must be rather remarkable in his behavior. If we had met, the impression would definitely have lasted," Ji Lingxi said in distress. "It is highly likely that Ive never seen him before!" Yue Rulan said, "Looking at how he behaves, if we had met earlier, he might have acted out even earlier. He wouldnt have waited until now. Dont forget, weve been away for so long; he might have found out about our situation when we were away, culminating in this travesty we''re facing right now!" "Still, if hes never even seen us aren''t his actions a pure sign of madness?" Ji Lingxi was stumped the more she thought about it. "His actions have never made sense. Think about it, how could someone who intends to ask for marriage use such a method to begin his courtship? How is this in any way ''bonding''? This is simply a way to torment someone to the point of insanity" Yue Rulan frowned. "Yet, our families have agreed to his request for marriage and have accepted his betrothal gift. The order of parents consent and the gift of marriage have both been accomplished. No matter how reluctant we are, things have been set for us. The both of us can even be considered as his family now" Ji Lingxi said, "Although wed definitely not agree to the marriage, he cant be sure of our attitude before he meets us. With his lavishness and family background, there must be plenty of people who want to marry him!" "That being said, this entire farce is entirely illogical." "This cat and mouse game, hunting us for tens of thousands miles and killing everyone around us Who in their right mind would think of this as a way to ask for a lady''s hand in marriage?" Yue Rulan frowned. "Looking at how thoroughly he has planned this out, there must be a reason behind the madness!" Ji Lingxi said, "Such nonsensical and insane actions, after giving the betrothal gift There must be an objective that he wishes to meet." "If there arent any reasons, then why waste so much effort? If he wanted to catch us, he could have done so a long time ago." "What is his end game? I''m getting a headache from trying to figure it out!" Both girls discussed the matter as they fled. After so much consideration and musing, they ended up with nothing, not even the slightest clue. They then spoke about it more and came to a conclusion C the other party must have an important goal; otherwise, there was no other reason to explain such mad behavior. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. A group of men covered in black from head to toe appeared around them once again as tiny, secret weapons were flung at the girls. Facing such familiar danger, the ladies could only opt to escape once more. Their teeth were itching from how much they had gritted them out of anger. Despite no longer having to worry about their safety, they had other woes. The secret weapons would not have threatened their lives but they posed a huge danger of marring the beauty of their faces! Any carelessness would mean an end to their flawless perfection. It had always been their faces that the women cherished the most; especially so for the beautiful ones, their emphasis on their faces was more than that towards their lives. Therefore, these ladies could only opt to fight while they continued to flee. "Hahahaha" An arrogant chortle came from the forest ahead of them. A middle-aged man in green wore a triumphant smile on his face as he watched the ladies escape pathetically; his laughter grew even more mirthful. He was a confident cat that was teasing the mice between his paws. "Animal!" Ji Lingxis clear voice that came from afar was laced with pure hatred. "Hahaha" The man guffawed once again in delight, a reply to Ji Lingxis swearing. There was a skinny and insidious looking elder beside the man. As he observed the ladies mental state, he spoke softly, "Young lord, these two women are not simpletons. The resilience of their hearts and the stability of their characters are the cream of the cream for their age. This old servant has never encountered the likes of it before." The man chuckled. "If it werent so, why would they be worthy of our efforts?" "Based on what I''m seeing, Im afraid it might be a long time before we achieve the desired state," the elder said. "Not to worry. What I have now is patience. This game is fun to play!" The man was grinning. "Send the order, do not exhaust them to the point of death. Give chase a bit more and let them break away. Give them some time to eat, dont starve my little beauties. These two are really stubborn. Weve sent them food but they refused; why are they this troublesome?" "Yes." "I think we will reach our estimated goal within two months." The mans gaze followed Ji Lingxi, who was carrying Yue Rulan in an agile attempt to escaped, and praises fell from his lips, "This daughter of the Ji Family, her innate gift is simply superb! She has achieved a breakthrough of three major levels amidst our hunt, has she not?" The elder in black robes replied, "Thats right, shes about the eighth peak now! Young lord, if this girl werent indispensable due to the great help shed be in young lords cultivation journey, she might already be this old monsters prey based solely on her gift!" The mans eyes were half shut as he said, "This talent alone is already astounding, even in the Bound of Universe. Then again, if she werent this gifted, why would I need her?" "The young lord is right, of course." "Did you catch the girls monkey?" the man asked. "The Thousand Illusion Monkeys movements are agile, and its equipped with the ability to camouflage. Its tracks are long gone and theres no way to catch it. Its fled far now, but the monkey is still young. It only has its innate ability and has yet to possess advanced intelligence; it wont cause much trouble, nor unexpected changes to our plan." The elder lowered his head. "Thats hard to say. Unexpected changes are exactly what they are C unexpected. A small monkey might be able to do just that. In spite of this, even if it went to ask for help, it might not be able to explain whats happening with its current spiritual acumen." As the young lord spoke, a mocking smirk hung on his lips. The elder in black chuckled too. "Even if theres this if and the relief troops really came, what kind of relief troop in the Tianxuan Continent can intimidate us? Even their birth families have given up on them, what more anyone else?" The man said with a smile of anticipation, "Actually, I really anticipate the arrival of calvary I guess the newcomer is probably the only hope that maintains their current fighting will If we kill all of their hope right before them do you think our goal can be achieved sooner?" "Young lord is brilliant indeed!" A maniacal shine glinted in the elder''s eyes. He then realized with a start, "Young lord, when the monkey escaped, young lord wasnt that far away. With the young monkeys barely existent skill, how could it have escaped young lords hawk eyes? Was it part of young lord''s plan all this while?" The more the old man thought about it, the more it made sense; he complimented his charge, "The young lord is vigilant and possessed of great foresight indeed!" 297 The Wind Blows, Snow Falls and Clouds Loom! The man spoke faintly, "Well, at least that''s what I think. They might not have help coming; their own families arent even helping them, how could these two delicate ladies alone have any significant connections to speak of? What powerful allies could they have?" "As for the monkey, whether its useful or not, it''s still an opportunity after all. Unexpected changes might benefit others or us, only time will tell!" "Yes!" "Sister Lan, weve managed to get past them, that gives us time for a short break" Ji Lingxi clenched her teeth. "I guess its still because that bastard is purposely giving us a chance." Yue Rulan replied weakly, "Whatever it is, its good that we can come out of it. Lingxi, how many days has it been since your monkey left?" "Four days. It should have reachedTiantang City by now. I dont know if it is right to do this I keep feeling that doing so will only pull him into this mess That person is perverse in his ways of doing things, but he possesses capabilities which are more than intimidating Is there a use even if he comes?" Ji Lingxi said. Yue Rulan answered softly, "We have no choice. We can only count on this only hope If not, it might already be wishful thinking for us to even make it here. If our heart crumbles too then we really have no more hope." "Also, I wish to have left you with some sort of enlightenment. No matter the circumstances, no matter how hopeless and bad life seems now theres still a chance." Yue Rulan spoke in a low voice, a glimpse of grief flashing across her eyes. Ji Lingxi was weighed down with the thoughts running through her head. If Yun Yang really did come to their rescue, it was definitely a good thing for the both of them. However, these people were unusually strong. How could Yun Yang be a worthy opponent, based on his cultivation base? Coming here would just be sending himself straight to deaths door! Yet if Yun Yang had ignored her cry for help and did not come, Ji Lingxi would die in despair. "Sister Lan, dont you think Im contradictory?" Ji Lingxi sighed, "I hope for him to come but at the same time, I hope he doesnt If he comes, my heart aches but if he doesnt, Ill be very disappointed" Yue Rulan smiled gently. "He will come for sure." Ji Lingxis eyes radiated. "If he really does come how can we ensure his safety?" "There will be a way," Yue Rulan said meaningfully. "What way is there?" Ji Lingxi questioned. Yue Rulan did not answer, becoming quiet instead. There will naturally be a way. Ill step up, go along with the devil and use myself as the price to let you two leave. If it cant be done, then Ill die, using my death in exchange for your survival. Since hes come asking for marriage, he cant possibly force me to the point of death, can he? As long as you two have the slightest opportunity and time, you can think of something; maybe flee, maybe something else That would be the only thing I can do for you. Only under such circumstance can the both of you be together! To be able to obtain true happiness! Even if it might not last long, I shall leave that into your hands. Unfortunately, she couldn''t share these thoughts aloud. "Lets go find something to eat ahead" Ji Lingxi stroked her stomach with distress painting her features. "Im starving." Yue Rulan smiled. "Then let us go. Lets have a break before anything else happens since this devil is giving us a bit of time." Ji Lingxi made her way into a small village, speedily carrying Yue Rulan. Although they knew they had a certain duration for a break, they dared not linger. If they stayed for too long, they would bring disaster upon this quiet little village. They already had similar experiences previously! "Theyve entered the village?" The middle-aged man stood on a treetop which overlooked the tiny village which had smoke rising; his voice was soft. "Yes." "According to their habits, this time they might store food for seven to ten days" "When they come out and met our men, make sure not to spoil their food. If they have to starve while fighting us, that wouldn''t be much fun," the man said. "Yes." It had only been a while when Ji Lingxi stealthily stalked out from another side of the village carrying Yue Rulan. "Theyve come out. Young lord, do we give chase right away and attack?" The man watched the girls calmly and replied, "No need for such hurry. Give them some time, let them recover. Let them have the illusion of safety, that theyve already escaped the siege." "When they feel completely safe and let their guards down, you fellows move. This will maximize the blow on their confidence and mental state." "Young lord is brilliant!" Ominous clouds thickened in the sky, the northern wind seemed to have grown colder as it whistled listlessly. Dots of snow began falling. It looked like the first snow of this year was about to come. Yun Yang, who had gotten news that Ji Lingxi was in danger, was rushing over anxiously. Ji Lingxi was eighth brothers little sister, which made her his own sister as well. Her safety surpassed every current matter. There was also Yue Rulan, eighth brothers fianc, his own eighth sister-in-law. With danger threatening the two, of course, Yun Yang had to rush over with the greatest haste! The wind whizzed, a piece of cloud was drifting through the sky in an unusual manner. Hard snow kept pelting from the cloud. It was the telltale sign of a heavy snow; Tianxuan Continent called such phenomena snow droplets. If one were to cast their glance from the ground, only a pure, white canvas could be seen now. Yun Yang pushed his cloud manifestation with the wind, going at full speed. He had already traveled the entire day but he was yet to arrive. Right now, he was immensely thankful that he had given the treasured saber to Ji Lingxi back on that day and had even delivered a flow of mystical Qi from Endless Divine Art into the saber so that Ji Lingxi and the saber had formed a connection. Seeing the Thousand Illusion Monkey appear before him, covered in injuries, Yun Yangs first feeling was that his heart was about to stop altogether. Ji Lingxi was eighth brothers little sister while Yue Rulan was eighth brothers sister-in-law! Yun Zuiyue was just stricken with mishap and no affirmation could be made yet about whether there would still be a sliver of hope for that situation to change. Now, Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan had sent a signal of distress! Were the gods so envious of the Nine Supremes doing well? Yun Yang was infuriated; at the same time, he was trembling with anxiety. Before he could even notify anyone at home, he had scooped the Thousand Illusion Monkey up and sped towards the direction where the monkey was pointing. He had gotten out of Tiantang City in the blink of an eye as he sped away, and it was only then that he realized Whitey Two, Three, and Four were sleeping on him. It seemed that he had left in too much of ahaste and did not realize that the Whiteys were habitually snuggling with him. They were still with him now and as the cold wave came head-on, the three Whiteys quivered before their eyes opened simultaneously. "Meow" The three Whiteys were dumbfounded at their current situation. Why am I in the air? Did I learn how to fly while I was sleeping? Why is it so cold? What are these white things that are floating all over the sky? Master, slower! Whitey is cold! The Thousand Illusion Monkeys eyes were widened. Its red buttocks were icy and about to freeze right off, being blown by the chilling wind but its face displayed human-like anxiousness. Its been so long. I wonder how is master doing? Ji Lingxi already felt powerless and hopeless. The engulfing fighting atmosphere and ceaseless greetings of weapons, especially directed towards her face forced her to put up with them all; she could only counter and battle with all she could, exerting the last bit of her force and energy to maintain her stance. If these people simply wanted to kill her, she might have long given up defending herself. it might be gratifying If she could just die that way. Yet these bastards wished to disfigure her! How could she put up with that? She was tired of the games. No matter how defiant she was, exhaustion was consuming her. "Whether hes pursuing us or forcing the marriage on us why is he hunting to kill us? It would make sense if it was just a hunt to kill, why does each attack focus on disfiguring us?" Ji Lingxi mumbled as she ran, "Could it be that this bastard isnt only perverse in his actions? His hobby is even more perverse; he likes disfigured women?" Yue Rulan rolled her eyes behind the formers back. How should she phrase this better? She believed that the other partys true intentions were not to disfigure them. The attack was only a continuous pressure tactic to further push the buttons of their mental state. They had another motive for sure, and it must have been an ambitious one. It was merely beyond their comprehension at this point in time. "This girls resilience is remarkable!" The man watched Ji Lingsi, who was running for her life. "What an amazing potential!" The black-robed elder beside him wore a serious gaze as he said, "Congratulations, young lord! From what weve observed now, this girl hasnt broken down, even until this stage. Her endurance or character is the cream of the cream. Young lords supposed gain will definitely far exceed our initial evaluation!" The man nodded slowly and replied, "I feel so too. This amount of effort is worth its value, how lucrative!" As time passed, the snow fell heavier. The man glanced at the sky before saying, "This girl is getting better. Heavy snow is approaching. Dont let her escape in the snow. If she actually managed to flee, then our set up all this time will be wasted." The elderly nodded. "This subordinate understands. There wont be any mistakes." As the old man agreed, he thought that his young lord had never worried about the possibility of his prey escaping. This woman was an exception. Therefore, his young lords anticipation of this girl was significant. It only meant that there would be no mistakes allowed, regarding this target. "Keep close, everyone. Close up the gaps in the siege!" The snow finally fell in a heavy torrent. 298 Dragon of the Gale, Flash of a Bolt! It was merely a quarter of an hour before the earth was covered in silvery-white. About an hour later, the hills and mountains that stretched around ones sight were painted white as well! "The girls quite smart, using the weather to her advantage" The black-clothed elder smiled in praise as he said, "She has actually hidden somewhere and changed them both into white clothing." The man smiled in curiosity and said, "Just as the snow covers the earth and the environment is changing, shes able to adapt. The thought of changing into white clothes to use the snow as camouflage in hopes of escaping it looks like this girls determination is impressive indeed. Im afraid she can still persevere for more than a month!" The black-robed elder smiled. "This is good news. The longer she can persevere, the bigger the gain for the young lord later!" The mans eyes squinted; beaming, he said, "Naturally its better the longer she perseveres. If she can hold out for a year I suppose the Pure Yin of Chaos obtained later can triumph over the world and is superior to the universe." The old man in black chortled, obviously agreeing heartily with the mans words. The man chuckling halted as he lifted his head abruptly to gaze far away and said, frowning, "Why is there such a strong wind suddenly?" The men around him raised their heads to look as well, trying to figure it out. The sound of the wind had indeed grown louder, the snow falling harder; as the wind greeted ones face, it was like tiny knives cutting through skin. The snow piled on the ground was fluttering into the air, stirred up by the wind. After a while, the fluttering snow, which was unprecedentedly heavy, obscured the groups vision. "This is bad!" The middle-aged man''s frown was locked into place. "Wearing white clothes is an advantage in such weather. Dont let the two girls escape. Quickly go after them" Before the man could finish his words, the gale grew stronger once again! Suddenly, it was like hundreds of thousands of people growling at the same time as their surroundings seemed to whizz about like an incoming tsunami. All the trees in the forest bent in unison. The accumulated snow all around the mountains went dancing in the air simultaneously. It was not just obscured vision now. Even if one were to be possessed of greater eyesight, they would not be able to see anything past their own fingers. "Sh*t!" The man growled. His body went against the wind in a flash, like a sharp blade that went against a current as it forcefully cut the northern wind open. A moment ago, Yun Yang, who had traveled from afar, arrived and overlooked the forest from the sky. At one glance, he could already spot Ji Lingxi who was fleeing pitifully carrying Yue Rulan. He was enraged at once. The bloodstains on the girls, their pale faces and their struggle to survive pierced Yun Yangs heart like a blade. Before he made a move though, he was surprised to sense a strong aura being exuded from the forest faintly. Yun Yang was infuriated, but he tried his best to remain levelheaded. "All the more I cant be raging at this time. The ability of the opponent is unknown as of now; things will not get done if I go through it with temporal bravado. It''s alright if I''m the only one who dies, but I have an eighth sister-in-law and Lingxis lives in my hand!" Clever as the Thousand Illusion Monkey might be, it was only a young baby. Its spiritual sense was not awakened yet. Despite being able to give a warning and direct the way, it could not tell Yun Yang what had happened in full. Now that Yun Yang thought of it, Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan might have been in a critical state but their opponent might not be any better off. After all, Ji Lingxis cultivation base was only at the fifth peak when they had separated then. It had not been long; even if Ji Lingxi had breakthroughs, her advance would have been limited. If there was still room for her to escape, then their opponent must not be someone with a formidable force! It was such a calculation and assumption that Yun Yang had not thought of; what could he do if the opponent of Ji Lingxi was someone so powerful that even Yun Yang could not handle him? Lo and behold, not only was Yun Yang shocked to realize that the other partys ability had far exceeded his expectations, it was so high that he could not even begin to fathom it! Yun Yang took a deep breath and hovered around, pretending to be the northern wind "The cultivators aura isnt ordinary and any one of their auras are much stronger than mine Whats more, two of them seems to be parallel to Ling Xiaozui? Compared to Ling Xiaozuis aura the other day, its only a strand of hairs difference Who are they? How could they be so formidable?" Upon identifying the combat power of the other party, Yun Yang was stunned at his own judgment! How could there be such terrifying aura at this time and place? An expert of such amazing levels? What was more puzzling was that they were hunting for Ji Lingxi! Since there was the existence of such frightening experts, why had they not seized Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan long ago? There was definitely a conspiracy at work here! How many experts on this earth could there be of these peoples level? With what Yun Yang knew, there was only a total of four to five people who had achieved such levels. Ling Xiaozui was one, Dugu Chou who was a legend was, of course, one as well. Mr. Nian, who was Four Seasons Towers mastermind, must naturally be one too while the other was someone whom he only knew of by name C Jun Moyan Yun Yang really had no idea of any more, had never even heard of their names. Now though, there were two at the same time. Yun Yang could not help connecting the dots -could it be that it was the Four Seasons Towers Mr. Nian? Who was the other one then? If the Four Seasons Tower were to possess two powerful forces at the same time, it could have wiped out Ling Xiaozui easily. With the towers manpower, material resources, ability, and force, it would have been a piece of cake to trap Ling Xiaozui and long be done with the thorn in its side. This should be a question for the Four Seasons Tower or Ling Xiaozui to ponder upon; it had nothing to do with Yun Yang. Whatever it was, no matter who the person was below, it was a tough nut that Yun Yang could not fight head-on! This stretch of forest meant extreme danger to Yun Yang at any given time. In spite of this, Yun Yang would never allow Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan to be captured, no matter how dangerous it could be! Even if his life was at stake, it did not matter. The wind continued howling. The black-robed elder and the elegant, relaxed man beneath seemed to be the culprits for this. He decided immediately after careful deliberation. Yun Yang had cultivated the various manifestations and was rather adept; it was time to test them out! The gale grew even harsher by ten-fold almost immediately! The snow that had fallen across the mountains soared high into the sky, following the wind; everything within heaven and earth was blurry. At the same time, a tornado formed in the sky and charged downwards like an enraged dragon. The man on the other side was exceptionally quick in reacting. Yun Yang had only manifested but the man was already shooting over through the clouds like a sharp arrow! The young lord noticed that the violent tornado was man-made with just a single glance as he roared angrily, "Who is it? How dare you spoil this young lords plan?" The tornado took no heed of his words as the gale rolled, curling Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan into the breeze and left the ground, soaring up and retreating fast! Yun Yang knew that he only had this chance, judging by his opponents ability. Therefore, he had rolled the two ladies up and retreated at once, without hesitation. "Stay here!" The mans body catapulted horizontally forward, soaring up diagonally to face the vicious northern wind. A hand stretched out from his sleeves abruptly but it was all black; making a grabbing motion, he yelled, "Stay right there!" His grabbing gesture caused a black hole to appear amidst the heavy snow! All the spiritual Qi from heaven and earth was blocked outside of this black hole. The area it engulfed reached up a thousand feet in the air! Yun Yang could feel the lockdown on him; he would not have the power to defend himself against such power! The hand was exceptionally speedy. It looked like it was about to consume the tornado and put an end to it! With a thought in Yun Yangs mind, a crack sounded in midair! When the snow flew in a flurry this season, how could there be thunder? Not only that, there was lightning accompanying it! The man was shocked. The flash of lightning wriggled like a shiny silver snake, cutting through the air and landing precisely on the mans inky right hand. A boom C the force that came from the grab vanished. Smoke rose from the right hand that had been struck by lightning; the man retracted it but his other hand shot out to repeat the same grabbing motion with an even more brutal aura. With a soft rubbing sound, he had grabbed another black hole out of thin air! He was obviously infuriated from being struck by the flash of lightning; his strike this time was laced with resentment born out of anger and embarrassment. However, the tornado had risen a thousand feet higher into the sky, using the gap when the lightning struck him. It was rising still, widening the distance between them. Even when the man attacked a second time with even more force, it was futile. Then came a sonorous cry. A radiance glimmered underneath; a bright sword light and a black-clothed silhouette accompanied by a surging sword energy soared thousands of feet high into the sky. It was the black-robed elder who had sprung into the sky with his sword to stop the tornado! His sword could shake even the wind and thunder as he moved like a dragon with his weapon at a high altitude. "Where can you go?" Yun Yang was shaken once more; his manifestation of the tornado sped up again to avoid the old man at all cost. However, as the sword slashed downwards, the dragon-like tornado broke apart! The lower half of the wind dissipated into mystical Qi with a boom and disappeared without a trace! 299 A Transcendent Encounter Yun Yang felt a heart-wrenching agony. The purplish-golden liquid within his dantian instantly boiled away; his spiritual soul was shaken and a bleary despondency suddenly fell upon him. He came close to dispelling his wind manifestation, with the risk of falling from a high altitude. The power of the black-robed elder was aimed directly at ones spiritual being, a force which consumed the soul and corroded the spirit to the point of no return. Yun Yang was concurrently manifested as wind, cloud, and thunder; a portion of him was condensed into a gale, half of his sentience formed the cloud while a sliver of his consciousness turned into lightning. It was the same for his deific consciousness and spirit; they had splintered into three unequal parts. The tornado was only half of Yun Yangs cultivation base. Otherwise, the sudden slash of the sword was enough to have chopped Yun Yang into two, like a tornado that had been split in twain! Even then, Yun Yang had still suffered from a severe injury; his spiritual soul was gravely damaged. After all, it was no joke to have his manifestation of a tornado violently split against his will. Yun Yang forced the flow of the Endless Divine Art while Emmie delivered an air of vitality continuously, to support his efforts. He used up the rest of his remaining energy for one final attempt. The tornado charged into a higher altitude with an ear-splitting boom. The elders momentum with his sword ended; he had lost his chance to strike again. With a hiss, the tornado dashed across the sky and swiftly disappeared. A cloud came drifting in the sky, cushioning the tornado as it rose several thousand feet into the air. They pierced the snowy clouds before vanishing without a trace. Silence. The elder in black robes landed slowly, descending from the high altitude while holding his sword; shock was evident in his eyes. The middle-aged young lord who was on the ground had his eyes widened as well, staring at the ominous clouds; his gaze spoke of intimidation! Who was that? What cultivation method had he used? Both of them had struck out in an effort to block the person; they had given their all and the accumulated force would have been sufficient to turn the scenario to their advantage but it did not seem to have affected the tornado in the slightest! At least, the other party had looked at ease and had left the scene gracefully. "What cultivation method is this? What mythical power have we just witnessed?" the young lord asked uneasily. "This" The elder in robe chuckled dryly, "...is something I have never seen nor heard before." The young lord frowned deeply and asked, "Was that a person?" The elder in black robes wore a grim expression and did not answer, speechless for a long while. The tornado was man-made and the person behind it was diffused into the wind and clouds C that much was certain! However, who had the ability to entirely turn into wind C without a hint of his physical body? His attack earlier had only chopped off half the tornado, but from what the other party had displayed, the entire tornado should have been his physical manifestation. Chopping half of it meant chopping part of the persons form, but why was there only the dissipation of mystical Qi and not a solid wound to the physical body? Such a cultivation method was terrifying and altogether surprising, not mention bizarre. With the elders extensive experience, cultivation methods of wonder that could turn one into wind and thunder in a short amount of time were not common, within his knowledge. However, he knew that the term turning into wind and thunder was only a metaphor. No matter how dazzling the performance of the cultivator or how similar to wind and thunder it looked like, the physical body still had to exist. If an opponent slashed at the physical body, the term turning into wind and thunder would mean absolutely nothing. Nonetheless, someone had indeed arrived, turned into the wind and landed without showing his true self. He had then collected the two ladies by wrapping them up in a tornado before shooting into the nine heavens! Even when the person had been struck with a disembodying strike, only part of their mystical Qi was separated but the real self was not damaged at all; the physical manifestation of the sudden interloper had not materialized. How could this not shock and petrify the man and elder? "I didnt expect the girls to have such a strong force behind them." The middle-aged young lord heaved a long sigh and said, "No wonder they kept persevering and waited for help, never giving up This had to be the reason behind their perseverance." He frowned then, and said, "For such a character to intervene Im afraid all our arrangements prior to this have been wasted. Even if we were to find them, how can we fight with such a legendary expert?" Other than the heavy disappointment lacing his tone, there was a tinge of genuine fear. Although he was vehemently reluctant, he had acknowledged the turn of events and did not wish to tempt fate. Suc ha skill was barely fathomable; was it not seeking death to go against such a person? "Young lord, there might be a loophole in this matter. We can''t say for sure that this won''t benefit us." The elderly mused and said, "From what I see, our set up might still be effective." The young lords expression was grim as he replied, "Oh? How so?" "This old servant is shocked at the wonder of the persons manifestation earlier, but in my opinion, if this person did really possess such a formidable cultivation base for lack of better words, since this person is acquainted with Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan, how would he let this rest, seeing the ladies being harassed like this by young master?" the elder said. "Your words make sense." The young lord said worriedly, "What should we do if this person comes for revenge? With such a stealthy expert our family" "Young master has misunderstood me. This old servant doesnt mean so." The elder''s hunched body, clad in a black robe, straightened ever so slightly as he said, "This old servant meant to say if he was indeed so capable, he shouldve killed us all just now." "From the skill weve seen and the mind-boggling cultivation method of manifesting into various natural phenomena, these abilities have surpassed the standards of this continent. It shouldnt be a difficult task to kill us. Even when his goal was to prioritize saving the two ladies it still shouldnt be much of a problem to put an end to us. However, he did not do so!" The old man continued, "Not only did he waste the opportunity to strike us down, he has not revealed himself to us." "For a such a skilled expert, isn''t this odd behavior?" "Perhaps he was here just to save the ladies, without even contemplating revenge. This is a puzzle that doesnt make sense." "Since he has come such a long way to save them, I believe their relationship must be unusual. Since its unusual, then he should be thirsting for our lives if he were to possess such a transcendent ability!" "Yet, he did not do so. Its not that he didnt do it or he didnt want to do it, its because he cant do it! Hes incapable of doing it!" "Furthermore, there was another odd thing. It was only an instance that we exchanged attacks just now. Our understanding of each other is limited, but throughout the process, the person gave this old servant the impression that he was very rushed like he came in haste and left in a hurry. Its this feeling I get, not the confident, domineering aura nor a disdainful and reckless aura." The young lord listened to the elderlys analysis attentively; he even cut him mid-sentence and made him repeatedly narrate the analysis. The more he listened, the brighter his eyes grew; the fear that lurked deep in his eyes began to fade. "That tornado looked frightening but it wasnt at all lethal to us. At least, its power was about as insignificant as it could be, far from our assumptions." "If the other party is really a transcendent expert and possessed such mythical cultivation methods, he couldve used the tornado to kill us all C its honestly not all that difficult. If our positions were switched, we would never have let someone who assaulted our relatives to this extent go..." "Therefore, this old servants judgment is that despite the remarkability of the cultivation method used, perhaps the persons skill or cultivation base is still shallow. Who knows, perhaps its insufficient as well. Either way, it''s only bluster; I doubt it could be used to kill." "The interloper''s goal was only to save the girls!" "From how hastily hes come and left in such a hurry after saving them, it might not be that the other party holds no resentment against us, but he is incapable of acting upon it!" The black-robed elder said, "Its been a very long time since our family has stepped foot on this secular Tianxuan Continent. We dont know what changes have occurred since." "However, if this old servants guess is correct, and such a cultivation method did exist, then the person must be someone famous on this continent." "As long as we ask around, well most probably get the information. Then, well be able to decide on our next move." The young lord listened while nodding, a smile back on his face. "Thats right! Even if we were sure that the person is an expert of a level that we cant fight with, or that he has other seniors or powerful ones behind him, we still have room for escape. If all else fails, we can return home anytime. As long as the spiritual Qi passage is sealed, well be carefree even if the other party is superbly mighty." "However" An insidious glare glinted in the young lords eyes. "If the person is not a transcendent expert or that he has no other skilled ones supporting him" The elder smiled and said, "Then this old servant will congratulate young lord Not only can the Pure Yin of Chaos be retrieved with a bright future that beckons, the young lord can even obtain a unique cultivation method that will be the one and only in the Bound of Universe!" "Exactly so!" The snow fell incessantly. It was like the mountains had lost their valleys, covered entirely in blurry swirls of ice. In a small city not too far from the forest, the black-robed elder and the middle-aged young lord were seated in an alehouse, listening to the chatter of the people attentively. The snow had placed its seal on the mountains, the routes were all closed off; other than courageous martial experts who had left, fueled by their skills, ordinary people could only search for taverns and inns nearby to rest and avoid the heavy snow. Each tavern in the area of the snow was full of guests. It was simply too easy to find out information currently. "Were the Nine Supreme Lords so powerful? Wouldn''t that make them immortals?" The black-robed elderly looked on curiously at the rotund man who was intoxicated and bragging outrageously to anybody who was willing to listen. 300 Gathered at the Residence of Yun The rotund man snorted and said proudly, "Of course the Nine Supremes Lords are like immortals, theyre the Empire of Yutangs guardians! As long as the Nine Supremes Lords were here, our Yutang would be peerless in this world!" The pride laced in his tone would have made anyone believe he was one of the Nine Supremes himself. "However, the Nine Supremes Lords have already" The middle-aged young lord sighed and said, "The fight at Tianxuan Cliff took eight heroes, leaving one behind; its hard to do everything alone" "How would you know of Lord Supreme Winds mightiness?" The fat man glanced at the young lord in disdain and said, "Ive personally witnessed Lord Supreme Winds almighty prowess. It was above Tiantang City, the barreling tornado connected heaven and earth C the valiance was earth-shattering! Everyone kneeled on the spot, as if they''ve seen deities. Perhaps Lord Supreme Wind has turned into an immortal" "Lord Supreme Wind. Tornado" the young lord mumbled. Snow was still fluttering outside while the people inside had nothing to do. Hearing someone talk about the Nine Supremes while being Yutangs men themselves, they were naturally familiar with their heroes. They came forth to add a word of their own, sparking a heated discussion. The old man and young lord listened and exclaimed in admiration while exchanging glances throughout the process. They finally understood the entirety of things now. So this was the case! The Tianxuan Continent had experienced many changes in the period of their familys absence C the Residence of Nine Supremes, Nine Heavens Dictum, Nine Supremes! It seemed that the person who had saved Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan was this Supreme Wind then C there was no doubt about it! "Obviously it was the Nine Heavens Demesne that gifted the Nine Supremes the power of natural phenomena." "As for the Nine Supremes, to possess such abilities, yet still managed to get themselves annihilated, their combat power is not intimidating at all!" "Young lord, this is a golden opportunity!" The insidious face of the old man dressed in black was alight with excitement. "Correct, we mustnt miss this godsend chance!" The young lord said slowly, his eyes glowing. "Only our family has accessed the spiritual Qi passage for now. This time, it was initially opened for young lords cultivation C to find innately gifted mystical Yin and to obtain the Pure Yin of Chaos The other families dont know this about the Tianxuan Continent and have missed this remarkable cultivation method." The old man said, "Still, the acquisition of the mythical cultivation method might not be completed anytime soon, especially with Supreme Wind being so mysterious; hardly anyone knew his real identity. Its not too long after his ambush, so he must be even more cautious when concealing himself. There will be difficulties awaiting us if we were to investigate him." "If young lord doesnt return and remained absent for too long, the other families might get suspicious. Any family that finds out about this cultivation method would definitely not let it go." The old mans voice was hushed, a strong sense of warning filled his tone. "Meaning?" The young lord smiled in amusement. "This old servant means" The black-robed old man gritted his teeth. "Let the others go back first. Leave only a handful of people here with young lord, then seal the spiritual Qi passage. Make it look like young lord has returned." "Young lord, you have the Core Embodiment Jade. Use all your energy to activate the Core Embodiment Jade and notify our family to reopen the spiritual Qi passage. From there, we can return safe and sound." "With such great lengths taken, I believe the other families wont have noticed this here." "When young lord returns then, itll also be in secret I believe with a period of immersed cultivation, the young lord can go straight to the top of the Rising Dragon Ranking" "Agreed!" The middle-aged young lords breathing could not help but quicken when speaking of this as he said, "With our cultivation bases, we should already be of pinnacle level in the worldly Tianxuan Continent. As long as we dont provoke the mighty ones, the rest are too insignificant to be mentioned." "At worst, if we really intended to flee, no one could make us stay if we utilize our Conceptual Augmentation! This can work indeed." "If the young lord is decided, this old servant will arrange it now. Better early than late, it should be carried out as soon as possible." "Alright." The young lord said decisively, "Since theres no need to keep plenty of people around, let it be just the two of us. The rest can go back, make a bigger ruckus there as a distraction." "We shall depart to Tiantang City tomorrow morning!" "Yes!" The previous change of events was unexpected to the young lord and black-robed elder, but they had adapted to it, being taken aback first before being delighted; it seemed that their critical situation had turned into a huge opportunity C what a great surprise! On the other hand, it was thrill after thrill for Yun Yang. He was petrified from beginning to end. Anyone with a weaker state of mind would have been scared to death if he had not been struck dead first! There was no other reason other than the exceedingly mighty prowess of the other party; it exceeded even the maximum limit of Yun Yangs psychological endurance. The level he had endured and the degree of damage he sustained from this rescue mission were far greater than that time He Hanqing had injured him! Once Yun Yang struck, he was met with threats; it was extremely dangerous. The Whiteys were infuriated seeing it and were about to charge out. Yun Yang had stopped them immediately. With the unidentifiable level and formidable cultivation base of the other party, it was still futile even when the Whiteys had leveled up, unrestrained by the limitation of ranks. Not only would it be useless, they would only be further exposed and could even be exterminated. A thought suddenly blossomed in his head. It was just like what the young lord and old man in black were thinking C that the critical situation could turn to his advantage, this vehement enemy might be a huge surprise! Whatever idea it was, it needed further improvisation with dozens of details to consider. There was hardly any time to ponder upon it; he had better bring the two ladies and the Thousand Illusion Monkey back to the Residence of Yun instead. After all, Yun Yang was not in the greatest condition right now. His mystical Qi was very much depleted and his cultivation method was damaged from the unsparing slash of the elder; he had to recuperate and heal himself as soon as possible. As for Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan, their high-strung hearts were inexplicably pacified once they were carried away by the tornado. Once they let their guards down, they lost consciousness. When the two ladies woke up and regained their bearings, they realized that they were lying on a fragrantly soft bed. "Where are we?" Ji Lingxi scrambled up at once and her eyes bulged in shock. Her eyes met a familiar sight C a sword hung on the left wall of the bed, one that was purely for decoration, while a painting hung on the wall opposite of the sword, it was a splash-ink scenery painting. There was only one place in Ji Lingxis memory that had such a familiar set up. "What is it?" Yue Rulan asked once she saw the trance Ji Lingxi was in. Instantly, she realized the abnormality within herself. Her injured leg was no longer in pain; it still felt uncomfortable and strenuous to move but the injury of her broken leg did not look as severe now. Yue Rulan tried moving it softly and could not help being surprised. "What is going on? Has my leg really healed?" Ji Lingxi was jolted from her daze by Yue Rulans words. Shock colored her face as well as she said, "This this is my room!" Yue Rulan was taken aback at once. "What? You mean we are in your home?" "No, this is not my house. This is my my" Ji Lingxi blushed as she spoke, "This is my personal room when I was staying at the Residence of Yun" Yue Rulan knew better than to tease her about it. "Residence of Yun? You mean this is the Residence of Yun? Yun Yangs Residence of Yun?" "No doubt about it!" Ji Lingxi stood up, feeling well rested. She opened the window and took a deep breath. "I dont even have to confirm it with open eyes. Im sure its the Residence of Yun just by breathing in with my eyes closed. The air here is exceptionally fresh." Yue Rulan was exasperated at once C this girl was helpless. The air was the same wherever it was, especially air in such a big city C it was always polluted. How could it be exceptionally fresh? They had just left the mountains; there should be where the air was exceptionally fresh. This girl was obviously in love with everything on account of another, but such an extension of love was a little too ridiculous. Why else would she say nonsense like the air being exceptionally fresh!? "Lingxi, get a hold of yourself. How could the air be fresh? The atmosphere is okay but the airs most probably better now because it just snowed. That would make sense; it is unlikely that the Residence of Yun is any more superior in terms of environment." Yue Rulan felt the crisp freshness around her as well but did not think much of it. Ji Lingxi cast her gaze outside the window; anywhere her eyes brought her within the residences courtyard, it was all snow-white. There was no trace of anyone stepping on the snow. The pavilion on the side of the courtyard was still how she remembered it, but why was there green under the snow-capped pavilion roof? Even if the snow was sudden and the plants had yet to wither, what about the flower there? It was a flower that pushed through the snow and bloomed with its enchanting fragrance! "So pretty!" Ji Lingxi inhaled and said, "Sister Lan, the truth is the truth. What the eyes see have proven that my words arent lies! I say this is the most beautiful place in this world." Yue Rulan laid on the bed, her body tilted to one side as her right hand came to her head; she smiled helplessly. "Yes, yes. Wherever Yun Yang is, there lies the most beautiful place! Ive never doubted this!" Ji Lingxi was embarrassed and angered at the same time. "Sister Lan, you know thats not what I meant. Youre making fun of me on purpose!" Yue Rulan chortled in agreement. 301 It Is Entirely My Business! It could be seen that Ji Lingxi had completely recovered; both her mental and physical state had been fully revived. The fear that had been stacked upon each other from being hunted and fleeing for lives had vanished upon knowing where she was now C all the anxiety was gone! Perhaps, everything else was not a something as long as she was her to Ji Lingxi. She was pacified, comforted, at ease and had no doubt that she was safe. "Girl, youre really heartless." Yue Rulan teased her companion but felt that a rock in her heart had finally been lifted. After so much turmoil, you two are finally together! "Where is that Young Master Yun of yours?" Yue Rulan asked. "He has gone through great pains to save us this time, we must thank him properly." Ji Lingxi nodded, her face growing hot. "Of course." Yue Rulan continued to rib her and said, "Of course? How easy it is for you to say. I cant even think of a way to thank him for such a huge favor, why don''t you pledge yourself to him instead? Tell Young Master Yun directly, theres no way you can repay his mercy; you can only offer your hand in marriage..." She did not finish her words as her mouth was quickly covered by Ji Lingxi, who was abashed and fuming. "Sister Lan! Stop that right now!" Yue Rulan begged for mercy as the two ladies teased and ribbed each other as young girls do. The sound of steady knocking came from the door. "Can I come in?" Ji Lingxi got up to open the door. "Wait!" Yue Rulan said anxiously, "Cover me up!" "Certainly," answered Ji Lingxi. "Arent you wearing clothes already?" At the door, a young man in purple clothes stood with his hands behind his back. He was watching the snow fall in the courtyard. Even when all they could see was his back, the youth stood tall and handsome; his raven hair was black as ink, while his purple robes fluttered in the cold wind. He stood proudly amidst the gently falling snow, his elegance paramount and ethereal. Ji Lingxi felt her heart thumping wildly, her mouth grew dry; for long moments, she did not know what to say. "Yun" She coughed and continued, "Yun Yang, were you the one who saved us?" Yun Yang turned and smiled, "It was but a small matter. Are you alright?" Ji Lingxi suddenly felt an odd sense of peculiarity strike her. Is this piece of log actually talking to me in such a warm tone? Is this still Yun Yang? Where is the Yun Yang who used to taunt me incessantly? Why is it so awkward to converse like this? It was only after a pause that she replied, "Im alright. Sister Lans leg, however, may pose some problem." Yun Yang looked at her and said, "Dont worry. Ive done precursory conditioning on Sister Lans leg, there wont be any sequelae left and will heal in at most three days or so. All these troubles arent troubles to me, in my home." How authoritative! Yet, it made one feel secure upon hearing those words. However, Ji Lingxi felt that Yun Yangs gaze was slightly odd. Whether he was looking at her or sometimes glancing discreetly at Sister Lan, the gaze was strange, like Ji Lingxi cracked her head, but could not figure out the intention behind Yun Yangs strange gaze. Yue Rulan, on the other hand, had sharply noticed it''s obvious intent! Yun Yangs gaze did not speak of a craving, neither did was it a lustful stare. It was filled with care and concern but there was a difference when he looked at her and when his eyes fell on Ji Lingxi. Yun Yangs gaze towards Ji Lingxi was like an older brother who was watching his mischievous little sister whom he did not take a good care of; it was filled with guilt and fond indulgence. It was like a father who looked upon his youngest daughter who had returned eighteen years later after being abandoned since young It was sorrowful, but it was also full of kind affection! Yes, kind affection! Yue Rulan could easily identify such kind affection but Ji Lingxi barely understood it. The family that had brought Ji Lingxi up was an adopted family. She was not a biological child; the family atmosphere was unlike those of normal families, so of course, she was a stranger to such familial sentiment. In spite of this, Yue Rulan, who understood the feeling fully well, was also stumped by her discovery. You think that Lingxi was injured and bullied because you didnt take care of her C the reason within is a little farfetched but its acceptable to explain the pampering fondness and guilt in your gaze. After all, we sisters know of Lingxis feeling towards you. Yet what does this kind affection imply? What does it mean for you to have similar guilt for me? Lingxi is familiar to you but this is the first time Im meeting you... I would believe it if you say your love extends to her family and you have similar emotions for me out of the sympathy and sorry you have for Lingxi, but is this the same kind of respect that you hold for your elders? Do I look old now? Old enough that I can be your elder? It was while Yue Rulan was musing bitterly that Yun Yang had stepped into the room. Yue Rulan was doubtful but she held her ground and sat up on the bed. Her pretty eyes stared at Yun Yang as she said, smiling, "Thank you for your saving grace, Young Master Yun." Yun Yangs gaze grew intense as he replied respectfully, "The credit is not mine to take; it was something that I ought to have done." He paused and continued, "I have a few servants, uh, I heard that theyre meticulous in serving people. I have hired four maids as well theyll be here in a moment. Theyll take care of the two of you;just ask them for whatever you need. Theres no need to be courteous. Do treat the Residence of Yun as your home." Yue Rulan spoke, "Actually, theres no need to trouble yourseC" Before she could finish, Yun Yang went on. "The Residence of Yun is your home from now on! Stay here, its safer. Besides, we arent exactly strangers Sister Lan and Lingxi need not have any reservations whatsoever." The girls were stunned by his words. Although Yun Yang knew of Yue Rulans existence, they had never officially met before. This was their first encounter. Why does your tone sound so familiar and decisive? Are we actually that close, that you can speak like this? You act just like a head of the family, deciding everything for us. What is going on? "How do you know my full name?" Ji Lingxi asked, barely able to conceal her surprise. She was sure that she had told Yun Yang C ''My name is Ji Ling''; she had never mentioned the last part of her name. In spite of this, Yun Yang was clearly familiar with her name, like it was a matter, of course, to be calling her like that. He had even directly addressed her Lingxi with such intimacy... What what was going on? Yun Yang rubbed his nose and said, "I overheard your conversation earlier, and your name was spoken." The ladies exchanged looks of doubt. Even if this were so, it''s no reason for you to act as if we were so close. The atmosphere was still oddly tense, but the girls were highly adept individuals. They felt the peculiarity but managed to hide it behind gracious smiles. Yun Yang was obviously reluctant to speak the truth; they would let him keep his secret. When the time came for them to know, they would know. There was no need to hurry these sort of things. As long as it was confirmed that Yun Yang harbored no ill intentions towards them, it would suffice. Nonetheless, this Young Master Yun had a lot of secrets. the tornado that took both of them away C what was that? The healing of a broken leg C what was the mythical medicine used to achieve such an amazing feat? These were mysteries as of now, but the ladies had opted not to ask in polite deferment to their host and rescuer. "Tell me, what happened? It was bad enough that I intervened directly, but I sense that this is not the end. Im afraid there will be repercussions for my actions. It would be of great help later if I were to understand exactly what transpired," Yun Yang asked. Once the question was out of the bag, the vehement rage, and angst which the ladies had been simmering for long days before came to a boil again. Ji Lingxis eyes were practically spitting fire. "Its a lunatic from God knows where. Hes twisted in whatever he does, but his wealth and power are even harder to believe" She then narrated all that had transpired, her words and tone dripping with unadulterated rage. Yue Rulan, sitting beside her, could not even get a word in edgewise; everything was narrated by Ji Lingxi alone. When it came to the topic of the two noble families, Yue Rulan had wanted to stop her; she was reluctant to speak of their families scandal but Ji Lingxi was beyond caring, so out she poured everything. Yun Yang felt the fury soar within him. Ji Family and Yue Family! They had actually harassed eighth brothers little sister and fianc like that! This was unforgivable! Based on Tianxuan Continent''s traditions and cultures, how the families had dealt with their daughters was merciless but it was their prerogative, rightfully so. Disregarding the fact that the young lord had completed all the protocols, he was sincere in asking for their hands in marriage and had thrown in an irresistibly luxurious betrothal gift. The young lords personal ability was shocking in addition to being accompanied by guards and servants of the same level of prowess. Both families were lacking in that aspect, how could they raise any objections? Forget that the young lord had given a lot of resources, the families would have given in ultimately without hesitation even if the man had asked to marry the two girls without giving anything in return! The existence of the noble familys descendants was largely tied to diplomatic marriage; it was not only the two ladies C perhaps it should be said that it was beyond these two girls. They would only be considered unlucky; tragic characters lost in the background of time! In spite of this, none of the trends, background settings or history was valid to Yun Yang. In his eyes, he had looked at it as an immense humiliation C one that needed to someone to be held accountable! This was probably what made him different from the others. To Yun Yang, he would have just lent some support and chipped in with some assistance if eighth brother was still here. Now that the latter was gone, someone had harassed his younger sister and fianc. By doing so, that someone had made this his concern. Yun Yang would shoulder the entire responsibility and burdens of this affair. It is entirely my business! 302 Nine-Death Ageless Crème Yun Yangs gaze was dark as he listened to Ji Lingxi patiently; he had not shown any overly unusual reactions throughout her narrative but had stored everything in his heart. Yue Rulan was more astute than Ji Lingxi. She clearly saw that there were glints of chilling anger in Yun Yangs eyes that spelled savage, murderous intent. For a moment, goosebumps racked her inwardly, as she could not help but tremble. Yue Rulan, who came from a transcendent family, knew that it was an extremely well-honed and deeply surging killing intent! It was obvious C Yun Yang did not say anything, but he was not as nonchalant as he appeared to be when hearing of the provocation that came with this matter. He had obviously made an extreme and unreserved decision! "I was thinking of never mind. Youre only Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan from now on; the Residence of Yun is your only home!" Yun Yang smiled and said, "Id like to see who it is who actually dared to do this..." His chuckle almost belied the surging, murderous intent within him. Ji Lingxi felt a sudden warmth, instinctively assuming that her crush was angered because she was harassed, being forced into a marriage and hunted down; she beamed like a blooming flower and said, "Alright, well stay here from now on. Secluded and simple. They wont find us again." Yun Yang smiled and patted Ji Lingxis head before he said, "Lingxi, you must listen to Sister Lan well in the future. Dont be mischievous. I will go buy some herbs to nourish you both. You must have suffered much in your journey." As he spoke, he stood up and smiled gently before leaving. Ji Lingxi was totally dumbfounded! Yue Rulans eyes bored straight at Ji Lingxis head where Yun Yang had patted; she was similarly stupefied, unable to produce a word even after a long while had passed. The two girls did not even notice when Yun Yang had left. What C what had just happened? Ji Lingxi touched her own head; bewilderment swirled in her big, beautiful eyes. After a while, the two pairs of eyes met each other; their stares were filled with disbelieving astonishment. What was that? What was going on? What was the situation here? Being patted on the head, asked to be good and to listen to Sister Lan in the future? Was she a three-year-old for him to speak with such tones? Yue Rulan finally came to her senses and burst out laughing. "Hahaha" Ji Lingxis hand was still on her head with exasperation leaking from her entire being as she murmured her curses, "This piece of log, his head is muddled again! Does he know what hes saying? Has water gone into his brain? It must have!" It had been a long time since Yue Rulan had guffawed to her hearts content. She slapped the bed and said, "Lingxi, is this really your crush? Its terribly hilarious! Are sure hes your crush? Not your grandfather, perhaps?" Ji Lingxis face was twisted as she stared at her speechlessly; suddenly, she said, "I dont know if he is my elder but hes certainly treated you like one, that''s for sure. Congratulations on being the logs elder, Sister Lan!" Yue Rulan was brought up short by Ji Lingxi''s words. It was true C Yun Yang had pampered Ji Lingxi like a child but to her he was as respectful as facing an elder! Do I look that old? Im only a little older than Lingxi! Yue Rulans delight was gone, replaced by lingering melancholy. Anyone of the following; appearance, age, and youth was a womans irreconcilable enemy at any time! In the afternoon of the same day, Yun Yang had gotten the herbs he needed and was down to work, stewing medicinal herbs. He had obtained some green elements that were full of spiritual air of vitality and a fragrance that reinvigorated one''s self if sniffed. "Apply this to your face before drinking the medicinal herb. Not only can this refresh your mind," Yun Yang said, "It can also enhance your beauty." He went back to stewing herbs after that. Enhancing beauty. Even Yue Rulan, who was hopeless about finding Ji Lingfeng, could not resist such temptations C what more, Ji Lingxi who wanted to be beautiful for the person she liked? "Will I need such a thing?" Ji Lingxi pouted. "That idiot hasnt seen my real face yet. Let me wash my face and get rid of the disguise, we shall see if this lady will enchant him to no end!" Yue Rulan chuckled. "Since you dont need it, give them all to me. Sister Lan is old and wrinkly now, I old enough to be treated as an elder! I need this to enhance my beauty!" Ji Lingxi shuddered at once, quickly dividing the green substance into two equal parts in fear of Yue Rulan taking them all. Yue Rulan pursed her lips and continued her teasing, "If Young Master Yun saw what youre doing, he might pat your head again and say, Girly, grow up quickly. Dont let me worry too much, okay." Ji Lingxi stared darkly at her companion. "If he dares do that again, Ill Ill" She repeated "Ill" a few times but did not complete her sense, an internal sense of worry asserting itself, "This piece of log, he has always been ignorant of romance. He doesnt even understand a girl''s heart. If I did say so that would be so embarrassing!" She washed her face with water, taking the disguise away and applied the green liquid on Yue Rulans face as well as her own. They endured the wrinkly feeling for half a quarter of an hour while closing their eyes. Yun Yang had said that the herb was only effective when masking the face for at least one eighth of an hour. It was best to close the eyes during the process and condition the eyelids too so that it would work seamlessly. When it came to matters of beauty, the girls were very obedient. Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan wholeheartedly trusted Yun Yang now, not daring to deviate from his instructions in the slightest. Half a quarter of an hour later, Ji Lingxi opened her eyes and saw Yue Rulan looking at her with an expression divided between laughing and crying. "Sister Lan, why are you looking at me like this Argh! Your face!" Ji Lingxi exclaimed suddenly. Yue Rulan''s face had turned dull and yellow! Even her crystal-clear eyes had turned lackluster and muted. Her hands, neck, ears basically, her entire expanse of skin that was visible had all turned into this dull shade! Her unmatched beauty was only ordinary now, less than ordinary even. The only thing unchanged was her features. Anyone who saw her now would not have believed this was the ever graceful Yue Rulan! It was like she was a different person altogether. "Argh!" Even as she was shocked by Yue Rulans change in appearance, Ji Lingxi thought of something else and bolted to the mirror with a cry. Immediately, Ji Lingxi felt her limbs growing cold. Her skin was the same shade as Yue Rulan''s! Whatever the eyes saw, it was as if she was born that way; there was no trace that it was an applied color. Anxiously, Ji Lingxi rubbed her face and washed it vigorously with water but it was a futile effort. The dull, withered color stayed on her pretty face, an innate part of her physical features C as if she had been born with it. "Arghh!!!" Ji Lingxi felt an upheaval of emotions and was frozen on the spot. How could she enchant Yun Yang, looking like this now? What had happened to her appearance? "Yun Yang, Im going to kill you!" Ji Lingxi was ready to slaughter anyone on sight, but she was also tearful without a single drop to spare. "This bastard, what herbs has he given me to disfigure me so?" Thinking of the forced marriage proposal, being hunted down and attacks aimed at her face, she had struggled so hard and fought for her life She had survived each time, escaping and managing to live on to fight again. Now, she had thought that all the sufferings had come to an end C she and Sister Yue were safe! It was during this moment of relief that her most prized appearance had been destroyed by Yun Yang! Perhaps this was not exactly disfigurement, and there might be a way out but by looking at how stubbornly the color had stayed on her face, it would not be corrected any time soon. It was a sudden thunderbolt that struck Ji Lingxi, rendering her senseless. Yun Yang entered with herbs and looked at them fondly as he said gently, "What are you doing shouting and crying aloud about being a lady? Lingxi, you have to change this habit of yours; otherwise, how are you ever going to find in-laws?" Stunned could hardly describe both Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan''s expressions. Why was he speaking in such a grandfatherly tone to them? Yun Yang put the medicinal herbs on the table and explained, smiling, "The cream on your face is a spiritual medicine that I found with much effort. Although your paramount beauty has been covered, it has not actually changed your appearance. Besides, this spiritual medicines effect doesnt last very long; it can only retain its potency for three years." Three years! Only? How many years could there be to a girls most dazzling, youthful beauty in her life? You are taking three years off it, just like that? The girls faces fell, their gazes on him turned pitiless like they were about to maul him to death. "Why such dour expressions? Allow me to explain, this medicated cream is the legendary Nine-Death Ageless Crme." Yun Yang spoke with a smile, "Legend has it that there was a man who trekked the worlds mountains and valleys in search of a spiritual medicine to fulfill his wifes wish of remaining beautiful forever. He adjusted the formula consistently and has experienced nine trips to deaths door for this medicine. That was how the cream was formulated and brought home." Yun Yang sighed and said, "However, the vicissitudes of life are unpredictable He had spent too long in his search for the medicine and adjustment of the formula that when he came home, his wife, who had been waiting all the while, no longer looked youthful. Her hair had turned grey and she had become an old lady full of wrinkles No matter how magical the Ageless Crme was, it could not recover her beauty. " "All that was left to do was to sigh." 303 Sophistry Yun Yang sighed and said, "The vicissitudes of life are largely unpredictable He had spent too long in his search for the medicine and perfection of the formula that when he came home, his wife, who had been waiting at home, no longer looked youthful. Her hair had turned gray and she became an old lady, wrinkles and all. No matter how magical the Ageless Crme was, it could not recover her beauty. All that was left to do was to sigh." "Besides being shocked, he regretted wasting so much time in his futile pursuits. Angered, he actually threw away all of his arduously tested and formulated medicated cream, in favor of keeping his wife company until the end of her days. He did not speak of the medicine anymore. Before his wife died, she held his hand and said, Ive always stubbornly thought that eternal youth and beauty is a womans greatest happiness in her life. Now I know that being able to spend the rest of ones life with ones loved one is a woman''s greatest happiness! Although I did not realize it, I already had the greatest happiness in a womans life C your company. The regret of aging is not a genuine remorse; it is nothing compared to this.'' After she said this, the wife passed away. The physician finally understood that even when there was the Ageless Crme or ageless beauty or even eternal youth, they pale in comparison to the constant company of spouses and being happy forever in the eyes of his wife After that, he took up the study of the Ageless Crme again. He and his wife had missed half a lifetime together for this crme; putting it aside was not an easy thing. However, the crme had been formulated after all. Instead of wasting it, if others were able to use it, then a woman could have it all C together with their loved one forever and possessed of ageless beauty. It would be a dream come true." "Since this Ageless Crme was formulated after he had received nine separate death threats, he officially named the spiritual medicine as the Nine-Death Ageless Crme!" Yun Yang said softly, "This Nine-Death Ageless Crme was already perfect, but the chemist purposely added Withered Rattan in his wife''s memory. No matter who it is or how vain you are, once the Ageless Crme is applied, one would become wrinkly and dull like an old lady within the first three years of application. The beauty will only be restored after three years but those three years arent exactly wasted. Those who use the medicated cream will have more supple skin and a prettier complexion in addition to eternal youth and beauty!" "What Ive let you two use is that very same Nine-Death Ageless Crme." Yun Yang said, "I shouldve first gotten your permission before using this cream but those who have been hunting you were already looking around Tiantang City I believe that with their capabilities, they would definitely find out that Lingxi had stayed with me and we know each other..." "Before long, they will come knocking on my door. With the disguise of this crme, no one will be able to recognize you both anymore. THink of it as a disguise and as a small gift to Sister Lan and Lingxi, a meeting gift. Its only a small one, there''s not much to it." Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan exchanged incredulous looks. Was this the truth? Hearing the tragic but romantic story, both girls were moved; they did not speak for a long time, feeling the weight of in their hearts. The story was tragic, its aftertaste lingering on long after the telling. The chemist had traveled the world in search of a spiritual medicine spurred only by his wifes words and wishes. How devoted could a man be? The wife then found out that what she needed the most after her husband departed; it was not ageless beauty but a happy forever after. She had waited for him to return and had stayed by each others side. Although her beauty was a thing of the past, she had found a greater happiness than any amount of beauty could bring. Both girls sighed softly. They felt sympathetic to the storys chemist and his wife but they were also rather envious of the lady in question. How many men were there in this world who could make a woman care, not about her appearance, but only to ask for his company until the end of life? How many women then would truly understand such truths? Yue Rulan was emphatic. It was true C one could be forever young but what was the use of that if one could not find the person to appreciate, cherish and admire this eternally youthful face? If the loved one could no longer see her finest beauty, then what was the use of it even when one was forever young and stunningly beautiful? Ji Lingxi was, of course, of a different mindset from Yue Rulan. Other than sighing, Ji Lingxi was quite delighted. Would she be beautiful forever from now on? She only had to withstand three years of ugliness Compared to a lifetime of beauty, three years was not long at all To top it all of, she could throw her pursuers off her tracks easily. This was absolutely great! It was only a short while since the young master had come in, but Ji Ling felt, "What? Why don''t I feel angry with Yun Yang now?" "Its a small gift," Yun Yang repeated while smiling, "I hope Sister Lan and Lingxi will like it." Ji Lingxi scoffed and put up a defiant front as she spoke haughtily, "It doesn''t matter if you had acted with good intentions. Why do you use that tone when speaking to me? It''s so old and authoritative, its annoying! What was it? Be good, listen to Sister Lan? Do you really think Im a three-year-old?" It was mock anger when she started her tirade, but as the words tumbled out of her mouth, she grew genuinely enraged. She really could not withstand that tone of his. Yun Yang rubbed his nose. If he were to thoroughly explain everything, it would have to involve eighth brother and even the Nine Supremes. Yun Yang had not figured out how to word it yet in order to soften the blow. After all, this was a cruel truth to both the girls. He paused for a bit before saying, "Youre younger than Sister Lan. Who are you going to listen to if not her? Or have you never wanted to listen to Sister Lan?" Ji Lingxi had no comeback for that. I didn''t mean it like that! Youre twisting my words around and shifting the blame! Are you trying to say, "I like you, so you cant speak to me like an elder."? Id die from embarrassment. Evening finally came and the handmaidens Yun Yang had hired finally arrived. When Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan saw the handmaidens, they were astonished once again. The four handmaidens were between fourteen to fifteen years of age; each one of them was clever and astute, innocent and gentle, but they were sharp and spiritual. What was precious was that each of them still retained the heart of an innocent child, a trait that was increasingly harder to find these days. "From Madame Liu San?" Ji Lingxi asked. The four handmaidens kept silent, the only answer could be found on their mortified expressions, red with embarrassment. Even Yue Rulan was taken aback by the callous question. 304 Your Bird Reflects Who You Are! Madame Liu San was a merchant. However, unlike your normal merchant, she dealt in the business of flesh. Such a contemptible trader of humans should not have even been in the consideration of a cultivator, but Madame Liu San was no ordinary human trader. She had traveled across the Tianxuan Continent in search of female orphans, selecting girls whose appearance, intelligence and character were of excellent quality. She then trained them in the intricacies of poetry and art. If the girl was gifted in cultivation, the madame would teach her mystical Qi cultivation base method, without reservation. When these girls were accomplished in what they learned, only then would Madame Liu San allow them to go to prime households, to be used as handmaidens. These girls were of pure heart and spirit; they were gentle and yielding, their appearances were fine. They learned fast, had a servile attitude, and were very considerate and thoughtful. They would not intentionally play the game of seduction to entice their masters. Moreover, once the bargain had been struck, the handmaiden would remain loyal to her master forever. It wasn''t hard to imagine the price that handmaidens of such quality would command. The handmaidens trained by Madame Liu San were divided into three classes C white, yellow, and blue; among those, the girls who wore white were the best of them all. The price for a white-clothed handmaiden was no less than five-hundred thousand silver taels. Such a price would cause even a wealthy household to hesitate, but the handmaidens Yun Yang had prepared were apparently all in white. It meant that Yun Yang had already spent at least two million silver taels for the people selected to serve them! The two ladies had never enjoyed such treatment, even when they were at home. In spite of this, Yun Yangs attitude was still abnormally peculiar. He took care of the ladies attentively and it was rather reasonable if his stance was what Yue Rulan assumed; Ji Lingxis crush and admirer. However, why was he speaking in such an indulgent tone to Ji Lingxi? If one were to close his or her eyes and purely use his or her ears, each word sounded like a father or older brother giving a lesson to a na?ve daughter or younger sister. "From now on, youll both be my elder and younger female cousins in front of outsiders." Yun Yang said, "Our strength is lacking, so lets manage this current situation first. When safety is no longer a concern, well decide on further arrangements. Will that be fine?" His question was posed to Yue Rulan, his manner was still as respectful as it was before, filled with an inquiring tone. Yue Rulan nodded and replied, "Young Master Yuns arrangement is appropriate. I have no objection to it." "Who will be the elder and who will be the younger female cousin?" Ji Lingxi asked. Yun Yang frowned in reply, "Is that even a question?" Ji Lingxi said huffily, "Sister Lan is the elder female cousin, this is indisputable. However, I can''t bring myself to believe that you are older than me. Why must I be the younger female cousin? Cant it be two elder female cousins?" Yun Yang said unhappily, "There, there, be good. Please, let us not argue over such petty matters. Sister Lan is injured, she needs her rest." "" Be good? Ji Lingxi almost fainted. It was that damnable tone again! Was he planning to anger her to death? Even if he was reasonable and considerate, it was an utter unfamiliar situation for her. "Sister Lan!" After Yun Yang had left, Ji Lingxis cheeks were puffed as she said miserably, "Do you think that he has gone quite mad? What is with that attitude?" "He wasnt like this the last time" she continued in a distressed tone. Recalling the last encounter before she had left, she clearly remembered bidding farewell to Yun Yang. He had still shown some sense of romance then; at the very least, the sorrow he had was real If it were not so, Ji Lingxi would not have cherished the treasured saber, Phoenix Cry, so much. The Phoenix Cry was a divine weapon, no one would part with it without good cause. However, the saber held another layer of meaning to Ji Lingxi; it was a gift from Yun Yang that spoke of the feelings he held for her! Why had he turned so patronizing after her journey? He was so condescending! He could easily have passed for an immortal, judging by his high and mighty behavior. Ji Lingxi was petulant but she did not know that Yue Rulan had been affected even more. She was devoted to Ji Lingfeng, unwavering till death, but she was also very confident in her looks. She could not wrap her head around why Yun Yang kept calling her Sister Lan and had been so respectful since they met, treating her like an elder all the time. Could it be that her old soul had finally shown itself on her face? Why else would Yun Yang treat her like that? She was still much sought after, even when she was with her sister C the top among the rest in terms of image, elegance and everything else; what had happened to her? Oh, women. They were such a strange species. Once beauty and romance were involved, their intelligence would dip to zero or even lower immediately! The young lord had arrived at Tiantang City and would come to the Residence of Yun anytime now. Preparations were underway for his appearance. Yun Yang would not wait and do nothing, of course; besides, the four noble young masters had been long waiting for him to train their mystical beasts. At a time when there would be formidable enemy knocking at his door at any given moment, how could Yun Yang forget that he had such great assistance? "Ask Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter over, and get them to bring their mystical beasts." Yun Yang said mercifully, "Ill toil for a few days, help them care for the critters." It was only an hour later when Dong Tianleng and gang gathered at the Residence of Yun. Their gazes towards Yun Yang were filled with towering resentment. Qiu Yunsan and two others were here for proper reasons, carrying their mystical beasts while Dong Tianlengs family had not gotten him any mystical beast offspring until now. Young Master Dong Tianleng was here purely to cause a ruckus. The fellow only had one very unadulterated thought; "Since I didnt get a baby beast, none of you can wish to go through this easily!" These were the classic symptoms of a jack*ss. "All of you stop looking at me like that. Those who didnt know better would have thought that I did something to you fellows." Yun Yang said, "I was busy recently Can''t you tell?" The four young masters were extremely begrudging C it doesn''t look like you were busy at all. It was awkward for them to stay at Tiantang City. They had nothing to do every day but they dared not run around the place since the Cirrus House, the only place they could spend their time, was gone too. They could only gather and boast to each other now. Every day, the four of them gambled or had a game of mahjong. Now that they played so much, their interest in the money was waning C they did not lack wealth! In the end, they wagered banknotes instead. Whoever lost had to tear their banknotes and the rule was to tear the banknotes into a certain number of pieces but they got bored of the game after a few days as well. When they finally got to meet Yun Yang, they had to help him court a girl and put up an act They could no longer find a reason to exist in Tiantang City anymore! Was it their fate to turn gay after sticking together every day? Even when they were good gay partners, they could not really get it on! The outside world was chaotic now that the Four Seasons Tower was about to subdue the world by force and bathe the martial world in blood. In theory, they should return home as early as possible and hide at home for safety. That would be the best thing to do. However, they had to stay here, waiting for Yun Yangs order for the mystical beast offspring. "Bring out your pig C your bear C your tiger!" Yun Yang turned to look at Dong Tianleng. "What about you?" Dong Tianleng sighed, his expression filled with despair. "I can only whip out my bird" "F*ck off! You may head off to play with your bird by yourself!" Those around, Yun Yang included, looked at him in disgust, with overwhelming thoughts of giving the idiot a trashing. However, their eyes soon widened in surprise. Dong Tianleng had actually whipped out a bird! Removing his hand from within his robe, a tiny fledging that was just hatched sat in his palm. It did not look like it could even stand properly. The crowd was speechless for a good amount of time; even Yun Yang was also at a loss for words! There was no doubt that the mystical beast offspring Dong Tianleng had produced was a fledging mystical beast, but this bird was unusual in its own right. One could immediately tell that it had very unusual characteristics. "My family got this unintentionally and sent it over to me." Dong Tianleng wore a straight face. "I didnt expect my family to be so fortunate that they could get a flying mystical beast." Chun Wanfeng glanced at the trembling fledging and stopped blinking for a moment; he finally hissed, "Not bad, not bad. Not bad indeed. The Dong Family is certainly powerful. Impressive!" Yun Yang had no words to speak. This baby bird C this freshly hatched nestling - had black spirals around its eyes with its nose in between them. The nose was made up of two tiny holes while its beak was sharp and long. The bird was magnificently repulsive to behold. Phantom Vulture! There was no way anyone could mistake it for anything else. "This is indeed a seventh-level pinnacle mystical beasts offspring. Its not easy for your family to have gotten it." Yun Yang looked like he wished to hurt someone as he said, "Just, this thing really makes me f*cking want to curse out loud!" Phantom Vulture C a seventh-level pinnacle mystical beast. It could fly swiftly and its nature was savage, a sign of its competent combat power. There was one bane though C this creature had a very revolting trait; it was a scavenger of prey, meaning it only fed on carcasses! It fed on nothing else but decaying carcasses. It was said that once a Phantom Vulture hatched, it would be abandoned by the mother. In other words, the Phantom Vulture would have to survive on its own from the day it hatched; there was no opportunity nor chance for care and love. Phantom Vultures did not naturally attract the attention of other mystical beasts as prey. This was because Phantom Vultures carried poison on them the day they were born. Despite the mild toxicity and the light poison of a Phantom Vulture fledging, it was still discomforting even when it would not cause too much harm when used directly on a person. Therefore, Phantom Vultures were said to be Tianxuan Continents most disgusting and unlikeable flying mystical beast that had the least people cultivating them. It was horribly easy to obtain them Cone could just pluck them from a dense forest. They were abandoned once they were born, and they would not be hunted down by other beasts, thus making it a walk in the park to acquire them. The problems would arise only after getting hold of them. How was one supposed to take care of it? It fed on carcasses and those that were decaying to boot; where would one care for it? At home? Would they want to live there together with the miserable creature? The putridity daily would have turned a home into a terribly foul den! Looking at this tiny baby bird, everyone could not help covering their noses, disgust clear in their eyes. "Really, your bird reflects who you are!" Yun Yang was infuriated. What were you thinking, bringing this thing into my house? Do you wish to turn my house into a cavern of carrion? Looking at Dong Tianleng, Yun Yangs expression fell as he pointed to the door. "You better f*cking get going and quickly roll out of here!" 305 Phoenix Blood? "Boss, please dont send me away!" Dong Tianleng pleaded, "I had no choice! My family sent it to me, what could I do? Please give me a chance!" "You can f*ck off, along with your bird!" Yun Yang said nothing more, adamantly ordering his guest to leave. Why did you bring this thing into my home? Are you doing to move a few decaying carcasses here to feed the bird next? Dong Tianlengs family experts were also speechless about the situation. What was his family thinking of, sending this over? Which family could be this classless and do such a tasteless thing, to pick up a Phantom Vulture and cultivate it? It was obvious that Dong Tianleng had bought an egg after being conned when he was strolling along the mystical beast market out of boredom; a Phantom Vulture had hatched from the egg yet this scoundrel had insisted on showing it to Yun Yang and try his luck It had nothing to do with his family. Can you not damage our familys reputation? Dong Tianleng pulled a long face and threw the baby Phantom Vulture on the ground. "I knew this fellow was an ill omen! I''d better go wash my hands quickly!" The Phantom Vulture nestling in his palm stumbled upon being thrown harshly to the ground. Squeaking, its small beady eyes turned around suddenly, its feet moved as it charged forward and hugged Yun Yangs legs. "" Before Yun Yang could blow his top, he found himself being hugged by the baby Phantom Vulture. His exasperation grew even stronger. I asked you to throw it out! Not in my home! Great, now this disgusting little Phantom Vulture thinks of me as its owner. Wait... didnt this hatched nestling move too fast? An adult Phantom Vulture flies swiftly, but this thing was waddling on the ground! Yun Yang was stumped by the current situation. He winced as the fledging crawled up his foot and laid down comfortably on his instep. Yun Yangs revulsion grew. The creature was abominable, it was considered the dirtiest mystical beast in the world. He lifted his foot up to chase it off, wondering if he should just stomp on it since it was so repulsive. It was worse than stepping on dog sh*t "Ayaya?" Emmie, in his deific consciousness, was trying to deliver a message. Yun Yang blinked in confusion. He shockingly realized that a flow of air of vitality was being delivered into this tiny Phantom Vulture. Was Emmie giving air of vitality out of its own will? What? Since when did this stingy rascal become so generous? The tiny nestling cried out in delight, its spirit lifted as its bare wings flapped softly. "What? Emmie, why are you so generous this time?" "Ayaya" "This isnt a Phantom Vulture?" "Ayaya" Yun Yang watched the small offspring at his foot closely. Was this tiny thing not a Phantom Vulture? It looked exactly like it was, though. Dong Tianleng had retrieved this little critter from within his robes. Even if the fledgings poison was mild, Dong Tianleng did not seem affected by it when he had kept it in his pockets. Yun Yang thought of another peculiarity immediately. "Alright, it''s still a life form." Yun Yang''s acting skills kicked in at onceand he sighed, "Lao Mei, take it in." The experts of the noble families were puzzled by Yun Yangs reaction. The Phantom Vulture was one of the mystical beasts that were confirmed to not conform to domestication since ancient times. With its ugly image, it lost its qualification to be even a pet for admiration. What was more, it would not eat anything other than decaying carcasses. What was the use of keeping it? The thinking of these secular young masters was mind-boggling. He was just disgusted to no end just now, why was he so compassionate all of a sudden? "The Residence of Yun is spacious and each of you needs to watch over your own mystical beast as well as making sure they get what they need. You may stay here temporarily." Yun Yang said, "We can arrange it now and divide the yard into four. All of us will be together and it can avoid any unwanted complications or miscommunication." Everyone easily agreed with his suggestion, more than happy to oblige. The four families were still worrying that their mystical beasts would become Yun Yangs as the training went on; that would be tricky. Now that they could watch over the beasts here, such qualms were immediately quashed. The Residence of Heavenly Clouds was naturally gigantic. Not only was there the central atrium, there were four courts at the east, south, west, and north wings. As the marquis of nations keeper, the residence surpassed those of the common officials. There was no one else here aside from Yun Yang, Lao Mei, Fang Mofei, and Bai Yixue; the spacious Residence of Yun had more than an eighth of its rooms empty. Now, the Spring and Summer Family stayed at the guestrooms on the west while the Autumn and Winter Family stayed at the southern guestrooms. Yun Yang himself had moved to the central atrium reserved for Marquis Yun while the small yard he had been residing in at the north side was now being occupied by Ji Lingxi, Yue Rulan, and the four handmaidens. The normally quiet Residence of Yun was currently filled with a boatload of people. After everyone had been assigned their temporary places, Yun Yang went back to his room, pleading the need to rest. Of course, he brought the abhorrent Phantom Vulture along with him. What was urgent now was to identify the real nature of this abomination. There was a saying about a toad being harmless sitting on ones foot but one would still feel deplorable about it. If it were not for Emmies little intervention, this little critter might have become mush after being forcefully thrown away by Yun Yang! Naturally, the little critter had no idea how repulsive it was. Once Yun Yang called for it, it followed along with a happy bounce in its steps. No matter how one saw it, it did not look anything like its quivering form when it made its initial appearance. It was unknown whether it was Yun Yangs summons that was effective or Emmies air of vitality that provided energy; it might be Yun Yang as the little critter turned ecstatic and rushed over once it saw him. "Emmie, explain yourself." Yun Yang asked. "Ayaya" Emmies tendrils extended and waved about. "Are you saying this isnt a Phantom Vulture? What is it then?" Yun Yang was stunned. According to Emmie, this creature was absolutely not a Phantom Vulture; it belonged to another rare and majestic breed. No matter how Yun Yang looked at it though, he felt that it was a Phantom Vulture. It looked revolting enough to be one, there was no doubt about that. Since Emmie had never missed up to now, Yun Yang suppressed his disgust and held the little fella in his palm to study it closely. The little critter observed Yun Yang with its beady eyes at the same time. This eyes, nose, mouth and overall look it was obviously a Phantom Vulture. There was no difference, this was the picture painted of all descriptions about the reprehensible creature. If one were to forcefully find some sort of variation well, one had to admit that this little thing seemed to not have the putridity that a Phantom Vulture was born with. Yun Yang recalled suddenly that one of the main reasons the Phantom Vulture was considered the dirtiest and most disgusting flying mystical beast in this world was because it had an indescribably pungent smell once it hatched. No man or creature could withstand the pungent smell during that phase. Perhaps the Phantom Vulture fledging was abandoned by its mother upon hatching due to the unbearable rancidness. Yun Yang could understand if it was so, though. Imagine a pair of Phantom Vultures guarding their egg to hatch in excitement, waiting to have a beautiful baby yet what came out was an ugly child! It was alright if it were just an ugly child, but this ugly child had the most horrible and foul smell that was capable of rendering death if inhaled in too large a quantity. Imagine having to endure such a foul smell and taking care of the child until it turned into an adult bird. How long would that need? The parents would have died from the pungent smell within that long period of time. If it had been human, the husband and wife would have exclaimed "F*ck me! Did I give birth to this?" instantly before fleeing with covered noses. He absolutely understood the birds for abandoning their offspring! Thinking of it, Yun Yang suddenly got carried away, "Could it be that I was abandoned because I was smelly when I was born?" He laughed at the absurd scenario C it was impossible! He was so handsome! How could there be a time when he was smelly all over? It was impossible, he should not even be thinking such meaningless thoughts. As for this little critter in front of him, not only did it not reek of putridity, it had a faint smell of milk. Yun Yang mused while observing it. Now that he realized this little thing might not be a Phantom Vulture, it was easier to spot the differences. Upon meticulous study, he continued to find characteristics that were distinct from a Phantom Vulture baby. According to what the tales told, a Phantom Vultures talons had four digits but it was not so with this one. Its talons only had three digits each but it was very stable while stepping on the floor. Besides, Yun Yang found a faint white trail above its head that extended from the back of its head all the way down to its tail. Did the Phantom Vulture have such a feature? "What breed of creature is this? You don''t know?" Yun Yang was stumped. "Then why the reaction just now?" Emmie''s ensuing answer was shocking enough to floor Yun Yang totally. "What? Are you saying that this little fellow has the aura of the divine phoenixs blood? Really?" Yun Yang was stupefied by Emmies answer. The divine phoenix? How could this be possible? The phoenix and dragon had always been mythical beasts of legend, sacred beasts of yore. They only existed in myths; no one had really seen them and no one could be sure if these two mythical creatures really existed in this world.Mystical beasts that had the blood of these mythical creatures were rare and much sought after. Now, Emmie could actually sense that there was the phoenixs blood in this ugly little child! Yun Yang was confounded. Could Dong Tianleng be that lucky? 306 To Be Named by Great Young Master Yun The blood of the phoenix! When Yun Yang looked at the little critter again, he suddenly felt that its horrible appearance was actually easier on the eyes than he had first thought. Yun Yang could not help sighing inwardly, "Oh no. We are absolute jack*sses. When you dont like something, its horrible however you look at it. Once you know its good points, anything that stung the eyes before suddenly becomes palatable. I would never have expected that I, Great Young Master Yun, who is astute and impartial, would have such a reaction too" "My judgment almost failed me this time. This was definitely a close call." "Dong Tianleng!" Yun Yang called out loudly as stepping out of his room. Dong Tianleng bounced over in a docile manner. "Boss? What do you need? This young one shall do everything he can to accomplish it!" Yun Yang was slightly reluctant but it belonged to Dong Tianleng after all. "Im telling you your bird is very unusual. I suggest that you bring it up well." The corners of Dong Tianlengs lips twitched as he looked at the Phantom Vulture, his head shaking like a rattle drum. "No, no, no I dont want to!" I would only want it if I were mentally unstable. It was a Phantom Vulture! Yun Yang frowned and said, "This bird is not a Phantom Vulture." Only ghosts would believe you, you madman. Which part of it does not look like a Phantom Vulture? "Boss!" Dong Tianleng was in despair. "You need not lie to me like this. Wont I be beaten to death if I really brought it home?" "I really dont want it! I hated it as soon as I laid eyes on it!" Dong Tianleng clenched his teeth, he could not submit to the pressure! Yun Yang sighed and bent closer to Dong Tianlengs ear, saying in a low voice, "This bird has the blood of the phoenix!" Dong Tianleng stared at the Phantom Vulture before he shifted his gaze back to Yun Yang. Boss, you are certainly adamant about deceiving me. This horrible thing has phoenix blood? I almost fell for that! "Well, I dont want it anyway. Boss, throw it away quickly if you really dont want it either." Dong Tianleng looked at the bird with disdain. "Forget phoenix blood, even if it were a phoenix itself I wouldn''t want it either!" Yun Yangs eyes bulged in shock. Am I so untrustworthy? Afraid that Yun Yang would begin to persuade him further, Dong Tianleng got ready to slip away. "Boss, I will be taking my leave now" Before the former could speak another word, Dong Tianleng was gone C as swift as the wind, like malicious ghosts were chasing him. Walking out of the small yard, Dong Tianleng wiped away his cold sweat with lingering fear. "Blood of phoenix Boss, I almost believed you! If you hadn''t mentioned the blood of the phoenix What a trap, I was so close to believing your deceitful words!" Yun Yang was dumbstruck. You dont even want the blood of phoenix? Oh well, I want it even if you don''t! Yun Yang held the tiny critter and murmured, "Since youre not a Phantom Vulture and you have something special in you And Dong Tianleng doesnt want you... you can only follow me, your master, from now onwards." The little guys scrawny feet stood straight on Yun Yangs palm; it did not look like it cared in the slightest. "Since youre with me, we need to name you." The more Yun Yang looked at the little fellow, the more it grew on him; he said softly, "What name should I give you? The Whitey series? Whitey Black?" The little thing hopped in Yun Yangs hand, chirping twice with its head tilted to the side. "Nope, too many Whiteys. Besides, you only have that tiny bit of white trail; its an exaggeration to call you Whitey, especially when youre so ugly too. You even chirp ji C ji C ji, it has nothing to do with Whiteys at all.Lets have you pick between two names. Youll either be named Ugly or Jiji." Yun Yang passed the decision to the little thing but how could the tiny fledging understand what he was saying? It watched Yun Yang for a while with its head tilted; feeling comforted by the warmth of Yun Yangs palm, it hopped twice on his hand happily. "Hopping twice. Obviously, you like the second name very much. This owner shall respect your choice then. Youll be called Jiji from now on," Yun Yang announced with an air of finality. The tiny thing chirped twice, happily raising its head. "Looks like you really like it." Yun Yang was increasingly certain that he had picked the right name. Therefore, this was how this little thing had a shocking name that was indecent even after hundreds and thousands of years.1 Since he adopted this tiny thing, he had to feed it. Yun Yang was still skeptical, first bringing a leaf to which the tiny thing shook its head, refusing to eat. Mantou? No luck there. Noodle? A definite no. Meat? That was an even bigger no. Yun Yang finally took out some fruits and offered it to the tiny fellow. Its eyes radiated before it hopped over, a little forced but still began to feast on it, juice staining its mouth. "Itlooks like its really not a Phantom Vulture." Yun Yang was relieved because the Phantom Vulture would never feed on fruits. However, he frowned, "If this thing only eats fruits, what fruit supply could there be in this winter? Its a tricky task!" It was true. Winter had visited, so even some wealthy households could hardly have fruits for their consumption. In spite of this, this little critter was obviously uninterested in other food, scornful even! What should he do? It had just suddenly snowed so there were still a few peaches, pears, and apples at home but what about when those were consumed? What would happen when the mystical beasts appetite was unusually large! This nestling was oblivious to it. After stuffing itself fully, it hobbled two steps and climbed up from Yun Yangs pants into his pocket with familiarity. Whitey Four was sleeping in there at the moment, so it naturally meowed in dissatisfaction at this uninvited guest. However, the little fellow crawled in without a care and pushed with its buttocks, shoving Whitey Four aside for some space before curling its head into itself. It formed a small fur ball and fell asleep. Whitey Four glared at the intruder with its whiskers trembling. It was about to rage; after all, it was a top ninth-level mystical beast. How could the dignity of a high-level mystical beast be challenged? However, for some reason unbeknownst to all, Whitey Four sprung out from Yun Yangs pocket with a swoosh, meowing non-stop like it was immensely scared. Its sparkling eyes were filled with lingering fear. Oh my god, master. Why would you keep such a thing? This is terrible! Yun Yang stared at the skin of two apples and the pits of two peaches. Other than being dumbfounded, he was utterly speechless. Including its puffy feathers, this little critter was less than the size of an apple but it had devoured two big apples and two peaches that were even bigger than the apples in the blink of an eye! That was food five or six times larger than its body volume! It was excessive, even if the mystical beasts appetite was large. It was only this tiny, there should be a limit no matter how large a stomach it had.How could its stomach and appetite not be in tandem? Where had the food gone to? Could it be that this little things stomach was actually connected to some ocean? Could he even afford to care for such a glutton? Yun Yang had no doubt that problems would arise soon enough. However, Yun Yang recalled his days of being a glutton. It was like the abundance of food was gone as soon as they went into his stomach; for a moment, he felt emphatic about the fledging. "I was abandoned and youre abandoned too. You have it worse, you got abandoned twice" Yun Yang sighed, "Both of us will live well from now on " The little thing was already asleep. It did not hear any of Yun Yangs words, so naturally, it had no thoughts about them. When he saw Dong Tianleng again, Yun Yangs gaze held a fair measure of consternation and bewilderment. This fellow seemed to bring him luck! Although he did not know nor recognize anything, he could bring things of value back. In addition, he did not wish to hold onto these treasures! What a benevolent person he was! "Cough" Yun Yang called out, "Lengleng." Dong Tianleng sprung up swiftly. "Boss, I really dont want it! Dont thrust it at me anymore" Yun Yang was speechless. "No, I''m not talking about this. Its regarding something else." Dong Tianleng brightened up and grinned in hopes of flattering the young master. "Boss, what order do you have for me? Want me to drop some medications for the three families mystical beasts?" Yun Yang frowned in exasperation. "Your train of thought needs to take a different turn next time It cant do to always be such a jack*ss," Yun Yang commented good-naturedly; it was a sincere reminder. After all, he had taken a massive opportunity away from this fellow. Yun Yang did not have much of a conscience, but there was still a tiny bit that lingered. "Boss, you dont know it!" Dong Tianleng flipped his hair and put on a handsome and carefree front as he said, "Im a tiny leaf floating on a massive river! I know it!" "Tiny leaf floating on a massive river?" Yun Yang was stumped. "What do you mean?" "He depends on the force of currents!" A voice came from the side; Qiu Yunsan walked out with a discontented look on his face. Dong Tianleng, what a bastard! A person who could even think of poisoning our mystical beasts had to be a real bastard indeed What was worse was that this fellow would really do it! "Right!" Yun Yang said, "Yunsan, remember your bet with Mi Kongqun?" Qiu Yunsan was instantly aggrieved as he said miserably, "Boss youre deliberately picking at my tender spot" The bet with Mi Kongqun then involved the magical Luminary Paste; it was the four noble young masters dream medicine. Now that Mi Kongqun was confirmed to be gone, there was no way of obtaining it. It was due to this that Qiu Yunsan had become the laughing stock among the brothers. For Yun Yang to mention it now was to rub salt into his wound which had yet to heal. If it were Dong Tianleng or the rest who had mentioned it, Qiu Yunsan would have probably fought with them but he dared not do anything to Yun Yang. He could only endure it with gritted teeth. Dong Tianleng, on the other hand, chortled gleefully. "What do you mean picking at your tender spot? Do you think Im you? Of course, I have my reasons for mentioning it. I got the toys back for you all." Yun Yang said, "There, here they are." As he spoke, he took out four of Mi Kongquns Luminary Paste. Yun Yang felt like compensating them for taking such a big advantage and it was a coincidence that the Luminary Paste had crossed his mind. Qiu Yunsans eyes glimmered with avarice while Dong Tianleng swore out loud, his eyes bulging in shock. Translator Note: 1Jiji (ߴߴj j): it is the sound of a birds chirp but naming something so also reminds one of how children call the male reproductive organ, penis, in their childlike way, that is also (j j). 307 No Shame! Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan had mysteriously popped out of thin air upon hearing Yun Yang''s words. Four pairs of eyes bored holes into the Luminary Paste in Yun Yangs hands which sparkled with a green glow. "These were found among Mi Kongquns belongings. I have some connections in the palace; it belongs to a dead person anyway, better use it than to let it go to waste." Yun Yang shrugged nonchalantly. Not that Dong Tianleng and group could process his explanation though; who cared how or where the things came from? As long as it was bona fide and could be held in their hands, was the explanation really important? The young masters were already anxiously twitching, very eager to get their hands on the paste. This was the legendary item of their dreams, a treasure that could allow a man to stay tall and proud! It was a Holy Grail among all other possessions "Mine!" Qiu Yunsan screeched and began to charge over but he fell over almost immediately. At the same time he had bolted, Dong Tianleng, Chun Wanfeng, and Xia Bingchuan had stuck out their legs simultaneously. All three popinjays had unleashed the highest level of their individual martial skills! Their kicks were like shadows without a trace, marvelously swift. Just as Qiu Yunsan announced his will, three kicks landed on him at once, flinging him away like a dumpling. Upon landing on his buttocks, he squawked in pain. "Boss, mine." It was Chun Wanfeng. "Boss, me," said Xia Bingchuan. "Boss, give me one. Dont give it to Qiu Yunsan. It''s going to be a waste for him to eat it" Dong Tianleng weighed in as well. "Boss" Qiu Yunsan collected himself and dashed back at lightning speed. "Dont listen to Dong Tianleng. This bastard doesnt know anything other than ruining unity. Nothing he says can be trusted!" Yun Yang shook his head in amusement. "What are you fellows arguing over? I have four here, isnt it just right for each to have one?" Four of them lifted their heads in unison and looked at Yun Yang in shock. "Boss, dont you want one for yourself?" Yun Yang was utterly amused. It seemed that this was the goal of the four fellows contest. There were five people but four Luminary Pastes; one of them would definitely not have it. Yun Yangs portion was out of bounds because if he had not taken them out, no one would have it. Therefore, one of the four young masters would have gone empty-handed. The four of them were already calculating in their mind C since there must be someone who cant get it, that person will surely not be me! It was lucky that these four were quite bonded after so many years of knowing each other in addition to being at Yun Yangs home; otherwise, with their temper, they might have caused quite a commotion. "Never mind me." Yun Yang smiled. "I dont have such a need for now. You few are lacking so much, its more urgent for you all!" "Thank you, boss!" "Thank you for boss rebirthing mercy!" Four of them exclaimed words of gratitude in unison; each one was beaming triumphantly. They were not at all bothered by Yun Yangs words about their shortcomings. So what if were lacking? Theres a poem that says, "If you dont lack in your youth, who can you find as time passes? Beauty like flowers lasts for only a few years, tears of regret streams upon waiting like silver strands!" Besides, what harm is there to be scolded or mocked? As long as this paste reaches my hand, I won''t mind listening to any amount of admonishment. I will be legendary, standing tall and proud! C The highest level of being a man! It looks like the new page of legend that spreads in the world of escorts will have to be written by the few of us! Holding their coveted Luminary Paste, the four brothers who had their dreams come true were beaming so widely that their eyes had disappeared into crescents. To the four popinjays, the level advancement of the mystical beast offspring bugging them earlier was far less important than this! Qiu Yunsan took deep breaths, again and again He tried his best to suppress his surging emotions, doing his best to be collected, calm, and insightful. He then checked the Luminary Paste before swallowing it in one gulp, not even drinking any water to aid his consumption. He did it in one swift motion but it seemed that he had difficulty downing it. The Luminary Paste was a paste after all; there was some weight to it, so it was difficult to swallow it smoothly. Great Young Master Qiu stretched his neck to try swallowing the paste down. His handsome face turned purple from his restricted airway. "Drink some water quickly, itll be fine afterward." An expert of the Qiu Family quickly handed a bowl of water over. "N C no, no" Qiu Yunsan waved his hand dismissively and said with much difficulty, "Dont d C dont dilute the efficacy." The crowd fell silent in shock. Qiu Yunsan was willing to give his all for this legendary efficacy of the paste. Did he not know that one could die from being choked? The other three families were exclaiming in relief C thank God my familys young master is not as embarrassing as Qiu Yunsan. When they turned around to look at their respective charges, their faces fell immediately. Chun Wanfeng, Dong Tianleng, and Xia Bingchuan were also stretching their necks with eyes rolling to their backs, trying hard to swallow. The image was exactly the same compared to Qiu Yunsan, worse, even. After all, Qiu Yunsans looks triumphed over the rest; in this aspect, he was actually a clear winner. The power of good looks could extend its superiority anytime and anywhere; there was no exception even at such a moment! The guards from their families went over hastily to slap the three great young masters backs to help them. After all, there was a slim possibility that they might really die from suffocation. Yun Yang was no longer just having goosebumps on his neck now; his goosebumps had spread all over his body. "I must say is this thing really so important? Whatever said, you four are the direct descendants of status and repute. Is it really good to have no shame for this small bonus of the lower half of the body?" Yun Yang could not understand the current situation while Dong Tianleng and gang were rolling their eyes from almost being choked, but they chuckled weakly while looking at Yun Yang. Their chuckles were condescending like an informed and knowledgeable city person looking down at an old-fashioned bumpkin who came from the most outdated village C no experience, no common knowledge and senseless how contemptible! The four of them had an increasing sense of superiority at the same time. After all, since they met Yun Yang, they had entirely been under his wing. Now that they could be at a higher position than Yun Yang C the four of them together too - how could they not be delighted and vigorous? It was already a difficult exercise to refrain from boasting and behaving arrogantly! Dong Tianleng finally caught his breath and said grinning, "Boss, you wont know some things not having experienced it. Right, you havent experienced it, have you? Of course, a virgin would not get it. Let me explain it to you..." He frowned and racked his brain for a while before finally managing to find a more fitting analogy. "However much women place importance on their appearances, it is as much as men find this important Do you get it?" Yun Yang looked stupefied. "No, I don''t." Dong Tianleng and gang chuckled meaningfully. "Boss, youre still young. Youll get it in the future" Yun Yang felt a sense of wrongness all over. F*cking hell, the few of you are asking for a good wallop, aren''t you? How dare you speak to your father with such a condescending tone? Are you patronizing your father? Your father can turn your mystical beasts into food at any time! Yun Yangs gaze was hostile now. It was not that he did not fully know the meaning of the four fellows'' words. Even if he had never seen pigs run or had never seen a pig being slaughtered, he would have read all of it in books. What made Yun Yang really huffy was that he truly was a virgin. He really did not have the experience of a man like the four did, so he had no rebuttal in place. In this aspect, he was really less than the four popinjays! The popinjay of Yutangs popinjays was but a name C a reputation. It was, in fact, an exaggerated title! This was what Yun Yang was so niggled about! Is being a virgin a sin? Theres nothing wrong having no experience, is there? I have kept a secret though Let''s see if I can use it in the future. Still, this is highly related to my dignity and I cant say it out loud! The four popinjays suddenly realized that they might have gone overboard. Was their boss so easily taken advantage of? Thinking of this, they chuckled abashedly. "Boss is great and divine. You wont have to use it, be it now or in future We, on the other hand, are already lacking Sigh, we have no choice" These four guys were experts in changing their stances according to the situation as they quickly painted themselves in a pathetic light to salvage the situation. Yun Yang scoffed but did not really fuss about it. After all, arguing about this matter would only damage his reputed charm and elegance. "Right. Dong Tianleng, your family hasnt gotten any mystical beast offspring until now. The Phantom Vulture which you acquired with effort was given to me too" Dong Tianleng blinked and fell into an internal monologue, "Given to you? When did I give it to you? Didnt I throw it away? How can that thing be presented as a gift? Its a direct offense doing so! Is boss hinting that Ive offended him because I refused to accept it?" Dong Tianlengs eyes squinted as he said, "Its all thanks to boss being willing to accept it with grace. Boss is great and gracious, you bring betterment to the world that spreads to all life. Those who wish to give things to boss can queue up from Tiantang City all the way to the borderless ocean Boss wouldnt take it even if others were to present you a gift; its only this young brother who can have a little pride, to feel immensely honored!" Qiu Yunsan and the other two turned their heads away, feeling a scratchy feeling in their throats. They sincerely wanted to retch so they could vent out the disgust in their hearts. They were no strangers to bootlicking. If anything, they were exceptionally good at it, but to so shamelessly pander and stoop so low C it was their first time in life witnessing it. Dong Tianlengs shame was not lost; he never had any. You could call something like a Phantom Vulture a gift? It was obviously something intended to purposefully disgust and insult someone. Giving someone such a revolting thing as a gift was simply asking for trouble. The three of them were stunned. Gift? Phantom Vulture? Did the boss really say that he intended to take it in? "Boss you you wont be intending to nurture that thing right?" Qiu Yunsans eyes were wide as he stared at Yun Yang in fear and shock. "Boss, this thing... cant be nurtured!" 308 Treasured Sword, Spirited Kau, and the Daemon of Sleaziness Chun Wanfeng chipped in as well, "Boss, everyone knows that youre the bigger person but you dont have to sacrifice yourself just to be considerate of Dong Tianlengs dignity. We all know what sort of standard the Phantom Vulture is" Xia Bingchuan agreed hastily, "Thats right, exactly so" Yun Yang nodded, his smile exceptionally gentle. "Oh no, you have misunderstood me; I really want to try cultivating it, see if I can train that little critter to grow up feeding on something else if I can really change the little creature''s innate habits and ultimately domesticate it. After all, the Phantom Vulture itself is a flying mystical beast with remarkable combat power; its overall characteristics arent too bad. Keeping in mind it''s poisonous nature, everything else should be easily done." He then pointed at his pocket and said, "See, Ive just fed the little critter with an apple and its sleeping now after being fed. It doesnt exude any putridity at all, so its enough evidence that my inference might actually work wonders..." The four great young masters stared at the Phantom Vulture that was now curled up into a ball in Yun Yangs pocket and dropped their jaws, unable to close their gaping mouths. How could this possibly work? Wasn''t it a bit too fast and far too effective? "Ive given it a nice name too. I''ve called it Jiji," Yun Yang said, chuckling. The four of them were dumbstruck at once. This name was great indeed, terribly apt! "Boss is brilliant indeed, ingenious and foresighted, cunning and profound!" Dong Tianleng kept his compliments coming on strong. "Boss can actually predict the future, he knows that we would eat the Luminary Paste today for... cough Jiji. He has actually named the bird first! Im utterly impressed by boss profound intelligence" Qiu Yunsan and the rest of the men felt waves of revulsion wash over them. What should we say about you pandering like this? Are you singing high or low praises with your bootlicking? "Yes Boss is brilliant" The three of them looked constipated as they uttered the words almost reluctantly. Never mind. With Dong Tianleng starting off that way, we can''t afford to be rude. Yun Yang glanced at the four men in disdain and said in cold tones, "Ive never met anyone as shameless as the four of you." The four of them looked dejected like they had encountered some form of unspoken despair. "Oh right, where was I just now?" Yun Yang knocked his head. "Boss, you were saying that youve named it Jiji. Its an excellent name that befits the situation," Xia Bingchuan answered enthusiastically. The intention to flatter was brimming in his words while he wore a simpering expression. Yun Yang glared as he said, "Dong Tianleng, you dont have any mystical beast offspring to nurture. Your family didnt send you any new offspring have they? However, I cant possibly let you suffer a loss by accepting your gift." Before he resumed his words, Yun Yangs hand clenched as a sword appeared within his grip. This was a sword that looked like a belt; it was as soft as a snake. A simple wave would make it flutter in the air. "Take this sword." Yun Yang said, "Call it your compensation or as a returning gift for the little critter that youve given to me, this sword is yours now. I inadvertently obtained this treasured sword, Spirited Kau, and I dont usually use it. It would make a great belt." Without Yun Yangs further introduction, the three noble young masters, other than Dong Tianleng, heard the name and felt their eyes falling out of their sockets, so widely were they opened. As for the family experts who were watching the sky, unable to listen to their previous conversation, they could not help but turn their heads as well, staring intently at the sword in Dong Tianlengs hand. Dong Tianleng himself was in a stupor currently, his mind was blank as he held the treasured sword, Spirited Kau! "Spirited Kau?" Chun Wanfeng shouted, almost insane from the envy which turned into jealousy which turned into hatred. "Boss this is the legendary treasured sword, Spirited Kau? Youre giving it to him just like that? To Dong Tianleng?" Not only did Chun Wanfeng lose his composure, Xia Bingchuan and Qiu Yunsan were also looking like they were on the verge of breaking down. The disbelief on their faces was evident of how unimaginable the entire scenario was. "Why was I not chosen?" "Why not give it to me?" "Hes Dong Tianleng what greatness does he have to possess the treasured sword, Spirited Kau?!" "Boss your decision itself is a reckless waste of Gods gift, youve humiliated this divine weapon!" The three noble young masters were devastated! "The treasured sword, Spirited Kau, is said to be the weapon of The Daemon of the Sword, Linghu Buchong, who always carried it with him three thousand and five hundred years ago. This sword is mainly made up of extraterrestrial metal, Wrapping Sidesilver; other than its unmatched sharpness that could easily shred steel, its soft and flexible. When using it, jerking it against the wind makes it invincibly solid while it can be wrapped around the waist when not in use as a belt Its convenient and remarkably stealthy to be brought around C a divine weapon to kill at any time and in any place!" A ninth peak expert from the Dong Family stared at the sword in Dong Tianlengs hands as he said, shaking in delight, "This sword has long become the legend of Tianxuans famous swords and is even ranked as one of the top ten fantasy swords acknowledged by Tiantans swordsmen for hundreds and thousands of years! Its been at least three thousand years since this sword last greeted the world. Ever since Linghu Buchong retired from the martial world and disappeared, there hasn''t been any news about this sword. Who would have known that it has re-emerged now and would belong to my young master! What a good sword! Its an impeccable pair for this sword to suit my young master Young Master Yun is wonderful in recognizing talents and bringing them up; how wise and graceful of you!" Chun Wanfeng and gang were growing more desperate as they chided, "Nonsense, nonsense! Dong Tianleng is only worthy of being amazingly sleazy! How can be he be worthy of this sword?" The turn of events was thrilling, but ferociously so. As they were caught in the turmoil of emotions, the three young masters had completely forgotten about their basic respect towards their seniors. "You three people are the petty and contemptible ones! Off with your unadulterated envy turned jealousy turned hatred! God blesses the kind. This sword is mine now anyway, what can you do about it?" Dong Tianleng kept the sword with a swoosh, his grip on it tight. He then beamed brightly. "Thank you, boss for bestowing the sword on me!" Yun Yang replied with a straight face, "It would be the greatest thanks to me if you dont misuse this sword." The sword was found among He Hanqings possessions prior to this. It was, of course, a divine weapon to most of the masses but to Yun Yang who already had Divine Edge, this sword was not much of a help. After all, it could not even compare to Divine Edge so he did not regard it highly. In addition, he had Emmies strong assistance. He could get however many swords like this if he wanted; it would be effortless to even obtain weapons of better quality than this treasured sword, Spirited Kau. Naturally, he had no appreciation of the sword and did not care for the swords reputation. It did not bother him in the slightest to give it away. More so, being able to end the supposed fate between Dong Tianleng and the fledging was more than worth the price. However, the value of this transaction made the other three noble young masters green with envy as they looked at Yun Yang. Oh, boss This was like offering a bright pearl to pure darkness! The three of them felt disheartened as if they no longer bore any hope for this life. How could such a divine item be given to Dong Tianleng? They would have felt a little better if the sword had been tossed into a refuse heap. The three young masters resentful gazes made Yun Yang uncomfortable. "Okay, okay. The mystical beast training starts now. You may be idle, but I still have a lot of things to do!" Yun Yang announced. Dong Tianleng retrieved Spirited Kau without any sense of shame and waved it around. As mystical Qi engulfed the treasured sword, the sword straightened and turn solid as steel with a clang, gleaming with an icy chill. Seeing how it worked, Dong Tianleng was delighted. Retracting his mystical Qi, the sword softened at once, just like a real snake. "It can become a whip when the mystical Qi is not used. What a gem!" Dong Tianleng feigned shock at the discovery. "It seems that it can be used as a saber too!" "Or a stick" "Oh sh*t, it can even" "And even" Dong Tianleng waved his sword all around, with exaggerated motions. The three other young masters glared at him as they watched the scene, coming close to dashing over and killing him to take over the weapon! "Young master, one must not flaunt his fortune in case of others jealousy," an expert of Dong Family reminded the excited young man. "Right you are! We must be wary of despicable ones!" Dong Tianleng heeded the advice and pulled the belt he wore off with a swoosh, before throwing it aside without a care. With a subsequent clack, he wrapped the Spirited Kau around his waist. The grip of the treasured sword had coincidentally become the belts buckle. It resembled the head of a flood dragon, flaunting its valiance. Dong Tianleng stuck his stomach out and walked around a few times with arms on his back, speaking with self-pride and delight, "Do I have the mannerism of The Daemon of Sword? Do I look like the legend reincarnated?" The rest of the audience felt the muscles in their face twitch uncontrollably. He did not own any of the mannerisms of The Daemon of Sword but would probably have plenty of mannerisms of the Daemon of Sleaziness. "Fortune must not be flaunted... what an honest opinion!" Dong Tianleng wore the belt outside, over his even longer garment. He patted the belt buckle and said beaming, "Especially in front of these three fellows, all the more good things cant be flaunted. Who knows if one of them has an ulterior motive and decides to target me?" He stroked the Spirited Kau fondly, his eyes almost disappearing from how his wide grin. "Not only will they prey on me, they will really try to snatch it away. Its better to prevent this." The rest were speechless. Arent you already flaunting it, being so boastful? Its only logical that we rob you! "Your father has had enough! Arent you f*cking flaunting right now!" Qiu Yunsan said vehemently, "Why don''t you flaunt it when youve taken off all your clothes and wrapped this sword around your tiny penis?" Dong Tianleng turned a deaf ear, strolling in front of his friends with unadulterated joy. The grip of the treasured sword, Spirited Kau, shone under the sun, stinging the spectators eyes. "Great!" "Comfortable it is!" "I like it so much!" "I am thoroughly fond of it" "This is my sword! Mine!" Dong Tianleng wiggled his buttocks as he sashayed before Chun Wanfeng and the rest with all sorts of unsightly mannerisms. "My, how f*cking sleazy!" 309 A Close Watch! The three of them spat harshly and turned away forcefully so that they did not have to watch him. Unfortunately, they had used too much strength in the gesture that they cracked their necks, almost breaking them. They turned to stare at Yun Yang resentfully, looking terribly miserable and crestfallen. Boss, this is a huge blow. It is biased treatment, no two ways about it. Yun Yang looked towards the sky, thinking, "How will the few of you know what Dong Tianleng has lost for this sword. If you did, you fellows will definitely feel justified Still, I cant tell you this Its true that heaven blesses kindhearted ones, but those not blessed, well..." "Dong Tianleng doesnt have a mystical beast offspring. Are you fellows also similarly lacking? Usher them out quickly. I havent checked on them." Yun Yang pressed with some urgency but he was actually diverting the attention. The three noble young masters were despondent After such a terrible surprise, the thrilling joy of obtaining Luminary Paste earlier had dissipated. They cast their glances then at their small mystical beast cubs and had the impulse of strangling them C its this little thing that is useless I cant get boss to like them and that has made me lose the chance to own a renowned sword Oh, how resentful I am! For the next few days, the Residence of Yun became a zoo once again. There was Big Whitey, Whitey Two, Three, Four, and Five and Jiji. These were directly under Yun Yang while the Three-eye Boar, Ten Thousand Catty Bear, and Black-winged Tiger cub were officially considered part of the family as well. The Three-eye Boar was named Hero by Qiu Yunsan, while the Ten Thousand Catty Bear was easily named Good Man by Xia Bingchuan. The Black-winged Tiger was named King by Chun Wanfeng. These three names forget about the Black-winged Tiger, but matching Hero and Good Man to the Three-eye Boar and Ten Thousand Catty Bear? The inappropriateness made Yun Yang twitch at the wrong places. What courage, could you fellows be any more generous? Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. Yun Yang basically kept himself locked inside the residence for these seven days. He went nowhere, as he concentrated without any diversion of focus to what was happening outside in the world; fully absorbed in the role of a mystical beast trainer! From the outside, there had been two pairs of gazes that kept a close watch at the Residence of Yun. The young lord and the black-robed elderly had been watching this place for four days. They had spent almost no effort in finding out that Ji Lingxi had some acquaintance with the Residence of Yuns young master and had even stayed here. Therefore, this place was the most likely location, since it was also within their target area C Tiantang City! Both master and servant had been watching for four continuous days but found no abnormalities. If Yun Yang did really save the two girls or perhaps had some connection with Supreme Wind and had asked him to save the ladies, he should have been so collected and calm. Either Yun Yang had no idea of the incident, or he was too shrewd to reveal anything. As for the third possibility, it was that he had something to depend on and completely omitted the young lords presence. However, this possibility was immediately discarded by the young lord! He had come to a few conclusions after days of observation. Firstly, Yun Yang himself possessed very meager ability; he was maybe only an ant. Secondly, there was no trace of remarkably formidable experts residing in the Residence of Yun. Those exposed only had ordinary prowess. No matter how Supreme Wind was related to Yun Yang, he was either not at the Residence of Yun or his powerful exterior was just for show! Although the Residence of Yun housed the elite experts of the four noble families, the level of the young lord and old servant duos capabilities was that of Ling Xiaozuis level. The four family experts were only ants that were a tad stronger. Upon reaching such a conclusion, the young lord and old servant grew increasingly reckless in their plans, abandoning their initial caution. "Young lord, this Young Master Yun is a rare genius, just based on his endowment," the elder clad in black robes said in a low voice. "Ive long noticed that." The young lord nodded his head. "However, that is the only thing he has going for him. His physique is too complicated and the skills he has learned doesnt match at all. Even if he has achieved some by now, he is destined to not reach the pinnacle stage in this life." The black-robed elder nodded and commented, "This is really a pity. The natural gift of a golden jade body is rare even from where we come from. Its the perfect talent to cultivate swordsmanship but why has he selected a wholly mismatched skill and of such complex base at that This is really a waste!" The young lord smiled. "Although his gift would hasten his initial stage of cultivation and facilitate the breakthrough of bottlenecks, his improvement would slow down once he got to the heavenly realm! Those who he initially surpassed will surpass him once again if they are fortunate. A supposed genius who took the wrong step once they began cultivation will either meet their downfall or forever be suppressed. Theres no future to talk about." "Therefore" The middle-aged young lord concluded, "This Young Master Yun looks high spirited and boastful now but his future is bleak. This should originally be a cultivators knowledge and experience but this lower world sees only what the eyes can see! They wont have especially taken notice of the issue of matching between the basis of themselves and the cultivation method they opted for. It cant be helped" The elder in black said, "Weve kept watch for four full days and there arent any abnormalities in the Residence of Yun. Isnt this a little strange?" The young lord spoke faintly, "Hardly surprising, actually. If anything unusual happens, itd be spotted by us all too easily. Now that would be strange." "Yes, the young lord is right, of course." the old man said. "Actually, to say there arent any abnormalities isnt all true. So many mystical beasts have gathered at this place and they obviously belong to the four noble families. There might be a story behind all this that we dont know about." The young lord watched the inside of the Residence of Yun from afar and said indifferently, "Could it be that this Young Master Yun is a mystical beast trainer?" The elder in black robes commented, "The lower worlds people think very differently from where we come from. Their cultivation path is narrow and they dont know how to move forward. Even if Young Master Yun bears the identity of a mystical beast trainer, its not exactly surprising." "Also, the Residence of Yuns Feng Shui is excellent." The young lord explained, "The arrangement of the structure inside is meaningful. Just the Feng Shui of the layout of the strata in the land can already gather effectively the spiritual Qi of heaven and earth" "Its noticeable just by looking at the animals and plants in the residence," the young lord said. "Combining the points mentioned, this Young Master Yuns family background doesnt seem to only be merely an imperial courts marquis." A thoughtful expression flashed across the young lords eyes. "Let us think of a way to approach him." Yun Yang closed his eyes and delivered spiritual Qi to begin verifying the three mystical beasts current state and prepare to officially train them. These three cubs had been staying at his residence for seven days. Although a human would not notice a distinct difference in these seven days, mystical beasts were the most sensitive to changes of the spiritual Qi of their surroundings. These young cubs had all turned active and vigorous, running to and fro, an improvement from their initial listlessness. In addition, as Yun Yang slowly trained them bit by bit, these little fellows seemed to display signs of increased intelligence! How long had it been? The experts from the four families were baffled with such a magical effect, almost refusing to believe what they were seeing! It was only now that they wholly acknowledged the words of the four noble young masters. It looked like this Young Master Yun was no ordinary man after all! Looking at the Three-eye Boar that was trying its hardest to roll and hop, bolting here and there, it had bounced over as soon as Yun Yang called for it C utterly obedient. There was also the Ten Thousand Catty Bear that was looking rather dumb with its legs supporting its heavy body, but it was also docilely executing Yun Yangs various orders. The Black-winged Tiger that everyone thought to be the least of a team player, unlike the other flying mystical beasts, was actually as obedient. The immediate effect of such training was never before seen or heard; it was akin to a miracle! "Hero! Come, roll over!" "Good Man! Come, stand up and walk!" "King, spin around!" Upon observing at a close distance for these past few days, the experts could confirm that they did not know yet what the particular purposes of Yun Yangs odd hand gestures, commands, and actions were, but they knew that they were effective on the mystical beasts! He was obviously improving and bettering each of the beasts natural weakness when he trained the three of them. With time, the future of these cubs would be bright indeed. The Three-eye Boar and Ten Thousand Catty Bear were heavy, so Yun Yang had trained them to run and move around to cultivate their agility while the Black-winged Tiger was naturally agile, so he was focusing on cultivating its prowess and patience. Basically, each steps predicted goal was clear to the eye. Moreover, Yun Yang seemed to be engulfed in some mysterious and inexplicable atmosphere that was urging the mystical beasts improvement and obedience, passively and gradually changing their innate characteristics. This was what bewildered everyone but Yun Yang had clearly done it, right in front of them. After some thought, the spectators could make some sense of it. If Yun Yang did not have such skills, he would not have boasted that he could train mystical beasts. Although training them was already impressive enough, it would still be futile if there were no further tactics to change the mystical beasts. The seemingly unreachable distance when Yun Yang had said he could change the mystical beasts, like rebirth and advance them to breaking through their innate level restraints, was no longer that far! The experts finally saw hope. It was due to this that the four families experts changed their attitude, from being doubtful and judgmentally suspicious to being reverent, impressed, and even awe-struck! If these cubs could really advance, then the familys hope would begin here! Yun Yang was now a deity who could do anything in their eyes. Everyone was filled with hope and motivation! As long as this was completed, they would be contributing a huge merit when they returned to the family. 310 The Meeting of a Young Lord and The Great Young Master The guards were clear that no matter how big a merit it was, it would only happen upon returning home. For now, they had to carefully protect their young masters, mystical beasts, and especially Young Master Yun himself, before the deed was done. In the process of training, they also sensed something was amiss. The mystical beasts in the Residence of Yun seemed to have their own ranking. Actually, it was more like the ranks among the mystical beasts was crystal clear. To illustrate, the Phantom Vulture that just joined the family was obviously being isolated. The Lightning Cats ignored it, walking far away from it like they were afraid to catch its stench. For this, the experts nodded in understanding; they completely understood the cats. After all, the Phantom Vulture was abhorrent. Almost all living creatures were reluctant to accept it. Everyone was clear about such a theory. Therefore, this Phantom Vulture sought its owner, Yun Yang, for safety all the time. It was understandable that it was close to Young Master Yun and kept following him around. After all, Yun Yang was the only person who showed any willingness to see it? However, what was with the Lightning Cats? Why were they bullying the Three-eye Boar and Ten Thousand Catty Bear whenever they had nothing to do? They even bullied the Black-winged Tiger What was going on here? These were eighth-level mystical beasts! Even if their genuine capabilities were debatable, they were still real eighth-level beasts! The blood that flowed through the veins and powerful lineage could not be faked. What was the level of these Lightning Cats? Had they all eaten the courage of a panther? How dare they bully mystical beasts above their own level! This was provoking the lion in its den! Young Master Yun was all for his Lightning Cats though. Once any conflict occurred among the mystical beasts, Young Master Yun would appear immediately to summon the cats back like he was scared that his Lightning Cats would be harmed. Everyone felt that they could understand it too. The Lightning Cats were only beginner or intermediate level mystical beasts. Even when the Ten Thousand Catty Bear, Three-eye Boar, and Black-winged Tiger were just newborns, the levels were still there; once the higher leveled ones exploded in anger, the Lightning Cats would not be able to defend themselves against it. It was possible for them to die just from the shock alone. In spite of this, they still disapproved of Yun Yangs attitude. It was undeniable that one would be biased towards his own beasts, but did he have to coddle those Lightning Cats? Was that not being overprotective? As the mystical beasts spent more time together, these Lightning Cats actually formed an ego distinctive to the direct line of Yun Yangs care; they were prideful and arrogant! They simply meowed day in and day out, pushing the Three-eye Boar and Ten Thousand Catty Bear around The experts from all four families felt their teeth clenching from how absurd things were. Since they had to lower their stance by staying under someone elses roof, did their mystical beasts come to the same realization as well? Every day, the Phantom Vulture, Jiji, would come out first, followed by the Lightning Cats who formed a line and sashayed out. Sometimes, there were only four of them; sometimes, there were five but no one could distinguish between them or tell them apart. After all, they looked exactly the same; only their sizes had the tiniest of differences. As time passed, everyone got used to it. As long as their familys beast could advance in level, nothing posed an issue. After all, it was already defying the natural law of the mystical beasts from how the Lightning Cats could harass the higher level beasts and not be countered. From the seventh day onwards, Yun Yang asked the three noble young masters aside to pass them the tricks of training mystical beasts individually. This struck the experts heart as they grew even more relieved C Young Master Yun was indeed trustworthy and performed his duties with full accountability. Very responsible so! From how things had worked out, Dong Tianleng had even lesser things to do. This fellow had been playing with his sword and behaved sordidly for the past few days, having fun and being triumphant, but after Yun Yang taught the three young masters the ways of training beasts, there was no longer anyone who paid attention to him. The three young masters were already annoyed by how sordid he was, so they naturally thrust themselves into the task of training their beasts now that the proper matter called for their attention. Dong Tianleng entertained himself for a few days and finally got bored of it. After all, one needed audience whether one was playing with the sword or being sordid. Who was he showing all that to if he was doing it alone? "Shall we go for a drink?" Dong Tianleng hollered, afraid that no one had heard him. No one responded. "Im buying I said Im buying. Whos going? Ill buy anything!" He cried again, the volume of his voice increasing. Still, no one responded. "Im going by myself if you fellows arent going to Dont regret it! The offer only stands once!" Dong Tianleng shouted with all his might once again. "F*ck off!" The three great young masters roared simultaneously. "F*ck, you three are refusing a toast to drink to a forfeit? Your father wishes that all your mystical beasts become Phantom Vultures!" Dong Tianleng spewed a string of curses as he walked out himself in search for an alehouse to wash his misery away. His guards sighed, shaking their heads, playing rock-paper-scissors to decide who would have to follow the young master. They fought fiercely to win; the one who lost, in the end, would have to follow Dong Tianleng! "These bastards! Not one of them is willing to accompany me!" Dong Tianleng gulped the wine down while devouring some meat. He looked indignant, his eyes slanted while his hat sat tilted to one side as well; one of his legs was on the chair and his face was an oily sheen from how he ate. He cursed aloud while eating, "Each of them is wicked! One day, your father will show them" His guard beside had his head lowered, rolling his eyes fervently after making sure that Dong Tianleng would not see his actions C we have duties to perform, alright? Do you think that everyone is as free as you? Youre not toying with your sword nor being sordid today but throwing words now, are you? "Ay, Old Fatty!" Dong Tianleng suddenly thought of something, as his eyes radiated. "Young master, Im Old Fatt, not Old Fatty." The guard scanned his scrawny body miserably. Why would you even think that I would ever be called fat? "Old Fatt!" Dong Tianleng corrected himself and stuck his head over, lowering his voice. "I''ve just thought of something; find me some medicine." Old Fatt shuddered. "Medicine? What medicine? What do you want to do?" "What medicine? What do I want to do?" Dong Tianleng stared at Old Fatt like he was stupid. "Nourishing medicine for their mystical beasts, of course." "Nourishing medicine?" Old Fatt was immediately suspicious. How can you be so kindhearted? Whod believe that? "Not the fatal nourishment nor that rare one that has no color nor scent. Its fine even if its a normal laxative or an aphrodisiac works too. As long as their beasts can be unwell for a month." Dong Tianleng gritted his teeth. "F*ck them for ignoring me Ridiculous! If Im upset, none of them can feet great too!" Old Fatt felt faint; he was seriously wondering if his luck was at the lowest point in life. Why else would he lose in rock-paper-scissors today? Why else would he be sitting here and not anyone else? How could he complete this task? As long as its not lethal? Are you giving an aphrodisiac to a cub less than a month old? Giving a laxative? So it will be unwell for a month? You dont even look like youll stop if you dont torment them to death! Youll be fine if a mishap really did happen because Id definitely be the scapegoat. The point is, I might not be the only one doomed; my entire family might be involved just in this one incident. "Yes?" Dong Tianleng was impatient. "No, no! This cant be!" Old Fatts head shook like a rattle drum. "Old Fatt, do you know why you got promoted so slowly in our family?" Dong Tianleng was giving him a sorrowful look. "It''s because youre too timid! How big a thing can this be?" How big a thing can this be? You offending three families in one go, you tell me how big a thing this is! If this fellow was not his young master, Old Fatt was certain that he would have lost his cool, beaten him to death then go on to torture his corpse for the next three days. I''m timid, am I? Your father will show you how bold I am! As Dong Tianleng continued his string of curses, he suddenly saw a young master dressed in white strolling in with an escort dressed in black. Wherever he passed, there seemed to be a fragrant air following. The white-clothed young master was graceful and handsome; he was lean and tall, his elegance unsurpassed. A glance at him immediately conveyed the fact that he came from a great and reputable large family. No matter the aspect, it showed a sense of superiority. In spite of this, Dong Tianleng rolled his eyes and lowered his head to eat. Great Young Master Dong Tianleng had always called himself the natural enemy of all things elegant in this world! No matter how otherworldly the person was, Great Young Master Dong Tianleng would be upset once he laid eyes him or her C on what f*cking basis are you more handsome than me? Why is your mannerism better than mine? Why are you more graceful than me? Everything is a f*cking act! If this young master puts up a front, it wont pale in comparison to you! I despise falsehood, bumpkin! With Yun Yangs decent looks and extraordinary bearing, he should not be Dong Tianlengs cup of tea but oh, how the world worked! When they had met then, Yun Yangs feigned pretentious popinjay front caught Dong Tianlengs penchant and he took to Yun Yang right away. Afterwards, the more Dong Tianleng felt Yun Yangs hidden sense of popinjay-ness through his actions and words, the more he was impressed and submitted himself as a subservient young brother. However, the rest of the otherworldly young masters and handsome youths stung Dong Tianlengs eyes C there was no exception! However, Dong Tianleng was exceptionally glum right now and had no mood to find fault with others, deciding that he would be merciful and keep himself from attacking as long as that young master did not continue to hang around him. On the other hand, he would pound that elegance right into the fellow''s buttocks if the other party did anything. He did not want to provoke the person but the latter had taken the initiative to come to him instead. "Oh?" The eyes of the young master in white shone once he saw Dong Tianleng. "I can tell that this young master is an elite with just a single glance. Young brother regrets not meeting you earlier. I wonder if this young master is interested to have a drink with me? This young brother will pay!" Old Fatts face twitched uncontrollably. Brother, how could you possibly tell that my young master is an elite? You must really be bold to dare to strike a conversation now. Lets see my young master paint your face with interesting colors with his rejection. Indeed! "Well, that largely depends." Dong Tianlengs head was raised with a tilt. "How sordid are you?" 311 Why is My Luck So Bad? The young master in white clothes was stunned. What did he mean? He could not be blamed for not fully understanding the situation. Despite Dong Tianleng speaking a human language, it was rare for a normal person to immediately grasp the entire meaning all at once; at least, that was the case for the young master in white. "Am I like an artist, like the dragon and phoenix?" Dong Tianleng continued firing shots, "Where is the dragon? Where is the phoenix? Tell me quickly! Ive always been curious of these two, and have admired them for a very long time. The young master in white was momentarily stunned as he attempted to gather his thoughts, "How barbaric! How dare he speak to me like this?" "Do you regret meeting me now? Don''t be overly distraught by it," Dong Tianleng chose to end his sentence with a despondent face. The young master glared, finally understanding what kind of a man Dong Tianleng was; his hands were already trembling. How could this bastard be so sordid? This young master had never met someone as sordid in his entire life. Dong Tianleng continued to rant. "Drink with you? Who are the f*ck you? Do you actually dare to ask me for a drink? Are you buying? Do you think your father is someone poor? Am I lacking your wine money? Do you think your words can make your father lower his status?" The young master in white took in a deep breath, obviously struggling to keep his temper in check. Anyone with adequate power and background would be struggling at this moment, so it was not at all strange. Just as he was about to erupt, Dong Tianleng had caught him off guard by lashing out first. The anger accumulated throughout the entire day was unleashed fully on this man who came without an invitation. Dong Tianleng had at least kept the anger within him for a good eight days! If he kept it in any longer, he felt like he was going to boil over and explode. Since there was a dumb*ss who brought himself over today, how could he not utilize this godsend opportunity? Dong Tianleng sprung up and slapped the table, angrily shouting, "You rich bumpkin, have you forgotten your family name with the number of tainted taels you have? Must you flaunt it here? Do you think youre more decent now with some fortune in your pocket? Do you think your bones are weightless and floating already so you can ascend into high society? Buy your own f*cking drinks! Does your father know you? Do you know who your father is? Do you know your fathers mood is down the drain right now? You f*cking donkey, you dare to provoke me, didn''t your family teach you the rules of society? Do you want your father to teach you how to be a person?" The young master in white was at a loss for words. It wasn''t only him; the elder in black clothes standing beside him was stunned as well. He would never have dreamed of his graceful and classy invitation with a charming smile C his warm passion, would be rewarded with loud flatulence! One that was tinged with excrement as well! It was utterly tragic and absolutely horrible. "You!" The young masters lips were quivering with rage. "You? What you? Do you not know how to speak now? Go home and learn to speak if you dont, who are you trying to be, when you cant even speak properly? Arent you pathetic? Arent you humiliating? Do you even still have shame?" Dong Tianleng was being utterly impossible, the way he was behaving. "I!" Blood drained from the young masters face. "I? What I?" Dong Tianleng rolled his eyes. "Youre not having a f*cking seizure, are you? I hope you won''t die from anger. Are you sure you wont die from a blocked artery? Yeah? Then I shall go on cursing! Look at you, stuttering and unable to speak clearly. Looking all soft and delicate, it just shows that youre not a good thing with the first glance! Are you a rapist? Are you the one behind the rape cases in Tiantang City few days ago? You trash! Not saying anything means youre admitting guilt! You vile abuser! I must act in place of god today and rid the people of this harm!" Dong Tianleng hollered. "Old Fatt!" Old Fatt raised his pale face in fear. Did he just accuse this man of being a rapist? I cant keep up with this tempo of my young master Dong Tianleng was already shouting again, "Quick, seize this rapist and send him to the officials so he can be penalized! I didnt expect to solve a big case coming out today! This is a heinous and wicked one! Youre called Flying on Grass right? Thats your name? I knew its you! F*cking Flying on Grass, Im going to apprehend you today! How much blood debt of innocent ladies is in your hands, you can just wonder." Dong Tianleng remembered one of Yun Yangs teachings C one must stand at the high point of morality if one were to make a fuss over things. He felt that he had stood tall and proud on that point today. "Im going to exterminate this evil for the people! Acting on behalf on the heavens! Im giving my all today, pouring my passion and youth to weave them into a legend" Dong Tianleng slapped the table and with that loud boom, he carried, "Catch him!" Just as he finished speaking, he immediately felt a sense of suffocatingly murderous intent C bone-chilling and sterile. The young master in white whose face had gone from his initial amiability to bafflement to being dumbfounded to infuriation to uncontrollable rage suddenly returned to serenity. Not only did his eyes glint with an intimidating chilling ray, his body stopped trembling as a formless pressure emerged from his change of attitude, locking itself onto Dong Tianleng as it surged. "What courage!" The young master said coldly, "No one dares talk to me like that ever since this young master was born. Come, come, child. Youre bold. Speak another word, let this young master learn from experience!" Feeling the intense killing intent that no one but only he could feel, Dong Tianleng turned cowardly on the spot. There was only one thought in his head - oh my god, have I stumbled once more? Why is my luck so bad? Why do I always stumble into such tough characters? This one here seems about the same like Ling Xiaozui. Recalling what he had said just now, Dong Tianleng only felt like doing one thing. If he could swallow his words back, he would have opened his mouth wide like a basin. As the opposite partys words were being processed, Dong Tianleng suddenly felt bold and reckless with only a momentary shudder. He had chastised him anyway; the way to death was already set. He would just give his all, did the fellow not say he wanted to hear his cursing again? Father, I, shall grant you your wish But Im a little scared of dying if I really make his wish come true "You what do you mean?" Dong Tianleng toughened up and spoke in a harsh voice, "Will I speak just because you asked me to? How humiliating would that be! Teach you something? What are you paying me? I wont be following your wishes. This young masters mood is wonderful today and shall let you go off the hook once. Old Fatt, lets leave!" Dong Tianleng wanted to flee right away. Oh my god, Im so petrified! It was already too late to think of escaping, though. Before Dong Tianlengs words even finished echoing. Bang! Bang! Dong Tianleng fell over, like he was riding on a cloud. He actually flew quite a bit before he landed harshly on the street. Pain shot up his body as black dots clouded his vision, he felt his bone breaking. Turning his head with much effort, he saw his guard falling pathetically next to him too. "Old Fatt" Dong Tianleng felt hopeless. "Why cant you fight them? Why is my luck so bad" Old Fatt straightened up, intending to pick himself up. Once he heard his young master though, his eyes rolled and he fainted. Why cant I fight them? Can you not see what their level is? Itd be absurd if I could even get close! If I can fight such existence, I couldve boasted in front of Ling Xiaozui! As for why your luck is so bad, dont you f*cking have the slightest idea? Spitting strings of curses like nobodys business the god wouldve been blind if your luck can be good! "Carry him!" The young master in white looked icy. "To the Residence of Yun!" He was still worried over not having an excuse. That was why he lowered his status to make acquaintance with Dong Tianleng; despite achieving his goal, it was tortuous. He was already fuming when the bastard admonished him but he had also vented by walloping him; he could even go look for Yun Yang with this excuse! He could look for him directly and see how this Young Master Yun would handle such an unexpected change of events. He would find out what relationship it was between this Young Master Yun and Ji Lingxi! Yun Yang was squatting on the ground and training the mystical beasts with utmost concentration. "Hero! Come, here!" "Good Man! Over here!" "King! Jump! Dont simply move your feet when you jump!" "Hush! Tsch, tsch! Hush, hush, hush!" "Got it?" Yun Yang asked Chun Wanfeng and gang. The three of them nodded dumbly. They seemed to have gotten it but they still had no idea of the particular meaning They did not even know what these actions could really do! "You fellows dont have to know the particularity of things. Just remember my hand gestures and commands." Yun Yang comforted them, "Youve all improved a lot. It should be about it with more practice" The three young masters looked miserable. Why didnt I feel any improvement? Is there even any to speak of? "Bang!" As they communicated, the doors to the Residence of Yun were suddenly kicked open. The two doors flew and landed in the courtyard, resulting in a loud bang. Then, two more explosive concussions went off.. Two unconscious people had landed in front of the crowd. They were Dong Tianleng and Old Fatt. Dong Familys guards sprung up at once, infuriated! "Who did that?" "I did!" An icy voice came from the doorway. When the groups gaze followed the source of the sound, they saw two people strolling in from the non-existent doors. One was in white while another in black; one was young while another was old; one was handsome and tall while another was hunched and old. Just as they appeared, an ominously oppressing aura engulfed the entire Residence of Yun. 312 Faraway Guest, Do Stay! With a sudden, daunting, feeling, the faces of the four noble families had turned pale white. Where had these two masters come from? Their ranks were absolutely legendary, their levels tantamount to that of Ling Xiaozui! Judging by the situation, the masses had come to a conclusion; they were definitely not worthy opponents even if they were to fight against the enemy together! In the face of the absolute differences of strength, there was no use in outnumbering their foe. How was one to deal with this matter? With an indifferent look, the young master clad in white strode forward slowly. Lightly, he asked, "Who is Yun Yang?" It looked like he had come here for Yun Yang. There was no need to worry anymore. Why had he hurt Dong Tianleng if he was here to find Yun Yang? Yun Yang was already expecting the arrival of opponents. Apparently, the reason he had exposed himself these past few days was to wait for their arrival. However, little did he expect that the young master would appear before him in such a manner. It had placed the both of them in a position of rivalry. The person had almost punched Dong Tianleng to death. This had caused the matter to head into a deadlock, making all of Yun Yang''s previous preparations, calculations, and countermeasures simply an exercise in futility. Considering the youth was not from the same side of the world, no matter how strong he was, he should have the reserved and determined demeanor of a great family. So long as he did not manage to find any actual evidence to prove that Yun Yang was, in fact, Supreme Wind, or any evidence revealing the identities of the two ladies, he would not have posed any trouble at this stage. Yun Yang had expected the other to fish about in a roundabout fashion by trying to create more opportunities to interact with Yun Yang. The reason that the person had tortured both of the ladies before this was not that he was unable to kill them in one fell swoop, but because he had other schemes. It was plain that the fellow was patient. If that was his real intention, Yun Yang might as well respond accordingly! However, the situation had rendered all of Yun Yang''s previous calculations useless. At the same time, the rage in Yun Yangs heart had escalated. No matter how strong you were, wasnt it a clear act of superiority, judging by the way you injured Dong Tianleng and how you tried to provoke us? We had four families experts here with us, together with Bai Yixue, Lao Mei, and Fang Mofei. With our cumulative effort, it wouldn''t be too far-fetched to say that we had a chance of survival. It was too soon to determine who was the ultimate winner! With an expressionless face, Yun Yang walked towards Dong Tianleng and Old Fatt and knelt down before them to check on their conditions. Yun Yang immediately felt a sense of relief. Although it seemed like they had been seriously injured, it was not life-threatening. It appeared that the young master was clear about his limits. In other words, the matter had yet to turn sour, and there was still room for reconciliation. Yun Yang rapidly fed the two with medicine to stabilize their conditions. He then ordered the expert from the Dong Family to lift them up to the side. Only then did he stand up, with his eyes focused on the young master in white. The young master in white watched how Yun Yang anxiously saved the two with mild interest. He stood silently rooted to the ground. After all, everyone within the Residence of Yun was no threat to him at all. Not only did he have his guard by his side, if anyone had so much as twitched, he would have decimated them with a wave of his hand. Since he was confident about his skills, it would be the utmost priority now to first understand the nature and tactics of his opponent. "Who are you?" Standing straight, Yun Yangs expression was calm and collected, his pair of eyes staring at the young master clad in white. Icily, he uttered, "Who are you to destroy my residence''s doors and hurt my brother? Why did you do so?" As usual, Yun Yang could be seen fully clad in violet, standing elegantly and otherworldly. Facing off against the young master in white, Yun Yang did not look inferior at all. His imperious and solemn grandeur far exceeded that of his opponent. The demeanor that Yun Yang displayed before his rival had inspired all the experts from the four noble families. To have such an imposing manner in the face of an irritably strong enemy was certainly not achievable by any ordinary man. "Are you Yun Yang?" asked the young master in white while glancing knowingly at Yun Yang. Apparently, the reason he had questioned Yun Yang was because he did not wish to be interrogated. "Yes, I am." Yun Yang felt that it was of no concern to divulge such information to this man. It would be a great joke if his aura was diminished just by answering the question! If that was true, it was evident that he was too fragile-hearted. "You have not answered my question yet," uttered Yun Yang with a more imposing tone after answering the young master in white. "As a matter of courtesy, allow me to answer your first question. My surname is Lei. You may not have heard of it." Young Lord Lei uttered faintly,"As for why I did this, you should ask your brother instead, ask him what had he done?" Lei? Yun Yang suddenly recalled the letter written by his sixth brother, Supreme Thunder. Bound of Universe, Lei Family. Before this, Yun Yang had thought about the youth before him. With such a formidable strength, it was impossible for a youth like him to possess such a high cultivation base in the secular Tianxuan Continent. He must be a visitor from the other realm. Since his family name was Lei as well, could he be from the family of Lei, from the Bound of Universe? "You wish me to ask him? Has he offended you?" Yun Yang turned to look at Dong Tianleng and he already had the answer. Yun Yang had an early understanding of that character''s absurdity when they had first met. It could be deemed as a deep understanding of the said character. If not for the previously fated encounter, it was not even glorious to have such a friend. This fellow was definitely a sordid bastard. There was no one in this world who more skilled at uttering and doing things that would easily offend others. "Considering the actions and words of your brother... If it wasn''t to reserve some of your honor, no one would blame me if I were to kill him on the spot." uttered Young Lord Lei, "What I did was only a slight punishment." A slight punishment? A slight punishment which had rendered him half-dead? It would not be extreme if he were to kill him on the spot? Who do you think you are, the father of the Emperor? The hearts of the four noble family guards were awash with anger. Coincidentally, Old Fatt had just woke up. All the glances were soon cast on him, another party from their side who had been involved in the incident. "What actually happened?" an expert from the Dong Family asked. Old Fatt was ashamed, his glances furtive. After a long while, he let out a long sigh. Recalling the words uttered by his own young master, Old Fatt felt that it was well-deserved even if he was killed on the spot. It was simply too lethal. Those who had heard of it would have abhorred it, not to mention the party involved the incident directly. An ordinary person would have been furiously enraged, let alone such a person of great strength! Looking at the reaction of Old Fatt, the masses were beginning to understand the situation. It must have been Dong Tianleng who had offended the other first - very gravely so. Only then was he injured by the other and even came to the doorstep. "Is it still necessary for me to reiterate the way things had panned out?" uttered Young Lord Lei blithely. Yun Yang sighed and uttered, "Even if theres cause for this matter, the way you reacted was excessive." The tone of his voice had instantly turned gentle. Great Young Master Yun Yang was a socially conscious person. His brimming rage and urge to battle were due to circumstances. The experts from the four great families were not to be relied upon, particularly the other three families other than the Dong Family. Once the things started to turn south, they were most probably going to prioritize saving their own lives. The so-called brotherhood was nothing more than a mere puff of air. Once the battle had been instigated, his side would definitely be defeated. Now it seemed like there was room for mediation. To progress towards that direction would be most favored by Yun Yang! Young Lord Lei was beaming in his heart. His idea was actually workable! On the other hand, Old Fatt could be seen meticulously reiterating the cause of the whole matter. The rest of those there then cast glances at each other. This matter was indeed beyond reproach. In particular, the words of Dong Tianleng that were being reiterated by Old Fatt. The other party involved was right there, it was impossible to omit anything at all. Other than being completely speechless, the group broke into a cold sweat. To get beaten after uttering such words was not a totally untoward reward. If they were the ones being scolded and had they possessed such great strength, they would have had beaten him to death without a second thought! Yun Yangs attitude changed immediately. Letting out a sigh, he said, "Dong Family, carry your young master in to recover. This incident... how embarrassing and humiliating!" As he finished, he turned to Young Lord Lei. "Brother Lei, thank you for this! Thank you for your mercy and the honor given to this young brother in such a moment of rage. This matter is Well, we would not have known each other without this fight. Come on, since the misunderstanding had been cleared, the fact that you had come here today will be considered my honor and a way to treat me as your friend! Considering the fact that you had granted me such an honoryou must stay here for a drink! " Without waiting for an answer, Yun Yang began the arrangements, "Lao Mei! Hurry up. Go and prepare some wine and dishes. I will want to drink with Brother Lei tonight and will not return until we are fully drunk!" He burst into laughter and uttered, "As the saying goes, we were fated to meet each other from a thousand miles away. A glass of wine will clear all the animosities. Brother Lei, it is a must to drink tonight." This turning point had the young master in white stunned. Never would he have thought that his own goal had been achieved so easily! The experts of the four families secretly nodded in affirmation. Young Master Yun was an amazing figure indeed. In the face of such unclear truth and a superbly skilled person, he was able to advance and retreat accordingly and was even willing to sacrifice himself for a fight. Not until when he had understood the whole story did his attitude encounter a sharp change, turning the serious matter into a petty one and subsequently disarming it completely, without a single trace of aversion in his tone. An impressive flexibility of a hero''s tactic indeed, a person who was capable of achieving greatness. Moreover, everyone was clear about the fact that they would not have had stood a chance against Young Lord Lei and his bodyguard. Since there was a chance of turning enemies into friends, why not? It was hard to say that they might not be able to form a strong alliance in the future! "Young Master Yun is talented indeed. It is not without cause that he could make my young master his friend and even willing to be his follower." The four major families could not help but to acclaim Yun Yang profusely. Looking at Young Master Yun then at their young master, there was simply no room for comparison. As the saying goes, comparison among people could kill while comparison among goods could expire. A wise phrase indeed! This was particularly the case for the Dong Family. To compare Yun Yang, who was capable of saving the whole situation by utilizing a few words with their half-dead young master who had always been the main cause of trouble, the experts could not help but to have a peculiar feeling that it was better to have given birth to a barbequed pig than to have him. What a great difference! Young Lord Lei thought in his heart; this was my initial intention. Only then I was willing to grant you such an honor. Dont you ever think that you are in any way superb... In fact, in my mind, you are nothing but residue... Despite this, his face had a genial smile. He then uttered, "Brother Yun is too courteous indeed.I had accidentally broken your door while in a fury just now. I am extremely sorry about that." 313 This Script Isnst Right! "What is the worth of a door compared to friends?" Yun Yang chortled and uttered, "Brother Lei, you would be insulting me if you were to continue to have such thoughts!" While saying that, he turned his head and said, "Stay here and take care of the mystical beasts, I am going to accompany Brother Lei for a chat." Following that, he discreetly gave the experts of the four noble families an eye signal. Everyone instantly knew what was going on. The event could only be deemed as the turning point as the friendship had yet to be established at this point in time. It would now be a priority to not let this Young Master Lei see Dong Tianleng again. What would happen if the rage was being instigated again? In any case, if Dong Tianleng was unable to differentiate the good from the bad and continued with the cursing when he woke up, it would be terrible! There was also the fact that Yun Yang was helping the people from four noble families to train the mystical beasts. Regardless of the level of Young Master Leis cultivation base, the matter must be concealed. Young Master Yun was thoughtful indeed. He had considered all aspects without any omission. "Please, please, Brother Lei, after you!" Both of them had walked shoulder to shoulder in a passionately friendly way. "If I may daringly ask, where does Brother Lei come from? As the saying goes, one will be able to know the whole picture by looking at minor indications. It seems like Brother Leis cultivation base is beyond that of ordinary cultivators." Yun Yang seemed to already be interrogating the other man on his background. Young Master Lei smiled, "Brother Yun''s judgment is excellent, but our family usually stays away from the worldly side. Brother Yun might not know about it even if I do tell." Yun Yang feigned realization. "Brother Lei has come from a secludedly, low profile but remarkable family indeed. No wonder you command such skills. Speaking of which, Brother Lei''s cultivation base impresses me a lot. I am in utter admiration..." Young Master Lei gave a reserved smile, "You are too courteous, Brother Yun. It is only inherited from my family and I''m adept at it by chance and it was an insignificant talent. It is not worth mentioning." While pouring the tea, Yun Yang smiled lightly and said, "I wonder what kind of matter that had caused Brother Lei to step into this secular world? Of course, if it is inconvenient for you to say, then just behave as if I have acted abruptly; how can we speak of profound issues when we''ve just gotten acquainted? However, if theres anything that I can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask. This young brother is still considered capable here in the Empire of Yutang." He beamed faintly and uttered, "Since Brother Lei has granted me this honor, I, Yun Yang, will definitely return the same favor to you. To be able to help Brother Lei solve certain troubles or problems, I am truly obliged and incumbent indeed!" Young Master Lei sighed softly. With a face full of emotion, he uttered, "Since Brother Yun is being so frank and straight-forward, I will not hide anything as well... Initially, my family was rarely involved in the secular, and they would not have agreed to order me out into this worldly realm. However, we had encountered some issues..." "My comeback in this martial world can be considered as an act of desperation." Young Master Lei was melancholy. Yun Yang cast a glance at him. Oh, now this fellow has started to challenge me with his acting skills? Well, he had found the right person to take on. Lets take up the challenge then to see who is the better one and who should be crowned as the best actor! Following that, Yun Yang sighed, "The saying that most of the things in this world might not always follow one''s wishes is in fact words of wisdom. However, little did I expect that even for a great family with a superb cultivation base like that of Brother Lei would have troubles too. Such trouble might not be resolved by any ordinary person." It was a very normal reaction to say that I will help you, but then I am merely an ordinary person. Do not expect anything from me. My ability is very limited ...'' Young Master Lei sighed, "That is not necessarily the case. Even immortals are evolved from ordinary men. He will naturally have a lot of commoner''s troubles, and it is not necessary that one with strength will be freed from all worries." A tinge of nausea occurred within Yun Yang but he agreed out loud, "What has been said by Brother Lei is the truth and wisdom. The common people have always claimed that the immortals are great, yet sometimes even the immortals will have ordinary thoughts." "Well, thats true." Young Master Lei sighed, "Initially, there is nothing much to say with regards to this matter. A family''s shame must not be spread about. However, since you are my friend... there is no harm talking about it." "I am listening attentively." "I am already twenty-five years old. Initially, my family had arranged a marriage for me... and I was about to be married this year. However, my fianc was dissatisfied with the arrangements of the families and had run away from the marriage," uttered Young Master Lei with melancholy. Yun Yang asked with concern, "How could this be? With Brother Leis character, appearance, family background, martial skills, how... how can there be such a foolish woman?" Young Master Lei smiled wryly, "My fiance has never actually met me in person." Yun Yang sighed regretfully, "Sigh, there are a lot of things that have led to misunderstanding just because of unknown factors. If not, a lot of troubles in this world would have been resolved. I am confident that this would never have happened if your fiance had actually met you in person. How could any woman in this world reject such a great man like Brother Lei." Young Master Lei blushed a bit, "You flatter me too much, Brother Yun." Yun Yang vomited inwardly. This bastard could actually blush on demand. What a great act. It seems like I have met my rival today! "Although I have self-proclaimed that my appearance was not bad, it is indeed far beyond Brother Yuns. There will always be greater things beyond your knowledge," uttered Young Master Lei. Yun Yang flushed instantly. He then uttered in embarrassment, "Well appearances are the only things that could be considered as decent for this young brother. As for the other aspects, how can I compare them with Brother Lei? The difference will definitely be like heaven and earth, and it cannot be compared... " Can you fake a blush? I can make my entire face flush! It was not as if I am afraid of taking up the challenge! Young Master Leis mouth twitched slightly. I was just being courteous to you. Did you think that your appearance was superior? Did you believe that outer appearance is sufficient for a man? It was not as if you were dependent on women... "I feel honored when I first met you. Thats why I am willing to tell you about this. Well, speaking on this matter, it is shameful indeed." Young Master Leis glances were focused on the face of Yun Yang. He then uttered, "As this matter concerns the honor of Lei family and the friendship of previous generations, I have no choice but to come looking for my fiance. I hope that after she has met me... she can understand me. I, Lei Dongtian, am not a superficial person, not even the kind of cruel popinjay she thinks I am." Yun Yang applauded, "Brother Leis action is that of a great man, broad-minded like the immeasurable sea." Lei Dongtian uttered, "This is no choice. After all, it is a marriage set by our parents. Being a child, I have to fulfill the aspirations of the elderly." Yun Yang said, "Now I understand. Rest assured Brother Lei, as long as you can produce the portrait of future Mistress Sister-in-law, so long as she is in the territory of Yutang, I will definitely find her, don''t you doubt that!" This was the normal way of handling things. Despite his amazing cultivation base, Lei Dongtian had very limited manpower since there were only him and his servant. It was plain that it was easier to search for people with more resources. Since this was something that could be achieved by Yun Yang, it was undoubtedly great if he, as the son of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, was able to take advantage of this to forge a friendship with Lei Dongtian! "I am too grateful for the help from you, Brother Yun!" uttered Lei Dongtian, deeply moved. "It is just a small matter! Dont you be so courteous!" Yun Yang patted his chest and said, "Like what Brother Lei had said earlier, it seemed like we have met long ago. It means nothing even to die for the sake of friend as a man of men. It''s only a small task to find someone, a task not even worth mentioning!" "I have my fiancee''s portrait right here with me." Subtle rumination could be seen across Lei Dongtian''s face. "Take it out quickly, this young brother is looking forward to the appearance of future Mistress Sister-in-law," Yun Yang urged. Lei Dongtian nodded and took out a reel from his robes, expanding it slowly. From the picture, a lady clad in white could be seen standing under a tree of fragrant flora. Behind her was full of bright, blooming flowers. However, the colorful, fresh flowers had simply gone unnoticed by the one before her. The attention was fully focused on the intricate features of the beauty in the painting! She was extremely gorgeous! A trace of the young ladys playfulness and naivety could be found within her decent and dignified demeanor. Anyone who had seen it could hardly dislike her. The liking towards the lady would then turn into an urge to protect her, afraid that she would be the slightest bit hurt, followed by a deep sense of fascination... To one surprise, such a beauty actually did exist in this world! Although Yun Yang was mentally prepared, he could not help but suffocate a little at the sight of it. His head was filled with amazement! Only eight words circulated in his head - what an outstanding beauty of peerless magnificent grace! This was only a painting. Judging solely from the portrait, it was easily imaginable how dumbstruck one could be to see the lady in person! "Extremely beautiful!" praised Yun Yang sincerely. "Well, her appearance is typical. Tiantang is filled with talented people and beauties, how can she be a fascination to Brother Yun." Lei Dongtian was surprised by Yun Yang''s sentiment. Lei Dongtian was bewildered by the gaze of Yun Yang that was filled with unobtrusive amazement. Wasn''t it said that Ji Lingxi had had a short encounter with this fellow? How could he not have shown an abnormal reaction? Now that he was fully monitoring Yun Yang, Lei Dongtian was able to feel his heartbeat, pulse, and everything else... even the movements of the single strands of his hair! How could this child act as if he had never seen her? Could it be that the information was wrong? Lei Dongtian was dumbfounded for a while. The situation was amiss. He should instead be pretending and said that he knew the lady in the portrait but it had been a long time since they contacted each other! Lei Dongtian had calculated every possibility and made presumptions on the various reactions that Yun Yang could possibly display. Never would he have expected that Yun Yang had truly never seen Ji Lingxi''s true appearance! Hence, the trick which was deemed as the sledge had had no effect on Yun Yang. "My fiances name is Ji Lingxi," Lei Dongtian could not help but to remind him. Yun Yang whistled appreciatively, "A body that has not the flying wings of the phoenix but the hearts connect easily. What a great name! A great name indeed!" Lei Dongtian could not help but scratch his head. This child didn''t seem to be prevaricating. This script isn''t right! 314 I Really Can’t Tell! The play was halfway through but the other party had not responded accordingly. It was more like the direction of the drama had changed completely. What was going on now? On one side, the old man in black robes kept his head lowered all along, his expression unclear. However, if he had looked up, one could certainly see the bewilderment on his face. Ji Lingxi had stayed at Tiantang City and had contacted Yun Yang, for many instances. This point was certain and beyond doubt. However, during that time, Ji Lingxi had disguised herself and changed her name! This part of the story was unknown to them. First, they had yet to contact the sisters of Ji Lingxi. Secondly, even if they did, the girls might not tell them the truth; furthermore, what they knew was limited to the fact that Ji Lingxi had disguised herself and had an acquaintance with Yun Yang. Ji Lingxi''s family would know even less. Lei Dongtian''s initial train of thought was not incorrect - a woman would always dress herself up for her favorite person. How could a woman not show her most beautiful side when she was with the one she liked? However Due to the circumstances, Ji Lingxi did not have the time to do so. If not for the letter written by Ji Lingfeng, Yun Yang would not be able to know that Ji Ling was actually Ji Lingxi. Although Ji Lingxi had feelings for Yun Yang, Yun Yang had always put himself in the position of her father or older brother. Never did Yun Yang treat Ji Lingxi as his loved one, at least not the kind that Lei Dongtian had thought of... So it now seemed to Lei Dongtian that the two of them may not have had that kind of relationship? Or perhaps it was an unreciprocated relationship. However, he had already gone through half the script, he should see it through to the end. "The cause for this matter had been known to Brother Yun. However, the latter part of the story was the main cause of my current worries. In fact, we had managed to find her after several attempts." Lei Dongtian sighed, "However ... at the crucial moment when we were about to meet, someone appeared out of nowhere, causing our plans to fall short!" Yun Yang was inexplicably surprised, "Brother Lei ...please dont blame me for not able to understand the situationThe imposing manner that you displayed just now could be deemed as the pinnacle level of our times! Who could actually intervene, Brother Lei? Furthermore, to successfully thwart your plans. This is an unsettling thought!" Any ordinary person would have said the same. A ruthless character who was able to make Lei Dongtian recede without reward was definitely not someone a petty character like Yun Yang could move. Not only was it frightening when one pondered about it, one should be utterly terrified! "We were to blame... for letting such an accident occur." Lei Dongtian uttered, "However, after we had inquired about it, we discovered that the person involved in this had an extraordinary origin!" Alarmed, Yun Yang continued to probe, "If I may daringly ask, who was this person? "The strength of this man is remarkable. He seems to have a mystical power that can turn himself into a tornado. It was this man who swept my fiance away. However, to say he''s indomitably strong, may not be entirely apt... "uttered Lei Dongtian loftily. Yun Yang was so shaken that he even stood up and said, "Was it Lord Supreme Wind?" Lei Dongtian nodded, "So, Brother Yun knows of Lord Supreme Wind as well." With his face palpitated, Yun Yang smiled wryly and said, "As a citizen of Yutang, how can I not know about Lord Supreme Wind? Brother Lei, it seems that there might be some difficulties in this." Lei Dongtian asked, "Oh? How can it be troublesome? It can''t be too difficult to look for a person with your identity as the son of Marquis of Heavenly Cloud, am I right?" "If it was only to look for someone, a person, even if you were to look for ten people or hundred of them, it wont be difficult at all. However, it is a big problem if it involves Lord Supreme Wind!" Yun Yang took a deep breath. His face was solemn and his voice had turned weak to the point that it was barely audible. "Even if Lord Supreme Wind is Yutang''s hero, he can''t simply be intervening in others'' family matter, can he? Was there a reason for him to snatch someone else''s wife?" Lei Dongtian pretended to look terribly upset, "No matter where this matter is carried to, the theory of this should still stand!" As if having a toothache, Yun Yang cried, "Sigh, Brother Lei does not fully know this matter." Lei Dongtian asked, "Please do teach me, Brother Yun." Yun Yangs face was troubled. Faintly, he uttered, "Brother Lei... you ..." He looked up at Lei Dongtian. His glance was filled with indecision. Lei Dongtian thought in his heart; were there other internal stories pertaining to this? Could it be that this Lord Supreme Wind has had some other relations? He was watching Yun Yang attentively. He then suddenly bowed deeply to Yun Yang and said, "Brother Yun, please enlighten me!" With a solemn face, Yun Yang took a deep breath. After a long time, he finally made the decision and said, "Brother Lei, although it seems like we have known each other for long, this matter is simply too complicated to be shared!" Lei Dongtian solemnly said, "If it wasn''t complicated, I wouldn''t have come to seek help from Brother Yun so hastily ." Yun Yang pondered and said, "This is Brother Lei''s first time stepping out of the family doors and into this secular world, right?" "Right indeed." Lei Dongtian agreed. "Well, I guess not only is this your first time stepping out from home, but you''ve been giving chase all the way to Tiantang City after coming out, am I right?" Yun Yang asked. "Yes, that is true." Lei Dongtian knew that Yun Yang was going somewhere with this, so he answered frankly. He was going to see what else did Yun Yang have to say, whether he was able to speak out of justice. "It also means that after Brother Lei had left your house and before meeting me, you have not met any other person from any other country?" Yun Yang continued to ask in a serious tone. "Yes. I did not meet any."Lei Dongtian was beginning to understand the innuendo within, although it still wasn''t very clear. "The reason for this is simple." Yun Yang could be seen anxiously scratching his head," However I am still uncertain of whether I should be telling you this. Brother Lei, as this concerns the fate of my country and it is also the secret that was only known to the few higher-ups of Yutang, the consequences will be unimaginable if it leaks out after I tell you." Lei Dongtian uttered solemnly,"Rest assured, Brother Yun. I am not someone of this secular world. The existence and prosperity of countries in this worldly realm mean nothing to us!" He then continued, " Since it is an exclusive secret known only to the several higher-ups of Yutang, Brother Yun you" Yun Yang smiled proudly and said, "My father, Marquis of Heavenly Cloud... Despite the title a mere marquis... he is, in fact, the biological brother of His Majesty!" With his eyes widened with surprise, Lei Dongtian replied, "How disrespectful I have been. It turns out that Brother Yun is from a noble-blooded royal family!" Yun Yang face immediately became relaxed. Faintly he uttered, "Brother Lei is looking too highly upon me. Strictly speaking, my father is but only the late emperor''s illegitimate son ... His identity is not one to be brought up at the table..." Lei Dongtian nodded and said, "Rest assured Brother Yun. Considering that you are willing to frankly disclose the background of your family, I, Lei Dongtian, am your friend of this lifetime." The promise made by Lei Dongtian was not to be treated lightly. One should have known that the rank of his strength was more or less tantamount to that of Ling Xiaozui, the most powerful person within the Tianxuan Continent. Yun Yang was fortunate to have such support! Lei Dongtian felt that the tale had merit. Lei Dongtian did not think that the background of Yun Yang would be a lie. Although he had yet to inquire about it, many would know about this. Yun Yang was not able to fool him at this point. However, bearing in mind that he was willing to disclose such a sordid fact about his family background, it seemed peculiar that he would feel restraint in telling the story concerning the Nine Supremes. This was worthy to be pondered upon. As for Lei Dongtian''s given promise, it was not only empty words. If Yun Yang really had no connection with Supreme Wind nor Ji Lingxi, there was no harm in granting him a little benefit. After all, Yun Yangs classy demeanor and speech, his grace, and image, were very much liked by Lei Dongtian! This was a proof of the fact that it was always a plus point to have extraordinarily great appearance! "Brother Lei, I am going to tell this only once." Yun Yang said, "Out from my mouth, into your ears." Lei Dongtian nodded solemnly. Seeing that Yun Yang was so serious over this, he could not help but to get a little nervous himself. Solemnly he uttered, "Do not worry. No one else will know." Just as Yun Yang was about to speak, his expression showed a trace of doubt. After pondering for a while he uttered, "Actually, forget about it, Brother Lei. Just pardon this young brother, it is" Lei Dongtian was stunned. What? I had pulled down my pants and this was all that you have shown to me? Lei Dongtian hurriedly followed up and asked, "Brother Yun, if you still have any concerns, why not say it out loud." Yun Yang kept shaking his head, "No, no, no. I can''t. I cant tell." Lei Dongtian frowned. Suddenly, he extended his right hand and with a swipe across his ring on his left hand, a large piece of seven-colored jade appeared out of thin air! As soon as this mystical palm-sized jade appeared, the spiritual Qi in the room bristled with intensity, making the three people perk up. "Brother Yun, the moment I saw you today, I felt as if we had known each other for a long time. This piece of jade is this elder brother''s meeting gift to you, please do accept it. " Lei Dongtian offered the jade with a magnificent flourish. Now it seemed like the forging ties and being friends could no longer move Yun Yang. Hence, Lei Dongtian had changed the strategy. He began to lure him with benefits instead. Yun Yangs eyes were staring right at the jade, "This is ..." "This is just a seven-colored jade. We, as cultivators, can use this as a supplement to enhance our cultivation base. Just a piece of this spiritual jade is enough to advance your current cultivation base a leap forward." explained Lei Dongtian. Lei Dongtian was very satisfied with Yun Yang''s reaction. These country bumpkins. A mere seven-colored jade was enough to shock him to this extent? To imagine that you''ve seen the secular world. Lets see whether you were going, to tell the truth later. Yun Yang picked up the jade and looked at it for a while. Letting out a sigh, he was extremely at odds with himself. He then shook his head and said, "No ... I still cant tell. This matter has too many implications. Brother Lei, stop putting me in a difficult position ..." Despite his words, his hand, which was holding the seven-colored jade, had not released it''s grip on the valuable item. The implied meaning was deep indeed. Having seen his hesitation, Lei Dongtian beamed faintly. With another swipe across the ring, pieces of colorful spiritual jades appeared, gleaming brightly. Two pieces. Three! Five! Ten pieces! Fifteen ... and twenty pieces! Lei Dongtian then halted. Earnestly he said, "As long as Brother Yun can tell the whole story, these shall be elder brother''s little tokens of appreciation." 315 This Is Clearly Extortion! Yun Yang gulped several times. His eyes were staring straight, his breath quickened. Gazing at the table full of spiritual jade items before him, he was completely stunned and could hardly blink. His Adam''s apple could be seen moving up and down. It was plain that he had an immense desire and longing for the revealed treasure. With a great deal of effort, he closed his eyes and with both of his hands making warding motions, he uttered with great difficulty, "Brother Lei, I am not the kind of person who would forget about justice for the sake of benefit. Even if I were to take them, I will have nowhere to place them ...Please... I think you had better..." His words trailed off in anguish. Lei Dongtian let out a faint smile. His right hand swiped across the ring on his left hand again. A finger-sized, bright red fruit instantly appeared on the table. However, the flesh of the fruit seemed to be transparent, with the glimmer of stars contained within. One would know that this was an extraordinary item, just by looking at it. A thin layer of mist flowed over the fruit and lingered on the surface of the table. Within moments, an indescribable fragrance filled the air. Lei Dongtians voice was languid, as he faintly introduced the new apparition, "Brother Yun, this is a five-hundred-years-old ruby fruit. Dont underestimate this little thing here. Not only does it have an excellent taste, each time one consumes it, it increases the cultivation base of a practitioner by fifty years! " "Fifty years of cultivation base?" Yun Yang was more stunned than ever. His whole body started to tremble. The so-called decent demeanor began to dissipate. "If one was able to consume three of them, his cultivation base will increase by more than a hundred years. Nevertheless, each person can only consume, at most, three of these. Any extra will serve nothing more than to satisfy the appetite." Lei Dongtian uttered slowly, "As long as Brother Yun is willing, to tell the truth, I can give you ten of these! I didnt bring many as I was rushing out. If there is a chance in the future, I will definitely bring more of them for brother Yun!" Yun Yang grew increasingly flushed. A sense of dizziness had seemingly engulfed him. While drawing a mouthful of breaths he uttered, "This is ... this ... this ...." Lei Dongtian could be seen beaming lightly, confidently waiting for him to make the choice. Yun Yang breathed heavily. He could be seen biting his teeth and violently rubbing his cheeks. His eyes were red with anxiety. Finally, he uttered, "Brother Lei, an honest person will not lie!" He closed his eyes and thrust his chin out. With a deep breath, he finally opened his eyes. In a desperately mad tone, he blurted, "The spiritual jade. I want thirty of them! As for this fruit, I want thirty of them as well! Above all, I want that ring on your hand! " Yun Yang closed his eyes, his mind whirring. He then muttered, "I am going to be greedy today, and for once, be distasteful." The old man in the black robes furiously growled, "You are clearly making an overt demand, do you know that these things are?" Just as Lei Dongtian was about to urge the old man to stop, Yun Yang seemed to feel a sense of relief. As he opened his eyes, he muttered, "I see. I was speaking out of turn. I am merely an inferior character outside the imperial court, what kind of ability do I have to be able to help Young Master Lei?" Lei Dongtian could be seen staring fiercely at the old man in the black robe. Clearly, he intended to rebuke the old chap. Yun Yang was obviously about to give in. The words of the old man in the black robes had caused Yun Yang rethink his motivations, making all the previous efforts of Young Master Lei futile. How could he not be angry? The old man in the black robes ground his teeth and lowered his head. "Brother Yun please dont care about him. He is my escort; he always pays attention to the merits and demerits of the apparent things. How can he understand the special kind of friendship between you and me." Lei Dongtian attempted to salvage the situation. Yun Yang shook his head, "No, he speaks truly. I am too greedy indeed. Instead, I should never repeat such flaws again, by taking this as a lesson." Lei Dongtian began, "Brother Yun ..." Yun Yang waved his hand and interrupted him, "Brother Lei, there is no need for you to say anything further. I have shown my ugly side by failing to resist my temptationSigh, I have always thought myself to be loyal to the country, but still ... That was a crime of treason. It should not be done by any citizen of Yutang. I should not even have thought about it." Lei Dongtian could be seen staring fiercely at the old man in the black robes. The old man instant fell into a sullen silence. Treason? What a grave implication! If one were to think about it, the legendary Nine Supremes were indeed related to the fate of Yutang. What Yun Yang had said was probably true. Lei Dongtian pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Yun, there is no need for you to make such an absolute conclusion. Regardless of whether it is the Family of Lei or myself, there is no conflict between us and your country. Whats more, our positions are not in a rivalry. Even if it''s Lord Supreme Wind, what I have is only respect for him. How about this; in addition to the thirty seven-colored spiritual jades, thirty of the five-hundred years ruby fruit as well as the Spatium Ring, I will also give you five Vivifying Herbs and three meridian-tropic pills! " "Besides making the dantian and meridians more resilient, the Vivifying Herb can tremendously increase the strength of deific consciousness. Meanwhile, the effect of the meridian-trophic pill is spectacular. If someone is facing any difficulty in his breakthrough, the pills will be able to smooth out the advancement by allowing him to advance to another level directly and to increase his strength by a three-fold." Lei Dongtian uttered slowly, "These things, in addition to the spiritual jades and ruby fruits... Since Brother Yun is now at the seventh peak pinnacle, once you have all of these, they are sufficient to advance you towards the realm of Tenth Perfection or even higher." "Based on your current strength, they will allow your strength to increase by a hundred-fold or more!" "This is the biggest sincerity I can show." "Once Brother Yun has used it, you can easily become the top expert in the secular world within a year with the exception of a few fortunate souls." Lei Dongtian was adamant, "I only hope that Brother Yun would be able to tell the story truthfully. I will be extremely grateful for that. Once the matter is settled, we can talk about further rewards!" Yun Yang''s breathing had once again turned heavy. He then struggled for a long time, looking uncertain. After a long time, he finally gathered the courage to utter, "I want these things right now!" "That is a reasonable request. It won''t be a problem at all!" Lei Dongtian laughed in relief. He then turned around and grunted. The old man in the black robes reluctantly removed his own ring. Lei Dongtian took his ring with a snort. If not for the interruption of the bastard earlier, there was no need to even offer the additional Vivifying Herbs and meridian-trophic pills. The value of these two items was extravagant beyond belief! "Brother Yun, this is a storage ring," said Lei Dongtian with a faint smile, "Come, let me show you how to use it." Under the earnest guidance of Lei Dongian, Yun Yang first used his blood to smear the entire ring. He then slowly immersed the ring in his spiritual energy. Finally, by utilizing his deific consciousness to establish a spiritual tie with the ring, he forced the ring to identify its new master successfully. Only then did he start to practice using it. Yun Yang, who had just turned a beginner, used his spiritual strength to focus on the seven-colored jade. The piece of spiritual jade then disappeared, following his thoughts. "What a great thing! This is amazing indeed!" Yun Yang smiled jubilantly. The old man in the black robes in the corner felt as if his stomach was about to explode. Of course, it was great. That was my precious baby! My baby, on which I had spent almost half of my life on it... how could it not be great? This damned greedy ghost! It was too hurtful to contemplate. He had had never suffer such a disadvantage in his life. His Spatium Ring was gone in just an instant. "One, two, three " Yun Yang collected all the seven-colored spiritual jades. Staring at Lei Dongtian eagerly, he had played his role as a wretch to its extreme. With a laugh, Lei Dongtian then took out ten pieces from t. Yun Yang continued to store them. He then collected the ruby fruit, all three of them. Lei Dongtian frowned and waved his hand again. Twenty-seven ruby fruits appeared on the table instantly. Yun Yang collected all of them with the same method. Lei Dongtian then took out the Vivifying Herbs and meridian-trophic pills accordingly. Yun Yang had collected all the spiritual materials in an orderly manner. Being thoroughly satisfied, he then put on the ring on his middle finger. Merrily, he uttered, "It fits just right on my finger." The old man in the black robes was apoplectic with fury. This was clearly extortion! Lei Dongtian was neither frivolous nor furious but remained calm. Within the depths of his eyes, an iciness was apparent, yet he uttered in a leisurely and unruffled tone, "Brother Yun ... it seems like your country has taken every matter relating to the Nine Supremes and Supreme Wind very seriously." He was asking for his reward. Since you have received my remuneration, you had better say something to make me feel that it was worth the money. Yun Yang took a deep breath and smiled, "The story is too complicated and it has to be narrated part by part. Brother Lei need not be in a rush." The icy frost within Lei Dongtian shimmered briefly. While smiling he uttered, "Brother Yun, speak not in such a general way. My time is precious. I can''t afford any delay." At this point in time, Lei Dongtian had been filled with dissatisfaction. He was actually referring to himself while at the same time warning Yun Yang. If the value of the information was deficient, Yun Yang had better be mentally prepared to pay the price. How could one easily take advantage of me? Yun Yun burst into laughter, "If Brother Lei was dissatisfied with the information, I will return all of these things untouchedAlthough there is nothing I can give to this secular world, I still have my head sitting on my neck. Can such a gift of apology be considered as sufficient? Lei Dongtian laughed, "Brother Yun, you are taking it too seriously." Meanwhile, his heart uttered; if you dared to get by me, you wouldnt have thought that I would not behead you, would you? Yun Yang was pondering meticulously. After a long while, he then reopened his mouth and uttered, "This ...is a long story." He looked around and said, "Can you let the old one look after the door?" Lei Dongtian nodded gently, "Of course." Feeling as if his stomach was about to explode, the old man in the black robe then stood up furiously. Striding outwards, he stood upright at the entrance like a zombie. "Brother Lei, it is not that I want to play tricks, as what I am going to tell today concerns the top secret of our country! I should not disclose it no matter what my position is and what kind of assurances brother Lei have given to me!" Yun Yang carefully caressed the ring on his finger. His face was full of bitterness,"I have been lured into benefit and lust and have lived in contradiction to the guidelines of my life. The only thing that I can hope for is that this move will not cause any harm to my motherland." "Absolutely not!" Lei Dongtian uttered resolutely, "I promise, brother Yun!" 316 A Terrifying Conspiracy! The promise made by Lei Dongtian was one of sincerity. In the eyes of Lei Dongtian, a small country within the Tianxuan Continent meant nothing to him. Yun Yang sighed gently, his thoughts were somewhat scattered. He then slowly gathered them together, meticulously contemplating his speech. After a long while, he finally said, "A few years ago... the Nine Heaven Demesne landed in Tiantang City abruptly, forming the Residence of Nine Supremes. Following that, the Residence of Nine Supremes required nine people with different attributes to enter it and learn the cultivation method so as to make it to the positions of the Nine Supremes... " Yun Yang slowly bit off each word, "I believe that Brother Lei must have had heard about this. The story has been circulating among the citizens for a very long time. It is apparent. Even if you dont know about it, everything begins from this and I have to start telling the story from here." In a serious tone, Lei Dongtian humbly uttered, "I know. I am very interested in knowing the entire cause of the story!" Yun Yang said, "Initially, only one or two of the Nine Supremes had appeared. At that time, the outcome of our external war was changed, via their interventions. Following that, as the Nine Supremes Lords emerged one by one, all of them finally gathered together in full. If one were to look at the offensive power of our country, it could be deemed as invincible in the world. It also signified the opportunity for Yutang to govern the world in peace! "However, this had then caused the other countries to gather all the heroes from their own sides to jointly declare war against us. It was mainly because they dared not allow us to become stronger as time passed. From their view, to keep on waiting was tantamount to death! " "However, even with the joint efforts of those countries and their heroes, their efforts were, nevertheless, futile, with the Nine Supremes to help us fight in these battles." Yun Yang took a deep breath, "However, the total strength of the countries and the heroes were still far beyond the withstanding ability of our country. Simply said, it was based on the proportion of the casualties; even we were able to exchange a life of our people with five from their side, Yutang would eventually fall if the wars were to be continued! "Even with the help of the Nine Supremes, we could barely maintain the war and to secure the borders of our country. However, it was absolutely impossible to expand our territory. Furthermore, as the aftermath of successive wars, the strength of the state and the people had become extremely scarce. After all, expenses are required in order to declare war! " "Our country and the other heroes were equally suffering. Their losses were even higher than our country, except for the fact that they have had support from each other to make sure that they could still withstand the war without collapsing. Both sides soon went into a deadlocked situation." "Finally, in the winter of the year before last, both sides mutually halted the war." "Everyone needed to rest and recuperate." "In fact, the whole country was relieved about this. At the time, my father had sighed; so long as Yutang has three years of rest, we would be able to conquer the whole world and be declared as the top within the Tianxuan Continent by relying on the divinity of the Nine Supremes! " "We were very happy then, as the war was coming to an end!" Yun Yangs face turned solemn, "However in March last year, an extremely shocking news came forth, saying that the Nine Supremes whereabouts had been inexplicably exposed, causing all of them to be annihilated during the battle at the Tianxuan Cliff. The news had engulfed the entire Yutang in terror. The impact of the event was too significant for us to dismiss." Lei Dongtian nodded and let out a sigh, "Yes, to think from your viewpoint, such an impact was not one that could be withstood by any ordinary person." "However just a year later, the news came about again to say that the Nine Supremes was going to seek vengeance against each and every culprit involved in the conspiracy against them! Besides the message, the key to this is that it shows that there is someone among the Nine Supremes that has survived! " "The whole country was in jubilation upon hearing the news." "Although there was only one of the Nine Supremes that had seemed to survive, it was uncertain whether he was the only one left among the Nine Supremes. However, this was, in the view of the citizens of Yutang, a matter not to be overlooked. We felt as if we had seen the hope, the hope that Yutang would not be annihilated, and the successors of the country would not be extinguished." "At the time, though we did not know who it was among the Nine Supremes that was alive, we were all praying and looking forward to finding out. No matter who it was, it would be fine so long as someone from that august troop survived!" "Even the Emperor was excited. Since the revenge plan of the Nine Supremes had pointed towards the Four Seasons Tower, all the enemies that had been indicated by the Nine Supremes were being stringently punished! "It came to the point where there was no need for any evidence nor trial. We could declare a person as guilty and punish him so long as the Nine Supremes had pointed him or her out. In a heavy tone, Yun Yang remarked wryly, "Brother Lei, I guess you can easily imagine how much our country values our heroes!" Lei Dongtian gasped, "I can guess alright!" Although Lei Dongtian did not value domination and hegemony of the worldly affairs, he could barely hold in his fascination over a person who was able to gain such levels of respect and worship. "However, the Nine Supremes have never shown their faces!" "The Nine Supremes were merely executing the revenge plan, constantly disclosing the spies that were lurking within Yutang ... We, as in Yutang''s officials, were merely dealing with any leftover matters. This situation has been continuing for a year now. " Yun Yang''s face revealed a despondent expression, "However, up until now, we were stunned to find out that everythingseems to be out of control." "Out of control?" The eyebrows of Lei Dongtian raised up in confusion. "Yes, it is out of control." Yun Yang heaved a long sigh, "Until now, only the surviving members of Nine Supremes have appeared; we could only confirm that the survivor is actually Supreme Wind." "Since the reemergence of Supreme Wind, not only has his existence heightened the morale of the people, the first thing he has done after that is to help us defeat the great armies of the Empire of Dongxuan." "For the many things that followed, it gave the people a feeling that all his deeds are for the good sake of the people and that he is working earnestly to achieve that." Yun Yang sighed, "So we no longer have any doubts regarding him and the fact that he is the actual Supreme Wind." "However, there was an event that has happened recently. A great event that has just been confirmed." Yun Yang uttered worriedly, "The forces that originally belonged to the command of the Nine Supremes, the subordinates of the Nine Heavens Dictum, did not lose control in the days of the Nine Supreme''s absence. They had always been under the control of the country, behaving well and proper!" "However, since the return of the Supreme Wind, the men have begun to disappear, dribbling away from the control of the state, and eventually vanishing altogether." Yun Yang let out a deep sigh. Lei Dongtians expression had changed accordingly too. He then asked, "How can this be? How can a country''s military force that is under the control of a nation suddenly fall apart? Out of control? Is it possible that all of them are dead?" "Not likely!" Yun Yang laughed tragically, "However, they no longer contribute to the country, but they could be acting on behalf of Supreme Wind." "This is... this is getting more and more interesting." Lei Dongtian chuckled playfully. Coupled with his rich experience, Yun Yang''s narration had easily led him to identify the crux of the matter! It was plain that there was something wrong with this surviving Supreme Wind. This might be one of the main causes behind the willingness of Yun Yang to give in to his lust by selling his countrys secrets. In his excitement, Lei Dongtians suspicion against Yun Yang had been reduced slightly. "Well, of course, the disappearance of such a large number of people is a major event in itself. However, not only did the reputation of the Nine Supremes that had been built by the high-positioned people in Yutang remain intact, their names flourished more than ever." Yun Yun smiled wryly, "In such a situation, no matter how doubtful we are, we can only treat it as mild suspicion." Lei Dongtian nodded his understanding and sighed, "Yes, this matter is confusing indeed... it is difficult to foresee and even more difficult to take any action." "In the meantime, we can only wait and observe, pray that everything is just a misunderstanding and that Supreme Wind might have other arrangements!" "However, not long ago ... another major event has taken place!" Yun Yangs face took on an expression of doomed hope, "This time around, Supreme Wind had gone against the elders of Yutang, a teacher to three generations of emperors, an old official of four dynasties, a sage of our time, a scholarly grandmaster and the father figure of the literati - He Hanqing!" Lei Dongtian broke into a smile, "I have heard about this before. I heard that this Old Sir He was actually..." Yun Yang softly whispered, "Supreme Wind had accused this nearly ninety years old man of being a member of the Four Seasons Tower!" "He had also added that Sir He was the Supreme Lord Spring Frost, one of the four Supreme Lords in the Four Seasons Tower!" With a cynical look, Yun Yang continued, "How funny that would have been!" Lei Dongtian asked, "However, why have I heard that Sir He was, in fact, Supreme Lord Spring Frost?" Yun Yangs face was filled with grief. He remained silent and dejected for a long time before he whispered, "You are not the only one to have such a thought. I''m afraid that the whole world now thinks that Sir He is actually Supreme Lord Spring Frost! However, is that the truth?" He sighed in despair, "I am not sure if Brother Lei is aware of this, but Sir He is nearly ninety years old this year. If one were to look at him, his face is covered with age spots that only the ordinary elderly will have ... For his entire life, he had nurtured no less than hundreds of thousands of talents for Yutang!" Lei Dongtian was moved upon hearing those words. Regardless of what kind of cultivator one was, even an ordinary beginner of peak realm would possess the lifespan of over a hundred years. It was impossible for him to have age spots unless he was an ordinary eighty or ninety-year-old man! "Now,seven out of ten high-positioned civil officials are his students!" Yun Yang emphasized each and every word. "The father of His Majesty was actually the disciple of Old Sir He. His Majesty himself had been taught by Sir He himself. The current crown prince is also a disciple of Sir He!" "Old Sir He had dedicated all of his life to Yutang... If he were to have any malicious intentions ... Yutang would have been destroyed many times over. If that was the case, there would not have been a country named Yutang ever since." Lei Dongtian could be seen pondering, "So, you are suggesting that ... Sir He was not from the Four Seasons Tower? Yun Yang was extremely depressed, clearly not intending to speak any further. Lei Dongtian was moved upon hearing those words. If this was so, the conspiracy that Yutang was now facing was simply too terrifying to comprehend! 317 Doubtful Points, Deceiving Traps "Old Sir He ultimately met his doom. The old man had done everything in his life for Yutang and was still patriotic and loyal until his death." Yun Yang lowered his head in grief, even his eyes were rimmed red. Lei Dongtian sighed along with him but was silently calculating the credibility of this incident and the incidents leading up to it. Who would He Hanqing be if not a Four Seasons Towers man? Why would that party wreck so much havoc with so much effort? What was the real motive behind? The objectives and motivations must not have been so simple. "The battle that day was earth-shattering, wrenching our hearts, the people of Yutang!" Yun Yang''s words were melodramatically laced with anguish. "The old, loyal official of Yutang had died, maligned. Several other Yutang warriors who were once renowned in Yutang fell with him. These warriors of virtue have carried the wicked name of being a spy and harboring rebellious intention upon their death!" "We reflected constantly after the incident, connecting everything that has happened recently to figure out what exactly the situation was." Yun Yangs voice was low. "Then, we came to realize something horrible." Lei Dongtian couldn''t help himself, and asked eagerly, "What is it? What is this horrible thing?" "Once we came to realize how well-coordinated everything was, we were petrified." Yun Yangs voice sunk, resentment flashed in his eyes. "Everyone knows that the battle of the Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Cliff on that fated day was arranged by the Four Seasons Tower in collaboration with a number of experts, to set up an offensive formation. It could be said that all the experts in their pinnacle of the martial world were in that battle! Under such circumstances, the news that spread from it could never be false." "Which means, the initial news of Nine Supremes Lords perishing without a single survivor was true." "Under such circumstances, how could such an intricate arrangement by a phenomenal sect like the Four Seasons Tower allow someone to slip away? How was it possible?" Yun Yang asked. Lei Dongtians gaze was heavy as he said, "You are absolutely right." He thought about it and said, "If I were the one to set up the trap, since I intended to annihilate all of the Nine Supremes, I would never leave anyone alive to become a hidden threat later!" "Couldn''t they just verify the number of dead bodies? How could a such a simple check have been omitted in such an extensive ploy?" Yun Yang replied, "What Brother Lei had just said is exactly one of the doubtful points we were pondering upon." Lei Dong Tian said, "This is simply one of the aspects that must be confirmed! If I were behind this, Id have cut down all the heads, or even shattered their bones or scattered their ashes, even when all the corpses were laid out before my eyes to make sure absolutely nothing is wrong! Under the oppression of such formidable forces and power restriction of the great heaven and earth formation, isnt it a joke for someone to escape? Its ridiculous C impossible!" Yun Yang heaved a deep sigh, "Exactly so. This is was our first suspicion." "Since there was a first, there must be a second." Lei Dongtian was totally immersed in the story now. "The second doubtful point is time!" Yun Yang said, "Let us assume the first issue never arose; the Four Seasons Tower person-in-charge did really commit such an impossible and ridiculous mistake and the Nine Supremes did have a survivor! However, this Lord Supreme Wind appeared a year ago; it means that he has reemerged after one whole year since the Tianxuan Cliff incident, to seek vengeance!" Yun Yang asked, "Then why was he gone for one full year? Why didnt he come back earlier C even if just to deliver a message? Even if he couldn''t trust anyone, couldn''t he trust Yutangs emperor? Was His Majesty willing to betray his own empire?" "Thats right, this is an inexplicable suspicion!" Lei Dongtian said with a clap. Yun Yang gritted his teeth. "My cultivation base is limited, my knowledge even more shallow. I just dont understand what kind of injury he bore that it took a whole year to recover?" Lei Dongtian thought quietly, "Your knowledge is indeed shallow; there many injuries that need a year of recovery." Yun Yang continued his tale, "However, I know something else. Lord Supreme Wind did have the cultivation method to turn into a gale that was unchallenged; his personal cultivation base was not high at all, maybe even lesser than mine, but he would have no trouble defeating someone with a higher cultivation base. The more shallow the cultivation base of a person, the lesser the ability to heal himself; if there had truly been a very severe injury, how could it have healed within a year? That kind of cultivation base is unable to sustain high levels of damage Im not sure if Brother Lei thinks Im right?" Lei Dongtian agreed with him. "Correct. Under normal circumstances, the type of injuries that expert cant heal within a year would have killed an ordinary practitioner a dozen times over. This is another doubtful point." "Therefore, the year of absence to heal is highly suspicious. Even if we acknowledged the fact that he recovered using this one year, there has been no news whatsoever! This isnt right." Lei Dongtian followed his inference instinctively and said, "That is correct. Its truly unacceptable that there isnt any news being relayed for one whole year. Just like youve said, he may not have trusted anyone, but how could he not trust the Emperor of Yutang?" Yun Yang snorted and said, "Even if this could be explained, because he wanted to avoid the spies of the Four Seasons Tower or was recuperating somewhere void of other inhabitants, which didn''t allow him to send news backChow can you be so calm and collected when you are carrying the grudge of blood as deep as the ocean?" "Correct. This is yet another suspicion, one that stems from human behavior. Supreme Winds comeback now is forcefully assertive and has no mercy when facing the enemy; it shows his characteristics of being emotional. It is indeed suspicious for one to be able to endure a year of inactivity," Lei Dongtian said. Yun Yang continued, "Theres also the fourth suspicion his cultivation base! Supreme Winds wind manifestation cultivation base." Once Yun Yang spoke of it, Lei Dongtian''s ears perked up. The biggest factor of him picking Supreme Wind was his wind manifestation skill. Hearing the related clue now, he could not help being anxious and asked before he could contemplate his words, "How so? What was wrong?" Yun Yang exhaled and explained, "Each of the Nine Supremes Lords is very mysterious with their background. No one knows where they come from nor their history, not even their identity or names; we don''t even know whether theyre male or female. The only thing recorded of them is their cultivation base. After all, the Nine Supremes Lords have always given their all on the battlefield, decimating the enemy and bringing glory! The biggest taboo on the battlefield is to withhold strength, so the ability and cultivation base they showed should be their genuine cultivation base. The Empire of Yutang documents the Nine Supremes Lords cultivation base meticulously. When Lord Supreme Wind went to Tianxuan Cliff, his wind manifestation was only of the fourth stage but when he came back this time, his power was only at the third stage!" "One stage lower?" Lei Dongtians interest thickened. "This is very unusual." He very much enjoyed the structured analysis, especially the process of it! It highlighted his intelligence. Yun Yang chuckled wryly and said, "It looks like Brother Lei has already guessed most of what I want to say Sigh, I dont really want to continue this." Lei Dongtian said with peaking interest, "Then I shall continue on your behalf." Yun Yang cast a long look at Lei Dongtian and said decisively, "Alright then, I shall hear Brother Leis opinion on this matter." "This Lord Supreme Wind carries the thickest blood debt When he managed to escape and went into seclusion for one whole year, his cultivation base actually dropped a level when he reappeared. This is a very strange situation. Since his resentment is so great and hed be thinking of revenge all day and night, wont he be practicing with his all? I would understand if there was no improvement, but why the recession instead?" Lei Dongtian grew increasingly confident, pointing out the main issue once he spoke. "What Brother Lei has said is exactly what we are contemplating," Yun Yang sighed. "Besides if hes completely sealed off the world in this one year of disappearance and has wreaked havoc once he came back, how could he have found the Four Seasons Towers men so accurately? Did the Four Seasons Towers people write their identities on their faces? This is equally illogical!" Lei Dongtian was indeed the Lei Familys young lord; his words went straight to the point and hit the target unerringly! Yun Yang looked impressed as he said, "Brother Leis intelligence awes me. We have gathered to study this entire incident inside out, flipped it around and cracked our heads over it to finally come to this conclusion." Lei Dongtian comforted him. "The main reason lies in the fact that you all dont even want and arent willing to doubt it. It is an understandable failing." He was already chuckling despite saying it was nothing, a complete show that he was in fact very pleased with himself. It was so gratifying to break others apart with his intelligence. Lei Dongtian smiled reservedly and said, "After this Lord Supreme Wind has made his comeback and picked off his victims one by one was there no error throughout this process?" Yun Yang corrected him. "Whether there were errors or not depends on the individual, because the people he chose were all executed before the officials were notified." With a clap of his hands, Lei Dongtian said, "This grows even more mysterious! Didnt you just say that many of the renowned warriors had gone against him when he was assassinating Old He? This spells the problem out right!" "Furthermore, since hes back for revenge but his ultimate goal is still to serve the nation, why would he bring all the manpower under the Nine Heavens Dictum away from the control of Yutangs higher-ups?" "The intention is obviously to leave the system; its a disrespectful action of deceiving the emperor and others C it can even be said to be mutiny!" Lei Dongtian said. Yun Yang could only sigh, "Yes, this is also the conclusion we have arrived at." As they got to this part, Yun Yang continued saying, "Since this Lord Supreme Wind came back, his wind manifestation cultivation base has improved by leaps and bounds. During the last altercation, he could already turn into a tornado. This should already be wind manifestation skills sixth stage cultivation base." Yun Yang''s chuckle was devoid of humor. "Supreme Wind has increased three full stages in less than a year after his reappearance!" Lei Dongtian said, "This is even stranger. Could that fellow be eating sh*t for a whole year? Stagnant for a year and even degenerating, but advancing swiftly after he comes back? Theres simply no such logic in the worlds cultivation route!" Yun Yang nodded, "I couldn''t agree more." 318 Your Enemy Is the Four Seasons Tower! Lei Dongtian asked, "Is there anything else?" "Of course!" Yun Yang said, "Since this Lord Supreme Wind returned C or maybe after the battle with Old He - we were shocked to realize that not only did Lord Supreme Winds own wind manifestation cultivation base improve tremendously, he has become almighty! Other than the wind manifestation, he has also cultivated cloud, flame, blood, and thunder manifestations! It is impressive indeed as if the Nine Supremes had merged into one" Lei Dongtian frowned. At this juncture, even with his intelligence, he was stumped. "The successors identified by the Nine Heavens Demesne have to possess a pure singular physique" Yun Yang sighed, "The singular physique has to be purely unmixed to a certain degree to be able to be chosen by the Nine Heavens Demesne. This also ensued that any one of the Nine Supremes Lords would never possess each others manifestation skills" Yun Yang was blabbering half-truths now. No one in the world except himself would know the truth of this anyway, so he was not worried about being exposed, no matter how much he chattered on. Moreover, this reason was a basic understanding, deeply rooted in popular culture. "The Nine Heavens Demesne is extremely magical in nature. How can one be taken in if he did not possess a superior singular physique" "Brother Yuns intelligence is remarkable indeed, to have thought of this!" Lei Dongtian breathed in deeply. "This Lord Supreme Wind is indeed problematic. There are nine doubtful points in total, then..." Yun Yang said, "After Yutangs higher authorities studied this for a long time, we finally came to a terrifying conclusion" "This Lord Supreme Wind is most likely an impostor" Lei Dongtian sighed, thinking to himself, "I came to the same conclusion whilst I was halfway listening to you. It took so long for you fellows to realize this? Even when the situation is at odds with you, it shouldn''t have been that difficult to deduce this." "Besides, theres a high probability that this Lord Supreme Wind is a Four Seasons Towers man or even the towers higher-up who has gotten his or her hands on the Nine Supremes Lords cultivation arcane after the ambush. Only then could the person combine all the cultivation methods into one" Yun Yang said. "Yes, yes, I realized this as well," Lei Dongtian thought in disdain. "As for the so-called treacherous officials whom Lord Supreme Wind has called out they might all be Yutangs most loyal and benevolent officials" Yun Yang closed his eyes in agony. "Brother Lei, perhaps you wont be able to understand our feelings" Lei Dongtian sighed, "I understand more than you think. I am emphatic, even, towards it. its indeed upsetting." "Upset is an understatement. After confirming this, the general public was awash with hopelessness." Yun Yang said, "According to my father, His Majesty fainted on the spot, vomiting blood" "Ay!" Lei Dongtian continued to ponder, "If I might say this, it will be your countrys greatest good for such a fatuous emperor to die from the anger." "There is an overarching worry to all this." Yun Yang said, "Everything that this Lord Supreme Wind has done during this time is for Empire of Yutang, at least, from the surface. What made us even more speechlessly mournful is that weve carried out the most appropriate and proper cleanup for him after each event!" Lei Dongtian felt disbelief coursing through him. How f*cking awesome and impressive that the whole of your Yutang imperial court can be this stupid! What a rare sight! The entire country was manipulated by one person for a whole year and is still being wrapped around his fingers even now is this still going on? "We cant possibly pull out now. If we expose this secret, its like the entire imperial court of Yutang is slapping themselves, with only their own doom looming on the horizon." "Once this story is leaked out, the people and military morale will vanish utterly!" Yun Yang was clearly grieving. "Even when we knew that it was a spy, we had to continue supporting him to use his name to stabilize the people." Yun Yang looked at Lei Dongtian. "Brother Lei As we speak of this, we, including our emperor, can only contain the anguish among ourselves." Lei Dongtian opened his mouth but said nothing. It would be shocking if this didn''t affect you all in the slightest bit. "This confidentiality" Yun Yangs smile was more like a grimace. "How dare we speak of this outside? We can only swallow everything, fearful of even the slightest breach If it were to happen, the spirits and morale of the people and military would break down and this country will no longer be a country" He stared at Lei Dongtian sincerely. "Brother Lei, I hope for your understanding. I really did not have the intention to put you in a difficult position." Lei Dongtian replied emphatically, "I know your feelings, I can understand it. If I were involved, I wouldnt have spoken about it easily as well. This is simply too embarrassing a shame that many people in the entire nation share" "If it were me, I cant afford to bear such shame as well." Lei Dongtian exclaimed, "Brother Yun, I understand you. Yutangs higher authority hasnt had it easy." "Thank you, thank you." Yun Yang held Lei Dongtians hands and shook it emotionally. "Brother Lei, long live empathy!" "Now, Lord Supreme Wind, who has been active in his operations seems to have noticed our distancing. Recently, he disappeared from Tiantang City without any trace." Yun Yang said, "We cant even figure out his whereabouts C no, perhaps it should be said that since this Lord Supreme Wind resurfaced, none of us have been able to know his whereabouts. This persons caution in doing everything is at new heights C its bafflingly eerie. Ive never seen someone so flawlessly meticulous." He looked at Lei Dongtian and said, "Since it was this person who has kidnapped Brother Leis fianc, please listen to my suggestion." That caught Lei Dongtian''s attention as he watched Yun Yang seriously and said, "Yes, and what would that be?" "Does he know that the lady is your fianc?" Yun Yang asked. Lei Dongtian was suddenly tongue-tied. Does he? Maybe he does but perhaps he may not. In his head, Yun Yang rolled his eyes but went on to say placidly, "Let''s take it this way, has that person ever seen Brother Leis appearance?" Lei Dongtian replied, "Definitely. Weve met the other day and I didnt manage to see his face since he was under the wind manifestation skill disguise, but he definitely saw mine!" Yun Yang said, "If so, he will only need to ask your fianc and he will most probably find out your identity?" "Yes, of course, my fianc knows my identity and background," Lei Dongtian answered. Yun Yang said musing, "If so" He raised his head; gritting his teeth, his eyes gleamed with a cunning iciness. "You only have to wait patiently. He will come looking for you." Lei Dongtian asked, "Why is that so?" "Although Brother Leis fianc is a peerless beauty and no men would remain unmoved against her charms, I think that a lack of women would not be a problem for such a character." Yun Yang answered. "Naturally. Any cultivator whos accomplished would never lack women," Lei Dongtian replied with a smile. "Then, he most probably has other intentions for kidnapping your fiance." Yun Yang continued, "As for this intention, whether its for you or your fianc, well have to wait and see." "Regardless, since he dared to kidnap your fianc right in front of you, it indicates that hes not afraid of you and has some sort of support." "Since hes not afraid of you C even if his initial target leaves you out, he might have his sights set on you now. Hes already done it once, it makes no difference to do it twice. Other than being a great threat, Brother Leis identity relates to a greater benefit at the same time Its not exactly a surprise for the other party to be tempted." "So, he will definitely come to you." "As for the terms he would require, this will be difficult to assume." Yun Yang said, "He can turn into wind anyway C as long as he doesnt show his real self, you cant hurt him. Besides, he has a hostage that serves as capita! As for now, he has the upper hand of the situation. Theres nothing for him to be scared of!" Listening to Yun Yangs analysis, Lei Dongtian thought it was very reasonable! Yun Yangs mind was really working well. It seemed that he had wronged Yun Yang to say that he was stupid earlier. It was most probably Yutangs imperial court officials and emperor who were dumb; maybe it was their passive stance as well C they could go on the wrong path after taking just a single misstep! If I were Yutangs emperor, I might not be any better facing such a situation Its really a tricky one. "Furthermore, I want to remind Brother Lei of something. Our standpoints are distinctive but the enemy of the enemy is always treated with more amicability!" Yun Yang announced formally, "Although Brother Lei and this this elder have a strong cultivation base and are rare opponents of the current times, Brother Lei has yet to understand the Four Seasons Tower." Lei Dongtian replied indifferently, "I dont care what presence the Four Seasons Tower holds, but its fact that theyve taken someone whom I care for. That just won''t do!" Yun Yang said worriedly, "Brother Lei, you come from a reclusive family; you have your principles. However, listen to a word of my advice; with your great family backup support and the convenience of flying mystical beast messengers, you could deploy a squad of experts with just a letter. Why place your precious self in danger? The Four Seasons Tower is not one to be trifled withC no matter how bad a shape Yutang is in, its still a formidable force of a nation in our time. Still, its being played in their hands. It suggests the towers strength, even, whats shown now might only be the tip of the iceberg. Ive heard plenty of legends like subdue the world by force with a bloodshed in the martial world, or not paling when going head to head with the Unrivaled Expert, so on and so forth. Brother Lei, you must not let your guard down. Its better to be safe than sorry!" In other words, Yun Yang basically meant, "Your family is so almighty, you might as well send more experts and raze the Four Seasons Tower to the ground!" 319 Another Cauldron? Lei Dongtian chuckled wryly and said, "Brother Yun, I know you speak sincerely while thinking about me. What you said about enemys enemy being friends makes sense as well. That being said, you have to wonder, will he dare come if I really did have so many experts with me?" "They can lurk around in hidden corners. Its always better to be safe than sorry!" Yun Yang replied. Lei Dongtian thought for a moment before speaking, "Brother Yun, you dont have to persuade me any further; Ive made up my mind. Just the two of us will be enough to wreak havoc in the Four Seasons Tower. At the very worst, well at least be able to save my fianc." Yun Yang still wore a worried expression. "If so, I wish Brother Lei success. However, Brother Lei need not be courteous and avoid asking for help! Still the same words; an enemys enemy will always be closer!" Lei Dongtian chuckled. "I understand. I wont hesitate to look for Brother Yun should I need help." Lei Dongtian began to grow fonder of Yun Yang. Actually, he had never thought to forge any ties with him. Even when he was unsure if Yun Yang was related to Ji Lingxi, their standpoints were different. Yun Yangs shallow capabilities alone were already out of Lei Dongtians consideration and he finally had his heart set. However, Yun Yang kept matching Lei Dongtians thoughts and was even thinking for him from a lot of aspects. Even if it might be due to Lei Dongtians gifts and the relationship of being their enemys enemy, the concern was still genuine. Of course Lei Dongtian was not entirely unmoved, so his tone when conversing with Yun Yang gradually turned warm, from the bottom of his heart. It was also once again evidence of his amazing acting skills that were impeccable. Impressive indeed! Yun Yang nodded as if he was not entirely convinced, and said after some musing, "Brother Lei, why don''t you and your respectable subordinate stay at my residence? We can take care of each other. Its a marquis residence here after all; that fellow is still using Lord Supreme Winds name now he wont go overboard with us" Lei Dongtian chuckled and asked cynically, "Does Brother Yun wish to protect me now?" Yun Yang replied bashfully, "Why not? After all, this is just a temporary precaution" Lei Dongtian said, "Brother Yun, I understand where youre coming from. However, with my cultivation base Let''s just say that if I need you to protect me still, I would be ashamed to see anyone else then." Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit before he continued, "If so, then please pick somewhere nearby to stay. I would still be worried. Brother Lei, there were so many of us, but weve still been manipulated to this day. This person is tricky and clever, his plots and traps are hard to defend against" "Even if Brother Leis martial skills are wonderful and you are unafraid of the other partys forceful ambush, can Brother Lei really be able to fend off unknown tactics?" "Why not stay at the tavern opposite my house, Brother Lei? Its not some top-notch tavern but the best inn in the city is too far from the Residence of Yun. If something arises, Im afraid Ill be too far to give help. If Brother Lei stays opposite of me, Im a host of this land, after all, should any unforeseen circumstance happen. Its more convenient for me to handle social affairs compared to Brother Lei. I can even provide an idea or two should the need arise." Yun Yang said sincerely, "Brother Lei, one must be wary of being stubborn when being outside." Seeing that Yun Yang was constantly thinking of him, Lei Dongtian felt even more touched and said, "If so, both of us will stay at the tavern diagonally opposite then. Brother Yun, youve been very thoughtful." Yun Yang smiled, "Its rare to have a good friend like Brother Lei, whose skill is adept and family background is even greater. Brother Leis character is tough as well; of course, this young brother must get closer to Brother Lei." He chuckled sheepishly and said, "I''m afraid I behaved inappropriately out of greed earlier. Actually, Brother Lei need not give me so much. This young brother was overly lustful." As he spoke, Yun Yang took off the ring and said, "Brother Lei, please take these gems back. These were received with guilt, and thus shall bring no pleasure." Initially, Lei Dongtian had planned to take back these things after Yun Yang had finished speaking. There was no way Yun Yang could hold on to them if he had asked. Yet, they were speaking so happily now, and with Yun Yang being so concerned about his welfare, how could he have the heart to take them back? He had to stay here for a good amount of time as well, and there would be a lot of things that he had to rely on Yun Yang to do. After all, Yun Yang was the only local he could find, given his own family''s reclusiveness. Was there anyone else to rely on? Could he count on the relationship of emperors or princes? It was already troublesome enough to make new acquaintances and he would have to provide a certain amount of benefits in return, without even being sure if they would support him. Why not resume forging ties with Yun Yang? Even if he were to ask for the return of all his treasures, that would happen afterward when everything else was settled. He wouldn''t do that for now anyway. "Brother Yun, whatever do you mean?" Lei Dongtian frowned hard and said unhappily, "What kind of person have you assumed this older brother to be?" Just as Yun Yang was about to open his mouth, Lei Dongtian stopped him and said, "Is this older brother someone so untrustworthy, with words that held no value in Brother Yuns eyes?" Yun Yang smiled awkwardly. "Certainly not!" Lei Dongtian said easily, "Brother, to be honest, I really have plenty of these things. If you have the need for them, I could bring you some every time I come over in future." Outside, at the entrance, the corners of the elder in black robes lips twitched. Plenty of these? Bring some every time you come? Young lord, how boastful of you! A storage ring costs the very heavens, even if its the Bound of Universe! I only have one of them after living out most of my life! How could you make light of these and give them out like cheap treats? You boast of taking something of mine and giving it away to someone else; this old man doesnt even know if I can get it back after going home. Yun Yang and Lei Dongtian had a delightful conversation; the more they spoke, the more they felt a sense of compatibility. Both of them shared so much that they almost became sworn brothers. Lei Dongtian wanted to expose Ji Lingxis secret, tell Yun Yang that this was the girl he liked, but after seeing Yun Yangs reaction, he had completely quashed this initial thought. No matter how he saw it now, Yun Yang was an honest man who was down to earth and thought for him wholeheartedly. It would be tasteless of him to use such tactics; what was more, he needed his cooperation. He would just see how things went after their collaboration was done. Looking at Yun Yangs sincere gaze, Lei Dongtian could not help but sigh inwardly with guilt, "I have to kill such a person and retrieve my items when I leave I really feel bad about this." On the same night, Yun Yang and Lei Dongtian had a hearty drink as they talked about everything under the sun. As the interest in their subjects hiked and Lei Dongtian was in a good mood, Yun Yang took the chance to ask for a few healing pills for Dong Tianleng and Old Fatt. "Brother Lei, I know the both of them have offended you, but" "Say no more, I know what you mean. Here are a few pills, take them. Give them one each and keep the rest I have many of these, it is of no consequence!" The elder in black robes moodily emptied goblet after goblet of wine. He was muddled. His young lord was an infamous little devil in the Bound of Universe; whatever he did was all based on his moods and he would not hesitate to kill someone whenever a disagreement sprouted. Why was he making friends the moment he arrived here? Things were taking an odd turn indeed. Was this a dramatic plot twist or a dramatic change of attitude? The snow kept falling while Yun Yang and Lei Dongtian were drinking. A flash of saber light blinked amidst the heavy snow. Two individuals, dressed as passing merchants, appeared at the south gate of Tiantang City. "Saber, is it here?" "Its here." "Lets go in." "Alright!" On the same night, Lei Dongtian and the elder in black returned to the inn. "Young lord, arent you treating this Yun Yang a little too kindly" The elder in black was clearly still upset over the night''s proceedings. Lei Dongtian replied softly, "I have my own considerations in this. Old Mu, I''m guessing that you are put out by the fact that I gave him your storage ring?" The expression of the elder clad in black robes darkened as he lowered his head and said, "This old servant has no such thought. Everything this old servant has was given by masters family, how can there be such a complaint?" Lei Dongtians cold gaze lingered on him for a moment before he said, "Ill order the butler to reimburse a storage ring to you after we go back. I wont let you suffer a loss Old Mu, do you know that your biggest weakness is that youre too calculative of petty benefits and regard current losses and gains too highly? No, too seriously. Why cant you have more foresighted?" Old Mu went pale. "Yes, this old servant accepts young lords advice with respect." "It has already been six years since you began following me, not including the years before that you''ve spent in my house." Lei Dongtian spoke nonchalantly, "You are capable and cultivated, knowledgeable and experienced, you have the brains and ability to plan; each aspect of you is the cream of the crop. If you could just change this bad habit of pettiness, youll definitely be my strongest asset when I become the master of the family!" Old Mus breathing quickened as a surprised glow radiated from his eyes. Lei Dongtian was the first in line of the Lei Familys successors; it was cold hard truth be it of his identity or status. The weight of his words right now was undeniably hefty! "Young lord, I will change!" Old Mu promised resolutely. He had to be more liberal in the future, open-minded and open-hearted from head to toe; he would change his habits; he would be generous and graceful. Giving a sweet promise of the future after teaching him a lesson, Lei Dongtian nodded in satisfaction as he watched Old Mus reaction. "Old Mu, do you think that Yun Yang can be yet another Seven Emotions cultivation cauldron of mine?" 320 Seven Emotions Praxis! Old Mu was rather taken aback when he heard his young lords words. He replied only after a while, "Young lord, pardon this old servant for spoiling your mood. Yun Yang looks exceptional and is gifted with an innate jade physique C its rare, true, but hes not suitable to be taken as nourishment. Especially when young lord has never fancied the yang side C how can young lord suddenly have a change of heart for this man? If this is really so, all the more that this man must not be kept alive. This old servant shall get rid of him right away C at least that pretty face of his must be tarnished! Young master, please dont act rashly!" It was Lei Dongtian who was taken aback now. He stared at Old Mu, tongue-tied and in danger of spitting out some blood. He managed to speak after a timely pause, his tone filled with exasperation. "Old Mu, where has your mind carried you to? I said I wanted Yun Yang as a cauldron, but its not for unscrupulous deeds. My Seven Emotions Ripping Psionic has only gotten through two stages. The selected candidates for the third stage are Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan who are now within our plan but were still looking for the fourth stages candidate Im thinking of Yun Yang" Lei Dongtian said in a murmur, "Would he fit the bill?" When Old Mu heard about Lei Dongtians intention, he knew he had made the wrong assumption. He chuckled embarrassedly, "My thoughts have gone astray" Lei Dongtian rolled his eyes. Old Mu sat quietly to listen then, no longer speaking rashly. All in all, he was only a servant. His understanding of Lei Dongtians cultivation methods was incomplete as it was from his young lords usual behavior; he was not at all in the know of the complete situation. Otherwise, he would not have thought that Lei Dongtian had been enticed by Yun Yang and wouldn''t have gotten ahead of himself. Truthfully, Lei Dongtian would not let him know the mystery of his own cultivation method either. "Happiness, anger, worry, longing, grief, fear, and shock" Lei Dongtian ticked off the items meticulously in his mind, "Ive already completed happiness and overturned worry. As long as Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan come into play, they will help me complete fear as for anger and grief I have nothing yet If I utilize Yun Yang, perhaps he can be cultivated into the embodiment of anger" "Its just that the realm of such anger must be the stage of breaking down from fury and losing ones mind Only then can the effect be seen I might have to work harder during this period then" Lei Dongtian frowned as he continued to plot in his mind. After a while, he shook his head in frustration and said, "Old Mu, do you think that what Yun Yang has said is true?" Old Mu thought for a long time with a crease in between his brows and said carefully, "Young lord, I think that the things Yun Yangs said cant be false. There are too many statements within that can be verified. A simple check will prove that his words are false but its also due to this that we can conclude that what he said is real!" Lei Dongtian nodded in contentment. "For example?" "For example, the time when the Nine Supremes met their mishap and the time this Supreme Wind reappeared C this is one of them. Secondly, the cultivation base before Supreme Wind met his doom and afterward; thirdly, the rapid growth of his cultivation base after Supreme Wind appeared C the distinction of his power can be tracked into the details. Fourth, the accused officials after Supreme Wind appeared and caught the culprits are also public knowledge Fifth, He Hanqings identity is something that was impossible to be covered up" Old Mu said, "These are cases that are public and cant be faked intentionally. With a round of verification, it can countercheck the truth of Yun Yangs words!" Lei Dongtian replied, "From tomorrow onwards, go and confirm all of these. The credibility of Yun Yangs words is high but to be safe, its better to do it for my peace of mind!" "Yes, this old servant understands." "After the investigation, if everything is correct, then I shall prepare to forge a good connection with Young Master Yun." A mysterious smile hung on Lei Dongtians face. Old Mu asked in surprise, "Is young master thinking to do it at the same time?" "Its easier to manage with preparations than to do it in an impromptu manner." Lei Dongtian nodded in agreement. "I shall befriend him wholeheartedly so we become firm friends who shall care a lot for each other and accompany each other through the hardships of life, even through death. Lastly, Ill turn everything around in extremity at the most crucial moment. The emotional hurt he will experience then shall spur his rage and fill his entire being with fury, so much so that he will break down and never believe in friendship or brotherhood. Ultimately, his core spirit will be fragmented and lost before becoming one of the links in my Seven Emotions Praxis." Old Mu said worriedly, "Still, the process is an arduous one. After all, the young lord has to be sincere in the beginning too. The taboo of such seven emotions cultivation is mayhem in the cultivation path; once the cultivator loses control of his emotions, it will instigate the internal demon to counterattack himself instead. Although Yun Yangs individual capability is low, his background, identity, and influence in Empire of Yutang are measurable. He might not be the best choice" "No, Yun Yang is the perfect target. The emotions of cultivators of Seven Emotions Praxis will ascend to the perfection of apathy but the process requires the cultivators to go through all sorts of emotional turmoil. If I keep refraining myself from being hurt, itll be difficult for this praxis to achieve perfection. Only when we stand against each other C hurting him and being hurt in return, can the praxis be completed. Its like a fight of two tigers, the winner will take everything the loser has. Do you think its so easy to reach the stage of apathy and manipulate the emotions of everyone in this world?" Lei Dongtian said indifferently, "By then, even those whose cultivation bases are much stronger than mine wont be able to defend against the rush of emotions facing my Seven Emotions Praxis. This is the perfect cultivation method that cannot be defended against!" Old Mu was dazed as he listened, unable to imagine the cultivation methods application in the future. Lei Dongtian was thrilled, though, as he said with a smile, "You wont understand. Some realms are only attainable by those who are absolutely devoted or someone who is extremely passionate or crazed about something." "People like this, they usually keep or guard a sentiment dear to their hearts." Lei Dongtian said faintly, "My Seven Emotions Praxis can destroy that sentiment instantly; even an unrivaled expert can only await his doom I face him then!" "As for the condition of executing the skillWell, theres actually only one. One has to accurately find the sentiment the opponent cares about." "Let us go to sleep," Lei Dongtian said firmly. Old Mu hummed in agreement and went to rest in the next room. After Lei Dongtian had asked Old Mu to rest, he did not do the same but retrieved Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulans portraits to hang above his bed. His gaze lingered on the ladies portraits in infatuation, a crazed devotion pouring from his eyes as he murmured, "Perhaps you dont know it yet, how much I like you two I like both of you as if I am turning insane. I desire the both of deeply but I cant; I must destroy the both of you, destroy this sentiment entirely Do you all know the anguish in my heart?" From the portraits, the girls cold gazes greeted him like four sharp arrows. "Only when the physical aspect is free and safe but the mental state has broken down upon the inability to endure extreme fear and hopelessness can I obtain the Pure Yin of Chaos to complete one of the links in my Seven Emotions Praxis. How would you know how much I have to suffer for this?" His gaze was of desire, but there was also a sense of manic. "When I complete my cultivation, you two would have died, but I will remember you forever. Do you know that is torture as well? At least, before I reach the stage of apathy, both of you will entrap me like a nightmare!" "However, there is no comparison for this." "It is absolute worth the sacrifice! Do you all know this? Do the both of you understand? Your sacrifice will build an unrivaled expert! In the end, the both of you will be filled with joy!" He mumbled in a crazed trance, the volume of his voice extremely low. It seemed that he had used the chance to vent his long-suppressed emotions. Outside the window, a cloud of fog drifted quietly before dissipating into nothing. "A sliver of the Nine Heavens Figment is still useful." Yun Yang was deep in thought, sitting in his room at the Residence of Yun. Lei Dongtian, a person of the upper universe What should he do to maximize his current gains? His short-term goal was already completed having instigated the fellow to go head to head against the Four Seasons Tower. From how things looked now, his words were apparently credible enough to pull off the trick. After all, his words were all true, based on surface evidence. There would, however, be a huge lurking danger later on. Once Lei Dongtian fought with the Four Seasons Tower, they would not know of each others capability in the first or second encounter, so there would be a huge conflict in the beginning, but things would be different afterward! Yun Yang would never dare to assume that the Four Seasons Towers men were stupid or mute. Facing such a powerful opponent, they would certainly investigate his background. Even if Lei Dongtians origins were mysterious, he was too powerful to ignore. The Four Seasons Tower would connect the dots and suspect him; when they fought again, the tower would definitely probe him with words. Once the situation reached such heights, the entire plot would be exposed and Yun Yang would have to face the fury from both sides at the same time! This was where the loophole was. Yun Yang would never be na?ve enough to hope that both sides would take another side as irreconcilable enemies and fight to the death once they met. After all, both Lei Dongtian and Four Seasons Tower were not idiots! How should he go about mending this loophole though? Yun Yang racked his brain contemplating it. How could he get them to attack each other viciously and intensify the battle so that one side could completely wipe out the other without even considering the possibility of Yun Yang being involved? It was best if both sides could proceed to the degree of irreconcilable enemies and beat each other up without saying a word, ending the fight by dying together This was simply a very precarious technical issue. Yun Yang knew that he had to lay out the groundwork delicately or else the scheme would fall apart around his ears! 321 A Ladys Sorrow "Right." A shadow drifted in. "Has that fellow gone away?" The person in question was Ji Lingxi, who held a big red apple in her hands. Yun Yang frowned. "Lingxi, I keep on telling you Youre a girl, a lady. You must knock first before entering others room; theres no exception here. You must make it a habit or else how are you going to" Ji Lingxis delicate face scrunched up. "Yun Yang, what is going on? Cant you stop using this tone? Im neither your daughter nor your little sister, dont act like an elder in front of me! Can you? I''m begging you!" Yun Yangs tone was helpless as he sighed, "Alright" He then lifted in head seriously and said, "Lady Ji, I am honored to meet you! Please, before you enter my room or any other peoples rooms, do" Before he finished his words, Ji Lingxi had turned and left. The girl was shaking all over from sheer anger, chomping half of the apple in her hand alongside the core and chewing it viciously. This log! It serves you right if you remain single all your life! A knock came from Yun Yangs door just a little while after Ji Lingxi left. "Come in," Yun Yang called out. "Is Young Master Yun occupied?" Yue Rulan entered the room. Yun Yang stood up hastily and said with respect, "Sister Lan, its you. Quick, have seat. Sit, sit." Behind Yue Rulan, Ji Lingxi watched with pouting lips as Yun Yang welcomed Yue Rulan in politely and even took a bench for Yue Rulan himself before looking at her and said, "Oh, Lingxis here too. Do find somewhere to sit." Ji Lingxi wanted to turn and leave again right as she heard those words. The difference in treatment was simply too jarring! Is there such a difference in our appearances? Do I look that small and does Sister Lan look that old?! "Lingxi came over earlier. Did you two have an argument?" Yue Rulan asked with a grimace. She honestly did not understand why Yun Yang was behaving so. He pampered and catered to Ji Lingxis every whim regardless of what it was but the indulgence had belonged to that of an elder and was not at all related to romance. The correlation was more like a pair of parallel lines that would never intersect. What was happening? Also, Yue Rulan was Ji Lingxis only close friend; her best friend. She was not related to Yun Yang, why was he being so respectful? Like an elder? She was only older than Ji Lingxi by one or two years! Yun Yang smiled and said, "Nothing much. I just told Lingxi that she must knock before entering someones room, just like what Sister Lan did Sister Lan and Lingxi should address me as Older Cousin Yun or Young Cousin Yun next time when you see me. Even when its a personal meeting or even when there are only three of us, such form must be maintained. Our greatest enemy is staying at the inn not far away from us; their cultivation base is too mighty that its already exceeded what we could possibly dream of. We have to be careful. Even when the distance is far, they might hear our conversation." "Just like tonights conversation. If they heard even a single line of it, wed be doomed." Yun Yang said stringently, "Sister Lan, you understand this, do you not? We can barely defend ourselves now, so we must get used to the new mode of getting along and acknowledge it from the heart." Yue Rulan answered easily, "Younger Cousin Yun is right, we have to make it a habit!" Yun Yang shifted his gaze to Ji Lingxi, obviously wary of her temper. Ji Lingxi felt anger fuming from her core at once, boiling and threatening to spill over. She bit her lips; after a long time, she replied sadly, "Older Cousin Yun is right." "Good girl!" Yun Yang looked pleased. His compliment almost made Ji Lingxi explode. She sat down by the bed, almost breaking it. Raising her hand, there was a lush green cucumber. She bit down mercilessly and chewed with puffed cheeks, her eyes glaring at Yun Yang. It was as if the cucumber was Yun Yang or his flesh. Great Lady Ji was going to tear him into pieces! "Whats the background of these two people?" Yue Rulan frowned and asked, "Has Younger Cousin Yun discovered?" Yun Yang collected his thoughts and said, "This Lei Family young lord probably comes from another area a mysterious place called the Bound of Universe." Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxis gaze froze at once. "Bound of Universe? The people from the upper side?" Both of them had come from famed families and were no strangers to this name. Although they did not know the extent of the Bound of Universes levels and powers, they knew it was nothing trivial C it at least far surpassed the Tianxuan Continent. "Hush." Yun Yang said, "The reason he finds fault with the both of you is probably to use you all to complete one of the stages of his cultivation method As for what cultivation method and the strength of it, I didnt hearhim clearly, but it most probably has to do with seven emotions." "According to my inference, the cultivation method should be an extremely wicked but potent method once it materializes." Yun Yang analyzed the situation carefully, "The aim of the cultivation is the seven emotions in life. It works by immersing one''s self in the emotion then extracting one''s self from it before destroying it and entirely annihilating the emotion; even to the point of being emotionless and heartless. Ultimately, it will complete this utterly evil and inhumane cultivation method" Yun Yang sighed, "I dont know the two of you think, but the extent of this cultivation methods malevolence is the most extreme that Ive seen throughout my life!" Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi came from big families that gave them copious experience and knowledge; they felt their scalp going numb as they heard Yun Yangs words, knowing the severity of the situation just by what he had said. Yue Rulans face went pale as she replied, "What you mean is that person has taken both of us as cauldrons? To use us to perfect his cultivation method?" Yun Yang nodded. "That should be so. Otherwise, his previous actions cant be explained." Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxis expression grew dark as they looked extremely upset. Cauldrons! It was a word that every girl in this world hated and loathed the most once they knew its true meaning! "When he pursued us, without killing nor capturing usC was this part of his cultivation process? To torment us continuously?" Ji Lingxi asked in disbelief. "Most probably." Yun Yang said, "I was eavesdropping on their conversation and there was a line that said to get the Pure Yin of Chaos and complete a link of Seven Emotions Praxis, one has to physically free and safe, but the mental state has to be broken down upon its inability to endure extreme fear and hopelessness. Ji Lingxi asked, "What does that mean?" Yue Rulan sighed. "What else can it mean? We have to be in a free environment, we cant be controlled. Then theyll exert pressure continuously so when we completely break down upon the pressure, the basic yin energy of a female will turn chaotic following the breakdown of the mental state. This will be when he strikes. If Younger Cousin Yun didnt appear at the right time, we might really have been seized!" Yue Rulan blushed as she spoke, but she could not help gritting her teeth too. No wonder. No wonder when the both of them were about to give up and even wished to die, the opposite party slowed down immediately to allow them some buffer and room to rest. Even when they were thinking of giving up recently, they changed their strategy to focus their attacks on the girls appearance In retrospect whether then or now, it was obvious that they wanted to keep tormenting the ladies until they turned insane. Ji Lingxi said darkly, "How could our families not know this? Weve been pursued so long, its been about two months!" Yue Rulans gaze dimmed as she replied softly, "Lingxi, why are you still longing for our families help even until now? We, as daughters of great families, have our fates set as such From the moment we were born, our lives have been decided." "In the initial ten to twenty years of our lives, we had the glamour of being ladies, obtaining everything that we want. However, we grew up, and that is when we pay the price for enjoying the luxuries of our previous years." "If our family needed to maintain their current influence with an arranged marriage, they will sacrifice us in exchange for it; if our family offended someone they shouldnt and needed buffering, theyll also use us to exchange and bargain; if our family wanted to advance and become more powerful, they will still use our bodies. All in all, as long as our family desires the meaning of our existence is basically waiting for a good price or a desperate need!" Yue Rulan continued speaking softly, "How would our personal wishes be of concern? Those who wish to achieve great things shall not regard petty details C our wishes arent even regarded petty, they are simply insignificant" "Upon understanding this, Ive long taken off my rose-colored glasses. Sometimes, I feel like Im a high-class prostitute who has been boasting of my uniqueness. The core of it is none other than hiking my price and waiting for a suitable price tag Compared to the girls from regular families, we as the so-called ladies of noble families, are perhaps even worse-off! Regular homes or even poorer families regard their family ties, but to us, those are only wild wishes that can never be reached!" Yue Rulans voice was low, her arrangement of words and logic clear but the indignation scattered within the words was like a simmering volcano that was about to erupt. "Even if there was already an engagement and a loved one in the picture, when our family is faced with a greater temptation, they can still back out of it." At this point, Yue Rulans eyes were rimmed red with grief. 322 When Being Pretentious Backfires Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxis situation was different. Ji Lingxi had been adopted by the Ji Family and she knew about it since she was young. She had been the happiest at home, so when she was treated like this, her anger lasted only a while before her discontentment faded, since she was laden with gratitude for the familys years of nurturing. However, Yue Rulan was the daughter of the Yue Familys direct descendants. She grew up in the family like a pearl held preciously in two palms, never would she have expected to fall into such a pathetic state where her family would sacrifice her when faced with temptation. The misery was indescribable. If she had not been engaged to Ji Lingfeng first, Yue Rulans reaction would not have been as violent. She would probably just pray for her lifelong partner to be well However, the fact was that Yue Rulan had been engaged to Ji Lingfeng for years now; she had long thought of herself as Ji Familys daughter-in-law and Ji Lingfengs wife. In spite of this, her family had promised her hand in marriage to someone else without her knowledge nor notification. The truth tasted like a humiliation to Yue Rulan, as if she had betrayed her husband it was hard to describe. To add salt to the wound, that person had lusted after her missing husbands only biological little sister at the same time. The humiliation was simply indescribable! Yun Yangs expression was very dark as well; after a moment, he spoke softly, "Dont worry, my cousins. As long as I still breathe, I shall never allow such thing to happen to the both of you!" Ji Lingxis gaze brightened abruptly, her feelings brimming as she looked into Yun Yangs eyes. His authoritative tone and oath to be their guardian made Ji Lingxi, who had been drifting with nowhere to depend on, feel immensely secure. The feeling was stark, not even as obvious and strong as when she had been with her brother. "Please remember, both of you. Today is the last time we talk in such a manner as if we weren''t family." Yun Yang reminded them again, "As long as we get through this, you two dont have to worry about the rest! Leave everything else to me!" "We understand, elder cousin!" Surprising Yun Yang, it was Ji Lingxi who spoke up and agreed first. The girls eyes were sparkling. She was in disguise and did not look good at all, but the glimmering sentiment within her gaze still managed to give Yun Yangs heart a jolt. Yun Yang shifted his gaze subconsciously, nipping the stray thought in its bud and thinking about quickly finding a good man to marry Ji Lingxi after this incident was over. Eighth brother was gone, of course, the matter of his little sisters marriage would be in his hands. Yun Yang had to fight the Four Seasons Tower for a long time still, he had to seek revenge for his brothers, his life would be threatened at any given moment C in no way was he a good choice! On the second day, Lei Dongtian came over again and resumed his endless chatter with Yun Yang. Even when Yun Yang was training the mystical beasts, Lei Dongtian watched with interest from the side, not bothering at all to avoid rousing suspicion. The men from the four noble families who should and had the right to chastise this occurrence was mute as a fish. How could they go on with their job? They had come with a mission to watch and prevent others from seeing the mystical beast offspring being trained but now, a top-notch expert followed them all the time It didn''t help that the expert was also someone who could smash them into meat pies once he got unhappy. Not only could the men not complete their tasks, they could not run away either It was truly f*cking frustrating! Chun Wanfeng and the others fared better than their guards. No matter how scared they were, they had still managed to put on the demeanor of noble young masters. "Brother Yun, this Three-eye Boar" Lei Dongtian suggested, "If you wanted to enhance its inheritance further, doing so might still be lacking" Yun Yang asked, "May I ask if it were Brother Lei, how would you go about it?" "Change its blood directly, so its lineage can be enhanced from the base. This Three-eye Boar can at least be pushed to the level of a ninth intermediate beast," Lei Dongtian spoke confidently. Yun Yang nodded. "Brother Leis idea is extraordinary and foresighted, but I wonder what beasts blood should be used in exchange?" "The blood of a tenth-level mystical beast Bear of Earth will be good. Secure a Bear of Earth alongside the Three-eye Bear and while letting out its original blood, transfuse the Bear of Earths blood at the same time on the other side. Once the cycle is over, it will be completed," Lei Dongtian explained. Qiu Yunsan and the rest of the Qiu Familys men were dumbstruck when they heard him. They could only feel an innate sense of exasperation. What the f*ck? If we could have gotten a Bear of Earth, why do we even want this Three-eye Boar? This bastard is simply spewing words which are easier said than done! Furthermore, sacrificing a Bear of Earth, a tenth level beast, to enhance the Three-eye Boar to ninth-level intermediate C was this even worth it? Who is the stupid one here? Why would you even suggest such a terrible proposition? Yun Yang replied, "Brother Leis thought can be carried out. One cause should not bother two people C I shall pass the task of seizing the Bear of Earth to Brother Lei and also the follow-up of enhancing this Three-eye Boar. This young brother wishes Brother Lei success in achieving this unprecedented act!" Lei Dongtians expression froze as he chuckled without mirth. "Heh, heh, heh." "Heh heh" Yun Yang mirrored his laughter. "Heh heh" Qiu Yunsan couldn''t help but chuckle along. Lei Dongtian turned over and glared daggers at Qiu Yunsan. "What are you chuckling about?" Qiu Yunsan was immediately offended by the tone. You chuckled, boss chuckled, and I only chuckled for the fun of it since I got the humor. Why are you glaring at me as if you''re going to kill someone? Isn''t this biased treatment a little too obvious? Can''t I even chuckle now? Qiu Yunsan was also a noble young master, how could he endure such humiliation? He knew he could not win, but he could not stay a coward either. He pushed his luck and said, "This Three-eye Boar is mine. Im the one who has the most right to speak here, alright? So what if I chuckled?" Lei Dongtian looked at him for a long time before he suddenly chuckled and said, "So it belongs to you. I was still hesitating if I should promise Young Brother Yun to capture the Bear of Earth C now I dont have to" Qiu Yunsan felt giddily relieved, and spoke indignantly, "What sort of an existence does the Bear of Earth hold? Even if you promise it, you wont be able to catch it!" Lei Dongtian rolled his eyes while looking at Qiu Yunsan, who was about to lash out as well. "The Bear of Earth is a pinnacle almighty creature How can it be so easily captured?" Xia Bingchuan scoffed, folding his arms. "The truth has been spoken, and yet you want to act like a savage and beat someone up now?" Chun Wanfeng chuckled and said, "Who else is there to wallop if not you fellows for picking at his scab? Youre all sharp-tongued. You know well that its impossible to catch the Bear of Earth but you have to put Young Master Lei in a tough spot. You deserve being beaten up" Lei Dongtians handsome face was completely dark now. He had never held these fellows in high regard, so he was just simply speaking to show off his status, promising the unachievable. In layman terms, he was simply being pretentious! Who would have known that there were people who were so competitive? His pretentiousness had actually backfired! These three people knew that Lei Dongtians cultivation base was mighty and far exceeded their knowledge and their ability to offend, but this rascal had beaten Dong Tianleng so badly. Now that there was a chance to mock him, they would not miss it for the world. Furthermore, this bastard was being pretentious in front of them, talking about changing the blood of a Three-eye Boar with a Bear of Earths It was going overboard, to the point where he actually seemed silly for even suggesting it. Anyone would know that these two mystical beast species had a huge differenceC more than heaven and earths difference - of two levels. The Bear of Earth was the top link in the food chain of Tianxuan Continents known mystical beasts C it had far surpassed the existence of a pinnacle beast! It was already back-breaking to be able to subdue it; what more to capture it alive and take its blood? Besides, even if the Bear of Earth could be caught alive, who would be so stupid as to waste such a precious beast to exchange its blood for a Three-eye Boar? This was far worse than just being wasteful! It was just like asking if someone would be willing to take a dragons blood and transfuse it into a snake? It was simply impossible unless the decision maker was an idiot with a big hole in his brain who had gotten too pretentious to the point of being dumb! This fellow was really something, to be able to boast of such tales in helping the Three-eye Boar advance in its levels. This was obviously taking the rest of them as country bumpkins! According to his theory, the young masters could be catching a phoenix to change the blood of a Phantom Vulture then the Phantom Vulture would have the blood of phoenix and leap far in its level. It was a form of gloating that was no stranger to anyone present there on that day. Lei Dongtians expression was dark as he spoke faintly, "I must say, the three of you are truly daring indeed." Qiu Yunsan smirked as he said, "What is it now, can''t Young Master Lei bear to hear the truth? Are you gonna beat us up like you did to Dong Tianleng? We cant overpower you anyway, do we have to get into position? Be subservient and await your punishment?" The experts of the three noble families were as anxious as much as they were exasperated. What was up with these three sirs? We can''t afford to offend this person in front of us! Aside from that, the three young men had their families experts feeling glad too. After all, their young master had their redeeming qualities! They were rather loyal to brotherhood Just because of this, the experts felt that they were not exactly on the suffering end if a fight were to break out later and they had to be walloped as well. It was at this moment that Yun Yang voiced out with precise timing and hollered, "What now? What are you three making a fuss about? Are you plotting rebellion?" Chun Wanfeng answered, "How could we dare to? Its just that we saw that Young Master Lei has a good idea and wanted to prod him into action so we can complete this great feat. Who would have known that Master Lei didn''t fall for it." Yun Yang seemed to be even more angered. "Brother Lei is a guest of honor. Why are you treating a guest of honor like this? Brother Leis only joking with you all, cant you take a joke now? At least, your knowledge has grown, how can you all be like this?" Yun Yangs tone and expression were impeccable, his aura was reminiscent of a boss teaching his followers a lesson! Chun Wanfeng and the others were receptive to his admonishment as they said, "Im wrong. Its all our fault. We have no eyes, how dare we overstep our bounds." Yun Yang turned to Lei Dongtian. "Brother Lei, please dont mind them. Although theyre unbearable, theyre not bad people. Its just that their temper is just like the one youve beaten up; barely in control. Brother Lei, you are a merciful man, are you not?" Lei Dongtian chuckled awkwardly, "It doesnt matter, its alright. As you''ve already said... I am merciful indeed!" 323 News! Yun Yang laughed and said, "Brother Lei is accommodating and agreeable, a great man who doesnt stoop to recalling past wrongs. In actual fact, for these three fellows, their usual banter and sleaziness towards others are a joy to watch - as long as they dont take aim at our own people." Lei Dongtian chuckled dryly and said, "Indeed." Yun Yang laughed, which made the transition of the pair into a group of five become a matter of course. At the same time, Chun Wanfeng and gang began approaching Lei Dongtian under Yun Yangs baleful glare. "Young Master Lei!" "Big Brother Lei!" "Brother Lei" The atmosphere gradually turned harmonious. They would still occasionally banter amongst each other. Lei Dongtian could not be entirely rid of his sense of superiority and struck again, so Chun Wanfeng and cohorts struck up their most condescending attitude, and mocked him right back. Based solely on the skill of words, how could Lei Dongtian be the trios opponent? Anger simmered in him from being poked fun at but he was too embarrassed to explode in front of Yun Yang. Finally, afternoon came. Lei Dongtian appeared disinterested and did not approach Yun Yang to deepen their bond. He sat alone under the tree to drink tea glumly, entirely ill at ease. Obviously, the mornings episode had made him very unhappy. A messenger beast landed in the Residence of Yun. Lao Mei took the letter and passed it over to Yun Yang; upon scanning the letter, Yun Yang excused himself and headed towards the flower tree. The message delivered was related to Lei Dongtian. Lei Dongtians curiosity was stoked. It seemed that some news had been received. "It seems that I need Brother Lei to give me a guarantee." Yun Yang said hesitantly, "No offense to Brother Lei. I cant afford to offend nor provoke either you or the Four Seasons Tower. My lowly position is really limited" Lei Dongtian chortled. "Dont worry, dont worry. Leave everything to me. Our fight will never involve you, even in the slightest bit!" The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched as he thought, "Youve been coming to my house these past two days, do you think everyone else is blind? Once you and the Four Seasons Tower stand against each other, I will definitely be dragged into it. I might even be the first target!" "The Four Seasons Towers tactic of going for the people closest to their target is their most popular trick. If it really were to happen, who am I supposed to go to? I wanted a guarantee and this is the only guarantee you can give me? Oh, my" "Do you think your words are as valuable as gold? Why dont you become God if youre so sure of yourself?" "The intelligence Ive gathered reads that there have indeed been people who have seen the two girls" Yun Yang spread the reports on the table to look at it with Lei Dongtian as he pointed and said, "However, their whereabouts are very vague" "Until now, people have seen them in the east, south, and center of the city" Yun Yang said, "This situation seems rather abnormal." A chilling glint flashed in Lei Dongtians eyes. "Such movements do indeed oppose logic. Could it be that this fellow is trying to lure me out?" Yun Yang was taken aback for a moment before he replied, thinking, "There is a distinct possibility of this..." Lei Dongtian snorted in anger and said, "How dare they! How dare the Four Seasons Tower be so rampant!" Today, the elder in black robes, Old Mu, did not come with Lei Dongtian; he was sent out to find news about the Four Seasons Tower and the Nine Supremes. In order to be safe, they had to investigate with their own efforts to verify the truth in Yun Yangs words. "Brother Lei, the Four Seasons Tower is the highest power in the Tianxuan Continent. The tower has always been arrogant and although it has been active these days, it has the capability to" Yun Yang did not finish his statement. "Brother Lei, if its not so important maybe why not give it up?" Lei Dongtian was immediately furious. "Do you hear what you are saying? Dont you know what it would mean if I give up?" Yun Yang said, "Brother Lei, please dont be enraged. Im thinking for your own good. The Four Seasons Tower has been a terrifying organization in Tianxuan Continent for thousands of years! Brother Lei, better be safe than sorry. Why should a great man worry about marriage?" Lei Dongtian was upset and interrupted Yun Yangs speech. "Brother Yun, I know youre thinking for me and worrying for me but you really shouldnt have said those things. What do you mean, why should a great man worry about marriage? How am I a great man if my wife has been kidnapped and I give up on her due to fear of the enemy? If I really did give up, I Lei Dongtian, what dignity do I have to stand on in this world?" Yun Yang sighed and said, "Brother Lei other than the sheer size of this organization and its terrifying influence, the mastermind of the Four Seasons Tower is a very mighty one of pinnacle strength and is neck to neck with the current unrivaled expert. Brother Lei is knowledgeable with a solid family background and has amazing cultivation base but it might be inadequate compared to these cunning and scheming aged experts. This young brother is not trying to take a swing at Brother Leis confidence. This battle is simply too risky. Any misstep rids the chance of getting out of this alive. Instead of taking the risk, why not save yourself first? A smart man does not put himself beside a wavering wall!" With a decisive wave of his hand, Lei Dongtian said, "Theres no need to go on about this topic. I shall save my fiance, and that is that!" Yun Yang sighed. Actually, Lei Dongtian was growing increasingly anxious. Both the ladies were utterly beautiful, any one of them would be a rare beauty of their time. Captured by others, who would know if the other party was a lecher? Even if they were not, who would not change their minds if they had to guard two beauties every day? If If their virginities were taken, then Lei Dongtians plan would have been all for nothing! No more Pure Yin of Chaos even the normal pure yin would be gone! "Since Brother Lei insists, I wont try to stop you anymore. Ill help you as much as I can. However, according to the current information we have, their whereabouts are mysterious and strange, without a constant location to focus our efforts on." Yun Yang continued by saying, "To secure the location of our target and stop them from being moved about is rather difficult. Lei Dongtian said, "This will then need Brother Yuns help as a local." "Not a problem, Brother Lei. We are friends, our connection was formed so quickly. Even if there will be danger, this young brother will find these people for Brother Lei as soon as possible," Yun Yang said. These lines were uttered with exceptional sincerity. It seemed genuine, without a tinge of pretense nor deception. Lei Dongtian was very touched as he replied, "Brother Yun, when this affair is over, I shall take you as my sworn brother. We shall become real brothers from then on! For life!" Yun Yang repeated the words, deeply touched, "Brothers, for life!" Lei Dongtian chortled, "How gratifying today''s events are!" Although the messenger flying beast might have sensed the harmonious atmosphere between the two, regardless, it continued to arrive at the residence. Any movement in Tiantang City, big or small, the locations where there were similar suspects, analyses, and other bits and pieces of information were detailed and clear. Lei Dongtian was impressed by the meticulous intelligence system, awed by the ability of Young Master Yun as a local C it was truly amazing! "Brother Yun, I didnt expect your connections to be so impressive. Its worth marveling at your system in a new light!" Lei Dongtian praised the young master. "Mine?" Yun Yang looked like he wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. "Brother Lei, you have me in overly high regard. How could I have such capabilities? Ive used my fathers seal and deployed the royal spies When my old man returns, a sound trashing is imminent." Lei Dongtian was first shocked when he heard his words, but he then guffawed after some time. He stuck his thumb up. "Brother Yun is simply amazing! This older brother shall remember Brother Yuns favor for life!" Yun Yang maintained his neutral expression. "Those things are insignificant. Its not too late to talk about then when its time to face it. Whats more important now is to find them. Brother Lei, dont you worry. As long as theyre still in Tiantang City, I shall find them, even if theyre hidden thirty feet underground." When the sky was about to turn dark in the afternoon, another message of significance came. Yun Yang scanned it quickly, a grim expression that had not been there before painted his visage. "Two people have come to stay in the Tower to Heaven Inn. One of them is thin and dressed in black with saber energy surrounding him, while another is like snow, exuding an aura of winter." This information immediately had Yun Yang thinking of the Venerable Lord Saber! Was he the man in black? Who could the other one be? Yun Yang sighed and closed the report. He did not immediately explain his thoughts, so Lei Dongtian did not know what was the information imparted. He watched Yun Yang dumbly, waiting for his explanation. "No further action so far. We can only wait to see if theres any further news tonight," Yun Yang sighed in resignation. "Alright, well wait for tonight," Lei Dongtian sighed as well. Lei Dongtian knew that Yun Yang had given his all to help him and it was not Yun Yangs fault that there was no further news. It was only a matter of course for the former to agree easily. It was also at this moment that a black silhouette flashed by C Old Mu had come back. Lei Dongtian glanced at him and was greeted by a slight nod. "If so, Ill return to the inn first to wait for Brother Yuns good news." Lei Dongtian stood up. "Most certainly." Yun Yang replied in agreement. The moment Lei Dongtian and Old Mu exited the Residence of Yun, the former had asked right away, "How was it?" "From what we intended to verify, more than a ninth of what Young Master Yun has said is true" Old Mu answered. Lei Dongtian was stunned for a moment. "What about the remaining ten percent?" Old Mu replied, "The remaining ten percent is simply the differences in opinion of Tiantangs people and Young Master Yun. Perhaps it was too obvious a comparison. All of them think that the Nine Supremes are heroes and the people killed since the reemergence of Supreme Wind are all planted spies, that they deserve death Other than that, the aspect of timing, cultivation base and everything else, including the battle with the Four Seasons Tower, are all the same as those of Young Master Yun." Lei Dongtian let down the last bit of his guard and chastised him with a chuckle, "Old Mu, I dont know what I should say about you C if I really say that youre a log, it feels like Im scolding you. As long as everything else matches, it can completely prove that the Supreme Wind now is an impostor. The reason the citizens would believe in this wholeheartedly should be more Yutangs imperial court''s doing, other than them being willing to believe it. Its not a wonder at all; in fact, it is terribly logical." 324 No Doubt! Old Mu said, "Young master is right." "It looks like this Yun Yang is treating me sincerely. I guess this chap is not that bad after all." Lei Dongtian pondered about this a bit more before saying, "Theres no doubt about it. Everything points towards a phony Supreme Wind C hes a piece for the Four Seasons Towers chess game!" Old Mu was stumped at the sudden statement. How did his master come to such an abrupt conclusion? Lei Dongtian continued his explanation, "From that inference, it can be said that the Four Seasons Tower intends to focus their attack on me!" Despite the ominous words, there was a chilling glint in his gaze. Old Mu was growing increasingly confused. Where were these ideas coming from? How did it suddenly become a personal issue for you? "The question is why is the Four Seasons Tower targeting me? Since theyve done so, there must be a reason but what could that possibly be?" Lei Dongtian thought hard and said, "Is it possible that knowledge of my trip here has fallen into the hands of some dastardly party? Someone who doesnt want me to cultivate the Seven Emotions Praxis? Perhaps that person is using the Four Seasons Tower to stop me, just like how Ive tempted the Ji and Yue Family?" "If it were the other families who wanted to point their crosshairs at me, they would leave their tracks, no matter who they''ve sent. After all, the Bound of Universes cultivation methods is clearly distinct from that of the Tianxuan Continents. As such, they can only use this current locations combat power." "The Four Seasons Tower is without a doubt the strongest force in these parts. Yes, it all makes sense now." Lei Dongtian murmured to himself as he slowly went over the matter. Since he was already biased, his mind led him to put all the blame on the Four Seasons Tower. Old Mu was still stupefied! Bewildered, he was puzzled as to how his young master could be so sure in his conviction against the Four Seasons Tower. He said stoically, "Young lord, should we not test this theory further?" Lei Dongtian replied confidently, "There is no need. I understand everything now! One is able to know the whole picture just by looking from a corner; besides, we have so much evidence. Why is there a need for further verification?" So much evidence? Old Mu felt his mind spinning, trying to put it all together. Could it be like what his young master said C his mind was as dense as a log? Lei Dongtian glanced at Old Mu like he knew what the latter was thinking. It spurred a sense of superiority in terms of intelligence. This old man was still so stumped over something which was so crystal-clear Have you wasted all these years of living? Or do you really have a log of a brain? "Have we not proven the truth of Yun Yangs words?" Lei Dongtian said, "As long as what Yun Yang said wasnt false, then its justifiable that the Supreme Wind is an impostor." "I guess that''s true." "Since this Supreme Wind is a phony, then who does he belong to? Who else would dare don this disguise other than the Four Seasons Tower?" "Right!" "The only one who would dare to go against Yutangs imperial court and have possession of the Nine Supremes various manifestation cultivation methods must be the Four Seasons Tower, the party behind the Nine Supremes'' annihilation. The various manifestation cultivation methods that Supreme Wind has shown proves that he must be from the Four Seasons Tower, right?" "Yes." "How long has it been since I came out to find my wives and my cauldrons?" "I believe it to be about four to five months. If there were to be contacted, would it have dragged for so long?" "The reason they didnt ambush us a few months prior to this is probably because they havent been contacted yet. After all, our tracks were concealed and it''s almost as if we have yet to enter this part of the world." "Put in that manner, it does seem rather logical." "Seem? It is the truth!" Lei Dongtian said in exasperation, "When they were finally contacted, they carried out the ambush against us. Whats more, the Four Seasons Towers men must have guessed that our background is unusual and didnt plan to go head to head with us. Thats why Supreme Wind was the one to strike, kidnapping the girls and spiriting them away with the wind!" "If they weren''t targeting me, why would they take the two women away?" "In the eyes of the public, Supreme Wind is on Yutangs side, it can easily deceive and disrupt my investigation! Isnt this so?" "In fact, if we hadn''t found Yun Yang and gained his trust, before finding out Supreme Winds real identity, we would be having a tough time to get to the bottom of this!" "Besides, we could have gone the wrong way and made a ruckus at the Empire of Yutang C tormenting the empire for nothing while the Four Seasons Tower watches the farce from the sidelines!" "Ultimately, our efforts would have been futile, and we wouldn''t even have been able to find the true culprit." Comprehension began to dawn on Old Mu and he said, "Yes that is reasonable." "Going back to the beginning, since the other party decided to seize the ladies at the last moment, what reason could there be if not to target me?" "Young masters words ring true." "Why would Supreme Winds true associate, the Four Seasons Tower, pin me down? The Four Seasons Tower doesnt even know who I am, why would they go against me? It stands to reason that they already know who I am." Lei Dongtian analyzed the situation wisely. "Only the Four Seasons Tower can afford such a big operation; the cost of the men they''ve sent should be rather substantial. I believe they would only use the best." "Young master is right." "So, there must be something else behind this! The only explanation for it is that our whereabouts have been exposed! Someone doesnt want me to advance in cultivation, so theyve conspired with the Four Seasons Tower to arrange a series of attacks against us while snatching away our cauldrons; that would be best and most effective tactic to stop me!" "The ultimate conclusion is that this is a conspiracy against me!" Lei Dongtians expression was dark. "However, we still dont know which family has plotted all these." "No matter which family is it As long as young master captures the person from the Four Seasons Tower, we shall find out!" Old Mu said. "Youve finally gotten clever for once!" Lei Dongtian watched Old Mu approvingly. "Correct, this is the way to go. The key point now lies with the Four Seasons Tower! We dont have to destroy the entire tower. As long as we find this key point and save my women, everything will be fine!" "Young master is wise." "There is nothing wise about it. We need to find them first." Lei Dongtian sighed, "Ill sleep first. Lets talk about this tomorrow. Old Mu, be on your guard tonight." "Alright." Lei Dongtian waved Old Mu out of his room and sighed. The old man was a good servant, other than the fact that he was turning a bit slow. He would not be able to figure things out if there were no hints provided. "I have to admit that he isn''t sharp enough" Lei Dongtian sighed and lamented his fate. My intelligence is paramount, but I can only flaunt it before my own servant Whats the use of mocking Old Mu every day? However, if I dont go hard on him, this old mans brain is like a rock... stationary! Lei Dongtian sighed and retrieved his two portraits to stare at them indulgently again Wind blew through the clouds; as the breeze danced, a fog of cloud followed closely behind as it drifted leisurely above Tiantang City. Yun Yang, who was manifested as the cloud, wondered aloud, "Are the two people staying at Tower to Heaven Inn from the Four Seasons Tower? It would be great if they are!" With that question in mind, Yun Yang eventually arrived at the Tower to Heaven Inn. His deific consciousness was divided into two, one of them entering the inn alongside the wind. After searching through all the rooms in the inn, he did not find the two targets. Where were they? Yun Yang was rather disappointed. The timing right now was perfect. If the Four Seasons Tower were here now, it could further complete his plot and allow him to manipulate the entire episode flawlessly. After all, Yun Yang was cramped between two petrifying forces and was playing with fire. Any loss of control would overturn his entire board of well-placed chess pieces; it was best to have things move along quickly and let both sides kill each other! However, it could not be helped if he could not find the targets. Just as Yun Yang was about to leave, a thought flashed through his mind. The breeze moved even more airily towards the roof of the inn. Tiantang City had been snowing these past few days. It had only stopped this afternoon, so there were some thirty feet of snow accumulated on the roof. True enough, there were two people standing on the accumulated snow on the roof, comfortably stable. One of them was white from head to toe. In fact, this person was snow-white all over. Not only were his clothes, pants, shoes, and socks white, his hair and eyebrows were white as well. Even if one were to look hard at the individual, he was almost undistinguishable from the snow, as they shared the same color. On the other hand, the other individual was in black from head to toe. Both of them stood there, forming a stark but terrible contrast. Yun Yang could almost believe that he was looking at the Concourse of the Underworlds legendary assassins, Black and White Impermanence. The lean and tall person in black, especially with the unique aura he had, allowed Yun Yang to identify him right away C Venerable Lord Saber! The blade that hung from the sky! Upon being sure it was the Venerable Lord Saber, Yun Yang proceeded with caution as a gust of wind. He had come indeed! The breeze blew softer, almost a gentle caress; it was more cautious than earlier now, not even moving the air around it. In spite of this, the person clad in white like frost frowned suddenly and lifted his head. A face of white hair and white brows greeted Yun Yangs eyes. Although the face was white, it was neither an eerie nor ghastly white. It was a rich, translucent, white akin to a piece of shiny jade. Standing there, the person resembled a flawless statue carved intricately out of the clearest white jade. The man in white looked thoughtful for a moment as his expression slowly turned grim. "Second brother, what ails you?" Venerable Lord Saber asked. The man in white shook his head but did not answer. Suddenly, an aura of mind-numbing cold flared up around him as he threw out his hands in the direction of the sky. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! He made several grabbing motions, ripping a dozen black holes in the air. The man dressed in white watched the black holes with a serious gaze until they were slowly filled by passing air and the sky returned to its former peaceful state. However, his gaze did not grow any less vigilant. "Second brother, what is it?" Venerable Lord Saber asked. The man in white said faintly, "I suddenly had an uncomfortable sense of being observed earlier, and couldnt help but recall the wind manifestation power you explained about Supreme Wind. This is his territory, its better for us to be cautious." As he spoke, his eyes were still darting around the air, like he was searching for something. Yun Yang, who was in the air, was drenched in cold sweat and trembling all over. This was amazing, truly amazing! 325 A Visit in the Dead of the Nigh Yun Yang had decided to venture closer, and his movements were absolutely light and gentle, almost leaving no trace, but despite his precautions, the man in white had still sensed his presence. Not only that, he had savagely torn the air around him into a vacuum and destroyed it entirely! Yun Yang had almost been caught red-handed. Yun Yang had immediately divided his wind manifestation power, just in the nick of time, leaving the smallest gust of wind possible, including his deific consciousness and had soared all the way up. He had only traveled for fifty feet when he felt the spot he had vacated become a black hole! His manifested wind, without the maneuvering of deific consciousness, had dissolved immediately. To be able to strike out with just a thought and to crush the air with a gesture was both amazing and terrifying. It was an impressive skill indeed! Venerable Lord Saber chuckled, "With second elder brother here, how could Supreme Wind dare come? Second brother is overly worried." The man in white scoffed and said, "One can never be too careful, all the more so for cultivators like us. The journey of cultivation is arduous; one careless mistake is enough to wipe out a legacy. It was so for the Nine Supremes then, it is so for He Hanqing now. It applies to you too. If you continue to have this state of mind, you might end up the same sooner or later!" His gaze was still doubtful and questioning, staring long and hard into the dark sky, unsettled. After a long while, he said faintly, "You asked why I did what Ive done. A cultivators instinct towards danger is more important than his knowledge, experience and cultivation base. I feel that the aura hasnt entirely vanished yet." "Pardon?" Venerable Lord Saber was shocked. Yun Yangs shock was even more apparent when he heard him, as he rose immediately up into the air. At such a critical moment, he could no longer care about covering his tracks. He could already acutely tell that there was a terrifying force that was rapidly forming around the man in white! Once the huge force was generated, he would not be able to save himself at such a close distance even if he was manifested as wind or any other natural phenomena. Although the man in white could not precisely pinpoint his exact position, he could deal a huge damage or even kill him outright if he executed a mass area attack on the entire space that surrounded him. Desperate times called for desperate measures. It was of utmost importance for him to leave this dangerous place as the gust of breeze. Almost as soon as Yun Yang was about to move again, an extremely chilling aura formed all around him. Ice and snow covered an area of a thousand feet at once, filled with iciness within the snap of a finger. Even the air within this area was entirely locked in this force of extreme cold. Fortunately, as soon as the extremely chilling force arose, a tornado broke through the engulfed area of iciness and soared thousands of feet into the air. It swirled like a dragon, vanishing into the inky night. Pop, pop, pop. A series of crackling sounds greeted the ears while the extreme iciness slowly shrunk, revealing the ominous anger of the man in white and Venerable Lord Sabers faces. Venerable Lord Sabers eyes were wide as he uttered. "There really was someone else besides us here!" The man in white returned to observing the night sky cautiously, not speaking for a long, long time. Afterward, he scoffed coldly and said, "This mission wont be as easily completed as youve thought!" Venerable Lord Saber was ashamed then. He had not sensed anything at all and he was the one who had battled with Supreme Wind! On the other hand, not only had Venerable Lord Snow noticed the abnormality first, he had also executed the attack. If it had only been him, he might not have died, but he would leak even more secrets if he had continued speaking. Thinking of this, Venerable Lord Saber shuddered in fear. Obviously, Supreme Winds cultivation base had been refined even more compared to when he had ambushed He Hanqing. Otherwise, this would not have happened! The man in white stood on the rooftop. After a good quarter of an hour, he sighed futilely and said, "The wind has dissipated into nothing. It has been destined that we cant track it." A frown formed between his brows slowly as he spoke, "Has the Nine Supremes strength gotten so powerful?" "This is only Supreme Wind alone," Venerable Lord Saber said. The man in white said faintly, "So what if he was alone. Is he not one of the Nine Supremes?" "Weve gathered so many top-notch combatants in the fight at Tianxuan Cliff then and were even assisted by the formation to severe the Nine Supremes escape routes. Even when the set up was impeccable, one of them has still managed to escape. As long as it involves the Nine Supremes, nothing should be taken as granted; its not an exaggeration, no matter how cautious we are," he spoke slowly. Venerable Lord Saber replied respectfully, "Second brother is right, this young brother has learned his lesson." He had been assuming out of habit that the difference among the five Venerable Lords was not distinct. Even when he was far more inferior than the other four, there would be a limit to the difference and he needed not be too anxious. However, from what had happened today, second older brother Venerable Lord Snows cultivation base had been much stronger than his C the difference had become obvious. The truth was plain and loud. Venerable Lord Saber suddenly felt a critical sense of urgency which could hardly be suppressed. Initially, Mr. Nian had warned Venerable Lord Saber about the differences in the cultivation base. Yet none of that stung harsher than having the truth dished out right in front of one''s self. He was actually lacking in so many aspects! "Second brother, what stage has your cultivation base gone to?" Venerable Lord Saber asked in a simpering tone. A sense of forlornness surfaced on the man in whites icy face. "Eighth heaven. Ive halted right before the eighth heaven pinnacle for some time now, about a year and a half I cant find the chanced encounter for a breakthrough." He sighed, "Since the attack on the Nine Supremes, my cultivation base has never moved forward an inch!" "Eighth heaven!" Venerable Lord Sabers facial muscle could not help but twitch. He was only third tier heaven but his second elder brother was already in eighth heaven? Yet, by hearing his tone, he seemed to be lamenting over the snail''s pace of his improvement. How fast should he be improving to be considered fast? The question should perhaps be, what standard or stage was ideal for your desired improvement? The cultivation journey was far and long, but there should be limits to it. "Second brothers improvement is swift. The day of Dao is near" Venerable Lord Saber instinctively felt himself being on the shorter end, so his intentions shone even clearer. "If you hadnt been so nosy, your own improvement wouldnt be as slow." The man in white said coldly, "Youre so busy every day, of course, your improvement is slow as a tortoise. This is simply logic!" "Right, well..." Venerable Lord Sabers face flushed, like a red hot coal was being pushed into his throat C he could neither swallow nor spit it out. The feeling of being choked was real. They were brothers, but did he have to be so blunt? The man in white gave Venerable Lord Saber a side eye and said slowly, "Are you angry that my words arent a song to the ears? No matter how bad they sound, they wont be any more brutal than the reality. If your improvement can''t keep up and your cultivation base stayed stagnant, the Venerable Lords status is most probably none of your business when the next election for Four Seasons Deities begins. Do you think you still have a lot of time to waste?" Venerable Lord Saber wore a bitter expression, at a loss for words. He did not know what to say. Any argument or an attempt to justify himself would only be excuses. Even if he announced his determination and gave a guarantee, there would be no meaning to it. Just like what Venerable Lord Snow had said, no matter how bad the words sounded, they were not as brutal as the truth. The fact was as it was, tangible and near C it could only be faced by him alone! "Go down." The man in white waved his sleeve and said faintly, "Im telling you for the last time. Think this through. No one can help you if you want to steep yourself in self-abandonment. Maybe when we meet the next time, you no longer have the right to call me second older brother. If the day comes, don''t blame anyone else. It was all your own choice" Venerable Lord Sabers expression was mixed and continued to change. The bitter taste had never been as distinct as it was today. Yun Yang managed to escape in time, successfully avoiding the fatal threat and feeling utterly lucky. He had set his expectations for this trip, tried his best to overestimate the other partys strength, but never had he expected the persons capability to be so mighty and to possess such shocking power. He had tried to destroy him twice, and it only took a snap of his fingers! It was impressive, terrifyingly so! After traveling further, Yun Yang suddenly recalled that this was not the first time he had experienced such an aura! On the day of the Tianxuan Cliff battle, there was a surging air of ice since the beginning of the fight There was also a faint layer of snow that fell The feeling was extremely similar to today''s encounter! The extremely chilling aura was terribly familiar too. Was the man in white also one of the killers that day at Tianxuan Cliff? A murderous intent flashed in Yun Yang''s eyes. After such a long time since He Hanqing, there was finally another one of them! Ive finally found another one of the killers! No matter who you are and no matter what cultivation base you have, since you have arrived at Tiantang City there is no need to return! You can just repent in the underworld! Lei Dongtian submerged himself in the dream of imaginary love he had created for himself. After multiple rounds of hypnosis, he felt that he had truly loved these two ladies, that he would give up anything for them and that his devotion would never change. If it were not for the route of cultivation, he was even willing to die for these two girls! Although he was only looking at two portraits, it felt like he had been staying with the girls for a very long time. He wanted to have them for life, to never part with them ever again! It was simply too bad. I am sorry! I love the both of you, but I have to destroy you two with my own hands! I have to tear you both down and make you suffer the worst of pains. I have no choice There was no way one can get the best of both worlds on this earth, it was either cultivation or love! Lei Dongtian lamented, feeling his insides twist and churn; he was deep in his thoughts, in a literal daze. He was a saint for love! It was at this time that the wind got stronger outside of the window. As the gale thumped and broke through the window in Lei Dongtians room, he was not at all frazzled by the sudden intrusion. His arms circled as green fumes appeared, engulfing everything in his room. Following with a roar, he waited to counterattack. Surprisingly, the gale disappeared suddenly, leaving a vague silhouette that hovered outside the window. It was floating in mid-air, and had an ethereal look to it. "Young Master Lei?" an oddly disjointed voice spoke out. Lei Dongtian immediately knew who the newcomer was. He gritted his teeth. "Do I have the pleasure of meeting Lord Supreme Wind, whose reputation awes the entire Tianxuan Continent?" 326 Blackmail and Extortion The disembodied voice chuckled grimly and said, "It seems that Young Master Lei had made inquiries about me. The descendant of the Lei family is magnificent indeed. Even with such a profound cultivation base, still, you are able to act with such prudence." Lei Dongtian snorted, "I wonder what brings Supreme Wind to my doorstep at this hour?" A loud bang resonated from the doorway. Old Mu crashed into the room. As he drank in the scene before him, Old Mu was rooted to the ground, even as he felt like rushing over to his master''s side. Lei Dongtian extended his hand to stop Old Mu, "Patience. Let us see how this pans out." Lord Supreme Wind laughed in a carefree manner, "Young Master Lei appears to understand how things work. Although I am the equal of the both of you, it wont be easy for you to detain me. Let us talk calmly before we make any rash moves that will throw any sense of civility out the window." Lei Dongtian snorted again. He reached out for a chair and placed it behind him. Facing the window, he sat down primly. He then uttered in a faint tone, "As I had asked before, what brings Lord Supreme Wind here at such a late hour?" "Well, nothing in particular." A smiling expression could be detected over the vague silhouette that was Supreme Winds figure, "However, I have a few requests!" Lei Dongtian chuckled indifferently, "A few? Please, do tell." Lord Supreme Wind''s voice was soft, "First things first. I have been interested in the art of Bound of Universe''s Lei Family which is never passed on. I wish to seek some guidance, Young Lord Lei. It will be even better if you are willing to teach it to me." Lei Dongtian''shandsome face distorted instantly. With a crooked smile, he uttered, "What a wonderful dream you have there!" He was not perfectly certain of the current situation. He had been betrayed! He had been thoroughly betrayed by his own people at his own Bound! He had never mentioned the title "Lei family in the Bound of Universe". He had never uttered a word about that, not even in front of Yun Yang! However, with his opening words, Supreme Wind had revealed his greatest secret. If it wasn''t a betrayal by his own people at the Bound of Universe, what else could it be? Lei Dongtian''s gaze was cold enough to pierce through the bones He then uttered, "The way Supreme Wind speaks is frank and straightforward. However, before responding to your request, I would like to ask you a question: I wonder who was the one you told you about the title Bound of Universe''s Lei Family? Or rather, where did you glean this information from? " Despite the increasing tension, Lord Supreme Wind uttered in a calm and unruffled manner, "Young Lord Lei, although I may be the first one who has requests from you, I am returning a favor by the fact that I have mentioned about "Lei family from the Bound of Universe". However, the way you are questioning me right now has turned you into the one who is requesting from me! Since our positions have been switched, dont you think that Young Lord Lei should display a little more sincerity?" Lei Dongtian snorted, "How daring you are! What else do you want?" Lord Supreme Wind continued, "I have been observing Young Lord Lei for a long time, and have been touched by the affection you have over a special pair of women. I am willing to return the two ladies to you, so as to fulfill ones wishes. Accordingly, Young Lord Lei should also contribute something unimportant as a token of appreciation, shouldnt you?" Lei Dongtians expression was solemn, as still as dead water, "What do you want? Let''s not beat around the bush!" "The treasured resources within this earth are not something that will impress me. However, the Seven Emotions Praxis that young lord is now practicing..." Lord Supreme Wind chuckled greedily, "That, I am very interested in. Is such sincerity sufficient? " "Lei Dongtian burst out into laughter without giving any hint of what he was actually thinking. While laughing, he shook his head, "I really dont know where your courage comes from, and I dont even know who was the one who told you about these bizarre things. With the nerve that you have, no wonder you dare to speak openly to me!" Lei Dongtian''s glances were filled with both ridicule and compassion, focusing on the fuzzy silhouette outside the window, "Perhaps it is by chance that you know about the existence of the Bound of Universe, and to know about the existence of "Lei Family in the Bound of the Universe". However, I''m guessing you aren''t aware of the details of the Lei Family, are you?" Outside the window, Supreme Wind whispered softly, "I dont need to know much. What I need to make sure is to become strong as soon as possible for the sake of Yutang and for the common people in the world. I will do whatever it takes!" The words displayed the gallantry of a loyalist, full of certainty as if it was the truth! Lei Dongtian erupted into laughter. This time, however, the laughter was extremely candid and bright. He almost bent over double, as if he had heard a profound joke. "How mighty you are! I almost fell for it!" He continued to laugh. After a while, he spoke in a faint and indifferent tone, "Before this, I could hardly imagine that there would be such a profound organization in this world that was able to do something that was otherwise impossible!" Lord Supreme Wind sounded perplexed, "What are you trying to say?" Lei Dongtian replied, "Nothing of note. I just wished to commend the greatest strength of this world, the Four Seasons Tower. It is plain that there wont be any cowardly personnel to tarnish the well-deserved reputation. It was amazing indeed!" The fuzzy shadow outside the window trembled slightly before uttering, "Four Seasons Tower! The Four Seasons Tower is my life''s greatest enemy! One day, I am going to have it eliminated once and for all, no matter how strong this organization is!" Lei Dongtian replied sarcastically, "Is that so? How stupid would I have to be to believe you? I''ll ask one more thing; how do you manage to speak lies with such conviction? It''s almost as if you actually believe in it!" He sneered, "Do you wish to end your own life just to bring down the Four Seasons Tower?" Outside the window, Supreme Wind remained still. With a cold smile, he said, "It seems like Young Lord Lei did not speak using your brain. I am willing to guide you for a few days if you have yet to learn the art of speaking! Just treat it as an extra remuneration I have offered to you for teaching me the Praxis!" Lei Dongtian instantly scowled in fury. The looming self-confidence that the other party displayed while uttering these words had instigated the rage within him, one that was hardly controllable. Since he had made this remark, it was tantamount to him having to know about the others background. However, just as he had said, what would have happened even if that was the case? In that case, who would have believed it, even if it was spoken out loud? People would only think that he was unable to convey himself and was blabbering false truths! Even if he were to publicize it to the world so that everyone knew about it, no one would believe it. Even if the few top-positioned people in the Imperial Court of Yutang knew it as the truth, they would admit it. What was more, they would even help Supreme Wind deny it! Initially, Lei Dongtian thought that he had control over the others greatest secret, which he figured could be used as a bargaining chip. However, after the exchange of wordshe found out that the so-called killing weapon meant nothing at all to the other; it was completely useless! "Fine. I am lazy to argue with a person with a confused mind. Just two conditions will do!" Supreme Wind, who was outside the window, continued to speak," First, the Lei Familys mystique method. Secondly, the Seven Emotions Praxis. As long as you are willing to let go of these two, the two ladies will come back to you tonight." "What if I say no?" Lei Dongtian''s eyes had turned reddish. Not only were they burning with rage, they were filled with murder. "I have always been living a life of dignity and moral, of course, I wouldn''t touch Young Lord Leis women. However, there are still a number of our people who favor such beauty." Supreme Wind spoke with mirth, "I was afraid that you might not be able to obtain the Pure Yin of Chaos as per your plan! Even if you were able to save the people eventually, it would be meaningless. Hence, Young Lord Lei must contemplate this matter thoroughly." Lei Dongtian felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His opponent was even aware of the mystery of the Pure Yin of Chaos! "I have truly underestimated you!" Lei Dongtian remarked in admiration. "However, you are too certain, too confident with yourself. I have been talking to you for so long, did you really think I was simply negotiating with you?" Upon hearing the words, Supreme Wind was startled. He then uttered faintly, "Does Young Lord Lei have a tactic to confine the space between heaven and earth?" "Theres no need to confine the space between heaven and earth in order to deal with you! I only need to use some of my... tricks." Even as he completed his words, Lei Dongtian''s body faded away, vanishing from sight. Suddenly, the howling wind could be heard whistling and a smog began to rise. A mass of greenish-black clouds soon engulfed the sky above the inn. The bellowing sound of the wind could be heard clearly. The fuzzy silhouette at the window soon turned into a wind which encompassed the whole sky. An echoing voice full of confidence resounded in the air, "Young Lord Lei, you will most certainly abide by this I...What is this? " Beneath the sky, the wind grew increasingly chaotic. No matter how strong the wind blew, a tiny, fluorescent gleam remained above the silhouette. With a loud roar, Lei Dongtian pulled out his sword, "Here is a small gift for you, to thank you for giving me so much of your time! This is your fault, there is no one else to blame. Stay!" The rattling of a sword could be heard, while the gleam of the sword appeared like a dragon, bursting out in a brilliant flash of light. The sudden, rising, gust of wind could be seen escalating upwards, "Even if you have played these tricks, are you able to catch me? How arrogant you are!" With a howl, the gust of wind soared into the sky, galloping away from the scene. Missing his target in his first attempt, Lei Dongtian had already drifted back to the ground. "Arrogant? Lets see who is the arrogant one. Are you ready?" The last sentence was directed at Old Mu, who was standing beside him. "Ready," Old Mu solemnly replied. "Let us give chase! The effectiveness of that thing can only last for two hours. If we arent able to find him within that span of time, it will then disappear automatically and our efforts will be in vain!" Without wasting a second, they then turned into a black shadow simultaneously, rushing out of the inn. For a quick moment, the sky was filled with shadows. Almost immediately, they vanished without leaving any traces. Lei Dongtian''s traveling methods could be deemed as approaching the extreme. He had turned completely into a stream of light, flashing across the sky. He was able to do so due to the face that he had reserved his abilities to a great extent during the brief encounter with Supreme Wind earlier! Lei Dongtian was a person with great foresight and a profound understanding of the situation at hand. It did not make any sense nor would it have done any good to catch Supreme Wind or kill him. The most critical issue was the safety of the two ladies, Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan! He could only free the two ladies from the threat of the enemy if could somehow locate them! By fleeing, his enemy had provided him with the perfect opportunity to do so. 327 This Is a Misunderstanding! Lei Dongtian had made up his mind. After rescuing the two ladies, he could then plan his following actions at leisure; it was that, or he could just utilize the power of his family to make them come forward to Tianxuan Continent and uproot the Four Seasons Tower once and for all! On the other hand, Old Mu had also concealed himself in the darkness. He deliberately paid attention to the vague mark in the sky which could be seen dashing forward at a break-neck speed. The wind current had engulfed Tiantang City in entirety. It could be seen converging and diverging in the air, churning constantly in all of nature''s fury. As the seconds ticked past, Lei Dongtian and Old Mu grew increasingly anxious. Even though half the time had passed, their prey still refused to let his guard down. Supreme Wind was simply too cunning and cautious to make such a mistake. To have sustained such a prolonged flight, Supreme Wind must have decided that he would rather exhaust his own cultivation base than to stop. He probably knew that his position would be revealed the moment he stopped, and the macabre game of cat and mouse would begin! Upon realizing that his current plan would leave him at a disadvantage the moment his prey chose to execute another fancy trick, Lei Dongtian decided to pull out his sword to attack! With a dazzling display of swordsmanship, the sword flew upwards. Instantly, the profound sword current shattered the fuzzy shadow that was hovering in the sky. Hot on his trail, Old Mu executed the very same manoeuvre. Swoop, swoop, swoop. The swords danced in the air, the rays of the sun reflected on their brilliant sheens. Both of them were peak-leveled masters within the Tianxuan Continent. When the people saw the raw power that was being unleashed, the whole of Tiantang City fell into an awed silence. Since when had two top experts arrived in Tiantang City? It was a battle of sword energies in the sky, a hundred feet above the ground ... It was an amazing spectacle, a fantastic battle that existed only in the most fevered of imaginations. Both Venerable Lord Saber and the man in white, Venerable Lord Snow, were alarmed even when considering their vaunted cultivation bases. Both of them had been standing on the roof, looking at the intertwining swords in the sky and shared the same feeling of apprehension. "Experts! Peak-levelled masters!" exclaimed Venerable Lord Snow as he sucked in a cold breath. Venerable Lord Sabers face was pale white, "Second brother, how confident are you if you were to facethem?" Venerable Lord Snow chuckled wryly, "I am entirely confident that I would be able to escape." Venerable Lord Sabers face gave a slight twitch; confident you can escape? Does that mean that you aren''t able to fight him face-to-face? Venerable Lord Saber did not dare ask this aloud. He just prayed in his heart that these two people were not the enemies of the Four Seasons Tower! If they were, and they were to face each other, he knew that he was doomed. It didn''t matter if second brother was able to escape with his life, there was no chance for him at all. "Who are they fighting with? This seems like a rather unprecedented battle." The longer Venerable Lord Saber observed the scene, the more frightened he was. "There has always been a large number of masters in this world. Just because you do not know of them does not mean that they don''t exist." Venerable Lord Snow sighed. "Are they fighting with Supreme Wind?" Venerable Lord Saber was struck by a sudden whim. With a sarcastic look, Venerable Lord Snow stared at his own fifth younger brother. Faintly he uttered, "Ol''fifth, you are thinking too much. If Supreme Wind possessed such a strength to fight against these two, his cultivation base would be no lower than that of Ling Xiaozuihe would have long killed the master of the Four Seasons Tower!" Venerable Lord Saber was embarrassed. "It would be better if you focused on observing the fight, look at it carefully. Apparently, the man who is fighting against the two is not utilizing his full effort. Instead, he has converted his body into a flicker of light. Such a mystical art is... unheard of." The white-robed Venerable Lord Snow sighed, "Unfortunately, we arent able to take a closer look at a battle between such great warriors. It would have been of great benefit to us." Venerable Lord Saber truly agreed. The white-robed Venerable Lord Snow frowned, racking his brain for the answer; where had these saints come from? How could they possess such earth-shattering power? To be able to possess such an ability was peculiar enough. What was even more unusual was that, as far as he was able to recall, there was no such kind of pinnacle strength among the strongest in Tianxuan. This was odd indeed! Were there other pinnacle experts in the martial world out there that he did not know of? A roar resounded in the sky, causing the entire Tiantang City to tremble slightly. Instantly, the mass of light completely fragmented, raining down onto the ground. The other two streaks of light refused to let go, tracking the falling mass closely and chasing it rapidly like two dragons shaking their tails and heads, roaring as the hurtled downwards! It was a terribly harrowing pursuit, as the pursuers traversed the sky at impossible speeds. The eye could only catch hints of their passing; they were gone even before one could see them. Suddenly, the mass of light disappeared completely, vanishing without a trace, leaving nothing but an impatient voice filled with panic, "Sir Venerable Lord Saber" Just before Venerable Lord Saber and his companion were able to respond, a surging wind swept over their heads, and then they saw an incredible sight. Two acute gleams of sword light were advancing steadily in their direction, without the slightest bit of hesitation. Of course, Lei Dongtian and his servant did not remain stagnant as both of them had clearly heard the phrase, "Sir Venerable Lord Saber" They were suddenly reminded of the experts of pinnacle level from the Four Seasons Tower as mentioned by Yun Yang before this - Saber, Sword, Snow, Frost, and Ice! How could they not know that one of the two men before them must be the Venerable Lord Saber of the Four Seasons Tower! Both of them experienced an impulsive need to cry out in joy. They had exhausted themselves searching high and low all this while. After much patience and perseverance, they had finally found their base camp! At the very least, they had found someone they could face in a fight! It had not been easy. Lei Dongtian was complacent. If it had not been for his idea to cause consecutive injuries to Supreme Wind by using the sword energy, his prey would have escaped. He would then be the foolish and arrogant man who let his prey get away! It was fortunate that he managed to force him to give up! Venerable Lord Saber instinctively exclaimed, "Who is it?" In the face of an angered, dragon-like, extended sword, Venerable Lord Saber and even Venerable Lord Snow was merely able to defend themselves against it by throwing up their powers hastily. The other showed no sign of halting. It would have been a waste to die before knowing the reason that he had been killed. At the very least, one had to deal with the enemy directly! Venerable Lord Saber extended his saber with a roar. With a wave of Venerable Lord Snow''s hand, a ball of gleaming, silver snow instantaneously filled up space in front of him. Venerable Lord Snow retreated while shouting, "Who is this friend that is coming? There must be a misunderstanding! Please keep your cool, and we shall explain ourselves!" Hit by a sudden, piercing cold, Lei Dongtian felt his whole body freezing up; the consumption of energy by Old Mu and himself had been too much! Giving chase thousands of feet in the air with their swords and attacking hundreds of consecutive, slaughtering blades was an ultimate, genuine consumption of energy. His entire cultivation base had been exhausted, almost like a light which had depleted its oil; By this time, Lei Dongtian had his wishes come true. He took out a few medicinal pills and threw them into his mouth, drumming his cheeks, trying hard to swallow them all. At this point, he did not even have the time to maintain his image what more to speak. The same situation was experienced by Old Mu. His cultivation was only slightly higher than that of his young lord. Moreover, the effect of Old Mus cultivation method was certainly inferior to that of Lei Dongtian. Lei Dongtian had been facing difficulty to withstand it, of course, the same would have happened to Old Mu. However, Old Mu''s situation was worse, as he had given up his storage ring to Yun Yang. By that time, he could be seen hurriedly digging the medicinal pills from among his possessions. However, just before he was able to do so, Venerable Lord Sabers countering saber could be seen coming right at him. The sword current arrived in an imposing manner, determined to take their lives! Old Mu was extremely furious. Holding the sword single-handedly, he spared no effort, hacking away at the threat that loomed large before him. Old Mu was almost apoplectic with anger. By gathering all of the remaining spiritual Qi within him, a black flame reignited over the tip of the sword with a radiance that lingered on. Clang! With a cry of pain, Venerable Lord Saber had spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. His body fell like a ball rolling outwards. It was on the roof of the Tower To Heaven Inn. Venerable Lord Saber had rolled down to the outer edge of the roof. With a loud crash, his head struck the low protective wall. Feeling dizzy and faint, his entire body then bounced back. A large portion of the protective wall broke off, tumbling down to the ground. It collided with the building all the way downwards, without knowing what it had hit. A shocked and furious voice with an unquenchable fury could be heard screaming curses. Without knowing which floor the voice came from, it still sounded rather harsh,"What the f*ck! Which m*therf*cker... what kind of bastard is seeking for death..." At that moment, Lei Dongtian, who was able to catch his breath, had once again extended his sword like lightning, engaging Venerable Lord Snow once again. Venerable Lord Saber had been slashed by Old Mu, rolling on the ground like a gourd. When he finally stood up, it was with great difficulty. He felt as if stars were lingering and dangling before his eyes. He could see seventeen or eighteen individuals fighting against each other, with halos above everyones head He then forcefully shook his head, trying to recover his bearings. His head cleared just in time to witness a man clad in black rushing at him. Venerable Lord Saber grunted. Not caring that he had not fully recovered, he then jumped high and disappeared entirely with a loud clap. Instantly, a sharp, bold saber appeared flagrantly in the air, fiercely hacking at the man that was charging towards him. Although Old Mu had managed to swallow the medicinal pills, the interval was too short to recover even a mouthful of basic Qi. He was now being in an awkward situation where his previous energy had been exhausted while his new energy had yet to arise. For a time, he could only dodge the imposing saber which was repeatedly slashing at him, feeling as if the rage within him had exploded within his lungs! Considering the level of his cultivation base, how could he be forced to a halt by an ant-like figure like this? It was a mark of shame that could never be washed off, perhaps for eternity! The gleam of Lei Dongtians sword blinded the eye as each and every strike tried to reach Venerable Lord Snow. The medicinal pills had begun to show its effect within his dantian, causing him to slowly regain his basic Qi. Reverting to a superior position, his attacks took on the force of crashing waves. Venerable Lord Snow could be seen waving his Snowflake Edge, trying to parry the attacks. He instinctively thought that this matter was just a misunderstanding. Considering the strength of his opponent, if he had had really offended the other, the aftermath was bound to be deadly. Therefore, even when he noticed that Lei Dongtian was exhausted and was trying hard to sustain his charge, Lord Snow did not take the opportunity to attack. By then, he had limited himself to a defensive stance while he shouted out loud, "Misunderstanding! Respectable one, this is really a misunderstanding!" "We are not enemies!" "This is a misunderstanding! We have been framed!" "We were just looking at the scenery!" "It''s a misunderstanding!" 328 Where Are the People? Lei Dongtian suddenly thought of something else. He instantly withdrew his sword, and gently landed on the roof. The demeanor of an expert was apparent in his calm composure. "Old Mu!" exclaimed Lei Dongtian. Old Mu flew hurriedly towards him. The saber flashed rapidly as it struck true at its opponent. The potential of Venerable Lord Saber had been fully spurred. Although he was still dizzy, his fighting instinct remained superbly intact. The flashing bolt could be seen chasing Old Mu, so quick that it appeared as if consecutive knives were following each other, slashing and hacking forcefully without missing a single beat. His mind had been dulled by the impact he had received earlier. His heart was haunted by layers of crisis; the only conscious thought that remained was that if he did not desperately save himself, he would undoubtedly die in this altercation! In such circumstances, how could he not exert all his strength and more! He had no choice but to give his all, in order to survive. "Stop!" Venerable Lord Snow exclaimed loudly. Stepping forward, he moved to grab the saber from the air. However, with a sudden glint of steel, the saber flashed towards the face of Venerable Lord Snow. Venerable Lord Snow was extremely furious. He snatched the blade out of the air and shouted angrily, "Are you quite mad?" His deafening voice sounded like a thundering earthquake! Venerable Lord Saber finally felt as if his chaotic mind had been cleared. By separating himself from his saber, he lost the only remaining strength he had left, falling like a stone to the ground. Venerable Lord Snow managed to catch him before he landed. On the opposite side, Lei Dongtian and Old Mu could be seen catching their breaths simultaneously. Under the self-initiated mechanism of their bodies, the potency of the medicinal pills had flared like a wildfire, causing the almost dried-out dantian to produce new forces immediately, in an endless stream. "Misunderstanding! Misunderstanding! This is a great misunderstanding!" Venerable Lord Snow''s was clearly dumbfounded. Once again, he uttered solemnly that it was a misunderstanding. Lei Dongtian grunted in his heart. Faintly he said, "Does the infamous Venerable Lord Saber and Venerable Lord Snow from the Four Seasons Tower stand before me?" Venerable Lord Snow said, "Yes, we do. If I may daringly ask, who might you be? Lei Dongtian replied, "Dont you recognize me?" Venerable Lord Snow was startled, "Should I?" Lei Dongtian was flabbergasted, "How could you not? How could you not recognize me?" Venerable Lord Snow felt as if the person before him was a lunatic, albeit a dangerous one. He then said, "My eyes are rather bad. Again, I would like to ask, who are you? " The smile on Lei Dongtian''s face was growing increasingly stiff. With a piercingly chill tone, he uttered, "Are your eyes bad? Perhaps you may be blind." Even a mud toy would have its own rustic dignity. Venerable Lord Snow had been displaying his kind intentions repeatedly, yet the fellow was still so impolite in his speech. After all, he was also deemed a top expert that was terrified by the secular and all corners of the country. At those words, his face sank. He then faintly uttered, "I dont understand the meaning of your words. Can I interpret it as you are trying to provoke me?" Lei Dongtian let out a long breath, he felt as if his cultivation base had recovered to almost a sixth or a seventh of his full capacity. His grew calm. Solemnly he said, "Snowflake Edge that dances through the sky, I recognize you, you are Venerable Lord Snow! At your side, a blade hangs from the sky, Venerable Lord Saber. Am I right?" You have asked this once before! Despite his peak-leveled cultivation base, why did the person before him seem a little absent-minded? What was even more outrageous was that the two peak-leveled experts both shared the same mental deficiencies. What a terrible fate indeed! Venerable Lord Snow sensed something peculiar within his heart. He then uttered, "If I may ask, who are you, actually?" Lei Dongtian burst out laughing, and said, "I am your father!" Venerable Lord Snow felt a fiery rage surge within him. This time, Venerable Lord Snow was truly enraged. However, considering the tyrannical cultivation base of the other party, he managed to forcefully suppress his anger and said, "Dont sound so aggressive lest you lose your grace; I have been repeatedly declaring that the accident was merely a misunderstanding, or rather a trap set up by people with ill intentions." "A misunderstanding? A trap?" Lei Dongtian snorted, "You are the Four Seasons Tower correct? You are Venerable Lord Snow, are you not? Is he not Venerable Lord Saber? No, theres nothing wrong with this." Venerable Lord Snow sensed a sense of despondency bloom within him, "Yes, you are wise. We are two of the five Venerable Lords from the Four Seasons Tower." Lei Dongtian rolled his eyes, and uttered in an odd tone, "It is already the middle of the night. Why didn''t you fellows go to sleep in your room? Instead, you came over to the roof in such frosty, chilled weather. Are you here to enjoy the cool weather or are you here to enjoy the cool weather? Or are you f*cking here to enjoy the cool weather?" Venerable Lord Snow said calmly, "We brothers just arrived at Tiantang City not long ago. We just wanted to enjoy the night view of Tiantang City and nothing more. Instead, we bumped into todays unexpected turn of events. Its by coincidence that we had personally witnessed it. Lei Dongtian suddenly turned solemn, "What the f*ck, arent you talking nonsense? Enjoy the night? Dont tell me that both of you are poets? Look at how romantic you all are. Why dont you say that you are actually trying to recite poems to each other? Isnt that more figurative and more realistic? Do you have any improvised opus? Come and recite it for me. Let your father enjoy it as well. " Venerable Lord Snow''s expression turned sour, "Such a tyrannical and domineering character you have there. What is the cause of that?" "Pretentious!" Lei Dongtian looked obliquely at him, "Why dont you keep on acting. Act until the end, if you are capable to do so!" Venerable Lord Snow took a deep breath, finally certain about something. This person before him was stubborn with his own opinion. He would not have been able to listen to any wise words. No matter what he said, he had treated any advice or threats as nothing. The only thing that had been identified was that he himself was his mortal enemy. Such an awareness had made Venerable Lord Snow feel extremely nauseated. Well, after all, you are deemed as one of the superior experts. How could you incriminate us without having to investigate the cause? Is the Four Seasons Tower bullied that easily? "So it seems like you prefer a battle to discovering the truth. Although you are superior in your strength, we, the Four Seasons Tower, are not a party that will be bullied easily!" Venerable Lord Snow was trying to calm his mind down, fully mobilizing the mystical Qi within him whilst making his final effort. Even if his effort would be in vain, he was still trying, so as to avoid becoming an enemy against the expert before him. "Still trying to pretend?" Lei Dongtian felt as if he had almost recovered. He then turned pensive and malevolently uttered, "Where are the people?" Upon hearing that, Venerable Lord Saber was instinctively startled, " Who?" Lei Dongtian was swift to anger, raging to an unstoppable extent. Roaring against the sky, bellowing as if he was a thunderbolt that was rumbling with its deafening sound, "Where are my people? Until when will you want to pretend? The expression of Venerable Lord Snow was solemn, "Please, say it clearly lest the vileness occurs between us! "You f*cker, you are the vilest!" Without any preamble, Lei Dongtian then rushed forward. The strength of the second attack initiated by Lei Dongtian was not only impressive, it appeared to be very different from the previous one. With a flick of his left hand, a mass of black smog could be seen filling the air. The edgy gesture of his palm was irresistible. With a flick of his right hand, the gleam of the sword could be seen shimmering like the water spurted out by a poisonous dragon, extremely malevolent. Upon seeing the approach of the stunts, Venerable Lord Snow did not linger.With an acute spin, countless Snowflake Edges could be seen rattling along the extended sword of Lei Dongtian. In a rotation to dodge the palm gesture of Lei Dongtian, Venerable Lord Snow had finally instigated a counterattack, attacking forcefully with his fists against the sound of the thunderbolt. The energy of Lei Dongtian had been greatly consumed just now. It was natural that his attack was inferior whilst Venerable Lord Saber was still able to maintain his strength as he had just been defending but not attacking. However, it now seemed like the strength of Lei Dongtian had surged and his attack had been doubled. If Venerable Lord Snow did not counterattack, how was that different from seeking death? Even if Venerable Lord Snow had been contemplating on how to explain the misunderstanding, it would be better to counterattack first in order to preserve his life! Boom! Both of their palms had hit each other directly with a bone-jarring thud. The body of Lei Dongtian trembled slightly, while Venerable Lord Snow had receded back three steps. Under his fury, the speed of Lei Dongtian had almost reached an extreme level, as if he had turned himself into a whirlwind. With the flashing of his sword, he appeared like a glittering ball of light, without able to see his stature. It only took three maneuvers for Venerable Lord Snow to fall into an inferior position. He had always been a man with scruples. Even if he were to initiate an attack, he would not go all out, as his mind had always been thinking: at which point did the misunderstanding occurred? Although the way the other spoke was unpleasant, it would be more fatal if the misunderstanding could not be resolved. If the misunderstanding could be solved then solving the misunderstanding would be the best! His cultivation base in itself was not as good as the other. Further, he had had scruples in his heart. Under the superposition of two, it was not long before would land in a devastating position of being beaten. The rage of Lei Dongtian was burning vigorously. With the menace of bullying the weak, it was plain that the more he attacked, the smoother it was. Upon seeing his own young master being taken advantage of without needing his help, his focus had naturally fallen upon Venerable Lord Saber. Little did Old Mu forget about the repressed humiliation caused by the ant-like figure, Venerable Lord Saber, before this. Since there was a chance now, how could he dismiss it? Venerable Lord Saber was still in the midst of confusion at this moment, feeling as if his body was almost emptied, his head buzzing and his heart beating rapidly. The dazzling blackout appeared now and then before him. In short, all was not right ... He would not even notice if Old Mu had appeared before him, let alone to deal with him. Snap! A slap in the face of Venerable Lord Saber. Old Mu asked, "Where are they? Upon the sudden attack, Venerable Lord Saber had instinctively stood up with a roar. It then followed by another slap on his face, more violent than before, knocking him directly to the ground, "Where are the people?" Venerable Lord Saber had finally regained his consciousness. However, never in his life had he suffered from such a humiliation. In that instant, he felt as if his chest was about to explode, "Old dog! Kill me if you dare!" "You think that this old man is afraid to kill you? Death will not come easy for you!" Old Mu chuckled coldly, "Say it frankly, only then I will give you a straightforward death!" Venerable Lord Saber sneered, "Although your father is unable to fight you, dont you ever dare ask anything for your father!" Old Mu had turned furious. Slamming Venerable Lord Sabers chest, Old Mu malevolently chuckled, "I want to see how stubborn you are, and to what extent you can remain so. We shall see if you will say it aloud then!" With a single thought, the force of Yin within him caused him to vomit violently. Upon seeing this, Venerable Lord Snow who standing on the other side exclaimed, "Stop!" He rushed over to enact a rescue. "Stop?" With a slight movement, Lei Dongtian blocked the path of Venerable Lord Snow. Sneering coldly, Lei Dongtian uttered, "Do you think he will listen to me or you? Have you become dumb by pretending to be one for far too long?" Venerable Lord Snow grew increasingly livid, "This is really a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding indeed, cant you understand human language?" 329 With What Remains of My Life, I Will Save You, Elder Brother! Lei Dongtian smiled coldly and nodded in understanding, "All the affairs in this world are simply misunderstandings! You two poets should that best. After all, you fellows are so romantic, being able to enjoy the night scene in such frosty weather. You can both behave like idiots as much as you''d like, but do you take me for a fool as well?" The fresh blood within Venerable Lord Saber''s mouth tasted bitter. It was obvious that he was in jeopardy. There was no time left for Venerable Lord Snow to argue. He exclaimed loudly, "Give way!" With those words, he sent his whole body spinning madly like a whirlwind. At the same time, the snow that had begun to condense and accumulate on the ground hovered upwards, swiftly filling the air. Suddenly, the snow began to fall. Soon, only a colorless landscape was visible to the eye. "Snow dances from the sky, I - am the dictator!" Following that, an indescribable miasma of power enveloped the roof of the Tower to Heaven Inn. Lei Dongtian and Old Mu''s real cultivation base were above that of Venerable Lord Snow. However, at this juncture, they felt as if an irresistible force had come crashing in, forcefully squeezing them out of the equation and they were unable to do anything about it. Within the extraordinary space with drifting snow, there was only one person who had the right to speak and have the final say. That was, of course, the Venerable Lord Snow. Without his permission, no one could even enter the area he had effectively cordoned off. Even one with a cultivation base higher than him could not have entered the area before his dictation was eliminated! "The fief!" Lei Dongtian exclaimed loudly, "Snow Fief! A mere eighth heaven practitioner can actually comprehend the level of fief? How ... how is this possible?" His voice was full of disbelief! It wasn''t only Lei Dongtian who was shocked, Old Mu felt the same way. Both of them cast disbelieving glances at each other, all that they could see in each other''s eyes was uncertainty. How was that possible? This was obviously an advanced skill that only the practitioners of the Dao realm could possibly comprehend. It was not something that could simply be learned by all the practitioners of Dao realm as well. One had to have the luck and fate to be able to comprehend it. Even some of the experts who had reached the sixth tier and above in the realm of Dao would still not be able to activate the power of fief! However, Venerable Lord Snow from the Four Seasons Tower, who was merely in the heaven realm, was able to exert fief! "This is as unbelievable as seeing spirits." Lei Dongtian rubbed his eyes. He almost thought he had witnessed it wrongly or that Venerable Lord Snow had just displayed some kind of mystical art to blur his judgment. However, what he had seen was, in fact, the peculiar phenomenon of a fief. It was undoubtedly true, and it was happening right before his eyes. "Saber!" The body of Venerable Lord Snow was trembling, his face had slowly turned white. "How do you fare?" Venerable Lord Saber could barely support his body, blood leaked from the corners of his mouth. "Second brother ... I ... ... I am afraid that I can no longer stand ..." With a low moan, Venerable Lord Snow hurriedly rushed forward to see what had happened. From a single glance, he could see that the chest of Venerable Lord Saber had caved in. He could not help but feel the dire agony the other person must be experiencing. "The previous slashes had already disintegrated my internal organs... I can feel them failing even as I speak. My counterattack with the Art of Soul Inducement took too much of my power and energy, which disorientated me..." Venerable Lord Saber laughed wryly, "That fellow in black took the chance to strike my chest with a palm of yin energy. The only reason that I am even conscious is due to terminal lucidity. I won''t stay alive for long... " "Second brother, even if I can still survive, I am destined to be a cripple. I won''t have a future ahead of me." Venerable Lord Snow let out a loud roar towards the sky, his voice full of intense indignation. Why had he held back earlier? Why hadn''t he taken the opportunity to attack with all his might when his opponent was trying to catch his breath? Even if he wasn''t able to kill him, he could have at least tried to obtain a chance of recession and survival. Why did he have so many concerns and uncertainties? He had repeatedly give his opponents chances. Not only did the other side disdain his magnanimity, they had taken the opportunity to fatally injure his partner and put his fifth younger brothers life on the verge of death. Everything had been caused by his own inaction! However, at the moment, no matter how regretful he was, it was too late. Second-guessing would not help at all! Outside, the whistling sounds of sword energy had picked up once again and there were two mirror images of the swords rising and landing swiftly in an intricately intertwined pattern. They were blazing through the Snow Fief. Once the fief was formed, no one would be able to open it, so long as the dictator was controlling it. Even if the cultivation base of the person was higher than that of the creator, his entrance would be denied due to the differences in their nature of spiritual Qi. The difficulty to be apt at the power of fief was similar to the difficulty to break it. Only someone with a cultivation base three large scales above that of the creator could possibly destroy it by using brute force! Such destruction would destroy both the people in the fief as well as the dictator casting it! Other than that, there was no other solution. The creator of fief would not die as long as the fief remained! Although the cultivation of Lei Dongtian was more than a single fold higher than that of Venerable Lord Snow, it was far beyond the required three large scales above him.There was no turning point for the hostility that had been formed between the two though, in particular, when he knew that Venerable Lord Snow was actually a potential cultivator with knowledge of the fief. This had further fortified his killing intentions. Lei Dongtian then utilized external brute force as the solution to slowly wear down the Snow Fief. This was the most primitive and idiotic way to deal with a fief. To maintain a fief, one must have consumed their own entire cultivation base! As long as the impact was frequent enough to deplete the cultivation base of fief dictator to exhaustion, that fief would naturally disappear by itself. As far as Lei Dongtian knew, the cultivation base of a person who could cast fief must at least be at the level of the realm of Dao. As for the cultivator with the realm of Dao, he would have been able to sustain the fief for a pretty long time. In that case, it would be extremely difficult to succeed by utilizing such a primitive assault. It would be like trying to put out a fire with a small cup of water. However, the cultivation base of Venerable Lord Snow was only at the eighth heaven. Even with fief, the duration of time he could sustain it was bound to be limited. Through the joint attacks of Lei Dongtian and Old Mu, there was still a great opportunity to destroy and get rid of the Snow Fief! The rainbow-like gleam of swords continued to brutally smash against the Snow Fief. The unceasing rumbling sounds were like loud bombs, causing the whole of Tiantang City to tremble! Being the main target object, the Tower to Heaven Inn had begun to lose its supports and had begun shaking. Venerable Lord Snow was also trembling, His face was turning pale. Apparently, the technique used by Lei Dongtian and his servant had gradually come into effect. Yet, he had persisted, as always. He did not dare to withdraw it, as there was his brother within it to consider. Venerable Lord Saber could be seen gasping for air. He then opened his eyes, revealing a serene look of radiance and whispered, "Second brother, I am contented in this life." Venerable Lord Snow stared at his brother in surprise. Venerable Lord Sabers gaze was filled with warmth, "My cultivation base is, and has always been the weakest among our brothers. Normally, when the four of you saw me, you all would either beat or scold me ... I never wished to see you all. The ridicule and scoldings gave by you, second brother, were the worst. " "I would not stay there any longer. I would rather go out into the martial world, wandering about... " "However, my heart is contented today. To be called " fifth younger brother" has made me feel extremely warm." Venerable Lord Saber squinted and said, "Second brother, I am sorry, for causing trouble. This little saber will not forget the way the second brother has sacrificed your life to protect me forever!" Venerable Lord Snow ground his teeth, withholding the impact from the external world and said, "What nonsense are you talking about. Now, try to dissolve the medicinal power to ease your injury. As long as your heart is beating normally again, I will carry you and break out of this! At this critical point of time, instead of acting rueful, why dont you deal with the serious matter first? You will have more time to express your sorrows when you are out there later!" Venerable Lord Saber''s face revealed a warm look. He then whispered, "Second brother, we do not know where these two people came from, and we do not know why they came against us in such a manner. Considering the way he addressed me, "Venerable Lord Saber", I think we must have been tricked ...and within the entire Tiantang City, there is only one person who has the ability and courage to fool us. It has to be Supreme Wind, from the Nine Supremes." "The cultivation of these two individuals are unusually tyrannical. Though they are not comparable to our boss, they could almost be deemed as the pinnacle of this world. Second brother, if you were to escape by bringing me along, you would only succeed in getting the both of us killed." "The best thing we can do now is to have at least one of us survive. After all, I can no longer withstand the pain. Stop hesitating." Venerable Lord Saber smiled faintly and said, "Second brother, please bid farewell to eldest brother, third and fourth brother for me. Apologize to fourth older brother for me for not being able to keep his son. I owe him." The roaring sound beyond their softly spoken conversation was unbearable. The Snow Fief had become increasingly precarious and would collapse at any time. However, Venerable Lord Snow seemed to have heard nothing at all. With his face as white as chalk, he only saw the face of Venerable Lord Saber. "Second brother, please be ready to take my head back home. You know where to put it." Venerable Lord Saber''s face was growing red, his eyes glowing with fear. "No!" Venerable Lord Snow let out a piercing roar; his intention was to stop the actions of Venerable Lord Saber. However, it was too late. Venerable Lord Saber''s entire body was aglow with a magnificently blinding light. The glow in his eyes was getting brighter and brighter, more and more chilling. The eye-stinging glow was like a treasured sword that was being withdrawn from its sheath! The chilling glow could almost be felt as palpable tension. "Remember to bring back my saber. That is the only evidence for me being in this world!" Venerable Lord Saber said commandingly, his words and expressions at this moment were full of strength. In the next moment, his collapsed chest had bulged up again, making it no different than that of ordinary people. Venerable Lord Saber was fully invigorated; he seemed to have returned to a state of complete recovery. His body was rising from the ground, and with a flip, he landed on the snow. Venerable Lord Saber could be seen clad in black, standing uprooted on the snow in an imposing manner. His face was full of indifference. It appeared as if all the feelings of the world was no longer have anything to do with him! "Remove the fief!" uttered Venerable Lord Saber faintly. It was almost an order. His gaze was on the crisscrossed gleams of swords. His eyes were all black. It would make no difference to having white and black pupils! "Second brother has protected me with your life, this younger brother has no more regrets; I shall use the remaining portion of my life to send second brother home safely!" The voice of Venerable Lord Saber had become increasingly indifferent. At this moment, he was a supreme deity. Not even the slightest feeling of humanity could be heard in his voice. "Young fifth!" With a mad roar, the tears of Venerable Lord Snow oozed. In the next moment, the Snow Fief had been destroyed! With a loud thump, countless snowflakes could be seen rolling across the sky. Upon seeing that, Lei Dongtian and Old Mu were overjoyed and could be seen rushing over simultaneously. However, a dark shadow, which had appeared like an illusion, had stealthily appeared in front of them. His body was made up of crisscrossed saber energy! 330 Bone of the Saber God! "Venerable Lord Saber?" Lei Dongtian was stunned for a moment. He could not help but to turn around and look at Old Mu. Hadn''t Old Mu already beaten him down to a pulp? Old Mu was surprised by the arrival of Venerable Lord Saber as well. He shook his head. Clearly, I have made him a handicap. Even if he was not dead, he would be unable to fight again. How could he appear in such a state? At the very next moment, a loud cry rang out. "Second brother! Go!" Venerable Lord Saber shouted wildly. Trembling, Venerable Lord Snow vomited a mouthful of fresh blood. Running a finger along the edge of his saber, Venerable Lord Saber let out a deafening roar that resounded across the sky. With a sorrowful smile, he said in a sepulchral, "I have never been subservient throughout my lifetime. Today, at this moment of death, only then do I understand the meaning of brotherhood. United are the hearts of the brothers! Off I go! " With a loud laugh, the saber in his hand began to glow. With a quick motion, Venerable Lord Saber slashed his own throat with his saber. A thin head slipped off his neck and skimmed towards the direction of Venerable Lord Snow. That action was beyond the expectations of Lei Dongtian and his servant. Apparently, this was ... was a suicide! With such strong resilience, why would he resort to committing suicide? At that moment of shock, both of them witnessed another peculiar incident. Not the slightest bit of fresh blood oozed out from the gaping wound! Although Venerable Lord Sabers body was headless and all his senses had faded away, it seemed like he could still see , as if he had eyes. His headless body rushed madly in the direction of Lei Dongtian and Old Mu. While dashing over, his saber air began to condense. In an instant, the sky was filled with saber energy! Upon witnessing such a horrible phenomenon, they did not know how to react, choosing to retreat instead. They then witnessed the headless corpse of Venerable Lord Saber leap into the air. Across the horizon, a distant sound, as if coming from the far skies, rang out. "The flesh and blood have condensed, an offering of the soul; Saber God shall appear, no one will survive!" With those words, an ethereal saber emerged with a terrifically loud sound that rent the air. An unbelievably imposing figure appeared in the sky. Standing there was a golden immortal, several hundred feet tall. The saber flew into his grip. With a deliberate wave of his hand, a saber hill burst out of the ground and into the air. The height of the hill was a spectacular sight. It seemed like the lingering saber energy had all been collected and converted into a singular saber, which then called forth a monstrous hill. The saber hill then began to tip sideways. Apart from a ray of light that could be seen dashing backward, all the remaining shadows of the sabers were falling towards Lei Dongtian and Old Mu with an extremely ruthless saber energy. The saber hills that had been formed rippled unceasingly. "Young fifth!" With an extended roar, the figure of Venerable Lord Snow seized the glowing saber whilst carrying the Venerable Lord Sabers head. He then turned into a white glow, galloping away. He ran at full speed, roaring in cried the entire way. Fully heartbroken, he felt as if he had lost his soul! "Brother ... your second brother is bringing you home!" The speeding figure had soon disappeared from sight. However, the grievous howling would continue to linger within the night sky of Tiantang City for some time to come. Lei Dongtian and Old Mu were in no position to give chase to Venerable Lord Snow at the moment. Facing the decadent attack by the saber hills, they were nowhere to escape to. With great determination, they both screamed their defiance and exerted their arts in combining the sword and body, fighting brutally against it! Ding, ding,ding, ding,ding. They lost count of the times the gleam of their swords had collided with the saber hill''s saber energy... At last, Lei Dongtian was thrown back like a broken kite with a cry. Old Mu was only slightly slower than him before he too was flung away. They were hurled several hundred feet away and landed at the edge of the roof. The saber hills in the air were still multiplying and glowing with a saber light that obliterated everything in sight. It had even obscured Venerable Lord Snow''s escape. Finally, the sound of a saber cried out. A long saber apparated out of thin air. The cold glow of steel could be seen shimmering along its blade. After a brief moment, it vanished. The serenity of the secular world had been restored. The body of Venerable Lord Saber had disappeared along with the hill. However, not a single trace of flesh nor blood could be found on the ground. All of his flesh and blood had been served as an offering to the saber energy, without any reservation. An extra twenty to thirty crisscrossed saber cuts marked the body of Lei Dongtian, making him grimace in pain. The body of Old Mu was also rent with intertwining marks of blades. His injuries were even heavier than that of Lei Dongtian. Both were gasping for breath, staring violently at the void before them. However, Venerable Lord Saber was gone. Venerable Lord Snow had also disappeared. Upon knowing that the battle had ended, Lei Dongtian sat on the ground and continue to gasp for air. Within his glances, the traces of extreme hatred was revealed, "Damn! We let him escape! The aftermath will be terrible indeed." With a limp, Old Mu walked forward," Young lord, the saber hill should be the last resort initiated by Venerable Lord Saber by utilizing all of his remaining vitality. Though it wasn''t enough to kill us, it was sufficient to stop us. What kind of technique is that? " Old Mu was terrified and suspicious. He clearly remembered that he had destroyed all the meridians of Venerable Lord Saber. How could this still happen? The slightest movement caused the wounds across Lei Dongtians body to flare with pain. He could not help but grunt softly. Both of their cultivation bases were profound. Although there were many wounds that covered their whole bodies, they were mostly external wounds, which were not fatal. They even had the strength to continue fighting again. However, the target of the battle had gone. "I have heard of... this kind of technique..." The glances of Lei Dongtian flashed. He could be seen shivering with cold, "This ... this ... This is ... ..." Suddenly his gaze was frozen. His mouth was half-opened as if the whole of him had turned into a statue. "Young lord? Young lord?" Old Mu was shocked. "I remember!" Lei Dongtian jumped to his feet, causing all the wounds covering his body to crack open again. Without feeling the pain, his eyes stared forward as he uttered, "Bone of the Saber God! It is the Bone of the Saber God! Sure enough, it deserves its reputation! Old Mu could be seen staring wide-eyed, "Bone of the Saber God? What is that?" As if he had not heard the question by Old Mu, Lei Dongtian was bewildered. His mental condition had plunged into a state of extreme shock. Within the excitement, his eyes were staring straight into the void before him, "I should have thought of it! This is the case, I see. It''s actually the Bone of the Saber God. The Bone of the Saber God does exist!" "The mystery of the Four Seasons Tower is getting increasingly complicated. First, there is someone of heaven realm who is enlightened of the fief, now there is the Bone of the Saber God!" "Yes, yes. Since there is the Bone of the Saber God, there will naturally be the Bone of the Snow God. No wonder. No wonder he could comprehend the power of fief even just being in the realm of heaven! So that is why!" Old Mu was confused: What was this Bone of the Saber God? Could you explain it in a word or two before becoming all aghast? Lei Dongtian had finally recovered. Inhaling the chilled air, he uttered, "Treat your wounds first. I will speak slowly. "Let us return to the Residence of Yun!" ... Upon seeing the two men who had almost lost their human figures by covering themselves with blood and wounds, Yun Yang exclaimed in shock, "Brother.Brother Lei?!" With an extremely tired look, Lei Dongtian uttered, "Brother Yun ... I am ashamed ..." "How ... How did you end up like this?" exclaimed Yun Yang in shock, "Someone please come, faster, bring some healing medicine... quickly, get them to their rooms!" Consecutive greetings followed one after another. Lei Dongtian tried to forcefully stabilize his stature. Majestically, he uttered, "Dont bother, we have all of these healing medicine. Help us find a quiet room, that will do ... Well, send another person to help us look at the wounds on our backs" "Alright. SureQuick, quick. Faster... " Yun Yang was solemn, "Brother Lei, who could be cruel to this extent? My God ... how can there be so many wounds?" Lei Dongtian and Old Mu were in pain. On the other hand, Yun Yang just remained calm, as if nothing unusual had happened, and the incident was in no way peculiar. At this point in time, perhaps only the person who understood Yun Yang the most would know. The face of Yun Yang was now a pale white. His body had seemed to be slightly trembling. He appeared as if he was trying to support himself forcefully. Also, the glow in his eyes had dimmed significantly. The effort that Yun Yang had made in the imposition of blame earlier had not reduced! With a single action to expose him, he would have been attacked immediately. Similar to Lei Dongtian, Yun Yang''s whole body was now covered with wounds. His dantian was almost exhausted, like a lamp which had depleted its oil. Yet he talked and laughed as though nothing had happened, displaying no signs of abnormality. In the room, although both Lei Dongtian and Old Mu seemed to have suffered serious injuries, without having a single clean spot across their bodies, their wounds had yet to reach the fundamental organs. Through the application of medicine, consumption of medicinal pills and wounds wrapping, both of them had regained their decent looks. Their conditions were great, and their spirits were invigorated. "Fortunately, we have Brother Yun here with us, giving a place for us to stay and to have peace of mind..." Lei Dongtian felt extremely fortunate, "Fortunately, we had paid heed to the words of Brother Yun. If not, although we might not have perished in the battle today, to suffer more of these external wounds would be inevitable." Yun Yang was busy, issuing his orders non-stop. Lao Mei and Bai Yixue, who were disguised as guards with frighteningly dark faces could be seen running around, executing the orders. Upon seeing all this, Lei Dongtian was inexplicably touched. The fact that I was hurt this time had made Brother Yun so anxious and terrified. He is terribly concerned about me indeed. To be concerned about someone, he would then be in chaos, and to be in chaos, it meant that he was genuine ... ` With such a brother, what else in this life could you ask for? To have this brother in my cultivation, the chances of success would absolutely be higher over time. "This situation is unexpected. Initially, we were in the superior position and was in control of the overall situation ... " Lei Dongtian sighed, "However, little did we expect... that the other had a hidden trick!" Yun Yang worriedly uttered, "Dont care about what kind of tricks they are. Brother Lei, I think its better for you to hurriedly call the people from your family. Pardon me, but the strength that has been displayed by the Four Seasons Tower is but only a tip of the iceberg, it is still far from its real strength. I am extremely worried about this .. Brother Lei, you and I are treating one another with sincerity. I really do not wish to see you ..." While uttering that halfway, Yun Yang decided not to continue, as he felt that it was unfortunate to say so. Lei Dongtian soothingly said, "Rest assured brother. It is really a surprise this time. However, if there is a next time, I will have had the countermeasures ready even if they have a greater and superb tactic. To be careless once is more than enough, how will I repeat the same mistakes again?" "Frankly speaking, we have really underestimated the strength of the Four Seasons Tower this time. Thats why we didnt make any full preparations." Lei Dongtian was extremely upset, "I didn''t even wear my Celestial Garb ...that was too careless indeed!" Old Mu rolled his eyes in agreement. You left such a treasured coat that was able to shield you against swords, water, and fire untouched. Please do not blame me for not being able to protect you well... Considering that the wounds I suffered were more serious than yours, how could I be deemed as failing to protect you? Upon seeing that the both of them were filled with vigor, Yun Yang seemed to feel a sense of relief. He then said, "It is great that both of you are fine. The situation earlier really terrified me." Lei Dongtian beamed lightly. In a tone filled with warmth, he said, "It is my sin to have terrified my brother." 331 Twelve Celestial Beings Yun Yang laughed and said, "Brother Lei, what ultimate trick did the other party use? How could someone as mighty as you be wounded?" Lei Dongtian looked at Yun Yang in irritation before deciding to tell the truth, "I had not expected Venerable Lord Saber to possess the Bone of the Saber God!" Upon hearing this, Yun Yang was stunned. "I beg your pardon?" "Bone of the Saber God." Lei Dongtians gaze was one of envy. "It is the epitome of all that is good and wonderful." Yun Yang asked humbly, aware that he was not in the know of this at all. "Bone of the Saber God? A piece of bone?" Lei Dongtian guffawed loudly. "Well, you aren''t exactly wrong How should I say this? Dont worry, let me explain it to you. You could stand to gather some knowledge." At this juncture, Lei Dongtian felt as if he and Yun Yang were brothers who would do anything for each other, through life and death C their camaraderie was so strong that there was no secret they could not share with each other! Being so close would escalate the sentiment between them, even when he had to destroy his own brother in the end. However, Lei Dongtian thought that even when that day came, he would remember that there was a brother who had been wholeheartedly kind to him. "In the old days, word had it that between heaven and earth, there were Gods." Lei Dongtian said, "Before God ascended to heaven, he left his legacy behind." Yun Yang listened to Lei Dongtian narration with a serious expression. He had never heard of this story, so he figured it was a secret lore in the Bound of Universe. "There wasn''t just one God, but many of them. Among these many Gods, several of them were very much bonded to each other," Lei Dongtian said. "Many God? Very close to each other? This is interesting indeed!" Yun Yang was genuinely surprised. Yun Yang did not question the myth of the Gods that Lei Dongtian spoke about, just like the common cultivators of Tianxuan Continent who knew Tenth Perfection cultivators as the peak of this world. However, the realm of Tenth Perfection was only the pinnacle of the peak realm in the eyes of superior sects like the School of Spring and Autumn; they were only half a step into a higher realm of heaven. As for Lei Dongtian, who was the young lord of the Bound of Universes great family, his perception would be even higher. The Gods he mentioned should be the real cultivators in the Bound of Universe and what he meant by ascending should be the process of advancing to a higher level. Meanwhile, placing the peak cultivators of the Bound of Universe in Tianxuan Continent, it would be an insult to call them Gods, as their capabilities must be so much mightier! What truly baffled Yun Yang was the latter part of Lei Dongtians narration. The journey of cultivation was an arduous one C it would already be the greatest luck to have one or two best friends for a cultivator, but what Lei Dongtian spoke about was several peak cultivators sharing a close relationship and ascending together C without a hitch. This was simply absurd! "After the Gods left, the continent changed drastically in an extremely short amount of time. Everything the continent now comes from the drastic change then." "Because of that change, many mysterious places where humans were unable to reach appeared on the continent. Unconquerable mountains, oceans that no one could pass, and many more mysterious locations these were never in existence until now!" "Cultivators in the world searched for the legacy left behind by the Gods. After many, many years, there were finally twelve individuals who found what was left behind by one of the Gods." "These twelve people were a team; they were called explorers then. They shared an intimate bond, like real brothers, but even with the said foundation, a pure heart can be corrupted by greed. No one knows what happened exactly, but in the end, there was a big fight that resulted in animosity. They separated into two groups from then on." "Both sides shared comparable combat power, so if they were to go head to head, no one would emerge unscathed. They might even have died from such an altercation. They also realized that this Gods legacy was mythical in the sense that no ordinary person could easily absorb it. The cultivation method passed down was more than one; if everything were to given to one person, that person would never be able to achieve anything. For example, if the person was adept with the sword, cultivating swordsmanship would come easily to him C but if he had to cultivate the saber skill at the same time, both skillsets would hardly go anywhere! There were as many as twelve different cultivation methods within the group." "They were very thankful that there were as many cultivation methods as there were heads being passed down, so there was no need to fight over it. Both groups brought six methods away with them. This episode gave the twelve of them an otherworldly encounter but ruined their camaraderie as well. The damage that was done was irreparable. One really doesnt know if its a happy or a sad case!" Yun Yang pondered and asked, "What happened to these two groups of people then? Did they turn powerful and attempt to conquer the world, competing against each other and going to the extremes?" As far as folklore went, it was quite a logical one. Yun Yang imagined that the cultivation methods of these twelve people would pose a hindrance to one another, ultimately killing them all and leaving the two sole survivors to fight each other. The loser would perish while the winner, despite winning, would have exclaimed in self-reflection that he should not have killed his brothers just for the sake of a cultivation method! Hearing Yun Yangs question, Lei Dongtian chuckled. "It developed into a tale, frequently told over a campfire. Both sides separated to cultivate using the methods they took back with them, but upon doing that, they realized that the cultivation methods they obtained were incompatibleC what suited them most was in the hands of the other group." "Because they were on bad terms, both sides immediately regretted that their actions in the period that followed. Therefore, they thought of ways to mend the gap and recover their old friendship. Of course, there were a lot of obstacles along the way, but the twelve people eventually reunited and reassessed the twelve cultivation methods. Each of them chose one that suited their physique the most," Lei Dongtian finished his story. Yun Yang could not help praising their wisdom, "Experts indeed, they have a generous nature. Theyve already separated, but they could still repent and share in the end Although most of it was influenced by an ulterior motive, its not something that ordinary people can do. A much-told tale indeed." Lei Dongtian said, "Very true. Facing such temptation, its normal to have some ulterior motive; besides, its rare to be able to sit down and talk it out, in addition to sharing the methods, no matter how much conflict had happened in between. Its worthy of praise indeed." Yun Yang nodded in agreement but his mind drifted to his eight brothers, thinking of when the eldest of them, Supreme Earth, fished the entire night for Supreme Water He felt a sense of pride bubbling from within. If it were the nine brothers who had found the legacy, such a situation would not have happened C the slight taint, in the beginning, would not even have existed! They would concede to each other only take what they needed; they would motivate each other and spur each other on, working hard together! They shared happiness and shouldered hardship, never leaving each others side, nor give up on each other. The aforementioned separation and reunion would never happen among them. "These twelve people took the cultivation method compatible with them and resumed their cultivation. Upon completion, they finally became the legend of Tianxuan Continents cultivators C the Twelve Celestial Beings!" Lei Dongtians voice was colored with distinct admiration. "They were unmatched and became near indestructible." "However regret hit them again," he continued. "Why? How can that be? Didnt they already achieve the peak of a cultivator?" Yun Yang asked. "Becoming Celestial Beings is indeed this worlds peak, but its not the end of the cultivation journey. The final destination is to become a God and ascend to a higher realm They realized that no matter how much effort they put it, they couldnt move another step forward and break the illusory obstacle to become a real God!" Yun Yang replied, "This cant be! Didnt they acquire the Gods legacy? Why cant they achieve the last step? Could it be that these twelve people kept something to themselves, sealing the key of the cultivation method theyd initially gotten?" Lei Dongtian answered, "It is nothing so clich, and some of them actually received their compatible method immediately as well. They cant be sealing the key off from themselves, can they? The real reason behind their stagnant state was the initial argument and separation of the brothers!" Yun Yang was baffled once more, obviously not knowing where the story was heading. He waited for Lei Dongtians elaboration. "Remember I mentioned that among the ascended Gods, some of them valued friends and treasure friendship very much. The owner of the legacy these people received valued comradeship the most in his life, so what he passed down, of course, needed the simultaneous cultivation by friends who were like brothers, in order to step into the pinnacle together." "Although the twelve of them were ultimately reconciled, the initial crack in their relationship remained C it was their internal demon that could not be banished! It was just like the saying; a broken mirror can never be fully repaired." "Despite them cultivating their methods to the point of insanity, they were unable to take the last step. It was that fall-out that flawed their emotional state. If they forced the breakthrough, the cultivation method would only retaliate and destroy them instead." "Upon figuring this out, the Twelve Celestial Beings were incredibly remorseful but nothing else could be done. They had cultivated to their peaks C they could turn any mountain and river into a flat plane of land, but they could only be Gods on this earth, unable to step further and advance." "They lived for a very long time, many times the lifespan of a normal human. However, time eventually caught up with them. Many years later, they passed away, one after another." "Although they died, each of their bodies was hard like jade. They could not be destroyed and remained in this world. Before all of them passed on, they left their last wish, saying that they wanted to be buried together with their other brothers. They felt sorry for their brothers in this life and they hoped to recompense it in the next." 332 Wildly Ambitious Four Seasons Tower "Despite mourning their ancestors passing, the descendants of the twelve families still followed their wishes in burying them together. However, the martial world was in chaos some years later. Someone with immense might had borrowed the power of the stars and set up a formation to trigger the earth strata and caused an earthquake, destroying the Twelve Celestial Beings graves!" "As for the remains of the Twelve Celestial Beings, they were scattered and ended up everywhere. What was said to be indestructible was, after all, not immortal." "People found out later on that despite the fact that their bodies were not absolutely indestructible, their bones were truly immortal. No matter which piece of the Celestial Beings bone, each one of them stored a portion of their power Once their bones were triggered, their legacy could be replayed C even their complete cultivation method and base." "What was lacking was the way to trigger the Celestial Beings power." "As people tested and tried, they finally found a way C by implanting the bone of these celestial beings into someones body in place of the original bone." "As life and cultivation went by and gradual adaptation took place, one could naturally turn into an almighty being, reaching a certain stage as long as one got used to exuding the air of a celestial being and could accept the change within one''s self." "This was only the first step. Someone deciphered that having part of Celestial Beings bones could muster such strength. If all their bones could be gathered, then that certain Celestial Beings complete legacy could be obtained C at least, the cultivation base level of that Celestial Being could be achieved." "The theory was extremely bold. It was complex and intricate, but it was undeniably possible. Plenty of people have tried it out, but all of them have encountered failure. There were rarely success stories. In the end, the whereabouts of these Celestial Beings bones were unknown Even to this day, this old legend has disappeared for thousands of years" Lei Dongtian could not help feeling a sense of superiority as he watched the looks of concentration everyone wore while listening to him. They had not a single clue about these things. He continued, "The Bone of the Saber God I mentioned earlier was this; the bone of the Saber God among the Twelve Celestial Beings!" "Not only did Venerable Lord Saber of the Four Seasons Tower possess a Bone of the Saber God, I believe Venerable Lord Snow, who was with him and could obviously control the snow, would most probably possess the Bone of the Snow God too!" "No, Venerable Lord Snow must have the Bone of the Snow God. Otherwise, it cant be explained how he could unleash fief with his bit of cultivation base. This has to be it." "If so, this must the genuine motive of the Four Seasons Tower; they have been quietly planning all of this." "For so many years, I wondered how many bones of the Celestial Beings have been successfully collected." "Also I can already guess the plain reason the Four Seasons Tower is against me now." Lei Dongtian snorted coldly and murmured, "How does the Four Seasons Tower know the secret of the Lei Family,that they possess the Bone of the Thunder God?" "No wonder they wanted me to pass my familys cultivation method right away Hmph!" He sneered, "F*cking Four Seasons Tower. What a dream they have, truly wildly ambitious! Dream on!" He was suddenly filled with fury as he barked, "How dare the Four Seasons Tower be so bold and arrogant, coming right up at Lei Familys throat? How courageous, seeking their own death!" Yun Yang was completely dumbfounded. Obviously, he had never expected such a turn of events, being the mastermind of this plot himself. Bone of the Twelve Celestial Beings? Bone of the Thunder God? Bone of the Saber God? Bone of the Snow God? What? The influx of information was too much for Yun Yang to take, his mind refusing to spin as rapidly. Wha C what? Not even a novel would have such plot development! What a plot twist! Or what a beat drop! Yet Lei Dongtian had narrated everything so eloquently with confidence like everything was within his expectation and logic. It was as if things were running their matter of course. Instead, it made Yun Yang, the conspirator, feel bewildered and bleary. He did not even explain most of the key points on the legend! In spite of this, Yun Yang knew that Lei Dongtian would never spell every detail out for him regarding this important legend. After all, it was a big secret that involved the way to being a paramount god! For Lei Dongtian to say so much, it was already evident that Yun Yangs effort was not wasted. Moreover, it might be due to Lei Dongtians confidence of being able to squash him anytime as he was merely an ant in Lei Dongtians eyes. Yun Yang still did not expect that this unintentional step would develop so well. It was a delightful surprise! Of course, he could not express the joy right now; he was still facing Lei Dongtian. "Brother Lei, you you need to watch your words." Yun Yang said, moved, "This young brother feels incredibly proud that youre telling me this and sharing such a big secret with me but I fear for you too The walls have ears; if such confidentiality does not truly exist, it wont be beneficial to Brother Lei." "I know this." Lei Dongtian patted Yun Yangs shoulder, touched and said, "I, Lei Dongtian, shall etch your sincerity in my heart!" Yun Yang nodded and then spoke with assumed justice, "I really didnt know that the Four Seasons Tower harbors such an ulterior motive. Its so wicked! Whats more, its plot is so widespread that even Brother Leis family thats so secluded has been included The scattering and unknown whereabouts of the Celestial Beings bones have been thousands of years long. I believe Brother Leis family has had the bone for a long time too; it can be considered as your family treasure. For the Four Seasons Tower to actually set their eyes on it, its crazy! Repulsive!" Lei Dongtian was furious as well as he said, "The Four Seasons Tower first kidnapped my fiance, then openly prey on my family treasureC what trash they must be! Even if they were sliced and diced, the resentment in my heart cant be assuaged! I must annihilate this absurd rubbish!" Yun Yang thought for a moment before he spoke again, "Theres something odd about this. How big was the secret of Brother Leis family treasure? Such information must be treated cautiously like treading on eggshells. Even the elders in the family might not know, I wonder how the Four Seasons Tower found out about it?" Lei Dongtians expression was dark; he answered coldly, "Whats there to ask? It must be those who wish ill upon my family they must have been the ones whove leaked it! Youre right; there should also be traitors in my family itself. Otherwise, secrets don''t reveal themselves. All in all, this is a matter of great concern. I shall not give up easily." Yun Yang looked worried as he said, "Brother Lei is alone outside now with unaided strength. Everything should be done carefully. Since the Four Seasons Tower has such deliberation, they must have planned it for a long time. Brother Lei, I feel like danger will come one after another. Any misstep will be an eternal regret. I think its better for Brother Lei to return to your family for a discussion on countermeasures before going on" "There is no need!" Lei Dongtian grunted and said with burning courage, "Todays episode was because of my carelessness and my lack of caution. It will be impossible for people like Venerable Lord Snow to deal any damage to me in the future Besides, it might be Lei Familys chance despite the incessant danger! The critical situation might be a good opportunity!" A dark smile surfaced on Lei Dongtians face as he uttered faintly, "A hint tells the whole picture. The Four Seasons Tower definitely have more than one or two pieces of the Celestial Beings bones and far more than two of their people possesses them Just from what we already know, Venerable Lord Saber and Snow already had Celestial Beings bones, so its only logical that the other three Venerable Lords have the same. The mastermind of the Four Seasons Tower, Mr. Nian, should also possess the bone and more than one or two of them. My recent investigation of the tower speaks of the long years the Four Seasons Tower has been in Tianxuan Continent and the multiple times the martial world was subdued by bloodshed. For the effortful years in running the tower, they must have an unimaginable amount of gems" "Why would they bathe the martial world in blood?" Lei Dongtiaan actually figured this out as he snorted again. "It must be for this too!" Yun Yang was baffled. Could this work as well? "If I could have all these" Lei Dongtian took in a deep breath, apparently, he was thinking wildly again as his eyes radiated anger. "Then, I, Lei Dongtian, shall be the Lei Familys greatest contributing figure for thousands of years! Even if the merits of all the ancestors were to be combined, they would be less than mine!" "When my father named me, he mentioned of the thunder that shakes the nine heavens. He was able to foretell things! What truth. I must complete this feat alone, only then will I fit the name my father has given me!" "Thunder that shakes the nine heavens!" Lei Dongtian chortled as he spoke. "However, this older brother will need to depend on Brother Yuns assistance to be able to complete this. After that, I shall reward you handsomely!" Lei Dongtian said seriously. The sincerity in his attitude seemed to be genuine, as Yun Yang could not sense even a tinge of pretense. "What is this that Brother Lei is talking about? We brothers dont have to talk about depending each other!" Yun Yang patted his chest and said righteously, "Your matter is my matter too! This young brother shall give it my all and do the best I can! Even death could not stop me from helping my brother to complete this great feat and pen another legend!" "Thank you!" Lei Dongtian could barely form words from how touched he was; he could only hold onto Yun Yangs hand and shake it continuously. 333 Mayhem in the School "Like what Ive said, what a relationship we share!" Yun Yang shook his head as he chuckled. "Brother Lei, you and Elder Mu rest well. This young brother will continue to search for any relevant information that may be of aid. Speaking of which, its a shame that I can only contribute in this aspect." Lei Dongtian nodded and said, "Before I made this trip, I would never have thought that I would be so fortunate. Not only could I cultivate the Seven Emotions Praxis and marry two beauties, I would receive shocking news of Celestial Beings bones from the Four Seasons Tower in addition to gaining a good friend C a good brother like Brother Yun! Heaven is treating me well, very well indeed!" Yun Yang shared the same sentiment as he said, "I didnt expect this either. When I first met Brother Lei, I thought Brother Lei looked unapproachable and hard to get along with. Who knew that after more interaction, we would get along so well, like weve known each other forever! This young brother is really lucky to know Brother Lei C this life has been well lived!" As both of their eyes met, they chortled with tacit understanding. Their laughter was filled with the sentiment of perfect coexistence and sincerity. "What else can I ask for, when Ive found a confidant in life?" Lei Dongtian exclaimed with a grin. "Indeed. Its rare to find a worthy confidant!" Yun Yang exclaimed as well, his feeling getting the better of him. "Brother Lei, you and I C this comradeship between us, I feel like C inauspiciously, will last until death!" Lei Dongtian nodded slowly, "Thats right. Brothers to death!" Beside them, Bai Yixue and Old Mu felt goosebumps on their arms. Old Mu thought his young master behaving in an embarrassing manner; exaggeration was an understatement. It seemed that his genuine feelings had gotten the better of him; the simpering tone his master was using was somewhat unbecoming! On the other hand, Bai Yi Xue was experiencing a set of wholly different emotions, "What the f*ck this Lei fellow C it looks like hes gonna end up worse than me, much worse. Didnt he hear what the Yun child has said, his target points to death! Still, its also a joy in life if I could see with my own eyes how this bastard gets tricked into his death!" "Sigh, Yun Yangs deceptive skills are getting better, ascending to the peak. Im really awed and impressed. I thought I was smart, but I was manipulated from the first meeting all the way to becoming a guard one whos not even free to ease himself at his own will. There is a reason for all these to happen!" Bai Yixue was utterly impressed with the skit that was being performed in front of him today. Yun Yang certainly a singularly impressive talent, which was unparalleled in this world! All the way at the other end of the world, the Four Seasons Tower had begun taking action C true to the saying, they had started to subdue the world by force and bathe the martial world in blood! On this day, at the School of Spring and Autumn C the disciples were carrying out their usual morning routines. A cloudy fog surrounded the school gate, the place was serene and peaceful as always. The otherworldliness of the school was distinct as it stood majestically in its tranquility. Some of the disciples were training with each other while others were meditating to advance in cultivation; some of them went out to find raw food materials while others were fooling around the higher-ups of the school were in closed-door cultivation. It was a peaceful yet industrious scene. Suddenly, there was a glowing light that pulsed in front of their gates. The disciples who saw it thought their eyes were playing tricks on them; they glanced around suspiciously before turning away and resumed their banter, ignoring the unusual sight At the very next moment, a majestic sword light streaked down from the clouds with a surging aura, stunning everyone on the spot. A piercing voice that was laced with rich sword energy resounded in everyones ears, "School of Spring and Autumn; reputable and home to many experts. I wonder if this formidable school can withstand a strike of my sword?" As the voice ricocheted in everyones ears, a sword light shot like the suns rays against the school gate. With a loud boom, the sword energy erupted and flared around the steel. The eight disciples on duty at the gate were the first to be greeted with the destructive force; before they could even scream, they evaporated into a blood mist, drifting in the air. The School of Spring and Autumns majestic gate was reduced to rubble, sending a cloud of dust into the air. As the mist of blood and dust engulfed the atmosphere, a man in white, who looked like a fresh unsheathed sharp sword, strolled into the gate with arms behind his back, illuminated in blinding light. He spoke faintly, "The reputable School of Spring and Autumn cant even defend itself against stab of my sword. What is the use then? What loss is there if we do away with it?" Inside, the schools disciples were running helter-skelter into hiding, fearful of the terrifying individual that had appeared. The bell was struck, its sonorous boom ringing loud and far. "Intruder! Someone has destroyed the gate in his first attack!" "Someone has killed our men on his way in!" "All eight senior and junior brothers on duty have been killed" "The intruder is an expert, inform the elders quickly!" "Oh no!" It was pure mayhem as far as the eyes could see. The man in white was dressed plainly, only the grip of his sword that stuck out on his shoulder was trimmed black. His gaze towards the mayhem that gripped the School of Spring and Autumn was nonchalant as he said, "What commoners, tainting the name of one of the ten ancient sects." He then spoke louder, "School of Spring and Autumns old ones, those that could defend against attacks, come out quickly to be my swords offerings!" Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh Several silhouettes flew from multiple directions amidst the flying dust. The one leading was an elder wearing a long gown; his face was grim as he waved his hand and said aloud, "Everyone, do not panic. Stop right where you are!" The command was full of authority as the chaos froze straightaway; it was like the disciples from the School of Spring and Autumn had suddenly found an anchor as they restored order and went back to their duties. Seeing that order had been regained, the elder moved past everyone with his eyes trained on the man in white and said guardedly, "The reputable Venerable Lord Sword of the Four Seasons Tower, why have you come to seek carnage at my School of Spring and Autumn? We have never crossed each others line, nor did we find fault with each other. I wonder when has my school offended your tower? Why come here, sword unsheathed to destroy my gate and kill my disciples?" Venerable Lord Sword replied coldly, "Of course there is a reason for this reputed one to kill people here. This is only a light punishment to warn you. If the School of Spring and Autumn cant give me a good explanation, then this wont stop at the killing of just a handful of your disciples." He smirked and spoke faintly, "Maybe the once renowned School of Spring and Autumn will disappear from the Tianxuan Continent... for good." His tone was nonchalant but the threat in his words was apparent. The elder''s pupils shrunk in response, a smirk hung at the corners of his mouth. "Just a Venerable Lord Sword like you wishes to remove the School of Spring and Autumns name? Forgive me, but you dont seem to be as capable as that." Venerable Lord Sword retorted, "Itll depend on what you do to see if Im capable or not! Let us see if your explanation is satisfactory. If this reputed one is not satisfied, you shall see for yourself if Im capable!" "What is the reason behind this?" The elderly were incredibly infuriated as he bellowed, "Speak, Venerable Lord Sword!" Venerable Lord Sword stood quietly, his eyes focused on the elder standing in front of him like a venomous snake. Suddenly, the sword that was in his scabbard on his shoulder unsheathed itself with a clear cry. An icy gleam shone upon the School of Spring and Autumn. A chilling murderous intent surged like a tidal wave, washing over everyone on the spot. They were all aware of the malicious sword light that went sent shivers across their spine. Venerable Lord Sword chuckled sinisterly, "A disciple of your school has joined in the battle to murder my towers Supreme Lord Spring Frost by the Concourse of the Underworld and has contributed a great deal to their efforts. I wonder why and what is the reason behind this? Do explain." "Help the Concourse of the Underworld? Kill Supreme Lord Spring Frost?" The elder was dumbstruck. "Why would we kill your Supreme Lord Spring Frost? When did this happen? Weve never done something like this! As for collaborating with the Concourse of the Underworld C thats absurd! Ridiculous! Good and evil dont stand together, how could we even work together?" Venerable Lord Swords eyes were half-lidded as he replied indifferently, "Im not here to ask if youve done it or not, Im here for an explanation. If you cant explain yourselves, the Four Seasons Towers subjugation of the world and bloodshed shall start with the School of Spring and Autumn! My options to you are limited; have you done it or not?" An aged voice arose in a sarcastic retort, "Venerable Lord Sword is very generous indeed. The School of Spring and Summer is almost touched by your generosity." Venerable Lord Sword replied faintly, "You should have stepped forward long ago! Even if you did, could you change the outcome of our conversation here?" With a humorless chuckle, a middle-aged man, who appeared to be made of porcelain, appeared at the gate; his eyes watched Venerable Lord Sword as he grinned. "After so many years, Venerable Lord Sword is still as blood-thirsty and intolerant as ever." "Indeed weve not met for many years. Xiao Tengkong of Spring and Autumn is still as vivacious as ever, and still as idiotic!" Venerable Lord Sword said in reply. Xiao Tengkong smiled gently, unoffended by the insult and said, "Venerable Lord Sword, since youre here, you are a guest. Its better to have a clear idea of things; if there were any misunderstandings, Im afraid that Venerable Lord Sword and the Four Seasons Tower will be the ones to explain about my dead disciples instead. Similarly, if this schools disciples have indeed offended the Four Seasons Tower, we wont allow them to get away scot-free. There will be no one wronged nor anyone maligned." "Now, this is more like it." Venerable Lord Sword said, "Does your school have a disciple with the name Wei Xinglu? The route of the secular is a dangerous one, it is difficult to keep going forward C Wei Xinglu, this is an unlucky name indeed!" As everyone heard the specific individual''s name from Venerable Lord Sword, the School of Spring and Autumn fell into a hushed silence. Xiao Tengkongs pupils shrunk as he replied in a soft voice, "Yes, do go on." Venerable Lord Sword answered, "It was Wei Xinglu who ambushed Supreme Lord Spring Frost and caused his downfall. The evidence is solid. If there were any doubts, he can be summoned to verify it." Wei Xinglu? Xiao Tengkongs eyes grew into small slits the moment he heard the name. 334 My Brother! Xiao Tengkong could hear the truth in the other partys words, but he adopted an uncompromising attitude the moment he heard Wei Xinglus name. He spoke faintly, "I will believe it as what Venerable Lord Sword has said, but Wei Xinglu is this schools disciple. No matter what he did, he will be judged and punished by the School of Spring and Autumn. Nothing grants the Four Seasons Tower the right to deliver their justice." His eyes, as they rested on Venerable Lord Sword, were cold as he continued, "Are you not regarding yourself too highly by coming to the School of Spring and Autumn to sanction my schools disciple?" Venerable Lord Sword was taken aback. He had imagined all sorts of responses from the school, he was unprepared for such an uncompromising attitude. After his arrival, the School of Spring and Autumn was obviously very wary of the Four Seasons Towers search for revenge. He had subdued the crowd with his aura, but he had yet to exert his power to subdue the entire school. The higher authority of the school did not wish for the conflict to escalate. When Xiao Tengkong of Spring and Autumn arrived, both sides seemed to relax, adopting a more relenting stance. Venerable Lord Sword had assumed that things would most probably end peacefully. He was confident and proud of his own ability but the School of Spring and Autumn was one of Tianxuan Continents top ten ancient sects after all. There was still risk if he were to act rashly. If they were civil to each other, things could still be salvaged. In spite of this, once Wei Xinglus name was mentioned, there was a palpable tension that could be felt throughout the throng in the School of Spring and Autumn. The unusually uncompromising stance caught Venerable Lord Sword off guard. He could instinctively tell that Wei Xinglu was someone of note. Yet with how things had escalated, he could only go with the flow; if he were to take a step back, it would be an embarrassment. Since when had the Four Seasons Tower been afraid of anyone? Venerable Lord Sword straightened up, his eyes glowing with a sharp radiance as he said coldly, "If so, the School of Spring and Autumn shall be Four Seasons Towers first victim in the martial world!" "Subdue the world by force, bloodshed in the martial world!" The scabbard that hung on his shoulder emitted a loud, resonating, cry before a sword unsheathed itself and hovered in mid-air. It laid horizontal, an icy glow dancing at the tip as it pointed itself at the crowd. "Fight if you want, there is no need for so much nonsense!" Xiao Tengkong bellowed, "We, the School of Spring and Autumn, are no easy targets!" With a string of whispers, a dozen disciples held swords in their hands. "Please, do welcome our guest of honor with a sword formation!" With those words being spoken, the alarm bell in the school rang again, clanging loudly. Silhouette after silhouette charged down from various hills like falling meteors. An aged voice resounded, "The School of Spring and Autumn has stood here for a long time. I would like to see how capable the Four Seasons Tower is in bathing this school in blood. Seize Venerable Lord Sword! This old man shall bring him to see Mr. Nian, Id like to ask if the Four Seasons Tower is going to turn the world over!" A powerful surge of sword energy was the only reply. Venerable Lord Sword growled, his killing intent engulfing the heaven and earth and spread through the frontal area of School of Spring and Autumn. He cried, "Kill!" At the same time, the Underworld Valley, where Concourse of the Underworld was situated, had blood pouring through it in streams! The Four Seasons Towers Venerable Lord Ice and Frost, as well as a dozen top-notch experts, were attacking the Concourse of the Underworlds headquarters in full force! Both sides spoke no words but dove straight into a duel. The Concourse of the Underworlds ten court kings attended the battle personally. while Gold-ranked assassins of the concourse appeared as well, displaying their amazing stealth and combat skills. The fight was furious and devastating. The Four Seasons Tower executed their attacks throughout the rest of the martial world as well. Green Garb Knight, Red Garb Knight, Yellow Garb Knight, and White Garb Knight emerged in the martial arts world from different directions, killing anyone who dared go against the Four Seasons Tower or was secretly defying the towers orders. They moved domineeringly, washing their paths in red; blood gushed everywhere while bones covered the ground. The quad-colored riders of spring, summer, autumn, and winter were gone from the martial world for so long that they had almost become legends, yet they had reemerged and had begun rewriting their stories. Four Seasons Towers subjugation of the world by force and the pouring of blood in the martial world held true wherever they went and took the upper hand. Only the results on the part of Venerable Lord Sword was less desirable. It was not that Venerable Lord Sword had lost or he had encountered obstacles. His fight was in an unusual atmosphere. Venerable Lord Sword had blocked the School of Spring and Autumns gate alone, while his sword energy had completely enclosed the space. He was not able to attack in the inner part of the school and carry out a massacre, but with him being there, no one could leave either. It would be harder than trying to enter heaven than for the School of Spring and Autumns people to charge out. Therefore, Venerable Lord Sword did not at all feel bad for not being able to slaughter his way in. He knew full well about the real capability of the School of Spring and Autumn C those old ones had yet to show themselves. Of course, he had kept his secret weapon too; he had yet to use it. Both sides were on their guards and did not dare act impulsively. This would be a drawn-out siege. To Venerable Lord Sword, what he wanted was only the ultimate victory. It looked like he was only blocking the School of Spring and Autumns gate and was unable to move further; he was only affirming his dominance, yet that dominance was sufficient to send terror throughout the ranks of the defenders. What sort of existence did the School of Spring and Autumn hold? It was one of the top ten ancient sects in Tianxuan Continent. Just a single person from the Four Seasons Tower could already block the gate of the school and stop anyone from entering and exiting C it was an incredible feat in itself, adequate to show off to the martial world! The results were enough to tell the entire story. Beams of divine senses flowed and melded in the air, detecting changes in the situation taking place in the school. All of the divine senses were strong and mighty. Venerable Lord Sword knew that the probing senses were School of Spring and Autumns old folks keeping an eye on what was happening here. As for the why, he was absolutely certain. "Righteous, immaculate sects like to do this." Venerable Lord Sword smirked inwardly. "You want to take me as a grindstone Ill help you fellows do some sharpening! Just make sure your hearts don''t ache when the knives are broken, trashed, or shattered upon sharpening!" "The truth must still be faced in the end," Venerable Lord Sword was clear about this. As long as the two old folks from the School of Spring and Autumn did not come out personally to fight, he would never be defeated. Even if the two old ones did come out, he could leave when he wanted to, as well as fight if he wished to; it was not a difficult task for him to flee. The sword light continued to gleam menacingly. Eighteen School of Spring and Autumns disciples formed a sword formation as they set up their defenses in waves to block Venerable Lord Swords incessant attacks. Their sword formation grew strained under such a drawn-out battle while the rare attacks that came occasionally grew more brutal. Venerable Lord Sword swung his sword with ease, defending the sword formation alone yet most of his attention was at the gate. He had to stop people from the school from exiting! This would be an incredible humiliation to the sect! Venerable Lord Sword waited quietly, anticipating the moment when the schools higher authority finally lost their patience. He was fully prepared. Once they moved, he would instantly activate One with a Thousand Swords to massacre the schools disciples before him! Be prepared to be sharpened into shards if you wish to use me as the grindstone. An oddly sharp cry pierced the air. A golden light catapulted from the sky and landed before Venerable Lord Sword. He snorted, easily waving his hand to take the messenger light into his palm. While still fighting one-handedly, armed with only his sword, he lowered his head to read his message. It was a back-handed insult to the hundreds of disciples from the School of Spring and Autumn! However, his body grew rigid when he read what had been sent. His gaze froze, and his sword halted abruptly in midair. This was a God-given chance! The schools disciples within the sword formation were overjoyed, counterattacking with their sword energy. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh Several sword wounds bloomed across Venerable Lord Sword at once, blood gushing out from them. The throng was caught in wild disbelief at their unwarranted fortune. Venerable Lord Sword, alone, with his single sword, had been gracefully facing the hundreds of experts from School of Spring and Autumn; his confidence and aptitude in his skill intimidated the disciples into taking a defensive stance and could only make rare counterattacks. No one had been able to become an actual threat to him! Why had the situation switched so suddenly? The door had been opened, without anyone to guard it! The sudden flash of blood stunned even the disciples who had been the cause of those injuries. What was going on? Why had this devil lost his focus? Was he purposefully seeking death? The sharp pain woke Venerable Lord Sword from his trance. Aware that he was still facing a large enemy with the wounds aggravating the heartache he was in, Venerable Lord Sword suddenly roared in agony, "Youre all seeking death!" His calm and collected expression which he had worn since he made his appearance known suddenly turned malicious. A violent rage erupted and washed over all the combatants. "Retreat, quickly!" A sharp holler of warning arose from among the gathered disciples. The voice arrived simultaneously with the owner; two silhouettes charged out from the school from the left and right, coming to the disciples assistance. Behind these two silhouettes, there were another dozen silhouettes who followed, rushing over in haste. It was obvious that the sudden change of events was beyond anyone''s expectations. How could Venerable Lord Sword be so easily taken advantage of? If they did not take this opportunity to kill him with a single strike, the resulting retaliation would only be unimaginably devastating. "Ahhh!" Venerable Lord Sword growled into the sky, blinded by anguish. Amidst his hysteria, his eyes were reddened by speckles of light; reflections from the moisture that seemed to have formed in them. "My brother!" 335 Grudges Aside, Let Me Send My Brother Off! It seemed that Venerable Lord Sword had gone stark raving mad. The sudden rush of grief and fury blinded him. The sword that soared high in the sky faltered and begun to weave about drunkenly; hundreds of thousands of sword light coruscated like the scorching sun in each and every available direction. It was not only Venerable Lord Swords sword that had erupted into explosive fury; the mans body, hair, neck, eyes, shoulders, ears, chest, arms, legs each and every part of his body emanated a torrent of deadly sword energy! They poured out in an unstoppable torrent as he unleashed his fury towards the gate of the School of Spring and Autumn. The disciples who were equipped with weapons felt that they lost their sense of control over their own swords. Their swords flew up into the sky, in defiance of their owner''s intentions. The energy broke apart into millions of shards of sword light. The gate of School of Spring and Autumn settled into an eerie silence. Venerable Lord Sword continued to scream into the sky; his dead eyes stared at the silhouettes that came flying in through the air while a savage smile hung on his face. "You are all too late." The disciples who formed the sword formation in front of Venerable Lord Sword, the disciples who were only spectators behind, and the second generation disciples who stood further back, all showed a hopeless sense of fear on their faces as they stood frozen like statues, waiting for the arrival of death. The disbelief was vibrant in their eyes, but no one could move a muscle. Just as the words left Venerable Lord Swords lips, gouts of blood poured out from these people. The disciples who were standing exploded simultaneously, reduced into pieces of flesh and blood that scattered themselves all over the place. The only one left breathing was Xiao Tengkong of Spring and Autumn, but he was also seriously injured. He had used his entire cultivation base to defend against the surge of sword energy and had been blown several hundred feet back. There were gurgling noises in his throat as his eyes bore right into Venerable Lord Sword, the man struggling to say, "You youve achieved Sword Supremacy." Before he could finish his words, his body fell stiffly before spasming on the ground. It crackled and fell into pieces, signaling the mans death. Venerable Lord Sword did not answer the last words of Xiao Tengkong; his eyes were watching the silhouettes that were hurriedly making their landing. Technically, he was only watching the two men in the lead; he couldn''t care less about the rest of the group. His eyes were filled with crazed provocation. "Venerable Lord Sword!" Both elders who flew over hollered, "You shall not be pardoned for such merciless killings! Hand over your life!" In the light of those words, Venerable Lord Sword gave a sharp cry before soaring into the sky and grabbing the hovering sword; the sword light grew more intense as he turned about and charged his enemy. "There is nothing but life and death in the martial world. Die!" Venerable Lord Sword guffawed, welcoming the incoming duos attack with a sword held in his hand. Boom! The clash of the three titans saw them flying apart in three different directions. The two elders were obviously more inferior; even with their combined efforts, they still spat blood while retreating in steps. Disbelief colored their eyes. Venerable Lord Sword was relentless. With a long-drawn growl, he pressed on the attack, waving his sword with massive recoil. The sword light was blinding as it spilled like a liquid flame. Within a thousand feet of the School of Spring and Autumns gate, dust and smoke rose up into the air while the stones and earth cracked like fist-sized hailstones had fallen on them. Countless see-through holes appeared on the buildings beyond the perimeter. Both elders were forced onto the ground by Venerable Lord Swords sword light and were in a passive position. Despite being shocked, they still kept their calm and guarded their turf in addition to defending themselves, waiting for Venerable Lord Swords subsequent attack. They did not expect the howl to grow distant. Venerable Lord Swords voice was still as piercing as a sword that had stabbed through heaven, but he was fading away from the collision before completely disappearing as a beam of sword light! "He left? Just like that?!" Recovering from the initial shock, both elders charged out of the ruins but they could no longer see Venerable Lord Sword. A distant voice could be heard from afar, "Brother! Your older brother has come to send you off!" Both the elderly were puzzled by the words that seemed somewhat out of place. Why have you come? You arrived at our gates with condemnation and massacred our people. Why did you leave just like that? There was still a ball of golden light gleaming on the ground. It had been accidentally left by Venerable Lord Sword when he was attacked by the sword formation in his daze. It was also the contents of this golden light that had caused Venerable Lord Sword to sink into an unexpectedly stoic trance. One of the elders picked it up. He could still feel the strong sense of the divine emanating from the light. "It is a message from the Four Seasons Tower..." Both the elders exchanged looks of shock. "It was sent personally by Mr. Nian. The contents must be of import." Various messaging methods could be differentiated by their external glow. If it belonged to the Four Seasons Hall, the glow would be one of four colors C green, red, yellow, and white. Since it was gold right now, it naturally belonged to the highest authority of the Four Seasons Tower C Mr. Nian. Both elders expression turned grim as they delved in with their deific consciousness and mystical Qi at the same time. The golden light flickered. "Saber has fallen, Snow is injured. Return at once!" A look of terror washed over both the old mens faces. The absolute higher authority of the Four Seasons Tower, the five Venerable Lords who intimidated the martial world C one of them had died while the other was injured! No wonder Venerable Lord Sword reacted in such a manner and left right away after exploding in a hysteric fit! It was a severe incident that had taken place in the internal section of the Four Seasons Tower! "Supreme Lord Spring Frost of the Four Seasons Towers four Supreme Lords has died and now Venerable Lord Saber of the five Venerable Lords has also perished" One of the elders sucked in a cold breath. "The Four Seasons Tower might truly lose it this time Grand Senior Uncle Bingming, should we take precautions to avoid this?" "Yes, Wei Xinglu is still outside" "Have him return immediately! Ask the head to arrange for his homecoming now." Both of them wore exceptionally grim expressions, well aware of the matters significance. Venerable Lord Saber had died! How many people in the martial world would have to accompany his unexpected death? At the Concourse of the Underworld, ice and frost had engulfed the entire Underworld Valley. Ten Yama Kings worked together to fight the enemy while Ice and Frost moved about, playing the part of both attacker and defender. Their collaboration was flawless; even when faced with the combined attacks of the Concourse of the Underworlds several hundred experts, they easily countered them and delivered their own punishing attacks. Obviously, the two who were besieged managed to get the upper hand instead C they could even manipulate the entire situation. Perhaps, it could be said that the two of them had yet to unleash their true force because they were wary of the strongest combat power of the Concourse of the Underworld! A dark silhouette began to coalesce in the sky. It was the concourses real head, who had come to the scene and was ready to step into the fight at any time! Venerable Lord Ice chuckled coldly, "Seal the world with ice!" Venerable Lord Frost, too, uttered in a chilled voice, "Frost to the sky!" They cast simultaneous waves of ice and frost as they painted the world white. Several Gold-ranked assassins were frostbitten the moment they charged into the area of white mist. Ice and Frost threw their power relentlessly, preparing for the pinnacle of the fight that was soon to come C a contest of power among absolute masters. To the Four Seasons Tower, their reasons for targeting the Concourse of the Underworld and the School of Spring and Autumn were entirely different. They were mostly trying to intimidate the School of Spring and Autumn and did not mind prolonging the siege. More so, as long as the school gave Wei Xinglu up and stipulated adequate compensation, the tower would consider forgetting the entire incident. After all, Wei Xinglu had only struck once that day and did not continue to kill wantonly. On the other hand, Mr. Nian had given an absolute kill order to the Concourse of the Underworld. There were no two ways about it. Both Ice and Frost did not hold back in this fight. Seeing that the Concourse of the Underworld was being slowly rendered into a critical state, an eerie laugh suddenly erupted from nowhere, "If Saber, Sword, Snow, Frost, and Ice were all here, this reputed one might still be quite wary but now that there''s only the two of you since you wish to lay waste to my Underworld Valley, dont leave! You may here forever!" A silhouette flew in, accompanied by a violent, ghoulish wind. Ice and Frost guffawed, not at all frightened by the specter and continued to advance. Instantly, the sky and air were filled with ice and frost while the ghastly wind continued to billow angrily. Suddenly, a golden light erupted in the air. Venerable Lord Ice immediately understood the implications of that light. His expression paled, and he shouted, "Frost! Lets go!" Venerable Lord Frost frowned as heard the call to retreat. The frost in his palm had already condensed into life and he was waiting to channel his power in an all-out; he turned to ask reluctantly, "What is it?" Venerable Lord Ice passed the golden light into Frosts hand. As the latters divine sense seeped into the light, he suddenly let out a sharp earth-shattering cry, "Who did it? Who did it?" "Lets go back!" Venerable Lord Ice urged again. "Lets go!" Venerable Lord Frost was enveloped in chilling ice and frost as he rose into the air and howled in agony, "Who dares to do this?" Even as he screamed his curses, he continued to fade away until he had vanished utterly. Venerable Lord Ice spun around and the mystical ice on the ground disappeared. His arms rested on his back as he squinted with a slight frown; he looked at the people in the concourse coldly and said, "This blood debt shall be calculated on another day. Concourse of the Underworld, do take care. Remember not to die in someone elses hands!" Before the other party could answer, he, too, had soared into the sky. With a wave of his hand, a trail of ice appeared in the air, a thousand feet long, reflecting thousands of rainbows under the radiant sunlight. In the blink of an eye, Venerable Lord Ice vanished as well. As he disappeared, the force holding a thousand feet of mystical ice in the sky dissipated, and the ice turned into countless blades that fell unto the people below with deadly accuracy. Lei Dongtian and Old Mus injuries were really only external wounds. With the Bound of Universes medical aid, they were already fine the next afternoon, even without Yun Yangs help. Yun Yang was not only openly delighted about their recovered state, he was also inwardly surprised. The medicine from the Bound of Universes Lei Family was remarkable indeed. The medicine that Lei Dongtian had stuffed into his mouth prior to this must have been of excellent quality as well! 336 This Pit Is Too Large! Although all the medicine possessed by Lei Dongtian were of premium quality, Yun Yang was not concerned about that at the moment. He was all focusing on something else instead. It was a totally different situation compared to Lei Dongtian and Old Mu; where their minds were not directed at the Four Seasons Tower at all; Yun Yang was deeply aware of the terrifying implications of the appearance of the Four Seasons Tower. If the Four Seasons Tower were to attack with all of the masters; the outcome of the war would not be promising, despite the strength of both Lei Dongtian and Old Mu. Yun Yang was almost certain that these two would be defeated. It was a biased view to estimate the whole strength of the Four Seasons Tower through that of Venerable Lord Snow and Venerable Lord Saber! Yun Yang even suspected that Lei Dongtian and his servant would be beaten to a pulp had both of the parties come to fight against each other. Yun Yang could only sigh while thinking of this. Still, the two fools who knew nothing thought highly of themselves. How nice would it be if you were to heed my advice to seek the help of army reinforcements from back home? Yet, you are continuing to act as if you are so tough! You will be the death of me... comrade. Even as they were healing themselves, they continued to behave as if they were as tough as old boots. Yun Yang discovered that he had misjudged the situation, badly so. He had never realized that Lei Dongtian would be so inane. Although he had successfully manipulated Lei Dongtian to fight the Four Seasons Tower, the fearless and retarded character of Lei Dongtian had unnecessarily burdened Yun Yang! If only he were to heed the advice of Yun Yang to seek for the help of reinforced armies back home, Yun Yang would naturally have his ways to clear his own name. Unfortunately, he refused to do anything of the sort. Regardless of the million predictions that Yun Yang had made, this madman insisted on staying put. Not only had he refused to leave, Lei Dongtian acted as if he attached great importance upon the deep brotherhood he had had with Yun Yang! Yun Yang was extremely bewildered. Forgot about the so-called strong sense of brotherhood! You have simply caused too much harm! ... Now that Venerable Lord Saber had been beheaded , while Venerable Lord Snow had managed to escape, albeit, in a wounded state, the counterattack by the Four Seasons Tower would come any time now. They would definitely arrive in full force, and would not stop until their goal had been achieved. "Preparations must be made early!" Yun Yang heart whispered, "Otherwise, not only will I fail in making Lei Dongtian my scapegoat, I will be made his scapegoat instead. I will not be able to withstand even the side effects of a retaliatory strike. An attack against family and friends was the most common revenge adopted by the Four Seasons Tower" "Yes... It seemed like Ling Xiaozui had been forced to compromise due to this, the other day... " Now Yun Yang was seemingly Lei Dongtians most intimate and dearest friend! "How could one imagine such a misfortunate would happen in this world? Yun Yang sighed deeply. He discovered that while he was gleeful for being able to bury his two greatest enemies in the pit he had dug, he had buried himself within as well, and was unable to climb out of it. This pit was simply too large! ... "A great achievement indeed! This is the kind of greatness that surpasses the sky! " The whole body of Lei Dongtian was wrapped with bandages, his face red with the flush of extreme excitement his eyes were glittering with glorious excitement! "Never did I expect to witness the Bone of the Saber God! Not only was there the Bone of the Saber God, there was even the Bone of the Snow God, the Bone of the Ice God, the Bone of the Sword God, the Bone of the Frost God... If there are no mistakes, there will be at least another four sets of Celestial Beings'' bones! Or even more! It can now be confirmed that the five Venerable Lords of the Four Seasons Tower secrete the bones of Celestial Beings upon themselves. It was not surprising at all for Mr. Nian, the head of the Four Seasons Tower to possess the Celestial Being bone as well. It is within reason. There might be even more than one Celestial Being bone on his person!" "If I were to get it all ..." Lei Dongtians eyes were brimming with desire. Old Mu, on the other hand, was not as spirited as he was. The only feeling that Old Mu experienced was that the bones of his body felt as if they were about to shatter. After all, as he aged, his body condition was not at all like that of a young man, despite his superb cultivation base. On a normal day, he could stand toe to toe with a much younger man, especially when he wasn''t injured. However, it was only when he was wounded that he truly realized that his recovery rate was far slower than that of a youth despite the same medicinal pills being used. Old Mu was barely dared to turn over. He just lay on his bed and said, "Young master, the situation may not be that promising. The Four Seasons Tower should not be underestimated!" Old Mu truly felt the imminent crisis that was about to unfold. Just by facing Venerable Lord Saber, Venerable Lord Snow and Supreme Wind, the three people had managed to severely injure them. There was no element of being caught-off-guard here. Even if they themselves had yet to be properly ready at that time, the opposing party had been equally unprepared. Although we were not in the best condition for the battle, wasn''t the other party also caught by surprise and was wholly unprepared? The playing field was level. Apparently, Venerable Lord Snow did not exert his full force in the beginning of the battle. If he had exerted Snow Fief since the beginning, Venerable Lord Saber might not even have perished. It was a silent reminder that the combat strength of these two was only part of the Four Seasons Tower as a whole. If the four Venerable Lords of the Four Seasons Tower were to arrive at the same time, where each of their cultivation bases was almost tantamount to that of Venerable Lord Snow, including the legendary Mr. Nian, the outcome of the battle was not merely far from promising. It would be total annihilation. Furthermore, there was no one who was able to tell how great the strength of the Four Seasons Tower was. How could you know whether there were any hidden experts from the Four Seasons Tower beside the apparent Mr. Nian and the five Venerable Lords? Young master, how can you be so confident? "Of course, of course. I am completely confident." Lei Dongtian was comfortably scratching the scars on his body that were getting itchy as they healed, "Rest assured, I have my ways... you can count on me for everything!" Old Mu sighed. You have your own ways? What kind of ways do you have? If you had all these ways, why are the both of us still lying here? You can be counted on for everything. Was not it because of you that we are lying here now? A silhouette could be seen floating across the doorway. Dong Tianleng, who had bandages wrapped around his whole body, had jumped in, "Behold! Is this not the mighty and unpredictable Young Master Lei? What happened to your body? Have you been hurt? Have you actually been hurt? Who did this? Who is the one who did this? How is one able to hurt you to this extent? Tell me quickly, so that I can thank him. Oh God, who is this hero who has helped me to take revenge?" Well, one could hardly ignore that Dong Tianleng and Lei Dongtian were all wrapped in bandages. They looked comically similar as if they were brothers on the same boat. Despite their height differences and variances in their figures, they could not be told apart at a glance since their whole bodies were now covered with bandages. No matter how they were or how great their physique, all of that was downright useless at this point in time! Dong Tianleng had been suppressing himself for several days and had consciously felt as if he had finally gotten the change to take a shot at revenge for the last time! Considering the lowly character of Dong Tianleng, although he was able to let out his anger through his speech, he would not have let go any chance for revenge. Furthermore, it was such a great opportunity! Even by casting a menacing glance at Dong Tianleng, he felt that a considerable part of retaliation had been done. Coldly, Lei Dongtian glanced towards his direction and faintly uttered, "You dont have to bother about who was the one who did it; the one who had hurt me had his bones turned into ashes and his flesh ossified into the mud. If you really want to thank him, perhaps I can send you over to him? Just by waving my hand. It is really no bother at all." Dong Tianleng quickly backed away and uttered, "Perhaps it is better not to bother you. As long as I have my true intentions displayed, that should suffice. It will be more meaningful to burn more offerings for him next year!" Send me over to thank him? Are you threatening to kill me? Dong Tianleng became extremely unwilling to push his case at that point. Lei Dongtian stared at Dong Tianleng coldly and replied, "The person who hit me is dead. How about the one who had hit you?" Dong Tianleng was flabbergasted for a moment before he said, "Wait until the moment where I am invincible, I will definitely smash this person forcefully, three thousand and six hundred times!" Lei Dongtian started to chuckle, as did Old Mu. Wait until you were invincible? "Well actually, you are invincible." Yun Yang brought along a blast of cold air as he came in from the outside. "How can someone in this secular world be as lowly as you? You are invincible, just in a different way! Just like someone whose kindness is paramount, the evil one can be equally peerless!" "Boss ..." With a saddened face, Dong Tianleng uttered, "I am an honest, frank, positive, gentle and generous youth. How can you say such things about me? It would affect my mighty and positive image. If I am not able to find a wife, it would be due to the problem of my reputation..." Yun Yang burst laughing, followed by Lei Dongtian and Old Mu. Compared to the others, the lowly character of Dong Tianleng was not annoying at all, truth be told. Of course, this was on the condition that the fellow did not start being vulgar... "Boss, has the training of the mystical beasts been completed?" asked Dong Tianleng in a simpering tone. "Well, the training mission today is complete." Yun Yang smiled faintly and said, "In fact, in just another three or four days, the entire mystical beast training will come to an end. By then, you fellows can then return to your home and get lost together." "Return home? Get lost?" Dong Tianleng was shocked. He was wholly stunned by this sudden deportation order. Lei Dongtian and Old Mu looked at each other. "Well, after three days, I will be able to finalize the foundations of the mystical beast cub. As for the following training plans and teaching methods, you fellows are all familiar with them. It is of little significance to continue staying here. Not only is it a waste of time, there is a risk of getting yourselves exposed. " Yun Yang faintly smiled and said, "Its better to bring the mystical beasts back. Basically, there wouldnt be many problems for the mystical beasts to become ninth-class creatures as long as the conventional training and nurturing is done. What is more, as long as you treat the mystical beast cub with sincere feelings, it is bound to recognize you as the owner from the bottom of its heart and will remain at your side forever without betraying you, regardless of honor and shame." "By then, I will send you fellows off!" Dong Tianleng stuttered, "Let Chun Wanfeng, the three of them leave... I, for one, will not be leaving." Yun Yang stared at him with wide eyes, "Dont you tell me that you intend to continue eating for free here!" Dong Tiangleng was aggrieved, "All the three families have mystical beasts. However, I have nothing, why do I need nurturing skills?" Yun Yangs voice was filled with meaning. He replied, "Cant you just be contented? That sword of yours is even more valuable than a mere ninth-class mystical beast!" 337 Escape Upon Meeting Dong Tianleng scratched his head. The more he thought about it, the more perplexed he grew. It seemed like something unusual had happened. For the longest time since he was here, Yun Yang had never uttered such words to him, words that indicated for him to leave. Yet, now, he was clearly seeking his departure. Something had to be wrong. "You can go ahead and tell them. You are the most suitable person to do so!" Although Yun Yangs voice was soft, it was unmistakeably firm. "All right." Dong Tianleng walked out absentmindedly. After witnessing Dong Tianleng swaying out of the door, Lei Dongtian uttered in a solemn voice , "Brother Yun, dont tell me that you ... " Yun Yang smiled faintly and said, "There''s nothing to be said. Those who are supposed to leave will leave. Since sooner or later they have to leave, sooner rather than later." Lei Dongtian kept silent for a moment before saying, "Brother Yun, I believe I must have greatly troubled you recently." Lei Dongtian was definitely not a fool, nor a popinjay. Despite his arrogant and overconfident defective character, he was not the kind of person who was unable to differentiate the good from the bad. How could he not know that the actual reason behind Yun Yang urgently asking the others to leave was due to the imminent danger to the Residence of Yun? Almost all the danger that the Residence of Yun was now facing was accountable to him. Even if Yun Yang had found himself in a position against the Four Seasons Tower due to his own stand, he would never be included as one of the most targeted people in the Four Seasons Towers list! Yun Yang laughed softly, "Brother Lei, you are overthinking things. Sooner or later, I would have gone up against the Four Seasons Tower anyway!" Lei Dongtian sighed deeply. How could it not matter? The timing would have made a large difference. It was even possible that he might have totally avoided the conflict. Such a deeply affectionate relationship was difficult to be reciprocated indeed! ... Looking at Qiu Yunsan and the others who were silently packing up their things while casting puzzled glances at him, Yun Yang remained calm and silent. To have the four major families, including Dong Tianleng and the other four, as his cannon fodder had always been his plan. It was the reason he had put forward the idea of helping them to cultivate the mystical beasts. The combat strength that had been gathered before the Residence of Yun would include a repertoire of formidable skills within the four noble families. As long as the Four Seasons Tower took action, there would definitely be casualties among these people. If the casualties were heavy, the four great families would then be impacted and naturally, it would form a situation where the people would fight in dead earnest until the very end. Although there was still no chance of winning, despite the four families exhausting their utmost strength, they would be able to help Yun Yang buy some time. Considering the world-renowned name of the four noble families, they would be able to wear off some of the Four Seasons Towers forces. However, Yun Yang had suddenly changed his mind. The fact that Qiu Yunshan and the others did not retreat at all the other day when Dong Tianleng had been injured Lei Dongtian had touched Yun Yang, reminding him of his own brothers. In that instant, his heart had softened. Yun Yang had witnessed the other, the more noble, side of the four popinjays. Loyalty! Comradeship! He thought of the contributions made by the four great popinjays to him: despite the fact that a considerable part of it stemmed from utilitarian benefit, it showed that the popinjays were sincere in making friends with him. Hence, Yun Yang hesitated. If Dong Tianleng were to avoid his responsibilities and blame each other in the face of self interestIf Dong Tianleng had truly poisoned the mystical cubs from the other three families just because he was unable to find any mystical beast of his own... Yun Yang would definitely maintain his original intention as he would not feel any psychological pressure at all if he were to these people killed through his manipulations. However, things had not turned out that way. All of them favored utilitarian interests and benefits and attached great importance to them. They would also feel envy and hatred when they witnessed the achievements and gains the others made. For example, the jealousy and imbalance Dong Tianleng felt when the other three families had mystical beasts while he did not... There was also the envy and sense of injustice felt by Qiu Yunshan and the others when Dong Tianleng obtained the treasured sword, Spirited Kau ... These dark emotions displayed themselves in their expressions and speech as they could be seen casting greedy eyes at one another! However, that was all there was to it. They would not have gone overboard with their petty jealousies. When Dong Tianleng had said that he wanted to cruelly poison the other beasts, the threat was empty. In fact, nothing had been done to that end. Despite the fact that Xia Bingchuan and the others had sworn with their eyes -reddened by gritting their teeth- to snatch Dong Tinalengs sword, they did not turn their backs and instead opted to pursue justice with no hesitation when Dong Tianleng was injured by another. Although they knew that they were incapable of defeating Lei Dongtian, they still insisted on upholding that honor for their brother, even if it only meant spitting insults. All of these had not escaped Yun Yang''s observation. These were extremely precious and valuable moments which gave a much deeper insight into their characters. All the four popinjays had their own follies in their respective minds. They ridiculed and laughed, treating life as a game. However, deep down in their hearts, they had had no lust for power. It might simply be due to the fact that they had long excluded themselves from the fight of the power within their own families. It was because of such self-knowledge that, even though they were seemingly unambitious, they were able to lead a care-free life. The spirit where Qiu Yunshan the other three remained fearless and refused to recede in the face of death when faced against a master who was incapable of being defeated such as Lei Dongtian had reminded Yun Yang of his own brothers. Yun Yangs heart had softened and ached instantly. He made the decision to let them go and to remove the four of them and their noble families from the list of cannon fodder. This was the first time Yun Yang been moved by his own empathy, actively getting rid of the out-sourced help that would be advantageous to his side in the coming war! "I hope that you fellows will always live purely and truly live your lives in the future." In his heart, Yun Yang pondered silently. "At best, we would have only three or four days of peace left." "I must definitely let all of them leave within three days. If not, the situation will be completely beyond my control." ... "Qiu Yunshan and the others can leave, but how about Lingxi and Sister Lan? " Yun Yang was now considering the other problem. "How could he ensure their safety?" The last time, when he left them at the Residence of Yun, it was to ensure their safety. However, changes always happened sooner than planned. Now that Venerable Lord Snow had left and Lei Dongtian had been injured, of course, they could no longer stay outside and would have to be moved into the Residence of Yun. With the arrival of Lei Dongtian, the complications became increasingly complex. Yun Yang was not able to get rid of them, which led to a major issue; once the Four Seasons Tower made their comeback, the Residence of Yun would become a glaring target. The connection that he had with Lei Dongtian had made himself an unavoidable target of the Four Seasons Tower. Such a downside of interest was definitely unavoidable for wanting to utilize the power of Leis family to deal with the Four Seasons Tower. As for the comeback of the Four Seasons Tower this time around, not only would they be unstoppable, the attack would definitely be unprecedented, with all the elites coming in a menacing manner. The fall of Venerable Lord Saber would certainly lead to an unprecedented shock for the Four Seasons Tower. Yun Yang predicted that if it had just been slightly more serious, even Mr. Nian would have arrived in person. At that point in time, how could a small Residence of Yun withstand such a thunderous attack? Shui Wuyin had been urging himself no less than a hundred times. Evacuate quickly! Evacuate quickly! However, to have his circumstances change, how could he back down at the most crucial time? Not only was he unable to retreat, he must stay on the course to ensure that there was no room for turning about on both sides. Otherwise, it would be evident that he was provoking both sides and the situation would be out of control! Yun Yang could be seen frowning, thinking deeply. "Brother Yun, what are you thinking? Why does it seem like you are considering something?" The voice of Lei Dongtian was soft and gentle. "I am thinking ... my cousins are still in my house as guests, how can I ensure their safety? To send them away now is no longer a good way to go. It has always been the usual practice of the Four Seasons Tower to deal with the friends and relatives of the main target. Since Brother Lei is their main target, Elder Sir Mu and I will definitely be their targeted choices, including my cousins ... "uttered Yun Yang, seemingly perplexed beyond belief. "Well, this is really a problem," nodded Lei Dongtian. Suddenly his heart skipped a beat; cousins? "What cousins?" Lei Dongtian suddenly became suspicious. "I had intended to let you fellows meet since much earlier. Look!They are coming over already." Yun Yang stood up, "Cousins come, let me introduce a good friend to you, a talented fellow within the secular world." Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi arrived simultaneously. Their curious glances fell on Lei Dongtian at the same time. Lei Dongtian immediately lost interest the moment he had eye contact with the two ladies. The figures of these two cousins of YunYang were quite decent, but their faces, the skin... how could they be so ugly? It was the typical look where the body was enticing enough to induce one into committing a sin, while their faces made him wish to initiate some sort of defense! "This is Young Master Lei whom I had mentioned to you before. Doesn''t he look handsome and talented?" chuckled Yun Yang while introducing him enthusiastically. Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan instinctively knew what Yun Yang meant. Both of them stepped forward at the same time, acting affectionate. Lei Dongtian coughed twice. He then gave a hollow laugh, "The two ... um, ladies, I have injuries on my body, this is ... I''m sorry." To everyone''s surprise, he returned to his room, as if he was escaping. How could he not escape? He had witnessed the matchmaker-like expression of Yun Yang and his mouthful of compliments about him. If Yun Yang intended to introduce his cousins to me, how devastating that would be! If that was the case, it was better if I had been killed... Even though Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were in a foul mood, they could not help but chuckle secretly. The glances in the direction of Lei Dongtian''s departure were full of contempt. Little did you know that the people who had just appeared in front of you are actually the ones that you had been longing to recapture. Although the two ladies had predicted that Lei Dongtian would inevitably be fearful of their features now and could not even stand to look at them for a single moment, Lei Dongtian could be described as a nightmare to both of the ladies. No matter how calm they had appeared on the surface, how could they not tremble in terror within their hearts. However, now, they could not help but want to fool that bastard even more as revenge! "Popinjay!" Yue Rulan gave her comment about Lei Dongtian, "Frenzied, without a single trace of humanity and completely ignorant of the affairs in this secular world. Blindly arrogant and a total self-centered popinjay!" Ji Lingxi snorted and uttered, "A person deserving of death!" Yun Yang beamed faintly. His view on Lei Dongtian was not as extreme as the two ladies. Although in his mind, Lei Dongtian was a person who had to die, it did not mean that Yun Yang intended to make an object lesson out of him. 338 Renounce Exploitation and Return to My True Self! Lei Dongtian had made arrangements since the very beginning in order come into contact with Yun Yang through Dong Tianleng indirectly. He did not mercilessly kill Dong Tianleng, despite being humiliated, but plotted to befriend Yun Yang instead. He was also willing to go to the expense of sending a large quantity of premier resources just to forge diplomatic relations with him, revealing high-end, confidential secrets of the Bound of Universe. All of these had portrayed that Lei Dongtian was an extremely manipulative and ruthless character. However, Lei Dongtian had fallen prey to his own plots and calculation since the initial stage and was stuck in the pit. If the situation for both of them had been clearer, Yun Yang admitted that he might not even have the confidence to trick the other party. However, having said that, the use of tricks was to make it as if things had happened unintentionally. Wasnt it silly for one to not manipulate the other if he knew that they were both rivals? Wasnt it that very same scheme that had successfully washed away all the doubts about Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan? Under the condition that it was an unintentional meeting, it was just as simple as that. A glance was all it took. However, it was now appropriate to consider the safety of the two ladies and to find a place for them to hide! "We aren''t leaving!" The reactions of Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were exactly the same. The entire manipulative process by Yun Yang had been witnessed by both Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan. Of course, they would have known what sort of a whirlpool the Residence of Yun was now engulfed in! In the face of the forthcoming retaliation by the Four Seasons Tower, Yun Yang had trapped himself while designing the pits, even if his main target was Lei Dongtian . No matter whether one was to look at it from the viewpoint of Yun Yang as an influential character in Yutang or as the friend of Lei Dongtian, the Four Seasons Tower would definitely not exempt him. He would be the best target for a direct attack, the best choice indeed! To leave was something the two ladies were incapable of doing. After so many years of roaming the world, and after experiencing so much of joy, sorrow, departure, and betrayal of the families, Yun Yangs home could be deemed as their last warm harbor! They would not leave! The determined attitude of the two ladies had made the warmth within Yun Yangs heart surge, despite him being at his wits end. They had indeed proved themselves to be his eighth brother''s little sister and fiancee. Despite knowing that the danger was imminent, they did not seek to avoid it. However, how could I expose you girls to such danger, to place you at risk? ... "Lao Mei, Old Bai, Old Fang. The Residence of Yun will be facing some trouble. The retaliation of the Four Seasons Tower will arrive at any moment. What do you fellows think? Dont feel restrained in voicing out your ideas!" Yun Yang looked at the trio who stood in front him. "Let us fight with our all!" uttered Lao Mei in an easy tone. "As long as I am able to accompany young master, anything will do. Life or death is something that can be determined within the blink of an eye." Fang Mofei laughed in a carefree manner. "May I be excused to head to the washroom?" Bai Yixue could be seen sighing in a mournful tone. "No, you may not." "Then what can I do? It is nothing more than a fight against them! Its still early from the due date of our agreement!" The expression of Bai Yixue was filled with bitterness. Yun Yang chuckled and took out three jade boxes from his sleeve, "There are three pieces of ruby fruits in each of these boxes. You fellows should consume one later and it will help to boost your cultivation base by fifty years. The second one can help to boost your cultivation base by thirty years, the third one by twenty years. Within the following three days, eat one every day. You must boost your battle strength to new levels, increasing the means for your survival!" The eyes of Ba Yixue and the other two were instantly wide. "If what has been told by Lei Dongtian is true, the three ruby fruits will help to boost your cultivation base by a hundred years as soon as they are consumed!" Yun Yang softly said, "I wish that all of us can remain safe throughout the catastrophe." Fang Mofei and the other two began to breathe rapidly upon seeing the jade box before them, almost rendered speechless. This was a treasure from heaven and earth in every sense of the word! This was the type of treasure that, according to the legend, could help to boost the cultivation base by just consuming one of it! It was now being placed before them, for their consumption. Furthermore, there was more than one. Three for each person, a hundred years of cultivation base? Everyone knew that no matter what kind of treasure it was, only the first one could help the cultivation base of the consumer to an amazing extent, while the effect of the second one would be greatly reduced and as for the third, the effect was even far lesser than that of the second. Hence, the act of Yun Yang giving three of ruby fruits for each of them at once was but a waste. The total number of the ruby fruits for the trio would be nine and if they were to be distributed to nine people, the fruits could have helped to increase the cultivation bases of the nine people by fifty years each. The difference was apparent! However, at this point in time, Yun Yang had given the ruby fruits to only the three of them without hesitation. His high regard and sincere consideration towards them were clear. "Thank you, Young master!" Even Bai Yixue could not help but be moved by Yun Yangs act. The crazed thirst of practitioners for the improvement of their own strengths was not something that could be easily understood by the ordinary man on the street. It was simply an extreme fanaticism! After all, the act of Yun Yung giving three ruby fruits all at once was unheard of within the Tianxuan Continent! This was something that could barely be described by just the word "generous". "Unfortunately, only three of the ruby fruits can be consumed and to eat it again makes no difference with any ordinary fruit." Yun Yang sighed, "Take them and dismiss yourselves!" "It is imperative to boost your strength within these three days. We have, at best, three days of leisure left to us." "Yes, young master!" Lao Mei, Fang Mofei, and Bai Yixue were gleeful, their eyes glimmering with joy. ... Standing before Yun Yang was Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, the four great popinjays. "Boss, we really do not wish to leave. You see, what should we do when we got back to our families? They don''t take us seriously..." uttered Qiu Yunsan miserably, "How can it compare with the freedom, joy and the ability to do whatever we please here?" "Once we return, it''s basically the same as if we were locked up. There are people who will scold us by pointing their fingers right at our foreheads every day. It''s even worse than mere imprisonment ..." "That''s right." Dong Tianleng had wrapped himself like a dumpling, "There are too many elders at homeEveryone points to us and scolds us... we arent allowed to retort. Boss, can you imagine that? Its extremely torturing and appalling. " Xia Bingchuan nodded again and again, "In fact, its better to let the guards send those mystical beasts back home. Isn''t it better for us to stay on to accompany boss to have fun?" Yun Yang burst out in laughter, "Dont tell me that you are going to stay here with me for a lifetime? Sooner or later you fellows would have to go back anyway. Even if you fellows were to have fun here for a year or ten years, don''t we have to part ways at the end of the day? How can there be a meeting without separation in this world?" The four sighed together. Depression was clear in their expressions and words. Yun Yang solemnly uttered, "Four brothers, you may or may not know this,but you fellows have helped me a lot within this period of time. For that, I express my sincerest thanks." The sudden turning of Yun Yang''s style into such an official manner had all the people stunned. Feeling a little overwhelmed, a long while passed before they uttered, "Where does this even comes from, boss? if theres anything, it''s this young brother''s... " "Don''t interrupt me, let me finish!" Yun Yang took a deep breath and continued softly, "I know that although each of you has your ulterior motives, during this time, our relationship with each other wasn''t bad. We have got along pretty well." "Before you leave, I am going to render each of you a present." Yun Yang presented four jade boxes and said gently, "There is a five-hundred-year of ruby fruit within each of these boxes presented before you. Upon consuming it, and by immediately exercising your cultivation base and Qi, you are able to obtain fifty years of refined mystical Qi of cultivation base." Yun Yang faintly smiled and said, "Treat it as my farewell gift to you fellows." The four of them were dumbstruck, their minds spinning about in disbelief. What? The legendary ruby fruit? A five-hundred-year-old ruby fruit? Such a heavenly, precious opportunity, how could boss give them out so readily? One should know that every time such a legendary, precious treasure appeared within the martial world, a reign of terror would have followed! Even if some of the families were able to get their hands on such a thing, some sort of price would have to be paid. Furthermore, Dong Tianleng and the three were aware that even if their own families were able to obtain these kinds of things, they would have absolutely no part in it. However, the boss had given it to them so willingly. Am I dreaming? "Brotherhood is the most precious treasure there is. However, even if one were to possess it, it could be destroyed easily. Maybe it is just a single word or a battle of honor; the brotherhood can never be restored." Yun Yang continued seriously, "I hope that four of you... no matter when don''t ever forget this sentiment among each of you. Dont ruin it simply and dont forget such a rare fate." The four still remained dumbfounded, unable to face the reality of the situation. "Well, there is no need to wait until the future. You fellows might as well consume the ruby fruit later in the afternoon, and dont ever mention this matter to anyone. After you have finished digesting it from cultivating, just leave directly. " "Dong Tianleng, before you leave tonight, remember to come and look for me. I have other things to pass on to you." Yun Yang stood up slowly, "The presence and extinction of fate have its own affinity. We will meet each other again in the future if we''re fated to." Just as the four people had recovered their bearings, the tall and lean figure of Yun Yang had already disappeared from the room. The four were still sitting quietly, feeling the ferocious impact in their own minds. The four popinjays did not even touch the four jade boxes that contained the ruby fruits, nor did they look at them. ... Yun Yang stood quietly outside the door in silent observation. Only then did he continue on his path. His handsome face was full of serenity. However, there was a deep grimness that had never been displayed before this. "All along, I have just been thinking about how to make use of you fellows. The treasured sword, Spirited Kau, that was filled with the air of spirituality, and the three mystical beasts that had been inserted with the air of vitality as well as the four ruby fruits.Just treat them as my compensation to you fellows." Yun Yang thought in his heart silently. "Despite being popinjays, each of you can be deemed as a frank man that shows his true colors. If I was unhindered, perhaps I could really have forged ties with you fellows. However, unfortunately to forge ties with me at this moment will only bring about meaningless death at the hands of the Four Seasons Tower. " "Even your families would perish together." "Initially, I had intended to have both you and your families injured and decimated, since it has always been done this way. However, at this very last moment, I have decided to let you go." "Truth be told, each and every one of you have endeared yourself to me." ... With a face full of peace and calm and a gaze of unending depth, Yun Yang stood quietly Before the cenotaphs of Yun Zuiyue and Supreme Flame. 339 Ice That Refuses to Mel Yun Yang wiped away the pile of snow on the cenotaph and sat down, cross-legged. "I have been thinking long and hard for a while now." "Sister Yue, was this your plan all along? To pretend as if you were dead, to cover your name and to escape? You fed me so many amazing things before you left Sister Yue, if you were going to die, why did you put in so much thought?" "I can''t believe that you left, just like this." " That has been on my mind for many days. The more I think, the more doubts emerged. Sister Yue, you didnt die after all, did you?" "Fifth brother, do you know about this?" "No matter what, I can finally rest assured. All this while, my heart, and hope have been dangling and hanging on a thread. Even though I knew that it wouldn''t help much, I can''t but remain so." "Soon enough, the entire Residence of Yun might no longer exist..." "It seems like young ninth has to open a new path again ..." Yun Yangs face was bitter, "The mighty Nine Supremes, renowned and influential! Fifth brother, do you know that I always feel that you all aren''t really dead ... instead, you all have been looking up on me... but how can you be so cruel, to look at me being alone and shouldering all the burdens?" "Oh, how I wish that you all really did watch over me, looking down from somewhere, encouraging me to persist and continue on, instead of being dead... In that case, I will definitely turn against all of you when we meet and to demand a total calculation for how much you all have put me through. " "Initially I thought I had been planning well for the matter pertaining to Lei Dongtian. However, in the end, I have gotten the Residence of Yun involved. No matter how flawless the plan is, it all goes awry when it is executed! Well, how can the reality always suit ones wishes? I''ll just let bygones be bygones. However, the development so far is still within the plan. I have been preparing to deal with the matter. However, the issue has taken many twists and turns, and in the end, the Residence of Yun will inevitably be exposed... " "After this incident and a thorough check is made, it is impossible for the Four Seasons Tower to miss out the fact that I am the current Supreme Wind..." "The danger and uncertainty of the future are becoming increasingly set in stone." "However, no matter how hard it is, I''ll carry on and persist until the day we meet!" "That day will come... that day will definitely arrive!" ... Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were standing in front of the window, watching Yun Yang, who was sitting quietly on the snowy ground. Both of the ladies felt a strange feeling surge through their hearts as they gazed upon the peaceful scene. Despite being in this worldly realm, Yun Yang gave them an impression that he was standing above the clouds, lonely, dreary and desolate. He was a piece of ice that refused to melt, isolated from the rest of the world and discouraging strangers from coming near. There were so many precious and valuable emotions in this world, yet none of them seemed to relate to this Young Master Yun that was sitting before them! He seemed to have rejected and refused all goodness and warmth, turning away everything and anything that could soften his heart. He had always portrayed a bearing that was elegant and gentle. However, his kind of gentleness and elegance was sterile and cold, a behavior that most people would find hard to approach and harder to accept. Just like now. He was sitting alone on the snow ground, radiating a strong sense of resistance and contrast. Resisting everything and anything that came close to him. He would rather remain lonely and desolate. "Why?" whispered Yue Rulan as her fine brows creased in puzzlement. "Why?" Yue Rulan frowned as she murmured the question in a low voice. Ji Lingxi felt her heart aching. She wished to get closer to him, yet he had been too stubborn to allow her to do so. Rejecting her advances again and again, with great determination. Every time she felt as if their gap had been narrowed, Yun Yang would always actively, consciously or unconsciously, widen the distance again, back to a frigid state. Yun Yang finally stood up. He smiled forlornly, and a mist of warm breath left his lips. Within the freezing cold and snowy atmosphere, the long breath was like a white dragon, rushing out of his mouth and slowly fading away. It seemed like he had exhaled all the warmth that he had received from this world. His spine remained straight as a sword, his body stiff and upright. After standing quietly in that position for a while, he then turned around and walked towards her direction. "Elder cousin Yun?" Upon looking at Yun Yang''s expression, Ji Lingxi felt the pangs of fear and anxiety. The panic was not for herself, but for Yun Yang. The Yun Yang she was looking at now was no longer the one that she had spent days, mornings and nights with. He seemed to have donned a layer of icy armor, and swathed a cloak of cold reticence about himself. It was yet another layer of aloofness. Ji Lingxi could sense from her heart that Yun Yang was growing increasingly distant, and this made her extremely anxious. Yun Yang seemed like a lonely cloud above the sky, drifting away from the worldly realm, floating higher and higher while becoming more and more elusive, to the point that it was beyond reach. "There is nothing to worry about." Yun Yang beamed gently, "I have brought along some valuables for the both of you." "What kind of valuables?" asked Ji Lingxi with an aching heart as she stared into Yun Yang''s eyes. You wish to remain like this? Won''t your heart feel tired? So much pain, endless stress, and so many other burdens. All of these have been placed on you, weighing down your heart. Yet, you have suppressed all of it, facing your people with such a calm and gentle face, without willing to expose any of the emotions that churn within you. When you face the enemy, you ridiculed him. You were cold and decisive, you were... All of those things, they were not you. Why, oh why do you refuse to lower down your guard and relax for a moment when with us, your own people?" "Of course, these are the most valuable of valuables." Yun Yang smiled brightly, " These things are hard to be obtained. In order to extort this from the hands of Lei Dongtian, I had to resort to trickery and the exertion of a whole lot of effort!" "These are three pieces of ruby fruits. Take one daily for three days, they will able to help increase your cultivation base by a hundred years." Yun Yang took out two jade boxes and handed one to Ji Lingxi and another one to Yue Rulan, "You must eat these in three days time as, after that, there wont be much room left for leisure." "Also, here are ten seven-colored jades. Each of you take five. You can use it as an auxiliary to accelerate your cultivation base when you practice in the future. Half the work but twice the effect so the cultivation improvement can be faster!" Yun Yang handed over two small boxes again. Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi instinctively felt that something was wrong. "The enemy is approaching soon. You should consume the ruby fruits first, to enhance your cultivation bases and battle strength. Since both of you are not willing to leave, then it is necessary to enhance your strength." Yun Yang said, "This is the only way I can think of to safeguard your lives. No matter what, to increase the means of survival is important at all times." Upon hearing that, the eyes of the two ladies brightened together. The fact that Yun Yang gave out the ruby fruits was secondary. What the two ladies really cared about was the fact that this bastard had finally decided not to get rid of us. ... That night, the spiritual Qi in Residence of Yun was overflowing! It was all engulfed with the special vibes of a cultivation base breakthrough. The experts of the four noble families were nervous and tense. What has happened? What is going on here? Why did it seem like there were people experiencing breakthroughs in every direction? Even their own young masters were experienced breakthroughs. Cultivating? What the hell was going on? Yun Yang appeared in a timely manner and gave an explanation. "These are the practice resources given by Young Master Lei. I had given each of that to your young masters." Yun Yang explained, "Just a little, but it was distributed equally and fairly. When you folks are leaving later, do make sure that they are being well-monitored and to urge them to work on the cultivation digestion. Otherwise, I am afraid that the four lazy fellows will waste this opportunity. If thats the case, it will then be a lifetime of regret!" Only then had the bodyguards of the four families realize the truth. With faces filled with gratitude, all of them had uttered "Thank you, Young Master Yun." "You''re welcome." Yun Yang let out a faintly reserved smile, "I wish you all a safe journey. We shall meet again in the future." "Thank you, young master. We also wish that young master will remain in peace and joy. We shall meet again." ... On that night, after Dong Tianleng had finished upgrading his cultivation base and healed all his injuries, he had snuck into Yun Yangs room and whispered, "Boss, what do you have to pass on to me?" The fact that Yun Yang had personally sought help from him had made Dong Tianleng feel extremely proud and honored! He was the first of the boss'' disciples. Of course, his friendship must have greatly differed from the others! At that point in time, Dong Tianleng was so energetic he could rip a Bear of Earth apart with his bare hands! By consuming the ruby fruit, Dong Tianleng felt as if he had turned invincible! This feeling of excitement and pleasure surged through him. He felt as if he was floating on air,instead of walking. If not for a certain weight beneath his crotch, he would have floated away into the sky. "I want to ask you to ..." Yun Yang stopped and looked at Dong Tianleng critically. Yun Yang had noticed the expression on the other man''s face. Initially, the reason Dong Tianleng had come to Yun Yang was to ask him what kind of work was to be passed on to him. However, the conceited and boastful look that Dong Tianleng wore the moment he met Yun Yang, was one of conceit and eager arrogance. Look at his eagerness, his wild ambition was apparent yet he was still trying to hide it. "Boss, you might not know this," Dong Tianleng was sitting on the edge of Yun Yangs bed while shaking his butt, "I have never been so strong in my entire life!" With a blank face, Yun Yang looked at him and remained speechless. He even began to doubt whether his decision was the right one. Was it appropriate to entrust the affair to this person? Would it not be too risky? "It is gratifying!" Dong Tianleng uttered gleefully, "It is too joyful indeed! Never would I have imagined that such a great opportunity would have fallen on me. When I get home, f*ck, I will put up a low-profile front. If theres someone who wishes to test me, I will then show it off, little by little ... to make them feel shocked once and for all, shocked to the extent of doubting their own lives! " "I want to attack the so-called genius of the family, to the extent of them losing all their honor!" "Lets see who else dares to underestimate me. Whats wrong with the popinjay? How is it that popinjays can''t achieve anything?" "Your father will become be the most unscrupulous yet most talented popinjay in the world!" Upon thinking of his bright future, Lei Dongtian laughed deafeningly while holding his waist. Yun Yang could clearly see the red tongue that was jumping flexibly within his mouth ... Yun Yang turned from momentary silence into complete shock. Little did he know that Dong Tianleng would possess such intelligence! Was it not the trick of the main character in some novels? F*ck, Dong Tianleng, don''t tell me you wish to become the main character now? 340 What Are You Laughing At? The more Dong Tianleng thought about it, the more excited he was. His two eyes were fantasizing about the beauty of his future. The thought of the shocked expressions of others had excited him, to the extent as if he was experiencing an orgasm. With a slant of his body, he then lied on Yun Yang''s quilt. He clapped both of his hands forcefully on the quilt, guffawing and laughing outrageously and wantonly. He was in high spirits, and his mirth seemed to be without end. Yun Yang was speechless once again. After a long time--, he could stand it no longer. "Are you about done? How long more do you still wish to laugh?" "Will you stop?" a stern voice admonished the maniacal fiend. "Alright, alright, I''m done... "Dong Tianleng gasped, short of breath. His eyes were filled with tears of mirth. Yun Yang looked at him blankly and remained silent for a long while. Dong Tianleng finally calmed down and settled his body comfortably. Yun Yang''s attention was then immediately on his quilt. The icy chill within his glance was apparent. Dong Tianleng''s expression immediately grew stiff. His hand hurriedly extended themselves to heal the fold, yet he saw a wet spot on it. It was his saliva that he had accidentally left behind when he laughed his head off earlier. Upon realizing that the situation was simply not acceptable, Dong Tianleng then clumsily wiped over the remnants. Another man''s body fluids that were left on another mans quilt was absolutely intolerable! Yun Yang was expressionless. His face muscles twitched slightly. Intentionally or unintentionally, his eyes went to Dong Tianlengs rear end. Instantly, Dong Tianleng felt that something was not right. He then stood up awkwardly, and forcefully bowed from his waist. In a pandering and humble way, he uttered, "Boss... I am here ... I am herewhat am I here for again? " Yun Yangs eyes were empty. What kind of person was he? Dong Tianleng then staggered backward, apologizing as he walked, "Just look at me, I have stained your quilt, accidentally of course ... this is ... that ... boss, do remember to wash it later. Dont ever let anyone see it so that no one will think that you have wet your own bed..." Yun Yang rubbed his face in despair. The murderous intent in him was overflowing and was difficult to suppress. Dong Tianleng continued to back away, "Boss ... It''s nothing, really ... thats just a pile of snot, you can handle it. After all, you have not done that something lest people think you really did do something... In fact, it does not matter at all. All men will do that something if one really didn''t do the real thing then it will truly be something Nevertheless, that something is after all ... it isn''t good to be misunderstood, in this case." Yun Yang stared at the jabbering man. He was, in fact, absolutely lost. What had the fellow just said? What nonsense was this? Upon seeing Yun Yangs expression turn from ice to utter confusion, Dong Tianleng thought of something. His laughing point then surged up to its peak. He burst out laughing madly and couldnt catch his breath. Unable to close his mouth, it seemed like he would actually die from laughter. Yun Yang was speechless. "What mental illness have you contracted, you idiot? What are you laughing at again?" "Hahaha ..." Dong Tianleng was getting more and more excited. His laughter turned into wheezing as he ran out of air to laugh with. Bang! Yun Yang inexplicably felt that he had been insulted. With a ferocious kick, Dong Tianleng flew out, as if he was being carried by the clouds, plunging on the snowy ground. Yet, he continued to laugh ceaselessly. One of the experts from Dong Family carefully asked, "Young master, why have you been kicked out? Have you asked what exactly does Young Master Yun wish us to do? Well ... what are you laughing at? Did Young Master Yun press on your laughing acupoint? " Upon hearing that, Dong Tianleng sobered up instantly. With a slap on his thigh, he uttered, "Whoops, I have forgotten about the main affair!" Several Dong Family experts who were waiting outside were at a loss for words. How could you forget about it? What did you do inside? How could laughing be treated as something important? We truly wondered, what exactly was going on inside? You just f*cking laughed like a seal. Did you speak about going home and pretending to be low key? Those were good plans, but did you really think that all of us here waiting outside were deaf? For Young Master Yun to call you an idiot was too much of an honor. You''re a f*cking dimwit, the worst that your father has ever encountered in so many years of living! Dong Tianleng hurriedly got up and ran back in again. "Get out!" Yun Yang let out an earth-shattering roar. "Uh ... " Dong Tianleng was extremely embarrassed, "I came here to ask ..." "Ask nothing!" exclaimed Yun Yang furiously, "What were you laughing at just now? What something is that something? What the f*ck were you talking about?" "What is that something? I was just laughing ..." Dong Tianleng suddenly recalled the conversation earlier. A tinge of laughter surged through him again. He then opened his mouth wide, ready to let loose another guffaw. He found himself flying back out again, with a shriek. The handful of Dong Family experts outside were truly speechless this time. Could this idiotic fellow actually handle the matter? Do you even know how to talk or manage things? Could you at least portray a decent image of yourself? The rage of the few people outside instantly grew uncontrollable. Accompanying the rage, evil thoughts emerged. Regardless of the fact that Dong Tianleng was their young master, they then brutishly rushed towards him and stuffed a big lump of snow underneath his shirt after pulling apart his collar! We dare you to laugh once more! Laugh again, why don''t you? "Owww ..." Dong Tianleng desperate shrieks were shrill and carried far across the sky. ... Dong Tianleng could be seen shivering the third time he walked in. His face was pale and his lips were green, "Boss ... what ... what can I help you ... what... what... what ... what do you want me to do?" He had almost frozen to death. I can no longer feel any warmth in my body or even my very soul! Were these my bodyguards? Not only did they have stuff snow into my clothes, they even sealed away my mystical Qi... How could there be such undisciplined bodyguards in this world? Well, it was more than one, it was the entire group! "Why do I always meet this kind of eccentric people..." Dong Tianleng felt as if his days were numbered. Yun Yang stared coldly at him. Feeling a sudden surge of laughter threatening to engulf him again, Dong Tianleng almost burst out laughing. Luckily, thanks to the cold in his body which had yet to dissipate, it reminded him to hold on. While trembling, he uttered, "Boss what kind of order do you have ... II.I ... this young brother ... ahchoo, ahchoo! ... I will execute it wholeheartedly, ahchoo ... without any complaints..." The confidence that Yun Yang felt on whether to pass on the matter to Dong Tianleng had gradually diminished. This fellow was simply too unreliable. "It would be better for me to think this through... You should leave first." Dong Tianleng stumbled outwards in an extremely confused state. Whatwhat is happening? Was he pulling my leg? Seeing Dong Tianleng walk out in a confused state once again, the few elders of the Dong Family was downright exasperated. "Sigh..." Everyone had let out a long breath of frustration. The feeling of powerlessness in their hearts had reached dangerous levels. What an unfortunate life we lead. Life was already extremely difficult. To make things worse, they had to meet such a young master. What a ''bright'' future there was ahead of them! ... The next morning, Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan, and Qiu Yunsan had packed all their belongings and come forward to bid farewell to Yun Yang. However, they found out that Dong Tianleng was dispirited and listless as if his whole body was covered with fog and he had lost his very soul. "What happened to you?" asked Chun Wanfeng attentively. Dong Tianleng stared wide-eyed at his counterpart, "How would I know what has happened to me? If I were to know what has happened, theres no need even for you to ask about it. You are too idle, arent you?" The good intentions of Chun Wanfeng were being rewarded with a trashy attitude. He immediately riled up, and he uttered, "You f*cking have taken the wrong medicine, haven''t you?" "What medicine you are talking about? Are you able to cure it?" Dong Tianleng retorted bluntly, "Get lost! Stop blocking your father''s sight by standing before me! Get lost! Get lost! Quickly!" The rage of Chun Wanfeng was being instigated as if his stomach was full of stool. How could you ruin my mood so early in the morning? Why did I even bother to care for you? How could you be such an arrogant b*stard? "Are you going to leave then?" Chun Wanfeng glared at him. "Its none of your business!" Dong Tianleng glared right back. As if he had discovered a new continent, Dong Tianleng then uttered, "Hey, the three of you... Why aren''t you wearing the green robes? Why are you all not wearing the green hats? Three uncredited, shameless b*stards! Quickly wear them! Faster, and gleefully! That is why I have been feeling uncomfortable these days. It turns out that it is you few rascals who have lost your accountability to me, a group of unscrupulous lowly b*stards!" Qiu Yunsan, Xia Bingchuan, and Chun Wanfeng were dumbfounded. After remaining speechless for a long while, they then stared at Dong Tianleng with blue veins visibly popping out on their foreheads. How could you still remember all of these in such a situation? The trio was speechless. They decided not to care about this fellow anymore and went to bid farewell to Yun Yang instead. We dont bother whether you want to leave or not! "Conflict in the martial world has begun, returning home will ensure your safety. Return home soon." Yun Yang said soothingly, "We will part ways here." Qiu Yunsan and the other two felt as if there was something wrong, though, on the surface, everything seemed to be normal and calm. Still, there were superb figures like Lei Dongtian and Old Mu in the Residence of Yun now. Nothing dire would happen with them around. "Boss, take good care of yourself too!" The trio was extraordinarily sincere as they uttered this, "The future is long ahead. Dont ever forget about our families and this brother of yours. No matter what, just a note from boss and we as brothers will definitely go all out to help you without a single complaint!" "I know you all mean well. Thank you! Take care!" Yun Yang smiled. The trio then took the mystical cubs which were still sleeping. For those who were able to recognize the mystical beasts, they would definitely able to feel the difference of these three mystical cubs. Although their base nature remained the same, their futures were now boundless. The people from the three families then bowed toward Yun Yang, "Young Master Yun, thank you so much!" Yun Yang nodded, "We shall meet again in the future." He looked up and witnessed the dark clouds in the distant. He mumbled within his heart...it seemed like the winter storm was approaching. Chun Wanfeng and the others took a few steps back. Dong Tianleng came forward and in an extremely forlorn manner, he asked, "Boss, what was it that you mentioned before this?" "Nothing. Its all right now!" Yun Yang had made his decision to not use Dong Tianleng anymore. He rifled through his brain to find an excuse and then he explained, "You may return together now! Theres nothing much. I just wanted your help to find some Hade''s Herb. However, after thinking about it, I feel like its quite difficult to find it intentionally as it all depends on luck. Its better for me to find it myself when I have the time." 341 Pocketing Any Obtainable Advantage! "Hades Herb?" Dong Tianleng''s ears perked up. "Boss, dont you worry. I will find you one, even if I have to go find it in Hell." "Great, you do that." Yun Yang cupped his palm over his fist and said aloud, "Four brothers of mine, friends, a happy meeting shall always end. Let us not forget this day no matter where we are. The martial world is vast, the world is wide. We shall meet again in the future!" "Young Master Yun, take care!" "Boss, take care!" Dong Tianleng and his cohorts turned back as they walked out of the Residence of Yun together. Their last sight of Yun Yang was the man in his usual purple robes, standing in the snow, looking tall and lean while wearing a handsome smile; his elegance was extraordinary, like a beautiful portrait. All four of the popinjays unexpectedly felt their hearts clench at the same time; they almost started weeping in sorrow. "Boss, take care" Their voices were tinged with a sob. Yun Yang waved his hand softly, a mien of blessing colored his gaze as he muttered in his heart, "The four of you take care as well. We will meet again in the future if were fated to." The people from the four noble families had finally left. Lei Dongtian had stood behind Yun Yang with his arms behind his back for some time now, watching the retreating backs of the group and asked faintly, "Why didnt you let them stay? Why make them leave?" Yun Yang kept quiet for a moment, chuckling softly, but did not deign to explain himself. "They do not possess a high cultivation base, but they can still fight, and we would have the advantage in numbers. If necessary, they can still be used, even as a means of slowing the enemy down," Lei Dongtian said. Yun Yang replied softly, "If I had kept them here, Im afraid that not a single one of the hundred and thirty-five of them could stay alive in the end." "That''s the reason you let them go?" Lei Dongtian asked incredulously. Yun Yang nodded and said, "Since their strengths are limited, why keep them? Theyll only expose our flaws further!" Lei Dongtian kept silent for a moment. How could he not know that Yun Yang was only speaking reservedly? He could also tell that Yun Yang did not want the people from the four noble families to die in this battle due to his relationship with the four young masters. Otherwise, they would not be able to face the wrath of their families, whether the four young masters survived or not! Yun Yang got hold of his emotions and turned back to look at Lei Dongtian, uttering seriously, "Brother Lei, if you were like them, Id send you away as early as I can too! Its not a lie when I say our short friendship feels like a lifetime!" Lei Dongtian felt a warmth in his heart as he said, smiling, "Truly?" Yun Yang answered, "Even now, I still hope that Brother Lei will consider leaving and returning home to avoid the Four Seasons Tower!" Lei Dongtian felt his heart warm with a surge of emotions. "My good brother! I wont leave." He turned to look at Yun Yang. "I apologize for dragging you into this whirlpool of muddled water. Dont worry, I shall ensure your safety! Worse come to worst, you and I shall die together!" These words were spoken sincerely by Lei Dongtian from the bottom of his heart without a hint of pretense. "Brother Lei!" Yun Yang exclaimed, deeply touched. "Brother Yun!" Lei Dongtian replied, moved as well. In the residence, Old Mu watched the two men in the snow through his window and felt a hint of wonder.Was there such genuine brotherhood in this world? Its simply too precious. For the young lord to meet this Yun Yang this time, it was all worth it, no matter the aspect of cultivation base, practice or friendship Similarly, Bai Yixue watched the two men in the snow through his own window and felt nothing but admiration. My young master is really a gifted genius! This is obviously one legendary con man! The biggest swindler since the beginning of time! The unprecedented all-around actor! An absolute crook no one can surpass! The wildest wonder to ever exist! "Brother Lei, this brother really has something that requires your help." "What is it? Speak! If I can do it, you need not say another word." "Seeing that the big battle is impending, my pills and medicine here" Yun Yang found it difficult to speak honestly. "I hope Brother Lei can help me prepare for the rainy days." "Absolutely!" Lei Dongtian chortled easily and said, "Speaking of which, its this older brothers fault. I should not have forced you to ask. I should be penalized indeed. Here you go." His finger swiped to his right and said, "Are thirty of these enough?" "More would be better. My subordinates arent the most skilled of practitioners, but their loyalty is without a doubt. I believe that the more capital we have to ensure our lives, the more it will benefit this battle," Yun Yang replied. Lei Dongtian laughed. "Then Ill give you a hundred. Here are ten bottles of pills for internal injuries and ten bottles of pills for external wounds. There are ten pills in each bottle. Here are a hundred portions of medicine for external application and here are a hundred portions of medicine for bones and meridians" "Thank you so much!" Yun Yang looked extremely grateful. "Brother, you would yourself in danger for me. How can mere medication be worthy of mention?" Lei Dongtian exclaimed. Yun Yang stored everything in his ring before asking worriedly, "Brother Lei, youve given me a lot of high-quality medication. What about yourself? Its not that this young one doesnt believe in your capability, but this the weapons dont pick their target" Lei Dongtian replied with great assurance, "Dont worry, I still have twenty portions of these with me. Its enough for us." He then continued proudly, "They won''t find it so easy to hurt us." "For that, Im really relieved," Yun Yang said, comforted. In the room, Bai Yixues expression underwent spasms. The man only had a hundred and twenty portions of those top-grade medicines, but Yun Yang had managed to swindle a hundred of them This was not merely generous; he had basically given almost all of what he had to Yun Yang and kept only a little for himself. Bai Yixue completely believed that if Yun Yang were to sell something Lei Dongtian now, the latter would even help him raise the price tag gleefully and count the money for him! This was an unquestionable fact! "Brother Lei?" "Speak, my brother. Theres no need to be apprehensive between us brothers, speak easily." "It''s like this. This younger brother has a lot of queries regarding cultivation. My older brother is an expert in cultivation. I wonder" "Speak, speak of any doubts you have. This older brother shall answer them for you! Not to toot my own horn, but Im really adept and know more than you. One cant go about cultivation carelessly" After a very long time. "Brother Lei." "Speak, my brother!" "This young brother has consumed three ruby fruits yesterday and felt that Ive gained a lot, but I still find it difficult to diffuse the medicinal strength and use it as my own. I guess I need a catalytic process. If Brother Lei is free can you help me? The process to hasten the absorption of medicinal strength as my own" Time was running out. Yun Yang was instinctively pocketing any advantage he could get his hands on, making endless requests as time permitted. "Yes, I have been careless about this. I should have helped you train. The earlier you absorb all the medicinal strength, the more you have to protect yourself with! Its decided! This older one will train with you. Dont worry, brother. You need not worry about the instability of your own realm, this older brother will control my power precisely and condense the entire process into one and a half days. As long as you can take it emotionally, I can stabilize and solidify your cultivation base, melting all of the hundred years of cultivation base into you!" "Thats great!" In the one and a half days that followed, Lei Dongtian stuck close to Yun Yang. They were either practicing with each other or training together, being closer than even Siamese twins. Lei Dongtian kept his word strictly, controlling his training power in an accurate manner and maintaining it slightly above Yun Yangs point of acceptance to ceaselessly train him. "Brother, youre a genius! Ive used a power that is an entire level above you, but I cant completely subdue you. Let me try a level and a half higher." "A level and a half didnt reach your limit either. Brother Yun, your combat ability is really impressive" "Two levels and a half Wow! Brother, this is older brothers first time seeing a genius like you with such combat sense! Ive only reached your breaking point with three whole levels higher than your cultivation base!" "Speaking of combat sense, youre the absolute first in the younger generation Ive met" "Brother Lei, youve flattered me This young brother is nothing great." "It''s still the same. Theres nothing that can be altered in cultivation. If it is, it is; if its not, its not. Theres no way to exaggerate it!" Lei Dongtian praised him formally. Yun Yang sighed, "It''s too bad that this younger ones physique is too complex No matter how hard I train and push myself, Im still inferior before a real genius. Besides, my current state will only incur anothers jealousy. Any misstep and I might attract a fatal fate." Lei Dongtian had indeed felt some sense of jealousy initially, but upon hearing what Yun Yang had said, he felt petty. He could not help feeling upset for Yun Yang and said, "Brother, dont be disheartened. Everything depends on our own doing. As long as theres enough hard work, theres nothing that cant be done. Practice makes perfect, its the principle of cultivation!" Yun Yang sighed. Lei Dongtian continued to motivate him, "Dont think unpleasant thoughts. Come, this older brother will throw you some attacks! Come on, lets perk up! Smart Brother Yun, in my eyes, you are an absolute genius, not a useless person who gets disheartened!" "When your physical strength is close to breaking down, you must persist! Go on, persevere! Continue to hold on!" 342 One Step into Heaven Realm In this single day and night, Lei Dongtian became an incredible instructor, one that was akin to a model textbook! Under his unreserved training, Yun Yang acquired a hundred years of cultivation base within a single sitting. The cultivation base was stabilized, condensed and entirely merged into his being at a flying speed, turning into an extension of his own real combat power. Yun Yangs cultivation realm had two breakthroughs amidst the process. The hundred years of cultivation base acquired from consuming the ruby fruits could lead Yun Yang directly to a breakthrough, but Yun Yang had suppressed his cultivation base at the pinnacle of the eighth peak, based on his individual suppression and especially Emmies assistance. Yun Yang and Emmie worked together in internal suppression through the exceptional cultivating atmosphere, continuous high-pressure battles, and the frequent visits of his own breaking point while Lei Dongtian trained and pressed him externally. Upon stifling the breakthrough, they continued grinding again, repeating the process After seven to eight cycles, Yun Yangs cultivation base was forced to the limit of eighth peak pinnacle. Without any further room to improve, he advanced directly to the ninth peak! A dozen similar repetitions later, he managed to break through to Tenth Perfection Realm! This was the known limit by cultivators in the Tianxuan Continent C an ultimate realm that could not be reached unless one was the worlds top cultivator. In spite of this, it was only a stage for Yun Yang C a starting point for an all-new cultivation realm. Lei Dongtian, who understood the significance of this stage, did not pause in his efforts as well, forcing Yun Yang to continue his breakthrough and training. Throughout the entire night, they did not stop, not even to rest. Finally, when dawn was about to break, Yun Yang suddenly felt his exhausted body turn light. The impurities within him had evaporated; even his brain, that was muddled from the grueling training, regained clarity. His movements turned smooth and easy, his body responded immediately to his thoughts. His deific consciousness had even increased tenfold! All signs screamed that Yun Yang had finally entered a new cultivation realm. He had achieved the heavenly realm of mystical Qi C first tier of heaven realm! Lei Dongtian had been restraining Yun Yangs breaking point, helping him stabilize his foundation and urging him forward all the way to the pinnacle of first heaven in the mystical Qi heaven realm. The efficacy of the ruby fruits had finally come to a head! Yun Yangs improvement in this entire day and night was no different from taking one step straight into heaven. Yun Yang, who had entered the first tier of heaven realm, had indeed entered heaven C was it not so when he had improved from peak realm to heaven realm? It was only a day, but Yun Yangs cultivation base and combat abilities were reforged anew! When they stopped, even Yun Yang could not believe in his own success, that he could actually charge to such heights within a night without the help of Emmies mythical power! Old Mu watched the process through his window, feeling all sorts of emotions run through him. Young master was indeed being sincere in his brotherhood with this Yun Yang! Throughout the night, he had done so much in helping the other in his breakthroughs. Back in those years when his young master had his breakthrough, he could not even manage to break through so many bottlenecks and limits, but he had helped Yun Yang every step of the way. Even the regrets and flaws that his young master was left with from certain causes when he broke through the last time, he had helped Yun Yang to avoid them, skip them, and fill in the gaps. "Sigh, young lord you weren''t so helpful to your own father How congenial he was to Yun Yang!" Thank God this encounter was not an ill-fated one! Thank God Yun Yang was not a woman! Thank God too that his young master was not homosexual! Thank God, thank God! Both Yun Yang and Lei Dongtian had stayed together for an entire day and an entire night. Even being exceptionally strong and skilled, Lei Dongtian was exhausted, feeling like he was sucked dry. However, Yun Yang was vibrant and full of spirit, being unprecedentedly healthy. He was glowing with a healthy flush and was absolutely at ease, with a confident grace in his bearing. "Brother Yun, youre just like a little monster!" Lei Dongtian huffed, his face pale. He felt as if this day and night was no different from being inhumanely tormented. How could this be? He was the one who was taking action and leading the development of things. Why was it that when he was so expended, Yun Yang was so full of life? Lei Dongtian did not expect this result, that there would be this day when he would be utterly worn out as a mighty Dao realm cultivator just by accompanying an insignificant ant of peak realm through his breakthroughs. It was absurd and unbelievable! For a Dao realm cultivators boundless power to aid a mere peak realm cultivators breakthrough, Lei Dongtian felt like he could do so in one sitting, even though he might have to push it through the perfusion of mystical Qi. The truth was terribly far from that. Yun Yangs resilience and viciousness shocked Lei Dongtian, frightened him even. Yun Yang had asked his tutor for simulation ceaselessly, for him to train and grind him on combat skills and mystical Qi with a superior status. Yun Yang was able to use and even outdo Lei Dongtians every sentence. Not only could he use it with ease, he was able to innovate and add his own flair to it. Lei Dongtian did not have to worry about Yun Yang not being able to comprehend his words through the entire process. The latter was like an extremely parched sponge that was thirstily sucking all the knowledge that Lei Dongtian had to give! Any combination of techniques regarding mystical Qi and combat tactics, any breakthrough experience, anything and everything! When Yun Yang was advancing to mystical Qi ninth peak from the eighth peak, Lei Dongtian had only given a word of reminder before Yun Yang could extract the principle contained within at once and push his mystical Qi to the most compatible breaking point! After further training, he had successfully achieved a breakthrough amidst a fight without any hindrance! Furthermore, Yun Yang had even countered and retaliated forcefully upon the breakthrough! He tempered his mystical Qi cultivation that had just advanced through the retaliating fight, unleashing the ruby fruits last bit of medicinal strength and utilizing it without leaving out any bit of it. Compared to Yun Yangs ease of improvement, Lei Dongtians story was sadder. He had to control his power in case he accidentally injured Yun Yang while accurately maintain the tempo according to Yun Yangs prowess and become the most efficient yet cautious training partner. Of course, he did not mind maintaining such a state. In fact, it was gratifying! Seeing someone so capable of comprehending and absorbing each and every word of his, the sense of achievement was undoubted for Lei Dongtian, especially when he was moving at such an extreme speed. Therefore, Lei Dongtian had unknowingly followed Yun Yangs tempo throughout the process. Then, he witnessed the birth of a miracle! For one whole day and night, the hundred years of cultivation base provided by the three ruby fruits had allowed a person of mystical Qi eighth peak to charge all the way to first tier pinnacle of the heaven realm; granted the fact that there was a solid foundation in every step. Even then, it seemed like there was more that could be done like there was still room for further achievements. Lei Dongtian could not help feeling the impulse of taking in a disciple So this was what it feels like to educate another person! How happy and gratifying it is to be teaching someone! "All these are thanks to Brother Leis attentive teaching. This young brother thanks you sincerely." Yun Yang smiled abashedly. Lei Dongtians gaze at Yun Yang right now was filled with misgivings. When everything had ended, he realized that he had nothing else to teach Yun Yang in every other aspect except that his own cultivation base was still much higher than that of Yun Yang. Yun Yang had really dug him clean and spotless in this short amount of time. Lei Dongtian, who was still wondering about the hollowness he felt, suddenly experienced a repulsive thought that could not be stopped. His own shine would have to be stifled if such a genius was to grow When the world had Yun Yang, would there still be Lei Dongtians time reign of dictating nine heavens?! If so, did he want to kill him and nip the issue in the bud first? The thought was forcefully kept away in the recesses of Lei Dongtian''s mind. That would be a concern for the future! Not only did Yun Yangs utilization value still exist, Lei Dongtian had invested so much in him; he could not simply destroy him. He had also formed a deep brotherhood with Yun Yang and the cauldron of Seven Emotions Praxis was taking shape. How could he let Yun Yang die before the time of cultivation came? Forget it. The better he was treating Yun Yang, the deeper Yun Yang would feel for him, and the more violent the retaliation process of the seven emotions would be later. Besides, the higher Yun Yangs cultivation base was, the stronger the basic Yang energy he could get when he got his way. He was still on the receiving end of benefits; he did not need to be impatient lest things went out of control. Yun Yang acutely sensed the flash of maliciousness in Lei Dongtians eyes. "A popinjay who has never experienced much indeed. Of course, he has his ulterior motives, but thats all there is to it," Yun Yang commented in his heart indifferently. If Lei Dongtian were someone thoughtful, he would have avoided key points or answered by skimming the surface when Yun Yang had raised his questions. He would never be led awry by his words. Even if he were to be led on by a moment of distraction, he would not show the jealousy and abhorrence so obviously and so quickly just after teaching his pupil so wholeheartedly. Lei Dongtian did not achieve either of those. Such a character was not meant for great things! In Yun Yangs eyes, such a high-level cultivator had only that C an extremely high cultivation base; there was nothing else that was exemplary! "Its really a pity. With so many resources to assist me, and with Brother Leis wholehearted effort,I can only be pushed to the first tier of heaven realm." Yun Yang sighed, "I was thinking that the hundred years of cultivation base could make me advance to the fourth or fifth tier of heaven realm immediately." Lei Dongtians train of thoughts was diverted immediately as he replied, "You wish! If the three ruby fruits medicinal power was wholly used for advancement and breakthroughs, its not impossible to forcibly push you to fourth or fifth heaven. However, the thoughtless advancement means the lack of a solid foundation. Lacking a solid base will deter a far and long cultivation journey C this is the simplest logic. Such improvements with a solid foundation like yours are the real sense of improvement, without any hidden danger. There is an only beneficial advancement. The pros and cons of these two can be easily seen!" Lei Dongtian snorted, "Dont you understand? As a more direct example, both sand and mud can be used to build houses. However, using such materials as opposed to using steel and marble to make the houses foundation C which one is better? Which one will last longer? Even if the latter cant stand against the wind and rain, it triumphs the formers inability for permanency and is far better than for the house to collapse in the future!" "I see." Yun Yang grinned in embarrassment. "Brother Lei knows so much. Your words always hit the right spot, landing so much higher than where Ive set my eyes on." Lei Dongtian spoke like he was teaching Yun Yang a lesson, "Brother Yun, you must remember. No matter what it is, the base must be solid first. Otherwise, there will only be regrets and its no use crying over spilled milk!" Yun Yang accepted the teaching humbly. Old Mu who was at the window, sighed. Young lord, you are right. However, Yun Yangs foundation is already very much like concrete Its you who didnt achieve that. The several points you have mentioned you didnt do those either!" 343 Belle As Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan watched Yun Yang and Lei Dongtian battle and train each other, had different thoughts running through their heads. Yue Rulan was thinking, "This Young Master Yun is intelligent and thoughtful, with great foresight. Hes a rare talent and will definitely become an influential figure in the future. Lingxi is really, really lucky to have found such a man!" Ji Lingxi was thinking, "This man is really cunning, to be able to get along so well with his own enemy. I think he can lead this idiot along by the nose to his death! He''s a manipulative b*stard... But I''ll be damned if he isn''t a charming one!" On that night, Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were exchanging whispers in their room when someone suddenly knocked on their door. Yun Yangs voice came drifting in, "Are you ladies asleep?" "Lingxi, go open the door!" Yue Rulan rolled her eyes. "Your crush is here!" Ji Lingxi wore a dark expression as she retorted, "What is this bastard doing here so late? Surely he is up to no good. Handsome men are never with good intentions; how befitting of him!" She was still grumbling as she stood up to open the door. "Not asleep yet?" Yun Yang entered the room with a swirl of his robes. Ji Lingxi mocked him the instant he stepped, "Does it look like were asleep? If were asleep, would you dare enter? If we were asleep, who opened the door for you?" Yun Yang rubbed his face tiredly. "Ive asked a stupid question. It is good that you are still awake. I have with me here a good quality tea, let us try it together. I have heard Lingxi proclaim that Sister Lan is an expert in tea-tasting." Yue Rulan glanced at Ji Lingxi before saying, "Lingxi really has no secrets in front of you, does she? I guess she has already sold what secrets we have left to us." Ji Lingxi blushed and rolled her eyes at Yun Yang, feeling slightly puzzled as she thought, "Since when have I told him anything about Sister Lan? Why dont I recall anything of the sort? This is rather strange." As they spoke, Yun Yang had taken out a bag of tea. Just as he opened it, a rich aroma filled the room. "Great tea!" Yue Rulans eyes shone with anticipation. "That is truly a great tea. What tea is it, to have such an aroma? I have never come across tea leaves that could emit such an aroma before being brewed. It looks like my taste buds will be blessed today!" Yun Yang smiled and replied, "The name of this tea is especially befitting of Sister Lan and Lingxi. The people and the tea are exceptionally matching and reflecting off each other." "What is its name?" Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi asked together. Yun Yang had obviously gotten their interest. "The tea is called Belle!" Yun Yang said, "Take a whiff of its aroma; it smells even better when brewed. The color of the brewed tea is like the sapphire sea and sky, beautiful beyond description." "To think, that there is such an amazing tea in this world; what a fantastic grade of tea this has to be!" Both the girls grew more appreciative as their interest towards the tea increased. The tea was great, so was its name C Belle! Merely hearing the name could almost make one feel the extraordinariness of the tea. It was indeed right for the both of them to taste it. As the conversation went on, Yun Yang brewed the tea. When the water boiled, not only did the tea''s aroma grow stronger, the teas color was just like Yun Yang had said; emerald like the blue sky and crystal-clear. It was a feast for the eyes. However, Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi still felt that despite the pleasing sight, the tea still seemed to be unworthy to have the name, Belle. How could they utter this out loud, though? "Great tea! Great tea indeed!" Yue Rulan complimented. "Its deserving of the name Belle." "Lingxi, try it too," Yun Yang said smiling. Ji Lingxi picked her cup up to have a taste and said, "Good tea indeed." "The tea is good and so is the company." Yun Yang said slowly, smiling, "The reason for tonights visit is to taste the tea, but I confess that theres also something else thats more important which I have to convey." Yue Rulan asked in a soft voice, "What is it? Younger Cousin Yun can be frank with us." Before she finished her words, Yue Rulan felt her head spinning slightly and raised her arm to hold it steady, but was surprised at her inability to find the strength to doing so. Yue Rulan was shocked, looking at Ji Lingxi only to find her in the same state. Her guard was up in an instant. "Yun Yang, what tea did you let us drink?" Ji Lingxi was already seeing double as she spoke dizzily, "What? Why am I so dizzy? I feel like sleeping" "Its right for you to want to sleep, its the normal effect of this tea," Yun Yang said. "I see," Ji Lingxi nodded innocently. She had already lost her ability to think straight and was only left with her basic motor reflexes. Yue Rulan immediately knew that something was wrong, as she spoke harshly, "Yun Yang! Give us the antidote!" Yun Yang''s silhouette was already growing increasingly blurred. She could only hear Yun Yang as he replied gently, "This tea is not poisonous, it is to calm and aid sleep. Its strength is a little stronger, but there isnt any antidote to speak of the Residence of Yun is already a place for havoc and is especially dangerous during this period of time. Ill send you both out to avoid it, and will come retrieve you two again after everything blows over." Amidst the haze, she almost heard Yun Yangs last words, "I dont want to do so either but if you two dont leave, how can I watch over eighth brothers" Eighth brothers what? Yue Rulan did not get anything else as she fell into a dead faint; she was not even sure if what she had heard was her own imagination. Ji Ling, who was opposite her, probably did not even hear any of it, since she had lost consciousness somewhat before Yue Rulan did. "Wuyin!" "You know their identities! You know what they mean to the both of us!" "Their safety must be ensured! This is the highest priority of all." "When they regain consciousness, and if news about me hasnt reached you, tell them Ive died. Ask them to take care and dont act rashly. Find a chance in the future to avenge me." "If I have really died by then, do tell the truth. However, I''ve also told you before I die, Supreme Wind of Yutang is currently Ji Lingfeng and have them search for Supreme Wind. Dont mention anything about me." "If this has passed, tell them everything honestly. Ask them to wait for me to pick them up." "Yes, young master." Shui Wuyin completely understood Yun Yangs decision. "I understand where youre coming from." If it had been him, he would have done exactly the same, and that was what he was going to do now. Later in the night, Shui Wuyin picked up Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi carefully. "Young master, youll definitely be safe and sound!" "If you pass on, I will make arrangements for the two ladies and follow your instructions." "If youre still here, I, Shui Wuyin, will continue to fight the world with you!" Having sent Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan away, Yun Yang could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Recently, it had been Yun Yangs main worry; to see to the safety of the people in the Residence of Yun. Now that Dong Tianleng and group had left and Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi had been sent somewhere safe, Yun Yang had nothing else to worry about. "Your fathers all prepared. Im only waiting for the Four Seasons Tower now. Why arent they f*cking coming yet? Dont they know that the best troop moves the fastest? How can they be called the most mysterious and terrifying organization of Tianxuan Continent with such terrible inefficiency?" To be honest, Yun Yang ''s patience was wearing thin. "Let us have a brutal massacre, and soon." Yun Yang thought quietly, "I yearn for such a scene!" The northern wind billowed. Grey clouds accumulated in the sky, looking like ink had been splashed onto it. A while later, lone snowflakes fell and landed on the skin, the iciness prickling the heart. Yun Yang stood in the courtyard with arms behind his back and with his head raised to observe the grey clouds in the sky. He could not help reminiscing when their oldest Supreme Earth would hold a gathering every time they were met with such weather to have a drink and chat. "A goblet of wine to celebrate the heaven." "A flutter of snow to fall into the icy ocean." "Fortune, to still have you, brothers." "To share this thin clothes." "Gold, wood, water, flame, and earth." "Thunder, cloud, wind, blood, they burn." "This sentiment should always hold." "This dream heaven shall fulfill." "When the world is molded." "Let us drink to the end of our years!" This was their usual drinking game every time the brothers gathered together. Each of them would come up with a line and whoever could not continue would have to drink and continue thinking. They would go on but skip the empty line. If the particular person still could not think of anything after a round, he would have to go on drinking. The unluckiest one would always be sixth brother Supreme Thunder. He was after fifth brother Supreme Flame and would always be tongue-tied when it came to his turn. This was because Supreme Flame would always be in charge of coming up with the former half of the line. Even if Supreme Thunder was extremely poetic and talented, it was useless; furthermore, his talent at linguistics was acceptable, at best. Therefore, every time they played the drinking game, it was normal for both the brothers to be punished, to drink for seven or eight rounds. That time, Supreme Flame thought long and hard before he gritted his teeth and barely managed to come up with "Gold, wood, water, flame, and earth". Supreme Thunder was relieved then, completing the line with the other four brothers. After that particular drinking game, Supreme Thunder refused to play this game again with his reason being "Olfifth is too stupid! Your father suffers a great deal being after him!" Yun Yan remembered that the line he came up with then was, "When the world is molded". He had lived his early years wandering from place to place, being witness to too many vicissitudes of life; life and death were common themes for him. He was the youngest but he was the one among the Nine Supremes to have experienced the worst. Therefore, Yun Yangs biggest wish was to reunite the world so that everyone in the Tianxuan Continent could live happily, without worry. There would be no war, there would be no sacrifices. All the children would never be abandoned again, and all the sufferings would leave this worldly realm alone! His words represented his deepest wish. Their eldest Supreme Earths closing line was "Let us drink to the end of our years!". Not only did it elevate the style of this entire drinking game, it was perfect with its implied meaning C when there was world peace, I want to gather with my brothers and drink every day; we shall be blissful and spend the rest of our lives together! Reminiscing, Yun Yang fell into a trance. The north wind was cutting, his robe fluttered in the strong breeze. Scattered snowflakes fell here and there, some landing on his face, his body or his hair Yun Yang did not notice anything; he just stood there with his arms behind his back and relished the past. Coincidentally, he stood in line with Supreme Flame and Yun Zuiyues cenotaphs. His gaze was blank, each and every scene when the brothers drank together flashed across his eyes C the grins of his bothers, the indignation when they drank, the bitterly thoughtful looks they wore, the chatter and bickering, fifth brother and sixth brother complaining about each other and tumbling into the snow Yun Yang murmured in his heart, "A goblet of wine to celebrate the heaven, flutter of snow to fell into the icy ocean; fortune to still have you brothers, to share this thin clothes; gold, wood, water, flame, and earth, thunder, cloud, wind, blood, they burn; this sentiment should always hold, this dream heaven shall fulfill; when the world is molded, let us drink to the end of our years!" "Fortune, to still have you brothers, to share this thin clothes C fortune, to still have you brothers, to share this thin clothes" Perhaps it was due to the accurate depiction of the words that Yun Yang jolted awake from his reverie once he uttered "to share this thin clothes"; he actually felt the chill rack his body and could not stop the shudder running through him. It seemed that even his heart was sealed by this enveloping snow. Yun Yang, who just came back to his senses, lifted his head only to realize that the snow was densely falling, engulfing the world in a blur of white. He was in the center of his courtyard, but he could not even see what was going on at his doors. "What great weather today!" Yun Yang mumbled irritably. "When I had my brothers, the most we had to do was to drink in this God-forsaken weather. Now that my brothers arent here, I have the fortune to face a massacre alone." "What a stark difference indeed" Yun Yang smiled bitterly and shook his head, suddenly reciting to the heavens aloud, "Snow engulfs the world, heaven is cold, so is the heart; the air of injustice in the heart, the great territory in the eyes; the remains of heroes are buried in the wild, their confidants are alone in their graves; who will defend against the sword, who is helpless to do anything? Who can overturn the situation, to share my thin clothes?" The snow covered the vast expanses; it was dreary from heaven to earth. Dong Tianleng and gang had already arrived at a junction seven hundred miles away from Tiantang City. "What a terrible weather, the snow caught us by surprise. Lets quickly find a place for a drink then well all return home." Dong Tianleng suggested warmly, "Be careful, dont let your mystical beasts freeze until they have diarrhea." "Dont you f*cking worry about them!" The other three rolled their eyes. In spite of this, they were rather reluctant to part. They discussed searching for a good place to have a fulfilling parting drink, but now that snow was everywhere, and there were no developed towns around, where could there be a good alehouse? They pitched a tent along the mountainside instead. The four brothers wormed in and made several cold dishes, drinking some wine of dubious quality. They were mostly drinking and hissing in the cold, but it was only the atmosphere that they asked for, not for food or beverage. "That is so f*cking gratifying" Dong Tianleng sucked in an icy breath. "Eating these cold dishes and drinking cold wine in this ice-cold place and chilling weather how graceful and enjoyable!" The other three men rolled their eyes. It was only today that they understood the logic of Dong Tianlengs name. What a cold winter! Several experts of the four noble families who were doing some chores outside the tent paused in their work. Somewhere in front of them, concealed by the snow, an intense aura approached. A number of silhouettes then appeared before them. There were only four people; all of them wore white from head to toe, with white turbans wrapping their head like they were in mourning. The world seemed to turn frigid instantly. The coldness of the snow, the chill of the frost, the iciness of ice, and the cutting sword energy filled the air. The experts grew tense, immediately recognizing these four individuals. The legends of the Four Seasons Tower C five Venerable Lords Saber, Sword, Snow, Frost and Ice. Other than Saber, the remaining four had appeared before them, standing in a neat row. The menacing aura grew increasingly strong, almost buzzing in the frigid air. Although there were only four men who stood before them, their latent power held the strength of many men, all brimming with malicious intentions! 344 Whatever Such a drastic move could only have originated from the Four Seasons Tower, and the one leading the charge was the head of the Four Seasons Towers Five Venerable Lords, Venerable Lord Sword. Amidst the snow, Venerable Lord Swords gaze was as sharp as a fine blade; any snowflakes that fell through his line of sight quietly shattered, leaving nothing behind. His stare was almost solid;it was like his very gaze was a sword in itself. There was also something in his voice that was sonorous like a swords cry, tinged with a hint of the screams of tormented souls. "Who are you? Why do you block the way?" The tone was all impatience and agitation like he was spoiling for a fight. A ninth-peak expert from the Chun Family was terrified and puzzled at the same time, "What did we do? How could we possibly be blocking the way? Youre obviously finding fault, speaking like this!" However, it was obvious that the other partys strength was much stronger than theirs and they could not afford to offend them. They could only endure their insults and hope that their tolerance held. "Were a group of people impatient to be home and are rushing all the way there. Unfortunately, snow has blocked our way when we reached, so we could only rest and wait for a later departure; there isnt anything we can do about it. If weve interrupted your journey, I apologize on behalf of everyone here." The ninth-peak expert of the Chun Family had tried as much as he could to be subservient and as amicable as possible; he even said humbly, "For you not to stop at such weather, you must have something urgent to accomplish. We dare not hold you up any longer, please feel free to be on your way." Venerable Lord Sword snorted and stared at them for a while doubtfully before he suddenly bellowed, "So many high-level practitioners gathering together and in a rush? Do you think Im blind? Spit out your identities and background quickly! Why are you really stopping here?" Faced with Venerable Lord Swords sudden hostility, the experts from all four families fell speechless simultaneously. We know you people from the Four Seasons Tower are great, no one can afford to offend you fellows. Still, we havent met at all before, and you interrogate us like were criminals C where''s the logic in this? Of course, there was no logic to speak of. The stronger the other party was, the more logical they were; how could the experienced experts of the four families not understand this principle? "Were from the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Family. Weve come out for an interfamily issue." The expert of Chun Family said pleasantly, "We only have respect for Venerable Lord Sword, we would not dare to offend." "Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter? Four Great Families?" Venerable Lord Sword said coldly, "I hear all of you are pretty well off these days, very jaunty, are we? No wonder you can hog the road on such a snowy day and block our way. Did you hit a jackpot, or did you find some people to be at your cowardly backs?" Beside him, Venerable Lord Ice said irritably, "Eldest, theres no point to this. Why are we even troubling these people? Better for us to find the one called Lei in Tiantang City quickly!" "Hmph!" Venerable Lord Sword scowled reluctantly and said, "Lets go!" The terrible news was still fresh for Venerable Lord Sword, so he was now filled with anguish and anger with nowhere to vent them. Initially, he had wanted to kill these people to extinguish the agitation he felt inside. What matter if he killed anyone he saw when the Four Seasons Tower was already announcing that it would subdue the world by force and bathe the martial world in blood? It would only be their bad luck to meet him, especially when his mood was not at it''s best. Of course, their bad luck would involve blood! In spite of this, he could not rob his own brother of dignity when Venerable Lord Ice had spoken, so he uttered, "Fine, I shall let you all go today. You would do well to offer some incense to thank your ancestors for being able to return alive this time." Was this assuming Venerable Lord Ice was their ancestor? The men from the four noble families were all quietly fuming inside, but they had to maintain the humble front docilely. They would never dare speak of their anger. seeing that the four merciless men had passed by, yet the chilling, murderous threat still enveloped them. Venerable Lord Sword, who was already several hundred feet away, snorted and said, "They actually have tents with them even when theyre outside and were actually drinking wine. What grandeur." With a simple wave of a hand, a beam of sword energy shot out. With a soft hiss, it slit Dong Tiangleng and gangs tent into halves. Dong Tianleng and the other three were drinking and paid no attention to what was happening outside. Upon the sudden action, they only felt their heads exposed to the cold. When they lifted their heads to see the source of the swooshing sound, the top of their tent had flown away and heavy snow fell upon them. "What the actual f*ck..." Dong Tianleng swore out loud, but before he could finish, his mouth was covered and he could only hear his own guard speaking with a quivering voice, "My little ancestor keep quiet, please If you make another noise, I guarantee youll be worse off than the last time. You were injured the last time but this time you wont even be hurt because you will be dead before you can even feel the pain." Dong Tianleng was dumbstruck for a moment as he looked at the other guards and was greeted by with gazes filled with fear. Some of them were even breaking out in cold sweat, frozen as they were, as they listened to his curses. "What has happened?" Dong Tianleng felt a sudden sense of petrification as his mind spun. It was definitely something dire when the four families had so many men but they had still reacted this way What strange thing had just taken place? "Those were the four Venerable Lords of the Four Seasons Tower" The guard from Dong Family was pale. "Let us leave quickly and be away from this dangerous place!" "The Four Seasons Towers four Venerable Lords?" Dong Tianleng was shocked as well, turning as white as a sheet. "F*ck me! This is indeed a dangerous place, we cant stay for long Its important that we leave quickly!" The group, who was now scared out of their wits, resumed their journey despite the snow storm, feeling the lingering fear as they made their way. "Why did the senior ones of the Four Seasons Tower come?" Dong Tianlengs face was still white. "Did you fellows offend them? Why did they cut our tent apart?" "How dare we offend them? For some reason, the head of Five Venerable Lords, Venerable Lord Sword, was extremely grouchy and came close to killing us, to vent his anger..." An expert from the Dong Family narrated what had happened just now to Dong Tianleng and was still feeling the after-effects of fear. "Whoa, all four Venerable Lords acting in concert? Isnt this disposition too grand? Could they be going against someone like Ling Xiaozui and Jun Moyan?" Dong Tianleng questioned curiously. "I don''t believe so. They let slip that their target is someone with the surname Lei." The Dong Family guard pondered for a good while before saying, "Im guessing that other than Lei Dongtian, no one else with the family name Lei in Tiantang City could make the Four Seasons Tower exert such effort." "Are youre saying that theyre going to find fault with Lei Dongtian?" Dong Tianleng was delighted and said, "Thats a good thing. Trouble beseeches trouble, its a good thing, no matter who gets it worse." Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan, and Qiu Yunsan all heaved sighs of relief from the side. Four of them even felt that it was best if the Four Seasons Tower could do away with Lei Dongtian. "Lei is so full of himself and arrogant, not regarding anyone at all. I didnt expect him to have this day too!" Dong Tianleng felt very much gladdened and said, "The Four Seasons Tower sent such a mighty force this time with so many experts. Lei Dongtian is destined to be the grasshopper after autumn C he wont have too many days of ease now." "Thats right! Heaven will naturally take care of the unscrupulous one. We must have a good drink later on to celebrate it!" They had made a dozen of miles of progress by then. Dong Tianleng contemplated as he walked, but the more he mused the more he felt that something was wrong. He abruptly came to a halt. Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan, and Qiu Yunsan who walked shoulder to shoulder with him stopped as well, puzzled to see his hesitation. "What is it? What joyous thing have you thought of again?" "Joyous my *ss, something is wrong!" Dong Tianleng frowned and said, "Why can''t you see it? The Four Seasons Tower has gone to find fault with Lei Dongtian, and wed be happy to see whoever perishes when they really fight, but the situation now is that Lei Dongtian is staying at boss place" Chun Wanfeng and the other two turned pale. "Figured it out yet? Weve stayed on for so long and boss had said nothing about asking us to leave. Now, he suddenly gives us things and medicines and increases our cultivation base, even giving me a sword then he chased us out. He wanted us gone immediately." Chun Wanfeng sucked in a cold breath and said, "Do you think that boss has long known that the Four Seasons Towers men are fast approaching?" Qiu Yunsans face was grim. "It should be so. Boss must have known that Lei Dongtian has provoked someone he shouldnt but hes in Yuns home now. Boss prioritizes brotherhood and wont stay out of it while the danger will definitely involve us since we were staying there. Thats why boss was so impatient in sending us away" "If so, then isnt boss in danger now?" Dong Tianlengs pupils shrunk at once, his tasteless, frivolous manner vanishing without a trace; it was like seeing two completely different people. Xia Bingchuan took a breath in, inhaling a mouthful of snow, as he said unblinkingly, "This also means that boss already knew that he was in a tricky situation, but didnt want to implicate us. That was why he did what he did." Chun Wanfeng frowned as he asked the question that was on everyone''s mind, "So, what do we do now?" Silence. Dong Tianleng inhaled deeply and replied, "Say, will boss die?" The other three were speechless. Would he die? How could one be sure? Judging by how things were going there, his chances of surviving were slim. Even the Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui had not been able to wipe out the forces of the Four Seasons Tower. Even if their boss had two mighty ones, namely Lei Dongtian and Old Mu, by his side, there was nothing optimistic about the situation. Besides, what was most important was the single question; would Lei Dongtian and Old Mu protect Yun Yang with all they could? With the bit of cultivation base their boss had and the battle Lei Dongtian, Old Mu, and the four Venerable Lords were about to engage in, he would be injured the moment he was touched, and dead when flung; any worse, his soul might just shatter into pieces, with no hope of salvation! Dong Tianleng rubbed his face and suddenly said very calmly, "I want to go back to check on him." The guards from Dong Family were anxious. "Young master, its already dangerous there, with all sorts of threats underway. Young Master Yun is considerate of your safety, that was why he sent you all away. You this" "You fellows go home." Dong Tianleng decided instantly. "You dont have to do foolish things with me. I want to go back because Id be worried if I wasn''t sure of our boss safety." Xia Bingchuan asked, "If the Four Seasons Tower were to really go against boss Residence of Yun, what could you do?" "I could" Dong Tianleng paused abruptly after spitting the two words. "What could you do?" Qiu Yunsan questioned with gritted teeth. His face was pale from exerting too much force. Qiu Yunsans words were cold, merciless; but they were the honest truth. Yun Yang would only be an ant in the battle of top-leveled cultivators while Dong Tianleng, whose cultivation base was much weaker, would be lesser than an ant. His presence would make no difference nor would it benefit the situation! "I cant do anything!" Dong Tianleng suddenly said hysterically, "F*cking hell, at least I can still die with boss!" "Awesome!" Chun Wanfeng cheered and then said in a somber tone, "Then Ill accompany you back. Once you and boss both die, Ill be in charge of collecting your bodies." Both of their eyes met, but they did not say anything before they turned to leave. "Young master!" Guards from both the Chun and Dong Family were petrified. Young masters, you can''t treat us like this. This will cost lives! Just as they wanted to go forward to block their paths, a silhouette flashed across their sight. Qiu Yunsan and Xia Bingchun stood before them and said faintly, "Dont worry so much, well go back together." The Xia Family and Qiu Familys men almost fainted from exasperation. "Bingchuan and I will go too." Qiu Yunsan smiled serenely, "To think about it, this young master seems to never have done anything loyal, of any significance before, in my life. I shall be dumb for once today and go along with the code of the brotherhood." Xia Bingchuan chortled. "Let us go, let us go! Brotherhood, we come!" Both of them turned, chasing after Dong Tianleng and Chun Wanfeng, who were already concealed by the snow. The experts from all four families were dumbfounded, rooted to the spot like statues. "Why have you come too?" Dong Tianlengs voice carried amidst the flurry of snow. "Im afraid if no one will collect your corpses, so Im following. Dont you wish that Id die with you fellows? Im not as dumb as that." "Haha." "Haha your *ss." "Xia Bingchuan, then you go back. Youre rather well thought of at home, why are you following us?" "Your father is happy to go watch the fun. Why do you care?" The four of them bickered all along their way, attacking each other with sharp words relentlessly, but the corners of their lips were lifted in the ghost of a smile. They said nothing but the warmth in their heart increased several times. "Lets go!" "Boss would be shocked to see us!" "Let him be shocked!" "Sigh Say, how big a possibility is there for us to be dead?" " Whod think about this now?" "Are you scared of death?" "Of course!" "Me too!" "Im most afraid of death!" "Hey, but well definitely die, going there this time!" "Whatever. Since you are all going, I cant lose my dignity!" "Me neither." "Then lets go! So what if we die?" The four of them guffawed loudly as they spoke. Laughter rang through the snow as they waved their arms about and wiggled them like four lunatics. 345 Unveiling Gold After Removing the Sand "What should we do?" Everyone was uncertain of their next course of action. They were truly speechless after meeting these four young masters. Honestly, these experts of the four noble families did not hold high regards for Dong Tianleng and his cohorts. They only felt that these four men were fortunate to have been born as direct descendants of a noble line and enjoyed the benefits of it. The experts cultivation base, combat ability, experience, and knowledge were much higher than the four young masters, but it was their status that held them back. Upon spending more time in close proximity with these young masters, their misgivings were further cemented. The four young masters had really obtained a good streak of luck, having the opportunity to get to know a genius like Yun Yang, acquiring, even more, benefits in the process. Basically, all these experts had thought that if they were the ones to have such opportunities, they would grow much better than the four popinjays; it was only a waste of resources to have those chances given to them. There were even some who were thinking ill of the young men; how could Dong Tianleng be worthy of the treasured sword, Spiritual Kau? He was tasteless,and such an item of fantasy should be passed on to someone more remarkable, like themselves; only then would it be put to good use. As for Dong Tianleng, his mouth alone would have easily offended some vicious character and gotten himself killed instantly. With Lei Dongtian as the precursor, he still did not know how to be cautious and had almost provoked Venerable Lord Sword today. It was like he would not rest until he got himself killed! Be a daredevil by yourself. Glory to God, do anything you want, just dont involve us! All said and done, Dong Tianlengs decision to return to Tiantang and to Yun Yang''s side, as well as his insistence that he did not require any guards, was somewhat touching! Qiu Yunsan and the other two who followed after stunned the experts as well. No matter how reluctant the experts were about this trip back and how much they felt that they did not have hope for any advantages they could gain, it was undoubted that every one of them could clearly feel another kind of emotion growing in their heart, surging and soaring. It was a passion, taken away from them a long time ago. It was their young, vivacious pride they possessed when they first entered the martial world. It was the heroic, martial world dream that they once had. Brotherhood! "This old man has roamed the martial world my entire life and was once passionate. Once, I believed that there was brotherhood in this martial world, that there were inseparable and sincere ties between men." An expert of the Chun Family sighed in resignation, "Yet the many years of drifting in the martial world have long distinguished this passion. Ever since then, I thought that the only constant in this world was greed and gain. However, this old man is greatly comforted today to encounter brotherhood again in this martial world of slowly eroding moral and justice." "My young master is a popinjay. Hes quite the troublemaker, insensible, and utterly undependable" The elder of the Chun Family smiled faintly. "However, this old man suddenly feels that it was worth it to have followed such a young master in my lifetime!" He then sighed and said, "Since the young master Im following is resolute on seeking death, then this old and useless one has decided, for once, to act on instinct as well. Im not asking for anything else, I just want to be passionate once more and to feel gratification once again!" As he finished, he began to speak while walking, "This is entirely on my own disposition. We understand if there is anyone who is unwilling to go. It is your own decision, no one else can decide upon your life and death!" The elders words had everyone thinking with their heads lowered. The elders silhouette was gradually swallowed in the snow, losing its clarity. "My Dong Familys young lord was the one who suggested this course of action and moved first. Could I allow only the Chun Family to brave death alone? Theres no reason for the Dong Family to be left behind." An expert of the Dong Family stepped out from the crowd and gave chase with a loud laugh. "Theres someone from the Qiu Family whos not afraid of death either!" Someone from the Qiu Family chuckled easily and followed suit. "Ill go on behalf of the Xia Family." Someone from the Xia Family chortled softly and left at once. When these people began to move, the remaining ones became increasingly entangled in their thoughts. There were people who left the group while there were also people who remained rooted to the spot. Finally, there were seventeen men who left to chase after the people in the snow; they were all moved by passion and had no regrets about their seemingly inane decision. However, there were even more people who stayed as still as statues. After a while, there were no more sounds from the other side of the snow; those who had decided to return had gone afar. Those staying on had finally moved as well. "Since I didnt follow suit, this old man has no honor to return to the family." An elder chuckled bitterly. "This old man has decided to be a recluse in the forest, for the rest of my days. Ive always thought that I still had some passion in me, but due to circumstances, I cant do anything. Who would have known that when things got real, I still cant brave death? Saying that I am ashamed does not suffice to describe this old mans feelings. I bid my farewell here, we shall never meet again." There were plenty of people who appeared ashamed and bowed deeply before dispersing into the snow without a sound, disappearing in different directions. There were, however, still some thirty people remaining. Watching everyone else leave, someone in the remaining group burst out laughing and said, "They knew they were going to die, but theyve still chosen to greet death like a friend. They really think that this martial world emphasizes brotherhood so much; how hilarious to think that there are so many idiots coming from these noble families." "When they have been betrayed by these so-called brothers in the future,itll be too late for regret!" "What future? How could there be a future for them? Do you think that they still have the chance to wait for their brothers betrayal?" "True." Someone chuckled. "At the very least, the three families mystical cubs are still with us. As long as we send them home, we would have done a great service." "Thats right. However, we cant be going back now. Lets stay in one of the caves and take shelter for a while. When everything has passed in a few days and when we receive confirmation of their death or survival, then we head home. We can make some wounds on ourselves and look ill-used; the elders of Spring, Autumn, and Summer Family wont have much to say then." "That is a great idea indeed." "The slope over there is not too bad a place for a shelter. Not only does it face away from the wind, its warm as well. We can take shelter there. We have to find some dry wood. Enduring such weather with just mystical Qi is honestly a no-go." "Alright, well wait for three days." On the other side, Yun Yang, whose cultivation base increased tremendously and whose cultivation realm had advanced vastly, was carefully feeling the flowing energy within him. He had never been so strong yet he had never been as helpless as he was today! The snow fluttered and fell. Lao Mei strolled over to stand behind him. "Lao Mei, hows your current cultivation base? Has there been any improvement?" Yun Yang asked. "Very much so. I have reached the level of Tenth Perfection pinnacle," Lao Mei explained simply. "I even feel that with some effort, I can break through this realm and go even higher." Yun Yang looked at the dense snowflakes before him and said softly, "Lao Mei, life is of the utmost importance. This is the first priority. Do not act impulsively." Lao Mei chuckled softly with indifference on his face. "Young master, I know." Fang Mofeis voice came drifting over. "What do you know?" He strolled over in wide, flowing, strides. "Old Fang, what level have you broken through to?" Lao Mei asked. "Pinnacle of first heaven. Still higher than you, I believe?" Fang Mofei asked, smiling contentedly. Both of these old men had never stopped competing in the cultivation realm but Lao Mei had never once won. Bai Yixue drifted out from wherever he was hovering about. "Im already in sixth heaven intermediate. If I meet Venerable Lord Saber again, Im confident that I can kill that despicable one within one hundred steps!" Bai Yixue inhaled deeply. "I even feel that my cultivation base is already at the peak in the Tianxuan Continent. I can even fight Ling Xiaozui if I were to meet him!" Yun Yang smiled gently and replied, "Pinnacle of cultivation realm you are still far from it." "That feeling of yours is only an illusion from an escalated growth of cultivation base. If you were to really meet Ling Xiaozui, he would kill you in a single move." Yun Yang said faintly, "Only when you turn stronger, step by step, will you actually see the real hero of the world!" Bai Yixue nodded humbly, understanding the logic since he himself was adept in cultivation. "It is Just like a persons wealth. Someone who has several hundred silver taels can be well known in a village and feel superior, thinking he is unrivaled and marvelous. This villages villagers would look up to him as well, recognizing him as the mightiest in their world." Yun Yang continued slowly, "For someone who has several thousand silver taels, he can feel superior in a town but to go a level higher, hed need at least several tens of thousands of silver taels; only then could he feel powerful in a small city and superior when faced with most other people." "However, even when you have hundreds of thousands of silver taels, when youve come to a really big city like Tiantang City, you wont feel like you actually have much. With the widening of experience, youll realize your own insignificance gradually. Even if you weren''t totally unworthy, you arent really standing at the peak." There was a faintly mocking expression on Yun Yangs face; it was an ode to the ridiculousness of the foolish people in this world. "When you really possess the wealth that triumphs certain areas, when no one in Tiantang City could compare to you in terms of fortune, youll realize that you still lack power and influence." "By then, your pursuit will be entirely different from before. Only when youve arrived at the end of power and influence would you have the right to know that there is still immortality in this world." "This is how ones horizon is widened." "Bai Yixue, your capability now is akin to only arriving at a small city, the level of a new rich man who has a few million taels in his pocket." Yun Yang said smiling, "When you have realized that youre actually still very weak only then can you consider yourself as having improved again." Bei Yixue chuckled dryly. The new rich man Young master, your analogy is wonderfully original! How interesting! "When the time comes, I will send my orders. We will leave separately." Yun Yang said seriously, "Remember, the main point of this battle is to prioritize your own life. This is of paramount importance!" "Understood." Yun Yang watched the surging snow and said softly, "It is here." 346 Trading Life and Death for a Question Compared to Yun Yangs meticulous planning on how to survive, Lei Dongtian was buoyant and confident about his own abilities. He stood in front of the window with his arms behind his back, watching the fluttering snowflakes, looking spirited with a carefree courage beaming through his expression. "A man and his sword, a duel with the Four Seasons Tower!" Lei Dongtian spoke with fervor, "This young masters great feat will be enough to weave another legend in Tianxuan Continent!" Old Mu who was standing by his side could not help but roll his eyes. Are you going to duel with the Four Seasons Tower alone with a sword? What about me? Where do I stand? Im alive and present, and yet youve taken me as transparent? "A great feat that will earth-shattering indeed!" Old Mu mouthed the words insincerely. When he spoke, he felt a sense of mockery that could barely be restrained. "The only pity is that the Residence of Yun is destined to be destroyed." Lei Dongtian looked at the beautiful structure and sighed, "Ive really dragged Brother Yun Yang into this whirlpool." Old Mu sighed. Did his young master suddenly discover his conscience? Or was he only faking crocodile tears? Why dont you mention about your yearning for his Yang energy? Deceiving his heart and lastly, even his body C you want everything without leaving out a single drop! The quietly falling snowflakes suddenly swirled irregularly; some went twirling rapidly while some soared into the sky, some had even frozen in mid-air. At the same time, an engulfing sense of murderous intent surged like a high tide from afar. The aura was as implacable as an oncoming tsunami. As far as the eye could see, everything was white and misty; even the snowflakes that just landed seemed to be condensing into frost. There was also an eerily melodic string music that accompanied the arrival of the cold. Venerable Lord Snow appeared first, emerging above the Residence of Yun amidst the heavy snow. He was clad in white and resembled a ghost that had merged with the snow; white and indistinguishable. Following the appearance of Venerable Lord Snow, the snow fell harder and the frosty chill grew. The phenomenon was not caused by Venerable Lord Snow alone as Venerable Lord Frost appeared in the air as well, standing by Venerable Lord Snows side with a cold gaze. From left to right, silhouettes came into existence. On one side, the sword energy gushed like a domineering dragon while on the other side, the extreme cold became more apparent as it spread out rapidly. Through it all, the melodious string music was calm, not at all disturbed by the increasing cold and dense sword energy. The Four Venerable Lords squinted their eyes when they saw it. In a serene courtyard below them, there was a still, lush, green canopy that shaded an inky black table under the heavy snow. There was a black Chinese zither on the table, and it was the source of the resonating melody. Other than the instrument, there was a cup of steaming tea and a small incense burner that contained lighted sandalwood sitting on the table. Behind the table, a youth in purple robes sat in a collected manner; his fair, jade-like fingers plucked at the strings agilely in a composed manner as the melodic music played on. The purple-clothed youth had a face that looked like it was drawn by an artist; he was gracefully at ease and exuded a sense of nobility. Formidable enemies had obviously surrounded him but he seemed to not have noticed as he concentrated on playing the string instrument, obviously enjoying himself. Venerable Lord Sword frowned amidst the billowing sword energy and asked in an ominous voice, "Are you the young master of the Residence of Heavenly Clouds? Yun Yang?" Yun Yangs fingers had not stopped plucking the strings of his instrument. His purple gown fluttered gently in the snow. He spoke faintly, "Please do not be impatient. With such great guests honoring my residence, allow me to play a tune. It represents the Residence of Heavenly Clouds way of welcoming guests." His clear voice rang out faintly, "For everyones knowledge, this tunes name is called Joy Upon Doors." Venerable Lord Snow replied coldly, "The guests at your doors today are malevolent, what joy could there be? You should call it Catastrophe Upon You. Young Master Yun, if you still have the mood, then play a tune of Catastrophe Upon You!" Yun Yang smiled. "Pardon my lack of knowledge. I didnt know that there was such an ill-sounding tune!" On the other side, an icy voice spoke, "Its not important if this Catastrophe Upon You exists, but when the day is over, this tune will come into existence. Too bad the elegant Young Master Yun is destined not to be able to hear it. A truly regrettable state of affairs." Yun Yangs fingers plucked the strings gently, the melody ricocheting as he said, "You have all come with sanguinariness and spoken malicious words. We seem to stand at opposing ends, but pardon me for asking boldly C are you mighty ones, who have come here today, Four Seasons Towers men?!" Venerable Lord Ice replied coldly, "Since you know the severity of the matter at hand, why are you still acting as if you are mystified? Are you intentionally seeking death?" Yun Yang answered softly, "This conflict has nothing to do with this young master and the Residence of Yun. I shouldnt have involved myself. I have already understood as much beforehand." Venerable Lord Frost then said, "You knew but you decided to join in anyway. Its an utterly stupid move, seeking your own death." The Four Venerable Lords were reckless individuals with short tempers. A small conflict could trigger a massacre with them. The Four Seasons Towers drive to subdue the world by force and bloodshed in the martial world was ordered by Mr. Nian, but the main executioners were these individuals. In spite of this, they seemed to have discovered some sense of patience, as their attitude were much better than when they had met Dong Tianlengs group earlier despite their icy attitude and surging killing intent. The reason was actually very simple C they had simply been stunned by Yun Yangs paramount grace as soon as they entered. ImagineC a young master handsome, like jade clad in a purple gown, seated before a Chinese zither amidst the heavy snow and engulfing murderous intent. He was calm and collected, graceful and at ease, unperturbed by the threat of life and death. What a visual attack it was to take in such a portrait! It made one wonder what else he would speak of. Yun Yang continued speaking on his own accord, "Logically speaking, I shouldnt have involved myself in this issue of Brother Lei. After all, the Four Seasons Tower is extremely dangerous, being the leader that reigns in the martial world." "However, Ive ultimately decided to be caught in this whirlpool." Yun Yang said leisurely, "Although I know that Im putting my life at stake by including myself, I cant help wanting to ask something." He lifted his head to look at Venerable Lord Snow and Venerable Lord Frost with a calm gaze and said faintly, "Faced with the question of someone whos going to die, I wonder if the Four Seasons Towers mighty ones can quell my doubt? At least let me be a well-informed ghost!" They were enemies, but Venerable Lord Snow could not help admire the audacity of the fellow. This Young Master Yun had a great demeanor and grace about him; it was impressive indeed! He asked faintly, "I wonder what doubts Young Master Yun has. Do ask directly. If I know it, Id speak honestly without hiding anything." Yun Yang nodded, his fingers picking at the string as a series of notes sounded from low to high. Consequently, he stood up with arms behind his back and stepped forward from under the canopy. It was all snow white on his front and sides but the lush green of vitality was apparent behind him. Yun Yang asked softly, "The Four Seasons Towers leaders are pioneers of the martial world and have long intimidated the world. For hundreds of years, no one could take their titles and even when they were met with Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui, they have never really been at a disadvantage. This is a fact that needs no clarification. Yet, the Four Seasons Tower has never interfered with imperial politics nor joined in the hegemony in the continent to hinder a nations fate. This is also the truth!" Yun Yangs tone was unruffled and he looked calm as he spoke. "However, why has this respectable tower suddenly targeted Yutang without any warning? Destroying the pillars that supported our nations foundation and annihilating our heroes and warriors! I wonder what is the reason for it?" Venerable Lord Snows pupils constricted. "Im very impressed that Young Master Yun ignores the death threat that comes with this question but it is destined that your effort is wasted in asking it." Yun Yang nodded. "Respectable one speaks truthfully; I wont push it either. Allow me to change the question. Yutang is located in the center of the continent and faces threats from all sides. Its already a tricky situation but luckily, the danger is turned around with the help of the Nine Supremes Lords, yet theyve all perished in the hands of the Four Seasons Tower. May I ask the reason? Can respectable one answer this?" Venerable Lord Snow was beginning to get slightly upset. "Isnt what Young Master Yun wants to know a little too much information?" Yun Yang smirked and replied, "Is this respectable one still reluctant to answer this question? Let me change the question again then, I believe respectable one must know the answer to it. May I ask Venerable Lord Snow, where is the impostor whom the Four Seasons Tower has wholeheartedly cultivated to disguise as our Lord Supreme Wind now? I believe he wouldn''t want to miss this battle, would he?" Venerable Lord Snow was stunned when he heard the young man''s words. How could he know the answer? He did not even know where the question came from and what to speak of. What sort of a question was this? Was this Young Master Yun dumb? Why else would he be asking such an idiotic question? "Respectable one still refuses to answer me? I see that your promise to answer truthfully was only a just. It is unfortunate that we are at odds; its only understandable, of course, if you are reluctant to leak your own intelligence. I have taken things for granted, its only right that respectable one refuses to answer me! However your actions in killing our national heroes then impersonating one of them to deceive everyone is a repulsive act. I really dont understand what benefit it would givethe Four Seasons Tower for doing so?" Yun Yang was clearly in anguish. "Nonsense!" Venerable Lord Snow frowned. "This question of Young Master Yun gives no room for me to answer." "Could it be that this is also the unspoken secret of the Four Seasons Tower?" Yun Yang asked slyly. He then chuckled softly and said, "I see now that the Four Seasons Tower has so many secrets - even from its own people." The sarcasm was evident in his tone. Venerable Lord Snow grew infuriated while Venerable Lord Sword growled angrily, "Why speak so much with him? Where is Lei Dongtian? Come out quickly and accept your death! The Residence of Heavenly Clouds will no longer exist in this world after tonight!" A voice answered coldly in response, "Are you Venerable Lord Sword? What a hoot to ask this young lord out to accept my death, youre not yet qualified to dispense it! However, if you f*ck off, that would be a wiser move." As he spoke, Lei Dongtians silhouette appeared in the sky. His arms were behind his back, the very image of the ultimate expert. Below him, Yun Yang continued speaking, "Perhaps I should say that the Four Seasons Tower has always been like this C they dare not admit what theyve done!" All four Venerable Lords were staring at Lei Dongtian. Compared to the insignificant Yun Yang, Lei Dongtian was this fights main point. They could distinctly feel the powerful aura Lei Dongtian was exuding and he would definitely be one of the handful formidable foes they would face in this lifetime! Each of them was focused as mystical Qi rapidly flowed through their entire being, completely ignoring Yun Yangs words and not answering him. Venerable Lord Snow who had fought with Lei Dongtian before and knew well of Lei Dongtians capabilities dared not let his guard down, so he naturally had no time to care about anything else. However, they did not know that the ultimate goal of all of Yun Yangs questions and foreshadowing was the last sentence he uttered. The Four Seasons Tower had never dared to admit what they had done?! Never? Hearing this, Lei Dongtians heart flared as his rage burned uncontrollably 347 The Power of the Seven Emotions Praxis "You were the one who killed my fifth younger brother!" Venerable Lord Sword looked at Lei Dongtian murderously. "You fellows were the ones who kidnapped my fiance!" Lei Dongtian sucked in a breath and hollered, "Hand them over quickly! As for this Supreme Wind youve made up, pass him over too!" Venerable Lord Sword broke out in curses, "F*ck your nonsense! What fiance?! You killed my fifth brother, you can make amends by giving up your life!" Before his finished his words, his sword light had started to glow like the galaxy had erupted and without warning, the attack came head-on! Lei Dongtian was enraged. The other party was indeed feeling guilty of their wrong-doings and dared not even speak to him about it! "The Four Seasons Tower is truly treacherous and shameless! Own up to what youve done!" Lei Dongtian howled, "I shall beat you fellows up until you admit it!" Lei Dongtian lifted his right hand and made a strange hand gesture. Immediately, he pointed his finger as he enunciated with clear diction, "Destiny upon my hand, joy be bestowed upon you!" Venerable Lord Sword knew the remarkable prowess of his enemy and dared not be careless, wildly bringing up his sword to defend himself, only to realize that the others exaggerated move did not send any incoming attack. He could not help being shocked and said angrily, "Phony, what tricks are you playing?" He then leaped up in a fiercer attack. However, when Venerable Lord Sword thrust out his sword once more, a giddy impulse rushed through him. It was like everything funny in this world and in his entire life was being presented right in front of his eyes. It was an irresistible rush of giddiness. "Hahahaha" Venerable Lord Sword broke out in a guffaw, loud and careless. He had still struck out, despite laughing uncontrollably. The sword energy was still intense, well over seven hundred strikes were dealt in one go without mistake, yet his chortling did not stop as well. He attacked with his sword while still laughing wildly. Despite Venerable Lord Swords vehement attack of sword energy, its effects could not be seen. Venerable Lord Swords cultivation base had already paled in comparison to that of Lei Dongtian, so when he was uncontrollably laughing to the point where he was trembling all over while he struck, there was no sense of accuracy and precision. He was hardly a threat to his opponent. Lei Dongtian easily deflected the blows and Venerable Lord Sword was already in a position of disadvantage. Despite his pathetic state, Venerable Lord Sword was still guffawing as if being oppressed, like this was a hilarious matter. Venerable Lord Snow was shocked and bolted forward at once. Before he arrived, Snowflake Edge was already fluttering in a frenzy. The snowflakes filling the sky were Venerable Lord Snows weapon at his disposal. Venerable Lord Snow assumed that he was well aware of Lei Dongtians combat abilities. Since Venerable Lord Sword had gone in for a duel with Lei Dongtian earlier, he kept away from joining the battle right away. According to Venerable Lord Snows judgment, Venerable Lord Swords combat prowess was slightly lacking compared to Lei Dongtian, but the difference was not vast that the former would still be able to maintain his state without being threatened. Although their combined combat power was remarkable, Lei Dongtian had his old servant as a helper as well. With Venerable Lord Sword dueling with him alone to expend his partial combat power, Venerable Lord Snow, Ice, and Frost would work together and cast the three stages of ice in collaboration. Hopefully, this would be able to kill their opponent outright. Venerable Lord Snow had planned well, but the plans had gone awry once it had touched the ground. Venerable Lord Sword had gone into the losing end, so much so that his life was at stake anytime now the moment he entered the battle with Lei Dongtian. The fight could easily end with Venerable Lord Sword being defeated by death. How could Venerable Lord Snow care about any combat tactics now? It was more important to send help over. If Venerable Lord Sword were to die in the duel, the combat power of both sides would be reversed at once. It was even possible that they would be soundly defeated! "Eldest, what is wrong with you? What are you laughing at?" "Im laughing Hahahaha What am I laughing about? F*ck, I dont know Hahaha" Venerable Lord Sword was still thinking clearly. He knew that his current condition was not natural at all, but he could not control the frenzied laughter bubbling within him; he could only fight while his desire to laugh did not grow any lesser. Bang! Lei Dongtian stealthily landed a stomp on Venerable Lord Swords lower abdomen. The latter cried and spat blood while he was still laughing; even when as was flung several hundred feet away, he was still chortling insanely. Venerable Lord Snow was alarmed, crying out loudly, "Brothers, be careful. This fellow knows sorcery!" Lei Dongtian snorted and suddenly made a speedy twirl in the air, charging towards Venerable Lord Snow. His right hand was lifted high above his head as he made yet another strange hand-gesture and hollered, "Destiny be upon my hand, worry be upon you." His finger pointed. Venerable Lord Snow scoffed coldly and reacted immediately to seal away all of his six senses. Snowflake Edge flew even faster to make a wall of snow in front of him, ensuring a comprehensive defense. Venerable Lord Snow was confident that his defenses were impenetrable, even when his opponents combat ability was much stronger than his own! In spite of this, he was suddenly burdened with worry. "Will we win today? This person is too strong, can my defenses really hold up to it? This persons sorcery is formidable. Will he inhibit all of us? Will all of us die here? How should I handle this?" The brimming worries clouded his mind. For the first time, he was unwilling to attack in favor of contemplating how to break through the current situation. Lei Dongtians attacks were meant to kill. Venerable Lord Snow was filled with worry again. "Since the opponents arcane might is unrivaled and no one can fight it, whats the use of persevering? Why not leverage on the others force for an easy way to the underworld?" Once the thought sprouted in his head, he stood motionless in the air. "What are you doing! Why are you just standing there?" Ice and Frost rushed over anxiously, attacking from afar to assist Snow. Venerable Lord Snow was still struck heavily twice, despite his brothers hasty assistance. Lei Dongtian held no weapons in his hands because he needed to cast Seven Emotions Praxis; otherwise, the attack would have taken Venerable Lord Snows life! Lei Dongtian was hot in pursuit, but Ice and Frost were already blocking him, countering with the saber of ice and sword of frost. "Destiny upon my hand, joy be upon you!" "Destiny upon my hand, worry be upon you!" Lei Dongtian hollered continuously. "Hahaha" Venerable Lord Frost began guffawing just as Venerable Lord Sword did. On the other hand, Venerable Lord Ice felt an intense sense of worry. What to do? What to do? What should we do? Two of the four Venerable Lords were laughing madly while the other two were crippled with worry, dampening their intentions to fight. Old Mu flew up like a flash of lightning and blocked Venerable Lord Sword who was injured and Venerable Lord Ice while Lei Dongtian attacked Venerable Lord Frost and Snow relentlessly! Two against four C the duo who was at the disadvantage of numbers now had the upper hand instead! The more Lei Dongtian fought, the more at ease he felt. Regardless of the treasured garb on him, Snow and Frosts weapon could do nothing against him. He triumphantly dealt out a stream of punches and kicks. The Seven Emotions Praxis that was used in a practical fight was truly powerful and unrivaled! If I can cultivate all seven methods of the Seven Emotions Praxis to its pinnacle, I could even make one of my opponents die from laughter, while another would commit suicide from burdensome worries! "Where are my fiances?" Lei Dongtian attacked effortlessly while asking, "Speak quickly, and I shall pardon you all from death!" "Hahaha" Venerable Lord Frost guffawed. "Your fiance... hahaha whats happening hahaha Why am I... hahaha hahahaha" Venerable Lord Snow was fretful. "Fiances? How strong are they? Arent we left with only death, facing such mighty ones together? We wont possibly triumph How many fiances does he have? One or two? Perhaps ten, a hundred, a thousand? What if ten thousand of his fiances are all so mighty Oh no, oh no he might actually have ten thousand fiances who are all so powerful" The Four Venerable Lords had arrived with malicious intent, but once the battle began, they were all on the losing end! Seeing that there was no way the tables could be turned around and there might even be someone from among their party who might perish, the end result baffled Yun Yang and his group, who were the audience to the fight below. What was going on? Yun Yang faintly understood the situation, and he felt chills in his heart. "Seven Emotions Praxis! This must be the Seven Emotions Praxis! I never knew that this praxis could be so powerful and overbearing!" The Venerable Lords came with resentment but were now left floundering. Even Yun Yang, who had been keeping an eye out for the Seven Emotions Praxis, did not see how Lei Dongtian had cast it and how the four Venerable Lords were struck unknowingly! "Hahahaha Hahahah!" Two Venerable Lords were still cackling without a hint of improvement. As time passed, their uncontrollable laughter did not lessen in the least. "What to do? What should we do?" The other two Venerable Lords were still overwrought with fear. Pang, pang, pang. Old Mu and Lei Dongtian were merciless as they attacked the four men with increasing force. "Where are they? Where are they?" They asked while dealing out pain. It was obvious that their main concern was the whereabouts of the girls. However, two of the Venerable Lords were roaring with laughter; how could they answer? Another two were in a state of distress. The more they were questioned, the more worked up they grew. "Where are they? Right, where are they? How many of them are there? Is there a hundred million? A billion? Is there ten billion? If he were to have ten billion fiances Hiss! Their menstruation blood could drown Four Seasons Tower repeatedly." "This is too much for me! What do we do Oh my God!" They were not foolish men, but they had been caught up in an enchantment, and could not help thinking the worst. Logic was the last thing on their minds right now. 348 The Earth-Shattering Mr. Nian! With the Four Seasons Towers grand entourage and ambition for full victory, the thought that they would falter had never crossed theFour Venerable Lords'' minds. To make matters worse, they were being crushed and were moving towards a dangerous line that would see their annihilation the moment they crossed it. The Four Venerable Lords felt like bawling but had no tears to spare. The Four Seasons Tower had deployed over a hundred experts, but these four men had been impatient in leaving the team behind to rush forth and attack, without thinking of the consequences. What greeted them, in the end, was a harsh wake-up call. Despite Old Mu and Lei Dongtians cultivation base being above them, the lords would still have an advantage in terms of combined combat power due to their numbers. If they had unleashed their fiefs once they came and used their all in combat, they would not have landed themselves in such a state, even if they could not secure a victory. That being said, who would play the ace right away in a game? The Four Venerable Lords fiefs would be considered straight flushes, if not aces. If the straight flushes were to be played, it could still change the tide of warfare significantly! It was too bad that there were no ifs. Lei Dongtian had used his extreme tactics and cast Seven Emotions Praxis wisely, leading the situation towards their benefit. This was as if he had set fire to the table when the Four Venerable Lords were still playing with each other once the cards were dealt. They had been dealt a blow which bewildered their senses! It was only a sliver of difference in the thinking process that had caused this current state. The more Lei Dongtian and Old My fought, the more confident they grew and the harsher they were. In spite of this, the rage within them did not diminish in the slightest but was burning brighter instead. Pang! Venerable Lord Sword flew back, a big footprint added to his chest. He was spitting blood but he was also still gasping in laughter. "Hahaha Careful... hahahaha" Bam! Venerable Lord Snow was flung away too, following in the footsteps of Venerable Lord Sword. He was not kicked, instead, he was punched thrice. Each punch hit a weak spot and as he spluttered blood, he was hopelessly preparing to die. "Oh no, oh no, we really cant fight them. They have endless tricks up their sleeves,and the tens of billions of fiances" Bang! Pow! Pow! Pow! Lei Dongtian felt like he was punching a sandbag, his attack speed incredibly fast while he exuded triumph all over. "Are these the pinnacle experts of the Four Seasons Tower? Your physiques are truly great; pinnacle human sandbags!" An awesome punch landed on Venerable Lord Ice, who was sent flying with desperation in his eyes. His kick landed C Venerable Lord Frost flew out laughing, managing to insert a pained cry between his chortles. Lei Dongtian was unstoppable; in that moment, he was unrivaled. Chortling heartily, he reveled in the feelings of superiority. It was at this time that the snow in the sky shook inexplicably, like the soft ripples that folded when the ocean was calm like a mirror. A beam of golden light flashed in the sky. A large hand appeared out of the blue like it was an image amidst the snow and wind. Aman enveloped in a black robe emerged in front of Lei Dongtian. He carried the aura of a ghost; his face was blurry but his eyes were gleaming with a cold, sharp, color. Too fast for the eye to see, a palm swung upward in a devastating attack. Lei Dongtian was relishing the beating up of his enemy and the thrill of dictating the situation; his guard was down and he was unable to avoid the sudden provocation. He had just caught a glimpse of the apparition before he felt the thump on his chest, a sinking feeling of a mountain being thrown onto him. Only then did he feel the pain. His vision went pitch black for a moment, dots swimming in it before he could feel himself being flung away bodily. The palm strike of the person that had appeared abruptly had long landed on his chest. Lei Dongtian did not even see how his opponent had broken through his defenses. It was only some distance away did Lei Dongtian feel his internal organs disintegrating and his body split in two. He was also aware that blood was leaking from the corners of his mouth. "This is the end of my life." Lei Dongtian felt a sense of hopelessness wash over him, followed by a numbing shock C who was that person? He had his treasured garb to thank for deflecting away more than a sixth of the attackers power, or else the strike would have cost him his life! The black-robed silhouette took a step in the air, and in that single step, crossed a hundred and seventy feet of distance, like the falling arc of a meteor. His palm came down with the force of a gigantic mountain ax, hacking towards Old Mu. As his hand swung through the air, the space around him developed into a vacuum. Whoever was located within the area felt a sense of suffocation. Seeing Lei Dongtian being flung away with a palm strike, Old Mu was petrified. How could he not know that the newcomer was extremely formidable, certainly stronger than himself? However, the man in black was already approaching him and a strike was impending. No matter how hopeless he was about the situation, the other party had secured him as his target and sealed all escape routes. Old Mu could only muster all his strength and deliver a lifetime''s worth of cultivation base with a quick cry, stabilizing himself to take the strike bodily. Bang! "Oh" A low grunt and Old Mu tumbled across the ground. He rolled off, spitting out blood and pieces of his internal organs. He had been flung a hundred feet away in the snow, the color draining from his face. It was only the force of the single strike, but it could cripple an expert of Old Mu ''s level and rid him of any countering strength! The meeting had barely started. With a soft thud, Old Mu dropped onto the ground. He twitched before losing consciousness. Blood oozed from his mouth continuously. After several spasms, there was no longer any movement; his state of life and death was unknown. The moment the man in black had appeared, he had defeated Lei Dongtian before dealing a mighty blow to Old Mu with a strike against each of them. The strength of his capability was unimaginable. However, it was his next move that was the most terrifying of all. With a twirl of his hands, the man in black held four balls of white light and hollered, "Endless Heaven and Earth, be one with the myriad! Go!" The four balls of light arced away like strikes of lightning, glowing dazzlingly as they flew across the sky, only to land on the Four Venerable Lords fatal forehead points. However, the balls of light landing on the lethal points were not to kill, but to revive! As the mythical balls of light touched their bodies, a refined spiritual energy gushed into the mind of the four Venerable Lords. At once, it was like ice-cold water being poured upon them. They shuddered before recovering right minds. Upon recovery, they felt like they had woken up from a long dream and regained new lives as they opened their eyes. "Whats whats going on?" The man in black who was still hovering in the air scoffed coldly, "Arrogant and embarrassing! Quickly clean this place up!" Before his words finished echoing, he spun about and soared into the sky, pulling a ray of golden light with him before vanishing without a trace. It was as if his step had taken him into the void and across it. Since the man in black had appeared, Yun Yang could only feel like his blood was frozen solid; he could not move. Mr. Nian! It had to be Mr. Nian! This was the biggest culprit behind the tragedy of the Nine Supremes and the mastermind of the Four Seasons Tower C Mr. Nian! Only this legendary Four Seasons Towers boss could form such an earth-shattering force the moment he struck! Lei Dongtian and Old Mu were not weaklings. Even when they had faced the four Venerable Lords, they secured the upper hand. Such prowess meant they could be listed within the top ten or even top five of the Tianxuan Continents peak powers! Yet, they were blown away like so much chaff in the wind when facing this stealthy Mr. Nian C a single strike was all it took! He had then left without any preamble. No wonder Mr. Nian had left in such a carefree manner. Other than Lei Dongtian and Old Mu, the rest of them, including Yun Yang, were only tiny ants. There was no need for someone of Mr. Nians level to intervene; the four Venerable Lords could easily finish the game. The Four Venerable Lords who regained their clarity growled in anger simultaneously. They were peak forces, long renowned in Tianxuan Continent and even had the advantage of outnumbering their opponent in this battle. That being said, they had fallen into the enemys trick unknowingly and had come close to defeat C one of death without clarity. It was a great humiliation that they could not erase in this lifetime. "Bathe the Residence of Yun in blood! Leave nothing alive!" The wind blew. When the four Venerable Lords looked down, Yun Yang was long gone from where he had originally stood. In the snow, far away, a purple-clothed silhouette was fleeing in a frenzy, carrying someone in his arms. Venerable Lord Sword snorted. A jerk of his sword emanated a bellow like a dragons cry as he gave chase. "Yun Yang, where are you going?" Venerable Lord Frost stayed put. With a stretch of his palms, everything within the Residence of Heavenly Clouds instantly collapsed into ruins with a loud cloud of dust billowing out to mingle with the snow. A chilling ray then flashed out. Severely injured and unconscious, with one last breath left in him, Old Mu, who laid on the ground could not even cry out before his head was separated from his body. A vaunted and mighty warrior of his time, he died horribly, without reason, in the snow. He did not even know who had murdered him while he stood on the brink of death. "Venerable Lord Sword, go through me first if you want to claim further lives!" A silhouette charged into the sky diagonally like a firework released; the sword light flashed threateningly and blocked the way of Venerable Lord Sword. It was Bai Yixue. Bai Yixue was clad in unsophisticated black clothes and wore a revolting face. How could Venerable Lord Sword recognize him? Assuming that he was only an expert without a name, Sword bellowed, "How dare a mantis try to stop a chariot! You must be seeking a swift death!" Clang, clang, clang! Two swords collided hundreds of thousands of times in the blink of an eye. With a crisp sound of bones breaking, Bai Yixue grunted softly as blood shot out from him in several spots, and he fell downwards. 349 A Preposterous Blunder! Although Bai Yixues cultivation base had increased tremendously and was fairly better than Venerable Lord Saber, it was still far from the capabilities of Venerable Lord Sword, who was the strongest among the four Venerable Lords. Against all odds, his spirited attack had still slowed Venerable Lord Swords hot pursuit. It was an honor, despite his defeat, for Bai Yixue to fight head to head with Venerable Lord Sword when he was giving chase. What was more, he had only sustained a certain degree of injuries before blending himself into the snow. Not only did he complete his attacks, he managed to extricate himself from the situation. Venerable Lord Sword only grew more infuriated with the obstacle course of the battle. As he was about to continue the chase, he suddenly felt a strange buzz of mystical Qi in front of him. With a focused gaze, there seemed to be a snowball the size of a palm floating in the snowstorm and drifting towards him "What the hell?" Venerable Lord Sword looked over doubtfully and sent a gust of sword energy flying in response. "Meow" A soft meow came in return. "A kitten?" Venerable Lord Sword instinctively felt that something was wrong C how could a kitten be floating in the snow-filled air? Just as he was pondering upon this oddity, the little dot of white that had been mewling in the snow suddenly expanded a hundred-fold. A gigantic, bloody mouth opened up with a roar. "Eclipse Panther!" Venerable Lord Sword reeled in horror. After all, there were too many unexpected episodes in this battle. It was unfortunate that he was a heartbeat too slow in reacting. When he realized that the kitten before him was actually an Eclipse Panther, a golden beam had already shot out of the Eclipse Panthers mouth. The speed of the golden beam was indescribably and unimaginably fast. Boom! Venerable Lord Sword cried out loud, reflexively maneuvering his sword into a blocking position, and barely managed to defend himself against the golden beam in time. However, the collision resulted in the golden beam being dispersed as scattered daggers all over the sky, making the situation worse! Venerable Lord Sword had nowhere else to hide, grunting and manipulating his mystical Qi to protect his upper body. Venerable Lord Sword was renowned for his swordsmanship, securing the first position in attacking prowess among the five Venerable Lords. There was no doubt about it, but it was also because he focused so much on his damaging power that his defensive skills were relatively lacking. The change of events that urged him to protect himself with mystical Qi to block the wind daggers was truly the worst countermeasure he could have executed. Deciding to protect all his fatal points, Venerable Lord Sword concentrated most of his mystical Qi on his nose, eyes, and ears. After all, compared to the lower half, the upper half of the body had more vital points, and the other party would focus more on them too. Swoosh, swoosh After the billowing daggers swooped about, tiny strokes of blood appeared on Venerable Lord Sword. His long hair alongside his eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard were all shaven clean! Despite the disappearance of his hair, the thick sword energy guarding him only allowed external damage to be done; he was not severely hurt. Just as he felt that he was incredibly fortunate, he sensed the movement in the wind in front. It was a small shadow approaching. Venerable Lord Sword closed his eyes and bellowed, concentrating his sword energy again. He had roughly estimated the damage the Eclipse Panther was capable of. Despite it being a ninth level mystical beast and the one attacking was a super level beast, it was only a cub and would not be able to actually break through the protective energy he had thrown up. As long as Venerable Lord Sword guarded his three upper vital points well, he could ensure his survival. When he could retaliate, he could easily turn the situation over and kill that little cub Venerable Lord Saber had planned well; however, when the sword energy was cast again to guard his upper three vital points, he felt a shooting pain in the lower half of his body! "Oww!" He howled in pain, the sheer volume shattering the falling snowflakes. The howl was filled with despair and agony. The tiny paws had landed, not on any of his three upper vital points, but right on his crotch! It had even taken something off with it in that single swipe. Blood gushed out like a fountain. It was like a thief that had sneaked into someones farm and made a mindless grab in the dark to steal something before running off hastily. Venerable Lord Sword quivered, almost fainting from the pain. As he cast his gaze over blearily, he could see two tiny silhouettes turning into two white trails and escaping far away. Venerable Lord Sword finally understood that it was not just one Eclipse Panther C there were f*cking two of them! Once the attacking beam of the first panther had been deflected by his sword skill, the panther had still charged over to attract his attention, despite its inability to break the protective barrier. The second attack was initiated by another Eclipse Panther; not only was it a sharp ambush, it had even targeted his lower vital point that he had paid less attention to C scoring it in a single swipe! What trickery! How could Venerable Lord Sword have expected that there were two of the rare Eclipse Panther cubs? He had long shifted all of his attention to guard against the one attacking him directly and did not realize nor expect that there would be another Eclipse Panther approaching him soundlessly and executing such a vicious attack. It was such a simple decoy but it had worked, even against an experienced practitioner like him Who would have expected an Eclipse Panther to be this cunning? This was obviously a feint! Venerable Lord Sword shouted in rage, no longer caring if he could still chase after his enemy. He landed with a thump, trembling and covering the part where it was bleeding between his crotch, feeling his whole body shaking. The pain exceeded any form of torture in this world C it was the extreme agony for a man, unable to be described in words! He looked defeated for a moment, hunching his back and persevering for a while before he staggered and fell to the ground, no longer able to hold out. He knew that this was not exactly fatal; as long as he rested well, his cultivation base would not even be affected. In spite of this, he just felt hopeless. That certain something which was so forcefully torn and left behind; he did not even know if it could be used effectively, or even be used at all! This was the question Venerable Lord Sword was the most concerned about. Any other parts damaged could be reborn in reconstruction as long as his mystical Qi cultivation base reached its peak, but it was this part and the head that was the exception! It was the truth that the two heads were the most important. Venerable Lord Sword had thought it was two heads as well but he only understood today that it should be four heads. Venerable Lord Frost rushed over speedily. Initially, he had already overtaken Venerable Lord Sword from the other side, but the sudden circumstances that the latter faced shocked him enough to forego pursuing Yun Yang. He returned immediately to check on his eldest brother. "Big brother, how are you?" "I I" Venerable Lord Sword looked utterly bitter. "My bottom one of it is gone!" His words were not clear at all, but as long as one was a man, one could easily understand his explanation. Venerable Lord Frost was stunned for a moment before inexplicably feeling a chill on his crotch too. He sucked in a cold breath. "This This C this C uh Let me see." Venerable Lord Sword was already having a spasm, his gaze growing unfocused as he began to lose his senses. His injury was nothing light, but it was also far from being fatal. The most significant feeling was still the inexplicable fear that came from the bottom of his heart! Venerable Lord Frost couldn''t care less about taboos and decorum; they were both men and brothers. There was simply nothing to shy away from. He undid Venerable Lord Swords pants at once to look "F*ck!" Venerable Lord Frost cried out in empathic fear. "This really, one is missing the blood whats going on? I sh*t its poisoned!" Venerable Lord Sword growled lowly, "Oh, the rage!" He then fainted away. Venerable Lord Snow was also ambushed in his pursuit. The culprits responsible were none other than Lao Mei and Fang Mofei. Despite their considerable improvement and devoted attacks, they were nothing more than an itch to Venerable Lord Snow. With two palm strikes, the two old men were sent flying. Just as Venerable Lord Snow was about to kill both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei in one fatal strike, two balls of light came in unannounced, causing Venerable Lord Snows fatal attack to miss its intended target. There was no doubt that it was another two Eclipse Panthers that were assisting in the battle. Their bodies blinked in the snow with absolute agility. Although Venerable Lord Snow was used to fighting in the snow as well and was nimble and light C his cultivation base could totally squash the two tiny creatures power - it was still unfeasible to deal heavy damage to the two Eclipse Panthers in such a short amount of time. The two targets were too tiny and their speed was overly agile. Because of these factors, it would definitely drag the battle out. "Where did these many Eclipse Panthers come from?" Venerable Lord Snow was bewildered. He was battling here, naturally oblivious to what had happened to Venerable Lord Sword, and was only focusing on tackling these two creatures. Venerable Lord Snows mystical Qi cultivation base was already at the level of invincibility, but the teeth and sharp claws of the Eclipse Panthers were no ordinary weapons. Any claw could cause severe damage! Venerable Lord Sword was living proof of that. No matter how high and mighty their cultivation bases were, the physical flesh of a person could barely sustain the attack from a claw of a high-level mystical beast! Of course, the two Eclipse Panthers fighting Venerable Lord Snow were in extreme danger themselves, roaming the delicate area between life and death. Even if they wanted to escape, Venerable Lord Snows mystical Qi was widespread, almost merging with the snow C there was simply no way they could flee. Fang Mofei and Lao Mei didn''t hesitate, fleeing in two different directions as fast as they could and were no longer traceable. Obviously, their mission was only to hinder the speed of their pursuer. They did not long for the battle, leaving right away once they had launched their attacks. Venerable Lord Snow was fuming as he fought. The two Eclipse Panthers were nothing to him; if they were struck with one solid strike, one palm of his could already make two meat pies out of them. However, they better than to fight him head-on, and remained stealthy and ungraspable. Venerable Lord Snow could not deal a fatal blow. A sustained battle was one that gave him the most headache. Seeing that Yun Yang had already vanished, and only Venerable Lord Ice alone from their side had managed to give chase, it was evident that the battle might not end well. 350 Escape! Although Lei Dongtian had been severely wounded by the eldest, the extent of his injury was unknown. If he was left with some combat ability C even a little - there was a possibility of escape. If he had managed to flee, a formidable foe like him would mean endless trouble in the future Venerable Lord Snow was unprecedentedly vexed. He was about to maneuver his mystical Qi and risk expending his basic energy to unleash Snow Fief in order to annihilate these two wicked Eclipse Panthers. However, Venerable Lord Frosts cry broke his concentration. "Big brother eldest this its poisoned!" The voice was filled with utter panic. Venerable Lord Snow''s focus faltered, but suddenly, there were sounds of wind coming from both sides. The volume of the winds speed was thunderous. "What is it?" With a start, Venerable Lord Snow gathered his mystical Qi to protect himself; at the same time, he made a quick spin as Snowflake Edge twirled in the air, surrounding him. He cried aloud, "Ta!" Both his palms were stretched to the sides in a fierce attack. Two black holes emerged, a striking contrast in the world of snow. Almost at the same time as the black holes appeared, two golden beams flew in from the left and right, coruscating straight into the black holes. There was a moment of silence before the very air exploded with an ear-shattering boom. The golden beams collided forcefully with the palm strikes of Venerable Lord Snow. For a moment, the earth quaked and the mountains shook; the massive collision caused the shattered Residence of Yun to bounce up from the ground again, dust and rubble filling the air. It was smoky as far as the eye could see; even the heavily falling snow was concealed by the dust. Two weak mewls could be heard in the bedlam. Two tiny, white silhouettes that had been attacking from the left and right flew up like broken kites, while in front, another two tiny creatures that were initially stuck used the window to escape and fled without hesitation. It could be clearly seen that the two tiny things that escaped Venerable Lord Snows mystical Qi seal caught up with the two tiny ones that had been flung away and grabbed them by their napes before disappearing in a swoosh. "Four of them?" "There were four Eclipse Panthers?" Venerable Lord Snow felt chills running down his spine. Where did so many Eclipse Panthers come from? Why were there four Eclipse Panthers? According to his knowledge, could there even be four Eclipse Panthers in this world? Was this the Residence of Yun or a panthers nest? He had no time to ponder upon these mysteries as he rushed over to where Venerable Lord Sword lay, dying to know what had happened there. Venerable Lord Swords pained cry and Venerable Lord Frosts wail of despair had long distracted Venerable Lord Snow. After all, there had been too many accidents tonight. Everything that could have gone wrong had gone wrong. When Venerable Lord Snow rushed over to have a look, his scalp felt numb as he stood dumbfounded; at a loss as to what to do next. Venerable Lord Swords lower half was stained with blood; the exposed lower half was absolutely bloody, and there was no way of saying what had gotten injured. Disturbingly, the blood that oozed out was green in color, and it was slowly coagulating into a thick glue. The coagulation was not a normal phenomenon. It was a condensation that was akin to the freezing process. Venerable Lord Snow, Frost, and Ice were adept in the ways of ice, and they immediately knew what was happening when they saw it. "What has happened?" Venerable Lord Snows heart lurched in his throat as he asked, anticipating the worst, "How is the eldest? Is it bad?" "The eldest... he" Venerable Lord Frost felt helpless. "His lower half has been severely injured the testicles one of it got clawed off by the Eclipse Panther and whats worse is that the claw of the Eclipse Panther was coated with blood coagulation poison" Blood coagulation poison! Venerable Lord Snow felt his mind buzz as a wave of vertigo washed over him. It was such a severe injury! What a vicious tactic! "The eldest is unconscious now, and his mystical Qi is too scattered to be refocused. Obviously, his physical and mental states are both damaged and its difficult for him to recover by himself." Venerable Lord Frost was dismayed. "What should we do?" For Venerable Lord Snow, there was nothing to consider. The crotch was a mans bloodline C there was a reason they called it their lifeline. Anything minor involved a mans pride, while anything major included the completion of the future. Venerable Lord Sword had always been the more peculiar one, emphasizing this aspect more than ordinary people. To make matters worse, he had maintained his virginity in order to cultivate his swordsmanship. "Once my swordsmanship is complete and I have soared to the status of divinity, I shall seek a confidant and leave behind my bloodline. There are plenty of ways to be unfilial but to leave no descendants behind is the most severe. Not even a cultivator should forget this!" Therefore, Venerable Lord Sword was actually a very traditional man to the core. He had also always taken this as his goal to resiliently and arduously work towards. He was only a step away from his breakthrough to the realm of Dao; as long as he entered the realm of Dao, he could obtain the Saber Gods recognition and receive it''s complete legacy, before becoming the next generation of the Saber God. Yet, when he was only a step away from such a crucial moment, he had met such an earth-shattering accident! It was no wonder even Venerable Lord Sword, with such high cultivation, could not take this blow and was dispirited enough to die. Putting himself in his shoes, Venerable Lord Snow thought he might not be able to sustain such a blow as well. He would probably have handled it worse than Venerable Lord Sword! "Watch him!" Venerable Lord Snow immediately took action. "Ill go look for Yun Yang for the antidote!" Without waiting for Venerable Lord Frosts reply, Venerable Lord Snow spun in the snow and vanished without a trace. Venerable Lord Frost picked Venerable Lord Sword up carefully. Upon checking his surroundings, he realized that there was nobody else other than himself. It was silence all around; the soundless atmosphere contributed to Frost''s increasing despair. The Residence of Yun still had a few rooms that had not been destroyed, despite being terribly unsafe. At the very least, they could still block the snow and wind. Other than the antidote, the current Venerable Lord Sword needed a relatively safe shelter and those remaining rooms were the best options available. Venerable Lord Frost moved into the room, cautiously carrying Venerable Lord Sword and felt a whirlwind of emotions surging through him. The five Venerable Lord of Four Seasons Tower had dominated the world and had been triumphant for years. Never had they suffered from the loss of a member nor had they sustained any serious injuries; what was more, being wounded all at once! Now, fifth youngest brother had died without reason in Lei Dongtians hands, while the eldest Venerable Lord Sword had been struck with catastrophe and might very well be handicapped for the rest of his life. In addition, the handicap would be an unspeakable one. The defeat Venerable Lord Frost felt right now threatened to bring him to his knees. Several moments before everything had turned awry C when Lei Dongtian had fallen after being struck by Mr. Nian - Yun Yang had bolted over to him right away and ran, carrying him off. He moved faster than he had ever moved before, far surpassing his normal speed. Although Yun Yang hoped with all his might that this fellow dies right off the bat and wished that he had been the one that had released the fatal strike, Lei Dongtian could not die just yet! If he were to die just like that, how was his plan going to go on? Thus, even when Yun Yang knew it was a risk to his own life, he had still charged out to retrieve the stricken man. Yun Yang saw clearly that Old Mu had been sent crashing down in the same strike by Mr. Nian as well, and his state was much worse than Lei Dongtians. The chances of the old man living were next to none. Lei Dongtian had the protection of his treasured garb; even when he had sustained a fair amount of damage and was severely injured, his life was not threatened and Mr. Nian, the greatest threat, had already left. Yun Yang took action at once. However, it was only when he actually picked up Lei Dongtian that he knew how serious the injuries were. His front ribs were almost all broken, while his internal organs would stop functioning at any time. Not only was he spitting blood, he was sinking in and out of consciousness; he was in an extremely weak state. He could barely even withstand the momentum generated from Yun Yang''s desperate grab before speeding off. To imagine, he was wearing his treasured garb!Mr. Nians raw power was unquestionable. Still, Yun Yang could no longer care about all these petty aspects. Short of revealing his wind manifestation skill, he ran as fast as he could, like an uncoiled spring. If Lei Dongtian managed to survive, that would be his luck and that of Yun Yang. If he could not hold out and died, then it was Yun Yangs bad luck to have exerted so much effort only to have found a short-lived ghost. Not only would he have to take on Four Seasons Tower alone, he would also have to face the Lei Familys revenge Venerable Lord Sword gave chase without having Bai Yixue hinder him with his sword while Yun Yang continued running. On the other side, Venerable Lord Snow had been ambushed by both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei in addition to the two Whiteys opportune attacks. Yun Yang had no other worries - he only had to flee. The series of tricks that plagued Venerable Lord Sword was, of course, designed by Yun Yang. His thought was that if it was successful, it would hinder Venerable Lord Sword and make it hard for him to resume the pursuit. Yun Yang did not stay on to watch though, so he had no idea of the two Whiteys amazing results. He would never have thought that the collaboration between the two Whiteys was so effective and would deal such severe damage to Venerable Lord Sword C they had basically turned him into a eunuch! Furthermore, Venerable Lord Frost was forced to stay behind as well, due to this. Now, there was only Venerable Lord Ice who was tailing him! Despite having just one person preying on him, the pressure for Yun Yang to flee was still massive. Who was Venerable Lord Ice? He was still one of the Four Seasons Towers five Venerable Lords and a top-notch expert who had long entered the heaven realm. Disregarding the fact that Yun Yang was weighed down with the huge burden of Lei Dongtian and was moving much slower because of the dead weight, it would still be difficult for him to escape, even if Yun Yang had been alone! Of course, if Yun Yang used Supreme Winds wind manifestation skill to escape with an unreserved speed, he could long be rid of Venerable Lord Ice. After all, Venerable Lord Ice was not well known for his swiftness. Unfortunately, he could not do so. Lei Dongtian, who was being carried, seemed to be in an unconscious state but he was actually not. His gaze at Yun Yang was brimming with gratitude and intimacy, as well as an indignation that seemed like shame. Lei Dongtian honestly felt f*cked C he had only managed to be valiant for a minute before he was rendered into a dead piece of meat in a single strike! "That who hit me?" Lei Dongtian asked, almost inaudibly. Yun Yang made no move to answer and only continued to sprint forward C an ice dagger was already flying their way! 351 Epiphany! Ice daggers danced in a mad flurry. Venerable Lord Ice continued to give chase behind them, yearning to grip the both of them and swallow them whole, to vent the grudge he held in his heart. The palpable pressure made it clear to Yun Yang that the enemy was fast approaching, while the dancing ice daggers all around him signaled the possibility of a melee attack. Yun Yangs movements grew swifter as he unleashed a speed that exceeded his current limits. At the same time, he discreetly cultivated the art of wind to increase his current acceleration. It was a state where he need not turn into wind, but only borrowed the winds momentum to move forward. From the standpoint of agility, variation, speed, peculiarity and many other aspects, his skill was exceptionally rare in the world. In spite of this, the basic requirement to sustain a long-distance pursuit was the foundation of ones cultivation base. Despite Yun Yangs recent accumulation of a hundred years cultivation base, Venerable Lord Ice was still much better at this. Besides, Yun Yang was carrying a dead weight. Even if he expended all his effort, the distance between both parties would still decrease. It had been some time since Yun Yang had pushed about a dozen pills into Lei Dongtians mouth. It was Yun Yangs only hope, that Lei Dongtian could stand again with renewed energy. That would solve a lot of his problems. The situation was as Yun Yang had hoped. Lei Dongtians unusual heaving slowly stabilized and he was now looking at Yun Yang and speaking with great difficulty, "Brother Yun, you C you must sav C save me I I can C cannot die I dont want to die" Hearing this, Yun Yang came close to hurling the bastard onto a rock to turn him into a meat pie. You dont want to die? Excuse me, who wants to die? Why was he speaking like this? If you claim that Im your brother, you should have said something righteous, like "Give up on me, brother," or "Escaping alone will give you a bigger chance at survival," at such a critical moment! Are you willing to risk my life to save your own? Am I not doing just that? Im already doing my best! Ive run with all my might, but I cant shake our opponent! Here I thought youd have some other arcane skills to suppress your injuries and counterattack the enemy, putting an end to this hunting game, but the moment you open your mouth, you ask for a savior? How can I still have the mood to act out our devoted brotherhood after hearing such inappropriate, tasteless, words? Does your family know that youre so shameless? How can they be worry-free in allowing someone like you to roam the martial world? However, no matter how Yun Yang condemned him inwardly, he could never speak these words aloud. "I know, I''m trying my best." Yun Yang continued to catapult forward. "At most, we brothers will die together!" Lei Dongtian was touched as he mumbled, "Thank you, Brother Yun, for being so kind to this elder brother. Actually theres another way, although it grieves me to say this you can hide me in a more secluded place you go out alone to distract the enemy without me as your burden, I believe the enemy cant do much to you!" Yun Yang almost cursed out loud. Do you really take me as an idiot? Do you think speaking flowery words can f*cking cover the fact that you want me to be your scapegoat? You are thinking only of yourself, why dont you just die? What do you even mean by putting hope on me, this small insignificant ant? Behind Yun Yang, the expected short-ranged attacks finally lived up to their name. Hundreds of ice daggers caught up to them, surrounding them from every angle, some spinning, flying, picking, hacking, surrounding, flying forward before returning with vehemence. Venerable Lord Ices voice was cold. "Still fleeing? I am curious to see how far you could make it." Yun Yangs body tilted forward, his advancing motion bending him to an odd degree; his legs continued to charge forward but his waist had shifted to the left, looking as if his upper and lower body were separated. It was eerie. What was strange was that his head was tilted in the opposite direction. For an instant, Yun Yang gave the illusion of a broken corpse, barely connected as he sprinted forward. His speed was tremendous though; the hundreds of ice daggers that seemingly had no room for error skimmed right past him C not wounding him at all! "What a great skill you have there!" Venerable Lord Ice was genuinely impressed. "It''s too bad that even with that, you cant compensate for a true lack of ability!" The voice indicated that the pursuer had closed another thirty feet of distance. No matter how remarkable Yun Yang had been in avoiding the ice daggers in addition to maintaining his rapid speed, it was only time before his overall performance would be affected and cause the distance between both parties to diminish again. Even then, Venerable Lord Ice was slightly surprised at the scene that was unfolding before him. The puny ant lacked much of his cultivation base and was bogged down by carrying an injured person. He had given chase for so long but had yet to catch up. He had executed an unusually dense ice dagger attack but somehow, he could not hinder Yun Yangs escape What sort of latent skill did this child possess? Not only was it remarkable, it was singularly unique in the world! If it had only been this strange oddity, Venerable Lord Ice would not have been in disbelief, despite his awe. What truly baffled him was the fact that Yun Yangs mystical Qi had yet to be expended through the chase! Yun Yang, at most, possessed the cultivation base of the first tier of heaven realm and was even carrying a severely injured man on the brink of death. There was no way he could have maintained his exertions until now. Still, their distance had shrunken to a hundred feet by now. No matter how adept the other was, he was not destined to escape. A flash of malice glinted in Yun Yangs eyes as he suddenly bolted a hundred and seventy feet forward as he doubled his speed, putting another 50 feet of distance between them. "Huh?" Venerable Lord Ice exclaimed in surprise, assuming that Yun Yang was increasing his speed through life induction and was anticipating to continue this game of predator and prey. Unexpectedly, Yun Yang halted abruptly and tossed Lei Dongtianonto the snowy ground, sliding him away to safety. He turned around and an ethereal saber light flashed in Venerable Lord Ice''s eyes. "What courage!" Venerable Lord Ice flicked his wrist and twelve separate ice blades immediately took form. Yun Yangs decision to attack instead of continuing to run surprised Venerable Lord Ice, but it only made him happier. How befitting of my mood! Here is one who is lacking cultivation base wishing to fight with me head-on! The twelve ice blades he brandished were distinctly different from the previous ones. The previous ice blades looked like ordinary flying daggers, but this time, they were twelve large glaives! Each glaive was twelve feet long and formed a glowing screen in the air as they caught Yun Yangs attacking saber one after another! Obviously, this was an attempt to end Yun Yang with no room for quarter. Venerable Lord Ice was confident that these twelve glaives were enough to inflict serious damage on Yun Yang and even kill him! However, he could acutely feel an unprecedentedly dangerous aura in the air. Experience and instinct immediately told him that his life was being threatened! Venerable Lord Ice had always been one to believe his instincts; he retreated as fast as he could without hesitation to avoid whatever was coming his way. Swoosh! He was shocked to see the piece of cloth fluttering in front of him. HIs expression twisted in fear while cold sweat drenched his back. That C that was his robe! It had been slit off so neatly that he even felt some chills on his lower abdomen. The power of the other partys saber had actually smashed through the twelve glaives without a sound. He did not even see the form and stance before it was right in front of him. The strike was stealthy and shockingly powerful, close to hacking him in half. With Venerable Lord Ices cultivation base, he had been certain that even if he stood stationary, someone as insignificant as Yun Yang would not have been able to hurt him even if he had a divine weapon! He knew now that he was wrong C Yun Yangs saber actually had the power to turn him into mincemeat. Containing his shock, Venerable Lord Ice drifted back as a ray of saber light illuminated his hand and an oddly-shaped saber materialized in it. It was an oddly-shaped saber that had a serrated edge on one side with a full blade on another; it appeared to be transparent. As the saber materialized, a chilling sense of iciness spread in the air. The moment Venerable Lord Ice held the saber in his hand, three silhouettes appeared and held the same saber in their own shadowy grasps. He had never taken Yun Yang seriously, but after encountering the strike earlier, his attitude was clearly saying that he was now treating this puny ant as a worthy opponent. Even if the other partys cultivation base was far from his, the former possessed the ability to kill him. It was worthy of regard and warranted the need to give his all to finish him off. The surging murderous aura and pressure engulfed Yun Yang. Frozen, Yun Yangs mind was suddenly filled with images of the underworld. It was a sign of how he was being pressured to his limits. However, it was also at this moment that Yun Yangs eyes were suddenly reddened with blood. The strength of deific consciousness from his consecutive breakthroughs these past few days connected with Emmies space. Meanwhile, the energy of the treasured resources and gems Yun Zuiyue had fed him, dormant in his meridians, was suddenly stimulated as if meeting a harsh challenge! Yun Yang felt slightly dazed as he entered a mythically mystical realm! The extreme pressure had finally ignited his potential. Yun Yang did not understand nor know the state he was currently in. At this point, however, it barely mattered to him. All he knew was that every flick of his blade carried with it a magical might, mysterious and undecipherable! 352 A Distraught Venerable Lord Ice Yun Yangs movements grew increasingly fluid; Saber Truth, the Destiny Blade was wielded like never before, in a smooth, flowing motion. His heart and mind were one, joined together under this opportune encounter. Merciless Blade! Merciless Dao! The two consecutive styles, simmering with biting saber energy forced Venerable Lord Ices three clones to retreat. Faced with such a smooth, flowing, form, Venerable Lord Ice could not find a single flaw; he was unable to find a chink to exploit. To his worry, if he insisted on staying still, he would definitely be sliced into two and be decapitated outright. His only option was to retreat, an action which utterly baffled him. Am I being forced to retreat by this puny one? Venerable Lord Ice growled inwardly in despair, "F*cking hell, your father is nine realms higher than him!" "A full nine realms! This vermin is at most of the first tier of heaven realm! Even then, I am unable to defeat his swordplay!" "This is terribly absurd!" Ever since he had encountered this rascal, everything had been turned on its head. His movements were unreasonably swift, the density of his mystical Qi cultivation base was unaccountably strong, and now when they were head to head, the forms and styles were unreasonably deadly as well! He was simply too formidable to be true! Yun Yang looked grim, all of his attention on the saber in his hand. He knew that the person before him was an expert he could not hope to defeat, but somehow, he felt more powerful than he ever had before. He had never summoned the Saber Truth of the Destiny Blade so easily! It was like it was molded to his mind and was free to strike as he wished with a single thought. Grip the hilt in concentration, watch the injustice without emotion; those rampaging and those who sinned, Destiny Blade will show no mercy! C Yun Yang had finally understood the meaning of "Grip the hilt in concentration" at this critical point in time. Concentration on the hilt; without emotion, injustice C hence the clear conscience of his heart and unhindered movement of his saber. Watching those who rampaged and those who sinned, there would only be life and death under my saber. Yun Yang used this single form with two separate styles over seventeen times in a single clash yet he did not grow weary of it. Venerable Lord Ice was indignant. Is this f*cking vermin using your father to train his skills? Do you think Im having a friendly match with you? Are you done repeating your forms? Venerable Lord Ice raised his saber threateningly, but he retreated fifty feet away instead. With a wild cry, he hacked at his opponent, attacking with saber energy. Your father isnt as good in manoeuvring your saber, Ill admit this. Still, I am going to break your momentum with my own saber; let''s see what youre going to do next and what other tricks you still have up your sleeves! Yun Yang felt suffocated for a moment, taking a step back instinctively. His chest still felt like a mountain was pressing on it, rendering him unable to breathe. He howled as he struggled and hacked wildly in response; the saber light was radiant, breaking apart the incoming saber energy. It was Saber Truth, the Destiny Blades second form C first style, Saber Laic! It was only of laity outside the saber; where the saber was, there the slaughter would be! Yun Yang was still fully immersed in that wonderful realm. Upon executing Saber Laic, his hand rotated instinctually as the saber light brightened into a meteors glow. Second form, second style C Life and Death in a Thought! The saber blade shone before the worldly realm, life and death were decided within a thought; his intentions would be known with a single glimpse at his blade, this saber shall send you to the Yellow Spring. The moping Venerable Lord Ice was overcome by grief that felt worse than death, he truly had not expected to encounter such a startling occurrence. The child in front of him had actually entered the rare state of epiphany for cultivators the moment he retrieved his saber! Yes, this state is precious and rare... however, do recall that we''re in the middle of a duel. What the f*ck are you doing, having an epiphany now? However, Venerable Lord Ice had no way of stopping him. Yun Yang had entered a detached state of concentration within himself; in other words, he did not even know who he was fighting with C whoever it was, it was the same for him. It was as if Venerable Lord Ice was facing a spiritual entity the moment Yun Yang entered such a state... The latter could pick the flaws in his form and break through them easily. Even if Venerable Lord Ice had exerted even more force, it would be useless against a spiritual entity! "Why?" Venerable Lord Ice wanted to scream, "This is a duel! This is a fight to the death, and youre having an epiphany? Do you wish to insult me?" At this juncture, an unnerving thought crossed his mind; the other partys form and saber styles, together with his unique skills, were something he had never seen before. Each strike and step seemed to contain traces of a multitude of techniques. Venerable Lord Ice could not help wanting to continue watching, to observe a few more techniques and ponder the mystery within. He took another three steps back and drifted into the air; from every direction, the saber energy billowed in deadly waves. For this, he had expended all his energy. If you can block this, I get to observe another technique or two; if you cant, then die! Unexpectedly, Yun Yangs Saber Truth transformed again C an amazing change, without a doubt. "Evil in the world as my enemy, the river of blood flows when they are all killed; reincarnation lies within my saber, it shall collect all grudges!" Yun Yang murmured as if he understood the meaning of each word. When the next strike came, an unusually strong murderous intent suddenly filled the entire space, alongside an indescribable copper scent of blood. It was a technique that reeked of bloodlust! Venerable Lord Ice was stunned; it was almost as if he had witnessed a real river of blood that was gushing from heaven to earth! It was all red as far as he could see. Saber Truth, the Divine Edges third form C first style; Upended River of Blood! Venerable Lord Ice felt his heart thumping, fear involuntarily rising within him and he took a few steps back reluctantly. This time though, Yun Yang bolted over without skipping a beat. The saber light flashed as it cleaved a division between heaven and earth C one side was the human world while another was hell! Saber Truth, the Divine Edges third form C second style, Reincarnation under Saber! Venerable Lord Ice felt as if he had fallen into the Reincarnation Pool and was waiting for his rebirth. Dazed, he shouted and retreated immediately. It was a little too late as blood spurted from his chest. The damage from a strike of the saber could seep as deep as the bone. Venerable Lord Ice could distinctly tell that one of his ribs had been hacked into half by the other party. What a sharp saber it was! Venerable Lord Ice was breaking down inwardly, a shocking fear pulsating through his muddled mind. What cultivation base did Yun Yang have? He was only the first tier in heaven realm! Venerable Lord Ice, on the other hand, was a solid ninth heaven C ninth heaven pinnacle! The difference of their cultivation bases was basically a world apart. According to a normal cultivators knowledge, it was only reasonable if Yun Yang could not rattle his defensive mystical Qi, even though he was equipped with a legendary weapon and a deployed arcane skill in addition to giving his all and putting his life at stake. Yet, he only had to wave his sword before it hacked right through Venerable Lord Ices defense and cut his physical self, even slashing off his bone! If it were not his instincts kicking in early that allowed him to avoid it in time, would he not be chopped into half? The more Venerable Lord Ice thought of it, the more frightened he was. The current situation was simply too petrifying. How old was this young Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Yun Yang, who stood before him? How long had he actually been cultivating? Even if the maximum age was taken to be twenty years old and one to only possess the beginner level cultivation base of heaven realm, he could already injure a pinnacle force who was much higher in rank! This was like a mere mortal holding a saber to chop down a deity. It was ridiculous! Sadly, this was the blatant truth. Facing Yun Yangs consecutive saber styles, Venerable Lord Ice was trapped and had no way to counter them. His opponent had gone into the extreme realm of the way of the saber; there was nothing else in sight other than his saber and there was nothing else with him other than the saber. As long as Yun Yang could maintain this state, no attack could hurt him because his current form was as if he had blocked the heaven and earth from himself. That saber of his was everything. No matter how massive an attack was, he could avoid it using the traces of the myriad. Everything under the sun belonged to the myriad, nothing could rattle it! The more Venerable Lord Ice fought, the more he moped. Anyone would feel the same if he or she had to fight in a battle in which an attack was impossible, victory was hopeless, damage could only be taken passively, and escape was shut away. What could he do though? He had to be struck and lose his life if he did not want to continue moping, so he could only go on moping C there was nothing he could do for the moment. Compared to the moping Venerable Lord Ice, Yun Yang was jolly and full of vigor. He was in an unusually joyous state right now. The extremely precarious situation and palpable life and death and everything in between had all formed massive pressure. Yun Yang did not even know what happened under the immense pressure; he only knew that at the moment he decided to turn back and fight with all he got, he was suddenly very spirited and had accidentally stepped foot into this wonderful realm. He felt like his spirit was floating in the sky and overlooking the world; everything in the world was within his eyes, his heart, his palms, and his feet! Each piece of the snowflake that roamed the world, each gust of breeze, each sliver of ice, they were all his manifestations! He could even sense the magical change of the worlds spiritual Qi. The plentiful treasured ingredients that Yun Zuiyue had fed him previously were slowly flowing in his veins and being utilized bit by bit. It kept his body at this pinnacle state and was still pushing him forward step by step! With the power of the stored treasured ingredients he had in him, he would probably still be able to fight endlessly even if he were to maintain his current strength and exhaust Venerable Lord Ice. Yun Yang hoped that he was actually fighting with all four Venerable Lords right now or even Mr. Nian himself, using his current state to end all grudges! Unfortunately, it was never going to be so. Under such conditions, the mental state was extremely tense all the time. It would never last long C no one could be the exception. How could a mere human connect to the myriad for a long time? A periodical connection was already a dream. To sustain the duration would only mean overexertion; it was akin to seeking ones own death C even Yun Yang, who had cultivated Endless Divine Art and had an admiral, mythical prowess, would not be exempted! In spite of this, Yun Yangs likelihood of sustaining the fight was already impossibly long in Venerable Lord Ices eyes. The more Yun Yang fought, the more spirited and jovial he grew. With a long howl, he sprung up with his saber and attacked Venerable Lord Ice with all his might. The force of his attack was like a surging tide that crashed onto land with the power and fury of nature! 353 Broken Down It was the first time Yun Yang had used all of Divine Edges three forms and six styles that he had already mastered during his practice sessions. He executed them flawlessly in a single breath, forming an unusually dense web of saber energy and charged towards Venerable Lord Ice. "Merciless Saber!" Yun Yang cried out as he ran at his opponent. Venerable Lord Ice took three steps back, barely avoiding the strike in a less than collected manner. "Merciless Dao!" With another loud cry, Yun Yang drifted another thirty feet forward, as if he dominated the world. Venerable Lord Ice swore softly. This time, he had to back away by a hundred feet to fully be out of the area of damage. "Saber Laic!" Yun Yangs saber flashed again as if condensing everything of the laity into saber light. Venerable Lord Ice made a panicked roll, knowing that common countering methods could barely save him. Seeing that the technique was more brutal than before, he rolled a hundred and fifty feet away, successfully avoiding the attack. However, he was flushed red from his exertions. Rolling was the most primal yet the most effective defensive technique. There were few attacks that could not be avoided using this method but it was terribly embarrassing. Plenty of experts who were somewhat sensitive would rather die than to use this technique! No matter how Venerable Lord Ice moped, he was still a logical man. "Life and Death within a Single Thought!" The dazzling saber light flashed brilliantly in the air. With a flash, it streaked towards Venerable Lord Ices neck as if it had ignored the laws of time and space. Venerable Lord Ices soul almost jumped out of his body, but his reflexes were speedy. He did not retreat but advanced instead, rushing forward and bending his body before dropping like a dead weight. He fell rapidly, narrowly avoiding the beheading strike. "Upended River of Blood!" Yun Yang remained oblivious to Venerable Lord Ices techniques as he continued attacking with vigor. A river of blood filled the sky. It felt like there was no room between heaven and earth as the river poured out in huge torrents. "F*ck" Venerable Lord Ices hair was disheveled, the serrated saber in his hand had turned jagged on both sides. He bolted forward with a low growl. Venerable Lord Ice had met countless enemies before, many of them mighty and powerful. He knew now that each of Yun Yangs saber truth styles was a rare skill that was impeccably perfect. Avoiding the several styles had already expended all of his techniques. If he were to continue dodging the attacks, his situation would grow even more critical. His survival would depend on how he counter-attacked. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. Three rays of blood-red light flashed C Venerable Lord Ice, who was forcefully attempting to gain the upper hand was struck three consecutive times. In spite of this, he managed to evade the worst of the blows in the nick of time with the force of his strong counterattack, fleeing two hundred feet away for a breather. He was already pale and drenched in cold sweat. "Reincarnation under the Saber!" Seeing that Destiny Blade was blazing in glorious fury, Yun Yang did not hesitate to act. He threw in all his energy and executed the third style of Destiny Blade, determined to eradicate evil once and for all! Seeing the killing stroke approach, Venerable Lord Ice, finally frightened, reached deep into his reserves to save himself. Hundreds of thousands of ice daggers appeared simultaneously, forming an unprecedented counter-attacking pattern. As the multitude of ice daggers emerged in a whirlwind of fury, they then disappeared? It seemed that this powerful retaliatory strike was utterly ineffective. Venerable Lord Ice was appalled when his ultimate technique was deemed futile. His sense of self-preservation kicked in and he wished for nothing more than to flee. He immediately turned into a beam, only thinking of escaping and saving his life! Even though Venerable Lord Ice was incredibly fast, moving as quickly as his thoughts, he still felt a pang of pain under his foot. The sole of his right shoe had been completely shaved off and along with it, a piece of flesh. "F*ck, is this never to end?" Venerable Lord Ice just wanted to flee, with no regard for anything else. F*cking hell, he must have met with a ghost today! Either that or he was truly caught in a nightmare. What had just taken place was beyond his wildest fears. The youth in the purple gown could be seen standing in the air amidst the snow in front of him with a calm expression. As his purple garments fluttered, his body floated silently like a cloud and drifted towards him. "Merciless Saber!" Again? Was there no end to this? Venerable Lord Ice felt as if he was on the verge of collapsing. "F*ck you! Your father cant afford to evade his strikes, nor to provoke him!" Venerable Lord Ice was rendered speechless regarding his opponent''s state of being. Usually, when a common person entered the state of epiphany, it was, at most, within a tenth or a hundredth of a breath. The duration of for an epiphany was usually measured by the most minuscule of scales. However, you have been f*cking at it for about a quarter of an hour now, my ancestor! How many breaths has that been? Helpless, Venerable Lord Ice attempted to flee, distancing himself from Yun Yang, heading in the opposite direction. However, he was not truly trying to escape, he was circling his opponent. No matter how he felt about the situation, he was certain that Yun Yangs current state would not last for long. The moment the bastard emerged from his epiphany, he would kill him instantly. This child was frighteningly deadly. He had such power when he was in a state of epiphany; it would be even worse when his cultivation base improved. Such a character could never be allowed to live. He was too simply too much of a threat. However, as he circled, Yun Yang gave chase in a leisurely manner. He seemed to be at ease, but his speed was not the slightest bit slow. However fast Venerable Lord Ice was moving, Yun Yang was just as fast. It had only been an instant, but the both of them had already made close to eighty loops. Venerable Lord Ice was close to tears! He was finally certain that Yun Yang did not need to exert much energy as long as he was locked onto his target. His speed was entirely dependent on Venerable Lord Ices speed. As long as he moved, Yun Yang would move along as well. However he chose to escape, Yun Yang would give chase the same way! The two of them now, with a more appropriate metaphor, was a joint vessel of movement C the latter would be as fast as the formers speed! "F*ck! Why must I meet someone like this?" Venerable Lord Ice howled in despair. "This is so f*cking horrible!" Behind him came a string of cries. "Merciless Dao!" "Saber Laic!" "Life and Death within aSingle Thought!" Venerable Lord Ice was tearfully running, exasperated and vexed. What the f*ck, your father is the Venerable Lord Ice of the Five Venerable Lords! On a roof, somewhere far away, Dong Tianleng was rubbing his eyes furiously, his mouth agape like he could swallow a pig. "Is Is that boss? Boss?" He was obviously in shock; he did not know how to speak nor what to do. Dong Tianleng, who was filled with the passion of brotherhood and wished for nothing more than to stick through life and death with his boss, had seen his boss being hunted just as he arrived. His blood boiled with fury immediately. Boss has indeed chased us away for our safety! Its alright, your brother has come! However, before he could even jump out, crying for justice and brotherhood, he was frozen by the scene before him C boss had retaliated and turned to predator from prey! Venerable Lord Ice rendered helpless by his opponent who had obviously gained the upper hand. Brilliant! Dong Tianleng could not speak clearly with his eyes bulging eyes and his thoughts muddled. Is this the boss I know? This is not the boss I know! My boss was never this powerful! Is that Venerable Lord Ice? Venerable Lord Ice of Four Seasons Towers Five Venerable Lords? Upon my grandmother, that is truly Venerable Lord Ice! Dong Tianleng clutched Qiu Yunsans thigh as though his life depended on it. "Am I dreaming? See, Im clinging to my leg but it doesnt even hurt. I must be dreaming" Qiu Yunsan hissed, baring his teeth, but did not cry out; his eyes were equally large as he repeatedly sucked in cold breaths. "Is that our boss? Really, is that him? My I My- my lord, my dear lord, whose hand... what the f*ck? Ouch, ouch f*ck, my leg" Xia Bingchuan and Chun Wanfeng were dumbstruck as well; they could not even mumble. The seventeen family experts who had come along were rooted like statues. After all, the scene before them was challenging the known facts in their head! The Four Seasons Towers Venerable Lord Ice was a renowned expert even if placed within the cultivators of the entire Tianxuan Continent. Ranking the known peak forces, Venerable Lord Ice was securely in the twenty, even if he could not be ranked among the top ten! In addition, such ranking included legendary figures like Ling Xiaozui, Jun Moyan and the first in command of the Four Seasons Tower, Mr. Nian C it was a ranking of the worlds top fatal forces! Now, they had seen it all. It seemed that Young Master Yun Yang was in hot pursuit of Venerable Lord Ice alone with his saber. He was basically hunting him and was so relentless that Venerable Lord Ice could not even escape, no matter how he tried to flee. Venerable Lord Ice, who was famous in the world and highly praised in Tianxuan, had no way to avoid his pursuer and could only run like a stray dog! The saying regarding the wretchedness of a stray dog was most probably based on a situation like this. The dozens of men were all rubbing their eyes in disbelief at what was happening. Fang Mofei, Lao Mei, and Bai Yixue were all in hiding. Three of them were severely injured but they were close to suffocating from watching the scene as well. Is this our young master? Is this really our young master? How could our young master be so amazing? Dong Tianleng laid prone in the snow. Yun Yang had tossed him with great skill as he landed right on a pile of straw. He was safe and sound here but he could not move. He could only look at the sky with his face lifted up and was only limited to the sight of the sky above him. There was no difference between him and a frog in the well; he could see nothing else other than the sky but the vigorous sounds of battle and the piercing ringing of blades were incessantly. He was terribly anxious, calling Yun Yang an idiot in his heart. How can you hope to be the Four Seasons Towers four Venerable Lords opponent with that insignificant cultivation base of yours? You have followed my instruction to keep me hidden but how is this hidden? The moment you fall, this young master will follow your fate as well. I shouldn''t have suggested separating earlier; itd have been much better if you had continued to run, carrying me! Of course, Lei Dongtian was unaware that the situation had changed now C it was Yun Yang hunting down Venerable Lord Ice! Yun Yang waved his saber, executing technique after remarkable technique, filled with joy and confidence. He had utilized Destiny Blades three forms and six styles for over a hundred times now in this single battle. For each and every time he completed the technique, new realizations dawned upon him, and he began to gain insights into his own power! 354 Misunderstanding! It’s a Misunderstanding! Who am I? It finally dawned on Yun Yang finally that he was the person who bore the saber. To bear the saber is to bear authority. As such, the authority to kill is in my hands! Since the saber is in my hands, I am tasked to deliver peace to the world. All the injustice, the wronged, the partiality, and the evil all these shall shatter under the blows of my saber! Then, this man would not bear this saber in vain. To bear the saber is to shape destiny C the Saber of destiny! "Evil in the world as my enemy, the river of blood flows when they are all killed; reincarnation lies within my saber, it shall collect all grudges! So this is it! This is the destined appointment of the saber bearer!" Yun Yang grew more buoyant, feeling his mental state flourishing into another level, just from this battle alone. On the other hand, Venerable Lord Ice felt like he could not persevere any longer. This little monster had taken him as practice for his saber truth, again and again, yet each practice had resulted in a more powerful form! There were already more than a hundred wounds that crisscrossed his tired frame. Even if these wounds did not touch his meridians and bones, even if they were not life-threatening, the bleeding was already taking a toll on him. This was a f*cking chopping torture in disguise! At the beginning of the fight, his clothes were initially pristine white, like a white line and white smoke. It was now bloodstained, red all over C a line of blood trailing in the sky! Yet Yun Yang was still deep in his entranced state. Fate, of fate, you shouldnt be so obvious in your impartiality, no matter how fond you are of this child! This is a grand scheme to kill me! Venerable Lord Ice had not stopped at all for a breather during the chase, based on his ninth heaven pinnacle cultivation base, but the person behind him could do the same too C how was this possible? Are you ascending to godhood? Venerable Lord Ice wanted to cry out in despair. Who am I, so ill-fated as to encounter this? A long, drawn-out cry could suddenly be heard. A white silhouette came from afar; before it arrived, it was already crying out loud, "Halt, fourth brother! Dont kill Yun Yang! Have mercy!" The person was Venerable Lord Snow. Venerable Lord Ice almost wept when heard that familiar voice. Kill Yun Yang? I f*cking wish to! However, in this case, I am the prey! Have mercy? Are you f*cking blind? If I had any more mercy Id be gone in a second! What is going on today? The fates are toying with me, the youth behind me is manipulating my every move, even my own brothers want to take me for a ride. Is your father ever going to be alright? Venerable Lord Snow was anxious, afraid that Venerable Lord Ice had already caught up and killed Yun Yang. Then, there would be no cure for Venerable Lord Sword! He was worried about losing him in the pursuit earlier but he was now fretful about him getting killed. The psychological change was swift. Still, nothing could be as impactful as what greeted his eyes next. Venerable Lord Snow had imagined a lot of scenarios; Yun Yang could have been killed, gravely injured, seized alive or even the most impossible scenario - Yun Yang was still running. Of course, he would be happiest to see the last scenario, even more so than him being seized alive. That was the initiative being in the weaker, but still formidable sides hand. so the weaker one would relent and give room for both parties to correct the situation! Venerable Lord Ice let out a surprised croak once he saw what was happening upon rushing al the way here. His malicious expression looked ready to kill, but he was immediately dumbfounded at the unfolding scene. "What whats going on?" Venerable Lord Snow cried out in shock. What greeted him was beyond his wildest imagination. His fourth brother was not hunting someone else, but someone else was chasing his fourth brother with a saber! His fourth brother who should have had the absolute advantage was currently bathed in blood. "What''s going on?" Venerable Lord Ice shouted in despair. "F*cking hell, move faster and save me! Are you actually here just to laugh at me? F*ck, here you go again!" It was Yun Yang, who was chanting out loud, "Reincarnation under Saber!" Venerable Lord Ice executed his most impressive defensive techniques, crying impatiently, "Quickly!" "Stop this!" Venerable Lord Snow hollered, his voice resonating in the air. With a wave of his hands, Snowflake Edge billowed in an enveloping manner, joining the battle viciously. Venerable Lord Ice, emboldened by the support, countered Yun Yang''s attacks with all his might. The battle had escalated; it was now the Four Seasons Towers two Venerable Lords against Yun Yang! Yun Yang, who was in a mythical realm, could, of course, maintain his edge, or even gain victory despite facing Venerable Lord Ice alone. However, there was the sudden interception of a strong force now. He was blasted by two waves of energy at the same time; the sudden change of events caused his pinnacle surging aura to glide downwards in a straight line. Yun Yangs consciousness was pulled back into himself from the wonderful state of epiphany. Upon regaining his clarity, he opened his eyes to countless swirls of the Snowflake Edge and ice daggers. The previously accumulated exhaustion washed over him like a tidal wave. His bones felt like they were disassembling themselves; just lifting his arm felt arduous. "Destiny-like Saber!" Yun Yang roared, focusing his remaining energy to execute Destiny Blades three forms and six styles simultaneously in an attempt to salvage the situation. The saber energy billowed and engulfed the sky, majestically commandeering the air and vitality all around it. It was a pity that Yun Yang was already detached from his state of epiphany and could no longer find the flaw in his opponents techniques accurately. Thus, all three beams of energy smashed into him without reservation. It was obvious that the stronger one would win, so how could Yun Yang get away by luck alone? With a cry, blood spurted from both his body and mouth as he fell far away. Venerable Lord Snow was appalled to see his opponent fall and retracted his Snowflake Edge immediately, afraid that the remaining momentum would kill Yun Yang. He was growing more bewildered now. Yun Yang was apparently the one preying upon Venerable Lord Ice, the one with the upper hand in the battle. Even as he hesitated, he had only exerted an eighth of his attack abilities when he joined the battle just now; it was enough to dissipate the remaining momentum. However, it was illogical that Yun Yang, who triumphed over Venerable Lord Ice, was so fragile. Just when Venerable Lord Snow was filled with such doubts, several growls erupted in the air, "You dare hurt my young master?" Fang Mofei, Bai Yixue, and Lao Mei charged out with all the energy they could master. Far away, there were silhouettes that blinked and grew increasingly clear. "Charge!" Dong Tianleng was the first to arrive before another twenty other people were charging behind him to help his efforts. "It matters not if we die together today!" Dong Tianleng was rid of his usual sarcastic and playful exterior; at this moment; he guffawed with a carefree demeanor, "Come, let us fight to our hearts content!" With a slap on his waist, the treasured sword, Spiritual Kau, appeared within his grip. It dashed in urgency towards Venerable Lord Snow like a soaring flood dragon. Those who had come with him were burning with a fighting spirit as they attacked with all their might! "Kill!" Instantly, the magnificent aura was unstoppable. Venerable Lord Snow was truly exasperated. If his current intention was to attack Yun Yang and wipe out all his acquaintances, he was entirely confident that he could annihilate more than a ninth of these people before him with just one attack! Unfortunately, he could not do so, as he was not here to kill. He was even praying that his earlier attack earlier had not really injured Yun Yangs core or else it would be inevitable that he would die! Yun Yang and gang could be killed sometime later but Venerable Lord Swords life was at stake and he needed immediate relief! Venerable Lord Snow thought that it was reasonable to not kill Yun Yang. Their target had been Lei Dongtian all the while anyway; as long as Yun Yang was willing to share the antidote, anything was up for discussion. "Wait!" Venerable Lord Snow growled. "All of you, stop! Stop if you dont wish to die!" From far away, Yun Yang stood up on shaky legs and hollered from afar as well, "Stop!" His heart was torn with dread. He clearly knew what sort of enemy he was facing and the extent of power they had! Dong Tianleng and the rest of them facing Venerable Lord Snow were like a bunch of children meeting a giant. There was barely a chance to win even if they were to expend their all; there was only death without any luck to boot! As long as Venerable Lord Snow struck, there was no turning back of the situation. His side would only consist of death and injury! Yun Yang paled with terror. At the same time, a sliver of hope spun in his heart and rose. Yun Yangs deific consciousness had drifted from his self to the nine heavens earlier and could overlook the entire battle clearly. It was due to Venerable Lord Snows addition to the battle that resulted in a third divine sense and caused Yun Yang to lose control from the collision, losing his epiphany state and worsening the fight. In spite of this, Venerable Lord Snows arrival was not entirely a bad thing. He had interfered but he did not go all in during the battle; he had even halted the attack when he got the upper hand and erased the remaining force. In addition to the, "have mercy" statement when he just came, everything was hinting at a change of circumstances. At least, he did not want to kill Yun Yang. Whether his goal was Lei Dongtians whereabouts or any other reason, the situation was not at its worst! There was still the chance of a turning point! Yun Yang was sensitively aware of this. Hearing Venerable Lord Snow and Yun Yang shouting stop at the same time, Lao Meis trio or Dong Tianlengs group were all baffled. In spite of this, their cultivation base did not reach the stage where they could unleash and restrain their attacks as they wished. With the all-out exertion just now, it was already too late, even if they had wanted to stop. The attacks were still concentrated on Venerable Lord Snow. Venerable Lord Snow growled and stepped back immediately, pulling Venerable Lord Ice who was waiting to retaliate hastily. He drew a circle in the air, hundreds of feet of snow from the perimeter flew up at once and formed a thick wall of snow before them. Plop, plop, plop. Countless attacks landed on the wall of snow, crushing it in an instance, but that was the end of everyones attack. Venerable Lord Snow hollered again, "Stop, stop! Misunderstanding! This is a misunderstanding!" Hearing him, not only were Dong Tianleng and the others stunned, even Yun Yang himself almost fell into the snow! 355 Conditions Misunderstanding? What does that even mean? Where did that come from? Even though Yun Yang had a premonition regarding the reason that Venerable Lord Snow was acting reservedly, he was still very curious. Dear Venerable Lord Snow, in what state of mind are you to utter the word misunderstanding?Right before this, the Four Seasons Tower came in all its grandeur with the absolute intention to kill. The four Venerable Lords fought with Lei Dongtian and Old Mu together; then, even Mr. Nian had personally come himself to crush my Residence of Yun a wave of his hands! Now you tell me it''s a misunderstanding? How convenient. Venerable Lord Ice spun around abruptly, looking at his second older brother in shock with bulging eyes that almost fell out of their sockets. Second brother, whatever do you mean? I was just about to be chopped into pieces and here you are, calling it a misunderstanding? Do you want to make peace with them and forge an acquaintance? Get to know each other through a good brawl, the gentleman''s way? Youve even stopped me from wiping out these vermin. What are you trying to do? Venerable Lord Snow was clearly agitated as well. I dont want it to be a misunderstanding, but the eldest has been poisoned and is about to die! What can I do? I feel helpless as well. He sighed and said, "Ive come this time with no ill intentions. I would like to discuss something with Young Master Yun." Yun Yang strode over and asked doubtfully, "Discuss something?" Despite thinking that there would be a turn of events from the various actions of the other party, Yun Yang couldn''t imagine what sort of request they would have to lower themselves this much! Yun Yang had thought of manipulating the situation, like giving up on Lei Dongtian or even killing Lei Dongtian himself to soothe Four Seasons Towers murderous rage, but upon pondering further, he realized that Lei Dongtian was already close to death, even if Yun Yang gave up on him. He was waiting to die somewhere not too far away and could not serve as a bargaining chip. What else was he left with to use to negotiate with the Four Seasons Tower? Fang Mofei and Lao Mei stepped forward quickly to hold Yun Yang on both sides. They could tell that Yun Yang was very weak. Yun Yang ordered, "Bai Yi, carry Lei Dongtian over." Bai Yixue went as requested, and returned with Lei Dongtian in tow. "Young master, he has fainted." Yun Yangs eyes darted about, going forward to check his pulse and he nodded with a sigh. He then pushed a few medicinal pills into his mouth and pressed his fingers against the comatose man''s neck. Lei Dongtian would not be waking up anytime soon, even if his injury got better. "I wonder what is it that Venerable Lord Snow wishes to discuss with me?" Yun Yang''s voice was level and calm. He knew that his opponents had something to demand of him. Otherwise, they would not be speaking like this. He had to grab hold of this pivotal chance or else most of the people from his side, save for a few of them, would die here, once the fight began again. To make matters worse, the precondition of the few who would have a chance at survival would be built upon the foundation that he exposed himself as Supreme Wind. Only then would it be possible C it was still only a possibility! Since the other party had taken the initiative to call a parley for discussion, he would wait and see what he would do next. He would decide better after he had heard what they had to say. Even if the discussion did not go well, it would not be too late to flee. Lei Dongtian was unconscious anyway. What was most important was that Yun Yang was aware that he did not have any bit of energy left; it was an opportune moment to gain the rest provided by the discussion. Thinking about his entrance to the mythical realm, he realized that he had practiced Saber Truth, Destiny Blade on Venerable Lord Ice for over a hundred times. Just thinking about it baffled Yun Yang! Usually, he would be exhausted by just practicing it a handful of times. Even when his cultivation base had improved tremendously and he had ascended into the realm of heaven, he could only muster an additional two to three times of practice. On contrary, he had continuously used it for over a hundred times now in this extreme battle. How had he managed to persevere? He had gained the upper hand over Venerable Lord Ice. It was gratifying indeed, but not one spot on his body had been saved from hurting. It was unbearably sore as well. Hearsay had it that the next day after performing a certain form of activity would result in a sore hip and back; Yun Yang wondered how significant the difference between the two forms of activity would be! "Save the nonsense, hand over the antidote!" Venerable Lord Snow was dying from impatience and cut straight to the chase. Once he spoke, he went straight to the point. After all, Venerable Lord Swords state was critical; any delay could result in an unrecoverable end. "Antidote?" Yun Yang who was quick with his mind understood everything at once and knew what the objective of his opponent was. He laughed out loud and said, "How can Venerable Lord Sword be so careless and hurt himself? Poisoned?" Venerable Lord Snow snorted. "Enough with the nonsense! Theres no need to ask the obvious and make a story out of it!" He was somewhat surprised; how did this fellow know that it was Venerable Lord Sword who was injured and not someone else? Yun Yang chuckled. "I was the one to apply the blood coagulating poison. Of course, I have the antidote." Venerable Lord Snow gritted his teeth as flames of fury threatened to spill from his eyes. "Hand over the antidote and all of you shall be pardoned from death!" He knew that a certain price had to be paid in order to obtain the antidote. Instead, he chose to take an aggressive stance so that he could acquire the antidote faster and save Venerable Lord Sword. "You can very well kill me and search for the antidote on my dead body, wouldn''t that be more convenient?" Yun Yang reminded kindly. Venerable Lord Snows facial muscle twitched. Do I need to be reminded by you if I can do so? Why would someone as sly as you keep the antidote on yourself? Even if there were medicine on your person, who knows if its the correct one? "What do you want? Speak!" Venerable Lord Snow said angrily, "The clock is ticking, for you and for us! If my eldest brother cant be saved, none of you will survive him for long!" Of course, Yun Yang understood the dilemma. He could not delay handing over the antidote for too long. If Venerable Lord Sword died, his group of followers would not make it out alive. What Yun Yang needed to do right now was to ensure that Venerable Lord Sword remained alive before negotiating for the best outcome for the rest of them. "How is the eldest?" Venerable Lord Ice finally understood what had happened now; it also explained Venerable Lord Snows abnormal behavior. "Poisoned, blood coagulating poison," Venerable Lord Snow uttered word by word. As he spoke, his eyes were trained on Yun Yang to watch his every movement. "That right, time is not being nice to both you and me. However, we can still afford to wait for some time." Yun Yang said easily, "If we don''t agree on the conditions, we might still have to die upon saving your Venerable Lord Sword. Therefore, its of utmost importance that both sides arrive at a mutual agreement. I, Yun Yang, shall never do something to harm myself neither will I follow instructions blindly!" Venerable Lord Snow said impatiently, "Then speak! What do you want? What mutual understanding?" Yun Yang replied faintly, "I have three conditions. Firstly, todays matter ends right here. Next, you must not find fault with me nor my friends. Third, the Four Seasons Towers force must stay away from Yutang at once! Agree to these and Ill give you the antidote!" Venerable Lord Snow immediately rejected the conditions imposed. "Impossible! My brothers death has to be avenged! Lei Dongtian must die! I can only promise you that we won''t take action against him today!" Yun Yang sighed, "I didnt say I wouldnt allow your revenge on Lei Dongtian. Previously, Lei Dongtian was a guest in the Residence of Yun. As the host, I would never let a guest of Residence of Yun be harmed in my home. Beyond this day, I will not interfere in your affairs. I only ask that you refrain from any retaliatory action today, only that!" Venerable Lord Snows eyes shone. "Youre only keeping Lei Dongtian safe today?" Compared to killing Lei Dongtian, Venerable Lord Swords life was more important. If Yun Yang had insisted on shielding Lei Dongtian, Venerable Lord Snow had planned to be lax temporarily then turn back on his words after getting the antidote. However, Yun Yang had changed his words and place a restriction on Lei Dongtian. The situation was different now, at least it was within Venerable Lord Snows maximum limit! Yun Yang sighed saying, "Im the son of a marquis after all. The royal dignity prohibits me from allowing the guests in my residence to be killed for revenge! Especially when the Four Seasons Tower has targeted Yutang so often in the past. We are polar opposites. Not only is it not commendable, I cannot help you." "Oh, one more thing. Lei Dongtian and I are friends. When he comes to Tiantang City again in the future, he might still look for me. I hope you dont find fault with me because of this." Yun Yang pretended to put himself in their shoes and said, "Speaking honestly, I have never wished to be Four Seasons Towers enemy forever. Since there is an opportunity to soothe this over today, I hope we can bury the hatchet. After all, its hard to have a single day of peace after provoking the Four Seasons Tower." Venerable Lord Snow clenched his teeth indignantly. Our fifth brother is already dead and you still dream of burying the hatchet! "I dont understand you." Venerable Lord Snow said through clenched teeth, "Say it frankly." "It is simple. The Four Seasons Tower must not find fault with me, no matter where or when. Even if Lei Dongtian comes running to my house again with nowhere to go, youre not allowed to enter and kill him!" Yun Yang said, "Is this clear enough?" Venerable Lord Snow was infuriated. "Wont he be running to you for refuge when hes close to defeat the next time we battle with Lei Dongtian? Will he come out to fight us again after enough time to recover?" Yun Yang smiled. "Your understanding is correct. Now you understand." Venerable Lord Snow was at a loss for words. Enraged, he practically screamed at Yun Yang. "Ridiculous! Absolutely impossible! I thought you were sincere, but it now looks like youre only asking for too much and running your mouth off!" Yun Yang stood with arms behind his back and said softly, "Then theres nothing to talk about. Instead of going through the constant harassment from the Four Seasons Tower in the future, why dont you just kill me right now? At least Venerable Lord Sword can be buried beside me. its not exactly a lost cause! If I were to die in the future, there wouldn''t be anyone of note to die with me! I am still concerned about such things. " 356 The Pressure of an Army Seeing that Venerable Lord Snow was grinding his teeth while pondering over the matter, Yun Yang faintly smiled and uttered, "Well, I shouldnt interrupt your ruminations and deliberation. However, there is not much time left. Venerable Lord Snow, I would suggest that you decide quickly. Also, don''t forget the compensation for the damage caused by the Four Seasons Tower towards the Residence of Yun. The Residence of Heavenly Clouds is deemed as the head of marquises in Yutang there were treasured goods stored in it for many years. This poor, insignificant chap would find it absolutely impossible to explain to my father how it all went missing when he returns." The teeth of Venerable Lord Snow almost fell off. He was cursing endlessly in his heart. How dare you? You already stated your three conditions! As if it wasn''t enough, you are now asking for compensation for the damage caused to Residence of Heavenly Clouds. How glad your father would be to have a son that took such great care of the family assets! However, Yun Yang had managed to locate the sore point in Venerable Lord Snows heart. As he had rightly said, there wasn''t much time left! "Very well, three conditions it is!" Venerable Lord Snow tried to swallow his rage, "First, hand over the antidote!" "Hold it right there. Now, the fourth condition has come about. You have been taking too long to decide!" Yun Yang was calm and unruffled. Now that the other had already expressed his willingness to submit, he intended to milk the cow dry! Venerable Lord Ice leaned over and whispered in Venerable Lord Snows ear, "Why do we have to humble ourselves so? Let us take these people as hostages and kill a few of them if he is unwilling to give the antidote. Kill a few more and lets see how hard his heart can be. How easy it would be if we used this method to get hold of the antidote!" Venerable Lord Snow sighed. He wasn''t such a fool that the thought of aggression hadn''t crossed his mind. However, the problem lied in the fact that this bunch was now at a dead end, only having the antidote as their last resort. Once it had been given out, they would immediately become lambs led to the slaughter, without having to care much about life and death. With this as the prerequisite, why would they even care about how many people were going to lose their lives? This was especially true of Yun Yang, a ruthless character who could, by no means, be threatened by the prospect of death! If that was not the case, why had he helped Lei Dongtian when he knew that he would become rivals with the Four Seasons Tower? He wasn''t even willing to give up when Lei Dongtian faced crushing defeat. From the start until the end, he had persevered and remained strong. With such a character, how could he even be moved by the mere numbers? Venerable Lord Snow had already analyzed the situation thoroughly. Instead of attempting something that was evidently futile, it was better to solve the problem as soon as humanly possible. Yun Yang could be seen smiling faintly at the side, "Has Venerable Lord Ice suggested some great idea to Venerable Lord Snow? I wonder if Venerable Lord Snow will seize some of my compatriots here in exchange for the antidote? Well, this is a great idea. I have always been loyal to my friends and will never leave them behind. This would really be a great opportunity to get me to surrender! " Venerable Lord Ice looked up instantly, wide-eyed, "How do you know?" Yun Yang grunted negligently. Just by looking at that sneaky and ill-intentioned face of yours, it''s almost as if all your plans were written on it. Was it really that difficult to guess your intentions? Venerable Lord Snow took a deep breath and said, "There is no point for us to cause enmity. I hereby promise you that all your conditions will be met. However, I will need to take a look at the antidote first!" Yun Yang''s smile grew wider as he said, "You are joking, aren''t you, Venerable Lord Snow? How could I possibly do that?" The antidote was, in fact, the only life-saver that Yun Yang had on his side. How could he let it go so easily? If he really did so, it would be tantamount to giving it freely to others and letting the other side slaughter all his men! Venerable Lord Ice had just managed to treat the wounds all over his body. Furiously he uttered, "The one with the surname Yun. Dont you dare push your luck!" Yun Yang snorted and chuckled derisively, "Venerable Lord Ice. Being idiotic is an illness. Dont you ever hesitate or try to avoid medical treatment! If you dont know how to speak or are really unable to see the immediate situation, it is best for you to shut up! The immediate situation is obvious. Such exchanges can only be achieved if you are sincere. If we renege on our word, you can have us killed at any time. However, if I were to give out the antidote first, who else is there to ensure our safety? The names of the five Venerable Lords are glamorous indeed, but your credibility... leaves much to be desired." Venerable Lord Ice was angered by the words of Yun Yang to the extent of almost falling down. Ever since he had met Yun Yang, not only was he unable to catch up in the chase, he had been unable to win the battles of the saber. Now, even on the verbal battlegrounds, the strong and weak were incredibly disparate. He was not even the opponent against a great-leveled figure. Venerable Lord Snow grunted and did not get unduly incensed. Apparently, he felt that the remark Yun Yang had made, made sense. In fact, Venerable Lord Snow had thought of betraying his promises once he had gotten hold of the antidote, since the other side would by no means, have the ability to free themselves from the power he and a few others shared! However, Yun Yang had taken precautions earlier on. This way was no longer feasible. "Not to mention ... even if one were to buy vegetables, it would only be proper for one to hand over the money while exchanging the goods!" Yun Yang rolled his eyes and uttered, "Now that it is such a big deal, how can we neglect this part? Hence, an oath of heaven is definitely necessary, at the very least!" Yun Yang looked at Venerable Lord Snow, who then made the oath with God as a witness. With a beaming expression on his face, he then received a considerable amount of ten million banknotes! Yun Yang would naturally not care much about the specific amount of the silver taels as compensation. What he cared about was that miserable look and also the interesting expressions displayed on Venerable Lord Snow''s face when he took out the banknotes. Was this revenge? This was clearly an enthusiast who came, scattering money all around! How could there be such poor take on revenge? Dont forget, we are the Four Seasons Tower! Where was might that could subdue the world by force and bloodshed in the martial world? "Once the deal is struck, it will then be imperative to save people''s lives. Right, where is he?" Once the mood of Yun Yang had turned pleasant, of course, he would have to settle the important matter first. After all, Yun Yang was now the one who had more concerns over the injury of Venerable Lord Sword. No accident should happen to this brother. If Venerable Lord Sword were to quit and die first, Yun Yang would n''t be far behind him! "Hes in the Residence of Yun!" Venerable Lord Snow was extremely depressed, his spirit dampened. He had been threatened and forced to make an oath by Gods will. No one would have been able to withstand such shame if that were to happen to him! However, Venerable Lord Snow did not think that he was wrong in this matter, nor did he think that it would cause any significant loss to the Four Seasons Tower if he were to free Yun Yang and not to find any trouble with him. After all, in his mind, Yun Yang was just a small player unfortunate enough to be caught in the heart of a conflict. Even if he was a common man of Yutang or the aristocrat of Yutang, it wouldn''t have mattered in the slightest. The most important thing was Lei Dongtian. Even if he had to leave Yun Yang alone, what was the worst that could happen? At best, they would remain like the streams of the lake and the well, where their waters did not mingle. You would continue your stay in Tiantang City while we name ourselves kings and dominate the martial world! If Yun Yang was determined to become the Four Seasons Tower''s rival and to conspire with Lei Dongtian, he would definitely work against the Four Seasons Tower. When such a time came, the oath would be void and he would never him let go. However, judging from what Yun Yang had said, it seemed that he only wished to escape... As you wish then. As long as you come in between Lei Dongtian and me, we were, in fact, unwilling to become enemies with a dynastys aristocrat. Being an influence in the martial world, it would never be worthwhile to become enemies against a dynasty. After all, there were still a lot of transactions that needed to be carried out in the secular worldly. If the Empire of Yutang were determined to go against the Four Seasons Tower and ordered a complete freeze on their assets, the Four Seasons Tower would have to bear huge losses. After that, by guarding the entrance of the Residence of Yun, they would then exert the four major fiefs simultaneously together the moment Lei Dongtian appeared. The bastard wouldn''t stand a chance. As the masses receded, Yun Yang naturally took the lead, greatly picking up in speed. Initially, he had thought that the Residence of Yun would have been destroyed all at once; never would he have imagined that there would be a day when the Residence would revert back to its rightful owner. Previously, he was content to merely to let the Whiteys grow increasingly lethal and enhance their defensive capabilities. That, in itself, was sufficient for him. What a miracle claw, what a great stroke of luck! Venerable Lord Ice and Venerable Lord Snow were walking with him, side by side. Bai Yixue was carrying Lei Dongtian while Lao Mei and Fang Mofei followed beside Yun Yang. The faces of these few looked weak, their battle strength was less than a third of their usual capacities. Beside them came Dong Tianleng and the other three. Yun Yang stared menacingly at these four young masters of a great brotherhood with his knife-like glances. The gallant pride to accompany their big boss to their deaths had long been replaced by their fear. One after another, they could be seen tucking their heads in like quails, pulling at each other while following behind. As for the seventeen people who were following the progeny of the four major families, they all felt relieved, trailing behind with a particularly relaxed mood. They came with the mindset that they would die on the field. As it turned out, to their surprise, that they did not have to meet Death today. Such relief was unspeakable. No matter who it was, no matter how great the reasons were if one was able to complete a fatal task and escape death without being harmed at all, he would definitely be exhilarated and glad. Furthermore, their young masters were looking at them with such amicable expressions, the situation seemed to have taken a lighter tone. If their young masters were to have control over the family power in the future, they would definitely become the most unwavering and trusted of aides! With such loyal young masters that had a reliable friend like Young Master Yun, how could they not succeed? It would be a joke upon them if they did not manage to shine under such circumstances. It was only when they returned to the Residence of Yun that their expressions grew grim. There were crowds gathered before the door of the Residence, almost blocking the ruins from sight. The only thing that could be seen was shiny armor, equipped with increasingly murderous vibes! All kind of weapons, sabers, swords, spears, and halberds were all gleaming with a chilling glint, shocking and terrifying, causing one to tremble even without the cold! A large, well-disciplined, military team had gathered at this place. At a rough glance, there were at least thirty thousand people milling around... and more. They surrounded the entire Residence of Yun, causing it to resemble an anthill! There were two men leading. They had white hair, yet they stood upright like two tall and straight pine trees. One was armed with a long spear while the other was armed with a large saber, waiting in a solemn manner. The elderly generals'' expressions were tranquil like the still water. Their eyes were burdened with grief and indignation. Who else would it be beside Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin? Within the long deserted Residence of Yun, a strong aura of tension flowed, emanating from the people that stood there, washing over the rubble and dust. The voice of Qiu Jianhan carried an anxiety that could barely be suppressed, "You, who reside within! Listen to me! You have been surrounded! Step out and surrender yourselves quickly!" No one inside had answered. Either it was empty, or it was an intention of complete ignorance. Qiu Jianhan''s expression was ugly and unsightly. He could no longer suppress his worry for Yun Yang. With a wave of his large hand, he motioned his soldiers forward to prepare for an all-out charge. After knowing that Yun Yang''s Residence of Yun had been attacked and had been reduced to ashes, Qiu Jianhan had almost collapsed on the spot. After getting along with each other all this while, Qiu Jianhan had treated Yun Yang as his own nephew. Upon suddenly hearing that there had been an accident here today, the ache of his heart made it seem as if it was going to split apart and was difficult to suppress. Without informing His Majesty about his intentions, he flexed his influence and mobilized thirty thousand members of the royal army to march and surround the Residence of Yun! He wished only to locate the murderer and wring an explanation out of him. The old marshal was furious and anxious; if Yun Yang were to have encountered any misfortune, he would definitely help this youth to seek vengeance, even at the cost of his own life! Regardless of the price! Regardless of the consequences! Even if all of Yutang had to go up in flames, he would do it, without any hesitation or regret. 357 Temporarily Resolved Although there was no movement at all within the ruins of Residence of Yun, an inexplicable sense of cold could be felt lingering over the place. The sense of deterrence was unprecedented, while the smell of blood seemed to grow stronger... Faced with such a situation, the hearts of the elders could not help but grow colder and colder; even his lips could be seen trembling, the circles around his eyes had grown darker. With a sudden wave of his large hand, he said, "Soldiers, listen to my order, lets..." At this critical moment, a voice rang out, "Dont ... Dont do it! I am here! I am back!" Qiu Jianhan''s heart dropped to his feet. He then turned his head around to look towards the direction where the sound had come from. Within the snow-covered sky, a purple silhouette could be seen running over to him, gesticulating with joy. The figure was plainly at ease, high-spirited and wild. It was Yun Yang! At this moment, the eyes of the old marshal grew blurry with tears. His heart was relieved. However, with a sudden, raging roar he exclaimed, "Little bastard! Where have you been? What kind of play are you acting in? Are you trying to claim bankruptcy?" A series of curses spilled from his lips, sounding like a booming cannon. However, the slight trembling in his voice had long revealed his true feelings! A sudden surge of warmth emerged within Yun Yangs heart. While hurriedly rushing over to the old marshal, he whispered, "There is a slight peculiarity in this matter. There are still some matters that need to be resolved quickly... allow me to explain them to you in detail after this ... for now, its better to withdraw first... this time...we have overcome it peacefully. " "Overcame it with peace?" With a trembling finger, the old marshal pointed towards the ruined Residence of Yun, "There is not even a single complete tile of your house to be found and you are telling me that everything is safe and sound?" "Something has gone wrong earlier, but it is truly fine now. Now is not the time to wrangle over small matters like who to blame or the tiny details of this small incident." Yun Yang explained in a slightly anxious manner. It was a waste of time to try to explain the whole story. Once Venerable Lord Sword became incurable, it was not merely like previously where only a dozen or twenty individuals would die. Now, the thirty-thousand-strong royal army would also meet their end! The strengths between the realm of heaven cultivators and Tenth Perfection realm of peak cultivators were of significantly great difference, particularly that of Venerable Lord Ice, Frost, and Snows similar powers and fief. Under the conjoined magical might of these three champions, their power would then be ten times greater than that of any single one of them. The Yutang men before him could not possibly hope to bring harm to them and would either be dead or extinct! Yun Yang was not going to allow that to happen. "Is everything truly fine?" The old marshal Leng Daoyin took a step forward and asked aloud, glancing suspiciously at the young man. "I have to end the subsequent ramifications of this incident; then only can it be deemed as fine!" Yun Yang nodded his head forcefully. "Army, retreat back a hundred paces! Dont remove your armor and for the generals, dont come down from your saddles!" Upon exchanging looks and glances with Yun Yang, Qiu Jianhan knew that something was wrong. He then immediately issued his order for his men to step down. The army neatly retreated upon hearing his instructions. "Deicide Bow archers, wait in a combat position. Crossbow archers in a fan-shaped position, pull your bows but do not release them. Armed calvary arrayed in front. Point your spears forward! " While Yun Yang could be seen lamenting that such an action by the old marshal was but a useless move, he, nevertheless, finally felt a sense of relief. The icy chilled glances that Qiu Jianhan threw at Venerable Lord Snow and the others were mixed with a deep hatred and murderous vibes. "I know that you are of the Four Seasons Tower, and our Nine Supremes are dead because of your conspiracies. Such hatred is absolutely irreconcilable. Sooner or later, you will be required to atone for such a grudge. However, since the young master of Marquis Yun is willing to reach a consensus with you fellows, as long as you remain honest and frank during your stay at Yutang without playing any tricks, you can rest assured that there will not be any problems. On the contrary, regardless of whether you are the Four Seasons Tower or the Eight Seasons Tower or whatever kind of tower, the Empire of Yutang will inevitably utilize the full power of the country against you!" Domineering! That was the feeling that echoed within Yun Yangs heart. Having his face pulled down, Lord Snow did not utter a single word. He gave rise to a fortunate feeling; he was lucky that he had not acted too tough and stubborn during the negotiation with Yun Yang just now, especially on his decision to let Yun Yang go. Look at all the reactions of the people of Yutang. They were all crazy! The old man immediately before him was born with a normal cultivation base yet he had dared to confront him. What was even harder to believe was he had actually felt threatened. That was a threat originating from a superior warrior, a warrior that had governed countless men and had a host of battle strengths. To his surprise, it was actually enough to make him feel pressured. "Calm down, old marshal. I am going to deal with some matters first...I will return in a while. I will definitely give a satisfactory explanation to you then!" uttered Yun Yang, accompanying his smile with a wink, seemingly trying to fawn and flatter. "Hmph!" The old Qiu acted as if he was very proud. While raising his head and stroking his beard, he gritted his teeth and uttered in a solemn tone, "I am going to wait for your explanation. If you can''t convince me, I am going to f*ck your ass open! " Yun Yang frowned at the coarse language. Why was this old man so violent and vile? The solemn glances of old Qiu turned and peeped at the two Venerable Lords of the Four Seasons Tower. With a stare filled with uncovered hatred, he then heavily snorted and receded into the background, step by step, while holding his wide-eyed stare against the two. Among the army there was a team distinct from the others, wearing black clothes and equipped with black armor. Standing before them was a person with a tall figure, handsomely towering and upright. Her eyes were filled with unlimited concern. It was Shangguan Lingxiu. The Shangguan Family of Generals had called upon their available battle strengths for the rescue effort. It was even Shangguan Lingxiu herself who had had personally led the team to lend their assistance. Her eyes were quietly staring at Yun Yang. Upon seeing him safe and sound, she then quietly let out a sigh of relief. Shrinking her body backward, she then merged with the rest of the team. "Second uncle." Qiu Yunshan came forward and greeted Qiu Jianhan. "Get lost!" Qiu Jianhan commanded, "I am more angry to see you than seeing your father!" Qiu Yunshan instantly felt uneasy, as if he had bumped against the wall. What kind of uncle were you? You cared about Yun Yang as if he was your own son. Why did you act as if you have seen your enemy when you met with your own nephew. Have you lost your mind for staying in Yutang after so many years? What he missed was the trace of gratification at the corner of old Qiu eyes. This child thought that he was the kind of lazy guy who had had no standards or abilities, like the mud which was unable to be plastered against the wall. Unexpectedly he was lucky enough to have met such a great friend. Whoever was able to befriend Yun Yang and gain his approval would then have his own merits. ... When Yun Yang came to see Venerable Lord Sword, the frame of his eyes opened extremely wide. How could he be so miserable? It was not that Yun Yang was insufficiently prepared, it was truly because that person''s condition was terrible. He was apparently being left with his last breath, the flesh of his lower part of his body was fuzzy and indistinct, almost to the extent of losing its shape. Just after a glance at it, Yun Yang had hurriedly turned his head back. First, it was because that was the private part of the other person, not morally right to be seen. Secondlywell, since everyone was a man, he could more a less have a sense of empathy for him for having that thing impaired. It was better not to look at it too frequently, what if that would cast a psychological shadow upon himself? After all, Yun Yang was a virgin who had never been with a woman. He would, somehow, feel dread! Dong Tianleng, on the other hand, interestedly took a few glances, up and down upon him. Under the stare of Venerable Lord Snow who had had his disguise pulled down, Dong Tianleng then embarrassedly walked to the side. His heart fluttered: It was just a tiny bit of it. Let alone that only one was left, even if the two were to remain, it would not have much use at all He could not help but grab his crotch and compare it to his heart; my baby, when compared to that of the bastardwas even larger, much better, much better! How could the consumption of the Luminary Paste be deemed as a waste? Thinking of this, Dong Tianleng was hit by an unprecedented amount of excitement. While being jubilant, the smiling edge of his mouth was rippling and growing! Xia Bingchuan looked at him inexplicably, "What are you laughing at? Everyone here is a man. With such a virtue, dont you tell me that you have fallen for him ?" "I have, in fact, fallen for him ..." Dong Tianleng gleefully glanced right and left, "I found out that at least for one aspect, I was a superb person, like the level of Ling Xiaozhui ..." Xia Bingchuan replied mockingly, "You are dreaming, arent you? Do you even know what you are saying?" Dong Tianleng burst out in jubilant laughter. While cursing him as a neuropath, Xia Bingchuan then turned his head around and decided not to look at this insane fellow. He did not know that if that were to be converted into martial arts, Dong Tianleng could not really be deemed as bragging. "This is the antidote. The poison will be removed once consumed." Yun Yang handed out a green medicinal pill. "This is the antidote to the blood coagulating poison?" Venerable Lord Snow, Venerable Lord Frost, and the others looked at the pill suspiciously. No matter how they looked at it, it did not assuage their guilt." "This is the antidote! Why would I joke at this point in time?" Yun Yang snorted. Of course, there was no antidote to the blood coagulating poison; otherwise, with the abilities of the four Venerable Lords of the Four Seasons Tower, if in any case they were to know any of the resolutions, how would they even subject themselves to the control of Yun Yang and to the promise of his harsh conditions? However, Yun Yang was aware of a detoxification method. It was even one that could be configured at any time. Of course, such a method could only be achieved by Yun Yang. As for the others ...even if Mr. Nian had personally arrived, he could, at most, utilize his deep and profound cultivation base to help Venerable Lord Sword to force the poison out. It was impossible to issue another solution! As far as the kind of poisons that was invented by Yun Yang was concerned, even if there was no solution for them in this world, as long as they had passed through his hands, Emmie would definitely come out with the antidote. Generally, poisons and antidotes were the most problematic issues for most people. However, for Yun Yang, there was no problem at all. At least so far, there was not a kind of poison that was unable to be solved by Emmie. Conversely, for the poison that was created by Emmie, despite not knowing the specific upper limit of its poison strength, at least, people with the level of the four Venerable Lords were not able to resolve it! Definitely despotic! Furthermore, for the antidote that was given by Yun Yang, its only effect was merely detoxification. There was no additional help to the outer wounds of Venerable Lord Sword. Although Yun Yang could have added more of the vitality element, and even to make the damaged parts of the body of Venerable Lord Sword to regrow. This only required Emmie to add more air of vitality. However, Yun Yang would be unwilling to do so even if he were to be beheaded. How would Yun Yang react to such foolish acts in helping the enemy to defeat himself and exposing his last card? The effect of the antidote was immediate. Not long after Venerable Lord Sword had consumed it, color came to his cheeks, and the almost coagulated blood within his body started to flow again. At the same time, his injuries below had started to bleed profusely again. Venerable Lord Snow and Venerable Lord Frost hurriedly applied the medicine. The medicine that they took out was of the best quality. Although the lower part of Venerable Lord Swords body was greatly injured, it would not affect his life if it was treated in a timely manner. The sky-filling heavy snow continued to blanket the earth. Upon the high sky, a black silhouette was standing in the void. His divine sense covered the entire area. Observing the bustling activity below, his expression turned sour. His eyes were brimming with extreme dissatisfaction. It was Mr. Nian, of course, and all along, he had never left. 358 Eclipse Panther? I Have Never Seen It Before! No matter how things panned out after Nian''s departure, he did not act nor intervene. This had always been Mr. Nian''s style of handling affairs; to let go and allow the subordinate to manage it. Only when sufficient opportunity was given to them to work independently could they garner the ability to handle things themselves. The cultivation base was never equivalent to ones ability! Mr. Nian had always known this truth! Hence, for so many years, he had always acted as such. The indisputable fact that a large number of talents were being produced by the Four Seasons Tower would have some relation to Mr. Nian''s management style. However, as he watched the developments of the incident underneath him, Mr. Nian could not help but feel a sense of worry, if he continued without doing anything. He could hardly even understand the situation. Things had initially gone well; how had it developed to such an extent? Initially, it was a great circumstance, with the winning opportunity at hand while the enemy had little to no defensive power at all. That was why he didn''t hesitate to leave, allowing the four Venerable Lords to clean up the aftermath. However, how could it have turned into such a debacle? In the end, they were being controlled by others and had even signed an unequal covenant! Mr. Nian watched helplessly, wide-eyed, but still, he could not fathom where the problem originated from. Could it really be a mere claw of a mystical cub that causes the trajectory of the situation to change tremendously, to an extent that it was beyond recognition? Was this luck? Coincidence? Fate? Or was it something else altogether? It was impossible to decipher! The ideal situation had turned into desperation. Comparing the martial strength and prowess that was the main weapons of a cultivator, his side had apparently held the superior position. Obviously, they should have the absolute right to speak, even if they were within the enemys countrys capital city and even if the other had utilized the masses as a method of confrontation. All these tactics were no cause for concern. However, they could not utilize any of their martial powers right now. High in the sky, a black shadow flashed by in an instant and then disappeared. Until its reappearance, no one knew how far it had gone forward;Mr. Nian could no longer stand seeing it! They had been defeated, what was left was simply gloom and doom! However, the disappointment within his heart was difficult to express. I allowed you fellows to work on the matter. However, you fools were compromised from the very beginning, unstable and ready to fail at any time. I had no choice but to intervene personally, directly striking those who were capable yet currently disabled, leaving three to five ant-like characters for you fellows to deal with as an aftermath. As a result, in the process of dealing with it, you fools did not even manage to kill the most deserving person. Somehow war had turned into peace instead. The worry was that Mr. Nian would be angered to the extent of falling from the sky if he were to continue observing! "The poison had been removed, it then marks the end of the transaction. Both the goods and money have been exchanged." Yun Yang urged, "In other words, go and do whatever you are supposed to do! Everyone, although it is true that we are familiar with each other, the myriad leads to heaven; it''s better that we part ways!" Yun Yang had actually started to chase the people away. Yun Yang was the owner of this residence. To make such an order, to expel unwanted guests, was logical, reasonable and appropriate! Venerable Lord Snow grunted, "Young Master Yun, although the fact remains that we are enemies, I believe that theres no need to be so anxious. My eldest brother is still in critical condition and in need of recuperation. Would it be inhumane to just leave him here? Dont tell me that your words of turning the war into peace are merely a joke?" Yun Yang smiled wryly, "I have no objections if you fellows don''t either. However, if Venerable Lord Sword were to somehow be poisoned again, it will then have nothing to do with the others... at least I cant be responsible for it! " Upon hearing that, Venerable Lord Snow and Venerable Lord Frost were momentarily stunned. This child''s words did make sense. Regardless of how nicely they prepared their case, the idea was to turn war into peace; the knot was, after all, still present, the debt of hatred would still need to be paid. This place had now become ruins. Everywhere one looked, there was only devastatingly damaged debris. Who would know if some kind of mystical poison might seep out of the corner at any time? What if Venerable Lord Sword was poisoned again? Through the actual exemplary incident where Venerable Lord Sword had been poisoned, Venerable Lord Snow and the others had a better understanding of the virulence of Yun Yangs malicious poison. It was extremely lethal. Even the so-called detoxification spiritual medicine, equipped by the high-leveled people of the Four Seasons Tower that could detoxify a hundred types of poisons could do nothing against it. Hence, it was better not to insist on staying in such a place that had such potential for future quarrels. "Damn you, you ruthless bastard! We will meet again in the future!" uttered Venerable Lord Ice with hatred. "Well, the Four Seasons Tower has just sworn that we were not supposed to interrupt and mingle with each other again!" Yun Yang said, "I guess it is only right that we can look forward to never seeing each other again." Just as Venerable Lord Snow was about to stand up, he suddenly recalled something, "Young Master Yun, before we leave, theres still one more thing about which I wish to seek your advice. I hope that Young Master Yun will not be selfish in rendering your thoughts on this." Yun Yang asked, "I wonder what kind of matter is that? If its something that can be told, I will not keep it to myself!" Of course, if it could not be told, he would definitely be stingy about it. Venerable Lord Snow asked, "I am somewhat puzzled about the four Eclipse Pantherswhere did they go?" Yun Yang''s expression grew slightly puzzled as he uttered, "Eclipse Panthers? What Eclipse Panther?" Looking irritably at Yun Yang, Venerable Lord Snow bit off each word slowly, " Eclipse Panther! Eclipse Panthers, the top-leveled mystical beast, Eclipse Panther!" Yun Yang frowned deeply as he pondered upon the question. He suddenly snapped his fingers, "You mean the four colorful little panthers? Arent they Clouded Panthers? How could they be Eclipse Panthers? You said yourself that Eclipse Panthers are top-leveled mystical beasts. How could all four of them appear at the same place together?" "Clouded Panther? Colorful?" Venerable Lord Snow could not help scratching his head. He was baffled by Yun Yang''s explanation. He had mentally prepared himself for Yun Yang''s denial and utter ignorance of the existence of the mystical beasts. However, since when had the Eclipse Panther turned colorful? Was it not meant to be a pure, natural white? "They were white Eclipse Panthers! The type that is without any trace of impure hairs!" Venerable Lord Snow stressed it once again, indicating clearly that this point was beyond doubt, insisting that Yun Yang affirm it. "White in color? If thats the case, I have truly never seen it before." Yun Yang shook his head apologetically. "Now we have turned war into peace, the next time when we meet each other, we can still be friends. There is nothing that I cant tell youHowever, about the four white panthers, I have, indeed, never seen them before!" Venerable Lord Snow whispered incredulously, "Is Young Master Yun treating us as fools?" Venerable Lord Sword was injured and poisoned by the paw of an Eclipse Panther. You, Yun Yang, had the antidote in your hand. If it wasnt yours, then whose could it be? Are you still denying such an obvious fact? Yun Yang could feel the aggressive stares being trained upon him. Taking a pause, he suddenly looked startled. He then hurriedly uttered, "Could it be that ..." "Could it be what?" Venerable Lord Snow''s expression betrayed a hint of curiosity. "Yes ... when Young Master Lei had just arrived, he brought a few pets along; all of them were colorful and extremely good-looking. They still seemed rather young... but they were definitely not pure white in color. Not at all." Venerable Lord Snow, Venerable Lord Ice, and the others looked at each other. Colored panthers? The original color of the entire panther''s fur was colorfulcould Lei Dongtian have dyed their fur? Venerable Lord Frost asked, "Did Lei Dongtian turn the panthers white after having witnessed the snow? Trying to utilize the weather to add the concealing color, increasing the chances of winning? By using this method to augment his tactics, he would certainly be able to turn the tides of success!" Venerable Lord Snow creased his brows and secretly nodded to himself; yes, that had to be it. "Where are the panthers now?" asked Venerable Lord Snow. Where were the panthers? Of course, I know where they are, but I would definitely not tell you. Yun Yang felt a tinge of joy in his heart. While stroking the fist-sized kitten in his embrace, he uttered, "I was focusing on escaping then, how could I pay attention to them? You are looking too highly upon me, respected one!" "Then where does your antidote come from?" "It was Brother Lei that had the mighty foresight to provide this. Upon saying this, I cant help but admire Brother Lei, who had everything planned ahead. He could even think of this..." Even as he spoke, Yun Yang knew that he had made a mistake. He could only try and hope that he could gloss it over. Anyhow, you fellows have agreed to turn the war into peace Believe it or not, it was up to you! ... However, it was unclear whether the three of them believed in it or not. Still, they did not linger upon this seemingly inconsequential problem. "Pass the word to Lei Dongtian!" Venerable Lord Snow fiercely ordered, "Do not die too early, the Four Seasons Tower will definitely resolve the matter with him!" "Let''s go!" Venerable Lord Snow could be seen carrying Venerable Lord Sword, walking away with the other two, their heads raised upwards. Despite the besieged barrier and the thousands of army personnel flanking them, the three did not falter at all but walked directly past the staring audience. With a flash, they reached the roof of the opposite building and disappeared. With the heavy snow filling the sky, there was no one who could clearly witness which direction they had actually taken. "Are they gone?" old marshal Qiu snorted coldly. It was only at this point that his heartfelt a sense of relief. If there had been a choice, the old marshal Qiu would be unwilling to go against such warriors of high prestige in the Four Seasons Tower. If they were to reveal their true powers, it would have spelled the doom of countless high-spirited men. Things would have turned out badly for the army. After a while, Yun Yang could be seen walking out. "Settled?" "Settled." Qiu Jianhan coldly grunted, "How did this blow up into a problem of such epic proportions? Now that it is over, you have to explain the whole thing thoroughly and clearly to me!" "With regards to the details of this matter, I actually have no idea what had happened. I was seated at home and disaster fell upon me from the sky. The way the Four Seasons Tower acted has always been despotic. Weren''t they the ones preaching the way of subduing the world by force and bloodshed in the martial world? Perhaps they have treated us as one of the stops in the bloodshed that they proposed. Well, at least everything has been settled now, why look into all of the minute details" Yun Yang''s eyes were rolling about as he managed to talk his usual brand of nonsense in a serious note, convincingly and full of conviction. Qiu Jianhan then hurriedly waved his hand and said in a gruff tone, "Please, don''t lie to me anymore. The way you weave your lies makes me think that falsehood is an ordinary affair to you. However, I am too tired and did not plan to even listen to it in the first place. Men, lets withdraw!" With that order, he then turned the head of his horse around and did not even bother to look back at Yun Yang. Leng Daoyin chuckled softly and nodded at Yun Yang before he trotted away as well. Yun Yang could vaguely see that a seemingly valiant and graceful shadow had just flashed across the heavy snow. However, there was nothing to be seen in the cold, white, snow. Yun Yang was momentarily startled. The bulk of the people had gone far and were barely within earshot. However, that brief glimpse of elegance had caused an inexplicable feeling of despondency in Yun Yangs heart. ... "You, you, and you, you fellows... who called you fellows back?" Yun Yang spun around and faced the four young lords. Dong Tianleng and the others laughed dryly together, "We were reluctant to part with our boss, and intended to come back and have a look. We would then be immediately on the road again, without further delay." It was unknown whether it was them who was imitating Yun Yang, or that Yun Yang had picked up a thing or two from them. Anyway, the manner in which Dong Tianleng had acted was impressively similar to Yun Yang''s mannerisms. All of them were adept at lying in a serious tone. The stories and falsehoods could be handily whipped up to serve them in any situation. However, Yun Yang was an expert in telling the wildest stories with an absolutely straight face. How could he possibly be deceived? Under his cold glare, the four popinjays turned as quiet as the cicada in winter. 359 Reconstructing the Residence of Yun Sensing the unusual sense of tension in the atmosphere, especially in Yun Yang''s abnormally ugly expression, Qiu Yunsan was struck by a bolt of sudden wisdom. He remarked inanely, "Actually, it was Dong Tianleng who had forgotten his belongings and had left it here. We are here to accompany him to retrieve them. He was too embarrassed to admit it, that is why he is taking boss as an excuse to return... " Chun Wanfeng and Xia Bingchuan were nodding like chickens pecking at grains of rice, "Yes, right, right, right. That is truly the case! Dong Tianleng is full of lies. Boss, you have to punish him!" Dong Tianleng felt extremely vexed at the unjust accusation, yet he had no choice but to give in and mumbled reluctantly, "Yes, yes, yes, I was embarrassed to admit that I was so forgetful that we all had to come back here..." "Hmph!" Yun Yang grunted. His face remained stern, but his heart was, in fact, filled with warmth. It was an emotion that he had not experienced for a very long time. Today, there was Dong Tianleng and the other three who had risked their lives to come back. There were the two elders, Marshal Qiu and Marshal Leng, who did not hesitate to go against the Four Seasons Tower, at their own peril. For that, Yun Yang was extremely glad. Although he was openly complaining, his heart was truly touched and he felt extremely fortunate. Not only was he lucky enough to have so many great friends, proving the fact that he was successful as a person, he was also grateful that he was lucky enough to turn the tide of the battle with just a few tiny, white paws. It seemed to be a storybook tale, seeing as to how lucky he was. The chances of such an occurrence were so rare, it was near impossible! "Since you fellows are back, it just so happens that there are some other troublesome matters to take care of here. Not only to repair the entire house, there are other concerns as well. You fellows might as well just stay and help with it." Yun Yang rolled his eyes, "There is free labor. It will be a waste to not utilize it." "Great great, am willing to die for boss." The four noble young masters were all delighted at the prospect of lingering. Everyone looked at each other, and could no longer hold it in, and burst out into laughter. The hilarity was viral and resounding. Their hearts were wholly relaxed. All of them felt that their brotherhood had ascended to a new stage, a true closeness of the mind, without any barriers in between. "Now that the situation has changed, what are we going to do with the rest?" asked Chun Wanfeng in a low tone. Qiu Yunsan replied, "For those who cannot bear the troubles with you, do you still want to keep them? Pass on my orders, send the mystical beasts back, and dismiss the others on the spot. Let them walk their own paths that they so choose." Dong Tianleng beamed brightly, "I was thinking of that as well, how can one keep this kind of people? If one were to hold on to them, it would then be deemed as a woman''s benevolence and indecisiveness, wouldnt it?" "It is decided then. Send the message back immediately." Xia Bingchuan was similarly determined. "After the challenges of these battles, what is left is gold!" Qiu Yunsan uttered, "I have no objection. I don''t wish to take another glance at them." "Where will we stay, though? There are only one or two rooms that we could possibly stay in within the Residence of Yun. It wouldn''t be possible for so many of us to bunk in there." Bai Yixue scratched his head. "How can these dangerous rooms be used at all? I have gotten rich today, everyone will stay at the inn! " Yun Yang waved his hand benevolently and cried out, "The best room for each and every person! I will pay!" ... Money did wonders and even in the vast majority of cases, money was everything! There was no need for Yun Yang to even appear personally. Lao Mei took the banknotes out and within a quarter of an hour, he had managed to find the artisans. Under the snowy weather, Lao Mei had managed to find ten teams of workers to work around the clock to reconstruct the Residence of Yun! The corresponding wages were overpriced by at least three times the usual going rate. Anyway, what was being spent was the money that had been extorted by the very people who caused the damage in the first place. Lao Mei spent it without any guilt or remorse. Originally, the heavy winter period was a time of rest for these artisans; all of them were basically unencumbered. Now that they could earn a lot of money, a flock of smiths could be seen enthusiastically strolling in, one after another. If not for the fact that the number of people hired by Lao Mei was sufficiently large, and he did not refuse any person who came for the job, the frenzy in which they tried to vie for a spot would have led to a fight! However, there were certain things that even money had difficulty solving. For example, it was impossible to mix the mud in the snow, particularly in such a heavy winter, which extraordinarily cold and chilly. Even if they were to forcefully mix it, it could not be put to use. "Use stones instead," Yun Yang was adamant on this, "We might as well build the entire Residence of Yun using white mystical rock! We will use the white mystical rock everywhere to ensure consistency, and that everything is neat and uniform - even for the lavatories!" White mystical rock was the lowest of mystical stones and not much mystical Qi could be absorbed by them, but if it were to be used as building material, it would be the most advanced building material within the Tianxuan Continent. Each and every piece of it was square and equilateral, well-equipped with insulation capabilities, keeping one warm in the winter and cool in the summer. After the house that was built with this kind of material was ready, due to the similarity of the materials nature and the weight pressure from the top, the whole white mystical rock would merge together with absolutely no gap in between them at all! What was more important was the fact that the white mystical rock would, to a certain degree, have an effect of advancing the cultivation base of the practitioners. Therefore, the price of this material had always been as high as the sky. There were only a few people who would even think of using it to build their entire residence! Even in the palace, white mystical rock buildings could only be found in a handful of courtyards, at best. Even so, it could be deemed as an extravagant luxury! At this moment, at the behest of Yun Yang, the required reconstruction fee for the entire Residence of Yun would undoubtedly soar to an astronomical figure! The estimation of the construction fee had caused Lao Mei to leap to his feet, feeling slightly dazed. "Young master, the initial estimates indicate that we need at least eighty million silver taels!" Lao Mei''s face had turned a sickly green. This was because the eighty million silver taels only covered the materials, whereas all the other manpower, as well as other miscellaneous fees, had yet to be accounted for. Only a single material fee for the white mystical rock had already cost so much. The whole project was likely to cost over a hundred million silver taels! This number would have emptied the Yutang Empires treasury in its entirety! "Only that much?" Yun Yang raised his eyebrows, "Then let''s have it all changed to double-layered white mystical rocks! The underground chambers, do not forget, they must be strengthened as well. All the foundations are to be in white mystical rock too!" Lao Mei stretched his neck and his eyes grew large. With such a method of construction, he was afraid that even two hundred million silver taels were insufficient. "Yes, remember to use silver mystical rock for the roof." Yun Yangs decadence was alarming, "Use snow mountain sandalwood for the beams of the room. As for windows, use white crystals so as to ensure the best lighting!" Lao Mei was completely speechless. If one were to calculate the cost for the reconstruction of the Residence of Yun, the most conservative estimation would place it at three hundred million silver taels. "By the way, tell those workers that if they are able to rebuild the Residence of Yun within half a month, their salaries will be double that of their tripled wages now!" Yun Yang was determined to reconstruct the Residence of Yun into becoming the most luxurious palace within the whole of the Tianxuan Continent! This was because he had realized that he was in need of a base, especially after the battle today where he had managed to remove himself from the Four Seasons Tower''s crosshairs successfully. He intended to turn the Residence of Yun into a blind spot. Yun Yang had decided to solidify the construction here... He also wished to scale up the underground structures, enclosing the few other neighboring ones, turning the underground tunnels into a spider''s web, extending in all directions. Everyone would be staying at their respective houses where they belonged. However, to connect them underground and making it interlinked was undoubtedly making it more convenient for Yun Yang to contact his own subordinates, allowing them to act in secrecy. Anyway, once the Residence of Yun had been the totally destroyed, the Four Seasons Tower were made aware of the underground networks of the Residence of Yun. There was absolutely nothing special within. After they had been given the impression that nothing sinister lay below the ground, Yun Yang would then completely transform the entire tunnel system in secrecy. Lao Mei, who was truly dumbstruck by the astronomical figure to the extent of leaving his mouth crooked, had gone off to execute the construction order. Yun Yang, on the other hand, brought the people along to book the entire Heaven to Tower Inn. Only the large and luxurious Heaven to Tower Inn could have had such a number of opulent rooms. After that, Yun Yang himself went to the residence of Qiu Jianhan. He would, after all, have to explain it in detail to the old man. Otherwise, once the old marshal Qiu got petty, he would have no choice but to bear the aftermath of his own laziness. This was one of the three great rogues of the capital, how could I pull a fast one on him? Someone then came out, bearing the effects of a lecture from old Qiu. While he gritted his teeth, he had remembered only a single phrase in his heart; Dongxuan was going to deploy its troops again. The imperial defense of the east would have to face a strenuous challenge once more. The main reason the Empire of Dongxuan would opt for such an expedition in extremely cold and freezing weather was that the faction of Han Sanhe was currently at a disadvantage; Numerous officials were impeaching Han Sanhe with countless reasons and excuses. Furthermore, the planned attack was extremely sudden this time around, without any warning signs. Han Sanhe would have no defense for that at all. Many of his former allies had even jumped in to accuse him ruthlessly at this critical juncture. He practically had the entire imperial court as his enemy. How was he going to explain this away? Even with such a shrewd and ruthless character, Han Sanhe was nevertheless stuck in a dilemma. However, it was because of this that Han Sanhe resolutely decided to mobilize a great victory in order to settle the crisis in the imperial court, withholding the waves of protesting voices. The only object of conquest was the Empire of Yutang! In this regard, Yun Yang''s understanding was clear as a mirror. An extremely sudden attack that was without warning? Clearly, you were the one who had instigated the inverse scales of the Four Seasons Tower, a retaliatory strike that you provoked! Why would you order Bai Yixue to kill He Hanqing without any reason? You deserved it! Now that they have stood up to attack you, almost all of the action was ordered by the Four Seasons Tower, under the tower''s instructions! However, no matter what, the sudden dispatch of troops by Han Sanhe was not good news for Yutang. It could be said that it was an extremely unfavorable war! Recently, there were two famous generals that had been met with accidents. First, it wasYutangs northern Marshal Yang Botao who had suffered from a public trial, where his fame perished and fell into tatters. After that, it was the successor, Fu Baoguo, who had been chosen by the old Grand Commandant, Fang Qingtian who had met with an accident, causing an unprecedented turmoil in the military forces of Yutang. Despite the fact that Tie Zheng had continued to hold the post of northern troop marshal, it was a fact that Fu Baoguo had stepped forward into the battlefield and stationed himself at the eastern boundary to keep an eye against attacks by Dongxuan at any time. There was also the fact that even though the crisis had slowly retreated, the risk was still difficult to mitigate in entirety. How could Yun Yang not worry? Just as Yun Yang was thinking about how to deal with this matter, he accidentally heard of the self-mumbling of the old marshal; the mainland''s most insane assassin had finally been caught in Ziyou. Yun Yang initially did not pay much heed to the old man''s mumblings. Nevertheless, he ears perked up and he then curiously asked, "The most insane assassin?" Qiu Jianhan snorted, glancing at him obliquely and uttered, "This thing has nothing to do with you. Concentrate on repairing your Residence of Yun lest your father beats you when he returns!" However, after pondering for a moment he then explained himself, "For the past year, a mysterious assassin had appeared in the continent and had specifically targeted the high-positioned officials of the four major countries. Yutang was the sole exception, and no officials were harmed at all." "Throughout the whole year, the senior officials and military commanders who had died in the hands of this assassin numbered as many as seventy and was nearly reaching eighty! During this period, the assassin had, on several occasions, landed in a desperate situation, yet due to his tyrannical cultivation base, he could always break a siege and survive any deadly attempt to stop him." "Unfortunately, the fish which nibbles at every bait will be caught. During the previous assassination of the Empire of Ziyous military troops marshal, Zi Yuanlong, he was captured on the spot!" Qiu Jianhan ended with a sad tone, "This assassin has only targeted the officials of the four countries. Nine out of ten says he is a loyal man of Yutang... having to die in such a manner is truly regrettable!" 360 Brother Lei, You’re Wrong! When Yun Yang left the Residence of Qiu, he felt a tinge of regret in his heart. As old marshal Qiu had said, it was indeed quite a pity for such an accomplished assassin to die. However, regardless of how regretful he felt, the assassin was now trapped in the Empire of Ziyou, far beyond their reach. Even if he were to have the thought of saving him, or even to put that thought into action, the captive would probably die before the cavalry arrived. This was beside the fact that he could not even leave at all for now. Just the matters pertaining to Lei Dongtian, Sister Lan, and Lingxi, and a series of other things would require a lot of time to deal with. Well, as a person, the concept of distinct closeness in relationships would always exist. Yun Yang was also a man, hence he was no exception! A man who was too virtuous and able to put others before himself, able to care about others before taking care of his own people could not be deemed as a man, but a saint! Therefore, during the communication with Shui Wuyin earlier, Yun Yang was causally brief on the matter, "Oh yes, Shui Wuyin. Do get someone to check on the matter regarding the assassin who was caught in Ziyou; If it is really a loyalist from our side, do check if we are able to help him. At the very worst, we must also try to help in ensuring the safety of his family. Otherwise, try to find an opportunity to give him a straightforward death, without having him undergo a heroic humiliation and to die with hatred. Shui Wuyin merely nodded in agreement and did not put much thought into the matter. "Young master, the matter pertaining to the assassin is not an issue, but there is another thing which is rather difficult to deal with right now." "What kind of matter is this that could have you defeated?" "It is with regards to the two ladies..." Shui Wuyin''s expression was as bitter as a gourd, "Theyve almost gone mad at the way they were treated. I have been beaten thrice when I tried to appease them. If such conditions were to continue, I am afraid that I will turn mad as well..." Yun Yang patted his head. This matter was a headache indeed. The plan that Yun Yang had in mind previously was, perhaps, not entirely thought through. His most ideal thought was to retreat fully and at most, to have his identity as the Nine Supreme remain hidden. How could he have known that things would turn around in such a manner? Now that everything was over, the worst case scenario that he had in mind originally did not appear at all. He would, of course, want to bring Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan back. However, the more specific issue was how to explain himself when they returned? That mouthful of anger, how was he going to let the two ladies release it? He had rendered them unconscious and sent them away ... it would be near impossible for them to forgive him if they were to come back! "This matter is difficult indeed. Its better to trouble you to stay there for a few more days and to tell them that I am fine here. The only thing to let them know is that the whole building of the Residence of Yun had been destroyed and requires reconstruction. Once the construction is done, I will then bring them home in the first instance." The only solution that Yun Yang could think of for now was to avoid meeting them face to face and to let Shui Wuyin bear the blame as Shui Wuyin was the closest to eighth brother. Hence, to have his fianc and his sister handled by Shui Wuyin was logical indeed, it was a perfect match, and within reason! "Anyway, since things are over now, wait for a few days after their rage has receded; then it will be fine to bring them back." Yun Yang thought in his heart. Poor Young Master Yun. The young Lord Supreme Cloud, his name was well-known in the secular world, yet he was not able to understand a woman! Women. This kind of creature was very strange indeed. No matter what incident it was, as long as you explained it and made it clear at the first instant, right after it happened, nothing would come out of it after the release of temper, regardless of how serious the things were. However, if you did not explain it in the first place, but instead opted to suppress it until a further timeit would then, whatever the thing it was, regardless of the fact that it was merely a matter of the size of a needle, be as tragic as the incident of a hero had been killed by the erosion of a hill due to the shattering of the earth! Apparently, Yun Yang was still not aware of this. Hence, when it came to the time where he deserved to pay for it, it would then be inevitable and right, reasonable, expected, and not surprising at all! The trampling of Lord Supreme Cloud was inescapable. ... Back in a room at the Tower to Heaven Inn... "Young Master Lei has woken up." Bai Yixue came to report. "Alright. I''ll go and take a look." ... "Brother Yun!" Lei Dongtian''s eyes had turned red immediately the moment he saw Yun Yang. "Alright alright. Its fine now." Yun Yang sat down heavily in pain, "Brother Lei, I am sorry to tell you that... Old Mu has died." "I know, I''m alright as long as you''re alright..." Lei Dongtian said, "By God''s mercy, you and I are still alive." Lei Dongtians injuries had yet to be healed. To escape from death, it was the easiest for him to be moved by emotions. "God bless indeed. Having such a lowly strength like me, I could only hope for a chance. By putting peculiar toxins at several places in the Residence of Yun, I was trying to gamble that the other side would definitely destroy my Residence of Yun. Most probably it was brother Lei who had caused them to lose their control by putting them in danger. As they were too eager to vent their rage once they had lost their domineering spot, sure enough, they would go against my Residence of Yun, causing Venerable Lord Sword to be poisoned eventually. The others had no antidote and were forced to compromise. To use such a lowly technique to survive is quite shameful indeed." Yun Yang sighed in a somehow dissatisfied tone as he uttered, "Brother Lei ... The Four Seasons Tower is... it is a colossus indeed. There isn''t a single fictitious character under its profound name. I have told you before that there are many talents from the Four Seasons Tower, especially the head of the Four Seasons Tower, Mr. Nian. Mr. Nian is a top-leveled hero who can compete with the worlds Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui. Even if you didnt deliberately avoid it, it is best to return to your family to bring more people over. Only then should you start attempting your stunts. However, if you do not listen..." Lei Dongtian lowered his head, "Ive really been wrong all this time ..." "It is too risky." Yun Yang sighed deeply. "Although we were lucky enough to have them retreat, they had also put forward some conditions. Since their situation was greater than ours, I had no alternative but to compromise." "What conditions are these?" uttered Lei Dongtian. "The condition is to have you and me to draw lines between us. They had uttered it clearly and in a straightforward manner.Their aim is only to deal with you, and not me!" uttered Yun Yang. While the hatred in Lei Dongtians eyes had turned vigorous, at the same time, doubts within him were raised, "Why?" "I will then have to talk about my guardian gem." Yun Yang remained silent for a moment, "The Medallion of Gratitude of Jun Moyan, the only left existing in this world, is with me." Lei Dongtian had obviously heard about the profound name of Jun Moyan, he then solemnly replied. "I see. So have you agreed?" Yun Yang suddenly turned unpleasant, "Brother Lei, what are you treating this young brother as? If I were to promise him at that time, how can Brother Lei still be alive at this point in time?" Lei Dongtian hurriedly apologized, "Brother Yun, it was a slip of my tongue. How could I not know about your righteousness and loyalty? I hereby offer my solemn apology to you!" Yun Yang replied, "I naturally would not have agreed to such conditions. However, the situation was too critical that time that I had to make certain considerable compromises. In addition to giving them the antidote that is able to remove the poison suffered by Venerable Lord Sword, I had promised them that I will not participate in the battle between you fellows again. Accordingly, they will not be allowed to even step into my Residence of Yun regardless of when it is. " The glances of Lei Dongtian flickered. Apparently, he heard the distinct difference within the roles. "That is to say, if you were to land in a disadvantaged position in a future battle between you fellows, you can come forward to my Residence of Yun to take shelter temporarily." Yun Yang apologized, "This is the best outcome I could get." Lei Dongtian took a deep breath, "I understand. To have such an outcome has already been extremely precious and valuable!" "Initially, I wanted to urge them to surrender your fiance back to you and to turn the wars into peace between each other. I had even promised them to be a lobbyist, deciding for you to not pursue the killing of Lao Mu this time and the matter that they had had you injured. However, the Four Seasons Tower was unwilling to promise." Yun Yang looked to the right and left. Suppressing his voice, he then uttered, "Brother Lei, I suspect that ... the Four Seasons Tower seems to have a great interest in you ... That time I used the life of Venerable Lord Sword as a threat, the change in situation could be described as great. However, I can somehow vaguely feel that if I were to continue insisting upon it, the others will most likely choose to give up on Venerable Lord Sword and will not compromise again. Since things cannot be done in that way, I can only reach an understanding based on the current most favorable conditions! " Lei Dongtian chuckled, "This is an inevitable matter! They will never agree to it. The benefits to me are too much indeed. The fact that they are willing to let us go temporarily is already beyond my expectations!" "Brother Lei, just be here well and treat your injuries. We will talk again when your injuries are healed. " Yun Yang stood up, "Now the Residence of Yun is under reconstruction. After it has been reconstructed, we will move back." Lei Dongtian quietly nodded. However, his heart uttered; Move back? What kind of dignity do I have to move back? The destruction of Residence of Yun was all because of me! Since the strength of the enemy was to such an extent, I must have another action. After a few days, I would immediately return to my family after my mobility has recovered and ask for the aiding armies to retaliate! In any case, I will have to remove the Four Seasons Tower once and for all! I vowed to not be a human if this vengeance was not recompensed. However, this affectionate friendship and life-saving grace of Brother Yun could not be left unrecompensed; for my sake, his ancestral foundation had been destroyed. In any case, it is necessary to repay him. Such a great brother has saved my life once again. If he were to be sacrificed as my cauldron in the future, the effect would presumably be unexpectedly ideal! ... The other side. Venerable Lord Sword and the others had gone outside the city of Yutang. Digging a cave under the mountain, they were temporarily avoiding the snowstorm and wind and relying on it for recuperation. With their cultivation base, of course, they could have ignored the snowstorm. However, the seriously injured Venerable Lord Sword was not on the list for now! At least three days of rest time was required before he could forcefully move the group. However, after such a heavy impact, the diminishing of the cultivation base of Venerable Lord Sword was an indisputable fact that was unavoidable. "This time, my heart still remains confused even after the fight." Venerable Lord Ice scratched his head and uttered, "What were we actually fighting for? Why did they kill olFifth?" Venerable Lord Snow uttered coldly, "The cause is probably just a mere misunderstanding. However, up until the point where olFifth had died, the so-called misunderstanding was no longer important." "It seemed like Lei Dongtian did not even say anything about the cause this time, but had all along asked us, where are the people? Where are the people?" Venerable Lord Ice uttered, "Have we caught his people?" Venerable Lord Frost grunted, "Since things have progressed to this extent, what is the purpose to even ask for the root cause? Is this the current crux of the matter?" A voice full of misery and hatred resounded, "Yes since things have progressed to this extent, whatever the reason, whatever the cause, it is no longer necessary to pursue it! This vengeance is extremely deep, and we will not stop until we die!" 361 Reentering the Residence of Supremes! It was Venerable Lord Sword who had woken up. Once he regained consciousness, he immediately swore an oath of absolute determination. Venerable Lord Snow frowned, saying, "Of course we cant forgo the chance for vengeance, but the source of this issue relates to the survivor of the Nine Supremes. Theres a high chance it was instigated by Supreme WindDoubts still remain, though" "When we catch Lei Dongtian, everything will be made clear!" Venerable Lord Frost gritted his teeth. "Today is truly" He wanted to say it was truly depressing, but knowing that the source of his depression, Venerable Lord Sword, was just beside him, he swallowed his words. "Where are our people?" Venerable Lord Snow asked uncomfortably. "We fought for so long, why arent they here yet?" "Your people?" A cold voice rang out clearly. "You have the face to ask this? Your people? If you all werent so impatient and attacked only when everyone was present, things would have turned out differently! How could you all have done something so ridiculous?" "Lord!" Ice, Frost, and Snow stood up immediately while Venerable Lord Sword who was laying on the ground tried to show his respect through his expression. No one came in from the outside, but the unhurried voice still drifted in, "I will no longer be in charge of this. Since youve made a promise to them, you have to follow through. If you need help, go to the Hall of Latria yourselves. However, if there are any more mistakes, you shall bear the consequences on your own." Inside, all four people hung their heads, with shame on their faces. Venerable Lord Snow said, "Lord, Lei Dongtian has proven the strength of his family. If his family experts come, we might" There was a long silence as if the person outside was pondering the matter. After a while, four small jade bottles hovered in. "These are Quantum Leap Pills." The unhurried voice wafter in again. "You all are still a step behind in your cultivation bases to consume it. If you take it now, it might be damaging to your deity status in the future. However, since you are all determined to seek revenge, I shall give them to you first. Decide for yourselves what youre going to do with it!" There was no more sounds or noise coming from the outside. This time, Mr. Nian had really left! The Four Venerable Lords were all indescribably ashamed. It was an extreme humiliation to manage something so likely to succeed and have it turn out this way. It was basically due to their capabilities, luck, and characters! Could they take offense at Mr. Nians mocking tone? No, they had no basis to argue about this. Looking at the Quantum Leap Pills on the ground, Venerable Lord Snow heaved a long sigh. The long sought-after pill that they were thinking about, even when dreaming, seemed to lose its usual temptation. "Lets speak of the serious matters first. Lord is very disappointed in us right now. We have to do something." "Forget it. Its better if we correct our attitudes and face the truth! The obvious fact right now is that weve exited Tiantang City. Whether it was us or our opponent who knows this, this is still a situation out of compelled mutual compromise. We, who have relatively higher prowess, are instead forced to stay in a foreign land with the eldest and olFourth severely wounded. Insisting to stay in Tiantang City will undoubtedly bring us a lot of unneeded threats. Its better to temporarily take shelter here, leaving one to take care of the eldest while another two return directly to take action in secret." Venerable Lord Snow said, "My thought is that Ice will stay to look after the eldest. Frost and I will go back to Tiantang City to assemble our men, then send two to you so they can take care of you fellows for a carefree recuperation and recovery." "Although the Residence of Heavenly Clouds has been destroyed, I believe that Yun Yang will rebuild it since both sides have reached an understanding. Itll still need some time though, so theyll still find somewhere else to stay for the time being. This is something we can utilize. Its also the crux focal point right now. Lei Dongtians capability is astonishing and he even has a servant of similar prowess with him. Its entirely possible that they appeared out of nowhere." "Due to the restraints of our promise to Yun Yang, we cant attack the Residence of Yun and kill this varlet but perhaps we can use this point instead to make him let his guard down. When he leaves, we shall track him and wipe everything out, annihilating even his family in uprooting everything. This will save us troubles in the future or else there will always be a lurking threat!" "Considering this, our unsuccessful attack wasn''t exactly the worst of all. Knowing oneself and the enemy guarantees that we will emerge victorious in every battle. A victory that leaves no snake in the grass is the only real victory!" "Besides, judging by Lei Dongtians individual ability, I believe his family or the school hes come from must be significant and possess an unwavering authority. Our powers may not be sufficient to tackle them. To be safe, we might need to go to the Hall of Latria." "Of course, everything must be confirmed first before we find the Hall of Latria. If we reveal any incorrect information, not only will it be embarrassing, it would be a futile waste of resources." "Therefore, we need to completely understand Lei Dongtians background and strengths before informing lord and the Hall of Latria. We cant act impulsively again. Missing this once is already one too many, we won''t have a second time! Otherwise, we really wont have any more dignity to face lord with." Venerable Lord Ice said, "Second brother, has the lord really left?" Venerable Lord Snow smiled faintly and replied, "Who can guess the Lord''s thoughts? Since we cant figure it out, theres no need to make assumptions. It would only be futile and a waste of effort!" Having served Mr. Nian for so many years, Venerable Lord Snow understood the unspoken implications very well. Usually, when they messed things up and made compromises to this extent, it would be inevitable that an earth-shattering rage would be incurred and an even more serious punishment might await them. Now though, Mr. Nian was very displeased but he did not say much and had even given them the right to use the Hall of Latria. He had even handed over the Quantum Leap Pills! This was a treatment that they would never be enjoying in the past! It had already been proven that their lord must have something else on his mind. This, in itself, warranted their careful contemplation. If they had completed the lords hidden goal simultaneously, it would be a real achievement! "There is something equally important. Since the lord allowed us to utilize the divine hall, it also implies that the force behind Lei Dongtian may really be hard to handle. No, in fact, Lei Dongtians individual skill was already terrifying C especially that strange hand-seal arcane he used. Now that I think about it, I still feel the lingering fear." Venerable Lord Snow said seriously, "When we meet him again, we must use our strongest and effective techniques at once! To jump into the fight with our fiefs." Venerable Lord Frost nodded faintly. "That fellow''s capability is indeed above ours, but as long as we cast frost and snow in a joint fief first, we can easily subdue him." Venerable Lord Snow was still cautious, discussing combat tactics with Venerable Lord Frost for a good amount of time while Venerable Lord Sword and Venerable Lord Ice gave ideas from the side. The four of them did not regard their failure this time too highly. Victory and defeat were common in the martial world battles; as long as the physical and cultivation base remained, anything could be brought back. It meant nothing to them. What truly upset the four of them was actually Venerable Lord Swords injury. It was not some ordinary wound that could easily recover. The brothers did not utter their concerns aloud, but they were worried sick internally. As for Venerable Lord Sword himself who was the direct litigant, he was even more anxious but did not show it on his face. Only his gaze grew grimmer. "This Quantum Leap Pill" Venerable Lord Frost spoke hesitantly. "Keep it first." Venerable Lord Snow said, "If things come to a head, its not too late for us to consume it when we flee using our fiefs!" "Alright!" On the other side, Yun Yang, the splendid actor, left the inn alone quietly after placating Lei Dongtian and headed towards the Residence of Nine Supremes! It had been some time since Yun Yang had gone there. Firstly, it was to avoid the attention of people with ulterior motives; secondly, it was also to prevent him from the grief he knew he would suffer. He had been keeping the grievance of his brothers at the bottom of his heart; if he could avoid it, it was better to evade the entire matter altogether. However, it seemed that entering the Residence of Nine Supremes today was imminent! Yun Yang had simultaneously cultivated the methods of thunder, cloud, wind, flame, and blood for the period being and had rapid improvement in all the five methods. It was even much faster than when his brothers were cultivating. In spite of this, when Yun Yang wanted to cultivate the sixth cultivation method that was fourth brothers Holy Water Charm, he could not even go through the first stage of the introduction method. It was obviously not a question of talent. In fact, since Yun Yang had gotten the gift from Kirin Fish, the water element in him surged and his meridians had exceeded the ordinary definition of being a water physique genius! Among the various manifestation methods of the Nine Supremes, including Yun Yangs original cultivated cloud method, nothing was more compatible with him than the Holy Water Charm. On the contrary, what was supposed to be most matching and improved the fastest could not even get past the initial stage no matter how hard he worked. Only when Yun Yang was helped by Lei Dongtian did he leap through his improvements in addition to absorbing the hundred years of cultivation base from the ruby fruits. Only then did he experience a breakthrough and cultivated the first stage of Holy Water Charm after his deific consciousness increased by several folds. When he was cultivating previously C cultivating wind, flame, thunder, and blood in one go, he did not feel much; he only knew that time was tight. The earlier he could cultivate each cultivation method, the more it would help in his plan. However, cultivating the first stage of Holy Water Charm actually gave way to a violent sense of need in Yun Yang. It was as if the moment the water attribute in his body was triggered, it could no longer be contained, raging in turbulence and urging Yun Yang to continue cultivating to achieve the next method. Yun Yang was astounded by the feeling, bewildered. The feeling even grew more intense and was harder to suppress after the battle with Venerable Lord Ice. If it was not so, Yun Yang would never be willing to step foot into the Residence of Nine Supremes again. As long as he was inside, he felt terribly inadequate, like he had no dignity to face his brothers! "Sometimes, I wonder if you all are ever coming back when I finish learning everything? If its so, Id rather all my cultivation methods go to waste and be left with not one bit of mystical Qi cultivation base!" Standing amidst the familiar fog of the residence, Yun Yang asked softly, facing Supreme Waters door. "Are you all waiting for the arrival of this day?" Yun Yang murmured softly. Only silence answered him. "Actually, the situation today has been your intention all the while. All of you purposely hid from afar, so that I could pick up all nine manifestation methods, right?" Yun Yang scoffed and said, "I know that all of you arent dead. Youre all watching me from afar!" The door was still silent. "All the bodies were in pieces on the battlefield. Ive searched for so long and I didnt find your heads!" Yun Yangs eyes were rimmed red but he restrained himself, trying his best to analyze things in the best possible outcome without making a fool of himself. "I took so long, searching through all the tattered flesh and bones. I only found the eldests hand. Its only losing one hand, the most youd be a cripple, you wont die" "Where are you all?" "Youre all still alive, are you not?" Yun Yang mumbled to himself then plopped down on the floor suddenly, disregarding his image. He cradled his head between his legs, silent tears dripping down. He took big gulps of breath, trying to calm himself down, but he could not stop the violent tremors wracking through him. Coming here, the Supreme Cloud who could manipulate everything with a flip of hand and behead the enemy amidst jokes, was gone from sight. All the calmness, the cool composure, the grace and ease, they were gone with the wind. Yun Yang right now was only a lone child abandoned by the mass. Unspeakable desolation and forlornness filled him to the brim. "When I finally had Sister Yue to talk to, you fellows took her away. Youre cruel. Are you fellows taking Sister Yue and Lingxi later, as well? Why dont you take me away? Leaving me alone here in this world" Yun Yang suppressed his sobs to voice his complaints. The Residence of Nine Supremes was blurry as usual, with mist surrounding it as thick fog drifted around. In the silent tranquility, there seemed to be several pairs of eyes watching from somewhere. "Sigh!" Yun Yangs emotions were on a rollercoaster ride. He stood up, pursing his lips and wiped away his tears. "Every time Im here, I cant help complaining. Luckily there arent any outsiders. Wouldnt it be embarrassing if others were to see it?" "Im Supreme Cloud, the think tank of the Nine Supremes!" Yun Yang chuckled in self-depreciation. Without further hesitation, he executed Holy Water Charm and placed his palm on Supreme Waters door. With a loud squeak, the door opened with a gap. Inside, it was the same tiny personal space. Looking around, there was an extra book rack in Supreme Waters room compared to everyone elses. Beside the book rack, there was a small wooden figurine. "Fourth brothers hobby is really unique." Looking at the wooden figurine, Yun Yang could not help commenting in amusement, despite his heavy heart. The wooden figurine was very abstract but it obviously looked like the eldest, Supreme Earth, except for the fact that it was extremely ugly and looked thoroughly funny. Supreme Waters will was left at the most obvious spot on the table, right in the center. There was a piece of jade ornament under the letter, an item that held all the consequent methods of Holy Water Charm. Below the jade ornament, an arcane object was stacked; it was most probably the introductory cultivation method of third brother Supreme Woods Sacred Wood Spell. Compared to the other brothers, Supreme Waters room was exceptionally clean and neat to the point that even Yun Yang was surprised since Residence of Nine Supremes rarely had any dust. Despite being left alone for so long, his table was still sparkling and bright; there was not even a handprint on the surface. Yun Yang did not read the will first but had chosen to look at the rest of the room, like that book rack. Staying in the room for some time now, Yun Yang actually smelled a faint fragrance. It was vague but it was there. Yun Yang could not help taking a deep breath. "No wonder the brothers always say that fourth brother was strange. Although his actions arent soft and false, they arent the most straightforward actions. He rarely plays close to anyone when were together too, only to eldest brother. I didnt expect his room to be so different too. He even sprayed perfume!" The more he looked at the book rack, the more Yun Yangs gaze became curious. The books were mostly medical books. It looked ordinary, comprised of a wide range and variety at most, but looking carefully, the medical information these books contained mostly focused on females. "Could it be" Yun Yangs eyes were wide. Supreme Waters will was finally in Yun Yang''s hands. His eyes were greeted by pretty and neat handwriting. It could be seen that Supreme Water had written the letter seriously. Other brothers used only a piece of paper, explaining and asking things in mere words, while Supreme Waters letter was five full written pieces of papers. "No matter which brother you are, I believe Im no longer in the human realm when you read this letter. Our brothers are all amazing but if I have to mention who I wish to read my letter the most, theres only one person." "I hope that this person is olNinth." Yun Yangs heart skipped a beat. "olNinth is meticulous with his thoughts and impeccable with how he does things. Hes the most cautious and most resilient one among us brothers. Id be the most assured passing my post-death matters to olNinth. If this were read by other brothers, its no big deal. Youre all people Im the most relieved by." Yun Yang stroked his nose, an unamused smile on his face. Supreme Water had used two words here C assured and relieved. Passing it to Yun Yang, he was the most assured. Passing it to other brothers, he was the most relieved. This was obviously very preferential treatment. Yun Yang felt an inexplicable exclamation suddenly. If it had not been him who had opened this will today but the other brothers, would that elder one wallop him C where do I lack compared to olNinth? Why must you be assured if its him? Thinking of this, a sense of aggrieved resentment rose in his heart. If it had really been so, he would have been willing to be walloped tens or thousands of times, and enjoy it! "My name is Shui Bingqing." It was written clearly in Supreme Waters will, "Reading this, you must have realized that yes, I am a girl." Yun Yang was stunned. A girl! Fourth brother Supreme Water was actually a female! His fourth elder brother was actually fourth elder sister? Yun Yang would never have imagined such a huge secret even if he cracked his head thinking about it. After all, fourth brother Supreme Waters usual image in Yun Yangs knowledge was rough and loud, the mannerisms coarse and ungainly. While his actions were a little soft and deliberate, it was still a rough mans fa?ade. He was a little short but he still looked strong and stout. No characteristics above could relate him being a female! Knowing the point now though, Yun Yang could not help recalling the numerous doubts when they were together. It was true that Supreme Waters body would look different sometimes; he was thinner during certain times while looking more muscular during others. Thinking of it now, Supreme Water must have used certain tactics to disguise her identity using the size of physique. In other words, fourth brother fourth sister... did not actually show her real face in front of the brothers. "Im an innate Pulseless Water Pneuma and have been easily sick and weak since I was young. Those with Pulseless Water Pneuma will rarely live past thirty years old. Im twenty-seven years old now, its fate. Im indignant but I have no regrets!" "When I was eight, I met my master by chance. Its the first pivotal point in this life of mine. Masters passed on the Art of Orenda Water to me and that allowed me to stay alive and even enter the path of cultivation. Although my initial cultivated method cant erase the hidden threat of Pulseless Water Pneuma, it maintained my health. When I was twenty-one, becoming one of the Nine Supremes became the second pivotal point of my life. Upon cultivating water manifestation methods, my innate Pulseless Water Pneuma actually became a blessing in disguise. Not only did my improvement grow rapidly, I dont have a death threat hovering over me. In spite of this, I keep sensing that I cant pass the age of thirty, despite avoiding the fate of Pulseless Water Pneuma" "I dont know when this life will end but for someone whos supposed to be dead yet is still alive from sheer luck, Ive gained too much. Even when I have no regrets, I have other concerns still. Other than us brothers, there are two more people C one is my husband and another is my son." Yun Yang who had read this part was shocked. Husband and son! Supreme Water actually still had a husband and son. "How have I never found out about this huge secret? Its so shocking! Fourth sister, youve hidden it so well! Young brother is impressed! I wonder what kind of bastard has actually deserved this water lotus of my fourth sister. When I meet him in the future, its only right I make things difficult for him first!" Yun Yang scratched his head, an indignation of his own sister being taken by some man filling him. "When Ive passed then, I believe my husband will follow too my husband is our elder C Supreme Earth!" Reading to this point, Yun Yang felt an mini explosion go off in his head. The doubts surrounding him were resolved at once and disappeared entirely. All the unusual occurrences "My identity isnt a secret to the eldest right when I was selected to join the Nine Supremes. In the two years that followed, we gradually got to know and love each other and even became one three years ago This bond cant be shown in front of others nor can it be known by the brothers but its an immense fortune to be able to be by each others side all the time. The heart is content and joyous." "Still, I feel remorse and guilty for keeping this from us brothers, so Ive buried nine hundred pots of celebration wine under the old residence. I wish for the day, to be honest with our brothers and drink to our hearts content." "I know his identity. He is the crown prince of Yutang, but Im not bothered by it. To me, hes only my husband. In this life, other than being the Nine Supremes, he is my husband. That is all." "I am truly blessed, much more so than most of the women in this world. In addition, the few years being in the Nine Supremes was the happiest times of my life. Even writing a will like this, Im writing it happily." "To the brother reading my letter now, I have only one request; its also the last wish of my life! My son. Hes only one year old this year. I hope you can take care of him well, bring him up as your own." "The one I wronged the most in this life is my son. As one of royal blood, he doesnt get to enjoy any privileges that come with it. As a child with parents, he didnt get any love from them. As the descendant of the Nine Supremes, he cant show it in front of anyone forever." 362 I Understand! Yun Yang continued reading. "The child is named Yu Qiankun, nicknamed Baoer. He is my child. Baoer is not terribly gifted, having only five innately awakened chakras, but that matters not. I only hope for him to be safe and sound, living his life peacefully." This was followed by a long description of her child, followed by messages for the brothers. Yun Yang read without skimping until the very end. "If any brother read this letter of mine, I am afraid that not many among us remain. I sincerely hope that each one of you who survived will live happily after. Do not pursue revenge, do not carry that sort of burden. Be well and live well." "Only by living will you truly find the greatest happiness!" "The childs token is at" The will ended. The weight in Yun Yangs heart grew heavier. He had called his comrade fourth brother for a few years only to realize now that it should have been fourth sister. No, it seemed more appropriate to call her sister-in-law! He then recalled something and reread the will again. There was a part of it that Yun Yang had read over and over again, a full eighteen times of repetition. "The one I have wronged the most in this life is my son. Of royal blood, he does not get to enjoy any privileges that come with it. As a child with parents, he will not receive any love from them. As a descendant of the Nine Supremes, he will forever remain silent, unable to lift his head in pride." Yun Yang folded the letter and took in a deep breath, lifting his head. Supreme Waters will contained no tendency or biasedness; she only wished for her and Supreme Earths child to be safe and peacefully live out his life. It was plainly worded, but it was the biggest wish a mother could make for her child. In spite of this, Yun Yang had managed to read between the lines from what she had written. "Of royal blood, he does not get to enjoy any privileges that come with it. As a child with parents, he will not receive any love from them. As a descendant of the Nine Supremes, he will forever remain silent, unable to lift his head in pride." "Fourth brother fourth sister... no, it should be sister-in-law Never mind, I guess it doesn''t really matter now how I address you." Yun Yang chuckled bitterly, deep in reverie. "Fourth sister didnt say it out loud and its impossible for her to explicitly state the fact, but I can understand her desire to recompense her child." "Of note would be the resentment hidden within! No wonder I was the only one who could assure her!" "Fourth sister, do not worry," Yun Yang said quietly, "Since you trusted us with your child and theres only me here today among so many brothers, then I will help your child take whatever he deserves!" "I understand what you and the eldest meant. The childs name is called Yu Qiankun1! This name itself explains enough to me." A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "This, of course, includes what the eldest has lost! The love of family and the identity of the Nine Supremes descendant!" "One day, I shall announce this to the world." "Otherwise, how could there be assurance?" "You, eldest brother, and the child C are all the same!" Yun Yang kept Supreme Waters will carefully, despite having destroyed all the other brothers wills. Only Supreme Waters letter could not be damaged; Yun Yang had other plans for it. He stored the jade ornament containing the Holy Water Charm and the introductory cultivation method of Sacred Wood Spell, as well as the childs authentication token, into the storage ring carefully. Then, for the last time, he wandered longingly around the Residence of Nine Supremes. There were three more rooms in the residence that were not opened yet C those belonging to the eldest Supreme Earth, ol Second Supreme Gold, and ol Third Supreme Wood. Yun Yang paced before the three rooms several times and looked at them with deep emotion before entering Supreme Waters room once more and breathed in the remaining scent while bidding farewell. He then went to Supreme Flame, Supreme Thunder, Supreme Blood, and Supreme Winds rooms respectively to pay his last respects. Somehow, Yun Yang still felt that his brothers were still here, until now. They were all waiting for him in their respective rooms. Each time he came to the Residence of Nine Supremes, he simply had to see them before leaving. "Ill return soon." Yun Yang said softly, "The next time I come back, Ill go see you, third brother." In Yun Yangs mind, he believed that he did not need a long time to finish cultivating the first stage of Sacred Wood Spell. What he did not realize was that it would be a very long time later before he would enter the residence again, after leaving this time! Upon exiting, Yun Yang left as a gust of wind immediately, eliminating any possibility of exposing himself. Perhaps it was due to his emotions that had yet to subside C Yun Yang did not notice that the Residence of Nine Supremes thick fog behind him was surging and rolling with an unusual vigor. It somehow could not recover its previous tranquility. The aged soldiers who stood guard outside slowly turned, delighted from their initial shock as they watched the abnormal movement of the residences fog. "Someone from Nine Supremes Lords is back? I wonder if it is Lord Supreme Wind? Maybe its another lord? This is good news, heavenly god news! God bless the Nine Supremes, God bless Yutang!" After a long, long time, the fog that enveloped the Residence of Nine Supremes gradually quieted down. In spite of this, the strange phenomenon gave birth to all the wildest of imaginations for everyone, resulting in a blissfully sleepless night. At the Residence of Yun, Lao Mei had taken up the responsibility of a supervisor, overseeing the smiths work in earnest. They had hoped that each part of the Residence of Yun could be restored to its original appearance as much as possible. The only exception was the flower canopy that did not suffer from too much damage and with Yun Yangs specific instructions, it was left untouched. Consequently, everywhere in Residence of Yun was noisy and merry but that piece of land became a desolated prohibition. The artisans were surprised, not understanding why that area was prohibited. Were they not reconstructing the Residence of Heavenly Clouds? Then why was such a big piece of land left empty without any effort to repair it? The accumulated snow and collapsed structures in the residence were cleared within half a day, while all sorts of high-grade construction materials began to appear in the Residence of Yun. It was a prime example of how money makes the world go round. The construction materials came in like a surging tide, while white mystical rocks piled up like a mountain. It was the ultimate luxury! The reason the smiths were bewildered that the land below the canopy was exempted from construction and thoroughly ignored was mainly because every spot in the spacious Residence of Yun was being worked on at the same time. There was not a single spot that was left alone. They were very spirited about the project. Disregarding the wages, the damaged and collapsed parts were cleared out and harvested carefully. Just the valuable materials from the rubble alone would allow these artisans to make a big sum of fortune. The Residence of Heavenly Clouds was the residential structure of the royaltys relative. Marquis Yun himself was the emperor of Yutangs brother. Despite the fact that the relationship could not be announced, the emperor knew well himself, so there was no way he would maltreat this brother of his. When the residence was built, all the materials used were of top-notch quality. Although they were mostly destroyed, these ruins still held some value. At least, there were expensive materials that these workers would usually never come across. It was with such a mentality that the project moved along speedily. Lei Dongtians injuries were still as bad as they were before, but the foundation of the Residence of Yun was already about done. It was just when Lao Mei wanted to ask Yun Yang how he wanted the underground structure to be built that he realized he could no longer find his young master. "Leaving such a huge responsibility to me, passing several hundred millions silver taels to me and you disappear just like this? Isnt young master too trusting?" Lao Mei was dumbfounded. "This is obviously his trust in you, why dont you appreciate this honor?" Fang Mofei commented. "Pooh!" Lao Mei said humorlessly, "Young master has given instructions on the underground structure several times now. IfI made my own decision and the end result isn''t up to his standard, wont I be the one held accountable?!" Bai Yixue roamed around, saying with a roll of his eyes, "Youre the main person in charge. Who else, if not you?" Lao Mei was speechless with exasperation. Bai Yixue C ever since he had entered the Residence of Yun, his personality had developed into something akin to that of Dong Tianleng! Initially, he was otherworldly with his fluttering white clothes but now, his shamelessness brimmed and any words he spoke made people wish to beat him up. Not even a month had passed! Old man, this direction is not a healthy direction! Wed be disheartened with you being like this! Who was Lao Mei though? Quick-witted, he knew there was someone else even when the two people before him were hopeless, as they were happily rejoicing over his misery. Off to Shui Wuyin he went. He knew that Shui Wuyin was Yun Yangs trusted subordinate and that the level of trust between them seemed to exceed his own. More importantly, Shui Wuyins thoughtfulness was on par with Yun Yang''s and that made him excel in several aspects. Looking for help from such a person would only guarantee success. It was the best choice! Having found Shui Wuyin secretly, he told him of Yun Yangs plan; Shui Wuyins eyes shone at once. "Excellent! This is the classic blind spot! Clever, very clever indeed!" Shui Wuyin was extremely interested regarding the underground design of the residence. Lao Mei did not even have to urge him and he was already sketching it out meticulously. "Go according to this." Four hours of labor later, Shui Wuyin handed over a few drawings. "Let these six teams work on one side each. When everything is finished, well complete the center passage ourselves. It will warrant complete confidentiality. Maybe boss can open up the passage himself. Then there wont be any possibility of secrets being divulged." "Wonderful! Very wonderful indeed!" Lao Mei eyes were round. No wonder he was only a practitioner all his life, while people like Yun Yang and Shui Wuyin could lead the masses. With how fast their minds worked, he would not be able to keep up even if he was giving chase mounted on a horse! Not only was the design remarkable, he had figured out a nearly perfect way to ensure secrecy! It was truly useful when one had a remarkably deceitful mind. Yun Yang did not go home upon exiting the Residence of Nine Supremes, but went straight to the address that Supreme Water claimed her child lived. This was Yun Yangs top priority that brooked no delay. Before long, he was swiftly on his way. Translator Note: 1Yu Qiankun (Ǭy qin kn): The name of Supreme Earth and Supreme Waters child. Yu is the family name of the Supreme Earth, who is also the crown prince; therefore, sharing the same family name as Yutangs emperor. Qiankun can mean either the world or the country. 363 Bloodline of the Nine Supremes He exited Tiantang City and flew several thousand miles under the heavy snow, heading into dense forests, only slowing down when he neared the child''s location. The place was within the embrace of mountains. It was a quiet, picturesque village under the shadow of high peaks. There were, at most, fifty families in the entire village. The smoke of the evening woodfire curled up from the chimneys covered in thick layers of snow, highlighting the picturesque quality of the village and its peace and joy. Yun Yang darted down in a gust of wind, landing at an exceptionally small, tranquil yard that was in the center of the entire village. He took in a deep breath. There were a total of forty-nine households in this seemingly ordinary village. To the eyes of a keen observer, though, it was not difficult to notice that the other forty-eight households had formed an unusually close circle of defense around the small courtyard located in the center, protecting it under layers of guard. Once Yun Yang entered, he could feel at least twenty different divine senses evaluating his arrival. For now, the probe was passive. The first seven houses he passed by had a muscular man watching him dangerously, or a woman who was knitting by the door with her pretty eyes warily watching him, seemingly unintentionally. His target, the small yard of a house, had its door tightly shut on the other end. Yun Yang stood outside the door. Just as he raised his hand to knock, creaking noises were heard and the doors of the two households flanking it opened simultaneously. Two burly men strolled out together with highly guarded expressions. "May we ask what brings young master here?" Everyone in the village carried a sense of savageness within them; Yun Yang could easily smell the scent of bloodlust that came from the battlefields on them. He turned, following the voices, seeing one man had an empty left sleeve while another man was limping, albeit not too obviously. Yun Yang smiled amicably, "I wonder which troop has both brothers retired from?" The men stared at him suspiciously and said, "We dont understand young masters words. We are mere hunters. Since when have we enlisted in the army?" Yun Yang smiled. "Have you not? Looks like I have misunderstood I have come to visit my nephew." "Your nephew?" The men frowned in confusion. "My nephews nickname is Baoer. Do you both know him?" Yun Yang asked. "Baoer?" Both men grew visibly defensive as they asked harshly, "Who are you, really?" Yun Yang sighed and took out a jade pendant with a flip of his wrist. It was better to show the token quickly. If he was any slower in stating his identity, these men might truly beat him up. It would not be desirable to injure anyone; it was fine if he was hurt but what if these two men were injured? They were good, loyal men who gave their all in protecting the eldests child! Yun Yang would feel his heart ache even if a strand of their hair were to fall. Checking the jade pendant, the muscular men sighed in relief. "So, youre one of us. Our apologies." Yun Yang tucked the pendant in his robes and smiled, saying, "Those who do not know are not to be blamed. You are concerned about my nephews safety as well, how can I blame you for such vigilance? But I wonder, where is Baoer now?" Calculating the time that had passed, it had been one and a half years ago when Supreme Water had written the will. Currently, Baoer should already be two and a half years old and would be able to run and walk now. A small boy not yet the age of three no longer had his parents. Thinking of this, Yun Yang could not help the deep sadness in his heart. "Baoer is at home. He is a very good boy." Both men were smiling indulgently. "Baoer got stronger this year. A lot smarter too." As they spoke, one of the men ran over to knock on the door. "Aunty Li, Aunty Li. Open the door quickly. A guest has come!" A soft-spoken voice of a woman spoke in delight from inside. "Is it Baoers mother?" Hurried footsteps could be heard before the door was opened immediately. A weak-looking but elegant woman in her thirties appeared, searching with her eyes as her head emerged from the doorway. The person she was looking for may never come Yun Yangs heart clenched again as he asked in a strained voice, "Is it Sister Li Yingqiu?" The woman was taken aback at first before regaining her pleasant smile. "So this young master is The guest of honor. Please come in, please come in." Yun Yang had only asked that to ensure propriety. In this world, there were only two people who knew the real name of this woman C Supreme Earth and Supreme Water. Speaking like this, how could the woman not know that one of her own had come! A person that Supreme Earth and Supreme Water trusted wholly. "Baoer, Baoer, come out quickly. A handsome uncle has come!" Li Yingqiu chuckled. The thick curtain was pulled aside and a porcelain head stuck itself out. The boy''s large eyes looked at Yun Yang and he asked timidly, "Mama didnt come?" Obvious disappointment flashed across the inky eyes as he put the curtain down sadly. It seemed that he thought it was a rude gesture, so he pulled the curtain up again to say, "Hello, guest." Only then did his head droop again. Yun Yang immediately took to this adorable child who was sensible and good within a single glance. He was beautiful - clean, adorable, obedient, shy, well-behaved. The only ill feature he possessed was probably the fact that he was slightly too skinny. "This child, he has been waiting for his mother to come every day. Each time his mother comes, it is as though they dont kiss enough," Li Yingqiu said lovingly. Yun Yang felt a pang in his heart but said in a radiant tone, "A mother and her son are naturally connected. Its how a child should be, that''s not too surprising." Li Yingiu looked at him and asked rather hesitantly, "This childs mother has never brought any outsiders over. What I mean is that, why didnt his parents come this time?" Yun Yang inhaled deeply and replied, "They have gone to a very far place for a mission. Im afraid it will be a very long time indeed before they are able to come back." Li Yingqiu frowned and said quietly, "I see. They have always been very... busy." She paused and asked again, "May I know young masters family name?" Yun Yang pondered and said cautiously, "My surname is Feng (wind), of the weather." Li Yingqius eyes shone as she said, "The family name Feng is rare indeed. I remember the childs father mentioning that he has a brother with the surname Feng as well." Yun Yang smiled and said, "That would be me. Among eldest brothers brothers, only I have the surname Feng." Li Yingqius remaining guard was down now as she welcomed Yun Yang into the house warmly. "Brother Niu, Brother He, please bring back some wild animals for me,if youre free. Ill make a few dishes to serve the guest of honor tonight," Li Yingqiu said, turning back into her home. The men chortled. "Of course! Well ask a dozen men out later and hunt for more!" They then turned to leave, laughing. Looking at the retreating backs of the men, Yun Yang subconsciously pondered. It looked like eldest brother and fourth sister did not tell them their real identities, including Li Yingqiu. All of them were unaware that the childs parents were two of the Nine Supremes. If they had told them, the other party would have already known who it was that stood before her when he had said that his surname was Feng (wind)! Just as he entered the house, he felt a gush of warmth. Baoer snuggled in Li Yingqius embrace timidly and asked, "Who are you, uncle? Where are my papa and mama? Why didnt they come? Baoer misses them very much." His tiny hand was gripping a very thin but intricate wooden sword. Looking at the carving style, Yun Yang knew that it was from Supreme Water''s own hand; the material used was the same as the wooden figurine he had seen earlier. Yun Yang chuckled softly and said, "Baoer misses his papa and mama?" "Yes!" Baoer nodded forcefully. "How much?" Yun Yang smiled. Baoer said with his eyes darting around, "I dreamed of mama last night. Mamas embrace is very warm, warmer than the stove over there!" Yun Yang almost teared up. Choking back a sob, he said, "Baoers papa and mama have gone somewhere very, very far and can only come back after a long, long time. Would Baoer like to stay with uncle first, while waiting for them?" "No!" Baoer shook his head forcefully with puffed cheeks. Li Yingqiu was stunned when she heard him, and asked in a low voice, "Young master, the childs mother has said that she will come to collect him." Yun Yang shook his head and said, "The childs mother only said that the child has grown up and has gotten to the age of learning. Staying here any longer than necessary would..." Li Yingqiu looked a somewhat confused as his words trailed off into nothingness. What Yun Yang had mentioned was indeed a real, impending issue that could not be ignored nor avoided. How could there be conducive learning in such an isolated, tiny village? Yun Yang said smiling, "What I mean is I have enough accommodation in my home. The entire village can move together lest all of you worry about Baoer. I believe Baoer is reluctant to leave all of you as well!" Li Yingqiu replied delightfully, "That would be best." This was the main cause for Li Yingqius hesitance. Of course, she was reluctant to leave Baoer but Baoer would eventually have to leave this small village if he wanted to get the best education. Li Yingqiu had already decided to leave alone, to follow Baoer and Yun Yang but the latter had said to bring the entire village with him. It had basically dispersed the last of Li Yingiqus worries! Baoer pouted and said in his child-like manner, "Is mama there? Mama wont not want Baoer, right?" Obviously, the child did not fathom the implied meaning of Yun Yangs words, only asking the question that concerned him the most. Yun Yang spoke gently, "Mama will find Baoer there once she comes back. Baoer is mamas baby. How can she not want Baoer?" Baoer lowered his head and looked at the floor, "Baoer has dreamed a few times about mama not wanting Baoer. They were walking in front, and they wouldn''t turn back, no matter how loud Baoer shouted" 364 Let Me Tell You a Secre Yun Yangs heart clenched in pain, an indescribable emotion engulfing his heart Looking at Baoers innocent face and distinctly black and white eyes filled with endless yearning, Yun Yang swallowed the bitter wine, at a loss for words. Eldest brother, fourth sister, don''t you long for us at all? Don''t you long for your child? On that very night, Yun Yang decided to let go of his burdens and got drunk in this small, secluded village. The men from the village crowded around Yun Yang, cajoling him to drink; they were all easy-going people, emptying the goblets contents once it came near the mouth. There was naturally a lack of splendid dishes and wine in such an isolated village, but Yun Yang relished the simple meal. He gave away one delicate toy after another, managing to coax Baoer into his embrace after only a short while and convinced him to sit on his knees happily while snuggling up in his robes. Whether it was due to the childs innate shyness or the factor of his environment, Yun Yang could not say, but he did not speak much nor did he show much emotion even when he was absolutely happy. The little man held his favorite toy, his eyes crinkling into lines, but his lips were pursed together unlike usual children who would have been dancing with joy. Only his hands were quietly moving but each time he stroked the toy, his eyes turned into crescents discreetly. Yun Yang watched him with utmost adoration, wanting nothing but to hug him tightly forever. On the second day, Yun Yang walked out of the village with Baoer holding his hand, sending him reluctantly to the exit with a small white kitty in his embrace. It was Whitey Four. Yun Yang had intentionally left an Eclipse Panther to guard Baoer. Of course, everyone had thought that it was the normal, ordinary pet kitten. Other than praising Yun Yang for being a considerate uncle for making a long journey here, he had actually brought along a living creature C very thoughtful indeed! Other than that, Yun Yang left five thousand silver taels worth of banknotes. It was not that he was reluctant to leave more money, but in such a creepily isolated place, there was nothing to buy even with money; showing excessive wealth might only attract trouble. Yun Yang did not hope to see these loyal and na?ve men arguing over some silver taels; that would go against his initial wish. When the arrangements had been made and everyone had gotten more experience upon moving to Tiantang City, it was not too late to slowly recompense them. "Uncle Feng, will you come to see Baoer again?" Baoer asked innocently, raising his head. "Of course. Ill come back very soon. When I come back again, well move into the city together." Yun Yang squatted and said smiling, "Itll be very fun there! Im sure Baoer will like it." Baoer patted the obedient Whitey Four in his embrace lovingly and said, "Why is it called Whitey Four? Are there three more Whiteys before it?" Yun Yang chortled. "Baoer is very smart. Yes, there are three more Whiteys. When youve moved into the city, youll get to see them!" Even until Yun Yang had walked a great distance away, Baoers lonesome self was still looking on from the villages exit, wearing a face of longing. Since he was small, nobody had been as nice to him except his parents. The entire village, including Li Yingqiu, served Baoer like a small young lord, yet nobody had dared to show love and concern from a family elders point of view like Yun Yang had. Baoer was reluctant to let him go, but he dared not ask Yun Yang to stay. "Uncle Feng has important things to do." Baoer comforted himself. "Hell be back with mama and papa to visit me again very soon." Whitey Four, snuggled within his arms, mewled sadly at the direction Yun Yang had left in, "Why was it me? Why wasnt it Whitey Two? Why wasnt it Whitey Three or Five?" "I have been betrayed!" Baoer hugged Whitey Four, stroking it with his tiny hands, and comforted it, "Whitey Four, dont worry. Well follow him back when uncle comes back again. You can go play wherever you like then!" Whitey Four mewled in agreement. Baoer said, "We can play together in the future, You cant ignore me; were best friends, aren''t we?" Whitey Four mewled arrogantly and turned its head away before emitting sounds of contentment as he blissfully ignored the boy''s words. "I have no interest in coaxing a child" "Its great that you agree, how wonderful!" Baoer petted it happily, cajoling Whitey Four with vigor. White Four straightened its feet miserably, "Can''t you tell that I refused you?" "Just say you dont understand if you dont understand, dont simply connect the dots." "Oh, my heart!" Now that he had finally found Supreme Earths child, Yun Yang was slightly relieved. Still, he did not dare to face Baoer clear gaze, especially when he raised his head asking, "Uncle Feng, when will my papa and mama come see me? How long is very long?" Yun Yang could feel his soul tremble at that question. When will your papa and mama come see you? I am sorry, child! I can only give you a grandfather who loves and dotes on you wholeheartedly at most, but I can do nothing about your papa and mama! Leaving the village, Yun Yang turned into wind and inspected a thousand-mile-wide perimeter, before sitting on the snow-white hilltop to think of his issues. He only left when the day grew dark and the sun had finally set. The wind blew strongly through Tiantang City. The old marshal was observing a map in his study quietly to plan for the war in the east. The sound of the wind suddenly grew stronger. The silhouette of a man landed in front of him with a soft crack of air being displaced. The window was not even opened in the slightest, but this silhouette had emerged out of thin air and appeared here, right in front of him. "Supreme Wind?" The old marshal was delightfully surprised. "Youre a rare guest. Why have you come to this old and useless ones place?" "Ive come today to privately discuss a matter of importance with Old Marshal." Yun Yang spoke in a low tone; the voice that emerged carried Supreme Winds usual accent. "What is it?" The old marshal said joyfully, "As long as its an order of Lord Supreme Wind, this old man will always obey it!" This was said in a playful manner, but the old marshals truly meant it. Under the black cape, Supreme Winds unique voice spoke unhurriedly, as usual, "Old Marshal is courteous. This matter puzzles even I, making it difficult for me to make my choice. Hence, Ive come to ask for Old Marshals advice. Its gravely serious, so Ive come in the dead of night; I ask for Old Marshals forgiveness and for generosity in his advice." Qiu Jianhan turned serious and formal at once when he heard Yun Yang. Something that even Lord Supreme Wind felt tricky and needed someones advice was nothing petty; feeling weighed down, he was also very honored at the same time. There weren''t many people in the entire Yutang who could obtain such trust! "Do speak, Lord Supreme Wind. No matter what the ultimate outcome of this matter is, this old mans lips will always be kept sealed and will divulge nothing." Obviously, Old Marshal Qiu understood Supreme Winds words. Gravely serious, come in the dead of night C these eight words had already spoken something aloud. Not only was this matter crucial, it was urgent and needed to be solved as soon as possible; Qiu Jianhan dared not tarry then, feeling even more adamant to help with all he could! Yun Yang mulled over his words before speaking, "This is related to the head of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Earth." Old Marshal Qius serious face turned even darker, a sense of caution added to the grimness. Perhaps others may not know it, but the old marshal was one of the only three informed people in this world that knew that Supreme Earth was His Majestys eldest son! He was His Highness, the crown prince! "What is it?" the old marshal asked seriously. "Recently, I have stumbled across Supreme Waters will by chance." Yun Yang said slowly, "What the will mentioned has disconcerted me. While I was very delighted, Im also very hesitant." Old Marshal Qiu sat up straight at those words. He, who was much experienced in life, had already discerned that the matter might be bigger than what he had imagined. Yun Yang had mentioned Supreme Water suddenly but was not speaking of Supreme Earth, the main character he spoke of earlier. Obviously, the matter was related to both Supreme Earth and Supreme Water, two of the nine Supremes. How could it be something insignificant? "My fourth brother Supreme Water is actually a woman and has tied the knot with my eldest brother, Supreme Earth; they were husband and wife." Yun Yangs words were groundbreaking. The old marshal, despite having some mental preparation, had stood up at once, his eyes almost bulging out of his sockets while his usual strong self actually quivered. It was an earth-shattering secret! The old marshal wanted to say something, opening his mouth, but his lips quivered without letting out a sound. He stared unblinkingly at Supreme Wind before him. "The rest of us brothers did not know about eldest brother and fourth sister becoming husband and wife. I only found out after reading the will. Other than this, Ive gotten to know something else" Yun Yangs voice was low as he slowly whispered, "They have left behind a legacy in this world; a two and a half years old boy." "What?" The old marshal felt as if a thousand suns had exploded in his head! He jumped up, almost disbelieving his own ears. "What did you say?" Supreme Wind, nodded softly, affirming his words without saying anything. The old marshal staggered and almost sat back down bonelessly. Stars were swimming in his vision as his body swayed, he swooned as if he was about to faint from this sudden news. He knew more than anyone the importance of this piece of information! It was an incendiary that could shake the entire nation right now C this childs identity was truly important beyond belief! A direct descendant of royalty! The eldest grandson of the eldest son! The descendant of the Nine Supreme''s bloodline to boot! The existence of this child was one of immeasurable superiority in the Empire of Yutang! Not only would he possess the greatest honor once he was born and the deep guilt and remorse His Majesty had for both his son and grandchild, the child would have the entire Yutang peoples reverence once his birth was made known. In addition to that, he would have the full support of the sole survivor among the Nine Supremes, Supreme Wind! Besides, Supreme Wind was standing right in front of Qiu Jianhan due to this matter. Supreme Winds concern for this child was so great, it was a cause he would risk his life for! A spread of Supreme Winds arms was almost equal to the entire army! Which one of Yutangs soldiers had never been saved by the Nine Supremes? The military, civil and ordinary citizens would respond equivocally to his call, ready to serve. Yet now the Empire of Yutang had its crown prince! A perfectly justifiable heir to Empire of Yutangs throne. Empire of Yutang faced the enemys threat from all sides; the external pressure was extremely relentless, putting the empire in a precarious position. If this information was made public during these nervous times, it would be like a wildfire had spread through the Empire of Yutang! The massive conflagration would definitely stir the most ferocious waves and tides! 365 His Name is Yu Qiankun The Empire of Yutang could no longer afford any turbulence from its internal hierarchy, especially with the impending war against the Empire of Dongxuan. A misstep could shatter and bring about the collapse of the Empire of Yutang from the successive and simultaneous eruptions of both internal and external chaos. The old marshal had connected too many dots at once. Like a bucket of iced water had been poured on his head, his thrill turn to ice as he stood dumbfounded without saying anything for a good amount of time. Standing in front of him, Yun Yang waited for the old marshals response silently. Qiu Jianhans response was well within Yun Yangs expectation. How could Yun Yang not know what this old general, who had given everything in his life to Yutang, was thinking about? In fact, Yun Yang had thought about it too. This was the core reason Yun Yang found it hard to make his choice. However, this matter had to be made known to him, even earlier than to His Majesty, the emperor. "Lord Supreme Wind, may I ask what you are going to do?" After a long silence, Qiu Jianhan finally came back to himself and asked in a trembling voice. "Well, it isn''t really up to me," Yun Yang said calmly, "Supreme Earth has named the child Yu Qiankun." The old marshal gasped. How could he not know the meaning of this name? Qiu Jianhan was silent for a long while before sighing suddenly and said, "I want to take a look at the will." It was a logical matter of course. Although it seemed that he didn''t trust Supreme Wind and risked offending him C after all, Yutangs higher authority had never and would never doubt Nine Supremes words, the old marshal had still asked, despite knowing the consequences. Yun Yang did not mind though, passing the will to the old marshal easily. At the same time, he conjured Holy Water Charm. With a flash of blue light, aquamarine words appeared slowly on the blank paper. This was the Nine Supremes exclusive seal of authenticity. Only by their own cultivation method could they open their own wills and read the handwriting contained therein. When the old marshal saw Supreme Wind showcasing Supreme Waters uniquely arcane skills with a wave of his hand, he already believed a ninth of what Supreme Wind had said just now. However, as he thought more of it, he appeared startled and shifted his gaze to Yun Yang. "Lord Supreme Wind, may I ask if the Nine Supremes cultivation methods are they all in your hands?" Yun Yang was silent for a moment and said quietly, "Where I stand so stands the Nine Supremes! Everyone is present." "Thats wonderful! The Nine Supremes are not gone after all!" The old marshal was greatly comforted. "The Nine Supremes were never gone." Yun Yang said coldly, "I am the Nine Supremes." Qiu Jianhan looked at him meaningfully. Yun Yangs short words held an impactful implication. Qiu Jianhan chewed the words over again before heaving a long sigh. "This old man understands." He then lowered his head to meticulously read through Supreme Waters will. The old marshal, who had gone through much in life, could read the implicit meaning with just a single glance at Supreme Waters will that contained certain emotions and hidden thoughts. It was also because of this that the old marshal did not speak for a long, long time after he finished reading the will. Tonight, the moments spent in silence were much longer than the time both of the men spent conversing. "Did the eldest prince leave his letter?" Old Marshal Qiu asked. He had subconsciously changed the term of will to letter. He still held the hope that the eldest prince had not died yet, despite it being the cold, hard truth. "No!" Yun Yang spoke honestly, "My current ability only enabled me to obtain fourth sister Supreme Waters will. I still cant acquire eldest brother, second brother, and third brothers exclusive cultivation methods for now. Maybe I can get it sometime later. If theres a need then, Ill send it over to Old Marshal and His Majesty." Yun Yang made a vague promise that contained no fixed time nor achievability. After all, he still did not know the contents of his eldest brothers will. If it involved some of the Nine Supremes confidentiality, then it could not be turned to the old marshal nor the emperor. This could not be helped nor could there be room for discussion as the eldest Supreme Earth was the only person to know the background of the other eight supremes! Qiu Jianhan nodded and rolled the will carefully before passing it back to Yun Yang. Yun Yang had been watching the letter closely. The old marshal was one of the people he absolutely trusted but what was mentioned in the will was too significant indeed, easily shaking Yutangs core. Yun Yang was not at all confident about whether the old marshal would do anything else. No matter how proud he was about his intelligence, the old marshals experience in life was not something Yun Yang could compare to. When the will was once again in his hand, only then could Yun Yang breathe a sigh of relief. Looking at the will, now held in Yun Yangs hand, Qiu Jianhan was quiet for a long while. After almost a period of tea-making duration, he finally spoke again, "His Majesty must be very happy if he knows about this" His words were exceptionally meaningful with implicit tenderness. Yun Yang, however, made no move nor sound, as if he did not hear anything. "This child having Lord Supreme Wind at his side how lucky the boy must be!" Qiu Jianhan closed his eyes. Yun Yang said faintly, "I should be the lucky one instead because, from the moment I knew of his existence, I finally understood my future path. The path before me no longer contains only the word revenge!" "I should be thanking this child. Ive always known what I was doing was wrong, and known that my attitude was moving slowly towards extreme wretchedness. However, the appearance of this child gives me the chance to be by his side. It has also given me a new goal in life! Otherwise, my future and the path I would walk wouldonly be stained with blood!" It was awkward sounding but Qiu Jianhan completely understood that when the only one remained after losing all his brothers and that one carried the weight of sacrificed life debts on his shoulders, trudging through this bloodied road was the only thing left to him. However, the child from two Supremes had shifted Supreme Winds fate; it no longer consisted only of revenge! A sharp, sword-like gleam shone in Yun Yangs eyes. "If the Nine Supremes were all still here, they would be this child''s family. That would be his true luck!" Qiu Jianhan replied, "It looks like Lord Supreme Wind has decided what to do." Yun Yang lifted his head and said seriously, "Indeed." Old Marshal Qiu paced around, one arm behind his back as he stroked his chin, frowning. Yun Yang seated himself on a chair with ease, without the awkwardness of an outsider and said, "This reputed one would like to ask Old Marshal a few questions." "What question?" Qiu Jianhan asked. "I ask for Old Marshals genuine thought, without avoiding nor concealing your feelings. If Old Marshal is reluctant to answer, just say so frankly," Yun Yang said. Qiu Jianhan could vaguely gauge what the person before him wanted to ask. He looked crestfallen at once and replied lowly, "Ask away." Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath and said, "What does Old Marshal think about the current crown prince?" Qiu Jianhan was silent for a moment before he answered, "The crown prince is thoughtful and all-rounded in handling matters. Hes also apt in winning people over and is fairly proficient in the field of being an emperor, more so than His Majesty then." Yun Yang rolled his eyes and said, "If the crown prince succeeded the throne, what will Yutangs future be?" Qiu Jianhan dove right into silence this time, only replying after a long time, "Maybe Yutang can finally be safe." Maybe? Yun Yang said faintly, "If Old Marshal doesnt want to answer, you can just say so. Why speak against your heart? The crown prince looks benevolent on the outside but is actually very petty, he looks kind but has a black heart. He thinks he is well-rounded, he thinks he has the art of being an emperor, he thinks he can win over both military and civil officials of the imperial court, he thinks hes bright and smart in handling matters but is that the truth? Although there are those in the imperial court who sincerely follows him, hes more stubborn than decisive, refusing to turn around even when things go devastatingly awry. Does the old marshal think my comments are pertinent?" Qiu Jianhan did not look at ease as he replied, "More than half of what you say is true." Yun Yang chuckled. "Only more than half? Let me ask Old Marshal. If someone like this were to take reign C the followers change according to the leader, how many righteous ones are under the current crown prince? How many of them are military maestros? Is there even one honest official among them? Once the crown prince was to be in power, his subordinates would be promoted accordingly. By then, does the old marshal think that Yutang will still be standing?" Qiu Jianhan looked pale but he had to admit that what Yun Yang said were all true!. The reality was truly bleak. The current emperor had treacherous officials in his court as well as spies from other countries but more of them were loyalists like Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin, Fang Qingtian, Tie Zheng, Fu Baoguo, Shangguan Family of Generals and more On the other hand, the crown prince had none of these people! All he had were pandering, bootlicking men! The occasional capable ones were lowly ranked and could not be used for greater things. Just like what Yun Yang had said, even when kind officials and courageous generals were disregarded, it was not even possible to find one loyalist! Despite the old marshal wanting to cover for the crown prince, he could not speak against his conscience so he was speechless instead. "If His Majesty had returned in passing and the crown prince had taken the throne, the land shall be cut in two in return for peace, while we kept to ourselves timidly on one side to make sure that Yutang had a few years of harmony. Yet, with the odd geography of Yutang, it will definitely be swallowed whole if we dont progress. The so-called harmony for a few years is but a slow suicide. Ultimately, when a powerful overlord appears in this world, Yutang might not even last long enough to follow, but will be long gone when Tianxuan is fighting to unite the continent." Yun Yang said cuttingly, "The above is still the best possible outcome and the possible achievable limit if the crown prince were to actually work for this country." Qiu Jianhan heaved a long sigh but did not speak. The words of this man before him was no song to the ears but it hit home, striking the bullseye. In fact, how could Qiu Jianhan not see it? He and his older brothers, like Leng Daoyin and Fang Qingtian, had discussed these in secret many times. Even His Majesty had spoken of this with Old Marshal Qiu. Yet it remained a fact that the royalty had no other descendant. It was a set game. Even when they had a purpose, they were still helpless, left to sigh at the futility of the situation! 366 What Do You Want To Do? "What does Old Marshal think would happen if the third prince were to be emperor?" Yun Yang then asked, his eyes narrowed. "Certainly that will not happen! The man is narrow-minded and seeks revenge for each resentment he holds. He is truly vicious; once he holds power, his will be extremely cruel. If he were to be emperor, the aged officials will meet a terrible end." The old marshal spoke without any hesitation this time. "What about the fourth prince?" "He would be even worse! The fourth prince is also a vengeful man and easily swayed, the easiest to be manipulated. What he does the most is change his mind. Such a personality must never be made a monarch." "The fifth prince?" "Still no. The man has ideas but takes no action. His mind stops working in the presence of lust. There is no shred of an emperors grace in him." "Sixth prince?" "He won''t do, either. The sixth prince is only fourteen years old now, but his personality is already an open book, brazenly paving his path to ascend in status without any regard to decorum or cost. He has no planning whatsoever, only reckless courage. Not a potential at all!" "Seventh prince?" "No! Still no!" "What about the thirteenth prince?" "No!" "The nineteenth prince?" "Nineteenth prince? The nineteenth prince is only a month old!" At this point, Yun Yang shut his mouth. The old marshal sat down on his chair like a deflated ball, remaining still for a long while. After having gone through such an interrogation, it was obvious that all the princes were men who could not take charge of great things. Forget about expansion and uniting the world, they could not even maintain Yutangs safety, even if the blessed empire kept quiet and maintained a neutral position. Yutang was located in the center of the continent. With its special geographical location, it was a territory worth fighting over. There was no way war could be avoided. Staying silent and passive would be even more difficult than trying to unite the entire Tianxuan! "Current affairs and Yutangs unique geography have long decided something." Yun Yang said slowly, "Old Marshal must be clear what this is?" Qiu Jian did not speak, but his eyes were shining. "There are only two possibilities regarding the Empire of Yutangs future." Yun Yang spoke assertively, "The first possibility; a leader, any leader, even if its a mild or traditional emperor, will lead the state to ruin and its people to extinction! As for the second possibility, an emperor with great talent and bold vision will appear to unite the world and Tianxuan!" "Other than these, there is no third option or possibility!" Yun Yang was convicted in his belief. Qiu Jianhan sighed in defeat. "The late emperor wasnt a man with a bold vision nor the far ambition to reign and keep the world at his feet, but when the late emperor was governing, the economy of the nation prospered and remained tall when facing external forces. Internally, we grew more prosperous by the year. His sovereignty consisted of clever ruling and sharp drilling of the army; the political gains he achieved proved him to be a tremendous emperor of his time." Yun Yang s unhurried voice continued. "The late emperor had safeguarded and developed a prosperous territory, leaving it to the current emperor and thus becoming His Majestys foundation. The current emperor is decisive and bold with his actions and visions, he manages what lies before his eyes but also sees what lies in the world. The notable generals and officials under him were bountiful and brimming with talent! Even when met with the combined attack of the five nations and the internal threat of the Four Seasons Tower, he has still reacted with pertinence, allowing the reputation of Yutang to triumph in the world at large." "Sadly, His Majesty is fifty-one years old this year. He has passed his prime." "It is an impossible feat to descend upon the world and rule it at this juncture. Still, His Majesty has the ability to forge a wall of steel, to build up a group of men that can conquer the world, and hand all of it over to a qualified successor!" Yun Yang spoke softly, "To be qualified, there is only one condition; his successor must be adequately brilliant and sufficiently generous to be able to take in the team capable of domination that His Majesty has wholeheartedly groomed and left for him. Only then will he be able to take charge and control the domineering ones." "As for these princes, we have right now" Yun Yang smiled faintly and said with clear diction, "They are far from such a standard, as far as the sun in the sky from the chair I am sitting on!" A gap the size of the distance between heaven and earth! Old Marshal Qiu sighed. The old man realized that he was either sighing or utterly silent tonight as if he was going to finish heaving all his sighs in this latter half of his life. Was Supreme Wind being overly pessimistic? Not a single bit. All the outcomes mentioned by Supreme Wind were exactly what the old marshal had predicted for so many years, at the risk of greying his hair. Even if there were to be a team of elite men and women, if there were immense talents, if there was a well-established territory, if all these were to be in the hands of a prodigal son, how could one be saved from grave consequences? Without a strong leader, a well-established country would not be any stronger than a shaky one. The talented ones would be dismissed by the non-qualified successor; the immense talents would be disappointed and disheartened by the useless emperor; the well-established territory would be torn apart by his mindless torment! The great officials of Yutangs imperial court who had stood tall even after going through so much of life C which one of them did not lack a prideful bone? Which one of them did not exude a high sense of honor? Their loyalty was without a doubt, but could they be led by a young emperor who had just taken charge? Which one of these people was not exceptionally sensitive? If the world was at peace, even if the young emperor were to be a popinjay and changed all these old men for a new batch of officials, there might not be a major uproar. Even if the emperor cleansed this batch of officials to give his son a team he could control and passed on the throne smoothly before he died, it would be a peaceful affair. The emperor was the most merciless man, they could already be heartless towards their family; what more, their subordinates! However, Yutang was a tantalizing morsel of meat right now. It faced enemies on all its sides and was preyed upon in each and every direction! There would be a shortage of noble officials and great generals, how could there be a luxury to remove them in order for ease of management? How was it possible? A team that could be controlled and a team that could dominate the world were two wholly different things. One was in heaven while another was on earth! This was already a great disparity, but the team that these group of princes could build then might be two levels worse. By then, the gap would surpass that of the distance between heaven and earth. "Are you determined to do this?" The old marshal asked in a tired voice. "Can I not do so? Should I not do so?" Yun Yang asked in reply. "Can you be sure that this child will be a great talent with a bold vision in the future? Will he encompass the world in his temper? Better than these available princes? Better than His Highness the crown prince?" Qiu Jianhan asked with a slight hint of mockery. "I cannot guarantee this," Yun Yang said, "That is why I have the Old Marshal." Qiu Jianhan jumped to his feet, enraged. "What does this have to do with this old man? You can do it, you should do it, thus it is your matter! Why are you putting the responsibility on me?" Yun Yang pursed his lips and said, "Im not putting the responsibility on you. The princes now have all grown up in luxury and with ahigh status. They do not know the sufferings of the people nor do they know about military nor war. They only know about the competition of cheating and outwitting each other. That is why they cannot serve as emperor!" "Since we know the core problem, why would we bring up a similar sort of leader?" Yun Yang said, "We could bring up the child in the military." "Absolutely not! This old man will not subject a two-year-old child to such an atrocity!" The old marshals head shook like a rattle drum. "In times of peace, literature can be emphasized over the military, because everything is about harmony, about long-standing peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, its a time of war now. The empires are fighting against each other. Both literature and the military will need equal emphasis. In fact, more attention has to be given to the military instead." Yun Yang said, "Old Marshal, as a general, should be clearer about this point than me. About his age those who achieve great things cant escape from a little sacrifice. Believe me, in his later years, the child will thank Old Marshal for his decision." Qiu Jianhan nodded and said with fervor, "No need to thank me. This old man will be comforted if I can die a good death. Even if I cant die a good death and were to be disposed of after serving my purpose, it will have to wait until the world has been united and theres peace. As long as I can see the continent becoming Yutangs territory, how could I be remorseful when death comes to claim me?" Yun Yang chuckled. To be disposed of after serving ones purpose was never a good term and was even a taboo between the emperor and his official or the master and his follower. However, sometimes, it could only be so. It was more apparent in the stance of a ruler; it was indeed not unusual to keep the formidable ones who had survived the life and death in battlefields when there was world peace. Yun Yang, could, of course, make a promise or guarantee for the child, but Yutangs future monarch would not appreciate it. The new emperor of Yutang would not be happy to follow a promise made by someone else C this was and should be the personal ambition of a person in power, a ruler of an empire. Therefore, Yun Yang could only chuckle wordlessly. Everything else would have to depend on the future. They didn''t only need a brilliant emperor who could dominate the world on one hand and win over the people on another hand; they needed an emperor that surpassed all those that came before him, and most likely after as well. How could Yun Yang make such a guarantee? "What do you want to do? I hope you have at least a general direction to head to?" Qiu Jianhan looked at Yun Yang; his gaze now was one of amusement. Since the general decision was made, the old marshal had reverted to his nature of being the head of the capital citys three greatest rogues! "Yutang is supposed to belong to the eldests. Even when he has passed on, his son is still here. The son, being a successor to his fathers trade, is a matter, of course, thats greatly appropriate!" Yun Yang enunciated word by word. Old Marshal Qiu opened his mouth upon hearing this but kept quiet again before replying, "I can understand your thinking and can even show personal acknowledgment, but its one thing to agree with you while the reality is another. You should know that some things are destined to happen, no matter how reluctant you are and how you watch unblinking. The child can still live a carefree and happy life now, but once he actually enters Tiantang City, I believe he will encounter many unpleasant events." Yun Yang replied, "That is why Ive come to find Old Marshal; to entrust him to you. Only with Old Marshals full assistance can I rest assured!" 367 An Enchanted Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan chuckled bitterly. "Of course you could rest assured, but this poses a tricky question for me. If he were at least ten years of age, at least he would be able to differentiate good and bad; it still poses problems but it wont be as hard to handle. However, a toddler of only two and a half years" "The women in the palace and those of royal blood They might be totally ignorant about the battlefield, total laymen, but theyre all absolutely vicious characters when fighting for power and plotting conspiracies. Killing people amidst laughter, carrying swords behind their backs with sweet words in their mouths, turning back against agreements, emotionless fallouts... these are all ordinary occurrences" Qiu Jianhan''s smile was devoid of humor. "This old man is reluctant to talk about this, but now, if you decide to pass the child to me, I can''t avoid the topic." Yun Yang nodded slowly. "The existence of this child is a direct threat to all the princes, especially the crown prince C the current emperor-to-be! This would undoubtedly trigger the anger of the entire palace." Qiu Jianhan lifted his head to look at Yun Yang. "The most likely consequence will be all the parties combining effort to focus on him and take him down, without any reservation." Yun Yang smiled darkly and said, "Why would this be a problem? If we were to kill all of them from the get-go, I don''t see that there is an issue here." Qiu Jianhan was dumbstruck. With his years of experience and wisdom, he had thought of at least a dozen executable solutions and constructive answers, but this cold-hearted move had not crossed his mind at all. What an extreme maneuver! One had to keep in mind that these parties, their men, influence, and even their troops were sizeable. The amount of manpower they wielded was a mind boggling number even if one were to disregard their combat strength. The digits would be enough to damage Yutangs core, how could one hope to kill them all so easily? Yun Yang smiled softly. "Ill come up with the solution. The most important message has been delivered." Yun Yang stood up. "The subsequent matters will all be decided wholly by Old Marshal then. Ill come again in two or three days time." The old marshal sprung up like his rear end was on fire and said, fuming, "You presume to toss such a grave matter to me and leave? Are you f*cking playing the rogue with this old man?" Yun Yang turned around. "I am just doing the smart thing. Playing the part of a rogue with the head of the capital citys three greatest scoundrels is one of lifes happiness; why shouldn''t I enjoy myself? I, too, think that this matter is tricky, but instead of worrying about it all by myself, why not share the fun?" Qiu Jianhan was speechless. Why not? Share the fun? F*ck! You couldn''t have given me a greater shock! "Where is the child now?" Qiu Jianhan asked. "A very, very safe place of course," answered Yun Yang. Qiu Jianhan replied coldly, "I mean the exact location." "This is not something you should know at this point in time. Sorry, I cant say more," Yun Yang replied. The old man was obviously very close to exploding in rage. "Its more crucial that you sort through your thoughts and contemplate your decisions. Theres no need to think about things too far away, theres no point. I still have matters to tend to, I shall leave first." Yun Yang left in a flash, turning into a gust of breeze right in front of the old marshal and slipping under the closed windows gap. "Do I report this to His Majesty now?" Qiu Jianhan was torn. This was what the old marshal was most desperate to know and hoped to obtain a definite answer. After all, the emperor had hoped more than anyone else that his eldest prince could have left behind a descendant. If His Majesty knew about this, he would be dancing in joy. The only answer the old marshal received was the billowing wind of winter outside the window. Lord Supreme Wind was gone without a trace. It sent a clear message - I don''t care! I''ve given you the information. Go tell His Majesty if you want to, dont tell him if you dont want to. Do what you will. "Bastard!" Qiu Jianhan kicked the chair Lord Supreme Wind had just vacated and glared, huffing. "Isnt this intentionally tormenting this old man? If Yu Peize knew then that this old man didnt let him know about his eldest grandsons news instantly, hell definitely raise hell for me" The old marshal was experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, actually daring to call His Majesty by his name. He then paced around his study like a headless fly; the more steps he took, the more frustrated he felt. The old marshals mood had not been great. The impending war already made the old man feel like he was walking on eggshells. Now, another earth-shattering issue came to him at this point in time and the person who told him the news had just left, sashaying away, leaving everything to him! Inform His Majesty, disregarding the consequences? Put aside the question of whether Supreme Wind would question his unauthorized action, would the emperor really be dancing with joy when he knew about it, considering his deep remorse and guilt? Old Marshal Qiu erupted in a cold shudder, obviously frightened by his thoughts. Keeping it away from His Majesty? Temporarily, perhaps? When His Majesty knew it in the future, the fact that he would be chastised to no end was secondary. What mattered more was that this would definitely affect the emperors final plan and decision! The planning and decision made for a successor he was satisfied with and one that he was not would be wholly different C a direction and decision utterly different from his initial plans! However, it was better sooner than later, regarding this matter. It was better that he decide early, and put an end to it. "Sigh." No matter how the old marshal wished to stop sighing, he had still done so. With a long face, he put on his robe and was about to head out, only to realize that it was already much later in the night. Even if the old man had the power to enter the palace at this time, he had to watch out still, especially to avoid the attention of those with ill motives "Lets just go tomorrow morning." "Let me think properly how do I phrase it so the effect and shocking can be reduced to the lowest level possible?" Qiu Jianhan sat in his study and sighed throughout the entire night. He did not manage to figure it out even when dawn arrived, causing him to be drowsy throughout the morning assembly. It was during the morning assembly when it started. The emperor had a ruddy glow, looking spirited and very energetic, despite facing the constant provocation at the border from Empire of Dongxuan. The news of recruitments in Dongxuan indicated the arrival of a war! This time, Han Sanhe was obviously being forced to the edge of a cliff, desperate for a victory to save his reputation. He would definitely give it his all, and would not return without a victory in hand! This was a massive challenge to the Empire of Yutang! The warfare report of Fu Baoguo had reached the court and all the officials, civil and military, were listening to it quietly. "Dongxuan is deploying the entire nation, a difficult war is imminent. Dongxuans deployment this time will be unprecedentedly large in scale. Due to pressure, Han Sanhe will work on this war wholeheartedly. This official can only accept that war is upon us." "The conditions of this war will be harsh, this official dares not assert victory. This official shall fight with my life, only stopping when death takes me." "This official might be safe if this war is won; if not, the day the enemy charges through our fortress will be the day this official dies!" "Dongxuan will come with great momentum. This official is reluctant to say words that lower the morale of our army, but this official asks the nation, with reticence, to be prepared" The short letter did not speak a word of request for assistance. Only lion-hearted patriotism and staunch loyalty burned through the script. Just by reading the letter, one could understand Fu Baoguos determination to fight for his life! When the letter was done being recited, the imperial court was silent for a long while. Even some civil officials who were usually affronted by military officials wore a serious face. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of valor and sacrifice C no one, no group, no influence could point fingers at each other. "Mobilize the army, be prepared for deployment at any time." The emperor made his decision quickly and announced, "Yutangs hundreds of millions of men would rather all perish in the battlefield than to watch the eastern defense be defeated and the defense line collapse!" A few generals stepped out together. "This official requests to be deployed!" "This official requests to be deployed!" "This official requests to be deployed!" "Fu Baoguo will not be the only militant who quits upon death in Yutangs military!" "This official requests to be deployed, with the courage of death!" The golden hall was brimming with emotions that radiated passionate loyalty. The surging patriotism that promised retreat only upon death in the letter spurred the passion in all the military men in the court. The generals who had long been in battlefields and experienced hundreds of war were pumped with enthusiasm. "Yutang has more loyal men than just Fu Baoguo!" "The Empire of Yutang has countless men! We have never cowered before anyone!" "For the nation, for the people; it matters not if we die fighting!" "We swear to guard the nation and protect our homes with this body, only stopping upon death!" Qiu Jianhan lifted his eyes to look around blearily amidst the noise and was bewildered. "What are these people so worked up for? Why are they all so crazed and passionate? Sigh, how should I tell the emperor this Im going to die in worry" The old marshal felt as if he was enchanted. His Majesty raised both his hands in a gentle gesture; the imperial court went silent at once. "Dongxuan has deployed its entire nation to attack us, with Han Sanhe leading the army personally and giving his all. So what?" The emperor looked at his officials proudly. "We, Yutang, have hundreds of millions of lion-hearted men! Men who fear no death! What challenge in this world are we afraid of?" "The entire nation is called together, to fight to the death against Dongxuans Han Sanhe!" "To fight to the death with Dongxuans Han Sanhe!" The crowd cheered after the emperor, feeling the dedication to their country burning in their blood. For a long time, the sentiment lingered. There was only one person who was bleary and unfocused like his soul had left him. His eyes were occasionally trained at the ceiling of the hall like he was daydreaming. He lowered his head occasionally as if he was worried about the country and its people More than a few men were puzzled. Why had they not heard the old marshals holler today? Was he not in? The assembly was dismissed. The emperor kept Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin behind for a discussion. His Majesty was so heavy-hearted that he did not even notice Qiu Jianhan was brought in like a zombie, much more somber than his usual character. Leng Daoyin was only thinking of the warfare and he did not realize it as well. Only the palaces eunuchs and guards had noticed. It was like Qiu Jianhan was floating, drifting along soullessly like a doll, and was brought into the royal study without much to say. The guards were certain that Old Marshal Qiu did not even know where he was right now! 368 What Is It? Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian was once again feeling ill from the heavy snow these few days and was resting at home during the assembly today. The emperor had not planned to ask him over at all. The Grand Commandant was only left with a few days. If such a matter had triggered his mood, he might not be able to take the stimulation. The old mans unique Ingenious Volition was a mythical cultivation method that saw through ones heart but such a method shunned volatile emotions. The Old Grand Commandant had used Ingenious Volition again for Yang Botaos case previously and while it did not look unusual then, he was actually still burdened with a heavy burden that sapped his vitality. If he were to be triggered again, it might not end well for him. After all, Fu Baoguo was the sole remaining prized disciple of the Old Grand Commandant and was seen as his successor. The Old Grand Commandants other disciples had all fallen in the battlefield, only to returned wrapped in horsehide. If he were to suddenly hear that Fu Baoguo was about to face the entire Empire of Dongxuan alongside the God of War, Han Sanhes effortful attack and was overcome with emotion, that would be adding fuel to Yutangs fire. "How goes the war?" the emperor asked. Leaving the court full of officials and left with only two to three people, His Majesty no longer put up a confident front. His worry had floated to the surface. "This war allows no room for optimism." Leng Daoyin sucked in a deep breath before releasing a long, white wisp of a dragon. The weather was simply too cold. Even when they were in a palace, the hall was too spacious. "Yes, I know this war allows no optimism but why would Dongxuan pick such a time to launch an assault? Theres simply no certainty of a victory for them!" The emperor frowned. "Was it simply because Han Sanhe was pressured to the point of insanity that caused this current situation?" The emperor was rather indignant. "I really can''t imagine what the Dongxuan emperor is thinking. If he really cant stand Han Sanhe, just get rid of him and his family! But no, he wants to let this old man lead an entire army out. Its the dead of winter now! Snow and ice everywhere. Who leads troops at this time of the year?" "Your Majesty is right. This is where we benefit more from nature compared to Dongxuan. Winter is a more suitable season for defense than to attack. Its to our advantage." Leng Daoyin frowned thinking. "This isn''t an obvious advantage. Didnt the east defense line just build a new fort? It might not withstand the continuous attack of an army. Yet, this is where the final victory or defeat of this war lies." "There is another issue. The eastern defense has only two hundred thousand soldiers." His Majesty frowned. "Fu Baoguo has only gone there for over a month. There isnt adequate preparation; the foundation, which is far from stable, is also a huge problem." "The forage and ordnance isnt the issue, nor is the salary." Leng Daoyin sighed, "Ultimately, our side holds the advantage of nature in this war. As long as the main marshal remains calm and doesnt act recklessly, the most this war will be is... upsetting." As he spoke, he turned suddenly to face Qiu Jianhan. "Old Qiu, what say you?" Qiu Jianhans brows were locked in a deep frown as well as if he was in deep contemplation. In truth, he had barely heard Leng Daoyins words due to his concentration. Leng Daoyin gave the distracted man a slight shove. "Old thing, are you daydreaming?" Qiu Jianhan suddenly came back to himself and said, "Thats right. This is an issue. The empire cannot have another civil war." Both the emperor and Leng Daoyin were stunned. Cannot have another civil war? Where did this come from? We were discussing an external disaster, why did you come up with this out of nowhere? What is this distracted old man thinking? "What are you talking about? Enchanted and still mumbling about your dream last night?" Leng Daoyin frowned in irritation. Qiu Jianhan blinked and his eyes refocused. "Pardon?" His Majesty smacked his forehead, looking like he had a headache. Leng Daoyin was baffled, not expecting the old man to be so muddled. What are you trying to do? How could you be so distracted during such an important internal discussion? "We were speaking of the eastern warfare." Leng Daoyin said weakly, "You would do well to share at least a fart of a thought." That was the true nature of a rogue. Everyone knew he was teasing the old marshal about farting. Normally, the rogues would now argue and sooth the awkward atmosphere. "What thoughts? What fart?" Qiu Jianhan was still dazed but he sat up at once and muttered his agreement, "Thats right, thats right. The fart should be released! It should!" His Majesty, hearing such a mismatched reply, spat out the tea he had just drunk and coughed. "I admit defeat." Leng Daoyin said helplessly as he wiped his face clean of the tea spat by the emperor. "I see, you were talking about the war with the Empire of Dongxuan." Qiu Jianhan sighed. "I understand. It is not a serious matter. With Fu Baoguo and plenty of room for warfare tactics, there will be some difficulties but it wont shake the empires core. We can prepare backups and get ready to assist at any time. No worries there, none at all." His Majesty and Leng Daoyin exchanged looks of horror. Not a serious matter? No worries? Then what was considered worrying? How could it not shake the Empire''s core? Any misstep would disarray the nation! Is this old antique thinking is something even more severe than this? Something far more serious than a nation''s upheaval? A nation''s subjugation, perhaps? Both of their faces looked calm, but their hearts lurched in their chests. "What were you pondering about just now? Speak up, quickly, and let us gain some knowledge too!" Leng Daoyin asked, scratching his head. "Even if it could really impart knowledge, it has nothing to do with you. You? Dismiss yourself quickly." Old Marshal Qiu rolled his eyes and urged the guest out on behalf of the emperor, with much impatience. Leng Daoyin was beside himself with rage. F*ck you! Dismiss yourself quickly? You antique, you dare be so bold? Do you dare to dismiss me right in front of His Highness? Do you think Im your son? "You!" Leng Daoyin was huffing angrily. "Why arent you leaving yet?" Qiu Jianhan stared at him and said in an oddly distracted tone, "Cant you see this old man wants to discuss military issues with His Majesty oh it''s you, Old Leng..." It was as if he just recognized Leng Daoyin and said apologetically, "Sorry, sorry. I didnt see that it was you just now." Leng Daoyin''s jaw dropped, looking at Qiu Jianhan like he was seeing a ghost. What did you f*cking say? Didnt you know it was me? Ive gone to the morning assembly with you, discussed things with you, got asked here by His Majesty with you, spoke to you for a good half day and you say you dont know that it was me you were talking to? "This matter is really rather important. I''m afraid you have to leave." The old marshal patted Leng Daoyins shoulder apologetically. "Seriously, just run along now." Leng Daoyins eyes were wide for a good moment before he said, gritting his teeth, "I wanted to tell you; you are an old, useless junk who should die, but I didnt know if I should say it here!" I have to leave? Please! Does your family know youre so arrogant? Are they not afraid that youd be beaten to death when you go out with such an arrogant attitude? Leng Daoyin felt like fainting. This is so embarrassing! Qiu Jianhan and the emperor exchanged glances. Seeing that Old Marshal Qiu reacted like that when he came back to himself, His Majesty knew how severe the issue was. Something that could distract Qiu Jianhan to this point could not be anything petty; perhaps it really involved a nation''s subjugation? The emperors heart began to beat faster. No longer caring about courtesy, His Majesty said in a low voice, "Please wait outside the hall, Marshal Leng. If this matter is nothing important, Ill summon you in and both of us shall beat him up together. My place here is no place to play the part of a rogue!" Well, if the emperor himself said so... Leng Daoyin pinched his nose and said, "Alright, alright. Ill leave." He then glared at Qiu Jianhan and spat on the floor, "Old bastard! You wait for your father!" Only then did he leave reluctantly. They need not be like this over a discussion of a matter Old Marshal Leng Daoyin was completely oblivious to the fact that his words earlier had backfired! The father of an old bastard would have to be a bastard too! An older bastard! Leng Daoyin left unhappily, openly showing his emotions. Following the departure of Marshal Leng, the emperor turned serious at once. "What happened? Why are you like this today?" Qiu Jianhan had put Leng Daoyin out of his mind. It would seem that the matter weighing him down was nothing petty and was fairly significant! This matter was even more important than the imminent war with Dongxuan in Qiu Jianhans heart! What could it be? Thinking about it, His Majesty felt an inexplicable sense of nervousness as well. He could vaguely tell that what was worrying Qiu Jianhan was related to him and the royals... but what in particular? "This matter" Old Marshal Qiu was still contemplating if he should say it and if he was right in chasing Leng Daoyin out so urgently just now. More importantly, what consequence would it garner when he revealed his thoughts? While he was still having second thoughts and contemplating his actions, mulling over his choice of words, he suddenly caught the emperors gaze. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan had a sudden realization that if he were to retract everything and turned back right now, the consequences would be very serious! This was Yutangs ultimate supreme, a presence that could never be played for a fool. If it was a small matter, it was still acceptable to pull off a prank. If he continued to treat such a serious matter lightly, then he would really become the butt of the joke. "Its like this." Qiu Jianhan was resolute now. "Supreme Wind came to my residence last night and told me something important. This has kept me up all night and I dont know what to do." 369 Don’t Know? The emperor was even more high-strung now. "Did Supreme Wind unearth something peculiar again? Is it about the Four Seasons Tower or Dongxuan? It must be about Dongxuan C Dongxuan has mobilized its troops out of the blue. Its just illogical. There must be something behind it. What is the particular situation" His Majesty thought out loud, giving an incessant analysis and praying hard that it would be best if Supreme Wind investigated the conspiracy of Dongxuan immediately; it better not be about anything else! Lord Supreme Wind had purged the high-leveled authorities of Yutang recently and almost half of the officials in the imperial court were gone, thanks to his witch-hunt. All of them were penalized with concrete evidence and there was no doubt that they were traitors and spies as well! Faced with such a sordid reality, His Majesty was truly ashamed! Being an emperor for so many years, he had relied on this group of men, yet a small portion of them were all spies and he was oblivious to it. How could he not feel uneasy? "It actually isnt related to Dongxuan, neither is it about the other officials as well." Old Marshal Qiu frowned, a strange expression on his face. "Oh." The emperor was relieved. "Then what did he find you for? Something regarding Four Seasons Tower?" "It isn''t that either. He revealed something to me, and Im hesitating whether I should tell Your Majesty about it." Old Marshal Qiu was thinking, pondering, contemplating, calculating. If he tossed this matter out in the open, what sort of chaos or panic would it cause? That sort of consequence could only be described in four words. Difficult to clean up. His Majesty was blissfully unaware of what he was about to hear as he sat himself down on the chair, relaxed, and said, "Just spit it out. No wonder you wanted Leng Daoyin out of here. So, its related to the Nine Supremes. This is indeed inappropriate for Marshal Lengs knowledge. I will speak on your behalf later. I guess that the old man is about to go crazy from the anger." Qiu Jianhan chuckled dryly and said, "This doesnt involve me. Supreme Wind just told me that he got hold of Supreme Waters will not long ago which revealed something truly unexpected." "Something unexpected" The emperor lifted his head and cracked his neck as he said distractedly, "What is it? Im suddenly very interested. Just speak frankly, stop baiting me. Otherwise, be warned that I will help Marshal Leng when he snubs you the next time!" The emperors tone was teasing, unaware of the gravity of the situation. Qiu Jianhan said, "The will states that Supreme Water of the Nine Supremes is actually a woman." "What?" His Majesty who was massaging his neck stopped and looked at Qiu Jianhan. Obviously, this information was very unexpected indeed! Lord Supreme Water of the renowned Nine Supremes was actually a female! What a huge secret that had been kept under wraps for so many years! It was a massively shocking secret. In spite of it, it was still a personal matter of the Nine Supremes, despite its shock value. It did not actually have much to do with Qiu Jianhan, the royals, Yutang, and even the world! The emperor looked surprised on the outside but his heart was unmoved. He had learned the art of being an emperor and had long sharpened his heart to be stronger than gold, immutable and steady. Once Qiu Jianhan began to speak, it was difficult to stop. It was easier to just spill everything out. He had gotten to this point anyway, there was nothing left that could not be said. "Not only was Lord Supreme Water a woman, she was married." Old Marshal Qiu said quickly, "She also had a son." His Majesty was unruffled, not knowing the intention behind Old Marshal Qius words. DId he want to ask for a title and rewards for her son? That shouldn''t be too difficult a task. Qiu Jianhan then tossed the main point out in the open, "Supreme Waters husband is Supreme Earth." Upon finishing this line, he suddenly felt very much lighter at heart. He had finally spoken about what mattered most. "Why does it matter who the husband was? Both Supreme Earth and Supreme Water are among the Nine Supremes. Its only a matter of course before they would get married. Its so very common for a man and woman to tie the knot. If you had said that two Supremes had gotten married first then only told me that Supreme Water is actually a female, I might" As His Majesty talked, his teasing words faltered. Crack! His head whipped around to look at Qiu Jianhan, his eyes hawk-like. However, his neck obviously could not sustain the sudden movement; it cracked aloud as if the bone was broken. Then, the emperor remained still. Two Supremes tying the knot C Supreme Waters husband was Supreme Earth. Supreme Water had a son. The emperor stayed frozen for a long while before he bellowed in an earth-shattering voice, "What? Repeat what you said!" Half of the palace could hear his hollering, and whoever heard it shuddered immediately. Outside, Leng Daoyin, who was angrily waiting for Qiu Jianhan to come out so he could settle what happened earlier with him, was reduced to a trembling mass by the terrifying roar. Holy sh*t! It has to be quite serious to have shocked His Majesty to this extent! What a large and scary matter! This place is a place of calamity! I simply cant stay here any longer! The emperor is infuriated now and it would make sense for Old Bastard Qiu to be affected by it, but Im innocent! A gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall! Its better that I leave first. With a shudder, Leng Daoyin turned to leave with hurried steps. "Marshal Leng, arent you waiting?" "No, no. This old man suddenly recalls that I have something to tend to in my residence. Ill leave first. I have a sudden stomachache. This old man doesnt feel well" Leng Daoyin disappeared instantly. Wait? Wait to be dragged into this mess? Even if its not the case, Im not willing to take a scolding. This old man is a person who prizes dignity and stays far away from dark humor. Let Old Useless Qiu shoulder this alone. Good luck, Old Qiu! Leng Daoyin vanished with a swoosh; his speed impressed the internal palace guards. A great marshal indeed! Such grace, such speech, such agility we can really only watch in awe. Otherwise, how can he be one of Yutangs two great marshals, the second-in-command of the capital citys three greatest rogues? Impressive indeed! I wonder why he looks a little sheepish A misconception, it must be a wrong impression C definitely an illusion! Inside the study hall, long gone was the teasing manner, as His Majesty had lost his usual cool and wisdom; his reddened eyes were staring intently at the old marshal while his pupils were dilating. His entire face was flushed red, yet his lips were white. He, who had been sitting primly, his body that recovered its health from the poison, was shaking like a sieve right now C like a fallen leaf in the wind. His Majestys unblinking gaze at the old marshal screamed urgency, asking for a confirmed answer. Old Marshal Qiu nodded and said, "Your Majesty, you heard it right. Supreme Earth of the Nine Supremes. The eldest, cough, was the one who tied the knot with Supreme Water, and theyve given birth to a son. The boy is now two and a half years old." Supreme Earth! Supreme Earth got married to Supreme Water! They had a son! A son! He was two and a half years old! Two and a half years old! These words crackled in the emperors ears successively like firecrackers, numbing his senses and disorientating him. He could only hear his wheezing that was like a wind box and the fluttering in his chest. His Majesty gripped the chairs armrest as he lost control of his strength; the force actually indented the solid chair. It was verified! There was! There really was! At this moment, the emperor did not even know what to feel. He sensed a blank buzz in his head while the world before his eyes exploded in a plethora of colors After a long time, when the colorful splatters were gone, the emperor finally caught his breath. His emotions were utterly mixed; he wanted to howl into the sky, wanted to laugh aloud, wanted to bawl on the floor, wanted even to offer incense to his ancestors, to thank the blessing of the divine beings and gods! He remained stunned for a long while before collapsing into his chair in a heap of limbs without bothering to arrange himself, like a pile of mud that molded into the chair. "Its my grandson?" The emperors eyes were wide open. "The grandson of my eldest son?" "Your Majesty, please speak carefully!" Qiu Jianhan was startled. "This old official has been considering and contemplating whether I should tell Your Majesty about this all because I was afraid that Your Majesty would react too violently and cause an uproar in Yutangs internal palace." His Majesty the emperor was not behaving like a great emperor of his time at this moment, but more like an ordinary old man C an old man who had slowly lost hope on the safe return of his son only to be surprised that his son had left his bloodline behind! A two and a half-year-old boy! He had a grandson! He had initially thought that all his bubbles of hope had been popped. Who would have known that God had still left him with some comfort! God is good to me! God is good to the royal Yu! His Majesty collapsed into a heap quietly; tears had been streaming down his face for some time. "Where is the child now?" The next moment, the emperor, who had been like a wooden puppet, hopped up suddenly, grabbing Qiu Jianhans robes. "I dont know" Old Marshal Qiu was startled by the sudden movement. "Dont know? You say you dont know?" The words lit His Majestys rage at once; the abrupt rise of fury could almost set the entire palace ablaze. "You went through all that trouble to come tell me this news and when you have delivered the news, you tell me you dont know where the child is now?" The emperors subsequent bellow was tinged with a sob and his tears shook the palace. "Qiu Jianhan! You C you, you C this is treason!" 370 A Creature Called Emperor! Old Marshal Qiu broke out in cold sweat. "I really dont know about this. Supreme Wind didnt divulge the location of the child. He was worried about his safety. Actually, his worry" How could the emperor listen to any sort of explanation right now? He was like an infuriated lion that was growling in a frenzy, "Absurd! Hilarious! What safety? What worry? Dont know anything? This is treason! You should be exterminated alongside your family! Qiu Jianhan, hand the person over quickly or else not only will I penalize you, I shall execute a nine familial extermination too!" "Do you think I wouldn''t dare to do it?" His Majesty had gone crazy, no longer making any sense. Seeing the viciously babbling emperor, Qiu Jianhan felt exceptionally helpless. He felt numb inside as well. I knew I would be scolded like this! His Majestys reaction is even worse than what Ive imagined, much worse! I see the extent the impact of this matter has brought him. Im here to tell you that you have a grandson and your grandson is still alive, yet you want to charge me with treason and a nine familial extermination? Why dont you just ask if you should or not? The old marshal was not only fuming mad, he felt incredibly maligned as well. However, it was clear that the emperor was extremely upset by the information. He was hysterical! God knew how much His Majesty had wished this news to be true. He had always thought that it was all one-sided, that it was only a glimmer of hope keeping him alive; he had even long thought that it was already an impossibility. His son had placed all of his attention on the Nine Supremes, how else would he have the chance to get married and build a family? If he had a choice, why would he have given up the honorable title of the eldest prince and the crown prince? One could not get the best of both worlds; he had to choose his sacrifice! He would never expect his son, as Supreme Earth, would still have the chance to tie the knot with Supreme Water who was a woman, and had even given birth to a son! The emperors hope that he no longer had faith in had really come true! His eldest childs son! His Majesty felt his blood burning C soaring and boiling! "My son!" The emperor cried, both in happiness and grief. His eldest son whom he felt very sorry for, whom he thought of each time he woke up in the middle of the night, and whom he was still weeping over, had left behind a bloodline after all! He had given him a chance for compensation! The emperors emotions were utterly mixed. "Your Majesty." The old marshal was fairly worried and said placatingly, "Please dont be overly anxious. It cant be rushed. Since Supreme Wind has opted to speak up about this, he wont take his words back Hell show the child sooner or later. Why the impatience? It isn''t really a suitable time." The emperor was still unusually fretful as he paced around, disregarding his image, like a lion that was trapped in a cage. "How could I not have known this? I also cant wait for a second longer. I want to see the child now!" To His Majesty, this was really a torture that could hardly be endured. He knew of the news now but he could not see the real person. It felt like a small itch that could not be scratched. "Old antique! Youre here today to intentionally torment me, are you not?" The emperor glared daggers at Qiu Jianhan. "Not only do I see no one, I dont even know where he is nor when he can be sent to meet me. Are you making me wait like this? Did you think Ill be in a wonderful mood?" Qiu Jianhan sighed inwardly. He knew that this fellow was just using him to vent his frustration. "Your Majesty, even if you were the supreme of all and imperiously so, you have to be reasonable. Ive also thought of whether I should tell you only when the child was here" The old marshal continued, "However, this old official knows that Your Majesty has been looking forward in yearning for so long and theres finally news now. Its worse if I keep it from you for a period of time but now that youre like this, not only did you render this old officials effort futile, its bad for your health. I hope Your Majesty can keep calm and think further ahead with a collected mind." The emperor said in a rage, "What a loyal, great official you are! It''s your effort to tell me when you have news. Telling me like this, how can I withstand the following days of torment? Keep calm, think further ahead? You f*cking nonsense! How can I keep calm at such a time?" The emperor had cursed aloud. Dang! Qiu Jianhan felt faint. Whatever he did was wrong; not only was the man unreasonable, he had just sworn out loud! It was wrong to give him a vaccination shot first, it was treason; hiding the information and bringing the child directly to him would all the more be treason as well C Youre taking me as a joke now since youve known it earlier, aren''t you? There would not even be the need for a groundless charge. This was an accusation that needed no explanation! "If you really dont want me to be vexed, bring the child to me quickly!" The emperor roared again but it was a low growl and was only meant for the old marshals ears. His Majesty was obviously himself again and knew that some words and some matters could only be exchanged between the two of them. If a third party were to know, it would instigate needless mayhem. "This This old official is helpless regarding Your Majestys request" Qiu Jianhan was already cursing Supreme Wind in an endless loop. Look what mess youve put me into! Now Ill be trapped in this palace with no way out! The emperors rage was not a fear the old man was willing to take. The old marshal exhaled a long, deep breath. You fellows say women are difficult to appease because you fellows have never become a high-leveled official! Wait until youve become an official and youll know that theres one creature in this world thats harder to appease than women! It is a creature with emotions that are more volatile than a womans and is much more unreasonable than women! Such a creature is called the emperor! The most youll feel is miserable when a woman quarrels with you. As long as you spend some time, some money, and at most, some sincerity, youll get her back. However, when an emperor has a fall out with you, it can lead to a decapitation! Even when you bear the purest intentions in your heart, the utmost sincerity when you are thinking only of him! After a good venting, the emperor finally caught hold of his own temper. He fluctuated from being sad in one moment to being happy the next, to being agitated, to being frustrated "Sigh" His Majesty heaved a long sigh in the end. Old Marshal Qiu breathed in relief. It looked like he had passed the worst stage. Otherwise, this old man would not have sighed like this. The old marshal understood the emperor well enough as the emperor asked, "Did Supreme Wind mention when he would send the child over?" Qiu Jianhan answered, "Supreme Wind didnt mention a particular time. After all, hes thinking about the childs safety as well. He wished to know our reactions first, especially that of Your Majestys" As he spoke, the emperors rage that had just simmered down soared up high once again as he slapped the table and roared, "Bastard! Since when is he qualified to judge my attitude? That my biological" Before he finished his words, his mouth was already covered by Old Marshal Qiu, who was long prepared for the tirade and who did so by risking the worlds greatest crime. His voice was anxious, "Your Majesty, watch your words, watch your words. If you insist on being so, not only would Supreme Wind disallow you from meeting the child, I wouldn''t agree either!" "Mmph" The emperor freed himself forcefully but dared not continue his previous sentence. He bellowed angrily, "Old Useless Qiu, how dare you do that to me! Are you rebelling now? Ill convict you of treason and exterminate your families!" Qiu Jianhan rolled his eyes. He was a goner today. No reasoning would work with this fellow. Whatever he said, whatever he did would be wrong! Anything would be treason or result in a nine familial extermination. Could he still act out a peaceful scene between an emperor and his official? For a moment, Old Marshal Qiu felt like he wanted to retire and return to his old home. He dared not voice it out though. The old marshal guessed that if he did say so, he would never have to do that anymore. It would not be treason either. The emperor would just swallow him whole right here and then. In spite of it, this fellow was truly ridiculous The old marshal knew that his emotions were in a turmoil and he very much wanted to see his grandson whom he had long anticipated, but he had to know the line. Old Marshal Qiu desperately wanted to grab His Majestys gown and ask, "Why are you so unreasonable? Are you a woman? Why are you so ridiculous? Are you a woman?" If he could, and if it was possible, Old Marshal Qiu would have loved to ask that a hundred times in a loud roar. A hundred times! His Majesty then paced around the royal study with a thrilled expression, walking faster and faster, with arms behind his back. From what the old marshal saw, it was like a lion that was prancing back and forth with a swishing tail "Old Qiu!" The emperor made several rounds and suddenly went for Qiu Jianhan, pressing his shoulders with both arms and said, overjoyed, "I have a grandson! The person Ive longed for the most has come! I have a grandson now! Im so happy!" Old Marshal Qiu looked stupefied. One who had no idea would have thought that the emperor had found a new continent, but this news was relayed to him by the old marshal himself. The emperor could tell anyone, but telling it to the old marshal Besides, he was the one threatening to sentence the old marshal with nine familial exterminations and treason as well. Now, here he was, calling him "Old Qiu" so endearingly What a sudden change of heart! "About this child" Qiu Jianhan started but suddenly realized that His Majesty had not doubted the sincerity of his words ever since he brought up the matter! He had just thrown the words into the air and the emperor accepted them as they were, much faster than simply believing! Where was the art of being an emperor C the guarded caution, the skill to not simply believe anyone? "Did Your Majesty not doubt the truth of this matter?" Qiu Jianhan asked, just a little astounded. "I dont doubt it, not a single bit!" His Majesty snorted and said confidently, "First, I believe Supreme Wind; second, I believe my eldest son that hed definitely keep a surprise for me! Thirdly don''t I have you as well? I believe you equally. If this matter is even the slightest bit suspicious, you wouldn''t have told me about it so fast! Since you dare speak of it, then you must be confident about this!" "Weve been brothers for so many years. I still have my complete trust in you! Old Qiu, who are we?" The emperor said appealingly. Qiu Jianhan was speechless. 371 The Emperor’s Resolve His Majesty chuckled. "Therefore, I dont, for the slightest bit, doubt the truth of this matter. Theres simply no room for such lack of faith!" Qiu Jianhan sighed but could not help feeling the surge of warmth in his heart. It was the paramount achievement to have this sort of trust exist between an emperor and his official; it was the epitome of a gentleman dying for his confidant! "About this child who has suddenly made his appearance" The question had been swirling in Old Marshal Qius heart and he finally found the courage to ask, "Your Majesty, what is your plan? You should know what you both will face once this child is shown to the public whatthe Yutang dynasty is bound to experience!" His Majestys expression slowly turned somber. He took another two steps to slowly sit down on his chair, tapping on the table with a finger and a deep frown. Old Marshal Qius heart lurched in his chest. He had to ask the question, he could hold it back. He had to tear this wall down to know what the emperor wanted to do, and what his next step would be! Would his thinking be the same as that of Supreme Wind? The old marshal felt an ominous premonition surrounding him. "Old Qiu, what do you think of the crown prince?" His Majesty turned and asked very seriously. Old Marshal Qiu immediately froze into an unmoving statue. "Can you two not ask similar questions?" "If you two came to a similar decision, then it would really be a merry affair!" the old marshal thought with a hint of amusement. Regarding the question, he could answer frankly when it was Supreme Wind asking; he need not avoid responding to Supreme Winds straightforward replies. Now, when he faced the emperor though, he had to try a different tack. "I can''t truly answer Your Majestys question" Old Marshal Qiu carefully tossed the question back to the emperor and tried controlling the expression he was showing on his face. "Let''s just talk about the other princes first. Is there anyone who is actually capable?" His Majesty asked. Old Marshal Qius facial muscles spasmed. He felt a sense of dj vu; Supreme Wind had sat down in front of him to raise the same questions. Perhaps he had gone back to the moment when Supreme Wind was asking him those questions. The emperor obviously did not need him to answer, unlike Supreme Wind. His Majesty stood up with arms behind his back and said in a low voice, "I know you find it hard to answer, but how can I not be aware that among my princes, theres isnt a single one who can shoulder the burdens of Yutang!" "If I really had to make a choice among them, I can assert now that when Ive passed on, Yutang will crumble in an extremely short time. It could be faster, perhaps a year or two, it could be even three months or five!" "It would be a great challenge to pick a conservative emperor among these sons of mine. To become one who has great talent and the bold vision to be an authoritative emperor, they may need to undergo several reincarnations to achieve that. With the current state of the world, how can a chary emperor be able to guard and maintain his empire?" "The nations of Tianxuan Continent are packs of wolves. Only through continuous attacks and the act of conquering other nations will Yutang be able to obtain peace and long-term stability." The emperors gaze was dark, with a matching expression. "I can guarantee that my officials work well with me, the warriors fight hard, and Yutang remains safe and sound in the years of my living; I can also guarantee that I can build a team that can dominate and triumph in the world while defending attacks from all sides. However, I am certain that before this team truly takes form, I wont be here anymore." The emperor extended an arm, stopping the old marshal who was about to speak words of comfort. "If my successor were to be only a chary emperor, not only will this team be useless to him, itll be harmful. If the successor were a fatuous emperor, the team will rebel instead. Whether the team tears down the emperor or the emperor tears down the team, it will only result in self-sabotage in the end. Theres nothing but woe left for Yutang!" Old Marshal Qiu listened, quietly stunned. His Majestys words were basically the same as what Supreme Wind had said. It was only the difference in the choice of words and sentence structure; one was analyzed from an outsiders point of view while another was dissected from his own opinion! "If my heir and Yutangs next emperor is one of great talent, bold vision, wit, generosity, and benevolence he can totally make use of the team Ive built and gone a step further! Step out from Empire of Yutang towards the path of uniting the world and conquering Tianxuan!" His Majestys gaze was shining. "There will be an immense hope to unite the world and Tianxuan within the twenty years that this emperor holds the throne! To complete the foundation of Yutang and remain prosperous forever! Thats the biggest unfulfilled wish of Empire of Yutangs generations of royals!" "Sadly, this wish can never be fulfilled by the sons I have right now. If I pass the throne on to them, not only will this wish become a popped bubble, the bloodline of Yu might even be severed. You can then forget about conquering anything." His Majesty stared straight at Qiu Jianhan, but Old Marshal Qiu dared not meet the emperor''s eyes at all and could only tilt his head away. "My eldest prince was such an emperor! My most ideal successor!" There was agony in the emperors voice. "Its a pity that the vicissitudes of life are never constant and destiny plays us like fools" He paused, raised his head and shut his eyes. After a long, long time, he slowly reopened his eyes. "I have the biggest debt of guilt to my eldest prince! I owe him too much." Qiu Jianhan felt his scalp tingling. It looked like the choice, the decision, was the same. "Since I owe my child, I shall think of ways to compensate him." "Those that are supposed to be his, I shall pass them on to his son C to the only one who has the right to all these!" The emperors voice was low, but his tone was resolute and allowed no room for arguments. Qiu Jianhan felt his thoughts cracking into pieces and drifting into the sky. Vaguely, he could hear his own voice speaking weakly, "Still, this boy is only two and a half years old" The emperors voice sounded like the heavy bell, resonating from the farthest place yet each word sounded terribly clear, "It is a good age.It allows me to recompense my eldest prince wholeheartedly and secondly, its my last effort for Yutang and Yus bloodline!" "I dont have time to cultivate a second successor, but to hold out for another twenty years shouldn''t be a problem. As long as he grows to become the successor I wish him to be in this twenty years, everything will be worth it!" "The existence of this child is equal to god bestowing me, bestowing the royal Yu, and Yutang, a hope, a future C one that is unlimitedly bright!" "God bless Yutang, God bless the line of Yu, God bless me, that I might have a chance to atone for the biggest regret in my heart!" Qiu Jianhan realized that he had nothing to say. The head of an empire had always been a regal loner who was assertive and peremptory. What he had decided could not be changed nor would it allow for the comments of others. One didn''t even dare interrupt his train of thought. Those who defied him would face the same fate as a man touching a dragons reverse scale C only death awaited! A very long time later, Qiu Jianhan mumbled, "Your Majesty, this old official can understand your choice intellectually, but emotionally isnt it too cruel?" His Majesty said lowly, "Of course I know that this choice is cruel to my princes." "Still, this is the only choice that my heart agrees with. Besides, only this choice benefits the hundreds of millions of people in this empire! Most importantly, only this choice will give hope to the Empire of Yutang C a hope to remain unconquered!" Qiu Jianhan could only sigh quietly at his words. Just like the emperor had said, other than this choice, which would benefit the people and fulfill the emperors wishes, it was the most hopeful and opportune choice right now. What stood out glaringly was the Nine Supremes! The bloodline of the Nine Supremes represented too much of a bargaining chip. There was something that His Majesty did not say out loud but Old Marshal Qiu was well aware of. If this child was not in the picture, everything did not matter. Supreme Wind, as the sole survivor of the Nine Supremes, would still help the Empire of Yutang wholeheartedly, as usual. However, with this child now C not only was he royalty, he was the orphaned child of two Supremes; what choice Supreme Wind would make due to this relationship was worthy of pondering. If the current crown prince or the other princes had ascended the throne, it was not hard t surmise, even with ones buttocks, what these people would do to the bloodline of the Nine Supremes with their callous natures. Would Lord Supreme Wind endure such a man of authority C such an emperor of Yutang? It was completely impossible! Whether it was the emperor or Old Marshal Qiu, they had naturally arrived at the same answer after putting themselves in each others shoes! Only by making the child the next heir of Yutang could Yutang possible have a future. Otherwise, Yutang might fall faster than anyone expected. Upon deciding, the emperor seemed to lighten up, speaking softly, "Old Qiu, say, with our ability and foundation C with you, me, and Supreme Winds teaching, will this successor be qualified enough to become the future overlord of the world? Just thinking of the sense of achievement now makes me inexplicably thrilled!" Qiu Jianhan could only wear a bitter smile on his face. The old marshal really could not understand where the emperors confidence came from C could a worlds overlord be thought or made? 372 Squeezing Extortion Looking at princes readily available, including the emperor-to-be crown prince, was it even possible to identify one that was actually capable? The crown prince was a successor decided by Yu Peize himself. Shouldn''t he at least have a certain amount of training? Yet, anyone with discerning eyes could see that the man would never make it big. Otherwise, why would the emperor be so concerned about the lack of a candidate who could shoulder the empire''s burdens? "Dont worry, Old Qiu." His Majestys emotions were fully stabilized now. "Its only a plan of mine, I wont act impulsively. Well, at least, I wont be making too much a change in such a short period of time." "Even when Ive decided that it''s workable, Ill still have to observe over a period of time and that duration will last at least a few years. Whether or not the child can shoulder a heavy responsibility can basically be judged when hes around six or seven years old." "If things cant be done, I wont be stubborn." His Majesty joked, "Im not a fatuous emperor who knows nothing of the world." Old Marshal Qiu nodded. That was true; if he were a fatuous king, the marshal would have stopped serving him a long time ago. How would the emperor still have the chance to accuse him of treason and threaten him with nine familial exterminations? "Ill pretend not to know this and wait patiently." The emperor said softly, "Patiently waiting for the day my grandson comes to me I shall take a good look at how handsome my grandchild is If hes similar to his father, the same intelligence, good looks, obedience, filial piety, wisdom, strength, brilliance, decisiveness, bold vision, and fearlessness!" The emperors gaze was brimming with a bitter gentleness. He turned slowly to stare at the portrait of his eldest prince and murmured, "My child, father misses you so much that I cant sleep If your soul hasnt forgotten, why didnt you come to meet me in my dreams?" The eldest prince in the portrait was all smiles, watching his father from afar with serenity. Old Marshal Qiu felt his heart clench as if he could faintly feel the emperors emotions. At that very moment, the old marshal swore that if the eldest princes child could be brought up to enlightenment, he would put all his remaining years on the boy. He would like to see if he could really cultivate a majestic lord who could dominate the Tianxuan Continent! When Yun Yang returned to Tower to Heaven Inn, he came across Lei Dongtian who was making a fuss to leave. Lei Dongtian had already recovered a third of his prowess. He had been making a fuss to leave and Bai Yixue, who was the only one able to stop him, did not have a good impression of Lei Dongtian; he did not even wish to stop him. As for the others, they had the intention but not the capability. After all, a third of Lei Dongtians prowess was the level of a third or fourth tier of the heavenly realm. Even a Tenth Perfection cultivator was barely qualified as his opponent. Luckily, Yun Yang had come back amidst the argument. "Brother, its great that youre back!" Lei Dongtian was delighted. "This elder brother has had enough! Its too upsetting to be hiding like this every day. Ive decided to return home and organize a force to take down the Four Seasons Tower so I can vent this rage!" Yun Yang replied in shock, "Brother Lei, Im not disallowing you to leave, but its truly too dangerous for you to go out there! Its impossible for the Four Seasons Tower to give up their efforts to hunt you down! Going out is like a sheep sending itself into a tigers mouth! Its half chance and half luck that this young brother could save you previously. It is unlikely to happen again. If theres another mistake now, regret will be too late!" What Yun Yang had said was the brutal truth and Lei Dongtian knew it as well but he had still said confidently, "Dont worry, Brother Yun, how can it be as easy for them to track me with my skills of deceptions? Besides, I have partially recovered. As long as I dont meet the Four Seasons Towers master, Mr. Nian, the rest are as nothing. Whats there to be afraid of?" Yun Yang felt speechless for a moment, furiously thinking, "Big brother, where does your confidence come from?" "The rest is nothing to be afraid of? You were beaten half to death just a while ago and even your only expert guard was killed. It''s amazing that you can still be so confident and look down on people!" "The education you received since you were young which forms your arrogant attitude must be amazing!" "People remain stubborn after knocking into the wall, but not only that, you knocked into it continuously, not even stopping when youre bleeding!" "Are you seeking death or are you seeking death?" "Give it a bit of wait!" Yun Yang said, "I believe Brother Leis cultivation method will recover at least a sixth and above with another two days. Its not late for you to leave then and well be more relieved too!" Lei Dongtian sighed heavily. Although he was reluctant, he could only accept with a lowered head. After all, he knew that Yun Yang meant well. "Right. Other than asking for relief troops this time, this young brother has something to ask Brother Lei for help with." Yun Yang hesitated, looking very fidgety. "What is it?" Lei Dongtian found his sense of purpose again and said with a pat on his chest, "Just say it, my brother. If I can do it, I wont say another word." Yun Yang scratched his head and said, "This matter its really rather difficult to be spoken about." Lei Dongtian said impatiently, "What is so difficult to bring up? With our relationship that surpasses the realm of death, anything you want is only a line of words! To help you is to help myself, speak easily." Lei Dongtian was speaking truthfully. He had secured Yun Yang as one of his Seven Emotions Praxis cauldrons, so they had to share genuine sentiments between each other. The ideal situation would be Lei Dongtian constantly helping Yun Yang and allowing Yun Yang to feel dependent and trusting of Lei Dongtian. However, the situation currently was the exact opposite. It was Yun Yang who had done Lei Dongtian a great favor. If Lei Dongtians initial thoughts remained the same and he executed his cultivation method simply to manipulate Yun Yang, he would instead be on the retaliated side of the cultivation method since Seven Emotions Praxis was a mythical method working on the basis on emotions. What it condemned was the opposite switch of genuine emotions, so Lei Dongtian wanted badly to help Yun Yang as much as possible! It would be best if this fellow could weep from gratitude and bow as thanks, promising to requite him as his servant in the next life, so on and so forth. Yun Yang hesitated for a long time and said, "Brother Lei, this young brother didnt want" Lei Dongtian rolled his eyes. "Can be you quick about it? Do you have to be so long-winded? Were brothers. What is there that you cant tell your big brother?" "Resources!" Yun Yang spat out, flustered by the provocation. "Brother Lei, since the battle that day, this young brother has indeed realized that this bit of my capability is really too weak. Its merely like an insignificant ant!" "How hard would it be to increase ones ability quickly? Only someone so proficient and low profile like Brother Lei might have another way!" Yun Yangs gaze was clear as he said respectfully, "This young brother knows this is overstepping the boundaries, but its true because my own ability is so weak. Thats why thats why Im shameless to ask for Brother Leis help! It neednt be anything too divine. Just give this young brother a bit of anything that Brother Lei wont be using and is fairly useful to cultivation. I ask that Brother Lei avoid blaming this young brothers rudeness." Lei Dongtian chortled easily. "I still wonder what it is. Dont worry, leave all that you ask to me!" He thought for a bit and said, "What Ive given you earlier, adding them up equals to ten portions of cultivation resources in our family. When I come back this time, I will bring you a hundred portions of them. How about that?" Yun Yang was shocked. "Too much, there''s simply too much! How will I be able to use so much of them? How dare this young brother ask for such a luxury?" "Too much? Then two hundred portions it is!" Lei Dongtian waved without a care in the world."Its set!" The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched subconsciously. This fellows Lei Family what sort of an existence did they live in? Look at how generous hes being! Moreover, this fellow seems possessed of amazing mental faculties! He said a hundred portions, I said that was too much, then he replied by saying two hundred should suffice! What was going through his mind? I, as the Nine Supremes think tank, couldn''t even figure that one out. Of course, Yun Yang would not know that Lei Dongtian was using this chance to put an end to the fated tie he owed the man, by giving him an abundance of resources now. Only by giving more could the fated bond be erased quicker. Lei Dongtian was not an idiot, and cultivation resources were not things that fell from the sky. How would he add on to the amount himself? "Right, you dont want anything other than cultivation resources?" Lei Dongtian asked, "What about two hundred portions of top-grade medicine as well?" Yun Yang was fidgeting. "How C how can I" "It''s decided then!" Lei Dongtian waved his hand, looking extremely benevolent. On the other side, Bai Yixue was distracted, looking out at the snow outside the window emotionlessly. He was putting up such a front because he was too terrified that he would laugh out loud once he lost control of himself. This Young Master Lei I wonder how long he''ll continue to be manipulated before he realizes the truth? Ive been deceived, but Im in the same boat as my young master now. Retain the goodies within the family C I will still be able to enjoy the benefits, but this fellow will only be pushed into the pit to his death. "Brother Lei, rest well. Just speak up if you need anything. You don''t have to be so courteous to me." Yun Yang left behind a big bag of fruits rarely seen in winter. This was, of course, food prepared for Jiji, but Yun Yang had bought two portions. Turning to see Lei Dongtian happily munching the fruits with juice overflowing, Bai Yixue could not help the twitching at the corners of his mouth. This fellow probably doesnt know that the treatment he''s receiving is just like young masters bird. Maybe he is ranked lower than the Jiji bird in my young masters heart! Yun Yang was in a good mood. He had been lusting over Lei Dongtians resources for a very long time. Those were high-level items never seen before in the Tianxuan Continent. Since the fool had promised, he would undoubtedly bring a good amount of items the next time he came back. If so, the need for resources here would be fulfilled and would even be in excess. Yun Yang was fairly satisfied. The juices from Lei Dongtian were not yet fully squeezed out. The extortion was not yet complete, he needed to work harder! 373 If I Leave, You’ll Have to Leave Too! Yun Yang felt that his luck was not all that bad these days. Not only had he found his eldest brothers child, he had pocketed a fair share of top-notch cultivation resources. Perhaps a portion of these things could be used on Baoer to build up his foundation... yes, that would be a good choice. However, Yun Yangs dandy mood lasted less than a quarter of an hour before it was all gone. Shui Wuyins message had arrived. "Ive found out what you wanted to know, boss." Yun Yang was actually stumped when he read the message C what information did I want to know? Why dont I remember this? He went to Shui Wuyin. "What is it?" Shui Wuyin was taken aback as well. "The information that you mentioned? About the Empire of Ziyous assassin? Didnt you ask me to go find that out?" Hit with sudden realization, Yun Yang chuckled and said, "Oh, oh. Yes, right. Whats the situation?" Shui Wuyin replied easily, "This doesnt actually have much to do with us. Unfortunately, the mess was no small matter." Yun Yang retorted with interest, "Just tell me what it is! What bait are you using to lure me out?" "Not only was this assassin caught by the Empire of Ziiyous experts, he was severely injured and close to death. The Empire of Ziyou wanted to sentence him, to formally to warn the world... more like putting up a precedence? Somehow, a major character has stepped out of line... Now, theyre in an extremely awkward position!" Yun Yangs interest was piqued as he asked with a smile, "What sort of extreme awkwardness?" Shui Wuyin answered, "It was said that this assassin was too severely wounded. Even with treasured resources of the heaven and earth, his life was barely supported. He was only maintaining the last breath of basic Qi. In spite of this, this major character still utters threats, refusing to obey nor submit." Yun Yang asked pondering, "What major character it this, who has such an intimidating aura? Intimidating an empire is no mean feat." Shui Wuyin uttered mysteriously in a low whisper, "Jun Moyan!" Yun Yang was shocked before an ominous feeling surged through his heart. He stood up abruptly, his expression turned menacing. "Who? Who did you say it was?" "Jun Moyan! The Unrivaled Swordsman!" Shui Wuyin was shocked as well, frightened by Yun Yangs expression. "Boss, what is it? Why do you suddenly look so worried?" Yun Yang could feel his heart palpitating, almost lurching out from his throat. "This assassin, whats his name? What does he look like? Why does Jun Moyan intervene? Do you have more information about this?" "We really dont know much more. The Empire of Ziyou is concealing all the news regarding this person. The intelligence weve gotten is already the outcome of a lot of effort. If more information is needed, then more work will need to be put in. You didnt ask me to pay close attention to this, so the work done is naturally lesser." Shui Wuyin frowned, he could tell that something was amiss. Yun Yangs response and attitude were certainly unusual. According to Shui Wuyins knowledge, Yun Yang had sufficient resolve and shrewdness; he had always been one to maintain an indifferent front, despite any major news or changes. When had he ever been this jittery? Not only did his expression change, his gaze had become anxious, like an extremely terrifying and unexpected event was to happen! Was this assassin related to Lord Supreme Cloud? Or maybe the Nine Supremes Lords? "You dont know anything else but the rough estimation of the assassins age?" Yun Yang questioned urgently. "I really have no idea. This was negligence on my part." Yun Yang closed his eyes. Of course, he knew that this was not Shui Wuyins negligence, but his previous order that made the latter neglect the need for further information. At this point, they did not even know the assassins age. If so, they might really not have any other information regarding this news. The ominous premonition surrounding his heart grew stronger. Why did Jun Moyan suddenly intervene? Why did this assassin only ambush the higher authorities of the four nations but never Yutangs men? He patted the Medallion of Gratitude in his embrace and thought of Old Dugu. The lonesome old man C seventh brothers father! Another family member related to the Nine Supremes who was still alive! The more Yun Yang thought of it, the more panic filled him, draining him of color. He had been searching for news on this old man but had never found out anything of import. Never did it cross his mind that the fragment of information that was now known and might be related to him would be terribly bad news! The assassin was severely injured and near death, maintaining his last breath of basic Qi with treasured resources of the heaven and earth but might leave the world at any given time! If the assassin were to be Old Dugu C if the old man were to perish, would that not be another close family who left the world before his eyes? Yun Yang did not want to accept such an outcome; he was not willing to go through another parting like this! He stood up abruptly and said, "Wuyin, youll take over everything in Tiantang City now. Keep everything secure and sound no matter what! I have something urgent to attend to, and will be leaving right away." Shui Wuyins omen had come true, but it was petrifying! "My lord! Dont act on impulse!" Shui Wuyins collected mien was gone. "The Empire of Ziyou is tens of thousands of miles away, the land is foreign and the experts are plenty. Besides, its the capital of an enemy nation. Not only will it be difficult to achieve something, going alone like this might garner an immense risk to yourself" Yun Yang waved his hand negligently, with an expression of steel. "Im resolute, no need to say anything more." Before his words were done echoing, he had already turned and left. "Brother Lei, a surprising event has come out of the blue. I can only apologize to Brother Lei first." Yun Yang went over to Lei Dongtians room with hasty steps. He was leaving and if Lei Dongtian continued staying here, it would be bad if something unexpected was spun from it. Whether he was killed or learned of his secrets, they were things that Yun Yang was reluctant to see happen. It was better to make this fellow leave as soon as possible too. "What is it?" Lei Dongtian jumped up in surprise. Judging the others intention with his own eyes, he instinctively thought that Yun Yang wanted to pass him to the Four Seasons Tower; his eyes could not help but flash with unprecedented fear and panic. "I have something urgent to be handled personally and need to leave Tiantang City at once. When you leave, its destined that I cant be sending you off," Yun Yang said apologetically. "Oh, so this is it Its no big deal, dont worry." Lei Dongtian was relieved then. "Tend to your matter then. Who are we brothers, we have a long time to go." "Thank you for your consideration, Brother Lei. This is truly an emergency." Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath. "This young brother must go." His eyes were brimming with endless rage and urgency. "What has happened? You were so calm when you faced the Four Seasons Towers threat of death the other day but why are you so frazzled now?" Lei Dongtian asked curiously. "Brother Lei, you dont know the least of it" Yun Yang sighed and said, "The Four Seasons Tower is called Tianxuan Continents top force but its tactics go to the extreme and can be extremely tasteless and contemptible. When they meet an opponent that they cant beat by force, they will strike, focusing on the opponents weakness. The Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui had to recede when he had gone against the Four Seasons Tower exactly because the tower had threatened him with the safety of his family and friends. Its just that right now, there isnt even a handful of those whom the Four Seasons Tower needs to tackle with this method aside from brute martial force. I didnt expect to be honored as well. They were forced into an agreement; they cant attack me in Tiantang City, but theyve seized two of my relatives in other places and lured me there!" Lei Dongtian was shocked. "There is such a thing? The Four Seasons Tower actually resorts to such extreme tactics without a care and not a bit of grace that belongs to that of a powerful one?" Yun Yang sighed, "I didnt expect that the Four Seasons Tower cant afford to even be challenged! This issue involves the safety of my family, I have to make my way there immediately However, Im also worried that after I leave and without the other party of the agreement here, the Four Seasons Tower will most probably take this chance to ambush you. They might even be luring me away intentionally. Therefore, Brother Lei it looks like you might have to really depart earlier. Im afraid the later you leave, the more probable that everything will spin out of control." Lei Dongtian thought about it and felt the fear racking through him, saying, "Thats right, thats right. This must be a trick to distract the enemy away from their vantage point" He looked at Yun Yang like he was looking at his talisman. "Brother Yun, are these two people important?" The implicit meaning was obvious C "Who could be more important than me? Why dont you stay to protect me?" Yun Yang answered grimly, "Its my senior brother and junior sister. My junior sister is my fiance." Lei Dongtian was shocked when he heard him. Senior brother? Junior sister? Fiance? He then recalled that he had traveled all the way here for his own fiance and could imagine the importance of ones bride-to-be. No matter how Yun Yang prioritized him, he would still definitely rush his way to where his fiance was, throughout the night. He could not possibly replace Yun Yangs fiance This fiance can never be kept alive, seeing that she can sway my position in Yun Yangs heart. That senior brother he has to die too! Yun Yang can only have me alone in his heart C no one else! Yun Yangs heart had gradually become the item of Lei Dongtians obsession. Lei Dongtian did not know it yet, neither did Yun Yang! "Since young sister-in-law is in danger, you must definitely save her. Brother Yun, depart at once. I shall depart immediately when you leave, saving you from worries and dual-ended concerns," Lei Dongtian said resolutely, in addition to stating his stance. Since Yun Yang was leaving, like he had said, the Four Seasons Tower had nothing to be restrictive of. It was of utmost dangerous for him to stay here, of course he would have to leave instantly! "That would be best!" Yun Yang said, "My guard here is a top-notch expert in disguise. Old Bai." Bai Yixue stepped forward in reply, "Here, young master." "Help Young Master Lei with his disguise. You must do it flawlessly, including his skin color, neck and shoulders, arms, wrists, hair, gaze, eyebrows. Even the distance between his eyes. These must all be different from his original features It has to be impeccable, not one sliver of loophole. Can you do it?" Bai Yixue replied with a serious face, "Dont worry, young master. I will make sure that the task is completed, and prioritize perfection!" "Remember that. I do not allow any what-ifs!" Yun Yang instructed sternly. "After that, you must make sure that Young Master Lei makes it out safe and sound, with your own eyes. Otherwise, you need not come back as well." 374 Departure "Dont worry, young master. This subordinate shall ensure the task is completed!" Bai Yixue said with fervor, "If Young Master Lei is injured, even in the slightest, during this return trip, this subordinate will come and see young master with my head tucked under my arm!" "I dont want your head. Just make suer Brother Lei remains safe and sound. This is the main point, do you understand?" Yun Yang grimly reminded the man again. Lei Dongtian grew increasingly grateful. Of course, he could see that this Old Bais capability was only at sixth heaven and would normally not be worthy of his attention, but the latter was already the highest cultivated guard Yun Yang had. Although Lei Dongtian paid no attention to the guards cultivation base, it was not at a low level either. Bai Yixue could already be mid-ranked if he were to be serving in his family. Such an expert was among the few rare peak cultivators in Tianxuan Continent and was even above Venerable Lord Saber of the Four Seasons Towers Five Venerable Lords. He could be considered Yun Yangs last hand of cards. Yun Yangs journey would obviously be dangerous, but he had sent his guard to protect Lei Dongtian without any hesitation! Such a sentiment of brotherhood was terribly touching indeed! "Brother, take care during your journey!" Lei Dongtian turned his head, genuinely touched. Yun Yangs sincere gaze fell upon him. "Brother Lei, you must take care!" Lei Dongtian nodded adamantly, with unshed tears in his eyes. "I shall leave now!" Yun Yang turned and vacated the premises. Behind him, Lei Dongtian waved sadly. He understood full well that if it weren''t for him, Yun Yangs senior brother and fiance junior sister would not have been caught by the Four Seasons Tower! It would never have happened! All in all, he had burdened Yun Yang and had even caused his family to be in grave danger. However, it was still a chance - a chance of a fate that belonged to him and Yun Yang. Yun Yang was destined to be a man of his cauldron. Even though Lei Dongtian was touched by Yun Yangs effort and sacrifice but it was still a God-given chance. Not taking a God-given chance would be defying God C even God was standing on his side! He was truly Gods child, one blessed by heavens, and would never be tainted by mediocrity! Lao Mei and Fang Mofei, who was standing aside, tried their hardest to keep a straight face. They had used their entire cultivation base to stop the laughter from bubbling up. Senior brother? Junior sister? What f*cking senior brother and junior sister? Our young master doesnt even have a school! The lie had come so easily and was so rich with emotion that it was utterly believable. Did you not see Lei Dongtians reaction? He was so touched that he looked ready to pour out his heart! Fang Mofei felt that the longer he served Yun Yang, the more his own sense of calm deteriorated. Not only did the straight face he had successfully achieved in the Concourse of the Underworld fail miserably, his last bit of collected demeanor could be gone at any given time. He really did not know what to say about being reduced to such a sorry state! The wind blew strongly. The consistently gray sky of Tiantang City saw a sudden shifting of clouds and wind; the billowing gale grew increasingly urgent and loud. All the flags in the city fluttered noisily due to the vicious wind. In the sky, white clouds were drifting and dancing as the curling wind traveled afar. His Majesty, who had long been watching out for the changes in weather, hurried out of his royal study with quick steps and looked up, having only one thought, "It should be Supreme Wind. Is he going to collect my grandson? It must be. I hope he moves faster; the quicker the better." The emperor was very hopeful. On the contrary, Qiu Jianhan, who was seated in the Residence of Marshal, was thinking of an absolutely contradictory situation. Supreme Wind had said before that he would come to him again after two or three days. After hearing what he had to say, only then would Supreme Wind go to pick up the child. This arrangement wasn''t due to change anytime soon. That would mean that Supreme Winds departure now was not to collect the child; he had something else to do. The time was yet to be. Seeing how flagrant he was, so much so that he did not even mind exposing Supreme Winds cultivation method and his own traces of moving the clouds, must mean that he had something very urgent to do and the destination must be somewhere far away! If so, Supreme Wind might very well not make it back within three days. He might even return after a long time. There was nothing set in stone. "Why are you f*cking leaving at such a time? Dont you know that this is an emergency as well?" Old Marshal Qiu sprung up to the rooftop and swore out loud without a care for his reputation, "You bastard. What are you going to do? You C you C you you hand over such a mess to this old man and leave just like that? How am I supposed to explain it? Dont you know that the man is already impatient and is one tough character that cant wait? He is likely to kill someone soon!" The old man was really anxious now, sweat drenching his heavy clothes. If you dont come back within the set time, how am I supposed to explain it to the impatient emperor? I am utterly doomed. It was only news previously, and this old mans life was almost snatched away by the torment. Now that you have just left, and wont be coming back so soon, I will meet my end at His Majesty''s hand. Arent you Supreme Earths brother? Cant you feel the desperation a father wanting to meet the son of his son? What is so important that you can''t do it after tackling this father? Do you have to be so fretful during this short hour or even a quarter of it? In spite of this, the gale continued to billow in the sky. How could Supreme Wind, who was distressed about his destination, hear the old marshals cry? His only thought now was on another father C another father who was fighting his life for his son! Even if it were only a breaths time, Yun Yang was reluctant to wait any longer. He simply could not wait even a moment more! Life was at stake; he did not even know if he would make it in time as he rushed over. Yun Yang sped all the way that by the time he had materialized as himself again, it was already noon! There was a wide river before him, and this place was three thousand and seven hundred miles away from Tiantang City! The river waters were surging; the river had to be at least several hundred miles wide by the looks of it. Lunar River. It was said that this river had sprung up from the soul of the moon. Anywhere the moonlight could reach, so could this river. As long as the moon still shone in the sky, this river would exist. "Long time no see Lunar River. As long as I follow the river, the other end would be the Empire of Ziyou." Yun Yang stood by the riverside, watching the tidal river flow by and was momentarily dazed. How many times had it been that the nine brothers had gathered by the riverside? How many times had it been that they had packed up their return baggage here after a war? He still remembered that it was on this big rock that he stood before now that the eldest had also stood on and said, "Legend has it that Tianxuan Continent doesn''t only have Lunar River, it also had Solar River, Stellar Sea, and the Lake of Wind and Cloud. Too bad we can only see this Lunar River now." "When theres world peace in the future, I shall bring everyone to visit these legendary places." The brothers had cheered together then, excited by the promise. Yun Yang could vaguely remember when the eldest, Supreme Earth, had said this. Not only was his gaze very odd, his voice did not sound quite as usual. He did not know why, then, he had that strange feeling but now he knew, he understood. It was because the eldest, Supreme Earth, was the eldest prince! When the world was united, the new emperor of Yutang would be on the throne. If the eldest was still here, Yun Yang wondered what he would feel. It was supposed to be his spot, but he could only watch from the side. That must be why he had thought, rather than watching from the side and feeling the pain, why not bring the brothers to travel around and stay far away from this land of sadness where he had given his all when there was world peace! Supreme Water had stood beside Supreme Earth then and had said loudly and roughly, "Thats right. Whats more important than being able to stay together with all the brothers?" Thinking about it now, fourth sister was actually comforting their oldest that time. So, these two people were already together and might even be married already! Hearing Supreme Waters comforting words, the eldest then said, "That is correct. Its true that nothing can be happier than gathering with the brothers. We are already at the bank anyway. OlFourth, come, play with me in the water." After he had said that, he had pulled Supreme Waters hand and they both dove into the bottomless Lunar River. The brothers had all cheered and jeered at the bank, laughing and poking fun at their eldest who was still acting like a child despite being the oldest. Not only was he playful, he had even acted that rare moment of childishness out; what a rare sight! He only knew now that the eldest must have gone to spend some alone time with fourth sister Yun Yang could not help but recall when Supreme Earth had pulled Supreme Water to dive into the water; the lack of a struggle from Supreme Water, and the ridicule the brothers had thrown about them being good homosexual partners He could not help chuckle now and mumbled, "Eldest brother, youre really something Knowing that we dont know anything and assume were all fools then going to have your romantic fun in public Seventh brother even said that good homosexual partners really behave that way; they didnt even include all of us" The tiny details were so heartwarming yet heart-wrenching as he reminisced about it. He remembered that seventh brother Supreme Blood was guffawing madly then. Even when they knew his face was a false one, the brothers had still itched to beat him up together as his chortle was truly shameless. Its your business that you want a good gay partner for life, why are you pulling all of us along? There was only a longing and heartache that Yun Yang experienced upon recalling that shameless laugh. "Seventh brother, our father has got caught" Yun Yang said quietly, "Do you know about this? How can I allow such a thing to happen? Young nine will never allow any member of our family to fall! Never!" After Yun Yang said this, he sprung up and dove into the Lunar River with an unusually streamlined pose. As he dove gracefully into the river, he melted and merged with the water. The Empire of Ziyou and Yutang was polar extremes from each other, especially when reacting to a natural phenomenon like the wind. The contrast was huge! When the wind came in Yutang, there were cheers and laughter while an abnormal gust of wind in Zilong City would only garner watchful gazes and hostility! 375 The Peculiar Lunar River The news that Supreme Wind was still alive was no longer a secret. Despite traveling faster than the wind and arriving earlier at the Empire of Ziyou, it was as good as if he had announced that Supreme Wind of the Nine Supremes had now arrived in the territory of Ziyou! If the enemy connected this matter to Old Dugu and if any accidents were to sprout from it, Yun Yang would not be able to bear it. He would rather be slower and be assured of the complete security of this matter. At the very least, he had to be securely stealthy before he fully understood the situation and if the target was Old Dugu. Besides, Jun Moyan was there to stabilize the situation; there would be room for negotiation! Yun Yang had decided to use Supreme Waters Holy Water Charm to make his way in haste, diving straight into the Lunar River. He cultivated the Holy Water Charm by utilizing the Lunar Rivers water on the way. However, it was only after Yun Yang had dove into the Lunar River that he realized that executing the Holy Water Charm and turning into the water was an entirely different experience compared to turning into wind and cloud. The current feeling of ease that he was feeling right now was barely comparable to when he manifested as wind and cloud! Yun Yang, who had merged with the water, felt as if he was being placed on a huge, soft bed. He could control his deific consciousness and body, using the power of water manifestation and expand them without limit. Anywhere the water could go, his deific consciousness and thoughts could reach! It was a tangible touch that could result in a real collision! Yun Yang had never gone into the Lunar River before this. Now that he was in the river by chance, he finally understood something. The water in the Lunar River was different from the water existing in any other place! It was a strange, magical, river water unlike any other! This rivers water could be used for drinking and farming, but it felt colder and silkier than anything he had ever felt before. The Lunar River flowed from the Endless Mountain in the extreme east, stretching a hundred and seventy-eight thousand miles into the Endless Ocean on the other end, surging and running without rest. From the surface of the river, the water looked exceptionally murky and could not be consumed. Yet when Yun Yang was one with the water, he discovered that the seemingly murky water was without any impurities nor sediments. All the stones, sands and any other sediment that could pollute the quality of the water laid quietly below the surface. Even if they swirled occasionally, they could hardly move along the current. It was a stark difference! Yun Yang also found out something else peculiar. Along the entire hundred and seventy thousand miles of the Lunar River, there wasn''t a single strand of seaweed growing on the banks. This was very unusual, an anomaly that defied the laws of nature. For now, Yun Yang could not even understand how such a phenomenon existed. As he moved along the waterway, there was no scene of dancing river fish like what Yun Yang had expected. It was not that the Kirin Fishs effect was magical, but the Lunar River had very few fish, so few that the ones they encountered could be discounted entirely. Perhaps this was the main reason no one had managed to fish in the Lunar River since the beginning of time. As for why Yun Yang had used the phrase so few that they could be discounted entirely to describe the amount of fish in Lunar River, it wasn''t because the Lunar River did not have any fish. Yun Yang saw one right away. It was a big, golden, fish that was as long as a person, moving forward leisurely as it flapped its tail slowly. It was radiant and extremely eye-catching. Yun Yang was initially puzzled as to why no one had seen such a dazzling fish before, but it was until he had blasted his deific consciousness away from the water to look at it from the sky that he realized that even when he focused his divine sense, he could not secure the exact location of the big fish. From above, the view and color of the fish were exactly the same as the water. It was impossible to find it in the stream. "This fish isnt small. I wonder if it tastes good" Yun Yang thought to himself. After all, this fish was most probably rare and extraordinary. Not half a quarter of an hour later, Yun Yang realized that his understanding was wrong. Just right beside him, a huge fish swam past him lazily. This was a huge fish in every sense; its nostril was bigger than a human head! Yun Yang was shocked. What fish was this? How could it be so big? What was more shocking was yet to come. The huge fish that came later moved forward in an elegant manner, swallowing and spitting the river water continuously; when it encountered the man-sized fish, it swallowed it whole. There was no effort needed in its action. It was smooth and easy, without force. Yun Yang sucked in a cold breath as he watched. What a brutal animal! Using such an elegant manner to execute such a cruel feat... Yun Yang thought that this fish was cold-blooded. You were all fish, why kill each other so fervently? A while later, Yun Yang found out something else, something that challenged his understanding once again. After Yun Yang saw the big fish and the elegantly brutal huge fish, he found the third odd fish. The third one was the same color and appearance as the Lunar Rivers water. Small ones were the length of an arm while larger ones were like a huge python. The peculiarity about this fish was that they moved along the bank. Young weeds that had just sprouted or small fish and shrimps that were under the water by the bank were all eaten by these fish, without exception The third species of fish existed like the presence of an innate scavenger to clean the detritus of the Lunar Rivers riverside. They moved straight ahead. Once they were full, they moved forward, wagging their tails and would eat again when they were hungry. Behind them, there were countless members of the same species that stopped to eat and moved when they were full, repeating the endless cycle In spite of this, no matter how big these fish got, even as big as a ship, they would not be discovered. It was like they had melted, becoming one with the water. Thrilled, Yun Yang tried to touch the third species of fish but was shocked to realize that his hand went right through their body. There was no feeling of touch and what was more unbelievable was that the fish had no sense of it. Yun Yang then exclaimed at the fact that if he had not turned into Lunar Rivers water, he might never have realized that this river actually housed so many mysterious giants! "Nothing is too strange in this big, big world indeed. The mystery and fantasy of the creations are limitless!" Yun Yang exclaimed yet again in his heart. Since the beginning of time, a lot of people knew that the Lunar River was very mysterious but nobody knew what the actual mystery of it was. No one could have expected that Lunar Rivers mystery was actually right before their own eyes, yet the entire world remained oblivious to it! Now, Yun Yang had discovered it by accident! Yun Yang was not sure if he was the first one to discover this secret C he might not even be the second. After all, there was someone else who cultivated Holy Water Charm and had entered the Lunar River before him C his fourth sister, Supreme Water! If fourth sister knew this secret, then his eldest brother Supreme Earth should know about it too. The only regret was that it was useless knowing this secret. Yun Yang had tried, yet when he had touched the strange fish with his own hands, he could not catch it. What benefit could it garner whether one knew this secret or not? Perhaps this was also why the eldest brother and fourth sister did not tell the rest of their brothers about Lunar Rivers peculiarity, even when they knew it. "Its only one Lunar River, but it holds so many secrets. Even when it has been in front of everyone for so long, nobody sees it as it is. Then what about the Solar River? Stellar Sea? Lake of Wind and Cloud? What would they be like?" Yun Yang who felt his vision had widened, could not help but ponder about these mysterious locations that shared the fame of the Lunar River. Since they could be as famous, they must have plenty of mysteries as well. Yun Yang suddenly had the impulse to investigate. Then, he finally understood the meaning behind what Supreme Earth had said. Apart from his emotions, he must also have truly wished to see the mysterious and peculiar places of this world. "In the future, I shall step foot in all these lands of wonder" Yun Yang said quietly, "Taking with me our shared wish." As time passed, Yun Yang grew increasingly curious about the Lunar River. He realized that the Lunar Rivers water was silky and extremely cold. It also had a peculiar attribute; if it were to be directed into other passages, it would turn into ordinary water and become normal water again. The quality of Lunar Rivers water could be said to be utterly pure and clean. Directing it outside, there would not be even half a shrimp floating in it. It was as if every living creature in the area of the Lunar River could only reside in it. No other water source that existed outside the Lunar River could be allowed in. The water current beside him trembled softly and Yun Yang saw a gigantic fish C one so humongous that he had never seen it before. This fish was at least three hundred and seventy to three hundred and eighty feet long and over two hundred feet wide; it was swimming over lazily. Before this, Yun Yang had encountered gigantic fish before. Even when they met face to face, it was like no one had seen each other and the touch did not occur, slowing drifting apart. Therefore, when Yun Yang saw this humongous fish, he did was not entirely shocked despite still being baffled. This time though, something unexpected happened. Yun Yang realized in bewilderment that the stream of water he had turned into was being sucked into the mouth of that humongous fish, into its stomach, then spurted out again with a loud ''hoo''. "So huge! F*ck! How unlucky!" Yun Yang exclaimed before he swore with a black face. He quickly understood what had happened. It was also because he knew what was happening that he was proclaiming his misfortune; a certain someone was being swallowed from the front by the humongous fish only to be spurted out from the back The entire process was smooth; even the giant fish did not realize what it had swallowed and spurted out... 376 A Strange Fish Yun Yang was truly distraught, and understandably so! Anyone would be if faced with this situation. No matter how much he was vexed about it though, he could not do anything to the fish. After all, he had tried too many a times and knew that he could not really touch the fish, no matter what method he used. Otherwise, he would have long acted upon it. He could only watch as the giant fish that swallowed and expelled him swam away. However, it was at this moment that an unexpected event occurred. The giant fish stopped abruptly and began twirling where it was as if it was looking for something Its large eyes, that was the size of a house, were wide as they searched the waters. The giant fellow realized with a start that it seemed to have eaten something rather amazing. Although it had only gone through its stomach once, it had refreshed it and made it feel good. Even its body seemed to have grown slightly bigger. It was unbelievable! How could it forgo such an amazing meal? So this gigantic creature faltered. It was not leaving. Realizing the wonder, it was searching for the gem. Everything was just a matter of course. However, the search was futile. The giant fish was disappointed, but another thought came to it. How had it gotten the gem earlier? It was just swallowing and expelling water; it would just repeat the same motions. Thus, it went off in its search, swimming back and forth while swallowing and expelling at the same time. Gradually, that section of the Lunar River became a huge whirlpool. In spite of this, the water''s surface was calm as a mirror. Of course, Yun Yang would not commit the same mistake twice. He stuck close under the big creature''s fin. No matter how the fish searched and swallowed, as long as it could not swallow its fin, he would not go into its stomach. Yun Yang was puzzled as well. The fish had obviously missed him earlier. After cultivating the Holy Water Charm, he was one with the water, tangible but formless. Even he could not find himself! How could the creature have sensed him? Yun Yang had obviously ignored something, something very important. When Yun Zuiyue fed Yun Yang those treasured resources of the heaven and earth, she had already made Yun Yang a human form of the same ingredients. Even if his physical form was turned into a stream of water, the medicinal strength would not disappear. It would only be expelled from his pores as part of his metabolism. As for the giant, humongous fish, it was exactly that which it had enjoyed and was looking for more, having tasted richness. "Its probably hard to get out of this situation now. Since its so difficult, why dont I take the opportunity to study this fish?" Yun Yang executed the Holy Water Charm delicately to ensure he stayed in the form of a stream of water, darting back and forth around this big creatures body to observe it carefully. "This fish has made a huge stir, but it didnt make me feel threatened. Its skills arent practical nor is it adequate I wonder if it tastes good. Too bad, this rivers fish can be seen but not touched, nor caught. What a regret!" Yun Yang then suddenly had a wild thought, "Right, since this fish is so titanic, will it have a core?" Thinking about it, Yun Yang had the wild idea to re-enter the giant fishs stomach and have a look. He did just that C slipping into the big fellows mouth with a swoosh. The giant fish was sucking with a widely agape mouth, hoping to swallow some gems again, but before a new cycle could begin, it felt a stream of water rushing into its mouth straight into its stomach. Its opened mouth, that could very well swallow a city gate whole, stayed frozen as it was stunning. What? What happened? As the large fellow remained in a stunned silence, Yun Yang had already successfully entered its stomach. The fish of the Lunar River that could not be touched with his original physical state was actually accessible through his water state! Yun Yang executed the Holy Water Charm carefully as he went on his way, searching. With his cautious control, he would not spit out by the fishs reflex. However, the benefits that the giant was reaping from his presence was growing increasingly strong. The giant fish still did not understand what had happened. It only knew that it had swallowed the beneficial gem again and that some oddities were lingering in its stomach. Out of natural instinct and fear that its similar species would come to snatch it away, the giant fish quieted down immediately and bolted forward all the way in delight, carrying Yun Yang along in its merry way. Its speed was ten times faster than Yun Yang when he was moving with his first stage of Holy Water Charm! The gigantic fish would never have thought that the person in its stomach had no good intention at all and was slowly but surely approaching its vital point now. Yun Yang, who was swimming leisurely in the fish''s stomach, sensed a flash of bright light in front and followed it, going forward slowly until he arrived at the dazzling spot. Looking properly, Yun Yang could not help but gasp, even with his usual calm demeanor. Right in front of him hung a bunch of massive grapes? No, it was something similar, but its size was much larger than grapes. There were about forty to fifty massive grapes before him; each one of them was round and colorless, shining with a crystal-clear, translucent radiance. They were the size of watermelons, and all of them exuded a rich, spiritual Qi. At the same time that this special spiritual Qi made Yun Yang feel comfortable, it had him feeling a subtle sense of dejavu. He had never seen it, but it felt familiar; it was a strange feeling. It was when Yun Yang saw the glimmering cold light inside that he realized with a start, a thought popping into his mind. "This is obviously a Luna Essence!" Yun Yang tried making the shape of a hand out of the stream of water to grab it; hugging one of them with both hands and tugged it down with force. With a soft clack, Yun Yang actually managed to pluck one off. The gigantic fish, that was still moving forward with a relaxed stroke, had no sense of this, not reacting any differently than it was before. Did it not feel the pain? Yun Yang, who had divided a part of his divine sense to observe the fishs action, was stunned. He was ready for an adverse reaction from the gigantic fish that could upturn the world, but the giant fellow acted no differently, going on its way as usual. Was this not strange? What happened next baffled Yun Yang even further. He watched unblinkingly as the big watermelon of a grape core held with his both hands made out of water crumbled soundlessly. The air contained within dissipated at once, unable to be salvaged. His hands were empty then. The gap where he had plucked one off of the bunch grew another new watermelon grape! Yun Yang was speechless. How enchanting! What a huge surprise, and just as he entered Lunar River! Yun Yang made another dozen attempts but they were all futile and a waste of effort. There was obviously a rich sense of spiritual energy before his eyes, but he could not absorb it. The watermelon grape was easily picked but it would return by itself! Yun Yang was hysterical after the failed attempts. It was just like seeing an immensely tall treasure mountain three feet before himself and as long as he crumbled a small piece, he would be free of toil in this lifetime. Yet, when he tore a piece, that piece glued itself back to the mountain before he could take it away. Having it in ones hand did not necessarily mean possessing it C Yun Yang finally understood the core meaning of this saying! It was so f*cking frustrating! The current situation troubled Yun Yang. He could distinctly tell that it was a special energy and would contribute greatly, but the issue right now was that he could not take it no matter how he tried! He could see it and touch it, but he could not take it away! It was beyond frustrating, it was driving him nuts. Yun Yang had never seen this strange fish before nor had he seen such strange water, in addition to this magical mysterious energy. There were a lot of mysterious energy said to exist in this world with various levels of power but the one Yun Yang encountered today was never mentioned in the myths C how mythical it was! The Lunar River, one of the four greatest mysterious waters that were renowned in Tianxuan Continent, finally shed a layer of its enigmatic veil in front of Yun Yang today! It was just unknown if this veil was the innermost layer, the middle layer or just the surface layer. Yun Yangs incessant attempts were all in vain. He finally felt the fruitlessness, yet he was indignant; the treasured mountain was right before him, but he had to return empty-handed? Just as he was struggling with his thoughts, he was spit out again. "Unlucky!" Yun Yang sighed. The first time being treated so was a surprise that could not be helped. This time, it was asking for it himself! However, Yun Yang was indignant with the chance placed before him; he turned into a stream of water and entered again. Yun Yang changed his way of clinging to the host though, turning into a drop of blood at once with a shift in cultivation once he entered. This was the remarkability of Holy Water Charm. As long as the cultivator was achieved and competent in his skill, he could turn into any liquid in this world with a cultivation method. Of course, Yun Yangs current cultivation skill was still inadequate, so he could only turn into blood; he was still far from being capable enough to turn into mercury, molten gold or lava! After turning into a drop of blood, Yun Yang could stay attached to the fishs stomach. After all, Yun Yang was a part of its body now; they would not be separated as easily. Since there was no worry of being spat out a certain way, Yun Yang went on again to poke at the bunch of C grapes. Spiritual grapes that were as huge as watermelons. 377 Entering a Treasure Trove But Returning Empty-Handed Yun Yang instantly recognized that this was a treasure, a great gem of the finest quality. Unfortunately, his efforts for the entire day was fruitless, not reaping any benefits. It was midnight when Yun Yang stood by the riverbank and looked at the Lunar River helplessly; he could not help but heave a long sigh. "Im standing right in the middle of uncovered treasure!" Yun Yang felt all the more frustrated. The feeling of entering a treasure trove but returning empty-handed upset Yun Yang, and it was a hard feeling to push away. No matter what he did or how he did it, he had nothing to show for it. Yun Yang had exerted all his strength today C water attribute, failed; thunder attribute, failed; blood attribute, failed; flame attribute, failed; wind and cloud attribute failed All the special attributes and cultivation methods proved useless. Yun Yang had even tried merging the grapes mystical Qi with his own purest mystical Qi but it was still fruitless; they could not combine directly. He then tried using brute force, biting, using his sword, saber, containing it directly with his storage ring C everything was ineffective! After confirming that he could not do anything, Yun Yang made the Eclipse Panthers and Jiji try. If he could benefit his pets, it was still a choice, albeit not the best one. Unfortunately, it didn''t work either. Finally, Yun Yang made use of Emmie. To the man, Emmie was the phantom to all the other forces in this world; everything in the past had proven this point of him. Although it would be a waste for Emmie to absorb it, at least someone still stood to gain C much better than missing it totally. Yun Yang, who confidently awaited Emmies good news and leftover benefits, however, got an extremely disheartening answer once again. "This is not a power that belongs to this world. This fish is not a species of this world either. It cant be reaped nor taken." Emmies reply perplexed Yun Yang. Does not belong to this world? Did this explain the reason Emmie could not ingest the energy? What a reply! If it didn''t belong to this world, why did he still see it here? Was this place then not part of this world? However, Yun Yang wanted to ask more, Emmie remained silent. Emmie was utterly distraught. This is amazing, but why did you let me see it if I can''t consume it? Are things from the other world all like this? Perhaps it was a counterfeit. After an entire day of various attempts, Yun Yang finally decided to give up. What else could he do but give up? He had an emergency and it was already inappropriate for him to stay here the entire day. Besides, he had expended all his tricks. It was truly in vain! Even the truth was laid out, Yun Yang was still broken inside; the failure bitter in his heart. After all, since he had survived the death threat upon Nine Supremes, Yun Yang had everything flowing smoothly for him, all this while. Today, though, he was thwarted in a river by a school of fish. How could he not break down in frustration? He cultivated the Holy Water Charm while rushing on his way. Due to his inability to concentrate, the cultivation outcome was the worst in his personal history. He was clearly assisted by the setting of the Lunar River as the sacred cultivating spot for water attribute, but he had only barely arrived at the intermediate level of the second stage after two whole days. If it were someone else, this improvement would not be considered slow. Not only was it not slow, it was considered amazingly fast. Despite that, it was very slow for Yun Yang, who had a lot of enigmatic assistance! Yun Yangs nature and cultivation base should not have brought him to this pathetic state of being dispirited just after one failure, but it was truly because he had met those gigantic fish in his two-day journey in the waterways. One of them was several times larger than the previous one! If the one earlier was a super-giant, this one was at least double that. The core of this super giant fish was a bunch of huge grapes and the biggest of them was as huge as three watermelons! Yun Yang felt that his Holy Water Charm cultivation base had improved, or maybe it was his indignation, so he went in to try and acquire it once more only to return without anything all. The anxiety that filled Yun Yang felt as if he had broken a world record! All in all, Yun Yang had encountered several hundred of those titanic fish with the special energy cores in their stomachs. He also believed that he had only seen the tip of the iceberg. He had only traversed a thousand miles but the entire Lunar River was a hundred and seventy-eight thousand miles long! As long as he ate any bunch or any one piece of those grape cores in their body, his ability would improve by leaps and bounds, as would his power. If he had eaten the core of that biggest fish, even a single one of it would catapult him to an unsurpassable level! He had encountered tens of thousands of these gems throughout his journey. He could see them, he could touch them and even grab them in his hands, but he could not ingest them to be used as his own! Anyone else in his situation would have been fraught and forlorn, broken down. Furthermore, he could still cultivate the second stage of the Holy Water Charm under such an emotional state; Yun Yang felt that he could be considered a genius! He was feeling good about himself, very good I actually want to cry. I want to bawl and vent the grief of entering a treasure trove but returning empty-handed. Oh, how fleeting and sudden is lifes happiness and grief! Oh, how inexplicable this is! "And this is the Lunar River, everyone knows about it. What about the more mysterious Solar River, Stellar Sea, and the Lake of Wind and Cloud? I wonder what sort of treasures they would yield? "I shall find out one day. The other three greatest bodies of water too. I shall bring along my brothers wishes and go check each of the destinations out one by one." The last time he said this, Yun Yang had simply wanted to see the scenery. This time, Yun Yang had decided differently. I shall definitely find out the mystery within them! What huge treasures lay within? Each disappointment that came with the futility of attempting to get the fishs energy was accompanied by good news C Yun Yang was now in the territory of the Empire of Ziyou. Yun Yang had reached Ziyou in these two days. It was not unreasonable for him to have reached so swiftly. Yun Yangs speed, as water, depended on his Holy Water Charm cultivation base alone was much weaker than when he moved manifested as wind or clouds. However, when he was trying to obtain the giant fishs unique energy, he would search for fish that were moving towards the Empire of Ziyou. Yun Yang, who was in the gigantic fishs stomach, would also be approaching the empire then. The speed of those fish was tremendously faster than Yun Yangs own capabilities, and was comparable to his speed when he was in his wind form! "I am now in the Empire of Ziyous territory. In other words, I am at a distance from Ziyous capital, Zilong City" Yun Yang checked the geographical layout and estimated, "...which is less than seven thousand miles away." Honestly, if he had a choice, Yun Yang would not leave the water and step back on the ground. Those enormous fish, those bountiful cores! It was a massive opportunity that lay right before his eyes. He had gotten to know this magical energy because he had cultivated the Holy Water Charm, so it was obviously a chance meant for him, but why had he not obtained anything after so much effort? Yun Yang felt as if he was about to break down again. "Forget it, forget it. For so many years, no one has ever found out about the Lunar Rivers secret, nevermind the fish inside! There isnt even any relevant legend or myth it wouldn''t be found out in these few days anyway. This chance still belongs solely to me. Its better to tackle the emergency now, and when this Ziyou trip is done, Ill ponder the consequences." Yun Yang thought for a bit and stopped, hesitating. He turned to move in the air as a soft breeze. He honestly did not wish to be as distraught as he was now. Once was more than enough, how could he find fault with himself so many times? "Ill come again anyway!" Yun Yang moved breezily through the air. After about seven to eight hundred miles, he suddenly realized that there was a three-story tall ship that was set sailing on the Lunar River not too far in front of him, moving swiftly on the water like it was flying. Not only was the ship moving rapidly, it was hundred times larger than a common scow. It was a thousand feet wide and three thousand feet long; the bow of the inky black deck was already a hundred feet long, making the ship look like a monster floating on the water. This large ship did not impress Yun Yang in the slightest. He had seen far too many giants in these two days that he did not even feel that the ship was sizeable. Was it huge? How could it be called huge when it was smaller than a fish? More importantly, Yun Yang knew this ship; he knew it''s history and story. This three-story high ship was rare, even in this world. It might very well be the worlds first massive ship. As for why he knew, it was because this vessel belonged to the Empire of Yutang. The founding emperor of Yutang had expended twenty years of his time and the entire countrys efforts to construct three large ships of the same type and model. As for the materials used to make these three giant vessels, the lowest grade of wood used was the Starite Fir that was said to be impervious to rot for tens of thousands of years! It was understood that such a ship would remain brand new and shiny even if it was abandoned for hundreds or even thousands of years. Yutangs founding emperor had not forged these three ships for his amusement; he had an objective in mind. It was these three vessels, alongside countless of Yutang experts aboard that set sail on the voyage to the Borderless Ocean to catch Tianxuans mystical beast C the Three-headed Flood Dragon! 378 Meeting Shangguan If the Three-headed Flood Dragon could be caught, consuming both the dragon and the core of a Yin Yang Ophidian that the late emperor already possessed would lead to the birth of an immortal emperor! From the perspective of the late founding emperor, the squad he had deployed could subdue any powerful mystical beast in this world. Even if it were the mythical Three-headed Flood Dragon of Tianxuan, the situation would be well under control. It was only a matter of time before he could conquer and rule Tianxuan forever! Sadly, it was not more than half a month later after the three ships set sail when two of the ships had been sunk while the third one had made an emergency U-turn in time. Otherwise, it would have been gone as well. It was attacked by powerful ocean beasts ceaselessly all the way along its return journey; even when the ship was moored, the attacks had not stopped and the docks had also been destroyed. It was also that same voyage that had wiped out the Empire of Yutangs elite marine entirely, taking with it the late emperors bold vision as well. With the national strength, Yutang boasted of at that time,the Empire of Yutang would have long conquered the world if there were no voyage then. Perhaps it was destined that the world would not have an eternal emperor! All in all, that voyage had become the turning point of the Empire of Yutang; from prosperity to ruin. As for the ship that had barely escaped, it was abandoned at the dock at the Lunar River and had not been in use for an unknown number of years. As the think tank of Nine Supremes responsible to plot warfare, Yun Yang, who had kept track of all their combat capabilities knew of such a ship in Yutangs possession, but he had never seen it nor had he thought that he would see this superior vessel that signaled the most prosperous time of Yutang on the Lunar River and in the Empire of Ziyou! Yun Yang set his sight afar, focusing it on the ship. What greeted him were the black-helmeted and black-armored warriors who looked valiant and fierce, yet a white ribbon was tied across each of their arms. A few generals had white ribbons tied across their foreheads as well. Yun Yang was puzzled. What was this ship doing here? Who had brought it here? He frowned; with a wave of his hand, the sound of wind picked up again. The ship that was moving at high speed along the wind and water was struck by the gale in the opposite direction. The Lunar River surged violently, bringing up waves that were a dozen feet high which crashed against the superior ship. Despite its large size, the vessel still shook against the violent waves and wind. "What is going on?" A general asked sternly, as he stepped out from his cabin. No one could answer the question. Everyone was equally stumped by this unexpected event and their eyes spoke of their disbelief. It was at this moment that a curtain was flipped aggressively aside on the three-story ship, and out walked a tall silhouette with large strides. Yun Yang who was looking on from the sky could not help staring wide-eyed when he saw the silhouette, almost falling from the sky. What? Why was this person here? The person who had walked out was tall and lean, with a bold stride. Although it was a skinny figure, the persons natural aura was a majestic one, that of a great general! The person wore the armour of dark purple, almost black, with a phoenix-feathered helmet. A treasured sword hung around the waist, while a hand seemed to be pressed on the grip casually. In actuality, the hand was preparing for the arrival of unexpected danger and was ready to react swiftly and surely. The person gazed afar amidst the wind, standing on top of the three-story vessel; a handful of hair that escaped the helmet fluttered in the wind. It was none other than Shangguan Lingxiu! Yun Yangs eyes almost fell from their sockets. Why was she here? He still remembered the day when the Four Seasons Tower had attacked Residence of Yun, he caught a glimpse of Shangguan Lingxiu coming to his aid with her troops. She was dressed then like she was now. She did not greet him, leaving right away after being sure that he was safe. Now that she had suddenly appeared here, Yun Yang was puzzled. For her to have arrived now, she would have had to rush to the dock after making sure he was fine and departed urgently. It was the only possible way for her to appear here at this time. What was Shangguan Lingxiu doing here? She had to know that this was the territory of the Empire of Ziyou, the Shangguan Family of Generals biggest enemy! General Wudis tragedy and oaths still resonated in ones ears, ringing sonorously in the soul. No matter what, the Shangguan Family should not be here, yet Shangguan Lingxiu was calmly standing upon the ship. As Yun Yang stopped his ministrations, the river recovered its calm. The ship continued to move forward. "What just happened?" Shangguan Lingxiu asked calmly. "We can''t be sure." The muscular general was still looking around, on full alert. "A strange wind came and wreaked havoc on the river, but its gone now." Shangguan Lingxiu frowned and mumbled, "Strange wind? Could it be how could it be? It shouldnt!" She looked around but did not find any anomaly. Frowning, she turned to head back inside. Just as she entered her personal room, she almost gasped out loud. A blurry silhouette in green stood quietly, as if he had been there for a while, and was waiting for her return. "Lady Shangguan?" The silhouette said faintly, "Please have a seat." He did not move but the sound of a breeze could be heard in the air; a chair from the rooms corner hovered soundlessly and drifted to Shangguan Lingxiu, landing with a soft thud. "Lord Supreme Wind?" Shangguan Lingxiu asked in delighted surprise, "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Yun Yang was taken aback, "You dont doubt the truth of identity?" Shangguan Lingxiu smiled. "I am the child of the Family of Generals. Of course, I can distinguish Lord Supreme Winds voice and accent." Even though he was relieved, Yun Yang asked in a stern voice, "Why has the Shangguan Family come here?" Yun Yang was bewildered by the purpose behind Shangguan Lingxius voyage this time. That was why he had made an appearance as Supreme Wind, to ask her face to face and to get to the bottom of things. Shangguan Lingxiu had discerned the origin of the wind earlier. It must be a coincidence for Lord Supreme Wind to pass by and catch sight of this ship by chance, recognizing it and coming here to ask her. If it were the enemy, he could have flipped them over to feed the fish while if it were Yutangs official military secret missions, there was no need to hide it from him either. She realized as much instantly and said, "This trip... it is for Granduncle Wudis case that needed our familys personal presence. I have come to attend to this matter." Supreme Winds voice was tinged with increasing brevity and respect. "It is about General Shangguan Wudi?" "Yes." Shangguan Lingxiu lowered her head. "Is Lady Lingxiu going to take General Wudi and his spouse back to Shangguan Family?" Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath. If this was the plan, he had to lend his aid. "No. Still, it is a related matter." Shangguan Lingxiu hesitated for a moment before continuing to explain in great detail, "The old lady at home has not been well in recent years, so shes made me come to bring home Granduncle Wudis memorial tablet. The Empire of Ziyou has encountered some issues recently as well. I was thinking maybe I could bring Granduncle home earlier" She sighed after finishing her story. "What issues does the Empire of Ziyou have?" Yun Yang asked. Shangguan Lingxiu gritted her teeth with murderous intent brimming in her eyes. "Someone here has suggested that Granduncles remains should be destroyed A few of Ziyous royalty agrees to that move. For now, only the Empire of Ziyous emperor is against it After some communication, here we are." Shangguan Lingxius narration of the issue was more of a sketchy outline. Yun Yang was still not exactly clear about it, but he could still tell the rough situation at hand. The Empire of Ziyou intended to destroy the remains of the Shangguan Family of Generals ancestor and Ziyous emperor had the bargaining chip to coerce the Shangguan Family of Generals to make certain compromises. The so-called communication must only be words of courtesy. This much could be seen from the worry brimming in Shangguan Lingxius eyes. Even though she had said it easily and there was the buffer from the countries ties, the Shangguan Family could not afford the wait! Shangguan Family of Generals was at a disadvantage. They were the meat on the chopping board, waiting for the other party to holler their price. What was worse was if the Empire of Ziyou had first destroyed the ancestors remains, it would be the biggest regret of the entire family and in no way could it be recompensed. Therefore, Shangguan Lingxiu had departed earlier. Hearing the news, His Majesty had sent ten thousand soldiers as assistance and even made available this supreme vessel to send Shangguan Lingxiu on this trip. "If General Wudi could return, his remains would, of course, be welcomed with the peerless warship!" This was the emperors words. "Only then can Shangguan Wudis lifetime heroism be highlighted C to live as a hero and to die as a hero!" "Where is Lord Supreme Wind heading to?" Anticipation flashed faintly across Shangguan Lingxius eyes. If she could have Lord Supreme Winds help in this matter, the scales would tip greatly in her favor. "Me?" Yun Yang thought and said, "I have an urgent matter to resolve but perhaps we shall meet again in Zilong City." Securing a confirmed answer, Shangguan Lingxius eyes shone brightly. "Yes, I shall keep my mouth sealed. I would never disclose Lord Supreme Winds whereabouts." Shangguan Lingxiu had never let her name down. She was smarter than most, immediately realizing the need for discretion. It must be an important matter for Supreme Wind to leave the country. in certain sense, as the sole survivor of the Nine Supremes, he was even more important than Yutangs emperor, Yu Peize, If the Empire of Ziyou had known about this, they would definitely have sought to capture him. To Ziyou and the other three empires, even if an empire was lost, it was absolutely worth it as long as they could kill Supreme Wind! 379 Spiritually-Restrained Zilong City Yun Yang did not linger. After the short exchange, he left upon understanding Shangguan Lingxius purpose of this trip. To Yun Yang, there was nothing more important than verifying if the assassin stranded in Ziyou was, in fact, Old Dugu. Even though other matters were relevant to the Shangguan Family of Generals and Shangguan Wudi, it was more urgent to look after the living than the dead! Watching Yun Yang leave, Shangguan Lingxiu bit her plump lips as she stood on the deck; a strange feeling rose within her. This Lord Supreme Wind he has never contacted me before Yet, why does he seem so familiar? Why do I feel this sense of familiarity about him? Who does he remind me of? Shangguan Lingxius hair fluttered in the wind as she thought, "Lord Supreme Wind has never shown his real face, but he should be someone I know." Inexplicably, Shangguan Lingxiu, whose heart was palpitating regarding this trip to the Empire of Ziyou, was very much placated. The ship was still moving forward. "Ill take a nap," Shangguan Lingxiu thought quietly to herself. She had been wracking her brain about what she should do and how she should tackle the issue these past few days, but now that she was suddenly relieved of her burden, the accumulated fatigue overwhelmed her. It was best to rest quickly and regain her energy. Yun Yang charged through his journey as wind for a moment and as water for the next; when he cultivated the Holy Water Charm, his speed was naturally much faster than that of the large vessel. Only about another day had passed when Yun Yang arrived at Zilong City. However, his face fell as he approached his destination. He realized that Zilong City had been turned into an area of spiritual restraint! In other words, the atmosphere within Zilong City was the same as when the Nine Supremes had been ambushed. Under such circumstances, even Yun Yang, whose cultivation base had improved tremendously, could not sneak into the city using the Nine Supremes manifestation powers but had to enter it physically. It was only a small area, Tianxuan Cliff when the Nine Supremes were attacked then, but now, it was the entire Zilong City! Yun Yang stood fifty miles away with a frown between his brows, looking at Zilong City with a dark expression. As his anxiety grew stronger, another question blossomed within Yun Yang''s mind. The Empire of Ziyou obviously had its reasons for forming such a spiritual restraining formation, because once the formation was activated, no cultivator could take in the spiritual Qi from heaven and earth no matter where he stood in the entire Zilong City. In other words, as long as the formation remained, all the practitioners in the area of Zilong City would be halted at their current level unless they fled far and high, leaving Zilong City. Yun Yang still had to enter Zilong City; only then could he confirm the identity of that assassin! It made him come to a conclusion C Zilong City was a trap! One that was designed specially to capture him. It was a conspiracy! A conspiracy aimed at stopping him. It was not that Yun Yang was overly worried, but the current situation spelled it loud and clear. There was no doubt that it was a trap. Seeing that the spiritual sealing formation covered the entire Zilong City, how big an effort did it have to be and whose doing was it? To seal the spiritual Qi in the whole of Zilong City was no mean feat. This was a large city with a population of over four million people! What kind of power did one have to wield to be able to seal it in entirety? Yun Yang doubted that the Empire of Ziyous treasury had so many resources. Could it have afforded such an expenditure? The news of seizing the assassin had been conveniently leaked, then a formation like this appeared; furthermore, such an arrangement was targeted at the Nine Supremes. The entire continent would not have another reason to employ a large-scale formation like this other than targeting the Nine Supremes. What was more, it was in an empires capital! Yun Yang was sure of one thing now C the person they had caught must be Old Dugu! There was simply no other possibility. No matter what tricks they had used, they had found out about Old Dugu and the Nine Supremes relationship, thus forming this formation. That said, this had to be a trap. Yun Yangs problem now lied within C even when he knew this was a trap targeted specifically at him, he had to enter. Regardless of the reason, regardless if it was Old Dugu who had disclosed the information, Yun Yang had to save the man first. He was rather adept in the field of punishment and so he was a firm believer that when the torturous punishment reached a certain extent, the captive would not keep any secret. The physical body of a man truly could not withstand a punishment like that, especially when it was under the circumstance that he could not die, even if he wanted to. "Even if it was father who has divulged our information, I wont blame him! Ill save him and let him have a good retirement!" Yun Yangs gaze was ablaze with fury. "This is my family! Even if I have to sacrifice myself, Id save my family. I have no complaints!" "Since Ive already decided that I dont mind being sacrificed, then what matter if he discloses a little information?" "If it isn''t him, then the Empire of Ziyou will have to pay a hefty price! I swear this." "I know Im fairly prudent, but my brothers family, my brothers father, is my father as well!" Yun Yang inhaled softly. "I would go to any lengths!" As such, the question had now changed C how would he enter? This was the first obstacle. Yun Yang thrived on the various cultivation methods he possessed, easily slipping in and avoiding danger no matter how precarious and tricky the circumstances were. Now though, this sure-fire method was no longer usable. No matter which cultivation method of the Nine Supremes, they could hardly be executed under the sealed spirituality and it was simply impossible for him to slip in. On the contrary, if he used it forcefully, he would only expose himself; that would only do him more harm than good! The normal way of entering the city gate would be to have a guide, but it was this guide of Empire of Ziyou that Yun Yang did not have. If he entered Zilong City as himself, he would still be everyones target, even if he had not been identified as the Nine Supremes. Yun Yang C the son of Empire of Yutangs marquis, the infamous popinjay; what was he doing in Zilong City? Especially at such a critical juncture. Not only was it worthy of contemplation which riled the imagination, someone with an ulterior motive could connect plenty of dots if they were to put thought into it! Just the case of Yun Yang being able to retreat safely from the combined attack of Four Seasons Towers four Venerable Lords and also saving the absolute must-kill target of the four Venerable Lords, it was more than enough to baffle anyone! Despite Yun Yangs cultivation base being unknown to many, and was less than worthy in the eyes of superior forces like that of Mr. Nian, the four Venerable Lords or Lei Dongtian, he was still a cultivator of the heaven realm C far exceeding Tenth Perfection, the pinnacle level known commonly by Tianxuan Continent. The arrival of such talent in Zilong City must not only have surprised the officials of Ziyou; it would terrify them. Looking at the east gate of Zilong City that was clouded in the dark dawn fog, Yun Yang suddenly felt that it was like a huge mouth, waiting to devour him. As long as he entered, it would be harder than anything to come out again. Even with the cultivation base that could triumph the secular, he did not feel very much safer. Yun Yang stared at it for a while before sucking a breath and turning quietly. "Even if I cant come out alive after entering, Ill go in anyway." 380 Two Great Mystical Beasts Forget about how to enter Zilong City; despite being anxious, Yun Yang felt an odd sense of relief at the same time. A trap. Since it was a trap, then there must be a need for bait! Yun Yang was fully confident that the bait managed to snare his interest was still in existence; if not, how they would dare to set up such a trap! Otherwise, it would be totally impossible to do so. If the bait was already, why discuss the trap? With that in mind, Yun Yang was relieved about Old Dugu now. Did you think that I cannot enter? Would I be caught once I stepped in? How na?ve! Looking at the city gate from afar, it was seemingly ordinary. However, upon closer inspection, it could be seen that it was lashed with the crisscrossed deific consciousness. A flicker of amusement flashed across Yun Yangs eyes. Within the vicinity stood a mountain forest, two thousand miles away from Zilong City. Here, the mountains were seamlessly connected; within sight was the lavish forest, with little trace of human imprints. It was because of this that this place had become the paradise of mystical beasts. Of course, this place was also the paradise of beast hunters, traders, and bounty hunters. As the saying went, heaven and hell were mere neighbors. Yet, here, it was a textbook-like manifestation of those words. Every day, countless mystical beast hunters entered this section of the forest with an array of objectives. However, every day, there were countless mysterious beast hunters that fall within these woods. When it came to the central position of this forest, only a brave few dared enter. According to rumor, the ninth grade mystical beasts often appeared here and it could be deemed as an extremely dangerous place. Even the prestigious grandmaster with the level of Tenth Perfection would have had concerns over their lives. Naturally, the average warrior would keep themselves at arm''s length. Everyone was just hunting for animals, preying on mystical beasts, and to bring several low-leveled mystical beasts back; just enough to make ends meet. For those who were lucky, by bringing those mystical beast cubs back for sale, a lot of money could exchange hands within a short period of time. The mystical beast cubs had always been famous in the buyer''s market. Even if it was only a third or fourth class mystical beast, it would earn favor in the nobles market. Mystical beasts were innately spiritual and were originally much smarter than ordinary beasts. If it was being trained well domestically, its intelligence was comparable to that of a seven-year-old child.It had long been a popular trend among the aristocrats in various countries and a means of comparison to rear a pretty and obedient beast. It was also a challenge to equip said beast with a certain degree of attacking power. Yun Yang spent three hours making inquiries, before changing into the form of wind and quietly sneaked into this piece of the jungle; advancing forward without any constraints, aiming at the most dangerous area! With Yun Yang''s current cultivation, his ability to transform into different forms, to cross over the jungle, including the deepest and most dangerous places, was an easy feat. Two hours later, the two ninth-level beginner mystical beasts who were living as neighbors, displeased among themselves, had already been defeated by Yun Yang. There was a wholly colorful, forty-feet thick, giant python. It was more than two hundred feet long, a giant python. The other casualty included an eighty-foot tall black bear, as robust as the city wall. They could be seen splayed before the feet of Yun Yang. The bodies of the bear and a snake, two high-leveled mystical beasts, were shivering. Their fierce glances held no hint of rebellion, only the boundless color of fear. The black bear and python were unanimously impressed; I have never seen such a fierce person in my life! Among the two ace-grade mystical beasts, the first that was to suffer the calamity was the black bear. The Niello Bear was one of the only two hegemonies in this jungle. As long as there was no provocation from rivals, its only habit was to sunbath contentedly, and to exercise with some beautiful female bears. However, today, the stars of misfortune had arrived from the sky. The black bear that was sunbathing pleasantly suddenly felt a shadow cross before its eyes and saw a human land in front of it. The first impression of Niello Bear had was that he thought its vision had been blurred, or maybe it was because of the sunbathing that was too comfortable that had led him into the dream. It had to be a sweet dream. If not, how could its favorite food appear before the side of its mouth? It swung it''s impressively strong arms in a massive swipe; however, it was this slap that had instigated the prelude of the bears tragedy. That scene was simply too awful to recall! The human facing the attack of the bears paw did not retreat but rushed forward instead, running into close combat. The Niello Bear had yet to indicate that it was not ready, its left eye had been heavily punched. The strength of the punch caused stars to swim before its eyes. The punches kept coming, until the seven thousand and three hundred catties of the Niello Bear shuddered, bellowing in pain. The bear was bewildered. Are you a human? How could your strength be even greater than mine? This delicacy is not one that''s easily savored! The Niello Bear was waiting to form a counterattack while trying to win over the delicacy before it; it saw the figure wading in for the attack for the second time, grabbing the black bear and giving it a vicious hit! All the punches that connected with flesh were only at its lowest grade, they were simply punches that were heavier than the ones before, a punch more vicious than the other, a punch crueler than the other, penetrating the heart and lungs. The pain came in waves, crashing one after another! After a round of punches and kicks, the black bear was completely beaten into unconsciousness. Until then, it simply clutched its head and clenched its buttocks stiffly, hoping to rely on its rough skin to endure this cruel attack! However, the other''s tyrannical torture, was, to its surprise, seemingly without an end. After a few more times, the bear felt as if its eyes had been beaten to point of being painfully swollen. Until now, the bear was still in bewilderment. It could not speak, it could only groan in pain. It could hardly understand, why was it so? Why was it so? When did I offend you? Why did you hit me? Even if I wanted to eat you, and was already preparing to do so, I didn''t get to do it. Did you have to go so far as to treat me in such a way? You almost took my life! This delicacy was truly not a human at all. With just a single kick to the stomach, it flew up in the air involuntarily. Flying has always been the skill that I have been longing for. However, there are many ways to fly. I was unwilling, in any case, to fly in such a manner; flying because I''ve been beaten! Even as it flew several hundred feet through the sky, it was kicked, feeling as if its internal organs had rearranged themselves, giving birth to the feeling of vomiting for the first time. The torture repeated itself, again and again, for a couple of times. After a series of seventeen to eighteen kicks, along with a loud bang, the Niello Bear once again felt it''s feet on the earth. Actually, it was the feeling of having its entire body grounded! The feeling wasn''t right. There should have been a shock to have the body grounded; there should be a feeling of being jolted back to earth. Why does it feel like I''ve landed on something soft and comfortable? The bear then opened its eyes to have a look and came to realize that beneath it was a dozen large pythons that had formed its own buffering zone. Of course, it was game over for all these pythons that had been crushed to death! Although it had not been the Niello Bear''s intention to kill all these pythons, the bear''s first perception was bewilderment. Gosh, I have been trumped all the way to my enemy''s territory? It was a moot point for now. Behind him was a vicious delicacy, and before him was its deadly rival who would end its life. After being fiercely beaten, it had not much strength remaining. There was no surviving chance before and behind it. Was it destined to die? As expected from the usual magical prediction of the bear, a fizzing sound could be heard beside him. The second of two top mystical beasts in the area, the Moire Python, fiercely rushed out. The Moire Python seemed to be hissing its fury. Hey bear, are you seeking death? How dare you come into my territory? For many years, we have shared our mutual peace with each other. Not that I did not wish to get you; we were just unable to defeat each other. Hence, we both would, occasionally, after too much consumption of food and in order to digest it, fight to interact with each other and to create a commotion. Defending the current authority was enough. However, did you not eat your medicine, eaten the wrong medicine, eaten fake medicine? Let alone the fact that you have brought pandemonium into the whole jungle, you had even broken into my house, crushing a number of my beloved wives to death by landing on them! If this was tolerable, there is nothing in this world which is intolerable! If this was tolerable, even a python would not be able to tolerate it! With a hush, the Moire Python then opened its huge mouth, all ready to give its rival an unforgettable lesson! Judging by the bear''s current physical condition, there was absolutely no room to avoid the strike. Chances were high that it would fall immediately, without much of a struggle. However, at the critical moment, the Moire Python''s body, which had its power accumulated, stiffened in an instant. Someone had caught hold of the Moire Python''s tail, to its surprise. Without having time to consider what had actually happened, it suddenly felt itself being lifted up! While flying forward rapidly, it ended its flight with a shattering crash. The head of the Moire Python became the first that came into contact with the landing point, and the landing target, shockingly, was---- The Niello Bear''s eyes widened in a terrified way as it looked at the vicious delicacy who could be seen grasping the tail of the Moire Python with one hand. It swung the two-hundred feet long Moire Python like a whip, turning it around in the air and then lashed it out in the bear''s direction. What happened afterward was tragic. The heads of the bear and the snake came into an unprecedented close contact with each other. The two beasts felt utterly dizzy, a blinding headache came upon them. The first impact that the black bear felt made it seem like it''s whole body was like a huge baseball, which had been thrown outwards rapidly. However, he managed to catch glimpses of the terrifying delicacy. No, it was the terrifying human-like monster who was clutching the newly formed python whip. It was flying swiftly, lashing out with the snake, creating flashes of lightning that thundered repetitively. Yun Yang vented and exhausted all his depression, frustration and other negative emotions which had accumulated for all this period of time. When he finally stopped, the Niello Bear was lying on the ground, it''s limbs splayed out in every direction. It had since earlier been out of breath, almost dying. Within its two huge eyeballs, the fear of collapsing could be seen, and it did not dare to make a single move. The newly formed Moire Python whip had already been discarded. If had fared worse than the bear if that was even possible, lying on the ground gasping for air in difficulty, coughing and occasionally spitting out large mouthfuls of blood. What was even more deadly was the dizziness in its head. Despite being back on the ground, it could still feel as if the whole world was spinning around it. Vomit. This time around, the Moire Python opened its mouth, spitting out a wad of emerald green substance. Has he shattered my snake''s bile? 381 They Had to Be Cute and Adorable! After a long time, when the sense of dizziness had faded slightly, the bear and the snake felt that there were two branches sticking out below their necks, lifting their heads upwards. Without having to wait for the branches to exert pressure, the bear and the snake then, in an extremely obedient way, lifted their heads. With a soulful look to the front, they took in the view of the world before them once again. There was only a single person within sight. This person seemed physically small within their own eyes. It was the kind of figure that they could have easily swallowed, a dozen at a time. However, it was this person, with a very amiable stance, that was squatting on the branch of the tree in front of them. "Hum, hum ..." "Hiss, hiss..." The Niello Bear and the Moire Python lowered down their heads at the same time; this was an act of asking for mercy, an act of surrender! The storm-like blow just now had let these two jungle masters feel the fear of being dominated by the force majeure. They knew that no matter what, they themselves would not be the opponent of this human before them! If they did not surrender, their fragile lives would be taken away. This had exceeded the knowledge of the two kings of mystical beasts on the upper limit of human potency! The human figure in front of them could not be a man, but a devil. It was horrible! "Surrender?" Yun Yang asked with an amiable look on his face. It was an easygoing and light-hearted tone that he had adopted. Upon hearing the words, the bear and the snake desperately nodded to indicate their intention. As ninth-grade mystical beasts, albeit being beginners, they were able to understand people''s words. Even if that really did not work, one could distinguish the meaning of the mental strength in those sentences. If at this point of the time, they were to be stubborn and utter idiotic phrases like, "Your father would rather die than to surrender!" , they would then have to bid farewell to this beautiful world. Yun Yang frowned. In a somewhat dissatisfied tone, he uttered, "You fellows figures are too large ... this state makes me feel uncomfortable. In order to talk to you fellows, I actually have to hold my head up, really tiring indeed. How can I not be tired?" How could he not be tired? The most expedient choice was to kill the two mystical beasts; naturally, he would not have to hold his head up to talk again. This was the simplest solution to the problem. "Hum ..." The huge, gigantic, body of the Niello Bear suddenly trembled and began to shrink.Quivering again, it continued to shrink, wobbling for eighteen separate occasions as it slowly reduced in size. After a while, it looked like an ordinary black bear, gazing at Yun Yang with eyes filled with worry. This was most likely its natural state. Yun Yang shook his head, "You are still too large! I have to look up at you. Look up at you, do you understand?" The Niello Bear hummed irritably. Having no choice, it then gritted its teeth and painstakingly quivered once again as its whole body echoed with the vigorous sound of cracking bones. A yellow, hazy, glow began to radiate from its body... When the glow faded away, a furry, three-foot-tall bear appeared in front of Yun Yang. With a wet, runny, nose and a pleasing countenance, it lay on the ground and looked up at Yun Yang. "Splendid!You got it right this time. Let me give you some reward." Yun Yang, satisfied, stretched out his feet. The Niello Bear diligently came over to accept the reward, sticking out its tongue to lick the shoes of the devil, clean and neat. "Roll over!" Swoosh! "Jump!" Swoosh! "Jump on one leg!" Poof! Yun Yang was exhilarated, "Brilliant! What a great performance! You can stand by the side, I will give you your rewards later!" Upon hearing that, the Niello Bear felt like it was being granted amnesty. It scurried away to theYun Yang''s side and laid down with a well-behaved and adorable posture. Yun Yang raised his foot for the Niello Bear to climb over. It let the devil''s feet land on its own head so that the devil was more comfortable What was there to speak of concerning the dignity of the king of mystical beasts and the others? The Niello Bear admitted that these things did not even matter at all when compared with the dominance of the devil.They were utterly insignificant! When life was at stake, what value does dignity hold? As long as this bear could stay alive, it would consider itself lucky, even if it had to eat feces. Yun Yang indicated his satisfaction with the bear, making the Niello Bear feel somewhat smitten. Yun Yang turned his head to look at the Moire Python and frowned, "Why are you still so large? Do you still want me to hold my head up to look at you?" The Moire Python had been shocked that its snakes bile had shattered. With an imploring glance at Yun Yang, the snakes head, which was the size of a house, could be seen desperately banging on the ground. For so many years of its life, it knew that there was a need to abase itself when there was a need to beg for mercy from a human. It began to bow rhythmically. Thump, thump, thump ... "Hiss hiss ..." The Moire Python desperately released its mental energy to explain itself. You almost scared me to death! Such a gaze is not to be trifled with! "Do you mean that you will be growing smaller? Do you also mean to say that I''ve inadvertently rearranged your bones? Is that why you cant shrink? Are you lying to me? How could there be such a restriction?" Yun Yang tilted his head, his eyes filled with questions. The Moire Python desperately nodded. How could there be any cruelty or maliciousness left anymore in those fierce, cold and indifferent eyes? There was only sincerity, pity and fear as well as the sign of an imminent collapse. "If that''s the case, it''s very easy to settle." Yun Yang rose up above. Boom! He had kicked the Moire Pythons body. Behind, the three-foot-tall mini bear winced. Its own rival, with nearly ten thousand catties on its frame. The Moire Python had actually been kicked up into the air like a ball! Why am I not surprised? Wasnt that the devil who had been clutching the Moire Python to hit me with earlier? This living organism that had hissed its entire life was actually being kicked to the point where it''s wailing sounded like that of a duck. What was going on? It was clear that the nasty python was suffering an extremely tragic, brutal, attack. Why did the bear feel a deeply similar experience and a sense of empathy? That terrible demon had made a total of a hundred and eight kicks on the Moire Pythons body; it felt as if it was the one being kicked for a hundred and eight times! What was even more frightening was that the Moire Python did not even fall to the ground throughout the entire ordeal. It had been kicked continuously in the air, without ever getting the chance to touch the floor. The Niello Bear watched it until its two bear eyes were filled with horror. Oh, my bear mother! I actually felt the fear of losing my own volition after being dominated by the demon. That unspeakable terror! It was indeed too ... horrifying! Poof! The Moire Python had finally landed on the ground. Judging by its appearance alone, it had to be feeling utterly miserable! "Are you alright now?" Yun Yang gently asked, "You arent faring too badly. You actually have a hundred and eight jointed bones, that isn''t too small a number!" The Moire Python, having regained its freedom of movement, did not even have the slightest hesitation or procrastination. With a sigh, its entire buddy coiled onto itself. Then with all its might, its body glowed with a faint, green radiance. The large coils shrunk rapidly. Gradually, its size shortened to that of a normal python of about ten feet. It uncoiled itself, resting its body flat and straight on the ground. It lifted its head, looking up imploringly at Yun Yang, " Hiss, hiss, hiss" Yun Yang nodded his head, "Very well! However, according to the legends, you Moire Pythons, when you grow your hundred and eight jointed bones, there will be a Luminous Pearl in each and every section of the bones. Were they all priceless treasures?" The Moire Python had stiffened up, looking at the horrifying demon before him. It''s entire body spasmed, with its mouth issuing a sorrowful hissing. It turned into a fist-sized snakes head that could be seen desperately banging on the ground. Mercy! "I like the Luminous Pearl." Yun Yang uttered, "However, I like obedience more." The Moire Python and the Niello Bear anxiously cried out at the same time, desperately trying to prove that they were the most obedient of all! "I need to witness the evidence of obedience." Yun Yang smiled with satisfaction, "For example, can you fellows turn smaller?" The Moire Python and the Niello Bear then attempted to put in their all to prove their worth. Just when Yun Yang thought that these two actually had the courage to battle by betting their lives desperately, he heard a double thumping sound. There was a yellow gleam and a green smoke that dispersed together at the same time The bear and the snake had actually shrunk another size smaller again. The Niello Bear was now only two feet tall. It was smaller than an ordinary black bear cub. It was impossible to know that it was from a ferocious family. As for the Moire Python, it had turned three to four feet long, with the thickness of a finger. It was shimmering gold and was quite glamorous. At this point, Yun Yang only smiled with satisfaction. "Now, this is what I''m talking about! Isnt this more pleasing to the eye? Cuter and more adorable? Much greater than the kind of vicious virtues you were displaying earlier? Don''t you fellows have some aesthetic sense?" The hearts of the bear and the snake were filled with helplessness. If they had dared to cry, they would have done so loudly. We were mystical beasts! What was the use of being adorable and cute? The deadly, sorrowful, feeling was brimming in their hearts all along. This was the result of them having to exhaust a substantial amount of life force to shrink themselves. After this incident, they would need at least twenty years of cultivation to return to their original states. In other words, this devil, with just a single word, had led the two major kings of mystical beasts to lose more than a tenth of their combat powers! "Don''t be so upset! Come, let me give you something good to eat. As long as you remain obedient, there will still be more to come!" Yun Yang sent out two lumps of power, rich in vitality; both of them had a lump each, unequivocal and fair. Upon witnessing the refined gleaming lumps of the power of vitality that lay before them, two pairs of eyes stared greedily. Oh... gosh! What was this? With a flash of golden light, the Moire Python had consumed its lump. While turning around and eyeing the other covetously, it discovered that the mini bear had already had its two claws around the lump of Qi, gulping it down quickly. Great stuff! What great stuff indeed! It was merely a lump, but it had managed to replenish all the energy that they had lost, including those losses of being beaten up, the losses of being forced to transform, and also the losses of visceral scales... there was still substantial residue after that! Suddenly, the glances of the bear and the snake looking at Yun Yang had become completely different. A pair of snakes eyes, a pair of bears eyes; they both exuded an extremely eager gleam! Big Brother, if you had such a good thing, why didn''t you show it off earlier? If you were to show it off earlier, we would have surrendered at the first instance! If you could have shown it off earlier, why didnt you do so? If you had done so earlier, it would have been better for us! What a pity that we had to endure such a terrible experience! 382 Spread out the Giant Net, Wait for the Fish to Come! Yun Yangs style of exerting both grace and ferociousness was extremely exquisite, rendering both the critters subservient instantly. The strategy was to make one surrender on the surface as well as in their deepest beings! They now worshipped Yun Yang without restraint! What was more, he had earned the sense of belonging and attachment. There was nothing else to ask for. "After this, you fellows have to pay heed to instructions, alright?" Yun Yang was patiently giving guidance. The bear and the snake nodded hurriedly, like chicks pecking at rice. It was the epitome of asubordinate. "As long as you pay heed to instructions, there will be nourishing food for you." The bear and the snake''s four eyes shone as brightly as Luminous Pearls. Once again, they nodded continuously. Saliva dripped from the mouths of both the snake and the bear, indicating their longing. It was pure gluttony, and they were in danger of being labeled worse. They would do anything that they were asked to, for a chance to consume such a nourishing meal! To become a slave and sell their own bodies was not unacceptable to them. It would even be worthwhile to suffer a beating every day. Yun Yang did not know that within the hearts of the bear and the snake, they had actually given birth to a completely consistent plan. Squinting at each other, they secretly whispered in their hearts; was this fellow my competitor? Within this woods, it was either me or it; there was no way they could avoid being competitors! "Okay, you can now go back to your respective homes, and continue being your own kings." Yun Yang grunted, "Remember to be obedient when there is a need for you to work, dont be cunning, dont escape, dont" After repeating the ''don''t'' ten separate times, the bear and the snake became dutiful and compliant, from the start until the end, maintaining the pocket-sized figure. They kept on nodding and fawning and only separated after a while. Yun Yang, having settled the two giant kings of the mystical beasts, would start on the next step of the plan. First, he had to continue staying here! The outer appearance was the first to be changed. After all, Yun Yangs appearance was too outstanding and could be considered as the epitome of a charming womanizer. He required a substantial level of change to escape detection. However, this was not something difficult for Yun Yang. It merely required fifteen minutes of time. WIthin that period, Yun Yang had transformed himself into a recluse, a recluse who had been living here for many years. The age was not apparent, the outer appearance was not handsome or ugly, his body was not considered as very tall; it was merely one and three-fourths of metres. A roughly modest look, which would only gleam in the eyes of a child. The shoes that had been worn off at the foot had been replaced by an animal skin and piercings; only the attire that he was wearing was the original set. There were some changes made, turning it into a jacket with a more worn-off look. However, the biggest change in Yun Yang was the forest scent that was still carried by his body. With two, loud, thundering crashes, a cave had been carved out on the side of the mountain wall. A curve was then carved within it, and after some decorating, a bedroom had been formed. After thinking for a while, he then created a stone wall at the curving corner. He then threw some of the fur and skin of the mystical beasts outside and called up a fire to burn the corner areas on the top of the cave, creating a sooty look that one would believe had been caused by long years of oil and smoke. After that, he released a stream of water, the current bursting out in a large flow. The cave had been engraved with signs of being washed out by a strong current of water... It was only an hour''s effort, but the cave that had not been inhabited for decades or even centuries had been formed in an old-fashioned and identical manner. Yun Yang then turned into wind form, going out for a round, and returned with countless feathers. He then transformed into a confluence of water and fire of the two mystical Qis, immediately forming a transpiration state. The feathers then became clean immediately. He then had the bed planked, with two blankets simply thrown on it. At this point, the project in setting up the accommodation was fully completed. Yun Yang then fell asleep in the cave. To his surprise, the environment in the cave was quite comfortable. The deific consciousness spread all over the lavish forest. Through the deific consciousness, Yun Yang knew that just within a day and night, there were seemingly no fewer than thousands of people that had entered into this section of the forest. Although they were still limited to wandering at the outer boundaries, their numbers had swelled greatly. This piece of jungle covered a vast area. Yun Yang judged that although there were tens of thousands of people that had come in, they would not encounter each other if they didn''t come from the same direction and the same route. Within one day and night, there were hundreds of men; some had gone, some had died, and some were still wandering. Yun Yang did not bother about it at all because the people that he was waiting for was not these people. Now, Yun Yang did not wish to be as anxious like he had been initially. Furthermore, he wasn''t even anxious at all! Since the enemy had set out such a wide-arrayed formation, his intention was to aim at the masses of the Nine Supremes. Being the absolute bait, Old Dugu would definitely be treated well enough. After confirming this point, Yun Yang could then be more at ease in handling things, and to be more thorough in his preparations. This piece of jungle, in addition to the presence of beast hunters, traders, hunting teams, would also be traversed by people who came for trials, personal training, school grinding, and young masters from the official families who were out for a session of wild trekking and hunting! For this point, Yun Yang had already explored the area thoroughly and had set the layout accordingly. Subduing the two mystical beasts was the first step. If there were no such kinds of mystical beasts in this jungle, Yun Yan would naturally have found other types of mystical beasts. Yun Yang was waiting for an opportunity. if Supreme Cloud were to pronounce himself as second in this world concerning waiting for opportunities and creating opportunities, then there would definitely be no one who would confidently say that he was the first. In order to remain hidden, Yun Yang did not even utilize the Eclipse Panther. What he was going to do right now was to wait for a group of people, to draw them in, in order to carry out his subsequent plan. Yun Yang did not mind the sort of person who was going to enter his scheme; whether it was from the military administration or even from the aristocratic major families. Those things, for Yun Yang, was not important. They would be of no great import. However, as long as someone emerged, Yun Yang was confident that he would treasure and rely on the others authority to blend into Zilong City, and to even rely on the power of the other to accomplish even more things! "If I had known that there was going to be this trip today, I would have obtained some permits from all the empires. At the very worst, I would then let Shui Wuyin summon the hidden manpower to provide support. No matter how it would not be to the extent of the situation I am in now, so bereft of preparation. Relying solely on his own adaptability, the factor of risk was too great. " Yun Yang sighed in his heart and decided to get it done after he returned. One could not blame Yun Yang for not being better prepared. The transformed figure of the Nine Supremes was ever-changing, and almost could cater to any of this worlds catastrophes; since when was there even a need for something so commonplace like a road permit? However, now that he had actually encountered such a situation, Yun Yang was indeed utterly speechless. ... Within the lavish woods, the sudden shouts of people and the neighing of the horses could be heard; the voices were unexpectedly loud. The brigade''s hunter had entered into the outer part of the jungle. A cold sneer appeared across Yun Yangs face; popinjays who were able to create such a commotion seemed to spring up everywhere. "It''s time to take action!" ... "Young Master Lan, we can, in no way, advance further. To move forward a few hundred miles will then mean that we have to enter the territory of the ninth class mystical beast king. Lets us search around here for the trails of the mystical beast!" A person clad in black uttered modestly. "Shut up!" The expression on the other youth was solemn, "Whether to go forward or not, how can it be you to decide? Young Master Lan will have his own mind. We all will just listen to him." Apparently, the person who was speaking was a pandering sort of fellow. The head of this group of people was a tall, fair youth. The face of this young man naturally carried a dominating attitude. With a slight grin, he displayed a very unflustered look. After a while, the twittering sound of women could be heard. "The scenery was really good, but the route was a little bit difficult to walk." "Yes, Sister Bai, I absolutely agree. Apparently, there are so many people here responsible for opening up the route, yet my cloak still suffers cuts. I believe they are actually members masquerading as if they actually had the abilities..." "Although the quality of today''s harvest is normal ..." a lady clad in blue uttered lightly, "The overall number is still quite a fair bit. What if we call it a day? Lets go back." That expression of the blue lady was tranquil, but her words seemed to have another purpose. Another lady cut in halfway and uttered, "How can we stop here? The Cloudmallow Squirrel that Sister Zi wants is yet to be found. If we were to go back now, we will not know when is the next time we will be coming out again. Now that the current situation is so tense, it is really difficult for us to come out on our own will!" Upon hearing the lady saying that, the expressions of few young men around them changed instantly. Due to a mans honor, even if they had got the mind to return, they would in no way to say it out loud. After all, they were in front of a woman that they were interested in; how could they get defeated so easily? That was something that could never be done by the vast majority of adolescent boys! The extravagantly clad youth smiled faintly, " The time is still considered early. Until now, we have only been out for just three days, and to end the expedition in such a way, I think, will cause dissatisfaction in all quarters. Moreover, our team has more than two hundred people and there is no shortage of masters within. Having to come out in such a majestic manner, ending up just to catch several third-grade mystical beasts in the end; we''re going to be the laughing stock among our people for ages!" Another youth then burst out laughing, "What has been said by Young Master Lan is reasonable indeed. The last time the few bastards harvested a few fifth grade mystical beasts, it was just by a fine line that they did not boast about it! If we were to go back like this, it will be damning indeed. In fact, I do not mind, but Young Master Lan... " The leader, Young Master Lan faintly smiled and said, "There is nothing if I were to lose my honor. However, the Cloudmallow Squirrel that is being sought after by the Lady Yunyan has yet to be caught in hand. It is an unforgivable matter." That girl clad in blue smiled and said, "It is merely a Cloudmallow Squirrel. It is better to have the safety of everyone as a priority. I believe that after the passing of this period, there would naturally be great opportunity to get it." Another lady opened her mouth and uttered, "Since when is it easy to catch the Cloudmallow Squirrel? If it was really that easy to catch, Sister Yunyan would not have to look forward to it for so many yearsIt is rare that the name of the Cloudmallow Squirrel and Sister Yunyan is so commensurable to each other. It is like it was set and created by the heavens. We came bearing excitement, how can we not enjoy ourselves to the fullest? Lets just continue to walk forward." "Alright!" Five or six youth simultaneously answered the call; one after another, their eyeballs swept across the faces of the few ladies who had gathered together. "Look, a Cloudmallow Squirrel!" A girl shouted in delight. A tiny animal was bouncing between the branches and foliage of the dense forest, fearfully crashing through the brush without giving thought to its path. That glance of the blue lady instantly brightened! 383 Berserk Python! "Everyone, give chase!" A few ladies were ready to rush out or fall away into a dead faint. "Wait!" the luxuriously-clad youth, Young Master Lan, stopped the masses and uttered, "Since the trail had been found, fret not; it will not escape. However, if we enter the dangerous zone once again, we''d better be cautious." The lady clad in blue gave a thin smile. Shades of unhappiness flashed across her eyes. That luxuriously-clad youth muttered irresolutely to himself for a moment. Without moving a finger, he began to coordinate their movements, "As we move forward, the mystical beasts we encounter will inevitably become more powerful. Everyone, take note of the movements around us. Elder Hu, Elder Song, those of you with great cultivation skill should pay close attention." The few elders uttered simultaneously, "I dare not accept such an honor, Young Master Lan. How can we not spare our efforts?" The luxuriously-clad youth smiled and uttered, "To ensure nothing gets past us, let us form a circle of defense, with the few girls in the center commanding and dispatching orders, while the other brothers will watch in a direction each. In such a manner, even if there were to be any attacks, we will have time to react." This young man seemed to be very well-versed, especially in the phrase of letting the ladies command in the middle. The five ladies on the scene chuckled faintly. Of course, the idea of commanding and dispatching orders was nonsensical. The plan to thoroughly protect them, however, was genuine. However, this phrase was uttered protect the self-esteem of the several ladies even a step earlier. What a painstaking effort indeed. "There are few people who have passed by before us... There are almost no traces of humans crossing at all." As they walked in, the group of people whispered quietly to each other. "That Cloudmallow Squirrel seems to have gone over there..." "It bounced a little just now; what a fast little critter!" "It is admittedly adorable; no wonder Sister Yunyan likes it ..." Overhead, the fluttering sound of startled birds could be heard. Whilst chasing the so-called " Cloudmallow Squirrel", they ventured further and further into the forest without being fully aware of their actions. However, there was no movement in their surroundings. All was quiet and tranquil and the mass of people did not care about their plight. Finally "Brush..." A strange sound suddenly rang out in the quiet forest. Reacting quickly, everyone ducked simultaneously, covering up their silhouettes, yet they saw a few mystical beasts flit by, their silhouettes dashing across the jungle in front of them and disappearing into the trees. "The Gale Wolf! That was a sixth-grade mystical beast, the Gale Wolf!" The face of Elder Hu was relaxed, "Dont worry young masters and ladies. Although the Gale Wolf habitually moves around in packs, it will definitely not be a threat to us. On the contrary, if we were lucky enough to find the location of their dens, we might able to bring several wolf cubs back. In that case, Young Master Lan will be able to make a fortune." Young Master Lan laughed reservedly, "Well,with a sixth-grade mystical beast cub, we will definitely be able to make a fortune. However, why should I get rich all by my lonesome self? Everyone here must have their share in it." The people that were present, including the few ladies, were apparently frequent visitors to this area for hunting. At this moment, there was not even a single trace of fear on their faces. The sounds before them kept on ringing unceasingly. They gazed in the direction of the sound and saw packs of Gale Wolves dashing past frantically, with no care to where they were heading. There was a group of leopards running pell-mell through the jungle, obviously trying to escape from the jaws of death. The cause for their frantic flight, however, was unknown. After them came a group of pangolins. Although their speed did not reach that of the Gale Wolf nor the leopard, they too ran with all their might, their blocky bodies shambling quickly through the undergrowth. Hordes of animals came pouring through in a similar manner. In a short span of time, there were at least thirty types of mystical beasts that had passed through. They were all galloping away rapidly as if trying to avoid a terrible enemy. "So many mystical beasts! Unfortunately, they were moving too quickly. The area covered by these woods is extremely vast; once we have missed them, it won''t be easy to give chase." A youth sighed regretfully. "Not bad indeed. By my rough count, there were almost thirty different types of mystical beasts that just passed by our noses. I wonder what could have frightened them so." Another youth was, in a self-amused way, showing off his extraordinary memory powers, adept beyond those of his generation. In the crowd, Elder Song, upon hearing this phrase, suddenly looked shocked. He seemed to realize something, and his expression turned grim. "Young Master Lan!" Elder Song advanced a few steps forward, "I''m afraid that the situation does not bode well. We have to immediately retreat lest its too late for us!" Young Master Lan frowned, "What has happened? What are you talking about?" "The mystical beasts are fleeing in droves in such a desperate manner. It is greatly probable that there are ace-level mystical beasts that are coming towards this direction. If that is true" The face of Elder Song was now covered with perspiration. Apparently, in his heart, it was more than probable, it was a certainty! Young Master Lan was no obstinate fool. Upon hearing the sound advice, he readily heeded it and uttered, "That is true. Everyone, turn around, now!" However, it was a pity that the warning had come too late. In fact, it had been too late for some time. These people, who had originally come for their targets, had already signed the forms for their own doom just by being here. Now, it was just a matter of realizing it. Within the dark woods, a hissing sound could be heard. It seemed to come from every direction, surrounding and engulfing them in its sinister glee. Along with the hissing sound, a sense of imminent carnage could be felt by the terrified group. "It is a snake den! A horde of snakes!" Elder Song''s expression twisted in determination, "It is too late now to retreat. Quickly, clear out a piece of empty space, build up a defensive band in order to deal with the upcoming crisis! Old Hu, Old Kong, move swiftly!" While talking, he then took the lead by drawing out his sword from its sheath. He slashed at a large tree, tearing it apart, and kicked the broken pieces, sending them flying far. The few experts that were present finally reacted, and together with their hundred guards, they began to coordinate their efforts to survive. Within a short breath, hundreds of trees around the area had been cleared. Somehow, even the wild weeds on the ground had been stripped clean, thrown into a huge pile surrounding them. Various kind of sulfurs, anti-snake charms, and poisonous drugs were used to cover the ground in a circle surrounding them. Haystacks were watered with kerosene and within the center, they left a large, empty space in which to stand. The torches in the hands of the few people blazed fiercely. Their faces were filled with tension. The moment they sensed that things were going downhill, they would immediately ignite the flame to create the barrier without hesitation. As long as the fire was ignited, a defensive barrier of rising flame would deter the attacks of the mystical beats, increasing their chances of survival. These people were utterly composed in their preparations for defense. Supplemented by their manpower and physical resources, with their comprehensive combat strength, the initial snake dens attack was simply incapable of penetrating their shields. However, the surrounding hissing sound grew increasingly saturated, more and more ear-piercing. The sense of danger intensified, solemn and insulting. Upon gazing into the distance with their utmost strength, their faces turned all pale in an instant, their bodies covered with cold sweat. The few ladies that were located in the dead center of the ring began to shiver. As far as the eyes could see, all sorts of venomous snakes lay slithering on the ground and on the trees. They began to advance forward as if the place where the masses stood was their gathering point. There were countless vipers. Some were crawling on the ground, whilst some were crawling between the branches, and others had gradually approached the outer circle of the trees, coiling around it, circles over circles Slowly, all the branches of the giant trees outside the circle of defense were swarming with vipers. Through the visual estimation of these venomous snakes, their numbers had almost reached the point where even the leaves of the trees had become invisible! At this point, the situation had turned remarkably dire, and yet the hissing sound from afar was still ringing in the air unceasingly. The sound of a large body dragging on the ground indicated a far larger viper was approaching. The faces of the defenders had turned a pasty gray. There were already millions of vipers that surrounded them, lurking in countless numbers in the darkened wood. A few moments later, the sound of cracking branches could be heard. These were the sound of some tree limbs that could not bear the weight of the vipers and had snapped. The trees here were old, and their strength would naturally be beyond that of an ordinary tree. Even so, many branches had actually fractured because it could not afford the weight of the vipers. It meant that there were at least ten to twenty snakes that were entrenched on a branch at the same time. The number of snakes and the degree of density had already reached the stage of becoming airtight. Throw in the first batch of snake dens that had since earlier arrayed their formation on the ground, the situation had rapidly turned catastrophic. "We are done for..." the face of Young Master Lan was deathly pale. "It is said that there is a snake king within this mountain range. I''m afraid that it has discovered... This time, we are..." "Pay attention!" The face of Elder Hu was also deathly pale. "The current plan is to die fighting, to seek survival and only to surrender upon death! We have a total of two hundred and thirty people. Judging by our strength alone, we are far better than the snake dens. To attack all at once is too wasteful, and since we have no time for rest and recuperation, it will cause us to lose the opportunity to maneuver. Hence, we are to be divided into three teams and each team will have to resist for at least for two hours!" "Also, please, all young master and ladies, do immediately send out the signals that you have carried to ask for help, ask for assistance!" "This way, we will still have a chance to survive." The young masters and ladies of the noble families were all frantically taking out their rockets. A few of them trembled so badly, they dropped their signal rockets on the ground. They were in imminent danger, and they were fully aware of their jeopardy. Fortunately, the signal rockets were not fragile devices. Under immense impatience and hurry, they were all finally dispatched. Boom, boom, boom In the sky, the roar of exploding rockets could be heard, followed by a rich, thick smoke that would not disperse for a long time. "Do not shoot the signals for help all at once! " Elder Chen was almost apoplectic with rage. This group of idiots had actually shot them out all at once. It was an act of suicide. Did you think that everyone would notice once you fired the signal rocket? Do you think that you have been blessed by the deities? The snakes surrounding them were still gathering, growing more and more, almost to the extent of piling up. Layer by layer, they continued to stack up on one another but had not launched an attack. However, this was even more frightening than a simple attack. The nightmarish scene had caused all the young masters and ladies to feel downright dizzy, without exception. A number of them had vomited, while some the women had thrown up bile. Several elders and escorts expressed their utter helplessness towards these young masters and ladies. To have accompanied these bunch of people out was extremely unlucky indeed. These group of young masters and ladies looked glamorous; they were top-notched talents and future leaders. However, when faced with death, they were not even of the slightest use; they were preparing to drag the whole team down with them. The masses who were looking forward to assistance arriving quickly found that the situation had turned worse. The surrounding sound of hissing rang louder and louder. "Look ... my gosh ..." a voice blurted out in despair. In the midst of the dense trees, they saw the shadow of a thick, giant snake appear. Behind it came even thicker, larger, longer ones ... and they were all heading rapidly in their direction! At this moment, everyone lost their confidence in their chances of survival. The snake dens began to attack. With a sudden crash, all the vipers fell off, immediately forming a layer of coils half a foot thick. The mass of vipers covered the odor of the medicines. Within the blink of an eye, millions of ferocious vipers surged like tidal waves, advancing upon the hapless group from all directions! 384 The Sounds of a Flute Just Before the Coming of Death "Ignite the flames!" A mournful cry rang out. The voice trembled even as it carried across the clearing. With a flash of heat, the circle around them burst into flame, sending rays of light shooting into the dark forest Countless vipers were hissed in pain. Struggling to escape the sudden sea of fire, a strange scent of barbecued meat filled the sky. Upon seeing that the wall of fire had worked, everyone began to feel the beginnings of relief in their hearts, but before long, they heard a strange cry from afar. "Hiss ..." Suddenly, all of the vipers went mad. Churning in desperation, they slithered, completely ignoring the sea of fire before them that had swallowed innumerable companions. There were also a number of huge pythons that rushed fearlessly into the flames, using their huge bodies as a bridge for their smaller cousins to pass through unscathed. It was only a short period of time that the masses had hopelessly discovered that the rising firewall, the firewall that had brought hope to everyone, was but a flash in the pan. Their hopes had disappeared in entirety! Thousands of pythons had used their own bodies to extinguish the flames that could have set an entire mountain range ablaze. Curls of smoke billowed into the air, as thousands of pythons hissed their dying screams even as the flames grew weaker and weaker. It was impossible to count the smaller vipers that had been crushed or burnt to death. However, the pythons strategy was effective! The fire had been extinguished. The subsequent snake dens then came in to attack. At this point, the people and the snakes were fighting in close quarters. More than two hundred strong men were desperately waving their weapons, albeit with desperation on their faces. They began their vain efforts for the sake of the continuation of their lives. As for the few young masters and ladies, they all had been frightened like quail; huddling together in the inner area, their faces were deathly white, their bodies shivering. The battle between the guards and the group of snakes could be described as extremely tragic. Although the snakes were smaller, they had the advantage of sheer numbers. Without having high-end combat strength, even if they were equipped with the power of poison, it was still difficult to trick the guards who were imbued with an extraordinary cultivation base. Hence, the guards were able to stabilize their feet, even when humongous snakes flowed in like the tide of waves billowing over. They grimly flung back wave upon wave of the slithering monsters, and soon the bodies that lay on the ground began to look like so many pieces of deadwood. On the ground, the snake corpses that had been broken into several sections could be seen spasming and twisting malevolently. Soon, there were huge, deep, piles of snake corpses surrounding the valiant defenders. The brushing sounds from afar kept ringing unceasingly. Another wave of large pythons emerged and advanced upon the group. Once they all came near, they whipped themselves across without hesitation. The guards who had utilized the best of their combat strengths, had, in a short time of two hours, killed at least millions of vipers. However, the sheer volume of snakes began to take a toll on the defenders, as the vicious monsters struck without fear of death or dismemberment. As for the warriors on the other side, their combat powers were far better and their cultivation bases extraordinary. Still, their cultivation base and mystical Qi was limited. They were utterly weary and exhausted. Unable to sustain their initial vigor, the snakes were still arriving in an unceasing stream. The snakes seemed to cover the ground from where they stood until the horizon. In the face of such a battle, everyone began to grow desperate. Even ants could overcome an elephant; not because of the size of the elephant neither it was because its combat power was weak. It was simply due to the fact that the ants were numerous. When the number of a biological creature reached a considerable scale, sufficient to consume the enemy no matter how superior it was, its downfall was inevitable. Everyone was initially glad that it was winter, as the snakes would not be very active during this season; however, these feelings of gladness had since been thrown to the nine clouds, completely vanished. In short, it was utterly gone! Hush hush hush ... Countless vipers flew from the treetops, their bodies like arrows flying straight at their targets. Every inch of ground was covered with vipers. The subsequent forces, having no foothold and no room to exhibit their strengths, then climbed onto the treetops to launch a combined pouncing attack instead. The attack forces of the snakes had formed an encirclement array. All around them, the vipers lay coiled, ready to strike. Bang, bang No matter how the masses exert their utmost effort to resist, an inevitable gap had appeared in their ranks. "Argh!" A tragic shriek broke the air; a guard had been bitten by a viper. Although he had instigated his mystical Qi to burn away the snake, there was a moment of carelessness, and it only required that split second of inattention for the snakes to gleefully throw themselves at the doomed man. He was still struggling on the ground, rolling and desperately calling forth his mystical Qi, hoping to burn off the vipers, or at least to reach a safe space. Yet all he gained was to attract even more vipers to pile upon him. After a brief while, a complete set of white bones appeared on the ground. Yes, it was the pure white of skeletons, without the slightest mark of blood or flesh! Upon seeing the set of bones, a chilled feeling was aroused deep within everyone''s heart. All of their scalps felt numb as they were utterly frightened and scared. Just a second ago, there was still a living human who could jump, fight and kill! The screams that belonged to the humans kept ringing unceasingly in their eyes, as the snakes took advantage of their horror to wade in with increasing frenzy. Within less than an hour, the group of two hundred people has lost half of its members. Upon seeing that victory was drawing closer, the attack on the snake dens grew even more vicious. The few tragic ladies and youths were screaming loudly. Their shrieking sounds were particularly high-pitched and miserable. They had led a luxurious life since childhood, having their hundreds of requests granted with just a single call. When had they ever had to witness such a horrible phenomenon? Even if they were able to escape this danger eventually, this incident would haunt their dreams for many years to come, if not for the rest of their lives. After another frenzied attack by the snake dens, there were only twenty of them that were left standing. The shadow of death, the atmosphere of despair, had mercilessly shrouded those who were alive. No one had ever thought that one who had yet to consider how to enjoy life must first consider how it felt to be buried in a snake''s mouth. This was the most typical case of dying without a complete corpse! Upon seeing that all the people had come close to danger, without having the slightest chance of survival, the attack of the snake dens slowed, as they retreated slightly. The seventeen to eighteen people who had seen themselves and the others facing the threat of being torn apart were all relieved simultaneously. However, the scent of death was still in the vicinity. The air now was extremely suffocating and filled with the copper tinge of blood and snake bile. The cloying scent of snakes was terrible. Even if millions of people were to share a latrine that had not been cleaned for a year long, the smell would have been much more refreshing than the air here. However, no one complained as the gulped deep lungfuls of air. Even with such an odor, the air was still a privilege to living humans. Perhaps within the next breath, one would have gone to the world of death, without having to return to the world of mortals! There were still dense mounds of snakes surrounding them. The most eye-catching among them were the pythons; thick as a bucket and large as a pot. Everyones expressions were filled with horror and despair, staring into the distance, not knowing how their own fate would be. Would they end up dying in the mouth of the snake? Residing in an utter state of despair was actually even harder to withstand than death. After all, the feeling of death was but a flicker of a moment. The past would then be the past. However, it was only a constant sense of suffering if you were caught in the throes of despair! However, even if it was torturous, the survivors were still willing to continue. After all, compared to death, it was still better to be alive. To their horror, there came a burst of sound, as if a mountain had taken a step forward. Their eyes took on a sheen of insanity as an indescribably gigantic python emerged. It resembled a large mountain that was moving, with gorgeous patterns all over its body. It slithered languidly towards them if mountains could be said to slither. It moved casually through the dense growth of trees, shattering even the largest and oldest ones like twigs, leaving a swath of destruction behind. As it moved, it caused landslides and earthquakes to erupt around it, even causing the course of a small river to shift. Everyone''s eyes grew wide as they experienced a sense of the impossible. What exactly was this kind of snake? Its body had to be at least forty feet thick. It towered above two hundred feet in the air. Even as it swayed, beautiful scales reflected the flames in a dazzling array of light. When it drew closer, the gigantic snakes head then lifted, rising to at least a height of a hundred feet. With a cold glance at the survivors on the ground, the deity towered over the mortals from the sky with a commanding presence. Under the shadow of such a fierce deity, everyone went limp instantly. Although they had been desperate before this, there had always been the courage to fight and the hope for the arrival of a miracle. There was the possibility that a family had witnessed the signal rocket calling for help and had sent people over. With the emergence of this gigantic snake, however, not only had they lost the courage to resist, even the illusion of hope had all gone. Even with the combined strength of all these families gathered here, could they even hope to defeat such a ferocious-looking gigantic python? The terrified eyes of the few ladies had turned wild, gazing at the gigantic snake without blinking. Their minds were a horrid mess, and they had lost all ability to think. Their only regret was that they had not fainted dead away. If they were to faint, at least they did not have to face the imminent horror of death. The sight of a gigantic python was a terrible one indeed. Once this gigantic python appeared, all the vipers and python could be seen obediently prostrating on the ground, expressing their utter allegiance. The was what it meant to be the King of Snakes. Undoubted, undisputed, and unquestionable! Its grandeur alone had brought everyone to a complete halt. "Doom! Completely doomed!" Young Master Lan threw the longsword in his hands to the ground. His face was the color of dead ash as he turned his head and glanced at Lady Zi Yunyan. His heart was filled with bitterness. He wanted to bring a beauty to have fun out here, to display courage and wisdom. If he were to take advantage of todays trip to help the beauty to catch a Cloudmallow Squirrel, it would have been perfect, improving the relationship between them further. The plan was great, yet the reality was tragic. It had only resulted in the deaths of so many innocents. The possibility of having the rescue troops arrive, even in the tens of thousands, seemed to be dismally futile, in the face of the great monster. "Hiss ..." The snake king lowered its head. As the sound rang in the air, the sensation of death intensified, and the few girls that were left shrieked with their eyes closed. They forgot about their class, forgot about demeanor or appearance, forgot about the masters of the secular world. All these were gone with the wind. "Hiss, hiss ..." The snake king, snarling as it reared up into the sky, appeared both flamboyant and menacing all at once. Below, there were seven to eight people that could be seen shivering. One of the men groaned as he collapsed in a twitching heap. Before long, his convulsions ceased, and he claimed the title of being the first man in the group that had died from fright. The Moire Pythons giant eyeballs almost stared out of its sockets. What? I didn''t even do anything! How could he have died just like that? I wonder if I have destroyed the masters plans? These people have been sufficiently frightened, why hasn''t master appeared yet? It was at this point of time that a melodious sound of a flute was faintly audible. It drifted from afar and seemed to be coming closer. 385 Unparalleled Prodigy! The group who was surrounded by the swarm of snakes was ecstatic, their eyes gazing hopefully in the direction where the flute''s melody seemed to originate. Had their savior finally arrived? Has an expert recluse come to save us? This was their one and only hope of survival. "Help!" Young Master Lan cried, tears streaming down his face. He did not look anything like the graceful young master of a wealthy home he actually was. "Help, help!" The others regained their senses as well, crying aloud pathetically; the girls cries were especially shrill. At this point where life and death hung in a balance, what was elegance? What was grace? The melodious flute continued to play the unfamiliar tune. The crowd was delighted to see that the serpent king seemed to grow anxious upon hearing the sounds of the flute; it coiled into itself, although the remaining length was still tens of feet long. The small snakes began to thrash in agitation. The flute was approaching! Everyones yearning eyes finally spotted a silhouette that was still a distance away. It was walking over from the other side of the field with a fife in between his lips, oblivious to the venomous snakes all around him. The fife''s notes rang and ricocheted in the forest while the snakes began to retreat. Those within the outer-most layer were already turning to leave as if a death threat was looming; it was as if they had collectively decided it wasn''t the best idea to stay. Swoosh, swoosh The group was weeping with joy as the venomous snakes left, beginning from the outermost layer followed by the inner layers that slithered away. In the end, only the serpent king stubbornly remained, forming a huge coil to begin battling it out with this strange expert. The crowd was relieved. It seemed there was some hope of survival after all. Although the clothes of this expert looked quite tattered, they were clean. His age was unfathomable from his looks, but he could not be all that young. Someone who could contend with this serpent king must not have been able to do so without a certain number of cultivation years How could the age of such a matchless expert be figured out from his face? The slightest of hints could betray the entire story; the image that this expert portrayed hinted at the long years he stayed in this forest! Just as they were thinking of how they should ask for help and for the gigantic serpent king to leave, they were unprepared for what came next, which stunned them to insensibility. The recluse of an expert walked to the front of the giant serpent king and roughly kicked a shiny scale while shouting, "Rubbish! Bullying the weak and harming lives again! I see that you remember the food, but not the beating!" The groups eyes were about to shoot out from their sockets. The serpent king that had coiled itself into combat position immediately collapsed and laid flat on the ground, retreating backward instead. It obviously wished to avoid further chastisement. "Go away quickly!" Yun Yang, the unknown expert, hollered authoritatively, "I shall debone you if I see you eat someone again!" Hearing the words of dismissal, the serpent king was instantly gone, as if receiving the royal amnesty. Finally, the shadow of death had left. Seeing that the ominous fog of death had dissipated and the light of life shone brightly again, Young Master Lan and the other sixteen survivors collapsed at once as their high strung state was replaced with relief. They could only shudder, and words failed them utterly. The unparalleled expert kept quiet for a bit after seeing the piles of bones and murmured, "The only constant in life is change; life and death can come within the blink of an eye; Ive come too late after all" Surviving the calamity, Young Master Lan, who was a descendant of a noble family recovered the elegance he was meant to own instantly. He stood up at once and took a step forward to kneel on the ground with all the courtesy he could muster. "Thank you for your saving grace, senior! This junior is grateful and regrets the fact that he has nothing to give as compensation. Nothing can repay even one-tenth of a thousand of seniors saving grace." The rest of the group seemed to have come alive with a start as they saw the scene and forced themselves up to kneel on the ground to thank the expert. Yun Yang said faintly, "There''s no need for that. Its only a casual favor. Return to where youve come from. Its not good to linger here, leave quickly." Young Master Lan looked troubled and pleaded, "I ask for seniors kindness. A few of my friends here have been bitten by the venomous snakes. Their energy has been depleted and they cant save themselves. Senior, please..." A total of nine people had been bitten among the seventeen survivors. They had taken medicinal pills but the effects remained fruitless. Although the venom of the snakes could do nothing to high-level cultivators, the situation when the high-level cultivators were poisoned had to be taken into account. If they had suppressed it immediately with their cultivation base until the venom''s bite had dissipated, they would naturally be fine. However, the tense and precarious situation did not even give the bitten cultivators enough time to tackle the swarm of snakes with mystical Qi, how could they have the time to concentrate and remove the venom? Afterwards, their expended mystical Qi made the venom flow through their entire body; even their faces had turned black. In such a state, those that were poisoned were already so exhausted it would be difficult to be revived even if they were fine and dandy! To those who had been bitten, they were still stricken with the threat of venom even after getting rid of the death threat. There was nothing more fitting than to call today the most unlucky day of their lives! Yun Yang checked on the poisoned ones and said with a frown, "Its indeed tricky Carry them and follow me." He turned to leave after finishing his words. Young Master Lan and group followed behind him respectfully, carrying the wounded. Everyone had a strong sense of instinct that they had met a truly capable albeit unknown expert! A truly unmatched expert! This calamity might only be a test before they encountered another God-given chance! Were blessed children of the heavens! The snake and bear that were spying on the survivors from afar could vaguely gauge what they were thinking from the genuine delight they wore on their faces. Both of them snorted, "Why would you think that? Why dont you just go straight to heaven, since you''re so clever?" When they saw the huge cave this expert resided in and the scenery outside of it as well as an exceptionally rich aroma of alcohol, they began to get an inkling of how the expert worked. "The snake''s venom has run rampant in those injured and coursed through the entire body. However, its not problematic. Theyll be fine after ingesting this medicine." Yun Yang patted on the cave wall and produced a bottle of inky medicine. Passing it over, he said, "Ingest half of it and apply another half on the wound. Itll eliminate the toxin and heal injuries." The coal-colored medicine did not look impressive but it was very effective. Just as it was applied, the poison that clouded ones face had dissipated while the wound gushed poisoned blood. It was only a while before the blood turned red, meaning that the poison in those bitten was already gone by more than ninety percent. The group realized that not only was the black medicine a miraculous cure for venom, it was remarkable in recovering mystical Qi. Those bitten had depleted their internal energy deeply and had their basic Qi damaged greatly. They had thought that even if they were lucky enough to survive, their cultivation base would deteriorate by at least a level. Who knew that after they had consumed the medicine, not only was the poison cured at once, their basic Qi recovered some by half, and there was energy churning in their dantian that was nourishing their meridians. Everything pointed to the fact that the cultivation base of those bitten would not deteriorate from the poison this time! This was a sacred medicine of toxin elimination, wound healing and reinvigoration! It was a lucky encounter, a godsend chance. "Rest here for a day, dont act recklessly," Yun Yang said coldly, "Then, you may leave tomorrow." The others had just gotten their senses back, so they naturally promised to do so with reverence. It was said that such recluse experts had strange tempers, so being careful would be their safest bet. Although resting in a cave meant there would hardly be a comfortable bed, the group felt unprecedentedly safe and sound! In the relative calm, they could not help but recall the gory scene earlier. It was like a nightmare that no one would be willing to take another glance at. Some of the ladies were already weeping with tears coursing down their cheeks. The few youthful young masters had their head lowered in sorrow as well. So many lives were lost, just for a hunting trip. Young Master Lan sighed and said, "Lets return using our original route when we go back. We should collect their remains..." Despite their grieve, the gratitude and happiness of being able to survive still formed the better part of their emotions; they were also extremely grateful that they had met such a reclusive expert by chance. The young lads and girls laid down on the ground, disregarding their image. They took in the air they thought they had no more chance of breathing earlier; gradually, they calmed down. Then, the girls began taking care of their appearance before the chatter followed. "Say, who is that person?" "No idea, but looks like hes been staying here for" Another girl looked at the surroundings and continued, "It has to be tens of years, at least?" "Tens of years? More than that. I think its more than a hundred years" "Yes, look at the marks here and here. That stone stool is so smooth from long years of use" "What sort of a person would he have to be, to be able to stay here for so long?" "It must be an unparalleled prodigy! Just look at that trick he used against the serpent. If he didnt have an amazing cultivation base, how could he do that?" Listening to the whispered words, Young Master Lan was musing about the same thing, feeling his blood boil the more he thought about it. 386 This Old Man’s Status Is Very High! Strange talents were always highly sought-after tactical resources that brought more benefits than detriments to those in authority. This was especially so when he had met such an expert in this chaotic war times; it was obviously a blessing that heaven had given him. How could he miss this chance at making an acquaintance? An unparalleled expert like this was absolutely qualified to be the magical retainer of any family! Young Master Lan, as Ziyous nobleman from the chancellors residence, wondered if more could come out of this encounter... If it was a success, then it would be the foundation of his family flourishing power for ages to come! A shadow stood at the entrance of the cave. When everyone turned around, there was a tiny bear about two feet tall standing at the entrance. It was obviously at a loss; its round eyes stared at the crowd in the cave, looking innocent and adorable. It was as if the bear was puzzled if it had gotten the wrong door. Upon being sure that it was right, it looked even more confused as it turned back around, scratching its head while standing still at the entrance. The bear was even holding a big bucket of clean water in its front paw. "What an adorable bear!" A girls eyes were glazed with adoration. It was so cute and adorable, innocent and dumb, but she really wished to hug and pet it! This was a baby cub that had yet to grow up! The girls were immediately enticed by the bears adorable innocence. Yun Yangs voice sounded, "Dummy, carry the water in." The bear carried the pail and walked over, avoiding everyone along its way; its eyes were filled with wonder and unadulterated wariness as if it was beyond bewildered at the many people in its home. "This bear has gone to bring water; how quaint!" "How obedient!" "I want one too" "So fun! Its too cute!" "Is it really called Dummy?" "It looks a little slow indeed, the name is befitting. Still, its truly adorable." The Niello Bear carried the bucket of water and watched the men and women with disdain, rolling its eyes as it entered. "Cute?" "I could swallow all of you in a single gulp!" After a while, the group saw the bear approach with half a bucket of water and put it down on the ground endearingly before gesturing twice. Yun Yangs voice drifted out, "You may drink some water to replenish yourselves." The group was, of course, filled with gratitude and thanks once again. Under Yun Yangs purposeful ministrations, his image of an expert of at least tens of years of reclusion was solidly forged! An old cave, a black bear as a servant, a commanding aura, and the imposing swarm of snakes retreating before his might C even the terrifying serpent king had backed off. What an image of an unparalleled prodigy! Young Master Lan was clearly awestruck, and so were the others. Yun Yang came out to have a drink before coughing it out in the cave. What issued from his mouth resembled a black mist. There came a violent hacking before a mouthful of blood was spat out. His fair skin turned pale as he turned around slowly. The group was shocked C how could such an expert carry such an injury? One that was fairly severe, by the looks of it. "Senior, are you well?" Young Master Lan asked earnestly. "No big deal. I wont die anytime soon." Yun Yang sighed bitterly, "If it werent for this injury, why would this old man have stayed here in seclusion for over three hundred and fifty years?" "Over three hundred and fifty years?" The corners of everyones lips twitched in amazement. So, this expert has been here for three hundred and fifty years? Just how old was he, then? "May I ask what injury ails senior?" Young Master Lan asked courteously, "Seniors saving grace can never be forgotten, this young one might be able to express a bit of my gratitude in this aspect." Yun Yang rolled his eyes and scoffed, "What a bold claim! This old man hasnt been able to recover despite the passing of three hundred years; instead, it has only taken most of my capability away. I am stuck and can only soothe it temporarily with arcane magic. What ability would someone young like you have to be able to help me?" Young Master Lan could discern that all the expert had said was that his injury was hard to cure but he had not rejected him directly. Delighted, he replied, "Perhaps senior doesnt know it but the current Unrivaled Physician is my grandfathers best friend. His skill is unmatched in this world. What is even more of a coincidence is that hes currently staying in Zilong City. If senior" Yun Yang rolled his eyes and said, "The Unrivaled Physician? Hmph, other than Physician Genius Sun Damao, who else could have such a title?" Young Master Lan answered with a smile, "Senior is right. The current Unrivaled Physician is the Physician Genius descendant and also his familys current heir." Yun Yang hummed before turning around abruptly. "Your family is acquainted with the Physician Genius descendant? A close family friend?" Young Master Lan said, "Senior doesnt know this, but my grandfather is the Empire of Ziyous current chancellor, Lan Wuxin. As for Lady Zi here, she is a descendant of the Empire of Ziyous aristocrats, those of the royal blood." Yun Yang glanced at them indifferently and said with squinted eyes, "What grand backgrounds you hail from! Royalty and chancellors" "Were only nobles in the eyes of a worldly commoner, absolutely nothing in the eyes of senior. Senior is an immortal, high above claims to royalty." Young Master Lan apologized quickly. Of course, he knew that a reclusive expert like Yun Yang, one that was so skilled and capable, would never think much of nobility and fame! Subsequently, under the persuasion of Young Master Lan and the other young masters and ladies, Yun Yang, the reclusive expert, had finally agreed, albeit halfheartedly, to go to Zilong City and ask the Physician Genius to heal his injury. The crowd cheered as if they had completed a massive feat. "I have to make it clear first. If its useless, this old man will return immediately but if otherwise, I naturally wont mistreat your kind intentions!" Yun Yang said in indignation. "Naturally. Senior is our saving grace. Your mercy cant be repaid, well do all we can if theres something you ask for!" Young Master Lan said formally. A reclusive expert! An absolute prodigy! Young Master Lan and companions were awestruck to the point of speechlessness. It was simply a myth to coax a reclusive expert to come out of the forest. First, a dozen big black bears came out of nowhere, carrying a large rock, tens of thousands of catties in weight to block the cave entrance. The man then stood there quietly for a while before he sighed softly, "Parting with the worldly realm for three hundred years, we shall meet again today; the richness and splendor pass like dreams and wind, immortality shall once again be turned back" With a wave of his sleeves, his finger swiped at his ring as a ray of light flared out. A set of new, green, robes shimmered and materialized in his hands. This was indeed legendary equipment that appeared out of thin air. Everyones eyes grew slightly wild. They then saw the mountain spring form a waterfall out of nowhere with a wave of this unmatched experts hand as he tidied himself up with it. He then shaved his messy beard off and coiffed his long hair with a seven-colored jade pin that also appeared out of the blue. It was like he had become another person. Although not handsome and still tinged with age, he was more noticeable now, as if he was an innate focal point. Wherever he went, he would naturally be worshipped by tens of thousands of people. The casual and fashionable cutting of that green gown that was draped over his shoulders gave him a sense of unrestrained chic. He turned and walked away without a single glance behind. Beside him, an adorable black bear cub followed obediently. Unnoticed by most, a small, golden snake was wrapped snugly around its wrist. 387 An Expert’s Entrance into the City When the group left the cave, their eyes almost fell out of their sockets as they cast their sights forward. Countless mystical beasts from the dense forest had gathered around the outer area of the cave; the grandeur of it all was mind-numbing. However, the group was not terrified about the many beasts gathered there; the mystical beasts were segregated on two sides, leaving the center path empty. It was obvious that they were here to bid farewell. There must be at least hundreds of thousands of mystical beasts that had come, including black bears that were several hundred feet tall, large white tigers that were many feet long, giant pythons that were at least a hundred feet long, as well as an assortment of exotic creatures. Any mystical beast that resided in the forest had made an appearance. If they had not, it would only be because the beasts level was too low and was not qualified to come. There were no beginner level beasts of the fourth level and below in sight at all! All the mystical beasts of intermediate class and above stood there quietly; not a single beast made any sound. Taking in such an odd scene, the group felt their hearts were about to stop beating from the shock and awe. They tailed the reclusive expert, carefully stepping in his footsteps. As they passed, the beasts lowered themselves neatly, as if bowing to sending them off. It was like they were respectfully sending off a supreme king! The scene left Young Master Lan and the group shaken and awestruck. Looking again at the green silhouette who was moving forward nonchalantly, they only felt that the individual in front of them was as great as heaven and earth. "A Cloudmallow Squirrel!" A girl gasped in delight. Yun Yang smiled faintly and waved his hand. Countless Cloudmallow Squirrels came running over like they were on a pilgrimage and gathered right there and then. It was as if the entire species was having a family gathering. Yun Yangs eyes carefully scanned the bunch of tiny animals and picked a tiny squirrel baby that was about the size of his palm. It laid curled up in his palm warmly and stared back with a pair of glassy eyes. "I would like to find an owner for it to build it another future. Do you all agree?" Yun Yangs voice was gentle as he looked at the Cloudmallow Squirrels with warmth. The squirrels nodded in unison, like chickens pecking at rice. Yun Yang held this cutest and prettiest little squirrel and turned to pass it to Lady Zi, saying with a smile, "The beginning and end of a fate are with its reasons. Treat it well." Lady Zis fair face blushed with surprise. With a series of nods, she accepted the baby Cloudmallow Squirrel carefully and hugged it fondly. The rest of the group watched on with envy in their eyes. The other girls subconsciously moved their mouths, wanting very much to take a mystical beast cub back themselves, but no one dared to speak out. Who would dare make a request when faced with such a supreme presence? Yun Yang smiled and did not speak further. With a wave of his hand, the large squirrel family disappeared swiftly like they had been pardoned for a heinous crime. The mass continued their trek with grass under their feet. The mystical beasts on both sides did not seem to reduce. Instead, they were increasing like all the high-level mystical beasts of this forest were assembling here. The few young masters and ladies grew increasingly frightened with the addition of the beasts, the color draining from their faces. There were so many high-level mystical beasts here! How many of them could there possibly be? Several million? Tens of millions? Perhaps more, could it be in the billions? So many vicious beasts! Were always here to hunt! Where were they hiding all this while? The group''s legs quivered without exception. "After I leave today, this forests mystical beasts shall lose their constraints. This place might be a land of danger from now on. If there isnt a need, its best not to come again." In front of them, the unparalleled prodigys voice drifted over indifferently. The crowd nodded like chickens pecking at rice. Even without the reminder, they had already decided that they would not come again to this malicious place! It was already a blessing to be able to keep their lives up to this point. After some distance, the sides of their path were still filled to the brim with mystical beasts that had come to send Yun Yang off. Just when Young Master Lan and group were getting antsy about how long the mystical beast wall of the farewell squad would be, they heard the expert said faintly, "Acting like this inhibits our speed forward. Ive received all your well wishes, you may be dismissed." He waved his hand again right after he finished speaking. Boom! Boom! The group was shocked to see that the countless beasts were growling in unison after the expert had spoken, and then the mass of beasts dispersed. They left at once, but it was done in an orderly manner. Even though the process was inevitably chaotic, there was no trampling nor stepping on one another. Whether they had left by flying, hopping, running, crawling, penetrating the ground, going up into the trees, all of them left without getting in each other''s way. WIthin the time it took to take a few breaths, there were no more beasts as far as the eyes could see! "I will still come back, one day." The reclusive expert seemed to be saddened as well. Witnessing this, the mass subconsciously took Yun Yang as a deity. Young Master Lan mustered his courage and said, "Seniors injury will definitely be healed. Then, senior can step foot in the secular world and triumph in the realm again to go around the world." "Hopefully," Yun Yang replied with indifference. His answer was obviously less than hopeful; he was clearly trying only for the sake of trying. "This old man had left the vibrant and flourishing world for so long. Now that I am to step foot in it again, I wish to see the extent of changes this world has been through." Yun Yang said wistfully, "Hope is only the prospect of what-if." Young Master Lan did not know how to reply, being dumbstruck for a moment before he chuckled apologetically, "May I ask seniors name? How should we juniors address senior for it sounds unfamiliar and untoward to keep calling senior." Young Master Lan was already resolute on making an acquaintance with the expert in front of him. This act of association was only a matter of course. Yun Yang replied subtly, "Ive never like being ostentatious and have called myself by the name of idle clouds and wild cranes Just call me Elder Yun." "Nice to meet you, Elder Yun." The mass bowed as a sign of respect, but all of them knew that it was simply impossible for the person before them to really have the surname Yun. The Yun of this Elder Yun was most probably the homophone of cloud; it was in keeping with what he said about idle clouds and wild cranes! It wasn''t unreasonable for a reclusive expert to be reluctant in disclosing his real name. If an acquaintance could be forged, they would naturally know it after getting along for some time; on the other hand, what was the point of knowing his real name if they could not even be acquainted? For now, it was sufficient to know how to address the other party. It would be strange if an unparalleled expert like Elder Yun was friendly and poured his heart to these youngsters right away. "Elder Yun." Seeing that there were no more mystical beasts as the farewell squad, the mass picked up their speed. Elder Yun was still in front of the group while the adorable bear cub was in front of him, leading the way. This seemingly ordinary pet was actually moving very fast. The forest was huge, though, as the group had only reached the boundaries of the forest after one whole day. It was only here that they heaved a genuine sigh of relief. They had come out! They had finally gotten out safely! Young Master Lan and group watched the flocks of mystical beast hunters who were entering the dense forest with sympathy tinting their gazes. Poor things. It looks like you fellows dont know what this forest actually has to offer yet. Not everyone can be as lucky as us! I wish you good fortune. Yun Yangs gaze at the young masters and ladies were cold. He could only see the joy of survival and gratefulness of escaping in their faces. There was no sense of grief for the two hundred people who had lost their lives in the forest. Even when they had passed by the battleground and Yun Yang had not stopped, these people had not said a word about gathering their comrade''s bodies, and had marched straight out with their guide. "Heartless people, both men, and women!" Yun Yang commented in his heart. In front of Zilong City, people had formed a long line waiting to enter, queueing up to several miles. On the other side, there was a similar line of a similar length; the only difference being the queue was waiting to exit the city. Zilong City was very securely guarded right now. Any entrance and exit needed thorough identity checks as evidence. This newly tightened security checks made everyone moan and grumbled in woe, yet no one could defy it. In front of the city gates, not only were there law enforcement teams armed with weapons, openly intimidating those with ulterior motives using their glinting blades, there was also an abundance of experts lurking in the dark, monitoring any sliver of suspiciousness. Not one tiny mistake could escape from them. Under such strict observation, there was no doubt that an endless stream of people was hauled up for further questioning. "Sir guard, the person on this permit is really me!" "How do you prove that its you? Do you think youre the permit?" "I" "Bring him away!" "Its stated here that you, Li Dajin, weigh 130 catties. How heavy are you?" "Sir guard, Ive only gotten fatter in recent years. Middle-age weight gain is not a crime!" "What crime, bring him away!" "Sir guard, I am sick and have these patches on my face. This is vitiligo, its a very common skin condition Sir guard, Im really not in disguise" "I didnt say anything about a disguise, you admitted it yourself! Bring him away!" At the back, a lot of people were exchanging whispers. "They havent done checks like this before. Arent these identity checks overly rigid?" "How is this identity verification? This is pure torture! How could there be so many spies?" "Exactly. Ive never heard nor seen such a trend before. Why did they suddenly start it this year? What are they trying to do?" "I hear that its a new civil decree aiming to unite the people. Something so great that the work is being done now so that the benefits will be reaped when the nation flourishes." "Something great, my foot! Forget the future, doing so will only put everyone in jail! How many are there who thinks that this statute is beneficial to the people? The complaints and grumbles can be heard everywhere! I think the government wants to torment the poor to death. Even if the effort is now and the gain is later, there wont be any benefits to us ordinary citizens. Everything will go to those officials!" Yun Yang stood aside indifferently as he took in the bustling and harried crowd before him accompanied by the ceaseless grumbles and curses with a straight face. This reclusive expert had no permit to show, but this unparalleled prodigy had no intention of letting that stop him from entering the city! 388 Terrifying Unable to enter the city? How could the Lan Family afford to bear such shame? After all, Young Master Lan had taken on the responsibility towards this reclusive prodigy. Furthermore, if he needed something like a permit to enter the city with his already soaring status and background, his face would have been thrown on the ground and trampled on to no end. Once the popinjays got out of the forest, they had sent messages home accordingly. The expedition consisted of two hundred and twenty people; only seventeen had returned. There was a lot of casualties. Hearing that their children or grandchildren had gone through such danger, the seniors of each noble families C especially the direct elders of the young masters and ladies - were all petrified. They whined and blustered about how their children had suffered. As such, there were already members of each noble family waiting outside the city gate. When the group came near, they had come out to surround them. Several women in the families were the most striking as they bolted out in search of their children. Seeing that their babies were safe and sound, they tamped their violent reactions but hugged their flesh and blood while sobbing. Although the youths would not normally have enjoyed being treated like children, their emotions after meeting their family again upon escaping death were remarkably different. Anyone who had a near-death experience would not be the same person as he or she was before. Yun Yang watched the scene unfold in front of him with indifference; a hint of loneliness flashed across his face. It was as if he had hidden from this world for far too long that he was estranged from the human emotions and was now unfamiliar to it. Facing the friendly association and good words of the families, Yun Yang wore his nonchalant expression with an indifferent gaze. It was not arrogant or cold, but it was obvious without any attempt at concealment that he had no regards for the families influence and power. In spite of this, the people who were sent by the noble families for external affairs were all maestros of interaction. All of them knew full well from the relayed messages of their young masters that this man possessed amazing capabilities. For such an unparalleled prodigy, it was but a common sight for them to be arrogant, cold, and even unreachable. The team was naturally cautious and reverential as they interacted with Yun Yang. The group then entered the city gate merrily. Permit? What permit? Yun Yang glanced at the officials conducting checks at the city gate with a straight face. These people had no idea that the person they were supposed to guard against had already been welcomed in. "Old Sir is still in assembly, but has already relayed his message to not falter in honoring our guest of honor and must practice utmost chivalry when greeting you Old Sir has also prepared a grand feast to welcome you tonight." Lan Familys butler simpered before Yun Yang with a hunched body. The saying had it that the Residence of Chancellor housed seventh-ranked officials while the main housekeeper of the Residence of Lan was at least a fifth-ranked official. At this point, however, he did not display any sense of superiority, and instead, tried to be as subservient as he possibly could. He knew that such an expert must be invited to his residence. They were all officials who had mingled in the field of politics for years. In such chaotic times, who did know not the benefit of housing such an unparalleled prodigy? The invisible and intangible benefit was greater than heaven itself. "What is that?" Yun Yang asked with a curious tone, gazing at the city gate as his asked the question absently. "To answer our guest of honor, this is the city officials verifying the visitors and locals identities." The butler was talkative and had long gotten used to being observant. "The main purpose of this complicated affair is to capture a dangerous target. Anyone who doesnt have a permit or has inconsistent identity verification will have their permits seized to be legally prosecuted. We ask for all threats to be wiped out right at the very beginning." Yun Yang hummed faintly and said, "I dont have all these." "Of course you arent limited by this restriction." The butler smiled fawningly and said, "The so-called permit is only for the identity verification of the common people. How can it be in the eyes of our guest of honor? Even if theres a need, our residence will prepare it for you. There shall be no worries about it." Yun Yang shook his head, disinterested, and cast his gaze low. By ignoring the other families who came forward to make their acquaintances, he had acknowledged the status of the Residence of Lan being the main host. From the moment Yun Yang entered Zilong City, all the mystical beasts, and animals in the vicinity of Zilong City laid on the ground in unusual silence, unmoved. Even reptiles like snakes, lizards, centipedes, and others stayed stationary where they were, like statues. These creatures were not the same as humans. They could distinctly tell that two of the four kings of the mystical beasts had arrived at Zilong City alongside another two of the utmost superiority! Yun Yangs wrist had a small snake, while a small, black, bear cub followed beside him; on the head of the cub were two kittens sitting obediently, snuggled together in slumber. The bear cubs eyes were alight with panic, a pure hysteria like it was about to wet itself. These two on my head... how terrifying! They look like they have yet to reach adulthood, but why do I feel such pressure? I cant even sense their particular levels, so why do they intimidate me so badly? Are they of a much higher class than I am? How can such terrors have an owner and exist only as pets? How powerful is our owner then? The paramount of this world? Unrivaled? Pinnacle of cultivators? Perhaps he is a living legend. I should just stop thinking, otherwise, I would scare myself to death! Yun Yang, who had arrived at Lan Family residence, enjoyed a reception more honorable than the emperor. Not only was he brought to a secluded and serene yard, a child from the family that had third peak cultivation base was specifically placed by his side to serve him. The child was less than ten years old, but he already had a cultivation base of the third peak. One could only imagine the extent of his innate talent. Moreover, his surname was Lan; it was obvious that he was a descendant meticulously cultivated by the Lan Family and his status might not be any lower than that of Young Master Lan himself. Sending him over right away signified Lan Familys sincerity but more of their hope that the child could earn Expert Yuns penchant. If he could be taught a thing or two by such a prodigy, the future of this child would be even more secure! Yun Yang knew as much but he would not do something that would benefit the enemy even if he had to be beaten to death. They had only just met anyway; he would just do only what he was supposed to. He need not volunteer to help, befitting his lonesome image of a reclusive prodigy. At night, the Lan Family held a grand feast to welcome the arrival of their honorable guest. The Empire of Ziyous chancellor, Lan Wuxin, hosted the banquet personally and seated Yun Yang at the most esteemed seat. Those sitting on the side as were all the eight noble families family heads. The four young masters and ladies of the group were all descendants of these families. It was because of that fact that each one of them was spoiled, especially the girl in blue, Zi Yunyan. She was the Empire of Ziyous Prince of Concord, Zi Yuanxiangs biological granddaughter C a truly royal nobility. Even the Prince of Concord, Zi Yuanxiang, had personally attended the banquet tonight. The banquet was exceptionally grand. Everyone was feasting happily in a cheery atmosphere but the guest of honor himself seemed to be a little impatient about the current merriment; he had only drunk a goblet of wine despite the straight face he wore. In spite of this, anyone with eyes could see the discontentment bubbling within him. If he had not taken a few bites of the dishes, everyone might believe that this expert was a total recluse who consumed nothing of the worldly realm. Lan Wuxin said with a smile, "Senior Yun has saved the juniors lives and can be considered our families great savior. Does our wine disagree with you?" Knowing that Yun Yang was an unparalleled prodigy who had been living as a recluse for at least three hundred years, Lan Wuxin dared not be full of himself, despite his civil official family background and influential status. However, he was not a gullible man. This group of people was made up of old, sly foxes. No matter how suspicious or doubtful they were on the inside, their words were courteous and polite. Yun Yang understood how these things worked. It was a piece of cake to deceive the young ones, but it would not be as easy to pull a fast one on these old men. Hearing that Lan Wuxin was asking about the wine of the banquet, Yun Yang shook his head immediately and said, "This is called wine?" The noblemen and officials were taken aback by the audacious reply and chuckled dryly. If it had been any ordinary person who had said that he had seen some great things, he would almost certainly be accused of boasting. However, when a certain heavyweight character said that he had seen some great things in a formal setting, the listeners would only listen politely even if the former was tooting his own horn. On the surface, it would look like the audience thought the same as well and appreciated the reasoning in the other person''s speech. This was the exact situation that was taking place. The banquet by the chancellors residence hosted top-ranking guests of honor. How could the wine be ordinary? It was already the most expensive, of the best grade. It was the best wine in the entire Zilong City or even the entire Empire of Ziyou! Before Yun Yang had commented upon it, everyone had enjoyed it heartily. However, Yun Yang had unexpectedly blurted "This is called wine?". The guests did not feel humiliated or feel that the man was making things up. Instead, all of them instinctively realized that Elder Yun must really think that the wine was lacking; that must be the reason he only sipped at his beverage the entire night! To an old monster who had been living as a recluse for more than three hundred and fifty years, who knew what great things he had seen? Furthermore, he was a prodigy whose mystical cultivation base had reached the pinnacle of this world! Why would a person like this simply exaggerate his words to bring his status higher? He would also not be so tactless to insist that the hosts wine was utter rubbish in front of other noblemen. He must have had the best wine, the most fantastic wine, before! "Sir Yun must have tasted better wine, before this." Lan Wuxin said chuckling. With Lan Wuxins identity and status, speaking so would actually lower his status, but he had thrown out his feelers as well. He wanted to see what gem this reclusive expert could produce. You cant even get anything, wanting to fish for benefits in these sly foxes homes just by putting a high front? Perhaps if you were a reclusive expert... "Hmph." Yun Yang scoffed softly. With a swipe of his ring, two pots of wine suddenly appeared on the table. The noblemen were baffled by the feat. What the ears heard were false while only what the eyes saw were real. They had heard of thin air storage before, but it was something else to witness it with their own eyes. The thin air storage was already an item of fantasy but connecting it to Yun Yangs identity and the wine he produced that he assumed to be great, it must really be an extraordinary grade of wine! Everyone could not help but revere him even more. "This wine can be barely drunk." Yun Yang said faintly, "What Ive produced isnt the best. After all I havent been doing work for a few hundred years now. My hands are unfamiliar to it already." Chancellor Lan dared not slack. He immediately sent someone to break the mud seals. A refreshing aroma filled the atmosphere at once. The wine Yun Yang produced belonged to Lei Dongtians family. About a dozen pots of wine were already inside and were not consumed when he had gifted Yun Yang the ring. Of course, such wine was nothing to Lei Dongtian, but it was still wine that only existed in Bound of Universe. Moreover, it was a wine that the hefty characters in Bound of Universes noble families would usually drink. Otherwise, why would Lei Dongtian bring so many pots of them with him all the time? That being said, the wine was much better than what the Tianxuan Continent currently had, whether in terms of ingredients or brewing skill. It was more than appropriate for Yun Yang to gloat using it. As the wine was drunk, everyone came to a simultaneous realization C this is what wine should be! The so-called best wine in the Empire of Ziyou that they had drunk just now was just trash compared to this wine! It would be mindboggling instead if an expert like him who had gotten used to drinking such fantastic liquor was willing to drink such terrible wine! Everyone exchanged looks discreetly. The banquet went on as the guests continued drinking, of course, the wine that Yun Yang just produced. What was different was that everyone was even more reverent of Yun Yang now. Not only was this elders cultivation base amazing, he was equipped with thin air storage and the ability to summon the worlds mystical beasts. He could even produce a great wine easily the likes of which had never been seen in Ziyou C no, it had never been seen in Tianxuan. There was no other liquor that could triumph over this beautiful wine It seemed that he was the real deal. During the banquet, a guard of the Prince of Concord had too much to drink and went forward drunkenly to ask Yun Yang for a friendly match. He was then severely injured by Yun Yangs faint exhalation, flying several hundred feet away, spitting blood and landing right outside the hall. The guests were baffled. This was a seventh peak expert! That much damage from just from an exhaled breath? How could the distance be so accurate? He did not calculate it beforehand, did he? How terrifying! 389 Concern for the Nation and its People "How goes it?" After the banquet, Prince of Concord Zi Yuanxiang, who was heavily intoxicated and mumbling non-stop in front of the others, was now looking at Lan Wuxin with clarity in his sharp gaze. Lan Wuxin was an acknowledged man of wit and intelligence. Not only was he Ziyous think tank in the imperial court, he was also the officials main man in their circle of associates. "Elder Yuns identity should not be much of a problem." Lan Wuxin frowned and said, "Instead, Im more suspicious of the fact that this man''s status is simply over the top. I dont know if you fellows have noticedthat his gaze was filled with disdain, like each and every one of us here isnt worth a thing in his eyes. Also, his appearance if very clean. Other than the mark of vicissitudes of life, hes unusually neat. Even his fingernails are well-kept as well." "Furthermore, the indifference from going through life vicissitudes doesn''t show in his gaze, which is full of clarity. It shows that he may not be as old as he appears to be." "His mannerisms are excellent. Whether its eating, raising the goblet or interacting with others, he does it very elegantly." "I suspect that this person is highly capable but may also very well come from a noble family. When I interacted with him in close proximity just now, I smelled a refreshing fragrance of greenery that he exudes. Whats more, when we first met outside the city before this banquet, this old man has noticed the faint aroma of wine on him." Lan Wuxin said seriously, "He definitely wasnt drinking then. Theres no scent of alcohol from his mouth but his body has been carrying the scent. He is graceful and mild, but his regard for everyone else is nonexistent; he comes from a distinguished family but his skill is unparalleled; hes indifferent about anything and everything, but absolutely despised the wine we so sincerely and warmly welcomed him with" "Furthermore, he wasnt exactly awestruck when he arrived at the Empire of Ziyou" "Such a character cant help but remind this old man of a legendary person." Zi Yuanxiangs eyes were bright like two little bulbs as he lowered his voice and said carefully, "Brother, do you mean to say that this man is that person?" Lan Wuxin kept silent for a moment and said, "If what he said about living alone for over three hundred years is true, then theres a high chance that he is." Zi Yuanxiang slapped his thigh and said, "My granddaughter attests that he summoned the mystical beasts in the forest. When they were leaving the forest, all the high and mid-level mystical beasts of the forest had gathered to send him off Im thinking that if he didnt have the aura accumulated over a period of at least tens to hundreds of years, he couldnt have achieved such an effect!" Lan Wuxin mused and said, "If so is this man really that person?" Zi Yuanxiang nodded and said enviously, "Chancellor Lan is blessed that your grandson actually encountered such a person. Its really a God-given chance. I can only be envious." The other people were all confused listening to the conversation, so they asked curiously, "Chancellor Lan, Prince, who is it that you all are talking about?" Lan Wuxin did not look pleased with the question, but turned serious and formal; he did not reply straight away. On the other hand, it was Zi Yuanxiang who exhaled and said breathlessly, "That person, he is the God of Wine, Feng Xiange!" Yun Yang sat in solitude in the small yard. After the banquet, he had sent away the child and turned away anyone who attempted to serve him. Lan Wuxin already had an inkling of Yun Yangs perceived identity then, so he had followed suit smoothly to order the small yard to be treated as a restricted area. No one was allowed to enter without Yun Yangs permission. However, the small yard actually housed a number of living creatures. There was Yun Yang himself, a bear, a snake, two kittens, Whitey Two and Whitey Three, and an extremely ugly bird that did not know yet how to fly, Jiji. He had entered Zilong City after all. It was only the first step but he had exhausted so much effort. What should he do next? Yun Yang sensed the traces of spiritual Qi in Zilong City carefully but even with his current cultivation base and skill, he could not feel the slightest bit of spiritual Qi even when he was intentionally searching for it! The Spiritual Sealing Formation had turned the entire Zilong City into a dead zone for cultivators! Anyone who fought here would have at least a third of their combat power sliced off without effort! As for practitioners who were famed for their peculiar cultivation methods like fire spewing, shapeshifting and others, this place would be their doom. None of those talents could be executed here, even if it was to save their lives. Boom! Yun Yang reduced the small yards gate into splinters with a single kick and bellowed, "Where is everyone?" The sudden noise was earth-shattering. Lan Wuxin and the others were discussing what they should do in order to keep this deity of a man satisfied when they were suddenly greeted by the thundering boom. Immediately, they heard this expert whom they suspected to be Feng Xiange howl, "Why has Zilong City become a stale land?" They looked at each other, aghast and clueless on how to react. The ruckus that ensued was full of rage. Just as everyone was filled with doubt and trying to figure out how to tackle the situation, a long growl which soared right into nine heavens could be heard. It was like a huge phoenix that charged into the clouds with a long screech. The group was frightened and alarmed. They could no longer rein in their fear and rushed to the yard instantly. Lifting their heads to the sound, they saw a seven-colored radiance soar into the sky like a dazzling meteor which sliced across the air. As their gaze followed the trail of movement, it was like a seven-colored light curtain being pulled up from the ground to the point where the eye could no longer see, yet the iridescent curtain remained like a solid object! Just the scene itself was already a rare wonder. What was more, it was created by a single person! A scene of wonder, a person of wonder, and a phenomenon of wonder C gathering three wonders together would mean the making of a legend and the birth of a myth! Everyones head was lifted with awe coloring their faces. Only speechlessness could describe the unusual emotions in their hearts right now! Even after an hour, the seven-colored beam still lingered in the sky while the person that stood in the high heavens was yet to come down. It seemed like the unparalleled prodigy had gone, riding the clouds. The people present could not help but be awestruck! To soar right into the nine heavens from the ground could be done by any high-leveled cultivator, but to stay for more than an hour in the sky? Perhaps the Empire of Ziyou had someone with such a cultivation base, but the people present had never seen one. In Zilong City, from the window of an inn, a few people dressed in blue gazed into the sky and wore looks of worry. "Since when has Zilong City been graced by the presence of such an unparalleled expert? Such an audacious display, at that!" "I have never heard of it." "Hearsay indicates that Lan Wuxins grandsons adventure in the forest had gone wrong this time and he was rescued by a reclusive expert. The commotion seems to come from the Residence of Lan too - most likely caused by this new character." "Just by looking at this commotion, the term reclusive expert doesnt seem to do his real capability justice his skills have to be much higher than that!" "Its truly intimidating and a terror to know Say, do you think that this is related to Yutangs Nine Supremes?" "I don''t believe so. The Nine Supremes have a supernatural ability each, and their powers are extraordinary, but their real cultivation base isnt that high at all. How can they display such a strong force? Forget the Nine Supremes, even Yutangs top forces does not include someone of such high caliber!" "Dont close your mind to ideas. The truth has never been absolute. To be safe, its better that we go to Lan Wuxins residence tomorrow. Ill only be assured after investigating this thoroughly." "Alright, its decided then." Several moments later, a certain expert finally landed, but his destination was Lan Wuxins yard instead. "Elder Yun is indeed very proficient in his skills and has a remarkable cultivation base. This old man was convinced that Elder Yun actually left on the winds because he was feeling alone due to your aptitude!" Chancellor Lan was humorous and even tried to crack a harmless joke. Yun Yang said with a slight frown, "Why has Zilong City become like this now? A place devoid of the nourishment of spiritual Qi will only be a stale land C whats there to be anticipated from a nations capital that functions like this?" Chancellor Lan was hesitant and said, "Elder Yun, youre" Yun Yang replied, "This old man has only been here for less than a day but can already feel myself growing weaker. I cant even get the most basic spiritual Qi of the heaven and earth let alone cultivate! This old man cannot stay in such a stale land. When tomorrow comes, this old man shall leave immediately. Im here to bid farewell and apologize to Chancellor Lan now. Ive caused a disturbance. We shall meet again if fate allows us to." Lan Wuxin was exceptionally anxious once he heard his words, never expecting the expert to want to leave straightaway upon arrival. Seeing his determined attitude, it was evident of Elder Yun''s resolution. Lan Wuxin pleaded for him to stay at once, "Dont be fretful, Elder Yun. This chancellor has already written to Brother Sun Chengfeng to invite him from outside the city, first thing tomorrow to treat Elder Yun. I ask for Elder Yun to stay for just a few more days." Yun Yang snorted but did not say a word nor did continue to insist on leaving tomorrow. "Physician God Sun used to reside within the city, but the inactivity has compelled him to go around treating citizens. This chancellor has only received the news yesterday and found his whereabouts. Physician God Sun is already on his way back and will be able to treat Elder Yun within the next few days," Lan Wuxin said. "Alright then." Yun Yang then said in distress, "Still, I would like to know why this city is turning itself into a stale land? What is this for? Hasnt Chancellor Lan heard that a wise man does not stand before a crumbling wall?" Lan Wuxin was hesitant about speaking as he replied, "This matter cant really be helped. It has its reason." Yun Yang asked, "What reason could there be for such a foolish act? Taking the initiative to turn an empires capital to a stale land of spiritual Qi. One has to know that cutting off spiritual Qi is just like restricting the path of millions of practitioners cultivation journey. Spiritual Qi appears to be unrooted and abundant anywhere, but its measurable in the terms of rich and weak, more and less." "Building a land deprived of spiritual Qi is like forming an imaginary structure, the spiritual Qi will be recovered once the formation is removed. The truth is that the spiritual Qi of the heaven and earth can never be manipulated by men. Severing the worlds spiritual Qi on ones own accord will cause disruption to it and even result in a permanent vacuum. This place will forever be a practitioners desert." "Think about it - if an empires capital were to become a land of none-spirituality C it would only result in the weakening of a nation, the weakening of its people and the weakening of martial prowess. The future is imaginable. The Empire of Ziyou will only become the meat on the chopping board of the continents powerful players. You can expect lives to be sacrificed and home destroyed in the near future. Even if there was a blessed chance of revival, it can barely cover this sin!" The words of this expert were assertive and brimming with concern for the nation and its people, full of heartache. Lan Wuxin''s doubt regarding the identity of this man before him had evaporated. Legend had it that the God of Wine, Feng Xiange, was from Empire of Ziyou! 390 It Must Be Supreme Cloud! "Elder Yun may not know about this, but the current situation is only a temporary solution. This land devoid of spiritual Qi is only the beginning. If Elder Yun is free, this chancellor shall have a chat with Elder Yun to quell your doubts." As he spoke, Lan Wuxin exchanged a look with Zi Yuanxiang before saying, "Lets dismiss, everyone. I shall have a good talk with Elder Yun tonight." The group murmured their agreement and dispersed. In Yun Yangs small yard, Lan Wuxin ordered a few dishes to be made and sent over. He then began to explain the situation in detail. "Elder Yun has been hidden from the secular world for years. Might I be bold enough to hazard that you might not be up to speed on what is going on in this continent?" Lan Wuxin asked. "This old man has long been away from the worldly realm. Indeed, I am not clear of current affairs." Yun Yang sighed bleakly, "The bustling secular world has long been unrelated to this old man" "However, I see that Elder Yun is still concerned about his home country and have pointed your words at Ziyous national fate and its peoples livelihood. The passion remains, despite the passing of time and the vicissitudes of life! Elders nobility puts our generation to shame," Lan Wuxin said in exclamation. Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit and said wistfully, "You think too highly of me. This old man is a man disconnected from the secular world and without the intention to step foot in it as well. How the Empire of Ziyou turns out is of no consequence to this old man." Lang Wuxin chuckled. He no longer had doubts about the identity of this person before him. "Regarding the matter of this city becoming stale land, it is with reason. There is a purpose for this spiritually-restrained state. As long as this matter comes to an end, there will naturally be a way to recover the spiritual Qi. Everything is done for the empires vision, for the future," Lan Wuxin said in a low voice. "I would like to hear about it," Yun Yang said calmly. Lan Wuxin sighed and said, "Elder Yun has only stepped back into the world for such a short while. I guess you may not know about Yutangs Nine Supremes?" "Yutangs Nine Supremes?" Yun Yang frowned and lifted his head to meet Lan Wuxin''s eyes. "What is the Yutangs Nine Supremes?" Lan Wuxin was greeted with puzzlement in the others eyes and could not help but sigh as he said, "Those are nine demons." "Demons?" Yun Yang looked startled. He was not actually faking his shock. It was his first time hearing someone proclaim Yutangs Nine Supremes as demons. After all, the Nine Supremes were legends to Yutangs people; they were men of justice who had saved the nation and the people''s lives in the eyes of Yutangs higher authorities as well. Even to most of their enemies, Yutangs Nine Supremes were heroic figures! Among the nine of them, the Nine Supremes were all good, heroic people with benevolent hearts! Each one of them was courageous and forthright! Comments like calling the Nine Supremes demons were really unheard of! "So Im a demon to people in other countries?" Yun Yang felt rather uncomfortable being in the enemys country and listening to the enemys comments about himself. It was truly an unpleasant feeling. Lan Wuxin heaved a long sigh and said, "Its a really long story about Yutangs Nine Supremes" Lan Wuxin proceeded to narrate everything from the Residence of Nine Supremes being bestowed by heaven, the appearance of the Nine Heavens Demesne and the Nine Supremes, to the battlefields of various nations being tackled by Nine Supremes continuously. "Ever since Yutang had the Nine Supremes, the Empire of Ziyou has never had another victorious war. I still remember when the four empires have collaborated to attack Yutang with tens of millions of men in unison, attempting to finish Yutang off in a single war with several times more manpower than Yutang. However, the Nine Supremes emerged then. The wind blew and clouds swirled, the ground cracked and the heavens fell. The tides were turned instantly, a war that was destined to be victorious turned out to be a grand defeat!" "All these years, the Empire of Yutang is right in the center of the continent and has always faced the invasion of other countries. They have had hard times, but the damage borne by the four other empires due to the war has also been tremendous. In five short years, the total number of Ziyous great men perishing in the battlefield has exceeded tens of millions!" Lan Wuxins eyes were moist. "More than tens of millions of Ziyou men were buried in the battlefield even when victory was close enough to grasp!" "It was two years ago when the Nine Supremes were suddenly ambushed by formidable foes and annihilated; all four empires could breathe in relief again and begin to recuperate. Everyone was prepared to take Yutang down after recovering and then begin their efforts for world domination. In truth, the Nine Supremes were not totally wiped out then. One Supreme has survived." Yun Yang asked in a low voice, "An intact egg of a fallen nest? A battle that failed! Which Supreme is it who has survived?" Lan Wuxin snorted coldly in reply, "The official news and the survivor''s display of skills has led everyone to believe that the sole survivor is Supreme Wind. However, in our eyes, if it had been Supreme Wind, he would not have been able to possess such great skill as this survivor has shown." Yun Yang, inwardly stunned, said, "Oh? Why so? Didnt you say that Nine Supremes were all capable people? Why would you shun them now?" Lan Wuxin said, "Elder Yun has no idea. Weve meticulously analyzed the approaches taken, tactics used, and the battles participated by each one of the Nine Supremes. The information on Supreme Wind indicates that despite being equipped with the ability to decide the result of a war, he never possessed the foresight like he does right now. With his extremely impetuous character, it is unlikely that he would behave like this now." "Such a person would never be able to achieve what the surviving Supreme has in recent times." "Due to this doubt, we made another detailed analysis for quite some time and came to a conclusion C although this surviving Supreme has been showcasing his ability as Supreme Wind, hes actually setting a smokescreen. In other words, he is not Supreme Wind himself!" "Since this person has reappeared, he has been slowly but surely unraveling and drawing out the spies hidden in Yutangs imperial court. He has then destroyed a hundred year''s worth of the Four Seasons Towers planning, bit by bit. He has even been manipulating the continents state of affairs step by step. Unknowingly, he has maneuvered the winds and clouds and controlled Tianxuans general state." "More so, nobody has ever seen this persons real self up to now. No one knows where he usually appears and where hes disappeared to. Each time he emerges, it is in a ghostly and covert manner." "Such a calculative and tactical approach can only be achieved by the top intelligence." "Only by thorough contemplation and foresight which decides on an extremely secure route in addition to considering all unexpected circumstances could this be done! This involves unimaginable foresight and tremendously scrupulous thinking!" "According to our understanding of Supreme Wind, he does not have such wisdom nor is he an intelligent one. As for the other Supremes, they have their fortes, but not a single one of them could have been so all-rounded. Therefore, were assuming this remaining Nine Supremes has to be their think-tank, Supreme Cloud!" Yun Yang frowned and commented in a faint voice, "Is this the Empire of Ziyous suspicion? Or does every country in the entire continent think so too?" Lan Wuxin replied, "The higher authorities of our empire have discussed plenty of times once were we certain of this. Its furtively acknowledged by the authorities of other empires too. Even when the handful of Yutangs higher-ups is indicating openly that the person appearing now is Supreme Wind, I believe they must have known, deep down, about the actual truth!" "This survivor of the Nine Supremes must be Supreme Cloud! Only an intelligent one like Supreme Cloud who is wise, manipulative, and scrupulous could possibly escape a definite death trap. Only Supreme Cloud could possess such assiduous mind. Only Supreme Cloud can manipulate the worlds general direction and the ability to steer Tianxuan without showing his face!" Lan Wuxin was adamant and confident of his suspicions. Yun Yang nodded in his heart and said, "If this is so, do you mean that the actual reason the capital city is being made into this state is to target Supreme Cloud?" Lan Wuxin lauded the ability of the man before him to draw inferences and said with a smile, "Elder Yun is indeed experienced with age. You have hit the bullseye." Yun Yang smiled deprecatingly, "What is so hard to guess? If it were to target someone else, what youve told me would basically be pointless. However, whats the correlation of sealing Zilong City and targeting Supreme Cloud? Are you certain that Supreme Cloud will definitely come to Zilong City? How did you narrow down the period in which he would arrive?" Lan Wuxin answered, "Under normal circumstances, Supreme Cloud would not come here. Even if he has a reason to come, he wouldn''t be impulsive enough to spring a trap targeted at his cultivation method. Thatbeing said, if there were to be a special case and he had no choice but to come, then its a different story!" "Special case? What special case?" Yun Yang asked with a frown. Lan Wuxin kept quiet for a bit and said, "An elder of Supreme Wind has fallen into our hands." Yun Yang chuckled faintly. "A good trick indeed." Lan Wuxin was flustered. "I wont sugarcoat this matter. We have indeed acted unscrupulously and in a contemptible manner. However, that elder of Supreme Cloud isnt someone kind either. This person has assassinated the higher authorities of four empires multiple times previously, with at least several thousand lives in his account. Since we have captured him alive, he should be utilized to the fullest. His life will be used to end the reign of the Nine Supremes!" 391 Too Many Loopholes Yun Yang said indifferently, "I had no intention to mock your approach, whether it is despicable or tasteless by commenting that its a good trick just now. By all means, a war between empires for the world and its people should exhaust any and every tactic. How can you all be sure that this assassin... is related to Supreme Cloud?" "We actually didnt, at first. After seizing the assassin the other day, weve gone through the usual procedure of interrogating him. We wanted to find out about his background and if there was someone else behind him who directed him to do so. Who would have known that the old fellow would rather die than to disclose anything? No matter how we tormented him and used several rounds of interrogation tactics, everything was futile. Resigned, we had no choice but to execute Soul Thievery. It came by surprise that the assassin was actually one of Nine Supremes, Supreme Bloods father!" Lan Wuxin said. "Soul... Thievery" Yun Yangs voice was slow and unhurried, his words dragged out. He felt the pangs of heartache. Soul Thievery Old Dugu what pain and torment he must have gone through then! "Yes, the Soul Thievery." Lan Wuxin said, "It is only this superior arcane skill that communicates directly to the targeted spiritual sense that can forcefully break through a determined and uncompromising defense of a persons mental state. In spite of this, weve only managed to get the barest of information. "Only barely gotten some information?" Yun Yang frowned. "According to this old mans understanding of Soul Thievery, as long as this art is executed, everything the target knows will be bared to the world. No bit of information should have been left hidden. Why does the word barely exist, coming here? Is the person executing this arcane skill not adept?" Lan Wuxin sighed and said, "The executers skill is remarkable. According to him, the situation should not have happened, but in the process, the assassins deific consciousness put up astrong fight in the most extreme way. When both had battled each other to the end, the assassin had brutally erupted his dantian, using the most extreme and most life-baring method, to crush his opponent''s divine senses in retaliation." "The executor was quick to see it coming, and disengaged himself swiftly, but he still lost his stream of divine sense. Despite wiping out the executers invading deific consciousness, the assassins move had also affected his own deific consciousness. He is in a coma now, like a dead man. The Soul Thievery done afterward no longer had any effect. Its most probably because Soul Thievery needs another deific consciousness as a connecting medium. Now that the assassins divine sense is scattered, no information can be retrieved anymore" Yun Yangs expression changed. "Is there such a thing?" A sense of terror flashed before his eyes. No matter how aloof Yun Yangs nature was, he could not gather hold of himself upon hearing such terrible news. It was already through much control and restraint that Yun Yang did not turn hysterical and ambush Lan Wuxin to take him as a hostage in exchange for Old Dugu. Just as Lan Wuxin had said, Soul Thievery was a unique art that utilized the connection of deific consciousness to obtain the targets knowledge. The execution of this art was very tyrannical and would deal a great damage to the target. To personally disrupt the process like Old Dugu did would be harder than ascending to heaven. One would have to possess a strong, stubborn, will, a formidable cultivation base, a resolute spirit and most importantly, the will to see death as the end! Anyone missing any one of the four could not have accomplished the feat! Even if it could be achieved, the litigant would be resigned to misfortune, because he would have experienced eternally unrecoverable damage! Exhaustion of the basic soul, destruction of deific consciousness, incomplete spirit, destroyed cultivation base C how could such injuries be healed? Lan Wuxin looked at Yun Yang with slight confusion. Yun Yang was not opposed to his admittedly heinous act but had instead consoled him earlier. Why was he lamenting the fall of an assassin like this? This should not be. The man before him was a man dissociated from the world and no longer cared for its affairs. He would never regard the life and death of a foreigner. He must not be agreeable to the use of Soul Thievery then. Any cultivator or even an ordinary person would have their own secrets and would not want someone else other than themselves finding out about it. Soul Thievery did exactly that though. It seemed that Elder Yun was someone with a great secret as well! Yun Yang forced himself to suppress the murderous intent within him and said coldly, "Despite it being common for two warring nations to use all available tricks, such a loyal, good, man should not have been tormented like this!" Lan Wuxin, who had fueled his own imagination, but realized it was the opposite of what the other was thinking, chuckled apologetically and said, "This cant be helped If this extreme measure was not taken, how could we have obtained such crucial information?" A tinge of disdain flashed in Lan Wuxins heart as he thought, "He is indeed a man of the martial world. No matter how nice his words are, they are only words. Forget that were enemies with opposing stances, to expend ones all to achieve ones goal should already be expected. We should appreciate similar talents and cherish another hero as a hero by these practitioners of the martial world. We should not torment a good man? Should I just release him? Give him back his freedom? That would be absurd." "However, you did say something right. If Supreme Cloud isnt contained, he will always be Ziyous hidden threat. He must be uprooted, but such a tactic is indeed too cruel. What a pity for this to happen to a good, loyal, man." Yun Yang sighed in lamentation. "Elder Yun is right. We, too, felt sorry for the assassin, but the other party sees us as an irreconcilable enemy. There truly isnt any room for change!" Lan Wuxin said. "So you used the acquired information to set your trap with the intention to bait Supreme Cloud and kill him? The formation of controlling the heaven and earths spiritual Qi; the main purpose is to resist the supernatural power of Supreme Cloud?" Yun Yang said with a frown, "Your idea is good, but doesn''t it assume too much? How are you so sure that hed come?" Lan Wuxin answered, "When we set it up, we considered all the possibilities. If it were to be announced publicly, Supreme Cloud wouldn''t come for sure. However, weve used a very discreet method to spread the news." Lan Wuxin smiled and continued, "The Nine Supremes are very close brothers, the relationship among them is more intimate than biologically related members. Supreme Cloud is a real gentleman who cherishes ties and kinship. Hearing that his late brothers father was captured and near death, hed come rescue him, no matter the cost." Yun Yang asked in puzzlement, "Discreet? How so?" "Perhaps everything is destined. When the Soul Thievery was first executed on the target, the executor found out that he had an alliance with Jun Moyan and even had Jun Moyans last Medallion of Gratitude. This old man then suggested using this information as our chance to release the news. Common people wouldn''t know the import, even if they heard the news, but Supreme Cloud would definitely know it. He would definitely come then! Whats better is that even when Supreme Cloud arrived, he would come alone." "By the time he died in the Empire of Ziyou, no one else would know that this man who has died here is actually the last hope of Yutang, their Lord Supreme Cloud!" Lan Wuxin said, "This matter has been fermenting for a long while. Weve even given a reason for Yutangs people to come forth C we indicated that we wanted to destroy the remnants of the Shangguan Family of Generals Shangguan Wudi, burning it to ashes and tossing it to the wilds." "Now, the Shangguan Family of Generals are on their way. They are less than a thousand miles away from Zilong City." "They have quite a number of people with them! According to our intel, we can basically affirm that Supreme Cloud must be together with Shangguans people if hed come!" Lan Wuxin wore a menacing smile as he said, "As long as we wipe out all of Shangguans people in the city, we would be rid of further worries... eternally!" Yun Yang nodded faintly. "I see. Wonderful thoughts indeed! A very interesting plot!" Lan Wuxin said, "It is because this matter involves too much and bears too many consequences that we turned the entire Zilong City into this. As long as we can take down Supreme Cloud, everything will be worth it!" "Chancellor Lans scheme is extensive and this old man wants to be impressed as well, but this plot assumes too much and has too many loopholes. This old man doesnt want to comment but you have so many men. Didnt anyone see the loopholes?" Yun Yang said indifferently. Lan Wuxins expression sobered up as he said respectfully, "Please advise me, Elder Yun!" "This old man has already seen a few loopholes just by listening to this grand plan. Any one of them comes true and your plot will pop like a bubble C nothing will be achieved! You will definitely face retaliation. Firstly, how do you guarantee that Supreme Cloud comes? Also, how can you know he''d definitely be part of Shangguan Family of Generals squad?" Yun Yang said slowly. "If he didnt come with the squad, your plan doesnt work and even when you annihilate all of Shangguans, it will create the illusion that Supreme Cloud is dead instead. Is such a result really great? If Supreme Cloud isnt dead and is still lurking around, only then will the Empire of Ziyou realize its own danger!" "Next, since this assassin is associated to Jun Moyan and even has the only Medallion of Gratitude in this world, then this person must not die, especially not in the Empire of Ziyou or even in the hands of Ziyou! Im too familiar with Jun Moyans character. How could he allow you all to hurt his friend, his savior?" "Once Jun Moyan runs amok, Ziyou will suffer. Thirdly, youve said yourself that Supreme Cloud is an intelligent one and will only make a move after figuring everything out. Even if hes distracted by urgency and came alone this time, will he not have seen that Zilong City has become a stale spirituality trap? Will he not be able to tell that the trap is set specifically for him after noticing that? Theres no need to do so if the target was anyone else. Even if he still insists on the rescue, wont he think of a stealthier way to save his target?" "The fourth point is the one Im most worried about. A spiritual sealing formation that engulfs the entire Zilong City is unprecedented in its massiveness. From what I know, the extent of resources expended to set a unique formation of such strength could not have been completed by Ziyou alone. The person, force, organization, whatever, that helped you all wouldn''t have been an easy partner. You all must have had to pay them a similar price for helping you all to uproot your biggest scourge, If the existing bane remains, all the effort would only go down the drain. How would it turn out then?" 392 I Have the Solution But I’m Not Doing It! Lan Wuxin looked impressed as he said, "Elder Yun has hit the bullseye indeed. The first and third points arent within our power and it cant be helped. When theres a will, theres way; we have to try our best given the chance." "As for Jun Moyan Since Elder Yun knows him, you should know that his home country is also Ziyou! No matter how deep the bond, once it involves the life and death of an entire empire and its people, I believe Jun Moyan would not act recklessly just for a personal relation. The home countrys longevity will always remain a priority to Elder Yun and Jun Moyan!" Lan Wuxins expression was nonchalant. "As for the fourth point, Elder Yuns evaluation is correct. This plan isnt accomplished solely based on Ziyous individual effort. The countless gems required to set up the spiritual sealing formation were provided by others, but this plot has been long considered by this old man, Han Sanhe, Jiang Hanbing, and Tai Gujiang before it was finalized." "Despite having its flaws, it was the best strategy we could come up with. We thought about it for a long time and really couldn''t come up with anything better." Yun Yang nodded and murmured inwardly, "Han Sanhe, Jing Hanbing, Tai Gujiang, Lan Wuxin!" Han Sanhe was Dongxuans great marshal, the leader of practitioners; Jiang Hanbing was the Empire of Dayuans Grand Preceptor; Tai Gujiang was Empire of Tiancis top military authority; as for Lan Wuxin, who stood before him, he was the Empire of Ziyous current chancellor, the head of all civil officials. Yun Yang was hit with a realization then, his doubts cleared instantly. He now knew why Han Sanhe would pick such a subtle moment to attack C perhaps the spies of the Four Seasons Towers conspiracy was part of the reason that this stratagem was the main reason Han Sanhe had deployed the army! Han Sanhes army deployment could be said to be part of the plan that worked in concert with the trap here. If the trap here had succeeded, Dongxuans military morale would be greatly boosted and be reflected in their attacking efficiency. If the trap here did not work out, it would still sap a substantial amount of Supreme Clouds energy; as long as he could not escape from this city and assist the eastern defense line, Han Sanhes side of the war would benefit greatly. Disregarding the intentional causes of disruptions, how many men in this world could be an opponent of Han Sanhe? Perhaps the Empire of Yutang was destined to be defeated in this war, at least in these marshals hearts of the four empires. The empire would either lose its last guardian angel or half of its territory! The only thing Yun Yang was confused with now was that it was definitely the Four Seasons Tower who could provide the materials for this spiritual sealing formation. In addition, only the Four Seasons Tower would know how to set this formation up. In spite of this, was the Four Seasons Tower not resentful of Han Sanhe? Could there be some reason that both sides had buried the hatchet? Since the Four Seasons Tower had provided a substantial inventory and had gotten involved in such a massive plan, there might be top notch experts guarding this place. According to what Yun Yang knew though, the four Venerable Lords were still at Tiantang City, guarding Lei Dongtian with the resolution to kill him, while a significant portion of manpower was sweeping over the martial world to subdue it. There was also another group of men who were guarding the School of Spring and Autumn and continue menacing it while another portion of them was ambushing the Concourse of the Underworld. If they could still have the capacity to send a formidable line out here, the Four Seasons Towers capabilities must be great indeed in order to support such an all-rounded battle all over the continent! Perhaps the Four Seasons Tower had never shown its last card. Perhaps the Five Venerable Lords, Four Seasons Supreme Lords, and Mr. Nian were only part of Four Seasons Towers strength and not it''s entirety. Yun Yang no longer wanted to dwell on this thought. If he did, he might actually lose his confidence to take on the Four Seasons Tower! "Since you know the loopholes of the plan, solutions should be thought of to mitigate them. For instance, the information you all have on Supreme Cloud is too little; most of it is just inferences and guesses. What good could it do?" Yun Yang coldly pointed out. Lan Wuxin shook his head. "Elder Yun, how can we not know that the more information we have about the enemy, the more we can grasp the entire situation? Infuriatingly, Supreme Cloud has been extremely cautious in his actions. Ever since he greeted the world with his presence, hes never leaked his identity nor left any tracks. Even the information we obtained from the assassin this time is completely a coincidence! Were truly helpless!" Yun Yang chuckled. "Then go back to your only source. Even if the mystical Qi had crushed his dantian and soul, damaging his deific consciousness and caused the disconnection, not all hope is lost. As long as the assassins divine sense is recovered, youll be able to probe him again." "Since that assassin is the late Supreme Bloods father, he must know Supreme Cloud rather well as well. Behaving in such a manner that almost resulted in death, does it not reflect that he must know a lot about Supreme Clouds secret? As long as you obtain all that he knows, its not impossible to grasp an understanding of Supreme Cloud or even know his real identity. Youll then only need to search for Supreme Cloud by following the clues and take him out of the picture. Itd be settled once and for all and you dont even have to be worried about getting the wrong person nor killing the innocent. It seems that youd save time too. Isnt this killing three birds with one stone?" Yun Yang asked calmly. Lan Wuxin pondered upon the idea, "It would be wonderful If Elders solution could work. Sadly, the damage his deific consciousness has suffered was said to be incurable, even by a deity. Otherwise, why would we make such a huge effort?" Yun Yang chuckled and said, "That is a reasonable observation, but not entirely correct." Lan Wuxins eyes shone as he said, "Does Elder Yun know of a way to reassemble a damaged divine sense?" Yun Yang murmured loftily, "As long as a person is alive and still draws breath, his soul remains! What injury in this world is incurable? Only a fatuous doctor would say that something was incurable and nothing can be done! As long as one remains alive in this world, there is no such thing as absolute helplessness! Take this old mans injury, for example. It is already much more severe than destroyed deific consciousness, but I still manage to survive until now!" Lan Wuxin exclaimed in delight, "If Elder Yun is willing to help, that would be great!" Yun Yang rolled his eyes and said, "Since when did this old man say I would help?" Lan Wuxin was stunned. You went on for so long until I almost grew suspicious, and now you''re saying you won''t help? Do you take me for a fool? Yun Yang snorted and said, "This old man scorns at partaking in such a secular affair. I only pointed out your mistakes and gave you a reminder. Do you still expect me to offer help in person?" Lan Wuxin had been involved in politics for so many years;he considered his state of mind stable and deep like an ocean, but the plot twist now still made him awkward. He could only feel his face burn with embarrassment. He forced a chuckle and said, "Ive thought too much then. Its already Ziyous greatest joy for Elder Yun to be present here." In his mind, though, he was not as jovial. "These old fellows who have lived for donkey years are certainly temperamental!" "He was discussing the loopholes so seriously with your father and has even given constructive criticism and solutions, but towards the end, he changed direction so erratically and ignored everything we talked about. What a sly fox!" Yun Yang pondered and heaved a sigh, finally, saying, "This old man knows that Chancellor Lan is burdened with troubles and Ive acted rather inconsiderately. Its not that I dont want to help but I truly am not able to!" Seeing that the conversation had taken a turn again, Lan Wuxin could not help the thumping in his heart and asked, "Does Elder Yun face any... difficulties?" Yun Yang kept silent. Lan Wuxin then said earnestly, "Honestly, the two loopholes that Elder Yun mentioned just now really cant be helped. If Supreme Cloud was caught and killed, everything will be fine. However, if he has indeed escaped like the two loopholes, or maybe he doesnt come at all the Empire of Ziyou will face the most frightening and extreme act of revenge by a ghastly presence!" "The spiritual sealing formation can be set up, but it cant be maintained. Once the formation is removed, the Empire of Ziyou will be helpless against Supreme Cloud. As long as Supreme Cloud remains obscure and executes his numerous powers to torment the Empire of Ziyou, itll be an indescribable and immeasurable disaster to the people of this nation The earth that shatters, the dragon-like surge of tidal waves, the reckless blow of flames, hysterical wind, cloud, thunder, and lightning everything would cause a calamity!" "Elder Yun hasnt seen it yourself, but the damage that the Nine Supremes natural attribute powers can deal is incredibly petrifying." "Previously, the competition among the empires was limited to war on the battlefield. It isnt a set up as tasteless as this, so the Nine Supremes didnt attack the empires and cities as relentlessly as their best attributes would have allowed them too. However, if Supreme Cloud doesnt die, only destructive revenge and disasters will come; as unrelenting as the tides, with endless consequences." "After all, despite such actions being executed for the greater good and the nations longevity, it is still a completely ignominious act at its core. If Supreme Cloud didnt die, an eye for an eye is guaranteed in his revenge. The backlash will be far-reaching." Lan Wuxin uttered each word with clear diction, "If Elder Yun could solve this tricky problem, youd be the living Buddha to the Empire of Ziyous billions of people and families!" 393 Unteachable Yun Yang frowned and said, "I thought I made it clear just now. This old man knows the solution, but I really dont have the capacity to do it now." Lan Wuxin asked, "Why is that so? Elder Yuns cultivation base could rival those of theFour Seasons Tower. I think youre no weaker than the Unrivaled Ling Xiaozui." Yun Yang chuckled bitterly and said, "Then youve regarded me too highly. If my past cultivation base remains, perhaps I could still do battle with Ling Xiaozui long before I begin to show signs of defeat, but my current cultivation base I might not even be ranked top ten in the formidable Four Seasons Tower." Lan Wuxin continued questioning in earnest, "Is it because of your injury?" Yun Yang sighed, "If this injury wasn''t at its critical stage and needed another way to suppress it I wouldnt have been willing to come to this bustling secular world again and be plagued with worries. What you dont want comes to you instead, what can one do about it?" Lan Wuxin replied, "Just like what Elder Yun has said, as long as one still has a breath of life, theres nothing that is incurable. There is always a way out. The Physician Genius Family Head Sun will arrive tomorrow. There is nothing that he cant cure as yet." Yun Yang snorted and said, "Then wouldn''t it be simpler to ask him to treat the assassin instead?" Lan Wuxin flushed. "Well, hes yet to be able to alleviate the symptoms of a shattered soul" Yun Yang chuckled. Lan Wuxin was flustered, but he did not feel humiliated in front of the old senior since the latters age was a good seven to eight times more than his own. "May I ask about the nature of Elder Yuns injury?" Lan Wuxin asked humbly. "This injury of mine" A flash of past events and vicissitudes played across Yun Yangs eyes as he said, "After the great fight that year I was left with this injury and can only live in secluded forest I had to maintain my life with the air of vitality from the earth strata, plants, and mystical beasts. Its been over three hundred years now" "In these three hundred years, I have to be reborn, using the bloodline of heritage, every sixty years. This was to allow me to return to my youth and age slowly. There is a huge limitation to this rebirth technique. Each use takes away the cultivation base of a superior practitioner Its been five times now which means that my current cultivation base is only less than a tenth of my former capability." Yun Yang looked saddened, "As weakened as I am now, despite all the information or knowledge I can pass on to you..." He sighed softly and said, "I really cant manage it. I can only admit my helplessness." Lan Wuxin looked disappointed at once. He had thought that Yun Yangs behavior hid his request, making himself seem high and mighty so he could ask for something else in return, but he did not expect the truth; it was not the latters reluctance to help but it was that he could not do anything, despite his sincerest intentions! Yun Yang said tiredly, "This method does not solely belong to me. A lot of other people know it as well, and the Four Seasons Tower must have someone who is well versed in this. Theyd station some experts here, setting up something like this as well. As long as there is someone who hails from that age, hell know how to do it. It garners the same result, no matter who does it, so it doesnt have to be me personally." Lan Wuxin replied with a frown, "I see Still, if they had a way, why would they wait until now? The intensity of the Four Seasons Tower in taking down the Nine Supremes is much higher than all four of us empires combined!" Yun Yang answered kindly, "Silly, if they dont have the skill, you still have me! Let them come and ask me. I cant do it anymore, but I can still share the arcane arts with someone else!" Lan Wuxin was then hit by a sudden realization. "Elder Yun is right. I had not thought about it at all." The fact was that it had already occurred to Lan Wuxin earlier. It was because the arcane art of recovering deific consciousness was not something to be taught and passed down. If Yun Yang had not offered first, he would never be able to ask Yun Yang to teach the arcane arts to others! Yun Yang said, "There is something else I must state first. The person from the Four Seasons Tower must have adequate cultivation base, at least an expert of sixth heaven and above. Only then can they execute it." Looking at Lan Wuxins clueless face, it was obvious that he only knew of the peak realms. How could he know the world of difference between the ninth peak and ninth heaven? Yun Yang could not help chuckling, "Just tell what I said. Theyll understand." On the same night, Lan Wuxin brought a Four Seasons Tower expert over for a lesson on how to recover a shattered soul. Yun Yang explained it thoroughly but the experts brows were locked in a tight frown, a clear indication that he could not fathom anything as he asked, "A shattered soul is shattered, how can it be gathered? And recovered? If we follow this method, dont we have to risk our lives as well? Might it not succeed?" Yun Yang said angrily, "Bullsh*t! This is absolutely foolproof, how can your life be at risk? If lives were at stake, who would create this method? That''s just nonsensical! Just do it, I will be behind you if anything happens!" The Four Seasons Tower''s man pondered upon this and scratched his head, saying, "May I ask Elder Yun that when the soul is in strands, this gathering method" Yun Yang heaved a long sigh. "Do I have to repeat this again?" The expert flushed. "Please do." Yun Yang dipped his finger into tea and drew on the table, saying, "Look, this is the shattered soul. Its all over the place. Look now, as long as you deliver mystical Qi to gather the divine sense then forcefully comb them together, you will redefine the specific characteristics of the deific consciousness." The expert nodded in confusion. Yun Yang continued, "Everyones divine sense is different, as everyone will have different characteristics. I''m sure you know this, do you not?" The expert nodded in agreement; he would be an idiot if he did not know this. "Gather a strand of the deific consciousness according to the characteristics youve gotten, is not a difficult task, is it not?" The experts eyes widened and he looked a little bleary. Not difficult? How was this not difficult? "Gather those of same characteristics into a single strand, understand?" A nod. "Then use this strand to snowball it C snowball, understand?" His eyes grew wide and confused. Yun Yang inhaled deeply like he wanted to lash out, but he suppressed it after a while and said, "Do this like this then like this turn it over, gather the divine sense from everywhere. Then, this is a meditation charm then and then got it?" The Four Seasons Tower expert wore a bewildered look. "Sorry" Even he felt absolutely ashamed! He obviously understood each word the other party had said, but he did not get it when he pieced everything together. This was embarrassing! The other party had painstakingly taught him twice but to no avail; he simply did not understand. It was fine just listening but once he needed to act, he could not. It was really driving him wild. Yun Yang looked like he was about to give up as he said, "The Four Seasons Tower should have a record of this ancient heritage. Its not even been that long why not go back and ask them? How can you not know a thing you have asked about?" The expert was flustered and extremely abashed. "Please, Elder Yun, there really aren''t any records." "Alright, Ill repeat myself once more." Yun Yang sighed, beginning to explain again for lack of a better solution. This expert from the Four Seasons Tower then listened more attentively, ears perked up in full concentration. Still, he did not understand. Looking at Elder Yun drink his tea with a straight face, the expert felt very embarrassed, almost close to hanging himself. His gaze looked pleadingly at Yun Yang, hoping that he would repeat his words. It was too f*cking hard "Alright sigh" Yun Yang heaved another long sigh, one that almost took away all his woes. On another side, Lan Wuxin and the others looked at the expert with renewed gazes. Are you a f*cking idiot? Hes taught you five times! Even my grandson, a three-year-old kid, will learn after being taught five times You dare to make glassy perplexed eyes and ask to be taught again and again? How did you cultivate to become an expert with your intelligence? Yun Yang looked like he was suppressing his anger, his chest heaving as he breathed hard to control his temper; he explained meticulously with utmost patience. Seeing that the fellow was still confused as ever, he finally exploded in rage, bellowing at the expert, "Has your f*cking brain been kicked by a donkey? Did they take it out right when you were f*cking born? Say, can there be someone more stupid than you in this world? Are you f*cking playing with me?" He stood up and spat angrily, "Unteachable!" Then, he stormed away, fuming. The Four Seasons Tower expert was embarrassed and ashamed, angry, yet speechless. Wiping the spit that was splattered on his face, he wanted to choke the other person to death. The old bastard was so mean! You forgot that cultivators rank themselves only by combat power. Even if you used to be amazing, you arent now. Your cultivation base is only at the beginner''s level of heaven realm but you dare flaunt it in front of your father! Trust me when I say I would kill you without hesitation! No matter how the expert fumed inwardly and even if his cultivation base was higher in comparison, he knew after all that the old man before him could very well be the God of Wine, Feng Xiange. The only one in the entire Four Seasons Tower who had seen the latter was Mr. Nian. Feng Xianges reputation did not stop at the martial world; it was mighty even in the entire human realm, more so than the Unrivaled Ling Xiaozui. How dare he actually offend him? Specifically, it was the expert himself who could not fathom the subtle crux of the bizarre arcane art; the former had already repeated the method five different times! If the roles had been switched, he would have lost his patience a long time ago. The responsibility was all on him, he was simply too stupid. It had been five times, what else did he want the old man to do? No matter how indignant the expert was, he could only swallow the shame, pressing his nose. "Sigh" Lan Wuxin heaved a long sigh as well. He really did not understand why the fellow could not get it. He himself had understood, so had the other person failed to do so? If he had such a cultivation base, he would have done it already Was this Four Seasons Tower expert an idiot? Perhaps he was reluctant to work! 394 A Flying Panther! Looking at the suspicious gaze of the chancellor, the Four Seasons Tower expert almost spat out blood. He left in embarrassment as murmurs of "old bastard" could be heard drifting from his vicinity. The aged antique in the small yard was still filled with the same rage, cursing out loud, "What is wrong with children these days? Have they gone stupid from practicing their martial skills? Its merely a skill of reorganizing the soul; judge the situation according to the shattered state of the divine sense, then reassemble it and recover it bit by bit C done! Such a petty matter. F*cking hell, Ive repeated myself five times, but he still asks with wide eyes like an idiot child!" "Your eyes are not to be filled with questions! Theyre to be filled with understanding and enlightenment! Your brain isnt tofu crumbs! Its to be used to think and counter! Bunch of idiots! Four Seasons Tower expert, my *ss! Four Seasons Tower will be gone sooner or later with these pig brains as their members! I dare say that if the tower has all these pig brains, the end is drawing close for them! A human head with pig brains Expert, blergh!" "Poo!" The Four Seasons Towers ninth heaven expert vomited blood from the indignation he felt. He left in a huff, never once glancing back. F*cking hell, Ill be angered to death if I were to continue listening to him Lan Wuxin looked distraught. "Elder Yun, it seems that the arcane skill is beyond an ordinary person. What should I do?" Yun Yang was fuming. "You asked a bunch of pig brains here, how could they learn? Look at that bastard, what else does he know except to blink blearily? Worse than an idiot!" Lan Wuxin felt his energy drain away. "The Four Seasons Tower sent over the one with the highest cultivation base The rest of their members are not even of sixth heaven" Yun Yang scoffed, "What does that have to do with me?" Lan Wuxin was helpless. "What should I do?" Yun Yang was quiet for a bit before he suddenly erupted in a loud bellow, "What else? When that Physician Genius family of yours is here, if he could heal this old man for a bit, Ill do it personally! Let the pig brains watch then! F*ck! Bunch of stupid pigs! How did Mr. Nian teach them, wasting my saliva" "Let them queue up and watch from the side! Let''s see if they can learn it then! Pigs!" Lan Wuxin wiped away the sweat on his face. "That sounds reasonable to me." The men left. It was quiet. Finally, silence! Yun Yang gazed at the ceiling in a daze as he lay on the bed. He had received too much information today, to the extent that he felt hard to digest them all. They were all significant information and he was weighed down by both internal woes and external worries. That the enemy was a capable one meant that the issue he faced was far more difficult and terrifying than he had imagined! Yun Yang began to doubt the need to employ such a grand operation to tackle him, a puny and insignificant cultivator. Were they overestimating him? After all, the Four Seasons Towers intelligence networks had documented Yun Yang, who was also Supreme Wind C the Supreme Wind that had appeared before the public in Yang Botaos case - with an intermediate peak realm cultivation base. He was, at most, sixth peak. If he were to face off against the experts in the Four Seasons Tower, his life would be extinguished with just a single breath. Despite being bold and courageous, Yun Yang still felt the lingering fear of the ominous situation. After knowing that there was a spiritual sealing trap here that was designed specifically to capture him, Yun Yang had the foresight to first set up a plot. Conjuring up his ability, he first disguised himself as a reclusive expert then utilized Emmies assistance to exude an aged and experienced aura. The saying went that the eyes were the window to ones soul. However, Yun Yangs gaze was actually filled with the vicissitudes of life now. Whether he was laughing or scolding someone, it was tinged with a sense of age, a man that had gone through much of what this world offered. Facing such gaze, one would have no suspicion that this was actually a youth, no matter how young he looked. This was enforced by the episode in the mystical beast forest, especially his valiance that had summoned the host of mystical beasts, the cultivation base that shocked ordinary cultivators He was as disassociated as anyone could possibly be from both Supreme Wind and Supreme Cloud! The Empire of Ziyous authorities had only performed a simple probe and no longer suspected Yun Yang being the enemy. Such a capable man who was marked with vicissitudes, who was so formidable and could summon mystical beasts freely C even the Four Seasons Towers Mr. Nian might not have done it. How could one achieve such a miraculous feat without the passing of countless years? Like an unintentionally discovered wine, it sat there while others speculated its identity, guiding them along in a smooth loop; naturally, he had forged for himself the image of a legendary expert whom no one had seen before. His words and action had even hinted at Ziyou being his home country. Just a slight display of his patriotism had bolstered the impression significantly. A man of Ziyou who had lived as a recluse for more than three hundred years and could casually dish out an extraordinary wine that triumphed its peers; a man who subdued all beasts and had incredible skill, one who could rise like a phoenix from the ashes Everything pointed to the likelihood that this was the legendary God of Wine, Feng Xiange! Feng Xiange was born and bred in Ziyou, had avoided the secular world for some time and had not made an appearance for years. That was how even the head of Ziyous civil officials, Chancellor Lan, someone so careful and intelligent, was so sure that this Elder Yun was Feng Xiange. A rebirth! It was a mythical, arcane skill that only Feng Xianges family, with their phoenix bloodline, possessed! In spite of this, Chancellor Lan had still addressed Yun Yang as Elder Yun. This was the way of how clever people did things and it brought Yun Yang even more convenience. Elder Yun. Yun Yang was very fond of this title that came from Lan Wuxin. It was evidence that Yun Yangs plan was a great success; at least, it was impeccable up to this point! Even when he was doubted regarding the soul recovery matter, Yun Yang insisted on not doing anything until the other party came to him, pleading. He put on a nonchalant front that spoke of a person who stayed far from poking into others affairs. He did not agree, no matter how badly the other party pleaded, only agreeing to teach another person and thus, dispelling the suspicion upon him. Of course, who could you blame when you were the one who could not learn it? It was your insufficient talent and inadequate experience that was the problem; what did it have to do with him? Even when it came to the end and Yun Yang had to be the one doing it, he had stated his terms C I wont be doing anything if you dont heal me first and alleviate my injury. Even when he agreed to do it, he had suggested that others were to be present to observe. Would a spy make such bold claims? Yun Yang did it, though; when a traitorous man pretended to be loyal and when the most cunning appeared, to be honest, they most probably looked like this! Yun Yang now could be said to have perfectly assimilated himself into the Empire of Ziyous internal higher authorities. Even Ziyou''s emperor was making preparations to visit this old ancestor. Of course, it was not that Yun Yangs identity was flawless and without loopholes. If it had been Mr. Nian or Jun Moyan, they would have seen through Yun Yang''s deception immediately. The Four Seasons Towers Mr. Nian was mighty, with a lofty cultivation base. Yun Yang already knew it when the former had fought with Lei Dongtian previously. If Mr. Nian knew Feng Xiange and had even the mildest of acquaintances, Yun Yang would not actually be surprised. However, Mr. Nian should still be in Yutang. The distance meant that a certain amount of time would be needed for him to appear even if he heard about Feng Xianges presence here. As for Jun Moyan, he was from Ziyou as well. Based on their age, he seemed to be much younger than Feng Xiange. After all, Jun Moyan had already made his debut before Feng Xiange went into seclusion. There was a possibility that the two of them knew each other Jun Moyan had been quiet for a long time. He might not arrive in such a freak coincidence. Besides, even if that slim chance materialized, Yun Yang was not scared either. He had Jun Moyans Medallion of Gratitude. When the both of them met, it would be hard to tell who Jun Moyan would actually help! Moreover, he did not announce himself as Feng Xiange. It was all their assumption. As such, despite the worry, it was not too big a deal. Everything was only a hypothesis, however. Jun Moyan''s presence might still cause unnecessary trouble. Yun Yang could only pray now that Jun Moyan would never come! Other than his personal worries, Yun Yang was burdened with something else. Shangguan Lingxius ship was a thousand miles away from Zilong City. According to the plan revealed by Lan Wuxin, he wanted to wipe everyone who came out, annihilating them on the spot. Yun Yang was now in Zilong City and could not unleash any of his usual powers; he could not warn her with his usual antics. He frowned and wrote a letter before pummeling it into a wax ball, putting it into Whitey Twos mouth. He could not leave himself, but it was not a problem for Whitey Two. "Go, send it to that handsome lady." "Meow!" Whitey Two shook its head, asking for a ball of air of vitality. Only then did it turn into a beam of light and disappear swiftly into the night. Yun Yang breathed a sigh of relief. When Shangguan Lingxiu read the letter, she should be able to react and adapt to the situation. He only had to worry about himself now. Regarding the issue of Lan Wuxin and gang inferring that the current Supreme Wind was actually Supreme Cloud, Yun Yang was not at all fazed. Just like what Lan Wuxin had said, even Yutangs emperor and Old Marshal Qiu would not have believed that the person now was the real Supreme Wind! The thought that it was actually Supreme Cloud must have sat with them for some time now; it was just that they did not explicitly state this realization. The real Supreme Wind might be accomplished on the battlefield, but he would never have been able to achieve everything that was being done now. Another point mentioned by Lan Wuxin, though, sent all the sirens within Yun Yang blaring. This trap was set up through a collaboration among the four empires and the Four Seasons Tower. He had to come to this setup, had to barrel through this trap, while Han Sanhe and army approached the nation''s border on the other side. If his guess was right, Yun Yang speculated that the other two countries would send their armies over at the same time. Whether purposeful or unintentional, it was an overall partitioned plan targeted at the Empire of Yutang. They would tackle the Nine Supremes here with a conspiracy while threatening the border over there to split Yutangs land. Since Tie Zhengs wedding, the seemingly peaceful days were finally ending. Yutang was about to face an unprecedented crisis! "What a winter." Yun Yang sighed softly. Would the weather be Yutangs only advantage? Shangguan Lingxiu who was currently on the ship in the river looked thoughtful. The episode a few day earlier had almost frightened her to death. The Residence of Yun that was fine and dandy all this while had suddenly collapsed into a slum! In addition, countless experts loomed over Tiantang City and had taken the Residence of Yun by storm. It all but painted the picture of absolute annihilation. Shangguan Lingxiu had just gotten Ziyous news and was making preparations to depart. Somehow, she had just brought everyone rushing over there instead, thinking of only one thing C she had to see Yun Yang safe before she could leave in peace. Ultimately, her heart was entirely placated when she saw Yun Yang returning unscathed. Upon making sure that he was safe, Shangguan Lingxiu did not linger a moment longer; she left after taking another glance. "This might be my last glance at you in this lifetime. We shall not meet again after this. Theres no need for further complications" Shangguan Lingxiu looked far ahead, standing on the deck, wearing a faint smile. Shangguan Lingxiu was resolute about this trip to Ziyou; she knew that she could not guarantee her own safety. She was leaving everything to fate; it was hard to predict her own life and death! Entering the lions den with the intention to complete an almost impossible mission, the chance of survival was barely there. Who asked her to be from the Shangguan Family of Generals? The Shangguan Family of Generals C there was only advance without retreat; if there is justice, why should one fear death?" "Ziyou, Ziyou" Shangguan Lingxiu took in a long breath. "Even if Im destined to have my bones buried here in this life, my death shall still knock some sense into the world! Even if Im a woman, the blood of Yutangs family of generals flows in me, much more vibrant than anyone else!" "General, we are seven hundred and fifty miles away from Zilong City on water." Shangguan Lingxiu replied faintly, "Forward, at full speed!" She looked at the sides of the water and the endless forest, subconsciously going into a trance. One day, when the world was peaceful and there was no more war, how nice would it be for her to stay hidden in this forest with her lover, without a care for the bustle of this worldly realm again? It was a pity that such thoughts were merely wild wishes for a descendant of the Shangguan Family of Generals. There would never be such an opportunity throughout ones entire life. Perhaps somewhere, sometime, her final destination of this lifetime was to perish on the battlefield! The peaceful happiness of an ordinary girl was something she had no hope to dream of in this lifetime. On the vessel, everyone was wrapped in a solemn atmosphere. Everyone was looking at a certain spot without any expression. These people were the Shangguan Familys personal officials. They were warriors bathed in the blood of the battlefield and had gone through hundreds of wars. Any one of these people would be a living grim reaper if placed on the battlefield right now, an unstoppable slaughterer! They were gathered on this ship for an old wish of the Shangguan Family. Their expressions and gazes spelled something aloud C since the moment they stepped foot into this ship, they held no hopes of returning alive! "Even if this mission can be completed by luck, perhaps a tenth of these people here could follow me home" Shangguan Lingxiu thought sadly. Suddenly, the sound of billowing wind came suddenly from the sky. "Be on guard!" A warning sounded and the ship glimmered in the sabers shine. Eight thousand people unsheathed and gripped their blades at the same time, but it sounded like there was only a single saber being retrieved from its scabbard! The uniformity would have the whole world in awe! Between breaths, a formation of blades formed. Eight thousand long sabers reflected the suns beams. Shangguan Lingxiu was hit with a sense of pride. These warriors were the continents best elites! There was no doubt about it C it was undebatable! The eight thousand sabermen was the Shangguan Family of Generals last sliver of force. With these eight thousand men, Shangguan Lingxiu had the courage to go forward, no matter what enemy she would meet. Even if she was faced with the Unrivaled Expert, Ling Xiaozui himself, she was confident enough to fight him. Eight thousand men acting as one! "Woo woo" An anxious cry came from midair. Lifting her head, Shangguan Lingxiu saw a big snow-white panther flying back and forth, making rounds in the air. A flying panther? The sight made Shangguan Lingxius pretty eyes bulge. Who in this world had seen a flying panther before? The Eclipse Panther was a very rare ninth level mystical beast. There was only a handful in the entire Tianxuan Continent. Even Venerable Lord Sword did not expect to see more than one such Eclipse Panther; that was why he had failed carelessly. When the Four Venerable Lords knew that there were four Eclipse Panthers, they were also dumbstruck. Therefore, it was not surprising that Shangguan Lingxiu did not recognize an Eclipse Panther. It was just like Yun Yang who thought he possessed the ability to contend with the Four Seasons Tower after his cultivation base had improved by leaps and bounds. However, when he knew the truth about the Four Seasons Towers terrifying capabilities, he had almost led himself into obliteration. What Shangguan Lingxiu took in was the panther circling in the air. It was obviously equipped with formidable prowess but did not have any intention to fight the secure defenses below. It was only crying and the cries seemed to be filled with sadness. Were friends, why are you doing this to me? Im only here to send a letter. Why are you trying to kill me? Why are you so inhumane? The people beneath it were clueless about the panthers cries, obviously only thinking that they faced a strong enemy. A flying panther! It must be a legendary ninth class mystical beast, or even higher! Otherwise, why else would they not even have heard of this panthers appearance? As for the power of a mystical beast of that level, everyone knew well that it was far more than simply worrying. By looking at its huge size, the sharp claws gleaming icily, and the wide mouth just this one panther alone would suffice to wreak havoc on the ship if it were to land on it! Furthermore, the creature would be able to leave safely and soundly after a massacre. The eight thousand sabermen were called strong forces that were not afraid of anything in this world; unfortunately, it was still only a title. They had never actually fought a top-level force nor had they fought a top class mystical beast that had special powers. The situation was not looking good. As for the confidence to fight the Unrivaled Expert men had to set some goals for themselves and a slogan to go with it; no one expected the situation to come true! Facing such a crisis, everyone was quiet and gripped their sabers tighter, staring intently at the panther that was hovering in the air. The panther was only circling lazily, crying out aloud; its gaze downwards was growing even more confused. Shangguan Lingxiu could even see a childlike sense of oblivion from the panthers eyes. Perhaps it was not even an adult? She asked, "Panther, what do you want?" Seeing that Shangguan Lingxiu was talking to it, Whitey Two mewled happily, "Awoo Awoo.. woo woo" "Do you want to come down?" "Awoo woo" "Are you looking for me?" The panther nodded like a pecking chicken. "Withdraw the saber formation!" Shangguan Lingxiu ordered. "My lady!" The leader was a one-eyed saber knight. He called out anxiously, "Do not trust this creature!" Shangguan Lingxiu replied, "A panther that comes alone and has no backup cant possibly be a trap. Letting it come down can save us a fight. Its worth it, even if theres some risk involved." Clang! The saber formation was dismissed as the men lowered their blades warily. Seeing that a crisis had been averted, the white panther landed from the sky with a swoosh. The huge body actually made no sound when landed on the deck of the third story as if it was lighter than a swallow. When it landed, it shook out its fur gracefully. It then sashayed over to Shangguan Lingxiu. Shangguan Lingxiu watched the massive panther moved towards her like a mountain. Even though she had decided upon this course of action, she could not help feeling nervous but not entirely afraid. "White Panther, what is it?" Whitey Two wagged its tail in greeting, then opened its mouth, showing the big wax ball hidden within. It lowered its head carefully and placed the wax ball on the deck. Whitey Two then pushed it forward with its paw and looked at Shangguan Lingxiu. "Awoo woo" "Is this for me?" Shangguan Lingxiu was dumbfounded. A panther had landed from the sky to give her a wax ball! Wax ball? Could it be a message? "Awoo woo" The panther nodded and sat down, licking away with its tongue. It was exhausted from flying back and forth in the sky earlier. Shangguan Lingxiu picked up the wax ball doubtfully and crushed it, revealing a parchment that brimmed with words. The moment she crushed the wax ball, Shangguan Lingxiu was no long suspicious of where the message had come from due to the swift breeze that swept out from the ball. The first line of the message stated who the culprit was C "I am wind." Knowing now where the intelligence had come from, Shangguan Lingxiu was immediately relieved. Waving her hands at her concerned subordinate, she said, "Its a letter from Lord Supreme Wind. Its one of our own." Once she spoke, everyone breathed in relief at once; their high strung nerves relaxing as well. Lord Supreme Wind was amazing indeed to have used such a high-level mystical beast as a messenger! 395 The Flames of War Shall Burn This was how ones reputation and influence worked its magic. Yutangs citizens had only thought that the Nine Supremes Lords were amazing and omnipotent, but they never thought that they would have tamed a ninth level mystical beast! What did the Nine Supremes have, that allowed them to cajole a high-level beast to serve them? Finishing the letter, Shangguan Lingxiu frowned. She only mused for a moment before giving a decisive command, "Stop the ship right now, sink the anchor. Wait where we are. Well stay here and wait for the Empire of Ziyou to receive us." "Yes!" The sails were drawn down. The vessel slowly stopped moving forward until it came to a complete halt on the water. Whitey Two stood up and shook out its fur. It wagged its tail and looked at Shangguan Lingxiu with gentle eyes. "Awoo woo, awoo" Shangguan Lingxiu had begun to grow fond of this spiritual panther in the short amount of time that it had spent here. She asked reluctantly, "Little panther, are you leaving now?" Her subordinates rolled their eyes. Little panther? This monstrosity could swallow three people whole with a single gulp! The eyes of a woman are usually sharp. What has caused her vision to deteriorate to this extent? "Awoo woo" "Why not leave after you have something to eat? I have a lot of savory meat here." Shangguan Lingxiu asked, "Rest a little here, before you depart.?" Whitey Twos eyes shone with pleasure when it heard her words. It looked at Shangguan Lingxiu hesitantly and turned to look at where it came from before lowering its head to look at its deflated stomach. "Awoo woo" "Alright! Bring them over immediately, we guarantee that you will be full and have more than enough!" Shangguaan Lingxiu was delighted and ordered her men to move some meat over. Whitey Two was overjoyed and began devouring the meat. No matter how fast it feasted, its movements were filled with a natural grace. Gradually, Whitey Two sat down on the floor with folded legs instead and with an agape mouth, it practically inhaled tens catties of meat. It chewed twice and lowered its head to take in some more. After the feast that had inflated its stomach, it finally lifted its head and howled reluctantly, looking at the abundance of leftover meat C Im full! I cant eat anymore! Shangguan Lingxius eyes were bulging in their sockets for some time already C what am I watching? This panther has eaten over six hundred catties of meat! My goodness! Over six hundred catties of mystical beast meat for a single meal! A catty of mystical meat was one silver tael, at it''s cheapest. To rear this fellow meant at least one thousand and eight hundred silver taels a day for three meals? Who could afford such a glutton? The well-fed panther strolled on the deck and looked into the sky. Shangguan Lingxiu knew that she could no longer ask it to stay, so she waved farewell longingly. Whitey Two hopped and sprung into the sky, crying excitedly from the air, "Meow, meow, meow" Its cries baffled the troop of people underneath it. You''re a panther! Youre a top-level mystical beast! How can you make such a sound? It overturned ones conventional values and shattered one''s self-worth! Whitey Two seemed to have realized its mistake since it was very easy to have its background exposed when it began to mewl, so it made amends quickly, calling out, "Awoo woo, Awoo woo" It cried loudly for a few times before finally leaving swiftly. Shangguan Lingxiu stood on the deck dumbstruck, feeling her mind groggy and blur. Meow? Why was the sound so familiar Oh yes Yun Yangs home had a few cats and they made the same sound Those cats seemed to also be white Was this a coincidence? Would it not be too much of one? "Moor the ship in Lunar River, steer the bow around and keep one side close to the dense forest. Be on guard both day and night, be cautious in everything you do. This way, you can both attack and defend. Once it gets critical, give up the ship and go ashore; retreat into the forest and disperse. Staying alive is prioritized over everything else." "Even when met with the most precarious situation, all of you must not enter Zilong City when you try to escape!" "Zilong City is a trap, a death trap set with us as the target!" Shangguan Lingxiu gripped the letter with a frown. Supreme Winds letter had arrived and she had moored the vessel at an entrance to the forest several hundred miles away from Zilong City, according to Supreme Wind. However, they were still some distance away from their destination. How could they complete the target this time? There was a trap on the other side, this much she already had plans for. The other party had directly played the last card by wanting to destroy her ancestors remains; she had known their lowest limit and there was nothing else to be compromised on. However, Granduncle Wudis remains had stayed in Ziyou for too many years and the Shangguan Family of Generals wanted to welcome him home to bury him at the ancestors burial site. Even when she knew that the other party had tricks up their sleeves, she had to push through courageously! It seemed that her original goal could not be accomplished now by the looks of the situation. At least, Shangguan Lingxiu had yet to think of an adaptation to be able to enter her ancestorial home. What worried her more was that if the other party had destroyed her ancestors remains from rage because she did not enter their plot; not only would that not benefit both sides, the Shangguan Family of Generals could no longer realize this long-held dream. "Well see what the Empire of Ziyou is playing at. If it cant do, Ill bring a few guards and sneak into Zilong City to do it discreetly. No matter what, I have to try my best to take my ancestors remains home." Shangguan Lingxiu set her will with a frown. Within several days of Yun Yangs arrival at Zilong City, the entire continent suddenly went through a whirlwind of changes. The Empire of Yutangs military forces received multiple military warnings consecutively like falling snowflakes. The six hundred thousand-strong army of Dongxuans Han Sanhe had actually set off officially, amidst the heavy snow and was only a thousand and five hundred miles away from Resilience Fortress! Estimating that the thousand and five hundred miles of the journey could be covered with the speed of Dongxuans Shadow Cavalry, they would arrive in less than three days time in addition to maintaining complete combat power. It also meant that the soonest the war might start would be three days later! The rest of Dongxuans army would all reach after eight days as well. The most extreme warfare would erupt entirely after nine days together! It was the depth of winter where snowstorms were common. The attacker would never delay their combat opportunity as each postponed day meant pushing their own warriors to the grim reaper once more. They would initiate an attack however fast they could and as menacing as possible. This war was predictably the most extreme and devastating one thus far! Han Sanhe led the army personally and shuffled all available forces in the nation. The Empire of Dongxuan had announced its military recruitment as well. It was heard that the Dongxuans emperors promise to Han Sanhe regarding this conquest was C "Fight without a worry in the frontline, marshal. I shall attend to duty myself at the back and personally organize the army and foraging teams! This invasion is during midwinter with unprecedentedly harsh conditions but I make my promise here that there wont be a shortage of resources! No lack of a silver tael! There wont be insufficient back up military needs nor will there be any lingering woes!" "The tiger talisman and dragon sword are both in your hands; Marshal Han can freely take the lead on all matters. During the war and on the battlefield, wherever the marshal is, itll be as if Im there!" "When you set off on your conquest, any attacks in the imperial court will be sentenced as treason without a trial. The entire family is to be beheaded, with no one left behind!!" "You are the first six hundred thousand-strong army in your conquest of Yutang. I promise that the following three million men, as relief troops, will speed to your assistance in batches and take on the battlefield!" Han Sanhes reply was more morbid, "This official shall requite the nation with death, swearing to create the great dynasty for Your Majesty! If this war suffers, Han Sanhe shall die fighting in the battlefield to requite with death!" The mantra to conquer the world and thrive for ages to come suddenly bloomed in Dongxuan and spread to each corner of the empire. "This conquest is the time to conquer the world! Dongxuans men should enter the battlefield bearing blades and achieve accolades. Build the foundation for Dongxuan, glory for millenniums to come!" "Immense accolades! Those with war merits shall soar up high!" Dongxuans men burned with passion and enlisted eagerly like they were hit with adrenaline once they heard the announcement. The empires millennial conquest began today while a mans lifetime accolades would be collected immediately! Behead once and there would be a rank of military merit; behead thrice and there would be the third rank of military merit. Once there was world peace and accolades were given according to merits, those who survived would at least acquire the title of a district inspector! That would be a genuine, official title! Behead the enemy four times and one could become a military official; six-time and above would make one subordinate or assistant generals The sanction of recognition for military merit this time was very intricately divided! On the set-off ceremony, Dongxuans emperor made an oath to the heaven, "This conquest is different than others. Any encroachment, fake report, impostor of the military merits C even if its a prince who committed the crime, he shall be penalized like an ordinary citizen! Once investigated to be true, ones immediate higher authority, secretariat and anyone involved is not to be pardoned and will be sentenced to nine familial exterminations!" Facing such a royal announcement, Dongxuan was truly buzzing with excitement. When Han Sanhe set off, the Dongxuan emperor sent him to the city gate wearing full armor. He poured the former a goblet of wine and sent him off with a bow. "When you return with victory, I shall lead both the civil and military officials and welcome you from a thousand miles away to congratulate this peerless achievement!" Once this explosive news was relayed, Yutangs entire imperial court was shaken by it. 396 Border Invasion The news from Dongxuan was relayed home. Yutangs emperor and everyone else felt like they had been slapped across the face simultaneously when they heard the sudden news. The murmurings about Dongxuans emperor and officials having a conflict, Han Sanhes merits being so high that it intimidated the king, Han Sanhes approaching doom Every rumor they had heard prior to this was shattered to pieces by this latest development. The truth was evident; everything was a smokescreen set up by Dongxuan. Their emperor was not at all a self-sabotaging idiot, and had no plans of killing his own loyal official! "Maybe its true that the emperor and his official may not be getting along well. However, when faced with the task of building a millennial empire now, Dongxuans emperor would still put aside all things to make sure Han Sanhes current war is the first priority!" Qiu Jianhan heaved a long sigh and felt the mounting pressure. When Han Sanhe had first set off, the scouts from both sides had already begun a vicious battle. Amidst the long stretches of mountains and rivers, the battle among the scouts was no less fierce than the savage slaughter of the entire army. They fought in the dense forests, within thick bushes, on top of the mountain, among strewn rocks C to obtain information from the other side and to keep their own confidential. They put life and death aside; they had no regrets as they dispensed their duty. Yutangs scouts would damage even the slight change of a hills structure or the geography of a forest, right after a Dongxuan spy had passed by. The tens of thousands of miles were filled with streaming blood and overwhelming damage. Before the crushing war officially erupted between two empires, the aura that swept across the world was already enough to shatter the entire continent! Notably, practitioners of the martial world from both Dongxuan and Yutang had participated in this enmity. Those who were still concerned about their home countries were never just limited to the experts and recluses that had formidable cultivation base and stayed far from the secular world. Plenty of these passionate men, usually fast and furious, debonair amidst the mountains and waters, had all stepped into the battlefield without hesitation C a step faster than the army, even. Dongxuan was simmering with fighting spirit, all its people immersed in the beginning of a truly domineering empire, confident that only Dongxuan would dictate the whole world! On the other side, Yutang was well aware of the critical juncture that they were at; the survival of a nation and its people would be tied to this war! This was a war of survival between two nations people, a war of pride between two empires! "Which man doesnt bear the saber to face the enemy at the border fort? Guard the nation, blood must be spilled first; the martial world hero comes afterward!" This was the promise a Yutang saberman had made with his enemy. In a martial world altercation back in the day, all nineteen family members of this saberman had been killed by the enemy. Their grudge was irreconcilable. Truthfully, the resentment had gone on for three generations and there was already an uncountable number of people killed along the way. The grudge only grew deeper; there was no longer any room for reconciliation. In spite of this, upon hearing that the war was tied to the fate of his nation and what could befall it, this white-haired saberman went to his enemys residence alone to talk. "Let us put down our personal resentments before the nations grudge. If youre ballsy, we shall go to the frontline and count the heads of soldiers after the war. Whoever loses beheads himself and thus ends the resentment between us. How about that?" The saberman was white-haired, so was his enemy. Listening to the promise, he agreed without hesitation. "After this war, we drink to the heads; one goblet to each head. When there''s no more wine left to be drunk, let us behead ourselves with ease." "If you die in the war, so ends the hundred years of resentment! If I die in the war, similarly shall we forget all the enmity between us!" "Great!" Countless martial world practitioners gathered at the blacksmith during this time. "Give me a long spear. It doesnt have to be made of rare steel, as long as its sharp and sturdy!" "Give me a long-handled saber, the most lasting one!" "Give me a pair of large hammers. They must be heavy enough!" "Its difficult to use a short sword in the war; one needs to defend himself in the critical moments. To kill the enemy and contribute to victory, its better to use a long saber or long spear!" The Empire of Yutangs roads were filled with galloping horses. Mounted on them were martial practitioners who dressed up like soldiers, wearing helmets and armor while gripping long spears or glaives. All of them were heading towards the same direction C the Fortress of Resilience! Each one of them wore a grim expression, their eyes ablaze with bloodlust. Roaming the secular world did not dampen their spirits as patriotism was still held dear to them. Their responsibilities as men were fulfilled in this lifetime by joining the war at the eastern defense line War was about to erupt. However, it was at this time that the circumstances changed again but it had developed in the direction that put Yutang at a further disadvantage. Military intelligence came from two directions unexpectedly; the contents were devastating. The first news C the Empire of Dayuan had deployed an army of five hundred thousand men towards Yutang''s southern border! His Majesty of Yutang assembled his officials to discuss countermeasures immediately, but even as they were running to the assembly, another dire piece of news arrived C the Empire of Tianci had sent seven hundred thousand men straight to the northern border! The jade piece in His Majestys hand snapped with a crack. His face was upset and stoic, like water that lay stagnant in a pond. Under such circumstances, he could no longer attempt to put on a false front and pretend to be calm and collected. It was not the end though. Soon, the third piece of news was relayed C the Empire of Ziyou was recruiting and organizing its troops to prepare their army to head towards the western border! Right now, the army in Ziyou had already gathered while three hundred thousand men were concentrated on the front line on the western side. The following troops were being deployed from all over the country as they were moving speedily to assemble. The blazing flames of war had filled the entire sky of Yutang. Four empires had besieged them together in a border invasion! Yutang was once again met with a terrible situation. In the depths of winter, where snow fell in flurries, everyone felt a bone-piercing sense of cold. It was not an iciness that came from the body, but it seemed like even the heart was frozen. At the frontline of Dongxuan, Fu Baoguo had gathered two hundred and fifty thousand soldiers for a pre-war briefing. He had only spoken a few lines throughout the entire procession. "I, Fu Baoguo, am resolute to repay my nation with death C I would rather die than to take a step back! I swear to live and die alongside Yutangs territory; may I not find rest until I die!" "I shall stand right here on this battlefield! Whoever sees me take a step back can kill me, no matter who you are!" "Id rather die than to be the slave of a subjugated country. Even if I die, I shall be Yutangs ghost!" Fu Baoguos voice thundered in the air. "We would rather die than be the slave of a subjugated country! We shall be Yutangs ghosts, even when we die! We shall follow the marshal through life and death, share the destiny without backing down!" two hundred and fifty thousand men roared their defiance with flushed faces. An army of two hundred and fifty thousand men could feel the boiling passion within them that was threatening to charge out. The grandeur was loud, and pierced through the sky, shaking the nine heavens. At the northern border, Tie Zhengs imposing build stood towering before the hundreds of thousands of warriors. As long as they saw this physique of a tower, all the soldiers seemed to suddenly be filled with immense confidence. "I shall only say four words!" Tie Zheng roared with his arms spread out wide. "F*cking, f*ck all of them!" A loud cry came from beneath, "Marshal, that was five words!" Tie Zheng bellowed, "Who? Who was it? Come out now!" A burly man was pushed out amidst laughter. He was a platoon leader who was muscular and huge and was now chuckling in embarrassment. Tie Zheng said aloud, "You said I didnt speak well. You should speak, instead!" The platoon leader was twitching while beneath them, cheers and wolf whistles erupted. The leader seemed to not be able to take it anymore. Without any awkward shuffling, he sprung up to the stage and howled at the sky, "Speak I shall! Marshal said he will only say four words but he actually uttered five! Your father will say a few words as well. Theres nothing to be said actually, its just a battle of life and death! As long as a single breath remains, f*cking f*ck them all!" Below him, the hundreds of thousands of soldiers roared together, "F*cking f*ck them all!" The military morale of the north troop soared. If the outsiders were to hear them, they would not have thought that they were making vows before the war. It seemed more like the merriment of some sort of party. No traces of pre-war tension could be seen. A similar fighting spirit boiled in the Empire of Yutangs west and south; there was simply no trace of fear. How different it was from the woe-ridden civil and military officials in the imperial court! The warriors at the border were not discouraged by the approaching enemies but were instead high in morale. Everyone was a male lion that had been challenged! Various letters were written in blood, various vows made before troops, various activities were carried out in the icy winter. They trained hard in the day until not one drop of energy was left but when night came, they racked their brain to write letters or wills home. Those who were barely literate carried paper and brushes, pleading to the others everywhere else; they nodded and bowed, shamelessly flattering however they could. Those who did not know might have thought that there was some sort of unthinkable activities going on! The fresh soldiers who had yet to go through their orientation war gathered around each other into groups that were making a lot of noise. "Have you written your will?" "Yeah, you?" "Me too." "Let me see." "Lets exchange ours, let''s learn from each other." "Okay." "Yours cant do, the flair isnt there. Look at mine, this is what you should be learning from." "Yours is really good. Why dont you just write one for me? I dont know what I should be learning anyway..." "Come see, quick. This is hilarious! Zhang Ergous will states how much should be taken and left when he dies and his wife marries someone else. Its so detailed. How kind" A bunch of people cramped together to look at the document in question. "Let me see, let me see! Let me enjoy it! Let me learn something" They passed it around, one after another, with occasional bouts of laughter. Zhang Ergou, who was outside the circle was hopping and ducking to snatch it back, utterly flustered. "Give it back to me! Cant you all be occupied with something else? Shoo! Go do what you should" The men avoided him intentionally, disallowing him from approaching; when he forced himself close, the will was passed on to someone else. Thus began the cycle again. "F*ck, Li Sinius rather flirtatious. His will says that if he returns in victory, hes gonna marry his sister-in-law too Wow! Whats that called again? The classic Erhuang and Nvying" "Let me see, let me see" They were a bunch of young men, filled with boundless energy. Writing their will should be something very formal and grim, but it was tainted with mischief and laughter. The seasoned soldiers, who had gone through too many a war and survived, watched the squealing young men with deep eyes that held stoic gazes. 397 Hero A will! Fools, you children dont even know what the letter and words represent. It represents the loss of a vibrant life, once this letter is opened again after being sealed! It represents heart-wrenching agony! It represents a regret that you can never repay. We did the same back then, fooling around. Of our comrades whom weve teased or teased us back then seven or eight out of ten of them are no longer here in this world now! Yet, we who survived, weve never forgotten even now, the devastation we witnessed when we represented our brothers, our platoon, to send their belongings, wills, and pensions back to our late comrades homes. We all read those wills before they got sealed. We didnt feel anything then, only thought that it was fun and hilarious. However, when they were actually torn open when we saw the familiar words again, the tears were unstoppable, like a broken dam. When you''ve experienced it once, you wont want to snatch anyones will, ever again. Each will is like a dagger stabbing into your own heart. You fellows who are making so much noise now you will soon know that the merry laughter today will bring you a lifetime of longing and heaviness! When these comrades take a slash for you with their bodies, when they take an arrow for you with their heads, you will suddenly realize how precious todays laughter is C how heart-wrenching and how memorable it shall be. Laugh, have fun; we wont interrupt you because this might be the last day you can joke around with these brothers in your lifetime. After today, there might never be merry laughter anymore. There were a lot of new blood that were unhappy with the veterans. It had been a long time coming. These old ones acted so arrogantly just because they had fought a few wars. When the young ones came closer, they ignored them. How dare they? Since the veterans ignored them, the new blood did the same. However, such discontent would dissipate with a stark realization after the new blood went through a few wars and became veterans themselves. The battlefield was a terribly realistic place. There were actually reasons behind the veterans various behaviors. It was not that they were ignoring them, or they did not want to make friends C they dared not. Having to constantly say goodbye to friends were constant blows to their emotional state When one lingered long enough in the battlefield, one really would not want C dared not want - to make any more friends! Only by making one''s self-cold and distant could ones heart be protected. Each empire was making preparations and waiting to pounce. The aggressive aura was evident and formidable. Yutangs border was brimming with a fighting spirit, patriotism surging within everyone; there was no fear regarding their foes'' imminent approach. In spite of this, Yutangs imperial court was grim, dark and ominous. The emperor was hard-pressed during this time while Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan often stayed awake through the night with his brows permanently locked in a frown. The latter could not share his worries with outsiders, not even the emperor. He was the only one in this world who knew that Supreme Wind, who could manipulate the battlefield, was perhaps not in Yutang at this moment! He did not know where he had gone to! This was what mattered the most. Furthermore, from how bold and daring the other empires were setting off their troops, it was not difficult to infer that they might have conspired and trapped Supreme Wind. That would explain their reckless border invasion, intending to wipe out Yutang once and for all! This highly probable inference weighed down the old marshal, so much so that he felt suffocated by it. If it were really so, things were looking bad! Yet, where had Supreme Wind gone to at this critical juncture? Besides, it was impossible that Supreme Wind did not know a thing, given the aggressiveness displayed by the four empires. However, nothing was hinting at his return to assist them. This was highly suspicious indeed. Would this become an unsolved mystery? "Trigger all four nations spies!" Qiu Jianhan ordered, "Collect all information on unusual activities. Clues must be found regardless of the price and be used to track down Supreme Winds current whereabouts!" He paced to the window and gazed at the bright moon that hung in the sky, murmuring, "Hopefully youll return in time! Otherwise, this war Yutangs current predicament we won''t walk out of this one unscathed!" At the break of dawn on the same day, the Empire of Yutangs emperor, Yu Peize, announced a nationwide dictum. "Yutang does not owe anyone! Yutang has never been a money-making tool for anyone and this should not be a basis for others to initiate a war to conquer the world!" "Generals from the four empires have requested to partake in the celebration in Yutang previously. For this, the five empires have signed the letter of credence of peace. The agreement that there will be no war before the new year still rings in the ear and stays fresh in our sights. Now, all four nations have unfaithfully dishonored the agreement. The letter of credence is but a joke! Unscrupulous is none other than being so! Backing out on ones word is even more revolting!" "Yutang has never feared war! Yutang has never crumbled! Promises, we shall observe! Dignity, we shall wear! Friends, we shall welcome! War, we shall fight!" "Today, I, as the emperor, declare war on behalf of Yutang! All of Yutangs people should bear this responsibility and fend off the enemy together, until the very last breath! Be it man or woman, young or old, healthy or handicapped, everyone has the responsibility to enlist in the military!" "Before I die, the empire is eternal; before Yutang dies, the nation is forever in fortune! Before Yutangs people die, the spirit of this nation remains!" "With my blood, my border is secured! With my life, my Yutang is strengthened!" The injunction spread throughout Yutang swiftly. The officials and messengers whipped their horses in a frenzy, pasting the dictum everywhere that was visible to the eye! "With my bones, my border is secured! With my life, my Yutang is strengthened!" This mantra instantly became the most popular slogan among Yutangs citizens. Crowds gathered at the recruitment spots in each city. Countless youths queued up with determination and certainty in their faces. Everyone was responsible for the prosperity and fall of their country. They would secure their Yutang with their lives! At the registration counters, there were also bouts of senior citizens, women, and children. They watched as their son, their husband, and their father turned around to look back at them with each step taken. Slowly, yet so resolutely, they walked forward to report their name and receive a number before being told where they should be heading to report for duty and join the training. Then, they came back to them holding the number, still wearing the same determination. A young wife gazed in a stupor at her husband whom she had always taken as a useless man. Her husband was soft like he never had a temper. No matter how overboard the others words were, he would never get angry. He was even more subservient to his wife. She had always been the decision maker at home while her husband took the stance as listener and follower. She had always thought that her husband was not manly. That was right, he was not manly; it was not that he was lacking manliness. He was not one bit like the other men who spoke loudly and harshly, who walked flamboyantly with wide strides, who ate and chewed with mouths wide open. However, when the country was in danger and when the villages men kept silent, it was her seemingly weak and mild husband who enlisted in the military without consulting her for the first time ever! "I am mild-tempered and have never argued with anyone in my life. Ive become a pupil to my master when I was young and learned mystical Qi skill, but Ive never shown it to anyone. I thought Id pass this life like this C to be simple is to be happy, to be peaceful is to be lucky. However, now that our country is in danger, I am going!" "With my life, I shall secure my Yutang!" The young wifes eyes were rimmed red. She was stricken with the realization that her husband, whom she had chastised countless times, was her greatest hero! Truly her hero! She had never felt safer than she did now. She had always felt a lack of security then; was that only an illusion? As she watched, her husband held the number and walked over back to her with the usual mild friendliness on his face. He looked like he had done her wrong, lowering his head and murmuring, "I hope you dont blame me The rise and fall of a nation, the border invasion by the enemy the country is on shaky grounds I know that you dont like me. Ill pen our divorce papers when we go back. If I dont come back" Before he could finish his sentence, the young wife had covered his mouth with her soft hands, saying gently, "Speak no more. Since Im married to you, alive C I belong to your family as a person; dead C I belong to your family as a ghost. The ancestor''s burial site will have my place, you cant run away from it!" The wifes gaze was unprecedentedly soft and affectionate, etched with deep love. "I now know that my man is a hero! Ive known it a little late, but its never too late, is it?" The man smiled innocently, with a scratch of his head. "Im no hero. People like the Nine Supremes Lords, Marshal Tie, Marshal Fu, Old Marshal Qiu and others; those are the real heroes." "Of course they are, but in my heart, youre the greatest hero of them all!" The wife walked back holding her husband, almost slipping into his embrace seeing as to how small she was. "When we get home well make love I dont care about anything but the fact that youre going to war you at least have to leave someone to keep me company" The young wifes face was as red as burning coal. "Ill wait for you, whether alive or dead!" When they got back to their village, the young wifes chin was lifted high in pride. Facing the women whom she had always chatted with, those who always praised their husbands and lowered her husband as a useless man, she was radiant like never before; she wore a sense of superiority that came from the core, she felt invincible as she looked down on all of them. My husband is a hero! My husband is not afraid of anything, he speaks with his actions! My husband is a warrior who fights for his country! Those in your homes are but useless men! When the country is in danger, your large size of seven or eight feet is but a waste, your muscles are but a waste, your energy and strength is but a waste! Whats so mighty about controlling the village? If youre so mighty, go to the battlefield and kill the invaders! Our country is in crisis, our country is about to be conquered, but all of you are willing to be cowards! I despise all of you! Hmph! 398 A Kind Forefather On this day, a large number of households had their lanterns lit late into the night. The men who were about to leave to join the military would only be spending three more nights at home, from tonight onwards. Three days later, they would join the military, be it up north or down south, towards the east or the west! Each one of them gazed deeply at their home and at their family members. Never had they realized that their home was this warm and beautiful, never had they felt such reluctance to leave it behind. Their sons, who were usually mischievous and they would love very much to beat up time and again were actually adorable and vivacious. How they wished they could see them play innocently like this, forever. They, however, could not. If Yutang were to fall, their homes would no longer exist. A subjugated nation meant the extinction of its people; once Yutang was gone, how could its people survive? If their home country were to be conquered by the others, who knew what sort of treatment awaited them? How could the invading wolves allow their family to continue living? They would rather be dogs of a peaceful nation than to be slaves of a subjugated country! Oh how this phrase spelled out in the citizens hearts! There were hundreds of thousands of families whose dining tables filled with dead silence. There were people who drank their wine without words. "Bottoms up!" "Alright!" "do well once you leave, dont embarrass your elders at home." "yes!" "The house will be fine." "Assuredly." "If if" The old father lowered his head; his silver strands trembled under the lantern light while his face was obscured in the dark where the light could not reach. His voice was raspy as he spoke, "If there comes that moment, dont forget that within you, flows Yutangs blood. Were there to put our lives at stake, were not there to surrender!" "Dont worry, father! Your son is no coward!" "Good, good." The old man stood up to leave halfway through the drinks, swallowing whatever he seemed to want to say, and instead, said hoarsely, "Go talk to your wife Tell her that our family awaits your return. If you dont come back, we will take her in like our own daughter. In the future well prepare her dowry!" "Alright." It was a sleepless night for the hundreds of thousands of families. When the men departed to the battlefield, Yutangs land exuded the aroma of wine. Countless elders kneeled before their ancestor''s graves alone, with candles and offerings, tears coursing down their wrinkled faces. "Spirits of ancestors, bless our children, that they may safely return" The dancing flame of candles flickered before the countless graves throughout the nation of Yutang. On the other side of the world, Yun Yang finally met the descendant of the legendary Physician Genius family, Sun Chengfeng. Chancellor Lan stayed by his side, watching nervously as Sun Chengfeng checked Elder Yuns pulse. Elder Yun was in a delicate spot now. If he could not be cured, they could only go on with the original plan that was littered with loopholes. If Supreme Cloud was not captured, the Empire of Ziyous good days would come to an end. Even if they had subjugated Yutang, the Empire of Ziyou, as the main executor of this scheme, would definitely face Supreme Clouds wrath. That would be difficult to stomach. After enduring the disastrous attacks, could Empire of Ziyou escape the attention of the other empires when it was bound to be at its weakest? The Empire of Ziyou would collapse entirely! If Supreme Cloud had really gathered all the Nine Supremes powers and manifestations, he could turn the Empire of Ziyou into a marsh just by directing the water of Lunar River into the country. How many could actually survive that calamity? "What a strange pulse indeed" Sun Chengfeng frowned, his finger not leaving Elder Yuns wrist once he had pressed on it. "How odd" Chancellor Lan asked anxiously, "What is it?" "Elder Yuns pulse C according to the theory of pulses, it shouldve stopped beating long ago but theres a flow of air of vitality within his meridians maintaining it all along In other words, this Elder Yun cough forgive my frank words should have been long dead. Somehow, he is living and breathing until now" Yun Yang said in admiration, "Physician Suns assessment of pulses is impressive indeed, not at all weaker than your ancestors. Truly accurate!" "Not only is it rare and wondrous that Elder Yun can stay alive until now, a feat unachievable by many, even if Elder Yun can soothe his injuries, it still damages too much air of vitality and his own cultivation base." Sun Chengfeng said, "I believe Elder Yun knows that there might not be room for another bout of extenuating circumstances." Yun Yang heaved a long sigh, "That is correct." Those two words that were grimly weighed down with despondency. Chancellor Lan sighed as well. Physician Suns diagnosis had once again proved what Elder Yun said to be all true. At the same time, it proved that his hypothesis was correct as well. However, what was the use now of proving it to be true? He had to be able to cure him! Only when Elder Yuns condition was better would there be a possibility to discuss the next step! Chancellor Lan asked nervously, "Does Physician Sun have any way to remedy this?" Physician Sun frowned. "It is a difficult task" Chancellor Lans heart went cold at once. "Could you possibly just try?" Sun Chengfeng thought about it for a moment before saying, "Elder Yun is wise and knowledgeable; you have fought this condition for years. I believe his knowledge of this injury surpasses my own. I wonder if Elder Yun knows how to cure it? Or maybe the direction of alleviation?" Yun Yang sighed softly and said, "I actually know well how to alleviate and even how to treat it. I am also well aware of the prescription, but to gather those remedies its as hard as entering heaven!" Chancellor Lan brightened up and said, "As long as there is a way, we have hope. What medicine does Elder Yuns prescription need?" Yun Yang answered faintly, "The bitterness of the flood dragons gallbladder, the frost of a peacocks tail, the sweetness of roving water, the sourness of the snow mountain pomegranate, the heat of a unicorns horn, the saltiness of a Weightless Whales blood, and the core of siderite, in addition to the catalyst which is also the hardest of all C the volition of thousands of people condensed into a globule. Only then will there be hope." Chancellor Lan was baffled by what he heard like he was listening to heavens commandments. Sun Chengfeng mused for a bit and said, "May I ask who gave you this prescription? Its Ive never heard of it." Yun Yang looked at him incredulously; gone was his indifference as he said in shock, "You dont know? It was given to me by your ancestor, Sun Damao!" Sun Chengfeng was flustered, not from anger, but shame and an indescribable pride. "My ancestor Cough, Ancestor Damao is only a nickname his friends gave him. Forefathers name is Sun Jishi." Yun Yang scoffed, "So what if I call him Sun Damao? This bastard he left right after giving me the prescription. Is he still alive?" Sun Chengfengs expression grew even more reverent. "Forefather has passed on two hundred and seventy years ago" Yun Yang rolled his eyes but a flash of sadness colored his face. He turned indifferent once again and said, "I didnt expect that he died quietly after sharing the prescription with me How dare he?" He blustered in irritation, but the expression he wore was one of sorrowful reverie. He then said slowly, "Back in those years your grandfather was such a kind man" The admiration was strong in his words. Sun Chengfeng said respectfully, "Since senior and forefather are old friends" Yun Yang gave an odd chuckle and said, "Old friends? Your ancestor is my sworn little brother. Hes olthird! This old man is the eldest!" Sun Chengfeng was shocked. "Senior, you you... are you...the God of Wine?" Yun Yang snorted, "God of Wine? I dont recall ever having such a lame title!" Sun Chengfeng stood up reverently and swept his clothes of creases before kneeling down on the spot. "Chengfeng of Sun Family formally gives greeting to Old Forefather! Good health and fortune, Old Forefather. This grandson is inexplicably touched, I apologize for my previous impoliteness and ask for Old Forefathers forgiveness." Lan Wuxin had earlier guessed Elder Yuns real identity, but he did not verify it after all, especially when Elder Yun himself did not disclose it personally. Even though he was rather certain about the latters identity, he did not dare say it out loud and refrained from sharing his observations with Sun Chengfeng. Before he arrived, Sun Chengfeng had no idea who he was treating. When he arrived and checked the pulse, Sun Chengfeng was shocked. The pulse told him that this man before him should have been dead for a good amount of years; it was strange but since the other party was an expert and had even told him of a grave injury he carried with him, it was explainable why they would come to him anyway. However, how did he become his old forefather even as they were speaking? Elder Yun was sworn brothers with Sun Chengfengs ancestor and the former was the eldest. His forefather was the elders little brother, so that would make Elder Yun his Old Forefather! Chancellor Lan was also baffled. Oh, sh*t. What kind of complicated relationship is this? We havent done anything yet and you fellows are acknowledging each other. Somehow, someone has become another''s forefather in the blink of an eye. How quickly things have escalated! Thats not right. With that cultivation base and seniority, going to heaven is just a matter of thought C thats how amazing he is! Even as realization struck him, Chancellor Lan remained rather distraught. He and Sun Chengfeng had known each other since they were young and had usually called each other brothers. Would that make the elder man his own Old Forefather too? How could Chancellor Lan not be distraught by this? Chancellor Lan was the head figure of the Empire of Ziyous officials and the forefather of civil officials; he was someone highly regarded. Before this old man though, he was downgraded all the way to being a grandson! Looking at Sun Chengfeng with white hair calling this character Old Forefather respectfully, kneeling on the floor and filled with so much praise, Chancellor Lan felt the knots entangled within him. Should he join in and call him Old Forefather too? Thinking of this, Lan Wuxin shuddered violently; he did not wish to dwell upon the thought! "Get up. Youre not young either. Courtesy is something to be considered done as long as theres sincerity; does it have to be so formal? Damao was like this back then, always so polite and well-behaved" Yun Yang said kindly and sighed, "At least this kind of man is always blessed. Practicing medicine and saving the people, the Physician Genius Family has an ongoing bloodline and descendants of a similar nature" 399 Volition of the People and Core of Siderite! "Old Forefather is strong and well. You are truly an extraordinary immortal. How can someone so mundane like this grandson possibly compare to such magnificence? Its really the greatest blessing to be able to meet Old Forefather today!" Sun Chengfeng said with utmost deference. "Child, just call me Elder Yun. Dont kneel down to me anymore, I dont like it. A man should stand tall and proud. You save people and thats doing them a favor; you have your dignity, no matter who you face. Theres no need to kneel," Yun Yang said wisely. "I shall follow Old Forefathers advice." Sun Chengfeng bowed once more before he stood up. Yun Yang said faintly, "As for this old man, I am no immortal Im only an old, useless, man that can barely take another breath now Im very comforted as well to meet someone I know today. Back in the forest, if I hadnt heard that there was a descendant of the Physician Genius, I probably wouldn''t have come out. Everything has been predestined." He sighed slowly, as if the scenes of his life had flickered past his eyes, and said, "Of the brothers then... only this old man is left now This mundane, secular world is filled with loneliness." "Old Forefather must be able to live long and well, to become a true immortal of the land." Sun Chengfeng said respectfully, "Hundreds and thousands of years from now, our families will still be hoping to be blessed by Old Forefather!" Yun Yang sighed dejectedly, "Immortal of the land, what does that even mean? Coming to see my home country again and meeting someone I used to know, my wish has been fulfilled. Due to my injuries, I shall pass on in less than ten years. That''s not too bad, I can reunite with them and chat again. Theyve waited for me for far too long" Sun Chengfeng said anxiously, "Those medicines... hasnt Old Forefather begun collecting them over these years?" Sun Chengfeng was genuinely anxious. A superior ancestor like Feng Xiange would be a testament, much like a living fossil in his family. He did not even have to do anything; just staying alive would already prove to be a great moral support to all of them! It was best if such an Old Forefather could live as long as he possibly could. Lan Wuxin was also anxious. Initially, it did not matter if Elder Yun could be saved. If it worked, they would do him a great favor; that would be great. If it did not work, it did not make any difference. However, the situation was vastly different now. The reconstruction of a soul was still waiting for this great old sir. Only he could perfect the plan peppered with loopholes; even the others, who had adequate cultivation base, could not learn nor execute it! In addition, Lan Wuxin was honestly impressed as well. He was truly in the presence of a true predecessor C he knew about methods others did not. The experts that were akin to immortals in his eyes were just like toddlers who did not know anything before the Old Forefather. "Old Forefather is knowledgeable indeed. Its a waste that this junior isnt sufficiently adequate, having only learned very little of old ancestors skills and knowledge. Its an upsetting fact to stomach." Lan Wuxins words came from the bottom of his heart; he was not pandering to Elder Yun. Recalling the Four Seasons Towers expert behaving like an idiot in front of the former yesterday, he could not help but sigh, thinking about the helpless man''s dumbfounded expression. At this moment, he actually felt that the Four Seasons Towers reputation did not befit its capabilities. Their legends were mostly likely tall tales, created to strike fear in the masses. They were the so-called legendary top organization of the continent; unfortunately, each of their members was equipped with a pigs brain and a formidable cultivation base without corresponding experience and wisdom! It was self-explanatory that one of the Nine Supremes had still managed to escape when they had set up the ultimate trap to ambush the Nine Supremes C what a useless bunch of idiots! Incompetent bunglers! "Its hard to say. Although the Four Seasons Towers people do not know my methods, its mostly just limited to their experience. Cultivators will always prioritize their own cultivation base. I believe there must be other experts in this world who are more well versed, and those who are more senior than me might be found as well This old man doesnt deserve to be called Old Forefather at this age... What a shame." Yun Yang sadly shook his head. Sun Chengfeng could not hold himself back and asked anxiously, "May I ask Old Forefather, what ingredient is still lacking? This grandson will think of a way to obtain it. You said that Physician Genius Family has saved plenty of people... the favors we have done are really abundant" Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit and said, "Ive hunted the flood dragon''s gallbladder from the Borderless Ocean and obtained the peacocks tail from ParaMount as well. Roving water was easy, I collected it a long time ago. Ive also found the snow mountain pomegranate a hundred and twenty years back. The horn of the unicorn must be given voluntarily by the beast itself; only then can it become medicine. After a hundred years, give or take a few, Ive finally acquired it. As for the Weightless Whale, it took me a good sixty years to take it from a hibernating whale beast. Ive collected most of the needed medicine and I should be working harder, being encouraged, but when I wanted to go for the Globule of Peoples Volition, it was a difficult task. A massive amount of manpower, resources, and wealth are needed to accomplish this. Not only that, the core of siderite is also unheard of in these hundreds of years. Ive put in a lot of effort, reading plenty of old books, and it seems that there was no mention of it in the last hundreds of thousands of years. Where do I begin searching for a medicine that has no destination? How can I not be hopeless, and give up?" Once Sun Chengfeng heard him, he looked hopeless as well as he said, "Just by listening to Old Forefather, it is evident that Old Forefather has lived a life of a recluse for years and have had many interesting experiences. This junior is already shaken just hearing the first few items and knows that theres no hope to obtain it, but Old Forefather has actually acquired each one of them. Your reputation truly matches your talent. However, Id like to ask how can the Globule of Peoples Volition be obtained? How does one begin with the so-called massive manpower, resources, and wealth? As for the core of siderite, what is it? Please explain!" As soon as he finished, Sun Chengfeng raised his hand to give himself a slap. He was ignorant indeed. He did not deserve to call himself the heir of a Physician Genius. He had actually never heard most of the rare medicinal ingredients in the prescription given by his ancestor. Moreover, he did not even understand the principles behind the condition and it''s medical treatment, thus making him deeply aware of the difference between him and his ancestor. They were worlds apart! How could his mere skill be worthy of the title Physician Genius? The fancy titles of God of Physician had truly made him content with his current abilities, and no longer endeavored to improve himself! Yun Yang said faintly, "I didnt explain it clearly just now. The Globule of Peoples Volition can be obtained when the time is right, once the manpower, resources and wealth are available. It is the core of siderite that is truly troubling!" "May I ask Old Forefather, that what is the Globule of Peoples Volition? Since it needs manpower, resources and wealth, this junior can be of use here!" Sun Chengfeng asked humbly. "Actually, there are three ways to obtain the globule; they are all different but they lead to the same result. First, its to have good ties everywhere, be liked by everyone, and become the symbol of a living Buddha to families. Then the peoples volition will naturally be obtained. The globules quality will be the best by using this method, but this will take the longest time." "Secondly, which is what this old man wants to do, is to gather massive manpower, resources, and wealth to develop a man-made opportunity and deceive the peoples minds, so that the volition can be collected from the people in a particular area. It will take up a relatively shorter time, but its quality will be poorer since its not naturally made. However, I only want it as an ailment and what I do will benefit those involved too, so it cant exactly be considered cheating. As for the third way I''d rather not mention it." Lan Wuxin and Sun Chengfeng were both bewildered as the latter questioned in confusion, "Why is Old Forefather only speaking half the story? What is this third method?" Lan Wuxin spoke as well, "Listening to Elder Yun, I assume the third method must be the easiest and takes the shortest time. One must adapt according to urgency; even if its something thats not supposed to be done, we should probably consider it!" Yun Yang shook his head and said in a low voice, "The so-called Globule of Peoples Volition sounds absolutely majestic, but the basis of it is simply the choice of ones dedication." Lan Wuxin was immediately alert; he could vaguely guess what the third method Yun Yang was reluctant to speak of was! Yun Yang paused before resuming his explanation, "Personally, the peoples support is a taboo to be brought up, but to the royalty, its not a big deal. Just a royal seal alone contains a great amount of the peoples volition. With a specific method, the volition can then be extracted and condensed into a globule." Lan Wuxin said, "That is an easy feat. His Majesty knows that Elder Yun has come and has been wanting to pay a visit. The Globule of Peoples Volition is only a matter of mentioning it to His Majesty and request to use the seal momentarily. Its not a problem." Yun Yang sighed softly, "Chancellor Lan has no idea. This old mans injury is severe and needs to use a lot of dedication. Id at least use a tenth of the volition contained in the seal and the imperial jade seal is what ties the people together. How can this old man damage the nations wellbeing just for my own personal gain?" Lan Wuxin grew even more assured. The old man was left with a handful of years to live, but he was still reluctant to disrupt Ziyous prosperity for his personal gain; his good intentions towards Ziyou was evident. If so, what was a tenth of the peoples volition? As long as this old man could be saved, he would be the Empire of Ziyous guardian. Every part stood to gain from this transaction. Lan Wuxin was more than happy to say that he was willing to give Yun Yang more than the amount of dedication power he wanted, so he could tie this Old Forefather onto the Empire of Ziyous war chariot. As for recovering the assassins soul, it would only be a matter of course! Lan Wuxin said in all seriousness, "Elder Yun, what is urgent comes first. Your injury is of the utmost priority now. I believe that His Majesty will understand and shall lend his jade seal without hesitation. Its decided then. There''s no need to be shy, Elder Yun; your reticence will only slight our good intentions!" Yun Yang shook his head for the third time. "Who would want to die if theres a cure available? Even if His Majesty is willing to borrow the jade seal and the globule is secured, I still lack the core of siderite. I''m still unable to achieve my goal." Sun Chengfeng looked distressed and asked, "Yes, were still missing the core of siderite, even if we do secure the globule. However, what actually is the core of siderite?" Yun Yang smiled. "Theres no need to be worked up over it. Everything in this world is destined. Of course, it would be best if we have it; that would be a blessing from heaven, but without it, this old man shall accept that fate as well. Ive lived to this age, exceeding much of the common peoples longevity; its more than enough. What else cant I let go of?" Lan Wuxin frowned and said thoughtfully, "I seem to recall something regarding the siderite When the Empire of Ziyou was in the making, the heavens bestowed its blessing. When a meteor fell from the sky, the continent was shaken by calamities; earthquake, fire, and tsunamis swept across half the land" "The founding emperor managed to tame the meteorites power and built this empire with his army I just dont know if the siderite remains. If it does, will be it the core of siderite that you need?" 400 The Emperor of Ziyou Sun Chengfengs eyes radiated glee as he sucked in a deep breath and said excitedly, "Old Lan, you have to help me, no matter what! Only you can persuade the emperor to retrieve the core of siderite!" Lan Wuxins brows were locked into a deep frown as he replied, "I really cant promise anything. The imperial jade seal is related to the nations fate... still, theres room for discussion. However, that siderite is a royal forbidden item and not only does it form the basis of this empire, its the foundation of the empires fate. Im afraid His Majesty might not take this chance. Besides, the core of siderite doesnt necessarily mean the inner core of the founding empire meteorite. We don''t know enough to make any firm conclusions." Sun Chengfeng retorted anxiously, "What are you talking about? As long as there is a clue and a direction, we should give it a try. Elder Yun is Ziyous assurance now, the Old Forefather of the Empire of Ziyou. He is serving the country still; if His Majesty is reluctant about just a piece of meteorite, isnt that just upsetting?" Lan Wuxin said helplessly, "The problem is that this thing might not even exist now!" Sun Chengfengs eyes were blown wide open. "What do you mean might not even exist? I think he just doesnt want to give it up! Even if it might not be, it should still be taken out for a try!" Lan Wuxin was speechless. Sun Chengfeng paused and said again, "Since the founding emperor has borrowed the power of this piece of meteorite to build the empire, he must have benefited a lot from it. Since he benefited a lot from it, it cant be an ordinary piece of a meteor." "Since its not ordinary siderite, there must be a possibility that it contains something else. Even if its not an absolute certainty, there must be a high chance that it could be the real thing." The more Sun Chengfeng thought about it, the more he felt that his inference was logical, thus making himself sound more righteous in forcing Lan Wuxin to seek for the siderite core. Lan Wuxin looked helpless as he tried to evade the request, not daring to agree to it. The item was, after all, the emperors heirloom that was also the Empire of Ziyous national treasure. How dare he take the responsibility? Both men came close to blows over this subject. Sun Chengfeng was flushed with distress, stomping his foot in anger and said, "Are you going or not? Not going? I will! I dont believe that I am unable to get this favor with what dignity I have. If I cant, then Ziyous royalty and imperial officials can forget about consulting the Physician Genius Family in future!" Lan Wuxin was forced to a corner. He finally decided, gritting his teeth and said, "Ill go! Alright, Ill go!" Sun Chengfeng was yet to be placated as he continued angrily, "Youre obviously reluctant by the way you sound! It means that you didnt want to do it at all. Lan Wuxin, I guess I finally know who you are. After so many years, I finally know what type of person you are today! You have not one bit of humanity left in you after you became the empires chancellor. Why didnt I realize it earlier? Youre a cold-blooded one, taking everything you can. You old bastard, Ive been blind, to be your brother for over a lifetime! Oh, how I regret it" Lan Wuxin was harrowed, gripping Yun Yang''s arm to indicate his helplessness, "Old Forefather, say something. When did I ever say I would leave it be? This old thing is simply accusing people! this old man" Considering that it was rather inappropriate to address himself as an old man in front of the Old Forefather, Lan Wuxin corrected himself quickly, "This fellow has forced me into a corner, how can I be such a person? Sun Chengfeng is making an unreasonable fuss, what a bastard! Old Forefather, please punish him!" Sun Chengfeng was enraged, springing up at once. "Lan Wuxin, youve become such an inhumane scum after being an official, yet you actually have the face to punish me with the home law! Being an official has turned your heart black, has it? Thats why people say that those with a sense of justice are often in the lowest hierarchy of the society, while literates are always the heartless ones! Lan Wuxin, youve studied too much that your heart has become black C youre one black sesame glutinous rice ball, your heart is all black!" "Your heart is the black one, youre the black sesame glutinous rice ball, your whole family is black sesame glutinous rice balls sorry, Im not talking about you, Old Forefather!" Lan Wuxin was so infuriated that he lost his ability to speak rationally. "Are you even f*cking reasonable? Your father is entering the palace right now, you old bastard, just you wait! When your father gets the core of siderite back, Ill not speak to you for three whole years!" In front of their Old Forefather, both men felt like they had become children; even their mental states experienced a shift. They had even managed to spew words like your father, old bastard and spoke about not talking to each other for three years. It was exactly like two children who were fighting and one of them had made an earnest promise not to speak to the other forever! Sun Chengfeng said with a flushed face, "I don''t care if youre not talking to me. Go to the palace first, remember to bring the item back." Lan Wuxin picked himself up with a slap on the table and said, "I certainly will!" With a huff and flap of his sleeves, he turned to leave, slamming the door with a loud bang on his way out. Yun Yang sighed and said, "Oh, Chengfeng, this is really putting him in a tough spot. It is already inappropriate to use the power stored in the imperial jade seal; whats more, the siderite is a royal treasure C its the foundation of the Empire of Ziyou. Truly, it cant be simply shown around! Lan Wuxin is Ziyous official, but he has to go ask for the imperial gem This is indeed inappropriate. Chengfeng, youve coerced him too hard just now! Both of you have been brothers for so many years, dont allow a crack to appear. Youre still young, you dont know how precious is the sentiment between brothers yet" "Old Forefather, dont worry! It wont happen!" Sun Chengfeng, who was regarded as young, said with lifted chin, "If he cant even manage this properly, I shall sever all ties with him! What else is worth risking his life for if he doesnt even care about Old Forefathers matter? If I cant manage this right, how am I going to meet my ancestor when I pass on? I would truly die from the scolding I would receive then." Yun Yang chuckled in amusement and said, "This is quite possible. Damao he forget it, its not a good habit to speak ill of my brother." Sun Chengfeng laughed as well. Old Forefather, haven''t you already spoken about him? On the same night, the Residence of Chancellor was suddenly securely guarded, tighter than ever C the emperor had arrived. It was actually not the first time for His Majesty to be present in Residence of Lan, but it was indeed the first time he was here for someone other than Chancellor Lan! The purpose of His Majestys visit was naturally to see Elder Yun. This would be the first time Yun Yang would meet the Empire of Ziyous emperor. The emperors stride was confident; he was well-built and ruddy, his gaze was lively; he had the natural grace of a majestic emperor. Unfortunately, the slightly malicious-looking hooked nose and the overly sharp eyes made Yun Yang feel that this emperor was not going to be someone that was pleasant to deal with. This should be a person who was reserved and suspicious. To work under such a monarch must not be easy; other than being very controlling, he must also be very demanding C he would not allow anything to stray from his control. Looking at Lan Wuxins aged persona and hunched body that did not match his age, Yun Yang could imagine the suffering the officials experienced working under this monarchs pressure. "This must be Elder Yun." The emperor was very friendly, chortling when he met Yun Yang. "A pleasure to meet Your Majesty." Yun Yang bowed slightly before straightening up. With the status he held being in disguise, he need not kneel down to the emperor; it was already in the others favor for him to bow and greet him. "No need to be so courteous, Elder Yun. Im here to visit Old Forefather, it isnt much else." His Majesty had an easygoing manner;he was down-to-earth and amiable, even with great talents such as himself. Of course, these were of no import to Yun Yang. To him, being down to earth and amiable to talents were never a compliment C it was a trick to fool others into servitude! With Lan Wuxins solicitous reception, His Majesty took a seat. He sat casually, hinting at a relaxed and homely atmosphere that belied the impression that he did not consider anyone else as an outsider. Yet, he had sat at the main hosts seat once he entered, which had exposed all he had done. Yun Yang could not help but deduct the emperor''s marks in his mental scoreboard. His Majesty seemed to really be only visiting like he had mentioned, bidding his leave after a slew of meaningless pleasantries. He had also warmly invited Yun Yang to visit the palace if he had time, to which the latter had agreed to with a smile. Yun Yang was on his guard against the old eunuch who had been tailing the emperor. This old eunuch seemed to be very old and had white hair; even his body was hunched and his face was lined with wrinkles.He looked like he would keel over at any time. In spite of this, Yun Yang could feel a lethal sense of danger from this old man. He must be a superior expert, a level that exceeded one who was more than a peak and reached the realm of heaven! Yun Yang was thoughtful. Was this eunuch more powerful than Mi Kongqun and Jiang Zhong? 401 Take It All! Yun Yang immediately recalled something. The master Mi Kongqun had mentioned should be this very same eunuch It seemed that the Four Seasons Towers Supreme Lord Summer was Ziyous Minister of Imperial Household. Would it be this man then? If it was this old fellow, he would very likely have a higher cultivation base than Supreme Lord Spring Frost! Perhaps the Four Seasons Towers Four Seasons Supreme Lords each had a cultivation base of heaven realm and Supreme Lord Spring Frost was only the weakest among them? He then thought about Supreme Lord Spring Frost being severely injured many years ago In Yun Yang''s mind, things began to fall into place. As if feeling Yun Yangs gaze upon him, the old eunuch lifted his head indifferently and glanced at Yun Yang with a dead-eyed stare. Yun Yang nodded at him with a smile as the old eunuch lowered his head humbly and followed the emperor out. Yun Yang wore a gentle smile and warm gaze, but his in heart, he had viciously killed the old man countless times. If it had not been this old thing, Yun Yang might already have taken the Empire of Ziyous emperor hostage in exchange for Old Dugu! Now that this old thing was here, Yun Yang could not afford to act rashly. Truth be told, he dared not act at all, rashly or otherwise. Not only would he fail, he might only succeed at getting himself killed instead. Yun Yang, who had lost his manifestation powers, was only a normal cultivator of beginner heaven realm. To contend with a high-level force whose real ability was unknown was utter folly; his chance of winning was a slim one. What was more, he was right in the canter of the enemy countrys capital. Without further interruptions, His Majesty left. The words that had sent him away, though, finally attracted Yun Yangs attention. "Your Majesty, the capital and the nearby locations have finished assembling the troops." This was the reason the emperor had left. It was night now. What were they doing, gathering the army at night and having the emperor over? There was only one possibility. The time for war had arrived. It was obvious who their enemy would be. Yun Yang felt a weight in his heart. Time. He was trapped here and he could imagine what sort of pressure Yutang would face once the war began. Yun Yang decided that he had to return as soon as possible. When His Majesty had left, he left two boxes behind as well, as the crown prince and two expert guards who had come with him. Lan Wuxin was awash with gratification, utterly honored by this grand gesture. One of the boxes was the Empire of Ziyous imperial jade seal! The other box contained the meteorite that had fallen from the sky so many years ago. The siderite had existed since the Empire of Ziyous establishment and had just been lying there for so many years. The royal academicians would naturally study it, but it was futile as the only conclusion they had arrived at was that the item was extremely heavy and was at least a hundred times heavier than mystical steel of the same size! Mystical steel was already heavy, usually ten times heavier than common refined steel, but this siderite weighed a hundred times more. It was only imaginable how hefty it was. There was a subtle feeling of it falling anytime whenever it was placed on a table. The four table legs had already pressed marks into the sturdy floor of the hall. The furniture in the Residence of Chancellor, especially those in Lan Wuxins study, was the best of the best. The table that bore the weight of the two boxes was made of top-grade Crimson Wood; it was no chore for it to hold one or two thousand catties of weight, but looking at the current scene, it was obvious that the piece of siderite was a terribly heavy object indeed. Yun Yang could not help feeling a rush of emotions. Indeed, a figure who could become an emperor was no simple character. This emperor of Ziyou had brought along two pieces of exquisite treasure, but he had not at all mentioned it when conversing with Yun Yang! The generosity and elegance contained within his actions impressed Yun Yang and had him shaken a little. If he were not Yutangs Supreme Cloud but the true legendary God of Wine, Feng Xiange, he would still be caught off-guard by such treatment. It was like hearing a strike of thunder where it was soundless. This emperors skill in playing with power and manipulating people was remarkable! "Its hard to doubt why the Empire of Ziyou could maintain its edge all these years. With such a generous leader endowed with such a bold vision, his nation would escalate easily as long as he was adept at governance. Each of these enemies Yutang faces is a hero of their time C it would make sense that these times arechaotic and full of unrest." Yun Yang thought quietly to himself. A hero would definitely be known in times of war. There would also be brilliant emperors in such times! However, if each contending nation had brilliant monarchs, then the war for hegemony would definitely be one that endured through the ages and colored the land red! We have both the imperial jade seal and the siderite now!" Sun Chengfeng was beyond delight and a little impatient. Yun Yang nodded nonchalantly and said, "Thats right. Let me check if the core is inside, hopefully, we wont be disappointed." The people on the spot immediately began to feel nervous. The presence of the core of siderite was directly relevant to this Old Forefathers longevity and the perfection of Supreme Clouds trap. It involved the fate of the nation C if Ziyou could prosper and reign for years to come! It must have it, please have it! Yun Yang touched the box and said, "This should be fine. The box used to contain the meteorite is actually made of Flamegold. The siderite is most probably equipped with the power of absorption. If so, this old mans confidence of about half has gone up to at least an eighth now that it will have the core inside." Yun Yang did not slack, opening the box to see a piece of strange metal that was the color of igniting flame. The steel was in crimson red, looking like a ball of crystal flame that was burning all along. In spite of the radiating blaze, no one near it felt the slightest tinge of heat. Yun Yang smiled and took a piece of a metal strip over to put it on the steel. Gradually, the crowd realized with a start that the metal bar had shrunk! After some time, it was entirely gone. If they had not watched with wide, open, eyes, no one would have realized the process. A hint of a smile laced Yun Yangs expression as he said, "This is what I meant by the power of absorption. In other words, there is a core within this siderite C a complete core at that too. I cant imagine that I actually found it here." Lan Wuxin asked, "Elder Yun, can this be of help?" Yun Yang answered, "Yes, but" He looked troubled and rather reluctant he said, "Its just a pity." "Pity? Is that not enough?" Sun Chengfeng was anxious as well. Yun Yang sighed and said, "Of course its sufficient, but this is something that involves Ziyous fate as a nation Once the core is extracted theres a big chance this national treasure of nations destiny will be destroyed! Its never a good thing to Empire of Ziyou." Lan Wuxin said with a smile, "His Majesty has already thought of this when he took it out. He said then that despite the siderite being wonderful, it can only stay a symbol if kept with the Royals. After all, theres no one else other than the late founding emperor who could use the power of this siderites core If it could save Eder Yun and add another guarding pillar to the nation, it would be worthwhile, and His Majesty will be content!" Yun Yang sucked in a long breath and said, "His Majesty is benevolent, this old and useless one is ashamed." "Old Forefather, please utilize it quickly. Its urgent to recover this as soon as possible," Sun Changfeng said. Yun Yang nodded and said, "Alight, it''ll fine for Chengfeng alone to stay back. For the rest of you, please bestow this old man a little honor and go back to rest. I might take a very long time, at least one whole night will be needed. Absorbing the core of siderite into me will trigger the three-hundred-year-old injury; the collision will erupt dramatically and will result in a mess. Not only will it not be beneficial to watch, it might be harmful. This old man has to give my all to go through this stage and can barely protect the rest of you" The group that was there nodded understandingly. It was something significant to tackle a seasoned injury of three hundred years old and Elder Yun, as a reclusive expert, must not want others to see the lamentable side of him in addition to the lurking danger. Lan Wuxin excused himself as a head start while the crown prince spoke in a troubled voice, "This uh" Yun Yang understood his expression and said formally, "This old man will take the Globule of Peoples Volition from the imperial jade seal first. so Your Highness can send it back before taking the core of siderite. The jade seal is an important national instrument, indeed it cant be left in public for long. Its an easy feat to take the globule of volition so its fine for all of you to watch." The crown prince blushed and replied, "Thank you for your understanding, Old Forefather." The crown prince had no doubts about this Old Forefather whom the emperor came to visit C he dared not have any too. It was just that the jade seal held too much power, more so than the core of siderite that no one knew what its power was for! The imperial jade seal was retrieved. It was a big square-ish one. Yun Yangs gaze flickered complexly. Emmie was also waving about in his divine consciousness space, asking how much of the peoples volition it should take. "Ayaya?" Yun Yang closed his eyes, before finally making it up in his mind and said, "Take it all!" "Ayaya!" Emmie was shocked. Take it all! Would this not be too brutal? This would genuinely shake the core of the Empire of Ziyou. Did you not say that it would take, at most, a tenth? The peoples volition that was contained within the imperial jade seal was intangible, existing almost like it did not, but still, it was something real and present. Yun Yang did not know it at first and was only talking about it to fool everyone else. Even the methods he mentioned were simply rambles; he was only spewing nonsense while looking very serious. However, Emmie had chipped in inappropriately and said that it could really take the peoples volition contained within the jade seal. The peoples volition was also an energy C one that was very special! As for the peoples volition in the jade seal, it was all that was accumulated since thousands of years ago when the Empire of Ziyou was built. Once all of it was taken, it would be the same as taking all of the dedication the Empire of Ziyous people had for their country. In other words, once the energy was taken, it would make redundant the thousands of years of national fate cultivated by the Empire of Ziyou! The fate or destiny of a nation was something mystical, yet real and present C one would be dead without breath, while a nation would be gone without fate! 402 A Complete Star Yun Yang was utterly vicious, saying that it was sufficient to take only a tenth, but actually taking all of it instead! No one realized what was happening right away. That was how the saying went; it was never too late for a gentleman to take revenge, while a despicable man would take all day to exact revenge! Unfortunately, Yun Yang was not a gentleman C he was a truly despicable ma! If he wanted revenge, then he would do it properly. Since he left Tiantang City and had trekked thousands of miles to attend to this conspiracy, he had already decided on that. Under the crowds gaze, Yun Yang looked solemn as he extended his hands to place them atop the jade seal. A ball of intense green ascended. The green light expanded while a reinvigorating sense arose within the ranks. People who fell under the green beam felt replenished; even Chancellor Lan. standing by the door had taken a step in with a burning gaze. The nourishment of such refined energy of vitality had reinvigorated everyone; even the miniscule illnesses and problems that were hidden within them were all gone. Chancellor Lan, who suffered the worst physical state among them, felt himself perking up unprecedentedly. On one side, Sun Chengfeng''s lips quivered from heartache. That was his Old Forefathers life force! How could his heart not ache when the precious energy was being shared by others? Yet this had to happen in order for him to absorb the peoples volition. Oh, how tangled his emotions were. Sun Chengfeng could not help but put the blame on the crown prince. He had already lent out the imperial jade seal, why was he being fickle and concerned about returning it just a little later? The Old Forefather now had to perform this in front of everyone and waste so much life force unnecessarily. Sun Chengfeng could only hope that it ended quickly and the globule was obtained soon, so his Old Forefather would suffer less loss. The bizarre green radiance lasted a long time, long enough to burn incense, benefitting everyone in the room greatly. Even the crown prince felt that his body, divine sense, and spirit had been renewed. He could not help feeling that it was not unfair to give the core of siderite to this Old Forefather just for what he had gotten from it. It was a worthy trade! The poor Highness did not know that the thousand years of luck his nation had enjoyed was being stolen right before his eyes, passed onto others with his own hands, and yet he still felt that it was worth it! This world was indeed filled with unexplainable peculiarities! There was no understanding the tricks that destiny played upon us! After aperiod of time, Yun Yang retracted his hands and picked himself up. There was a lush green bead in his palm that was the size of a pigeons egg. The emerald globule was surrounded by violet air that seemed almost tangible; it actually looked wondrously ethereal. Yun Yang inhaled. The globule flew up at once, gleaming with a divine glow, and entered Yun Yangs mouth slowly. It then disappeared. Yun Yang, who swallowed the emerald bead in the violet air, looked paler than before. He looked like he had lost too much air of vitality. Without saying anything, he closed his eyes to adjust his internal state. The crown prince was reluctant to move, relishing the strength of the green vitality force. He wanted to bid farewell to Elder Yun, but the latter was already seated in meditation. His mouth could only remain slack as he carried the imperial jade seal and bid farewell to Chancellor Lan, returning to the palace with his guards. Chancellor Lan and the others exited the room as well, leaving Yun Yang alone with Sun Chengfeng. Yun Yang was still meditating with his eyes shut; Sun Chengfeng did not dare disturb him and waited aside almost with bated breath. After a long, long time, Yun Yang opened his eyes. He looked slightly better, but still spoke in a weak voice, "Has everyone left?" Sun Chengfeng replied respectfully, "Theyve left. Theres only the two of us here now." Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath and said, "Alright, lets go to the next step. Let''s see if this old man can defy fate and solve this incurable condition!" He stood up right after speaking, calming himself down before he produced a beautiful, long saber. He unsheathed it like an art piece in front of Sun Chengfengs eyes. Once the saber appeared, a spiritual light glowed and lit up the entire room. Yun Yang touched the piece of siderite with the tip of his saber carefully and gradually exerted force. When he had used almost all of his energy, the steel began to show cracks that appeared under the pressure. "This is harder than I expected it to be." Yun Yang was inwardly baffled. The long saber Yun Yang was using now was his Divine Edge; it should have been a piece of cake for the Divine Edge to cut through jade and steel. Even the mystical Qi of a heaven realm ace expert could not block its slash. Now, the siderite had taken up almost all of Yun Yangs strength before it cracked C and Yun Yang was already a second heaven intermediate cultivator! The amount of strength that was used was akin to the full exertion of a first heaven experts maximum cultivation base. Such a force could flatten a small mountain. Moreover, he had used Divine Edge, a unique godsent weapon, and had only managed to make one tiny crack. The hardness of this rock was mysteriously alarming. Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath, his eyes glowing sharply as he said in a low tone, "Im going to give it my all. Be careful." Sun Chengfeng replied obediently, "Ill stay further away. Old Forefather, feel free to do what you will. Theres no need to be concerned about this grandchild." He then left the inner hall. Yun Yang nodded and was about to hack down in one smooth motion to see if the siderite could withstand his maximum power. To his surprise, there was a turbulence in his deific consciousness and Emmies unprecedented excitement came from within. "Ayaya!" Yun Yang was startled, immediately diving in for a look. Emmies emerald green tendrils were waving in a frenzy, its small physique almost turned into a braid from the excited movements. "Ayaya Ayaya-yaya" Why was it so agitated? Yun Yang was subconsciously startled. "Is this of value?" Yun Yang asked. "Ayaya-yaya!" Emmies soft voice ended on a tender note, two of its fine tendrils coming to wrap around Yun Yangs calf. Yun Yang was taken aback; Emmie had never reacted this way before. Was it acting soft and spoilt or was it pandering to him? It had shown desperate need before but it had never been in this manner. Was this something good that was never before seen? Something even better than the nations destiny in the jade seal? "What is this, actually?" Yun Yangs mind suddenly spun about in wonder. If it was truly something valuable, he had to save some for himself; he could not let Emmie consume all of it! "Ayaya" Emmie was exceptionally reluctant C a very obvious sign that it did not want to share. It wanted to have it all to itself! It was evident that this item was indeed a rare treasure. Emmie should be managing Ziyous thousand years of fortune right now and that should already be a gem in itself. However, it had actually come over and acted like this. It was simply proof that the siderite must be a dream more outstanding and wonderful than anything that he had encountered before! "Stingy brat!" Yun Yang muttered, "Cant you give me a little treat? How can you be so stingy with your own master? Dont you know that youll only be great if Im good; dont you want to be great?" Emmie did not look as thrilled as its leaves curled in on themselves, looking at fault but also listless. Under Yun Yangs constant interrogation and threats, Emmie finally began her reluctant explanation. "You mean this is a complete star? You must be joking." Yun Yang was truly dumbfounded. "It somehow just fell from the sky? Theres a complete force of a star inside it?" "Ayaya" Emmie was disappointed in his lack of knowledge and exaggerated reaction. "That''s not all?" Yun Yangs eyes were falling out from his sockets. "Ayaya" "This is the soul of a star?" Yun Yangs eyes were practically glowing. Emmie waved its tendrils about speechlessly, the air in Yun Yangs deific consciousness crackling from its actions. "Only the outermost layer was burned off by the heat? The core wasnt touched at all? Not that nobody wants it, but nobody can make use of it?" Yun Yang gulped loudly. Seeing Emmies acknowledgment, Yun Yang finally understood that the importance of the treasure that lay before him. This was not something he could readily digest C it was a complete star! The Empire of Ziyous founding emperor was called Zi Yunlong. Yun Yang knew this person well. This person was peerless when compared to everyone in the world when he first built the empire C he was the Tianxuan Continents recognized Unrivaled Expert! When the man attacked, the flame within his techniques could scorch his opponents to charred remains. It was savage! If he had attacked with all his might, it would be a simple task to incinerate his opponents into mere wisps of smoke! He was titled the Flame Emperor back then, formidable and second to none in the entire world. According to Emmie though, this Flame Emperor had only taken the stars outermost energy; he had not enjoyed the dormant energy that lay deeper within. It also seemed that the outermost layer energy of flame was too powerful; so much so that this emperor had lost control of his flame power during his declining years and went through a power surge that had caused his death. He did not manage to continue the legend of being unrivaled, thus had the Empire of Ziyous halted its territory expansion at the current area. From what Emmie had said, this unmatched Flame Emperor had not absorbed even one percent of the stars force! No, Emmie corrected Yun Yangs thoughts C the Flame Emperor did not even take one-tenth of a thousandth of this stars force. He had only scraped, at most, the surface, the protective energy of this star. The true gem was all contained inside this siderite, and not a single drop of it was extracted yet! 403 Restored Youth Yun Yang was somewhat skeptical of the narration; it was simply too hyperbolic and absurd. Even if the Flame Emperor was second to none in his prowess and could only absorb one-tenth of a thousandth of the stars force, how could the siderite be only this large if it was actually a complete star? Also, how could a complete star fall from the sky? Seeing that Yun Yang was increasingly doubtful, Emmie was filled with contempt. "Ayaya" "What?" Yun Yang asked irritably. "You dare call me a bumpkin? It looks like you really dont wish to stay well, do you?" "Ayaya~" Emmie conceded defeat right away, admitting that it had gone overboard and that its master was not really a bumpkin. Well, not too much of one, anyway. Yun Yang snorted and did not take the matter to heart; after all, he knew that he truly lacked in knowledge and was woefully ignorant. Besides, he could not take what was inside the meteorite on his own. He had to depend on Emmie. It was not too late to make the brat clean up its act after he had gotten enough for himself. By then, he would definitely let Emmie knew why the world was the way it was and that it could not simply call its master a bumpkin! Having received a confirmation, Yun Yang threw himself into the work. He raised the saber in his hand before hacking down under Emmies nervous cry. It was like a strike of lightning C Yun Yang exerted a hundred and twenty percent of his own strength in that swing! He had given his all. According to Emmies observation, the slash had sliced off a small piece of the siderites outer skin. As such, a glimpse of the maroon inner core of the star could be seen. What he saw was what he got, so Yun Yang hesitated no more after seeing that it was effective. He hacked left and right, front and back, top and bottom C after six chops, only a siderite core the size of two fists was left behind. Then, it was Emmies time to shine. An unprecedentedly rich force of life wrapped itself around Yun Yangs hands; he secured the siderite with one hand while another carved its way inside while holding the Divine Edge. It was a critically climatic moment right now. Even the slightest damage to the essence inside would be a great loss! Only Yun Yang alone could execute such a maneuver! Any strong contender in this world, aside from the said youth, could never have done it, no matter how great a cultivation base or how mystical an arcane skill they had. That was because only the force of life could withstand such high temperatures and successfully touch the core of siderite! Of course, there was also the contribution of the Divine Edge that was the only thing that could cut through the siderite. If it had been anyone else, just the inner cores heat alone would have charred them to ashes regardless if they could deal damage to the outermost layer of the fallen star C it would end the same way, no matter how proficient the expert was! Once the inner core of the siderite greeted the world, it inevitably exuded an immensely high temperature, yet the heat was canceled by the force of life, thus resulting in a huge quantity of smoke. The room was engulfed in thick billows of ash instantly, tinged with a burnt smell. All that was incinerated was the most refined energy of life! The extravagance was baffling! Outside the room and above the small yard, a thick mass of smoke curled up into the sky and concealed both heaven and earth, looking like half of Zilong City was on fire. Sun Chengfeng, who was in the inner hall, looked outside with reverence. Those were balls of rich life force burning in there... Sun Chengfengs beard was trembling from his heartache. Yun Yang was still chopping and slicing away while Emmie delivered what was needed wholeheartedly. Finally The inner part of the siderite showed a glimpse of a yellow beam that was akin to liquid; it was translucent and smooth, yet still managed to look like it was sticky. An indescribable fragrance wafted into the air. At the same time, a heavy force akin to gravity could be felt. Before Yun Yang could relish in it or even sneak a peek, the yellow material vanished immediately! Emmie was like a fox that had waited for thousands of years and charged with reddened eyes of hunger when it saw little chicks, intent on devouring all that was there! Collected! It had finally been collected! In a flash, the remaining piece of the siderite turned dull, leaving behind only a small shell with a tiny hole on it. It was as big as a goose egg, but the yolk was gone. The outer skin that had lost its inner core contained no more warmth as well. Shortly, the thick smoke disappeared. Sun Chengfeng asked carefully through the door, "Old Forefather, is it alright over there? Is the transition smooth?" Yun Yang ordered Emmie to recover all his aspects to the best possible state at once and replied tiredly, "All is good for now. Ill have to train my cultivation base back, step by step. Even though the stubborn condition is gone, its impossible to recover my cultivation base lost in these three hundred years within a day." Sun Chengfeng was absolutely overjoyed as he said, "Thats great! Marvelous! It''s great that youre fine!" Before his words could even linger in the air, he had rushed over impatiently and checked Yun Yangs pulse. "Its magical!" "How amazing!" Sun Chengfeng was in awe, "Old ancestors prescription is really earth-shattering! Old Forefather, your pulse doesn''t feel like that of an old man at all." "It feels more like that of an eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth. Your heart rate and body functions this" The more Sun Chengfeng continued to check, the more he was shocked; he was so delighted that he could hardly keep his mouth shut. "Old Forefather, this is wonderful! You your youth is restored!" Yun Yang chuckled and said, "Yes, my youth is restored... somehow. If I were to enter the city like this and tell others Ive lived for several hundred years, I guess Ill be beaten to death!" Sun Chengfeng chortled. "Of course. Really, if I didnt see it with my own eyes, I would be the first to accuse you, Old Forefather! Your state now, from head to toe, is that of a youth. Theres nothing aged about it!" He then sighed, "Its a pity that it''s too late for recovery. An eighth of Old Forefathers cultivation can no longer be reacquired." Yun Yang smiled. "Na?ve child, this old man has such a body now. Would I be worried that I cant cultivate it back?" Sun Chengfeng grinned. "Thats true. With your current state, it would be easy to live another three hundred to five hundred years - or even be immortal." Sun Chengfeng was utterly thrilled and was about to run out immediately to inform the others of this good news but was stopped by Yun Yang. "Hold up." "Yes, do give your instructions, Old Forefather." "Since there are only the two of us, let us speak as a family." Yun Yang mused and said, "Chengfeng, do you still remember the family precept of the Physician Genius Family?" "Of course this grandson remembers! Family Precept of the Physician Genius Family C Those who heal are benevolent, treating illnesses and saving lives; travel to practice medicine, save the world, one life at a time; do not be thrilled by personal gain, do not forget the pure intent; be it aristocrats or commoners, all of them are patients!" Sun Chengfeng recited. Yun Yang nodded deeply and said, "Your ancestors didnt say that you can only treat those from the Empire of Ziyou, did they?" Sun Chengfeng answered, "Absolutely not! This grandson has always roamed the world to practice. Ive stayed most of my years in the Empire of Ziyou but there are still years that I practice in the other empires." "Those who heal will never differentiate between borders, only distinguishing between a fatuous physician and a brilliant one." Yun Yang patted Sun Chengfengs shoulders and said, "Remember your forefathers words. Those who heal bear the heart of parents, those who heal bear the heart of the world; The Physician Genius Family should be passed on eternally C so the world can relish in the Physician Genius Familys benevolence. The brilliant ones help the world; youre a brilliant one in the field of medicine, you should help the people of this world!" "This grandchild will remember Old Forefathers words!" Sun Chengfeng took the advice to heart. "Alright, let''s go out." Yun Yangs unhurried words were gentle and low, like a dream, "If theres nothing else, I hope that you dont partake in Ziyous fight for world domination. The war has started... If I were you, I would leave as soon as possible." Sun Chengfeng replied in a low tone, filled with longing, "This grandchild wanted to serve Old Forefather for a few more days" "Leave tomorrow." Yun Yang sighed solemnly. "The battle has begun. My cultivation base has yet to recover, I might not be able to keep an eye on you if you were to stay here... We shall meet again in the martial world; itd be easier for me to find you than for you to find me. People who know you now are much more than those who know this old man!" His acting skills had improved; his finishing words were exactly like a forefather who was teasing his successful descendant C how impressive! Sun Chengfeng kept quiet for a bit and said, "Alright. Since Old Forefather has spoken, this grandson will leave Zilong City tonight, without further delay." Yun Yang nodded comfortingly and patted Sun Chengfengs shoulder; a big mass of refined air of vitality slipped into the latters meridians abruptly. Sun Chengfeng turned around in alarm. "Old Forefather, how can this be?" He could feel that his Old Forefather had given a hefty amount; in fact, it had far exceeded a hefty amount, because the life force he was given was sufficient to take him back to his prime years! This was a gift that meant too much; it was a blessing that was akin to rebirth! What Yun Yang had done was like changing a brand new physical body. It would extend his longevity by at least sixty years! "Stay alive, however long you can!" Yun Yang said slowly, "It will allow the Physician Genius Family to save a few more lives in this world. Those who heal are benevolent, its how ones heart should be C its what a physicians initial intent is! Dont forget this!" Sun Chengfeng dropped to his knees on the floor, weeping. Chancellor Lan was elated about Old Forefathers recovery and was not at all upset over the siderite! After all, the siderite was only a sign of symbolism now to the monarch. Giving it to Old Forefather could revive him and add value to the rock like it was gold Even better, platinum, pure gold, or rose gold. An old sir who could help the Empire of Ziyou stabilize its fate as a nation like a guardian angel would be so much better than an ornament or a symbol. This transaction was a steal C the Empire of Ziyou had gotten a good bargain! Of course, Lan Wuxin would never have thought that what the Empire of Ziyou had given this time was not only an ornament or a mere symbol, but it could forge the worlds unrivaled legend, a chance to reign over all and roam the nine heavens. In fact, the destiny of the entire country had been neatly packed and served away! 404 Impatience Before completing this feat, Yun Yang himself would never have thought that his spontaneous response to the trap would bring so many positive gains to him before he came to the Empire of Ziyou. He actually felt slightly guilty for deceiving them C he had first become Ziyous Old Forefather and the acknowledged guardian and pillar of the nation before he pocketed their national treasure; had he gone over the line? He would most probably be the national enemy now. In spite of this, Yun Yang thought that he would not think it was excessive to obtain such gains every day for even a dozen times after checking the space of his deific consciousness. He could not be blamed for being a glutton. Yun Yang had always thought that he was a humble and cautious person, content with what he had and was never greedy - but the newly acquired soul of the star had truly brought about so much! The soul of the siderite was assumed to be Emmies foundation in the deific sense as it buried it all under its roots. Emmie was as healthy as it could be now; the thickness of its leaves was that of a finger, while there was a distinct layer of trichrome on them; they seemed to have grown two times larger in just a short span of time. There were only three leaves, but they were emerald and rippled like acres of a lotus pond. It was a majestic view. As for Emmie, having received a boost from the soul of a star, the power it could unleash was unprecedentedly strong. The conscious space was brimming with purplish gas now like it was about to rain. Just a rough sense told of the intensity of spiritual Qi that had grown five times stronger than it was before. Furthermore, this was only the effect before the soul of siderite actually showed its true efficacy, for now. "If you absorb all the power of earth within the stars soul, master can become a deity right away!" Emmie''s observation was correct of course C it was simple and frank and at the same time, very tempting! Yun Yang had, of course, very high expectations. Emmies last words filled Yun Yang with delighted surprise C "Possessing this stars soul is like condensing all the essence of Tianxuan Continent into a single object, and all these will belong to you alone." "The value of this siderite is worth much more than the entire Tianxuan Continent. I believe that even the legendary force of earth might be just like this!" Yun Yang was dumbstruck with elation once he heard this, but was pulled back down to reality by Emmie as it said, "The only regret is that the power is too strong. Master cant take it at all; even a single drop would cause you to implode." Yun Yang woke up from the wild dream at once, feeling upset. He was at least at the cultivation base of a heaven realm beginner now and was even equipped with various manifestation powers; how weak was he to be unable to afford a single drop? Under Yun Yangs pestering questions, Emmie replied, "Thats a concentration of unimaginable force of earth that surpasses the entire Tianxuan Continent. With the small body master has now, you really cant take a single drop of it; you''re not even qualified to slowly absorb it. Of course, when master can combine all of the Nine Supremes manifestation powers into one, then you can take this energy bit by bit. In other words, the day Nine Supremes various powers merge into one will be the day you can consume this powerful force!" Yun Yang was filled with anticipation once again. What was more important now was still the initial intent he had come here C Old Dugu! He had to solve it quickly! His identity as Old Forefather had its loopholes after all. It would be better to solve his issue as soon as possible in addition to the matter of the ancestral remains of Shangguan Family of Generals C if it was possible, he should try and solve it altogether. Otherwise, it would only be Shangguan Familys eternal looming fog that weighed them down forever! Heaven had heard his wishes; things had gone smoother than Yun Yang expected. Old Chancellor Lan was actually more impatient about the recovery of the soul than Yun Yang was. "Old Forefather, can the soul recovery begin now?" Lan Wuxin asked. From what Yun Yang knew about Lan Wuxin and his character, being the Empire of Ziyous head of civil officials, there was simply no reason for him to be so anxious and frank about it. Should he have been more tactful when asking? Yun Yang was subconsciously taken aback when he heard him. "Is it so very urgent?" The shock he experienced was not an act. Yun Yangs honest thought would be to mention the treatment himself, but considering the fact that he might seem too eager and garner unnecessary suspicion, he was still racking his mind on how to voice it out. Should he showcase his acting talent and be passionate to demonstrate his talents as the expert he was, since the nation had treated him so well? Or perhaps he should be reluctant and take one step forward and two steps back... Who would have known that Chancellor Lan would ask straightaway upon meeting him and was exceptionally impatient? "It is urgent, of course." Chancellor Lans face was pressed together in a frown. The calm, collected and graceful chancellor that he was before outsiders and even the emperor was not even attempting to conceal his impatience in front of the Old Forefather. He was just like a child before the old forefather; why should he hold onto that sort of dignity? "The people from the Shangguan Family of Generals have arrived!" Yun Yang heart skipped a beat as he blurted, "You mean Shangguans people have already entered the city?" He then continued in dismay, "Didnt you say theres still a thousand miles to go? There should still be around three days before they arrive!" Lan Wuxin sighed, "A thousand miles was during the day before yesterday. Now theyre here anyway. Everythings on a stretched bow, we can''t hold on without releasing it!" Yun Yangs mind spun rapidly, thinking of ways to handle the sudden change. He really could not figure out why Shangguan Lingxiu had entered the city after all; his letter had reached her, had it not? Yun Yangs expression turned grim as he asked in a low voice, "Are you going to execute the initial plan?" Lan Wuxin heaved a deep sigh and said, "Initially, it was to be executed, but now, we cant even if we wanted to. According to our previous estimates, Shangguan Lingxiu came with eight thousand Shangguan Family of Generals soldiers, but now, she has only brought a hundred men into the city!" This was what distraught Lan Wuxin. If all eight thousand men had entered the city together, Lan Wuxin might have opted to wait and see if Yun Yang had a solution, after asking for his opinion but if there was no solution to recover the soul, then Lan Wuxin could order to have all of Shangguans people killed without hesitation. However, the fact now remained that Shangguan Lingxiu had only brought a hundred men into the city. The Empire of Ziyou was in an awkward position. Even if given a hundred more courageous souls, they would not dare attack these hundred people! If Supreme Cloud was not within this hundred men, not only would they alert him to their plan, they would also become a joke. According to intelligence, each of the hundred people who had come with Shangguan Lingxiu matched the characteristics of those in the Shangguan Family of Generals, be it their identity, appearance, traits or mystical skill. Their profiles could be tracked back to tens of years ago; there was no deceit here. In other words, under the careful observation of the powerful intelligence web, there were no unfamiliar faces within the group C everyone that was supposed to be here was here as expected! As for Supreme Cloud, whose origin was a mystery, he would never be Shangguans personal family official! Therefore, Supreme Cloud was most probably not within these hundred people, but could these hundred people hide Supreme Cloud within their ranks? It was uncertain. Most probably did not mean an absolute guarantee, there was still a potential for error. This was how awkward the situation had become C there was no way to be certain that he was one of them as well as there was no way to be certain he was not among them. If they attacked and all hundred people died. but Supreme Cloud was not inside it would be a disastrous and unrecoverable incident. They could not afford inaction, though. If Supreme Cloud was indeed among the men, they would then miss a God-given chance! The opportunity would not repeat itself! Consequently, everyone from the emperor to the experts of the Four Seasons Tower was all distraught and in an awkward place after knowing that Yutangs Shangguan had entered the city. All of them were stricken with a dilemma, not knowing whether to go forward or take a step back; it was difficult to both kill or release them. The Four Seasons Tower wanted to act there and then; they did not wish to contemplate the repercussions of mass slaughter. The consequences had little to do with them anyway, but Ziyous aristocrats had denied them wholeheartedly. "Its better to wait a bit more. Just wait a little more. We must wait some more." What was there to wait for? Without a doubt, it was to see the outcome of Yun Yang''s healing efforts and whether this Old Forefather could recover the assassins soul! Hence the impatience of Chancellor Lan who had to come urge him, despite knowing it would be a faux pas. "My condition is better than expected. I can indeed try now." Yun Yang frowned and said, "I initially thought that I would still have eight to ten days when I recover a level or two of cultivation base after three to five days. Only then would we do this If it had to be today, this old man has not much confidence. I believe Chancellor Lan has to be aware of this." Eight to ten days? It was absolutely impossible for them to wait that long! Even if it had been three to five days, it was still too long. "Today it is then?" Lan Wuxin asked earnestly. "Alright" Yun Yang shrugged helplessly after being quiet for a bit. "Right now?!" Lan Wuxin asked immediately. He was truly pressed for time now and could not care less about grace and mannerisms; he was just like a child who was asking for sweets! To Lan Wuxin himself, though, he was just like a child before this old sir; he would take advantage of that even if he had to act more petulantly. Embarrassing as it was, it was fine as long as it worked. Yun Yang looked at him like he was watching a fool; this man''s current behavior was nothing like that of a chancellor of an empire. Lan Wuxin flushed, actually feeling like a primary school child who had done something wrong. "Its really urgent." Yun Yang nodded helplessly. "Certainly, well do it now then." Standing by the side, Sun Chengfeng had finally decided upon his path and said, "Old Forefather, your health is fine now. Just rest well in the future. This grandchild will bid my leave now." Yun Yang nodded. "Thats fine." Lan Wuxin had his head filled with national affairs now and could not muster the proper response to the news that his old friend was leaving, saying, "You''re leaving? Very well then." 405 Jun Moyan! Sun Chengfeng rolled his eyes before bowing deeply again to Yun Yang and left. Watching Sun Chengfengs back disappear at the small yards door, Yun Yang remained silent while he extended his deific consciousness. Sun Chengfeng exited the residence after tidying his medical box, heading towards the city gate with Lan Wuxins pass in hand. "If we meet again by chance, I will repay your favor. I will not let you acknowledge your ancestor for nothing," Yun Yang said quietly in his heart. Yun Yang had come to the Empire of Ziyou without any penchant for all its people, only wishing to kill them for gratification instead. Sun Chengfeng was the only exception. A physician of pure heart should be respected. By chance, Yun Yang had to use such a person, but he was not one to feel indifferent about it. The prophecy would come true C when both of them met again, things would be drastically different. However, Yun Yang would still remember todays oath and provide for Sun Chengfeng. The man had sincerely called him Old Forefather multiple times; he could not do anything when he was in no position to act upon his whims, but when he was resourceful and doing well, he would definitely benefit the old man as well! Next, Yun Yang went out of the door, following Lan Wuxin who was very much impatient but dared not show it on his face. Along their journey, Yun Yang could feel that Zilong Citys atmosphere had changed vastly in the previous two days. Security was tight, but the commoners had still carried out their daily activities as usual. Their lives were affected, but it was not a drastic change. Today, however, the streets were free of pedestrians. Squads of armored soldiers could be seen patrolling everywhere, while countless of experts bearing sabers and swords strolled slowly around the corners or right on the streets. Powerful divination energy lingered in the air. There was truly no blind spot, be it in the sky or on the ground. Even Ling Xiaozui or Jun Moyan would not be able to enter Zilong City without being noticed under such conditions, let alone Supreme Cloud, who had lost his manifestations powers. The deeply hidden murderous intent had engulfed the entire Zilong City! The city right now was akin to a huge, volatile, bucket of oil. Just a small spark could ignite the entire bucket and trigger a massive explosion! Yun Yang walked as his gown fluttered; beside him, Lan Wuxin was trying to keep up by whipping his horse. Yun Yang, the Old Forefather, was already moving at a restricted speed and Lan Wuxins horse was galloping the fastest it could, but it could barely keep up. If Yun Yang did not need Lan Wuxin to lead the way, he might already have vanished without being seen. Expert guards were on both sides, advancing swiftly in two separate squads. Their destination loomed in front C the Board of Punishments prison. Yun Yang felt his blood surging and boiling, hardly suppressible. Within his eyes, a faint killing intent was condensing into place. Old Dugu, Im here! Im here to save you, to let you spend your remaining days without worries and troubles. Ill be filial to you and let you have a happy retirement! What seventh brother Supreme Blood didnt do in time C Ill do it for him, Ill do everything for him! You have me! In front of them, the man in charge of the Board of Punishment came to welcome them with a stoic face. Lan Wuxin went over on his horse before alighting from it, almost falling with a stagger. "How is it?" The person in charge did not look pleased. "The old sir is still here, no one has gone near." Lan Wuxin sighed and said, "Alright." He came to Yun Yang and said with a long face, "Old Forefather, theres been something of an accident that I didnt tell you" Yun Yang said with a frown, "What accident? Why didnt you say it outright?" "Its actually one of the loopholes you mentioned earlier. The Unrivaled Swordsman, Jun Moyan is here." Lan Wuxin said miserably, "Since the assassin sabotaged himself to become a living dead, Jun Moyan rushed over and has been keeping guard outside the room, not allowing anyone to go near." Yun Yangs gaze flickered with worry. "Jun Moyan? Hes here and ha publicly defended the assassin? Where does he stand? Has he forgotten about his home country?" Yun Yang CElder Yuns - was burning with patriotism as his home country had just helped him with its all; he was the oldest supporter of his nation as well. Therefore, it was only right for him to react the way he did. In truth, Yun Yangs thoughts were scattered all over the place. He had not expected Jun Moyan to actually be here. Would his presence change his plan to save Old Dugu and lead into an unexpected direction? Jun Moyan had become the biggest element of surprise right now, a huge variable that was not within control. How could Yun Yang not be shocked? Yun Yangs trip to Ziyou to save Old Dugu was full of obstacles and unforeseen circumstances; the surprises came one after another. Jun Moyan was a huge variable, but Yun Yang was not wholly dumbstruck. After all, he still had the Medallion of Gratitude and might be able to use it when needed; perhaps, he would enlist Jun Moyan as a great help instead and could emerge victorious. What Yun Yang was most worried now was if the Four Seasons Towers Mr. Nian would suddenly pop out to attack the last survivor of the Nine Supremes. It was well within reason for the head of the tower to do the deed personally. Hence, Yun Yang had a growing headache now. What a load to think about! Those who stood in front as the reception party made way once they saw Chancellor Lan arriving with another person in tow; the Board of Punishments long, closed, doors opened abruptly as the crowd streamed in. As the group went it, a sharp sword energy suddenly burst out from inside; it covered the entire area as everyone suddenly felt the chilling intimidation in the air. The source of the sword energy came from a small yard. On the surface, the small yard seemed to only contain five rooms, but there was a whole new world beneath it. The underground secret chambers were the Board of Punishments confidential interrogation space; any crucial criminals who were caught would be interrogated here first before being judged to see if they were to be kept captive in prison. However, the access to the small yard was prohibited to the Board of Punishment instead. It was not only the Board of Punishment; everyone in the Empire of Ziyou, including the emperor, could not enter. Other than the assassin who was unconscious, there was another person who had turned the space into Ziyou''s secret chambers into a restricted area. Jun Moyan! He had held back the entire population ofZiyou alone with his sword! A guard stepped forward to the shut doors and said with bated breath, "Senior Jun, a divine physician has come to treat the assassin. Please open the door to let the physician in. If he is delayed, it will only hinder the assassins survival." Just as he finished speaking, the sword energy in the air swiftly shifted as the murderous intent peaked. Everyone on the spot who wore a sword felt their blades trembling and clanking as they emitted a cry of their own C it was the sudden shift of sword energy inside that triggered the swords'' reaction. An icy voice spoke faintly, "Divine physician? What divine physician? The so-called God of Physician, Physician Genius Familys head could not heal my brother. Is there anyone in this world who is more proficient in medicine than him? Or have you all some more tricks to play? Do you think that I dare not kill anyone?" Without waiting for a reply, the icy voice continued, "Never mind. Even if its a scheme, its but a gimmicky trick. What is the worst that can happen? I shall see who it is whom youve invited and what capability he has! He must be a brave one, to dare say that he can treat my old friend!" Following the words, the black doors that were shut tight opened slowly. The yard C Ziyous restricted area - was finally visible to everyone present. There were five inky black rooms, even the trees, tiles, windows, and steps inside were all black. What greeted the eyes was like a massive black pit. However, there was a patch of white within the black that seemed exceptionally glaring. Right in the center of the yard, before the middle rooms door, a man in white sat cross-legged. Other than his fluttering black hair, his clothes were pure snow-white from head to toe! There was a table in front of the man C the table was also black as was the sword holder atop it. A long sword was placed across the holder, gleaming with a cold glint. The sword looked very ordinary, similar in appearance and style to the commonly sold weapons of lower grade. The scabbard was red, though, and the tip and blade of the sword were so shiny that it seemed out of place in this dark area. It was casually placed on the holder, but it seemed to be able to glow faintly on its own, preventing the dust from tainting it. The man in white stood behind the table quietly; not only was his sword untainted, he too was not marred by a single speck of dirt. A breeze fluttered his white robes and raven hair, but he remained unmoved. Despite knowing that thousands of experts had gathered in front, he did not even lift his head; his gaze remained the same as well. He did not cast a glance at the crowd. His eyes were focused on the sword in front of him as he said faintly, "If youre confident you can heal my friend, then come in. You have to remember that the one who fails will have to die if the patient cant be healed! The Physician Genius Familys physician was benevolent, I can pardon him but not others C dont find fault with yourself and put yourself in a regrettable position!" The Board of Punishments Deputy Minister, who was beside Lan Wuxin, said loudly, "Senior Jun, please dont forget that youre also from the Empire of Ziyou! The nation is at a critical position now and everyone should do what they can to help. This assassin is our enemy! Doing so" Jun Moyan, who was seated, did not move. He only cast his gaze upwards. It was cold and indifferent. A beam of sword light flashed in the air. The official who had been shouting collapsed on the ground with a wet thud. There was a tiny hole in his forehead. Blood spurted from the wound. It was a fine cut, like a strand of hair, but the man had lost his life all the same. Just a glance had killed a person; everyone on the spot felt the hearts lurch, chills wracking their bodies. Jun Moyans voice sounded faint, "It is only because I am from the Empire of Ziyou that I am seated here right now. If I werent from the Empire of Ziyou, this city would have already been painted in blood, without any survivors left to tell the tale!" 406 A Sword in Hand – Do. Not. Speak! He had killed a man with sword energy at the slightest hint of a disagreement! From the intense murderous intent and suppressed hostility, it was obvious that Jun Moyan had been entertaining this thought for a long while. When this official had provoked him, it had finally given him a reason to kill! Truth be told, the official deserved to die. Jun Moyan finally had the opportunity to vent his fury. At least his rage had dissipated slightly and was no longer bubbling at boiling point. Lan Wuxin sighed and said aloud, "Senior Jun, despite the inappropriate tone this person used earlier, his reasoning is sound. How could you just kill him like this? You are truly being too brutal!" Jun Moyan lifted his head slowly. Yun Yang finally saw the perfect face that was akin to a marble sculpture. Unfortunately, the perfection was marred by brimming resentment and anger; there was no other emotion on his face. His voice could be heard softly as if it was being muffled forcefully, as he said, "Do you actually think that Im from the Empire of Ziyou too?" Jun Moyan was a man of few words. Rumours in the martial world had it that Jun Moyan looked cold and was cold, treasuring his words like gold. He was like a moving glacier C a sword, a mountain. From what had just been witnessed of his character traits, it was evident that the rumors were true. His fury seemed to have opened a valve, which shocked Yun Yang. Jun Moyans words had been as calm and controlled as humanly possible, but it still made everyone feel like a volcano was about to erupt. "Your intentions for world hegemony and sacrificing lives are irrelevant to me. The existence of an empire is to keep its people safe and defend itself against the enemy. Just this point alone renders all that youve done reasonable. Whether its a person from the Empire of Ziyou or not, they have no right to point fingers!" "You want to seize the assassin because he has killed imperial officials; that makes sense. If you capture him, interrogate him, or even kill him on the spot, Id have nothing to say C our relationship is personal after all. What you are doing is what the empires law dictates; when both cases stand against each other, the country will always come first." "Even if I seek revenge for my friend because of this, its also a matter of course! It''s nothing personal, and absolutely unrelated to our current circumstances." "This is my understanding and also my stance!" "However, what you all should not have ever done was to forcefully pin the massive hat of Empire of Ziyou on my head! Pointing at me for being Ziyous man all along, then using this mockery of justice to utilize me in completing your conspiracy!" There seemed to be bubbling lava under Jun Moyans calm gaze. "All personal grudges should give way to the justice of the country C I have no qualms about this, but your subsequent actions infuriated me. Dissatisfied, you fellows wished to manipulate me further!" "Using me to subdue my friend for a moment of confusion to search his soul! When it didn''t work, you used my fame to relay the information, to set up your trap and lure his family here." "Lan Wuxin, Great Chancellor Lan, would you like to tell me the truth? Let''s talk about the truth. The truth is that you all have used the relationship between my friend and I to execute a tasteless plot!" "As a man of Ziyou, one has to prioritize the nation and muffle my emotions. Principles should be adhered to C I dont need you to teach me this! Ive done all that I should. Are you fellows coercing me to do what I shouldnt? What do you have to say about manipulating right and wrong?" Jun Moyans gaze was like an illusory sword light of a long sword that crisscrossed in the air, chuckling mockingly and saying, "What do you take me, Jun Moyan, as?" "Up until now, do you all still want to pressure me in the name of the nations justice?" Jun Moyan laughed bitterly. "I dont know if youve regarded yourself too highly or looked down on me! Theres no doubt that Im from Ziyou, but my loyalty is limited to this country and its people, not to you bunch of bureaucrats!" "Youve been stifling me with justice for this country, keeping me immobile here, watching my old friend, my savior, being tormented and have his soul searched, being set as a trap to tackle his family C and I C I have to be part of this farce. Who would want me, Jun Moyan, to stand in the martial world and in this world after this? If I didnt stop myself, the target of my sword would have been you, Great Chancellor Lan!" Jun Moyans vehement words took Lan Wuxin aback. Had they truly gone over the line? A Ziyou official said, enraged, "Senior Jun, we respect you as a senior and expert and have never been cross; we believe that we have not erred on the side of courtesy as well. This official thinks that theres only the choice of stance for the country. Despite some losses and minor slights, we have done no wrong; theres no need to be petty about it. This official can''t understand where Senior Juns resentment comes from." Jun Moyan chuckled strangely and said, "What is your name? How old are you this year?" "This subordinate is Huang Weishan. I am twenty-five years old. I am only a minor official in the Board of Punishment! Naturally, I would mean nothing in seniors eyes." Huang Weishan said passionately with his chin up and chest puffed out; justice filled him as he spoke righteously. He looked the part of a judge indeed! Jun Moyan said faintly, "Huang Weishan, since youre so loyal to the country, I guess you wouldn''t care much about personal sentiments regarding patriotism, would you?" Huang Weishan spoke formally, "Of course. Nothing comes before the greater good!" Jun Moyan''s expression was stoic as he said, "Great. Then go home now and kill your parents, wife, and children!" Huang Weishans face flushed as he retorted angrily, "What are you saying?" Jun Moyan replied nonchalantly, "This is my condition. As long as you kill your family immediately and show me your determination for patriotism, Ill move away from the rooms door at once. Killing your parents, wife, and children will showcase your responsibility as Ziyous official for the greater good of Ziyou! I believe both Chancellor Lan here or Ziyous emperor himself, whos not here, will record this great merit of yours!" Huang Weishan fumed, "That is absurd! How ridiculous!" Jun Moyan taunted, "Absurd? Werent you the one who was speaking so righteously, filled with passion for the countrys greater good? Shouldnt your family give way to the justice for the nation? Wheres your stance? A mere Board of Punishments minor official who doesnt want to kill your family; but here you are forcing me, the Unrivaled Swordsman, to sacrifice my friend and brother? Hypocrite, shameless C holier-than-thou. How dare you! Huang Weishan, until your next life, dont forget your name C youre hypocritical, not Weishan1!" The sword light flashed. The official called Huang Weishan was instantly decapitated, heading the same path as the unfortunate official earlier. Lan Wuxin was struck with heartache. "Senior Jun, you!" Jun Moyan said scornfully, "Great Chancellor Lan, I think you only seem to remember that Jun Moyan is from the Empire of Ziyou but have forgotten a line about him." Lan Wuxin shook his head and asked warily, "What line would that be?" Jun Moyans eyes glinted dangerously as he said, "It goes like this A man roams the world; a sword in hand - do not speak2!" He said solemnly, "It means that when I hold a sword in my hand, everyone should stay silent! Otherwise, die." Not only did Lan Wuxin tremble, everyone in the area felt their heart give a slight lurch. The martial world saying was like a sharp sword hovering at their throat; everyone could distinctly tell the brimming killing intent that could kill them with a single strike! An aged but clear voice tinged with smiles resounded amiably, "Jun Moyan is Jun Moyan indeed, how domineering! This old and useless one has lived for a very long time, but its still my first time seeing this!" A sharp sword intent flashed across Jun Moyans eyes. "Who are you? Tell me your name!" Yun Yangs green silhouette stepped forward confidently and said, "I am the person they have called upon to recover your friends soul!" Jun Moyan questioned, "Are you capable enough to do so?" Yun Yang smiled. "Do you think I can fight you?" Jun Moyans gaze was sharp as a blade as it scanned Yun Yang; he finally said with a smirk, "You aren''t weak, but you are not my opponent yet. A strike is enough to take your life." Yun Yang chortled. "How easy that would be! If I cant heal him, just kill me then. There''s no need for more words!" Lan Wuxin was startled. "Old Forefather!" Yun Yang waved his hand dismissively. "Its decided. Trust my judgment!" Jun Moyan stared at him for a good while before suddenly guffawing loudly. "If so, come in! The rest of you, stay outside!" There was a sharp gleam in his gaze when he uttered the last three words, "Do C not C enter!" Yun Yang smiled and nodded at Lan Wuxin before strolling in. The Four Seasons Towers experts who were present were all dumbfounded. Wasn''t it agreed that we would watch? Now youve gone in on your own without even a greeting. What does that mean? We have followed you here and there, trekking everywhere; what was all that for? A circus? We almost got Jun Moyan, did we not? Translator Note: 1 Youre hypocritical, not Weishan! (α,Ϊn jio wi shn, r b sh wi shn): Author has used a word play on the officials name. The characters name Ϊ (wi shn) means to be kind but the other character, Jun Moyan, has mocked him by calling him α(wi shn) instead, which means to be hypocritical. 2 Do not speak (Ījn m yn): Author has used another word play on character Jun Moyans name. The name can also literally mean ''do not speak''. 407 You’re an Impostor! Lan Wuxin heaved a long sigh of relief C he had finally managed to enter! There was finally hope... Finally He had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Chancellor Lan was greatly comforted, waiting for Old Forefather to come out and tell him that they could already Hold up! That was not right. There was still another hurdle. Jun Moyan was right here, how could he soul-search the assassin afterward? Would he even agree to it? This was the key, the main crux of the matter. Lan Wuxin sighed. The justice for the country could no longer hold Jun Moyan in check. There was only one way left C to call upon His Majesty! With His Majestys status, it should be successful. If the emperor got rejected even if he were to come personally, Jun Moyans reputation in the Empire of Ziyou would be fully tarnished; any citizen would despise him and such a consequence would probably not be what Jun Moyan would be happy to see and accept willingly. As for making a personal appearance, Lan Wuxin believed that His Majesty had long been prepared for it. Wait have I forgotten something? Lan Wuxin was deep in thought, frowning slightly. There seemed to be something wrong somewhere, but he could not lay a finger on it It was a mind-boggling feeling and gave rise to panic in Chancellor Lan as if something bad was about to happen. What have I overlooked? Old Forefather has gone in for some time now. Right, Old Forefather! Yes! Didnt Old Forefather say before that he knew Jun Moyan? When Jun Moyan saw Old Forefather, why didnt he seem to recognize him? Their conversation and exchange of words didn''t seem to be that between friends or even acquaintances. What was going on? Lan Wuxin felt a simmer of panic rise out of the blue. He thought about it and had actually arrived at the answer some time ago; there could only be two possibilities right now. The first was that the Old Forefather was lying and he did not know Jun Moyan at all. The second was that the Old Forefather had changed too much and Jun Moyan did not immediately recognize him. "He probably didnt recognize him! Absolutely! He must not have recognized him!" The poor Chancellor was murmuring to himself like he was about to go crazy. If there were to be an issue regarding this matter, it wouldn''t only be him who would be embarrassed, but the entire Empire of Ziyou would have been fooled! It would be too much to bear. It must not be! It had to be a change that was so vast, that even someone familiar could not recognize it. It had to be this C it must be. The Elder Yun of today and the Elder Yun of yesteryear was distinctly different in appearance; he appeared to be a youth now. It was only natural that no one would recognize him. Chancellor Lan, who was irrevocably committed, could only think of this possibility. Yun Yang had already entered the small house. Jun Moyans performance outside made Yun Yang feel that this person was dependable and overall a good man, but the stake was too great; Yun Yang dared not act recklessly. After all, Jun Moyan was from Ziyou. He could be amicable to Old Dugu, but it was better for Yun Yang, the public enemy of the four empires and the devil who had his hands painted with the blood of four nations men, to maintain a low profile! Jun Moyan followed behind Yun Yang, still in his snow-white attire; his long sword had gone back to its scabbard some time ago. Yun Yang could feel the prickling pain of Jun Moyans gaze on his back; it felt like he was being poked by the long sword with each step he took. "Who are you?" Jun Moyan asked. Yun Yang replied, "Only a healer who has come to heal the injured. Why insist on knowing who I am? What benefit will it bring to the one injured? What benefit will it bring to you?" Jun Moyan snorted coldly and said, "Rumor has it that an otherworldly expert has graced Zilong City recently. Not only is his cultivation base superior, he can summon mystical beasts and is even called Old Forefather by the Physician Genius Family I guess that must be you?" Yun Yang said faintly, "If theres no one else, then that would be me." Jun Moyan chuckled knowingly, "It''s too bad youre not Feng Xiange!" "Oh?" Yun Yang hummed softly to himself. Jun Moyan chuckled coldly, "Youre only an impostor wearing someone elses shell!" "Why do you think so? Do you know the God of Wine?" Yun Yang smiled faintly in reply. "There is no ''why''. Just because I say so, you must be an impostor!" Jun Moyans voice was cold and calm. Yun Yang smiled faintly. "Since you know that Im an impostor, why didnt you expose me outside?" Jun Moyan smirked and said, "To have put in so much effort to sneak into Zilong City and not actually being Feng Xiange, you must be someone from the other side!" Yun Yangs heart skipped a beat. "Swordsman, your assertion might be too arbitrary." Jun Moyan sighed and said, "There''s no need to panic, I wont expose you. Since they think youre Feng Xiange, I shall take you as Feng Xiange too. Perhaps you are Feng Xiange. Its best to maintain the illusion." His gaze traveled across the room as he said sadly, "The person inside is my best friend and brother, hes also my life savior. Ive owed him too much in this life; Im so sorry for him." "Both countries are at war now, with opposing stances. I cant ignore my own stance nor can I be oblivious to my home country. No matter how many years Ive strayed, Im still a youth of Ziyou after all." "So he just lies there. I have the intention and power, but I cant save him. This is a huge pressure, an indescribable torture! My conscience can no longer exist in this period of time!" "I am a swordsman! I do not bend nor stretch to accommodate anyone! I dont omit my conscience!" "However, my heart now" Jun Moyan heaved a long sigh. Yun Yang followed his gaze. He understood the meaning behind Jun Moyans sigh. A top-tier swordsmans heart should not be tainted, not even by a sliver nor a drop of flaw should be present! Any sort of remorse, guilt or similar negative emotions, should not exist. If they did, it would affect the heart of the swordsman and become a hindrance to his future swordsmanship. In spite of this, Jun Moyan was obviously stuck in the middle now. If he accounted for his personal sentiments and let his friend go, it would be a fact that he was from the Empire of Ziyou no matter how high a status he would achieve in the martial world; to connive the enemy for his personal emotions would make him a traitor! How could his sword heart remain crystal clear? On the other hand, if he did not save his friend when he could have and watched him die in torment instead, his conscience would only suffer further. How could his sword heart be clear of the guilt? Therefore, Yun Yang or Elder Yuns arrival could really be a chance for Jun Moyan to resolve this episode. "If he were not involved, Id have opted to stay out of the war between the two countries for world domination." Jun Moyan seemed to be confessing something that lay heavily in his heart. Yun Yang felt an absurd sense of violation to see such a confession from an otherworldly expert. "I truly hope that you can save him and bring him away safely." Jun Moyan said quietly, "I wont help you escape, but I wont stop you either. From the moment you escape with him, Jun Moyan will no longer be in Ziyou!" Yun Yang replied faintly, "In the end, Ill still have to escape with my own capability. If I cant manage to do it, itd be unrelated to you if your friend and I die in this city!" Jun Moyan was silent for a bit and said, "That is correct. This is the only leeway I will give you." Yun Yang chuckled, "Jun Moyan, you really are one honest swordsman!" Jun Moyans glare almost had swords shooting from it. "Watch your words!" Yun Yang chuckled and retrieved the Medallion of Gratitude from the space storage, tossing it over casually and said, "I thought this was going to be useful but its absolute rubbish. Take it back. Its only going to take up my space instead." Jun Moyan was shocked. "Youre Yun Yang?" Yun Yang said haughtily, "Yun Yang? This old man is Elder Yun - Physician Genius Familys Old Forefather, Elder Yun!" Jun Moyan kept the medallion quietly and said, "With the premise of not involving the country and people, I can help you with one other thing!" Yun Yang had never been one to keep his excitement hidden, so his eyes shone once he heard the words. "If so, I really have something to ask of you." Jun Moyan was perplexed. Werent you high and mighty just now? Didnt want to bother me? Isnt my Medallion of Gratitude simply rubbish? Why did you suddenly change your mind? "What is it? Speak. As long as it doesnt involve the Empire of Ziyou, I will complete it for you. Jun Moyans Medallion of Gratitude will never be taken back for nothing!" "Great! There are too many Four Seasons Towers people out there." Yun Yang said, "Help me kill these people. This wont relate to country and people, will it? Its purely a grudge against the martial world!" Jun Moyan felt things begin to slip out of his control. Why dont I help you dominate the world while I''m at it? Maybe I dont have an opponent, fighting those Four Seasons Towers men one to one, but Mr. Nian and the other higher authorities will definitely appear if we were to take this seriously. I will be the one who meets his doom in the end! "I really cant guarantee this!" Jun Moyan looked weighed down. "I can only wipe out a batch for you when I leave. There are only three of four of those whom I know and are obviously from the tower. I cant be sure of the rest at all." Yun Yang said nonchalantly, "It doesnt matter, as long as you kill that handful whom you can recognize. From then on, we owe each other nothing. When we meet again, theres only the perspective of our stance and not our sentiments." Jun Moyan smirked cynically. Are you relying upon me now? 408 Meeting As Yun Yang walked in, he suddenly recalled the echoes of an odd question, "After meeting you today, I realized that I have greatly misjudged your prowess in the past. What I understand of your cultivation base now is that it reaches the pinnacle in this world; why, it probably doesnt pale compared to even that of Ling Xiaozui! That being said, how did Bai Yixue escape from you back then? With his cultivation base, it was impossible for him to survive even a casual slash from you; how could he be struck and live to tell the tale?" It was strange indeed. Before he met Jun Moyan, Yun Yang always thought that Old Bai was the penultimate expert. As Yun Yangs cultivation base grew and heightened, especially when he had actually met Jun Moyan, he realized that Old Bai wasn''t as imposing as he originally thought he was. Regardless of Old Bai''s condition, Jun Moyan could cut Bai Yixue into a dozen pieces without even touching his sword. It was the difference between heaven and earth, but how could the match go on for so long and for Bai Yixue to lose with just one strikes difference, his chest pierced by the sword C it was mythical and unbelievable! Jun Moyan answered coldly, "Those who have fought me, anyone who is persistent about the sword, as long as they have done nothing heinous, Ill let them go alive. The fact that Bai Yixue didnt die and could even escape when his chest was pierced with a sword was because my stab was accompanied by a ray of sword energy that went into his organs to protect them so his basic Qi doesnt drain away. Naturally, hed able to flee!" Yun Yang was dumbstruck when he heard this. F*ck, how could you play this way? Why dont you just head straight to heaven and be a deity if youre so capable? He couldn''t help but ask aloud, "Why? Dont you know that one feeds a tiger to ones own detriment? Itll be your own fault when youre ambushed in the future!" "I wanted to feed it." Jun Moyan answered with ease. "Im not afraid of being ambushed, Im more afraid of not having a worthy opponent to fight. Bai Yixue could be considered adept in swordsmanship as he could last, fighting with me for through ten different techniques without using mystical Qi cultivation base. Hes one to watch out for." In his mind, Yun Yang was somewhat appalled by this attitude. How arrogantly benevolent! "Wheres the man?" Yun Yang went into the room but saw no one, not even any bed or furniture. Jun Moyan said faintly, "Ive camouflaged it with a formation, but once its opened, it cant be recovered." Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath and said, "Open it then." The tone was akin to an order. Jun Moyan said nothing more, only waving his hand that gave birth to a flash of light. The air seemed to warp, like a transparent glass cracking. Then, a bed appeared. As Yun Yang began to gain sight of the bed and it''s inhabitant, he felt indescribably upset; his tears were about to gush out. He inhaled deeply but felt the murderous intent and rampage run wild within him. Old Dugu! This wrinkled and friendly old man with the hunched back and the smell of oil and cooking wearing an apron in Yun Yangs impression was not laid straight on the bed. His wounds seemed to have been cared for, but flesh and blood were muddled up as wounds were peppered all over him. The old mans right leg was gone. His left leg had been viciously hacked at, leaving only skin and flesh that held the limb in place. There were thousands of wounds across his entire body. His face was not exempted from injury and was covered with gashes by the saber and sword; one of his eyes had disappeared, leaving behind an empty hole. His right forearm had been hacked off while his left arm was relatively intact. Still, a dozen gashes decorated the limb. His chest seemed to be deflated; there must have been a number of heavy strikes that had caved in this old man''s ribcage. He was like a tattered doll now; there was not a piece of flesh on him that remained intact! This was the result after Jun Moyan had patched him up! "Why? How?" Yun Yang was dazed for a moment; his vision went pitch black, and he came close to fainting. Before he actually met Old Dugu, he had played the various scenarios in his mind; he knew that Old Dugu must have definitely suffered a great deal of damage, but he had never expected his injuries to be so severe and devastating! Just by looking at the injuries, it was easy to imagine how much of himself Old Dugu had put into the battle! He had fought to the extreme extent of even setting the strength of his soul aflame. He must have faced several hundred people, or maybe more. The old man laid quietly now; his chest did not rise and fall. It was like he had left this world. "Hes still alive." Jun Moyans voice was anguished. "But he might as well be dead. His deific consciousness, soul, and willpower are all gone. Whats left of him is the minute breath of life I delivered unto him to barely sustain this tattered physical body. I wouldn''t even call it surviving. It''s a wonder that he''s alive" He heaved a deep sigh and turned away, unable to bring himself to continue looking at his brothers battered body. Yun Yang placed his hand gently on Old Dugus neck. Only this spot allowed him to feel the faint warmth and almost stagnant heartbeat of the old man. "Ive used countless spiritual medicines, but the only effect they garnered was to sustain his last breath. That is all." Jun Moyan said forlornly, "Sometimes, I am tempted to end his life with a clean slash, let him go easily, leave this cruel world. However, he obviously still has an unfulfilled wish. He still has the will to live, hes still hanging on. To be honest, it''s not that Ive helped him acquire that half a breath of life, its more from him not giving up and persevering" "Otherwise, even when Old Dugu landed in the grasp of the enemy, he would still have to ability to kill himself He would never wait until now C his dignity would never allow himself to go on living like this" "So, I used a formation to seal this entire space because only by doing so will Old Dugus soul be unable to fully dissipate." Jun Moyan said in a murmur. Yun Yang inhaled deeply. At this moment, he felt a wild impulse to massacre the Empire of Ziyous people, billions of them. It was too cruel! "Old Dugus cultivation base can put him as a top-notch expert in the Tianxuan Continent; hed at least be at the level of heaven realm" Yun Yang heard himself speaking flatly without any emotion. "How could he have been beaten up like this? There must be other reason." Jun Moyan kept quiet for a bit and said, "When I came upon him, I felt the taint of Immortals Odium on his breath. It should be this medicines fault." "Poisoned!" Yun Yang pressed his lips together, his gaze was icy. "With Old Dugus martial world experience and cautious behavior, being poisoned like this must not have been an accident. A veteran like him, one who assassinates people as a vocation, should be meticulous and careful in every step he takes. How poisoned so easily? I think Senior Jun must know this too." Jun Moyan was silent for a long time before replying, "I certainly do. Rumor has it that he was poisoned by Ouyang Xiaoshe. His whereabouts were leaked out by Ouyang Xiaoshe as well." Yun Yang tightened his fist, asking quietly, "Ouyang Xiaoshe? Why did he do this?" "Dugu Jimo and Ouyang Xiaoshe were paralleled reputable assassins of their time. This time, when Dugu Jimo came to Zilong City, both of them somehow got in touch and agreed to act together this was the outcome," Jun Moyan said. "Then what about Ouyang Xiaoshe?" Yun Yangs eyes were ablaze. "He is nowhere to be found, nor does anyone know about the details of this matter." Jun Moyan said, "What I know is limited to the fact that he betrayed Old Dugu and poisoned him. This person has since disappeared without a trace!" "I plan to hunt Ouyang Xiaoshe down when the matter here is resolved C to annihilate this unscrupulous one for Old Dugu!" said Jun Moyan. "There is no need. Please keep Ouyang Xiaoshe alive." Yun Yang said coldly, "Old Dugu still has family in this world. This vengeance need not be attained by an outsider!" Jun Moyan was silent before saying, "Fair enough." He looked at Yun Yang with a hint of surprise. The murderous intent Yun Yang exuded now almost made Jun Moyan, a paramount expert, feel slightly nervous. "Im going to start healing Old Dugu. I need absolute quiet and peace during the process. Yun Yang closed his eyes and said quietly, "Regardless of the circumstances, I still have to thank you, Jun Moyan, for keeping this last breath of Old Dugu intact. Otherwise, nothing will work now!" Jun Moyan sighed. Just as he was about to answer, Yun Yang had already closed his eyes and was already delivering his life force to repair Old Dugus tattered form. Jun Moyan stood motionless for a while without saying anything, before turning to go to the door. His gaze flickered to the solemn winter scenery forlornly. His heart of the sword had returned to him after receiving Yun Yangs thanks and acknowledgment; he had done his part after all. Yet somehow, chills curled from the bottom of his heart; it was a piercing and unforgiving cold! He knew that from this moment onwards, the last relation that tied him down in this world was gone. From now onwards, there would only be the sword to accompany him in this life. He had long sought after this way of life, but for some reason, when this stage had finally come to him, he felt an unexplainable sense of despondency. Loneliness. "How lonely" Jun Moyan sighed dejectedly. He could feel his last friend slipping away, leaving him behind. 409 One Last Time Yun Yang closed the door, keeping Jun Moyan outside the room. Then, he stretched out his hand to grab Old Dugus right arm. The arm, half of its original length, was the only thing he could hold on to on the old mans entire body. Although his left arm looked more intact than his right, the bones inside were all crushed. There was mystical Qi sustaining it, but now that Old Dugu was unconscious and stripped of his cultivation base, a careless move of his right arm might break it apart. It would then really be an issue to recover it! As for the other parts of his body, they were mostly pulverized. No matter how cold a persons heart was, he would not be able to look upon such horrible wounds without turning away. Yun Yang was overwhelmed with grief; no longer able to endure it, his tears flowed like a broken dam. He, a dispassionate man, was actually crying. His grief had honestly hit home while fury had also engulfed him whole! His body trembled uncontrollably. The moment he saw Old Dugu, Yun Yang had known that he was practically dead to the world. Even with a sliver of breath left, it was only because of Old Dugus keen desire to stay alive that barely supported him, unwilling to give up on life. It was obvious that he did not want to die yet, maybe he really did have an unfulfilled wish. However, he had to shatter his own soul in order to tackle the enemys soul-searching trick. The inability to recover ones soul, coupled with the collapse of ones divine consciousness, was no joke. Even if one could breathe normally, it was only as one of the walking dead! There was no more thoughts, no more spirit, no more consciousness. "Father, Im here! Its me, Ive come!" Yun Yang called out in his heart, "Can you feel it? Another son of yours has come to you!" Old Dugu laid there and remained motionless, not reacting at all to Yun Yangs presence. "Emmie! Emmie!" Yun Yang cried anxiously in his mind, "Come quickly! Can Can he be saved?" Emmies sense poked itself out but just as the green tendrils of sensory perception wrapped around Old Dugu, it grew frightened and shrunk back immediately. Emmie was a tough character that had seen much. Technically, its knowledge was vast compared to its master, Yun Yang, but it had never seen a body that was so severely damaged! Upon Yun Yang''s repeated urgings, Emmie finally extended its senses again to carefully observe and diagnose the old man, only to shake its head helplessly. Emmie already knew the importance of this person to Yun Yang but it still uttered a sad "Aya" Yun Yang was hit by a wave of sadness. "No hope at all?" Emmies leaves laid limp. "Can you try gathering his soul together? Even if only for a moment?" Yun Yang said softly, "I know that father must have been holding out because he has worries; he has been waiting for me! I want him to have the chance to speak his last words." "Hes been persevering to wait for me. He must have a lot of things to tell me, a lot of things to ask me to do. Emmie, Im not asking for much. I just want father to know that Ive come to his side. Hes not going away on his journey alone; his son is here to send him off. That is all I ask!" Yun Yang said softly. Emmie was rather reluctant. "Ayaya" It grimly expressed that it could work, but it would deplete too much energy. Most importantly, it would not even save the person; it could only form terminal lucidity. It was not worth it C a futile effort. "Stop your nonsense. Act quickly!" Yun Yang urged with an unprecedentedly harsh tone for the first time; it was decisive and allowed no room for doubt. Facing its masters resolution, Emmie knew that it had to act, no matter how reluctant it was this time. It could only give it it''s all to create a chance for Old Dugu to experience a brief sense of lucidity. Flows of green, exceptionally vigorous air of vitality erupted in an indescribable exuberance and dove straight into Old Dugu C into his meridians, his blood, his dantian, his mind, and his deific consciousness. At the same time, Emmie was also emitting an exceptionally radiant purple beam that crisscrossed in the room, as if binding something in the void. This time, the air of vitality Emmie had unleashed did not leak away, and instead, entered Old Dugus battered body. Gradually, the green senses formed something akin to a cocoon that wrapped around Old Dugu. A green cocoon. Such an abundance of air of vitality would have revived others from the dead a hundred times over, but as it went into Old Dugu, not the slightest change could be seen in his condition. Emmie kept going. It had obviously expected such a situation. After all, Old Dugu was in a worse state compared to ordinary people who had just died. It would not be a walk in the park to resuscitate this man. Yun Yang was quivering uncontrollably. Poor father! In the void, Old Dugus dissipated soul was coming together, sliver by sliver, as a result of Emmies efforts. His battered body began to mend itself slightly and at a snail''s pace. Yet, that was all that could be done. No matter how much air of vitality was delivered, it could no longer work its normal magic. Instead, it leaked out from every broken part of the old mans limbs. The crushed body could not take any more energy of life, nor could it use the power. All in all, the wounds were not healing. To hope for it to regenerate fully was wishing for a miracle to take place. Yun Yang choked back a sob of grief. He had been holding on to a tenth of a thousandth of a chance to create the miracle of life from Emmies supply of divine vitality and Old Dugus strong desire for life, for the old man to be resurrected! In spite of this, everything that was happening now indicated that there was no hope of defying heavens will. If Old Dugus body could still absorb the life force and nourish itself, only then could there be an opportunity to live. Right now, it was unresponsive to such a rich life force C the last sliver of hope was bleeding away. Emmie, trying its hardest, stopped the flow of air of vitality, and unleashed the purplish beam in a more concentrated manner. Yun Yang could hear his own heartbeat now; he waited anxiously, he watched without blinking, afraid that he would miss the last chance to see Old Dugu again. After a long, long time, Yun Yang finally felt an unusual tremor in the aether. It was Emmie, reeling in the air of vitality that was so rich that it was almost tangible using the purplish beam to add it right onto the violet ray itself in order to strengthen the pulling force. A purple web of energy appeared in midair. "Ayaya!" Emmie cried with effort. The task was expending so much of its energy that it could barely maintain its efforts. Yun Yang could not bring himself to gaze upon his deific consciousness. If he did, he would have seen that the space was being blasted by a mystical gale, while above it, the image of a mans face was slowly forming. Emmie was redirecting all its energy to recover the soul and form the targets face, according to Yun Yangs memory. The recovery of the soul could only truly be accomplished when the dissipated shards of spirit in the void were all collected and formed a complete consciousness. Yun Yang was only a boss who had given an order; how could he know that such a huge amount of calculation and energy was needed for this endeavor? Even when he finally realized it, he would still do so without hesitation! He did not care about the price he would need to pay either. He wanted to meet Old Dugu for the last time. Emmies cry grew even more labored; its strength was flagging, but Yun Yangs eyes were bright. In the void before Yun Yangs eyes, a vague silhouette was slowly taking shape. It was an image of a hunched old man. The old man wore an apron; his face was lined with wrinkles but his gaze was gentle as he looked at a distant point in the void like he was watching his nine sons from afar lovingly. He seemed to be watching them eat Chinese cabbage tofu contentedly in the small and narrow eatery, a place that belonged only to him. His gaze was fulfilled and happy. "Father" Yun Yangs eyes were brimming with unshed tears as he shuddered violently. He had always taken pride in his calm, but he had the overwhelming impulse to sob and wail aloud right now. "Ive come to take you home" As Yun Yangs voice echoed, the silhouette in the void shook, like a reflection that is distorted by a ripple in the water. In spite of this, the silhouette''s expression did not change. Emmie was yet to complete the final stage of the arduous process. As Yun Yangs sight was blurred by his unshed tears, the hunched shadow moved. He rubbed his eyes harshly, calling out in a low voice filled with anguish, "Father!" 410 Blank After what seemed like an eternity, Old Dugus soul finally took form; his vision refocused as he looked forward, from left to right in a daze. When he finally saw Yun Yang following the latters call, he frowned and murmured as if he was dreaming, "Why have you come?" Yun Yang sobbed, "If I had not come, how would I have known what has befallen you?" Old Dugu took on a look of concern, suddenly recalling something as he cast his gaze on his own broken body lying on the bed without a sign of life; he sighed dejectedly and said, "Son, you should not be here. You shouldn''t linger any longer than you have to. Leave quickly!" Hearing the two words, Yun Yang felt even more heartbroken. "Im here to take you home. I want to take care of you and send you off." "Nonsense. Im already dead." Old Dugu smiled faintly, "When a person dies, everything stops; whats left is rotting flesh. Whether Ive died or my enemy has died, were the same C a pile of bones. Risking your life to carry a bunch of bones back; is it worth it?" "Absolutely!" Yun Yang gritted his teeth. "Even if I die, I want to bring you home, father!" Old Dugu sighed, "My na?ve child! This old man is comforted, without any regrets, being able to see my next generation here to send me off even after I die. Dont you dare something foolish. This is Zilong City. You wouldn''t be able to escape if you''re burdened by this old man!" He frowned and said softly, "Son, I dont know what arcane skill youve used to reassemble my soul, but I know myself. My spirit is beginning to disperse again; this means that Im not left with much time. Instead of getting entangled in my funeral, be patient and listen to me C consider it a fitting end to our relationship." Yun Yang nodded forcefully, listening to Old Dugu quietly without saying another word. "After your seventh brother passed on, I did not harbor any intention to keep on living in this world I should have died then." Old Dugu was silent for a moment before he continued sadly, "If I couldn''t obtain revenge for my child and act upon my resentment, I knew that I would always feel some form of regret. In the past year, there were many generals and high-level officials from the different empires who have died in my hands. Ive gained more than Ive lost!" "I was bound to be caught eventually. This game of cat and mouse couldn''t have gone on forever. We dont do such unreasonable things. Life and death, resentment and revenge, theyre all fair game. Besides, to me, this is a conclusion, an end!" "The reason I didnt totally release my will to live is probably because I still have an unfulfilled wish, I still have something I cant let go C Ive been wishing to see you once more. Ive thought that theres no hope for this wild dream, but I didnt expect God to bless me yet again. Ive finally gotten to see my child one last time." Old Dugus eyes ran across Yun Yangs face indulgently. The face in front of him was that of a stranger, but Old Dugus gaze remained the same, like when he had first looked upon Yun Yang. He knew that this person in front of him was his child C he was his family! "Youve probably expended too much, gathering my soul with your arcane skills I wont say too much and prolong your strain." Old Dugu sighed contentedly, "What I wanted to tell you is the background of my son. Actually, I dont know the details of his birth either; he was found a long time ago, but theres a crescent symbol on his back. It was as if some wealthy family had imprinted the family symbol right after the child was born. Within the crescent symbol, there is the word kill, while under the word, there is a horizontal line." "If you could find the clues about this family in future or even find his parents, child, remember to ask them for your brother C why did they abandon him? If there is a valid reason, fine; if there isnt, you have to bring justice back for your brother!" "Such a family will never be unable to bring up their children." Old Dugu said softly. "Yes!" Yun Yang''s voice was hoarse with conviction, "I shall find them and ask them why they abandoned my brother!" "There is one other thing. It was by chance that I found your brother when I was out hunting for treasure at the Grand Blade Summit. After that, I had my heart set on bringing up this child and no longer cared for the martial world, so Ive long forgotten about the treasure hunt. Now that I think about it, it was a wasted opportunity. The treasure map that I have is only one of many pieces; there are still many others scattered elsewhere. The destination of the treasure map refers to a historical site tens of thousands of years ago. The site contained a divine secret, a chance to triumph over heaven and earth!" "Those fortunate enough to enter the site can become a deity and achieve immortality!" "I have placed this piece of the map on the jade pendant I always carry around. However, it was because of this map that I was harmed and poisoned, leading me to where I am today. The map is in Ouyang Xiaoshes hands right now. If you are so able, remember to kill Ouyang Xiaoshe and reclaim what is ours. Its one thing to forget and ignore what we have, but its another to let it be taken away by others!" Yun Yang swore, "This child shall tear Ouyang Xiaoshe to pieces, torment his soul for a hundred years. I wont let him have an easy death!" Old Dugus silhouette wavered, the image turning illusory again; Emmie delivered energy with more fervor to try and stabilize it, only to realize that it could no longer do anything to help. Things were going out of its control and it cried out in panic. Yun Yang was also anxious, seeing what was happening. Helpless, he cultivated the Endless Divine Art and delivered all of it into Old Dugus body. However, Yun Yangs shallow cultivation base was a futile drop in the ocean when Emmies own air of vitality was already of no use. Old Dugu, as the direct litigant, naturally felt it as he smiled faintly and said, "Child, I had a thought to visit each family one by one and live a quiet life when all of you have bestowed peace upon the world and found your own wives, had your own children. It''s a waste that this old man is destined not to be able to see it" "When you find a wife and have your children in the future, dont forget to offer an incense to the heavens tell me about it. Ill offer a toast even if I''m in the underworld." Yun Yang replied with tears in his eyes, "Of course." "Remember to make more children." Old Dugu smiled warmly. "Your brothers didnt have any heirs If you make more, you can pass a few to them. The lineage of your nine brothers is all upon you now." Yun Yang could only nod his head continuously, no longer able to speak. He was still delivering his art, hoping for a miracle. "Son, you must continue living." Old Dugus body was slowly dissipating. "Dont be impulsive in whatever you do, dont act tough I have no regrets dying this time. If you must leave with my corpse, I wont be able to rest in peace if anything were to happen to you There is no shame or loss if you were to just leave me here." Yun Yang was stunned, finally stopping his efforts because he knew that nothing more could be done. "Son the Chinese cabbage tofu that was your favorite, was it not? Remember to use Chinese cabbage thats half circular and tightly packed. Peel the outer layer away and leave the center. For tofu, you have to use aged tofu made from soya bean. The best is if it''s hard when you press it. Stir-fry the vegetables with lard and when the lard dries, put in the spices. Once the spices are fragrant in the wok, add pork belly. With a flip and the meat is about done, toss the Chinese cabbage in Before the Chinese cabbage curls, dont add any water. After the water boils, add the tofu" He recited the recipe sonorously. " its your favorite and I really want to make it again for you and watch you eat Its a pity you''ll have to make it for yourself in the future" Old Dugus gaze towards Yun Yang was loving and indulgent like he could never get enough of watching Yun Yang. "My child live well you must live happily" The kind gaze stayed on Yun Yangs face but Old Dugus own visage was already turning into wisps of smoke. "Leave me here" "I cant protect you anymore" He stretched out his hand, as if he wanted to stroke Yun Yangs face for one last time, but the moment his hand extended, it disappeared. Yun Yang closed his eyes, imagining the lingering touch of that old hand The dissipating silhouette wavered slightly before it vanished entirely. At the same time, the faint warmth that was on Old Dugus chest was finally gone. He had passed to the other side. He no longer existed in the human realm Emmie retracted its deific sense wearily. Yun Yang stood there in a trance, feeling his mind and heart adrift in a featureless fog. Yun Yang knew that Old Dugu could have held on a while longer, but to fulfill his longing, the latter had used the last of his spirit to dispel the last bit of life remaining in him, obliterating his presence in this world. "Father" Both of Yun Yangs hands stretched out, trembling as if he could make the vanished silhouette stay, but he could only grasp at empty air. The door opened. Jun Moyan stood at the door alone, his gaze even colder than before. "Old Dugu has passed on?" Yun Yang still felt rays of lightning bolts shuttle back and forth in his mind. He was in an utter state of confusion. He actually did not hear what Jun Moyan was saying. He only felt cold all over; his heart was sinking rapidly. He felt like the last man left in this vast world. Glancing around, only loneliness surrounded him. His brothers were gone. Sister Yue was gone. Now, Old Dugu was gone too. The only family he had in this world was gone. They had left him behind, just like that. He had already stood before his old sire, but he could not save him! He had trekked tens of thousands of miles, coming from a faraway land and putting in so much effort. In the end, such was the ending that he received. What was worse, he had to give up Old Dugus remains due to the circumstances. He was unable to bury him in his homeland! Did he really want to give up the body? Yun Yang felt his heart beat faster as a hysterical emotion rushed through him. No, Ill never give up! 411 To Find Some Manner of Faul Jun Moyan understood Yun Yangs current state of emotions very well. He waited in silence for a moment and said, "If you dont collect yourself, you might have to stay behind here too." Yun Yang stood up stoically and said faintly, "I still have a lot of things to do. No one can keep me here C no one!" He took out a mystical beast tendon from the storage ring, wrapping Old Dugus body with the sheets on the bed before securing it with the tendon. His actions were delicate and careful; any stronger and he would cause his father pain. Jun Moyan watched him and said softly, "My advice for you is to give up! If you want to take his body away so brazenly, you wont be able to step out of Zilong City!" Yun Yang ignored him, tying Old Dugus body one round after another and hoisted him onto his back securely. He said coldly, "I have never done anything impulsive before in my life. For so long, Ive always made my move only after contemplating it for ages. Even when I felt the urge to be reckless, I would stop myself. This time, I dont wish to suppress this impulse." "I want to be reckless for once, to risk everything!" Yun Yang said quietly, "This is all for Old Dugu." "I have to do this!" "Although hed rather die than for me to do this, I have to!" Flames seemed to flicker in Yun Yangs eyes. "Its a regret that I cant help you." Jun Moyan said, "Im very sorry. I can only leave a step earlier when you step out of this room. I can do nothing better than be on the fence in this." Yun Yang replied nonchalantly, "You have done more than enough. Thank you very much. If we meet again in the future, I will repay your kindness." A ghost of a smile appeared on Jun Moyans ice sculpture of a face as he answered, "There is no need. I wont help you, but Ill still complete the request from the Medallion of Gratitude." He then turned to leave, exiting the place a step earlier than Yun Yang. The moment Jun Moyan turned, a burst of mist erupted from his eyes before they vanished in entirety. The tears that had just formed were evaporated by mystical Qi. "Old brother, you have passed on." Jun Moyans expression was still icy and stoic, but he said quietly in his heart, "Allow me to send you off this time." Lan Wuxin and crowd were anxiously waiting out. They had seen Jun Moyan coming out and going in during the waiting period, but who dared go forth to question him? Anyone could see that the man was in a bad mood, a terrible one. If they were to get killed just for asking about the progress, it would be a terrible way to die! An unjust death! However, the handful of Four Seasons Tower experts were excited. Their gazes fell on Jun Moyan in unison, a hint of thrill-seeking obvious in their hungry eyes. The Unrivaled Swordsman! This was the legendary Unrivaled Swordsman! If they could defeat or even assassinate him they would live in glory forever! They would be highly revered, a mighty presence wherever they went. It just too bad that there was this issue of Supreme Clouds trap; annihilating the Supreme was the utmost priority in whatever they did. They would endeavor to find some manner of fault with Jun Moyan after this issue was resolved; hopefully, the Unrivaled Swordsman would not be too far away by then. They were rational, considering the bigger picture. Despite the greed in their hearts, they did not act upon it although it was a waste of such a rare chance. Just as the Four Seasons Tower group was lamenting the waste, they saw Jun Moyan walking out in his white robes, with his sword dangling in its sheath. Jun Moyan came out and walked directly towards the Four Seasons Tower experts. His expression was cold and so was his voice when he asked, "Are you four men from the Four Seasons Tower?" The towers expert who was their leader was already a seventh heaven expert; his cultivation base was higher than even that of Venerable Lord Saber, and so it was natural that he had an overbearingly haughty character. Hearing the question, he scoffed, "What is it to you if we are?" His reply did not answer the so-called Unrivaled Swordsmans question at all; he paid not much mind to it. Jun Moyan said faintly, "I would confirm your identities first. Moving on, why didnt Mr. Nian come this time?" The tower expert answered in a nonchalant manner, "How is there a need for our lord to come personally for just a small issue like this? Its enough that I, Mu Ziqiu, am here to oversee everything." Jun Moyans expression was icy as he asked, "Do you mean that youre confident in your ability to handle me?" Mu Ziqiu was stunned, thinking, "This is obviously picking bones from an egg. I have the intention to fight you, but when have I ever phrased it like this?" The situation now was clear. If he disrupted the plan due to his personal behavior, that would be entirely his responsibility. Therefore, Mu Ziqiu chuckled dryly and said, "I dont mean it like this." Jun Moyan snorted and said, "Do you not? Truly? Then who was that murderous intent you harvested earlier meant for? I dont think that you dont mean it; it''s more like you mean it, but you''ve got no guts to admit it." Jun Moyan lived the way of the sword and was sensitive towards all hints of killing intent and animosity. Of course, he had felt it right away when the handful of Four Seasons Towers people harbored battle intentions. Although they had suppressed it immediately, he had every intention to goad them into doing something rash. This was the best plot to build his case on, how could he miss it? There wasn''t much difference between battle intentions, hostility, and killing intent; all of them called for the use of weapons to slaughter. Mu Ziqiu could only feel his temper erupting. What do you mean? You may be the Unrivaled Swordsman, but you cant bully us like this!If it werent for the circumstances that allow no room for personal vendettas, do you think your father is actually afraid of you? Mu Ziqiu kept his anger in check and said, "Brother Jun you misunderstand me." Jun Moyan frowned. "What did you call me? Brother Jun?" He then chuckled, "You must rank quite high in seniority to actually dare to become my peer. Arent you challenging me out right now? Why don''t you put all this banter aside and strike me immediately?" Everyone had their temper; what was more, Mu Ziqiu was a pinnacle force that was quite the authority in Four Seasons Tower. He could no longer suppress his temper and said furiously, "Should I call you Father Jun instead, if not Brother Jun?" Jun Moyan snorted and said with a roll of his eyes, "You should. Even if Mr. Nian was here, he would have to address me in the same manner." The faces of all four experts from the tower suddenly turned blank, as they initially retracted killing intent spread out again; their hands went to the hilts of their weapons while Mu Ziqiu spoke in an unprecedentedly dangerous tone, "Please explain yourself, Great Swordsman Jun. It would be upsetting if an... accident were to happen here." "The Four Seasons Tower doesnt impose rules that are strict enough if it let you four rascals out to embarrass the tower and offend other people. Its your problem, but its also a matter of course for me to educate you fellows on behalf of Mr. Nian today. All of you need to know is that you can''t simply offend whomever you wanted." Jun Moyan said faintly. "Worse, you all dared to handle your swords in front of me. According to my rules, this already warrants a death penalty." Jun Moyan said, "Kneel if you dont want to die. Slap yourself and apologize to me, repent to the sword!" Mu Ziqiu and companions were now sure that this fellow was purposefully provoking them. He was intentionally nitpicking upon their faults. To pick bones out of an egg was not as bad as this was. It was most probably because he had nowhere to vent his frustrations and set his mind upon the four of them instead. Four of these heaven realm cultivators had actually become sandbags C how could they not be angry? "Jun Moyan, what do you want to do?" Mu Ziqius pupils shrunk, the tight hold his chapped long fingers had on the swords grip grew increasingly tighter. At the same time, the words of warning were spoken, mystical Qi surged like the widest river within Mu Ziqiu. The reputation built the image; even though Mu Ziqiu regarded himself highly, he was still lacking in faith when he faced the Unrivaled Swordsman. Still, he didn''t lack anticipation and confidence! He had anticipated a fight with Jun Moyan and was confident that he could defeat him. Even when he could not have done so himself, he had the help of another three experts. The collaboration of the quad was definitely sufficient to defeat the Unrivaled Swordsman. Jun Moyan chuckled, "Do? Do what? You? You must be quite confident, are you always being f*cked? Isn''t that called being capable, instead of being confident? Why else would you challenge me? Being f*cked by the Unrivaled Swordsman what an honor of a lifetime! Its enough for you to boast about it for eternity!" Mu Ziqiu felt rage rushing through his head. Without further words, he attacked with a holler. The sword light had turned into a long stretch of rainbow energy that moved swiftly. "You actually dare to attack me!" Jun Moyan cried, "Brother Nian, let me help you impose the rules for the Four Seasons Tower! When we meet in the martial world, you can just buy me a drink in way of thanks!" As he spoke, Jun Moyans hand moved alongside his sword. As the sword light blinked, it was like a racing white beam that coruscated in the air, looking like the entire galaxy was pouring over. Immediately, four beams of light dispersed as an extremely ferocious sword energy engulfed all four towers men. The sword light glimmered like a huge ball of light; its radiance was brilliantly dazzling. The crowd who was standing outside were blinded by the intensity of the light when they cast their glances over. After that, they could no longer see the four Four Seasons Tower experts and Jun Moyans silhouettes. The sword light emitted by Jun Moyan was as if the heavens had fallen from the sky; it was dense and secure, without any gaps in between. The only audible noise was the surprised gasps and agonized cries of the Four Seasons Towers experts that were engulfed in sword light. The four peerless experts, deadly in the eyes of the Empire of Ziyou, had been utterly subdued the moment Jun Moyan lashed out. Lan Wuxin sucked in a cold breath at once. This was the capability of the Unrivaled Swordsman? This was the man they wished to control through coercion, for the justice of the nation? He might as well ask for the moon. 412 An Unjust Death? Lan Wuxin would only have the luxury to think about the entire incident much later. "Whats going on? Why did they just fight? Have they gotten into a disagreement? Does it have to become like this? Why have they drawn their blades? What C whats going on?" "They cant be fighting! At least, not here!" With a loud screech, like two swords that had collided, a low grunt came from someones chest. A spray of blood then sliced through the sword light and spurted towards the sky. A silhouette retreated with a stagger and twirl; each turn he made added a circle of blood around him. To everyones horror, the persons body was littered with over a hundred wounds. Each wound was still spraying blood in copious amounts. When the person finally regained his footing, his face was already pale as snow; his hand quivered as it sought to retrieve healing medicine for his injuries. Suddenly, a ray of sword light shot out from the area where the intense fight was taking place. An arrow of blood shot out from the persons forehead; it was mixed with white, hot, brain mush that was steaming as it landed on the frozen ground. The sight was absolutely ghastly and frightening. The persons actions came to a sudden stop. His eyes were unfocused. He fell on his back as life escaped him. In the circular sword light, the other three people who were still battling let out a growl C their voices were filled with anguish. In spite of this, no one could rush out of it as the sword light formed a complete curtain of radiance, like a prison that kept them captive within. It was only a while later when a pained cry resounded from within the cage. Blood shot out from the throat of yet another Four Seasons Towers man as he fell out with a stagger, landing on the ground like a sack of potatoes. His body twitched once before all signs of life dissipated. It was obvious that the only way out of the curtain of light was to have death precede you. A stern, agonized voice screamed from within, "Jun Moyan, do you intend to incur the wrath of the Four Seasons Tower?" The tone was threatening, but anyone could hear the shudder and intent to beg for mercy within it. This was the Unrivaled Swordsmans ability. Only by experiencing it personally did they know that the pinnacle of swordsmanship was out of reach; it was not something conquerable just by fantasizing and misplaced confidence. However, the price of this realization was too great! They would pay the price with their lives. Jun Moyans voice was cold and jagged with ice, "If Mr. Nian would flirt with death by coming after me just because I killed you idiots, then let him come." This was confidence C the confidence of the Unrivaled Swordsman! When Ling Xiaozui and the Four Seasons Tower had gone head to head for years back in the day, Mr. Nian had the same ability as the former, but he had waited until the end to personally confront him. This was the caution practiced among peer formidable forces; if there was no such necessity, they would not risk their lives. It was so with Ling Xiaozui and Jun Moyan! If Mr. Nian came to Jun Moyan just to avenge the death of these people, it would only be in jest. "We share no resentment and grudges, why must you kill us?" The shout was tinged with a cry of pain. "The reputation and status in the martial world are earned this way. Did you think that the title of Unrivaled Swordsman came from my boasts alone?" Jun Moyans words were unhurried but it was not spoken to those whom he was slaughtering; they were directed to the Empire of Ziyous officials who were present. "A person should have his dignity and mannerisms while roaming the martial world. If someone has affronted your dignity, he should be killed! This is the hard and fast rule of the martial world!" "I, Jun Moyan, am the Unrivaled Swordsman C despite hating this title that has been given to me, I shall guard it as long remains on my head!" "It isn''t an easy feat to kill anyone and everyone until no one dares blow their horn right in front of me!" When Jun Moyans voice drifted to Lan Wuxin and group, everyone shivered unwillingly. "Even when I have to hold my temper now due to various reasons, I would have to vent it anyway C maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after tomorrow." Jun Moyans tone was tinged with a cold smirk that regarded life as insignificant as if no one could face his sword and live. "If I dont act out my frustrations, how can I gain clarity within myself? And when I set my mind on killing someone, no one in this whole world can escape my grasp." "Did you know that the reason all four of you will die today is not only because you harbored killing intent towards me, but also because youre all impolite. Remember that in your next life; whatever you do, make sure you put up a complete fa?ade and never offend the people you cant afford to offend. Otherwise, it will cost you your life." "I dont like people who have murderous intent towards me and dont know how to back down. My sword doesnt like it either." "By the time you regret something, it will be too late, be it your occupation, your actions, anything." Jun Moyan howled towards the sky, "Its all the same!" Two rays of sword light shot out at lightning speed while two heads flew apart, followed by the spurt of blood. Jun Moyan had killed the four leading experts of the Four Seasons Tower in less time than it took to burn an incense stick. No one was spared! As for Jun Moyan himself, he had done it while giving advice about going through life as a person. People who were familiar with Jun Moyan would realize that Jun Moyan had never spoken so much in a single go in this life and he had also never killed someone just for something as small as having a murderous intention; he, too, had never educated people like this. After all, he had been the Unrivaled Swordsman for too many years. If he were to lift his sword for a kill every time someone coveted his title or bore any animosity, the Unrivaled Swordsman would have long been the Unrivaled Killer instead! In spite of this, Lan Wuxin and companions were pale. All of them felt like they were standing naked on the peak of a snow mountain as the piercing and a chilling wind had frozen them to icicles. It wasn''t only their bodies and minds, even their souls felt chilled! As politicians, they could play around with the peoples hearts to achieve their motives as much as they could. They could also make some venerable experts of the martial world their pawns and listen to them in order to create benefit for their personal gains. When all these were completed, though, could a politicians tactics really defend against the backlash of these forces? Once it went overboard, how could a mere politicians trick manage to stave off calamity? Especially when there were certain forces that were incomparable and invincible! There was nothing they could have done, other than wait for their own deaths. Four corpses lay dead on the ground. Only a while ago, they could still dictate the situation, but now, even an ant could easily take them! How appalling! "Man, life and death simple yet so complex!" Jun Moyan was still in his white gown that was more pristine than snow. Despite taking four lives in a row, there was not a speck of blood on him. Looking at the dead bodies, he said faintly, "Great Chancellor Lan, do you know why these people dared to cast their killing intent on me? It was because they were so very confident, and had the strength to back up that confidence too." "To go where they are now, the first decisive condition is to possess the innate gift of eight awakened chakras. They also need a decent comprehension capacity and the lessons of a great teacher. At the same time, they need to be hardworking and be prepared to train arduously. It''s a requisite to experience countless years of hellish drills." "Then, they need sufficient luck and the favor of lucky stars. Only then can they obtain abundant treasured gems while seeking countless chances of flirting with death" Jun Moyan said indifferently, "None of these conditions can be skipped. Only when they accomplished so many harsh conditions, they can live up to now and become the otherworldly expert of their pinnacles in the eyes of ordinary people! Therefore, they had a very solid foundation as well as good luck. Its too bad that theyve used up their luck today. When they have offended someone they shouldnt, they would consider their good luck emptied out." Lan Wuxins back was already drenched in sweat because he was distinctly aware of Jun Moyans rage and murderous intent. At that very moment, such savage emotions were focused on him as well! "So I hope that" Jun Moyan smirked coldly. "In the future whatever you do, be careful. Careful words and actions will be the basis for guaranteeing a safe life. Otherwise, if you accidentally affront someone you cant afford to and die just like that C Chancellor Lan, say, isnt such a death a terrible waste?" 413 Yutang’s Supreme Cloud! Lan Wuxin was white as a sheet but he managed to avoid falling into a dead faint; he had been an official for many years, so he naturally possessed an ability to remain calm and collected. Despite being unable to fight off Jun Moyans murderous aura, he could still hold his ground and retorted harshly, "Perhaps one day, Senior Jun will also affront someone you cant afford to, for some matter or other, and be punished for it. Theres always someone better in this world, dont you think?" Jun Moyan chortled in amusement as he faced the sky and replied, "That is right, this is how it should be anyway! It is too bad that I still havent met someone who can punish me until now. When I do so in the future, I will definitely inform Chancellor Lan that I, Jun Moyan, have met the one that Great Chancellor Lan has hoped that I meet, so as to make you happy!" Lan Wuxin turned increasingly pale. The implied meaning of Jun Moyans words was as sharp as his sword C if there comes a day that I have to die, I shall pull you, Lan Wuxin, along to join me in the underworld! Lan Wuxin suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of regret for previously coercing Jun Moyan by using justice for the nation as a carrot. If he had known that Jun Moyan was such an unrestrained, yet highly capable man, oblivious to threats of death, why would he even threaten him? He was just digging himself a pit. Jun Moyan guffawed and recited in a calm voice, "Roam the human realm alone, with a sword in my hand C do not speak; even though one ends a worldly affair today, heres to ease again in the martial world!" Before his words could echo afar, he sprung up swiftly. When he reached a point in the air, he hovered there and said softly, "Brother, Im leaving!" Everyone heard him, but they had no idea who he was speaking to. They could all see the solemn grief on Jun Moyans face. Jun Moyan hovered in the air for quite a long while; he looked as if he was reminiscing the past and digging through his memories. Suddenly, a swords cry that was akin to a lightning blast boomed thunderously in the sky. A beam of sword light soared into the high heavens. With a flash, Jun Moyans snow-white silhouette vanished without a trace. It was only then that Lan Wuxin broke out in cold sweat as all color drained from his face. He heaved a long sigh of relief. The threat was finally gone! Good riddance! As long as they did not coerce him with any other reason or threaten him to do things that he did not wish to do, both sides would remain disconnected and estranged C there would be no further encounters again! The chancellor sincerely hoped that Jun Moyan would not come to Zilong City ever again in this lifetime. Lan Wuxin noticed that the door to the small yard had opened again. Elder Yun, whom he had been anticipating, was walking over but he wore an unreadable expression. "Elder Yun!" Lan Wuxin felt panic rise in his heart, and the instinctual awareness of danger that all men possessed made him take a few steps back instead of going forward. He called out from afar, "What ails you?" Yun Yang sighed slowly and said, "The assassin is in a terrible state. This old mans recovery of the soul is effective, but the body is still incredibly battered. Only a single breath of life is stabilized, for now, preventing him from dying right off the bat. I need to bring him back to heal him properly, or else" "Bring him back? Heal him properly?" Lan Wuxins eyes grew impossibly large. "How can we let you bring him back? This is a national criminal! What were asking for is not to save his life but to recover the secrets in his heart!" Countless officials of the Empire of Ziyou had eyes that were bulging from the shock as well. What was going on? Something wasn''t right here. "Chancellor, be careful!" Lan Wuxins two personal guards were top-notch experts. With instincts born of years of service, they could suddenly feel the surge of murderous intent within Yun Yang that was focused on Lan Wuxin. Both of them moved in front of Lan Wuxin, unsheathing their swords and sabers simultaneously to defend him against this unexpected assassination attempt. The experts all around reacted quickly as well and shifted into various positions, surrounding Lan Wuxin like secure steel walls. Yun Yang had irrationally intended to attack and wipe Lan Wuxin out; if he succeeded, the entire nation of Ziyou would fall into chaos. However, the alertness of his guards and the shift in the situation, in addition to Yun Yangs inability to manifest his various powers and cast most of his most proficient techniques forced him to give up on such a tempting chance. He replied faintly, "Even if he''s a national criminal, consequent action can only be taken if he is alive. If he doesn''t recover, how can we even interrogate him?" Everyone who heard this reasonable explanation could still clearly feel the unusual iciness of Elder Yuns words. It was a fair observation, but why did all of them feel that it was terribly insincere? Besides, he was carrying the assassin on his back. He was obviously taking him away even if the others disagreed! Lan Wuxin watched Yun Yang with a confused gaze. Observing his resolute and icy face as well as the pair of orbs brimming with murderous intent and fury, he felt his heart sinking deeper and deeper; he said in despair, "You you you- youre not Feng Xiange, youre youre a spy" Lan Wuxin finally understood the truth, but the realization made him feel as if he had swallowed a brick. Speaking the words, he almost wanted to spit blood to soothe the frustration within. Once he recalled how he had addressed the man as Elder Yun and assumed a stance akin to a grandson before this spy, he felt absolutely indignant. In the end, the imposter was actually He was the Empire of Ziyous chancellor no matter what happened; he was below one but above all. What dignity did he still have to face others after being deceived like this? What could he say when the emperor asked him about it? He had passed the imperial jade seal and the national treasure right into the enemy''s hands and had even led him into the prison for him to carry the assassin out on his back. In spite of it all, he actually greeted him with a smile like an idiot It was utterly embarrassing! It was a shame that he would not be rid of forever. Even if he tore this person into pieces, such a humiliating experience would be a part of history and would earn him eternal infamy! Puu! Lan Wuxin spat a mouthful of blood as he cried out in a frenzy, "Who are you? Who are you? Who are you, honestly?" Yun Yang looked at him with an odd expression. "I thought youve always known who I am. Havent you been calling me Elder Yun1 all this while? Do you not know who this man is?" "Supreme Cloud1! You must be Supreme Cloud!" Lan Wuxins heart fluttered uncontrollably as realization flashed through his mind. He suddenly cried out hysterically, "Kill him, kill him! Quickly, kill him! Hes" Before he finished his words, he spat out another mouthful of blood and collapsed! Even without Lan Wuxins order, countless Ziyous experts had emerged from every corner while Deicide Bow archers appeared at higher points; there were plenty of Four Seasons Towers experts who were hiding on the side. They did not dare to move when Jun Moyan had killed their brothers, but now, they were brimming with murderous intent! "For the kill!" An earth-shattering bellow resounded. Honestly, Yun Yang had not planned to be so flagrant and expose himself in such a manner. He had numerous tricks and tactics that could prevent him from being exposed and allow him to go on impersonating Elder Yun, who was also the God of Wine, Feng Xiange. There was an array of reasons that could have deflected the current pickle he was in. He had not chosen any of them! Among the hundreds of thousands of ways, he had picked the hardest and the most dangerous one! He could have kept Old Dugus remains in his storage ring, but he did not. Yun Yang believed he would break down if he did not release his anger. "Today, I opt to be capricious! I have to be capricious! I need to have a massacre, at least once!" Yun Yang told himself, "Even if I die, I have no regrets." He was filled to the brim with a rage that could no longer be tamed. Countless experts from the Empire of Ziyou charged over, closing in on the distance. The murderous intent in Yun Yangs eyes thickened. Finally, he roared and bolted forward. Above him, arrows rained down; in front of him, thousands of blades gleamed cruelly. Yun Yang ran right into the waiting arms of a thousand men carrying weapons. "I shall charge right out of the western gate, carrying you on my back!" "I will run out of Zilong City, step by step, with you! You will go out the same way you came in!" Yun Yang howled, "Old Dugu, open your eyes and watch!" A blink of saber light the sound of a swoosh later, seventeen experts had been cut into half; blood splashed all over the ground. Yun Yang rushed into the dense crowd like a bolt of lightning. With a wave of his hand, a big saber flew from the hand of a startled man of Ziyou into Yun Yang''s firm grip. The shiny brilliance of the saber light was akin to the high heavens dropping snow unto the world! Lan Wuxin had stood aside a long while ago. He was now watching the battle that was breaking out in bewilderment; his eyes scanned the battlefield which saw a single man charge right into thousands of his enemies. A sense of despair rose in his heart. He could not imagine the insanity that drove a single man to run into the arms of his foes, all of which were hell-bent on killing him. Within the blink of an eye, Yun Yang had waded into the throng of foes, leaving a trail of corpses that was a thousand feet long. There was simply no one left alive. The long-handled glaive in his hand was twenty-four feet long and had been in his possession since the beginning. He could unleash his skill more perfectly using the Divine Edge, but Yun Yang felt that such a small saber was insufficient to sate his bloodlust. Instead, he had snatched up a huge glaive from a fallen soldier and began to lay waste to the enemies around him. A sword and the glaive collided with a loud clang C the man wielding the sword flew out spitting blood while over thirty unfortunate people were chopped into kindling as Yun Yang turned and spun from the momentum. A loud boom echoed C the handle of the glaive thumped into the ground. There was a loud cry and the sound wave pushed its way outwards violently as dozens of men were flung away. Yun Yang sprung up and crossed over a hundred feet of space. He landed amidst the royal army who had run over as soon as the heard the news, like flying men. With a wave of his glaive, blood sprayed into the sky in a uniform pattern. The Empire of Ziyous crown prince watched Yun Yang from afar. The man was conducting a massacre amidst the royal army with flagrant movements despite wearing a pale face; his soul seemed to have left him. Was was that not Elder Yun? Why were their own people fighting each other? An anxious bellow arose from Lan Wuxins throat, "Stop him! Kill him! This is Yutangs Supreme Cloud!" Translator Note: 1Elder Yun/ Supreme Cloud (/ yn lo/ yn zn): As mentioned in an earlier chapter, Yun (yn) is taken as both family name and its literal meaning of cloud. Here, it is understandable as Yun Yang mocking Lan Wuxin for calling him Elder Supreme Cloud. 414 An Atrocity in Zilong City Yutangs Supreme Cloud! Everyone was merely nervous at the beginning of the stand-off, but the moment Lan Wuxins unexpected words roared in the air, all hell broke loose. Supreme Cloud? Supreme Cloud, the only survivor of the Nine Supremes who had never shown his true face to the public, was actually here? By the looks of it, he was no slouch when it came to combat. Countless veterans who had gone through many a battle felt prickles on their scalp once they heard the name. It was as if their nightmares had come to revisit them; the curl of the earth, the billow of a vicious gale, the consuming flames, the golden glint, and the surging waves seemed to materialize before their eyes once again. They could not help the growing chill in their hearts as they turned back to look, focusing their gaze on the subject in question. Yun Yang had already landed among the crowd like a bolt of lightning, harboring an inevitably murderous vibe. The Deicide Bow archers had to stop releasing their arrows as it was too packed where Yun Yang was standing. Other than killing their own people by mistake, releasing the arrows would not affect Supreme Cloud at all. A cold gleam flashed in the air as a sword snuck out like a lurking viper among the crowd; its target destination was Yun Yangs lower abdomen. Yun Yang snorted coldly. With a twirl that slashed across a row of heads radiating with saber light, the saber grip collided harshly against the tip of the attacking sword. The person attacking Yun Yang was a Four Seasons Tower expert hidden among the people. Upon the blades collision, the expert felt his hands going numb,; he was no longer able to hold onto his sword. As the sword rebounded from the force, the blade shattered while the hilt rammed into his chest like a thousand-catty hammer. Foiled by his own sword grip, the expert spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed in a heap. Swallowed by the crowd, as countless feet and horse hooves landed and trampled on him, he quickly became a mound of flesh, dying a horrible death Yun Yang guffawed, seeing that his technique had worked to his advantage; the glaive grew increasingly savage, like a flood dragon entering the ocean. Wherever it passed, people were beheaded as blood was spilled. The Empire of Ziyous army did not lack experts and the mass of warriors was increasing in number, but no one could stop Yun Yang or even hold him back. Yun Yang was like a large vessel that braved through a stormy sea, leaving behind waves of corpses and blood. Seeing that Supreme Cloud was growing more vicious, the Empire of Ziyous people were truly shocked to the core. Devastating! He is too formidable! Yutangs Supreme Cloud was so devastatingly formidable that it caused a sense of hopelessness to grow in the masses. They had heard of the ability of Yutangs Nine Supremes to steer the result of a war, but all of them knew that the Supremes were not threatening warriors who could fight hand-to-hand on the battlefield. Their eyes, however, betrayed this notion. This was ridiculous compared to the impression they had from the acquired intelligence! All said and done, he was alone. Facing the entire citys troops, he could not go far, no matter how capable in combat he was. There was a distance of over twenty miles to cover if he wished to reach the western city gate from here! Could he really fight his entire way there? Even if the army stood immobile to let him strike them down where they stood, could he really kill them all? Supreme Cloud must have gone crazy! The rumored think-tank of the Nine Supremes was not true to his name; he was only a brute of a man. All brawn, taking advantage of his strength to compensate for the lack of a brain! The people had obviously forgotten, perhaps ignored, the fact that it was this brute force who had deceived Ziyous chancellor, emperor, higher officials, and even the entire empire! If such a person really did go insane, there was a large number of innocents that were going to be buried with him. Yun Yang charged forward valiantly, covering five to six miles of his journey from the prison to where he was now. Swooshing noises came from the sky in endless waves, indicating a large number of experts that were heading over to put a stop to this menace. Along the way, experts dropped from the skies into the battle in quick succession but were almost immediately flung away, bleeding and torn apart. Only several black-clothed men that moved along the army, hidden within the soldiers, did not initiate any attacks. "What should we do?" " Lets wait a while more. Forcefully attacking now isnt the way to go. Theres still a long way to go from here to the west gate. Let Ziyous army deplete some of Supreme Clouds energy. Only then will we ambush him, annihilating him in one go. No need to risk our lives right now!" "That is a great idea. We will do that." These people were the Four Seasons Towers experts. They were helpless about their current choice as well. It was true that they were the Four Seasons Towers sniper team that had been sent out to target Supreme Cloud specifically; it was true that all of them were experts and had a large team in place - these were all facts! The combined ability of the towers sniper team was an undeniable pinnacle strength no matter where they were placed in this world, but it was also a fact that circumstances always triumphed over people. The one with the highest cultivation base among them was only at third heaven and there were only two of them; the rest were of the first or second heaven standard. If such forces were judged by Tianxuan Continents secular view, it was formidable indeed, exceeding even the strong contenders of Tenth Perfection. Could such a formation challenge Ling Xiaozui himself? The truth was that they were ill-equipped to do so. They dared not act recklessly in front of Supreme Cloud, let alone Ling Xiaozui. At this moment, these fellows, who were aware of the current situation, felt their scalps tingling after seeing Yun Yangs unstoppable charge. The two third-heaven experts had assessed the possible outcomes; if they headed over right now, they might become flying men if they were lucky, but otherwise, the connection of high-leveled cultivators Qi might cause the other party to kill them right away! There were only four people in the Four Seasons Towers current squad who had the ability to stop Yun Yangs wild rampage, yet those four had died, killed by Jun Moyan for absolutely no reason. They were speechless regarding their current circumstances. When Jun Moyan was killing the four men, these people were already disguised among the crowd, but they dared not move at all! They truly did not wish to act impulsively; what if Jun Moyan had assumed that they were together? They stood rooted to the spot, watching their comrades, who were also their superiors, being killed while they turned cowards there. How frustrating it had felt! They could only be distraught; if they did not wish to feel that way, they had to die. In that case, being distraught was a reasonable alternative. When Jun Moyan had finally left, they thought that the ominous cloud had finally drifted away, but, somehow, Yutangs Supreme Cloud had appeared instead! When they heard the news, they were delighted C absolutely thrilled! Without their superiors, would this great achievement not be theirs? They were, after all, the ones with the highest cultivation base now. The rumors had it that the Nine Supremes were adept in their manifestation powers but their individual cultivation bases were practically rubbish. Now that Zilong City had been manipulated by a spiritual-sealing formation and none of those manifestations could be used, the presence of Supreme Cloud would only indicate his own painful death. When they got ready to do battle and seized this merit for themselves, they realized that rumors were only rumors. The credibility of those rumors was non-existent. Could such a cultivation base be considered rubbish? If so, what about them? They still did not dare move a muscle, despite the indignation that arose in their chests. Yun Yang spun his twenty-four feet glaive into a huge, circular light and charged forward like a berserk tiger. He no longer knew how many people he had killed nor did he know the waves of inexplicable energy that gushed into him as he was killing them. He only had one thought in mind C Father! Watch me as I seek revenge for you! Im clearing the path to Zilong Citys west gate while I carry you! Father, you have to pass; then, I shall make countless people keep you company on your journey to the underworld! Since theyve done something like this, I shall make them pay! In the small yard of Lan Wuxins residence, an adorable bear cub that had a small green snake encircled its arm snuck out and rushed towards the battle. In the stormy skies, two white silhouettes appeared. A loud boom resounded; the glaive in Yun Yangs hand had broken into two. The glaive had collided one too many times with a plethora of weapons throughout the battle and had finally reached its end. "His sabers broken!" "Hes doomed!" "Quick, go! Kill him!" "Go for the kill!" 415 King Bear to the Frontline! Thrilled cries and ecstatic shouts were all that could be heard as countless people rushed forward with maddened eyes; some of them had used their bodies as weapons, flinging themselves forward with arms wide open. Two black silhouettes moved at the same time, rushing together with the soldiers who were putting their lives on the line, wait for their chance to strike. Supreme Clouds weapon was destroyed; his combat ability could be greatly discounted. Now there were countless Ziyou soldiers acting as obstacles and Supreme Cloud had not seemed to notice their actions with his back facing them. His focus was on the battle, the opportunity was theirs to claim! They could strike and annihilate him in with a single blow! The handful of people closest to Yun Yang were merely a hand''s breadth away! Everyone had subconsciously held their breath simultaneously. In a battle that included thousands of people, one would be entangled in a deadly stacking game once the enemy got close. Even when one had the most divine of abilities, one could only anticipate becoming a meat pie when it got to that point. The people closest to Yun Yang roared and was about to tackle him to the ground, but they suddenly felt their sight turning black as if something odd had appeared With a few loud bangs, seven to eight men had knocked themselves against some sort of pillar simultaneously. Lifting their heads, their eyes almost fell out of their sockets. What is this? Weren''t we fighting Supreme Cloud? Why did my tackle end up at the foot of a massive black bear? At a glance, it had to be at least a hundred feet tall! The bears two feet were like heavens pillars. When a handful of experts collided against it, it was like a mantis trying to move a tree C the bear did not even move but the handful of men flew off in a dizzying spiral. The black bear roared, its paw not unlike a huge trees canopy that came slapping downwards. Bam! A huge pit appeared on the ground at once, filled with the mush of flesh and blood; there were no visible traces of a human being left behind. What a tyrannical paw strike! The black bear did not stop after one successful strike. With another growl, it bolted away to stand in front of Yun Yang. The gigantic monsters sudden appearance caused a wave of surprised gasps. "What is that?" "Shoot!" "Shoot!" "Where are the Deicide Bow arrows?" "Shoot! Kill it!" The Ziyou armys wish was wonderful, but the truth was cold and cruel. The Deicide Bow archers had not moved since Supreme Cloud was standing in a densely packed area, and they dared not shoot; how could they react in time, struck by panic from the sudden appearance of the black bear? The black bear knocked everything over without a care, as it moved among the crowd. Yun Yang , who was behind him, actually had no room to do battle. Flesh and blood splattered wherever the black bear went. Occasionally, waves of people were flung away like snowflakes, with cries shattering the earth. The black bear that seemed to have appeared out of the blue caused a load of confusion for all the people that were standing around. What was going on? Where did such a colossus appear from so suddenly? On a higher section of a tower nearby, a few youths and ladies were watching the scene, trembling where they stood. They were all shocked, their faces pale, but their eyes were wide like they had seen a ghost. They barely blinked even as the scene unfolded. "This isnt this Elder Yun?" A youths teeth were clattering. "This bear could it be that adorable cub?" A lady beside him was wholly drained of color. There was another lady who was hugging an adorable little squirrel in her embrace. She watched the scene unfold with a frozen gaze; it seemed like only her shell remained. "Elder Yun is Supreme Cloud?" "Yutangs Nine Supremes Supreme Cloud?" "How is that possible?" "This" The youths were bewildered but only one thought dominated their minds - they were doomed this time! It was because of them that this man could slip into Zilong City so smoothly! Now, it had caused such havoc; even the imperial jade seal and the national treasured siderite had been given away. Someone had to bear the responsibility for all that had happened. The emperor would not be the one naturally, so it was only their families who had to be held accountable. Yet, the blame was on them. Thinking about this, the ladies and young masters felt their visions swimming in a black haze; there was no much to look forward to in life. The black bear growled savagely. It continued charging forward with ecstasy running through it. This was its first fight with its master; it had to showcase what it could do and let the stinky snake on its arm know that they were incomparable C they were on different levels! Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh The sky suddenly went dark C countless Deicide arrows blanketed the sky! They poured down like cats and dogs and flew swiftly, aiming themselves at the Niello Bears strong body. It was not that the Deicide Bow archers did not want to aim for Yun Yang, but this monster was too huge a target that they did not even have to take aim. Besides, it was so savage. The archers had reached an unspoken consensus to first wipe this obstacle out before they could take on Supreme Cloud. They believed that Supreme Cloud who was without manifestation powers and subsequently losing this assistance would be destined to fall here, no matter how strong he was. Plop, plop, plop The indestructible Deicide arrows landed on the Niello Bear without missing, but the sound of the arrows striking their target was different. It was like they had not hit their target at all, and the arrows had bounced off right away; the Deicide arrows that were said to be able to kill even immortals were useless! The Deicide Bow archers thought they would score a hit. They were immensely confident about their Deicide arrows that even a Tenth Perfection force would have died on the spot after being attacked by such a dense net of arrows. Even if the gigantic bear was a high-level mystical beast, it should be dead from the arrow downpour. Who knew that after a storm of arrows, the black bear had emerged unscathed! Everyone felt their minds and hearts shattering. Why? How could this be? Could they be in a nightmare? Honestly, it was not that the Deicide arrows were weak. Exactly like how the archers had judged, if this round of arrow downpour were to target a Tenth Perfection expert, he would be severely injured, if not dead. However, the Niello Bear was Tianxuan Continents top-level mystical beast and was known for its defensive abilities. The resilience of its skin and flesh surpassed even that of the beginner heaven realm experts. It was not something that the Deicide Bow could break open! The monster actually felt a jagged shock of pain when it was shot at. With an angered growl, the Niello Bears foot stomped on the ground and a wave of yellow beams spread out rapidly. Wherever the light passed, the earth cracked and soil flew as the building on both sides of the street crumbled into dust. Instantly, there was only devastation! Amidst the smog and cries of agony, the Niello Bear charged forward, leading the way while Yun Yang sprinted behind him, not having the chance to strike with the saber in his hand. Truthfully, Yun Yang did not expect Blackie to be so supportive. He just wanted the Niello Bear to ease the battle and provide some relief. After all, he was alone in facing the enemy, especially the Deicide Bows that had long given Yun Yang a traumatic experience. By the looks of it now, Blackie was actually fearless about the downpour of Deicide arrows and had overturned the current tide of battle. Instantly, the sound of a horn being blown could be heard from afar. Other than the majestic resonance, there was an inexplicable sense of solemn sanguinariness. A low rumbling resounded. The soldiers retreated uniformly, not even leaving behind the corpses. They left only a ground painted with blood that they could not carry away. It showed the skill and efficiency of the Ziyou army. Yun Yang was emotionless, untinged neither with delight nor grief. His body was like a catkin that followed closely behind the Niello Bear, charging forward constantly. He knew what was about to come. Once such a resonant and solemn sound of an army rang out on the battlefield, it signaled the deployment of the enemys heavy-armored cavalry! As Yun Yang had predicted, they were greeted by the sight of a five-hundred men squad as he and Blackie made their way out of the smog. Both men and horses were covered in thick steel armor and helmets; a sense of indestructibility rolled off their armored bodies in waves! 416 Deific Consciousness Attack The cavalrymen on their horses were bedecked in heavy armor from head to toe, leaving only their eyes exposed. Even their horses had their eyes covered with cloth. Obviously, it was an impromptu modification to prevent the horses from panicking after seeing the ferocious beast. The rumbling grew faster amidst the resonant horn; gradually, it crackled with the tension of speed. "Charge!" The order was not from the enemy, but emanated from a vehement Yun Yang! Even when faced with the enemys indestructible heavily-armored cavalry, Yun Yang had never entertained the thought to retreat. It had never come across his mind to back down today. No matter who or what he faced today, he would dive into it head-first! There was a saying about never backing down until there was a dead end; even if Yun Yang had met a dead end, he still would not back down. He would want to see if he would crack his head and die, or the dead end would come crumbling down instead. The Niello Bear, as a high-level mystical beast, was equipped with no small amount of intelligence as well. It was aware of the situation it was in. With an earth-shattering growl, it sped up, turning into a trail of yellow light that dove heavily into the well-armored cavalry. The cavalry kicked their horses in the flanks to get them to move faster; seeing the impending arrival of the beast, they drove forward with a roar. Picking up the pace, their twenty-five-foot spears were pointed forward. All five hundred men hollered in unison, "For the kill!" Bam! The Niello Bears gigantic body met the charge of the heavily-armored cavalry with a grinding roar. The resultant quake was horrible to hear! Rows of cavalrymen leading the charges practically flew off with their horses, as a huge gap appeared in the formation as a result of the titanic collision. The Niello Bear let out a low growl with viciousness spilling from its eyes, but there was also blood oozing from the corners of its mouth. It took a step back, it''s swift advance halted abruptly. Ziyous army had seen past Blackies defenses and identified it''s obvious weaknesses. They had taken the most direct and effective route; utilizing human lives to forcefully put a halt to its forward momentum. If the Niello Bears speed were to be allowed to increase, the combination of its strength, weight, and speed would form an unstoppable juggernaut and no one would be able to stop their charge all the way to the West Gate. As Blackies momentum was inhibited, spears came flying from every direction like a forest of trees. If the arrows earlier had formed a downpour, the spears now formed a canopy! Blackies momentum was obstructed, but its injury was not severe. It did not take the canopy of spears into consideration at all, merely resuming its brutal attack and savaging the remaining cavalrymen. Its attack was stupendous. A casual wave of its paw could send a cavalryman flying away, but the heavily-armored cavalrys advantage was apparent C they were well-protected! Even when faced with the mighty paw of a high-level mystical beast, the heavily-armored cavalry could maintain their vitality despite not being able to attack swiftly. These five hundred men would be able to keep the Niello Bear at bay for the time taken to make tea or even longer! Yun Yangs mind was spinning; he managed to steal a peek, despite the fact that he was standing in the eye of havoc. He saw a muscular general with hawk eyes standing far away. The man was issuing commands calmly as the command flags and horns resounded. The heavily-armored cavalry switched their formation in responses to the horn, moving those severely injured and could no longer fight to the outer circle. Other than those who were killed from Blackies paw strike, a lot of those heavily injured could save themselves as more relief troops poured in. If this continued, there was bound to be a time when Blackie would be exhausted, no matter how vicious it was; when that time came, it would be the end of it all. Yun Yang would never allow this to come true. With a flip of his wrist and a ragged cry, the Divine Edge greeted the world once again. As an iridescence radiance flashed in the air, Yun Yang charged into the cavalry formation like it was merely a wisp of smoke. Another three cavalrymen were quickly severed into six separate pieces alongside their horses, where the saber light passed; with a twirl, over twenty horses'' feet were chopped off, severed where the saber light had struck. Amidst the shouts and neighing, Yun Yang charged forward with large strides. The radiant saber light wrapped around him was dazzling. Any enemy who blocked him from the front fell, one after another if they made the foolish mistake of trying to face him. When a wave pushed in, it would become another wave of corpses Yun Yang left behind him. This was the way of dealing damage. The heavily-armored cavalrymen were the best when it came to defeating their enemy with brute force and an invincible defense. Even though it may not be a fatal strike, over time, their enemy would eventually be worn down. The Niello Bear that was tyrannical and even surpassed Yun Yang in its individual combat power, could hardly do anything against the heavily-armored cavalrymen. On the other hand, Yun Yang, who could not showcase his manifestation powers, was unstoppable with the Divine Edge in his grip; even the heavy armor donned by the soldiers could not stop a direct strike from the Divine Edge. He was invincible and destructive, dealing a massive amount of damage and ringing up the number of casualties. Yun Yangs face remained stoic, his gaze was dead like ice; it was like the Shura of hell had come to the human realm and was harvesting lives. When he was moving fast, even the human eye could see greyish mist arise and enter Yun Yang. As Yun Yang began his indiscriminate massacre, the Niellow Bear paused to take a breath. Then, it roared again, obviously displeased about having to retreat and being besieged by the enemy. It bolted forward in an aggravated frenzy and began to fight alongside Yun Yang. A man and a bear, one with a soft body and one with brute strength; their cooperation were indomitable. Seeing that the cavalrymen could no longer defend themselves and the defensive line was about to crumble, Yun Yang suddenly felt a prickling pain in his deific consciousness. Similarly, the Niello Bear roared into the sky in agony, caught by surprise. Yun Yang focused his attention as he glanced over slowly. He knew that the Empire of Ziyous true experts had finally made their appearance now, the first time since the battle had erupted. Faraway, an elder was mounted on a horse precariously, holding his chest. His face was pale and there was a faint tinge of blood at the corners of his mouth. He had not expected the other partys deific consciousness to be so formidable! His deific consciousness attack that had always brought him victory had only just come into contact with the other partys divine senses. He did not even feel the senses colliding, why the sudden retaliation? This was entirely different from the collision of deific senses he usually encountered. The feeling was like a small stream from a river that lapped against the ocean; not only was it futile, the surge of the oceans waves would swallow the small stream instantly! The elder was terrified and struggled to speak, "The other partys divine sense is too strong. Do not cast any form of deific consciousness attack or you will only bring death upon yourselves!" Before his words could linger in the air, the elder had fallen from the horse, unconscious. Around him was a group of capable people, but now, the only expression on their faces was fright. The elder who had fallen unconscious was not an easy character. Titled the Soulscrapper Blade, he was proficient in cultivating the art of deific senses and was an expert in manipulating deific consciousness attacks. Even when opponents whose cultivation base were several levels higher than his encountered him, they would have to suffer from carelessness. This elder was a maestro in deific consciousness attacks and had always been victorious in all his confrontation In spite of this, the other party was obviously unprepared for this ambush and the attack was cast when the enemy was not even aware. Facing the deific consciousness of the Soulscrapper Blade and actually encountering the other party was more than unbelievable and unimaginable; it was petrifying! Could the other party''s deific sense be so strong that an unintentional counterattack was amazingly mighty? Watching Yun Yang, who was still making his advance smoothly amidst the crowd faraway, everyone felt their heart shudder. "Yutangs Supreme Cloud is indeed Supreme Cloud. There is no blemish on his reputation. How impressive!" Someone sighed in a low voice. "At this juncture, we can only focus our attacks on targeting his physical body. Our combined prowess still puts us at an advantage!" A middle-aged man frowned and slowly unsheathed his sword, saying, "If Supreme Cloud were to be allowed to advance another ten miles, he would be too near to the city gate. If he manages to gain the gate and recover his manifestation powers, we wouldn''t be able to take him down indefinitely!" 417 Daunting Mystical Beasts The experts nodded quietly, their expressions filled with understanding. These top-tiered cultivators of Ziyou had a grand plan; they would let the army tackle the lone madman head on and exhaust Yutang''s Supreme Cloud''s energy. The respite would allow the rest of them to read Supreme Cloud''s techniques so they could take him down with coordinated attacks. The Soulscrapper Blade possessed the power to cast deific consciousness attacks across the entire area. He was the maestro of deific consciousness attacks and it was rumored that Supreme Cloud did not really have a high cultivation base, apart from possessing manifestation powers. A cultivator''s divine sense and his cultivation base were directly related, so the deific consciousness should be Supreme Cloud''s Achilles'' Heel. A positive outcome was almost guaranteed if they could direct their attacks against this weakness. The Soulscrapper Blade had the added advantage of being able to rechannel the attacks of many individuals into a single stream of destruction. If Yun Yang''s divine sense was truly his weakness, the concerted attack could very possibly destroy Yun Yang''s deific consciousness which would lead to his soul being shattered, just like Old Dugu. It was the unexpected appearance of the Niello Bear at the beginning of the battle that had disrupted the plans. When the heavily-armored cavalrymen paid the price of their lives to forcefully halt the black bear''s mad charge, Yun Yang''s almighty Divine Edge harvested the lives of the soldiers in a savage manner. The unflinching stature of the man and bear was set; if they did not move, they might not have the chance to stop them anymore. However, just as the Soulscrapper Blade had struck, he had been severely injured and the only reason he could divine from his misguided action was that Yun Yang''s deific consciousness was surprisingly tyrannical. Attacking his divine sense would only lead them to their own deaths. The original tactics were in vain; they could only fight with brute force and hope for the best! Everyone cursed the Four Seasons Tower in their hearts. "F*cking hell, those manipulative rascals! Look at how this tower works, why are they so undependable?" a loud voice cursed from among the gathered fighters. "Exactly. Didn''t the Four Seasons Tower send over twenty experts? Aren''t they all high and mighty? Where are they now? Where have they gone to? Didn''t they claim that they wanted to send Supreme Cloud to his death?" someone else muttered in dissatisfaction. "Those four leaders are the best! F*ck, they haven''t even met the real deal and went to provoke Jun Moyan, getting themselves killed in the process. Four bastards, why affront Jun Moyan? He''s the Unrivaled Swordsman, a pinnacle force similar to Ling Xiaozui! Didn''t they see that even the emperor didn''t make a sound when he occupied the Board of Punishment so openly in Zilong City?" "Yes, yes. Anyone who has any degree of common sense would know the urgency and priority of these matters. Those four fellows are really the classic examples of incompetent bunglers. It would be fine if they had wiped out Supreme Cloud first before finding Jun Moyan to seek their deaths,but look here! They left this frog that''s so hard to swallow for us!" The sense of irritation and ominous incredulity were so strong that it threatened to burst forth and hurtle into the open skies. They could understand why these cultivators were so begrudging. They knew that at least a good half of them would have to be buried with Supreme Cloud - even if they could ultimately claim this Lord Supreme Cloud and make him stay here, they would have to die beside him! However, it was too late to say whatever they wanted. The Four Seasons Tower''s men were not here, so they could only get the job done themselves. "Charge!" A low grunt could be heard as the group unsheathed their sabers and swords, bolting forward with their weapons held tightly in their hands. Yun Yang felt the mounting pressure, but his heart was strangely at ease. Looking at how things were proceeding, his worst expectations had not materialized. Not only was the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian absent, a large number of ace cultivators were not here as well. If they had, they would have put a stop to his rampage a long while ago. Only Mr. Nian and the tower''s hidden experts could possibly threaten his life; those before him were only mere annoyances. The most they could do was to add to his pressure, but it was not a singularly large worry. The general was giving commands in a calm and collected manner, clearly adept at deploying military formations. Watching Yun Yang''s sharp saber light that broke through layer after layer of his defensive lines, he was still unruffled, still able to react with grace. Nets were tossed from high points while countless hidden weapons were obscured in the space in front of Yun Yang, waiting for him to rush head-on into their deadly teeth. There were uncountable weapons and tripping ropes, as well as an array of traps that lay in front of him. The fact that such an array of traps had been set up in so short a time was a pure miracle. Each of them was specific, with its devasting purpose and mechanisms; the set up was flawless, without any loopholes the intended target could exploit. Cries and neighing were still heard from afar as low rumbles continued to fill the air. There were more troops who were hastily heading toward the battleground. The majestic horn was blown continuously C deafening and utterly devastating to an enemy''s soul. However, Yun Yang remained oblivious to all of these. Alone with his saber, he was dauntless. The stubborn thought in his heart remained unchanged C he still intended to slaughter his way out of Zilong City, one step after another; he wanted to bring down this wall that was meant to be a dead end for him. Beside him, the Niello Bear''s growls were growing more infuriated, but its energy was depleting quickly. It was only to be expected. The Niello Bear was a high-level mystical beast and a king among others, but it was only a ninth level beast after all. There was a limit to its strength; exhaustion had consumed him from the death it had dealt out all the way here. It had been shot with uncountable Deicide arrows and had been struck by countless hacks and chops; there was also the relentless blockade by the heavily-armored cavalrymen. As mighty as Blackie was, it was gradually succumbing to exhaustion. Fatigue could be seen in the movements of its paw while its innate physical defenses could no longer wholly shield it from the Deicide arrows. Its large build had hundreds of Deicide arrows poking out like a pincushion, and blood dripped in copious amounts. It was only because of its physical characteristics that came from being a high-level mystical beast that the bear could hold up for so long, or else it would have succumbed even earlier. Yun Yang frowned seeing it and said, "There''s no need to risk your life any further. Turn around and shrink!" If Yun Yang had entertained the idea of using Blackie and Little Green as cannon fodder, it was gone now. He had taken Blackie and Little Green as his own and with how he usually was with his pets, he would not allow the Niello Bear to fall here. The Niello Bear retreated as once when it heard Yun Yang''s words as if receiving amnesty. Its large size shrunk several times into a mini cub, but it only made the arrows that had sunk deeply in its body grow even more tightly packed, causing the little bear to look like a porcupine. Yun Yang waved. A small green snake flew out and an eerie green ray flashed in the air. Immediately, cries of pain could be heard, growing louder and louder. An enormous python had suddenly appeared on the street. Its three-hundred-foot body was as thick as a house, while its mouth was as huge as a city gate. Once it appeared, it slithered forward swiftly, forming an even more formidable force then Blackie. It sprayed wind blades from its mouth; it was like a natural machine gun which dealt amazingly devastating damage to its hapless victims. The green snake''s wind blades were its innate ability and did not belong to nature, so it was not inhibited by the spirituality sealing formation. It sprayed blades indiscriminately as it made its way forward, unyielding and peerless. What was more petrifying was that it was not only wind blades that were being launched once the serpent opened its mouth; it could be a mouthful of venom that corroded flesh and bone! Of course, the enormous python''s attack was not too big a bother to the experts, but it was lethal to ordinary soldiers! Yun Yang, who was standing behind it, did not rush to attack, but his hand had turned into a speedy shadow instead. Within several breaths, he had plucked out the uncountable number of Deicide arrows stuck in the Niello Bear. Unfortunately, a big ball of flesh caught onto the Deicide arrows'' hangnail was also torn off; the Niello Bear howled pitifully, almost fainting from the pain. Yun Yang''s hand was brutally swiftly in removing the arrows. There was no special technique or method involved, so Blackie had to bear a great amount of agony. Yun Yang already had something else in mind though; he thumped the bear with a flip of his hand and a ball of refined air of vitality was sent into the beast''s mouth. The Niello Bear, eyes tearing from pain, felt something tantalizing entering its mouth and consumed it quickly, reeling from both great pain and pleasure simultaneously. The enormous python in front had covered thousands of feet in distance, leaving behind a ground full of dead bodies. Yun Yang strode forward leisurely, casually waving his saber to counter the attacks coming from both sides and deflecting all of the frenzied attempts to strike him down. He only needed the span of two breaths to carry the bear to the giant python. The man and bear then rode the snake as it slithered ahead, towards its goal. 418 Siege Quarrel! A short while later, a few silhouettes emerged from thin air. Their imposing aura was distinctly different from an ordinary soldier''s attacking mode; it was obviously an operation from Ziyou''s expert base. Yun Yang scoffed in derision and sprung up, his saber light dazzlingly brilliant C the Merciless Saber greeted the world! With Yun Yang''s current cultivation base, a slight flick of Saber Truth, the Destiny Blade could annihilate any cultivator below the level of heaven realm. As red, vibrant blood splashed, the three shadows grunted and fell; it was uncertain if they had died before or after hitting the ground. Yun Yang spun like a whirlwind and executed Merciless Dao. Another two people grunted in pain and they were forced to an impasse, facing imminent death. It was at this moment that the area turned eerily silent. The creaking sound of a machine being reeled could be heard amidst the stillness. Yun Yang''s eyes squinted in focus, seeing a huge arrow flying towards him. Siege Quarrel1! A Siege Quarrel? A Siege Quarrel was a special arrow used specifically in a city siege. The entire arrow was basically a mystical steel arrowhead attached to the trunk of a Steel Tree. To release this special quarrel, at least eight cultivators of the fourth peak or higher were needed to pull the bow and another two people to install the quarrel before the shooting could begin. In other words, the strength of at least ten cultivators was needed, working in tandem to operate this quarrel''s bow. The Siege Quarrel''s impact was massive. If it hit a city gate directly, it would leave a large hole behind. Even if it hit the city''s thick defensive wall, it would bury itself halfway through, leaving half the quarrel outside so that the soldiers could use it as a stepping stone in attacking the city. This quarrel''s impact was truly indomitable! Such a quarrel was never meant to target a single person C the target would certainly feel honored! Facing the swiftly speeding Siege Quarrel, Yun Yang dared not meet it head on despite reaching the heaven realm in his cultivation base. He twisted away in an evasive manoeuvre, the Siege Quarrel barely passing him by. However, the friction it brought along with it slightly hindered Yun Yang''s movement. In a split second, the two experts who were forced into an impasse managed to escape the saber energy''s trap and came close to Yun Yang, hacking away furiously with their swords and sabers. Yun Yang shifted continuously; as he avoided their fatal blows, he executed Destiny Blade''s Saber Laic. The two men who had just cheated death felt the glimmer of saber light again but could not see where the saber nor its wielder was. A chill snaked into their hearts as hopelessness crept into them once again. The sound of a piercing wind could be heard. Yun Yang snorted in anger, he had to retract his saber style despite only executing half of the technique. With a shift of his body, two more Siege Quarrels missed him once again. Yun Yang had avoided a total of three Siege Quarrels, but the giant python beneath him was not as agile. It was unable to avoid all three consecutive arrows as they impaled themselves into the Moire Python''s body. The three wounds on the giant python could not be helped. Blood gushed out like rivers while the serpent hissed, twitching in agony. Further away, Bolt Bows were everywhere. Each Bolt Bow''s angle was different, set up to cut off Yun Yang''s escape from various directions. With a holler, Yun Yang patted the python on the ground as a sign for it to shrink in size so he could treat it. However, the python was too severely injured; it could no longer shrink into its tiny size while innumerable people had charged forth from their hiding places. The soldiers had been unable to defend themselves against the python''s berserk ravage earlier, but now that it was in a critical state, the soldiers had lost their initial fear. With a cry, Yun Yang sprung up, rushing out like an arrow. His feet kicked out continuously and the three Siege Quarrels were forcefully extracted from the python. He then sent a big ball of air of vitality into the python''s mouth. The Niello Bear that had recovered its combat power decimatedZiyou''s soldiers with a growl, acting as the Moire Python''s personal guard until the latter''s injury had recovered from the air of vitality and it could shrink into the tiny snake it had been. They then sprinted forward to reunite with Yun Yang. Yun Yang estimated in his mind that the Niello Bear and Moire Python would not be of a big help to him since the enemy had supplemented their battle with divine weapons like the Bolt Bows. The best tactic was to unleash the beasts'' combat power, letting them revert to their true size. Unfortunately, being gigantic meant that they were obvious targets that even a blind man could hit. Even though Blackie and Little Green were top-level mystical beasts, they would be doomed if they were shot at a dozen times consecutively. Therefore, he would first fight as the main combatant and see how it went from there. The Siege Quarrels were still being fired continuously without a care for the cost, while the entire area was tightly packed with enemies and obstacles. It slowed down Yun Yang considerably compared to his previous advancement. The Four Seasons Tower''s experts, who were lurking among the crows, finally made their move. Time and time again, the saber light and sword light flashed like lightning bolts streaking through the sky. These people were well aware of Yun Yang''s capability, so they left with each strike like they were dipping their toes in the water, never getting themselves wet. It was this set of techniques that troubled Yun Yang the most. He had thought that the remaining enemies would not be his match in individual combat after Jun Moyan had wiped out the Four Seasons Tower''s four heaven realm ace cultivators. Even when the rest had attacked in a horde and besieged him, he had the confidence to defeat them all. However, it was a huge headache since they were always hidden in the crowd, leaving after a strike, opting to be safe than risking their lives. This was what Yun Yang was most reluctant to face. Now, the Empire of Ziyou''s experts had also realized the advantages of such a tactic. With that epiphany, they followed suit. While Yun Yang''s saber light spread and cleared the surrounding area to push forward tens of feet, those experts had stayed concealed in the fresh wave of soldiers. They did not care for the lives of the ordinary army, merely concealing the traces behind these people to remain stealthy. Despite being tasteless and forgoing the possibility of comradeship, it was indeed the most effective tactic that they could come up with. Yun Yang grew more impatient. Old Dugu''s lean frame was on his back. Yun Yang could almost feel Old Dugu''s eyes open, watching everything unfold. His emotions calmed down immediately, like gently falling snow. Father is still waiting for me to bring him out and take him home. I can''t be agitated, I can''t be impatient. I can''t lose my cool. I can be enraged, I can vent, I can fight C but I can''t lose my focus! Another Siege Quarrel flew at him with unstoppable momentum. As Yun Yang avoided it, his eyes brightened. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh Those were the sounds of innumerable Deicide arrows being shot from the high wall on both sides. Yun Yang avoided them, moving rapidly like a ghost and advanced another five hundred feet. Then, the unique noise that belonged to the Siege Quarrel could be heard again. This time, three quarrels were released simultaneously in a triangular pattern that securely inhibited Yun Yang''s room to avoid the deadly missiles. Yun Yang let out a long cry that expelled the agitation pooling in his chest; he bowed low and twirled wide C as the Siege Quarrel flew above his face, he stretched his hand out to tweak the tail of the arrow. It was only a tweak, but the violent quake that resulted from the touch shook Yun Yang''s fingers like they had been electrocuted. In spite of the pain, it was worth it. The Siege Quarrel that Yun Yang had touched did not slow down; instead, it made an inexplicable about-turn. With a slap against its rear end, the Siege Quarrel flew back the way it came. Yun Yang had leveraged upon his position to counter the attack, using the quarrel''s own momentum as it had been released by the enemy! Now, the Siege Quarrel flew even faster than when it came, catapulting back with a shrill cry. Translator Note: 1Quarrel: a short, heavy square-headed arrow or bolt. 419 Bloodshed in Ziyou Although Yun Yang didn''t seem to have used much force, the results of his action were astounding. With a loud crash, the Siege Quarrel returned the way it came and the Bolt Bow situated there was instantly reduced to kindling, as the soldiers beside it were bathed in blood from the explosion. Ziyou''s troops were stunned, reduced to silence in fear and shock. They never knew that someone in this world could physically pick up and turn around a Siege Quarrel that was in flight. It was no longer just a miracle but a deific wonder! Having achieved a miracle, Yun Yang began trying to control the direction of the Siege Quarrels. They did not need to make a complete about-turn; as long as the massive bolts were deflected slightly, just enough to strike the Bolt Bows or even some hapless members of the enemy, it was already an accomplishment. It was too bad that Yun Yang''s wonderful wish was futile, as this place was not a familiar place. It was impossible for him to aim his arrows perfectly! The general who stood at the high point, commanding the tide of war, was a rare prodigy! He drove his limited forces relentlessly in constantly changing formations. They were ordinary men in the army with common cultivation bases and insignificant combat powers. In the eyes of cultivators, they could be put to more efficient use. More importantly, he coordinated the attacking tempo of the bows, cavalrymen, infantry, and crossbows. Amazingly, each wave of attacks become increasingly distressing to Yun Yang, who found that he might possibly have met his match. What was rarer and caused Yun Yang the most headache was that the general could even command the cooperation of the people of the martial world and the army in a collaborative siege. It was efficient and impactful! Such a commander did not need a high cultivation base or even an intermediate class of mystical Qi. As long as his warfare tactics were sufficiently foresighted, his commands could already fill in the gaps that came from his lack of a high cultivation. This battle was proof of that. At this point in time, Ziyou''s relief troops had arrived in large throngs, causing the commanding general''s efficiency to pick up. As a result, the pressure Yun Yang faced grew with each passing moment; it was escalating exponentially. Yun Yang''s state of mind began to clear. Despite the precarious situation, he was calm and collected, not burdened by any emotion. He maintained his slow advance but felt a growing hesitation. Each step was harder than the previous one, and the feeling of trudging in mud was growing more apparent. Yun Yang was still energetic. The amazing improvement in his cultivation base which put him in the heaven realm allowed him to recover faster than before, while the current enemy he faced would not expend too much of their mystical Qi. Besides, there was Emmie''s spiritual Qi as a form of support, so there really was not much of a worry. Still, the gradual decrease in Yun Yang''s speed was undeniable. A baritone voice rang melodically from far away, "Lord Supreme Cloud, even if you had a pair of wings, it''d be hard to escape our net. Why not surrender and save us some honor?" Yun Yang snorted indifferently. The real intention behind this act was obviously not to ask him to surrender, but to cheer their own people on. Pointing out that Supreme Cloud was helpless and stating as if it was a fact would boost their own morale immensely. After all, Yun Yang''s previous display of indomitable aura was petrifying; there were not many present who did not feel a sense of panic. Right now, once it was asserted that Supreme Cloud was unable to flee, everyone''s mood and temperament began to stabilize. Alright, he was unable to escape. The next thing to be considered was how to capitalize on this fact. A morale boost was the most straightforward method to pacify the nightmare of facing one of the Nine Supremes C it was a method that was worthy to be set as a milestone! Yun Yang replied faintly, "This general''s tactics are commendable. You should be among Ziyou''s well-known generals. I wonder what is your name?" Even though he was standing amidst a noisy army, Yun Yang''s voice still carried far, clear and calm. There was not the slightest bit of agitation and everyone along the way could hear him loud and clear as if the voice had crept into their ears on its own. Everyone could hear Supreme Cloud distinctly as if he was actually talking to them face to face. Their expressions immediately changed, twisting in fear. How could such a cultivation base be merely petrifying? It was absolutely devastating! The thoughtful ones contemplated the situation further than the others. Caught in the middle of a fierce battle, Supreme Cloud could still talk calmly. It was obvious that his energy was not depleted. In other words, his current state was unscathed, or perhaps he wasn''t even fighting with his all. If that was the case, was the thought of keeping Supreme Cloud here in their territory only a wild dream? A request for the moon? It was not a very promising situation. The general''s stable voice drifted over, "It''s this general''s utmost honor to receive Lord Supreme Cloud''s compliment. I''m Ding Yunlu. A pleasure to meet you, Lord Supreme Cloud." Yun Yang answered indifferently, "So, I have the honor of meeting the renowned general of Ziyou, Ding Yunlu. You are amazing, your ability in warfare tactics and command is more impressive than the rumors indicate. However, to seize me with the bit of prowess you have currently shown, will be a wild wish indeed." Ding Yunlu said, "Whether it''s a wild wish and if it will come true, we will know soon." "That''s right. We will!" Yun Yang replied in a low voice. As he spoke, he advanced another two hundred feet forward. Yun Yang had become a man of blood. On a battlefield this severe, it would be a joke to speak of avoiding blood and remaining free of dust C an extreme joke! As Ziyou''s general looked on in wonder, Ziyou''s greatest enemy, Supreme Cloud, soared into the sky amidst the havoc. He ascended to a height of seventy feet and turned to sprint in the air. He was moving as fast as a rocket and had traveled no less than thousands of feet in the blink of an eye. Against such terrible odds, it was the biggest taboo for the besieged to maintain any semblance of hope and not set their feet on solid ground. It would only cause them to be without any advantage, and once they were injured, their performance would only suffer. Yun Yang was in such a situation right now. No matter how Ding Yunlu had wracked his brains and studied combat tactics, he would never have expected Supreme Cloud to use such a dangerous countermeasure and take the battle into the sky. Yun Yang did have an advantage, though. He could move remarkably swiftly. In fact, he was moving too fast Once he arrived at the city gates and left the sealing cage of Zilong City, it would be impossible to track even a strand of his hair, despite a large number of men in the army. "Quickly, archers!" Ding Yunlu was shocked, but he issued his orders decisively, "Open fire!" The semaphore official almost dropped his flags on the ground in shock, hesitating slightly before sending the required signal. Yun Yang was in the air and moving swiftly. The Deicide Bow archers could barely lock onto their target. If they missed, the falling arrows would definitely injure their own people. This was an uncontrollable variable that they could not avoid. They would have preferred a clean shot. After all, it would ensure the final destination of the arrows and avoid accidental injuries as much as possible. The execution of this command meant that there was a chance of wounding Supreme Cloud, but it would also definitely lead to a large number of accidental casualties on their side. However, the priority now was to take Supreme Cloud down and attack him. Even if there was a huge risk to their own people, they had to take it! With a single command, Ziyou''s Deicide Bow archers released their arrows. It resulted in another downpour of arrows that obscured the sky. Yun Yang''s silhouette in the sky was an illusory shadow, but behind this illusory shadow, a massive tail followed him. Whichever direction he took, endless arrows tailed him. This manoeuvre caused the arrows to fall into the crowd; each turn that Yun Yang made sent a volley of arrows into the throng of innocent men. It caused cries of agony and a significant amount of casualties. Then, another row of arrows formed another long tail, giving chase to Yun Yang. Hearing the agonized cries of hundreds of thousands of his comrades, Ding Yunlu gritted his teeth. Even as he issued his commands and watched the war play out, the muscles in his cheeks twitched. His eyes were already bloodshot. "I don''t believe that his mystical Qi is endless and that he can fly in the sky forever!" Ding Yunlu spat through clenched jaws. After all, according to the knowledge of common cultivators, it was an exhaustive exercise to fly like how Yun Yang was flying now. A reservoir of mystical Qi that could support six hours of ground battle could only sustain a quarter of an hour of flight, if not shorter. Ding Yunlu decided to bet the outcome of the war on this. He was gambling that Supreme Cloud''s mystical Qi would not hold out for long. For this, he was willing to pay the price of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of casualties from his army! If Supreme Cloud were to escape, the casualties he could cause would be a hundred times more than what Ding Yunlu was willing to pay now. The entire country could fall and become extinct if this devil got away. No matter how agonized and pained he was now, he had to endure the heartache until he killed this devil. It was all for the greater good of the future, a future that promised peace and prosperity! "I, Ding Yunlu, will go to each of the families of my brothers who have fallen today and apologies. Even if I go bankrupt, I shall bring all your children up! If I ever defy this oath, I will be despised by both men and God!" Ding Yunlu swore in an enraged frenzy and continued to issue his commands, "Do not stop the arrows!" Even as he gave his orders, the tears brimming in his eyes finally fell. Yun Yang''s gaze was sharp and unyielding, full of contempt. Are you willing to bet on my mystical Qi being exhausted? As you wish. Let us play, then. 420 Man or Monster? Riding on a wave of Qi was an exercise that cultivators could not maintain for long. This was a generic law for any cultivator. Even when one was as mighty as Mr. Nian, Ling Xiaozui, or Jun Moyan, the only difference between them and a novice would be the duration. Despite Yun Yang having a heaven realm beginner cultivation base, Endless Divine Art, and Emmie''s support, it would still be difficult for him to hold out for too long. Ding Yunlu had a high chance of winning. At most, he would have more casualties on his head, but he could make it last until Yun Yang had fully expended his energy. This was under the premise that Yun Yang acted alone, without any assistance. However, under his green gown, Whitey Two was carrying Yun Yang and driving the both of them forward! Whitey Two, as a supernatural mystical beast, would be able to fly like this for up to two hours, even when carrying Yun Yang, as long as it did not deliver its mystical Qi in heavy battle. When Whitey Two got tired, there was Whitey Three to substitute it and fly on, carrying their master. The duration of Whitey Three''s flying would be enough for Whitey Two to recover. After all, Yun Yang had boundless life force in his hands; a ball of it could rejuvenate Whitey Two immediately! One would only be seeking his own death if he wished to contend bank on exhaustion overwhelming Yun Yang! Yun Yang camouflaged Whitey Two''s tiny physique flawlessly, without any loopholes. What he needed right now was to create an illusion for the enemy. What they were doing was exactly what Yun Yang had expected! The shower of arrows continued while Yun Yang''s saber unleashed wisps of brilliant saber light every time he got close to the crowd; he had applied theZiyou experts'' previous tactics, leaving after striking, without longing for an extended battle. Each strike resulted in pained cries as several people would collapse and succumbed to his attack. Facing such a situation, the Four Seasons Tower''s experts and the Empire of Ziyou''s Tenth Perfection experts that had been sent over urgently did not dare show themselves anymore. No one had the confidence nor capacity to defeat Supreme Cloud who was behaving as if he was the God of War himself right now. There was no one who could even last one round against the supreme! They watched as the entire city was filled with their own army while the other party was only alone but their millions of men were actually helpless against the massacre by one sole opponent! The crisscrossing Deicide arrows and Siege Quarrels, the attacks that disregarded the results and price paid C all they had received in return was the massive casualties of their own side! There were even a few high-level generals who had died an ignoble death from the wildly flying arrows. A quarter of an hour C it had already been a quarter of an hour! This was already the entirety of a first heaven ace cultivator''s mystical Qi capacity. Not even a grandmaster of Tenth Perfection could have done it! Ding Yunlu''s eyes were bloodshot as he stared straight at Supreme Cloud who was flying low in midair, praying in his heart. Don''t bother resisting! Fall! Fall quickly! Exhaust yourself quickly, drop! Doesn''t your mystical Qi have to reach an end anyway? It was too bad that Yun Yang did not respond to his curse, still drifting and flying with ease without a drop in his agility. Instead, he seemed to be even more lithe. An hour passed. Supreme Cloud was still flying in the air, more nimble than ever; his saber light flashed violently. There was no sense of fatigue that could be detected. The Empire of Ziyou''s casualties had exceeded tens of thousands of men now. There was no doubt it was a large number, a loss that could barely be stomached. The other party had only one person C there was only one man! To make matters worse, that one man was not in the best of conditions either; he was entirely bereft of support! To think that he could cause such terrifying casualties in his state. The loss was unimaginable and unbelievable. When Ding Yunlu recomposed himself from the slight trance he had fallen into, he stumbled for a moment as he looked behind him, almost falling off. The opponent''s purpose was clear from the beginning; he had stated with clarity about his intention to charge out from the west city gate. Until now, he had never changed his direction. Now, he had progressed too much! Each time the opponent attacked like an enraged hawk, the suicide troops behind him had to use their bodies and lives to forcefully counter the charge. They retaliated C they threw their might against him! Yet, the price of each action was paid by a handful of experts, seventh peak and above. Up until now, they had deflected attacks for up to seventeen times, and the experts behind him were left with the last thirty members of an original party of five hundred! Five hundred ace cultivators had been sacrificed, just like that. The result of obstructing the enemy with their lives was only an exchange for temporarily holding Supreme Cloud back. It did not even deal any bit of damage to him. That was not all. What Ding Yunlu could not accept and could not even understand, the scariest part of all was the fact that the other party did not even seem tired. He was still advancing did he just cover another five thousand feet of ground? The truth was suffocating. Ding Yunlu was utterly hopeless. He could imagine what he had to face after this battle. Even when the end of this battle had annihilated Supreme Cloud, the guilt piled on him would not be small. The empire had lost so many critical forces in one go, someone had to step forward in shouldering the responsibility. He, as the direct litigant and commander, could not even find someone to shoulder it with him even if he wanted to! Throughout the battle, he had gone from his initial confidence to icy coldness all over, even his heart was in despair. He had uttered with so much conviction that Supreme Cloud must die and must meet his doom here C it was actually a joke! Was he really the one who asked for the moon? Did the Empire of Ziyou not have any experts? No! When the celestial rock landed in the Empire of Ziyou''s founding emperor''s hand, it had continuously exuded rich vibrant energy outwards in the dozens of years staying in the palace. During that period, everyone around theZiyou palace, especially newborns, had benefited greatly from the magical vibe. The gain was even passed on in their bloodline, contributing endlessly to the continuation of a race. It was also from that moment onwards that the Empire of Ziyou would triumph the world indomitably! There was no country in the whole Tianxuan Continent that had more experts than Empire of Ziyou. Yet those people disappeared gradually, no longer existing among the people. They were absorbed by the noble families as guards and private forces! They no longer fought for the country! Now, the empire was in a precarious state, but those who had stepped out to do battle were still the same familiar faces. Those true experts in the noble homes did not even show themselves! Watching the countless soldiers being slaughtered, watching the enemy flaunt his prowess, the many nobles of the empire remained watching on the sidelines without offering to help. How could it not bring despair? What was most unbelievable was that during the duration of the battle, the high forces belonging to the palace did not arrive to replenish the troops! The icy despair in Ding Yunlu coursed like a river. Was this battle not relevant to the nation''s fate? Was this battle not relevant to Ziyou''s destiny and its people''s lives? "Those at the back - retreat and disperse, don''t pack the crowd!" Ding Yunlu commanded the Deicide Bow archers while giving out other orders, "All long-ranged attacking forces, take the highest point available to you!" "Deicide Bow archers, shoot without stopping!" "Siege Quarrels, maintain the current frequency required, do not halt!" Ding Yunlu''s heart was close to exploding. "Supreme Cloud, how long do you think you can stay in the air? Are you still a human? Why aren''t you behaving like one? Perhaps you are truly a demon! This question was also the question in every Ziyou person''s heart. The opponent had stayed in the air for so long, like he did not weigh a single thing. He was at ease and free to move about. This unusual behavior made it futile to attack. Everyone was asking the same thing in their hearts, "Where are the experts of the Empire of Ziyou? Is there not one expert in our whole empire who can stop this killer?" Supreme Cloud swam in the sky while he continued to rain death below; the murderous vibe was peaking. With Yun Yang as the bait that had attracted most of the enemy''s firing power, Blackie and Little Green fought their way valiantly on the ground. Wherever they passed, they could consider it a calamity! Ding Yunlu was even more bewildered. They had obviously dealt a severe blow to both the mystical beasts and they were on the brink of death. Why did they have such combat power again? He immediately directed some manpower to besiege the beasts. Ding Yunlu''s mind was still clear. He was well aware that it was crucial to annihilate the two mystical beasts first. If he let them be, they would only bring more unexpected changes. However, what strangled Ding Yunlu''s hope was that the two beasts had rejuvenated to high spirits again when Supreme Cloud passed them by after Ziyou''s soldiers finally struck them into a critical state. Even their wounds seemed to heal at once, as they grew more vicious. Everyone understood at once that Supreme Cloud must have a certain way to replenish the two beasts on the brink of death in an instance! Was there still a meaning to keep on fighting then? The cycle would only repeat itself again. An extremely pessimistic thought budded in everyone''s heart instinctively C there was no longer hope for victory. Perhaps, this nightmare would only end when Supreme Cloud charged out of the west gate. Stop him? He could not be stopped! Did one not see the increasing sense of ease he was feeling. There was no more intention of the initial impatience to leave! The opponent''s action was obviously aimed at playing with the hundreds of thousands of Ziyou army to his heart''s content. In the end, they would be consumed by the nightmare. Would all of them be killed by a singular entity then! Was Supreme Cloud a man or a monster? 421 What Right Do You Have to Be Yutang’s Enemy? Ziyou''s army was approaching collapse. Time and again, they released tens of thousands of arrows, attacking from a wide and open range. Their opponent rolled up his sleeves and charged for the front lines, his face covered. Almost effortlessly, he broke through the dense shower of arrows with his solid mystical Qi; at times, he miraculously avoided arrows that almost skewered him, soaring up high and moving at least three hundred feet in a single leap. Even though there were tens of thousands of arrows in the air, none of them came close to him once he was airborne. He would then fall from the sky and continue the slaughter of Ziyou soldiers. Unfortunately for the attacking army, the tens of thousands of arrows that were released did not disappear; they remained fatal, falling back on the comrades who were pursuing Yun Yang. The casualties were staggering, waves of men falling under the onslaught of friendly fire. The cycle had repeated itself for over a dozen times now. The tactics remained unchanged, while their opponent was equally unharmed. There was an empty path behind Supreme Cloud now. No one dared to stop and attack him from the rear. If they had the misfortune to end up behind him, they would be greeted by millions of arrows from their own comrades. Supreme Cloud''s back was the prohibited zone of death; anyone who dared to venture there would only find death waiting. This realization was embedded deep in everyone''s minds and hearts! "A true warrior!" In a tower far away, Ziyou''s emperor, who was all in royal yellow, stood watching the battle by the window. He exclaimed sincerely with a grim gaze. "Old Hei, are you confident of our victory?" His Majesty asked the old eunuch beside him. The old eunuch frowned and said, "If his true power is judged from the duration he stays afloat and his great ease in performing, I am certainly not a worthy opponent. Oddly enough, he looks like he is, at most, a second heaven cultivation base practitioner. Theoretically, he would have reached his limit by staying in the air for a quarter of an hour, but he has been hovering there for almost two whole hours! This is mind-boggling! At the same time, it throws doubt on this servant''s estimation of his ability." The emperor said with a solemn face, "With the casualties we''re facing, doubt isn''t something we can tolerate now." Ziyou''s emperor was obviously urging Elder Hei to act. Elder Hei frowned, vexed, and slowly stood up, saying, "Your Majesty, this battle is dangerous. The palace artisans at least ten of them have to be sent if we are to have any chance of victory!" His Majesty glanced at him with a chilling gaze. Elder Hei did not continue to speak. The atmosphere was cold and tense. His Majesty considered for a moment and spoke faintly, "Fine, send ten artisans. However, pass my dictum to the five noble families'' higher authorities C every family has to provide assistance!" A deep sliver of rage flashed in his eyes. Even in such a critical moment, those families were still reluctant to help. The emperor was utterly enraged! Does this empire belong solely to me? If Supreme Cloud were to flee unscathed, can each of you remain safe and unharmed? When Supreme Cloud retaliates with his various manifestation powers, can all of you save yourselves and continue to remain alive? Yun Yang suddenly felt Whitey Two, who was under his legs, showing signs of fatigue. Without slowing down in the least, he gave an order and soared up high. Whitey Two turned into a ray of white light and entered in Yun Yang''s robe. Only Yun Yang and Whitey Two were aware of the process while the outsiders could hardly fathom what had actually transpired. With a pat, a ball of green melted into Whitey Two''s tiny body as it rested contentedly. At the same time, Whitey Three appeared to be in high spirits and snuck under Yun Yang''s crotch. Seeing a ball of green blink in the sky, Ziyou''s soldiers were hit by another wave of hopelessness and despair. It had been the same scenario throughout the entire skirmish. The bear and snake were almost injured to the point of death, and they were about to take them down, but as Supreme Cloud rushed downwards and delivered a ball of green C no one had known what it was - the two beasts recovered their combat powers right away. To top it off, their severely damaged bodies were healing at a speed that was almost visible to the human eye. It was akin to resurrection! Now that this sense of green had appeared again, did it mean that Supreme Cloud''s combat powers had returned to his peak once more? Was this nightmare going to continue or was it developing a darker purpose? Yun Yang held the upper hand. Everything was within his control; he even had time to cast his deific consciousness to sense the surrounding atmosphere, preparing for the worst. It was also then that he realized a tall and slim figure stood on the roof of a building far away and was looking in his direction; it was an anxious expression. It was Shangguan Lingxiu! Shangguan Lingxiu''s hand was tight on the sword''s grip. There were several senior veterans who were known to have gone through hundreds of wars to catch a glimpse of it; they were filled with impatience. Beneath them, two hundred people were fully armored, waiting to fight. In spite of this, Shangguan Lingxiu did not ignore her orders to help Yun Yang. She knew that the addition of her and her two hundred subordinates would not be of any help or advantage but would only cause a loss of two hundred lives unnecessarily. They might even be a burden to Supreme Cloud! Ziyou''s commander, Ding Yunlu, was Ziyou''s notable general. Shangguan Lingxiu could foresee that her abrupt interruption might force Ding Yunlu to order Ziyou''s army to refrain from wiping them all out. Instead, they were meant to lure Supreme Cloud into a trap. Therefore, she wanted to help, but she dared not make a move. "We have to do something!" Shangguan Lingxiu''s brows were pressed together in a frown. What did she have to do though? How should she go about it? She had no idea. Yun Yang''s deific consciousness was spread wide and far; how could he not see Shangguan Lingxiu''s restlessness? With a shudder, he suddenly hollered, "Ding Yunlu, do you know who''s asking for the moon now? Who''s peering at the sky from his frog''s well? How can your inexperience let you know the entirety of the vast heaven and earth? I, Yutang''s Supreme Cloud, have entered from Zilong City''s west gate, I shall exit from the western gate! Even if the Empire of Ziyou has millions of army personnel, what can you do? Have you decided that you will block my way?" He then chortled long and far, his laughter shaking the sky and earth as well as the millions of Ziyou soldiers present; their morale fell even lower. Ding Yunlu was growing increasingly despondent. It was not that he did not want to cheer his troops on, but his oath was utterly shattered and had become a complete joke. He honestly did not know what else he could or should say! Shangguan Lingxiu, on the other side, blinked as she heard the words, suddenly understanding what she should be doing now. "Let''s go!" Shangguan Lingxiu hopped off the roof. "To the western gate!" Shangguan Lingxiu wore an expression of utter resolution. "Let us go to the westgate to receive Lord Supreme Cloud!" "Yes!" Her men roared their agreement in unison. Someone spoke hesitantly, "We should go to assist Lord Supreme Cloud, but we are truly out of luck, entering Zilong City at this time If we leave just like this, Lord Wudi''s remains might have to" Shangguan Lingxiu''s delicate face twitched. It was an inevitable question, as much as it was a difficult choice. Leaving now would mean that it would be harder than ascending to heaven when they wanted to retrieve their ancestors remains the next time. Perhaps there would not even be a next time! Besides, all of the other party''s manpower had been set up to guard Supreme Cloud this time; it was arranged so that she had the opportunity to do so. If she had given it up and took the west gate with her men to assist Supreme Cloud, they would definitely become implacable enemies with the Empire of Ziyou; there would simply be no room for discussion. Afterward, Ziyou''s simplest and most direct form of revenge against the Shangguan Family of Generals would be to destroy her ancestor''s remains! This was absolutely foreseeable and certain! That would be the Shangguan Family of General''s greatest regret, one that could never be redeemed. However, she only hesitated for a moment before deciding, saying in a determined tone, "It''s a critical situation now and we have to make a choice. Ancestor Wudi will understand my difficulty. If I don''t go and Supreme Cloud perishes from my decision, Yutang might be annihilated!" "As for Ancestor Wudi, it''s the Shangguan Family of Generals'' matter!" "The urgency and priority of things are clear!" "Let''s take care of the living first, and talk about the rest after." "Let''s go!" Shangguan Lingxiu left quietly along with her men. Just like her or Yun Yang''s prediction, all of Zilong City''s forces were currently focused on the battle of the century; taking Supreme Cloud down. No one noticed the lady''s departure at all. Shangguan Lingxiu turned to gaze at General Wudi''s tablet one last time before turning around and leaving, without looking back. The building that Shangguan Lingxiu had left was structured like a sword that pierced through the firmament, gleaming with a blinding golden radiance C the Wudi Ancestral Hall! This was the ancestral hall that enshrined the Shangguan Family of Generals'' ancestor, Shangguan Wudi. The Empire of Ziyou had proclaimed his heroism back in the day and had built this ancestral hall especially for him. All three sets of remains of the Shangguan Wudi''s entire family was enshrined here! Watching Shangguan Lingxiu leave, Yun Yang could not be sure if she had indeed understood him, but seeing that the Wudi Ancestral Hall was close by, Yun Yang had another idea. Just as Yun Yang was about to execute this thought of his, a long howl came from afar as a voice said, "Supreme Cloud! How dare you rampage through Ziyou? Are you punishing Ziyou because you have no one else to torment?" A black-clothed silhouette sped like a ray of lightning from afar, turning into a dazzling sword light amidst the loud cry. The sword light was heading directly towards Yun Yang! The other party''s true expert was finally showing himself after the battle had raged for so long. Yun Yang guffawed. "So this is the state of mind of the Empire of Ziyou''s ace cultivator. Up to now, I''ve killed no less than tens of thousands of people, but it is only at this juncture that your high-level forces willingly show themselves. How can such behavior be displayed by the Empire of Yutang''s enemy? Only by playing safe and keeping oneself out of harm''s way can one give advice that awakens the world!" Yun Yang words shook everyone who heard him. Ding Yunlu, who was conducting the warfare, was especially bothered by the accusation; he had mixed emotions and momentarily at a loss for words. The words that had come from the enemy was an eye-opener, like the ring of dawn''s bell. Was ''playing safe and keeping oneself out of harm''s way'' another way of saying ''selfish''? Advice that awakened the world? It was more like advice that mocked the world. Ding Yunlu murmured to himself, "Right you are. Everyone''s almost dead and only here you come. You are obviously borrowing the ordinary army''s physical bodies to drain Supreme Cloud''s energy and mystical Qi! Some of us here do not agree with such behavior, including all the nobles and Ziyou royalties. What right do we have to become the Empire of Yutang''s enemy?" "The reason for this battle is but the death of the Empire of Yutang''s reclusive citizen that caused Supreme Cloud to trek thousands of miles to save him personally, regardless of risk and the price he has to pay; he has flirted with death and fought, bathing himself in blood. A set of Shangguan Family of Generals'' remains keep their generations of descendants on their toes for revenge C what kind of solidarity is that? On the other hand, what are we? Do we really deserve to be their enemy?" The more Ding Yunlu thought about it, the more he felt that he was right, and the more hopeless he became. Under the accumulation of various negative emotions, his expression turned sour. Pale-faced, he spat blood with a loud cry. His tall stature staggered and weaved drunkenly. In the air, the newcomer''s snicker resounded, "How boastful you are, young one. Look at the qualifications that this old man has to become your foe!" As his voice rang in the air, he arrived with his sword. With a smirk, Yun Yang avoided the advancing blade and struck out with his saber. Merciless Saber! The dazzling saber light met the attacking sword light. In the instant where the saber light and sword energy came into contact, the attacker spun and avoided Merciless Saber''s retaliating force gracefully, just in the nick of time. His sword light surged radiantly, like rolling waves as he spoke, "Supreme Cloud, this has to be." Yun Yang''s gaze was cool and calm, he attacked again with Merciless Dao followed by a flip of the wrist. He did not expect his enemy''s sword light to undulate like the waves of a long river, endless and continuous. Although Yun Yang had eliminated three waves of his attack consecutively, Merciless Dao was deflected by this person once more! Yun Yang was alarmed. His brief contact had revealed that his opponent was a cultivator of third heaven pinnacle; the cultivation base was two levels higher than his! What was more, he could deflect Destiny Blade''s first form''s two styles and was not at a disadvantage. This was an immensely rare occurrence. Since Yun Yang had made his debut and cultivated Saber Truth: Destiny Blade, no one had ever received the saber truth with such calmness. Even Venerable Lord Saber and Ice had been stumped by this saber truth''s forms. Now that his execution was futile, it only meant that the attacker was mindful and had been watching him use Destiny Blade, figuring out how to counter his techniques wholeheartedly. Only then could he stay safe from the deadly bite of the saber truth! If it were an individual duel, Yun Yang would not have been afraid and was even confident that he could kill the man within five techniques. However, his opponent was not singular and he would not be dueling alone with him. The endless shower of Deicide arrows, Siege Quarrels and millions of soldiers beneath him were stacked against his odds! Under such circumstances, the chance to finish him off alone was slim. He had also gone through a full four hours battle. Despite looking at ease, Yun Yang knew that it was one thing to have endless mystical Qi; it was another to maintain a state of mind and physical energy that has been greatly exhausted! In any other circumstance, his current cultivation base supplemented with the Destiny Blade could still put the opponent in an awkward and forlorn state, even when he had a countering tactic. Right now, he walked an extremely thin tightrope! It was a shared realization, as they began to fight. The knowledge that he had the upper had boosted the attacker''s confidence. He came with his sword again, more ferocious than he had before. At the same time, Yun Yang was vaguely aware of the dozens of Deicide Bows and Siege Quarrels pointed directly at him. This was something that would never have happened before this. Now that this person was openly challenging him, his movements were hindered as he could not shake off their projectiles that easily. To make matters worse, another three silhouettes rose up into the sky while vigorous deific consciousness was unleashed, surging towards him. They had obviously taken advantage of the situation and did not want the first attacker to claim all the merit; regardless, their arrival put Yun Yang in even more danger! Even further out on the field, fighters were pouring into the fray in endless waves. "Now you have all finally come out!" Yun Yang said softly in his heart. These people who had appeared were the true backbone of the Empire of Ziyou; they were also the characters who kept the nation secure. They usually would not have appeared at all, as they were the last line of defense in the families of the royalties. Unless things had come to a critical juncture, they would not have shown themselves. At this point in time, they could no longer keep themselves out of the fray! No matter how selfish they were or how much they wanted to err on the side of caution, circumstances had called for them to act! No matter what the three people of the second batch were thinking, it was a fact that their deific consciousness connected well to this person''s divine sense in front of him. The scene was set. Yun Yang was quick to discern that this handful of people knew each other well and were the ones sharing extreme tacit knowledge. If these four were to collaborate, his situation could only turn more precarious. Yun Yang''s priority right now was to annihilate this attacker before the other three men could reach him. His gaze flared with malice as he suddenly bellowed, "Take this saber!" He charged forward, the Divine Edge in his hand raised high; at that moment, his opponent had lost the chance to evade the attack. He was forcing his enemy to fight head to head with him. His saber light glimmered as the tip of the blade quivered lightly. The person laughed, "Take this saber? Even if I take a hundred of it, what can you do? Exhaust your techniques?" Not only was the person''s tone mocking, his actions were similar to his words as he charged forth without a hint of caution. Yun Yang dared not let the four of them meet, but he also did not dare to let his guard down and allow Yun Yang to charge over as well. He knew that there was no other force after him that could hinder Yun Yang; once he managed to rush past him, Supreme Cloud could soar three thousand feet and more, based on his current speed! The result would be one nobody could accept C after all, another three thousand feet forward would leave less than ten miles of distance from the city gate. The small yard of the Board of Punishment was only thirty miles away from the west gate. There were already twenty miles that they had failed to safe keep; if Supreme Cloud went another three thousand feet, the remaining journey was only eight miles long. It was too short a distance that gave room to too many surprises. Besides, the attacker was confident about taking down Supreme Cloud. Just like Yun Yang had judged, he was a mindful and astute person; he had been studying Yun Yang''s saber truth and was positive that he had seen past the latter''s style. No matter how remarkable Yun Yang''s saber truth was, the direction and trails were all accounted for after repetitive executions. It was no longer mysterious nor remarkable and could not be a surefire kill anymore. The attacker''s cultivation base was higher than the maximum cultivation base Yun Yang could be as well. If he threw caution to the wind and managed to injure or even kill Yun Yang, he would revel in the merit and honor alone! Due to such reasons, he had to face him head-on. As the saber light glinted, the Divine Edge and the opponent''s sword light collided forcefully! Just as the attacker had guessed, their abilities were vastly distinct. Yun Yang would have to be the first to take the force of collision from such an extreme clash. Yun Yang felt his wrist going numb and a quiver ran through him; seeing that the collision force was about to land on him, an unusual radiance surrounded Yun Yang and he moved forward instead of going back. Saber Laic and Life and Death in a Thought were executed simultaneously. Crack. The attacker''s sword had been chopped into two by the Divine Edge! The opponent obviously did not expect such an outcome. The sword in his hand was ranked among the top ten divine weapons in the whole continent. How could it be broken so easily? As the unexpected scene unfolded, blood spurted from his chest as he was flung back like a broken kite. This person was indeed a peak cultivator. Even in a grave situation like this, he could still avoid a deadly strike; his reflexes and litheness in his techniques was evident. Still, any sort of reaction and counter-measure was an exercise in futility. Behind him, there was a tiny kitten that hovered in midair quietly. It had been there, undetected for quite some time. 422 The Price of Impulsiveness! No one had noticed the kitten before this. Why would there be a cat in the chaotic battlefield, much less one that was hovering high in the air? It was only the size of a clenched fist C how had it gotten up there? Still, the kitten looked harmless enough... Tens of thousands of people beneath them were watching the unexpected events unfold with a sense of trepidation; an uneasy feelingarose within them as they shouted in unison, "Be careful!" "Meow!" With a soft purr, Whitey Two''s paw went viciously for the unguarded back of the Ziyou expert''s head. Slap! The expert''s head practically disintegrated under the vicious strike. His body seemed to still be in disbelief, unable to comprehend what had just happened as it turned in midair, trying to see who it was that had killed him. There was nothing behind him just a moment ago! How could he have been ambushed? This should not be! It was impossible! His body followed the last order his head had given, actually turning around in the air; his chest faced the back, but his last wish was still in vain because his eyes would never be able to see it! His body came to a shuddering stop before dropping. Until his very last breath, he was stumped, dying without a clear cause. An expert of the times had passed soundlessly into the underworld! The countless people beneath watched the scene unfold with unblinking eyes. Everyone felt as if the world was only shaded in black and white; there were no other colors! This was a nightmare! The initial failure of Ding Yunlu''s vow had caused everyone present to experience a sense of despair, but when this man had appeared to tackle Yun Yang, forcing him into a failed saber form execution, everyone''s hopes were reignited. They had thought that this nightmare was finally ending. Ironically, it was their savior that met his end, and with that crumbled the last of their hope. The people had fallen into an even darker nightmare! Yun Yang did not know who he had killed, but the crowd gathered below him clearly know who the deceased had been. The man was a legendary figure in the Empire of Ziyou. He was the King of Sword, Qu Hanxue, who was well-known in his generation; his reputation was like the noon sun that shone upon everyone. The moment he struck, all the swords in the city would respond accordingly! He was a mythical character, a living legend, yet he had perished so easily right in front of everyone''s eyes! Even the sword he had always carried with him, an item of fantasy and legend, had been shattered into a dozen pieces! This was a truth no one could accept. A King of Sword who had just announced that his opponent was running out of tricks was immediately forced back, wounded by the technique he said he had seen in the past and was not even given a death befitting his status C his head had been shattered by a fist-sized kitten! What an embarrassing way to die! Everyone watched the sky with chins lifted in bewilderment; the sky was empty. They looked high and low for the kitten that had just killed the King of Sword, Qu Hanxue, but it was gone and nobody seemed to have seen where it went. It was easy to think that it was all in their imaginations. The kitten was gone the moment one woke up from the dream. However, Qu Hanxue was dead! He was, without a doubt, deceased. The three men who rushed over from afar was stunned, watching the scene with disbelief brimming in their eyes. They could not help slowing down as they approached the scene. Had Qu Hanxue just died meaninglessly? Had the attack by the King of Sword left a single mark on Supreme Cloud? Did he not discern the other''s techniques? Did he not say that the other was exhausting his tricks? He should have been holding the upper hand. Why was he the one to die instead? They were shocked and hesitant on their next course of action, but Yun Yang was not stunned nor did he hesitate. He seized the opportunity and charged forward another thousand feet; the saber light gleamed, still as radiant in the sky. From the moment he had flown up until now, he had stayed in the air for three hours C it was a terrifying amount of time! The three men who rushed over had already been left far behind. Even if these three people were to catch up, Yun Yang would not be in a passive stance anymore, since they were already shaken by Qu Hanxue''s unexpected downfall and that would impact their combat power. Yun Yang still had more tricks up his sleeves; sufficient to take down the trio. Besides, he was far in front, his three pursuers were too far away to apprehend him. Suddenly, an exceptionally strong aura appeared in front of Yun Yang, slightly towards the left of his path. Yun Yang''s gaze came into focus as his body swayed like a willow branch blown by the wind. A hunched figure had appeared out of thin air and hovered a hundred feet away on his left. Almost immediately, the apparition executed a palm strike in Yun Yang''s direction. The strike was powerful and had an earth-shattering impact. As the palm flew out, the space around the person coalesced into a murky darkness, phasing into stark emptiness. A black hole that was no less than thirty feet in circumference formed around the figure and swallowed everything around it, producing a strong, gravitational field. Yun Yang was unable to manifest into wind nor cloud, but even if he could, he would have been slowed down by the strong suction. The figure had already struck out a few breathes ago, but the shrill cry akin to a ghost''s howl could only be heard now. The speed of his force was actually faster than sound! It was the Elder Hei. Yun Yang recognized the person instantly C it was the old eunuch who had been serving by the Ziyou emperor''s side. The attack allowed Yun Yang to judge the old eunuch''s ability straightaway; the old man was a fourth heaven pinnacle! It was a dreadfully powerful capability, much higher than that of Yun Yang, and was even more deadly than Venerable Lord Saber''s had been. The dreadful force''s coverage extended far and wide; Yun Yang could not avoid it''s incredibly strong pull. To the casual onlooker, Yun Yang appeared to have been trapped by the strong gravity and the unexpected turn of events as well, unable to avoid falling into the trap in time. He had only made a slight tilt to avoid the strike but had hesitated and changed to countering with both palms stretching outwards hastily. It seemed like an incredibly rushed response. In spite of this, there were slivers of green pulsing around his palms. Boom! Elder Hei was certain that his attack had landed on his target but it felt like he had landed his strike on cotton instead; there was no solid body to receive his powerful blow. To top it off, there seemed to an inexplicable pulling force from the opponent''s hands as well! This time, however, Elder Hei was the one who could not help leaning forward from his misguided estimation. His reflexes were swift as he concentrated all his strength on his feet and sunk thirty feet downwards at once. He leaned back to regain his balance. As for Supreme Cloud, it seemed that he had suffered a larger impact as he was flung far away with a loud crash. However, Elder Hei, who looked like he was on the winning side, did not look at all pleased. He knew that the situation was not right. The other party had the capacity to throw him off balance, so there was no way he could have been flung away by the impact. The only explanation would be that everything was a setup; it would be the only reasonable way. Therefore, there must be a motive for him to fling himself away. Even as he pondered upon this, Elder Hei cried shrilly, "Stop him!" Seeing that Elder Hei was about to deal severe damage to Supreme Cloud as the latter was still flung far despite being able to take the strike, the three experts who were rushing over swiftly felt a mix of emotions. F*cking hell, whether we''re fast or slow, we managed to run over at the most critical moment but this old eunuch has reaped the rewards again! Isn''t it better if we just didn''t appear? He paused for a moment before he came to a complete stop. When the old eunuch''s shrill voice cried out in warning, the three experts could not react in time. When they picked up speed again, they were simply a beat too slow. What they could see was Supreme Wind flying off like a cannon upon the impactful strike; there were actually wisps of green smoke in the air when he shot through; it was evident that his speed had reached frightening heights. He was headed to the General Wudi Ancestral Hall! Elder Hei''s powerful palm strike that punched a hole in space, in addition to Supreme Cloud''s personal kinetic force, enabled the latter''s flight to speed him through five thousand feet of space in the blink of an eye, and send him through the General Ancestral Hall''s wall with a loud crash. Amidst the smog, Supreme Cloud had vanished! Elder Hei catapulted forward, turning into a vague shadow in the sky. With a piercing cry, he flew towards the ancestral hall as well. The other three men followed suit quickly, but instead of reflecting on their failure, the trio was reveling in Elder Hei''s misery, "This old fellow has been tricked!" Yun Yang had absorbed Elder Hei''s force, leveraging on it to fly away. Despite successfully guarding himself, his true cultivation base was still much weaker than that of the latter. The Endless Divine Art had guarded his heart and meridians, but his internal organs were still bruised by the abrupt surge of power. For a moment, his internal organs felt as if they were ablaze as blood spilled from his mouth and nose. Gulping in a mouthful of basic Qi, he enabled himself to shoot like a meteor, following his planned trail, and forcefully broke through into General Wudi''s ancestral hall. Scanning the hall, he saw the three statues and tablets of General Wudi and family. Underneath, there were two bags of remains wrapped in yellow cloth. In front, them was the podium for incense with wisps of smoke rising slowly from it. Without hesitation, Yun Yang crushed all three statues and grabbed the yellow cloth-covered remains and the memorial tablets, keeping them in his storage ring and hollering, "The Empire of Ziyou has fallen. General Wudi, follow me home!" "Reunited from now on!" Before his words could even echo in the air, Yun Yang had moved again, breaking through another wall and shooting out amidst the smog. He was like a hawk that pierced the clouds, soaring high into the sky. At the same time, the majestic General Wudi Tower that was one of Zilong City''s landmarks tilted slowly. The tower top, hundreds of feet tall, collapsed in the direction of Yun Yang''s departure! The two times Yun Yang had broken through its wall had obviously shaken the building''s foundations and when the man had charged through the wall for the second time, he had aimed well so that the tower would have no more support. The collapsing noise was accompanied by a sky full of smog and dust which obscured most of the people''s vision. As for Yun Yang, he had sped himself up to his limit. All of his goals for this trip, including the additional ones, had been accomplished. Right now, his only objective was to leave. When he had first bolted his way out, what had kept him up was the anguish that could barely be vented and a fury that was suppressed to its limits. They only made him want to kill and to run rampant. He knew that it was an impulsive and reckless thought, but he had just gone through a massacre, so it was to be expected. Although he knew that doing so was not befitting his identity as the Nine Supremes'' think tank and was not the choice of any wise man, his rationale was long gone from the tide of fury and anguish that washed over him. After all, he was only a youth no more than twenty years old However, Yun Yang''s rationale came back to him when he was halfway through his slaughtering. He immediately felt that his actions were foolish and he was only deceiving himself. At the very least, he could only be so daring because the Four Seasons Tower''s mightiest experts who were guarding this place had all been killed by Jun Moyan. Yun Yang asked himself with a hand on his heart; on the contrary, would he still dare be as impulsive if the fifth or sixth heaven experts of Four Seasons Tower were still here? If Jun Moyan had not completed his promise of killing all four heads of the tower, what should he do? For Jun Moyan to kill the four people was within his planned expectation, but what if Jun Moyan did not regard the Medallion of Gratitude highly? After all, the Medallion of Gratitude was taken care of by Old Dugu, who was no longer here. Thinking deeper, Jun Moyan was still from the Empire of Ziyou. He had helped him out of friendship, but what if he had broken his promise and killed him instead? Yun Yang was drenched in an outpouring of sweat just thinking about these things. Yun Yang had already put himself in that situation; he had already charged out impulsively. If he were to just leave in haste, it would be rather disrespectful. He had already acted foolishly and recklessly, thus he had gone on with it. After catching a glimpse of Shangguan Lingxiu, Yun Yang decided easily that he would just take the chance and bring General Wudi''s remains home. Ziyou''s national luck was already gone, swept away by Yun Yang - the imperial jade seal''s fortune had been emptied out, while the national treasure was only a shell now. From a certain perspective, it could be said that the Empire of Ziyou had already fallen. As such, General Shangguan Wudi''s vow all those years ago could be considered complete. The difference was slight; one could not be perfect after all. Therefore, Yun Yang would send Shangguan Wudi''s remains home. I have been impulsive, but I don''t regret a single moment of it. I will just go on with it to the end! However, I still have to compensate for my impulsiveness and stupidity with something of value. Suddenly, a whistling sound could be heard. A long-ranged Siege Quarrel had been released amidst the clamor of shouts and screams. Yun Yang had just bolted out of the thick smog and the Siege Quarrel had brushed past him, less than thirty feet away. It was evident that the marksman was a skilled one; furthermore, Yun Yang''s deific consciousness told him that there were three people who were rushing over from his left and right while there were six people coming from behind him. From the front, a Siege Quarrel was barrelling down towards him. With a growl, Yun Yang''s explosive forward motion changed direction abruptly to soar upwards diagonally, like a firework that had been released. His abdomen tightened, but he felt the slice of cold steel followed by a burning sense of friction. Fragments of his clothes flew away as the smell of his flesh being burned from the high temperature the speeding quarrel had generated wafted in the air. Droplets of blood splattered onto the ground. The Siege Quarrel had finally wounded Yun Yang. The quarrel had come in at a delicate angle. Yun Yang''s forward charge was swift and even though his reflexes were quick enough to shift his direction, he had still suffered a slight injury. However, Yun Yang still managed to avoid the arrow head-on. He then stomped hard on the Siege Quarrel. He poured his entire cultivation base into this stomp. The Siege Quarrel turned half an arc in the air and went speeding towards the chest and abdomen of Elder Hei who was rushing over! The Siege Quarrel flew like an arrow; it possessed the entirety of Yun Yang''s strength. Endowed with frightening speed and augmented by its hefty weight, it had the formidable capacity to kill an immortal or even a deity. Elder Hei knew what was coming for him C how would he dare block it head-on? He drifted away quickly while Yun Yang''s lean form soared another five hundred feet up into the air from the leveraging force of his stomp. He looked like a human-shaped kite that was gliding swiftly in the sky; from the ground, he was only the size of a watermelon. Whitey Two that was high up in the sky suddenly cried out and appeared under Yun Yang''s legs. The two recombined to form a single entity of man and beast. Whitey Two''s snow-white body spread out as it carried Yun Yang and flew up vertically. In the blink of an eye, they had ascended thousands of feet into the sky! The dozen people who were soaring upwards were bewildered; some even staggered in midair and almost fell down. He had a flying mystical beast! How could he be apprehended? The hefty Siege Quarrel had finally been pointed in the right direction, but the soldier manoeuvring the machine was dumbstruck. How could they do it? Their opponent was now a small black dot in their eyes C how were they supposed to attack him? This was just like using a high impact cannon to kill a mosquito. Theoretically, he was still within range, but it practically impossible to hit him. The Deicide Bow archers were stunned as well. Shooting furiously, their hands had long been doused in blood, but their target had still managed to escape into the sky. "It''s not a flying mystical beast, that''s an Eclipse Panther! Elder Hei almost spat blood. His opponent had leveraged on his force to charge into the General Wudi Ancestral Hall, causing the structure to collapse at once. He had then fled amidst the chaos and flown thousands of feet into the sky! Their clash earlier indicated that his opponent''s prowess was not as dreadful as it seemed; as long as they could fight hand to hand, Elder Hei was sure he could take him down. Unfortunately, his opponent had fled into the high heavens! Elder Hei could not help thinking about the commonly used line, "If you''re so great, why don''t you go right to heaven?" It seemed a rather apt description at this point in time. He now faced an extremely awkward situation. The others were rolling their eyes as well. Yes, you''re right C that''s not a flying mystical beast, but the Eclipse Panther has the ability to stay in the air as well. Of course, it can''t fly for miles on end like the hawk or roc, but it would still be no problem for it to say aloft in the air for a quarter of an hour! They, on the other hand, did not have any such ability. They could only take turns to attack by soaring upwards. With their strength, flying this high was basically discounting half of their cultivation base. To fight with Supreme Cloud like this, they were practically handing their heads over to him on a platter. In the sky, the Eclipse Panther carried Supreme Cloud away as they flew in a straight line towards the west gate. On the ground, hundreds of thousands of people looked on in confusion. The devastating battle had gone on for a whole day, and this was the outcome? Another wave of attacks erupted from the Siege Quarrel and Deicide Bows but the results were as expected C absolutely futile! The seventeen or eighteen heaven realm experts paused two hundred feet in the air as if they were on display C it was too risky to go up,too embarrassing to go down. To be caught in such an awkward state was terribly upsetting. Elder Hei gathered the group together. "There''s only one way now!" Another elder snorted and said, "I know Artisan Hei''s way. It''s none other than sending at least eight people up into arranging the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation then exerting their life force to lock down Supreme Cloud and limit his movements as much as possible so that he can''t escape. Then the other four will complete the kill, am I right?" The other elder said coldly, "This is one of the ways, but I am certain Elder Hei won''t be one of the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation members. This formation will, of course, be formed by us." Elder Hei said icily, "I am not a selfish person. If there is a need to sacrifice for the country''s peace, I don''t mind. However, my cultivation base is the highest here and will deal the most damage to Supreme Cloud!" The others smirked without saying anything. Someone chuckled, "That''s right, my cultivation base is low, I should die! I''m in debt to the country and its people, am I not? Still, where does your sense of greater justice come from, Elder Hei? We have families, wives, our people, countless people whom we can sacrifice ourselves for, but are you only doing this for the country and people?" Elder Hei''s face flushed purple as a murderous rage wrapped itself around him. Another person said, "So what if Supreme Cloud escapes? Kill the two mystical beasts down there. We can at least break one of his arms, this way!" This was bullsh*t of course- how could two mystical beasts be an arm of Supreme Cloud? Everyone knew that it was impossible. Supreme Cloud''s power stemmed from the Nine Supremes'' arcane skills and had nothing to do with mystical beasts. In spite of this, the other dozen men agreed at once. "This idea is a great one." "The two mystical beasts are too dangerous. They need to be eliminated." "Let''s go down!" The group then charged downwards with high fighting spirits, leaving Elder Hei standing alone in the sky. Elder Hei stood still, feeling the sky above him turning black. Beneath him, the two beasts were viciously killing anyone within reach in the dense crowd. Deicide arrows and Siege Quarrels that could not harm Yun Yang opened up fatal wounds on their bodies. They were already badly injured after just a brief foray amidst the crowd. Yun Yang was riding Whitey Three in the sky. Looking at the carnage, he wanted to charge down. From how things looked at the moment, he realized that he could escape unscathed! As long as Whitey Three flew low and turned invisible in his pocket, he could go down and scoop up the bear and snake, turn them small and soar up again. Whitey Three could still rise to their current height swiftly. They could then leave in peace. Just as he was about to travel down, the warning siren in his heart began to shrill. An extreme sense of danger arose and raised goosebumps through his entire being. His reflexes were considered among the best in this world. As long as he could sense the slightest bit of danger, he could move to avoid any harm that came his way. In this case, however, he was too late. 423 Danger High in the Air It was only when Yun Yang had been reunited with Whitey Two and was leaving Zilong City at the fastest speed possible towards freedom, was Yun Yang''s high-strung heart finally able to be a little more at ease. He could finally afford to be relieved now; the enemy experts were still far behind, as no one could keep up with them after Whitey Two had reached its fastest flying capacity. What was more, Shangguan Lingxiu and her squad were waiting outside Zilong City. Everything seemed to be in order. Unfortunately, it was also when Yun Yang''s guard was down that an unexpected turn of events occurred. Somewhere from the ground, a ray of sword light surged into the sky. The beam was hundreds of feet long and locked itself onto Yun Yang, robbing him of any chance to avoid the attack. The sword light''s speed outrageously exceeded Yun Yang''s imagination. Within the blink of an eye, it had reached the dangerous proximity of his feet. Seeing the dire threat, Whitey Three howled in consternation. The mystical beast, constantly alert against all forms of danger, leaped forward to protect its master, attempting to block the fatal strike that was meant for Yun Yang with its body. When Yun Yang finally realized the danger and hopped up with Divine Edge in his hands, the incoming sword light was too close for him to do anything about it. Yun Yang only saw a splash of red, the color of freshly spilled blood. Whitey Three''s two feet had been neatly cut; blood was gushing out, as pain coursed through its body. It had never felt such agony. Since the Whiteys had acknowledged Yun Yang as their master, their lives had been smooth and safe, and they had never been so heavily wounded. It stung Yun Yang''s heart! With a long howl, Yun Yang''s saber waved in the air, fast like lightning strikes. He did not care what happened next, as all three forms and six styles of the Divine Edge were executed simultaneously in deadly unison. Merciless Saber! Merciless Dao! Saber Laic! Life and Death in a Thought! Upended River of Blood! Reincarnation under the Saber! All three forms of the Destiny Blade Saber Truth had been unleashed. This was something that not even Venerable Lord Ice would have enjoyed. In the space of a heartbeat, brilliant saber light filled the sky, spanning thousands of feet across. The sword light was executed first and was at its most dynamic stage, meeting the strikes fearlessly as they collided in a display of sparkles. A strange snort could be heard before another beam of white light flared out. It was oblivious to the immense power of the Divine Edge and had broken through the saber light that emanated from the three forms of Destiny Blade. Yun Yang held his saber with both hands and blocked the death that was coming for him with all his might. He felt his opponent''s overwhelming force immediately, a fierce tide that refused to be stopped. Yun Yang grunted, coughing up a mouthful of blood as he was flung hundreds of feet away. He was astonished. His opponent''s cultivation base was terrifyingly high! Whitey Three, already heavily wounded, retaliated with finality; it opened its mouth wide and sprayed wind blades accompanied by a light ball that was already formed in its mouth, causing a sharp crack in the air that resounded with the sound of thunder. The person that had been struck skidded a dozen feet back from the collision, but he was impressively able to stop himself from flying off further. With a long howl that relieved him of cooped-up air, his sword light flared again, as he got ready to give chase again. This was when Whitey Three''s light ball flew directly at him. Well aware of what the light ball could do to him, he quickly countered the attack with a wave of his sword. The collision gave birth to a booming cry, the powerful impact erupting in a gush of endless energy. The person was flung thousands of feet away with no way to gain any leverage since he was in midair. On the other side, Whitey Two had taken the opportunity of the gap to sneak in an ambush as well. It was hovering under Yun Yang earlier, and its vision had been obscured. This unfortunate position caused it to be a beat slower to realize that they were being ambushed and Whitey Three had been wounded. Whitey Two was not harmed, though, and its light ball was a high concentration of its entire strength; the blooming power contained within was much more impactful than Whitey Three''s counterattack. Seeing that another light ball had been hurled at him again, the attacker swept up his sword to block it once more. It still did not deal any damage to him, but he was already more than three thousand feet away from his original position. It struck him that he was like a ball that was being kicked increasingly further away. It was infuriating. If they had been on the ground, these two light balls would not have been an obstacle to him. However, in the air, they had pushed him thousands of feet back! Furthermore, his triple strikes had gone against the lethal light ball twice C that meant that his well-preserved mystical Qi was expended. He had to go down to get a breather, meaning he that could only watch Yun Yang as tried to flee. The person descended swiftly, but his eyes stayed locked on the direction Yun Yang had headed in. It was obvious that the moment he landed and managed to regain his composure, he would give chase again right away. He already knew the secret to Yun Yang''s extended hovering in midair. It was the two tiny mystical beasts'' doing but now that one of them was heavily wounded and there was only one left, the expert was sure that Supreme Cloud would not be able to run from him, seeing that Yun Yang''s ability itself was merely ordinary. However, when he was about to land on the top of Zilong City''s highest building and gain his footing to obtain leverage, a deafening roar resounded. The Niello Bear beneath that was close to his landing point began going berserk! It let out a hopeless growl as its massive body expanded again, hundreds of feet tall. With an extremely menacing stature, its paws, as large as two small houses, whipped about while its hind feet stomped on the ground. Ziyou soldiers that were standing around it were shocked to see this unbelievable scene C the Niello Bear''s gigantic body that rose into the sky! There was a riddle that said, "I can jump higher than the mountain because the mountain can''t jump. But what would happen if the mountain could jump?" It was not particularly important to know how tall it was, but it was more critical to know the amount of damage it could deal by jumping. Its sheer size was unimaginable, somewhat beyond the realm of an ordinary person''s creative capacity. Right now, the bear had expanded to its maximum size and rose up menacingly into the air. It was akin to seeing a mountain jump. The Niello Bear topped out at approximately three hundred feet and let out another terrifying growl. Its large body then made half a turn and tossed the Moire Python that had been wrapped around the bear''s wrist out and towards where Yun Yang''s direction. This mystical beast king that was known for its strength had made the hardest choice in its entire life. It directed the most powerful force it could unleash into this one toss. The toss was absolutely majestic as the Moire Python traveled tens of thousands of feet across the sky. Yun Yang was daunted by the attacker''s tyrannical strength and was retreating with blood leaking from the sides of his mouth. His vision had grown dim, as his opponent''s sword energy had cut into his body when it had broken through the Destiny Blade''s forms, causing Yun Yang to feel like countless of tiny blades had slashed repeatedly across his torso. Just as he was about to drown in agony, the Moire Python, that was in a tiny snake form, had appeared in front of his eyes. Yun Yang took the snake into his hands almost instinctively, but the Moire Python that was coiled up began twisting away, disregarding the fact that its body was about to break, its eyes staring at a distant point in the horizon. Two drops of tears actually formed in its cold, snake eyes and dropped silently to the ground. Roar! The Niello Bear let out a third thunderous growl after tossing the Moire Python away. The sound shook Yun Yang''s core as the growl was filled with a farewell that lingered in the sky. Yun Yang focused his gaze quickly to observe the situation. The Niello Bear''s gigantic size finally stopped its growth as it took a heavy swing, knocking into the building that the attacking swordsman was about to land on with a deafening blow. The swordsman was about to land; just as the tip of his feet was about to touch the tiles, the building was suddenly gone. It had vanished entirely! The rapidly falling figure''s initial plan crumbled into dust. Not only did his feet step on nothing, the direction of his force caused him to fall like a broken kite. His inopportune descent sent him right into a muscular embrace. The Niello Bear growled tyrannically, hugging the person in its deadly embrace with all the force it could muster while its paws dove in, ripping away with a murderous frenzy! 424 Rejoice in the Power of the Nine Supremes! The person did not get the respite he was looking for. Just as his mystical Qi had been expended and all his energy had been exhausted, his body fell into the Niello Bear''s tight embrace. For once, he could only gasp out air without any fresh air to fill his lungs. With a sharp tightening of the Niello Bears arms, three of his bones broke with a series of cracks. The fact that he hadn''t been instantly pulverized was the result of his proficient cultivation base and the profound defense mystical Qi within him, a force that the Niello Bear could not break apart. However, the contact allowed the person to finally regain a much-needed break from flying. He cried aloud with specks of blood flecking his saliva; his sword glimmered radiantly again as the berserk swordsman released a wave of indestructible sword energy. In that instant, he depleted every drop and every ounce of energy within his body. The person was filled with endless loathing, a loathing for this black bear that had destroyed his grand plan. Not only should the bear die, it must die! The Niello Bear continued growling wildly, grappling with the swordsman without letting up in the slightest. The duo continued fighting in the collapsing building, smog rising up to hide the occasion behind a screen of dust. Yun Yang''s eyes prickled with slight heat. The swordsman''s true capability was higher than that of Yun Yang; the Niello Bear that could not even stand up to Yun Yang would never have defeated the swordsman despite having the advantage of the first strike. The swordsman knew it, Yun Yang knew it, the Niello Bear knew it as well. It had still done what it did without looking back; just like Yun Yang, it had gone with its impulse for comradeship, having no regrets even if it meant that it had to die. Before the lethal battle began, it had first tossed the Moire Python, its mortal enemy, away. The meaning was obvious C Go first, I''ll cover for you! The Moire Python hissed, trying to free itself from Yun Yang''s hands with all its might and rush back. Yun Yang held onto the snake with a death grip, plucking Whitey Three that was heavily wounded into his embrace, and tossed two balls of air of vitality out before he fled towards the west gate. He had acted recklessly once. There would never be a second time. If he and the Moire Python were to rush back, there would be no meaning to the bear''s sacrifice. With that despondent thought in mind, Yun Yang immediately began to flee. However, he could not help looking back, feeling his heart ache with a sharp pang. He still held onto the hope that the big and muscular creature would charge over and catch up to them, huffing and puffing. He hoped that it could turn into the innocent, tiny, little bear again. As he continued to hope, the chaotic noise that emanated from the collapsed building was slowly dying down. Yun Yang sighed softly and sped up his forward motion. He could already see the west gate''s shadow. Whitey Two swooped down abruptly. Shangguang Lingxiu and squad were already observing the sky closely for any sign of movement and some men were already arranged by the gate''s sides. When the anticipated Supreme Cloud finally arrived, over two hundred warriors would attack simultaneously under Shangguan Lingxiu''s command. Amidst the flying flesh and splattering blood, a passage was forcefully cleared from the west gate''s defenses. Ziyou''s attention was concentrated on the city. Despite the gate having secure defenses and numerous cultivators guarding it, their true abilities were still lacking compared to those involved in the city''s battle. Shangguan Lingxiu''s ambush was abrupt and unexpected; Ziyou''s army was not even certain about what had happened when the attack came. Wasn''t Supreme Cloud in the city? Why are we being attacked? Are we being attacked by ghosts? No, it had to be men from Yutang that had come to Supreme Cloud''s assistance! The Ziyou army reacted reasonably quickly as enemy troops rushed over, but it was already too late. The city gate had fallen! As Yun Yang swooped down, still glinting with saber light, he howled out loud, "Follow me out of the city!" The glinting saber light bright as a dragon''s flame. The city gate that was shut tight with a thousand-catty floodgate had no chance against the Divine Edge; a large hole was quickly carved out with a crash as Yun Yang charged out amidst the roiling smog. Shangguan Lingxiu followed close behind as two hundred soldiers raced out of the city. Behind them, countless Deicide arrows gave chase; it was a dense flock, covering the sky and sun. However, the arrows went no further than the large hole in the gate made by Yun Yang; they were barely lethal. Shangguan Lingxiu had only about two hundred men, but each of them was a veteran who had been through hundreds of wars. Once they got out of the city, they spread out. The thick city wall had, instead, become the best shield for all of them! The squad sped forth along the path in front of the city gate with all their might. They were cultivators with proficient cultivation bases, thus their speed was considerably fast. Unfortunately, they were just out of the city, so it was not safe yet. They were still within the spirituality restraining formation. Chaos could be heard in the city behind them, countless people were hollering and bellowing in anger and confusion. The city gate that had a large hole pierced through it was opening slowly while innumerable people were rushing out from the outposts to launch their pursuit. Everyone knew that the chase was futile; chances were slim. Yun Yang and his people were already tens of thousands of feet away from Zilong City''s city gate! It was evident that theZiyou army did not want to give up yet because a massive array of fireworks had been shot into the sky to notify the troops stationed further away from the city about the enemy. It was a desperate attempt, a last-ditch effort to salvage the situation. Although getting out of Zilong City meant that Supreme Cloud''s various manifestation powers were back in full force, Supreme Cloud was not alone. He was accompanied by almost three hundred other people. Supreme Cloud could leave by manifesting himself as wind or cloud but what about the others? With the burden of the squad, Supreme Cloud would never leave them behind. It meant that Ziyou still had its chance to kill Supreme Cloud! "Follow me, we will move forward on the path!" Once they left Zilong City, Yun Yang probed at the spiritual state at once, only to realize that the coverage of Zilong City''s spiritual restraining formation was wider than he had expected. He was not free of it once he exited the city; he had to be a distance away before he could be rid of this damned formation. He left without another word. He was still maintaining the image of Elder Yun''s as a disguise, thus Shangguan Lingxiu did not recognize that the Supreme Cloud in front of her was actually her crush, Yun Yang. However, she had followed through with his instructions fully due to the absolute trust she held for Supreme Cloud. Everyone moved in a straight line, following closely behind Yun Yang. After about a dozen miles of sprinting, the galloping of the chasing soldiers could finally be heard as the dust was kicked up into the air. The Ziyou army had deployed its cavalrymen C only the speed of the war horses could catch up with the sprinting cultivators. Yun Yang took several deep breaths. He had swallowed a dozen healing pills Lei Dongtian had given him. That, in addition to Emmie, the natural cheat, had helped him recover substantially. After sprinting another five hundred feet, Yun Yang''s expression began to change. He could finally feel the long-forbidden spiritual Qi of heaven and earth. The long-lost spiritual Qi was dancing in the air like fairies! He had charged out of the formation C Yun Yang was instantly aware of the change. It was not only Yun Yang that felt the abrupt change, even Shangguan Lingxiu and squad sensed the difference. The moment they stepped foot here, it was like they had crossed some sort of boundary and escaped its shackles; the air that they breathed seemed to turn fresher as well. Their minds, initially beleaguered, cleared up instantly. Shangguan Lingxiu instinctively realized something C the danger was now removed from this trip of hers and there were no more worries in the journey that followed! Freed from the restraint of the spiritual restraining formation and with the resurgence of his various manifestation powers, what in this world could threaten Supreme Cloud? "Continue running at full speed, I''ll cover for you." Yun Yang was still carrying Old Dugu as he said decisively, "We are out of Zilong City''s spiritual restraining formation now. I would like to see if theZiyou army can still do anything to me!" Shangguan Lingxiu did not hesitate, and bowed amidst the sprint, continuing to charge forward with a cry. When they passed a forest not too far in front, tens of people charged out with hundreds of horses C they were the men Shangguan Lingxiu had arranged to wait for them. This was a more secluded spot close to the border of Zilong City''s spiritual restraint, it was only natural that she placed some people here. Subsequently, everyone hopped onto the horses and left, galloping away amidst the rising dust and sand. Everyone knew that if they had stayed back to fight alongside Supreme Cloud, they would only burden him instead of being of any help. The best way to help Supreme Cloud was for them to leave Ziyou''s territory as quickly as possible. Finally, only Yun Yang was left behind. He walked out slowly, step by step, breathing in the spiritual Qi of heaven and earth, and told himself in his heart C he would never step foot into another area of spiritual restraint, ever! Behind him, waves of pursuing soldiers were closing in from several different directions. Everyone could see the strolling Supreme Cloud, but why was he walking so slowly? Could it be... Right before everyone''s eyes, Supreme Cloud took another step forward as one of his legs disappeared from sight; he then turned slowly but his body began to vanish as well, as he spun around. Only his head was left behind, with a pair of eyes that stared at the besieging army icily. Then, even his head vanished, leaving only a pair of eyes. Finally, the eyes were gone as well, as Supreme Cloud disappeared into thin air. Everyone who witnessed the scene felt their scalps tingling with fear. Yes, they were out of their safe zone now; Supreme Cloud''s powers had been completely returned to him. Did this mean that Supreme Cloud''s various manifestation powers were about to be unleashed? 425 You All Know What I Want! Suddenly, the sound of the billowing gale grew louder and fiercer. The chasing soldiers were surprised to see what was happening and shouted out commands simultaneously, instructing everyone to halt their pursuit. What was the use of giving chase now? Could they stop the wind and clouds or destroy water and flame? The Ziyou army no longer had the ability to kill Supreme Cloud. It was a cold, hard truth that they had to recognize even if they did not want to. Although they had stopped, the natural occurrences in the sky did not. For a moment, the wind and clouds surged violently as ominous grey clouds gathered above them. Bolts of lightning zigzagged and split the air like large silver snakes. The wind bellowed while thunder roared as if the heavens were raging, looking to vent immortal fury on the tens of thousands of soldiers beneath it. An indifferent voice echoed in the air, "It has probably been too long since you all have tasted this... Now, remember this for whatever remains of your life." "You can do anything, but never stoop lower than a man''s lowest limits, no matter what it is!" Clouds were made of water, but it was far lighter and lither than water, soaring above the nine heavens! Since Yun Yang had cultivated the Holy Water Charm, he had a deeper understanding of his cloud manifestation method and had even improved after cultivating the Holy Water Charm to the second stage during the trip to the Lunar River. It was a linked enhancement for all his manifestation powers! Yun Yang used his own cloud cultivation method as the foundation, and the Holy Water Charm as the catalyst to cast the endless grey clouds and urge the wind and thunder into unleashing this current storm, peppered with bolts of lightning and roaring thunder. It was a combined showcase of the four manifestation powers altogether. Yun Yang had turned into grey clouds before, but the manifestations previously focused more on concealing his own traces and camouflaging his presence. With the Holy Water Charm to assist, the grey clouds manifested were truly borderless, ominous entities that came together with billowing wind and thunder. With a loud roar in the sky, thunderbolts streaked down. Countless shards of lightning strikes and thunderbolts painted the entire sky as they continued to rage. The army that had gathered below was in havoc; even the warhorses that were well trained were panicking from the strange phenomena as they ran amok and stampeded uncontrollably. Innumerable soldiers had been struck by the lightning and thunder. Those bleeding from their wounds were considered lucky as there were those who got turned into charred remains. A short while later, the gale swept fiercer. The Ziyou army swayed and fell all over the place alongside their horses; they could not even stand upright nor open their eyes. People were also rolling on the ground, a testament to the strength of the gale. Under such circumstances, it was a truly terrible experience as the thunder and lightning continued to hit savage the ground. Unfortunately, this was not the worst that the Ziyou army had to face... yet. Although they were already experiencing such havoc, the ground began warming up as the snow collected on it began to melt. After a quick moment, the bushes and trees around them started to dry up. With a loud boom, a ball of flame appeared and began to spread. In the blink of an eye, a prairie fire had erupted! The time taken for Supreme Cloud to vanish, for the weather to change, for the grey clouds to spread and for the wind and thunder to ignite the prairie fire took no longer than the duration to make and drink a cup of tea. Tens of thousands of the Ziyou army were severely disarrayed; there was no military discipline to speak of. Supreme Cloud appeared again; he was still wearing his usual linen gown as he walked forward slowly and collectedly. He was walking slowly, yet no one dared to give chase. Ziyou''s mystical cultivators who had arrived outside the city stood rooted as well; they wore a mix of expressions on their faces, but no one dared act recklessly. Such natural occurrences were evidence that Supreme Cloud''s powers had been recovered and proof that he had indeed cultivated the rest of the Nine Supremes'' manifestations in addition to merging them. The ease with which he was able to use those skills were uncanny and more than a little frightening. Faced with such power, no one in this world dared to say that they were brave enough to make any sort of move. "I will come again an hour later!" A cold voice laced with immense cruelty came from afar, "By then, I hope that there''s someone I can speak to!" "I believe that you all know what I want!" Supreme Cloud disappeared once more before his words faded away. Everyone stood rooted to the ground, frozen and dazed! They were all thinking, "What does he want? What does his last line mean? What do we know? Believe us about what? Supreme Cloud, this devil, what is he talking about?" Some generals or leaders who were more astute looked aghast as they whipped their horses, racing back to relay the message. This message was overly important. If Supreme Cloud came later and there was no reply to his words, the consequences... could be unimaginable. The havoc earlier was merely Supreme Cloud''s warning. He had not executed it with his full power; he was not yet merciless. What he wanted must be especially important then. The generals felt their hearts grow cold. If they could not produce the answers he wanted, they honestly could not imagine what would happen. Zilong City was in unprecedented mayhem; it was like it had just been through a devastating calamity. The battle had destroyed almost half of the city; everything was in ruins. The pitiful state was almost unbearable C it was the end of the world! Supreme Cloud had entered the city alone and done battle here, but the damage was massive. Even worse, this was when Supreme Cloud was handicapped and had not used any of the powers that he was adept at. If Supreme Cloud were to come for revenge, would the situation be worse? Supreme Cloud, the think tank of Nine Supremes, was truly a devil! A devil of pandemonium! The people in the city and the soldiers outside the city concluded unanimously that Supreme Cloud, or rather, Yun Yang, had affirmed the thinking of Ziyou''s people and everyone in the world aside from Yutang C the idea that Yun Yang a devil! The Empire of Ziyou''s emperor was now standing at the highest point of the Zilong City, overlooking the ruins without a word; he looked at the dozen miles of road painted in blood and flesh, he listened to the endless moans and groans of pain, he could not help but slowly shut his eyes. Right now, emperor of Ziyou who was once praised for having a bold vision and great talent by Yun Yang felt waves of helplessness wash over him. It was a helplessness and disappointment that came from the bottom of his heart. His gaze was a little empty unfocused and lost. More than anything else, it held resentment and despair. His gaze slowly scanned the faces of the twenty officials beside him. The think-tank of Ziyou, leader of the civil officials C Chancellor Lan Wuxin was ashen-faced and blank; he looked like he had aged a hundred years in just one day! It was an expression that spoke of having nothing to live for any longer. The Empire of Ziyou''s emperor was clear that the source of this incident was a problem stemming from a few noble young masters and ladies out hunting away from the city. He was certain that Chancellor Lan Wuxin was the main culprit behind this incident. It was this old thing who had invited their enemy Supreme Cloud into the securely guarded Zilong City with his own hands! It was him who confirmed that Supreme Wind was the so-called Phantom Physician God of Wine, Feng Xiange! It was also him who spurred the emperor into saving Feng Xiange so they could utilize the favor to recruit him for Ziyou''s perusal! He was the one who sent the national heirloom treasure, core of siderite, and the imperial jade seal into the enemy''s hands. The national heirloom was destroyed while the jade seal seemed to have been returned in a perfect state... but in reality? Elder Yun had said openly that he was to take Ziyou''s national fate, so it was mostly true and he would never actually be as kind to only absorb only a tenth of it. He must have taken it all Lastly, he was the one who had escorted Supreme Cloud to the Board of Punishment and let him meet the assassin. It was him, everything was because of him Chancellor Lan Wuxin had no one else to blame for everything that had transpired! Such a wrongdoing should be heinous; a hundred deaths would not be able to redeem him and that was the lightest way to put it C he should be sentenced to nine familial exterminations! At any other time, the Emperor of Ziyou would have acted upon it long ago. Now, though, he had no thoughts of penalizing Lan Wuxin. What was more, he actually felt sympathetic. A while later, the emperor''s gaze turned sharp, as dangerous as a hawk. 426 I’m Wrong! I Understand! It was not until all the civil and military officials had their heads lowered did the Emperor of Ziyou speak, his voice flat without any hint of emotion. "Since the day I was enthroned, I have been confident. I assumed that I had the heart of a world dominating king, the determination to take on the world, the ability to shuffle and reorganize destiny, the power to conquer Tianxuan, and the brain to obtain world peace! I C have never been as disappointed as I am today." The Emperor of Ziyou''s indifferent tone turned explosive as he suddenly roared, "Not only am I disappointed, I feel utterly hopeless!" "Hopeless, do you understand?" The Emperor of Ziyou''s voice resembled that of a fierce beast that had been injured, growling in angered grief. "For so many years, I''ve always thought that I wouldn''t be found lacking compared to the Empire of Yutang''s Emperor Yu Peize C maybe even better! I despised the fact that he still couldn''t dominate the world even though he had the strong assistance of the Nine Supremes! If the Nine Supremes were in Ziyou, I would have long conquered Tianxuan!" "I had always thought that God was unfair! Why did the Nine Heavens Demesne land in Yutang all those years ago? Why not Ziyou?" "However, today, I finally realized how wrong, how absolutely wrong I was." The Emperor of Ziyou''s voice was quivering; he took in a deep breath to stabilize it and returned to his nonchalant tone, "Today, I see the difference." "Half of Zilong city''s people have been evacuated, a wide dragnet has been set up, there was even a spiritual restraining formation that specifically targets the Nine Supremes'' powers! Yet, nothing could capture Supreme Cloud, a handicapped man!" Emperor of Ziyou asked in a pained voice, "Let me ask all of you. Does Ziyou truly not have the ability to take on Supreme Cloud?" His gaze lingered on his officials one by one as he enunciated each word carefully, "Zilong City has exerted its combat power in entirety and we still can''t lay a finger on Supreme Cloud?" "Millions of soldiers from the core of the empire, a spiritual restraining formation, and an inescapable dragnet!" His tone grew increasingly grim, "How is it possible that this man has managed to evade all of these? Are we so inept as to be unable to catch and take down one man? This one man who jumped out to open fire at everyone, taking on the crowd single-handedly and doing battle with tens of thousands of warriors? After all that, he managed to break through the siege!" "How is it possible that no one was able to catch him?" The officials were ashen-faced as each of them had their heads lowered, but no one dared utter a word of explanation. "Good. No one has decided to start arguing and give excuses, stating the reasons that allowed Supreme Cloud to escape. You still have a shred of dignity left after all. Not bad, every man here is a person of honor." "I''m reluctant to believe in this outcome." "However, the fact remains that he can''t be captured! No one managed to restrain him! He has walked away unscathed from a siege of millions of soldiers and the top-notch forces of Ziyou; he slaughtered his way through the ranks and fled! He comes and goes as he wishes as if he were entering an abandoned city." "I am humiliated. Still, I understand it well C what''s there to feel humiliated about? Didn''t we foresee the possibility that this would happen? This is how it should be!" "From the very beginning, we should have known that if we managed to apprehend Supreme Cloud, it would be an incredible stroke of luck, a one in a million chance. The chances of God going blind would have been higher!" The Emperor of Ziyou''s bellow sounded like a crack of thunder. Hearing his words, all the officials trembled. They could guess why His Majesty was so enraged; all of them felt a pang of pain in their hearts, but no one dared speak at this moment. Whatever they said would only make them look weaker in front of the truth. "I''ve always thought that the Empire of Ziyou''s martial power is the best in the world, the peak forces of military peerless! We are equipped with the capabilities to dominate the world, but because of Yutang''s geographical advantage and the birth of great generals, we were unable to expand our territory. Even when we lose our army every year, we attack every year, we come back empty-handed every year. I thought it was because our time has yet to come. God can''t continue to bless Yutang forever and allow exceptional generals to guard them eternally!" "I''ve always thought that the Empire of Ziyou was made up of noble families with domineering martial powers and generations of heritage. They''re the empire''s true force, the greatest assistance to the empire! However, the truth has spoken; I have been terribly mistaken. I have taken it for granted. Those aren''t the empire''s forces nor are they of any help! They are only forces belonging to you noble families!" "They are only your forces!" "I have always thought that my capabilities were similar to that of Yutang''s Emperor, Yu Peize, but today has only shown me the fact that I''m so far behind him!" "I was certain that when Supreme Cloud entered the city, he would be a caged bird, a fish in the net, a prisoner. Still, the truth tells me that I''m wrong again! I''ve taken it for granted yet again!" "I''ve been assuming that the Empire of Ziyou is our homeland, a territory we should guard together. The truth once again tells me that I''m still wrong. This is all me! The country belongs only to me; it has nothing to do with you all. You only stand to gain - you have nothing to lose, hence the absolute lack of concern!" The Emperor of Ziyou''s voice grew colder and frighteningly calm. "The Empire of Ziyou has the king of the spear, king of the sword, king of the saber, king of staff, king of the lance, king of the whip, king of punches, king of hidden weapons It is full of reputable martial practitioners and legendary cultivators! The Empire of Ziyou possesses ten dominating kings who sit at the top of the world overlook Tianxuan!" "The Empire of Ziyou even has the saint of the sword, saint of the saber, saint of punches and even the saint of whatever you can think of. So many valiant names! So many tyrannical titles! It f*cking makes me feel awesome! How honored!" It was the first time in his entire life that the Emperor of Ziyou had used an absolutely resentful and furious vulgar word. It was crude, so very vulgar without any sense of decorum in it! "The Empire of Ziyou''s kings and saints are what other empires lack! Even if they did have them, they would only have one or two, at most. The Empire of Ziyou? There are at least tens of them! Hundreds, maybe even thousands!" "We have such mighty forces but why are we yet to assume hegemony?" "The reason is very simple. It''s because of all of you!" The Emperor of Ziyou stood up; his finger trembled as he pointed it with a loathsome gaze, "You, you, you, you and you, you, you" "Do you all know? Lan Wuxin holds the largest responsibility, but I have yet to punish him. Do you not wish to know why? Why do you think that this is so?" "Even though Lan Wuxin made a mistake, his true intentions, his heart, is for the empire; he is loyal to the empire without a stray thought! He has contributed all his available combat power in this battle to annihilate Supreme Cloud. Of course, he did it with the intention to redeem himself, but he has done all he can! Furthermore, he did it without any reservations!" "All of you, on the other hand... where have the kings and saints under all of you gone to? Is there even one left to join the battle?" "I must have gone foolish. Didn''t one sword king join in, in a manner? It wouldn''t be fair to say that no one helped. However, that king of the sword has died like an idiot! What help is that? Was he there to be the laughing stock, the joke? To let everyone laugh at him? Only then would the saint of sword make an appearance; He would appear at the last moment to strike C finally, someone adept enough to deal severe damage to Supreme Cloud but it''s too late." "What the f*ck was he f*cking doing earlier?" "Why didn''t he attack earlier? We had a good chance, even I could see it!" The Emperor of Ziyou roared in frustration. "There are still plenty of top-notch experts and superb cultivators who have never shown themselves C and they never will." "All the top forces of the Empire of Ziyou have been recruited by your families, kept aside once obtained! Even when the country was at a critical stage, you would never have let them go!" "Even when you saw Supreme Cloud turn rampant and make a joke of Ziyou, even when you saw Supreme Cloud leave unharmed, you were still reluctant to produce your forces!" "This is because Supreme Cloud is strong! It is because of the fact that if you produce your secret top forces, they might be palace and die! Once those experts die, it''s your family''s combat power that would be lost C it''ll damage your family''s overall strength! "Even if the Empire of Ziyou were to fall, as long as your families were to have these forces with you, you can still triumph in a new dynasty, retain your wealth and honor; your power and influence wouldn''t decrease! Am I right?" "You can all still live happy and peaceful lives!" "Even when the Empire of Ziyou has indeed fallen, none of you would have to pay! You can get by with bowing, speaking a few words, acknowledge another emperor C you can still be a high-status official, you can still be an eternal noble. Henceforth, the empire has always been mine and mine alone! It has never been yours! Of course, all of you wouldn''t be concerned! Today, I have finally figured it out! I''ve finally understood!" 427 Say, What Does He Want? Emperor of Ziyou was like an injured lion, glaring dangerously at the civil and military officials gathered in front of him. "I used to laugh at Yutang''s emperor. He doesn''t have the support of deeply rooted noble families. Even when he managed to garner their assistance and they were loyal to the empire C the likes of the Leng Family, the Shangguan Family of Generals, the Fang Familythese noble families ultimately lost their heirs during the years of bitter war. They had no one to continue their heritage C their collective fates were to remain legends!" "Tell me, what meaning do such legends hold? Where''s the value in it?" "It was my understanding that they no longer held the power and influence they used to, fallen apart to become scattered sand! An opportune chance would have seen them removed entirely from the equation C how can a tower built from sand stand for long?" "Today, I know what Yu Peize lays claim to. I am truly envious of him, utterly jealous!" "I was wrong! Right from the start, I was wrong, very wrong, so very wrong it''s incorrigible!" "It isn''t true that he does not own the heritage of noble families, it''s because Yutang''s noble families have all died from fighting for the country! Without their sacrifice and their contribution, how can Yutang, who faces the enemy on all sides, stand until today?" "how can I not be envious and jealous of a man who has the support of such families and having subordinates and officials who are so loyal to him?" "Previously, I was grateful that Ziyou could boast of having the best warriors, that it could be free of worries and it would never have to worry about falling. Now, I know the truth, the reality of it all. These elite families, the experts who reside in Ziyou, are all people afraid of death!" "The reason they can stand tall and long is because they have never been to the battlefield. They dare not step into danger! That''s why they live!" "They have never served the country, never contributed, never sacrificed C of course, they can continue to survive, safe and sound!" "The casualties of the Ziyou warriors, the acquisition, and loss of Ziyou territory, the glory, and humiliation of the Empire of Ziyou, are of no concern to them. Of course, they can live; to live for the sake of living is how one can drift along a long and meaningless life!" "So, those who have existed long in this world become kings! Saints! Finally, they become your watchdogs! Yes, you heard that right, you!" "I used to believe if the Nine Heavens Demesne had been in Ziyou instead of Yutang, I would have taken over the world a long time ago! Now that I think about it, I was absolutely wrong! If the Nine Heavens Demesne had indeed landed in Ziyou with all you powerful families behind me, how could I still have held on to this empire? I would have lost it a long time ago!" "If my Ziyou was being attacked forcefully on all sides like Yutang, how could I have defended it? I would probably have lost it all within a year and a half, much less a decade!" "Somehow, Yutang continues to survive and thrive. Furthermore, their ambition for Tianxuan hegemony never fades!" "I C how can I be put on the same level of discussion as Yutang''s Emperor, Yu Peize? We''re too far apart! Too far!" "I am utterly impressed with the emperor! F*ck, he''s one hell of an emperor and a great leader of a nation!" Emperor of Ziyou shouted until he was hoarse, "What a f*cking ruler of our time!" Emperor of Ziyou laughed uproariously. Not a single one of the twenty officials dared to lift their heads up to speak. Mainly, they had nothing to say. It was true. Everything that the Emperor of Ziyou had said were cold hard facts that were irrefutable. Could the undivided power of Ziyou not catch Supreme Cloud, whose manifestation powers were restrained? What kind of a joke was this? It was impossible! There were hundreds of thousands of army personnel attacking in a siege, blocking the way so securely that even a fly could not escape. Could Supreme Cloud have ascended to heaven? Everyone was thinking and waiting to hold out - maybe the experts from the other families would strike and annihilate Supreme Cloud! Let the risk of loss be borne by other families, as long as our own families did not suffer any of it! As long as our combat power can still be considered intact; maybe we could even absorb some other forces or turfs after this battle. They waited as it dragged on When everyone finally felt that the situation was grave, they began to actually strike the waiting list. Their target had indeed disappeared into the sky! He was a short distance from exiting the city, a mere step away. It was really too late for anything to be done. Selfish! Egocentric! It was these characteristics that destroyed the chance of the Empire of Ziyou to totally wipe out the Nine Supremes! The Emperor of Ziyou looked desolate and forlorn. "Lan Wuxin, Chancellor Lan, you''ve done all that you could about Supreme Cloud''s incident." His Majesty said softly, "I C don''t blame you!" Lan Wuxin bawled then, tears drenching his wrinkled face. "I''m only very curious now." Emperor of Ziyou said with his eyes closed, "Yutang''s emperor Yu Peize how did he hold himself against the storm coming at him in all directions? Putting myself in his shoes and asking myself truthfully, how can I handle what he has all these years?" The officials all looked ashamed. The Emperor of Ziyou''s harsh criticism struck a chord with some people, rattling the deepest parts of their heart. It was painful to listen to, but it was reasonable. It was the truth! A lot of people were ashamed, immediately regretting their behavior. As the emperor had said, how could it be in time? If being regretful was useful, this world would not have had so much remorse! The Emperor of Ziyou''s voice was ominously quiet, "Everyone, I''ve spoken my honest thoughts. Now, it''s your turn to ask yourselves; if things were to be repeated, will you all still do the same?" The officials were shaken, everyone thinking about the question that had been posed - if things were to start anew, what would we have done differently? They thought it through, but no one made a sound. Instead, even more, people lowered their heads in shame. Obviously, even if there was a second chance, there would not necessarily be people and families that would extend their help! Emperor of Ziyou sighed helplessly in the face of his current crisis. A bitter smile tugged at his lips. My officials, my arms, my backbone C my empire! The tension was broken when a messenger entered to deliver a report. "A report for Your Majesty.Supreme Cloud didn''t leave at once upon arriving outside the city. He announced his threat, saying he''ll return an hour later." "What were his actual words?" the Emperor of Ziyou asked curiously. "Supreme Cloud said, ''I hope that there''s someone I can speak to by then!''. He also said, ''I believe that you all know what I want!''." Once the officials heard his words, they were perturbed. Supreme Cloud finally managed to escape danger, but didn''t leave immediately and even stated his intentions to return. To top things off, he even asked for something in return! What does he want? He believes that we know what he wants. Do we? The Emperor of Ziyou smirked chillingly and exclaimed, "My dear officials, do you know what he wants? He somehow believes that we would know." For a moment, everyone was deep in thought. They could not accept that he was actually coming back when he had already left. What did he want? 428 What is That? Someone seemed about to say something, but their hearts were full of shame now; how could he dare to speak? "Does no one know anything? Do you all know why he''s so confident that we''ll be able to give him what he wants?" Emperor of Ziyou asked again. Everyone remained silent. "Forget it then. I don''t need you all to solve this mystery. I know!" Emperor of Ziyou said in a tired voice. "I know exactly what he wants!" The officials were still, the hall filled with pin-drop silence. "Supreme Cloud hopes to have someone he can speak to." The Emperor of Ziyou sighed in exhaustion and said with a deep gaze, "I think, in this whole Empire of Ziyou, no one else is more qualified than I am to talk to Supreme Cloud. At least, I believe this is what he wishes." "I have decided that I shall go personally. I am dying to experience the extraordinary talent of Supreme Cloud!" Emperor of Ziyou said indifferently, "You all can come too C if you dare to." "Your Majesty, please do not! The saying goes that a gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall!" An official jumped out to object to the emperor''s proposed plan of action, "Supreme Cloud is a sham, with dangerous ploys up his sleeves. How can Your Majesty''s valued self come so close to danger? That would be regarding him too highly!" The Emperor of Ziyou said unhurriedly, "Regard him too highly? His battle alone today deserves my highest regard! Ask the entire Empire of Ziyou, who else would dare to disregard Supreme Cloud? Even the officials and people of Ziyou should revere this man!" "As for valued selves and gentlemen not standing under a crumbling wall" A hint of mockery twisted His Majesty''s mouth. "There is no worry there. Even if I were to be killed by Supreme Cloud, I would have no regrets! You could just assume that the Empire of Ziyou has fallen today!" The words were too severe, too grim to sit well with the assembled crowd. "These officials have been in error!" The officials fell down on their knees, trembling mightily at their emperor''s words. "Error?" His Majesty chuckled, wanting to say something but held himself back. "It''s decided then, everyone will go!" Emperor of Ziyou said cheerfully, "Everyone here, especially the high officials of noble families, will all go! No one should be exempted. Gentlemen don''t stand under a crumbling wall C you would all do well to avoid tainting the name of a gentleman!" His gaze was icy with killing intent. "If there is anyone who doesn''t go today, I shall exterminate his nine familial generations! Do you dare take me up on that? Would you believe that I will do it?" The officials wished to dissuade His Majesty, but they shuddered in unison instead when they heard him. Looking at the brimming murderous intent and openly malicious gaze, everyone knew that the emperor was not joking. "Be it life or death, we shall go with Your Majesty!" The officials cried out. The same hint of ridicule hung on the Emperor of Ziyou''s lips as he said, "As long as all of you go, I shall be safe! Who, in this world, can kill me when I have my officials with me?" "I''m so very confident about this!" The drawn-out chortle was filled with despair. No one could understand the emotions that this ruler was experiencing! No one would know that there was no more hope in his heart; it was filled with hopelessness! His heart was numbed to the core. The usual sayings were about the unpredictability of an emperor or the danger of serving a king was like accompanying a tiger, that sovereignty was temperamental and a whole lot of other platitudes. They talked about the emperors being kinless, emperors being coldblooded; they were dictatorial, they were lonesome creatures There were also stories about them stowing their kind officials away after successful solutions, or killing meritorious officials after fruitful conquests Countless emperors had let down wholesome officials, countless emperors had disappointed loyal officials countless emperors had also led their subordinates astray Still, the Emperor of Ziyou could guarantee right now that since the beginning of times, no emperor could be as hopeless as he was, as bitterly disappointed as he was. Bitter disappointment! What would an ordinary person do when he was bitterly disappointed? What would a wealthy person do when he was bitterly disappointed? What would a patriotic official do when he was bitterly disappointed? All of these seemed to have an answer available because the history of human experience had encountered similar real-life examples C there was no end of cases to choose from. However, what happened when an emperor was bitterly disappointed? What would he do? No one seemed to have had a similar experience or studied it. He laughed self-depreciatingly and walked out alone. The officials followed without making a sound. Everyone was thinking about how they could salvage the situation after today''s incident and what should they do next. No one could imagine what the current Emperor of Ziyou could or would do! This emperor clearly had no qualms about he should or could do it... Regardless, he would end up doing it! The Emperor of Ziyou stood outside the city elegantly. Army troops surrounded him as well as his officials, and the personal guards the officials had brought along. The hint of mockery that had been hanging at the corners of the Emperor of Ziyou''s mouth grew even more obvious. That''s right, what I said is correct. Once their personal safety is at stake, any sort of king of the sword, king of the saber, saint of the sword, and saint of the saber would be brought here. Therefore, as long as my officials are beside me, no one in this world can ambush and kill me! Unfortunately, this only served to pour salt on the Emperor''s bitter wound. For my officials, what they care about more is indeed their own lives, their own people, their own personal gain! The country and society, about the miles of the empire, about the people and citizens, about world hegemony these are all my issues! Mine, alone! The Emperor of Ziyou stood at a high point against the wind and looked into the distance. He suddenly realized that he was actually yearning to meet Supreme Cloud, the legendary Supreme Cloud. Supreme Cloud was nothing but a devil to Ziyou and to any other nation except for Yutang! Yet he was Yutang''s hero and what he had done was indeed deserving of the title. Now, the Emperor of Ziyou felt that not only was Supreme Cloud Yutang''s hero, his actions was that of a hero or warrior, no matter from which country''s point of view, even if it was an enemy nation. There were tens of thousands of people gathered together, but there was no sound save for the fluttering of military flags. The masses looked grand and disciplined. Such grandeur awaited the arrival of one person C Yutang''s Supreme Cloud! The Supreme Cloud who had almost turned the entire Zilong City into ruins. Unfortunately, Supreme Cloud did not come. An hour passed. Two hours passed. The aforementioned time had passed long ago and the anticipated person still had not come. "Your Majesty, let us go back. Supreme Cloud must have fled far away by now. What he said about the meeting is only a psychological trick," an official stepped forward to say. "Impossible!" the Emperor of Ziyou spoke with conviction, "If it had been any of you who said it, I wouldn''t have come at all because of disdain. However, since Supreme Cloud was the one who said it, he will definitely come!" The ruler''s words caused all the officials to choke slightly. What do you mean you wouldn''t come if we were to say it? Yet, you believed it wholeheartedly when it was said by Supreme Cloud? We''ve all served you for so many years C is this the type of comment we get in return? Generations of us have served as officials in Ziyou, is this how things are to be now? There is no hint of trust whatsoever! "Your Majesty!" Lan Wuxin took two steps forward, his back hunched; since the case with Supreme Cloud had erupted, Lan Wuxin almost never stood straight up. "Your Majesty, please be careful of your words." An inexplicable glow flashed across the Emperor of Ziyou''s eyes as he said, smiling, "I know." His words were harsh and cutting, sometimes mocking and ridiculing those who had done no wrong, but only when he faced Lan Wuxin who held the biggest sin, was he gentle and mild. This upset all the officials as their dissatisfaction soared. What have we done? If it weren''t for Lan Wuxin, how would the current circumstances have reached such a terrible stage? If it weren''t for Lan Wuxin, would half of Zilong City have been destroyed? If it weren''t for Lan Wuxin, would a hundred thousand men have been listed as casualties? If it weren''t for Lan Wuxin Yet, the main culprit remains unscathed but we have to suffer chastisement instead? Your Majesty, aren''t you being unfair? You''re being too biased! The crowd could not voice it out, but a deep-seated grudge brimmed in their hearts. Time ticked away quietly. Supreme Cloud had yet to turn up. When everyone was growing anxious with impatience, someone suddenly criedout in alarm, "That C what''s that?" Everyone turned simultaneously to look, their expressions turned into one of trepidation, all at the same time! 429 Monstrous Waves. Where is the Mystical Core? As the crowd observed the aberration, the curious looks turned into stares of extreme fright. There were endless walls of monstrous waves that surged in the horizon, far away where the white waves seemed to reach the sky. It was terrifyingly glorious. The tidal waves came quickly. In about a quarter of an hour, the monstrous tides had arrived, coming within a few hundred feet of everyone present. The Emperor of Ziyou''s eyes seemed about to bulge out of their sockets. He moaned hopelessly as he whispered in fear, "That that is the Lunar River''s water!" Everyone had turned pale, as they witnessed the oncoming calamity. All of them were aware of what was coming for them. It was the Lunar River''s water! Supreme Cloud''s departure and subsequent return was to bring the Lunar River here? Only Supreme Water had the ability to manipulate water among the Nine Supremes, but Supreme Cloud now seemed to be even stronger in his water-bending abilities. To direct the Lunar River''s water to Zilong City and cause the river to change its course C what could possibly have warranted such madness? To put it simply, the Lunar River''s flowing waters could easily turn the Empire of Ziyou''s Zilong City into a swamp. The thousands of miles of land would become another ocean in Tianxuan Continent within the blink of an eye. At this moment, everyone could not help the regret surging from the bottom of their hearts. Supreme Cloud was a lunatic, a complete madman! A psychopath who cared nothing about his reputation or morals, nor the safety of ordinary citizens! Would he drown the Empire of Ziyou over this small matter and put an end to billions of innocent lives? Don''t you still have any humanity left? What did we do to provoke such a psychopath? Before this, this lunatic''s madness was only limited to the battlefield; he had only interfered when we attacked their country. Now, the series of ill-planned actions C kidnapping his relative, setting up the trap, and all the other tasteless tactics, had caused Supreme Cloud to finally erupt. He cared nothing more about the principle of worldly matters, about the citizens, about the sacrifice of innocent lives; he would do anything to achieve his objective! When the Lunar River was redirected into the Empire of Ziyou, lives would truly be lost! No one among the billions of people in the Empire of Ziyou''s tens of thousands of miles of land could survive, save a limited number of high-level cultivators. As for the Empire of Ziyou, perhaps it would be today, maybe tomorrow C it would disappear entirely from Tianxuan Continent in an extremely short period of time. It would fall into extinction! The Emperor of Ziyou''s lips were trembling wildly as he watched the approaching waves that almost reached him but he remained stationary. No matter how the guards and officials beside him tried to pull him and persuade him to leave, the emperor stood dumbly as he watched the Lunar River''s water approach with a hopeless gaze. Since ruler showed no signs of leaving, the rest of the officials could not flee, leaving their king behind. To retreat now would mean a sentence for treason, without any room for discussion. The multitude of officials could only stand still and accompany the emperor of Ziyou to stare, dumbfounded, at the surging tide. Their faces were pale, and they could feel their very souls leaving their bodies that were being supported by trembling legs. A while later, the crowd was relieved to find out that the impending tidal waves seemed to behave rather strangely. The waves approached with vigor but came to an abrupt stop when it reached within a hundred feet of the gathered crowd and came no closer. The waves grew taller as the volume of water increased, but it accumulated in front of their eyes without coming any further. ZIyou''s emperor and officials had just encountered a strange phenomenon, a rare sight in this world. A hundred feet away, the monstrous waves surged. The tides reached hundreds of feet high, like an upended river! At their own feet, however, the land was dry, without a single drop of water on it. The entire situation was strange enough to cause those who were witnessing it to wonder if they were actually dreaming. Those who were sharper connected the dots immediately, knowing in their hearts that the anomaly now must be manmade and the culprit could only be one person C the Nine Supremes'' think-tank, Supreme Cloud! It was a warning, to threaten or to send a message before further atrocities would be visited upon them! The entire Empire of Ziyou could perish within an instance; the sacrifice of countless citizens of Ziyou was all in the hand of a single person. It was truly a situation of life and death within a single thought, with the afterlife as an immediate judgment. Seeing the waves in front of them piling up, growing higher and higher, the fear in every individual''s chest grew more intense. As no one had any idea of what to do, the tides surged in an even more violent manner, while on the tip of the white tidal waves, an apparition was rapidly forming. With a snap of the fingers, a silhouette stood tall above the waves, illusory like a deity that had come to visit mortal earth. The crowd could clearly see that the silhouette was formed entirely from water, but the facial features obviously belonged to Supreme Cloud who had just charged out of Zilong City. "My apologies. To prepare a surprise for everyone, I was unable to come at the promised time and am late. I have overstepped my bounds. I ask for Ziyou Majesty''s pardon." Lord Supreme Cloud stood above the surging waves like a mountain, stable and unmoving. He seemed to be apologizing, but the stone-cold tone was distinctive to everyone''s ears! How could that be an apology? It was an obvious threat; he was wild, looking down upon everyone from a high stature like they were ants! Who else in the world could steer the Lunar River''s water here C who? He had not regarded himself too highly, he was simply telling a truth, a fact C Supreme Cloud had the ability to wipe Ziyou out with a flip of his palm. The Emperor of Ziyou inhaled deeply and took three steps forward, disregarding the officials and guards who tried to stop him, saying as he lifted his head, "Lord Supreme Cloud is true to his reputation indeed. Such skill is truly amazing and unprecedented. I am very impressed. No, I am utterly impressed. What a talent you are!" Surprise flashed in Yun Yang''s eyes as he replied faintly, "It truly is the Emperor of Ziyou himself. I didn''t expect meeting you again. I said earlier that I hoped to have someone I can speak to, but I didn''t expect Your Majesty to come personally. I thank you for the honor." Emperor of Ziyou chuckled bitterly, "The valiance of Supreme Cloud is peerless and unique. Since Supreme Cloud has come and even extended an invitation to meet, I had no choice but to come personally to meet Lord Supreme Cloud. I didn''t know I was meeting Supreme Cloud himself during our previous encounter. A terrible faux pas on my part." Yun Yang nodded and said, "Your Majesty''s grace impresses me. No wonder you are supreme among men, leader of Ziyou!" Emperor of Ziyou smiled. "Lord Supreme Cloud, you flatter me." Yun Yang said slowly, "Chaotic times produces heroes. This saying has remained unchanged throughout the years. There''s another saying that, perhaps, wasn''t recorded in history but I think makes a lot of sense as well. Chaotic times produces brilliant rulers!" Yun Yang''s voice was filled with a weariness for the vicissitudes of life, "Only when great men rise together that heroes can be produced and there must be a brilliant ruler to restrain and lead these heroes. Only then can an eternal dynasty of heroic conquests be formed!" "No matter who triumphs in this world hegemony, to contend for domination amidst this chaotic times needs one to have great talent and bold vision. Only among the brilliant and wise emperors can a legendary war be fought!" "Only such wars qualify to leave their colorful and thick ink in the pages of history." Yun Yang said sincerely, "As for Your Majesty, you are one such remarkable ruler. As a sovereign, Your Majesty''s actions are befitting a brilliant emperor of his time." The Emperor of Ziyou smiled faintly and asked, "How about when I''m compared to Yutang''s Yu Peize?" He stood calmly before the monstrous waves; he was at an absolute disadvantage, yet he conversed naturally without a hint of change in his expression and gaze; it was like he had never been on the losing end at all. His arms were behind his back, while his gaze held a sense of disdain; he still had the mannerisms of a magnificent ruler. Another tinge of admiration flashed in Yun Yang''s eyes as he replied, "I have no comment about who is better or lower regarding Your Majesty and my country''s emperor. There''s just one thing; perhaps Your Majesty''s bold vision, valiance, and other aspects may not be lacking compared to my ruler, but regarding your nation''s mastery of control, I am certain that my own emperor holds the upper hand." Emperor of Ziyou sighed softly and said with a smile, "Weaker in the mastery of the nation''s control? Only this?" Yun Yang thought about it and answered earnestly, "Truly, it is only this. After all, Your Majesty and my emperor employ different methods to control the people. Your Majesty uses tactics, pacifying people with influence and power, while my emperor uses friendship and sentiment. Therein lies the difference. Of course, there are pros and cons regarding these two methods, it is hard to say which is better." The Emperor of Ziyou said, "I would like to hear more." Yun Yang continued, "To drive subordinates with the emperor''s tactics, the royal grace has to br everywhere C this is a sovereign''s way undoubtedly, and the benefits of it are obvious. The officials are on their toes when facing such a leader and would not dare to slack; the governance will be smooth. It''s a good tactic. However, one of the drawbacks of this is the lack of heart. Such an arrangement will sometimes be fragile, ready to collapse with just one blow." "Do share more," Emperor of Ziyou asked rather interestedly. "Simply put, it''s hard for people to serve with death as a stick, and no carrot to be had. I believe the Emperor of Ziyou must have realized this as well." Without waiting for the emperor''s reply, Yun Yang continued to speak with deeply implied meaning, "While my emperor is sincere in treating his people, to his officials, especially the old ones, he treats them like brothers. There is still suspicion, there is still some tension, but they will never be intense. He is always more generous to his relatives and friends." "Of course, these traits of my ruler have caused the Empire of Yutang to have the most spies from other nations. This is an undeniable con on our side! Any minor decision in Yutang is difficult to be kept confidential, but it is relatively easier to garner the loyalty of officials and militants!" "Otherwise, how can the Empire of Yutang stay standing for so many years, despite the challenges it faces? The emperor and officials are united, the warriors serve with their lives, the patriotism never fades. Unless Yutang falls entirely, Yutang will never perish!" "Countless families enlist themselves voluntarily to protect the country. Even when they have to fight to the point of being heirless, they remain as passionate as ever, and without regrets!" The Emperor of Ziyou pondered upon this and nodded grimly, saying, "I seem to understand, but I still don''t quite understand." Yun Yang chuckled. "I am certain Your Majesty understands. Your Majesty is trying to use my mouth to speak to your officials, am I right?" The Emperor of Ziyou laughed in genuine amusement and said, "Lord Supreme Cloud, please teach my officials a lesson on my behalf today!" Yun Yang contemplated his request and replied, "Then, let me use a simple and direct example of a situation that will never happen in any other country. If there were to be a day when Yutang perishes C collapsed because of the combined attacks of the four nations, what you would all get in the end will only be a fallen Yutang and the dead. It''s impossible for you all to conquer the heart of Yutang''s people unless the millions of warriors of Yutang die from fighting! At most, only twenty percent of the civil and military officials of Yutang''s imperial court will kneel in surrender when the country has been subjugated, and these include the spies! I dare to even say that the other countries will never be in a similar state!" The Emperor of Ziyou then asked, "Then what if Ziyou were to fall? What does Lord Supreme Cloud think of that?" Yun Yang smiled faintly and answered, "The one who raised the question should be the one with clearest of answers. If Ziyou were to fall, then those who are willing to fight to their last breath will only take up a few of Ziyou''s imperial court of officials at most, ten to twenty percent. This is the most optimistic view, even though I''ve tried to account for more!" Ziyou''s officials who were there glared at Yun Yang, but no one dared to argue. The Emperor of Ziyou chortled when he heard this. He laughed so hard that tears spilled from his eyes; he clapped and said in delight, "This makes sense! This makes absolute sense!" On one of the spectrum, ten to twenty percent would surrender and kneel before the enemy. This included even the spies from various countries. On the other end, an estimation of those who would fight to the death would only come up to twenty percent at most, and this was being utterly optimistic. They were both ten to twenty percent, but they were both an absolute contrast, two extremes on two ends that could never meet! The Emperor of Ziyou was guffawing in front of his subordinates; his easy laughter was accompanied by tears that slowly coursed down his face. No one saw his tears because his back was facing the civil and military officials. Behind him, many of those officials showed vehement shame, some deep in thought with a frown while some smirked despicably; there were also some who remained indifferent, not at all perturbed by Yun Yang''s words. Life was made up of different encounters and different choices. Everyone had their own stance. No one''s choice was the absolute right one, and they would be different because everyone was different! "These are the two paths of a ruler''s power. It''s hard to say which is better." Yun Yang said honestly, "Everything can only be judged from the outcome. Winner takes it all!" "Winner takes it all indeed. I have no more regrets in life after talking to you today!" The Emperor of Ziyou then took on a more serious tone, "However, I would still hold on to my decree. As long as I am still enthroned, Ziyou shall not fall!" He said it with resolve, and no one dared to deny him his pride. It made the Ziyou officials behind him alert with interest. For a moment, the officials felt their spines strengthen. Even when the threat of their nation falling was right before them, they did not seem to be as fearful anymore. Yun Yang replied faintly, with amusement, "Perhaps." He did not need to say that if he were to release his control over the water, the Empire of Ziyou would fall immediately! There was no use for the emperor to make a vow C he would be the first one to drown. Ironically, he would fulfill his vow; he would die first before Ziyou fell! The Emperor of Ziyou breathed in deeply, suppressing all the emotions that ran wild within him, and said, smiling, "Lord Supreme Cloud has asked for someone qualified enough to speak to. I wonder if I''m qualified enough to speak to you?" Yun Yang chuckled. "If Your Majesty isn''t, then no one in the entire Empire of Ziyou is qualified!" The Emperor of Ziyou was strangely comforted by his words, "Good. Then let me speak to Lord Supreme Cloud. Lord Supreme Cloud also indicated that we should know what you want." "That is right! Since Your Majesty is here and has seen everything there is to see, then Your Majesty must certainly know what I want," Yun Yang said. Emperor of Ziyou smiled faintly and with a wave of his hand, ordered, "Carry the Niello Bear that has fallen in Zilong City over!" Once Yun Yang heard the word ''fallen'', he closed his eyes. Fallen? Yun Yang had held on to the slimmest of hopes that even if Blackie was on the brink of death, even if it was forced to surrender by Ziyou''s forces, even if its mystical beast persona had been destroyed and it became an ordinary, wild, black bear, it was fine C as long as it was still alive! Sadly, he had finally heard the most dreaded answer; the cruel truth was right before his eyes. The innocent bear cub, the little bear that took a step after another behind him naively, had fallen? The little bear cub that had only been with him for days and could not even enjoy the benefits of following him, was dead? On his wrist, a small green snake that had recovered its health suddenly slithered and hid within its own coiled body. Two tears condensed from spiritual Qi dampened Yun Yang''s wrist. Yun Yang could feel the soft trembling from the small snake. The crowd further separated into two. Several hundred people carried a gigantic body over, using large logs balanced on their shoulders. It was the little bear. The little bear''s body was no longer intact. Not only was its chest and abdomen sliced open, its limbs had been amputated and placed on top of its body. Its head was littered with blade wounds while blood and brain matter spilled out in copious amounts. It did possess any semblance of life anymore; it had died in the most horrible sense, more so than Old Dugu. The team carried the little bear over slowly, to the front of the surging tidal waves. Yun Yang lowered his head slowly, looking at the little bear''s body. He wore no emotion on his face, but his eyes were glinting with vehement rage. The small snake wrapped around its wrist uncoiled and launched itself at the bear''s prone body. Within the blink of an eye, the small snake turned into a Moire Python the size of an arm and fell on the little bear''s corpse. The Moire Python was trembling, hissing and roaming around the little bear, calling for it anxiously. The Moire Python''s cry sounded vaguely like a roar, not unlike the little bear''s growl. Obviously, the Moire Python hoped to wake the Niello Bear, although it had absolutely no signs of vitality left. Yun Yang shut his eyes slowly before opening them again. A stream of water slowly washed onto the little bear, cleaning each part of its body meticulously. The innumerable wounds on the body healed at a speed that was visible to the eye. It was a miracle that Yun Yang had concocted by combining the Holy Water Charm, Endless Divine Art and Emmie''s air of vitality. Of course, it was mainly because the Niello Bear had just died and as a mystical beast king, its physical body''s vitality still remained, thus allowing the wounds to heal. After the time taken to make a cup of tea, even the little bear''s limbs had been returned to their original place. It looked clean like it had just fallen asleep. Yun Yang took another deep breath, engulfing the little bear in his divine sense. It was to check if there were any wounds that were yet to be healed. There was also the slimmest hope contained within it. However, just as he cast out his deific consciousness, Yun Yanggrew enraged at once as he bellowed, "Where is the little bear''s mystical core?" His deific sense extended its tendrils wide, but the mystical core that should have been in the little bear''s head was missing! At that very moment, Yun Yang grew hysteric with rage; cutting murderous intent filled the space instantly as his eyes stared icily at the ruler of Ziyou, saying coldly, "Emperor of Ziyou, where is my bear''s mystical core? I hope, for your sake, that you are able to hand it over to me immediately." "This is my pet and also my guardian! I had hoped that my fighter could be buried intact, with its body and also its core in one piece." "Hand it over, now!" 430 Coercion and Humiliation The mystical core was obviously missing, an occurrence that the Emperor of Ziyou truly had not expected to happen. The mystical core of a ninth class mystical beast was a rare gem to most of the practitioners all across the world. It was an undeniable fact, and a common truth. However, the Emperor of Ziyou could not have imagined that there was someone brazen enough to keep the mystical core to themselves even when faced with the threat of a nation''s subjugation! The fact that it had invariably happened made his face burn. His rage no less fierce than Yun Yang''s C it was even more fervent! Clearly, to some scoundrel, a country''s fate and the lives of billions of people were not as important as a mystical core! What kind of a heart must a person possess to think that way? "Where is the mystical core?" Emperor of Ziyou turned around, his gaze stern as it went through the assembled crowd before settling on the person he was asking. Yun Yang looked over, following the emperor''s gaze to see a man with an aged face, in green robes and a long sword. It was the swordsman who had chased him away with his sword in the sky! It was also this swordsman''s ambush that obstructed Yun Yang''s last stage of his escape; first, it had been Whitey Three that was severely injured before Yun Yang himself was wounded, thus causing the situation to turn deadly. Otherwise, how would the little bear have perished in this battle? This swordsman was undoubtedly a mighty foe. However, he felt a strange sense of worry as he looked at the murder clearly painted on Supreme Cloud''s face. Yun Yang glared coldly at the man, feeling a murderous intent rage within him. "Your Majesty, here." The swordsman bowed politely while holding his sword, in reply to the Emperor of Ziyou''s question. "You''ve taken the Niello Bear''s mystical core?" The Emperor of Ziyou did not beat around the bush given that the situation was about to explode at any moment. The swordsman''s expression betrayed a subtle sense of fear, but he still replied with grace, "That is right. According to the martial world''s rules, such a treasure belongs to whoever kills the previous owner. It has always been this way." The Emperor of Ziyou sucked in a deep breath and said, "We are faced with the destruction of the Empire of Ziyou, and all you can think about is this mystical core?" There was a raging fury blazing in the Emperor of Ziyou''s eyes. Do you dare to speak of the martial world''s rules with me when miles of the country was about to turn into a swamp? What are martial world rules when your world was crumbling around your ears? The swordsman said in a light-hearted tone, "As long as Lord Supreme Cloud doesn''t have any other request, I would be more than happy to hand over the mystical core with both my hands to end this catastrophe." The emperor frowned lightly and repeated absently, "Other request?" "After all, I was the one who killed the Niello Bear. Supreme Cloud will definitely want revenge. I am just a man who values his life..." the swordsman''s voice trembled slightly with trepidation as he offered his terms. Realization struck like a bolt of thunder as the Emperor of Ziyou suddenly understood what was going on. This man was clearly afraid. He was afraid that Supreme Cloud would ask for the killer along with the mystical core. If it came to that, there was no doubt that he would die an extremely painful death. The Emperor of Ziyou, despite being deeply angered, could not help but feel a pang of pity for the beleaguered man. Can a saint of the sword be slightly less reserved? We are at a crossroads of theEmpire of Ziyou''s fate; are you jeopardizing our chances of survival because of your personal decision? Yun Yang''s icy gaze was trained on this swordsman as he said faintly, "There is no need to say more. Give me your name, and I shall promise not to take your life today.The little bear is a mystical beast but since it has accompanied me throughout the massacre in Zilong City, I consider it my comrade! There''s nothing wrong for a fighter to fall in the battlefield, but I do not wish it''s afterlife to be flawed." "As for this grudge, well, there will come a time for us to settle it in the future." Yun Yang''s voice was as cold as death. He would want to kill this person, even if it was only in his dreams. Besides, he was confident that if he insisted on carrying through with the threat to drown the Empire of Ziyou, with this person''s life as the only way to circumvent that horrible fate, the Emperor of Ziyou would gladly hand him over as well. No matter how reluctant the emperor was, he would still sentence a man to death in exchange for Ziyou''s safety. However, Yun Yang felt that such a form of revenge was another layer of insult added to the little bear''s sacrifice C a vehement humiliation! Revenge I shall have, but I shall kill you with my own hands! Only that will count as true revenge for the little bear. Yun Yang could achieve the same goal by leveraging on another person''s power and utilizing threats, but he was contemptuous about doing so. Furthermore, Yun Yang understood that the swordsman had no other choice. As Ziyou''s citizen, there was no ground to blame him for attacking the nation''s enemy to protect his homeland. Even though it would have led to irreconcilable resentment and the possibility of being challenged by the enemy face to face, it was a simple truth that the swordsman was just valuing his life. it would be uncouth to threaten a man who was just trying to protect his country. Therefore, Yun Yang would rather find another opportunity for revenge in the future, instead of insisting on killing this person now. The swordsman lifted his head to look at Yun Yang with a clear gaze as he answered softly, "People call me the Albasword Saint. I, however, would change nothing about my name. I am Lv Lingyun." "Lv Lingyun!" A meaningful smile hung on Yun Yang''s lips as he said faintly, "What an Albasword Saint! I certainly will not forget you!" Those few words made Lv Lingyun''s pupils contract abruptly; his heart skipped a beat as he felt a chill run through his bones. He had wanted to reply brusquely to save himself some dignity, but once he met Yun Yang''s icy gaze, he had nothing to say. He suddenly realized that he was facing the possibility of revenge from not just anyone, but from the Nine Supremes! Supreme Cloud, who was initially handicapped and unable to execute his manifestation power had already caused an upheaval in Zilong City. If the spiritual restraint was removed, his act of vengeance must really be a piece of cake with a thousand types of recipes! Even now, even when the spiritual restraining formation was still in place, could it fight the wild fury of the Lunar River''s water? "Hand me the mystical core." Yun Yang ordered softly. Lv Lingyun sucked in a deep breath and said, "Lord Supreme Cloud, to each their fate on the battlefield! We are of opposing stances and polar views; it is an undeniable fact, no matter how we decide to kill each other. If Lord Supreme Cloud wishes to retrieve your subordinate''s belongings, your words should be more polite!" Yun Yang smirked, "You said yourself that our stances oppose each other and our views differ. Why should I be courteous to you? Let me repeat myself, hand over the mystical core! Otherwise, the Empire of Zyou will only exist as a part of history today." The harsh tone was unsettling to the saint of the sword. His eyes showed how humiliated he felt. "Immediately. Right now, and I want you to hand it to me personally." Yun Yang whispered softly, his gaze oozing with a mad bloodlust that could normally be found in the eyes of a madman. His tone had grown colder. Everyone was aware that Supreme Cloud was intentionally humiliating Lv Lingyun. More importantly, he looked like he did not even care if his opponent would pass the mystical core over. It was only an excuse, to assert his dominance over the situation. Ziyou shall be drowned today, and there would be no more Empire of Ziyou in this world! He would see if Lv Lingyun would opt to surrender with shame or reject his request vehemently C whether Lv Lingyun would swallow his pride and reveal his basic humanity or foolishly become Ziyou''s most hated man. The vibes of danger, the coercion that came from a powerful practitioner, the public assault on a man''s pride C everyone felt them clearly. Lv Lingyun was shivering; his heart was about to explode from shame. How could he accept such blatant humiliation? Even if he were not an accomplished cultivator or a peak expert and was just an ordinary man, it was only right for one to fight when faced with such a humiliating experience. However, Lv Lingyun could distinctly tell the piercing looks that were directed at him from all around, like sharp arrows. Each and every soul surrounding him was urging him to quickly hand the Niello Bear''s core over to end the potential calamity that was about to occur. If it were not for the fact that everyone else had a weaker cultivation base, someone would have already charged over and snatched it away. Lv Lingyun was filled with indescribable regret and resentment C why had he even joined the battle? If he had become a coward like everyone else, he would have been safe, unlike what he was stuck in now. Perhaps, he would even have taken Supreme Cloud down long ago if he had struck out earlier. Even if he could not win, it would have been a less painful death if Supreme Cloud had quickly killed him. How had he brought himself to this state? Not only did he have to endure such disgrace, he had provoked an enemy so almighty that he had no chance of escaping his wrath. He had to live in fear every day from now on, his heart would beat in terror for every waking and sleeping moment. Lv Lingyun was so regretful that he actually wished that Supreme Cloud would mete out his punishment right now! 431 Ziyou’s Retrea Lv Lingyun was lambasting himself inwardly. "Lv Lingyun, oh Lv Lingyun, why did you even bother to take the initiative?" "Was it just because your cultivation base is high? Just because you''re capable?" "Just because you intended to defend Ziyou, your homeland?" "Do you see how are your countrymen treating you right now?" The man was trembling, momentarily entertaining the thought of putting his life at risk by attacking Yun Yang. However, as fast as the thought came, it left just as quickly. He was a person who valued his life as he had said earlier, which had led him to retain the bear''s mystical core as his bargaining chip. He would never have expected this life-saving chip to be the hot potato; let it go or hold onto it, he was doomed either way. While Lv Lingyun was indecisively entangled in his thoughts, he suddenly heard the gushing sound of water. The crowd was still shaken by what had happened earlier, but it paled in comparison to what they were seeing now. Surging waves frothed and pounded the ground while the tides had risen thousands of feet high. It was growing higher, the top almost impossible to see. Once the tides breached the seal that held them back, they would be unstoppable; no expert would be able to halt their deadly advance. "I can tell you all that human effort can only last for so long. I grow tired, and my control over the Lunar River is questionable. " Yun Yang said coldly, "If I don''t get the mystical core before I lose control, I won''t be able to control the waters even if you give it to me afterward." "By then, this heinous sin" Yun Yang looked coldly at Lv Lingyun and said, "will be shouldered by both of us together. I am the enemy, so I wouldn''t mind having even more of Ziyou''s lost souls documented under my name." The facial muscles of an old Ziyou official twitched as he roared loudly, "Lv Lingyun! What are you waiting for?" Lv Lingyun jumped in startled shock. Gritting his teeth, he looked around at the surrounding faces of steel; all his hopes evaporated instantly as if he was a balloon that was deflated. He slowly stepped out and raised his hand. The mystical core was nestled in his palm. In that instant, Lv Lingyun seemed to have aged innumerable years. He walked forward, step after slow step, he did not lift his head even once along the way. Each step taken seemed to be laden with thousands of catties of weight; that was how difficult each stride seemed to be. Emperor of Ziyou breathed a soundless sigh of relief as he watched him walk forward, but his expression was one of mixed emotions, with shame being the prominent one. As the emperor of his empire, he had been threatened before his empire''s gate and had to watch his people walk out in humiliation without being able to do anything about it. To make matters worse, he was one of the parties responsible for this madness. The feeling of guilt almost drove him mad. Still, there was a sense of gratification hiding in a secluded spot deep in his heart. Are you all not cowards? Do you not want to put in at least some minimal effort? Aren''t you all being utterly selfish? Who among you can be exempt when faced with the threat of subjugation? I hope that from now on, all of you will understand what it means when we say that there will be no unharmed eggs when a nest falls! If ever we are to survive this, I hope that all of you will cooperate and strengthen Ziyou, to build a defensive wall that can never be breached by an enemy! Yun Yang watched coldly as Lv Lingyun slowly walked over to him, his head bowed. Only his arms were lifted up in supplication, to hand over the mystical core. Yun Yang snorted coldly and stretched out his arm to take the mystical core. Yun Yang walked past Lv Lingyun amidst the gushing waters, like he did not even see the hapless man. He strode over to the little bear''s side and engulfed the mystical core with a ball of air of vitality before formally putting it back into the little bear''s head. Looking at the large body, Yun Yang was deeply saddened. It felt like a slab had been cut out from his heart. Little bear, I shall seek vengeance for you. I shall kill Lv Lingyun to avenge your death! Having made his vow, Yun Yang waved his hand and the little bear''s huge body disappeared into thin air. He then stood up slowly, turned, and walked back. He was silent throughout the entire process. He walked a hundred feet away and returned to the monstrous waves. Yun Yang''s back faced Ziyou''s emperor and officials, as well as Lv Lingyun, who was still standing like a statue. He said in a low but clear voice, "A war between two countries will put them in opposing positions. To resort to extreme measures in the battlefield and the imperial court is a matter of course." "Even kidnapping the family of an opponent''s key personnel to threaten them is an acceptable measure, despite being an uncouth method. This is a personal choice." "However, all these have nothing to do with me. I also believe that no one in this world has yet to forget the legend of the Nine Supremes." "We, the Nine Supremes, might not be your equal in creating conspiracies and setting up plots. However, I believe no one can perform a stealthy kidnapping as well as we can. Let me hear if any of you wishes to object to this point." "After this battle today, it has been proven that there is nothing the Empire of Ziyou will not stoop to. Since you, as the enemy, have no limits, neither will we enforce any limits for ourselves." "From now on, let us act based on our tactics and obey the call of fate!" "I will sort each and every item in today''s account. The reason I have spared Ziyou today is because I am still above sacrificing innocent lives." "However, there are no more citizens on the battlefield." "Those who are generals and soldiers should be ready to perish on the battlefield without any thought of returning home. "Lv Lingyun, you may plan your escape from now on. Let us see if I can annihilate your entire family!" Supreme Cloud''s words were spoken in a low, monotonous, tone, almost as if he was mumbling to himself. However, they sounded like thunderbolts in the ears of the Emperor of Ziyou and his officials, driving straight into their hearts like an irremovable curse or nightmare. Everyone knew that Yutang''s Lord Supreme Cloud was truly infuriated. The calmer he was, the more evident that he was set on his decision and there was no room for negotiation. Supreme Cloud''s body began to fade and smoothly melted into the surging tides. Then, there were no further movements. The tidal waves subsided immediately, disappearing at a much faster rate, back to the ocean. With a gushing roar, the tide moved several thousand feet away. A few breaths later, the monstrous body of water that could drown half of the Empire of Ziyou was nowhere to be seen. If it were not for the gushing and pounding of waves that still could be heard from far away, the crowd would have wondered if the horrifying waves earlier was an illusion. Soon, the sounds of water were inaudible, echoing faintly from the distance. The Emperor of Ziyou''s sights were set on a point far away; he did not speak and stayed in relative silence for quite a while. Lv Lingyun stood there, both physically and mentally exhausted, like he had lost his soul. With his status, cultivation base, and mannerism, things should never have panned out this way! However, Yun Yang, the Emperor of Ziyou, and even the people of Ziyou had pressured him beyond his limits. Any more, and he would have broken down on the spot; he would either break down mentally or explode in a berserk rage, striking down anyone within reach with no compunction. Emperor of Ziyou''s unhurried sigh drifted over, "Yutang''s Supreme Cloud has traveled tens of thousands of miles here just for his relative. He faced the entire Empire of Ziyou and left after a pitched battle, all for his relative. Leaving and coming back and threatening us with the monstrous waves was also on behalf of his comrade Even when he threatened to subjugate the nation, he didn''t resort to an inhumane path and cause disaster to the people or sacrifice innocent lives." "Yutang''s Supreme Cloud is a true warrior of justice! Despite the brimming resentment within him, he still has a benevolent heart that does not wish to hurt the innocent. I believe that even if we didn''t give him the mystical core, he wouldn''t actually drown Ziyou and involve the people in our squabble." The Emperor of Ziyou''s voice carried a hint of loneliness, "We''re too far apart from Yutang. If we attack Yutang now, the consequences will be unimaginable. If Yutang''s innocent lives were lost, could we still blame Supreme Cloud if he were to destroy Ziyou with a flood?" He paused and said, "Pass my dictum C draw back the army, return to Ziyou to rest and replenish. When our army is strong again, then that will be the time to announce war with Yutang!" "Your Majesty, this won''t do!" Countless officials came forward to plead the case and stop him, not wanting the plan for the four nations to besiege Yutang to fall apart just like this. However, the Emperor of Ziyou was adamant. "My mind is set. There is no need to speak any further!" There was only an unnerving glint that shone in his eyes. It might not have been a good idea to deploy the army at this point in time, as there was also internal strife in Ziyou. A lot of the royals were secretly conspiring to usurp the throne; it had been a long time coming. His Majesty had not tackled it wholeheartedly and sternly, thinking to stabilize the external situation first before weeding out the internal rot. Unfortunately, the procrastination had aggravated the situation, and with the military authority being beyond his jurisdiction, it meant that the other people had equally substantial power. It gradually became a mutual balance that weakened the emperor''s control. The Empire of Ziyou was in a mess and swaying on its feet; even the emperor could be chased off his throne at any time C how could he talk about world domination? It was easier to use this excuse and to draw back the army, consolidate the military power and use the chance to completely reorganize his country. External matters would have to wait until his own courtyard was cleaned up! Supreme Cloud had left, but his visit and departure left Ziyou with a sense of fear that lingered. On the way back to the city, everyone looked thoughtful and weighed down with matters in their mind. Lan Wuxin followed the emperor back, but his mind was all over the place all along the way; he had been astute and foresighted but the Great Chancellor Lan actually was uncertain of his own thoughts now. He simply felt bewildered at this point in time. Chancellor Lan''s resentment towards the main culprit who had put him into this tough situation was not as vehement as he thought it would be. For his relative, he had rushed tens of thousands of miles, stayed up day and night to save him without a care for life and death; he fought Ziyou alone with no regrets. For his comrade, he threatened to drown Ziyou, facing the nation alone; even if his comrade had died, he wanted his afterlife to be complete without a care for the price he needed to pay. Although he had used and deceived Chancellor Lan in the process, it only showed how intricate his tactic was. Just like Supreme Cloud had said himself, "You all are willing to stoop so low, who else am I going to deceive if not all of you?" Besides, there was not really much to say when someone who called himself wise was cheated badly by someone else. "Sigh!" Lan Wuxin sighed at the sky. The unspeakable forlornness and fragments of various thoughts in his heart were condensed into this single breath. In the forest, the Moire Python''s large body had turned into that of an ordinary python, just dozens of feet long. It was looking at something that lay in front of it with delighted surprise. It was a little bear cub. A small, newly born, little bear cub. 432 Farewell! The little cub, that seemed to have just been born and was probably not yet a month old, wore a look of innocence and naivety. Its every movement was cute and clumsy, helplessly so. The Moire Python watched it but as it did, tears streamed again from its eyes. The Moire Python watched the little critter like it was its greatest treasure; as the little bear ran back and forth, weaving in a drunken manner, the Moire Python acted like a responsible babysitter as it followed it closely with its gaze, not even daring to blink. When it saw the little bear falling down every now and then, it would pick it up quickly; when it saw the little bear running to a dangerous place, it would unleash its power of fief that belonged to high-level mystical beasts, so that no other beast would approach to threaten the cub. The care and effort, as well as the heightened sense of caution, was no less than that of a biological parent! Yun Yang, who was an audience to the scene, felt an indescribable feeling fill his heart. It was either God was looking after Yun Yang and did not wish for him to go through the pain of losing his family and comrade again, or Yun Yang''s perfectionism had created a miracle C it was not the most perfect but it was comfort enough. Yun Yang had cleaned up the little bear''s physical body and insisted on recovering its mystical core to be put back into the Niello Bear''s remains in hopes for Blackie to be buried intact. However, when Yun Yang was replacing the mystical core, he had also sent a ball of refined air of vitality with the intention to reunite the mystical core and the Niello Bear''s wounded skull as one, so that things could be as perfectly completed as possible. The original owner of the refined air of vitality was not Yun Yang. It was Emmie. The stingy Emmie had, of course, coveted Blackie''s mystical core, but it would never dare take it as its own because of Yun Yang. It was still great to touch and come into contact with the core for a bit though, so there was a sliver of Emmie''s thoughts mixed in with the refined life force. Of course, it was only to gratify its yearning to touch it; it would never dare to absorb the Niello Bear''s remains! In spite of all this, it was pure coincidence that these actions were graced by a miracle. The Niello Bear was a high-level mystical beast and was even called the king among others. Its ability was already formidable and it had reached its bottleneck a long time ago; usually, there was no way of breaking through it unless there were numerous bouts of severely demanding situations. However, the only beast in the forest that could duel with Blackie was the Moire Python. These two creatures were beasts that valued their lives immensely, so they would never fight by abandoning all caution. This caused them to stagnate for many years, and it was such a state that allowed Yun Yang to subdue them without much effort. The Niello Bear had been injured many times in today''s battle and had recovered much from the air of vitality. Despite the damage and strain mentally and physically, the damage had caused the bottleneck to tremble and crack. When it had tossed away the Moire Python at the last moment, the Niello Bear had forgotten about death and the price it had to pay; it only wanted its comrade to be safe. The explosion in its capability had exceeded its limit under usual circumstances. Otherwise, how could it have held off, albeit momentarily, the Albasword Saint, Lv Lingyun, whose ability was above that of Yun Yang? The Niello Bear''s breakthrough was at the last minute, thus posing a limitation to the increase in prowess, especially when it had lost the support of Yun Yang''s vitality. Ultimately, it was a lost cause; the bear had perished and had been amputated, its mystical core dug out and cast aside. Things wouldn''t have changed, and death was still a certainty, but the Niello Bear was still in the state of its last-minute breakthrough then. Most of its soul had been concentrated in the mystical core. Although Emmie''s efforts to save Old Dugu was a failure, the effort had increased its knowledge of soul and spiritual sensing. Therefore, the sliver of thought had sensed the concentration of the Niello Bear''s spirit contained within the core immediately. Even then, it was futile effort to resurrect the Niello Bear. Despite the whole mystical core and presence of the soul, the bear''s physical body was dismembered and its injuries were so severe that the body was unsalvageable. All that Yun Yang could do was to collect as much of the little bear''s dissipating soul into its mystical core and place this mystical core into a newly-born Niello Bear cub. However, this was basically possessing the cub. Once the soul was unleashed, everything would come apart. Thus, Yun Yang formed a restraint using Emmie''s special power. Only when the Niello Bear''s ability had returned to the state of a seventh-level mystical beast could it absorb the energy within the mystical core and reignite its journey to becoming the pinnacle king of mystical beasts. According to Emmie''s narration, the Niello Bear''s ''revival'' was not a terrible act. Its true potential had far exceeded its initial state. As long as its cultivation base grew and it had returned to its initial level, followed by its amalgamation with the mystical core that was in a breakthrough state, its former memories would return. Even its ability could evolve to a terrifying level. As for the long journey of its growth now to the day it became a seventh-level mystical beast, the physical and spiritual self would undergo a process of fusion and purification. It was because of this totally unexpected accident that the vicious king of beasts, the Moire Python, was guarding the little cub before it with endless gentleness and care. It was comforted that Blackie was still here. The little bear is in this small critter. Little bear will come back one day! I will wait for you! "I don''t suppose you will be leaving with me?" Yun Yang sighed, looking at the Moire Python. The Moire Python hissed twice, a sense of longing painted in its eyes, but turning to look at the cub''s innocent actions, it shook its tail once with a resolute gaze. I''m staying here to look over it. I want to see it ascend to the pinnacle again! I shall wait for it to awaken and realize its former memories! If I leave, it will be bullied by other mystical beasts, seeing as to how weak he is now. It''d be hard for it to grow up again. "What if I bring it along? Will all of you stay by my side?" Yun Yang suggested. The Moire Python shook its head vehemently. Mystical beasts like the Niello Bear had to grow in its natural environment, within the dense forest. Only by facing the challenging climate and all sorts of danger could it become a king. Besides, this is where a little bear begins its journey. Only by being here can the little bear''s reawakening be more natural and complete, for him to be stronger! "Alright." Yun Yang kept quiet for a while and said, "Don''t forget me. If you need help in the future you can come to me anytime." The Moire Python slid over and wrapped itself around Yun Yang''s calf lightly, snuggling intimately. Then, it let go reluctantly. Its initially cold and brutal eyes landed on the cub again, filled with anticipation and gentleness. Yun Yang sighed, rubbing his hands as dozens of balls of the rich air of vitality drifted and landed in front of the Moire Python. The Moire Python took a step back. Honest yearning flashed in its eyes but it did not eat it right away as it usually would. Instead, it pushed the little bear with its head to make the latter eat it. Before this, the moment a ball of air of vitality was produced, these two kings would fight to the ends of the earth. Now, the Moire Python was actually giving it all up for its small charge. This gentle yielding made heat rush to Yun Yang''s eyes. "These are yours." Yun Yang said softly, "There is more for him." Immediately, another dozen balls of air of vitality were thrown onto the little bear. It cried out happily and devoured them with a contented expression. It was only at this point that the Moire Python began consuming the spiritual Qi given to it. When it came to the end of the feast, there were still two balls left and it sent them to the little cub to have the latter consume them. Yun Yang chuckled dryly with a shake of his head. Before he left, he tossed another two balls of vitality right into the Moire Python ''s mouth surreptitiously. With the amount of spiritual Qi he had given, he believed that the Moire Python and the little bear could very possibly break through the limitation of ninth-level beasts and even ascend to tenth class and become super-level beasts. It wasn''t impossible for them to surpass that and move on to a higher-level existence. He only hoped that he would still be able to meet them again by then! Yun Yang stood at the edge of the forest quietly. In front of him, there lay two winding paths. In the forest, a quiet hissing could be heard, brimming with longing and reluctance. The hissing had traveled far, coming from the deeper part of the forest. "I will come back to visit. I promise!" Yun Yang sighed softly, "I hope the both of you will already have regained your familiarity and achieved a true bond by then." Yun Yang soared right into the open skies, turning into a gust of breeze and a cloud that drifted slowly towards the west. The hissing came again from deep within the forest as the breeze drove the cloud in the sky. A large Moire Python''s head could be seen hiding under the dense canopy of leaves as it wound itself around a large tree to look at the drifting cloud. It remained there, looking at the receding cloud for a very long time before it finally slithered back into the forest. 433 Return, Shangguan Wudi! On the other side of the world, Shangguan Lingxiu had already led her men to set sail back to the east. She had known all along that this expedition would be full of unexpected danger and all of them faced the possibility of death at every moment. Now that they had come back unharmed without losing any one of their members, she should have been exhilarated. However, Shangguan Lingxiu''s beautiful and sculpted face was marred by faint sorrow. Despite there being no casualties in this altercation, nothing else had been achieved C it was essentially a fruitless enterprise! It was the polar opposite of her initial intentions; there was no other word for it. They had traveled so far to come all the way here only to make several cursory bows before Ancestor Wudi''s ancestral plate. That had been all. Although they had helped Supreme Cloud at the last critical juncture, Shangguan Lingxiu was certain that their assistance was only the icing on the cake. Even without them controlling the city gate, Supreme Cloud would have been able to flee, by breaking down the gate himself! Furthermore, he might not have even passed the city gate; he could just flown away into the sky. If that was so, she suspected she and her men had actually added to Supreme Cloud''s burden. What was the point of her coming here? She sat alone on the third story deck with her arms hugging her knees in a silent daze. She wondered where Supreme Cloud had gone to, and if he was safe. What had happened in the last meeting with the Empire of Ziyou''s higher authorities? As for the Empire of Ziyou, would they vent their anger and take out their rage on Ancestor Wudi''s ancestral hall? Would they really destroy his remains like they had threatened earlier? What would be the Shangguan Family of Generals'' next move? How far could they make it in the future? What would the future hold for the young nephews at home? Could their tiny shoulders bear the great responsibility of the Shangguan Family of Generals? The approaching chaos was all too apparent; war was about to come, yet again. Could the Shangguan Family of Generals stand majestically amidst this havoc? Could she, Shangguan Lingxiu, as the only adult of the Shangguan Family of Generals, be hopelessly ineffectual despite bearing the family''s responsibilities? If there were no silhouettes of Shangguan in Yutang''s battlefield during this war, then what dignity did the Shangguan Family possess, to call themselves the Family of Generals? What right did they have to claim themselves the souls of militants? Shangguan Lingxiu''s thoughts were all over the place, refusing to settle down in an orderly manner. After some time, she could not help but sigh softly. "Oh, Shangguan Family of Generals." The documents in her hands were messages sent by messenger hawks. Shangguan Lingxiu had only opened the first one before her expression turned into one of alarm C the four empires had deployed troops to besiege Yutang! Yutang was about to face war on all four sides. The commotion was no longer just a hint; war was apparent and impending! The second document told the story of Supreme Cloud fighting in Zilong City, coercing Ziyou''s emperor before the city gates; he had threatened the entire nation with monstrous tides and had boosted Yutang''s morale in the process. The third document indicated that Ziyou had drawn back their army! That would relieve the Empire of Yutang from being threatened on all four sides. Reading the third document again, Shangguan Lingxiu heaved a soft sigh of relief. Things were not at their worst. At least, the war initiated by Ziyou had been halted and Yutang had Supreme Cloud again. Perhaps, she need not be too pessimistic about the war this time. However, the fourth document put the frown back on Shangguan Lingxiu''s face. The Empire of Dongxuan''s Han Sanhe was at the forefront of millions of soldiers and was already doing battle with Fu Baoguo at the Fortress of Resilience. The eastern defense line was in danger of collapsing. Marshal Tie Zheng was also caught in a stalemate with the enemy on the northern border. The southern front was about to see war erupt in a very short time as well. It was obvious that the incessant flow of information was sent out on the same day. There would be further developments in the morning and in the afternoon, which would see more messages being sent out. The changes were numerous and rapid as the communication lines were hot and heavy. In the sky, there were several messenger beasts flying around, looking for their targets. "The havoc spreading through the world is unavoidable." For the first time in a long while, Shangguan Lingxiu''s usually cheery face was tinged with genuine worry. My disaster-stricken homeland When will it enjoy peace and safety? "What are you sighing about?" A gentle voice wafted over from behind her. Shangguan Lingxiu stood up as if struck by lightning; why was the voice so familiar? Who was the newcomer? Turning her head to follow the voice, she saw a cloud floating leisurely in the sky, a vague silhouette enclosed within it. It looked like a man, but there was no way to tell the true face of the mysterious visitor. The only thing she could feel was that the person was looking at her with a smile. "Lord Supreme Wind? No no, Lord Supreme Cloud?" Shangguan Lingxiu corrected herself quickly. Until now, Shangguan Lingxiu was still dumbstruck and in disbelief. Before this, she had always known the sole survivor of the Nine Supremes to be Supreme Wind. How could she know that after a trip to Empire of Ziyou, Supreme Wind would miraculously turn into Supreme Cloud? The think-tank of the Nine Supremes! There had never been any record of such an occurrence in her country. "Be it Supreme Cloud or Wind, I am still one of the Nine Supremes." Lord Supreme Cloud said, "I heard you sighing and lamenting about the war. What, in particular, ails you?" Shangguan Lingxiu sighed slowly and said, "It looks like Lord Supreme Cloud has been focusing all his efforts on Ziyou and may not have been informed of current matters. I have just received the updates as well, as you can see here..." She was about to pass them over but she suddenly recalled that the Nine Supremes'' intelligence network must be even more precise than hers. Lord Supreme Cloud would probably have known long ago what she was reading now; even if he did not, now that Ziyou''s issue was resolved, he would begin receiving them once more. At least, he should have known about it earlier than she had. She could not help exclaiming in protest, "I believe Lord Supreme Cloud must have already known about these things" Yun Yang replied, "Does the lady speak of the siege by the four nations?" He then sighed slowly and said, "Indeed, I found out about it earlier, but I don''t have any good ideas at the moment as to what to do. Yutang can only hope to survive by giving its all in the battle ahead." Shangguan Lingxiu''s spirit soared she said, "Agreed! The only way to fight is to fight with all our hearts!" Yun Yang chuckled at her enthusiasm and said, "The war is only beginning. We can only do our best and leave the rest to destiny. Did you achieve your objective after coming to Ziyou?" Shangguan Lingxiu heaved a deep sigh and answered, "One cannot serve both loyalty and filial piety. The nation''s affairs should be prioritized and thus, family affairs should give way before it. Shangguan Lingxiu was born a female, but I still know of the theory that there won''t be a complete egg when the nest collapses!" Yun Yang smiled and said, "In certain ways the Empire of Ziyou could be considered to have fallen. Senior Shangguan Wudi''s wish can be considered fulfilled." "I beg your pardon?" Even though she was confused, Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes shone with hope at his words. "When I left, I collected Senior Wudi''s remains and the ancestral tablet. How can the remains of Yutang''s reputable warrior be left for so long in a foreign land?" Supreme Cloud''s voice was filled with veneration as he continued, "The remains of a loyal official should rest in peace in burial. General Wudi''s dying wish has also been completed. I believe that Senior Shangguan Wudi must be comforted as well to know this." Looking at the parcel containing the remains and ancestral tablets held in Supreme Cloud''s hands, Shangguan Lingxiu was awash with emotion. Her nose wrinkled up, and before she knew it, she was crying from happiness. Three sets of remains C three ancestral tablets. The ancestral tablets of Ancestor Wudi, his mistress, and son, their remains, had finally come back to the hands of the Shangguan Family of Generals C their own family! Holding them in her hands, Shangguan Lingxiu felt as if she was carrying the heaviest of weights. Watching the remains and tablets as he handed them over to Shangguan Lingxiu, Yun Yang suddenly felt an unusual turbulence in his divine sense. When he concentrated to look, he was shocked. His deific consciousness showed a small whirlwind that was slowly but surely forming and growing above the parcel of remains and in front of the tablet. The small whirlwind was very clearly exuding the emotion of joy and comfort as if a wish that had not been completed for a very long time had suddenly been achieved. In a state of trance, Yun Yang could see a person cloaked in steel armor, holding a long spear, and mounted on a black horse, galloping across the heavens and earth! There were only a man and a horse, but Yun Yang felt the dominance and peerless vibe on the battlefield, the absolute majesty that distinguished a warrior among the millions of men in the army! With a spear, I am unmatched on the battlefield! The person galloped across the cloud and came to a complete halt in front of Yun Yang; astride his horse, he held his spear while he bowed with a palm cupping his fist. His hawk-like eyes were trained on Yun Yang as a genuine smile of gratitude hung on his face. Yun Yang was absolutely unprepared for this miracle. The grand emotion of lion-hearted patriotism, the will to fight for one''s homeland and people on the battlefield filled his heart! There was no need to tell him who it was that stood before him. Yun Yang''s expression could not help but turn slightly somber as well; out of reverence, raised his arm to give a proper military salute. The middle-aged man smiled C it was a relaxed smile of peacefulness and joy. Somehow, Yun Yang felt his oppressed emotions suddenly dissipate as he looked at the smile. He could not help returning it. However, what Shangguan Lingxiu saw was completely different from what Yun Yang was seeing. She felt dazed as well as three people appeared right before her eyes. It was a middle-aged man, tall and muscular; his face was square and serious while his eyes were sharp and lively, like those of a hawk. By his side stood a woman who was small and gentle. Both of them stood before her as they watched her with faces full of smiles and warmth. In front of them, there was a small boy who was only about three to four years old; in fact, he might even be only two to three years old. He was the very embodiment of innocence. The harmonious family of three had appeared before her and was smiling. From the comforting emotions, the sense of approval and the intimate feeling of blood being thicker than water, Shangguan Lingxiu knew who the three people before her were. "Ancestor Wudi?" Shangguan Lingxiu blurted out in shock. 434 So, It Was Him! Standing before Shangguan Lingxiu, the middle-aged man smiled. It was a care-free smile, a smile of a man that had put everything down and was finally free of worries. The gentle woman beside him looked on with a sense of blessing; she first pointed at Shangguan Lingxiu and then at Lord Supreme Cloud beside her, before holding her husband''s hand tightly. Her smile at Shangguan Lingxiu was strangely comforting. It seemed like a blessing; it also seemed like she was trying to remind her of something... However, the middle-aged man shook his head and held his wife''s hand back lovingly, as if the husband was stopping his wife from saying something. A helpless grin appeared on the gentle woman''s face; she looked at Shangguan Lingxiu again with curved lips. Then, the man and woman turned at the same time to formally bow towards the east, the direction where Tiantang lay. They straightened up again and turned around to stare at Shangguan Lingxiu. The middle-aged man waved, a sign of farewell. He held the woman''s hand and picked up the child. A horse suddenly appeared out of thin air and the three of them were suddenly seated on the horse. The horse carried the three of them away as it galloped amidst the clouds and mist. Soon, they turned into a soft breeze and vanished entirely. The ancestral tablets in front of Yun Yang and Shangguan Lingxiu did not move, but the three parcels containing the remains deflated in unison. The difference in the weight of the packages woke Shangguan Lingxiu up from her trance and she quickly opened the parcels to peer inside. As expected, there was nothing left in the three parcels that had held their remains, except for white ashes. "It was Ancestor Wudi" Shangguan Lingxiu was misty-eyed but she was smiling. "His wish has finally been accomplished. He has finally left in peace, together with his beloved wife and child to be in each other''s company in the underworld." Yun Yang heaved a long sigh and said, "It''s an eye-opening experience for me today as well. The heroic soul does not just disappear; it remains in this world for a long time indeed!" "It was also my first time meetnig Ancestor Wudi. He is a senior of the Shangguan Family of Generals, that goes without saying. His grace and demeanor has never before been seen on any existing generals," Shangguan Lingxiu said, smiling through her tears. Yun Yang said in all seriousness, "Wudi, truly second to none!" He had to admit that he understood why the Empire of Ziyou had to annihilate this General Shangguan Wudi, even if they had to resort to the vilest of tactics. The nonpareil grace was truly impressive! As long as this man emerged, mounted on his horse, despite being among millions of men in the army, he would be the embodiment of victory! He was the Hero Wudi1! The feeling was deeply embedded in everyone''s heart, whether they were on his side or the enemy''s side C no one would dare to think that they could ever defeat such a force like him in the battlefield! "A divinely unequaled warrior!" Yun Yang commented. "Too bad" He did not continue the rest of his sentence. No matter what it was, Shangguan Wudi''s wish had been fulfilled after all. The rest of it could remain unspoken, lest it ruin the peerless heroic spirit! Hopefully, General Wudi, alongside his wife and son, could rest in peace without being lonely ever again. Handing Shangguan Wudi and his family''s remains to Shangguan Lingxiu could be considered the ending point for all matters concerning Ziyou; Yun Yang wished for nothing but to have a good rest now. He had been really stretched thin during this entire time, especially the few recent days. He first planned his set up and snuck into Zilong City, always living in suspense and playing mind games with Ziyou''s high authorities. Then, he finally met Old Dugu and the huge battle had broken out. After he charged out of Zilong City, he had directed the Lunar River''s water to Zilong City''s border, almost expending all his energy in the process. The steering of the Lunar River had looked like a magnificent effort, but Yun Yang knew that it had only been a small portion of the river that he had been able to pull out. Yun Yang would not have been able to redirect the entire contents of the river even if he was beaten to death. The monstrous waves that everyone saw were real indeed, but other than the front-facing tides, the back was mostly comprised of weak flows of water. It was nowhere near as dire as the Ziyou''s officials and the emperor had thought it was. The borderless tides that everyone had seen and heard was an exaggerated act by Yun Yang''s Holy Water Charm in its crux. All the world was a stage, and all men and women were its actors! If Yun Yang''s Holy Water Charm cultivation base could actually steer the entire Lunar River over, he would not have arrived over four hours later, when he said he would return within an hour. This was the genuine reason for his tardiness. Yun Yang had already exhausted all of his spiritual power but still could not successfully redirect the Lunar River to Zilong City''s border. Ultimately, it was Emmie''s great effort that made a portion of the water obey his command. To lead the river water there had drained most of Yun Yang''s willpower. The authoritative manner Yun Yang had assumed when facing Ziyou''s emperor and officials was nothing but an empty show, a smoke screen made by kicking up a cloud of dust. Afterward, what happened with the little bear depleted the rest of Yun Yang''s physical strength once more. When he had left, ''gracefully'', as seen by others in the water stream, he was actually on his last legs! Yun Yang had almost fainted amidst the currents, only holding out by sheer willpower. That was how he had persevered until he left the sight of Ziyou''s people and had the opportunity to recover. It was also about then that Emmie had told him about the change regarding the little bear''s death. Thus, the trip to the forest was added to his journey in order for the little bear to be revived and reignite its cultivation journey. Of course, the act to save the little bear took up all of Yun Yang''s recently-recovered mystical Qi once again! When Yun Yang landed on Shangguan Lingxiu''s ship, it was one of the weakest and most powerless moments in his life. He knew that he was on the brink of exhaustion and could fall unconscious into a deep slumber at any minute, further bolstered by a vision that was slowly darkening. If an enemy were to come now, Yun Yang would most probably accept that his death was imminent, and would be pliable to anything done to him. The air of vitality was not omnipotent, it was not an all-purpose antidote. At the very least, it was useless in Yun Yang''s current state of fatigue! Now that Shangguan Wudi''s matter was resolved, Yun Yang felt that he could not hold it in anymore. He asked directly, "Lady Shangguan, can you prepare a quiet room for me without disturbance from anyone? I need to rest for a bit." Hearing Lord Supreme Cloud''s unexpected request, Shangguan Lingxiu was struck with the realization that Lord Supreme Cloud must have been worn out from the activities of the past few days! What he had done was beyond the abilities of a normal man! Every act of his was an unimaginable miracle! How could it not be taxing, to perform such divine feats? Even with an unsurpassable cultivation base, one must have been sucked dry to come to this stage; furthermore, Supreme Cloud had never been known for his endurance. "Forgive me, I have been a poor host," Shangguan Lingxiu said apologetically. Immediately, she placed an inhibition order for anyone to come up to the third story of the ship. She then emptied the biggest bedroom on the said deck and cleaned it up a bit before exiting it quietly. Yun Yang waved and produced a cloud of mist to be placed at the door. This was the last safety measure he could muster from his barely functioning mind, the last weary act he could perform in his fatigued state. If anyone were to enter the room without permission and touch the mist, Yun Yang would come awake at once and react in time. Then, he laid down on the bed, succumbing to slumber before his head could even hit the pillow. In his dream, Yun Yang felt dazed. It felt like he was awake, but not truly awake; like he was in a dream, but not yet fully there. In his trance, it seemed like he was reunited with his brothers once again, completing a mission together as nine. There was a soft, contented smile hanging on the corners of his lips despite being fast asleep. "Big brother, second brother, third sister, fourth brother, sixth brother, seventh brother, eighth brother" "What are we going to do today? Shall we ambush the fort? I have the information needed. Give me some time, I''ll come up with the plan." "Something else today? Alright, I''ll plan it." "Ol''Ninth, don''t tire yourself. A balance of work and rest is the way to go, no need to push yourself in such a hurry." "I''m not tired! How can I be? As long as we''re together, I won''t be tired, no matter how much I do!" "I just miss all of you so much!" In his dream, Yun Yang was vaguely aware of the oddity. He was with his brothers, why would he miss them? His brothers were all looking at him with a smile C were they grinning because he was being foolish? "Right, fifth brother, have you found Sister Yue? Were you not the one who was supposed to pick her up?" "Young brother" Yun Zuiyue appeared; she was still as friendly as ever, laden with smiles. "Sister Yue, you don''t know how badly you deceived me! Oh, how you''ve tricked me, I was so scared" Yun Yang bawled in his dream, "I thought that I''ve brought harm upon you, that I brought about your death I C I" He sobbed and bawled in relief, pouring out all the accumulated pressures, maligned sentiments, and hidden longings within him, like a broken dam. Yun Yang, who was deep asleep on the bed, wore a genuine smile, but tears streamed from the corners of his eyes. They were still fooling around in their dream, the Nine Supremes were still executing their missions in endless loops. Yun Yang only hoped that their missions were truly endless, that they would be doing things together, forever! It was the only way everyone could stay together, always and forever. It was a pity that no matter how numerous and how complicated the missions were, there would come a time when everything reached its end. The completion speed far exceeded Yun Yang''s expectation; the missions were accomplished smoothly, but why did he still feel a sense of reluctance? What was he being reluctant about? Could he have drained himself to the point of insanity? "Let''s have Chinese cabbage and tofu later!" The eldest brother had suggested. The brothers cheered simultaneously in response. In the next instance, all nine brothers had arrived at the tattered alehouse. Old Dugu was seated at the front door, hunched over as usual. Watching the brothers enter, his wrinkled face was all smiles, beaming warmth and contentment, like he was watching his long-departed sons coming back together. It was still the same C each of them had a table of their own, a dish of Chinese cabbages and tofu, a pot of wine; the refreshing aroma filled the small space to its rafters. Yun Yang devoured the meal heartily, feeling the overflowing warmth in his heart while eating. It was scrumptious! It was so tasty! No matter how much he ate, he would not get enough of it. Yun Yang realized that he had emptied his dish while his brothers still had full plates while they feasted. Just like a child who had finished his candy first, or maybe Pigsy from the Journey to the West who had snatched the fruit, the ravenous Yun Yang had no regards for his own image when he stood up with his chopsticks and was about to steal a bite before he was blocked by the group. "Are you all not letting me eat?" Yun Yang was shocked. The eldest, Supreme Earth, raised his head C it was the crown prince''s face, and he looked at Yun Yang warmly, saying, "Ol''Ninth, you can''t eat what we''re eating." "What do you mean I can''t eat it? It''s the same thing. I''ve just finished a plate of it!" Yun Yang was adamant. "I want to eat it! Just a bite! Let this young brother have a bite please, my dear older brothers!" From being stubborn to acting spoilt and even being a brat, the brothers watched Yun Yang with warm smiles but they shook their heads vehemently, rejecting his plea. Old Dugu smiled lovingly in his hunched form, and said, "Why are you fussing about this bit in front of you? Isn''t it easy that you want to eat? Haven''t I taught you how to do it? Can''t you do it yourself if you want to have it?" "No!" Yun Yang was stubborn. "I want to eat theirs. I want a bite of theirs. What''s the fun if I do it myself?" Before Yun Yang''s words could echo in his ears and heart, the small alehouse suddenly disappeared. The brothers were not where they had been as well, leaving, as they picked themselves up. They chattered with each other while Old Dugu followed behind them, walking towards the distance as they bantered, but no one was bothered with him. Yun Yang was at a loss, helpless. The sky was high and the yellow earth stretched endlessly. There were no signs of life no matter how far he gazed, not even a tree or a blade of grass. There was no living creature in this vast earth, he was the only inhabitant left in this whole wide world! Of course, there would be no one left to answer him. Yun Yang asked, like a lost child, "Where are you all going? Why aren''t you bringing me along?" The silhouettes of the dozen backs were chatting with each other intimately as they went further, no one responded to his question. Yun Yang grew increasingly anxious and started to sprint as he shouted, "Wait for me! Wait for me, you fellows! Leave with me!" However, the group only moved faster as the distance between them grew. The silhouettes turned into a group of black dots before they vanished entirely. Then, Yun Yang vaguely felt as if his brothers had turned into the stars in the sky, watching him in as they twinkled merrily. Then, the wind came,the rain came, and the snow came Storms, floods, fire, thunder C countless disasters and calamities, blood and flames intersected in chaotic loops in the human realm. He was left alone to struggle, fighting, shouting; how he needed help, needed a hand, needed someone to walk this path with him but no one came. He was the only one holding on, persevering In another trance, a silhouette flashed before him. Old Dugu''s hunched form reappeared with the usual warm smiling face as he watched him with loving sympathy, "Child, go back. This is not where you belong." "I''m not going back!" Yun Yang cried, his eyes were teary as he said vehemently, "I''m not going back!" Old Dugu looked at him indulgingly and said softly, "My child, remember take care of yourself in the future" As he finished, he stretched an arm out with some hesitation before slapping Yun Yang''s shoulders. Yun Yang shouted, feeling his body involuntarily falling back, into the darkness. Old Dugu, who was in front of him, grew smaller and smaller, gradually turning invisible just like everyone else. He was still flying backward uncontrollably. Yun Yang struggled as he did, shouting incessantly, "I''m not going back! I don''t want to go back! Don''t you dare think about abandoning me!" "You all talk about being brothers in unity every day, talk about sharing life and death every day, but now you''re all leaving me behind! How can you speak such lies so easily!" Yun Yang yelled, "There''s no free lunch in this world! I''m going to find all of you wherever I have to go!" "Don''t abandon me, I''m alone in this world! What''s the meaning of it all if I''m alone?" "I''m alone now, can''t you all see it? Can''t you see how I''m suffering?" "I can''t take it anymore!" "I really can''t! Take me away!" "Bring me along!" "Bring me with you!" "Wait for me!" "Big brother, brothers, wait! Wait for me!" Outside the door, Shangguan Lingxiu''s face was drenched in tears as she wore a pitiful look. She had been sitting here since yesterday. Supreme Cloud, who was inside, had slept for an entire day and night until he began shouting and crying uncontrollably as if he was in a nightmare. The sudden, hoarse cries were frightening. She could hear Supreme Cloud talk in his sleep clearly. Although most of it was vague, she could still understand part of it. These were what Supreme Cloud would never have said in a conscious state even if he was being beaten to death. He was a deity in the Empire of Yutang! A living god! How could he show such fragile emotions? Perhaps, only when he was so exhausted that he could not even stand it, when he was entirely drained that he had no say in his subconscious mind, in addition to the huge blow to his physical and mental state when he truly could not endure it all, that he would vent it in his dreams. "I''m not going back! I don''t want to go back! Don''t think about abandoning me!" "Don''t abandon me, I''m alone in this world!" "Can''t you all see it? How hard I''m suffering?" "I can''t take it anymore!" "Take me away!" "I miss you all so much" Shangguan Lingxiu was in tears. Putting herself in his place, if she were to be Supreme Cloud and the brothers who had always been with her were to all die in a battle within a single day What would she become, if she were left alone in this world? What was more, he had to bear so many responsibilities despite being alone! He was the supporting pillar of almost the entire empire! Furthermore, he still had to seek revenge! He had to continue working! He had to bear the responsibilities without fail. He had to fight, had to kill C he had to face the endless traps and everything that was crude and dirty in this world, everything that was also high and mighty, everything The spies in the imperial court, the forces of the martial world, the enemy nations, the battlefields on all four sides Everything was supposed to be the shared responsibility of nine people; they had worked together and did their own parts, but now, there was only one person left and all the jobs had multiplied for the sole survivor. The loneliness, the desolation, the helplessness of being alone had to be daunting, yet he had to move forward, persevere and hold out until the end. Even if one were to be made of steel, he would have collapsed a long time ago. It was said that the Empire of Ziyou''s assassin was one of the Nine Supremes'' relatives but Supreme Cloud had witnessed the death of a family Even if had achieved a landslide victory in the recent battle that was clearly a massacre, what was the use of it when his family could not be brought back to life? There was an additional sense of loneliness in this world. The heart was hurt and the soul was gone! Lord Supreme Cloud, how had he persevered until now? Even when he only wished to dream, he had to chase everyone else away, just so he could bawl and chastise to his heart''s content in absolute privacy. It was an almost hopeless sense of abandonment and despondency that Shangguan Lingxiu could empathize with, feeling like her heart was about to be torn apart. She honestly could not imagine how resilient one must be in order to endure all of these. "It''s him, it has to be him" Shangguan Lingxiu murmured as she wept. Truthfully, she was already suspicious of Supreme Cloud''s identity, especially from the meow when the Eclipse Panther had come to relay his message. Now that Supreme Cloud was in the room, separated by a door which did not hold back the true voice of the unconscious man, Shangguan Lingxiu could recognize the owner of that voice immediately. The Supreme Cloud who had been helping her, helping the Shangguan Family of Generals, helping the Empire of Yutang C the Supreme Cloud who had been gracefully at ease and could tease and mock the generals of four nations, was Young Master Yun! It was Young Marquis Yun! The Young Master Yun who had always looked clean, where not a single speck of dust could ever land on him C the man with the gentle smile and tall back. Despite wearing the title of a popinjay, a deliberate investigation would not unveil a single popinjay-like matter that could be relevant to Yutang''s head of popinjays, Young Master Yun No matter how smooth a talker he was, he had never really given in, regardless of time and place. It was Young Master Yun who had always worn a faint smile while calling her "Sister Lingxiu" C it was him! It was actually him! Shangguan Lingxiu finally understood and she realized the many things that had eluded her all this while. No wonder I''ve always felt that Yun Yang carrieD a lot of secrets like he can never truly be figured out. No one can understand what he''s thinking, what sort of aspirations or ambitions he holds No wonder I''ve always felt that this person is thoughtful and he has never shown his true feelings, whether he was joking or truly angry, whether he was being unreasonable Everything has been so illusory! His true self has never been shown to outsiders, no matter the time and place. Now I know why this is so. Yun Yang, in the eyes of others, was only an image, a fake one from head to toe! Young brother Yun, Yun Yang, was Supreme Cloud C Lord Supreme Wind whom the entire Empire of Yutang saw as a deity, a savior! He was weighed down with so many things along his way, how could he be carefree? How could he have the luxury to express his true emotions? The multitude of things he shouldered would have been crippling if it had been anyone else, but he was still elegant now. He did not reveal even the hint of a crack to others. He was alone, no one could understand it C and no one could help him shoulder it in the slightest. If it were not for this exhaustion that had brought him close to the edge, who would have thought that he was actually Supreme Cloud? Translator Note: 1Wudi (޵w d): used as a character name Shangguan Wudi but the Chinese characters, when put together, also stand for nonpareil, peerless, and the like. 435 War at the Southern Border Shangguan Lingxiu felt her heart ache for Lord Supreme Cloud. In the room, a sudden thud could be heard, as if someone who was in deep slumber had fallen off the bed for some unknown reason. The jarring sound was followed by silence. Shangguan Lingxiu was visibly startled, quickly wiping her tears away. Almost at the same time, the door opened with a whine. Supreme Cloud was still wearing the appearance he had donned when he was last seen in Zilong City as he walked out calmly; he looked calm and collected, his gaze razor-sharp. He still gave off his usual tranquil and gentle aura, like he had just woken up from a normal period of sleep, exuding a well-rested vibe. The hysteria he had obviously experienced in his dreams was nowhere to be seen. It was to Supreme Cloud''s surprise when he saw Shangguan Lingxiu sitting on a chair, a dozen feet away from him once he exited the room; her chin was resting on her palm as she appeared to be taking a break with her eyes closed. Yun Yang dared not sleep anymore as he had sensed that there was someone at the door. Seeing that it was Shangguan Lingxiu herself, he could not help feeling surprised amusement. "Lady Shangguan, why are you here? Are you not going to rest?" Shangguan Lingxiu smiled and replied, "I have been receiving an endless stream of messages from the beasts and have gone down to make some arrangements. I was a little busy and only just got up here to find Lord Supreme Cloud awake Has your sleep been undisturbed?" Yun Yang coughed and answered with a smile, "Unprecedentedly so." He mused and asked, "Did Lady Shangguan hear anything here earlier? I seemed to hear someone shouting in my sleep" Shangguan Lingxiu looked taken aback as she replied, "Someone shouted?" Yun Yang nodded. "No? I guess I was just imagining it after all." He continued with a smile, "The Shangguan Family of Generals has finally fulfilled the wish to take General Wudi''s remains back and complete his last request. I still have matters to attend to though, and I''m afraid I won''t be able to send my congratulations personally when you''re all back in Tiantang. I apologize beforehand." "We, the Shangguan Family, will always remember Lord Supreme Cloud''s favor!" Shangguan Lingxiu said smiling. Yun Yang waved his hands. "You will do well to forget it now. It was only a convenience, no need to be concerned about it." Shangguan Lingxiu did not want to get tangled in this topic, so she changed the topic amiably, "Sleeping for so long, you must be hungry. Do you want to eat anything? I can ask for it to be prepared immediately." An odd glint of remembrance flashed in Yun Yang''s eyes as he said slowly, "Do you have Chinese cabbage and tofu on the ship? I would like to make the dish myself." "Chinese cabbage and tofu?" Hearing the ingredients, Shangguan Lingxiu was understandably puzzled. Supreme Cloud had asked to make something himself, but the items were the most ordinary ingredients that one could find; Chinese cabbage and tofu. Anyone who had heard his request would have undoubtedly been surprised. "We do." Chinese cabbage was a common ingredient that could keep for a long time if stored properly, so it was naturally kept in stock on the vessel. While tofu was not a usual ingredient on a ship, the Shangguan Family of Generals had prepared a sufficient amount for this trip. Shangguan Lingxiu paused for a moment before saying, "I''ll give the order for it to be prepared." It was a decision Shangguan Lingxiu made after some hesitation. Yun Yang had requested to prepare it himself, but what he was about to make was the most common Chinese cabbage and tofu; maybe he was using the most common ingredients to disguise his identity, maybe it was a careful way of preventing detection maybe he was like her and did not know how to prepare any dish at all. Helpless, he could only make Chinese cabbage and tofu to feed himself and complete the disguise he was currently wearing. Certain that she understood Yun Yang''s sentiment and wanting to indulge him, Shangguan Lingxiu naturally wished to help Yun Yang save the situation. She would personally supervise the chef to make Chinese cabbage and tofu later; it would at least taste better than what Lord Supreme Cloud, someone who did not seem to know how to cook, could achieve. Yun Yang replied unhurriedly, "I''m sorry, but I insist on preparing it myself." "You are truly going to make it yourself?" Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes widened. "Do you know how to cook?" "My dear lady, I know no other dish except this" Yun Yang smiled faintly. Shangguan Lingxiu watched in surprise on the side as Lord Yun began to get busy and started to putter about. Firstly, for the two Chinese cabbages that he had meticulously selected, Yun Yang peeled the outer leaves away and kept only a small part of the tender core. Then, he carefully peeled the cabbage core piece by piece and washed them clean with the Holy Water Charm before beginning his next step of cutting meat and preparing the oil and spices. Each step was carefully deliberated before being executed. Shangguan Lingxiu grew more curious with his actions. Yun Yang''s steps were carried out neatly, yet each step seemed like a pilgrimage; they were serious and solemn, like a fixed procedure as precise as clockwork. As the ingredients greeted the wok and began to simmer, the aroma gradually drifted up. Yun Yang closed his eyes and lightly breathed in the scent, exclaiming in contentment, "So fragrant!" Fragrant? Didn''t all Chinese cabbage and tofu smell like this? What was so special about it? Although Shangguan Lingxiu was a girl, she knew nothing of the culinary arts and would rarely enter the kitchen; in spite of this, she still relished the wonder of good food. That still did not allow her to see the specialty in Yun Yang''s Chinese cabbage and tofu. Perhaps the uniqueness was not in the Chinese cabbage but in the tofu. The recipe had come to its last step. When the tofu was added, the aroma grew stronger. The Chinese cabbage was cooked to tenderness in the wok before the fire was put out and the lid was put on. After some time, the dish was finally considered complete. Shangguan Lingxiu was still filled with curiosity. What was so precious or intricate about this dish? Lord Supreme Cloud was incredibly solemn about the whole matter, pouring all of his concentration into his workC there had to be something significant about this particular dish. Yun Yang did not rush to consume what he had just cooked; he was still identifying the aroma carefully and seriously. Was it the same as Old Dugu''s Chinese cabbage and tofu in his memory? Finally, he sighed contentedly. The Chinese cabbage and tofu he made still paled slightly compared to the wonderful dish in his memory, but the disparity was not great. He believed that he would be able to replicate the flavor with a few more rounds of practice. "Do you have wine?" Shangguan Lingxiu answered with a smile, "Of course. How can a vessel that carries soldiers have no wine? Allow me to accompany Lord Supreme Cloud as he hoists a drink or two." If she hadn''t figured out Supreme Cloud''s identity before this, Shangguan Lingxiu would never have suggested such a thing, but since she knew that Supreme Cloud was Yun Yang now, she wanted to have a meal with her crush. A strange expression flashed across Yun Yang''s face before he said softly, "I am sorry, but I would prefer to drink alone." "Certainly," Shangguan Lingxiu was momentarily taken aback by the abrupt rejection. She was inwardly shocked and curious if the Chinese cabbage and tofu had some sort of treasured origin or was it related to some past event. Supreme Cloud''s gaze, expression and the vibes he was showing were odd indeed, like an inexplicable lament. Yun Yang had a sip of wine followed by a mouthful of Chinese cabbage and tofu. Each bite was clearly meaningful, in Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes. Yun Yang took the entire afternoon eating the wok of Chinese cabbage and tofu, quietly sampling the dish in the swaying ship. His back was faced towards Shangguan Lingxiu, a dreamy aura constantly clouding his eyes. The afternoon passed just like that. Yun Yang was exceptionally silent throughout the meal. Other than feeding himself bites of Chinese cabbage and tofu and gulps of wine during the process, he ignored everything else, be it information relayed by the Nine Heavens Dictum or any other matters that arose. Shangguan Lingixu felt like he was undergoing a grim ceremony that allowed no one and nothing to interrupt him. Finally, he finished his meal. Yun Yang exhaled a deep breath and said quietly, "Thank you." Shangguan Lingxiu had watched him eat for the entire afternoon despite being famished herself, and she did not notice the time slipping by. She asked curiously, "Lord Supreme Cloud, this Chinese cabbage, and tofu is there any story to it?" "What story is there to tell? It is simply the best dish I''ve eaten in my life, my favorite dish. That''s all," Yun Yang answered with a forlorn smile. The best dish! His favorite dish! That was all there was to it? Shangguan Lingxiu made a mental note and said seriously, "If time permits in the future, allow me to make it for Lord Supreme Cloud." "Sure, I will certainly trouble you if there''s a chance," Yun Yang answered with a smile. He stood up slowly and said, "Time flies indeed. A day has passed. I need to rush back immediately, your vessel moves too slowly for my tastes. I''ll have to make a move first!" Shangguan Lingxiu said sincerely, "Lord Supreme Cloud, do take care!" Yun Yang nodded and soared into the sky without another word. With a loud swoosh, the clouds in the sky gathered abruptly as the wind blew. A piece of cloud then floated away from the deck. "The flames of war are beginning to fill Yutang. Everyone, let us meet again on the battlefield!" His voice resonated but his silhouette was nowhere to be seen. The eight thousand fighters underneath lifted their heads to find the source, feeling their emotions rippling inexplicably. Lord Supreme Cloud was actually on their ship? Had he been there all this while? On the way, Yun Yang sent a few orders to Shui Wuyin. "With all the forces you can muster and at any cost, investigate renowned assassin, ace cultivator, Ouyang Xiaoshe''s news, and whereabouts." "With all the forces you can muster and at any cost, assist Yutang''s military to relay information to ensure uninterrupted warfare." "With all the forces you can muster and at any cost, prompt the people to protect their homes and guard their homeland." "Spread the news, Yutang''s Supreme Cloud is already on the battlefield!" On the receiving end, Shui Wuyin, who had been anticipating news of his return, was rendered speechless. When you finally decide to send news back, why do all three messages start with ''With all the forces you can muster and at any cost''? Can''t you use other words? Is your vocabulary that limited? Although he understood Yun Yang''s current emotional state, the opening for these three messages was the same; there was basically no difference in urgency and priority. What gives? However, Shui Wuyin was still capable of self-analysis, judging and deciding the sequence of the three messages on his own. To assist Yutang military would be first and foremost; it was imminent and brooked no delay. Next would be to prompt the people to defend their homes; only when everyone was united could they overcome the hurdles together. These two were actually connected in sequence. As for Ouyang Xiaoshe''s news, it automatically became the last priority. It was a critical time of war, any personal clues, especially one that was regarding such an unfamiliar name, had to be put aside temporarily. It would not be too late to search for this person when Yutang had overcome its crisis. As for the fact that Supreme Cloud was already making his way to the battlefield, Shui Wuyin had already released the news before Yun Yang had ordered him to do so. Yun Yang was eastbound. Halfway through his journey, he was unsurprised to see the Empire of Ziyou''s troops drawing back from the frontline. It was a troop halfway through their journey to provide relief to the battlefield. Going forward, there were more troops disassembling their tents and packing up. It truly seemed that the Empire of Ziyou was pulling out from this four-nation siege of a war. Yun Yang spent no further time on this aspect and made a turn towards the southern border instead. Compared to the northern battlefield, Yun Yang was relatively more confident in Tie Zheng. Since he was going to assist them anyway, he would return after making a round first. If he had moved in a straight line with both destinations forming the endpoints, he would have saved a lot of time, but he would also miss a lot of places that he could take care of as well. When Yun Yang had rushed to the southern border, the war between Dayuan and Yutang had already erupted and was in full swing. Yutang''s southern main marshal who was in charge of facing the Empire of Dayuan''s heavy troops was Leng Daoyin''s eldest son, Leng Shan. Southern Marshal Leng Shan was currently in a terrible fix. Initially, with Leng Shan''s talent in warfare and the tactic, nothing paled in comparison to the opponent C no, it should be said that Leng Shan''s military talent was not lacking compared to anyone in current times. It was only because he was Yutang''s Marshal Leng Daoyin''s son that his reputation suffered and he was behind Fu Baoguo, Yang Botao, and Tie Zheng. With such a capable general, the southern border should have been free of worry! It was the truth, too. One who was apt in warfare would be assumed to be able to win the war; the reason the southern border had not relayed any news of emergency back was due to this young Marshal Leng. However, the situation was different this time, vastly so. Young Marshal Leng, who could not make bricks without straw, had only three hundred thousand men at his disposal; it sounded like a lot of men, but to face the Empire of Dayuan''s eight hundred thousand-strong army coming from different directions, the situation was grave. The disparity of manpower caused Yutang''s side to be wholly oppressed since the beginning of the war. Firstly, fifty thousand of the middle-ranked army was pressed into immobility on the battlefield. Once they moved, a side of the frontline would collapse. Even if they could take one side down, how should the other three sides react? Any successful assault on either side would spell the start of complete destruction. Leng Shan was antsy. Facing the insane amount of attacks, he could only expend his all and attempt to counter each tactic, one after another. It was impossible to muster a counterattack or retaliatory strike. "This war is different from the past. I can only guarantee one thing." Leng Shan said coldly as he faced his warriors, "Before we''re all wiped out, Dayuan''s army will not be allowed to take even a step past the southern border. To block the enemy at the nation''s gate is our principle, unchanged until death!" Each general had written their wills and made arrangements in the event of their deaths. Facing such a critical and grave situation, the past calm and ease in taking down their enemy were no longer evident. No one had the confidence to leave the battlefield alive once they stepped onto it. In spite of this, they shared the same thought C Before I die, I must kill a few more Dayuan soldiers! If I kill only one, it would be such a waste! "My last order C each soldier of my southern border, all of you, even if you''re going to die, you can only die after you kill four Dayuan soldiers or more!" Leng Shan''s voice was eerily cold. "If you can do that, then this battle can still end with us retaining the border even if we have to die alongside the enemy!" "Even if we have to die together, we swear that we will guard the southern border!" The warriors cheered with their arms raised, their eyes filled with brimming courage and valor. The sound of horns resounded solemnly again from faraway C Dayuan had begun another wave of attacks. "To war!" Leng Shan''s expression was stoic. "This battle might be the last war for all of us. It''s possible that commands will be hard to relay, thus I am announcing my last order here C each platoon, fight within your given autonomy! Fight to your death!" "Even if the platoon''s general falls, the troop shall remain orderly while the assistant general shall be promoted to general at once! The fall of the assistant general will bump the platoon leader up, so on and so forth!" "My request to everyone is that even if your platoon is left with only ten people, order must be kept! It must not collapse!" "Fight!" "Fight, fight, fight!" "Even if blood bathes the battlefield, the battle lines shall not collapse!" The generals'' cheers were loud and vehement. However, just as they turned and were about to step out of the marshal''s tent, a sudden change greeted them. Hush, hush, hush The sound of the wind suddenly enveloped them. The wind normally blew towards the south and Yutang''s troops were marching against the wind; both the climate and geographical location were not to their advantage. However, the southern gale that was just whistling earlier had suddenly switched directions to become a billowing northern wind! Not only that, it was growing stronger by the moment! Despite it being winter, which meant that a northern gale was normal, the abrupt change right now was definitely not! Leng Shan watched the marshal''s flag flutter, feeling a building sense of joy within him as surprise and delight hit him at the same time. "Could it be" As if his words had woken those in a trance, fervent hope flickered in the eyes of the generals right away. "The sudden change in the wind''s direction have the Nine Supremes Lords come at last?" Just thinking about it caused passion to course through everyone at once as they began to look around excitedly. Everyone knew that the most dangerous front among the four sides of the war was the eastern battle line. Despite Fu Baoguo taking the geographical advantage, his military manpower lacked in comparison to Han Sanhe''s massive army; it was a precarious situation. Once the eastern line was destroyed, the threat of subjugation would grow tremendously! As for the southern border, it was the most stable side from past records and the side that the Nine Supremes had assisted the least. No one could guess that the Nine Supremes Lords would actually be present here, especially when they were left with only one Supreme C there was no way he could tend to multiple sides at the same time. Since the beginning, the generals had no hope of the Nine Supremes coming to their aid. The Nine Supremes Lords should be at the eastern defense! However, at the juncture of life and death, of victory and defeat, they were delightfully surprised to learn of the Nine Supremes'' arrival. Leng Shan was the first to rush out, standing in the empty space and looking up into the sky. He observed the surrounding movements and confirmed time and again that the northern gale was getting stronger while its sound grew more fervent. Countless branches began to snap and flew into the Dayuan troops on the opposite side of the field. At the same time, the ice and snow on the ground were slowly melting amidst the crying northern gale. A short while later, a sudden blaze flashed within Dayuan''s troops; like a prairie fire, the sparks melted into an ocean of flame within seconds as it spread towards the south. Leng Shan guessed that those were Dayuan''s tents, war wagons, and military supplies that had been licked clean by the firestorm! As the blaze flickered wild and hot, grey clouds covered the sky as thunder played their drums, lightning strikes pummelling the ground as if heaven was asking thunder to punish the human realm. "It is the Nine Supremes Lords indeed!" Leng Shan watched as the natural phenomena lay waste to Dayuan''s base. Thrilled, he yelled with an arm raised high, "Change of tactics! Attack with full-on retaliation! Return victorious or not at all!" 436 High Altitude Ambush! The sonorous horn resounded; the tent''s drums were beaten in perfect sync while someone hollered hysterically, "The Nine Supremes Lords are here! You heard the marshal''s order, attack in full retaliation! Return victorious!" "Attack! Attack! Return victorious!" On the other side, Dayuan''s base was in mayhem; a number of their generals were in hopeless despair. Victory was so close; the great opportunity of breaching the southern border was within grasp C how could the Nine Supremes have come now? The Empire of Dayuan''s marshal spat blood as he watched the northern gale run amok. The surrounding sparks of fire and the crisscrossing lightning and thunder illuminated the sky. "We have all been fooled." He murmured in a low voice, "Didn''t the Empire of Ziyou announce that they''ve trapped Supreme Cloud? Weren''t they going to annihilate the last sinner of the Nine Supremes? Why is Supreme Cloud here? Why?" "You should have said it earlier if you couldn''t get him Now that his manifestation powers are mightier than in the past when the Nine Supremes were working together, are the hundred thousands of Dayuan''s men going to lose their lives over this false assumption? This this really" "You should have said it earlier! If you had said it earlier, I would have been able to prepare formations that could prevent the Nine Supremes'' ambush. Even if the measures were useless, at least our losses won''t be as severe as it will be now" At this time, the situation continued to unfold; clearly, it was not going to benefit the Empire of Dayuan in the slightest. The air was colored by the crimson tint of blood. All of Dayuan''s soldiers who had been injured felt their blood boiling within them; the crimson liquid gushed from their wounds like a wild spring. Even those who were in better shape felt extremely weak while those who were already weak died immediately from the blood loss. In a single instant, thousands of soldiers fell, the result of the macabre attack. As the northern gale billowed, the flame drowning Dayuan''s base was unstoppable as it soared and spread towards the south. Behind, it was as if Yutang''s troops were assisted by God himself; the crowd roared, charging forward in high spirits as their morale escalated in a single burst. The northern wind blew stronger right at the same time when the battle morale was at its highest. As such, Dayuan''s troops that faced against the wind could not even open their eyes as they tried to fight back. How else could they defend themselves? As glimmers of brilliance shone, the spears and swords that glimmered coldly passed with the company of spluttering blood. The endless sea of flames had also spread, the inferno raging for thousands of miles. Facing the combined attacks of power manifestations, Dayuan''s combat power was rendered frigid, lower than a freezing point. In actual fact, Dayuan''s casualties were not all that high. At least, the number was far from collapsing the entire army based on the total number of eight hundred thousand fighters. However, the naturally-occurring phenomenon, highlighted by the Nine Supremes'' reputation, drained Dayuan''s army of their fighting spirit. Therefore, the collapse of the army began almost immediately. The northern gale squalled, the fire scorched; thunder and lightning intersected while blood spilled in waves. For the two days that followed, Dayuan''s army fell apart, as easily as a bread that crumbled. When they finally got around to reorganizing their military strength, they were shocked to realize that they had already drawn back more than eight hundred miles! "Stay put, reassemble your men!" "We''ve lost this battle!" "Yutang''s morale is boosted; watch out for the enemy''s follow up attack!" Where Yutang''s army massed, the cheers were thunderous. Everyone felt like their chests were about to explode. All of them had thought that they would have to die serving the country in this war, but who could have guessed that the unexpected arrival of the Nine Supremes had turned their impending defeat into a decisive victory! Leng Shan stood at the highest point of the camp base and shouted, "Lord Supreme Wind, Leng Shan, and all the brothers thank you for your help! We wonder if Lord Supreme Wind can descend for a gathering?" What had happened in Ziyou was yet to reach them, so Leng Shan still assumed that the Supreme was Lord Supreme Wind. Once he spoke, the base was silent, waiting for the appearance of the legendary figure in the sky. All the warriors had their heads lifted high, watching the sky with fervor. They wondered if Lord Supreme Wind would come to see them. The clouds surged in the sky; a silhouette materialized quietly amidst the cotton-like wisps. "The east side is in a dire state, I need to rush over at once. Marshal Leng has always been impeccably guarding the southern border. As long as there''s no lust to advance, there are no worries for the border. Brothers of the southern border, let us gather again when Marshal Leng returns to the capital!" Cheers erupted beneath, "So we shall! Glory to Lord Supreme Wind!" The sound of the wind rose while Lord Supreme Wind''s silhouette faded into obscurity; the gale grew fervent again as it sped towards the northeast. "Brothers, it''s up to us now!" Leng Shan yelled in ecstasy, "Lord Supreme Wind has paved the foundation for our victory! If we still manage to lose this war, let us all commit mass suicide instead! Otherwise, we would the biggest laughing stock in history!" The generals chortled in amusement. "We will make the children of Dayuan flee when they hear the wind!" In the sky, Yun Yang, who was manifested as wind, bolted ahead at full speed. The sound of the air being cleaved was vehement, like cutting blades. Whitey Three''s feet were reattached now, but it had yet to recover from its injury and was still very weak. Things were different now. Yun Yang, who had regained his power of manifestations, was not borrowing the Whiteys gliding ability but was instead nourishing the Whitey with the air of vitality as he moved, hugging them in his embrace. The southern border''s war was unexpectedly smooth, the crisis resolved at once with one battle. There were no more worries, thus Yun Yang was naturally happy about his circumstances. Truthfully, Yun Yang had not guessed that the solution would be so simple. Dayuan''s troops had actually formed an all-round attacking position that was based purely on the advantage of their military strength; it gave Yun Yang''s wind and flame manifestations plenty of room to be unleashed. "The change must be because Dayuan knew that Supreme Cloud was trapped in Ziyou, so the generals could attack recklessly. Other than Supreme Cloud''s inability to come and lend his aid, it''s also due to Young Marshal Leng''s renowned prowess for defense. To breach his defense in the shortest amount of time, it was indeed the best idea to besiege the opponent with such a military advantage. However, my sudden arrival has caused the situation to change abruptly into this accidental yet expected defeat!" "If so, Ziyou has actually helped me!" Thinking about it, Yun Yang was highly amused. His assumptions were pretty much the truth and there was also this sole reason that could explain why Dayuan''s marshal, who had led the army for most of his life, could have made such a stupid arrangement. Of course, there was also the improvement of Yun Yang''s manifestation powers; in the past, there would not have been more than four Supremes gathered together, even when the Nine Supremes came to the rescue. Now, Yun Yang himself was already the semblance of six Supremes working in unison, and his powers exceeded what Supreme Wind, Flame and the rest could have conjured. The combination of manifestation powers outshone the Nine Supremes'' past display of power, making it another crucial point to the change of events. "This war has been won, but it''s also a fact that Yutang is gradually losing its ability to keep up." Yun Yang was worried. "The southern border has been the side of Yutang to have the least casualties all these years, only then could it have a three hundred thousand-strong army. However, other than these three hundred thousand southern soldiers, the other relief troops, including those on their way, won''t exceed ten thousand men, no matter how you try to count them." "It can barely help the situation." "The country is at a critical juncture, the moment of its rise and fall has come after all!" "Only by stabilizing the east side striking at Han Sanhe''s troops, can Yutang have at least five years of recuperation!" As Yun Yang made up his mind, his gaze grew colder as his speed increased in the surging clouds. However, as he sped up, an extreme sense of danger arose from the bottom of his heart, seemingly without reason. Yun Yang halted his flight right away, melting his cloud manifestation that had been moving with the wind, dissipating into a soft breeze. The cloud manifestation was intangible, but it still had a slight physical form that could be traced; it was not like the wind manifestation that truly blended into the sky and earth, invisible to sight. Yun Yang was long prepared for enemy forces to ambush him. The reason was simple. His return journey had been smooth, so smooth that it was immediately suspicious, unreasonable even. Yun Yang had been prepared since he left Zilong City. The havoc he had wrought in Zilong City was unexpected, so it was understandable that the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian could not rush there in time. It was well within reason. However, it was odd that there was still no action taken after his massacre, even though a few days had passed since he had escaped Zilong City! The long distance that would take ordinary people half a year to traverse would not take much time for Mr. Nian, an almighty cultivator at the peak of this world. When he had sped to the southern border and had finished the war, the other party had not appeared. The calm before the storm was terribly alarming! That was why it was not much of a surprise for him to be alert for an incoming threat right there and then. It could only be summed into four words C he had come indeed! That was all. Yun Yang dared not lag in his reaction; he dissipated the manifestation of cloud into soft breezes to conceal himself, before checking his surroundings carefully. Stretches of mountains were below him, while snow fell in flurries; silver painted everything he could see, while the mountains seemed endless. There was nothing out of the ordinary. In spite of this, the sense of danger that Yun Yang felt did not fade but grew more intense. The surging gale stopped then, as Yun Yang observed his surroundings thoughtfully. If there were to be danger, the source of it must be within the space in front of him now, but there was nothing there. "Is there another spiritual restraining formation up in front? That would be highly improbable." Yun Yang frowned. "My speed as wind and cloud is paramount. Besides, I''ve assisted the south in a manner that no one could have predicted; my whereabouts would be hard to estimate. After such a big round, who else can be a step ahead of me and set up the spiritual restraint in this definite route that had he no clue I would travel beforehand? Furthermore, in the air above this large stretch of the forest?" "Still, if it''s not a spiritual restraint, what sort of trap would it be?" "I believe it wouldn''t be a head-to-head duel... With my current cultivation base and as long as my manifestation powers are not sealed, nothing much can be done to me, even if it was Mr. Nian who strikes at me personally" Yun Yang pondered to himself. In all honesty, Yun Yang had been very confident about his manifestation powers, but when he had witnessed the blow Mr. Nian''s had leveraged on Lei Dongtian previously, he had been blown away. There was fear, reverence and also shock at his immeasurable ability! It was during his ruminations that a cutting sword energy soared into the sky; the ambush had finally taken place. Yun Yang was not even in time to sense where the sword energy had come from. When he was aware of it, the energy had already manifested itself in a scintillating glow of power. The intense sword energy oppressed everything that was within the space that surrounded Yun Yang C even when he was made up of formless wind and shapeless cloud, he was being torn apart! Despite being manifested as a soft breeze, Yun Yang grunted in pain. How could this sudden attack of the sword actually deal damage to cloud and wind? Yun Yang could distinctly feel that he had been wounded by the sword energy despite his manifestation. In addition, the sword energy had a strange power. It seemed to possess a bizarre control over the spiritual power of heaven and earth; more precisely, it was an all-consuming power. Yun Yang was undeniably startled. What cultivation method was it that could have such unexpected strength? To think that there was actually a sword energy that could consume the spiritual Qi and even had the same effect on the cloud and wind manifestation; he could feel the faint pull despite being a breeze. Aside from the shock, Yun Yang observed the attack cautiously. He surprised himself again when he noticed that the peculiar sword energy could even deal a certain amount of damage to his soul! Yun Yang had never encountered something like this. After the sword light had burst out in blazing glory, it disappeared without a trace. Yun Yang had used all of his deific consciousness, but he still did not understand how the sword light had just vanished. Obviously, the other party''s swordsmanship had reached the pinnacle of skill, and was in a divine state! 437 A Battle of Wits in The Air Yun Yang pushed forward as carefully as he could, and, befitting the breeze he was now, he camouflaged himself by wholly blending into nature and drifted forward as softly as he could. Anyone in Yun Yang''s vicinity or even anything that went through him would not be able to feel anything unusual. It was like the soft caress of a breeze; one could feel it but it left no trace C that would be all! Therefore, Yun Yang, who was in such a state, assumed himself to be in an incredibly ideal form. Then, there was no more movement from below; the other party had completely disappeared, seemingly more adept than Yun Yang in vanishing C whether it was the person, sword, sense, deific consciousness, or even the attack itself, it was like they never existed! The only remnant was the instincts of a cultivator that told of danger. Yun Yang knew that his crisis was far from being resolved. The quieter it was now, the more dangerous it would be later! The moment he let his guard down would be the moment he perished! Moving about a dozen miles in that assumed faultless state, Yun Yang suddenly felt as if he had run headlong into something; perhaps, he had touched something off. It was like a shapeless barrier that stretched from heaven to earth to thoroughly block him within an area and now, he had touched it since he had reached the area''s border. The split second when Yun Yang came into contact with the barrier, he knew that things were awry; he morphed into stray breeze at once and retreated to a perimeter thousands of feet away. Almost at the same time he had moved, the brilliant sword light bolted into appearance out of nowhere and cut the space he had just touched into fragments, just like before! Nothing within that space could possibly have survived. A freshly formed black hole could be seen, the rent in the air slowly recovering. Yun Yang let out another soft grunt in his heart. Although his reaction was timely, and he managed to disperse his own essence, he had still been struck by the sword energy; the smallest amount of it caused his divine sense to throb with crackling pain. In addition to that injury, his mind felt muddled while his internal organs felt like they were on fire, pulsing with agony. The strike this time had caused even more serious damage than the previous one C it was an all-round attack that managed to break through to his physical, mental, soul, and deific consciousness! Yun Yang suspected that this bizarre sword energy was created to target his manifestations; it was not against the tangible physical body, but only against the soul, inflicting damage to the physical body and mental faculties indirectly from the divine sense. Such power was indeed terrifying. Yun Yang who was already alert was even more on guard. The sword light had scored, yet, did not really linger, disappearing once again like it had never existed. It was also like it had melted into the air as its points of origin and departure could not be seen at all. The circumstances were peculiar! The crisis Yun Yang felt grew stronger than before. He soared upwards rapidly, at least ten of thousands of feet above the ground, but he could still feel the sense of danger that latched onto him, not even leaving for a moment. Regarding this, Yun Yang lamented inwardly. Yun Yang was never one to give up easily, or else he would not have gone up against a city, despite knowing Zilong City was set up with the spiritual restraining formation previously. He knew the limits of his true capability, but he had still chosen to be full of bravado in threatening Ziyou''s emperor and officials to take back the Niello Bear''s mystical core. There were too many examples of his persistence. Coming back to the matter at hand, Yun Yang was truly clueless as to any countermeasures now. The capability and power of this skulking fellow was not something he could tackle; the strength was even much stronger than Ling Xiaozui''s, in Yun Yang''s knowledge! Could Mr. Nian have turned up personally? However, how could Mr. Nian be this formidable? What sort of standard would he have to be at? Perhaps his estimation of Ling Xiaozui''s capability had been wrong. It had to be. Just like he had previously thought that Old Bai''s performance was excellent but sixth heaven''s Old Bai was still not an opponent of Jun Moyan''s single strike. It seemed that ignorance was truly bliss! Just as Yun Yang was musing, the sword light came again. It flashed before vanishing, never lingering for long. In that exchange, I Yet Yun Yang felt like his divine sense was being struck. Yun Yang did a rough calculation; the opponent had probably used some method of discernment, as if already knowing that he was in the area of this vicinity. Now, the sword energy had locked down approximately fifty thousand feet in a perimeter around the space entirely. It was undoubtedly a massive area, but the other party''s sword, his speed, and strength, was able to omit the space and distance, appearing wherever it wanted to be If he lingered, perhaps Yun Yang would be killed very soon! There was no luck to be spoken of. No matter how he manifested and diverted himself, the tactic of his opponent could be repeated countless times; the series of attacks could be fatal ultimately, ridding him of the ability to maintain his wind manifestation. It was Yun Yang''s first time to encounter such a situation. Despite the fear in his heart, he could not sit around and wait for his death! Therefore, he began thinking anxiously C what should he do to escape and free himself from the current crisis? Currently, the most lethal point was the geographical advantage. The other party had set the unusual border to box him within a certain area. He had to change this disadvantage to better his own situation, but how could he do it? The general wind direction was towards the northeast. If he had changed the direction abruptly, there would be an oddity that would result in him being caught and killed at the instance of change! It was more or less the same if he were to switch to a cloud. Blood? Water? Flame? These manifestations could not be used either! There was the thunder manifestation its speed was faster than the wind but the depletion was overly draining. Besides, he would make an obvious target. Even if he turned into thunder and lightning, it was still a piece of cake to be killed in at the snap of his fingers. Helpless, Yun Yang could only maintain his trail of drifting slowly and floating towards the south. It was not that there was no reason behind his action The south was the nearest to the ground and where the highest peak below was. His enemy should be here, drawing away the sword that was targeting him. If he drifted towards the north, he could stay away from his enemy, but doing so would allow one to fall into the foe''s focused direction; it was inadvisable. "The more dangerous a place is, the safer it is. Now that nothing can be done, I can only take the risk and walk the opposite direction, as expected of me" Yun Yang continued moving slowly towards the south, but had directly divided himself into millions of slivers of breeze, extracting himself quietly. Below him, the sword light took action again, still flashing as it had before and somewhere near the barrier was torn into a void within an instance once more. This time though, it did not affect Yun Yang; it was a lost arrow, actually not hurting him. Then, the sword light did not vanish, but it blinked thrice continuously. The thousand feet of space near the north was torn into three black holes almost simultaneously. If Yun Yang had been within the vicinity of the black holes, he would have been severely injured and would have lost his wind manifestation even if he could survive the attacks. In a way, Yun Yang''s decision to move thousands feet southward in the short period of time was exceptionally brilliant. The three strikes did not deal any damage to him, but Yun Yang had the chills from being terrified. The power the strikes possessed, especially when he watched them with his own eyes, made it hard to put the petrification he felt into words. More so, he was already watching from the side but Yun Yang was still yet to discover where the sword light had come from and returned to. It was unbelievable! With Yun Yang''s current cultivation base that had entered the heaven realm, it was not top notch but the ordinary Tenth Perfection grandmasters were no longer his opponents, being able to take them down in one strike. The battle in Zilong City prior to this had already proven this point. In spite of it, he still could not figure out this opponent he was currently facing, not even one bit. If Yun Yang''s wind manifestation were to be breached, he would most probably die in pieces... his soul would be annihilated and irrecoverable too, which meant a horribly complete death. After several futile strikes at the north, the bizarre sword light paused for a second, like it was thinking. Yun Yang''s train of thought was jolted as well, quickly maneuvering his wind form to the north. Where he put himself right now was exactly the spot where the void was being sliced open by the three continuous strikes. Indeed, just as he began to move, the petrifying sword light started flashing numerously across the thousands of feet of space from north to south. It was soon obvious that Yun Yang''s guess was correct; upon attacking in vain, the sword''s owner had guessed Supreme Cloud''s thoughts and countered them at once, striking again without hesitation. If Yun Yang were to be just a step slower, he would not have avoided the series of blows. Amidst the engulfing fright, a hint of delight rippled in Yun Yang C he had seen a favorable turn, perhaps the crux related to this battle''s outcome! "Mr. Nian has remarkable intelligence and prescience. It''s obvious that he''s already sure that I''m in this area, so he''ll definitely exhaust his ways to kill me. He won''t give up on such a good opportunity." "However, it''s one thing to be sure I''m here and another to actually secure where I''m really at. His incessant strikes at the north isn''t intended to kill, but to probe. After realizing the situation, he''d definitely clean up his surrounding areas." "So his surroundings will become the most dangerous place at this time. moving to where he''s just attacked will, instead, be the safest spot." Yun Yang thought nervously. "Still, what will he do after scanning the south? How can I utilize the point that he can''t actually pinpoint my exact location?" "He has most probably guessed that I''ve taken refuge at the place where he has just attacked for temporal safety, so after he has blasted the south and continued to lay siege in the south, what I should do is continue northward?" 438 I Am Who You Long to Kill! Yun Yang racked his brain in desperation. "He has moved from the south to the north, so he won''t be committing the same mistake twice. I believe his next wave of attacks will be in the southern direction." "Wherever he has directed his assaults isn''t safe any longer. I can''t linger here anymore." As Yun Yang was making up his mind, his wind form continued to travel northward. Sword light flashed ominously again in the south, brightening the sky for at least a dozen times in succession before it finally stopped. In that time, Yun Yang had already moved tens of thousands of feet away. Seeing that the attacks had ceased, he immediately slowed himself down. Peering intently into the distance, the southern quadrant only enjoyed a moment of peace before the sword light blazed in fury again. "The time gap is far too short. Mr. Nian is still suspicious over there indeed. It doesn''t fare well for me, seeing as to how efficiently he is reacting to this." Yun Yang sighed in despondency. Yun Yang entertained the possibility of escaping. As long as he could put fifty thousand feet of distance between himself and Mr. Nian''s sword-energy controlled area, he could flee! However, he would never be able to do that within such a short span of time. The moment he made a single misstep or if Mr. Nian got lucky, the situation would turn dire indeed! After Mr. Nian had leveled his power in the southern direction twice, he changed his sights once again; Yun Yang guessed that it would be a free-ranged attack and the only relatively safe position now would be the very place where Mr. Nian had earlier unleashed his fury. Yun Yang flew with utmost haste, rushing over to the area that had just been blown apart by the sword light. It was a battle of wits. Both of them were intelligent men and the only that set them apart would be that if Mr. Nian had made a wrong guess, Yun Yang would have the chance to escape. It was only a chance though; if Yun Yang guessed wrong, he would end up within Mr. Nian''s targeted area of sword light and meet an untimely end. Yun Yang was in a high-stakes battle; he was wagering with his very life. Even as attempted to maintain control over his deific consciousness intricately, cautious with his manifestation in order not to give himself away, he was also trying to sidestep the force from the sword energy that lingered in the air. He was like a moth that flapped towards the fire; charging headlong into its demise. He had to move very quickly, yet if he got careless in his haste, he would accidentally be killed by the sword lift. If he were to be a split second slower, he would then be caught in Mr. Nian''s trap! The calculations needed for the execution of such an outrageous plan was staggering. While the lingering sword light was still gleaming like silver snakes, Yun Yang was already approaching the border of a black hole slit open by the energy. Like a promise made earlier, the sword light disappeared right away the moment Yun Yang stepped into the area. It was a close call; Yun Yang barely made it into the vicinity of the black hole. The crackling in the void slowly recovered while Yun Yang, who was in the form of a breeze, could barely be detected. On the other side of the void, a free-range attack of the sword light covering a massive area arrived as expected C Mr. Nian had struck again! Mr. Nian had obviously poured a lot of energy into this latest attack and Yun Yang was acutely aware that this moment might be the only hope at survival he had in this battle. If he continued staying at a high altitude, his opponent would force him out sooner or later. The only way out now was to risk everything; he would land to escape the high altitude trap. Only then would he think about the aftermath. Yun Yang bolted downwards like a meteorite. Right behind him, the sword light wreaked havoc once again; the falling snowflakes and grey clouds were torn asunder, shattered by the dense sword light that stabbed from all sides. Thousands of trails of sword light and sword energy glimmered, crisscrossing in the air like endless waves of spectral wonder. Yun Yang was already within five hundred feet from the ground, but at that exact moment, the tyrannical sword light suddenly halted, without warning. Immediately, the sword light flashed again, but this time, it had made a U-turn, heading towards the ground. With a loud concussion, the accumulated snow on the ground was thrown into the air, the snow turning into sharp sword energy accompanied by a loud cry. The energy spread out over an area of ten miles, setting the ground alight in a crisscross pattern; the fervor of the attack was even more intense now than it ever was! The enemy had correctly guessed Yun Yang''s plan. It was fortunate that Yun Yang had already expected such an attack to happen, and was ready with a countermeasure. Despite his best efforts at readiness, he still felt as if his body was being sliced and diced when the attack washed over him, leaving him feeling worse than being cut during torture. The accumulated energies were surprisingly and devastatingly dense despite the fact that it covered such a large area. Of course, what was more important was that Yun Yang was still struck as expected; this was one of the points in escaping this battle! Yun Yang fought back the sudden onset of unconsciousness and landed on the ground quietly, throwing out a tidal attack before executing the Holy Water Charm immediately. Water droplets melted, as if from the abrupt change occurring to the underground snow, and sunk into the lower layers of ice. The sword energy in the sky stabbed into the forest. Every inch of earth was thrown in the air by the intense sword light, while each snowflake that came into contact with the sword energy shattered daintily. The trees covered in thick snow were not saved from the attacks as well; they all shattered and exploded into smithereens, as if in the aftermath of a natural calamity. A faint voice could be heard calling from the sky, "Supreme Cloud, I know that you are here, somewhere!" Yun Yang was currently buried underneath the snow; although he had seeped deep into the earth, being manifested as water, he still felt new wounds being added to his body incessantly. He gritted his teeth (or at least, imagined that he did) and endured it, Emmie''s unending air of vitality replenishing and healing him. He pointedly tried to ignore his weakened state, lest he fainted. The loud noises outside might as well have been pins dropping to him. If he had fallen unconscious at this time, his enemy would have the final say; he would only have bragging rights if he made it out of this one alive. The snow above crunched, hinting that someone had landed on it and was walking over at a slow and graceful pace. The voice was still talking. It sounded elegant, an authoritative sense that overlooked the entire world was laced deep within it. The aura of superiority gave the hint of a man who had already grasped the power to kill or pardon all lives on earth. "You are truly intelligent, even your spiritual sense is very sharp as well. You can actually sense the danger beforehand. I admire this very much." As the person spoke, rich sword energy was still being unleashed in hisses of fury. Just as Yun Yang had expected, he could not pin-point Yun Yang''s exact location, but his wide-spread attack had still included Yun Yang within it. He was certain of his enemy''s rough position, that he was fifty thousand feet around him, thus he did not expend his energy any further than that. It was as if he was completely affirmed that Supreme Cloud must be within this boundary that he had singled out. The clear voice was still speaking, like two old friends who were having a conversation over hot tea. "Such a spiritual sense is very precious. People who possess such inclinations whom I''ve met in my life will definitely be an unparalleled expert if they were to be in the martial world, a marshal of their time if they were in the military, and a reputable official if they were to be in the imperial court." "This sort of spiritual sense is the most precious present the God bestows upon us humans. Nothing can replace it." "Everyone possesses this spiritual sense innately, but there are only hundreds in this world since the beginning of time who can use it efficiently. It''s even rarer in this century of ours." "Your second strength is intelligence! I''ve rarely seen a young one who is as clever, as wise, as tactical, and as foresighted as you are! You''ve done well, very well indeed." Despite the congratulatory note in his voice, the sword light was still hissing loudly as it stabbed through the air, trying to annihilate its target. "However, being clever doesn''t mean being wise, while being clever and wise doesn''t equal to being tactically sound. It is rare to find one who is foresighted and scheming enough to possess all three but you are the exception." "The brains of the Nine Supremes, you remain true to your reputation indeed." "You managed to catch my men one by one and wipe them out successively when you were still only mildly capable. This is already very valuable but what I prize even more is that you''ve maintained the secret of your identity even after all these actions. Even I will have to say that I''m impressed by you." "If our positions were to be switched, I might not have the confidence to have done what you did." "You are Supreme Cloud, the brains of the Nine Supremes, but you disguised yourself as both Supreme Wind and Flame, reviving your majesty with billowing gales and soaring fire. You''ve concealed your true form in the fog, giving up your name, without a care for your reputation. Not everyone can do this." "Still these things aren''t what I admire most about you. It was earlier, during the very short encounter we had. You didn''t see me nor did I see you but you''ve grasped my psychology accurately, avoiding my attacks using the blind spots of my thoughts and flirting with death." "You used the blind spots of my thinking to seek your chance to escape. Our cultivation bases are vastly different, like heaven and earth, but you''re able to calculate my every step precisely and got to this current stage. Such skill is rare, truly rare!" "Supreme Cloud, you''re really a genius!" The elegant voice was sighing as if sympathizing with the "Supreme Cloud" that he had mentioned. However, the hissing sword energy had never stopped throughout the long stretch of monologue. Yun Yang felt the sword energy gliding across his body at least a dozen times during the tirade. It was a mere touch, but the unintentional gliding was already damaging Yun Yang severely since the injury was dealt straight at his deific sense. The soul''s pain went straight to the deeper part of his consciousness, thus it was more agonizing than ordinary physical wounds. "If I had a choice, I would wish to take you in as a comrade, rather than to waste such talent." The voice sighed dejectedly, "It''s too bad that I have to kill you." "Our stances are wholly different. To reach such an irreconcilable stage, I wonder if you would like to know why I must kill the Nine Supremes." Yun Yang''s heart almost stopped at this question that had been so casually tossed out in the open. He struggled not to leap right out and reveal himself to ask his opponent face to face C this was the biggest question mark in his heart all along. In spite of the temptation, he dared not give any reaction right now. The voice continued to speak, "The Nine Supremes and I, we share no grudges in the past or in the present. Yet, I have plotted, set up traps, including the ambush at Tianxuan Cliff, blatantly intending to annihilate all of the Nine Supremes how can all this be without a reason?" "I believe you must be confused about this. Have you always been bewildered?" The person seemed to be speaking to himself now, but Yun Yang knew that this was all amind game. He was purposefully talking about topics he was interested in; his goal was to cause his divine sense to experience turbulence. With a proficient cultivation base and almighty tricks, a practitioner would be able to sense any turmoil of his emotions immediately. By then, only death would greet him. Yun Yang suppressed his scattered thoughts so that he could remain unmoved. The voice continued in a deceivingly gentle tone, "I know you understand what I mean, but you are obviously someone who can control yourself very well. You''re very rational, you know what choice is the right one currently in order to have the slimmest chance of survival. Still, I wish to tell you that it''s useless." "You must be wondering how I can be sure that you must be within this boundary." "Even though you were hidden at such high altitudes, I still confirmed your position within a certain area and kept my attacking range within its limits. Aren''t you the slightest bit curious about this?" "No matter how you try to hide, I will never leave if you are still alive." The person above was smiling faintly, "As long as you draw breath, I will feel it. This battle will never end." "I know that you''re waiting for me to lose my patience, to be doubtful of my own judgment, and to leave in disappointment. I want to tell you that your wish will never be realized." "Even if you don''t move for a year, I shall watch over this spot for as long as it takes." The elegant voice was speaking faintly, without any temper and with some sense of amusement, "If one year isn''t enough, we can do ten years instead. I can afford it, I truly can!" "Therefore, there''s no luck to speak of for you in this battle. Even if you''re a genius, the disparity of our abilities can''t be helped! Supreme Cloud, if you come out now, I can answer all the questions you have and allow you to die without regret." "Otherwise, there will only be one ending if you continue to hide C you will rot where you stand, with your boundless questions and regrets to keep you company." "I believe you know who I am. Your guess was right all along." There was a smirk in the voice as it announced, "I am who you long to kill C the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian!" 439 A Piercing Pain Yun Yang was hiding underneath the snow, trying his hardest to suppress his emotions and warned himself over and over again. "Mr. Nian! The person outside is really Mr. Nian!" "That man standing outside is my nemesis! I have to persevere, survive this battle! I must not give up until the moment I kill him!" "Otherwise, I will never rest in peace. Not only will I die in restlessness, my brothers and family won''t rest in peace as well!" "If I were to give up, how can this boundless debt of blood and colossal grudges be resolved?" "No matter how he infuriates or provokes me, I have to carry on." "I must press ahead!" "I can''t die!" "I must not die!" Yun Yang repeated it like a mantra, and his emotions eventually cooled down again. Mr. Nian had no idea that his mind game, which he thought had managed to cast doubt on his enemy, had instead become Yun Yang''s source of stability. He was falling prey to his own trick. A wise man''s intelligence might not go according to his wishes; sometimes, it worked adversely. Therefore, the use of mind tricks was subtle; it did not always work as planned. He graceful voice continued to ring in the air, his words growing more vicious, a stark contrast to his gentle and sonorous tone. "That day, during the fight at Tianxuan Cliff, the Nine Supremes, whose reputation intimidated Tianxuan''s countries, had arrived, but they had lost their manifestation powers that had rocketed them to their fame. I can still remember the gory scene, I can still recall the Nine Supremes'' leader, Supreme Earth, dismembered in a palm strike. Even his head as broken into seven or eight different pieces. Supreme Earth indeed... he eventually turned into soil himself. I don''t think anyone could have survived that. Still, he died in a manner befitting his status C he returned to the earth, like earth. Undoubtedly, Supreme Earth would have to die on earth!" Yun Yang felt his heart clench violently, the pain indescribable. It was a suffocating agony, an extreme sensation that could barely be put into words. However, he had to endure it! No matter how painful and how it was clawing at him, he had to grit his teeth and see through it! "I can''t be angry. I can''t be impulsive! He is saying all these to force me out. Being so concerned about my life and death, the Nine Supremes'' power must have the capacity to threaten him. I mustn''t be reckless, I have to think about the future Oh, how I really want to charge out and die fighting!" No one would know and no one could understand how excruciating such tolerance and waiting was. It was a torture that wrenched the physical, soul and mind, bit by harrowing bit. Despite all of these, he had to keep his cool! The voice outside still came drifting in like a chant as it chuckled, "Painful? Do you feel the unbearable ache? Do you feel like you''re breaking down? Don''t you wish to fight, with your life on the line? Even being killed in one swift slash is ten thousand times better than what you are feeling right now. That is my prized achievement in life!" "Another Supreme actually ran amuck when he saw Supreme Earth die To think, he actually charged over without raising any of his defenses, and naturally, he got beaten to a pulp, dying even more thoroughly than Supreme Earth had. Let''s see, what else was there? Oh, did you know that Supreme Gold came out roaring, and challenged all the experts present, saying that he wanted to fight them one on one? Now that I think about it, that impulse then must have been an attempt to protect you, wasn''t it?" Past memories that had been sealed away resurfaced again. Yun Yang''s emotional state was put under such pressure that he could barely hold on, teetering on the brink of breaking down. He had been keeping himself from recalling all those things, from thinking about the raw past but his composure was being knocked askew now, unmanned by the culprit himself. Yun Yang then realized that the memories actually remained fresh in his mind; not a single detail had faded with time. "It has been destined that there will only be death here today, but we can''t all die here!" It was the eldest Supreme Earth who was speaking; his tone was grim and stern. "Our remaining abilities can only allow us to strike one last time now. There can''t be any mistake." "Only one of us will be able to make it out." "I hope it''s ol''Ninth." Supreme Earth''s voice was rushed. His eyes looked over the brothers repeatedly, as if wanting to imprint them in his mind, so they could reunite in the yellow spring once again. "Ol''Ninth is the youngest among us, but his intelligence triumphs over us all. He takes action after contemplation and he has always predicted the enemy''s moves with precision and foresight; at the same time, only with him staying alive can he activate the Residence of Nine Supremes after this and obtain what belongs to ol''Eighth. Subsequently, he will access to the rest of our cultivation methods cultivating all of the Nine Supremes'' arcane magic alone and gathering the power of the Nine Supremes within him!" "The rest of us can only start in the middle, and we will only end up being pale imitations of ourselves, if anything at all." "Therefore, we can die, but ol''Ninth must stay alive. This hope must be given to him!" "The only hope we have must be entrusted to him!" "The legend of the Nine Supremes shall stay alight if Supreme Cloud remains alive!" "In the future, he C will be the new Nine Supremes!" The other brothers did not say a thing, listening to Supreme Earth''s arrangement earnestly. Their gazes spoke of an unadulterated agreement; no one hesitated nor did they doubt their eldest in the least. The only voice of rejection came from C "I disagree!" Yun Yang could hear himself saying, "We stay alive together and we die together! What do you mean, placing the hope of survival on me? I don''t want it! I don''t crave for it! What''s there to be afraid of death?" His words then mimicked that of a headstrong child; there was nothing about what he said that resembled the words of a wise person who was calm in the face of chaos. "Knock him out. Take his mask off and find a brother to replace him! We can''t use our arcane skills anyway, all eight hundred of us are the same! Whoever wears the mask now can be Supreme Cloud, that person will be one of the Nine Supremes!" Supreme Earth''s voice was a low growl and was also what Yun Yang heard last, in addition to a few more from chants from his other brothers. "Scratch his face, create the illusion of serious injury." "My youngest brother my good brother!" "Stay alive!" "You must live on! If you die, we will have no more hope!" Then, he knew nothing more, entering a state of false death. An excruciating pain drowned him, together with a heavy blow on his head. He was in a thorough state of confusion; the only feeling he had was his brother''s powers that were trembling with anticipation. It was the activation of the last of their arcane powers. Then there was no more. When he regained consciousness, he realized that he was like a tattered doll, buried deep under the ground with one leg left outside C no, it was broken outside and had been hacked into sections, while his head had caved in like a smashed watermelon. There was a big hole where his heart used to be, a fatal injury if ever there was one. Obviously, his brothers had given him a disguise, but the enemy was thorough in their work; they had still smashed his head and jabbed a large hole in his heart. Finally, he had been buried, covered by all the other corpses in the end. The combination of the Nine Supremes'' last remnants of power had instigated the response of his cloud manifestation power. The result of their efforts had come into effect; despite being under the spiritual restraint they had created a miracle by giving Yun Yang a chance to survive a lethal injury! There was also that lotus seed They were the ones that had made him what he was today. All my brothers'' hopes are on me C I can''t go out, I can''t die! Outside, Mr. Nian''s vile voice continued to drawl, "It is understandable that you wouldn''t understand why we attacked. Similarly, I don''t understand how you managed to escape death then." "There was a total of eight hundred and nine people and we gathered eight hundred and nine corpses. There was no mistake in this! Each person was also dismembered, had their hearts removed and their heads smashed but Supreme Cloud, why aren''t you dead yet?" Yun Yang''s heart was dripping blood. "You have remained resilient, unwilling to come out. That is fine. I will keep you company here until you can''t carry on or maybe until the moment you come out from the inability to persist in your stubbornness." The voice outside was faint. "Yutang''s eastern defenses is about to be breached anyway the Empire of Yutang shall become history soon. This will not be changed whether you come out or not. A year or two, three years or five, I shall continue to wait here!" A faint chuckle could be heard at the end of the sentence. "This is not too bad actually. At least, I know that you''re here. As long as you''re not dead, I can sense it!" "I shall let you continue to persist like this. When the Empire of Yutang that you''ve guarded with your life falls, when you''ve come out then, everything will be but a drifting cloud C that''s not too bad an ending, is it?" Yun Yang''s heart sunk. That was his other fatal concern, and Mr. Nian had guessed it correctly. If he were to be stuck here,Fu Baoguo would be at the mercy of Han Sanhe''s million-strong army, no matter how brave he was in the east. Once the east side was breached, the enemy would swarm in. With no hope of a defense, Yutang would definitely fall under Han Sanhe''s Steel Cavalry! 440 War in the Eas Yun Yang was indeed overwrought with the current situation but he could do nothing about it. Facing such a formidable foe, it was already tough enough to see if he could save himself and whether he could remain hidden lest he be killed. Escaping or even winning the battle? Well, those were merely wild wishes. What should he do now? "We won''t bear the massive responsibility of a dynasty''s rise and fall, but trapping you here is enough to ensure that will happen." It was still Mr. Nian''s voice, but he was chortling triumphantly this time as if everything was within his grasp. That wasn''t very far from the truth, all things considered. Yun Yang could only endure it without moving, endure it perennially until his energy was all used up, until he could no longer keep going. There was no solution to his current plight. Yun Yang was already feeling pins and needles, but he had no way out! On the battlefield at the eastern border, the army Han Sanhe had planted stretched dozens of miles long, like a black tide that swept everything away, wherever they went. The Empire of Dongxua''s main troop was moving very slowly. All the water sources along their way fell into their control; they did not miss a single one. The ground near the battleground had been cleaned up to ensure that all the trees and plants within the field of vision were removed; even some of the higher hills were forcefull leveled out by the ace cultivators on Han Sanhe''s instructions. Dongxuan''s base was arranged into a large fan shape, with a concave formed in the middle. The troop moved forward while maintaining such a formation. In addition, all the nozzle areas along their journey were enlarged. Although the conspiracies were a collaboration among the four countries to trap Supreme Cloud in Ziyou, Han Sanhe would never grow careless as Dayuan''s marshal. The formation he had set up now was specifically to target as well as defend against the Nine Supremes! Whether it was wind, cloud, thunder, water, or flame, no one could hope to breach a gap here. If Supreme Cloud were to meet his demise in Ziyou, that would be great; otherwise, there would be no place for him to strike even if he made it to the battlefield. At least, there was hardly a chance he could deal as much massive damage as he had in the past. Those who had arrived and were formally fighting with Fu Baoguo on the official battlefield were only Zhan Ge''s two-hundred-thousand-man army! Both sides had been at a standstill for a long, long time. Fu Baoguo remained calm and collected throughout the entire ordeal; he had been stable and efficient, steady like a mountain. He would pick a certain period every day to gather his generals together and have a light-hearted conversation with them. He looked completely at ease, not at all concerned about his opponent or this war. Still, his expression would turn into a tight frown when he was alone, filled with worry and misgivings. Dongxuan''s Zhan Ge was only his warm-up exercise; the real test was yet to come. That being said, the current state was already heated and exceptionally fervent! Zhan Ge''s troops had never entered the main battlefield, only deploying a small portion of their manpower to cause mischief and disruption. However, he would send the army for an aggressive battle every other day, but they would draw back immediately after some time, without reluctance. Fu Baoguo knew that Zhan Ge was but expending his available force bit by bit, causing his troops to tire out and making the situation a favorable one when Han Sanhe''s army finally got here. Understanding it was one thing, but it was another thing to retaliate; there was nothing he could do except to react passively and play into the enemy''s hands. As for Han Sanhe''s delayed arrival, he must be exhausting all sort of tricks to prevent and counter the Nine Supremes'' ambushes along his way. Fu Baoguo had employed a similar tactic as well! The mountains on the left and right of the Fortress of Resilience had all been cleared by Fu Baoguo. Even the stones had been moved into the fort as a reserve supply. The mountains nearby had been deforested as well, but the forests beyond that had not been cleared. Instead, he had sent his soldiers to whittle them into sharp trunks half a man tall. They were jam-packed with traps within the mountains, making sure that the geography would not assist Dongxuan''s attack. For thousands of miles, Fu Baoguo had embedded no less than a hundred thousand traps. The land and forest had basically become a beehive of deadly pitfalls, bristling with death. The east side of Yutang faced the Empire of Dongxuan directly while Dongxuan''s military strength was at the peak of the current time; they even had the first-ranked marshal of the continent, Han Sanhe, as their main driving force. The east border had always been Yutang''s most concentrated side, in terms of military disposition. Now, both sides of the battlefield were guarded heavily by armored soldiers. Yutang''s three hundred and fifty thousand man army was arranged into a wing-shaped formation by Fu Baoguo, the defenses were thick like a steel bucket from all around; it could be said that it was impossible to penetrate and flawless. However, the formation was only suitable under normal circumstances or common situations. Once Han Sanhe''s main battalion arrived, a head-on war would destroy most of Fu Baoguo''s traps and setups! While waiting for Han Sanhe''s arrival, Yutang had relief troops filtering in every day. They were sent officially by the Empire of Yutang, there were also practitioners among the people who volunteered. They were martial artists coming in scattered groups, they were assistance sent in squads by schools and sects All in all, the relief came in endless droves, adding about ten thousand to the headcount each day. Even then, Fu Baoguo did not truly feel relieved. The skilled martial artists were far more superior than ordinary soldiers in terms of individual combat power, but once they entered the war formation or the battleground, their value might not be truly apparent. The most important aspect in the battlefield had always been discipline and cooperation. It had never been about individual heroism or solitary brute force! These people who came to help had to undergo a certain amount of training before they could step foot into the battleground. Otherwise, their help might be of adverse effect instead! In comparison, those who came from schools or sects could easily be put to use. After all, they had discipline and cooperation among each other, equipped with a tacit understanding of how things worked in battle. Unfortunately, they could not immediately blend into the army and be used as approved soldiers. These people who came as additional help would never be able to obey words like they were law and prohibitions! Standing on the Fortress of Resilience and overlooking the smog rising from the far east, the flags fluttering in the sky, and seeing another troop arriving at the fort from Dongxuan, Fu Baoguo''s frown grew deeper. Looking over, he could easily tell that another two hundred thousand men had arrived to augment his opponent''s forces. Even then, Han Sanhe''s main army was still lagging behind, advancing slowly without the need to rush. It was not only Yutang that had relief troops arriving within these few days. Dongxuan had an endless stream of manpower making their way as well. Large amounts of men came from almost every direction within the Empire of Dongxuan. Zhan Ge''s location like an ocean with intersected rivers, attracting the water from all the lakes in Dongxuan to flow and assemble here C uniting the army in a single spot to attack in a concerted effort! If the assembly was smooth, then their morale would be boosted infinitely; his own men would feel the mounting pressure. It was most detrimental to his military motivation! "Wang Dingguo!" Fu Baoguo was decided at once, yelling coldly to summon his best general. "Here!" "Thirty thousand Steel Cavalry are yours. Go forth to fight!" "Yes!" "The enemy''s relief troop has just arrived, boosting their momentum. We must destroy that momentum." Fu Baoguo''s eyes were gleaming, his voice cold as the grave, "I''m giving you thirty thousand men from the Steel Cavalry. I ask for complete victory, but on this basis, I have an additional request. After attacking, you have to bring back at least twenty-five thousand people!" "This subordinate" "If you bring even one person less, I''ll have you sentenced to military law!" Fu Baoguo said coldly, "The current state has us at a disadvantage. Only by infringing the enemy''s formation to dampen their spirits with minimal casualties can they be shaken. If I let you bring thirty thousand Steel Cavalry only to let you die there, what''s there to be shocked about, even if you die tragically? They can die, but our side cannot afford such casualties!" "This subordinate understands. I will do all I can, not stopping until I die!" "The crux of this battle falls upon the new arrival of the enemy. Their morale is boosted, but their men and horses are exhausted. You can filter into the connecting spaces between Zhan Ge''s troop and the newcomer''s troop, then slaughter everyone on your way back! As long as you move quickly, it''s not hard to achieve that objective." Fu Baoguo watched the two troops that were approaching each other rapidly from far away and said coldly, "They want to meet and ignite their military motivations. Even if it''s a military coward, such an affair will bring them sudden brute courage and boldness" "What I want you to do is to wipe out that brute boldness completely!" "Even if Dongxuan''s morale can''t be destroyed thoroughly, at least the passion ignited by two troops assembling must not appear!" "Go!" Wang Dingguo roared, receiving the arrow of an order, and turned to leave with big strides, wearing the color of determination on his face, Fu Baoguo watched him leave stoically. He knew that their enemy''s morale was escalating during this period of time and now, at this moment, it was the best time to muffle that imposing manner of theirs C when you''ve built your momentum to a certain level and I stifle it in one go, it will only give rise to a more intense sense of defeat. As long as this was accomplished smoothly, the prospect of the army growing before them would not be much of a threat C at least until Han Sanhe himself arrived. Zhan Ge was receiving the latest arrival of their relief troops while the Shadow Cavalry was still recuperating in the frontline base. Fu Baoguo believed that the enemy''s Shadow Cavalry would not be able to react in time to help if he made a detour and stabbed straight into the enemy''s side. When the Shadow Cavalry finally took action, the distance would allow adequate time for Wang Dingguo to bring his men back. He believed that when his Steel Cavalry came back, the enemy''s Shadow Cavalry would still be picking up speed. There would be no chance for them to even meet "The chance to see if we can try to get some recuperation time before Han Sanhe''s main army arrives lies within this battle!" 441 The Steel Cavalry! The Steel Cavalry! The hundred and fifty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry that Tie Zheng had kept with him was the crme of Yutang''s most elite platoon; they were also his trump card in this battle. What was more, Wang Dingguo was his ace general! There should be a ninety percent chance to win the battle. Besides, the timing was a godsend, irrecoverable if missed. The invasion would definitely be accompanied by casualties, but it would not be too troublesome; instead, the loss would be extremely valuable for the current state of war. "One doesn''t command the army by being kind; one doesn''t commit to great things by being sentimental; one does not manage wealth by prioritizing kinship; one doesn''t become an official by being benevolent!" "Baoguo, one doesn''t command the army by being kind! Why is that?" Fu Baoguo closed his eyes, Old Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian''s wise advice playing in his mind. "Baoguo, what is war? To both countries, war is a contention of manpower, military strength, resources, wealth, and determination. The last man standing reigns supreme, the last man standing wins." "However, to the marshal of the army, war is contending with casualties, the depletion of lives Cto see who can keep it going longer! Whoever has more people living in the end, wins." "You must remember, there is only victory and defeat on the battlefield. There is no sympathy, no lives!" Fu Baoguo sighed, looking at the sky. "Teacher" Hearing the uniform galloping of the horses, Wang Dinggguo''s sonorous roar, followed by the thunderous noise of attack, Fu Baoguo opened his eyes to look at the warriors whose faces spelled resolution and fearlessness. No one had the confidence of coming back alive after charging out of the base this time. There would definitely be lives lost. He wondered how many familiar faces in this formation that he would lose. "Teacher what you said is true but these are my comrades, my brothers!" Wang Dingguo galloped, the cold wind tinged with the copper scent of blood from the battlefield brushed his face, but he did not feel cold nor solemn. The only thing he felt now was the blood boiling through his entire being! He was filled with an impulsive to explode into action C right there and then. In front of him was the enemy, by his side were his comrades; under his legs was his warhorse, in his hand was his sharp blade. Underneath his feet was the battlefield! His eyes turned bloodshot abruptly as if stained with crimson. Fu Baoguo''s appointed Steel Cavalry was behind him, all thirty thousand of them, galloping quietly as well. Everyone knew that this battle was their initiative to catch the enemy off guard but casualties were imminent, they might not live long themselves. However, they did not regard the fact that they might not return too much; all of them felt their blood gushing heatedly, just like Wang Dingguo. The bubbling spirit of war within Wang Dingguo seemed to be infectious as it stimulated the entire Steel Cavalry behind him. All their eyes were burning with the passion of a fighter that only a truly devastating battle could thoroughly unleash! Nobody said a thing, but they could not help urging their warhorses forward, the galloping picking up speed. Thirty thousand Steel Cavalry thundered past, looking like a raging dragon that charged out of Yutang''s base from one side before turning into a sharp arrow, shooting its way to the east. Wang Dingguo was at the lead, like the tip of the sharpest arrow cutting through wind and any other form of resistance. He sprawled low on the horse''s back, his upper body hovering and tipping forward while his thighs rested on the flanks; his center of gravity was tilted to the front. Anyone who had ridden a horse knew that doing so could save a lot of the horse''s energy and form a fearless impulse that kept the horse from bolting. It wasn''t only Wang Dingguo, but all thirty thousand men from the Steel Cavalry behind him were employing the same position. Their bodies were tilted forward; their hands were not even grasping the reins, their left hands pressing lightly on the horse''s head while their right hands gripped their weapons, allowing the metal to stick close to their horses as if they were one. Their eyes were sparkling, burning passion a crackling firework in their orbs. They were all waiting silently, waiting for the moment when they actually came into contact with their enemy. Once the moment arrived, the most brilliant firework of blood would definitely erupt! The men on the horses were ablaze with battle-fury, the intent to fight soaring; the horses under the men seemed to have felt their partners'' thirsting battle spirit as they galloped whole-heartedly as well. Where they could only normally move thirty feet in a single pace, the current gallop had pushed them to forty or even fifty feet at once. The men''s blood was boiling as were their warhorses''! For a moment, the simultaneous blaze was unstoppable! The sudden strike was just like Fu Baoguo had predicted, their enemy had not been able to react in time. After all, Fu Baoguo had been acting like a coward these days, playing at maintaining a defense and not countering at all. He had lulled the enemy into thinking that they were planning to stay put perpetually. No one would have thought that Fu Baoguo would actually opt for the moment when the enemy''s two troops would meet in a rising momentum to invade and attack! The Steel Cavalry had already traveled more than half of their designated distance before the enemy base finally let out the warning horn. Wang Dingguo guffawed maniacally. The chilling wind of winter was still blasting strongly, swooshing past him as his war robe fluttered noisily in the gale. Wang Dingguo''s voice came abruptly like lit crackers in the dead of winter. "Brothers!" Wang Dingguo''s tone was filled with fervor as much as it was gruff, like a thunderbolt that struck in midair. "Here we are!" The thirty thousand men from the Steel Cavalry hollered in unison. "We are Yutang''s Steel Cavalry!" Wang Dingguo roared. "We are indomitable!" Thirty thousand throats from the Steel Cavalry cheered uniformly. "We were born here!" "Born here!" "We grew up here!" "Grew up here!" "This is our homeland!" "Our homeland!" "This is territory we will guard with our lives!" "Territory we will guard with our lives!" "We will die to protect it!" "Protect it!" The vows grew louder, one after another, the next one more aggressive than the last. Initially, the Steel Cavalry''s morale was already at its peak. Now that Wang Dingguo''s explosive voice growled, they felt as if they had gone past their boundaries, excited to the brink of spontaneously combusting! "Our enemy is in front of us!" Wang Dingguo''s pupils were dilated; blood had surged into them, filled with an insatiable bloodlust. "Enemy!" Thirty thousand soldiers roared at the same time. "Our comrades are by our side!" "Comrades!" "Our home is behind us!" "Home!" The cries and cheers grew increasingly spirited, the volume loud and resonating within the icy battlefield, like thunderclaps crackling over and over again in the sky, deafening and intimidating. "For our parents!" Wang Dingguo saw the rushed response from the enemy''s gathering troops, the panicked distribution of men to come towards them, intending to stop their invasion. His hand was raised slowly, the seventeen-foot blade made of green steel gleaming wickedly in the cold sky. "Parents!" The Steel Cavalry raised their weapons in unison, the shiny blades pointing to the front. "For our children!" "Children!" "For our women!" "Women!" The cheer was louder, one after another, turning into a thunderous cry that shook both heaven and men alike. Yutang''s Steel Cavalry could no longer help the burning blood that was surging within them as they howled into the sky; their momentum was like an enraged lion that was dashing down the hill. In front of them, arrows fell like a storm as they began to hit home. "Kill!" Wang Dingguo raised his saber, bouncing with his horse like a meteor, and entered the shower of arrows brutally, charging into the enemy''s base. This was the call for the bloodbath to begin. This battle was destined to go down in history and legend, a battle of steel and blood. Wang Dingguo, who was in a forward position, was like a sharp blade that burned bright red, digging deep into the cold butter that was the enemy''s defenses. "Kill!" Behind him, thirty thousand men from the Steel Cavalry roared in unison, as if growling out the boiling blood within them. All of them felt each strand of their hair standing on end. They were like a black tidal wave that could not be stopped, charging into the enemy base in the fastest and most intimidating speed possible as they roared bloodcurdlingly. It was imposing and resolute. Then, it was as if a miracle appeared. The long stretch of the invasive force held; a huge triangular arrow head formed by the Steel Cavalry was not broken up at all C no one was left behind! Each Steel Cavalryman guarded their position securely; the thirty thousand men were as one, embedding themselves into the assembly point of the enemy''s army of hundreds and thousands of men in a frenzy. Further on, Zhan Ge, who had been waiting to assemble with his comrades but had to stand at a higher point due to this emergency, was watching this scene with involuntary trembles. It was because when the Steel Cavalry had brutally crashed into his base with an imposing momentum, Zhan Ge could clearly see a neat wave of blood rising into the air. His sight was filled with red in that single moment. All movements on the battlefield seemed to have halted while all the actions seemed to have turned slow motion. The blood splattered, a fine mist still hovering in the air; when they landed on the ground due to gravity, the Steel Cavalry had actually charged past like a catapulting arrow within the split-second gap. Their speed was petrifying! Wang Dingguo and his Steel Cavalrymen must not have realized that, at that moment, their speed had created calvary history and would go down in legend. They were only roaring insanely, fearlessly pushing forward with no regard to their own life and limb. To charge! To push forward! 442 Heroes, No Matter Alive or Dead! The shower of blood rained down with increasing fury, turning the ground red, but none of it so much as dripped on the thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry C what sort of speed and efficacy did it need to possess to achieve such unbelievable terror? Wang Dingguo was still in the vanguard; his mind was blank at this point, thinking about nothing except the enemy that was in front of his eyes. There was only the enemy ahead of them to consider. It was, to some extent, a true embodiment of the term marching forward dauntlessly! "Yutang''s Steel Cavalry!" Wang Dingguo roared. His body was still tilted forward to save the horse''s energy, but the long saber in his hand was already spinning, forming a ray of light. In that single move, forty to fifty heads flew into the sky, while dozens of upper bodies were flung everywhere, streams of blood spluttering upwards. When the corpses had dropped to the ground, Wang Dingguo was no less than a thousand feet away, along with his horse. He was that fast, moving in at a speed that indicated that he was both fearless and nonpareil. "Peerless in the world!" The frenzied growls of the thirty thousand men behind Wang Dingguo followed him. The Steel Cavalry tailed Wang Dingguo closely, like a surging tide, not breaking apart as they advanced. A total of thirty thousand people rode as one C it was definitely a high point in the history of cavalry war! "Kill!" Wang Dingguo''s voice turned hoarse eventually, he had shouted too much; however, his imposing aura did not wane in the slightest. "Kill! Kill! Kill!" The Steel Cavalry howled in a crazed frenzy; ten thousand people had their weapons pointed forward, the other ten thousand people had their weapons pointed to the left while the remaining ten thousand people had their weapons pointed to the right. The slew the men that stood in their way without disrupting their orderly advance. With a loud ''clang'', an enemy general in front of Wang Dingguo was flung thirty feet away by the latter; both the horse and the man were bleeding through their seven orifices as they looked at Wang Dingguo hopelessly. Wang Dingguo spared them no glance, leaving only clouds of dust behind him. The enemy''s blockade, paid for with his life, did not even earn a glance from his opponent, stripping from him the luxury of resting in peace as he died. "Woo~ Woo~" A strange horn was being blown incessantly. Wang Dingguo could guess that it was their enemy reshuffling their archers, gathering them together to let fly their arrows with precision. He did not think much about it though, only having one thought in his mind. "Breach!" Wang Dingguo let out another bellow, leading the Steel Cavalry and charging in a straight line across the army where two of the enemy''s troops were assembled. Everywhere they passed, horses fell and men were flung away; heads rolled off, limbs were scattered indiscriminately, and blood coursed in streams! The momentum gave chills to all the Dongxuan soldiers who had to face Yutang''s Steel Cavalry. The sting of that chill was much more intense than the wintery cold they had to endure physically. Were these humans that were attacking them? Another loud clang greeted their ears. Wang Dingguo had slashed the three Dongxuan soldiers in front of him into six different parts with one strike. Suddenly, he felt an inexplicable sense of relief; his vision was clear. He had breached the enemy''s base! The first half of their operation was completed! It was a complete success! Wang Dingguo did not turn about immediately. His speed remained constant as he sped forward another twenty thousand feet before steering his horse to make half a round C in front of the tip of his saber lay the base of Dongxuan. The thunderous gallops still resounded, it was still an orderly formation. Thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry followed Wang Dingguo in making half a round almost without any loss of speed, all of them facing the Dongxuan army, bathed in blood. Each of them had fresh blood smeared all over their helmets and their heads; all of them were red, blood red! As if tens of thousands of killing machines had suddenly greeted the human realm, the sanguinariness exuded by this team of elite men was not only intimidating, it was terrifying! Wang Dingguo did not linger, he roared to signal his start to the second wave. "Yutang''s Steel Cavalry! Kill, all the way back!" "Kill, all the way back!" Behind him, the Steel Cavalry''s roar resonated uniformly. Their feet clapped their horses'' abdomens, their bodies leaving the saddles to stretch forward; each of them howled as if possessed. They raised their weapons and followed closely behind Wang Dingguo. The uniform formation turned, yet again, into a black tornado, a black arrow, in just two breaths after they charged. They were still indomitable and unstoppable in their mighty advance. "Children of Dongxuan! Who dares to fight with your father?" Wang Dingguo felt his blood burning to the point of no return, the adrenaline pumping through him made him incredibly ecstatic as he roared into the sky continuously, as he charged into Dongxuan''s formation once more. At this moment, Wang Dingguo dared to fight without hesitation even if all the pinnacle experts of the world were gathered in front of him to stop them. The build-up of his momentum had truly reached an unsurpassable level C at the very least, their imposing aura was undisputed. "Fight! Fight! Fight!" The Steel Cavalry behind Wang Dingguo roared with equal fervor; they were also pumped with adrenaline, and they charged into the enemy''s formation, advancing all the way as if entering a no-mans land. This time, both sides of the Steel Cavalry were plagued by innumerable arrows, showering upon them like a black storm. Dongxuan was obviously unprepared for the Steel Cavalry''s ambush, but it was their only available countermeasure; the dense rain of arrows was the best counterattack they could muster right now. However, their desperate counterattack was not immediately effective. The Steel Cavalry was shielded with heavy armor. As long as they were not unlucky enough to get shot right in the face, they would be fine; even if it were a rainstorm of arrows, the Steel Cavalry would not be deterred. It was the same; wherever they had passed, men and horses flew away. There were even some Dongxuan soldiers who were terrified enough to try to avoid them and no longer had the heart to stop and fight them. The ground further away shook C Dongxuan''s elite troop, the Shadow Cavalry that was said to be equivalent to the Steel Cavalry was on their way, reeling in before unleashing their attack. Wang Dingguo roared thunderously. He, who was at the frontal of the vanguard position, had basically intimidated the enemy''s army all by himself. Throughout the battle, no one could stop him for even a second. Everywhere he went, he could be clearly seen as long as his saber waved in the air. The horn sounded solemnly from the enemy''s base. It was the command to fight to the death, the ignition of a forlorn and futile tactic. It was obvious that Dongxuan''s marshal was dead set on wiping out the Steel Cavalry, wanting to bury them all there! When such a military command was issued, each fighter in the Dongxuan army would immediately turn into a suicide fighter. Under these circumstances, anyone who did not charge in would be penalized with military law C beheaded on the spot! The battle turned fiercer because of this harsh law. The Steel Cavalry continued dashing forward like a frenzied storm, but the counterattack they received became abnormally violent. The consequence of an elite army facing an equally elite force was extreme devastation! Countless members of the Steel Cavalry were unhorsed all of a sudden when Dongxuan''s soldiers charged at them. Both sides would turn into a mush of flesh by the surrounding cavalry while their warhorses remained in the formation, still bolting forward in a berserk attempt to break free. Faced with their comrades'' sacrifice, Yutang''s Steel Cavalry remained stoic, only looking forward C charging ahead in the grip of bloodlust. Kill! In such an atmosphere, falling from one''s warhorse was the endgame. Any expert or top force could not revive the fallen ones from such a battle. "Kill! Kill!" Wang Dingguo was in the lead, chortling sonorously; his saber light glinted like sparkles of lightning. He was akin to a god of war who knew not of fatigue! Heads rolled in front of him, accompanied by a crimson waterfall, comrades continued falling from their horses behind him. As the war gradually shifted to its climax, Wang Dingguo growled again before he felt a sense of relief again. He had once again charged out from the enemy''s base. Behind him, a black tidal wave surged ominously. Their breaching tactic was once again successful! Their operation had been successfully executed. Wang Dingguo continued to speed forward as he whipped his horse; his muscular build suddenly straightened up on the horse. Pointing the bloodied saber towards the sky, he hollered, "Brothers, we have won this war! Follow me home!" The words were not a command for the troop behind him. It was a spirit summoning ceremony of Yutang''s Steel Cavalry for their fallen brothers after every war. Behind their general, all of Yutang''s Steel Cavalry who had charged through as well straightened up on their horses, their weapons pointed to the sky. "Brothers! Follow us home!" "Roar!" Wang Dingguo bellowed. The Steel Cavalry behind him shouted in unison, "Don''t worry, brothers, I''m still here. Your family shall I shoulder. You have your merits, I have my life; don''t worry about your elders and your young ones!" This was the Yutang Steel Cavalry''s routine. After every war, the first thing for the survivors of each troop was to go to their comrades'' families and take care of them well. It was also the last comfort to the patriotic souls who had fallen. The steel-colored tide was still in the shape of a sharp, triangular arrow when it gushed out from the enemy''s base, surging forward with an unstoppable force. When we fight, we are fearless and menacing! When we emerge victorious and return with our brothers'' indomitable spirits, we are still as fearless and momentous! Yutang''s Steel Cavalry shall forever be Yutang''s Cavalry! Dead or alive, this shall never change! 443 Heroic Souls Don’t Die! Yutang''s Steel Cavalry howled, leaving only dust behind as they returned victorious. It was too bad that it was not a complete victory C they would only consider it complete if all thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry could come back safe and sound. That was only a wild wish that would happen in novels. How could there be no casualties in a real battle of thirty thousand men? Behind the dust filled back of the 30 thousand Steel Cavalry, it was the incredibly chaotic military base of Dongxuan. The bloody path was not yet closed off, it was still frightening to look upon. Then, a line of cavalry could be seen rushing over from the left flank, raging like a dragon. Their leader was yelling from afar in fury, "Wang Dingguo! Stay and fight with me if you have the guts!" Hearing the invitation from afar, Wang Dingguo could not help chortling in amusement and then howled into the sky, "Yutang''s Steel Cavalry!" His comrades behind him guffawed coarsely as well, "Peerless in the world!" Wang Dingguo did not slow down, leading his troop in galloping towards their own base, and roared, "Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry! Only bullsh*t!" "Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry! Only bullsh*t!" His Steel Cavalry repeated his coarse insults verbatim. "We will take your worthless head the next time we meet!" Wang Dingguo was still laughing. "Your grandfather is tired today, and shall not be your company anymore!" Amidst the savage chortling, Yutang''s Steel Cavalry charged home like a sweeping wave. Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry that had rushed here speedily almost spat blood when they heard the cheer. They were only about ten breaths away from catching up to stop them! The Shadow Cavalry''s horses had almost broken their legs trying to catch up to Yutang''s Steel Cavalry, but they had still lacked that tiny amount of distance and had not managed to stop the other party. Ultimately, they could only watch as their opponent escaped like a released arrow C swiftly passing them by! They were infuriated, but there was nowhere to vent their rage. Puu! The head of Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry threw the spear in his hand onto the ground in front of him. A big piece of soil splattered at his feet. He was madly cursing, "Wang Dingguo! I shall kill you!" With a wave of his hand, he ordered his troop to retreat, "Head back!" Zhan Ge, who had witnessed the Steel Cavalry coming like a hurricane and leaving like a tsunami, showed deep shock in his gaze. The Steel Cavalry was so uniformly dauntless, it was terrifying! How could he annihilate such a solid army? Fu Baoguo C a famed marshal of his time indeed! The intention was clear for him to strike at this time, yet he had done it magnificently! Zhan Ge looked at the generals and soldiers around him, all of them were angered and humiliated, yet, there was no doubt that there was also faint lingering fear in their faces. Their eyes spoke of being deeply intimidated by what had just taken place. The boosted morale and affirmation for victory from Fu Baoguo''s perceived lack of response and passive defense, and even the celebratory joy when both troops assembled were all gone, without a single drop left. The greatest disadvantage of this battle was that their peaking confidence had been devasted by the enemy, driven straight into the ground! Zhan Ge was well aware that the team spirit on his side could hardly be spurred again in a short amount of time. In other words, before Marshal Han Sanhe''s troop came, there was no way Dongxuan''s army could go to war again. It was not that they were too lethargic, they had lost the sense of invincibility that they had worn around them before. The thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry had savagely breached their fortifications manned by an army of three hundred thousand men twice, slaughtering and leaving as they wished. In turn, their morale had escalated incrementally. If Zhan Ge were to attack now, there was a high chance that Fu Baoguo would deploy all his military strength to contend against him. However, one side was low in spirit while another was fervently itching to fight; under such a distinction of morale, Zhan Ge had no hope of victory. There was only defeat waiting for him; his troops could break down at once, resulting in a landslide loss! Zhan Ge could not afford such an outcome. "Draw back the troops, reorganize the supplies. Shadow Cavalry, forward, be prepared for the enemy''s next attack!" Zhan Ge could only command this after serious contemplation, sighing in dejection inwardly. He had thought that he did not pale in comparison to the reputable general C at least, the contrast was not that great. Prior to Fu Baoguo''s passive defensive mode, he had even felt a sense of ridicule of his enemy''s abilities, thinking that the opposite party was only as it seemed C that his reputation as the top military talent in Yutang''s younger generation was utter rubbish. However, he had been taught a brutal lesson by Fu Baoguo whom he had looked down on today! Indeed, the few people who could be at the top of the ranking were never ordinary. The top military talent of Yutang''s younger generation, the appointed heir to Yutang''s three military bosses, Fang Qingtian, rang true to his name indeed! How he had seized the chance for war, such an immediate and impactful tactic, the unexpected warfare "How sharp and impressive!" Zhan Ge''s gaze was burning competitively as he mumbled, "Still, no matter how mighty you are, Fu Baoguo, you will never be my teacher''s opponent!" His teacher, Han Sanhe, was the top general of the continent! However, Zhan Ge was not aware that the moment he thought so, he had forever lost the qualification to contest with Fu Baoguo in the battlefield. Wang Dingguo sped forth, whipping his horse, like an arrow, to the front of Yutang''s base. At the entrance, Fu Baoguo was already standing there with his arms behind his back, looking calm and composed. By looking solely at his composure, it seemed like Wang Dingguo had only contributed insignificantly to this war, not at all worthy of any compliment C not at all worthy of the meritorious achievement he had experienced earlier! In spite of this, his hands behind him trembled lightly, betraying his fa?ade and telling of his true emotions. Fu Baoguo was actually in a cold sweat as he thought about this battle. Even when the odds of winning were as high as ninety percent, as his previous decisions were set to confuse the enemy and fool them to look down on him, the risk involved was still extremely high! What if the enemy''s marshal had not fallen for it? What if he thought about it further? What if he managed to see through his plot? The marshal of the enemy was Dongxuan''s reputable general, Zhan Ge. He was basically the military man after Han Sanhe in Dongxuan; his reputation was great. If he had seen past his intentions, he could have hidden Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry behind the spot where two troops assembled, concealing them to ambush the Steel Cavalry. He would then wait to attack, to stop them head-on. Then, the thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry would be entirely wiped out, without a chance of survival. It was fortunate that this war had ultimately been won C it had been accomplished within his terms! The Steel Cavalry returned like a tornado, halting neatly with a long command before the military base. Wang Dingguo steered his horse around and yelled, "Steel Cavalry! Headcount!" A while later, the casualties of the thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry had been accounted for. Wang Dingguo turned around to face Fu Baoguo. "Marshal! This general reports! We managed to breach the enemy''s defenses twice; of the thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry, we are left with twenty-seven thousand, three hundred and fifty-two men!" His voice was sonorous but there was an indescribable rasp contained within it. The anguish had only surged now, like an unforgiving tidal wave. The twenty-seven thousand, three hundred and fifty-two men behind him sat stationary on their horses, but their eyes were shining with unshed tears. The thirty thousand men sent to attack and ambush the enemy''s meeting of two troops had only lost two thousand and six hundred and forty-eight of their people! It was a damage less than a tenth of their total force and could be considered an utterly glorious feat! In spite of this, there were only heavy hearts within these Steel Cavalrymen. The two thousand brothers whom they had spent every day with had perished on the battlefield just like that, without any remains that could be brought home! Fu Baoguo wore a solemn expression and raised his hand in a salute, speaking grimly, "Listen! Everyone salute our two thousand and six hundred and forty-eight brothers! Send them off! We wish you a smooth journey!" The war drums beat out a tattoo, pounding with the rhythm of everyone''s hearts. "The loyal souls don''t die, they live forever with the nation!" When Yutang''s fighters fell, they would send them off with war drums at the first opportunity. Either that or the other generals would pay a general tribute to the fallen soldiers after the war had ended. However, Fu Baoguo was not like this. The first thing he would do after every war was to send the fallen soldiers off, in hopes that the heroic souls wouldn''t stray far and could still hear their comrades bidding them goodbye. "Great job! Very good!" Fu Baoguo''s Adam''s apple bobbed up and down twice; his throat felt parched, he blinked his eyes rapidly, trying to keep his grief in check as he said hoarsely, "Wang Dingguo!" "Here!" "List out the names, achievements, contributions, and background of the fallen brothers clearly and completely; record them in writing later! Seal and store all their wills and belongings. Report it to His Majesty after the war to increase their pension so our brothers can rest in peace!" "Yes!" "The Steel Cavalry''s input is significant in this war. Check upon the contribution of the brothers involved and report them to me as well!" "Yes!" "Return to the troop!" Fu Baoguo gave his command. Twenty-seven thousand men from the Steel Cavalry moved in unison, but they paused right away, their emotions were in turmoil. They halted abruptly then. They had not noticed it earlier, and had only discovered it with shock now; there was no mistake in the number of people that had returned, but there was a total of over twenty-nine thousand warhorses that had come back with them! In other words, there were two thousand warhorses without their masters in the formation that were standing on the spot, looking lost and helpless. 444 Together, Through Life and Death Due to the intense proceedings that had taken place, no one had really noticed the oddity; the horses were focused in galloping with all their might as well, charging back alongside the troop. It was only now when things had quietened down, that they felt something amiss. Previously, they had been surrounded by their own kind, and the horses had not raised a fuss. Now that the surviving Steel Cavalrymen had returned to the troop, these ownerless warhorses immediately felt lost. They shook their head left and right, trying to find their partners in panic. Wasn''t my partner on my back just a while ago? Why? Why isn''t he riding me? Where have you gone to? The warhorses neighed in sorrow, clopping their hooves anxiously, and hoped to find familiar faces among the crowd. Suddenly, a warhorse neighed and reared up, looking around for its master. However, its gaze only grew more panicked, grieved, and despaired. After a long moment, approximately two thousand horses neighed together in desperate anguish. Hearing this, no one could help but feel the heart-wrenching lament in them. Fu Baoguo lowered his head forlornly. The twenty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry that had gone back to their battalion bit down hard on their lips without making any sound, tears already shining in their eyes. The Steel Cavalry, that had never been disorderly, was disarrayed now. The warhorses carried the empty saddles on them, walking around involuntarily with quivering noses, searching for their partners, their owners. The looks of grief and loss were saddening to behold. Suddenly, a long neighing resounded. A warhorse broke away from the group, carrying the empty saddle, and sped towards the battlefield like an arrow. Warhorses were spiritual creatures. It was obvious that the horse was going back to where its master had disappeared to find him and be together with him, to carry him on its back for all eternity. With this warhorse in the lead, hundreds of warhorses followed suit, straying from the group and galloping away. The horses'' manes fluttered in the wind, dancing, yet full of determined grief. "Stop them!" Wang Dingguo was shocked, quickly yelling at his men to do something. "They can''t be stopped." Fu Baoguo shook his head and said, "They won''t come back anymore" The warhorses'' neighs resonated across the battleground and faded away with the wind. On the battlefield, Dongxuan''s troops were cleaning up when several hundred horses charged over, galloping at full speed. They did not care about the enemy, carefully searching for their lost masters in the ruins. Their concentration was unwavering, devoted solely to the task of locating their missing partners. "Catch them!" An assistant general in Dongxuan''s troop could not help yelling with delight upon seeing the horses. These were all Steel Cavalry''s warhorses; any one of them was a magnificent breed, one among thousands. The sudden arrival of such a large herd of ownerless horses was a godsend! Dongxuan''s assistant general took the lead in his exhilaration, rushing towards a horse he could tell was of a fantastic breed with just a quick glance. A wave of Dongxuan soldiers followed, spurred on by the running figure. "Wait!" A middle-aged leader who stood farther away knew that things were about to turn awry when he saw what was happening, but his shouted warning was already too late. Besides, there were soldiers who had heard him but were clouded with only the thought of obtaining a great horse. Hundreds of Dongxuan soldiers had bolted away, entangling themselves with the horses and their bridles. "This is mine!" "Haha, mine!" "Mine" The hundreds of warhorses had poured their hearts and souls into finding their partners'' remains, only to be forcefully pestered by these men. Some of them had even leaped up onto the horses'' backs. How could they have endured it? Unprecedentedly aggressive, they hopped and charged blindly. With a drawn-out neigh, a horse that was being mounted without permission leaped and bit in a berserk frenzy, as it galloped towards Dongxuan''s base. Its reins were being pulled taut, but there was no more rationality in its eyes. Its speed was quick as lightning; it only knew to charge forward insanely without caring what was in front. All the warhorses neighed in despair simultaneously and began to gallop at a hysterical pace. "Hop off! Hop off quickly! Hop off now if you don''t'' want to die!" The Dongxuan leader roared in panic as he shouted from far away while stomping his foot C these freshly-blooded soldiers knew nothing! Who dared to provoke these warhorses with their dead owners lying on the battleground? Such foolhardy behavior was practically seeking your own death! These warhorses had already determined their destinies, which was to return to the battlefield and die with their masters! These loyal horses had never even considered trying to continue living. It was extremely dangerous to hop off a galloping horse, with the risk of injured tendons or broken bones, but it was still better than just dying like this. Many soldiers who mounted the horses did not get to jump off in time as the speeding horses were like lightning and thunder. Some warhorses collided into huge tree trunks head-on, severely injuring themselves and even killing the soldiers. One had knocked into the rocks along the perimeter, blood splattering, while the strong momentum flung the rider high and far, crushing his head. Many more horses charged into Dongxuan''s base wildly, kicking and tearing, damaging anything and everything with all their strength until they fell under Dongxuan army''s swords and sabers. Even then, the hundreds of wild horses had caused thousands of casualties within Dongxuan army. The head of the Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry dashed over frantically, riding a tall black horse and broke out in curses, "Who let them rein in these warhorses? This is f*cking suicide! You''ve been to the battlefield and you don''t even have such common knowledge?" "Bunch of bastards!" The head of the Shadow Cavalry bellowed in rage. The most effective solution was to kill these horses without their masters with arrows. Any other method would only bring about unnecessary losses! A general in the base came out with a dark face and a saber, hollering, "Dying to show their loyalty, are they? Your father''s going to eat these animals! I''m going to crush them to pieces!" The head of the Shadow Cavalry was ticked off at once, flinging the dark-faced general dozens of feet away with his horsewhip, as he chided fervently, "How bold! Do you actually want to eat the meat of such loyal warhorses? Are you still human?" He did not let the matter go as he leaped off his horse. There were actually tears shining in his eyes. "Clean up the bodies of these warhorses and the Yutang fighters who have perished Bury them together." sighed the head of Shadow Cavalry. There were a few horses that teetered on the line between life and death, twitching and crying on the ground. Their anguish was heart-wrenching to anyone who heard them. The head of Shadow Cavalry sighed and walked over with large strides. Stroking the horses gently and murmuring soft words of comfort, the steel dagger in his hand dug into their hearts cleanly to send them off on their way with as little pain as possible. "Leave in peace. Your owner is waiting for you below. You all can fight alongside each other again, never to separate!" He stood up, still shaking with anger, and yelled, "Why are there still people who don''t know about such military taboo? Why would you still violate it? Whose men are these? Answer your father!" His infuriated roar ricocheted in the air, filled with grief. "Are you fellows going to snatch our loyal horses when we die as well? Will you all eat our loyal horses? Is this how it''s going to be?" The Shadow Cavalry and the Steel Cavalry were both deadly weapons on the battlefield; they were also the best cavalry in the continent! They were enemies, rivals who had always regarded the other party as their best opponent, their only opponent! At this point in time, they could empathize with what had happened to these ownerless Steel Cavalry horses, like they were the ones experiencing it themselves. In Yutang''s base, flags fluttered in the wind. Tens of thousands of militants stood solemnly and saluted. "Warhorses, long live their heroic souls!" "We bid you saddle your masters again in passing to the underworld together and never separate, together forever!" Millions of people were dragged into hardship when two countries were at war. Whether they were humble and lowly or high and mighty, no one could escape this whirlpool. He Dachui was the master of the Crepuscugale Stockade. The so-called Crepuscugale Stockade was but a bunch of bandits gathering and roaming the mountains at the eastern border. They robbed and raided homes of both the people of Dongxuan or Yutang; as long as they were wealthy people whom Crepuscugale Stockade could prey on, they would take action. Although He Dachui was born in Yutang, he was the son of a blacksmith in the forest; he was illiterate, not knowing many words. That being said, he did not understand the concept of family, nation, and people. After his father had passed away, he robbed as means of living, depending on his extraordinary strength, and eventually became the head of bandits. Relying on the excellent equipment and remarkable skills of his eight hundred brothers, his businesses, which needed no capital, rarely failed; naturally, his life was great, days spent in freedom and leisure. Furthermore, these people had never cared for nationality nor the concepts of right and wrong; they never missed anyone whether they were passing merchants or normal pedestrians, thus earning the name - Pack of Eastern Border Wolves! The people living near the border of both countries loathed the gang, calling them Wolf Bandits. He Dachui had always taken shame in the words Wolf Bandits but it was due to this two-worded name that he studied the tactics of a wolf pack. Each time they robbed, they came like a whirlwind from every direction, dispersing and scattering they way had come once their raid was completed. Their movements were like the wind, irregular and unpredictable. Both Dongxuan and Yutang had long wanted to extinguish this gang of bandits, but the many times the nations had set out to exterminate them, they had fled into the deep mountains, rendering the countries'' effort futile. However, as war erupted, these bandits were suddenly faced with hardship. Dongxuan''s clearing of the wild forests was slowly encroaching on their territory, erasing all the living creatures along their way. Yutang, on the other hand, had forged for themselves a steel wall, stationary and devoid of men. The extreme contest between both countries had created problemsC He Dachui and his eight hundred bandits slowly felt that their means of living was growing difficult; they could not go on like this any longer. These days, He Dachui brought a few of his brothers to carefully roam around the battlefield in hopes of finding opportunities to either make some transactions or rob someone. Their supplies would soon be emptied if there was no input at all. The bandits moved like the wind, already storing very little inventory. As time passed, their previously collected resources were long expended. He Dachui felt starvation painfully deflating his stomach. 445 Fu Baoguo’s Woes When Yutang''s thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry had set out earlier, He Dachui was lying in the snow at the sides of the forest like a lizard, watching in awestruck wonder as the army tore into each other. The devastation that was horrifyingly grand and touching shook He Dachui deeply, swaying his heart and shocking him to the core. "What good men they are!" Since that day, He Dachui had praised Yutang''s Steel Cavalry highly, admiring and yearning to be as brave as they were. In fact, there were many times that the deafening roars of Yutang''s Steel Cavalry would fill his waking thoughts. He Dachui had even dreamed that he was one of Yutang''s Steel Cavalry, braving the battlefield together and bathing in blood with them, with a roar that shook the heaven and intimidated the enemy to no end! Gradually, there a strange thought began to take shape within He Dachui. It was a mixture of yearning, passion, and no small amount disdain. He was suddenly thinking, "If I were to lead my people and help the army fight in the war, will it be as exhilarating and fearless as all the acts of valor I have seen?" "It shouldn''t be too difficult to obtain merit and credit during these times, should it?" "It would be even better if I were to be made an officer because of this!" Of course, He Dachui had never mentioned his thoughts to his subordinate brothers. "Brothers, I want to discuss something with everyone. Now that the country is stricken with war, we are bandits, but we still come from Yutang after all. Now that our homeland is in the depth of trouble, we can''t ignore it. I plan to help Marshal Fu when the armies fight again, do you all have any opinion on this? Don''t hold back if you don''t agree. This is purely flirting with death, so much more dangerous than what we used to do that even I, myself, am a little hesitant about this. I will not hold anything against you if you speak up." A few leading members exchanged wary looks for quite a while before someone finally spoke, "It''s a matter of course that Boss thinks this way. We have been drifting along in life anyway and have never really done anything good for our country. Now that the country is facing hard times, it''s only our duty to fight for it. Even if we lose our lives, it wouldn''t be a waste. It''s better than leaving behind the legacy of a bandit after our passing." Right after his short speech, everyone began to let known their thoughts as well. After all, everyone knew their reputation among ordinary citizens. If they could get rid of the bandit hat that was pinned on their heads, it would, of course, be a delightful achievement. More so, they were confident about their capabilities and even felt that they would win against Yutang''s Steel Cavalry if it came to a fuel. They had a high chance of leaving unscathed after the war! He Dachui felt somewhat guilty about his intentions. After all, his mighty plan greatly involved the lives of his brothers as his bargaining chips in exchange for wealth and prosperity. Besides, how could no one die when it was a war? In spite of his misgivings, he was thrilled at the bright future that awaited him. After watching a few small-scale battles, He Dachui came to a conclusion. Yutang''s Steel Cavalry and Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry were not at an advantage at all, in terms of individual standards, compared to his Wolf Bandits; there were plenty of men whose cultivation bases were worse than his brothers. If they had an equal number of men on both sides, his Wolf Bandits would emerge victorious, with overwhelming success. "What we have to do now is to wait for the right time. Once there''s a battle, the similar number of people and combat power will result in a stand-off. When I abruptly add our forces into Yutang''s side, it will be the last straw that causes the enemy to crumble. Not only can it win the war for the army easily, the Wolf Bandits'' name can be glorified. It might help us take up a spot in Yutang''s military!" "If so, the risk is not to be mentioned at all This can be done and should be done!" He Dachui decided swiftly, and drank a good amount of wine with his Wolf Bandits brothers, emptying the last of their supplies rapidly. The day had finally come. The chance He Dachui was waiting for arrived. Truth be told though, such a chance existed basically every day. Previously, the Steel Cavalry''s breach was already considered a great humiliation by Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry. They were invested in the art of provocation while standing guard at the Fortress of Resilience every day, galloping like the wind with all sorts of attempts at goading taking pace. Yutang had won victoriously and its morale was spiking to the highest point. Despite Fu Baoguo''s stern control of commands, there were times when they were unable to hold back their zest. Choosing the moment when Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry prodded about and lost energy, Fu Baoguo would send a squad of cavalrymen to expend their combat ability. If there was a gain from it, then all the more it would come as a delightful surprise! Therefore, both sides would battle it out almost every day after that war. The battlefield that they met on had become a crimson red from how much fighting was going on, the ice stained with fresh blood. On this day, the Shadow Cavalry went to their extremes with their expletives, going over the Steel Cavalry''s bottom line. The two troops of cavalrymen, tens of thousands of people each, submitted a letter of blood to ask to fight. No matter how reluctant Fu Baoguo was, he eventually lifted the ban and ordered Wang Dingguo to personally lead the fight into the Fortress of Resilience. War against Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry. Twenty thousand cavalrymen, Shadow Cavalry and Steel Cavalry, the top cavalries in Tianxuan Continent and the only two elite cavalries that could stand against each other in this world C wore the same black helmets and black armor. The battle was fierce, earth-shattering in it''s ferocity. Fu Baoguo stood atop the city wall, looking worried. In all honesty, Fu Baoguo did not want to fight this battle. Yutang''s Steel Cavalry was not his trump card but it was one of his aces. It had been to boost morale and with multiple setups only then did he use his ace card and the result was as predicted, a decisive victory. Not only was the enemy''s spirit drained, their morale was escalated to the peak. It was advantageous that their fighting spirit was spurred but there was nothing without a con in this world; boosted morale was similarly accompanied by its con. The con was that these mighty fighters were never the easiest of people to manage. Now that they were flooded with the glory of victory, they felt invincible. The enemy''s provocation, the loser''s goading, was like a spark thrown into kerosene C unstoppable once lit. If he repressed them by force, it would only hinder the motivation his soldiers had and were all the more inappropriate. That was why Fu Baoguo had lifted the ban despite knowing that this fight was not at all beneficial to the overall situation, allowing Steel Cavalry to go against Shadow Cavalry in hopes that they would not lose out too much based on the boosted morale they had. Seeing that both sides were deploying troops to start the war, Fu Baoguo was still recalling the favorite lines of every veteran and fresh blood at the Fortress of Resilience. "Thirty thousand men can already wipe out the temper of three hundred thousand men, what can be made out of them?" "What the f*ck is the hoo-ha about? They really think we''re scared of them?" Yutang''s army''s confidence was over the moon, not at all understanding the woes and calculations of their marshal. If it had been the past, Fu Baoguo had no end of tactics to quell such emotions. Now though, the war tied to the national fate of Yutang was impending; Fu Baoguo could only temporarily repress such confidence for victory, he could never forcefully nip it in the bud. Such a situation led only to one thing C he had to send them to fight when the enemy came poking around this time or else the rocketing morale could hardly be maintained or vented out. To exhaust their brimming morale with war and to spur their sense of vengeance using their comrades'' sacrifice, such a form of battle was destined to be imminent. To want to revert to the constant defense was already impossible as much as it was also unfavorable. Fu Baoguo looked confident all along as he watched the twenty thousand cavalrymen fight with devotion under the fortress, but inwardly, he was filled with helplessness and bitterness! The battle of twenty thousand cavalrymen, each from Yutang''s Steel Cavalry and Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry, involved the elites of the elites, the knights putting their lives at stake to fight for the title of the top cavalry in the world. What could be seen was that the battle took up the perimeter of five hundred miles where horses galloped and blades flashed. It was obvious that the Steel Cavalry was more motivated, but the Shadow Cavalry was also using an attempted tactic; a life for a life. The collision of both sides on the battleground showed no signs of weakening. It was like thunder from the heavens had sparked the fire on the earth; they pushed forward, not taking a single step back nor retreating, letting the blood and flesh stack up on the ground. There was only the other party in their eyes; as they charged through each other''s troop, they reined their horses back to battle it out again. Such a battle was the silliest method one could think of but also the most gratifying! It was how a man should fight. Both sides were giving their all. There were cheering above Yutang''s Fortress of Resilience, so were their cheers coming from Dongxuan''s troop across the field. The clamor and spurring that came from more than a few million people pushed the battlefield to a vehement mayhem. Everyone could no longer hear what the person next to them was shouting; they could only shriek loudly with all their might. "After this battle today, Yutang can still be at an advantageous side without losing morale but such a drain on their hopeis too cruel." Fu Baoguo contemplated, "Dongxuan''s military strength is abundant, so they can naturally keep on turning themselves back. On the other hand, we can''t afford it even if we''re having the edge now!" "I must think of other ways to reduce our exhaustion so as to wound the enemy but not us but how can this be so simple?" "What warfare tactic should I use? To be able to utilize my current limited manpower in its biggest potential to drag Han Sanhe''s army of two million men on?" Fu Baoguo was still pondering but his gaze froze suddenly, looking into the faraway forest in disbelief. His jaw almost went slack. "What C what is that?!" From the dense forest, a cavalry squad of over a thousand men, people, shot out like an arrow out of the blue, going straight for the battlefield where the two troops were still fighting. There was no movement coming from Dongxuan nor was there any action taken by Yutang. Where did this cavalry come from? What was its intention? Were they friend or foe? 446 The Wolf Bandits Go To War! The pack was incredibly fast, its speed exceeding that of Yutang''s Steel Cavalry and Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry. When the throng came near and Fu Baoguo could see them, he was even more shocked. The pack did not wear helmets, donning only leathers of odd shapes and sizes; some of the people were not even clothed properly, wearing only tattered scraps. Such was the squad that had unexpectedly joined the battle uninvited, shrieking and shouting like madmen. Their target was Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry. "What the f*ck is going on?" Marshal Fu was bewildered at the sudden development. The ultimate showdown of the world''s top two cavalry units was being interrupted by a thousand scavengers who looked no different from a bunch of bandits. Where did the courage of these men come from? This was a suicide mission. "The newcomers are Wolf Bandits!" The assistant general beside Fu Baoguo looked equally shocked. "Wolf Bandits have never cared for the vagaries of right and wrong, background and origin; they rob whoever they want without exception and have even been the targets of both Dongxuan and us Why are they helping us this now? They are charging right into Shadow Cavalry''s formation C why are they charging to their own deaths?" "Wolf Bandits? Are they Wolf Bandits?" Fu Baoguo''s mouth was wide open. He was at a loss for words. He had heard of this gang of raiders that only existed in legend, but it was only a petty problem to Fu Baoguo. They were not worthy of the army''s efforts, so he had only done the part of a passive listener. It was only a small group of men C no matter how much ruckus they caused, it would not be of great import. When the war ended, they could send any military troop to wipe them out. However, their current actions, all out to help Yutang''s Steel Cavalry, was simply bizarre. What was going on? Would anyone care to explain? "Even if they''re from Yutang and it''s understandable that they want to requite the nation, aren''t these actions too impulsive? Clearly, those fools have not put much thought into it." Fu Baoguo mumbled, "Is the head of this Wolf Bandits only a brute of a man without a reasonable mind?" His guess was spot-on. He Dachui was indeed a brute of aman without a reasonable mind! He was barely literate and what he had done most of his life was brawling. In the past, he would still consult Wolf Bandits'' adviser, but this time, he believed what he saw, he believed that his gang''s strength was enough to seal the fate of the battle. That was why he joined in the war, uninvited. If one had to nitpick about what was strange, it was the fact that the Wolf Bandits'' adviser did not stop his ''suicide'' rush. Instead, he had followed right into the battleground. That was also why He Dachui was certain that his decision was undoubtedly wise and smart! In spite of this, He Dachui, who had just joined the battle, regretted it almost immediately. He was quickly filled with remorse! It was entirely different to watch from afar and to personally participate on the battleground C they were two completely different things. Each of his brother''s cultivation base was indeed higher than any given man from the Shadow Cavalry or Steel Cavalry. The Wolf Bandits'' individual speed and even their horses'' explosive power were far superior. All these assumptions were correct. He Dachui was right and his judgment was accurate as well. The only error he had made was after he had joined the war and abruptly realized that their assumptions were indeed their made-up guesses. Nothing was substantial, even their stronger cultivation base was utter bullsh*t! One by one, the Wolf Bandits could be paramount to the Shadow and Steel Cavalry C there was no doubt about it; three to three, Wolf Bandits could still triumph while the cavalries could try their luck in targeting a single person and maybe killing one of the trio; ten to ten, the Wolf Bandits would still have the advantage and they would most probably end with half the casualties for the bandits while the cavalrymen were wiped out entirely. When it came to hundreds of people though, the one who would be defeated was none other than the Wolf Bandits. Their only hope of survival was to flee with their superior speed. As for the thousand-men war that He Dachui had imagined prior to this, there would be a decisive victory indeed, but it would belong to one of the two cavalries. The Wolf Bandits would hardly be able to escape the fate of being annihilated. Therefore, when such large armies were going against each other right now, the Wolf Bandits had no room for defense. They had leaped right in only to be chopped into pieces. Yes, they could only be slaughtered! What He Dachui had imagined being a landslide victory in the battle once they lay their ambush, and thus contributing to merits, had not happened! What he could witness was only one-third of his eight hundred brothers falling the moment they charged into the battle. He blinked in disbelief. When he looked again, there were only less than two hundred people left! It was too fast. They did not even have time to attack. Once they had entered the battleground, the enemy''s weapons came from every direction, showering upon them like a storm. The Wolf Bandits fell off their horses and the moment they did, they were stampeded into mush almost immediately. The Shadow Cavalry had suffered almost no casualties at all. He Dachui felt like he had been hit by a massive hammer, vertigo greeting him and sending him off-kilter. A bandit who was dressed like a scholar was charging over, waving his sword while mounted on the horse in his lean form; there were three people who were bolting over with him, acting as his guards. These were the Wolf Bandits'' adviser and the other three heads. They were the people with the highest cultivation base in the gang other than He Dachui and it was only because of that they could still survive. In spite of this, when they had gotten to He Dachui''s side, there were only two men left and one of those two men had his left shoulder hacked off; he probably would not survive the day. "Boss, leave quickly" The adviser was waving his sword about with sword light coming off in impressively intimidating rays. The Shadow Cavalry around them could barely handle the attacks for a brief moment, but the adviser''s face was abnormally flushed as well. It was obvious that he had executed some sort of soul inducement; despite the formidable vibe, it could barely last and when his energy was exhausted, it would be time for his life to end. "Boss, go to the fort, quickly!" The adviser yelled, "With what has happened today, and the Wolf Bandits annihilated, boss can rebuild your family in the near future! Don''t forget to offer some incense to us brothers then!" Hearing him, it was like a lightning had struck him as He Dachui''s eyes widened. "You C how did you know?" His heart was lurching painfully. The plan he had secretly The adviser grinned pitifully, "The brothers know about Boss'' thinking but the Wolf Bandits would be wiped out sooner or later with the war erupting Even if we weren''t killed outright, we would eventually starve to death If our lives can be exchanged for Boss'' bright future we would be more than happy to give them up!" He Dachui wobbled, almost falling off his horse, as he cried out, "You all knew this, but still, all of you came to your own deaths" Before he could finish his words, he was so overwhelmed that he could no longer continue. At the same time, a shower of arrows rained down upon the spot that He Dachui was standing on. He was at a loss now though, hardly able to defend himself and was about to turn into a porcupine. The dazed He Dachui felt his vision going black C the head who had his shoulder hacked flung himself over him, sacrificing himself to take the rain of arrows in his back. He was stabbed like a porcupine, yet he managed to call out as his dying gaze was cast on He Dachui, "Boss, leave quickly We brothers have charged the frontline with our lives for boss'' future We''re dying anyway don''t let the brothers down" His voice halted. With a quiver, the head fell off his horse, but his eyes remained trained on He Dachui anxiously, slowly losing their glow. Countless cavalrymen came galloping over, drowning the head''s anxious gaze. He Dachui fought with his entire being, retreating and charging in again, just to see his brother once more. However, what he could see after the cavalry squad departed was only mangled flesh Innumerable swords, sabers, arrows, and spears were descending upon He Dachui incessantly. Right now, the Shadow Cavalry loathed these bandits to their core! He Dachui''s assumptions previously had all gone down the drain, but he was right about one thing C their involvement in the battle had influenced the overall picture after all. Despite the Wolf Bandits being wiped out, they had been the last straw just like He Dachui had fantasized. They had successfully disrupted the Shadow Cavalry''s attacking formation and the Steel Cavalry had taken the chance to breach the gap, taking this huge advantage to emerge fully victorious. The stage was set; be it the Steel Cavalry or the Shadow Cavalry, they would see it through. It was only a matter of time before the end came to pass. The Shadow Cavalry resented these bandits that had come out of nowhere. Before they were defeated, they would kill all of these raiders. Otherwise, how could they ever rest in peace? They were especially hateful towards this leader of the bandits C if he was not dead, they would never rest! The bandit adviser was still frantically waving his sword about, inducing the last of his life and charging out to cover He Dachui''s escape. The latter was swinging his hammers with tears streaming down his face. I''ve planned this, but I didn''t expect everyone to die so horribly for everyone to perish in this one battle I thought that at least an eighth of our brothers can enter the fort with me, turning from bandits into knights... Now, there are only two of us left. With a growl, the despair grew stronger in the advisor''s eyes. A black spear impaled his stomach, coming out from his back. He grabbed the spear, beheading the soldier who attacked him, before stabbing at He Dachui''s horse, hoarsely crying out, "Leave quickly!" "Remember, don''t act on your own accord in the future! Listen to instructions in everything you do" Before the adviser could finish his admonition, a saber chopped his right arm off before three more spears stabbed into him almost simultaneously. With a swoosh, a saber flashed with a cold brilliance. The bandit adviser did not manage to finish his last words before his head went soaring into the sky. 447 An Imposing Army The bandit adviser''s struggle had proven to be effective after all. He Dachui''s horse, brutally stabbed, galloped outwards with an unprecedented speed and actually managed to escape the battleground. He Dachui tried with all his might to rein in his horse, but it was in vain, and he could only let his tears course freely. "Brothers" It was the first time He Dachui knew the world that the word ''brothers'' held within. This was what being brothers meant! Unfortunately, when he finally understood it, he was left without any of them. The Fortress of Resilience was already in front of him, clearly in view. He Dachui, who was yet to recover from his grief, heard loud shouts from above, "Open the fort gate, let him in!" The large gate obeyed the urgent command and sprung open. He Dachui was still weeping, but his tears had already turned blood red. He was deeply regretting his selfishness. What kind of future did he want? His brothers, who had been following him and living a good life in the forest, had died because of him. The last words of his advisor and his brothers continued to play in his mind like bolts of lightning and thunder. "Boss you can have the chance to build your family in the near future. Don''t forget to offer incense to the brothers then!" "Boss, the brothers knew it all along!" "If we had to give up our lives in exchange for boss'' bright future, we would willingly do so!" The third head who had been impaled with many arrows had said, "The brothers have paid for boss'' future with our lives Leave quickly" The advisor''s roar before he died was the most poignant cry of all, "Leave!" He Dachui howled into the sky, sobbing hysterically. "Come into the fort quickly! The gate will be closed soon!"Someone urged harshly from above. It was a critical moment. The gates of the Fortress of Resilience would never have been opened for simply anyone. If it had not been for the Wolf Bandits'' disruption in the battle which had set the Steel Cavalry''s victory in stone, it would never have opened at all. In spite of that, He Dachui''s delay in entering had sent the entire fortress into a panic. Who knew what would happen due to the delay? He Dachui did not march into the gaping entrance despite the constant and hurried urging; he turned his horse around and roared, "Brothers! We will still be Wolf Bandits even in the underworld, irregular and unpredictable as the wind! Here I come!" He then sped towards the Shadow Cavalry''s formation. At the same moment his two hammers crashed into the heads of two cavalrymen, he was impaled by more than ten different spears. He Dachui was bleeding everywhere, but he suddenly grinned in amusement. Here I come. "I''ve never been so happy in my life!" He Dachui was gone. He had always yearned to live a life under broad daylight, had always hoped to shed the name Wolf Bandits, to become an ordinary person once again and earn a high status, to bring glory to his ancestors. However, just when he saw his hope right before him, attainable by just stretching his hands when the fortress guards had acknowledged him and allowed his entrance, he gave up C he had given up without hesitation! Entering the fortress would mean that he was no longer a Wolf Bandit C he would be a military officer from then on! As long as he remained alive, his future was bright and promising! At the very end, he had not gone in. No one knew what he was thinking. No one knew what he meant when he said, "I''ve never been so happy in my life". Perhaps, he finally knew what the word brothers meant. Perhaps, as a man of Yutang, he had finally gone to the war for his country. He was forever gone amidst the thousands of soldiers and horses; no one gave another thought to what he had said. The Wolf Bandits had been obliterated, just like that! With He Dachui''s fall, the battle between the top two cavalries came to an end. Yutang''s Steel Cavalry had won with no more than three thousand men surviving, while Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry of ten thousand men had all been annihilated! On the fort, Fu Baoguo stood upright throughout the entire affairC no one knew what was running through his mind. He was the only one who knew that he had experienced a moment of triumph earlier. "I know how I should face Han Sanhe now. Although I can''t guarantee victory, it can at least buy us some time until the Nine Supremes Lords come to our rescue!" Fu Baoguo said, "Search for the corpse of the Wolf Bandits'' head later. Bury him as military custom dictates!" "This person has contributed immensely to this war. It cannot be denied!" Fu Baoguo issued his orders with conviction. Immense contribution? Everyone was bewildered. In their eyes, the Wolf Bandits were but a bunch of idiots who came purely to commit suicide. How could there have been an immense contribution by these fools? Was the marshal speaking about how they had used their lives to ruin the Shadow Cavalry''s formation? That would be slightly more reasonable, but still... Fu Baoguo turned around to head inside, ignoring the general''s murmurs beside him. He now experienced a clarity that had eluded him all this while. "I''ve actually muddled up my own mind, being a marshal for so many years!" Fu Baoguo mused, "It was the words of these Wolf Bandits words that finally brought some sense to me." "Irregular and unpredictable like the wind! Ambushing from every direction and scattering to the four winds!" Fu Baoguo''s eyes were glowing. "With the Steel Cavalry''s discipline, a formidable force could be unleashed if such rogue tactic of the bandits were to be used. Still, it has to be perfected further" "Assemble the generals for a discussion!" "Yes!" Four days later, Han Sanhe''s army finally arrived in belated wonder. Yutang''s militants stood at the Fortress of Resilience and looked out over the horizon. Their field of vision was densely filled with military tents and fluttering flags calmly spread throughout the forest. Even if one strained his eyes, there was no end in sight. It was an ocean of soldiers and a forest of tents. With the greater relief forces arriving, Dongxuan''s battered morale was boosted. Their militants were high-spirited, their horses were spurred back to life; the vibe was fervent, and everyone wished to destroy the Fortress of Resilience within a single battle and finish the war. "Teacher, I''ve let you down" Zhan Ge came to ask for forgiveness C this was what he said right as he entered the tent. "Besides the fact that defeat and victory are both common in the military, your defeat, be it to Tie Zheng or Fu Baoguo, is not embarrassing. It was a precious drill for you, which is a good thing. I never expected you to defeat those reputable generals with just one battle. If you somehow managed to win, it would be delightful, but it might not be beneficial to your future." Han Sanhe was exceptionally calm as if already predicting such a result. His slow words of comfort seemed sincere. The main reason old man Han Sanhe had come so late was to perfect the setup to counter the Nine Supremes'' sudden appearance. There was no delaying or slacking in this crucial task. On the other hand, it was just like he had said; he wanted Zhan Ge to take things into his own hands for once, to be trained. He had never had the wild wish that Zhan Ge would be able to defeat Fu Baoguo and conquer the Fortress of Resilience before he and his army arrived. How could the reputation of the top militant of Yutang''s younger generation be earned so easily? His words were hurtful, but it was a fact in Han Sanhe''s mind. Facing his prized disciple, the person who would be his heir, he spoke as wished, pointing directly at the crux of the matter. "Zhan Ge, you have to know that Yutang''s military bosses C Qiu, Leng, and Fang, are all old now. The two main marshals in charge now are Tie Zheng and Fu Baoguo. It''s truly a rare chance to train by facing Fu Baoguo alone in such a battle!" Han Sanhe continued slowly, "Tie Zheng''s weakness is that, sometimes, he will rely on his brute strength or impulsiveness. Fu Baoguo, on the other hand, is an all-rounded talent. He''s collected and stable, rarely taking chances in hopes of getting lucky. Yet, rarely taking chances doesn''t mean never. As long as there is a high enough chance to win, he will never hesitate to take a leap of faith. The ambush of thirty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry earlier proves this!" "This person is one opponent that is hard to take down." Han Sanhe said with a faint smile, "However, all famed generals in this world have their weaknesses. Fu Baoguo is no exception. Maybe, I should say that his strength is also where his weakness lies. He is too stable! Sometimes, being too predictable can be a weakness to be exploited." Zhan Ge listened to his teacher with a bow. At this point, he suddenly had an impulse to ask C since all the generals in this world had their weaknesses, what then was his teacher''s weakness? Indeed, Han Sanhe was the top general acknowledged and recognized by the world. What would his weakness be? It seemed that no one knew yet C maybe it would show in this war? For the next few days, both sides were engaged in a heated battle. Han Sanhe personally directed the army to begin attacking the Fortress of Resilience. Many battles raged; the attackers and defenders positions were clearly divided, with Yutang defending and Dongxuan attacking. The Yutang military who had the fort to rely on was of course, at an advantage. The ratio of casualties was mostly maintained at four to one as Yutang had the geographical benefit and could take four men individually. Han Sanhe was not fazed about this though; it was well within his initial estimates. The Fortress of Resilience was a majestic bastion; it was easy to defend but difficult to attack. With Fu Baoguo''s stable command, the current situation was not much of a surprise! Besides, their military strength was several times more than Yutang''s. Such losses were affordable. As long as it went on for about another ten days, the enemy''s morale would sink into the abyss. Another fifteen to twenty days would see the Fortress of Resilience brought down!" Han Sanhe was confident of this. He was sure that his judgment would never be wrong. From the very beginning, Han Sanhe had never planned to use any other tactics and ploys. He had attacked with his entire force directly, to take his victory by strength; it was the most direct tactic that would garner the most casualties., but it was also the most effective and most accurate method C especially when he was facing Fu Baoguo who was so predictable. It was the most effective way available to him! However, just as Han Sanhe had said himself, all the generals in the world had their weaknesses and Han Sanhe was no exception! His weakness was perhaps being overly confident. He had never expected that someone whose personality was long figured out could make such a surprising change. It was said that after a period of absence, one would change drastically. This was exactly the case in point! This time, the person Han Sanhe had judged wrongly was Fu Baoguo. The former had realized with a start that it was like he had not known Fu Baoguo at all. More precisely, Fu Baoguo had changed! 448 A New War Strategy! To be more precise, it was Fu Baoguo who had changed. He was not the Fu Baoguo he used to be. The Fu Baoguo that Han Sanhe knew would have done the only thing he needed to do, which was to put up a secure defense when faced with Han Sanhe''s imposing army. He would have done this in order to minimize the losses C nothing less, nothing more! In spite of this, Fu Baoguo''s countermeasure was far from such a mundane tactic. The Fortress of Resilience had to be heavily and securely guarded so that it was as safe as an unmoveable mountain. At the same time, however, Fu Baoguo was executing a decision vastly distinct from his previous military ways C he was attacking in a manner normally reserved for the insane. Such an attack made even the normally unperturbed Han Sanhe feel uncomfortable. Fu Baoguo''s strategy was to deploy a hundred thousand men of Steel Cavalry C yes, a full battalion of a hundred thousand men from the Steel Cavalry had been sent in unison to take Dongxuan! Of course, the hundred thousand men of the Steel Cavalry was not going to ambush Dongxuan''s base like the thirty thousand men from the Steel Cavalry had done before. If he had done so, Han Sanhe would be guffawing because it was not a wise move at all, an unadulterated act that would seal his own doom. The hundred thousand men of the Steel Cavalry had been divided into twenty squads by Fu Baoguo and scattered within the dense forest. Once the army was engaged in battle or Dongxuan''s troop began attacking the fort, they would be ambushed like they had met a pack of wolves! The Steel Cavalry squads had fulfilled the depth of the words irregular and unpredictable like the wind, striking from every direction and scattering the same way they came. This was the most effective battle method of the bandits. Now, the tactic that had never been regarded by true cavalrymen, was being revised by Fu Baoguo and executed by the world''s elite Steel Cavalry. Be it day or night, whenever there was a chance, they would jump in for the kill. Their equipment was refined and their speed was swift; they would flee far after an ambush no matter whether it succeeded or not, never lingering in the vicinity. As for Dongxuan''s troops that were being attacked, they were content to avoid giving chase after being ambushed. If they had insisted on revenge and sped after the Steel Cavalry, not only would they be unable to catch up to them, another squad might pop out in some other direction sometime later and repeat the ambush! Once the pursuers increased in number, the chase would be slowed down; if the number of people dropped too far, they might be utterly annihilated! It was a tricky decision whether to give chase or not. The Steel Cavalry, who had brought sufficient food, water, and arrows, terrorized the battlefield from any direction they could; they were bold, perpetually goading the enemy into doing something rash and behaved arrogantly. Within just a few short days, Dongxuan''s path which served the provision wagons was ambushed on at least five different occasions. Each time, the attack was preceded by a shower of arrows. Although the provisions had not been looted, there were still losses suffered. The ring around Dongxuan''s base inexplicably caught fire in the middle of the night; although it did not develop into an overly large fire, the people in the base did not manage to catch a single wink of sleep that night. Dongxuan''s troop was already fighting the entire day and was exhausted; then came the sleepless nights in addition to being frightened and anxious. How could they have endured this for much longer? The damage wasn''t severe, but it was enough to cause Han Sanhe a headache. It was not that Han Sanhe did not set up any traps of his own; he had installed so many booby traps and ambushes to lure the Steel Cavalry in, but somehow, they had not been tricked at all. They did not fall into the traps and ambushes, as if they knew that the secure and attainable camps were actually packed with lethal danger every step of the way! Han Sanhe, who was already a veteran of war, could not help wondering how could Han Sanhe suddenly turn so almighty? Which deity had enlightened Fu Baoguo? Was he still talking about the same man? Han Sanhe''s headache hurt so much that he felt his head grow twice in size. "Five thousand men a team, come back to the fort for supplies every three days." "All operations are of your own accord! There''s only one goal C weaken Dongxuan''s combat power!" "The first request C horse hooves must be wrapped with cotton when moving at night; this ensures minimal noise. Furthermore, don''t tempt fate by trying to advance further than necessary!" "The second request C no more than ten casualties can be suffered on our side in each fight!" "The third request C only when your warhorses'' velocity accelerates to the maximum can you attack! Once you have attacked, draw back immediately, no matter the result!" "The fourth request C no matter how good a chance looks for a battle, do not be foolish enough to join in!" "The fifth request C only disrupt and weaken. Do not strike a death blow! Even if it''s only a hundred-men squad, retreat at once after shooting when the horses have sped up!" "The sixth request C even if your comrades and squad have been ambushed right before your eyes, even if the entire team is about to be annihilated, those ambushed will not ask for help! Witnesses, do not save them! Draw back at once! Take another chance to weaken the enemy!" "The seventh request C even if it only takes a turn of your body to save your comrade, don''t you dare turn around!" "The eighth request C even if the Fortress of Resilience is being breached, do not speed off alone to help!" "The ninth and final request C each return for supplies shall be accompanied by a rock and a log individually in exchange for weapons and arrows!" "Each provision will see the team leader beheaded if his team has more than fifty casualties in three days! The assistant general will be beheaded as well! The team will be dismissed, reshuffled and reorganized!" "Any violation of all the requests above shall see the beheading of the team''s general and assistant general! The entire team will be dismissed, reshuffled and reorganized!" This was what Fu Baoguo had asked of them when he sent the Steel Cavalry into operation. It was also a matter of discipline during practical battle. This was truly what it meant to obey the prohibitions like strict commands and assume law in accordance with words; it was to nip all sorts of unaccountable danger in its bud. The Steel Cavalry''s strategy to attack like a wolf pack had scored, causing Han Sanhe a headache. In spite of it, it was only a minor detail that did not affect the overall picture. The main warfare still lied within the status of the battle. Both sides fought vehemently. Days passed one after another; the Fortress of Resilience seemed to be swaying each day, yet it had persevered! It was after another attack of the fortress when Fu Baoguo stood atop the fort, as usual, watching the assistant generals anxiously conduct the repair of a wall. There was also the movement of resources and transfer of injured soldiers, but he remained stationary. The generals were the soldiers'' courage while the marshal was the army''s soul! Despite not doing anything, as long as Fu Baoguo stood there tall and proud, Yutang''s army would somehow find their backbone. Fu Baoguo had not slept for three consecutive days now, but he still looked well-rested and exuded a sense of immense confidence to everyone. As long as Marshal Fu was there, the Fortress of Resilience would remain Yutang''s! No one could conquer it, not even Han Sanhe! Fu Baoguo stood at the highest point, watching the clouds with a leisure gaze; there was only one thing on his mind now. "I''ve used all my aces and all my might. I don''t think I can hold out any longer Yutang is suffering from tens of thousands of casualties daily, a loss that the military morale can''t compensate Nine Supremes Lords, the only hope in this war is you! When are you coming? I I wish to see you again to tell you that you didn''t let me go in vain that day C Fu Baoguo is no longer that selfish and despicable varmin!" "Report!" "Speak!" "Marshal! The city wall''s repairs are completed!" "Good! All those involved rest on the spot, recover your energy as much as possible!" "Yes!" Looking at his tired fighters rest, Fu Baoguo stood tall and laughed suddenly, asking out loud, "Brothers, do you know what I''m thinking of now?" An assistant general quipped appropriately, "We don''t, but we certainly won''t mind knowing!" Fu Baoguo laughed, "I''m thinking that Han Sanhe, as a God of War of his time, a top general acknowledged by the world whose military strength is several times more than ours. Have you noticed that he hasn''t been going anywhere for so long despite only attacking this small Fortress of Resilience? We remain secure like a mountain, unmovable!" "Say, isn''t the title God of War a little unfitting?" Fu Baoguo said loudly. "Hahaha" The soldiers guffawed, feeling curious as well C That''s right, the opponent has millions of army and is led by the God of War to attack one Resilience Fortress; they have so many advantages yet haven''t been able to take us down for so long. The reputation is indeed unbefitting! "Right now, I honestly feel embarrassed for Han Sanhe. Think about it, how long have I not gone into a war? My individual combat power is just so-so, but Han Sanhe is still helpless against me C this speaks a lot!" Fu Baoguo chortled. He was expending all his tricks to boost his men''s spirit, resorting even to self-deprecation! However, the tactic proved useful as all that could be heard was laughter. Even those who were utterly exhausted felt pride wracking through them and could not help puffing their chests out. Of course, no one would really assume Fu Baoguo''s combat power to really be mediocre. "Coming back to this, it''s not wrong that Han Sanhe can''t vanquish the Resilience Fortress! At least, I think it''s reasonable!" Fu Baoguo''s eyes were radiating with sudden clarity. "After all, the one guarding this fort is me, Fu Baoguo!" "As long as I, Fu Baoguo, am here, forget one Han Sanhe C even if there are ten Gods of War, what can they do to me?" Fu Baoguo''s voice was thunderous and deafening. "All hail the marshal!" Countless Yutang militants roared, high in spirits. No one would have thought that Fu Baoguo was contradicting himself. After all, they, especially the veterans, knew that perhaps Marshal Fu was instead Yutang''s top militant currently C it was not just the top militant of Yutang''s younger generation! Fu Baoguo chortled, as if triumphant and confident. Inwardly, he was anxiously calling out, "Lord Supreme Wind! When are you coming?" In Tiantang City,Empire of Yutang. Qiu Jianhan had not been sleeping nor resting for multiple days now. He was organizing the army, directing the provisions and sending relief troops Every matter, be it big or small, had to go through his hands before he could feel at ease. There was no room for carelessness. It was not just Marshal Qiu; the entire Yutang imperial court was hectic and buzzing as well. When they were occasionally free, the emperor and Old Marshal Qiu would gather with their frowns locked in place, the solemn mood difficult to resolve. "Supreme Cloud, what ails you?" 449 Supreme Cloud, Where Are You? The emperor and Old Marshal Qiu had asked each other this question multiple times daily. The question was always the same; was Supreme Wind, who had been making unprecedented appearances, actually Supreme Cloud? The old marshal and His Majesty had long known about it because the original Supreme Wind could never have conjured up all the phenomena that had been taking place up until this point. Only Supreme Cloud, the think tank of the Nine Supremes, had the foresight and astuteness to achieve it. However, he had not shown his true identity, hiding behind that of Supreme Wind; there would definitely be a reason behind it and the whole Yutang would help him hide the fact as well. Still, the whole wide world probably knew by now that the Supreme Wind was actually Supreme Cloud. There might no longer be a need to conceal the truth. Previously, Yutang''s higher authorities had received news that the Empire of Ziyou had schemed to trap Supreme Cloud. The emperor almost fell sick when he knew about it. Luckily, news came again that Supreme Cloud had wreaked havoc in Zilong City, fought the entire army, broken the siege, and escaped unscathed; he had even directed the Lunar River''s waters to the gates of Zilong City, threatening to drown the empire and everyone in it. It was a majestic display of domination! Furthermore, after the battle, they had welcomed home General Shangguan Wudi''s remains of Shangguan Family of Generals. The Shangguan hero could finally return home! The news acted like a pacifier to the anxious Emperor of Yutang. He was all smiles and grins then, recovering from all manner of ailments at once. What was more, the Empire of Ziyou had withdrawn its army due to this matter and resigned from the four-nation collaboration, taking a massive amount of pressure off Yutang''s frontline. Upon confirming the situation, Yutang had commanded the deployment of half of the western troops to assist in the eastern defense immediately, for them to intimidate Dongxuan and tackle Han Sanhe. A few days later, they heard that Lord Supreme Cloud had appeared to help the southern line. His power in the southern battlefield had defeated Dayuan''s troops and secured the southern defense in entirety. The whole of Yutang was in a celebratory mood, the people thrilled beyond belief. The Nine Supremes were the Nine Supremes! Even when there was only one of them, a sole Supreme left, they were still Yutang''s guardian angels. As long as they had the Nine Supremes, Yutang was safe! After Supreme Cloud had concluded his part in the southern warfare, he had indicated clearly to the southern marshal that he would immediately make his way to the east to assist them and even asked that Yutang''s emperor and the imperial court be at ease. With Supreme Cloud''s assistance, the east border would be safe, even if they could not mount a counterattack. Who would have known the dire events that would take place next? After that, there was no longer any news about Supreme Cloud! It was as if Supreme Cloud had disappeared into thin air. True to his name, he had turned into the clouds halfway through his journey, without any sign of where he had gone to. Twenty days had passed since his last communication. Even the troops deployed from the east to the west would reach the Fortress of Resilience in a few more days. For Lord Supreme Cloud, who had moved first and was incredibly fast, to fail to reach the east border without any news was a bizarrely terrible omen. The east border was still in mayhem, facing the prospect of devastation and destruction, but Supreme Cloud''s whereabouts were still unknown. "What has happened? How can there be no news at all? The spiritual restraint in Zilong City couldn''t even do a thing to Supreme Cloud, what else in this world can lay him low?" Qiu Jianhan was pacing back and forth anxiously in the foyer of Board of Military. On the other side, the emperor was also doing the same, like an agitated lion. "What could possibly have happened?" His Majesty was frowning worriedly. There were already people who muttered darkly about Supreme Cloud these days, saying if Supreme Cloud had not stubbornly departed to Ziyou in the first place, this would not have happened. It was obviously a trap, yet he jumped in voluntarily; he was clearly disregarding the country''s security and it was an utterly disappointing realization to the common man. Both Old Marshal Qiu and the emperor were enraged by such defamatory statements. "Must one be indifferent when their family and old friends are captured, just for the nation affairs? Could they be as stone-hearted as that?" "Furthermore, it was during the period of the letter of the credence of peace C all the countries had promised to stay peaceful before the new year and the agreement has been announced to the entire Tianxuan Continent. Who would have thought that the four nations would violate it simultaneously?!" "It was in the midst of winter when snow caps the mountains and seals the roads. This has always been the time for armies to rest and rejuvenate, but who would have thought that the war would come at this time?" In spite of this, the emperor could only heave a long sigh. No one, not him, not even Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin and the rest could ever have imagined that the letter of credence of peace could be breached! It was the letter of credence of peace witnessed by the heavens and connected to the continent''s fate! Did the emperors not value their lives? The sound of heavy panting came about as a soft carrier was brought over. Old Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian lifted his upper half from the carrier anxiously and asked, "Is is there news about Supreme Cloud?" There was only heated anticipation in his eyes. The Old Grand Commandant, who was at the last leg of his life, was still not at ease, asking people to carry him over directly. Qiu Jianhan shook his head soundlessly. Disappointment and desolation flashed across the Old Grand Commandant''s eyes as he murmured, "Although no news is good news, I still want to know Supreme Cloud''s whereabouts As long as this old man knows the news of Lord Supreme Cloud! Even if it''s not about him rushing to the battlefield, I can rest in peace, even if I were to die now" His Majesty''s gaze was cold and hard. "Old Qiu, we have lost all contact with Supreme Cloud on his way towards Dongxuan from the south It''s miles and miles of mountains there There could be one who can harm Supreme Cloud there and trap him." A hint of a murderous aura flashed across Qiu Jianhan''s eyes. "Only the Four Seasons Tower could have done this! It must be them!" "Only the Four Seasons Tower can send terrifying experts and possibly trap the current Supreme Cloud!" "We can confirm that Supreme Cloud must have wandered into harm''s way. He must be contending against the Four Seasons Tower''s experts now. I just wonder if Supreme Cloud is merely restrained or is his life being threatened!" Worry clouded Qiu Jianhan''s eyes; he did not want to voice out that last line, but Supreme Cloud, where are you? "Important military news!" Leng Daoyin hurried in with obvious urgency. "Dongxuan has added another eight hundred thousand relief troops! They''re being deployed separately; the first three hundred thousand are already on their way, the second batch has been assembled, the third batch is being gathered. Han Sanhe must have gone crazy! This is already enough to subjugate a nation! If Dongxuan doesn''t fall in this war, then it will be Yutang''s end!" The emperor and Old Marshal Qiu looked aghast upon hearing the awful news. Right now, Fu Baoguo had no more than five hundred thousand soldiers even if they were to add the relief troops and volunteer practitioners that were being sent over. Even if half of the western line''s military strength had gone over, there would only be an additional hundred and fifty thousand militants! It would be a miracle to defeat three million and two hundred thousand men with no more than six hundred and fifty thousand of their own. The pressure alone would have made anyone go mad. Fu Baoguo was human as well, how could he be an exception? Leng Daoyin said aloud, "Your Majesty, the new soldiers are about to complete their training. This old official requests permission to depart to the eastern defense and assist Fu Baoguo in guarding theFortress of Resilience." The emperor contemplated the request thoughtfully. The situation did not allow them to only count on Fu Baoguo alone. The energy of one man was limited, he would have exhausted himself before they could see the end of this. The enemy could rest, taking turns to catch a reprieve, but there was only one spine for theFortress of Resilience. Fu Baoguo could not rest. Once the opponent''s relief troops arrived, it might then be Fu Baoguo''s moment of defeat. It was a must to send help and relief troops. Under such circumstances, they had to send someone capable within the military. This person''s ability and reputation could not be weaker than that of Fu Baoguo. These two people were the guardians of Empire of Yutang''s military forces. Once they went to the eastern defense, they would undoubtedly bolster the flagging morale of the militants stationed there. The emperor was about to agree to the demand when a harsh voice interrupted his consent. "Hold on there!" Qiu Jianhan''s white beard swayed as he growled, "I should be the one to head to the east." Leng Daoyin retorted angrily, "Are you saying that I am not worthy to do so?" Qiu Jianhan replied, "Old Leng, we know what we are made of. I have been stationed in the east for twenty years! I can almost remember all the grass and trees there while you''ve always roamed around the south and west. How can you be more familiar with the eastern defense than I am? Tell me now, who among us is more suitable to be deployed there?" "Besides, despite always being in the capital all these years, I''m confident that my reputation in the east still remains secure and foolproof. What am I waiting for if I don''t use it now?" "I''m still going to let you answer that question C between the two of us, who would serve better at the eastern defense?" Qiu Jianhan asked without any attempt at humility, his words straight to the point. Leng Daoyin''s face was flushed but he replied mildly in hopes for a better solution, "What you said is reasonable, but one cannot deny your old age. Just let me go Old Qiu, you''re older than I am, after all." He looked at Qiu Qianhan worriedly. Everyone knew that Qiu Jianhan was more suitable to assist at the eastern border, but looking at his head of white strands, who would actually be cold enough to let a man who had seen the better part of his life go by put on the armor again to return to war? Accidents were especially common when facing Han Sanhe, whose military strength and combat power was undisputed. Qiu Jianhan said defensively, "Am I unable to stop Han Sanhe just because I''m old?" He turned. "Your Majesty, this old official requests to depart to the east early tomorrow, with two hundred thousand men as relief troops!" The Emperor gazed deeply at his old comrade, his old big brother, and sucked in a deep breath, saying, "Very well. This battle shall be tasked upon Marshal Qiu, but you will not leave with two hundred thousand men. I shall give you another hundred thousand men by gathering together my palace guards and royal forces! If the border is not secured, what''s the use of keeping them with me anyway?" "Agreed!" The decision was made. "Your Majesty, if you hear of your old official''s fall one day" Qiu Jianhan took a deep, shuddering breath and said, "Please move the capital to the southern border immediately to protect Yutang''s fate!" His Majesty turned away without saying anything; after some time, he replied, "There is no need to say more. Yutang shall never die!" Leng Daoyin walked over hastily and called out, "Old Qiu" After those two words, he suddenly choked up, and only managed to continue after a long time, "Take good care!" Qiu Jianhan laughed heartily and said, "If Dongxuan doesn''t budge, then this old man will really be given to Han Sanhe!" He departed, striding briskly out the door with long, strong, steps. On that very night, all the noble families in the country enlisted themselves voluntarily together! The Shangguan Family of Generals was one of those, while the Leng and Qiu Family had even exhausted all their members. Even the women who had any form of cultivation base were dressing up and mounting their horses, ready to depart. Shangguan Lingxiu had just gotten back, but he had asked to be enlisted at once, even assembling all the martial power that the Shangguan Family had. Twenty thousand warriors who had been through hundreds of wars were ready to depart. Everyone in Yutang was heavy-hearted. The danger of this war was unprecedented. The eastern border was in a state of emergency. Yutang was swept in the atmosphere of tension, akin to that before a menacing storm. Everyone was calling out in distress. "Supreme Cloud!" "Where are you?" 450 Going to War. Helplessness. Shangguan Lingxiu could not help herself when she went to the Residence of Heavenly Clouds during dawn on the day of departure to war. The Residence of Heavenly Clouds had been completely rebuilt now, taking up about double of its original size and was more luxurious and dazzling than it ever was. This heavenly residence on earth was comparable to the white jade palace in heaven! It was a sight to behold and anyone who saw it would be amazed. It was just that such a tremendous residence was empty and barely filled with humans. After the residence was rebuilt, Dong Tianleng and gang had taken up a yard of space each, laying claim to the place as their home shamelessly. Yun Yang had yet to return; without his master, Lao Mei would not chase his young master''s guests away. Therefore, the four rascals were allowed to stay on. After the previous battle, Lao Mei had regarded Dong Tianleng and his gang in a different light. There was a huge change in his attitude as well. If he had been cold before, he was treating them like his old friends and relatives now! The friendship forged after a battle together, one that called for life and death directly, was distinct indeed! If someone were to tell Lao Mei that he would be sincere friends with the ''legendary'' noble young masters of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, that they would go through life and death together, Lao Mei would have spit on that person. Now he could only swallow that spit; life was unpredictable indeed! Those faithful to kinship were mostly butchers and lower-classed people while those who were cruel were mostly scholars and the educated onesC such was the truth! However, the four popinjays were not from the lower classes, yet they were so faithful to their brotherhood. How precious was that? "This is so comfortable!" "This house Damn it, when your father lives alone after the family wealth is split, I want to build one like this. This is a perfect life." Dong Tianleng shook his leg casually. The few remaining guards of the Dong Family gazed into the sky, thinking, "F*cking hell, this fellow actually wants to split family wealth now If the household master knows of this, his legs will surely be broken, even if he has three of them!" "Besides, even if you''re allocated a portion of the property of the household, you won''t be able to afford such a house anyway. Just the materials for such a yard will already need tens of millions of taels. Even if you empty out your fortune building it, don''t you have to go about your daily life afterward?" "Furthermore, it is simply a waste for you to stay in such a wonderful house. Will you be able to guard it? Who knows if some ace cultivator covets such a remarkable man-made cultivation location some day and snatch it from you? It''s only expected and reasonable!" The four popinjays lived an easy life with their guards in the Residence of Yun, but it had only been four days that they had just gotten used to such an enjoyable life that they were held captive by Qiu Jianhan. "You fellow! You are to follow me to war!" "Look at your fats and flabby meat! I have to train you fellows on behalf of your father!" The old marshal was maddened, racking his brain to think of a way to ensure the Empire of Yutang''s security; he would do anything to make sure of it. Suddenly recalling that his nephew seemed to still be in the capital city and had a few popinjay friends with him while they had several men of high cultivation base with them, he would feel guilty if he did not use them. He had easily found a reason to take them all away and enlist them into the army. Dong Tianleng and gang were reluctant to sign up, but no one dared say a thing. What sort of an existence did Old Marshal Qiu have in mind for them? It was someone Boss Yun had to obey and be manipulated by; he was the head of Yutang''s top three rogues. Since he had voiced out his order, these helpless chickens might as well obey him immediately! "Let me tell all of you. It is a time of war now and Yutang is in a critical state. Things are conducted fairly casually. If you don''t follow orders, you''ll be charged under military law!" "What do you mean charged under military law?" Chun Wanfeng, who was at a loss, blinked as he thought furiously, "We didn''t say that we aren''t going, why are you talking about charging us?" "Military law means beheading. Simply said, if you''re disobedient, your head gets chopped off!" Qiu Jianhan glared at them. The four of them were shocked. This was no laughing matter. They felt like pulling out right away. "No, no, no. We don''t want to go. We''re not soldiers. We" "Take them. Bring them all away!" Under Qiu Jianhan''s orders, a group of men wearing menacing smirks charged in and took off the four fellows'' clothing in an instance, changing them into military uniforms. "Now that you''re all in military uniforms, it''s done for. You''re now soldiers!" The old marshal left no room for objection. "A soldier will, of course, follow the military law!" All four men looked tearful. F*ck, how can something like this happen? I''ve heard of innocent women being forced into prostitution, but this.. this is forcing people into enlistment! This is violating the rights of healthy people to serve in the military! Dong Tianleng turned his head away. "Old Sir Qiu, can you be reasonable? I''m not from Qiu Family you can''t control me!" "How dare you go against your superior? Do you know that it''s a penalty worthy of being beheaded? Since it is your first fault, it''ll be forgiven with a lighter punishment. Men, ten thousand flogs!" Dong Tianleng slunk away in defeat. Ten thousand flogs? Was this considered a light punishment? There would barely be any piece of flesh the size of a fingernail''s left on him after the punishment! He had truly experienced what it took for one to be roguish; the legendary head of Yutang''s three top rogues was true to his reputation indeed. There was no exaggeration, he was a gangster, through and through. Comparatively, their reputation as four great popinjays was only child''s play. There was no way they could be compared, as they were heaven and earth apart. "Please spare my life! This subordinate is willing to requite the country with patriotism and will do everything with my life" Dong Tianleng knew when to admit defeat. "I see that you''re tactful! At least you know how to be appreciative! This old man is kind enough to path your way to being an official Your ancestors should be thanking me, thanking my ancestors" "Let''s go!" Qiu Jianhan left, pulling at Dong Tianleng''s ear. The other three popinjays were forced into enlistment as well, cursing Qiu Jianhan and his family over and over again inwardly along their way; even his ancestors were not spared. Who f*cking cares to be an official? Look at how you''re pretending to be benevolent If our families know, they will surely wallop you It''s fine to forgo cursing C cursing your ancestors, the Qiu Family won''t agree to this! Swearing inwardly was one thing; that they were at a disadvantage was another. Four of them could only follow suit. It was said that life was like being f*cked; since one could not put up a fight, one might as well enjoy it. These four young men had been captured, so their guards could only go along despite not being caught. It was a certain rogue''s grand plan; it would be a waste to leave the peak realm cultivators be, better to just utilize all of them. Therefore, the Residence of Yun was empty again. Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue had a discussion with Lao Mei before they left with Qiu Jianhan. "Young master''s lifelong wish is to protect Yutang. We''re his guards, of course, we have to go to the battlefield. We can''t charge the frontline with the army but we can be the old marshal''s janissaries and ensure his safety. It''s something we should do." This was the two men''s honest thoughts and it was how they conveyed it to Old Marshal Qiu. They asserted their stance clearly, willing to become Old Qiu''s personal guards in the coming battle. Old Marshal Qiu was overjoyed that these two would offer their assistance. His knowledge about the strength of superlevel cultivators was relatively limited, and he only knew that both these men were above Tenth Perfection, especially Bai Yixue, who was also one of the world''s top swordsmen. He was someone who had survived the Unrivaled Swordsman''s, Jun Moyan''s, strike. Of course, he would gladly take them in. Despite his slight disdain for Bai Yixue, he still regarded him highly and was willing to accept him. Lao Mei actually wanted to go as well, but the massive Residence of Yun needed a butler anyhow, thus he stayed on. Then, Lao Mei realized that he was back to the same situation he was in a few years ago. The entire Residence of Yun, the spacious Residence of Heavenly Clouds, one that was excellent for cultivation, had only him in its halls. There was no one else! The sudden silence made Lao Mei feel terribly alone. How lonely it was! When Shangguan Lingxiu came to visit, he was delightedly surprised. Finally, there was someone he could talk to. "Is there news about Young Master Yun?" asked Shangguan Lingxiu. "Unfortunately, no" Lao Mei sighed. Yun Yang was not like Supreme Cloud. No one would actually ask about him specifically at this critical juncture; after all, he was still titled Yutang''s popinjay. It was not exactly a big deal for him to disappear for dozens of days or even for an entire month. It was unexpected that Shangguan Lingxiu turned to leave at once after hearing the answer, without any hesitation. Lao Mei was dumbfounded. What did this mean? He could obviously see the anxiety and worry in Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes but did she just leave after just one question? He had yet to start chatting, could he not get a channel to release his loneliness? In actual fact, Shangguan Lingxiu did not have the time. Since the only person in this world that could possibly know where Supreme Cloud was still had no news of him, it was better for her to prioritize national affairs first C she should rush to the frontline now! However, Shangguan Lingxiu did return with something else. She was given two more subordinates C two silhouettes who were slim and had long silky hair like waterfalls, whose backs were wonderful and sinful, yet their faces were dull and grey. It made everyone feel like they had to always stay alert and be properly defending themselves at any time; what was left of their feelings after that was merely pity. Was heaven so jealous of beauty that it disallowed the world to have perfect women? These two women were none other than Ji Lingxi and Yu Rulan. The girls were considered to be utterly safe now since some time had passed; the Four Seasons Tower had drawn back entirely for some reason or other. Lei Dongtian was gone without a trace too. Their families had come a few times instead to search for the ladies since they were distressed as well. They had accepted the dowry, yet their daughters had gone missing They must look for them. It was not that they had not thought of finding fault with Lei Dongtian. After all, it was his bizarre courtship that chased the ladies away. In spite of this, they had yet to make up their minds since Lei Dongtian was someone the two families had to contemplate long and well before deciding. What was more, the ultimate decision might possibly be one that acknowledged defeat. How the families had conducted the search was, unfortunately, without aim. Similar to Lei Dongtian, they knew that this place was the only location connected to Ji Lingxi, but with the Nine Heavens Dictum and the ladies'' disguise, the families could never recognize them even if they were standing face to face. The families could only go about the matter like headless flies. It was one thing that the girls were safe, but it was another for them to have tormented Shui Wuyin greatly! Shui Wuyin felt that his days were endless. Every time he met Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan, it was like he was seeing the Yama King and his evil spirits himself. "Where did Yun Yang go?" "Where is this?" "Why?" "Keep us captive? What do you mean?" "Explain yourself clearly!" "Why aren''t you speaking, stoic face?" "Speak!" "I remember you know how to talk. Talk, quickly." Shui Wuyin had to go through such an interrogation for about thirty times a day. He was suffering inexplicably, yet these two girls were people he could not afford to offend. This was the most upsetting part of the whole affair. One was the sister of Supreme Wind whom Shui Wuyin respected the most in his life, while another was Supreme Wind''s fiance! Shui Wuyin would love very much to worship these two people like they were deities, how could he dare offend them? These were the family of the god in his heart! These were two goddesses! Ultimately, Shui Wuyin came clean and chose to disclose some vague information. "Actually, all these are to protect you" "I know that you two are uncomfortable but it''s too dangerous outside. Acting recklessly will put yourselves in danger" "Actually both of you are Yutang''s Nine Supremes'' Supreme Wind''s fiance and younger sister." It came like thunderbolts to the girls when they heard Shui Wuyin finally admit this. The hefty information gave the girls vertigo, their minds muddled and their eyes and mouths agape. No wonder they could not find their brother and fianc all along. This was the truth but the truth was simply too shocking! How could their older brother, their fianc, be Supreme Wind? "Big brother has carried such a heavy responsibility if it had been someone else, they would have been crushed" thought Ji Lingxi to herself. "I see that he''s shouldering so many grudges How could he focus on marrying me under such circumstances? He''d feel guilty towards his brothers as well" thought Yue Rulan. Upon understanding their brother or fianc, Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan made their decision simultaneously. Since Ji Lingfeng cared so much about the Empire of Yutang and had dedicated his life to the country and his Nine Supremes brothers, the responsibility that he used to carry shall be shouldered by the two of them now, since Supreme Wind was not here and Yutang was facing a crisis. Since he''s not here, we''ll help him safeguard the country! Shui Wuyin would never have thought that his words would give birth to the girls'' intention to enlist in the military. It was futile, even after a long-winded persuasion. The girls were resolute! Without Yun Yang there, who else could restrain the both of them? Therefore, Shui Wuyin contacted the Shangguan Family of Generals. Everyone knew that Shangguan Lingxiu was setting off for war and it was only with a female general that the heart would be more at ease. Old Mistress Shangguan was still worrying over the fact that Shangguan Lingxiu''s janissaries had too low a cultivation base and could hardly protect her granddaughter when they got onto the battlefield. While Yue Rulan and Ji Lngxiu''s cultivation bases were insignificant compared to the experts, they were sufficiently remarkable in the Tianxuan Continent. The old lady agreed at once. It was on this morning that the flags fluttered as the troop set off. When Qiu Jianhan led the army out of Tiantang City''s east gate, he could clearly feel the worried gaze of his wife who had accompanied him his whole life from behind the city wall. He willed himself not to turn back. The army was orderly and majestic, but Qiu Jianhan felt strangely worried. Going to war his whole life, he had led the troops into battle for over a hundred times, yet such it was his first time feeling such an odd sense of fear. It was the uncertainty of victory that differed from the past. Snow fell in a flurry of white flakes. Qiu Jianhan let out a long holler, "Forever Yutang!" Six hundred and sixty-six drums and six hundred and sixty-six horns were played at the same time. Qiu Jianhan chortled into the sky and departed with a loud whip to his horse''s flanks. His white beard fluttered amidst the snow and breeze while his easy laughter resonated in the air, "This old man has set off to war thousands and hundreds of times, but to go to war in the snow is a special occasion indeed!" Both veterans and fresh fighters were exhilarated for Qiu Jianhan to lead the army. Han Sanhe was the god of war but Qiu Jianhan was equally an idol of victorious wars in Yutang. The old marshal had not set off for war leading the army for dozens of years now. Everyone was thrilled to depart today. At the city wall, Old Mistress Qiu lowered her gaze solemnly. The old mistress was inexplicably worried. Seeing her husband''s courageous back that went farther in the snow, she could not hold back the tears in her eyes. It was as if the most important piece in her life left her all of a sudden. Worry brimmed her heart; she had the wild impulse to depart with the army. To be together in life, and to be together in death. Her hands held the letter left by her husband. It was a thick pile, but the old mistress did not read them. She knew the words in them. She would rather not open this letter until she died! When her husband came home last night and told her he was to depart for war, she was taken aback. On the morning of the same day, the wind-chasing beast that had hooves, which ran like a tiger and mane that fluttered like the lion that had followed her husband for seventeen years had died from a sudden sickness. Her husband had two of the best horses in his life. When he was young, he had tamed the king of horses, the beast mentioned above, by chance. From then on, they had never been defeated when they went to war. Many years later, the old horse had retired. Her husband then rode the descendant of the beast. Now, the second horse had finally succumbed to sickness It was such a coincidence that it had died before the day her husband set off to war! The old mistress had a bad premonition. When her husband received the news coming home, he was quiet for a long time. He dug a large pit alone to bury the horse; then, he took a pot of wine and drank for the better half of the night while sitting by the grave. Then, he departed. It was during the dawn when she had sent her husband out of the door that a gust of wind came and a brick from the door fell before her husband. The old mistress had wanted to persuade her husband not to go to war this time but Qiu Jianhan had only looked at the brick in front of him quietly and left with his usual large stride. He had said nothing. Thinking about it, the old mistress felt scared. Yet, there was nothing she could do. The empire was in danger; it was a general''s task to go to war. How could one draw back just for some peculiar, minor, details before the war? The army was set to depart; how could you refuse to leave at this time just because you said so? "Come back soon" The old mistress''s voice drifted in the snow, laced with immense sincerity, "God, as long as Old Qiu can return safely, I pledge to be a vegetarian for the rest of my life, to be banished to the sea of suffering in my next lives, in exchange for the last few years of this one" "God, please bless Yutang''s Lord Supreme Wind to arrive on the battlefield soon! This old woman is willing to use the rest of my life in exchange for this" The same prayer was repeated in practically every home in the Empire of Yutang Lord Supreme Cloud, whom all of Yutang was yearning for, was beginning to panic in the stretches of the mountains. It had been twenty-four days. Yun Yang was trapped under the snow in this forest, rendered immobile. He had thought of countless of ways in this period of time and Mr. Nian, sitting calmly above him, did the same as well. Five thousand miles of the forest was scorched ground, without the thick layers of snow that covered every other area. Even the grassroots under the ground had lost their life. The biggest stone was no bigger than a fingernail. From head to toe, the soil, hills, stones, and trees, had been struck no less than ten thousand times by Mr. Nian. One would tear the place apart to search high and low, but Mr. Nian had exceeded the extent of the saying. He had turned the entire place upside down! Yun Yang had been injured no less than two hundred times during the process. Each time, he had to remain clear-minded to not move even the slightest bit in order to avoid Mr. Nian''s net of sword energy. He had used all sorts of tricks and methods to remain undetected. Perhaps Mr. Nian could not find his exact location, but there was also no hope for him to escape this prison of heaven and earth. The biggest possibility of this standstill was only Until the end, Mr. Nian would not find him, but he would eventually turn into soil underground, without even decomposing into a corpse! After all, his soul was constantly being damaged, and he was already feeling like he could no longer hold on. Since he was trapped, Yun Yang had been hoping for the intervention of a third party force. As long as there were one, he could seize the chance and flee! However, there had been no glimpse of hope whatsoever. Sometimes, martial artists would pass by but before they could come near, Mr. Nian had destroyed their very souls with sword light. The enemy was killed thousands of feet away. Mr. Nian was not even willing to let the power of the soul after a death linger on, in the possibility that it might confuse him in this space! Yun Yang was utterly resentful, but he was helpless, despite racking his brain. There were so many experts in the martial world the Concourse of the Underworld, the Four Seasons Tower, Jun Moyan, Ling Xiaozui, and plenty more. Could not one of these legendary figures pass by? Where was Lei Dongtian? Was he dead? Why was there no news about him? The place was rather deserted, but what place would truly be isolated for people from the martial world? In the first three days, Yun Yang waited confidently, but it was in vain. For the next three days, Yun Yang calculated the probability of someone passing by, but it was futile. On the eighth day, a few men came to pick herbs, but they died before they even got close. On the eleventh day, a few robbers who wanted to strike some deals popped out of nowhere but were also cruelly murdered by Mr. Nian. On the sixteenth day, a true expert passed by; he was at least a few levels in heaven realm but he had also died unjustly outside the forest. Worse, birds who flew by these days were not exempted. Forget about snakes or worms tunneling underground even the ants were all killed by Mr. Nian! Facing such a stubborn opponent, Yun Yang was utterly speechless. Was the Four Seasons Tower so free? As the main leader of the Four Seasons Tower, would he not have to go back and chair important matters? Why was he lingering on here? Free, Mr. Nian made monologue like a chatterbox, provoking Yun Yang with all sorts of vile words to make him explode. At first, Yun Yang tried hard to hold himself back. Later, it was no longer self-restraint C he did not even have the energy to erupt in anger. Yet Mr. Nian was still vivacious; his sword energy swung about like a storm and cleared the entire place effortlessly. After he had rested, he turned into a chatterbox to continue his provocation. About the time it took to make tea, he would scorch the vicinity once again. Yun Yang could feel himself barely moving, even as water in this parched soil. The thousands of feet of earth was parched like the surface of a desert; how could a few drops of water move inside it? If he were not careful, he might even be absorbed by the soil! Yun Yang was close to losing all hope. Had he truly come to his end this time? Just as his mind was about to lose all clarity and his mobility was about to leave him, as his head was growing muddled and he felt quite like giving up the chance of a change in his circumstances suddenly blossomed in his mind! 451 Impasse! When he had exhausted all possibilities, when his manifestation powers could no longer be used, he finally felt the sense of hopelessness that one faced when standing before an almighty force. Yun Yang had never been one to give up easily, but when his life force had been extremely drained to the point where all signs of vitality were gradually disappearing and his deific consciousness could be released no more, where even his eyes were struggling to stay open he could only sigh helplessly, no matter how unwilling and grudging he was about the whole matter! Right now, Yun Yang had almost lost the ability to turn back into his human form and return to the ground to face Mr. Nian. Although Emmie was still waving its tendrils anxiously in its space, twisting around with all its might, and supplying an endless air of vitality, it was mostly in vain, of no benefit towards Yun Yang''s current state; it could barely keep up with the speed at which his life was draining away. Emmie could only shrink its tendrils while ensuring its maximum efficacy, ignoring its own exhaustion in order to aid Yun Yang to the best it could. However, such assistance was only a stretched- out struggle that offered nothing to the bigger picture. As Yun Yang continued to be wounded incessantly, alongside the damage to his spirit, Emmie also continued to grow weaker. Although Emmie was in a separate space, Yun Yang''s overall state was the foundation of its existence. Once Yun Yang ceased to exist, it would be ruined as well! Yun Yang, who was lying underground, was being constantly injured physically and spiritually, and he eventually began to despair. Despite being in a precarious situation, he was still rather impressed by Mr. Nian above him. The person''s insistence and perseverance was something to be admired. Still, Yun Yang had a strange thought that flickered through his mind. Wasn''t this Mr. Nian a little too free? He was the head of the Four Seasons Tower! The one above the Five Venerable Lords, the Four Supreme Lords, multiple heaven realm cultivators and a superior to countless ace cultivators! He was someone who had the earth-shattering ability to contend with the Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui! It was a high regard to him for such a person to target him personally! Nonetheless, for a man of Mr. Nian''s status to corner Yun Yang with this current tactic seemed to be self-deprecating besides being absolute overkill. From Yun Yang''s point of view, to appear like the other day and resolve the four Venerable Lords'' crisis at once, severely damaging Old Mu then Lei Dongtian with a strike each, and leave like the wind after easily doing battle would only befit his identity as the head of the world''s top organization, the Four Seasons Tower. To tackle a cultivator who was only a beginner in the heaven realm like him, Mr. Nian should have left when his attacked had failed to touch his target! To blurt vile words and provocations like a chatterbox did not reflect the grace and dominance of someone overlooking the world like Mr. Nian should have. All in all, the Mr. Nian whom Yun Yang was facing now and what he had done greatly contradicted the image and impression that Mr. Nian had conjured up all this while. Somehow, it just didn''t jive. Oddly enough, Yun Yang found himself somewhat irritated by this. Mr. Nian knew that it was futile, but still, he kept on chattering. How lonely could he be? Had he not talked to someone for eight hundred years? In spite of it, his cultivation base was truly earth-shattering. There was no doubt about his impressive and almighty skills. He would be ranked first among all the experts Yun Yang had met in his life, without contest. Just as Yun Yang was about to lose hope or perhaps at the subtle moment that he had already lost hope, he suddenly felt a faint ripple from the engulfing deific consciousness from above. It was as if a strong presence had appeared here. Who could it be? Would it be a foe or friend? Yun Yang perked up. Could it be that his life was not destined to end yet? Was there a chance for the circumstances to change? Who had actually come, though? Mr. Nian had not terminated the person at once, so it must be someone of significant status! Could it be Ling Xiaozui? Jun Moyan? Perhaps Lei Dongtian had brought his men, to seek revenge? Any one of these three people would represent a variable in this battle! What disappointed Yun Yang was that the intersection of divine senses above was peaceful without a hint of hostility, highlighting the fact that there was no argument between both sides. As Yun Yang''s hope turned to disappointment and his thoughts trickled towards dark premonitions, he heard Mr. Nian''s voice, "Why have you come?" By listening to his tone, it seemed that the newcomer was someone that Mr. Nian was familiar with. Had another enemy appeared? Yun Yang''s despair grew stronger. One Mr. Nian was already adequate to put him to death, but another one? The other party did not speak, but the ripple of divine sense widened faintly. Yun Yang guessed that the person was interacting with Mr. Nian through a coded voice relay. It had to be true because Mr. Nian''s voice vanished as well. It looked like these two people were cautious men. Even though they were in such an isolated area, they had still chosen to communicate voicelessly. Yun Yang was more curious about who the person was, to initiate such a reaction from Mr. Nian. Although the person was showing signs of being an enemy, most probably a foe rather than a friend of Yun Yang, the current situation was already so bad anyway that it did not actually matter if there was an additional enemy. This was especially true when this person''s presence would have no positive bearing on his current state of being. Yun Yang forcefully calmed himself down, focusing the meager remnants of his deific consciousness and concentrating them to sense the ripple of divine energy in the air above; for a moment, his thoughts ran wild. The reason Yun Yang had done so was that Mr. Nian had not unleashed any bit of his devastating power during the course of the conversation; it was the most relaxed moment he had enjoyed since he had been cornered. Emmie promptly used the chance to deliver a jolt of the energy of vitality. With the rare opportunity, Yun Yang perked up as well and absorbed as much of it as he could to recover himself. Even if he dared not attempt an escape now, he could maximize his reserves to continue struggling against Mr. Nian after a period of rest. With that gap for recovery, Yun Yang gingerly probed his own condition only to realize with a shock that he was like a desert that had been parched for a century. The endless life force gushed in like a tsunami but was absorbed immediately without any significant improvement in his condition. This went on for about half the time needed to make tea. Only then did he feel himself revive slightly, but he was still extremely weak. The deific consciousness in the air was still rippling, a sign that both parties were still talking and the situation had yet to return to the point where Mr. Nian had his grip tight on Yun Yang. Yun Yang wondered what the two of them were talking about for so long. He was growing curious about who the person was. There were not many people in the world who could engage in such a conversation with Mr. Nian. Yun Yang had a sudden, odd sensation; the person who had suddenly appeared might only be significantly related to him, other than having an important status. Suddenly, the ripples in the divine energy faded away, but the swooshing sound increased in intensity. Yun Yang was acutely aware of this reality. Was his doomsday finally at hand? The newcomer''s ability was very strong; despite not being on par with Mr. Nian, it came rather close. With such power at his disposal, it would be much easier for Mr. Nian to target him. Yun Yang had only managed to get a breather now, there was no way he could escape. The anticipated cutting sword air did not appear, instead, the swooshing noises of flying objects were incessant. The both of them were obviously doing something at an incredible speed. What could they possibly be doing? There was only one answer and Yun Yang had finally figured it out, to his utter dismay C they were constructing a Spiritual Restraining Formation! Yun Yang was utterly without hope now. He initially held on to the slimmest of possibilities, but at this stage, it was truly the last straw; his final destination had come after all! Mr. Nian had kept watch here for a month and had not done so, but this person had come for only a quarter of an hour before efficiently setting up an inescapable trap. It seemed that this course of action was triggered by this person''s suggestion. Oh, God! "Emmie!" "Ayaya?" "Is there any way to boost my life force instantaneously and escalate the growth of my cultivation base?" Yun Yang asked anxiously. This was the only thing he could think of now; he knew that it was a ridiculous request, but he had still posed the question, hoping against hope that he would be pleasantly surprised. It was truly his last hope! He had hoped to wait for an intervention; it had not happened. Instead, he had merely waited in vain only for a strong opponent to arrive. As such, even if Ling Xiaozui had come, there would not be much help to him. The only way out now was to seek life through death, clinging to faith despite the despair. "A ya ya" Emmie was acting strangely; it did not rubbish the possibility but was oddly hesitant. Yun Yang grew more anxious then, urging, "Is there or is there not? There really isn''t any other way now. If I can''t push my cultivation base up and escape, only death waits for me!" "If I die, you''ll die too! Why do you still hesitate?" However, Emmie remained uncertain and did not answer his question immediately. 452 Survival. Borrowing The Power of the Stars. Emmie''s hesitation had inadvertently boosted Yun Yang''s spirit. Emmie was hesitating - it meant that such a way existed, but the price required for it to be executed must be immense. "I''m not asking for much, as long as I can experience a degree of breakthrough based on what I currently have. I believe that you can sense it too; three thousand feet beneath us, there is a stream of underground water. As long as I can dive under, I can escape. Otherwise, everything ends here for the both of us. We will die, for sure." Yun Yang was very well aware about his current situation and his chances of survival. It was one thing to know what his chances of survival were but it was also an unavoidable reality that his inadequate cultivation base would not allow him to reach his destination. The space Mr. Nian had sealed did not stop at the sky and the surface of the earth but also thousands of feet underground. These were the forbidden areas set by the man. However, Mr. Nian had not extended his power any deeper, and the space beneath was a whole new vicinity that his sword energy had never delved into. With the Holy Water Charm''s ability to sense water sources, Yun Yang could feel the underground river three thousand feet below, but the pressure would mount with every descent of ten feet. The spot Yun Yang was currently hiding in was already at the maximum limit of his cultivation skill; he could not dig deeper. Despite knowing what he had to do to survive, he could only look but not touch. These kinds of underground rivers were abundant throughout the continent. The only difference was whether they were either deep or shallow. The one that Yun Yang had sensed was exceptionally deep; a good three thousand feet below ground! Yun Yang thought this was the unluckiest part of his situation. What place throughout the whole continent could have such a deep underground river? One that was three thousand feet below the surface of earth? Still, against all likelihood, he had encountered it. Yun Yang had an odd misgiving about this. It was incredibly peculiar for this land to not have any source of water from the surface to three thousand feet under the ground, a situation which caused his dilemma now. Yun Yang had been salivating at this underground river for over twenty days and still he had no way out. Given, it was also because this underground river was so deep that it was out of Mr. Nian''s area of deific consciousness; otherwise, he would not even have had this chance of survival! So, here was his chance, but Yun Yang''s ability was not quite there yet; the opportunity could not be seized and it became an impossible strategy, in addition to the addition of a new enemy. It gave Yun Yang room to catch his breath, but it also brought him the dire news of a spiritual restraint formation being erected above him. If he still did not react, the only way to escape would be through his death. Seeing Emmie hesitate was like seeing a hope to escape for Yun Yang. He could not help urging it on; there was no time for second guesses. They had to figure something out right away, or else it would be too late! Yun Yang could distinctly sense the surrounding spiritual Qi of heaven and earth; slowly but surely being squeezed away as if somebody was compressing it into nothingness. It was the Spiritual Restraining Formation taking form. This place was about to become a spiritual Qi-free area like Zilong City, an area which would render his manifestation powers ineffective. There was not much time left for him. After all, his physical form would be compressed by the earth above if his powers failed once the spiritual restraint began working, "Ayaya" Emmie sounded very sad. There was indeed a way but the price to be paid was too high, so much so that it did not know if it should be executed. Once used, the consequence was unimaginable C Emmie actually thought that it might be better to die here instead. Being killed physically by the Spiritual Restraining Formation would mean that Yun Yang''s soul would still be present. He could reincarnate. By then, he would still be alive while Emmie would go with Yun Yang, so there was not much loss. If the approach Emmie was thinking about were to used, it was tantamount to suicide! A suicide that took away both the physical form and the soul! There would be no afterlife, only a deep, dark void that would see no end. Emmi could very well charge all of its current energy into Yun Yang''s meridians in a short period of time and make all the forces of vitality and cycles of karma spin and fill him. It would then elevate one of Yun Yang''s abilities to a new height. It was called the Big Bang Embodiment. This was the process of borrowing the power of the stars. The process would extract of all the energy of the cosmos and inject it into the body in a single instance. However, Emmie did not want to do it at all. Otherwise, it would not have not mentioned it when Yun Yang had been on the brink of death. Emmie had three misgivings. One, the battle was unexpected and Yun Yang was in absolute disadvantage since the very beginning; his body and soul was constantly being attacked and there was barely a gap for him to recuperate. The method needed a certain amount of time to be executed, and time was a luxury they did not have. Two, Yun Yang''s cultivation base was still too low. Once the approach was performed, it was highly likely that he would not level up, but would combust and explode on the spot instead; even his soul would cease to exist! They were talking about the power of the stars! Even if each star had only given a sliver of energy, how could he take the strain of them within him? He was only flesh and blood, but that body would have to contain such massive power This would end him even more severely than if Yun Yang had simply been murdered. Yun Yang could die from exhaustion and damage to his cultivation skill, but his soul would still exist. Within a certain duration when Mr. Nian had left, Emmie could possibly reassemble Yun Yang''s soul and resurrect him, given how much it knew about the soul now. Maybe he could be reincarnated. Yet, if the Big Bang Embodiment failed, Yun Yang would perish at once. It was an absolute ultimate death that was irrecoverable. This was the primary reason Emmie refused to even mention it when Yun Yang had asked so many times. The situation was different now. Once the Spiritual Restraining Formation was formed, Yun Yang would lose his powers and Emmie''s planned approach would be useless because powers like the Holy Water Charm or the Art of Crimson Soul could not be carried out. It had no choice but to reluctantly reveal the possibility of the Big Bang Embodiment. After Emmie''s repeated judgement C with its power in addition to Yun Yang''s meridian resilience that came from constant ingestion of treasured resources and the endless potential of medicinal strength within his body - the possibility of the Big Bang Embodiment being successful was still less than a tenth of a tenth of a chance! After all, one''s initial growth must have already be at a certain basic level if it were to be sped up. With Yun Yang''s current physique, there was none other than three endings left to him to implement this method. The first possibility was him dying with a grand explosion of his physical body and destruction of his spirit. This was almost an undeniable likelihood. The second possibility was that he might turn into a mentally challenged man. This was even after the method was correctly and succesfully performed, but his brain would be ruined from the surge of power in the process. Emmie would not be able to recover him then; he would be a mentally disabled man for his whole life Thinking about it gave Emmie the shivers. As for the third possibility, which was the best result, the method would be successful and they could even escape. However, Yun Yang would be severely injured after this and might even lose his ability to cultivate, becoming a normal person. Even when he was just an ordinary person, he would be one that was constantly sick, with a short life expectancy. As for Emmie, it would return to being a lotus seed, drifting and roaming within the expanses of heaven and earth. There was a unspoken threat regarding all the possibilities C the Nine Supremes'' manifestation powers would be lost forever! This was because implementing the Big Bang Embodiment was akin to sucking Yun Yang''s attributes empty! The Five Elements would gather, heaven and man would become one, and Yin and Yang would melt into each other, thus forming the Big Bang Embodiment. Of course, there was also another possibility C Yun Yang might not die; instead, his cultivation base would improvement in leaps and bounds, and he would become indomitable from then on! However, it was a terribly slim chance. Emmie expressed that it did not even consider this probability, that it did not even dare think about it. Emmie guessed that there was only a one in one hundred billion chance that it would happen that way. That being said, Emmie knew that Yun Yang was truly running out of time now. The formation was already being set up above and they would have no more chances to act if they did not make a move soon. Despite Emmie''s reluctance for Yun Yang to take the risk, it could only support his wishes. They only had this one shot at survival now! If they did not go with it, they could be waiting to be turned into a corpse right here. Yun Yang''s spirit would still be destroyed, and he would still ultimately die. However... "An opportunity is still needed, even if this approach is taken there will still be signs of me exuding power at the moment of execution. There are two high-level forces above me setting up the trap with their divine senses, they only have to unleash sword energy in the direction where the aura comes from and it will be the end of me, even faster than anticipated" Yun Yang cracked his head, thinking of a way to succeed. He had a countermeasure now, but what could he do to obstruct the two mighty experts? He just had to distract them, for the shortest bit of time! Above him, two people were abuzz with energy, tossing about jadestones that were glowing in rainbow colours in different directions. When the jadestone hit the ground, it went deep into the soil and disappeared. A small-scale Spiritual Restraining Formation needed only a bare amount of materials and mystical Qi cultivation base. The set up was also very fast. Just the two of them had not needed much effort before they had one last corner left to complete the spiritual restraint now. As long as the formation was complete, Supreme Cloud would return to his human form whether he was currently manifested as wind, water or any other state. His physical body would be crushed by the layers of earth. Both the men were about to toss the material in their hands out to finish the trap, but it was at this point of time that an unusual movement came from the earth beneath them. Has Supreme Cloud finally made a move? Seeing that the Spiritual Restraining Formation that he feared most was here again, was he making his last struggle before his death arrived? Mr. Nian frowned, focusing while the sword in his hand began buzzing with a shrill cry. The other person landed beside Mr. Nian from midair, he was also observing the area where the movement was detected with sharp eyes. Their expressions changed at the very next moment. "We''ve been tricked!" A terribly dominant and straightforward energy had appeared behind them; a ray of rainbow beams had shot out of the ground abruptly. Swoosh! The radiance traveled several thousand feet into the sky within an instant! 453 Out of the Inferno Both of them let out loud roars as rich sword energy bounced off their hands and shot towards the rainbow beam in the sky. At the same time, the men sprung up and charged over as fast as they could. Just as they shot up, another wave of unusual emanations came from beneath the ground. It was not just one, but three different spots that were showing signs of violent quavering! It was as if Supreme Cloud was going insane underground. Mr. Nian and partner reacted promptly. There was no hesitation as one gave chase to the rainbow beam in the sky like a meteor while another returned at once to pounce at the rumblings on the ground. The process of shooting towards the sky and then charging back was as smooth as a stream of water; there were no signs of forced movement at all. The sword light gleamed. Mr. Nian gave a soft cry as he flew out like a rampaging dragon. Assuming superiority, his sword energy was unleashed to its full extent. At this moment, Mr. Nian''s sword energy and sword light had the momentum of the axe that had been swinging in the universe from the beginning of time; it came in swiftly and with earth-shattering force! The current situation not entirely beyond Mr. Nian''s initial expectations. He had guessed that Supreme Cloud would not sit around waiting for his death, especially when the Spiritual Restraining Formation targeted specifically at him was being used again. He would surely struggle on the brink of death. It was the only time Supreme Cloud could retaliate anyway, so Mr. Nian was already ready to move. Despite events turning out like unexpected accidents, he was actually confident and took this opportunity as a decisive strike, increasing his attacking strength significantly compared to his previous blows. A loud bang erupted as the three spots were engulfed in sword light at the same time. Dust filled the sky at once, while the bizarre sword energy that possessed odd attributes swept a perimeter a thousand feet wide around the three spots under it. Yun Yang who was in the middle of the arcane storm felt like he had been struck by lightning;his heart ceased to beat at that very moment. In the split second that his heart stopped, Emmie''s magical energy surged through him like the most vigorous of rivers. At the same time, the sky that was supposed to be as bright as day, the snow-covered sky, was suddenly filled with stars. They shone with a dense brilliance, forming the oddest scene of all; a star-lit day! They then fell like meteors. The person at a higher altitude, who was giving chase to the rainbow beam, chopped into it with his sword but realized that he could not break it. Upon careful observation, he realized that the rainbow beam was actually a saber! It was a strange-looking yet extraordinarily radiant saber that one would take to immediately. The saber light could endure an extraordinarily powerful strike by an expert of such a level without being destroyed; it had already shown its unique quality. The person was delighted, stretching his hand to grab the coveted item, but did not forget to remind Mr. Nian, "Complete the formation immediately!" Below, Mr. Nian''s sword light had just shot out when he felt the ground he stood on shake and then the stars fell from the sky. The power of heaven and earth was so intense that even Mr. Nian, who was practically indestructible, dared not face the force directly. Mr. Nian knew that things were not in his favor, and he immediately tossed the few pieces of rainbow jadestone in his hands into the predetermined spots. In the sky, the person''s finger was about to touch the Divine Edge, only to see the saber blink and inexplicably disappear. On the ground, the mountain began to shake as dust, stone, and soil soared thousands of feet into the sky, in an attempt to cover the sun. For a brief moment, the day was dark and it was impossible to see. The booming sounds were deafening as dozens of mountains collapsed in unison. The force of the stars falling was immense. For many miles around, the mountains crumbled and sent up plumes of dust. It was like the continent had gone into fits of rage, expressing it through earthquakes. Facing such a strange phenomenon, Mr. Nian could only watch dumbstruck, his mind blank. What was going on? Supreme Cloud? If Supreme Cloud had such an ability, he could have easily annihilated him. Why would he be forced to do this? However, if this was not Supreme Cloud''s doing, what was going on? Underneath, Yun Yang who was imbued with Emmie''s magic, was revived as a surge of dynamic strength gushed into him; he felt himself jerking, his spirit almost shattered in that split second. He gritted his teeth through the extreme pain, casting the Holy Water Charm with the last sliver of clarity that remained in his mind. Yun Yang, who was under the influence of the endless power, had actually escalated the Holy Water Charm''s cultivation base to terrifying new heights. At that very moment, the entire world''s water was under his control. With that, he threw his all might into the essence of liquid. Just as his mind thought about it, the stream of water that lay three thousand feet underground surged up. Yun Yang, who was casting the Holy Water Charm, endured the wrenching pain in his soul and dove into the space Mr. Nian''s sword energy had created. Within the snap of a finger, he had gone at least two thousand feet under. Yun Yang''s feet could vaguely feel the chill of the underground river now. Just as he relaxed and was about to flow with the water, the Spiritual Restraining Formation was finally activated. Yun Yang felt his body grow heavier, as he lost his water manifestation powers and returned to his human form. Gravity pulled him down as he stumbled and sunk into the underground river; the loss of the Holy Water Charm''s control caused the underground river to fall it''s surging path, carrying sand, stone and Yun Yang back into the deeper layers of the earth. The stream of water flowed back into the underground river, moving forward but into an unknown direction. The mountains crumbled as stones and rocks showered down like a storm. It was a scene from the end of the world. Both the attackers moved fluidly, their arms dancing as they calmly flung away the storm of stone and dust. Left and right, they cleared the ruins around them and dove under the onslaught like two strikes of lightning. Loud, rumbling sounds could still be heard. It was the two men pushing the debris of stones aside or crushing them altogether. What they saw was a dampness, two thousand feet in depth, a trace of the underground river that had come. Both men attacked at the same time; the explosion of sword light barreled another hundred feet downwards, but there was no trace of Yun Yang. They repeated the process dozens of times, the blows resulting in the faint sound of water flowing underneath. They wanted to keep on going and reach the underground river to pursue Yun Yang, but the landslide above had finally begun to show its effects. With an earth-shattering boom, the sides of the walls above them collapsed simultaneously. Not only was there total destruction, the layout of the earth had changed as well! The men cursed and threw out a wave of intense mystical Qi, intending to inhibit nature''s destruction with their formidable strength. Their cultivation base was already at the top of the world, so the natural mayhem could hardly deal damage to the both of them. In spite of this, they could not stop the collapsing rubble from sinking due to gravity. When the dilapidation was over, the men were horrified to discover that they had once again returned close to the surface of the earth. The thousand foot-deep tunnel that they had just formed had been securely filled up by the falling debris. Any trace of Supreme Cloud had disappeared. There were no more hints of him to be found. "Arghh!" The person who had come after Mr. Nian raised both his hands; two rays of sword light were unleashed at the same time He still wanted to try, not giving up on the chance to wipe out Supreme Cloud. Crumbled rock and soil were flung into the air once more. Mr. Nian provided assistance as well. An hour later, a three thousand feet opening formed where they stood. The widest aperture was about ten thousand feet in diameter. It was just like a giant funnel! Both the men were now looking upon the surface of the earth that lay three thousand feet underground. An underground river, twenty to thirty feet wide with an unknown depth rushed past them, entering the dark cave on the other end. Mr. Nian looked ferocious. He rubbed his hands and a stick made out of pure mystical Qi appeared. He plunged it straight into the river. The stick''s length was growing, the bottom of the river coming into contact with the stick only after it had grown a hundred feet in length. The underground river was only thirty feet wide but it was also a hundred feet deep with a fierce current. With the amount of time that had passed, Supreme Cloud, who also had Supreme Water''s manifestation powers, might already be long gone! The situation had changed. Supreme Cloud''s various manifestation powers were extremely useful here. Even if they knew that he was right there in this river, they were helpless to do anything about it, and would not have been able to capture him. How could they know which drop of water was Supreme Cloud, given the amount of liquid in the entire river? Even if their cultivation base had been divine, they could not possibly have evaporated the entire underground river. "He''s gone." Mr. Nian sighed softly, a strange glow glinting in his eyes. He had not expected that the remaining sin of the Nine Supremes could not be purged, despite his personal appearance and superior ability. What made it worse was that they already had "It''s not yet time for Supreme Cloud to die. We''ll look for the next opportunity." The other person said in a soft voice. "The next opportunity is right before our eyes! We only need to search the battlefield. Yutang is at a critical juncture now. If Supreme Cloud managed to escape, he won''t shirk his responsibility to appear on the battlefield." "You''re right. With worry weighing him down, he won''t be able to escape his downfall!" Mr. Nian nodded in agreement. Both men exchanged glances before they descended to the ground without hesitation. to collect the formation''s spiritual stones. After they had retrieved their treasures, they soared into the sky, towards the east. On the ground, the funnel-shaped pit that had been dug by the experts slowly seeped water C like a giant eye that was gleaming with a mocking glint. 454 Surviving the Aftermath Mr. Nian and partner had vanished as if they were never there. They had no problem parting with the odd lake that they had created single-handedly, Mr. Nian did not know that by leaving now, they had lost the chance to annihilate Supreme Cloud! When Yun Yang had dove down, the spiritual restraint had already been successfully activated. Yun Yang''s manifestation power was entirely gone in that moment and he had returned to his human form; the retaliation of the arcane magic had even rendered him into a state of unconsciousness; it was all he could barely do to drift forward, following the underground river Mr. Nian only had to go into the river and conduct a search. He would find Yun Yang after looking for a few miles and he could even kill him without any effort! However, he had not thought about this. After all, Supreme Water''s escape as water and his ability to manifest into liquid left too deep an impression; Mr. Nian would never believe that Supreme Cloud''s power was sealed by the spiritual restraint, despite successfully escaping under such circumstances. Furthermore, it would have been even more unbelievable if were he told that Supreme Cloud, who was capable of simulating the end of the world, would fall unconscious due to his inability to take the intensity of the retaliation. Therefore, such a rare opportunity that might only have appeared once in this lifetime to take down Supreme Cloud brushed right past Mr. Nian! Yun Yang, who had recovered his human form, followed the underground river, allowing himself to be swept away, far, far away. He, who had lost consciousness, could only follow the stream passively. When he woke up again, he was shocked to realize that he was somewhere on a shallow shore. Looking around, there was a massive mountain behind him that looked majestic and proud; it was a lush green, calming one''s senses when looked at. There was a jet of water that gushed like a dragon from a deep cave, endlessly flowing. Yun Yang regained consciously slowly. As he observed his surroundings, he almost fainted once more before he could even feel grateful for his survival. He shut his eyes almost instinctively, breathing in the fresh air. Yun Yang was finally sure that he was still alive! The next moment that came was not the gratitude of surviving, but an endless wave of agony. His brain felt like it was about to explode. The sudden pain put Yun Yang through a fit of seizures; he wanted to growl and vent the pain but was shocked to find out that he could not even make a sound. His throat felt as if it was being sliced by hundreds of thousands of knives. However, the pain his body was going through was relatively insignificant. It was his brain that hurt the most, due to the big bang that had happened in his mind. In extreme agony, Yun Yang''s eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. He wanted to direct his mystical Qi to suppress the pain and discomfort his body was experiencing, but realized that his dantian was empty; there was no mystical Qi to tap on, let alone suppress the pain. Yun Yang cultivated the Endless Divine Art in a painful haze but found out that the divine skill that had been with him once he was revived back in the day, was absolutely lost to him as well. He tried to head into his deific consciousness to ask Emmie for help, but it was only disappointment that greeted him C he could not connect to his divine sense! His cultivation base, mystical skill, deific consciousness, dantian, Qi C everything was ominously silent, even more still than that of an ordinary person''s! Feeling the never-ending tidal waves of agony crashing in, one after another, Yun Yang felt like committing suicide numerous times within just a short quarter of an hour''s time. Yun Yang clung onto a rock beside him with his right hand''s fingers that were the only part of his body that he could move, gripping it tightly until he broke his fingers and blood ran down in rivulets. He could not feel the pain from his fingers; there was only the gut-wrenching agony in his head. Wave after wave, time and again; it was like there was no end to it. "I want revenge!" Unable to scream, Yun Yang shouted in his heart, using his will to tackle the borderless pain. "My brothers are still waiting for me to seek revenge for them!" "I have to persevere. I have escaped this battle; it means that heaven doesn''t want me to die yet." "I can''t give up, I can''t give up on the bloodied ocean of grudge!" "I I must take down the Four Seasons Tower and kill Mr. Nian, as well as all the men who ambushed us, brothers!" "I shall never give up without getting our revenge!" Yun Yang glared as his temples throbbed, his veins popping out like angry dragons. He clenched his teeth, not heeding the blood that was streaming from his mouth. He dared not cry out now, afraid that his determination would be crushed once he opened his mouth. He shut his mouth tight, gritted his teeth, his fingers gripping the rock. There was no mystical Qi supporting his strength yet the broken fingers were actually slowly embedding themselves into the rock. A mark of a hand''s grip eventually formed on the hard rock that had been washed timelessly by the water. Yun Yang stared ahead without blinking as if there was an immense temptation luring him to look ahead, which held nothing but normal scenery. It was because Yun Yang''s mind was filled with a vision of his brothers coming in, one after another, their eyes gentle and comforting. "Brother!" "Young nine!" "Persevere!" "We''re waiting for you!" "Supreme Cloud must not fall! The Nine Supremes can''t die!" "Remember to seek revenge for us!" These words of comfort pacified Yun Yang''s, drained heart. The scene changed abruptly; dead bodies and blood lay everywhere the eyes glanced at. Fresh crimson blood and severed limbs were scattered all over the ground while crows croaked in the sky. Several pairs of eyes that refused to rest in peace looked into the sky, wearing looks of frozen anguish. Those were his brothers! His eight brothers! His eight hundred brothers! Mr. Nian''s words rang in his ears again like the devil''s own voice, "Is that Supreme Earth? Wasn''t he beaten to pulp?" "Which other Supreme is that? He actually went crazy, seeing how Supreme Earth died, charging over to his own death; he got slashed into half, how gratifying" Yun Yang was making low raspy growls, his gaze turning crazed as hints of menace flashed in his reddened eyes. Then, his old father appeared. The wrinkled face was still smiling warmly. "My child, do you know how to make the Chinese cabbage and tofu that I taught you? Does it taste good?" A flutter of a white gown C Yun Zuiyue gazed at him sadly. "Young brother, don''t give up. Do not ever give up" The scene changed again. It was Dongxuan''s troop that was preparing to charge while Han Sanhe, who was seated in the center, roared his commands, "This is the ultimate war today. Wipe out Yutang, there is no return until we win!" The combined army of the four countries threatened to cover the sky as countless militants charged into Yutang''s homes. Droves of innocent citizens struggled under the steeled hooves; they were crying in agony, yelling in hopeless despair. "Nine Supremes Lords" "Save us, Nine Supremes Lords" "Nine Supreme Lords, where are you?" Spiritual Restraining Formation C the Spiritual Restraining Formation had reappeared! Four Seasons Tower! A dominant voice rang out, "Wipe out the Nine Supremes, for there is no divinity in this universe. Only the Four Seasons Tower shall triumph over the world!" Yun Yang''s eyes remained unblinking, watching the scenes that flashed across his eyes, training his gaze on them and enduring the endless pain. The pain Yun Yang was going through right now could turn a steel-hearted man who was fearless of death into a soft worm, even if it was only a quarter of an hour. Even if a hundred people picked at one person''s meridians and broke his bones simultaneously, the pain was not even an iota of this agony! If it had been anyone else, they might have already given up on life, unable to endure the torment. After all, to live like this was too arduous compared to dying! However, Yun Yang persevered. He bit his tongue through the entire journey, which lasted a whole day. When Yun Yang had been contained by the spiritual restraint previously, not only had it caused his water manifestation to be ineffective but had also caused the Big Bang Embodiment to go amok and inflict pain upon him. His body suffered from unprecedented damage and his cultivation base, mystical skill, and deific consciousness were all lost. He could not even move now and the only part of him that had the slightest bit of mobility was his right hand. Ironically, Yun Yang himself had clenched his fist so hard that he had rendered himself a handicap. Yun Yang, who was incapable of moving, was only left with his sight and touch. He watched the brightness dim slowly to darkness; stars blinked at him while the cold breeze and night fog swept across slowly, grey clouds gathering in the sky A sense of chilliness landed on his face. It was snowing! Again? The land around him turned silvery white with the falling snow. The pair of glaring eyes was eventually covered by the white snow and they could no longer see what was in front but the flames burning in Yun Yang''s heart flickered even brighter. The pain in his mind heightened as well, not reducing in the slightest despite the time that had passed. Blood still trickled from the frozen face covered by snow, staining the pools of melted ice red. It was frozen before it trickled down again, the process repeating itself in endless loops. Yun Yang remained stationary, but the extreme agony his head was going through put his heart through somersaults. "I have to persevere!" "I must go through this! Only by going through this can I take revenge!" The night crept away while the snow accumulated in great heaps. In time, Yun Yang was thoroughly engulfed by the blinding snow. With Yun Yang having lost his cultivation method and cursed with a severely wounded body, the snow alone could have threatened his life! During the dawn of the next day, a raspy and almost inaudible roar that took almost all of Yun Yang''s strength tore through him. "Ahhhh!" At the same time, a white puff of air spurted alongside his roar. He could finally move! The pain in his mind was still unbearable, but it was much better than yesterday. An occasional throb would come and the two veins on Yun Yang''s temples would pop before his head sunk into a splitting agony. However, once he pushed through the throbbing sensation, he found that he could actually catch his breath. Compared to the pain that lasted the entire night, the slight room for panting filled Yun Yang with relief. Yun Yang could not help thinking that most of the suffering in this world would lose its effect on him after this agonizing experience. Even if they were applied to him simultaneously, Yun Yang was confident that he would not make a sound till death claimed him. The so-called torture in comparison to the experience and pain he was in now was not even worthy to be mentioned. Yun Yang huffed, trying hard to control and move his body; his right arm went to the ground, intending to prop his body up. A wave of pain crashed through him then; it was not from his head but from his right hand, where his fingers had been broken. Subsequently, the ache throughout his body seemed to be reawakened as well as pain surged through him like a tidal wave. Yun Yang grunted in agony. The physical pain was exceptionally intense; it was not something an ordinary person could withstand. However, after the extreme throbbing his head had experienced for one whole day, Yun Yang could still take it, despite being unable to totally ignore it. He moved again, barely. Flipping over, he dragged himself away from his original spot; turning over once more, he fell on his back again. The snow that had covered his face for the night continued to drift down lazily. Yun Yang saw only a gloomy sky. Snow was still fluttering down, but the cold flakes that landed on his face seemed to soothe his pain slightly. Wincing, Yun Yang finally attempted to inspect himself and figure out how devastating his injuries were. He could vaguely recall that his right leg was broken from the collision in the underground river; his tibia stung with the slightest movement and what was worse was that he could not feel the lower half of his right leg at all. Yun Yang wanted to check upon his leg, but could not pick himself up. He could only grope with his hand, heaving a sigh of relief when he felt the broken leg still attached. Other than his right leg that had been broken, his left arm had been shattered into several parts as well. It hung beside his body like a snake. A few of his ribs were broken too, but it was better than what Yun Yang had expected. He had thought that at least eight or nine of them would be broken, but now that it was only three to four bones, he was actually delightfully surprised. His right arm had been the only intact limb but he had foolishly destroyed five of his own fingers. Lastly, his left leg had no sensation whatsoever, but, thankfully, there was no throbbing as well. It should be a matter of a poor position that it had gotten numb. When he was turning, he felt a fairly big wound on the back of his head, but the absence of blood probably meant that it had scabbed over. That was for his external wounds; there seemed to be no inch of him that hadn''t been injured. Yun Yang wanted to use his internal vision to check on his internal injuries, only to find out that he still could not find any spiritual energy in reserve, even after a night of inactivity. However, the injury of his internal organs seemed to be equally severe. However, it was Emmie that still perplexed Yun Yang. He could not reach it at all; it meant that his trump card, his supernatural life force, was no longer usable! Two Whiteys and Jiji were residing in Emmie''s space, so he could not find any help, even if he wanted to. Yun Yang lay on the ground, panting softly and tried to control his breathing. "The injuries this time feels more serious than the one in Tianxuan Cliff''s battle!" "At least Emmie could have saved me then. This time, even Emmie is gone." Yun Yang sighed. "Why doesn''t my current situation seem to be anything like what Emmie had said earlier?" "I didn''t die with my soul utterly obliterated. I didn''t become mentally disabled, nor did I become an invincible expert I guess that I didn''t even turn ordinary, after all." Yun Yang clearly felt that his dantian was still there. He could not direct any mystical Qi, but it was only because he was utterly expended and tired from the state of his injuries. When he recovered slightly, he could still steer his mystical Qi. "Which means I''m not utterly ruined." Yun Yang managed to find a sliver of comfort under such hopeless despair. However, there was something that Emmie was right about. The energy within him that belonged to the Nine Supremes was gone! It did not even leave a trace that it once existed. However, Yun Yang realized that there seemed to be a strange strength sitting in him but it was not within his control Yun Yang did not know how lucky he was. The reason Emmie was unwilling to use this approach all along was that Yun Yang had no hope at all to push past it! Once it had been executed, he would only have death as the final option. To use a mortal''s strength to steer the gem of heaven, the power of the stars, into a human! What sort of physique could take in such colossal energy? How strong was a star? It could be compared to the entire Tianxuan Continent or even larger than that! Even if it were a smaller star, how small could it be when it had existed in the night sky since the beginning of time? To trigger the power of stars in a single go C what kind of person could consume hundreds of thousands of the Tianxuan Continent with one gulp? Disregarding everything else, if Yun Yang were to be fed all the treasured resources in Tianxuan Continent, he would have disintegrated a thousand times over. Although the energy given by each star was insignificant in the cosmos, there were one too many stars! There was no way Yun Yang could escape unscathed. It was merely pure luck that Mr. Nian had activated the spiritual restraint at the moment the stars fell. The Spiritual Restraining Formation had weakened a portion of the stars while Yun Yang had fallen into the underground river and blocked out most of the stars'' power, due to the formation. When the power of the stars charged through the formation, Yun Yang had drifted far away, following the river''s currents. The power of the stars then landed on the wide stretch of land and into the funnel-shaped lake, turning the area into a blessed site. With time, it would produce an abundance of spiritual medicine. Escaping the crisis of combustion, Yun Yang, who turned back into human form due to the spiritual restraint, had instead, sealed a portion of the stars'' power within himself. This was the energy Yun Yang had felt. It was not the mystical Qi energy Yun Yang had thought it was. Half a day passed as the sun hung right in the middle of the sky. Yun Yang inhaled deeply. Rolling over and supporting himself with his broken hand, he finally sat up. He realized then that he was at a beach. Powdery sand cushioned him while a river gushed towards the sea less than half a feet in front of him. One of his legs was still soaked in the water. He turned about, wanting to look around, but he stopped when he heard his neck creak. The sting forced his tears out; his neck was dislocated. Carefully checking himself, his shoulder rolled as he twisted his neck harshly, reconnecting the dislocated spot. He shivered from the pain, but his neck could move again. He was covered in mud, his clothes in tatters. Yun Yang felt like he was a zombie freshly escaped from a grave. The picturesque scenery around him was covered in snow. Casting his gaze farther, there were no footprints in the snow, only a few faint triangular prints of claws; they must be from the birds that had stopped here. With his current state, he would never make it out of here, but this place was too isolated to stay for long. Recalling the legends of some seniors who fell into an abyss or an underground river, they would always encounter their fated destinies or some reclusive expert or other. They would then embark on some miraculous journey where they would eventually obtain some form of unattainable skill or treasure. Looking around, there did not seem to be any fated encounters. In all likelihood, he would starve to death instead. When he was trapped, Emmie had provided him energy, so he did not feel any hunger. Now, he was made of flesh and blood; he would die from starvation if he did find something to eat. His finger still wore the spatial ring that Lei Dongtian had given him, but he could not even open it without mystical Qi. Yun Yang shifted himself with a lot of effort, he had only pulled his leg out of the water and turned himself a little on the shore, but the amount of pain had already threatened to take his consciousness. He then looked for somewhere he could lie against; with his back supported, only then did he dare lower himself and open his mouth to gulp the snow that was stained with sand from his movements. Swallowing the snow, he felt his stomach churn, but his spirit was lifted with the cold. A dozen mouthfuls later and when the last gulp of snow had melted in his mouth, he spat the sand out and sighed, realizing that he could make a sound now. Ignoring the discomfort of his throat, Yun Yang asked hoarsely, "Is there anyone here?" The surroundings were quiet, there was no reply. Yun Yang stopped his unwise action right away. His observation indicated that he was under a riverbank and there was a sunken pit opposite him. Even if someone had passed by, they would not have seen him. Besides, his voice was too weak to echo loudly. If he had cried out a few more times, he would only exhaust his remaining strength. Right now, what was most important was still saving himself. Yun Yang used all of his limbs, disregarding his tattered body, to climb forward in the snow. There was a mild slope in front. Yun Yang also found a few rocks in the river under the slope that were covered in snow; there was where the river was relatively slower and shallower. What would those rocks be for? It meant that if someone crossed the river, they had to use these rocks as stepping stones. If so, the slope would be a path, despite covered in snow, a path one would have to take to cross the river. Yun Yang could overlook the spot from where he was but to look over here from there, a cliff had obscured the entire view. What Yun Yang had to do now was to climb over. There was only about a hundred feet of distance to traverse. Normally, Yun Yang could bounce over with his eyes closed, but now, this distance was akin to crossing the country for him. It was an extremely difficult exercise now. He climbed on the snow bit by bit, keeping his balance with all his might; he climbed with his chin, with his broken arm, his shoulder, and even his lower abdomen He shuffled forward inch after inch. He had to control himself well so he would not slide back because of the ice after so much effort had been taken to haul himself up. It was noon when he began his journey from the shore but it was already night when he managed to get himself to the side of the slope. Yun Yang could no longer hold on, quietly flopping onto the snow, and fainted. Before he fainted, he managed to stretch his bleeding right arm out, pushing it higher than his body in the snow. This way, even when he was swallowed by the snow, if someone had passed by, they could see his arm or the striking red of his blood After he finished this last movement, he passed out. The rest was up to the higher forces of heaven. If someone had passed by and had a kind heart, then he would still have a sliver of hope. If no one passed by or if the passerby ignored him, then he would have to bid farewell to the world! "Brothers, send someone to save me if you''re all still here" Yun Yang murmured in his semi-conscious state. 455 A Man Should Serve His Country! When Yun Yang regained consciousness once more, he was surprised to hear a noise coming from beside him. There was also a faint light that stung his bleary eyes the moment he opened them. A group of people was pushing each other beside him. "Give way, let me see, let me see as well. I want to look at this rare person." "So unbelievable, it''s really rare." "F*ck, I didn''t believe it when I heard it, but it''s true!" "Awesome! So awesome!" "Tsk, tsk, tsk..." "What a miracle." "I wouldn''t call it a miracle, but he is certainly an oddity indeed!" "Your father will kneel now, it''s truly unbelievable. How incredible" "If I didn''t see it with my own eyes, I truly wouldn''t have believed it" Yun Yang was dumbstruck. What was all this ruckus about? Yun Yang opened his eyes fully and glared at the heads hovering before him. They wore curious and shocked gazes that were trained on him as if they had seen a rare and precious item. It felt like a crowd was that was cheering with glee and amusement. "Wow, here''s a big tiger in the cage" Yun Yang was titled a popinjay, but his extraordinarily good looks had caused him to become accustomed to being watched and being admired. It was a way of life for beautiful things to be admired, but right now he knew what he was made of. How could he possibly be good looking right now? Yun Yang felt his head throb, but he could not help asking, "What are you all looking at?" The moment the words left his mouth, Yun Yang was surprised. He could actually talk now, and his diction was clear and audible. "He''s woken up, he''s woken up. He''s alive!" "Oh my gosh, he actually managed to survive such severe injuries" "Not only did he survive, he can speak as well! I just heard him talk!" "A miracle! This is nothing short of a miracle! There''s no doubt about it!" "Old Liu, the person you''ve saved came alive! Your efforts have not been wasted!" Yun Yang understood the situation immediately the moment he heard the inane chatter. He had been saved by a kindhearted person, and the main reason he had obtained an audience was that they were shocked that he was not dead from his fatal injuries. It was quite rare indeed! An elder who wore a friendly smile appeared before Yun Yang, checking him carefully for a long period of time before he heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Young friend, you''re very lucky. If it had been any ordinary person who had to suffer such heavy external wounds and internal injuries, they would have died one too many times And you, young friend, have come back alive. Once you woke up, your vital signs turned stronger as well. It''s truly incredible. This old man has practiced medicine for so many years, yet it''s still my first time to witness such severe injuries and a strange condition to boot." Yun Yang replied hoarsely, "Thank you for saving me, old sir." "It''s a good thing that your vital signs are recovering greatly, but your healing can''t be rushed. You have to rest well." The old man smiled as he said, "I''ve boiled a bowl of medicine for you just now. Drink it quickly and go back to sleep. A complete rest is the best recovery method for you now." Thinking about it, Yun Yang could feel that his wounds had been treated. The broken bones throughout his whole body were secured with bamboo shards and wood; they were tied to his chest, back and all over his torso. He was practically a mummy. Yun Yang did not dare to slip back into oblivion, but asked again, "May I ask what place is this? What country does it belong to?" The old man was taken aback by the question as he said, "This is the southeast sector of the Empire of Yutang, belonging to the Empire of Yutang''s Tiannan Circuit. It''s a small village of Xinghui City''s Laishui County. We call it Huang Col Village." "Tiannan Circuit Xinghui City, Laishui County" Yun Yang exhaled deeply, his eyes slightly unfocused from confusion. He knew about the Tiannan Circuit the old man had mentioned, as well as Xinghui City too, but he knew nothing about Laishui County. Even then, this place belonged to Xinghui City so it should not be too far away. Therefore, this place should be about five thousand and seven hundred miles away from the eastern border. This distance would take only two hours to traverse if Yun Yang''s ability was not lost and he went as wind and cloud, but now Yun Yang closed his eyes dejectedly. What could he do now, even if he had gone to the battlefield? He had lost his cultivation base and both his external and internal injuries were tremendously severe. Losing his manifestation powers, in particular, would make him lesser than an ordinary practitioner; if he had indeed gone to the battlefield, he might be buried the moment he encountered the enemy! Hence, the only important task right now was to recover as speedily as he could and reacquire his cultivation method. As to what extent his cultivation method could come back to, he would leave it in the hands of the future. Right now, the only thing he must not do was to give up! He closed his eyes to rest, quietly recovering his energy, but the people beside him were talking. "I wonder who this fellow is he looks like he just came from the battlefield" "Most probably. Look at him, even if he was attacked by ten thousand men, he wouldn''t have been this badly injured. Is the war really so devastating these days?" "A little speaks volumes. I can imagine the terror! I wonder how Young Six and the rest are now" Everyone sighed collectively; the atmosphere turned quiet for a moment. Yun Yang opened his eyes and turned his head with great difficulty to ask, "War?" It was then that he noticed the crowd surrounding him were mainly made up of older adults between forty to fifty years of age. Every one of them was lined with wrinkles and wore the evidence of life''s vicissitudes. One of them said, "Are you not from the battlefield?" Yun Yang sighed, "I was on my way to provide assistance on the battlefield and was attacked and injured by the enemy''s experts." "Oh dear, is the journey to the battlefield also so difficult too? There are ambushes from the enemy nation''s experts?" The audience was stunned hearing him. "The empire has announced a dictum to fight till death. Everyone is to fight in the war and protect the homeland!" Seeing Yun Yang''s confusion, an elder explained, "We are merely simple people of the mountainside, but everyone is responsible when the country is in danger" "The strong and young hunters of this village have gathered together, thirty-six people in all, and went to assist on the battlefield. We just don''t know if they''ve arrived safely." Yun Yang felt his heart warmed by the news. "If the world is peaceful and Yutang is safe and sound, we would naturally take recluse here, asking only for happiness and peace. But now, facing the threat of our homes being destroyed we''re insignificant citizens, but we can''t hide and hope for safety. It''s what we should do, to send our sons and grandsons to provide aid on the battlefield. We don''t ask to turn the situation around, but we would ask to have a clear conscience, when the country is in crisis, as a man of Yutang." The elders looked solemn. "Sigh actually, you were discovered when Young Six and group were crossing the river upon their departure. They thought that you were an injured soldier from the war; sharing the same nationality, there''s always a natural compassion, so they sent you back, asking us to take care of you" An old man said kindly, "Child, you were injured from going to the war, after all. From that alone, you are Yutang''s warrior. As long as you still have breath left in you, we''d revive you, even if we have to go bankrupt to do. Don''t worry, and just concentrate on recuperating." Another elderly said seriously, "That''s right! This is our tacit understanding C everyone who has been injured on the battlefield is our hero! What''s more, your injuries are so serious!" The implied meaning was that unless he had gone through an extremely overwhelming battle, he would not have been wounded to this extent. That he hadn''t died proved that Yun Yang was no ordinary person. By inference, one could imagine how devastating a battle he had faced. All the more it proved that his identity as Yutang''s hero and a warrior of the battlefield. "I am ashamed!" Yun Yang said softly. The elderlies comforted him quickly. It brought warmth to Yun Yang, as he felt an unprecedented surge of fervor and exclamation in his heart. With such citizens, how could Yutang fall? How could it perish? Subsequently, the old people went out and closed the door, afraid to have disturbed Yun Yang''s rest. Yun Yang could still hear the soft sighs outside. "Wonder if the Nine Supremes Lords will be taking part in the war or not I hear that the situation now is unprecedentedly dangerous. Dongxuan has come at us with the military might of the entire nation" "Isn''t it so? Otherwise, how can His Majesty announce the dictum to fight to our deaths and deploy the entire country to salvage this crisis? We have never seen danger of this momentous before!" "When we finally have a few years of peace, chaos has struck again" "Sigh" "I just don''t understand. Yutang has never provoked the other countries first all these years and we have never started any wars as well. Why must those countries target us over and over again? Will they only rest when the entire world has been conquered?" "I don''t know. This is probably what those authorities are contemplating. We only need to do our part" "Sigh, how I wish I could go ten or eight years back in time. Even if I''m forty years old now, I''d go challenge those war-crazed people in the battlefield! How do they want us to live with the war going on every day?" Yun Yang sighed inwardly. He promptly calmed himself down and began mustering his mystical Qi. There was honestly nothing he could do in his current state. Rather than dwelling in panic and also helplessness, he might as well try to recover quickly. After all, what was needed the most now was to recover from his injuries and his abilities with the hope that he could still rush to the war in time! He had to go and help, to reach this war that would decide Yutang''s fate! Ptui! Yun Yang spat out a mouthful of blood, feeling lethargic. It was already midnight now. There was simply no improvement in his body or cultivation method that he needed so much to recover promptly. There was no other reason for that, except for the fact that Yun Yang''s meridians were incredibly weak now. Any slight movement would shatter them; how could there be any chance of improvement? Yun Yang was expecting this, knowing that he must not be impatient. However, the piercing pain in his head would surge occasionally, while his internal organs felt like they were on a rollercoaster ride in his body; the pain that had taken him captive was unbearable and it made cultivating even harder. Luckily, the treasured gems Yun Zuiyue had fed Yun Yang the other day was showing their efficacy now. They stored a great amount of energy within the muscles and meridians and it was slowly being released now, repairing Yun Yang''s body on its own accord. After multiple attempts, Yun Yang realized that he had to wait for the hidden energy to finish repairing his meridians or else any movement of Qi would bring splitting pain to his meridians. If he were to push through it forcefully, it would only inhibit the speed of repair. Consequently, Yun Yang did nothing. Instead, he settled for resting with his eyes closed. When morning came, another bowl of bitter medicine was delivered into his stomach, waking Yun Yang up from the depths of sleep. Yun Yang felt around and moved his body gently, only to find out that the pain he had lived with for days had significantly subsided, especially the agony in his mind. As for the wounds littered all over him, they were finally showing signs of healing. The sight of his healing wounds drew gasps wonder from the elder physician who looked after Yun Yang. With the injuries Yun Yang had suffered from, there should hardly have been any improvement even if a month or two had passed; it was well within reason to expect him to be bedridden forever, unable to recover fully. Who would have expected this patient to heal so much in just one night, especially with a vitality that far exceeded the capability of a severely injured person? The old physician did not know how massive the mysterious energy stored within Yun Yang was, of course. Such a process was only a matter of course that if it were not for Emmie''s disappearance and his loss of manifestation powers, the external and internal damage was of no consequence at all to Yun Yang! "For such serious wounds to have recovered so extensively in a single day, you must be an impressive figure of significance!" said the old physician respectfully. The old physician did not know about Yun Yang''s background and ability, but he who faired proficiently in medicine could tell vaguely that Yun Yang must not be an ordinary person nor a common cultivator; he was possibly an ace cultivator as rumored in legends, a reclusive expert! "You flatter me, elder. I''m only a small Yutang soldier." Yun Yang said respectfully, "To save people and heal the world, you are the real hero." The old man smiled humbly. "Grandpa!" A youth''s voice rang out before a teenager of fifteen to sixteen years old walked in. The naivety that belonged to a child was yet to wear off from his face. He carried a big basket of frozen herbs, still stained with soil on his back. How much trouble it must have been for such a young child to search for these medicinal herbs in this harsh winter. Just by looking at the weariness evident on the youth''s face, he could tell that the trip must have been exhausting. "You''re back? Rest up first, we''ll eat in a bit," said the old man warmly. "Okay. Grandpa, I want to discuss something with you." The innocent youth looked hesitant. Hearing the word ''discuss'', the old man trembled inexplicably and his voice turned low, "If it''s not important, there''s no need for discussion, lest our guest gets embarrassed." The teenager bit his lips with a lowered head, his toes rubbed the floor; his face was flushed but he did not speak what he so clearly desired to. The old man sighed softly, seeing how he acted and said slowly, "Speak then." "I want to go to war!" The teenager lifted his head abruptly and said, "I want to fight! I want to go to the battlefield!" The old man quivered again and mumbled, "Thirteen years ago, your father said exactly the same thing" He turned away slowly to gaze out the door and murmured, "Then" The teenager''s eyes were red as he said, "Dongxuan is invading our border and Yutang is in a crisis. I want to go to the war!" "I want to seek revenge for father! I want to fight for Yutang! To kill the enemy!" The teenager fell to his knees on the floor, "Grandpa the few of us have discussed it. We want to leave... tomorrow morning!" "The few of you? There are as many as the few of you?" The old man asked, trembling, "How many of you? Who else are there?" "Erniu, Tiezhu, Suanzi, Huzi, Kaizi there are twelve of us!" The youth puffed out his chest. "The uncles have gone and we''re all grown up now. It''s not right for us to stick around the village all the time we only feel shame every day! We can kill the enemy, we can serve the country as well!" "Shame" The old man turned slowly and said in a low voice, "Even if you all want to go, it has to be agreed upon by the other families If you all leave, this village other than the women, children, and elders there won''t be any young men left" The names the teenager had mentioned were all the youths the village had. The older adult men of this village had proceeded to the battlefield and these teenagers were the remaining strong labor the village possessed; they were also the heirs to the bloodlines that ran strong in the village. The boy bit his lip, not saying anything, with his head lowered. He understood the implied meaning of his grandfather''s words, he really did, but The old man made his decision promptly then, saying, "Since you all have set your minds to go, then wait another two days. Grandpa will pack your things for you later. Tonight Grandpa will make delicious dishes and rations for your journey! Let your aunties and grandmas make you all clothes and shoes! Then all of you may depart, well-fed and warm!" "No!" Yun Yang who was lying on the bed sat up suddenly; his eyes were shining. "Wait at least four days!" The boy turned to look at him and asked with unadulterated curiosity, "Why? Why must we wait another four days?" Yun Yang said lowly, "Because in these few days all of you are to learn the combat techniques on the battlefield from me! For yourselves and also for your families at home, you need to have a stronger ability to kill the enemy and a stronger force to protect yourselves!" The old man''s dull eyes shone at once, but he said worriedly, "This is a good thing sir, but how about your body?" Yun Yang repressed the ache running through him and said resolutely, "It''s not a problem anymore. You''ve felt it becoming better as well, right? Since the children intend to serve the country and go to war, let me teach them some form of self-defense when they got to the battlefield, at least they can protect themselves and have additional skills to kill the enemy!" The elder was reduced to tears as he repeated, "Thank you, thank you!" The old man was from an isolated village, but he was experienced with life; how could he not know that the so-called self-defense was most probably the cultivation method of the excellent practitioners? One''s skill was not easily overlooked; Yun Yang had said it easily, but the old man dared not take it lightly, especially when he knew full well that anything could happen on the battlefield. The probability of an accident happening to a new recruit in the battleground who knew nothing was too big, even more so when their side was at such a disadvantage. To have the ability that could increase one''s combat power and save one''s self on the battlefield was indescribably precious! If this person could really teach his grandson the combat techniques of the battlefield, it was like his grandson had been gifted with several more chances of not dying when he should! The old man turned back and yelled, "Quickly, bow down to your teacher!" The teenager was stunned and began to kneel down. Yun Yang was ashamed that he could not do more. Aside from the old man saving his life, he should be helping, seeing that the child had bravely insisted on going, despite knowing the grave state of the war. He waved painfully and said, "There is no need for such courtesy! There are only two days left to us. Even if you want to learn more, I can only teach you what''s practical. There''s no need to kneel." In the same afternoon, Yun Yang asked to be carried out. The teenagers who were prepared to go to war stood before him like tree trunks. There were twelve of them and each pair of their eyes was staring at Yun Yang passionately. "Fighting on the battlefield is completely different from an ordinary brawl. The first thing all of you should know is to be fearless! The more afraid of death one is on the battlefield, the faster he dies." Yun Yang pushed through the throbbing pain in his head and said clearly, "You fellows don''t need to know too much about other things. What you need to sear into your brain now is this; take care of the comrades beside you! These are two of the best ways to survive the battlefield!" "Be fearless? Take care of our comrades?" The youths were stumped. "Yes, these two thingsC the latter is more important than the former." Yun Yang nodded meaningfully and explained, "Only when you''re willing to take a saber for your comrades will your comrades be willing to block the arrow for you! The saying ''brothers of the battlefield share life and death'' originates from this sort of mentality. Perhaps you''ll die for your comrades; perhaps your comrades will die for you However, when everyone is thinking of their brothers and guarding their comrades, their combat powers will increase by leaps and bounds!" The teenagers seemed to understand this, yet they were confused about Yun Yang''s teaching. Still, all of them memorized this with all their hearts. Be fearless! Take care of our comrades! Two of the best ways to survive the battlefield! The latter is more important than the former! "I only have an arm that can be moved now and even if I push myself to do the actions, it''ll hardly be demonstrative. I won''t be showing you all the moves personally. I want two people to step out now, to do as I say. I''ll teach you some sure-fire techniques of combat on the battlefield." "First, bare hands" "Using the saber, you should" "Using the spear, you should" "Don''t consider any other weapons. There isn''t any grace or elegance to consider in the battleground. The two weapons that I''ve mentioned are the ones that can do the most damage. Other weapons like long swords only look good. They will hardly be effective in battle. Don''t even try training with them. Also, sabers and spears without their owners are plentiful on the battlefield. Even if your weapon is gone or broken, you can grab one easily." Yun Yang watched the teenagers practice the techniques they had just learned carefully; each of them knew that this was the way that could save their lives, thus they treated the lesson seriously, not daring to be the least bit careless. "Now, I''ll teach you all the art of breathing" Yun Yang thought about it and said, "This breathing technique''s effect is limited; it can''t make all of you martial artists or cultivators but it''s an efficient way to regain your breath on the battlefield! If you want to learn other things, I''ll teach you all when you come back alive from the battlefield. Remember, if you can survive, I''ll pass onto you all an intricate cultivation method and lead you on your cultivation journey!" The youths did not know how much weight Yun Yang''s promise carried, only nodding with innocent smiles. Yun Yang was not being reserved with his skill, reluctant to teach these youth a deeper cultivation method. It was because he knew it was too late, no matter what remarkable cultivation method he taught them now because the war might have already ended while waiting for them to cultivate those methods. Only the recovery breathing technique and training drills Yun Yang had taught them earlier were the most practical things right now. In the afternoon and night that followed, the boys sweated buckets training diligently in the yard. "No matter when it is, never fight with all of your energy! Retain some strength, no matter what, to give yourself room to breathe!" "The comrades beside you are your closest people to you in your life! They''re closer to you than your biological father, mother or brothers! Never look down on anyone, even when you can knock out ten of them with one hand!" "Even when you''re utterly expended, remember to cheer!" Yun Yang taught them kindly, "When you run out of strength, cheer with those who are as tired as you. It will give birth to another form of energy within your drained selves This energy is called faith!" "Then what cheer should we be cheering? What cheer is the most useful?" asked a boy innocently. Yun Yang pondered and said, "The most useful one is to chant ''victorious Yutang, we have a home''!" "For our parents, for our family!" "For our future!" "Brothers, let''s go!" Yun Yang knew that these seemingly useless slogans could always garner the most exceptional effects during the critical junctures on the battlefield. When one was in a deadlock and yelled out the passion within him, he would truly be charged with an inexplicable energy! At least, that power could support one to make the last struggle! On the second day, Yun Yang supervised the youths'' training, combat drills, and survival techniques. They practiced breathing only at night, to replace sleep. Although their cultivation days were incredibly short, the art of breathing was immediately effective as the teenagers already felt its benefit despite being only beginners. Using it to replace sleep, they were even more focused without feeling fatigue on the second day. This fortified the assurance they felt from Yun Yang''s teaching! Yun Yang reaped his gains from the day as well. He could distinctly tell that the immense potential strength within him was being used up quickly; the broken bones were beginning to feel itchy, a sure sign that they were healing. "Faster recover faster" On the fourth morning, the boys carried large parcels on their backs, standing straight in front of Yun Yang. Today, they were departing. No matter how reluctant, they had to go on their journey to war! Rations, clothes, and pairs of canvas crepe shoes that were sewn securely prepared by their families lay in the large parcels on their backs. The village had concentrated all the resources of the village into these parcels. Some women stood on the road outside, keeping their emotions in check so their children would not see their sadness but their tears streamed down their faces unchecked. "Thank you, teacher!" With loud shouts, the twelve teenagers kneeled in unison and bowed nine times to Yun Yang. "Yutang has the Nine Supremes, so the highest respect Yutang can pay is to bow nine times. We do so to you, even if you don''t acknowledge us as your disciples!" In Yutang, if a person had bowed to someone nine times from gratitude, it meant that this person respected that someone like he respected the Nine Supremes. It was a show of utmost respect and incredible reverence! "All of you, get up now!" Yun Yang said in a low voice, "I have a letter I need you all to send. You must be going to the Fortress of Resilience and to the battlefield now! You can pass my letter to any of these three people you meet. As long as you mention that you were sent by Young Master Yun, your trip will be fine." "These three people... one of them is called Fu Baoguo, one is Qiu Jianhan, while another is Shangguan Lingxiu! The last one is a girl." Yun Yang said seriously, "You can only pass the letters to them personally!" "Yes!" Tiezhu promised loudly. He was the oldest among the teenagers who were departing; he was already eighteen years old and was naturally the leader of the boys. He received the letter in reverence and kept it carefully in the pocket of his undershirt. The others, including the elders, felt that the first two names sounded familiar like they had heard them somewhere before, but they did not think too much of it. After all, no one would think so much C like a small soldier who was handicapped in the battlefield would actually know the two main marshals of the empire. No one knew that this letter, this message they were to pass, was the true talisman for these twelve youths. "If they ask about me, about Young Master Yun''s whereabouts, just say that I''ll be there soon. The longest I''ll take to arrive is in half a month!" Yun Yang continued, "Also, even if you''re sleeping while hurrying along your journey, you have to use the breathing method I taught you. No slacking for even a moment; it''d be best if you can get used to it, like a second nature. Practice the combat techniques every day, no matter how tired and hard your journey is, for no lesser than six hours. That''s the foundation to your survival on the battlefield, remember?" The boys'' eyes glinted, remembering Yun Yang''s words and etching them in their minds. The villagers carried Yun Yang as they sent the twelve boys off, all of them were smiling. "Go without worries. This is the time that the boys should use their brute force, kill the enemy and serve the country, contribute their merits! You have us at home still! There''s no need to be worried!" The twelve youths kneeled at the end of the road, paying respect to the whole village with respectful bows. They then stood up and turned, leaving with wide strides. Not a single one of them turned back for a second glance. The morning sun bathed their backs, like putting a veil of colored clouds on them. Seeing that the teenagers could no longer be seen, heartbroken cries finally came from the crowd who were sending them off. It was a massive war that saw the presence of millions of soldiers from two countries! It was an ultimate war that decided the nation''s fate and prosperity! It was an extreme fight that preceded subjugation! How much could a mere twelve boys'' strength be worth? These twelve teenagers might be drowned by the army the moment they got to the battlefield The village did not know if they could still witness them return safely in this lifetime Who knew how many of these twelve boys would come back in the future! No one had any confidence about this. They could only wish them all the best. How many more youths throughout the Empire of Yutang must have stepped into the battlefield as passionately as they had? The emotions that ran through the hundreds of thousands of families who witnessed their departures were exactly the same! 456 Bettermen Another two days passed quietly. Yun Yang''s injuries got better and he could already stand on his own. His broken legs were still weak, but he could move them with a slight limp. It was, without a doubt, a huge improvement from his original condition. What thrilled Yun Yang was that the splitting pain that had been embedded in his head was almost gone. Confident that his injuries were healing well, Yun Yang tried channeling his mystical Qi again. Despite still feeling the arduousness of the effort and the frightful thought that his internal organs were about to be shattered, he did not spit blood out this time and there was some sensation in his dantian. "I can probably manipulate my mystical Qi with another night of rest." Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath and felt a weight lifted off his heart. Yun Yang was actually worried that his mystical Qi was ruined as well, but it seemed to be alright now. He was alright. For the whole night, Yun Yang evened out his breathing; the subtle itch that was running through his body made Yun Yang feel happy. In Yun Yang''s opinion, this was when his injuries were truly getting better! During the latter half of the night, Yun Yang suddenly let out a low grunt in the inky, dark room; two radiant beams shot out from his eyes into the unlit space. The radiance lit the pitch-black house like electricity had been generated out of nothing. There was a weak sense of power in his dantian that he had not felt for a week; it was pulsing faintly before it rose slowly and presented itself to Yun Yang''s senses. Amidst Yun Yang''s ecstasy, the force moved slowly, following Yun Yang''s set path of Endless Divine Art. His shattered meridians had just been repaired and were still very delicate. Yun Yang steered his mystical Qi carefully to allow it to pass through unhurriedly. His meridians, which could normally afford several hundred cycles within a single breath, took Yun Yang from the dead of the night to sunrise to complete one whole cycle. Yun Yang exhaled deeply and spat out a mouthful of blood. It was not blood that flowed due to his weak meridians, but the tainted blood that was forced out from the cultivation exercise. The emission of tainted blood healed as much as a tenth of Yun Yang''s internal injuries. Noticing the speed at which he was healing, Yun Yang did not slack and went on to run his second cycle. He was slightly faster than the last round, while the strange energy within him eventually attached itself to Yun Yang''s meridians following the mystical Qi''s movement. His damaged meridians were repaired in short order. As he cultivated, Yun Yang slowly went into the state of Zen that he had not been in for a long time. The old physician woke up early in the morning and went to check on Yun Yang as usual. His patient was lying flat on the bed, breathing so evenly that his chest movements were almost imperceptible. All around him, a wispy, white gas slowly began to grow. As the white gas rose like the morning fog, the bruises on his patient''s face faded slowly as well It was somewhat of a shock to see such severe injuries healing at a speed that was visible to the eye! The old physician could not help the disbelief he felt running through him and thought of a few legendary figures at once. "Is this person that I''ve saved someone phenomenal? A great general of the army? Still, it''s obvious that he''s young, not at all like those rumored to have eternal youth" As the mystical Qi flowed, the Endless Divine Art was being activated as well, showing Yun Yang''s true face. Looking at the handsome face that was gradually turning visible, the elder could not believe that the person before him could actually be someone significant. This man was simply too young. If he was to be compared to the twelve teenagers who had just left the village, he might not be found to be much older. The Endless Divine Art C endless with belief that does not die, endless with a pulse that does not stop! Yun Yang had entered the cultivation state that belonged to the Endless Divine Art C Endless Belief! Yun Yang was slowly engulfed by the white fog. It was like a giant steamer had appeared in the room. His meridians were healing bit by bit as the flow got smoother. As his resilience grew and strengthened, the mystical Qi moved faster and faster When noon arrived, a loud crack came from within Yun Yang. The dislocated bones had all gone back to where they should be! The moment they relocated themselves, his internal organs lurched into place as well. Yun Yang''s mouth opened wide and he spat out a blood clot. His efforts were followed by violent panting. Although the action had halted the Endless Divine Art that was being cultivated, it had also forced out most of the blood clots in his body. Yun Yang sensed that his body was much better now. He moved to get out of bed, but just as his broken leg touched the floor, a sharp stab of pain lanced through him as a piercing soreness and itchiness surged through his body. Yun Yang endured the pain and realized that he could stand now, almost normally, except that one leg was still too weak to put too much weight on. "I will be assured as long as I can start over. Everything will eventually come back to me. The return of Supreme Cloud will not take long!" Yun Yang''s gaze was determined. He had yet to come in touch with Emmie and had nothing left of the Nine Supremes'' powers; he could not feel nor execute cultivation methods like the Holy Water Charm as if they were non-existent. Still, Yun Yang believed that his powers would return, sooner or later! What was of the utmost priority now was to recover! He just had to heal himself; the rest would fall into place. The old physician had gone out to treat a patient, only to see Yun Yang, who had been absolutely bedridden yesterday, slowly pacing around in the yard. He even smiled to greet him when he saw him. The old physician was not only surprised; he was utterly stunned! The healing was simply too rapid for belief. The damage had been so severe, especially those broken legs! He had diagnosed him personally and secured the bones himself. "Why C why are you out here? Your leg is broken, you can''t rush these things. You have to rest quietly. You will regret your impatience for your entire lifetime if any sequela is left behind" Yun Yang smiled warmly and said with gratitude, "Thank you for your concern, old sir! I know myself well. I will heal faster and better if I move around more." "Besides, I can''t wait any longer!" Yun Yang''s gaze took on a distant look. "The children know that they have to go to war, how can I waste my days away here? It''s a waste of time!" Yun Yang''s tone was filled with a murderous aura. Although he could not use any of the manifestation powers of the Nine Supremes now, he could still kill someone with his bare hands! Another three days passed. Yun Yang felt a tenth of his cultivation base had been reclaimed, and his body was more or less back to normal. He could not yet engage in battle, but it was no longer an issue to be on his way. In spite of this, Yun Yang had opted to stay another day. His aim of going to the war was to kill the enemy, to enter the battlefield; he could never let the others protect and take care of him. Therefore, even when it was a matter, of course, to go to the war, he had to equip himself with combat power C intentions alone were meaningless without action. As his meridians were unclogged, Yun Yang''s cultivation base healed by leaps and bounds and he could already open his spatial ring with his mystical Qi. In there lay Lei Dongtian''s top-graded medicine from the Bound of Universe that was miraculously effective. Yun Yang unabashedly took six bottles in a single sitting and felt his entire body grow lighter at once. The only hindrance he was still facing now was his broken leg and arm that were yet to feel like his own. It was also important to note that his Divine Edge was also in his deific consciousness space. Since he had lost his connection to Emmie, he could not activate his divine sense nor sense anything; naturally, he could not retrieve the Divine Edge as well. "What a great loss to experience at this time!" Yun Yang came to a conclusion about his previous actions under the winter sun. "I was impulsive." "However, if I were to turn back time, back to when I heard about Old Dugu being seized and was about to be executed, would I still go?" Yun Yang mused about this conundrum and chuckled bitterly, "Even if I was given a second chance, I would still go! I would act recklessly as well! I would never abandon my family. I would go, even if I knew the consequences. "If I knew that this is a trap was the collaborative effort of four countries, would I go? If I knew that Yutang would face such a crisis, would I go? Even with the threat of being under siege? Of being utterly subjugated? Yun Yang felt conflicted. The impulsiveness was still great, but rationality told him that he should not be going if things were so! In spite of this, if he had not gone for whatever reason or excuse C be it for the country or the world, for the people or for innocent lives, his nagging conscience would follow him throughout his life! "A man''s greatest grudge is an incapable wife and an unfilial son! A man''s greatest helplessness is the struggle between loyalty and filial piety!" Yun Yang heaved a deep sigh; he finally understood this saying. However, it was already fortunate that he was not ambushed above the battlefield. If Mr. Nian had not stopped him along the way but waited for him on the battlefieldYutang''s millions of soldiers would have to watch the sole survivor of the Nine Supremes being killed in full view of all the witnesses, with him being unable to retaliate at all. Military morale would instantly vanish. Then, Yutang would truly be doomed! On the same night, the old physician watched with worry as Yun Yang packed quietly and asked, "Are... are you leaving now? Your injuries" The old man''s gaze was brimming with worry. In his point of view, Yun Yang ought not to move at all. No matter how he fast he had recuperated, at least two to three months would still be needed to completely heal the damage done to him. However, Yun Yang had already made up his mind to leave. He would not be able to stop him, no matter what he said or did. 457 Parting "That''s alright." Yun Yang said with a wan smile. "Don''t worry, old one. In all honesty, my injuries are fine now and I have medicine with me. With my current state, I need at least half a month to arrive at the battlefield. This period of time will be sufficient for me to recuperate." The old man sighed. It was no mean feat to travel and recuperate at the same time. If one were to rush during his journey, it would be difficult to avoid aggravating his injuries, but to recuperate while traveling? It was absurd and self-deceiving. Still, it looked like there was no other way about this. Seeing that Yun Yang was insistent and there was no point in trying to stop him, the old physician said softly, "Perhaps you can choose to take a detour and go around the mountain from the back. You''ll be able to see grasslands, and as long as you don''t go too deep into the forest, you won''t encounter any dangerous mystical beasts." "I beg your pardon?" Yun Yang asked in bewilderment. Why did the elder suddenly bring this up? Time was already ticking away, but he was still being asked to take a detour? Even if it was less dangerous, it was still a ridiculous choice. Could there be some ulterior motive behind the seemingly innocent request? "In the borderless grasslands roam hordes of wild horses" The old man said, "At least a hundred thousand of them, maybe even more. Since you have remarkable a cultivation base, it shouldn''t be too hard for you to capture a wild horse. With a horse as your transportation, I believe your traveling time will be greatly reduced." "At the very least, it can save you energy to recuperate." Realization struck Yun Yang the moment he heard the old man''s explanation, and he recalled at once that almost every home had horses when he had first seen this small village and handsome ones at that. When the twelve teenagers had left, the warhorses they took with them were the of best stock as well. He understood now that this was probably the source of the magnificent creatures. "I''ll go have a look." Yun Yang was deeply intrigued. With how his leg being as injured as it was, it would be very efficient to have a great horse. Late at night, Yun Yang left quietly; he did not inform anyone in the village except the old man who was sending him off. Unexpectedly, when the old man had sent Yun Yang out of the door, half the village had appeared. They stood quietly in the nightfall, sending Yun Yang off with their gazes. A few elders moved forward shakily; behind them, a gaggle of women clustered together. The old man received two parcels from the women''s hands and said sincerely, "Warrior, your departure to the battlefield is to fight for our Yutang. Do be careful. Aged and weak as we are, we can no longer step foot into war The women at home had made ten pairs of canvas shoes through the night, twenty catties of biscuits and a saddle Please accept these insignificant gifts of ours to cheer you on your journey, great warrior." Yun Yang looked around and could see a few women among the crowd who paid more attention to him; there were smaller packages in each of their hands. These women were the mothers of the twelve teenagers who had left earlier. Yun Yang felt a warm feeling surge in his heart, a blanket of genuine comfort and envy wrapped around him. What Yun Yang had yearned for the most in his life was the care of a family. It was unknown if destiny had played a trick on him; he had lost his parents since he was young while each family whom Yun Yang acknowledged had gone through a rough patch like the Nine Supremes, Yun Zuiyue, and Old Dugu who had passed on, as well as Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan who had inexplicably attracted the attention of an almighty presence, Lei Dongtian, and could not recover their true faces for years. It just proved that whoever was close to Yun Yang was no exception to grief, desolation, bad luck, and death! In spite of this, Yun Yang envied the people who had the care of their families even more and especially treasured the love that was being showered upon him. "Thank you!" Yun Yang accepted the packages graciously and carried them on his back. He bowed deeply, "Thank you! Take care, elders. If I survive this war, I will come back to all of you again." "Warrior, you''re no ordinary person. You''ll surely be meritorious in this trip and be titled marquis or general in the future and your generations to come! God bless Yutang for such a warrior to fight in the war!" A few elders looked at him solemnly while they spoke with sincerity as if they were making a vow. Then, the mothers of the teenagers stepped out in unison. "Warrior, you were a teacher to our children. The children''s mothers know that you''re leaving and wanted to show their gratitude to you. However, you only have two hands and you carry injuries, unable to bring along too much. This old and useless one has made the decision for them to sew two pairs of canvas shoes each. Please accept them!" Yun Yang swallowed, at a loss for words. Twenty-four pairs of canvas crepe shoes were neatly placed in front of him. Each pair was sewn with the most secure twine, complete with intricate stitches. The soles of the shoes were creped from homemade pulp while the upper layers were made from hard Wired Snake leather. The insides of the shoes were made of the most ordinary soft fabric but with a thin layer of cotton that was sewn within. They were not beautiful, but they were absolutely secure, comfortable and long-lasting. This was the most practical and basically the best parting gift! It was also the most touching gift Yun Yang had ever received in his life. He felt especially beholden to these good-hearted people. "Thank you!" Yun Yang bowed and said, "If I can meet the children on this trip, I will take care of them as best as I can, with hopes that all twelve of them will return!" The twelve women returned the bow, gratitude brimming in their eyes. "Thank you for your care, teacher!" They were confident as if the promise from this person that stood before them could guarantee the safety of their sons among the hundreds and thousands of men from the opposing army. Yes, to them at least, they had no doubt about this assurance. Truth be told, even if Yun Yang still had the powers of the Nine Supremes, he dared not guarantee the safety of someone on the battlefield! He could only say that he would do his best! "Warrior, have a safe trip and succeed!" The young and old, women and children of the village bowed at the same time to show their intentions as they spoke resolutely. "Defeat Dongxuan and fortify Yutang! Bless our people, guard our lives!" Yun Yang bowed back as formally as he could with a huge pack on his back. Then, he left with large steps, not turning back just like the twelve boys who had left. He knew that everyone was watching him. The more resolute he acted, the more confident he seemed. If he had turned back at this moment, it would only reflect his diffidence and make the villagers doubtful of their children''s safety. This was not what Yun Yang would like to have witnessed! The sight of Yun Yang finally disappeared at the end of the road, just like the twelve youths whose day of return was unknown. Until then, no one in the village moved. Only the sound of soft sighs could be heard from them. "What a great young man" The old physician sighed but did not say anything further. After some time, the crowd dissipated. When they got home, each household could not help but gasp in surprise. On the table of each household lay two bullions of gold. Each bullion was ten catties in weight. Two bullions of gold could afford these household carefree days for the next few years. The crowd retreated out of their houses to ask around and found out that each house had been given the same amount of gold C nothing more, nothing less. No one doubted the origin of these gold bullions as they all knew that they were left in secret by the warrior who had just left. Oddly enough, no one among them had noticed him doing so. Other than two bullions of gold, there was also a letter on the old physician''s table. The rows of scribbles read, "As pearls and jade can never be as valuable as the heart, how can mere gold convey my gratitude? The young and fit have gone to serve the country but the everyday life of the women and children are to resume. It is a mere token of the heart, detest it not. I shall keep the village''s children as safe as I can, please do not worry. Let us drink when we return, for to go home drunk will be the happiest thing in life!" There was no signature, but the old physician knew who had written it. He was trembling, hot tears brimming in his eyes, and he went to show the letter to everyone in the village. The villagers shared the same fervent emotions even as they felt comforted by the thoughtfulness. The warrior knew that the villagers'' days without the young and fit would be difficult. With the gold bullions he had left, it would be enough to ensure that the entire village would live comfortably. Even if the war went on for another three to five years, the gold would see them through it. His arrangements were truly meticulous. "This person is thoughtful and has a formidable cultivation base. His actions speak of an elite''s grace but none of us knows who he is For our village to have known such a significant figure is truly a blessing from the heavens" The elderly sighed softly. Yun Yang walked towards the east after leaving Huang Col Village and came to the mountain that was mentioned by the old physician. He, having recovered his full range of movements and a portion of his mystical cultivation method, hiked up easily. In just about an hour, he was already at the top of the mountain. The base of the mountain was vague and indiscernible; since he had arrived, however, he would not turn back. He descended slowly and carefully to the bottom. It was filled with thick snow and dense, withered bushes. There was indeed a large amount of galloping horses that crossed his vision, far away. It was a natural horse racecourse here. Even during the dead of winter, the horses were still merrily making their way in the open. In all honesty, the old physician had presented Yun Yang with a wonderful idea. He had lost his manifestation powers, and while his mystical cultivation method was somewhat back to normal, it was still far from a full recovery. It would be harmful to his injuries, even if he could walk to the eastern border and reach it within half a month. With a good horse as a replacement to his steps, however, the situation differed greatly. Otherwise, why would Yun Yang come looking for a favorable ride, just like the old physician had asked? It was the break of dawn now, the time when sunlight greeted the earth once again. What Yun Yang was seeing now was the most majestic sight he had witnessed throughout his life. In the distance, where the land was snow-white and the mountains touched the clouds, hordes of wild horses were galloping with abandon. With a rough estimation, there were tens of thousands of horses as said by the old physician, and that was already a reserved guess. Yun Yang thought that there had to be at least millions of these wild horses, perhaps even more! 458 Noble Steeds The feral horses galloped by in endless and innumerable waves. The horse herd stopped when they got to the center of the field. There was a giant hot spring that was emitting a cloud of steam; it was most probably due to this spring that this natural stable was vibrantly fearless of the cold. Watergrasses grew in lush blankets beside the lake, not at all inferior when compared to their verdancy during spring and fall. Some steeds had jumped right into the water for a swim while many more fed on the grass quietly, their tails swishing about. Even Yun Yang was touched by the serenity; he did not want to disturb the peace and quiet that these horses were enjoying for a moment. Even as this thought flashed through his mind, a long neigh came from the distance. The horses around the lake were on guard the moment they heard the noise, neighing while looking around for any abnormalities. Far away, where the snow fell heavily, another band of horses galloped over with the hot spring as their obvious target. The horses that were already there drew back slowly, but a proud, snow-white steed remained in front. This steed was one head taller than the rest of the horses and was about five feet longer than them as well. It was an extremely well-built white horse. Even while standing still, it exuded a superior vibe that no one could challenge. It was as if it was passing a message C as long as I''m here, forget about invading and occupying this land! The sounds of galloping horses became louder, the hot spring lying directly in their path. With a drawn-out neigh, the massive band of horses suddenly stopped their forward motion. It was amazing to see such a large number of galloping horses stop in such an orderly manner. Yun Yang was so impressed. A feral horse herd that no one controlled had actually moved in such uniformity that if he had not witnessed it himself, he would never have believed that such a thing existed in this world. It was truly a miracle, made possible by God''s grace! The leader of the band of horses that came later was a steed that had a red coat. This flaming horse was about the same size as the white steed and was growling provokingly; it was clear that it intended to fight to claim the hot spring. Yun Yang understood the entire situation with a single glance. It was the dead of winter right now; the sky was filled with snow, the ground was frozen solid. To be able to feed on fresh grass, the feral mounts had to stay close to this hot spring. There was only one lake though, and these two bands of horses were fighting over it. In Yun Yang''s eyes, it was completely unnecessary. The hot spring lake was excessively large, while tens of thousands of acres around it was filled with exceptionally dense and lush bushes due to the warm land. It was wholly sufficient to feed both horse herds. There was no worry about insufficient resources or starvation. They would be peacefully full without the need to fight. However, this was Yun Yang''s thinking. The two harems of steeds did not think the same, as they most probably only wanted the entire place for themselves! The thought must have rung especially true for these two horse kings. The saying was that only one tiger could exist in a mountain; similarly, there needed to be a horse king among the horses C more so, there must only be one king among the horses. If there had been only one horse king to dictate the two horse bands, they would have long united as one herd. Of course, life was full of surprises; this place had given birth to two horse lords that were similarly skilled and on par in each aspect! Subsequently, there must be a contest between them to identify the true king. The horse herds from both sides drew back, leaving a large, empty space in the center. The white and red horses did not move, merely standing and staring at each other across the gulf, but their distance from the horse herds grew wider. Yun Yang lurked at a spot not too far away from the hot spring. As long as one was a man in the Tianxuan Continent, he would never say no to a noble steed; Yun Yang was no exception. Before he was even familiar with his cloud manifestation, Yun Yang had used horses as his mean of transportation. He had taken a liking to these two horses of crimson and white since he had laid eyes on them. When he looked up again from a closer distance to hear the low growls and peek at the two contenders, Yun Yang could not help but widen his eyes. The two horses that were initially thousands of feet away from each other was already engaged in a ferocious brawl. Speeding across the empty land like two streaks of lightning, it was almost as if they had traveled through time and space. They were kicking, biting and viciously slamming into each other Any attacking tactic that could be used by a horse was all shown in this battle; there was no holding back. However, the reason that Yun Yang was taken aback was their speed they had been so far away C why were they already fighting in the blink of an eye? Even the speediest horse was not equipped with such godly speed! Unless these two horses knew how to fly? Yun Yang thought about his own skills, knowing that it was impossible for him to leap through such a long distance, even when he was at the peak of his cultivation base. Yet, the two horses in front of him had done it so easily, like it was nothing at all. After a while, the battle between the steeds escalated; both creatures had turned into two illusory silhouettes that fought from the south to the north, then from the east to the west; sometimes they collided, like a flame of red and white that was dazzlingly radiant. Even when Yun Yang concentrated his vision, he still could not identify anything, unable to differentiate which side had gotten the upper hand. Hundreds of horses stamped their hooves on both sides while neighing into the sky; the spectacle was intense and the sound deafening. Obviously, both bands were cheering for their king. Having heard their harems'' cheers and experiencing a boost of morale, the horse kings seemed more fervent as they quickened their attacks amidst their constant neighing. Their strikes and dodges were really like lightning, with their hooves kicking at out each other; the litheness in their actions dumbfounded Yun Yang. Were these two horses? Were these still horses? This was a battle of two martial world experts! Each action of theirs, whether to attack, counter or avoid, was very methodical; it was not at all a wild beast''s attack. Yun Yang had slipped into the battleground carefully at first, only to realize later that it was not that all the steeds did not see or hear him; they had completely ignored the stranger, not bothering with him at all. Even when he was passing through the ranks of the horses, none of them reacted. Only a mare seemed to think that Yun Yang was annoying for pushing his way through, and had shoved him aside with her strong buttocks. Her meaning was clear C Off you go, don''t annoy me! Did you not see I''m watching my idol? Yun Yang was speechless. He was tongue-tied at these horses'' ignorance. Subsequently, he stood there righteously as if he naturally belonged in the throng, crossing his arms as he watched the fight of the century between these two horse kings. Judging by the current situation, these two mighty warriors seemed to be very energetic. The result might not be concluded even if they fought for one whole day. Would Yun Yang have to wait here for an entire day? Besides, if he were to actually wait for their brawl to end, it would be a near-impossible task for him to catch them, seeing as to how fast they could move. The cogs in Yun Yang''s head turned. Inwardly he lamented to himself. If he still had the air of vitality that he could use at any time, it would have saved him so much trouble; the life force that possessed limitless temptation to all lives in this world would allow Yun Yang to tame them without any effort, but he did not have it now. Speaking of which, the return of the air of vitality would mean that Emmie was here too, and his manifestation powers would have probably recovered as well. It seemed then that he need not search for a means of transportation. What a roundabout dilemma he faced! Yun Yang, who was still inadequately equipped, rummaged through his spatial ring in hopes of finding something that could attract the attention of these two horses. Other than some healing medicine, there were only some treasured herbs that lay in his grasp. He doubted that horses would be interested in those. Just as Yun Yang grew increasingly perturbed and almost thought of giving up, intending to simply pick a decent horse to become his ride, he suddenly remembered something. When he was saved by the old physician and rested under the watchful eyes of the Huang Col Village''s people, he had heard them mentioning something strange C that a great amount of fish lingered under the shore he had lied on, despite the intense currents They did not even want to leave when faced with the possibility of capture as if they were intent on snatching some sort of valuable gem Yun Yang connected the dots at once, thinking about the treasured resources that he had ingested. His flesh and blood must have posed a unique temptation towards animals. However, horses were not a carnivorous species; could the draw of his flesh and blood be of interest to them? Pondering for another moment, Yun Yang retrieved a saber from his ring and began cutting grass. A few horses walked over unhappily as they snorted, shoving Yun Yang aside with their buttocks. "Why is this person so annoying? We don''t mind if he just stands here, but he''s actually cutting our grass." "Do you think that we don''t know that human can''t eat grass? What a waste of food!" Yun Yang scratched his head, ignoring them, and changed his spot to continue harvesting grass. The horse herd ignored him this time as if they did not see him. "How thick-skinned this person is, it''s useless to chase him away Whatever." "We have so much grass anyway. Even if you gamble your life by cutting them, how much can you cut, all by yourself?" Yun Yang cut a big bundle of grass and walked forward carrying them all the way to the center of the battleground. Then, beyond the horses'' expectation, he sat down. Both horse kings glanced at him in disdain. "Hmm, only human vermin Let''s not bother with him!" "Do what we should!" "This is more important!" Neighing ferociously, they waded into intense battle again. Seeing that the horse kings had ignored him, despised him even, Yun Yang steeled his heart and stabbed his arm while gritting his teeth. Blood trickled out at once, as he slowly but surely let them drip on the bundle of grass. Since the horses were not following, he would go to them instead; since they did not feed on meat, he would add blood to their food. He would see if they would be moved and if it would be a success! If his plan failed, Yun Yang did not plan to waste any more time; he would leave, and pick another horse. His current cultivation base could not tame a king of the horses, but it was still sufficiently adequate to tame an ordinary, decent steed. It was only left to confirm if this method worked; Yun Yang had just recently recuperated, of course, he would not waste his blood away. He had only drained half a bowl of blood, dripping them onto the bundle of grass, before he quickly bandaged his wound. He was really weak now, already dizzy even though he had given so little blood; if he were to drain more blood, he might just knock himself out. The Horse Majesties were still fighting fervently, not even bothering to glance over. They went from the east to the west, from the south to the north; they ran across each other, coming back and forth like lightning strikes. The red horse king could finally be seen to have the upper hand, while the white horse king seemed to have expended its strength, and was gradually at the losing end. Then, a flash of red sped past Yun Yang, charging forward like a strike of lightning; it seemed to be following up on his victory, wanting to take down its opponent with a single strike. The white horse king neighed with indignation, the cry brimming with grief. It seemed to have predicted that he would surely be defeated if the battle went on, losing his position as the horse king. In spite of this, it refused to show signs of defeat. Seeing the red horse charging over, it got into position and braced itself for a massive collision. In Yun Yang''s view, if the collision were to happen head on, the result might be a loss for both sides. A bigger possibility would be the white horse dying while the red horse would be severely injured; anyway, neither one would escape unscathed. Just as the massive collision was about to take place, the white horse king looked up in dumbstruck wonder. The red horse king had suddenly turned while galloping, charging back in a graceful curve. What was it going to do? Was there some conspiracy afoot? The white horse king watched on, but all he saw was the red horse king sprinting towards the squatting human, kicking a few times lightly with its front hooves and lowering its head to let out a neigh. The white horse king''s eyes grew even wider. What? "We horses will only make such a noise when we''re very comfortable or yearning for something. You''re young and na?ve, but you shouldn''t be acting this way towards a human!" "What are you yearning for? What are you so comfortable with? "Where is your elegance as a king of horses?" When Yun Yang lifted his head, he saw a large horse head before his eyes with sniffing nose; yearning was written all over its eyes which were dead set on the big bundle of grass beside his hands. More precisely, they were trained on the grass bathed in his blood. Interesting. Yun Yang put on a friendly front immediately and said gently, "Do you want to eat it?" The red horse looked at him warily, hopping two steps back with wide eyes, clearly on its guard. Yun Yang pushed the fresh grass in his hand forward and said, "Eat? Are you eating them or not?" The red horse clip-clopped on the spot anxiously and shook its head; it looked over farther before turning back and focused all of its attention on the grass in front of it. Its throat was nickering while saliva trickled from the corners of its mouth. "I don''t think you want to eat!" Yun Yang sighed, picking a rope he braided from grass to pass his time earlier and tied the big bundle of green up, before he carried them on his back and left, turning around. Clip-clop, clip-clop The crimson steed followed behind, its eyes still staring at the grass on his back longingly; it neighed impatiently but nickered again It was obvious that it wanted to eat, extending its mouth over, but instinctually felt a danger that was present; in spite of this, it did not want to give up. This was an unprecedented rush of temptation. Based on such circumstances, the red horse could only follow the human, step by step. Yun Yang, feeling slightly uncomfortable carrying the grass on his back, hugged them in front of him instead, and continued walking, picking up speed. The red horse was impatient at once. "I don''t dare to eat. Still, it''s good to take a whiff of it." "How can you keep it in front of you? Why are you being so stingy?" It hurried two steps forward, its head pushing into Yun Yang''s back. Yun Yang turned around but saw the red horse retreating thirty feet away, as if it was frightened, watching him intently. Yun Yang waved his hands and said, "No need to send me off. I''m leaving now, I don''t think we''ll meet again." Before his words could echo, he turned and left once more. The red horse gave chase again. He turned again. It retreated once more. He turned to leave once again; the red horse caught up yet again. Rinse and repeat. This was how a battle of minds began! As the drama was being acted out here, the white horse king in the battleground was stumped, as its opponent had actually abandoned it here and was pandering to the human wholeheartedly. He had no clue what his enemy was up to. It felt speechless. What did it want to do? What was it doing now? Why was it behaving so oddly? Humans might not understand the red horse''s actions, but the white horse understood them perfectly. It was obviously pandering and even bootlicking! "What''s going on?" "Why has he gone to lick a human''s boots when he'' was fighting with me?" "Do you still have the etiquette of a horse king?" "Do you still have the slightest bit of dignity and pride of a king?" "How humiliating to stand side by side with this horse!" "I have f*cking bruises on me which are painful... but why don''t I have a f*cking opponent anymore?" "Gone he has, to pander, gone he has, to bootlick. Why the f*ck are you so embarrassing? Why don''t you offer yourself and let that person ride you?" "Your father will be utterly defeated if you let him ride you!" "You''ll be God then!" The white horse that was venting its frustrations could not help neighing into the sky to express its discontentment as it saw its opponent thousands of feet away, following closely behind the strange human. "It''s true that the person has grass in his hands but isn''t grass what we eat every day?" "Is this person''s grass any more special?" "You haven''t f*cking eaten grass for a while, have you?" "Do you lack grass so much? Can''t you live without grass? Can''t go beyond a single moment without grass?!" "You just followed him and left! You''ve humiliated us horses! Lowered our pride!" The red horse was stunned when he heard its opponent, turning its head to neigh back but it was filled with disdain. "What the f*ck do you know?" "Is this ordinary grass?" "This is no ordinary grass!" "Do you think I''m a dumb horse who hasn''t seen the world like you?" "This big brother is a king of horses!" "This big brother does not lack grass, but I''ve never tasted grass of such high quality like this in front of me!" "Do you think that high-quality grass is so easy to be seen, sniffed, and found?" "I really want to f*cking eat it!" Yun Yang''s repeated efforts to lure his target had eventually made the red horse impatient. It began to stick forward on its own accord and stuck close to Yun Yang''s buttocks; its mouth bit Yun Yang''s clothes while its tail wagged. It was just like a little girl who was walking while holding onto an adult''s sleeves. It was like she wanted something, but was too abashed to ask for it, so she could only follow anxiously and pout, hoping that the adult could give her whatever it was, with quick discernment. However, why was this person before it not aware at all? Would you die if you gave me a just a little from such a big bundle of grass? After Yun Yang''s multiple attempts to stroke it when he turned around, the red horse no longer rejected him and grew used to it; stroke if the human wanted, it would not lose a piece of its meat. "Still, you have to give me grass after you touch me!" From a light and gentle touch in the beginning to the current caress everywhere, Yun Yang got bolder with every stroke and grew more content; his eyes had turned into crescents. The red horse was a pony that had just matured; the foal was at most four or five years old. If it were to be human, it would be a young teenager of approximately eighteen years. While the foal was at the peak of a horse''s lifetime, this red foal''s characteristics were stunning. Yun Yang felt an inexplicable energy that was surging within the foal, an energy that a horse should not possess. Yun Yang guessed that this foal and the white horse must have consumed something peculiar to have caused a certain degree of change to their bodies. Otherwise, they would never be so mighty, based on just the innate abilities of a horse! With his plan coming to fruition, Yun Yang finally picked a few strands of grass from the huge bundle and put it forward to the horse''s mouth, as if doing charity work. Yun Yang was sure that the red foal would not be able to resist the temptation to follow him after actually eating the grass stained with his blood! The red foal''s eyes shone right away when it saw his action; it opened its mouth and rolled its tongue without a care to chew on the grass before its eyes. Just as the grass entered its mouth, its eyes gleamed with ecstasy, looking at Yun Yang in adoration while it ate C actually, it was staring in gluttony at the big bundle of grass Yun Yang''s hand extended to the back of the foal and tapped it lightly; his intention was apparent C "You can have more grass but you have to exchange for it with yourself. Let your father ride you, then you can have the grass!" The red stallion seemed to have understood his thoughts at once, taking a few steps back urgently while it watched Yun Yang with alertness and dissatisfaction. "I think of you as a friend and just want your grass, but you actually want to ride me?" "How can there be such a thing in this world?" 459 Taming the Noble Steed The red foal was behaving exactly as Yun Yang had expected, so he was not surprised as he continued walking forward, unperturbed by the horses'' actions. Watching the human walk away, the red foal hesitated, but could not fight the temptation of the delicacy; it clip-clopped over once more and repeated what it did, nudging Yun Yang''s hand then his back with its head, with the obvious intent to ask for grass. Yun Yang flung his hand away and avoided the stallion. He walked forward in a huff, hugging the big bundle of grass to his chest. He would no longer let the horse touch it. The horse stared innocently, following him closely with a lowered head; it went near to touch it again but was denied its wish. It tried once more and again and succeeded! The red horse shook its head and wagged its tail happily, its tongue coming out to curl in the bundle. Yun Yang pulled out another two to three strands of grass to pass them over to the eager horse. The red foal munched on them joyfully, but was still not satisfied. Its craving grew more intense; it wanted nothing more than to devour the big bundle of green in Yun Yang''s embrace, to satisfy its hunger. Yun Yang put his hand on the back of the horse once again while it drew back promptly as well, still hesitant. After the process repeated itself three different times, Yun Yang seemed to be utterly angered. He walked forward at a faster pace, and no matter how the foal pandered to him or acted docile, it was not allowed to touch or eat the grass anymore! The scene unfolded over a distance of ten thousand feet. The white horse back at the other end, together with both the horse herds, was dumbfounded and speechless; they could not understand what was happening. A while later, the red horse could no longer restrain itself and galloped to a halt in front of Yun Yang. Its head bobbed before it went into Yun Yang''s embrace, its mouth agape to bite the grass. "Are you trying to steal it after you can''t win it?! Are you a horse bandit? Why don''t you be god if you''re so capable!" Yun Yang raged; with a flip of his wrist, the large green bundle disappeared at once. The red foal was dumbstruck. "Where is my grass?" "Where is my delicacy?" "Where has it gone to?" "Does this person know magic? Why has it vanished into thin air?" A horse was still a horse after all; it did not know about the essential travel storage item, the Spatium Ring. However, it knew as much that it was Yun Yang''s trick, so it anxiously spun on the spot, its eyes nervous and eager to please. Yun Yang ignored it, still walking forward as if he did not see that there was a horse right in front of him. The horse snuck over again and he avoided it, moving in a different direction. You want my grass but you won''t let me ride you! I can choose to not want you now, can''t I? Yun Yang''s determined decision flooded the red horse with panic. "This human is ignoring me! What should I do?" "If I get to eat more of this grass, it will greatly benefit me, and I''ll be even more outstanding!" "As long as that bundle is all for me, I feel that even my blood can be refined to heights of purity that have never been seen before!" Yun Yang continued to walk away. The red foal, obviously in a panic from the sight, hopped to his front and nudged him back with its head; Yun Yang neatly sidestepped the large beast, only for it to stop him again. Both of them had come to an odd standstill. After some time, Yun Yang finally came to a halt. The horse stood before him dejectedly, its head lowered and ears flopped down. "Hmph!" Yun Yang scoffed coldly, pretending that he was about to walk away to the other side. The horse panicked then; nickering, it fell to the ground and rolled about, showing its white belly. The stallion''s hooves were half curled as it faced the sky; its eyes stared beguilingly at a certain conscienceless human. Yun Yang was exasperated and scolded the prone creature, "You want to snatch it when you can''t steal it, you try to win it over by acting spoilt when you can''t manage to snatch it, and when that can''t work either, you''re behaving like a rogue now? Aren''t you a king of horses? Where is your grace? Where is your pride? Isn''t there a bottom line to your dignity? I''ve certainly widened my knowledge horizon today!" The horse could not understand what he was saying of course, only looking at him with a tilted head. Yun Yang continued walking forward, passing by it completely. Seeing that the human still intended to leave, the stallion picked itself up promptly and followed behind him once more; it tangled itself with the human shamelessly, vowing not to give up as long as it was yet to eat the grass. Yun Yang sighed and retrieved a small bundle of green out of thin air. The stallion was delighted, trotting forward and eating from Yun Yang''s palm. The moist tongue even licked Yun Yang''s palm charmingly. Yun Yang retrieved another bundle C the horse''s eyes shone before it came forward once more. Yun Yang did not give out the grass right away but used his palm to press down on the horse'' back again. The creature did not draw back to avoid him this time, standing stoically as if contemplating if it should obey him. The foal was clearly aware that as long as it allowed this person to ride it, it would never regain its freedom. However, if it did not allow this person to ride it, it would never get to eat the grass - forever. He had to let this human mount it if it wanted the grass! The red foal whined, its eyes wet as it watched Yun Yang; it was obvious that it did not want to give up its freedom, but at the same time, it did not want to give up on the delicious grass. Yun Yang could feel its struggle distinctly; he was not a madman, so he said softheartedly, "Alright, alright. You''ll only be helping me for a short while, and I''ll let you come back after that. What do you think?" The red foal''s head was tilted as it looked at him innocently. Yun Yang said earnestly, "I am a gentleman. I would never tell a lie nor will I break my promise!" The horse looked at him with its head still tilted, its gaze eventually softening. With a whine, it swished its tail and finally lowered itself down slowly. Thrilled, Yun Yang hopped up right away. The red foal shook itself. It felt unnatural, as it was the first time that a human rode on its back. It was unaccustomed to the new feeling. It did not feel like the fellow weighed all that much, so there was not much of a difference whether it was carrying him or not. Galloping around with Yun Yang mounted on him, the stallion began to grow comfortable with the passenger. It rubbed Yun Yang''s legs with its head, opening its mouth with open yearning brimming in its eyes. "Okay, okay. Have it, have it all!" Yun Yang chortled, grabbing a big bunch of grass and sending it straight into the red foal''s mouth. The red foal was in extreme bliss, munching the grass eagerly while its eyes radiated contented happiness. Under Yun Yang''s command, the red foal ran towards the skirt of the mountain, ignoring the calls of the millions of horses behind it. The sound of galloping hooves resounded from behind them as a flash of white slithered over abruptly. It passed Yun Yang and the red foal and blocked their way. It was the white horse king. Only another king of horses, another supreme creature, would be bold enough to stop the red stallion with such speed and right! The white horse blocked them from leaving, its gaze strained anxiously at the red foal as it blew and snorted continuously. The red foal listening to it intently; when the white horse''s neighing stopped, it squealed towards the sky and clip-clopped over slowly to rub noses with the white horse as if bidding farewell. It then took two steps back. Silence permeated the atmosphere for a moment. Without a foretelling sign, the newly tamed horse raised its hooves. Like a red cloud, the crimson stallion carried Yun Yang as it galloped away. This time, the white horse did not give chase. It stood alone on the spot and watched the crimson silhouette disappear. Its eyes spoke of confusion. Why? Why had his long-standing opponent given up on its position as king so easily? How could it just follow someone else away, just like that? As a king of tens of thousands of horses, as the noblest steed of this world, how did a mere bunch of grass win you over? Did you still have any dignity left? How could you let yourself be mounted so willingly? The millions of steeds behind it neighed together simultaneously as if urging their king to return. However, it also sounded as if they were sending off their king. Whatever it was, the red foal did not turn back, already running fast and far. Mounted on the horse, Yun Yang and the horse''s journey was smooth and swift, reaching a seamless stage easily. The red foal''s spirituality was amazing and it was incredibly intelligent. Yun Yang had only given a few signs before the horse could already be reined in well. Now, the red stallion was like an arrow that had been released and was catapulting across the sky. The rapid speed did not actually toss Yun Yang, who was seated on the horse'' back, about too much; the saddle that the villagers had prepared for him then was not of use anymore. Of course, Yun Yang had not intended to restrain such a spiritually noble steed with rein and saddle, so he let it be. His horsemanship would rise up to the challenge without the reins anyway. Yun Yang intended to gallop until noon at a slower speed because his broken leg and bones could barely take the tossing. He realized that the red foal had covered more than five hundred miles of distance when they stopped to rest. Yun Yang was astounded, knowing that they had only been on their way for about four hours since he had gotten the stallion. Had it actually traveled such a long distance? Usually, a charger that could run a thousand miles daily was already a top-notch noble steed; furthermore, running a thousand miles daily was more of a saying for the noble steeds as rarely were there horses that could do so that even when they could achieve it, it was not their common behavior. Yet the red foal he mounted was far exceeding this common notion; if it were allowed to gallop to its heart''s content, it might not even be a challenge to cover three thousand miles in a day, if not further. During the journey, Yun Yang would reveal some grass to feed the horse after some distance had passed, but after seven to eight times of this, the red stallion refused the treat. However, it moved even faster while still remaining energetic. "It looks like the grass bathed in my blood is very unusual, and this foal can only take so much daily. What it''s eaten until now should suffice for it to ingest for some time then" Yun Yang sighed, "Not only is this horse very comprehending and intelligent, it''s sensible too!" The red stallion snorted. "It''s not that I don''t want to eat it, but it''s useless to eat more of it. You only have so little and that''s my food. I should save up and make it last a long time. Other than me, no other horse would eat it anyway" It intended to ration food to be pleasantly surprised, on occasion. "Horse, let me give you a name," Yun Yang said close to the red foal''s ear, after a bout of thinking. 460 Unceasing War The red foal''s bright eyes looked at him as it nodded softly in agreement. The young red horse was quite enamored by Yun Yang from his grass tactics earlier, and was unable to reject his request; however, if it were to know the glorious history of Yun Yang''s misadventures, it would rather have leaped off a cliff than to be named a friend by this conscienceless owner. It did not know now though, and when it did C it was too late! It could be considered game over for the poor horse! "You''re red all over. Let''s call you Big Red?" asked Yun Yang. The red horse looked at Yun Yang in shock, its tail shaking in consternation. Big Red? What a horrible name! Could it be any worse? "You don''t like Big Red? It''s rather unfitting to call you Big Red since you''re so young. Why not Little Red?" Yun Yang asked inquiringly. The red foal was still swishing its tail unhappily. "Big Red and Little Red? This king of horses is a male! Did you not see the length of my manhood when I roll over?" "Why are you so inept at giving a name? Don''t you know anything about majesty and bravery?" "Ridiculous!" "Are you still unsatisfied?" Yun Yang frowned. "I really think Little Red is not bad, it matches you quite well. Let''s try another one since you''re so dissatisfied, but this is the last one. We''ll go with this name, no more changes!" The horse looked at Yun Yang in anticipation. It looked forward to a remarkable name given by its new owner, like South Supreme, Warhorse King, Flying Charger, Dragon Mount, King Crimson and many other grand titles Even if it was called Little Red Dragon or Little Red Tiger, it still wouldn''t be too bad. "I''ve decided to call you Reddie!" Yun Yang said excitedly. "Reddie, this name is terribly apt! People will know how red you are, the moment they hear it! You''re red all over, your name is red all over, double the redness as well! There isn''t any othername which is more suitable!" The red stallion felt like spitting foam. "Do others have to hear the name? They would be able to see it with their own eyes!" "You''ve thought for such a long time and this is what you came up with?" "Big Red and Little Red are both better than Reddie!" "Double the redness? Can you be more horrible than this?" "Reddie" The red foal no longer had the strength to grumble about its new name, so it snorted in protest, blowing saliva all over Yun Yang''s face. How would it know that Yun Yang''s previous naming records were so horrible that it was considered terrifying? Its name as Reddie was similar to the ones given to Whitey and Jiji! Destiny C this was what destiny looked like! The temporary gratification of being greedy had a price to be paid, a heavy and sad price! Thus was King of Horses Reddie born! "Oh Reddie, look at how excited you are! You must really like this name I''ve given you!" Yun Yang said happily and shamelessly, "There''s a shop in front of us. Let us go have some food and take a rest. You have no idea how tired I am riding you, my back and my legs hurt. I''m not in a good condition now, so I can''t keep up. When I''m well enough, it will be time for you to watch your master''s impressive state. Don''t you look forward to it? " The red horse, Reddie, was tearful. "When did you see that I''m contented with this name?" "I''m a horse, you''re a human. Our communication isn''t effective, how do you know if I''m contented or not?" "To overwrite a horse''s wish like this Reddie will seek revenge for this affront!" However, Reddie''s eyes went wide at once. What was its master having? Why was it so aromatic? What could give out such a heavenly odor? Yun Yang sat at a random alehouse beside the road and ordered some dishes and wine. He also took some healing medicine and rubbed his recovering thigh. The faint throb was an indication that he still had to be careful, due to his injuries. If he were to continue at such a strenuous gallop, his barely healed leg might be ruined again before he could reach the battlefield. As the only customer at the roadside alehouse, Yun Yang''s dishes and wine were served quickly. Not only were there three steaming stir-fried dishes, there was a platter of sauced meat. Chewing, he discovered that the smoked meat was not beef, but the meat of a low level mystical beast. Yun Yang could be considered a purveyor of farmed animal meat and mystical beast meat; after all, he had been a glutton for so long, he was incredibly well-versed in it. He poured himself a bowl of wine. Just as he was about to drink and enjoy himself, his vision went dark. "Reddie? What are you doing?" Yun Yang was genuinely shocked. A large, crimson, horses'' head pushed itself over at the most inappropriate time and looked at the bowl of wine, salivating and snorting. I want to drink! Although Reddie did not know how to speak the human language, its intentions were impeccably expressed. Reddie was a horse who wanted to drink wine! Yun Yang''s mind stopped working for a moment. When he regained his cognitive ability, the bowl of wine before him was already empty. Reddie snorted a few times in ecstasy; if it were not a foal that was entirely red, its face would definitely be flushed right now. " It actually drank my wine" Yun Yang was speechless. Reddie looked like it did not have enough, nudging and rubbing; its tail swished across Yun Yang''s face constantly, its desire obvious. "Waiter, give me another bowl." No matter how speechless Yun Yang felt, he had to voice it out. At the very least, the bowl he had could not be used anymore. The thick red tongue had taken care of both the inside and outside of the bowl with a curl; no matter how Yun Yang favored Reddie, he was not yet at the stage where they could share a bowl! When another bowl came, Yun Yang picked up the wine pot and poured Reddie more wine, thinking, "I can''t guarantee a constant supply of blood and grass, but I can''t limit the wine either. I just hope that this fellow won''t drink too much and get drunk." Reddie emptied three bowls consecutively and maintained its composure; it obviously could hold its alcohol. It was truly a god of wine among horses! Yun Yang was remarkably astonished. Yun Yang manipulated his mystical Qi several times while eating. Other than recovering his energy, he escalated the efficacy of the medicine he had just consumed in his meridians as well, so his bones that had been re-grown could be fortified. The effect of a medicine was best seen with mystical Qi as the catalyst. After the recuperation, he felt lighter indeed . However, Yun Yang was aware of his current physical state. He could not afford to gallop at a breakneck speed anymore later. He sighed at his body''s weaknesses. Even by using Reddie as his mode of travel, with the barely noticeable bump on its back, the trip was still too long and was an extreme damage to his recovering body. A person''s experience was to be gained from time and incidences; it was not substitutable with the degree of cultivation base! "I''ll really have to go slower." Yun Yang pressed on his injured leg. "No matter how impatient I am, I can''t go to the battlefield half crippled. I''ll only be a burden. With Reddie as a substitution to walking, I''ll surely arrive at the eastern border earlier than expected. There''s no need to push myself C better to be safe than sorry!" Unfortunately, ideas were ideal but reality is always cruel; the world would never go according to one''s wishes. Taking the road again, Yun Yang realized with vexation that this horse that had drank like a fish was fine when it had finished drinking, but after some galloping and a good circulation of blood, it had been intoxicated by the alcohol stored within it An intoxicated horse charging forward without a care was no longer as stable as a sober one, causing Yun Yang to grow dizzy. "I''ll never let you near a drop of wine again!" Yun Yang swore in his heart. When it was near evening, before the sky was even darkening, Yun Yang stopped for the night in an inn when he saw a town. Recovery! It was his ultimate priority right now. There were about four thousand miles of distance to reach the war zone, and when he arrived, he must face a violent war! He had to be in a perfect state to be able to fight effectively. There had been no news relayed, yet, this was the best news. It meant that the war was still raging. It was still going on! It was already a great boon that they had not been defeated yet. At the Fortress of Resilience, the war was terribly devastating and ceaseless, regardless of days; it was the war of the century and was at an unprecedentedly large scale. The battle between Yutang and Dongxuan was gaining momentum. Not only did Dongxuan gain more relief troops, the entire nation had exhausted its resources to take down the east line. Yutang also had relief troops coming in daily, comprised of martial world practitioners, ordinary people, and even Yutang''s official military personnel. The first to get there was the hundred and fifty thousand men from the western border. The western border marshal Wang Yunzhu had not kept his best from the fray C what he sent was the most elite among the western troops, the direct troop lines that were the best in combat! To put it simply, the current western border that was without these men was basically an empty shell; its overall combat power had reduced by half. Wang Yunzhu, the marshal of the western border, had given a memorable speech, "Lord Supreme Cloud was in Zilong City and has intimidated the Empire of Ziyou, so much so that their morale has been significantly reduced to the point that they no longer intend to start the war. They will not be able to mount any threat of an attack for the time being. In a way, the war that the western line should have fought has been fought for us by Lord Supreme Cloud. Our line is free! However, Yutang is still at risk, war is still ongoing. The eastern border is facing a tough war with the Empire of Dongxuan deploying millions of soldiers to take down the Resilience Fortress with Han Sanhe as their marshal. Now, we''re going over to help. Actually, help is only secondary; mainly, I want you rascals to go learn how the eastern troop fights! Learn why Marshal Fu Baoguo is Yutang''s acknowledged top militant of the younger generation!" "Still, your father has something to say beforehand. I picked all of you from the four hundred thousand soldiers we western troop have to go and help out; don''t you dare to embarrass me! Whoever embarrasses us there embarrasses the western troops! F*ck, even if you die on the battlefield, your father will forge a ''f*cker'' tombstone and send it over to your house! I''ll personally set in front of your house! I''ll f*cking set it on your ancestor''s grave!" "Now, depart! Go to the eastern border and f*cking take Han Sanhe down!" 461 Arrival of the Western Relief Troops! The marshal''s aggressive tone was undeniably convincing. no one in the entire western troop dared to doubt the words of this fellow, whom the entire Empire of Yutang acknowledged as the most brutal, unreasonable, vulgar person they knew of. He was, in fact, even disrespectful of one''s ancestors. He would keep his word! He would definitely do what he said about setting a stone in front of the person''s house forbeing a f*cker; he would do it exactly as he had threatened! The elites of the western battalion charged out, howling like madmen. All of them heard a voice from the bottom of their hearts C no one would be a f*cker, even if they were beaten to death! If there were really to be a humiliating tomb set in front of their house f*ck, how would their family go on with their lives? Besides, Wang Yunzhu added something in the end that set fire to the fuel in the western soldiers'' hearts. "Fu Baoguo is the top general of Yutang''s younger generation; this has been publicly acknowledged. Your father admits it as well. However, the eastern troops have always been called the top battalion of Yutang C this, your father will not admit to! I am sending you people over to take this title back for me! Your father may lose out to someone, but my subordinates can never lose out to anyone!" "Snatch it back! Snatch it back!" The hundred and fifty thousand men roared in unison, sending rumbles throughout the land. The leader of the relief troop was the vanguard of the western troop, and the top general under Wang Yunzhu, Sun Zihu, had personally been called to the side by Marshal Wang before they left. Marshal Wang said earnestly, "Sunzi1! You have to remember" "Marshal! Can you call me by my full name? Even Huzi is fine! Don''t you feel the least bit awkward calling me Sunzi?" Sun Zihu looked at his marshal with discontent written all over his bearded face. "F*cking hell, f*ck off! Off you go! Your father was going to talk to you a bit more, but now, I''ve got no mood left to do so. I don''t want to tell you anything now!" Wang Yunzhu kicked his favorite general out. Sun Zihu half rolled and half flew away from the heavy boot. He picked himself up and continued on his journey. The army then set out immediately. Seeing the troops moving farther and farther away, Wang Yunzhu slapped the tree beside him regretfully, "I wanted to tell that fellow to bring as many brothers back alive as he can I was so serious about it, yet that bastard doesn''t share the same sentiment. If he dares to let too many brothers fall out there, your father will really turn you, Sun Zihu, into a grandson!" The generals beside him rolled their eyes. Doesn''t share the sentiment? Their marshal had been calling him grandson for eight years who would share his sentiment? He was, however, unprecedentedly serious. They had thought that Sun Zihu was giving him face by not openly arguing with him, as he would normally have. Of course, thoughts were only thoughts; none of them spoke those thoughts aloud. After all, they all knew the marshal''s sincere intention. Until the troops had left and were no longer visible, the marshal, who was always cursing in an exceptionally rough manner, stood at the highest point to gaze at the departing men for a long time. It was like he could still see the backs of his western relief troops who were long gone; it was also as if he was looking forward to the safe return of his soldiers. His lonesome silhouette, with his arms against his back, had his gaze trained at the distance; even when night fell, he had not moved a single step. No one dared to go over and peek at the marshal''s face. All the generals had gone back quietly. On that night, the western basecamp was silent. It was said that the marshal was unusually inebriated from excessive drinking... Sun Zihu sped along, moving faster during the first leg of his journey; he tried his hardest not to turn back. He had been working with the marshal for eleven years, and the decade-plus a year of service had allowed him to understand the marshal''s character and temper like the back of his hand. That was how Sun Zihu knew what the marshal wanted to say when they were about to part, but he did not let the latter speak. He was afraid that he could not keep his tears in check once the marshal spoke. He was a man, and it was embarrassing for a seven-foot-tall man to cry. However, going to the eastern border now might be the most devastating war he had to partake in this lifetime of his; how many of the hundred and fifty thousand brothers going with him could come back alive? No one could assure him of this. Even Sun Zihu himself had no confidence of coming back alive! "Marshal, if I, Sun Zihu, can still come back alive, I will still serve as your vanguard! Even if you still call me grandson by then I I''ll still I F*ck, can you not call me grandson then?" Sun Zihu wiped at his wet eyes and replied to himself inwardly, on behalf of the marshal, "F*ck you! Should your father call you grandfather if not grandson? So what if your father calls you grandson? I''m gonna call you grandson for the rest of your life, grandson grandson" "F*ck it! The marshal is simply so vulgar! He won''t be able to change in this lifetime!" Sun Zihu scolded himself as he laughed, actually smiling despite his tears. His assistant general standing beside him was also a tall and muscular man. He asked in doubt and disbelief, "General, are you crying?" Sun Zihu roared in a fit of rage, "Son of a b*tch! You f*cking cried as well! Are your eyes used to pee! When have I cried? Bastard! Come, someone, record my words. Wang Daxiong disrespects his superior; his salary next month will be forfeited as a penalty!" Wang Daxiong thought to himself, "Damn it! He cried, but he won''t let others comment on it!" "Punishing people for no particular reason! Doesn''t he know any other tactic? Your father''s three years'' worth of pay has been long gone from being punished by you. If it weren''t for the fact that you''ve taken the money and given them all away, including your own, to the fallen soldiers'' family, your father would have chopped you with a saber!" The trip was made in haste, the horses galloping throughout the entire day and night. When Sun Zihu arrived at the Fortress of Resilience. leading the western relief troop, they had arrived a day earlier than the appointed time! The western elites were exuding steam, despite the winter weather. It was already a norm of theirs because their clothes had been drenched in sweat thirty or forty times throughout the journey. They had to wear them even when they were wet, drying the cotton with their own body heat; they dared not take them off no matter how uncomfortable it was. Once they took them off to hang them to dry, the cotton would turn steel hard under the wintery weather. When that time comes, they would not be able to wear them then! However, Sun Zihu''s eyes were wide and round when he actually saw the Fortress of Resilience. When he got there, it looked exactly like a scene where both sides had completed a battle. The land before the fort was doused in blood red. The Fortress of Resilience, that each stationed general in the past generations would fortify repeatedly, was peppered with pockmarks everywhere from the attacks. Just the traces on the ten thousand catties of rocks that made the fort wall sent shivers down Sun Zihu''s spine. What sort of attack must it have gone through to have left such traces? The legendary indestructible rocks were littered with cracks, while some outer layers of the rocks were forcefully peeled off. Sun Zihu, who had been through hundreds of wars, knew very well that the circumstances that could rise to such situation C only when the attacking soldiers had gone up the city wall before they entered could such a situation happen. In other words, there were already enemy troops that had climbed up the fort wall in the battle just now; their two hands gripped the wall and they could already enter the fort with a flip of the body but it was at that moment that they were pushed down. The strongest instinct to survive from the soldiers who were pushed down resulted in them grabbing onto anything their hands could reach, hoping to cling to something that could stabilize them. Only under such circumstances would result in the rocks being scratched off on the outside of the fort wall. Such traces were all over the stretch of theFortress of Resilience''s wall. How many gut-wrenching battles had this fortress ben through? It was terrifying! Dongxuan''s army was collecting their perished soldiers'' remains now, outside the fort. Upon careful inspection, Sun Zihu felt a chill running down his spine. Dongxuan''s fallen soldiers could no longer be carried by stretchers because the amount was far too great; there was simply not as many stretchers available. The army had used carriages instead, putting long wide planks on them before tossing the corpses like gunny sacks onto it. A wooden carriage could take dozens of bodies piled up; if they were to toss them higher, they could fit several more bodies onto it. Yet this was only the surface of the bodies strewn around. Despite moving one body away, there were still many corpses below. Shedding another layer of bodies, there was another layer of them they moved and carried the dead until they saw the reddened ground. Then, the cleanup ended. In spite of this, the blood that still coursed on the ground and their tracks were even more frightening to contemplate. The western troop elites sucked in a cold breath, feeling their hearts and blood run cold. It was terribly cursed to experience such frigid temperatures! Translator Note: 1Sun Zihu (ӻsn z h): Character''s name with Sun (sn) as family name and Zihu (ӻz h) as a first name; the first two words Sun and Zi (sn z) also mean grandson. 462 A Crippling Battlefield Such a devastating war had never taken place in the many years after the western front''s conquest. After all, they were arrayed against different enemies; the armies of Dongxuan and Ziyou were significantly different in their tactics and methods of battle. If one were to judge an army purely on their combat abilities, the men from the Empire of Ziyou would reign supreme. However, they had never gotten the upper hand when going against Yutang''s army who possessed excellent teamwork. This was why Yutang''s western troops, who had experienced many skirmishes with Ziyou''s army, felt that their combat ability was the best in Yutang. It was also the reason that Marshal Wang of the western line had ordered the relief troops to take back the title of Yutang''s top army. Now that the western elites had personally witnessed the situation in the east, their hearts fell immediately. The tens of thousands of corpses were but the result of a single battle! Sun Zihu entered the Fortress of Resilience in a daze but was immediately welcomed by the guardian generals warmly. Fu Baoguo had even arrived to receive them personally with the highest honors possible. Holding Sun Zihu''s hands, Fu Baoguo''s eyes were wet. The Fortress of Resilience was in desperate need of aid! To be fair, the Fortress of Resilience had always needed aid, but the need currently was desperate and burning; without further assistance, the fort could barely be guarded and was on the brink of falling! Withering under Han Sanhe''s aggressive attacks, the four million men of Fu Baoguo''s army was melting away at a speed that broke his heart. There was already less than two hundred and fifty thousand people who could fight, and these two hundred and fifty thousand people included a hundred and fifty thousand Steel Cavalry units who could not partake in defending the fort as well as thirty thousand men from Fu Baoguo''s secret unit. This meant that there were only eighty thousand men left who could participate in the daily defense of the fortress! Almost everyone among the eighty thousand soldiers was utterly expended; they were running purely on willpower alone and would crumble anytime. Fu Baoguo was pale with sunken eyes; his shoulders were slumped, and his entire being felt drained. He, who had always taken care of his appearance, was unshaved with stubble coating his chin. He looked very much like a middle-aged uncle in the throes of despair. In spite of this, the barely concealed murderous intent within him was evidence enough that Fu Baoguo was still persevering. He had not stopped or slowed down in the least; he was still following through on the promise he had made to Yun Yang! "Marshal Fu, you''ve worked hard! I, Sun Zihu, with a hundred and fifty thousand brothers from the western troop, have come forth to assist. All of the western relief troops will be under Marshal Fu''s command C law and order shall be strictly observed!" These men were veterans, capable enough to be considered the elite members of the military. Just a glance of the battlefield gave Sun Zihu and the hundred and fifty thousand men from the western troop sufficient understanding of the current situation, in addition to being utterly impressed by the eastern troops! The title of Yutang''s top troop was well earned; there was not a single phony who was undeserving to carry that title. Oh, marshal, the chances of us taking back the title of Yutang''s top army is honestly very slim! We aren''t all that confident of success! A battle was always a double-edged sword. The price to take down an enemy so savagely would be high. "Brothers, you have all worked very hard." Fu Baoguo smiled warmly and happily, "It has been a tough journey for you all to come all the way here; that much is evident by the way you are dressed! Have a good meal tonight, and sleep. There''s no need to rush into war. Rest and replenish yourselves first. We''ll depend on you fellows a lot in the future, but for now, just rest." "Agreed." Sun Zihu was a military man as well. He knew that Fu Baoguo''s words were genuine and that he sincerely cared for the western troops. He had led his hundred and fifty thousand brothers on this rushed journey; despite reaching one and a half days earlier than expected, filled with soaring morale, their physical energy was at its limit. Everyone was dangerously exhausted; if they attempted to do battle, they would meet an untimely demise. Their efforts to provide aid would be futile; they would have traveled all the way merely to seek their own deaths. A night of rest and recuperation was absolutely needed. Normally, a relief troop that had come a long way would need at least two days of rest so that they could fully recover, in addition to the need of familiarizing themselves with the warfare and geography. However, both Sun Zihu and Fu Baoguo knew that Han Sanhe would never give them this breathing space. True enough, on the night of the relief troop''s arrival, Dongxuan''s army had once again attacked the Fortress of Resilience under Han Sanhe''s command, one that was unprecedentedly aggressive. Han Sanhe had divided the three hundred thousand Dongxuan soldiers into six waves which attacked continuously without respite; the battle cries were deafening and unceasing. Fu Baoguo divided his defensive troops into three batches and sent them into action one after another. Many soldiers had been drained to their limits. Some had collapsed walked while carrying rocks; they had not fainted from fatigue, but their hearts had given out entirely. Fu Baoguo''s expression was stoic as was his heart. He knew that they had to grind their teeth and persevere through this stage. If they could not, the Fortress of Resilience would be lost. They could still prolong the war, now that the western relief was here. "Marshal, deploy the Steel Cavalry and Serving Troop to help guard the fort." Numerous Steel Cavalry generals and Fu Baoguo''s secret unit''s leaders came forth to beg him with tears in their eyes, "We can''t go on like this. The brothers guarding the fort are about to die from fatigue!" Fu Baoguo wore a straight face. "No! It is your time to rest now. Off you go to sleep! We can hold our own here! There''s no need for your intervention." The generals of these two elite squads were weeping even as they spoke. "The brothers can''t take it anymore! They can''t bear to watch their comrades perish in war and collapse from exhaustion while we''re well-fed and well rested every day. We''ll go crazy if we sit around without doing anything!" Fu Baoguo replied coldly, "About to go crazy? That means you have not gone mad yet. You''ll just have endured it! Your turn will come; don''t blame me for not reminding all of you when your luck runs out if you don''t rest and eat well now! I order all of you now C off you go! Even if you scoundrels really go crazy, there will be a time and place for you to do it! Leave!" The generals left dejectedly. Truth be told, Fu Baoguo was not so steel-hearted that he did not wish to use the Steel Cavalry and his secret unit to guard the fort C he could not! He had to guard the Fortress of Resilience''s defenses at all costs. Having faced Han Sanhe''s attack, Fu Baoguo had planned it all out long ago. They would not be able to guard the Fortress of Resilience for long. Even when they could overcome this challenge and had the additional help of the western troop, the days they could hold their ground would still be limited. Once the Fortress of Resilience succumbed to the attacks, the thirty thousand men of the secret unit and the hundred and fifty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry was Fu Baoguo''s foundation to build another wall for the Fortress of Resilience. It would be a great waste if they were to drain the men by guarding the fort now. The greatest strength a cavalryman could unleash was always and eternally from the back of a horse! They had never obtained glory by guarding a fort. Sun Zihu led his troops to set up empty tents in the fort. These military tents had initially been packed full of people but they were mostly empty now. There was a barely a soul to be seen. Looking at the clean and tidy tents that were quietly empty, the tables and chairs, as well as the scattered writings that had left behind by the fighters, the hundred and fifty thousand western elites sobbed like children. "On the third day of the twelfth month, we arrived at Fortress of Resilience to fight for the country. Ten of us discussed matters after our death and prepared our wills and salaries today. Still, I don''t think we''ll die, so we continued to banter among ourselves throughout the night." "On the sixth day of the twelfth month, the battle began but we didn''t set out immediately. In the afternoon, we saw a lot of our comrades'' remains being carried back and burned. The brothers were quiet, the tent in pin-drop silence." "On the seventh day of the twelfth month, we went to war. Three brothers fell today, there are only seven of us left when we came back to this tent again. We grieved throughout the night." "On the ninth day of the twelfth month, war, two more brothers died. We are now left with five. We cried again, to commemorate the memories of our fallen brothers." "On the eleventh day of the twelfth month, only Sun Badiao and I returned. This time around, there were no more tears. Both of us set the tablets of our brothers and went to buy wine with what silver taels we had left, and got drunk. We told our brothers not to walk too far, to wait for us. We''d return to the squad soon." "On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Sun Dabiao fell" There was a booklet in the tent Sun Zihu was staying in; the records ended on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. Beyond that, there were no more entries. The writer must have perished as well in the battle that followed. This should be something that the military administrator had recorded down. The deaths of a squad of ten had only taken ten days, from the third until the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. To make matters worse, there were six days that they had not fought in the war. Many pages had been torn from the back of the booklet; they had most probably been used to write the fighters'' wills. There were still a few words on the last page, the page that had "Sun Dabiao fell" written on it. The writing could only be seen as light scratches as if they had been erased after being written. Sun Zihu tried to identify the words and when he did, tears fell shamelessly from his eyes. There were only five words written on the parchment. "I want to go home" 463 Crushing Heartache The battle cry that reverberated throughout the night was thunderous. Immersed in such surroundings, Sun Zihu and the western elites who had just arrived found it even harder to fall asleep considering that they did not feel like sleeping anyway. However, Sun Zihu had issued his command, "Sleep! Anyone who can''t sleep tonight will be penalized for having violated military law! The list of names will be sent back to Marshal Wang and judgment shall be upon meted upon his consideration!" It was an unreasonable order, but it was also a necessity. The western relief troops and Sun Zihu knew that they only had the night to rest. After that, it would be blood and fire, life and death. They also realized that Han Sanhe was attacking aggressively so as to interrupt their rest! If the hundred and fifty thousand men from the relief troops who had just arrived did not rest well, the damage done to their combined combat power would be significant! At the very least, their inefficiency would prevent Han Sanhe''s Dongxuan army from losing tens of thousands of men. It might even turn the tides of war! "What are Sun Zihu and his troops doing?" Fu Baoguo, who was so tired that he was losing his commanding shape, asked with reddened eyes in the latter half of the night. "All that can be heard are loud snores," answered a general. "Good." Fu Baoguo nodded with satisfaction. "Elites of the west indeed!" The other generals looked impressed as well. These were no ordinary men indeed, for it required a tough state of mind to be able to sleep in such an environment. It seemed that the relief troops from the west had lived up to their name as elites and was no weaker than the east army. The western relief troops were thinking to themselves, "We know that we should sleep and rest. However, we really don''t want to sleep, yet we have to. Firstly, Vanguard Sun has issued a death order. Secondly, the threat is looming over our heads. It''s secondary if we infringe the military order; the point is that the violators will be reported back to Marshal Wang. If that happens, those names will be in the f*cker blacklist. We have to sleep no matter what. Besides, only good sleep and rest allows us to better fight that d*mned Han Sanhe. When we''re well rested, we will fight Dongxuan well tomorrow C we will let them know that Yutang''s military has the western troop in addition to the eastern army!" The battle that persisted throughout the entire night finally drew its curtains around dawn. Fu Baoguo paid the hefty price of seventeen thousand casualties in the battle. Dongxuan fared worse, leaving no lesser than thirty thousand corpses at the fort, while there had to be at least ten thousand men suffering from both light and serious injuries who had to be dragged back. Both sides had dealt significant damage in this battle that saw intensive attacking and defending. The Steel Cavalry, who were roaming about in the nearby forest in search for chances to sneak in the fight, ventured out over twenty times that night, emptying the arrows that they carried with them. When the golden gong of the attacker sounded during dawn the next day, Fu Baoguo could finally breathe in relief. It was about then that Sun Zihu came to request to fight! "You know the most of the combat ability of the western relief division after all, so you''re fully in charge of commanding them." Fu Baoguo said, "I only have one request; to fight for a full day of rest and recuperation for us!" "Don''t worry, Marshal Fu. The western army will give our best. Even if all of us are down, the Fortress of Resilience will remain guarded!" Sun Zihu saluted earnestly. Having traveled such a long way, what he had seen along his journey allowed Sun Zihu to truly understand the importance of the Fortress of Resilience. There were only flat plains beyond the Fortress of Resilience C there would be nothing left for them to hide behind! Once this fort was overthrown, Yutang would be presented before the enemy, naked and pliant to their torment. It was no surprise that this spot was always attacked incessantly and cripplingly each and every time. This was the one and only path the invading enemy had to go through. If Dongxuan wanted to invade Yutang, they had to overthrow the Fortress of Resilience. Only when they conquered this fort could they think of invading Yutang. It was not entirely impossible to through the two mountains beside it, in a detour, but the condition was that Dongxuan''s soldiers had to be experts above the fifth peak. Of course, it was not completely safe even to go over the two mountains beside the fort; there were innumerable cliffs and steep areas, their depths unknown. Even if a cultivator was already at fifth peak, there was no guarantee that he would pass them safely. This was the experience Dongxuan had learned from countless, bloodied, lessons since Yutang had built the Fortress of Resilience; it remained impenetrable! Han Sanhe was the God of War of his time and was unsurpassable in terms of tactics and intelligence, but he could only fight a tough war with Fu Baoguo which swung back and forth between success and utter failure before the Fortress of Resilience. Other than that, there was no other way that they could bypass the fort. Sun Zihu had followed the western marshal, Marshal Wang Yunzhu, for close to a decade now and was also a noble warrior that fought for his own ground on the battlefield. Otherwise, he would not have been tasked with this arduous responsibility by Wang Yunzhu to lead this troop. He was indeed currently the most familiar and suitable person to lead the western relief troops. Sun Zihu received the military order formally and immediately plotted the formation, dividing the hundred and fifty thousand people into five waves, with thirty thousand men in each batch. He then took batons from all the guarding soldiers in the fort. The moment most of the soldiers exchanged duties, they closed their eyes and snored C a lot of them had fallen asleep standing before they could walk off from their post. Even Fu Baoguo had closed his eyes at once and was carried back by his assistant general and janissary after giving his command. Marshal Fu slept along the way. No one knew what he dreamed of, but the janissary felt his clothes dampened from the marshal''s tears. Who would have believed or imagined that Yutang''s reputed Marshal Fu Baoguo, who had always been coldhearted like steel, would cry as well? However, Fu Baoguo''s assistant general and janissary were not astonished at all because their eyes were also brimming with tears. The Fortress of Resilience did not even have four hundred and fifty thousand people even when they added the four hundred thousand brothers of Yutang''s eastern line and the active participation from the people of the martial world and the ordinary citizens who had come to help. Up until now, there were only two hundred and thirty thousand men left! In other words, a good hundred and eighty thousand brothers had fallen forever in the Fortress of Resilience since the war began. Now, each and every fighter in the fort dared not gather together. Even the generals who had gotten used to drinking some wine and gathering with their brothers when they were the most exhausted after a battle, were drinking alone, weeping as they did. They dared not greet anyone nor call for their friends; they would rather drink alone because they would not be able to gather those who usually drank with them now, no matter how they called out for them. The eight brothers who had always been drinking together initially had abruptly become three, before dwindling down to two. What sort of emotions would run through the two people when they gathered together then? It was not drinking wine C it was more like slicing their own hearts, ripping it to shreds! On this night, the soldiers who were taken off duty bawled. They were still weary after waking up from a much-needed sleep. They looked upon the neat stacks of wills left by their comrades and brothers beside them, as well as the military pay and money that their brothers had asked them to bring home on their behalf. They thought of their brothers who had taken sabers with their chests and with angered roars on the battlefield. They thought of their brothers who had blocked the arrows that were coming for them with their bodies. They thought about that fellow who was always sharp-witted and sly, who had thrown himself in front of them in one quick step, becoming a porcupine after being hit by so many arrows. He had turned around and smiled despite the blood dripping from his mouth, "F*ck after being sly all my life, I acted impulsively this time. What a time to be so reckless!" Then, their comrade fell. They recalled the brothers who had clapped their shoulders good-naturedly when they were setting off, "If I die in the war, you must remember to take care of my mother!" "If I die in the war, my household will be left in your care." "If I die in the war, my child is still young; brother, I will have to trouble you." "These are the divorce papers. If I die in the war, don''t let my household know about my death. Send the divorce papers back, let the woman leave before you tell them. She''s too devoted. If she knows about my death, she''ll remain a widow for life" "You aren''t married yet. If I die in the war, go to my house. My wife is pretty and gentle, marry yourself into my family. Help me take care of my child, and if you feel awkward, you can change the child''s name to your own family name. Then, my mother will be your mother, my son will be your son, and my wife will be your wife!" Recalling all that had been entrusted to them, they had a hard time holding back their tears. When they were talking about these then, they were light-hearted and had mockingly fought each other with angry curses; now that they thought about it, it was heart-wrenching. Fu Baoguo woke up in the middle of the night, looking at the roof with dead eyes. After some time, he suddenly covered his mouth; tears coursed like a broken dam. He gripped his chest, feeling the piercing heartache and sobbed, "A hundred and eighty thousand the lives of a hundred and eighty thousand brothers have been snuffed, just like that!" He took in big gulps of air, feeling the anguish suffocating him. They said a general''s heart was like that of steel, but how could that be? No matter how similar they were, it was not truly steel after all C it would still hurt. The crushing heartache was bone-deep! Only a day later, the western elites who came to provide assistance had a thorough taste of this crushing heartache that Fu Baoguo and the eastern troops were experiencing. The bitterness wrenched the western soldiers'' guts. The western troop had lost over two thousand men during a probing attack by Han Sanhe. It was only a test by Han Sanhe, a mild skirmish. His aim was to test the mettle of the relief troops who came yesterday. He could improve his tactics after understanding who they were! 464 A Fatal Breach! After the probing attack, Han Sanhe was immediately well aware of the identity of the newcomer! The battlefield then saw the participants replaced by different men. The troops were swapped, changing all the strategies and tactics that were being deployed on the battlefield. Even though they were all elites, equally capable and skill, they retained their own characteristics and individual flair. The new relief troop''s singular combat ability was actually higher than the eastern troop and they had excellent teamwork as well. Despite the fact that the western troop suffered from casualties that amounted to two thousand men, Dongxuan had lost more than five thousand militants; it was two and a half times worse than the losses the defenders suffered. Only Yutang''s elites could display such combat ability and discipline. The northern troops under Tie Zheng were still fighting while the situation in the south was also hectic. It was only natural that the west side would come. Only the western troops among Yutang''s military team possessed the exceptional ability to fight as a cohesive unit, due to the yearlong battle against Ziyou''s military, that was said to have the top military strength in the continent. There were only a few talents who were equipped with such a strong ability to command in the western troop. The western line needed Wang Yunzhu to always be there, so the leader of this battle had to be Wang Yunzhu''s top general, Sun Zihu! The grandson had finally come. Han Sanhe was the top general of the continent, able to guess the relief troop''s origins swiftly, and even able to identify the commanding officer. As soon as he caught on, he drew back his attacks. After half the time taken to make tea, a large flag was raised. "Sun Zihu! Why would you travel for hundreds and thousands of miles to seek your own death? What are you waiting for? Why are you not surrendering?" Sun Zihu''s rage mounted as he heard those words. He shot an arrow as a reply, piercing the flag and bringing it down. Yet, it was this action that had confirmed the other party''s guess. In the following three days, the tension mounted greatly. The atmosphere gradually drained the western elites, although they were used to fighting a tough war. This was not war at all. This was a bunch of lunatics playing games with human lives! The advantage they possessed as a result of their individual combat power and teamwork, as well as their war strategies, could be of use. Still, the chances to execute these skills were incredibly limited. Yutang was determined to protect their homeland, a trait which led to their fearlessness. It was a bravery that also stemmed from the crisis of subjugation and extinction. However, why was Dongxuan, as an invader, so overwhelmingly aggressive? Such audacity was indeed befitting of their title as the continent''s top military nation! The tidal wave-like enemy was orderly throughout their maneuvers, regardless of whether it was a forward attack or fort attack. Even as they watched their comrades fall from the city wall like rain droplets, they remained stoic and followed their orders with textbook accuracy. No matter how great the price their comrades paid, they continued to charge fearlessly into the fray. Sun Zihu gazed into the distance and saw a row of five hundred military men, standing with gleaming lights in their hands in front of the enemy base. Anyone who did not advance would be beheaded! Despite the slim chance of survival in the attack, drawing back meant definite death; Dongxuan soldiers who understood this naturally knew how to choose. There would still be a chance of survival even if it was slim, a hope to survive which was many times better than a certain death. However, within the close proximity of doing battle with the Dongxuan military and experiencing Han Sanhe''s stern command of his army, all Sun Zihu felt was chills. This was the reason he was the best in the continent, the reason why he was the God of War of his time. His strategies and tactics, his aura and intimidation, everything was showcased perfectly in this battle. The stern enforcement, the strict discipline, the elite troops, the unceasing attacks, thrown in with the generals and soldiers who fought as if they were crazed... these factors caused the combat power that hummed in the air to escalate exponentially. What Marshal Fu Baoguo had faced earlier was this exact form of tough play, and he had never been on the losing end yet. The Fortress of Resilience had never been captured. He was indeed the top militant of Yutang''s younger generation, one to whom Marshal Wang conceded defeat. His reputation was well earned. "How many brothers have we lost?" This was what Sun Zihu had to ask with an ominous face every day after the battle ended. He did not want to ask it nor did he wanted to hear the answer. He dared not listen to it, but he had to ask, and he had to listen. However, every time he heard the number of casualties, Sun Zihu''s heart quivered in his chest. He had brought a hundred and fifty thousand western militant elites from the east defense line. They had only fought for four days, but already one-third of them were gone! "We have lost fifty thousand brothers, just like that!" Sun Zihu felt his heart bleed upon confirming the numbers. "General Sun!" Fu Baoguo walked over with military grimness. "Marshal Fu!" Sun Zihu stood up to salute him. "General Sun, I would first like to thank the western relief troops C it''s your hard work, effort, and sacrifice that we have been blessed with during these past four days. This marshal would never have expected to gain so much time. Thank you!" Fu Baoguo was filled with gratitude. "No, no. We are also Yutang''s citizens, soldiers of the military; this is what we should do. It''s only a matter of course! Sun Zihu can''t shoulder Marshal Fu''s thanks," said Sun Zihu. If it had been any other day, Sun Zihu would never have replied in this manner when he heard Fu Baoguo''s words. He would probably have been infuriated, "What do you mean you gained four days of time? What do you mean, that it far exceeds your expectation? Who are you looking down upon?" Having experienced Han Sanhe''s intimidating warfare capability, Sun Zihu dared not issue any further retorts. His lack of confidence to face Han Sanhe was hardly avoidable, even though he was neither timid nor would he give up on the battle. Each time after a battle ended, Sun Zihu felt dazed C have I persevered? Have I defended well against another aggressive attack from the continent''s top general? At this point in time, he knew that Fu Baoguo was sincere; there was no implied meaning but only genuine gratitude, admiration and commendation that came from the bottom of his heart! "I also know that you''re hurting." Fu Baoguo said calmly, "You''re hurting for your brothers. I understand your feelings because I am grieving as well. However, we must never forget this is a battlefield!" Sun Zihu answered loudly, "Yes, this subordinate understands!" "No, you do not. At least, not entirely. Do you not know, we have no more time to be hurting!" Fu Baoguo said clearly, "The rise and fall of the empire lie in this war! The fallen brothers will never be lonely because there will be more brothers to accompany them!" "These brothers who will be keeping them company includes you and me! It even includes all the fighters in the Fortress of Resilience. No one can be exempted!" Fu Baoguo''s eyes were shining. "Before we go to our brothers, we can''t throw away the glory of being Yutang''s militant. We have to complete our responsibilities, do our part as Yutang''s citizens! Do you understand?" "I understand!" Sun Zihu answered aloud. He gazed at Fu Baoguo now was like he was looking at Marshal Wang Yunzhu, whom he had respected his entire life. He could hear it from Fu Baoguo''s words. Marshal Fu had never thought of going back alive! He was ready, prepared to bury himself in the Fortress of Resilience. "The western fighters have taken charge for us for the past four days. I say this is enough!" Fu Baoguo turned to look at his subordinates, "Now, let our western brothers rest! Eastern troop, switch positions!" The reports came three days later. "Marshal, a part of the fortress walls might not hold out any longer." Fu Baoguo felt his vision turning dark when he heard the news his janissary had just delivered. His worst fear was finally coming true. The Fortress of Resilience had always been the paramount bastion in this world. Its walls were ten feet thick and were made of the toughest mountain rock, with an impregnable steel structure forming its core. After the previous war, Tie Zheng had deployed the entire army, almost emptying the mountain to fortify the outer layer of the wall facing the east by another twenty feet. After the strenuous work, the wall was eventually taller by ten feet! This wall, thirty feet thick and built entirely out of stone, was the greatest confidence Fu Baoguo had in guarding the Fortress of Resilience! In spite of this, this unparalleled fortress that was fortified and stronger than when it was just completed, had been damaged and breached under the maniacal attack of Dongxuan''s army. There was no need for many breaches such as these. As long as there was one, the Fortress of Resilience would be as good as gone! "Repair it at full speed! It should be repaired the moment it appears!" Fu Baoguo was adamant when issuing his order. "Marshal Fu the breach in the wall can''t be repaired." The janissary leader looked disheveled, with a wound on his forehead that was still dripping blood. "The breach was at the abdomen, the center it has protruded outward" Fu Baoguo trembled when he heard the news. The center of the wall protruded outward? This was a sign of critical damage! Now, Han Sanhe only had to send his soldiers to focus their fire on this point. Even if they were to guard it and defend it with all their might, the prolonged pressure would only make the protruding part bulge out even more. The ultimate end to the strain was complete and utter collapse. If the collapse happened, then their security would be gone C it would be the moment the Fortress of Resilience was truly defeated. "How bad is this protrusion?" asked Fu Baoguo anxiously. "Around the size of a palm, give or take some," answered the janissary leader. Fu Baoguo turned to move towards the spot while Sun Zihu and the rest followed closely behind with grim expressions. They were also generals of the border, thus they understood the severity of such a weakness; they wanted to comprehend the criticality of the situation as well. Fu Baoguo looked down from the top of the wall. The janissary leader had spoken truly. Thirty feet from the top of the wall, two huge rocks bulged inwards. It might not be obvious from the front of the wall, insignificant even, but it was a lethal loophole for the Fortress of Resilience. A dam hundreds of miles long could succumb to termites, an indomitable fort could collapse from a single weak point; this one point was a point too many. It was a small, yet fatal liability! With Han Sanhe being as aggressive as he was, and with his military experience as well as his sharp-sightedness, it was unlikely that he would overlook this. In fact, the reason Han Sanhe had attacked so aggressively without a care was that he was also waiting for this very moment! 465 The Last Moment! "By the looks of it, we will have, at most, another three days." Fu Baoguo shut his eyes tight as he felt all of his energy seep out of his body; if he had not been holding himself erect, he would have collapsed into a mindless heap. Hundreds of thousands of lives had already been lost here. Were they not enough to hold the fort? Fu Baoguo had initially estimated that the Fortress of Resilience could still last another twenty days under his command! He had thought that unless he was faced with the despair of insufficient manpower, he would never lose the Fortress of Resilience. No matter how mighty Han Sanhe claimed to be, he could only try his level best to gain control of the fortress here. To further bolster his confidence, the constant stream of relief troops filtering in after the war had gone on for a while. With the arrival of the western troops, Fu Baoguo had been even more assured. This was sweetened by the news that Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was also leading a troop here and they would reach the fort in, at most, another day. These events brightened the spark of hope in Fu Baoguo. He was confident that he would surely be able to last until Old Marshal Qiu arrived. They would reassemble the army and fight Han Sanhe together; then, the Yutang army would only need to hold out until the Nine Supremes Lords came to their rescue. The eastern defense line would then be secured. Perhaps, they could also plow on tenaciously, continue to drain their resources and grind away at the millions of Dongxuan soldiers until both countries had no more manpower to continue the battle. The war would naturally come to an end. Even when Dongxuan had invaded with the entire nation''s military strength, the Fortress of Resiliencehad the eastern line army, the western elites, and Old Marshal Qiu''s relief troop; they were not in any way weak, especially when they also had the Fortress of Resilience, the indestructible bastion, to depend on. A war like this would always favor the defending army, so if they continued to persevere and try to keep their own casualties to a minimum, Dongxuan would be on the losing end. Yutang''s chance of winning had risen; from the initial tenth of a chance to a thirtieth of a chance. The war was finally taking a favorable turn! However Fu Baoguo realized that his judgment was but his own thinking. Han Sanhe was indeed Tianxuan''s acknowledged peerless general; he wondered if he had been plotting for this since the very beginning. If this was the case, then he was a petrifying foe to face indeed. The unexpected weakness in the Fortress of Resilience''s wall had extinguished all the hope that Fu Baoguo harbored! The old marshal was about to arrive with his army and the war would take a turn due to it, yet a loophole had appeared at such a critical moment C the fort wall posed a problem. Furthermore, it was in such a position that even to repair it was impossible. "Is this heaven''s wish to end me? Is this God''s wish to end Yutang?" Fu Baoguo heaved a long sigh. "Chance!" The opportunity that Han Sanhe had been waiting for for a while now had finally appeared! "Go all out! The Fortress of Resilience must fall in the following twenty-four hours!" Han Sanhe commanded, "Even if all three hundred thousand fighters in this war are to die, the Resilience Fortress must be conquered, regardless of price and casualties!" Faced with Han Sanhe''s almost insane command, all the Dongxuan soldiers were bewildered. Not understanding it was one thing, yet they had still carried out the order obediently. Everyone went out to prepare themselves, resolute in fighting this battle to their deaths. Zhan Ge watched his teacher, asking, "Teacher, what we''re happiest to see has appeared. The enemy''s fort wall has a large weak spot and it''s expected that the Fortress of Resilience will be ours to pocket. But when their defense is at its strongest, attacking with our all now will only incur a huge loss for us..." There was absolutely no need to pay such a hefty price of immense casualties at this point in time! Zhan Ge was confused. "The military prizes speed. We must take the Fortress of Resilience before Qiu Jianhan arrives. Otherwise, we will never have such a chance ever again!" Han Sanhe sighed softly. "It can at least be dragged for as long as a month later although there are pros and cons to this." "The current situation favors us. Even when that old man Qiu Jianhan comes, can he change the outcome?" Zhan Ge still did not understand. "Zhan Ge, you are well versed in warfare. Have you really not figured out our current situation? If the enemy''s fort wall wasn''t flawed at such a delicate moment in this war, the state of war would have been entirely swapped; victory would no longer tilt to where we stand!" said Han Sanhe grimly. Zhan Ge was taken aback and said earnestly, "Teacher, our side obviously has the advantage now. Even without the wall''s flaw, it''s only a matter of time before we take the Fortress of Resilience. Have things changed so drastically?" Han Sanhe shook his head and paused before he said, "All of Dongxuan''s military strength is concentrated in this war. It sounds majestic and aggressive, but we have our share of problems as well. If it weren''t for the agreement between the four countries to besiege Yutang in the beginning, I''d never have suggested such an extreme measure. Initially, if Ziyou could annihilate Supreme Cloud, or at least remove him from the picture, things would have turned out differently. As long as they trapped him there and all four countries were to attack at the same time, Yutang would have been subjugated in short order." "However, not only has Supreme Cloud slaughtered his way out of the battle in Zilong City, he has thoroughly intimidated Ziyou''s higher authorities, while the Emperor of Ziyou has realized his inadequacies in that battle, drawing back the Ziyou army despite their recent departure. As such, Yutang''s west border is basically free for now." "There''s also the south border. After Supreme Cloud left Zilong City, he unexpectedly headed south and joined in the war aggressively. The southern line defeated Dayuan and while the Empire of Dayuan didn''t suffer too much damage, their military morale has hit rock bottom C they can''t fight anymore! The north saw Tie Zheng taking the reins personally and is safe and secure. Therefore, from the so-called siege from four countries, the only one left to attack Yutang is us, the east." "Still, Fu Baoguo''s capability far exceeds my expectations. His guerilla tactics have caused significant disruption to our supply lines and the western troops who have just arrived also secured the swaying Fortress of Resilience once again. If we wait for Qiu Jianhan''s relief troop, I can tell that even if Supreme Cloud doesn''t join in and as we expend each other''s resources, Dongxuan will collapse even as Yutang falls! Now, do you still think the situation is to our advantage?" Zhan Ge kept quiet as he slowly realized the gravity of the situation. "If we move upon the Fortress of Resilience in the most extreme war maneuver, a lot of people will have to die, but it will also buy us time. If we truly wait for Qiu Jianhan''s arrival only to attack the Fortress of Resilience, we might have to pay the price of four hundred thousand men or more, as well as losing time." "Why? The bane is already in existence, and can''t be changed!" Zhan Ge was still clueless. Could Qiu Jianhan repair that wall when he came? Han Sanhe did not answer but sighed loudly. The snow fell in heavy sheets again. It was amidst such a snowstorm that the war drum was played deafeningly in Dongxuan''s base. Countless men from the enemy lines charged over like tidal waves. The flood of attacking troops made it look like a forest of trees had picked itself up and was running to fight. "Han Sanhe has found out our weak spot, he''s already beginning to attack by targeting this point!" Fu Baoguo hollered, "Mobilize our brothers, whether from the east or west, to our defense!" "So many people? Is it necessary?" Sun Zihu was shocked. "Han Sanhe will go all out in his attack this time; it will be a heavy hammer blow!" Fu Baoguo closed his eyes and said, "We have to face them with all we have. Otherwise before the Old Marshal comes, we would have already lost the Fortress of Resilience! If this is the case, Yutang will truly be in danger!" This war was destined to be an earth-shatteringly devastating one. It was the twenty-second day of the twelfth month, a day both nations would remember after many years had passed since this war erupted. This day had become a special occasion for both the countries. In Dongxuan, it was called "Warriors Day"; in Yutang, it was called "Lionhearts Day". Each time this day came around, the Empire of Dongxuan paid silent tribute and ceased imperial assemblies for a day, while the people from the Empire of Yutang donned mourning dresses and lit candles. The devastation of the war was apparent; the latter part of the battle was fought with sobs and wails by the elite veterans who had been through hundreds of wars and jaded men who had seen past life and death from both Yutang and Dongxuan. It was a crushingly horrendous battle! The ramparts of the Fortress of Resilience almost shook with frenzied warfare C no, not almost, it was continuously surging from the bouts of heavy fighting. Plenty of Yutang soldiers who had been pushing themselves despite their exhaustion used the last bit of their strength to charge over the moment the enemy came up to the top of the wall; they hugged the enemy in their embrace before jumping off the hundred and fifty-foot tall wall, crushing both of them together. This was their last tactic, to die with the enemy. At the very end, they refused to be a lost cause! People were falling off the city walls like dumplings being dropped into boiling water; battle cries intersected each other, echoing and unending. The steam that rose actually melted the falling snow in midair, causing them to fall as droplets of rain. Even when it rained then, it could not wash away the coursing streams of blood on the ground. On such wintery days, there were innumerable fighters that were fighting almost maniacally with their torsos exposed and hair unkempt, baring the crisscrossed scars that they boasted on their battle-hardened bodies. The scars of a militant had always been their pride and glory; they were bared before everyone else at this moment. Both sides were all fighting in a pitched frenzy. The drums deafened the heavens C Fu Baoguo''s hoarse voice ordered loudly, "Steel Cavalry! To battle!" To reduce the pressure on the fort walls, the Steel Cavalry had to join the fray now. Once they were called to the frontline, it was a fight to their deaths. "For our Yutang!" "For our parents!" "For our brothers!" "Kill!" The tightly shut city gate was opened abruptly as Yutang''s Steel Cavalry charged out like a maddened dragon, colliding into and flinging away Dongxuan''s soldiers who were attacking the fort with unstoppable momentum. However, the Steel Cavalry was surrounded by Dongxuan''s troops almost immediately. There was simply too many of them. Even with the Steel Cavalry''s momentum, they could not dispel, charge through nor move them aside! The arrows showered upon them like a storm, and when they landed, the rain and snow were blocked from sight by the shower of quivers. The Steel Cavalry slithered back and forth, killing mercilessly like a raging dragon among the enemy. They tried their best to disrupt the rhythm of the attacker''s relief troops. Han Sanhe''s base on the other end of the field reacted to it promptly; the Shadow Cavalry, Steel Cavalry''s nemesis, was already ready and had been waiting for the arrival of Yutang''s cavalry. Throughout the entire time, Yutang''s Steel Cavalry had been hogging the limelight and the Shadow Cavalry had been clenching their teeth in animosity. Now that the Steel Cavalry had entered the battlefield, it was the cue for them to make their grand appearance. The curtains for the most extreme bout of slaughter from both sides had been pulled. A giant of a man from the Steel Cavalry had been separated from his squad by the nemesis, alongside his three brothers. He was unstoppable as he killed the men of the Shadow Cavalry that charged at him; at least twenty to thirty bodies fell with only a snap of his fingers, yet his three brothers fell as well, becoming slabs of flesh alongside the enemy dead. Seeing that the big man from the Steel Cavalry was alone again, the enemy, maddened from the slaughter, bolted forward to surround him with the intention to dismember him. Suddenly, the man raised his saber to the sky and roared, "Stop!" The Shadow Cavalry around him faltered, shocked to hear his sudden cry. Even when the Steel Cavalry and Shadow Cavalry loathed each other so much, even as they were hell-bent on killing each other, there was still a degree of admiration for the enemy. The Steel Cavalry lived up to their reputation of being unsurpassed on the battlefield, while the Shadow Cavalry lived up to their reputation as unrivaled warriors! Hearing the cry to stop at the last moment by their only nemesis of this lifetime, the Shadow Cavalrymen retracted their sabers and spears that they had just been wildly slashing away with. The big man sat straight on his horse as he laughed and said, "The Shadow Cavalry are elites, worthy to fight us Steel Cavalry in this lifetime! Your father regards you all even higher, simply by the fact that you can restrain your bloodlust and lower your weapons!" His saber was tilted as he said faintly, "The three brothers who stood beside me were my three biological brothers. Now that they''ve left, I, as the eldest brother, can''t have them unrecognizable by our parents when they reach the underworld, can I?" "Hence, allow me to clean them up a little." He hopped off his horse without a care after speaking, walking forward among the horde of Shadow Cavalry with wide strides to search for his three brothers'' bodies and drag them out, one by one. In an empty space on the battlefield, he wrung out his war gown that was drenched in blood and spat on it to wipe at his brothers'' faces. The more he wiped, the redder it was and the more stained the three faces became. "Catch!" A Shadow Cavalry general yelled as he pulled a white towel from around his neck and tossed it, while another Shadow Cavalry soldier untied his waterskin and lobbed it over as well. "Thank you! Your father owes you for this" The big man dabbed the towel with some water and cleaned his brothers'' faces. Then, he stood up quietly and said aloud, "When you fellows get there, remember to tell mother and father that we came together to fight for the country and to guard Yutang. It is something to be proud of, to die in the line of duty!" "We did not embarrass our parents! The only thing we regret is that none of us four brothers left any bloodline for our Qiao Family!" "As the eldest, this is all my fault! Go take care of our parents, I won''t be going to meet them. To have made such a serious mistake, I''ll only embarrass them if I were to face them!" He then chortled, showing his pearly white teeth; there was blood seeping from his torso, but he was oblivious to it. With a flip, he mounted his horse again. The saber in his hands pointed forward coldly as he said, "Warriors of Shadow Cavalry, thank you for your towel and waterskin! However, as an invader and defender, how many of you would like to join me, Eldest Qiao, on the other side?" The Shadow Cavalry general maintained his composure with an inexplicable gleam in his eyes as he yelled, "You, Eldest Qiao, are a great man, but the Shadow Cavalry brothers aren''t cowards! We are in the midst of a war between two armies, and we are not so foolish as to engage in a duel with you! Arrows!" With that command, the Shadow Cavalry fitted their arrows and aimed their bows at Eldest Qiao. Just like the general had said, the Shadow Cavalry were not cowards, but knowing that the enemy would die anyway, they would not risk losing another life to go with him C they were not idiots. Amidst Eldest Qiao''s guffaw, the arrows pelted down upon him like a storm. Eldest Qiao''s laughter was still resonating in their ears while the saber in his hand slashed forward like a strike of lightning. At the same time, he and his warhorse turned into a black porcupine, a porcupine of steel. The saber threw off electricity as it passed through the heads of the surrounding Shadow Cavalry and chopped a Shadow Cavalryman standing a hundred feet away into two. The last battle before his death fulfilled his desire to kill another man in the company; he already knew that death was waiting for him, but he would make it worthwhile. "Salute!" The Shadow Cavalry general commanded; the surrounding Shadow Cavalry raised their hands at the same time, saluting their brave enemy. At the very last moment of his life, he had still chosen to let them go because they had given him time as well as the towel and waterskin. The last strike of his saber was unstoppable; those that saw the weapon were sure that they would not be able to block it. Yet Eldest Qiao had opted to toss his saber out at the very last moment, killing an enemy soldier that stood far away, but not those around him. It was his last gesture of reciprocated respect! Eldest Qiao, who now resembled a human porcupine, was left with one last breath. Standing quietly with his horse, his muscular body remained mounted on his loyal companion, his back straight as a ramrod. With blood dripping everywhere, he used the last of his strength to turn his head, as if he wished to turn back and gaze at the Fortress of Resilience that was still in the midst of mayhem. However, his last movement, his last wish, was not completed. He ceased moving entirely. The Shadow Cavalry general urged his horse forward and bowed soundlessly, speaking with a low voice, "Do not worry. At the moment of your death, as you gave your life in the call of duty, the Fortress of Resilience has not fallen yet!" With a loud crash, both Eldest Qiao and his horse collapsed onto the ground, as if his last wish had finally been granted and he could rest in peace. There was only one mission left for the Steel Cavalry who was fighting tonight C charge the enemy at the risk of their own lives and reduce the pressure on the wall as much as they could. A total of five thousand Steel Cavalry rushed into the enemy''s formation; not a single one of them flinched or tried to turn around as they crashed into the sea of steel. Each and every one of them fought to their very last breath! The leader general who had the highest cultivation base and highest combat power among the five thousand Steel Cavalry bolted left and right fearlessly through Dongxuan''s formation. In the end, he fought alone; everywhere he passed, his spear and sword struck like storm and thunder that danced in unison. The enemy was all around him, wounds were added to him incessantly but he paid no attention to them. When there was a slight reprieve, he realized that the Shadow Cavalry had reassembled into their original formation while his comrades were no longer to be seen as he looked around. He roared, suddenly reining his horse around and roared, "Han Sanhe! It is time to hand over your life!" Man and horse were like a single arrow, shooting towards the tent that Han Sanhe occupied. The brave warrior was charging straight toward the marshal''s main tent, alone among millions of enemy soldiers! Despite the absurdity of his actions, no one dared to ridicule such an unwise move. They only listened to the galloping horse that sounded like thunder while his spear danced the dance of lightning. No one could stop him as he sped forward as swiftly as the wind. In his mad charge, he managed to put down over seventy Shadow Cavalrymen that stood in his way! "Arrows!" Loud hollers came from afar almost at the same time as millions of arrows flew in from every direction. It was a non-discriminatory attack, which meant that the Shadow Cavalry who were milling around the Steel Cavalry general were caught in the deadly shower as well. It could not be helped. Even though the madman would not have been able to traverse the distance he needed to actually threaten Han Sanhe''s life, Dongxuan''s higher authority could not allow the Steel Cavalry general to ride unhindered. Even if they had to sacrifice a portion of the Shadow Cavalry to stop him, they had no regrets. Seeing the shower of arrows that was about to fall upon him, the Steel Cavalry general did nothing to avoid it. He raised his spear as he roared for the very last time in his life, "The Steel Cavalry is here! Who dares to invade our territory?" The raging storm of arrows then turned the Steel Cavalry general into a monument right in the middle of his path. Even as life slipped away from them, the warhorse remained in its charging position while the cavalryman mounted on it remained tall and proud, gripping the spear tightly in his hand. His eyes, filled with unadulterated hate, were still trained in the direction where Han Sanhe''s marshal flag fluttered. His mouth was slightly ajar as if he still wished to roar thunderously again, "The Steel Cavalry is here! Who dares invade our territory?" "The Steel Cavalry is here! Who dares invade our territory?" A Shadow Cavalry general suddenly shuddered for no perceptible reason. "Who is this? He took down over four hundred of our brothers in his advance attacks! I would have loved to kill him with my own bare hands!" No one answered. "Give him a burial with full honors!" A Shadow Cavalryman moved forward slowly to lift the Steel Cavalry general off his horse, but his spear glimmered icily in his hands; no matter how much effort was exerted by the Shadow Cavalry, they could not get remove it. There was also a sword in his other hand that he clutched tightly; nothing could loosen his grip, even in death. It was the very expression of his mantraC no matter whether I am dead or alive, I will fight to the end! "Man and horse, saber and sword, bury them all together!" The Shadow Cavalry general could not hold in his tears. How could one not respect such an enemy! The cries of battle and slaughter suddenly increased in intensity. On the wall of the fort, the drums were beaten loudly. Amidst the rain of arrows, the main marshal of Yutang''s Fortress of Resilience, Fu Baoguo, appeared at the highest point of the wall, his muscular build easy to identify. "I am Fu Baoguo!" Fu Baoguo''s thunderous shout resonated in the cold air. Not a single person in the entire battlefield could miss his words. "I am here!" "I am here, be it dead or alive!" "Fight!" They were only short lines. Not many words had been uttered, but Yutang''s soldiers felt as if a veil of energy had fallen over them. Their main marshal was present on the battlefield! He was standing at the most dangerous spot in the vicinity to watch them fight; what reason was there to hesitate? Fight! They would fight with everything they had, to their deaths, to the very end! "Fight to the very end!" "Protect my homeland!" "For my comrades!" "For my parents!" The soldiers roared like thunder; those who had been sluggish due to fatigue suddenly turned agile, while their combat power hiked as if they had received a helping hand from God. From Dongxuan''s ranks, a sharp cry could be heard. "Deicide Bows! Give all that you''ve got and take down Fu Baoguo!" Countless Deicide arrows merged to form a ferocious stream as they drew a black trail across the sky, streaking straight towards Fu Baoguo. 466 Surviving the Crisis Fu Baoguo remained calm in the eye of the storm of arrows. His eyes were calm and sharp as he paid close attention to Dongxuan army''s movement on the field. His orders rang out continuously as he continued to issue commands to his men. This was the most critical moment! Countless janissaries around him raised their shields, sabers, and swords to block the avalanche of arrows. Some of them let out an occasional low grunt as they were hit by the Deicide arrows, but they dared not moan in pain for fear of lowering their morale. As long as those shots did not kill, they would hold back their agony; they knew that they could not die here, they could not afford to lose their lives. If they did come to an unfortunate end, they would only cause trouble to their fighting comrades. It took only a single breath but around forty to fifty janissaries had fallen. Still, no one made a sound, even up until the moment they died. Fu Baoguo remained standing, unperturbedly issuing his commands. It was as if he did not see the falling arrows that demanded his life. He could not move! The exhaustion that Yutang''s fighters felt threatened to overwhelm them and even their morale was low. Standing here, it was the last tactic he could deploy. Yutang''s main marshal was still here; he would live and die together with his men! This was their last handhold on morale. The moment Fu Baoguo moved away, the military spirit would crumble and break apart. Fu Baoguo understood this very well, having realized it long ago. "Even if I were to be turned into a porcupine today, I have to continue standing here! I will persevere until the very last moment." The janissaries blocked the heavy Deicide arrows with all the strength they could muster; a number of them were weeping as they cried out, "Marshal, retreat! The brothers can''t hold on much longer" Fu Baoguo had a total of a thousand janissaries. The constant war had taken five hundred of them, while there were a total of a hundred and sixty people who had come with Fu Baoguo today. Now, only less than fifty of them were still fighting and expending all their effort to guard Fu Baoguo. The other hundred and ten people had all turned into human porcupines, bristling with Deicide arrows. As Fu Baoguo''s personal janissaries, each and every one of them had long accepted the possibility of dying while protecting Marshal Fu, but it was one thing to accept it and another to recognize the precariousness of their current crisis; they could sacrifice themselves for Fu Baoguo without any hesitation, but they would never be willing to see Fu Baoguo die. Yet, the current circumstances only promised imminent death, and survival would only be possible by avoiding the threat swiftly. Yet, Fu Baoguo was not moving! This obstinacy would only result in everyone being buried in this storm of arrows; even if all the janissaries were to die here, they would not be able to stave off their marshal''s certain death. "If theFortress of Resilience were to fall today, I, Fu Baoguo, should die in the line of service here! I made a promise to someone; I swore to share my life and death with the Fortress of Resilience. Today shall be the day that I, Fu Baoguo, will fulfill this promise!" Fu Baoguo hollered loudly, "If the Fortress of Resilience is safe today, I, Fu Baoguo, will continue to stay here." His voice was deafening, audible even to furthest reaches of the chaotic battlefield. "Today, right now, I, Fu Baoguo, am the Fortress of Resilience!" The enemy''s drums resounded. Han Sanhe''s command was cold and cruel, "Send another hundred thousand soldiers. All out. I want the Fortress of Resilience under my feet!" Dongxuan deployed another troop. The tidal wave of men swept towards the Fortress of Resilience as they roared deafeningly, "Take the Fortress of Resilience! Take the Fortress of Resilience! Capture Fu Baoguo alive!" The janissaries no longer even tried to persuade Fu Baoguo, saving their energy instead to tackle the shower of arrows. The men who deserved to serve as Fu Baoguo''s janissaries were naturally the people closest to Fu Baoguo and knew his thoughts very well. Since the marshal thought of dying while serving the country, they would sacrifice themselves here while fulfilling their duty as well! At the very least, they would have to die earlier than the marshal; they were not going to let the marshal fall before all of them had drawn their last breath. The enemy''s additional troops were quickly approaching. Throughout the night, Han Sanhe had deployed a hundred thousand soldiers towards the Fortress of Resilience. The toll that was paid could no longer be described as alarming. It was utterly insane! Extremely so! The hundred thousand men that were mentioned did not include the living; it meant that there was already a hundred thousand lives lost in the siege of the Fortress of Resilience. Now, he had added another hundred thousand men to charge into the fray. Sun Zihu led his western brothers, the most elite combat strength of the western border; they had already fought until they approached exhaustion. Looking at the enemy and their own men disappear in waves of human flesh, the shock that filled them had long exceeded the limit that they could take in. So this was how the eastern army fought their wars! So this was the war they had to face when going against Han Sanhe! So, it is undoubted that the battle here was actually going to be bloody and cruel! The so-called unmatched general of the continent, the invincible fort of the world, and the top army of Yutang had all earned their celebrated titles! A sense of reverence rose within Sun Zihu as he thought to himself, "The eastern troop is called Yutang''s top army and they have lived up to their reputation indeed. We''re so far away from them that we would barely be able to reach their level in this lifetime!" Watching Fu Baoguo, who was still standing at the highest point, straight, tall, and proud, Sun Zihu felt a sense of respect within him. Fu Baoguo was truly the unrivaled militant of Yutang''s younger generation! "The eastern troops are heroes but we western troops are no cowards ourselves!" Sun Zihu hacked three enemies off the wall with one slash, walking as if he was flying, and yelled, "Brothers, we will live and die with the Fortress of Resilience today. We shall not let the eastern brothers take advantage of this!" "We swear to breathe the same fate as Yutang, to share amongst us its rise and fall as we offer our lives and deaths, to never give up!" "Roar!" The western border men howled insanely, their spirits unprecedentedly fervent. The war grew more devastating but it was quickly becoming a disadvantage. It did not change its course just because Fu Baoguo stood before the shower of arrows regardless of his safety, but it would shake the western troop''s extreme state of emotions! More and more Dongxuan soldiers popped up from the wall and a fair number at the fort proper, fighting with the guardian''s defenses. At the highest point, the janissary leader continued to swing his weapon as he flailed about with his sword and shield, flinging the incoming arrows away. However, Fu Baoguo had already been stabbed by two arrows. In spite of this, he stood stock still, commanding collectedly without a hint of panic. "Marshal" The janissary leader let out a low moan as an arrow had stricken his shoulder; then he let out an grieved exclamation. The exclamation was not for himself but Marshal, I can no longer protect you Fu Baoguo stretched his hand, unsheathing his sword from the scabbard while he remained standing on the spot, and blocked the arrows personally, maneuvering around his own blade; at the same time, he hollered, "Please order thirty thousand Steel Cavalry out of the fort, to fight to the death with Dongxuan! As for the remaining Steel Cavalry and Serving Troop, scatter; follow the initial plan, build another Fortress of Resilience for Yutang''s militants!" It was already the last moment. Fu Baoguo knew that he could not defend it! His life was at remarkable risk as well, so he immediately delivered his last command. Even if I, Fu Baoguo, were to die here duty today, Han Sanhe, you will have to pay the price of at least a hundred thousand lives to enter the Fortress of Resilience! Just as the command was delivered, a white silhouette appeared abruptly to Fu Baoguo''s side under the shower of arrows. A tinge of sword light flickered, breaking apart all the incoming arrows. The divine swordsmanship awed the audience, yet the white silhouette and its sword light were far from done; the surge of sword light soon formed an invincible barrier in front of Fu Baoguo! All the Deicide arrows were broken as they crashed into this net made of light. At the same time, another drum continued to beat, without any foretelling signs. Boom, boom, boom Countless Yutang soldiers had charged onto the wall like ferocious tigers and battled fiercely with Dongxuan soldiers who were on the fort. The Fortress of Resilience'' crisis had suddenly been solved! A squad sped to its arrival from one end of the city to another; the lead had fluttering white hair and a fierce expression, hollering while charging forward, "Fu Baoguo! Your father orders you! Come down at once!" Hearing the voice, a flush of relief washed over Fu Baoguo. Old Marshal Qiu had come! Yutang''s strongest relief troop was here, he had finally persevered till Old Marshal Qiu''s arrival! Countless cavalrymen charged out of the Fortress of Resilience like a tidal wave, incessant like rivers returning to the ocean. There was no stopping them. Qiu Jianhan''s relief troops had finally come! They had arrived during the Fortress of Resilience'' most critical moment! Cooperating with Fu Baoguo''s Steel Cavalry, hundreds of thousands of cavalrymen charged out in unison. Just this frontal charge alone had immediately pushed Han Sanhe''s attacking troops back to their initial spot, no longer able to move. At this moment, the sound of a gong rang deafeningly from Han Sanhe''s base. Dongxuan''s follow-up troops that were about to reach the top of the wall drew back like a receding tide, not daring to linger a moment longer. The army led by Qiu Jianhan, who was supposed to at least another twenty miles to traverse before he reached, had arrived suddenly like the decadence of gods at the most critical moment of the Fortress of Resilience. They secured the situation at once, turning the absolute fall of the Fortress of Resilience around! Upon seeing Qiu Jianhan''s arrival, Han Sanhe, who knew that nothing could work no matter how he chose to attack, withdrew his troops immediately. With a heavy heart, he heaved a deep sigh as he delivered the command to retreat. Only one step! He was only one step away! If Han Sanhe had been given another hour, the Fortress of Resilience would belong to Dongxuan! With Qiu Jianhan''s presence now, there was not much else that needed to be done to salvage the situation! Why? Why had the person who should not have been present, appeared all of a sudden at this critical moment? Did the heavens themselves bless Yutang? Regardless, there was no more meaning to fight again today. Dongxuan''s army had retreated. Deafening cheers erupted from all over the Fortress of Resilience. Many soldiers who had been defending the fort the entire time plopped onto the ground cheering. They were unable to pick themselves, no matter the circumstances. The deafening cheers rang throughout the fort. 467 No More Regrets. The Family of Generals Is Here! The white silhouette who had appeared at the very last moment to shield Fu Baoguo was Bai Yixue. It could only be Bai Yixue, of course. As he had entered the Fortress of Resilience, Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan had immediately felt the suffocating atmosphere of anxiety, a finely-honed sense of danger developed from years of being at constant war. He had immediately instructed Bai Yixue to scout ahead and assist Fu Baoguo to ensure his safety. Bai Yixue''s current level and cultivation base were still insufficient to change the outcome of the war, but it was more than enough to protect a single person. He had flitted between the pelting arrows to join the battle and save Fu Baoguo. Bai Yixue''s capabilities would have put him among the top ten swordsmen in his generation. It was, however, impossible to compare with him with Jun Moyan; the differences between the two were still significantly vast. Nonetheless, Bai Yixue, who was already at sixth heaven, was securely at the peak of this world. Despite not being at the pinnacle standard, he was still a paramount, able to go toe to toe with the Five Venerable Lords. Qiu Jianhan surveyed the ruins of the Fortress of Resilience after the war. Even with his old, gnarly character, he could not help but feel a pang of sorrow which threatened to cajole tears from his eyes. The word tattered could barely describe the state that the Fortress of Resilience was in; it was absolutely inadequate. The Fortress of Resilience was crushed; everything had been torn and ruined, as far as the eye could see. Rows upon rows of injured soldiers were asleep, snoring loudly after collapsing on their sides. Their faces were lined with pure fatigue. Their wounds were still bleeding, but they were sleeping so soundly that the newcomers could barely bring themselves to wake them up and treat them. There were veterans who were still moving about on the road. Walking was a generous term, as they were all dragging their legs, as if their feet were weighed down by thousands of catties, and could not be lifted up at all. Their faces were all filled with unspeakable exhaustion and numbness. If they were to sit down, they would have started snoring immediately and slept through the next three days! There was also the buildings scattered throughout the fort, but the majority of them were in a sorry state. A successful attack against a secure fortification would have utilized all kinds of weapons; the same could not be said for their defensive maneuvers as the best tactic they could resort to was rolling wood and rocks. Otherwise, Fu Baoguo would not have asked the Steel Cavalry to bring the materials back each time they returned to restock rations in exchange for weapons and arrows. However, the wood and rocks that were needed during defense that had been brought back by the Steel Cavalry were like a drop of water in the ocean; the biggest source of these supplies had to come from the Fortress of Resilience itself. The materials of the buildings inside the fort, the pillars, tiles and roof beams had all been used. As the war stretched on, there were barely a handful of structures that could be found intact in the fort! "It''s all in ruins! It''s a catastrophe!" Qiu Jianhan sighed into the sky, conveying what he had seen and the anguish weighing down on his chest, all by this single sigh. Fu Baoguo who was drained, both mentally and physically, did not go to rest at once, but was carried to the marshal''s hall; his legs were trembling, his face was pale. The slightest bit of human color eluded him. It was best if Fu Baoguo could sleep for three days straight to recuperate, but he insisted on resting only after he reported the current situation to Old Marshal Qiu. Looking at Fu Baoguo''s forlorn state, Qiu Jianhan retrieved the five-hundred-year-old aged ginseng he brought along to boil it into a broth for the former without another word. Only then did Fu Baoguo, who was thoroughly wounded and exhausted, look a little better. "How do things fare? Report it quickly and then go get some rest!" Qiu Jianhan asked irritably. Fu Baoguo looked utterly upset. He knew that Old Marshal Qiu would ask this and he had prepared himself for it, but the moment the question was asked, a piercing heartache sliced through his heart again. He closed his eyes, his voice hoarse. "When this subordinate came to the Fortress of Resilience, I had a hundred thousand soldiers, one thousand janissaries, three hundred thousand militants from the Fortress of Resilience itself. This makes up a total of four hundred and one thousand, five hundred and three brothers." "There was a hundred and eight thousand, six hundred support personnel following the supply trains." "Later on, the relief troops that arrived included everyone from martial world practitioners to ordinary citizens who came voluntarily. There were over sixty thousand men who had arrived within these two months and they were all area enforcers, students of schools and sects, passionate martial artists, retired veterans, adults, and youths. They made up sixty-three thousand and a hundred and forty-eight people." "When the western border''s support came in the form of a hundred and fifty thousand brothers, our total military strength came up to seven hundred and twenty-three thousand, two hundred and fifty-one people!" "Up until now" Fu Baoguo found it hard to continue. "Of the hundred and fifty thousand men of the Steel Cavalry, we are left with ninety-three thousand cavalrymen, while thirty thousand units of our forces have not been used. The remaining forces in the fortress including all sorts of military personnel comes up to only a hundred and seventy-nine thousand, four hundred and nine people! This also includes the wounded and sick." When Fu Baoguo spoke, Qiu Jianhan and all the relief troops who had just arrived looked aghast. "Four hundred and twenty thousand people..." Qiu Jianhan''s voice cracked and trailed off. "No... It is four hundred and twenty thousand... eight hundred and forty-two people." Fu Baoguo appeared stoic, but tears were running down from the corners of his eyes. The foyer quieted down suddenly, leaving behind a pin-drop silence. Everyone felt like their hearts were being gripped tight, making it difficult to breathe. "This number... is increasing as we speak." Fu Baoguo said, "Our medicine supplies have been exhausted long ago. Now, every day, every hour, and even in every breath many wounded soldiers are dying. Some were severely injured, some were incurable and died from blood loss. Some tried to hold on until their last breath, and now that the Fortress of Resilience'' crisis has been overcome, they can''t hold on anymore. They slipped away with a breath of relief" Qiu Jianhan stood up and said with a grim face, "I''ve prepared for this. We''ve brought enough medicine on this trip, a thousand and two hundred carriages of them. At the same time, we''ve brought three thousand and two hundred physicians. They can start operating now, to save the injured eastern members with all the effort they can muster." "Shangguan Lingxiu!" Qiu Jianhan ordered. "Here!" Shangguan Lingxiu, whose eyes were moist, stepped out. "Raise the flag of the Shangguan Family of Generals! Let our warriors and brothers see it. Let them know that the Family of Generals are here and have arrived at the eastern defense line!" Qiu Jianhan uttered solemnly. "Yes!" Qiu Jianhan turned to look at Sun Zihu and said faintly, "Sun Zihu, if you''re still alive after this war, go back and tell your Marshal Wang Yunzhu that his soldiers are a tough bunch indeed. He didn''t embarrass your father! The reputation of the western elites is well earned; their passion to defend the country and guard the people is second to none!" It was a very ordinary compliment, but Sun Zihu''s tears streamed down his face like a broken dam. He was practically sobbing as he said, "Thank you, Old Marshal! This subordinate will report to marshal without leaving a single word out!" "Yes, yes." Qiu Jianhan hummed and mused for a good while before saying unhurriedly, "I''ve spoken anyway, let me say more. Tell your Marshal Wang that after this war, whether this old man is alive or dead, let him kneel in the Qiu Residence when he goes back to the capital. You Sunzi (Grandson), you shall come together." "Yes!" Sun Zihu almost roared his reply, immediately falling down on his knees and bowing twice. "Sunzi (Grandson) will bow to you, elder, on behalf of marshal! You will surely be able to receive marshal''s obeisance in the capital city afterward!" Qiu Jianhan grinned, nodding. This rumored ''Grandson'' was a smart man; he understood the entire picture with just a few hints. What a great mind he had! When others called Sun Zihu as Sunzi (Grandson), he would grow upset. This included Marshal Wang Yunzhu, who had called him so for almost a decade. However, there was only one person in this world whom Sun Zihu felt exceptionally honored and enthusiastic when he called him ''Grandson''. That person was Qiu Jianhan, Old Marshal Qiu! It was not that Sun Zihu was especially fond of becoming Marshal Qiu''s ''grandson'', but there was a story behind this. Almost no one among Yutang''s higher authorities knew that Marshal Wang Yunzhu of the western troops was actually Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan''s prized disciple. More than ten years ago, when Wang Yunzhu was still only a middle-ranked assistant general, he had violated his military orders and did not return within the prescribed time. It was found out later that the fellow had even gotten married in secret during that period and what was worse, he had practically kidnapped his bride! Infringing orders and marrying before a war were both heavy penalties in the military. For Wang Yunzhu to commit two serious crimes simultaneously, Qiu Jianhan, as his teacher, was enraged. He had punished him with a hundred lashes of the military cane and deployed him to the western border to start over as the lowest-ranked soldier. He had even chased him out of the school and ordered him to never acknowledge himself as a student of Marshal Qiu from then on. Under normal circumstances, it was almost a certainty that Wang Yunzhu would never be successful again, as background was highly regarded back then. A disciple who was chased out of his school by his master who was of the highest ranking militant of Yutang''s military would have found it impossible to rise again. No one could have expected that Wang Yunzhu would step up to each war in the eastern line and was fearless of death. In only ten years, he had accumulated his merits and went up in rank, step by step, and managed to get promoted to the position of the western troop''s marshal. Qiu Jianhan got to know the truth behind what had happened after that, that a popinjay had taken a liking to Wang Yunzhu''s fiance and wanted to forcefully marry her as his concubine; his father-in-law was a materialistic man, thus had broken their promise and instead agreed to the popinjay''s request. How could Wang Yunzhu hold himself back in the face of such a matter? Enraged, he brought some men and charged into his father-in-law''s house to take his wife away. He had even set up a banquet that very same night to officiate their marriage Despite the reasons behind what had happened, and the mutual love, the fact was that Wang Yunzhu had still taken a woman by force. His father-in-law had reported it to the officials as such. Knowing the truth, Qiu Jianhan annihilated the popinjay''s entire family to vent his fury, but he still did not allow Wang Yunzhu to return. Chasing someone out of a school was not something that was easily retractable; besides, masters then could never be wrong C even if they were wrong, they were right! Wang Yunzhu would go on toQiu Jianhan''s residence and bow down in front of it whenever he had to go back to the capital city; in all this time, Qiu Jianhan had never opened his door. This was Wang Yunzhu''s biggest regret! From then on, Wang Yunzhu was aggressive and fearless in war but loved his soldiers like his own. In spite of this, he was vulgar with his words, but this was a trait he learned from his teacher, Qiu Jianhan. It could be said that the current Wang Yunzhu was the exact copy of a young Qiu Jianhan. He was promoted as the years went by, and every time before Wang Yunzhu returned to the capital, he would always have a discussion with his trusted subordinates, "Help me think, how can your father enter the old sir''s house?" Even when Wang Yunzhu had resorted to all kinds of measures and tactics, his wish was far from being fulfilled, each and every time. This had also caused him to constantly have an attitude of diffidence towards the whole matter. A disowned disciple of his school! The western line generals all knew about their marshal''s sore point. As the closest subordinate to the marshal, Sun Zihu naturally knew better about the source of his marshal''s pain. Even to the moment that he had personally faced Old Marshal Qiu, Sun Zihu would never imagine that the old sir had already allowed his marshal to return. When he faced Old Marshal Qiu, he was unable to say anything yet. His emotions were a rollercoaster ride; all he wanted was to bawl in order to vent the frustration that had clouded his chest. Qiu Jianhan sighed. It would have been embarrassing for him, so he was reluctant to take back what he had said then, despite the fact that it was something small. Dragging the matter to this day, not only had he hurt himself and the child, Yunzhu, he had also hurt those around him; he had sinned Thinking about the matter, Sun Zihu was immensely impatient; he apologized and went out to write a letter, sending it away with an eagle so this bomb could be dropped immediately. He could already imagine what state his marshal would be in when he read the letter. It was a critical moment in the war now. What if he died in this war? It was fine if he did, but he had to relay such massively good news back to the western line at once anyhow. This was the bonus they had gotten their marshal for the western troop''s outstanding performance! "That fellow will definitely be crying," Sun Zihu chuckled suddenly thinking about the moving passage he had written and sneaked furtive glances around with a guilty conscience. "I wonder how the marshal looks like when he cries? How ugly he must look! I''m so happy thinking about it now. This will live on in my memory for my whole life. No, I can''t be fine with dying; I must survive this war no matter what happens. Only then will there be hope for me to personally witness the marshal''s stupid look. Marshal Qiu said it earlier, I, this ''grandson'', can visit him alongside the marshal. I''ll have the right to personally witness the marshal''s pathetic state within melee range. To be the witness of that historical moment, I have to keep on living" Sun Zihu secretly made his wish after the thoughts within his long and wild imagination came to an end. It was said that a woman''s heart was hard to figure out, but so was the man''s. Who would have thought that Sun Zihu, who was tall and burly, would actually have such an exasperating thought! The Shangguan Family of Generals'' flag was rising slowly. This was the first time it was hoisted again, after so many years. All the veterans who were still awake stood up in unison when they saw the flag; no matter how expended they were, they forced themselves up. The flag that was embroidered with a crimson flying dragon along with a long spear that threatened to pierce the firmament had attracted everyone''s attention at the very first moment it went up! The veterans immediately turned solemn, adjusting their standing position to the most accurate stance. Only then did they raise their arms to salute formally. They could not help the hot tears that stung their eyes. "The Shangguan Family of Generals'' flag has finally reappeared on Yutang''s battlefield!" 468 The Nine Supremes Won’t Be Able To Come! Most of the new soldiers did not know the significance of this flag, so the veterans around them had first forced them to salute the Family of Generals'' flag before beginning to slowly narrate and describe the past of the Shangguan Family of Generals. Almost ninety-nine percent of the new soldiers had saluted the flag voluntarily with formal respect after listening to their words. "Is there a problem with the wall?" Hearing how Fu Baoguo had pointed out the wall''s issue with so much severity, Qiu Jianhan went with him to where the loophole was located, bending over to take a careful look. Old Marshal Qiu did not get up for a long, long time. The old marshal, who had been through plenty of wars and was the most apt in warfare, had recognized the problem. The wall''s plight was no longer the palm-sized protrusion it initially was; it was reaching half a feet in diameter! With this potential disaster, even if the relief troops were here and their combat power was at the pinnacle, Yutang still could not last more than five days! This drawback was a lethal one, crucially linked to their fighting spirit. "Bai Yi." Qiu Jianhan called out for Bai Yixue and said hopefully, "This rock with your cultivation base can you...?" Bai Yixue craned his head to have a look and was lulled into a long period of contemplative silence. Finally, he shook his head, looking slightly bitter. "I can push this rock in easily, but I can''t make sure that if the rock is pushed back to its original position, can be like what it used to be. What''s more possible is that after I push this rock, not only is it not beneficial, it will instead shake the rocks around it and cause a further imbalance to the wall and less secure it will be" Bai Yixue''s answer wiped out the last of Qiu Jianhan''s hope. He understood the former''s implication. All the rocks that made the wall were stuck to each other closely like they were one. While this protruding rock caused a flaw in the wall, the wall could still hold on for some time. On the other hand, if Bai Yixue had pushed this piece back to its place, the seemingly intact state would cause problems to other parts that did not initially pose a hindrance due to increasingly high pressure. If those cracks were to actually form, the consequence would be even more fatal! If they were to have some breathing time, they could repair the cracks after Bai Yixue pushed the rock in; it could be done within a short amount of time, but would Dongxuan give Yutang that? Impossible! Fu Baoguo''s expression turned solemn. The state of war that he thought would change upon the old marshal''s arrival still existed stubbornly; he asked softly, almost subconsciously as well, "Old Marshal may I ask when will the Nine Supremes Lords come?" This was Fu Baoguo''s biggest concern, as well as being the most direct solution to their current plight. Qiu Jianhan felt a wrenching heartache and could not help chiding, "Fu Baoguo, what are you thinking? Are you not fighting anymore if Yutang is without the Nine Supremes? Will Yutang''s wars only be overcome with the Nine Supremes'' presence?" Fu Baoguo lowered his head and replied bitterly, "Old Marshal, this war is not like the others. The brothers it has been devastating" Qiu Jianhan kept quiet for a bit before he said softly, "How can I not know the crushing state of this war? However, there is a possibility this time that theNine Supremes Lords perhaps, this time they won''t be able to come." Fu Baoguo was shocked when he heard him; he was well aware of the old marshal''s meaning. With the Nine Supremes Lords'' speed, character, and personality, how could they not come? There was only one possibility for them to miss this. Fu Baoguo dared not think about the possibility. "According to the previously collected intelligence, a humongous lake has appeared out of nowhere amidst the stretches of mountains six thousand and five hundred miles southeast away from here. The mountains nearby have all become flatlands while trees and rocks were crushed as if they''ve met with a calamity." The old marshal closed his eyes as he said, "A huge battle must have broken out there, but there couldn''t have many participants." "From the southern border to the eastern defense that route is almost a definite path" "It''s obvious that this battle has been set up by someone with the ulterior motive to attack the Nine Supremes, as the Nine Supremes Lords have vanished from the news!" Fu Baoguo was dumbstruck. Even when Qiu Jianhan did not explicitly say it, how would Fu Baoguo not understand the implied significance of his words, with his military capability? What was more, he had personal experience with the Four Seasons Tower''s various tactics that extended beyond man''s knowledge. He felt his blood run cold at once. Qiu Jianhan heaved a long sigh, "Inferring from the time that has passed since Lord Supreme Cloud left the southern border, it''s been around twenty days or so and that lake has appeared after this period of time as well. In other words, Lord Supreme Cloud has done battle there for at least twenty days!" "However, there hasn''t been news since" "It has been said that no news is good news but" Hearing Qiu Jianhan, Fu Baoguo felt as if the sky above him had collapsed. The Fortress of Resilience could not be repaired even as Lord Supreme Cloud had been horribly ambushed there! "Baoguo!" Qiu Jianhan said in a low voice, "This information is to be kept absolutely confidential. Currently in Yutang, only you and me His Majesty, Old Leng, and Grand Commandant Fang know about this." Fu Baoguo answered mechanically, "I understand." He made his reply, but his mind was already blank. The person whom he had made his promise with back on that day was perhaps gone now, so who was he going to show his fulfilled promise to? He had persevered throughout so much; other than one of the main reasons as fulfilling his part as a Yutang''s citizen, it was also because he wanted Lord Supreme Cloud to know that his mercy that day was right C he had indeed given his all and was using his life to guard theFortress of Resilience! In spite of it this, now "Now the wall" Qiu Jianhan looked hesitant. Fu Baoguo, instead, grabbed some snow and rubbed it harshly on his face and neck. Only then did he feel calmer; he paused for some time before suggesting, "Old Marshal has mentioned about the last resort, I wonder if the last resort" Qiu Jianhan looked burdened. "This old man is thinking about the last measures now." "May I ask Old Marshal?" Fu Baoguo left his question hanging. Qiu Jianhan said with much difficulty, "This last resort can make the Fortress of Resilience last for... another month. It would be Impossible to do more. Even if it''s used, this old man still doesn''t have the confidence to really last a month against Han Sanhe." Fu Baoguo jolted in spirit. "Another month? Can we truly last another month?" Hearing the digit, Fu Baoguo''s eyes radiated. Even to last a day longer was a lavish hope to Fu Baoguo, but could they actually push ahead for another month? These few words made Fu Baoguo felt like he had come alive, but Qiu Jianhan''s expression was nothing similar to the former''s jubilance. If he had a choice, he would never want to resort to this last method. Once this method was used, the Fortress of Resilience, this majestic fort that everyone in the world has acknowledged as the indestructible fortress, would no longer be usable for a long time. Perhaps, it should be said that it would be destroyed for that very same reason! "May I ask Old Marshal what method is it? How can it be so efficient?" asked Fu Baoguo excitedly. On the opposite end of Dongxuan''s base, Han Sanhe stood at a high point. He wore a thick leather cape and a frown, gazed afar to the Fortress of Resilience on the other end, and sighed rather discreetly. "Teacher, the wind is strong here, on the mountain. Let us go back to the marshal tent," said Zhan Ge. "Wait a little longer. I want to see if Qiu Jianhan will actually use that method!" Han Sanhe said slowly. "That method? What method?" Zhan Ge asked in confusion. "The last method! The last resort to tackle the current crisis!" Han Sanhe chuckled bitterly and said, "Who''d have known that I would be going against Qiu Jianhan after all I thought that Fu Baoguo wouldn''t be able to push through a few days longer, but when I actually face him, the Fu Baoguo I I know would demand a rebirth. Each countermeasure of his is precise and accurate in sequence; even more so, it''s suitable beyond imagination Fu Baoguo has truly and thoroughly grown! If he could live past this war, the title of Tianxuan Continent''s top general might have to swap owner now!" "Teacher, aren''t you praising Fu Baoguo too highly? As long as you''re still here and well, the peerless general of the Tianxuan Continent will never be removed!" said Zhan Ge vehemently. Zhan Ge had gone against Fu Baoguo and personally felt his exceptionality; he had to admit that if their positions were switched, he would barely be able to do what Fu Baoguo did. However, Zhan Ge could not acknowledge the possibility that Fu Baoguo could replace Han Sanhe as the continent''s next nonpareil general, Han Sanhe paused and said, "Do you know why I''ve still chosen to add soldiers into the battle despite the heavy casualties? That I continue to fight?" "Please elaborate, teacher," said Zhan Ge. He, too, could not figure this out. The war had not been advantageous to Dongxuan, be it in terms of weather, geography or military. Yet, his teacher still wished to fight to his death, regardless of the circumstances. It was truly a bizarre situation indeed. 469 The Last Resort! "The main reason would have to be Fu Baoguo." Han Sanhe said faintly. "Fu Baoguo?" Zhan Ge was even more confused by this answer. Fu Baoguo was merely a man C even if he was exceptionally skilled in warfare, what was it about him that was so worthy of his teacher''s high regard? "If Fu Baoguo had not lived up to his reputation, or if he hadn''t performed so remarkably, our army would have already stepped on Yutang''s land a long time ago." Han Sanhe smiled bitterly. "In this war, you can only see my willing disposal of military strength, sending countless Dongxuan soldiers to the battlefield without caring what it takes, but do you know what sort of people are those who have died fighting? Let me tell you, besides half of them being militants and generals, most of them" A mocking smirk hung on Han Sanhe''s face. "I can safely say that I have buried plenty of Dongxuan''s noble families'' combat forces under the Fortress of Resilience in this battle!" "After this war, Dongxuan will be extraordinarily easy to manage. Even if we lose this war, I would have thoroughly swept away more than an eighth of Dongxuan''s internal plights!" A flash of desolation blinked across Han Sanhe''s sculpted face. "However, whether I win or lose this war, as long as I return to the country, I will never have another chance to lead the army for the rest of my life!" "So, do you think what I have just said is wrong? That Fu Baoguo will become the next peerless general of Tianxuan Continent, as long as he survives this war?" "Those families who have suffered severe losses will never let me go, while His Majesty will have to give them an explanation to balance the forces within the nation. I, as the direct litigant, will never be able to avoid my end as a scapegoat!" "Based on this reason alone, I cannot withdraw the army. Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo came here with the resolution to die. Little do they know thatI, Han Sanhe, intend to do the same." "As a militant, to die on the battlefield is so much more glorious than being bedridden or dying while being attacked by the politicians! This land that has soaked through and through with blood and sweat... this is Qiu Jianhan''s land, but this is also where I yearn to return to!" "As for why this battle must go on how could I not know that the timing, location, and manpower are not to my advantage? Still, as long as I''m still fighting, and the war is ongoing, the country has no choice but to support me!" "On the other hand, if we withdraw now, I''ll be imprisoned until I die of old age. Maybe I''ll be penalized for my defeat. Perhaps my family will all be executed, or I''ll be beheaded on the spot. This is a possibility as well." "All of these punishments are still only subjected to me. Dongxuan will still have all of you. Even if I die, even if I''m worried, this is the only way." "Still, you have to know that there is another disadvantage if we withdraw. Yutang will have two additional, unsurpassable main marshals from now on, and two more adequate troop marshals who are only slightly weaker. Yutang faces a siege and is weak, but Yutang''s military might will reach unprecedented heights!" "Tie Zheng, Fu Baoguo, south''s Leng, west''s Wang C these are the marshals of the four borders. They are all the best choices at this point in time, top-level marshals. How can we, the rest of the countries, surpass them?" "Among the four generals, Tie Zheng is the paramount, acknowledged by the entire continent. Yet, such a character is still considered weaker than Fu Baoguo! Fu Baoguo is an all-rounded talent and is also Fang Qingtian''s disciple. Of course, Tie Zheng''s impulsive side has also played a part in deciding this." "Although Fu Baoguo is also considered a satisfactory main marshal before this, he''s not unrivaled. If he were to face Tie Zheng, he only has half a chance of winning; Tie Zheng might even have better odds to win. However, after this war, Fu Baoguo''s various abilities have matured. Be it bravery, persistence, unorthodoxy, the skill to conduct ambushes, perseverance, resilience, cold-heartedness these aspects have reached the pinnacle of what a general could be." Han Sanhe''s voice was filled with admiration. "Fu Baoguo has finally drilled himself thoroughly, but you fellows are still so far from it. If I were to retreat in this war and am never heard of ever again, all of you will never be Fu Baoguo or Tie Zheng''s match when Yutang come to war again, after they organize their military strength. By then, Dongxuan, Ziyou, Dayun or Shenci, they will all be trampled by Yutang''s steeled hooves! In fact, it would no longer matter if they have the assistance of the Nine Supremes or not!" Zhan Ge retorted in indignation, "Perhaps you overestimate their abilities?" Han Sanhe smiled faintly and said, "Do you know that Fu Baoguo has an utterly confidential troop called the Serving Troop? Have you ever seen him using this squad?" Zhan Ge was taken aback. "No. Does he really have such a battalion?" "Indeed. When Tie Zheng left the eastern defense, Yutang''s Steel Cavalry, the undefeated lion of Yutang, he left behind a total of a hundred and fifty thousand men. From the beginning of the war up until now, how many men of the Steel Cavalry have you seen?" Han Sanhe asked. Zhan Ge counted and answered, "This disciple has seen about a hundred and twenty to a hundred and thirty thousand of them." "A hundred and twenty to a hundred and thirty thousand?" Han Sanhe shook his head in disappointment and said, "You''ve only seen, at most, fifty thousand of them." Zhan Ge refused to admit defeat and said, "How is this possible? There is also" "There''s also the men from the Steel Cavalry who have been disrupting our efforts. How many squads are there? How many people are there? Where are they? Do you know this?" "The cavalrymen are those whom we''ve never met. Those Steel Cavalry are all lurking in the dark. Do you know that what else they have done other than causing disruption to us?" Han Sanhe asked. "What?" Zhan Ge looked lost. Han Sanhe sighed. "The men of theSteel Cavalry whom Fu Baoguo had scattered have never appeared, even when the Fortress of Resilience was facing its most critical moment, let alone assisting in the battle. Obviously, these people were under strict orders that restrain them from coming in touch with anything outside of their assigned mission." "If I am right, those men of theSteel Cavalry won''t appear, even if we managed to triumph over the Fortress of Resilience! They will only become Dongxuan''s eternal curse!" "The Steel Cavalry and the Serving Troop C if Fu Baoguo had used any of these two prior to this, I have absolute confidence in my ability to conquer the fort. However, these two troops have never really made their appearance, which means that their objective may be to" Han Sanhe completed the sentence word by word, "To face our Shadow Cavalry here!" Zhan Ge was struck with a sudden realization. "Fu Baoguo''s trump card is also my trump card! When both sides are well aware of each other''s boons and banes in the war, it''s a contest to see who is bolder, more careful and more daring! Fu Baoguo''s overall aspects are at a disadvantage, but he can still drag out the battle up until now!" Han Sanhe squinted his eyes as he sighed softly, "He has the qualifications to contend against me on the battlefield!" Zhan Ge was astounded. His teacher had never had such high praise about anyone before, not even for Tie Zheng! He did not expect Fu Baoguo, who was barely holding out on the opposite end, could actually garner such compliments. "This war can''t end like this. Even if it were to end, Fu Baoguo has to be ended first!" Han Sanhe said, "That leaves only Tie Zheng. There will be room for battle as long as his character weaknesses can be exploited. However Fu Baoguo must die! As long as the eastern defense loses Fu Baoguo, the Empire of Dongxuan will be able to live on for another three hundred years!" "Still, the other countries" Zhan Ge was respectful, but he obviously had his reservations. "The other countries?" Han Sanhe chuckled mockingly, "The Empire of Ziyou is destined to be done after this incident! The Empire of Dayuan is terrified by Supreme Cloud while Tianci in the north is at its limit, barely holding up under Tie Zheng''s aggressive attacks." "Where are the other countries?" Han Sanhe snorted. "The future ruler of this world will either be Dongxuan or Yutang! As for the beautiful Tianxuan Continent, there isn''t a third country that can lay a finger on it!" Zhan Ge was inwardly shocked that Yutang''s position was held so high in his teacher''s mind. He subconsciously raised his telescope to look over at the Fortress of Resilience. Suddenly, he shrieked, "Teacher, they''ve moved!" Han Sanhe replied faintly, "Have they begun splashing water on the wall?" "Yes, they are!" Zhan Ge answered with a vehement nod of his head. His expression changed swiftly. "Teacher, they''re obviously leveraging on the wintery weather to freeze the water into ice by doing so. Won''t the wall be indestructible then? Even if there''s a crack, they can just splash another bucket of water and repair it instantly, fortifying and securing it. How C how can we still fight this war?" Han Sanhe smiled lightly. "This is Qiu Jianhan''s last resort. Looks like there''s nothing the old man can do except to resort to this method!" He turned and descended the mountain slowly, saying, "Too bad he doesn''t know that this is exactly what I''m waiting for!" Zhan Ge was puzzled. They faced a frozen fort that could not be conquered. What countermeasure did his teacher have? Why did he look so confident? 470 We’re Looking for Someone In the Fortress of Resilience, Fu Baoguo''s dulled, bleary, eyes were radiating excitement as he watched buckets of water being poured onto the wall. It was only a short while before they froze into solid ice in the wintery weather as if they were suiting the wall up with a layer of armor. Repeating the process, it was only an hour later that the Fortress of Resilience''s outer wall was embossed with an additional layer of iceC a wall that was crystal-clear and slippery to touch, yet exceptionally strong! All the damage that had been dealt to the Fortress of Resilience that tore at everyone''s hearts were covered by the layer of ice; there was no more breaches or loopholes to be found. Fu Baoguo stroked it, thrilled before he used his sword to hack at it harshly, to personally test the newly formed wall''s endurance. Frost and snow flew into the air, but the wall itself saw no traces of damage. The wall was obviously not the sturdiest that could be found, but it was up to par. What was most important was that any damage on such a wall could be easily repaired with a few buckets of water. It just took some waiting time for it to be considered done! "Great idea! What a great idea indeed!" Fu Baoguo was shaking from ecstasy while his eyes gleamed and he chortled, "Old Marshal''s idea is really divine. Why didn''t I think of such a good method before this?Han Sanhe, I''d like to see how many lives you have to give up to take the Fortress of Resilience! Indestructible ice wall, indestructible ice wall it is!" However,Qiu Jianhan''s expression was a direct contrast to Fu Baoguo''s delight. Old Marshal Qiu was grim and worried, looking like he was burdened with negative thoughts. Fu Baoguo said in surprise, "Why this long face, Elder Qiu? The Fortress of Resilience is akin to a steel wall. Even if Han Sanhe is almighty, he can barely triumph over this. With such an ice wall, we can repair the wall within a night at most, even if he damages the outer side today. It''s absolutely invincible; the Fortress of Resilience is the least of our worries now!" Qiu Jianhan chuckled bitterly, "If others had such an observation, I won''t be bewildered, but you, Fu Baoguo, should not be thinking like this." Fu Baoguo was shocked upon hearing him; he was a smart and astute man, a marshal who was proficient in warfare. He immediately thought that the old marshal''s ice wall tactic must have some sort of shortcoming, but what was it? Upon being thrilled, he had also thought of the cons of this method, but he did not manage to come up with any countermeasures. It was because he had put himself in the opposite position and thought about it that he was so ecstatic. Could it be that something had escaped his thoughts? Looking at Fu Baoguo''s contemplative expression, Qiu Jianhan''s expression fell even more as he said, "Baoguo, pass the commands immediately. Order the supporting personnel to prepare lots of kerosene and flaming arrows. Also, prepare plenty of backup water sources. We can attack with fire in the war to defend against Han Sanhe. Then, order the Steel Cavalry and the Serving Troop to rest well and be ready at all times for a battle to the death!" He went down, still burdened with worries. "Fire attack?" Fu Baoguo was still confused by the marshal''s orders. Water and fire were always each other''s nemesis; this was the simplest theory that everyone knew about. When he thought about the countermeasures for the ice wall just now, he had considered attacking with fire, but to use it against an ice wall in this season? How could it be any easier than that? Therefore, he had negated the thought the moment he thought about it. In spite of this, what could be the explanation behind the old marshal''s serious orders? Furthermore, even if their enemy were to attack with fire, their side should only be prepared with lots of water and sand; why the kerosene and flaming arrows? Were they afraid of the enemy''s weak flames, and were to add more oil to their fire? The order was mystifying and mind-boggling. Fu Baoguo could not help thinking more about it; it seemed that he still had a long way to go to become a top marshal! As he went down the wall with Qiu Jianhan, Fu Baoguo was still musing over this, unable to figure out where his judgment had gone wrong. It was then that he heard a commotion. Following the source of the noise, twelve strong-looking youths, who looked like twelve young calves, seemed to be arguing with a few veterans on the street and the argument was turning somewhat physical. The one leading the fight was struggling with a flushed face as he yelled, "We''re only looking for people, how did it suddenly become breaching the law? We''re all Yutang''s citizens, what right do you have to treat us like this?" The veteran who was clutching the youth laughed menacingly, "How dare you! You have no respect and are speaking impolitely; who else should we catch if not you? This is no longer just about breaching the law, your crime is unforgivable!" The youth looked utterly maligned as he said, "Who am I being disrespectful to? We''re really here to enlist in the military and serve the country! The twelve of us are here to defend against Dongxuan! Why are we unforgivable? We''re not spies! Open your eyes and look at us! We''re Yutang''s citizens!" Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo heard them from afar and exchanged curious glances. "Go ahead and have a look," Fu Baoguo ordered his janissary forward. Fu Baoguo and Qiu Jianhan would not go over personally. No matter how confused they were, it was a sensitive time right now. If the other party were really spies, what could happen if they were killed in an ambush? Even if the ambush failed, just the incident taking place would sway the military morale which was already unstable. Yutang''s military morale, that had just been secured, must never be swayed again by something like this again! A few janissaries wandered over and were quickly clear about the situation with just a few words being exchanged. The process of the incident was actually very simple. The twelve youths who had stated very clearly that they were here to join the military each had a good warhorse with them, while their horsemanship was rather profound as well. The general of the cavalry was thrilled to see such talents, while the general of the Steel Cavalry looked bright-eyed at the prospect of new recruits. Of course, what delighted them most were the twelve warhorses, as each of them was an exceptionally noble steed. A few of them were even fantastic steeds that were tall, over eight feet in length, and fit. They did not need too much drilling; only a bare amount of training could already turn them into vanguard weapons on the battlefield. The cavalry general who loved horses went over to chat at once, wanting to recruit the entire group of teenagers. These youths were children coming from one of the more isolated villages, so each of them was earnest and innocent, flushing at the prospect of being questioned. Laughing, everyone liked them even more. Soldiers who had been through so many wars preferred honest, innocent young men compared to overly smart alecs. Unfortunately, the good vibes ended when one of the children asked curiously, "May I inform these older brothers that we have another important task to fulfill upon coming here; we have to find a few people and send a letter to them." An aged soldier said chuckling, "Who? Let us know. Even if we don''t know them, we''ll surely ask around for you all. There will surely be news soon enough!" The teenager answered innocently, "There is a total of three people who can receive the letter. One is called Qiu Jianhan, one is called Fu Baoguo, and the last one is called Shangguan Lingxiu, a female general. Any one of them would be alright." Once the names were listed, the atmosphere fell into a strained silence. When the veterans looked again at these teenagers, their gazes were no longer friendly but filled with killing intent. Their calloused hands had crept slowly to the grips of their sabers. How bold! They had just gotten here on the first day to enlist the military but had asked about Old Marshal Qiu, Marshal Fu and Shangguan Family of Generals right away. Not only were they very bold, their ulterior motive was clear as day as well! These twelve youths looked earnest and innocent, but each of them was equipped with an extremely well-built charger. It did not match their background stories of being isolated villagers. Something was very obviously wrong! One military officer scoffed coldly and said, "May I ask who asked you to look for these three people?" The teenager scratched his head before replying, "That would be our teacher. Before we left, our teacher wrote a letter and asked us to pass it to one of these three people, any one of them." The officer''s tone turned even more hostile. "Your teacher? Who is your teacher? Does he actually know all three people that you''ve mentioned or any one of them?" His words were purely sarcastic, mocking the possibility that their master could actually gloat that he knew the three great characters; even if it were only one of them, it was still a large boast! The teenager, who did not discern the officer''s sarcasm, was at a loss for words as he tried to answer and stuttered, "I I can''t tell I have to meet these three people first." The officer smirked, "You can''t tell? Very well, since you can''t tell, men, capture this spy!" The veterans surrounded the dozen younglings, prepared to catch all of them. They did not expect that these children were lithe in a handful of skills. Even when they were surrounded by the veterans who had been through plenty of wars, they could defend themselves well, not at all appearing to be at a disadvantage. It was even discernable that they did not wish to retaliate and hurt anyone, or else the veterans'' initial tricks would have ended in the hands of these teenagers. Upon careful observation of their tactics, the officers were even more enraged. These were obviously life-saving techniques that only soldiers who had been through life and death from a warring troop could have possessed; where did these teenagers learn them from? Could they say more? The ulterior motive was clear to see! "Catch them! Seize them all!" "If anyone protests, kill them!" "What are you doing? We are already being reserved in our actions! We are truly here to find someone and there is really a letter we have to deliver! We''ve only asked for the names of Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo, what sort of crime have we committed?" The officials were infuriated, thinking, "F*ck, you''ve exposed yourselves, but you still dare to act dumb in front of your father! Did we ask you to act in a reserved manner?" Just as the head was about to issue the order for them to be killed, an authoritative voice rang out, "Stop!" It was Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan. 471 His Surname is Yun! "Old Marshal, be careful! This might be one of Han Sanhe''s tricks!" Fu Baoguo''s concern was evident in his shocked tone. "There is nothing to worry about." Qiu Jianhan was unperturbed by the potential danger that lay before him. With Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei as his personal bodyguards, there were not many men in this world who could lay a finger on him, especially when they had just met. A few teenagers would be of no concern at all. Based on the current situation, the children had not truly tried to counter the attacks upon them and there was no indication that they were lying either. Old Marshal Qiu was unlike the other veteran soldiers; what they considered as holes in their story were not holes, since real spies would have traded everything they had to conceal themselves properly. Why would they come together as a group of teenagers and bring along a dozen noble steeds? Even worse, why would they call out their targets'' names? It was ridiculous. "This old man is the Qiu Jianhan you all are looking for." Old Marshal Qiu looked at the youths with a smile. "Who made you all come looking for me? Where is the letter?" It was the barely grown child, who looked like the leader of the rest, who spoke doubtfully, "You may be Qiu Jianhan, but how would we know that? You are the leader of these evil men, why should we believe you?" It was a retort which lacked finesse, but it was undoubtedly effective. Qiu Jianhan was stumped at the accusation. He''s right; I can say I''m Qiu Jianhan, but what proof do I have? Fu Baoguo could not help chuckling as he stepped out and said, "I am the Fu Baoguo you fellows are looking for. Does this need proof as well?" The youths looked on with skeptical eyes, "Of course. Why would you call yourself Fu Baoguo? We just mentioned that we''re looking for the two of you, and here you are. How can there be such a coincidence? Do you think we''re idiots?" Fu Baoguo was rendered speechless by the brazen reply. Qiu Jianhan replied with a note of humor in his voice, "This old man has been in this world for so many years and never has anyone wanted any evidence when they saw me. My eyes have been opened today" At this very moment, the militants that arrived beside them bowed respectfully. "Old Marshal Qiu! Marshal Fu!" The teenagers were dumbstruck and began to feel slightly disoriented by the sudden development. "You C you This Uh C Qiu Jianhan is actually a marshal? Fu Baoguo is also a marshal? Is C is Lady Shangguan a marshal as well?I C we I" All twelve of the youths were utterly stunned. A few of them had turned pale. They still did not know who Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo were, but they knew that a marshal was a highly ranked officer; this officer was the highest authority at the eastern border and the Fortress of Resilience! "Alright, alright, this old man is even more interested in knowing who your teacher was. We have proved ourselves now. Can the letter be given to us now?" Qiu Jianhan chortled. Qiu Jianhan had not had the luxury to behave like this for a few days now. These children were a rare bundle of joy, as could be testified by Fu Baoguo, who was undoubtedly feeling tickled as well! "Err, letter the letter is here" The teenager was growing increasingly nervous, untying his jacket and stretching into his undergarments to pat around before finally retrieving a small package that had been wrapped securely in mystical beast leather. After layer upon layer of hide had been peeled away, a letter lay inside. Qiu Jianhan''s janissary stepped forward to take the letter before turning around to pass it to Qiu Jianhan with the utmost respect. Receiving it, Qiu Jianhan opened it nonchalantly while asking, "Well, who is your teacher? What''s his family name? Why is he so peculiar?" The teenager answered politely, "Our teacher says that his surname is Yun" Qiu Jianhan''s hands that were unfolding the letter halted at once as his gaze turned sharp. "Where is your teacher now?" As he asked, an ill premonition surged through him. He stuffed the letter into his robes immediately and urgently issued orders, "All of you, follow me to the marshal''s tent! Bring these children along. Everyone, be on full alert! No one is to act recklessly or they will be subjected to military law!" He then left with large strides. Fu Baoguo quivered for a moment before he followed closely, looking absolutely serious without a hint of his previous joviality. The teenagers were taken away by a swarm of officers and generals, arriving at the marshal''s tent feeling somewhat lost and in distress. Qiu Jianhan read the letter with exceptional care; his eyes were glinting as they trained on the teenagers in front of him. "Other than this letter, what else does your teacher say?" The letter Old Marshal Qiu held did not disclose any information that he wanted; it was mostly comprised of a request, a favor from both himself and Fu Baoguo to take care of these children for a little longer. "Teacher asked us to convey the message that he''ll arrive in half a month''s time, at the very latest." The teenager was obviously nervous as he spoke. Witnessing the grim atmosphere in the marshal''s tent and the authoritative generals it contained, it was impossible that they did not know the people their teacher wanted them to look for were significant personnel! The fact that they were able to spit out a reply was already evidence of their psychological abilities! Half a month at the latest! Hearing this, Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo were flooded with ecstasy as their eyes were bright with hope. They looked upon the teenagers as if they were looking at the most treasured gem in this world. "Your teacher how is he now?" asked Qiu Jianhan, after several moments of musing. "He wasn''t doing too well. He had a lot of his bones broken. When we left home, teacher couldn''t even stand. I''ve never seen someone so severely injured before," murmured the leader among the teenagers after some hesitation. Qiu Jianhan''s expression turned glum. Broken bones, unable to stand...even for a high-level cultivator, such injuries were difficult to recover from; how could he rush over here within half a month? Still, there was finally news. No news was good news, but now that there was confirmation of his survival, it was better! "What does your teacher look like?" Fu Baoguo asked after a long moment of pondering. It was a question that Qiu Jianhan had been meaning to ask, but did not dare to. The teenager thought hard, scratching his head persistently until his dandruff fell like snowflakes and finally answered, "This isn''t easy to answer Our teacher doesn''t seem very old, but because his injuries were so severe, we couldn''t see his true appearance. He was covered with wounds and injuries all over his body. In spite of this, he was still very impressive indeed!" Fu Baoguo was speechless. They might as well have not bothered to answer his question. Should he not have asked what he just did? Perhaps this was the reason the old marshal did not raise this question earlier. "Wang Dingguo!" Fu Baoguo hollered. "These teenagers are under your care! Watch them well, try to prevent them from being part of the casualties." Wang Dingguo agreed and said, "Let''s go." The children replied hurriedly, "We don''t need to be watched over! We''re here to fight Han Sanhe, we''re here to protect the country! What do you mean watch over us? We''ve been taught well by our teacher! We want to go to the battlefield and return home with military merit!" Fu Baoguo chortled. "Did I forbid you the battlefield? As long as you follow Wang Dingguo, there is no need to worry about not achieving merits! However, the battlefield prioritizes order and discipline. What you need to first learn is to obey. Go." The teenagers went away obediently. Looking at the teenagers'' retreating backs, Fu Baoguo turned to look at Qiu Jianhan and started with a probing question, "Old sir, see you is it" Qiu Jianhan frowned in reply, "I''m not sure either, now. I dare not say anything for certain" He then glanced at Fu Baoguo meaningfully and said, "Still, there is one thing I am sure of the one they are talking about it surely our man." "Was it really Lord Supreme Cloud?" Fu Baoguo''s delight was evident on his face. He could discern that the old marshal was reluctant to discuss this topic, but he was too agitated to not ask for a certainty. Qiu Jianhan sighed and answered, "The person only said that his surname is Yun, but it doesn''t necessarily mean that he must be Supreme Cloud just because he has the surname Yun1." Fu Baoguo was taken aback. "It''s already been said that his surname is Yun; who else can it be if not Supreme Cloud?" Qiu Jianhan glared at him. "There are other ace cultivators with the word Yun in their names. Other than Supreme Cloud, there''s the Absolute Swordmaster Seven Stroke Death, Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Yun Xiaoyao, who hasn''t made an appearance in a long while. Even Yun Xiaoyao''s son, Yun Yang, is also an ace cultivator with excellent skills and stands above the rest among Yutang''s generation of youths. It can only be Supreme Cloud after both of them! Supreme Cloud has always concealed his identity by using Supreme Wind''s name, so he''s definitely not the top choice to actually say that his surname is Yun!" "There''s no doubt that this Teacher Yun is one among the three, but which one of them, in particular, will only be known when he gets here." Fu Baoguo could barely conceal his excitement as he said, "Yes, yes. It''s a good thing no matter who comes, but still, if it is that Young Master Yun Yang, he can save himself the time there isn''t much use if he comes." Qiu Jianhan looked at Fu Baoguo meaningfully once again and said slowly, "That isn''t necessarily true If Young Master Yun is the one who arrives, he might not be any less effective than Marquis Yun and might even surprise you. Did you think this old man was just blabbing about him being the top among Yutang''s youth?" "Is this child a cultivation genius, one who is already greater than his father and forefathers?" asked Fu Baoguo with no small amount of skepticism. Qiu Jianhan was suddenly angered and said, "Why are you asking so much? Even you, a bastard, can be stronger than your father and forefathers, why can''t others be the same? Get out and watch your troops, why are you slacking off by lingering here? Is this how you became a marshal? F*ck off! Out, out you go quickly!" Fu Baoguo walked out in a daze while wiping his face that had been sprayed with saliva; he could not figure it out. They had been engaged in a harmonious conversation, why had he suddenly been chastised? Was Young Master Yun truly well versed in tactics? Perhaps he was the person with the surname Yun whom Old Marshal Qiu was leaning towards. Yes, it was possible. After all, the teenagers had said that their Teacher Yun''s face could not be discerned but he was not old. The Marquis of Heavenly Clouds Yun Xiaoyao was not that young anymore, while Supreme Cloud, who was remarkably skilled in cultivation base should be rather aged as well. It seemed that only Young Master Yun could match the description, but that would mean that he and the old marshal would be disappointed again! Even if Marquis of Heavenly Clouds'' young marquis, Yun Yang, was an amazing talent, he could never be compared to Supreme Cloud! How could a mere Yun Yang be on par with the Nine Supremes'' think tank, Supreme Cloud? The contrast was as vast as the distance between heaven and earth, a near impossibility! Fu Baoguo felt like he had found Old Marshal Qiu''s reason for suddenly losing his cool. In the marshal''s tent, Qiu Jianhan, who had been left alone, looked troubled and hesitant. He paced around while mumbling, "Is it you? Is it really you?" Translator Note: 1To recap, the Chinese character (yn) is a homonym here as it can be understood as family name Yun as well as cloud. 472 The Fiancée. Marquis Yun Arrives. Shangguan Lingxiu arrived at the scene as well, looking dapper and elegant, with two tall and slim female officers in tow. "Old Marshal, I heard that there is a letter for me?" Qiu Jianhan, who was deep in thought, answered her absently, "Yes, yes. Here." He took the letter out. Shangguan Lingxiu browsed through the letter and was puzzled. "Who is this?" Old Marshal Qiu glanced at her and answered, "He said that his surname is Yun." Shangguan Lingxiu''s hand suddenly spasmed uncontrollably. "Lord Supreme Cloud?" Old Marshal Qiu''s eyes were trained at Shangguan Lingxiu''s face when he said, "Not necessarily so." "It is Young Master Yun Yang?" Shangguan Lingxiu''s gaze grew feverishly brighter. Old Marshal Qiu squinted his eyes then, replying, "I don''t know." "It''s a good thing, no matter who comes." Shangguan Lingxiu smiled. By her side, both Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi''s expressions changed. It was great news, regardless of whether it was Supreme Cloud or Yun Yang who came; this was all true. It was good news for both the girls as well. If Supreme Cloud came, the two of them could ask about Supreme Wind, who was also Ji Lingfeng, from him. If Yun Yang came both girls gritted their teeth; they would settle their accounts with the bastard! However why was Shangguan Lingxiu so excited? It was a matter of course for her to be happy if Supreme Cloud came since it would benefit the war, but what was she so happy about if it were to be Yun Yang? The change of both the girls'' expressions was accounted for in Qiu Jianhan''s eyes as he said, "These twothey seem quite familiar." Shangguan Lingxiu introduced them with a smile, "These two are motivated practitioners of the martial world and are very skilled Along the journey" Before she could finish, Yue Rulan was already speaking faintly, "For Old Marshal''s knowledge I am Yue Rulan. This is my sister-in-law, Ji Lingxi." Qiu Jianhan squinted again as he replied, "Good names." The old marshal was seasoned, experienced in all walks of life. Yue Rulan looked like a woman who was gentle and quiet, one without much words; there had to be a reason for her to interrupt someone to speak. Hence, the old marshal did not stop her but waited in silence. As expected, Yue Rulan continued her speech, "This sister-in-law of mine is Young Master Yun Yang''s fiance." She could not admit to being Supreme Wind''s younger sister and fiance, but it was fine to say that Ji Lingxi was Young Master Yun Yang''s fiance. All three people were baffled by the words that had been spoken. Qiu Jianhan''s eyes grew as round as saucers while Shangguan Lingxiu turned her head abruptly, even Ji Lingxi turned red and was immensely shy. "Sister Lan, what are you talking about?" Ji Lingxi was lost too. Since when was she that fellow''s fiance? Sister Lan was clearly blabbering. Yue Rulan wore a straight face; she and Ji Lingxi had their faces disguised, so it was hardly noticeable even if their expressions changed. She spoke slowly, "Young Master Yun isn''t the most thoughtful man. He disappeared after leaving us in Tiantang City. We''ve come to look for him." She was lamenting inwardly, "Oh young sister, how foolish you are! Can''t you see that this female general''s crush on Yun Yang so obvious? If you continue to be shy, Yun Yang might be snatched away from right under your nose!" Shangguan Lingxiu was immediately crestfallen, repeating the words dully, "Yun Yang''s fiance?" Qiu Jianhan frowned and said suddenly, "How many fiances does Yun Yang have actually? This old man has discussed with Old Mistress Shangguan earlier and has already promised Lady Shangguan Lingxiu to Yun Yang. Why does he suddenly have two fiances now?" As a pillar of military might, Qiu Jianhan naturally took Shangguan Lingxiu''s side. He was a man seasoned with life, already seeing through Shangguan Lingxiu''s words and actions. At the same time, he was also aware that Yue Rulan''s words were directed at Shangguan Lingxiu. Unable to hold himself back, he spoke in support of Shangguan Lingxiu. You know how to lie, but did you think that I wouldn''t be able to tell, having lived most of my life by now? Ji Lingxiu was taken aback. "Really?" Yue Rulan looked at Qiu Jianhan and said, "Old Marshal must be joking." Qiu Jianhan flew into a rage. "This is a military camp. What''s there to joke about? Out, out all of you, go! This serious marshal''s tent of mine is becoming a pond of jealousy! What has things come to these days?" With a wave of his hands, he chased everyone out of his tent. Shangguan Liungxiu went out, unable to ask or speak the words that were brewing in her as she looked at Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan. Ji Lingxi lowered her head, occasionally glancing at Shangguan Lingxiu. She felt strongly that perhaps she could still win in terms of appearance, but the height, long legs, and the chic aura the other lady possessed were a hard set of traits to beat! Yue Rulan had hammered a nail into Shangguan Lingxiu although the three of them had bonded rather well in their journey, so she kept quiet instead, not wanting to further provoke her. The girls were silent but had tacitly decided that everything would wait until the war was over. This greatly disappointed Old Marshal Qiu, who had followed them out with the intention to be an audience to their spectacle. It was unworthy of his age that was supposed to lend him wisdom. Still, they did not quarrel The three girls walked back. They saw groups of wounded soldiers who were bleeding and bandaging themselves but still possessed a high fighting morale and exuded fearless determination to fight to their deaths all along their way back. It was as if this devastating war had only brought them fearlessness and courage; there was not a single trace of fear in these men. Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi were deeply moved as they watched Yutang''s fighters spill blood in the battlefield. Furthermore, they had fought without regrets through so many battles for these past few days. Suddenly, they seemed to understand why Ji Lingfeng had become Supreme Wind and why he would fight to protect this country. It was because these were respectable and lovable people! "We''ve come here to fight on the battlefield. We three sisters will share life and death then," said Yue Rulan. Shangguan Lingxiu smiled faintly and nodded, "Thank you.As for others, I haven''t considered them yet." "Me too," said Ji Lingxi competitively. Shangguan Lingxiu initially had a heavy heart, but upon hearing Ji Lingxi, she could not help chuckling. For the next three days, Dongxuan base set up opposite of the Fortress of Resilience did nothing. They watched Yutang''s militants poured bucket after bucket of water on the wall and allowed the water to seep in from the gaps. Fu Baoguo was afraid that the weather was too cold and the water poured would freeze before they could seep through the cracks. He ordered the soldiers to boil the water instead and pour the boiling water. This way, the water could be prevented from freezing before they got to where they needed to be. As for the outside of the wall, the buckets of water were poured without a care. The Fortress of Resilience had turned into an icy fort in just three days from such swift movement. The hanging ice outside reached a thickness of two feet that the Deicide arrows would not be able to penetrate, even if they were shot at melee range! The Siege Quarrel would be able to go through it, but to use it to attack the layer of ice was meaningless! Based on this, Yutang''s side had their morale boosted. The previous engulfing shadow of defeat vanished long ago, so much so that even the oppressive clouds of war had dissipated. All of them were full of confidence that they could win this battle! Only Qiu Jianhan was still weighed down with worry every day; his frown was locked in place as he repeatedly checked the resources of the fort and supplies. Han Sanhe had been observing Yutang''s activities. He saw that the Fortress of Resilience had stopped watering the fort after the third day. After all, there was no reason to keep on thickening it. The thickness of the wall was more than enough to survive. When Dongxuan''s troops came to attack and the ice wall was damaged, they would just pour more water after the battle. Yutang''s soldiers were calm and collected but the soldiers guarding on top of the fort were freezing, feeling the piercing cold and iciness of the violent winds/ On the third day, Han Sanhe called for Zhan Ge. "Have the things I asked you to prepare previously been readied?" "For ages!" Han Sanhe''s eyes were glinting coldly. "Then, attack!" Just as Han Sanhe was announcing his attack, Yutang welcomed another relief troop on their side. The relief troop that came was a singular person, someone that went by the surname Yun! The Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, whom everyone had not seen for a long time, had arrived from the north, traveling day and night. He had already passed the bottleneck of peak realm''s Tenth Perfection and had successfully advanced to the heaven realm. Fu Baoguo was initially thrilled about Yun Xiaoyao''s arrival before he was inexplicably disappointed F*ck, why did it have to be this fellow? Even if it were his son, this marshal wouldn''t have been as disheartened After all, the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds Yun Xiaoyao scored the lowest in Qiu Jianhan''s comment about the three Yuns; he seemed to be only better than having no one. Qiu Jianhan was not surprised at all regarding Yun Xiaoyao''s sudden arrival, asking once they met, "How fares the north?" Marquis Yun was very respectful of Old Marshal Qiu as he answered, "The north is exceptionally stable. Marshal Tie Zheng has taken the initiative to attack and fought with Tianci leading the army. They''ve won all three battles and morale is soaring through the roof. Tianci''s army has drawn back five hundred miles currently, although both sides are still in a confrontational phase. I believe that Marshal Tie won''t have any issues now. The northern line as stable as the mountain." "The only regret is that Tianci is still adding soldiers to their troops, so Marshal Tie dares not deploy his men to aid the eastern border." The Marquis of Heavenly Clouds Yun Xiaoyao was indeed Yun Yang''s father by name; he was equally good-looking. He had a good build and was very handsome; he was dashing and charismatic. He was someone people would like the moment they met him. "I''ve stayed for over a year at the northern border. Marshal Tie has discussed with this marquis to ask me over to assist singlehandedly, seeing that the warfare there is stable. Therefore, this marquis is southbound throughout the nights and have finally gotten to the Fortress of Resilience to help as much as I can." Marquis Yun smiled gently. "I''ve not come too late and am still in time for the war of the century. I get to watch the ultimate showdown of the world''s top marshals at close proximity!" 473 What Does He Want To Do? Qiu Jianhan was ecstatic. "It is truly an immense relief to us that Marquis Yun has traveled thousands of miles to provide assistance! This old man is utterly thankful." Qiu Jianhan was well aware of Marquis Yun''s true identity. Marquis Yun''s presence was as significant as if His Majesty was here! No matter what decision Qiu Jianhan made, as long as Marquis Yun was here, the latter would shoulder the consequences whatever they may be. The aristocrats would never question nor be suspicious of the events that took place. It wasn''t that the old marshal was overthinking things, but it was a form of self-preservation when the times called for one. After all, he had to watch out for incidents where the general could not be restrained under the emperor''s orders, where the general''s merit was higher than the emperor''s power. There was also often mistrust between the emperor and his officials; these were a marshal''s main issues and he had to watch out for them. Although Old Marshal Qiu was somewhat certain that His Majesty would never doubt him, he had to watch out for those unscrupulous ones in the imperial court! If they were defeated, everything was over; if the war was won, there would always be instigators popping up in the aftermath. This was the kind of people whose existence would never cease, no matter how brilliant the emperor was or how prosperous and harmonious an empire could be! The war drums on the opposite side of the field were beaten thunderously as horns blew solemnly across the sky. The sudden deafening sound caused the ground to tremble momentarily. "Dongxuan is attacking!" Hearing this reasonable yet unexpected news, Fu Baoguo was caught off guard. Why was the world-renowned Marshal Han Sanhe attacking an indestructible fortress under broad daylight? Had water gone into his head? Perhaps he had consumed some medication that didn''t sit well with him. No matter the confusion, Han Sanhe''s attack was right at their gates. Fu Baoguo charged up to the fort in almost a single breath and could not help sucking in a cold breath from what he witnessed. The dense Dongxuan army was carrying long ladders and was charging over like a spreading forest. What shocked Fu Baoguo was that he also saw Dongxuan''s Steel Cavalry setting off like a black dragon that was slithering away speedily, prepared to devour the enemy. There was also something that roused Fu Baoguo''s curiosity and no small amount of confusion a group of people was carrying long logs and large rocks. Were those not materials used for guarding the fort? What were those people doing, running and carrying along halves of long ladders? Were these needed to attack a fort? Han Sanhe was not making a fool of himself in this attack, was he? Han Sanhe''s vanguard troops pressed forward until they reached the center of the battlefield while the two hundred thousand men of the Shadow Cavalry that were deployed separated into two teams, surrounding the battlefield like a pair of large clamps. "Get into formation as arranged! All archers, get ready!" Qiu Jianhan''s voice rang out from behind them. The old marshal''s tone was grave. "Only the archers will be needed for now. Han Sanhe''s main aim is not to attack." "Is he not attacking the fort?" Fu Baoguo was even more bewildered, but his confusion quickly dissipated as he witnessed the next set of events. Dongxuan''s advancing army that first approached the Fortress of Resilience came in uniform steps. Each of them held a large shield which covered them securely from head to toe.Some of the others held long ladders that were carried together with several more comrades as they sprinted over. When this troop arrived at the edge of the fort, their next step was to lean the long ladders against the fort wall before scurrying away. Fu Baoguo was still perplexed watching them. What was going on? The ladders were laid and they had gotten to the border but they were not attacking. Was this just another way to retreat when they reached the frontlines? "Shoot!" Qiu Jianhan''s command saw the simultaneous release of arrows from the top of the fortress. The arrows were aimed at the soldiers setting up the ladders. Dongxuan was obviously prepared for it since all of them held shields that were a few sizes larger than usual. The shower of arrows did almost no damage; only a few unlucky ones were killed under the fort when they were shot laying the ladders. Then, the logs, rocks, and ladders grew in number and height under the fort wall. The situation was growing increasingly mind-boggling. Watching closely, Fu Baoguo realized that the ladders Dongxuan used in this attack were not scaling ladders but long ladders. The ones set up at the highest points were still about fifteen feet away from the top of the wall, so the people on the fort could do nothing against the ladders. Some sharper soldiers had used flag poles to swing downwards and fling the ladders away, but there were more ladders that were only tens of feet long, stopping at the middle of the wall''s entire height. Even the flag poles were useless against them. As the cycle repeated itself, the items piled at the bottom of the fort by Dongxuan''s troops slowly rose in a dense layer. It soon formed an ominous slope. Qiu Jianhan gave another command C five thousand men of Yutang''s Steel Cavalry charged out of the fort gate, galloping at full speed. "No matter what it is, do not let these things stay under the fort. Destroy all of them!" Seeing that Yutang''s Steel Cavalry had moved, the Shadow Cavalry on the opposing end sent a squad at almost the same time to stop them. The nemeses met again; naturally, a brutal massacre would take place. Most of Dongxuan''s army turned a blind eye to the situation and continued to send materials to the bottom of the fort. Later, even straws and dried branches were tossed onto the growing pile. "Are they attacking with fire?" Fu Baoguo was baffled. Was this an effective technique? "Of course it is and this is only the first step to Han Sanhe''s countermeasure." Qiu Jianhan watched the grim fight between the Shadow Cavalry and Steel Cavalry under the fort and heaved a deep sigh. "Han Sanhe is a seasoned marshal indeed, to have thought of this method." "The most devastating war we will ever encounter is beginning. I wonder if the Fortress of Resilience could really endure a month of this havoc!" After a short while, Dongxuan''s soldiers drew back immediately after tossing everything they brought. As both cavalries were fighting, a clear horn sounded from Dongxuan''s base. A shrill voice hollered, "Light the fire! Shoot!" With a loud bang, the archers in Dongxuan''s troop, who were long prepared, lit the cotton that had been soaked in kerosene and tied around the tip of the arrows at once. The was a blur of shooting arrows, as countless flaming tips flew over, covering the entire sky. Boom! A large fire promptly broke out under the wall. The sudden rise of burning heat stung Fu Baoguo''s face, making him feel like he was standing beside an ocean of flame. However, he was still confused about Han Sanhe''s strategy. "What''s the use of such an attack? We''ll only need to back away slightly from the wall. Dongxuan can never advance through their own wall of fire and attack us! If they forcefully do that, won''t they burn themselves to death first?" Qiu Jianhan sighed, "Baoguo, as a general, one must know not only the warfare, timing, and geography there are more things that you need to know as well." The vague anxiety lurking in Fu Baoguo escalated suddenly; had he really missed something important? "What? What do I not know?" "Actually, setting this fire is only Han Sanhe''s first tactic. Dongxuan will continue to pile burning things under the wall after this" Qiu Jianhan heaved a sigh. "The Fortress of Resilience is called the indestructible fort. Other than being invincibly secure, this location''s climate and geography were also key points to its indestructibility. Any attack will hardly be effective, be it flood or fire! However, with that loophole, we can only freeze the fort with ice. We have to." "When the water is poured upon the wall, it would seem that the entire fort has melded itself into one, becoming more fortified. However, at the same time, this gives birth to a hidden issue when the water freezesinto ice and forms a thick layer, the fact that it fills the gaps between the rocks also expands these gaps." "When the year ends and spring comes to melt the ice, the water will leave and return to earth along with the resilience of this fort''s wall. In fact, the fort might be even more unstable due to the gaps" "Han Sanhe''s current actions are speeding up this process. If we can''t stop the fire and when the fire thoroughly melts the ice, it will be the true end of the Fortress of Resilience! When that time comes, one attack is all it takes to crush the breach; maybe more than a single spot will collapse as well." "So, the tactic of coating this fort in ice is only an emergency strategy, while Han Sanhe is working to speed up the decaying process as fast as he can." Qiu Jianhan ended with, "Now, do you understand?" "This" Fu Baoguo was pale, no longer calm and collected like he used to be. "Extinguish the fire!" Qiu Jianhan sighed again. The large amount of water that had been prepared roared down from the top of the fort in white gushing currents straight into the flames. The simultaneous pouring of water by tens of thousands of people as well as the large, bottomless wells in the fort only put out the rising flames after some time, leaving thick, black smoke soaring into the sky. The rich condensation that floated from the ice and heat meeting each other engulfed the entire top of the fort. As the temperature fell rapidly, the ice that had been melted by the fire began freezing again. Fu Baoguo looked over, popping his head and said as he scratched his hair, "That''s right. Everything will go back to how it was, as long as we extinguish the fire." Qiu Jianhan replied in a soft voice. "How can things go back to the way they were? Look down! Now that you have me with you, why have you lost your usual composure? As a marshal, you have to be stoic even in the face of a collapsing mountain." Fu Baoguo looked at the wall and saw the long ladders that had not been wholly reduced to ashes, especially the logs and rocks that piled under the wall, had already reached an impressive height. As the fire was extinguished, the cold water that was being poured down in torrents was already frozen at the edges, white smoke drifting lazily upwards. It was a big lump of a slope that was forming under the fort. Fu Baoguo seemed to come to a sudden realization as he watched the lump of a slope in a daze. 474 To Each Their Own Clever Stratagem The Steel Cavalry tried their utmost best to charge over and destroy what had been piled under the fort, but the Shadow Cavalry tried equally hard to stop them. They did not mind sending a bigger number of cavalrymen than the Steel Cavalry would be willing to in order to obstruct the latter. They did not mind fighting back by expending lives. Qiu Jianhan sighed softly, "Retreat. Our initial target can''t be achieved. Han Sanhe will never allow this to be destroyed. Insisting on doing so will only cause more Steel Cavalry casualties." Fu Baoguo was taken aback upon hearing him. However, before Fu Baoguo could deliver his command, the horn from the opposite side was blown again. Dongxuan''s troop moved like they had earlier, carrying all sorts of things and charging over; they piled them up and the fire soared once again. A large gush of water cascaded down from the top of the fort. Qiu Jianhan had ordered for the cold water to be poured before the other side shot flaming arrows but after repeating it twice, he gave up his efforts. Not only was it unbeneficial, it was actually harmful as the large gush of water would further shake the Fortress of Resilience''s foundation. On this day, Dongxuan''s troop charged seven separate times. The gong to withdraw was only hit when the sky was turning dark. Other than the Shadow Cavalry, all of Dongxuan''s troop retreated. Throughout the day, Qiu Jianhan''s command for the Steel Cavalry to charge the bottom of the fort was almost impossible to be executed. Only one out of the dozens of advances was successful due to the Shadow Cavalry''s desperate defensive manoeuvres; that single time barely did any damage to the pile of things by the wall under the fort. As night fell and the weather turned colder, the items that were not entirely reduced to as eventually condensed and froze into a solid lump. There was no way to destroy them unless they could unleash a strong blow from an even stronger force. The Steel Cavalry''s charge was practically useless and all that could be done was to sigh. It was also then that Fu Baoguo was struck with a sudden realization. An indescribable fear gripped his heart. The so-called divine trick of the century, the so-called invincible ice fortress, was only an illusion. Not only did it have a good number of potential risks, it could be borrowed to be used as the enemy''s strength. More importantly, would the world''s most indestructible fort cease to exist because of this war? Looking at the charred lumps that stretched dozens of miles by the fort wall, Fu Baoguo felt chills running through him, yet all of his blood had surged to his head. The vertigo and stars that met his vision, as well as the insufficient rest from prolonged fatigue, caused him to stagger. "Do you understand now? The invincible fortress of ice is only an emergency tactic that provided temporary relief!" Qiu Jianhan watched Fu Baoguo with a grim expression. Fu Baoguo opened his mouth, wanting to speak, but felt as if a burning charcoal was lodged in his throat; the searing pain caused him to speak with great difficulty, "I understand" "This is Han Sanhe''s stratagem, the strategy of the continent''s top marshal!" Qiu Jianhan sighed, "The Fortress of Resilience is destined to fall. I just didn''t expect that the first defeat of this fort would actually be in my hands This eternal humiliation I wonder if I can carry it" Chills coursed through Fu Baoguo, his mind was a chaos of thoughts, rendering him speechless. Perhaps it was a curse, perhaps it was a nightmare, or maybe it was both. It any case, the seven days that followed saw Yutang and Dongxuan repeating the same rhythm over and over again. The flames rose, the water was poured and the flames were extinguished. The flames rose again and it was put out again. Rinse and repeat. The seven cycles on the first day were actually the least attacks that had been launched. Practice makes perfect; the idiom was particularly suitable to the current situation. The materials that did not burn in entirety under the fort grew in amount and size, piling up higher; they were already indestructible in such wintery weather. As the slope gradually took shape, it was slowly becoming a small ice hill. Everyone in the fort understood the situation now, and everyone was shockingly grim. There was no one who did not understand what Han Sanhe was going to do and what his ultimate goal was. Perhaps they did not need to wait until the weather turned warmer; the Fortress of Resilience would have fallen before a breach appeared, just from the repeated thawing and freezing. The ice hill formed by the accumulating items was enough to build a path to attack the fortress! The lump had formed a passage between the Fortress of Resilience and the outside world. The massive number of soldiers, the endless resources available from the surrounding mountains, and the icy weather itself had become Han Sanhe''s tools in his current plan of attack. If the Fortress of Resilience did not have that weak spot, the damned rock that protruded, Han Sanhe''s method would be useless because Yutang would never have opted to fortify their fort with ice and destroy themselves in the process. However, everything had changed due to the presence of the weak spot. You used ice to fortify your fort;I shall attack it with fire. When your entire fort has turned into ice and water, I will set everything alight and you would have to extinguish the fire to prevent your beloved fort from collapsing. If this was the case, the siege would last for two or three months before the Fortress of Resilience crumbled from the warming weather. However, Han Sanhe''s scheme was obviously smarter. Using Yutang''s water and Dongxuan''s tossed long ladders, logs, rocks and debris, in addition to the weather, he had turned them into a lump of ice that rose up from the ground. The constant attacks of flame and extinguishing of water would imminently expand and increase the height of this lump of ice. With time, the Fortress of Resilience'' high wall would become level with the piled platform, turning it into a flat path for Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry to attack. The Shadow Cavalry did not need to do much work by then; they would be able to head up to the fort in their usual manner and kill the enemy at their leisure. When the so-called indestructible fortress of the world became a flat plane of land, how would Yutang''s eastern troops deploy their countermeasures? In the almost irreversible impasse, Han Sanhe had executed this seemingly repetitive but subtle tactic that had turned the timing and geographical disadvantage to Dongxuan to their benefit! Even part of Yutang''s manpower had partially made the current situation a success. Timing, geography, and people were a deadly combination that worked out in their favor! This was also the basic reason Han Sanhe was constantly requesting for additional troops from the country. Such a strategy would never be achieved if he did not have sufficient men. Zhan Ge, who had witnessed all these, had been all the more impressed by his teacher. Yes, he was already impressed to the extreme by Han Sanhe, but currently, only the word ''more'' could express his immense admiration. With a hand over his heart, he admitted that he would never have thought of Han Sanhe''s method, even if he was being beaten to death. "It is approximately thirty feet tall now.!" Zhan Ge was ecstatic. "I believe we only need a few more days before we can reach the height of the fort''s wall. No, we don''t even need it to be as high. If we factor in the horses'' jumping ability, we can save a day or two. I didn''t expect that our casualties would be so low, based on teacher''s command to attack the Fortress of Resilience. The indestructible fortress will fall very soon." "How could it be that easy?" Han Sanhe shook his head slowly. "Pardon? Why do you doubt, teacher? Victory is obviously before our eyes!" said Zhan Ge. "The height of that hill outside the ice fort can only reach, at most, the bottom of the wall''s initial weak spot. That will still leave more than forty feet of distance from the top of the fort; it can''t go further up than that. I have thought of what Qiu Jianhan has thought of, how could Qiu Jianhan not have thought of what I have thought of? No, I should say that Qiu Jianhan has already thought of what I''m thinking, and has already made the necessary countermeasures ready," Han Sanhe said. Zhan Ge thought about it in earnest and said with an uncomfortable certainty, "That''s right. The situation now is clear. It''s impossible that they''ll let us continue piling things up to the day it becomes a flat plane." Han Sanhe continued, "Qiu Jianhan must have prepared a great deal of kerosene, and when the appropriate time comes, the kerosene and flaming arrows will take the lives of at least tens of thousands of our elites away Yet, if we really want to subdue the Fortress of Resilience, this is the sacrifice we must make!" He pondered and added grimly, "Maybe there will be even more sacrifice." "By then, the casualties of that battle will be the worst of this lifetime!" "Perhaps the number of casualties will be a rare number in the history of wars!" Yutang was passively defending itself, trying their hardest to destroy Dongxuan''s momentum, while Dongxuan continued to advance with all their troops and completing their set goals, bit by bit. Yutang who had lost all three edges of time, location, and manpower, was at an unprecedented disadvantage as they watched the ice hill under their fort slowly increase in height. It was also stretching out slowly all the way to Han Sanhe''s base, forming a mild slope dozens of miles in width and length! Behind it, the Dongxuan army was still moving. They began to layer the slope with sand to coat the snow and ice so that those who stepped on this path later would have more stable footing. It was a terrifying sight to behold, sufficient to shatter the nerves of the defenders. The Fortress of Resilience''s geographical advantage was slowly being lost, as it became the end point of a long, wide path that was inexorably taking shape. 475 Before The Fort Falls The tables had been turned. Dongxuan''s morale was escalating to its peak. Adrenaline surged through both generals and soldiers as they charged forward, howling madly. As for Yutang, they could only watch this with gritted teeth, their eyes rimmed red. They could only watch as their enemy completed their goals stage by stage, eventually falling upon their prided fort. It crushed all the Yutang soldiers, the desperation a bitter pill to swallow. It was worse than having a blunt knife slice into their flesh, slash after slash! Qiu Jianhan, who already knew that they would lose the Fortress of Resilience, had not entirely submitted to fate; he had withdrawn all the injured militants and people who were in the fort. The injured militants'' wails were thunderous before they left. A lot of them were sobbing and begging their comrades to let them stay. "I don''t have an arm, but give me a saber, I can still kill an enemy and die with him!" "Let me stay!" "I''m not leaving! Even if you kill me now and move my body to the fort walls, stacking rocks to encase it inside, your father can contribute half a feet of height to Yutang!" The injured fighters pleaded and begged but Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo were stoic, uncompromising and firm on their stand. "There''s only meaning if you all live. You are Yutang''s seeds, you can cultivate new seeds! Dying will bring an end to all of that." "This is an order - stay alive! Do not let yourself fall, no matter what happens! Whoever has the temerity to die, we won''t acknowledged him as our comrade when we meet in the underworld!" "Staying alive means that Yutang''s Fortress of Resilience still exists! All of you are the Fortress of Resilience!" "The invulnerability of the fort was never due to the Fortress of Resilience itself, but because of the eastern army of Yutang who guards it. It never fell because of you, the eastern soldiers!" Old Marshal Qiu was close to tears. "All of you, keep on living! Brothers, you must survive. Live and watch Yutang rally itself. Live and train new soldiers for us! Live and help us watch over this beautiful land!" Witnessing the old marshal''s tears, all the injured militants went quiet, no longer protesting or whining. They began leaving in batches, their speed swift and footsteps sure. They moved quickly to leave a wide path for the troops who were about to take the back so that the handicapped ones would not block the road and hinder the army''s movement. "Even if we can''t complete our duty to the country with our brothers here, we will not be their burden!" "We still have a mission. Even when the Fortress of Resilience falls, we''re here to make another human Fortress of Resilience!" "Dongxuan, invaders to be damned, be prepared to pass through another Fortress of Resilience!" Time trickled. When it came to the ninth day, Dongxuan was basically done with their set stratagem. The slope under them was no more than thirty feet from the top of the fortress now. At such a height, practitioners with basics could hop off it, so Dongxuan began to assemble their experts. Martial world experts, military experts, and school experts from Dongxuan were gathered together under the shadow of the looming hill. Yutang was doing the same in gathering their proficient cultivators. The similar activities by both sides were mainly due to the fact that skilled cultivators could only be handled by other apt cultivators. With the situation being as dire as it was, practitioners and cultivators who had never been favorites on the battlefield were warmly welcomed as they were the key to this battle! It was on the same night that Qiu Jianhan ordered the kerosene; he had collected more than five hundred thousand buckets throughout the period and had them delivered before he set off, to be divided into five batches. The first batch was ready to be used. On the slope, a thick layer of kerosene flowed; plenty of it had coursed down the slope, flowing smoothly despite being terribly viscous. The dozens of miles of slope was entirely covered in kerosene. It was only a short while before the pungent smell spread everywhere as the kerosene continued to flow down from the top of the fort. Han Sanhe watched the sea of kerosene with an unreadable expression; he had yet to order the start of their attack. He knew full well that this was Qiu Jianhan''s last resort C the very last resort! Just as he had said, he could think of what Qiu Jianhan could think of, and vice-versa; it was the same for both men, so this situation was well within their expectations. As long as Dongxuan''s soldiers could charge through this ocean of fire, a hell made out of kerosene, the Fortress of Resilience would belong to Dongxuan! However, Han Sanhe hesitated when it came to the pivotal moment. What greeted his sight now was not kerosene that stretched dozens of miles, but kerosene that drenched everything within many miles of its source. It was everywhere! Although Yutang was at an immense disadvantage now, a force made up of tens of thousands of men and more would still be needed to attack the Fortress of Resilience. At his command, tens of thousands of men from the army would easily set off to attack, but once they charged into this ocean of kerosene, there was simply no chance of them surviving when the fire was lit. There was no hope of survival. "Flaming arrows!" Han Sanhe delivered his command. "Since the ocean of flame must happen, let it be our side who lights the kerosene!" Han Sanhe chuckled bitterly. Blazing arrows landed on the kerosene like a storm before the fuel caught fire with a loud bang. Instantly, an ocean of fire obscured the sights of both attacker and defender. The heat wave licked an area tens of miles wide around them at once; everyone retreated immediately, afraid to linger. From the top of Yutang''s fort wall came Qiu Jianhan''s guffawing voice, "Han Sanhe, you''ve finally lit the fire! This old man was starting to think that you were still steel-hearted! You hesitated! Perhaps Han Sanhe''s decisiveness in battle is only a legend!" Han Sanhe shook his head with a smile devoid of humor but said nothing. With the kerosene set alight and burning in fury, Dongxuan''s troops would not be able to go through it. The sea of fire made from the thick layer of kerosene was more threatening than a river of lava; looking at the sheer amount of kerosene, it would take a full day for it to burn away completely. A day was time enough to melt more than ten feet of the ice slope Han Sanhe had painstakingly stacked up. The Fortress of Resilience would be damaged in the fire as well, basically ruined, but Qiu Jianhan did not care about that now. After all, the fort was meant to fall; it was not an issue whether it was destroyed! On the contrary, the ten feet of the icy slope would take Dongxuan at least two days to rebuild. Two days later, though, this land would be doused once again with kerosene. Qiu Jianhan had foraged more than five hundred thousand buckets of kerosene; even the cooking oil from the military kitchen and the citizens'' homes had been collected. It was all for this frenzied battle, to drag the duration taken to conquer the fort for as long as he could. No matter how apt Han Sanhe was in warfare, he could not know how much kerosene Yutang had prepared. No matter what, Qiu Jianhan wanted at least a hundred thousand of Dongxuan''s men to be buried before the Fortress of Resilience fell. Only then would the ultimate battle between Han Sanhe and Yutang''s remaining troops take place. Qiu Jianhan watched the dancing flames, his eyes gleaming with resolution and brutality. Han Sanhe, if you don''t put in these hundred thousand lives, how can you live up to the name of Qiu Jianhan''s last battle, my last war! "Fu Baoguo!" "Here!" "Order! Lead all of the men from the Steel Cavalry and Serving Troop out of the fort and retreat to the west mountain!" Qiu Jianhan said, "Other than the Tianxuan Cliff, I''ve destroyed all the mountains and steep slopes in the western region during these past few days!" "There will be a narrow strip of land, the last before reaching our territory Your Steel Cavalry and Serving Troop will form another line of defense there. There shall be Yutang''s second Fortress of Resilience! Fight to the last soldier, to the last breath; do not let Han Sanhe pass easily!" Fu Baoguo''s tears coursed freely. "Old Marshal, this subordinate thinks that it is better if Old Marshal were to lead this operation. This subordinate doesn''t have full control over the Steel Cavalry and only with Old Marshal''s personal command can the whole situation be controlled. Things are set up here, let this subordinate stay." "F*ck you!" Qiu Jianhan raged, "F*ck off quickly!" "I''m not leaving! I should never be the one that leaves!" Fu Baoguo was unusually stubborn, looking determined and resolute. "This subordinate has vowed to the heavens long ago that I will live and die with the Fortress of Resilience! Old Marshal, making me leave is forcing me to break my vow!" "Vow your *ss! Swear your father! What the f*ck, this is a battlefield, this is a military base! Even if God is here right now, he has to listen to your father''s military order! Any violation of a military order means immediate execution!" Qiu Jianhan was increasingly livid. "F*ck off right now! Your father isn''t letting you live, I''m letting you die in a war somewhere else! Did you not hear that there is also the Fortress of Resilience? How is that breaking your vow? Go, go go, off you go quickly Still not moving? Your father will kill you where you stand!" 476 On Your Mark "Marshal, the thickness of the ice that has melted is more severe than expected... also, Yutang is pouring even more kerosene onto the slope." "How much are they pouring this time?" "I can''t tell, but it doesn''t look like they are going to run out of kerosene anytime soon!" "Flaming arrows!!" Han Sanhe ordered the bowmen to unleash their fiery missiles. A few days later, the news had not changed its tone. "Marshal, Yutang is still pouring kerosene. Are we" "Can we see how much they are throwing at us this time?" "I''m sorry, we can''t really tell. At the very least, there''s no sign of it being any lesser than before!" "Flaming arrows!" Han Sanhe''s eyebrows were locked in a deep frown. "Qiu Jianhan, you f*cker, how much kerosene did you collect? Why doesn''t it seem to have an end? You''ve been pouring kerosene down the slope four separate times now!" "Each time, you threw an undoubtedly large quantity of genuine kerosene at us. How did you manage to get your hands on so much of it?" Watching the smoke that was soaring into the sky, Han Sanhe continued to frown, vaguely aware that something was not right somewhere. Zhan Ge, trailing behind Han Sanhe, was frowning as well, his face a mask of deep contemplation. The slope they had built should have been a textbook version of a flash in the pan, but up to this day, it had been rendered completely useless by Qiu Jianhan''s kerosene. There was no serious damage done to the army, but they could not afford an impasse for much longer. The military prized speed above all else, as the delay would more often than not cause changes; who would guess what changes could happen as they faced a stand-off for so many days? The best scenario that could happen now was the exhaustion of kerosene by Yutang, but they appeared to possess an endless supply of oil which was impossible to deplete. "I am thankful that I didn''t get charred today." Zhan Ge wiped his face and as he mumbled under his breath, a trace of fear lingering in his tone. The burning kerosene had given rise to a thick column of greasy smoke which engulfed Dongxuan''s base. Han Sanhe and Zhan Ge, who had been observing the situation from the camp, had been suffocated by the smoke. Han Sanhe immediately frowned at his words and asked with a measure of surprise, "You don''t feel smothered by the smoke today?" He watched the scene for a good while with his frown in place before he suddenly issued his orders, "Send some men with high cultivation bases to check on the kerosene!" Upon his command, a number of peak realm cultivators scurried over despite the increasingly violent fire. "A report for the Marshal! The kerosene that Yutang has poured out this time is not pure kerosene, but a mixture of the accursed oil with a lot of water. It can still burn, but the flames will be weaker than before." As he listened, a hint of a smile finally found its way to Han Sanhe''s face. It was as if he had expected this. Zhan Ge''s ears perked up as well. "Teacher, it looks like Qiu Jianhan doesn''t have much kerosene left over there anymore." Han Sanhe replied with a hint of exasperation, "Even though there''s not much, it can still be ignited and do substantial damage. Ignore it, let''s just wait it out." Another two days passed quietly. The Fortress of Resilience was silent. The men defending it were no longer pouring kerosene-like they had been doing before. Han Sanhe''s generals were discussing and whispering among themselves; their excitement could hardly be contained. "Marshal, let us attack1" "Yutang is not pouring their kerosene anymore." "They used a lot of oil each time they tried to burn down the slope. No matter how much they have gathered, it should be about empty now. They must have finally depleted their resources!" "Yes, it''s the best time for us to follow up our attack now!" Han Sanhe pondered for a long while before replying, "For this attack,we have to strike simultaneously from three sides. Each side" He thought about it for a good while and said, "Each side shall have ten thousand men!" The generals looked at each other in shock when they heard that number. There were only ten thousand men to a side; would it mean that they would only be deploying a total of thirty thousand soldiers? How could such a small number of men take down the Fortress of Resilience? In spite of their misgivings, Han Sanhe had already decided and there was no one who dared to argue with him. The three-sided attack was launched immediately as they charged in a mad swarm. Seeing that Dongxuan''s troops had reached the slope and were about to approach the top of the fort, Yutang finally began to take action; they released arrows while pouring barrels of kerosene, the liquid gushing down like a river from a broken dam. When the shower of burning arrows met the flood of kerosene, the entire Fortress of Resilience turned into a sea of flame at once, with surging waves of orange and crimson. Even then, Han Sanhe smiled faintly as he calmly watched the flame from afar. "I''ve been too careful this time. Looks like old man Qiu Jianhan really doesn''t have much kerosene left." Han Sanhe''s words were not without basis as the fire in the Fortress of Resilience burned brightly before it began to falter; some places that were still burning were slowly dying out. The true damage that threatened Dongxuan''s troops was Yutang''s soldiers who appeared in squads wielding gleaming swords and sabers to kill their enemy. This skirmish was a long-awaited moment between Yutang and Dongxuan; after so many days, there was finally a face-to-face battle! As Dongxuan''s troops advanced through the flames and approached the top of the fort in a frenzied rage, Yutang''s soldiers retaliated at once. The battle was brutal; Dongxuan only had thirty thousand men, after all, so even when both sides shared the same geography, Yutang was still advantageous, being the defender. After that, Qiu Jianhan, with his white fluttering beard, was seen directing the war efforts with his sword, standing at the top of the fortress. He had successfully turned the tide of warfare to favor Yutang, hoping for a landslide victory. "Gong!" Han Sanhe issued his orders with a wave of his hand. There was no need to continue fighting. The thirty thousand soldiers that had been sent to attack this time was to probe if their enemy still had any more kerosene left. Now that the result had been achieved, there was no need to stick around to fight. "Tomorrow, prepare meals in the third fraction of the night. We will attack the fort in the fifth fraction; this time, there will be a hundred and twenty thousand men in the army, and the attack will only originate from two sides!" Han Sanhe delivered his commands calmly, "Conquer the Fortress of Resilience in this battle, seal the fate of this war!" "Yes!" The generals finally understood the intention of today''s attack with thirty thousand soldiers. Their spirits were escalating as they agreed to the command with roars and growls. "Teacher?" Zhan Ge was still quite perplexed. "You''re still shocked about what everyone else has understood? Is your battlefield gone once I''m here? This is highly unbecoming of you!" Han Sanhe was in a good mood as he explained with a smile, "According to Yutang''s years of maintaining adequate supplies, they''d definitely store lots of kerosene as it''s the main item to assist in the guarding of fortresses. I''ve drained their kerosene throughout these days that even when it dragged toward the appointed time, I did not dare not to brazenly execute the attack. After all, our side would suffer from massive casualties once we meet the kerosene ocean of flame!" "Yutang has poured kerosene for a total of six times these past few days, and the first time was the most kerosene used among all." "When the fourth time happened, the oil was already mixed with water. The fifth time had even more water mixed while this time today, the ratio of water to kerosene renders it highly ineffective. "If Yutang''s troops did not appear in time at the top of the fort and retaliate in today''s war in addition to Qiu Jianhan''s personal supervision, those thirty thousand people might actually breach the fortress. All these clearly states that their stored kerosene is basically emptied." "Even if they have some left, it''s too little to threaten the overall situation!" Han Sanhe continued, "We will launch the crucial attack tomorrow. The army''s advance and triumph over the Fortress of Resilience will thoroughly pave our way into Yutang!" "Teacher, will this be another tactic of Qiu Jianhan?" asked Zhan Ge. Han Sanhe answered faintly, "There''s of course this possibility; I''d never dare regard Qiu Jianhan too lowly. According to the calculation of the kerosene storage and the undiluted oil actually used, Qiu Jianhan''s has used at least four hundred thousand barrels of them." "As for the number reported; there are over thirty pickets in this period of time. it''s three times higher than the digit. I believe the higher number is all water." "However, to infer this, the kerosene that could reach the Fortress of Resilience at this period of time will only amount to this, even if Yutang has collected the kerosene with the force of the entire nation. That''d be two million barrels of kerosene! Hah! Even if it were the entire Tianxuan Continent, such an amount might not be achieved" "If Qiu Jianhan could still mask the truth with a disguise like this then" Han Sanhe''s gaze was glinting coldly as he spoke in an extremely indifferent tone, "The people who are involved in this attack will be considered as sacrificial goods to Qiu Jianhan, this Yutang''s notable marshal of one''s time, then!" 477 Ardent, Lion-hearted Souls Zhan Ge felt chills in his heart, vaguely wondering if, perhaps, his thought might be true. It was not that his teacher had not noticed, but it was more of executing the previous measures until the very end. On the morning of the second day, before the sun lit up the sky, the dawn of winter came exceptionally late. However, the abrupt cry to kill that rang across the sky almost tore through the dark night. Dongxuan''s focused attack was finally and officially launched. Yutang''s troops who had been thoroughly worn out in the Fortress of Resilience struggled wearily to the top of the wall at once. Qiu Jianhan was already scaled down in size, unrecognizably thin. This old marshal who had gone through a good portion of his life had been standing at the top of the fort the entire time. He stood tall amidst the thick smoke. There were several times he had almost fainted from the choking smoke; after all, the top of the fort was where the flame burned the brightest and hottest. Even when he had enough mystical skill to protect himself, it was difficult to shoulder. However, he would rather succumb to the smoke than to leave the fort. "How many of the enemy troops are partaking in this attack?" Qiu Jianhan''s voice was extremely hoarse; his eyes gleamed like the will-o''-the-wisp in the nightfall. "More than a hundred thousand." Wang Dingguo had only roughly listened to the movement on the other end before reporting an accurate number. This was the skill of a general who had been through one too many wars; it was not a big deal. "Still too little" Qiu Jianhan sighed, "However, this should also be Han Sanhe''s limit and the last advantage we can scoop up!" Wang Dingguo stood up straight. "They shall come, and never return!" "Use all the remaining kerosene in this battle. There is no need to save any more supplies, pour them all!" Qiu Jianhan coughed harshly, hacking a mouthful of phlegm laced with blood, and said sternly, "After pouring all the kerosene, everyone is to retreat from the fort promptly! Go according to the plan, turn to the west gate for the ultimate battle!" "Yes!" Barrel upon barrel of kerosene was spilled in a messy yet orderly fashion while squads of Yutang soldiers charged down the fortress with loud cries. They crashed into the enemy ranks and began to fight hand-to-hand within the sea of kerosene. With the icy slope as a buffer, it benefitted the Yutang soldiers as well, since they could hop off the fort right away without injuring themselves. There was a total of thirty thousand Yutang fighters who rushed out like hysterical tigers, battling to their deaths against the enemy in flowing, flammable liquid. These Yutang fighters possessed contrasting emotions against Dongxuan''s soldiers. Dongxuan soldiers only knew that their enemy had gone crazy. It was their last battle that would put their lives at stake; as long as they beat them, it was victory, it was an unhindered path to success. Yutang soldiers were well aware that from the moment they had bolted down, their lives were on a countdown. Once the kerosene under their feet was drained, a huge fire would take its place! By then, both the enemy troops and they would all be turned into charred remains. Right now, whether they won or lost this battle, it was a battle no one could survive! Nonetheless, there was no fear in their eyes. "Follow your father on the way! Dongxuan''s rascals! Hahaha!" The thirty thousand Yutang warriors had become a mighty force the moment they hopped off the fort, wielding their glaives and spears to execute the most spectacular retaliatory strike. They had pushed Dongxuan''s army of a hundred thousand men back so forcefully that it was hard for the latter to advance. They couldn''t even move an inch forward! "Marshal, Yutang''s soldiers have hopped off the Fortress of Resilience to do battle!" "How many of them are there?" "They come with strong resolve. The attacking momentum mustered by our hundred thousand men is being restrained!" "Does that mean the enemy has at least fifty thousand people and more?" "Maybe even more." Han Sanhe kept quiet and measured out a pace of two steps before giving his command, "Add another eighty thousand soldiers, make it a landslide victory!" The drumbeat in Dongxuan''s base changed, thundering loudly to another rhythm. Han Sanhe''s expression was unreadable from the illumination of the torch. "Qiu Jianhan loves his soldiers like his sons. Unless it has come to the last juncture otherwise, such an extreme tactic would never have been used. This also means that" Yutang''s thirty thousand warriors became a new stretch of the Fortress of Resilience, made of flesh and blood, right on this slope that had been built by them and their enemy under the fort. They cared nothing about their lives, fearlessly charging forward. At this moment, nothing was in their minds; their parents, their wives, their children, their confidants, their brothers and friends, all they were and all they had, their pasts flashed in their heads before they were all tossed into the emptiness. The fighters'' eyes were reddened, like those of a pouncing tiger. A sonorous voice rang out as someone sprang up and cried in midair, "Yutang''s warriors are here, who dares invade our land?" "Who dares invade our land?" All thirty thousand militants hollered in unison as they moved three steps forward. "There''s no regret in this life to be in Yutang!" The booming voice cried. "There''s no regret in this life to be in Yutang!" The thirty thousand warriors cried together. "Forge the fortress with my resilience!" cried the leading voice. "Forge the fortress with my resilience!" The troops took another three steps forward. "We will fight again if there''s the next lifetime!" "We will fight again if there''s the next lifetime!" "We will requite the country with our crushed remains!" "We will requite the country with our crushed remains!" All thirty thousand soldiers howled in unison to the sky like a wolf pack, bolting out of their formations regardless of their safety and embedded themselves into Dongxuan''s formations. As they cried, they began a battle of life and death. "Fight the war today!" "So what if we die?" "We will live in our next lives!" "We are still Yutang!" The saber glinted, the blood splattered; countless warriors battled against the enemy in the dark before dawn. They charged, killed, perished; the process repeated almost endlessly. It was because these people had put their life and death aside so that the blood of countless Dongxuan''s soldiers coursed in rivers on the ground. Behind them, at the top of the fort, more Yutang militants were pouring the barrels of kerosene swiftly and resolutely despite the tears streaming down their faces. All of them on the fort felt their blood burning, how they wanted to fight without a care like their thirty thousand comrades, but they could not; they were tasked with draining the kerosene, they could only talk about other matters after completing this important responsibility! Dongxuan''s drum beats were incessant and thunderous; countless warriors charged over again like a rising tide. Having fought until now, there were not many of the thirty thousand fighters left who got off the fort. Those surviving were littered with wounds, but they did not retreat. One man, covered in blood, growled into the sky, "Before your grandfathers die, who can take a step forward?" "Hahaha" His comrades who were entangled in the enemy''s formation chortled as well. "That''s right. Before your grandfathers die, who can take a step forward?" "Old Marshal, the remaining kerosene have all been poured away!" Wang Dingguo''s tears were coursing freely down his face. Qiu Jianhan looked solemn and commanding as he said, "Wait a bit more! Wait, until all our fighters fall fighting! They shouldn''t die in the fire that we ignite ourselves!" "This old man wants them all to perish in the battlefield, not in the hands of our own people!" "Yes!" Wang Dingguo and Qiu Jianhan stood at the highest point, observing the battle below closely. They quivered and sobbed, eyes trained on the fierce combat that was happening at their feet. The battle cries were growing softer, gradually fading away Dongxuan''s soldiers began popping up at the top of the fort! Qiu Jianhan''s eyes were ablaze. He roared with all his might, "Ignite the fire! Send the brothers off!" "Light the fire!" Wang Dingguo sprung up in a frenzy, the bow in his hands pulled to a full moon; when his arrow lit up, it was shot far and fast. "Light the fire!" Countless Yutang soldiers shouted hoarsely with tears staining their faces. At the same time, innumerable flaming arrows illuminated the sky above the Fortress of Resilience. "Send the brothers off!" Boom! The soaring flame burned bright and hot, forming a heated wave of red. On the ground, the sticky kerosene that was still flowing everywhere was like slithering dragons of flame that glowed abruptly before they surged into the sky, igniting with a radiance never seen before. The front line of Dongxuan''s hundreds of thousands of men had already reached Yutang''s fort wall. The rest of the army was still on the slope, advancing at a swift speed. When the fire sprung up, it spread at an unbelievable speed, reaching the other end of the slope almost instantly. This also meant that the hundreds of thousands of men that Dongxuan had deployed to launch the attack were all consumed in the ocean of fire. None of them stood a chance. Each and every one of the poor souls turned into a blazing pillar, staggering about in the sea of fire, crying out and struggling in agony. 478 The Fall of the Fortress of Resilience. Supreme Clouds Route The intense flame that erupted drew a line of heat and separated both armies onto different parts of the field. The top of the Fortress of Resilience exploded into a tumultuous roar. Those were the maddened cheers of the men who were sending their comrades off. "Brothers, did you see that? You have not died in vain! These hundreds of thousands of the men from the Dongxuan army are all your sacrificial offerings! These are the tributes sent to you all by us brothers! Your journey to the underworld will not be lonely, you will have your enemies with you!" Wang Dingguo howled into the sky, hot tears rolling down his face while Qiu Jianhan''s lips trembled as he teared up as well. "You have gone to war today, and it doesn''t matter if you have died C alive, you are a man of Yutang; dead, you are Yutang''s soul! If there is the next lifetime, let us be warriors, brave like the tigers, once again! Let us strengthen Yutang''s core and be Yutang''s soldiers once more!" "Brothers, all of you were great! I, Qiu Jianhan, have no regrets fighting with all of you in this lifetime! It is a matter of pride for me to die beside you. It shall be a glorious end!" "I hope to see you all waiting for me. When this old man gives Han Sanhe another harsh blow at the west gate, I shall finally be reunited with all of you!" "The path to the underworld lined by enemies and comrades... how can you be without a leader?" "Millions of lion-hearted souls continue to linger. Let us fall into formation in the Yellow Spring; wait for this old man''s drum before we kill all of Dongxuan souls!" Qiu Jianhan then hollered at the top of his voice, "Retreat! Draw back at full speed!" Wang Dingguo followed with a drawn-out howl. Countless Yutang soldiers drew back from the top of the fort like a receding tide. Qiu Jianhan mounted his horse with a graceful flip and without looking back, he cried, "Leave the fort!" Behind him, the flames burned brightly as it soared thousands of feet into the sky. The Fortress of Resilience was already in ruins, as the outermost wall was reduced to white ash. The Fortress of Resilience, known as the impregnable stronghold for dozens of years across the world, no longer lived up to its name. Just like that, the legend ceased to exist. Amidst the flicker of flames, the struggle of the hundreds of thousands of Dongxuan soldiers grew weaker, leaving only the crackling sound of the fire devouring what had been left behind. One torch, a humongous fire that had been planned for days, had buried hundreds of thousands of Dongxuan''s militants under a mound of rubble. Yutang''s soldiers on the other side had drawn back from the top of the fort with incredible speed. They were like wraiths as they left speedily, one after another. In just an extremely short period of time, there was not a single soul left in the Fortress of Resilience; it had become an empty fort. Qiu Jianhan led the last fifty thousand men out of the stronghold; there were obviously very many people, but they moved silently. Even the fluttering flags were carried in an orderly manner. Normally, a lot of soldiers would have carried the military flags with puffed chests, but there was no one standing beside him. There should have been hundreds or even thousands under a single military flag, but now, there was only one person left, carrying a torn flag while advancing proudly. It was as if his brothers had never left, that they were still marching in formation and were quietly moving forward with him. The flag bearer himself was still here and the flag was still here. How could the brothers who stood with him under this flag not be here as well? Such flags and their bearers were a usual sight among the troops coming out of the fort. A soldier raised his flag high. His chest was bleeding, his injury severe, but he was still walking forward with a raised chin and puffed chest as if he did not even realize his wound was there. His brothers walking beside him wanted to help, but they were rebuffed with a glare C my brothers, only I can carry our flag! It represents the fact that our battalion is still here, and this is only true if I am the one carrying it. There''s no need for others to help! Footsteps and galloping hooves rang throughout the bare Fortress of Resilience, the sounds echoing loudly in the empty air. It was as if there were still millions of patriotic Yutang souls who were leaving the fortress uniformly in their formations to await the battle of life and death under the engulfing night fog. Han Sanhe''s face turned red as blood flowed straight to his head, a wave of vertigo washing over him. He watched, dumbfounded at the massive fire that had suddenly devoured everything and everyone in sight. Splat! He spat out a mouthful of blood, clearly in agony. "Qiu Jianhan, how vicious you are!" No one, Han Sanhe included, had thought that the thirty thousand Yutang warriors who charged down the fort to retaliate against the enemy at the very last moment was actually Qiu Jianhan''s tactic to lure the enemy into a counterattack! He had used tens of thousands of patriotic Yutang souls as bait, as a chance to allow Dongxuan the ease of mind to attack. Yet, he had also sacrificed a hundred and eighty thousand Dongxuan elites in the process! Even Han Sanhe could hardly have expected this strategy C he had considered the possibility, just like Zhan Ge, that Qiu Jianhan might have kept a certain amount of kerosene to prepare for the worst, but he would never have guessed that Qiu Jianhan, who loved his soldiers like his own, would choose the most unexpected and unconventional path! Zhan Ge, who saw the terrible decimation, felt chilled to the core. If they had swapped positions, he would never have been able to execute such a hopeless tactic! The tens of thousands of their own were battling fearlessly up front while the men at the back were continuously pouring kerosene. One massive fire was all it took to reduce the enemy and their comrades into ash! It was an extremely cruel strategy C it was vicious, just like what Han Sanhe had said. "Since Qiu Jianhan had become a marshal, this is the most drastic action he has taken!" Han Sanhe spat out another mouthful of blood, hints of defeat tinging his expression. However, his agitated emotions eventually bled away. He murmured softly while wiping the blood at his mouth away gently with the sleeves of his robe. There was only firm respect in his eyes, without a single hint of resentment. "I''ve always thought that, compared to me, Qiu Jianhan was lacking when it came to warfare. I had always believed that he could never be as ruthless as I was. He was less brutal and heartless." "I never would have expected that at the very last moment, Qiu Jianhan would teach me a lesson! This old man is ashamed." Han Sanhe closed his eyes softly and said, "I see now that it''s not that Qiu Jianhan isn''t savage nor is he incapable of resentment. All this while, there hasn''t been anyone who could force him to the edge" "Take a recess for now. Retreat!" Han Sanhe bellowed his orders, "When the fire weakens, the Fortress of Resilience will be ours. Since Qiu Jianhan has done what he did, it states clearly that he no longer cares about the Fortress of Resilience! Instead, we have to be prepared; when we get out of the Fortress of Resilience, we''ll have to be ready to welcome an all-out attack from Qiu Jianhan!" Yun Yang was experiencing a severe case of pins and needles. Right now, he was already less than three hundred miles away from the Fortress of Resilience. Unfortunately, he could barely move an inch forward. Several days had passed from the promised time he had stated in the letter brought by the village youths. In fact, he had been stuck here for several days. In front of the mountain, a multitude of corpses littered the ground; there were thousands of them. There were more than a hundred excellent cultivators who had hidden in the mountain; any one of them was expert among experts! Anyone who passed by this place would be killed, whether they were martial artists to assist in the frontline, citizens intending to enlist the military or passersby to trade. The experts would rather kill everyone in sight than miss out on one. Yun Yang had tried going around from several other directions, but he had been blocked all those times, without exception. His injuries had healed completely by now; other than being slightly weak, he was generally alright. However, he could not cross, even with his heaven realm cultivation base; he had even been injured a few times, almost getting himself killed in the forest. It didn''t matter whether he switched directions to confuse and distract, or if he charged forward in a direct manner; nothing worked! The lurking enemies were like a nail impaled in the forest. Yun Yang knew who they were. The leaders were the Four Seasons Tower''s Four Venerable Lords! The experts that followed them were all the Four Seasons Tower''s top notch professionals as well. It was like they had a premonition, somehow leading them to set up a death trap within this lush forest. They could not be sure which one of the passersby was Supreme Cloud, so what they did was to ensure no one could cross the area. Even a lone bird would not be allowed to fly through the vicinity. It was these people who had obstructed Yun Yang and kept him locked down here. He knew that time was running out and that the Fortress of Resilience could barely hold out, but he was right here, ruthlessly stopped. Yun Yang''s heart was in his mouth. If he turned and advanced on another path, he would need to go over dozens of mountains and around the north before charging over from there However, this would mean at least another half a month and more, even with the fastest noble steed under him! If he were to be delayed by another half a month, everything would have been over by then. Yun Yang had thought of breaking through under a disguise, but he was unable to conjure what was needed to pull it off. It was as if the enemy did not even intend to be particular with who they stopped - they would just put an end to everyone and everything that moved. Divine senses controlled the perimeter for hundreds of miles, a clear expression that strangers were prohibited while trespassers had only death to look forward to. The Four Seasons Tower must have deployed a significant number of experts to achieve such an amazing effect, but what shocked Yun Yang the most was the number of Spirituality Restraining Formations in the surrounding forests. All of it pointed to one clear message C they were targeting the Nine Supremes! 479 Am I Supreme Wind? Yun Yang did not want to reveal himself, therefore he left his horse by the side and attempted to pass through the barricade on foot after finding out about the spiritual restraint. Although his previous attempts had failed, the Four Seasons Tower''s men were astonished at his fighting skill. In spite of his grimy appearance, Yun Yang had incredible skill, an adeptness that would put even the experts at a clear disadvantage in a fight, if they made a single careless move. It was fortunate however for them, that Yun Yang''s cultivation base was weaker than theirs or else they would not have been able to block him. Feeling helpless, Yun Yang set his heart on a new goal and quickly retreated dozens of miles away. He decided to take the quickest route back and reinstated his title as the capital city''s Young Master Yun. Yun Yang, the young marquis of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, was rushing to the Resilience Fortress to assist the frontline! However, Yun Yang did not want to expose his true identity until after he crossed the forest. But he wondered what would happen if his Nine Supremes power came back abruptly during a critical moment after crossing the forest. That would mean that Supreme Cloud had suddenly come to the Fortress of Resilience. Only a few experts had ever passed by the forest during this current time. Hence, people would easily confirm that it was indeed Young Master Yun Yang who was the Supreme Cloud. This would be akin to revealing his secret to the Four Seasons Tower. Unfortunately, due to the numerous failures in his previous advances, Yun Yang found himself in a nervous state. He couldn''t have cared any less right now and he postponed considering any consequences till later. Although there was some doubt that he might not even be able to recover his Nine Supremes power immediately after crossing the forest, he had no choice but to cross the area first. Yun Yang had decided to go for his old look; he wore a purple robe, his hair was tied up with a purple jade ornament. He looked handsome; phoenix-like eyes twinkled below arched eyebrows as strands of hair fluttered in the wind. A shiny long saber was sheathed at his hip and he was mounted on a crimson steed, charging along his way. The young master looked like jade figurine riding upon a horse that looked like a dragon! Reddie galloped along, gaining momentum and crossing a hundred feet with a single gallop. Dozens of miles passed by in the same amount of time it would have taken to snap one''s fingers. In the blink of an eye, man and horse arrived once again at the foot of the mountain. Yun Yang''s demeanor revealed that he knew about the strong forces which oversaw this place as he entered. He spurred his horse to give it a burst of speed without slowing down. His face reflected an inner sense of urgency that would not allow for any delay. Suddenly, a metal blade came swinging towards him, cutting through the engulfing fog as if filled with an icy, murderous intent. Yun Yang''s face had barely any time to register his own shock as the blade swung forward. His fast reflexes took over as he countered the blade with his own long saber while springing up and yelling, "Who is it?" His voice, accompanied by his unique technique of wielding his Merciless Blade in a counterattack, had instantly revealed his identity to his hidden foe. A surprised gasp rang out, "Yun Yang?" The shock in the other person''s voice was matched by the stunned expression on Yun Yang''s face as he heard his name being called out. ''Venerable Lord Frost?" he inquired. A person appeared from the dense forest ahead, clad in a long robe the color of frost and snow, coupled with a gaze like sweeping arcs of electricity; it was the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lord Frost, one of the remaining Four Venerable Lords! He looked at Yun Yang, absolutely dumbstruck. Because he had misjudged the force of his counterattack, Yun Yang lost his balance and dropped to the ground before yelling angrily, "Venerable Lord Frost, why is the Four Seasons Tower such a lingering ghost? Are your words just empty promises? Venerable Lord Frost replied, equally enraged, "What do you mean we''re lingering ghosts? Who are you to say our words are empty promises? Watch what you say!" Yun Yang got even angrier. "If you aren''t lingering ghosts, then why are you all blocking my way? If your words aren''t empty, why attack me with the intention to kill me? The agreement we had is still fresh in my mind and even though you''re the one who attacked first, you have the temerity to complain that I should watch my words?" Venerable Lord Frost froze, and after a long pause he replied, "How could I have known that it was you?" "Huh? You didn''t even know it was me? Did you attack even before you saw your target clearly? Who are you kidding?" Yun Yang asked rhetorically. Before Venerable Lord Frost could reply, Yun Yang continued, "Forget it. I''m a busy person and I have no time to argue with you. Now that you know that it''s me traveling along this path, give way! Or are your promises truly empty?" "This Venerable Lord cannot let you go past, no, not even for you!" Venerable Lord Frost replied. Yun Yang was infuriated, "Are you going back on your words now? The Four Venerable Lords are really just a bunch of liars! So tell me, what do you want to do this young master? Your ability exceeds mine; in the end, I''ll have to submit to you anyway. Venerable Lord Frost looked ashamed of himself as he muttered excuses under his breath, "I didn''t say I wanted to do anything to you, I just can''t let you pass. This isn''t what I can decide and we aren''t intentionally violating the agreement. It''s just how it is!" Yun Yang scoffed with barely suppressed rage and replied in a low voice, "Venerable Lord Frost, we''ve met once anyhow, haven''t we? It was I who saved Venerable Lord Sword''s life and in return, we had an agreement between us. Yet now you violate the agreement and are blocking my way, you have to at least explain to me what''s going on?" Venerable Lord Frost answered in an equally chilling voice, " We''re sealing this path in obedience to an order. Any living person who''s going northeast along this route must be blocked! No exceptions! Trespassers shall die, but because you haven''t, be content that it''s due to the fate we shared that day!" Yun Yang sighed helplessly, "Alright, alright, you people from the Four Seasons Tower have always been so unreasonable. Sealing the path as you like and saying that you''re giving me face despite blocking my way! But I want to ask you something, does Great Venerable Lord Frost remember the conditions upon which the Four Seasons Tower made your promise to me? Does it still count?" "Of course I remember and naturally it does. Otherwise, you would be a dead man by now!" replied Venerable Lord Frost loudly. "Well, I''m glad to know it still counts! I remember one of the conditions being that we would stay out of each other''s business, moreover, that the Four Seasons Tower cannot find fault with me first. Isn''t there a condition like this?" Yun Yang questioned in rage. Venerable Lord Frost chuckled and replied, "There is, but that last condition does not apply to us, in this case. The Four Seasons Tower are not the ones who found fault with you because it''s you who instigated trouble first!" Yun Yang responded furiously, "Preposterous! Are you going to spout nonsense endlessly? I''m going to assist the east line and I have a royal decree with me, I can''t afford any delays! Blocking my route here is obviously being done in an attempt to see my nation ruined. Yet you have the audacity to say that I''m taking advantage of you by finding fault? Ridiculous. How can you possibly have a clear conscience while speaking such lies without a single stutter?" Although Venerable Lord Frost knew that he was in the wrong, he remained resolute, "No matter what you say, I can''t let you pass. It''s already pushing the limit that I have let you live." Yun Yang replied like he wanted to vomit blood, "Very well. Though truth be told, I know who you fellows are really waiting for to pass by here and I also know what your real intentions are! But what does that have to do with me? What use is it stopping me in my journey? I think you''re just intentionally finding fault with me, aren''t you?" "You know who we''re waiting for?" Venerable Lord Frost snorted in disbelief. Yun Yang exploded, "Don''t try to deny it! The whole world knows you are waiting here to block Supreme Wind! Why pretend otherwise when the truth is so painfully obvious." Venerable Lord Frost scoffed but said nothing more, obviously aware that the issue at hand was too sensitive to be talked about at length. What Yun Yang had accused them of was indeed fact; it was just that they had killed all the people they met earlier and they didn''t have room to think about anything else. ''Let''s reimagine this situation, say instead of me, it''s someone you don''t know traveling down this path. You stop him, kill him, then that''s his misfortune. But don''t you know who I am? I am Yun Yang, I''m the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds'' young master! Do I look like Supreme Wind to you? I''m neither planning to spoil your plans nor did I ever provoke you fellows, especially considering we have a unique relationship. However, you fellows still want to do all this to me; isn''t that just horrendous?" "Let me just ask you one question; am I Lord Supreme Wind? Am I the target you''re ambushing?" Yun Yang was beginning to feel weary trying to persuade them to see his point of view. Venerable Lord Frost rolled his eyes and said resentfully, "Your words are the ones which are truly empty like the wind." Yun Yang continued exasperatedly, "Just answer my question, am I Supreme Wind?!Tell me!" Venerable Lord Frost looked impatient. "Of course you''re not Supreme Wind, or else how could you have been allowed to stay alive this long? I would have killed you long ago!" 480 Derided. Pass Through. Yun Yang spread his arms in exasperation and asked, "So are you sure that I''m not Lord Supreme Wind?" "Very sure!" "Well, since you''re sure of it, then let me pass through!" Yun Yang looked like he was about to cry with exasperation. "We''re already familiar with each other, so let''s not make a fuss out of this!" Venerable Lord Frost scratched his head and contemplated this. He thought Yun Yang''s words seemed reasonable enough. They were indeed here for Supreme Wind and to ensure that no mistakes were made, they had felt it prudent to kill everyone who passed through because any one of them had the possibility of being Supreme Wind. However, Yun Yang was someone they knew. They were familiar with his background and were convinced that he was not Supreme Wind. Venerable Lord Frost thought to himself, "Was there really a need to block his way?" Yet the strict order they had received was that no living creature, be it human, dog, or an even an ant was allowed to go past this area! Anyone who wanted to cross the land by force, whoever it might be, was to be killed without trial! Even though Yun Yang was not Supreme Wind and was someone they were familiar with, he was still within the confines of the restraining order prevent people from crossing this place! Venerable Lord Frost continued to ponder, "Should I allow Yun Yang to go or not?" Venerable Lord Frost couldn''t make a final decision on the spot. His hesitation was palpable as he continued to consider the situation at hand. "This is an urgent military matter!" Yun Yang broke the prolonged silence with an anxious cry. "Venerable Lord Frost, I humbly ask for your permission. When all of you are in Tiantang City, I''ll buy all of you wine in exchange for the mercy you can show me today!" Venerable Lord Frost rolled his eyes at Yun Yang''s words and muttered to himself, "Who wants your wine? How can you have the gall to say it?" But Yun Yang heard him and spoke up in anger. "How can you have the gall to block my way? You know very well that I''m not your target but here you are, delaying me from reaching my destination. You C you you, are you going to make me vomit blood before you can let me go? How can you, a man of the Four Seasons Tower, be so shameless! Should this be the demeanor of Four Seasons Tower who triumphs in the world?" Yun Yang''s face was etched with despair. He felt as if he was about to die from the sheer frustration in this situation. To any casual observer watching, it would have seemed as if Venerable Lord Frost had done something unspeakably cruel to him! Venerable Lord Frost hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Fine, wait here for a while. I''ll ask Sword to come talk to you. He will have the final say in this matter." "No need to wait," a cold voice rang out nearby, the voice was like that of a metal blade being unsheathed from its scabbard, "We''re here." As if summoned by the mere mention of his name, Venerable Lord Sword appeared. Venerable Lord Sword looked much thinner than when they had met previously in Tiantang City; he also looked more sullen. He gazed towards Yun Yang with open hostility. His hostility was not without reason. Venerable Lord Sword has previously been poisoned with Yun Yang''s blood-freezing poison and was thus rendered slightly handicapped. Any man who had to endure that would certainly turn hostile towards the one responsible. Right beside Venerable Lord Sword, was Venerable Lord Snow, Venerable Lord Ice, and five or six people whom Yun Yang did not recognize. They looked rather intimidating with their mighty cultivation base, all of them undoubtedly the Four Seasons Tower''s top experts. "Venerable Lord Sword has come too! I feel so honored!" Yun Yang said in a huff, "The Four Seasons Tower doesn''t care for relationships and promises, how can it stand in the martial world? Venerable Lord Frost can be forgiven but you, Venerable Lord Sword, are someone whom I have saved! The past is still fresh in my mind yet now you''re turning back on your words. This is revolting!" Upon hearing Yun Yang''s accusatory words, Venerable Lord Sword replied with barely concealed anger. "What do you mean saved me? If it weren''t for your poison, would I be in this injured state? Would I be handicapped? Would I feel as if I could barely even lift my own head?!" "Rubbish!" Yun Yang exclaimed. Venerable Lord Sword scoffed coldly, "Yun Yang, this is not Tiantang City. We have indeed agreed not to trouble you whilst within the confines of Tiantang City, but out here, you are not within the boundaries of that agreement!" Yun Yang replied mockingly, "Very well, very well! Shameless people indeed! Playing word games with me? Venerable Lord Sword, you shouldn''t be dwelling in the martial world, you should be an official in the imperial court! Who knows whether your words are genuine or not! I must say,the fact that you can stand there and spew such shameless words so righteously impresses even me. Oh, how I am impressed by your sheer hypocrisy!" Venerable Lord Sword responded coldly, "Yun Yang, do you think anything is preventing my sword from cutting you down? Considering how filthy your mouth has become, we all know it is always the unscrupulous one who provokes first; therefore the instigator in this situation is you!" Yun Yang mocked him, "What does it matter to me whether your sword can kill a person or a dog! I only ask for one thing, one question from you four! This path today, are you letting me through it or not? Speak!" Venerable Lord Ice spoke for the first time, in a chilly voice, "What difference does it make if we let you through or not. So what?" Yun Yang snorted, "So what? If you let me through, I''ll reach my destination on time and do what I need to. But considering all the delay you''ve been causing me, I could be building a house here. On the other hand, if you don''t let me through, this young master won''t say much; I''ll just turn back and take a longer detour, it''s just a slight waste of time; not a big issue at all!" "There must clearly be more to it than that," said Venerable Lord Ice in a calculated manner. Yun Yang gritted his teeth, "Of course there is! Since you fellows have started it, I''ll have to go on with the game! Of course, I''d be spreading the word for you fellows about how the Four Seasons Tower treasures their promise and how credible they are to everyone I see! I would tell about how you make promises to someone but fail to acknowledge it. The world''s top organization indeed! Mr. Nian''s organization it is, I''m only promoting it for all of you! I''m the best at doing this, I''d surely advertise your name day and night and make all of you renowned in a day! I''m very confident too, with my experience, I can be very persuasive. Venerable Lord Ice yelled, "You, my child, have a sharp tongue!" But Yun Yang was not intimidated, "You Venerable Lords can renege on the promise you vowed to heaven, but I cannot speak? Oh yes, because I alone am not credible enough, am I right? Surely, not many will believe me even if I speak the truth. Considering that, maybe I''ll go back and let His Majesty publicize it for you; I think such credibility should suffice then, don''t you?" The men beside the Venerable Lords were also Four Seasons Tower experts and were utterly perplexed by the conversation. "What agreement did you make that it can be used as a point of ridicule against you by this boy?" they asked. Venerable Lord Frost''s face twitched slightly as he narrated in a low voice what had happened prior to this between them and Yun Yang; the men shut their mouth simultaneously then. The martial world emphasized that spoken words, in this case, the word of mouth, was the most basic principle; what was more, the promise agreed that day was a vow witnessed by heaven. In spite of the agreement, how would they explain to their lord if they let Yun Yang pass? The situation was at a standstill. Yun Yang waited in silence for a few short moments before he snorted suddenly and turned to leave. "Never mind, forget it. Block the way all you want, I''ll take a detour. Your shamelessness is unrivaled. Today I''ve witnessed Four Seasons Tower''s great sense of grace, how credible indeed!" He called out mockingly as he turned to leave. "Wait!" Venerable Lord Sword called out coldly, "you may only pass through on one condition." Yun Yang turned back. "What condition? Say it quickly, this young master is busy. I have no time to linger around any longer!" "The matters of the martial world are solved physically in this world. If you can beat me in sword combat, I''ll let you pass. Venerable Lord Sword stepped out, drawing his sword. Yun Yang guffawed heartily after hearing his suggestion and it took a while for him to recompose himself before replying. "Venerable Lord Sword, what a lackluster call this is! Why not call Mr. Nian too? Then gather your Four Seasons Tower experts as well. I''ll duel against all of you and if I beat everyone, then I''ll go through. Isn''t this better?" The Four Seasons Tower experts were flustered at Yun Yang''s reply, they didn''t know what to say. "Venerable Lord Sword, my dear expert senior, can you be more shameless?" Yun Yang spat and gave him a crafty look, "Venerable Lord Sword, you''re a famous top notch fighter yet here you are, righteously asking for a duel with me, a mere eighteen-and-a-half-year-old! How heroic you are, how gracious you are! I can pass through if I win, what generous and fair play!" Venerable Lord Sword''s pale face flushed red in embarrassment upon hearing his words. Yun Yang''s tongue was as sharp as a knife, his words digging deep into their hearts! "If I can win against you, Venerable Lord Sword, I''d have just fight my way over! Do I even have to talk so much?" Yun Yang critiqued them relentlessly, "Alright. You fellows aren''t giving way, right? I asked you again but you''re still not letting me pass, right? Fine, I''ll leave! I''ll leave right now, goodbye all of you!" This time Yun Yang really did turn and began to leave. With a whistle, Reddie came galloping towards him from afar. Yun Yang hopped onto the horse while mumbling to himself, "What top-notch experts of a top organization! They know me but they still want to put me through unnecessary trouble, not even the least bit shameful of themselves. But what am I wasting my breath for, I''m not going along with this nonsense any longer. Let''s go!" "Halt!" Venerable Lord Snow frowned at Yun Yang for a long time. Finally, with a wave of his hands, he said, "Young Master Yun, you don''t have to drag everyone into your condemnation. We shall let you pass! But from now own, we don''t owe each other anything!" 481 Die, Should You Be In My Way! Yun Yang snorted in defiance, "What are you saying? I say that what we agreed on will stay as it is! On what basis are you assuming that we don''t owe each other anything if you let me pass through! I won''t agree to it anyway, anyone with half a brain wouldn''t agree to it; I can''t decide if you fellows are too smart or too stupid for your own good to even suggest something this ridiculous. If all of you want to suffer from heaven''s punishment, then go ahead with your ''don''t owe each other anything''. Let us see what destiny says about it. As the saying goes, good and evil are always in rotation; who has heaven forgiven? Considering that you men from the Four Seasons Tower are so tyrannical, maybe the gods won''t dare to punish you guys. Why don''t all of you give it a try?" The Four Venerable Lords were feeling increasingly uncomfortable. The order they received was that no person could pass through this way; any and all trespassers were to be killed. It was already a show of great mercy that they had not already killed him, what more, were even allowing him to pass! Yet this child was still persistent in demanding free passage without a shred of gratefulness for what they were prepared to offer him. In spite of this, the Four Venerable Lords could do nothing against him. They had indeed made a promise back then with Yun Yang and although they wanted to bring an end to the agreement, it did not matter because the other party refused to agree to the terms. Yun Yang had his reasons and also his right to the freedom of choice; both of which could not forcibly be taken away from him. Yun Yang broke the thick silence, "I''m being reasonable, am I not? Even if you fellows let me pass through, you fellows still owe me!" Upon receiving no reply, he yelled "Goodbye!" Yun Yang mounted his horse, mumbling to himself and looking indignant. With a blow of his whistle, the horse galloped away. The rapid sound of the clip-clop of its hooves faded away quickly as it sped towards the direction of the Fortress of Resilience. The men from the Four Seasons Tower exchanged exasperated looks, feeling like they were on the edge of exploding in anger at what had just happened. Those few experts who had not been at Tiantang City were glaring especially hard at the Four Venerable Lords. "Four Venerable Lords, what is going on today? Could this be any more absurd?" one of them demanded. "Being ridiculed for no reason together with all of you... what''s worse is that we can''t even say anything," one of them exclaimed. "This is certainly new for us!" another added sarcastically. "To add to that, why did you fellows even make a vow with Yun Yang in the first place? Don''t you have better things to do than make random promises to people?" "I feel so wronged today; my dignity is in jeopardy. This little child who''s not even fully grown has been toying with us and that makes me mad!" another shouted out in anger. Another one added more fuel to the flames, "This is the first time in my life I had to force myself to be so docile, all because of a young junior." The group loudly expressed their discontent, utterly vexed about what had happened. "You fellows have no idea," Venerable Lord Snow began. He heaved a long sigh, "Things happen for a reason; it was an emergency back then, a situation of life and death; we had no choice but to compromise. If not for the fact that one of our brother''s life was on the line, why else would we have done this? Do you think we''re happy about what''s happened today?!" he snapped back at them. Venerable Lord Frost said huffily, "This child is really audacious. He''s from a noble family, a royal descendant, but he likes holding a handle against people. He talks about your promise, talks about our reputation, and refuses to give in at all. It''s just bad luck that we had to meet such a character." Venerable Lord Ice continued from this brother in a cold voice, "It looks like your information about this child is incomplete. It''s true that he comes from a noble family and is an aristocrat but he also has a famous nickname C the head of Tiantang City''s top three popinjays. What a fitting name! He displays the mannerisms of a popinjay. I''m afraid we won''t be able to avoid a similar situation if we ever meet Yun Yang again!" The few others looked surprised as they commented, "Do you mean to say that if we, the Four Seasons Tower, were to meet him again, we''ll have to run in the other direction? Or face being blackmailed by him?" Venerable Lord Frost and Venerable Lord Snow both sighed with resignation. The group was speechless. "What on earth? Even Ling Xiaozui, would never have enjoyed such gracious treatment." Yun Yang hastened along his journey, marveling at his good luck on finally making it through that obstacle. The joy, however, was short-lived because his heart was also filled with an ever-growing sense of anxiety. He wished in his heart, "Fortress of Resilience, Old Marshal Qiu, Fu Baoguo, all of you must persevere!" "Fu Baoguo, you''ve sworn to share life and death with the Fortress of Resilience; you have to keep to your oath. It''s what you''ve promised me, you can''t break it!" Yung Yang said to himself. Reddie and Yun Yang sped forward as if they were one. Their sheer speed made it seem like a bolt of red lightning was cutting right through the forest, regardless of the terrain of the land, be it planes or cliffs. A single gallop spanned a hundred feed and some passersby who happened to come across their path would only need to blink their eyes and the horse and rider would seem as if they were already far away; they were here one moment, and gone the next. Reddie unleashed all of its strength and speed to achieve the highest potential of galloping forward; even exceeding the time when it had contended as the king of horses. In fact, as both rider and horse became as one, it was almost as if Reddie could feel Yun Yang''s distress, further spurring it on towards their destination as fast as it could. In spite of their speed, the premonition that Yun Yang felt did not lessen. It lingered in his mind, refusing to be washed away. As they approached, Yun Yang''s eyes spotted cavalry and smoke, while his ears heard the cacophonous clashing of weapons. With the mountain pass turning just up ahead, the location that Yun Yang most dreaded would be soon before them C Tianxuan Cliff! Though he had braced himself , Yun Yang''s eyes went wide when he saw the place before him, and he recoiled from the sight with a violent jerk, almost falling off his horse in the process. Far ahead, the entire area was filled with rising smoke, like dark ominous clouds gathering in the sky before a storm. Yun Yang, who was himself a veteran on the battlefield, could easily discern at first glance that such a thick engulfing of smoke was possible only when a fort has been subjugated by outside forces. It was a harsh black smoke that told tales of destruction and burning without partiality. Such a phenomenon had always been considered an ominous sign, that signaled an impending extreme situation. Another thirty miles later, loud battle cries could gradually be heard. Yun Yang lowered his body closer to the horse and urged his steed to go even faster, dashing out of the mountain pass like a whirlwind. What greeted his eyes on the other side was a catastrophic massacre, where crimson blood covered everything within his sight. The area in front of him was a plane thousands of miles in perimeter, but the enemy and friendly ships were already killed in a tangled chaos. Everywhere his glance rested upon were people, horses, and blood. Looking at the state of the warfare around him, Yun Yang couldn''t help but gasp sharply as shock racked through his body. Yutang was constantly facing wars as its border was always threatened by the enemy; battles had been a legacy of the empire for too long. Since Nine Supremes descended in Yutang, they had also suffered through one too many a battle. Even when Yun Yang was a young boy, he was also a veteran of the battlefield. That said, it was the first time in his life that he had witnessed such a large scale of devastation. It was a battle of millions C almost two million people; how could it be ordinary? The saying was that once the crowd grew to ten thousand, they were borderless; what more if it had gone up to a hundred thousand and then a million. Standing at the top of the mountain and overlooking the war scene below, he couldn''t see the end of the battle! All he could see was the silhouettes of people growing smaller and fading into a blur, yet the battle still raged on, as violent as if it was nearby. The war could only be described in one word Cextreme! It was by far the most extreme battle of the century! If there was to be another description, it would have been "This is the ultimate battle! The final one! Yun Yang cried out to himself. Thinking about it, Yun Yang''s heart clenched as he hastened his steed to charge towards the battle. It was not that he had forgotten about losing his manifestation powers or that his mystical cultivation base had yet to recover entirely, but the current state of war did not grant him the luxury of hesitation. As a part of the Empire of Yutang, he could only dive headfirst into the battlefield; resolutely and without regrets! Yun Yang could see clearly that the side having an advantage on the land was Dongxuan''s troop, led by Han Sanhe. The ones scrambling to form a defensive line and hold it with all their might were Yutang''s army who would rather die in battle than to draw back and retreat. This moment had reached a truly critical juncture. Yun Yang''s warhorse whirred like a gale of wind. Upon stepping into the battlefield, they heard a deafening roar coming from the battle formation ahead; it was brimming with unparalleled anger. Yun Yang, who heard the roar, felt vertigo striking his body. For a moment, stars swirled in his vision as he fell off the horse with a thud and rolled dozens of times away; it was an embarrassing position to be in. The only explanation for the force of this roar was that it came from the countless soldiers all shouting "Kill all Dongxuan crooks, revenge for the Old Marshal!" Old Marshal! Qiu Jianhan? Yun Yang''s mind was in a state of utter chaos when he heard the approaching army. There had always only been one person in the Empire of Yutang whom people could call ''Old Marshal'' C and that was only Qiu Jianhan! No one else! "What happened to the Old Marshal?" He wondered to himself. Yun Yang, upon hearing the grim news, was petrified, feeling as if his soul had left his body. He staggered twice, and then walked a few feet forward, before finally regaining clarity. If he had already entered the battlefield, the frozen stupor he was in could have gotten him killed dozens of times over! In spite of the initial traumatic shock, there was still a sliver of hope in Yun Yang. He mounted his horse and catapulted himself towards the army recklessly. There was only one thought in his mind, to speed over to the base on the other end and figure things out with hopes that the Old Marshal was fortunate enough to have survived through this calamity. Although Emmie was lost, there was still a huge chance to save the Old Marshal with his Endless Divine Art. Yun Yang was honestly reluctant to lose another elder who loved him as their own; he could not bear another parting from life to death. "Give way!" Yun Yang had just entered the battleground and activated his heaven realm cultivation base at once. Anyone who was near him was either flung away, suffering internal injuries or in some more severe cases, flung to death on the spot. The King of Horses, Reddie, sensed Yun Yang''s distress as well. Its already immensely swift speed escalated into an even faster sprint. The man and horse were like a mini fortress, forcing their way forward. For a few moments, no one could actually stop them. Yun Yang made more than five thousand feet of progress in an instant and then he caught sight of Fu Baoguo''s figure on the other end. This Yutang marshal who went way back with Yun Yang was standing on the wooden platform of the flagpole, yelling and hollering with all his might to command the war while blocking a shower of arrows with a sword in his hand. There was someone else standing beside him. Yun Yang managed to catch a glimpse the person briefly. It was Fang Mofei, wielding his sword in a flurry of sparks to protect Fu Baoguo while simultaneously sending out accurate orders to the troops. Fu Baoguo seemed to be a little insane, commanding the battle while standing at such an obvious spot. It was as if he were seeking death itself! If it were not for Fang Mofei who was defending him, he would already have become a human porcupine. However, Yun Yang could no longer care about Fu Baoguo''s current state. After he had dropped himself into the battleground, he had to change his strategy; he could not charge forward into battle by merely relying on his mystical Qi cultivation base. He was unstoppable when he did so, but the strain on his body was so intense that it would be disadvantageous to himself. As Yun Yang charged into the army, he suddenly stretched out his arm and snatched a long saber from a Dongxuan general. With a swift wave of the saber, a dozen Dongxuan soldiers around him collapsed in unison. Actually, Yun Yang had wanted to use weapons since the very beginning. If he was supplemented with the Divine Edge, he could have massacred them easily and cause more casualties to the enemy. However, the Divine Edge followed Emmie; their whereabouts were currently unknown! Reddie continued galloping, charging towards the front incredibly fast. Farther away, a squad on the other end was besieged by a massive troop of Dongxuan soldiers. The former was killing their way out like a tiger going berserk but they could hardly break through Dongxuan''s secure siege. Dongxuan''s army was surrounding the squad from all directions, wanting to swallow Yutang''s soldiers with all their might, while Yutang''s cavalry was charging over the area in a frenzy but they were forcefully blocked by Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry. If the earlier state of war had been crushing, the devastation going on right now had just pushed it up by two notches. "Save the Old Marshal!" "Revenge for the Old Marshal!" "Charge!" Fu Baoguo''s cry sounded like a thunderbolt, "Charge over! Charge over! Pick up the Old Marshal!" Yun Yang was glad when he heard the command, knowing that at that moment, the Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was still alive. Everything was not too late. It must not be, he had to wait for him to rush there! Subconsciously, Yun Yang had at least thirty percent of his attention paid towards the area where the squad was being besieged. He was a faint, white silhouette, twirling at high speed. Everywhere he passed, Dongxuan''s troop fell in batches and waves. Where his form flashed, blood splattered outwards. The space that was just cleared from his massacre was instantly filled up again by Dongxuan''s army. That white silhouette was Bai Yixue, Bai Yixue who was already one of the world''s pinnacle forces! Obviously, the old marshal was still surviving because of Bai Yixue''s protection. If he was without such a strong assistant, the Old Marshal would have succumbed to defeat long ago. No matter how unsurpassable Bai Yixue was, how unstoppable he was in the battlefield, and how he could take a thousand armies on his own, he was still unable to bring the Old Marshal out safely. Yun Yang yelled out when he saw the situation, "Bai Yi!" Bai Yixue was already battling for a long time now and was strained to his limit. If his mystical Qi was exhausted to the brim, his death fate would still be sealed no matter how mighty his cultivation base was. When he heard his name being called out, he perked up promptly and shouted back, "I''m here!" His sword light, that was beginning to look dull, suddenly exploded in radiance and soared up into the sky. As rays of energy fell from the sky, it killed all the enemies within a hundred feet perimeter directly. However, the glorious feat failed to intimidate the enemy as they were drowned by the incoming soldiers in just a moment. However, the small gap was more than enough for Yun Yang to determine his advancing direction as he wielded the long saber in his hands menacingly and roared once again, "Die, should you be in my way!" His legs kicked at the horse''s stomach; Reddie neighed, charging out like a striking red beam. Before the red beam, there was also the saber energy that turned into a chilling glint. The man and horse complemented each other in their power, reaching the Steel Cavalry''s vanguard formation in just an instant. The Steel Cavalry was in a vicious slaughter against the Shadow Cavalry but all of a sudden, they heard the horn blow from the back, it was an order for them to give way. Before the cavalry could be clear of the situation and actually execute the command, they heard a loud growl first, "Brothers in front, give way!" The growl was laced with an authority that those who heard him could not help tilting themselves and reining their horses aside. Almost at the same time, a long neigh of a warhorse was heard. It was unimaginably sonorous and clear. A red silhouette then swept past them in a swoosh, charging out of the Steel Cavalry''s formation and into the Shadow Cavalry''s base on the opposite. Then, a collision was heard, but what was witnessed was the Shadow Cavalry in an utter mess, as beams of blood spurted like pillars and heads rolled all around the ground like a flipped cart of watermelons. It was no more than a snap of the fingers, but the Shadow Cavalry had already killed several hundred people. A bloody lane was freshly formed from the bodies of perished soldiers. On both sides of the lane, the Shadow Cavalry was in shock, looking at their hands in disbelief. Their sabers, spears, and whatever weapons they had initially were no longer in their grasp; they did not know where they went. The only feeling they had was their hands being nudged and their weapons were gone before they could see where they had gone to. What was left was only their bloodied pair of hands! 482 One Against a Thousand! Yutang''s Steel Cavalry was surprised, delightfully so, as they witnessed the bloody lane that stretched such a long way forward. The red horse was charging, while the purple-robed silhouette was invincible! Everywhere they passed, rows of heads flew into the air, rolling and dripping with crimson blood. Not a single person among the hundreds and thousands of Shadow Cavalry soldiers, locked into a supposedly unbreakable defense line, were able to stop the man and his horse from massacring them in the blink of an eye. The other party was like an incredibly sharp saber while the Shadow Cavalry was like a piece of soft butter which a knife could slice through without a shred of resistance. It was as if the carefree slice could cut from one end to another! The leader of the Shadow Cavalry who had witnessed the scene could not help sucking in a cold breath, feeling the chill rise from the bottom of his heart and travel through his entire system. It was like an icy blade had sliced across his own neck. He asked in a barely collected manner, "Who is this person whose presence wields such power in this world? The group was speechless as they looked at each other. No one could answer their leader. Even the most knowledgeable person or perhaps one with the best memory could not have connected this unstoppable warrior with even the barest hint of familiarity. Moreover, this person''s image was never seen before in public! The only recognition the Shadow Cavalry had was that of a purple silhouette mounted upon a flashing red steed. They only saw the blink of saber light and in the next instant, their comrades succumbing in waves. They only saw the departure of the culprit at the moment of his massacre. They could not even see his face clearly! "The person seems very young" one of them observed faintly. A Shadow Cavalry head had the corners of his lips twitching, his hands empty and bleeding. He felt like he was knocking on death''s door. He, who had always been bold and never regarded death to be an issue, was now a mess of listless limbs. He was fortunate enough to be at the edges of the breach just now, flung away right after the saber was passed. Although he felt as if he had been struck by lightning, at the very least, he was alive. If he had been but a little closer to the attacker just now, he who had lived for some thirty years would have been nothing more than a battered body on the ground. Although he had always claimed that he never cared about issues of life and death, he now realized that at the very juncture of it all, he was still very much fearful. This was how the world worked. Everyone is afraid of death in one way or another. The only difference was whether or not their death was filled with resentment and regrets or in peace! "Very young" The leader of the Shadow Cavalry frowned. "A formidable cultivator who is very young? Who could that be?" Yun Yang charged through the battlefield like a loose firecracker. He did not even stop to consider if his energy and mystical Qi could sustain his exhaustion. All unnecessary things were forced out of his mind as he wholeheartedly bolted to the front. The only essential thoughts that he focused on were; "How is Old Marshal Qiu?" "Is he still alive?" It was at this moment that dozens of sword light came from the other end across the sky. Yun Yang could feel the chilling intent of the sword energy. Simultaneously, there were hundreds of people who were dashing over from every direction. "Expert!" Yun Yang realized with a start, that although the Old Marshal obviously had Bai Yixue, a pinnacle force of in this world, to guard him, they still could not break out of the encirclement and were even in immediate danger C obviously, Dongxuan had assembled a large group of experts too! Even though the army''s combat power was not up to par, the swarming strategy could still crush them. This was an absolute ace in the hole technique used on the battlefield. There were about seven hundred people or more who were deployed to stop Yun Yang while Bai Yixue was still being swarmed by a dense crowd. Expertly eyeballing the situation, it could be estimated that there were at least a few thousand people crying out for their blood. Bai Yixue was slashing out madly; his sword spiraled like a dragon gone berserk. Though people were constantly being injured by his sword or even dismembered, there was an abundance of men who took the place of their fallen comrades. They were slowing down Bai Yixue as best as they could. There was someone else who was moving forward alongside Bai Yixue. This person was tall and chic, his mannerism aristocratic; he had a square face with thick eyebrows and a lean physique. Even though he was in such an extremely aggressive battle, his actions and swordsmanship were accompanied by a calm and collected sense of ease. It was Yun Yang''s convenient father C Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Yun Xiaoyao! As both the men worked together, their swords formed an almost solid light curtain. This radiant curtain was the vanguard, charging outwards amidst the flood of the army; anyone who came in contact with the barrier had their limbs severed while the more unfortunate soldiers were shattered completely, dying from being physically crushed by the barrier. Behind the duo on the side were the four noble young masters from the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and the Winter Family. These four young masters were wearing military uniforms while currently wielding their swords and sabers with focused intent, following after both of the great swordsmen before them. However, the ones who were exerting more energy than they were, of course, their team of guards; they were already huffing and puffing, exhausted to the point that even moving another step was challenging. Seeing the purple silhouette, the four fellows were exhilarated. Despite not catching a clear glimpse of the person, they cheered loudly in unison, "Boss! Oh, boss Help! Ahhh" Before their cries even echoed in the air, they were scolded by a more delicate voice, "What are you idiots crying out about?! How embarrassing! Calling out for like this, are you''re even from the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter families!" The four young masters were rendered speechless and looked utterly victimized. Since they were forced to enlist, they had struggled on the brink of life and death every day. They had enough of such days; they even had to apply for leave even just to perform their ablutions. Was this how a person should live? Why can''t I cry out for help now, as I''m on the brink of death! Why can''t I? However, just by looking at Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan''s deploring gazes, no one actually dared to pose the question aloud. On the other side of them was Shangguan Lingxiu, Ji Lingxi, Yue Rulan, and their group. The three ladies led the Shangguan Family of Generals'' experts and formidable generals to fight the enemy with all they could muster. Now that they saw the purple silhouette coming through the enemies from afar, the ladies'' eyes shone. Shangguan Lingxiu''s clear voice rang through the sky. "Young Master Yun! Old Marshal is here! Come quick!" Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi could not help but roll their eyes in spite of the tense situation that they were in. Hmph, what an intimate cry! Rolling their eyes as they watched the purple-robed figure bolt over, they gritted their teeth C this b*stard is actually appearing at this time. You''ll be accounted for what you''ve done to us after we charge out of here! In the center were the Shangguan Family''s personal force and thousands of men from the Steel Cavalry. They were in an orderly formation led by the Steel Cavalry''s main general, Wang Dingguo; these people looked anguished, carrying a wide variety of wounds. All of them were so heavily drenched in blood that there was no other color visible on them. There was only crimson from their blood, their comrades'' blood, and their enemies'' blood! Before Yun Yang came, he had never expected this place to have gathered so many familiar faces! No C it was more appropriate to say that eighty to ninety percent of those he was familiar with on the east defense was here; upon realizing this, Yun Yang''s heart grew heavier. The top tier forces of their side were already reaching a terrifying height in terms of the ordinary humanly realm. Besides Yun Yang, there were Bai Yixue, Fang Mofei, and Yun Xiaoyao C all three of them were experts of the heaven realm. There were also the four noble young masters who had benefitted greatly from Yun Yang''s spiritual medicine and their guards whose cultivation bases were also exceptional. While Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan''s cultivation base were yet to reach the heaven realm, they were close to the Tenth Perfection of the peak realm, thus making them both formidable opponents as well. Even though Shangguan Lingxiu and Shangguan Family''s personal forces were slightly weaker in their cultivation base, they were still efficient killing machines who had been through hundreds of wars; they did not lack in the slightest when it came to attacking prowess. There were even unmatched marshals like Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo who formed the pillars of support in this war. The combination of forces was not weak in the slightest; it was extremely and incredibly formidable! However, the current situation seemed to render the ensemble of mighty giants almost inconsequential. It was beyond imagination how rich and resourceful Han Sanhe''s forces were! It was not achievable by solely having more manpower but also by having martial world experts from schools and families who were more obscure. Together, they were terrifying in number. Yun Yang focused his vision once more to see that in the center of Yutang''s siege breaking squad, everyone was giving their lives to guard a black horse carriage. This small horse carriage was unusually striking, swaying amidst the currents of the enemy like a boat that could capsize any moment in the middle of a raging sea, floating and drifting, lost in the endless waves. Dongxuan''s troops that were around the horse carriage were absolutely crazy! They were like wolves who had just met fresh meat, charging forward without a single care. Despite knowing that they would face the sharp blades of the experts, they remained fearless in the face of death. When one batch died, another batch came in, replacing them immediately; their numbers and their level of frenzy only growing with every new batch of fighters. Furthermore, arrows came flying from all around, aimed directly at the horse carriage. Wherever the carriage went the sky above it would be engulfed by a storm of arrows. They were dense and endless and despite being just arrows, they gave the feeling of a surging river! It was easily seen how crazy and dense the attack of arrows was. Besides that, there were plenty of Dongxuan experts leveraging on the army''s cover by popping out randomly to cause a significant number of casualties. Almost every other passing moment saw dozens or hundreds of experts who attacked the black horse carriage simultaneously and severely. Provoking horns rang incessantly from Dongxuan''s base, a command to urge the soldiers to kill their enemy. In spite of facing such an insane attack, the urging command was given unceasingly, Han Sanhe was blatantly determined to seize the person in the horse carriage. Who was in the horse carriage? The question was answered not too long ago! Other than Qiu Jianhan, no one in this world could garner such attention from Han Sanhe. Old Marshal Qiu did not come out despite the aggravating situation. He was right in the carriage but if he had even the least bit of strength, he would not be as quiet as this. Countless Dongxuan soldiers and generals were hollering at the carriage with all their might. "Catch Qiu Jianhan alive! Millions of gold, acres of farm, noble titles for life!" "Behead Qiu Jianhan, millions of gold, noble titles for life!" "Those sacrificed in this battle, a pension will be given tenfold! Your children will be schooled to completion, the military will sponsor them! Three generations of yours will be exempted from tax, penalties, and military service!" "Seize Qiu Jianhan alive!" "Seize Qiu Jianhan alive!" 483 Suicide Attack. Hemp Gown. Dongxuan''s strategy was blatantly obvious but also terribly effective C even if lives had to be thrown away, at the very least, they had to bury Qiu Jianhan under their weight! There was no way that Qiu Jianhan would be allowed to survive. There were massive benefits, a great reputation, and an abundant pension at stake! As long as they died, sacrificed in this battle, their future generations would get to enjoy these endless benefits! Who would hold themselves back? What was more, the disciplinary squad was right behind them with their gleaming steel sabers! They could barely stay alive by advancing but there was a chance for them to contribute merits; even if they died, the massive benefits were worth it. On the other hand, if they hesitated and took even the slightest step back, they would be charged with treason; not only would their deaths be ignominious, their reputations would be spat on for eternity. Yun Yang locked his target down and howled again, "You shall die, should you stand in my way!" He was like a berserk tiger that threw itself into where the crowd was thickest. His long saber that was curved from repetitive hacks and chops, moved again, spraying droplets of blood in a crimson curvature amidst the crowd. Everywhere the saber passed, countless martial world experts were flung away with a gasp as they came into contact with the power; many of them practically blew apart in the air, dying in a quick and spectacular manner. Yun Yang and his horse advanced like a ship cleaving through water, cutting a clear path with blood trailing after them. Bodies were strewn everywhere, devoid of life, wherever he passed. The hundreds of thousands of army men and experts could not hinder his movement for even a blink of an eye. Yun Yang was a bolt of lightning, slicing through the sky towards Qiu Jianhan''s escorts. If Yun Yang had been distressed earlier, he was absolutely crazed now. He knew now that there were Old Marshal Qiu, Bai Yixue, the four popinjays, and the three ladies, Ji Lingxi, Yue Rulan, and Shangguan Lingxiu, as well as his father by name, Marquis of Heavenly Clouds Yun Xiaoyao. Not only did Yun Yang not want to lose Old Marshal Qiu, those named above were the closest people to him that he did not want to be torn apart from as well! He must not lose them! Never! Unfortunately, the enemy''s attacks were insane. The squad was nothing more than a small lifeboat amidst the raging ocean that could capsize anytime. Yun Yang''s combat power was over the limit; he was a god made for killing, descended from heaven and utterly unmatched! Zhan Ge, who was standing at a high point on the other end to command the war, had, of course, noticed the variable to the battle C one petrifying silhouette who was mowing down his army like lightning bolts. Zhan Ge was Han Sanhe''s prized disciple, the direct heir to the teacher''s teachings; naturally, he was well-versed about warfare and strategies. He immediately noticed the odd situation. He issued his orders immediately, "Suicide attack! Banzai charge! Target the purple-clothed man like how we did the white-clothed man!" There was a price to each head from Yutang''s eastern troop C Qiu Jianhan''s was, of course, the top of the rank with Fu Baoguo following closely behind. Bai Yixue''s head claimed the third spot. It had initially been because of what had previously happened with Bai Yixue. It was Bai Yixue who had orchestrated the countless ambushes and assassinations during Han Sanhe''s return trip; now that they met again, there was additional attention paid to him with an additional sense of murderous intent. However, when they actually encountered each other, Dongxuan''s ace cultivators were quick to report back that it was better not to provoke this person if it was possible. Bai Yixue''s capability far exceeded the ace experts'' knowledge, so ordinary war strategies were basically useless against him. They would only waste precious lives! Han Sanhe reevaluated Bai Yixue then. He even ordered his men to relent when they met this person. It was fine to let him go scot-free.After all, Bai Yixue was not Yutang''s military authority. The state of war would be unaffected by his state of being. In spite of this, Bai Yixue was never seen far away from Qiu Jianhan; he was like a shadow. To kill Qiu Jianhan, they had to put down Bai Yixue first. After another tormenting debate, they finally concluded that they still had to kill Bai Yixue, no matter how challenging it was to do so! Truthfully, if it were not for Bai Yixue''s pillaring force, Old Marshal Qiu''s remaining guardians would have collapsed and crumbled. Yet, it was also due to this point that Bai Yixue attracted more than half of Dongxuan''s top combat forces alone. He had killed plenty, but he was also greatly drained and could only work with Yun Xiaoyao to maintain the last defense line. That being said, Yun Yang''s current unexpected attack replaced Bai Yixue in capturing Zhan Ge''s attention. While Zhan Ge was a notable general on the battlefield, his knowledge regarding cultivation experts was limited; to place Yun Yang on the level of Bai Yixue, he would have had regarded Yun Yang too highly! Still, Yun Yang''s current aggressive aura was indeed much fiercer than that of Bai Yixue. At least, Bai Yixue was too far behind Young Master Yun. To be fair, It was meant to be Zhan Ge''s concern. He could not bear the appearance of another killing machine like Bai Yi nor could he allow the reunion between the newcomer and Qiu Jianhan''s guarding troop. He had to kill him before both sides met! "Beat the drum again. Put in more effort to end this battle quicker. I want to see Qiu Jianhan''s head!" Zhan Ge shouted with excitement written plainly on his face. He did not notice that not too far behind him, there was a flash of strange emotion across the face of Han Sanhe who was resting. It was as if he was sighing or perhaps lamenting. Following Zhan Ge''s order, the horns in Dongxuan''s base sounded simultaneous while the drums were beaten as well only after a sliver of a moment. The instruments were incessantly loud, as if they were to be played like that forever! At this very this moment, the warzone looked as if a giant beast that had been awakened by the sounds; its heart was beating fast, its blood burning from the dynamics of it all. Dongxuan''s army suddenly had red, bleary eyes. "Suicide attack! It''s a suicide attack again!" A Dongxuan general stood straight on the back of his galloping horse, howling into the sky with a majestically anguished voice. "Banzai charge! The Banzai charge is to be executed again?" Countless Dongxuan militants who were made known of this fact turned into berserk wild beasts; their most extreme primal savageness had erupted. Now, anything regarding avoidance, of death, glory whatever it had been was all erased by the drumbeats. The thunderous horn was playing the death''s call; perhaps, it was the god of death''s sonata! This had been the second time Dongxuan played the suicide tactic. It was the same annihilation method that stopped Bai Yixue''s zealous breakthrough previously, containing him within the worsening state now. Using it for the second time, they immediately shifted their sights to Yun Yang. Yun Yang began to feel the resistance in his advance. The Dongxuan army who stood in his way was pouncing at him, disregarding their very lives. They were no longer using weapons or strategies; they were using the purest form of a blockade on a battlefield. They were using their bodies, their horses, their very lives to collide and be an obstacle to the enemy. Such insanity omitted mortality, which was no longer sufficient to be described as only "disregarding life and death". As it was, there was already no thoughts about life and death in those soldiers; their only goal in mind was to block him, and that was all to it! The army on both sides of Yun Yang pushed towards the center with all their might. Those who were inside and standing further up front would be pressed into Yun Yang''s path directly by their many comrades who were charging over, even if they did not move themselves. What sort of vanguard on earth could resume their momentum with such an efficient blockade? It took only a snap of his fingers before everywhere around Yun Yang, left, right, front and back, were crowded and filled with frenzied people. Whatever direction it was, there were only heads where the end could not be seen. The extreme tactic could actually stop the troop that was guarding Qiu Jianhan as well;they can even be moved back a few thousand feet from where they made progress. Even when Bai Yixue was trying the best he could, he was still forced back step by step. One could sometimes be helpless. Even when he was unsurpassable in skills now, he could only sigh in futility while facing the swarming suicide attack. Yun Yang could finally understand Bai Yixue''s helplessness. His glaive waved and hacked, clearing his forward path bit by bit but it was filled again instantly without any room to move. The strategy of crowd-drowning had always been the ultimate tactic against a top-notch force; at the same time, it was the most effective one. Even if one were to be almighty enough to be able to kill a hundred people, a thousand or even ten thousand men, the opponent still had a hundred thousand and even a million people! For them to be killed passively, one would still be thoroughly expended that the saber could not even be picked up in the end. One would ultimately succumb to exhaustion. Furthermore, those in the battle now were consisted of many formidable experts. Even when their abilities were much weaker and they could not contend face to face, their combination of strength would still be substantially useful! The analogy was something like this C if one were to slice a piece of meat but encountered too many bones in the process, hard bones at that, one would need to spend a lot more energy. When it looked like Yun Yang was already drowned by the massive army, his saber was seen flying off his grip, twirling into a large shiny circular radiance that expanded. It severed the bodies of hundreds of people around him in the waist directly. The jam packed spot was cleared in an instance while simultaneously, Yun Yang''s right hand produced another shiny glaive. The toss and retrieve was done in a streamlined manner like a streaming river that met no obstruction. As the pressure around them disappeared, Reddie took the chance and charged. Its hind hooves kicked at two enemy heads and as the heads were crushed, Reddie who gained leverage hopped across hundreds of feet. As it landed, it repeated the trick and charge again, advancing another hundred of feet. When it landed the third time, it could no longer leap away but was sieged, securely surrounded by the enemy troop. Dongxuan''s current army was well-versed in battles. Faced with the unexpected change which allowed Reddie to succeed twice, it was impossible that they could remain so still! On the other end, Bai Yixue and squad exerted their remaining strength to kill the enemies and dash over when they saw Yun Yang''s strike; they wanted, obviously, to meet with Yun Yang and combine forces to break through this cutthroat situation. Both sides were rapidly approaching each other but at this delicate moment, silhouettes detached themselves from Dongxuan''s army. Dozens of people dressed in hemp garments suddenly appeared, holding strange looking single-handed hooks each; a shower of chilling gleams splattered across while the dozens of men worked together and formed an odd formation swiftly. It had only been a short moment but they had already put a stop to Bai Yixue his squad''s attacking momentum. 484 Just You Wait! While Bai Yixue and the rest were exhausted from the prolonged battle and could only unleash half of their peak combat strength, it was sufficient evidence that the hemp-gowned figures wielded an intimidating amount of their own combat power as well. It must be reiterated that Bai Yixue and Marquis Yun were both experts of heaven realm and despite their incompetent combat power, it was still far above that of an ordinary Tenth Perfection cultivator of the heaven realm. Bai Yixue gathered together whatever was left in him once more to strike out against the dozens of hemp-clothed figures, as Yutang''s remaining men hurried over to protect Qiu Jianhan, leaving him to fend for himself as he could still fight. After all, his sixth heaven capability was undoubtedly formidable. The odd formation created by the hemp-gowned figures could put a stop to the others, but was not powerful enough to ambush Bai Yixue! As Bai Yixue lashed out against the odd formation, he caught a glimpse of seven to eight hemp-gowned people whose sleeves were embroidered in gold, skittering on the edges farther away. These people were obviously higher in position compared to those who appeared earlier. Careful observation would indicate that these people seemed to be waiting for a better opportunity to strike. His mind worked quickly and Bai Yixue almost spat out blood. "Golden Hook Ma-i! How dare you scoundrels interfere in this battle! Are you all seeking your own deaths?" The man dressed in hemp farther away wore a cold smirk on his sunken face. "It''s debatable who is seeking death." Bai Yixue hollered in fury, "The Ma-i Sect has never joined in the hegemony of empires nor does it partake in worldly affairs. It stays far from the worldly realm; now that two countries are at war, how do all of these concern you? Are you coming to stick a foot into this dirty water, are you all not afraid of violating your ancestral principles and bring about the annihilation of your sect, the severance of legacy?" The Ma-i Sect was one of the top ten sects or schools in the Tianxuan Continent. The only weapon used in this sect was the unwieldy single-hand hook. In addition, the hook''s material symbolized the status of the person in the sect. Anyone who used gold or strange stellar steel were core disciples or notable figures within the organization. In spite of this,the Ma-i Sect had always kept themselves apart from the world; they had never participated in the squabbles of the martial world nor would they partake the dominance of a dynasty. It was said that their founding ancestor had left a wise saying behind, "Have no grudge against the world, Gold Hook Ma-i; be tainted not by the worldly, succumb not into the abyss. Noble titles have nothing to do with me; children and grandchildren, remember, never choose resentment and favor. Once a grudge is forged, unrest is for eternity." It was due to this ancestral saying that the Ma-i Sect had never dabbled with empires and worldly affairs. They were limited to only building themselves in the martial world. Any rise and fall of empires and dynasties would never see the shadow of the Ma-i Sect disciples. What was more, any new disciple of the sect would have to swear in front of their ancestor''s statue that they would never attach themselves to empire hegemony. However, Ma-i Sect''s current presence in the worldly realm was to openly help Dongxuan fight Yutang. In fact, they seemed to be specifically targeting Yutang''s significant Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan! Bai Yixue was perplexed by this. Why was the Ma-i Sect willing to violate their ancestral teachings and suddenly get involved in this matter? It was out truly out of character for the reclusive sect. Regardless, the reality was the truth. The participation of the Ma-i Sect had contributed to more than twice the amount of trouble thatBai Yixue and group were to have faced! With these people focusing their attacks mainly on Bai Yixue and the other experts, Dongxuan''s Deicide archers could pick their spots calmly to assassinate their targets. The power of Deicide arrows was not something that even experts like Bai Yixue could ignore as a careless move could cause a whole lot of severe damage. With this obstacle added into the mix, Bai Yixue and his cohorts were truly entangled on the spot, unable to move another inch forward. Yun Yang was still charging forward bravely, leaving a picture of hell behind him, a scene of piling bodies and pooling blood. He had already carved up thirteen of the men who had stood in his way with just the sabers in his hand. Right now, he had seen the hemp-gowned Ma-i members and also how the pressure Bai Yixue and his squad were facing had hiked upon their participation in the battle. Yun Yang was infuriated and yelled in a hoarse voice, "Ma-i Sect!" The cry was like a thunderbolt that rumbled in an otherwise clear sky. The handful of Ma-i members who were only watching the battle had also leaped into the fray, frantically engaging Bai Yixue and his squad in combat while the people who had been left idle turned back instinctively upon hearing the holler. All they saw was a red and purple silhouette streaking out of the mountains of bloodied corpses like the killing God from hell towards them with surging murderous intent. He was still shouting the litany, "Children and grandchildren, remember, never choose resentment and favor. Once a grudge is forged, unrest is for eternity! Ma-i people, you must remember what your ancestor has said! You have to remember what you have done today! Since you have gone against your vow, you should bear the consequences!" The rage and killing intent within his voice shook the Ma-i members. Dazed, it was as if his ancestral master was walking to him from a bloodied background of death with the most chilling and eerie intent. "Who are you?" The hemp-gowned individual asked in a low voice after forcing himself to calm down. Yun Yang''s saber carved another slash in the air, creating an area of vacuum around him once again, as he said icily, "If the Ma-i Sect members retreat right now, I promise to forget anything that has ever happened! However, if you all choose to remain stubborn, I shall have to slaughter everyone that stands in my way to the mountain and annihilate the Ma-i legacy to allow your ancestor''s oath to come true!" "Where do you wish to go and where would you wish to return to? You''ll have to decide at once!" The hemp-gowned man trembled slightly before he suddenly smiled coldly and said, "Only an underage child who is yet to mature C how dare you threaten the Ma-i Sect? We are not retreating. What are you goingto do about it?" Yun Yang chortled, "Great, excellent indeed! Just you wait, just you wait!" The nine words sounded just as deafening and intimidating to those who heard him. The hemp-gowned Ma-i member could not help the shudder that ran through him. Immediately, the purple shadow left the crowd with his arms raised. Rays of cold gleams, not unlike lightning strikes, shot out from his hands. The cold gleams were the weapons he had snatched from the enemy soldiers around him, tossing them out as he snatched them without pause. Agonized cries followed almost instantly. Those were Deicide archers who were already in position and prepared to shoot; Yun Yang had killed each and every one of them with astonishing precision. The hundreds of beams of cold light did not miss even a single target. It took only a few breaths, but the hundreds of Deicide archers were all dead now. Yun Yang was drifting in the air as he did so; Reddie, who just had a burden removed from its back, gained an increase of kinetic strength; with a drawn neigh, it stretched its legs far and apart to charge again. Only, this time, it had leaped thirty feet high as if it were a flying horse, soaring after stepping on people''s heads. For a horse to be able to ''fly'' like this, those who witnessed the amazing feat felt their scalps tingling in disbelief. As Yun Yang tossed out an arsenal of weapons to kill the Deicide archers, he had decided to move into the air instead, hovering across the shower of arrows before making his landing right in front of Bai Yixue and Marquis Yun. He had hoped to come face to face with a Ma-i Sect member. The saber in his hand glinted cruelly; the saber truth of the Destiny Blade finally made its appearance. Merciless Blade, Merciless Dao, Saber Laic, Life and Death in a Thought C the amazing warrior executed all these forms, two forms, and four styles, with a loud shout. As the saber truth was played, the saber light engulfed an area of hundreds of feet! Then, cries came unceasingly as seventeen Ma-i Sect members were either a mess of a disfigured corpse or just tossed out brutally and pronounced dead in mid-air! Yun Yang''s voice rang sternly, "The hope of survival is right in front of us. Follow me!" He then dashed away, following the path he had come from. Yutang''s remaining guards perked up. A hope of survival was what it was. The worst that could happen to a man was the cessation of hope! "Stop them!" Zhan Ge''s voice rang out anxiously from afar. Never would he have expected that the execution of a suicide attack and banzai charge could not stop the purple silhouette. Was it possible that the person''s abilities were even higher than that of damned Bai Yixue! Yun Yang was enraged upon hearing him. With a gaze that abruptly turned icy, he stretched his hand out to grab a spear that flew in, becoming a blinking light at the very next moment. The spear crossed thousands of feet as if disregarding the existence of space, stabbing powerfully into the flag podium that Zhan Ge was on. With a loud boom and Zhan Ge''s cry, he fell from his vantage point. Dongxuan''s flag, the flag that had watched over the army, tilted away from the commotion. The highest part of it had spread out as if it had exploded. 485 Breaking a Siege! With the mishap that befell Zhan Ge at the podium, Dongxuan''s drums and horns stopped abruptly. The cessation of the drumbeats caused a short pause in the Dongxuan army''s attacking rhythm. There were simply too many people who saw the shocking fall of Zhan Ge, the interim commanding marshal, from the flag podium. The fate of the military leader who was to command the war was unknown! An incident of this magnitude was an immense blow to any army; Dongxuan was no exception. The focus of the troops was immediately disrupted. Zhan Ge, who had been concentrating on commanding the battle earlier, had not noticed the sudden appearance of the spear. It was only when the spear stabbed the podium resulting in a violent shaking that Zhan Ge felt as if he had been struck by a thunderbolt C for a moment, he felt displaced from his body like he was being electrocuted. What came next was the sight of Zhan Ge being thrown in the opposite direction from the violent force, falling down like a broken kite. He was fortunate that he still remained intact, unlike the flag podium that had exploded into a fiery conflagration, followed by a thunderous roar. Zhan Ge fell down in a straight line C the accident was so unexpected that no one could react in time. He landed with a painful thud on the hard ground below. His mouth was the first to come in contact with the earth, resulting in both his front teeth flying out with a loud crack. Despite the fact that Zhan Ge possessed a certain degree of cultivation base within him, as well as being rough and physically resilient by nature, he was still immensely fortunate that he was not crushed into a meat pie. Even then, when he stood up, weaving like a drunken man, he still felt his head spinning. He was unable to think, and the events that were taking place around him became somewhat inconsequential in the light of his confusion. It was only after some time that he realized the drums and horns on his side had stopped, which angered him so much that he shouted, "Attack! What are you all looking at? Have you all gone dumb?" Unfortunately, the short respite was time enough for Yun Yang to slaughter most of the Ma-i Sect members; the secure formation of the golden hooks had vanished without a trace. Reddie got there just in time for Yun Yang mounted it and pointed his saber with a holler, "Everyone, follow me!" He turned his horse around before his words even echoed in the air. With a grim expression, he charged forward with an even more aggressive aura than before. The Ma-i Sect was left with just over twenty people who could still fight, but each of them, wearing pale faces, dared not move. They were obviously frightened by Yun Yang''s valiance and had unintentionally moved aside to give way. These people shared the same thought C the person had said he would hold the Ma-i Sect accountable for this matter; was he serious? That would be too frightening! The troops stormed through the gaps. Farther away, the two men from the Ma-i who had yet to make a move hovered in the air; the golden hooks in their hands shone as they prepared to descend and stop the charging squad. Yun Yang, who was still aware of the current atmosphere and danger despite his stampede, turned his head quickly. His gaze fell on the two hemp-gowned men like an icy bolt of electricity. With a long howl, his saber pointed at them as he said coldly, "Ma-i Sect, I hope you all don''t regret this! Come!" As the men heard him, they could not help the shuddering that their peaking vibes were trying to suppress. However, their stance was already clear; they had to carry on with the attack, so they replied coldly, "Good, good. This old man would like to see how you, a mere child, can make the Ma-i Sect experience regret! You would have to survive today''s battle before you can talk about what follows!" Although these two men regarded Yun Yang highly, his future quest for revenge would be determined by the outcome of his ability to survive here! Yun Yang chortled, his voice thunderous as it rang in the air. "Today, the hundreds of thousands of men of the army from both countries shall be proof, the heroic souls from both countries who never die shall be witnessed. When I, Yun Yang, leave the battlefield, it will be time for Ma-i Sect to lose their legacy and presence in this world!" The millions of men who were doing battle stopped in unison then. All of them had heard Yun Yang''s roar his earth-shattering vow. It rang clearly, but it was laced with endless resentment and bitterness! Once his words had been uttered, the light from the clear sky dimmed, while a lightning strike slithered across the sky, illuminating the blood-bathed warzone. In the depths of winter, when snow should have been falling in heavy flurries, a thunderclap screamed in the frigid air. Everyone was astounded at the bizarre scene, This thunderbolt, which was incongruous with the weather, was evidence that the heavens had acknowledged Yun Yang''s vow! The words he had uttered so deafeningly across the battleground, to have the millions of fallen souls and the army from both countries as witnesses, were actually a heaven-bound vow! Since the oath had been made, it was either the Ma-i Sect that would be annihilated or Yun Yang who would die without an intact soul. There was no third possibility to consider. Both Ma-i members were shaken, but they were equally enraged, their hostility soaring as they hollered, "This old man shall kill you first today, to complete heaven''s witness!" Both of them turned into two beams of light as they bolted over with alarming animosity. Bai Yixue hissed and got ready to bounce into the air to fight the enemy. He was certain that he could easily handle these two. "No! You must lead everyone to push forward! Leave these two to me! Let us see who''ll perish under heaven''s eyes!" Yun Yang laughed menacingly, a tidal wave of killing intent pouring out of him. With an aggressive roar, he soared like a purple strike of lightning. Yun Yang, who wielded the saber as he sprung off his horse''s back, generated such a daunting vibe that both heaven and earth went silent instantly. Saber Truth: Destiny Blade C the one who wields the blade wields his destiny! Who could stay alive if heaven itself had destined for you to die? In midst of Yun Yang''s maniacal chortling, three beams of light collided violently in the air. The Destiny Blade''s three forms and six styles were rendered flawlessly by Yun Yang; he gave it his all, wanting to end the battle as quickly as possible. It was as if a gigantic bomb had exploded above the war zone with a titanic clap. All the men standing thousands of feet below were swept off their feet in the gale''s direction, like bushes that were blown by the wind. Only Yun Yang''s loud cry could be heard clearly in the sky, "Ma-i Sect, this is all there is to it!" His form could be seen flitting about, finally landing on the frontlines. Reddie neighed and sprung up high, ''flying'' again, as it caught Yun Yang who was descending with its back. They turned into a flash of red once again, charging forward in a murderous rage. Until Yun Yang landed back onto his horse, the two Ma-i members who had been unfortunate enough to do battle with Yun Yang was still drifting in the air. As blood poured from their seven orifices, a terrible lethargy prevented them from avoiding being flung away. They were dumbstruck with shock and intimidation. Who was this youth? Yutang''s Young Master Yun? How could a noble young master possess such an intricate saber truth? The youth''s cultivation base did indeed reach the heaven realm, but it was still lacking a lot compared to their capabilities! Nonetheless, his saber truth was strong. He had actually used his remarkable saber truth to forcefully close the gap of his inadequate cultivation base and managed to defeat them both. If it were not for their ability to execute the last specialty of Gold Hook Ma-i at the very last moment, detonating their weapons to generate a strong force to remove momentum of the attack, both of them might already be dead instead of just being severely injured. Yun Yang, who had won the battle, landed back on his horse with increasing ferocity. His purple robe fluttered loudly as he sped up, hollering with a baleful glare, "Come, whoever wishes to fight me!" His voice taunted the battlefield as he sped on, leading the charge into no man''s land. No one dared to stop him. The terror was induced when he defeated both the Ma-i experts in a single strike. It had happened high above the battleground and had been witnessed by everyone. It would be death to try and stop such a strong opponent. Bai Yixue had been the predecessor C an eye could be closed on invincible experts. With the fear growing in everyone and without a direct command from their higher authority, there was no one to stop him. Bai Yixue and Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Yun Xiaoyao, were trailing behind Yun Yang on his left and right, like two majestic gods sent to kill or berserk tigers just released from their cages. They were unstoppable! The three of them were as one, tearing a breach in Dongxuan''s troops within the time it took to breathe a single breath. Hundreds of Dongxuan experts attempted to stop them again, but they were slaughtered the moment they brushed against each other. When the experts managed to regroup, they saw Yutang''s troop was already galloping from afar. The Serving Troop and Steel Cavalry under Fu Baoguo were galloping madly as well. Both battalions were finally meeting the enemy after so many obstacles! "Charge away! Breach Dongxuan''s army!" Yun Yang cried loudly, warning everyone that it was not yet time to rest. On the contrary, all of them were completely drowned in the violence of the enemy''s siege, so much so that their resistance was not any lighter than before. They could not afford to let their guard down! As if answering Yun Yang''s warning, Yutang''s horns and drums were reverberatingly blown and beaten; the other half of the Steel Cavalry, held in reserve under Fu Baoguo''s command, dashed out at this very moment. "The elders in our homeland are shouldered upon me, the safety of the nation is upon this battle of mine!" Fu Baoguo''s voice was hoarse but it rang with frightful clarity. "Fight! Tianxuan Cliff is right behind us! The Nine Supreme Lords are watching over us! They are watching over us!" As his words cracked in the air, all the Yutang soldiers felt a gush of hot blood surge within them. For a brief moment, the bloodlust was so strong they felt that they would spontaneously combust! "Let us carve our path through with slaughter! We shall fight to our deaths against the Dongxuan striplings!" 486 A Hero Past His Prime Fu Baoguo was a seasoned veteran of the battlefield. In spite of his hopes to save the old marshal, he did not foolishly deploy all of his military strength in the relief operation but kept half of the Steel Cavalry behind. After all, his current responsibility was to build another Resilience Fortress and block Dongxuan''s invasion the best he could! However, the tides of the battle were quickly changing. As Yun Yang entered the fray, their side''s morale was significantly boosted. Since the Serving Troop and half of the Steel Cavalry had already united with the Old Marshal''s guards, he had to give it a go. Otherwise, not only was there the chance that the old marshal''s remaining ship would be lost, the Serving Troop and half of his Steel Cavalry would have to be buried together as well! By then, the loss outweighed the gain; the chances for his combat force to rebuild the new defense line would be greatly damaged. How could they then defend against Dongxuan''s army? By the looks of it now, with Yutang''s morale skyrocketing over the roof, not only could the Old Marshal''s ship be saved, half of the Steel Cavalry and Serving Troop would not suffer from too many casualties. Besides, the current situation was advantageous to Yutang and they could retaliate by counterattacking Dongxuan to stump their spirits with the given chance. It would benefit the continuation of warfare afterward! It was with such judgment that Fu Baoguo decided to give it his all and performed a direct attack. Yun Yang finally heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Fu Baoguo taking action. With the breathing room he had, he retrieved a few bottles of pills from his ring and gave three pills each to Bai Yixue and the rest. The group had long been exhausted, barely supporting themselves with a breath of life and pushing themselves beyond the point of exertion; being passed good medicine, they asked no questions and swallowed them directly. It was not yet time for pleasantries and checking up on each other. Having regained their energy, they pushed themselves again to charge outward and kill everything and everyone along the way. It was the right time to do so as Dongxuan''s troop was still without a commander; unable to react, they were a disorderly mess. When Zhan Ge returned to another flag podium and moved to resume his commands to reorganize his troops, he saw Yutang''s army already storming away in the form of a raging dragon. Yutang had successfully broken the siege and was leaving! Seeing that the general picture was had been painted, Zhan Ge came down sullenly and sprinted over to Han Sanhe, speaking in a grumbling tone, "Teacher, why" Just as the words left his tongue, he knew that his tone was too harsh and disrespectful nor was it an appropriate attitude to speak to his teacher. He shut up subconsciously. Han Sanhe smiled and replied, "You wanted to ask me why didn''t I take the baton to command just now, do you not?" Zhan Ge nodded. Han Sanhe had not intervened in the battle to take down Qiu Jianhan. The entire battle was handled solely by him. In fact, Han Sanhe had given up commanding the army since they charged out of the west gate of the Fortress of Resilience, and had passed all the power to Zhan Ge. "Qiu Jianhan is a few years older than I am." Han Sanhe watched the fluttering flag and sighed rather dejectedly, saying, "From his military career alone, he is my senior; in fact, we are each other''s confidants in this lifelong war" "Previously, I had to listen to your plan and tried to ambush Qiu Jianhan with an arrow to wound him severely. I already felt helpless then Now, I really can''t bring myself to see this nemesis of mine, this lifelong opponent to just die like this in the battlefield. I will not see him die incomplete, dismembered on the battlefield" Han Sanhe''s tone was laced with so much lamentation that Zhan Ge was stunned when he heard his teacher. Suddenly, he seemed to understand what Han Sanhe was thinking and felt his heart lurch. To die on the battlefield was every militant''s destiny as well as his moment of utmost glory. However, it did not include being beheaded when one was incapable of fighting back and unaware of what was happening! To a fighter, that would be the biggest humiliation that could never be washed away! A hero''s end should be dying from fighting on the battlefield, not to be killed after an ambush, unconscious and holding on to the last breath for it to be the enemy''s merit. Who was to say today''s Qiu Jianhan was not tomorrow''s Han Sanhe and even Zhan Ge himself later on! Zhan Ge thought his teacher must have seen himself from Qiu Jianhan''s eyes; putting himself in their shoes, Zhan Ge was thoughtful. "Notable generals are like ravishing beauties since the beginning of time." Han Sanhe sighed dejectedly, "The world is not allowed to see their white hair. Qiu Jianhan his hair and beard are all white now" The pauses in his speech caused Zhan Ge to feel as if he had been hit by a drum or hammer. That was right; be it a god of war or legendary marshal of their time, they had to step back from the long stretch of history eventually. The glorious prime of life that belonged to them was no more than dozens of years at most! Like Qiu Jianhan, like his teacher, they were already the luckiest of those present. "Yutang has lost this war. There are no two ways about it." Qiu Jianhan said in a melancholic tone, "I believe even if Qiu Jianhan can survive, for now, he won''t be able to last for more than a couple of days. Zhan Ge, why must a hero be killed in such a way that his remains won''t be intact? No matter how vicious he was when you faced each other, how much a headache he''s been, nothing can deny the fact that he''s an opponent worthy of respect and a hero worthy of anyone''s, especially militants'', tribute!" Zhan Ge was ashamed, bowing in agreement, and spoke no further on the issue. On the other side, amidst the chaos that ensued, Yun Yang and the others had finally arrived at Fu Baoguo''s base, all the while guarding Qiu Jianhan''s carriage. Fu Baoguo sprinted to them at once, asking with anxiousness displayed on his face, "How is the old marshal? Is it serious?" Yun Yang sighed, feeling equally heavyhearted, if not more than Fu Baoguo. Truthfully, he wanted to ask the same question; he wanted to ask it when he charged over just now. However, he dared not ask. He was terrified, afraid that the answer he heard would be one he could not bear to accept. I''ve lost too much! I don''t want to lose anymore, I can''t C I can''t lose anyone anymore! God! The question that had been sitting in Yun Yang''s mind was voiced by Fu Baoguo, the former clenching his fists but perking his ears to listen to the imminent answer nervously. "Old Marshal is suffering from a serious wound. It was during the ultimate battle at the west gate that he was ambushed by the Ghoul Archer, Jin Wudang, and took an arrow" Bai Yixue looked utterly ashamed. After all, Qiu Jianhan had been shot while under his protection. It was his failure, a humiliation that could hardly be lifted. "I have killed that Jin Wudang, amongst his army" Bai Yixue supplied weakly but could not avoid the harsh glare Yun Yang was directing at him. Ghoul Archer Jin Wudang had been crowned the title of the world''s top archer. The bow and arrow had always been the specialized weapon of the military, although the martial world people rarely equipped themselves with it. Even when they did, it was only a complimentary weapon; rare was the practitioner who was truly proficient in it. In spite of this, the Ghoul Archer Jin Wudang was different. His main and sole weapon was the bow and arrow! It was his only attacking technique; all of his skills were tied to the bow and arrows in his hands! It was said that this man''s archery skill was beyond belief. The military''s strong archers had the force of six stones at most, while Deicide Bows, a bow so powerful that only cultivators who had significant mystical Qi cultivation base could use, required about ten stones of strength. Such strong bows were about the limit a human body could endure and continuously use. However, the bow used by this Ghoul Archer was made of Stellar Wood and its string was made of the flood dragon''s tendon. Someone had tested that at least thirty stones of strength were needed before this bow could be pulled to its full potential. Once the arrow was released from this bow, the speed was so incredible that even Tenth Perfection mystical cultivators might not be able to capture it. It was said that there was a delay after the arrow had struck its target before the swooshing sound of the arrow traveling through the air could be heard. The arrow from the Ghoul Archer''s bow traveled faster than the speed of sound. Yet this Jin Wudang, besides being an archer, was also an assassin. This time, not even Bai Yixue could anticipate that Dongxuan would actually employ this Ghoul Archer specifically to target Qiu Jianhan in order to bring down Yutang''s army as soon as possible. Even more unbelievable was the fact that they had succeeded. Even though Bai Yixue had unleashed his power and killed the Ghoul Archer afterward, it remained a simple truth that the old marshal was seriously wounded. "How could this happen?" Yun Yang relaxed when he heard that it was a quick ambush. "I''ll go take a look at Old Marshal. Bai Yi, come in with me and tell me what happened." To Yun Yang, who was equipped with Endless Divine Art, there was rarely any internal or external injury in this world that he could not handle. Even without Emmie and its air of vitality, Yun Yang was still confident that he could heal the old marshal and bring him to a stable state. The story began to unfold. After the fortress had been burned down, Qiu Jianhan had led the remaining troops out of the fort and fortified their stance at the west gate, moving into formation five hundred feet away from the gate. It was a siege, but it was also where the second natural barrier of the Fortress of Resilience would stand. If Dongxuan wanted in on Yutang, they had to go through the Fortress of Resilience. The Fortress of Resilience only had two gates, it had been so since it was built, an east gate and a west gate. For Dongxuan to subdue the east gate, they still could not advance as long as the west gate was guarded. The reality was as Old Marshal Qiu had imagined it to be. Although Dongxuan''s troop triumphed over the Fortress of Resilience, they were faced with Qiu Jianhan''s powerful blow when they charged out of the west gate to invade Yutang. Under Qiu Jianhan''s strong command, the west gate became a deadly pocket. Dongxuan had wanted to advance, following up the newly gained victory, but they had not guessed that the outside of the fortress had changed; the initial vanguard died as soon as they arrived. Qiu Jianhan had led his troops into an encirclement that posed an astonishing threat of terrible damage. Anyone who came out of the west gate, regardless of direction, was not exempted from being shot by arrows. After all, the west gate could only be as large as the gate was built to be, so there could only be as many people who could charge out from it given the size. Dongxuan could not form a formidable combat power in a short amount of time, thus it was left with the position of being slaughtered. Yet, such a situation had only lasted for a day before the passive state Dongxuan was in had been broken. Han Sanhe had ordered that the west gate of the Fortress of Resilience be torn down. Even the wall was to be demolished! Without the west wall, Dongxuan''s troops poured out like a tidal wave. Qiu Jianhan''s encirclement could hardly be threatening nor effective but Old Marshal Qiu would rather die than to withdraw. He would rather sacrifice himself to fight for more time for Fu Baoguo to build another defensive line. As the old marshal commanded the army without rest and as the battle went on for three days, they actually managed to stop Dongxuan''s army right where they were. In spite of this, the fifty thousand men the Old Marshal originally had was left with no more than ten thousand men after the three days; they could hardly do anything more. Yet Qiu Jianhan seemed to have set his mind that since the Fortress of Resilience was no more, he had no plans of returning alive. He fought at the frontline; no matter how Shangguan Lingxiu, Bai Yixue, Marquis Yun and others persuaded him, he refused to leave! Qiu Jianhan was hotheaded and his stubbornness had not weakened with age; once he set his heart to it, not even God could change his mind. When it seemed that Old Marshal Qiu and his subordinates were about to be buried together in this war, a chance for victory appeared! It was at this moment that Dongxuan sent their assassins and killers to target the old marshal. One of those who was the most infamous was the Ghoul Archer Jin Wudang. When the armies were engaged in the peak of yet another battle, Jin Wudang had donned a soldier''s uniform and lurked among the militants, waiting for the opportunity to approach Qiu Jianhan. The lethal arrow came swiftly. Bai Yixue, who was sharp to note the danger, lashed out with his sword at the critical juncture. Alas, it was still too late. He had only managed to deflect the arrow slightly off its course. However, it was also this littlest bit of deviation that prevented the arrow from stabbing right through Qiu Jianhan''s heart! Unfortunately, the arrow pierced through the old marshal, making a hole from his front to his back. Hence, Qiu Jianhan was at the brink of death from the wound. Angered and grieved, Bai Yixue charged into Dongxuan''s formation, wielding his sword to hunt for the Ghoul Archer Jin Wudang among the hundreds of thousands of soldiers. Even after he had minced this Ghoul Archer, he still wanted revenge, intending to kill Dongxuan''s main general. It was due to this reason that Dongxuan''s first suicide attack was carried out; Bai Yixue withdrew in the end but continued to hold a grudge. Bai Yixue''s savage massacre allowed Yutang to push through the battle, but Yutang had still lost Qiu Jianhan as their commander. Without Qiu Jianhan as their pillar, Yutang''s landslide defeat was destined. Although Shangguan Lingxiu raised the Family of Generals'' flag and tried her best to reorganize the troops, the slight betterment could not afford Han Sanhe''s tidal-like Dongxuan troops! Marquis Yun was decisive in ordering the army to break through the siege and withdraw through the night. Since their operation could no longer come into effect, they would retain as much combat power as possible and return to Fu Baoguo; there, they could combine forces to defend themselves against Dongxuan and Han Sanhe again. It was well within expectation that Dongxuan would not give up easily, pursuing them relentlessly and swiftly besieging Qiu Jianhan''s remaining forces. It was at this critical juncture that two Steel Cavalry squads who had been roaming the surrounding forest had disobeyed Fu Baoguo''s command and charged out to assist them. As both sides combined and retreated while fighting, they managed to persevere until Yun Yang''s arrival. Then, it developed into a reunion with Fu Baoguo''s army situated under Tianxuan Cliff. Another chapter had begun in the war between Yutang and Dongxuan. Yun Yang entered the tent hastily, catching sight of Qiu Jianhan who had been laid straight on the simple military bed. Blood stains were all over him as well as wounds that were peppered on his face; flesh curled from where they should lie flat, looking absolutely horrible. Yun Yang almost could not feel the old marshal''s breathing. If it were not for the slow rise and fall of his chest, Yun Yang would already be suspecting that it was too late to save the old marshal. Under the dim yellow light, the old marshal''s white beard was stained red. He lied there quietly. Yun Yang''s eyes were hit with a wave of warmth as he almost teared up. This old marshal, who had contributed his entire life to Yutang, looked terribly small and helpless now. 487 Terminal Lucidity Yun Yang walked over quickly, grasped Qiu Jianhan''s hand in his own and activated the Endless Divine Art without a second thought. He delivered the force of vitality into Old Marshal Qiu slowly before he began to carefully check on his injuries. Even though he was no stranger to the battlefield, Yun Yang could not help sucking in a cold breath as he poked and prodded. The old marshal had fought in the frontline without attempting to avoid danger and threats; he had been gashed and was peppered with a multitude of wounds, but more than ninety percent of his injuries were external. Besides having Bai Yixue as his guard, the old marshal''s cultivation base was decent and it seemed that he was not seriously hurt. There was actually only one injury that had put him in this current state, but that single wound was serious enough to be fatal. He had taken the arrow in his left chest and it had blown a hole clear through his body. If one were to take a surface glance at the wound, it would seem that his heart had been stabbed. How could a person survive without a heart? Thankfully, Yun Yang knew that the lethal arrow had been slightly deflected by Bai Yixue just as it was about to hit home. Thanks to the deflection, the arrow had slightly deviated as it burrowed into Qiu Jianhan''s chest. If it had not been for that tiny deflection, Qiu Jianhan would have died on the spot. There was simply no chance of survival. Even then, Qiu Jianhan was pacing the border of life and death now. Perhaps, it was more accurate to say that he had mostly stepped into death''s door; the chance to save him was remarkably low. Yun Yang was not confident as he looked at the old marshal''s current state. He had tried his best to save him, but Qiu Jianhan''s injury did not improve in the slightest after an hour of the Endless Divine Art flowing through him. The art that Yun Yang had put much of his faith on and had always worked, seemed to lose its effect today. Not even the wounded man''s pulse turned the least bit stronger. Qiu Jianhan still lay in silence, but Yun Yang could feel the remains of his life being drained away. It was as if life no longer belonged to this aged and severely wounded body. Yun Yang was unwilling to give up just like that. Other than the continuous channeling of the Endless Divine Art, he had used all the top-graded medicine he possessed, but all these had done was only to slow down the speed of life seeping away from Qiu Jianhan. They could not stop it in entirety. At this moment, Yun Yang truly hated himself. Oh, how he resented himself! To be bereft of the Nine Supremes'' power at such a critical juncture! How he loathed himself for the fact that despite his recovery of cultivation base, he was still unable to open his deific consciousness! If he could activate the space and reconnect with Emmie, Qiu Jianhan would be saved, using Emmie''s air of vitality! With Emmie''s help, Yun Yang was confident he could get Qiu Jianhan back even if his breathing had stopped, as long as not too much time had passed. In spite of it, Yun Yang could only watch his most respected elder slowly drained away right before his eyes and he could do nothing about it. The helpless sense of defeat almost maddened Yun Yang. Behind him, everyone watched Yun Yang''s attempt at rescue quietly. All of them had bated breath, afraid that the slightest movement would disrupt Yun Yang; they all wore gazes flickering with hope, hoping that Yun Yang could write another legend and actually save the old marshal. Fu Baoguo, Marquis Yun, Wang Dingguo, Shangguan Lingxiu, Bai Yixue, the four young masters all of them shared the same thought and intent but ultimately, they saw Yun Yang''s back that had always been straight like a sword slowly crumble, as if had lost all his strength and could no longer go on "How is the old marshal? Is there any improvement?" Fu Baoguo''s voice was laced with extreme distress; even as the hopeful question was uttered, his heart actually sunk. He could see the glaring wound on Qiu Jianhan now. Such an injury must be fatal, one that could not be salvaged! No matter how strong a person''s cultivation base, it must be deadly to bear such a serious wound C there was no chance at all, and luck would have very little say in this. For Old Marshal to still be alive, all he had was his last breath. If the last breath was gone as well, he would be on his way to the underworld. Marquis Yun, Bai Yixue, and the others looked grim while Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes were already dotted with tears. She stared unblinkingly at Yun Yang. Other than Fang Mofei, only Shangguan Lingxiu, among those who were there, knew of Yun Yang''s true identity. Shangguan Lingxiu had placed all her hope on him. To her, there was nothing in this world that the Nine Supremes Lords could not do. Just like today''s battle, they were already at an impasse, but Yun Yang''s arrival had forcefully overturned the situation, breaking a path of survival and effectively challenging the siege. While everyone could see that Yun Yang was troubled now, Shangguan Lingxiu was still hoping for him to say that it was alright; then, Old Marshal still had hope, he could still live. However, if Yun Yang could do nothing then the situation was truly hopeless! Yun Yang sat down kneeling in silence; his face was pale while his gaze was lifeless. Suddenly, he spat a gout of blood onto the ground. His injuries had never really healed, and the rush during his journey was detrimental to a recovering patient. Right after that, he had forced himself to enter the battlefield and was engaged in violent battle all the way, especially the duel against Ma-i Sect''s two experts. All of those had only aggravated his situation; he could barely support himself. In spite of this, Yun Yang had still hoped that the old marshal was fine and the Fortress of Resilience must not be lost. The latter had become reality while the former was left with one last breath. Unfortunately, the last breath would be gone anytime now. It looked like both the matters were turning into bubbles that were about to pop Yun Yang was both exhausted and anguished. He had tried again to activate the deific consciousness space earlier to find Emmie, to fight with his all for Old Marshal''s survival, but it was like the space had disappeared; Emmie was nowhere to be found. The mythical powers that had flowed within him, powers that he used to wield easily could not be used, not even a drop. The power of vitality, the power of a star, the power of the nation''s fate, and the power that eradicated evil and praised the kindness of Endless Divine Art as long as any of them could be used, Yun Yang was confident that he could stabilize Qiu Jianhan''s injuries. At least, he would not die instantly. However, all of the mentioned energies were stored and sealed in his divine sense; he could not come into contact with any of them let alone use them. Yun Yang''s heart sunk, like it had fallen into an abysmal void Must he face another heartbreaking loss of a family member? Thinking about it, his vision went dark and his emotions were in a turmoil; the old and new injuries he bore acted up together, forcing him to vomit blood, almost fainting from the pain. "There''s no other method. There''s nothing I can do" Yun Yang''s weak voice came like a powerful blow to everyone''s hearts. They were in agony, Shangguan Lingxiu''s tears were dripping in streams. Not even the Nine Supremes Lords could help, was there no hope for the Old Marshal then? Fu Baoguo lowered his head, the muscles on his face were twitching; he suddenly collapsed onto the floor, kneeling with his forehead against the ground, unable to make a sound as he cried. As Fu Baoguo fell to his knees, the tent was lulled into an atmosphere of utmost grief. "Cough" A fragile cough suddenly broke out. As the group searched for the source through their teary eyes, it was Qiu Jianhan on the bed who suddenly coughed. The harsh rise and fall of his chest began before his eyes opened after a long stretch of time had passed. In spite of this, the old marshal''s breathing hastened, wheezing like a wind box. Qiu Jianhan had miraculously woken up at this critical juncture. The old marshal opened his eyes slowly, his gaze a little lost as if he was thinking of something. Seeing the faces that swam above his sight, his gaze brightened weakly. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something. Shangguan Lingxiu stuck her ear close to him at once, but Qiu Jianhan''s voice was soft like a buzzing mosquito, almost inaudible. Perhaps it had taken all of his remaining energy for him to finally utter, "Has Yun Yun Yang come?" Shangguan Lingxiu nodded quickly, answering tearfully, "Yes, yes. He''s just got here He has saved us from the siege" The old marshal''s eyes brightened instantly like his energy had come back to him and his voice grew louder. "Out all out Yun Yang stays" The old man''s pale face was miraculously beginning to gain a flush. However, everyone present had a clear realization. This was terminal lucidity... Old Marshal truly did not have much time left to him! 488 The Last Momen Shangguan Lingxiu nodded, her eyes weeping warm tears. She uttered in a soft voice, "Old Marshal wants all of us to leave. Only Yun Yang is to stay. Let us head out, quickly." She knew that time was running out, especially for the old marshal. Without further elaboration, she urged everyone out, pushing everyone far from the tent so that they were five hundred feet away from it. The old marshal was at the last stage of his life now. What he was about to say to Supreme Cloud, whose identity was unknown to the masses, before he passed on must be important; no one should ever hear it. If it were possible, Shangguan Lingxiu would have loved to chase everyone down the mountain to ensure confidentiality. With how softly they were speaking inside, in addition to the deafening drums and the faint battle cries from the battlefield, it would be impossible even for God to eavesdrop over the five hundred feet of distance. Shangguan Lingxiu believed that to be true, but the grief grew in her, her tears falling unceasingly. For a moment, she felt powerless and bereft of hope. Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan was the pillar of the Empire of Yutang! Now, this pillar was about to collapse. What about the current war which was raging, what about the future Yutang? Would their future be dim? Yun Yang swallowed the throbbing pain in his heart and pushed himself closer, calling out to the old man, "Old Marshal, I''m here, I''m here." Qiu Jianhan''s gaze was starting to lose focus but it was trained on Yun Yang''s face. Carefully and seriously, he was focusing his vision to look at him clearly; finally, a sad smile appeared as he said softly, "They''ve gone out" "Yes, they''re all outside now," Yun Yang replied. Qiu Jianhan was obviously still concerned as he uttered weakly, "Go look S C see Have them them go farther" Yun Yang moved immediately, coming to the entrance of the tent, and looked outside. Everyone was already hundreds of feet away from the tent; they would definitely be unable to hear what happened inside. Upon confirming their privacy, he shot back to the bed. "Old Marshal, everyone''s very far away." "Mm" Qiu Jianhan''s gaze suddenly turned sharp, but he was still breathing harshly; then, he lowered his voice and said, "This old man this time I can''t make it Before I go I have an unfulfilled wish" Yun Yang replied at once, "Old Marshal, don''t hold anything back. Yun Yang will complete this wish of yours, no matter what it takes." Qiu Jianhan murmured weakly, "No need I only have a question I want to make something clear If not I can''t rest in peace." "Please ask, Old Marshal. I will tell what I know." Yun Yang answered fervently. Another bout of hacking racked through Qiu Jianhan, almost choking him. Yun Yang''s Endless Divine Art continued to course through him, but the strong flow could barely ease the ailing man''s cough. As the hacking subsided, Qiu Jianhan looked even worse than before. Yun Yang concentrated all his attention and finally discerned the old marshal''s soft question. "Yun Yang you are you" Qiu Jianhan''s eyes brightened as they looked at Yun Yang''s, the former asking airily, "Are you Supreme Cloud?" Are you Supreme Cloud? This was Yun Yang''s biggest secret of all, one that Yun Yang had never exposed to anyone on his own volition! Now though, gazing into the old marshal''s eyes, Yun Yang did not hesitate. He bent close to the old man''s ears and said in a low voice, "Old Marshal, you''re right I''m Supreme Cloud, the sole survivor of the Nine Supremes." Color washed across Qiu Jianhan''s face as his gaze turned brighter; he stared at Yun Yang delightfully, the more he looked at him, the more affectionate he felt towards him. The old marshal then said in relief, "It isn''t the end of the Nine Supremes after all This old man can finally be relieved God God still blesses Yutang" His hand moved about and finally found Yun Yang''s hand; he gripped Yun Yang''s hand tightly with a strength he should not have possessed and stared right at the youth. "This old man I I didn''t guess it wrong but this secret you you must always keep it forever forever don''t let C don''t let others know don''t" "Yes!" Yun Yang''s tears coursed down in streams; he felt like his heart had been shattered into pieces. The pain was suffocating him. Time and again, he had to bid farewell to elders who loved him. Was this to be his ultimate destiny? "Keep this secret Yutang stays if not if not" "I know, I won''t let anyone else know about my identity!" Yun Yang assured the old man. Qiu Jianhan''s breathing gradually weakened but his face was still wearing a contented smile; his hand was still gripping Yun Yang''s tightly while his gaze was still lovingly trained on Yun Yang. He said softly, "Good child good child" Unable to take it any further, Yun Yang suddenly broke into a wail. The mighty Lord Supreme Cloud, who had triumphed over the world, was sobbing like a child. "Old Marshal don''t die I''ve C I''ve lost too much You can''t die" "I can''t take it I can''t take it anymore" Yun Yang was wailing, his image discarded together with the tears and snot running down his face. Qiu Jianhan watched him warmly and affectionately as he said gently, "My poor child How can a person escape death?" His eyes took on a distant look as he mumbled, "To think about it this life of mine has been enough Just dying now the nation''s safety my old wife at home" Pure longing tinged his gaze as he continued in a low murmur, "I can''t let it go can''t let them go but in this chaotic times this life of mine not worthy of" Yun Yang, who was listening intently to the old marshal''s murmuring, sobbed with a broken heart. Suddenly, the sounds of a galloping horse came from far outside the tent; a voice could be heard shouting anxiously, "Marshal! Urgent military intel!" Fu Baoguo''s voice erupted in anger, "Stop! What are you shouting at! I''m not dead yet! Come down, will you?" Fu Baoguo was obviously afraid that the sudden noise would disrupt the old marshal''s words before his death, but the sound of the galloping hooves tickled a faint memory within Yun Yang. His wailing stopped with a frightening suddenness as he lifted his head abruptly. "Horse military intel? Reddie?" The old marshal was losing his clarity as he subconsciously answered Yun Yang''s murmuring, "What" Yun Yang was stunned for a minute before he suddenly jumped up in ecstasy. "Old Marshal, you have hope! You are not beyond saving I I''ve got it! How could I be so stupid? The miracle medicine is within me and I almost forgot about it!" Tears of extreme happiness flowed down his face but Qiu Jianhan was already drifting away, mumbling, "Your Majesty Old Qiu is leaving" Then, he fell unconscious. His limit had been reached and it appeared that he would pass on anytime now. Yun Yang dared not hesitate. He picked himself up and stretched out his arm. A small, gleaming knife appeared in his hand. Without preamble, he cut his sleeves away and placed his wrist in front of Qiu Jianhan''s mouth; with a quick slash of his knife, blood poured from his wrist. Yun Yang''s other hand pried the Old Marshal''s mouth open to allow his blood to drip in. The fact was that his blood was magically effective on Reddie, but the old marshal was on the brink of death; his body might reject the potent medicinal effect. Yun Yang could only drip blood gradually to see if there was a possibility for the old marshal to be revived and stabilized. The self-healing ability of an ace cultivator was extremely strong; Yun Yang had only bled for a while before his wound began to close on its own. He slit himself again to open his wound, repeating the process until he had collected three full bowls of blood before he stopped. He was cautiously confident that such a large amount of blood would be able to resurrect Old Marshal! As Yun Yang considered his chances, he began to relax, stepping down from his high-strung state. Unfortunately, with his sudden descent into a calmer state of mind came a wave of vertigo and the agonizing feeling of his internal organs erupting. No longer able to hold on, he staggered before collapsing into an unceremonious heap. Fatigue and an endless darkness consumed him almost immediately 489 The Feeling of Love When Marquis Yun and the others finally rushed back to the tent to see what was happening, having waited with bated breath, they were shocked to see both people in the tent covered in blood; one was still lying quietly on the bed while the other was comatose, sprawled unceremoniously on the ground. Everyone was initially taken aback, but their trepidation immediately turned into joy. "Yun Yang''s not dead!" Shangguan Lingxiu cried out in delight, "He''s still breathing! It looks like he just fainted. It must be from having lost too much blood and over-exhaustion" The old marshal was important, but the Nine Supremes Lords were still more important to Shangguan Lingxiu, especially when one of the Nine Supremes was Yun Yang. Therefore, compared to everyone else who was more concerned about the Old Marshal, her eyes were immediately drawn towards Yun Yang. "The Old Marshal''s not dead either" Fu Baoguo''s eyes were wide and round, his heart filled with happiness. He could almost jump up and shout in joy. "He''s still breathing, and his breath is much stronger now. His pulse is stable... what an amazing improvement!" Everyone was indescribably ecstatic upon hearing the report. Marquis Yun and Bai Yixue were still in disbelief, opting to go over and check for themselves. Qiu Jianhan was still unconscious and in a bad state, but some color had at least returned to his face. Despite the wound on his chest, which still looked like a horrible gash, his pulse was indeed stable now, unlike previously when it was fluttering weakly in his chest. The men, both cultivation experts, came to the same conclusion; although the old marshal was still unconscious, his life was no longer at risk. It was unknown if there would be any sequelae from such a serious injury and if he could ever wake up, but for now Old Marshal, who was supposed to have died, had survived! Old Marshal had been saved! One of Yutang''s three pillars had not crumbled after all! "Thank God!" Shangguan Lingxiu was tearing up from happiness. She was honestly more concerned about Yun Yang, but the old marshal was her revered elder, an irreplaceable pillar of Yutang''s military. That he had managed to defeat death while he stood at its door was an incredible feat indeed! Fu Baoguo was a man possessed, as he went to grab on Marquis Yun''s hand and shook it fervently, at a loss for words from gratitude. "Marquis Yun, Lord you Thank you You''ve cultivated a great son" No one had entered the tent throughout Qiu Jianhan''s confinement after being wounded and as he was hovering on the brink of death. It had only been Yun Yang alone inside the tent, so the fact that Qiu Jianhan was getting better could only have been his doing. There was no doubt about it nor would there be anyone who suspected anything else. Besides, judging by how Yun Yang had succumbed to exhaustion, it showed how much effort he had put in. Fu Baoguo was no longer doubtful of Old Marshal Qiu''s comment regarding Yun Yang. This child had a truly extraordinary ability and his potential was above his father''s; there was no debate that he would eventually surpass his sire. Marquis Yun watched Yun Yang, who was unconscious and said softly, "Marshal Fu has flattered us. This is what Yun Yang should have done to save Old Marshal. It''s not worthy to be mentioned nor thanked." Fu Baoguo was ruddy and high spirited, laughing gleefully, "No no, it''s worthy to be mentioned of course! Whoever saves Old Marshal shall be my life''s savior, my second parent! Hahaha" The group was tickled listening to him. After all, if Yun Yang were to be Fu Baoguo''s second parent, then Marquis Yun, who was standing in front of him, would be the father of his second parent? "Young Master Yun doesn''t look too good. He must have expended himself to save the old marshal." Shangguan Lingxiu said rather anxiously, "I think it''s better to bring him to rest. Even if he''s fine, he''ll still need to recuperate for a few more days judging by his current state." Marquis Yun smiled gently. "If so I will have to trouble Lady Shangguan with this task." The group smiled knowingly upon hearing the conversation. Shangguan Lingxiu blushed furiously but did not avoid the task, picking Yun Yang up carefully and went out as if she was trying to flee. "Hahaha" Fu Baoguo chortled. "Marquis Yun, it looks like your family will have good news soon." The physical affection was a sign of commitment that a certain someone''s reputation was all tied to the lady; of course, the good news would come soon! Marquis Yun beamed calmly and said, "It''s this child who has gotten lucky. It''s what he should have done to save Old Marshal, but if a relationship forms because of it, that''s his fate. Hopefully, the good news will come true then. Would the Old Marshal be considered the matchmaker in this case?" The group chortled again, exclaiming Marquis Yun''s excellent way of speaking as he had wished well for the old marshal in his casual words. If the old marshal was not well, how could he be a matchmaker? Turning back to look at Qiu Jianhan, who was also still comatose, everyone felt a genuine ease and thankfulness. it was a miracle that he had not died when he should have and was stabilizing from his critical condition. Although he was still in a coma, everyone felt as if they regained their tower of strength now. They were calm and composed despite the warfare that was still brewing out there. The constant challenge from the invading enemy now did not seem as terrifying as before. Shangguan Lingxiu carried Yun Yang back to her tent, blushing and embarrassed. However, just as she entered, she realized that Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan had followed her. Both the girls were looking at Yun Yang with concern filling their eyes. "How is he?" It was Ji Lingxi who had asked the question. She was still sallow-looking as usual as if she did not care much about the situation, but her eyes, flickering with panic, had long betrayed her true emotions. It was like her eyes had grown roots on Yun Yang''s face, searching and anxious. Shangguan Lingxiu sighed inwardly. "He''s fine, he has probably lost too much blood. Drained emotionally and physically. With Yun Yang''s cultivation base, he will be alright as long as he rests quietly." She had said so but inwardly she was thinking, "This girl, who came from who knows where... Is she really Yun Yang''s fiance? Why else would she be so concerned?" "Still I have never heard about this before" "Marquis Yun as well how could his father not know anything?" Yue Rulan replied, "Lost too much blood? Young sister, quick, feed him some medicine, especially those spiritually nourishing ones He looks like he''s lost quite some blood here. No matter how mighty his cultivation base is, he won''t be able to afford losing so much." Of course, her words were directed at Ji Lingxi. This was the difference between the intimacy of their relationship. No matter how Yue Rulan was impressed by Shangguan Lingxiu and how close she was to her, he sister-in-law''s marriage ultimately came first. Anything could be tolerated and given away except for one''s love; a single moment of tolerance might just send a lifetime of happiness away. She had to be firm, even if it was uncalled for. Ji Lingxiu understood her sister as well, saying, "Alright, I''ll get it. I''ll take care of Yun Yang through the night. He has to rest well." "Both the sisters'' medicine will surely be beneficial. Go on quickly," said Shangguan Lingxiu. With that, she went out quietly. Intelligent as she was, how could she not know that these two ladies must have come from wealthy noble families. She would never be able to challenge them in terms of wealth, with their treasured resources and gems. Since she could not produce medicine as effective as theirs, let theirs be used then. Nothing was more important than for Yun Yang to be healthy. If the girls were shunning her, then let her go out first. There was no need to raise further complications, or else it would only trouble Yun Yang! Standing atop the mountain, Shangguan Lingxiu''s hair fluttered with the wind, as did her thoughts. I am a daughter of a family of generals. This life of mine is destined to be spent on the battlefield. Someday, I might die on the battlefield. However, Yun Yang''s future is bright, his youth is full of potential. Why should he be weighed down and burdened by this sentiment of mine? He is one of the Nine Supremes. He is tactical and resourceful, destined to soar in the nine heavens. No one can kill him. I like him, but how can I keep up with him? Let it pass like this then. It would be better for both of us. Let me give it all up. Her rational mind was filled with such thoughts, free and open, but Shangguan Lingxiu felt her heartache as she stood there. The sudden pang of heartache was unstoppable as sadness washed over her; her delicate heart was being minced and sliced into bits. So this was how heartache felt like. Standing against the wind in the nightfall, her tears streamed freely down her face. Faraway, battle cries rang in the air. This lady from the family of generals chuckled in self-deprecation as she cried, "Shangguan Lingxiu, oh, Shangguan Lingxiu, even your love, even your surrender, even your heartache they are accompanied by the sounds of the battlefield. You, whose destiny is set, why burden anyone else?It would be best for you to be alone in this lifetime. Don''t bring sadness to those who come to love you, don''t let them go through the parting of life and death, the longing of two separate worlds!" "Sister Lan you I did we go overboard?" Ji Lingxiu fed Yun Yang the medicine while talking to Yue Rulan with a blush, "Sister Lingxiu has been fair to us, and I can see that she really likes Yun Yang." As she spoke, she was filled with anxiety and no small sense of guilt. 490 Vulnerable Point. Had Han Sanhe Turned Stupid? Yue Rulan sighed. "I do not know if what I did was overboard but you need not worry because it was I who did it, not you. I couldn''t have avoided doing this. Shangguan Lingxiu is a good lady, pure in heart, exceptional in looks; her family background is extraordinary. In short, she''s a rare beauty. But sister, this man, Yun Yang, is not like anyone else. You can''t be blind in this situation. It''s precisely because of Shangguan Lingxiu''s sentiment towards Yun Yang that led me to do something like this!" "Yun Yang is not like anyone else? What?" Ji Lingxiu asked, feeling rather lost. Yue Rulan sighed again. "You are innocent and na?ve. As your older sister, of course, I have to think for you. I know I shouldn''t have done something like this but I forced myself to. It''s because Shangguan Lingxiu is kind with a good temper. She is pretty too, yet she doesn''t seem to care about a lady''s mannerisms for Yun Yang, hence why I had to do something like this. If it weren''t for the fact that she was so exceptional and had done all that she could, I wouldn''t have needed to worry about you and take on the role of the antagonist. Ji Lingxi was still confused. "Huh?" she asked. Yue Rulan was struggling to deal with her sister-in-law''s naivety. She explained listlessly, "Let me ask you. We both know that you like Yun Yang. But have you thought about marrying him? To be together with him, forever?" Ji Lingxi stomped her foot in indignation and covered her burning face. "Sister Lan! How can you say something so embarrassing?" "It''s just the two of us now, what is there that cannot be said between us? Let me ask you something else. Shangguan Lingxiu likes Yun Yang too. She''s a girl but she''s carried Yun Yang without a care. If it wasn''t true feelings, how could she have acted so? Even before two opposing armies, she wouldn''t have behaved in that manner. That being the case, she would likely be hoping to go further with Yun Yang too. Here comes the problem. If you two were to contest against each other, would it be you and Yun Yang who end up together? Or would it be her and Yun Yang to spend the rest of their lives together?" "This" Ji Lingxi went pale and speechless. "She''s a nice person and she treats you well too; this is undeniable. But it also cannot be ignored that she likes the same man that you fancy. Will you take a step back just because she''s nice? Will you pass her your opportunity at a lifetime of happiness with your own two hands? Yue Rulan asked in a low voice. "I I really didn''t think so far" Ji Lingxi stammered quietly, increasingly dazed. Yue Rulan chuckled bitterly. "See, how could I not play the role of the antagonist? I''m meant to be in pain my whole life, but how could I watch you spend the rest of your life in heartache too?" Ji Lingxi was at a loss for words. She had not expected her Sister Lan to confront Shangguan Lingxiu for her just now. "But" Ji Lingxiu mumbled, "Is there no other way?" Yue Rulan placed her head in her hands in speechless incredulity This innocent girl, how could the matter of love be done in any other way? She might regret if she contested, but if she did not, her regret would be lifelong! Yun Yang had fallen unconscious due to fatigue and a severe loss of blood. Qiu Jianhan who was nourished by Yun Yang''s blood had been saved by a stroke of luck. He was, however, still in a coma. Both Yutang''s explicit and secret figures of significance were knocked out but the warfare would not stop just because of their coma! To phrase it more accurately, this war of the century between these two countries would not stop for anyone or anything! In fact, from the moment Qiu Jianhan was rescued until now, the battle had not taken a single break. The rest of Fu Baoguo''s time, when he was not concerned with the old marshal, was used to arrange military formations and to defend against Dongxuan. It was thanks to the old marshal who fought for a prolonged number of days, that Fu Baoguo had the extra time necessary to build the geographical location he needed and start another tug-o-war with Dongxuan. What Fu Baoguo truly rejoiced in was the fact that ever since Qiu Jianhan was subdued, it seemed that Han Sanhe had not struck again. All the battles were currently being commanded by Zhan Ge. Zhan Ge could also be ranked among the world''s most reputable generals; acute in both war stratagems and planning. In addition to that, he was not that far off from Han Sanhe. Yet in spite of these insurmountable odds, Fu Baoguo felt that he could still persevere and hold out with the limited military strength he currently held. If Fu Baoguo had to give a reason for his hope, it was probably because as long as he was not facing Han Sanhe, he would not have the suffocating feeling as if he was struggling amidst a raging sea! He had been feeling oppressed whenever he faced Han Sanhe, and would prefer to take an exceptionally passive stance. However, even when his current military strength was still lacking C about two times lesser than that of the enemy''s, his confidence only grew. Zhan Ge was more sure of himself that he would not fall, the mere idea of defeat did not exist to him. Reality played out just like the judgment that Fu Baoguo had made. Every loophole in Zhan Ge''s command C maybe it shouldn''t be called a loophole but rather the communication gap between him and his orders - Fu Baoguo could exploit them with precision and apply a counterattack. Sometimes, it was reorganizing his troops by using the gap and then to stabilize their state. The overall picture was still increasingly disadvantageous to Yutang because Yutang''s military strength was decreasing steeply from the battle C a substantial price had to be paid for the weaker side to fight the one with more manpower, but Fu Baoguo managed to quell it. Their side had managed to hold out, far exceeding initial expectations and the days that followed that they did not fall were additionally earned. Every day that they managed to hold their ground was another percentage of chance added to Yutang''s victory in this war! Fu Baoguo no longer kept any reserve soldiers; instead, he divided the Steel Cavalry into three squads and sent them for attack respectively. The remaining Serving Troop was reshuffled into two squads, assisting the Steel Cavalry in an attack. Other than these, Fu Baoguo gathered the army''s ace cultivators and formed a special force. These people were led by Bai Yixue, Fang Mofei, and Marquis Yun to charge at the enemy as well. What was different was that the special force only focused their attacks at the loopholes of the enemy''s strategy; only then could each attack deal the most damage to the enemy with the least amount of casualty on their own side. It began to dawn upon on Fu Baoguo where their edge was now. Although their military strength was lacking, their combat power weaker, their manpower lacking, and they were too far behind in terms of overall progress C moreover, their defensive line was on the verge of crumbling as the enemy could breach it at any time. But the biggest advantage he had right now was the three super experts in his team. Bai Yixue! Marquis of Heavenly Clouds! Fang Mofei! The martial power of these three people was unsurpassable in spite of the millions of soldiers from the two warring countries. They were his trump cards, his most prized resources. Fu Baoguo would hurry towards any point in time or place that the battle was losing out. "My brothers, help us charge forward." Currently, Bai Yixue was the unluckiest of them all. Whenever it happened, he had to lead the special force seven out of ten times. It was because his cultivation base was the highest, insanely high, at that. Besides, there was actually another reason "Big brother, I''ve just charged just now" Bai Yixue was growingly less courteous to Fu Baoguo now, giving up calling him marshal and opting instead to call him big brother; in fact, Fu Baoguo should have felt honored to be called big brother by an ace cultivator of the heaven realm! "Old Marshal doesn''t look too good over there," Marquis Yun said, "I''m a little worried, what if" Before the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds finished his words, Bai Yixue bolted out with a long face, not saying anything in reply. An incomplete sentence was the magic weapon that could render Bai Yixue thoroughly speechless right now C Qiu Jianhan had been shot under his protection. It worked every time. "Old Fang, it should be your turn for the next battle huh?" "Old Bai" Fang Mofei looked troubled. "The young master is still unconscious. I''m worried, what if he''s shot" Therefore, Bai Yixue moved away, not before shooting him a dirty look. He was lamenting inwardly, "Ah, one really can''t have even a single vulnerable point or else others may capitalize on it. It''s for this small matter that I''m being made to wok a slave now. How dare they!" Bai Yixue grumbled bitterly, "I, Bai Yixue, was renowned in the martial world back in the years too; But now" He sighed heavily, "I protected someone many years ago. That journey was filled to the brim with battles and when we finally reached our destination, I was wounded from head to toe, on the edge of death. Can you guess, however, regarding the well-being of the person I was protecting?" Marquis Yun asked. "I''m not guessing! I''ll just lead the team!" Bai Yixue stormed away once again, looking livid. "One really can''t have even a single shortcoming!" This was Bai Yixue''s enlightenment regarding what had happened. Once a person''s vulnerable point was taken advantage of, it would be a very long time before a person could recover from the experience. The situation was improving, but Fu Baoguo, as Yutang''s main marshal, remained uneasy and perplexed. According to the current state of the war, Han Sanhe could breach the Tianxuan Cliff and then sweep away the entire Empire of Yutang without any obstacles, as long as he put in some more effort. This would also mean the glory of expanding Empire of Dongxuan''s territory was right in his grasp! Moreover, Dongxuan''s position as the continent''s hegemon would be built from this and secured forever. However, Han Sanhe suddenly kept his hands to himself at this critical moment. He had passed everything to Zhan Ge! Then, he stepped aside for a break. What did this mean? Fu Baoguo thought it was absolutely ridiculous! If it were him, he would most definitely follow up on a victory with hot pursuit at this critical juncture. Even if Han Sanhe wanted to drill and cultivate his descendant, would he need to do it as such a turning point? It was important to teach his own disciple, the heir to his career, but was there such a need to train him at this time? To put it another way, it akin to losing the bigger picture over something petty; on a more serious note, it was delaying the military''s chance at success. Such a crime was unpardonable! Furthermore, it was obvious that he was passing the great merit of territory expansion to Zhan Ge with both hands! This confused Fu Baoguo even more. Had Han Sanhe turned stupid? 491 Fu Baoguo’s Consignmen Fu Baoguo was very puzzled; unable to figure out exactly what Han Sanhe was thinking and planning, despite giving the matter further consideration. The Fortress of Resilience had fallen and Yutang had lost its natural barrier. While their new line of defense was called the next Fortress of Resilience, it only remained as long as they remained and vice versa; the fort ceased to exist when they perished. However, Fu Baoguo still felt that the pressure currently on him was not as strong as when he was in the Fortress of Resilience. It was worth mentioning that Zhan Ge was also a marshal at the top of his game. Even though he was still slightly lacking in comparison to Fu Baoguo, with his accumulated initiatives, he had managed to slowly bring Dongxuan to the side of victory. No matter how long this war continued, both Zhan Ge and Fu Baoguo knew in their hearts that the defining point of the battle would happen in these two days! The ultimate ending would see Yutang being defeated! This was the situation at hand. No one could change it! Fu Baoguo had known this for a long time now, as he continued to utilize a defensive strategy, and watched his soldiers die in droves, one after another. In comparison to Zhan Ge, he was a better military strategist, more matured and meticulous in his thinking too. However, even he could not make bricks without straw. Tianxuan Cliff would be where his last battle would take place in this lifetime! If he did not become a deserter then he must perish here. There was no other possibility! Whether as the main marshal of Yutang''s eastern border, or as the person who made a promise with Supreme Wind, or just an ordinary man of Yutang, Fu Baoguo disallowed himself to be tainted for the second time in his life. "I, Fu Baoguo, would rather die here than to take another step back!" he cried out. "This is also the Fortress of Resilience. If I can''t keep the promise of falling with the previous Fortress of Resilience; then, let me share in the rise and fall of this Fortress of Resilience that I''ve built myself!" "Teacher, why?" Zhan Ge asked Han Sanhe. Unbeknownst to Fu Baoguo, Zhan Ge actually shared in his incomprehension. Han Sanhe''s arms were placed behind himself as he watched a grey cloud crossing the bleak looking sky. Answering his student faintly, he said, "I thought that you''d understand. But you''ve still asked after all." "Teacher? I" Zhan Ge was too confused to even finish his sentence. Han Sanhe heaved a melancholic sigh. "You will understand in time, Zhan Ge. I only hope that you don''t pick the wrong road by then." Zhan Ge''s heart lurched in shock, unable to contain his words, "Teacher, could it" Han Sanhe waved his hands, dismissing the topic. He turned to look at Zhan Ge and said, "Do you know why I must let you personally defeat Fu Baoguo?" "Please enlighten me, teacher. Your disciple readily accepts your teaching," said Zhan Ge. Han Sanhe said slowly, "There are a lot of things that are very strange, very odd, in this world. Likewise, there are plenty of strange things on the battlefield. Let me ask you this, how does a great general reach even greater heights? My long life of experience concludes that there is really only one way, which is by stepping over the corpses of other great generals." "This theory is the same applied to the marshal of an army. Only when one defeats an equally talented marshal, who''s on par or even better than oneself, only then can one''s reputation rise." "If it were only like this, it would probably still be within an ordinary field of understanding. But this theory has a peculiar aspect. When you do battle with a reputable marshal in war and finally defeat him, you''ll unconsciously learn his commanding ways C as if you''ve suddenly been given a lesson, an inexplicable feeling of epiphany! At that moment, you will instinctively know that you''ve improved C so much so that that the degree of improvement is unimaginable." Han Sanhe continued, "This is something that outsiders can''t understand. Only the litigant himself is aware of. And from what I think, you may not realize this truth because although you''ve fought him about eight to ten times now, it is still within the confines of the same battle. You won''t be struck by this revelation until there is defeat and victory, life and death! Only when life and death have been decided will you then be definitely aware of this enlightenment! "Do you understand now? To defeat and kill Fu Baoguo would be such a fortuitous opportunity for you!" Han Sanhe continued in a soft voice, "When you truly defeat Fu Baoguo, then, you''ll be able to understand half of what I''m thinking now." "Thank you, teacher, for your cultivation," Zhan Ge replied respectfully. He was astounded by the knowledge that had just been revealed to him by Han Sanhe. Han Sanhe replied just as unhurriedly as before, "This thank you is premature. If you can defeat Tie Zheng then perhaps you''ll understand about seventy percent of me. If you can defeat Leng Daoyin then you''ll understand ninety percent of me." Zhan Ge felt as if there were war drums being beaten inside his heart. He was at a complete loss for words. Regardless, Han Sanhe was not waiting for his reply. "To understand me completely to a full one hundred percent, you''ll need to wage war against me and defeat me. Only then will you understand all of me, even the parts that I can''t figure out myself now, you might already be able to figure out by then." "This disciple dares not have such wild thoughts." Zhan Ge replied hurriedly, sweating profusely. Han Sanhe smiled faintly and said, "It all depends on you. How will you know it can''t work if you don''t put effort into it? Now go, conduct your battle quickly. If I have estimated correctly, the end will be in sight before the dawn of the day after tomorrow." "This war will come to an end latest by tomorrow''s latter part of the night." Fu Baoguo said grimly as he walked towards Qiu Jianhan''s tent. Qiu Jianhan was still in a coma and there was someone beside his bed now C Yun Yang. Yun Yang had already recovered his health. "How is it, Marshal Fu?" asked Yun Yang with a smile. This behavior baffled Fu Baoguo. He did not seem to have met this Young Master Yun before but why was he speaking to him as if they were familiar friends? "Bad! Very bad!" Fu Baoguo sighed deeply. "The current state is very grave." Fu Baoguo had a serious look on his face, and continued, "Young Master Yun, I want to ask a favor of you. I request that Young Master Yun not reject it." Yun Yang answered in a low voice, "Do speak, Marshal Fu. As long as it''s within my capability, I won''t say a second word." "The war has reached a point where defeat is imminent. No matter how many divine tactics there are, they''ll hardly work now. This war can be lost, but Yutang can''t be allowed to fall; the elites of this nation cannot cease to exist." Fu Baoguo uttered the following words as clearly as he could, "So, I want to ask Young Master Yun to guard the Old Marshal''s departure. Only with Young Master Yun''s personal guard can it be guaranteed that Old Marshal will be returned safely and my mind will be at ease. "What about you?" Yun Yang asked. Fu Baoguo did not answer him and after a brief pause, continued, "Shangguan Family of Generals'' Lady Lingxiu is the current icon of the family, she''s significant and can''t just perish here. Also, your father Marquis Yun, Bai Yi, Fang Mofei and the others are all elites of the empire. If they were to sacrifice unworthily here, it''ll be the empire''s misfortune." "On top of that, eight thousand Shangguan Family of Generals'' men are left with two thousand and seven hundred plus fighting till now. I ask for Young Master Yun to take them away too. However, please do not be troubled for I can only give you no more than five thousand people on this trip. But even with these people, how can absolute security be guaranteed? I formally reiterate here that this mission is not going to be easy; it''s going to be one of the hardest things to do. Perhaps it could be said that the future of our empire, whether or not it can rise again from ashes like the phoenix, will be shouldered by you." Fu Baoguo was stoic, pure determination written on each line of his face. "I understand all that you say but I ask for Marshal Fu to answer this. What about you, Marshal Fu? What will become of you?" Yun Yang asked again. Fu Baoguo smiled faintly and replied, "I, Fu Baoguo, have promised Lord Supreme Cloud to share life and death with the Fortress of Resilience. It''s a pity that I''ve broken my promise on Old Marshal''s strict command. Although we agreed to build another Resilience Fortress, it''s still a promise broken to its core! But no matter how I''ve gone back on my words in the past, I''m here in front of Tianxuan Cliff now. With the Nine Supremes Lords watching me from above, I''ll never run away pathetically." "As Yutang''s militant, as Yutang''s man, it''s the greatest glory as a soldier to fight to my death in the battlefield before the nation falls." Fu Baoguo said softly, "If anyone were to remain alive after the country is subjugated, it''ll be the biggest humiliation in life!" Yun Yang scoffed and said, "What do you mean by this? Even if the country is subjugated, what about those soldiers who are still fighting relentlessly and working to recover their homeland? I say they''re lionhearted, heroic men too. Why must they shoulder the eternal stain of humiliation?" "Of course they''re heroes, undeniably heroes. But they''re not at the frontline! I, Fu Baoguo, am at the frontline right now! This is the difference. Being unable to die here will be my eternal humiliation." Fu Baoguo answered faintly. Yun Yang remained silent because he understood what Fu Baoguo meant. The border defense battalion of the frontline was responsible for protecting the country. If it were breached by the enemy, it would be a heinous crime! Whatever the underlying reason or cause, such a sin could not be dismissed. Even if the entire country knew that there was no alternative and that it was understandable if the defense fell, the soldiers would never be able to forgive themselves; it was something they would carry with them for the rest of their lives like an incurable disease, an unresolvable conflict! What was more, how many people in the world could be empathetic enough to put themselves in the shoes of these border fighters? When things finally came to an end, there wouldn''t even be a handful of men who would dare say that they could empathize with those caught up in this situation. "Young master need not be concerned about my safety. I have made known to you my last request. I hope that Young Master Yun will help me," said Fu Baoguo. Yun Yang replied curiously, "There are so many people who look more influential and more powerful than me. They''re much more suitable than me to face this current crisis. Why have you come to me, Marshal Fu? Aren''t you regarding me a bit too highly?" Fu Baoguo smiled and answered, "Why does the Old Marshal commend you so highly? Why does the Old Marshal look for you instead of others in the last of his moments? Additionally, he doesn''t allow a third person. These are my reasons." Yun Yang was stunned. 492 The Final Nigh "The only regret of this war is not meeting Lord Supreme Cloud. I wonder how the elder is now," said Fu Baoguo. He heaved a deep sigh and continued, "I only hope that Lord Supreme Cloud is safe and sound, blessed by the heavens." "To me, no, to all who are in Yutang, as long as Lord Supreme Cloud is still here, Yutang will still have hope!" Fu Baoguo''s looked up at the faraway sky, a mixture of longing and gratitude in his eyes. Yun Yang replied softly, "I didn''t expect you to trust in Lord Supreme Cloud so much." Fu Baoguo''s head was still raised towards the sky, his voice sounded exceptionally distant, "When Lord Supreme Cloud came disguised as Supreme Wind, he awakened me and gave me a new life! If it weren''t for Lord Supreme Cloud, I would have long been ruined; my standing and reputation, my body would have been utterly destroyed. Yun Yang was shocked, never expecting Fu Baoguo to reveal his shortcoming in front of anyone else other than the Supreme Cloud C so this is how it was for Fu Baoguo! "That day, it was Lord Supreme Cloud who pulled me away from the abyss!" Fu Baoguo continued in a reverent tone, "Lord Supreme Cloud is one of the two people whom I respect the most in my entire life. The other one is my teacher and mentor, Fang Qingtian!" "Old Grand Commandant Fang is definitely revered," Yun Yang began saying, "but Lord Supreme Cloud, he" He wanted to say that Lord Supreme Cloud was not looking for revenge despite his favor and would not hope for Fu Baoguo to be sacrificed on the battlefield just like this. But before Yun Yang could finish, Fu Baoguo got angry and glared at him, saying loudly, "You child, your surname is Yun and you''re a son to the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, an aristocratic descendant, in addition to possessing significant merit too, but some words shouldn''t be said in this world! I''m just expressing some memories of my past at this juncture of life and death. But upon hearing your defiance, it looks like Marquis Yun''s teaching at home needs to be further enforced." Yun Yang was dumbfounded. Fu Baoguo was not done venting his anger. "Yong Marquis Yun, seeing that we''ve been comrades in a battle, let me advise you. While you may not consider it a big deal to regard yourself so highly but it is still a weakness! It is better for you to shut your mouth in the future lest you attract a fatal fault! At the very least, never make idle comments about Lord Supreme Cloud in front of me!" "You are not worthy to judge anything good or bad about Lord Supreme Cloud!" Fu Baoguo finished in a cold voice and left immediately, leaving Yun Yang alone, rooted to the spot in astonishment. Yun Yang was dumbstruck. What did he say that was so wrong? He fumed and ruminated to himself, "What I said are good words. I was thinking only for your sake. Can''t you tell the difference? So what if I talk about Supreme Cloud, I was merely commenting on him, what can he do to me? Supreme Cloud himself didn''t say anything; did he ask you to take charge for his sake? What the f*ck? I''m commenting for myself but someone else is taking the moral high ground against me, how f*cking awkward!" He felt like he was being reprimanded for nothing. That night was actually the most peaceful night since the war began. Both sides knew that tomorrow would be the pivotal moment, deciding between victory and defeat. Yutang''s army knew that perhaps tomorrow was the day that they would be defeated while Dongxuan''s side was clear that they would charge through Tianxuan Cliff in the battle tomorrow and the entire Empire of Yutang''s east land would be theirs to ravage! On this night, Dongxuan''s army prepared themselves for the fight. All levels of generals were briefing the soldiers, promising that all would be good as long as tomorrow''s battle went well, that they could rise in ranks, that they could anticipate noble titles, rewards, and other promises. The soldiers who listened wore glinting eyes. They were all imagining the wealthy days awaiting them after contributing merits in tomorrow''s war. If they worked even harder, then they could expect to be bestowed titles of nobility just like their superiors had said. As for the army of Yutang, silence permeated the entire base. Everyone was doing their best to rest and adjust themselves so that they could be stronger tomorrow. They were trying to steel themselves to kill a few more invaders, even if it was in their last few moments. One or two would barely suffice, while three to five would be earning a slight advantage for their army C but if they could kill eight to ten, then they could rest in peace. Numerous soldiers were quiet, their heads lowered without saying a word. A sense of oppressive anguish began to spread and saturate everyone in the army. All their fighting and perseverance had led up to this point; was this final moment for them to be silenced? There had been innumerable sacrifices and uncountable knocks at death''s door, yet tomorrow was the final day. Would this be the end of this lifetime? A veteran who was heavily injured wiped his long saber quietly and began to sing in a low voice. "Brothers we are at home, comrades we became in war; For our homeland we fight, triumphant in the battlefield; When the enemy comes, comes to our fortress; Brother, you pick up your saber, and I raise my spear; Together we charge through foes, together we gallop, wielding blades; Together we drink to celebrate, together we trek through mountains, and together we go to the Yellow Spring; Brothers are comrades, comrades are allies; Don''t you lower your head, I wouldn''t bow either; Life and death I face, wealth and fame I toss; Here I come to my battleground, there you go to your fort; We''re all the pride of our families. You have an aged mother, I have my young children; Confidant you treasure, a woman I cherish; When we hold spears in our hands, when we see the enemy; You and I, blood boils in us! When I turn into earth and soil, glory to the militants; When you leave as scorched ashes, rainbows you shall become; Oh brothers, we still smile proudly! Because we are all Yutang''s pride! Blood flows in your chest, this saber I bear in my hands; Shoulder to shoulder you and I, today we fight side by side; If I die after a battle, my father and mother smile for me; For what can the life of a man be, if he doesn''t serve his country? Father and mother, look at the east when you miss me; Where smoke rises, I''m beaming with pride, Proudly I smile for eternity! Proudly I smile in life or death! The song was sung very softly, it was called ''Proudly I Smile''; it was composed by a soldier after a war and gradually gained popularity in Yutang''s military, becoming a military song that everyone was familiar with and could sing along to. At that moment, countless hoarse voices joined in, giving the song a strange rhythm that drifted slowly across the base amidst the night breeze. All the soldiers who heard the song sang along quietly. Some of them took out letters from their families while they sang, reading sheets of paper that were so worn from multiple readings that they would crumble to dust with another flip; even when the letters had long since lost their shape and were stained with blood, the owners read each word carefully, over and over again. After that, they kept the letters gently, close to their hearts, with tears in their eyes, but smiles on their lips. Some soldiers lied down with their blades as pillows, watching the starry night unblinkingly. Who knew what thoughts were going through their minds, but they hummed along to the tune nonetheless. Slowly but surely, the singing rang through Yutang''s military base; engulfing the mountain that the army was in; reverberating all around them, like the gentle caress of a breeze. Fu Baoguo was also humming to the song, patrolling his troops, tent by tent. Before the ultimate battle came tomorrow, he wanted to look at each of his brothers again C at least for another glance. He wanted to etch the image of each brother into his heart, that even when they had gone to the underworld, he would not forget them, he wouldn''t dare forget them! "Are you scared of dying?" "I was but now I''m not!" "Why so, why aren''t you afraid now?" "Because anyway, I''m just not afraid now!" Fu Baoguo recalled the conversation he had with a young soldier and could not help chuckling, albeit with tears. The soldier had barely reached twenty years of age but he was already a veteran who had gone through multiple battles. In spite of his young life, he had already experienced massive battles aplenty. "Tomorrow, we''re fighting to our deaths." Fu Baoguo''s voice echoed throughout the camp. "Brothers, do any of you have unfulfilled wishes? Say it quickly! If possible, I''ll complete it for you with what I can!" "This may be the last chance. There won''t be another opportunity if you don''t say it now!" The singing was still present but no one replied to the marshal. "Dying with me, Fu Baoguo, does anyone regret it?" No one answered, still; the melodic singing continued to drift in the air. "Then I''ll speak a little more. If all of us die in the battle tomorrow, our souls shall still stand guard here and continue fighting against Dongxuan! "I, Fu Baoguo, will continue to lead all of you, to go together to the Nine Spring and fight the enemy!" Fu Baoguo announced loudly. The quiet military camp suddenly roared in agreement. "That''s right! If we die fighting tomorrow, our souls shall continue to stand guard here and fight against Dongxuan!" "We shall go together to the Nine Spring and fight the enemy!" "We won''t rest till we die in this world! We won''t even rest if we die in another world!" "No regrets!" "We have no regrets!" The thunderous roar of the soldiers'' replies sounded like the rumbling thunder from the god of thunder himself, ricocheting from the mountain to the heavens above. Towards the end of their replies, only four words remained, "We have no regrets!" "We have no regrets!" Shangguan Lingxiu who was overlooking the scene from the top of the mountain covered her mouth, sobbing. Big fat tears rolled from her eyes and onto her cheeks, she felt choked with emotion. Fu Baoguo''s Adam''s apple bobbed up and down, unable to speak for a moment; he breathed harshly, like a broken wind box. Suddenly, he roared like an angry lion, "Fight to the end!" "Fight to the end!" The sound of the army''s roar resonated in everyone''s ears. Fu Baoguo laughed suddenly. "Brothers, all of us here, remember to leave together tomorrow, no one is allowed to fall behind! Your father''s military law dictates that whether it''s the human world or the underworld, heads can still be severed and military discipline can still be executed!" Laughter broke out in the base as the army guffawed in response. "We won''t fall behind! We won''t fall behind when we''re alive and not even when we die! What military law are we afraid of?" "Let us sing! Let us continue to sing!" Fu Baoguo hollered, "All of you haven''t heard your father sing, have you? Let your father start off today, I''ll let all of you hear my tune." Fu Baoguo kept quiet for a moment as he cultivated his emotions. All the soldiers stood up, puffed up their chests and waiting for the singing that they had never heard, the singing from Marshal Fu. After a while, Fu Baoguo''s voice began in a rousing tone, "Brothers we are at home, comrades we become in war" 493 A Hundred Thousand Soldiers, A Hundred Thousand Death Warriors! A hundred thousand soldiers, regardless of their wounds or injuries, whether they were resting or on duty, followed the singing in unison. "Brothers we are at home, comrades we become in war" The song was led by Fu Baoguo while the others chorused sonorously C how could a choir of a hundred thousand people be any less resonant and majestic? All of Yutang''s militants could feel their blood boiling at that moment. The heavens and the earth were shaking, vibrating from the singing of Yutang''s army! Their singing echoed far into the clouds. Their readiness to face death and their vehement spirit to fight to the last moment were absolutely resolute; their certainty was unshakeable and nothing could have diminished them. Their loud, vocalized determination was even heard clearly by Dongxuan''s base on the opposite side. The ardent motivation that was carried out there stopped automatically. Plenty of Dongxuaan generals walked in silence to the highest point which overlooked the dark mountain on the other side and listened to the resounding singing that came from there. In spite of themselves, an instinctive sense of respect flowed from their eyes. Zhan Ge was also listening from the far end in equal silence, his gaze complicated. Only Han Sanhe was still in his tent, not observing what was happening in Yutang''s base. He stood with arms placed behind his back as complex emotions swam across his sculpted face. After some time, he finally exited his tent with arms still on his back and walked towards the top of the mountain. Zhan Ge had been standing there, overlooking Yutang''s base. When he saw Han Sanhe coming, he turned to him immediately. "Teacher, you" There was hesitation and respect in his tone, but more importantly, an underlying sense of contradiction that came from within him. "Looks like you''re aware of it too?" Han Sanhe asked faintly. The singing from opposite was still echoing around their location, reverberating through the mountains around Dongxuan''s base. Zhan Ge swallowed with difficulty and said, "Yes, I can feel that tomorrow''s battle will be the most devastating one I''ll encounter in my life and I''m doubting whether we can actually win this war!" A bitter smile hung on Han Sanhe''s bony face as he said, "Your feeling is right. Tomorrow''s battle will be unexpectedly crushing but it is destined that Dongxuan will win except that it''s a pyrrhic victory. We will win this war, but the cost will be great! "Even throughout my entire military career, I''ve only met a massive army such as this only once before." Han Sanhe spoke slowly, "It''s a hundred thousand of soldiers, one hundred thousand warriors of death! It''s horrible!" "Once before?" Zhan Ge asked. "Years ago when we were against Shangguan Lingxiao, we set up an early ambush and planted agents. The siege was formed, trapping Shangguan Lingxiao in the Caterwaul Valley, seven hundred miles away from the Fortress of Resilience. Our side deployed one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers, firmly besieging Shangguan''s twenty thousand soldiers. This battle was similar to that one." Han Sanhe''s voice carried a reminiscent tone. "What was the result of that battle?" Zhan Ge asked respectfully. "Our one hundred and fifty thousand men army was commanded personally by me. We were going against twenty thousand men and even had the upper hand by setting ambushes and traps; our archers were standing by too. Essentially, it was an impeccable coordination of timing, location, and people. The victory was given, there wasn''t any reason for us to fail." Han Sanhe exclaimed, "And the result of the battle was indeed a total annihilation of Shangguan Lingxiao''s twenty thousand militants! All wiped out!" "When the battleground was cleaned up afterward, of Shangguan Lingxiao''s twenty thousand men army, there weren''t more than five hundred bodies that could be found intact," Han Sanhe said grimly. Zhan Ge suddenly felt goosebumps on his skin as his hair began to rise, and asked anxiously, "What about ours?" He was familiar with his teacher''s habit. For his teacher to state all their advantages and even the final result, he was paving the way to describe their loss. Thus, their casualty must be a number far exceeding his expectation. Han Sanhe answered faintly, "Of our one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers, only seventy-six thousand and three hundred people returned alive!" Zhan Ge felt his heart jerk strongly; for an instant, he even felt a bit faint. Their army had gotten all the advantages like location, ambush, and planted agents, but they had still paid such a high price of one to four lives! "How is this possible?! How could our casualties be so high when we had all the advantages? How can this be? How can it be right?" blurted out Zhan Ge. He thought he had been mentally prepared for this news but his face was in open disbelief. "Why not? I was there during the war. It was my personal experience, I have witnessed it myself. Even to this day, the memory is fresh in my mind!" Han Sanhe replied. "Do you know, some soldiers of theirs suffered from dozens of slashes and lay unmoving on the ground, but they were actually waiting for Dongxuan soldiers to pass by. When the opportunity presented itself, they sprung up to bite the target''s throat with the last of their strength. When we picked up the corpses, there were more than thirty soldiers who had died from this disguised attack." "In addition to that, after that battle, of Dongxuan''s seventy-six thousand and three hundred people, only about two hundred people suffered from light injuries. There were basically no wounds on that small group, or rather I should say, that there were none who were severely injured among those who survived!" Zhan Ge was a proficient general and immediately understood Han Sanhe''s implied meaning at once. His face grew pale. How brutal must the battle have been that those who were lightly injured were not the majority?! Nor were there any who were severely injured among the survivors. This meant that all who had been seriously injured had died. "That battle was also Shangguan Lingxiao''s last war, the Shangguan Family of Generals'' last war too. It''s also this old man''s last time going against the Shangguan Family." Han Sanhe breathed in deeply. "After that, my respect for Shangguan Family of General surpassed anyone else''s. If I could, I wouldn''t want to meet any descendants of Shangguan!" He turned and looked at Zhan Ge. "Zhan Ge, what you''re facing tomorrow is very possibly another Shangguan Lingxiao. Moreover, Fu Baoguo is much stronger than Shangguan Lingxiao from back then; he''s more fearless! Most importantly, the total number of men he has is five times more than Shangguan Lingxiao!" "And the current morale boost now has far exceeded Shangguan Lingxiao''s." "Facing such high morale, no matter how high their casualties turn out to be, their spirit won''t be reduced. Unless all of them are defeated and killed, there''s no victory yet." There seemed to be a ball of fire flickering in Han Sanhe''s eyes. "Lastly, if you win, you won''t ever forget Fu Baoguo for even a moment. He''ll become the most important person in your life!" "But if you lose" Han Sanhe closed his eyes. "Then all is lost!" "Are you ready?" Zhan Ge felt his heart thumping wildly, his eyes suddenly sparkled, "I''m ready!" he cried. If he, who had millions of soldiers, were to lose to Fu Baoguo''s one hundred thousand remaining troops, nothing needed to be lost at all as he would just behead himself first. What else was there to live for? "As a general, there must always be such a battle in your life that you have to face, at least one that you must go through. Only when you''ve experienced such a battle can you truly be on your way to becoming an unrivaled marshal!" Han Sanhe spoke almost nonchalantly, "This may be your biggest opportunity but also your doom!" The singing from the opposite army had yet to stop; in fact, it was growing even more fervent. In spite of it, Zhan Ge''s gaze turned sharper. He took in a deep breath and said, "Teacher, don''t worry! Tomorrow, I shall win this battle!" Han Sanhe nodded. Quickly, Zhan Ge asked in a humble voice, "Teacher, what strategy should I apply tomorrow?" Han Sanhe''s eyes squinted as he answered, "I have helped you in all the past warfare but in this battle tomorrow, I cannot. "All my suggestions, whether they benefit you or not in the end, will obstruct you and drag you down." Han Sanhe said slowly, "I only have one last thing to tell you." "Do speak, teacher. This disciple is ready to accept," Zhan Ge replied carefully. Han Sanhe spoke very clearly, "Facing such a troop with such high morale, and such a marshal if you don''t have the same passionate determination to fight to your death, then withdraw your army immediately." 494 The Nine Supremes at Tianxuan Han Sanhe had gone back to rest more than two hours ago, but Zhan Ge was still deep in thought, perched at the top of the mountain. He was determined to fight to the death! Zhan Ge''s gaze burned brighter as his resolve grew increasingly stronger. Fu Baoguo asked, "Has the Old Marshal''s carriage gone on its way?" "It left the base four hours ago!" "Good! Has Young Master Yun left as well?" "We didn''t see him, he should have left with Old Marshal too!" "Good! That''s good!" Fu Baoguo breathed out slowly. "Now, I can finally attend to this battle and fight to my death without any more worries!" Yun Yang unleashed his powers and sped like a wisp of smoke towards Tianxuan Cliff, concealed by the dark night. The Temple of Nine Supremes stood at the highest point of Tianxuan Cliff and it was Yun Yang''s destination right now. "I''m sorry, my brothers I have to take this step after all The peril of subjugation gives me no more room to hesitate!" Before long, Yun Yang stood in front of the Temple of Nine Supremes, alone in the nightfall. The Temple of Nine Supremes loomed right before his eyes. "Majestic Yutang, Glorious Nine Supremes" C the words on the door stopped Yun Yang and he stood there for a long time. He looked at the words; it was these words that had led to endless slaughters and blood debts! It was a moment later that he slowly stepped into this familiar place that he had parted with some time ago. Standing in the foyer alone, and glancing at the statues of the Nine Supremes, Yun Yang was at a loss. It was like he had become one of the nine statues, no longer belonging to the human realm. "If things hadn''t come to the worst, I really wouldn''t want to use your powers" Yun Yang murmured, "I am truly under pressure now No matter how reluctant and unwilling I am, I would never have wanted you all to see what is to happen If Yutang were to fall, I would be ashamed to see all of you in the underworld, so" Aside from Yun Yang, there probably was no other person in this world who knew that there was a huge secret of the Nine Supremes hidden here at the Tianxuan Cliff. The ambush on that fateful day at Tianxuan Cliff had used the Spiritual Restraining Formation to seal Nine Supremes'' power within their physical forms. It was after that battle that Nine Supremes perished, becoming the biggest catastrophe to befall Yutang for nearly hundreds of years. The Nine Supremes had fallen. However, it was also because of the spiritual restraint that their powers did not dissipate after their deaths, sealed in the vicinity of the cliff. Other than belonging to Residence of Nine Supremes, to heaven and earth, the power had been sealed in the area without any decrease in potency, even after their owners had died. The humans had died, but the powers remained! This was due to the fact that the nine powers belonged to the sky and earth anyway; it was due to the Spiritual Restraining Formation that they were temporarily sealed, but it was also due to the formation that this secret stayed here quietly, all along. If no one had come to instigate it, the energy might have slowly diminished over a very long time, to become the spiritual Qi of heaven and earth once more. As for the person who could stir up this power of Nine Supremes again, he had to possess a skill of the same source; other than that, it would be useless, no matter how remarkable the person''s cultivation base was. Perhaps things were truly destined in this world; fate worked in mysterious ways. There was only one person who survived among the Nine Supremes C Supreme Cloud. Supreme Cloud of Nine Supremes had come to personally trigger this force. As long as he was willing to, he could easily manipulate it. Yun Yang had known about the existence of this force for a long time. Since the day he returned to the Residence of Nine Supremes for the very first time, he had sensed another location in this world where the Nine Supremes'' powers were gathered. As long as Yun Yang made his way there, he could improve himself massively using the force but he had not touched it all along. Furthermore, he had not entertained other, similar, thoughts. He kept the powers as they were. Previously, he would rather have practiced extensively himself to cultivate the power of flame and wind than to lay a finger on this force. There was no other reason for his reticence except the fact that this was the last bit of energy his brothers had left in this world. It was also concrete evidence that allowed Yun Yang to feel that his brothers were still alive. If he were to use this force as well, there would be nothing else left. There would be no more traces of the Nine Supremes having existed in this world! Today, however, Yun Yang knew that he was forced into a corner. If he did not trigger this energy, Yutang would surely be defeated. The entire country would be under Dongxuan''s steeled hooves; lives would be sacrificed and the nation and its people would cease to exist. Yutang was the land he and his older brothers had guarded their whole lives. How could he watch it fall just like this? Yun Yang kneeled down quietly and bowed harshly. When he stood up, there was blood on his forehead. "Brothers, young nine is useless please forgive me." Dawn. Before Dongxuan made any move, Yutang had acted first, taking the initiative to launch an attack. Yutang''s army was neat and tidy, or thereabouts. It was not that the soldiers did not want to clean themselves properly, but it would be rare for a soldier to be without wounds and have a complete armor if they had fought to this day. Even when they were stained with blood and wore torn clothes, they did their best to clean themselves up. Any tattered shreds were sewn to their best effort, their belts were secured tightly, and their pants were tied neatly. They departed, troops with shiny helmets C yes, they wiped their helmets until it was without a speck of dust. Their faces were also the part where everyone was uniformly clean. They washed their faces, and there many who washed their hair as well, as if they were not going to a battle where their death was certain, but to meet some important people. Troop after troop walked out from top of the mountain or the forest or the base, falling in line on the spacious plane in front of the mountain. The Yutang army walked and lined up while singing. Looking from afar, they really did not look like a battalion that was about to join their last battle; they looked more like ceremonial troops who were there to attend a banquet. Every sergeant of the troop puffed their chests high, standing at the frontmost spot of their teams. All structures that Fu Baoguo had built and worked on throughout the period of time were destroyed, there was nothing else for them to stand behind to shout their defiance. What Yutang was left with now was only flesh and blood C only lives! Then, they would build another Fortress of Resilience that belonged only to Yutang with their lives, their flesh, and their blood! The horn blared with a rousing cadence. Uniform sounds of galloping hooves beat out a chilling rhythm. The Steel Cavalry appeared in squads, coming from the left side of the battlefield; the Serving Troop came in teams as well, approaching from the right side of the battlefield. The atmosphere was grim, the people solemn. 495 A Goblet of Wine Before War Besides the men, the cavalry''s warhorses were lined up in teams as well. For some reason, the steeds, which were normally carefree, seemed to have felt today''s grim atmosphere; even though they were bombarded by raucous noise and rousing chants, the war chargers were unusually tame. Yutang''s army sang in low but stirring tones. Be it the infantry or cavalry, they moved in formations that tapered one after the other. It was a formation that was triangular in shape and such formations were only used for one purpose C attacking. It only worked if one intended to attack without any attempt to defend themselves, and was only applied when faced with enemies several times larger than their own. At the same time, it was the most daring and unreserved formation that one could deploy on the field! In one of Steel Cavalry troops, twelve teenagers were exceptionally striking. They formed a neat row as well; their young and innocent faces were without dazed hesitation, but were filled with full-blown resolution. These young ones were the children from the valley Yun Yang had stopped at to recuperate; all of them were still here. Shangguan Lingxiu, Qiu Jianhan, and Fu Baoguo had ordered the army with much brevity to take care of these boys and protect them best as they could. They were initially in the retreating troops but just as they were leaving, the Steel Cavalry''s leader came out personally to withdraw them, stating repeatedly that they were Yutang''s future hope and it was not a cowardly act to escape or leave at this time. However, despite the extensive psychological work that was done, these twelve youths refused to budge. "We are men, we should fight for our nation!" "It''s the country''s crisis now. If we prize our lives above all else, we wouldn''t have come." "We''re here to kill the enemy and serve the country... we''re not here to be taken care of!" "If you all really must chase us away, we''ll form our own squad and charge the battlefield ourselves. All in all, we won''t leave. We''re set on staying and dying here!" The twelve youths spoke vehemently in unison. In the end, it was Wang Dingguo''s decisive voice that concluded the stand-off, "All good men, let them stay!" There was only a word''s difference between good men and good children but the meaning within was the difference between heaven and earth. All the military men understood the meaning of these words and were immediately friendlier to these teenagers. Previously, they took care and were concerned for the teenagers; they were even slightly jealous of them C how could a bunch of children understand the killing that took place within a war zone? Life and death were instantly interchangeable - what a waste of those noble steeds and they needed people to take care of them as well. It was better for them to leave as early as they could! Now though, there was only comradeship, trust that they could cover each other''s backs! Now, when the twelve youths set off to war, they already looked like qualified Steel Cavalry from the outside; they were no different from the comrades beside them. They had an equal will to fight to their deaths, they were all competent Yutang soldiers, and they would not reduce Yutang''s military valiance! Fu Baoguo changed into a rare set of golden armor, appearing in front of the army with pride. Perhaps heaven had decided to obey the people''s wishes as the God was happy to see Yutang set off for war smoothly; the days of flurry snow had finally stopped. Under the light of the rare sun, Fu Baoguo''s golden armor and helmet glimmered; he looked like a deity with an invincible aura. "War drums!" Fu Baoguo raised his hand and issued his orders calmly. Dong! A low beat of the drum resounded, ringing from afar. This was followed by another three beats, "Dong Dong Dong" Dong, dong, dong, dong, dong" The drum continued to be played consistently. The powerful beats pounded in everyone''s heart, slowly heating up their blood to boiling point. As the drumming rhythm increased, each of Yutang soldier''s face seemed to be glowing. They remained stationary but their grip on their weapons grew tighter. Even when the horses were unusually quiet and still, they perked up their ears and coiled their muscles. They even stopped swishing their tails subconsciously. The only movement they had was to train their eyes forward, waiting for their owner''s command before shooting out like a released arrow towards the final battlefield. The Shadow Cavalry slowly emerged like a tidal wave. Dongxuan''s soldiers were also present with gleaming sabers and spears. Obviously, Zhan Ge was also applying the most extreme and toughest method to face the battle head-on. I shall fulfill your wish to seek death, crushing your last retaliation directly with my strongest combat power which far exceeds that of your combined forces C this was his greatest show of respect to his opponent. Perhaps, this was the sole show of respect in this lifetime! "Dong, dong, dong" The drumbeats of war came from Dongxuan''s base as well. Almost at the same time, crisp neighing that came from their warhorses that were galloping could be heard. An incredibly handsome white horse charged out. The person mounted on it was wearing the same golden armor as Fu Baoguo, looking very valiant; he charged all the way to the front of both armies and suddenly yelled, "Fu Baoguo!" The person was Dongxuan''s temporary main marshal, Zhan Ge, who had personally made his way to the formation. On the other side, Fu Baoguo sat atop his horse, watching Zhan Ge with a hawk-like gaze without replying. Under the focused gaze of so many people from both sides, Zhan Ge called out loudly, "Fu Baougo! You and I have fought at this point. Although we each have our perspectives and goals, to fight with our lives on this battlefield is still the biggest glory for us militants!" "You and I both know that today will be our final battle. Zhan Ge has come specifically to show respect to Marshal Fu and to send Marshal Fu off!" Then, Zhan Ge waved his arm and hollered, "Wine!" Two cavalrymen came out together from Dongxuan''s army formation to deliver the wine pouch. Zhan Ge received it and retrieved a goblet, personally pouring the wine and raising his hand to say loudly, "Marshal Fu, who loses or wins this battle is secondary, but it is our responsibility for a militant to die in battle during the war. I propose a toast to you and to myself. When this war ends and I die, I have no regrets; if you die, then go in peace C if there''s an afterlife, let us become each other''s confidant!" Zhan Ge then tipped his head and emptied the wine in his hand. After three consecutive goblets, Zhan Ge wiped his mouth and continued aloud, "I know that you''re reluctant to step out and drink this goblet of wine with me, so I shall drink it myself. These three goblets of wine before a life and death battle are gratifying, gratifying indeed!" Just by stepping out and proposing a toast highlighted the fearless nature of a militant and his mannerisms; whether it was for show or from the bottom of his heart, what Zhan Ge did could be said to be extremely well played. There was also another effect; perhaps it could be considered Zhan Ge''s biggest goal. It was to grate away at Yutang''s morale while boosting Dongxuan''s dwindling hopes by saying they would definitely win. There was a flash of triumph in Zhan Ge''s eyes. Han Sanhe, who saw it from far behind could not help sighing instead. They were enemies and things had come to this final moment, why was there a need to play such tricks? Did he think Fu Baoguo would let him off the hook easily? To be showing off in front of a true expert would only be in vain and might even backfire! The reality was like Han Sanhe had expected, as Fu Baoguo''s voice rang from the legions of Yutang. "Zhan Ge!" "This marshal is not at all interested in these three goblets of toasted wine. This marshal does not at all agree with what you said! I also have a few words that I wish to share!" Zhan Ge replied, "Do speak, Marshal Fu." What he wanted to do and say earlier were done smoothly as Fu Baoguo did nothing to stop or interrupt him. Now that Fu Baoguo wanted to speak, it would show his lack of grace. If he stopped him, it would destroy the confident atmosphere he had conjured earlier. At the very least, the effect would be a lot more lackluster. Fu Baoguo laughed and said, "Zhan Ge, you said that we each have our perspective and goals, having no other option than to fight. I can''t deny the first half of your words; we do have our own perspectives and goals, but I find it very hard to agree with the thought of fighting at this juncture!" 496 Right Where It Counts Fu Baoguo''s voice was sonorous and thick, echoing above the battlefield. "Who are you, and what is your purpose? Why are you attacking Yutang? You are all invaders, coming to invade Yutang''s land! We, as the border army, are guarding our land peacefully. You have forced us to fight! Only we have the right to say that we have no other option than to fight! On what basis can you, the invaders, claim that you have been forced to fight as well? Our hearts know what is right and what is wrong... to say that your hand has been forced is ridiculous! It could, perhaps, be the world''s biggest joke! Quickly go and hide, don''t make fools out of yourselves and further!" Fu Baoguo''s words were enunciated clearly and his tone was furious. "You say that it''s a militant''s responsibility to die fighting in the war. I agree, but what exactly are you fighting for? Dying for? Let me tell you - for fortune and wealth! However, if we were to lose our lives in the war, it is in the defense of our homes and country against intruders!" "You rascals have no right to claim that you are exercising a militant''s responsibility! The greatest glory is not relevant to you, not in the slightest bit." Zhan Ge''s expression grew cold as he heard the accusatory words. "You said that if you were to die in battle, you would have no regrets, while if I die in the war, you hope that we can become each other''s confidant" Fu Baoguo chuckled coldly. "Allow me to give you a word of advice. It is better to wind in your wild wishes and stop being so absurd! Even when we die in the war, even when there''s an afterlife, we shall never be your confidants, the head of intruders! Whether life or death, whether in this lifetime or the next, you are our greatest enemy! If there is to be a next life, I will only enlist in the military and keep advancing through the ranks to become the main marshal again, so that I can do battle against you once more!" "We Yutang militants are never afraid of war, but we''d never initiate one ourselves!" Fu Baoguo said loudly, "If you all had not come, many of us wouldn''t even have enlisted in the army! If you all had not come, a lot among us would rather have stayed at home and spend the day with our wives and children, to work on our farms and have a happy ever after. We would befriend our neighbors, take care of our elders, educate our children C we''d rather spend our lifetime performing ordinary tasks, dying of old age in the forests, unheard of but happy and at peace" "Still, you all have come! You invaders have come!" "We have to fight. If we don''t, our homes will be destroyed C our parents, our wives, our children will be killed and all of us will become slaves. So we stand here to defend against you invaders!" "Now, to boost your morale, you actually dare to utter such shameless words C the greatest glory of a militant? Coming from your mouths, that statement will only taint the saintly occupation of a soldier! The greatest glory of a militant - the people of Dongxuan have no right to mention this! Only we, the soldiers of Yutang, deserve to claim it." "This is ours!" Yutang''s hundred thousand soldiers were flushed red, their hearts about to burst from how rapidly their blood was surging. They could not help roaring out loud together, "Ours!" The resolute voices in unison sounded like a thunderbolt out of the blue that deafened the nine heavens. Zhan Ge''s expression paled as his pupils rapidly shrank. He finally realized the reality now; he had failed. Yutang''s morale, that had taken a massive blow, had not only recovered from Fu Baoguo''s words, it had increased tenfold! On the contrary, plenty of people from his side lowered their heads, displaying genuine shame. Alas, Zhan Ge did not expect Fu Baoguo to be so well versed with words besides being proficient in warfare. His tongue was sharp and his words were straight to the point, prickling where it mattered. It seemed like Zhan Ge had lured himself into a trap this time. Just as he was about to interrupt Fu Baoguo''s fervent speech, he heard the latter roar again, "Of what you''ve said so much just now, there''s only one part which you actually got right. You said that I am reluctant to drink a goblet of wine with you; you are absolutely correct! I''m unwilling to! I will drink, but I will only drink with my friends, my brothers, and my comrades! But I, Fu Baoguo, will never drink with an invader!" "Do you even have the right to drink with me?" Fu Baoguo''s guffaw was thunderous. "What are you? You are but an invader who is here to attack my land, to intrude into my home, to kill my brothers, to torment my comrades You have the wild wish to drink with me? Just you? Hah!" Zhan Ge was trembling with fury and shouted wildly, "Fu Baoguo!" Fu Baoguo ignored him and began to recite, "Yutang, the heart of fighters, resilience, the will to serve the country; we fight the war today without the concern for our lives!" He then cried, "Beat the drums, blow the horns! Attack!" The majestic war drums reverberated loudly, following Fu Baoguo''s command while the solemn horn seemed to have blown open the gates of hell as an endless, cold aura spread and engulfed the entire area! Yutang''s fighters, who were already boiling with heat, roared at the same time, "Kill!" The sound of galloping hooves resembled that of thunder. There were eight cavalry teams. Each person leading the eight teams raised a large flag, charging out into the fray like a raging dragon. Wang Dingguo, who was in the central position, bellowed, "The Steel Cavalry is here, who dares to invade our land?" Behind him, thousands of men from the Steel Cavalry shouted in a single voice, "The Steel Cavalry is here, who dares to invade our land?" The voices were so in sync, it seemed like a large pit had suddenly collapsed in the middle of the sky. "Serving Troop! We enlist in the military, we serve our nation with loyalty!" "Bathe the battlefield with blood, let us not waste our prime and youth!" "Today I shall repay my country with my life!" "Kill!" The army of a hundred thousand soldiers charged out like a tsunami, unafraid to die. The targets of their fury were the Dongxuan ranks. For a brief moment, the aura they emanated was like nothing that had ever been witnessed before. The military flags fluttered in the wind. Fu Baoguo stood behind Yutang''s troop, proud and tall like a mountain. His eyes were dead set on the flags that were about to charge into the enemy base and were gradually turning blurry as if he was seeing into the next lifetime. He stood towering, like a majestic mountain that overlooked the rest, but his eyes were already growing fuzzy. On the opposing side, the Shadow Cavalry had set off as well, surging from the horizon towards them like a black color tide. Within the span of a breath, they had covered half of the battlefield, hell-bent on forcefully stopping Yutang''s advance. They were elites set against elites; both armies were ready to fight for what their lives were worth the moment they caught sight of each other. The final battle of Yutang''s eastern border army had begun. "Good brothers! Good men! We must continue to fight together in our next lifetime! I, Fu Baoguo, shall be your marshal again!" Fu Baoguo''s legs squeezed his warhorse, the sword in his hand pointed forward and he was about to speed off at a gallop. However, just before he set off, he was jolted in his seat. He froze, halting his momentum inexplicably. Simultaneously, his gaze was one of disbelief. Another person who experienced the same sentiment was Han Sanhe, who sat all the way back on the opposing end of the field; he stood up then, looking horribly upset. At that very moment, the billowing winter wind had turned from a stiff northern breeze to a violent western gale! The berserk western gale came abruptly, rolling the dust and debris and tossing them towards the east. Wind, sand, and dust were all being hurled into the sky in a wild frenzy. The wind billowed and hissed, becoming a hurricane in the time it took to snap one''s fingers. Slowly, it did not just raise sand and dust, but also snow and ice that had been frozen on the ground. It was like heaven had finally triggered its hidden weapon in the form of wind and had hauled everything towards Dongxuan''s troops. At the same time, clouds met the wind in the air; the fog and clouds seemed to have received instructions to assemble as they gathered in the sky above the war zone. Dense, ominous clouds quickly accumulated into a thick layer. Before long, the rumbling of thunder could be heard. Right after the thunder''s growl was heard, a flash of lightning descended onto the land. It may or may not have just been a coincidence; perhaps it was simply God''s will. Regardless of whatever it was, the bolt of lightning landed right in the middle of Dongxuan''s Shadow Cavalry. 497 Magnificent Yutang, Majestic Nine Supremes If the charge of Yutang''s eatern troop could be said to have raised the curtain to the sight of extreme battle, then the lightning strike would have raised the curtain to the onslaught of nature''s forces. After the first thunderbolt, thick lightning strikes jabbed down from the sky incessantly into Dongxuan''s formation. Nature''s power was beyond a mortal man''s ability to defend against; before long, both men and horses cried out in pathetic chaos. There was no way to fight back against the power of heaven and earth. As Dongxuan''s soldiers faced disaster, their misfortune continued to pile up as a burnt smell began to slowly permeate the earth In what could have been eons, or just within the blink of eye, there was a loud boom. Shards of flame that appeared out of nowhere swallowed Dongxuan''s base. Within the time it took to exhale, dozens of miles of Dongxuan''s camp had turned into a sea of fire. The thunder and lightning from the sky and the flames from the earth appeared simultaneously; the sense of fear it struck into those witnessing the phenomenon was indescribable! What was more, it was reasonable to say that the fire was scorching Dongxuan''s camp because of the western gale, but the lightning strikes seemed to have eyes as they only focused themselves on Dongxuan''s army. Not a single Yutang soldier was harmed by the endless bolts of lightning. It was absurd; even a novel would not have dared to write its plot in this manner! Alas, there were even more absurdities that followed. Another loud boom echoed closer to Dongxuan''s troop. A huge crack suddenly appeared on the ground, like the gates to hell had suddenly opened; the unexpected opening saw countless Dongxuan soldiers falling into the pit abruptly, and a surge of water which had miraculously appeared, poured itself into the hole. Understandably, none of the soldiers who fell in survived. The calamity that happened next was the alarming collapse of the mountains the Dongxuan had pitched their tents on. The earth was like a pot of simmering water that refused to stay calm. Men and horses succumbed to it, unable to stay on their feet. It was like the dragon of earth was moving about and there was more than one dragon; how could the motion be so small then? The land for hundreds of miles around was tumbling and crumbling; cries and moans of agony formed a chorus as thousands of people were shrieking in hopeless despair. These were the desperate sounds of men who had been pushed to the brink of definite death! In spite of this, the disaster still did not end there. A massive net woven from crimson stripes appeared in the air and landed on the ground with a swoosh. All the Dongxuan soldiers who were caught in the blood-tinged net moaned pathetically without exception before tiny beads of blood shot out from their pores and they succumbed to blood loss. Then, golden rays blinked continuously and the blades on the weapons gripped by the Dongxuan army''s hands curled up. Where they could once have easily killed an enemy, most of these weapons would only wounding the enemy without further damage. Killing someone proved to be a harder task. All sabers, swords, and spears had become logs forged with useless metals. All of the phenomenon that were taking place and saw the Dongxuan faced with natural disasters and calamities, while Yutang was being taken care of by the unusual signs. Beams of green light flickered among Yutang''s army and any soldier who was touched by the green ray was replenished, despite being heavily wounded earlier; their injuries were mostly healed inexplicably and they were recharged on the spot, sufficiently revived to fight again. Clouds stacked themselves in the sky while thunder and lightning slithered among them; on the ground, fire and wind collaborated and delivered chaos to Dongxuan''s initially uniform army. They were in utter chaos! Zhan Ge hollered with all his might, intending to reunite his army and stabilize them, but the frequent disastrous events extended beyond man''s control; how could the troop reorganize themselves? Dongxuan''s military unity and morale were utterly crushed! The wind blew, fires burned, the earth trembled, thunder and lightning played in the sky. Gold was destroyed, water drowned, blood killed, and wood revived! All of these seemed so familiar C and for such familiar phenomena and natural anomalies to attack Dongxuan but assist Yutang, there was only one possibility! There could be only one explanation. The Nine Supremes! Indeed, the clouds in the sky reeled harshly before two phrases were manifested! Everyone could see the words clearly C "Magnificent Yutang, Majestic Nine Supremes!" Han Sanhe closed his eyes solemnly. He was done for. What he feared the most had finally taken place after all. Throughout the entire process, he had put Zhan Ge in charge of command; other than training the latter and allowing the person who was taking over his mantle absorb most of the merits, as well as letting him achieve the result of defeating Yutang''s top militant of the younger generation and becoming renowned, Han Sanhe had his woes. Once the Nine Supremes came, they had him as a pillar; there would still be room for change. However, when the Fortress of Resilience was subjugated, Supreme Cloud had not appeared! When Qiu Jianhan was on the verge of dying and Yutang''s elites were in an impasse, Supreme Cloud still had not stepped out! Until the army had forced Yutang''s army to a corner, until this very moment, Supreme Cloud was still absent! The overall situation had been basically decided. Although Han Sanhe''s lessons to Zhan Ge was always tinged with warnings and hinted at his diffidence in the result of this battle, Han Sanhe had already come to a conclusion in his mind. For Zhan Ge to go against Fu Baoguo, no matter how devastating the battle would be and how much a casualty Dongxuan had to pay, this battle was theirs. According to the current situation, it was rather certain that Supreme Cloud had indeed been killed C at least, at the very least, he would have to be trapped. Otherwise, he would not miss Yutang''s current crisis for the world! He was simply not fated to participate in this war! Everything was simple then. No matter how glorious the end result of this battle was, only death awaited Han Sanhe when he returned. Then, why not pass this great merit to Zhan Ge and escalate his reputation? To cultivate the next generation of peerless marshal for Dongxuan, he would already be preparing for the rain. Despite his less than perfect end, Dongxuan still had his prized disciple. His family, children, and descendants would not live too pitifully. The military had to support them in his place! In spite of it, it was when Han Sanhe let his guard down to observe the continuation of the war in silence that the most unexpected moment had taken place The Nine Supremes'' various powers had descended upon the world once again! Furthermore, this time was unlike the previous few times that only two to three manifestations could be witnessed. This time around, all of the Nine Supremes'' nine powers were present to ruin the battlefield! Almost at once, Dongxuan''s army was dazed. How was it possible? How was this possible? Even if Supreme Cloud had not died, even if Supreme Cloud was present, he should not have been able to conjure such terror! Watching the nine manifestations, their minds were screaming the fact that it was impossible for a single person to wreak such havoc. Nine Supremes had not died, not a single one of them, and they had all appeared together here. Only then could this situation happen. Were the two large phrases in the sky proving this point? Signifying that the Nine Supremes had yet to fall and were coming back forcefully at this moment? Yet, how was this possible? Dongxuan''s army refused to believe this reality but what they were going through right now was proof that this was the truth! The Nine Supremes had made a simultaneous appearance and collaborated to bring about nature''s combined might C who in this world could defend against them? The troop was breaking down; even if they were to fight, they would be losing lives in futility. It was impossible for them to turn the tides of war. Defeat was an absolute certainty! "Beat the gong, withdraw!" Han Sanhe waved his arm as he closed his eyes helplessly. He felt the cold teeth of despair. Only when one personally experienced the concurrent power manifestations of the Nine Supremes could one truly understand their almightiness. The Empire of Dayuan at the southern border was similarly holding the advantage with their military strength but they could not stop the nine forces either! Now, the reality was evident that Dongxuan was no exception! The power of the Nine Supremes was indeed the ultimate weapon in this world''s warfare C there was no doubt about it! The Yutang army''s emotions were a direct contrast to Dongxuan''s loss of hope. Looking at this familiar scene, a sight that they had not been able to witness for so long, Yutang''s soldiers could not help cheering deafeningly with a sudden surge of happiness. "Nine Supremes Lords!" "Nine Supremes Lords!" The tumultuous cheer rang throughout the battlefield instantly. All of Yutang fighters seemed to be charged with adrenaline as they guffawed and charged forward to attack without a second thought. "For the kill! The Nine Supremes Lords are here!" "Yutang is saved!" "We''re saved!" "This is the last battle, but it is Dongxuan''s last battle!" "Yes, yes! Victory is ours!" "Kill all these invaders!" A large number of veterans were tearing up from the emotion. Just when they were resigned to fate and were ready to die fighting, the Nine Supremes Lords had finally appeared! The ecstasy worn on Fu Baoguo''s face who just regained his senses and was charging forward was almost frozen in place. Tears were now streaming down his cheeks as well. A short while later, he suddenly guffawed, crying even as he laughed, and roared hoarsely, "Magnificent Yutang, Majestic Nine Supremes!" "Magnificent Yutang, Majestic Nine Supremes!" Countless people were shouting the same slogan with all their might, wanting to shout until their throats bled C as if the extreme happiness and exhilaration could not be contained in their fragile bodies if they did not shout loudly. Yutang''s momentum had picked up immensely, like an unstoppable tiger that was descending the mountain. Dongxuan, on the contrary, was a mess; their morale had hit a low point. There was no more will to fight; even the Shadow Cavalry, that had always been known for their discipline and perfection, was disorderly and incapable of fighting back. Who would dare to retaliate against the presence of the Nine Supremes? They were the raw powers of heaven and earth! These were forces beyond the human capability to withstand! 498 Galvanized Military Morale Versus the God of War’s Flag After Han Sanhe''s command to beat the gong, there was a moment of confusion among the troops before understanding finally settled upon them and brought order to the disorderly soldiers. Dongxuan''s army turned around and ran back as fast as they could, retreating like a receding tide. Fleeing was the only thing in their minds right now; to escape this area of natural forces as fast as they could. However, Yutang''s morale was galvanized. "Chase! Kill them all" The only thought amongst the Yutang was to charge and kill. They ceaselessly pursued their enemies. Zhan Ge was reluctant to withdraw; the eternal prosperity was already within sight and reach C the absolute hegemon was about to be decided! It was at this pivotal moment that such a fatal element of surprise came about. Zhan Ge''s mind was buzzing, he shouted to his troops, "Do not withdraw! We have more people than them. Get a grip on yourselves! Withstand with all your might!" Zhan Ge''s eyes blazed with anger. He personally beheaded a few retreating soldiers to try and calm down the situation. But how could his own personal power go against the hundreds of thousands of scattered soldiers on the battlefield? No matter which way he chose to kill them, how many could he actually kill? The reality of the situation came crashing down on his shoulders like a brutal truth. Not only did Zhan Ge stop his troops from retreating, but he was also being drowned by the sheer number of soldiers and was forced to withdraw involuntarily. By the time he was aware of this, he had already been drawn back past the Fortress of Resilience. "Teacher? Where is my teacher?" Zhan Ge shouted in a frenzy, looking wretched. In such a critical moment, the only thing he could think of was his almighty teacher, the God of War, Han Sanhe. Unfortunately, a retreating troop was like a collapsed mountain. Even if Han Sanhe stepped forward personally, the tide of war could not be changed! No matter how elite their army was, once they had broken down to this extent, and had forgotten their own God of War C even if it was a true immortal from heaven, they would only sigh in futility. Under such pressing circumstances, it was the least to expect from an unrivaled marshal like Han Sanhe, to still be able to gather the disarrayed army of men and guide them towards one direction. The rumbling sound of battle cries grew louder. The Yutang fighters were like freed tigers now, keen on hunting down all their enemies. They had suffered for so long, it was finally time for their revenge. If they did not kill the enemy and bring down their vengeance upon them to their heart''s content right now, then when else would they get such an opportunity to do so? Soldiers, in spite of their broken legs, mounted horses and pursued their enemies with every last bit of strength they had left. "Revenge for our sacrificed brothers!" "Li Erniu, are you watching? The Nine Supremes Lords are here and we''ve won! We brothers have avenged you!" "Boss Qi, you should be thrilled under there huh!" "Revenge!" "Kill all of them!" "Wipeout these intruders!" "Yutang is not for the enemy to blatantly run over. All those who invade Yutang must be killed, even if they think themselves to be stronger!" Fu Baoguo commanded his army with unwavering focus, ordering them to pursue the enemy relentlessly, "Give chase and don''t stop until you''ve killed them all!" Honestly, Fu Baoguo would not initially have wanted to pursue the retreating army so thoroughly. He understood, more than anyone, about the taboo amongst marshalls and generals with regards to not ruthlessly hunting down an enemy when they were at their worse state. This taboo was also prevalent in the military itself. However, with Han Sanhe''s and Zhan Ge''s ability, they did not need long to recover their army, even though Dongxuan was in retreat right now. Their army was built up of elite militants; a momentary defeat did not necessarily mean they were completely overthrown. If Yutang were to be bitten back, it would drastically reduce this advantageous state. Fu Baoguo could not give up his relentless pursuit because he realized the precariousness of the situation. The Nine Supremes'' power had only erupted into action once. The invincible forces were almighty but it was like everyone had only struck once! After that, there was nothing else, as if the Nine Supremes had stopped. This certainly should not be happening. It must be made known that despite the fact that the tables had been turned, Dongxuan''s casualties were still limited; they still had vast resources left. As long as they cleaned up the mess and reset their formation, the warfare would take a turn for the worse against Yutang! Therefore, the Nine Supremes should still be attacking now to assist Yutang and ensure that their victory could be set in stone! Fu Baoguo became acutely aware that maybe the Nine Supremes only had one chance to strike. Could there perhaps be some kind of mishap? The Nine Supremes had not appeared previously due to some reasons and now that they were forced to do something because of this grave crisis, they could only do this much! If this were true, then all the more Fu Baoguo would need to hound their enemies and continue fighting to increase the success of this battle. He had to delay Han Sanhe''s respite as long as possible. If his guesses were true, disaster would still befall Yutang once Han Sanhe could get a break. The crisis might even be considered as more grave than previously thought! Now that Yutang''s military morale was galvanized to its peak, it was the moment to go all out; if Fu Baoguo were to hold them back now, they might fall harder and be laid lower than ever before. If Dongxuan attacks again then Yutang would be defeated immediately; their combat power would be greatly reduced too, from all sorts of negative emotions. The end might actually be worse than when everyone had initially set their minds to be willing to die fighting; after all, once there was hope, it would be hard to think of dying in war. A man''s emotions could barely handle the rollercoaster ride of war. In addition to that, the Fortress of Resilience was no longer theirs. Without this natural barrier, it was impossible to rebuild it in less than a year. At this moment, a deafening neigh tore through the scene as a red silhouette zapped through Yutang''s army like a lightning strike. There was a purple person atop the red shadow; the man and horse duo was speeding towards Dongxuan''s direction. "Han Sanhe! Hand over your life!" Fu Baoguo was shocked to hear the man''s voice. Yun Yang? Why was he here? Had he not already instructed Yun Yang to guard the Old Marshal and the others? What was going on? Before he could figure it out, the red silhouette had disappeared from his sight. Dongxuan''s soldiers were still receding like an ebbing tide. Zhan Ge had killed plenty of routed soldiers in hopes of quelling the situation and securing their stance as well as their morale but he was just a mere man too C insignificant before end-of-the-world powers of nature. Not only did he fail to redirect them but he himself was forced to retreat against his will. Fortunately, Dongxuan still had a pacifier despite Zhan Ge''s inability to calm the army down. On the other side where Dongxuan''s base was, a large flag was raised. At first glance, the flag seemed unusual because it was ten times bigger than a usual flag! It had to be extraordinary! The withdrawing army was charging with lowered heads, hoping they could reach safety faster and leave their terror behind. Some occasionally lifted their heads and those who did would have seen the war flag raised more than three hundred feet into the air, appearing like a red cloud in front of them. Anyone who saw the flag felt their heart silenced by the inexplicable! It was the God of War''s flag! A personal flag belonging to Han Sanhe! Eight golden words glimmered on the flag as the gale blew the flag rigidly straight as if it were solid. The eight words on the flag read C "A Ray of Sword-Light, Mountains and Rivers Freeze!"1 Han Sanhe! The main reason Dongxuan army was retreating now was because of the sudden forces of nature that were indestructible and unstoppable by man. Additionally, it was partly also because the current commander was inadequate; Zhan Ge''s speech was weaker than Fu Baoguo''s at the beginning of the attack, which not only reduced their morale, but Zhan Ge''s valiance had also suffered. Their military minds were no longer aggressive but were now slightly dulled. If they could seize the upper hand in the battle, it might still work out in their favor, but now that the whole frontline had collapsed, there was not even a drop of determination left in them! However, now that Han Sanhe had stepped out personally, it conciliated the army despite not being able to reset the military morale immediately. The Nine Supremes'' reputation was like a nightmare among Dongxuan soldiers but the fame of their continent''s God of War was equally striking. This was not something that could be replaced, regardless of whether Zhan Ge had taken control of Dongxuan''s military authority or not! Translator Note: 1A Ray of Sword-Light, Mountains and Rivers Freeze: A phrase built from Han Sanhe''s name. To derive meaning literally from the Chinese characters of the name Han Sanhe (ɽhn shn h), it means to freeze mountains and rivers. 499 The Final Lesson The Dongxuan soldiers no longer held the slightest bit of trust in Zhan Ge in their hearts. With their defeat, the top priority now was to escape and survive. However, Han Sanhe''s appearance gave these soldiers hope. They were facing a crisis now, but it would still be better to gather under the banner of the God of War of this continent. The reputation of being the continent''s top militant was not easily forgotten. As the flag of the God of War fluttered, the rousing sounds of the horn were being blown underneath the flag. There, five thousand men of the Shadow Cavalry had just formed into a squad. They still looked somewhat deplorable, but they still managed to construct their formation, immobile against the hundreds of thousands of routed soldiers. They were ready to pick up the pieces, coiled and awaiting their commands. As time went on, the horns formed a choir and the momentum came back to the army. Among the assembling Dongxuan army, Han Sanhe was mounted on a warhorse right at the vanguard, wearing a snow-white mink fur coat; he sat atop his horse calmly as he watched his army being routed in distress. His expression remained stoic. The incessant horn was only delivering one message C "Return! Assemble! Fall in!" The routed Dongxuan soldiers who witnessed the silent scene immediately recovered some degree of faith. After all, these people were initially Dongxuan''s elite troop C the crme de la crme. The cannon fodders, random teams, and martial forces of noble families of Dongxuan had, after all, been drained by Han Sanhe in the Fortress of Resilience, and had been buried there. The remaining Dongxuan troop was comprised of warriors who had been baptized countless of times by steel and blood; such an elite troop could recover swiftly once something that could shake them sufficiently appeared, despite being routed from anomalies or crushing defeat. Han Sanhe was the person who could shake them up sufficiently. More and more soldiers halted their steps, some measure of clarity returned to their panicked gazes. One by one, they sprinted forward to return to Dongxuan''s base and reassembled themselves. Some lower-ranking leaders were already beginning to organize their own units. "Those belonging to the third division, seventh squad, fifth camp! Gather here!" "Those belonging to the first division, second squad, third camp! Here, here! F*cking hell, faster!" "Assemble!" "Stop running! Come and assemble!" Once Han Sanhe''s flag of the God of War was raised and he appeared with indifference, a big chunk of the army''s panic and defeated emotions had been instantly quelled. An increasing number of Dongxuan soldiers were falling into formation behind Han Sanhe again. The calm and steady aura of a militant was being conjured once again. This was where Han Sanhe excelled. He knew well his strengths and weaknesses. It was true that he was nicknamed the continent''s God of War but he was no real God. When the rout began, it would be useless even if he displayed the God of War''s flag; he would be taking after Zhan Ge and washed down by the routing army. Then, it would really be realizing their defeat without any chance to do anything about it. On that account, he had acted ahead of time and waited with a raised flag hundreds of miles away from the routed troop. There had to be a limit for the retreating army and these withdrawing soldiers had to be tired out by fleeing. More importantly, their terror about the unknown power must be near mind-numbing and the moment would come when they needed support, a backbone. Only then would his abrupt presence be able to make an impact. The theory sounded simple, but there were, at most, three people in the entire continent who were able to step out dauntingly and hold the routed army back from utter defeat under such circumstances! To achieve such a feat, the commanding marshal must have a standard of calmness rendered from countless wars as well as an unsurpassable reputation in the military. None of these two aspects could be absent. As Dongxuan''s routed soldiers ebbed from every direction, Han Sanhe''s spot looked like a solid rock amidst the raging sea from afar. The collapsing army that was like a raging, retreating tide turned into a slow stream at once after passing the calm rock of Han Sanhe; they then stopped and redirected their flow. It was a miracle, akin to a rock stopping the advance of a fierce tidal wave. Zhan Ge was close to vomiting blood as he retreated along the way, being swept by the rest of his troop. When he finally came close and slowed down, the temptation to behead people to subdue the scattered soldiers was strong. It was only then that he realized the speed of the people fleeing around him was impossibly slow. In fact, they no longer seemed to be running away. It was more like they were walking forward slowly. Zhan Ge sucked in a deep breath and looked over to where they were walking towards. Once he took in the sight of the solemn army formation, Zhan Ge teared up as he sobbed, "Teacher" Han Sanhe kept stationary without saying anything. His gaze was calm and he only lightly, faintly, waved his arm. Zhan Ge suddenly felt energized and he walked over with large strides. The few steps were enough to recover the calm on his face. When he walked to position himself behind Han Sanhe, Zhan Ge was already fully composed; the expression of failure, defeat, and dismay had vanished. Even if the sky were to collapse, it would be fine with his teacher here! The continent''s unrivaled God of War was his teacher! With his teacher taking rein, it wouldn''t matter if the Nine Supremes came together. Smoke rose from afar. Han Sanhe squinted as he watched where smoke was clouding the sky and said faintly, "There is where the only chance the tables of this battle can be turned. Zhan Ge, remember, this is the last chance I can teach you and you can learn from me." Zhan Ge was grief-stricken. "Yes." "Look carefully." Han Sanhe remained stoic, wearing only a weary look of endless indifference on his face. His gaze was cast afar as he looked into the distance. "To be routed is the most humiliating yet unavoidable experience for a general. Once it happens, it is the worst scenario to happen in the military career of that general. However, there''s no absolute certainty in this world. Despite the crisis and impasse, it doesn''t mean there isn''t a chance of redemption. As long as you don''t panic and still have the prestige to pacify your army, you can grab onto the opportunity to turn the tables around. Worse comes to worst, you can still withdraw intact without losing everything." "The tables are currently turned. The opponent has gotten the upper hand, but it''s not a complete victory. If the enemy''s general doesn''t know how to take defeat and is greedy to win, he may give chase all the way and cause his attacking troop to be disorderly. In that case, we may still have a chance to win this." Han Sanhe said faintly, "Now, we shall see if Fu Baoguo can still maintain his composure. If he can still be composed at this moment, then his position as Tianxuan continent''s God of War will be secured and we can withdraw unscathed. Otherwise, if he can''t, then we''ll counterattack tonight. The military strength differs greatly on both sides; although we have just lost, our combat power is still mightier than that of Yutang!" Zhan Ge answered seriously with unusual humility, "Yes." "What I''ve said isn''t just regarding Fu Baoguo. Anyone you face in the future, any general or leader, it''s the same. As a general, it''s only a fitting mannerism to keep calm and maintain one''s composure before chaos C unmoved till death!" Han Sanhe''s voice seemed to come from a very far place as he said, "You have to remember my words by heart! Remember, whatever it is, you must never panic first." "Hence, this time, you have disappointed me greatly!" Han Sanhe said grimly, "When the army is routed, you, as the main marshal, did not flee but neither did you manage to pacify your troop. You were swept away by the defeated army after all. In defeat, you should have remained with your troop, but what you should have done was to send your janissary with your marshal flag off first, erecting the flag sixty or even eighty miles away, where all of you will surely pass!" "However, you didn''t counteract as the main marshal. Along with this event, I''ve only seen your indignation, your rage, your hopelessness, and you beating and killing people! I did not see composure and calmness, inner peace despite a defeat!" "Just this point alone drags you far away from being on par with Fu Baoguo!" Han Sanhe''s gaze was distant. "If you can''t overcome the fear in your heart, you''ll never be competent enough to be a marshal!" "I hope that this disappointment I feel today ends today. No more next time, forever!" "Yes! This disciple will keep it in mind! I will never disappoint teacher again!" Zhan Ge lowered his head, ashamed. At that moment, Dongxuan still had plenty of routed soldiers fleeing over. What came with them was the rumbling galloping from where the smoke rose into the sky. It was Yutang''s Steel Cavalry that had caught up with them. Han Sanhe listened closely before he chuckled bitterly. "What I don''t want to see the most has happened. Fu Baoguo isn''t greedy about winning nor has he lost composure. It''s already shown from the uniform galloping." Han Sanhe shook his head. "What I''ve said about turning defeat to victory is but a wild wish now." Disappointment painted Zhan Ge''s face. "With my knowledge of Fu Baoguo, this is to be expected. Let that be. Now, let me teach you another lesson." Han Sanhe said softly. "This lesson is called the merciful can''t command an army!" 500 The Last God of War Before his words could even echo in the air, Han Sanhe''s expression turned cold and ruthless. He raised his right arm with deliberate gentleness. What came after were firm, determined orders. The routed Dongxuan soldiers who were fleeing for their lives saw hope in front of them when they witnessed their comrades reassembled in a calm manner. Slowly, their madness faded away, and they endeavored to return to their troop as well. To their surprise, thousands of bowstrings were pulled taut and arrows gleamed chillingly, pointed at a high altitude, but, oddly enough, in their direction. Many Dongxuan soldiers saw this, but they were clueless as to the purpose of this maneuver and wondered who the target was. There was still a distance between them and Yutang''s pursuing troops; the latter was not even within shooting range, so would they not be shooting aimlessly? "Teacher!" Zhan Ge, however, felt his heart skip a beat when he saw the assembled bowmen. Han Sanhe ignored his disciple''s cry and issued his order nonchalantly, "Shoot!" Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. Countless arrows blanketed the sky at once. It was not aimless shooting C Dongxuan''s routed soldiers who were still pouring in from the front became the targets of this unexpected shower of arrows and succumbed with pained cries. Just a single shower of arrows had stopped no less than ten thousand soldiers who were milling on the field. They were the last portion of Dongxuan''s routed soldiers; they were also the connecting bridge between Dongxuan''s troop which were getting themselves organized and Yutang''s pursuing troop. Han Sanhe had steeled himself to kill his soldiers for the sake of continued warfare, grimly severing this block of connection like a warrior who had broken his own wrist. He was utterly merciless! As the rain of arrows stopped, the thick copper scent of blood permeated the air. The smell of blood was common on the battlefield, but now that the source of this massive casualty was from their own men, the reactions were different. The Dongxuan army fell into an unprecedented silence. The nature of militants was to obey commands. The thousands of archers knew what they were doing, but they had to execute the order that their superior had issued. Despite some degree of mental preparation, it had still come as a horrifying shock when the reality was laid before their eyes. The thousands of archers were already reacting like this, thus, the other Dongxuan soldiers were even more frightened and perplexed. "I know what you wish to say." Han Sanhe spoke without any flicker of emotion in his eyes, "You want to say that it''s not too late to wait for them to reassemble. As long as we deploy the Shadow Cavalry that has returned, they would have made it back safely. Am I right?" Zhan Ge''s gaze was on the sea of the dead, watching the black stretch of corpses of his comrades, the bodies that looked so much like porcupines now. He felt his heart ache as if had been sliced apart, and for a moment, he forgot to answer his teacher. "You have forgotten that time does not wait for us, nor for anyone else. Not only were they unable to fall into formation once they charge over, how would they be able to face Yutang''s troop that were hot on their trail?" Han Sanhe continued coldly, "There is also the more pressing fact that their so-called attempt to regroup would only disrupt the troop that has already formed their combat power. You have to realize that any disruption and small disturbance at this point in time will pave the way for grave consequences. We wouldn''t have had the chance to reorganize the army." "Then, once the enemy charges in to attack and build up their advantage, they can instigate the previous fear they triggered in their enemies once again. Then, the loss we would face would be thorough C death without burial." "Zhan Ge!" Han Sanhe called out faintly. His voice sounded indifferent, but his tone was laced with extreme harshness. Zhan Ge quivered when he heard him, lifting up his head in fright, "Teacher!" "Listen carefully to me, watch seriously. This is my last lesson to you." Han Sanhe said grimly, "What follows is another lesson. This time, it is called cultivating momentum!" His words had not ended fully when his arm was raised again. A loud roar suddenly exploded among his janissaries. What followed quickly was thousands of people roaring simultaneously. The voices were earth-shattering. "Fight!" "Fight!" "Fight!" The spirits of both the horses and all the fighters were immediately lifted at the sound of the fiery challenge. At the very next moment, a voice hollered, "A ray of sword-light, mountains and rivers freeze!" The voice was surprisingly stirring. Three thousand janissaries stood as one, tall and proud. They mustered their remaining strength and cried out, "A ray of sword-light, mountains and rivers freeze!" It was a singular voice again, "A ray of sword-light, mountains and rivers freeze!" This time, even more people joined in the chorus, "A ray of sword-light, mountains and rivers freeze!" It was not a hundred or a thousand, it was several tens of thousands who were echoing the words as one voice. The lone voice did not stop there, but continued to lead the chant, "A ray of sword-light, mountains and rivers freeze!" Over two hundred thousand Dongxuan soldiers who were already in formation actually hollered in unison, "A ray of sword-light, mountains and rivers freeze!" Before long, everyone, the injured ones, janissaries, or routed soldiers, roared in unity, their cheers growing increasingly concerted. It slowly gained power and certainty. The flag was waved, and with that, the cheers stopped. In spite of the sudden silence, Zhan Ge could clearly feel the soaring intent to do battle and the indestructible momentum condensing into form with just a few cheers. The routed soldiers who had just reformed their groups were already equipped with a towering confidence, sharper than any knife. Zhan Ge was suddenly assured that even if Fu Baoguo had arrived with his army in tow, he could lead the battle right to him, with these men behind his back! At that moment, Zhan Ge was filled with awe. Han Sanhe''s method of rectifying the army seemed ordinary, decent at most, but to be able to achieve this sense of unity during a time of loss was simply magical. He wouldn''t have believed it if he hadn''t seen it with his own eyes. On the opposite end of the field, Yutang''s cavalry appeared as expected amidst a layer of smog. Their aura was that of starved wolves and tigers. Han Sanhe''s eyes were squinted as he said, "The momentum has been formed, but the combat power still isn''t complete; I am unable to take these men into battle. Now, this is the third lesson I''m teaching you. It will also be the last lesson I teach you in this lifetime." "This lesson is called sacrifice." Zhan Ge quickly raised his head to look at Han Sanhe and stuttered, "Teacher, you" Han Sanhe''s squinted eyes remained trained on the advancing army. A rapid galloping could suddenly be heard as a large, red cloud preceded Yutang''s cavalry. In only a few breaths, it had traveled a vast distance came to a halt in front of Dongxuan''s troop. As the red cloud arrived, a voice brimming with murderous intent rang out loud, "Han Sanhe, since you have come, are you still thinking of leaving?" A large, well-built and incredibly handsome red charger came into view. The red steed was at least one and a half heads higher than a common horse, reaching a height of nearly twenty-five feet. It was red all over and looked remarkably like a ball of burning flame. The horse''s eyes were alive with emotion. As their gazes intersected, Dongxuan''s army felt a vague sense of disgust. Was the horse disgusted with them? It was a mere horse, but the feeling it exuded was unmistakeably critical - it seemed to be judging the two hundred thousand men that stood before it. The horse stood there, its red mane fluttering in the air like a flickering fire. It was watching the army, as if saying, "You are all trash." On the horse, a person sat tall and proud, his gaze similarly prideful and disdainful. His face was incredibly handsome and well-sculpted, one that put anyone who saw him to shame; he was lean and graceful, his purple gown fluttered softly in the wind. However, his cold, electricity-like gaze was filled with boundless iciness. He scanned the Dongxuan army before finally focusing his gaze on Han Sanhe. The bright and shiny long saber in the person''s grip was still blinking with the radiance of blood, while his face wore the faint hint of a cruel smile. Han Sanhe''s chuckle was peaceful and filled with humor. He looked at Yun Yang in admiration and said with a smile, "It is Young Master Yun''s honorable arrival. It looks like this old man wasn''t mistaken after all. Young Master is no ordinary person." Yun Yang smiled faintly. "Yun Yang is also very elated to be regarded so highly by Marshal Han." Han Sanhe''s calmness in this meeting surprised Yun Yang, he thought it was rather unusual for a man who was surrounded by an army to be so collected. Han Sanhe felt Yun Yang''s divine sense wrapping itself around him; he was unable to shake it off. He could not help the sense of awe that arose in his chest. Other than being the world''s recognized God of War, Han Sanhe was also rather achieved in his cultivation base; he was no weaker than Old Marshal Qiu or Leng Daoyin, reaching the ace level of the peak realm. Furthermore, judging by his potential, Dongxuan would lose a God of War but might very well gain a heaven realm cultivator if he had concentrated on his cultivation instead of warfare! In spite of this, Han Sanhe had cultivated his energy and deific consciousness to his best effort but was still unable to free himself from Yun Yang''s grip. The only reason was, of course, Yun Yang''s cultivation base was much higher than Han Sanhe''s and had even gotten to a height that exceeded his knowledge. Not only was Han Sanhe shocked, the handful of experts beside him were equally taken aback. Had this youthful Young Master Yun already reached a heaven realm cultivation base? 501 In Front of Two Armies This was especially the case for the experts from the Ma-i Sect as they looked incredibly vexed. They had disobeyed their ancestral teachings and descended the mountain once but were immediately given a warning. In the end, the stronger side that they had assisted had fallen. They had lost! They were defeated! The Ma-i Sect members could not accept this unexpected result. Why would they lose? Why did they lose? The general trend was irrefutable. Dongxuan would conquer the world. This was the prediction given by a reclusive unrivaled expert after seeing past the layers of destiny. This was also the only chance the Ma-i Sect could infringe upon God''s will and be free of the ancestral curse, to finally become a noble school in itself! The process had been smooth. The Fortress of Resilience that was deemed to be the world''s indestructible fort was subjugated by their side! It was through witnessing this scene that they had decided to join the war. Why had such a critical battle been turned around and lost, just like this? They had the God of War as their marshal, close to two million men in the battalion, they had been winning all the way; why had they suddenly lost? Who could explain this? Han Sanhe suddenly laughed, and stepped out, urging his horse forward. He made his way to Yun Yang alone, not bringing any guards with him. "Teacher!" Zhan Ge could not help gasping. Han Sanhe''s guards moved promptly as well, intending to follow and protect him. "Don''t come over!" Han Sanhe was firm, shouting his command without even turning around, "This marshal wishes to talk to Young Master Yun personally. I will wait for Fu Baoguo, Marshal Fu in the meantime. This is my command!" When the last few words were uttered, his tone was stern. He meant every word he said with military authority. Zhan Ge halted his forward motion, his eyes rimmed red as he looked at Han Sanhe''s back. He suddenly understood the meaning of ''sacrifice'' that Han Sanhe had mentioned just now. Han Sanhe pulled his reins and sighed softly before he said in a low voice, "This time, in the name of Dongxuan that is about to rule the world, I have consumed all the forces of Dongxuan''s noble families. As long as His Majesty doesn''t mess things up and actually administrates the nation well, Dongxuan can still maintain tens of years as an empire. If a gifted emperor were to appear in the future there may still be hope for world hegemony." His voice was low but light-hearted, "Yutang is a formidable opponent but after this war, its resources will suffer greatly and it won''t be able to go on a western conquest. As long as we can hold our own before Yutang recovers, Dongxuan can stay secure for a long, long time." "I''ve mentioned this before; no matter what the result of this war is, I, Han Sanhe, won''t be able to escape death. If so, do I still go back and hand my life over to unscrupulous politics? To say the least, I am a militant. If a militant were to have a good end to his life, his end will come in no place other than a battlefield." "Besides" Han Sanhe''s voice sounded forlorn then. "If I can use this imminent death in exchange for some benefits it would be worth it." Zhan Ge and the generals behind him were dumbfounded. They could not understand Han Sanhe last sentences. If he were to die, he would die; things would end there. What benefit would the marshal''s death bring? After Han Sanhe gave this speech, he did not wait for their reply nor did he turn around. He urged his horse out of the formation and went to Yun Yang. It was one thing for Zhan Ge to be confused but there was also a sense of grief that surged from the bottom of his heart. He found it hard to suppress the strange emotion. He knew clearly that his teacher had been saying that he would die, no matter whether the war was won or lost. The final result of this warfare was vastly different. If this war was won and Yutang was subjugated, Han Sanhe would be protected by this immense merit. It did not matter how many casualties and damage he had made as no one in the whole country would dare lay a finger on him. That time, his teacher could advance or take a step, depending on his liking. To advance, he could be king, conquering a part of the land; to take a step back, the remainder of his life would be safe and he could finally relax. However, the battle had been unexpectedly lost. Even the last chance to turn the tables around was gone! This announced the extinction of Han Sanhe''s last chance of survival. It was only left with the why and how he made his choices. Yun Yang watched Han Sanhe move closer with a cold gaze and said faintly, "Han Sanhe, a God of War indeed. Your courage surpasses the rest." "Oh?" Han Sanhe hummed with a smile. Yun Yang smiled then. "Although I respect this mannerism of yours, and I respect your sacrifice that sees death as your homecoming, I still have to say your sacrifice truly incorporates too many materialistic aspects!" Han Sanhe grinned. "Profitable gains, a man hustles for these two words his entire life anyway C to use his strength and wisdom to seek profit, to use his life and death to obtain gains; it''s only a process, like so many other tactics. At the very bottom of it all, there''s no difference." "And if I were to kill you right now? How much will you gain then? Will it be a complete loss?" Yun Yang''s gaze was icy. "First, I believe my eyes. I see that you''re not that type of person. Next, I''ve already stepped out; I do not plan to go back. When I do die, I would die well; it wouldn''t be a loss then." Han Sanhe smiled with squinted eyes. Yun Yang returned his smile with a genuine sense of admiration. Han Sanhe was already thirty feet away from Yun Yang now. With this distance, Yun Yang could truly strike down this God of War from his horse with just one slash, considering his cultivation base. In spite of this, Yun Yang did not do that C he truly was not that type of person. Now, Han Sanhe was already a thousand feet away from the Dongxuan army. The wind blew, fluttering his hair and beard, his robe sighing softly in the strong breeze. He looked at Yun Yang unblinking. He suddenly lowered his voice and said softly, "Young Master Yun, I have something troubling me that I''ve meant to ask you. I hope you can quell my doubts." "Since it has been troubling you, do speak," Yun Yang replied softly. Han Sanhe sucked in a long breath and said, "May I ask... was the sudden appearance of the Nine Supremes'' powersrelated to you?" Yun Yang smiled. "Marshal Han, you should continue to believe in your own eyes; you are right in your judgment of people. However, this guess of yours is wrong." "Wrong? Why?" Han Sanhe questioned with squinted eyes. "I know that Marshal Han has your mind set. You suspect that I am Supreme Cloud. Am I right?" Yun Yang asked with a laugh. "Am I wrong?" Han Sanhe smiled. Yun Yang answered with a grin, "I can only say that you won''t have the chance to know it in this lifetime, Marshal Han. I''m afraid that you''ll have to pass on to the next life with this regret!" Han Sanhe''s gaze scanned Yun Yang''s face, the hint of a smile oozing from his eyes; he said doubtfully, "If you''re not, then one of the other two people must be Supreme Cloud. Still" Yun Yang cut him off, "Marshal Han, I don''t think there''s a need for discussion about who is Supreme Cloud. Is this the reason Marshal Han has come to me?" Han Sanhe replied faintly, "Of course this wasn''t the main objective. I have to wait for Fu Baoguo''s arrival, so I''m simply finding a topic to speak about. I didn''t expect that a casual conversation would steer itself towards the area where Young Master Yun is reluctant to speak about. If this old man wishes to discuss who has the highest probability of being one of the Nine Supremes, would Young Master Yun be my willing company?" Yun Yang lowered his voice and said icily, "Marshal Han, why insist on such a topic when we''ve reached this stage? The identity of the Nine Supremes'' Supreme Cloud is this world''s biggest secret. I don''t want to make any assumptions nor do I want to partake in anything to do with this topic!" Han Sanhe chuckled and said, "It looks like we''ve gotten off on the wrong foot. Young Master Yun''s horse is truly handsome. How precious!" Yun Yang stroked Reddie''s ears and said triumphantly, "Not at all. It''s only an ordinary steed. Nothing worth mentioning about." Reddie shook its head, its ears twitched, then it snorted loudly. Its saliva sprayed right onto Han Sanhe''s warhorse. It was so thick that the horse''s eyes were about to be stuck shut. The poor warhorse was also a rare noble breed. Unfortunately, it was still frightened when it met the horse king. Now that it was sprayed with saliva, it did not dare avoid the spittle and took it head on. It did not dare swish its tail even once, afraid that any slight movement would upset this king. Reddie grew even more prideful. Did he say I was an ordinary horse? Hmph. It went nearer, step by step. Han Sanhe was talking to Yun Yang, keen on finding a topic, only to feel that he was suddenly being lowered. Raising his head, the sight of a large horse''s head greeted him. His warhorse had actually knelt on the ground, terrified by Yun Yang''s approaching warhorse. No matter how experienced and foresighted, how cunning and astute, how calm and composed Han San was, he would never have expected this episode. Exasperation filled his mind, the old man only wished to swear out loud. F*cking hell he had wanted to die with grace; perhaps he could maintain the legend of the continent''s God of War after that. How impressive would it be for word to spread about him dying with dignity? However, before he could know how his death and what followed after could turn out, his warhorse had kneeled down and submitted first 502 Negotiation Han Sanhe was speechless. His horse kneeled down as if had committed a crime and was lowering its head like a prisoner. This had caused Han Sanhe''s feet to come into contact with the ground despite him still being mounted on the horse. Even though Han Sanhe was prepared to die, he could not help but feel exasperation racking through his body. Pausing only for a moment, Han Sanhe quickly hopped off his steed and stood up smoothly with hands on his back. He smiled and said, "It looks like my aged eyes have failed me. I''ve been ignorant, Young Master Yun''s steed is actually the rare legendary horse king! According to legend, when the king approaches all horses bow down before it. It appears the legend is indeed true. Young Master Yun is blessed with great fortune. Your Horse Majesty, this marshal apologizes, I''ve embarrassed myself." "Marshal Han, you show great grace," Yun Yang said genuinely. "I suppose you could say a general of a routed army is pretty much left with nothing but this little grace," replied Han Sanhe faintly. He then laughed and said more openly, "The greatest fortune for a militant is to be born amidst chaotic times and to be able to contribute merits. But in this haven of militants, an additional weapon bestowed by heaven that shouldn''t exist and has tipped the balance of the war." Yun Yang nodded emphatically and answered, "Correct." "Yutang''s Nine Supremes should not exist in this world, moreover, it should not even be present in the battlefield. The existence of the Nine Supremes is the nightmare of all militants and marshals; it is their source of despair." Han Sanhe heaved a long sigh and continued, "Regardless of strategies and measures, nothing can defend against the power of nature!" "The so-called talent of a marshal is but a joke in the face of this powerful force." Han Sanhe continued more faintly, "Actually, the Nine Supremes isn''t only the source of despair for this old man and the other marshals of the four nations, they are also aggrieved by Yutang marshals like Tie Zheng and Fu Baoguo! Young Master Yun, do you agree with this?" Yun Yang nodded. "I agree! But the basis of this matter concerns us directly, which is why I''m more than happy to see this existence that shouldn''t exist continue existing in Yutang! The stronger the better! The enemy''s nightmare should be what we Yutang love to see the most, no?" Han Sanhe chortled. "Good point. If the Nine Supremes descended in Dongxuan, I wouldn''t mind at all." As both of them talked, Yutang''s army arrived and halted somewhere slightly further away from Han Sanhe. The troop''s flag fluttered in the wind, their formation was intimidating. Fu Baoguo came as well, naturally. Fu Baoguo did not dare slack along the way. He was afraid that Yutang''s army would be blinded by victory and perhaps accidentally provide the enemy a chance to retaliate. Otherwise, he would not have arrived so late. However, now that Fu Baoguo saw how the situation was, he could not help but feel his suspicion rising and so he restrained his troop at once. His years of experience in the military informed him that what was laid in front of his eyes might be the stroke of luck they desperately needed. Even though Yutang''s army had the upper hand, for now, they were not yet victorious. After all, Dongxuan had sufficient military strength and their combined forces still far exceeded Yutang''s. Any sudden circumstance could change the entire course of the war! He looked at Yun Yang and Han Sanhe who were speaking to each other from afar. It looked like their conversation was going very well, the pair occasionally chortling even. Fu Baoguo stroked his face and murmured to himself, "I would never have thought that Marquis Yun''s young master was on such friendly terms with Han Sanhe. Experts are certainly unfathomable indeed." When it seemed that their conversation was about to come to an end, Fu Baoguo urged his horse forward and joined in the greatest talk of the century. Yun Yang did not turn his head back, with his eyes still on Han Sanhe he said with a faint smile, "Yutang''s main character, Fu Baoguo, is here!" An inscrutable emotion flashed through Han Sanhe''s eyes as if all his past glories had slipped under his eyes at this moment. He stood tall, arms still resting on his back, and gazed indifferently at Fu Baoguo who was galloping towards them. "Marshal Han, long time no see. We meet again." Fu Baoguo hopped off his horse when he was near enough and strode over in large steps. In spite of their own opposing armies and grudges that ran deep between them like an ocean of blood with no hope of reconciliation, any militant would still show respect to someone like Han Sanhe C the legendary God of War. No matter how deep the resentment ran, the respect accorded to him was like that of a deity. Han Sanhe stared at Fu Baoguo for a very long time before admiration slowly drifted into his gaze. "Fu Baoguo, you''ve indeed become a very steadfast talent. It''s Yutang''s fortune that you are on their side!" "You flatter me, Marshal Han." Fu Baoguo said, "Our position in this battle now is out of pure luck." Han Sanhe shook his head and said, "How can warfare be about luck? You, Fu Baoguo, are indeed qualified to contend against any notable general in this world. This is an undeniable truth that has become reality. Fu Baoguo smiled and said seriously, "Luck has always had an inherent part to play alongside our skill, but this luck I speak of is really just that, pure luck. If Marshal Han had personally overseen the battle, Yutang''s Eastern troop would not have been able to win despite receiving help from the Nine Supreme Lords. We could never have achieved this current state. This is the truth." Han Sanhe said nothing, but his face held a faint smile as he sighed unnoticeably. At this point, there was no more need for humble toleration. Han Sanhe knew that what Fu Baoguo said was the truth and he also knew that Fu Baoguo sincerely meant it. He intended to let Zhan Ge rise to fame in one single battle knowing that it would be a huge risk to take; the current reality was now the costly payback for this risk! "I wonder if Marshal Han has anything to ask Baoguo by personally coming and waiting here?" asked Fu Baoguo. The moment Fu Baoguo saw Han Sanhe standing here, he had managed to guess his intentions immediately. It was because he knew about it that his respect and reverence for Han Sanhe increased further. This was a terrifying enemy before him but also an opponent worthy of anyone''s respect. Han Sanhe answered smiling, "Of course I wanted to talk to Marshal Fu. I believe there is a saying that goes something like this, it is as hard to become a confidant as it is to become a nemesis; I think it accurately reflects our current situation. "Do speak what''s on your mind, Marshal Han," said Fu Baoguo respectfully, ignoring Han Sanhe''s mocking tone. Han Sanhe turned to glance at his Dongxuan troop, not missing the many pairs of eyes brimming with concern for him. He could not help but feel a pang of pain and turned back to say, "I believe that Marshal Fu can discern that after this war today, while Dongxuan''s resources and military morale have suffered significant damage, Yutang has lost its natural barrier as well. The reputation of the indestructible eastern border doesn''t exist anymore. It''s foreseeable how devastating the scene will be if we were to forcefully continue this battle. I believe this is something that both you and I wouldn''t want to see." Fu Baoguo answered calmly, "Yes, Marshal Han is right. But we Yutang fighters have long disregarded our own lives. Our only thoughts are of guarding our homeland to the last breath. If we must die, then we shall die alongside our enemy." Fu Baoguo had replied calmly on the surface but his words were laced with an imposing tone. Han Sanhe remained collected as he replied, "My army has lost this battle today, it''s a fact. But I''ve already reassembled and formed the troop''s combat power. If the war continues, I am confident to obtain the result of both sides losing, a result Marshal Fu expects. But do you really want to welcome such an ending?" The current situation was that Dongxuan had lost, a great loss indeed. Their remaining soldiers were less than three hundred thousand men while their confidence and combat aggressiveness had dropped below a freezing point. For them to be able to reassemble into a functioning army could only be due to absolute reverence for Han Sanhe. Despite their losses, however, Yutang was in an equally terrible state. Their remaining troops were far lesser in number than Dongxuan and their men being exhausted. A burning spirit and fiery motivation were important but there was still a physical need for sufficient strength and combat power. If this battle were to go on, it would be an arduous task to completely defeat Dongxuan. In fact, as Han Sanhe had just mentioned, the best case scenario at this point for Yutang would be that both sides lose. The reality of their situation was brutal. While it was certainly impossible for Han Sanhe to win, to regain the landslide victory, but to make it an internecine war, he could still accomplish that. Han Sanhe was not simply boasting. Fu Baoguo knew it as well, keeping silent for a while, and said, "Marshal Han is clear-minded." "To continue this war is longer meaningful. It will only add to both countries'' casualties for nothing." Han Sanhe said, "So this old man waits here to negotiate with Marshal Fu. Why not let both sides end the war here and leave the rest to the future?" "I''m listening. Even if we withdraw the army, there should still be some finer details to sort out, no?" Fu Baoguo replied calmly. Han Sanhe said, "The current situation is unusual. We''ll gloss over the details. My side will withdraw entirely to the initial border that both countries share. The Resilience Fortress still belongs to Yutang. I believe Marshal Fu understands that Dongxuan won''t be able to invade Yutang for the time being after retreating. I suggest that both sides can have at least ten years as a buffer." "Isn''t Marshal Han indulging in your own wishes too much? The current situation is my side currently having the upper hand. Most importantly, Marshal Han has to know that if the Nine Supreme Lords appear again and strike without warning, Dongxuan''s three hundred thousand soldiers'' remaining fighting spirit will be thoroughly crushed. Under such circumstances, we could very well pursue relentlessly all the way to Dongxuan''s border and even invade it." Fu Baoguo said sharply, "Under this premise, Marshal Han might need to show more sincerity and reason to have us return to the initial border that both nations share." 503 His Demise Han Sanhe grinned with amusement at Fu Baoguo and spoke quietly, "Marshal Fu, you and I both know that such a fortunate episode will never happen again. Why would you set this empty-city stratagem before me? Are you not afraid that this old man will be reckless and actually drag Yutang''s eastern army as a burial sacrifice?" Fu Baoguo could not help but blush at his words. But he pressed on for clarification, "Marshal Han, what do you mean?" Han Sanhe chuckled and replied, "If the Nine Supremes can still attack, what happened just now would not have stopped or only lasted so shortly. If the Nine Supremes can still attack, why would they have given me time to reassemble my army? Marshal Fu, leave the Nine Supremes cheat code out of this." What Han Sanhe had just said was exactly what Fu Baoguo was worried about the most. Upon hearing his worry being exposed by Han Sanhe, Fu Baoguo''s expression soured slightly before he hurriedly replied, "Marshal Han is indeed astute and levelheaded as well as having a sharp sense of reasoning. However, do you really expect us to reach a peaceful agreement just as you''ve dictated? In spite of Yutang being invaded without reason and having successfully retaliated, received no compensation in return? Does that mean that Yutang''s people should just accept the cards they''ve been dealt? Furthermore, how can I be sure that Marshal Han''s promise is genuine? The letter of a credence of peace can be easily scrapped in recent times, so how trustworthy is a mere verbal promise? " Towards the end of his statement, Fu Baoguo''s tone was dripping with sarcasm, taking aim directly at the letter of credence that Han Sanhe had suggested prior and then violated after. Han Sanhe''s face flushed in spite of himself. He replied after a short pause, "A promise can be rendered powerless depending on one''s stance but some things can still be firmly assured. As long as Marshal Fu agrees to let three hundred thousand of my Dongxuan soldiers leave safely, I, Han Sanhe, am willing to behead myself on the spot C to offer my life as a guarantee to Yutang. This old man''s life should be able to cover for the alleged lost credibility of a promise, no?" Han Sanhe spoke those last words loud enough for Dongxuan''s army to hear him. Behind him, Zhan Ge and the others were shocked. "Marshal, no!" "Teacher, no! We haven''t lost!" "We''d rather die than to make such a compromise!" Han Sanhe turned back abruptly towards his army and chided them sternly, "I haven''t died yet, all of you shut up!" His stern gaze scanned everyone and he spoke with anger this time, "Don''t any of you realize what sort of situation we''re in right now? Only by living can you continue to maintain some power for Dongxuan; if all of you die here in futility, what use would it be other than an insignificant moment of courage. "I, Han Sanhe, am in my old age now. How many more years can I live even if I were to linger on earth? I''ve killed innumerable people in this lifetime, innocent souls who have died from my commands are in the hundreds of thousands. If I can redeem it with my life today, it would be like a dream come true." "My singular life in exchange for the safe return of three hundred thousand great men, what''s there for me to regret? My mind is set, no one is to advise me otherwise; anyone who attempts to stop me will be penalized with military rule! I, Han Sanhe, do not hope to behead any of my comrades before I die!" Han Sanhe turned away resolutely after he spoke, no longer looking at the Dongxuan army. Because of that, he did not see the army tearing up, choking from sobbing. Han Sanhe turned to face Fu Baoguo again and said calmly, "I only have this one request and in return, I offer the greatest price that I am able to pay now. I wonder if Marshal Fu can fulfill this request for me?" Han Sanhe had asked if Fu Baoguo could ''fulfill'' his request and not ''promise'' him; it was only one different word, but the meaning behind it was worth pondering upon. At that moment, Fu Baoguo fully understood Han Sanhe''s painstaking effort. In spite of himself, he could not help but sigh in empathy for Han Sanhe. This marshal who had intimidated the continent for decades, this unrivaled marshal who had paved his way as the God of War with battles and blood, had finally come to the most significant moment of his life. "Marshal Han." Fu Baoguo sighed in lamentation. "I understand. I am happy to fulfill it." He sucked in a deep breath and said, "Marshal Han, as Tianxuan''s God of War, you didn''t lose to Yutang. You''ve lost to Dongxuan C not on the battlefield but by the manipulations of Dongxuan''s imperial court. Therefore, your downfall has nothing to do with the battlefield C you are still the undefeatable God of War. The only thing I can do now is to fulfill this last wish of yours!" Han Sanhe trained his gaze on Fu Baoguo and said softly, "Marshal Fu, don''t agree to it so easily. The implications of this matter are grim; you, as the direct litigant, have a huge responsibility to shoulder. Can you bear it?" Fu Baoguo smiled in a carefree manner, "I understand instinctively and I also don''t want to see Marshal Han''s end becoming any more forlorn. As a militant myself, this is the last respect I can pay to Marshal Han, the continent''s God of War." "We are enemies and we stand against each other with opposing viewpoints, but in this matter, I, Fu Baoguo, will bear the consequences!" Fu Baoguo''s smile was sincere and filled with a sense of lamentation. Han Sanhe watched him carefully. He sighed, "Fu Baoguo, what a talent you are. As a general, you have the courage to act bravely and dare be held accountable, boldness to be decisive during a war, tactical skills to strategize and command, wisdom to be levelheaded and clear-minded, and ultimately, the way of life to advance and retreat appropriately. Fu Baoguo, you truly are an all-rounded talent!" "Marshal Han, you flatter me with your words," replied Fu Baoguo. Han Sanhe sighed again gently and suddenly turned to look at Yun Yang, saying softly, "Young Master Yun, if something should happen in the future I ask Young Master Yun to look after the Han Family." Yun Yang was stunned, but after a moment, he replied, "I do not understand Marshal Han''s words." Yun Yang was not feigning ignorance. Han Sanhe was from Dongxuan after all. Was he appointing him to be a guardian before his death? Could he actually be useful? He probably could not since they were not even in the same country?! Han Sanhe smiled lightly as he explained, "Young Master Yun doesn''t need to understand it right now. Just remember this old man''s request. Things will sort themselves out in the future." Yun Yang frowned and replied thoughtfully, "Then, I will agree to it." Han Sanhe chuckled. "Young Master Yun is a royal descendant, your nobility goes without saying. There will be no one else in this world who can have a more profound fate than Young Master Yun. Since you''ve agreed to it, it shows justice even more. This old man has no other concerns and no more regrets." "Thank you, Marshal Fu, thank you Young Master Yun, for your kind fulfillment." Han Sanhe cupped a palm over his fist as a sign of gratitude. Before the words could even echo, he took a few steps back and turned around. Looking at the Dongxuan army who''s faces were anxious and worried, who was about to charge out, Han Sanhe commanded loudly, "Attention to my command!" "Yes!" "Withdraw the army immediately! Do not stop along the way, go straight to the capital. This war will be abandoned here and now. This order is effective as of now." After he delivered his command, with a sharp clang sound, his sword was already gripped tightly in his hand; determination etched on his face. "Teacher!" Zhan Ge was shocked seeing the motion of Han Sanhe drawing his sword. Not caring about the military command, he sprinted forward. The clouds were moving rapidly across the sky, the wintery wind still billowing all around. Han Sanhe''s robe fluttered amidst the cold air as if he was about to leave with the wind. Upon seeing Zhan Ge rushing forward, Han Sanhe waved his hand gently. Though it was only a gentle action, Zhan Ge looked like he was struck by a bolt of lightning, halting his sprint abruptly. He eyes were filled with tears, calling out in grief, "Teacher" Han Sanhe smiled faintly, softly reciting, "One wars in his lifetime between heaven and earth, one command as heavy as a mountain, able to kill plenty; one battles all year round feeding on snow, my homeland is unreachable in decades; one ends affairs of the world for the emperor, the bold vision to conquer lands" A forlorn look came upon his face as he continued, murmuring, "It''s endurable to cook the hound oncethe hares are bagged, it''s without regrets that the bow is kept once all the birds are shot; one only laments the cold distance between an emperor and an official before the ambition is achieved. The army sets off thousands of miles into the land of nowhere, it''s still a delight to fight battles in armor; good and bad they are all wiped out, and the territory is vast from now on. It''s hard to recall the prime, the old man tears without words; this life is returned to the world today, let it be returned wrapped in horsehide. One enlists since youth, but this stage is inevitable still." Han Sanhe heaved a long sigh facing the sky, calling out melancholically, "Oh, Your Majesty" He did not finish his words. A sudden flash of sword light, a flash of blood. Crimson streamed from his neck like a fountain, staining mountains and rivers. Han Sanhe held his sword in one hand as he stood between heaven and earth, in front of two armies, unmoving. He would never move again. The God of War left the world at that moment. "Teacher" Zhan Ge cried out wretchedly, kneeling down like he had lost a part of his soul, wailing. "Marshal!" Cries erupted from the Dongxuan army, countless military men sobbing openly. Yun Yang and Fu Baoguo could not help but sigh inwardly looking at Han Sanhe''s body. His breathing had stopped, life had left his body, but Han Sanhe remained standing. His expression was indifferent, his eyes still looking forward as if he was smiling whilst stroking his beard. The sword he held in his right hand was gleaming, stained with fresh blood. In spite of all that, the aura being exuded by his standing body was still that of the God of War who was strategizing and giving commands in the marshal tent! 504 A Worthy Death The only sound from Dongxuan''s army was that of intense sobbing. Fu Baoguo and Yun Yang bowed respectfully at Han Sanhe''s still standing body and then slowly retreated. This continent''s God of War had fought the world for all of his life, bringing immense pain to Yutang''s people. But there was no definite sense of right or wrong for their parties both served different rulers and thus held different positions, not necessarily of their own will. His lifetime of merits and achievements were recognized by both Yun Yang and Fu Baoguo but they also felt a sense of loss. Regardless of what had happened, this was a brilliant militant! A brilliant main marshal! "Rest in peace." Yun Yang said softly, "For in the next life, we shall fight again." Fu Baoguo heaved a long sigh, his gaze towards Yun Yang tinged with gentleness. There were not many people who could understand a pure militant like Han Sanhe. Yun Yang''s words were not just an acknowledgment to Han Sanhe but also an indication of his great understanding towards the continent''s militants. It was made obvious in the last few words he said "in the next life they would fight again!" "Fu Baoguo!" Zhan Ge shouted from the opposite side, springing up as if crazed; his eyes were bloodshot. "It''s you, it''s you who has forced my teacher to his death! Are you just going to leave like this? Fu Baoguo halted, turning around, he replied coldly, "You and I both know why Marshal Han died today. Zhan Ge, I know you''re in grief, but if you plan to disobey Marshal Han''s dying wish and insist to continue this war, then Yutang''s two hundred thousand brothers and I will suit your wish! Don''t be absurd in your thinking!" Zhan Ge trembled all over at Fu Baoguo words, yet he glared at the latter like he was about to devour him alive. After a prolonged time, his gaze returned to Han Sanhe. The next moment Zhan Ge ordered his troops in an anguished but loud voice, "Follow marshal''s command! Withdraw! Dongxuan''s army, withdraw!" After he had given the command, Zhan Ge spat blood; his muscular body collapsed onto the ground facing the sky. Dongxuan''s troop only lingered for half a day before they slowly retreated. The entire army was already wearing mourning attires as they withdrew C white cloths stretching as far as the eye could see. All the soldiers were weeping quietly as they walked back. On the outside, the army was draped in a depressed atmosphere, but on the inside, their emotions were brewing and threatened to explode from the chests of the soldiers. Before they left, Dongxuan army''s gazed towards Yutang with absolute loathing. So strong was their hatred towards Yutang that in spite of being ardent soldiers, the Yutang army could not help but feel the chills from their gaze. Thankfully, the Dongxuan army withdrew, regardless of their inner emotions. The war of the century between Yutang and Dongxuan finally drew to a close! Yutang had won after all! "Victory!" "We''ve won!" Every Yutang militant was yelling loudly; their ecstatic cheers were deafening. Yun Yang and Fu Baoguo stood at the highest point, shoulder to shoulder, each atop his own horse. Watching the gradually retreating Dongxuan army, but there was no sense of joy on their faces; listening to the thunderous cheers from their own side, but they remained silent. They did not feel relaxed, instead, all they felt was an inexplicable sense of sadness. The God of War of this time drew his finale just like this. Had he just beheaded himself right before two armies? To use his life in exchange for the safe return of three hundred thousand soldiers and in exchange for the continuation of the Han Family''s glory. He had also used his death to preserve a large number of resources for Dongxuan and an adequate amount of buffering time to recuperate! In addition to that, he had even obtained the smooth expansion of authority for the current ruler! Just like Fu Baoguo said, Han Sanhe did not lose to Yutang nor to Nine Supremes; he had only lost to Dongxuan''s imperial court. The only thing worthy rejoicing for was perhaps that his passing was on the battlefield, untainted by those political clowns! "The God of War of our generation has finally come to his end this way." Fu Baoguo commented while feeling very heavyhearted. As an enemy, Han Sanhe was undoubtedly the person he hated the most. It primarily because of this person''s damage to Yutang and to the continent''s overall picture had reached such an unprecedented height. But in spite of this, from a fellow militants'' point of view, Han Sanhe was also the person that Fu Baoguo was most impressed with! Throughout five thousand years of Tianxuan''s military history, Han Sanhe''s achievements in warfare could be summed up in five words C never before done, unsurpassable after! He was the absolute God of War! It was a feat never before done, unsurpassable after! Yun Yang sighed faintly and said, "Actually, I think Marshal Fu didn''t notice the deeper implication of Han Sanhe''s conquest. I believe he did not intend to return since the beginning of this war. Whether this war was won or lost, whether he was alive or dead, Han Sanhe''s had already decided not to return to Dongxuan anymore." Fu Baoguo considered Yun Yang''s sudden opinion for a long time, finally saying, "I understand half of it. Young Master Yun, do explain the other half." Yun Yang answered, "When Han Sanhe first set off, perhaps he didn''t think he would die. On one hand, he had to cultivate the internal forces of the country to ensure that Dongxuan''s military authority will be able to keep up; on the other hand, he had to expend his effort to invade Yutang and conquer it so that it could be used as his personal chip and his largest political influence." "The purpose of this is painfully obvious." "As long as he succeeded, he would have been carefree even when facing the whole of Dongxuan, as long as he has half of Yutang in hand!" "On the contrary, if he had failed, he would have been stuck. There wouldn''t be a need to stay alive any longer because his death would only be a matter of time." Yun Yang calmly analyzed "According to our inside intelligence, Han Sanhe''s position in Dongxuan throughout this period of time wasn''t the best. He was basically targeted as if under siege. Furthermore, in the name of his country, he has used this war to pour all personal forces of Dongxuan''s noble homes into the battlefield." "And Han Sanhe''s brutality didn''t stop here. At a time when he was openly savage, he sent all these martial forces over then sent them to death under the Resilience Fortress! This squad was a total of seven hundred thousand people!" "Although Dongxuan attacked the Resilience Fortress without a care for casualty during this time but actually, Marshal Fu, you were only facing the personal forces under Han Sanhe''s command and not Han Sanhe''s own elites. There is a decisive difference between these two parties." Yun Yang continued to narrate his thoughts in a fainter voice, "Han Sanhe has actually cooperated with you, Marshal Fu C by burying all of Dongxuan''s toxic forces through a purposeful and unintentional collaboration." "He''s killed nearly a million personal forces thus clearing Dongxuan internally. Even if there is some lingering toxicity, they are of no harm to the overall situation C as long as Dongxuan''s emperor is not completely stupid to a f*cking idiot''s extent!" "Hence, Han Sanhe''s true feat, an achievement least recognized, lies here." Upon listening to Yun Yang''s intelligent analysis, Fu Baoguo was hit with a sudden realization. "I see." After a moment, he mumbled, "That''s why C that''s why! When I estimated the combat power of both armies, my conclusion was that I could only hold out for a limited amount of time before Han Sanhe would breach our defense. But reality proved to be far more favorable than my estimation because we managed to hold out for about two times longer than I expected. If not for that extra buffer, Yutang''s chances of losing would have increased by fifty percent! I''ve thought about it a lot, whilst considering Bai Yi and Marquis Yun''s assistance and also considering the relief effort from everywhere else; the only aspect that didn''t cross my mind is the reverse assistance from Dongxuan. Matters of the world are truly surprising!" "That being the case, Dongxuan''s nobility and royals loathe Han Sanhe to the core! There was only death awaiting Han Sanhe if he had returned from a lost battle. He was at an awkward impasse, advancing or retreating would both result in death." "In addition to that, if Han Sanhe had lost the war and returned to Dongxuan alive, Dongxuan''s military side would be thoroughly burdened due to the defeat. For a long time, the Dongxuan military would be at an absolute disadvantage with the imperial court. Militants are the worst at arguing especially when they''re wrong. They would resort to passively attacking each other, without leaving room for understanding and change. "Consequently, there''s no way that Dongxuan as a country that had just lost its God of War, military strength, combat power, alongside a crushed army, could survive! Even if the nobles have seen this point, they wouldn''t have relented because all they think about is their own personal gain! They have always seen personal profit as being the most essential, there''s no such thing as justice." "Then, Dongxuan would have been truly doomed!" Yun Yang finished on a dramatic note. His voice changed to that of an impressed observer as he delivered his final conclusion, "But the situation is completely different now. Because Han Sanhe died, the debate concerning the source of Dongxuan''s defeat, with regards to himself, has been redeemed via death. He died for the lives of three hundred thousand soldiers and the national hate of Dongxuan C he''s used his death to overturn all the disadvantages stacked against him!" "Han Sanhe''s death has turned all militants into mourning soldiers!" "A mourning troop is always prone to becoming extreme and even crazy in their behavior, to the point where it would be almost impossible to be victorious over them. In warfare, there is a saying about how a mourning troop guarantees an absolute victory. But it''s not just a saying, because such an army would dare to fight with their lives no matter what enemy they face!" "I would even dare to suggest that even with the Nine Supremes'' assistance now, it might still not be enough to subdue the three hundred thousand mourning soldiers. The biggest influence that the Nine Supremes have over the battlefield is their manipulation of natural forces. Ordinary people are extremely fearful of this power, losing all will to fight once they have encountered it and only wanting to flee for their lives. But in the case of these three hundred thousand mourning soldiers, they have already surpassed the ordinary conceptual understanding of life and deathC They will die, but completely unafraid in the face of death itself. Going against such an army, even the Nine Supremes'' power will barely be effective!" "No matter how massive the opposing power is within Dongxuan, if anyone were to dare step out and speak ill about Han Sanhe or to pass even a slight judgment against the Han Family, they would be torn to pieces by Dongxuan''s military!" "Therefore, Han Sanhe had to die. But for him to be able to die so heroically and nobly, Marshal Fu''s cooperation was of utmost importance. In a way, you were fulfilling an unspoken favor to him!" 505 A Mad Marshal! Yun Yang looked at Fu Baoguo. "On that account, Marshal Fu, you are purely a militant in nature but Han Sanhe, other than being a most remarkable militant himself, was also an incredibly sharp politician. He was able to utilize his death so beneficially, it is as impressive as it is frightening!" Fu Baoguo chuckled bitterly. "How could I ever be as thoughtful as Young Master Yun? The only thought that I had is that we''re both militants and he''s a military legend who''s worthy of respect. I knew I had to help him, even if I had to carry the blame, I''d be willing to do it!" He turned and stared into Yun Yang''s eyes, saying, "I''ll personally explain this to His Majesty. I take full responsibility for what happened." Yun Yang asked, "Is Marshal Fu afraid that I''d snitch on you to His Majesty? It would seem that what Han Sanhe''s mentioned about me being a royal descendant could subtly instigating us, huh? Haha!" Yun Yang laughed, "Marshal Fu doesn''t really like me anyway and now that I have the identity of being an aristocrat, my position is even more delicate, isn''t it?" finished Yun Yang with a smile. Fu Baoguo was embarrassed, quickly replying, "No no, not at all. Young Master Yun, you think too much" Yun Yang chortled before lowering his voice and saying, "Marshal Fu, I think it''s fine for us to end our conversation here. This delicate subtlety remains known only between you, me, and the heaven and earth in this world. Dongxuan''s military resents you to their core because you''ve forced Han Sanhe to his death regardless of what actually took place. So let us not burden ourselves with more trouble." Fu Baoguo appraised Yun Yang seriously as if seeing him for the first time. Yun Yang smiled genuinely and continued, "Marshal Fu, some things are better off not exposed and kept hidden as they are. You have to know, no matter how open an emperor is, there will always be suspicion lingering in their heart; no matter how impartial an imperial court is, a bias will still exist C especially when it relates to a massive benefit. How often is it when one has to do something when one knows he shouldn''t and he can''t?" "Right" Fu Baoguo let out a soft sigh. Yun Yang added, "As for me, I''m only a marquis'' young master. Even if I''m of royal blood, it''s impossible I''ll be recognized by the imperials in this lifetime, so naturally, I won''t be partaking in the hegemony of the cake. In fact, with my cultivation base level as it is, such worldly profit is worth nothing in my eyes. Do I sound too arrogant speaking like this? Haha" he laughed again. Fu Baoguo could not help but grin, "It''s arrogant indeed but more of it leans toward the side of truth." After a moment of thinking, Fu Baoguo concluded, "If so, then I shall keep this matter to myself. No one would believe me if I told them anyway." Yun Yang, who already understood this, agreed immediately, "Exactly. I''ll keep it to myself too. But when Marshal Fu returns to the capital to give your report, you''ll have to buy me a drink." "Not a problem," Fu Baoguo replied, "I''ll get some men to dig a big pond, fill it with wine, and then prepare lots of meat. You can have it all to yourself. I''ve heard of Young Master Yun''s past reputation and I''m not afraid of your appetite." Fu Baoguo laughed. Yun Yang guffawed, "The legendary wine pool and meat forest? You better promise!" "A promise it is!" Both of them then urged their horses to turn around and go back. "The war comes to a close here," Yun Yang mused out loud, "By the looks of it, I believe Dongxuan will hardly be able to engage in large-scale warfare for at least three years. What will become of Marshal Fu after this?" asked Yun Yang. "I''ve promised Lord Supreme Cloud that I will guard the Fortress of Resilience with my life," Fu Baoguo said in veneration. "Now that the original Fortress of Resilience is destroyed, I plan to gather more manpower and build another fortress that will be stronger and more resilient than the previous Fortress of Resilience within two year''s time. The eastern border won''t be disturbed for a period of time so this should be achievable." "I have to say, the Fortress of Resilience was utterly ruined this time, all the way to its foundations. Because of this, it''s actually more convenient for me to restructure the entire thing from scratch." Fu Baoguo became more animated as he spoke, "Even if war were to come upon us two or three years down the road, Dongxuan will know that this new resilient fort is not something they''ll be able to breach so easily. The world''s most indestructible fortress still lies before them." "Wrong," Yun Yang said quietly. "Wrong?" Fu Baoguo asked in surprise. "Marshal Fu''s thinking is too conservative. The existence of the old Fortress of Resilience was to defend against Dongxuan, no doubts about it C because Dongxuan had the world''s top army and it was under the command of the world''s top marshal. It would thus be prudent to prioritize defense whilst facing an enemy with such a strong combination," said Yun Yang. "But after today, Dongxuan doesn''t have the aforementioned advantages anymore. Especially now that Han Sanhe is no longer in control, Dongxuan''s imperial court will be absolute chaos reflecting the internal struggle between the civil institutions and military." Yun Yang continued calmly, "Therefore, the cons have already outweighed the pros. Your efficacy will be very limited if you merely intend to guard the land and rebuild the Fortress of Resilience. Instead, I''d suggest for Marshal Fu to remodel the new Fortress of Resilience into a fort that focuses mainly on attack rather than defense." "From now on, Yutang is not a country for others to simply oppress or invade. The basic stratagem has shifted from defense to attack." Yun Yang turned to look at Fu Baoguo and smiled, "Perhaps this great feat of invasion and expansion, to rule the world, would likely start in two or three years'' time." "Marshal Fu, such a great feat of willpower could possibly be completed by you," Yun Yang beamed at him. Fu Baoguo was shocked upon hearing these words, his face flushed immediately after he heard what Yun Yang was saying. The more he contemplated about it, the brighter his eyes were; then, he slapped his thigh suddenly. "That''s right, why didn''t I think of it before? Thanks to young master''s reminder that without Han Sanhe, Dongxuan''s overall military prowess will be significantly diminished. What then will we have to be fearful for? Fu Baoguo spoke his thoughts out loud, "Wait, I''ll have to rethink this entire matter. How should I build this new Fortress of Resilience? I''ll have to gather some men who know about fort construction and discuss it with them. Ah, this is a heavenly task indeed" As he spoke and thought about it, he looked ecstatic, like he wanted to start the operation right away. As he contemplated these things, Fu Baoguo had a look of salivation on his face as he considered the great feat of expanding the nation''s land. He was even grinning to himself and chuckling. Yun Yang himself could not help but feel tickled at the sight. Where was the look of an unrivaled marshall that Han Sanhe had said about Fu Baoguo? He was acting more like a silly kid now. Fu Baoguo laughed to himself for a good while before finally regaining his senses and remember who was by his side. He felt embarrassed and then suddenly pulled a long face and asked. "Why are you here?" Yun Yang was stunned. "I Why am I here? I beg your pardon? Why am I here?" "Shouldn''t you be guarding Old Marshal back to the capital? Why are you here at the battlefield? Yun Yang, you leave your duty on your own, do you know what penalty you''ll be faced with!" Fu Baoguo was enraged at him now. Yun Yang was stumped by the accusation. "Marshal Fu, your teacher isn''t actuallyOld Grand Commandant Fang, huh? Your teacher must be Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan! Such roguish tactic of burning bridges after crossing the river and throwing rocks too! You must be really familiar with this technique because you''re using it with utter ease. Talking with utter ease, rather. You just need to open your mouth and off you go. Could you be any more shameless?" Fu Baoguo did not budge. "I''m talking about military duty with you now. Your current responsibility and location shouldn''t be here. How did I throw rocks at you? Speak quickly, where''s Old Marshal Qiu? He He isn''t around here, is he?" Yun Yang felt helpless. "Of course not! He should already be three thousand miles away now!" "You bastard!" Fu Baoguo cussed without courtesy. "You can still boast? Go quickly to protect him! Are you still thinking of contributing merit? Are you a militant?" Yun Yang endured Fu Baoguo''s rant, although very much wanting to show his identity as Supreme Cloud and wallop this man. He thought to himself, "Based on the fact that I''ve helped this guy tackle a huge troop of men and helped him win the war, also giving him so many good ideas for the beautiful future that awaits I didn''t expect him to be like a dog, turning around and giving me a vicious chomp!" He continued in his mind, "F*cking hell, he''s not only a dog, he''s a mad dog! Can he be more roguish?" Yun Yang had obviously ignored the main point. Qiu Jianhan was the head of the capital''s three rogues, his reputation was infamous. But nowadays, dogs that bit do not simply cry out, like Old Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian of the top three rogues, or his prized disciple, Fu Baoguo! In front of the Supreme Cloud, Fu Baoguo could only be ashamed and left to the former''s critic. However, the litigant now was Yun Yang and it was right when the war ended; when should he be waiting to chide Yun Yang if not now? Was looking handsome almighty? "I''ll rush over there now." Yun Yang grumbled and huffed, "See you no, better perhaps it''s best not to see you again." "I''ve promised you a wine pool and meat forest. How can you not see me again? Oh, by the way, this horse of yours is not bad. Why not leave it with me?" Fu Baoguo''s eyes shone with a hungry light. Yun Yang replied viciously, "Where is your shame?! Can you be any more shameless than this?" Then, with a light kick to the horse''s abdomen, Reddie galloped away and left like the wind but not before it looked at Fu Baoguo with despise, snorting and spraying saliva on Fu Baoguo''s face. "What the f*ck! This beast is fierce!" Fu Baoguo yelled while wiping his face. Then, he heaved a heavy sigh, "So many great brothers of mine, they all went away just like this" After chasing Yun Yang away, Fu Baoguo stood alone on the battlefield and suddenly felt a pang of grief rising from within him. Tears gushed down his face as he sprawled himself on the horse; he sobbed hard with both hands covering his face. "My brothers" There was no one else around, as Fu Baoguo wailed, trembling just like a child. Whoever it was that said that men did not cry easily, was incorrect C it was only because the grief had yet to hit home! On the battlefield, the setting sun bathed man and steed in radiant light. As the sun went down, the light gave way to long shadows in the snow that was stained red with blood. When he was sure there were no outsiders watching, the main marshal sobbed; an indescribable sense of grief finally being released. 506 The Nine Supremes Unite The sky eventually darkened, enveloping the battlefield in an endless splash of the colors of nightfall. High in the sky, a pair of confused eyes peeked out from the clouds overlooking the earth, its gaze troubled and perplexed. "Who, in truth, is Supreme Cloud?" "From what I''ve heard, it seems that Han Sanhe had his suspicions. Does that mean that Dongxuan also would have some clue about this?" "This Yun Yang he can''t possibly be Supreme Cloud. He''s too young!" "Furthermore, he has been under surveillance all the while. It began when he personally entered the battlefield and got ordered around by those marshals and generals. No, there''s no doubt about it" "Most importantly, the Nine Supremes struck when he was in the battlefield. It is physically impossible for Yun Yang to be one of the Nine Supremes." "Who then are the Nine Supremes?" "It was too bad that Han Sanhe passed on so quickly." "The clue regarding the Nine Supremes has just appeared before it broke immediately. That''s his fate" The person in the clouds mumbled alone. All of a sudden, eight brilliant rays fell from the sky like meteorites that fell to the earth. The eight beams cut through the layers of clouds and landed on the ground almost simultaneously. The earth was in an unusual state of flux like there was a mass of earth dragons barreling underground. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and black glimmered constantly on the surface, maintaining itself for a moment before everything vanished abruptly. "The power of the Nine Supremes!" The eyes of the person who was still high up in the sky widened in shock. "Eight Supremes among the Nine Supremes are dead However, this is..." As he pondered upon it, the person grew increasingly frustrated and almost crushed his own head in exasperation. "So this is it!" "This is the truth!" "The Spiritual Restraining Formation back then limited the Nine Supremes'' powers, but those forces didn''t dissipate Instead, they were sealed up in Tianxuan Cliff" "As for the apparent reappearance of the Nine Supremes this time were they merely manifestations of these powers being released?" "No wonder the forces were strong but could hardly be maintained. This must be the truth!" "As for the strange beams this should be the last leg of theNine Supremes'' power or was it? Why were there eight lights that suddenly blossomed on this stretch of land?" "there isn''t any trace of human presence within thousands of miles of this vast land" "What is going on?" "Was it merely coincidence? Or is there more to this than meets the eye?" "What plans do you all have?" Yun Yang found the twelve youths in the Steel Cavalry''s tent, but there were only eight of them left. All eight of them were grieving, but their expressions showed firm resolution. "If you all want to go home, I can arrange for you all to leave." Yun Yang said, "If" Eight rather innocent faces hesitated for a moment before one of them replied, "We want to take a break and send our brothers'' remains back first only then will we return to the Fortress of Resilience again." "Why?" Yun Yang frowned. "One war has taken four people away. Aren''t all of you scared? Don''t you all care?" He was troubled as well. Looking at the determined teenagers, how was he supposed to explain it to their families? There was nothing fun about military and war! "We" The little one, the head of the group, was Li Erdan; after enlisting, he had given himself another name called Li Zhan. He hesitated then said, "Teacher we know that there''s more danger than safety by staying here" "However, we aren''t willing to go back just like this" "First off, we still want to avenge our four brothers; secondly, we like this atmosphere, we like the battlefield, we like the military base Third" He stalled, covertly lifting his head to steal a peek at Yun Yang''s expression, and said, "Staying here, it''s brutal, it''s life and death all the time but coming out, be it brutal or anguish, we''ve seen the outside world after all" Yun Yang grimly understood what they were saying... They were right, of course. Coming out from a small, isolated village, they would not have known what they had missed if they had not experienced this vast world; they could have spent the rest of their lives peacefully in the small valley. Yet these passionate youths had seen the world in all its colors, how could they be willing to return to the closed-off village and spend the rest of their lives there quietly? Yun Yang kept silent for a moment and said, "If you all want a title, you can follow me back to the capital. There, you will have me around. It''s much better than staying here." The eight youths were quiet, and Yun Yang felt resistance from the silence C it was a defiance of dignity. "We want to depend on ourselves and work for it." Li Zhan said in a stuttering voice. "Ambitious," Yun Yang complimented the youths. The eight children flushed. Yun Yang took out the mystical Qi cultivation arcane he had long prepared and explained it thoroughly before he watched the eight young ones repeat it once. "No matter where you all stay" Yun Yang said softly, "Never forget where your roots are. Understand?" "Yes!" The eight teenagers were bright-eyed. "No matter where you all are, what achievements you accomplish in the future never forget the comrades and brothers who fought alongside you never forget the comrades and brothers who sacrificed themselves beside you! Understand? Never forget their families either." "Never forget, as a man, your responsibilities towards your friends, your parents, your families, your country and your perished comrades'' families!" Yun Yang was grim as he said these words, his gaze blank and lifeless. Wang Dingguo watched in silence from the side. While Yun Yang was speaking, he could clearly feel the genuine and brimming sense of responsibility from Yun Yang, the hefty weight each of his words carried! He could not help but look serious and respectful as well. "We will surely remember teacher''s lessons!" The eight teenagers kneeled down and bowed together. "Wang Dingguo!" Yun Yang turned to say, "Look after them well, but there''s no need to coddle them. Do you understand?" The words were contradictory, but Wang Dingguo understood once he heard them; he replied formally, "Don''t worry, Young Master Yun. Old Wang understands!" Yun Yang nodded and took out some banknotes. "Send them home!" The youths wanted to refuse them but Yun Yang glared. "Your sacrificed brothers; do their families need not continue living?" He pushed the notes over. The eight youths held back a collective sob. There was five hundred thousand taels worth of banknotes! Even Wang Dingguo who was watching from the side felt envious, but he was certain C no matter what it took, he had to let these young ones send the money back! This sum belonged only to the small village, no one else could touch it. Yun Yang left, filled with a little relief and a no little sense of loss. To work hard and start from scratch the dream of youths was always this na?ve and passionate. However, Yun Yang was not opposed to the idea. He would let them learn the hard way. Perhaps, they would become new legends, achieving everything from nothing one day; who could tell? However, Yun Yang knew the day would come when they realized the importance of relationships, connections, society, and favors. These would extinguish their passion, then they would go seeking for him in the capital. Yun Yang did not wish to see that. In spite of this, the paths of life were always decided by oneself. At a certain stage, at a certain junction, left or right would either be towards heaven or hell. The entrance was the same, though. Some people would pick heaven while some would choose wrongly and go to hell. That being said, there was still a possibility to fall into hell while being in heaven while there would also be ways to heaven despite being in hell. "I wish all of you, in this lifetime, to never change your initial intentions or forget your early hearts!" The words of blessing were kept at the bottom of Yun Yang''s heart. Eight teenagers watched their teacher leave, galloping away into the night, their eyes filled with respect and gratitude. The wash of purple robes would forever stay in the deepest part of their hearts. "Teacher, take great care!" The eight youths kneeled down quietly, bowing in silence to the direction of the faraway continent where the silhouette had disappeared. "Get up, young ones." Wang Dingguo sighed inwardly, "You all will still meet your teacher in the future." Yun Yang, who was coming up near Tianxuan Cliff, urged his steed to gallop faster, like a red flash of light that swept past the snow. However, just as he sped past Tianxuan Cliff, he suddenly heard a deafening boom. Yun Yang lifted his head to look in shock. The Temple of Nine Supremes that stood tall on Tianxuan Cliff had unexpectedly collapsed, reduced to fine rubble that covered the ground. "No!" Yun Yang cried out subconsciously before he froze, his eyes wide as saucers as he shouted, "Why?" Then, in the time it took for him to blink, a gout of power suddenly surged from the earth and slipped into Yun Yang, merging with his meridians and dantian. The process was faster than a split second, everything ending no longer than a snap of fingers; there was no more noise or further movement then. Yun Yang trembled harshly. It was an incredibly familiar power that had merged with him. It was a feeling he only had when he was with his brothers. "Brothers" Yun Yang was struck with a pang of insuppressible grief, but he understood what happened instantly. He had triggered the remaining Nine Supremes'' powers left behind by his brothers. With the identity of Supreme Cloud, the dying wish of his brothers, and the hopes of everyone for Nine Supremes to be one, the onus was all on him! When he had unleashed this force, he had also sealed his brothers'' unfulfilled wish! In the past, when the Nine Supremes'' powers were present simultaneously to attack the Dongxuan army in an extremely temporal duration, it was not only the powers of the Nine Supremes that were at play; even their lingering wish could retain a big portion of strength and seek him out relentlessly. In other words, Yun Yang still could not use any cultivation skill or manifestation of any Supreme but he was, right now, truly the Nine Supremes become one. He was an amalgamation of their respective beings, having undergone a thorough and extreme method. Yun Yang, who was well aware of this, experienced no joy. He sprawled onto the horse''s back and wept. "Brothers I will not be able to see you all anymore!" For the Nine Supremes to become one was the late Nine Supremes'' last wish, but it was Yun Yang''s deepest dread. After the Nine Supremes'' powers had combined into one, it would also mean that the remnants that initially belonged to the Nine Supremes would be wholly wiped away from the world, never to be seen again. The sky brightened like never before, glowing like it was day in this exceptionally wintery night. The ominous clouds that hung in the sky vanished instantly as if blown away by a devastating hurricane. The Milky Way was clear to view, as was the moon. Yun Yang looked up at the starry sky. Watching the myriad of blinking stars, it was as if he saw the long-absent faces of Supreme Earth and the others smiling down at him from the sky and blinking in relief. Yun Yang could not help the ache that surged in his heart. In the sea of clouds, a figure who was restrained by chains all over him rested against a tree, a slight smile hanging on his face as he looked at the sky. "Not bad, not bad at all. This day has finally come." "When the Nine Supremes unite, there shall be an upheaval of heaven and earth, of the world and empires alike. The Supreme shall reign unchallenged Mr. Nian, your ''good'' days are about to come. As for me, Heaven''s Inquisition I''m finally about to be freed" "Imprisoned here all these years I wonder..." "How does the outside world look like now?" 507 The Journey Back No matter how bereaved Yun Yang felt, he had still caught up to the withdrawing troop that was guarding Qiu Jianhan by dawn. Marquis Yun and Bai Yixue led the left and right flanks respectively; their strong divine senses were carefully attuned to the surrounding movements at all times. The four noble young masters and elites from the families stayed in the center, surrounding and guarding the old marshal. They had moved extremely slowly along the entire way. Despite the fact that they had made good progress, Yun Yang had still caught up easily. "How is the old marshal now?" Yun Yang asked softly. Yun Yang was confident about his treasured blood. He believed that Old Marshal could only be better now, it was impossible for him to deteriorate. The question was a mere formality. "How''s the war?" Shangguan Lingxiu asked impatiently. "The war" Hearing that Yun Yang had rushed back, everyone naturally gathered around him to find out about the warfare. "The war ended. We''ve won." Yun Yang said, "Han Sanhe died, Dongxuan is already withdrawing from the field." "Ah" The short and direct reply astounded everyone. Yun Yang''s straightforward answer C the war had ended, we had won, the main marshal of the enemy had died, the enemy troop had withdrawn themselves - was incredibly flat and true, without any decorative modifiers. Yet, it was the greatest news that all the others dared not imagine. They were dazed for a short moment, their minds blank. The group was hushed and there pin-drop silence all around. What followed after the extreme silence was an extreme ruckus; deafening cheers erupted throughout the squad, laced with endless questions. Yun Yang understood their emotions, so he explained meticulously with patience. After all, this was truly a godsent news for Yutang''s people C one that would never be forgotten. For the longest time, Yutang''s greatest enemy and biggest threat was Dongxuan! Han Sanhe, who was crowned the top marshal of the continent and the most elite Dongxuan army who had triumphed over the entire continent was double the threat when they worked together. Now, though, Han Sanhe was dead. The top general of the continent, Tianxuan''s God of War, was actually dead Simply put, the strength of the Dongxuan threat had been reduced by an eighth. How could the group not cheer in exhilaration when they heard this happy news? In spite of this, they could hardly imagine it. Their side had obviously suffered in the previous battle or else Fu Baoguo would not have arranged for them to leave first. Granted, it was akin to tasking them with the responsibility of guarding the old marshal back safely, but everyone knew that it was due to the worsening warfare that could no longer hold out. Why had it become a victory all of a sudden, with the death of the enemy''s marshal thrown into the mix as well? This was too f*cking unreal! If this were not from Yun Yang''s own mouth and that they were sure that Yun Yang would not jest about such things, they would have found it hard to believe or imagine. "Actually, it''s like this the Nine Supremes Lords suddenly appeared and unleashed their powers onto the world. Dongxuan was intimidated by the Nine Supremes Lords'' forces, how could they not have lost then?" Once Yun Yang mentioned the words Nine Supremes, another bout of cheers split the air. Shangguan Lingxiu''s bright gaze focused on Yun Yang even more intently, a ghost of a smile flashing across her face. That was the top secret only she knew - it was enough for her to be aware of it. "Ultimately, Dongxuan''s defeat was inevitable. To retain his military talents, Han Sanhe was willing to behead himself and end the war. Dongxuan has withdrawn themselves accordingly We''ve won the war! Yutang has won!" Yun Yang narrated the entire episode in a flat tone, but everyone else looked contented as they basked in the glory. "Thank God! Yutang''s crisis has finally been resolved." The one who said this was Marquis Yun. He looked like he was filled with various emotions, amongst which blatant relief was the most obvious. Yun Yang realized that the sideburns of this instant father of his were dotted with white; he wondered how long that had been the case. No matter how outstanding and charming he looked, the toll that pressure had taken on him was still very much visible. All these years, Yutang was vexed with both internal and external struggles. It was not only the emperor who had expended his efforts and tried his best to work with royal blood; Marquis Yun who was excluded from the imperial court was also roaming the country and working hard. Perhaps, this analogy would fit the situation better. Yun Xioayao was more like a firefighter. If the east needed help, he would go to the east; if the west was in trouble, he would go to the west. He spent his time traveling around the empire beating out conflagrations. What was said about the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, that he abstained himself from the worldly affairs, was a lie C because even when the world was peaceful, he could not stay at home. He had to be aware of the news that took place around the borders. Who knew what would happen at either side? Furthermore, he had to keep on improving himself. Only under such a premise was he capable of associating with schools and sects of the martial world, befriending martial world experts, and even defending against ace cultivators of enemy countries. All in all, other than the politics in the imperial court that he took great care to stay out of, he had to worry about everything else; anything he encountered would ultimately be under his care. A heaven realm cultivator was also an exhausted individual. If Han Sanhe''s fate to achieve cultivation pinnacle was obstructed by his reputation of being the continent''s top general and Tianxuan''s God of War, then Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Yun Xiaoyao, was similarly restrained by these external affairs. If he had concentrated in cultivation and stepped out of all worldly matters, his capability would surely not stop where he was at now. It was fortunate that he could exhale the breath he had been holding in now. "I must rest before going back to the capital. If I didn''t have to go back for a few years, that would suit me perfectly fine!" Marquis Yun smiled in exhaustion, but his beam was filled with content and anticipation. "I roam the world, but nothing beats resting at home. That is true relaxation and peace." "After all these years of running about I am really tired." Yun Yang suddenly recalled something and said, "Now that the issue of the invasion has been resolved, it''s a good time for you to head home and rest. I think there should be plenty of things in the capital waiting for you to take charge of." Marquis Yun''s chuckle was devoid of humor. "You are truly unrelenting. Are you arranging new tasks for me?" Yun Yang coughed. "I don''t dare to But come to think about it, His Majesty will be upset when he sees you idle" Marquis Yun rolled his eyes and said, "How dare he!" This phrase was uttered so vehemently that Yun Xiaoyao was probably the only who dared speak so aggressively and openly in the whole of the Empire of Yutang! Yun Yang, Old Marshal Qiu, Marshal Leng Daoyin, or Old Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian, they would not be bold enough to do it! "Right, what did you do to Old Marshal Qiu? Why hasn''t he woken up yet?" Marquis Yun suddenly asked Yun Yang, but he had also inadvertently answered the latter''s first question. "Old Marshal''s breathing is stable and his life force is sufficient. His state has improved a lot and his pulse is smooth. He''s been in a state of deep sleep all along, without any sign of waking up for days." Marquis Yun continued speaking without waiting for Yun Yang''s response. "I''ve observed closely and the reason Old Marshal hasn''t been waking up should be due to the damage that his life force has sustained, and the exhaustion of his spirit. Such damage needs a long time to recuperate but this is only my personal opinion. The actual situation will need your diagnosis as the direct healer. Regardless, the Old Marshal is in no danger." Yun Yang nodded as he listened to Marquis Yun. Previously, the miracle of Yun Yang saving the old marshal with his blood was a bold move that fought for the old marshal''s life against God. However, just like Marquis Yun''s diagnosis, Old Marshal''s life force and soul were both heavily damaged. Even if his physical condition was healthy like that of an ordinary person, he still needed a long time to recuperate, thus the state of deep sleep he was currently in was the best for him. It would only be a matter of time before the Old Marshal would wake up again. Yun Yang was quite happy with how things had worked out, and he had no further countermeasures anyway. Emmie was no longer around, so his nourished blood was Yun Yang''s trump card for now. This was the most he could do under the circumstances. "Your diagnosis is correct. Old Marshal only needs to recuperate now. With the war coming to a close, we''ll depart right away to return to Tiantang. It isn''t only the old marshal, everyone else too needs to rest and recuperate," Yun Yang said. "Great." Everyone was basking in happiness. The eight hundred-mile express messenger was also on their way back to report the good news. Only Yun Yang and Marquis Yun from the troop were frowning lightly like they were weighed down with concerns and not at all thrilled about the victory. The troop who guarded Old Marshal''s return was made up of the Shangguan Family of Generals, the four noble families, the Residence of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, and Old Marshal Qiu''s janissaries. These people had incredibly high cultivation bases, but it was not their forte to be prudent and prepare for the worst. The ecstasy filling Marquis Yun immediately turned into heavyheartedness as he was reminded of dark memories by Yun Yang''s words. Now that the four countries'' siege had failed, it was basically world peace as the external woes were now no longer an issue. Yutang would naturally go back to its era of peaceful development that also governed recovery. However, it was during such a time that a more challenging situation might arise. This was because once the external struggle was vanquished, what was left was internal strife C an inevitable civil strife in Yutang. Even when His Majesty had already recovered and was back in his prime, his many princes would be grown up as well. After solving the external crisis, the issue to face now was to appoint the next ruler! This was a problem that could not be avoided, especially when Yutang was about to face a long period of peace. The emperor was healthy and his cultivation base was decently strong. It looked like he could still run the empire for tens of years. Could the princes wait that long? According to Marquis Yun''s personal judgment, they definitely wouldn''t have the patience. A civil war was inevitable. This internal issue, to a certain extent, could be more even serious than the imposing armies from the four countries! 508 Issues The imposing troops might have caused innocent lives to be lost and even the subjugation of the country and extinction of its people, but as long as it did not actually happen, it had the potential to pull Yutang''s people closer together, so that there would be hope against an external threat. However, the consequences of internal strife were not only the loss of innocent lives but each time there was imperial unrest, it would cause a massive upheaval throughout the entire nation. Even when things came to a stop, there would still be a lot of work that needed to be done. Now that the external factors were gone and Marquis Yun had returned to the capital of Yutang, how could His Majesty let his brother be exempted from the worldly affairs and remain idle? Do you want to rest without caring about anything? I''m afraid it won''t be so easy! Do you think you''re called the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds Yun Xiaoyao so that you can float around like a lazy cloud? Certainly not! Marquis Yun could already foresee the many mountains that were about to be placed on his shoulders once he arrived at the capital. Yun Yang''s considerations were about the same as Marquis Yun but the former had contemplated a bit more than the latter. It was because Yun Yang knew a big secret Marquis Yun did not C the current eldest grandson of Yutang''s royal blood, the only son of his eldest brother Supreme Earth and Supreme Water, was Yu Qiankun. This was a terribly large event with even bigger implications. In truth, Yun Yang was not too worried about the princes fighting over the throne. He would kill whoever that posed any trouble; this was Yun Yang''s straightforward manner of dealing with problems. With his current cultivation base level, no one throughout Yutang could stop him from doing anything! That was right, anything! To Yun Yang, with him to depend on, his baby of a nephew could ascend to the throne safely without the slightest quiver of a doubt. He need not even pay too much attention to the process. What he was actually concerned about was another matter, that of Old Dugu''s revenge. He had to seek revenge! He would definitely ferret that Ouyang out and tackle him. He would return what Old Dugu had gone through back then, ten or even a hundred times worse onto that man! There was a third issue C the Ma-i Sect. Yun Yang''s opinion of Ma-i Sect was even lower due to the previous battle, but he had, after all, made a vow witnessed by heaven. He had to do it, regardless of what his personal opinion was. Since the Ma-i Sect disregarded them and would rather violate their ancestral teachings to join the world hegemony, they should bear the consequences. Yun Yang would take the extra effort to help their ancestors clean up the school then. Compared to the fourth matter, the previous three issues did not seem like issues at all. The fourth matter was one that had been clouding Yun Yang''s mind all this while. He had put in so much work to instigate the fight between the Bound of Universe''s Lei Family and the Four Seasons Tower, but why had nothing happened, even after Lei Dongtian had returned for such a long time? What had he done? Was he not seeking revenge anymore? Yet, how couldLei Dongtian''s feisty character swallow this indignation? Thinking of Lei Dongtian, Yun Yang could not help thinking about another force, the Four Seasons Tower. There had been so many tumults and change of personnel, even countless losses, but the Four Seasons Tower''s foundation had not been shaken at all. Even more so, there was not even much show of its repertoire. This was already hinted at by the mysterious man who came to Mr. Nian, who was already so mighty that Yun Yang still felt the lingering fear thinking about his capabilities. This was the main issue that pressed at him and prevented him from sleeping. Of course, there was more. For example, the structure of the Nine Heavens Dictum, the matter of the four noble young masters, the matter of Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan, and the Seven Star Lake mentioned by the old mistress There was also the matter regarding the treasure map pieces The variation of issues at hand gave Yun Yang a headache, having to deal with so many things simultaneously. Of course, Yun Yang would not forget another important task. Returning to the capital, he was to condition Old Grand Commandant Fang''s health. The pillar of the empire must not crumble so easily, especially now that the war was over. The old senior might not be able to hold onto that last breath suddenly from the relief and would leave at an inopportune moment. Since he could revive Old Marshal Qiu, why not keep Old Grand Commandant Fang alive as well? It was better to have the whole trio alive to resume the legend of the capital''s three rogues! Anyway, time was pressing. It did not become more forgiving just because the eastern border''s war had ended. Yun Yang frowned; he was truly tied down with too many issues. Yun Yang was weighed down with concerns, while Marquis Yun was anxious, but the ones who were absolute contrasts to the worried pair were the delighted Young Masters of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. These four fellows were exceptionally joyful; although they were wounded all over, they were also in unprecedentedly high spirits. "How many did you kill?" "Probably four to five hundred? Yourself?" "More than you, at least in the thousands" "Me too, always more, never less." "I realize that continuous battle is beneficial to us. I''ve actually managed another breakthrough I''m near the eighth peak now. I wouldn''t even have dared to imagine achieving such a cultivation base in the past!" "Me too, me too. The bottleneck is loosening. If there were another battle, I''d definitely manage a breakthrough. I just don''t know when another big battle will happen" "F*cking hell, can you fellows not discuss these" The one speaking now was Qiu Yunsan, whose cultivation base had remained at a standstill. "Why isn''t your father progressing at all? Has God gone blind?" "I''m actually happier hearing that you''re making no progress. Why is God blind? God is obviously bright-eyed" "It doesn''t stop at being bright-eyed. God''s eyes have finally opened. Otherwise, why would the heaven bless the kind and not the cunning?" "Who are you f*cking calling cunning? All of you are gloating over my misfortune! Can you all be any more shameless?" When Yun Yang arrived, these four fellows were having fun at each other''s expense. To be precise, three of them were jubilant C Dong Tianleng, Xia Bingchuan, and Chun Wanfeng were chuckling merrily, while Qiu Yunsan was fuming alone. "Congratulations, my four brothers." Yun Yang said grinning, "All four of you have contributed great merits in this war, killing thousands, at the very least. This is solid military merit; by reporting it, you will surely earn the title of general. As your boss, I am honored. I shall congratulate the four generals here first!" Once Yun Yang''s words were uttered, the four people looked aghast, the initial jocular mood dissipated and gone with the wind. "Generals? What generals? Why are we generals? What are you talking about?" Dong Tianleng sounded like he was on the verge of panic. "I''m leaving at once! Who in their right mind would want to become a general?" Qiu Yunsan cried out in despair. "Me too, me too! This isn''t a man''s life, even peeing is assigned a time I''d rather die than to stay here" Chun Wanfeng was beyond agitated. "Go be a general, whoever wants to end their life; I''m definitely not in for it" Xia Bingchuan looked mournful. "Once I think about how I''m supposed to live like this every day in the future, your father feels like dying more than living." "I''d rather be chased out right away before earning any merit. I wouldn''t want to go through such a life anymore" Dong Tianleng said like he had nothing to lose. Yun Yang chortled in amusement. "Alright, alright. Do you think Ido not know what you all are thinking? Just be gone on your way. Don''t'' worry, you rascals won''t be forced to enlist anymore in the future. Look at how fearful you all are! So f*cking useless" Yun Yang was genuinely gleeful. These four jokers were always bringing him genuine joy. "Really? Boss, are you serious?" Qiu Yunsan stared at Yun Yang. "But my uncle" Yun Yang smiled, shaking his head and said, "Leave your uncle to me. Actually, all of you didn''t do as badly in this war as you would have imagined.At the very least, even when you''re in deep danger, you all didn''t run away but have done your all to protect Old Marshal Qiu, fighting on the frontline throughout the entire war. Everyone saw this, no one will take you think of you all as the popinjays you were in the past" Yun Yang said seriously, "We are brothers, so I will speak plainly. I truly understand your thinking. You all have been calling yourselves popinjays but my four brothers, you are all great men! I am genuinely honored to have you folks as brothers." The four of them were shocked when they heard him. They suddenly lowered their heads together quietly. Dong Tianleng chuckled without humor. "I didn''t think that in boss'' eyes, we''re all great men, and that you would feel honored. You think too highly of us" Yun Yang chortled and said, "I know what you all are thinking but after expanding your point of view, you''d realize that a mere family''s'' power isn''t much. I believe what you all will have in the future will be something much greater than the so-called family reputation you regard so highly now." "The crux now is that if you all want to have those things, you all will have to move from where you are now to complete them. That is all." "It''s just like participating in this eastern border war. If you didn''t personally join in, would you have known that you could actually be so courageous and aren''t any weaker than the soldiers?" The tent was fell into a pin-drop silence after that. Yun Yang exited quietly. Just like Yun Yang had said, the four noble young masters were not as frivolous and whimsical as they had seemed. They might be sly or timid, they had their various weaknesses, but there was one thing that Yun Yang admired a lot, a trait for which he was willing to become close to them. Their blood had yet to become cold. Their hearts had yet to turn to ice. They still had dreams, and they had the strength of brotherhood! "If you fellows have figured it out then maybe I can give you all an entirely different life." Yun Yang thought, "If you all remain in your old ways of thinking and don''t want to leave it, I can''t do anything. Nonetheless, I''d still give the most help I can when you all need it the most." "I used to think that I wouldn''t take anyone as my brothers anymore, but I see now that this world still has friends that I can acknowledge and are worthy to be close to!" 509 Why Are The Scars Gone? In another tent which was sealed securely, there were guards placed at the entrance, effectively shielding it from enemies and prying eyes. The end of the war had been announced, thus Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan had boiled two big pots of water immediately, to cleanse themselves completely and check the wounds on their bodies. Both ladies had fought their hardest throughout the war, never once giving up, thus the wounds they bore were not minuscule. Although they were neither fatal nor would they cause any handicaps, it was still insufferable agony to have even one scar for these girls who prized beauty above all else. They were going to wash up now to see if those wounds would affect their complexions and if they could fade completely. From head to toe, arms to legs, chest to back Yue Rulan''s sighs kept on ringing incessantly. "My shoulder has a wound here sigh, it''s quite deep. When it heals it will leave a horrible scar sigh!" "There''s also one here at my collarbone ugh" "I think there are three on my back" "Why is there one on my abdomen too? Ugh, I''m so angry!" "I have it on my behind as well and another one on my calf Lingxi, Lingxi, I''m dying from anger! Look at those wounds on my back... will they fade completely?" "Ugh" Yue Rulan mumbled in frustration, the calm composure she used to possess all but dissipated. It looked like beauty was still what women cared about the most, and intelligence and a sharp wit was relegated to second place. However, she did not hear any noise from Ji Lingxi, who was sitting across from her, after a long-drawn complaint. She raised her head, curious about the foreboding silence. "You ah!" She suddenly cried out. "You How you" Ji Lingxi was also in shock, so much so that she was rendered speechless and dumbfounded. "Argh!" Yue Rulan was about to go berserk from jealousy, looking at Ji Lingxi. She sprung up from her basin and pressed the latter into the water. "You C you I remember you were injured even more than I was A lot more, plenty! Why aren''t there scars or wounds on you? Not even a single scratch!" "I don''t believe it! Let me look closely, let me check Turn over! Let me see" Ji Lingxi covered her chest with her hands and said meekly with barely contained delight, "I don''t know as well I was really wounded" "Argh!" Yue Rulan was still crying out in jealousy. Ji Lingxi''s skin was smooth everywhere she checked, free from even the faintest scar! It was even softer and more supple than a newborn''s, it was practically flawless! It seemed like she had not been injured throughout her entire life; even the traces of practicing martial arts for years were gone. Yue Rulan''s eyes bulged as eyes roamed meticulously, her gaze filled with disbelief. She could clearly remember the number of times she had personally witnessed Ji Lingxi being injured and bleeding, wounded all over, when both of them were surrounded by the enemies. Ji Lingxi was much more vehement about killing the enemy compared to her, thus she had suffered more injuries than her, much more. Yue Rulan was still thinking about how to comfort Ji Lingxi about taking the scars lightly earlier, to see if it would be better if she acted more concerned Who would have known that the result of this matter was she herself would be violently triggered instead? No, she was the one suffering the harshest damage! Not even a hairline scar could be found on Ji Lingxi! Facing this cruel reality, Yue Rulan broke down. She was incredibly doubtful of her own eyes. Had all she had witnessed earlier been merely a figment of her imagination? Yet, the arrow had buried itself in Ji Lingxi''s shoulder. It was her who counterattacked and fended off the enemies before personally pulling the arrow out for Ji Lingxi and treating her wound. The wound was not fatal, but it was incredibly deep. Ji Lingxi had not said anything, but she was already in distress. Now, however There was the saber scar as well. That glaring wound hacked by a saber on Lingxi''s upper arm had almost chopped her entire arm off. She had also been the one who bandaged the injury for her. It was an unmistakable injury, but had the saber scar gone to? That sword That What was going on? "Don''t wear those!" Yue Rulan practically yelled when she saw Ji Lingxi standing up to put on her clothes. "I still want to check you. I don''t believe it, I just don''t" No matter how she examined and scrutinized her body, touching Ji Lingxi until the girl was blushing in embarrassment, she could not find any scars! "What is happening? This is mystical" Yue Rulan sat in the basin distractedly, glancing at and stroking the wounds and scars on herself then looking at Ji Lingxi''s peeled egg of a complexion. She soon fell into a deep trance. "I suddenly feel like this world is filled with a deep hatred for me" Yue Rulan said in near hopelessness. Ji Lingxi chuckled secretly while dressing herself with a blush. She felt like collapsing after being touched everywhere by Sister Lan, like a female rogue. She bit her lips and said, "I don''t know what''s going on either The scars and wounds are gone, either way I was worried earlier Sister Lan, what do you think is going on?" Yue Rulan replied in anguish, "How am I supposed to know what''s going on? This shouldn''t be! I saw it clearly! There were so many scars and wounds. Where have they all gone to?" "Sister Lan, are you offended by the fact that I don''t have any scars on me?" Ji Lingxi pouted in disappointment. "Of course I''m offended! We were injured together! Look at this peppered streaks on me, then the smooth surface on you... how could I feel alright?" Yue Rulan barked in indignation. Ji Lingxi''s eyes darted furtively before she said, "Actually it''s nothing what''s the big deal? Tell you what, I''ll let you touch me more in the future think of my body as your own" "Ji Lingxi!" Yue Rulan shouted, cheeks red with mortification. Ji Lingxi''s soft chortles pleading for mercy filled the tent in the ensuing silence. Outside the tent, Yun Yang rubbed his nose and turned to leave. He had been wondering about the two ladies and had wanted to come over to ask how they fared, only to encounter such an eclectic scene. He could only listen to them, but he felt terribly flustered at the conversation. If he were to ask to see them, he would probably have been walloped by the angry and embarrassed girls without mercy. Hence, Yun Yang wisely chose to leave unannounced. However, he shared the same confusion as Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan. From what he heard from Shangguan Lingxiu "Go take a look at Lady Ji and Lady Yue. Both of them are greatly wounded and the injuries were quite serious as well. They might bear scars. This is something that a lady will find terribly hard to accept." Shangguan Lingxiu had said. "Then Sister Lingxiu, you don''t you have wounds and scars too?" Yun Yang asked with deep concern, "Are they serious? Do you want me to take a look at them?" "Get out!" Young Master Yun Yang, the amateur flirt, left dejectedly. Then, he had come here and coincidentally, the girls were discussing their wounds and scars. Therefore, Great Young Master Yun did not even enter the tent, choosing to leave in a dispirited mood. Yun Yang was certain that if he had gone in, what would welcome him would be no better than Shanggun Lingxiu''s adamant order to leave C perhaps it would have been an even more severe dismissal. Young Master Yun, who left despondently, did not hear what came next. 510 My Eyes Didn’t Dart About! "Lingxi you''ll have to hold on tight to that Young Master Yun. I can tell that the situation isn''t looking good for you. Lady Shangguan is a big threat, a formidable foe" Yue Rulan was tightly wrapped in a blanket, talking animatedly to Ji Lingxi. "How can I hold tight to something like this?" Ji Lingxi fumed the moment the topic was brought up. "That Yun Yang is basically a dim-witted log He doesn''t take any hints at all, he doesn''t know and doesn''t even understand anything!" "Also, we''ll have to start looking for Supreme Cloud after this and ask him about your brother''s whereabouts" Yue Rulan''s eyes shone with the light of hope. "Maybe your brother isn''t dead yet As one of the Nine Supremes, how could he have perished so easily?" "Mm!" Ji Lingxi nodded in agreement. "If we can find him this time" Yue Rulan bit her lips and said, "I C I won''t go anywhere else. I''ll follow him. I don''t need a ceremony or a wedding we won''t consider our families and anyone else I''ll just keep him... company... along the way." "He wants to become one of the Nine Supremes, he will want to serve the country. I can accompany him through all of that. Whenever he''s tired, I will go with him to roam the world and experience what it has to offer. Whenever he wants to settle down I''d find a quiet place and become a recluse with him... he can farm, while I weave" Yue Rulan''s gaze was filled with hope and longing. Ji Lingxi felt her heart ache for the lady; she hugged her and said devoutly, "Brother has to be fine. How can anything happen to him when he has such a great sister-in-law waiting for him? He will surely be reunited with us with you waiting for him, he won''t dare to let anything happen to him!" "Yeah, he will definitely come back to us" Yue Rulan''s voice sounded like she was praying like she was certain, but there was also a sense of an endless desolation in the echoes of her words... Early in the morning, Yun Yang began his journey, with Reddie leading the way. To all appearances, it seemed like he was running away, intending to quickly leave the troop far behind. It was a pity that he was caught after only traveling a few dozen miles. Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan looked ice cold as they blocked his path. "What a coincidence." Yun Yang chuckled dryly. "On this journey of a thousand miles during these chaotic times, I have the opportunity to meet two beautiful ladies. I am truly blessed" Yue Rulan''s stony expression indicated clearly that she was unmoved by his flattery. "Blatant liar. Wasn''t it you who caused this discolored stains on our faces? May I ask Young Master Yun where did you dredge these beauties from? Is this a blessing as well?" Yun Yang chortled and said, "Both ladies are ravishing and innately enchanting, like goddesses. Now there is only a slight taint of jade, unworthy of mention. Even without looking at the face but only the silhouette, the peerless grace, and captivating aura can barely be covered by a simple disguise." Ji Lingxi rolled her eyes. "What a bootlicker. What other pandering words do you have? Speak them now, don''t stop! This journey is a long one anyway, about tens of thousands of miles to Tiantang City. We''ll listen to your flattery all the way, we must be delighted by your words. We''ll interrogate you after we''re tired of hearing your compliments. Go on!" Yun Yang shut his mouth bitterly. I am complimenting you both, but I still have to be interrogated? Go on? Go on about what? Just ask me what lies on your minds! I don''t know anything anyway, I don''t know anything about what you''re going to ask! "Firstly, it''s this thing on our faces No, actually, it''s fine, we''re too lazy to ask you about it now. It will shed itself after some time anyway, there''s no point wasting time asking about it." Yue Rulan''s eyes were like the deepest pools trained on Yun Yang''s face, her gaze inspecting him closely. Yun Yang coughed, turning away instinctively; he dared not meet her unrelenting gaze. "Turn back here, look at my eyes! You''re not allowed to avoid me!" said Yue Rulan vehemently. Yun Yang coughed as he said rubbed his nose, "Sister Lan You Staring into each other''s eyes I''m embarrassed" Yue Rulan was amused as much as she was exasperated. She replied loudly, "I''m not embarrassed, what''s there for you to be embarrassed about? Turn your head back quickly and look at me!" "What do you two want to know? Just ask me already! I''ll say anything I can!" Yun Yang said decisively, spreading his hands in appeasement. "Good. Where is Ji Lingfeng now?" Yue Rulan asked. "What?" Yun Yang was taken aback by her sudden question. "Are you acting dumb? Tell me where Ji Lingfeng is!" Yue Rulan said angrily. Yun Yang felt absolutely maligned by her attitude. "Sister Lan, you''re putting me in a tough spot. How can I know where Ji Lingfeng is? It''s my first time hearing this name! Say, if we were in Tiantang City, I would still have some connections and can help in the search. However, we are on our thousand miles journey back, we are in an absolutely unfamiliar territory. What would you have me say? How am I supposed to look for this person? How would I know where he is?" When he said the last line, Yun Yang felt his heart suddenly ache. He deeply wished he knew where his eighth brother was as well. He truly did not know where he was. Oh, how he wished to know where all his brothers were! Yue Rulan snorted in anger. "Being brazen now, are you? You''re not going to turn back until you hit the wall!" Yun Yang erected a bold front then, trying to put himself in the ladies'' shoes, and said ever so sincerely, "Sister Lan I really really truly C genuinely do not know this." Ji Lingxi broke in from the side, "Do you realize that your eyes are darting around? Not only does Sister Lan not believe you now, I don''t believe you either." "Did my eyes dart around?" Yun Yang was stunned at her observation. "They did," Ji Lingxi said, her mouth a thin line of disapproval. Yun Yang widened his eyes and looked at Ji Lingxi. "Are they still darting around now?" "Not anymore. Why are you opening your eyes so wide? Are you trying to prove that your eyes are big?" questioned Ji Lingxi. "How about now? You saw my eyes darting around earlier, how did they dart around?" Yun Yang asked in return. "Something like this" Ji Lingxi answered. Then, her eyes darted about as she began to emulate Yun Yang''s mannerisms before she was suddenly struck with realization and stopped in embarrassment, "Psh, I was being kind and smoothing things for you, but you took me for a fool to divert the topic instead! You would do well to answer the question truthfully." Yun Yang said with absolute certainty, "All the same, my eyes didn''t dart about, absolutely not!" "Yes, they did!" Ji Lingxi said furiously. "No, they did not!" "Did too! They darted around!" "No means no!" "Yes means yes! Your eyes darted about! They made, at the very least, seven to eight circular motions!" "Words have no weight, show me the evidence!" Ji Lingxi was stumped by his challenge. Yun Yang then spoke righteously, "Would I not know what is going on with my own eyes? On what basis are you saying that my eyes darted around? Show me the evidence then! Making irresponsible remarks you''ll need proof before you start blaming innocent people!" Ji Lingxi almost fainted, her lips quivering. "Your eyes your eyes they darted around Like this like" Yue Rulan rolled her eyes furiously, gazing into the sky. Oh, sister, we were interrogating him! Why are you distracted by his words? Is it of utmost concern whether his eyes darted about or not? This isn''t the time to dispute these trivial things! "Let''s just consider it a fact that your eyes didn''t dart about, alright? Sister Lingxi must have been mistaken. Now, answer my question." Yue Rulan immediately mediated the situation and re-corrected the course of the conversation. However, when she saw how Ji Lingxi was trembling in anger, she was utterly at a loss for words. "No can do! What you mean let''s just consider? What do you mean by it''s ok?" Yun Yang was relentless. "You have both accused me with no solid basis to fall back on! Are you putting this insult to an end with just a single line? Things aren''t as simple in this world! I insist that my eyes didn''t dart about just now!" Yue Rulan was shocked speechless. We are already being nice to you! What do you want to achieve by behaving like this? Are you f*cking insisting as well? Do you seek an early death? "I''m talking seriously to you. I''m asking you, Ji Lingfeng" "I''m answering seriously, my eyes didn''t dart around! I''m not lying! All I have said is the truth!" "I''m asking" "I didn''t move them about! I am an honest man! You are both accusing an honest man!" "Oh, just beat him up!" Ji Lingxi could no longer endure the insolence, charging forward and attacking with both her fists and feet. Yue Rulan was flushed with anger as well, following closely behind. She was already well aware that nothing would be resolved if they were entangled in Yun Yang''s argument. It was easier to just start a brawl to end the fight. However, with Yun Yang''s current cultivation base, it was a piece of cake to handle both the girls. Even without doing much, he could stop both the ladies by just depending on his protective mystical Qi. Clang! Yue Rulan held her sword up, the blade gleaming icily. "Weapons. Both of you won''t be able to subdue me using weapons either." Yun Yang was triumphant but his expression immediately changed, his voice cracking with fear, "You, you. You C you what are you doing don''t be reckless!" Yue Rulan turned her sword, not going for Yun Yang, but placed it right against her neck. She looked resolutely at Yun Yang. "I know that we are unable to fight you. However, if you make any move to avoid us or to counterattack, I will slit my own throat right here. Come on, let''s see if I dare do it!" Yun Yang had no defense against that ultimatum. 512 Nipping It in the Bud The eastern line''s victory had been relayed back to the capital city and the emperor was, of course, overjoyed by the news. He had foreseen the disadvantage the eastern defense would have suffered in warfare and had even contemplated the possibility of paying a personal visit to assist at the border. However, Old Marshal Qiu had already carried off most of the elites in Tiantang City, the royal forces included. Even if he were to set off in person, there was no one he could bring along to accompany him. Besides, the four-nation siege was at such an abrupt timing that it was too late to salvage the situation, even if Tiantang City had more relief troops. The news of ultimate victory in the war was unexpected, not to mention the shocking revelation that Dongxuan''s main marshal Han Sanhe had fallen as well. This result finally allowed Yutang''s emperor to heave a long, relieved sigh. Nonetheless, he was silent for a long time after inquiring about the number of casualties. It was a short battle, merely two to three months of warfare, but there were already millions of soldiers who had perished. Even though Yu Peize was Yutang''s ultimate ruler, the emperor who held Yutang in his hands, he still felt the throes of war. His heart ached for his people. "Hundreds and thousands of warriors they are indeed..." His Majesty sighed, tears shining in his eyes. "All the perished soldiers are lion-hearted warriors who have guarded the country! The day they return victorious, I shall welcome them, hundreds of miles outside the city. I shall personally wait for these warriors to return!" "I wonder how Old Qiu is faring now" "Inform the Board of War and the Board of Revenue to increase the rewards for those who are worthy of merit. Allocate the pensions of the highest class to those who died. I want to personally go through everything related to this war." "Inform the Board of Civil Appointments, do not be parsimonious in promoting and granting titles to those who deserve them." "Inform the Board of Rites that they have to figure out how to welcome the army back with the highest protocol! Be fast! I want to host this welcoming party personally!" "I wish to announce this delightful news to the world!" "Inform the Board of Punishments that they are to enforce the law nationwide, with focus on gangsters and rogues terrorizing villagers. The crimes of those who bully the families of sacrificed soldiers will be deemed more severe than ever; they are to be punished strictly and heavily, without the possibility of pardon!" The emperor was also a military man. He knew very well what the soldiers needed the most, what they wanted the most, what they were the most worried about, and what the fallen heroes would miss the most. Hence, the first response he made after obtaining the news was to think of and execute decisions in the most practical manner possible. The last instruction to the Board of Punishments had been hand-written personally by the emperor with his imperial seal stamped on it. He had even stamped his personal seal under the imperial jade seal. This was a unique exception in terms of the royal decree drafting process. This action that did not seem to fit protocol clearly indicated His Majesty''s thoughts regarding this matter! He was using practical actions to tell all his officials that he was not only delegating work, he was personally supervising the whole affair. Anyone who dared to bend the law for personal gain would not only face their superior''s fury but also the emperor''s wrath! Those who wanted to act recklessly could do so at their own risk. Who would dare anger the emperor? Once an emperor was enraged, the line of corpses would stretch for thousands of miles! "From today, we shall forge a memorial hall for these heroic souls!" "From today, we shall rebuild the tower of meritorious officials!" "From today, liquidation is to begin nationwide!" The emperor''s series of orders almost sent the serving eunuchs to their deaths. His Majesty''s last four words C liquidation to begin nationwide, was spoken exceptionally sternly. No one would have wagered on Yutang to win in this four-nation siege war, including those in the country. Compared to the ordinary citizens and martial world practitioners who actively enlisted and fought through this tribulation together, there were many wealthy families and businessmen who were coming up with their own discreet plans C no small number of them had used their connections to contact the noble families of other countries. If Dongxuan were to actually invade Yutang, the consequences would be unimaginable! It was also due to this escape route that those people and forces ignored the official donation drive ran by Yutang and the overall predicament of the military. There were also many officials who began preparing their own back doors for a hasty exit, seeing that the country was in a severe crisis. They were already thinking of where they should be going if Yutang was to be subjugated. It seemed that Yutang was on the verge of being defeated at any given moment. The emperor was not truly harsh on these easily-swayed two-faces for fear of triggering a rebellion which would cause him to face both internal and external crises. Secondly, he understood that it was reasonable for these people to look for alternatives under such circumstances. He was furious, he was vexed, he wanted to kill them all for his own gratification, but these people had not done anything detrimental to the country and its people after all. If Yutang did fall, these people who had already plotted their escapes would be gone. Why should he kill them all? They were his people, after all, the least he could do was to give them a fighting chance to survive. However, the situation was different now. His Majesty knew for a fact that Yutang''s eastern defense had defeated Dongxuan, the four-nation siege was officially broken and even the continent''s God of War Han Sanhe was dead. Would that not mean that it was no longer just idle chatter for Yutang to rule over Tianxuan and become the unprecedented hegemon? The time had come! The chance ripe for the picking by his own hands! The officials and people who were disloyal to the country need not be pardoned, as that would only cause more troubles in the future, a seed to further disaster. With that being said, the emperor began to swiftly remedy the situation. As the saying went, internal strife should be settled first before one is to tackle external problems. His Majesty wanted to ensure that Yutang was still a complete nation when he deployed armies to take over the world. Therefore, these factors of uncertainties had to be nipped in the bud. If these people were to be kept, the connections they had now could very well be connections that would soak up leaked military intel, a weak link that spies from other countries could breach if another war was to come about. An emperor would lose his officials if he was not confidential, an official would lose his life if he was not confidential, while one would be harmed if one was not confidential. It was an absolute must to nip the possible risks in their buds! Yun Yang, who was making his journey back, had executed the emperor''s yet to be received decree very thoroughly. It might be even more thorough than what was being mentioned in the decree as he, Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue had transformed into three killing machines, brutally efficient. Yun Yang had even spurred his convenient father-figure to action. Including Marquis Yun, these four experts sent pickets out first before making a move every time they arrived at a location to smoke out all the gangs and rogues around them within a thousand-mile vicinity. They would then follow the information and kill them. Yun Yang and his squad were four heaven realm cultivators. They were basically the highest- achieving cultivators in Yutang; their targets barely stood a chance. Those bullies who oppressed the villagers and took advantage of the people were all beheaded before the law could even punish them, while they were concurrently deprived of all their assets. With Yun Yang and his group''s reputation, they did not actually need to resort to such brutal, savage, bloody and unreasonable methods. However, Yun Yang had set his heart to kill his way home, because he knew that these people were the sickness that Yutang needed to purge immediately! These people were loud, blustering tyrants, but they had no backbone at all when facing a more powerful foe. They were classic bullies who intimidated the weak and feared the strong. Subsequently, there would be plenty of lonesome elders, orphaned children, and widowed women after this war. They would lose their protection after this war because they had lost the pillars of their homes. Perhaps, no one would dare to make a move on them for a certain period of time due to the heroic haloes they wore. After some time, however, these people would certainly become the dregs of society and be oppressed without the ability to defend themselves. Man had always been the most forgetful creature created, exceptionally gifted at failing to recall good deeds. The saying about everything ending when a person died was never only a mere saying. This was why Yun Yang would degrade himself to become an executer once more, one who remained resolute and slaughtered mercilessly. As long as one had the unfortunate reputation of being a gangster and a past record of tyrannizing people, one could only consider oneself unlucky as the destiny of such a person was a painful death! 513 Marquis Yun Has Changed Yun Yang''s area of focus was so wide that even Marquis Yun felt that the wanton killing was taking a toll on him, but Yun Yang was still collecting information daily with a straight face, even urging a few people to head out and do some killing and robbing of their own. "Isn''t this slightly over the top? Not everyone who has done wrong deserves to die" It was obvious that Marquis Yun''s was experiencing a crisis of conscience as the man had tried to persuade Yun Yang to tone down his efforts more than once. "The leopard can''t change its spots. Even if we know that some people can change, what if they don''t and continue on with their evil ways? I don''t want to wager on possibilities because we may not be able to notice or do anything about these. Why not nip them all in the bud? Yes, we will bear this infamous reputation now, shoulder a lot of sins, but we can give at least eight to ten years of peace to the children and wives of the millions of fallen soldiers. With this reprieve, the children can grow up and become the new pillars of their homes!" Yun Yang said loftily, "Despite our reluctance, despite the overbearing strictness, despite the fact that the crimes of many of our targets need not be punished by death, we shall kill them all At least, the perished souls will be at peace. That''ll be more than enough!" "So, I kill without a guilty conscience." "Besides, Yutang is at war all the time, and the treasury is beyond empty. After this war, I guess that they won''t even be able to afford sufficient pensions much less additional rewards" Yun Yang said, "As we kill and rob along our way back home, we can contribute at least hundreds of millions of silver taels to the treasury by the time we return to the capital. With this sum, the treasury''s burdens can be lightened." Marquis Yun''s chuckle was devoid of humor. "It''s not just about solving crises We''ve only traveled less than three thousand miles, but the silver taels we managed to loot have gone up to seventy million taels As we move forward, the wealthier ones will become our next targets, what more those who are residing near the capital Several hundred million is not even the limit." "It''s great that it''s not the limit, the more the better." Yun Yang said faintly, "Marquis Yun, I don''t know if you''ve noticed that the tyrants'' homes are usually much, much richer than ordinary homes in a town. It begs the question C how much of their wealth belongs to the people? I wonder if this has crossed your mind." "It''s only because these people are feared and loathed by everyone that anything they do becomes so easy, without any scruples. That''s how they managed to accumulate so much wealth in a short amount of time!" "These years, times have changed. People aren''t as honest as they used to be, so much so that a lot of places have this saying" Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit and chanted, "Those who kill and set fires wear golden belts, while those who repair bridges and pave roads die without leaving anything behind!" Hearing the oddly eloquent phrase, Marquis Yun fell silent. He who had roamed the world all year round had heard this phrase only once, but it was already one too many times! "How much bitterness and helplessness must there be for the people to circulate such a phrase?" Yun Yang said coldly, "Doing kind deeds are less worthy than being an oppressor! Those who repair bridges and pave roads are worse off than those who kill and set fires!" "The existence of such phenomena is due to the loss of the country''s morals." "As for these people we kill, they''re only the former half of this phrase!" Yun Yang said, "This massacre of ours is tackling violence with violence, but it tells the people that good will be rewarded with good, and evil with evil; if karma is not forthcoming, it''s because the time has yet to come, and when it does, it comes in a spectacular manner." "It will then let the people know that there is still benefit to those who do good, who repair bridges and pave roads. God may not see it, but the ones in power or practitioners of justice will!" "This is the primary reason I insist on killing all the way throughout our journey!" "I wish to use blood and a violent massacre to tell our people that God sees it! Above the faraway imperial court, there are other eyes watching this world! I will dispel the belief that heaven is too high to reach and the emperor is far away!" Yun Yang raised his gaze and looked at Marquis Yun with fervor, "Hence, we must not only carry this sin, we must carry more of it, and continue to carry it for as long as we can." Marquis Yun''s emotions were greatly stirred as he took in a few gulps of air and said slowly, "That''s right! We must carry it! Lots of it! God may pardon them, but we won''t." He looked at Yun Yang, finally reassured, and said with a sigh, "Yun Yang... how nice it must be if you were truly my son." Yun Yang pursed his lips and said, "Please. You don''t even have a wife. Thinking to have a son would be too far a stretch." Marquis Yun was immediately exasperated C could he not spend all his time speaking with pricks? However, Marquis Yun, who carried no psychological baggage, changed his attitude swiftly, from his initial restraint and hesitation to cold brutality. What Yun Yang could not stand the most was that Sir Marquis Yun had turned into a miser! "How much have you looted today?" Marquis Yun asked Bai Yixue. "Where are the silver taels? Where are they? Give them to me! Hand them all to me!" "What about you? Where are yours? Give them to me! Give them all to me!" "You too!" Marquis Yun looked at Yun Yang. "The direction you headed to has the richest homes Take them out quickly, you''re not allowed to keep it for personal gain!" Yun Yang, Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei were speechless at his sudden vehemence. "Do you all know that our Robin Hood project has rewarded us with six hundred and seventy-five million silver taels by now?" Marquis Yun was ecstatic with avarice. "Even when the treasury was at its most abundant, it didn''t have so much money! This is indeed a great deal of wealth!" Yun Yang looked aghast. Robin Hood? True, they did rob the rich, but did they help the poor? Who had they truly helped? The money was all with him now. Was he actually poor? As it turned out, Marquis Yun was, in truth, quite poor C poor in his restraint. Marquis Yun was unleashing a side of him that had never been seen before as he continued t calculate their pickings, "We are still three thousand and seven hundred miles away from Tiantang City. Let''s work harder. Let''s grind throughout this distance. Our goal is ten billion silver taels! We must complete this goal, even if we don''t sleep or rest!" "It''s fine to kill a few more people, they should have been killed a long time ago anyway!" "Be meticulous when you loot the houses after killing them. Don''t miss out on any sort of treasures or gems." Yun Yang immediately felt rotten to the core. What they were doing was a grand event that benefited the country and its people! Why didMarquis Yun make them sound like robbers and highly disciplined robbers at that? Hearing Marquis Yun''s manifesto, everyone''s enthusiasm, especially the sense of achievement from playing the part of the country and people''s warriors, immediately waned. They began to feel an odd sense of dissatisfaction and no small amount of guilt. "When you arrange the search list, expand the area to two thousand miles wide." Marquis Yun said excitedly, "A thousand miles is too small. We''ll be a little more tired, but our gains will compensate for a bit of fatigue. That''s a whole lot of money" Oh my God, where had the old Marquis Yun gone to? Yun Yang was instantly regretting his cavalier attitude which had ultimately backfired on him. He should not be living through this! "By then, we will throw all this money in front of His Majesty. He will literally die from happiness!" Marquis Yun chortled. "What If he were to ask you where the wealth comes from? Will you admit that you killed ten thousands of people along the way to get hold of it?" Yun Yang asked. "He''ll definitely sentence you for your crimes!" "Sentence me? He wouldn''t dare to!" Marquis Yun pursed his lips. "We come from the same father, but he''s an emperor while your father has suffered in the martial world. I''ve only seen my biological father once in my lifetime and he was practically f*cking emotionless. Now that I''m still expanding my efforts for him and my identity can''t even see the light of day, would he truly dare to sentence me? If he does, then I''ll exchange positions with him. He would have to lose his mind before he would actually punish me who am I" Marquis Yun was indignant at the thought that he was actually within the confines of the law. Yun Yang had no words to respond to his outburst. Who in this world can tell me where the black-clothed, ever graceful and calm Marquis of Heavenly Clouds Yun Xiaoyao has gone to? 514 An Immortal Descended From Heaven? Tiantang City was experiencing an odd blend of grief and happiness. There were countless people who were waiting, hearts full of anticipation, looking forward to the return of the victorious army. Yet, each of them was also filled with an indescribable apprehension that wrapped itself endlessly around their hearts. How had their families fared in the war? Were they still safe and sound? Despite their uncertainty, there were generally more happy faces, delighted with the victory and at ease now that the threat had been eliminated. They were utterly relaxed now, completely safe. Nothing was better than this peace and joy. The entire Tiantang City had been adorned with celebratory decorations while drums and gongs beat out a festive rhythm by the city gate. Rows of people were flamboyantly prepared to welcome the victorious return of the warriors. A long, red, carpet was spread all the way from the gate with the other end nowhere in sight as if it was endless and ran into infinity. On this day, His Majesty had personally led his civil and military officials out to welcome the return of Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan. This was no ordinary city gate reception, nor was it merely a ten-mile long reception. The entourage had stretched a hundred miles out of the city to wait for the army! It was already an honor to have the emperor welcome one''s return; normally, it was a distinction for the emperor to welcome someone at the palace gate. To have His Majesty welcome someone at the city gate, that blessed soul must have contributed immense merit. A reception that stretched ten miles away from the city was only for one whose military contributions in defending the country and guarding the people were unsurpassable; sometimes, a ruler might not even have the chance to encounter such an opportunity throughout his entire reign. Yutang''s emperor had never seen or taken part in a reception that spanned a hundred miles away from the city. No one had ever done it before! When His Majesty had suggested receiving the returning army from over a hundred miles away, many members of the imperial court rejected the idea, especially those from the Board of Rites, saying that norms would be broken by doing so. However, the emperor was assertive, deciding on the matter without further discussion, blatantly suppressing all the disagreeing voices immediately. "Breaking the norm? How would this be breaking the norm? More than a million soldiers have fallen at Yutang''s four borders'' war and a million of these souls are coming back. I would barely be paying honor even if I were to welcome them a thousand miles away.As Yutang''s leader, how I can only care about relishing the peace? I should be greedy over my people''s lives and be fearful of even one of them dying! I''m only moving out to welcome them, there''s no reason to think so much about this. In fact, I believe that this protocol is inadequate and will disappoint my lionhearted souls. If so, who else is willing to risk their life for this land?" The wintery wind blew and white snow fell from the sky. His Majesty stood amidst the beautiful scenery wearing a royal yellow gown with his arms resting on his back. Looking at the path that had been carved out, he stood still, silently waiting for the return of the warriors. Yun Yang, Marquis Yun, Fang Mofei, and Bai Yixue plundered and pillaged their entire way home C all in the name of justice, on behalf of God who smiled upon those who robbed the rich to help the poor. These men were about to arrive at Tiantang City. "Another five hundred miles ahead and will be in Tiantang City''s territory. We''re finally wrapping up this journey." Marquis Yun smiled contentedly. "We have collected a hundred billion silver taels This will be enough. Let us take a break now and tidy ourselves up. Clean yourselves and try to look neater. When we approach the city, we''ll clean up again. After that, we must enter Tiantang City looking our best. We can''t afford to look anything other than sharp!" "Agreed!" With the two intervals of rest and the opportunity to freshen up, the returning army would look renewed, recovering themselves to their pinnacle state. "Now, don''t just focus on cleaning yourselves up. Remember to wash the accompanying military flag so it looks clean." Marquis Yun said, "Since we are returning as victors, no stain is allowed! The traces of battle smoke and flame need not stay atop the flag C we''re winners, we''ve won, we need to keep everything in check." Yun Yang wanted to clap and cheer Marquis Yun''s decision. It was brilliant indeed. In the past when the army returned victoriously, the main generals would normally have forgotten one thing C they would have maintained the troop''s appearance and would return with the army wounded and injured; there would be blood stains, dirt and broken pieces everywhere on the flags, machines, weapons, and even horses. This was to let everyone see how brutal a battle this army had gone through and for them be rewarded accordingly. In a certain sense, it was laced with the intention to ask for rewards. The emperor would usually comply after seeing the sorry state of the army. Those who were to be promoted one level up would usually be promoted two levels higher; the reward that was supposed to cost a thousand silver taels would increase to five thousand taels. Despite the army cheering in joy over such actions, the emperor was not entirely certain that it was all in good faith. At the very least, he felt a faint sense of discomfort that he was being coerced. Usually, the accusation of merits being able to triumph over the wishes of the emperor stemmed from these incidents. As for Marquis Yun''s instructions, it looked like he was going the opposite way, but it was wise and would only make impress the people. Besides, when the emperor saw the neat army, he would not accuse the army of asking for rewards using their contributions as a bargaining chip. Besides, the freshly cleaned army was a pleasing sight. It was killing two birds with one stone! There was also another factor to this. The father and son duo, Marquis Yun and Yun Yang, who were not biologically related, were both exceptionally handsome men. As long as the circumstances allowed it, they would habitually put their best foot forward. This was also part of the reason they had so readily arrived at a mutual understanding. Being vain was not only a woman''s right; men were vain creatures as well! The army had just settled down but Marquis Yun was already urging Yun Yang impatiently, "We still have a bit of time now. Let''s go for another round of plundering. You said it yourself, the areas closer to the capital will be more wealthy. I believe we''ll be able to squeeze a lot of gains here these are all well-fed goats, wouldn''t it be a pity if we miss them out?" Yun Yang was tongue-tied, unable to say anything for a while. Had he requested to stop here with this thought in mind? Besides, squeezing a lot of gains well-fed goats were these descriptions apt in this scenario? Yun Yang was under the impression that Marquis Yun was filled with benevolent political ideals. Suddenly, all four experts frowned simultaneously. All four of them were awash by a magnificent aura which felt like it had descended from heaven itself. Marquis Yun stepped out and pushed Yun Yang behind him; he unsheathed the sword by his waist with a loud clang as he hollered, "May I ask where this expert has come from and why has he stopped here at Yutang army''s site?" A recital rang from midair, "Who is to decide the rise and fall since the beginning of time, who is to rule the state and reign mountain and rivers; who is to gather the clouds into a brush, who is to pluck the stars and consume the mist?" The newcomer''s voice was light and otherworldly but the corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched mirthfully. No one knew the identity of this apparition, but his pomposity was already a step ahead of him! "Would it kill you to be slightly more humble?" Dong Tianleng rolled his eyes with a pout, speaking Yun Yang''s mind. Almost at the same time, a gaze not unlike a cold zap of electricity shot through the endless snow curtains and clouds right onto Dong Tianleng''s face. It moved away at once, without lingering, like it was disdainful of arguing with a varmint. Next, the wind and snow curled into each other as a darkness like a fog of grey clouds descended from the sky. Upon closer inspection, the darkness was a person clad in a huge black cloak; the black cloak was like a fluttering, ominous cloud, exuding a subtle vibe which threatened to cover the entire sky. The person landed slowly from the sky, he seemed even more ethereal that way, a dark snowflake falling softly through the air. Black-haired, black-clothed, black-robed, and black-cloaked, the person wore a sword on his hip, while a white, jade-like hand held the grip of his sword. The person''s face was thin and magnificently sculpted, his black beard fluttering softly in the breeze. From the looks of it, one would feel that this person was not from the worldly realm; he was like an immortal momentarily residing on earth who did not fall along the natural order of things. This person''s cultivation base was also reaching an incredibly proficient pinnacle. This was not because they could sense his power, but by the fact that he had descended slowly from a high altitude and paused, hovering thirty feet from the ground; he remained gracefully afloat in midair. Anyone who saw this would have to exhort his remarkable mystical skill and amazing cultivation base. It was very impressive. However, Yun Yang was internally critical of such behavior, "Are you addicted to acting pompously? Do you really believe you are an immortal who has never stepped foot into the human world?" The person was still standing in midair. He even took two steps forward calmly like he was stepping on solid land before he spoke, "Who here is a royal of Yutang?" 515 Cockeyed! Marquis Yun took a composed step forward and replied firmly, "I am Yun Xiaoyao. I don''t carry the royal name, but I was previously a member of royalty. I wonder what would yours be?" The person waved his hand dismissively and said, "I''ve stayed away from this mundane world for so long that I no longer remember what my name is You all may call me Immortal Dahuang." Dong Tianleng rolled his eyes behind Marquis Yun and could not help mumbling softly under his breath, "You don''t remember your name - do you still remember those who gave birth to you and who brought you up?" The man''s attitude had improved considerably over time but there were still moments where his brain malfunctioned. Other people would never have said such words out loud under the current circumstances but he had blurted it out without a care. The Immortal Dahuang turned slowly and trained his gaze upon Yun Yang, saying lightly, "Such a sharp tongue for a person so young; what a poor upbringing you must have had. In years to come, you will certainly become the scourge of this world!" The group was dumbstruck. Dong Tianleng was the one who spoke, but why was Immortal Dahuang focusing his attention on Yun Yang? The unexpected accusation stumped Yun Yang as well. Was this fellow an idiot? Could he not distinguish who the speaker was? Dong Tianleng had spoken his mind, but he was not the one who had been accused. Had this fellow turned so dull from the pomposity that he could not recognize people anymore? Yun Yang laughed. "Does offending you mean that one will turn into the scourge of this world in the future? Immortal Dahuang, you are certainly talented at accusing people! I''m impressed!" He pursed his lips and said, "Since you spoke while looking at me, I shall just assume responsibility for those words uttered earlier. Say, Immortal Dahuang, are you going to kill me to exterminate the scourge of this world, since you are looking at me like that?" It was true that the newcomer''s ability was very proficient; hovering was a peak ability ordinary cultivators longed for. However, Yun Yang was not very fearful since the other party''s provocation was blatant. They probably took opposing stances and Yun Yang would never opt to submit. The four of them, himself included, had the world''s pinnacle combat power gathered together; unless this person was at Mr. Nian''s level, they had more than a fighting chance to win. Therefore, Yun Yang''s words were not courteous at all, sarcasm brimming in every one of them. To everyone''s surprise, the Immortal Dahuang blushed as he said, "You are the insensible one, child. This did not initially concern you, but you would insist on speaking out and spew nonsense! What is this?" At those words, not only was Yun Yang confused, but even Marquis Yun, Dong Tianleng and the rest were dumbfounded. What did he mean? He was already finding fault with Yun Yang about things Dong Tianleng had said and now he was turning back on his words? What the heck was going on? Yun Yang thought quickly. Upon closer observation, he saw that this person was obviously talking to him, yet his gaze was trained on Qiu Yunsan. A lightbulb flared in Yun Yang''s head, almost causing him to guffaw out loud. "Immortal Dahuang" Yun Yang asked tentatively, "May I politely ask if you suffer from strabismus?" Immortal Dahuang fumed at once, his eyes glaring at Qiu Yunsan as he cried, "You are the one who is cockeyed! Your entire family is strabismic!" Qiu Yunsan, while horrified, had nothing to say. Yun Yang almost fainted. Marquis Yun''s face was twitching as well, almost laughing out loud. This person had arrived so suddenly, like a dragon descending from the heaven. His grandeur and cultivation base was beyond everyone''s estimation. He truly did move with the grace of an immortal, a deity. There was also the short opening poem of his, recited to elevate his image to substantial heights. Just as everyone was trying to guess who this person was and what was he doing here, no one would have expected that he was suffering from strabismus! To make matters worse, the person''s squint was terribly severe. Yun Yang let down his guard then, saying, "Please do not be angered, Immortal Dahuang. I am sure it is an innate condition which can''t be helped. In asking the question, I did not mean to insult you. Instead, if you want to avoid similar troubles in the future, I have an amazing solution that can cover for your condition" Immortal Dahuang asked impatiently, "What solution would that be?" It appeared that this Immortal Dahuang was indeed very anxious about his squint as Yun Yang''s words had immediately garnered his full attention. Dong Tianleng''s punishment aside, he had very well have forgotten about his main purpose. Perhaps, to Immortal Dahuang, there was nothing more crucial than his strabismus! Yun Yang replied, "I have an amazingly effective method to teach you, but before I do, will you promise not to find fault with us, especially this brother of mine, anymore?" Yun Yang pointed at Dong Tianleng. He was the very soul of reason. It was the better course If they could avoid a duel, especially when Yun Yang''s manifestation powers had yet to recover! Immortal Dahuang glared at Xia Bingchuan and huffed irritably, "You have offended this immortal''s reverence earlier, and should be punished! However, I shall be generous and forgiving. You are pardoned." Xia Bingchuan, the latest target of Immortal Dahuang''s misplaced gaze, remained silent. Almost immediately, his gaze went to back to Qiu Yunsan once more, brimming with yearning. Qiu Yunsan visibly startled under that frigid gaze. Yun Yang felt tickled but held a straight face. "Also, I would like to ask Immortal Dahuang for his reason for coming to this army so abruptly." Hearing the question, Immortal Dahuang''s eyes were still on Qiu Yunsan as he answered, "This immortal understands heaven''s mysteries and fathoms the vicissitudes of the mortal world The vicious cycles of this world remain, due to how destiny works. Your previous war has but all but infringed heaven''s will and has added various variables to this mortal realm. This immortal has been ordered to come here and understand the situation, to amend the wrong and steer the world towards unity!" Yun Yang smirked. "Amend the wrong and steer the world towards unity? Are you saying that our victory this time is against the will of heaven? Does that mean that we should have lost this war? Only then would events fit heaven''s will?" "Correct!" Immortal Dahuang snorted, looking somewhat pleased. "B*llshit!" Yun Yang cried out with unstoppable rage, "What kind of logic is this? We bathed ourselves in blood and fought our hardest to guard our country and homes. Why must we lose and not win?" "It is not for me to say. This is simply destiny," Immortal Dahuang replied loftily. Yun Yang retorted, "Destiny? Where is it? What is it?" "Destiny? Why, it is what I''ve come to tell you," Immortal Dahuang was taken aback by the apparent idiocy of this mortal. Yun Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry upon hearing his reply. He said, "Dear immortal, let me present to you a scenario. Your enemy intends to attack you, but his ability is lesser than yours thus you have no fear for him. You can even finish him off with a flip of your hand, but someone comes along to tell you that you should rightfully be killed by this enemy of yours. That someone tells you that it is your destiny to die, it is part of the bigger picture! I wonder if you would be willing to oblige that someone and let yourself be killed without even trying to defend yourself." "What''s the meaning of this? Even if his ability was higher than mine, I wouldn''t go down without a fight. What''s more, he fares worse than me. If he dares to attack me, he would be giving his life away. Why would I face death in such a manner?" Immortal Dahuang said unhappily. Yun Yang then replied with a grin, "You admit that wouldn''t take it lying down either. Dongxuan had attacked us and was weaker than us, thus, they were defeated. Isn''t this how it''s supposed to be? How are we supposed to admit defeat just because of some destiny or heaven''s will?" "These these are two different things!" Immortal Dahuang''s eyes bulged in exasperation. Yun Yang had already suspected that this Immortal Dahuang was very mighty but not terribly bright. Now, he was even more confident about his observation. "How are they two different things? Aren''t they the exact same situation? I''d like to ask you where the distinction between them lies." Immortal Dahuang really did ponder for a moment upon Yun Yang''s question but the more he considered it, the more he felt that it was not right. In the end, he said angrily, "Destiny has already been set in place. How can it be changed at your whim and fancy?" Yun Yang replied with a smile, "Perhaps our lives are not as predictable as they seem. Could they possibly be changed, then?" 516 Who is This Person? Immortal Dahuang scratched his head for a moment, unable to conjure up a suitable retort. Suddenly, he asked in an irritable rasp, "Where is your emperor? I will not waste my time arguing with you. I will have words with him instead." Yun Yang casually pointed and replied, "The emperor is at the capital city, right over there. Go quickly." "Alright, okay." Immortal Dahuang instantly ascended into the clouds, momentarily losing his bearings. He departed swiftly, seemingly embarrassed about being questioned and was fleeing the scene of his shame. Everyone looked at each other with puzzlement and no small amount of mirth in their expressions. This fellow was an idiot. Where had he come from? What was his purpose in making this trip? He seemed to be cuckoo, but his capabilities were remarkable. No one among Yutang''s experienced cultivators could be on par with him. This person, in himself, was already a load of trouble! Everyone was bewildered. He had come without a reason and left without much reason as well. He must have come just to provide some entertainment to them. It was a shock when Immortal Dahuang reappeared with a swoosh and landed right in front of Yun Yang. His eyes were trained hard on Dong Tianleng as he asked urgently, "Here now, what was the method you mentioned earlier that could treat my squint? I have overlooked your offense, why are you not telling me the solution?" Immortal Dahuang looked impatient and eager, but his gaze never once landed on Yun Yang. Everyone else could not help but feel amused. Yun Yang coughed and said, "My method is very simple and direct. Allow me to ask you something - with your current cultivation base, I believe that you no longer need your eyes to identify things anymore. Am I right?" "Indeed you are." Immortal Dahuang nodded in agreement. "Then this is simple. The next time you talk to people, don''t look at the other party''s face. Look right into the sky and speak." Yun Yang continued, "This way, it will highlight your superior aura that disregards the trivial and mundane, and you can avoid detection." Immortal Dahuang rested his arms on his back and raised his head to look at the clouds in the sky, speaking faintly, "Do you mean, like so?" Yun Yang nodded. "Correct. Don''t you feel more superior already?" "What about when I do battle? This posture wouldn''t benefit me greatly when I fight." Immortal Dahuang spoke as he continued looking into the sky. It seemed that this fella was despised in battle before too! "Maintain this pose during battle. Or you can add a sideways glance at the enemy when you turn. Use this to show your disdain. When people say that no one is in the eye of the beholder when he casts sideways glances at the world''s heroes, this is exactly they meant. It''s absolutely imperious, high and mighty! Anyone who sees it will be impressed and cowed as well!" Immortal Dahuang turned halfway and he cast a sideways glance at Yun Yang , speaking scornfully, "Like this?" Yun Yang did not deign to reply. He was truly learning and applying what he was taught immediately, but why was he giving him the side-eye? Did he really believe that he appeared high and mighty by doing this? Who would have known that Immortal Dahuang only needed to try it out once before being thoroughly impressed by the method. His eyes gazed far into the clouds, his voice nonchalant as he said, "This method is truly great. Young friend, I owe you a favor." Then, he side-eyed Yun Yang with contempt before he shot up again and disappeared. "Who is this person? What background does he possess? What is his identity? Does anyone know?" Marquis Yun looked serious as he posed a series of questions, to the chagrin of everyone in sight. How would they know who this lunatic, who had popped out of nowhere, was? The idiot had just sprung out and acted pretentiously, leaving behind a legend of backfired grandiosity. Then, he had left, just like that. This was a classic example of a blowhard becoming a foolhardy idiot! Or more accurately, an utter idiot. The entire process was comprised mainly of a few mystical lines that were random and beyond comprehension! Not only was it random, it didn''t even make sense. "Let''s put aside the state of this person''s mind, his cultivation base is incredibly mighty!" Marquis Yun looked grim. "It was powerful to the point that I couldn''t probe any further Bai Yi, what do you think?" Bai Yixue mused and said, "This person''s cultivation base is indeed very high The feeling he gives me indicates that he may not reach Ling Xiaozui and is a little weaker than Jun Moyan, but compared to Four Seasons Tower''s Four Venerable Lords, he does not pale in comparison at all C he might even surpass them, a peak level in this world." "I think this person isn''t what we should be concerned about," said Yun Yang with a smile. "What?" Marquis Yun and Bai Yixue turned to ask in unison. Yun Yang said faintly, "This person''s cultivation base is mighty and is even above the Four Seasons Tower''s Four Venerable Lords, enough for him to be ranked among this world''s pinnacle experts, but this person is obviously pretty clueless. He doesn''t seem to have his head screwed on correctly. Wasn''t that obvious?" Everyone nodded, agreeing on this point. "Here is a person who does things sloppily but possesses a mighty cultivation base. In addition to what he has said, even if his words made no sense at all, it''s still apparent that there''s a motive behind his actions." "From this analysis, the conclusion is rather plain that this person must be a disciple from some great sect and his position can''t be all that high, despite his seemingly superior cultivation base." Yun Yang said softly, "What you all should consider now is what sort of sect or school does he hail from?" "This sect has a muddleheaded disciple who has such a formidable cultivation base in addition to that, there is the fact that this sect seems to be very concerned about the rise and fall of the continent, touching on ideas like heaven''s will and the bigger picture" Yun Yang spoke clearly, "Not only do they appear concerned, there''s a big possibility that they will intervene." "I can even make a bold inference that this person may very well have been sent out to test the waters Maybe he''s an attendant to a particular sect''s person in charge? Or a junior brother? Perhaps a guard? Something along those lines" "No matter which of these categories this Immortal Dahuang falls under, can you imagine how terrifying the sect he''s from must be?" Yun Yang said. Marquis Yun and the others wore similar looks of worry. Yun Yang continued softly, "If there''s really such a sect in this world, what will the overall capability of this sect be? Compared to the Four Seasons Tower that calls themselves the top in the world now, will they fare better or worse?" Marquis Yun, Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei pondered upon the question. Their expressions were somber, no longer tickled and casual like they had been earlier. If Yun Yang''s estimation was correct, the terror this sect could bring about would be unprecedented! "What''s more appalling is that the sect is not on friendly terms with us and is dissatisfied that we''ve defeated Dongxuan. Perhaps, as they have acknowledged, Dongxuan should be on the side where destiny belongs to and is contained within the bigger picture. Now that we actually won, we are defying God''s will! Speaking of these two words C defying God I wonder if something else has occurred to any of you?" Yun Yang asked the question out loud but seemed to have addressed the question to himself, "Does this sect regard its own existence as a god?Does it take the sect''s vision to be heaven''s will?" "We''ve gone against their vision of them choosing Dongxuan as the winner, so they say that we''ve defied God." Yun Yang mused. "Then, it also means that they intend to control the fates of the dynasties in this world and even manipulate the rise and fall of an imperial authority!" "But if such a superior force exists why have we not known about it all this while?" "Logically, the whole world should know it if such a sect exists! They would carry the title of Tianxuan''s top sect!" Yun Yang continued, "Why do I not have even the slightest impression of such a sect? Or does this mean that my train of thought is heading in a totally wrong direction?" 517 A Riposte The more Yun Yang spoke, the uglier Marquis Yun''s expression grew. His gaze towards Yun Yang was full of surprise. There were only this person''s sudden appearance and the tiniest bit of information, but Yun Yang had actually connected so many dots! Based on Yun Yang''s train of thought, he had practically exposed this person''s entire background. Such intelligence and the ability to make inferences was simply amazing! However, Marquis Yun also thought to himself, "That''s right. From the outside to inside, the connections are easily spotted. Now, only the source has been left a mystery. Why hadn''t they thought about that? Where is the source of this from?" It was not only Marquis Yun who had not thought about it, Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue had not come to the realization as well. Bai Yixue was ranked among the top ten of the world''s swordsmen while Fang Mofei was from the Concourse of the Underworld; they were all astute characters. It was worth pondering! Yun Yang reminded, "It''s obvious that this person is here to find fault, he has made his stance very clear. However, the first question he asked was about royalty. This question is thought-provoking. After we answered him, he just left and almost forgot his question Now though, where has he gone to?" "I guess if I am correct, this person must have gone to Tiantang City in search of His Majesty." Yun Yang said, "This person''s background must be related to a colossal force, a reclusive sect that we have yet to encounter. Perhaps His Majesty knows and can give us an answer. If Old Marshal Qiu wasn''t comatose, he might know too" "Nonetheless, the flagrant stance of the other party gives us time to ponder their motives. Similarly, issues like this person''s identity and the existence of the sect aren''t much of an issue to us." "Sooner or later, we will meet again. Worse to the worst, even if it''s indeed a terribly impressive presence, it wouldn''t be too difficult to tackle if this Immortal Dahuang is anything to go by." Yun Yang said smiling. His smile turned relaxed. "Right, let us complete our plundering today. This is the last wave, and this wave is incredibly profitable" Marquis Yun and Bai Yixue were both utterly speechless. On the other side of the fray, His Majesty was still waiting with his arms behind his back, looking forward to the return of his warriors. Suddenly, ominous grey clouds rolled in from the sky, staining the entire sky with a layer of ink. Immediately, a black silhouette appeared under the clouds, hovering in midair. This person exuded confidence as he stood tall and ethereal. With his arms on his back and his eyes looking into the distance, he asked in a soft voice, "Is the Empire of Yutang''s emperor below?" His Majesty could not help but frown at the sight of the person who had appeared out of nowhere and assumed a higher authority, saying, "May I ask who this is?" The person smiled faintly and recited, "Who is to decide the rise and fall since the beginning of time, who is to rule the state and reign mountain and rivers; who is to gather the clouds into a brush, who is to pluck the stars and consume the mist Does Your Majesty know who I am now?" The emperor was bewildered and said, "It would be better that I ask for you to speak plainly." The person scoffed, as if disappointed with the Emperor of Yutang''s attitude; his head remained lifted as he walked down, step by step, in the air. There was nothing but a void under his feet but it was like he was walking down a staircase. "Emperor of Yutang, do you know that your Empire of Yutang has gone against destiny and defied heaven''s will?" A realization seemed to occur to His Majesty but he still stood calmly and replied, "I don''t understand what you are saying. Since I took the throne, I''ve made a lot of effort to govern this empire and bring peace to the world. I treated my hundreds of millions of people the same, I have tried my hardest to maintain the country''s position among the dominating nations. I don''t know what I could have done to violate heaven''s will. I am beyond confused." Immortal Dahuang''s tone was still indifferent, his voice light and lithe, "Heaven''s will cannot be seen by mortal eyes, but it is everywhere and at any time. What you think is right may not be and what you think is wrong might not be as well. Your unintentional struggles may be the realization of heaven''s will!" A vague flash of ridicule pooled in the deeper part of the emperor''s eyes as he answered unhurriedly, "Oh? Could you give me an example?" "For example, a person was intended to die today. If he lives until tomorrow, it is a violation of heaven''s will and has obstructed the flow of the bigger picture. This is defiance, defying destiny with one''s own power. This shouldn''t be done and one will definitely bear the consequences!" Immortal Dahuang said. His tone turned harsher as he said, "Similarly, the theory is the same when we speak of a country." "I see. I wonder which of heaven''s wills that the Empire of Yutang has violated then? How has it defied destiny and what consequences should it bear?" questioned His Majesty. Immortal Dahuang replied, "Yutang should have been subjugated in this war of the century of a four-nation siege, while Dongxuan is where destiny points at to go with the flow and become the foundation to rule Tianxuan in the future. However, the Empire of Yutang has won, defying God and violating heaven''s will. It is a big taboo and you should pay heftily for it." His Majesty was not enraged, but he chortled, saying. "So this is heaven''s will. I wonder how this expert knows about this heaven''s will?" "I am the executor of heaven''s will, of course I know the wonders of it," said Immortal Dahuang, looking grim and proper for the first time since he had appeared. "Executer of heaven''s will This is my first time hearing of such a vocation. I never knew that there was such an occupation in this world." An amused grin hung on His Majesty''s lips. "Does this mean that since this is heaven''s will you all will have the final say?" Emperor of Yutang had always been a paragon, a bona fide specialist of a man. He only had a short encounter with the Immortal Dahuang but he already had some insight from this person''s words. It looked like this random expert who spoke about heaven''s will and defying the grandeur of things was not terribly bright. He had not even stated who he was until now, merely emphasizing that he and Yutang had gone against heaven''s will and won the four-nation siege that they should not, and should be punished! This was terribly absurd and ridiculous. Was it actually a sin to win a war? Perhaps this point of view would be accepted in any other country aside from Yutang, but Yutang would never accept such nonsense! No matter how high the cultivation base and how mighty the speaker was, it was still nonsense! At the same time, something crucial had occurred to His Majesty. This person before him had not just popped into existence; he must have a background. If what he said about heaven''s will was true, then there must be a terrifying force behind him. Yet if such a force existed, why would they send someone like this, to begin with? To offend people and expose their weakness? Worse come to worst, even if there were indeed heaven''s will, how could one talk to an emperor who held an entirely different opinion right in front of the public? Did he not see the tens of thousands of people around them! These were Yutang''s people C say, was he that foolish? "Of course we have the final say about heaven''s will!" Immortal Dahuang blurted without hesitation. Anyone who heard such a grandiose statement would think that it was nonsensical words uttered by an idiot! The emperor wore a meaningful smile. "Let me see if I understand this C whoever you all say shall be the ruler of the world, whoever it is, shall be the ruler of the world. Is this what you are saying?" "Certainly!" Immortal Dahuang raised his chin proudly. The emperor continued, "If that is the case, can I take it a step further and say that whichever country you all claim has to conquer the world, that country will be conquering the world? Even if it can''t, it has to?" 518 Fueled Hatred for a Common Enemy "Yes, your understanding is completely correct!" upon hearing the questions from His Majesty, the Immortal Dahuang took on an overweening stance of superiority. His Majesty asked again, "Since my understanding is correct, I also understand that only the country you have decided to follow the path of destiny shall continue standing in this world, while the other opposing countries will be damned, yes? Even if this country is useless and incapable, due to be defeated in the battlefield C even then, they are still what destiny dictates to be in the bigger picture, they then will have hope. Is this so?" "Exactly. Destiny is like a blade, everything is set within its lines. How can it be defied?" Immortal Dahuang said arrogantly. The emperor asked in a low voice, "May I ask, whose destiny is this then? Why is he so impressive and why can''t he be defied?" Immortal Dahuang was stunned upon hearing his words. It was not because of Emperor of Yutang''s question, but he had noticed with some surprise that the many people below him were suddenly stirring in agitation, their eyes savage and hostile. They looked ready to eat him alive. I Did I offend you all? He had no idea that the Emperor of Yutang had successfully twisted heaven''s will into forced intention unto others in their short conversation earlier, and had even successfully steered him against Yutang''s people. The emperor had forged him into a live enemy, fueling the hatred of everyone present against their common foe! All the citizens of Yutang who were there shared only one thought in their heads. "I have seen unreasonable people before, but I really have never met anyone who is this unreasonable!" "Do things work the way they do just because you said so? Even when they don''t work at all? What is this based on?" "We can''t even win when we''ve already won? What is this based on?" "Who are you?" "If you are so f*cking awesome, then why don''t you be God? All you''ve said is already afloat in the sky, it is so full of hot air!" These misgivings were deeply rooted in everyone''s heart with just a few simple words from the emperor. These people were like sparks, able to ignite a prairie fire with just the right gestures. The Immortal Dahuang had become the Empire of Yutang''s public enemy in the time it took a single breath! After the Emperor of Yutang successfully instigated his people''s shared hatred for the common enemy, his focus returned to Immortal Dahuang as he said softly, "I have yet to ask this expert''s name." "Have I not informed you of my name?" Immortal Dahuang asked with no small amount of shock. With a pause, he gazed into the skies with a lifted chin and said pretentiously, "This immortal you may call me Immortal Dahuang. I''ve left this mortal world for too many cycles I''ve long forgotten my name" The corners of His Majesty''s lips twitched as he thought, "Too many cycles? Do you mean that you''ve died too many times? Until you can''t remember what your name is several lives ago? Is this what you mean?" The pomposity was overbearing, but it did not receive the admiration and reverence he expected. Instead, it garnered resentful gazes that were not unlike a ferocious flame. Everyone was looking at him like he was the enemy who had killed their father. They exuded the aura of a lion who was going to devour him whole. The Emperor of Yutang hummed softly, still unmoved by the Immortal Dahuang''s words as he said indifferently, "So you''re the Immortal Dahuang. I wonder which school do you belong to? I believe that sect must be famous and impressive." Immortal Dahuang lifted his head and spoke loftily, "I''m from none other than wait, I can''t tell you this!" His Majesty was exasperated, not knowing if he should laugh or be angry. He hastily suppressed his rising emotions. Where had this idiot come from? Could he be anymore peculiar? Were the men of power in his sect truly not worried about letting him out? Did they know that he was already becoming a joke, even as he assumed an attitude of perceived superiority? Fortunately, it was at this moment when a loud holler came from above the clouds. "Vile spawn! What nonsense are you blabbering about again?" A person appeared in midair, wearing a robe of glittering stars; he was graceful but he wore a helpless look of anxiety. He materialized like a flash of lightning and grabbed hold of the Immortal Dahuang before rising again and disappearing into the clouds as swiftly as he had appeared. The entire process did not take any longer than the time it took to inhale and exhale five different times. The apparition had left a trailing message even as he vanished, "Your Majesty, please, do not listen to this idiot''s blabbering. I shall personally make my way to the palace later to explain everything to Your Majesty." Other than the message, there was no trace of the men to be seen. The entire episode felt like it was nothing more than a dream. His Majesty frowned, but still smiled with a sense of ease. "That was nothing but a maniac doing maniacal things. There''s no need to be shocked. Do not let this wash away the joy of us welcoming our heroes home." The crowd agreed with cheers, the noise deafening. The emperor looked nonchalant, but he was thinking hard about the entire episode. What was going on? Both the newcomers had intimidating abilities and were definitely not ordinary people; their backgrounds must be equally formidable as well. Then, what was this heaven''s will that was mentioned by the Immortal Dahuang? What sort of consequences would this news inflict? As His Majesty considered the matter, he vaguely recalled that he had seen something similar before, yet he could not recall where he had read it from. It frustrated him to no end. As for the princes that stood before the emperor, they each wore an expression that mirrored their emotions. Yutang had dissolved the impasse of the four-nation siege and had even defeated Dongxuan. There was basically nothing to worry about now. No matter who ascended to the throne, he could be an emperor securely for at least dozens of years C this was a reality without a doubt. However, what had father meant?" "The crown prince Is there?" "Is there still hope for me? If there is, how should I work for it?" "I am still weak within the confines of the military, the same goes for the civil side How should I reinforce and strengthen" "How can I kick the crown prince off the throne and be appointed myself?" The princes contemplated these thoughts; when their gazes occasionally met, what was reflected from the other''s gaze was nothing but ruthlessness and defensiveness. His Majesty was deep in his thoughts as well. "Now that the situation is set, I hope Old Qiu returns and recovers quickly. Only he knows about that person''s message Supreme Cloud has left news about my grandson, but has disappeared" "My anxiety from how long I''ve been waiting has died, but there still hasn''t been any updates. Now that the war is over, I need not worry about external threats. My grandson can finally come back, can''t he?" "What does the child look like now? How is his temper? Can he shoulder responsibilities? "I really wish to see him right now" As Yutang''s emperor and people waited in anticipation, they finally saw rolling dust from afar. Everyone perked up upon seeing the returning warriors whom they had been looking forward to. His Majesty''s face that was about to be frozen, cracked into a smile. Just as he was about to step forward, his expression fell as he unintentionally turned to look behind. "Where have the crown prince and the other princes gone to?" The officials and guards beside wore sullen expressions, no one answered his question. The weather was too chilly, thus the princes had only stood around for a while before moving to the horse carriages to rest, hugging the heaters. When they had rested enough, they would come out to stand for another period. The process then repeated itself. Who would have expected coincidence to be so precise that the emperor had picked this point of time, when all the princes had escaped to the carriages, to ask where they had gone to? "Uh Your Majesty, the weather is too cold, the princes cough" The Grand Tutor looked troubled. "Ridiculous!" The emperor was furious at once and exploded in a fit of rage, "Too cold? Too cold?! These soldiers fought at the border during this wintery weather! They have sacrificed, they risked their lives and they died! They are being protected by these soldiers, they are enjoying the honor saved by countless sacrifices! Now that these soldiers are coming back, they are afraid of the cold from just waiting here?! What nonsense is this? Are these the royal mannerisms that you have been taught?" 519 Heroic Souls Never Perish, Noble Spirits Live Forever! The Grand Tutor sulked. As their teacher, how could he not be angered? Why were his students so hopeless? They were only standing outside in the icy wind for a little while, were they in any danger of freezing to death? Could they not have just endured it for a little while? How were these princes comparable to ordinary students? He was truly limited in what he could. At most, he could only advise them C what teaching could he speak of? The Grand Tutor thought that if there were to be a prince who insisted on standing outside and had fallen ill from the noble deed, he might cause His Majesty to look at him in a new light! "Ask those bastards to come out!" His Majesty roared, "Even if they all freeze to their deaths here, no one is to make another move! Anyone who goes inside to keep warm again I shall do away with his status at once! Let him rest for eternity!" The message was harsh, uttered commanding tone. The few princes who left alighted their carriages feebly; they did not dare to look at the emperor as they lowered their heads. "What have I sired? Just this by this shameful performance, I can tell that none of you have the mannerisms of a ruler!" His Majesty huffed in fury and turned around, casting his glance afar once more. Disappointment was making its nest at the bottom of his heart. How could such characters entertain the wild wish of succeeding the throne? Ridiculous! If he really passed the throne to them, he would not have the face to see his ancestors when he died! "Crown prince!" The emperor said coldly, "Come over here!" The crown prince made his way over trembling, half from the cold and half from fright. He had been crowned and given an honorable position, but his cultivation base was insignificant and he just exited the warm carriage as well. Even if he wanted to perform better, he was inadequate for the task. It was deplorable! "Forget it, get out of my sight" Hs Majesty closed his eyes and heaved a long sigh of helplessness. Looking at the crown prince''s demeanor, the timid hesitance, the trembling, the ruthlessness in his eyes, the sinister beginnings of gutless anger His Majesty looked morose. The helplessness and disappointment within him peaked to the point of no return! It was no longer mere discontentment. It was hopelessness! These princes were these all they had? At this point, Yu Peize hated and regretted his past self. His energy was very limited from the bizarre poison he had been given, thus it was frequently insufficient to tackle national affairs; in addition, he had the eldest prince, whom he had never needed to worry about. This caused him to neglect to focus his attention on these princes of his for the longest time. Had their intentions and character been rotted to this extent? There was really no one among these princes who could inherit the empire, especially when a wise one was needed to prepare to rule Tianxuan. They were unqualified, not even having the eligibility to barely try! "A man''s biggest woe is a wife who isn''t virtuous and a child who isn''t filial" His Majesty sighed inwardly. Looking afar, the army was already approaching. The neat troops could already be seen, as well as the clean and tidy flags. The emperor''s eyes were warmed, his blood heated up at once. His worries were instantly thrown to the back of his mind C there was nothing more important than to welcome the return of the army and heroic souls! He patted himself down and took large strides forward. Almost at the same time, a command rang out immediately. The army halted their steps in unison. "Alight!" "Salute!" A few leading generals stepped forward together, passing through everyone else. The emperor drew a long breath, suppressing his impulse to cry. It was devastating! It was overwhelming! "Marshal Fu Baoguo is still at the old Fortress of Resilience, with the intention to rebuild it, another indestructible fort. He said asked us to send his regards to Your Majesty C as long as there''s Fu Baoguo, the Fortress of Resilience shall forever belong to Yutang!" Shangguan Lingxiu reported to the emperor on behalf of the generals, as well as stating the main reason Fu Baoguo, as the main marshal of the east border, had not returned to the capital to report his story on the war. It was one thing for the emperor and officials to be harmonious, but protocol should still be adhered to. It would be a shame for those with ulterior motives to twist this matter into a rumor that the arrogant general intended to use his merits to override the emperor''s eminence. "Welcome" The emperor''s lips quivered. "...home, my heroes! I am proud of you all! I''m proud of everything all of you have done!" "Warriors, what comes next is what I, as the emperor, need to do. I vow to heaven, be it warriors who are here or heroic souls who have rested I shall never mistreat any of you!" Behind him, thunderous firecrackers crackled in the air. "My warriors!" The emperor roared. "You are home!" The tens of thousands of warriors wept at the same time. Rubbing the parcels they carried on their backs, hot tears streamed down their faces. "Brothers, you are home!" "We are home! I have sent you home!" Within Tiantang City and outside it, deafening cheers erupted. Countless people were laughing, despite their tears. His Majesty had gone to the Qiu Residence, personally accompanying Qiu Jianhan''s carriage. According to regular protocol, no matter how outstanding the contributions of the one returning was, there was no way the head of the country would send his official home. However, the emperor had broken the norm, sending Old Marshal Qiu home personally. The weather was truly cold. Old Mistress Qiu did not wait hundreds of miles away this time but had waited at the city gates. When she finally saw the carriage containing her husband and his peaceful, slumbering face, her tears rolled down her cheeks. It was tears of heartache, but also tears of reassurance. Since the beginning of Qiu Jianhan''s departure, various ominous omens that were never before felt had suffocated the old mistress like mountains on her chest. She even had a realistic premonition of her husband dying; the old mistress had wanted to follow her husband''s path then, but the sliver of clarity that hoped for her husband''s return had, thankfully, lent her the support she needed to barrel through. She could not help feeling fortunate now. If she had killed herself then, her husband would have been left to sleep alone; when the old man woke up then, how would he have continued to live? Now, everything was finally over. Even though her husband was comatose, he had not died in the war. He would surely wake up! This was all she asked for. All glory to God, as they still had the chance to walk alongside each other for the rest of this life! Marquis Yun went forward to say a few words of comfort and just as he was about to speak to the emperor, the latter had softly said, "I shall talk to you in a while." Marquis Yun nodded and replied, "Okay." A while it would be then. It was not actually awhile, it lasted until dark had descended! When everything else was done, nightfall had draped itself over the city. His Majesty returned to the palace with a heavy heart. The first thing he did was to deliver an order. "Look for all of the imperial dossiers, especially those dust-laden ones. Include the previous dynasty''s records in your search. Dig them all out and bring them all to the royal study." An order, a series of three ''all''s C it almost exhausted the eunuchs to the point of death. Then, the emperor sat there and rested with his eyes closed, heaving sighs of various lengths. "Over a million warriors" The emperor was not putting up a show with his sighs as his heart truly ached. After a long time, he spread the paper and flourished his brush to write a few words. "Heroic Souls Never Perish, Noble Spirits Live Forever!" 520 Unfair to Me or You? The emperor called for the President of the Board of Revenue and asked him directly, "How much does the treasury still have in reserve?" The Board of Revenue''s President was crestfallen when he replied. "We have no more than twenty million taels." Based on their normal daily expenses, the twenty million taels in the treasury could last them at least a year, perhaps more. It was not a small amount, but for now, it was wholly inadequate! There wouldn''t even be change left over. They had millions of heroic souls, how much would it cost to give everyone a hundred taels? Besides, how could a hundred taels each be enough to compensate them? "It''s not enough! Far from enough!" His Majesty murmured under his breath and asked immediately, "How much taels do we have in cash? I want a precise number." "No more than five million taels." The President of the Board of Revenue answered promptly this time, but he could not understand His Majesty''s intention behind asking this question. Even if he wanted to reward the army, it could not just be in cash. Even if this sum was added to the total, it would not suffice at all! It was not even enough to cover their salary, let alone the pensions, rewards, and other expenditures.It was like pouring a cup of water onto a cart of burning straw. "Five million taels That will be enough to complete a thought of mine then." The emperor frowned, stroking the space between his brows, and said slowly, "Ask the Board of Works to start work immediately. Have them work through the night to make three million silver coins." "I beg your pardon?" The Board of Revenue''s president lifted his head in a daze, his eyes about to bulge out, as he pondered upon the request. "What do you want to do? There isn''t enough money There''s already so little left, but they''re to be turned into silver coins?" "What are the silver coins for? Our national expenditure has never distinguished between gold and silver coins. Are you planning on introducing a new coin system?" "We haven''t had any corresponding preparations prior to this! There are too many complications that will stem from such a move. It''s not something that we can solve overnight!" Seeing the President of the Board of Revenue''s perplexity, His Majesty explained, "This batch of silver coins is not for transactional purposes. These eight words are to be engraved on the front of the coin, ''Heroic Souls Never Perish, Noble Spirits Live Forever'' C under the eight words, imprint the imperial jade seal. The back will be Yutang''s national flag. This will be the design on the coins." "Then, on each silver coin, engrave the fallen soldier''s name. Each one of them must have a coin made in his honor." The emperor said in a melancholic voice, "I want all the orphaned families of the fallen soldiers C other than the honorable decorations, pensions and follow-up rewards that they deserve - to have a silver coin of patriotism. Each family should be counted in." The Board of Revenue''s President eventually understood the emperor''s intention and agreed in a low voice, "Yes." "These silver coins of patriotism cannot be used for spending purposes; strictly no deals are to be made from them. However, for anyone who holds this coin, their children shall receive a fifty percent rebate for schooling. They will be prioritized for any matters, and they will be served first when they bring this coin to the local officials if they are bullied." "Your Majesty, this official knows that Your Majesty sympathizes for the orphaned families of the soldiers, but once this batch of coins is distributed, the complications are plenty. For one, the silver coin is easily obtained and forged. With a large number of coins sent out, it''ll be inevitable that we will face the issue of identifying the genuine and forged coins. This silver coin is very useful too If people were to duplicate them we are in for a huge load trouble," said the president after a long pause for consideration. The emperor replied lightly, "If this was so easy, I would have delivered my dictum immediately. Why would I need to consult you? I only have one request; the coin is not to be duplicated." The Board of Revenue''s President was baffled. Not to be duplicated? It was already the world''s toughest issue! How could he have any solution to this age-old problem? The emperor was giving him an impossible task! "You are dismissed." His Majesty said, "Think this through. Think well and hard about how it should work, so that it can''t be duplicated, not not not" With a sigh, he waved his hand, "You may leave. Let me know when you''ve figured this out." The president looked troubled, dismissing himself with a long face. It looked like he had to conduct a brainstorming session throughout the night to solve these problems "Oh, how hard my life has become! To be this poor country''s Board of Revenue''s President, I have to be a miser every day! Oh, how I long to divide a copper coin into eight I have to ask for money everywhere on behalf of this position. I don''t even know how many people I''ve offended!" "Every imperial assembly, I am the one to be challenged the most!" "Can''t I have anything easy? I have been given an extra task today, a task that''s nothing short of a headache. Oh, my God!" The President of the Board of Revenue had left. "Is Marquis Yun still here?" asked the emperor. "Your Majesty, Marquis Yun has been waiting for a long time outside the hall." "Ask him to come in," ordered the emperor. As he spoke, the eunuchs were already packing the royal study tight with piles of books. There was still an endless stream of people carrying books,which was slowly turning into a hill. Usually, the emperor''s royal study prohibited too many people from going in and out. Even when it was under the emperor''s orders, it could only be executed after he left. After all, it posed a hidden danger for too many people to buzz in and out of the room. However, the books the emperor had asked for this time were numerous. A lot of them included old readings from the previous dynasty. A rough estimate would indicate that they might even fill two royal studies to the brim. Due to this point, the head eunuch had reported it immediately. Everyone knew that the emperor regarded this information search very highly, thus not one of them dared to slack off. "Move some in first. When they have been filtered and deemed to be unrelated, then move another portion inside," His Majesty ordered. Before his words could even echo in the air, Marquis Yun entered hastily. "What are you doing?" Marquis Yun was shocked to see the room full of books. The royal study was a study room and it had already contained a plethora of books, but it was still used mainly as a place for the emperor to manage, govern and go through dossiers. It was rare to fill it with so many books indeed. "Forget about this first." His Majesty''s eyes were trained on Marquis Yun. "That that topic I''ve asked you to investigate before... how is it? Do you have any results?" Marquis Yun rolled his eyes and sat himself down at the palace armchair, speaking in a calm voice, "Give me a cup of tea first." Throughout the entire Empire of Yutang, the three infamous capital city rogues Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin, and Fang Qingtian included, there was no one who dared to act so boldly in front of the Emperor of Yutang, Yu Peize, but the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Yun Xiaoyao was apparently an exception. In the face of the emperor''s question, he had impudently asked for tea! The Emperor closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. "Servant, serve tea!" "Serve your Palace Snow Bud Tea!" Marquis Yun said. "I am extremely fond of the taste." His Majesty closed his eyes again, with another deep breath. "Serve it! Serve the Snow Bud Tea!" Tea was served. Marquis Yun was delighted, his hands stretching forward to reach for the brew. "Halt!" His Majesty stopped his hand. "Let''s speak about serious matters first. You can drink afterward, however much you like. However, before you talk about this matter, there is no tea for you to drink in a hurry!" Marquis Yun closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of the tea deeply before slowly exhaling. His Majesty looked at him irritably C piece of cake, let''s see if you can refuse! Obviously, tea was Marquis Yun''s little weakness, a handle that warranted his submission. "Which matter? About the war?" Marquis Yun finally decided to comply with the request. There was no need to be headstrong in certain things, especially when one was facing the head of the country. It was alright to submit, he had nothing to lose by complying with the emperor''s wish anyway! "I meant what I asked you to check upon" The emperor lowered his voice, sticking his mouth close to Marquis Yun''s ear. "The matter of your precious son Yun Yang if he is Supreme Cloud!" Marquis Yun took another long breath and breathed out slowly. "Did you find any clues or not?" asked the emperor. Marquis Yun sighed deeply. "I''m so thirsty!" "Men!" The veins on His Majesty''s forehead were popping. "Take this insolent, contemptuous" Marquis Yun waved his hand in dismissal. "Forget it, will you?" "Let me tell you properly, with my current cultivation base and ability, just those few people under you can''t stop me from doing anything I want C anything!" he quipped. The emperor almost choked as his eyes widened, his finger pointed in accusation. "Great! You''re capable now, all grown up! Would you dare to go against your older brother now? Haven''t you already had this capability since a long time ago? Say, what do you want to do? Say it, say it!" Watching the emperor, whose behavior was in contrast to his usual calm demeanor, Marquis Yun was a little dumbstruck. He raised his hand. "I''ll tell you, I''ll tell you as it is." "Speak! No more nonsense!" "Yet, it is truly nonsense that I will speak of. I didn''t find out anything." Marquis Yun spread his hands wide. "Nothing." Stars swirled in His Majesty''s vision for a moment. Enraged, he lifted his hand to smash the teacup that had just been served to Marquis Yun to shatter on the floor! Nothing C nothing, but you''ve built up the suspense? What the f*ck? How impudent of you, why don''t you be God? Marquis Yun sighed and with a wave of his hand, the teapot that had been placed far away flew over. He poured a cup of tea unhurriedly and said softly, "I''m telling you the truth. It''s not that I intentionally didn''t investigate it for you, but I really didn''t find anything out Actually I don''t understand it at all. Why must you get to the bottom of who Supreme Cloud is? Isn''t it enough that you know he''s of no harm to you?" The emperor sat on his royal dragon chair huffily, his eyes glaring at Marquis Yun with a solid threat in them, sizzling like electricity. "Actually, is it truly so important who the Nine Supremes or Supreme Cloud is?" Marquis Yun said softly, "No matter who he is, he is still Yutang''s loyal guardian!" "What can you do after you find out anyway?" "Supreme Cloud has always concealed his identity, so no one knows his true self. Don''t you know why he does that?" Marquis Yun asked, as if asking the emperor, but also as if talking to himself. "The sole survivor of the Nine Supremes, he wants revenge, but he has to be safe first. Only when he is safe can he talk about the rest. From another perspective as long as Supreme Cloud''s identity is not revealed, it leaves another day of intimidation to the whole Tianxuan Continent C a unique intimidation that belongs only to the Nine Supremes!" "However, if Supreme Cloud''s identity is revealed one day, his identity, background, and everything else will be exposed. Then how long do you think the legend of Yutang''s Nine Supremes can last?" "Once others know about his identity, he wouldn''t even last for three days!" "Then, the Nine Supremes will become a legend!" Marquis Yun said, "So, I propose that we don''t investigate this any further." His Majesty''s gaze slowly turned gentle and helpless as he answered, "How could I not understand this? If it had been before, I wouldn''t have investigated it on purpose, but things have changed now." "You should know that the head of the Nine Supremes is my eldest prince By chance, he has left a bloodline behind, and this was informed to me by Supreme Cloud" The Emperor closed his eyes helplessly and said, "Do you know that this also means that this Supreme Cloud can now manipulate the imperial power and even the royal heir If I ultimately pass my throne to that child, this Supreme Cloud could be the puppeteer" "I don''t want to check... but I I have to" His Majesty sighed. This was an emperor who was helpless. The art of being an emperor was difficult to understand. When certain people and certain matters exceeded the area of an imperial power''s control, it was all the more perplexing. Marquis Yun snorted. "If so, it is even more imperative that you shouldn''t get to the bottom of this. You thought that I was joking earlier? When did I say that your current authority can''t stop me from doing anything I want? My apologies, this is the truth and the reality. If this true for me, what more Supreme Cloud!" The emperor was at a loss for words. Marquis Yun glanced at him and said with unadulterated mockery, "Look at these sons you''ve given birth to; what are they even made of? Other than fighting for power and influence, they''re all selfish and wicked. All of them are pleasant to those outside but vicious to those inside. Is there one or even half of them who is better than that? I say" "What?" His Majesty lifted his head weakly. The corner of Marquis Yun''s lips twitched. "Sometimes, I truly suspect that you were being cheated on. Other than the eldest, no one among these fellows is like you C no, none of them seems to carry our family''s blood." Before he could finish ridiculing the man, the enraged emperor had violently slapped a book against Marquis Yun''s head. "You bastard!" Marquis Yun knew that he had gone overboard. Coughing, he swept away the crumbs on his head and face before sitting straight like nothing had happened. "I''m just joking, this is really a joke now." "Joke!" The emperor was shaking with anger. Another few books were crushed against Marquis Yun''s head but the emperor''s fury was nowhere near done. "What I''m angry about now is why father couldn''t keep his hands to himself all those years ago and went out to commit such lewd acts, with you as the final product. You must have been sent by heaven just to anger me!" Marquis Yun rolled his eyes and said, "You should be thankful that he was so improper If there was only you, you''ll be even more tired Do you admit that I''ve helped you a lot, and very useful help at that! As a person, we have to be able to answer to our conscience. Even if you are the emperor, the ruler, you can''t entirely omit your conscience, can you?" "You, you You C you! You are going to anger me to death!" His Majesty''s eyes were rolling up from so much fury, his breaths hastened and short, as he pointed a trembling finger towards Marquis Yun. Just like Marquis Yun had said, he had indeed helped the Emperor of Yutang. Other than him being a dynamite of rage, there was really nothing much to pick at. Marquis Yun rolled his eyes softly and said, "Okay, okay, stop being angry. It''s useless no matter how angry you get anyway. Let me dish out the truth to you directly. Yun Yang is a special child. He has a pure heart and great ambition. He doesn''t favor imperial power, or else I would have pushed for him to inherit the throne, even if he wasn''t my biological son. It''s too bad that the child doesn''t even care much about this little empire of ours. Besides, he''s really not Supreme Cloud. I am very certain about this." The emperor scoffed and glared at the Marquis, waiting for his elaboration as he knew that there must be a basis as to why he said what he said. "The battle was critical then. To our surprise, when the Nine Supremes'' power assisted in our war, all nine powers appeared simultaneously. I was watching from the side, this is unmistakable. At that time, Yun Yang was charging through the army mounted on his horse He can''t be Supreme Cloud." Marquis Yun sighed, "On the surface, I was in charge of sending Old Qiu back, but, in truth, I returned to covertly check up on matters. Think about it, every task you have ever asked me; when have I ever not gone to great lengths for them?" "But" His Majesty frowned. "I''ll repeat this for the last time C it''s really not him!" Marquis Yun spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "If you don''t even believe me, who else can you trust? We''re biological brothers." The emperor sighed, "Biological brothers I must have been extremely fortunate to have a biological brother like you then Look at you roaming around every day, so idle and happy, while I can barely breathe from fatigue every day" "What did you say? Try repeating it," Marquis Yun glared. The emperor snorted, "Try I shall. Am I not speaking the truth? Is it not a fact that you cruise around outside every day? In contrast, what sort of life am I living? You have not the slightest idea! It''s so unfair to me! So unfair, do you know this?" Marquis Yun''s eyes bulged. "What did you say? Unfair to you?! Is it as unfair to you as it is to me! You aren''t outstanding in anything as an emperor, but your skin is so thick, no one can be on par with it!" He stood up abruptly. "I wouldn''t have been angry if you hadn''t mentioned this, but since you brought it up, I''ll argue about it. How dare you say it''s unfair to you C where is the injustice? You''re the high and mighty emperor, your nobility triumphs the world. Me? The whole f*cking country knows that I am royalty, but they also f*cking know that I am an illegitimate son! This includes the other aristocrats C who has ever done me imperial courtesy when they see me?" "You f*cking have three palaces and six courtyards with countless concubines, enjoying the pleasure of life, but me? I''m already over forty years old, but I am still single! When you have children, it''s called passing the bloodline, even if those produced aren''t anything great. You still have lots of children, but as for me" "You say I have the looks and fortune comes easy for me. No one dares to provoke me, and I even have formidable cultivation base, but what kind of life have I been living all these years? Unfair to you?" "Is it because I don''t have many confidants? Not at all! Then why am I still single?" "Isn''t it all thanks to our brilliant father? How amazing he was! Forcing my hand and making me agree that I shall not marry in this lifetime before he died C even if I did marry, I would not have children. He was afraid of triggering an imperial power strife. He knew that if I had a family, I would do much better than you" "Look at the both of us now. Is it not unfair?" "I''ve sacrificed everything for you and I have never said that it was unfair. How dare you complain about fairness!" "There is only one thing that you are right about; you are truly fortunate to have me as your biological brother" "Since you say it''s unfair, let us exchange roles!" Marquis Yun was infuriated. "Come, let us switch places. Let''s see if I, Yun Xiaoyao, can be a great emperor! At the very least, I can teach my son well C unlike you, can you even cultivate a useful son? Don''t talk to me about the eldest prince. Is it because you''ve taught him well? The child is innately talented! And here you are, still telling me that it''s unfair to you" The emperor was speechless for long moments. It was only after a good while that he rolled his eyes and said, "This is what father had decided on back then. Go look for him if you have something to complain about!" 521 The Elder Brother Is Like A Father The emperor was momentarily speechless. It was only after a good while did he roll his eyes and said, "This is what father decided back then. Go look for him if you have something to say!" Marquis Yun sprung up in a fit of rage and slapped the table, hollering, "Yu Peize! Do you not feel any sense of guilt for saying this? How many years has that old man been dead? Where do I start looking for him? If I really did go look for him, can I still make it back into this realm?" Both brothers glared at each other like fighting roosters. After a very long time, the emperor snorted and said with a chuckle, "Okay, okay, I''m not arguing with you anymore. Only you would dare to argue like this with me anyway and you''re my blood brother; otherwise, I would have asked that your head be separated from your body for at least a dozen times!" Marquis Yun was still disgruntled. "Don''t you talk about it like it''s right, do you think I like to argue with you? Do you feel something lacking if you don''t anger me after some time? I am guessing that you would feel that something was amiss if I didn''t chide you every now and then!" His Majesty sighed, "Yes, yes. Let us leave this aside first. Help me think about the issue of the future throne. This is an emergency, it has to be resolved as soon as possible." "There is one more thing. The Immortal Dahuang today" The emperor said, "On the topic of heaven''s will, I really do remember something being recorded about it Help me look for it. We can chat and discuss along the way." "You can ask anyone to do this, why must you make me work for you? You know that you''ll have to suffer as well" Marquis Yun said indignantly. His Majesty replied, "It would be best if this matter were to remain between the both of us. I don''t trust the others." He sighed and continued, "Brother, we aren''t young any longer. You can forget about what father said the last time find a woman if you want to. I''m the emperor now, I can remove that restraint for you." Marquis Yun was stunned and was quiet for a moment before he said bitterly, "You can just forget about that too There have been plenty of women who treated me well all these years, but I''ve rejected them all Now, they''re either already married, dead, or lost Your grant is ten years too late. You could have just said something earlier" He raised his head and looked at the nightfall outside the window. Various forms of bitter memories and glum emotions seemed to flash across his eyes, leaving behind only a soft sigh. His Majesty looked at the sprinkle of silver on Marquis Yun''s sideburns and sighed as well with some measure of guilt. "These years you''ve suffered" sighed the emperor softly. "Well, there''s no point talking about this now." Marquis Yun''s smile was devoid of humor and he waved his hand dismissively, "My greatest mistake was to have been reincarnated in the wrong life Forget it, this is fate." "Fate, indeed." Both men sighed in unison. The emperor and Marquis Yun, who had stayed up the entire night, were worn out, their backs ached and their joints were sore. Even when they felt like they were utterly drained, they did not let anyone help. After all, what they were doing now was a confidential secret that could not be made known to any other people. If they had not spoken and argued as they went through the old books to look for clues, the night would have been longer and wearier. Not only was the target they were after important, their conversation could not be known by a third party either. Other than random bits and pieces that they talked about, they had also spoken about grudges and favors, meetings and separations, all sorts of wronged woes and complaints throughout the years Both of them had their respective points of resentment and grudges, both of them felt that fatigue had taken them on a trip! What was the most remarkable and bewildering still, was that both of them felt that their father had been unfair? It was a cruel thing to have asked so much of them. When this topic erupted, it was Marquis Yun who shot up in anger first and exploded in rage. Both of them had a big quarrel. Even when the emperor was enraged and roaring, Marquis Yun did not back down. It was a sight to behold. After the heated quarrel, both of them went back to their work, huffing before beginning to discuss among themselves once more when one of them started to talk. They then began poking fun at each other, began to find old faults, and thus began another fight. At a later stage, His Majesty no longer addressed himself royally, calling himself your father or anything of the sort. There was nothing left of grace and class. Marquis Yun naturally refused to be subjected to such speech. He would normally use only a few vulgarities here and there, but upon hearing that the emperor of Yutang no longer cared for his royal manners, he acted accordingly as well, retorting with ''your father'' in their argument without any hint of falling behind. Yet the younger man had fallen into His Majesty''s trap at once! Poor Marquis Yun, the man who roamed the martial world all year long. His cultivation base was amazing, unsurpassable throughout Yutang, but a strong cultivation base was not equivalent to cunning. Putting martial strength aside, how could his slyness be an opponent to the old fox of an emperor who had been trained in the imperial court all his life? After a series of ''your father''s, His Majesty''s face suddenly sunk. "What did you say? Say it again!" The emperor''s gaze was icy. Marquis Yun said angrily, "What did your father say? Your father will say it since you asked your father to do so... who do you think you are?" His Majesty stood up and threw a kick in the general direction of the Marquis. "How dare you call yourself ''your father'' in front of me? Whose father are you?" Marquis Yun was shocked, covering his aching rear end. "You called yourself ''your father'' just now too! Why aren''t you speaking for yourself? I can''t call myself ''your father'', but you can now?" His Majesty chuckled and said, "That''s right. There isn''t any issue at all for me to call myself ''your father''. Don''t you know the saying that the elder brother is like a father? I''m your elder brother, your biological elder brother, so what if I call myself your father? But for you to call me your father? Who are you? Are you rebelling now? I can''t stop you from doing anything, but try calling yourself my father again in front of me! Let''s see if I dare punish you with the family rules, you insolent bastard!" Marquis Yun was speechless at once. This was really unfair! Unfortunately, he could not pinpoint anything that was wrong with the accusation, nor did he dare counter verbally or physically. "Aren''t you very capable? Aren''t you skilled? Even if it''s an ordinary citizen''s home, an elder brother is like a father as well! Besides, not only am I your elder brother, I am the emperor, I''m" The emperor, looking absolutely furious, dashed over and walloped his younger brother. He was overjoyed, finally seizing his chance to wallop this bastard who lived in such a care-free manner! Normally, he would not have dared to beat him up; what if the younger man executed a counterattack? Furthermore, his cultivation base had improved tremendously and he had boasted about no one being able to stop anything he wanted to do. If the emperor did not take this opportunity today to gratify himself, there might be no other chance in the future. Marquis Yun felt like he was being unfairly beaten up, and there was no way this grudge could be avenged. Even as the blows were raining down on his head, Marquis Yun was hit by a sudden realization. "You C you you tricked me!" He was an aristocrat after all. He was exposed to the art of an emperor ever since he was young and he was a clever man as well; even if he was not as sly as the emperor himself, he was a decent hand at covert schemes. The emperor was relentless, barely slowing down his blows. "So, you fell into the trap just because there was one? Are you that dumb? I''m teaching you a lesson, I''m giving you martial world experience! You''re the one who roams the martial world, say, how can you be without a cunning mind? Have you wasted all these years of living?" His Majesty was utterly gratified after that satisfying session. Marquis Yun was sullen, but the emperor had grabbed hold of his Achilles'' heel and could order him around. "That pile over there, check it." "Move these, now that we''ve gone through them. Need I say more?" "Faster! Did you not eat? This is so important, when will we find it if you look for it so slowly? What happened to your boasts that you can do anything? Were they just words?" The thought of beating the man to death and ascend the throne himself rose temptingly countless of times in Marquis Yun''s mind. He gritted his teeth, his face turning green from its normal white to blue from green, and finally to black; in the end, it was darker than the bottom of the wok. The emperor crossed his legs and sipped on his tea while sitting in the armchair, ordering his brother around in a relaxed manner. After some time, he finally got up to help. It was most probably because he had estimated that Marquis Yun''s limit had been reached; if he coerced him even further, the latter would retaliate. The Emperor of Yutang was a wise man, a tough character who possessed foresight and sharp judgment; of course, he knew when to draw the line and drop the act when he needed to. Therefore, both the men did not realize that they had begun to talk again. "The Immortal Dahuang who popped out earlier... his background must be significant. I believe I have seen the sect he''s come from before, and I am vaguely reminded of the objective of the sect. Or, at least, I have some impression of it It was recorded in the royal documents, but I didn''t pay much attention to it then. I''ve always felt that the records were rather ridiculous and left it alone after scanning through it." The emperor frowned and continued, "Now that I think about it, there must have been some pressing concern for this Immortal Dahuang to appear at this delicate moment." "For all that has been happening recently, none of the incidents have been ordinary." Marquis Yun said. "The incident of the four countries violating the letter of credence of peace and launching a simultaneous attack is already very odd. Do you think it''s" Marquis Yun''s words trailed off in uncertainty... However, the emperor froze as he heard those words. The letter of credence of peace was not a normal agreement between two countries; it was a vow witnessed by heaven. Who would dare to violate it? Violating it meant defying heaven''s vow and would result in a punishment by heaven itself! In spite of this severe repercussion, all four countries had breached this agreement witnessed by God that no one, no force, and no country had ever dared denied in unison. Why? The only reason was that they were probably unafraid of the consequences! Why then were they unafraid? How could they be unafraid? Could it be 522 The School of Kismet State His Majesty sucked in a deep breath and said grimly, "Quickly, try to find a fragment of the record among the books. I thought this episode was triggered by the Four Seasons Tower and the ultimate goal was to force the survivor of the Nine Supremes out to attack him, but it looks like my judgment was unsound. The target this time may not be the Nine Supremes at all, but Yutang itself!" Marquis Yun was a smart man; he could connect the dots immediately. With this shared realization, both of them sped up the process of finding the historical record. "That Yun Yang are you sure he''s not Supreme Cloud?!" The emperor asked again out of the blue. The Emperor of Yutang was not at all assured about this subject. The topic had passed, but he still wished to revisit it. "I''m sure he is not. He truly isn''t." Marquis Yun said seriously, "This time, I guarantee it with our father''s name. I have inspected the matter and will confirm again that he really isn''t Supreme Cloud!" His Majesty was disappointed, saying, "If so, then things will be even more complicated It wasn''t easy to come up with a probable suspect" The topic halted there. "When Supreme Cloud brings my grandson over, the child will be placed under your care first." His Majesty said righteously, "My initial plan was to place him at Old Marshal Qiu''s, but now that Old Qiu is in a coma and we don''t know when he''ll regain consciousness. The initial plan isn''t feasible. So, he''ll be left with you first. Your residence is safe and secure enough anyway, especially suitable for a child to build up his foundation." Marquis Yun''s mouth was agape. He then said, "I am agreeable to let him stay with me, but how will you announce his identity to the outside world?" His Majesty looked at him oddly and replied, "Why, as the eldest grandson of the imperial family! The son of the eldest prince, the bloodline of the direct royal descendant. Could this enormous fact be concealed for long?" Marquis Yun immediately jumped up in anger as he cried out in anguish, "Yu Peize, how wicked you are! You''re not placing a child with me, you''re placing a volcano that can erupt at any moment! I''m not opposed to the idea that you want him to formally return to the family, but why put him with me after letting him take the family name? Won''t those few sons of yours take my residence as their battlefield?" "That is exactly the result I wish to see." His Majesty''s gaze was cold. Marquis Yun was baffled by his magnificent rage. "Was it also father''s idea before his death that I would be manipulated like this?" The emperor looked at him meaningfully and said, "You say it like you can do away with the blood in your body" Marquis Yun finally flew off the handle, so anguished that he wanted to die. "I''m the younger one, I should be taken care of! Why am I always cleaning up after you? How can there be such a theory in this world? Is this what you meant when you said the elder brother is like a father?" The emperor straightened up and replied him earnestly, "Yes, this is what I am doing. You are the younger brother; shouldn''t you be as filial to your elder brother as you are to your father? This is the nature of family relations!" Marquis Yun''s eyes bulged in incredulity; he had nothing more to say. "Big brother so an elder brother is like a father, and this is how the nature of family relations can be explained?" His Majesty chortled before becoming serious once again and said, "Xiaoyao, this matter relates to the heritage of our bloodlines and the empire. It even concerns generations of Yu Family''s wish Brother, you must help me" "I''m worried if the child were to be placed anywhere else I will only be reassured if he were to stay with you. You have so many experts in your residence, it''s safe and sound. Like you said, no one in the whole of Yutang can stop you from doing anything you wished" His Majesty sighed. "Other than at your residence, there is no safer place in the whole of Yutang. Even if I receive the child into the palace and place him by my side, I wouldn''t be at ease. If that were the case, the child might just meet an untimely end within three days. Will you be able to live with that? That child is my biological grandson, your grandnephew" Marquis Yun quieted down. He had to admit that the emperor was speaking the truth, a truth that he had to acknowledge himself. Even if he was the emperor who triumphed over the world and held the power to decide one''s life and death, he could not protect the child, even when they were in his palace! Both the brothers fell into a worried silence. In the room filled with stillness, both of them could feel the beginnings of a bloody strife. As for the inevitable bloodbath, at least an eighth of the blood that would flow would be from the aristocrats themselves. "Found it let''s see if it''s this one." Marquis Yun grabbed a torn mystical leather book. Just by the looks of it, it must have been something that existed for many untold years. The emperor popped his head over and took a good look at it. "The School of Kismet State!" "Legend has it that there was a mysterious school in the Tianxuan Continent. The school predominates the rise and fall of the world. At the turn of every millennium, its successor will emerge and roam the martial world. After hundreds of thousands of years of experience, a map of kismet state will be produced. It would bless the world and give its people peace and happiness. Tianxuan will be united and prosper." "The Kismet State beholds the world; one hand reigns over its rise and fall, another rules success and failure. It acts on behalf of God''s will, it selects rulers on behalf of kismet. The ruler presides over the world with a thought, the universe obeys as it is commanded." "The executor of kismet is the paramount immortal of Tianxuan" The mystical beast leather recorded only these few lines of words. However, it was within these few lines of words that the answer lay, which allowed the emperor and Marquis Yun to understand the whole picture. The Immortal Dahuang must have come from the School of Kismet State and the mysterious person who had appeared later to take Immortal Dahuang away could very well be this generation''s executor of kismet! This person had also selected Dongxuan as the final winner of this war. "It is this one!" His Majesty let out a soft breath, an icy gleam dancing in his eyes. Marquis Yun was quiet but the fighting spirit was raging within him, threatening to overflow. Executer of kismet? If they were destined to stand against Yutang, then there was no harm fighting against the vaunted executer of kismet! "From today onwards, spread out the men to search for information regarding the School of Kismet State!" His Majesty said faintly, "We built this empire up, a saber and a sword at a time; how can it be suspended just upon a word of others? Absolutely ridiculous! I swear to fight until the end!" "At most, we''d all die together. That''s all there is to it!" Marquis Yun commented wryly. Both brothers chuckled looking at each other, the atmosphere unprecedentedly harmonious. "When our Yu Family ancestors obtained Yutang, it wasn''t simply given away. It was seized and reclaimed with truly bloody fights! Our fate might have been weaker, as we didn''t obtain the approval of the School of Kismet State, but there was no complaint. Now, we still don''t need the acknowledgment from the School of Kismet State!" "They wouldn''t acknowledge us anyway!" "If that is so, let us fight." After a whole night of work, the emperor felt a headache and soreness everywhere around his shoulders, neck, and waist. Yet, as he watched Marquis Yun leave, His Majesty felt immensely relaxed and reinvigorated. He genuinely felt that his mental state was loose like never before, and he was also indescribably happy! "Now, this is what we call brothers!" His Majesty mumbled to himself happily. Last night, both brothers had become each other''s emotional trash can as they poured their heart''s contents to each other. They had drained all the negative emotions contained within them without a care. It was very soothing. "I am lucky to have you to keep me company in this world." The emperor said emotionally, "Otherwise I am truly a lonely ruler." The emperor was right. The emperor could only utter those words and act that way in front of Marquis Yun. In the entire world, he could not do the same in front of anybody else other than Marquis Yun. He could not do so even if it was Qiu Jianhan, whom the emperor saw as his confidant and was sometimes closer to his biological brother. Marquis Yun was also wearing a smile when he walked out of the palace. Even as he was about to face abundant troubles and issues greater than the sky, his mood was bright and sunny. Anyone could see that he was high in spirits and endlessly joyous. "Ah, how pleasant!" "Old man, you have done terrible things, and have been horribly unfair to me. Still, despite being treated like this, I am contented with this life of mine." 523 Restar Marquis Yun was in a jubilant mood as he returned home, but his eyes widened to the size of saucers with uncertainty once he reached the entrance. "Is is this my house? Is this truly the Residence of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds? I C I Why don''t I recognize it anymore?" Could it be that the real assurance when Yu Peize said it was secure and safe to place the child with me was not me? C As well as the convenience to build up the child''s foundation and whatnot, it was not me too! Compared to his convenient father figure, the Marquis of Heavenly Cloud, who was possessed of a cheerful, reinvigorated mien, Young Master Yun Yang was utterly expended, a true husk bereft of energy. He had just come back from Old Grand Commandant Fang''s home, thus the exhaustion that hounded him had come from healing the Grand Commandant. Old Grand Commandant Fang''s condition was gravely critical; he was basically on his last legs. Previously, when he forcibly executed Ingenious Volition due to Yang Botao''s case, it had already caused his barely remaining life force to decrease even further. He was like a flickering candle in the wind, liable to be extinguished at any given time. Yun Yang had gone to the Old Grand Commandant''s house once he came back, staying half a day and the entire night there. He had delivered the Endless Divine Art continuously, draining himself for over three cycles, and he was only barely able to secure the old Grand Commandant''s state, saving the man who was already halfway through death''s door. Yes, it was only temporarily preventing him from fully entering death''s door. The old Grand Commandant''s state was not exactly optimistic but it was also somehow an understatement to say he was barely saved, as he could live on for at least another six months or even a year. Compared to the old man''s previous state, this was already an impressive feat! Yun Yang felt that his deific consciousness space would somehow only recover half a year later. During this period of time, Yun Yang honestly missed the space and the time accompanied by Emmie. One would only know how to appreciate things when things were lost. If Emmie were here by his side, he could replenish Old Grand Commandant''s life force generously. He would not have had to exhaust himself at all! Yun Yang dragged his feet home. Just as he arrived at the door, he saw his makeshift father standing there like a puppet, looking like he did not recognize the residence at all. "What is it?" Yun Yang asked tiredly. "This What is going on?" Marquis Yun was baffled. "What are you talking about?" Yun Yang was confused by his question. He thought the man was speaking without sense. "I''m talking about this C this residence!" Marquis Yun''s eyes were wide with shock. "Uh This residence? I renovated it." Yun Yang realized his confusion with some shock and tried to explain it with indifference, "The original Residence of Marquis was too small, too worn down, too inferior. It was too embarrassing to host guests within it. It was inadequate, thus I took the decision to renovate it." The corners of Marquis Yun''s lips twitched. Too small, too worn down, too inferior how was this possible? Even the Residence of Chancellor was not as spacious as the previous Residence of Marquis nor was it as luxurious! How could it be inferior? Why had he not realized this for so many years? What was more, it was too embarrassing to host guests and it was inadequate to boot! Was Yun Yang serious? How many guests was he hosting anyway? "Well, it doesn''t look like a simple renovation" Marquis Yun said, "It seems like even the foundation of the house is undergoing refurbishment?" Yun Yang did not bat an eye as he replied, "Of course. Since the renovation was underway, of course, it needs to be done up thoroughly. The priority of a home is that it must be comfortable to live in before it is elegant and up to standard. When both conditions are fulfilled, only then can it be considered a wonderful house." Marquis Yun nodded. "Very reasonable indeed." Both of them walked in while Marquis Yun brought up a topic, saying, "The emperor told me that a few people are going to stay with us. Your renovation solves many problems, but our manpower is still lacking and the residence isn''t exactly very big" Yun Yang immediately knew what was going on, but he feigned innocence and asked, "Who will be staying over? Don''t tell me the emperor will be supervising the both of us like this? Our current abilities seem to have exceeded His Majesty''s imagination C it''s not much of a surprise if he arranges someone to watch over us." Marquis Yun lowered his voice and answered, "You''re thinking too much. The person coming is the eldest imperial grandson. Still, the reason he''s here is indeed due to our superior capabilities, enabling us to provide secure protection for the child." Yun Yang snorted and chuckled, but in his heart, he was rather worried. It was, of course, possible to take them in, but the problems would only begin after they arrived. More people naturally meant more exposure; he had lost his various manifestation powers now, how could he disappear without leaving a trace? The father and son duo were greeted with cheers the moment they entered the Marquis'' residence. Dong Tianleng, Chun Wanfeng, Xia Bingchuan, and Qiu Yunsan had brought along their six guards to train their mystical beasts C Dong Tianleng had no mystical beast, so he was pacing back and forth through the crowd, wearing a mischievous look. There were also Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan who wore black chiffon masks over their faces and were looking over from afar as if they were an audience to the training. On the contrary, Lao Mei and Fang Mofei were drinking tea, while there was another man who was observing the scene with his hands behind his back. "These people" Marquis Yun was stunned. "Are they all staying here? No wonder you said that the place was inadequate. If you have all these people around, the place wouldn''t suffice indeed." Yun Yang was stunned as he watched the scene as well and took two hasty steps forward, saying, "The four of you, quit it. The war is over now and there''s nothing much left. What are you all doing, still staying in my house?" "Boss, we''ve decided!" The four young masters turned around simultaneously with serious expressions on their faces. "All of us are not going home. We''ll stay with you and work up something big together! We shall write our own legends!" Yun Yang was stunned, still unable to regain his senses. "Boss, what you told us previously meant a lot and has inspired us. We remember it with all our hearts. After thinking long and hard, we''ve decided to stay and continue the journey with the boss!" Dong Tianleng puffed his chest out in high spirits. "We don''t want to live in the shadow of our families anymore! We want to have our own careers!" Yun Yang''s expression was peculiar as he replied, "Not only are you all your family''s parasites, but you have all come here to be parasites! Is this how it''s going to be?" "Boss, how can you say that?" Qiu Yunsan stepped forward with a grin. "We''re willing to be boss'' left and right-hand men, to charge forward and fight fearlessly" "Besides, not only are we hardworking and obedient, we are not asking for payment. See how sensible we are," Dong Tiangleng said. "Even more so, if boss is really tight on money, you can let us know. We will make some immediately! However much you need." "Our skills now are comparable to the so-called experts in Tiantang City! We dare to call ourselves experts as well!" Xia Bingchuan said excitedly. "Most importantly, we''ve made up our minds to stay here. Boss, you won''t be able to chase us away!" Chun Wanfeng said determinedly. Marquis Yun who was behind Yun Yang was shocked for a good while before he chuckled, "So this is how it is. I shall reserve my opinion. This is a pretty good situation!" Before his words could even echo in the air, he had returned to his room for a rest. The four men were delighted. The boss'' father''s acceptance would be more effective than their boss speaking for himself! Yun Yang was baffled for quite a while before he said, "Alright then Stay here." The four popinjays were overjoyed. How could they have known that Yun Yang had already made plans C it was perfect timing that these four fellows had not left since there would be plenty of things he would not be able to handle alone after this. He had lost his various manifestation powers. While the Nine Supremes'' influence was inconvenient to be called upon, these fellows here could help divert some attention as well as being a good source of labor, especially when Yun Yang could sometimes do things using the four noble families'' name. Of course, there was some truth behind the four scoundrel''s words. Their combat power was indeed at the level of an expert now in Tiantang City! "I''ll go to sleep first." Yun Yang waved his hands in extreme fatigue. "I''m about to die from exhaustion. You fellows, go on your merry way" The corners of Marquis Yun''s lips could not help lifting as he heard the conversation outside. What a bunch of adorable young men! He suddenly sprung up in surprise. That was not right! Marquis Yun realized that he seemed to have forgotten something important He patted his head. "Damn it!" Marquis Yun finally recalled that he had actually forgotten to pass His Majesty the money he had prepared for him Now it begged the question C where was the money? Marquis Yun charged out to find Yun Yang immediately; only this fellow knew where the fortune was! However, he soon found out that he actually could not locate his son anywhere after making a few rounds in his own house. What the heck? Did he not say he would go to sleep? "Lao Mei, where''s Yun Yang?" asked Marquis Yun. Lao Mei looked troubled. "I don''t know where he''s gone to" Marquis Yun''s gaze turned into a glare. He felt that this was rather absurd. Lao Mei said he did not know where Yun Yang had gone to. How was this possible? This old brother was the Residence of Yun''s butler; now that the old master had asked about the young master''s whereabouts, this old brother had blatantly answered that he was not aware. It was simply impossible! There was only one explanation to this C he did not want to tell him. This was becoming all the more unreasonable though Lao Mei was his confidant. He knew very well C he was perhaps the one who knew the most about his relationship with Yun Yang! Then there was only one explanation left! "Have you become a turncoat?" Marquis Yun asked Lao Mei in disbelief. Lao Mei was speechless. "Old sir, I believe you are a tad overdramatic. How am I a turncoat? Was this how your teacher taught you vocabulary back in your day?" "I didn''t abandon any side Young master''s identity is simply too important and I can''t tell you much." "I can''t leak any information either" Lao Mei wanted very much to argue for himself but considering how things were, he lowered his head and said, "I I didn''t switch sides It''s just that young master''s temper isn''t very forgiving when he sleeps. Everyone won''t have a good day if he''s disturbed" Marquis Yun''s eyes were still wide with shock. Was he still his father by name? Could he not even disturb his sleep now? How severe must it be? He had not slept for the entire night; could Yun Yang be more tired than he was? However, seeing Lao Mei''s constipated face, Marquis Yun did not pursue the subject. The very next day, all the officials around Residence of Marquis Yun were either promoted, demoted, sacked, or ransacked upon orders from His Majesty. Those that were promoted left the place while those demoted were ordered to move. Those sacked returned to their hometowns while those who were ransacked their possessions were returned to the treasury. A few wealthy homes were ordered to move as well. It was within a single morning that seventeen households around the Yun Residence became empty. Marquis Yun then submitted a letter to state that the Marquis'' residence was too small and simple, insufficient to maintain everyday life. Therefore, the emperor generously gave all the houses around the marquis residence to Marquis Yun with the stroke of a brush. At the same time, a royal edict was decreed. The Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Yun Xiaoyao, had been meritorious to the country in defending the border. Rewards were to be honored to him, thus, Yun Xiaoyao became Yutang''s King Xiaoyao! The Marquis was now given the title ''king'', a decree which startled the entire nation. At the same time, the royal edict stated that the position of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds would be inherited by Marquis Yun''s only son, Yun Yang. In other words, Yun Yang''s position in Yutang would be the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds from now on! It was unheard of in Yutang''s history for Yun Xiaoyao to be elevated to king directly from a marquis while it was unprecedented for Yun Yang, a mere commoner, to be given the title of Marquis! In spite of this, Yutang''s civil and military officials had no objection. It was because all of them knew that Marquis of Heavenly Clouds was actually the illegitimate son of Yutang''s previous emperor. This was a secret to ordinary folks, but those in the imperial court knew well about it. Who would dare stop His Majesty from awarding his biological brother the title? Would that not be seeking death? During the morning assembly, Marquis Yun expressed his gratitude upon receiving the dictum, "This official shall serve with my all until death Also, this official is ready to dedicate this lifetime to roaming the martial world and donate all his fortune to the imperial court to solve any crisis" The emperor had thought that this was the end to the matter, but was shocked when Marquis Yun suddenly mentioned that he was willing to donate his wealth; he said with a smile, "Marquis Yun is wealthy indeed. I wonder how much you have gathered from society in these past years?" The civil and military officials were fell silent with tacit understanding once they heard the emperor. "How much did you loot" and "how much have you gathered" were two different matters; one was against the law while the other was permitted! His Majesty had given his permission C who dared say anything against it? Marquis Yun said humbly, "It''s only a little acquirement, hardly substantial to the general picture." His Majesty picked up his tea and took a sip, saying with a grin, "Lord Yun need not donate all. It''s enough to dedicate half of that fortune of yours." "This official has twelve billion, seventy-six million and eighty-nine thousand taels to donate to the government and fill the treasury." Splat! His Majesty''s tea, that was in his mouth, covered the floor as he coughed with a flushed face. The civil and military officials'' eyes bulged out as well. How much was that? Were their ears working properly? Twelve billion, seventy-six million and eighty-nine thousand taels? Marquis Yun where did his money come from? "Yun Xiaoyao, where did this much money come from?" The emperor fell into a coughing fit and slapped the table. Marquis Yun said politely, "Your Majesty, this is from this official''s labor. For all these years, this is only what I''ve got Your Majesty need not ask more Some matters are meant to be kept under wraps." The officials chuckled covertly, lowering their heads. Twelve billion silver taels throughout these years C this was no ordinary shady feat If the regular, proper, channels were used, the treasury would not have been able to collect so much money. In spite of this, the emperor spoke as if he had suddenly understood everything, "If so, I shall refrain from asking Men, take Marquis Yun''s donation into the national treasury." The court was overjoyed! The personal treasury and national treasury were glaringly different locations. The personal treasury was for aristocratic use, while the national treasury belonged to the Board of Revenue. It meant that everyone could use those funds! Therefore, the emperor was thrilled, while the officials were ecstatic. They were finally not in dire need of money to do anything they needed to. At the same time, the new Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Lord Yun Yang, had arrived at the small village surrounded by mountains. The first one to welcome him was Whitey Four. The snow-white body bolted into his embrace like a flash of lightning. Hugging Whitey Four, Yun Yang was overwhelmed by emotion. Whitey Two and Whitey Three were still in his divine sense space and could not be seen Now Then, Bao''er appeared. "Uncle" He called out childishly and Yun Yang''s mind emptied itself of whatever he was thinking of. "Eldest Sister Li," Yun Yang said. "I''m here to pick all of you up." Li Yingqiu was very surprised. "Thank you, young master." Yun Yang was dressed the same way he was the last time he visited, but what gave him a headache was that he had not disguised himself when he had come previously. He had not thought too much of it then. Luckily, only a handful of people had seen him back then, including Li Yingqiu. Yun Yang gathered these people together and began to talk to them seriously. " Go to Residence of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds" "The eldest royal grandson His Majesty" "Due to my identity I can''t" " So when everyone sees me after this, you have to feign innocence like you don''t know me; otherwise, the consequences will be grave everyone''s life will be threatened" " All forty-eight families will move together. From now on, you are all Bao''er direct support" The two village heads gathered a few people together to talk about what Yun Yang had said. "No one is to leak the secret" "If this young master wanted to keep our lips sealed, he could very well kill us all but he didn''t" "So" "For small young master''s safety, for the safety of this lord" Afterward, all forty-eight hunting families held a secret meeting. "No secret is to be exposed!" "Any one word related to this place must not be disclosed." Yun Yang made his arrangements. "Tomorrow morning, I shall take all of you to the south gate of Tiantang City. I will then leave and there will be people to receive all of you" "Everyone will still stay together but remember the secret, for your own safety" Yun Yang made sure to remind these people properly. They were the pillars of the military back in the day, while some of them had been trusted by Supreme Earth and Supreme Water. They might not be very experienced, but they shared a similarity C they had all looked past life and death! They knew the reasoning behind what they had to do. Yun Yang knew that these people would know what to do even if he did not say anything, but he still had to remind them once again. During the night, the entire village moved together. The houses in the village were not destroyed but left behind quietly in the midst of the mountains. The two heads had intended to destroy them and burn them down but Yun Yang was opposed to the idea. "Keep them." "Destroy all the paths connecting to the outside world." "If there are any mishaps in the future, this will be the last resort where safety lies." "We would never want to use this escape route, but if we have to it has to be foolproof." Everyone believed wholeheartedly in Yun Yang''s planning. On the fourth morning, Yun Yang had brought everyone to the outskirts of Tiantang City. After settling them down, Yun Yang snooped around to ensure nothing would go wrong before he left immediately. During noon of the same day, the Residence of Old Marshal Qiu suddenly received a secret missive. "They have arrived at the southern gate Pick them up promptly." Old Marshal Qiu was still unconscious while Old Mistress Qiu had no idea about what was going on. Despite the confusion, there was the Nine Supremes'' seal on it. Old Mistress Qiu dared not decide things by herself nor did she dare discuss it with anyone else. She could only ask somebody to inform the emperor, stating that the Residence of Old Marshal Qiu had important matters to discuss. His Majesty was high-strung once he heard the news. He came instantly before asking Marquis Yun to go over as well. Then, everything was simply a matter of course. Marquis Yun personally brought along Fang Mofei, Bai Yixue and several guards from the four young masters. They exited the south gate and went to pick up Bao''er and villagers. By the time the entourage arrived at Residence of Yun, night had fallen. The Residence of Yun held a grand banquet during that night. In the name of Marquis Yun''s victorious return, lanterns were lit up, brightening up the vicinity as delicacies were served, endless as a flowing river. The emperor himself had come to join the celebration. Everyone knew that Marquis Yun was His Majesty''s half-brother, thus no one questioned his presence. "Bao''er" His Majesty picked up the small child and looked upon the features that so strongly reminded him of his eldest prince. He hugged the boy tightly as tears rolled down his face. 524 The Emergence of The Child Who Flummoxed The World Bao''er''s emergence caused shockwaves through the Empire of Yutang. In fact, the tears that fell from His Majesty''s eyes when he heard the news as well as his unadulterated loving expression that afternoon, had said that much about the child''s background and his status in the emperor''s heart. It was compassion, the height of which no one else could reach! Everyone in the vicinity was greatly perturbed by it. The reality that transpired on the morning of the second day had only confirmed their thoughts. His Majesty had taken Bao''er to the morning assembly for the first time, holding the child''s hand and announcing to his officials with a rosy glow, "This is my eldest grandson. The eldest prince, Yu Wuxia''s son, Yu Qiankun. His nickname is Bao''er." Boom! It was like a bomb had exploded right in the middle of the imperial court. Despite all their speculations, the court of officials was still left flabbergasted. After all, the news had come as a sudden shock to all of them. It had overwhelmed the entire Yutang dynasty! All the color drained from His Highness, the crown prince''s face, on the spot. He was frozen. "Father!" He cried out in an anguished voice, frightening the civil and military officials nearby from the sheer volume of his cry. The crown prince himself would never have dreamed that one day he would have spoken so loudly to his father. "The matters about being an heir to the older brother is tied to the royal bloodline, please be careful, father! Please watch your words, father!" The crown prince was trembling, a flash of panic crossed his face as he spoke. He was very well aware of what the current appearance of his eldest brother''s orphaned child, Yu Qiankun, meant for him. It meant that the throne that was so close within his grasp would now be completely out of reach! Moreover, since Yu Qiankun had appeared, he might already have taken the crown prince''s qualification to succeed the throne in their father''s mind! It was an absolute catastrophe! When the four countries had attacked Yutang in a siege, Yutang faced the threat of being subjugated alongside its people. The whole nation was resolute and united to defend against the external crisis. However, as the warfare worsened when Dongxuan''s Han Sanhe invaded and even breached the east line''s Resilience Fortress, the crown prince had secretly gathered his aides to plan ceding territories in exchange for reconciliation. As long as Yutang was not subjugated and he could still ascend to the throne, it would have been fine even if vast territories had to be relinquished. However, as the Nine Supremes reappeared and overturned the warfare with a severe blow to Dongxuan, killing Han Sanhe in the process, the four-nation siege was broken off. Yutang''s external crisis was over. His Highness the crown prince was overjoyed. After this war, all four countries were greatly damaged and would need at least eight to ten years of recuperation. Yutang''s greatest enemy, Dongxuan, would need at least two to three decades before they could sufficiently recover. Such a situation was exactly what the crown prince was looking forward to! He understood himself very well and could accurately gauge his own capability. Although he would be incapable to expand the land and make new conquests, he could still have managed it if he were conservative and took the safe route. It was exactly what was needed right now too. Not only had the four countries suffered great losses, Yutang was also seriously damaged. They needed a prudent ruler, exactly like himself! Now, everything was within his grasp and only the act of being enthroned was left. But another wave had come crashing down on his shoulders and it was an incredible one indeed, enough to drown him and crush him entirely. "Be careful Watch my words" The Emperor chuckled coldly and replied in an indifferent voice, "About it relating to the royal bloodline, of course, I will be careful and watch my words cautiously. But my dear crown prince, did you mean to refer to the throne or the royal bloodline?" His Majesty''s words were cut sharply, like a marksman hitting a bullseye without mercy. The crown prince continued to tremble, "The royal bloodline is not a petty subject nor does it allow any room for doubt!" he blurted out without thinking. He couldn''t help himself, His Highness could only think of denying the child''s identity in order to fuel his argument. The emperor was enraged once he heard him, slapping his palm on the armrest. "So it''s a petty subject that I want to reunite with my grandson? My biological grandchild, the eldest royal grandson! Is this a petty subject? Do you think I would joke about it?!" His icy gaze scanned the crown prince''s face before it slowly moved onto the officials. His Majesty''s voice was chilling. "I wonder if any other official thinks I''m joking about this matter too?" The emperor was unspeakably furious, his anger threatening to explode. His oppressive aura suffocated the court of civil and military officials. In spite of this, everyone knew how important the topic was. It was about the throne! It was extremely significant! One of utmost importance! This matter was relevant to one''s stance. The officials who were close to the crown prince had to speak up despite knowing that giving advice at this moment would only serve to anger the emperor even more. After all, when the event was set in stone, the crown prince would lose his place. Not only would their previous service and investment be wasted, the forthcoming consequences would be ugly. "His Highness is being reasonable. We ask Your Majesty to be cautious. The royal bloodline must not be taken lightly!" There were a total of twenty to thirty officials who kneeled down. An old official whose hair and beard was all white stood shakily and spoke through his tears, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Matters are to be explained clearly C just like His Highness has said, this can''t be taken lightly as the genuineness of the royal bloodline is relevant to the ultimate throne. This child," he coughed, "this official has indeed never heard about His Highness the crown prince leaving a bloodline behind. Now that a child has popped up so suddenly, this old official thinks that Your Majesty should be more prudent." Before his words could echo around the room, the old official had kneeled quickly on the floor. "Your Majesty, this is relevant to Yutang as a country, Your Majesty must be sagacious in this matter." As the old official kneeled, some forty to fifty officials stood out and followed suit. "Your Majesty, the country, and its sovereignty are bounded to this matter, please be judge wisely!" His Majesty''s gaze became sharp like a hawk; watching the officials who kneeled down, his eyes were icy. "Officials who have stepped out, do you all think that it is very inappropriate for me to do this?" Those who had stepped out were experienced officials, easily discerning the iciness and underlying threat lacing His Majesty''s tone. Everyone shuddered inwardly as they knew that once they answered, they would be thoroughly offending the emperor. However, they could no longer back down now. Besides, the law could not be enforced when everyone was an offender C there were near to seventy or eighty officials who stepped forward to advise. Even if the emperor was enraged, he could not actually demote all these officials especially when the state had just gotten its peace! "Your Majesty, please think twice!" Everyone said in unison, their voices chorused loudly. "Good, good, great!" His Majesty cried, the words sounding harsher one after another. He said coldly, "You''re all my great officials! My great crown prince! You all think only about the country and nothing else! How patriotic and loyal, not mincing your words in advising C truly great indeed!" Plenty of officials were flustered when they heard the emperor''s words. "What do all of you think then?" His Majesty cast his gaze over to the officials who did not speak and said faintly, "Why aren''t you speaking? Do you all also think that what I have done is less than appropriate?" The President of the Board of Punishment, Wu Lie, stepped out, saying, "This official has no opinion about Your Majesty''s action. What Your Majesty mentioned is indeed a royal matter but to Your Majesty, it''s a family matter. It''s just a reunion of a grandfather and his grandson and spending quality family time; on this point, this official thinks that there''s nothing more to be said. In addition to that, this official doesn''t feel strongly regarding Your Majesty''s reunion with this child. Even if Your Majesty doesn''t acknowledge this child, this official would remain indifferent." His Majesty''s eyes shone with satisfaction upon hearing these words. However, this stoic official did not think he said enough yet as he continued speaking, "This official, is only a mere official. This official is only concerned about completing this his tasks and fulfilling his assigned responsibilities; why should I worry about other matters? Speaking of which, this official wants to ask the other sirs, why are all of you so interested in His Majesty''s family matters? Claiming that it is so critical to the country and that such cautions judgment is needed regarding the royal bloodline C pardon this official''s ignorance, but this official cannot understand the thoughts of these sirs. Is it really so serious?!" 525 Battle of Words. Forced to an Impasse! Once Wu Lie spoke, at least half of the officials who had appealed glared at him in anger. Wu Lie looked unaffected as he continued in a low voice, "Perhaps only the one whom you sirs acknowledge can be recognized as royal blood? And whoever you sirs don''t acknowledge will be a mere peasant?" He exaggerated his words, openly hinting that they harbored ill intentions. The old white-bearded official roared, "Wu Lie! How dare you have the audacity to decide what is right or wrong! Don''t you know how serious this is? It will affect the very foundations of this country. How are matters pertaining to the royal bloodline ever solely personal? Yet here you are, feigning ignorance and trying to befuddle the emperor! I have always thought of you as impartial and loyal. But today I see the truth of who you are Wu Lie, a pandering, maniacal, unscrupulous person indeed!" Wu Lie lifted his head abruptly, he focused squarely onto the old man''s eyes and responded slowly, "Justice exists intrinsically in one''s heart so much so that what should be considered right or wrong need not be argued about! This lower official has only said something fair but Old Sir Wang has accused me of something so severe with such inflated speech? This lower official won''t be able to bear such a heavy crime nor is this official willing to bear it or even supposed to bear it." "I''d just like to ask Old Sir Wang something C in the entire Empire of Yutang, who should be the one who is the most concerned about the royal bloodline? Is it you or me? No! The one who regards the bloodline most significantly can only be the current emperor! Since His Majesty now recognizes this grandchild in front of the imperial court, countless verifications must have already been carried out C do you think this decision was based on carelessness? I wonder, do you agree with me Old Sir Wang?" Old Sir Wang was shaking as his face flushed with embarrassment. He said nothing for a long while. To agree or not to agree? Who would dare to disagree? Disagreeing would be treason, resulting in beheading on the spot without a second word. Furthermore, what Wu Lie said was indeed the truth. Anyone could suggest an heir who was beneficial to themselves for whatever personal gain. They might not even care if they knew that the identity of the heir they pushed forward was false. But the Emperor would never do so. The Emperor''s quest for imperial inheritance would be reserved solely for his direct descendant. No matter how lousy his heir was, it was still the continuation of his bloodline; even if there were bolder or wiser candidates out there, they would have no direct relation to the Emperor. Therefore, it was true that only the Emperor would never show a descendant of suspicious identity to the public eye. Wu Lie scoffed and said, "This lower official is a few years younger than Old Sir Wang but I''m fortunate enough to have seen the eldest prince a few times several years ago. I still remember the first time I met His Highness, the eldest prince was only five to six years older than this child before us. Old Sir Wang, forget about the others, this child''s face alone is about eighty percent similar to the eldest prince, like as if they''re from the same mold. Old Sir Wang has been an official for much longer than this lowly official, I believe you must have been younger than this lowly official when you met the eldest prince. This lowly official shall ask of Old Sir Wang again, is my judgement any different from Old Sir''s memory?" Wu Lie, who saw Old Sir Wang at a loss for words, continued speaking, "I hope Old Sir does not speak about how similar facial characteristics are not considered as substantial proof. There are two sides to a coin, so let us not only look at one side alone. I''ve only said that this child looks very much like the eldest prince but I did not make any concrete conclusion from it nor did I consider it as sole evidence. Compared to you sirs who argued without any verification or evidence and then firmly claimed that this child''s background is unknown without any proof. Moreover, emphasizing that things must proceed with caution, I feel like I''m being more sensible in this situation..." He raised his head, looked at all gathered officials, and said in a quiet voice, "This official shall ask Old Sir Wang and the other sirs again, on what basis have all of you decided that this child is of an unknown background? Or that this child is not of the royal bloodline? On what basis did you assume that His Majesty wasn''t taking this seriously?" "All your behaviour just now, the simultaneous kneeling and similar advice from many officials, how are these actions any different from coercing the ruler? These actions are too resolute and uniform!" Wu Lie paused before he smiled faintly and finished, "This lower official thinks that, based on the violent reaction of my colleagues, you have so quickly forgotten that you have no evidence. In fact, even if you had concrete evidence, you should all be even more careful, don''t you think so, Old Sir Wang?" "Nonsense! The matters of a country should not be taken lightly at all!" Old Sir Wang finally got out of his daze and countered Wu Lie''s words by changing the direction of his argument and basing everything on the concern for the nation. In spite themselves, plenty of opposing officials, using Wu Lie as a rallying point, stepped out to accuse Old Sir Wang and his colleagues of treason. On the other hand, those who followed Old Sir Wang began to counter them with examples from history. This went on for some time until hundreds of people were now arguing in the court. It was noisier than a market. Almost everyone''s faces were flushed from arguing, glaring at each other as they exchanged verbal daggers. His Majesty sat on his throne, watching them argue for close to two hours before he finally landed a harsh slap on his armrest in rage. "Enough!" The civil and military officials shut their mouths immediately, bringing an abrupt halt to the heated war of words. The emperor looked infuriated, standing up with arms against his back. "Yun Xiaoyao!" "Here." "My eldest grandson, Yu Qiankun, shall be assigned to your teaching. Do not lead him astray." "Yes, Your Majesty." "Any matters pertaining to the actual conferring of titles will be discussed in the future!" "Brilliant, Your Majesty!" Observant officials had long noticed that His Majesty''s hand had been gently holding onto the child''s tiny hand all this time, never once letting go. It had been this way for the entire two hours of the morning assembly. Especially when the argument was getting really heated, the child was obviously frightened, pale-faced and brimming with fear. However, the emperor occasionally squeezed the child''s hand or patted the child''s shoulders or head to comfort him, as if saying, "I''m here! No one can lay a finger on you, don''t be scared." It could be said that the emperor had not paid any more attention in the morning assembly arguments after the few words he had spoken in the beginning when he tossed the topic to the officials. Wu Lie was left to engage in the verbal battle against the officials while the emperor was invested in caring for the child. The loving sentiment was expressed clearly and openly, distinguishable to anyone who noticed it. The newly appointed King Xiaoyao, Yun Xiaoyao, also did not speak a word throughout the entire assembly. He obviously expected today''s episode; maybe he had even long ago already guessed what would happen! Until later, when everyone was tired from their war of words, the emperor tossed his final decision out. By the looks of what he said, it seemed that he was resigned but everyone instinctively knew that this was definitely not the case. It was because of another litigant C King Xiaoyao. He was the biological younger brother whom the Emperor had openly recognized in terms of identity, background, and royal blood! Placing the child at King Xiaoyao''s home and placing him in the palace did not mean the same thing but its significance was similar! Taking it a step further, was His Majesty''s surprising conferring of nobility titles earlier paving the way for today''s action?! More so, not only was King Xiaoyao a very skilled individual of noble descent, there was an abundance of experts in his residence. It was even safer than the palace! There might still be danger for the child to stay in the palace but to go to Residence of King Xiaoyao, it was safe and sound, as secure as a mountain! The crown prince''s gaze was sinister. With a sullen face, he was the first to leave. Even before he exited the palace, murderous intent was already surging through him. Since the assembly commenced, the emperor''s every move had fallen into the crown prince''s attention. This was how he clearly knew that he was doomed; there was no more hope for him! As long as Yu Qiankun was still in existence, he would never ever be able to succeed to the throne. It was impossible to fight over the throne with this child. The child didn''t even need to lift a finger to fight because their father would have already fought for him, paved the way to the throne and securing the crown for him! The weight of this crisis swallowed His Highness, the crown prince. Previously when his father was dissatisfied with him, there was a series of similar comments he made, "If your big brother was still here" Or, "If only you could be just one-tenth of your big brother, I''d be without regrets!" "Why are you such a disappointment? Look at your elder brother, at your age, he was already" When he listened to his father comments in the past, he did not feel too affronted in spite of the harsh words. After all, his elder brother was dead! No matter how mighty a dead person was, he would never crawl out of the earth and fight him for the throne! Therefore, the crown prince did not worry about it. As time passed, he forgot the comments as soon as they were made; no longer affected by them. More so because his other brothers were lacking even more than him and his father was all the more disappointed in them, so much so that he was disgusted with them. He was the best choice among the royals. Who else but him to succeed the throne? But now His contender, his greatest opponent, had finally emerged! His elder brother''s son! Yu Qiankun. Actually, since the moment the child came into view, the crown prince had already come to a conclusion. That was his elder brother''s son! There was simply no doubting it. Not only did the child look almost exactly like his eldest brother, but some of his actions and even his general vibe were basically the same. It would be ridiculous if he were not his eldest brother''s biological son! Yu Qiankun, his father''s eldest grandson, his eldest brother''s son, his direct nephew! So what now? He had been forced to an impasse! 526 Is He The One? The crown prince made up his mind. The child''s identity was real but even if he was beaten to death, he must not acknowledge this, especially from his own lips! If he acknowledged it, he would be giving away the throne that was so close within his grasp. "But mere denial doesn''t have much meaning." "All this time, father had always missed brother. Always thinking that he had wronged him. With such mentality, naturally father would want to compensate by recognising this child, he''ll give everything that brother should have inherited to this child!" "Everything, including the crown prince title and the throne." "I have no chance of winning with father''s current mental state! No matter how much I work for it, it''ll be futile!" His Highness paced around in the residence of the crown prince with a glowering face. "Then, there''s only one way to go now!" "Only when this child dies can I reacquire everything! Father will have no other choice again, just like before!" The crown prince''s thinking was clear and precise. He held onto his thought with full determination. In fact, he had already been considering it since the child had appeared at the golden court; various tactics and tricks had been considered and processed in his mind hundreds and thousands of times over. "Yu Qiankun has to die! This is the path to being an emperor, those who are obstacles must die!" The crown prince gritted his teeth. Despite the bright and handsome face that came from being a direct Yu descendant and the royal yellow gown that symbolized the elegant imperial aristocratic identity, his gaze was exceptionally wicked and sinister. There was also a small meek voice that stopped him deep in his heart C "You can''t do that. That''s the only blood left of your big brother, your biological nephew; you can''t kill your family, you shouldn''t be destructive!" In spite of this, another vile voice erupted like a volcano within him, crushing the meek voice to naught C "The only bloodline of your big brother? All these things are meaningless in comparison to the throne! There was nothing that could stop him on his way to imperial power. As long as he was enthroned, he could have anything he wanted; the entire world was his and everything would be within reach! However, if he fell from the position of crown prince, then there was no future to be regarded in this lifetime! C A fallen phoenix was lesser than a chicken, a dethroned crown prince was worse than an ordinary citizen! "A fallen crown prince is truly at the lowest rung of the whole nation!" This was the lament of a crown prince from the previous dynasty who had exclaimed from the bottom of his heart when his status was shed due to a mistake he committed C every time the crown prince recalled this line, he would shudder in empathy. "A step forward overlooks the whole world while half a step back is an abysmal valley without tomorrow!" "What choice can I make?" "What choice do I have?!" The crown prince walked into his study with an ominous expression and arms on his back, speaking up loudly, "Gather Sir Wen, Sir Yi, and Si Gu. A meeting is to be held." Similarly, the other princes were also scowling once they heard about the episode. The third and fourth prince''s expressions were even more sullen than the crown prince''s! "Meeting!" No matter how secretive an assembly was now, it would still garner attention for sure but the princes were willing to risk it due to the sheer state of their panic. The fifth prince had moved promptly for a visit to Residence of Leng Daoyin while the sixth prince was led by the imperial consort to Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan''s residence to show concern for the man. After the morning assembly, His Majesty returned leisurely to the palace and had gone to the royal study. Along the way, there was a faint smile playing on his face yet the vague lines carving his face described shame. In the royal study, the Emperor gazed at the portrait of his late eldest son and said softly, "Son, I don''t know if this decision is correct but I have to do it. Only if your younger brothers make a move and contend fairly based on their own merit, I will opt to give them a fair chance. The ultimate successor to the throne will be decided by time, it may not be in Bao''er hands. This is the fate and despair of a royal descendant. I sacrificed you then, now, I''m using Bao''er. I am sorry to both of you, father and son!" "But if they do indeed choose to make a move" His Majesty mumbled, his eyes glowing eerily, "I shall be stricken with heartache! Do you understand?" In the portrait, the eldest prince stood tall and proud as usual but his eyes looked thoughtful; there seemed to be an actual sense of sorrow that was watching over his father. It was as if he had already seen a tragedy that could have been avoided. "The most merciless people are within the emperor''s own family, this has been the case since the beginning of time." The Emperor closed his eyes, murmuring, "Will our family be an exception? I hope so" Yun Xiaoyao took Bao''er under everyone''s meaningful gazes. They moved towards Residence of Yun without haste, leisurely and without change. In fact, Yun Xiaoyao was truly at peace inwardly; there was no ripple in his calm heart, like the surface of a still lake. The officials'' doubt and arguments, as well as the princes'' schemes, held no meaning for Yun Xiaoyao. Yun Xiaoyao''s thinking was different from Yun Yang as much as it also differed from the emperor''s. The truth was that he was not invested emotionally, be it towards the eldest prince, the crown prince, or even the other princes. It was not important who it was who ultimately took the throne. The only issue that mattered was who his older brother wanted to succeed the reign! This was the crux of Yun Xiaoyao''s concern. Of course, it would be the best if the next ruler of Yutang was bold-visionary, courageous, and wise; after all, he did not want himself to be serving a vile unscrupulous man or a timid conservative emperor! Therefore, he had cast occasional glances at Bao''er, whose face held barely concealed panic along the trip home, murmuring a question to himself, "Is he the one?" Yun Yang was currently in the Residence of Yun, alone in the study room. He was chuckling bitterly and feeling helpless as he contemplated all that was happening. What Yun Yang needed to solve first and foremost now was his true identity but the difficulty or perhaps, the crux, was on Bao''er. Adults could control their words and actions maximally to avoid any possibility of disclosing his identity but a child was not capable of doing so. How could his identity be concealed during their first meeting that was to come? His immediate father, Marquis Yun, was a downright cunning old fox; he would definitely find clues in the encounter. As long as there were certain loopholes, it was indeed very easy to expose the secret he wanted very much to hide! Yun Yang empty chuckles were void of humour, he could do nothing else. He realized that there was no room for avoidance in this matter. He could only face it head-on. Actually, Lao Mei''s attitude towards him was already a discernible loophole. It was only because Marquis Yun was assured that he harbored no ill intention towards Yutang or the Yu imperial family, that he had turned a blind eye. But now, Yun Yang was putting his last card on the table, wasn''t he? As Yun Yang pondered these things to himself, he heard people calling out an expected greeting from the door, "The lord has returned!" 527 Omnintuition Initiation Once Yun Yang stepped out, he saw Yun Xiaoyao who was holding Bao''er''s hand as they were walking slowly towards the yard he was in. Bao''er''s gaze brightened up at once when Yun Yang came into his sight. Like a child who had been bullied and finally saw his family, he was about to cry out, "Uncle!" The imperial court was the biggest fright Bao''er had ever experienced in his life so far! Everyone''s gaze looked like the wild beasts in the mountain, wanting to devour him at any given moment. Everyone was unfamiliar to him, even his emperor grandpa did not give him much sense of security. The only one Bao''er felt safe with was this uncle. Now, he finally met him again. Bao''er almost wanted to cry at this moment. Yun Yang, upon seeing Bao''er again, smiled easily, thinking, "Come at me, let it be that my identity is exposed. It''s fine. I''m the Nine Supremes, what is there that I cannot face?" "Since things have come to the end and there''s no way to avoid it, let me take it head on!" "Cough!" Yun Xiaoyao hacked a violent cough, his eyes stealing a glance at his son. The loud cough caused Bao''er to tremble. His little body that was about to bounce forward halted there and then as he could not help but to turn and look towards Yun Xiaoyao. Yun Yang looked at towards the source of this voice too, unable to wrap his head around the reason a certain person coughed at this critical moment. "Yun Yang, this is Bao''er. His Majesty''s eldest imperial grandson, the descendant of the direct imperial lineage, a noble presence. His Majesty is letting him stay with us for the time being and I''ve agreed to it." "I see," Yun Yang nodded . Yun Yang looked calm and collected but he was inwardly befuddled, musing the meaning behind Marquis Yun''s words. What did he mean, or maybe, what did he intend to do? He seemed to have spoken about this matter before. "Then, it will be matter pertaining to taking care of His Highness''s eldest imperial grandson. I''m old and have been greatly depleted in the previous wars. Things like doting on children are the most taxing on energy and patience, I won''t be able to do it. From today onwards, Bao''er will be staying with you! You''re responsible to teach him. Let me warn you, this child''s identity is very noble and is capable of great things in the future. Even if you''re his uncle by name, you must not slack. If you''ve indeed led him astray, no one will be able to cover for you. I''m telling this to you first, you must take it into consideration!" Yun Xiaoyao said with a serious face, looking both high and mighty. Yun Yang''s eyes widened in surprise. Just as he wanted to reply, Yun Xiaoyao continued hastily, "I shall reiterate it seriously, this child''s identity is very noble. There must not be any mishaps. We cannot bear to have even a tiny little accident. Do you understand?" Yun Yang inhaled deeply and said, "I understand. Anything else?" Marquis Yun watched him meaningfully and said, "It''s for the best that you understand. It''s your business now." He then turned to look at Bao''er cheerily and said, "Bao''er, this is my son, your Uncle Yun Yang. Isn''t he handsome? Great to the eyes, eh? He takes on after me!" Bao''er blinked and said childishly, "Yes, uncle is very handsome." Obviously, the child had recovered quickly after the initial shock and recalled his aunty''s reminder. "Hmm, you''ll live with uncle from now on. You must listen to your uncle, okay?" Yun Xiaoyao told him gently. "Okay." Bao''er nodded obediently. Yun Yang''s Residence initially took up an already spacious area but after the renovation, it had been expanded to more than double of its size. Beside it, there was another House of Yun that had been built; Li Yingqiu and some villagers stayed in this House of Yun. This house was only a wall away from Yun Yang''s yard. Yun Yang had made another door so they could easily come and go. The outer area was where the four popinjay young masters stayed while the guest rooms opposite of Yun Yang housed the two ladies who brought Yun Yang great headaches, Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan. The above was the current distribution of people in Residence of Yun. During the same night, Marquis Yun''s study was lit. Yun Yang who wore a purple fluttering robe appeared quietly in the study. Marquis Yun who was reading in his study room raised his head slowly to look at the younger man. The hint of a smile flashed in his eyes; he seemed to be waiting for the man''s arrival but he did not speak. Both men stared at each other silently like this; none of them said a single word at first. After a while, Yun Yang beamed before he pushed the doors open and headed out. He had come without a sound and left without a reason. He did not say anything, nor did he do anything. Marquis Yun smiled as well before he shook his head and sighed, saying to himself, "If you''re really my son, how nice that would be" He stood up to gaze at the nightfall outside the window. "This is all I can do for you." "You''ve never taken me as your real father but I''ve long taken you as my real son!" "My only son!" "That''s why I didn''t get married for so many years. Actually, how can the old man''s dying restraint really restrict me in these years?" Marquis Yun chuckles were void of humor as he shook his head gently. Bao''er swiftly adapted to the environment, much faster than Yun Yang''s expected. From the initial awkwardness to easily playing and chasing Whitey everywhere, it took only less than half a day''s time. Yun Yang watched the child''s every move with a smile, feeling an inexplicable emotion in his heart. If it were possible, Yun Yang hoped that Bao''er could enjoy such happy carefree days for a long, long time. However, there was no doubt that such a carefree period was too much to hope for and these few days were perhaps all the respite that they would get. After these few days, what came after would be days of constant scheming and conspiracies, endless studying and learning, unceasing vicissitudes of life and everything else in between! The dark side of the worldly realm would gather over them, constantly pouring in. "Uncle, that person, is he really my grandfather?" "He says I''m eldest imperial grandson, but what does that mean?" "So many books! Must I read them all? It''s too scary. How can I finish them?" Yun Yang patiently explained and answered everything with a smile and without any hint of frustration. He was relaxed and genuinely relished in it. His peaceful mood spread to Bao''er, putting his curious mind at ease. "Bao''er, from today onwards." Yun Yang pressed both his hands on Bao''er''s tiny frame, uttering each word carefully, "You''re no more a child, you, are a man of men now! Understand?" Yun Yang had uttered the string of words directly with Omnintuition Initiation! The entire backyard was suddenly engulfed in a grim and formal atmosphere. "You are no more a child, you, are a man of men now!" C These thirteen words were etched deeply into Bao''er''s mind. Such a strong imprint it was, like an innate mark, impossible to be removed or replaced! Without any preparation from Bao''er''s side, Yun Yang had painted a rich colorful stroke in the child''s mind! Man of men! Who would know that these three words would accompany the man for life? C From when he was an innocent youth to well past his prime, any man''s effort would be laborious just to strive for these three words! Bao''er''s innocent face was serious and deep in thought; the cogs of his mind turned before he carefully said, "Thank you, uncle. Bao''er understands." Yun Yang nodded. He was comforted by Bao''er''s response but more of him was filled with heartache for the child. If he had a choice, he did not want to do so. After the Omnintuition Initiation, Bao''er would be more obedient from now on, much more mature; this would be very beneficial and help pave the foundation for his bright future. However, the execution of Omnintuition Initiation at this time also meant that Bao''er''s childhood fun would face extinction from today onwards. From tonight, there would only be a child, matured in spite of his young age, who would be constantly thinking and considering various matters. With some guidance, such a child could yield twice the result with half the effort on the path he was supposed to take! C In fact, twice the result with half the effort may even be a serious understatement! This was because the child would do what he acknowledges, he would persevere and finish it. This was basically forging a mature personality at the tender age of three! However, Yun Yang was not happy to see this happen. It was a great loss that his eldest brother and fourth sister''s only son did not get to retain his innocence, childlike demeanor, and the merry childhood he was supposed to have! "I''m sorry, my child." Yun Yang stroked Bao''er''s head and said slowly, "I hope you don''t blame uncle in the future." 528 Detached Observer With Bao''er''s original na?ve and innocent personality, security would hardly be guaranteed even with a flawless defense. Children would have to play, go out, eat, they would always be tempted by fun. This was a child''s nature. Inevitable regardless of circumstance. Because of this, one could barely be aware of a fatal trap possibly hidden in between the normal occurrences of the day. No matter how almighty a guardian was, no matter how peerless, as long as there were risks like this, life and death were two paths hanging distinctly over every situation. No matter what follow-up action was carried out, whether or not the conspirator was killed or revenge is taken, it would ultimately amount to nothing. In Tiantang City, those who wanted Bao''er dead could be up to hundreds of thousands now! In addition to that, those with the burning hot intent to kill were all influential powerful people, who could very likely turn intention into action! Yun Yang prevented some of this by nipping some possibilities of the child being tempted and deceived right in the bud. "In the future, if any stranger talks to you, ignore them. No matter what the circumstance." "As long as something does not belong in our home, we don''t want it." "Don''t speak of ''what-ifs'', don''t believe in ''what-ifs'', and don''t bet on ''what-ifs''" Yun Yang paused, stumped when he saw Bao''er looking at him in equal confusion. He called Li Yingqiu for assistance. Yun Yang realized that he seemed to have spoken beyond Bao''er''s comprehension but was at a loss for words when he attempted explaining anything with simpler words. Instead, he asked Li Yingqiu to come over and help clarify Yun Yang''s words so Bao''er could understand them. Supplemented with Li Yingqiu''s clarification, Bao''er''s big eyes blinked with understanding as he memorized Yun Yang''s pieces of advice seriously, constantly nodding his head too. "Bao''er is so good today." Li Yingqiu exclaimed and said in relief, "It looks like someone has to come to the big city to become better. Bao''er seems to have changed into another person once he got here, he is so much more obedient now, how adorable." Yun Yang''s heart lurched, sighing to himself. Time had crawled deeper into the night. Bao''er had already fallen asleep. Yun Yang asked Li Yingqiu over. "After this, Bao''er has to begin learning intensely." Yun Yang pointed at the rows of books in front. "He has to absorb and digest all this knowledge in the shortest time possible. He needs to familiarize himself with all of it and be able to use it when necessary. Also, it seems that you have already understood Bao''er''s identity. Therefore, anything that he should be in contact with for his own good, should be done incessantly so without fail, while all that he shouldn''t be in contact with must never even touch him!" "Yes." Li Yingqiu''s eyes were shining with a mixed sense of fear but also an inexplicable thrill. Yun Yang watched the woman in front of him with a steady gaze. After a long time, he continued, "Work wholeheartedly. Everything will be there. Do you understand?" Li Yingqiu jolted before she answered, "Yes, thank you for young master''s reminder." Yun Yang waved his hand to dismiss her but he did not go to sleep, instead, he went to pace around in his study room. How could Yun Yang not discern the change of Li Yingqiu''s psychological state? It was a huge mental change for someone who had no desire and wanted nothing from life but now to suddenly realize that they could manipulate the highest authority. How could Li Yingqiu''s mindset not change given the present circumstances? However, Yun Yang allowed the existence of such change. Truthfully, anyone would be ruffled after such an encounter. If one were to be indifferent, it would be considered abnormal. Li Yingqiu would be more concerned about Bao''er''s safety and Yun Yang''s orders because she was well aware that she had to listen to Yun Yang for at least the next ten years without any defiance. Otherwise, she would be killed like a weed to be chopped. "Greed and desire are the most abhorrent evils in this world." Yun Yang murmured. "But they''re also the most lovable" "I like man''s greed and desire the most." "So I''m never a kind man. Fortunately, I''m not a kind man!" It was the very same night of Bao''er staying in the Residence of Yun for the first time when something happened. During midnight, someone slipped into the residence with an underhanded motive. It was a pity that before the person could find out where Bao''er was staying, the person had met someone, someone who was white like snow and glowered with cold nonchalance C Bai Yixue. There was no nonsense, not even any words exchanged. Only the soft flicker of sword light, swiftly ending the encounter. With Bai Yixue''s current cultivation base level, there was basically no one in the whole of Yutang who could block the strike of his sword. When he attacked, it was like killing a chicken with a large butcher''s knife! The next day. Marquis Yun was apathetic about the assassin''s dead body at the courtyard. With a wave of his hand, he said, "Send the corpse to the Board of Punishment. No need to be concerned about anything else. There were already people from the palace who were waiting at the door. The masters in charge of teaching the prince were sent by His Majesty. Yun Xiaoyao stole a peek, realizing that each of them was well respected and knowledgeable. There was also another shared similarity among them, they were very neutral in their stance, unprejudiced and objective. It looked like the emperor had really put in great effort to recruit the best talents available. "This king shall look at your preparations first." Yun Xiaoyao said, "His Majesty is stringent about his demands on the eldest crown grandson''s academic progress. There must be no mistakes." As he spoke, he pulled the handful of men to one side, obviously to brief them in secret. After all, some things must not be mentioned in public. Besides, he wanted to give Yun Yang some buffer time. He did not know how Yun Yang''s preparation was but Yun Xiaoyao wanted to give him reasonably sufficient time! The feeling in the capital city was ominous. Countless conspiracies were being carried out in secret C The Residence of the Crown Prince, Residence of the Third Prince, Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, Sixth Prince, and other princes'' residences too. The higher authority Residences of the Chancellor, Grand Commandant, Grand Tutor, and others such as the Leng Family, the Qiu Family, and other residences of reputable generals Also included were noble families in several cities who had survived and done well for dozens and even hundreds of years. These forces and residences had people moving in and out everywhere, hastily and surreptitiously. Everyone looked heavyhearted, unable to relax no matter how much they disguised their emotions. Some people who were more perceptive had recognized some imperial guards of the emperor appearing in Tiantang City in spite of their disguises. With this recognition, Tiantang City was veiled in a mysterious atmosphere. His Majesty had been very busy throughout this period of time. He was feeling drained from facing the various daily agendas of rewarding the soldiers according to their merits, settling the handicapped veterans, pensioning the sacrificed and whatnot. He poured his heart and soul into handling these matters, which is why it seemed that he was not aware of the lurking danger surging in waves across the capital city. It appeared that he was completely ignorant of it all. However, the handful of people who truly understood the emperor could clearly see that His Majesty''s temper was much more volatile and his actions had become more extreme despite him tackling the government and the daily national affairs in the most well-rested state. Based on the Emperor of Yutang, Emperor Yu Peize''s past administration, he would usually raise the paddle high but land it lightly even when the officials were blatantly slacking or had ulterior motives. He worked with mercy and reverence, but not in extremity. However, when the current Emperor found out about the slightest mistake in the officials'' work during this period of time, he would condemn it mercilessly; he often sacked the officials, dismissing them from the court, and refused to recruit them again forever. Even when he was occasionally resting, his eyes that were staring into the void would still flash with the flicker of an intent to kill. Even those who intimately understood the emperor did not truly comprehend the despair currently plaguing His Majesty. Previously, Yutang was engulfed in a subjugation threat due to the four-nation siege. Millions of soldiers charged at the frontlines and sacrificed themselves on the battleground. Now that the war was over, it was time to reward these warriors and take care of their families so that their heroic souls could rest in peace while the people''s heart could be kept beating in assurance. It was an intent that one ought to have and something that one should do; there was no doubt about it! This point in time was even more important to the soldiers compared to the instance when they died in the battlefield because their lifetime of contribution would be decided upon this day. Everything that happened now was relevant to the families of the militants who were stationed at the border''s warzone, their lives after the militants'' sacrifice, how they would go on living These things were of utmost priority. Everything else would be considered secondary in comparison. In spite of the importance of such things at this crucial moment, his sons, the princes, were actually rather nonchalant and unconcerned. It was as if this had nothing to do with them as they chose to stay far from the affair. Plenty of civil and military officials also seemed like they had lost their souls; they cared only about the successor of the throne! No doubt, that would be where their future gains would be C how could the orphans, widows, and the families left behind by the fallen soldiers, be as important when compared to their great future! "Ungrateful, rapacious, shameless maniacs!" The Emperor uttered to himself. Casting his gaze outside the window, another case of fret crawled into his mind. "Didn''t that School of Kismet State person say that he''s coming to find me? Why isn''t there any news until now? It''s better to end this as soon as possible; changes will be imminent if it''s dragged on. He sighed, "I''m not the initiator in this, I can only brace myself for what will happen next." It was in the early morning of this day that a person clad in white stood atop a mountain outside Tiantang City. He was surrounded by the mountain fog, looking divine, as if he was riding on the clouds. The person gazed at Tiantang City''s from afar; the longer he observed it, the tighter his face frowned. "It''s so strange." he murmured to himself. 529 Destiny Changes: The Birth of the Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole! The man in white frowned. "The Empire of Yutang. Since when does this empire possess the world hegemony emanation as he could see it right now? Even when it was built hundreds of years ago, its providence wasn''t as strong nor has it ever received God''s recognition. Its providence will only grow weaker generation after generation, falling from the changes of dynasties at most across seven generations. The Emperor of Yutang now is the sixth generation emperor. Even if there''s still some providence left, it should show signs of weakening. How can it be showing such vitality instead?" "Among so many countries, the Empire of Dongxuan is the one with the most vibrant and lively providence. The founder of the Empire of Dongxuan had founded the empire with his grace; its national destiny and fate are very well known. The empire expanded gradually in the two hundred years since its establishment. The Purple Star is already shining on Dongxuan, it''s only waiting for its time to shine brighter. That will be when Dongxuan conquers the world, a fate that cannot be reversed." "When based on manpower, resources, wealth and national strength, the Empire of Dongxuan triumphs over the rest. Talents in the realm of literature and martial arts are abundant and they truly are the cream of the crop C these bountiful talents equip the empire with the capability to lead the world thus the school has delivered the Kismet State Oracle to recognize Dongxuan as ruler of the world C it is a prophecy that matches the heavenly timing. But now, why is the spiritual dynamic in such an unprecedented state of chaos? Had Dongxuan''s war of a confirmed victory been lost?" "It would still be alright if Dongxuan has only lost temporarily but what''s the reason behind the chaotic astral dynamic now?" "Several years ago, the Residence of Nine Supremes descended onto the world out of the blue. It elevated Yutang''s national fortune and seemed to allow Yutang a sliver of hope in the world hegemony but no extreme will hold for very long. The school had already foreseen the forceful presence of the Residence of Nine Supremes C their presence is nothing more than the last radiant burst of Yutang, they will only make the Empire of Yutang a shared target among the other countries. The barely remaining national providence will weaken over time due to this and will even indirectly help Dongxuan in expending the other countries'' providence." "What happened next was evident of this school''s oracle. The Nine Supremes have all perished in the battle at Tianxun Cliff. The national providence formed from the heaven and earth fortune brought along by the Residence of Nine Supremes had already diminished by this year. It proves that God''s will is not something reversible by man Cdestiny is not to be disobeyed. To fight against heaven with mere human power, it will only result in burning and leading men to their death. Now though, the situation is different, vastly so." He stood among the clouds, his frown locked upon his face, unable to figure out the current situation. "The whole school has become disorderly due to this matter. Everyone is at a loss." He heaved a long sigh. The reality was just like how he had mentioned. The School of Kismet State was in chaos due to the current change and had become separated into two parties. Both sides were verbally attacking each other ceaselessly to the point that it was about to escalate into a physical brawl. "We withheld our presence for ten thousand years but once we emerge, we make such a big joke out of ourselves. This in itself is already the more ridiculous joke!" "Nothing was seen clearly and nothing was confirmed, but the Kismet State Oracle had already been released. Great! Dongxuan''s lost! Not only were they defeated, the so-called God of War was killed too. The hundreds of thousands of years of reputation that our school has accumulated is about to be destroyed in a day; from a godly presence to the world''s biggest joke! Hmph!" "What can be done about it? The astral dynamic obviously indicated the star landing in Dongxuan and a consequential rising future which is the sign of hegemony, the basic foundation of a powerful leader! The astral sign was indeed so when the decision was made, why didn''t anyone object then? What didn''t anyone oppose it?" "Hmph, the heaven and earth are never constant, the astral fortune is never definite. Why didn''t we speak up then? Was there even a point to speaking up? The school''s in your control, who dares say no? We can only fume without being able to speak." "Nonsense. That was a unanimous decision that was previously made, wanting to take this opportunity to reintroduce the School of Kismet State majestically to the world. By doing so, the school could have recovered their glory hundreds of thousands of years ago and even absorbed the providence through this opportunity. This is the decision that we''ve made together? Why has it now become our full responsibility when there''s a mistake? This is absurd!" "When this decision was made back then, it was indeed a unanimous one. This is correct but who has agreed to deliver the Kismet State Oracle? That thing is a finality once it''s out because it essentially announces a prophecy to the world. How could Dongxuan not have been reckless once they received this trump card? How can all the schools and sects that have stayed reclusive, restrained by their ancestral teaching, not think about disobeying fate and changing their destiny? Of course they wanted to reemerge in the martial world in conjunction with this opportunity but once they stepped out, they were wiped out. In conclusion, it''s us, the School of Kismet State, who have tricked them!" "You''re making a bad argument here. Since the decision was made, naturally the Kismet State Oracle has to be released concurrently. What will become of it if it is not sent away? Would we keep it with us? Then how would we go about building our name and fame again? Besides, without the Kismet State Oracle, do you think Dongxuan would have gone about this so wholeheartedly?" "Whatever it is, the conclusion is that you have made a huge joke out of us, ruining the school''s reputation overnight. You all have to bear the responsibilities of it, this is the reality that you can''t avoid." The internal School of Kismet State was a mess of arguments. It was in the end that finally a consensus that was not really a consensus was reached. "Since the reality has come to this stage, we can only go forward, we can''t back down. The reputation of the School of Kismet State must not be damaged nor can its authority be challenged. Going forward, the only route now is that Dongxuan must win this hegemony, whatever it takes. Then, the school will not be wrong and the Kismet State Oracle will still belong to its correct owner!" The decision was made and the school achieved a consensus. However, how could the continent hegemony of these five empires be decided by a mere handful of people from a school? Even if the school contained unrivaled experts, what was involved was not the martial world battle but the imperial authority that would reign over the whole continent! Therefore, the school had decided to send a few people as scouts. It was of absolute importance to understand their enemy and ally. "How do we go about the scouting?" The man in white looked miserable, weighed down by exasperation. This was a tricky problem because the truth was not as wholesome as they had told the outside world it was. It was confirmed that they had obviously mistaken the oracle now. Hence, they did not even know where to start salvaging the case C how could they not be troubled? The man clad in white continued to frown for a long time, thinking hard to determine the source of the issue, but he was as clueless as a headless fly could be. After some time, the person finally pushed the troubles out of him as he exhaled before rising up high. Now, he was already five thousand feet in the sky which also happened to be the maximum height that his cultivation base could allow him to reach. Opening his eyes again, he overlooked Tiantang City. He had an impressive view of the city now without a single obstacle in his sight. "The previous judgement wasn''t a mistake but there is a shocking change that has taken place. It must be the providence! Ninety-nine percent of this issue must lie within Yutang; no matter how the countries are affected, it can hardly cause such an interruption. As for the location with the most impressive providence in the Empire of Yutang, it''s none other than its capital, Tiantang City. A thing or two will surely be noticed if this city''s fortune is carefully observed!" The man in white executed an arcane unique to the School of Kismet State in order to meticulously observe the entire course of Tiantang City''s destiny. It had been a good hour until his cultivation base could barely support him any longer, that the moment of eureka suddenly hit him and he finally saw a clue. This discovery struck the man in white into a stupor. Stunned, his body fell like a meteor; such an expert would have collapsed in embarrassment due to it. "It''s actually here? How is it here?" These two questions struck the man in white at the same time. He was befuddled and his confusion was just increasing. After a moment, the person rose again, and after some rest and adjusting so that his cultivation base could return to his prime. This time, he focused all his attention on a spot. The end where his focused fell was covered in thick clouds C where else could it be if not the Residence of Nine Supremes! The School of Kismet State''s people were the finest in observing the providence of heaven and earth as well its destiny and fate. There had never been a mistake. For the Empire of Yutang to break the prophecy and possess a strengthening providence from an expected weaker one, the school''s men were in disbelief regarding these recent shocking changes. At the same time, they had observed and identified countless of other times where they had made a mistake C but how could such a vast change occur? It was a pity that no one managed to find a clue so far. This man clothed in white had made plenty of observations, like the one today, throughout an extended period of time. He had watched the Residence of Nine Supremes more than a dozen of times. There was no previous discovery made, only lingering fog that refused to dissipate. The lingering thick fog had always been a peculiarity of the Residence of Nine Supremes. It was always at this point that questions could no longer be asked. Only this time, when he overlooked the structure from the highest altitude, he had unexpectedly found out that the Residence of Nine Supremes actually had "The Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole?! Is that really the Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole?" 530 The Nine Supremes Must Die! The purple gas emerged vaguely. It was the second time he managed to peek at it but he still could not help exclaiming in disbelief, rubbing his eyes to reconfirm what he saw. It was a long time before a very faint purple ray beamed downwards through the fog of clouds. It rose a little in the clouds before it vanished. The entire process so short! In spite of it, the incredibly brilliant purple radiance was so tangible that it was hard to forget once one saw it! "The Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole" The white-robed man muttered to himself, "So this is it. It''s an overkill for the Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole to dictate mortals'' imperial power. Who''d know that the Empire of Yutang actually possessed something like this? What providence in this world can compete with such a power? The spiritual dynamic would be ruined if Yutang doesn''t rule Tianxuan!" "But hmm, this isn''t right this isn''t right at all." The person in white gown frowned. "Five of us have previously observed the countries'' providence and the Residence of Nine Supremes was our main observation target. We didn''t notice the Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole earlier." "If it was already there then it would have been impossible for us not to notice it. Such a mistake would never exist!" "Besides, The Purple Star was already shining at Dongxuan previously. If Yutang already had the Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole, The Purple Star would have been suppressed and attracted to Yutang, moving here instead; then, our judgement wouldn''t have been wrong!" "Hence, this Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole hasn''t been here for long, it''s could only have emerged recently" "Furthermore, it may have appeared due to very specific reasons. If that is the case, then it''s not too much of an injustice that we were wrong." "It''s just that how can a mere worldly nation give rise to such a unique providence that is the Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole?" "Such divine providence can only be born after many years of the continent being united. It can only be conjured with the accumulation of hundreds of years of imperial providence from a super empire." "What''s going on? Why has such a drastic change occurred in just a few short months? What has happened to cause this change?" Considering his analysis, the white-robed man felt a tingling chill run through his body. "The Nine Supremes'' providence had obviously dissipated earlier, but such powerful divinity has remained hidden in the Residence of Nine Supremes. This isn''t normal, it isn''t logical at all." Even after much consideration, he was still left feeling stumped. Accompanying him was a muscular man. He stood sluggishly beside the white-robed man and looked at him with a sideways glance. He too was at a loss. But upon hearing the white-robed man finally speak, he interrupted him, "Eldest senior brother, this young brother doesn''t see this matter as being rare. As long as someone really wants to do it, it can easily be done." The eldest senior brother frowned. "Huh? What do you mean?" Although he was surprised, he also thought to himself, "Even the wise are not always free from error while a fool may give the wise man a good counsel. Could it be that I actually missed out something in my wise thinking while this dummy here hit the jackpot by thinking of something that I didn''t?" Considering that this might be a possibility, he dared not take the situation lightly, staring instead at the muscular man with anticipation. The man suddenly felt respected. With a sideways glance, his arms rested on his back as he said seriously, "It''s just an example of adopting a strong point to cover for one''s weakness. As long as there''s some trick to absorb all of one country''s national providence among the five great empires and carry it swiftly to another country, that would be combining two national providences into one. It will instantly form a national providence that''s several times more than the other countries. Doubling it, the level will definitely be much more. Isn''t this theoretically possible?" The man in white was both shocked and enraged. "Ridiculous! What absurd nonsense!" "Eldest senior brother, what are you saying? This isn''t impossible," said the muscular meanwhile staring at his companion cockeyed. "Nonsense! Shut up!" The person in white bellowed, "Do you know what it means to absorb the destiny of a country?" "Not really," said the big man honestly while squinting his eyes. "Do you know that even if it''s a deity, one is still unable to take the national destiny of a country?" "No!" "Isn''t it so much simpler if the providence can be manipulated? So many capable ones can''t participate in the war just because they''re afraid of the destiny retaliation! Do you get it?" "No uh" "If you don''t, then shut your mouth!" Green veins were popping up on the white-gowned man''s forehead. "Uh." "A mongrel like you would never be able to understand the complex relationship of these things. Based on our current situation, this unexpected factor must be at the Residence of Nine Supremes." The man clad in white continued grimly, "Next, I''d have to go to this Residence of Nine Supremes and maybe talk to the sole remaining Supreme Cloud." "A talk should take place indeed." The man overlooked the mountain below with a squint, not at all offended from being called a mongrel. "Baozi, send out a message to the School, let the few of them come to Tiantang City." The man sighed heavily and continued, "I''m pretty sure that the source of this sudden change is here. As long as the hidden issue in the Residence of Nine Supremes is resolved, everything will go back to how they were - the destined course." "The Residence of Nine Supremes, or the last Supreme standing, is the source of this current variable." "Perhaps if the remaining Supreme is killed, everything will be resolved!" "Otherwise, if the Supreme Cloud doesn''t die, the Gaseous Purple Celestial Pole might remain in the Residence of Nine Supremes forever. Yutang will never fall and Dongxuan''s world hegemony will truly be a joke!" "Yes!" The cockeyed Baozi went to relay the message without hesitation. The person in the white gown cast his gaze downwards, his stare flickering with a violent intent to kill. "The Nine Supremes is where the crux of this matter lies!" "The Nine Supremes'' Supreme Cloud must die!" "Otherwise, the School of Kismet State''s hundreds of thousands of years of reputation will collapse and vanish!" Yun Yang would never have expected, even in his wildest dreams, that disaster would fall from the sky despite him staying at home. He had suddenly acquired another formidable foe other than the Four Seasons Tower C it was even more mysterious and accomplished than the tower! At that moment, however, Lord Supreme Cloud, who was being targeted for murder by two very reputable organizations, was stuttering in nervousness while trying to explain something. The Residence of Yun C secret chamber. Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were like two raging lionesses who sat on chairs and stared straight at Yun Yang. "Young Master Yun, I think both of us should have the right to know something!" Yun Yang broke out in cold sweat, thinking, "Of course both of you have this right but the problem is how do I tell you? I honestly can''t reveal it to you!" What Yun Yang regretted the most now was that he had destroyed the Supreme Wind''s will. Facing Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan, Yun Yang was tongue-tied. His throat was parched, his eyes widened; he mumbled, "Both of you," he coughed, "be patient. Let me think through my words. It," he paused slightly, "has been long a time and my memory isn''t too good, I need to rack my brain a little." "Has it really been too long?" Yue Rulan replied coldly, "It''s only been a year or two. How long has it been? Eighteen months, twenty-four months or a thousand days?" 531 Found You! Yun Yang coughed and chuckled dryly, "Sister Lan, what you''re asking isn''t very relevant to this young brother. I can only say that it''s by chance. I really thought it hasn''t much to do with me. That''s why I don''t know where to begin when you ask so; do be understanding and allow me to recall and arrange my words properly. This way, I can narrate it smoothly and you can listen to it without a hitch." Yue Rulan did not look entirely convinced, glancing at him sideways while scoffing coldly. Ji Lingxi looked anxious and said softly, "Think slowly. Phrase your words carefully, we''re not in a hurry." She said that they were not in a hurry but her hands that were clenched into tight fists had long betrayed her underlying anxiety. Yun Yang considered the situation for a while and finally heaved a deep sigh, deciding to dish out the entire truth. After all, nothing good would come out of it if he kept the truth from them. It was cruel to tell them about the eighth brother''s death but it would be even crueler to hide the truth and watch them conduct a painstaking search everywhere. Both the ladies had wasted so many years to find Ji Lingfeng, he really could not have them continue searching for him without any hope, he could not prolong their suffering. Besides, it was not only a waste of time, the process of searching was accompanied by unknown risks. Meeting Lei Dongtian was already proof of that. Since there was no longer a point to keep them away from the truth, a moment of agony in facing the truth would be better than living their entire lives in suspense! As for Yun Yang''s identity, let it be exposed facing his sister-in-law and younger sister of his eighth brother! "I understand. Come with me." Yun Yang stood up and led the way. Ji Lingxi intended to ask what it was that they could not speak about here but instead could only be discussed elsewhere, only to be pulled back by Yue Rulan. The latter pulled Ji Lingxi along to trail behind Yun Yang without another word. Yue Rulan was a smart lady, already predicting based on Yun Yang''s behaviour that what he was about to tell them would be an earth-shattering secret and this secret would be related to Ji Lingfeng. If that was the case, then the place they were at was not suitable for such a conversation. Despite it being the Residence of Yun, it was not a place for an unfiltered exchange of secrets. Due to her understanding, she followed behind without a word. Yun Yang would not hurt both of them anyway and wherever he thought to be safe must be much more confidential than being here, especially when it was related to Ji Lingfeng. Even the slightest risk of it being overheard must be avoided. The three of them trailed into Yun Yang''s yard and study room. With a casual press from Yun Yang, a heavy stone wall opened soundlessly. Yun Yang entered first. Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were shocked. They had been staying at the Residence of Yun for some time now; they were already here even before the residence was rebuilt and they witnessed the residence''s renovation themselves, yet they had no idea that the Residence of Yun possessed such intricate mechanism. A hint was enough to paint the whole picture C just looking at the winding passage leading to an unknown destination, it was not difficult to imagine how big the project had been. In addition, the stone wall that was about thirty feet thick made no noise at all when it opened C it was already an impressive work of art. Both ladies were intelligent. Seeing such an elaborate setup and considering Yun Yang''s behavior, they could not help but feel a sense of heavyheartedness weighing in their hearts. To go out of the way to a confidential spot just to talk about their fianc or brother''s whereabouts spoke louder than words on how serious the topic was! As the three of them entered, the chamber''s door closed immediately. It was still as soundless as it was when it opened, shutting securely as if it was never even a door, to begin with. At the same time the door closed, speckles of light began illuminating the passage, it stretched out far ahead. "Night Cast Stone!" Yue Rulan''s eyes brightened when she saw the transition. She came from a noble family and was thus knowledgeable; easily identifying the illuminating object. The Night Cast Stone was a rarer presence than the Luminous Pearl. It was a special crystal that would only glow when it was so dark that one could not even see their fingers. Once there was some dim light in the surroundings, the Night Cast Stone was no different from any other ordinary stone; it would not appear any different thus contributing to its rarity. They noticed a piece of Night Cast Stone every thirty feet apart. As for the thirty feet distance between each Night Cast Stone, it was probably because the Night Cast Stone would sense each other at a distance of fifteen feet. Such an intricate setup was truly amazing. In the illuminated and silent atmosphere, Yun Yang in his purple robe moved forward, leading them onward. As they trailed after his steps, both ladies felt their hearts grow heavier. What tremendous secret was this that they had to speak about it in such a secluded place? There might not even be such elaborate interiors in royal secret chambers. After several turns, a foyer appeared before them. Going across the hall, Yun Yang pressed at another wall and another concealed door emerged. A careless glance took in the sight of an abundance of gems. These gems should more appropriately be called as treasure instead because each of them was not what usual people could see or hear of even in their lifetime. Ninety-nine percent of people who have come here must have thought that this was already the destination as the place where so many rare treasures were kept must be the endpoint. Both ladies thought similarly too, expecting Yun Yang to tell them about Ji Lingfeng here. It was already very elusive, was it not? Unexpectedly however, Yun Yang did not stop, instead, he pressed somewhere on the left where they had just turned in. Another secret door opened slowly! This was where man''s cognitive blind spot was! Even if this place was discovered by invaders, they would only look for a concealed mechanism on the other three walls. They would never think that the door that served as their entrance actually hid another secret door! The crux of this layout was that it was unexpected, something no one could foresee. Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi exchanged looks, both taking in the genuine surprise showing on each other''s faces. They were utterly impressed at Yun Yang''s meticulous and intricate layout of this chamber. The new chamber was dark without any installation of the Luminous Pearl or Night Cast Stone, creating a stark contrast to the previous environment. Yun Yang stood at the door like a statue, not stepping in just yet, as if he was hesitating. The moment made Ji Lingxi''s heart ache all of a sudden. Yun Yang''s back was in front of her, straight and tall as usual, but Ji Lingxi had suddenly felt indescribable sadness and loneliness exuding from his back. They heard him give a soft sigh and then Yun Yang finally stepped into the dark chamber. Darkness engulfed him. It seemed like Yun Yang had, in an instant, turned into a ghost, melting into one with the darkness. Before Ji Lingxi could feel fear rise within her, the chamber was lit up, chasing away the endless darkness. "Come in." Yun Yang stood alone in the center of the chamber. Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan walked in almost without thinking as they followed his voice. Just like earlier, the door behind them closed quietly. This occurrence allowed the chamber to instantly become a wholly enclosed and independent space. Both ladies who were already feeling lost now felt strange as they realized at that moment that the room was entirely disconnected from the world. Almost at the same time, an unusually oppressive and grim atmosphere suddenly engulfed them. As the ladies scanned their surroundings, they saw a large painting hung on the wall opposite them. Or rather, instead of saying the painting was hung on the wall, it was more like the entire wall was a painting. The top part of the painting was darkness and chaos; and below, it was mountains, rivers and earth, all of nature. Right in the center of the painting were eight people! Eight masked people wearing black. Although clad in black clothes with a black mask covering his face, the first person in the painting still looked imperial; an aristocratic air exuding from him just by standing with arms on his back. Mountains and rivers quaked under his feet, the earth rumbled and cracked. There was so much power there but the person''s gaze was indifferent and unmoved. The second person stood sideways with an arm outstretched; the trees and branches of the forest in front were twisted and uprooted, like a bunch of devils who were clawing their way out of hell. The third person stood on the left of the first person; ferocious waves tossed and turned under the person''s feet. The fourth person had his arms extended, countless sabers and swords bolting towards his hands, but his palms were metallic, glowing and shining. The fifth person was feverish, a flame raging under him; those who watched could not help feeling the heat as if being burned themselves. The sixth person''s arm that was wrapped by hundreds of thousands of lightning bolts looked like a home for all lightning and thunder in this world, gathering densely in one place. The seventh person had an arm on his back while another arm was drawing downwards in the air; the other end was crimson red, blood that trailed endless miles. The eighth person who was also the last was similarly clad in black. He soared among the clouds as wind gushed in front and behind him. His face could not be seen but the one eye that could be seen from the side was bright, exuding enthusiasm and ease. His form looked inexplicably free, with a tinge of pride. It was as if he was laughing recklessly whilst facing the world. Eight men in black! Ji Lingxi''s gaze spoke of utter shock as she observed the painting in front of her, feeling like her soul was being pulled into the drawing in that very instant; she could not help blurting out, "Nine Supremes!?" Yue Rulan''s eyes were trained unblinkingly on the last person, the unrestrained form that was soaring among clouds like he was flying, the figure that exuded recklessness but nonchalance too; she could not help the tears that gushed forth as she murmured, "Lingfeng!" The bright eye that looked over from the side seemed to stare back at her from the other end too, the gaze friendly, like he was softly calling out, "Lanlan" Yue Rulan felt a pinch at her nose, a hand flew up to cover her mouth suddenly so she did not sob aloud. However, through her tears, her pair of bright eyes stared straight at the bright eyes on the painting. After a moments struggle, she couldn''t hold it back any longer and broke down right there. That was Ji Lingfeng! Lingfeng, I found you! I''ve finally found you! 532 A Sky of Love, An Ocean of Hatred Both ladies looked at the painting in a trance, their eyes filled with tears. Although it was only a painting yet it was so impactful like as if one was right there in it, being shaken right to the core of their soul. For a moment, both the ladies were at a loss for words. Their intelligence and exceptional shrewdness disappeared as all of their attention and emotions were being pulled away by this drawing. It was only after a while, when Ji Lingxi shuddered, realizing with a start that Yun Yang was gone from within the chamber. "Where''s Yun Yang?" Ji Lingxi asked. Yue Rulan was woken from her trance by Ji Lingxi''s words and wiped away her tears to turn and look for the man in question. But such effort proved to be futile as well. The girls were stumped; Yun Yang was right there with them a minute ago, but where had he gone to now? The secret chamber was not that spacious; nothing could be hidden from a single glance around the walls. After the chamber''s door had closed earlier, it had not opened again. Where could Yun Yang have gone? Yue Rulan was struck with a sudden thought and she quickly turned to look again at the painting once more. It was the same drawing but something seemed different than when they had looked at it just now. The ladies exchanged a glance, sharing an unspoken feeling, and remained stunned just looking at the painting. Then, Yun Yang''s voice suddenly drifted from the painting. "I''m here." Both the ladies were shocked. Their eyes tried to trace the source of the sound and they soon discovered something. The painting that initially contained only eight people had suddenly changed to contain nine silhouettes now. Behind Supreme Wind Ji Lingfeng, there was another silhouette among the clouds. It was Yun Yang! Yun Yang had actually gone into the painting and was now meeting both the girls as a portrait in the drawing. "You" Ji Lingxi was dumbfounded. "How?" Everything that was unfolding before her eyes had exceeded her knowledge of this world. How could a living person merge into a drawing? It was unimaginably absurd! Yun Yang sighed, removing himself from the painting, and said faintly, "I am Supreme Cloud." This single sentence was both the explanation for the current situation as well as the self-revelation of his identity. Paying attention to the trail that Yun Yang came from, the girls were surprised to see the spot Yun Yang was on had a human-shaped hollow. Yun Yang had stood there and had blended into the painting! As for what Yun Yang had just uttered, they were only four words but they resonated like a thunderclap in the ladies'' hearts. Both of them felt dizzy just trying to process it. Supreme Cloud! The think tank of the Nine Supremes! The youngest of the Nine Supremes! And Ji Lingfeng''s ninth brother! No wonder he knew about Ji Lingfeng! "This painting is it drawn by you?" asked Yue Rulan with reddened eyes. Although she asked, in her heart, she already knew the answer to her question even before Yun Yang replied. Who else if not Supreme Cloud could be able to paint a painting that was so alive? Even when their faces were covered, nothing but masks and black clothes, the individual''s unique flair was still revealed based on their aura and form. The pairs of eyes on the painting were second to none, detailing each of their characteristics without reservation and with incredible likeness! "This is my brother" Ji Lingxi walked forward and stroked Supreme Wind''s portrait, murmuring, "Brother, where are you? Do you not want your sister anymore?" Yue Rulan watched the same portrait in a daze, her tears streamed freely down her face, but she did not even notice them. There were only eight people on the painting now. The last Supreme, Supreme Cloud, was beside them. Combining this discovery with the rumors heard outside, both ladies had a sudden realization. They dared not believe it entirely, but they were hoping for a sliver of good luck in this situation. But despite that, their anguish from within was unstoppable, surging from the bottom of their hearts. Yun Yang remained silent for a while but finally, he spoke, breaking the painful silence. "Ji Lingfeng is the Supreme Wind of the Nine Supremes." Yun Yang''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he dryly stated this, "My eighth brother." Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were looking at him in a daze, their gaze sorrowful. Their eyes were already rimmed red but they refused to blink, staring at Yun Yang, stubbornly waiting for the imminent answer. Even when both of them had long guessed the conclusion, they still wanted to hear it from Yun Yang personally before they believed it. Nine Supremes C The Nine Supremes, it literally meant nine people C but there were only eight on the painting while there was one standing beside them. In spite of this foreseeable deduction, a tiny sliver of hope still remained. "Eighth brother He He''s already" Yun Yang closed his eyes, his expression stoic like an emotionless statue; his parched voice sounded like thunderbolts in this silent chamber. "Already passed!" "The battle in Tianxuan Cliff all brothers fell." Yun Yang''s voice was devoid of emotion. "Only I''m left alone" His heart felt like it was torn apart. This was the first time he spoke about this aloud in person C "my brothers have passed." To say it personally, it meant that he had admitted the reality of it, yet it was this truth that Yun Yang was trying to deny with all his might. He did not want to acknowledge it, he was not willing to accept it! Today, however, whilst facing his eighth brother''s younger sister and fiance, he had to tear his wound apart once more. No matter how heart-wrenching it was, no matter how agonizing, he had to say it! Yue Rulan trembled, trying her hardest not to let her tears drop. Her tearful eyes watched Yun Yang, her voice shaking as she asked, "Then?" "My brother my older brother is gone?" Ji Lingxi murmured with quivering lips, her gaze was empty as she collapsed on the inside. Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath and said, "Our identities are unusual. Even when we''re brothers, no one knows each other''s real identity and original appearance. Hence, the eldest had asked each of us to prepare our will long ago before going on our mission in preparation for the worst." "This is also for those who are still alive among us so that we can still have a memory to hold on to." "Will?" Yue Rulan''s eyes brightened; she was trembling but she straightened up and asked, "Where is it?" "I''ve destroyed it." Yun Yang replied numbly, "Eighth brother''s will C the Supreme Wind''s will, I dare not keep it. The revelation is too much, I dare not bet on what-ifs. No matter how reluctant I am, I must make sure nothing goes wrong." Tears started falling again from Yue Rulan''s eyes. Was the last trace of what her love left in this world gone too? "The letter isn''t here anymore but I''ve memorized all the content. Every sentence, every word, I remember them all!" Yun Yang bit his lips, his voice a little shaky. But he swiftly suppressed his sadness. "You remember?" Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi looked at Yun Yang, their faces full of anticipation and they did not speak. With bated breaths, both of waited for Yun Yang to speak. They knew that Yun Yang would definitely recite Supreme Wind''s will since he had mentioned it. Even when they could not see the letter left by their loved one with their own eyes, it would mean the world to them if they could just know its contents. Yun Yang breathed in deeply before he recited Supreme Wind''s will word for word. Yun Yang did not boast. Truthfully, he could recite every one of the Nine Supremes brother''s wills that he had read; the contents of each will had seared itself onto his heart. He could recite each word, each phrase, and even each punctuation, like the back of his hand. Yun Yang believed that he would never forget them even after a hundred years had passed. Any content or minor detail would not be missed. " I have a young sister, she''s my only family My sister''s name is Ji Lingxi. It''s a nice name, right" Listening to Yun Yang, Ji Lingxi concentrated even more when it came to this part. Her ears perked up as she listened attentively, although accompanied by soft sobs, she did not miss out any word from her brother''s last loving concern as she etched them all onto her heart. As the will unfolded, Ji Lingfeng recounted the hard times he and his younger sister went through when they were younger and the various hardships he encountered in the Ji Family. Although the content was written in a joking and playful manner, Ji Lingxi''s tears streamed down her cheeks. Thinking about all that her brother had done for her throughout the many years, her grief escalated. Ji Lingxi felt her heart wrenched to an unbearable extent as she wept and sobbed hard. Ji Lingxi''s eyes were teary when she refocused her gaze at the painting, on the free silhouette of Supreme Wind, murmuring, "Brother your sister who you loves most you''ve left her without another glance why did you leave just like this" "My sister is my treasured baby. Anything good must be given to her first, she must be protected and cared for lovingly. My sister likes to scrunch up her nose when she''s angry; whoever lets my sister scrunch up her nose, I''ll climb out from my coffin and beat them to death!" Hearing this, Ji Lingxi could not suppress her grief any longer, letting out a loud sob before she fainted on the spot. Yue Rulan picked up Ji Lingxi into her embrace. She was also weeping but her eyes remained trained on Yun Yang, listening quietly to the remainder of the will. She was waiting C waiting for the part that belonged to her, but her gaze was already dripping with disappointment and distress. She refused to believe that she was not mentioned in the will, she, the fiance! "The second one is for my fiance!" As Yun Yang uttered this line, Yue Rulan''s breathing halted as she let out a soft sob almost like a murmur. It was like the universe stood still as she stared at Yun Yang without any change of air, waiting She was waiting to hear what Ji Lingfeng had left for her Suddenly, Yue Rulan was afraid that Yun Yang would announce that the will ended and there was no more content, nothing to do with her. If it had been so, Yue Rulan thought she would break down immediately. This heavy blow was no lighter than when she had first received the news of her love passing away. Luckily, Ji Lingfeng''s will had a part dedicated to her! "He remembers me! The last trace he''s left on this world includes me!" Yue Rulan thought to herself, all sorts of emotions were running through her as she felt light and afloat like as if she was in the clouds. "You conscienceless man, you still remember me, huh?" "I really like her when I grew up. Her name''s Yue Rulan, nice isn''t it? Sigh, this is also the woman I like the most and feel the sorriest for other than my sister" Yue Rulan shut her eyes softly, two rows of tears falling like a stream. Ji Lingfeng C Ji dear! Having heard your words, this lifetime of mine has been worth living! It''s enough! "I''ll marry her as long as I''m alive. The moment our business as the Nine Supremes comes to an end, I''ll invite all of you to my wedding." A smile of pity hung on Yue Rulan''s face, dotted with tears, but there was also some comfort there. I''m waiting for you to marry me. I''ve been waiting until now. I''ve been waiting but you won''t come anymore. "Of course, if I really died, go tell her that my heart has changed. I''ve married some woman and chose to live in seclusion" When Yun Yang recited this, Yue Rulan''s expression changed swiftly. It was first pale before it was red, then her eyes flickered dangerously as she clenched her teeth, huffing. "This bastard! How dare he? How dare he!" Yue Rulan scolded out loud, but tears started flowing again. "a Pearl of Flood Dragon, pass this to my sister; there''s also a piece of jade, it''s Lan''er''s, you can give it back to her" Yun Yang opened a hidden compartment in the chamber and retrieved a Pearl of Flood Dragon and a piece of jade. Ji Lingxi who had just gained consciousness, fainted again with a moan. Yue Rulan''s delicate fingers gripped the jade tightly, like she wanted to crush it into powder, but nonetheless, she held it carefully and gently, keeping the jade safe in her embrace. " I''ve left some words for Lan''er last time, ''When I become the hero of the world, I shall marry you, bringing a one hundred thousand army with me!'' My intention hasn''t changed to this day but if my will is being read by all of you, then that''s really the dream of a hero, a lifetime with a woman." Yun Yang ended his narration. About matchmaking for Yue Rulan and whatnot that followed, Yun Yang chose not to recount it. He did not want to. He knew that if he did indeed tell everything, Yue Rulan would be hurt deeply once more. "That''s all to it," Yun Yang''s voice was hollow. "The rest are secrets among us brothers, they have nothing to do with you two, so there''s no point knowing about it." Yue Rulan hugged Ji Lingxi and stayed in remained in a daze, without saying anything for a long time; only her tears continued to fall like streams. There was no more rage and anticipation in her eyes, there was not even grief; the usually vibrant orbs were lifeless, dull and dead. "Throughout the eighth brother''s life, the only two people he was most concerned about was the both of you." Yun Yang continued in a heavy voice, "Sister Lan, Lingxi you must be well from now on. Don''t let the eighth brother rest without peace." Yue Rulan said emptily, "He''s Lord Supreme Wind who''s so high up there, serving the country and people his whole life C he''s a warrior filled with a sense of justice. How can he remember petty things like us? He actually wanted you to tell me he loves someone else, married a woman better than me. Heh, how comprehensive he''s thought of things!" "Sister Lan, if I were to exchange places with the eighth brother, I''d write the same too," said Yun Yang with a sigh. Yue Rulan sighed as well and asked softly, "You''ve written such a will too?" "The Nine Supremes share a heart and act in unison. What the eighth brother did for his afterlife arrangement, I''ve done the same." Yun Yang nodded with a bitter smile. Yue Rulan asked, "Then, does your will have an arrangement for the girl you like too?" "Sister Lan''s regarding me too highly. How old am I? I have no such thought so I''ve skipped this part." Yun Yang chuckled dryly. Yue Rulan asked again, "So you mean you still don''t have someone you like until now? Is that so?" Yun Yang mused with a pause, hearing her words, before answering gently, "Yes, I don''t." "Brother Yun, you ask us to be well but you must be even better. Not only for us who are alive but those who have passed," said Yue Rulan sighing. Yun Yang nodded. "Yes. Until I avenge my brothers'' death, I shall not die!" Yue Rulan no longer replied. Grief filled the chamber that the three of them were in, any words of comfort would have been meaningless right now. Ji Lingxi was still unconscious from the extreme grief. Until they completely left the chamber, no one spoke along the way out. It was when they were about to exit the outermost chamber''s door to the outside world that Yun Yang was surprised to hear Yue Rulan murmuring to herself. "The moment our business as the Nine Supremes comes to an end, I''ll invite all of you to my wedding." "When I become the hero of the world, I shall marry you, bringing with me a one hundred thousand army." "Lingfeng, if you wanted to marry me, there''s no need for a hundred thousand army." Yue Rulan mumbled softly, "Just a word from you would have been more than enough." Yun Yang''s heart lurched, a strong pang wrenched his heart. At that moment, he suddenly thought of Yun Zuiyue, another elder brother''s abandoned loved one; was she not also such a devoted woman? During the night, Yun Yang had just managed to take a breather after busy making preparations for the what was to come. He was just about to eat and then rest but Lao Mei had come to see him, wearing a strange expression. "Young master, both ladies have invited you over for a drink." "Drink?" Yun Yang''s eyes widened. Even with the great Young Master Yun''s mind, he was perplexed by this invitation. Both ladies who were fresh from hearing the bad news at this time should be grieving uncontrollably, but why were they inviting him over to drink? What was going on? Could he not go? Obviously not. Even before he came clean about his real identity, Yun Yang was already unable to refuse any request from the girls. What more now that they knew who he was? Yun Yang went over, feeling confused. The entrance of the yard that both ladies were staying on had two red lanterns hung high and based on what was being illuminated, it could be seen that the interior had also been decorated auspiciously. A blurry warm light indicated an atmosphere of celebration. Yun Yang grew more confused, walking over to knock on the door. The one who came to answer it was Ji Lingxi. The young lady''s eyes were still reddened with a pale face but her dressing was different from the usual. It was celebratory and she even wore a red flower on her head. "Lingxi, you this you" Yun Yang was dumbstruck. Yun Yang was all the more speechless while taking in the sight before him. What was going on, why was it so bizarre? Tears hung at Ji Lingxi''s eyes but she forced a smile. "It''s Sister Yue, She insists and I C I can''t stop her" "What is it? What are you dressing up for?" Yun Yang frowned. Ji Lingxi did not explain but stepped aside. When Yun Yang took a peek inside and actually saw how the yard was, he was even more stunned. Everything that greeted his eyes baffled him speechless and his heart throbbed with an unprecedented ache. Under the light, Yue Rulan was seen wearing a bright red bridal robe while her hair was coiled up high; she was actually wearing a bride''s dress and make-up, a soft smile lingering on her face. She was beautiful. "Brother Yun, come in, come in. Enter and take a seat." Yue Rulan smiled, walking over, and pulled at Yun Yang''s elbow without a care for taboo; she said smiling, "Today, this sister-in-law is inviting you to have a drink of my wedding wine. You''re not going home if you''re not drunk, you won''t be allowed to leave if you drink too little." She seemed to choke up while speaking but regained the smile quickly as she continued with a chuckle, "Today, I should say that I invited all the brothers for a drink instead. You have to drink their parts too, okay!" Yun Yang was rooted to the spot, the clenching pang in his heart growing stronger. For a moment, he was still at a complete loss for words. "Brother Yun, why are you frozen? Come take a seat." Yue Rulan looked completely at ease, flushed, as she said with a sweet smile, "Your eighth brother owes all of you a wedding reception. It''s a big deal. Since this sister-in-law is here today, of course it must be recompensed. Hmm, today is your brother''s and my big day. Brother Yun, as the only guest, and the representative of all the brothers, it''s inevitable that you''re the witness of our wedding. Come, hurry, and take your seat. Your sister-in-law will go all out today, let us stop only when we''re drunk." Hearing Yue Rulan''s words, Yun Yang was like a statue, frozen and feeling lost, in spite of all his intelligence. He let Yue Rulan pull him into the banquet dumbfounded. The table was already set up with an array of dishes while everywhere else was in the auspicious color red. Yue Rulan was clad in a red bridal robe, captivating and gorgeous; although there was a veil on her face that slightly concealed her real beauty, her features were still stunning nonetheless. Two pairs of red candles burned quietly, their red wax sliding off slowly, drop after drop. A pot of wine was in front of them, exuding its aromatic scent. 533 An Acciden Yun Yang turned around abruptly, looking at Ji Lingxi in disbelief. Ji Lingxi lowered her head, casting her red-rimmed eyes downwards, and spoke softly, "I I can''t I didn''t agree to it but Sister Lan said that even if I don''t agree, there''s only death in store for her. My brother''s not here anymore, if I don''t agree, she won''t be able to be a part of the Ji Family, I" she trailed off. A red scarf hugged the bottom of Yue Rulan''s neck. With Yun Yang''s sharp vision, he could easily see the faint trail of blood seeping through. Coercing Ji Lingxi with her life, threatening her with her death, this was how the wedding banquet came to be. Ji Lingxi lowered her head and sighed softly. Yue Rulan''s focused on her, she said with a smile, "Lingxi, today is your brother''s and your sister-in-law''s big day. Why aren''t you helping to welcome our guest? After today, we''ll truly be a family!" Ji Lingxi breathed in and said, "I''ll go now." She then turned to enter the room. Yun Yang closed his eyes and breathed out a long exhale. His eyes opened shortly and he put a grin on and said, "Congratulations! Sister-in-law, you''re marrying into my eighth brother''s family today. What a match made in heaven! I''m so happy for my brother and I wish for both of you to stay together forever." Yue Rulan''s eyes turned into crescents as she replied, "I sure hope it comes true. Since you''ve called me sister-in-law, then you must drink more today. You''re not alone, you know?" Yun Yang nodded vehemently and said, "Of course, of course. I''ve come to this banquet today on behalf of all my brothers. I must drink till I am intoxicated!" Yue Rulan''s eyes were twinkling as she replied, "Then today will be the happiest day in my life. This is enough to last me a lifetime." "Congratulations," said Yun Yang again. After saying that word, he wanted to go on saying a couple more congratulatory phrases but felt his throat locking itself down. No further words could be produced. The curtain was drawn back as Ji Lingxi exited the room and rejoined them. When Yun Yang looked over, Ji Lingxi had changed into a man''s clothing; it was the bridegroom''s attire. She looked handsome and lively. What a charming bridegroom! Yun Yang now better understood what Yue Rulan meant when she told Ji Lingxi to help her. He had only come on behalf of his Nine Supremes brothers, but Ji Lingxi had to both welcome the guest and also become the family of the bridegroom; she had to be the bridegroom as well. Yue Rulan looked a little awkward and said anxiously, "Brother Yun, I''ve suddenly got this idea today and wanted to fulfill this wish of becoming husband and wife. You''ll have to be the witness of our wedding, the officiator, and the guest all by yourself." Yun Yang breathed in deeply and said in a light-hearted manner, "It doesn''t matter, sister-in-law. It would be wrong if you had not sought to include me. Besides, it isn''t only me, Yun Yang, alone today. The Nine Supremes brothers stay together through life and death, never letting each other go. We''re together. Just as I am here, they are here as well. Yue Rulan then hooked arms with Ji Lingxi and said happily, "Brother Yun, look at us husband and wife, how do we look? Don''t we look like a great couple?" Yun Yang emptied his goblet, gulping down the heartache and inexplicable grief along the wine; he put on an equally joyous face as he answered, "Marvelous! A perfect match made in heaven of both talent and beauty, a woman of charm and a man of genius, perfect indeed!" The red candles burned. Yun Yang''s voice sounded like it was choked and he had to cough out his words. "Bride and bridegroom, the first kowtow is to heaven and earth!" "Second to the parents!" "Third to each other!" "End of the ceremony!" The bride and bridegroom had gone in for their nuptial night to complete the last protocol. Yun Yang faced the table full of dishes and wine by himself, feeling his throat clogging up; every bite he took was tasteless like as if he was chewing wax. Yun Yang''s well-known trait of gluttony was already gone but even if it had still remained, he would not have been able to swallow another mouthful. Frustrated, he picked up the pot of wine, intending to gulp down the liquid straightaway. When the whole pot was emptied, he heaved a long sigh. "A dream of a hero, a lifetime of a woman Eighth brother if your spirit remains how can you bear letting such a soul mate be wasted away like this" "Eighth brother!" "A dream of a hero, a lifetime of a woman Sigh" Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi walked out shoulder to shoulder. Both of them had just shared the cross-cupped drink. They looked lively but tears tinged their smiles. Their grief and sorrow needed no words of explanation. Yue Rulan was still beaming joyously, just like a bride who had fulfilled her wish of marrying a great man. Ji Lingxi however, looked weighed down, tears hanging by the tips of her lashes; she held her grief down, forcing herself to look jubilant. "Brother, today''s our big day. Your sister-in-law and eighth brother will propose a toast. You can''t run away!" Yue Rulan picked up the pot of wine and poured a goblet full of wine, passing it to Yun Yang, and said, "The bride is here to propose a toast." Yun Yang accepted it mechanically and pulled the corners of his lips into a smile. "Great wine! I will definitely drink this wine! Even if I were to be drunk after this, I''d still drink it. This toast is to wish my eighth brother and sister-in-law to always be harmonious and happy together." He raised his goblet and finished the contents with a gulp. The second goblet came. Yun Yang sucked in a breath. "This second one, I wish my eighth brother and sister-in-law to be together forever, eternally husband and wife!" "The third toast, I wish my eighth brother and sister-in-law to be in love forever, till the end of the world!" "The fourth toast, I''ll drink it on behalf of my brothers!" "Brother, don''t keep drinking. Sit, sit. Have some dishes. You''ll be drunk soon enough if you keep drinking without eating anything. You''re here representing all your brothers. Even if we''re to stop only when we''re drunk, I can''t have you being intoxicated so early." It was the most suffering meal Yun Yang ever experienced in his life but he forced himself to put up a happy front and kept on toasting, cooperating with all his might. "This toast, to the brothers." "Thank you, sister-in-law." "Again!" "Thank you!" Eight consecutive goblets of wine were gulped down. Yun Yang was in great agony after drinking them. "Eldest brother, second brother, third sister, fourth brother, sixth brother, seventh brother, eighth brother''s wedding wine, I''ve drunk it all for you guys." A while later, when Yun Yang was utterly inebriated, his head throbbed with a dull ache and his vision became foggy. Not only was this wedding banquet the most insufferable meal of his life, it was also the only time Yun Yang was intoxicated since the battle at Tianxuan Cliff! Yun Yang''s vision was blurry but it was like as if his brothers had really reunited here in this foggy sight; everyone was holding a goblet as laughter and chatter filled the place. "Today, you''ve witnessed I, Yue Rulan, finally becoming husband and wife with Ji Lingfeng. From now on, I, Yue Rulan, am a part of the Ji Family, a Ji mistress!" "From today onwards, I will never look for you again, I will never miss you anymore. Because you''re already my husband, you''re right here in my heart C you won''t run away again!" "You can triumph over the sky, riding the winds and clouds, be the hero that no one can rival! I shall only wait quietly! This shall be enough." "Ji Lingfeng, this lifetime of yours, for eternity, don''t ever think of getting rid of me!" They had more than enough wine. Through the haze of his drunkenness Yun Yang vaguely heard Yue Rulan speaking, as if at a distance, saying,"Brother, it''s impossible for your sister-in-law to give birth to a Ji Family''s descendant in this lifetime. This is my regret. But there''s something else, before your eighth brother left, it was actually his younger sister that he was most worried for. Lingxi''s children will be Ji Family''s descendants" "We won''t be able to take care much of his sister so you must take good care of your eighth brother''s sister instead." "From now on, your eighth brother and I will entrust Lingxi to you..." "If you guys are not fated to be then that''s fine, but if you are, when you have children in the future, let one have the surname Ji so that your eighth brother''s legacy can live on." Yun Yang did not control his alcohol tolerance at all during the meal, nor did he force the alcohol out of his body using a mystical skill. He was truly intoxicated to the brim. Alcohol was the solution to misery C such was this wedding, the devotion, the women, and the atmosphere; Yun Yang was in a hurry for himself to be knocked out as only then could he be numbed to everything else! "This worldly realm all alone" Yun Yang heaved a long sigh and suddenly laughed, "You all have gone off to enjoy but look at me, all alone and fighting in havoc! Hahaha "his laughter trailed off. With a plop, he collapsed on the table and lost consciousness. Looking at Yun Yang who was knocked out drunk, Yue Rulan sighed softly and said, "Come, Lingxi, let us sister-in-laws drink too! It''s a big day, how can we not drink? Indeed the cross-cupped wine was drank representing your brother, but that isn''t enough!" Ji Lingxi had never been good at drinking plus she was exceptionally heavyhearted today; she was already tipsy when Yue Rulan forced another few goblets of wine down her throat, then she swayed and collapsed just like Yun Yang. Yue Rulan sighed sympathetically as she watched Ji Lingxi get knocked out. She mumbled softly, "Lingxi, if you go on being so reserved then Yun Yang, who doesn''t even know romance, won''t ever take the initiative, especially because he shoulders too much. He might never even think about romance and ultimately you''ll end up like me now, alone." "How can no one proceed with the nuptial night in today''s wedding?" "I hope you don''t blame me in the future" "If there''s any condemnation then let your sister-in-law carry it. This is also the last time I can help you." Yun Yang slept deeply. He felt as if all his brothers had come to his side and were drinking merrily. He could not help beaming and sighing in content, "I miss you all" His hand jerked as if he had touched something; he rolled over, opened his eyes and focused his gaze, only to see someone lying right beside him. It was Ji Lingxi, eyes closed and breathing gently, still deep in sleep. What was going on? Beside him? Huh! Why was Ji Lingxi on his bed? What was happening? Yun Yang shook his head, feeling dazed; he stretched his hand to push at Ji Lingxi without hesitation, asking, "You" Just as the word was uttered, Ji Lingxi who was sleeping flashed red all of a sudden! At the same time, an incredibly terrifying force erupted forth like the entire world had just collapsed before Yun Yang. An unstoppable power charged out from Ji Lingxi, who was still asleep. With a boom, Yun Yang was struck without any defense. Bang! The window was crushed as Yun Yang flew out like a broken kite. When he tried his best to open his eyes in midair, he only saw crushed window fragments going farther away from him before a violent stab of pain rose within him. Yun Yang was shocked, at a complete loss to understand what was happening. Everything that happened so far was well out of his expectation and it was only growing more absurd and unbelievable. Bang! Bang! Bang! Yun Yang finally was thrown against a wall after breaking two trees. He spat blood with a cry, feeling his entire body ache as he wondered how many bones he had broken in the crash. He lifted his head with some effort, feeling dumbstruck, "What C what''s happening" "Who attacked me? Who is it?" Yue Rulan who was sitting under the tree and moon outside was completely shocked as she took in the scene, springing up with a soft cry and watching it unfold in panic. She had forecasted many possible outcomes, be it Yun Yang making the exit in bewilderment, shame, or even angrily from being tricked; those outcomes wouldn''t have been a surprise. However, to be beaten out so violently, this was beyond her expectation and belief. Yue Rulan suddenly became aware of the scariest possibility and rushed into the room. What she saw was Ji Lingxi still sleeping on the bed neatly clothed; she had yet to wake up. There was no third party in the room nor an intruder, but then what was responsible for the scene that just happened? Yue Rulan was stumped. Ji Lingxi was still sound asleep and there was no third party between them. Then, who had flung Yun Yang out? When she went to the door again to look, Yun Yang could barely pick himself up as he was still vomiting blood. His gaze was in complete disarray. Yue Rulan''s mouth was wide open. Yun Yang finally found his footing and stood up in a stagger, asking weakly, "Sister Yuewhat''s going on? Swoosh, swoosh Bai Yixue, Yun Xiaoyao, Lao Mei and Fang Mofei came flying over as if they were about to face an enemy. Yun Yang''s current cultivation base was one of the highest, just after Bai Yixue, among the crowd now; how could he have suffered instantly from such a harsh blow? If there was an enemy, it must have been such a formidable enemy indeed! Yet as they looked around, everything appeared serene and unruffled. There was no sign of enemies at all. Yun Yang''s injuries, though, were clear to the eyes. How?! 534 Act! Act All You Want! Yun Yang, Great Young Master Yun Yang, stood up staggering, with a stunned look on his face. He was in a stupor. "Where am I?" "What''s going on?" "I was still on the bed just now" "There was someone beside me?" "Someone beside me?!" Thinking about it, Yun Yang recalled with a chill that it was Ji Lingxi who was beside him just now. His immediate thought was that Ji Lingxi, who was so near to him, must be in grave danger because the attacker must be significantly skilled to be able to blow him away and injure him like this. Just as Yun Yang struggled to hurry inside so he could check on Ji Lingxi, Yue Rulan walked over hastily. She frowned and whispered harshly, "Brother Yun you C you''ve drunk too much. How can you be this way?" Yue Rulan''s cultivation base was higher than ordinary cultivators but was still far from Yun Yang''s level thus she did not think too much about what the ruckus could mean. Instead, she connected the dots somewhere else Yun Yang was smarter than the average person. He realized the awkward situation right as he woke up and acted as in a play being directed by himself in order to camouflage or even avoid the sticky situation at hand. Sister-in-law Yue could not be blamed for thinking so randomly. Firstly, Yun Yang''s cultivation base had reached a very lofty height that far exceeded Yue Rulan''s knowledge so it would be beyond her imagination for someone to fling Yun Yang so far away. It was more so when Ji Lingxi made no more consequent noise after that one ruckus. Compared to Yun Yang being awfully struck, Sister-in-law Yue would love to believe that it was Yun Yang''s purposefully doing something to avoid a certain responsibility. As the mastermind behind this episode, she must do something! An anxious Yun Yang was dumbfounded in bewilderment. What was his sister-in-law saying? Why did he not understand a thing? Yue Rulan stomped her foot and scolded him, "You C you can''t violate my sister no matter how much you drank last night. Look at what you''ve done! This doesn''t end here. Your eighth brother isn''t here but your eighth sister-in-law is still here!" Yun Yang''s eyes went wide, they were coloured with fear, as he thought "Huh? Violate? Did I violate Ji Lingxi? Wait, isn''t it of greater urgency to check on Ji Lingxi now? Eighth sister-in-law, how do you still have the mood to argue about this? Just promoted with a title and now you''ve become so imposing, eh?" However, Yue Rulan''s words reminded Yun Yang that it was indeed Ji Lingxi who was lying on his bed just as he woke up and he had even stretched his arm to push Push Push Oh Oh my god, push? Yun Yang was struck with the realization of what had just happened. The culprit that blown him away was actually the sudden surge of energy that exploded from Ji Lingxi when he pushed her. The entire process was absurd but it was also unstoppable C but he really was forcibly flung away. As Yun Yang recalled the feeling of that moment, he was sure that there was no third party ambush thus Ji Lingxi was safe but he was also frightened the more he thought about it. That power that emanated from Ji Lingxi made Yun Yang feel like he was facing an unsurpassable and unpredictable force. It was beyond imagination and invincible. But how did this happen? The more one knew the lesser one felt. Personally experiencing that force, Yun Yang felt the lingering fear deepening now because the longer he thought about it, the more unrivaled the force seemed as compared to when he just came experienced it. The oppressive force was incomparable, not even Ling Xiaozui or Mr. Nian''s strike at Lei Dongtian back then could match it. This force was much more terrifying, so many times more! After all, Yun Yang''s cultivation base, capability, and experience as of now were not the same as they used to be then. In contrast to Yue Rulan, Yun Xiaoyao who was more experienced in life, looked at Yun Yang meaningfully before he shifted his glance to Yue Rulan. With an intentional frown, he asked, "What''s going on? Yun Yang hasviolated your sister?" A certain someone was slyer as his cultivation base was higher than Yue Rulan''s as well; he had sensed Ji Lingxi''s state at once when Yun Yang was flung out and had confirmed that the former was indeed alright. Therefore, he was more certain that Yun Yang''s flying adventure was an act as if his serious injuries were nothing at all. It was a piece of cake for a heaven realm cultivator to create some havoc and fake severe damage. Thus Yun Xiaoyao, assumed, just like Yue Rulan, that this was Yun Yang''s countermeasure. He would be happy to see Yun Yang leaving his bachelor life too, so he had naturally cooperated with Yue Rulan. He thought, "You want to get rid of suspicion using this method? Dream on! Besides, you''re caught right in the middle of the deed!" "Even if it didn''t happen, I''ll make it happen for you!" Yue Rulan''s eyes brightened. She was smart enough to quickly discern the cooperation in Yun Xiaoyao''s tone, and agreed, "That''s right! Otherwise, how will he be beaten out?" "This animal!" Yun Xiaoyao looked furious. "How dare you do something so inappropriate, brazen and disgusting? Lady, don''t you worry. I will surely make him give a good explanation to all of us. As Yun Yang''s father, I''ll take charge of this matter, I''ll be the final decision maker!" "I''ll thank King Yun over here then!" Yue Rulan was finally relieved but she could not help feeling an aching sense of happy melancholy. With Yun Xiaoyao pushing the matter, it would be much stronger than just her pushing it alone. "Ji Lingfeng, I''ve found my sister someone she likes as her ultimate home" From Yun Xiaoyao''s point of view, he was just happy to see things come to a boil. With how much experience he had in life, it was easy for him to understand the situation now. It was a devoted lady who had encountered an unromantic man. The lady was all sorts of willing while the man was confused or discouraged. Besides, the reason Yun Xiaoyao would push for the matter, disregarding his status in the process, was that he felt deeply for Yun Yang C it might be impossible in this lifetime for the latter to take initiative in finding a wife with his temper and heavy sense of responsibility; but that would be a lifetime of regret! It was due to these factors that Yun Xiaoyao backed up Yue Rulan. Yun Yang and Yun Xiaoyao were Royal Highnesses now but what were Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi''s identities in comparison? Put nicely, they were direct descendants of noble families; for a lack of better words, they were martial world women. There would be no hope for them to be married into a king''s family! They would not even qualify to be concubines! "This stupid child. If I didn''t give this a push, he may really be single throughout his life," sighed Yun Xiaoyao to himself. The young man had never taken him as his real father but Yun Xiaoyao had long taken the boy as his son. As a father C a decent father, how could he not plan his son''s marriage? "It''s just that, this lady''s cultivation base is very high indeed, is she violent too?" Yun Xiaoyao commented as he watched Yun Yang, who was still vomiting blood. He only made this comment because he thought that everything was an act. No one thought that Ji Lingxi had actually hurt Yun Yang up to this point. When they knew each other in the eastern defense line, they knew that this lady''s capability was excellent but it was surely impossible for her to be able to hurt Yun Yang. Yun Xiaoyao smiled and called out, "Patch the young master up quickly." Then, he left leisurely with arms on his back, no longer caring about his son who was injured so badly that he was spitting blood. Act! Act some more! I''ll see how long you can keep up this act! Yun Yang lied down weakly in his room, still feeling dizzy and disorientated. Resting on the bed, he succumbed to sleep immediately. Others could assume that he was putting on a show but he was really feeling awful and in dire need to of recuperation. In a haze, he seemed to hear people talking from very far away and very near to him at the same time. It felt surreal but every line rang loudly in his ear. "You''re still not taking such a wife?" asked someone in discontent. "Sigh" someone sighed. "You don''t want such a son-in-law?" someone asked again. "Hmph!" Someone sounded very reluctant. "You''re an utter bastard. What you gave your daughter, that''s like asking her to grow old at home! Even if it won''t I''d like to see who''s capable to be your son-in-law!" "Hmph, how can one be my son-in-law if he''s not capable? Is your father''s daughter so easy to be won over?" Yun Yang heard all of this through the fog covering his mind. Just as he wanted to open his eyes to find out what was actually going on, he found his eyelids to be as heavy as lead, unable to pry them open no matter how much he tried. Strangely, it was as if someone had fed him some medicine as he felt very light all of a sudden. Then, he heard some five or eight voices speaking simultaneously, "Idiot!" It sounded like all these people were scolding someone in unison, perhaps? Then the voices all disappeared, like as if they never existed in the first place. With a soft noise, Yun Yang straightened up from his bed and was surprised to see no one else in his room. Incredibly, His aching organs felt fine now! The dreamy feeling he just had now vanished too. Yun Yang picked himself up in a hurry, his eyes bulging in surprise. He felt so light. There was no trace of the heavy blow he had suffered from. It was like his body was lighter than before he was injured, smooth and lithe. What was going on? Yun Yang recalled the events that had happened a few hours prior. He was drinking last night C this surely did happen. He then got drunk and lost consciousness C this happened too. Then what happened then? Why was he beaten up? Who was it who had beaten him up? Ji Lingxi? It was impossible. She was still sleeping soundly like a piglet when he woke up. No C the crux of the matter was not this; but how did both of them end up in the same bed? This was the main point! Yun Yang shook his head and bolted out of his door. "Uh Sister Lan" Yun Yang called out when he got to the ladies'' yard, feeling his heart cringe at Yue Rulan''s coiled hair, the look of a married woman. "Call me sister-in-law." Yue Rulan glared, her tone unprecedentedly icy as if some taboo of hers had been breached. "Sister-in-law," Yun Yang corrected himself while rubbing his nose. "Hmm, tell me. What was it you were doing?" Yue Rulan struck first with a barrage of questions. "You think you can violate our Lingxi just because you''re drunk? You were putting on a show just now too, weren''t you? Do you think you can avoid responsibility by pretending? Why aren''t you acting now? You heal quite fast too!" Yue Rulan''s gaze indicated that she was seeing through Yun Yang''s tricks; it was unquestionable, firm, and leaving no room for argument. "Act! Act all you want! And how is it that you''ve recovered so fast?" Yue Rulan asked with a sideways glance. Yun Yang, whose healing was beyond expectation, was struck speechless. He vowed inwardly, "I''m not drinking anymore from now on!" "I guarantee I didn''t do anything! Why must my injuries be an intentional act? I''m really hurt, it''s just that the injuries healed right away. Aren''t my words proof enough for you to believe?!" "What about Lingxi? Is she awake yet?" Yun Yang finally asked. He felt troubled if he did not make clear of this. "She woke up long ago," Yue Rulan snorted, looking disgruntled. Ji Lingxi''s voice came from behind the door, "Nothing happened last night. Sister Lan, don''t you blame him." Yue Rulan sighed, thinking for a moment, "I surrender," she said sarcastically. "Both of you, one of you so adorably dumb and another so adorably innocent." "Both idiots!" "What a match made in heaven, aren''t you two the most matching indeed!" 535 A Whirlpool of Brewing Troubles Compared to the issue with Yun Yang, Yun Xiaoyao''s current focus was more towards Bao''er''s regular lessons instead. He who watched the teachers daily educating the young boy in turns was both deeply immersed in his supervision task and yet also wore a gaze of comfort. The child was young but obedient, anyone would be fond of him. Yun Xiaoyao''s endearment towards Bao''er increased as the days passed by, exceeding that of Emperor of Yutang and Yun Yang too. The threat of imminent war for Yutang had ended. While a new storm showed its beginning signs, it had yet to fully surface. Bai Yixue, Fang Mofei, Lao Mei, and others officially took their positions as security and babysitter. However, their talents were barely employed in the time that followed. Other than the three waves of ambush from suicide assassins that felt more like probes than actual full-scale attacks, there was no more ruckus; it was unusually peaceful for some time. Yun Yang was not surprised. A little would go a long way C the three ambushes were mainly to test the Residence of Yun''s defense strength and their degree of concern for the child. The Residence of Yun''s countermeasures towards these ambushes spoke well enough about their attitude. Under such premises, if the attackers could not succeed in one go, it would only alarm the defenders; as they would instead cook up an ultimate ambush and finish things in one massive blow. In spite of this, Yun Yang was fearless. After all, the prospect of danger that could be currently produced within Tiantang City was considered as nothing in Yun Yang''s eyes. Even if the crown prince and entourage acted, Yun Yang''s crushing counter would await them once they did! If it came to that, Yun Yang would not be fazed at all in turning Tiantang City into a river of blood. For the time being, however, Yun Yang was caught in a perilous dilemma. He watched Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan''s actions closely almost every day. After the incident, his awkwardness about what happened was secondary to his worry for Yue Rulan, afraid that his new Sister-in-law Yue would take things too hard and follow after his eighth brother. What happened to Yun Zuiyue had already become a nightmare to Yun Yang after the battle in Tianxuan Cliff. He really did not want a similar tribulation to happen again. Yun Yang made no move but the Nine Supremes'' force grew. Since Shui Wuyin took after Nine Supremes'' intelligence system, the Labyrinth of Nine Heavens Intelligence spread further like a huge spider that was quickly weaving a gargantuan web that wrapped the entire continent in the underground where no one could see. Even Yun Yang was in disbelief at Shui Wuyin''s efficiency. The operation was not completed yet but seeds were being sown in every direction; the foundation was already taking form. Things were growing rapidly and continuously. Yun Yang thought to himself that his efficiency would probably be lacking in comparison to Shui Wuyin even if he were to take things into his hands without a second care for other matters. In fact, it was not ''probably'' C it was ''definitely''. One should be a master in his profession C Shui Wuyin was a natural talent for this! There was no other substitute for him. Regarding the matter, Yun Yang had only gone to see Shui Wuyin in secret once. "Our current target prioritizes various countries, cities, military, and whatnot. When these are about done, then we release the tentacles into the martial world." "I understand." "The martial world houses too many strange talents and unexpected variables. The forces that are against us are even more. If our men were to be caught, we''ll have to endure the risk of being found out from various hints and rumors. This must be cautioned against and to be strictly avoided." "I understand and have already made respective preparations. No matter which link sees an issue, the attached upper and lower ends will break off their connections immediately. It will never tie back to our base. The base of the Nine Supremes is an unknown secret, even from our own people." "Good." "Wuyin, what''s your future plan?" "Revenge for our boss!" "After the revenge?" " I don''t have further plans." "Is your focus in the martial world? The imperial court? Maybe further?" "You can forget further. I lack such talent nor do I have such a wild wish. The martial world and its martial affairs, I have enough of them too; as for the imperial court, it''s not my joy to conspire and outwit each other either. The most ideal will probably be secretly taking charge of this matter. It''s enough for now and it gives me a sense of achievement too." "Hmm" After their talk, Yun Yang thought long about the situation and even gave rise to some woes. Shui Wuyin''s thinking was very simple and straightforward, but such a simple mindset would be tricky to handle later on. When the world was united in the future, the forces of the intelligence organization that Shui Wuyin had built would be a weapon no ruler could ignore! It was because the very existence of the entity itself was one that sufficed to become an immense threat to the royal autonomy. When it came to that time, both sides would stand against each other and proceed to have an irreversible stand-off. However, it was not realistic to end things now. Yun Yang believed that even if he did not continue to work towards this, even if he did not tell the emperor about this, even if the emperor did not agree to it, Shui Wuyin would be able to continue manipulating this force as long as he wanted to. Besides, Yun Yang very much needed this force now. "Forget it, let nature run its course. Whatever happens in the future will be in the future. No point in worrying myself with non-existent woes now." Yun Yang thought, "As long as I stay alive, this balance will continue indefinitely. Even if I die one day, this underground force of Shui Wuyin will continue to help Yutang against external threats too; the balance can still be kept." Whenever the emperor was free, he would visit the Residence of Yun in casual attire to see Bao''er''s learning progress. This was the current crux of things. If Bao''er was limited in talent and was not up for greater things, everything would be as immaterial as a dream. However, the learning ability that Bao''er had shown so far baffled both the emperor and Yun Xiaoyao. The innate talent and ability of Bao''er was no longer describable by words like ''genius'' and so on. Not only could the kid absorb everything he learned, regardless of subject, he could understand it intimately and could apply it to his advantage as well. Bao''er was even able to ponder deeply regarding certain subjects that just a single day of his study exceeded ten dedicated years of study for an ordinary person. The height of his aptitude was beyond imagination; he was a rare talent indeed. Today, His Majesty and Yun Xiaoyao were discussing the matters of imperial court power balance. Bao''er was listening quietly at the side. When he heard about the balancing of power among the Grand Commandant, the Grand Preceptor and the other families of generals like Qiu and Leng, he showed that he was putting on his thinking cap. The emperor was amused and casually asked, "What does Bao''er think about this? Do you have any opinion?" Yun Xiaoyao chortled when he heard him, obviously tickled by the question. As for the emperor who started the topic, he was beaming too, not expecting to actually hear an answer. How could a three to four-year-old child know anything about the issues they were discussing? Despite his age, Bao''er thought carefully. He frowned and said, "Emperor Grandpa, you''ll have to be tired to have both sides suffer but also not suffer." Hearing this sudden reply, the emperor''s hand that was stroking his beard jolted and pulled two strands out of his beard. His eyes widened, filled with shock as they looked at Bao''er. As for Yun Xiaoyao, his eyes had widened in surprise too. About the counterbalance between ruler and officials, the balance of martial and civil sides, Bao''er had attributed the pinnacle of balance to the emperor. The truth was exactly that too; while the child''s choice of words was childish, the theory behind it was essentially correct. "Why does Bao''er say that I''ll have to be tired?" the emperor asked while contemplating Bao''er''s words. Bao''er answered naively, widening his distinctly black and white colored round eyes, "It''s simple. Emperor Grandpa doesn''t really want to beat them and can only allow them to be afraid of being beaten. Just like Bao''er playing see-saw, once one side is heavy, the other side will come up. To maintain it from moving up and down, both sides must be about the same so they can''t be too heavy on either side. Emperor Grandpa is the one taking care of both sides of people on the see-saw, of course you''ll be tired!" Both His Majesty and Yun Xiaoyao were momentarily speechless at Bao''er''s astute observation. "What if I don''t want to be tired?" His Majesty asked, taking Bao''er into his embrace. "Don''t want to be tired" Bao''er thought about it with his head cocked to one side, "As long as there''s no one on the see-saw, only then it will be quiet! It won''t need another person there to balance it." The emperor frowned upon hearing this answer, deep in thought. Was this another suggestion to let go of his reins? Was it suitable for now though? Subsequently, the emperor and Yun Xiaoyao began using other topics to prompt Bao''er''s replies. Bao''er''s answers were very childlike and plenty of what he said was hardly answering the question; most of the time the child was looking at both of the men with an agape mouth and bleary gaze, unable to understand what they were saying. But even so, his answers to the topics he could comprehend were enough to shock the emperor and Yun Xiaoyao. The emperor was especially comforted that he now had an heir; when he checked Bao''er''s academic progress, he was more than pleased. "Bao''er is a genius!" His Majesty told Yun Xiaoyao. Yun Xiaoyao nodded. "Not only is he a genius, he''s an incredibly intelligent child. If there''s a choice, I truly don''t want to send such a child into the hegemony of royal power. Also, don''t you think this child is too mature? There isn''t any of the usual mischief and exuberance belonging to a normal kid. A child who doesn''t like to play?" The emperor was unaffected. "What are you saying? How can a ruler''s position be earned without a certain price paid? Don''t project the example of you straying from imperial power onto Bao''er, okay? Besides, isn''t Bao''er playing too?" The Emperor sighed, "He''s naturally talented and he''s aware of his future responsibilities. The fact that he''s matured at such a young age is actually a comfort to me." "How dare you say it aloud that you''re also just pinning your thoughts and decisions onto Bao''er?" Yun Xiaoyao hissed. "We''re more or less the same. Aren''t you planning to do the same as you did back then? I''ve heard father mentioning that you were different from other children since you were young." "In contrary, what''s so bad about my idea? Although he''s different from other children now, barely able to have a happy childhood, he''ll be able to relish his supreme position. It''s obvious how one should make his choice regarding the significance of things," the emperor replied with a sly glance. Yun Xiaoyao scoffed and rolled his eyes but did not say anything. They held different perspectives; his happiness and subject of ecstasy, his joy, were all vastly distinct from his older brother, the emperor. It was not up for debate as Bao''er was his older brother''s biological grandson C he was only taking care of the child. He did not have much opportunity to speak up. It was just that the child would have to grind harder in the future C sigh, why was Bao''er not his biological grandson instead! Thinking about it, Marquis Yun could not help relating it to Yun Yang and that awkward episode between the latter and Ji Lingxi. He imagined that if Yun Yang got married earlier, he would be able to have a grandchild in the recent years to come. "Too bad Old Qiu is still in a coma now. I really want to discuss it with him," sighed His Majesty in lament. "Discuss? I think you want to boast huh! If Old Qiu knows that you''re waiting for him to wake up so you can trigger him about the fact that he has yet to have any grandchildren, I think he''d rather sleep forever than to wake up and face your loathsome face and annoying speech," Yun Xiaoyao said and left right away. "What did you say?" Yun Xiaoyao had said everything without a single pause, so much so that His Majesty was not able to gauge the true meaning of it at that moment. Yun Yang was idle for two months. For two full months, nothing happened. Whether the princes or the School of Kismet State, no one made an appearance. The situation surprised Yun Yang, but he was still feeling rather helpless. After all, other than ensuring Bao''er''s safety, he had to keep an eye out for Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan; his manifestation powers had yet to recover fully, so he was unable to head out and investigate it. Recently, he kept feeling that Yue Rulan''s suicidal intention was growing more intense. He was more than willing to keep an eye out for her daily to prevent any mishap. In addition, Yun Yang knew that Ji Lingxi seemed to be carrying a huge secret inside her C one that was earth-shatteringly so. Ji Lingxi, as the direct litigant, was unaware of it, while Yue Rulan, Yun Xiaoyao, Bai Yixue and others had misunderstood him. However, Yun Yang as the direct victim would never let this huge discovery slip; he who was always mystified by extraterrestrial power was very keen to understand what the red light that flashed from Ji Lingxi was. This had caused the young man to scan Ji Lingxi like an interrogation lamp every time he saw her. Ji Lingxi was both embarrassed and angered about it C what was that bastard looking at every day with such an indecent gaze? That gaze looked like he was undressing her. Each time she saw it, she was perturbed. Shangguan Lingxiu had visited twice with her four nephews during the period of time. When they came for the second time, a lightbulb went off in Yun Yang''s head and he asked the four children to stay instead. The four children would be Bao''er''s company C his study companions. The emperor was happy to see how things unfolded while Shangguan Lingxiu was absolutely delighted as the Shangguan Family thought this was a blessing; anyone could see the future and status of this child in the Empire of Yutang. Perhaps, as long as he could grow up healthy, the supreme throne of the Empire of Yutang was indisputably his! To be able to be the child''s companions since young, it was a godsend to forge a childhood friendship! Old Mistress Shangguaan who was indifferent to most worldly affairs was glad to see it happen too. Shangguan Lingxiu''s visits became more frequent after her four nephews became study companions in the Residence of Yun. Then, Lady Shangguan, Ji Lingxi, and Yue Rulan went back to their previous bosom relationship. They often went out to play together, to practice martial skills, to chat, to have tea, and sometimes, to drink. The intimacy of having gone through the battlefield and fought a war together surpassed the concepts of life and death. Three ladies would have been sworn sisters of life and death if it were not for a certain man. As they warmed back up to each other, the source of their covert dispute was invited to gather with them as well; the atmosphere was peaceful but also fragile. In spite of the good things that were happening, a lurking threat remained, looming over them. Yun Yang thought the past two months were too quiet, an engulfing sense of danger constantly surrounded his heart. The princes might not be adequate in becoming a threat but where did the School of Kismet State go? They would never give up on destroying Yutang''s destiny! There was also the Four Seasons Tower C where did they go too? Lei Dongtian as well, where had the guy gone to? It had been some time since he returned to the Bound of Universe, why was there no more news? The martial world, the martial world did not seem to have any notable happenings; it was very much serene. It was this day when Yun Yang thought that the martial world was very peaceful and wondered when this calm before the storm would end that he suddenly felt the surroundings of the Residence of Yun become eerie without warning. It was like the gates of hell had suddenly opened and hundreds upon thousands of ghosts had rushed out of hell to where he was standing. Yun Yang observed his environment but did not perceive any evident anomaly. It was Shui Wuyin instead who hastily delivered a message. "Those of The Merciless Tower have poured out in full strength into Tiantang City!" "The Merciless Tower?" Yun Yang''s attention was immediately pulled over by this recent news. The second top assassin organization after the Concourse of the Underworld had finally made a move? The message that followed locked Yun Yang''s frown into place C Hong Zhan, the head of the Hall of Crimson Blade, one of the three top assassin organizations, had also brought a group of men into Tiantang City. The men from these two assassin organizations had entered the city respectively and melted into the scene like a drop of water in the ocean. "Who in particular has come from The Merciless Tower? Do you know?" Yun Yang asked at once. "The Head of The Merciless Tower, Hen Bieli, has come personally. It seems that both deputy heads have come together too. It is currently unknown as to exactly how many of The Merciless Tower''s assassins have come. This will need further confirmation." "What is confirmed for now is that only Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan have come personally. More than forty to fifty top combatants of these two top assassin organizations have followed too. The exact situation is yet to be confirmed." Yun Yang could not help a bitter chuckle before he sighed. The eerie atmosphere he felt just now must be from the Concourse of the Underworld. If so, that would mean that the most infamous top three assassin organizations of the Tianxuan Continent had gathered in Tiantang City like they were attending some sort of reunion! There was no need to describe what they wanted to do. "The Venerable Lords of Four Seasons Tower! What can be confirmed now is that Venerable Lord Ice has entered Tiantang City this afternoon C his exact whereabouts will need to be investigated!" The messages that followed allowed Yun Yang to truly become aware of the incoming storm and flickering peril. He, or Supreme Cloud, had not made any moves in his long idle state but Tiantang City had suddenly turned into a huge whirlpool! 536 The Underworld Visits, The Haunting Temple as the Provenance With Yun Yang''s current cultivation base and assistance from others, like Bai Yixue, he was not too worried despite the sticky situation he was now facing. He had inferred the other two assassin organizations'' combat standard based on what he understood about the Concourse of the Underworld''s capability. Even if they were to really engage in a violent duel, Yun Yang''s side might not be at a disadvantage, especially when he shared a somewhat familiar relationship with Concourse of the Underworld; there was a huge chance that he could win them over. But with the addition of the Four Seasons Tower, the three assassin organizations had become less significant. "Pay close attention to the princes'' actions. Watch the residences and houses of higher authorities closely, don''t let even a minuscule move slip past your attention," ordered Yun Yang. "Yes." Shui Wuyin understood the situation perfectly well. So many top-notch assassins had come in unison, forming an unprecedented level of risk. Those killers were trained to wait for the perfect chance, lurking in the dark, and would not usually enter big cities so quickly C to them, entering such a bustling city would greatly increase the possibility of them being exposed. Now, however, they had appeared simultaneously in the city! The seriousness of this issue couldn''t be clearer. It would be bizarre if no one had employed them! But that begs the question, who had employed these people? And who was their target? The answer was blatant! When night came, Yun Yang received Shui Wuyin''s ceaseless supply of information. Experts from certain schools had suddenly emerged. Those travelling in the night had suddenly increased in number. Someone had landed outside the city riding a flying mystical beast before they disappeared. A one-eyed man had come, it seemed like he was carrying a strange looking weapon. The constant messages brewed a storm within Yun Yang. When midnight came, he was still silently waiting for any updates in his study. A thick fog engulfed the Residence of Yu out of nowhere. Outside of the window, a ghostly wind billowed as a voice spoke, "Young Master Yun, long time no see" Yun Yang smiled faintly and got up to open his window. The ghostly mist that surrounded the house was suddenly churned up as the silhouette of a person abruptly appeared. The person wore a high hat, nodding at Yun Yang, "Does Young Master Yun still remember me?" First Court King Qinguang! An old enemy he had not met in a long time indeed! Yun Yang let out a breath of relief when he saw who had come, saying, "Your Highness King Qinguang, I actually feel relieved now that I see you''re here safely." King Qinguang''s face looked bitter, he would rather not look back at the past; drifting into Yun Yang''s room, he picked up the teapot off the table and gulped its contents, shaking his head. "It''s a long story!" Yun Yang sipped his tea grimly and said, "The world is unpredictable. There are pros and cons. Your Highness'' cultivation base now has improved leaps and bounds. Other than being surprised, I''m also very happy for you." King Qinguang rolled his eyes and replied, "That''s thanks to the trouble I got myself wrapped in previously. The Four Seasons Tower is not yet off our backs and we have to risk the advance, the process is more than deadly. Young Master Yun, this is all thanks to you." Yun Yang laughed and sipped his tea. "No hurry. My time today is all yours. Let''s talk through the night, from how it all began, in detail." King Qinguang snorted. As he recounted the tale, Yun Yang finally understood why the Four Seasons Tower was so quiet and inactive for this time being. "I''d rather not look back on the past! That time that time, you really put me in a fatal spot." First Court King Qinguang sighed, emptying the pot of tea in his hand, and continued glumly. "You weren''t there to personally experience itC how could you possibly understand that the attackers from the Four Seasons Tower that day were f*cking nuts. The Four Venerable Lords led their team of Four Seasons Tower''s secret experts and wiped out every Concourse of the Underworld base in the whole martial world. Once it was discovered, it was an extreme battle of death." First Court King Qinguang said grimly, "Do you know? We initially had one hundred and eight Gold ranked assassins in the Concourse of the Underworld. The fame and reputation of the concourse is largely from these people''s efforts but in just this short half a year, a hundred and four of them were killed. The few lucky survivors only managed to stay alive by sheer dumb luck C all of them were severely injured!" The corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched. Yun Yang had thought about it before, that Concourse of the Underworld would face the Four Seasons Tower''s revenge after that episode, but he had never expected the situation to be so devastating! In fact, Yun Yang had been following the battle between the tower and the concourse but these two parties were exceptionally talented. Before they came to the ultimate outcome, there was hardly any intel regarding their number of casualties. It wasn''t until King Qinguang''s narration that Yun Yang now knew for certain how crushing the battle between both the parties truly was. His initial intention was to utilize the Concourse of the Underworld, and all their violent fighting, to ensure that the Four Seasons Tower would suffer immensely. Even if the Concourse of the Underworld was annihilated in the process, such an outcome would absolutely benefit Nine Supremes! In spite of this, one must not only think about oneself C if he had only thought about being safe himself, the Concourse of the Underworld would only need to toss the fact that Yun Yang was the Nine Supremes'' remaining Supreme Cloud and this information would suffice in erasing all grudges they had with the Four Seasons Tower; they could even milk the tower for whatever they could and the Four Seasons Tower would easily comply. Yet the concourse had willingly shouldered the grudge themselves C this was the greatest kindness they could have possibly shown. If Yun Yang did not requite such kindness, he would be a disappointment indeed! "There''s no need to be so shocked. It wasn''t only us who suffered from damages, the Four Seasons Tower didn''t have it going well for them too. Their forty-eight top-notch experts, besides the Five Venerable Lords and Four Supreme Lords, are about half gone now, killed by us. No more than ten of them are left now. We''ve even broken the meridians of Venerable Lord Ice from the Four Venerable Lords connected to his heart C he won''t live for long." "We''ve also killed as many as three of the accompanying experts of the Four Seasons Tower who are said to be on par with the Five Venerable Lords. They''re really tough characters, parallel to the Five Venerable Lords, as their men were really impressive." Hearing this, Yun Yang asked in concern, "To make Four Seasons Tower suffer such damage, I believe the Ten Court Kings must have also suffered losses, other than losing most of your one hundred and eight Gold ranked assassins?" Yun Yang had asked the question in earnest. From a certain perspective, he felt a sense of loss from the massive casualty of the concourse''s Gold ranked assassins but it would be worst if the Ten Court Kings, alongside King Qinguang, had suffered any reduction of members. Although Yun Yang had only met the Ten Court Kings once, not even long enough for a proper conversation, they had a left a deep impression on him; Yun Yang shared a special emotional connection with the Ten Court Kings, just like the reflection of his Nine Supremes brothers. Brotherhood was always the weakest and most vulnerable part of Yun Yang''s being. If King Qinguang were to say that there was really a loss of members among the Ten Court Kings, the blow to Yun Yang would be about the same as when he heard his Nine Supremes brothers'' passing! "Don''t worry. Who are we, the ten kings of the underworld C we''re all still here, no one''s missing." King Qinguang looked proud but his face fell immediately after his words, as he continued, "I''m telling you, kid, don''t even think about tricking my brothers. Ten of us are alive but we''re all heavily wounded. Those who still have intact combat power now are only two brothers and me." First Court King Qinguang sighed, "The Concourse of the Underworld, that''s usually so renowned in the world and is always referred to as the top assassin organization, is now ruined after this battle. The average combat power we have now is not even a fragment of what we used to be." Yun Yang coughed and asked in surprise, "What do you mean? You just said that so many from the Four Seasons Tower have died while the ten kings of the concourse are all alive and well. You guys have obviously gained the upper hand here! Don''t wallow in self-pityC we weren''t that familiar with each other previously thus I thought only of utilizing you and be done with it. But I won''t do the same now or else I would look down on myself too!" First Court King Qinguang chuckled, but it was void of humor, "I''m really not pitying myself. The reason all ten of us brothers could survive is because we''ve paid a huge price for it. Our master, to make sure all of us survive, he''s gone against the Four Seasons Tower''s Autumn Wind, Summer Thunder, and Winter Snow alone in the Annihilation Valley battle. He gave his all and it ended in a devastating outcome for both sides C the enemy retreated with injuries while my masterhas fallen into a comatose state since that day until now." "The current Concourse of the Underworld is really left with ten of us tattered brothers and four Gold ranked assassins. Our forces right now can barely withstand another attack. Furthermore, this martial world has nowhere else for us to go!" First Court King Qinguang sighed, his tone of voice was brimming with remorse. When he had accepted the deal regarding the Four Seasons Tower, it was to requite the favor they had received and put an end to the kindness in the past but there was also an implicit reason for regarding themselves as much higher in comparison to the Four Seasons Tower. After all, the Concourse of the Underworld had taken the throne of the world''s top assassination organization for too long. While the Four Seasons Tower was entitled to become world''s top too, it was something very long ago as well. It was fine if they were to fight each other then C it wouldn''t be known as to who would intimidate and win over the other! In spite of it, only when they experienced it personally, it was then that they truly understood how terrifying the tower could be. If they had not watched it with their own eyes, how could they have believe or even imagined that the concourse''s Gold ranked assassins, who had fought countless battles, could barely counter even with their invisibility trick that they depended so proudly on to make a living, it was as if the trick was an imaginary obstacle in the enemy''s eyes. Fight after bloody fight, it all happened within the hundreds of thousands of miles that stretched across the martial world. What the worldly mortals could not see was that First Court King Qinguang and his group were put into moments of slaughtering almost every second. "Luckily, our teacher has led us away from the Concourse of the Underworld''s headquarters at once, and moved us to the Haunting Temple," sighed King Qinguang. The Haunting Temple was where the Nine Supremes had helped the Concourse of the Underworld''s Ten Court Kings back then. It was due to this that King Qinguang and his brothers owed a huge favor to the brothers of the Nine Supremes. But it was also due to this favor that the concourse was nearly wiped out. Strictly speaking, King Qinguang and brothers had regretted it before. If they knew that they would pay such a hefty price for this favor, they would have opted for another requite instead or maybe dish out the fact that Yun Yang was Supreme Cloud out in exchange for their safety. One''s conscience would always be obscured when forced to an impasse, this was how it had always been! Now that the Concourse of the Underworld was set to fight to the bitter end against the Four Seasons Tower, they had to instead keep Supreme Cloud''s secret for as long as the Nine Supremes'' Supreme Cloud remained alive. The Four Seasons Tower would forever feel a prick embedded in their side. So profound was their determination to fight to their death, that King Qinguang and others who had once again returned to the Haunting Temple, cultivated wholeheartedly. It caused the brothers'' cultivation base to grow as if all their potential was reset; all of them had ascended into a new realm, exceeding boundaries by leaps and bounds. They had risen from the Haunting Temple. The provenance began from the Haunting Temple. The fall of the Concourse of the Underworld was also due to the Haunting Temple. If they were to rise again, it would still be due to the Haunting Temple! What a roundabout way of fate! Yun Yang seemed to vaguely understand King Qinguang''s intention for this visit. "So you have come now to" he left the question hanging. King Qinguang answered grimly, "We''ve come mainly because we realize that the Four Seasons Tower''s main combat squad has all moved to Tiantang City. Because we share the same enemy, we should collaborate to face the tower and triumph over it. Tiantang City is your territory, so perhaps you could provide some kind of dependable hideout to us. Besides, there''s also the issue of our master''s injury. He sighed, "Up to now, the Four Seasons Tower''s killing intent towards us has never wavered or decreased. It only grows. Unable to take the Four Seasons Tower out, we''ll be doomed sooner or later. Defeating the Four Seasons Tower is the crux of our current priorities." A ghostly flame flickered in First Court King Qinguang''s eyes. They were trained on Yun Yang as the man uttered each word clearly, "Let us work together! Lord Cloud!" Lord Cloud. Yun Yang smiled meaningfully and said, "Your Highness King Qinguang, your Lord Cloud is worthy of pondering." "Everything happens with cause and effect in this world. The karma owed from life and death is destined to end in life and death. If not for you, we wouldn''t have gone against the Four Seasons Tower. The Concourse of the Underworld rarely breaks its promises or deals but we will try our best to avoid any risk," the First Court King spoke seriously. "Oh?" Yun Yang raised his brow with a frown. Truthfully, Yun Yang was rather confused by the Concourse of the Underworld''s attitude towards him. He had plotted a massive trick against them in the past, but although the party followed through with their deal, they did not hold him liable afterwards. Even when they paid such a hefty price for it, they still did not come after him. Listening to it now, it seemed that there was a larger story behind all of this! "Back then" First Court King Qinguang sighed. His tone was rather lethargic C he had explained the same reason to his brothers and now, he had to explain the situation to the litigant. How helpless it all seemed! "So that''s why!" Yun Yang would never have guessed that the group of people he and his brothers had saved by chance was actually the ten kings of hell. He was deeply moved. Looking at the stoic and eerie expression of King Qinguang in front of him, Yun Yang felt a surge of emotions. It had not been very long since the establishment of the Nine Supremes'', but they had managed to help so many people. Yet after they were stricken with misfortune, what most people did in return was only to pay tribute to them, expressing their gratitude, and worshipping them. At most, they would vehemently condemn the bad guys who had conspired against the Nine Supremes. But to find someone who really went out of their way and actually did something for the Nine Supremes, someone who made an effort with the idea of avenging the Nine Supremes in mindcould there even be one such person among ten thousand? Never would Yun Yang have expected this assassin organization, infamous throughout the martial world, to remember their favor years ago and even willingly pay the hefty price of almost annihilating themselves for that said favor. All this while, he did not even know about the provenance of things. It only showed how precious such kinship was all the more! "Thank you!" Yun Yang stood up and bowed deeply to King Qinguang. First Court King Qinguang had always been ghostly, basically putting a ghoulish front all the time. But when suddenly faced with Yun Yang''s bow, he was actually flustered, springing up and waving his hands. "No need, no need. What we brothers ask for is only a clear conscience." "To ask for a clear conscience, to be free of guilt to oneself, a lot of people might say things like that, but to actually put such words into action, it would only still be a handful of such people," Yun Yang said softly. "The ten kings of the underworld, the martial world assassins who work on commission, it''s incredibly moving to see such justice and kinship at your core!" Yun Yang continued more seriously, "Yun Yang thanks all of you here on behalf of my eight brothers!" The first court king''s pale face flushed. He was one who had heard too many compliments, too much pandering, and flattering words; he should already be immune to them. Yet the situation now was largely different. This was a compliment and a thank-you from the Nine Supremes'' Supreme Cloud C what was more, it was genuine and came from the bottom of his heart. It was utterly precious! 537 The Mysterious Legacy "You''ve flattered us." First Court King Qinguang was very much flustered by the sudden compliment. "If someone were to receive a drop of favor, they should repay with a brimming spring worth of requite; what''s more, it was a life-saving grace. During that time, it involved an enormous destiny and we have received such a great grace, it''s only deserving that we do something in return." "May I ask where the other underworld kings are now?" Yun Yang asked. King Qinguang''s expression soured again as he said miserably, "They''re healing themselves in a secluded place now. He hesitated for a moment, before adding, I''ll bring you over a little later." "Okay!" Yun Yang understood his deliberation. After all, all ten court kings of the concourse were severely injured and had no combat power left. They had to be very cautious. If the enemy were to find them, they would be completely wiped out! As their past fated encounter was openly spoken of and their stances aligned in the same direction, they were now united. Since they had some free time at the moment, they spoke about recent happenings, exchanging information and intelligence. First Court King Qinguang suddenly exclaimed, "Young Master Yun, your cultivation base improvement is extraordinarily fast!" He could not help but give such a loud exclamation. The last time he saw Yun Yang, the latter was only a nuisance of the sixth or seventh level in mystical Qi. Now, Yun Yang was already in the third heaven, a cultivator who was soon to reach his fourth level in the heaven realm. It would be an underestimation to describe the speed of his improvement as merely ''fast''. Compared to himself, Yun Yang would have long ago surpassed him if he had not absorbed the abundant Yin Qi from the Haunting Temple. However, the First Court King was aware that the overly concentrated absorption of Yin Qi had caused their foundation in the cultivation realm to become unstable. For a long time to come, they would hardly be able to make another breakthrough. In other words, while it seemed that their cultivation base level had taken a massive stride forward, the price they had paid for it was equally immense. It was not as bad as a severe loss per se, but the cons were still greater than the pros. If Yun Yang continued to advance forward at this speed, it was only a matter of time before the youth surpassed the underworld king C what was more, the time required to achieve this wouldn''t be that long! "Your Highness has praised me too highly. To me, the growth of your cultivation base is the true definition of what can be considered as fast," Yun Yang spoke sincerely. The last time he met King Qinguang, Yun Yang''s cultivation base was formidable, nevertheless, the youth felt that the King''s cultivation base was still unrivaled. Yun Yang had also come to the conclusion that King Qinguang''s cultivation base was, at most, a beginner level of the heaven realm and was weaker than that of Venerable Lord Saber''s, after he had fought with the latter. Yun Yang had one too many mythical encounters during his time since, acquiring plenty of treasured gems and resources as well as obtaining a multitude of providence. This was how his current cultivation base level had reached its height. Yet when he looked at King Qinguang now, he was still as vague, high, and mighty. This had at least told of the first court king''s cultivation base that must be at least two realms higher than his, maybe even more. The higher one ascended in the cultivation realm, the harder it was for further improvement to be made. A heaven''s difference between peaks was exactly what it was C the difficulty in advancing to another heaven of an ace cultivator was definitely much higher than for a low-level cultivator to advance to another realm. In spite of this challenge, the Ten Court Yama Kings could improve so swiftly in such a short amount of time, while depending on the Haunting Temple, as they battled with their lives. It highlighted nothing but Concourse of the Underworld''s cultivation method that was both unique and unpredictable. As Yun Yang pondered this he could not help asking, "Uh Brother King Qinguang, the cultivation method that you''re cultivatingcould you please describe it in more detail?" After some consideration, the king replied, "It''s not much of a secret. Our master discovered a relic by chance years ago and that relic had a special cultivation method within; it only contained the basic introduction method. After master brought it out and tried to cultivate it, he realized that not only was the method potent, its subsequent improvement is magically rapid too." "As master shifted to cultivate using this cultivation method, he advanced to a point where he could rival the world''s heroes in just a dozen years." "It''s just that the more remarkable a cultivation method is, the same degree of stringency applies to the cultivators." King Qinguang sighed thankfully to himself. He was genuinely grateful for his master accepting him as a disciple instead of others years ago. "A cultivation method that contains only the introduction part is so magical? May I ask what the requirement of the method is? What''s so stringent about it?" asked Yun Yang curiously. Probing about other cultivator''s cultivation arcane had always been the biggest taboo among cultivators but Yun Yang was too curious; he thought he and King Qinguang clicked well too, so he ignored this taboo completely. "Our lineage is really one of a kind," First Court King Qinguang said with pride, "Although our cultivation method advances quickly and is very powerful, when it reaches a certain stage, we have to return to where the relic is kept to be able to activate the follow-up cultivation method." "There''s such a requirement? How bizarre!" Yun Yang was surprised. How powerful must one be to be able to set such a limitation? It was beyond one''s expectation, imagination, and knowledge! "Do you know the time period that the relic of your school belongs to?" "Not at all, but it must have been a very long time ago. In fact, although we have investigated extensively regarding the source of this cultivation method, sifting through old legends or historical records, there is simply no clue or record related to our arcane method. It is like as if it has never appeared on this continent. We''re the first batch in the history of Tianxuan''s cultivators to have encountered and used this method in thousands of years." "Furthermore, when my master wanted to activate the second stage, he actually couldn''t do it." "Couldn''t do it? What cultivation is this that it has such strict conditions?" Yun Yang was growing even more curious. "That condition is absolutely peculiar. It''s a whole new story compared to ordinary cultivation. The first condition was the establishment of the Concourse of the Underworld. Even the Ten Court Kings of the underworld must follow the order and job scope. After the ten Yama Kings, there has to be Black and White Impermanence, Nether Judge and whatnot." The First Court King scratched his head, saying, "All these people have to fill up the duties and their cultivation level must reach the required stage before the nether cultivation arcane can really be initiated. As long as the requirements are met, to become unrivaled in this world is a piece of cake!" Unrivaled in this world? Piece of cake? Yun Yang was dumbfounded. Was he boasting? With King Qinguang and his group''s capacity as well as their master''s ability, it might not actually be a boast. Yun Yang questioned inquired further, "May I ask which senior''s legacy is it? Why does it sound so high and mighty? According to the procedure, isn''t it like forming a mini imperial court? One that''s just slightly more ghoulish!" King Qinguang nodded in agreement and said, "We thought the same. But when I said the conditions are bizarre, they really are indeed. To achieve a continuous legacy and continue to advance, the Concourse of the Underworld really gives its all to develop and flourish." Yun Yang exclaimed, "Nothing is impossible in this great world, the world''s mysteries are unpredictable indeed. I''ve truly never heard of something so mystical, what an eye-opener it is for me today." "This is not even the most peculiar of all. My master said that when he got this legacy, the relic actually didn''t contain any explanation. There were only ten words carved on a rock," said King Qinguang. "Ten words?" Yun Yang had always prided himself on being knowledgeable and reading a lot. There were hardly things he did not know of in this world thus he asked with interest, "What words? Maybe we can get some hints from these words." King Qinguang frowned as he replied, "The ten words have no beginning nor ending. If there were clues to them, we''d have pursued it long ago. The ten words are ''breeze blows in the universe, cloud drifts outside the sky'', we''ve studied it for so many years but we haven''t a single clue. Young Master Yun, it''s better that you don''t waste your time and effort pursuing such pointless inquiry into these words." Yun Yang frowned as well as he murmured, "Breeze blows in the universe, cloud drifts outside the sky?" He racked through the memories in his mind, scratching his head, and said, "I have a slight impression of most of the ancient books in this continent; notable events, experts, and cultivation methods throughout these thousands of years. I can fairly remember them all but why don''t I have any impression of these two phrases?" King Qinguang answered, looking slightly troubled, "Right. Logically, how can someone who''s able to set all this up be unknown? Since the relic exists in this continent, how can such remarkable expert be unknown, without any documentation or recording?" "Since these two phrases are engraved on the rock specifically, they must be very famous and could very likely represent this person, but how is it possible that I have no impression of such phrases?" Yun Yang was deep in thought, frowning. This legacy of the Concourse of the Underworld was very strange indeed. To leave behind such an earth-shattering mythical legacy that was so intricately setup, such that the connecting parts could only be carried out after certain terms were met, it was unimaginably mystical. Everything was pointing to the fact that the person who had setup this relic must have done it in a very graceful manner, when his cultivation base was at his pinnacle. Additionally, he might not have found an adequate heir during his later years, and instead, he had plotted such a test in anticipation for one who was fated to receive it. This basically meant that the person''s cultivation base far exceeded all the experts in this world! Then, the saying of becoming unrivaled being a piece of cake could very well be true. But one question remained, who was this person? Why was there no clue or information regarding their identity? Yun Yang''s thoughts were flying around everywhere for a moment; King Qinguang''s initially hopeful gaze slowly turned into a bitter chuckle. "The greater the hope, the stronger the disappointment. It looks like Young Master Yun doesn''t know the source of our school too." Evidently, King Qinguang regarded Yun Yang very highly and harbored a massive hope on his abilities. After all, Yun Yang was a legacy of the Nine Supremes; he too had a mystical and bizarre legacy so he might have some knowledge regarding such things. However, it seemed that these were entirely different occasions. Yun Yang coughed dryly and replied, "I honestly have no idea, but since you have received the legacy, there must have been a day when you got to know the story of your cultivation method." "That''s true too. All in all, the Haunting Temple was that person''s effortful setup, a place to assist his heir''s cultivation. There are a total of eighteen spots in this world and we have only found one up till now," the First Court King grimaced. "The other seventeen unknown spots are both honey and poison to use at the same time C because ten of us have already almost lost our lives for this one here. It really is an exceptionally brutal place." There was lingering fear hovering on King Qinguang''s face. "If the remaining seventeen Haunting Temples are all so dangerous, I don''t know how many among us will survive in the end." "There are actually seventeen more" he trailed off. Yun Yang gasped, feeling that the Concourse of the Underworld''s future could grow without limit the more they talked. Just one Haunting Temple could already elevate the Yama Kings and entourage so much; if all seventeen were to be found, how terrifying could their legacy could be pushed to? Just thinking about it was amazing! Perhaps, being unrivaled was not the goal at all C but to achieve it like a piece of cake was their true aim! As for the danger and risk, Yun Yang did not think much about it. After all, a remarkable encounter must be accompanied by a great risk. How could one make it to the world''s pinnacle without a little storm? Even if it were the worst quality of a novel, no one would write it that way now. Thinking deeper, since the Haunting Temples were setup by the mysterious expert to cultivate his heir, there must be a chance of survival inside; but it all depended whether the ones in it could find them. Much later into the night, Yun Yang slipped out of Tiantang City with First Court King Qinguang and they sped along their way. After several turns, they arrived at a very obscure location. When Yun Yang actually met the remainder of the Concourse of the Underworld, it was then that he truly understood how bad their situation was. Second Court King Chujiang''s arm laid limply while a big part of his chest was punctured; his leg seemed to be broken too, while wounds peppered his body. He was barely conscious, his breathing tinged with the copper scent of blood. Third Court Emperor Song was not as severely injured but one of his ears had clearly been torn off and later reattached. He was drenched in blood; with a saber wound on his right shoulder that extended almost to his ribs. King Wuguan suffered only from internal injuries without obvious external wounds, nonetheless, his combat power was obviously stripped by now. King Yama was the only one who was mostly intact but he was pale, looking as if all the colour had been drained from him. King Biancheng had a piercing wound that went from his right chest straight to the back, he looked weak and powerless. King Taishan''s right leg was completely crushed and he was in a state of coma. The other Yama Kings did not look too good either. As for the concourse''s two Gold ranked assassins, they barely had a breath left in them. The so-called survivors were only better off than the dead in the sense that they were still breathing. As for the master of the Ten Court Kings, a sculpted lean elderly man, he was almost gone; his breathing so shallow that it was almost indiscernible. "How can it be so serious" Yun Yang quickly retrieved the medicine Lei Dongtian gave him and passed them to the ones who looked the worst. He then went behind the elder and cultivated the Endless Divine Art to deliver it into the latter and fight for his life, pulling him back from the brink of death. As Yun Yang hustled, time flew. It was deep into the night when he finally hauled the handful of men from the brink of death, with them looking slightly better now. His actions took a heavy toll on Yun Yang and while King Qinguang looked tired as well, there was a flash of relief in his face. Their injuries were still serious but at least their lives were no longer in immediate threat after being treated by Yun Yang. This was the best it could be at the moment. What was left was to slowly recover their health; even if it took a long time, it was much better than precariously treading the line between life and death. "You guys can''t keep staying here!" Yun Yang looked at the surroundings. "This environment is bad and doesn''t help in recuperation. Besides, there isn''t any replenishment of resources. It''s very isolated too, if one were to search here intentionally, you guys might be discovered. And if you''re discovered, I''m afraid there''s no escape." "Let''s just move to my residence!" Yun Yang continued, "My place is much better than here." That was indeed the intention of the Yama Kings in looking for Yun Yang anyway so when the latter had suggested it voluntarily, they had no objection. As the night crept deeper, Yun Yang sent his men and instructed Shui Wuyin''s intel system to closely observe the surrounding movement. Stealthily, the Concourse of the Underworld''s personnel were all moved to and carefully placed within the Residence of Yun. Of course these people could not stay in the rooms on the ground floor as they posed too large a target. Instead, all of them were assigned to the underground chambers. The Residence of Yun had very spacious underground rooms anyway. As the move was completed and Yun Yang finally could breathe a sigh of relief, he heard a panicked voice from the outside just as he was about to rest. "Yun Yang, Yun Yang, are you there?" It was Ji Lingxi''s voice. Yun Yang sprang up, charging out as he discerned the anxiety lacing the lady''s voice. "What is it?" "Sister Lan Sister Lan is gone" Ji Lingxi was weeping. "She C she left a letter and was gone. I can''t find her anywhere." Yun Yang was struck, feeling a thunderbolt crackle above him. He staggered, his vision blacking out, as he almost collapsed. 538 Where Is She? The situation he was most reluctant to face had appeared once again! Oh God, how many more times must I suffer such separation from those closest to me! "I''ve found him. I''m with Lingfeng now. Don''t miss me." "Yun Yang, we''re entrusting Lingxi to you now. You must take good care of her. We shall see each other again in the future." "I''m very happy, so very happy, like never before." The letter Yue Rulan left was scribbled with only these short lines. However, these words resounded like thunderclaps in the eyes of Ji Lingxi and Yun Yang. Found him? With Lingfeng now? What did it mean? The Eighth Supreme was gone, he no longer existed in this world; so how could she find him? How could she be with him? Perhaps, the more pertinent question should be what could be considered as finding him and what could be considered as being with him? It was simple actually, as long as As the thought sprouted in his mind, a chill ran along Yun Yang''s spine. As for the last line, "I''m very happy, so very happy, like never before", it seemed to be expressing so much joy but the implication was indescribable sorrow! Those who knew the situation would only have one thought C this woman who had married herself to Ji Lingfeng earlier had become a member of Ji Family; she had finally fulfilled her wish and no longer had a longing to exist in this world. Therefore, was she gone too? Yun Yang could imagine like he had in the past, imagining that Supreme Wind was still in this world and could no longer appear before everyone due to severe injuries or certain reasons, not even to meet him. He had just picked up his eighth sister-in-law, just like he had picked up Sister-in-law Yun prior C uh, but he could not fool himself! Scanning and re-reading the letter, Yun Yang felt a devastating blow. Just as he recovered from his stupor, he jumped up as if burned and roared, "Find her quick!" The entire underground world of Tiantang City all moved at his command. Not long after it, even Yutang''s official forces were deployed by Yun Yang. In addition, plenty of sects, schools, and forces of notable families were all commissioned by Yun Xiaoyao and a blanket search was conducted both inside and outside the entire Tiantang City. Within a single night, three thousand miles of perimeter around Tiantang City was searched through. Yun Yang, who ordered the search, did not wait for news after his command. He urged Reddie to gallop out of the Residence of Yun, looking for Yue Rulan with his divine sense, round and round he went with the Residence of Yun being the center point. In spite of it, there was nothing to be found after three full days! It was like she had vanished into thin air; Yue Rulan was like a snowflake that had melted into this world. There was no ripple, no sound and no trace C not even the slightest clue was left behind! There is a saying that no news is good news, but this saying did not fit the current situation; at least, Yun Yang did not accept it. To him, he would only be placated once Yue Rulan was found alive and well. The lack of news upset Yun Yang greatly; when the third day came, he lost control of his temper, which was very rare for him. Three straight days of searching allowed the whole of Tiantang City to know that there was such a person in the world C the purple gown-clad Young Master Yun! Young Master Yun had turned into the netherworld Shura straight away! Fang San was The Merciless Tower''s top killer. After he was appointed, he had rushed to Tiantang City, travelling thousands of miles and taking shelter in an inn. He did not rush into action just yet. A good assassin would carefully conceal his trace and observe the target quietly. The more flawlessly one could conceal his trace and avoid attention, the smoother the assassination would go and the greater the chance that one would escape unscathed. In spite of this common sense among assassins, Fang San was not a believer of such methodology. He was more familiar with finding some form of entertainment before his mission to adjust his state and to maximally unleash his capacity. Brothels were places that Fang San despised going, as he considered them to be a disdain to his status; if his status was lowered, what threat could it pose? Hence, everywhere he went, he would lurk in the dark and kidnap innocent women, taking them to his room without anyone knowing. When the deed was done, he would finish off the woman; everything was done without a sound or trace in order to prevent suspicious from being aroused in the time that he was there. Fang San was of the first heaven of the cultivation realm. If he were to be found out doing such a deed, he need not roam this world anymore! Coming to Tiantang City, he had carefully plotted his entertainment excursions due to his assassination target. He was always on the lookout to strike and because of it, he was contently satiated. Tiantang City was indeed the capital of a nation, there were plenty of beautiful mistresses and ladies around for him to pick and choose from. He had only been here for a few days but Fang San thought that he had arrived in heaven. Tonight he slipped out and approached the residence he had his eyes on earlier, and managed to get his hands on the family''s youngest daughter, who had yet to step out of her house. The light was dim in the inn. Fang San chuckled vilely looking at the trembling beauty before him. He was about to pounce and let his primal side show when the room door suddenly shattered with a boom. "Who is it?" Fang San jumped up half-naked. His lustful side swiftly replaced by his calm assassin instinct. He naturally thought that his track has been discovered but so what if he had exposed himself? He had the confidence to retreat without an issue; it was just a waste of this beauty! The attacker by the door wore purple, standing coldly without saying a word. Yet an unspeakable murderous intent was blazing in his eyes. "Who are you?" Fang San could immediately discern that the stranger was an expert but he was not really intimidated. After all, he looked too young. "A kid would actually dare to interrupt The Merciless Tower''s Sir Fang San''s fun! Are you seeking death!?" An assassin would always prioritize caution in everything he did. To announce his identity and background now was basically showing a talisman; how dare any ordinary martial warrior provoke The Merciless Tower? However, Fang San did not realize that the phrase ''The Merciless Tower'' was nothing more than a fart to this person before him. The purple silhouette flashed, Yun Yang was already by the bed. A peek at the young crying girl on the bed had the murderous intent in his eyes reach its climax. The saber light flashed as an intense blow landed towards where Fang San was standing. "Who C who are you?" Fang San cried, avoiding the blade in frantic retreat. "Are you mute? Even if there are grudges to be settled here, you have to at least announce your name first" Yun Yang did not ease off; the saber light glimmered brighter yet the youth was still silent. Clang, clang, clang The weapons of both men collided twice in the air. Fang San felt as if he was struck by lightning as he staggered, the unexpectedly strong power he encountered caused his mouth and nose to bleed. How could he still not realize that the other party was an expert far stronger than him? He could not help crying out in terror, "Who are you? This C this is a misunderstanding" Fang San truly wished that it was a misunderstanding. Otherwise, today would be his death day! It was too bad that despite the matter arising from a misunderstanding, today would still be his death day anyway. Swoosh! An icy saber light broke through Zhang San''s defense and landed solidly on his neck. Blood was spilled. A head that looked terrorized flew up before it was crushed by a kick. The bloody scene shocked the girl on the bed and she cried out shrilly. Amidst the spray of blood, a faint voice laced with disdain spoke, "Speaking a word before killing rubbish like you would humiliate me." "Lady, no need to be afraid. Someone will send you back in a while." Before the voice could even echo, the purple silhouette vanished. The girl was struck by a sudden realization about something as she asked in delight surprise, "You C you''re Young Master Yun?" Purple gown-clad Young Master Yun who was handsome and elegant, he who was titled the most handsome man of Yutang, was the dream-man of every lady in Yutang. The first emotion that came to the girl was delighted surprise C from meeting her idol. However, Yun Yang was already gone and did not even hear her question. A while later, two men came in and said respectfully, "Where is your house, young lady? Young master has asked for the both of us to send you home." In another inn. There were a few Hall of Crimson Blade assassins who were currently discussing how to sneak into the Residence of Yun to kill their target, the child who was only a few years old without any defense power would die from just about any strike. "From what I see, it''s not the best for us to attack forcefully as the child is in the Residence of Yun now. Maybe we can disguise ourselves as sellers of daily necessities. A Residence that houses so many people will go through daily necessities very quickly. Other large residences would have familiar businesses send items directly to their homes. Now we only have to figure out what the Residence of Yun needs daily and which businesses send them. As long as we can get hold of this information, we can act accordingly. The Residence of Yun has a lot of experts but they may not be on guard for such details. Even if their abilities are too strong and we can''t do anything immediately, we can still scout out the vicinity to help out future operations." "Brilliant, brilliant! We can play either attack or defense, how wonderful!" The group praised each other. Then, a cold voice spoke faintly, "Brilliant? How brilliant?" The leader among the killers was alarmed at once, standing up and questioned, "Who is it?" What answered him was an icy saber light that broke through the door and a chilling voice that continued, "When you reach hell, you''ll have plenty of time to discuss how to really play either attack or defense!" Blood splattered. A purple silhouette made a round in the room like a whirlwind before he exited the door and vanished into the night. In the room, the handful of Hall of Crimson Blade killers lay in puddles of blood. All their eyes were widened in disbelief as they were wiped out instantly. The Red Sleeves School was a rather infamous underground organization in Tiantang City. The organization was known for its maids and servants but it was actually a revolting force that trafficked women. It was just that the sect had always acted carefully and mysteriously so much so that not many people knew of its existence and even fewer people knew that it was located in Tiantang City for so many years. It was the same night when a purple gowned silhouette made its appearance. As this purple shadow presented himself and checked all the secret chambers in the Red Sleeves School, his killing intent soared, exterminating more than four hundred people from the organization. Even those members who were not at the headquarters at the time were hunted down door by door and killed. The man had wiped everything out, not leaving a single soul standing. On this night the infamous and substantially sized Red Sleeves School crumbled and was extinguished from the world. Yun Yang was still clad in purple, riding Reddie, spreading his deific consciousness as the horse galloped. He searched for Yue Rulan without concealing himself. From inside of Tiantang City to outside of it, he would urge the horse over in hope of discovery in any nook or cranny. For three days Yun Yang did not even sleep for a blink. He had meticulously plowed through the wide area. Yet Yue Rulan was like a mud-made cow that fell into the sea C soundless and without a trace. Instead, the killers from various background who had succumbed to Yun Yang''s hands during this three-day search had reached more than four hundred people! As for the rogues and gangsters who bullied ordinary citizens and sects that did unspeakable things, those who died from Yun Yang''s saber reached more than three thousand in number. An abundance of the air of injustice surged through Yun Yang but he was not aware of it. For one, he was devoted to finding Yue Rulan; there was also the fact that he had lost the connection to his deific consciousness space for so long that he was not as sensitive to the absorption of the air of injustice. Evidently, he had no idea how much he had gained in this aspect. Yun Yang was getting increasingly frantic now. "Sister Lan! Where have you gone to?" The anxiety clouding Yun Yang''s heart was indescribable. One would have died from the distress of the lack of news. Yun Yang continued galloping in and out of Tiantang City while riding his steed. Despair had long filled his heart. The icy weather and constant flutter of snowflakes that landed on Yun Yang''s face and body chilled his heart even more. There was really nowhere else left to search after the three-day blanket search. Yun Yang had even gone to the palace! All the princes'' residences were his focal point, not a single one was excluded or missed out. His only hope now was the outskirts of the city. Yun Yang and his charge galloped through the flurry of snow, the man''s gaze flitting around in distress and fatigue. Yun Yang had looked high and low, across each drain on the roadside, each forest and each bump that was covered by snow; he had even rummaged through them. The east of the city, the west of the city, the south and the north. Yun Yang searched in every direction, back and forth, the area of his search expanding while the snow fell heavier and harder. He did not give up, not caring about the drainage of his divine sense C even when his cultivation base was already in the heaven realm, he could barely handle the expense. It was like there was a ball of flame ablaze in Yun Yang''s heart, setting his organs alight so much so that his limbs seemed to be on fire as well. Yun Yang was already a thousand and five hundred miles southward from the city now. He was still carefully casting all around, trying hard to be patient and search around bit by bit. Yet there was nothing all along. As time crept by and the sunlight dimmed, Yun Yang''s heart grew cold. The realization that had long set itself at the bottom of Yun Yang''s heart was harder to resist but he refused to give up still. He did not want to cope with the pain of losing another family member again. He chose to persevere. The snow fell in a flurry. Yun Yang stood atop the hill mounted on his steed, feeling utterly lost. His purple robe was already stained and dirty. There was also Reddie, who despite his brilliance, had also reached his limit from galloping around without a break. Yun Yang suddenly growled into the sky. "Have all of you seen this? Have you? Huh! Have you seen it! How can you! How can all of you leave just like this?!" "One after another, all of you gone! All of you have left!" "I want to leave too! I want to leave and just put everything behind me! Can I? Can I, huh?!" "I''ve f*cking had enough of this!" Yun Yang growled painfully pointing at the sky. The flurry of snow did not stop from his roar, it continued falling in silence. Yun Yang finally sighed in dejection. As if he had lost all his bones, he sprawled onto Reddie as the sound of forlornness exited his lips. He did not want to move anymore; moreover, he did not want to do anything or think about anything anymore. There had never been a moment where he felt so powerless and in despair! A shadow flashed faraway. Yun Yang perked up. "Sister Lan?" He sprang up from Reddie''s back and drifted over like a wisp of smoke. A snow white silhouette stood quietly before a grave in the snow; it stood straight and stoic like a statue, sorrow seemed to exude just from the person''s back. Yun Yang approached the person quietly. 539 Kneel Down! Beg! The forest was covered in snow as it fluttered from the sky, weighing the branches down as they bowed under the weight of snow. Occasionally, the snow that had piled on the trees would land on the ground with a plop. In a small valley, the opposite cliff was sliced, just like a huge tombstone. Before the cliff, there was a small grave that was packed securely with snow. On the other side of the forest, all the upper parts of the trees were hacked off, leaving only the bottom trunks. It looked like they had been taken off as a marking. A thin person in white stood alone in front of the grave. His actions were slow as he went about his business. Yun Yang approached the man quietly, his heart lurching. Could it be that Sister Lan already Was this person paying a tribute to her? The man in white was clearing the accumulated snow on the grave with his hands without using any mystical Qi. He was meticulously cleaning the tomb. When the snow was swept off, yellowish brown soil was uncovered. He was even carefully removing the wilted weeds from it. The surrounding area of the grave was cleared, forming a lonely but unique sight in the snowy landscape. Then, he stood there unmoving for a long time. Yun Yang approached the vicinity with bated breath as he landed on the snow-covered slope. He lowered himself and concealed his being within the snow. When he was sure that his breathing, heartbeat, and divine sense was sufficiently under control so as not to expose himself, he looked up slowly. The person in front of the grave was thin and sculpted; his face was pale while silver dotted his sideburns. He looked rather aged. Grey strands of hair fluttered in the chilling breeze, his gaze looked broken. He wore white but it exuded an icy cold. Yun Yang almost cried out. This person was very familiar. Moreover, they had met each other in duels many times before. It was the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lord Ice. Yun Yang recalled many things at once. Shui Wuyin had reported that the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lord Ice had slipped into Tiantang City in secret while King Qinguang had mentioned that they had broken the meridians connecting Venerable Lord Ice''s heart. Now, Venerable Lord Ice had appeared here. Why? Who was the one buried in this grave? Yun Yang could not help thinking of Yang Botao, the Yutang marshal whose reputation was ruined and he was beheaded. His father was Venerable Lord Ice. Yang Botao''s demise was caused by none other than his own father, Venerable Lord Ice himself! Snow and wind painted the scene. Venerable Lord Ice suddenly heaved a long sigh. "Tao''er" Venerable Lord Ice''s voice was sorrowful. "I wonder if your wife has forgiven you now underneath?" The wind blew harder, causing his voice to crack. Yun Yang jolted. When Yang Botao died, he was right beside him but now... What was going on? "Your father has wronged you." Venerable Lord Ice sat himself down in front of the grave like he had lost all his bones, his voice trailed off into a sob. "I''m so sorry" "Since you were small, I''ve never taken care of you, never fulfilled any responsibility as a father. It was only your mother who brought you up. When you grew up, I didn''t even help you. You enlisted in the military since your teenage years, going to war all your life and became who you were, but it''s me who failed you" The grave was silent, only a forlorn and regretful voice drifted in the wind. "Have you begrudged your father down there?" "Sigh, it''s impossible you don''t resent me" Venerable Lord Ice grabbed the frozen soil in front of the tomb with both his hands and rubbed them on his face; he quivered, sobbing without a sound. As Yun Yang gazed, he saw tears that had turned into ice hanging on both sides of Venerable Lord Ice''s mouth. "I regret" Venerable Lord Ice sobbed, his voice a blur. "If God gives me another chance, I''d destroy my cultivation base for sure, become the old man who''s a step away from death in your home. So what if I can''t live long? Isn''t it better when my son and daughter-in-law are by my side? Martial world hegemony? Becoming unrivaled? Those are imaginary things to me now. They would be like nothing compared to my son serving me a cup of tea" "Without me, you have lived well but once you acknowledged this father, your home was ruined." Venerable Lord Ice sprawled on the ground, trembling. "I regret it so much!" "Why must I understand it only when I''m fatally injured? Why must I regret only when nothing can be salvaged?" "I was stupid. Burying our family''s happiness away." Venerable Lord Ice wept in the wintery land. "I''ve torn you apart with my own hands, I''ve sent our family to doom with my own hands." "Previously, I''ve always thought that I''m the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lord Ice, I''m the future unrivaled God of Ice. As long as our goal is accomplished, I shall become immortal. I''ve never realized that I''m wrong." "So I coerced you and made you commit a heinous sin. I made you lose everything because of me." "But now that I''m wounded and can''t live for long, I know now what''s worth cherishing in this world! It''s not the regret that I can''t become God of Ice, it''s my son and my family that I will never see again" Venerable Lord Ice''s sob quivered in the wind. "God! Why C why make me realize the truth so late! My son, he had a bright future, he was influential and respected, he was loyal, and he was a hero! A hero! Yet I''ve made my own son carry an eternal infamy! I''ve turned his lifetime effort into naught!" "My son had no family since he was young. With hard work, he finally had one but I, his father, caused him to lose everything! Am I worthy to be a father? No!" Venerable Lord Ice sobbed aloud. Perhaps, it was because this forest and wilderness were so isolated that he had no restraint. He did not attempt to soften his weeping. He bawled out loud. It was at this moment that a voice spoke leisurely, "Venerable Lord Ice, do you know why you''ve suddenly come to realize the truth now?" The bawling stopped abruptly. Pin-drop silence permeated the atmosphere at once. Venerable Lord Ice froze, rooted to the ground. He promptly reined in his emotions. After a moment, his icy voice rang in the air. "Which friend is it who has found your way here? Do come out and let us have a good chat." Yun Yang smirked coldly. Have a good chat? About? Once he got out, that chat would be about life and death. Yun Yang was not afraid though. With a flutter of purple, Yun Yang appeared before Venerable Lord Ice with a straight face. He spoke faintly, "Has Venerable Lord Ice forgotten me?" Venerable Lord Ice squinted, replying lightly, "I see, it''s Young Master Yun." A chilling murderous intent was slowly brewing in his eyes. Yun Yang could feel that he had invaded Venerable Lord Ice''s secret and had personally seen his most vulnerable side. This was something that such a formidable force could not allow to go unscathed. Therefore, despite his calm front, Venerable Lord Ice had already sentenced Yun Yang to death. "So Venerable Lord Ice is actually Marshal Yang Botao''s father." Yun Yang smiled coldly and said, "I didn''t expect Yutang''s heroic Marshal Yang to actually have a Four Seasons Tower father. This is shocking." Venerable Lord Ice shuddered and said, "Yang Botao is only my adopted son." He paused and said hoarsely, "He''s but one among my many adopted children. I like him, that''s all." Yun Yang smirked. "Is that so?" The nonchalant tone ignited Venerable Lord Ice''s fury; he exploded and straightened up, glaring at Yun Yang and glowered, "What does it have to do with you? Yun Yang, do you think you can leave this place alive today?" Yun Yang chuckled darkly and said, "It has nothing to do with me nor have I the interest to know it. But whether I can leave alive today is what you, an old bastard who harmed his own biological son, will have to decide!" What Yun Yang said struck Venerable Lord Ice''s nerve right where it hurt; the latter growled, furiously shrieking, "What did you say!" "Are you deaf? You are really old now, eh?" Yun Yang asked rhetorically. The wind billowed as Venerable Lord Ice hollered, "You''re seeking your own death!" He suddenly turned into the tornado, amidst the snow, charging towards Yun Yang with a lethal intent. Yun Yang did not make any move to avoid him, standing straight like a mountain, and asked faintly, "Do you have the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb? I''d like to see it." It was like as if a thunderbolt had exploded above Venerable Lord Ice who was about to pounce forward; he halted abruptly, his expression changed. He vomited blood midair and hovered there, crying out, "Who are you? What do you know?!" Anyone who heard him at this point in time would never think that such a voice belonged to the human world. The Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb C his biggest lie! It was also the eternal guilt tainting Venerable Lord Ice''s heart. Yun Yang picked his head up slowly and gazed at the man opposite of him, answering, "I was right by his side when Yang Botao died!" "What did you say?!" Venerable Lord Ice fell from the air with a swoosh; the swift action causing him to spit out another mouthful of blood as he stared straight at Yun Yang. Yun Yang was unmoved. "Yang Botao told me a lot of things in the end!" Venerable Lord Ice trembled. His violent aura and murderous intent instantly dissipated into nothing. His gaze was dead set on Yun Yang''s face while his lips quivered. He had yet to beg with words but the emotion in his eyes was near pleading. Yun Yang''s eyes were cast coolly on Venerable Lord Ice, uttering each word carefully, "I know about all of it!" "I don''t believe it!" Venerable Lord Ice roared. Yun Yang did not say anything but merely watched him in silence. He knew that Venerable Lord Ice already believed him, what he said now was only an unconscious stubborn retort. "You don''t?" asked Yun Yang calmly. Venerable Lord Ice''s gaze was bleary, he was shaking all over. "Since you don''t believe it, I won''t say anything then," replied Yun Yang faintly. Venerable Lord Ice took an abrupt step forward and bellowed, "Tell me! What did he say before he died!" Yun Yang''s gaze was cold, he spoke as chillingly, "Are you begging me?" Beg? This word had never existed in the entirety of Venerable Lord Ice''s lifetime. Now that he heard it, he was instinctually enraged. "You!" "Hmm? Other than harming your own son, bringing his family to ruin, you don''t know anything else? You don''t know how to beg?" Yun Yang''s eyes squinted as his arms rested on his back. Venerable Lord Ice glared at him, his breathing erratic. Yun Yang continued indifferently. "Not only do I know about the Nine-Beam Rainbow Herb, I also know that it''s used to conspire against the Nine Supremes; it''s Yang Botao''s father''s scheme. I also know what Yang Botao said, I know the biggest regret of a once notable marshal, I know a lot." He smiled, his tone calm but laced with endless brutality. "I know all of this. But unless others kneel before me and beg, I won''t say anything." "Kneel before you and beg?!" Venerable Lord Ice was furious, almost losing his sanity. "Dream on!" Yun Yang nodded. "Correct, so I shall go on dreaming now. You can continue crying here. This is Yang Botao''s memorial, huh? What''s buried inside? Why don''t I know that he still had something left?" Venerable Lord Ice looked like he wanted to devour Yun Yang whole but the latter did not mind it at all, smiling faintly, Yun Yang continued, "I bid my leave!" He turned to leave. "Stand right there!" Venerable Lord Ice jerked forward and before he knew it he was already blocking the way in front of Yun Yang. One of his arms was raised high in the snowy sky. "If I fight against you now you aren''t my opponent. But even if I don''t counter, would you dare kill me?" Yun Yang''s gaze was calm, he did nothing to defend himself. Venerable Lord Ice was huffing. "No one else in this world knows how to kill me." Yun Yang''s gaze on Venerable Lord Ice was crystal clear while the latter''s gaze went from furious and frantic to worried, frightened, slowly becoming lifeless and bleary. Yun Yang was right before him without any defense. Venerable Lord Ice could have killed him with just a raise of arm but his hand did not move. "I don''t want to force you C because you look like a pitiful father now wanting to know what your son said before his death. Perhaps I should fulfill this wish of yours," said Yun Yang faintly. "Considering human emotions, I shouldn''t put you in such a tough spot." "If it were someone else''s father, I''d tell him without missing a word. It wouldn''t matter how revolting and how vicious he had been. This would be the last essential piece of news, I wouldn''t not tell him," Yun Yang continued lightly. "But not you!" Yun Yang''s gaze was suddenly colored with deep hatred C painted with the grudges of his Nine Supremes brothers, the resentment of countless warriors, the tragedy of Yang Botao Yun Yang felt his heart ache. With a glower of eyes, he hollered till his voice was hoarse, "Kneel down! Beg!" 540 The Enigma of God’s Bone! The startled Venerable Lord Ice glared chillingly at Yun Yang with vengeful eyes. There was only resentment and fury in his gaze. Yun Yang''s returning stare was equally cold; other than surging hatred, there was also a chilling sense to it that contained less warmth than the snow. He did not back down in the slightest. As he took in the resolute gaze, Venerable Lord Ice was then aware that if he did not kneel down, the other party would never speak a word. In spite of this, what sort of character was Venerable Lord Ice? How could he possibly kneel down? Even when he was well past his peak and limited in his capabilities now, he refused to surrender and acknowledge inferiority. Hence, it had inevitably resulted in a delicate standstill. Yun Yang''s aura continued to hike as time passed, though, his gaze growing icier; on the other hand, Venerable Lord Ice grew weaker, his aura sagging and growing increasingly dispirited. Venerable Lord Ice was seriously injured after all, no longer equipped with his past abilities to recuperate. Facing Yun Yang, who was fervent both physically and emotionally, he was imminently at a disadvantage. Plop! Yun Yang stepped forward, kicking the snow under his feet. His gaze turned harsher as he cried out, "Within yourself, you have already submitted. Why aren''t you kneeling down and begging?" "Yun Yang, don''t you dare torment one beyond what is right!" Venerable Lord Ice growled in an instinctively superior bearing, his gaze menacing. "Torment one too much?" Yun Yang said coldly, "Did I? How can this little trick of mine compare to any single deed of Venerable Lord Ice in the past? Venerable Lord Ice has ruined your son; from being well and alive to having a broken family, and dead. What right do I have to speak about ''tormenting one too much'' in front of Venerable Lord Ice?" Venerable Lord Ice waved his arms about in a frenzy. "Why can you not let this go? Does it gratify you to repeatedly mention one''s shortcomings!" Considering Venerable Lord Ice''s status, he had reached his maximum limit after enduring so much; it was basically admitting defeat to Yun Yang! Yet, Yun Yang was still not planning to let him go; he said, "That''s right. It looks like Venerable Lord Ice is proficient in this as well, why don''t we exchange some opinions?" Venerable Lord Ice''s forcibly suppressed fury could no longer be subdued as he intended to explode in a fit of rage, but facing the indifferent Yun Yang, he was helpless and powerless. He could clearly feel that Yun Yang''s aura had overcome his own, and the latter''s divine sense had totally locked down on him. It only proved that the youth''s ability was stronger than his own and he was more than determined to put him to death! Even when Venerable Lord Ice had been much stronger than Yun Yang when he was in his prime, the reality now was that he was drained and on his last legs. He could only sigh helplessly against the force of nature that was Yun Yang. Therefore, even when Yun Yang had refused to back down from humiliating him with the biggest regret of his life, he was powerless to oppose him. Similarly, if Yun Yang did not want to tell him what he wanted to know, he could only glare without being able to do anything else. As it was, Yun Yang had the upper hand, no matter which aspect he tried to look at it from. Venerable Lord Ice could only await the tricks and commands that would eventually befall him. Thinking of this, despair colored the man''s eyes. Who would have expected Venerable Lord Ice of the renowned Five Venerable Lords to fall so badly? If there had been a choice, if it hadn''t been for the fact that he did not wish to give up, Venerable Lord Ice would have wanted to die; he could not take the humiliation any further. However, it was perhaps the last trace of his son in this world; if he could not find out, he could not rest in peace, even if he died! "Yun Yang" Venerable Lord Ice said brokenly, "Young Master Yun I know that all of you hate me. As Yutang''s higher authority, you naturally know what the Four Seasons Tower has done to Yutang. However, this old man won''t be able to live much longer. A previous battle had caused the meridians connected to my heart to be severed, and it cannot be salvaged. I''m only supporting myself with my last breath of energy. Why, I can barely survive this." "Young Master Yun must know the biggest regret of my life is none other than my son''s incident" "I wonder if Young Master Yun could possibly take pity on an old man who is on the brink of death and in the last legs of his life. Allow me to know what my child said before his passing" Venerable Lord Ice was aged and withered. For him to utter these words, he might as well be begging. "I only wish Young Master Yun can let me know. Even if I die immediately after that, even when I''m well under in the Nine Springs, I would be immensely grateful!" Yun Yang looked at him coldly and said, "The famed Venerable Lord Ice, the pillar of the Four Seasons Tower; I guess you would have your low moments as well. It looks like you know you''re at your helpless end now!" Venerable Lord Ice lowered his head, accepting the humiliation. He suddenly coughed, droplets of blood spilling from his mouth, as he grew increasingly pale. Yun Yang scoffed. "I don''t intend to deliberately put people in a tough spot. Just like you said, I gain no benefit from an old man on the brink of death to kneel down before me. However, since you have a favor to ask for, you must pay the price for it and I believe Venerable Lord Ice is very clear about the price to move this higher authority of Yutang!" Venerable Lord Ice exhaled raggedly and said, "I ask for Young Master Yun to give me a straightforward request. This old man will do his best in order to achieve his wish." "The Four Seasons Tower." Yun Yang spoke faintly, "I want to know everything there is to know about the Four Seasons Tower." Venerable Lord Ice''s lips moved with difficulty as his gaze on Yun Yang grew worried; he answered in a low voice, "What Young Master Yun wants to know is difficult for me to speak of. Ordinary matters of the tower may not fulfill young master''s wish, but I will never divulge confidential matters pertaining to my brothers'' personal information!" "Well said. Since Venerable Lord Ice has made your choice, so be it. I would not force someone to do what they don''t want. I shall bid my leave now, I wish Venerable Lord Ice a rest without peace!" Yun Yang chuckled coldly. The color drained from Venerable Lord Ice''s face; he spoke dryly, "I''ve already betrayed my son, I will never betray my brothers. That gut-wrenching heartache is too much even if it was just once Young Master Yun, I''m willing to exchange the last words of my son with the enigma of God''s Bone. As long as you can figure out the mystery of God''s Bone, you''ll understand the inner workings of the real Four Seasons Tower!" The real Four Seasons Tower? This caused Yun Yang''s eyes to brighten. Yun Yang considered it and replied in a low voice, "Alright. I admire your resolve not to betray your brothers. On behalf of the late Marshal Yang, I shall not make your life any harder than it already is. So be it." "Perhaps young master will not believe it, but when the Four Seasons Tower was established, I, Venerable Lord Ice who was beneath one and above thousands, didn''t know it as well. What I know is that the past generations of the tower''s higher authority have always focused their efforts on one thing, and that was to reign supreme over the world, subdue the martial world, steal the destined providence, open the tomb of God and retrieve God''s bone, integrate it into one''s body and tear through the extremes of the martial path into the door of Dao," Venerable Lord Ice narrated slowly. Yun Yang wore a straight face but he was quietly evaluating what he was being told. If Venerable Lord Ice''s words were taken as the focal point and combined with the relevant information he had collected previously, like the Bone of the Saber God, Bone of the Ice God, a tomb, subduing the martial world and all that these scattered pieces gradually formed a clearer trail through Venerable Lord Ice'' slow narration. "Many, many years ago, the Four Seasons Tower''s old master passed on and Mr. Nian ascended into power. However, ever since then, no one has known the real identity of Mr. Nian or his background." "As for us, to put it nicely, we are the Four Seasons Tower''s high authority who are under one but above all; truthfully, we are the only people whom Mr. Nian found across the continent through some special tactics after he ascended into power. We are equipped with the gift of being heir to the God''s Bone" Yun Yang cut in then, asking, "How does Mr. Nian know that you have the gift to either take or inherit the God''s Bone?" "Overlord has an artifact that can identify individuals who fit the bill, but I don''t really know how that works," answered Venerable Lord Ice. Yun Yang nodded and said, "May I ask where God''s Tomb is? Ever since you became Venerable Lord Ice, have you gone there personally?" "No, in fact, we don''t even know where exactly the tomb lies What we know is only when the destined providence is about right, everyone shall work together to open an unknown space and that is where God''s Tomb can be found. It needs the strength of three hundred and sixty-five people, and for all their cooperation, but no more than twelve are suitable to enter each time. After each one enters, they can only stay for a short hour; the duration merely suffices for them to retrieve a piece of God''s Bone before they must come out or else they will forever be lost in that space," Venerable Lord Ice said with shame. "According to the Overlord, even though we can wait for the next opportunity after coming out, the next chance comes after the process of the next providence cycle. It''s so long away that those only those who know how will, at most, only have one chance throughout his lifetime!" Venerable Lord Ice spoke bitterly in a dry voice, heaving a long sigh after. "That is truly vague information. One can barely be certain about anything," sighed Yun Yang as well. "It is truly hard to be certain because we don''t understand it ourselves." Venerable Lord Ice''s chuckle was devoid of humor, "All along, we only know that as long as one has God''s Bone, one can be immortal, to live as long as the heaven and all its days! This is a cultivator''s greatest wish! No one would be able to say no to it." "Were there some changes that inhibited your plan?" Yun Yang asked, listening carefully. "There were changes indeed. The reality of the situation caused us to recognize the truth. All our hard work was simply toiling for others!" Venerable Lord Ice''s tone was filled with sorrow and helplessness. It was like he was weak and helpless as if he was filled with regret, resentment and was somewhat lost. "Reality? Truth? Toiling for others? How come?" "Previously, when Venerable Saber passed on, we brought back the Bone of the Saber God inside him, hoping that Mr. Nian could execute his arcane magic and regather fifth brother''s soul and implant it into the bone at once. However, it was only after that incident that we knew that we had been toiling for others all along, while the heirs of the God''s Bone it''s the same for every generation" "To make things worse, most of the heirs didn''t even know what they had actually done throughout their life until the moment of death, what they were actually living for what they were even existing for They never knew who their lifetime of effort benefitted, who it finally raised..." This frightened Yun Yang. What did it mean? How could a cultivator so proficient in his cultivation like Venerable Lord Ice be so doubtful and lost in his own cultivation journey? If someone like this doubted his future of cultivation and were to be stagnant for a long time, a halted progress would merely be a light consequence. In a more severe situation, there would be retaliation, and one''s cultivation base could be destroyed. It was not something to be taken lightly. "Young Master Yun, have you not thought of the crux? What I want to say is that we aren''t the heirs of God''s Bone at all they were talking about someone else" "The meaning of our existence, these so-called heirs of God''s Bone, is nothing but generations of hard work of individuals who retrieved the bones from the mysterious space and maintained the Four Seasons Tower''s reputation outside. When we perish, the bones go back to them. For so many years, for so many generations, they have managed to collect innumerable fragments of God''s Bone." "As for people like us countless have died" "I believe you would have come to a conclusion by now, a startling truth C that the Four Seasons Tower''s secret base still contains twelve people who have never appeared in the martial world. These twelve individuals are the epitome of the tower''s peak the heirs to God''s Bone!" "As for us we are only temporary vessels of the God''s Bone. When we nourish the bones to a certain extent, even if we don''t die in battle, we''d be killed and the bones will be retrieved before the next generation will be brought up to collect the bones." The resentment in Venerable Lord Ice''s voice was growing thicker. Yun Yang felt his heart skipping several beats. The true heirs of God''s Bone? Twelve people? Venerable Lord Saber and his cohorts only had a piece of God''s Bone, but they were already so powerful How many pieces must those twelve mysterious people have in them now? How terrifying would their cultivation base be? So, this was the real Four Seasons Tower? It was no wonder Venerable Lord Ice was so eager to spill the beans once Yun Yang forced him to. There was so much hatred in his heart that it wasn''t hard for him to begin his rant. "The so-called Four Seasons Tower four seasons, twelve months, and 365 days" Venerable Lord Ice smiled deprecatingly, "These are but people unqualified to stay in the headquarters and released to wreak havoc in the world, lowly servants to absorb the providence." "The real higher authority other than Overlord''s several manifestations who roam the martial world and keep things in check none of them have ever appeared!" The corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched. "The Overlord''s several manifestations? You mean, there isn''t just one Mr. Nian? The Mr. Nian who saved you the other day may not be the real Mr. Nian?" Venerable Lord Ice chuckled and nodded. "That''s right. I guess that never occurred to you, did it?" Yun Yang truly had never considered it. The answer was far too shocking and overwhelming! The Mr. Nian who had always been praised to the clouds in the martial world legends was but a manifestation? The Mr. Nian who had struck Lei Dongtian and killed his servant so easily the other day might only be a manifestation? "It''s pathetically funny. My brothers are pitiable people as well" Venerable Lord Ice said weakly, "After I confirmed this information and before I could notify them, I was hunted down by the tower" "I only hope that when Young Master Yun encounters them in battle in the future" He said softly, "I would not ask you to be merciful, nor do I ask for Young Master Yun to tell this secret to my brothers. I only ask that you give them an easy end." "If you can behead them in a single strike, don''t let them return severely injured The God''s Bone within them will be extracted when they are still alive. That feeling is worse than death itself." "Probably it''s what they called soul straining!" A deep sliver of fear came arose in Venerable Lord Ice''s eyes. "Have you tried it?" asked Yun Yang. "I have" A spasm ran across Venerable Lord Ice''s facial muscles. "It wasn''t too long ago I was wounded by the Concourse of the Underworld and was fleeing with severe injuries. When I met the tower''s people, I thought I would be saved. Who would have known" "If it weren''t for two of my brothers who saved me by risking their own lives" Venerable Lord Ice''s tears landed on the snow. "I see. So this is the truth, the reality. It is truly a petrifying reality!" Yun Yang was deep in thought. 541 The Last Hope After all that he had heard, Yun Yang began to pick up a relatively clearer trail of hints C while the Four Seasons Tower had opened fire at the Concourse of the Underworld and was winning, Venerable Lord Ice had suffered from serious injuries from the battle and was brought away by his own people. Venerable Lord Ice had thought that what awaited him was salvage only to be greeted with a nightmare. The reality was that the Four Seasons Tower''s relief arm had confirmed that Venerable Lord Ice had no more hope at surviving and decided to strain his soul and retrieve the Bone of the Ice God nourished within him. Venerable Lord Ice had refused to accept his fate and retaliated with all his might. With the help of his two brothers, he managed to escape, albeit in a tattered state. A fortunate escape could never change the critical situation, though; the Four Seasons Tower''s fatal pursuit would never stop, it was destined to last until his death. Venerable Lord Ice was more than aware of this point; at the same time, the guilt for his son was also another push factor that brought him to Tiantang City in the last legs of his life. Yun Yang''s unintentional intrusion was timely, causing a twist to the story. It might be his accidental intervention that had caused Venerable Lord Ice to have other thoughts in his impasse. Just like the latter had thought, he had given everything for the Four Seasons Tower, even the happiness of his son''s family. Ultimately, he had only been taken as a disposable chess piece. The rage that wracked him, hopeless despair and the tower''s colossus might as well as terror rendered his inability to obtain revenge, despite having the intention. However, Yun Yang''s surprise entrance and the sudden switch of stances gave birth to this moment C a submission due to ''coercion'', a complete unveiling of the Four Seasons Tower''s biggest secret. Yun Yang sighed. A tough character like Venerable Lord Ice would never easily submit; what he said was only limited to what he wanted to say. Even if Yun Yang had not threatened him, he would have told him everything anyway. On the contrary, no matter how Yun Yang threatened and oppressed him, it would be meaningless if he did not wish to say anything! Since the thought process was now clear, the most important question was instead whether what Venerable Lord Ice had said was true. Yun Yang analyzed the situation with utmost concentration and concluded that more than a ninth of what Venerable Lord Ice said should be true. Still, this truth was further evidence that the Four Seasons Tower''s monstrosity was limitless. The fact that someone so mighty like Venerable Lord Ice was only a very, very minuscule presence, a disposable existence proved that the exact capacity of the tower could only be unimaginable! At the same time, as Yun Yang digested this surprising information, his heart was further chilled. This was not at all relevant to Yue Rulan; where had she gone to? What could have become of her after these few days? Yun Yang did not even dare contemplate the question further. "Knowing these now, you now know the Four Seasons Tower''s biggest secret. Go along this direction, and you''ll know even more, maybe even things that we don''t know either" Venerable Lord Ice said in desperation, "I know that you want to know more, where the headquarter is, the location of each operation but not even us brothers know about them." "Come to think of it, we''ve been calling ourselves seniors of the martial world in vain. Since we become the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lords, more than ninety-nine percent of the time is spent in the Venerable Lord Hall or waiting for orders or practicing our skills We thought that we would eventually become supreme rulers somewhere, a character who conquers We would never think that we were only pathetic people who don''t even qualify to enter the main quarter!" Yun Yang kept silent. Indeed, Venerable Lord Ice and the rest of the Five Venerable Lords had lived rather tragic lives. They had thought their positions to be venerable, high and mighty, beneath the tower''s head Mr. Nian; their future was anticipated, being authoritative and immortal were only matters of course. Yet everything was a trap; they had been utilized, and they had abandoned their families for this temptation and beautiful hope, contributing a lifetime of loyalty to the Four Seasons Tower. Ultimately, they had thrown in not only themselves but everything of their families as well. At the end of the end, when they had gotten to the end of their lives, only then did they realize the truth; that their lifetime of effort was only to be someone else''s stepping stone C that was all there was to it! What could they do when they found out? Everything was too late, there was no turning back. They were already alone in this world. Their wives, their children, their families everything had been destroyed by their own hands! It was too late. Such tragedy was akin to concentrating the world''s worst fates into one. What was even more tragic was that Venerable Lord Ice was no longer able to plot his revenge; he could only accept this fate passively, as nothing more could be done. This was the most tragic of fates! Yun Yang sighed. Looking at Venerable Lord Ice''s withered form in the snow again, the resentment filling him had already vanished. He said in a low voice, "When Marshal Yang was about to pass, I''ve asked him who his father was. Where was he? But Marshal Yang only said one thing." Venerable Lord Ice stepped forward emotionally as he asked with a trembling voice, "What did Tao''er say?" "He said even if he was wrong and had committed so many heinous sins, he''s still my biological father! I can''t betray him!" Yun Yang uttered faintly with closed eyes. "Tao''er!" Venerable Lord Ice trembled once he heard Yun Yang. His already pale face drained of color completely as he cried out in agony. He spat a mouthful of blood thirty feet away. "Even if he was wrong and had committed so many heinous sins, he''s still my biological father!" "I can''t betray him!" These were his son''s last words to him! The last act of filial piety! What right did he have as a father to cherish this last filial act of his son? "I have no right to be your father" Venerable Lord Ice fell into a trance once he heard his son''s last words. Yang Botao''s words before his death were like a sharp, burning, red knife that stabbed right into his most tender part, shattering and crushing him. Yun Yang sighed softly and asked, "Is this the cenotaph you''ve built for Marshal Yang?" Venerable Lord Ice could not satisfactorily express his regret, punching the ground with his trembling fist. "How can I be gifted with the joy of building a cenotaph for my son, being such a failure of a father? These are the silver taels, banknotes, and gold that Tao''er gave me when he urged me to leave" He sobbed, entering a state of frenzy, shrieking incoherently, "Sorry! Sorry! I''m so sorry!" It was at this moment that Yun Yang''s ears perked up; some other people were about to arrive. There were vague human noises from somewhere far from them amidst the snow, but they were obviously headed in their direction. Listening to the fluttering sound of clothes, not only were these people rather skilled, it seemed that there were quite a number of them! It seemed that a team of experts was about to arrive. On the other hand, Venerable Lord Ice was in an unhinged state now, sobbing while hugging the cenotaph, incapable of any other action. Yun Yang frowned, and gently called out to the distraught man, "Someone''s coming!" Venerable Lord Ice was still weeping as if he had not heard anything Yun Yang had said. Yun Yang spoke again, "Before Yang Botao died, his mistress had made arrangements to send their young son away." Venerable Lord Ice was already disorientated but Yun Yang would not let him fall into a deeper state of insensibility! Never! Venerable Lord Ice, who was in an irrational condition, lifted his head and trained his eyes on Yun Yang, speaking in disbelief, "What did you say? What did you say" 542 The Head of the Hall of Crimson Blade Yun Yang continued to speak in a low voice, "Marshal Yang contributed meritoriously to Yutang during this lifetime; other than making a mistake during the Nine Supremes'' incident, he had not done anything wrong. He had even given up his life to expunge his regret. This is why I didn''t do anything to the child! He is still alive and well now!" Venerable Lord Ice quivered, tears streaming down his face. He suddenly kneeled down and bowed fervently to Yun Yang, "Thank you, Young Master Yun! Thank you, Lord Supreme Cloud! Thank you, Lord Supreme Cloud!" If Venerable Lord Ice still could not discern that Yun Yang was actually Supreme Cloud, all these years he had spent living would be a waste! "Shush! Someone''s coming!" Yun Yang chided sternly. Venerable Lord Ice was bent over in gratitude, but he did not make another further noise. There was the sound of a sob bubbling in his throat, but he had suppressed it. Thankfulness and contentment filled his heart. Yun Yang sighed. He was prepared to face the fact that Venerable Lord Ice realized his identity. Before Yang Botao died, the only one person by his side was Yun Yang''s manifestation of Supreme Wind. It had been witnessed by the Four Seasons Tower''s men. Venerable Lord Ice knew that he was the one who heard Yang Botao''s last words before his death; naturally, he would know that this person right before him was Lord Supreme Cloud, whom the Four Seasons Tower had been pulling their hair out over. There was no doubt about this. However, Venerable Lord Ice would never be able to disclose the secret of Yun Yang being the Nine Supremes now! This was also why Yun Yang had broken him out of his mania. It was the same reason that gave Venerable Lord Ice hope as well. If he continued having his head wrapped up in fog and exposed Yun Yang''s secret identity, it would matter naught if he came to an untimely end, but what about his only grandson? His son''s sole bloodline? Venerable Lord Ice could not afford to ignore the ramifications. Since he had come out of his insanity, there was hope. Given that Venerable Lord Ice could no longer live and he wanted Yun Yang to seek revenge for him the rest need not be mentioned explicitly by the latter. Yun Yang did not speak aloud but Venerable Lord Ice understood the implied meaning; the impact was larger than the words being uttered. One stood tall while another wept on the ground. Both of them did not speak. Only the group that was still afar moved closer, reducing the distance between them. Finally With a swoosh, a shadow barreled through the snow storm like a hawk, landing in the valley. With a peek, he suddenly guffawed. "After searching far and wide, what one is looking for comes without effort! Isn''t this Yun Yang, Young Master Yun, who is widely known throughout Tiantang City for killing so many people, who the martial practitioners are fearful of once they hear the name?" He chortled easily and said with derision, "Why didn''t Young Master Yun hide in Tiantang City to ensure your own safety? Instead, you''ve come to this dangerous wilderness? Have you come to seek your own death?" "Who are you?" Yun Yang asked calmly. Yun Yang''s voice clearly indicated that he was tired, but there was a tone of disdain, as he did not regard anyone before him as anyone important. Venerable Lord Ice fell silent; he was still on the ground, his pristine white clothes stained, but he had regained his calm composure. The one who came had a long face like a horse, his expression savage. He had a head of white hair and wore a crimson red robe, carrying a shiny silver saber. The overall look was indescribably out of place. Upon a closer look of his face, there seemed to be a mark from a blade on his left eyebrow that hinted at a scar that cut through from the center. It made it harder for one to like this person. The newcomer laughed darkly. "Didn''t Young Master Yun kill many of my subordinates? Can''t you recognize me now? You''re not feigning ignorance, are you?" Yun Yang gazed at the man and pondered for a long while before saying coldly, "Red robes and white hair, silver saber, and cut brow the head of the Hall of Crimson Blade, Hong Leader, must be the one who has arrived. Are you trying to hold me accountable for these deeds now?" The newcomer was none other than the head of the Hall of Crimson Blade, one of the three assassins organizations that intimidated the world, Hong Zhan! Hall of Crimson Blade C it was a literal name. Everyone in the organization only used blades as their weapon, only blood sabers! The only exception was their leader Hong Zhan, who used a silver saber C Silver Saber Hong Zhan! This was a memorable character painted with rich, legendary, colors. When this person made his debut, he came with nothing, but as he rose up the ranks, it was like a tyrannical wave that turned the world of assassins on its head. He created the Hall of Crimson Blade out of nothing and had even brought the organization to within the top three of the world''s assassination organizations in the twenty years that followed. Someone had even predicted that while the Hall of Crimson Blade''s capabilities might not catch up to Concourse of the Underworld''s, it could very possibly beat The Merciless Tower if Hong Zhan was given another twenty years. Speaking of the legend of Hong Zhan, something must be made known. Hong Zhan''s cultivation base was incredibly high, so much so that it was difficult to ascertain. Until now, no one could be sure what level his cultivation base was. He had never left an injured man alive after his assassination attempts; there was no chance of surviving a decapitating blow! He was then also called Silver Saber Hong Zhan, a truly overbearing title. Now, this legendary character had appeared before Yun Yang, brimming with a barely concealed murderous intent. Hong Zhan said faintly, "Young Master Yun, I''m actually very confused by events that brought about this incident. While the Hall of Crimson Blade has come to Tiantang City before to claim its targets, I don''t believe that we''ve openly offended Young Master Yun before." His sharp gaze landed on Yun Yang''s indifferent face as he continued. "Young Master Yun is an aristocrat, King Xiaoyao''s only son. You have blessed by heaven, your eyes now see past this world. Still, I don''t understand why you''ve killed so many of our hall''s men. I hope that you can explain this to us, Young Master Yun." "Hong Leader''s narration may have been too self-centered. Truth be told, I did not kill only your men throughout these days. There were many from The Merciless Tower that I have killed as well, perhaps even more than your hall''s." Yun Yang grinned. "Therefore, the explanation that Hong Leader wants, I will have to give it to Hen Bieli too." Hong Zhan was stunned. He had expected Yun Yang to offer various reasons or suggest multiple ways of compensation to mend their relationship, but he did not expect the latter''s words to be so frank, vaguely hinting that he did not mind offending two of the top assassins organizations. In spite of this, Hong Zhan had still underestimated Yun Yang. Yun Yang then lifted his head and stared at Hong Zhan in his graceful manner; clad entirely in purple, his tone was chilling as he said, "Even if I were to be given another chance and if I were to encounter the same thing again, these people who died by my hand will have to die again." Hong Zhan was dumbstruck. If he had been merely hinting at being offensive earlier, was he openly declaring war now? Yun Yang''s gaze turned sharp immediately, like a glimmering saber in the dark; it was trained on Hong Zhan''s face. Yun Yang spoke coldly, "These people whom I killed, they only represented themselves up until now. They had nothing to do with The Merciless Tower or the Hall of Crimson Blade! I hope Hong Leader doesn''t ask to be snubbed!" Ask to be snubbed? Hong Zhan''s gaze turned dangerous almost immediately. Who in the entire Tianxuan Continent dared say that Hong Zhan was asking to be snubbed? It had been too many years since he had heard these four words! His sharp gaze rested on Yun Yang as he uttered, "Reason?" Yun Yang took two steps forward and said, "I am neither able nor worthy to stop the people of the martial world people who came to Tiantang City from doing what they want to do, killing whoever they want to kill, and carry out any mission they have to carry out." "The people from your organizations; you are all assassins working for commission. There''s no ground for blame that you carry out your missions and targets. I can''t do anything about it! Unless unless the people you want to kill, the mission you want to execute, is related to me. Then, of course, I''ll have to do something about it. This doesn''t need any further elaboration. Hong Leader should understand that this is my choice of stance." Hong Zhan nodded and replied, "Young Master Yun is correct; that is well within reason. Still, what you said and what you''ve done seem to contradict each other." "Do they? Hong Leader, why don''t you ask if your subordinates have done something they shouldn''t? If there are martial world scums who have taken assaulting women as entertainment, or maybe adopt bullying the kind as a pastime within Tiantang City. If I encountered any of them by chance, even if I just found out about it..." Yun Yang grinned showing his teeth and said in an emotionless voice, "I would kill them all!" Hong Zhan''s expression turned sour. Yun Yang continued. "Be it the Hall of Crimson Blade or any other organization even if you are the Hong Leader yourself, as long as you pass this line, I will grant you no mercy!" 543 Awkward! Immediately after Yun Yang spat out his vehement challenge, a brawny man who had arrived with Hong Zhan glared at Yun Yang viciously and spoke spitefully, "Leader, why put up with the nonsense from this rich brat? Since the child admits that he was the one who killed our people, let''s finish this here C kill him right away!" The incendiary words instantly instigated the other Hall of Crimson Blade experts, hiking their killing intent into new highs. Only Hong Zhan did not speak, his expression dark. Although he had come with an aggressive front and his choice of words was purposefully ugly to show off his exceptionally tough character, he did not actually wish to kill Yun Yang right there and then. With Hong Zhan''s character, why would he speak if he could speak with his saber instead? It would be easier to just start a battle and jump into the fray. The core reason he had not struck out immediately was because he was certain that Yun Yang was not someone that could be easily killed, as he wore the title of King Xiaoyao''s son. Just his identity alone was enough to hold all the assassins back. The fact that Yutang had broken the four-nation siege and gotten rid of the subjugation threat as well as acquire the ability to conquer Tianxuan, the blood grudge would leave no room for drawback if a finger was laid upon the only son of Empire of Yutang''s King Xiaoyao. Besides, Young Master Yun of Yutang''s martial skill and cultivation base was tricky to handle. Despite his past reputation as a popinjay that was widespread, he had charged through the enemy''s formation alone during the war between Yutang and Dongxuan; he breached the army as he entered a no-man''s land and shot the marshal''s flag. His heroic fame was known across the world. In addition, his sole achievement in tackling Ma-i Sect''s several top-notch experts was more than enough to turn heads. It all but proved his status as a heaven realm cultivator! Therefore, this Young Master Yun Yang had to be a tough player equipped with impressive martial skills who also happened to carry the identity of King Xiaoyao''s young master. Kill him? Even if they could succeed, doing so would only bring them trouble! Even if he possessed the strength of a top assassin organization, it was not enough! Once he killed Yun Yang, what would come after would only be an inevitable calamity! A man''s power, a top martial world organization''s force C they could never compete against a prime empire. Faced with such troubles, Hong Zhan regarded himself highly, but he would never dare attract another burden to shoulder when he was already bearing an important mission. Hence, Hong Zhan had already made his decision regarding the current situation. However, the issue now was Hong Zhan''s five subordinates who came with him today; they clearly did not have the foresight to discern their opponent''s background, despite the fact that their leader had already decided not to fight Yun Yang. Yet as a leader, he had to portray the right mannerisms C the aura of intimidation. One could lose the game, but not the tenor. Even if Yun Yang had a solid background and excellent capabilities, Hong Zhan still had to say something; after all, the youth had killed so many of his men, would he say nothing about it? This was the reasoning behind Hong Zhan''s aggressive accusations, even as he was patiently hearing Yun Yang out. Furthermore, Hong Zhan knew that Yun Yang was not stupid; he would figure out that the other party had other intentions to appear in such weather than to watch the snow. It was based on this rationalization that Hong Zhan believed this Young Master Yun would not want to forge animosity with him or risk his life. Hence, Hong Zhan was sure that Yun Yang would play along and explain himself; despite the arrogant tone and the angry attitude, he had still laid things out calmly enough. Once he had done so, both sides would be able to turn the situation around; they could end things amicably. Hong Zhan did not care much as to how bad Yun Yang''s attitude could be. He had spoken harshly first, how else could a noble young master take it? It was only expected that he would retort. Hong Zhan did not want to pursue the matter; if he did, it would have gone against his initial intentions. To rape women was a big taboo in the martial world so killing the rapists was beyond reproach. Just as Hong Zhan was about to make some social comments, graze past the grudge and leave, his subordinates had talked about killing Yun Yang at this critical moment. It held what Hong Zhan wanted to say right back in his throat and aggravated the already tense situation. No, they were basically about to go at each other''s throats! Truthfully, Hong Zhan was utterly maligned. He knew that his subordinates were insensible and dense, but he did not expect them to be so insensible and dense to actually snatch away their leader''s authority. What the f*ck? He was speechless. What made Hong Zhan even more speechless was that there was not only one self-sabotaging teammate; he had brought a total of five men with him. "Boss! Kill him! Avenge our brothers!" Another one spoke. Hong Zhan''s expression grew darker as he grew increasingly infuriated. "Boss, don''t let our brothers die in vain!" The cries of another team-mate rang out loudly. "Did I say I wanted to let them die in vain? Was I not asking for an explanation for them righteously earlier?" "Why didn''t you fellows comment about the vile deeds they''ve done? Do all of you have the face to say it?" Hong Zhan thought to himself begrudgingly. "Boss, the brothers have just passed on" Another one spoke tearfully. Who was Yun Yang? Of course, he understood Hong Zhan''s current thoughts and even more, his initial intentions. Therefore, he watched as the man fell into a terribly awkward impasse with a beam of delight. He looked at him without adding another word; the grin he wore bore all kinds of sinister meanings. Hong Zhan was the Hall of Crimson Blade''s leader after all. He was able to pick it up and let it go, bend and stretch when he needed to; he glared at his subordinates and said in a low voice, "We, the Hall of Crimson Blade, live on the martial world''s commission and blood let out from saber-cuts. We can do a lot of things, but we should never do revolting things" He had initially wanted to say, "Since they''ve violated the martial world taboo, they should repent for their crimes. They have received what they deserved. Even if Young Master Yun had not killed them, they would have died by my hands instead" Then, he would have issued an aggressive warning to recover his dignity before they prepared to leave. If he could do that, not only would he still have his pride and authority, it would be fine even though it looked like he was giving in; it would not affect his commanding presence. At such a delicate moment, the dirty man clothed in white who had been on the ground actually stood up slowly and spoke with a cold voice, "What is a mere Hall of Crimson Blade? How dare you crow in front of me! Silver Saber Hong Zhan, only a lesser man with slight fame trumpets loudly about themselves. Do you dare to brag about it? Have you gotten bored of living?" Hong Zhan was stupefied by the sudden interjection. The speech he had prepared and was about to deliver smoothly caught in his throat once more. His mouth was half agape as he turned to look at the old man who made a sudden appearance, feeling shocked. "What is going on? I was about to beat the drum of retreat What are you doing, hopping out like this? How can I walk away now? You''re finding trouble here, whoever you are!" he thought to himself. Venerable Lord Ice stood tall, his previously crestfallen tenor washed away in an instant. His gaze was like a slither of electricity as he looked at Hong Zhan and said coldly, "Hong Zhan! Kneel and beg for mercy! Do you truly want your grandfather to make a move and die without a complete body? Do you wish for the Hall of Crimson Blade to be wiped out completely?" Hong Zhan was furious. "Who are you?" Hong Zhan''s rage soared as his killing intent surged. The fury was genuine. Who did he think he was, brazenly calling himself Hong Zhan''s grandfather? He had no right to say such things, even if he were Ling Xiaozui or the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian characters which he could not possibly be. "I am your grandfather!" Venerable Lord Ice roared and attacked, without any further preamble. With a quick wave of his hands, two separate showers of ice daggers fell upon his target like an unavoidable avalanche. 544 A Confused Battle of Life and Death Venerable Lord Ice''s target was not actually Hong Zhan but someone else several dozen feet away from him. The target was someone experienced who reacted immediately once he was attacked. With a roar, he advanced instead of avoiding, pouncing forward in spite of the current, while the crimson saber in his hands countered the attack accompanied by the harsh sounds of the wind. Unfortunately for him, his opponent was Venerable Lord Ice, one of the Four Seasons Tower''s Five Venerable Lords. No matter how swift his reflexes were or how much effort he expended in the attack, how could he hope to be an equal opponent to Venerable Lord Ice? Boom! Just as the ice dagger came into contact with the crimson saber, it crushed the saber blade and went right for the man. Everyone watching saw how the target''s entire being was utterly shattered. His bones fell, scattered on the ground piece by piece, becoming nothing more than a pile of minced meat! Although there was technically no torment or suffering in this method of death, the victim of it was not much better off anyway. The atmosphere fell into an eerie pin-drop silence. Hong Zhan''s hand crept towards the grip of his saber, his gaze rested on Venerable Lord Ice''s face like a sharp blade; he spoke gently, "Are you the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lord Ice?" The ice dagger storm was a well-known trick of Venerable Lord Ice. Seeing this trick greet the world, if Hong Zhan, being one of the top assassin organization''s leaders, could not recognize it, he should consider quitting from the martial world. Venerable Lord Ice rose, ice and frost surrounding him, as he bolted towards Hong Zhan, chuckling weirdly as he approached, "Hong Zhan, I''ve long heard that you''re one of the few rare martial world experts, top six in the assassin ranking. Now that there''s a chance for me today, I can experience it for myself C to see if a ranked assassin is more formidable or if the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lord is stronger!" Hong Zhan waved his silver blade, pulling a curtain of glittering silver light, it looked as if the Milky Way itself had fallen from the sky. With a loud clang, he crushed all of Venerable Lord Ice''s ice daggers and hollered, "Is this Mr. Nian''s order?" His strike was controlled with precision. Not only did his action halt Venerable Lord Ice''s advance but he had also showcased his ability perfectly without hurting Venerable Lord Ice, obviously intending for the latter to retreat in a timely fashion. The Four Seasons Tower''s fame was overwhelming and there was also the precedence of the Concourse of the Underworld being targeted prior. Even for Hong Zhan, he was reluctant to make such an unrivaled enemy; by reserving himself in his strike, there was already an indication that he intended to admit inferiority and refusal to avenge his killer''s sudden demise by Venerable Lord Ice. Venerable Lord Ice chuckled and suddenly spat, chiding, "Hong Zhan, you''re scared? Are you actually afraid? The so-called martial world fame is exaggerated then, the rumor of you exceeding expectations is only a joke!" Hong Zhan sucked in a deep breath. Despite his calm stance, he still had some temper in him; what was more, he was a notable character who could shake the martial underworld with a stomp of his foot! If he were to surrender to this mocking, how could he dominate others in the future? "Venerable Lord Ice, you''ve killed my man! You have to know, the debt of blood is paid by blood. This is how karma works!" he said in a chilling voice. Venerable Lord Ice''s ice daggers soared again as he laughed. "But would you dare kill me? Even if I kill everyone around you, so what? Would you dare to retaliate? If you kill me, the entire Hall of Crimson Blade will have to be buried with me!" "What''s more, you and your insignificant tricks are not even worthy of speaking to me!" Ice daggers danced, Venerable Lord Ice soared as if riding clouds; he attacked ferociously without any defense, going all out in this battle as he embroiled all five men of the Hall of Crimson Blade into his attacking range, each one of his strikes was brutal and with the intent to kill. Clang, clang, clang! Hong Zhan, who was in the lead, countered thrice continuously and blocked Venerable Lord Ice''s first three attacks head-on. He was about to speak again. With a strong cultivation base and capability of a first-rate expert, one could already assess what was going on during this exchange. Hong Zhan was actually reserving his force in the strikes C if Venerable Lord Ice was prudent, he should know to retreat instead of attack, to stop right away and even consider leaving so as to not aggravate the situation even more. One must know that the more proficient a cultivator was in their cultivation base, the more he cherished his own life. Even if Venerable Lord Ice''s threat was true, that the Four Seasons Tower would hunt the Hall of Crimson Blade in the event of his death C if he died, the consequences would not benefit Hong Zhan, in fact, it would not benefit either of the two sides. It was because of this that Hong Zhan suppressed his anger and did not retaliate as brutally as he could. However, Hong Zhan heard his subordinate cry out in anguish at that moment, "Leader! Are you going to accept this?" Hong Zhan was jolted, his gaze took in the reddened eyes of his four men. How could he not realize that his subservient performance today had already caused dissatisfaction among his brothers? If he did not do anything, his brothers would be completely disappointed with him before considering anything else. Once this news was relayed back, the unity within the Hall of Crimson Blade''s would reduce so much that it could hardly return to its former unified state. The leader thought to himself that he would probably be thinking the same if he were in his subordinates'' shoes. Facing Yun Yang, putting aside that he did not do anything when he killed his men; after all, Yun Yang was a king''s son, there would be too many complicated issues arising from that. Besides, the youth had his reasons; they should not counterattack, be it from any aspect. But Venerable Lord Ice had killed Hong Zhan''s man right in front of him and was still so headstrong even after the latter had chosen to act so reservedly. Could Hong Zhan really not do anything at all? If he did not act, should they still be called the Hall of Crimson Blade? Why not change their name to ''doormat''? As his train of thoughts carried him here, an indescribable intent to kill rose from within Hong Zhan heart. He had truly never felt so indignant in his life before. Truthfully, the Four Seasons Tower was not a presence he could afford to offend; there was also the Concourse of the Underworld as the precedence too. But so what? Things had come to this stage where even if he could not offend them, he would still push through! Especially Venerable Lord Ice, who was the culprit responsible for instigating this standoff, he had to die! Despite his inhibitions, and the daunting fact that the Hall of Crimson Blade and Hong Zhan would have to face Four Seasons Tower''s revenge afterwards, Venerable Lord Ice was destined not to live any longer! "Kill!" Hong Zhan cried out. As his murderous intent towards Venerable Lord Ice increased, Hong Zhan stole a peek at Yun Yang, praying in his heart that Yun Yang would keep his word and would not suddenly ambush him; he also hoped that both men were not on the same team. Hong Zhan was confident that his cultivation base was above Venerable Lord Ice''s and had even noticed a slight anomaly of the latter''s state during the prior exchange. It was far from the rumored mightiness that the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lords allegedly possessed, but it was still a huge threat. If he was assisted by Yun Yang, a heaven realm expert, the result would still be up for debate. After a quick glance, however, he was relieved to see that Yun Yang did not move. He did not take advantage of this vulnerability. This was showing kindness. Hong Zhan was very much reassured, striking fast without hesitation. Swoosh Blood splattered. The result of the strike was that Venerable Lord Ice''s left arm was sliced off cleanly. It was so easy that Hong Zhan himself was surprised in spite of himself. He knew what he did. While his strike looked formidable, the actual damage was limited. More of his strength was contained within what he had yet to act upon; a few tricks that could have been executed based on how Venerable Lord Ice chose to retaliate, be it in greeting the strike of trying to avoid it. Hong Zhan thought very highly of Venerable Lord Ice. Despite his understanding that the latter''s cultivation base and capability was subpar based on the prior exchange, he did not dare advance so directly; this strike was only to probe Venerable Lord Ice''s limit too but lo and behold, the strong Venerable Lord Ice could not actually withstand such a blow! One strike and he As Venerable Lord Ice moaned, he exuded wisps of white gas and howled, "Young Master Yun, I ask a favor of you, based on our past relationship! Tell my brothers to avenge me!" He suddenly expanded. First, it was a beam of crimson that shot from him towards where Yun Yang was. The man himself had bolted to where Hong Zhan and his five subordinates were. Then, an earth-shattering explosion reverberated all around them. He had ignited himself! Venerable Lord Ice exploded his entire soul and life force in a single moment! 545 Unprecedented Lamen Hong Zhan was flung backwards, spinning in dust and stained with blood, he vomited blood with a splat. With a few staggering steps, he finally stabilized himself with his saber and lifted his head with eyes wide open, taking in the scene before him with disbelief. There was absolutely no trace left of Venerable Lord Ice at the point he had just been standing on. Additionally, two of his four subordinates with weaker a cultivation base had already turned into dust due to the explosion, no remains were left. The other two were flung away like gunny sacks and were now moaning on the ground, both bearing severe injuries. Hong Zhan felt like he was dreaming, he rubbed his temples, and murmured, "This f*cking hell what''s going on?" The leader of the Hall of Crimson Blade felt like he was about to lose his sanity, his mind was a complete jumble of thoughts. He had never encountered something so absurd in his whole life! Had Venerable Lord Ice lost his mind? He had stepped up to provoke them without reason and just went ahead and killed one of their men. Perhaps the Four Seasons Tower was accustomed to being so tyrannical. Yet if he was so renowned, how could he not withstand a single strike and instead suffered a severed arm? If it were only limited to that, then his reputation may have been proven as false, for Venerable Lord Ice was barely living up to his name, and only seemed to possess the reputation but not the capability that was attached to it. However, what about this self-explosion without hesitation? What was that all about! Was he sending himself straight to death instead of dying by another''s blade or was he so indignant about being humiliated that wanted to kill himself and bring his enemy along with him? It was too dramatic! Moreover, he was resolute to die yet he sounded as if he had been so wronged that he even asked Yun Yang to relay a message so his brothers could avenge his death? This Hong Zhan was absolutely befuddled, rendered unable to think at all. What did Venerable Lord Ice even mean by doing this? Seeing that reality was indeed set in stone, he remained in disbelief when he turned to look at Yun Yang, only to see the Tiantang City''s Young Master Yun keeping a piece of a shiny item in his embrace while speaking with a heavy heart, "Venerable Lord Ice, rest in peace. Don''t worry, I''ll deliver your message for sure! I shall fulfill your last wish and I shall never disregard this relationship of ours!" Hong Zhan, "" "Uh, Young Master Yun" This was all Hong Zhan managed to say before he heard two moans of pain from the side; it was his two subordinates who were beginning to wake up. Both of their injuries were rather serious, blood was pouring out of their wounds. If they were not saved in time, he would have to bear the responsibility for these two lives as well. It would make sense to care for the living first. Considering this, he bolted over and picked up both the men to quickly assess the extent of their injuries before letting them consume some medicine. After some time, they were both stabilized. As Hong Zhan turned to look, he newfound relief was short lived as he stood frozen on the spot. Where was Yun Yang? Where had the guy gone to? His eyes scanned the spot where Young Master Yun stood quietly, but it no longer contained that recognizable fluttering purple silhouette that spoke of grace and carefreeness! Hong Zhan howled, "Young Master Yun? Yun Yang?!" He then soared up several hundred feet into the high altitude, overlooking their surroundings, which were being steadily covered in falling snow. A purple silhouette flashed far away before it disappeared entirely. Why did he leave just like this? Shouldn''t he at least talk about it? Express his opinion on the matter? They could discuss their future plans too. What did he mean by fleeing like this? "What I''ve encountered today" Hong Zhan thought to himself. He was an experienced martial person, one whose martial world knowledge and experience was rich and thorough. However, today he was thoroughly bewildered! He could not even begin to understand the sort of people and things that he had encountered today; neither could he guess the reason nor cause for all that had just transpired. They had come, they argued, they fought, they killed, and it had ended. By the time the end neared, he was left with a fog of question marks. It was like he was dreaming, floating and drifting amidst the clouds. "Who can tell me what happened? Why have things become like this now?!" Looking at the fluttering snow, Hong Zhan was so lost that he began mumbling to himself. "I wonder if Young Master Yun is a friend or a fiend but the Four Seasons Tower is now a nemesis for sure" Hong Zhan thought he had been falsely persecuted. "I''ve never C in my life, thought I''d become enemy of the Four Seasons Tower." Yun Yang sped through the flurry of snow. He called out for his horse and Reddie galloped over from afar like a bolt of red lightning towards Yun Yang. It shook its tail in ecstasy as it snuggled its head against Yun Yang. Yun Yang mounted the horse, the Nine Heavens Dictum that was in his embrace relayed messages continuously. There was no discovery in the east, no trace in the west, and nothing in the north C Yue Rulan had just disappeared off the face of the earth. Yun Yang was in utter distress. Yun Zuiyue had disappeared after knowing about Supreme Flame''s death, thoroughly and utterly gone; Yue Rulan had similarly disappeared after knowing about Supreme Wind''s death. "I know I''m a little selfish for saying this," Yun Yang murmured, "But have any of you ever thought about how heavy the blow is for me to handle all of you disappearing just like this, to just die like this?" "Does no one ever consider how I feel in any aspect at all?" Yun Yang sighed. He would daresay that in all he had done in life, especially for friends and siblings, he had always thought about them by standing in their shoes. However, considering was what was happening all around him, it seemed that no one had ever thought on his behalf. "To be honest even if you can''t bear to live anymore, or you don''t want to live anymore, or that living is only suffering shouldn''t you still let me know? I can''t stop all of you from seeking death, or at the very least I can arrange a proper funeral for you" "At least, I''d be able to see your body" "But what now!" Yun Yang was in deep lament. "I don''t see anyone living nor do I see anyone dead! All that remains is my grief, regret, and unsolved mysteries!" Taking in the majestic outline of Tiantang City from afar, Yun Yang halted his steps. Tiantang City was farther in front. Where he stopped now was still an abandoned wilderness where snow fell into oblivion. The inside and outside of the city were two different worlds entirely. As long as he entered, what would occupy him would not only be this one matter. But he had no choice but to enter! So, what else could he do? Yun Yang observed his surroundings subconsciously, feeling his thoughts clear up all of a sudden amidst the snow. It was as if he had suddenly understood something at this moment. He howled loudly into the sky, "Come to an end! Let this come to an end then!" His legs kicked inwards. Reddie neighed and picked up its speed, shooting in Tiantang City like a streak of red lightning. The city gate''s guarding soldiers felt a piercing cold simultaneously as he entered, shuddering as they were consumed by the iciness so much so that their minds paused for a moment. Yun Yang had galloped off far away and was no longer in view when the soldiers fell out of their daze and mumbled, "Why was it so cold when Young Master Yun came!" Yun Yang did not feel cold but he felt the Bone of Ice God resting against his skin, giving him a very strange feeling. 546 Sealed Frozen Like One Had Fallen into an Ice Pi A penetrating sense of iciness slowly exuded from the piece of Bone of Ice God. It crept into him. Yun Yang wanted to block the iciness. Since the beginning, he had not planned to use this piece of bone himself; after all, there was only a piece of it and he did not know if the Four Seasons Tower had any arcane to test or understand it. It was unsafe and incomplete. However, ever since he carried the bone with him, firstly the iciness that felt so different in and of itself, and secondly, it had brought with it a huge hidden power that surged towards Yun Yang''s body like a river chasing the ocean. He could not stop it, his body felt like an endless abyss. Yun Yang cultivated the Endless Divine Art, doing everything he could to sever the icy energy from himself. In spite of this, something unimaginable happened. Once the Endless Divine Art was cultivated, it was like a dam was instantly broken. The icy strength bolted into him with a bang! "Oh" Yun Yang shuddered. Out of the blue, he blurted, "Emmie?" Other than Emmie, no one else could do something like this! His hand was already grabbing the Bone of Ice God that was in his embrace, prepared to toss it away at any given moment if he could not sever the overwhelming flow of energy. But he changed his mind at this moment. He allowed the burst of iciness to rush into his meridians before they vanished as expected. It didn''t take much time, only about as long as a single breath, before the icy energy halted abruptly. It seemed like Emmie had stopped absorbing the power. Yun Yang nervously watched the Bone of Ice God in his hand, distinctly feeling that the extreme iciness had faded very much. Thankfully, the piece of bone remained in its original shape and feel. "Lucky!" Yun Yang felt deeply about the discernable result of his previous teaching to Emmie C it could digest all of what was given to it but it must not touch what was not given! Even if it were to take it, it could only take half of it. Now, it seemed that Emmie had observed the rule closely, taking only half of the energy within. "But this half that Emmie ingested must be the essence of all" Yun Yang chuckle was void of humor. "What''s left might not be from following the rule but Emmie''s disdain from taking more." Yun Yang''s prediction was basically ninety percent accurate C from what he understood of Emmie. "Emmie? Emmie?" Yun Yang called out a few times but there was nothing from his consciousness space. "Can''t connect" sighed Yun Yang. Riding Reddie, Yun Yang who was moving towards the Residence of Yun jerked suddenly after making moving forward some seventy feet. He recalled something C he had lost the connection with his divine sense space but from what had happened just now, Emmie could still absorb external energy. The Ice God''s bone obviously had a massive energy inside it as he had duly noticed but if it was so, did it mean that the mystical crystals and stones that contained less than significant energy could work as well? Did it also mean that the abundance of vile men he had killed recently, the air of injustice acquired, were equally not wasted? The only difference was that he was well aware of it previously while he was not so sure now. That was it. Regardless of whether it was Emmie, the space, or himself, they were all in co-existence! Once he came to this conclusion, what Yun Yang had been worried about for so long was resolved at once, his mood perking up immediately. Since Emmie was alright, the space was fine, and he was okay, then the two Whiteys in the space must be well too. "Do what I should do." Yun Yang told himself quietly, "I can''t stand around doing nothing just because I don''t see the result. Follow the initial intention of the heart and everything will come into its order!" He chortled and left. Venerable Lord Sword, Venerable Lord Snow and Venerable Lord Frost were three nervous wrecks. They had just received news that Venerable Lord Ice was besieged by the Concourse of the Underworld. The three of them had rushed over right away in distress but before they could arrive to rescue him, they were notified that Venerable Lord Ice had been saved by the Four Seasons Tower''s experts. But just as they were processing their relief, they heard more news that Venerable Lord Ice had actually lost his sanity and attacked those who had saved him before he disappeared. Sword, Snow, and Frost were growing more worried and confused. How could someone like Venerable Lord Ice suddenly go crazy? This shouldn''t have been possible, yet as they pursued the issue further, they did not get any further replies. "Everything will be revealed once we find Ice!" All three men shared the same thought and had immediately sent out an order to seek information from the martial world. It was only after a few days that they received news that Venerable Lord Ice seemed to have gone to Tiantang City. As all three Venerable Lords remembered the family of Ice''s son being ruined due to the Four Seasons Tower, they understood the latter''s feelings and had rushed towards the city in unspoken understanding. Amidst the flurry of snow, three of them had checked into the Tower to Heaven Inn right as soon as they entered Tiantang City. This was their secret meeting location which had been previously agreed upon and only the brothers themselves knew the secret meeting code. If Venerable Lord Ice had come to Tiantang City, he would definitely have left some information here. Just as they settled down, Venerable Lord Frost had quickly gone out to investigate. He came back almost an instant later. "How is it?" Venerable Lord Sword was the most impatient one among the trio. "Ice has left something indeed but I can''t figure it out." Venerable Lord Frost did not look pleased as he said, "Have a look. This is what I''ve copied. If you two don''t believe it, you can go take a look yourselves, it''s just there anyway." Venerable Lord Sword and Venerable Lord Snow shared a look of bewilderment with each other. Huh? Since when did their brother have to speak in such a doubtful tone? Venerable Lord Snow took the copy and his jaw dropped with just one glance. He raised his head abruptly to look at Venerable Lord Frost. The latter looked distant, and with a dry chuckle, his expression grew dark; "That''s it," he grimaced. Venerable Lord Sword read the copy for himself, knitting his thick brows into a frown, as he could not help but ask, "This is really from Ice?" Venerable Lord Frost''s expression darkened. He stood up with a jolt. "I knew you''d ask that! Follow me!" Venerable Lord Sword knew that his question was more than inappropriate but just as he wanted to explain further, Venerable Lord Frost was already walking out in large strides without even turning back. Both the other men could only tail behind him. Coming to the secluded corner and seeing the jade-like piece of ice that was the messenger, all three brothers shared a distressed look. Freezing water into ice and then turning that ice into jade was Venerable Lord Ice''s signature trick! Throughout this entire world, only Venerable Lord Ice alone could do it. Other than him, not even Mr. Nian, Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou, or any other unrivaled experts who had a higher cultivation base, could do something similar; to leave a message using ice jade! Once they saw the ice jade, they could verify at once that it was indeed Venerable Lord Ice who had left the message. In addition, it was left in grace, when he had no other worries. "But how is this possible!" Venerable Lord Sword exclaimed, losing his composure for a moment. "Nothing is impossible!" Venerable Lord Frost''s grimace deepened. His already pale face was actually tinged with black. He said with gritted teeth, "From what I can see, not only is this possible, it''s most probably the truth!" Venerable Lord Snow sucked in a deep breath before replying, "I think so too." The three of them stood in the snow as it continued to fall; not too long later, the trio had turned into snowmen, frozen and stationery. It was an earth-shattering blow to all three of them, like as if their world had just been crushed. "The so-called Venerable Lord is but a chess piece. Once dead, the God Bone will be collected and become someone else''s. Even if one doesn''t die, once the God Bone matures and has absorbed enough life force, the bearer has no other choice but death." Venerable Lord Ice''s encounter was written clearly, including all that he knew. Yet everything he told his brothers only chilled them to the core as if they had fallen into a pit of ice after they read it. 547 Commissioned A flash of sword light blinked in the snow. The message that Venerable Lord Ice left vanished. "Head back!" Venerable Lord Sword''s voice sounded parched. "We''ll talk after we return to our room." Venerable Lord Snow and Venerable Lord Frost were startled out of their daze, bitterness filling their hearts. There was, of course, a need for discussion when they returned to their room but as they had stood frozen out in the open for nearly a quarter of an hour now, it would be a lie to say that they did not attract any attention. "How much of what Ice said about the God Bone is true?" asked Venerable Lord Sword with a frown. Venerable Lord Snow sighed and answered, "Possiblyone hundred percent." "A hundred percent?!" Venerable Lord Sword turned around abruptly to look at his brother. "Yes." Venerable Lord Frost nodded as well. "Why?" Venerable Lord Sword''s cultivation base was remarkable but his astuteness was far from reaching Venerable Lord Snow and Frost''s level. Generally speaking, Snow would rank first followed by Ice then Frost among five of the Venerable Lords in terms of intelligence; Saber and Sword usually had no opinion of their own, knowing only to charge and fight with brute force. "I''ve been doubtful for many years too," Venerable Lord Snow said with a frown, "Where have the Four Seasons Tower''s previous Venerable Lords gone to? Before us Five Venerable Lords, there should be plenty more Venerable Lords! Perhaps they''re just like us, Saber, Sword, Snow, Frost, and Ice, but it''s possible there are others." Venerable Lord Sword retorted, "So many years have passed, they must have died! If they aren''t dead, how do we go up in rank? Is this even a real question?" "Of course I know that they''ve all died. Even if they''re not killed by others, they''d have died from old age." Venerable Lord Snow spat his words out slowly, "What I''m asking is even when they''ve died, where have the God Bones gone to?" Venerable Lord Sword''s jaw dropped. "We all know that all the God Bones ultimately belong to the Four Seasons Tower and our ultimate goal is to complete the God Bone collection! To become an immortal deity." Venerable Lord Snow spoke slowly, "Theoretically, since we''ve become the new Venerable Lords, the God Bones that the previous seniors had should be handed to us for our utilization, right? After all, a piece of bone made us who we are now C what about three? Ten? Twenty?" As his questions piled, Venerable Lord Sword and Frost looked worse than before. "But, the fact is that they weren''t passed to us. But why not? In other words, since the bones were not given to us, who were they given to?" Venerable Lord Snow lowered his voice as his expression darkened too. "According to the boss'' bold vision, how could he allow such a gem to be sealed in dust?" "There''s one more thing C even if we''re lucky and have received the rest of the God Bones, what we get wouldn''t be complete. Why is that?" Venerable Lord Frost exhaled and chimed in with a low eerie voice, "I''ve also been thinking about this." Venerable Lord Sword was already chilled to his core. He stood there with a vacant look, his gaze lifeless, he had lost his shine. After a long time, he suddenly coughed in a low grunt as a thick trail of blood trickled from his mouth. Yet he still stood dumbly, like he did not realize that he had just spat blood. His physical, mental, and emotional state had collapsed. He had served the Four Seasons Tower his entire life, fighting in the martial world and gambling his life away thousands of times; he had never suspected anything. However, it was today, within this short amount of time, that his lifelong pursuit and belief had altogether crumbled! This was as if the sky had fallen on Venerable Lord Sword. "Sword!" Venerable Lord Snow cried out in worry. Venerable Lord Sword turned around stoically like a puppet and answered numbly, "What?" Right after the one-word reply, he spluttered another mouthful of blood. He looked very pale. The thought of dying crossed his mind at that very moment. Knowing that such violent emotions could scramble his cultivation method and mess up his meridians thus causing his mystical Qi to retaliate against him, he allowed it to happen, not doing anything to restrict the chaos occurring within him. His pair of eyes had already turned into two black holes, not unlike the eye sockets of a skull that had been buried for decades underground. Boom! Venerable Lord Frost blew Venerable Lord Sword away with a slap. Freezing cold frost landed on Venerable Lord Sword alongside the sound as Frost pounced and choked Sword''s neck; he roared out loud, "What are you going to do? Are you going to die? Who among us doesn''t want to die?! But should you die just because you want to? Committing suicide right in front of your own brothers, what are you thinking?!" Venerable Lord Sword gurgled from the choke but finally broke out of his trance. He blinked, regaining clarity, and grabbed onto Venerable Lord Frost''s hand, mumbling, "That''s right, I can''t die yet." He then sat himself down crossing his legs to cultivate and sort through his meridians. Despite the bud of suicide being nipped, his expression still spoke of incredible sullenness. "What do we do now?" asked Venerable Lord Frost. "Right now, we can only look for Ice first!" Venerable Lord Frost''s gaze glinted dangerously. "Only when we brothers are together can we discuss what we''re going to do next!" "Otherwise, even if we were to come up with all sorts of ideas, it would be useless if Ice doesn''t know it." Venerable Lord Snow said faintly, "We brothers, shall live together and die together. When we fight, we shall fight together. But if one is disappointed enough to quit the martial world then, we''d quit together too!" Venerable Lord Frost said aloud, "That''s right! We live and die together, we fight and quit together!" His eyes met with Venerable Lord Snow, discerning the thoughts that each other harbored within. When Venerable Lord Snow mentioned about quitting the martial world together, Venerable Lord Frost had known that the former had already thought about doing so when he uttered that very line; after all, they had been brothers for so many years. More so, the former might have already decided to quit! Venerable Lord Sword tended to his injury while Snow and Frost stood guard by his side. Quietly, both of them no longer spoke another word. What was in front of them had already spoken loud enough C they could not talk about revenge but they were more than reluctant to continue, thus it gave them only one way out, and that was to quit. In spite of it, to quit would mean facing the Four Seasons Tower''s endless pursuit. How could they really quit then? "The world is vast, the martial world massive, but where can peace be found?" Venerable Lord Snow finally uttered after a long time, feeling a little lost. This statement seemed to have expressed Venerable Lord Frost''s own inner thoughts as he could not help feeling a pinch at his nose, tears were almost dropping from his eyes. Before today, who would have thought that they would face something like this? It was at this time, suddenly Knock, knock, knock. Someone was at the door. Venerable Lord Snow and Venerable Lord Frost jumped up in surprise. Exchanging a glance, both of them could only see each other''s pale face and panicked eyes. Venerable Lord Snow breathed in deeply and tried to calm his voice down, before asking, "Who is it!" Outside, a clear voice rang out. "Are Snow, Frost and other seniors inside? I am Yun Yang, paying an intentional visit." Yun Yang? Young Master Yun? Both men were surprised to hear this. When they had come to the capital city prior, something seemed to contain Young Master Yun''s shadow within. And then, he was also part of what happened with Lei Dongtian. When they had blocked and guarded the valley to stop any relief troops, it was Yun Yang who breached them and left. Now, when they were in such a perilous situation with such bad timing, this Young Master Yun had appeared once again! What was he doing here? Venerable Lord Frost snorted coldly and answered, "So it''s Young Master Yun. But we don''t seem to share a relationship close enough with Young Master Yun for you to pay us a visit? I wonder for what reason has Young Master Yun come?" With how they were feeling now, the Venerable Lords did not want to see anyone. Their terrible mood was at its ''finest''. What was more, wasn''t it Yun Yang who was their enemy? He was someone they would love to attack the moment they made contact. Outside, Yun Yang''s clear voice rang out again, "Our relationship naturally doesn''t suffice. But the reason I have come doesn''t require any relationship. I have been commissioned by someone to visit you. If the various Venerable Lords don''t want to meet me, I can just return." Commissioned by someone? Venerable Lord Frost''s eyes glinted; he opened the door abruptly, "Who has commissioned you?" Yun Yang was clad in purple, standing outside the door, as graceful as ever; he smiled in reply, "It would be better to talk about this after I enter. Of course, if Venerable Lord Frost wants me to speak of it right here at the door, it''s fine too." Inside, Venerable Lord Snow spoke, "Since Young Master Yun has made your way here, you''re a guest regardless. Please come in and have some tea." Venerable Lord Frost made way for Yun Yang and said, "Come in." Yun Yang smiled, entering with grace. Venerable Lord Frost sat upright, his gaze on Yun Yang sharp, as he said, "Young Master Yun, I wonder who has commissioned your visit?" "Him," Yun Yang answered. With a slip of his wrist, a piece of bone-white jade appeared in his palm. The room''s temperature swiftly dropped dozens of degrees! It was suddenly freezing cold. 548 News Delivery – Bad News Seeing the crystal clear bone that was like a piece of jade, Sword, Snow, and Frost were shocked as if they had just been struck by a lightning bolt; three pairs of eyes widened into round circles of disbelief. Venerable Lord Sword who was sitting in meditation was staring wide-eyed before he spat blood, his face flushed. Venerable Lord Snow''s lips trembled, his face turned snow-white, befitting of his name, while Venerable Lord Frost shuddered where he stood, frozen like a zombie. It was a very small and extremely short piece of bone. If it were to be implanted into someone, it would probably only made up one small section of a person''s spine. Yun Yang gazed at the Bone of Ice God in his hand, his expression was that of longing, as if he was reluctant to hand it back to the Venerable Lords. However, he stretched out his arm, placing the bone on the table with a light ''dong'' sound. The noise was very soft but it snapped the other three men''s attention immediately back to reality. All three of them focused their gaze back onto the Bone of Ice God on the table. "This is what Venerable Lord Ice commissioned me to do before his death." Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath and continued, "Honestly, I didn''t want to help. But as someone who is also in the cultivation journey, I don''t have the heart to reject the final commission of a venerable force." The three of them did not speak, merely staring unblinkingly at the piece of bone, completely silent. "Venerable Lord Ice had entrusted a total of two and a half requests to me," Yun Yang said. "One of it was to send this Bone of Ice God back, specifically to his brothers and not the Four Seasons Tower; this is also one of the main reasons I''m happy to comply with his request." Even when the Four Seasons Tower and the Four Venerable Lords had previously promised not to make war with Yun Yang based on outstanding circumstances, the Four Seasons Tower had always remained against Yutang. This was clear to everyone who was aware of it. Besides, the Four Venerable Lords knew very well that Yun Yang was a person who prized the concept of brotherhood and with his current cultivation base, experience, and knowledge as a heaven realm cultivator, he would know that the God Bone was a marvel that would immensely benefit cultivation despite not knowing its origin; therefore, it was a huge favor that he was willing to send the bone back. The three Venerable Lords trembled, the moisture in their eyes glinting, it spoke volumes of the weight of the grief they each carried. "Another favour that was asked of me was to inform you to avenge your brother!" said Yun Yang. Venerable Lord Sword panted harshly, his breathing labored like a wind box. "Who has killed him? Who?" Venerable Lord Snow''s tone was void of its usual coldness. His hands were shaking so much that he almost failed to grip them into fists. As he forced himself to grab onto the Bone of Ice God and felt the iciness of it, his tears finally broke through the dam and gushed forth. Piercing frost soared from Venerable Lord Frost as he turned around abruptly and demanded, "Who killed my brother? Was it the Concourse of the Underworld!?" This was clearly the first direct judgement from all three Venerable Lords. With the unrivalled reputation of the Four Venerable Lords, there were barely a handful across the world who could achieve such a feat; and even when there were people with such capacity, they would not actually go all out to kill a Venerable Lord because of fear of the Four Seasons Tower''s revenge. The only logical option would be the Concourse of the Underworld who was currently in a deep conflict with the Four Seasons Tower and had even besieged Venerable Lord Ice prior, causing the latter to be severely injured; it was, therefore reasonable to pursue and annihilate him afterwards. Yun Yang said, "This person is a famous assassin in the martial world too but he''s not from the Concourse of the Underworld. That person is from the Hall of Crimson Blade''s, Hong Zhan!" "Hong Zhan!" Venerable Lord Snow bellowed, his agony mounting while his eyes brimmed with savage rage. Venerable Lord Sword''s eyes were trained on Yun Yang. "You said two and a half requests just now. My brother, what''s his half request?" Yun Yang replied, "This uh, it''s a shame to speak of it actually. Venerable Lord Ice only left a confusing line. Something about let my brothers see my last words first before making a careful decision." "It was just this random line. I don''t know if Venerable Lord Ice didn''t finish his words before his death or if this really was all he had to say. This is the third request that I mentioned was only a half" Yun Yang said carefully. This was added by the youth himself. In spite of it, he strongly believed that Venerable Lord Ice would only relay relevant information to them based on their brotherhood. Yet Yun Yang was also worried that they may not perceive the information due to the current ensuing chaos, thus he made a gentle reminder here while the opportunity was available. Once what said was said, the three Venerable Lords exchanged looks with each other, their gazes vaguely contemplative. "Hong Zhan Hong Zhan Hong Zhan" Venerable Lord Frost lowered his head as he mumbled. The sense of begrudging vileness within his repetitive murmur was so thick that entire rivers would not be able to wash it away. Venerable Lord Snow gripped the God''s Bone tightly, his tears rolling down his neck like a broken pearl necklace. He raised his head and murmured, "Five of us brothers we''ve roamed this world for decades together, parting less when we''re together and almost never separated from each other. Who knew that Saber would perish earlier, grief has struck us all, and today, another one is gone!" He closed his eyes, tears coursing down continuously. At that moment, his initially smooth face was adorned with lines of wrinkles. The half black and half white hair he had turned full snow-white in the blink of an eye, not a single different shade was present! Seeing Venerable Lord Snow''s aged look shocked Venerable Lord Sword and Venerable Lord Frost. "Snow!" Both of them cried out simultaneously. Venerable Lord Snow remained deaf to the cries but his aging process continued. He breathed in deeply and heaved an equally long sigh, his tears never stopped flowing. There was a strong sense of powerlessness that exuded from him without being hidden. Venerable Lord Frost and Venerable Lord Sword watched Venerable Lord Snow in stunned silence. Struck with realization, they finally realized how much Venerable Lord Snow cared about the truth of the God''s Bone. The blow from this matter was exceptionally heavy on him. It could be said that while Venerable Lord Ice''s demise brought Venerable Lord Snow much anguish, the truth of God''s Bone that had suddenly become a reality, had killed his last hope. The combination of both matters caused all of Venerable Lord Snow''s life principle to collapse just like Venerable Lord Sword''s! The agony was nothing that an outsider could empathize with unless one had personally gone through the experience. Yun Yang watched them with indifference, unaffected from the very start. He was never a cold-blooded person but when he looked at the Venerable Lords'' grief, there was only a sense of gratification in Yun Yang. "You''re finally tasting the feeling of your closest brothers'' death, eh?" "How is it? Nice? Does it feel good?" "You finally feel a sliver of what it felt like when my eight brothers died, right beside me back at Tianxuan Cliff" "You can barely handle it when only one of your brothers has died?" "What about me?" "Who can understand my pain?!" 549 An Eye For An Eye "The Four Seasons Tower has wronged all of you, they were just using you for the God''s Bone. But so what if your fated encounter is pitiable and bleak?" "When my eight brothers died back then, the killers were in the very loop of things, they were the same people whom we protected and guarded with our all. They were the ones who betrayed us, who were accomplices. Can you all imagine the bleakness in my heart then?" "This is far from over! There will be more to come, so continue relishing the powerlessness, the helplessness, and the agony!" "Young Master Yun." Venerable Lord Snow stood up slowly, his snow-white robe rustling with the movement. "Thank you for your kindness and for bringing us our brother''s last message. It''s just that I''d like to ask another question. I''m not doubting Young Master Yun, so please do not be offended by my question." Yun Yang shifted his expression to one of grievance as he said dryly, "Do ask, Venerable Lord Snow. Although we''ve never been on friendly terms before, we''ve still had a few exchanges. Venerable Lords are credible people and I''ve yet to forget what''s happened. Karma will decide in the end. Regarding Venerable Lord Ice, I shall disclose everything that I know. This is my final act of respect for a strong contender, the last tribute to our past." "Thank you for your kindness!" Venerable Lord Snow spoke in a low voice. "We want to know, why did Hong Zhan kill our brother? Was young master there to witness it?" Venerable Lord Sword and Venerable Lord Frost looked up simultaneously. "Speaking of this, it''s really a coincidence. I was fortunate enough to witness the incident. Due to certain reasons, I had to go out of the city to tend to some matters," Yun Yang glossed over his personal reasons. The youth had made the headlines for himself in recent days. Almost everyone knew about it, and the three Venerable Lords knew it too, but they honestly had no concern for Yun Yang''s business. They only wanted to know one thing. "When I went to a more secluded hillside, I realized someone was paying their respects there. Considering the current bad weather and situation, I was fairly surprised to see someone there and I went to have a closer look. I was shocked to see Venerable Lord Ice, who was already severely injured at the time!" Venerable Lord Snow sighed sorrowfully. "That should be the memorial for Ice''s son, which he built for him. Ice ruined his family back then and didn''t even get his son''s remaining belongings. He only had some gold and silver that his son gave him when he ultimately left Tiantang City. He buried them there. I did this with him." "As for the injury" The three Venerable Lords faces became vicious at once. Venerable Lord Ice''s serious injury was of course from the Concourse of the Underworld and the Four Seasons Tower''s assassination but Yun Yang didn''t need to know about this. "By the looks of things, Venerable Lord Ice was grieving. We met out of coincidence and did not have much to say to each other. I was about to leave after a word or two but the Hall of Crimson Blades'' Hong Zhan had come with his five subordinates," Yun Yang looked pained as he recounted what happened. "I watched the entire battle but my cultivation base was too low," he coughed. Venerable Lord Frost rolled his eyes, thinking, "Your cultivation base was low? Kid, even if your current skill isn''t already unprecedented, it''s more than enough to triumph over most people C it''s just that you would never choose to help us." "If you really helped Ice, perhaps Ice wouldn''t have perished in this battle!" Despite knowing this, Venerable Lord Frost did not say anything. They were never on the same side anyway; now that Yun Yang was willing to be the messenger and did not take the God''s Bone for his own, it was already an immense favor towards them. Should they ask him for more, then they would be overstepping. "As both sides came to a conflict, they argued and began to fight. In the end, Venerable Lord Ice was injured heavily but he managed to kill three of the other party''s men. Up until the very last moment, Venerable Lord Ice suddenly called out my name." Yun Yang looked both lost and surprised, "I was rather confident with my cultivation base. I thought that Venerable Lord Ice wouldn''t know that I was still around. Although I had initially intended to step forward and reveal myself, I thought to leave myself out of this when the Hall of Crimson Blade''s people came." Venerable Lord Frost scoffed, swallowing what he wanted to say, "Your cultivation base is great indeed but to hide yourself from us, Snow, Frost, and Ice in such a climate? You must be dreaming!" "Then, Venerable Lord Ice charged over towards me, commissioning me to carry out these few requests. After that, he committed suicide by self-eruption. Then this piece this" Yun Yang voice was tinged with bewilderment like he did not know what the piece of bone was at all. "Self-eruption how could" Venerable Lord Frost murmured to himself. Yun Yang continued speaking, his face was full of confusion, "Speaking of this, I''m very confused regarding the circumstances as well. Although Venerable Lord Ice was severely injured, he still managed to rush towards me and could even communicate these matters to me, surely there must have been some chance for him to escapebut why didn''t he flee or fight to his death? This doesn''t make sense to me. For lack of better words, if it wasn''t for the fact that I never break promises, I''d never even make this trip at all. Honestly, this matter is full of question marks but it all happened exactly as I described it. I''ve already said all that I know. If you''re still suspicious, then pardon my inability to help!" The three Venerable Lords heaved a sorrowful sigh together. They were experienced enough to understand Yun Yang''s mind, but what was more, they also understood Venerable Lord Ice''s mind at that moment. Why did he not escape? Why did he commit suicide? Why? These were unspeakable sorrows! Putting themselves in his shoes, in front of the grave of his son who died because of his doing, considering a lifetime that was full of lies, bearing such serious injuries, and unable to return to the Four Seasons Tower that he had always depended upon the world looked so vast yet there was nowhere for one''s foot to be set upon! When the heart was so chilled to a point that one would really give up the intention to keep on living. "Then, is Hong Zhan still alive?" asked Venerable Lord Snow coldly. "He''s the only one intact from the battle!" Yun Yang elaborated, "Three of his five subordinates died while two of them were severely injured. Even if they were lucky enough not to die, they won''t be able to live much longer. Pardon my frankness, just looking at the battle, I feel that Hong Zhan''s cultivation base and combat power are much higher than Venerable Lord Ice''s, maybe this is the main reason Venerable Lord Ice took such an extreme solution?" Venerable Lord Snow''s teeth clacked as he gritted them. "Heh heh, the leader of the Hall of Crimson Bladeof course his cultivation base is commendable and his men are brave indeed Heh heh, heh" The chilling laughter told of indescribable grudge, so much so that Yun Yang, a mere outsider, could not help but shudder when he heard it. "Once again, we thank Young Master Yun''s delivery of news." Venerable Lord Snow stood up and walked to the door, speaking in a hoarse voice, "Three of us brothers owe you a huge favor, Young Master Yun. If there''s a chance in the future for us to repay you, we''d certainly do it." While the words were kind, they also hinted for Yun Yang''s to make his departure. Yun Yang stood up, understanding the implied meaning, and said, "I didn''t fail in my assignment after all, I should leave now. To all you three Venerable Lords, my condolences. The deceased has passed after all." Venerable Lord Snow waved his hand tiredly, his expression mirroring the fatigue. "Do be on your way" "Farewell." After Yun Yang exited the inn, he stood at the foyer for a while but did not hear any noise coming from the room, as if there was no living person in the vicinity. Yun Yang was quiet and still for a moment before finally leaving. He went straight to Yang Botao and his wife''s grave. "Yang Botao, this lifetime of grudges against your family, ends here. Don''t you worry, your son will be fine." Yun Yang turned and left. That same night, Tiantang City was blasted with a whirlwind of blood and red. The Hall of Crimson Blade''s three secret meeting points in Tiantang City were suddenly ambushed. Three attackers wiped out all that was breathing like a kitchen knife meeting vegetables. They killed everything that was living, even the mystical beasts in various locations, dogs that guarded the doors, even chickens and stray cats that were scavenging for food around the area. They were all killed. Leaving no life behind, whether human or animal. While the annihilation was extreme, it was a martial world revenge. Yet coincidentally, one of the three secret joints and the eight people who managed this joint had somehow managed to set the location in the fourth prince''s house. Despite it being a prince''s house, the three attackers were unstoppable, emerging in the middle of the night and springing an ambush. The entire house was exterminated, including three hundred guards, butlers, maids, and others C none of them was an exception to the annihilation. This shocking event shook the entire Tiantang City to its core. However, what was even more shocking came subsequently. It was late into the same night after the last Hall of Crimson Blade joint was annihilated that a clear voice rang out above Tiantang City''s night sky like a dragon''s cry. "Hong Zhan! Didn''t you call yourself unpredictable? Why are you acting like a coward now? What capability do you have to reign in the Hall of Crimson Blade? Come out and meet your death!" Once the voice rang out, a large group of Yutang experts scurried towards it. It was only after a moment that the voice rang out again, "Hong Zhan! Step out if you''re a man!" The same line was repeated thrice but there was no reply to be heard. When Yutang''s countless experts bolted over to the top floor of Tower to Heaven Inn that was closest to the voice, they only saw snow, frost, and ice, with more than forty heads, piled up on it. They were all the Hall of Crimson Blade''s experts''. Other than executed heads, there were also more than forty crimson sabers that were broken in half, arranged neatly in the snow. Right in the center, a few large words were written in blood C "Hong Zhan, an eye for an eye!" 550 Here Comes The Chance The crimson words disclosed plenty of information. The case seemed to have finally revealed hints of cause and effect. It was actually the Four Seasons Tower''s experts who had a major conflict with the Hall of Crimson Blade. However, this was a martial world matter. Why was it related to the prince and had reached the extent of becoming an utter annihilation? Despite how vague the truth was, the entire case had still huge waves in the capital city. The biggest question on everyone''s mind was C why were there so many assassins hidden in the fourth prince''s house? Taking the question a step further C what did the fourth prince intend to do? The emperor was beyond furious, summoning the fourth prince to the palace at once, and berated him; His Majesty grounded the prince, chasing him out of the palace and restricted him to the prince''s residence for three years. When the fourth prince came out, his face was pale but his gaze was extremely vicious. That day, the rest of the Hall of Crimson Blade''s experts who were still in Tiantang City seemed to have received some sort of order as they withdrew from Tiantang City entirely. Seeing their enemy retreat, Sword, Snow, and Frost relentless pursued them, always hot on their heels. The experts at the Residence of Yun were nonchalant regarding the situation while the other top-notch experts in Tiantang City were powerless to do anything. They could only watch them come and go without being able to do anything. "What should we do?" Shui Wuyin sent a message. In Shui Wuyin''s opinion, they should not be mere bystanders. Once such an incident became the norm, it would form an illusion that just about any top-notch experts could run amok in Yutang''s capital and Yutang would be powerless against them. Such a serious issue must not be taken lightly. Yun Yang naturally understood the complication behind this situation, heading to the underground right away. In the secret chamber, Yun Yang told King Qinguang, "Here comes our chance." King Qinguang perked up. "What chance?" "The situation''s changed now. The Four Seasons Tower''s three Venerable Lords are pursuing the Hall of Crimson Blade now," Yun Yang''s gaze shone. "This time, the three Venerable Lords have gone up against the hall under the tower''s name. In other words, the Hall of Crimson Blade is about to be annihilated, just like your concourse." "What do you mean?" First Court King Qinguang frowned. "No matter what the Hall of Crimson Blade has come here for, their situation right now is very dangerous. They could become the next Concourse of the Underworld at any time." Yun Yang said in a low voice, "At the very least, the Four Seasons Tower''s experts, within thousands of miles in perimeter, are still under the Venerable Lords'' instruction." "Therefore, this is a reality that is bound to happen to most of the people!" "At this moment, I think there''s a need for a league to exist." Yun Yang uttered his words slowly. "A league?" King Qinguang was confused. "That''s right, a league!" Yun Yang nodded firmly. "First, it provides us assistance. Second, it provides us a chance to infiltrate their inner workings. Such information is what we urgently need now." First Court King Qinguang nodded slowly, his eyes growing brighter. "Actually, I''d love to pull in The Merciless Tower too. That would be best," Yun Yang chuckled. "This is a little difficult," First Court King Qinguang replied with a frown. He pondered before continuing, "But we can try. Let me discuss with my brothers later and see if there''s any room to work things out." "Yes, do try. If it really can''t work out, I can think of other ways too." Yun Yang wore a mysterious smile. First Court King Qinguang rolled his eyes, thinking, "We''re already out of ideas, what alternative great plan could you possibly have?" "How are the Yama Kings'' recovery coming along?" asked Yun Yang. "Thanks to your spiritual medicine, most of them are fine now. Seven of my brothers have already recovered about eighty to ninety percent of their combat power, so they can take on most battles now." King Qinguang sighed, "It''s just that my master''s injury that doesn''t seem to have improved much." Yun Yang could only reply with silence. This matter was not one that could be helped as of now. The higher a person''s cultivation base was, the harder it was for that person to be injured. Even if there was an injury, it would easily heal. However, it was also for people like this, that once they were severely injured in the most vital parts of their life force, it would be much harder for them to recover, almost always ending up unhealable. Before the deific consciousness space could be recovered and the connection with Emmie reestablished, this was the limit of the help that Yun Yang could provide. Speaking of medicine, he thought about Lei Dongtian again and could not help sighing to himself. What a great person Lei Dongtian was, giving away anything he was asked of. Other than being a little stupid, his utilization value was rather high, especially when he wanted to take on Yun Yang as his cauldron, how amazing! Why was there no news about such a great person after such a long time? Yun Yang lamented, missing Young Master Lei who had been gone for some time. "Speaking of which, Young Master Yun''s mystical method is truly remarkable. It can actually soothe our master''s condition and maintain his current state, preventing it from becoming more aggravated. It''s really a blessing among these past disasters." First Court King Qinguang thought about his master''s injury and continued in a grateful voice, "As long as he''s still alive, there''s a chance. We''ll see if there is any fateful encounter in the future or perhaps we could look for a treasured gem and resources to see if they''re effective." "It''s already exceeded our expectations to see that his life is not in any immediate threat anymore." King Qinguang left looking jolly. The Concourse of the Underworld had not been doing well recently and was always faced with the threat of extermination, which understandably filled the first court king with endless woes. Now that he knew the Four Seasons Tower, that was the culprit to all his woes, had made an enemy out of the Hall of Crimson Blade, it was really good news. Furthermore, if the subsequent cooperation worked well, it might result in the collaboration of the world''s top three assassin organization against the Four Seasons Tower. This is why King Qinguang was so joyous. Yun Yang, who watched King Qinguang leave, on the other hand, went into a state of deep contemplation. His emotion was the complete opposite of King Qinguang''s joy, as his brows locked into a frown. Yun Yang carefully calculated the combat power of their side versus their enemy, discovering that his side did not lack impressive combat power at all. The highest cultivation base among the Concourse of the Underworld''s ten Yama Kings had already reached the third level in the realm of Dao while the lowest was also already the ninth heaven. It was an undeniable fact that their combat power was indeed remarkable. As for the Residence of Yun, Bai Yixue was at the eighth heaven, Fang Mofei at the sixth heaven, Lao Mei at the fifth heaven while Marquis Yun, who had advanced leaps and bounds despite still behind Bai Yixue, was also already at the seventh heaven. In retrospect, Yun Yang himself was only at the fourth heaven, the weakest among them all. Yet it did not seem appropriate to say that Yun Yang was the weakest. There was still Ji Lingxi, who had just ascended to the first heaven after all. Combining these forces with the intelligence web that Shui Wuyin had constructed, their capabilities could already wipe out most of the forces existing in this world. However, such great force was still not guaranteed a chance of winning when they actually faced the Four Seasons Tower. Even when the tower''s three Venerable Lords were slightly betraying their own organization and were no longer an enemy of theirs, the Four Seasons Tower forces would still be on their side. The tower''s true capacity was still formidable to a point that it could strike hopelessness in more men. After all, the hidden experts of the Four Seasons Tower had never appeared. No one knew the true extent of their combat power. This was their source of terror! The word ''unknown'' had always been an adjective that was hard to gauge. A careless step could annihilate them all! 551 A Matter of Life and Death In the past, he only knew about Mr. Nian and about Supreme Lord Spring Frost. When he was battling Supreme Lord Spring Frost back then, the latter was extremely difficult to be tackled, an incredible expert. Until later, as the Five Venerable Lords emerged, he knew then that Supreme Lord Spring Frost was nothing much in comparison. The Five Venerable Lords were the true experts. Now, he knew a deeper reality, perhaps the truth itself, that the Five Venerable Lords were only characters that could be disposed of at any time. Then, what about the Four Seasons Tower''s true pillars of forces? Had they never appeared? Or were they living in this world in disguise? In addition to that, Venerable Lord Ice said that there was not only one Mr. Nian; he had several manifestations. Each new piece of information gave Yun Yang another headache, another sleepless night. "Who is it who''s established this body of force that''s become like a monster known as the Four Seasons Tower?" Yun Yang must say, he was rather impressed by how well this organization had hidden itself. Since the beginning of time, there was only the Four Seasons Tower that could develop and grow an organization to this great extent. And off all the organizations he had crossed paths, he has personally become somewhat involved in this great one. Each time he improved himself and set up scheme after scheme to cause damage to his nemesis, each time he thought he could finally fight and overthrow the tower, he was always shocked to find out that the strength the tower had shown was only the tip of the iceberg. Even when the status of nemesis had long been established, truthfully, only he would die while the tower stayed unaffected C he might not even have caused any major loss to them! The differences in their capabilities was like the difference between heaven and earth. Luckily he had always been able to vaguely perceive the foe''s strength as it approached and avoided the crisis before an attack was actually launched. Otherwise, he would have long been dead! In spite of this, how long could such good luck last? Another night passed. The brewing storm over Tiantang City did not stop, but instead, grew more devastating. Countless night crawlers flew above the city''s sky, both coming and going. For a moment, the ghoulish wind cried; then, wraiths came in wisps; for a moment, killing intents soared upwards; then, the cries of ghosts were heard The officials in charge of law and order in Tiantang City almost aged a few years within a single night from the sheer weight of worrying. "Why are there so many experts flocking to Tiantang City all of a sudden? Does this world really have so many experts?" Facing such an unprecedented situation, they were helpless with worry. There was simply nothing they could do other than to let events take their course. The saying that martial people violate the law with their martial skills had never just been a mere saying. Martial experts who were equipped with excellent cultivation base rarely regarded the so-called imperial law. They came and went as they pleased. Not only would they kill a few people to vent themselves when they were unhappy, they could kill a few more to celebrate when they were happy too. No reasons, fairness, or law "According to an old saying, one serves the emperor no matter what they learn, but now sigh!" "Many years ago, it was said that most of the martial artists were still proud to be an official of the imperial court. Such titles were a big attraction to these people. It''s unknown exactly when, but the martial world forces grew and overcame the strength of such worldly empires. This caused the martial world people to disregard emperors, heaven, or justice; they only knew about doing things with their brute skills. The situation now was a result of forceful suppression and balancing by generations of emperors." "I wonder if such phenomena could be reversed in the future." An official sighed in his house. "It''s been a long time since the era of supreme imperialism. The reason the martial experts had initially submitted to the imperial court in the past was because they were greedy for wealth and fortune in this world. But such materialistic luxury is no more attractive to such high and mighty legendary figures." "Because now those are things they can easily acquire." "What can tempt them, or perhaps, what they are concerned with now, is being the only man standing at the top overlooking the world, immortality, and the eternal pride of lonesomeness." It was the official''s wife who said this. She hooked arms with her husband and said softly, "this is no longer something you can solve. This world it''s just too big" "Unless the world comes under the reign of a sole conqueror one day, and this sole conqueror uses strong forces and all sorts of methods to oppress the martial world influence to a barely sustainable low position, only then would there be recognition of justice and fairness. Only then will order be returned to everyone. Until that happens, the only thing we can do is watch from the sidelines." The official sighed, he had nothing more to say for a long time. The wisp of a wraith emerged and instantly engulfed a quiet yard. But the yard was not rustled at all from the sudden occurrence. It was still as silent as before, like no one existed there. The wraith drifted for a bit before a human form slowly appeared. The person spoke in an eerie voice, "A good friend has come. Which decision maker of The Merciless Tower is here?" This small ordinary looking yard was actually the base of The Merciless Tower in Tiantang City. A strange voice was heard in this seemingly empty yard, "I see it''s King Chujiang of the Concourse of the Underworld''s ten Yama Kings. I wonder what is King Chujiang''s purpose in this visit?" King Chujiang smiled faintly as he answered, "Is Hen Bieli here?" "Does King Chujiang believe that no one in The Merciless Tower is qualified to speak to you other than our leader?" The voice asked coldly. King Chujiang replied, "I don''t mean it like that. It''s just that the main purpose of my visit is related to the life and death of both our organizations. I must be cautious." The voice chuckled strangely. "The life and death of our organizations? Heh heh, King Chujiang is honest indeed. The Concourse of the Underworld is at its end, true, but us, The Merciless Tower is right in the middle of its prime. The life and death matters of our respective organizations are at a complete contrast!" King Chujiang scoffed and answered coldly in return, "If The Merciless Tower thinks so, then there''s no need for me to say more. I bid my leave." The ghoulish wind rose again accompanying the wraith as King Chujiang disappeared in an instant, without a trace. When met with a cold shoulder, King Chujiang lost interest in prolonging the conversation. They were famed experts, he treasured his dignity; there was no need for him to endlessly pursue the issue. The person lurking in the dark scoffed and quipped, "The audacity of him to come here to ask for help yet he puts up this annoying front of being the world''s top assassin organization. Even your own father wouldn''t fall for it." A few pandering voices appeared from the dark, "Assistant leader is domineering. We''ve been oppressed by the Concourse of the Underworld for so long previously, we can finally vent it out today. We shall sit and watch their fall while The Merciless Tower shines eternally." "That''s right. King Chujiang''s eyes have always been on top of his head, never once regarding us. But now he dares not do or say anything. How gratifying!" "Assistant leader has scored this for us brothers!" The assistant leader snorted, replying after everyone was done bootlicking, "Stop pandering to me, I won''t fall for this. Hide well now, we wait for our leader''s orders before making our move." "Yes." Just as they spoke, a dazzling ray of sword light appeared while indescribable murderous intent engulfed the entire yard. At that moment, all the Merciless Tower''s assassins'' swords, their main weapon worn at their waist, clanged loudly at the same time. A cutting voice spoke, "Wait for your leader''s order? Heh, I''m afraid you won''t be able to in this lifetime!" "Venerable Lord Sword?!" 552 Dictum of Death All swords shall cry once the God of Sword makes his move! This was a power that was unique to Venerable Lord Sword and no other person could hope to emulate it. As the unique phenomenon began to unfold, an icy chortle could be heard. "All assassin organizations should not exist in the martial world!" Before the voice could even echo in the air, the sword light shone and illuminated the night sky. Where the swords could be heard crying out with loud clangs, pained screams emanated at the same time as blood washed the air. The copper scent of blood was added to the nightfall. "Venerable Lord Sword!" A lean, delicately sculpted silhouette bolted out; a long whip in his hand slithered swiftly in the air like a snake. He called out in a calm voice, "Why all this murder?" Venerable Lord Sword replied with derision, "I don''t like The Merciless Tower. Is this reason sufficient?" The assistant leader chuckled angrily. "It isn''t a bad reason at all, but what a coincidence; your father has not fancied the people from the Four Seasons Tower for a long time now as well! Others may be afraid of you, but I, Thousand Hands Ape, Yu Fei, am not!" Yu Fei cried, "Children, come out and kill this arrogant one!" Swift rustling could be heard. Then, several silhouettes shot out from almost every corner; even the ground beneath them poured out black shadows one after another. In just a few breaths'' time, over thirty people had surrounded Venerable Lord Sword, allowing him no avenue of escape. Venerable Lord Sword made no move. As he chortled icily, his sword light glimmered with growing intensity. "All out? Very well! Let us go to the Nine Spring together then! It''ll be less lonely for all of us!" As another cold chuckle resounded, snowflakes fell as frost blanketed the ground. Venerable Lord Snow and Venerable Lord Frost appeared simultaneously even as Venerable Lord Sword''s sword light surged with increasing intensity. One of them attacked from the left while another waded in from the right; the moment they appeared, between seven to eight people flew away with loud cries. When they landed, they were already frozen white, no longer able to draw breath. The three Venerable Lords worked together as they unleashed their murderous intent and annihilated those in the yard. Yu Fei kept his calm despite the shock, countered, and blocked the attacks, his whip like a flying dragon. For a moment, he managed to stave off the Three Venerable Lords'' aggressive attacks. He then shouted, "The Merciless Tower and the Four Seasons Tower has never interfered with each other''s business all along. The martial world treaty back then agreed on non-intrusion. Now that the three Venerable Lords have conducted a massacre the moment they arrived, can you explain what is the meaning of all of this?" Yu Fei initially spoke without any room for negotiation, but he was now asking for an explanation. Obviously, he was considering withdrawing. Swoosh! Venerable Lord Sword directed his sword towards Yu Fei''s throat, the sword light glinting maliciously. "Causes and reasons They''re meaningless to a person who''s about to die. Are they important to an organization that''s soon to be wiped out?" Yu Fei was infuriated upon hearing this and proceeded to redouble his efforts. His cultivation base was already at a terrifying level while his killing intent was on full blast, due to the Venerable Lords'' actions. He had no reservation as he fought them; in addition to the assistance from the dozens of assassins left, they were not at a disadvantage in the face of the Venerable Lords'' annihilation. In spite of this, the three Venerable Lords'' combined capabilities still triumphed over them. Moreover, their seamless cooperation allowed them to exchange positions and formations randomly. Every time a shift happened, at least one assassin from The Merciless Tower succumbed. Yu Fei roared continuously, providing relief as best as he could. Unfortunately, there was only one of him. Although his cultivation base was higher than the three Venerable Lords, he could not stop the three of them at once. As the battle progressed, The Merciless Tower suffered increasing casualties. The battle was leaning towards the Venerable Lords. Yu Fei realized as much. If his subordinates died and these three people insisted on flanking him, he might very well succumb in this battle. Yu Fei hollered loudly. His face was flushed as he suddenly exuded a greenish-red gas. He spun the whip in his hand rapidly, not unlike a furious storm, executing his maximum cultivation base. He blocked the three Venerable Lords with the sole whip, trapping them all within its shadows. He then cried out, "Withdraw!" Almost simultaneously, a few gas bombs exploded with soft booms before the sight of every person in the yard was compromised. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh The dozen of assassins who were still alive reacted spontaneously, charging to the wall and disappearing in the blink of an eye. Another drawn-out cry was heard; a series of clashing noises erupted from the thick fog. A flash of a silhouette passed through the murk. Yu Fei''s lean form was already on top of the yard''s wall. He spoke coldly, "The world goes on. The Merciless Tower shall repay Venerable Lord Sword, Frost, and Snow''s mercy today in the future!" "We shall meet soon!" The Venerable Lords charged out of the smoke only to see Yu Fei catapult from the wall like a rainbow across the sky before vanishing utterly. "They managed to escape, but there''s still more over there!" The Three Venerable Lords were neither dismayed nor put off. Catching their breath, they took off immediately. As the assistant leader of The Merciless Tower, the domineering cultivation base of Yu Fei exceeded the lords'' expectation. They could not take him down despite working together! This would be their first encounter of this nature. Three of them shared a faint worry, "What sort of cultivation base would The Merciless Tower''s leader, Hen Bieli, have?" Worry was one thing, they would still kill who they needed to kill. They would simply not give any mercy tonight. After this night and after the Hall of Crimson Blade, the assassins from The Merciless Tower who had arrived in Tiantang City had been wiped out by Four Seasons Tower as well. The four bases were all annihilated, no life was spared! Of course, The Merciless Tower was not only restricted to four spots in Tiantang City. However. the rest of the locations were already empty when the Venerable Lords got there. Assassins were the wariest of people as they observed their surroundings and safety all the time. For the Venerable Lords to have succeeded four separate times, it was due to their suddenness and swiftness; The Merciless Tower was unable to react promptly enough. Knowing that the other party was in for annihilation, it would be a waste to call The Merciless Tower one of the world''s top assassin organizations if it did not have a plan to evacuate its men. No matter how promptly The Merciless Tower reacted, the casualties The Merciless Tower suffered had still numbered beyond hundreds, even though only four spots had been wiped out. This was a severe number to the organization. After that night, the Venerable Lords did not stop their operations, assembling the Four Seasons Tower''s men in Tiantang City, where there was an emergency. The Four Seasons Tower''s men were no fools; they knew that the three Venerable Lords had suddenly ambushed the two top assassin organizations in Tiantang City, but they did not know the reason, thus they did not do anything. Now that they were gathered by the Venerable Lords and even knew that Venerable Lord Ice had succumbed to Hall of Crimson Blade''s leader with multiple plot twists that were related to The Merciless Tower and Concourse of the Underworld, they answered to the assembly immediately, feeling the same feelings of deep-seated hate. "We swear we will seek revenge for Venerable Lord Ice!" However, just as the Four Seasons Tower''s men gathered together and they were about to carry out further massacres, a brilliant series of fireworks erupted in the sky above Tiantang City, carrying a dictum. A crimson word, ''Kill'', flew up with a shrill noise before it erupted across the sky. The glaringly red word ''kill'' hovered in the air for nearly two hours in a bizarre manner. What was more interesting was that the word expanded and rose higher during that two hours until everyone from thousands of miles away could see the word clearly. Everyone who had any form of knowledge would be moved and feel a chill run through their spines. It was a Dictum of Death, the last tactic of the top three assassin''s organizations. Once this Dictum of Death was released, the world''s assassins would flock to where the dictum had been sent from. An assembly dictum was the highest order of summons in the world of assassins! 553 If They Have Unequal Strengths, No Can Do The reason it was of the highest level was mainly that this assembly dictum targeted all the assassins in this world. It was not only limited to a particular school, a clan, a sect, or any organization. As long as one was an assassin, one had to obey and act according to this dictum! As for the factor supporting the dictum to cover such a wide range of influence, it was because the dictum was made by Sun Changkong, the Unrivaled Expert of the world back in the day, who was also called the Unrivaled Assassin. Sun Changkong had prevailed over the world, able to kill anyone he targeted, and trounced the world''s heroes to obedience. He had made the dictum due to the incessant revenge murders in the martial world and the blind transactions of assassination, but truthfully, the main reason for the dictum was to set restrictions on the world''s assassins. Even when this man passed away, his dictum was taken as a sacred order by the world''s assassins and no one dared to violate it. This Dictum of Death was guarded in The Merciless Tower. It was also the primary reason The Merciless Tower could develop to its current massive scale, in addition to being the biggest factor that The Merciless Tower was unhappy with the Concourse of the Underworld. Now, the Dictum of Death had been executed. Anyone who had the slightest knowledge and experience, who knew what the dictum entailed, who saw it flare at such a high altitude, could not help but shudder. "Dictum of Death!" Yun Yang looked up and wore a vague smile. "It looks like Hen Bieli is really enraged now, he can''t hold it in" First Court King Qinguang chuckled coldly. "Hen Bieli thought he could leave himself out of it and watch us fight from the side. Isn''t he releasing the Dictum of Death for help now? What a loud slap he lands on his own cheek!" Yun Yang stood with his arms on his back and replied with a faint smile, "No one, no organization, could still have the confidence to win in a battle when faced with the Four Seasons Tower''s terror attack. The Concourse of the Underworld has told everyone this with absolute sincerity. How could The Merciless Tower even dare to try it?" "But, I don''t understand" King QInguang scratched his head and said, "How did Sword, Snow, and Frost head upThe Merciless Tower? This doesn''t make any sense!" Yun Yang answered, "According to hearsay, the Hall of Crimson Blade''s leaders Hong Zhan and Hen Bieli are sworn brothers, very close to each other The situation now is that Hong Zhan has gone missing, so the Three Venerable Lords must, of course, go to Hen Bieli who would most likely know where Hong Zhan went to." "Actually, even if the Four Seasons Tower didn''t act first, The Merciless Tower would have joined Hong Zhan''s fight against the tower in secret as well." "According to the intelligence I''ve gathered, Hong Zhan has met up with Hen Bieli outside the city. It proved the foresight of the Venerable Lords in annihilating The Merciless Tower instead." Yun Yang wore a faint smile. First Court King Qinguang was struck with the realization, replying, "I see. How discreet this must be! The Concourse of the Underworld''s intelligence has no knowledge of it at all." As he spoke, he had another question. "But, how did Sword, Snow and Frost know about it? Is the Four Seasons Tower''s intelligence system so widespread?" Yun Yang looked at him meaningfully as a smirk grew on his lips, answering faintly, "Not really I was the one who disclosed this to them. They''ll have to take this favor anyway, I''m just doing more good" First Court King Qinguang was speechless. The culprit who dared to conjure this ripple of havoc was sitting peacefully in front of him. "But, how did you know? Intelligence that not even Concourse of Underworld and Four Seasons Tower know should be considered absolute secret, shouldn''t it?" First Court King Qinguang thought about it only after a while. Yun Yang chuckled. "Of course I have my information channels. I am going against the Four Seasons Tower. Even if my combat power is weak compared to theirs, what else would I use to fight them if my other aspects lose out as well?" Since Shui Wuyin had taken over and organized the Labyrinth of Nine Heavens Intelligence, Yun Yang was privy to too much confidential information! Specifically, now that these assassins had come to Tiantang City, that was within Shui Wuyin''s base, Shui Wuyin deserved to die by running into a wall if he could not gather as much information. "Once this Dictum of Death is released, all the world''s assassins will definitely gather here!" King Qinguang''s gaze was burning. "It is the holy item of all assassins! Since the beginning of time, nobody could achieve this other than Sun Changkong!" "The Unrivaled Assassin! The Unrivaled Expert!" "To be able to serve under the Dictum of Death in one''s assassination career is basically the dream of those of us who are killers." "The presence of the Dictum of Death is also a scene that all the killers want to see!" "The release of the Dictum of Death equates to the submission of the martial world! This isn''t just a saying!" "How many assassins are you estimating to assemble here from The Merciless Tower''s release of Dictum of Death this time around?" asked Yun Yang. "A safe estimation" First Court King Qinguang did an internal calculation and said, "Ten thousand people is a safe bet for sure. These will only be assassins from the heaven realm. The real number of people who make it here will be more than that." "The Dictum of Death may not capture the attention of those assassins who have established their organizations, but to a murderous lone ranger, especially those who are already famed, it holds a nearly holy meaning! Sun Changkong himself was a lone ranger back then; he managed to triumph over the entire world alone." "Ten thousand people? Ten thousand heaven realm cultivators? Aren''t you exaggerating this a bit?" Yun Yang replied in shock. It was not that Yun Yang was shocked. King QInguang''s announced headcount was indeed too much of an exaggeration. While the people around Yun Yang, allies and foes alike, were all past the heaven realm, heaven realm cultivators were still on another level in this world. The strongest of abilities in the eyes of a commoner was only possessed by a Tenth Perfection martial master. The heaven realm was one step further than Tenth Perfection, a legendary level! The Dragon of Clouds, Liang Yunqi, who had perished in the Residence of Nine Supremes previously was only a Tenth Perfection cultivator, but he was already the Empire of Dayuan''s legend. For King Qinguang to now suggest ten thousand heaven realm assassins was somewhat of a joke. "Young Master Yun''s knowledge may be severely limited. The martial world sees too many talents sprouting here and there. The more famous ones do not necessarily represent their capabilities. There are more expert assassins who are scattered all over the martial world than one can count! Once the Dictum of Death is announced, it''d be like a gale that blows in through the martial world! As long as there''s enough time, even the killers from the snow-capped mountains, the grasslands, the endless deserts or the borderless ocean will rush all the way back!" "This is the power, or perhaps, the beauty of the Dictum of Death. Ten thousand is really the safest estimation. Besides, that is the number I foresee will be gathered within seven days. I can''t possibly estimate how many killers can be assembled over a longer period." The most reserved estimation was ten thousand heaven realm assassins, while the final number of accumulated killers could not be guessed! Yun Yang was shocked once again before joy filled him. This was good news indeed! If these people all went against the Four Seasons Tower oh, how excited he was just thinking about it! "Then, the Four Seasons Tower''s strength in Tiantang City would not be enough, far from adequate," Yun Yang said quietly. "That''s right. As long as these assassins could serve once each, the manpower that the Four Seasons Tower has now cannot take even a single blow." King Qinguang said quite gleefully, "Don''t forget, the martial world also has many mysterious assassins who don''t have names but their cultivation base are terrifyingly high Those type of people, any one of them could easily wipe out the Three Venerable Lords as well!" Yun Yang pondered upon this and replied, "No can do. Their unequal strengths aren''t beneficial to our subsequent plans." "Also, this isn''t the end for the Hall of Crimson Blade and The Merciless Tower. Why did Hen Bieli release the Dictum of Death at this moment? There must be another story behind it." Yun Yang shifted his gaze to King Qinguang. First Court King Qinguang chuckled dryly. "There is another story indeed. The Concourse of the Underworld is as good as gone now. I guess Hen Bieli has already thought of bringing out the dictum and gathering the world''s assassins for some time." "He''s probably waiting for a suitable time. Once the timing is right and the Dictum of Death is out, The Merciless Tower will be the top assassin organization, as long as one-tenth of the assassins who arrives, joins them. In addition, he does not need to worry about the Concourse of the Underworld''s." "Now that the Four Seasons Tower has attacked, I guess it gives Hen Bieli an even more valid excuse!" "I see I didn''t expect there to be so many implications hidden within." Yun Yang frowned and said, "I''m going out for a bit." King Qinguang replied cautiously, "You''re going to Sword, Snow, and Frost?" "Of course. If they were wiped out so easily it just won''t do. The enemy''s enemy may not be my friend, they could possibly be an accomplice or bent on sabotaging people," Yun Yang said. "To divulge confidential information is the most basic justice I can have, as someone in the martial world," Yun Yang asserted righteously. He then left with King Qinguang''s speechless expression in the background. 554 I Have Three Ways! Venerable Lord Sword and brothers stood together in a spacious house and wore grim expressions on their faces. The release of the Dictum of Death held equally heavy pressure on the three of them. "The Dictum of Death can basically prove the truth in Yun Yang''s words. The Merciless Tower has indeed ganged up with the Hall of Crimson Blade; both sides have come together. Now that they have assembled the world''s assassins, the situation is very bad for us." "We have less than two hundred people here. There are only seven of them who are above heaven realm! We are too weak, the difference between our capabilities too vast. We can''t even begin to compare ourselves to them." "What do we do now?" Both Venerable Lords were looking at Venerable Lord Snow, who was musing while pacing the floor. Venerable Lord Snow was deep in thought, a frown on his brow. What should they do? This was a valid question. It was about this time that a clear voice rang out, "Are the three Venerable Lords here?" Yun Yang! Yun Yang had come at an opportune moment. "Do enter, Young Master Yun!" Venerable Lord Snow''s eyes brightened with glee. To the three of them, Yun Yang was smart and crafty, in addition to having a significantly powerful cultivation base. His spontaneity exceeded that of the common man. The three of them were fearless after years of battling in the martial world, but they could hardly produce a stratagem to overcome this chaotic situation. Yun Yang''s aid in coming up with a strategy would be invaluable. The breeze blew strongly. Yun Yang had come to the yard in his purple gown, slowly pacing towards the room. "Young Master Yun has come at a good time." Venerable Lord Snow wore a deep frown and a grim face. "The situation now" Yun Yang breathed in deeply and replied, "I''ve come exactly for this reason." "We would like to hear your opinion," said Venerable Lord Frost. This time, even Venerable Lord Sword lifted his head and watched Yun Yang in anticipation. It was easy to discern that the three Venerable Lords were rather clueless when faced with the current dilemma. It was true that the three of them wanted to seek revenge for Venerable Lord Ice, it was also true that they would be willing to face death in obtaining vengeance, but now that the Dictum of Death had changed the situation and all the skilled assassins of Tianxuan Continent had flocked over from all directions like a swarm of ants, the massive scale of the operation frightened even the strongest of the Venerable Lords. Even though they regarded their capabilities highly, they were not narcissistic enough to assume that the three of them could fight off all the world''s killers. After all, the three of them no longer recognized themselves as the Four Seasons Tower''s Venerable Lords, thus their biggest wish now was to obtain revenge for their brother and then live out the rest of their lives in seclusion in the forest. Nonetheless, they did not manage to find the Hall of Crimson Blood and Venerable Lord Ice''s killer, Hong Zhan. Based on Yun Yang''s intelligence, they had expanded their ambush to The Merciless Tower as well. While they had managed to kill more people, they still did not catch their enemy''s key personnel. When they faced The Merciless Tower''s assistant leader, Yu Fei, in the previous battle, the latter''s capability was much higher than they had expected; the three of them were not his equal if they were to fight him individually. Even when the three of them combined forces, they did not manage to seize their opponent. By this calculation alone, they would definitely lose in a three-on-three once they actually went head to head with The Merciless Tower''s leaders, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan, whom they had been searching for in addition to Yu Fei. If this were not so, they would not be gathering the Four Seasons Tower''s resources in Tiantang City. It beyond their expectations that The Merciless Tower would use the legendary Dictum of Death when this organization still had some combat strength in them. For a moment, the trio was befuddled. After all, nothing should have caused the situation to progress to this stage, no matter how one looked at it. Had they regarded the three brothers too highly? This sort of treatment was more suitable for the likes of Mr. Nian! It was akin to killing a chicken with a butcher''s knife for them to retaliate against the Venerable Lords this way. When Yun Yang came, the three of them instantly felt more assured. It was truly a strange feeling. "I believe all three of you are clear of the current situation. Not only is it complicated, it is very harmful to all of you. Even if you have the Four Seasons Tower behind you, the situation is still tricky." Yun Yang said, "We know each other, thus there is some sentiment at play, especially when it was my message that brought all these about." Venerable Lord Sword spoke quite impatiently, "Stop beating around the bush. Just tell us what we should do." Yun Yang chuckled and spoke unhurriedly, "Of course there is a way out, but it depends on what the Venerable Lords are thinking." "May I ask what Young Master Yun means?" Venerable Lord Snow questioned in a composed manner. "I have three ways for you three to pick from, ranging from the best to the worst," Yun Yang replied. The trio listened intently. They had been unable to come up with anything for so long, yet the youth had three different solutions in hand the moment he walked in? What a clever mind he had! Was this what separated the wheat from the chaff? "We would love to hear about these ideas," the trio said simultaneously. "The best way, the best method, to counter this current situation is to just leave." Yun Yang said seriously, "To begin with, I''m rather confused about what has happened. After all, what the three of you have done is in stark contrast to the actions of the Four Seasons Tower in the past." All three of them nodded with long faces. Yun Yang had personally witnessed the fight between the Four Venerable Lords and Lei Dongtian and servant that was then drawn to Mr. Nian''s emergence and forceful finish. He knew well about the Four Seasons Tower''s hidden capacities and its monstrosities. He was equipped with an adequate cultivation base, thus it was expected that he would reach such a conclusion from the hints that were presently available. "You didn''t manage to kill Hong Zhan, but there are plenty of men from the Hall of Crimson Blade who died at the hand of you three. From a certain degree, it can be considered that Venerable Lord Ice''s death has already been avenged. I believe he would be able to rest in peace down there." Yun Yang spoke with kind intentions, "From what I can see, no matter how colossal the Four Seasons Tower, there must be a limit to its abilities. Can it really support the three Venerable Lords? If the three of you insists on pursuing this matter, it may enrage the Four Seasons Tower''s higher authorities. When the time comes, it may be very harmful to you. After all, what you''ve offended this time is one of the most notable assassin forces on the continent." "The goal has pretty much been reached by now. Why not put it aside for a while, and hide to ensure your safety? Wait for a better opportunity in the future and act upon it. This will be the best way!" As Yun Yang spoke, the trio''s expressions darkened significantly. By the time Yun Yang ended his speech, all three of their faces held animosity while their gazes towards Yun Yang were already tinged with hostility. They were ready to fight, yet his best way was to flee? If they were to escape just like that, there was no need for the youth to even present his idea! Even though Yun Yang was being reasonable and the Four Seasons Tower no longer supported them like it used to, so what? The Venerable Lords were adamant about avenging their brother''s death! "No." Venerable Lord Snow did not look happy. "Our brother has just passed on and we haven''t actually taken revenge. How can we leave, just like this! Even if the three of us have to die fighting, we won''t just give up!" Yun Yang sighed and said, "Since all three of you insist, then let us go to the second best option. Actually, it is simpler than the best way. I would suggest persevering while waiting for support." "Persevering while waiting for support? What support?" asked Venerable Lord Snow. Yun Yang feigned surprise. "What support? Of course, it would be the support from the Four Seasons Tower. Actually, the current situation isn''t any different from the day when the Venerable Lords fought my friend, Lei Dongtian. It''s just that one is fast and the other slow. Currently, no matter how amazing the Dictum of Death is, there will still be a few days gap until the world''s assassins assemble. I believe the Four Seasons Tower''s relief troops can rush here in time. I still remember the glimpse I caught that day. Although that fear still lingers, it was a truly amazing sight!" The three Venerable Lords'' faces fell once they heard Yun Yang''s second suggestion. Their already dark faces darkened to a point where it was about to absorb all light. 555 Luckily I’m Here! Was Yun Yang''s method wrong? It seemed correct from his perspective and point of view, his train of thought. The main reason that contributed to the past situation was the fall of Venerable Lord Saber. Four Venerable Lords had gone to find Lei Dongtian, but were inhibited by his skills; in the end, it was Mr. Nian''s timely appearance that suppressed their strong opponent with his stronger ability. As for now, the main reason that had brought about the current situation was still the demise of a Venerable Lord and the pursuit of his killer. Everything was similar to the last, so the Four Seasons Tower''s relief forces had to come to provide assistance. If the formidable force whom Yun Yang caught a glimpse of the other day came, what was there to be worried about? The problem now was that Mr. Nian might still come, but he would most definitely not help the trio. He would only take away the God''s Bones that lay within the three of them after they died. "No backup!" Venerable Lord Snow said glumly. "How is this possible? The Four Seasons Tower''s strength is monstrous, how can" Yun Yang cried out. "This" Venerable Lord Sword snorted and said grimly, "Forget it. You were the person whom Ice gave his last words to, you know lots about us. I shall just tell you the truth. We just knew that we''ve been used by the Four Seasons Tower; we are called Venerable Lords but in truth, we are only puppets. A good chunk of the reason for Ice''s fall was the tower''s intentions" Yun Yang was stunned. "I beg your pardon?" Venerable Lord Snow wanted to stop Venerable Lord Sword from speaking; after all, the matter was nothing to be proud of, especially when it was an unknown if Yun Yang would change his stance after knowing about it. In spite of this, it did not happen in time. Venerable Lord Sword had narrated the main points in one breath, thus Venerable Lord Snow sighed after some consideration, without adding a single word. "This is how it is" Once he started speaking, Venerable Lord Sword poured everything out easily. The longer they kept it within them, the more they felt like they would go crazy. Since they had an audience now and said audience was the Four Seasons Tower''s enemy, it wouldn''t hurt to express their feelings to someone who wouldn''t help the tower anyway. The more they thought about it, the more they realized it was fine to tell Yun Yang the truth; it would help bring them together in terms of perspective. Yun Yang listened to Venerable Lord Sword in disbelief. After a long time, he finally breathed out and murmured, "Oh my God this world is petrifying" "You will never see anything more terrifying!" Venerable Lord Sword could not help jabbering and said, "How old are you? How much evil have you actually seen? It''s too soon for you to comment! What''s most evil in this world is but a person''s heart. The rest? It''s not even worthy of mention!" Yun Yang sighed, looking a little dejected, and said, "If so, aren''t the three of you alone without help now? What C what should you do?" Venerable Lord Sword scoffed and replied, "Let me tell it to you straight. For us, of course, we would want to avenge our brother''s death. Secondly, we also want to cause some trouble to the Four Seasons Tower! We have to repay them in the same way if they intend to utilize our deaths C we repay favors, so must we return the grudge!" Yun Yang looked like he was still dazed as he listened to the man. "This is how things are." Venerable Lord Sword said honestly, "Therefore, the Four Seasons Tower won''t provide any support for sure." "Hold on" Yun Yang raised a hand to stop him and continued with a frown, "No This may not be like what you said. Please repeat it. I need to ponder the workings behind this." Venerable Lord Sword was about to argue with a frown of his own. He was already in a bad mood and it irritated him to no end that a child had to interrogate him and ask him to repeat himself like this. He would have loved to kill the child right there and then. "I mean, there may be something that we can turn to our advantage." Yun Yang explained kindly, "Just tell me again. I didn''t hear it clearly as you narrated it earlier, I may have places I missed out. To plan something, it''s a must to carefully consider things over and over again. I''m not asking for nothing." Venerable Lord Sword reigned in his temper, sucking in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. He repeated the story once again, looking bored and gloomy. "I understand it now, I understand it thoroughly." Yun Yang said, "According to your knowledge, everything that is happening now has become your own issues entirely C they''re no longer related to the Four Seasons Tower, is that so?" The trio was dumbfounded C was it not so? Wasn''t it obvious? Yun Yang spoke, "You fellows probably think that the Four Seasons Tower has mistreated all of you, and even killed your brother, whether directly or indirectly. Isn''t that right? You think that you shouldn''t serve the tower anymore; you want to leave, you want to avenge your brother''s death and it''d be best if you can cause some trouble for the tower at the same time C then all of you can leave unscathed, live in seclusion in the forest. This is basically the big picture, am I right?" The trio nodded, still confused as to why Yun Yang was reiterating a fact that everyone knew and was certain of. "There''s a key point here that you all seem to have missed, or maybe are certain of too soon. The situation now is that all of you don''t see yourselves as the Four Seasons Tower''s men, but the tower doesn''t consider you three as outsiders!" Once Yun Yang said this, the trio was stunned. "Why do you think the Four Seasons Tower won''t send you help but give you trouble instead? How is this possible?" Yun Yang said with wide eyes, "The whole world, including Mr. Nian; do they know that you fellows are aware that you are puppets? What they know seems to only be that you fellows are still the Four Seasons Tower''s loyal higher authority. Isn''t this right?" "Then, you fellows have met some trouble, a crisis you can''t handle. It''s only a matter, of course, to ask the tower for help!" "In fact, at its core, today''s situation is no different from Lei Dongtian''s battle the other day. One is fast, while the other is slow. Therefore, it''s only right for you all to ask the Four Seasons Tower for support!" "What''s more, if you don''t ask for help and carry this issue yourselves, it will only show your guilty conscience, that you have started to think differently. Judging from the crisis you are in, the Four Seasons Tower will send people to hunt all of you down instead, to take back the God''s Bone!" "However, if you were to ask for relief support with confidence, I don''t think the tower will ignore your cry for help. They would definitely send experts to assist. Do you think my reasoning is amiss?" As the trio listened to Yun Yang, their eyes shone as realization struck them. "As a result, whether it''s to save yourselves or to seek revenge, this cry for help must happen! Furthermore, there will definitely be an answer to your call!" Yun Yang continued his counseling, "As for the reason of your conflict with the assassin organizations, it''s very simple; it is none other than the fact that Venerable Lord Ice was killed and you fellows were seeking revenge from anguish. The reason is plain, like when you were looking for Lei Dongtian back then. Is there any fault in my reasoning?" "The three of you have not met Venerable Lord Ice before his death. This isn''t so hard to prove now, is it?" "The current crux of the matter, perhaps, what matters the most, is that the Four Seasons Tower doesn''t know that you know what you shouldn''t know. Based on this premise, what is there that you can''t do?" "The fact is, be it the three of you or the Four Seasons Tower, all of you have a compelling reason to act C to retrieve the Bone of the Ice God! The only difference is merely the fact that you''re fighting for your brother''s body while the Four Seasons Tower will never allow the God''s Bone to fall into anybody''s hands, am I right?" Yun Yang spread his hands. "As long as the Four Seasons Tower doesn''t know that the Bone of Ice God is with you, there is no flaw in this case!" "One of the reasons will then be your alibi for Venerable Lord Ice''s death which caused the Bone of Ice God to go to the Hall of Crimson Blade while the Hall of Crimson Blade has ganged up with The Merciless Tower to secure the bone; the three of you want to retrieve it, correct?" Yun Yang heaved a sigh and thought to himself, "It is lucky I am here. These three dummies didn''t plan to do it at all If I hadn''t come, this dragnet that I spent so much effort to set up would only catch a few small fish and I would die of disappointment!" 556 Ask for Help! "All in all, for you three to seek out the Hall of Crimson Blade, provoke The Merciless Tower, and even cause the emergence of the Dictum of Death, it''s a matter that you can be righteous and fervent about!" "Whether the Bone of Ice God is on the inside or supports the three of you on the outside, the Four Seasons Tower will have to extend their help." "It doesn''t seem too hard for you to drag the Four Seasons Tower into this whirlpool, does it?" Yun Yang asked. "When the relief troops arrive, just lead them and go through a few battles; kill a few more enemies. When the time comes and you think it''s enough, leave immediately. The Four Seasons Tower won''t be able to leave, they''ll have to continue being tangled in this mess until one side is completely annihilated. Don''t you think so?" "Even if the three of you don''t want to leave and want to complete your vendetta C as long as you don''t show any evident weakness or hesitation, the Four Seasons Tower will never give up on you three!" Yun Yang continued in disbelief, "Consequently, I really don''t understand what you were thinking C why do you all think that you have no backup support? My dear Venerable Lords, you obviously have the world''s most powerful relief assistance on your side!" "In fact, why do you think the Dictum of Death is being used?" Yun Yang asked, "Could it be for the three of you? No! Of course not!" Yun Yang cried out, willing them to understand him, "The Dictum of Death is actually being used to target the Four Seasons Tower!" Venerable Lord Snow''s eyes sparkled brighter. Exchanging a look with Venerable Lord Sword and Frost, all three of them were filled with realization. They thought to themselves, "That''s right! We didn''t see ourselves as the Four Seasons Tower''s men and we know all about its secret to us! But the crux lies at the fact that Mr. Nian and the others don''t know about it! Just like Yun Yang said, the current case is like another Lei Dongtian battle!" "Hmm good idea!" Venerable Lord Snow agreed while stroking his chin. "Not bad." Venerable Lord Sword''s eyes were gleaming; his aura returning to one of ferocity and not its previous lifelessness. "Wise and clever indeed, how impressive." Venerable Lord Frost watched Yun Yang with glee. Obviously, the trio had already thought of what to do next and how to do it. "Now that we''re done discussing the best and second best method, let us talk about the worst one. It isn''t very" Before Yun Yang could finish, he was cut off by Venerable Lord Snow, "No need to speak of the worst way. We''ll use this second best method. It''s already the best countermeasure currently available!" Yun Yang was exasperated. "Listen to me first, this worst way" "We won''t use it after you finish anyway, what''s the use of talking about it? You''ll only waste your saliva while we waste time!" Venerable Lord Sword spoke with righteous pride, "We''ll fix it like this." Yun Yang shut his mouth right away. What a decisive bunch indeed, he thought to himself sarcastically. "Since the three of you have made your decision, I won''t say any more. But I''ll have to remind you again." Yun Yang continued, "When your support comes, you must watch your emotions, expressions, and other aspects. Restrain yourselves, don''t reveal the truth of what you are feeling; otherwise, the three of you are finished." Venerable Lord Snow was unhappy and replied, "How many years have we roamed this martial world? Do you really think we don''t know these basic things?" Yun Yang nodded and grinned but muttered inwardly, "I''m actually scared that you three dummies don''t know about it at all" "Better hurry, I''ll contact the tower immediately." Venerable Lord Snow stood up abruptly. "They''ve sent the Dictum of Death. Tianxuan Continent''s notable killers aren''t a small number for sure. If we act any slower, by the time the relief troops arrive, we''d already dismembered. That would be bad." Yun Yang agreed. "That''s right, the sooner the better!" "It''s decided then!" Venerable Lord Frost looked at Yun Yang with squinted eyes, his smile meaningful. "Young Master Yun, you''re Yutang''s most loyal official indeed. How much effort you must have spent to find fault for the Four Seasons Tower C you must have done everything you could!" Yun Yang was offended, saying, "What do you mean by this, Venerable Lord Frost? Firstly, I''m helping you. Secondly, the grudge between the Four Seasons Tower and Yutang is irreversible. Should I not find trouble for them? Is it not appropriate?" "You should, you absolutely should. It is extremely appropriate indeed," Venerable Lord Frost chuckled dryly in agreement. He had never seen someone speak so directly without bothering to conceal his intentions! "I ask all of you not to expose me." Yun Yang reminded, "I''ve gone the extra mile for all of you. If you sell me out, I''d die an unjust death." "We won''t!" The trio vowed. The enemy of their enemy was really a great helper. This was just how it was! "Ask for help right now!" The Venerable Lords carried out their plan the moment they fixed it, in order to prevent any possible changes. As for Yun Yang, he left feeling light and easy. It was a breeziness that he had not felt for a while now. On the way back, Yun Yang dropped this matter from his mind and shifted his thoughts to something else. The Dictum of Death had just been executed. As long as the three Venerable Lords did not sabotage themselves, the whirlpool of the Four Seasons Tower entrapped in a battle against the world''s assassins would be set. For the sake of Mr. Nian''s pride and the Four Seasons Tower''s fame, they would not give up on the three Venerable Lords or avoid this feud. An exciting drama like no other would definitely unfold very soon; it was foreseeable that both sides would suffer a great deal of damage and this was exactly what Yun Yang was pleased about. The combat strength of both sides accumulated would far exceed what Yun Yang could counter. Even a light brush against them could severely damage Yun Yang, thus it was already reaching his limit to form this conflict. He would have to leave himself out of it afterwards and watch the fight unfold from the sidelines. Subsequently, the rest of the matters that should be done could be done now, like his father''s grudge that was yet to be avenged. Since the unscrupulous Ouyang Xiaoshe left Zilong City, there was no sign of him! Although Shui Wuyin was desperately urged by Yun Yang, even with the current scale of the Labyrinth of Nine Heavens Intelligence, no news was collected. It was as if this person had disappeared from the face of the earth. "The emergence of the Dictum of Death might be an opportunity to look for this bastard. Ouyang Xiaoshe is a top assassin who was on par with his father last time. He might come to join in this excitement!" Murderous resolve brimmed in Yun Yang''s eyes. Mr. Nian, of course, ranked first in the list of Yun Yang''s most loathed people but the second one on the list would be Ouyang Xiaoshe! Father Dugu''s grudge was Yun Yang''s biggest woe at the moment. "Pay full attention to Ouyang Xiaoshe''s possible whereabouts!" Yun Yang sent his message. Shui Wuyin who received the message looked indignant as he thought to himself, "I''ve never not paid full attention to the issue? Who dares take it lightly when you urge us eight times a day? The only problem is we really can''t find him" In front of the Residence of Yun''s door, Yun Yang who was weighed down with problems saw a slim figure jump from under the tree just as he entered the door, like a frightened rabbit that skipped right back into the room on the west. It was Ji Lingxi. Yun Yang heaved a long sigh in his heart. It was not just Yun Yang who was looking for Yue Rulan everywhere these days, Ji Lingxi was also searching for the lady but all their effort was in vain. The situation progressed to Ji Lingxi looking at Yun Yang with a face full of anticipation every time he came back from outside. The yearning gaze was like a heavy blow to Yun Yang every time he saw it. Each time, he could only reply with silence C because there was no news to deliver. Subsequently, Yun Yang could no longer say comforting words like no news was good news. Ji Lingxi''s gaze slowly dimmed; gradually, just as she saw Yun Yang''s expression, she would return to her room without another word. The silence meant more than words. Anyone could have felt the worry and sorrow that was hidden in her heart. In these recent days, Yun Yang did not see Ji Lingxi coming out to see him anymore. It looked like she was already hopeless about finding Yue Rulan. Yet the glimpse just now told Yun Yang enough, that it was not that Ji Lingxi didn''t want to ask him, it was just that she did not want to add to his already heavy burdens, knowing instinctively that there was still no answer. Yun Yang sighed again, walking over and knocking softly on her door. 557 Destined to be Alone There was a swift shuffling sound inside, the chair bumped against the floor as if someone had stood up abruptly. Ji Lingxi asked in a trembling voice, "Who is it?" "It''s me," Yun Yang answered. The door opened with a creak. Ji Lingxi''s slim figure appeared by the door, her eyes watched Yun Yang, filled with sorrow and fatigue, as well as an increasingly familiar feeling of fright and loss. Meeting her gaze, Yun Yang felt his heart clench. Recalling the young lady he had met in Tiantang City back then, how triumphant and youthful she was, yet she had become a mere shadow of her true self. It had only been slightly more than a year. First, her family had gifted her away like a chess piece, basically selling her; so that she could successfully escape her ill fate. She had also received the shocking news of her brother''s death whom she had been searching for all this time. Then Sister Lan, who had kept her company, left without bidding goodbye after knowing about her brother''s death. To put it nicely, it was not known where she had gone to; truthfully, the biggest possibility was that the lady had followed her older brother to the Nine Springs. Right now, she was the only one left, alone in this big, big world! It was an indescribably cruel fate that Ji Lingxi was forced to experience. Now she was staying in the Residence of Yun. She liked Yun Yang, everyone knew this. Staying in the Residence of Yun was essentially staying in her crush''s home; it was something good. However, this ultimately didn''t matter at all as she was staying here without any title. Even when she liked him, even when she refused to marry another man who was not him, their relationship was never confirmed. To be under one''s roof was nothing better than a rootless duckweed! Yet if she were to leave the Residence of Yun now, in spite of the world being so big, where could she possibly go? Ji Lingxi felt tragic. She really was all alone! A year ago, she was a girl blessed by heaven, her status was higher than the clouds. Even the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Family would never dare to act brass in front of her. A year later, she became an orphan, all alone without anyone to depend on! What a stark contrast! Honestly, Yun Yang thought Ji Lingxi was impressively strong-willed, for her not to break down and go completely crazy yet, considering all she had been through. It was due to this that he was crestfallen as well as feeling his heart ache just looking at the sense of fright and loss in Ji Lingxi''s eyes. The Eighth brother Supreme Wind''s will was to let him take care of his young sister C but had he done it? Sister Lan''s will asked for him to take good care of Ji Lingxi too C but had he done it? Other than putting all his attention into searching for Sister-in-law Yue recently, Yun Yang had mostly ignored Ji Lingxi''s feelings. His eighth brother and sister-in-law had entrusted Ji Lingxi to his care in vain. He should be damned! "Lingxi" Yun Yang spoke softly, "You''ve suffered" His words were spoken in a plain voice, but moisture seeped from Ji Lingxi''s eyes once she heard him, tears were almost falling down her cheeks. If she had to ask herself honestly, had she suffered? She had! So much so that Ji Lingxi thought she had yet to wake up from a nightmare. If she could choose, she would rather wipe these two years out of her life. Every step she took was blocked, every moment was filled with calamity, and there was hardly any peace "It''s nothing." Ji Ling sobbed lightly before smiling. "These events are destined C my destiny. And I have to accept it!" "Accept your destiny" Yun Yang repeated slowly and said, "One''s life can hardly be smooth flowing all the time. Don''t be too sad, don''t feel too lost. You must remember, we can still depend on each other in this world. No matter what it is, you can depend on me. As long as I''m still here, your rock is still here!" Ji Lingxi''s eyes sparkled. Raising her head, her glistening eyes rested on Yun Yang''s face with varying emotions. Depend on each other? Was he hinting at something? Just as she was musing, Yun Yang continued earnestly, "Eighth brother is no longer here but I''m eighth brother''s brother. In other words, I''m your older brother! Your biological brother! And you''re my younger sister!" Yun Yang was speaking almost like he was making an oath, trying his best to provide Ji Lingxi with a sense of security; he spoke sincerely, "Whatever may come, you have me!" "Don''t you worry!" Your sister? Ji Lingxi''s shy gaze froze instantly, her face that had just begun to blush paled instead. Her lips quivered before she spoke coldly, "Young Master Yun''s an aristocrat while Ji Lingxi is but a commoner. Not only are our statuses as different as heaven and earth, I''m also like a withering willow with an ugly face. I don''t have the fortune and lavish hope to have a brother like Young Master Yun, I''m unworthy of such a connection." Yun Yang replied urgently, "Lingxi, what are you talking about? Are you doubting the relationship between your brother and I? We''re brothers who share life and death! If he wants my head, I''d cut it for him without hesitation! You are my eighth brother''s only sister. I would be worthy of being called his brother if I didn''t take care of you." The more Yun Yang spoke, the icier Ji Lingxi''s expression turned. She answered as if she was mocking him, "Young Master Yun, I see that you treasure this sentiment so much. This lady feels immensely proud that I''m so loved!" "Maybe not to others but to you, younger sister I" Yun Yang started. "I don''t want to be your younger sister." Ji Lingxi lowered her head and uttered what was really on her mind, feeling butterflies in her stomach. "Don''t want to? No way!" Yun Yang replied in shock, "Your brother''s already asked me You are your brother''s sister, so you''re my sister! There''s no doubt about this!" Before he continued, Ji Lingxi''s flustered cheeks turned pale again; she cut him off coldly, gritting her teeth, "I only have one older brother in this lifetime." She picked up her gaze, staring straight at Yun Yang with determination and stubbornness, her voice rang clear, "I, Ji Lingxi, will never call anyone else elder brother in this life of mine. There will be no exception!" Yun Yang looked dejected when he heard her. He could not figure out why Ji Lingxi was reacting so violently to a title, a simple address. He tried to salvage what was left of the situation. "Umm you don''t have to call me older brother. It''s fine. Eighth brother calls me younger brother C if you don''t want to call me elder brother, you can you can call me younger brother too." Ji Lingxi was thoroughly infuriated. She stood up directly and said in anger, "Are you done? I don''t want to have any other elder brother or younger brother. They can all go and die!" She was so furious that her voice was uncontrollably shrill and her choice of words became increasingly chaotic. Yun Yang grew more confused and awkward, he had no idea how he had offended her. The youth asked, lost, "Then C then what do you plan to call me?" He was thinking, "You can''t call me uncle or old sir! The generation will run askew! If you did call me those, I dare not agree to them. Otherwise, my eighth brother will wallop me when I finally meet him. Taking your advantage means taking eighth brother''s advantage. Eighth brother''s advantage is not to be taken so easily!" It should be mentioned at this point that a certain someone''s IQ and EQ in certain areas was absolutely ghastly, so much so that it was worse than an idiot''s. If Ji Lingfeng were really here, he would not even argue with that certain someone; he would just beat him up straight away! "What do I want to call you? You have the gall to ask?" Ji Lingxi thought to herself when she listened to the ridiculous question, crying out a low growl, "I''m calling you a log! A dummy! Can I? Can I?! Ahhh!" Yun Yang sighed and replied in a soft voice, "That''s alright Up to you, as long as you''re happy. I can respond to whatever you call me. You''re my younger sister, who am I to indulge if not you." He felt helpless, thinking that his eighth brother''s younger sister had a really weird temper; she was fine just now but suddenly she became angry. He thought to himself, "Fine, as long as you''re happy. I won''t argue with you!" She thought to herself, "Younger sister why are you so relentless in making me a younger sister!" Ji Lingxi was choking with anger. For a moment, she saw stars spinning before eyes; a kind of shocked state kept surging through her as if she was about to break down. How could such a log exist in this world? The world was truly filled with all sorts of wonders! Yet how was it that she had met one such wonder and even liked him! He dared to call himself the Nine Supremes'' think tank with such a brain? Ji Lingxi spat loathingly, "I''m sure of one thing today. My brother''s died pretty wrongfully!" Yun Yang sighed, his tone pained as he answered, "Yeah Thinking of it now, it''s really wrongful. We''ve gone through so many battles together for the Empire of Yutang back then but there were still so many traitors. If it weren''t for those bastards, the elder brothers wouldn''t" Before he finished, Ji Lingxi stood up with a swoosh. Her face was as icy as a winter''s frost, a murderous glare glinted in her eyes. "Young Master Yun, do you have any other business with me?" She was actually beginning to chase her guest out now. To be honest, she would probably start beating someone up if she did not chase him away. She really could not take it anymore. 558 What An Amazing Crackpot! Yun Yang stood up awkwardly. "Huh No more Ah Why?" Ji Lingxi was giving off ice cold vibes along with her barely controlled fury. She gritted her teeth and said, "If there''s nothing else, please go back and rest. It''s late now and you''re in my room. It''s not proper for a single man and lady to be together!" Yun Yang laughed, completely oblivious to the situation. "I''m in a room with my younger sister, what can possibly be" Ji Lingxi finally broke down, crying out, "I''m saying I want to rest now. Are you going out or not!?" She clenched her jaw, her face was purple with rage while fire threatened to shoot out from her eyes. Yun Yang was shocked. Recalling everything he had said since he entered the room, he grew more confused, thinking to himself, "I didn''t offend her What I said wasn''t particularly offensive either I talked following her cue" "What''s happening?" "Why does she just flip like that? You can just tell me that you want to rest nicely, but why must you lash out like this?" Yun Yang looked utterly stumped, his eyes unfocused in bewilderment. Until he stepped out of the door, he still tried his best by turning around and saying, "Uh, Lingxi, rest well then. If you have anything, remember to tell your brother C uh, Yun Yang, me" A certain someone obviously did not know which word or title to use and had directly used ''Yun Yang, me'' Ah, the intelligence quotient of this person was embarrassing to even think about sometimes. Bam! The sudden noise accompanied the violent slam of door right in front of Yun Yang''s face, almost squishing his nose between the gap. Ji Lingxi leaned back against the door, slowly sliding down to a sitting position on the floor; her hands flew to her face as she sighed softly. One hand punched the floor as she murmured, "How can such man exist in this world what a" "Didn''t they say all men are lustful? Why is there such a contrary specimen here before me What a crackpot" "It would be an insult to all logs if I were to call him one!" Recalling the moment when Yun Yang asked her to think of a title, going from elder brother to younger brother to even a log or a dummy, a chuckle escaped Ji Lingxi before she groaned in exasperation, "What a log! A dummy! Idiot! Ah" Her train of thought then moved to her current situation. Her mood saddened then as she wallowed in self-pity. When Sister Lan was here, Ji Lingxi would feel rather embarrassed whenever she heard the former mention about her crush in front of Yun Yang and often stopped Sister Lan from doing so; it was only now that she knew things would never work with this dummy without a good matchmaker by her side. "What to call you? You''re asking me what to call you?" "I''ve already stated it so clearly. I don''t want to call you elder brother nor do I want to call you my younger brother. As long as one is a man, shouldn''t he be able to understand it?" "Could I, a lady, tell you frankly face to face that I want to become your wife? Call you hmph!" "Just like that?" Yet the man she met was an insensible log who understood nothing. What else could she have done? If Yun Yang was pretending and was not actually that dense, then she would have probably thought that Yun Yang had no feelings for her. But Ji Lingxi knew very well that Yun Yang was not pretending; otherwise, how could he have acted the way he just did! How could one communicate with someone like this?" "Crackpot!" Ji Lingxi covered her face and just sighed, at a loss for further words. "What a crackpot!" Just as Yun Yang turned around, he saw his immediate father, Marquis Yun C oh, no, he was King Yun now! Yun Xiaoyao rested his arms on his back as he stared and studied Yun Yang with a strange gaze like he was looking at a rare presence. Yun Yang checked himself and did not see his clothes torn; he asked in surprise, "What is it? What kind of gaze are you looking at me with? Yun Xiaoyao shook his head, looking like he was lamenting, when he replied, "What kind of gaze? A gaze for an amazing crackpot! I''m here specifically to see the only crackpot on earth since the beginning of time C how handsome, how talented!" Yun Yang chortled and stroked his face, he answered in a tone that indicated how pleased he was with himself, "It''s enough that I know it. While it''s the truth and it''s nice to hear, there''s still the suspicion of pandering for you to say it so blatantly. Do you have some favor to ask of me!?" Yun Xiaoyao made a weird gurgling sound, almost gagging before he suppressed his laughter and nodded fervently. "It''s true that we know ourselves best. What a crackpot you are, one who''s unprecedentedly rare!" Yun Yang chuckled and said, "Now you''re exaggerating. Although I don''t belittle myself nor is my cultivation base progress slow, but to say I am unprecedentedly rare, isn''t it over the top? There are so many experts since ancient times, so many legends" Before Yun Yang finished, Yun Xiaoyao was already gone. He had left right away. From the garden far away, came Yun Xiaoyao''s uncontrollable guffaw, as if he had seen something funny. "Hahahahaha" Yun Yang shook his head. "What kind of person is this? He didn''t bother to make himself clear and was so random. He didn''t even finish his compliment." As he mumbled to himself, he went towards his room; he began to contemplate as he walked, "If the Four Seasons Tower really did respond, to what extent would their capability be shown? What sort of change will it cause to the current state? Is there a possibility that the Four Seasons Tower might abstain from responding? Nothing is certain at all." "Also, if Ouyang Xiaoshe doesn''t come, what should we do? The plan I''ve prepared, when can it actually be executed? To release it at this time will complicate things but could it possibly be beneficial to our side?" "Let''s us observe the follow-up and see how things unfold. If the conflict escalates and it becomes difficult to create more disorder, maybe I can pay attention to the sects that betrayed their ancestral teachings and participated in the war. It''s necessary to clean them up and I can''t be making empty threats." "Now that I think of it, there are plenty of things to do. What''s more, each of them is complicated!" Yun Yang sighed, looking at the sky, thinking that he would still be occupied even if he were to grow an extra pair of arms. "Shui Wuyin has to continue working as hard as ever. Right, what have the four popinjays been up to recently? Why haven''t I heard about them for so long?" "These four guys are all troublemakers, they better not make things messier." Once Yun Yang thought about it, he turned and went towards the east house. Just as Yun Yang left, there was a flash of two silhouettes in the dark. It was Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei who appeared, both covering their mouths. They were trembling with laughter like they were having seizures. "King Yun is right, our young master is really one unprecedented crackpot. No one in the past nor the future can be parallel to him! I haven''t been impressed by anyone in this lifetime of mine but I''m utterly amazed by our young master!" Bai Yixue exclaimed while rubbing his belly. He dared not make a loud guffawing sound right now because it would hurt his stomach to laugh so much. If he did not soothe it, he might suffer from an internal injury. Fang Mofei was holding his stomach as well. "It''s impossible to not be amazed! He''s really the one and only!" Bai Yixue sighed and muttered, "If a lady treats me like this, I would already be carrying my son. Our young master actually went on and on with being an elder or younger brother, an idiot or a dummy would have done exactly the sameC ah, I''ll have a guilty conscience if I''m not impressed by this!" "Hah!" Fang Mofei spat and guffawed again. 559 Above and Below The Sky Somewhere, someone was berating and beating someone. Bam, pow, boom "Bastard!" "Didn''t I tell you to protect your younger sister when I let you out? Is this how you protect her?!" "Do you know that she''s suffering now? All because of your inadequacy, your inability, your irresponsibility" "Protect, that''s all you needed to do is it so hard to protect her? Did you think leaving her and coming back yourself is protecting her? Bastard!" "Just great, now my daughter is an orphan! Lonely and helpless, uncared for, with no one to depend on What an absolute bastard you are!" "How is this possible? How can this be? Ah, your father is about to die from heartache!" Bam, bam, bam Someone placated from the side, "Stop hitting him. You''re the one asking for this. Besides, if you''re angry, hit your own son, why are you hitting my son for?" Was this mediating the fight? "These bastards, my anger won''t be sufficiently vented even if I beat up all eight every day!" "Come, son, follow father home!" "Son, let us go back too. If we stay here we have to be beaten up, how can there be such a thing on earth!" "Correct, leave them be, father and son, let him beat his son to death, perhaps then his rage will be vented." "Let''s go, let''s go. We''re not mixing with them anymore." A group of people left. Someone bellowed, "Leave your sons here! Your father has yet to finish venting his anger!" What answered him were a few scoffs while one of them answered coldly, "I''m reluctant to beat my son but you seem quite apt in beating him up. Don''t think for a moment that I didn''t see it. You didn''t even use any strength in beating your son up but you have no mercy when you hit mine. Just you wait, your sister-in-law''s about to come looking for you. Then you''ll understand what it means to show no mercy." "" Someone was tongue-tied. "Your sister-in-law''s coming soon! She''s just said that she was on her way. Finders keepers, it''s necessary for anyone who sees her to have a share." "Psh, you illiterate! Is the concept of finders keepers appropriate here? But it''s correct that anyone who sees her has a share, my your sister-in-law will be here soon. How could we not notice her?" "That''s right, that''s right. Your sister-in-law is coming now, she won''t be missed out" Someone turned away swiftly like his buttocks were burned. "Come, son, I''m not beating you up anymore. Let us move quickly. If anyone who sees her has a share, you may not see your father anymore" "Wife! Quick!" Far, far away on the other side of Tiantang City. Dong Tianleng and gang had really abstained from causing more troubles in this period of time, failing to uphold their reputation as the four great popinjays. Of course, it was better to not live up to their past reputation than to risk death by loitering around. These four guys were truly frightened. Currently, Tiantang City had too much going on, so much so that people were dying almost any time and anywhere. What more was that those being killed were experts too! This caused the four young masters to simultaneously feel like all the known and unknown experts and proficient cultivators in the martial world were concentrated in Tiantang City. The Hall of Crimson Blade, The Merciless Tower, the Concourse of the Underworld, and current top assassins of the world whom one could scarcely hope to meet in person had all made their appearance here. It was a gathering, by no mere coincidence. In addition to that, the Four Seasons Tower, such a mysterious and powerful organization, had begun to open fire. There was also the School of Kismet State, a super sect that existed only in the legends of top-notch schools, which emerged out of the blue; it was a school that had never shown itself for so long. What was going on in Tiantang City? There must be something major that was about to happen! Then, something major did happen. The Great Young Master Yun C the four popinjays had initially helped him a little when they knew about Great Young Master''s Yun''s objective. But as Great Young Master Yun killed almost everyone he met, the four popinjays shuddered from his brutality; although the people he killed were criminals, the ruthlessness of his action was still terrifying. They had thought that Great Young Master Yun''s act was more than ruthless but what the Four Seasons Tower''s Three Venerable Lords did next was even more bloodcurdling. They wiped out an entire school with ease, not even leaving behind an animal in their killing spree; they had slaughtered all the men of the Hall of Crimson Blade and The Merciless Tower in Tiantang City. Soon after, The Merciless Tower responded. The four young masters didn''t even think for a second that there was anything else that could have shaken them even more as they had already been shocked so much now but once the Dictum of Death was sent, oh my god, all the skilled assassins in this world were flocking to where they were! The Tianxuan Continent did not only contain Yutang, Dongxuan, and the other known empires; the entire surface area of the continent was unimaginably huge! Oh god, what were they going to do? Consequently, the four noble families had sealed themselves directly. Before they shut the outside world out, they sent the four popinjays a message C be good, do not roam around, practice cultivation indoors if they had nothing to do, find a woman and make children. If they were too bored, they could find a man for excitement if they wanted to. All in all, do not cause any trouble. If there is any trouble, do not bring it home, solve it outside C however they pleased. This was the request of the reputable families in the martial world towards their descendants. It was not too restricting. Actually, their families'' reminder was not needed. The four men who understood their ability well were both good and subservient. During such chaotic and barbarous times, they wouldn''t be so stupid in acting recklessly. When Yun Yang came, the four of them were huddled together playing dice. There was at least some entertainment they could have together without having to resort to finding women to quell their boredom! "Six, six, six! Strike! A strike! Your father wins!" "F*ck!" "This bastard must have taken some pills today eh? He''s gotten two strikes within an hour and now he''s gotten another strike. This isn''t right?!" "Is he cheating? He must be!" "Pfft! You''re the one cheating, your whole family is cheating! Pay up!" "Pay what? Your father needs to think carefully, to study what''s gone wrong!" "F*ck you! You still want to think after you''ve lost? Then why didn''t you f*cking stop to think when you won just now?" "I won based on my luck but yours obviously wasn''t based on luck. It''s just strange." "Strange your *ss! What''s so strange?" "How dare you cuss at me? All the more I shouldn''t pay you" "How dare you! Try escaping, see if your father f*cks you to death!" "F*ck you, what did you say? Who are you f*cking!" "You! What is it?" Seeing the argument grow more heated and the four were about to start a brawl, Yun Yang sighed and rubbed his forehead, pushing the door open and entering. Just as he entered, he saw Dong Tianleng grabbing a fist full of Chun Wanfeng''s robe, face flushed red in anger; his other hand was balled up in a fist looking like he was really going to beat the other man up. Xia Bingchuan and Qiu Yunsan were watching the drama from the side. "Hit him! Beat him up! Dong Tianleng, if you don''t beat him up, you''re not a man. We''ll despise you forever!" "Chun Wanfeng, if you ask for mercy then you''re not a man. Fight him, see who can defeat the other!" "I bet a hundred thousand taels that both of them won''t be able to brawl. They don''t have the guts, they don''t have balls!" "F*ck, your words are vicious! We''ll bet!" It was a mess. Chun Wanfeng tensed. "Go on, hit me! Let me tell you, if you dare to f*cking hit me, you can stop wishing that I''d pay up" "F*ck you, are you blackmailing me now?" Dong Tianleng was about to wallop the other guy. "F*cking righteous when you''re the deadbeat huh. Your father must take care of this flaw of yours today. Your father will f*cking beat you up until you pay C until you admit defeat!" Yun Yang shouted with a headache, "Stop it! Listen to me, I have something to say!" Four of them stopped whatever they were doing at once. They turned their heads together, a pandering smile crept onto their faces. "Boss Boss, you''re here!" "Boss has something to say." "Boss, please give us your order." "Boss, this small one is ready for your orders. Give me any instruction and I won''t hesitate, even if you want me to castrate myself on the spot!" Dong Tianleng looked prepared. Yun Yang replied dryly, "Then castrate yourself. I believe everyone will be happy to see such a rare sight!" Dong Tianleng''s mouth widened to an ''O'' bigger than a goose''s egg. "Ah?" "I said, castrate yourself. I''m waiting to see," Yun Yang said calmly, his gaze indifferent. "Hahaha" Watching Dong Tianleng''s embarrassed expression, the other three guys guffawed so hard that they were tearing up. "Boss" Dong Tianleng looked at Yun Yang pleadingly. Yun Yang gave him a sideways glance. "Look at you, failing to behave properly on any given day. All you talk about is nonsense. Can''t you be more serious?" Dong Tianleng pulled a long face. "Yes, yes. This young brother shall turn over a new leaf in the future." Chun Wanfeng quipped, "So you''ll be seriously talking nonsense in the future?" Yun Yang sighed, feeling like he could not have a single serious conversation with these fellas. "You guys! Sigh if it weren''t because a sudden matter has arisen, something that must be done by all of you, I wouldn''t even be here. It would be much easier to just ignore all of you." Yun Yang became even more somber. "This is a very important matter that needs to be taken very seriously. There mustn''t be any carelessness." The four men perked up immediately once they heard him. "Do speak, boss. We''ve been so bored recently. Whatever the matter is, don''t you worry, just leave it to us. We guarantee that we can complete it flawlessly!" Yun Yang rolled his eyes without saying a word. If it were any serious matter, he would never pass it to them C god knows how it would turn out. It was just that this thing he was planning could only be assigned to the four of them. The rest, Yun Yang thought, might not be able to do it! He was truly utilizing their talents to its limit! No one could do it other than the super popinjays. 560 The Providence Flag "Alright, this is how it is so and so then" Yun Yang said, "By then, I would have found others to work with you. You would find it useful to roam around first for these next few days. Make some noise, but don''t attract undue attention. However, when those with ill intentions find out more what is going on, they will soon know that you fellows have been moving about for quite a long while; what happens afterward will not be intentional. All of you must pay careful attention to this; you can''t afford to be reckless." "Understood!" Four pairs of eyes shone brightly as four heads nodded with fervor. They found the task terribly interesting. They intended to enjoy themselves with that order, have the type of fun that was truly exciting and amusing. The four fellows fell to discussing their subsequent action plan in order to perfect the plot, right in that very room. Yun Yang left the house and stood in the center of the yard. Watching the night sky and the sprinkle of stars, he tried his best to empty his mind. He was in careful contemplation; once this plan was underway, there was no way of stopping it. Looking at the situation, it might not have been the best time to execute such a plan, but it would be too difficult to encounter another opportunity when all sorts of troubles were brewing in Tiantang if they missed this chance. It was on this day, at the break of dawn, that Shui Wuyin''s messages arrived with the intensity of a hurricane. The Four Seasons Tower had finally made their move! Shui Wuyin had sent more than ten different messages in the short time that had passed. The correspondence from the Four Seasons Tower was obviously written in a hurry. Those who came to help popped out one after another without any form of discipline or tactic. Therefore, the tower''s planted agents, who were famed for their discretion, were exposed without fail. "Someone has entered the Venerable Lords'' premises." "Another person has gone in." "Someone in a high-ranking military uniform has entered the Venerable Lords'' premises. He came out after a while, but we lost him almost immediately after. This person is very skilled." "The Residence of Crown Prince''s chief aide, Sir Bi, has slipped into the house. He left in disguise after an hour of discussion, but he is recognizable from his physique and form." "At dawn, someone landed from the sky and entered the house. There is no confirmation of this person leaving for now. Further observation is needed." The messages were informative but Yun Yang''s expression grew darker the more he read them. He had weeded out so many of the Four Seasons Tower''s men hidden in Yutang''s imperial court, but he had never imagined that there were so many more he had missed. Just the high-rank martial general alone and the Residence of Crown Prince''s chief aide was bad enough, let alone all the others..." Chief aide? Yun Yang''s train of thought trailed off with a sudden, shocking insight. "Residence of Crown Prince? Chief aide?" Yun Yang frowned. As he had focused his thoughts earlier, there was an idea that glimmered at the tip of his mind. Almost at the same time, an icy glare shot out from his eyes. Yun Yang had long heard of Sir Bi. His origin was a mystery, but his skills were widely lauded; his mannerisms were so discreet that even when at the crown prince''s residence, he was stealthy, and it was difficult to ascertain his actual whereabouts. He only met the people he wished to; it was rare for anyone else to contact him first. Before the Tianxuan Cliff incident had taken place, his eldest brother, Supreme Earth, had specifically spoken about this person, "Everyone in this world maintains that the Nine Supremes are almighty and that nothing can stop us, but they''ve simply regarded us too highly. There are more than a few people whom we can''t figure out nor dare provoke just within this capital city of Yutang. The first one is the eunuch that serves His Majesty. This person''s ability and skills are impressive and at a standard, we are unable to reach; we wouldn''t provoke him without cause. The second person is the Residence of Crown Prince''s Sir Bi. This person''s background is a mystery while he seems to entertain peculiar thoughts; it''s difficult to gauge his true capabilities. We leave him alone as best as we can. Then there''s the third, Anchorite Cangwu, from the Bliss Tower in the capital." "Among these three, the two latter ones are more skilled and a challenge to fight, especially Sir Bi. I''ve asked around several times before, but no one seems to know where he''s actually from C they don''t even know who his true self is. He has just appeared out of the blue to aid His Highness" Yun Yang remembered Supreme Earth''s words like it was yesterday, but Sir Bi had disappeared for some time after the Tianxuan Cliff incident and had not reemerged until Yun Yang returned to Tiantang, having gone through arduous ordeals. Yun Yang had almost forgotten about this person. However, he had appeared at the three Venerable Lords'' premises! The implication was well within the imagination''s reach and the reality of it caused the Yun Yang''s blood to run cold. Everything was pointing to the fact that the crown prince was actually an accomplice. If that were truly the case, then there was another mastermind behind the incident C a culprit who had to be uprooted. "Sir Bi!" Yun Yang thought about the matter but had already decided that the person had to be of significant import. He had to meet the Venerable Lords to find out the man''s background and plan further. He could not risk a single misstep. Then, there was the other news that puzzled Yun Yang. "Grey clouds appeared abruptly in the Empire of Dongxuan before it disappeared almost immediately. It is greatly similar to the incident we experienced five months ago. It is suspected that there is some peculiar event afoot, the direct results of an unknown force Further observation is needed." "The grey clouds appeared behind the Fortress of Resilience was headed towards Yutang. It made a grand movement, which was very odd considering the circumstances." Yun Yang frowned. Shui Wuyin rarely forwarded intelligence reports that were meaningless after having gone through them but these two messages seemed rather random. Furthermore, they were sent here after being scrutinized by Shui Wuyin C obviously, the man thought they were important. Grey clouds. Yun Yang mused, recalling the similarly peculiar incident Dongxuan they faced last year. Could it be related to this? If so Yun Yang was deep in thought but a creak from the door on the right preceded the sight ofJi Lingxi''s slim figure walking out elegantly. "Where are you going?" Yun Yang asked subconsciously after a short moment of stupor. "Out to play," Ji Lingxi snorted. She was not going out for fun, of course, but upon seeing Yun Yang, she could not help recalling the dummy''s lack of sense last night and her temper rose. She then spoke the first words that came to her mind." Yun Yang stroked his nose and chuckled awkwardly. "Shall we go together then?" At the same time, clouds rose in the south-eastern quadrant of Tiantang City. A silhouette waltzed across the fog of black clouds, holding an inky black flag. As the black flag waved in the stiff breeze, more ominous dark clouds rose and covered the sky, spreading everywhere. From afar, only columns of dark clouds could be seen multiplying and growing in size, the silhouette within well-hidden from the outside world. "I''ve made a huge round using this Providence Flag before I confirmed the direction here" The black-clothed man within the dark clouds frowned and delivered a stream of mystical Qi into the inky flag, using it to push the clouds about. His eyes were gleaming as he carefully observed the minuscule changes in the clouds. The black-dressed man''s cultivation base was at a level unimaginable by the masses. He roamed the skies and had activated the Providence Flag with mystical Qi. There was no trace of fatigue despite the thousands of miles he had traveled. The proficiency in his mystical Qi cultivation base was more than alarming. "The Providence Flag had previously pointed towards Dongxuan, but it has changed its direction recently" The man murmured to himself, "By taking Dongxuan''s defeated astral influence as the initial clue and connecting Tiantang City''s prospering providence, I finally see the source of this change" "At this critical juncture, the person the Providence Flag points at shall be the person disrupting the flow of destiny. As long as this person is killed, the destined flow of events will recover itself, flow its natural course. The original character of fate will be crowned once again Then, the School of Kismet State shall rest, free and easy! Therefore whether the person identified by the Providence Flag is an ordinary commoner or the emperor of Yutang he has to die!" The dark clouds continued to roll in, drifting forward from an incredible distance. For every area it passed over, the dark clouds grew increasingly ominous. 561 Ominous Clouds Over The City When the billowing, dark clouds were about to reach Tiantang City, they resembled mountains layering upon each other in midair, forming an indescribably oppressive atmosphere. "It''s over there!" High up in the sky, the man in black could already see where the Providence Flag was pointing at in Tiantang City. He took in a deep breath and ignited the Providence Flag once again. With a loud bang, the dark clouds surged towards Tiantang City with the intensity of a tornado. For a moment, the ominous clouds completely hid the sky, threatening to blot out all light. It was already early in the morning then, when the revitalizing rays of the sun from the east should have shone upon earth. Yet, at this time today, everyone in Tiantang City felt that something was amiss; while one side was brightly illuminated by the sun in gold, just like usual, the other side was engulfed in endless darkness. Any ordinary person could tell the strangeness of the phenomenon as they all looked up into the sky, squinting at where the sun should have been shining from. They only saw the billowing dark clouds that had appeared like a monster and was reaching out with its claws, about to swallow the world and its people. Even the radiant morning rays were immediately dimmed and shone weakly, at half of its usual intensity. An unprecedented premonition wrapped around everyone''s heart; be it a common person, a cultivator, or a martial artist, they were all frightened by such a sight but they could only watch the clouds accumulate, growing thicker and thicker. It slowly covered the sprinkle of morning sun until the light could no longer be seen. The sky was thoroughly dimmed. A subtle fear that crept from the bones enveloped everyone in Tiantang City. Those who were sharper thought that it was an eclipse and went to look for gongs and drums, to beat them in hopes that the canopy of clouds would disperse soon and they could welcome the sun again. On the contrary, the dark clouds loomed nearer and gradually hovered over Tiantang City, waiting to swallow the city whole. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were about to depart during daybreak but had rushed back to the Residence of Yun after a quick exchange of looks once they saw the strange phenomenon and realized that something was wrong. "There must be someone behind this oddity!" Yun Yang''s expression was extremely grim as huge ripples of worry expanded within him. He recalled Shui Wuyin''s intelligence; the very same dark clouds were already here now. He also knew that the report had indicated that the same situation had taken place above Dongxuan''s capital city a few months ago. Yun Yang thought of something then; his face began to take on a cast of worry. Inferring from incidents at the time, it was only after that strange occurrence that the Empire of Dongxuan had decided to conquer Yutang with all that the country contained. That was how the battle at the Fortress of Resilience between Yutang and Dongxuan had started C both empires had expended their military combat strength, contributing to the devastating war that had sacrificed more than three million patriotic men! Now, this mass of dark clouds had arrived at Tiantang City, but what did it represent? Perhaps, the question should be, what could it mean? If Dongxuan''s be all end all conquest of Yutang were related to this dark mass, then it was most probably a matter of no great import for it to arrive in Tiantang City. What was the objective of this dark cloud? Could it be here for Yun Yang? Yun Yang had the beginnings of a dark realization in his mind, but he did not say it aloud nor was it possible for him to say it aloud. He suddenly felt the pressure on him mounting like a mountain, heavy and suffocating. Ji Lingxi, who was standing right beside him, did not miss the grim expression on Yun Yang''s face. She did not comment upon it but had inwardly decided to support all of Yun Yang''s decisions unconditionally. She followed Yun Yang closely as they made their way back to Residence of Yun. As long as she could keep him company and spend this lifetime with him, she was not overly concerned about becoming an enemy of heaven itself. She had no regrets, not even if she had to die several more times in the process. All those who were planning to go about their business in Tiantang City had shockingly made the same choice when they were met with this moment that was not unlike the end of the world C those at home stayed at home while those who just got out rushed back in; as for those who were outside and some distance away from home, they looked for the closest inn and stayed put. As for the assassins and martial artists who had come from afar, they were docile and remained stationary; they hunkered down and hid, looking to wait out the bizarre phenomenon. Everyone had come to a similar conclusion C this abrupt presence of dark, billowing clouds must not be normal! Even when a storm was at its most threatening stage, the ominous clouds were but balls of clouds before the rain. Storm clouds had never dominated the entire sky and covered the sun to this extent. It was already darker than the darkest night. The sky was as black as ink, and there were no lightning strikes that tore across the air! The people who were beating the gongs and drums, intending to chase the eclipse away and recover sunlight no longer wasted their energy. It was quiet everywhere, only an unspeakable tension was left lingering in the air. It caused involuntary panic to rise within everybody''s minds; rationality could no longer fight against it. Hearts began to pump at an insane rate, while fear filled everyone. In the palace, Yun Xiaoyao, who had just arrived, was standing shoulder to shoulder with His Majesty in the imperial garden''s pavilion. They had their heads lifted to watch the bizarre clouds, their expressions tinged with worry. "Xiaoyao, what do you think is going on?" asked the emperor with a grim face. "This official does not dare to conjecture wildly. The only thing that is known is that the same dark mass appeared in Dongxuan four months ago. Other than that, there hasn''t been a similar situation for millions of years in Tianxuan Continent," Yun Xiaoyao answered with a frown. "Not entirely true," The emperor replied faintly, "In fact, five months and twenty days ago, wisps of dark clouds appeared in Dongxuan as well." "It was over a month after that time that the large, dark clouds amassed in the city." Yun Xiaoyao glanced at Emperor of Yutang in shock, not expecting the latter to be aware of such a minor sign in Dongxuan. The intelligence work put in was indeed impressive. His Majesty who noticed the bewilderment in Yun Xiaoyao''s gaze glared at him before explaining, "The reason I''d paid attention to the appearance of the wisps of dark clouds is actually due to an afterthought. We had just signed the letter of credence of peace. However, it was also after that day that Dongxuan began to deploy its troops." "Another month later, it was only after seven days that Dongxuan suddenly broke the peace agreement and set off its army to invade the Fortress of Resilience when the dark, billowing mass engulfed the city. Thus began the first battle of the four-nation siege!" Grim danger was written all across Emperor of Yutang''s sculpted face. "That day, I was puzzled that Dongxuan had no qualms violating the letter of credence of peace. I kept thinking to myself; what could possibly compel Dongxuan to make this decision. I still didn''t get a reasonable conclusion, despite extensive deliberation. Only now, as this dark cloud appears in Tiantang City, am I struck by something akin to realization." His Majesty turned around, his glimmering eyes fixed on Yun Xiaoyao. "Dongxuan''s deployment of its army and the violation of letter of credence may very possibly be related to this mass of dark clouds!" Yun Xiaoyao scratched his head with a frown. "Not only is this unreasonable, it is practically impossible!" How could a ball of black clouds affect an entire empire''s decision? His Majesty spoke slowly, "The mystical and mythical happenings in this world can never be explained by something as simple as common logic. I believe that there must be a line of reasoning that can be followed, but we haven''t thought of it, for now, thus we are unable to figure it out. If we try to see things from a seemingly ridiculous angle, we might actually be able to find the answer instead." His eyebrows raised. "Nonetheless, we can''t force an answer out right now. After all, the dark clouds are here, we shall face it head on." "If this billowing, black mass is related to Dongxuan''s conquest, then this cloud will definitely come for me! Otherwise, it won''t linger for long, it will soon dissipate." Yu Peize turned and looked at Yun Xiaoyao with a serious gaze. "Xiaoyao, you must remember what I have entrusted you with." Yun Xiaoyao was momentarily startled and replied, "Go on." His Majesty rarely called Yun Xiaoyao''s name so seriously; he usually used terms of endearment such as, "you", "bastard", "you fellow", and several other salutations, but at this moment, he had called out Yun Xiaoyao''s first name with an exceptionally grim tone. Yun Xiaoyao could tell that something was amiss. The emperor spoke, slowly biting off each word, "If this canopy of dark clouds is truly the key to influencing Dongxuan''s decision, then it must have some sort of hypnotizing effect. If the clouds come and I my mind is affected and I was to do anything I shouldn''t, that will affect the Empire of Yutang''s prosperity and destiny" His Majesty''s gaze was filled with poignant emotions as he spoke slowly, "Then I would have you kill me at once, to avoid Yutang''s fall!" 562 Not Here? Yun Xiaoyao shuddered as a sliver of fear ran down his spine. "I beg your pardon? Me? I" His Majesty held Yun Xiaoyao''s hand; his voice was low and filled with emotion as he said, "Brother, you are the only one I can entrust this matter to. Only you have the ability, the qualifications to do this!" Yun Xiaoyao''s throat seemed to close off on its own; he was unable to utter a single word. "If my greatest fear is realized, the crown prince can only take over the throne temporarily after my death, but you, you must become the regent and administer the state!" His Majesty held Yun Xiaoyao''s hand tightly and said, "You must remember this!" Yun Xiaoyao chuckled dryly. "Even if I really did so I would have committed treason and murdered the emperor. I would be lucky if I could escape and flee the world; how could I possibly serve as regent?" The emperor gripped his hand and bit off each word slowly, "I have already left behind an edict. If I were to die a sudden death, Yun Xiaoyao shall be the regent and manage all matters pertaining to the empire. Your words shall decide everything; even the appointment of the throne shall be based on your decision!" Yun Xiaoyao shuddered and could not help crying out "Brother!" as he lifted his head. This was the first time in his long life that this pair of brothers had actually addressed each other properly. His Majesty held Yun Xiaoyao''s hand, clenching it once and shaking it before letting it go without saying another word. He looked up into the sky of dark clouds and said with a smile, "Don''t you be fickle and ambivalent about this. What we have just said is between us brothers. We still don''t know what this dark mass actually does. Maybe it just wants to find the brilliant leader of this world. It might have misjudged Dongxuan as the empire to rule the world, and now that it knows its judgment was wrong, it''s coming to Yutang. This could be interpreted as a friendly act, so we can still afford to relax." Perhaps his prophecy had become true. The Emperor of Yutang''s casual guess was approximately sixty to seventy percent spot on; other than some inconsistencies in some key parts, he had guessed everything correctly. Nonetheless, he had missed the main point that affected the entire issue. Yun Xiaoyao''s emotions were a rollercoaster ride. He swallowed hard, unable to calm himself down. His eyes were on the dark clouds as well, watching the mass expand and approach, descending to the ground. His heart beat like drums at a high tempo; his palms were drenched in sweat. The black clouds were unusually slow but it continued to drop. Its target was indeed the Yutang Palace! The gale suddenly billowed with amazing intensity. His Majesty''s robe fluttered in the wind, but his expression was nonchalant. He stood with his arms on his back, his body straight like a pavilion on a hill. His gaze was indifferent in the face of the various odd occurrences that was taking place up front. By now, the clouds were about two hundred feet above the palace. It was growing thicker, like an inky mountain that was about to reach down to the human realm and decimate everyone. Yun Xiaoyao''s palms were sweaty; his right hand that was on his sword hilt felt slippery and he almost lost his grip on it. There were faint noises that resounded from the outside. A few officials had rushed in with haste, suicide written all across their faces. Leng Daoyin, Fang Qingtian, the Grand Preceptor, the Grand Commandant these people were bolting in, one after another. Most of these people were aged; they staggered even as they walked, but all of them had come without hesitation. All of them stood behind the emperor, watching the dark clouds with resolution brimming in their eyes. They remained silent. The officials who came to gather together increased in number. Before long, there were already more than thirty imperial court officials standing with the emperor. His Majesty suddenly laughed. With his arms spread wide, he said, "It is worth living this life of mine to have the company of my dear officials!" The dark clouds continued its oppressive descent, hovering less than a hundred feet above everyone''s heads. It was unstoppable, approaching with utmost urgency, yet no one knew if it was good or bad. However, it was generally agreed that it couldn''t be a good sign. At this point in time, with the peculiar sight so close, it was almost a ninety percent confirmation that those who were there would be looking at death in its very face. However, the officials knew no fear. At such a critical moment, they had bravely entered the palace to face this unknown fate, to accompany the emperor they had served throughout their lives. Just the number of people who displayed their loyalty was not something any known emperor could compare to! Yu Peize chortled. His eyes were rimmed red. He spoke softly, "I''ve tasted the joy of being an emperor in this lifetime, but I''ve never tasted the success of being a person! Today, I''ve finally tasted it! I have no more regrets!" "Life or death, good or bad, we''re willing to be by Your Majesty''s side!" the officials chanted in unison. A while later, the ferocious clouds were close enough to touch everyone''s heads. One could almost reach out to it, but everyone was still and calm, both physically and emotionally. Actually, it was bullsh*t. This was a matter of life and death, a situation where the latter was almost guaranteed. Anyone who hoped to take any chances would not dare try it here, thus all who were here loved and served the emperor wholeheartedly. As they waited for the arrival of their final moments, the unity between ruler and officials, the sole thought shared among them, the strong sense of belonging, were seeping over everyone present. Despite the crossroads of life and death at which they stood, everyone had a strange sense they had never felt as strong as they did now. As long as their hearts were together in this, their intentions would live on. Even if they were to die together, their deaths would not have been in vain. Many of them even felt that it was the entire Yutang who was standing alongside them. The entire empire of Yutang, the territory, the land, everything of Yutang, were hand in hand with them! If so, what was there to care about life or death? Despite the indifference of everyone present, the dark clouds came closer and closer. It was already right before their eyes. At the very next moment, it would touch all of them! His Majesty frowned lightly and spoke up, "Whether you are a human or a ghost, daemon or demon, since you''ve come and made such a big fuss, why don''t you show yourself?" The thick, black, mass of clouds then paused, hovering and billowing, but did not do anything further. Yun Xiaoyao gripped his sword tightly, cultivating all of his cultivation base to the point that there was already a small, condensed, tornado whirling beside him; his entire body was coiled tightly, like a spring awaiting release. Wisps of black clouds extended out before retracting swiftly! The emperor and entourage were dumbfounded. What was going on? Finally, at the far end of the thick clouds, there was a soft voice that spoke, full of surprise and doubt. "Why don''t here Why isn''t it here? This is impossible" His Majesty''s ears perked up once he heard the voice in the clouds and called out faintly, "Since you''ve spoken, why don''t you just show yourself this once?" The voice in the clouds scoffed, "Since my target isn''t here, what''s the point of meeting?" A swift rush of wind could then be heard as the entire canopy of black mass expanded rapidly and ascended hundreds of feet away in the space it took to snap a finger. Another exclamation drifted down from the clouds before the ball of ink rose up high and was about to leave. Such a dramatic arrival, and yet it was about to leave without accomplishing anything? The Emperor of Yutang and the rest of his high-ranking officials were stupefied, thinking to themselves, "F*ck, you f*cking took off your pants and this is what you show us? Then why are you here? Were you just planning to proclaim confusion?" It was ridiculous. Were otherworldly experts and reclusive masters all so absurd? It was only when the clouds had reached a certain height that the mass stopped once more and the voice spoke up again, "Oh, yes, I almost forgot. That one over there, why are you holding your sword hilt so tightly, with such an offended look? What do you intend to do with it?" Anger and discontent were evident in that voice. 563 A Shift That Should Not Be Before the voice could even echo in the air, a trail of black cloud split from the massive mass of ink like a snake. It formed aspear of black lightning and slithered towards Yun Xiaoyao aggressively. Everywhere the beam of black clouds passed, smoke rose in the air. It meant that the gas cloud was moving at a terrifyingly high speed. Yun Xiaoyao was fearless. He had been long prepared, he pulled his sword, that was at its peak of countering force, out of the scabbard and brought it up to block the attack. Boom! The thin wisp of black clouds collided against the long sword in Yun Xiaoyao''s hand fiercely with the sound of a mountain cracking in half. Yun Xiaoyao felt himself being pushed by an immense force; his feet lifted from the ground and he was flung away like a broken kite. With a loud crash, he smashed into the palace wall several hundred feet away behind him. Blood seeped from the corners of his mouth as he emitted a low grunt. Lowering his head to look at the sword he held, the beloved sword that had served him for so many years was adorned with tiny cracks, not unlike a spider web. The center of the blade was dented; the sword had almost broken in half! Yun Xiaoyao could not help sucking in a cold breath. It was only a tiny wisp from the big ball of clouds, but it contained such power! If the entire mass of black clouds had dropped down, could it have leveled the entire Yutang palace? The jaws of those who witnessed the scene dropped. With Yun Xiaoyao''s current cultivation base level that was the eighth level of the heaven realm, he could be considered the top expert in Yutang. Aside from those in the other empires, it was possible that no one else could be compared to him. After all, cultivators who reached such a level would have long stayed away from the political conflicts of the imperial court in pursuit of personal gains. Nonetheless, it was such an expert who was unable to block the ambush of this tiny trail of clouds. It wasn''t hard to imagine how powerful that cloud had to be for this to happen. With that in mind, one would shudder to ponder upon the cultivation base of the person hidden within the clouds. With the crisis at hand, the entire entourage was facing certain death, no matter how powerful this person was. Still, other than being slightly startled by the display, they did not feel much fear. They did not anticipate that the black clouds would rise swiftly and drift away without pausing after the mass of ink had leveled that single blow. Within the clouds, a sepulchral voice resounded, "One strike won''t kill you. Think of it as a punishment Commit another offense in the future and you shall be beheaded." The black clouds then spread out. When everyone''s eyes followed the grasping motion, they were surprised to note that there was clearly an extended tentacle at the far end of the inky mass of clouds that seemed to have come to a realization, speeding away with a purposeful direction. It was only until the entire mass of clouds had left the space above the palace that the emperor and his entourage finally breathed in relief. At the same time, they thought that it was ridiculous. What had actually happened? It had come appeared with such fanfare yet had left in an instant. Furthermore, it had done nothing to anyone present. The emperor was befuddled as well. He had thought that the black clouds had an ulterior motive and had come especially for him, but that was clearly not the case. What was it here for then if not for him? This was the palace, but that person had confessed that he had gotten the wrong location. With how powerful and unrestrained the person was, how could it get the wrong place and target? The entire case was unexplainable. "Xiaoyao, how do you fare?" It was only now that His Majesty managed to turn around and ask the man. "I''m fine, I''m alright, don''t you worry." Yun Xiaoyao pushed himself up with some effort, his gaze still alarmed. "It was a cultivator who was hidden in the clouds. The impressive power that drives the black clouds, while masterly, is a part of mystical Qi!" "Mystical Qi?" Everyone grew more astounded when they heard the announcement. How could such a natural phenomenon, driven by a God and resembling the end of the world, actually be formed from mystical Qi? Not only was it frightening, it was unimaginable; even the effort of trying to figure it out gave birth to fear. What sort of level could such a person be at then? "Still the same old truism; there is always someone better than you." Yun Xiaoyao sighed, "There is truly no limit to the universe. I have never imagined that such a powerful cultivator could actually exist! This person''s cultivation base must not be any weaker than the legendary Ling Xiaozui or Dugu Chou; it''s so much higher than mine." Leng Daoyin, who had been observing the black clouds'' movements, suddenly frowned and said, "The direction this black mass is moving toward why does it look like it''s going to the Residence of Nine Supremes?" Another wave of shock washed through everyone as they looked up and paid closer attention to the said object''s motion. The huge mass of ink was indeed drifting swiftly towards the Residence of Nine Supremes, like a gigantic lizard that was dragging its tail. "What is he doing going to Residence of Nine Supremes?" The surprised emperor murmured to himself with a frown. Leng Daoyin said with a smile, "Maybe this fellow''s cultivation base is frighteningly spectacular, but it''s still a force tethered to the human realm all in all. The power stored within the Residence of Nine Supremes is from heaven and earth, a natural power. He will be safe if he doesn''t recklessly attack the structure; if he does, it can only mean suicide he can come, but he won''t be able to return!" As the entourage thought about it, they agreed with the old man''s logic. For so many years, anyone who dared invade the Residence of Nine Supremes had perished within, without exception. The confidence in the residence was sky high and everyone firmly believed that nothing in this world could possibly damage the Residence of Nine Supremes. It was due to this confidence that even when they knew that the mysterious person''s capability had exceeded most of their knowledge regarding a mystical Qi cultivators'' power and that he harbored no kind intentions as he headed towards the Residence of Nine Supremes, the crowd was not worried. "We would have the best ending if that fellow was killed by the Residence of Nine Supremes'' lightning, just like Dayuan''s legend, Liang Yunqi!" Leng Daoyin''s tone was filled with irrepressible glee as he gloated over the idea. The group chuckled as well, agreeing to the optimism in his judgment. Yun Xiaoyao was the only one with misgivings. Just like he said, there was no limit in the universe, the powers of cultivators in this world could hardly be estimated. What kind of significance did Dayuan''s legend, Liang Yunqi, hold now? He was but a peak realm cultivator who had yet to reach the heaven realm. In that split second when they exchanged attacks earlier, Yun Xiaoyao would dare say that the mysterious cultivator within the black clouds could kill Liang Yunqi with a simple wave of his hands or an exhalation of his breath. He was not entirely certain that the Residence of Nine Supremes could take this person down without a fight. The black-gowned man in the inky clouds rode the airy mass and cast the Providence Flag again, racing towards the Residence of Nine Supremes in accordance to the flag''s orientation. The response from the Providence Flag showed that the source to everything that had transpired was inside the Residence of Nine Supremes. Now that he had found his target, the man was filled with joy and ecstasy! Consequently, he subconsciously focused all of his cultivation base, prepared to kill his target with a single strike the moment he found it. As long as the Providence Flag had locked onto the target, the target would not be able to escape the might of his blow. Yun Xiaoyao was called the Unrivaled Expert of Yutang, but look how vulnerable he turned out to be! It would be child''s play to exterminate anyone else who stood in his path. "The entire school was helpless, but once I received the news, the situation is as good as solved the moment I strike! This battle will proclaim my genius and demonstrate my valiance!" As the man continued to preen, he could not help thinking about the conflict that was happening in the school and was even more gleeful. As long as his strike achieved the desired effect, he would take the upper hand immediately. This went without saying! As for finding others for help with his superior and unique cultivation skill, would he even need any help? The idea was laughable. Despite his supreme confidence, doubts still swirled within him. "If the source of my woes is here, why did the Providence Flag lead me to the palace first? Why? Wasn''t that a wasted trip?" "Could the Providence Flag be erroneous? But, that would be impossible!" He cast his doubts away as his target began to loom large ahead. The black clouds sped along its way, approaching the space above the Residence of Nine Supremes with frightening speed. 564 Found You! The sky above the Residence of Nine Supremes was filled with thick, billowing fog. Even with the man in black''s shocking cultivation base, his eyes could not penetrate the murky mass. Despite his misgivings, he could not help but feel slightly astonished. What did the presence of such power indicate? Despite having heard the legends and myths related to the structure, he had always thought them to be exaggerated rumors, especially when the highest cultivation base of the invaders had yet to reach the heaven realm. With the man''s masterly cultivation base, it unsettled him to realize that he felt remarkably lost. The idea that there could possibly some hint of danger swam in his head. Restrained to careful consideration, the man in black halted the motion of the inky, black clouds and hovered tentatively above the Residence of Nine Supremes. He cast a few balls of black and sent them winging into the residence. The black mass charged into the residence''s thick fog fiercely, without hesitation. In spite of this, there was no respite in the clouds as the thick fog gave a shiver... and then there was nothing else. The thick blanket of fog seemed to thicken even further. "How strange!" The man in black frowned, bewildered by the sight that lay before him. His earth-shattering strength could not break through the Residence of Nine Supremes'' thick fog. However, he had already come all the way here, he could not turn back without attempting something. Otherwise, everything he had done up until now was only a waste of effort. He mustered a significant amount of mystical Qi cultivation base and delivered them into the Providence Flag. Just as he was about to redirect the flag, he was surprised to see a trail of black clouds extending to the point where the Providence Flag was pointed at. "Perhaps the Residence of Nine Supremes is not the ultimate destination." The ebony-dressed man was stunned once again. "Did I get the wrong direction again?" He was close to breaking down. What was it with today? According to all historical statistics, the Providence Flag had always pointed directly at the source, when used for any number of times. Before the person could even display any traits, the flag could find this person who would be the next ruler of the world! This time, though, there had been multiple errors. It was the first time in history that this had occurred! Besides, this raven-dressed man''s arcane skills had sensed that the Residence of Nine Supremes'' providence was more than enough. Purely based on astral providence, it was richer than that which was needed to build a world hegemon, so intense that the Providence Flag could not even take away a sliver of it. It was an alarming observation. One had to know that as long as the Providence Flag was activated, most of the providence of even the Empire of Dongxuan would be absorbed by it. It was the first instance since the beginning of time that the Providence Flag was unable to absorb the providence. It was mind-boggling that the Residence of Nine Supremes possessed such a strong astral providence was still not the final destination. Judging by the current situation, was the place that the Providence Flag was pointing at a one with an even more intense providence? Was the true lord at this other location? Who could possibly have providence so much stronger than the Residence of Nine Supremes? "Ruler of an empire, that is the destiny in Yutang''s palace, maybe weaker The ruler of the world can''t compare to the Residence of Nine Supremes'' providence Maybe, even by conquering the entire Tianxuan Continent for a hundred times could not even garner the same providence that the Residence of Nine Supremes possesses. Still, the providence of the Residence of Nine Supremes is weaker than the target over there!" The eyes of the man in black widened to the size of saucers and could he could not help cursing out loud, "F*cking hell, is that the head of heaven?" As he thought of it, he perked up instead. He could not take away the Residence of Nine Supremes'' providence because it was a naturally formed structure. While this person''s providence was stronger than that of the residence, he was still a human after all. If this person were to die, all of his astral providence would be absorbed into the Providence Flag! That would greatly benefit him and the school. Besides, he was rather cautious about the Residence of Nine Supremes that was in front of him; since the target was not even here, there was no need for him to risk himself or waste his effort. Although exhausted from the exertions, the man clothed in black pushed himself further. With more than an eighth of his cultivation base remaining, it was adequate to battle anyone in this world. Since the target had been set, he insisted on finishing the fight, in case of any hitches that might arise from the delay. No matter how strong the providence was, how could one''s physical strength compare to that possessed by this mysterious man? "Also the target that the Providence Flag is pointing at this time could very possibly be a real person, and this person may very well be the sole surviving Supreme from Nine Supremes. Which also means we could possibly be talking about Supreme Cloud!" The black-gowned man chuckled in a horribly macabre manner, "What sheer luck! To have come across him, after so much effort spent! Supreme Cloud, dark clouds C you were famous due to clouds, now you should fall to the clouds as well!" The black mass of clouds moved again, stretching itself towards the direction where the Providence Flag was directing it to. Now, the entire Tiantang City had been subdued by the ominous force emanating from these black clouds that came from nowhere. The Merciless Tower, the Hall of Crimson Blade, Four Seasons Tower, and even the Concourse of the Underworld; everyone was quiet, barely able to summon up the courage to do anything. In the mountains far away, two silhouettes were obscured by the mist on the peaks, watching Tiantang City that was covered by the dark clouds. "It looks like the School of Kismet State has greeted the world once again." One of them smiled faintly. "This is the usual trick they use when searching for the one. It''s just that it hasn''t emerged for far too long. If one were to observe it carefully, it really isn''t worth anything." The other person spoke with a mocking tone, "Is there a need to analyze this so carefully? Anyone with eyes can see the trick. They are doing nothing but parading the flag of evil around and hiding their genuine intentions. They will need to be certain of this time''s possessor of providence, only then will they appear with the presence of a reclusive expert, a living immortal, and deceive the people as well as manipulate the rulers. With some pointers, hegemony can be achieved It''s a good trick, the reception from the mortals has always been great!" The previous man smiled faintly and said, "I wonder how such a trick would compare to us, the Four Seasons Tower." The other person scoffed in derision. "How can such a comparison be made? We''re not on the same level, I would be embarrassed to even be discussed in the same sentence! What they''re doing is but pursuing a high and mighty status, s continuity of the providence, and their legacy, so that their generations of providence could last eternally. Still, there''s all there is to it." "On the other hand, our pursuit focuses on personal achievement C to be immortal and share the life of heaven and earth, to feel the pulse of the sun and moon! There are no words for the contrast in between!" The person continued with disdain, "I even doubt if anyone in the School of Kismet State knows about the existence of the true God in this world!" The person earlier shook his head as a chuckle escaped him. "If they''d known about it, they won''t be parading on like this. What they are doing now is basically seeing themselves as a presence who decides the cycles of this mortal world''s providence. There is no difference between being a living immortal, a God walking the land!" "That''s true." The latter then replied, "Still, it might be a good thing. The probing of providence may very well help us locate Supreme Cloud''s exact whereabouts." The man who spoke earlier shook his head and said, "You''re thinking too optimistically. The Providence Flag is a terribly ominous item. Using it will not only expend the user''s providence, destiny, cultivation base, and martial power, whoever and whatever the flag passes by when being used will have their providence stolen as well. With how titanic the clouds are right now, a part of our luck will be absorbed too, just by being under it. It really is an incredibly sinister creation." "Providence is an abstract concept. To a commoner, it matters not iF some of their luck is to be taken away. However, for us who pursue the finality of Dao, the lack of a certain amount of providence may cause a lifetime of regret when the gate to immortality opens, due to the missing sliver of destiny." "This is the main reason why we never step foot in the worldly realm and get involved with mortal offenses. We mustn''t forget or ignore this, ever." "Didn''t our operation against the Nine Supremes before already put ourselves in the pit of worldly affairs? It was such a huge cause." The other person was rather confused. "That is why we can''t afford to have any more of our providence taken away!" The person earlier replied faintly, "When you improve half a step, later on, you''ll experience it personally and thoroughly understand it. If you can''t cross this half a step, you won''t be able to advance another inch in this lifetime." The person frowned, deep in thought. He then answered, "Unfortunately, that is how my temper is. I would normally be fine, but when things get out of control, I get impatient. I can''t help it." The other person smiled lightly and said, "When there''s a will, there''s a way. I actually have a method you can try to curb this weakness of yours." "What method is this? Speak quickly, don''t keep me guessing!" the man questioned urgently. The person chuckled. "When this issue is over, find a lake without much fish, and fish for several years using a commoner''s method. When you can sit there for half a month continuously without catching a fish, without trying to bait them even once... when you are at ease, without impatience, when you feel serene and can wait without fidgeting" He smiled meaningfully. "Then, your temper will have improved. By at least a third." "Can this actually work? Say, Old Nian, you must be pulling my leg." The man''s face fell. The person smiled. "I can make a vow to heaven on this. It only takes a few years to prove it, why not try it out? A few years is but one session of meditation to you and me!" "Thank you for your advice. I''ll try it out when I finish what''s happening here," the other replied in relief. "Very well." "Don''t you sense anything wrong regarding these recent incidents?" the person said, "Aren''t Sword, Snow, and Frost behaving too rashly?" The earlier person who was, in all likelihood, the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian, replied lightly, "True. They may be rash, but these three Venerable Lords have not had an easy time recently. Both Saber and Ice have fallen respectively, thus it''s no surprise that their emotions are affected. It''s only human Their level can''t be compared to ours after all. Actually, despite the anomalies in current happenings, they don''t bring much harm. The control is still in our hands. If we can take this opportunity to collect the cycle of fate from the Dictum of Death and compress it into the God''s Bone, it could be a good thing. Consequently, their recklessness is actually helping us; it announces to the world that the Four Seasons Tower cannot be offended. A simple poke towards the tower''s higher authority is asking for one''s death; without exception!" "This is true as well." The other person frowned. "Then, how many likely do you think it is for Sword, Snow, and Frost to betray us?" The corners of Mr. Nian''s lips lifted into a cold smirk as he slowly uttered three words, "A hundred percent!" "A hundred percent? I thought you''d guess by now that the three of them have no rebellious intentions. But if you have such a judgment, then these three can''t stay on after this. Since Saber and Ice died, let them all go to the Nine Springs together then!" "There is no need to hurry. I''m guessing that the three of them will complete the matter as and when they decide to turn against the Four Seasons Tower. Let them stay in Tiantang City. I believe not much time is needed before the contact between them and Supreme Cloud will be reestablished. Supreme Cloud is the biggest bane of Four Seasons Tower, how can they not contact him?" "As for us, we''ll just have to wait for Supreme Cloud to make his appearance." Mr. Nian smiled nonchalantly. "Wouldn''t it be a pity if we miss such a good chance?" "That''s easy for you to say. How do we actually ascertain Supreme Cloud''s true identity? If we can''t finish him in one blow, we would only alert the enemy" "Have you forgotten?" Mr. Nian looked at the person strangely and said, "About the Nine Supremes'' manifestation powers?" "Oh, right, right, right." The person was struck by a sudden realization. "Are we participating in this School of Kismet State issue, then?" the other asked. This time, Mr. Nian was silent for a long time before he answered, "As long as it doesn''t affect our ultimate plan, we will ignore it for now." "And when it does?" "Then we shall allow the School of Kismet State to become extinct in the Tianxuan Continent from now on The generations of legacy are glory, but it is also a burden. Helping them be rid of the burden can be considered a good deed as well, isn''t this so?" Mr. Nian smiled faintly; his sculpted face looked calm and carefree. The breeze blew strongly, a cotton cloud floated over and obscured the two forms. When the cloud drifted away, both silhouettes vanished together with it. Yun Yang stood in his yard and watched the drifting of the dark clouds. His expression grew heavier and grimmer. Ji Lingxi stayed beside him all along, her heart clenching as she observed Yun Yang''s darkening expression. "It has gone over to the palace" Yun Yang murmured. "It has gone to the Residence of Nine Supremes" Yun Yang''s expression changed. "It is changing direction yet again. This time, it''s" Yun Yang''s face fell. It was a subtle feeling, a sense of the end of the world that engulfed his whole being; his hands and feet turned icy cold at once. He managed to come to a conclusion immediately C the dark clouds were looking for him! He was absolutely certain of it. Although the background or details of the ominous clouds were unknown, neither was how its navigation worked; everything that was happening before his eyes supported the conclusion that the other party was looking for him. Furthermore, he would not be able to hide this time, no matter what he did. He had to face it head on! The other party could make its way here from Dongxuan; how could he hide? How could he escape? Yun Yang felt his heart thumping as he thought about it like it was about to jump out of his chest at any given time. However, his face showed only a feigned sense of calm, collected like a mountain. "Lingxi, the dark clouds are quite odd!" Yun Yang''s tone was blithe and unworried. "Have you seen such a strange phenomenon in the past? Have you heard of similar rumors before?" "Never, I have never heard a word of it," Ji Lingxi answered, shaking her head. Yun Yang chuckled and said, "That''s a coincidence; me neither. I''ve never heard of it, nor have I seen it before." As they spoke, the clouds began to move rapidly again. Yun Yang squinted, making certain that the pointy part of the clouds was coming towards him. "Lingxi, come to think of it, we know each other for so long now." Yun Yang spoked softly, "Yet, we''ve never had a meal together. What do you think about that?" "What?" Ji Lingxi replied as she turned to look at Yun Yang. "I remember that you said that you''re quite apt in cooking." Yun Yang spoke with a smile, "Why don''t you make us some seven or eight dishes, and both of us can have a drink together." "I beg your pardon?" Ji Lingxi looked up at Yun Yang in shock, wondering what was going on. How did this log suddenly gain clarity enough to invite her to have a drink together? Doubt was only a doubt, however. Facing this God-sent temptation, ecstatic bliss rose from the bottom of Ji Lingxi''s heart. She hummed with her head lowered, eyes staring at her feet, and asked prettily, "What would you like to eat?" Yun Yang looked at Ji Lingxi, his gaze still as warm, but his attention had long been distracted by the approaching clouds. He urged with a radiant beam, "Anything. I would like whatever it is that you make." Ji Lingxi flushed, thinking that the log had indeed gained clarity and actually knew how to speak now. Her happiness came far too suddenly! "Go quickly." Yun Yang said warmly, "Today''s a good day and we have a good ambiance as well. The scenery is rather impressive." Ji Lingxi hummed, feeling her entire body heat up, her face about to be set ablaze. ''If you knew how to use your words earlier and be so sensible I wouldn''t have had to suffer for so long!'' "Right, if you know how to make it, stew some chicken soup, watch the heat. This soup tastes the best when drank in this weather, a perfect match," Yun Yang said dreamily. "Certainly!" "I''ll go make it now," Ji Lingxi said. The girl was elated, anticipating the coming meal wholeheartedly. She would be making the delicious dishes and soup personally and the meal would consist of only him and her. What was the feeling like? It was like a couple''s daily life C the wife would cook and the husband would be waiting for the meal. The warmth and sweetness were The more she thought about it, the shyer she grew, but the more bliss she felt. She looked forward to the dreamy meal even more. Unable to contain herself, she said, "I''ll go prepare it immediately. I''ll do it now, wait for me." Yun Yang nodded and replied, "Alright. Be careful, don''t burn yourself." "You''d be the foolish one to do that." Ji Lingxi was truly thrilled, not at all doubting a certain someone''s sudden clarity; she thought that she had moved him with her sincerity and the log had finally awakened. She left, almost skipping with glee. At this moment, all the negative emotions that were bottled up C no, all the worries in this world - had floated away. She was so light, she felt as if she could fly. Yun Yang heaved a sigh of relief watching Ji Lingxi enter the room. The stubborn girl had finally left his head, she need not accompany him in facing this huge risk. She had to prepare the dishes, especially to stew the soup It would be impossible to complete the soup within two hours, or even longer. The clouds were about to reach the top of his head. Yun Yang let out a faint smile and mumbled to himself, "I, Yun Yang, have done enough things since I returned from Tianxuan Cliff, but I didn''t expect to eventually meet my death!" "Come!" "I''ve had enough of this world." "It''s just too bad that my ultimate revenge has not yet been achieved! That''s some regret there. Still, I guess the brothers won''t blame me when we meet, given the circumstances!" Yun Yang wore a faint smile, lifting his head to look at the pointy piece of dark cloud that had reached the sky above him. It grew thicker and denser, coalescing right above where he stood. There was a vague silhouette of a person among the cloudsl a cruel pair of eyes had locked onto him. There was a bloom of a bloodthirsty grin that hung at the corners of its lips. Yun Yang smiled lightly. With a ring, a saber appeared on his hand. If he had to die, he would die in battle. The wind blew, Yun Yang''s purple gown fluttered in the stiff breeze. The dark clouds gathered aggressively, the sky darkening ominously. Anyone caught thousands of feet within its presence could hardly breathe from the suffocating sense of oppression. A guffaw emanated from the air. "Found you!" Translator Note: Internal monologues or thoughts will be quoted in single quotation marks from now on, everyone! 565 A Life and Death Situation Everything had come full force, but the intensity of it was beyond Yun Yang''s expectations. Upon seeing the mass of black encroach so swiftly and aggressively, Yun Yang had imagined that the clouds would crush him into minced meat, killing him thoroughly. After all, this would be the most direct and irreversible method to get rid of him. With Yun Yang''s cultivation base capability and his judgment regarding the inky mass, he could do nothing but await his death if the other party had really taken that path. He simply had no way to even resist the attack. Looking at the massive mountain of clouds, he was doubtful that he was able to defend himself at all. The reality, however, was the disappearance of the dark clouds that filled the sky once they came near enough to his head. That was it. The dark clouds that had spread wide and far and had almost covered more than half of Tiantang City had vanished within the blink of an eye! The clear sky and bright sun greeted everyone again, while white, fluffy clouds hovered in the air. It was like a whole new world. At the moment of change, it was like heaven and earth had suddenly lost their order, going from extreme darkness to extreme brilliance. It was quick, like the exhalation of a single breath, but heaven and earth had changed colors. Countless pairs of eyes were blinded by the sudden sunlight, but Yun Yang was unaffected. His pupils contracted instead, as his vision zeroed in on the sky. While the dark clouds had dissipated, there was still a strange black flag fluttering in the sky in a ghastly manner. Under the flag was a silhouette that was descending like a fallen meteor. It had a lean body with a sculpted face, a man dressed entirely in black and exuded an indescribable sense of eeriness. What caught Yun Yang''s attention was the dark, onyx, luster that covered the person''s right arm and the cruel grin on his face as the person dashed towards Yun Yang, fast as a lightning strike. The right arm was lashing out at a fatal point on Yun Yang''s chest! Once the other party emerged, Yun Yang had already sensed it. He was also prepared to counter any strike that might be unleashed, as the attacker bolted down, but when the man in black arrived in front of Yun Yang, he felt that he could not even move. He couldn''t even move his body or blink, let alone avoid or defend against an attack. The attacker''s aura had secured Yun Yang entirely, exacting a restrictive force that was several dozen times stronger than him, which restrained Yun Yang from even fidgeting; every strand of his hair was constrained by the attacker. He could only watch as a violent palm reached towards his chest. He even saw the black flag make a turn without anyone manipulating it in the sky, the tip of the flag coming right at his chest. This seemingly unnecessary action was only to ensure that he was thoroughly killed and prevent any chances of a mistake taking place. Yun Yang sighed softly in his heart. He, who was at the juncture of life and death, smiled. Finally, this moment had come! Finally, this day had arrived! He still had to die after all. The recent period of uneasiness and today''s premonition had proven true today! The other party had the ghoulish flag to depend on and had found him easily with its assistance. He also had an exceptional cultivation base that Yun Yang could hardly contend with. The attacker did not even leave him room for pleasantries. The murderous intent was blatant. There was simply no side of the attacker that Yun Yang could attack. No matter how many tricks or strategies he had, he could only sigh in futility as he could not avoid the attacker''s amazing tactics. "Such is life; this is the end today!" As his smile faded away, Yun Yang''s expression turned to one of nonchalance. He watched the man in black approach from the sky quietly and waited for his death to come. Yun Yang had never been one to give up easily and willingly, but this person who was coming for his life was unpredictably skilled. Just the ability to descend from the sky and ride the mass of dark clouds for hundreds of thousands of miles, as well as the superior ability to restrain him, indicated that the other party was no less skilled compared to Ling Xiaozui and others. Even if a difference were to exist, it had to be rather insignificant. It was simply not a fight he could win. "My reputation as Supreme Cloud would not suffer from being killed by such an expert How does that saying go again? The end of a legend, the final chapter today?" Yun Yang was self-depreciating, painfully aware that he was unable to resist the attack. At the final moment, he heard an odd sound C an extremely shrill cry. Yun Yang shook himself from his morbid reverie. Ji Lingxi! Right as the name came to his mind, he felt a soft body charging into his embrace faster than the lightning could reach him. Before grief could even wash over Yun Yang, he was filled with endless confusion. The attack from the person in the sky was ass quick as lightning and abrupt like the thunderbolt; the intention to kill was absolute. Even if Ji Lingxi had been substituted by Ling Xiaozui, it was impossible for either of them to save him, given the blinding speed of the attack Then, how had Ji Lingxi done it? As the next thought arose, Yun Yang felt grief wash over him like a tidal wave. "Lingxi!" Yun Yang shouted; his hidden potential charged through his personal barrier from the extreme anguish, breaking through the restraining power of the attacker''s aura. This was how the agonized moan came about. In his embrace, the soft body that was still hugging him tightly convulsed; her back was arched as much as it could to take the fatal blow! Ji Lingxi was happy that her crush was finally enlightened and was bustling in the kitchen. Suddenly, she remembered that when they would have their meal later, they would surely be drinking wine. Should she heat up the wine, since the weather was so cold? This was a minor issue, but her sister-in-law had told her that men would usually omit the details, but pay attention to the care poured into it. Should she perfect this part, her crush would like her even more. Having made her decision, she hurried back to her room to retrieve a rose-gold gourd. The item was nothing special, but it was a utensil his older brother had often kept wine in when he was at home. She remembered that her brother had mentioned that the taste was the best when heating up wine using this rose gold gourd. Ji Lingxi had planned for it to be a long journey, leaving home to search for her elder brother, so she had naturally brought the wine ware her brother had praised so highly. She had thought things out nicely, but just as she exited the door, she was met with the sight of Yun Yang entrapped in a lethal threat. Her mind was blank, she did not know what she was thinking nor how she did it. She only had one thought C I must block it for him! Even if I were to perish, he must not die! Therefore, she had bolted over with all her might. Like a horse galloping across the prairie, she was instantly within Yun Yang''s embrace! It was also at the same moment that she arched her back painfully. She truly had no other thoughts but one C ''he will be injured even if I die but with me as a barrier, his injury will be less severe!'' At that moment, amidst Yun Yang''s heart-wrenching roar, mixed with the man in black''s delirious and brutal laughter in the sky, the man clad in black did not hesitate despite the uninvited addition; instead, he exerted more force. "What intense feelings! Do you intend to sacrifice yourself to save him? Let me give the both of you my blessing to die together!" He guffawed deliriously. With a loud bang, his palm landed firmly on Ji Lingxi''s back. The power contained within that strike could have flattened a small hill! Yun Yang''s heart thumped insanely. He would rather die than to have Ji Lingxi suffer from any injury! This was his eighth brother''s younger sister! He had expended so much effort to persuade the lady to step out so that she could escape this battle. As long as he died, the attacker might not kill anybody else or annihilate the rest in the Residence of Yun. Never had he thought that the stubborn girl would be in time to witness the scene and even force an intervention? How could Ji Lingxi''s fragile physique withstand the earth-shattering palm strike? Yun Yang desired nothing else but to condemn the man dressed in black, "If you are so skilled in your cultivation base, why couldn''t you attack faster? How could you let a girl force herself into the path of attack? Why the f*ck did you draw back the clouds and make an appearance? For show? Kill me, and we wouldn''t have this drama now!" Amidst the chaos, Yun Yang, the man clad in black, and Ji Lingxi all heard a rebuke that came from out of thin air. "F*ck! Gou Dai!" 566 Unbelievable! No one knew where the voice had come from. It could have emanated from above the sky, maybe from under the ground and perhaps from the bottom of the heart; it also seemed to be in one''s subconscious mind, perhaps deep down in one''s very soul All in all, the three of them heard it very clearly! Besides the mysterious resonance, they could distinctly feel the anger, frustration, helplessness, and even hysterical reluctance laced within the voice. It contained no shortage of complex emotions, but the three of them could plainly tell them apart within that short flash of time. Then "Bang!" It was the sound of the man in black''s palm strike landing harshly on Ji Lingxi. Ji Lingxi let out a low grunt while Yun Yang felt the aftermath of the powerful blow simultaneously. Both of them closed their eyes at the same time, knowing that they would definitely die; there was simply no chance of escape. Just as Yun Yang shut his eyes, he caught a glimpse of something right before his eyelids met each other, so he forcefully opened them in a hurry. It was forceful was because the speed of Yun Yang peeling his eyes open was extremely rushed, caused predominantly by his astonishment. What happened next was another boom, the sound of an incredibly loud collision. Yun Yang was dumbfounded; his jaw dropped down like a dummy. Oddly enough, grief still seemed to elude. He had clearly seen a beam of red light surge from Ji Lingxi the moment she was fatally attacked. It was the same beam of red light that had flung him away the other day! The red light had only flared into existence when the man in black''s palm landed right on it. Then, there was that deafening bang. Was Ji Lingxi all right? Perhaps she had not perished from the blow? Yun Yang had witnessed it with his own eyes and he hoped for the thought to come true; the reality was right before his eyes as well. Yet he dared not believe it C he could not, as it was practically unbelievable! What sort of a situation was this? Splat! The man dressed in black suddenly convulsed and spat out blood, exclaiming, "You C you, you" Then, the man in black, who appeared to be invincible, standing above the rest of the world as he descended from the sky, had bounced back up oddly; his spine arched backward while his limbs hung out in front of him. It was in this position that he flew towards a higher altitude, like a cannonball. Yun Yang could tell that there was visible shock splayed across the man''s face. It was an extreme fear of the unknown! The shocked expression drew farther, becoming a small, black, dot in the sky within the time it took to snap one''s fingers. A trail of blue flame sparked where the tiny black dot passed, evidence that the high speed of the moving black dot had caused the air to combust from the friction. That was fast indeed. Yun Yang was now shocked as well, confusion thrown into the mixture. What was going on? ''Weren''t you here to kill me? Did You think that I didn''t see that brimming, killing, intent just now?'' ''Why are you leaving in such a hurry, at this incredible speed? You what are you trying to do?'' Quicker than words could describe, the tiny, black, dot in the sky accelerated and disappeared, leaving behind absolutely no trace as Yun Yang continued to ponder. Yun Yang was empty of thought as he hugged Ji Lingxi. Countless amplified question marks invaded his head. No matter how intelligent he was, he was still utterly bewildered by series of bizarre events that had just taken place! ''This man in black has a formidable aura and his cultivation base is something I can hardly compare to. There was also the brimming animosity as he descended that gave away his ill intentions. I believe that the entire assembly of Tiantang City''s experts could not have survived that annihilating blow of his earlier!'' ''You have to give it to him. It was no mean feat to spring back into the sky in such a difficult and awkward position yet he could unleash such an incredible speed; his cultivation base is certainly intimidating. Based on his ascent into high altitude and the perceptible speed of his disappearance, I''m afraid that he is even more skilled than Ling Xiaozui!'' ''Could this person be the rightful Unrivaled Expert instead?'' Yun Yang thought quietly to himself. ''Then why did he leave? The murderous intent was real; it was neither a trick nor a pretense. What was this entire episode for? It just doesn''t add up, it''s unbelievable!'' ''Still, what is most fortunate is that Lingxi is unhurt Odd... Was it because of the flash of red light? I could sense that he didn''t hold back any of his strength, but I didn''t feel any harmful energy towards me Did he restrain himself at the very last moment?'' Yun Yang''s cultivation base was improving day by day. The connection of aura with the man in black just now told him enough of the man''s prowess, and while Ji Lingxi, who was in Yun Yang''s embrace, was not hurt, she was incredibly stiff. After all, nothing that had happened had made sense. Everything went against what he assumed would happen. In addition, he was high strung with anxiety and worry that even though he was not hurt, he was still muddled enough to be unable to determine the current situation. The only thought Yun Yang had now was that he had just experienced the oddest day of his life ever since he had been born! While Yun Yang sat in a mental puddle of disorganized thoughts, he looked at the sky with a frown. He was surprised to find the little black dot reappearing, albeit at a much slower speed. It was a stark difference compared to earlier. Regardless, the man in black had returned! Was this another nightmare waiting to happen? Alongside the approaching silhouette, Yun Yang could already see the fluttering black robe and hair, especially the pair of eyes that was still filled with shock but also inexplicably savage bloodlust. Did he not intend to give up? Yun Yang felt his heart lurch. Seeing that the man was coming closer and closer, it was obvious that they were about to meet once more in another two hundred feet. Yun Yang instinctively reeled in all his cultivation base; he knew full well that this was an enemy above his level, but he had to die fighting! He had been restrained by the other''s aura earlier, and could not move; now, he had regained his mobility. He had to fight, no matter what. He would rather die by taking a blow than to die being frightened; it was not in Yun Yang''s blood to quietly wait for his death. Then, there came another shocking twist the moment his hand reached his saber''s grip. Boom! Without any warning, the man in black was suddenly and violently dismembered in mid-air. It was an extreme act of dismemberment. His whole being exploded like fireworks before the pieces of flesh erupted again. like snowflakes in the air and again Yun Yang rubbed his eyes. ''I must have seen it wrongly.'' When his gaze refocused itself after rubbing his eyes, he realized that The sky was brilliantly blue. The breeze blew softly and there was no cloud for long stretches of sky. It was a bright, sunny, day. There was nothing else! Yun Yang''s jaw dropped in shock. ''Disappeared? Gone?'' ''Did my eyes just lie to me? The man had left earlier. Was his returnjust a figment of my imagination?'' ''Or'' With a soft brushing sound, the black flag hovering in the sky seemed to have lost all support as it fell swiftly. It contracted along the way and eventually became a small, black flag the size of a palm. With a soft thud, it stabbed into the ground before Yun Yang. The flag drooped; it no longer looked as sinister as it did before. Yun Yang lowered his head in a stupor and stared at the small flag mutely. He only felt that it was like a rooster that had lost its fight a dog that had its tail between its legs.. a quail that was frozen in the snow He exuded a terribly debilititating sense of lifelessness. Yun Yang''s mind was empty once again. ''This is more unbelievable than unbelievable! Could this be considered the second and more amazing version of unbelievable? ''Someone please tell me, what the f*ck has happened?'' As he wracked his head, Yun Yang vaguely recalled the absolutely random shout earlier, "F*ck! Gou Dai!" He could not help murmuring to himself, "What does this mean?" It sounded like a case of loud swearing, but he had read so much and contained so much of the past to the present in his mind, he had truly had never heard of such a refreshing set of curses before! 567 We Didn’t Die! Yun Yang''s thoughts were swirling in his head; he was completely befuddled by the series of incidents that should not have happened, and yet, impossibly, was still happening. The strange occurrences, from the borderless, dark clouds gathering together and speeding towards Yutang, had already far exceeded Yun Yang''s knowledge regarding the capabilities of the current batch of cultivators. Even when he had not lost his cloud manifestation powers, he knew that it was incredibly difficult to gather such a mass of clouds, what more dark clouds that contained an incredibly frightening power. When it came to the black-clothed attacker''s cultivation base and ability, Yun Yang was able to conclude confidently that his cultivation base was no weaker than Ling Xiaozui, Jun Moyan, or even Mr. Nian himself. Even now, Yun Yang was still stoic. His heart was pumping uncontrollably, threatening to jump out of his mouth. The intense feeling of death that surrounded him had yet to dissolve; his hairs were still standing at attention, goosebumps rising on his skin. He genuinely stood at the brink of death, a situation that guaranteed a pass to the underworld! Those were real dark clouds, an actual sense of eeriness, a genuine expert, tangible killing intent, a truly lethal attack, all of which would lead to absolute death. Even the menacing face and the threatening hand that he had seen were so palpably real! Yun Yang could ensure, even swear, that everything that had transpired had actually taken place. Specifically, the speed in which the man in black left just now was definitely beyond Yun Yang''s knowledge regarding cultivators. Even Ling Xiaozui and Mr. Nian did not possess such a remarkable speed. However, everything, all of the astonishments, was swept into a mirage following the loud bang. It was as if everything had never taken place. The sky was clear, and lone balls of clouds floated calmly wherever the eye could see. Everything had returned to normal, and one could still hear the whispers of the passersby on the street, a sound that was growing increasingly loud. Yun Yang exhaled loudly. He was finally certain that the crisis was over, the death threat removed! Although it was unbelievable and almost absurd, it was truly over. Ji Lingxi remained in his embrace, hugging him tightly with her back arched like a bridge. Warmth and gratitude rose within Yun Yang. There was a delicate feeling of having shared and experienced life and death with the lady; this woman in his embrace had never been so intimately connected to his life as she was at this very moment. As I live, you are here. As you die, I shall go. Something Yun Xiaoyao often said suddenly rang in his ears, "What is the most important thing in this world? Life! One day, if someone can give up their life for you C if it''s a man, he is surely the brother you can trust without reservation in your life! If it''s a woman, then she must be the lady who loves you the most in this world." "To meet such a brother is to discover a genuine bond that one may not encounter in their entire life. Don''t you dare stray away from it. To meet such a lady is to discover true love that you may not encounter for eternity. Don''t you let her down!" Yun Yang felt the deepest part of him tremble. Do not stray far from the brother he could trust wholeheartedly; do not let down an eternally true love! Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath. ''I won''t stray far, nor will I let her down!'' Looking at Ji Lingxi, a sense of peace filled Yun Yang. It was like this life of his was worthwhile now, with this lady by his side! "Lingxi" Yun Yang murmured. He smiled warmly. Then, a sudden thought came to him. The beam of red light that flashed from Ji Lingxi just now... the subsequent backlash could that person be the same person behind him that had been flung away when he had touched her by chance? It was only a momentary thought; it was not important and utterly insignificant. The source of the red light was something he couldn''t figure out, like an ant pondering the world''s maximum power; even if he were to think about it forcefully and obtained enlightenment, there was no benefit to be gleaned. After Yun Yang broke out of his trance, the first thing he did was to gently tap Ji Lingxi''s shoulder and speak softly, "Lingxi, it''s fine now, don''t worry." Ji Lingxi was startled by the words of comfort; she blearily lifted her head and focused her gaze on Yun Yang''s face. Her eyes looked lost before sadness washed over them; she stretched her hands out to hold Yun Yang''s face and asked softly, "Yun Yang, are we dead?" Dead? Yun Yang could not help blinking. Were they dead? He had met too many bizarre incidents today that it did not seem entirely impossible that they were dead and had gone over to the other side. "I hoped that you could have lived on I didn''t expect the both of us to perish." Ji Lingxi said sadly, "Is this hell? It isn''t very cold here. Where are the hell guards? I don''t want to drink Granny Meng''s Soup, I don''t want to forget you!" "It isn''t supposed to be cold here," Yun Yang coughed and replied in a strangled voice. Ji Lingxi was still nestled in his embrace, adorably contented. She said quietly, "Although we have died I fear nothing, as long as I''m with you." She bit her lips as if making some grand decision; thinking that she was already dead anyway, she summoned her courage to say, "Yun Yang, in truth I don''t want you to be my elder brother. I don''t want you to be my younger brother either I like you Now that both of us are dead, I couldn''t care less" Ji Lingxi lifted her head courageously and looked at Yun Yang''s face, saying determinedly, "I don''t want to be your younger sister, I want to be your wife! I don''t want you to be my elder brother, I want you to be... my husband!" Since she had eaten the frog and uttered the first word, Ji Lingxi had let go of any abashment and finished her admission smoothly. It was as if she had rehearsed the words many times to herself. Yun Yang felt as if a thunderbolt had landed on him upon hearing those words. He, who had just gotten his head cleared from the fog, was thrown into a buzzing, white noise once more. He was no fool; he had not earned the title of think tank by being an idiot. Since he had shouldered the abysmal blood grudge, he had removed romance entirely from his life. If revenge was still elusive, how could he build a family? If he had thought to find a wife and live happily ever after, how could he face his late brothers? Therefore, Yun Yang nipped everything in the bud once he felt an inkling of it. In fact, Yun Yang had felt it previously when Ji Lingxi was leaving Tiantang City. No matter how heart-wrenching it felt, he had still let her go with resolution. There was also Shangguan Lingxiu C due to the victory of the eastern defense line that allowed Yutang''s military stability for at least a decade, Lady Shangguan had slowly been revealing her feelings recently. Yun Yang avoided her; the multiple times Shangguan Lingxiu had visited the Residence of Yun, she only saw her six nephews without seeing Yun Yang even once. Previously, when Yue Rulan was still here and was attempting to pull Ji Lingxi and Yun Yang together, Yun Yang had played the part of an ignorant fool. Despite his inexperience in the ways of love when Ji Lingxi was throwing tantrums, most of it was his intentional and avoidance of romance. It was easier to feign ignorance that way! Now, all his pretense, his avoidance, his feigned ignorance, had nowhere to hide after Ji Lingxi had spoken unabashedly without hesitation! Recalling the earlier scene, the shy glee that rested at the corners of Ji Lingxi''s eyes when she heard him inviting her for a meal sparkled anew... The quiet pondering when she heard what he wanted to eat The fearless charge when she saw him in danger The desperate arch of her gentle back to physically block Yun Yang, hoping to soften the deadly blow. Then, now, when she thought that both of them had died, she had honestly spilled what she had kept within her out of embarrassment. Now, she could leave, fulfilled in the final moments Marquis Yun''s words and the scenes flashed before Yun Yang, one after another. Yun Yang felt himself tremble. His mouth was parched. Everything in the past had shown that he was far more important to Ji Lingxi than her own self, much, much more important! For him, she would sacrifice herself! She had always buried this feeling deep within. It was only at this moment when she thought that both of them were dead, that she dared to spill everything without hesitation. Warmth bubbled in Yun Yang. It was a warm, yet gut-wrenching happiness. It was as if, at this moment, in this entire world, he, who had been so lonely, finally had a family A home It was a wrenching happiness, but it was what Yun Yang had been dreaming for, yet had not received his entire life! He hugged Ji Lingxi gently and said softly, "Actually I" Unable to complete his sentence, he felt his throat dry even further, and he subconsciously swallowed. Ji Lingxi was still in his embrace, her rosy face cast down while her heart thumped, waiting for Yun Yang to finish his sentence. Yun Yang gulped a few times, wanting to say something along the lines of "I won''t let you down, I like you too... I won''t push you away". He rehearsed it over a thousand times in his mind. However, when the words finally rolled off his tongue, it was a dry rasp, "Actually Actually Actually... we didn''t die" 568 What Is This? Ji Lingxi lifted her head abruptly. A myriad of emotions flashed across her eyes; embarrassment, shock, and panic. There was also loss and helplessness thrown into the mix. She stretched out her hand gently, murmuring, "Didn''t die How?" Her hand came into contact with Yun Yang''s face, which felt warm to the touch. She then touched her own face, which was warm and rather hot as well She pinched her leg harshly, pain shooting up her nerves. It was clear that they had not died. "Argh! Arghhh!" Ji Lingxi cried out loudly, pulling herself away from Yun Yang''s embrace. She looked up at the sun and looked back down at her shadow, both her hands running across her body and clothes. "Argh!" Ji Lingxi covered her face instantly; turning sharply, she disappeared with a swoosh. Even Yun Yang had to praise her remarkable qinggong which was truly impressive. Bang! The door on the eastern side was loudly slammed shut; the power used to close the door seemed to shake the very earth. Inside the door, Ji Lingxi''s extremely embarrassed stomping could be heard, as well as her mortified voice. "Arghhh! I C I C I This, this C this So embarrassing! We didn''t die! How could we not have died?" In another place, someone else was also hysterically pulling their hair. "I''m so angry, so angry, so angry! Argh!" A massive punch was launched into the air. Far away, on the other side of the sky, a star that was shining exploded, turning into a cloud of dust which filled its own space in the universe. A comforting voice chimed in from the side, "What are you doing? You should be happy now. Our daughter has taste. She''s easygoing and more than simply brilliant" The individual still looked like a thundercloud, like they were about to kill someone. There was a menacing expression on the individual''s face, coupled with a lot of stomping and hopping in the air. "Ah! That vegetable that I''ve spent so many years to bring up! I''m going to kill that pig! I am absolutely going to kill that pig! Arghhh" "Stow it!" A woman''s voice growled, "Who are you going to kill? Say it! Who did you say you were going to kill!" The irate individual immediately regained his rationality. His arms went behind his back, and he assumed a tall and proud posture, displaying an unrivaled expert''s vibe. They then spoke in a low voice, "ol''Eighth, ol''Ninth, let''s go play with the eldest. It''s good to win once in a while." Whey they spoke, they looked graceful and elegant, beaming and full of high spirits. The two people beside them reigned in their chuckles and said, "Go, the few sisters-in-law are waiting for you" "Argh!" The earlier individual went berserk again, lapsing into his previous madness as the grace he momentarily displayed vanished completely. "Whoever goes is an idiot!" In the yard, Yun Yang felt a missing space in his embrace. The beautiful love who had been in close contact with him was long gone. Twisting his foot and making a twirl, he mumbled, "We didn''t die indeed." It looked like his situation was not all better than that of the beautiful lady. The sense of disbelief was only proven now. He then thought of Ji Lingxi''s earlier reaction and could not help chuckling, "That girl" He tilted his head. It was undeniable that something new seemed to have bloomed in his heart. It was a sense of warmth, support, and tenderness. Was it the sentiment that he had been pursuing this whole life, but was yet to receive? "Heheheheheh" Yun Yang chuckled sheepishly and lowered his head to see the small flag on the ground, murmuring, "What is this? It looked majestic earlier,but why does it look so pathetic now?" If his memory served him right, this item was the enormous flag that the mysteriously strong man dressed in black had carried. It seemed to be a gem of a find. The man in black had shot up into the sky C shot up and exploded in the sky by all reckonings, he should be dead now. It was most likely because he was dead that this tiny flag had shrunk and dropped down to the ground. Yun Yang bent to pick the flag up, flipping it around to study it properly. "This small flag it really does evoke an eerie feeling if one were to look at it Also, this flag seems to have some strange a familiar feeling?" Yun Yang toyed with the small black flag and felt a faint sense of recognition. The sentiment was clear enough that he could not help frowning, deep in thoughts. ''This Where have I seen this thing before? That''s not it, I obviously have never seen it! I would never forget such an evil thing!'' ''Why then this sense of familiarity?'' ''It looks like there''s more than one peculiar incident today.'' As he pondered and let his thoughts run free, he suddenly felt a strange energy from the flag flowing into his body through his hand that was holding the flag''s pole. Then it disappeared. Feeling the flash of energy, Yun Yang''s frown knitted tighter; a flash of thoughts and he recalled that it was when he was in Empire of Ziyou. He had used the Empire of Ziyou''s imperial jade seal and had asked Emmie to absorb the People''s Volition and the empire''s providence from it This energy before him was very similar to the country''s providence C no, it was basically the same thing. Yet, how could a flag, a gem that was evil and strange, contain the astral providence? In addition, the force of providence did not belong to the field of mystical Qi cultivation. Yun Yang had no idea how to ingest and utilize it; only Emmie possessed that sort of knowledge. Why had he automatically absorbed the force now? Could Emmie have awakened? Yun Yang perked up and called out a few times, only to be disappointed. He was still unable to reconnect to Emmie. In spite of this, he was shocked to realize that the energy akin to the providence that was leaving the flag was increasing and entering him, drop by drop. Yun Yang easily stuffed the small flag into his embrace. Since Emmie needed such a thing, let it absorb however much it wanted; it was a bonus anyway, it would be a waste not to use it. It still begged the question C just what was this little thing? As time passed, Yun Yang found that the flag was only dripping strands of force that he ingested bit by bit but the longer it went on, the flow of the force grew and gradually turned into thin streams before it became like a river that was surging towards the ocean. When afternoon came, Yun Yang intended to retrieve the flag to play around and study it further. Who would have known that the tiny flag would turn into ashes that drifted into the air and oblivion the moment he took it out? Aghast, Yun Yang watched the almost invisible black debris on the ground, his jaw almost on the ground as he mumbled, "Gone? It just disappeared! How can this be?" Yun Yang truly felt his heart ache. It was obviously a remarkable gem! Truthfully, anything that could store and even manipulate the astral providence would be a rare gem to keep! However, how could it be gone by just being in his embrace without even lasting a single afternoon? "Such a pity! What a pity!" Yun Yang sighed, regret evident in his tone. If his assumptions were correct, it was this flag that allowed the other party to accurately locate him. Set aside the fact that it was a providence gem, the small flag''s ability to isolate him so accurately from several billion people in the continent itself was already a mind-blowing power! As long as this flag remained in his possession, it was impossible for others to find him. Furthermore, the item came with a massive amount of destiny force. It was truly a divine gem. Finally, when Yun Yang was ecstatic by the realization, he discovered that his gem had turned into powder. What a waste of God''s gift! His disappointment could barely be put into words. 569 Dare Not Move At the top of the mountain outside of the city, the man clothed in white who hailed from the School of Kismet State, and had appeared once previously, stood up abruptly. Disbelief flooded his expression alongside extreme surprise as well as unspeakable rage and grief. "All traces of Elder Yan and the Providence Flag have disappeared!" His face instantly turned as white as paper, followed by a flush of panicand the inability to react properly. What did it mean for the both of them to disappear together? Although he asked the question, he knew full well what it meant. Although proficient cultivators possessed the capability to suppress and even temporarily remove their own traces, alongside the spirit item that owned a similar instinct, there was only one situation that the disappearance of both could happen. The person, dead; the flag, destroyed! It was only when both perished at the same time could their traces vanish simultaneously. There was no other possibility besides this. "What cultivation base does Elder Yan have? Even when you consider all the masters in the world, he should still rank right at the top! Even if Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou were to collaborate and target him, the most they can do is make Elder Yan leave; they would be hard-pressed to kill him! Who is it then, who has such a capability to thoroughly defeat Elder Yan?" "As for the Providence Flag It is a spirit gem that subdues the continent''s providence; it hasn''t been damaged for thousands of years. It is the true epitome of invincible; even when it is struck by lightning, the flag would hardly be damaged. How then, can this be?" "What What is going on?" The man dressed in white wore intense fear in his eyes. He had thought of something else. To kill the one who could terminate Elder Yan easily and crush the Providence Flag, it would not such a simple task, like that of slaughtering a chicken. "Oh my God" The man turned pale as a sheet. "I must report this to the school at once! Why didn''t I think of this before? Why did Elder Yan suddenly come here bringing the Providence Flag? Could the objective of his trip be the cause of his demise?" Throughout this single day, Yun Yang had been shocked, dumbfounded, charmed, surprised, and had even lamented and regretted his actions due to the many turns of events. It could be said that he had been through a rollercoaster ride of emotions, the feelings running into each other and colliding into a complex mix. He could hardly calm himself down, but it was also the same for the others! The dark clouds had vanished all of a sudden after it had appeared so violently, gushing forward to blanket heaven and earth. It had drawn back even more abruptly, unbelievably fast. One could only catch glimpse of the entire process, before it was quickly over. The entire Tiantang City was puzzled, shocked, and in disbelief. All the martial people, the assassins, and the schools or sects were stupefied. No one understood what had just taken place, but all of them were certain that something must have happened. When the inky mass descended, everyone could feel the arrogant and irresistible force contained within. It was real, it was not a fraction of their imagination; how could such a powerful source vanish in an instance? On a hill outside the city''s southern sector, two silhouettes had appeared, without prior warning or preamble. Upon their arrival, the trace of the Providence Flag inside the city disappeared. Both of them exchanged glances, only to see the deeply embedded fear in each other''s eyes. It was an emotion far too foreign to the both of them. Even when they had gone against the Nine Supremes back then, there was no fear, despite the knowledge that it would be a tricky manoeuvre. However, at this point in time, they felt the gnawing fangs of fear. "Killed?" Mr. Nian sucked in a deep breath. His voice was incredibly grim. It sounded like a question, but it also resounded like an affirmation. "It isn''t as simple as getting himself killed. He didn''t even have a chance to counterattack and was taken down within a single clash!" The other person''s eyes were gleaming, goosebumps racking his entire body. "This fellow brazenly appeared to find fault and was even set to kill. It is simply impossible to consider that he was ambushed. Besides, no one in Yutang would be able to pull such a feat off!" Mr. Nian uttered clearly, "In addition, even if it were an ambush, what sort of capability must one have in order to annihilate him with a single strike?" "This fellow may not be the sharpest knife out there, but his cultivation base was not too much lower than ours. At the very least, only the both could defeat him; it''s near impossible to kill such a person. It would be impossible to eliminate him even if we were to both work together, let alone an individual job. As for an ambush if we collaborated, we could of course deal a heavy blow with a single strike. We could possibly kill him, but to speak of killing him within one single strike" the other person analyzed the situation with wonder. Mr. Nian frowned and commented, "This is truly unbelievable." "If the person who killed him were to come against us" The other person''s face was rather pale, subconsciously raising this question that was troubling him. "We would face the same outcome." Mr. Nian was certain. "Only death awaits us with no exception!" "Could there be such a powerful person in this world? How is this possible? What is even more frightening that this person must be residing within Tiantang City" The person was as pale as a sheet. "How could we not have heard of him in the past?" Mr. Nian did not answer the question which was rather stupid. Who could even come across such a person if they were to intentionally hide, given their masterly levels? "What I''m concerned about now isn''t about who this person is, but to find out if this person killed the idiot from the School of Kismet State due to his manual manipulation of providence or some other reason. In any case, the both of us mustn''t enter Tiantang City now." Mr. Nian said, "Let us wait and observe. We shall see how things develop from here." "But if we don''t enter, I''m afraid that the tower''s strength in Tiantang City will hardly contend with the collaboration of the world''s assassins," the other person said worriedly. "A smart man does not stand under a crumbling wall. Our own safety is the priority." Mr. Nian said, "Besides perhaps our strength will attract the person''s attention more easily. At most, draw out more of your hidden forces. I believe that will suffice." The person chuckled bitterly, "Old Nian, what about yours?" Mr. Nian replied coldly, "The entire Four Seasons Tower is my force." The person choked upon the reply and could not help mumbling to himself, "We are the same; what pretense are you putting up!" "I beg your pardon?" Mr. Nian''s eyes took on a chilling look. "I will arrange for more manpower!" The precipitous arrival and departure of the dark mass of clouds were full of mystery and terror. It stirred one''s mind and imagination. However, the arrival and subsequent the clouds caused the initial uptight tension in Tiantang City to simmer down considerably. Be it the assassins, the Four Seasons Tower, or the princes who bore various motives, while they were lost about what had happened, they would instinctively choose not to make any move. The top-notch assassins who had come to the city for the Dictum of Death had heard of the incident the moment they entered the place. All the anticipating killers bemoaned their fate inwardly. ''F*ck, I thought spring has come for the assassins when Dictum of Death finally greets the world, but coming here Is this spring?'' ''This is obviously freezing winter!'' When they arrived at Tiantang City, no one actually dared to move. 570 On a Whim After some introspection, it can be noted that the Dictum of Death had not made its appearance for quite some time. The one who had possession of it must not be a man of simple character. For him to execute this dictum, whatever the reason, it would mean that the consequences as a result of the Dictum of Death''s emergence this time around would be no minor thing. Those involved with the Dictum of Death would not be able to profit easily from it either. Before the Dictum of Death''s possessor could say anything more, the many assassins would serve as the first sacrificial batch. Then, the dark clouds and its intimidating aura were not something that they could easily shrug off! All in all, it was better for them to continue their observation for a few more days before deciding their next move. Yun Yang did not act either. Firstly, his initial plans had lost its timing due to the current change of events. It was no longer beneficial to make a reckless move. Secondly, the conflict between the Four Seasons Tower and the assassins had not yet erupted from this incident. Thirdly, and also the most basic reason, the several assassins whom Yun Yang had hoped to see - mainly Ouyang Xiaoshe - were not here yet. For the past few days, Yun Yang had been pondering about the strange red light that had emanated from Ji Lingxi . He mused about the man in black''s strike, his dismemberment in the air, and the mysterious origins of the red light. Yun Yang was certain now that the man clad in black must have died in the explosion, utterly disintegrated to the point of no return. He was also certain that the man had not held back his strike. All his strength had been exerted on Ji Lingxi. Then, it that beam of red light It was that red light that blocked the attack! Yun Yang boldly made an unsettling inference; the red light did not only defend against the man''s attack, it actually made a counterattack of its own. The man dressed in black was flung away at a speed that Yun Yang was stunned by; it was not due to the former''s ability, it was due to the explosive force of the red light. To make matters more interesting, he was dismembered upon landing! Yes, he had been flung to his death When Yun Yang gathered his thoughts on this point, he was tempted to reject his assumptions almost immediately! It made no sense and was completely unreasonable. He was well aware of Ji Lingxi''s cultivation base. Her cultivation base was much weaker than his. How could she possess the capability to fling the man away and even cause his death? However, upon more careful contemplation, it seemed that this was the only explanation that fit the bill of all that had happened. That left only one possibility. While the beam of red light possessed an incredibly powerful force, it was not from Ji Lingxi''s personal cultivation base or skill! It was only effective when Ji Lingxi''s personal safety was threatened. As he thought about this, Yun Yang broke out in a cold sweat. He recalled the episode when he had been flung away the other day and compared his situation to that of the man in black. Had he almost met a similarly horrible fate the other day as well? According to the timing, he should be the one who preceded the man in black''s death! Yun Yang calmed his mind down and collected himself. He considered what the red light was again. How could it possess such a terrible force? He could not figure it out. The only thing he knew of was that Ji Lingxi''s identity must be absolutely intimidating. She, as the direct party involved, did not even know about the red light''s existence! That red light must be a restraint cast on her by a peerless expert whose standard could not be gauged by Yun Yang''s current level. It was most likely set to protect her. Perhaps it would not appear in any normal circumstance, but when something threatened the girl''s reputation and life, the red light would emerge. To this day, the red light had appeared twice. The first was when Yun Yang was on the same bed as Ji Lingxi and had accidentally touched her This time, the man in black''s force was strong enough to threaten Ji Lingxi''s life, so he was an absolute goner! It was easy to discern how concerned the person who had cast this restraint on Ji Lingxi was about her. Yun Yang wiped away the sweat on his forehead and breathed deeply. He could not help thinking about Ji Lingxi''s confession and sighed, "This girl Even if you liked me and I like you too we can only treat each other respectfully, like acquaintances for a long period of time" Yun Yang had never seriously considered this aspect of his life. However, now that Ji Lingxi had barged into his heart and he had been touched as well, he could not help thinking about his marriage Nonetheless, it seemed like it was better to be dumb and ignorant.Would any loss of control cause him to be severely injured? Crushed? Die with his soul vanquished? "Could her father be the one who bound Lingxi with this?" Yun Yang chuckled dryly. "This old man is really so careful." As his thoughts carried him to new places, Yun Yang felt as if he thought of something. With a stunned cry, he stood up abruptly. His eyes were clear. After a long, long time, he suddenly cried out, "Isn''t it? Isn''t it?" Yun Yang felt his heart thumping insanely like it was about to jump out of his mouth. Another shocking thought entered his mind. "If that red light had been left by Lingxi''s elders Lingxi and eighth brother were siblings this is for sure. If so wouldn''t the person who did this care for both their daughter and son?" "Wait If they didn''t just look after their daughter but after their son as well does that mean that eighth brother may not have perished after all?" "Could eighth brother possibly be alive?" "Am I right to think along these lines?" Yun Yang felt his mouth dry up. Delight filled his heart which was about to charge out of his chest. "Furthermore, it may not only be eighth brother himself. The other brothers could have been saved too! According to this inference, Sister Yun Zuiyue''s sudden disappearance Before she vanished, she gave me so much high-quality items. While they were all ingested, I can only unleash one to two percent of their potential But, those were rare treasured resources. It''s hard enough to find a small quantity, how could she have found so much? However, it would make sense if they were given by unparalleled expert!" "If so does it mean that Sister Yue isn''t dead either?" "They could have all been saved by an unparalleled expert. Sister Yue''s disappearance was only because she was fifth brother''s wife; that''s why she was picked up and brought away!" Yun Yang''s train of thoughts ran even faster; the more he ruminated, the more worked up he was, his head growing increasingly messy. However, he was still filled with vehement hope. It was because he realized that these incidents could be connected, like a very long line, and were developing towards a favorable outcome. "If this is really the case if eighth brother didn''t die, then Sister Lan''s last letter saying she''s with eighth brother and is very happy will be the truth C the reality! Sister Lan didn''t die for love, she was only brought away by eighth brother!" Yun Yang was wheezing. He felt blood rush to the top of his head and for a moment, he felt a little dizzy. Then, he sprung up and bolted towards Ji Lingxi''s room. It was already midnight! Since that day when Ji Lingxi had thought that she had died and had confessed her love to Yun Yang unabashedly, she had not come out of her room for two days out of embarrassment. Even though the young lady had a huge crush, she was still mortified. Naturally, Yun Yang knew about the girl''s thinking, so he did not disturb her lest she felt more awkward. Now, though, Yun Yang could not care less about her feelings. This was related to the life and whereabouts of his brothers and sisters-in-law. He had to get the answer to his burning question. The girl was his only clue currently, there was no room for hesitation! Bang, bang, bang! Several knocks could be heard from her door. Ji Lingxi was already in bed. Her face was flushed from hiding in her blanket, her eyes blinking anxiously, despite not knowing what exactly was on her mind. Suddenly hearing the urgent knocks, she sat up and asked, "Who is it?" "It''s me!" Yun Yang''s pressing voice called out from outside, "Lingxi, open the door quickly. I have something very important to tell you." Ji Lingxi felt butterflies in her stomach, answering with a violent stutter, "You C you what is it it C it''s late" The girl had subconsciously thought that maybe Yun Yang knew about her sentiment and had accepted, it thus coming tonight. No! Impossible! Ji Lingxi felt herself burning up and rejected the thought fervently. Yun Yang said, "Open the door. I must see you tonight. Let us talk properly, I really have something serious to tell you." "Talk properly, something serious" Ji Lingxi panicked. What matter was it that a bachelor and a bachelorette had to talk properly about in the middle of the night? Could something serious be discussed at this hour of the day? They were both in the prime of their youth, did he think she was stupid? This "No, no, no I won''t open the door, even if I die!" Ji Lingxi panicked, her voice tinged with a wistful tone, "I''m pleading to you Yun Yang, go back. It''s very late Let us talk tomorrow, during the day" "It''s not convenient when the sky is bright" Yun Yang spoke desperately, "This must be done tonight" "Eek" Ji Lingxi murmured shyly, almost burying her head in her blanket. ''How embarrassing!'' ''This fellow!" ''How could he speak of it so easily?'' ''We just and he wants to He doesn''t even bother to mask his intentions Knocking so loudly and calling out so urgently how could I open this door for you now?'' ''If you were softer more discreet I might actually have opened it.'' ''What an idiot!'' 571 Bite the Bulle "Open the door quickly. I really have something urgent to tell you. I think your brother may not be dead after all" Yun Yang lowered his voice, but it sounded unprecedentedly firm. He could sense Ji Lingxi''s hesitation and understood the reason instantly, thus he quickly explained himself. His words were earth-shattering. What? Ji Lingxi was stunned. Disbelief was her first thought, but she knew that Yun Yang would never joke about such a topic. She could not help the sudden joy that filled her. Without hesitation, she fled to the door and pulled it open. Ashen-faced, she asked in a quivering voice, "What did you say? What didyou just say?" Yun Yang stepped inside and shut the door immediately before replying, "It''s a long story with too many twists in it. I need to verify something with you before concluding this." Ji Lingxi took a few steps back. Just as she was about to ask him some further questions, she was astonished to realize that she was only wearing her inner garments, too anxious to notice it when she opened the door. Blushing, she grabbed a cape and covered herself up securely. She asked from her bedside, "Just tell me what you found out, and what you need to verify. I''ll give my full cooperation." Her worry for her brother won over her embarrassment. If her brother was actually fine, what damaged could a little embarrassment do? Yun Yang considered it for a bit before he asked in a low voice, "Lingxi, you and Ji Lingfeng,my eighth brother, are biological siblings. This is absolutely true, is it not?" Ji Lingxi cried, "What do you mean by asking this question? Of course, both of us are biological siblings! How can this be falsified?" Yun Yang flushed, feeling awkward, but he pushed through and continued his questioning, "This is the key question What I mean is actually where are your biological parents? Do you know their current whereabouts?" "How could I? Ever since I was old enough to remember anything, my brother and I have been orphans" Ji Lingxi answered, her gaze dimming with the unshed tears in her eyes. Yun Yang froze and asked in surprise, "Then how are you certain that you both are biological siblings? This is very important, I must make certain of it!" "What are you really trying to say? Of course, we''re true siblings! Why are you so doubtful about this? Are you sick? Why are you asking so many infuriating questions?" Ji Lingxi spat. Yun Yang smiled, relaxing, and answered, "As long as you''re certain. Then, eighth brother must be fine. He is still alive and well!" "Pardon?" Ji Lingxi grew increasingly confused and asked hesitantly, "Yun Yang, what''s wrong with you today? Why are you speaking incoherently? You''re not being rational at all. Do you know what you''re talking about? Why am I even more confused now than before?" Yun Yang was jubilant. He spoke, beaming with delight, "You don''t know what magic has been placed on you. When the man in black attacked us, it was your guarding halo that helped us escape death. Since you have such a strong guarding halo on you, then your parents can''t be of common stock. Since they can protect you so well, similarly, your biological brother wouldn''t have been hurt without repercussions! That is why I say that my eighth brother mustn''t be dead yet!" "He must still be alive!" Yun Yang grew increasingly excited as he thought about his theory. "Magical? Guarding halo? Escape death?" Ji Lingxi frowned and looked at the man doubtfully. "Do elaborate. I''m still lost." Yun Yang laughed and said, "That''s because you didn''t pay attention to my main point. I''m saying that you have a strong mysterious force hidden within you. No one can actually hurt you! The evil person who perished all of a sudden was due to your guarding halo that retaliated!" "This is your main point? I still don''t get it even, if though you''ve repeated it twice. What red light, what guarding halo? I still don''t understand!" Ji Lingxi replied in a daze. "It means It means that no matter what danger you encounter, there''ll be a red light" Yun Yang explained again in detail. "Therefore, eighth brother didn''t die!" Ji Lingxi was even more bewildered. "The more you talk, the more confused I get. What guarding red light? Since when do I have that? What does that have to do with my brother? What are you talking about?" Yun Yang was stunned as well. "Don''t you know about it? Right, it looks like you are truly oblivious to this and with good reason." "What light? How does it guard me?" Ji Lingxi checked herself doubtfully and murmured, "Where''s the light?" Yun Yang could not help being anxious at all. It seemed that this would be difficult to prove He suddenly recalled the episode when he had been flung away. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Let us try it on right here. I think I can trigger it." "How? How do you trigger it?" asked Ji Lingxi with shock. "Why don''t you close your eyes first?" Yun Yang suddenly felt an awkwardness as he approached her. "What? What did you say?" Ji Lingxi''s eyes widened due to her confusion. What she saw was Yun Yang suddenly pouncing, and at the very next moment, he was hugging her securely. Feeling Yun Yang''s body heat, Ji Lingxi was disconcerted. She struggled angrily. "You truly do have an ulterior motive tonight" Yun Yang explained, "I''m doing an experiment, I''m trying to trigger" As he spoke, his hands went towards Ji Lingxi''s chest. The girl cried out in surprise, feeling faint, and watched as Yun Yang''s groping hands grabbed her chest, rubbing them Then, he C he he actually wanted to take off her clothes Ji Lingxi was completely thrown off guard. She could only struggle instinctively, "Yun Yang, don''t do. this" It was at this moment that the girl saw a ray of red light suddenly surge out from herself. Once it appeared, it spread out promptly. "Ow!" As Yun Yang cried in pain, he shot away like a cannonball and went crashing through the wall. Flying like a broken kite, he broke the tree in the yard and flew together with the trunk until he was thrown into the opposite wall. While this attack was not exactly unexpected, it was still sudden. Yun Yang could not react nor did he have the ability to do so. In the end, he was left sprawling on the wall and stuck there for a moment. He looked no different from a frog that had spread its limbs. Then, he slid down like a paste Yun Yang, who landed on the ground, spat blood. His gaze was unfocused as he mumbled, "It''s this one" "Yun Yang!" Ji Lingxi exclaimed and rushed out. Yun Yang was lying on the bed while Ji Lingxi sat beside him with her head lowered. The former wore a helpless smile and was still very weak. Obviously, his injury was not a light one. Despite the fact that it wasn''t fatal, it was still an internal injury and his internal organs were damaged. It was not an injury that one could recover from in a short period of time. In spite of it, the torment was fruitful. The painful price confirmed the red light''s existence, especially allowing Ji Lingxi, the litigant, to know about the red guarding light about her, a truth that no one would believe when spoken about. All things considered, it was a huge price to pay but it was well worth it! Yun Yang could confirm that the red light on Ji Lingxi would appear in at least two situations. First, when it involved her innocence and second when it involved her life. In order to show Ji Lingxi and even confirm the existence of the magical red light, Yun Yang could only act roguishly once. "I really don''t get it The risk of being a rogue is so high, but why are there still so many rogues in this world?" Yun Yang was melancholic. He dared to guarantee that if every lecherous rogue could encounter what he did every time they committed a crime such a profession would never exist in this world! They would be extinct forever in short order! Yun Yang rubbed his fingers that seemed to still have the soft touch lingering on them. He could not help bringing them up to his nose and smell them, murmuring, "This feeling is quite nice I''ve never touched such things and it''s actually so exciting to touch it for once When the chance comes, I''ll" "Yun Yang! You''re asking for death!" Ji Lingxi, who had just entered and heard Yun Yang''s murmur, was utterly embarrassed. She had come to take care of the patient but due to the panic, she had subconsciously kicked him out "Ah" Yun Yang moaned and dropped to the ground, barely surviving the fall. The matter had been proven. It raised another issue within Yun Yang''s mind. Powerful as they were, how could they watch their own son hover on the brink of death? How could their son not have such a magical defense when their daughter did? Therefore, his eighth brother most probably had not died yet. There was at least an eighth of a chance that he was still alive! Not only was his eighth brother alive, there was a high chance that his other brothers were safe and sound. This would also explain his fifth and eighth sister-in-law''s sudden disappearances that were so absurd. It was just reasonable, no matter how unbelievable their disappearances were, given the intervention of such a mighty force. However, Ji Lingxi was even more perplexed. "Who am I who are my parents? What was that red light on me?" Ji Lingxi was thrown into unprecedented turmoil. At the same time, there was a deep grudge that was slowly developing. The truth was right before her eyes now. She was bestowed with an unparalleled magic. Her parents must be significantly powerful C ''To have such an amazing cultivation base, you fellows must be absolutely unrivaled. Any strike could kill a masterly expert!'' ''Why did you abandon your children then?'' ''Why let us live under another man''s roof and grow up without someone to depend on?'' "I don''t believe that you couldn''t protect your children, being so powerful! I don''t believe that you can''t find us when you cast such a bond on us! I don''t believe that you have died!" Ji Lingxi bit her lips; her expression was one of stubbornness. The fact was blatant. The restraint could be triggered by an external force and was a permanent existence. Then, the caster must still be alive! This was an undisputed fact! If the caster of Ji Lingxi had died, the magic would have vanished long ago. This was a theory that everyone knew and subscribed to. Yet, if they were still alive and was so capable, what was the reason behind watching their children struggle in this world? Ji Lingxi believed that her brother was not dead either. She was not overjoyed by the news, however, enveloped by an indescribable emotion. Yun Yang understood such emotions, but he was helpless. Even with his eloquence, he had nowhere to start! 572 Dugu Chou Has Come Ji Lingxi remained low-spirited for an entire day before she slowly recovered. The reason she was glum for so long was due to the words that Yun Yang had uttered, "Actually, is there any difference whether you have parents or not?" When Yun Yang laid out the truth that night, Ji Lingxi was mournful, unable to listen to any comforting words. It was deep in the night as well, so it was inconvenient for Yun Yang to linger on any longer. He bid his leave, also wanting to leave the girl to calm herself down. However, when the next morning came, Ji Lingxi had lost her appetite for the entire day. She looked distraught, her dark eye circles evidence that she probably had not slept a wink last night. When dusk came, Yun Yang sent dinner personally, but she had rejected the meal, saying she was not hungry and she did not want to eat. Yun Yang could no longer take it and had blurted out those terrible words. Upon hearing him, Ji Lingxi was initially stunned. She immediately began to spill her heart out, as if she had been struck right at her core. For the first time, Yun Yang''s face which was normally indifferent expressed worry. He spoke slowly, "Lingxi, do you know that I''m an orphan as well? King Yun Xiaoyao isn''t my biological father. I am the same as you and eighth brother. I don''t know who my parents are either." "This used to be my biggest regret in life, but as life went on, by living in the present, I realized that those days have to be spent living anyway. If they were still alive and they came for me, I would naturally be grateful to them. However, if they weren''t here anymore, I would still live as well as I could." "Actually, when you figure out some things, when you see right through them, they''re just that. It''s a fact that we''re orphans. Why be miserable about it? We don''t know who they are since we were young anyway, haven''t we managed to live on till today?" "Strictly speaking, aren''t you so much better than I am? After yesterday''s incident, we can confirm that your parents are still alive and that they are truly skilled. What''s most important is that they care about you exceptionally, so much so that they''ve cast a magical restraint on you. Once you''re in danger, it''ll activate itself to defend you. Can''t you see the sentiment behind this? Is it really a good thing to lament about?" Yun Yang recovered his usual smile, watching Ji Lingxi with warmth, and said softly, "Lingxi, do you know, that after I''ve confirmed the existence of the guarding red light on you, how envious I am!" "I''m jealous, even! Begrudging!" Yun Yang inhaled softly and smiled, saying, "My parents didn''t even leave anything behind for me." He went out quietly without another word after he said this, but Ji Lingxi was stunned. If such a comparison were to be made, she was indeed much more blessed than Yun Yang. At least she had her elder brother and that red guarding halo. He, on the hand, truly had nothing! Yun Yang had walked out with his back ramrod straight, but Ji Lingxi could feel the desolation he carried on his shoulders. Unable to hold the tiny stabs of pain in her heart, she called out, "Yun Yang." "Yes?" Yun Yang turned around and smiled questioningly. Ji Lingxi leaned against the doorframe and mustered up the courage to say, "You''re not alone. You still have me!" Yun Yang nodded and replied with a bright smile that was tinged with helpless self-deprecation before turning to leave. Ji Lingxi was extremely sensitive at this moment, so she immediately sensed the strange expression behind Yun Yang''s smile. Baffled, she finally understood after a long while of consideration. She could not help mumbling with a flushed face, "You bastard!" Yun Yang was obviously saying, "What is the use of having you? I can''t even touch you!" "We can only treat each other like acquaintances." Another handful of days passed by. The temperature was slowly creeping up, but the various forces in Tiantang City still remained oddly silent and discreet. The definition of discreet was just a process of being relatively quiet. Even when it looked like nothing was going on, each one of them had actually begun their probes. Coincidentally, a rumor gained heat at this time, rolling and spreading throughout Tiantang City. "Hey, have you heard? The dark clouds the other day were really terrifying It was a demon coming to Tiantang City to wreak havoc, but it unexpectedly met Young Master Yun who crushed it to smithereens!" "Young Master Yun? That Young Master Yun?" "Young Master Yun Yang, Yutang''s top expert!" "B*ll! What do you know? Don''t spew nonsense. That Yun Yang is a popinjay. His reputation and achievements aren''t anything to be proud of; have you forgotten his past popinjay reputation as the chief of Tiantang City''s popinjays? Could that same fellow possibly be a master that can crush demons?" "Look at you blabbering. Do you know the full story?" "Of course I do. I really don''t know where your ideas about Young Master Yun comes from, tainting the grace of the other masterly experts. Let me tell you the truth. The expert who killed the demon the other day was a mysterious assassin. Seeing that it had come to the world and was wreaking havoc, the mysterious assassin crushed the demon in a single strike !" "Assassin? Are you saying that the expert the other day was a professional killer?" "Yes, a killer. Absolutely right!" "How could such an efficient killer possibly exist? Besides, don''t assassins kill people as part of their transactions and business deals? The one who attacked that day must be an otherworldly expert who''s kind and benevolent!" "There are many types of killers. Some kill for gold and silver, some kill for justice. Why do you think that there is the existence of the Dictum of Death and its endless reputation up to this day?" "That''s correct as well. Hasn''t the Dictum of Death emerged before? Did the masterly assassin come for the dictum as well? Did he kill the demon simply by coincidence?" "Remember to keep this a secret. This is a big one, ordinary people have no right to know this." "Do you know that the demon in the dark clouds was killed by a mysterious assassin with just a single strike?" "Why do I hear that it was Young Master Yun who killed it?" "Tsch! How could that popinjay be so skillful? Why don''t you think carefully about it before you make such wild assumptions?" "Right, that popinjay was a glutton. How could he bear such a huge responsibility?" "I saw it with my own eyes the other day. I was in the restaurant then and was facing that street. I watched the dark clouds demon descending swiftly, charging towards the Residence of Yun like it was going to crush the place but at this time" "What? Continue quickly! Stop leaving us in suspense!" "On the street, there was an insignificant grey-clothed old man who was hunched over. Just when the dark clouds descended, the old man suddenly lifted his head! Whoa!" "Whoa what? What? Was that old man dressed in black or grey? What clothes are you wearing?" "Shut up, what are you butting in for? It''s not important what clothes he wore. What''s important is that the moment the old man lifted his head, the sky brightened! His gaze instantly dissipated the demon''s dark clouds!" "Wow!" "Then the old man said, ''How could a demon be allowed to wreak havoc when the Dictum of Death greets the world now?'' Then he sprung up and a beam of sword light spilled out, killing the demon in the air!" "Then?" "Then, the grey-clothed old man returned to his nondescript look. If I hadn''t observed this carefully, I wouldn''t have known that this senile man with one foot in the coffin was actually such a godly presence" "You saw it with your own eyes?" "I swear upon my eight generations of ancestors that I''ll die if there''s any falsity in my words!" "It''s amazing, really amazing Right, what clothes was the old man wearing? Is there a fixed concept to this?" "Have you heard about it? The assassin, the dark-clothed old man who is unparalleled in skill?" "I have heard about it. It''s hearsay that it was Dugu Chou himself who was present. If it weren''t for this senior, who else would have such skill?" "Truly?" "Why then did I hear that it was Jun Moyan?" "That isn''t right. I heard that it was the Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui who broke his usual reticence and attacked to protect Tiantang" "Anyway, it was an elderly man dressed in dark clothes, that''s for sure" "Have you heard? Dugu Chou has attacked! He killed the dark clouds demon in one strike. He is truly an absolute master, utterly valiant!" "Of course I did. Aye, finally this masterly expert is heard of again. How comforting!" "I hear that no one has ever met him, but that isn''t surprising. A masterly expert like him has gone back to the purest life and is extremely low key. However, a lot of experts have analyzed that the black clothes were proof enough. Rumor has it that since Dugu Chou''s wife passed on, he has been wearing that color" "Yes, yes. I''m aware of that too." "Dugu Chou misses his late wife and sits before her grave every day, becoming haggard" "Yes!" "However, what is most convincing is still his sword. That is one earth-shattering sword! Dugu Chou''s sword, the sword that is called Dugu Sword!" "That''s right!" "The Unrivaled Expert! How apt a title it is!" "Wait, that isn''t right. Ling Xiaozui is the recognized Unrivaled Expert. How can it be Dugu Chou now?" "What matter if I say Dugu Chou is the Unrivaled Expert? It''s Dugu Chou, Dugu Chou who, by virtue of a soulmate, halted just a step before the clouds! To me, he is the irreplaceable Unrivaled Expert!" "Do you remember that day, the day when the dark clouds engulfed Tiantang City?" "Of course I do. What about it?" "That time, did you feel a sense of loneliness, of desolation? Did you?" "Now that you mention it I think I did!" "That''s right! Let me tell you, that was Dugu Chou making his move, using his Heartbroken Dugu Sword!" "Heartbroken Dugu Sword? Well, the sword rings true to its name. The technique as well! I see now how that name would make a lot of sense..." "But, I heard that Young Master Yun" "Tsch, how can you believe that when Young Master Yun has such a low cultivation base?" "Fair enough, I guess. Young Master Yun excels in being a popinjay, but to fight a demon? I have my doubts about that." "Indeed, heh heh heh" For some unknown reason, such was the misinformation that was being spread throughout Tiantang City. Almost everyone was discussing this topic C the ordinary Tiantang citizens, the martial world people, the assassins, the schools, the officials "Dugu Chou has reemerged!" "Dugu Chou has come!" "Dugu Chou has come for the Dictum of Death!" "Dugu Chou is in Tiantang City!" "Dugu Chou has killed the demon!" It seemed like cold, hard facts. Outside the city, a grey-clothed old man was walking into Tiantang City with a slight limp. He was hunched, covered in snow-white hair; loneliness was written all over him. However, if one were to look upon him, they would see an elderly senior who was near his end. If one had to identify what made this old man stand out against other old men, it would probably be the long parcel he carried on his back. Anyone who saw it would know that it was a sword. A sword? The soldiers guarding the city gate showed deep respect and admiration once they saw the old man as if they had witnessed the appearance of an immortal. "You''ve come Please, senior, enter the city quickly." "Permit? What permit, your presence itself is sufficient!" "Please, please" The grey-clothed old man''s bleary eyes widened from the unexpected care and respect he was being showered with. What was going on? How could so many people still recognize him, when he had not come out to roam about for so many years? He was rather baffled. "May I ask if you are Senior Dugu?" the soldier at the gate asked respectfully and with all sincerity. The old man was even more shocked than ever, thinking, ''They really know me?'' ''Have they mistaken me for someone else?'' "Please, don''t mind us Senior Dugu, please enter" The soldier wiped away his sweat, his heart thumping wildly, his throat parched. He had admitted it! The rumors were true ''Oh my god, I''ve just seen a legend with my own eyes!'' The elderly man entered the city mystified, but he noticed the awed looks that were being directed his way. He felt even more bewildered. Some people of the martial world turned pale, faces draining of color, just as they saw him. When he reached the city center and found an inn to stay, he was given the best room of the inn. The innkeeper asserted that no payment was needed and he could stay for however long he wanted. As for the person staying in that room, they did not say anything and moved out immediately, even inviting him in the room like he was their ancestor. The elder dressed in gray was increasingly surprised by his encounters. This was far from the treatment he was accustomed to. Due to his curiosity, he cultivated and eavesdropped on conversations that were being held within thousands of feet around him, and he immediately understood what was going on at once. Dugu Chou had appeared here? Crushed a havoc-wreaking demon with a single strike? Saved the entire city? The old man looked utterly lost. "I I didn''t do anything" ''I would expect that the martial world would still have legends about me, despite the fact that I have not been around for a long while, but still..." ''I didn''t do anything! Is the martial world now starting to falsely add on to my reputation and mythical legend?'' 573 Guess! There was no doubt that this grey-clothed elder who had just entered Tiantang City was the renowned Dugu Chou. He, who was compelled to do something after the long period of inactivity, had reemerged in the world due to the sudden calling of the legendary Dictum of Death. The chilling, murderous intent, native to every assassin, that was sleeping deep within him had awakened Dugu Chou once again. It was only at this point that he experienced an epiphany. He had been called an Unrivaled Expert for a long time, but if one were to compare his reputation and legend exploits to Sun Changkong, he still had a significantly long way to go. He was unable to cause a buzz among the continent''s killers, to have them flocking towards the city by just depending on the killing intent hidden in the remaining Dictum of Death, after having been away for so many years. Due to this unsettling factor, Dugu Chou, who had always maintained a serene state of mind, reemerged from the mountain. "I had always thought that I had reached the pinnacle of this world, that the path in front of me had come to an end. So, as I accompanied you here, I was also waiting for my own end. When that day came, I would bury myself under this tree, and be together with you for eternity." "Only now am I aware that there''s another level in this world that is above me. My path isn''t at its end yet." "I want to have a look, to see the scenery of my path untaken." "Do not worry. Successful or not, no matter how beautiful the sights, I will come back to you after three years." Dugu Chou left these words in the air as he stood before the tombstone and walked out of the mysterious valley that had been sealed for five hundred years, carrying his treasured sword. Along the way, before arriving at Tiantang City, there were no ripples in his heart. It was calm and serene. There was nothing in this world that could ruffle Dugu Chou. However, the moment Dugu Chou entered Tiantang City, he felt shocked. Everything that he saw and heard was completely different from what he had imagined! The world was utterly different! How strange How bizarre! ''Do the people nowadays have unimaginably excellent memory and vision? I haven''t stepped foot into the martial world for five hundred years, but they can still remember me!'' This was Dugu Chou''s initial thought, but he came to a more mundane realization somewhat later. ''This is not what I have done! Someone has been forcefully adding the deed onto me!'' Then, another thought was birthed. ''Who was it who accused me?'' The next plethora of thoughts grew increasingly convoluted. ''How could this person know that I was coming and manage the timing so perfectly? Is there someone in this world who can track me and be informed of my whereabouts? This is unbelievable and utterly absurd'' His final thought was, ''There''s no way that there''s anyone in this world who can do that. It''s most probably just a coincidence. It''s impossible for the culprit to know that I am coming. It''s a common habit to lay acclaim to a legend. After all, I haven''t been present for too long. I may have already died, and no one would know about it. It''s a wonderful tactic to use me as the scapegoat! But looking at the intricacy of the culprit''s scheme, it seems that I''ll definitely be embroiled in a big mess Well, in any case, I shouldn''t be unduly worried. Is there any trouble that I can''t manage in this world?'' Considering the problem extensively, Dugu Chou did not bother to hide his whereabouts anymore. ''Since everyone knows that I''ve come out again, and everyone knows so much about me and where I''m staying, let it be.'' ''I''ll stay here, in the public eye. Let''s see who in this world dares to find fault with me!'' "When have I, Dugu Chou, been afraid of any trouble in this lifetime?" "Is there really a trouble I can''t afford to provoke in this entire world?" "If there really is, then I would have learned a very valuable lesson on this trip!" Dugu Chou stayed in the best room in the inn, contented and in peace. The inn was a regular one, situated right in the center of the inner and outer part of the city. It was not the busiest among the establishments, but it was not thoroughly isolated too. However, since Dugu Chou moved into the inn, this inn had instantly become a martial artists'' mecca! There were many people of the martial world who had flocked over just to take a glimpse at this inn from far away. They then left with wonder, turning back multiple times as they walked away with various sentiments. It was Dugu Chou! The legendary Dugu Chou! If it were possible, they wanted to stay at this inn as well, but it would reek of desperation if they were to go now. It would only cause animosity and gain nothing but shortcomings. It was best to forget about the whole matter As for the martial artists who were already staying in the inn, they had entirely different thoughts. With Dugu Chou staying here, any other activities they originally planned had flown out the window; even if they were to clamor during their meal, as usual, they worried about disturbing the senior. It was to the extent that even if they wished to pass wind in the middle of the night, they held it in. Who knew if such a mindless act would bring death upon themselves? It was an indescribable pain. Therefore, the martial artists who were initially proud that they were staying in the same inn as Dugu Chou found reasons to check out and leave, from the start of the second day. A legend was a legend, a legend was great, but it would be the best if the legend remained only in legends. Once the legend was among the masses and was in the ordinary people''s lives, the only outcome was unspeakable terror and a terrible inconvenience. Just imagine if there were people who started a fight with Dugu Chou here. The aftermath was enough for the rest to die over and again! They could not afford to get involved. Since they knew that they could not bear the consequences, it was the best for them to avoid it altogether and hide far, far away from this troublesome place C yes, this place that was destined to brew nothing but trouble! By the time afternoon rolled around the next day, the inn was empty, save for the innkeeper''s handful of workers. Dugu Chou had become the inn''s sole guest! Right when the innkeeper mournfully assumed that he would not have any business in this current period of time, a middle-aged man checked in calmly under everyone''s surprised gaze, officially becoming another guest of the inn. After the man entered his room, the shock did not end there. He went to knock at Dugu Chou''s door. Under the shocked and fearful stares of everyone present, he asked aloud, "Is anyone in?" The innkeeper looked up from downstairs and experienced a sense of doom coupled with morbid curiosity. ''I don''t remember telling you which room Dugu Chou was in. How did you know which door to knock on? Do you have the gift of foresight? Are you, perhaps, half immortal?'' The door opened. The grey-clothed old man appeared at the door and frowned, "Who are you?" The middle-aged man looked radiant as he replied with a smile, "Guess." 574 Guess, Guess Again! His words were splendid! The innkeeper was utterly taken aback by those casually inane words. ''Guess? F*ck your guess! I have this strange feeling that my inn is going to be demolished just by the virtue of your words.'' ''Who do you think it is in front of you? That''s Dugu Chou! The legend, the living legend, Dugu Chou!'' He was certain that his inn would soon welcome the first blood spilled since Dugu Chou''s reemergence! Still, life was never as one expected. Not only was Dugu Chou not angry, he answered with an amused smile, "I have already guessed it." "Great. Let us have a drink later?" The middle-aged man replied with a grin. Dugu Chou nodded. "Very well." The innkeeper was baffled upon watching the scene. What was going on? Guess? I have already guessed it... This was a myth right out of legend indeed. He even talked so differently After the initial stupor, the innkeeper was suddenly enlightened, feeling a realization sprout in him. The middle-aged man was most probably another intimidating figure among legends as well. Otherwise, how could he have such a conversation with Dugu Chou, who was akin to a living immortal? About an hour after the middle-aged man had checked in, there was an old man whose hair and beard was all white checking in to the inn. Upon moving his belongings to his room, he stalked towards the popular room door and knocked. The door opened, and the grey-dressed Dugu Chou showed himself. "You are?" "Guess." The white-haired elder said with a grin. The innkeeper downstairs broke out in cold sweat that cascaded down his head. What a terrifying day! He heard Dugu Chou reply, "I really can''t guess." The elder was still grinning as he answered, "Do you want to have a drink and talk later tonight? I have the world''s best wine." "Oh? You do, do you? Well, I can guess who you are now," Dugu Chou replied. The elderly chortled and said, "Why does it matter whether you guess it or not? See you tonight." After getting an affirmation, the white-haired elder went back to his room without a second word. The innkeeper was speechless. It was two hours later when another person checked in to the inn. This person was haggard. It was like he was completely tattered and was barely alive. He was all skin and bones; if it were not for the skin on his arms when he stretched them out, the innkeeper would have thought that he was looking at a walking skeleton. He staggered into his room but only stayed for a short while before coming to Dugu Chou''s door and knocked on it. Another one? The innkeeper pondered; if he were Dugu Chou, would he would be infuriated for being disturbed continuously? Again, against all expectations, Dugu Chou appeared by the door, still as serene as prior, completely unruffled. "Who are you?" "Guess?" The same conversation was repeated. The innkeeper thought, ''F*cking hell I''m starting to think that this legendary expert Dugu Chou must be an impostor.'' ''He has been teased this way thrice in one afternoon!'' ''If it were me, I''d be furious if I don''t go outright crazy. I would pull out my sword and finish this insanity.'' ''Guess, f*ck your guess!'' All said and done, Dugu Chou was truly a mild-tempered man; he wasn''t angry at all. He answered faintly, "I can''t guess it." The walking skeleton replied, "How about I tell your fortune later? I''ll do it for free!" Dugu Chou thought about it and answered, "I can guess who you are now. Let''s have a drink tonight? You want to give me a life, but I''m ashamed to receive it. Let me buy you a drink so your fortune-telling isn''t considered free then!" The two men earlier had taken the initiative to invite him for a drink, but this skeletal man was invited by Dugu Chou instead! The innkeeper''s immediate response was that if this person was not moved to tears, he had to be at least surprised. Yet the skeleton-like person did not show such a reaction. He answered in a nonchalant tone, "Okay. We''ll drink tonight. I will tell your fortune after we drink." On the same day, Yun Yang almost went insane reading Shui Wuyin''s incessant messages. There was no other reason other than the fact that the volume of messages was too much to bear. Of course, there were a few that he was exceptionally interested in. "It has been confirmed that the Unrivaled Expert from five hundred years ago, Dugu Chou, has entered Tiantang City and is currently staying at" "Someone has checked into the inn, even though everyone has shunned the inn that Dugu Chou is staying at." "Another person" "Another person" "The Four Seasons Tower remains quiet for now." "The assassin organizations are preparing themselves for action. They may act anytime" "The frequency of people coming in and out of the crown prince''s residence has suddenly increased, to the point where it is rather noticeable" Dugu Chou had actually arrived! Yun Yang was largely surprised by this turn of events. Just as Dugu Chou himself had predicted, Yun Yang had not even considered that he would actually emerge from his self-imposed absence. It had been more than five hundred years since Dugu Chou''s last official appearance. It was exactly this reason that Yun Yang had spread the rumor to divert attention. Now that Dugu Chou had actually reappeared in the worldly realm at such a juncture, would his released rumor become true news? Was this simply a lucky coincidence? This was rather surprising. "Dugu Chou is confirmed to have appeared at a small inn in Tiantang City. If it had really been him who struck the other day, it would actually be possible for him to crush Elder Yan in a single strike He, who had left the martial world for five hundred years, must have a cultivation base that has advanced to an overwhelming level. Still, it''s only a possibility" "How long more before the school''s relief troops arrive?" "Go take a look at Dugu Chou''s intentions. Remember, only take a look from afar. Don''t cause any trouble." "Certainly." On that night, the innkeeper was caring enough to put a brazier under a small table for the cold weather. There was also a brazier each around the table in all four directions, coal burning inside. The small inn looked warm and cozy. Four people took a side each, each of them calm and collected. "I have roamed the martial world for almost my entire life now, it''s actually my first time seeing such a sight and gathering. What a worthwhile trip this has been," the white-bearded elder spoke first with a smile. "That''s right. If it weren''t for Senior Dugu who made a reappearance so unexpectedly without any disguise, I''m afraid such an opportunity to gather would not have happened in this lifetime." The middle-aged man wore a black robe and smiled faintly, saying, "Actually, there are some things in life that can happen once and it''d be more than enough. Besides, we''ll probably be staying here for quite a few days. Life itself is unpredictable." The skeleton-like person chuckled and said, "Who knows if it''s predictable or not. The so-called rarity is only because every beginning is difficult. After the first time, the second time won''t be too far away." The white-haired elder actually wore a lewd smile and said, "Your words actually make me think of women" Before he finished, all four of them erupted in laughter. Even Dugu Chou almost teared up from his guffaws. The innkeeper was cooking as he eavesdropped. He pressed his lips together discreetly, grinning lecherously in tacit understanding. 575 Do Me A Favor After Drinking My Wine A few dishes were finally served. With a wave of the white-haired elder''s hand, a pot of wine appeared on the table. "Just a pot?" The skeleton-like person frowned, "I haven''t even drunk water for so many years and now that I get to drink your wine, you''re only giving us one pot?" The white-haired elderly scoffed and said, "You know nothing about drinking wine. If hundreds of pots of good wine were to be presented at once, then everyone will think of them cheaply. There is such a thing as too much, you know. Then, they will drink eight taels at most, when they could have drunk a catty." "I want everyone to think that it is a limited resource. Then everyone will have the ''I''ll drink more lest I suffer a loss'' mentality. Only then will the drinking session be meaningful!" the white-haired elderly explained with no small measure of disdain. "Very clever!" Dugu Chou and the middle-aged man were bright-eyed. The skeleton-like person chuckled as well and went on to break the clay seal, asking, "Then, how many pots of this wine do you have?" "Only this pot in the entire world." the elderly answered. All three of them were stunned. Only this pot? "Truly?" The middle-aged man asked with surprise, "Why do I feel that you don''t normally make it a habit to tell the truth?" "Believe whatever you want," the white-haired elderly replied haughtily. The clay seal was broken. The wine''s aroma rose instantly and formed a fog above the mouth of the pot. There were mountains, valleys, and rivers within the fog; heaven and earth were clear to view. The fog lingered on for some time. The elder looked calm but there was a faint hint of pride hanging at the corners of his lips. Even Dugu Chou and the middle-aged man watched such the remarkable wine with dazed eyes; they could not help exclaiming in wonder, "What a great wine! A superior wine indeed!" The skeletal man did not speak. As both Dugu Chou and the middle-aged man watched the scenery form within the fog until it dissipated, they turned and caught the skeletal man already picking up the wine pot and pouring himself a full bowl. One of his hand held the wine pot while another hand of his picked up the bowl swiftly. With a swoosh, the bowl was immediately emptied. He then began pouring wine into it "Halt!" Dugu Chou said angrily, "How can you hog it all to yourself!" The middle-aged man hollered as well, "How much of such exquisite wine can this world actually have? Do you sneakily plan to drink it all up?" "What do you know? This is the greatest respect a drinker like me can have for the brewer!" the skeletal man retorted. Dugu Chou and the middle-aged man was about to object simultaneously but found it difficult to argue with that logic. Seeing that there was not much wine left, both of them joined in the wine struggle. "Mine!" "I''ll have this bowl!" The skeletal man did not let go of the wine pot. With a slight movement from Dugu Chou, a tendril of wine shot out and landed in his bowl. The middle-aged man opened his mouth and orange liquid flew straight into it. The pot of wine was gone within a flash. The three of them chortled together. "Gratifying indeed!" They exclaimed at the same time. "Where''s the wine?" The three of them put down their bowls and looked at the white-haired elder. The latter was speechless, looking at the empty wine pot on the table with his eyes widened. His pot of wine was gone, and he had just managed to take a whiff of it! He was the host of this drinking session, but he did not get to drink even a single drop! "I guess you fellows aren''t the most courteous bunch around." The white-haired elder mumbled under his breath and said rather crossly, "My wine is gone right after I presented it. However, my wine wasn''t meant to be consumed so thoughtlessly!" Dugu Chou spoke with a hint of glee in his voice, "Oh? Do you mean that you''re letting us drink to ask us for help? Can I decipher it this way?" "Of course, you naturally have to do something for me after drinking my wine! This old man has never let anyone drink his wine for free in this lifetime!" the elderly said with a smirk. The old man had spoken aggressively but the other three chortled simultaneously after meeting his eyes. "Old man, let me tell you this. You have found the right people by coming to us tonight. There aren''t many things in this world that we can''t achieve if we were to act on it," Dugu Chou said. The middle-aged man smiled, saying, "However, a pot of wine won''t be enough to ask for favors." The skeletal person was suddenly enlightened and nodded violently, "That''s right! My character has always been that I won''t do anything if I don''t get enough of a drink!" "You are all known experts. Are all of you actually actually blackmailing me? Where are your heroic spirits, as the martial world''s pillars?" the white-haired elder retorted in outrage and shock. He turned his head to look at Dugu Chou and said, "Thankfully there''s still Old Brother Dugu. Old Brother Dugu has made a promise to me earlier. I don''t care if the both of you refuse to do it." Dugu Chou was taken aback. "Since when did I promise you anything?" The white-haired elder was flabbergasted. "Was it because I said that you''ve found the right people and there aren''t many things in this world that we can''t achieve?" Dugu Chou asked, "I meant every word of it. Unfortunately for you, I only said that there aren''t many things I can''t do; I didn''t say if I was willing to do them." The white-haired elder began to cough violently. His face and neck were flushed, so enraged that he could not even speak. His finger pointed accusingly as he bellowed, "All of you! You how can you all be so shameless?" Dugu Chou rolled his eyes. His hand flicked, the empty wine pot on the table rotated continuously. He mumbled, "This wine is really exquisite. It''s just too little, as little as the things we can''t do" The middle-aged man stroked the wine bowl and sighed softly, "It''s too little, no matter how much you drink when you drink with confidants But if the wine isn''t enough, then it''s really excessive to speak even a word more" The skeletal man tapped his chopstick against the wine bowl and sang, "Ding ding ding, dang dang dang, ding ding dang dang dang. Let''s drink some wine, the wine is aromatic. I don''t force it if I''m not given it. No wine, no talk, no help, no help! No talk, no help! Dang dang" Dugu Chou and the middle-aged man laughed until there were tears in their eyes. "Well, are you helping or not?" The white-haired elder was shaking from anger as he asked his question. "No!" The other three men answered together. "All of you are too much!" The white-haired elder was so angry his beard was actually trembling. The four of them were very advanced in their years and it was obvious that they had never met each other prior to this. Furthermore, they had not informed each other of their names other than a simple "Guess" after they had met. In spite of this, they had sat together and chattered along. It exuded the vibe that they were old friends who had known each other for decades and not strangers who had met for the first time! "It isn''t too much." The three of them shook their heads in unison. "Guarding the God of Wine and not trying to extort more exquisite wine with all we can, now, that''s really being too much!" The white-haired elderly expression remains unchanged as he looked at the three of them stoically. All of a sudden, he guffawed as well and cursed, "F*cking hell!" With an abrupt flick of his wrist, another pot of wine appeared on the table. He feigned anger and said, "Only this pot is left, no more!" The other three''s eyes glowed, swiftly snatching the pot and opening it before pouring some for themselves. They had totally ignored what the old man said. The white-haired elder picked up his bowl and went on to pour some wine as well, murmuring, "If I don''t drink now, I won''t be able to drink the wine I brewed myself" Another pot of wine vanished. Dugu Chou stroked his belly and sighed, "My drinking instinct has been further rekindled. I don''t want to do anything now. What should I do?" "Me too" The middle-aged man dressed in black looked as troubled. The skeletal person said, "From now on, I shall talk no further. Whatever the two of them say shall represent my thoughts as well!" The white-haired elder was tongue-tied from anger. After some time, he suddenly ground his teeth and stomped his foot. With a wave of his hand, voila! Wine pots filled the table, under the table, and the foyer of the inn. He cried out angrily, "There, drink to your demise!" "Coming!" The three of them responded with delight. "This old man must be extorted. Gentle words with him will get you no wine." "Exactly. He must be extorted. The rumor isn''t just a rumor after all." "Correct!" The white-haired elder was utterly enraged. "Who said gentle words won''t do? Have you fellows thought of just asking nicely?" The other three men paused, the air frozen between them. Then, everyone guffawed. "Tell us. What is it that made you come out of the mountain to look for us for help?" asked Dugu Chou. The white-haired elder answered with a chuckle, "Actually, I would have done it myself if I didn''t meet all of you. But since I''ve met all of you, I''m too lazy to do it on my own." "Earlier, an heir of my late friend found me and mentioned that he had been grievously deceived. Someone had disguised as me, using my name, and became his forefather He''d even used my identity to wreak havoc in the Empire of Ziyou. I was quite angry about it, but that heir of my friend stressed that the person wasn''t a bad person nor did he actually damage my reputation" "Still, how could he have used my name in vain?" the elderly said huffily. "To imagine, something like this could happen." Dugu Chou and the skeletal person looked into each other''s eyes and chortled. The middle-aged man clad in black frowned, looking at Feng Xiange in confusion. The white-haired elder whom they called God of Wine was, of course, the Phantom Physician God of Wine of yesteryear, the legendary, Feng Xiange! "Who is this person?" the skeletal person asked with a laugh. "It''s the Empire of Yutang''s pillar, the sole survivor among the Nine Supremes, Lord Supreme Cloud," Feng Xiange replied. Once his answer had been uttered, the entire inn suddenly fell silent. 576 I Canst Help You With This Favor! "I know that Lord Supreme Cloud is a national hero, an earth-shattering figure of legend. He must have his reasons for borrowing my name, something he can''t help, but at the same time, I can''t abide this indignation." Feng Xiange said, "Therefore I only need you to find him and punish him lightly." The middle-aged man clad in black chuckled bitterly and sighed. He suddenly stood up and began to retrieve several items from within his embrace. There were gold and silver banknotes, jade essence, spiritual crystals Then, he opened his spatial ring and poured out a pile of treasured gems and resources, speaking calmly, "Feng Xiange, do take a look. Is there anything that strikes your fancy in here?" Feng Xiange was taken aback by the man''s actions as he stuttered, "What do you mean?" The middle-aged man replied, "Just let me know if there is anything here that Brother Feng likes. There, I have Mystifying Rattan, Ecstasy Herb, Specter Fruit, and Thousand-Year Wild Orchid These are things that you can use to brew exquisite wine. How about I give them all to Brother Feng?" "Whatever do you mean? Do explain yourself," Feng Xiange asked with chagrin. The middle-aged man in black said, "I don''t know if these can make up for Brother Feng''s wine. If they can''t, I''ll figure something out." Feng Xiange paused in shock before he suddenly lashed out in anger, "Ling Xiaozui! What do you mean? This old man has never met you, but you don''t have to humiliate me like this!" His voice was much louder than before, due to his agitation. The innkeeper who had been eavesdropping felt his mind explode in shock the moment he heard the name. He was so stunned that he came close to passing out. Ling Xiaozui! ''Ling Xiaozui!'' ''I was just thinking, who would be so bold as to knock on Dugu Chou''s door and brazen enough to ask the latter to guess who he was! So, it''s the Unrivaled Expert the world has acknowledged in recent years!'' Of the four people who were drinking, three of their identities had been confirmed now C Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, and Feng Xiange! They were all pinnacle experts that belonged to myths and legends. They were the fantasies of their time! These three people''s stories had been circulating around the world for a long time. Their stories had long become folk tales in the Tianxuan Continent. Who then was the last person? Ling Xiaozui was not angered when he heard Feng Xiange''s question. Instead, he explained patiently, "I''m helpless and I won''t be able to assist you." Feng Xiange was stunned. "I can''t help you, but I have consumed wine that can only be consumed in return for helping." Ling Xiaozui said faintly, "So I have to compensate for it, with double the value." Feng Xiange mumbled, "Why?" "Because not only am I unable to help you, I will have to stop the person that actually can" Ling Xiaozui chuckled. Feng Xiange''s eyes widened in surprise. Now, here was a plot twist. He could not help being dumbfounded, not knowing what to say. With Ling Xiaozui interfering in his efforts, the matter would be tricky to complete. Then When the innkeeper heard Ling Xiaozui''s words, he suddenly felt his blood surged within him. Filled with passion, he bolted over and knelt down in front of Ling Xiaozui. "This lowly one thanks Lord Ling for your care towards Lord Supreme Cloud! This lowly one bows to Lord Ling!" Bang, bang, bang! Under everyone''s astonished gaze, the innkeeper made three heavy bows continuously. He wanted to continue his obeisance, but was pulled up by Dugu Chou who wore a sharp gaze and asked, "What is this for?" The innkeeper was only an ordinary citizen; despite his insignificant cultivation base, he was composed when he faced the questioning of Dugu Chou, an expert who was above the very clouds and answered with pride, "Lord Supreme Cloud is Yutang''s pillar, a deity everyone worships. We ordinary citizens can only wish that Lord Supreme Cloud will have a peaceful life without pain and ailments. As long as Lord Supreme Cloud lives on, we have our rock! We have hope!" "We lowly ones don''t have many abilities. Other than wishing Lord Supreme Cloud well, we curse Lord Supreme Clouds'' enemies. Let them all experience the worst of deaths, the sooner the better!" The words from this trivial character silenced the four pinnacle experts. "Why?" Dugu Chou asked after a moment of silence. "No reason." The innkeeper was rather afraid, a little timid and quivering, but he still replied proudly, "Other than the fact that it is Lord Supreme Cloud and because this lowly one is born a man of Yutang!" "Very well!" The skeletal person expressed his compliments and turned to look at Feng Xiange, saying, "I can''t help you in this as well, but having drunk your wine I can point you towards the path three times. This three hints can allow you or the person you choose to escape three fatal threats!" Feng Xiange grew increasingly baffled, and more than a little lost. Looking at the embarrassed expression on Ling Xiaozui and the skeletal person, he felt even more exasperated. What was going on? For people on par with Ling Xiaozui, they would never make a casual promise; once they did, there would be no backing out. For them to be willing to drink with him, it was basically saying, "Whatever you ask, we will do it for you!" This was truly the case, but now it was wholly different. A mere Supreme Cloud had caused the both of them to change their minds! Even if it had gone against their usual principles, even if they would be in a larger debt, they refused to comply! What? What had he missed? Feng Xiange chuckled bitterly and said, "What about you, Dugu?" Dugu Chou was silent for a bit before he replied, "I don''t mind. However, if this Lord Supreme Cloud is indeed a hero that serves the country and people selflessly I can only warn him against you. I won''t be able to do anything more either." Feng Xiange chortled and said, "Very well! If so, why am I still finding fault with this Supreme Cloud? Forget it, forget it. I''ll let this slide. As long as this Lord Supreme Cloud doesn''t bargeinto me in the future, I won''t find fault with him." He smiled and continued, "However, I am the one who has taken the initiative to cancel this, so none of you owes me any favors. Instead, I should buy all of you wine, for being so fickle." "That makes sense, makes sense indeed." The other three guffawed. At this moment, a hasty galloping could be heard from the outside. It sounded very far away but with the four experts here, there was basically no one who breathed any louder for several miles around. It was silent and peaceful. Under such circumstances, the galloping sound was harsh and clear. Four pairs of eyes gleamed. "A magnificent steed!" The skeletal person was full of praise, "Such a sound! This is my first time seeing such a thing!" Ling Xiaozui took a sip of wine and said, "Such speed This is my first time seeing this as well!" Dugu Chou tweaked his ears and listened to the incessant galloping. A strange expression of longing adorned his face as he commented faintly, "This is a horse king! I didn''t expect that after Crimson, there is still such a majestic steed that exists in this world!" Before his words could echo in the air, a horse suddenly stopped in front of the inn''s entrance. It was red all over! It was burning like a ball of flame. It had galloped throughout the night, yet it seemed like it had always been here. It came to an abrupt halt. Dugu Chou''s eyes grew large and wide. The skeletal person''s pupils contracted as he glanced at the person mounted on the horse before a mysterious smile surfaced on his lips. Ling Xiaozui sighed. Why was this fellow here? Although just being here was a huge opportunity for this fellow, it was Feng Xiange''s most indignant moment, as his intentions to seek revenge had been suppressed by the other three men collectively. Of all people, this man should not be here at this time! A purple-robed youth could be seen astride the horse. He was handsome and graceful, his eyes oozed delight. Right as he hopped off the horse, he cried out, "Brother Ling! You''re here! Why didn''t you tell this young brother that you''ve come, I almost broke my legs running here" The quartet pursed their lips. ''You obviously came riding a horse. How could you break your legs running here?'' The youth was already rushing in, making himself at home. Dropping himself down on the bench by the table, he sat close to Ling Xiaozui and laughed, "Brother Ling, let''s not go back until we''re drunk today!" He then picked up a pot of Feng Xiange''s wine and broke the seal with a strike of his palm. Extending both of his arms, he chuckled saying, "Brother Ling, I don''t have any more of the wine from the God of Wine, Feng Xiange. However, our brotherhood is strong, any wine we drink is Feng Xiange''s wine. Come, come, let me give a toast to you with this pot of wine!" He then raised his chin and gulped down the entire pot of wine. Wiping his mouth, he showered his praises upon the vintage, "Great wine!" Lifting his head, he saw the handful of people around the table looking at him like they were looking upon a deity. He was thrown off-guard. Wiping his mouth again, he asked, "What?" 577 Come, Come, Let Us Be Friends! What? Ling Xiaozui''s hands twitched, itching to fly up and cover his face once he heard the word. ''Brother,what are you asking? You''re crowing too much!'' Among the other three people standing around, Dugu Chou was still indifferent, while Feng Xiange glared daggers at the uninvited youth; the skeletal person wore a meaningful look instead. His gaze on Yun Yang was nonchalant, but deep where no one could see, excitement and ecstasy flickered, like he had found an amazing treasure trove. "Brother Ling Is everything alright?" Yun Yang scratched his head and glanced at Ling Xiaozui who was looking at him. He began to get a hint of the situation from the latter''s reaction then. Ling Xiaozui was silently gazing at Yun Yang in exasperation. An uninvited presence and some carefree words had caused the four pinnacle experts to entertain all kinds of thoughts. Being able to do just this was an undeniable sign of skill. Initially, when the four of them had been drinking together, regardless of the initial atmosphere, the pleasant aura the four of them eventually formed was unusually jovial. However, when someone suddenly barged in and commanded the attention of one of their number, the other three people would inevitably be offended. ''Who are you and what are you doing here? Even if you claim to know the people here, do you know me? You barged in, took a swig and started talking incessantly the moment you sauntered in as if this was your own home just who do you think you are?'' Then, they watched as this uninvited scoundrel sat down without considering himself as an outsider and gulped down an entire pot of wine. That was the God of Wine, Feng Xiange''s, exquisite wine; there was only a handful of them now left in this world. Yet, he had drunk all of it without a care. Just who did he think he was? Yet when the group heard his mindless words, it was hard to maintain a serious demeanor as the foolishness was as amusing as it was infuriating. The youth had drunk a pot of the God of Wine, Feng Xiange''s, wine right in front of him without batting an eye, then he rambled about not having Feng Xiange''s wine and could only replace it with some other wine The wine he was drinking was obviously Feng Xiange''s wine! "And who might this young brother be?" Feng Xiange''s eyes were shrunk to slits as he asked in a low voice, looking at the uninvited youth, his tone laced with dislike. At a gathering of the century, the participants were actual pinnacle masters of the world. For a youth who did not look astounding nor overwhelmingly skilled C even if his looks were surprisingly outstanding and his cultivation base could garner considerable approval - he was still not qualified to interfere. As the main host of this gathering, Feng Xiange immediately disapproved of this uninvited guest. ''My request was rejected without hesitation, my wine was wasted, and now there''s a fool present as well.'' Ling Xiaozui coughed and said, "This young brother is my friend. Previously, I would meet up with this young friend every time I came to Tiantang City. Cough we''re friends beyond the generations." Under the disbelieving gaze of the other three men, Ling Xiaozui unconsciously added the last line. It was this last line that escalated the uninvited guest''s status at once. Although he was yet to be on par with those seated, it was not an absolute impossibility that he could be seen together with them one day. Just the claim of being Ling Xiaozui''s friend beyond the generations carried such status, value, and right! If one were to bear the identity of being the Unrivaled Expert''s friend beyond the ages, one would have such a qualification as well! "Oh a friend beyond the ages" The skeletal man drawled meaningfully, his tone carrying an undertone of understanding. "Cough... this young brother of mine is straightforward and passionate. He is full of justice, courageous and bold, but also softhearted and tender. He is generous and easygoing. With this opportunity, it is his chance and also everyone else''s'' chance to meet. Come, come, get to know each other and be friends" Ling Xiaozui''s grin was closer to being a grimace. Despite his compliments and high praise for Yun Yang, what he wanted to do the most right now was to beat Yun Yang up! Unfortunately, he had to hold the ground for him; after all, Yun Yang had previously done him a huge favor. If Yun Yang had not helped him back then, he would not have lived to this day nor enjoy his achievements to date. Ling Xiaozui honestly felt that this rascal was unabashedly clinging on to him! He was sure that Ling Xiaozui would vouch for him, even when he barged into the scene. Indeed, Ling Xiaozui would help him; he owed him anyway "Brother Ling, not at all! Brother Ling''s friends are my friends, your brothers are my brothers!" Yun Yang said amicably, "This young brother, Yun Yang, is pleased to meet you three elder brothers. I have not asked your names. I dare not comment about other places, but your timing of arrival in Tiantang City is excellent! This place is my territory. There will be no problems at all, as you have me for whatever it is you wish to do!" Ling Xiaozui stayed quiet, with dark thunderclouds hovering about his head. His intention to slap this fellow and send him flying grew deeper. ''Yun Yang, your words are indeed the truth, you are undoubtedly a local snake C probably a dragon, in Tiantang City. Still, do you have the right and ability to boast this way? Your luck causes jealousy as well, but do you know who these three people in front of you are? If they wanted to do anything, would they actually need you?'' ''No, of course, you know who these three people are. If you didn''t, you won''t come, even if you were to be beaten to death!'' The skeletal person seemed to be holding in full-blown laughter as he chuckled and pulled Feng Xiange over, introducing him formally, "I see that this is the son of Yutang''s King Xiaoyao, Young Master Yun Yang. I''ve long heard about Young Master Yun''s name. I will have to depend on Young Master Yun during my stay. Come, come, let me introduce the rest to Young Master Yun. This one here is the God of Wine, Feng Xiange." Once the person spoke, not only did the faces of Ling Xiaozui and group turn blank, even Yun Yang suddenly felt his expression freezing up. Who was this? Yun Yang was acutely aware of the identities of three among the four men seated. The only one he did not know was this skeletal person, neither his background nor his capability. However, his unexpected words were indeed awkward. ''What I said earlier Uh, I said that just now for comedic relief, to soothe the awkwardness. Why did you take it as it is and even go along with it? I, of a younger generation, was supposed to use that trick, and it would still have been appropriate. Isn''t it below you to snatch that opportunity from me?'' ''I don''t know who you are, but I know that you''re an expert, drinking and sitting with Feng Xiange, Ling Xiaozui, and Dugu Chou. Can you have some shame?'' "Er I''ve heard so much about you Uh I''m sorry about what happened just now" Yun Yang was rather stumped. He truly had not expected such a senior martial expert to act so abnormally. For a moment, he was thoroughly embarrassed, which explained the stuttering, an uncommon occurrence. Feng Xiange looked at the skeletal person oddly as well and chuckled dryly. "No worries and never mind Young Master Yun, you need not be so courteous. Young Master Yun''s name is indeed known far and wide; what a pleasure it is to meet you." Yun Yang coughed and raised his goblet. "I have only drunk senior''s brewed wine once before and it was eternally memorable! Having met Brother Ling after such a long parting, I was overwrought and moved earlier, and have actually wasted senior''s wine. I apologize. This junior will borrow the wine and propose a toast to seniors, as a sign of my sincere sentiment." He spoke genuinely, "Senior, you may not know this, but you are my idol. I''ve grown up listening to legends about you." Yun Yang, who had moved past the awkward moment, recovered his award-winning acting skills, performing with a remarkably contrite voice and expression as well as thoroughly believable feeling. Feng Xiange was tongue-tied by his praise and replied, "Well now, I must say then that Young Brother Yun is a handsome and talented heroic youth" He was speechless then, turning to look at Ling XIaozui. "You''ve gone senile. Did you not hear that Young Brother Yun is the son of Yutang''s King Xiaoyao?" Ling Xiaozui added. "Young Brother Yun is noble and brilliant" Feng Xiange shut himself up suddenly as he rambled on. He questioned the strength of his abilities, which allowed him to be so easily distracted and outmaneuvered. ''Why am I being courteous to this young man? You Ling Xiaozui takes him as a young friend, but what does that have to do with me? Will I need to use your connections in future?'' He then put on a straight face and fell into a sullen silence. "Did you really mean that?" Yun Yang was prepared mentally, so he did not feel the awkwardness at all. He turned to look at Dugu Chou, only to find the man gazing at him as well. In truth, Yun Yang couldn''t care less about his image or impression. What he wanted was to become a familiar face. The addition of Ling Xiaozui being present was a natural advantage, as he could not be harmed anyway. This would be an immense boon to his future plan. Otherwise, why would he have rushed all the way here? No matter how amazing they were, there was no point of him feigning enthusiasm; it was exactly because they were useful Still, the drinking session had to go on. ''I won''t leave even if you aren''t happy. I won''t leave even if you chase me away. If you try to kill me well, my big brother, Ling Xiaozui is here! Who do I have to be afraid of?'' 578 An Equine Serendipity Yun Yang was quite astonished upon meeting Dugu Chou''s gaze. There was a flash of agitation and longing in Dugu Chou''s eyes. ''Why is he agitated upon seeing me?'' "This old man''s surname is Dugu." Dugu Chou said slowly, "You said that you came here for Ling Xiaozui, but I do not believe that you were unaware of who I am before you came here." Initially, his gaze was still and lifeless, but when he uttered the last few words, a flame flickered in his eyes. Dugu Chou''s stare was like two thunderbolts that carried the weight of a collision between two mountains within Yun Yang, eliciting a loud crash and dire rumblings. For a brief instant, his divine consciousness wandered. Yun Yang regained his bearings, recovered his manner of a frivolous popinjay and said seriously, "Of course. With Senior Dugu here, this junior would have paid a visit even if there was no reason to." "A wise one should be honest. That, my young friend, is wisdom," Dugu Chou said indifferently. Dugu Chou''s message was undeniably sharp and incise. His words carried the weight of a mountain which crumbled down upon Yun Yang. Dugu Chou had it all planned out; if this young fellow in front of him were continue putting up a frivolous front and attempt to slither away, he would teach him a lesson. Youths who had been successful since young and gained fame early in life usually achieved that due to their occasional flashes of insight, and most of the time, their wits. Perhaps a lot of problems could be solved using one''s wits, but when a truly tricky issue arrived, they would usually be the one bringing doom upon themselves and would even lose control of the situation, ultimately falling into the worst case scenario. Dugu Chou had made a similar judgment upon seeing Yun Yang''s performance and felt the need to punish him lightly. He had not expected the young man to immediately change his attitude the moment Dugu Chou made a slight adjustment to his tone. Like a face-changing opera, he had torn the frivolous front apart and put up a respectful, humble, and gentle image! Dugu Chou felt everything he intended to do fall apart; the strike that had been reeled in with power seemed to have landed on a ball of clouds. Like soil that was thrown into the sea, it could not be used at all! "Young Master Yun, you are indeed patterned after your namesake, the cloud," Dugu Chou said faintly after recovering his bearings. "Senior''s words are absolutely true," Yun Yang said even more respectfully, managing to look honored and terribly pleased with himself. The four experts looked at each other speechlessly. For a moment, all of them were tempted to burst out laughing. Young Master Yun was indeed named Yun (cloud) The four words they uttered were just ''magnificent'', but they understood Dugu Chou''s futile strike as well, thus the appropriateness of such words. "Senior Dugu has eyeing my horse for quite a while May I know the reason?" Yun Yang asked respectfully. Dugu Chou sighed softly and said, "This horse of yours what is its name?" "Reddie." Yun Yang answered proudly, "I gave it the name myself. Don''t you think that the horse lives up to its name, senior?" The other three people looked at each other speechlessly again. An exquisite steed that was extremely handsome had been given such a ridiculous name and it still managed to live up to it? How? "Not bad! This name is very good!" Beyond everyone''s expectation, Dugu Chou gave high praise and stole a few loving glances at Reddie, saying, "It should be named Reddie. No other name would have fit as well." Yun Yang was stunned; so were Ling Xiaozui and the other two men. I beg your pardon? Dugu Chou sighed and said, "However, it''s such a pity for this marvelous steed to remain in your hands." "That''s right. It''s indeed quite a pity," Yun Yang agreed. Dugu Chou was surprised to hear Yun Yang admit the fact so easily; he looked at him again and said, "Why do you think it''s a pity?" Yun Yang was dumbstruck. ''Didn''t you say that it was a pity? I''m only agreeing with you'' ''People nowadays are hard to communicate with. Everybody is so odd. Is there even a way to talk properly these days?'' He took a slight pause before answering carefully, "The best choice for such a remarkable charger is to return to the forest and live its life in a carefree and triumphant manner. It would also be great if it can charge on the battlefield, help its rider gain victory after victory... at the very worst, it should keep a masterly swordsman company or a pinnacle expert in roaming the martial world" "As for me, I don''t belong to any one of the three you mentioned earlier. It''s indeed a pity for it to stay with me," Yun Yang said. Dugu Chou''s gaze gleamed as he said, "If you realized this as well, why don''t you let it go?" Yun Yang chuckled dryly and said, "Reddie and I have never had a superior to a subordinate relationship. Since I''ve gotten it, I''ve never added a harness, a saddle or even a horseshoe If it wanted to leave, it can do so anytime." "I don''t know if senior believes me, but Reddie and I are friends. We are each other''s confidants." Yun Yang''s gaze on Reddie was warm as he continued, "It can''t bear to leave me. Maybe one day when I leave this world, when this body no longer exists, when it has no more longing, it will leave on its own" Reddie stood outside the inn quietly. Its eyes were watching Yun Yang with a passive gentleness as it lowered its head to snort. Tilting its head, it looked at Dugu Chou before shifting back to Yun Yang; then, its gaze went back to Dugu Chou and a flash of a threat glimmered in its eyes before it growled at Dugu Chou. It was as if its eyes were saying, "Don''t even think about touching my master!". It was what Dugu Chou thought anyway. Consequently, admiration poured from his eyes as he spoke, as if very comforted, "That''s right, absolutely correct. A spiritual creature of heaven and earth should have someone who can care for it and think of it as a friend. You can be considered as the next best route other than the three mentioned ends for an excellent horse, one that is hard to come by again. Such scenario is a boon, be it to you or it." In spite of this, despite his extensive experience and knowledge, Dugu Chou could not have known that the true intention behind Reddie''s growl was that the steed was trying to warn him, "Don''t even think about taking away my rice bowl! This fellow is too great a benefit to me I won''t leave, even if you chase me away!" Yun Yang was incredibly surprised to see Dugu Chou being such a chatterbox. It was pure serendipity, that he and Dugu Chou could break the ice because of a horse! "I can''t help thinking of my own horse in the past, seeing this handsome steed by chance today." Dugu Chou was sorrowful. "I called it Crimson I used to ride it across the martial world, carefree in traveling wherever we wanted But the day finally came when my cultivation base reached new heights Riding Crimson caused me to be much, much slower than when I used my skill" "After long years of hard work, when it couldn''t keep up with my legs, Crimson was disappointed It was probably about then that it began to think that it could no longer help me For a few years, Crimson tried its mightiest to gallop, to increase its speed, to prove itself useful to me again" "Finally, there was a day when it watched me rise into the air and ride the wind it stood at the peak of a mountain and watched me drift into the sky, stood there for three full days" "For the next half year, Crimson stayed very close to me. Wherever I went, it followed Even if it could not keep up, it had to follow Back then, I actually began to feel tired of Crimson trailing behind me; I thought of it as unwanted baggage. However, one day after that half year, one morning when I woke up, I couldn''t find Crimson anymore" "Since then, it has never come back to me I thought about it for the longest time, and one day, I gained a sudden insight. Crimson couldn''t bear to part with me, thus it gave itself the half year to accompany me Then, it left quietly." "After that, I traveled everywhere to look for Crimson but I didn''t manage to." "Humans, we are such despicable beings. We don''t know how to appreciate something when we have it, but we regret it so much when we lose it" "This is one of my greatest regrets in life" Dugu Chou said sadly, "This horse of yours, from its color, image or its beauty they''re comparable to Crimson. They are so similar that I almost thought that this could be Crimson''s descendant" Yun Yang was suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of heaviness, sighing instinctively. It was because he was aware then that Dugu Chou was destined to be disappointed. When Yun Yang found Reddie, it was a stallion that was still growing into adulthood, while Dugu Chou''s horse had lived at least five hundred years ago! According to the time frame, it was impossible for Reddie to be Crimson''s descendant. Even if Reddie were to be of Crimson''s bloodline, the two would be many generations apart "Yun Yang, Young Master Yun, I hope you can promise this old man, that no matter what happens, you must treat it kindly." Dugu Chou''s gaze was trained at Reddie, tenderness running deep in his orbs, as he said slowly, "Even when one day, your cultivation base has increased to the point where speed is no longer a restraint, don''t hurt it" Yun Yang kept quiet for a moment upon hearing his request, then answered seriously, "I promise! If that day were to come, I will ask for its opinion. Even if it doesn''t carry me anymore, it can stay in my home forever. My home is its home, eternally. I will reiterate that we''re friends and that this has never been a relationship of superiority." "Even when it can''t keep up with my speed anymore, there''s still my family, my wife, my children, who can keep it company." Yun Yang said earnestly, "That is if I can live to that day, of course." Dugu Chou smiled contentedly. "Very well. Your level is even higher than my own. I will remember this. Yun Yang, you can address me now; just call me Old Dugu." Before Yun Yang arrived, he had never expected his acquaintance with Dugu Chou to be smooth, but when he heard Dugu Chou''s last sentence, Yun Yang was shaken to the core. 579 Amazing! Old Dugu! Just call me Old Dugu! Yun Yang felt his heart lurch upon hearing those words. His eyes were rimmed red instantly as an overwhelming emotion engulfed him. As he looked upon the old man, he thought about his own father. Putting an abrupt halt to his stray thoughts, Yun Yang took in a deep breath and said hoarsely, "I dare not. There''s only one Old Dugu in my heart, but it can''t be senior!" "Oh?" Dugu Chou hummed under his breath. Yun Yang stood up and said, "It has been a rare opportunity for me to gather with various seniors today. Yun Yang has indeed come with a purpose, we are all aware of this and there''s no need for me to hide it. Thankfully, none of you has decided to chase Yun Yang out on the spot. Yun Yang accepts the welcome with gratitude. Regardless of how this day ends, this gathering isn''t a lost cause." His careful and subservient attitude towards the four masterly experts had suddenly turned into an unconstrained carefreeness. The stark emotional contrast caused the four experts to be dumbfounded once more, as they looked at him again with shocked stares. Yun Yang smiled and said, "Since this is a happy gathering and this junior has the fortune to be a part of it, this junior should show some sincerity. I will cook up a dish for everyone, all I ask that you try a bit of it." "It''s a shame, come to speak of it. This is the only dish I know how to make! However, it''s also a lifelong signature dish that I''m confident enough to bring to the table!" he said slowly with heartfelt emotion. The sensitive Ling Xiaozui was acutely aware of Yun Yang''s turbulent feelings, so he intervened appropriately, "What fare is this that can be said to be a lifelong signature dish?" "Chinese cabbage tofu." Yun Yang grinned. He was smiling now, but the four experts all felt that his grin was much sadder than weeping. Yun Yang turned. "Keeper, do we have Chinese cabbage and tofu?" After some time, an indescribable aroma slowly filled the entire room. All four experts sniffed, and surprise bloomed in their eyes. They had not expected that the youth was actually telling the truth! Just by smelling the aroma, they could tell that the dish produced must be uniquely well-crafted! It was only an ordinary, homemade dish, but it had risen to the peak that a homemade dish could reach! "Very well, very well indeed! A lifelong signature dish it is!" Dugu Chou inhaled the aroma, rather intoxicated, and said, "Back in my day my dear wife had her signature dish as well I couldn''t have enough of it, despite consuming it all my life" "The reason such a dish can be a delicious signature dish is that the commonly famed chefs used skills when they cook" Dugu Chou said softly, "However, my dear wife, like Yun Yang here who cooks this way, used her heart." "To be able to have such a dish in this lifetime is a great and wonderful opportunity!" Dugu Chou spoke to Ling Xiaozui, "Ling Xiao, this young friend of yours is splendid C whether to a horse or to people! When you said that his arrival was a chance to know him better, who would have known that it''d be so true?" "I thought that you were going to beat him up." Ling Xiaozui chuckled. Dugu Chou chortled. "If he behaved the way he did when he arrived, a trashing would have been unavoidable. Not only would he have been beaten up, you would have suffered the same fate as well! But now" He sniffed the aroma that was growing stronger and said softly, "A little tells a lot. Yun Yang is very gifted. His outstanding appearance is secondary, what I care more about is his sentiment. He''s sincere to his horse and to people it''s only possible to produce such an intricate dish when he prizes relationships and sentiments to the core Therefore, he can''t be one with evil intentions." "Besides, coming to find us speaks of his flexibility and adaptability. He understands making use of synergy and isn''t pedantic. He can even modulate his behavior to get to know those he wants to get to know." "If he were to be evil, he would be the world''s worst overlord; if he were to be on the side of good, he would be the God in everyone''s heart! "A very good young man." Dugu Chou claimed with even more conviction, "Very good!" Ling Xiaozui wore a smile that went up to his eyebrows and the corners of his eyes, saying, "I''ve always thought that this is a good young man as well." "Not bad indeed," Feng Xiange agreed, smiling from the side. The skeletal person said, "Not only is he not bad, he''s simply amazing!" "Amazing?" The other three men turned to look at him. A young man whom the three could compliment as good could be greater than anyone else; it was possibly the first time Dugu Chou had ever found a youth ''very good''. However, there was an even more extreme comment from this expert. Amazing! The comment itself was amazing. The skeletal person beamed, condensing his voice into three lines and sending them into the trio''s ears. "Don''t doubt my comment. What I said earlier is rather reserved; in truth, this young man before us is perhaps the most amazing person I''ve ever met! All of you are unable to see why he is amazing. I don''t blame you since none of you are me!" Hearing this, Dugu Chou, Feng Xiange, and Ling Xiaozui were taken aback. Amazing! Unable to see? Not me? To imagine that there was someone in this world who dared to speak this way to the three of them. This was truly amazing; they really were unable to see it! While the four of them could drink together at a table, it was purely possible due to the timing and the sensing of each other''s auras; they had all felt each other''s comparable cultivation base and were of similar levels; although there were differences, they could be considered paltry. This was how the gathering came to be. The last person actually did not know anyone among the trio, but upon speaking like he did, he had stated his superiority. Ling Xiaozui and the other two were masterly experts of this world, at the peak of the pinnacle, how could they accept such condescending behavior? "You said that we were unable to see it. Are you also saying that you can?" Feng Xiange scoffed, peering balefully at the man out of the corner of his eyes. "Of course," said the skeletal person. Feng Xiange asked, "May I ask you to identify yourself?" The skeletal person sighed, "The God of Wine serves us wine, what a happy meeting it was. I thought you would have guessed who I am I see now that you haven''t." Feng Xiange frowned, unable to come up with a reply, while Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui exchanged thoughtful glances. Dugu Chou could vaguely guess the identity of this walking sack of bones, but he was even more certain of it now. The skeletal person smiled faintly, pouring himself a bowl of wine and emptying it, as he said softly, "One word of mine can, perhaps, prevent you from meeting an untimely demise but his one word can" As he got to this part, his expression contorted into one of extreme agony. With a hoarse cough, he spat out blood. Turning his head in time, the blood that he spat shot out like an arrow, hurtling far into the dark. Far on the other end of the darkness, there was a cry of pain, but it was short-lived. The strangled cry was as if someone was coincidentally there and had been struck by the blood. They could only cry out, but before their voice could travel far, they had perished instantly! This time, the other three experts looked up in unison, and spoke simultaneously, "It''s you! It''s really you!" 580 To Each Their Wish "There are so many of us here, but there''s actually someone who''s interested to hear what we are talking about" The skeletal person chuckled, wiping the blood stain from the corner of his mouth, and slowly picked himself up. He retrieved a ladle of water and rinsed his mouth carefully before walking back to sit down. He chuckled softly and said, "Of course it''s me, and only me." "You don''t normally show yourself, do you?" Ling Xiaozui asked, "Why have you appeared before us without a disguise this time? There must be a reason!" The skeletal person laughed humorlessly and replied, "Whether there''s a reason or due to the unpredictability of things, it''s still a long story. However, since I''ve appeared before you and Dugu Chou, I naturally wish to ask the two of you for help." "May I ask what help could you possibly be asking for?" Dugu Chou''s expression turned serious. The favor could not be something simple, for this person to step out and look to Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui for help, both Unrivaled Experts whom the world acknowledged, at the same time. "What I want to ask of the both of is not urgent. There''s still room to consider." The skeletal person said, "What''s pressing now is to ask Feng Xiange for a favor. Initially, I wanted to find Cheng Jishi; unfortunately, I couldn''t even locate him but luckily Feng Xiange can be of help too." "What do you mean I can be of help too? You must have wanted to find Cheng Jishi for his prescription. If I were to be the one prescribing you the medicine, would you dare take it?" Feng Xiange chortled. Feng Xiange was the God of Wine, not the God of Medicine; the consumer had to consider everything before relying on a brewer to prescribe medication! While Feng Xiange was also a physician, he was the "Phantom Physician God of Wine", he was not the bona fide "God of Medicine". The skeletal person answered, "Of course it''s for the prescription of medicine if it were Cheng Jishi. However, what I said about you being of help, Feng Xiange is because I only need you to brew wine for me." His expression turned serious as he continued, "I remember clearly that there was a myth back in the day that claimed you were studying the Eternal Evanesce Wine?" "Why in the world would you want to drink that wine?" Feng Xiange''s expression changed as he uttered the words slowly. The skeletal person sighed and answered, "I was befouled by spirit poison, I have to risk it." "Spirit poison!" The trio was stunned once more, no longer as calm as they were before. More than ninety-nine percent of the people in this world would not have heard of these two words, but the quartet here was an exception. Not only had they heard of it, they knew and understood fully, how terrifying that thing was! This person in front of them who had been tainted by spirit poison could still sit here, alive and functioning. It was a miracle. Of course, the combination of this person''s identity, capability, and background rendered the danger of common poisons ineffective. It had to be a very precise dose for him to be contaminated by the spirit poison, a precise match! "Otherwise, why did you think I would look like this now" The skeletal person sighed, "I was very handsome and elegant back then too, I didn''t look too different from the young boy there... Even if there was a difference, it wasn''t significant" "Unfortunately, the spirit poison''s attributes are mystical. There really isn''t a remedy for it. Even if there were to be the Eternal Evanesce Wine, it can only allow you to die with the spirit poison. It can''t actually heal you; what''s the use of it then?" Feng Xiange said, "What''s more, the wine is incredibly damaging to the nature of the very earth itself After the poisoned one dies, the corpse hardens; weapons can''t pierce through it nor can water or flame damage it; it''s basically indestructible. Even if the body is placed high in the mountains and the heaven and earth''s spiritual Qi is used to cleanse the malefic emanations, it can only be maintained for, at most, ten years! After ten years, the mountains themselves will die! The Qi will not be able to recover within hundreds of thousands of years! Within this duration of time, anyone who passes through this mountain would suffer from different degrees of toxicity!" "This will go on until the mountain turns into a miasma of foulness!" "Would you ingest such a wine?" "The Eternal Evanesce Wine shouldn''t even exist among the world''s wines." Feng Xiange said, "While I know the brewing method, I dare not try it. If I were the only one brewing it, I may have already died from the poison before the wine is brewed!" The skeletal person said, "You know who I am. Naturally, you know that what I am saying is real and they will come true." "As long as you''re willing to help, I have my ways to let you brew this wine successfully," said the man. "What if I don''t wish to help?" Feng Xiange''s gaze was cold as he asked icily. The skeletal man smiled. "You don''t have to put up a front for me. You will certainly help me. If you won''t, I wouldn''t have come for you." Feng Xiange''s cold fa?ade vanished instantly as he moaned, "One can''t be acquainted with a monster like you! Why did I have to come to Tiantang City? Why couldn''t I hold my heart still?" Dugu Chou was wearing a curious gaze as he asked, "Since you know everything, how can you be poisoned? Was it an unavoidable destiny for you?" "You could call it a practical joke of destiny. Unavoidable. Didn''t you know back then that your wife wouldn''t be able to stay with you forever as well? Why did you let yourself fall into it?" The skeletal person chuckled. There was a flash of anger on Dugu Chou''s face. Luckily, the skeletal person continued, "Dugu, this is the predestined fate of our lives! No one can avoid predestined doom, it''s the same for you and me!" "You can''t hide from it, can''t toss it away, can''t leave it, can''t live, can''t die, can''t cry" the skeletal man heaved a long sigh. The other three men sighed at the same time as well. It was only a dozen words but they allowed them to feel a range of emotions, especially when they had gotten to the level they were in. Their feelings were mixed upon hearing such words. "My part is done, let''s talk about yours. Today''s gathering is due to the workings of fate anyway; I should give some advice to you all." The skeletal person looked at Ling Xiaozui and said, "Ling Xiaozui, you have your wish coming on this trip, you have something to do. Yet, it can''t be accomplished by you alone." Ling Xiaozui nodded with a bitter chuckle. The man then glanced at Dugu Chou. "Old Dugu, you too. You have come for a wish. You''ll need people to help you." Dugu Chou nodded lightly. "As for you, Feng Xiange, you didn''t really come to find fault with Supreme Cloud." The skeletal person turned to look at Feng Xiange and said, "You have a wish and you''ll need help as well." Feng Xiange looked like he wanted to say something but the words died in his mouth; the old man merely sighed and lowered his head. "There''s no need to sigh. I''m no better than all of you. I''ve come with my wish too." The skeletal person chortled and recited like he was singing, "The hardships in life, who can be without a wish?" There was a twitch in Dugu Chou''s facial muscles. He clenched his jaw and took in a deep breath, closing his eyes and emptying his wine. The two phrases the skeletal person had recited was the beginning lines of a song. This song was called ''Something To Ask For'', befitting the issues of everyone there in the inn. This had been Dugu Chou''s wife''s favorite song to sing in the past. Now, when he heard someone singing it again, Dugu Chou felt his heart clench, like waves rippling through a calm sea; for a moment, his emotions ran wild, the heartache indescribable. "The hardships in life who can be without a wish" Dugu Chou chuckled and began to sing, beating the wine bowl with chopsticks. "Such worldly affairs, who can have no worries" "A glimpse of success and failure, a lifetime taken." "A goblet of bitter wine, there goes the time" "Let us sigh at the vicissitudes of life, love will come to an end;" "A cry of a general, chancellor, king, and marquis," "A flick of soil it is." "A call of a brother," "When have they become the enemy?" "Looking at the path in front, when have I lost your hand in mine?" "Who can be without a wish, who can have no worries?" "I have something to ask for, I ask for the immortality of my love and the joy of the hero." "I have a wish, I wish the land to prosper always." "I have something to ask for, I ask for your company eternally" "I have a wish, I wish for love to remain unchanged till we die" "You and I, together through every millennium!" 581 Can I See Her Again? In all honesty, Dugu Chou was not possessed of a beautiful voice; his singing was mediocre at best. However, everyone present could hear his effort and feelings flow into his song; his low and scratchy voice gave birth to a melancholic mood in those who listened to him. As the skeletal person listened, he condensed all his thoughts into a drawn-out, quiet sigh. Ling Xiaozui looked sad as well, while Feng Xiange had closed his eyes to listen wholeheartedly. One of his hands tapped out the beat on his thigh, as he reminisced about days gone by. White hair fluttered in the night''s breeze, silent and grim. For a moment, the four legendary figures who had long reigned at the peak of this world indulged in their own thoughts, causing a sense of desolation to fill the room. The experience of such legends was far richer than that of a common person''s; who among these legends who had attained so many achievements would not be filled with a memorable past? Time flew by with the snap of a finger, the past drifting past like a smokescreen. At this very moment, when hundreds of years had turned into smoke and dust, how did it feel when his lover''s favorite song had been sung once again? Where were those enchanting confidants to whom those sincere feelings had been poured out? Those beauties who were affectionate and loving they were long gone now When the prime of life had passed and the competition was gone, only four old men were left sitting here drinking wine. They were standing at the tip of clouds overlooking the world, but did they still have companionship to call their own? The way to Dao was a difficult one; one could expect to be lonely. Yet when reality struck, the heartache was an arduous challenge to overcome. Yun Yang stood by the kitchen''s entrance; watching the quartet, he could not help sighing inwardly and think to himself, ''After decades, after centuries, will I be like them? Sitting before wine and reminiscing about the past? That feeling" The skeletal person heaved a deep sigh. He finally looked up to take a deep breath and with a flick of his wrist, a purple jade flute was produced and placed on his lips. Fragments of a lingering flute melody resounded like quiet sobbing; it was near yet far, echoing yet it could not be heard. It traveled straight to the deepest part of one''s heart. When Yun Yang sat back at the table, the singing faded and the flute reached its last note. Only soft sighs resounded in everyone''s ears as if all those present around the table had gone through a cycle of life within this single song which was accompanied by the flute. "This is your lifelong signature dish, Chinese cabbage tofu" Dugu Chou speared a portion, looking even more melancholic, and drank a bowl of wine; he then sighed in a low voice, "Right, right, this is Chinese cabbage and tofu indeed!" Ling Xiaozui and others were quiet as well, drinking and sighing to themselves. Dugu Chou ate a few mouthfuls of the dish and suddenly fell into a trance. He then looked towards the skeletal person in all seriousness. The person smiled and asked, "Do you have something else you wish to ask for?" "I want to ask you a question. Will you give me a straightforward answer?" Dugu Chou stated after a deep breath. "Ask away, I''ll try my best," said the skeletal person. Dugu Chou slowly uttered his question, "Can I still see her?" The moment the question was spoken, everyone present reeled in shock. Everyone, including Yun Yang, was well aware who the ''her'' mentioned by Dugu Chou was. She had been dead for hundreds of years now. How could he see her? Even if there were to be a reincarnation, the centuries that passed would have meant several lifetimes of reincarnation already. It was so unexpected that the strange, skeletal person continued to ruminate for some time, not speaking during the entire period. The longer he was silent, the brighter Dugu Chou''s eyes grew brighter. The other party did not reject straightaway but grew silent in thought. That meant hope, that meant opportunity; as long as there was a possibility, it was better than anything! Ling Xiaozui and group were made exceptionally nervous as well, their eyes trained at the strange skeletal person, unblinking. Yun Yang held his breath and felt his heart thump wildly. If there could be a day for those who had passed away for so long could to meet again, did that mean he had the chance to see Old Dugu? Yun Yang really wanted to meet this elder who was like his father now, to tell him that his son, Yun Yang''s seventh brother, might still be alive His elder brothers "If meeting each other wasn''t a fine occasion, it''s better not to meet. Why should we meet again!" The skeletal person sighed, "Such is the life!" Dugu Chou continued to persist. "I know you must have a way. Tell me, how do I see her again? Whatever the method, whether it can be done or not, I''ll owe you a favor!" The skeletal person was in another long duration of silence before he said, "Sigh... I hesitated because I know only a single method, but this method you may not be able to achieve it." He sighed and said, "Actually, under this sky, for billions of years, since the beginning of time, there aren''t more than ten individuals who could this!" "I''m utterly in debt knowing the method Please point me towards a path. Dugu Chou will be immensely grateful for this lifetime, thankful for eternity!" Dugu Chou said, his ears perked up. The skeletal person sighed softly and said, "Halt. Let me tell all of you a story first." The group perked up their ears immediately, knowing that the story must be significant and not just common folklore. Yun Yang was extra focused, afraid that he might miss out on any minor details. "Many unknown years ago, right under this sky, there was an absolute master, I can''t mention his name He''s gotten to the peak of the world he was in, his longevity certain, almost immortal C but his lover''s life was short-lived Before he fulfilled his cultivation method, his lover had left the world to journey to the other side. Their love was deep, but their fates shallow" "This person was anguished, being so In love with his lover. He thought about all the methods possibly available, wanting to resurrect his lover, to reunite" As he got to this part, everyone''s eyes were bright like a blazing torch. Resurrect! "His ability was at the peak of the world, proudly overlooking it, but the depth of his cultivation base was of no relevance. He announced a reward, spread it to the world, in search for an executable way, but it didn''t pay off He refused to give up, looking high and low. After many years, there was finally a day when he met someone. The person probably sympathized with him, took pity on his devotion, and told him that when your cultivation base goes on a constant breakthrough, when one day, you can break through this universe you can bring your lover back to life!" Yun Yang and the others looked up into the sky at the same time, observing the borderless night sky. There were countless of stars in the void, blinking dazzlingly from a place distance unknown. "Break through this universe?" Yun Yang murmured inwardly. The skeleton-like person continued his narration. "Because there was this thought, this person began working towards this goal He broke through his level constantly, cultivating at the risk of his life and fought endlessly, grinding" "But he was already the strongest in this world then. Even when he improved, he realized that he was peerless. Yet he can''t even get out of the continent, forget the faraway extreme of the universe." "Refusing to give up, he began to find ways of breaking through the continent. He tried creating his own cultivation method to break through his initial limitation. Finally, one day, he succeeded in breaking through the void, rising and soaring to a higher level" "As he got to the new world, though, he was shocked to find out that his cultivation base wasn''t at the peak yet. In the new world, there were so many more who were stronger than him. He had only broken through the world that he was born in. It was still a long way as there were too many strong ones out there. He was still in such a place, he hadn''t yet broken through to the extremes of the universe" "Therefore, he began cultivating, endlessly fighting, breaking through, grinding, advancing towards that one goal without stopping" The skeletal person stopped after he got to this point. "Then?" Dugu Chou felt parched, his voice so hoarse that he could hardly discern what he said. "Finally he reached a strange realm. A simple punch could break the stars! A shout could hide the sun and moon! A simple throw of force could freeze time itself!" The skeletal person said, "There''s no need to be suspicious, no need to be surprised. He, at that time, had fathomed the principle of Dao" "It was after he got to that level that he traveled, opposing the heaven''s way based on his singular power. In the end, he returned to the continent he came from, and reverted time!" The oddly skeletal person lamented, "He turned the entire continent''s time back to when he and his lover had just met and fell in love; to allow everything to restart, to prevent the mishap from happening" 582 Succor Will Be Needed! Everyone, without exception, sucked in a cold breath upon hearing those words. Only Yun Yang''s gaze burned brighter, his face flushed with excitement as he continued to narrate his story. "In the end, he came upon the person he would grow to like the most when she was a mere nineteen years old. He came for his lover, breaking the restraints that the world had set on her, breaking free of the rules, and left, flying towards the sky. He used the Dao rule and allowed his lover to keep him company eternally!" The skeletal person said softly, "Legend has it that he has resided for hundreds of thousands of years in that world!" He looked up at Dugu Chou and said, "If you can do the same,and manage to cultivate the Principle of Dao, you can meet her again! Still" His explicit and implicit meaning was glaringly obvious. While Dugu Chou was at the top of this world, an apt cultivator who was unrivaled for thousands of years, he was still incomparable to the person in the legend. Saying that he could not do it at all was not just a mindless statement! Feng Xiange sighed and lowered his head; picking up a wine pot, he gulped its contents down. Ling Xiaozui sat calmly, but there was an inexplicable agitation in his expression. He exuded a sword intention that was subtle but almost soaring in its intensity. Dugu Chou turned to look at Ling Xiaozui, his eyes glimmering. He spoke faintly but with emphasis on his words, "Ling Xiaozui There will come a day when I shall truly drink with you in the clouds." Ling Xiaozui''s black robe fluttered even though there was no wind as he answered softly, "As you wish!" It was easily discernable that while Feng Xiange was not the oldest among those seated, it was the hardest for his cultivation journey to advance, and there was not much longevity left in him. It was clear that it was hopeless for Feng Xiange to reach that realm. However, Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui were still at their peak and they could still continue to live for quite some time. If they could make another breakthrough and add some substantial years to their longevity, they would have obtained an endless set of years again! Therefore, despite knowing that the path in front of them was both arduous and trying, both of them were ambitious enough to strive for the ultimate way to Dao. The skeletal person glanced first at Dugu Chou and then at Ling Xiaozui before lowering his head and pressing his fingers to calculate quietly. After some time, he lifted his head to look at Yun Yang in surprise before lowering it to calculate in silence again. "What do you foresee?" asked Ling Xiaozui. "It matters not what I foretell. I can''t say it, no matter what I see" The strangely skeletal person sighed but he still said softly, "Both of your fortunes aren''t bad, you have to meet your succor and your path can be continued. Dugu and Ling Xiao both have the chance to advance in your cultivation journey, but you''ll have to plan well how your future path is to go. A single misstep will cause your downfall." Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui asked simultaneously with a frown, "Please elaborate further." The odd skeletal person said, "The way to Dao emphasizes much on fortune. Everyone will meet their succor in their lifetime. As long as you don''t miss your fortuity and find your succor, paying the price you need to, success is achievable. What''s left is only hard work, and effort that you will need to exert. Then, success awaits you. However, if you can''t find succor or come across the wrong type of aid, then your fortuity ends there. There''s no way to go any further." "Fortuity and succor?" Both Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui looked thoughtful. The odd skeletal person turned again to gaze at Yun Yang. A gentle but sinister smile appeared on his sunken face as he said, "Young Brother Yun Yang, do you have anything to ask for as well?" "I only want to ask that if I also have someone I wanted to revive, would it be the same as well?" asked Yun Yang after some careful pondering. The skeletal person wore a mysterious smile and answered, "It''s the same, and yet, not." The answer caused curiosity to rise among the four men. Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, and Yun Yang asked in unison, "What is the same? And what do you mean by it''s not?" "I can''t say, I can''t tell. When the time comes, you''ll understand," answered the skeletal person. Three of the men mused, lost in their own thoughts. Dugu Chou''s gaze on Yun Yang turned curious as he asked, "Young Brother Yun, you''re so young, but do you already have a regret of love?" Yun Yang rubbed his nose and replied, "Even though I may not worry now, there''s still a fear for it in the future. I don''t have it now, but there''s no harm preparing earlier lest I mess up in the future." "There is no truth in that answer. Look, it''s fine if you don''t want to tell me," Dugu Chou said with a roll of his eyes. Ling Xiaozui laughed out loud at that. Yun Yang laughed too, saying, "Well, I do have some thoughts about this incredibly arduous resurrection method. If this method were to be carried out smoothly, its main condition is to live long. Only when longevity is endless, will there be hope to reach the end of Dao. Senior Dugu and Brother Ling both have the basic requirements, especially Brother Ling, being at their prime both physically and mentally." Dugu Chou grinned, glancing at Yun Yang with interest and said with a chuckle, "Especially your Brother Ling? Do you mean to say that I''m not at my prime, physically and mentally?" "I only feel that if one always appears aged, the heart will follow in aging, even when one stresses that their heart is still young." Yun Yang said seriously, "If Senior Dugu wants to prove that your mentality is at its prime as well, you have to at least recover your appearance to that of when you were a youth. Then, it can be considered." Ling Xiaozui guffawed upon hearing Yun Yang''s elaboration. Dugu Chou began chortling as well. As he laughed, his face and body suddenly changed visibly. Yun Yang''s eyes widened, watching Dugu Chou slowly and visibly turn from the image of an old man to that of a youth, one of strength and a tall posture His grey hair gradually turned black, inky and shiny. The lines on his wrinkled face vanished slowly and became smooth, radiant His hunched form slowly straightened up "Enough! Enough!" Ling Xiaozui stopped him quickly. Dugu Chou laughed and stopped cultivating. His image now was already that of a middle-aged man in his thirties. He asked with a wide smile, "How about now?" The corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched in amusement. ''You know, I was just saying those things. You didn''t have to immediately transform and prove me wrong.'' ''Could you be any less amazing?'' ''It''s not even a disguise! Even reconstructive surgery would lend itself to such an exaggerated change!'' "Right you are." Ling Xiaozui observed and said, "If you were to grow any younger, I''m afraid you''ll be entangled in even more romantic affairs once again. The heart of ladies are easily hurt; can you bear wounding these poor souls?" The group guffawed. The skeletal person laughed and said, "Everyone has their wish, be it a long-term or short-term goal. Spill it out, let us see if we can help and benefit each other." "Coming out this time, I wouldn''t have dreamed of meeting Feng Xiange nor Ling Xiaozui, especially, of course, not you. I came out only wanting to do some exercise, train myself against a few opponents. All that has happened since are surprise gains, my fortuity," said Dugu Chou. Yun Yang''s eyes shone when he heard the old man and said respectfully, "Senior Dugu''s wish will be easy to fulfill! I dare not comment on other things in Tiantang City, but we have too many experts here. This junior is happy to be the host and willing to help senior find some opponents to spar against." Ling Xiaozui looked at the young man thoughtfully, thinking to himself, ''At least you know how to speak. I thought you were going to say C as long as you stay by my side, I''ll guarantee you endless battles and no shortage of expert opponents'' Actually, Yun Yang had indeed planned to say something like that. He had swallowed the words and had, instead, foreshadowed his meaning. Of course, the implication was still the same! "I am mainly here because of coincidence and my mood. I was loitering around and have somehow roamed all the way here." Ling Xiaozui looked at ease; glancing at Yun Yang, he said faintly, "Now that Dugu is here, I''ll be saved from lots of trouble." Yun Yang was deeply moved. At such a chaotic time, for Ling Xiaozui, who was as unworldly as the wild stocks and drifting clouds, to embroil himself in this giant whirlpool, he must have come for him. Now, in Tiantang City, Ling Xiaozui was probably still concerned about him. "I''m here to find help." The skeletal person said, "At the same time, to find fighters. However, I have found three instantly, and at the same place. What great fortune, a great chance indeed." Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, and Feng Xiange snorted loudly in unison. 583 Here Comes Trouble! Feng Xiange sighed and said, "In truth, one of my purposes is to find Supreme Cloud. Of course, the main one is to find an heir. I don''t have long to live, I have to pass on the wine I''ve treasured all my life. I am exceptionally prideful of this legacy." Yun Yang''s gaze flickered as he listened to Feng Xiange from the side, but he maintained a straight face. He was Supreme Cloud, he was the main culprit behind the havoc between the Empire of Ziyou and the one who carried the name God of Wine. As one of the two main goals behind Feng Xiange''s reappearance, he had figured as much. However, he was surprised to discover that Feng Xiange''s purpose included his wine and legacy. Ling Xiaozui glimpsed at Yun Yang, a ghost of a smile pulling at the corners of his lips. The more they chatted, the more congenial they became. Yun Yang did not dare interject too much; he played the role of a listener well. After all, he was a junior and his ability was very limited. It was already a fortune to be able to sit with these four experts, a destiny made in heaven; if he were to spew nonsense, that would be arrogant and overconfident of him. However, Yun Yang was amused as he listened to the quartet''s chat. The four of them took their turns to complain, one after another. It was somewhat of a surprise that each of these masterly experts at the top of the world had their own pains, their unaccomplished wishes; it was a stark contrast from their identities as legendary myths. ''I see it now. There is a camaraderie as these masterly experts are gathered together, just like how commoners group together. They need not put on a mysterious front and can show their true selves. If I didn''t see this with my own eyes, it would be hard to imagine that the usual myths about masterly experts being unworldly and untainted is totally different from reality!'' Yun Yang thought it was unusually interesting to see the four old men chatter animatedly and sometimes argue with flustered expressions. It had to be mentioned that some relationships could be formed rapidly. No matter how powerful or skilled the legends or experts were, how far on top of the world they stood, they were no exception! The dish that disappeared the soonest from the table was, of course, Yun Yang''s Chinese cabbage and tofu. The big wok full of dishes was easily wiped away by the quartet so quickly that Yun Yang did not even manage to get a few mouthfuls. In addition, the four old men shamelessly forced Yun Yang to make another wok of dishes; they glared at him until he was somewhat reticent to refuse their request, afraid of being trashed unmercifully. Yun Yang was speechless and very much helpless about the whole affair. ''I''m here to make friends. I haven''t even spoken of my purpose and all of you are forcing me to be your chef. Is this really good behavior?'' He had only made a few arguments before he had received a swift kick to his rear end and his head was painfully rapped. Finally, understanding that the situation was more overwhelming than he was, and since he was helpless due to his weaker capability, he could only slink away and cook in a docile manner... Still, Yun Yang managed to indulge in his wild imagination during the process. ''What if I secretly spit in the food? I don''t think the four old men will realize. They''ll have to eat my saliva then'' In spite of it, although the tempting thought remained as it was in his mind, he was not bold enough to execute it. If he were to be found out a wallop was the least of his concerns; his life was more important When the second wok of Chinese cabbage tofu was served, Yun Yang hurriedly picked up his chopsticks with the intention to gobble a few additional mouthfuls. Yet the four old things around him wore slightly harassed expressions. At the same time, an overwhelming force of oppression came sweeping in. The oppressive force came abruptly, without a sign, and was incredibly tyrannical. If Yun Yang were to face it on his own, he might have died directly from the force; even if he were lucky to survive, severe damage would have been unavoidable. Ling Xiaozui was seen subtly straightening up. Suddenly, a glow lashed out from him and a strong force field surged outward, enveloping Yun Yang as he faced the uninvited force head on. Ling Xiaozui''s gaze turned sharp like arrows, gazing far into the darkness. Almost at the same time, Dugu Chou slowly lifted his head to focus his sight ahead; a grim expression surfaced on his visage. The skeletal person poured a goblet of wine and commented faintly, "Well, the person who is finding fault with me has come." Before his words could echo in the air, two forceful auras presented themselves in the nightfall, far away. The aura from any one of the two silhouettes did not pale in comparison to anyone among the four seated here! One of the imposing auras paused, stopping far away, while another one remained in a lofty manner as when they had first appeared, pushing in towards them. It was as if that person did not regard the four pinnacle experts of the world at all! The overbearing superiority could clearly be felt in the air. Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui scoffed at the same time. At the very next moment, everything turned quiet. Time froze; it felt like the air had stopped flowing. A silhouette flashed into sight in the night sky. A hundred feet high above everyone, a man clad in black stood; with arms on his back, he looked tall and prideful, overlooking the rest of the world. His eyes were like the stars in the sky, coldly looking down at the quartet. The newcomer was dressed in black, like the color of his hair. His flowing locks were let down like a waterfall, stopping at his chest as it poured over his cheeks. He simply hovered there, but he was exceptionally striking in the darkness. No one could possibly miss him, an imposing figure in the twilight. It was as if the very sky had turned darker because of his arrival. "Brother Gu, follow me home." The man in black in the sky looked at the skeletal person and said softly, "You''ve come out to play. It''s about time to stop, don''t you think? It''s good for you and everyone else." The skeletal person smiled and replied, "Brother Nian, why force the issue?" "I don''t want to. However, the reality is as it as, our stances as well. It''s something I have to do. What I am curious about, however, is how did you manage to come out?" The man in the sky asked with a smile. The skeletal person grinned and said, "I remember I''ve told you before; when the chance arises, I can leave when I want to. You won''t be able to stop me! Even more, you wouldn''t even know about it." "Just like you said, you''ve done it." The man clad in black sighed softly, "Brother Gu, you do have a divine skill of foresight." The skeletal person replied, "Since that is so, why don''t you let it all go right here, right now? It''ll be a joy to all!" "If everything is let go here and now, only Brother Gu will be joyous. It would be a great disadvantage to me, after all" the man in black shook his head with a smile. He then extended an arm and said, "Brother Gu, your tea is still with me. It''s not cold yet. Follow me back, let''s drink tea together and oversee the worldly realm with ease. This will be a joy for both of us." The skeletal person replied, "You would be willing to believe my words now? I can tell you that my tea has yet to cool, but Brother Nian, while your tea is still warm, it has lost its heat. You should take care of yourself now, why force others to do the same?" 584 I Am the Four Seasons Tower, I Carry the Surname Nian! The man in black''s gaze suddenly turned sharp like a blade as he said, "Oh, is that so? It is terribly unfortunate that I don''t really believe your words now. A man is the master of his own fate, a man can overcome the forces of nature. This is a truism. I will accomplish it if I want to do it. Brother Gu, are you certain that you don''t want to leave with me?" Dugu Chou suddenly stood up at and hollered loudly, "Who are you? Don''t you think that you''re standing too high up, hovering there arrogantly?" The person glanced at Dugu Chou with passing interest and replied, "I stand high so that I can see far. Dugu Chou, you''ve stayed hidden away from this world for too long. Sitting at such a low position after your reemergence, you are destined to be unable to see far away." "Is that so? Truly?" Dugu Chou smiled faintly. The man in black answered earnestly, "Yes. I have my reasons to stand up high; I have been placed at this height, to overlook the world. Dugu, you''ve kept your wife company for far too long, so long that you don''t know the changes that have taken place in this world. Let me give you a word of advice. Since you''ve decided to be a recluse in the name of love, don''t act recklessly and embroil yourself in the martial world''s affairs. It''s good to roam about but go back quickly afterward. Don''t you already feel more lonesome after you left your wife alone in that valley?" He looked at Dugu Chou with a smile. "If you don''t heed my advice and insist on roaming around, I''m afraid that your wife won''t be lonely anymore." "Are you implying that you''ll send me down to keep her company?" Dugu Chou''s pupils contracted dangerously. The person dressed in black smiled but did not answer. Still, the implication rang clearly in his unspoken words. "Great!" Dugu Chou scoffed, "I would have your name!" "I am the Four Seasons Tower, I carry the surname Nian!" answered the man in black. Boom! Yun Yang felt as if a bomb had exploded in his head. ''I am the Four Seasons Tower, I carry the surname Nian! C The Four Seasons Tower, Mr. Nian!'' ''Today, at this moment, I''ve finally met this person, this nemesis, this eternal enemy!'' ''Nian!'' ''No wonder he can remain neither inferior nor aggressive when facing four masterly experts. No wonder he can still be as haughty and confident as he is now.'' ''Of course, the mastermind of the Four Seasons Tower would possess such boldness!'' Beside him, Ling XIaozui looked at the person clothed in black in the sky oddly, asking, "Mr. Nian, why are you so aggressive? Do you not plan to come down and greet your old friend?" Mr. Nian stood in the air with arms on his back, his gaze shifting to Ling Xiaozui. "No wonder Gu Chaliang is so resolute. There are two Unrivaled Experts here to support him. Tsk, not bad, not bad at all. Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, the two of you can indeed fight anyone and any force in this world!" His words were pointedly direct but he was inwardly hesitant. He was prepared to leave, to refrain from entering Tiantang City. However, he accidentally realized that Heaven''s Inquisition, whom he had kept a prisoner for so long, had actually escaped from the seclusion and come to Tiantang City. This was far too urgent for Mr. Nian and the Four Seasons Tower to ignore! Now, he knew that there were four masterly experts on the other side, but he could not admit defeat. He had to retrieve this wayward fellow or the consequences would be grave indeed. If he attacked, he would be going against Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou. However, it was already impossible to assume an inferior position now; he would have to stand tough to the end. Dugu Chou said faintly, "You think our forces do not suffice, don''t you?" "I''ve never been self-depreciating, but I don''t have the confidence to take on both of you at the same time. Both of you perfection experts cannot be overwhelmed by anyone or any force in this world. Why are both of you starting a conflict with the Four Seasons Tower? Even though the both of you are peerless, it isn''t exactly wise to become enemiesof the Four Seasons Tower!" Mr. Nian said. Ling Xiaozui replied, "It''s not like I''ve never tried it. I''m still living happily, am I not? Come to think of it, I have no qualms to go through it again. With Brother Dugu''s assistance this time around, the one to feel the pain should be the Four Seasons Tower instead." "You, Ling Xiaozui, are still the Ling Xiaozui of old. However, the Four Seasons Tower today isn''t the same Four Seasons Tower it was in the past. If both of you have the interest, the Four Seasons Tower will keep you company for sure. We won''t let the both of you down," said Mr. Nian with a grin. His words were direct. The threat was without foreshadowing. It was terribly impolite, no different from waving a gauntlet right in the men''s faces. Ling Xiaozui''s expression darkened; his hand crept towards the grip of his sword as his imposing manner surged threateningly. Unexpectedly, Dugu Chou stood up before he could move any further. He sucked in a deep breath and said, "Ling Xiao, the Four Seasons Tower is your old opponent. There''s nothing new or exciting about that. I, however, have just arrived. I shall be the one to head this one off!" Ling Xiaozui sat down slowly and replied with a beam, "Well, there''s no need for me since you''re leading. Not only are there exquisite wine and dishes today, I get to watch the amazing dance of swords!" Dugu Chou chuckled. His right hand extended slowly. When it was half stretched, the long sword on his back suddenly cried out. Gleaming, it seemed to flow into his hand almost on its own volition. "Having been away from this world for hundreds of years, have the people already forgotten who Dugu Chou is?" Dugu Chou spoke with heavy emphasis, "I need to remind the people of this world that Dugu Chou''s sword can still kill!" He raised his head to look at Mr. Nian who was still in the air. Two beams of sword intent erupted from his eyes and illuminated the night sky instantly. Mr. Nian stood with his arms still behind his back, welcoming Dugu Chou''s gaze without any attempt to avoid the deadly gaze. Four rays of focused vision energy collided in the air. It was just a simple act of two pairs of eyes meeting each other, but a huge bang erupted in the air. Was this an illusion? How could something like this happen? It was only two individuals gazing at each other, but it had produced such a shocking collision. If their gazes were to be trained on someone with a weaker cultivation base, would that not kill the hapless fellow with a single glance? This was the embodiment of a murderous glare! Dugu Chou had already disappeared from the table while Mr. Nian in the air laughed, "What good timing! I would like to test the strength of the once Unrivaled Expert!" Two silhouettes weaved like soaring dragons, shooting up into a higher altitude. Just their ascendance alone trailed sparkling sword light, as they bloomed in the sky like a storm. Low collision blows sounded unceasing. Both of them had already had a countless exchange of sword strokes, punches, and kicks in just a short span of time! Another loud bang saw the both of them flying away from each other due to the massive force of their collision. Their backward flight could barely be seen, but before anyone could exclaim their surprise, they had flown into each other once again, with loud clashes that resounded continuously. Yun Yang mustered his entire vision to watch, he was begrudged to miss any detail of this remarkable battle. Only when he fully understood the limitations of Mr. Nian''s ability could his plan for revenge be successful, and Dugu Chou was apparently the rare handful of those in this world who could trigger Mr. Nian''s full combat power. Yun Yang was utterly invested in watching the battle. The sword light flashed, dividing into three like magic; three glowing swords, triplets, lashed out. At that moment, the very air and space were absorbed by three of these swords! "What great skill!" Mr. Nian laughed with genuine joy, countering the frenzied attacks without slowing down in the slightest. He said, "Dugu Chou, you have enjoyed so many years of admiration from the world, I''m afraid that it''s been a tad too much. It doesn''t matter if you were ranked first in the world back then. That ranking doesn''t even exist today! As a predecessor, it is simply fated that you''ll be eliminated by a successor." "Since you don''t know when to excuse yourself, I shall teach you a lesson today!" 585 Battle of the Summits Dugu Chou did not say a single word. His expression was cold, his gaze calm; he was not impatient nor was he in a hurry. His sword light was evident of his composure, lashing out like a river and forming waves in the air. They were like the ocean tides, one higher than the other, charging rapidly towards Mr. Nian. The enormous waves crashed and surged, causing Mr. Nian to dodge and dive as he reacted spontaneously; it was like he was a small boat that was in danger of being drowned by the waves of sword light at any moment. Yun Yang could not help being delighted, thinking that Dugu Chou certainly deserved the reputation he was crowned with. The siege of three swords and the intense sword light had left Mr. Nian at a complete disadvantage, leaving him open to defeated at any time by the wave of swords. However, Yun Yang also felt a tinge of doubt. He had managed to steal a peek at Mr. Nian before. On that day, Mr. Nian had appeared brilliantly and defeated and killed Lei Dongtian and his servant with just a few moves. It was a spectacular sight. Now that he was at the losing end once the battle ensued, had Yun Yang overestimated Mr. Nian''s capabilities or was Dugu Chou simply too strong? The answer was revealed right away. "Dugu Chou, quickly use your Grieving Sword!" Mr. Nian hollered, "You don''t honestly believe that such patronizing tricks can do anything to me, do you?" Dugu Chou chortled. "You want me to use the Grieving Sword? You? You don''t deserve to taste its blade!" There was another loud boom. The intense and regular sword light in the sky scattered like an exploding meteor. Mr. Nian flew out like a broken kite but returned almost immediately. Then, the punch he launched seemed to push heaven and earth together, gathering a seemingly unstoppable momentum. Yun Yang was dumbstruck. Was the earlier skirmish just a way to probe each other? Dugu Chou had yet to use his ultimate technique and Mr. Nian was having it easy, not yet tested by anything unduly difficult. Was the patronizing trick too advanced? Hold on, would that not mean that Yun Yang was the child being patronized? The battle progressed and turned fiercer. Dugu Chou''s sword light surged, the rays of brilliance colliding against his opponent''s fist. Mr. Nian grunted, his robe fluttered, his entire form soared from the huge blow. Dugu Chou did not fare any better; with a grunt, he too fell thirty feet down and could not follow up on his strike. Next, the both of them began to counterattack. Immediately, a silver ball of light was formed in the air, enveloping the both of them. Their speed was incredibly fast; no one could discern which was Dugu Chou and which was Mr. Nian by watching from below. The longer Yun Yang watched, the more chilled he felt; his palms broke out in cold sweat. Mr. Nian was terribly powerful. This was how a battle between summits was like. He could not even see much of the fight clearly. Dugu Chou''s sword was almost an illusion. It was a void, an empty space, but as Dugu Chou''s sword stabbed over, Mr. Nian''s own countermeasure appeared right at that very position and time that the sword light flared. The counter was immediate without missing a single beat like they had discussed it beforehand Both of them made no mistakes in pre-assessing the fight! All techniques, methods, or skills were destined to be useless when forming a prediction for such a terrifying battle. When such a level was acquired, what was in contention was capability, cultivation base, potential, perseverance, and determination! One could not discount that a bit of luck would play a part as well. Yun Yang had to grit his teeth and admit that this battle in front of him had exceeded his expectations and knowledge of the matter. Ling Xiaozui''s expression gradually turned grim as he said faintly, "I thought Iwas the one who was fortunate to experience a big leap in my cultivation base and am currently unrivaled. I didn''t expect Mr. Nian''s cultivation base to have also improved tremendously. He has advanced at least three levels since the time we fought back then!" Feng Xiange watched with a tilted head and commented, "Still, Dugu Chou was indeed ranked at the top of the heaven back then, he''s not at a disadvantage at all." Ling Xiaozui shook his head. "No, Dugu is slowly falling to the losing side. Mr. Nian''s techniques cover both attacks and defense, it''s all-rounded and flawless. His methods are clearly able to tackle Dugu''s intense sword attack Unless Dugu uses his Grieving Sword and lets grief befall heaven and earth. There''s still a possibility to turn the tables around. However, if he doesn''t, not only will he never be able to defeat the other, he might be defeated himself." "What about you, Brother Ling?" Yun Yang sucked in a cold breath. Ling Xiaozui calculated silently and replied, "The three of our cultivation bases are about similar. Still, if the depth of cultivation base were to be judged solely, Mr. Nian is somehow slightly higher than us, by some method or other." "While this slight difference is almost insignificant, it should not have happened." Ling Xiaozui frowned and said, "There''s simply no way his cultivation base could have improved this swiftly! Back then, his cultivation base was lower than mine. I cultivated in full concentration all these years and had enough room for improvement; in addition to my previous fortuity, my cultivation improved by leaps and bounds. Even if he were to cultivate in full immersion like I did and was assisted by treasured resources, he should, at most, be about my level. It''s impossible for him to have improved so much faster than me." "The only explanation is that the Four Seasons Tower must have other ways to advance cultivation base!" Ling Xiaozui said, "I am almost certain that this Mr. Nian in the air is definitely not the Mr. Nian who fought with me! These are two different people!" "If it were the Mr. Nian whom I battled with back in the day, he would have followed a strict order of doing things, and would not have been so impatient. He''d never be so impulsive and irritable! He would also target me first as well, and not Dugu Chou." "If that is the case who is Mr. Nian? Which is the real Mr. Nian?" Ling Xiaozui inhaled deeply, his expression extremely grim. The explosions in the air sounded more frequent than ever, like firecrackers that were being lit one after another. "The decisive moment is about to happen!" Ling Xiaozui sighed softly. An expert was an expert indeed. Before Ling Xiaozui''s words echoed, the battle of the century had come to an end. Everyone could feel a sense of grief suddenly emerge in the air, spreading rapidly and swiftly. It was an intense sense of anguish, of lonesomeness, of abandonment that one felt as if there was only one''s self left in the entire vastness of this world. It was as if everyone had left It gave rise to hopelessness, a sense that this life was not worth living anymore. As the affliction rose, heaven, earth, and everything in between were engulfed in the grieving atmosphere. Even the moon and stars seemed to wail in anguish. A ray of moving sword light flew like the arc of a rainbow, like a heartbroken fairy dancing in the air, having just lost its lover. Each distinct taste was gut-wrenching! This was the unique sword dance mentioned earlier, The Grieving Sword! Dugu Chou had finally unleashed his ultimate skill. 586 Grief Befalls Heaven and Earth. Cycle of Four Seasons Palm. With the unleashing of Dugu Chou''s Grieving Sword, the tables were finally turned. The dazzling sword light was tinged with grief and desolation. Countless people in Tiantang City felt an odd sense of depression from the bottom of their hearts. It was an indescribable angst. Yun Yang who watched the battle from a close distance felt the pang of sorrow even more keenly. Although young, the grief and grudge in him could compare to anyone in the world; he was stricken with feelings, feeling his emotions whirl about, hardly containable. The thought of not wanting to continue living began to eat him up. Once the thought sprouted, all else in his mind followed. Yun Yang''s expression changed as the angst ate at him, his breathing turning labored. He was about to lose control of himself, retaliating against his internal demons. "Roar!" Ling Xiaozui let out a clear cry that woke Yun Yang up, having seen the change in the latter''s expression and knowing that he could not take the attack. Aided by Ling Xiaozui, Yun Yang broke out of his emotional trance and paid attention to the battle happening in the sky. There was only a dark curtain hanging in the air now, without any signs of life; only woe and depression wrapped the entire nightfall. There was no other sound or pulse of life. "Has the battle ended?" Yun Yang asked in disbelief. "This is grief befalling heaven and earth." Ling Xiaozui said, "An atmospheric aura belonging uniquely to Dugu Chou. By combining this trick and his sword intent, he managed to trap Mr. Nian inside." "I see. Then, has Senior Dugu managed to turn the battle around?" "This is Dugu Chou''s unique technique, his undefeatable trick. Even if Mr. Nian''s cultivation base is higher than that of Dugu Chou''s, he''ll die inside if he can''t charge out of the grieving range within a single breath''s time." Ling Xiaozui''s shiny eyes watched the sky, his gaze unprecedentedly cold. "He should be able to come out." Yun Yang shook his head. "Mr. Nian will definitely not die like this." ''If he dies, who do I look for to sate my thirst for revenge?'' ''In the end, this person, his life, can only end in my hands!'' "I didn''t expect you to actually think the same way." Ling Xiaozui looked at Yun Yang in surprise and said, "I agree. Mr. Nian is trapped, but he won''t die here. Dugu Chou''s undefeatable record may have to end today!" The corners of Yun Yang''s lips jerked, thinking that what they thought were two different things. ''If not for my irreversible grudge and wish to kill him, how I hope Mr. Nian meets his end here, that he dies with his bones crushed and ashes scattered, without a burial ground!'' Heavy blows could be heard within the dark curtain. After a momentary lapse, a long howl tore across the darkness and soared up high. The dark curtain erupted as rays of sword light charged from the dark like an erupting volcano. For a moment, the entire night sky was bright as day, being lit up by the sword light. A silhouette with unkempt long hair rocketed thousands of feet high into the sky accompanied by a pillar of blood. A hoarse voice growled, "The Grieving Sword is not bad indeed. Grief to befall heaven and earth, what a terror! Dugu Chou, you live up to your name. I shall return this sword strike of yours in future!" The explosions ceased. Dugu Chou stood tall in the sky as he scoffed, "If we meet next time, you won''t be as lucky as you are today!" According to normal circumstances, or perhaps normal martial world rules, Mr. Nian should already be high in the air or be leaving, since he had admitted inferiority. Unexpectedly, before Dugu Chou''s reply finished bouncing off in the sky, Mr. Nian let out a long-drawn cry, "The world is vast, I shall see you again!" Although he said that the world was vast and they would meet again, his form bolted down like an arrow. His hand opened to grab Gu Chaliang. At the same time, another oppressive force presented itself. It was the other person who had been hidden farther away; he had suddenly appeared. Dressed in black, the person''s face was covered in the large black robe as well. He approached them like a sprinting shadow. The intense aura washed over them like a falling mountain. Mr. Nian''s action was already abrupt and unexpected, but the other black silhouette''s action was even more frightening. An arm crept out from the sleeve of the swiftly approaching black shadow and jerked. A gigantic hand then formed out of nowhere in the air, launching itself towards Gu Chaliang forcefully. One man came from the sky while another came from the other side. Both directions saw movements that were incredibly fast speed and a resolute intention that was unshakable. Ling Xiaozui, who was the closest to Gu Chaliang and had the highest cultivation base, responded the swiftest. With a clear cry, a brilliant sword light erupted from his hand; simultaneously, his composed form spread into dozens of shadows in the air. Each shadow held a gleaming sword light that was threatening to spill out onto the plains. Dugu Chou who was still in the air did not slack either, immediately moving to counterattack. Both swordsmen reacted as fast as they could to target Mr. Nian and the black shadow. "I''ve been waiting for you!" Ling Xiaozui''s cold voice rang out clearly. The sword light lashed out endlessly, unstoppable, to block the black silhouette that was coming from the other side. Almost in unison, Feng Xiange moved as well. With a quick grab and a flick of his wrist, a pot of wine exploded C the wine that splashed turned into clear, shiny, daggers that rained down like a shower. Gu Chaliang laughed. "Not giving up even at this time. Should I be immensely honored?" A wave of purple rose from the air as he spoke. It was the purple jade flute in his hands that he had triggered. Everything that happened was a chore to be mentioned, but in reality, they had happened almost at the same time! Within the time it took to snap one''s fingers, the six masterly experts had attacked and countered simultaneously! The result of such a clash was stupendous. With a loud explosion, a black form somersaulted with a laugh and flew back up into the sky before disappearing without a trace. As for the black silhouette in black robes that was coming from the side, it had promptly expanded and exploded without any resistance due to Ling Xiaozui and group''s counterattack. However, a hand, a long arm that was as fine as jade, had suddenly appeared and stretched itself out in the sky. How long could a person''s hand, including their arm, be? Common knowledge would tell you that it would not be very long, but this arm had completely challenged that knowledge. As it extended, the arm seemed to stretch infinitely and struck Yun Yang''s chest with a thunderclap. Yun Yang was the weakest among all of them in terms of capability, he was not even comparable to anyone present. However, a cultivator''s instinct towards danger allowed him to sense the arm the moment it extended itself. He reacted spontaneously, crying out as he hacked down harshly with his saber. It was too bad that the large hand had completely ignored Yun Yang''s saber, passing through the saber light, and went right for Yun Yang''s chest. Pang, pang, pang, pang! Four continuous blows. The black-robed person flew back into the sky and said, "Ling Xiaozui, if you still want your young friend''s life, bring Gu Chaliang for an exchange at Spirit Breeze Mountain within three days!" Ling Xiaozui and the others were further infuriated, attacking in unison with all their might, forming a more vehement aura. The black-robed person suddenly lets out a thick fog of smoke that coalesced with a loud boom, covering the sky at once. Bangs and thunderclaps were heard no lesser than hundreds of times in the thick fog. With a drawn-out shriek of hoarse laughter, the dark form escaped into the sky. Despite Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui''s pursuing sword light, it was difficult to catch up with the silhouette as it had vanished mysteriously. "Cycle of Four Seasons Palm, an affliction which is incurable in the known world!" 587 A False Alarm? The sky was already clear, but there was still a drawn-out laughter that resounded in the air and a splash of blood that landed quietly on the ground. Obviously, it was from the man in black during his escape. This mouthful of blood that had been spat out was distinctly different from the blood drawn by weapons. It meant that while the black-robed man who appeared later was masterly, he still could not defend himself against the combined attacks of four similar leveled experts, leaving him injured! However, this had not put him at a severe disadvantage. In fact, the enemy only had two people, while the other party was comprised of Ling Xiaozui, Feng Xiange, Dugu Chou, and Gu Chaliang, four legendary masters. Yet, the enemy was able to attack aggressively and even managed to retreat safely! Furthermore, they had successfully injured Yun Yang before drawing back. Not only were their cultivation base formidable, the result of this battle was ominous beyond belief. It was at this moment that the clouds in the sky spread out and revealed a huge gap hundreds of miles wide, laying out the inky sky and the clear moon. Such was the lingering force of six masters; they had fought in the sky but had crushed the very clouds that spanned the heavens. Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou descended from the sky at the same time, their expression grim. "Why didn''t you give chase?" Feng Xiange was clearly upset. "We wouldn''t have been able to catch up." Both of them shook their heads with long faces. Exchanging glances, both men saw the shocked expression in each other''s eyes and were even more stunned. They had not expected the Four Seasons Tower to have such excellent experts other than Mr. Nian. The cultivation base of just the two people who had appeared earlier was eerily similar to their own. If all of the Four Seasons Tower''s masterly ones were to be present, what heights could the total combat power reach? To what extent? "The Four Seasons Tower!" A fighting spirit licked about in Dugu Chou''s eyes. "This trip to the martial world truly isn''t woeful and lonesome now!" Ling Xiaozui was already standing in front of Yun Yang. "Young brother, how are you?" Yun Yang looked at his chest in confusion. Cultivating and checking upon himself, he mumbled, "Like nothing had happened? What about the Cycle of Four Seasons Palm?" The black shadow''s hand had indeed struck his chest four separate times. The very prospect of being afflicted by the Cycle of Four Seasons Palm was even more terrifying. Yet, he truly did not feel anything. Yun Yang was incredibly astounded. Such a remarkable expert would never have struck him just as a light slap on the wrist. Especially with the threat he had uttered at the end, how could they just be empty words? However, he really did not feel even the tiniest tremor, nor did he feel any pain. This was absolutely bizarre. Ling Xiaozui was aghast when he heard Yun Yang''s answer. Grabbing the latter''s hand, a refined energy flowed into Yun Yang''s body, probing carefully. His limbs and bones, his meridians and nerves, each part of his physical self was thoroughly inspected. After a long, long time, Ling Xiaozui''s expression grew even more confused. Dugu Chou came to Yun Yang''s side, and asked in a low voice, "The rumored Cycle of Four Seasons Palm is extremely vile. No matter the cultivation base of the unfortunate person to be afflicted by it, they will be left with four days to live. How is your situation now?" "The crux of the Cycle of Four Seasons Palm is that it concludes the victim''s life in four stages, like the condensing of four seasons to four days. The first day is spring, like a person''s middle years, his meridians will still be healthy and clear. The second day simulates the vital signs as if in one''s prime, the pulse tells of longevity. However, the third day will reveal the sunset at dusk, while the fourth day will see the victim aging to the brink of death. Ultimately, everything returns to zero. The winter represents death itself!" Feng Xiange walked over as well. He was titled the Phantom Physician God of Wine, thus he had his fair share of knowledge in medicine. He observed Yun Yang''s face meticulously. Only Gu Chaliang remained indifferent, not at all anxious, as he muttered faintly, "What a waste of these good wine and dishes. It will be hard to have another banquet like this in our lifetime. Sigh." Sighing loudly, he wandered off to look for wine pots that had not yet been shattered. Dugu Chou''s expression gradually turned puzzled. Repeatedly examining Yun Yang, he had not found any signs that he had been struck at all. All three of them, Yun Yang, Dugu Chou, and Ling Xiaozui cast their lost gaze at Feng Xiange. After all, relative to the rest them, he was the expert in this field. Whether it was Grieving or the Cycle of Four Seasons, they did not know as much as Feng Xiange did. Feng Xiange grabbed Yun Yang''s hands, first his right, and then his left, before asking Yun Yang to take off his clothes. Finally, he looked as bewildered as the rest. His eyes were large as he mumbled, "How how can this be? Is it truly an empty threat? That wouldn''t make any sense!" The three experts were thoroughly befuddled, confusion parading wildly on their expressions. They had seen it clearly. The black-robed man had forcefully charged and dealt four blows on Yun Yang, despite risking being injured and while under attack. His threat afterward still echoed in their ears. These were definitely real! The effect of the four strikes needed not be explained as they had to be utterly vicious and barely curable. The purpose was blatant as well, easy to relate. Yun Yang was the young friend that Ling Xiaozui had acknowledged and cared for. The latter might even have owed him a huge debt of favor due to a certain fortuity of circumstances. This was the reason such an incurable, unique, strike had been dealt to Yun Yang, as a coercion for Ling Xiaozui to hand over Gu Chaliang in exchange for a remedy. This way, Ling Xiaozui would be caught in the middle, regardless of his final decision; at the very least, there would be a tight knot formed within Gu Chaliang. Perhaps, this mighty league would be pressured under such circumstances. Everyone on the spot could infer as much and it was because they knew the purpose that they were even more puzzled by Yun Yang''s condition! From their numerous inspections, they reached a conclusion C Yun Yang was not even hurt! What was more, Yun Yang acknowledged such a startling conclusion! The four of them were consequently at a loss. It was unexplainable! Such a flagrant and risky move, an opportunity that had foregone the possibility of being taken down by the world''s three top experts and being harmed, a situation that the other party had acknowledged certainty before leaving, their tactics had come to naught on Yun Yang! Was this not the world''s strangest thing? "Perhaps our knowledge is meager Too shallow to identify the harmful effects of the Cycle of Four Seasons Palm." Feng Xiange was confused as well, murmuring in bewilderment while furiously stroking his beard. 588 Yun Yang’s Destiny "Yun Yang, do you feel anything unusual? You can be honest about any anomaly, any discomfort or any weird sensation!" Ling Xiaozui was terribly anxious. He could not afford not to be anxious. How could he be nonchalant about a strike that was considered certain to succeed, a strike dealt by someone like Mr. Nian? In addition, the Cycle of Four Seasons Palm was a cyclical palm strike; Yun Yang had been struck four solid times and should have been on the brink of death. He should be in a state where death would appear at any time,without the help of a proficient cultivator to prolong his life. Otherwise, how could their combined forces be weakened? Yun Yang was exceptionally muddled as well. How could he, as a think-tank of the Supremes, not think the same thoughts as Ling Xiaozui did? In spite of this, the reality was undeniable; after careful cultivation and repeated inspections, he was absolutely fine. As the victim, Yun Yang had felt it the moment he was hit. There was a strange energy that forced itself into his body and Yun Yang was hopeless then, thinking to himself, ''There goes my life! Mr. Nian must have known my real identity!'' Yet, there was no other feeling after that moment of hopelessness. Not even a tiny inkling. The strange, toxic, force that was soft and vile had vanished completely. What had just happened? Yun Yang could not figure it out. Gu Chaliang tipped his head and drank a pot of wine, saying, "The heaven blesses the kind, who seems to have dodged a bullet! It looks like you good fellows need not hold me captive in exchange for the remedy Reach the Spirit Breeze Mountain in three days? How scary that would be!" Dugu Chou asked, "Are you certain he''s fine? Will there be any hidden injuries?" Ling Xiaozui and Feng Xiange looked at each other, momentarily speechless. What Dugu Chou had said was what they thought to be the worst case scenario. After some time, Feng Xiange could not help scratching his head and commented, "This is the first time this old man has seen this in my life. How unbelievable!" He continued with a frown, "Young Brother Yun doesn''t seem to have been injured at all. It''s unbelievable, but it''s the best situation we could have hoped for. You may not know it, but this isn''t the first time I''ve seen the Cycle of Four Seasons Palm. This strike can be said to be the martial world''s most vicious art. I have personally met it''s victim before. According to the victim, the first day after being struck, he was high in spirits, radiant. However, from the second day onwards, the signs of rapid aging presented themselves. When the victim came to me, it was already the third day. No matter what I did, I had no way to stop the process. In the end, I could only watch as the victim aged and wilted, perishing like rotten wood. The person''s cultivation was still some distance away from ours, but he was already proficient in Dao realm, not just some ordinary practitioner." "During the rescue, I inspected the victim''s state multiple times. Where the victim was struck, something akin to a tree''s annual ring will appear. In one day, only one day, it could reach fifty years of annual rings! Two days, two hundred annual rings. After the third day, it was utterly rotten." "These signs have not appeared on Young Brother Yun at all" Feng Xiange was deep in thought with a frown on his face. "Does it mean that he''s fine?" asked Ling Xiaozui. "We can''t be blindly optimistic." Feng Xiange continued, "Even if he looks fine now, it doesn''t necessarily mean that is the case. The person I tried to save back then didn''t come to me on the first day. The particular situation was narrated by the victim himself, so it''s hard to be sure. I''m only afraid that if the annual ring shows itself on Yun Yang after dawn it''d mean that he has been afflicted." Once he finished, he glanced at Gu Chaliang who was casually drinking his wine. If his worries came true and the worst case scenario happened, it would be the trickiest thing to decide if they wanted to exchange Gu Chaliang for the remedy! "If this is being considered, why don''t" Dugu Chou suggested faintly, "Why don''t we let Gu Chaliang look into Young Brother Yun''s destiny? Even if he can''t speak about it openly, it''s still possible to see if his life is at stake." Ling Xiaozui and Feng Xiange perked up once they heard him. Only the two of them actually understood how divine Gu Chaliang''s calculation of fortune could be; he was an oracle, a skill that could see spiritual dynamics in motion! However, rumor had it that the Heaven''s Inquisition had almost never told of anyone''s fortune or probed into one''s destiny in his life. A prophecy must not be revealed. A person''s fate and destiny belonged to prophecy. Insistence on trespassing would definitely be punished by heaven. Even if one were equipped with the capability of an oracle, he was to be constrained in the same manner C he could still be punished! Gu Chaliang snorted, strolled over slowly, and said with a frown, "Nothing means nothing, why spend the effort to probe any further? Unnecessary, completely unnecessary!" "You better do the unnecessary then. Otherwise, I''ll tie you up to use in the exchange. I don''t want to take the risk!" Ling Xiaozui quipped faintly. Gu Chaliang hissed, gritting his teeth. He could ignore everyone else who said this, but it was not something to gloss over when it was Ling Xiaozui who said it. The latter would really do it. This young fellow before them was a fortuity of Ling Xiaozui; he would not risk it, be it for the sentiment or the rationality. Gu Chaliang sighed and looked at Yun Yang helplessly. He actually wanted very much to say, "This child''s destiny needs not be observed at all! Nothing will happen to him! This is the fixed event of the universe! A fixed event, you understand?" However, if he were to actually say that, he guessed he would be beaten up. "You didn''t f*cking see anything, what are you anticipating, if not the chance to be beaten up? Why is it a fixed event? You''re so half-hearted and careless, is it because you feel guilty? Is it because you treasure your life more than your face?" "Young Master Yun''s life, his dynamics are very tough hard, even" Gu Chaliang looked at Yun Yang''s facial structure and sucked in a breath, saying, "Just like an eternal male virgin, strong unto his death! It''s a secondary observation that he will turn stronger each time he meets a stronger enemy; he won''t die, instead, he will see that each danger will dissolve with ease. There will be countless hazards and perils throughout his life, but he can overcome them each time. Every endangerment will turn out favorable and he will even gain plenty of help in various circumstances How can such a fortune be shaken if not for a force from beyond this universe?" "Simply put, his future will be rugged and smooth, there''s no need to mind these little bumps now! As for the recent fortuity, it''s only a dragon temporarily contained and trapped; the time has come when nature will work together to help him from every angle, without a hitch As long as he is careful, there is no need to worry!" Ling Xiaozui fumed. "I think you don''t wish to live anymore. Who are you trying to cheat with these clichs? You speak about the limitations of the universe, and then of things beyond it; can you exaggerate any more? Do you really think I dare not capture you?" "Also, what do you mean rugged and smooth? Are you bullsh*tting?" Gu Chaliang exploded in anger, "What else can I say at this juncture if not clichs? His face You C you what the f*ck do you know?" He cursed aloud from impatience, completely differentiating himself from his former elegant self. Gu Chaliang felt maligned. How could he simply speak of Yun Yang''s destiny? ''If I f*cking wanted to say it, there would be a lightning bolt from heaven that would turn me into ashes the moment I opened my mouth! Are you going to be responsible for it?'' ''Forces beyond the universe? It''s the truth! It''s a fact that this child''s destiny can only be altered by a force of the universe! 589 Move to My House! Ling Xiaozui clearly fared better than he had earlier. Hearing Gu Chaliang''s words, he could be certain that Yun Yang was indeed fine. That would do, the rest of the message was not important! While he was relieved, he was also absolutely confused. Mr. Nian had arrived in such a dramatic manner, but he had made such a ridiculous mistake in the end! This was preposterous, it was humiliating! On the other hand, Yun Yang was guessing that it was either the Endless Divine Art or Emmie that had saved him from the effects of being struck. Yet, why had such a situation not taken place before? When he fought He Hanqing in the past, the unexpected event had caused him to be severely injured and had almost killed him. The danger was no lesser than today''s threat, but why had such a similar situation not happened then? It was a point worth pondering. Yun Yang''s guess was correct. If Mr. Nian had used brute force, he would have become minced meat now. It was the soft, vile, art that Yun Yang was naturally immune to. It was the Endless Divine Art. Just like its name, it was endlessly divine. No matter how the four seasons changed, his vitality was endless. It was ineffective against him because he kept growing; he could vanquish the soft, vile, power. He was simply in no danger of dying! Mr. Nian only knew about Gu Chaliang''s incredible use to him, which led him to threaten the experts like he had. If he had known that Yun Yang was Supreme Cloud, he would never have done so! It was too bad that he had no idea of the truth! "Since we are certain that Young Brother Yun is alright, we have three days to scrutinize the Spirit Breeze Mountain stratagem let us go along with the scheme!" Ling Xiaozui''s eyes sparkled as he said, "Everyone, if we don''t plot a stratagem, it would seem like we were sorry to our two uninvited guests today" "That is a good idea." The other three were in high spirits upon hearing the suggestion. "Let us so and so like this that" Ling Xiaozui rattled off his ideas joyfully, "I think we can chop off an arm of the Four Seasons Tower, no matter what happens!" The other three cheered in agreement. Yun Yang breathed out in relief and said, "Dear elder brothers, since you''ve discussed this important matter, should you put the minor ones on the agenda as well? It would be poor taste for the four of you to stay in this inn; it makes this young brother, your host, feel bad. Why not move to my residence? What do you think?" Gu Chaliang was the first to agree. "Good, good. It''s too dangerous to stay here. The security in a king''s residence is better, it would be more comfortable too." Ling Xiaozui glared at Gu Chaliang with a hint of exasperation and uncertainty. Why was this Heaven''s Inquisition, who was said to be omnipotent, acting so abnormally since he emerged? It should be the first time he and Yun Yang had met; they had never seen each other nor known each other prior to this! In addition, Yun Yang was a junior C it did not make sense for Heaven''s Inquisition, who struck fear in the world, to be so cautious. The fact, however, remained that Heaven''s Inquisition had agreed to whatever Yun Yang said since he had met the latter! He had conceded to all of Yun Yang''s suggestions. Come to think of it, his comments about Yun Yang earlier were extremely flattering as well. Everything seemed to be tinged with a sense of peculiarity. What was wrong with this man? Could he be more absurd? A strange thought suddenly occurred to Ling Xiaozui. ''According to the interaction and conversation between Heaven''s Inquisition and Mr. Nian, it can be understood that he was kept a prisoner and tormented by Mr. Nian. However, if they were to belong in the same group and had a fallout due to certain reasons, it would explain the current situation as well. What''s more, is it not impossible that Heaven''s Inquisition himself was from the Four Seasons Tower?'' ''Still, it doesn''t look like it.'' Feng Xiange wore a slight frown and replied, "To stay in the king''s residence might not be a convenient arrangement" He came from the Empire of Ziyou after all. The initial intention of his trip was to find fault with Yutang''s guardian, Supreme Cloud. Even without this purpose now, he could not bring himself to stay in the residence of the Empire of Yutang''s King Xiaoyao at such short notice. Gu Chaliang retorted, "You have given up on finding Supreme Cloud anyway, what else can be done with your woes? What inconvenience? It''s a great convenience! Say, Old Feng, have you not enjoyed the king and marquis'' life of extravagance? It''s comfortable! Extremely comfortable!" "You''ll never know it if you have not experienced such enjoyment in this world. You''re already old, the burial soil has reached your chin. If you don''t let loose and savor the final moment''s happiness, isn''t it a waste to live? Come, let''s go!" Feng Xiange was furious, glaring and huffing so hard that his beard trembled. ''Why is the burial soil up to my chin? I may not live long, but I have decades more to spend at least You C what are you talking about?'' "I don''t mind going anywhere," said Dugu Chou. As both Ling Xiaozui and Gu Chaliang agreed to the suggestion, it was Dugu Chou''s indifference which determined that the quartet would move to Yun Yang''s home! Feng Xiange''s hesitation was no longer important nor meaningful. Yun Yang was, of course, delighted. Moving these four immortals to his residence meant that he could breathe easier. Would he have to be fearful of the Four Seasons Tower''s unpredictable ability? His delight showed in his enthusiasm, "Great! Let''s go right now! This young brother will take care of all of you when we arrive home!" At midnight, Yun Yang welcomed all four experts to the Residence of Yun, breathing a sigh of relief after arranging for them to stay in one of the houses. After all, the status of these four living Gods was too high. The ruckus caused by moving during the day would be too big; it was better to slip in during the middle of the night to avoid rumors. Of course, there was also Yun Yang''s discreet thought to hide his true force. With these four people staying with him, how could there be no one coming to ambush them? He had to exploit the experts to their maximum potential! ''I was only thinking to go and see if I could make any acquaintances, to borrow some power, so that any future plans can be accomplished with ease. Even if the collaboration barely comes to fruition, I''ll have to figure out the reason they''ve come to Tiantang City, lest the blame comes back to me when the truth cracks in the future I didn''t expect to take everyone into my residence. How unexpectedly perfect!'' Yun Yang contemplated to himself. Dugu Chou inhaled deeply as he stood in the yard and said, "The air here the spiritual Qi seems to be richer than any other place I have been to! Hmm, much richer." "That''s right. Even the sacred places of cultivation that are more reputed would feel the same. Cultivating here would bring a lot of benefits, almost cutting the work by half," agreed Ling Xiaozui. Feng Xiange and Gu Chaliang had entered the room to discuss some personal matters, leaving the two of them to inspect their living conditions. One might think that masterly cultivators had no requirements for their living place, but the truth was that their requirements were often higher than that of a common man. It was of the utmost importance that their accommodation had relatively rich spiritual power, so it was often a popular choice to stay a recluse in the mountains. The more populated a place was, the more diluted the spiritual Qi would be. Secondly, it would be the best if their meals consisted of spiritual ingredients. Those would naturally be what Yun Zuiyue had prepared for Yun Yang in the banquet. Under normal circumstances, however, just a tiny bit of the food from that banquet would require a cultivator''s lifelong savings. No matter what force of background one had, no cultivator could afford to consume spiritual ingredients in every meal every single day. Yun Yang was indeed lucky, to have been able to eat so many exquisite dishes in just one meal. 590 Put Whitey Down! Of course, the fulfilment of these requirements would have to be based upon an extremely rich and solid materialistic foundation. If there were no sign of an incredible economic ability, it would simply be a myth to create this spiritual space that was akin to a sacred cultivation spot in a place as populated as Tiantang City! "Ling Xiao, what is your relationship with this Young Master Yun?" This question had irritated Dugu Chou to no end for the entire night. "A very, very good relationship." Ling Xiaozui smiled. "Don''t you think that this young man is an easy sight on the eyes? To him, I will not be parsimonious." Dugu Chou nodded. "Yun Yang does indeed bear a distinctively graceful look, but it''s not yet to the point where we should humble ourselves upon meeting him. Now, I want to hear the truth, and please be straightforward." "If you have not experienced his generosity personally, any talk is but empty words. I believe that you''ll understand it after some time spent with him. Being friends with him may not only be his fortune." Ling Xiaozui chuckled. Dugu Chou replied faintly, "I certainly hope so." "How''s your injury?" asked Ling Xiaozui. Dugu Chou let out a humorless chortle and answered, "It is of no import. It''s just a sword intent that has been trapped within, nothing else. The other party has the capabilities to force my execution of the Grieving Sword. How could I come out unscathed from such a battle?" "Be careful. Nothing should be taken lightly." Ling Xiaozui nodded softly in agreement. Dugu Chou was nonchalant as he replied, "I understand this very well. Mr. Nian''s ability has exceeded my expectations, but it''s not yet to the extent where he can actually hurt me. I am truly alright." As he spoke, his eyes took on a focused gaze and he blurted, "What is that?" With an abrupt stretch of his arm, he sent out a strong force, and the tiny white kitten that was initially crawling on the rooftop was seized. The kitten yowled, hissing and baring its teeth, rolling around angrily, only to struggle in vain. Dugu Chou held the kitten in his palm, marveling at the creature''s features, "Ling Xiao, look. This tiny creature''s camouflage skills are impressive. It has been lurking on our roof for quite a while before I found it How amazing!" As he spoke, his voice tapered off. His eyes went wide as he cried, "Ling Xiao, this-this isn''t a cat!" He toyed around with the palm-sized creature, picking it up and flipping it around to study it. Ling Xiaozui sighed with a soft chuckle, wondering how long had it truly been since Dugu Chou had last come out to this world. He had to take so long to identify a cat; could he not recognize it from its voice? Meow, meow! Would a tiger cry out like this? A tiger was not as small either He could only creep closer to inspect the odd creature. Once he looked, he could not help widening his eyes as well. "This is an Eclipse Panther? But how could an Eclipse Panther cub be so mighty?" The creature struggled pitifully in Dugu Chou''s palm, but with the latter''s restraining power, the panther could not even change its size, let alone escape. It could only stick its head out to look at Ling Xiaozui with imploring eyes, looking absolutely pitiful. A white shadow flashed by before a cold voice resounded in the air, "Who are you? Put Big Whitey down quickly!" It was Bai Yixue. Under the moonlight, Bai Yixue''s white gown was whiter than snow; he stood tall, his straight eyebrows looking like swords. He was charming, his eyes icy. His hand was pressed on the sword grip, his fighting spirit glowering as he looked coldly at both men. The tiny creature was none other than Big Whitey. This tiny fellow had come back to Residence of Yun every night from Nannan''s place to reunite with its brothers. The recent absence of its two brothers had caused Big Whitey to be incredibly anxious and impatient. Not knowing when Whitey Two and Three could return, Big Whitey came back even more frequently now to sate its longing for its brothers. It was an accident that was caught before it could land when it just came back tonight. This was a ridiculous prospect, even though that had never happened. Big Whitey growled in its heart, ''Your father isn''t on guard and here you are, trying to catch me? This is my home, that''s why I wasn''t alert. Put me down if you have the spine, we''ll run this again.'' It was a pity that no matter how it mewled, Dugu Chou could not understand anything. Even if he did, Dugu Chou would not take any unnecessary steps; why should he try, when the result was already destined? Although this baby Eclipse Panther had exceptional abilities, it was not to the standard of people like Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui. It was only their limits that would warrant some amount of surprise. Despite being caught off guard, despite giving its all, the stark contrast of capability levels would render the same result! "What if I don''t? What are you going to do about it then?" Dugu Chou asked with mild interest while looking at Bai Yixue. "If you don''t" Before Bai Yixue could answer, another person said, "If you don''t let it go you''ll have to ask if this young master agrees with it or not" The one who had said this was a person who was bedecked in emerald green, sauntering in their direction. Dugu Chou was even more amused and chuckled, "And just who might you be?" "This young master is" The person was still walking over, halfway through his words when he saw Ling Xiaozui. Letting out a low cry, the person fled while murmuring to himself, "Why am I here to relieve myself Where''s the bathroom?" As he mumbled, he sprinted away as if chased by rabid dogs. In the blink of an eye, the person had totally disappeared. Dugu Chou was speechless. Was this person mentally ill? It was already unsightly to wear green from head to toe, and the tone left no room for compromise yet, he fled before even finishing his words? His excuse was horrible as well; to relieve himself? Would you look for a bathroom in the middle of the night upon coming to the yard? Was the toilet in your own house also located right in the center? It was unacceptably blatant lies. Ling Xiaozui wore an amused smile. ''Isn''t this whose child was it again whom I met the other day? How precious; he actually remembers me! His memory is not bad at all, what more his other skills!'' Dong Tianleng almost wet his pants as he sprinted away. He felt goosebumps on his head, chills running through him; his feet were numb as well. The last time he had met this man, he had almost wet himself due to fright. This time around, it was still the same man and he still almost had to relieve himself! It was absolutely crazy! "I feel like I will forever be on the opposite end of these masterly experts, meeting one after another!" Dong Tianleng quivered. He had not intended to empty his bladder upon coming out, but after being frightened, he felt the urge now. It felt as if he were to go any later, he would wet his pants The man sprinted all the way to the bathroom. 591 Dumbfounded In this case, Dong Tianleng was not embellishing the truth. Since he had gotten to know Yun Yang, he really did get the chance to meet numerous masterly experts like Ling Xiaozui, Lei Dongtian, the Four Seasons Tower''s Four Venerable Lords, and Dugu Chou whom he had encountered today. Such encounters were rarely available to others. In addition, while these people terrified Dong Tianleng to the point of almost wetting his pants, he did not actually succumb to fear. His ''courage'' was something that a common man could not possibly compare to. It was impressive indeed! Bai Yixue was not overly impressed by what he was witnessing. He glanced towards the direction where Dong Tianleng had fled, thinking that the fellow had no sense of justice at all C did he have to be so frightened? What was there to be scared about, when he was here, one of Yutang''s peerless experts? Could there be Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou or Jun Moyan among these two people? He could vouch that Jun Moyan was definitely not inside, as he could recognize him and had even fought with him before! "Put Big Whitey down!" Bai Yixue said coldly, "Seeing that you are the residence''s guests, I shall refrain from being too harsh. However, a guest should behave like one. This little Whitey is my young master''s pet, it''s not for you to mishandle!" Bai Yixue was honestly aggravated as he watched Big Whitey struggle in Dugu Chou''s hand. What a merry time it was when all five Whiteys were home wreaking havoc together, but when Whitey Two and Three were lost after going out with young master, the merry atmosphere no longer existed. There was only the constant cacophony of miserable mewling that was filled with longing. It picked at the empathy of Bai Yixue and the others. Everyone in the Residence of Yun felt sorry for the three Whiteys, yet this fellow had caught one and was handling it roughly... Despite being at home, Bai Yixue was furious, looking at Big Whitey''s pitiful state without being able to do anything about it. Dugu Chou replied, chuckling, "It''s not all that difficult to make me put it down." "What do you want?" Bai Yixue questioned angrily. Dugu Chou answered in amusement, "As long as you win a battle against me, I''ll put it down. How about that?" "You would do well to think this through, lest you lose your reputation!" Bai Yixue chortled in incredulous anger. In his mind, the other party''s cultivation base must be significant to be able to seize Big Whitey, but Big Whitey was never on guard in its own home. It would be an easy feat for any cultivator of heaven realm; what was more important was that Bai Yixue had just experienced another breakthrough in his cultivation base and was now at the peak of eighth heaven, ready to step into ninth heaven at any time. He was an incredible expert, peerless in Tiantang City; he was not afraid even if he were to go against Jun Moyan; why would he be scared now? In addition, Dugu Chou had advanced to the point where could return to his own simplest form. His strength and force were so well hidden that nothing could be seen; even his aura was concealed. With Bai Yixue''s current cultivation base, how could he be able to discern it? Dugu Chou said seriously, "I''ve thought it through. What is the worth of reputation? If I could obtain defeat, then that is where the value lies!" Bai Yixue laughed. Suddenly, he straightened up and turned as sharp as a sword. He recited sonorously, "Who is it, wearing white from head to toe? The divine blade slays even dead souls. Who in the world knows this? Only those that see white snow all around!" Letting out a drawn-out howl, he readied himself, pulling his sword out of the scabbard gracefully. A cry and a glimmer later, the sword appeared in Bai Yixue''s hands. Bai Yixue shot up from the ground, his form blurring in the air; his graceful silhouette and lean shape bolted over like a godly being. Swoosh! Bai Yixue''s sword turned into fluttering snow, showering down upon those who were standing around like a storm. Dugu Chou reacted as he was up against a formidable enemy. He pulled out his sword from the scabbard with a grim expression and cried out, "Great technique!" Bai Yixue was increasingly certain that the other party was an easy target, and called out disparagingly, "A battle of experts will show disparity easily. There is no need to waste your effort. Put down Big Whitey quickly, I won''t find fault with you, lest the amicability is lost." Despite saying so, he turned and dealt nineteen consecutive strikes, spinning seven or eighth times around Dugu Chou. Ling Xiaozui was speechless. Why had he never heard of Dugu Chou''s bizarre hobby in the past? Forget the fact that he enjoyed petting cats and dogs, he was playing around with human as well now! What was more, he was serious. Could it be any more ridiculous? Bai Yixue''s white robes were more dazzling than the snow as he dashed around with ease and elegance like a dragon. His sword struck in various directions, performing a flawless execution of his art. On the contrary, Dugu Chou looked like he was having a hard time defending, barely able to tackle the attacks that were launched at him. It was like he was going to lose at any time. Bai Yixue grew increasingly delighted the more he fought, hollering, "Aren''t you admitting defeat? If you really wait for me, big brother, to defeat you, that wouldn''t be the way I should treat my guests now." Dugu Chou was still holding on to Big Whitey while wielding his sword in another hand. He was defending the attacks with all his might, looking for all the world like he lacked ability, yet he still had the time to reply, "A man can be killed, but not humiliated. Come on and defeat me if you are capable enough!" "What a great man! What a backbone you have!" Bai Yixue praised him aloud and said triumphantly, "Just for this dignity you possess, I won''t injure you as long as you call me big brother." Dugu Chou bit his tongue right away, no longer saying another word. The battle went on, both men launching attacks and defending against each other''s strikes. Yun Yang had just left Feng Xiange and Gu Chaliang to settle down. Before he could even have a breather, he heard the ruckus outside and ran out to have a look. Once he saw the cause of the commotion, his mouth fell open. Crack! Yun Yang cried out in pain and pushed his jaw back into place, hissing, "What''s going on?" The sword intent was fervent; Bai Yixue was fighting Dugu Chou. More importantly, the former was having the upper hand, slowly pushing Dugu Chou back. Yun Yang was dumbfounded, at a loss for what to do. Ling Xiaozui pursed his lips before speaking with a low chuckle, "Your residence does indeed have plenty of experts. It''s absolutely teeming with talent." Yun Yang flushed in embarrassment, and called out in a hurry, "Stop, stop it! We''re all on the same side, our own people!" "I know that he''s one of us! That''s why I didn''t give it my all, I''m only playing with him!" Bai Yixue said, laughing. With a drawn-out howl and a sense of undeniable triumph, he uttered breezily, "All shall come to an end!" He exhaled with a shout, sword light spilled down from the heavens like a storm; this display of might was several times more formidable than his earlier performance. Dugu Chou chortled upon seeing it and stood still instead, sending a slap over to his nemesis. Bai Yixue cried out instantly, "Don''t simply block it! I won''t actually hurt you... Oh no... f*ck!" The strike had been birthed from Bai Yixue''s entire strength, one that came from the limits of his power; naturally, it was frighteningly menacing. However, it was exactly because it was an intentional show of skill that it held no reservation and was clearly from a man who wasn''t holding back. According to Bai Yixue''s initial assumption regarding Dugu Chou''s response, he should have had no reaction towards this strike. While the strike was alarming, it would only brush past the target without injuring him. Contrary to his original assumptions, Dugu Chou had actually reacted and was heading towards it. He would take Bai Yixue''s strongest attack head-on. How could the latter not be worried? Right when Bai Yixue was about to dive into a panic, he watched his opponent deal out a slap. A wave of force that was as powerful as a tsunami swept out, drowning not only the sword light but the attacker himself. Bang! Bai Yixue flew away like a ball. Even as he soared through the air, Bai Yixue was completely dumbfounded! 592 I Am Your Grandmaster! At that very moment, Bai Yixue was completely befuddled. ''I am only a small cub who thought he was toying with a lamb; I would never have expected the lamb to turn into an adult tiger!'' ''Then, the tiger pounced with its paw; how can a tiny cub withstand the blow?'' "Bam!" Bai Yixue was flung like a broken kite and crashed into a wall. Rolling violently, he finally stood up, his mind a foggy haze. His eyes were wide open, but he could see stars that were spinning around. He murmured, "I must be dreaming, it''s a nightmare" Yun Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry. Dugu Chou''s abrupt strike was brutal and left no room for defense; it had flung the target and his sword far away. "Say Senior Dugu, what is going on? What are you up to?" asked Yun Yang. Despite Yun Yang''s intelligence, he would have never thought that Dugu Chou would suppress his aura and maneuver the situation to make Bai Yixue initiate the battle, despite his status and character. Such an act was not about winning without a fight, it was a chink in the exalted man''s status. This should not have happened at all. Who was Bai Yixue, and who was Dugu Chou? Unbelievably, such an event, that should not have happened, happened. Yun Yang was lost, but he was certain that there must be a reason behind Dugu Chou''s actions; he was never one to play tricks. Dugu Chou had put down Big Whitey, and the creature scrambled into Yun Yang''s embrace the moment it regained freedom. It was still fearful, mewling ceaselessly and its small body trembled in Yun Yang''s embrace. Big Whitey was truly frightened this time. If it had initially refused to give in, the thought was long gone now, especially after it felt Dugu Chou''s sudden burst of violence. The short- distance quake had shaken it enough. Compared to a human, Big Whitey, as an ace mystical beast, was better in ascertaining the level of a human''s ability. Spiritual creatures had always unconditionally obeyed stronger ones whom they could not fight; only by doing so could they guarantee their survival. This was the law of the jungle, it was an undisputed maxim! "Child, who is your master?" Dugu Chou did not answer Yun Yang directly but trained his gaze on Bai Yixue, who was pathetically trying to pick himself up. "My master?" Bai Yixue was still dizzy, partly from being beaten up and partly from the entire incident. He knew one thing for sure; the old man in front of him was a rare expert who was insanely skilled. He was probably at Jun Moyan''s level or even higher! ''I''ve never f*cking met someone so strong, but I toyed with him like a monkey earlier'' Bai Yixue''s mind was buzzing. "Yes, your master." "My master is Xiao Shaoqing." Bai Yixue''s mind gradually gained clarity and realized that things had turned out rather strangely. He carefully asked, "Does senior know my master?" "Why, this is a bastard indeed," Dugu Chou scoffed but his expression was one of longing and sadness. "Senior Senior knows my master?" Bai Yixue asked again in a stuttering voice; his tone changed quickly, turning exceptionally respectful. The boastful and arrogant front had vanished without a trace. To Bai Yixue, anyone who had something to do with his master, even if it were animals, deserved his respect. An expert like this one in front of him was clearly no exception. "Your master Xiao Shaoqing is my closed-door disciple Sigh" Dugu Chou heaved a long sigh; he was unusually despondent, his tone tinged with intense desolation. Disciple how far away it seemed Then, the atmosphere became strained as the group was stupefied by his statement. Your master is my closed-door disciple? The sentence carried a whole lot of significance! Faced with such a shocking disclosure of information, Yun Yang made tea under the yard''s canopy instead; the group chatted on while they sipped tea. Bai Yixue was stunned, dumbfounded, mystified. ''I beg your pardon? This old man is master''s master?'' ''Then isn''t he... grandmaster?'' ''This This'' "It looks like your master never mentioned me to you?" Dugu Chou understood the situation immediately; the man was at an utter loss. Bai Yixue replied respectfully, "No, no, not at all. I''ve never heard master mention anything about his master." He could tell that the elder in front of him was telling the truth and not making things up. "My master has never mentioned his school either. I remember asking him once but I was beaten immediately after" Bai Yixue added carefully. "Xiao Shaoqing has a naturally erratic character, and is especially narcissistic, loving the limelight the most. He is an alcoholic, never acting accountably nor responsibly. I thought it was a product of his youth, that it''d be fine after some years of growing up. However, by looking at your sword art and especially your behavior, I have no doubt that you''re his disciple. You seem to have been sculpted by his mold; there is no question that you''re an heir to his skill" Dugu Chou lamented, "Not only is he volatile, the disciple he taught is actually as unreliable! When the upper beam isn''t straight, the lower one will go aslant C because of the both of you, this old man has lost face!" Bai Yixue was exasperated, thinking to himself, ''Master''s master, you''re lambasting and lambasting'' He had to admit that his narcissism and self-bragging weaknesses did indeed come from his master. Recalling the moments when his master would look in the mirror and compliment himself before going to the bathroom every morning, Bai Yixue thought that he was still far away from being like his master. "Dugu, why have I never heard that you have such an ''amazing'' heir?" Ling Xiaozui asked with amusement written in his eyes, "I remembered that you only have one disciple who disappeared a long time ago. Now, you have another closed-door disciple" Dugu Chou sighed and said, "I used to have a total of three disciples. The eldest one, Shangguan Jingben, was the one whom I would have liked to be my heir, but due to fate and chance, he had insulted the Hall of Gale and was killed in Raven Mountain by three hundred Hall of Gale experts. He had died without a body to bring home" "No wonder you decided to wipe out the Hall of Gale back then, yet no one knew how the hall had offended you I see the truth now," Feng Xiange commented. Back in the day, Dugu Chou triumphed over the world, but rarely did he engage in massacres. That time, however, he had slaughtered lives, piling up mountains of bodies and cascading rivers of blood. He had even threatened the martial world C Whoever wants to avenge the Hall of Gale, speak their names! Whoever it is, whatever force it requires, I''ll take it. The martial world had been silenced by that line, thus the Hall of Gale incident became a taboo topic in the realm. No one dared to mention it C what if Dugu Chou were to think that I am on the Hall of Gale''s side, and come for you if I speak of it? Therefore, the entire episode was a mystery in the martial world. It was only known now that the reason was due to such an incident! 593 Taking In The Crackpot Again "That second disciple of mine, Yu Wenzhe, was highly talented as well, but he''s a romantic one. After teaching him all I could, I asked him to roam the martial world, to gain some exposure. My intention was to increase his martial world experience before letting him come back and become an heir. However, after this bastard left, he toned down significantly in his handful of years roaming the martial arts world; he didn''t provoke fights and actually didn''t frequently engage in battle. Still, he wasn''t unoccupied all these years. Other than finding a wife, he found concubines as well. In the end, the old man who waited with a long neck for him to come back and inherit the art received a big bunch of wives to kowtow to me. Then, he brought these wives into seclusion as well" Dugu Chou recounted the chain of events with helplessness. He had taken in three disciples; the one he thought would inherit his art had died early from battle, while the remaining two were crackpots. "Cough, cough" Ling Xiaozui and the others coughed dryly. They had no idea what to say. Dugu Chou''s luck was really something. Others could not get even one such crackpot disciple, but he managed to get two! Putting themselves in his shoes, what could they do if their disciple brought a handful of wives back and told them he was going to live in seclusion? Thinking about it, they could only sigh. They could totally understand Dugu Chou''s speechlessness and feelings back then. Only Yun Yang could not help clicking his tongue at the side of his mouth, "Tsch, tsch, tsch" How envious he was! Living in seclusion with a big bunch of wives The keyword was ''a big bunch! How a big a bunch was it? "The last disciple is this child''s master, Xiao Shaoqing That fellow had an unrestrained nature, not only was he narcissistic and a wise-a**, he was easily swayed there was nothing else in his eyes the moment his spotted the Wine. Back then, I had sent him to the Snow Summit to retrieve the Ten Thousand Year Lotus Seed. My intention was to grind and build his foundation, but who would have known that this fellow had laid low for half a year once he was gone. He was drinking outside for three months and had actually lost the lotus seed when he was coming back" Dugu Chou sighed until his hair turned white. "He came back intoxicated. I asked him where the lotus seed was. This bastard patted his chest, saying "Here!", but there was nothing there when his hand went to retrieve it. He stood there murmuring, "Where did I lose it; Here? There? Or." He didn''t even know when he parted with it." "There weren''t any battles that were underway and no one had stolen it. He''d obviously lost it while under the influence of drink I was so furious at the time" "Hahaha!" Ling Xiaozui, Feng Xiange, and Gu Chaliang laughed to the point that tears almost leaked out of their eyes. It was really f*cking insane. Dugu Chou chuckled humorlessly. "Missing his destined fate was already a huge mistake, he had to do things in an unreliable manner as well. How could he succeed? After I censured him, I chased him out of the school and had him leave right away. He wasn''t allowed to say that he was my disciple and wasn''t allowed to boast by using my name It''s been three hundred years since then" "Wasn''t he a disciple after you retired to seclusion?" Ling Xiaozui said in surprise. Dugu Chou nodded. "At that time, I saw a child who had fainted at the side of the road and I took him back. After a few days of interaction, I was quite drawn to him and thought to take in another disciple. It''s just too bad he''s simply another crackpot." The group was speechless, at a loss for what to say. "I didn''t expect that the fellow would choose not to disclose anything about me for so many years" Dugu Chou was in a trance as he looked at the sky. After some time, he finally looked back down and asked Bai Yixue, "Your master Xiao Shaoqing Is he still alive?" Bai Yixue answered respectfully, "Master is well, but he hasn''t roamed the martial world for a long time now. He''s staying in seclusion at the Black Clouds Summit, and doesn''t usually come down" "Does he still drink like an alcoholic?" asked Dugu Chou with a frown. "This disciple has followed master for a long time, but I''ve never seen him drink a single drop of wine," Bai Yixue said with a lowered head. Bai Yixue understood now why his master had never touched wine; so, this was the reason. He could not help sighing for his master. If he were to encounter such an incident, he would probably not touch a drop of wine in his life as well. He looked up fervently at Dugu Chou, his eyes pleading pitifully. "Doesn''t touch a drop of wine now, does he?" Dugu Chou mumbled to himself after a long sigh. Ling Xiaozui and the others were moved as well. How much determination was required for an alcoholic who loved wine to not touch a drop of it for the rest of his life? They could not help but wish to persuade the other man to change his mind. "Fine. When you see your master again" Dugu Chou finally said softly after a long period of contemplation, "Let him know that I allow him to come back to the school again. Ask him to come and bow down to me!" "Thank you, grandmaster!" Bai Yixue was overjoyed and was about to kneel down and genuflect to his grandmaster. "No." Dugu Chou said faintly, "Only when your master bows to me will you be considered my grand disciple! For now, we are not related in any way." He mumbled, "I still remember that Shaoqing, that fellow, loved drinking as much as he loved his own life. To stay away from even a drop of wine for so many years the regret must have been appalling. How can someone bow before he gets to that point?" Bai Yixue had hot tears brimming in his eyes. After some time, when he finally reigned in his emotions, he spoke with trepidation, "Forgive me, but I still do not know grandmaster''s name" Dugu Chou answered softly, "I am Dugu Chou." It was like a bomb had dropped on Bai Yixue. The moment he recognized the name, Bai Yixue felt himself staggering, almost collapsing on the table. Dugu Chou C such a legendary name that had always been at the peak of this continent, the top of the clouds; people in the world worshipped him like a god! This Unrivaled Expert, who was renowned all over the world and had subdued the martial world, was actually right in front of him! Not only that, he was actually his grandmaster! Furthermore he had even done battle with him Bai Yixue was flustered, not knowing what to say for a good while. After being stunned for a long time, he suddenly slapped his own face, feeling utterly embarrassed. If he had only shown off in front of his grandmaster, it was disgraceful, but it was still understandable. Yet, he had assumed a pose of ostentatiousness before the world''s Unrivaled Expert, an act that would only leave him with tragedy! A tragic life was nothing more than this! Bai Yixue could imagine this battle today being listed in the ranks of awkward battles among Tianxuan Continent''s cultivators. He would become the joke of the martial world, supplying laughter throughout his lifetime! "Sigh" "Cough, cough" Yun Yang coughed for quite a while before he could suppress his laughter and said, "Bai Yi, let me introduce you" He pointed to Ling Xiaozui and said, "This one is considered an outstanding talent among the promising younger generation to your grandmaster. He is quite well known." Bai Yixue coughed and said, "No matter how well known, at most, he will be the same generation as my master." He then disagreed silently, ''So what if he''s well-known? Can he be more well-known than Jun Moyan?" "This is Ling Xiaozui," said Yun Yang. "Cough, cough, cough" Bai Yixue hacked violently. His face turned red as he crumpled into a heap on the ground. He would not have dreamed that such a name would come up. Two legends of the world, two Unrivaled Experts! This was earth-shattering news. It wasf*cking ecstasy! 594 Thus Begin The Storm! Bai Yixue was stunned speechless. With regards to the topic of reputation, there were only three to five people in this world who could beat Jun Moyan, but his young master had dragged out two of those immediately. Was his young master playing him or was his young master playing him? Ling Xiaozui smiled with a gentle nod. When Feng Xiange was being introduced, Bai Yixue had bowed to show respect. This fellow obviously noticed that someone who was associated with Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui could not be an ordinary mortal. Indeed, he was stunned yet again. The name of the Phantom Physician God of Wine, Feng Xiange, was not above that of Jun Moyan''s, but it was no less spectacular in any way. "And this one" Gu Chaliang was seen shaking his head lightly when Yun Yang was about to introduce him. The latter changed his opening line and said, "This one is surnamed Gu." "Senior Gu." Bai Yixue was still reverent in his manner. ''Excuse you, this one must be someone significant as well. At the very least, he won''t be someone lesser-known than Jun Moyan. His name isn''t even important. I can''t show the slightest disrespect anyway!'' "From now on, everyone will be staying in the Residence of Yun. We''re all one family." As Yun Yang announced this, Bai Yixue exclaimed with joy, "Young master, I need to go back immediately to invite my master over." Dugu Chou had disclosed a revelation and this matter was his master''s lifetime regret; now that there was hope for recompense, Bai Yixue could not wait a moment longer, impatient to tell his master this good news. Actually, Yun Yang was equally impatient as well. Bai Yixue''s master was Dugu Chou''s only disciple that was left. He had to be a super expert as well. People like him could come in droves every day and Yun Yang would not complain about the influx. It would be best for Bai Yixue to go find him quickly, and once he came, he need not even think about leaving! "Go, go quickly! You can leave now, remember to come back as soon as possible!" Yun Yang chortled with glee. The other experts rolled their eyes at him, obviously seeing through a certain someone''s grand plan that held no shame nor limit. They had come to the same conclusion C this young one was not the slightest bit cautious. Even if he were lacking manpower, he did not have to show it so explicitly "I am really in need" Yun Yang looked back at the four experts in desperation, only to find that their answer was a set of rolled eyes. "Cough Let us all rest now. It''s not that early anymore." Yun Yang chuckled. After watching Bai Yixue leave, he had nothing much left to do. Now that his residence was occupied by these four people, he could sleep soundly without any worries! Instantly, Yun Yang shed the caution that he had held, like he was walking on eggshells all this time, completely. As his high-strung nerves relaxed, exhaustion took over. He could not help wanting to sink right into slumber for days. It was the first time in Yun Yang''s life experiencing the intricate feeling of having support, of having someone to brace the sky if it fell... It felt great! Yun Yang, who had gone back to his room, was surprised to see Ji Lingxi waiting for him in his yard. "Why are you sitting here? Not going out? The rarely-seen masterly experts are all outside." Yun Yang asked with some surprise. While Ji Lingxi was a girl, she was a cultivator who was already in the heaven realm. Such capability was hardly regarded by Ling Xiaozui and group, but she was indeed an ace cultivator. Ji Lingxi smiled and said lightly, "Even if I go out, I wouldn''t be able to say much, I''d only embarrass myself These people outside, are they all top-notch super experts?" "Indeed they are. Two of them are the legendary Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui. The third one is the Phantom Physician God of Wine, Feng Xiange, while the last one is more mysterious; he seems to have a strong background," Yun Yang provided a simple introduction. After all, they would all be staying in the same residence and were bound to bump into each other. He should give an advance reminder lest there were misunderstandings that stemmed from unhappy meetings. "I knew they were exceptional guests." Ji Lingxi smiled faintly and said, "Alright, now that there are four of them here, you can finally sleep without worries. You haven''t rested well for so long, hurry up and sleep now that you have the chance to do so." Ji Lingxi grinned and went out after she finished talking. Yun Yang had wanted to make a humorous reply, but the sleepiness that threatened to take over him was hard to fight against. He took off his shoes quickly and passed out on the bed. Just as Ji Lingxi had mentioned, his fatigue had reached its limit. Since surviving the battle in Tianxuan Cliff, anxiety had always filled his heart for the past two years; he dared not even shut his eyes entirely when he slept, how could he ever have a moment of peaceful slumber? Finally assured this time, he could not fight the exhaustion and wanted only to sleep. It caused him to overlook Ji Lingxi''s odd behavior that was in contrast with her usual self. Under normal circumstances, an uproar would be triggered, no matter where experts like Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui appeared. Any cultivator who achieved a certain standard in their cultivation base would not be saved from being stirred and would yearn to see them. What was more, the experts were right in the comfort of their homes and were staying in the same yard. The stirring should have been much stronger! Ji Lingxi, who was an ace cultivator, should have been no exception to this, but she had not shown much reaction when she heard Yun Yang mention the few names earlier. It was as if she had only heard a few very ordinary names. That was all there was to it. It was terribly peculiar indeed. Ji Lingxi stepped out of Yun Yang''s room. Walking back and arriving under the tree, she halted her steps to look back. Yun Yang''s room was dark and faint snores came from within. With his current cultivation base, the only explanation to the snores was that he was truly, deeply asleep, physically and mentally! Ji Lingxi sighed softly and sat in the pavilion. As she looked around, there was a sense of perplexity tinging her expression; there was also frustration that looked like she could not understand something and could hardly make a choice. "I don''t get it" A soft, lonely sigh echoed in the nightfall. Two days passed quietly. The peace remained until the third night A loud boom could be heard from somewhere along the outskirts of the city''s western sector. It was the sound of a large door being crushed. A drawn-out howl shook the sky C "Four Seasons Tower''s men, come out and die!" The assassins finally began to act, their sights pointed directly at the Four Seasons Tower. While these days had looked peaceful without any ripples or disturbances, the Four Seasons Tower had never stopped carrying out their operations. To Snow, Frost, and Sword, there was no need to fear anyone who came. Their rationality had been washed away by grudge and resentment. ''The mighty ones in Tiantang City? They don''t matter!'' ''Nothing can be more important than seeking revenge for my brothers!'' In addition, Dugu Chou had never shown any signs of friendship with the Four Seasons Tower. He was even collaborating with Ling Xiaozui. Naturally, he was the Four Seasons Tower''s enemy as well. Snow, Frost, and Sword would be stupid if they did not intensify their operations. They instructed the two to three hundred people from the Four Seasons Tower to scout for news and information about the assassins from every available direction. Once they received any news, they were to ambush and annihilate the target without hesitation and restraint. There was only one word to their entire operation C kill! It had only been two to three days but there were as many as about eighty people from the Hall of Crimson Blade and The Merciless Tower who had been killed, both inside and beyond the city. The number of martial world killers who were killed by the Four Seasons Tower was countless; these were the ones who did not belong to the two organizations and had come solely for the summons of the Dictum of Death. The Four Seasons Tower''s men in Tiantang City acted in a group of a dozen men each time they struck. Their targets were usually one or two killers who were left out, thus their operations had always been successful. On the other hand, the Hall of Crimson Blade''s head, Hong Zhan, and The Merciless Tower''s Hen Bieli dared not act recklessly and missed their opportunity due to their apprehension for the mysteriously powerful one. It earned the Four Seasons Tower the chance to break them, one after another. The sufferable loss then significantly reduced the reputation of the Dictum of Death. However, these two people were experienced players of the martial world. They reacted instantly. Knowing that it was not clever to stay passive and continue to be attacked; they decisively acted immediately with determination. The Dictum of Death was used again, gathering the world''s assassins outside of the city''s south gate to come up with the grand plan on the next midnight. The grand plan was none other than assembling forces and hitting back at the Four Seasons Tower. The assassins of the world had gathered; if they did not do something momentous, how could the Dictum of Death live up to its reputation? On the same night, Hall of Crimson Blade and The Merciless Tower, that were the operation''s initiators, contributed a large majority of their experts. In addition to the independent killers who moved in secret, there were more than five hundred people who joined this battle. "We shall destroy the Four Seasons Tower''s forces in Tiantang City with this wave of annihilation!" "No mercy! No lives pardoned!" To ensure the success of this operation, Hong Zhan of the Hall of Crimson Blade and Hen Bieli of The Merciless Tower had even jointly issued an invitation to the Concourse of the Underworld. The Head of The Merciless Tower, Hen Bieli, had personally passed an apology letter, apologizing for their harsh response towards Concourse of the Underworld''s amiability previously; he had even promised to be in the Concourse of the Underworld''s favor debt and to requite it one day. The Concourse of the Underworld''s King Qinguang had gone to discuss this with Yun Yang once he saw it. "Just spread the wraith by then, it will mean that Concourse of the Underworld has joined the fray." Yun Yang said, "However, don''t reveal yourselves. We won''t join in the ''fun'' at such a chaotic time. As long as the wraith covers a large enough vicinity, who would dare to say that Concourse of the Underworld didn''t do its part?" First Court King Qinguang chuckled, very pleased. "We would like to watch the parade, especially if it means we get to watch the fights from aside" Yun Yang rolled his eyes, actually speechless. Still, he had underestimated the ten Yama Kings'' interest and excitement to be an audience. That night, the wraith was thick and threatening. All ten court of kings had actually gone together, forming an indiscreet group of observers. Yun Yang, who also wanted to be a spectator to the battle, almost fumed with anger. ''Is there a need for so many people to come together to watch something? Do all of you know how much a risk is to be taken to watch this spectacle?'' ''If one or two came, we could flee instantly if the situation goes bad. However, all of you have come how confident! If something were to happen, as long as one of you were reluctant to leave, every one of you will definitely join in the battle!'' ''It would be terribly exasperating if we, the audience, were to become participants in this battle'' ''You have to know that the Four Seasons Tower''s combat power isn''t limited only to what they have right now. Mr. Nian and another pinnacle expert are watching from the sidelines. If they feel the need to intervene in this fight, do you think our future will be bright?'' In spite of the incessant warnings, the ten kings had come. Yun Yang had no choice but to react spontaneously. The audience included King Yun of Yutang, Marquis Yun, himself. There were also numerous experts who thought to lurk in the dark to watch this battle. After all, everyone had the intention of hopping on for a free ride if the grand assembly of the world''s killers could actually take a stab at the Four Seasons Tower''s arrogance. However, this spectacle shook Yun Yang once again. The solid capability of the Four Seasons Tower''s combat force and the bizarre ingenuity of the killers'' tactics opened everyone''s eyes to a whole new world. Their reputation was well-earned indeed! The Four Seasons Tower''s countermeasure was clear C the Four Seasons Tower''s reputation must not fall! We shall never retreat! One to come, one to kill, two to come, a pair to kill! It was blatant and overt. A large house was divided into north, south, east, and west. Three experts were arranged to guard in the dark in each direction. These three people had no other responsibility except to beat back the enemy who came to their side. When these three people died, got tired, or were injured, the Four Seasons Tower would produce another trio to take their place. This was a brazen act, saying, "No matter how many of your men come, these men of mine will take them down!" As for the assassins, they had ample tricks as well; there were only things one could not think of, there was nothing they could not do or would not have done. The one to raise the curtain of this battle, to crush the door open first, was The Merciless Tower''s Hen Bieli. With a palm strike, the door was blasted open. However, the strike meant nothing. It was only an announcement of battle, a beginning of the fight. After all, those who joined the battle were proficient experts who would take the front door down Wind billowed, dust curled lazily into the air. There were a few wilted leaves that twirled in the air before they slowly landed on the ground. It was quiet all around. There was only the gray wraith that drifted in the night sky, spreading itself everywhere. As the dried leaves landed on the ground, countless icy blades shot out from them with deadly precision. 595 Let It Begin! The shower of blades was far more intense than the fallen leaves. They spiraled and flew in various orientations and along with them, they brought the harsh cries of the wind. Every piece and shard was laced with terrifying howls that came from the speed at which it cut through the gale. It was not hard to imagine that such a blade only needed to brush past someone for them to either be dismembered or cut apart everywhere. Even worse, it would slice their chest or stomach open. It was a matter of life and death. Who would dare take this lightly? Even when these were the assassins who roamed at the brink of life and death throughout the years, no one dared disregard it. The leaves and blades wove an interlacing pattern with each other in a spiraling dance in the sky. There was a copious amount of weapons C swords, daggers, knives, thin flying needles, and other lethal instruments, appearing continuously to fill in any tiny gap between the attacks. Any gap that had previously existed was now a fatal threat. That wasn''t the end of it. A fallen leaf drifted silently to the top of a Four Seasons Tower''s expert and turned into an enormous hammer! How could a giant hammer emerge from a piece of fallen leaf? So far, every bit of the battle tonight had been within the realms of logic and reality. Such a switch was frightening to hear of, it was unbelievable and barely imaginable. Yun Yang was fascinated watching the fight unfold, silently exclaiming at the professionalism he was witnessing. The assassins'' tricks were truly innumerable and varied distinctively from each other. Even with his current cultivation base, he might not be able to defend himself if he were to encounter such an ambush. What was more, he would count himself fortunate if he could escape unscathed from such attacks. Unless C unless, of course, his cloud manifestation powers could be recovered. Otherwise, he did not dare claim that he could face the attacks gracefully without being injured. As the assassins'' attacks gained momentum, silhouettes and shadows appeared mysteriously in the thick fog,amongst the spiraling fallen leaves, from within the nightfall. After the assassins made melee-ranged attacks with whatever they were capable of, the ferocity of the entire team''s attack increased greatly. It was no longer comparable to when they attacked from a long distance. Each flash was an attack, each one accompanied by a substantially deadly strike; whether the attack launched was effective or not, whether there was any damage done, they disappeared immediately. They had executed a killer''s basic strategy of fleeing far and high once an attack was made to perfection. After a while, various manifestations began to appear incessantly. There was a huge lotus, an illusory giant leaf, even ripples of shimmering waves. All of them were manifestations of the assassins themselves. The abundance of varied tricks was already evidence of the countless people who participated in this operation. The assassins who came had truly displayed their best skills. It was the best tactic against the Four Seasons Tower for now. Retreating promptly after a missed strike and not insisting on landing an attack ensured minimal depletion of the killers. Such a strategy was absolutely brilliant. On the other hand, the Four Seasons Tower''s twelve experts remained standing in a triangular defensive stance with their backs against each other. Despite facing such frightening attacks, each wave more ferocious than the last, they looked cold and distant, defending each other almost mechanically without being ruffled. Once an assassin appeared and left a little too slowly, one of them would entangle him in a fight while the other two would attack the killer lethally. Such attacks repeated themselves whenever the opportunity arose, without any mistakes! There was not a single moment when the skills of the Four Seasons Tower''s killers would let them down! Their battle experience was bafflingly terrifying. It was also due to such battle tactics that no matter how intricate and peculiar the assassins'' attacks were, no matter how they had fled once they missed, there were still cries of pain ringing out continuously. Blood, broken arms, dismembered limbs They flew everywhere almost unceasingly. The night was filled with the copper scent of blood as the crimson liquid flowed unchecked like rivers. The battle was devastating, but it was refreshingly straightforward. The Four Seasons Tower''s men maintained their positions and defensive strategy, occasionally venturing out to attack. Once the enemy''s loophole was spotted, they worked together to eliminate the assassin at once, without skipping a beat. This they accomplished no matter how the assassins attacked with their various tactics and defended themselves. The strategy was old, simple, even. Yet after Yun Yang''s consideration, this strategy was actually the best method to prevail in the current battle. The simplest constant to face the array of changes had sufficed to handle the current warfare! Currently, the leaders from the Four Seasons Tower had yet to show themselves. Similarly, the top-notch experts from the assassin organizations did not act recklessly to join in the fight. It was because they simply did not dare to. Each side kept their trump card securely. They were not confident about when the other side would launch their ultimate strike and were reluctant to act mindlessly, lest their carelessness caused total defeat. Whoever struck first now would mean exposing their trump card. Therefore, they could only continue fighting. The only result would be not having one; even if there were plenty of casualties, it still did not damage the core strength of either party. Yun Yang calculated, knowing that Sword, Frost, and Snow were intentionally making enemies for the Four Seasons Tower, but these three Venerable Lords did not want to die too early either. The best result for them would be to deepen the grudge between the Four Seasons Tower and the assassin organizations until it became an irreversible resentment. To achieve this, they only needed to prolong the battle. Be it the other side or their own, it was better if more people died! On the basis of such a premise, the Four Seasons Tower would never step out and expose their all to the enemy, in fear that the latter would arrange their formations and execute targeting attacks. As the battle escalated, so did the casualties of the killers. No matter how remarkable and bizarre their ambush techniques were, repeated launches would only increase the chances of the enemy seeing through them, thus rendering the tricks useless. Even as the assassins'' casualties increased, the Four Seasons Tower had also rotated three batches of men, their casualties significant. There were fifteen deaths among the previous two batches with the remaining nine people severely injured; while they were being taken back, they could no longer contribute to this battle. This was actually a good sign to the assassins. The superior combat power of both sides was unknown, but the assassins'' side had the advantage of numbers. Despite the assassins'' higher ratio of casualties compared to the Four Seasons Tower, it still did not affect the overall fight. In spite of this, the Four Seasons Tower''s three Venerable Lords did not emerge at all, causing suspicion to rise among the killers. It was like they did not mind the casualties on their side at all. The assassins who were in the battle right now, the assassins who had dared to join in were experienced killers, their special skills honed to perfection. At a glance, however, they knew no one from the Four Seasons Tower who were here. The men were shockingly unfamiliar to these veteran assassins. Where did the many experts from the tower come from? Was the Four Seasons Tower''s force so unpredictably strong? No one knew anyone, despite the large number of killers present. This itself was a huge problem! No one recognized the tower''s men; had they just fallen from the sky? While such doubts existed, it gradually faded. Assassins who were easily swayed by such distractions would never live long enough to become famed. Having the advantage of manpower and with the addition of veteran assassins in the battlefield, as well as some super assassins who were preparing to strike, the initially balanced battle began to tilt. At least, the Four Seasons Tower''s experts who were fighting now had a sudden increase of pressure. Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan hid somewhere in the dark, invested in watching the fight of the century. The same thought swirled in their mind C how many people from the Four Seasons Tower had taken part in this battle? Taking the question further, how many percent of the Four Seasons Tower''s capability had actually been revealed in this fight? Nonetheless, both of them felt bitter, despite the assassins currently having the upper hand in the battle. The reason was simple. Just as the three Venerable Lords had expected, the two top assassin organizations were forced to take this route! These were the most important three words to note C were forced to! They were forced to! Their original intention coming to Tiantang City was to do business, to earn money C by killing a young child, maybe a king, perhaps a young master. This was their goal! Once they had completed it, they could call it a success. They would receive a handsome amount of payment and could flee far and high in the martial world. Even if Yutang were to subdue Tianxuan, they would have left long ago; nothing could be done to them! Who would have thought that the Four Seasons Tower had charged towards them aggressively just as they arrived, just as they began plotting their schemes? Everything had yet to even start. They were being killed every step of the way Had they offended the tower? Where had they gone wrong? Countless numbers of their capable men had been inexplicably killed, while those who were executing their missions were summarily executed without reason. Plenty of missions were halted then, barely able to be carried forward. Helpless, both of the leaders had rushed here personally to take charge of this unexpected episode. In all honesty, both of the leaders were apprehensive about the Four Seasons Tower''s infamy. Their initial plan was not to question the Four Seasons Tower directly but to have a talk and probe gently into the situation; perhaps there had been some misunderstanding Then, they could work out a solution. Yet, the Four Seasons Tower was not even willing to agree to such a humble request! They had opened fire immediately, killing the assassins under the hand of the organizations. They had pushed these two organizations right to the edge and were slaughtering their men unceasingly. Such a method had undoubtedly pushed all the martial world''s assassin organizations to the Four Seasons Tower''s opposing end. What was it for? It was an utterly absurd move! Such a foolish method should not even have existed in the Four Seasons Tower. The Four Seasons Tower was powerful. Disliking the world''s famous assassins organizations, they had first begun their attempts at annihilation on the Concourse of the Underworld, killing the men from the organization, pushing them to the brink of extinction. This was a fact. However, the intelligence collected disclosed that the cause of this incident was due to Concourse of the Underworld''s provocation, having targeted the Seasons head of the Four Seasons Tower, Supreme Lord Spring Frost. This was the reason the tower had retaliated. That particular episode, painful as it was, was reasonable. Now that they had launched attacks on another two major assassin organizations, they had simply gone overboard. Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan wracked their heads, yet they could not figure out the reason behind this mess. It was all a blur. Even when Hong Zhan was involved in Venerable Lord Ice''s death, the latter''s death obviously contained an inside story. If the entire story was recounted and explained, the Four Seasons Tower still did not have the justification to do what they did! Yet, the biggest issue right now was that the Four Seasons Tower had not even bothered to reason with them. They were slaughtering their men vehemently. What could the two leaders do? Passively accepting the battle had brought them to this stage, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan did not even know what all these were for. It was the first time they encountered such a thing in their lives, as the heads of top assassin organizations. "I sense that there''s a sinister hand quietly pushing everything so that it will fall into place behind the scene." Hen Bieli frowned. "The feeling is vague, unreasonable even, but I''m sure of its presence." Hong Zhan sighed, "I feel this strongly as well. No matter what I''ve done in the past, nothing has met as many obstacles as this. Nothing has gone according to my wishes at all in this trip to Tiantang. No, it''s not only that. It''s like you''re sitting at home, but disaster has fallen from the sky; ridiculous as it may seem, you still have nowhere to hide It''s as if someone is directing all these, but we haven''t any clue" "Such a director shouldn''t exist." "What''s more frightening is that the Four Seasons Tower''s source of intelligence is too accurate! We were hidden throughout Tiantang City and a lot of us are staying among the citizens. These are spontaneous decisions that aren''t even reported, not even our people know about it. It''s basically stealthy and unknown, yet the Four Seasons Tower can catch us one by one so precisely and kill us!" Hen Bieli sucked in a breath and said, "Does the Four Seasons Tower really have such an amazing intelligence system in Tiantang City? To what extent does it reach?" "Also, the Four Seasons Tower''s men are killing like they''ve gone insane Is this really normal behavior for such expert killers?" His gaze was still on the house. There were currently two Four Seasons Tower''s experts who were besieged by the assassins and were shrieking in fury. Almost instantly, they were torn into pieces by killers who came up from different directions. Then, there were another three Four Seasons Tower''s men who flashed into existence from somewhere within the house to take their place. However, this time was different from the last. Four people had appeared at the rooftop. Once these four people appeared, it was like a bloody gash had been torn open in the air. The seemingly empty night sky saw blood cascade down in endless gouts. Those were the killers who had yet to strike and were still in hiding. These four people had locked down on them in advance and wiped them out. After this happened, the battle took a sudden turn. "The Four Seasons Tower has changed their countermeasures." Hen Bieli''s eyes glimmered dangerously as he quickly issued his orders, "Switch tactics!" His voice boomed in the dark night. All the killers listened to his instruction and began altering their combat tactics. Whether they were successful or not, Hen Bieli''s command had sunk itself into the deepest part of these assassins'' brains, these killers who were usually lone wolves in the martial world. The battle grew increasingly devastating for both sides. The dark night that was supposed to be peaceful and quiet had been crushed by the massacre taking place here. Yun Xiaoyao, who was watching the battle from the sidelines, had sent out his order in advance C "Yutang''s officials and military are disallowed from coming within ten thousand feet of this area. Follow your assigned duty. No one is to act without orders." "Those who violate these commands are to be beheaded!" Let them fight each other, to whatever extent it could reach It would be best if they could all perish. If the masterly expert who was behind this could die too, then it would be even better! On the same night, Ling Xiaozui carried a person on his back and soared into the sky, exuding a cold and dazzling sword light, leaving silently through the air. Following him by his side was Dugu Chou who was similarly furious. Feng Xiange was a little slower for some reason, leaving after a quarter of an hour''s gap C heading in a different direction. The respective departure of these three masterly experts was a hurried race to some unknown location. At the peak of Spirit Breeze Mountain, two silhouettes, one out in the open and another in the dark, were waiting quietly, watching the night sky in silence. 596 The Exchange "Do you think they''ll come?" "Definitely. No one in this world can remedy the Cycle of Four Seasons Palm. Whether they''re doing the exchange or not, they''ll come without a doubt." "Is there a possibility that our plan would backfire?" "Certainly not." "Of course, they won''t actually believe us. Truthfully, when have we truly trusted anyone?" "They will certainly come, but whatever their intentions are isn''t important to us." The black-robed man smiled faintly and said, "So be it, for now. At least we''re still the ones in control of things up to this point. Now, we only have to wait. That''s all there is to it." The other person replied, "Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou are called the world''s Unrivaled Expert. What If" "So what if they''re the Unrivaled Experts? The both of us, have we been afraid of anyone in this world?" replied Mr. Nian. He smirked. "The Unrivaled Experts is but a name we created ourselves." "What else could become of it?" The other person laughed, the confidence in his voice palpable. Obviously, they had no regard for these so-called Unrivaled Experts. Out of the blue, a sword cry broke the air like a thunderbolt. A ray of sword light shot down like a dragon across the clouds. The beam appeared out of nowhere, so swiftly that even a person who had been observing the sky would not be able to discern how the sword light appeared. It was as if the ray of light had existed since the beginning of time, had been present all along. It was only now that it showed the menace and threat contained within. Once it appeared, no one could fight it. One could only await death, unable to do anything else. The spark of sword light caught the simultaneous attention of the two people on top of the mountain. Both of their expressions turned grim at the same time. They were aware of the identity of the incoming presence. The sword light hacked a large gap in the clouds with a titanic boom, revealing the sparkling starlight in the sky. A man descended, his fluttering, black gown shimmering and sparkling, like an immortal had suddenly emerged in the worldly realm. Just as the man in black landed, another man wearing grey descended as well, both without a sound. He stayed close by the former''s side. If one had not seen it with their own eyes, they would not have sensed it with their deific consciousness. How many people like this could there be in this world? Ling Xiaozui! Dugu Chou! The two top experts had come together to this mountaintop. "Mr. Nian, come out!" Ling Xiaozui hollered, his voice echoing thunderously in the stillness of the surroundings. A graceful laughter rang out in the dark. Mr. Nian, all in black, strolled out like he had opened a door in midair and said faintly, "I am rude to not have welcomed Brother Ling''s honorable arrival. Have you made your choice?" Ling Xiaozui replied lightly, "You want the man? I''ll give you Heaven''s Inquisition. However, you''ll have to leave with me to save my young friend." Before his voice could echo, he waved his arm negligently. The skeletal Gu Chaliang was thrown at Mr. Nian''s feet with a surprised gasp. Gu Chaliang looked maligned, disbelief sprawled across his sunken face. His cultivation was probably sealed; not only could he not move, he was unable to even speak. Mr. Nian''s gaze flickered, but he did not move forward to check on the man. Instead, he moved farther away from Gu Chaliang, speaking softly, "Brother Ling, you can''t possibly be unaware of who Brother Gu, Gu Chaliang is. Then, let me ask you this. What''s the relationship between you and that young friend of yours?" Ling Xiaozui scoffed and said, "It has nothing to do with you, whatever relationship we have! What you should do now is to quickly check if this fellow here is the authentic person and complete this deal, then follow me to save the man. Are you otherwise occupied at this point in time?" Mr. Nian did not do as he was told but took another step back instead. He scoffed lightly, and said, "For you, Ling Xiaozui, to make such a huge sacrifice by giving up Heaven''s Inquisition C taking it lightly, you''ve betrayed your friend; more seriously, you''ve missed a very fated encounter of your own. How can I not question this matter?" "Since when is Heaven''s Inquisition my friend? My young friend, Yun Yang, is my destiny. That''s all there is to it!" Ling Xiaozui said coldly. "Ling Xiaozui, do you think I''ll believe your words?" Mr. Nian wore a peculiar smile. Ling Xiaozui answered faintly, "I don''t care if you believe me or not. I''ll only vow here and now that if you don''t go today and cause my young friend to die, then from today onwards, I shall kill each and every Four Seasons Tower''s man I see! Do you think I won''t do that?" His gaze on Mr. Nian was cold. "I''ve done something like this once many years ago. I''ve stopped, on pure sentiment. Today, it can go on due to sentiment as well!" Dugu Chou chimed in, saying coldly, "Count me in. I wouldn''t mind joining you this once to tackle the Four Seasons Tower. The Four Seasons Tower''s higher authorities are worth a fight, but as for the rest of them I believe they should be easy pickings." Mr. Nian''s pupils contracted. "Are you threatening me?" Ling Xiaozui looked up, his gaze as sharp as a sword. "You find some fault with that? You can threaten and coerce us as you wish, but I can''t do the same to you?" Mr. Nian howled and laughed as he said, "Of course you can. It''s just that it''s been too long since someone has threatened me, especially when it comes from an expert like Brother Ling. It is truly the first time in a long, long time. How refreshing!" "I don''t wish to engage in this argument. You''re the one who asked for an exchange at Spirit Breeze Mountain within three days. Now that we''re here and have done as we were told, you''re evading and dragging the matter on. I''m sure you wouldn''t mind if I were to threaten you under such circumstances," Ling Xiaozui said faintly. "So what? You can only accept my coercion submissively!" Mr. Nian laughed and said, "If your threat works, why would you need to bring Heaven''s Inquisition here for an exchange? It''s a threat after all; will the effects differ?" Ling Xiaozui''s heart skipped a beat. Mr. Nian was incredibly intelligent indeed; he had spotted the loophole immediately. "A man has his limits on what to do and what not to do. I have my reasons for doing what I do, there is no need to explain it to you!" Ling Xiaozui''s gaze turned stern. "Cut the bullsh*t. I''ll ask you only one thing right now. Are you preparing to dishonor our previous agreement?" Mr. Nian snorted. For the first time, his gaze turned hesitant. Honestly, he had seen through the illogical part of the other party''s direction. He should continue probing. After all, Ling Xiaozui''s current choice was a surprise. Even if it were out of helplessness, he would not have obeyed this easily; even if he cared too much for Yun Yang, the dispute just now should have made him more aggressive. Yet, as Mr. Nian directed his thoughts in another direction, he began to understand. A man needed his dignity just like a tree needed its bark C Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, Feng Xiange as well, could not resolve his Cycle of Four Seasons Palm; this issue itself was already a stain to their names, a tiebreaker that decided their disadvantage. The threats and other ramblings made sense, but they only worked on the basis of Yun Yang''s life. A misstep would strip the youth of his life, thus rendering the method an absolute ill one. Otherwise, they would not have brought Gu Chaliang here for an exchange. At the same time, even Mr. Nian himself had to watch out for the risk of the collaboration of Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou brought. He had to contemplate especially after taking in Ling Xiaozui''s aggressive front that was near to breaking out into a fight, should there be further arguments. Perhaps Heaven''s Inquisition, Gu Chaliang, had been truly contained! If Heaven''s Inquisition could not remedy the Cycle of Four Seasons Palm as well, it was understandable for Ling Xiaozui, who just got acquainted with the former, to give him up and in turn secure the life of his young friend! 597 Where is Dugu Chou? As he pondered and gazed upon Gu Chaliang who was curled on the ground, unable to move, Mr. Nian''s hand twitched; a rush of force struck Gu Chaliang. The man grunted, flying some fifty to sixty feet away from where he was lying down, like a ball. A gaping wound appeared on his arm, blood gushing out. Then, he landed back on the ground with a squishing sound. Ninety-nine percent of Mr. Nian''s attention was still on Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, waiting to observe their reaction. The both of them were motionless, waiting to see what would happen next. Mr. Nian was somewhat reassured by this, and said with a sneer, "This is an important matter, I have to be cautious. How would I know if the both of you are working together to deceive me? Wouldn''t it be amiss if I weren''t careful and got tricked?" Ling Xiaozui huffed angrily and said, "I asked you to check earlier. You''re the one who didn''t do anything and dragged up baseless accusations. Why are you being upset and righteous about it now? Others may allow it but I, Ling Xiaozui, will not!" "Both of you, move another hundred feet back!" Mr. Nian hollered with a snort. With an additional hundred feet of distance, Mr. Nian could react promptly, even if there were an unexpected plot twist or an ambush; given his cultivation base, it was a safe distance in which he could defend himself or even launch an attack. Ling Xiaozui spoke flatly, "I''m warning you for the last time. Check quickly. If you delay with more words, I''ll assume that you''re stalling for time. This will then into an irreversible pursuit, that will not end until one of us dies." Mr. Nian said coldly, "As long as you, Ling Xiaozui, don''t pull any tricks on me, I won''t back out of my promise. I just want Gu Chaliang. That youngster''s life has no value to me!" Ling Xiaozui smirked and retreated with Dugu Chou, drawing themselves as far back as the hundred feet that had been demanded. At the same time, Mr. Nian sent another gush of force that engulfed Gu Chaliang. Checking with his cultivation, he could sense that Gu Chaliang''s meridians were indeed sealed, so much so that he could not even blink or speak; he was just like meat on a chopping board, helpless. Mr. Nian was still unconvinced. He went a step further to check Gu Chaliang''s dantian and Qi to see that they were the same. He was assured then, speaking faintly, "I''ve confirmed Brother Ling''s sincerity in this deal. I''ll leave with the both of you. He who borrows, returns; where there is demand, there is supply. This is how a deal is completed happily." As he spoke, powerful energy enveloped Gu Chaliang with a snap of his fingers. It was Mr. Nian''s unique cultivation method that mystically sealed Gu Chaliang''s meridians even more securely. This, however, restored Gu Chaliang''s ability to speak. Mr. Nian said with a smile, "Brother Gu, I didn''t expect us to meet again so soon." Gu Chaliang stared back at him resentfully before his gaze turned indescribably aggrieved and grim. He spoke with a self-deprecating laugh, "I have nothing to say at this point. Mr. Nian, I only hope that you can come to talk to this old man more often after you send me there. I have no other request." "Of course, Brother Gu. You and I both know that I''ll talk more frequently to you before you die. I won''t let your thoughts go astray like they used to," Mr. Nian said with a beaming smile. As he spoke, his leg extended in a kick. A strong gust of wind picked Gu Chaliang up and sent him towards the dark recesses of the forest. Even at this point in time, Mr. Nian was still very cautious, on the lookout for any possibility of an accident. He had not personally touched Gu CHaliang but had sent the latter straight to where his partner was waiting; this allowed him to always stay safe. Without the presence of a careless loophole, he could stand, stable and undefeated! Almost immediately, a silhouette flitted by in the dark. A rich voice spoke out, "Got him." Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou said nothing more as they rose and stood in midair. Their tone was impatient as the coldly spoke, "What else are you waiting for? The one on the other side can''t wait any longer." Mr. Nian nodded but a sense of doubt suddenly rose within. "Since the remedy is so urgent, why didn''t you two bring the young one along?" Ling Xiaozui lashed out in a fury, his tone icy as he said, "Are you not clear about what you''ve done? Don''t you know that it''s already the third day now? How could you not know how he is now? If it weren''t for Feng Xiange who''s prolonging his life over there, even if you could save him, how much of his longevity can be salvaged? Are you trying to gloat about your unique art that no one can cure by asking this?" Mr. Nian thought about it and realized that he had indeed gone overboard with his words. The situation when Yun Yang was struck the other day was more severe than his usual victims; it was an expected situation for him to be on the brink of life and death now. Even if there were a proficient cultivator like Feng Xiange helping him, the young man would not be much better off. He was as good as a rotting zombie. There was indeed a huge risk to move the youth here. No wonder Feng Xiange had not shown up this time. Right, that should be it. Mr. Nian chuckled and said, "Caution is the parent of safety. It is indeed my fault that Brother Ling is in such a hurry. Let us go, we shall depart right now. The Cycle of Four Seasons Palm is mystical, but as long as the victim is saved before the due time, it will only deplete a few days of the victim''s life. There won''t be further complications." He then floated up like a cloud. Rising into the air and standing about three hundred feet away from Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, he said, "Let''s go." It was apparent that Mr. Nian''s guard and awareness had not diminished, even up until now. He had maintained a safe distance all the way. Ling Xiaozui huffed. With a blink of sword light, he moved first, drifting thousands of feet away with a loud swoosh. Dugu Chou tailed him closely, equally impatient, as he sped forth. Mr. Nian chortled, following them easily, and said, "Cycle of Four Seasons Palm will be lethal in four days. There is still time, no need to be in such a hurry." "Going to Tiantang City with you and my speed, it''s only" Mr. Nian said with a faint smile, coming near to Ling Xiaozui''s left as he spoke. Ling Xiaozui was still leading their departure, his speed not reducing in the slightest. He replied immediately, "We are all people of cultivation. How can we not know about the pros and cons of the matter? Being stricken with that vicious art of yours, one''s longevity will rot away speedily. Even when the cure is secured, the lost longevity can barely be recovered. The earlier the remedy is, the less damage there is. Of course, it''s better to be faster lest more issues creep up." "That''s true. I won''t be able to bear offending this young friend whom Ling Xiaozui is so concerned about. From now on, no one from the Four Seasons Tower will dare to lay a finger on him." Mr. Nian was well aware of the carrot-and-stick approach; he was aware that despite the fact that he had taken the upper hand today, he had still deeply offended Ling Xiaozui. Even when Yun Yang was saved, it was an unavoidable fact that his longevity would be severely damaged. He might as well be promised a guarantee. Of course, this also implied that if Ling Xiaozui were to find fault with the Four Seasons Tower in future, the one to suffer the first retaliatory strike would be this young friend he was so concerned about! As they spoke, they sped forward. They moved tens of thousands of feet away within the blink of an eye. They were like immortals riding the clouds, speeding in the air, side by side. "Faster, faster!" Ling Xiaozui urged. Ling Xiaozui had fully unleashed his skill and flew as fast as he could. Mr. Nian chuckled and said, "Don''t worry. The Cycle of Four Seasons Palm is vicious, but as long as the remedy is appropriate, there won''t be any hidden threats, especially when Feng Xiange is there prolonging his life Your young friend''s life won''t be sabotaged for sure." Despite the comforting words, he had increased his speed as well. However, as he picked up speed, Mr. Nian suddenly felt as if something was wrong somewhere, yet he could not figure it out. Unintentionally turning his head, he was caught by surprise. "Where''s Dugu Chou?" Dugu Chou, who had been right beside them, had vanished without a trace! Mr. Nian did not even know when he had disappeared. 598 Tricked! Mr. Nian was startled. "Where is Dugu Chou?" As Mr. Nian turned back abruptly, sword energy cried beside him, like the rumble of thunder in the sky. Ling Xiaozui''s voice rang from afar, "Many years ago, we didn''t get to see who won or lost in our battle. It has always been a regret of mine. Now that we have this opportunity today, come, Mr. Nian, let me experience the almightiness of the Four Seasons Tower''s great leader!" "Ling Xiaozui, what do you mean?" Mr. Nian was infuriated. "Oh, nothing much. I just want to break an arm of yours. That''s all, actually." Ling Xiaozui''s faint smile was reflected in Mr. Nian''s eyes alongside the rumblings of a thunderous sword light. The sword light surged, its brilliance illuminating the vast expanse of sky; the sword generated a billowing gust of wind. Ling Xiaozui had unleashed the fullest potency of his might, and the wind and clouds raged in response. Mr. Nian began to take evasive action, moving backward swiftly. It was evident that he did not want to engage in the fight, intending to draw back. However, Ling Xiaozui''s action was intentional, much more focused compared to Mr. Nian''s spontaneous reaction. The opportunity had been taken at its best possible timing. The sword energy pursued the latter, like a leech attached to blood. A single misstep would end it all. "Mr. Nian, forget about retreating and heading back. Dugu Chou has been gone for some time. That partner of yours is probably in a sticky situation right about now. What you should do now is patiently stay with me here." Mr. Nian growled like thunder, his howl long and plaintive; the warning signs were obvious. "No need to waste your energy. Even if he could hear it, it''s useless. He''s preoccupied. You, on the other hand, may die first if you''re distracted by being concerned about others." Ling Xiaozui guffawed. "Come, come. Have a look at my Soaring Thirteen Sword. Compare this to what you''ve seen in the past!" Suddenly, Mr. Nian saw it all clearly. "Gu Chaliang was never restrained, was he?" "Of course not!" Ling Xiaozui cackled, his sword light turning into a wave the size of a mountain. Mr. Nian was growing anxious. If Gu Chaliang had not been restrained and his partner was carrying the former without a guard, he would fare poorly if he were to be ambushed in such a situation... This was aside from the presence of Dugu Chou and Feng Xiange... How could he not have been restrained? He had checked the man several times himself! The more Mr. Nian considered the issue, the more anxious he was. His roar was thunderous, his attacks were launched with full force; he wanted to be rid of Ling Xiaozui''s entanglement. At the same time, Ling Xiaozui matched his opponent''s ferocity; his sword light wove a net to prevent Mr. Nian from freeing himself. With the constraint of an expert like Ling Xiaozui, it was impossible for Mr. Nian to leave without paying a price. Mr. Nian roared deafeningly, about to explode from anger, but he could only let time slip away, fighting Ling Xiaozui without any way to pull extricate himself. Further away, a man clad in black carried Gu Chaliang as he sprinted through the forest. He moved incredibly fast, comparable to Ling Xiaozui''s maximum speed. Out of the instinct to be cautious, the route he chose currently consisted of many isolated paths. However, just as he took a turn around a hill, there was a loud crack that came from somewhere ahead. The cliff in front of him collapsed without warning. A white-haired and white-bearded form appeared out of the blue. "Put Old Gu down!" The man in black chuckled, saying, "Feng Xiange, this is a choice you''ve made. Why do you change your mind now? Are you turning back on your words?" "A man has limits in what he should and should not do. Am I one to disregard justice and sentiment like Ling Xiaozui? As long as you put Old Gu down, we have nothing to do with each other. Otherwise, let us battle it out right here," Feng Xiange spoke angrily. The mysterious man guffawed, "Fight with you? Alone?" At this very moment, Gu Chaliang, who had been carried in his hands and had not moved even a single finger, suddenly sprung into action. It was a devastating ambush that used both his arms and legs! The mysterious man was already on his guard when the unexpected event unfolded, but most of his attention was on Feng Xiange and his surroundings. Feng Xiange was skilled, but the man was not overly worried. What the man in black was concerned of was if there were other forms of assistance around. He had not expected Gu Chaliang, who was immobile in his arms, to move; not only had Mr. Nian checked the latter earlier, he had inspected the old man repeatedly as well. In addition to his unique seal and multiple restraining seals, how was Gu Chaliang suddenly able to move, let alone attack? The mysterious man was horribly unprepared for this sudden turn of events. He unleashed his cultivation base and reacted incredibly swiftly. With a roar, he shook Gu Chaliang away, and put some distance between them. With a twitch, three illusory silhouettes came into existence instantly. It was too bad that Gu Chaliang had been so close to him; no matter how honed his reflexes were, the lethal attack had still landed on him solidly! With a soft pop, the first two illusory images were easily shattered. The mysterious man clothed in black staggered once he was struck and spat blood out. His body creaked; some bones had been broken within him. He spoke resentfully in anger, "Gu Chaliang, Feng Xiange, you are both dead men!" Gu Chaliang howled, extending and stretching himself to hover in the air; he said faintly, "Death is an end no one can avoid, but you''re destined not to be able to see our deaths C because the only one who will die today is you!" Before Gu Chaliang''s words echoed in the forest, another beam of sword light hacked from the sky as a distant voice said, "That''s right. The only one to die today will be you!" Surprised, the mysterious man looked over in the direction of the sound. A grey-clothed man was seen riding the air with his sword; swift as a dragon, he was bolting towards him, tearing through the night! The newcomer was none other than Dugu Chou! Hadn''t he left earlier? "You" It was evident to the man clad in black that he had been tricked. Roaring, he prepared to flee. A trap set up by Dugu Chou, Feng Xiange, and Gu Chaliang was adequate to kill anyone in this world! It was simply too dangerous to linger! If he had fled any slower, he would lose his life. In spite of his best efforts, Feng Xiange, whose hair and beard was snow-white, refused to let him go. He struck with all his might while Gu Chaliang, who had taken out his purple jade flute, followed suit. Feng Xiange stood in front of the mysterious man, Dugu Chou behind him, and Gu Chaliang beside him. Three pinnacle experts were working together to exterminate this bane of existence. All three of them knew full well that this mysterious man before them was also a pinnacle expert on par with them, a dangerous character to behold. If they looked down on him or made the slightest mistake, the consequences could be irreversible. Since they had decided to strike, they had to keep this man pinned down here. Otherwise, the results would be grave! The mysterious man howled, his voice deafening. With a flash of his black robe, a ruler1 appeared in his hand. He took in a deep breath and cried aloud, "Great! Let me test the power of the world''s three top experts!" He rushed towards Feng Xiange in a vehement rage. Even at such a critical juncture, he had still managed to make the best decision, based on sound judgment! Translator Note: 1ruler (ling tin ch): a type of ancient weapon that looks like a sword but with its blade looking like a ruler without sharp edge and point. 599 Skied Glints of Gold Although all four men present belonged to a group of the same level with limited differences in their cultivation base standard, there was indeed a contrast of strength among them. Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, the mysterious man in black himself, and Mr. Nian were the ones who were on par with each other. Their capabilities were similar, thus it would be difficult to foresee the result if they were to fight in a duel. As for Heaven''s Inquisition, Gu Chaliang, he was parallel to them in level, but he was undeniably weaker as his main cultivation was not meant for martial battles. If the mysterious man were to fight with him, the former was confident that he would be able to defeat Gu Chaliang in three hundred strikes. Feng Xiange''s cultivation base would be weaker than the above mentioned. He was similarly not known for battles, thus it would be a stretch for Feng Xiange to fight the mysterious man and trade a hundred blows. Therefore, Feng Xiange was the weakest link in the siege! As long as this barrier could be broken, the mysterious man could leave gracefully. Otherwise, he would be in danger, even if he could break through this link. As such, he set up his game plan immediately; he would attack Feng Xiange in full force! He did not intend to kill the old man, only to break through this siege. The black-clad mysterious man charged over like a berserk tiger; Feng Xiange, who was his direct target, felt the pressure mounting at once! However, Feng Xiange had already read the other''s mind. His ploy was terribly obvious. His side''s combat power far exceeded that of the opponent''s; the blockade had been formed. The mysterious man was even injured, thus his combat power had been reduced. That being said, the man''s true combat power was still above that of Feng Xiange''s, capable of killing the latter. Advancing so aggressively towards him and locking down on him as the target of his killing intent, the mysterious man was obviously forcing him to give way! As long as Feng Xiange drew back, the other party could flee at once. With his cultivation base, they could no longer kill him once he escaped the siege despite being injured; they could only watch him flee. Understanding this, Feng Xiange breathed in deeply. A glow grew and enveloped him as he welcomed the attack head-on without any hint of evasion. The only solution now was to fight the man in black, face to face without attempting to avoid him! Feng Xiange had become increasingly firm the older he grew; knowing the crux of the situation, he would never get cold feet. Since the man in black dared to pick him as the breaking point, the old man would make it a point to demonstrate the irony of his choice, so that the black-clothed man would know how it felt being arrogant, absurd and unreasonable In fact, the moment he had decided to fight the man forcefully, Feng Xiange had a strange thought that flashed through his mind. ''Heaven''s Inquisition obviously has a great grudge against the Four Seasons Tower, barely irreversible, while Ling Xiaozui has a grudging past with the Four Seasons Tower. We can add on the resentment with which the Four Seasons Tower has plotted against Yun Yang. As for Dugu Chou, due to the prior exchange of swords, they would stand against each other as well. Heaven''s Inquisition has stated clearly before C Haven''t I found two helpers?'' ''Those two helpers would namely be Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui'' ''Considering all this, this has nothing to do with me. I can totally sit this one out and be free of troubles. However, why am I the one giving it my all now?'' Feng Xiange countered the attack with all his might while feeling that he was actually very, very ill-used. What was he fighting for? More specifically, what reason did he have to gamble with his life? No matter how Feng Xiange analyzed the situation inwardly, he had still given his all. It was evident that the fatal siege was already formed. If the man in black did escape from Feng Xiange''s place, he would not be able to survive the Four Seasons Tower''s subsequent revenge even if Gu Chaliang and the rest did not blame him for it. This man must be retained here today! With a loud bang, the result was clear. The mysterious man clad in black''s fatal strike did not pale in comparison to any full forced strike from either Ling Xiaozui or Dugu Chou. Despite using his entire array of skills to defend himself, Feng Xiange was flung away like a broken kite with a cry; blood spurted from his mouth as he flew through the air, the severity of his injury apparent. However, the mysterious man''s state was equally bad. He had been ambushed by Heaven''s Inquisition earlier; bearing the injury, not only were his internal organs injured, two of his ribs were broken as well. While Heaven''s Inquisition was not as powerful as Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou or Mr. Nian, he was an expert of the same level, a masterly expert. Successfully ambushing his target in full force and without the target being alert to his attack, the target would not be able to shrug off the strike. The mysterious man in black had launched his strike without any reservation, hoping to break the siege. He attacked with fervor and a threatening stance, but deep down, he had hoped to rely on luck; he prayed that Feng Xiange would opt to protect himself to avoid being wounded so that he could flee unscathed. It was a pity that the all-in counter had produced the reverse effect, triggering Feng Xiange to welcome the attack head-on. Feng Xiange was no ordinary expert; he had been the Phantom Physician God of Wine for centuries. How could he have stayed alive until now if he had been bereft of substantial ability? Feng Xiange''s all-in counterattack added another wound to the man in black''s injury. His already injured organs were jostled further, causing the man to see darkness before blood began to leak out of his mouth. The wind shrieked louder C Dugu Chou''s attack was already approaching him. The mysterious man in black''s staggering form halted before he swayed in the air like a willow. It was as if he faced no resistance and he was going along with Dugu Chou''s attacking energy, seeking to leverage on the force. Yet, how could leverage be borrowed so easily from Dugu Chou''s attack? The man in black who had been struck yet again spat another mouthful of blood, but the ruler in his hand glowed brightly. Countless tiny golden glints flew to engulf an area hundreds of meters wide. "Skied Glints of Gold!" Feng Xiange, Dugu Chou, and Heaven''s Inquisition cried out simultaneously. "Are you Liang Canghai?" "We wouldn''t have expected the odd talent who took both the official and martial world by storm, who awed the world back in the day, to have fallen and become the Four Seasons Tower''s stooge!" Feng Xiange wiped away the blood from the corner of his lips and stood shakily, unable to contain the surprise in his eyes. Liang Cangai howled, not at all caring that his long-hidden identity had just been exposed, as he fled away like an arrow. It was already a fact that his identity had been revealed, there was no need for further discussion. His priority now was to keep on living! Skied Glints of Gold C Liang Canghai had beaten every opponent he met in the world back in the day with his ruler, his fame skyrocketing with every victory. The ruler in his hand was much more renowned than the man himself. Besides being a rare weapon, the ruler was also a highly-ranked mystical secret weapon in the martial world. The ruler was made from countless tiny, golden, filiform needles. The term Skied Glints of Gold displayed the characteristic of this ruler accurately. This was because the golden filiform needles that formed this ruler bore almost no weight; the ruler was as light as feather being made from such needles. The golden filiform needles had a strange curve to it that once it broke someone''s skin, it could enter the body, following the bloodstream. It made the task of extracting the needles horribly arduous. Anyone who was struck would not be able to escape death, no matter how remarkable their cultivation base. Even Liang Canghai himself would be helpless in the light of such an injury! Therefore, it was also called Deadly Glints of Gold by the martial artists of lore. Even as Liang Canghai''s fame grew with time and his legend was taking the continent by storm, he had mysteriously disappeared. It had been centuries since someone had last seen him, until today. Most people had assumed that he had passed away long ago. Consequently, it was harder for Gu Chaliang and the group to see that not only was he alive, he had become the Four Seasons Tower''s secret pillar of force. 600 A Fight to the Bitter End Dugu Chou cried out sharply as he boldly waved the sword in his hand. A huge whirlpool appeared in midair and the golden glints flew into the whirlpool like moths to fire. Then, a deafening boom rent the air. It was evident that Dugu Chou''s counterattack had not only blocked the golden needles, he had exchanged blows with Liang Canghai even as he moved. The Glints of Gold reversed their flight, veering towards Liang Canghai''s exposed back instead. While Dugu Chou''s counterattack managed to subdue the Skied Glints of Gold, he could not fight inertia and eventually came to a halt. Without waiting for the golden needles, Liang Canghai advanced again from the left to attack once more, going toe to toe with Gu Chaliang. The result was clear from the collision; Liang Canghai, who had already been injured multiples times, was thrown back by Gu Chaliang! Truth be told, instead of being forcefully driven back, it was Liang Canghai himself who had leveraged on the resulting shock and somersaulted away, taking the opportunity to flee before he landed outside of the trio''s siege. If a ray of sword light had not come into Liang Canghai''s path of escape, he would have had a good chance of escaping. Unfortunately for him, an intense beam of sword energy came in an with the overwhelming force of a soaring dragon, sweeping down to where Liang Canghai would land. The powerful wave arrived well in advance before an ice-cold sense of sword energy swept across as well. Liang Canghai cried out; the ruler that had just returned to his hand was struck away. The fallen ruler met the intense sword energy head on, colliding with extremely high force. The Skied Glints of Gold was renowned, an impressive weapon, but its reputation stemmed from its unique material that emphasized its damage ability; its defensive capabilities, however, were not entirely up to the mark. It could, perhaps, hold its ground in usual combat, but with how Liang Canghai had been numerously wounded and reduced in combat power, as well as the abrupt counterattack, the mystical Qi that had been fed to the ruler was no more than a fifth of the usual amount. There was simply no way it could survive the exceptionally intense sword energy. With a soft crack, the singular ruler that had once triumphed over the martial world turned into a golden dust that rained down on the ground, not unlike common dust. Liang Canghai shouted with heartache before he moaned in agony, a hole appearing on his shoulder. Not only had Dugu Chou''s Grieving Sword shattered Liang Canghai''s weapon, it had also pierced his shoulder. "Pow!" Gu Chaliang appeared stealthily, landing a solid palm strike on Liang Canghai''s back. The latter emitted a low grunt, falling down like a broken kite; upon landing, he staggered, almost unable to stand. The shadow above him followed quickly. Dugu Chou had yet to stop his pursuit. Sword light landed from the sky, showering down like a sudden shower of rain. Gu Chaliang kept up as well, launching an endless wave of melee attacks; various techniques were employed, each one of them lethal. Feng Xiange was the only one standing farther away. He was regulating his pulse with closed eyes, his presence was extremely weak. It was not that he did not want to participate in the battle but he had taken Liang Canghai''s deadly strike right where it counted when the latter was trying to break the siege. The result was the near crushing of his soul. It was already an extreme chore for him to continue standing here, thus, he was no longer be able to intervene in the fight. In spite of this, his contribution was more than enough. Even though there were only Dugu Chou and Gu Chaliang now, Liang Canghai could barely flee, even if he were given wings! Liang Canghai bit his teeth; it was like he was nailed to the ground, as he played all his defensive cards in order to save himself. The series of accidents had rendered a certain severity to his injuries. He no longer had any plans to break the siege and escape now; with his current condition, it was impossible for him to leave by his own efforts. His only hope now was to persevere as long as he could. After all, he believed wholeheartedly that his partner would definitely come to save him. The only person remaining from the enemy''s side was Ling Xiaozui. While Mr. Nian might not be able to defeat him, he could still rush here to save him. The only thing left to find out now was if he could persevere until that moment. The collaborative attacks of the two experts immobilized Liang Canghai within a space thirty feet wide. He was in a completely passive stance which was being sliced thinner continuously, the barrier threatening to break at any time. However, Liang Canghai gritted his teeth, inducing his soul to trigger his arcane and combat power. Even when he was spitting blood, the blood that contained the essence to his vitality, and his physical form was beginning to wilt visibly, most of his hair had turned snow white in such a short amount of time, he was still able to hold his ground and defend against the attacks of the two great experts. Liang Canghai looked ghastly. His five features and seven orifices were leaking blood, while his shoulder, that had been pierced by Dugu''s sword, was entirely crushed. Terrifying white bone could be seen on his back and chest while one of his legs limped; he was already coughing gouts of blood, but he refused to give up. Even under the onslaught of the two masterly experts, he did not crumble! Furthermore, he even managed to gain some space to breathe, the slight respite earned when he lashed out fiercely in retaliation. The perseverance and resilience, the seeming invincibility of the beleaguered man warranted no small amount of surprise. It was a deadly atmosphere that spelled his death, but Liang Canghai''s gaze was determined and calm, not a sliver of panic could be found in his eyes. Even though he knew that this was his end, his mind a mess and his gaze could hardly be kept in focus, he knew that it would only truly be his doom when he let this last breath of resolution go. As long as he held onto this one last breath, he was confident to hold on until his partner''s arrival! He needed to persevere, he had to persevere! After another round of attacks, all of Liang Canghai''s hair had turned white; it lost its shine, like it no longer held any vitality in them, like blades of dried grass. Yet, Dugu Chou''s sword light was still glimmering dangerously as he struck from three directions at once, his intention to exterminate Liang Canghai ablaze. "Liang Canghai, just give up," Dugu Chou said, "With Ling Xiaozui keeping your partner occupied, he won''t be able to come to your aid." The flesh on Liang Canghai''s palms was long gone after being flayed by the sword energy so many times, leaving only the white of bone. They were still waving in a frenzy, shrieking against the wind as they blocked Dugu Chou''s sword light. It was not that Liang Canghai did not want to argue; in fact, he wanted very much to retort, to motivate himself. However, he was aware that once he opened his mouth, he would not get the motivation he sought but would lose his last breath instead. If that were to happen, he would be truly doomed! Gu Chaliang''s attacks paused momentarily. He turned back to glance around inexplicably before saying faintly, "Liang Canghai, you''re a known expert of the generation as well. It is of no advantage for you to fight up until now. If you''re willing to put an end to yourself, we shall not wipe out your soul and leave you a chance for reincarnation." 601 Escaping Eternal Damnation? The integration of the souls of pinnacle experts like Ling Xiaozui, Mr. Nian, and Gu Chaliang were so abnormally intrinsic to them that despite a crushed spirit, there was a certain chance to find this lifetime''s cultivation, experience, and achievement in the next lifetime as long as a sliver of their fragmented soul entered the reincarnation cycle. This was also the reason Feng Xiange was so taken aback when Gu Chaliang requested for the Eternal Evanesce Wine as one who drank the wine would have their soul completely annihilated without any exception. Now that Gu Chaliang allowed Liang Canghai to end his own life, he was letting Liang Canghai''s spirit return to the reincarnation cycle. He was basically giving Liang Canghai a chance of survival! However, Liang Canghai did not answer and continued attacking quietly, defending against Dugu Chou''s sword energy. Dugu Chou spoke, "Why fight so stubbornly just due to your pride? Why struggle in vain? If your partner could''ve come, he would''ve come; now that he still isn''t here, he won''t be able to come definitely. Facing Ling Xiaozui''s full force attack, unless he''s willing to make a huge sacrifice but will he pay such a hefty price to save you?!" Gu Chaliang followed in saying, "Liang Canghai, you know it yourself. Are you still certain that Mr. Nian will come back and save you now? Forget it, I won''t make any more advance. You''re also a martial artist, have a duel with Dugu Chou. Let him send you on your way. There''s more glory in this than to die being beaten up." Hearing the various jabs, Liang Canghai was not discouraged; instead, his counterattack turned fiercer. There were also involuntary croaks sounding from his throat. He really wanted to spit at Gu Chaliang now, landing his spit on the despicable wrinkled face, and lambast him with a finger at his nose, ''You all f*cking ambushed me, wounding me first then besieging me. Now that I''m on the brink of death, not much better than a dead man, you let me have a duel with Dugu Chou'' ''How can you be so utterly shameless!'' It was just that he was unable to it, he genuinely could not. His vision was getting blurrier and all the more he was feeling like he was falling into an endless abyss as if he could never reach the bottom. Dugu Chou looked towards the other side as well, frowning and thinking why was Ling Xiaozui not letting his opponent over yet. ''Why aren''t you going according to the script Have you actually killed Mr. Nian?!'' At this time, a loud bolt crackled in the air. A ray of purplish golden light shot towards them from the sky in lightning speed. The momentum of it far exceeded everyone''s range of imagination. "Go all out, take Liang Canghai down!" hollered Dugu Chou. Gu Chaliang who just said that he was no longer going to strike did the exact opposite without hesitation; he attacked wholeheartedly, like he was giving his life and fearing that his target would not die. Therefore, light curtains that brimmed with killing intent crashed down madly on Liang Canghai who was already staggering. The drawn cry still resounded in the sky, a silhouette pounced down aggressively into the flickering scene of sword light and physical strikes. "Clang, clang, clang" Firstly, it was Dugu Chou''s sword that seemed to have collided against some weapon; it rang continuously and Dugu Chou had to deliver mystical Qi into his sword before he could suppress the momentum that was about to fling him away. Gu Chaliang''s encounter was worse. With a low grunt, he somersaulted away, actually being flung by the newcomer who intervened abruptly. Feng Xiange who was farther away opened his eyes sharply; all that he saw was a black-clothed figure who was stained with blood all over descending before countless speckles of light shot out everywhere with a spin of his wrist. Then, another loud explosion sounded. Thick dark fog spread along the noise, engulfing thousands of feet wide, obscuring the sky and land. A cold voice spoke, "The great sentiment and favor of yours today shall not be forgotten. There shall be karma in this lifetime!" Before the words could echo, a figure darker than the fog soared into the sky, intending to escape the fight. "Wanna leave? Not so fast!" Not only did Dugu Chou rose up with his sword, Gu Chaliang had also turned into a beam of purple light using his purple jade flute to chase their opponent using. Even Feng Xiange who was resting on the side attacked mightily now, charging into the dark fog with flashing saber light. A low grunt cried out in the dark fog, someone was injured from the series of attack. In spite of it, Gu Chaliang and group suffered from similar retaliation; Gu Chaliang spat blood before staggering some hundreds of feet away while Dugu Chou shook with a low moan, his sword no longer striking out; as for Feng Xiange, he rolled away like a fallen gourd since injury was added to his already wounded self. At the same time that the trio was forced to a withdraw, the black silhouette in the thick fog soared again. This time, blood was spraying out all over him. He charged out of the thick fog, carrying a man under his arm C who else if it was not Liang Canghai! The bleeding figure took a sharp bend in the air, surging towards the faraway like a maddened dragon with a howl. They disappeared in only a blink of eyes. It was no longer in time when Dugu Chou and the rest wanted to give chase. Ling Xiaozui''s voice came from the sky then, "Where are you leaving? Stay where you are!" A radiant sword light not unlike the sun sparkled its brilliance in the sky and across the mountains and rivers hundreds of miles away. Another low grunt came from the faraway before there was nothing else. "Good, very well! Great indeed! I shall remember what happened today!" A resentful voice boomed from the faraway. Ling Xiaozui landed slowly. The quad C Feng Xiange who was lying on the ground, Gu Chaliang who was leaning against a trunk, Dugu Chou who was looking up, and Ling Xiaozui, exchanged a glance. A smile blooming from the corners of their lips. "If you didn''t let him come still, we may really have to kill Liang Canghai" Gu Chaliang stood up with a stumble. Ling Xiaozui coughed. "I can''t help it. With how careful Mr. Nian is, he''ll be suspicious if I''d let him go too easily. So I''ve only let him spit blood twice. The price he paid shouldn''t be his bottom line yet" Dugu Chou sighed and said, "What Old Gu said is quite exaggerated Even if Mr. Nian were to come a little later, I think Liang Canghai can still persevere How can such an expert crumble so easily?" "While victory is imminent and the advantage is ours when three of us work together, the other party was holding on to dear life without accounting for anything else. He didn''t mind triggering all his potential energy of life and soul just to stay alive a moment longer. The survival intent can hardly be swayed. Old Gu''s tactic of letting his spirit reincarnate isn''t effective at all, he was just wasting saliva." Dugu Chou said, "Maybe Liang Canghai will really die in our hands if it had been later but he won''t go to that extent." Ling Xiaozui nodded. It was basically similar to what he predicted. Just like Dugu Chou''s reasoning, this was the crux of the reason the pinnacle experts of this world could hardly be killed. Even when three experts were to besiege a person of the same level, the former would at most take the upper hand in the battle and win it; it was an entirely different story to really kill the person. The target would mostly opt to trigger all of their potential force to survive when it came to the critical juncture C even when such force, such a primal energy of life, could not be replenished for many years to come or even a lifetime when it was initiated. It was because the future could only be considered when they continued living; the current was what they needed to take care of promptly. Instead, those who had gotten upper hand in the battle would never use a similar approach. Their combined ability was already far exceeding the opponent''s; even when the opponent fought back hard and in extreme, they could still take the former down with some time. There was simply no need to insist on a tough battle and self-sabotage! With such contrast, the enemy could very possibly leave as long as they worked hard enough. Taking today''s battle as an example, the absolute-kill siege would be a joke if Feng Xiange drew back right when it mattered. "What follows will be up to Brother Feng now." Ling Xiaozui and the others turned to look at Feng Xiange in unison. 602 Are All of You Truly Just Here For The Show? Feng Xiange chuckled dryly and stood up on wobbly legs. He rolled his eyes ardently and huffed, "If he were a just a single strand mightier, you all would have to go underground to be able to leave things to me!" The fear lingered and it a heart-stopping moment earlier! He genuinely thought that his life was at King Yama''s door and he had even made a round there. Dugu Chou and the others laughed, despite knowing how dangerous the situation was for Feng Xiange just now. They hurried over to show their sincerity; Gu Chaliang produced a medicinal pill while Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou both stretched their arms out to cultivate and help Feng Xiange heal. After some time, Feng Xiange heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Okay, okay. It will be fine now." He then painfully supported himself while retrieving a strange, snow-white bamboo tube. Upon opening the lid, a small, white snake slithered out and wrapped itself around Feng Xiange''s hand fondly. The other three were astonished to see that the tiny snake had instantly changed into the color of Feng Xiange''s arm once it moved there, despite being snow-white when it first emerged. If they had not witnessed the initial appearance, they might not have been able to see that there was actually a snake on Feng Xiange''s hand right now. Feng Xiange fed the snake a tiny white pill and put the creature down beside the spot where Liang Canghai had spat blood out. The moment the snake landed, it changed its color to camouflage itself against the ground. It then returned to its snow-white color when it crept over to take a whiff at the blood, licking away at the crimson liquid. Then, a line of red began to seep across the snake''s white physique. The small snake raised its head and slowly twirled, the motion accelerating and finally spinning towards the direction where Mr. Nian and partner had left. "Go," Feng Xiange said gently. The small snake made a slow twirl. Suddenly, it uncoiled itself and vanished without a trace! It had completely disappeared. The speed at which it had vanished baffled the other three experts, disbelief reflected in their eyes. "Done?" "Done!" Feng Xiange was composed. "My little snow white has never failed to track its prey in its life!" The battle of the century outside Tiantang City was an earth-shattering event. However, no one else knew about it other than the six people involved. Such a battle would have made significant ripples, and was not very far from Tiantang City; proficient cultivators should have noticed it. However, there was an equally massive battle that was happening in Tiantang City and it was still ongoing when dawn came. As the only litigant who should have participated in this battle of the century but did not, Yun Yang observed the entire fight in Tiantang City as it progressed. It was hard to predict the winner, as almost all of the Four Seasons Tower''s experts were either dead or injured, while countless assassins had died as well. The corpses had formed a thick mound on the ground. Later, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan, the legendary assassins, emerged personally to lead their experts, finally forcing the Four Seasons Tower''s strongest combat powers out in the open. The battle thus entered its most extreme state. Frost, Snow, and Sword, alongside the Four Seasons Tower''s nine Dao realm cultivators, lunged like freed tigers, escalating the pressure on both Hong Zhan and Hen Bieli almost instantly. Based on individual cultivation base, anyone among the both of them, as well as the four assistants of The Merciless Tower and Hall of Crimson Blade, could easily take any one of the twelve people of the Four Seasons Tower. The assassins were not at a disadvantage when the combat power of both parties was compared. Unfortunately, these calculations were somewhat skewed in practical battle. The Four Seasons Tower''s twelve expert cultivators took their stance in attacking and did not set their sights on any particular target. This posed some difficulty to the assassins, tasked to take care of both sides while barely able to tackle the scene. Both sides had full comprehension of each other''s abilities. When the Four Seasons Tower initiated the attack, six of their experts had thrown themselves on Hen Bieli and group. They were not intending to defeat the assassin heads; as long as they could keep them occupied and entangle them in a fight, they would have no time to assist the others. As for the three Venerable Lords and the other three men, they assailed the group of assassins; a gory massacre ensued, gory as blood flowed and flesh flew. For these six people to kill the assassins who were at least a realm away from they were in terms of capabilities, it was like releasing a tiger into a herd of sheep. The killers could hardly fight back. Hen Bieli knew what his enemy was thinking, but the urgency still did not allow him to break free of this impasse. Resentful, he howled out loud, "Concourse of the Underworld! Are all of you really here just to watch the show?" By saying this, he was practically admitting defeat to Concourse of the Underworld, and he would even owe them a huge favor. In addition to the concourse''s previous grudges with the Four Seasons Tower, it made sense for them to work together and help each other out. The victory was only a short distance away; as long as a few people among the Concourse of the Underworld''s ten Yama Kings did something to halt Sword, Frost, Snow and the other three, the assassins could strike and kill their opponents swiftly and annihilate the Four Seasons Tower while avoiding huge casualties. This was a beneficial move for both the Concourse of the Underworld and the assassins in general; it was impossible that those from the concourse could not see it. There was no reason for them not to do it, especially after Hen Bielie''s voiced-out request; it was basically a favor! In spite of this, not only did Hen Bieli receive only silence after he had spoken, the wraith that had engulfed the sky disappeared hurriedly. It had simply vanished! Countless killers were so astounded that they forgot to fight. What was going on here? Witnessing this change, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan felt their hearts run cold. The fury of being cheated and betrayed was set ablaze within them. The Concourse of the Underworld had come, but they had been stood up at this critical juncture! They had not planned to help after all; they were only here to watch the show. The original plan was that they were here to watch them fight as a bystander, only raking in the advantage afterwards! When they finally understood the situation, both head assassins almost combusted from fury. As the new generation of legends, since when had they, the killers, been fooled so badly? As the killers were startled by the sudden turn of events, the Four Seasons Tower''s experts had actually managed to seize the chance and grab on to the loophole, making the situation more critical than ever. The assassin heads were apt experts after all. They recovered promptly from their shock and secured their positions. Their cultivation base was considerably higher than that of their opponents; otherwise, the upheaval would have meant the end of the game for them. Now that they had recollected themselves, they gained the upper hand swiftly. Their opponents were aware of this, shifting their strategy to the prior delaying tactics and not battling head-on with them. Realization dawned upon Hen Bieli as he thought about it. Not participating in the battle was truly beneficial to the Concourse of the Underworld, as their overall capability was barely existent after being struck at by the Four Seasons Tower. They were close to extinction now, the reputation of being one of the best assassin organizations was no longer present either. The Merciless Tower was the second greatest organization after the Concourse of the Underworld. Releasing the Dictum of Death, a major token in the world of assassination this time around, not only would the rankings of assassin organizations be rewritten if victory against the Four Seasons Tower was gained, it would be a problem for the Concourse of the Underworld to be listed even higher in the rankings! 603 The Oriole Behind The Mantis That Stalks The Cicada The Four Seasons Tower''s strategy was brutally effective. The assassins suffered a great loss and their number of casualties was continuously rising. Although such a situation would not affect the final result of the battle as the assassins'' victory was definite, the Concourse of the Underworld was actually the happiest to see it happen. When too many assassins who came from all over the place to join the battle in the name of the dictum perished, The Merciless Tower and Hall of Crimson Blade would lose credibility; their dream of triumphing over the assassination world would then become a popped bubble. Even when the Four Seasons Tower''s experts were all exterminated in this battle, The Merciless Tower and Hall of Crimson Blade would have to pay a substantial price for it C that was, even without taking the Four Seasons Tower''s subsequent revenge into account. Therefore, it was reasonable and somewhat expected for the Concourse of the Underworld to back out at this moment. It was understandable! Coming to think of it now, Hen Bieli felt his resentment fade. He reached a swift conclusion; he had to wipe out the Four Seasons Tower''s experts as soon as possible. That meant that he had to use his hidden trump card. If he were to postpone it, a sweeping defeat could happen on this very night! Hen Bielie howled. A blood-red firework rose to the air with a flick of his wrist. At the same time the crimson firework was released, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan felt their hearts bleeding. The force that beckoned was the last of The Merciless Tower and Hall of Crimson Blade''s hidden powers, newly recruited ace killers included. This was truly their last card. Initially, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan had thought that their manpower and combined combat power outrivaled that of the Four Seasons Tower. In addition to the assistance of a veteran organization like the Concourse of the Underworld, their last card was only for security purposes, a hidden card. However, not only was the Four Seasons Tower''s combat power surprisingly high, their strategy was deliberate and well planned, causing unexpectedly high casualties for the assassins. Furthermore, the Concourse of the Underworld had promptly pulled out. The situation was at its worst. If it were to be prolonged, the assassins who flocked from all over the place might be broken down first. The battle could only be ended as soon as possible by summoning for these people whom they had reserved. However, the assassin heads felt their heart ache for their losses of this battle. Following a command, countless saber and sword lights, as well as various beams of light, shone in the night sky. Countless grey-clothed killers appeared, but what they did was mystical and bizarre; it was almost illusory. As a loud bang resounded and smog filled the sky, these sudden presences vanished amidst the fog. In spite of this, the murderous intent that lingered in the sky instantly intensified. From then on, the Four Seasons Tower''s experts began suffering from heavy casualties. The force that the two top assassin organizations summoned was not high in quantity, but the quality was shockingly high. Purely based on their combat power, almost every one of them had the capability to establish a school or sect in the martial world! Once these people took action, the last of the Four Seasons Tower''s forces were immediately tackled at once. It was only a moment before injuries and deaths took over. Hen Bieli did not hold back, wielding his sword while dressed in black. He spun like the wind; sprinting left and right, his eyes gleaming as he rushed to wipe out the remaining strength of the tower. Hong Zhan gave his best as well. Both men complemented each other as they cooperated to launch the massacre. Yun Yang, who was observing in the dark, could not help frowning when he saw this. It was certain that the Four Seasons Tower would lose, based on the current situation. Snow, Frost, and Sword did not even have the opportunity to break free. Once this went on for any longer, the equilibrium balancing both sides would be entirely lost. The three of them would die in this battle for sure. In fact, the three of them were looking the worse for wear. Venerable Lord Snow''s white robe was stained with blood while Venerable Lord Sword had a piece of his scalp shaved off; only Venerable Lord Frost maintained his stature. Yun Yang looked up at the wraith which was not too far away before withdrawing his gaze. Several cries could be heard at the same time, a handful of the Four Seasons Tower''s experts had died. This round, only three men from the assassins had been injured severely. After a while, a series of shouts rang out again; Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan had wiped out the Four Seasons Tower''s other four experts besides the three Venerable Lords in an aggressive attack at the north and south. Subsequently, the Four Seasons Tower was left with Snow, Frost, and Sword. More than a hundred killers appeared then. Chilling gazes were trained on the three staggering forms. The battle had finally come to its end! Still, there were more than a thousand and five hundred known assassins who would lay here for eternity. It was undoubtedly a huge number! Yet, the high toll was only in exchange for less than two hunded lives from the Four Seasons Tower! Despite winning the battle, the assassins had still suffered a great loss! Hen Bieli waved. Those from the assassin''s side stopped their attack. His hawk-like eyes bored into Venerable Lord Snow as he said, "Venerable Lord Snow, this battle has come to an end. However, there is still something I don''t understand. If I don''t find this out, I''d feel wrong. I wonder if Venerable Lord Snow could enlighten me at this final juncture?" Venerable Lord Snow coughed and laughed dryly, saying, "Something you don''t understand? Feel wronged? Great! I was resenting the fact that I''m not capable enough to kill you and have to die with a grudge, but if I can be buried alongside this query of yours and let you be in doubt for the rest of your life, it wouldn''t be so bad after all!" Venerable Lord Sword and Frost chortled simultaneously, not at all worried about their current peril. Hen Bieli''s gaze grew colder and sharper as he said faintly, "It looks like the three Venerable Lords aren''t going to answer me." "Answer you? Who are you, to compel me to answer?" Venerable Lord Sword spat with disdain as he lifted the chin. Hen Bieli nodded slowly, his killing intent soaring; he spoke with emphasis on each word, "Very well then." "Kill them!" He waved his hand. All the assassins moved together. The endless, murderous, intent engulfed the three Venerable Lords like a tidal wave. A shrill cry tore through the air then, as a low voice spoke, "Here!" At the same time, the entire house exploded with extremely strong light, as if a sun had fallen into the yard. It was a killer''s habit to be in the dark; it gave them a sense of security. Now that they were under such an intense beam, they were blinded, even though their eyes were open. They were high strung and alert, instinctively shutting their eyes. Their weapons were wielded in a way that nothing could go through to them, their priority was only to safeguard themselves. Snow, Frost, and Sword reacted swiftly, embracing this twist of events and bolted away. In the dark, an illusory silhouette appeared high in the sky. The person''s arms were raised, the noise it generated while cutting through the air was a constant whine in everyone''s ears It was like a countless expert had struck at the same time. Countless secret weapons formed an almost concrete wall behind the three Venerable Lords. "Don''t let the Four Seasons Tower''s remaining pests run free!" Hen Bieli was a veteran and also the quickest to react. He knew that if the three Venerable Lords could withdraw safely, the consequences would be endless. With a loud growl, he was about to pursue them. Unexpectedly, an eerie laughter broke out in the sky. "Who is the remaining pest?" Before the words echoed in the air, a tyrannical force came charging in. Hen Bieli was still in a pitiful state where his eyes were still tearing up due to the intense light. To pursue the Venerable Lords was out of the question; now that he was ambushed, he could only instinctively wave his sword towards where the wind was coming from, A clear collision could be heard, but it was not known what Hen Bieli''s sword had knocked against. Only thick fog billowed. No one could see anything with the thick fog enveloping the surroundings after the brilliant beam. Until the fog dissipated, there were only stars and moon in the sky as well as blood and limbs on the ground when the assassins looked over. The Four Seasons Tower''s three Venerable Lords were gone without a trace! To add salt to the wound, no one knew who had saved them! 604 What Is It For? It was ironic that even after deploying so many people and paying such a hefty price tag, they still could not detain the three most important men of the enemy! This battle could not even be considered a pyrrhic victory. Hen Bieli fumed and raged. "Go out and search for them! Even if we have to dig thirty feet into the earth, these three people must be found!" The three Venerable Lords who had just escaped death were dumbstruck, at a loss for words. Their goals were simple, brutally so. Firstly, they sought revenge for their brother; secondly, they also sought revenge against the Four Seasons Tower; they loathed the tower for utilizing them to nurture the God''s Bone, yet did not treat them as humans. Nonetheless, the three of them truly did not expect themselves to trigger such a massive martial world revolution. Despite their greatest attempts to assemble all of the Four Seasons Tower''s forces in Tiantang City to do battle, they would never have expected some guards who only served their bosses to actually obey their arrangements and come to participate. They knew full well the contrasting combined strengths between both sides and had set up various preparations and targeting strategies that were evidently effective. Despite the end being destined, the three of them had never thought about surviving through it all. All that was on their minds was to kill as many people as they could and attempt to wipe out their opponent in the process. As long as they fulfilled their designed scheme, their brother''s grudge would be avenged. In addition to depleting the Four Seasons Tower''s manpower while bringing the tower trouble, the Venerable Lords could rest in peace, even if they died in this battle. Sadly, it had never crossed these three people''s minds that the ultimate result would be the utter extermination of the Four Seasons Tower''s men whom they had gathered. They had not anticipated the losses that the two top assassination organizations would face, the killers they summoned, and the ironic escape of the Venerable Lords during the most critical juncture of the battle. The trio felt as if they had dreamt it all, the impossible scenario, and was still in disbelief regarding this reality. In a well-hidden place, all three of them, who had yet to regain their composure, looked at each other. "Who saved us?" Venerable Lord Sword was perplexed. "Do we still have sympathizers in Tiantang City? How could I not know about it?" The other two were equally bewildered. Venerable Lord Sword''s doubt was their own as well, only Venerable Lord Sword had voiced it out first. ''Exactly... who saved us?'' ''Even if the Four Seasons Tower had reinforcements, I still don''t believe that they were the ones who saved us.'' The door opened. A graceful young master clad in purple strode in slowly, his smile accompanied by an elegant manner. "Three Venerable Lords, my greetings." "Young Master Yun? Is that you?" The three Venerable Lords were aghast upon seeing who stood before them; they were even more confused as they asked in shock, "How could it be?" The trio had always held a grudge against Yun Yang. From the first encounter regarding Venerable Lord Sword''s lower half as well as the latter half of his life to the encounter at the Resilience Fortress, and then to the recent instigation, these people''s destinies intersected with one another. More recently, Yun Yang had obeyed the justice of the martial world and brought them Venerable Lord Ice''s last words. The trio had felt that they owed him a huge favor, and their hostility towards him naturally decreased. Never did it cross their minds that it would be Yun Yang again who saved them when they faced the grave siege of the world''s assassins. It was no small favor; they had yet to requite his previous favors, but they were in debt once again. They seemed to be at a loss about their consequent actions. "How could it not be me? Speaking of which, who else in Tiantang City can do it if not me?" Yun Yang said with a sly smile. The trio sat down looking blank, not knowing what to say for a moment. Venerable Lord Frost was the first to break the silence. "The truth is before us. Of course, we won''t doubt young master''s ability, but why does Young Master Yun do this?" Venerable Lord Snow and Sword perked up. The question hit the bullseye C there must be an objective that he intended to achieve by saving them. "There really isn''t much of a reason." Yun Yang smiled and said, "Don''t worry, Yun Yang will never dream of taking in three Venerable Lords to serve me on behalf of this favor. I still have the slightest bit of justice in me." This was indeed what the trio was the most concerned about. After all, they owed Yun Yang such huge favors; if he were to ask them to go under his wings, they really had no answer for it. It would be definite that the trio would be reluctant, but they would not be able to face themselves if they rejected his requests. They owed him too much. Hearing Yun Yang say this now, the trio could not help heaving a breath of relief. "Then" Venerable Lord Frost who had just gotten rid of the rock in his heart grew even more perplexed. "There''s not much of a why." Yun Yang paused before saying seriously, "There were plenty of misunderstandings when I just got to know three Venerable Lords, causing us to stand at opposing ends. Even up until now, the offense is still here." "However, let us think about where the focus of our most initial conflict was. It won''t be hard to figure out why I''m amicable to the three Venerable Lords then." "To me, what the three of you have done for your brothers is sufficient to move both heaven and earth. Such a brotherhood is what I''ve been pursuing for, and I am willing to do my best to attain this." He sighed softly and continued, brimming with emotions, "I''m one with everyone as well. I can also be fearless for my brothers." The trio deeply felt the fierce emotion behind Yun Yang''s words; those words were spoken from the bottom of his heart and there was no doubt that they were genuine! Recalling the conflict with Yun Yang in the past, the source was none other than Lei Dongtian whom Yun Yang risked his life to save. It truly reflected his feelings on brotherhood. It was because he shared the same sentiment that he could empathize with their feelings. "In my opinion, one who can risk it all for their brothers shouldn''t just die like this." Yun Yang said honestly, "Therefore, even if it were just for this, it''s reason enough for me to act upon." "By saving all three of you, Venerable Lord Ice doesn''t have to be sad for his brothers resting down there. Besides, the beautiful story of brotherhood gets to be preserved in this world." The narration was sincerely coming from his heart, touching the thee Venerable Lords. With Venerable Lord Snow leading, the trio bowed together, "Thank you, Young Master Yun, for the sentiment." Venerable Lord Sword had the worst temper among the trio and was the one most inclined to speak in a forthright manner. He said, "Young Master Yun mentioned about brothers just now. I have something that I''d feel would be amiss if I did not share with all of you." "Do speak, Venerable Lord Sword," said Yun Yang. Venerable Lord Sword replied, "I know that the brother Young Master Yun referred to is Lei Dongtian! Pardon my words, but it is heaven and earth between Lei Dongtian''s mannerism and actions and your own. They can''t possibly be compared to each other. I would dare say that this person must harbor ill intentions towards you. Young Master Yun, you must stay alert to it." "It''s undeniable that loyalty is emphasized in brotherhood, but not only is it useless to speak of this code with a liar, one could possibly be harmed and have to bear grave consequences." 605 Two More People! Despite the scathing glares that Venerable Lord Frost and Snow threw at him, Venerable Lord Sword eventually spilled the beans, saying, "I know that Young Master Yun won''t be happy to hear this from me, someone who has a conflict with you; it truly sounds as if I am instigating something between you and your brother. Nonetheless, I have to speak my mind. I hope that Young Master Yun does not take offense." Yun Yang was silent for a long time after that, finally nodding softly, and said, "I understand your kind intentions, but the first thing about getting along with someone is serendipity; it is difficult to speak of the past. Besides, can anyone in this world truly be free of personal intentions? Who can guarantee that they have no ulterior motive of their own? If not now, then in the future?" He nodded with some difficulty and said, "I will be careful and I will try to manage my expectations." "That would be best. You are certainly cultivated and dignified. We aretruly impressed." The trio smiled. "Now that you have obtained revenge, what are your subsequent plans?" asked Yun Yang. Venerable Lord Sword spat hatefully, "Hong Zhan isn''t dead yet. How can the grudge be considered avenged?" "Going beyond the limit is as bad as falling short. I think you have achieved enough. Also, three Venerable Lords should feel that it''s about done." Yun Yang chuckled. Venerable Lord Snow questioned, "What do you mean, Young Master Yun?" "It would make sense for the three of you to take revenge for Venerable Lord Ice, but there are more than ten thousand people who have already lost their lives here in Tiantang City since you began plotting your revenge. I honestly think that you can now put a stop to things. Even if the three of you are still reluctant, still think that the grudge lingers, you would have completed most of it by now. The wise move would be to stop now," Yun Yang answered seriously. "If you continue to entangle yourselves, there can only be one consequence. The three of you will lose your lives here as well. Next time, I believe there won''t be any more lucky chances." Yun Yang spoke with empathy, "If the three Venerable Lords are willing to listen to my humble opinion, why not retire from the martial world from here on? Isn''t this also one way of fulfilling your brother''s wish and the goal you''ve been wanting to achieve?" Hearing Yun Yang''s words, the trio could not help chuckling humorlessly. Retire in seclusion? ''Oh, how we would like to retire from the martial world and live the rest of our lives in peace however, what could you possibly know of the Four Seasons Tower''s terror?'' ''How will we be able to retire to seclusion? Today''s chance only happens today; after this day, other than facing The Merciless Tower and Hall of Crimson Blade''s pursuit, we will also wait for the wrath of the Four Seasons Tower to descend upon us!'' "Retire? We won''t be able to do that" Venerable Lord Snow''s gaze towards Yun Yang was friendly and so was that of Venerable Lord Sword and Frost. The youth had saved them and did not have any further demands. Instead, he had advised them kindly to retire in seclusion and spend the rest of their lives in serenity. Everything that had transpired was evidence that Yun Yang had no ill intentions towards them; he was sincere in caring for them! Furthermore, Yun Yang words were genuine, uttered after putting himself in their shoes. The trio were martial world veterans. They were able to discern the truth in his words. Since knowing Yun Yang, they had gone from expending their all to take each other down with their initial opposing stances, to compromising afterward and later, admiring each other. That progressed to the favors owed today until the total acknowledgment which was taking place right now... It was truly a longwinded process. Prior to this, the three Venerable Lords would never have dreamed of experiencing so many psychological changes towards a youth, let alone changing their minds so many times about a person. "There are only methods not thought of in this world, never things that can''t be done. If the three of you do intend to retire in seclusion, it doesn''t mean that there is only one way to achieve that end." Yun Yang spoke seriously, "A simple one can go like this. Being a local here in Tiantang City, I have the utmost confidence that I can find three absolutely heinous criminals and disguise them to resemble the three of you before killing them. In addition, we can even let The Merciless Tower and Hall of Crimson Blade do the deed. As long as the preparations are adequate, this substitution tactic is foolproof. Not only could the three of you leave in grace without any consequences, there''ll hardly be any accidents even if you want them to happen, as long as you are careful in the future." "Even if the Four Seasons Tower is incredibly powerful, there must be a limit to their reach. According to your understanding of the Four Seasons Tower, you should be rather self-assured in tackling the threats that come from there!" Yun Yang grinned. "Sigh, Young Master Yun''s consideration is well thought through, but it''s simply too bad that this approach is impossible to be executed upon us." Venerable Lord Snow was sullen as he spoke. "Thank you for your kind intentions, Young Master Yun. It''s not that the three of us do not wish to retire from the martial world and spend the rest of our days in peace and security. Because of what lies upon us, no matter where we go to, we are destined to be bereft of a safe haven as long as we''re still in this continent. The Four Seasons Tower will find us at any time!" Yun Yang was doubtful about that explanation. "What''s on you that''s so important?" The trio sighed glumly. "Even then, the forces of the Four Seasons Tower in Tiantang City is basically gone. Despite their intentions, they should be of no threat to you within this short period. Am I right?" said Yun Yang. "Young Master Yun''s knowledge of Four Seasons Tower is scanty. The combat power the tower had displayed this time is only the tip of the iceberg. It is insignificant. The truth is there are two more people around Tiantang City." The three of them chuckled bitterly. "These two people have taken over the civil and martial sides respectively. They''re tough characters to tackle. When they came in the past, they left after obtaining a rough understanding of the situation. They didn''t partake in the planning; otherwise, our plans would never have gone as smoothly as they did." "Yes. These two are the real overseers of the Four Seasons Tower in Yutang," Venerable Lord Snow sighed softly and said, "They are... unpredictable. Even if we were to retire, we can never hide from the two of them." There was a flash of worry in Yun Yang''s eyes, he said, "Civil and martial, unpredictable? Could the reason behind your inability to retire be these two people? They have a certain way to track the three of you?" "Not exactly but it cannot be denied these two are very powerful," Venerable Lord Sword chuckled dryly. Yun Yang spoke with ease, "Does it mean that you can retire safely as long as these two people are taken down? If so, I''ll help you manage them." The three Venerable Lords chortled depreciatingly in unison. "Young Master Yun, we probably didn''t explain it clearly earlier. What we commented about them taking charge of the civil and martial sides respectively is only in view of their inclinations when taking action. To see them through a cultivator''s eyes, both of them are the mighty pinnacle forces in this world, incredibly wise. If they can be taken down so easily, we would have acted upon it long ago to sever these restraints!" Venerable Lord Snow said with a dry chuckle, "I''ll only mention one incident and I believe that Young Master Yun will have a substantial understanding regarding these two people''s abilities. Back when the Nine Heavens Demesne descended upon Yutang, it was the two of them who slipped into Tiantang City and plotted the conspiracy, laying things down so that the Nine Supremes had to go for the mission. A dragnet-like sealing formation was set up to exterminate Yutang''s Nine Supremes in one go" "This isn''t all there is to it. After they planned everything, they didn''t make any more interventions. They withdrew themselves immediately, causing the entire incident to look like it had nothing to do with them. The truth was, however, that the series of schemes against the Nine Supremes, every link, and every step, would have followed their designed directions closely and were executed without any deviations." "The reality also proved that they''ve managed to calculate each and every link and step in the process!" "Such intelligence is something we dare not even think about, no matter how highly we regard ourselves and how reluctant we are to belittle ourselves." Venerable Lord Snow said, "Furthermore, the two of them have revealed themselves to the public in their individual identities. One seems to be a cultivation expert while another is just a helpless aide. We, on the other hand, know better!" "Both of them are the mightiest experts who have reached the realm of returning to innocence. The three of us, even if the Five Venerable Lords were still here, could hardly harm either one of them even if we were to attack in unison!" "How could someone like that not be terrifying?" 606 Civil and Martial Mandarins Yun Yang scoffed, a murderous intent gleaming in his eyes, as he said, "Here is the truth about the Nine Supremes'' doom. It is even more evident that this two individuals can''t be kept alive. The Nine Supremes Lords are the Empire of Yutang''s heroes. Murdering our heroes makes them our biggest enemy; they will have to pay for their crimes!" "We, the people of Yutang, have always felt regret for not being able to avenge the Nine Supremes Lords'' deaths. Now that there is such a huge clue, these two people must be brought to justice! They must be minced and tormented and have their bones shaved and ashes spilled!" "Initially, I helped you because our vibes jived. Now that we share a common enemy, we should work together and help each other out!" The three Venerable Lords could not help rolling their eyes when they heard Yun Yang. ''Do you think it''s so easy?'' ''Listen to yourself, talking about bringing them to justice and all of that tripe, how speechless could we possibly be?'' ''Which of the two of them can be so easily caught?'' Yun Yang stood up and bowed deeply. "I ask for the three Venerable Lords to help me. Do tell me the identities and backgrounds of these two people and where they are hiding. I''ll eradicate the duo with all I have. These two are our enemies!" "Young Master Yun, the abilities of these two people are not something to be trifled with" Venerable Lord Snow said, "It''s not that we''re reluctant to tell you. We, more than anyone else, hope for the quick deaths of these two, but I''d be sending you to your own death if I tell you. Young Master Yun, you''re a youthful talent with a bright, promising, future. You don''t have to provoke an enemy you can''t manage just to indulge in a reckless moment." Yun Yang contemplated that for a moment before speaking in a disappointed voice, "It looks like the three of you will hardly have the fighting spirit if I don''t spur you on a little. I shall not keep the suspense then.The three of you may know this, but you may not know it clearly." His voice was low and soft, almost indiscernible. The trio felt the beginnings of goosebumps and asked involuntarily, "What is it?" "I believe that the three of you know that Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou are in Tiantang City right now." Yun Yang spoke very softly, "However, you probably don''t know that the both of them are staying together. Despite just knowing each other, it''s like they''ve been friends for a long time" "If these two can help us, things will be an entirely different story." The trio''s eyes shone brightly before they sighed right away, "Still, how can these two experts be summoned so easily?" Yun Yang wore a mysterious grin. "When God closes all the doors, a window will be left open. I think you understand a saying like this. Brother Ling Xiaozui used to have a conflict with the Four Seasons Tower and owes me a huge favor If I were to ask him and the target was to be the Four Seasons Tower''s men, I think there''s still a high chance he would lend his aid" The three Venerable Lords sucked in a cold breath simultaneously once they heard him. They looked at Yun Yang like they were seeing a ghost. "Is it true? Is Young Master Yun being honest?" "Of course!" Yun Yang was fervent in his affirmation. "Just last night, Brother Ling and his friends came to my residence for a drink, introducing Senior Dugu to me formally!" Vertigo hit the trio once they heard what Yun Yang had said. Regaining their composure after some time, they exchanged glances, seeing similar sentiments mirrored in each other''s eyes. This could be done! It was absolutely doable! The three Venerable Lords who shared the same thoughts immediately got excited. If one could stay alive, how could one wish to die? What was more, there was a hope for revenge, to wipe out the enemy once and for all. How could they let such an opportunity slip by? Venerable Lord Snow sucked in a deep breath and said, "If Young Master Yun were to obtain such potent assistance, the situation will naturally be different. This way, I can tell you more information about the men. Still, you must act carefully. If Ling Xiaozui refuses to help, you mustn''t behave recklessly. As long as one is still alive, there''s still hope!" "Don''t worry. I cherish my life as much as the next man!" said Yun Yang. The four of them looked at each other and chortled. Venerable Lord Snow almost whispered, so softly did he speak. " The civil side between the duo is the Residence of Crown Prince''s prime aide, Sir Bi. Sir Bi is an exceptionally dangerous person. Forget his incredible cultivation base, his residence alone is set up with countless hidden passages and secret threats. Plenty of them are designed hundreds of feet underground and there is a secret passage that reaches five hundred miles away from the city!" "Besides, Sir Bi has more than one stand-in." Venerable Lord Snow elaborated, "All his substitutes lurk in his residence. According to what I know, there are at least three of them. Even if one were to be killed, it''s hard to say if he''s the real one or a stand-in. His various substitutes look the same, be it by their height, weight, appearance, or self-portrayal even their mannerisms are the same. There''s no way to distinguish among them." "If that is the case, it''ll be tricky" Yun Yang began contemplating with a frown while secretly breaking out in cold sweat; thankfully he had not acted carelessly or else he would have been trapped. "As for the other person, the martial undertaking is between the two of them," Venerable Lord Snow said, "He is a high-ranking official in the military. He''s the third man-in-charge after Fu Baoguo one who''s specifically responsible for planning and approving military plans Wu Ying." Yun Yang''s expression twisted the moment he heard the name. Wu Ying? This person sounded familiar, but at the same time, very distant from Yun Yang. He was just like his namesake1, without a shadow and untraceable. He worked in the Board of War, having a house to himself to specifically check upon and approve all military plans. His status was very high and the reason for his high status was due to his impossibly high military discipline. Any plan that came from him had no chance of being changed. Not only was there no one who dared to modify it, there was no one who could possibly do it! Since he had picked up the responsibility, there had been missteps and he had also never stepped out of the house. A few of his janissaries would send the required information to him and he would then toss them out from the window after completing the necessary crosschecking inside. Such independence and solitude were not even living in seclusion, but living without ever coming out! Gradually, people began to notice his presence in the Board of War C someone with high authority but who never showed himself. Therefore, Yutang officials'' remarks about him was a person who worked humbly and willingly. Even when Old Grand Commandant Fang Qingtian was ill and could hardly manage any matter now, compounded Fu Baoguo''s absence, Wu Ying could still administer the Board of War perfectly with just his notes. Everything that he presided over proved one thing C that he was an exceptionally intelligent person who could plan and plot strategies that were decisive to future victories. This person was Fang Qingtian, Qiu Jianhan and other senior marshals'' most trusted person whom they thought very highly of! Based on the current situation, in the event where the Old Grand Commandant passed on and Fu Baoguo continued to guard the border, there was no surprise that this man would be the top authority of the future Board of War. No one could do the job better than he! Even Fu Baoguo had once said that this person was exquisitely talented and he could never compare to Wu Ying''s ability to govern the military affairs. It was due to this very reason that Yun Yang had never thought it was possible for this man to be a traitor, even when he was filtering possible spies. He had even checked upon the empress and emperor and did not have complete trust in people like Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin. Right now, a thunderbolt crackled within Yun Yang when Venerable Lord Snow uttered this name, bringing about a sense of disbelief. "How can it be him? It''s unbelievable" murmured Yun Yang. It crossed Yun Yang''s mind that Venerable Lord Snow could be wrongfully accusing Wu Ying, but upon further consideration, he believed him. It was because the person who looked least possible to be a spy would not necessarily mean he was not one; this had always been the case! "I know that Young Master Yun is doubtful. Actually, the evidence that Wu Ying is the martial one is simple This person''s cultivation base is incredibly high" Venerable Lord Snow said, "It''s at least higher than ours. I think this is proof enough." Yun Yang was jolted. That was right. If Wu Ying only had a certain level of cultivation base, it would not be considered proof; yet if he was more skilled than the three Venerable Lords, it was a huge issue. It would be unexplainable why he would hide in an imperial court! "There''s something I have to reiterate. This person''s intelligence is not at all weaker than Sir Bi''s." Venerable Lord Snow said, "Compared to the renowned Mr. Nian these two men are the true venomous snakes of Four Seasons Tower, the ones with the most heinous hearts!" "Strictly speaking, their status in the tower isn''t high, lower than ours, even. They are restrained by the hierarchy of us being Venerable Lords. However, anything in this worldly realm, especially imperial matters regarding Yutang, Ziyou, Dongxuan, Dayuan and other empires from these places to anything in the Four Seasons Tower, he has to go through them." "These two people are the Four Seasons Tower''s civil and martial mandarins!" Yun Yang wobbled slightly, sighing dejectedly. If he had the Four Seasons Tower''s intelligence network backing him up, Wu Ying could know everything happening in the world just by sitting at home. His glorified ability to be able to manage his administration was reduced somewhat by this revelation. "That is why everything must be done carefully. We simply can''t afford to be careless." Venerable Lord Snow had repeated this line for about a dozen times tonight. "I understand. I really do now." Yun Yang said, "If I don''t have complete confidence, I won''t act recklessly." He then stood up immediately and said, "Rest well here. This is a very secluded spot. I can guarantee that as long as you don''t show yourself first, those assassins will never be able to find you even when they flip the entire Tiantang City around. Compared to them, I am the true local here!" He then said softly, "So the priority now is for three of you to recover and heal quickly. As for the future well, we have ample time for it." The trio nodded in unison. Looking at the two bottles of medicinal pills Yun Yang left behind before he went away, the trio felt their hearts lurch. Yutang''s Young Master Yun was indeed a friend worthy to make! He was brave, loyal and forthright; he prized brotherhood and loyalty. His delicate concern was enough to move someone and make a lasting impression. "It was too bad we stood at opposing sides in the beginning. The psychological conflict will always be the hardest to overcome." Venerable Lord Sword sighed, "Otherwise I''d like to get to know such a friend even more." Venerable Lord Snow snorted and said, "Forget your wild wishes. Young Master Yun has done everything in his power. Making friends with him now will only bring him further trouble." "My only wish now is to requite the favor as much as I can. Then, we can roam the world and live in seclusion in the forest. It has been terribly exhausting," sighed Venerable Lord Frost. The trio then fell into an introspective silence. Yun Yang returned to his residence. A frown was locked into place as he kept quiet for a long time. Just by the descriptions of the three Venerable Lords, Yun Yang could imagine how terrifying the civil and martial men were. Just like he said, he would never ever act recklessly to take these two people down. He would only act when he was utterly sure and thoroughly confident to a fault; when that happened, he would take both the men down in unison. Otherwise, they would disappear from this world promptly even when they seized one of them. Yun Yang could even guarantee now that if such people vanished, it would be a struggle to find them again in this lifetime, despite his current capabilities. Yun Yang frowned and was deep in thought, trying to come up with a secure action plan. However, what he felt the most helpless about was that Ling Xiaozui and the other three experts were not here. Like Ling Xiaozui said earlier, "Do you even need the four of us to be your bodyguards with just this minor issue in Tiantang City?" "Our target now is Mr. Nian. The four of us are basically taking on the highest authority in the Four Seasons Tower. The rest is nothing, you don''t need us to take care of them!" Consequently, the quartet had left yesterday night. They did not even allow him to follow them to watch this battle of the century from the sidelines. They had not returned until now, so Yun Yang did not know how their situation was. As Yun Yang thought about it, he could not depend on this battle of his on the four old men If so, he had to complete the plot against these two terrifying characters with what he had now! Misfortune never comes alone. Bai Yixue was not here and he had to allocate manpower to guard Bao''er to ensure his safety. The calculations rendered his manpower absolutely limited. How could he tackle both men with such combat power? "How severely short-handed we are!" Yun Yang exclaimed forlornly. Translator Note: 1Wu Ying is homophone in Chinese to the meaning of without a shadow. 607 Yun Yang Has Grown Up… Not only did the current situation disallow Yun Yang from being optimistic, it was basically a grave scenario. Yun Yang sighed, the cogs in his head turning ponderously. How could he kill two pinnacle experts with his limited force? "Severely short what?" A clear voice rang. Yun Yang followed the sound. Ji Lingxi stood before him in white, like a fairy who had just come from the moon; her eyes were sparkling as she looked over at him. Yun Yang''s heart began to beat quickly. Ever since that day, every time he looked at Ji Lingxi, he thought the girl was stunningly beautiful for some reason. Her beauty was bewitching. The medicine he let her apply was still on her face, but she was still alluring, her charm indescribable. It was a grace that came from her very core, as if she was a goddess and there was a magical air surrounding her, lending her an ethereal look... Even though Yun Yang could restrain himself relatively well, he still felt his control slipping away from him; he was sorely tempted to do something bad. Now that he saw the girl watching him with such an affectionate gaze, he could not help moaning inwardly, ''My life is at stake'' ''Just a touch will take away half of my remaining years, yet, she looks so tempting Who can resist such temptation?'' "Nothing to do with you." Yun Yang frowned instinctively. Faced with such irresistible charm when he was troubled, he could not help losing his composure and subconsciously acted like an elder brother, saying, "Why aren''t you resting? What are you doing out here again?" The girl would bewitch him if he did not put up a tough front. Ji Lingxi rolled her eyes and said, "What am I doing out here again? I''m just here for a chat with you, in between my cultivation sessions. What do you say to that? Am I not allowed to do even this now?" Yun Yang said earnestly, "Oh, Lingxi, do you know how unusually chaotic the martial world is these days? Anywhere and anytime, there could be traps and ambushes. You can''t take cultivation base lightly. You''re still young, you haven''t experienced the vileness of the martial world. Be good, go back to your practice quickly." Hearing Yun Yang''s intentionally mature tone, Ji Lingxi almost burst out laughing. She sat down comfortably in front of him and said with a smile, "No need to act tough. Tell me what it is. Maybe I have an idea. Two heads are better than one. I can help you brainstorm, it''s better than you shutting yourself out and thrashing about blindly." Ji Lingxi''s natural action of sitting down seemed to be laced with an inexplicable ethereality that brimmed from her very soul. Yun Yang''s gaze became a stare as he swallowed before saying arduously, "I think I''m not that young anymore." "I beg your pardon? What do you mean?" Ji Lingxi''s gaze turned into a squint. Yun Yang coughed and said, "I think I should find a wife perhaps, I need a woman" Yun Yang itched to slap himself repeatedly right as he finished speaking. How could he have just uttered that? Even if he thought so inwardly, he could not just say it out like this! Oh God! Such were the thoughts that ran through Yun Yang''s mind. These days, Yun Yang did not know what was going on, but he felt his attraction to Ji Lingxi grow and it was getting harder to resist. His previously calm and composed self was entirely gone! Each time he saw her, his heart palpitated and he felt his soul leaving him; he would fall into a dreamy state and it was hard to forget the blasted woman. He wanted to touch her, to hug her, to kiss her, then do something but! C but! He could not! He could never do that! Once he thought about the price he had to pay for hugging her, to be flung so far and have his internal organs flipped around, bleeding through all seven orifices, with severe injuries and everything else, Yun Yang restrained his eagerness. In spite of this, Yun Yang had unavoidably realized that his heart was consumed by an earthy desire now. He was no longer as spiritual as he once thought he was. For a few consecutive nights, there was the occasional... phenomenon that took place. One morning, he had even realized with stupor that there was a large patch of stickiness on his bed Due to the circumstances mentioned, Yun Yang realized clearly that he had grown up; he should now find a woman. His seemingly inadvertent blabbering earlier was a manifestation of his true thoughts. He had buried them in his heart and never spoke of them; after all, such things were not topics that were easily discussed. He did not expect that the attraction he felt today when Ji Lingxi came over was much stronger than it had ever been before; something, somewhere, within him had gone amok and his lips parted before he could stop himself from shooting his mouth. Ji Lingxi grinned and said, "I would never have expected Young Master Yun to actually think about getting married and forming a family. How rare this is! Do you have someone you like then?" She was smiling without a hint of nervousness; however, her teeth were ground tightly and a chilling glint flashed in her gaze. ''I''ve just confessed to you a few days ago. Not only did you not respond to it, are you actually looking for a woman now?'' ''What do you want to do and who are you looking for!'' Yun Yang coughed. "Right now I don''t think I do?" ''No?'' ''Are you actually saying that there isn''t anyone?'' The answer was more detestable than she could have imagined. ''Do you not see a breathing beauty right before you?'' Ji Lingxi''s smile was increasingly tender but the chilling glint deep in her eyes was almost depthless. She spoke through gritted teeth, "Does Young Master Yun have any particular requirements regarding your woman? We''re on the same side, you can tell me; maybe I can figure something out for you." She spoke tenderly, "You should know that I have plenty of girlfriends. Each of them comes from a noble family. Be it looks, physique, family background, elegance, grace, or even apt in both literature and martial arts, or gifted in both talent and looks, you name it, you can have it" Yun Yang was completely befuddled by Ji Lingxi''s suggestion. He was confused about his current self as well. He was still considering the task of subduing the two men earlier; he was still lamenting about being shorthanded and having a limited force. How could the topic take such an opposite turn to somewhere thoroughly unrelated? What kind of twist was this? Was it not simply too amazing to contemplate? Against his wishes, Yun Yang actually began thinking instinctively about what Ji Lingxi had said. Ji Lingxi could not help probing further when Yun Yang kept quiet for so long, "Tell me quickly. How can I know what type of woman you like if you don''t say it? There has to at least be some direction." "Actually, I don''t have any strict requirements As long as she''s a woman" Yun Yang coughed dryly and mumbled under his breath. There was a clack from Ji Ling''s mouth as she said, " It is terribly hard when you don''t have any requirements. It''s easier to choose with some specific conditions." ''You know that there''s a peerless beauty right in front of you now! You actually dared to say as long as she''s a woman'' ''Do you want me to die from anger? Do you?'' Yun Yang coughed again and seemed to ponder in earnest before he spoke again, "As long as I don''t get beaten up from hugging or kissing her that''ll be great! Like Shangguan" "Bang! Bang! Bang!" "Wham!" Yun Yang flew away with his limbs splayed out. "Bam!" He flew into the yard which was about seventy to eighty feet away; he was unhurt and unmarked, except for a dainty footprint on his abdomen. 608 Ji Lingxi’s Strange Dream Lao Mei scrambled out in panic. "Young master, what has happened? Was there an ambush?" Yun Yang stood up with a hiss and answered, "No worries. I can still manage." Lao Mei pursed his lips and very discreetly rolled his eyes. Ji Lingxi could be seen charging out of Yun Yang''s yard and striding back to her room; with a bang, she slammed her door closed with an earth-shattering crash. Yun Yang heaved a long sigh and spread his arms, speaking helplessly, "Lao Mei, not finding a wife in this lifetime has been your most brilliant decision! I''m telling you, the hardest ones to serve in this world are none other than women!" Lao Mei''s lips moved, finally summing up all that was on his mind into a long sigh, and said, "Young master have I ever told you that, it''s not that I don''t want to find a wife, but I''m waiting for someone?" "Lao Mei, I never knew that you were such a womanizer!" Yun Yang replied in shock. Lao Mei was speechless. ''I f*cking want to flip a table now! I''ve been single for most of my life and now I''m a f*cking womanizer?'' ''Young master, does your family know how well-spoken you are? Does your father know?'' Ji Lingxi, who had returned to her room, was flushed with anger. Her chest was heaving fiercely while as she cursed in a low, resentful, voice, "Satyr! Filthy! Despicable! Unscrupulous! Low! I''m so angry!" Despite her majestic rage, Ji Lingxi was also very curious. The man was still like a pedantic scholar who refused to be engaged in any human affairs just a few days ago; how could he act like a rogue now? What had happened within this duration? She did not know that Yun Yang could not be blamed. The reason C perhaps the entire crux of the matter - was her air and aura. The sudden and massive change had caused the temptation to be indescribably intense. In addition, a certain someone had confessed to Yun Yang a few days ago, inducing ripples in Yun Yang''s otherwise calm heart; how could he stay cool now? Naturally, the psychological change of whether he wanted to find a wife would occur. Once the switch was turned on, the rest would follow without a doubt. It would only develop rapidly towards one direction C he should really find a wife! Of course, the other equally important key was it was still Ji Lingxi. This referred to the red beam of light on Ji Lingxi. It gave so much hope to Yun Yang; his elder brothers could not have died with such masterly experts guarding them. This was far too crucial to Yun Yang. It was due to this thought that Yun Yang''s mind had changed; perhaps, it could be said that, from then on, Yun Yang''s entire life had changed. The oppressed emotions and guilt that had accumulated within him were mostly gone within that night. If he still harbored some initial negative feelings, Yun Yang, whose heart was dead, would only put up a front of foolishness. He would never have taken the initiative, regardless of how moved he was no and matter how ethereal and alluring Ji Lingxi was as well. Nonetheless, such a detailed plot twist was something that Ji Lingxi found difficult to digest. Even when Yun Yang''s hundred and eighty degree transformation was due to her and the mystery was on her as well, it was the same. Ji Lingxi sat on a chair and rested her face in her hands. She could not help thinking about the strange dream she had been having for these few nights. ''How can I have the same dream for a few days straight? This is It''s absurd.'' ''What''s going on? Is it a reminder to me? Is destiny trying to hint something to me?'' ''However, everything is so inexplicable and more of it is vague and blurry what is that image? Why do I feel so close to it?'' Ji Lingxi was in a trance, trying to recall her dream. ''I can only try to comprehend everything on my own. Even if Sister Yue was still here, I wouldn''t be able to ask her. What I experienced isn''t something simple words can describe. It''s only a dream at night and my cultivation base grows Throughout these four to five consecutive nights, my cultivation base has shot from beginner heaven realm to ninth heaven! If tonight is the same, I will be ascending to the Dao realm'' Ji Lingxi looked within herself again to check her cultivation base progress. She was bewildered and somewhat in disbelief. ''This feeling even a dream doesn''t feel as dreamy. It''s broad daylight now, but I still feel like I''m in a dream. Everything feels so unreal If I have the same dream every night, I won''t stop at the Dao realm; I wouldn''t be surprised if I were to turn into an immortal!'' ''What''s wrong with my body? How can it change so strangely!'' Ji Lingxi repeatedly inspected her body, meridians, and every other aspect she could think of. ''Everything is fine, there isn''t any flaw Well, if a particular change must be mentioned, it seems like my chest has grown larger recently'' Ji Lingxi held the said parts in her hands; she could not help blushing, her gaze reflecting her fantasized thoughts. It was quiet throughout the night. The next morning came, and when Ji Lingxi opened her eyes there was intense doubt and shock in them. ''I''ve truly ascended to the Dao realm and it''s the pinnacle of the first level in Dao as well! But why is the dream this time blurrier? A strange dream where I can''t even see anything clearly, then my cultivation base got boosted. What is happening to me?'' Ji Lingxi lay on her bed with a confused gaze, honestly seeing only question marks before her eyes. She had never heard of such a peculiar occurrence since the beginning of time! Sleep, dream, then one''s cultivation base escalated, one level after another! This was defying nature. If one could do this, why would anyone want to practice and cultivate? Why would one need any treasured resources? Everyone could just sleep in every day! Even a novel would not dare write about such rapid growth of cultivation base for it simply had no logic and precedent. There was no possibility of such a thing happening. Yet, such an unreal situation had happened to her in reality. What could she do? Ji Lingxi got up from her bed to wash up and dress appropriately. She was suddenly aware of something important. ''My cultivation base now seems to be higher than that of Yun Yang'' In front of Yun Yang''s room was someone who had cultivated for the entire night; he had felt his cultivation base improve and he was only a step away from the ninth heaven. ''The cultivation base progress within this past few days is excellent. I believe that such an improvement can allow me to triumph in this decade without anyone being parallel to me'' Yun Yang, who was proud of himself was deep in thought as he opened the door, ''It''s great that my cultivation base is growing so quickly, but I can''t be blindly arrogant. Let''s follow my initial plan. I shall go to Sir Bi and probe to see if there''ll be other encounters'' Just as the youth opened the door, he saw a well-dressed Ji Lingxi standing there, showered in the morning rays with a medium-length staff in her hand. Yun Yang, who experienced an unprecedented sense of shock, instinctively covered a certain portion of his physique that stood tall and angry in the morning. "What do you want to do?" In truth, Ji Lingxi had not noticed the protrusion. Now that the obvious cover-up had drawn her attention, she grew flustered and said through clenched jaws, "You C you what are you thinking of daily?" Yun Yang bent down like he was bowing, awkward at being caught. "I I don''t Not thinking about you Actually" "Yun Yang!" Ji Lingxi was furious, her eyes threatening to spit fire. "How can we waste such a fine morning? Come, I shall practice with you! Let us exhaust that vigorous energy of yours." 609 Sir Bi’s Targe Yun Yang wielded the Ice Core Charm in panic before straightening himself up after some time; he said with a sheepish chuckle, "Practice? Let''s talk about it next time. My cultivation base has improved recently. I may not be able to control my power as well as I would like to." Obviously, he did not hold Ji Lingxi in regard at all. He was boasting and praising his own ability in a manner which was subtle yet overt. This certain someone had just suppressed a natural physical reaction and was deep in thought about what was wrong with him these days. Such a situation had never happened in the past. He did not pay close attention to Ji Lingxi, thus was oblivious to the fact that the girl had just transformed into a Dao realm expert. Logically, even when one consumed a magical pill, one would never have been able to hop right into the Dao realm from a beginner level into the heaven realm. Ji Lingxi, who was ambitious, could not bear to be dismissed by someone whose ability was lower than hers. She spun around and leaped into the yard, saying, "Enough rubbish. Let''s get this over with!" She could not help turning around. Her heart was beating too fast Yun Yang still maintained a carefree mien as he walked down the steps unhurriedly; he gracefully picked up a staff as well and said in a proper manner, "Very well. I''ll become your coach in place of my eighth brother today and train your martial skills." When they began exchanging blows, Yun Yang held back a good deal of his power, afraid that he would actually hurt Ji Lingxi. However, the latter poured in her all. Unable to avoid her deft strokes, Yun Yang was hit the moment they clashed. He only managed to cry out, "What the heck" After a moment, Ji Lingxi tossed her staff down again before turning around to leave with her chin tilted up in pride. Her words came from afar, "Today''s exchange is very fruitful for me. It looks like cultivation mustn''t be done blindly in solitude. Practical fights are required at any time. From today onwards, I''ll come to you for practice every morning. You said it yourself, one''s cultivation base must be improved as the martial world is vile" The girl repeated Yun Yang''s words yesterday and tossed it back to him, speaking ever righteously and full of justice. Yun Yang lay on the floor, covered in dust. There was even a large swell on his forehead, making him look like a unicorn. Stupor was splayed across his handsome face. ''Can anyone tell me what happened?'' ''Isn''t this girl a beginner level in the heaven realm?'' ''How can someone with such a cultivation base standard completely subdue me?'' ''No matter what wonderful treasured resources she consumed, she couldn''t have possibly elevated herself to the Dao realm within a night!'' ''The body won''t even be able to take it'' ''What is going on?'' ''Could I have been deceived?'' "Ouch" Young Master Yun was baffled even as he touched the swell on his forehead. It was only now that he felt the pain; he had been completely dumbfounded earlier! It was impossible, it was preposterous, but it had happened right in front of him. How could Yun Yang not be dumbstruck? Yun Yang was an observer throughout Ji Lingxi''s advance from the peak realm to the heaven realm. Just several days ago, she was still complaining about being stuck in beginner heaven realm for a long time and he had even comforted her along the lines of "It''s incredibly rare for someone your age to be so advanced", "The cultivation journey cannot ever be rushed", and so on and so forth. Now, Yun Yang who was in ninth heaven had been utterly beaten up, without remorse. "I have been grinding away every day!" Yun Yang said in agony. "Emmie, come out and open the space quickly! I can''t take it anymore" He would have been fine if the miracle had occurred to someone else. This person was prepared to beat him up every morning, how could he not be worried about it? Furthermore, Yun Yang recalled that he had assumed an elder brother''s mature tone in front of Ji Lingxi; he felt like collapsing on the ground right there and then. ''What dignity do I have to call myself your elder brother when I am going to be beaten up every day?'' ''What face do I have to say ''I''ll take care of you for your brother!''? To check your cultivation base as your coach? I''m not even a worthy practice partner, I''m just a target!'' He could hear Ji Lingxi''s voice echoing at this time, "Yun Yang, I''ll take care of you for my brother from now on!" Yun Yang covered his face. ''This girl! How dare she say that! She''s asking for a beating'' Life was like a drama and a drama was like life; it was bizarre, unpredictable, and absolutely absurd! in the Residence of Crown Prince, His Highness had been wearing a long face in recent times. There moments where he looked happy were few and far in between. After all, since his emperor of a father announced that his eldest brother''s son had returned to Yutang, the crown prince had lived in an oppressive state daily, as if a cataclysmic disaster was about to befall him; no one could feel at ease living like this. The inheritance of Yutang''s throne that was previously secure in his hands and so near to him had suddenly become precarious. This throne that he was seated on could fly away at any time. It would be a curious thing if he was in a good mood. Meeting his father''s eyes every time he went to the imperial assembly every morning, the crown prince could feel the dismissive gaze of his father; it was a gaze filled with disappointment, anger, and deep loathing. This caused His Highness to feel increasingly miserable. Moreover, he suffered from nightmares these recent nights, sitting up in cold sweat and a blank stare with a pale face. Unable to rest well at night, the crown prince naturally became dispirited. His various strange mannerisms were about to drive the crown princess insane as well. However, the misfortune of the crown prince, whose career and life was dreary, was far from ending. Calamities came one after another. In order to tackle the child who would affect the great future and who should not exist in the first place, His Highness had secretly arranged for Sir Bi to contact certain assassination organizations. He had even paid half of the deposit. The result caused the crown prince to choke in anger It was not that the assassins did not come. In fact, all of them who were contacted had come, in multiple batches as well. After the initial joy, His Highness could not help being suspicious. He had only instructed for two batches to arrive, who was the one who had called for the rest? This was a huge problem! Despite the crown prince being delighted to see such an outcome, the issue had to be taken seriously. The more assassins there were, it meant that there were more people with ulterior motives. Relatively, this was evidence that those who coveted the throne were plentiful. How could His Highness not be wary? Furthermore, at this juncture, the crown prince would be the scapegoat, no matter who had actually commissioned these killers. After all, he was the one to gain the most and in the most direct manner as well! Granted, if the mission was completed smoothly and the child was gone, he would definitely have to carry the blame. So be it; a man of great ambition would not be bothered about such trifle matters. He would just pick up the pieces afterward. For all that, what did it mean when these assassins had come and assembled but did nothing? They had come so brazenly that everyone in Tiantang City was aware of them. It was a secondary matter that people were fearful and anxious, the officials in the imperial court, as well as the emperor and empress, were looking at the crown prince with suspicion in their eyes. Did the assassins know this? All the wealthy businessmen and families shut their doors with caution, afraid to provoke and attract the killers. In actual fact, the killers did nothing. What were they here for? Were they here for a tour? That could be the case. Based on recent events, the assembly of the world''s assassins seemed to be for a gathering or a holiday, because they were not doing their job. If that was the case, could they really be called assassins? Could they have more professional integrity? Some sense of timing? How dare they call themselves top assassin organizations with how they were behaving? The crown prince was initially of such thoughts, but he was increasingly distressed these days. ''Never mind the fact that all of you aren''t doing your job. Never mind that if you''re really here to play. At most, my fortune is wasted or I would trade my wealth for safety!'' ''However, not only are you not completing your task, you are having a civil fight!'' ''Summoning the Dictum of Death?'' ''What do you possibly intend to achieve by that?'' ''F*ck, are you all still from assassination organizations? Why not establish an assassin empire instead?'' ''Assassin organizations are here, but they don''t do anything. They ventured out a few times in the beginning, then they turned quiet when people died. What about the legendary assassin''s principles? What about guaranteeing your client''s benefits? What about the amazing capabilities of a superior assassination organization?'' As if hearing His Highness'' thoughts, the killer organizations began to take action. They showed their remarkable abilities, the standard of their capabilities totally exceeding the crown prince''s knowledge. However, their immense power was not focused on their agreed target, it was an internal strife instead. To the crown prince, the Four Seasons Tower, The Merciless Tower, Hall of Crimson Blade, and so many more, belonged to the martial world. Since they were all martial world organizations, they belonged to the assassin organizations too! Since they were all from the assassin organizations, could it not be labeled as internal strife? His Highness could only glare helplessly as he regarded the civil struggle at such a crucial point in time. He concluded his heartfelt thoughts with a long sigh, "These barbaric martial artists can''t be depended on; what a bunch of incompetent bunglers!" They battled a few rounds here today and killed some people, they fought a few more rounds there the next day and killed even more people! Then, they actually held the final battle the day after tomorrow! They were establishing the final battle of the assassination sphere right in the capital city of the Empire of Yutang! Watching the martial world war transpire heatedly, the crown prince was utterly exasperated. ''Can''t they do this after completing their official tasks? You haven''t done any work, but Tiantang City is about to be trampled by the lot of you!'' ''All of you possess such formidable forces, why can''t you achieve your client''s goal first? Can''t you be more responsible? More professional?'' "How do things stand today? Is there an end to the strife yet?" His Highness asked his expression still that of a wretched man. "It has been said that the assassin organizations have won. Other than the three higher authorities from Four Seasons Tower, the top martial world force who managed to escape, the rest of their men were wiped out." One of the aides said, "Your Highness, this is a good news to us. This martial world conflict should be done by now. It has ended." The crown prince asked glumly, "I only want actual good news now. Where are they? Can they begin at once?" "They have disappeared after the battle." The aide continued rather awkwardly, "Your Highness, these martial world practitioners are highly skilled and are used to coming and going at their own will, without leaving a trace. It''s hard for us to track their exact whereabouts. We''ll have to wait for them to contact us later. According to the assassin''s law, they''ll definitely have to do something for us after accepting our deposit." "Sir Bi, what do you think?" His Highness turned to ask with a scoff. Sir Bi wore plain black. His face was sculpted and poised, a mustache and beard adorning those elegant lines; he was lean and tall, with quite an immortal air about him. Unlike the treatment towards his other aides, His Highness was very respectful towards Sir Bi. Sir Bi stroked his beard as he said with a faint smile, "Your Highness, what is to come will come. You don''t have to be too impatient. You must know that a spinning head sees nothing, more haste less speed." The crown prince said woefully, "I understand, but there is no buffer to the current situation now. It allows no room for delay, it is of great urgency. The fire is about to get to me. Just yesterday, the few brats are starting to fan the flame and point accusing fingers at me Mother sided with me previously, but she''s called for me to come to the palace. Other than criticizing and warning me, telling me that blood is thicker than water, there wasn''t anything else. Her gaze towards me, however, was begrudging" If it were not for his image, the crown prince would have recounted his tale with tears and snot running down his face. Sir Bi smiled warmly and replied, "These are insignificant matters. They can''t sway Your Highness. Your Highness really need not be overly impatient. Acting too rashly may provide others access to your weakness instead. That will really set us back then." He mused and continued, "His Majesty is taken to that child, Yu Qiankun, right now. Everyone can see it, everyone knows about it. It can even be said that there are only two people who are qualified to ascend the throne now. Your Highness and this eldest prince''s son who popped up out of nowhere." "However, Your Highness''s title as the crown prince is established. This is an actual advantage. While Yu Qiankun has the emperor''s support, he''s still young. A lot of teaching and time will be needed to mold him to grow until he can govern the state." Sir Bi said, "Before that moment comes, no matter how much His Majesty likes him, His Majesty will never act rashly. Therefore, for now, it''s impossible for the emperor to simply remove your crown prince status." "The inheritance of the throne is a pronounced matter. The growth of a child has too many uncertainties." "Besides, no one can tell what a child can develop into in the future." "So, even at the fastest pace of development, the child has to be at least eleven or twelve years old for one to see his nature and character." "In other words, Your Highness has at least seven or eight years ahead of you." "Within these seven to eight years, no matter how discontent His Majesty is to Your Highness, he won''t act on it mindlessly. In this handful of years, there are countless chances and tactics to be worked on." "Consequently, the time to contest is abundant. Why be impatient and advance recklessly?" Sir Bi''s elaboration caused the crown prince''s expression to brighten up gradually. He was not a dumb man, he could understand Sir Bi''s implicit meaning. The latter was reminding him that he had been too impulsive in commissioning the assassins; not only was it needless, it created opportunities for others to do so as well. In spite of this, Sir Bi was tact about the whole matter. He pointed it out in a convoluted manner, a wise man''s tactic indeed. Just like Sir Bi had said, Yu Qiankun needed a substantial amount of growth before he could be an adequate threat to the crown prince. The crown prince still had plenty of time to play with the boy; there was truly no need to be impetuous lest his weakness was used against him. "Still, now that the killers are here, they can''t be doing nothing," said His Highness. "Of course not." Sir Bi was composed. "They''ll have to do their job, but the target will have to be changed. Our main target now can''t be Yu Qiankun." He said faintly, "I believe that Your Highness is now aware that targeting Yu Qiankun is too obvious. The security placed around the child is high. The previous thoughtless attack on him was basically a reminder to His Majesty to increase the child''s guardians! Of course, the main reason is also the low chance of our forces coming into contact with this child. Acting impulsively will cause even more loss." "Then, who does Sir Bi want to change the first target to?" asked the crown prince. "King Xiaoyao''s son, Yun Yang!" 610 The Target Is Here "Our first target right now should be King Xiaoyao''s son, Yun Yang!" Sir Bi said with a smile, "His Majesty placed Yu Qiankun in the Residence of King Yun. It''s evident that he''s assured about King Xiaoyao and is even implying that the child is entrusted there. Besides, King Xiaoyao''s residence is enforced with tough characters. The residence is right in the center of the capital as well, having the benefit of a natural environment. Not only is King Xiaoyao Yutang''s top expert now, his son Yun Yang''s abilities are also at the peak of Yutang. All of them aren''t easy to deal with!" "Moreover, even if we don''t take King Xiaoyao and his son into account, just the experts residing in their residence and those who don''t belong to the residence alone are numerous. Just those forces are enough to triumph over the martial world." "In summary, the Residence of King Yun is safest and most secure place to place Yu Qiankun. His Majesty''s decision has prevented the possibility of spoiling the child and affecting his growth should he be placed in the palace. His Majesty has indeed thought this through thoroughly." "From what I can see, placing Yu Qiankun in the Residence of Yun is truly where he can grow the fastest. There''s no need to worry about the child being influenced by the outside world and its people! No one in the entire Empire of Yutang will dare provoke King Yun''s prestige." "As for us, other than an aggressive attack, this choice of the emperor leaves us with no better countermeasures." "Even with the abilities of the assassin organizations, it''s almost impossible for them to subdue the Residence of Yun. A fraction of a minute longer and there''ll be tens of thousands of army men flooding over to assist. Since the eastern defense war, the relationship between the Residence of Yun and the military can only be described as unswayable." Based on the description, Sir Bi''s train of thought and narration did not sound very clear; some of his elaborations were even contradictory. However, when he finished everything, one who listened would naturally realize that they had understood the complete picture without missing anything. "From what Sir Bi has just said, doesn''t that mean that Yu Qiankun can''t be killed? And the Residence of Yun is an invincible presence? Won''t switching the target to King Xiaoyao''s son be at a bigger expense for something that is unachievable?" The crown prince frowned once again. "Not necessarily so," Sir Bi said, "My elaboration intends to point out that Residence of Yun cannot be attacked from the outside but to crack it, it doesn''t have to go from the outside to the inside. Going from the inside out is also an option." "And this cracking method targets only one person C Yun Yang." Sir Bi said slowly, "Yun Yang is the most important link in this entire plan. As long as he dies, a lot of things can be solved easily without constraint." "Why?" His Highness was utterly befuddled by Sir Bi''s point. "Your Highness, think about it. Why is King Yun being chosen as the aid to nurture another heir? The main reason is that he has no selfish ambition, his carefreeness has reached an unimaginable stage. The fame and wealth of being a high-ranked official pose no temptation to him who''s half a king. Gold, silver, and gems can''t move a cultivation expert like him while beautiful women and the enticement of beauty will hardly ever lure him. This is why he will carry out this task by His Majesty better than everyone else." "Unfortunately, his strength is also his weakness. He is too bereft of desire." "As long as someone kills Yun Yang, it will destroy King Yun''s otherworldly serene state of mind!" Sir Bi''s voice sounded like a caressing breeze, but his words were mind-numbingly vicious. "As long as Yun Yang dies, King Yun''s state of mind will change. He''ll go berserk, he''ll be furious. Whichever one it is, his focus will shift from Yu Qiankun. At least, he won''t be as meticulous and all-rounded as he is now." "By then, I think he''ll think of every method possible to find his son''s killer, to seek revenge for his son''s death. Even if His Majesty intervenes, it''ll hardly change King Xiaoyao''s mind. Then, that''s when our chance will arise." "Not bad, not bad at all!" The crown prince said with shining eyes, "His son will be dead then, how can he have the mind to take care of someone else''s grandson? Sir Bi''s idea is wonderful indeed, striking the issue where it matters the most!" "Actually, the biggest advantage of this plan is none other than its possibility of being executed Yun Yang isn''t like Yu Qiankun; his martial skill is proficient and his cultivation base is packed. After the war at the Fortress of Resilience, his name has risen. He''s the top man among Yutang''s youth and a presence no one dares to provoke in Tiantang City. He runs freely here and there C not only do we have a lot of chances to attack him, it''s very convenient to do so as well!" Sir Bi chuckled gleefully, "The ample and convenient chances to ambush him means that the chances of succeeding are high. His proficiency in martial skills and cultivation base will then be secondary." "Great, we''ll do it!" His Highness clapped his thigh. A voice came from outside the door, "Reporting to His Highness, Young Master Yun Yang requests for a meeting." The crown prince''s eyes almost bulged from his sockets while Sir Bi, who had always been composed and at ease subconsciously, showed a shocked expression as well. Yun Yang? What was he doing here? It was such opportune timing as well; they were just discussing how to exterminate him yet he had come to them. Perhaps it was true that one must really not speak of others behind them! Once they did, the subject of their conversation would come to their residence! The crown prince looked at Sir Bi speechlessly. It was probably because he was baffled right now. Previously, he had tried to pull Yun Yang to his side, be it overtly or covertly, but it had not been fruitful; the latter had ignored the crown prince. Why did he send himself here today then? "There must be something strange when things go usually wrong. There must be a reason for this popular heir of King Yun to be here!" "Everyone else, step down. Don''t let him assume that we were having a discussion." Sir Bi said easily, "I''ll stay to see what Young Master Yun actually wants." "Very well," His Highness was assured hearing Sir Bi and replied with a grin. Those who came would always be guests; the crown prince had to go out to welcome them. With the situation now specifically, it did not matter where Yun Yang died, but he must not ever meet his end in the Residence of the Crown Prince. Otherwise, the crown prince would be everyone''s target and only doom would await him. "What brings Young Master Yun here? I''m surprised by the honor" The crown prince greeted the youth with enthusiasm; those who did not know better would have thought that he and Yun Yang were the best of friends or at least acquaintances. "I haven''t seen you in a long time. I quite miss you!" Yun Yang laughed and said, "Does Your Highness not welcome my presence?" "Nonsense, Brother Yun!" The crown prince feigned anger and held onto Yun Yang''s arm. "Come, come. Now that you have finally come today, I won''t let you go. Come, you must accompany me for a good drink. No one goes home until we''re all drunk!" As they spoke, they walked shoulder to shoulder and looked utterly like bosom buddies. At the door, Sir Bi stood with a smile; his gaze on Yun Yang who was walking over was warm and friendly, thoroughly hiding his scrutiny. "Sir Bi, allow me to introduce to you. Here is the most popular man in Tiantang City, Young Master Yun Yang." His Highness introduced the man with vigor, "Sir Bi, didn''t you say often that you''ve long heard of Young Master Yun''s reputation and wanted to meet him? This is a wonderful moment. He''s right in front of you now. What a steal it is for you today!" Sir Bi cupped his hands to bow and said, "I''ve heard a lot about you, Young Master Yun. Your reputation precedes you as spectacularly as thunder that is deafening to the ears and the moon that lights up the sky." "Not at all, not at all. It''s me instead who have heard much about you, Sir Bi." Yun Yang chuckled and returned the courtesy. After some pleasantries, the trio entered the hall and sat according to their host and guest status. After more pointlessly polite remarks, the crown prince led way into the main topic. "I''ve always thought that someone noble like Young Master Yun would maintain his distance and acquaintance from me. To visit here this time, I believe Young Master Yun wouldn''t have come for nothing?" His Highness was grinning, expressing his dissatisfaction with a friendly jab. "Your Highness is straightforward and plain-spoken. Yun Yang enjoys such communication the most. It''s the simplest way to lay everything out on the table." Yun Yang laughed. "I do have a favor to ask for in this visit. However, it has nothing to do with Your Highness but with Sir Bi." "Oh?" the crown prince replied with surprise. Yun Yang''s words were obviously unexpected by the crown prince. From the latter''s knowledge, Sir Bi and Yun Yang were people from two different worlds. If it were not for him, Sir Bi would never have targeted Yun Yang, thus Yun Yang''s abrupt reply was implausible. Sir Bi looked at Yun Yang with no small amount of doubt as well. "I''m truly flattered, but I seem to only know Young Master Yun today. I wonder what''s the matter that Young Master Yun needs me for, and I wonder why Young Master Yun thinks that I''m the solution to your matter. Do tell." Yun Yang laughed. With ease, he said, "While it''s the first time I have met Sir Bi, Sir Bi''s eminence has been a familiar name to Yun Yang. Sir Bi''s reputation as Tiantang City''s top Go player is longstanding. Coincidentally, my cultivation base progress is stunted recently and I''ve been using Go to remain calm. I''ve acquired an incomplete Go playbook by chance a few days ago; it''s puzzling and unfathomable. I can''t figure it out no matter how I think about it, so I come boldly to ask for Sir Bi''s generosity in teaching me some new skills." Sir Bi said with a chuckle, "I dare not assume the title of Tiantang City''s top Go player but I wonder how Young Master Yun knows that I know how to play Go? Other than practicing with my good friends these years, I rarely touch Go pieces. It''s unexpected that Young Master Yun knows about this." "There''s a story behind this. Speaking of the most renowned person for Go in Tiantang City, the title, unfortunately, does not go to Sir Bi. In fact, I went to find that person as well. It was Tang Yishou who''s called the King of Go," Yun Yang said with a chortle. Sir Bi immediately quipped, "He was the one who sold me out! I''m not famous for anything, it''s a surprise Young Master Yun will notice me and come forth, gracing us with your presence." Yun Yang laughed and said, "That is all there is to it, actually. Tang Yishou was also confounded by the Go playbook. After I allowed him to make a copy, he told me that Sir Bi''s skill is the top in the country. He, who was crowned King of Go, said that he''s never won once, despite multiple games with you!" "Naturally, I brought myself here," Yun Yang said with a smile. Sir Bi replied in surprise, "Tang Yishou is adept in Go, the title of King of Go isn''t just a title. There''s actually a playbook that he can''t solve? I''m interested to see it then." "King of Go Tang said that day that if I were to tell Sir Bi that he can''t solve that playbook, Sir Bi would definitely be interested. Looks like King of Go Tang is indeed Sir Bi''s bosom buddy." Yun Yang laughed. Sir Bi chortled. "This is how I am, I get excited about my interests. It''s embarrassing. Young Master Yun, I wonder where this Go playbook is now. Can I have it for a moment?" "Coming here for help, of course, the playbook is with me. But wouldn''t it be an inconvenience if we start the game here?" Yun Yang answered. The crown prince laughed and added himself into the conversation. "I enjoy Go as well. It''d be my pleasure to be fortunate enough to witness this Go playbook that can puzzle even the King of Go!" A series of instructions later, the three men entered the Go room rather impatiently. The board was already set. Yun Yang wore a pleased smile while slowly retrieving an old book from his embrace. By the looks of it, the playbook had to be a few centuries old. "This is the first round." Yun Yang flipped to the first page of the aged book and began arranging the pieces on the Goboard. The crown prince and Sir Bi observed the tactics seriously. The black and white stones on the table increased gradually and the pattern grew more complicated. Consequently, it became harder to calculate. After about forty to fifty moves, Sir Bi''s gaze shone almost every time a step was made. When the ninety-eighth move was executed, the black stone seemed to be deeply surrounded but had interestingly severed the siege. It caused Sir Bi to cry out, "Brilliant! Excellent!" Yun Yang laughed and commented, "Brilliant indeed, but what''s more interesting is still to come." When it came to the hundred and thirty-fifth move, Yun Yang stopped placing stones. His Highness and Sir Bi frowned at once. In an ordinary Go game, a hundred and thirty-five moves would bring the middlegame near its end; it was nothing to be surprised about. However, the complexity of this game''s current situation had given both the men a headache. From the surface, the black stones had taken the upper hand, but the white stones were waiting to strike as well and it had great potential to succeed or even turn the table around! It was very interesting! 611 Grueling Go Game Sir Bi was no longer as calm and composed as he had been earlier. His eyebrows were knitted into a tight frown as he immersed himself into the Go board. In a normal Go game, the results were more or less certain once it came to the hundred and thirty-fifth move. If the players were of a higher standard and somewhat equal to each other, then could there be an opportunity for a stand-off. Whichever way it went, the number of stones between black and white would always differ; it was always obvious which side was taking the upper hand in the game. Even when both sides were incredibly careful in laying down the stones and had crafted extremely secure strategies, there would still be a slight distinction among the players. However, the game Yun Yang had laid out was different. Since the beginning of the game, an intense battle unfolded; both sides were fighting with their all. This was not the most shocking development; what was truly astonishing was that the Go game had reached its hundred and thirty-fifth move, but no one had removed any stone from the board yet! This was an unbelievable result. The game had been risky, with tactics planned out at every step, but no one had suffered from any loss or gained any benefit from removing stones. The game was only growing more dangerous as it progressed. Whether it was the black or white player, the entire game was engulfed in an atmosphere that threatened the participant, be it taking one step ahead or moving one step back. It was either your death or mine! This was what the game had boiled down to after so many moves. The hundred and thirty-sixth move should be made by the white stone, but Sir Bi was hesitant, holding the white stone between his fingers. "Cut1?" He shook his head immediately. "No, no. Cutting it here looks like a good move, but I''ll only fall into the other''s trap. Once the opponent does a follow-up move, not only will the cut area be sacrificed, my dragon2 will be lost as well. It''ll be a landslide defeat." "Clamp3? I can''t do that either. It reeks of unnecessary desperation." "Underneath attachment4? Worse. It''ll only show my weakness and cause self-sabotage." "Knight''s move5? Too weak for a counter. It''ll only give the enemy a chance." "Go diagonal6? No, no. Absolutely not" "Bump7? An even bigger mistake, undoable" "Do I do a knockout8? But how can I do a knockout with such a game? There''s nothing to capture." As Sir Bi studied the game, the more he thought the black stone was truly malicious; each step was full of traps and threats. The white stone had been cautious in each ambush-filled step and was already defending itself to the limit. Coming to this point, the situation had turned into an unusual realm where whoever initiated the attack would be attacked first. If it were to be compared to cultivators, it was like two masters on a battlefield; both of them had fought for three hundred rounds to a draw and entered an immobile situation where no one took initiative first. Both were experts and well prepared, both wanted to finish the battle with a counterattack, hoping for the other to move first. If so, they could then break the tactic and launch an overwhelming counterattack to defeat the opponent! With one step, the opponent would be forced into a disadvantage that the end result could be distinguished! In spite of this, this was a game where both sides were heavily guarded and invincible, thus prolonging the standstill. "This Whose Go playbook is this?" Sir Bi could not help murmuring with a frown after a long period of contemplation but was still indecisive on where to move. "It was unnamed." Yun Yang placed the playbook on the table and said, "The book contains no record of the author; there are no hints or clues of any sort. I thought that Sir Bi might have an idea or two since you''re wonderfully skilled." "This is a marvel." Sir Bi said, "A man leaves his name passing, a wild goose leaves its sound flying by. A player who can render this game must possess unparalleled Go playing skill. How can he not leave his name behind?" Yun Yang replied, "I have no idea about this. Actually, finding the original owner of this playbook is secondary. My true intention is the final result of this game. I don''t usually belittle myself and am rather confident about Go, but this game, especially coming to this step, I''ve studied it for so long yet no matter what the next move is, I feel like it''s suicide. I get only headaches when I think about it, but I''m terribly curious about the outcome. That''s why I looked for Go experts everywhere to dispel this mystery; otherwise, I wouldn''t have come to His Highness out of the blue for help." Sir Bi racked his brain, saying, "Such a game is truly enticing and captivating" He then continued, "By listening to Young Master Yun, I am certain that you must be cultivated in the art of Go as well. As I am lacking, I''d like to take the white stone and play the game with you to see the possible tactics. Maybe we''ll find something new." As he spoke, he placed the stone to cut. Yun Yang reacted as if he did not need to think about it, encircling to clamp and forming a capture9. Sir Bi strived to do a stretch10 and countered but Yun Yang''s black stone struck the crucial point of the white stone''s dragon with a pop. Then, the white stone lost its edge, unable to contend further. "This doesn''t work. Allow me to change this move." Sir Bi frowned. "I''ll bump here." Yun Yang made an underneath attachment without hesitation. Sir Bi forced an invasion11 to which Yun Yang made a stretch; Sir Bi cut him again and Yun Yang performed an atari12. Sir Bi followed suit and the situation seemed to come along fine. Yet, Yun Yang''s black stone did a knight''s move and embedded itself into the white stone''s dragon, causing the game to take another dramatic turn. As such, if Sir Bi were to look for an alternative, his dragon would unavoidably be cut in half, thus putting him into an unprecedented passive stance. However, if he were to ensure his dragon''s completion, he had to lose three moves to achieve it. The opponent would then take great advantage of that delay. Estimating with reservation, at least five points of territory13 would then be lost. In such a battle of expert against expert, forget five points of territory C even the difference of half a point of territory would affect the end result. Any loss of any sort was costly! He could not attend to one thing and neglect the other. It was an impasse. Evidently, this approach could not work either. "This can''t do as well Let''s change it again." It had only taken the time of a meal, but Sir Bi had swapped seven to eight approaches to which Yun Yang had completely countered. The white stone lost each time, unable to turn the table around. "If so, doesn''t that mean that the white stone has no hope at all?" Sir Bi was thinking hard. "Still, why does the bottom state that the white stone wins?" Yun Yang replied, "This is where I''m stumped as well. According to the book, getting the game here, the white stone should have played something remarkable and set the victory''s path, progressing on to a win against the opponent. That''s why it''s cut here." "The problem now is that I can''t find that move." Sir Bi nodded and said, "It should be so. If I were the one to make this playbook, I''d do the same. Nonetheless, this move of the white stone that decides its victory where does it take place?" He stood up and looked over the Go board for a long time, silent within his thoughts. After a long time, he switched to another direction and studied the board diagonally, hoping to see some hints by looking at it from different angles. "Those involved cannot see as clearly as the bystanders" Sir Bi''s action was visibly trying to extract himself out of the Go board and look at the game from a bystander''s point of view. Unfortunately, he still had not gained anything after a long time. Translator Note: 1cut (dun), 2dragon (lng), 3clamp (ji), 4underneath attachment (tu), 5knight''s move (fi), 6diagonal (jin), 7bump (dng), 8ko (dji), 9capture ch, 10stretch (chng), 11invasion (d r), 12atari (d), 13point of territory (Ŀm): jargons in Go game. For a further understanding of the terms, this is a good site to refer: https://senseis.xmp.net/?ChineseGoTerms 612 The Best Opportunity "What did Tang Yishou say?" asked Sir Bi. "Tang Yishou racked his brain until he vomited blood from overexertion, but he couldn''t think of anything He''s resting right now," answered Yun Yang. "Vomited blood? Resting? If one didn''t see it with his own eyes, how could one imagine there to be such a game in this world? A playbook that makes people vomit blood indeed" Sir Bi breathed in deeply; suddenly, his eyes brightened as he said, "Could this be the legendary Hematemesis Manual that no one has ever solved?" "Hematemesis Manual? The secret manual of Go?" Yun Yang uttered in shock. He then nodded immediately and spoke in tones of agreement, "No wonder The legendary fantasy of Go... what could we ever do about it?" Sir Bi was deep in thought as he tried out all the approaches he thought of, in consecutive steps. He came to a swift conclusion C one must not break the game using ordinary tactics. Coming to this conclusion, he attempted it again, beginning to derive various changes in his mind. The more complex his thoughts, the more changes there were; ultimately, it was in vain and the losing game could hardly be corrected. As time passed, the black and white stones on the Go board in his mind slowly turned into a black and white army standing by; the thousands of military steeds and men came and went like a sweeping tornado. Two outstanding marshals dished out their best strategies, the battle kept on evolving as the massacre turned heated. Sir Bi gradually showed signs of being dazed, as he murmured, "No way to go forward and no place to draw back what is one to do about such an impasse? How can this defeat be turned around? How can the disadvantage be flipped over? How can this be?" His face paled as he spoke, his form swaying. Sir Bi was thoroughly immersed in the Go game. There were mirages before his eyes as he began to look worse for wear, but he was unaware of it. Yun Yang wore the same look of contemplation, as if he was in a trance. In reality, his focus was not even on the game; he felt only amused, thinking, ''The God of Wine Feng Xiange has been studying this Go playbook for a large portion of his life, already reducing years of his life from vomiting blood While you''re reserved and are a part of the civil and martial mandarins of the Four Seasons Tower, you''re still some distance away from the last generation''s expert, the Phantom Physician God of Wine, Feng Xiange, aren''t you?'' ''Let us see if it kills you once you''re totally absorbed in it!'' "Bang!" The crown prince suddenly slapped the table, making a loud noise. Sir Bi broke out of his trance when he heard the noise, spitting out a mouthful of blood and looking disoriented. He opened his eyes and said, "So close" Before his words echoed in the air, there was a noise that came from Yun Yang''s side. It was as if a mouthful of blood had gushed to his throat but he had shut his lips tight and swallowed the blood back down with a gurgle. In spite of his best efforts, the flush on his handsome face was plain to anyone''s view; he reeled and had used his sleeve to wipe the blood from the edge of his mouth. All of it showed that he was equally affected and was not any better than Sir Bi. He chuckled humorlessly and said, "How is this a manual? It''s a lethal saber! I''ve laughed at the King of Go for being too much a fanatic for Go and lacked endurance. Now that I''m experiencing it myself, I know how bad it can be!" Sir Bi let out a dry chuckle as well, and a vague sense of doubt that just rose from the deeper part of his eyes vanished. "Looks like this manual isn''t something that we can solve. Forcing it will only bring more harm than good!" Yun Yang kept the Go playbook away and laughed bitterly, "It''s better to store this thing and never let it be seen again. The multitude of ways of the world lead to the same path; be it the art of Go or the martial art, once one is fully engrossed in it and doesn''t manage to remove oneself, it becomes an obsession. Falling deep into it will bring only bane. It''s better to avoid it altogether." Sir Bi heaved a long sigh gently and said, "Indeed, indeed. Young Master Yun is right. It''s the forefathers'' painstaking effort that built this amazing game. How can we treat it lightly?" Despite already making a decision, Sir Bi was inexplicably reluctant when he saw Yun Yang tucking the Go playbook into his embrace and said, "Are you truly not going to study it anymore, Young Master Yun? Are you stopping right now?" Yun Yang chuckled and said rather self-depreciatingly, "Sir Bi is a wise man, you must understand the situation. This is a game that must not go on. Forcing it will be greatly damaging to both you and me. Forgive my directness, I have no acquaintance with His Highness nor do I take the same side in terms of politics. We have different stances, we can only bear the consequences on our own." "I''d be reluctant to meet doom and if anything happens to Sir Bi due to this manual, His Highness'' fury will unavoidably land on me. This won''t be good for both sides. Let''s end the chance of that happening right here!" Yun Yang chuckled. A ghost of a smile appeared on the crown prince''s originally grim face as he said "Heir Yun''s words are very true. The art of such a game is intricate, but it''s an avocation after all. To be damaged for it isn''t a pleasurable experience. Now that we''re all fine, it''s for the best." Sir Bi smiled without hard feelings and said, "Young Master Yun is right. Then we shall leave this at that. I hope there''ll be a chance in the future to crack the code with you again." Inside, he thought, ''I''ve remembered the key of the first game anyway. I''ll study it slowly when I get back. If I can crack this game, it''ll be my personal gain C better than sharing it with anybody else. I should be the only one to enter the hall of fame in the history of Go!" Yun Yang kept the Go manual promptly and bid farewell before leaving. His steps were light like he had put down something heavy in his mind. Sir Bi''s eyes were sparkling as he watched Yun Yang step out of the Residence of Crown Prince, saying, "Your Highness, today is the best opportunity to ambush Yun Yang!" The crown prince turned abruptly to look at Sir Bi questioningly. It was evident that he was utterly confused about how this opinion came about. Sir Bi took in a deep breath and said, "It''s all about timing. Now that Your Highness has built a friendly relationship with Yun Yang by chance, Your Highness has an explanation ready to erase the suspicion should anyone raise doubts after we make a move on him. Besides, this is when all the assassins are resting from the battle, but still a chaotic time. It''s extremely convenient to make the move right now!" The crown prince nodded faintly and said, "That is correct. It is indeed our best opportunity to ambush him now. No one will ever suspect a friend who has just expressed his amicability. Sir Bi is truly wise." Sir Bi nodded with a smile and commented casually, "It''s destined that Your Highness will accomplish the operation. It''d be preposterous not to take what heaven gives!" Without further ado, His Highness sent his order. When his instruction was just about completed, Sir Bi added something else, "Remember to bring back the Go manual from Young Master Yun. Do not damage it." The crown prince was baffled. ''What the f*ck are you killing Yun Yang for? Is it for yourself or is it for yourself?'' ''It''s only a Go playbook. Do you have to be so brazen as to abuse your official powers just for this thing?'' His Highness could not understand Sir Bi''s attitude regarding such a decision at all. Yun Yang walked out of the Residence of Crown Prince and met someone familiar just as he made a turn. It was Shangguan Lingxiu. 613 Thank You Shangguan Lingxiu was, as usual, clad in military wear, a white cape draped over her tall and delicate form. She had brought along a few guards and stood right in the middle of the street gallantly. Her eyes were trained on Yun Yang who was making a turn, her expression calm as if she was expecting him and was quietly waiting for his arrival. "Oh, oh, Sister Lingxiu." Yun Yang was delightfully surprised. "What a small world it is! We meet again." Shangguan Lingxiu smiled faintly and said, "Nothing to be surprised of. I was intentionally waiting here for your arrival, Young Heir Yun." The corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched involuntarily; he asked mildly, "What instructions does Sister Lingxiu have, may I ask? Do speak of it. Yun Yang will forever be only Yun Yang, how could I have so many other identities?" Shangguan Lingxiu, who already knew his true identity, could not help feeling tickled as she watched the youth sport a look of maligned irritation, and had to reply to her with words which carried a hidden meaning. "I dare not give instructions. I really only wanted to talk to you and ask you a few things." "Ask away, Sister Lingxiu. This young brother shall answer to the best of my ability." "Mm," Shangguan Lingxiu hummed and turned to walk. "Accompany me for a walk, let''s talk while we take a stroll." Yun Yang trailed behind nervously. ''What does this lady want with me? Why is she behaving so formally and with such urgency?'' Yun Yang was not a fool; at most, his emotional quotient was low at times. Despite having certain realizations, with the Nine Supremes'' grudge on him in the past, he had to let it all go. However, how could he truly be unmoved, when he recalled the girl''s devotion every time his mind was empty? Ji Lingxi was so, and so was Shangguan Lingxiu; Yun Yang was not an idiot, how could he not sense it? Yun Yang''s feelings regarding Shangguan Lingxiu were complicated. This lady was strong, brave, tough, and resilient. Qualities that most men in this world did not have, she had them all! In addition, she was beautiful, smart, levelheaded, could bear hardships, willing to serve, and dared to sacrifice herself. She had always known what she needed and what she wanted but she was willing to give them up due to the heavy responsibilities she had attributed to herself. It was all because she knew that she had no right to pursue her shot at happiness from the Shangguan Family''s current situation. Happiness, be it for her or the person she liked, would only be a burden! Therefore, she chose to endure it silently. Faced with the coercion of her romantic enemy, Shangguan Lingxiu had been giving in. She retreated step after step from the romance that she could have developed by chance, despite possessing multiple conditions of convenience, assistance from social connections, and the blessings of the elders. Furthermore, Yun Yang''s feelings towards Shangguan Lingxiu included additional dimensions like tenderness, respect and the realization that he did cherish indeed... How unlucky it was for such a wonderful lady to be shackled with such a heavy load for herself and for others! "Sister Lan hasn''t been found yet?" asked Shangguan Lingxiu softly as she strolled forward. "No," Yun Yang said and heaved a long sigh. "No news is good news." Shangguan Lingxiu''s words trailed off before she could finish them. Shangguan Lingxiu''s feelings towards Yue Rulan was complicated as well. Pure-hearted Yue Rulan was the best candidate to be her closest friend, be it from her knowledge, mannerisms or any other aspect. Yet, she had also used all sorts of tactics without a care to match make for Ji Lingxi, forcing Shangguan Lingxiu to step back in discomfort. It was one thing to step down willingly, but no one could feel any sense of peace about being forced to withdraw. If one felt nothing, it was either the litigant had no special feelings or the person was stupid! Shangguan Lingxiu was neither stupid nor were her feelings for Yun Yang a sham. Of course, she would be put off by Yue Rulan''s actions! In spite of this, it was rightful for Yue Rulan to think for Ji Lingxi. The degree of closeness in their relationship dictated that this was how things should be. They stood at opposing perspectives and were not destined to make peace. Yet, the battle at the Fortress of Resilience where all three ladies had fought side by side had built the most secure friendship; it was normal for them to cherish each other. Although it was unavoidable that they sometimes contested in secret, most of the time, especially when Yun Yang was not in the picture, they were exceptionally harmonious, like real sisters. On the topic of sisters, Yue Rulan was Ji Lingxi''s sister-in-law-to-be C in truth, she was her official sister-in-law now. It would be ridiculous if she did not plan for her sister-in-law and fight for Ji Lingxi. If Shangguan Lingxiu had to get jealous over this and make a fuss out of it, she would be labeled unreasonable. Now that Yue Rulan had suddenly gone missing, Shangguan Lingxiu''s immediate reaction was not relief but deep anguish. She had deployed the manpower she had at hand to search for the lady, the good sister she treated like her best friend, promptly. The search had been carried out until now, always ongoing no matter the time of day. Now that she heard Yun Yang''s answer, Shangguan Lingxiu could not help the heartache she felt. "Sister Lan is a kind person. How can sigh," Shangguan Lingxiu exhaled deeply and said, "It''s not even known when these chaotic times can truly end" Yun Yang kept mum for a bit before replying, "It''ll end soon, very soon." His tone was filled with a hopeful anticipation for life after the war. "How is the study of my nephews in your residence?" Shangguan Lingxiu, sensing that the topic was growing increasingly heavy, quickly switched it. "Not bad. Truth be told, very good." Yun Yang did not save on his praises regarding the children. "It''s secondary that these kids are very talented, they truly have resilient hearts. This is exceptionally precious; what''s more, the air of a militant is seared into their bones, something that they always inadvertently learned. Instead of saying that they came to the Residence of Yun to learn, they''re helping father in a great many ways. At such a tender age, Bao''er gets to see children who aren''t much older than him but are all so brilliant. Naturally, he''ll want to embody how they are and compete with them." "This is very beneficial to Bao''er growth." Yun Yang looked as Shangguan Lingxiu and said, "I''m not simply showering praises. All six nephews of yours are growing incredibly fast, be it the cultivation of mystical art or scholarly knowledge. They have a proper attitude toward learning as well. The teachers who teach them only have good things to say about these seven children, dubbing them to be especially needless to worry about." Needless to worry about was a significant compliment for a child! Shangguan Lingxiu grinned with genuine mirth and said casually, "That''s good, that''s good. I only hope that when they grow up, they don''t spoil our reputation of the Shangguan Family of Generals." Yun Yang said seriously, "I can clear your doubts right now. They''ll definitely push the Shangguan Family of Generals'' name to new heights! I am very certainly sure that these children can definitely surpass your Shangguan Family''s ancestors." Shangguan Lingxiu nodded, her excited face flushed. There was no doubt in her because it was Yun Yang. He was Supreme Cloud, the think tank of the Nine Supremes. His words would not be unintended praises, nor pointless. There must be reasons behind what he had just said. She sucked in a breath before uttering seriously, "Yun Yang, thank you." 614 Get Intoxicated With Me? "Thank me?" Yun Yang asked with a frown, "Why?" "I know your intentions," Shangguan Lingxiu said, "Everything you do for the Shangguan Family, I am well aware of. From gifting the cultivation art to the teaching and even sending them to Bao''er''s side now everything was done for our family." Yun Yang chuckled. "Sister Lingxiu, you are taking it too seriously. Everything stems from chance and fate. I don''t have so many thoughts and plans. The arrival of the six children, especially, is a great help to me C how can it be that I''ve helped them? This isn''t right at all." Even as he spoke, he valiantly tried to switch the topic. Shangguan Lingxiu was adamant as she replied seriously, "When I said that I''m well aware of it, I truly am. Bao''er is His Majesty''s chosen child. Now the crown prince is doing badly and losing trust If Bao''er grows up well and is capable, some things have basically been set in motion." "When the time comes, those six children who grew up accompanying Bao''er will naturally be people that he trusts and depends on the most. Perhaps, it should be said that they''ll be his earliest supporters. If that were really the case, it won''t be an easy feat even if Shangguan Family of Generals chooses to fall." Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit before he answered, "There''s nothing definite in this world. What if the outcome isn''t as expected? Or if something happens in the process? Receiving these six children here may be tying the Shangguan Family of Generals to a war chariot that can''t retreat. When the worst does happen, the Shangguan Family of Generals will have to face a more precarious situation than it is facing now." Shangguan Lingxiu let out a carefree laugh and said, "There are choices to be made regarding a lot of things when one lives in this world, sides to be picked. Wanting to have it all but not giving anything in return is impossible. We''re still taking the lead in this gamble up to now. If what-ifs were to happen or if the situation isn''t as expected, no matter how things go, at least there are still six pillars in the Shangguan Family of Generals. It can''t be worse than where we are now." "This is true. It is indeed so." Yun Yang could only nod. Both of them moved on quietly while the guards behind them followed from afar; no one dared to interrupt the pair. "Actually, as long as they can grow up quickly, you can also drop a lot of the Shangguan Family''s affairs as well, free yourself of the shackles you have locked yourself in. Those burdens have been on you for far too long" Yun Yang sighed softly from the emotions and empathy, "Responsibilities that should be passed have to be passed on. The responsibilities of every generation will be moved to their next generation and such a transfer will be better for you the sooner it happens." Yun Yang''s words came from the bottom of his heart. Without a doubt, he was sincerely empathizing with Shangguan Lingxiu''s situation, but that was all there was to it. He did not have anything laid between the lines, yet Shangguan Lingxiu thought they contained an ulterior meaning when she heard him speak. Drop all of Shangguan Family''s affairs as soon as possible? Free herself of the shackles she locked herself in? Pass the responsibilities? Transfer them? The sooner the better? Shangguan Lingxiu''s mind was working furiously to figure out the meaning behind his words. ''What did he mean?'' ''Does he think that I''m losing out on my youth?'' ''Is that why he made such arrangements? Solve my problems for me so I wouldn''t have any more worries?'' ''He said the sooner the better as well What did he mean by that?'' ''He can''t bear to see me waste the prime of my life? Or is he unable to wait any longer?'' Shangguan Lingxiu''s heart beat faster the more she pondered. Her face was flushed a long time ago and as she continued to muse, her neck and ears turned red as well. Yun Yang''s heart dropped as he watched the usually unfazed and tough general suddenly turn shy and reserved once he spoke. ''These are my honest thoughts, they are genuine words How did it become a flirtatious comment?'' ''How did this come to be?'' Yun Yang rewound his last few sentences and thought through on what he had just said. They were sincere thoughts and did not seem like they would have posed any issues He then heard Shangguan Lingxiu speak rather sorrowfully, "Yes, I would certainly like to transfer these responsibilities as soon as I can." She thought of the years before her nephews could take over her burden and could not help feeling despondent once more. That would be a few years C a few years! She was already twenty-three years old now, how old would she be a few years later? How old would Yun Yang be? Would his state of mind change throughout these years? Ji Lingxi how could she let these years pass in vain? As long as the other took a step forward within these few years she would be without hope then. She could not possibly be a concubine later. Pondering, Shangguan Lingxiu was filled with worry and misery once again. When she came back to herself, she was surprised to see Yun Yang looking at her in shock. The lady felt exasperated. Forget the fact that the man was not a romantic; even if he could understand how a girl felt, how could she possibly take this step forward now? Actually, it might not be a bad thing if he could remain oblivious and insensitive to romance forever It would be the best if he could remain ignorant about this as well! In spite of it all, Shangguan Lingxiu knew that she was fantasizing and making wild assumptions. It was only a wild wish of hers. This man''s real identity was Supreme Cloud, the think-tank of the Nine Supremes! Others might lack sense, but how was it possible that Supreme Cloud did not know anything? "Young Brother Yun, if you are free, do accompany me for a few drinks." Shangguan Lingxiu asked instead, letting go of her worries and adopting her cool mannerism once again. Since the future was uncertain and could not be grasped fully, she would appreciate the present and seize what she had now, to create more time and conditions for the both of them. With effort, things might not be hopeless; even if she was left with disappointment in the end and had to be alone for the rest of her life, she would be satisfied if she had memories worthy of reminiscing in her life. "I am most pleased to agree to Sister Lingxiu''s invitation!" Yun Yang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "No one is more apt than me when it comes to drinking. As long as we don''t talk about romance, anything else is fine. I can chat about the martial arts world, the imperial court, anything" "Let''s go! Why worry about life when you can be intoxicated" sighed Shangguan Lingxiu. "Of course, of course!" Yun Yang observed Shangguan Lingxiu''s expression, feeling that the elder sister did not look very excited. Was there a bone in her throat that she could only tell him with the help of alcohol? Perhaps she only wanted to vent the misery in her heart. Whatever it could be, Yun Yang thought that he deserved to accompany the lady to drink. Shangguan Lingxiu became her easygoing and imperturbable self once again as she strode forward to the most luxurious inn in Tiantang City, the Redolent Inn. 615 I Am Counting to Three "Anywhere will be fine." Shangguan Lingxiu looked at Yun Yang who was leading the way with huge steps up front. "No, we shall head to the Redolent Inn." "Why?" "I like the Redolent. They have the best rooms there." Shangguan Lingxiu was speechless. ''Brother, can you stop acting like a popinjay in front of me?'' Redolent Inn C it was where business was at its busiest. People flooded the entire place; it was as busy as a bustling market inside while many more were queued up outside. When the ushering employees saw the pair walking over gracefully from afar, their eyes shone. As they zeroed in on the duo, they cried out for luck instead. This was because the one in front was the Shangguan Family''s lady, which was fine, but the one at the back This was an unusual one. It was Young Master Yun! King Xiaoyao''s heir, Yun Yang! There were few people who did not know of Young Master Yun''s reputation and temper in Tiantang City. The head of Tiantang City''s popinjays and the pinnacle of a glutton, an expert of cultivation and a tyrant. Which rich young master in the city had never been bullied or harassed by the Great Young Master Yun? As workers at the Redolent Inn, there had been a few times when they saw Young Master Yun asking for protection fees from a few affluent young masters in the inn. All the young masters were pale, the color leeched from their faces, but no one dared to say no. "I wonder if there''s space at this time of the day." Shangguan Lingxiu was not someone who was used to harassing people using her power; looking at the crowded place, she remembered that they had not made an advanced booking. "No big deal. Just watch me!" Yun Yang charged over before his words echoed in the air. "I''d be humiliated if there isn''t a room when we''ve come all the way here!" The Redolent Inn was the most famous eatery in Tiantang City. It was popular for its bustling business that it was a norm for it to be full. A reservation would usually be needed to enjoy a feast here. However, the concept of reservations did not exist with Yun Yang and Shangguan Lingxiu''s identities; they could feast at any time they were here. Reservation? How dare you speak of it! Do you still want to do business? Perhaps Shangguan Lingxiu would not react adversely, but Yun Yang was certain to level a slap at the perpetrator C a popinjay should behave like how a popinjay should behave! ''How dare you talk about reservations to me? Do you believe that I''ll tear this place down?'' "Does this worn down place still have a reason to stand?" Yun Yang asked arrogantly. "Of course there is when Young Master Yun wants to have a meal." A worker said with a squint while another one had sprinted off to inform their boss. Not too long later, a plump, middle-aged man came out in a brisk jog, sweating profusely. "Ah, it''s Young Master Yun. Your arrival honors this small shop. Please, head in." "Do you still have space?" asked Yun Yang. "Yes, of course!" "I need someplace quiet. No one can eavesdrop!" "Of course, of course!" "It has to be sufficiently spacious!" "Please head upstairs, Young Master Yun. How about our second-best hall?" The boss wiped the sweat off his brow. Yun Yang exploded in anger. "Are you looking down on me? Do you think I can''t afford it? Why isn''t it the best room on the top floor?" "That" The fat keeper looked troubled. "The third prince has reserved it" "Ask him to scram!" Yun Yang''s direct words allowed no room for negotiation. "Uh uh" The keeper was sweating bullets. He was like a fish out of water, opening and closing his mouth but he did not know what to say. ''Oh my God, that''s the third prince You''re telling me to ask him to scram?'' ''Even if you dare say so, I don''t!'' "The third prince is already here?" Yun Yang snorted, disgust brimming in his tone. This Redolent Inn''s fat keeper before him was a steward to the family of the fourth prince''s uncle. It was said that he had left the family to toil on his own, but in reality, he was accumulating wealth for the fourth prince using this inn. If it had not been the fourth prince backing him up, how could a person of the servant class become one of the few keepers of Tiantang City''s famous restaurant? It was with such an understanding that Yun Yang did not act courteously. "His Highness isn''t here yet, but there are already people from his residence. This lowly one is troubled" The fat keeper looked distressed. "Troubled my *ss! Get out of my way!" Yun Yang pushed him aside and stepped into the inn with a wide stride. Shangguan Lingxiu quickly pulled him back. "Young Brother Yun, it''s the same wherever we eat. There is no need to cause unnecessary problems" "How can this be?" Yun Yang was stubbornly adamant. "We''re giving this shop honor by our very presence. Other than the best rooftop room, no other room will reflect our status! How can our identities be taken so lightly?" Shangguan Lingxiu wanted to say that the third prince''s identity was not at all weaker than theirs, but her thoughts instinctively carried her to contemplate Yun Yang''s status; be it the one out in the open, the one in cultivation or the one hidden C a mere third prince really could not compare to him. If Yun Yang were to give in, she might not be willing to. Of course, there were other reasons as well Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. No matter how easygoing and imperturbable Shangguan Lingxiu was, the saying still holds true. A sliver of stray thoughts led her mind off track immediately. However, she recalled right away that no matter how grand Yun Yang''s identity was, he was still an official; no matter how bad the third prince was, he was of royal blood. It was just a fraction of mind work but Yun Yang had already entered the place. Footsteps could be heard; the youth had gone straight to the top floor. Shangguan Lingxiu frowned but did not say anything more, trailing behind him instead. She began to ruminate then. No matter how playful and arrogant Yun Yang showed himself to be, it was not his true nature. His real identity was Supreme Cloud; how could the wisest Supreme of the Nine Supremes be doing something so preposterous? There must be an ulterior motive. There was only one room on the top floor overlooking Tiantang City. The door was shut; vague chatter and laughter could be heard from inside. Yun Yang walked over with large strides and kicked the door open without another word. In unison, the three people inside who were talking turned in shock upon hearing the bang. Yun Yang, who was dressed in purple, entered the room without a care and said haughtily, "All of you, scram. I want to drink in this room today and I don''t want to be disturbed." A man clad in luxurious fabric grew furious at once; standing up promptly, he spat in anger, "Yun Yang, what do you mean? This room is being used by the third prince to receive an important guest. How dare you be so presumptuous!" While the person speaking was wearing an angry look and spoke harshly, he had invoked the name of the third prince right away, revealing that he was only appearing to be tough, a barking dog that would not bite. Yun Yang was not the least bit affected, replying coldly, "Since the third prince intends to receive guests here, ask him to talk to me personally! Who are you to talk to me? I''m counting to three right now. If all of you are still here, I''ll toss you out one by one. Do you think that I won''t do it?" He lifted three fingers and began counting. "One!" The middle-aged man was infuriated, almost spitting blood while his eyes threatened to spit fire. Yun Yang curled his second finger and said with a soft smile, "Two!" All three people gritted their teeth and huffed but still did not move. Yun Yang''s third finger unfolded slowly; his eyes were shooting cold beams as he opened his mouth to speak dispassionately. "Alright, there''s no need to count!" "We''ll leave!" The other person said at once, looking humiliated as he conceded defeat. 616 To Lord Supreme Cloud! Yun Yang''s third finger was curled halfway, but he sneered as if he was behaving appropriately, "Wouldn''t it have been easier if you were f*cking good earlier? How old are you now? Playing the bottom line with me! I want all of you to vanish within the blink of an eye!" He closed his eyes as he spoke. The trio clenched their teeth but was helpless; putting up an angry front, they flapped their sleeves and walked out. When the third person passed by Yun Yang, the latter opened his eyes. As both of their eyes met, Yun Yang cried out in anger, "What a good dog! I can still see you now that my eyes are open. It looks like you intend to ignore my words!" He then lifted his leg to launch another kick. The person was attacked without any ability to resist. With a pained shriek, he shot out from the door like a rocket and flew through the air as if riding on clouds. After he broke the window on the far end, he flew another three hundred feet before crushing a crow''s nest on a tree by sitting on it and getting stuck in the tree branches. "You!" The other two people were furious but they only dared to utter a sharp "You!" and could not do anything else. Yun Yang was silent, looking over with a smile as if waiting for the rest of what the two men had to say. He was clearly spoiling for a fight and ready to cause a ruckus. The two men shuddered, bolting out of the door like lost dogs. "See, isn''t it peaceful now?" Yun Yang looked at Shangguan Lingxiu who was dumbstruck. Her eyes were wide open as she gazed back at Yun Yang as if she did not know him at all. "What what are you doing?" Anyone who knew that Yun Yang was Supreme Cloud would react in such a manner upon seeing the scene. The idolized image and the man of one''s dreams were shattered; the values one held close to heart would be destroyed. What had just transpired was indescribable! Yun Yang could be heard replying righteously, "I''m finding a comfortable place for us to drink and chat, of course." Shangguan Lingxiu was choked with anger. ''Still acting Do you think I don''t know your secret? How sad, I know your real identity! I''d like to see how long your act will last and how much of it you can put up with'' She waved, her guards retreating automatically and leaving the two of them in the room instantly. Shangguan Lingxiu pondered for a bit and was about to speak, but footsteps came from outside once more, accompanied by a drifting aroma. Dishes were being served, so she had to hold her tongue. After a while, a dozen delicacies were sent in one after another. Yun Yang called out, "These are enough. Your wine here isn''t up to my standards, there''s no need to embarrass yourself. I''ve brought a fantastic brew myself." Shangguan Lingxiu was still baffled. A pot of wine appeared out of the blue as Yun Yang stretched out his hand. Shocked, Lady Lingxiu shifted her focus to the ring on Yun Yang''s finger. "Sister Lingxiu, this wine we''re drinking today isn''t any ordinary wine." Yun Yang spoke like he was revealing a treasure, "This is wine personally brewed by the God of Wine, Feng Xiange. There aren''t many of these pots left in this world. Let us drink to our heart''s content today!" "Great!" Shangguan Lingxiu agreed, her gaze tender. She did not assume courtesy, immediately grabbing hold of two bowls and slapping the clay seal open to pour two bowls of wine. Yun Yang''s eyes twitched as he took in the view with no small degree of shock. This was his first time seeing a woman drink so boldly and in an unrestrained manner, especially when she was a beauty. It was a treat to the eyes and an unprecedented case? Once the fine brew was opened, the scent of alcohol drifted in the air. Two illusory phoenixes appeared faintly in the room, flying and swirling lazily before they slowly dissipated. "What a great wine, to actually have such mystical images accompanying it!" Shangguan Lingxiu exclaimed and picked up the wine bowl. Smiling, she lowered her voice to whisper sensually in Yun Yang''s ear, "I propose this toast to Lord Supreme Cloud! Thank you for everything you''ve been doing for Yutang throughout the years!" She emptied the bowl right after her speech. Yun Yang was dumbstruck. The bowl he had picked up was frozen right in front of his mouth as he sat as still as a statue. How did she know this? After a long time, a ghost of a smile was forced out on his stoic face. "Sister Lingxiu, you mean" Shangguan Lingxiu replied with a smile, "That time when you fell asleep in the Lunar River I was surprised as well." Yun Yang sat up with a start and could not help chuckling dryly. "Haha I see Heh heh" He peered intently at her and nodded, before saying again, "I see." Lifting his head, he gulped down the wine and let a chortle escape with a shake of his head. "I thought that this identity of mine was still a secret. I didn''t expect it to be a joke." Shangguan Lingxiu turned serious and said, "This fact will never escape my lips in this lifetime. If it does, the Shangguan Family of Generals will meet their doom." Yun Yang nodded but did not say anything to stop her. The identity of Supreme Cloud held too much significance and associations that even though Yun Yang trusted Shangguan Lingxiu, he would not stop her from making such a vow. As such, Shangguan Lingxiu''s promise was tied to the longevity of the Shangguan Family of Generals, reflecting her sincerity. Shangguan Lingxiu picked up the second bowl of wine and said, "Now, can Young Master Yun, my Young Brother Yun, explain your actions today? While I understand the reason, the motive still exasperates me." Yun Yang laughed and replied, "Sister Lingxi regards me too highly now. Most of the time, I''m indeed only Yun Yang. What happened today was only a coincidence." He continued with a smile, "The coincidence is that we''re both drinking here together. This is really unplanned. As for the trouble with the third prince, I''ve been long prepared to create an issue with him." "I see." "I have something else to tend to by going to the Residence of Crown Prince earlier. We are here now because the third prince has done something recently. He has recruited a few handicapped generals in the military by force, intending for them to build a hall for veterans in his residence. It looks like he''s helping the veterans and sacrificed militants, kindly assisting the suffering families." "On the surface, it seems like a good deed. Even with ulterior motives, as long as he contributes his wealth and carries out these matters, I can close an eye. I won''t ask for everyone to be benevolent and saintly without asking for anything in return. However, after he built the hall and achieved his reputation, he hasn''t done anything he had promised." "He would even use the name of helping the handicapped veterans to deceive the Board of War, hoping to receive the support of influential military officials with all sorts of sweet words." Shangguan Lingxiu was puzzled, "Which of these military pillars is a fool? It''s impossible for him to deceive them and gain their support without doing anything." Yun Yang chuckled dryly and said, "The third prince is silly as well. He has prepared a countermeasure. In fact, he has contributed plenty of silver taels to charity, but the main reason I said he has never contributed his wealth is that he would send men to rob these veterans'' houses... Of course, the robberies were disguised as the doings of local thugs Then, he sent men to help the poor. In this manner, they would be exceptionally thankful and grateful." Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes bulged with fury. "Is this truly what is happening? The third prince must be mad!" "It''s true!" Yun Yang sighed, "A prince who wants to set up his reputation but is reluctant to spend. Naturally, I can''t accept this. When I can''t accept something, I''ll have to put an end to it!" 617 Shangguan Lingxiu’s Reques "The prince of an empire, but he performs such a despicable and heinous act. Isn''t it disappointing? I have two goals today. One is to visit the crown prince''s residence and carry out my tasks while another is to break the third prince''s claws!" Yun Yang grinned, showing his teeth. "Snatching the room away was only to make them feel outraged. This is but a beginning, just a starting point. The main dish is not served yet Come, let us drink. Our priority now is only to drink and talk. The rest are merely subsequent issues." Shangguan Lingxiu beamed and thought to herself, ''My guess is correct indeed, he does have other objectives. He is Supreme Cloud, he wouldn''t act so outrageously without reason. There has to be a hidden meaning to all of this.'' She picked up the bowl and took a gulp of wine, speaking softly, "If it''s possible, it would be best to break the third prince''s greed for the throne directly destroy all of his support and save everyone from future troubles." Yun Yang chuckled bitterly and said, "I''d love to do so and be free of troubles, but we can''t afford to do that. We don''t only have this one prince. This strike will have to be launched and it must be sufficiently fierce. However, a portion of his forces must be kept, so he can''t cause more issues but still retain the thirst for the throne." "I have to keep my grip on him to become an eligible whetstone. It''ll defeat the purpose of reusing trash if he''s crushed outright. Including the crown prince, the fourth prince, and the few other princes whom have yet to grow but are already wildly ambitious, they''re all useful whetstones. If they can''t be used to their maximum potential, it''d be a waste. The royalty has provided them luxurious lives and power, but they''ve done nothing to repay that privilege. Are they not undeserving to be men, then?" Shangguan Lingxiu could not help chuckling. Yun Yang''s words sounded humorous but Shangguan Lingxiu could distinguish the meaning between the lines. It was not supposed to be funny yet when Yun Yang spoke, he squinted and made faces that tickled her. "Actually, there''s another matter that I came to you today for" Shangguan Lingxiu was hesitant to speak as she cast a glance at Yun Yang. There was a wash of emotions that flashed through her eyes, but she forced them away. "Do speak. Being hesitant is not your style, Sister Lingxiu," Yun Yang said. "Old Great Mistress" Shangguan Lingxiu''s gaze was aggrieved. "Old Great Mistress has exhausted herself keeping the family up all these years. She''s near her end nowI don''t want her to pass on just like this but I can''t find any way to extend her longevity." Yun Yang kept mum for a moment. Near her end This was a person''s destiny, a fate that was irreversible. Even if one was as strong as Feng Xiange, who had Supreme Cloud Yun Yang, Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui and Heaven''s Inquisition as friends, there was no trick to reverse the situation of an approaching end. What other ways could Shangguan Lingxiu possibly be seeking for? It was an uphill task to go against heaven''s will! Shangguan Lingxiu could not help feeling her heart sink when she saw Yun Yang remaining silent. Her eyes were rimmed with red as she spoke shakily, "I know I know that Old Grand Commandant Fang was near his end initially as well. His situation was worse than that of my Old Great Mistress. I was you who sustained him, so I thought to ask you. Please help me." Her eyes were focused on Yun Yang''s face almost pleadingly. Yun Yang kept quiet for a moment before explaining softly, "Sister Lingxiu, it''s not that I want to refuse you, but Old Great Mistress and Old Grand Commandant Fang or even Old Marshal Qiu''s situations are different. The main cause of both generals'' state is due to their exertion in the battlefield, expending a large portion of their energy and blood. Now that both their life essences are lacking, it''s difficult to remain healthy. My cultivation method is proficient in replenishing the life essences. Delivering my basic Qi to both the elders saved them from a critical situation. Most importantly, these two elders weren''t really near their end. That''s how I could extend their longevity smoothly. I can''t, however, defy life and death and extend one''s life." "However, the Old Great Mistress'' situation is not so. From what I know, Old Great Mistress knows martial arts as well, but rarely does she fight in the war. There aren''t many injuries on her, but she bears the wounds of many people, parents, husband, children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren who have perished in the battlefield throughout these years consistently. This has caused Old Great Mistress to suffer from too many heartbreaks, time and again. Ordinary people expend their life essences, but those like Old Great Mistress have exhausted their spirit!" "Old Great Mistress'' heart is painfully drained!" Yun Yang sighed and said, "In fact, I had previously gone to Shangguan''s residence and checked on her numerous times. Now that Sister Lingxiu has mentioned it, I''ll go again and try my best. As for the outcome and how effective it can be, I dare not guarantee." "As long as you''re willing to make the trip, I would be grateful," said Shangguan Lingxiu with delight. Shangguan Lingxiu was contented after they made the arrangements and began to cheer them both to drink. To her, it was as if there was nothing that could not be done as long as Yun Yang was the one who went to execute it. Supreme Cloud, the wisest of the Nine Supremes. He was basically God to Yutang''s people, omnipotent. Due to Shangguan Lingxiu''s knowledge that Yun Yang could do what others could not, she was very, very hopeful. On the contrary, Yun Yang chuckled self-depreciatingly. If he could reconnect with Emmie now, Old Great Mistress'' case would not have been a big deal. It was not an exaggeration to say that he could have settled the matter with a wave of his hand. The issue now, however, was that the connection was still severed! Just like Yun yang had said, he could only soothe her condition for a limited period of time by depending on the Endless Divine Art to sort through her meridians. When the Endless Divine spiritual Qi that was delivered into her body was ceased, that would be the end of it. Despite the revitalizations that could be repeatedly done, the effect would deteriorate with the quantity, shortening the sustaining time and power of his efforts. Yun Yang could not be staying in Shangguan''s residence every day. This was where the crux lied; he was in an extremely precarious position! At about this time, footsteps resounded from outside. Someone was ascending the staircase and walking towards them unhurriedly. Listening to the sounds, there were only three people coming up. Yun Yang glanced at Shangguan Lingxiu. Both of them no longer spoke and waited for the footsteps to arrive in silence. "Dong, dong, dong" A series of soft knocks came from the door. A gentle voice that was laced with a hint of a smile rang out, "Is it Young Master Yun inside? I''ve come to meet you personally." It was the third prince. A chilling grin hung at the corners of Yun Yang''s lips as he spoke lazily, "The third prince has come. Do you want me to be gone? If you intend for it to be so, do come in and try to make me!" The relaxed laughter from outside did not cease. The door opened and the third prince paced in slowly, chuckling, "How dare I ask Brother Yun to scram? We haven''t met for so long, I''ve personally come to have a drink with Brother Yun." The third prince thought that he was already being incredibly friendly and polite. He was even certain that even if Yun Yang harbored no pleasant feelings for him, it was possible for him to sit down, have a chat and drink some wine after such pleasantries. The saying went that one should never hit someone who was smiling. As long as he could sit down and pull some strings, it was not difficult to establish a connection from here on. Everything needed only a chance to begin and as long as this objective could be achieved, it was irrelevant that his subordinates had been humiliated. It would not even have fazed him if they had been killed outright by Yun Yang. This was the advantage of being associated with King Xiaoyao! 618 A Gentleman Would Rather Be Killed Than Be Humiliated Who did not know that King Xiaoyao''s influence dominated the imperial court and was the emperor''s most trusted and highly regarded individual? As for Yun Yang, he was King Xiaoyao''s only son. As long as Yun Yang supported him, he would obtain King Xiaoyao''s favor. Then, as long as King Xiaoyao spoke for him in front of his father, the title of crown prince title would no longer be an impossible wish! A sliver of icy, murderous, intent flashed through Yun Yang''s gaze as he looked at the two people behind the third prince; he spoke faintly, "Of course I can meet Your Highness, but it''s not necessary for us to drink together." The third prince was astounded. Being a royal prince and coming in a humble manner, he was shocked that Yun Yang was not even letting him have a goblet of wine. Yun Yang spoke with a mirthless grin, "Firstly, this wine of mine is incredibly expensive. Your Highness might not be able to afford it. Secondly, I only drink with my friends. Your Highness, unfortunately, is not my friend. You have never been, nor will you ever be." The words were excruciatingly grating. The third prince''s expression turned ugly instantly. The two people behind him grew angry as well, as they cried out sternly, "Yun Yang! How dare you! How dare you be brusque to His Highness?" The third prince waved his arm to stop the two men before he replied coldly, "Is that so? Young Master Yun''s wine is such a rare treat? Despite our lack of acquaintance and inability to call each other friends, still, I wonder what wine is it in the Empire of Yutang that Young Master Yun can afford to drink, but I can''t?" The question was a trick question, one with malicious intent to trap Yun Yang with his words. There was a saying about the earth in this world belonging to the emperor while the ones living on the land being the emperor''s people. The Empire of Yutang belonged to the Yutang royalty; furthermore, Yutang had broken the four-nation siege and was gaining fame from it. If Yun Yang were to answer carelessly and was blasphemous, he could never escape from being accused of lese-majesty! Yun Yang rolled his eyes and answered with a chuckle, "Your Highness, there are plenty of good things in this world but so many of them are things that you''ve never seen before and even more of them are things that you won''t be able to possess in this lifetime C truly marvelous things." "Yun Yang, what do you mean? Don''t beat around the bush!" The third prince sucked in a deep breath and glared at Yun Yang. Yun Yang replied faintly, "Take, for example, this wine of mine You really can''t afford to drink it nor can you own it. Nonetheless, although you can''t drink this wine, you have a huge plus point." "Oh? I actually still have a plus point in Young Master Yun''s eyes?" the third prince sneered. Yun Yang nodded seriously and said with a grin, "Everyone will be someone, and that includes Your Highness. Your Highness is indeed excellent in rearing dogs. I admit defeat, I won''t be able to compare to you in this lifetime." "Rear dogs?" The third prince snorted and said with a squint, "What are you trying to say?" The two people behind him were flustered, their eyes filled with malice. Yun Yang stood up slowly and looked at the two people behind the third prince. "Was I not clear enough? Don''t you see the two brazenly mad dogs behind you, Your Highness? They may not be the best, but it''s a rare skill to be able to rear dogs to become so brazen." Yun Yang had not bothered with them when these two people had stood up to condemn him; only now did he pounce on both of the men. They were the planner and executor of the third prince''s so-called charity plan. Even the local thugs and robbers had all acted on their instructions. A mastermind and an executer C these two people were the culprits! The main aim of Yun Yang coming to the Redolent Inn was to settle the case with these two people; meeting the third prince was only a secondary objective. Not only did he want to kill them, he wanted to kill them right in front of the prince! This was Yun Yang''s resolve that he would uphold without bending. A pale-faced, middle-aged man between the two was already shaking in anger as he spat through gritted teeth, "Yun Yang, do you think you can harass people like this just because you''re King Yun''s heir? Justice is not something that power can influence!" Yun Yang smiled faintly but ignored him. He continued from where he had left off earlier and spoke to the third prince, looking intently at him, "Your Highness, do you know what kind of dog will be so brazen as to madly bark and scratch everything around it without waiting for its master to say a thing?" The veins on the third prince''s forehead pulsated, his eyes reddened. He had never thought that Yun Yang would actually be this unpredictable despite his magnanimous arrival and expression of friendliness. This was also after his men had been bullied! He had been big enough to make this acquaintance and willing to wipe away the resentment. Not only did Yun Yang deny him any semblance of respect, he had criticized him outrageously! It was a blatant, direct slap across his face, one strike after another! It was merciless, without any room for negotiation. "Without a doubt, only rabid dogs have the cheek to bark all the time," Yun Yang said seriously, "Only rabid dogs can bite anyone and everyone C even when they face the tiger, they''ll go forth and bark because they are insolent." "Still, the risk is too high to rear such rabid dogs. Their bite will kill their own master at any time." Yun Yang ignored the incredibly humiliated and resentful faces of the men. His eyes were only trained on the third prince as he softly and gently said, "Such rabid dogs should be put down; the sooner the better. Your Highness, I am only thinking in your best interests. Honest advice is unpleasant to the ears, but it is practical and beneficial." Behind the third prince, the burly man''s eyes were gleaming with a thirst for blood as he huffed and roared, "Yun Yang! A gentleman would rather be killed than to be humiliated! You" Yun Yang turned his head and replied chillingly, "A gentleman would rather be killed? Truly?" The man felt a tidal wave of malice surge towards him and for a moment, he held his breath. An extreme sense of fear filled him. He could not help taking a step back as dread washed over him. His unspoken words halted then and there. "Pow!" Yun Yang took a step forward, the footstep sounding like a hammer that smashed right onto their hearts. He spoke faintly, "So, a gentleman would rather be killed. Not bad, not bad at all." Suddenly, an arm stretched out like a strike of lightning and seized the burly man''s neck. "No wonder you dare to bark in front of me. So you have a heaven realm cultivation base. Very well, very well. Impressive!" His arm retracted and he pulled the person towards him, choking him in the process. Yun Yang spoke gently, "This is what you said yourself A gentleman would rather be killed.I am only respecting your wish. I won''t humiliate you, I''ll just kill you instead." Before his words echoed in the air, there was a soft clap. The burly man''s head disappeared after Yun Yang''s palm passed across it. There was only a headless corpse left behind. Yun Yang''s palm strike had slapped the man''s head right into his chest. The soft crack was the noise of his spine shattering. The headless body staggered momentarily before it fell to the floor with a thud. There was not a single drop of blood. Fear engulfed the pale-faced middle-aged man''s eyes and he turned to leave right away. Yun Yang chuckled and said, "He said that a gentleman would rather be killed. Both of you came together, how can one leave alone?" He then leveled a kick at the fleeing man. There were ten feet of distance between them, yet the kick landed solidly on the man''s back. The man cried out, springing up on the spot as if possessed before he collapsed on the floor lifelessly, no longer breathing. The third prince choked in fear. His eyes bulged as he glanced first at Yun Yang and then at the two corpses. He raised his head again to look at Yun Yang, his gaze filled with disbelief. Finally, a sliver of fear shone in his eyes. His face paled as he began to tremble, speaking in a quivering voice, "Yun Yun Yang y-you how dare you how dare you kill someone in public?" Yun Yang asked pleasantly, "Your Highness, do you know why I wanted to kill them?" The third prince spoke through clenched jaws, "How reckless and presumptuous you are! Blasphemous! You Just you wait!" Yun Yang smiled faintly. "Alright, alright, I''ll wait. Go back to the palace and make your complaints. I believe Your Highness will then find out why I killed them" He raised his head to look at the third prince. Extending his arm, he tapped his shoulder and said softly, "You''re still young some things" Yun Yang''s hand stopped in midair. He saw clearly that there was a rapidly expanding pool of water under the third prince''s feet. At the same time, there was a foul, noisome smell that drifted in the air. The third prince had thought that Yun Yang was going to kill him when he extended his arm and had been frightened to the point of wetting his pants! 619 The Last Straw Shangguan Lingxiu, who was standing right behind Yun Yang, could not help the indescribable expression that surfaced on her face. As a prince, he had behaved in a terribly pathetic manner. Not only did he fail to step forth when he was faced with danger, he had wet his pants from fright. The lack of courage did not befit his identity, especially when he had wet his pants. He knew very clearly that Yun Yang would never kill him! Such behavior could no longer be suitably described by the word pathetic. He was simply a gutless coward! It was hard to envision such a person coveting the title of crown prince and desiring to ascend the throne! If such a person were to become the emperor, it would be to the utter grief of Yutang''s people! Not only was Shangguan Lingxiu reluctant to witness this outcome, she was determined to stop it from being realized. She would never allow the fruit for which the generations of her family had toiled in blood in the battlefield to be wasted to dross! Shangguan Lingxiu made up her mind at that very moment; she tightened her resolve and secured her stance. The other men belonging to the third prince had scurried up in a continuous line, obviously anxious upon hearing the ruckus. Once they saw the two dead bodies on the floor and the third prince''s aghast face, they were stunned. No one had expected Yun Yang to be so bold as to have killed both the third prince''s aides in broad daylight! This was no different from being blasphemous. Yun Yang could not help frowning when he watched the men pour in. He had felt a vague sense of danger earlier, but it did not originate from the third prince''s men. What was going on? As the group bolted upstairs, they placed themselves in front of the third prince. The one who had been chased out by Yun Yang earlier sneered, "Yun Yang! You must know that there''s a limit to everything you do! You have gone overboard today; in future, someone is bound to settle the score with you!" The third prince finally recovered some color in his face upon realizing the security and safety he was in, after being surrounded by his group of men. Nonetheless, there was still fear in his eyes as he gazed upon Yun Yang once again. However, he could not afford to show his weakness any further and he forced the words out, "Yun Yang! Just you wait!" Before the third prince''s words echoed in the air, Shangguan Lingxiu''s voice that was laced with a soft sigh drifted from Yun Yang''s back. "Your Highness, it would be best if you were to return quickly. Prolonging this argument will only expose your bane. Is there really anything to be gained by that?" The third prince''s gaze brushed across Yun Yang to focus on Shangguan Lingxiu''s delicate face. There was a deeper sense of resentment in his eyes. To him, or perhaps to his knowledge and awareness, even if the matter today was lodged to his father, nothing much could be done to Yun Yang. Moreover, his father might have already known what he had done and was waiting for him to admit it. If so, the best outcome would be him going over to be reprimanded. The third prince was, in truth, rather quick-witted. He had forced himself to argue in hopes that Yun Yang would do more than chastise him; it would be best if he were to sustain some minor injuries. The latter could not possibly kill him or harm him fatally anyway. With minor injuries, he would become the victim and the situation could be turned around. With that in place, he would have an argument when he went to the Emperor of Yutang. At the very least, his father would not inflict further punishments upon seeing his injuries. However, Shangguan Lingxiu''s words took the stairway to his solution away from him. His quick wit was of no use in this situation. The third prince knew that he could not afford to provoke Yun Yang. Shangguan Lingxiu, however, did not have the qualities for him to be fearful of. Naturally, he vented all his frustration on the lady who had been watching by the sidelines. ''I can''t provoke Yun Yang, but you, Shangguan Lingxiu, have been watching me embarrass myself since the very beginning. I dare not attack Yun Yang; am I such a coward that I am unwilling to exact my revenge upon you?'' "Shangguan Lingxiu!" The third prince emphasized his words. "It''s you!" The third prince was fuming when he said this, to the puzzlement of both Yun Yang and Shangguan Lingxiu. The entire incident had only involved Yun Yang, the third prince, and his entourage; what did it have to do with Shangguan Lingxiu? Why had he suddenly dragged her into the picture? Was it a divine plot twist? "Say I have never had a grudge or misunderstanding with King Yun''s heir all this while. Why is he suddenly aiming at me?" The third prince smiled menacingly with resentment clearly painted on his face. "Shangguan Lingxiu, you have obviously gone over to the Residence of Crown Prince to wait for Yun Yang before coming here. Your ultimate goal must be for Yun Yang to attack me! Do you dare to deny this?" "It was you who came in the way!" The third prince finally figured it out. Shangguan Lingxiu looked at the prince in disbelief C ''Can this sort of reasoning possibly work? What kind of inference is this? Going along with whatever you can think of? How does this fool''s brain work?'' The third prince called out furiously, "Yes, I have sent people to the Shangguan Family of Generals to ask for your hand in marriage. Is my status as a prince still unable to match your own? What do you mean by doing what you are doing now?" Ask for her hand in marriage? Shangguan Lingxiu''s gaze shifted from puzzlement to confusion. She had never heard of any marriage proposals Yun Yang''s eyes squinted then, his initial anger deepening even further. Marriage? Was there ever a possibility of such an occurrence? What a wild wish; it was akin to aiming at the moon He should be damned for making such a suggestion! The third prince''s emotions seemed to have been set ablaze by his own words as he spat angrily in a flustered manner, "You rejected me. Why are you still humiliating me like this?" "What is your intention for asking Yun Yang to specifically attack me? What is your purpose?" He growled and vented his rage in an almost incoherent tone. "You have killed my subordinates, weakened my forces and humiliated me to this extent. You do not want me to flip my case around forever, is that it?" He roared menacingly. He no longer knew what he was saying nor was he aware of what he wanted to achieve by saying what he did. It was an extreme fury that came from incredible humiliation after realizing his utter embarrassment that stemmed from his deepest fear. He has completely lost his rationality after hearing Shangguan Lingxiu''s words. The string that held his mind together had been completely snapped after the rollercoaster ride today. Shangguan Lingxiu frowned and said with a slight hint of disgust, "Your Highness, I think you must have misunderstood me. What I said earlier I said with kind intentions. I don''t want the argument from both sides to escalate. I don''t mean anything else." "I''ve misunderstood? Kind intentions?" The third prince chuckled. His gaze towards Shangguan Lingxiu was flippant as he spoke coldly, "Shangguan Lingxiu, don''t you dare think that you a noble and elegant, or how unattainable you are. You can reject me, you can reject any man However..." His tone was harsh as he spat vilely, "One day C one day, you''ll lie beneath a man and be his toy. This is the destiny of you as a woman. No matter how noble you are, you can''t escape from being f*cked" "Bastard!" "Pang!" That was the last straw for Yun Yang. He stomped upon the third prince''s lower abdomen forcefully. The prince who was letting loose a string of vile words rolled away like a ball. 620 An Ambuscade Yun Yang''s wrath was still ablaze as he swung his arms repeatedly. "Pang, pang, pang" A dozen wine pots crashed into the third prince unceasingly, making the man shriek and moan in pain and blood. Shangguan Lingxiu''s expression and gaze were icy as she watched the revolting prince quietly. Softly but clearly, she said, "Whether such a day comes or not at least, that person will never be you!" She then turned and returned to the room. Sitting with her back facing the door, she no longer moved. She did not even want to cast another glance at the third prince, not even once. The person made her think that even a glimpse would be a dishonor to her eyes. Absolutely horrendous! "Take him and get out of my sight! Immediately! At once! Quickly!" "Bang!" Yun Yang threw the last wine pot, the ceramic shattering precisely on the third prince''s gory head. He was brimming with murderous intent as he emphasized what he said, "Let me see him again and he''ll die right here C even if God Himself were to plead for him!" Everyone could clearly see the killing intent that was about to condense into a solid form on him. They knew that it was no idle threat. Actually, just by looking at the third prince''s barely alive state, one would be able to ascertain that Yun Yang could definitely do what he had promised. If he dared to beat up the prince and cause such serious injuries, he would dare to kill him too! What was so surprising about it? In addition, if the third prince was not sent for treatment, he would have died there and then without Yun Yang able to do anything more. Before they turned around, Yun Yang had slammed the door shut with a loud bang. The third prince''s subordinates panicked, afraid that the third prince would actually die here. However, before they could decide on their course of action, suddenly Just as Yun Yang shut the door, suddenly "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh" The sound of the air being sliced apart rang out consistently. A series of cries came from outside the door while a constant tattoo of "knock, knock, knock", the noise of hidden weapons embedding themselves on the door, rang out loudly as well. There were sharp rays of light flashing upon the door that had just been slammed shut. Countless merciless secret weapons had struck the door like a storm while their sharpest points were glinting with a blue tint. It was apparent that the weapons which were deployed as an ambush had been dipped with lethal poison. Yun Yang frowned. He could see instantly that someone wanted to kill him. As for those people outside the door, there was a ninety-nine percent chance that they had all died; they were simply unlucky enough to have been embroiled in the ambush. The killer''s target must be Yun Yang! The angle of the attack told him as much. His furious door slam had, in all likelihood, caused the ambush to fail. The timing was coincidental enough that he was fortunate to avoid the secret weapons, leaving them stuck in the door. "The Redolent Inn indeed, this wooden door is actually made of steel wood. I am fortunate that it is of such excellent quality." Listening to the knocking sound that came from the weapons being planted in the door, a ghost of a smile appeared at the corners of Yun Yang''s lips. In actual fact, he was quite shocked and there was even a lingering sense of fear. The ambush was just short of brilliant. He had actually felt a tinge of danger before it happened and that, too, had disappeared instantly. He had not sensed any hint of killing intent. If it were not for the closing of the door that had helped blocked the ambuscade, Yun Yang knew that he would have been injured to a certain degree, even if he was not severely harmed to the point of death; moreover, such an outcome would be due to the magical power of the Endless Divine Art that was unafraid of any poison in this world. In other words, the suddenness of this ambush would have been able to take down ninety-five percent of this world''s cultivators! This begged another question. Assassins who could hide their killing intent before they struck were pinnacle presences. Who would have wanted to kill him, given that each of the assassin organizations was hardly able to fend for themselves? "Pow!" The steel wood door, a substantial buffer for Yun Yang that had absorbed several rounds of secret weapon suddenly shattered. A meteor hammer about the size of a human head then bolted in like a comet, going straight towards Yun Yang''s head. If it had actually connected, an explosion would have erupted, causing both sides to perish! Yun Yang reacted spontaneously. With a palm strike, the meteor hammer shot backward with a boom and returned even faster than when it had come. Upon successfully deflecting the blow, Yun Yang''s right hand took hold of Shangguan Lingxiu before he hopped out of the window like a fish into the water. With a loud bang and fluttering wooden splints, both of them escaped outdoors. At the same time that they had fled the Redolent Inn''s top floor, countless secret weapons engulfed the hall once again like a storm; had Yun Yang and Shangguan Lingxiu hesitated a single moment more, both of them would have drowned in this storm of weapons. Just as Yun Yang hopped out of the window, he caught sight of glimmering saber lights that were advancing upon him from left and right, like a siege. "Hoo" Yun Yang who was in midair exhaled as two rays of saber light shot out from his sleeves. The sabers he was using were only refined steel sabers that had been cultivated a hundred times but he had used the Saber Truth: Destiny Blade to complement those commonplace sabers. Left and right, his sabers were like dragons of the ocean and sky, soaring and swimming freely. "Clang!" "Clang!" With two metallic rings, Yun Yang held Shangguan Lingxiu as they made a quick twirl in the air as if they were one, successfully fending off the two saber lights. Yun Yang simultaneously cultivated a sweeping technique to cover the both of them before finally landing on the bustling street. It looked like a silver ball weaved from dazzling saber light had descended into the human realm in all its brilliance. "Boom!" The roof of the top room blew apart as seven to eight black-clothed forms appeared atop the tower. The moment they appeared, two of them were already unlimbering Deicide Bows. Almost concurrently, two slivers of light flew towards Yun Yang, as if they had been freed of the constraints of time and space. The other five to six people raised their arms consecutively, creating shards of dark light that shot towards Yun Yang like lightning. A galore of weapons - sabers, swords, and spears - appeared in unison. It was obvious that these were the attackers'' best weapons. The damage that could be inflicted by flying needles and daggers was no longer adequate, given the current distance. They were not lethal. Instead, the men tossed heavier weapons which actually carried the threat of death. After the weapons had been thrown, the men did not let up. Springing up and pouncing viciously, it was evident that they were afraid that such an attack would fail to kill Yun Yang and intended to make certain of the kill by working together. In the same instance as when they pounced, three more men clad in black and wearing masks appeared at the rooftop of the building standing on the opposite of the Redolent Inn. Each one of them held a Deicide Bow in their hands as they pulled and released the bows without hesitation. Three blinks of light later, it was another three shots, and then another three shots! The Deicide Bows were being used to release an unceasing showers of arrows! Distinct only by their gradation and batch, the arrows darted towards Yun Yang, who was facing an avalanche of weapons. The murder plan was simple yet effective. There were not many cultivators in the Tianxuan Continent who could escape such a solid set-up, yet the ambushing assassins were not done yet; they were merely beginning to get warmed up 621 Taken By Surprise On the ground, there were multiple masked men in black. They launched a frenzy of attacks from different directions, concentrating their focus on the spot where Yun Yang was about to land. The attackers were unrestrained, charging brutally and sending the people on the street flying They were not at all bothered by their indiscriminate violence, for they only had Yun Yang as a target in their eyes. Whatever and whoever was blocking them were but obstacles; they would not be unduly bothered by their deaths. The killing intent permeated the air, condensing, gathering, surging In the sky, under the ground, and in the space between, countless assassins that hailed from every corner of the land had built an invincible net! To top it off, they were all excellent killers with substantial cultivation base. Yun Yang, who was in dire danger, became exceedingly focused; he held Shangguan Lingxiu with one arm while the other gripped the refined steel saber tightly, wielding it in a constantly changing motion. He hacked, flicked, stuck, thrust, blocked and crushed everything in his path He had deflected all the weapons and arrows that were part of the ambush without missing a beat. At the same time, he continued moving ceaselessly, his eyes following the path of the weapons so as to avoid them and leverage on their trajectory. All the while, he thought to himself, ''Who is it? Who is this?'' As he spun around, he managed to steal a glimpse at the top room that was now clear for all to see. The third prince''s entourage had all died in there. Although Yun Yang had wanted to kill them for being so heinous, he did not want to act on it so fast; little did he know that they would not survive until he was able to act out his wishes. He wondered if this was considered the cycle of fate, the provision that God forgave no one. On the whole, the whetstone should be trashed from this day forth. Forget about being a whetstone, it would be a great boon of fate if the third prince could retain his sanity and abilities after today''s experience! Yun Yang sighed regretfully. ''I really did not mean to trash you. I truly intended for you to retain your power however, your luck, as it stands'' Suddenly, a gut-wrenching voice roared out tearfully, "Quick! Quick, save His Highness! Faster faster! Report to the officials! Young Master Yun is being attacked Ahh Quickly, quickly" It was the Redolent Inn''s keeper. The fat keeper knew he was about to die as he felt the sky falling on him; his entire being was chilled to the core. After this incident, theRedolent Inn was basically doomed. When Yun Yang had killed the third prince''s subordinates, it was a hassle, but at least there was an explanation behind it. Observers like the keeper would only have to pay the penalty when such altercations and wrangling of influences happened. However, what transpired afterward was beyond terrifying. It had instantly turned into a martial world assassination attempt. Firstly, all of the third prince''s guards and servants, a dozen of them, had all died here. While the fate of the third prince was still unknown, his odds of survival did not look good. Even if he was alive, he would be terribly hard-pressed to stay that way until the end of the whole fiasco. Concurrently, King Xiaoyao''s heir, Yun Yang, had been ambushed in a siege by numerous assassins. He was being attacked, at an absolute disadvantage and was in a critical situation as well! One was the son of the emperor while the other was the son of King Xiaoyao. No matter which one of these two people died here, the keeper and his entire family would have to follow his fate! The Redolent Inn Compared to familial extermination, the tower was a mere insignificance! Nine familial extermination was never only an adjective! ''Oh my God why is my life so horrible?'' The fat keeper was in a state of panic and so anxious that he felt like hanging himself. Yet, no matter how suicidal he felt, he dared not die; he had to face this mess and hope for the best! In mid-air, a wash of purple light radiated. Yun Yang howled and spiraled swiftly like a top. His saber light lashed out in a spraying motion, following his movements. Where the light passed, two masked men in black who were coming in for a strike were minced into chopped meat. Despite his best attempts at evasion, however, countless beams were gathered towards where Yun Yang was about to land as well. The moment he set foot on the ground, he would have to endure the fatal attacks. Against all expectations, Yun Yang did not land where the assassins had thought he would. His saber dove into the ground first before the rebounding force pushed his descending form upward. As his purple robes fluttered, it was like a purple thunderbolt had dashed over to the wall with blinding speed. With a loud bang, a masked man dressed in black who was waiting on the wall bore the brunt of Yun Yang''s powerful blow. The masked man''s blood spurted before he reached the ground, the crimson liquid contained pieces of his shattered internal organs; it was apparent that he would not survive. The powerful saber energy had crushed the person''s internal organs the moment it had met the hapless man''s body; even the opponent''s spirit was utterly crushed! In order to obtain a safe landing point, Yun Yang had used a hundred and twenty percent of his force in this blow. Even though the fatal trap had been overcome in a brilliant manner, complete with a counterattack, the solid collision caused Yun Yang to pause and stagger slightly. Four rays of light shot towards Yun Yang''s faltering form then, the threat to end him not at all weakening. Yun Yang did a flip, already hopping off the wall while carrying Shangguan Lingxiu, and narrowly avoided the four beams of attacking rays. Upon landing, Yun Yang panted harshly, his face drained of color. Large beads of sweat dotted his forehead, a sign that his state was unusually bad, far from his graceful and amazing performance earlier. Yun Yang was unprepared for this batch of killers to be so strong. A few of them were even super ace cultivators of ninth heaven realm! Their leader had not shown himself yet, but Yun Yang assumed his ability to be even higher. The killer whom he had killed from the momentum earlier, too, had eighth heaven pinnacle cultivation base! Where did all these people come from? Yun Yang truly did not expect this and was greatly surprised. Since the Dictum of Death appeared, Yun Yang was already anticipating the gathering of pinnacle assassins in Tiantang City. In fact, Yun Yang possessed information and records of the martial artists who entered Tiantang City during this period of time. Even the area of their activities had been clearly documented with his men watching over them. Yun Yang had prided himself as a local of Tiantang City, an unabashed pride that was not tempered by any form of hesitation. However, he did not have a single iota of information regarding the many masked men in black who had suddenly emerged this time around. He was so surprised that it was not even merely an abrupt plot twist; he had been utterly caught off guard! 622 A Tough Battle ''These people Where did they come from? Which force do they belong to?'' Doubts bubbled within Yun Yang as he made several stabs in the dark. Throughout the entire duration of the ambuscade, Yun Yang had held onto Shangguan Lingxiu. From the moment he flew, hopped off from the tower, fought in the air, charged onto the wall, sprung off from the wall, and until he landed securely, seeing Yun Yang''s odd expression, Shangguan Lingxiu had only uttered one line C "Go inform the Residence of Yun!" In such intense combat, death was guaranteed if her two guards were to join in. On top of that, they would merely be an additional burden. They would never be of any help! In that case, it was better for them to leave so that they could inform the others. After that, she did only one other thing C she calmed herself down to cultivate and hold her Qi so she could lighten herself. She ensured she was as light as possible to follow Yun Yang''s movement, becoming like a blade of grass or a puff of cloud. She would move however Yun Yang wanted her to. All she asked for was to not cause Yun Yang any trouble nor elicit any sound. She did not say anything like "Put me down, leave on your own" or "Don''t be bothered with me". It was because she knew clearly that those words would be nonsense; any similar utterance or even a single word would cause Yun Yang''s attention to shift to her. This inadvertent action could lead to the worst consequence possible. This way, not only would Yun Yang refuse to put her down, it would be a humiliation to a skilled cultivator like Yun Yang! It would make the situation worse. As the incident unfolded, she only did her best to make herself as light as possible, lighter than she already was She tried her best not to be an extra burden to Yun Yang. "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh" A few silhouettes caught up with them just as another bunch of shadows arrived right after they did. There was a total of eleven people that surrounded Yun Yang and Shangguan Lingxiu. Before a ring could be formed, Yun Yang expended his energy in a risky maneuver and went all out. The two forms and four styles of the Divine Edge were executed to completion, pouncing like a furious dragon that glowed dazzlingly. His opponents had only just managed to recover their balance. This was the best opportunity. Two cries later, two men were cut into eight separate pieces by Yun Yang, creating a gap between them. Just as Yun Yang was about to dart away, a beam shone down from the sky. A ray of bright radiant sword light cut right in front of Yun Yang. If he were to charge through it, he would only trap himself within the net of sword energy. Yun Yang retracted his saber and scanned his surroundings before putting up his defense and drawing back. The light continued to stream down, seizing the moment when Yun Yang retreated and launched an aggressive attack. Yun Yang cried, his saber hacking furiously, one stroke after another. "Clang, clang, clang" A dozen deafening collisions later, both sides let out a low grunt and pulled back respectively. A masked man in black landed in front of Yun Yang. Obviously, this person was the leader who had yet to show himself throughout the ordeal. Yun Yang wielded his saber; watching the other party coldly, he silently adjusted his breathing. "Your reputation rings true. Young Master Yun does live up to your reputed name C impressive indeed!" The leader''s voice was hoarse, his gaze flickering with resentment. He had deployed sixteen brothers in this operation to ambush Yun Yang. Initially, he thought it was overkill; the operation should have been a piece of cake. Yet, five of his men had died just as they managed to coerce their target away from the inn! Young Master Yun was a tough character. He was amazingly skilled and spontaneous in his reaction; the brutality of his attack far exceeded their expectations. Yun Yang only replied with a sneer. He did not issue a retort. He was currently cultivating hard under his breath. The Endless Divine Art was being cultivated rapidly as he felt his dantian and mystical Qi gradually recovering. The exhaustion previously was swiftly dissipating. There was no point for him to be bothered with what the masked man was saying and to waste this breath of energy he was refilling himself with. Engaged in the tough battle with Yun Yang earlier and countered by the latter, the masked man clad in black was also short of breath. Using the gap to speak, he caught his breath as well and allowed his subordinates to regain their energy and complete their formation for the next fatal set-up. When he saw Yun Yang''s reaction, however, he knew that such a delay was a luxury, given how experienced he was. He waved and said, "Attack, send Young Master Yun on his way!" Before his words echoed in the air, the ten people around Yun Yang attacked in unison! It was the masked man in black instead who held himself back, his gaze flickering dangerously. It was discernable that his plan was for the ten men to crack open Yun Yang''s weak point and finish him off in a single blow! They would obtain the Go playbook as well, the item that their superior had stressed to retrieve. Without Yun Yang''s instructions, Shangguan Lingxiu backed out thirty feet away automatically. Her back was against the wall, a short sword gleaming chillingly in her grip while her eyes watched the field with her full concentration. Under such circumstances, not only would she not be of assistance; if she were to insist on staying by Yun Yang''s side, she would only add to his trouble and weaknesses. Therefore, backing out from the proximity without hesitation was the best option. Furthermore, with her standing by the wall, she could notice an ambush should the enemy initiate one from this direction. As long as she could see it, she could warn Yun Yang, adding to his chance of survival, even if she were to die in the next instant. Yun Yang was still poised as ever in his fluttering, purple gown. The cold light in his hands blinked merrily, as usual. Abundant basic Qi from heaven and earth was gushing towards where they stood. Their enemy had a total of eleven experts and two of them were even cultivators of the Dao realm. It should have been completely child''s play for such a line-up to kill him. If it were not for the coincidental door slam that awarded him an amount of time, he would have been in far graver danger in the room. Yun Yang was oddly calm now, his thoughts clear and cool like the ice and snow. Other than the approaching battle, he cared about nothing else. He cultivated the Endless Divine Art with all he could during this critical juncture, the crossroads of life and death. Refined mystical Qi surged in his meridians. There was only his cultivation method that he could rely on during this critical time. The Endless Divine Art possessed a much faster speed that allowed him to regain his breath compared to the masses C this was his biggest advantage in this battle. His eyes were not trained on the incoming attackers. Most of his focus was on the blade in his hand. His intention was fixated, every that formed who he was merging into one seamlessly. This was the first time Yun Yang had entered such a realm since he had begun fighting. The many fights previously had never brought him face to face with enemies of levels this high. Of course, there had been situations that were more threatening than it was now, but his level had never achieved these heights. At this moment in time, in this murderous and perilous atmosphere, Yun Yang, who was at an extreme disadvantage, had subconsciously entered this state. He could feel the earth under his feet expanding and stretching. His mind was crystal clear like the entire world was encapsulated within his senses. It was an amazing feeling! 623 The Underlying Apprehension An enemy on his left had just shrugged, but Yun Yang could judge instantly that this person would come first and his form of attack would be the hack of a saber from the top to bottom diagonally, aimed at his waist. This would then create the chance to force him into the trap on his right. In truth, what truly threatened his life would be the person behind the aforementioned enemy, although that person had not yet moved. Yun Yang''s saber gleamed, deflecting the strike at the right side of his waist before flicking out swiftly. The person''s blow had just struck downwards but he looked on with horror as Yun Yang''s saber came in an odd angle towards his arm. Nay, instead of saying Yun Yang''s saber had come in for the blow, it was more apt to say that he had sent his arm forward for him to chop it off. The man shrieked in terror and drew back his saber hastily, retreating in a drifting motion. However, the to and fro motion had already begun; he could not have withdrawn himself unscathed, thus a foot-long gash appeared on his right arm as blood spurted out instantly. The other person, who was standing behind the man, was used to acting in concert with him. He was waiting for his partner to strike and force their target to respond before he was to react automatically with a follow-up attack. This was the unspoken understanding between them, a tactic that had always worked for a long time. His partner had dealt a blow, as usual, so he would naturally follow up in the prescribed manner. This time, however, his partner''s strike had failed and was forced to withdraw! The latter''s coordinated strike that was supposed to complement the initial attack flawlessly became a fault. It was useless against Yun Yang''s precise and poised saber, completely hindered by the assertive counter. It was not just his sword and arm, the assassin''s retreat had been sealed off as well! What was happening? ''There wasn''t any hidden threat here earlier, but why did the situation become fatal once I launched my attack?'' C this were the thoughts that ran through the assassin''s mind. However, these thoughts were his last, as his arm, along with his sword, fell to the ground, followed by a wash of blood and an agonized cry. Shangguan Lingxiu, who was watching from the sidelines, observed the entire scene in disbelief. It was bizarre and outrageous to her. From her point of view, the process had begun with Yun Yang launching the attack by first raising his saber; for some reason, the enemy had sent his own arm right into the path of Yun Yang''s blade. Then, the enemy had cried out before he withdrew. As Yun Yang pulled back his saber, he raised it again casually and flicked it out. It did not have even the momentum from the previous attack, but this casual wave of his blade saw another killer sending his arm under it hastily. Yun Yang did not seem to require any undue effort to lop off the assassin''s right arm! After that, a simple tilt of the blade was sufficient to defend against the attacks from other directions and ensure his safety. Shangguan Lingxiu took in everything clearly, but she was utterly bewildered. What was going on? The two victims looked like they had agreed to put on a show, leaping right into the saber''s path, but why would their arms be severed for real if it were a show? In addition, so many people were watching. Could they be any more obvious? The black masked leader''s pupils contracted, his gaze sharp, as he hollered, "Everyone, retreat!" The seven to eight assassins took three steps back each without faltering, not at all affected by the fact that their combat strength had been severely depleted. The black masked man said slowly, "Don''t use any further fancy techniques. Proceed with brute force; one powerful strike can triumph over ten skilled ones. Finish him quickly!" Yun Yang commented faintly, looking at the masked man in black after he heard his commands, "Good eyes." The masked man snorted, trying not to roll his eyes. ''Anyone with eyes and experience can guess that you''ve just realized that skill of yours. Otherwise, you wouldn''t have refrained from using it in the first battle. How could we possibly give you a chance to familiarize yourself with it? That would be utterly stupid!'' It was obvious that they would try to kill him with brute force. The masked leader''s arm stretched out, bringing to bear large steel staffs and an assortment of weapons; saber, spear, sword, ax, hammer, and several other menacing implements. It was a full array of heavy weapons. There were two more huge hammers that he wielded in anticipation, looking grand and mighty. ''This fellow has prepared the spatial ring and stored plenty of heavy weapons in it!'' Yun Yang immediately became cautious and wary. Indeed, the following battle would be perilous once again for him. When one side was fighting without any technique, the other side could finish the fight easily with an assortment of skills. Even if the former side had a better cultivation base and skill, the outcome was predictable C even when there were two to three people involved. However, when there was a group of people no matter how skillful one was, the crude force that came from large numbers would still outdo the sole person. Facing the assassins who were lashing out, one after another, violently, Yun Yang was helpless. No matter how quick-witted and astute he was, there was no hope. He had a group of men as his opponent! The fight that came could only be described as barbaric. Shangguan Lingxiu saw and understood the situation clearly C Yun Yang was contained. His stealthy technique that could predict the enemy''s movement was futile now while the opponent''s constant and aggressive attacks were not fatal to them, despite them getting injured ceaselessly. If Yun Yang wanted to actually kill one of them, he had to expend his energy and repeat the trick before the feat was possible. Once he did that, his opponent''s life-risking attacks would garner the same effect C they would use the life of a person or two in exchange for Yun Yang''s complete disadvantage to end him right there and then! To the masked leader in black, such an exchange was well worth it. As long as they could kill Yun Yang as soon as possible, it was worth it, even if half of the assassins here were sacrificed. In order to achieve their goal, in order for one to achieve greatness, anything could be done; casualties were merely annoyances! "Boom!" Yun Yang blocked a staff and flicked away a hammer, his thoughts a mess. Where had these people come from? They did not belong to The Merciless Tower or the Hall of Crimson Blade and it was impossible for them to have come from the Concourse of the Underworld. If that were the case, these people could only come from one of two places. One was the Residence of Crown Prince while the other was the Four Seasons Tower. Yet, how could the crown prince''s residence possess such combat power? If the crown prince were to have this ability, he would not have been caught in the state he was in now. It was not even difficult to force a change of dynasties if one were to leverage on these forces right here. These were a group of skilled men, from ace heaven realm practitioners to Dao realm cultivators Then, the only possibility left was the Four Seasons Tower. This still seemed wrong, however. He had probed Snow, Frost, and Sword carefully and had never heard of the existence of these people. Were these people someone''s personal combat forces? Come to think of it, he had just exited the Residence of Crown Prince and these people had probably tailed him. ''Could these people be from Sir Bi?'' The more Yun Yang thought of it, the more probable it seemed, but the interaction he had from playing Go with Sir Bi earlier was harmonious. Yun Yang suddenly had a startling thought. 624 As Expected! He roared as the Divine Edge emerged once more. The sudden, intense saber light forced everyone to withdraw at least a step back. Yun Yang then slipped his hand into his embrace to retrieve a ceramic bottle, crushing it and popping a few pills into his mouth. Yun Yang''s action was timely and reasonable, no one could tell the ulterior motive behind it. Facing the lethal siege of cultivators whose cultivation base was far above his, it was a wise move to maintain his optimum state at all times. If he had good medicinal pills, he was shrewd to consume them quickly. Unfortunately, he seemed to have exerted too much force in his haste; a tattered Go playbook flew out from his embrace and landed on the battlefield. One could see that the manual was very old and torn, ready to break into pieces if more force was put on it. Landing on a battlefield, an area of intense mystical Qi, how could it survive? A powerful wind would have blown it to pieces. Yun Yang was not bothered by this. His only aim was to probe. Furthermore, he was not the playbook''s original owner and he did not really like to play Go anyway. If this Go manual could trigger an unexpected outcome, it would have performed its function. When the manual appeared, the one nearest to Yun Yang and the playbook was about to strike Yun Yang with his staff, but the blow would have definitely ruined the manual. At the very last moment, the strike tilted ridiculously and missed its target. Yun Yang was secretly pleased. With a confident wave of his saber, the strike was extended from below the playbook that was falling and pursued the assassin. The swift strike that came from a strange angle was not easy to avoid, but the person did not counter the attack; he retreated and narrowly avoided the blow. Under everyone''s gaze, the Go playbook fluttered as it fell, while Yun Yang cried out, "My Go manual!" He then darted forward as if he was about to fetch and retrieve it. In spite of this, the sound of the wind breaking could be heard. A radiant sword light flashed, following the path of an incoming sword as the falling manual was picked up by a staff and flung away. The masked man in black who was watching the battle rose and caught the playbook, flipping it casually before stuffing it into his embrace. Yun Yang was mad. "Are you fellows beggars? Snatching a trifle thing such as a playbook?" The masked man replied coldly, "When you die, we want everything that you have on your body!" "Wait for it! I''ve poisoned the manual anyway, you''ll surely die having touched it!" Yun Yang retorted icily. He was spewing nonsense, but he had already come to a conclusion. These people were indeed Sir Bi''s men! He wondered if it was a good thing or not that Sir Bi''s obsession with the art of Go had far exceeded his expectations. All things considered, it had still created a huge variable in today''s battle. The leader who was clothed in black chuckled coldly. "So Young Master Yun likes to apply poison on things that he carries? What an interesting method to commit suicide! Since Young Master Yun likes to seek death so much, we shall assist you today. We shall send you on your way to the Nine Springs so that you don''t do nonsensical rubbish anymore!" Following the leader''s command, the ten men quickly separated into three batches. Divided into three directions, one batch would fight to their heart''s content before they retreated to be replaced by another batch. When Yun Yang finished tackling the two batches, the third batch would surface. Even without considering the leader whose cultivation base was the highest, such an attacking pattern was sufficient to kill him. Yun Yang was getting exhausted. The least efficient combat method was right where Yun Yang''s Achilles'' heel was. He stole a peek at the covetous masked man by the side and thought the fellow to be quite astute, talented to have arranged such a tactic. From the current state, he would undoubtedly bring Yun Yang twice the pressure if he were to leap into the fray as well. It was foreseeable. However, said pressure could not instantly kill Yun Yang. As long as Yun Yang was willing to pay the price, he, too, had many ways to escape, bringing Shangguan Lingxiu along. Yet the leader had just watched the fight from the side, observing everyone carefully. The possibility of him attacking at any time had, instead, captured most of Yun Yang''s energy. Once Yun Yang''s counterattack lacked consideration and his weakness was identified, the leader''s forceful strike would instantly decide his life and death. The reality now was that he would never know when this person would strike. This was the most upsetting fact. As the battle raged, someone had intentionally or unintentionally moved closer to Shangguan Lingxiu. With a casual wave of her saber, Shangguan Lingxiu deflected the attack, but still let out a low grunt. The masked leader by the side was furious. "Bastard! No one is asking you to cause further trouble! Focus on Yun Yang! No mistake is allowed!" Everyone was stunned. Anyone could deduce that any attack on Shangguan Lingxiu would distract Yun Yang, whether the lady was caught alive or killed outright. Was this not the best method to end him as quickly as possible? Yet, they had been chastised. The person was stupefied, but he dared not ask further, turning to Yun Yang again to launch his attacks. Shangguan Lingxiu did not pursue the fight as well, only going back to her spot as she held her sword, and stood immobile. Yun Yang howled and laughed. "I didn''t expect such a talent like you among commissioned assassins C rare, how rare! Why not turn to me instead? As long as you''re willing to come, I guarantee you a marquis title that can be passed on for at least three generations!" "Shut up!" The masked leader retorted with vehemence. The billowing noises grew more violent. With a change of his mind, Yun Yang''s defensive circle got smaller. The nine people who had surrounded him in three different directions began to falter, resulting in two people leaving the siege. One of the two who had left was the assistant head of the group, another cultivator of the Dao realm. He was confused, unable to figure out the issue. To his perception, this battle should have ended a long time ago. As long as they could hold Shangguan Lingxiu hostage, it would distract Yun Yang and hasten his demise. Their leader, however, had disallowed them from doing so. The assistant thought it was utterly unreasonable and he, as the assistant, had the responsibility to remind him of the most efficient tactics that could be brought to bear. It had never bothered them to be called despicable or unscrupulous in their actions As the battle circle grew smaller, he did not hesitate to leave it. "You have an opinion?" the masked leader asked in a low voice when he saw the assistant coming to his side, his gaze gleaming coldly. The assistant was a Dao realm cultivator C an experienced man as well. He replied, panting, "Of course! Your decision is remarkably flawed and you''re not allowing me to voice my thoughts? If this mission isn''t completed, we''ll definitely be questioned when we go back. Are you planning to shoulder this punishment alone?" He stopped short of saying that he would have to be chastised as well if their mission failed. The masked leader in black smirked in disdain, "Speak, then." "Why can''t we target Shangguan Lingxiu to distract Yun Yang?" The assistant went straight to the point. "Why are we ignoring an obvious advantage such as this, forgoing the most convenient opportunity and letting the brothers bleed and sacrifice themselves?" 625 She Can’t Be Targeted The leader snorted and said, "Our aim is to kill Yun Yang. We have no grievance against Shangguan Lingxiu! Don''t you get it?" The assistant replied angrily, "I see this even more clearly than you do, but the situation now is that brute force can''t take Yun Yang down any time soon. If Shangguan Lingxiu is taken as a bargaining chip, it would certainly speed things up greatly!" The leader sighed softly; looking at his assistant''s furious gaze, he knew that he had to explain the entire scenario. "The current situation obviously shows that Shangguan Lingxiu knows that she can''t escape. At the same time, she doesn''t want to either C because she knows that once she moves, whether she can actually flee or not, her movements will affect Yun Yang''s focus. If she did escape, Yun Yang would not be able to confirm that she''d be safe, and he would be worried. Is this right?" "Yes." "Since Shangguan Lingxiu can''t escape, Yun Yang can only be assured if he keeps her within his field of vision. Then, keeping her here will instead be the main reason Yun Yang can''t leave! Do you understand?" The leader was frustrated. "Do you think that Yun Yang really can''t break free of this siege given his cultivation base? I would dare to say that if he intends to leave, he will, at most, pay the price of slight injuries. He can leave anytime he wants. Do you doubt anything I am saying?" "Uh" To have reached the Dao realm, the assistant was not a foolish man. He could discern that Yun Yang would have left long ago if he wanted to break the siege, given how he was only at a disadvantage when there were a dozen men attacking him. In other words, there must be something he could not let go of here and the only plausible suggestion was none other than Shangguan Lingxiu. "What sort of outcome do you want to create by attacking Shangguan Lingxiu? To make Yun Yang aware that there''s only death should he be distracted? That one death is better than two? Then for him to resolve to break free? Will you be able to stop him if that was truly the case?" asked the leader. "Would he really care that much?" "Put yourself in his shoes. If it were you, of course, you would try your best to protect those around you under the premise that you can ensure your own safety. However, what if you have also fallen into a critical state of life and death? Will you protect them with your all?" The leader said furiously, "Can''t you use your brain? Is your brain only for display purposes ?" The assistant was struck with a sudden realization. "So Shangguan Lingxiu can''t leave, neither can she die. She can only remain here. As long as she''s here, Yun Yang won''t flee, isn''t that right?" "Why must you state the obvious?" "Still, what if we hold Shangguan Lingxiu hostage?" "It looks like you''re really as stupid as a pig! I''ve heard that even pigs can fly if the timing is right; I can see for myself today!" The leader continued in anger, "We''re clearly here to kill Yun Yang. If we were to capture Shangguan Lingxiu at this point of time, guess what Yun Yang will do immediately?" The assistant coughed and answered, "Escape! Only when he leaves will it be possible for him to save Shangguan Lingxiu in the future. If he falls for the bait, only death awaits the both of them." "That is correct. If we target Shangguan Lingxiu, with the girl''s temper, she may even commit suicide upon realizing that she can''t escape! By then, can you stop Yun Yang?" "Uh" That could very well happen. "I see that you''re clear now; do you still have questions?" The leader''s eyes were on the battlefield. "I really don''t wish to be bothered about you right now." "I understand your point in not targeting Shangguan Lingxiu," the assistant sighed but thought of a new problem at once, saying, "Nonetheless, why doesn''t Shangguan Lingxiu initiate an escape? She can run away. Once she does, Yun Yang won''t have additional worries to distract himself." The leader was choked with rage, watching his assistance like he was looking at a fool. "If she can leave, if she''s able to, would she not? If she really does want to leave, will you let her go?" "She knows that she''s unable to escape. That is why she stands there and doesn''t partake in this battle that exceeds her range of ability, but still maintains a certain degree of spontaneity. This lady is waiting, having the same idea as Yun Yang. If Yun Yang dies, she won''t be able to live, but if their support troops arrive, both of them will be able to survive!" "This is an extremely smart, wise and tough lady. To threaten or to distract her will be futile against the both of them! The current situation is the best scenario, do you understand?" "Er" The assistant rolled his eyes, realizing that he was indeed as dumb as a pig, but he refused to admit such a fact. Wracking his head to find another topic, he asked, "Since they have relief troops why aren''t you joining the fight to finish this off as fast as possible?" The leader heaved a long sigh and said, "I must change an assistant once I go back. If it can''t happen, I''ll request to be switched to another group I''ve f*cking had enough. Why the f*ck do I have a brother-in-law like you? A pig is a pig, a pig with a high cultivation base is still a pig Argh!" His sigh brimmed with unspoken frustration. ''You can be a fool, you can be stupid. However, how can you be so terribly stupid to this extent!'' He was utterly speechless. The assistant did not reply for a long while, but he had something he dared not say, "Do you f*cking know who my brother-in-law is? If I''m a pig, what does that make my sister? What is my brother-in-law sleeping with? Do you f*cking dare to say that I''m a pig and stupid? How much better are you now?" On the other side of the battle, Yun Yang was thoroughly drenched in sweat, panting and heaving. Just as the masked leader had said, Yun Yang would have left long ago if he wanted to. He could not; if he did, Shangguan Lingxiu was doomed. Yun Yang would never abandon Shangguan Lingxiu and escape alone, especially when he was confident that he could push through until help arrived. After all, he had left plenty of clues along the way. He believed that relief would arrive as long as he continued to persevere. The masked men in black knew about this as well, thus they would only toil harder. In spite of this, Yun Yang''s mystical Qi supply was endless, far stronger than anyone''s expectations. Logically, Yun Yang''s mystical Qi should have been expended a long time ago when faced with such frequent and pressured attacks. Even if he were to act cautiously, an expert of third or fourth to even fifth or sixth level in Dao realm would have exhausted their mystical Qi a long time ago! Yun Yang, oddly, had pushed through. Everyone present thought it was unbelievable. Not only had Yun Yang held on, he still managed to muster an occasional counterattack and cause substantial damage to these assassins. This was even more inconceivable. Although they saw that Yun Yang was growing more fatigued C sweat drenching him as he panted harshly and his expression was turning pale, the wounds on the killers were growing in number as well. They were also growing exhausted. After all, they were made from flesh and blood! The saber in Yun Yang''s hand left tiny open gashes on the black-clothed assassins. It was not that he did not want to cause further damage, it was that the time gap left for him could only leave injuries of such extent. If he had exerted more force, it would have placed him in an irreversibly grave state. However, Yun Yang had seized every opportunity he had been given to deal damage to the killers. As long as he got to attack, he would complete the charge with a tremendously skilled technique. 626 Can’t And Wonst Leave! Having fought to this point, the assassins that were clad in black could already count the handful of Yun Yang''s remarkable saber styles. There was a total of six styles, no matter how times they were repeated. Yet, these six styles were well equipped with attacking and defending characteristics, which rendered the killers unable to penetrate them. They could only attack with brute force and attempt to dismantle the techniques in an unsophisticated manner. Every time they tried, one or two people would be slightly injured. Although Yun Yang was in a precarious state as the battle persisted, the killers suffered as much as their opponent C the one to have experienced the worst of the attacks was already suffering from more than a hundred and thirty slashes on his body! They were only external injuries, wounds that were only skin deep without touching the muscle but they were really painful! The surface area of a person''s body was not small, but once it had been peppered with more than a hundred and thirty wounds, one would feel the creeping fear just thinking about it. It was similar to torture! The eleven men, including the one whose arm had been severed by Yun Yang the moment he charged, glared at Yun Yang in a hostile manner. All of them were thinking, ''Why the f*ck haven''t you collapsed yet! Why the f*ck are you still standing?'' They did not know nor could they have imagined that not only would Yun Yang not collapse, he would bring them a huge surprise. In fact, Yun Yang had been mustering his strength for a counterattack C it was about time now. The Endless Divine Art cycled through Yun Yang''s meridians like gushing rivers. If he had continued attacking aggressively like he had in the beginning and expended his mystical Qi without holding back, perhaps he would not have been able to last until now; perhaps he could have broken the siege and fled. When the battle had progressed to a certain point, however, when everyone was pushing themselves on, Yun Yang realized with some shock that he seemed to have a chance to turn the tables! As long as he insisted on creating minor wounds on these assassins, the effect would show as time went on. In the case of attack and defense, the attacking side would always deplete more energy in addition to being constantly wounded C although, they looked like they had given it their all, it looked like they were bickering among themselves as well. Yet, Yun Yang, who was in the battle, could clearly notice that the intensity of his opponent''s attack had weakened compared to when they had not been injured. Whenever anyone carried wounds on them, they would subconsciously avoid stimulating the wound. This was but a human instinct that even the person involved would not notice, nor would a third party. It was this instinct that became Yun Yang''s life-saving straw C the turning point of this battle! Yun Yang''s depletion of energy was massive but his injuries were negligible. The Saber Truth: Divine Edge was the singular saber truth in this world! As the enemy''s attacking intensity began to falter, Yun Yang''s Endless Divine Art naturally performed far beyond the range of one''s imagination. It replenished his Qi constantly while recharging him swiftly. Therefore, after Yun Yang persevered through most of the earlier fight, he gradually grew increasingly relaxed, at ease, even. He had intentionally put up an exhausted front like he would crumble any time to mislead his opponent. In other words, no matter how drenched in perspiration and how much Yun Yang staggered, it was only a fa?ade! The boon of doing so was naturally to make the killers think that as long as they pushed harder, their target would succumb to it! As they pushed and labored, and toiled some more Yun Yang appeared to be on the brink of fatigue! No matter how weary he was, he was still not collapsing! Looking at the situation, it was, of course, like a freak show, but upon understanding it, life was a theater and all the men and women were merely players. There was nothing significantly complex about it. As time went on, Yun Yang grew confident that he would retaliate in a storm and escape with Shangguan Lingxiu. Even with observant experts by the sidelines who were ready to pounce, Yun Yang was no longer afraid. Yun Yang, who had already turned the scenario to his advantage and controlled the battle, thought of something else instead. He did not want to leave now. He had spent so much effort to wear down the enemy''s men that it would be futile if he left, especially when the cavalry would come anytime now, no matter who it was. It was fine if it was Lao Mei, Marquis Yun, the four young masters and their entourage, or even the Concourse of the Underworld Once they came and he worked with them to retaliate, they could definitely seize most of these people here! Furthermore, Yun Yang would love to take this opportunity and see if the Four Seasons Tower had any other forces and if there were more experts who would intervene. This could save him so much effort and time to filter them one by one Another reason that supported Yun Yang''s insane plan was the magical prediction that Yun Yang had just grasped just now. If he could not experiment with it during practical battles, it would be difficult for him to call it his own. He remembered clearly that the handful of experts had such an ability too when he watched Ling Xiaozui and the group fight; their grasp of the projection ability was also much more thorough than his own. How could he let go of rare opportunities to gain insight through life-or-death battles like these? Moreover, Yun Yang had the time to ponder with his critical thinking, that such enlightenment would have arrived much later if Emmie and his deific consciousness were still here. The battle escalated. At the same time that Yun Yang''s Endless Divine Art worked in full force, the mystical medicinal strength that was stored deep within his meridians, flesh, and blood was slowly being driven out, allowing Yun Yang''s recovery to speed up even more. The mystical medicinal strength that had been long stored within him melted drop by drop at a revoltingly slow speed but when it was dissolved within Yun Yang, it produced an enormous force that was not unlike a tsunami that surged into Yun Yang''s meridians. Feeling the change in himself, Yun Yang was even more reluctant to leave. How could there be a more suitable atmosphere to advance himself than a life-or-death battle? Break free of the siege now? That would be a reckless waste of God''s gift, a scrap of opportunity, a fool''s act! ''I look like I''m struggling in this critical juncture of life and death, but in truth do you know that I''m slowly becoming stronger?'' ''The power within me is slowly growing!'' Yun Yang could feel it as clear as day C the surge of colossal power within him. It was like a glowing sword that had been made from the world''s toughest metal; only when it was struck by an unparalleled force would it slowly show its dazzling brilliance! At this point in time, the frequency of attacks would only break the coating of rust that was growing on the sword. There was still a long, long way to go until the treasured sword truly took its shape and radiated its chilling radiance. How could the battle stop now? Yun Yang even hoped that the few people who were watching the battle join in quickly. Let the storm pound even more forcefully! ''I need all of you to come at me! Brothers, quickly!'' ''Harder!'' ''Push harder!'' 627 Frontline Breakthrough Yun Yang allowed instinct to take over, acting out whatever his mind could envision, even before he could think it through. The saber light glowed, encircling the seven to eight people that faced him. The assassins felt the pressure mounting on them but they could only exert more force and pushed forward. The courageous one would always win, should the two meet in a narrow alley. Since Yun Yang was giving his all, he was playing right into their hands. In spite of it, what happened next shocked the assassins. Had the fellow achieved terminal lucidity? He was actually gaining more strength, his saber strikes were gaining strength, each blow harder than the last. It was ruinous. The assassins could only keep going while groaning inwardly, hoping that the man''s sudden burst of energy would pass quickly. Amidst the tidal wave of attacks, Yun Yang, who was wobbling unsteadily, suddenly roared into the sky as the saber in his grip flared. An indescribably brilliant saber light expanded. "Clang, clang, clang" The sound of weapons colliding into each other rang continuously. Those who were attacking Yun Yang all felt as if they were being hacked by a gigantic ax used to hew down a mountain by a God. A power that threatened to destroy everything in its path forced the killers to stumble away, causing the battleground to widen and a loophole to emerge. Yun Yang''s howl was filled with a sense of determination. "He''s going to escape!" The eyes of the leader in black were bright. "Everyone, go in!" Other than the leader, the assistant and even the man with the broken arm charged forward to stop Yun Yang. The assistant was embarrassed to stay by the leader''s side after being criticized earlier; the latter''s contemptuous gaze made him feel like he was indeed a pig. ''Am I a pig? No, of course not!'' ''So I should go fight.'' ''Looking at those eyes f*cking hell, I''ll tell my brother-in-law when I go back. You don''t want to be grouped together with me? I f*cking don''t want to be yoked to you either!'' As the four men who had previously been observing joined in the battle, the pressure on Yun Yang hiked abruptly while the loophole that had momentarily emerged closed up once again. Yun Yang was panting harshly as if he was close to wheezing the lobes of his lungs out at the very next moment. He could barely hold on... Encouraged by the sight, the assassins gained more energy. "Go harder! That''ll end him then!" hollered the assistant. He should have thought twice before yelling out meaningless orders. The moment he did, almost all the killers subconsciously rolled their eyes. ''Have you not been crying out the same thing?'' ''Big brother, you''ve shouted this for about forty different times or so since the beginning!'' ''Go harder? Go your f*cking harder! Do we still have more energy?'' ''F*cker Do you think everyone is as lazy as you are? Going off to rest for so long'' Regardless, Yun Yang''s state seemed to worsen under the full onslaught of so many assassins. Not only was he staggering and pale, drenched in sweat, he was barely able to keep his footing and maintain his form. The frequent clanks sounded like a blacksmith forging iron. Yun Yang''s current state was different from how it previously was. Compared to the fa?ade earlier, only half of how he was now was a pretense; the other half, a larger portion of him, was truly exhausted. Such a situation seemed to defy logic. It sounded contradictory when described with words, but this was how Yun Yang truly felt. The basic Qi in Yun Yang was still surging and endless; if one were to just rely on mystical Qi, there was no worry of it being depleted. Even if he were to go on for another three days, it was possible that the Qi would still not be expended. In this aspect, he was in his optimal state. Nonetheless, the reflection of combined combat power was not only on the mystical Qi cultivation base. There was also an emphasis on individual combat skill, tactical skill, and depletion of physical strength. These combined aspects would then embody an individual''s optimal combat strength. Yun Yang could maneuver his mystical Qi, skill method, and tactics with great ease but the last aspect, his physical strength, was showing signs of exhaustion. After all, he was being constantly and brutally struck. In the face of such aggressive battle, the massive depletion of energy was far beyond one''s imagination. Even when he had the Endless Divine Art to depend on, fatigue slowly overtook him. Of course, this did not mean that the Endless Divine Art was not powerful. It was merely unfortunate that Yun Yang''s cultivation of this method was still too shallow; he had yet to reach adequate competency in this aspect. Perhaps, it was a distinctive reflection that one was not, and would never be, omnipotent! The battle went on. The masked leader in black had been watching Yun Yang''s movements slowly, paying close attention to each detail. Seeing that Yun Yang''s exhausted state grew more apparent and as the state lingered, it was coming closer to when he would launch the decisive attack! The bloodlust began to sparkle in his eyes. On the opposite side, Shangguan Lingxiu had been observing this assassin who had yet to do anything. Her clear eyes were icy while her mystical Qi was cultivated to the brink. However, the eyes of the leader in black who was ready to strike at any time to end this entire battle suddenly bulged. His orbs almost fell out of his eye sockets. He witnessed the most shocking plot twist, so shocking that it caused him to quiver. It was like a person who was sound asleep suddenly jerking violently. To everyone''s knowledge, Yun Yang was already fatigued. Just as Yun Yang himself was thinking that he could no longer push on, a burst of energy seemed to erupt inexplicably within him, enabling him to regain his combat strength. At that moment, Yun Yang who was the central person involved felt as if his bones and joints were abruptly dislocated. It was also in the same moment that a faint glow exploded from him. The layer of radiance vanished in a flash; if it were not for everyone paying close attention to him, they might not have seen it at all. Then, everyone witnessed another shocking scene, this one more disturbing than the last. Yun Yang''s sweat that drenched him turned black. It was like he was fighting but a gush of mud had erupted from his body! A rush of mud! No, it was a tidal wave of mud that engulfed him instantly. The masked leader and the rest of the assassins clad in black were simultaneously stupefied! They all had a cultivation base of the heaven realm and above. Each one of them could be considered a cultivation expert. Everyone knew what state Yun Yang was in now. ''We''re fighting for life and death here and you''re actually experiencing a cleansing of meridians? What the heck is this progress?'' ''Can you just fight properly?'' While the men clothed in black from head to toe were completely dumbstruck, Yun Yang himself was also very surprised by his current state. However, unlike the assassins, he was aware that he was not experiencing a cleansing of his meridians now. There was something he understood but was not quite happening within him! His chakras! According to the knowledge of Tianxuan Continent''s cultivators, everyone had nine chakras in them; those who had nine awakened chakras would be gifted talents. Yun Yang did not really care about this; he already had all nine chakras awakened. As such, he had always assumed that his attributes were already at its peak. He no longer had room for improvement regarding his given talents. Yet, right now, when his body had gone broken through countless limits and experienced countless cycles of exhaustion, he had awakened another two chakras without warning! Indeed, there were two more awakened chakras beyond the nine chakras! The moment he noticed the change, Yun Yang was so stunned that he almost lost control of his saber truth. 628 Long Time No See! If it were not for the fact that the assassins were shocked at Yun Yang''s muddy state and were dumbfounded in unison, Yun Yang would have suffered a multitude of injuries if he were not dead yet. Yun Yang thought quickly, ''Hasn''t it been said that a person only has nine chakras within them?'' ''Then, what are these two chakras that have just been awakened?'' ''Furthermore, how many chakras can one actually have in them?'' The question was temporarily without an answer, but there was another issue Yun Yang had to face right now. It was not external, it was internal C a strange energy was surging within him. The force was strange and inexplicable, but extremely strong to the point that it was unstoppable! Yun Yang felt that he might explode and combust from this outrageously powerful force before he could break through and advance. The power was indeed invincible and unmanipulatable! Fortunately, Yun Yang felt a vigorous quake from within his deific consciousness. The powerful force was violently colliding with the space of his divine senses! Under the extreme pressure, his deific consciousness that had been silent for so long - a voice he had not heard for a long time - rang in Yun Yang''s mind. "Ayaya" The leader dressed in black picked himself up before bolting towards Yun Yang like a strike of lightning, with the determination of a moth flying towards the flame. He was resolute to kill him and end things right there and then! The leader had the highest cultivation base among those present and he felt something distinctly odd. In this lifetime, they were, perhaps, the only people among all the cultivators in Tianxuan Continent that had the chance to kill Yun Yang now. Once they missed this opportunity, he could never be eradicated again! No one could do it anymore! Thinking about this, he took action. He tried his best, going all out in this single strike, praying that it would end Yun Yang in one kill C right when everyone was still frozen in shock and stupor. Shangguan Lingxiu had been watching Yun Yang closely, observing each detail and minor feature of his expression. No one knew that since they had been ambushed till now, Shangguan Lingxiu had never been fearful or afraid. Such negative emotions had nothing to do with her. Since the ambush began, there was only one feeling brimming her heart C an emotion as sweet as honey! Sweet C when they had been ambushed, Yun Yang had hopped out of the window holding on to her. She could feel Yun Yang''s breath, heartbeat, and warmth, thus the sweetness she felt escalated to the point that she was even thankful for these assassins. To Shangguan Lingxiu, she truly did not care about being together eternally; it was enough that she had possessed it for an instant! ''I thought to have a plain experience that I can keep deep in my heart. Then, even when I don''t get anything in the end, this simple pleasure can comfort me in the endless years after'' Each time she was to reminisce about it during the long nights, during her silent life, she could still remember that she had possessed the budding emotion when she was a youth. However, she did not expect to have such a memorable encounter at this point in time C a love that was born of life and death! After they sprung off the wall, Shangguan Lingxiu had come to a dead end and made a decision. ''I am content. I won''t burden him.'' ''If someone were to capture me as a hostage, I will commit suicide instantly lest I become Yun Yang''s burden.'' ''Similarly, if someone were to use me to divert his attention, I''ll commit suicide at once as well to prevent any possibility of things becoming a disadvantage to Yun Yang!'' ''What''s left is to watch the battle here My cultivation base is of no help to him, joining the fight will only trouble him. I can only watch'' ''Watch the man I love fight, risking his life If he wins, we leave safely; if the relief comes, we leave together; if he loses, I have the strength to fight for his survival.'' ''If we''re still unlucky we''ll just die together. There''s all there is to it.'' Therefore, she watched Yun Yang wholeheartedly, watched him move like a nail that was being hammered in front of her, like a secure mountain that blocked the tidal attacks of the killers without missing a beat. She was never afraid; there was no fear, only happiness. ''In this life of mine, my biggest wish is none other than being the woman behind a man like him today!'' ''Perhaps I can create the glory and legend that belong to us women if I fight myself. I''m confident I can do it. However, when you like someone, you''ll realize that all the glory and pride pales when compared to him. Even when it''s too much of a fixation, I won''t regret it.'' Looking at Yun Yang panting and duking it out in the battle, Shangguan Lingxiu''s heart ached for him, but she remained calm and composed. ''I shall accompany you! Be it life or death, I shall never abandon you!'' When she saw the black-robed leader rising, Shangguan Lingxiu did not even pause to think as she moved right as he launched his ambush. Her tall and lean form soared with the wind. The reason behind Shangguan Lingxiu''s reaction was simple. To her, Yun Yang had yet to notice the leader''s ambush. Perhaps, something was going on with him that his most basic movements seemed stoic. Therefore, she had to push forth and fight for the least bit of time for Yun Yang C just a bit, she was fighting for the shortest duration of time using her life, her all. The leader''s speed was as swift as a bolt of lightning, inexplicably fast, while Shangguan Lingxiu had unleashed the peak speed of her life as well. She soared in a straight line, darting forward fearlessly while gripping her sword that was gleaming with threatening light. Her arms were stretched straight while the tip of her sword erupted with a menacing spark. With Shangguan Lingxiu''s cultivation base that had yet to reach the heaven realm, it was an amazing feat to be able to ignite the spark; it was not even an exaggeration to say that her performance had exceeded the limitation of her cultivation base. In spite of this, her execution of the move was insignificant compared to that of the masked leader. He could see through it right away, that the maximum effect of Shangguan Lingxiu''s technique that exceeded her cultivation base boundary would, at most, slow him down for half a breath. Despite her determination and momentum, despite her willing sacrifice, it would not impede him in the slightest. Perhaps it would not even last half a breath. The overestimation of her strength was not even akin to amantis trying to block a chariot, it was more like an ant trying to shake a tree. However, he did not know that what Shangguan Lingxiu asked for was never to take too much of his time. What she wished for was merely for the time it took to blink an eye, an instant C that would be sufficient. It would be sufficient for Yun Yang to react and defend himself, counter, or even escape. As long as she could strive after that bit of time to let Yun Yang react, Shangguan Lingxiu would die without regrets no matter what Yun Yang''s choice was. Both sides were like two beams of light that were approaching each other rapidly high in the sky. The leader who saw Shangguan Lingxiu''s calm, almost expressionless face and utterly resolute gaze sighed inwardly. Such a beauty was to perish by his blade! Her death had to be a tragic one. It was truly a regrettable act! By then, the swords in their hands were at a distance where they would almost collide! 629 I Want Them Alive! The masked leader in black let out a furious howl. His eyes flared with a terrible glint of bloodlust. He had exerted even more force to ensure that he could exterminate Shangguan Lingxiu in the shortest amount of time possible and still maintain his initial attacking direction to ambush Yun Yang once more. He could not afford to botch up the timing of events! Right at this critical juncture, a bright beam suddenly appeared. It was indescribably radiant, like a galaxy that had suddenly fallen from the sky to land in the middle of both swords. A saber had materialized out of thin air, coalescing precisely where the two swords would collide! The distance between the swords was only about a finger''s width apart, just before a violent collision was about to happen. It was within this thin hair of a distance that the saber took its position. The saber''s presence was mysterious, having appeared out of nowhere. Everyone present was at a loss as to where it could possibly have come from. Moreover, the saber''s form was extremely elegant and perfectly streamlined. A single glance at the saber was enough for one to feel its dazzling luminosity. Anyone who saw this saber would involuntarily admit that this saber was second to none in this world! Then, this saber brutally swung itself towards the leader''s sword. Right as the saber emerged and wondrously stopped the collision, Shangguan Lingxiu felt an arm pulling her shoulder gently, stopping her forward motion at once. The arm then pushed her softly before she flew backward in a graceful arc. A faint voice spoke, "Don''t worry. I am here!" A loud bang could be heard then. Countless light rays erupted from where the sword and saber collided. Amidst the luminescence, Yun Yang''s howl could be heard ringing through the clouds, "Come!" The voice was laced with unspoken confidence and flippant madness. It was a sense of pride that triumphed over the world. What followed closely was an exclamation that came from somewhere among the throng, "How can this be? How is this possible?" A wraith emerged and engulfed the entire space in the vicinity. Another loud yell that clearly belonged to King Yun Xiaoyao resonated in the air, "Kill! No one is to escape!" "Who dares to ambush my boss?" "Young master!" Countless silhouettes flitted all over the place as they darted down like rain pellets in a storm. An unstoppable force descended upon the battlefield. A black shadow shot up and turned into a glimpse of dark light, fleeing towards the sky. It defended itself against several attacks and impediments along its way. It managed to charge through the wraith and swiftly vanished, escaping the heavy siege. The shadow was the masked leader of the black-clothed assassins. His cultivation base was the highest among the killers and he strictly followed his own timing; in addition, he had never participated in the siege against Yun Yang, thus he possessed the most complete combat power. Not only did Yun Yang''s saber strike save Shangguan Lingxiu from death''s grip, it had destroyed the leader''s prized sword instantly, almost crushing him in the process. Seeing that Yun Yang''s current ability was so powerful, the leader knew that only death awaited him if he were to stay. Catching sight of the wraith that was materializing in the air, he knew that the experts affiliated with Yun Yang had finally come to his rescue. He was swift in deciding to break free of the encirclement and escape promptly. Despite his shrewd judgment and fortunate escape, he did not leave unscathed. Just as he charged through the wraith, he still spat out gouts of blood. However, such a price tag was far different from those others which paid death with their lives! The tables were turned now. Not only had Yun Yang''s relief troops arrived, Yun Yang''s individual combat power had suddenly spiked. The ambush had failed, it was impossible to do anything else now. Moreover, the relief troop''s strength was higher than theirs. The Concourse of the Underworld was assisting them as well. The gap between the strong and the weak was distinct. Combining them with Yun Yang, whose combat power had suddenly escalated, it was destined that the rest of the assassins would never be able to leave. The masked leader of the assassins believed as much. He was even certain that he would be captured as well if he had hesitated just a little longer. Consequently, in the final point before Marquis Yun''s voice had emerged and when the Concourse of the Underworld''s wraith had yet to assemble itself, he had leveraged on the rebound from Yun Yang''s attack to soar into the sky and leave at once C without even turning back. Looking at where the masked leader had escaped to, Yun Yang stared at the direction thoughtfully. It was not that no one had thought of stopping the masked leader from escaping; no one was able to. If Yun Yang were to work to contain him, he might succeed; after all, Yun Yang felt that his current state was his pinnacle, even better than when he was at his best! He would be able to stop the fellow, but he did not do so. Yun Yang allowed him to leave. If the leader were not released, how could the Go playbook be sent to Sir Bi''s place? Yun Yang then glanced at the ten killers who were under the attack of forces brought by Yun Xiaoyao and Lao Mei as well as the ten Yama Kings of the Concourse of the Underworld. A cold smirk pulled at the corners of his mouth when he saw their pathetic state, stumbling about and almost falling without being attacked. "Don''t kill them, I want them alive!" "Boss said it, he wants them alive!" It was Dong Tianleng. The four young masters had rushed over, bringing their guards along as well. The secure encirclement surrounded the assassins like steel buckets that were lined around a mountain. A white shadow flitted across. Ji Lingxi appeared before Yun Yang. She eyed him from top to bottom before asking softly, "Are you alright?" "Yes, yes. Never better." Yun Yang smiled. When Yun Yang finally breathed in relief, he actually felt rather dizzy. His gaze was quite blurry as well. These were the symptoms of extreme fatigue, the waves of exhaustion crashing into him all at once the moment he let his guard down. "Mm." Ji Lingxi smiled and was no longer bothered with Yun Yang. She came to Shangguan Lingxiu and asked, "Sister Lingxiu, are you fine?" Shangguan Lingxiu smiled softly and answered, "Of course I am fine. Young Master Yun was the one who toiled in this battle. It''s best if he''s sent back to rest as soon as possible." Ji Lingxi nodded and said, "Sister Lingxiu, come back with us. It''s easier for us to discuss any matter that arises as well." Shangguan Lingxiu bit her lip, intending to reject the lady''s offer. As she glimpsed at Yun Yang''s pale face, her worry lingered, so she answered simply, "Very well." After some ruckus, ten exhausted and thoroughly wounded killers were captured alive without much difficulty. A handful of them had collapsed like a pile of mud before their meridians could be sealed after being captured. They sweated profusely, tongues hanging up while they wheezed, eyes rolling up like they were about to die from fatigue. As for those belonging to the Concourse of the Underworld, they had disappeared in unison right after they sent the killers back to the Residence of Yun. Before they vanished together, all their eyes were trained on Yun Yang with a very particular gaze, like they were looking at a freak. One must certainly feel assured for being seen as a freak by the organization that the entire martial world acknowledged as one. King Chujiang said, "Say Young Master Yun is truly impressive. He can do things that others can''t! King Qinguang, this alliance that you forged is really an unpredictable mystery C how unusual." King Qinguang was speechless. 630 Where Have The Secret Weapon Experts Gone To? In truth, First Court King Qinguang was unsure of Yun Yang''s abilities; it was not like he knew any better than the next person! Hearing what King Chujiang had told him, he was dumbstruck. "My eyes are opened once again through today''s incident. It''s really tsk, tsk, tsk" Emperor Song and King Wuguan clicked their tongues while entering their rooms, shaking their heads. The sounds of their clicking tongues trailed after them. The other Yama Kings looked thoughtful as well, occupied with all sorts of ideas. Just based on the outcome, what happened today was an utterly ordinary battle. It was a simple case of the victim being ambushed and persevered until the arrival of assistance. Under such arduous circumstances, he had continued fighting bravely and finally managed to anticipate the arrival of relief troops, thus turning defeat into victory and had subdued the ambushing enemy instead. Was this not the most ordinary thing? Although it was not very common, it was still reasonable, and it largely appeared only in novels. Such a plot was one of the most common tropes in contemporary literature! Nonetheless, the entire incident was absurd in the eyes of ace cultivators like the ten Yama Kings. It was filled with far too many plot holes and too many illogical understandings! A habit of an assassin was their tendency to analyze an entire battle, especially one that was so strange. Everyone''s eyes were riveted on the King of Equality. The King of Equality spoke faintly, "The ambushing party deployed a total of sixteen top-notch assassins. The weakest one among them even fares better than our Gold ranked killers. The overall line-up is formidable. It''s more than enough to target any one of us and by that, I mean those of us whose abilities had breakthroughs." "Still, such a line-up''s final result was a sweeping defeat. We''ve caught ten men on the spot and only one managed to escape." "The five men who diedC two of them were chopped into half, fast and smooth, I believe everyone is able to discern this. An elaboration of the process should be the attacker giving his all and killed both men in one go. There weren''t any tricks, it was a clean and direct death." The group nodded. "One of them died from a kick. There''s a thorough footprint on his lower abdomen. Not only did the kick go through the body forcefully, it destroyed the meridians, bones, and organs in the abdomen. The kick killed him instantly." "One more seemed not to have suffered from surface injuries but in actual fact, his interal organs are all crushed. The saber grip in his hand was full of cracks as well. It should have been Yun Yang''s violent counterattack that destroyed his weapon and passed the force through the man''s weapon to shatter his organs. How can one not die from such an attack?" "As for the last person, he died by the blade. The fatal injury was the cut on his throat but it''s different from a usual throat cut. Usually, throat slices are horizontal but the cut this person received was vertical and it ran upwards. The blade probably trembled where it passed too, causing the wound to show odd, ragged shapes. These signs are evidence that Yun Yang was also attacked and injured when he was killing the man but he didn''t stop his advance to tend to his wounds. He then pressed on to end this man." The kings knew that the King of Equality''s analytical and inferring skills were outrageously strong, so they listened quietly without interrupting him. "I''m more perplexed as to how we can achieve the assassins'' death now." The King of Equality said, "From the tracks we saw along the way, Yun Yang performed brutally efficient and direct kills the moment he struck. He first killed two men in a go C despite succeeding, his mystical Qi was still depleted C and he was taking someone with him, reducing the agility. So when he met the third person, he should have used some peculiar trick that allowed him to stomp the person to death C and from this stomp, he gained momentum to shift to the next location." "Then, when he met the fourth person, he would cultivate to the maximum of his mystical Qi again to shock the person to death. It would be a true execution of a maximum limit or else it can hardly form an outcome. Still, all of us know that Yun Yang''s real cultivation base stops half a step away from the Dao realm. The one who was shocked to death by his saber is a cultivator of eighth heaven pinnacle." "The difference between their exact capabilities isn''t far, so the only reason that can cause this outcome is that Yun Yang must have given it his all at that time." "I believe that it''s also due to the repeated maximum cultivation and continuous depletion that it was beyond his power to control when he was killing the last assassin. Maybe the killers were about to assemble, so he''s sacrificed a little to finish off the person quickly. Does anyone have any objection to the inferences above?" "None, we totally agree." The other nine Yama Kings nodded like chickens pecking at rice. Each one of the ten court Yama Kings was significant figures in the assassination field. Naturally, they were familiar with the ways of attacking and killing. There were no differing opinions and they reached a consensus immediately. "Based on the reality above, I can even infer further that although Yun Yang has killed five of the enemy''s men rapidly, he''s paid a pretty penny for it. Not only has he exerted his maximum twice, he''s even lightly wounded! Does anyone object to this point?" "No, no. It''s exactly how it was!" "Due to this reason, Yun Yang was slightly delayed after killing the five people and caused him to be encircled by the enemy with barely any chances to escape. Of course, one of the factors was due to Shangguan Lingxiu but the main reasons were still due to Yun Yang''s inability to regain his composure and force. If Yun Yang were to still be at his peak after killing the five men, he could''ve left before the enemy assembled even when he''s to take Shangguan Lingxiu along. Anyone has any other opinion regarding this?" "No! It should be like this!" "Let me ask you again. You can raise any question or doubts regarding the abovementioned inferences. Does anyone have anything to say before we start?" asked the King of Equality. The other nine Yama Kings did not reply at once but responded seriously after a long contemplation. There was no one who had any objections or doubts. The King of Equality sighed, "You fellows have assumed that things are easy, for not having any issues. I have plenty of doubts. Almost everywhere is a question mark, everything is an issue, a big issue! Why aren''t there differing opinions?" The rest were shocked when they heard him, asking, "What question? What discovery did you make?" The King of Equality said, "The first doubt is the battle tracks left on the battleground, that is from the inn all to along the way of the assassination, we can easily affirm that there was a cooperative effort of secret weapon experts. Other than the secret weapon experts, there were at least two to three excellent Deicide Bow archers! You won''t tell me that you didn''t realize this, right!" The group nodded. "So what if we realize it?" "Nothing, really. Just that Yun Yang had hopped off the inn and unavoidably met the attacks of the Deicide Bows C the combined shooting of at least three archers where have these secret weapon experts, especially the three Deicide archers, go to when he was besieged? If they had attacked continuously, it should have affected the battle substantially!" the King of Equality pointed out silently. The group hissed with startled eyes in unison once they thought about it. "Figured it out now? Shocked? From the group that besieged him initially, five died while the sixth''s arm was severed. This is already a rare result by the looks of it, but the real mystery is still at the back. When the enemy encircled Yun Yang, their advantage would be to finish him off quickly. This should be when those apt in secret weapons show their talent but those secret weapon experts and Deicide archers didn''t even execute one singular hidden weapon or an arrow! Why is this? Where have these secret weapon experts gone to?" 631 This Is A Miracle "Where have these secret weapon experts gone to?" asked the King of Equality in an eerie voice. First Court King Qinguang was baffled, saying, "The only reasonable explanation is that the five people he killed previously and the man whose right arm he chopped off are already the other side''s hidden weapon and Deicide Bow experts?" Hearing King Qinguang''s reasonable explanation, the rest of the kings exchanged looks of astonishment. This was the only possibility. If it were the truth, did it not mean that Yun Yang was horribly terrifying? However, there did not seem to be any other possibilities other than this explanation. There was no other probability that could let the assassins give up on their fastest trick to victory. "In the face of an ambush that had no warning signs, he fixed his corresponding strategy swiftly, accurately identified the enemy who posed the biggest threat to him at once and killed them all before fleeing to the ultimate point of battle to await assistance to avoid any other unwanted circumstances interrupting the skirmish Such meticulousness was mind-boggling!" First Court King Qinguang could not help sucking in a cold breath as he mused. What sort of a brain must one possess to have done this? Was he still human? "The weakest one in cultivation base among the killers is still in the sixth heaven realm," King of Equality said slowly, "While the strongest one, also the one who got away, is at least with the cultivation base of second to the third level in Dao realm. On the contrary, we know everything there is to know about Yun Yang''s cultivation base. He''s only at ninth heaven, half a step to Dao realm at most." "His ability pales in comparison to that of his opponents and his response has to be abrupt, in addition to bringing along a woman who is an absolute burden. Yet, he has to first kill five secret weapon experts who pose the biggest threat to him within an extremely short distance while being pursued, then pick a waiting spot to calmly to begin the battle, anticipating the calvary with delaying tactics." He inhaled deeply and said, "Forget about anyone else I wouldn''t have been able to do it myself. You have to know, when we arrived earlier, the combat power of those besieging Yun Yang was less than a third of their optimal state. Although Yun Yang''s delaying tactic prolonged the battle in order for support to arrive, in truth, he could have crushed them all by himself!" The group was silent. The more they thought about it, the more frightening it was. To complete all these, how sharp of an observation skill one had to possess, how farsighted the calculations, how meticulous the operation, how The amount of skill that was involved was unimaginable. "Actually, what''s even more absurd is the battle thereafter." The King of Equality sighed, "I believe that you must have noticed that the assassins have used heavy weapons, executing brutal, barbarous tactics. Why is this so? Obviously, they were afraid of Yun Yang''s combat techniques, thus they chose this seemingly savage and unreasonable method to fight with brute force, hoping to impede Yun Yang''s tremendous skill." "Of course, this is also due to their advantage of numbers. Such a choice is well within reason. If it were us, we would have opted to do the same." "Nonetheless, what I feel is the strangest about this battle is that... despite the fact that Yun Yang had to engage in such a callous fight with so many ace cultivators, with his cultivation base, he could actually still last until our arrival. It''s difficult to understand. Even if Yun Yang is a local and found a relatively advantageous location, it can''t possibly compensate for the large gap between their abilities. It''s impossible that the killers showed him mercy by going easy on him!" "The doubt remains as it is C Yun Yang''s done it anyway! This is the fact, the main point!" The King of Equality sighed, "As long as he manages to live for a long time, such a character must be able to reach an unimaginable height in his future!" The Yama Kings were silent. "No matter what heights he will achieve in the future, I won''t be surprised!" King of Equality chuckled bitterly. "Maybe we should thank King Qinguang now We scolded him for a fool then, but if it weren''t for the incident, we wouldn''t have become friends now." "I''d rather be enemies with the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian. I am not afraid to become an opponent of any tough arcane practitioner C but I would be utterly reluctant to become an enemy of someone like Yun Yang!" King of Equality said decisively. The four young masters had a similar situation to the Concourse of the Underworld''s ten Yama Kings. Since they had come back from the battle, the four young masters were shocked to realize that all their guards were silent. When two pairs of eyes occasionally met, it was a look of tacit understanding, shocked by A certain realization. As they took in their circumstances, the four fellows who had always been absent-minded were confused as well. They were never discreet with their subordinates, thus they raised their questions directly. "What''s up with all of you? Playing the staring game? What''s with that shocked gaze? Didn''t we win the fight today? Boss Yun''s showed his marvelous abilities, he''s shown the world what he''s got and how he prevails over everything!" "Cough" A senior guard hesitated before speaking softly, "Young Master Yun''s bearing doesn''t'' stop here This battle can be considered as a new miracle in the history of the martial world" "Miracle?" The four young masters were dumbfounded. The stupor was real. They were long used to Yun Yang''s high-key demeanor and had habitually set him in the highest of positions. Seeing that Yun Yang had fought against overwhelming odds and had still managed to win, they did not think much of it, despite feeling amazed. What they had said earlier was mainly due to habit, a norm to sing high praises about Yun Yang. While it was sincere, there was not much meaning to it. However, the guards who served the four young masters were solid veterans of the martial world. They had been fortunate to stay in a blessed land for cultivation like the Residence of Yun, with the opportunity to cultivate and experience the grind of life and death during the war at the Fortress of Resilience, everyone''s cultivation base, experience and shrewdness were greatly hiked. Combined with their past experience, it was fair that they were amazed by Yun Yang''s performance today! "Miracle! It''s a miracle!" The guard sighed and recounted the multiple incidents. With his level of eloquence, his elaboration was naturally not as complete and wholesome as the King of Equality''s narration. As a martial world veteran, however, his vision was equally sharp and vicious, picking up the crux immediately. "I know that boss is amazing, but I didn''t expect that other than cultivation base and real skills, boss'' shrewdness, intelligence, knowledge, tactics, strategy and everything else are equally spectacular." Dong Tianleng was proud. "My boss indeed." Chun Wanfeng followed his path of admiration as he said, "If only I could be the same when I''m in the same situation! Just thinking about it is incredible. It''s awesome! How could he be so awesome?" Xia Bingchuan pursed his lips before quipping, "If you were really in the same situation I guess the grass on your grave would already sprout a dozen times over!" Qiu Yunsan wore a look of disdain. "What are you three idiots talking about? Wasn''t boss already as almighty all this while? If he weren''t on this level, could he have become our boss? All of you are still awed about it now that the incident is over Look at me, look at how composed I am." He sauntered casually with his arms on his back as he said, "All of you aren''t allowed to pander to him when we see boss tomorrow. Just listen to what I''ll say. I''ll only speak of the truth, about how boss is a dragon among men, a gentleman of justice and tenderness, a handsome, graceful talent" "Beat this bastard up, beat him up until he can''t speak! He can''t simply spew the truth C at least, he can''t be the only one talking!" 632 Sensational Saber Truth Yun Xiaoyao looked at Yun Yang whom he had carried back all the way. He was equally shocked and speechless. The ability C the ability was simply overwhelming! It had to be mentioned that the ambush this time was indeed slotted during everyone''s free time. The opponent''s timing was right when all the assassin organizations and lone wolves had ceased their activities. Even the Four Seasons Tower had suffered from a tremendous loss previously due to a series of unfortunate incidents. Almost everyone had thought that all the forces would not make another move for a short while C at least, in the next few days. Yet this ambush had happened so suddenly. It had caught everyone off guard and its line-up was overwhelmingly powerful. Even if Yun Xiaoyao were to think about it now, it was a terrible amount of pressure, a butcher''s knife killing a chicken, to use such force against Yun Yang alone. Due to this, it was evident what the opponent''s intention was, simple and brutal C to kill him in one strike and rid him of possible troubles in the future! Yet such an incredibly disadvantageous state of impasse had been dragged until the end by Yun Yang, until he and the rest had come to his rescue, encircling and capturing all the killers. Yun Yang had even insisted on speaking before succumbing to fatigue. The outcome was unbelievable. It was earthshattering and far beyond anyone''s comprehension! Yun Xiaoyao asked himself of the chances of him surviving if he were to be the one in today''s situation He had never been one to belittle his own capabilities, but as he replayed the scenario in his mind in silence, he was certain of one thing. If he were in Yun Yang''s shoes, the opponent might have already gone back to celebrate with wine, without any worry of the situation getting out of hand. Thinking about it, Yun Xiaoyao could not help shuddering. Instead, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were the ones who maintained their composure all along, not even thinking that the incident was the stuff of legend, much less a miracle. Taking in everyone''s surprise, both of the old men were secretly gratified. ''Bunch of dummies, what do you all know?'' ''Great young master we are speaking of Supreme Cloud! All that he does and encounters are what others are unable to even imagine!'' ''Such cases would be common and hardly a rare occurrence.'' ''The rise and fall of hundreds of thousands of men from an army can be determined by a twitch of his fingers and these are merely assassins that stand before him!'' ''A piece of cake! How is it even worth mentioning?'' Was this the truth, however? Of course not! Fang Mofei and Lao Mei''s situation was different from that of the four young masters. Their adoration for Yun Yang had gone to the extent of blind devotion. Anything that Yun Yang did was reasonable; what was unreasonable became reasonable as well. There was no sense of logic or normality. This was a legendary case of fan adoration. There was simply no arguing about it! The assassins who were captured were currently imprisoned in the secret chamber. Even as they were being tied to the pillars, a series of moan and groan rang out incessantly. The group was confused. ''We''re just tying you up. We didn''t even subject you to any torture yet but you''re already crying out in pain. You fellows are an embarrassment to all assassins!'' When they observed the situation carefully then, the group could not help shuddering in unison. The captured killers were peppered with a multitude of tiny wounds. Strictly speaking, the wounds were not deep at all; they had only cut past the surface and did not go deeper into the bone. It was only external skin trauma. In spite of this, there were simply too many wounds and each of them was of the same depth. The precision of the cuts was shocking. When they were all bound to the pillars, the sequela of the countless cuts was exposed with a single moment of struggle. The one who had it the worst did not look like he suffered from too much damage; his clothes were intact. Yet as he struggled, his clothes crumbled first before blood oozed from his head down to his toe, like he had been drenched in a pool of blood. Everyone present thought of only one thing C that the poor fellow was destined not to make it. He would surely die; the loss of blood alone would kill him! The person''s cry was still energetic without any sign of tiredness. "Ow, it hurts so much!" Upon careful inspection, Fang Mofei realized that the person had stopped his own bleeding. He was an ace cultivator after all; mere surface wounds would heal much faster than ordinary people. However, the peppering of cuts was alarming. Counting them closely, the unlucky fellow had a total of two hundred and thirty-five light cuts from his scalp to his face to his chest, shoulder until his calves! No, there were seven more gashes under his feet. They were all fresh wounds, not dated injuries. It amounted to two hundred and forty-two cuts! This was excluding the thirty slits on his leather boots that did not manage to go through the shoes; otherwise, the number could have gone up higher. Fang Mofei swallowed involuntarily. These men were not tortured, were they? How could this happen? The legendary death by a thousand cuts would probably have looked like this! Such slashes had its advantage as well, saving them the need to bandage these killers. The shallow incisions would completely heal in two or three days as the ace cultivators rested. More importantly, their state could not be bandaged! There was no way to do that. The one who had the least wounds had approximately eighty gashes on him. How should one bandage him? Even if the entire person was wrapped like a dumpling, there would be cuts that would be missed out. Instead, they would forget the bandaging, since they would not die anyway. "Young master''s saber technique it''s truly" Fang Mofei exclaimed, "Wow" "Judging by the cuts on these people, young master must have at least dealt over two thousand strikes According to my calculations, for this short battle today, didn''t young master" Lao Mei sucked in a breath, stunned by the number that came to mind. "The safest estimation would still put it at more than thirty thousand strikes!" Fang Mofei gave a rather inaccurate estimation before he, too, was shocked by the figures. In such a short amount of time, facing enemies who were times stronger than him, Yun Yang had struck at least thirty thousand strikes almost without stopping Fang Mofei was clear that it was indeed the most reserved estimation to have dealt thirty thousand strikes under the circumstances. "No wonder!" Fang Mofei exclaimed in breathless wonder. "What?" Lao Mei was confused. "Don''t you see?" Fang Mofei was quite dazed. "Our young master has pulled his muscle. His wrist, arm, and shoulders are all swollen His wrist is much larger than his thigh!" Lao Mei was speechless. Fang Mofei glanced at Lao Mei listlessly and said, "Hard to imagine? It''s fatter than your waist." Lao Mei cussed inwardly, ''You Your father is only a little thinner!'' In the bedroom, Yun Yang lay on the bed silently. He was unconscious, deep asleep. This was the slumber after extreme fatigue but it was not exactly a deep slumber. It was a recovery rest. Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu sat on the bed quietly; both of them on each end of the bed respectively. Yun Yang was indeed exhausted right now. There was nothing much that was wrong with him nor was he severely injured. Both ladies had inspected him repeatedly before putting down the rock in their heart and waited in silence and peace. In comparison, Ji Lingxi did more for Yun Yang. She first sorted through Yun Yang''s meridians with refined spiritual Qi before making sure of his state. This would allow Yun Yang to recover faster. She then bandaged a few of his wounds. Actually, Yun Yang had mainly focused on prolonging the battle. Naturally, he avoided being injured as much as he could, so his injuries were relatively light. One of the more shallow gashes had already healed itself while the other deeper ones were not a major cause of concern. 633 A Heartfelt Exchange Between Two Girls It was in the name of taking care of Yun Yang and that kind of thing C It wasn''t entirely a baseless statement, but the situation was not far away from being one. However, the two girls remained seated silently. Shangguan Lingxiu focused her attention upon Yun Yang, and after confirming that he was unharmed, she could not help but to shift her focus onto Ji Lingxi instead. She was a little shocked at what she found C through the course of time, Ji Lingxi''s appearance had changed a lot. Her whole aura had been completely replaced with a totally unfamiliar one. If it were not for her being certain that the person before her was her best friend from the past, it was hard to imagine how the same person could have such a unique aura! "You have experienced some degree of shock, Sister Lingxiu," Ji Lingxi smiled warmly. "I''ve neglected you as I was busy just now C let me get you some tea, Sister Lingxiu." Shangguan Lingxiu smiled faintly in return. "No worries, Yun Yang is here today to protect me, so I was safely out of harm''s way. Perhaps you will not believe me, younger sister, but I was not worried about today''s incident from the very start!" Ji Lingxi replied, "You''re well composed, Sister Lingxiu C the poor dummy here has fought so hard instead." "This is another thing to be discussed. Today''s battle was an easy matter of living and dying together; I''ve seen past it. Yun Yang, though, is still preoccupied with too many worries C and naturally, he''s trying his best to defend himself accordingly." "You are very insightful about life and death, Sister Lingxiu C very open-minded. This idiot here and I, however, are quite the contrary. We''re always thinking about how great it is to be able to live if we get to continue living C I mean, plans can only get into motion when you''re alive, after all." The expression on Shangguan Lingxiu''s face shifted slightly, but it returned to its previous placidity immediately. "Young Sister Lingxi, you are not wrong about wanting to live C no one is willing to die meaninglessly; however, if there is a need to make a choice between life and death, eventually a decision has to be made, however tough it may be C that is just the way it is. Truly inevitable." "Inevitable? Do consider whether it''s worth it before making that choice!" cried Ji Lingxi, followed by a resigned sigh. Shangguan Lingxiu did not attempt to justify herself further. She was, instead, preoccupied with a bizarre feeling in her heart C not only did Ji Lingxi exude a unique aura today, her gestures and mannerisms seemed to have transformed into that of another person. Her tongue was sharp and quick to respond, to the point where Shangguan Lingxiu found it hard to refute. Even when Yue Rulan was still here, Shangguan Lingxiu did not think that both of them were a chore to handle. Today, as she faced Ji Lingxi''s words that were brimming with implied intention, Shangguan Lingxiu felt tongue-tied and had no reasonable retort. She lapsed into silence. Before her, Ji Lingxi was ravaged by a heart filled with discomfort and unease. It did not matter if she did not have the upper hand in this conversation. The reality of that situation was that Yun Yang was sharing life and death with Shangguan Lingxiu and did not even mind sacrificing his life for her, being grievously hurt in the process. Even if it was nothing serious, it was still an injury. In addition, anyone could see the peril of the battle. Other than the heartache, Ji Lingxi felt a lingering fear as well C naturally, her animosity towards Shangguan Lingxiu stemmed from this fact. Shifting her train of thoughts, she sighed once more and said, "I... I-I was just a little anxious, and I did not guard my tongue... I hope Sister Lingxiu will not be mad at me." This was a genuine apology. Hypothetically, even if it were not Yun Yang but her who was caught in a similar situation, would she simply walk away? The only option, of course, was to fight like Yun Yang until the very end! To live and to die together! There was simply no other choice. Similarly, if Shangguan Lingxiu was in a similar situation, she would definitely not choose to abandon everything at hand in order to save herself either. After thinking this through, Ji Lingxi suddenly realized that her statement earlier was uncalled for. Feeling ashamed, the maiden apologized profusely. Shangguan Lingxiu only smiled, waving off her apology instead, unoffended. "I believe you only said what you said impulsively because you were worried about Young Master Yun''s safety C how could I not know this, and how could I be mad at you for such a trivial thing?" "Actually, I''m not that open-minded. I said that I can look past life and death, but how can I actually do that? If I''m indeed as insightful about life and death, what I should''ve done when the enemies just formed the siege was to end my own life. To live and to die together C that was nothing but a romantic concept to justify an early, unfulfilling death!" Shangguan Lingxiu understood how Ji Lingxi felt, so she offered some form of solace, instead. They looked at one another and laughed, the awkward and hostile atmosphere between them diminishing. Ji Lingxi stole a glance at Yun Yang who was on the bed. She pouted slightly before letting out a sigh. "This fellow here, perhaps you could say that he is quite an oblivious person, for he can be quite you know what I mean! Nonetheless, they say he''s quite the playboy... Sometimes he can be such a log that he totally deserves a smack so hard that if he didn''t die from it, it would be too much of a waste C so where is that so-called flair of Yutang''s top popinjay?" She did not speak the last words that were on her mind C ''He might be an oblivious log, but he still managed to invite so much flirtation and so many undesirable distractions'' This girl before her was the perfect example. She was the best of the best C the archetypal heroine C yet, she was also irrevocably infatuated with him. Shangguan Lingxiu blushed slightly upon hearing her words. "Well, it''s not exactly a bad trait C it''s quite reassuring that he''s like this, in fact." Ji Lingxi sighed. She gave a quick glance at Shangguan Lingxiu and lapsed into a moment''s hesitation, as though she was picking her words carefully by churning them repeatedly within her lips. Finally, she could not hold it in any longer and blurted out, "Sister Lingxiu, I heard that many had paid the Shangguan Residence a visit recently to propose marriage... but yet, so far, I have not heard of Sister Lingxiu''s...plan regarding this?" The color on Shangguan Lingxiu''s face paled and her expression dimmed at the mention of that topic. "A good question, young sister! You do really care about your Big Sis, don''t you?" She smiled forcefully, feeling helpless. Ji Lingxi chuckled bitterly in response. "You can''t evade this question forever C you''ll have to face it someday, eventually." "Even you know that it''s an unavoidable question that has to be resolved. I do wonder C what would you, Lingxi, Little Sister, do if you were in my position? How would you face it?" Shangguan Lingxiu implored. Ji Ling Xi inhaled deeply and started to speak. "Sister Lingxiu, since there is nobody around us, shall we seize this moment to have a heart-to-heart chat - as sisters?" Shangguan Lingxiu glanced at Yun Yang C who was still motionless C on the bed momentarily, and replied with a lowered voice, "Very well." "Honestly speaking, I understand your predicament. All your thoughts C I feel the same, and I empathize deeply with you..." said Ji Lingxi softly. Shangguan Lingxiu uttered another sigh, feeling even more dejected by the moment. "Well, I have to say this C you are carrying too much weight upon your shoulders, Sister Lingxiu... It''s too much for you to bear..." "Switching perspectives, if I were to be in your shoes..." Ji Lingxi bit her lip as she pondered. "If I don''t have someone in mind, I would... Maybe I would just pick someone who''d bring benefit to my family, someone I wouldn''t really mind getting married to. Our time is short in this world. So what if there isn''t someone in one''s heart?" "However... if there is truly someone I desire in my heart, how can I be at peace with being aloof? I think... I think my decision would be" A pained expression flitted pass Ji Lingxi''s eyes as she struggled to find her words. "....perhaps... I would rather carry this burden and move forward with it... I''ll carry this for however long it might take..." Shangguan Lingxiu lowered her head and nodded pensively. Ji Lingxi''s answer was totally expected. Word-for-word C it was exactly the same as her own. The heartstrings in her quivered slightly, and she found it distressingly hard to hold it in. At that very moment, she wanted to bawl to soothe her feelings, feelings which she had repressed for far too long. The strength to pretend, to hold up till this day, was shattered entirely by these simple words, without a single trace of her initial resilience left. "Hence, I would imagine C and I''m afraid C that you, Sister Lingxiu, have already decided to stay single for life," Ji Lingxi sighed softly, a poignant and sorrowful expression etched deeply in her eyes. 634 I Am Not A Threat To You If a girl as loyal as Shangguan Lingxiu had her heart planted in the idea of someone, her love and devotion would never fade even under the test of time C Ji Lingxi was sure of it. To be honest, Shangguan Lingxiu could still put aside her status as a lady in a situation like this to drink with Yun Yang despite being in public; to Ji Lingxi, it was already a hard feat to accomplish, as one way or another, her intentions had been clearly revealed. The Shangguan Family of Generals'' remaining elders had seen a better part of life while the next generation still had not come of age. In a time like this, Shangguan Lingxiu C the pillar of the family C would never abandon the family to seek her own happiness. As Yun Yang''s skills heightened further, his future would not just stop at the Empire of Yutang. He could leave, walk out, or vanish at any moment. If Yun Yang left, she did not know when would be the next time they would meet. Perhaps they might not meet ever again; or perhaps when they finally meet once more, she would have already become an old lady. Instead of doing nothing, she should seize the opportunity when she was still able to C go see him more frequently, to have more meals, to spend a little more time together If there was such a day in the future... these would certainly be the memories of a lifetime! At least we had our moment C it was better than having none at all! When she lay across her deathbed, moments away from departing the world, she would recall these pleasant memories, replaying them over and over again in her head. At least, I have experienced love. Once upon a time, he and I C we had our moment together! Ji Lingxi dared to place this bet with a hundred percent of confidence C her guess may not be perfectly accurate, but she reckoned it would be at least eighty or ninety percent of hitting the right spot. She was confident indeed, for if she stepped into the shoes of Shangguan Lingxiu, savoring similar experiences and predicaments C she would do the same, she would definitely do the same! She might be even bolder, even more extravagant with her actions! Shangguan Lingxiu remained silent for a long time, her head drooped. "Not bad, Sister Lingxi. Everything sentence, every word you said C it was exactly like how I imagined it to be," She murmured softly when she finally lifted her gaze, staring straight into Ji Lingxi''s eyes. "That was really all I was thinking about in my heart C is that foolish of me?" Ji Lingxi gaped at her, at a loss as to how to respond. Shangguan Lingxiu smiled calmly. "In the Empire of Yutang, girls are considered of suitable age to wed when they turn sixteen. Most even become mothers when they''re about seventeen or eighteen. I I am already twenty-two this year." "My eldest nephew, the oldest among the six of them, must be at least fourteen or fifteen to be deemed suitable of age to take over the family''s dutiesC they would be much wiser and informed about the dealings of the world by then." "However, my eldest nephew is only nine this year." "That means..." Her voice lowered by a notch. "To begin letting go, I''ll have to wait for another six years, at the very least. Even if it was only five years, I will still be twenty-seven by then." "Even if that time really comes, can I really let it go, completely? I will still have to guide my nephew, no matter what. I can only truly let go C truly be relieved from this duty C when he officially takes over the duties and responsibilities of the Shangguan Family of Generals C when he''s fully qualified to be the heir of the family." "At the very least, that would add on a year of guidance. By then, I would be twenty-eight." "Lingxi, do you know what being a twenty-eight-year-old unmarried maiden means, here, in the Empire of Yutang? That''s almost the equivalent of being an old maid. Even if I never found the one for me by then, and planned to settle with just anyone at all, it would still be quite a far shot." "The ones who are of a similar age would already have wives and children; fifteen and sixteen-year-old teenage boys are simply too childish to stir my interest - I doubt they''d even be interested in an old maid like me. If I really do plan to wed in the future, the ones I could only find are widowed men in their thirties or forties - they would be my only alternative." "However, instead of choosing a fate like this, I''d rather be single for life. What do you think?" implored Shangguan Lingxiu, with a faint smile upon her lips. Ji Lingxi could not help but to agree with a nod of her head. Yes, I concur. If that was how it was going to be, it would be a much better option to be by yourself till the end of days. "Therefore... I am not a threat to you," said Shangguan Lingxiu bitterly. Her heart shattered into a million pieces the moment the words left her lips as if it incurred irreversible damage. She could taste something sour in her mouth as she took a moment to compose her thoughts before speaking again. "I won''t deny that I fancy Yun Yang, but I am not a threatn-not even half a threat to you." Ji Lingxi''s cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she emitted a soft sigh. She stretched across and held Shangguan Lingxiu''s hand with her own. "Sister Lingxiu, you must''ve misinterpreted the reason behind our talk C let me finish." With her hand in Ji Lingxi''s, Shangguan Lingxiu could only gape at her. Ji Lingxi gulped a few times, swallowing with great difficulty. "We all know that it is, in fact, a common practice for men to wed many women at once. Women like you and I, however, will never willingly allow this to happen C to share my man with someone else." When she said ''my man'' with such vigor, her already flushed face turned into an even deeper shade of crimson. A virgin maiden like her speaking in such a manner C the waves of embarrassment that followed naturally was hard to suppress. Shangguang Lingxiu nodded, still gaping at her. She did not understand what Ji Lingxi was trying to tell her. "About this, my stand is still strongC I will not agree," repeated Ji Ling Xi. "However outstanding she is, however impressive I will not agree to it." "Even when faced with the largest powers of the world, I will still not agree to it." "My man should belong only to me and will only belong to me!" Ji Lingxi declared determinedly. "You don''t have to repeat yourself C I understand, I truly do," replied Shangguan Lingxiu in a small voice. If it was me, I would never agree to it either. We''re all women here C do you really have to repeat this over and over again? Are you simply trying to show off? Shangguan Lingxiu mulled pensively. Ji Lingxi''s chest puffed outwards in a volatile manner as she clung on to Shangguan Lingxiu''s arm desperately. "Nonetheless... I am currently plagued with a situation which is getting out of hand..." "Getting out of hand? What do you mean, getting out of hand? What are you trying to say?" asked Shangguan Lingxiu, stunned at Ji Lingxi''s bizarre behavior. There was a sheen of embarrassment in Ji Lingxi''s eyes, but she proclaimed bravely. "What I''m saying is... if - no, when it comes to the t-time you hand over your duties, sister... i-if it was me... I still can''t that I...I..." Her words became increasingly jumbled the more she spoke. Finally, she shut her eyes tight and spat it out with resolve. "I-If that time really comes, can we be together C forever?" 635 Ji Lingxi’s Frustration It took Shangguan Lingxiu half a beat to figure out the true meaning behind Ji Lingxi''s ambiguous mumbling, but when she was struck by the sudden epiphany, her body trembled at the revelation. She lifted her gaze, gaping at Ji Lingxi with unmasked disbelief. Together... forever. Whatever this meant, Shangguan Lingxiu had a pretty clear idea of it in her mind C she understood it perfectly. "I... I don''t quite understand... w-what you mean...," stammered Shangguan Lingxiu as her face flushed a deep red. Her arms were intertwined with each other as she seemed to not know where to place them C it was an extremely uncomfortable situation. How could she not understand C it was all too obvious! Since the very beginning, Ji Lingxi had always sounded extremely condescending, or maybe it just sounded that way to her, at least. Most people had advised her to give it up. This man is solely mine, she seemed to say. ''You have no game!'' ''Just give up before it''s too late!'' However, that last sentence she uttered was so game-changing, it brought reality back to the way it was before. This was a perfect example of an ultimate plot twist! However, Shangguan Lingxiu still did not dare to believe what she had just heard. There''s no logic behind this C how could it be so... unmanageable? How, how A painful expression of helplessness had etched itself deeply into Ji Lingxi''s face to the point where even her lips had paled from its normal, healthy color. "I have my reasons, naturally... why would I seek for a compromise if I didn''t have a legitimate reason. Sister Lingxiu, do believe me! If there was some other alternative, I would not have agreed to this C I would not even have brought this up..." Shangguan Lingxiu felt her heart compress a little on the inside, her face revealing extreme concern at this point. "What has gotten into you? Are you injured? Are you ill?" She implored in panic. This was the only plausible explanation Shangguan Lingxi could muster up to justify Ji Lingxi''s increasingly bizarre behavior. Ji Lingxi shook her head slowly. "If there''s something on your mind, you can settle it only if you spit it out! How do you expect to resolve things if you keep it to yourself?" cried Shangguan Lingxiu, her brows furrowing in disapproval. She was genuinely concerned about Ji Lingxi''s wellbeing now. What sort of reason would make an egoistic girl like Ji Lingxi give up on claiming her lover solely for herself - willingly? Her mind almost imploded from seeking for a logical explanation, but she could not find a single reasonable answer to justify that. Judging from Ji Lingxi''s reaction, it must have been something to do with her C it might not just be Yun Yang who was involved. It had to be a massive issue as well C one so big that could leave her in such a frustrated, helpless state! How could such matter be a trivial issue? How could Shangguan Lingxiu just ignore her plight? Ji Lingxi''s face turned a deep red, followed by ghostly white, reverting back to crimson before turning white as sheet again. This went on in a repetitive cycle for over ten times before she finally said, begrudgingly, "I-It must be that old man at home who has caused me to become like this..." "That old man in your house...? Caused you...?" Shangguan Lingxiu was getting increasingly perplexed by the bizarre scene unfolding before her. "Who is that? How could did he manage to cause you so much distress?" "I''m talking about that old man who gave birth to me, but never raised me... oh, nevermind the raising part C I just can''t believe that he actually cared for me to this extent... ugh!" She explained begrudgingly, her jaw tightened. She emitted a long, touching sigh, revealing just how frustrated and helpless she felt right now. Then, she was completely silent C she did not say a single word more! Shangguan Lingxiu was completely lost. Clearly, she had been rendered stupid by somebody''s lousy narrative on this matter! ''What is the meaning of all this?'' ''Why can''t I understand a single word of it?'' ''What''s it gotta do with...anything?'' "Sigh..." Ji Lingxi emitted a few consecutive sighs, while Shangguan Lingxiu could not help but scratch her head, her eyes reflecting how perplexed she was at the moment. Ji Lingxi approached her awkwardly after half a beat, biting her lip. "Sigh, I really don''t know how to even start... t-this thing... regarding..." She mumbled into Shangguan Lingxiu''s ear. Shangguan Lingxiu stared at Ji Lingxiu, dumbfounded. Her palm shot upwards, stretching across her face to cover her red lips, as the agony in her eyes were replaced with a half-amused, half-confused expression, including, but not limited to, unending waves of shock induced by the confession. Ji Lingxi felt as if her cheeks were on fire. "What do you reckon looking at how things were, I really don''t know how long I can put up with this. I don''t even know if I''m able to see... that old thing... how do I even get rid of it?" "If it cannot be resolved, what do you think..." Ji Lingxi reverted to her distressed state, her sighs revealing ultimate despair. Shangguan Lingxiu also let out a long, heartfelt sigh. This issue was quite a nuisance after all... a one that would induce a speechless reaction. This was still a first for her since the beginning of time. Just how strict was that old man towards the maidens in the household? Was it so extreme to the point where his own daughter could not even find in-laws now? Who would want a wife if he had to stay in bed for two months after just giving her a simple kiss and a hug let alone take things to the next level! Ji Lingxi was an orphan since young, so to speak. How her parents were like, where were they now, whether or not there was still a possibility of locating them... all of this was still left undecided, only to be determined by fate itself! This restriction... how could it be lifted? If it was never resolved, how could it be remedied? Could Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi only gape at each other, a stool''s width apart, for the rest of their lives? Could they just look at each other like that, always? The possibility of even being in the same bed was next to none! Thinking about it, this was quite an unusual circumstance, not to mention a pretty sad one, no? "Has it always been this way? Has there been no improvement since?" Shangguan Lingxiu was no longer sure of the expression that she was wearing at that moment. Ji Lingxi did not even know what kind of expression she should even pick to wear. "... Ugh! Because of this very issue, Yun Yang had ended up lying in bed for three times consecutively now, with or without that intent..." "Cough... cough... cough..." Shangguan Lingxiu tried to suppress her shock, but it started a vigorous coughing fit instead. "Now, don''t you misunderstand what I''m saying... it was only an unintentional coincidence. Sigh... how do I put it? Frankly speaking, although it might be too early to say this... I really don''t want to..t-to just give myself away like that... b-but ugh... I really don''t know how to say this..." The crimson in her cheeks had found its way to her neck C Ji Lingxi''s face was already a different shade entirely. "Pfft..." Shangguan Lingxiu genuinely did not want to laugh and knew that she had to restrain herself out of respect for the serious situation at hand C but she simply could not help but howl in laughter. "You!" Ji Lingxiu fumed and proceeded to sulk in the corner, sporting a pout while she was at it. After half a beat, however, she found herself bursting into uncontrollable giggles too. She laughed, and sighed, and laughed again C only to finish with another strained, heavy sigh. This issue really was truly... unresolvable. At this point, Shangguan Lingxiu finally understood what was going on in Ji Lingxi''s mind. ''You can''t do anything despite being a pretty face, yet, you still planned on having him entirely to yourself, untouchable by others... what kind of logic is this?'' ''Just because you like him, and have to be an old virgin for life...does that mean that your man has to be subjected to the same fate as well?'' ''He has to continue the lineage of his family'' ''Can you... really?'' Ji Lingxi only came up with such a compromise because she had truly run out of ideas. "Hahahahaha...." Shangguan Lingxiu slapped a hand over her own mouth as she started to laugh, her whole body shaking uncontrollably. "I''m about to die from distress, but here you are, laughing away..." Ji Lingxi was truly embarrassed to the core of her being. "Die from distress?" Shangguan Lingxiu mused. "Oh, it was so distressing indeed C it was incredibly worrying too" Ji Lingxi, overwhelmed by embarrassment, pounced on Shangguan Lingxi, their two bodies twisting and tangling into a heap. After a good while, Shangguan Lingxiu could not help but ask for mercy. "Good sister....do let me go" she begged helplessly. Ji Lingxi did not budge an inch. Instead, she seized the perfect opportunity to tickle her more. "What in the world are you girls doing?" A confused voice could be heard precisely at this moment. The girls froze and turned their heads towards the direction of the voice. Yun Yang had stirred from his slumber. He wore a perplexed expression on his face, and his eyes betrayed his confusion at the sight that greeted him when he woke up. What sort of skill did he activate from passing out C how did these two girls suddenly become the best of friends? 636 The Space Reopens "None of your business! Shut up! Not a single word!" The two girls roared at Yun Yang simultaneously in an imposing manner. Yun Yang, who was about to continue speaking, fell silent almost instantly. He forcefully emitted a series of coughs to mask the awkward atmosphere before his eyes, feeling increasingly perplexed by the moment. ''What is happening?'' ''Since when have I offended them?'' He knew deep down, however, this situation had turned out this way precisely because he had not offended the both of them. Thus, these two girls could only treat him with the most demanding and unreasonable manner; how else would they resolve the awkward atmosphere surrounding them? What if their little secrets from before were to become unraveled? Yun Yang was thinking of leaving these unfriendly grounds, and forcefully attempted to lift his arm, but he let out a huge yelp of pain instead. The limitations of his body were almost secondary, but his right arm now was so swollen to the point it seemed incredibly painful to even look at. In his attempt to lift his arm, Yun Yang nearly thought he had lifted his thigh instead by mistake, perhaps even the thickest part of it. This So be it, he should and would attempt to recover and rehabilitate in the quickest time possible. After activating the Endless Divine Art, Yun Yang closed his eyes, only to open them again, wider than they were before. ''W-what kind of situation is this? Is this a dream?'' Although it might be a dream, it was a beautiful one indeed! Yun Yang had actually experienced a breakthrough to the fourth level in his Endless Divine Art! Waves of spiritual Qi, like solid strands of thread, surged within his meridians in a swift but steady manner, evoking in Yun Yang a feeling that was strong, so real, and oh, so tough... "Reap what you sow, execute ten thousand heads; the mountain in the raging ocean of blood stands the test of the strong currents. As long as one remains vivacious in the human realm, the four-piece golden lotus shall watch over you." Yun Yang was momentarily stunned. ''Have I already killed ten thousand people? Since when did I manage to accomplish such a feat?'' ''Why did I not feel any differently about this?'' "Ayaya" Emmie''s crystalline, young, and long overdue shout could be heard from his deific consciousness, arriving right on cue. It was a voice that was filled with excitement and vigor C to put it simply, it was a tone of extreme joy. It only occurred to Yun Yang then that, somehow, it seemed that his deific consciousness had reopened! Emmie''s long-awaited presence was finally here C irrevocably present to throw itself into his embrace once again! This maddeningly good news was even better than the advance of the Endless Divine Art, such a wonderful event that Yun Yang was tempted to break out in a dance in blissful joy. His mind was awhirl with eager anticipation; he could not wait to submerge himself in it. In his deific consciousness, what greeted his sight was a magnanimous change within the ethereal space! First of all, the territory of the space had expanded by at least four times or more C even then, that was most likely a conservation guess. The center of the space where the core should be was also where Emmie was situated at. Besides growing to a height of almost ten feet, it was adorned with leaves so green they seemed almost black, with every leaf paired with thick, strong vines of hundred over feet or so - a magnificent sight indeed. Upon visual judgment, the three leaves at the lowest end each had the area of half a room. To seek shelter underneath it would be a simple task. Upon further inspection, the little fibrous hairs that enveloped its body, stem and leaves looked awfully sharp and menacing now, glinting coldly with a shimmering light that outlined keen edges. Yun Yang took one glance at it and subconsciously felt his rear end clenching in cold sweat. Was this... a lotus or a cactus? Such thorns! Of course, what truly gave Yun Yang a pleasant surprise was the fresh, newly-formed leaf at the peak of Emmie''s entire body, casually swaying to the flow and rhythms of the wind. This newly-formed leaf was still underdeveloped, its size barely the width of one''s palm. The tip of it was still slightly bent as if it was weighed down by a few drops of dew. It was instilled with a green, lively glow, looking incredibly adorable. "Four-leaf lotus" Yun Yang exhaled a long breath of air, "It finally grew." His deific consciousness space was finally reopened! Only God knew how much had Yun Yang suffered, withstanding endless stress and pressure. He truly feared that the space had vanished for good or the possibility that he could no longer contact it, which would not allow any chances of revival Now, however, his greatest fear and this fog of confusion that clouded his mind were merely items of the past. They were history, no longer existent! Yun Yang had a better idea regarding the happenings surrounding him now: it did not matter whether the space was sealed off or not; as long as the evil elements were killed, the energy of karma would still be extracted and absorbed continuously. The karmic energy of the Endless Divine Art had never stopped. Although he might not be able to contact the space, the things he had done all this while during this period of time was actually a form of cultivation! In this period of time, he had certainly killed many C the quality of the deaths was rather impressive as well. As he pondered upon this, he felt his body being squeezed and realized that a few vines had found its way to coil around his body in a solid embrace. Emmie rushed over with joyful strides, dashing into Yun Yang''s open arms. Rushed over! Rushed over Yun Yang grabbed Emmie in a big, sweeping gesture with a heart full of joy and bliss C it was not until much later did he notice a bizarre scenario; Emmie had removed itself from the soil, and like a playful child, had rushed over to him with human-like legs shaped from its roots. "My, my C what''s is this new ability of yours? That is quite incredible!" Yun Yang gaped in awe. Since when did this little fellow possess such an astounding ability? Would it now be considered a tree-man, or... a man-tree? Emmie''s leaves rubbed and wriggled upon contact with Yun Yang''s body with an indescribable sense of heart-warming longing. It felt just like a young daughter who had been separated from her father for too long, and when they hugged, she wished she would never let go of her long-awaited father, ever. "Ayayayaya" Yun Yang embraced Emmie, all smiles. The sharp thorns that enveloped its entire body became extremely soft in Yun Yang''s embrace, and it moaned in a coquettish manner incessantly. Yun Yang could interpret every syllable, every word that Emmie conveyed in great detail. His face was etched with a smile so wide, his lips almost went lopsided. "I''ve missed you like hell! Waaa" "That''s great." "Why did you take so long... hmph" "I''m not going to care about you if you don''t come over right this instant..." "Have you noticed how much I''ve grown, after all this time..." "Look at this leaf over here..." "Look at how tall I am, how big I am..." Although this whole exchange contained no substantial words, Yun Yang''s heart melted upon hearing Emmie''s longing responses. He pressed Emmie''s leaves onto his face, feeling the heartfelt tenderness and the fresh coolness of it C his smile extended, injected with even more bliss and warmth as the moments passed. The entire experience was like a father embracing his clingy little daughter. It felt as if he had the whole world in his arms, and he could no longer bear to part with it. "Meow" "Meow, meow, meow" Two lost, despairing cries could be heard in an alternating rhythm. As Yun Yang lowered his gaze, he was greeted with an even more joyful sight. He found two little snow-white fur balls at his feet, barely the size of his palm. Their eyes were filled with dejected, pitiful looks, staring straight at him from below. They mewled persistently as if they were complaining about something. "Master, how could you only notice Emmie? Don''t you care about us?" "We have also been waiting for you for a long time!" The two little things were none other than Whitey Two and Whitey Three. 637 Advancement. A Massive Change! With a hearty laugh, Yun Yang gathered the two rascals in a heartfelt embrace - their presence was long overdue. Upon seeing him, they dashed into his open arms and squirmed against his chest without uttering another sound. They settled against his skin, contented, and ceased to move. This was a very familiar territory to them C a sanctuary they had looked forward to seeing again after a long time. It felt as if they were reliving an old dream as they submerged themselves in a stream of happy memories. Yun Yang gently caressed the two rascals in his arms. After settling down in a comfortable position, they emitted a rhythm of snores as their ears flapped from side to side in pleasure. Their little, furry tails also swayed from end to end, occasionally straightening like a flagpole, or curling into a little ball of wool; sometimes, they were merely oscillating back and forth with clockwork precision. Slightly worried, Yun Yang examined them in greater detail. After he was reassured that the injuries on Whitey Two and Whitey Three had fully recovered without a single trace of concealed danger, he realized, in bewilderment, that not only had Whitey Two and Whitey Three''s injuries completely healed, they had also advanced into the next level! The most bewildering part was still the fact that it was not a mere advancement of one, two, three or even four levels Yun Yang, astonished by this sudden discovery, found himself gaping at the two Whiteys before him, unsure of their current level! ''Could it be - could it be that these two critters possess combat abilities that surpass my own?'' ''Is that even possible?'' ''That''s impossible, is it not?'' No matter what, it would still be safe to say that at the very least, the cultivation base of these two Whiteys had already surpassed the three Whiteys at home, exceeding the eldest Whitey by a large degree. Needless to say, their ranks had also increased even further. "Unless...these advancements were due to this space. How else could they have advanced so swiftly?" Yun Yang caressed his chin, lost in thought. "If that is really the case, I''d have to arrange for the three other Whiteys to come in here for a little boost. They''re brothers after all C it''s not good for them to have too much difference in their abilities." "Chirp, chirp!" A clear, crystalline chirp could be heard approaching. ... Yun Yang furrowed his brows and allowed his gaze to follow the direction of the sound. He found a little bird hovering before him, its two round eyes filled with tenderness, focused on him with a little tilt of its tiny head. Of course, there was a slight hint of disdain for competition with the Whiteys, clearly reflected in its gaze. "Chirp, chirp" In his excitement upon seeing Emmie and the Whiteys, Yun Yang had almost forgotten about this little fellow here. He quickly waved towards it as it approached, allowing Jiji to rest on his palm. After a quick examination, he frowned and said, "Jiji, what''s wrong with you? Both of them have advanced so much, but you C still not a single feather to be seen! Are you being lazy C have you been practicing lesser?" "Chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp" Jiji burst into a flurry of protest, making a disdained, haughty expression, its little bird brain lopsided. It was trying to say, "I am a great, celestial beast C how can my level of advancement be as easy as these two dumb beasts over here?" The two Whiteys became enraged upon hearing the insult, lashing out with a speed quicker than Yun Yang''s reaction. In one swift moment, they had Jiji held against the ground beneath their massive bodies, about to ravage it into pieces. Jiji was still young, despite being a celestial beast. Well... an examination was still pending to determine whether or not Jiji was truly one. Jiji squawked in terror and struggled for its life, only escaping from beneath the bodies of the two Whiteys after being terrorized for quite a while. It flew towards Yun Yang and stopped in mid-air, displaying its bald, featherless wing. It then brandished its wings. Having one wing to support itself in mid-air, the other pointed towards the two Whiteys, as it looked straight at Yun Yang sternly, squawking frantically in accusation and rage. This little frantic, mid-air dance and furious chirping was clearly a complaint about the two badly-behaved Whiteys who had no regard for a celestial beast; this callous attitude was clear by the way they had ravaged it with such disrespect. ''This little fellow is rather skillful; it has learned how to tell on someone and make complaints!'' Yun Yang could not help but feel amused and entertained at the unfolding scene. "Regarding these private dealings between you guys I mean C you bird and felines..." said Yun Yang in all seriousness, "I won''t be involved; sort it out yourselves." Upon hearing that, Jiji''s head drooped low in defeat, its plight a lost cause. On the other hand, the two Whiteys held their heads high with haughtiness and pride, arrogance coursing through their bodies, totally enjoying their victory and how they managed to get away with it. "Ayaya!" A furious noise resonated through the air, as loud as an alarm. Emmie was aghast with rage. Tomorrow is the big reunion, yet, those three idiots were still fighting amongst themselves! Don''t you all have a little decency and sense of shame? Are you aware that your actions are aggravating both your big boss and myself? "Ayayayaya!" Emmie emitted another huge, violent roar which carried a clear, concise message. Anyone who picked any further fights would be kicked out, and never allowed in here again, ever! The threat worked wonderfully. Not a sound was uttered from the direction of the commotion as the three creatures stopped their fighting, transforming into awfully angelic, well-behaved creatures in the span of a short moment. When the situation demanded it, they could be just as cute you wanted them to be! To them, it was a truly an honor to be blessed with such a unique opportunity to cultivate in this space! Deny them entry? No way! God knows how many eons it would take to advance and level up to the next stage if they were to cultivate in a location beyond this miraculous place! Only after witnessing the rowdy commotion before him did Yun Yang remember that his initial plan was to check out his current situation. The power unleashed from activating the fourth level of Endless Divine Art made Yun Yang feel like he was unrivaled in strength - no one in the world would be able to stand in his way! This was, clearly, just an illusion. An illusion was an illusion, but the massive advancement from this promotion had made Yun Yang feel like a brand-new man. This was the real thing. It was genuine, with no falsehood at play! The first noticeable difference was the huge degree of increment in his cultivation base. He had ascended right to the third level of Dao realm and it was the pinnacle of the third level as well! This already came across as a pleasant surprise. However, there was an even more intriguing event that excited Yun Yang C another two chakras within him were also awakened simultaneously! Initially, Yun Yang had ten awakened chakras. It was already the first of its kind in Tianxuan Continent''s history - a remarkable wonder that had never been witnessed before. Furthermore, during the intensive battle with the assassins, two more chakras had awakened at the final stages when he had pushed himself, resulting in a total number of twelve chakras in his body. This was totally beyond the knowledge of any experienced cultivator in the world. Now, with two more, he possessed a total of... fourteen chakras! It was even more intriguing than the most bizarre happenings in the world, and it was even more mind-boggling than the most mysterious events ever recorded in the realm, far beyond the cognition and comprehension of any learned man. How could this phenomenon even be described? In the wake of these additional surprises, Yun Yang was a little lost for words. ''To the people from the Tianxuan Continent, having nine awakened chakras, is already an incredible feat C so what does that make me, a man who now possess a total of fourteen chakras?'' ''What kind of statement is this? What kind of strange happening is this?'' ''Furthermore, if the same situation persists, will the chakras inside my body be awakened further in the upcoming fifth and sixth level?'' ''In that case, how many would be awakened?'' ''A more advanced question will be C how many chakras can be activated in a human''s body?'' Initially, Yun Yang had imagined that ten chakras would be the maximum A person''s body only had ten or so orifices, after all Two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, a mouth, a belly button... cough, and those two at the front and rear Yun Yang snorted with contempt upon thinking about the original concept of the nine chakras. ''Well, I was the one who developed this theory.'' On the day of the tenth chakra awakening, Yun Yang''s little discovery was a self-proclaimed, ultimate secret of his own that he prided himself upon. Now, however, Yun Yang realized that the so-called epiphany that he had discovered - that unique, one-of-a-kind secret - was just a bunch of nonsense! Be it as it may, he should not even waste his time on such an unworthy topic. No matter how much more surprising and unfathomable his current condition could get, it was still something beneficial to him, was it not? After triple-checking the condition of his body, he found that the replenishing speed of his energy was at least ten times faster than previously while his mystical Qi had also surpassed the former level by at least a few folds. As for a more detailed account of the level of advancement, it could only be witnessed through actual combat itself. Among all the events that had taken place recently, such as the advancement of his cultivation base, the revival of his deific consciousness space and the return of Emmie, the most satisfying part of all was that his trusted companion, and also his most precious weapon, the Divine Edge, had returned into his possession once more. In truth, he had almost forgotten that. The breakthrough of the cultivation base also meant that Saber Truth: Destiny Blade would establish new peaks along with improved techniques for a guaranteed kill whenever it was utilized. The much-anticipated fourth form of the Destiny Blade was still the same saber truth of one form and two styles. The first style, Wind Beyond The Sky; the second style, Mountain of Ivory Bones. "The world is cold when there is wind beyond the sky, the Concourse of the Underworld is built from the saber blade; look back at your deeds as karma begs, bloodlust shall render a sky red!" 638 Twins? The Fourth Form of Saber Truth: Destiny Blade was altogether different from the three preceding forms that were equipped with both offensive and defensive flows; it was impeccably flawless with a menacing edge. This two-styled form was a technique that was purely intended to execute the ultimate kill! It was definitely a world-ranked assassin''s ultimate attack - with unlimited possibilities and ways to deal death. Wind Beyond The Sky was the paramount technique of an executioner, crafted from scratch; this particular move was aimed towards single opponents, for it was full of unexpected surprises - it would be almost impossible to defend against. Nonetheless, this was not an entirely flawless technique. To activate this move, one had to concentrate the mystical energy in his entire being, then discharge it in a quick burst. This was the drawback; after executing the move, a lot of mystical Qi would be expended, regardless of whether the target was hit or not. Mountain of Ivory Bones, the second style, was a technique that reflected its strength in one''s killing intent! When this move was brandished, it would, without exception, leave only a mountain of ivory bones in its wake, no matter how many enemies stood before you. Both of these moves exuded a large killing aura C Yun Yang was already rattled by merely seeing them in action! Another key would be the mantra of the form. "The world is cold when there''s wind beyond the sky, the Concourse of the Underworld is built from the saber''s blade" The Concourse of the Underworld. These words Yun Yang''s imagination ran amuck as he pondered upon the possibilities behind the phrase. What did this have to do with the assassin organization titled the Concourse of the Underworld? Was this a mere coincidence, or was this a hint of something more? The vague statement certainly peaked one''s interest, prompting one to seek the truth behind it! At present, Whitey Two and Whitey Three simultaneously bit the leg of his pants, peering up at Yun Yang with anticipation. THey mewled loudly, obviously wishing to head out. How could they not miss the outdoors when they had spent a long time away from home? However, it could not be helped, for the space was previously in a locked-down state. Now that their master was here, it obviously meant that they could return to the human realm - how could they not be tempted? These siblings had not seen each other in such a long time Yun Yang was still drowning himself in the sights and sounds of this new realm. He acceded to their request and waved them away without much thought. "Go on by yourselves." Despite the awkward situation, where they were already prepared to berate him in a savage manner, Shangguan Lingxiu and Ji Lingxi were secretly overjoyed upon seeing Yun Yang, finally stirring. Judging by how he did not even bother to utter a few words before commencing the healing process, they were aware that Yun Yang had sustained a serious depletion of his energy this time around. Naturally, they did not disturb him, settling themselves in a corner to wait quietly until he woke up for the second time. "Lingxi, look his arm..." Shangguan Lingxiu directed her worried gaze towards Yun Yang''s shoulder. It had swelled to a size even bigger than his thigh. Ji Lingxi did not acknowledge it with much concern C she only spared him a casual glance. "If a common man was swollen to a state like this, his arms would already be rendered useless; however, ace mystical Qi cultivators have the ability to heal themselves. The main expertise of Yun Yang''s cultivation method is to revive and nourish vital energy - no serious harm will come to him." "In his current state, we could only do so much for him. Whether we use the mystical Qi from our cultivation base, or the medicinal herbs to get his blood flowing to clear up the bruises, these methods would only alleviate the situation slightly and not completely rid him of the symptoms. However, if Yun Yang uses his mystical Qi to heal his arm until it was back to its original state, not only would there be no further damage, the meridians along his arm will also experience a great deal of enhancement. This is actually beneficial for him." "Oh, so that''s how it is," Shangguan Lingxiu nodded lightly, finally rid of her worries entirely. For a long while, Yun Yang remained in a deep, recuperative state. Seeing that there was still no response from Yun Yang, the two bored girls proceeded to talk in hushed voices. Ji Lingxi''s eyes widened as she turned around unintentionally just as she was about to switch to another topic. "Eh?" Shangguan Lingxiu followed Ji Lingxi''s gaze. "Huh?" Yun Yang was still lying down, but his swollen arm and shoulder seemed to have reduced in size, now resembling a human''s arm once again. Under the intense gaze of the two girls, the swelling reduced at a speed visible to the human eye, rapidly decreasing in size. It grew a little smaller the first time around. It reduced a little more Yet a little more... In the end, it reverted to its original, mint condition! Ji Lingxi''s eyeballs nearly popped out in disbelief after witnessing this entire scene. Shangguan Lingxiu might not have witnessed a swelling as serious as Yun Yang''s, but Ji Lingxi did have multiple encounters with such a scenario, hence, she was well aware of his situation and the normal development of its symptoms. From what she remembered, the swellings she had witnessed before - which were not as horrifying as Yun Yang''s - required a healing process of at least five to six days before they could even begin to revert to its original state! Comparing the situation now to slightly earlier, where she nonchalantly explained his condition to Shangguan Lingxiu, it was merely a consolation more than anything else. According to Ji Lingxi''s knowledge of situations similar to Yun Yang''s current predicament, the swelling would not heal without at least half a month or even a month''s worth of effort. Now, however Yun Yang''s grotesque, shapelessly swollen arm had entirely healed itself! "W-What''s happening? Isn''t this practically impossible?" Ji Lingxi murmured incoherently, her hand half-outstretched to feel Yun Yang''s arm. Shangguan Lingxiu looked on with a nervous expression and gulped loudly. "Lingxi, is it alright for you to t-touch him?" Her question was actually to determine a pertinent point; why was there no light? "Pardon?" Ji Lingxi turned around, clueless in the face of Shangguan Lingxiu''s question. Her face flushed red instantly when she was hit by an instant realization. "I touched him I-I touched-- oh, Sister Lingxiu, really what are you even saying" She stammered obscurely. Shangguan Lingxiu was momentarily speechless. "You''re allowed to touch, yet I am not allowed to speak?" Ji Lingxi''s face flushed a deeper red. "I didn''t say you''re not allowed Sister Lingxiu, why don''t you come over and feel it yourself I''m not seeing this wrong, am I?" Shangguan Lingxiu was clearly worried. She extended her hand to caress Yun Yang''s arm, giving it a few pinches and presses here and there, before saying, "The swelling is really gone C even his flesh has returned to its original, muscular state, and it certainly doesn''t feel fake to the touch" After agreeing with each other, the two girls were once again befuddled. "What is going on, then? How could he heal himself in such a short time?" The girls, between the both of them, had quite a variety of expertise and experience in many fields. Still, they had never chanced upon a swelling that healed in such a swift and clean manner! As they allowed their imagination to run wild, they realized, with a tremendous shock, that Yun Yang''s abdomen seemed a little bloated? Their eyes widened in disbelief! A little bump had emerged there as if there was something wriggling in that position. Their faces grew hot with embarrassment as they each secretly took a nervous gulp. They quickly realized that the reason behind the wiggling was not like what they had imagined... Suddenly, this seemed even more bizarre. The reason behind the girls'' alternate deduction was because the little bump did not stay in its initial position. Instead, it swam upwards beneath the sheath of garments, just wading higher and higher... Under the intense scrutiny of the two girls, a tiny, furry head popped out from beneath Yun Yang''s robes, its little fresh eyes darting around the room to study its surroundings before tilting its head, and emitting a loud - "Meow." Upon hearing the sound, the two girls were frozen in shock. Four pretty eyeballs nearly fell out of their sockets. The movement had started from his abdomen then, a kitten had emerged, barely the size of a palm. Shangguan Lingxiu felt her vision blurring from shock. "H-h-he he gave birth t-to a c-cat" She wheezed, almost inaudibly. Ji Lingxi was in a complete state of shock. "T-that''s n-not all." There was another round of wriggling that originated from Yun Yang''s abdomen once again. Then, it took a route similar to the one before, journeying upwards, until "Meow." Another kitten, barely the size of a closed fist, squeezed itself out. Could they be... twins? 639 One Move and Isll Send You Flying! "Oh" Ji Lingxi felt her vision turn dark as her delicate body swayed; she stumbled, unable to support herself. Shangguan Lingxiu quickly rushed forward to help her up. There was only a single thought in their minds; were they embroiled in a nightmare? Only a chaotic buzz remained in their heads. It was an irritation that could not just be simply ignored, and any attempt to decipher it would just create even more confusion. Ji Lingxi''s thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion. ''I never knew that he would be able to do that... yet, he was the one who finally gave birth! Still... a kitten?'' Shangguan Lingxiu was also pondering upon the situation. ''By chance, is Yun Yang actually a cat... a cat demon? Perhaps he might even be a female cat!'' How else would it be possible to have spawned a cat? What more, twins! In a single delivery! A single glance at the two kittens was all it took to confirm that they were, without doubt, siblings. However, it all still seemed so absurd! Compared to the speechless expressions etched on the faces of the girls, the two cats seemed to not notice anything amiss. To the knowledge of Whitey Two and Whitey Three, everyone here was their master''s friends, be it Ji Lingxi or Shangguan Lingxiu. Hence, they appeared to be at ease, not paying too much heed towards their surroundings. In the mortal realm, they uttered two more purrs, waved their tails and leaped off their master''s body. The snow-like ivory bodies landed on the ground like two little pom poms - it was truly a stunning and pleasant sight. Already familiar with the ladies'' presences, they snuggled against Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu''s legs intimately before heading out with a swish of their tails. They behaved as if there was no one around. ''Meowmeowmeow'' Upon hearing a few mewls of joy, Big Whitey, Whitey Four, and Whitey Five dashed over quickly. The five white pom poms were happily reunited, huddling merrily in a heap. "Oh, it''s Whitey Two and Whitey Three" mumbled Ji Lingxi absently. Upon realizing what she had just said, she exclaimed loudly, "It''s Whitey Two and Whitey Three!" Shangguan Lingxiu felt her head spinning. "What? What Whitey?" In truth, Shangguan Lingxiu had actually met the few Whiteys much earlier. She had made her first contact with the Whiteys in the Empire of Ziyou, but she had never seen Whitey Two and Whitey Three in this form. Overwhelmed by what she had witnessed earlier, her train of thought was completely derailed, resulting in a huge error in judgment! "These two C Yun Yang did not give birth to them..." Ji Lingxi did not know whether to laugh or to cry. She pressed her hand against her forehead, lamenting on the huge blunder she had helped foster. "They are actually Yun Yang''s pets, and there are quite a number of them C they''re not just twins. In fact, they''re quintuplets..." With that being said, Shangguan Lingxiu also recognized them instantly, her face turning a deep red from embarrassment. She let out two coughs and was silent for half a beat, at a loss for words. Facing each other, their sheepish expressions were reflected in each other''s gaze. What was I even thinking? Did I actually believe that those two little things were delivered by Yun Yang? How could he possibly have given birth to them? Furthermore, what''s with that cat demon nonsense? The other thing about the female cat? This direction of thought was truly the result of an overactive imagination. "Nonetheless, how did this two rascals appear on the bed? How did we not notice them before? How did they even manage to slide under Yun Yang''s clothes, settling down in that particular position?" Shangguan Lingxiu asked in a puzzled manner. "About that" Ji smiled mischievously as she rolled her eyes. "Sister Lingxiu, I''m afraid you completely disregarded everything else after spending all your attention on your lover boy" Shangguan Lingxiu lapsed into a state of utter mortification. "You foul-mouthed little lady! Quit spouting such nonsense! You might as well speak for yourself!" Yun Yang, at present, still had himself submerged in the new realm; he was yet to regain consciousness. Shangguan Lingxiu and Ji Lingxi waited until it was dinner time before agreeing that it was time to eat. "Let''s go and have a bite first. This child should be fine after dinner." As the two girls were in the midst of dining There was a silhouette at the door, and Yun Yang strode in moments later, his body clean and fresh. He looked like a starving ghost. "Oh my, I could die from hunger - why didn''t you call for me when you girls started to eat?" Under the girls'' dumbstruck gaze, Yun Yang swept away a table''s worth of food in mere seconds. " What are you girls looking at? Bring in more dishes!" Yun Yang felt as though he had transformed into a bottomless pit - his old condition of intense hunger had returned. His stomach felt like an infinite void; he was rather certain that he could devour a whole dragon! Hence, the chefs of the Residence of Yun burst into action once more. It was truly fortunate that the chefs of the Yun Residence were mostly old cooks who were familiar and possessed quite a fair bit of experience with regards to his intense hunger episodes. Hence, the situation was still manageable; although it was not exactly a smooth process, at least it was not total pandemonium. There was still order amongst the clutter! Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu looked on helplessly as Yun Yang devoured three table''s worth of dishes without a single break before putting down his chopsticks. "Yun Yang h-have you eaten enough?" Ji Lingxi gulped, the sides of her mouth quivered as she surveyed the aftermath of sixteen empty dishes left on the table. This was the third table C the fourth if you included the one before. "Yes, I am quite full," Yun Yang was slightly embarrassed as he hugged the beginnings of a paunch and chuckled dryly. "Why aren''t you girls eating?" Eat? The edges of their mouths twitched slightly. Don''t even mention that word; we are quite full merely by watching you devour everything. Now, we feel like throwing up. "We are not hungry," said the two girls simultaneously. "Yun Yang... are your wounds completely healed?" asked Shangguan Lingxiu in a tender voice. "They''re healed C all of them." "They''re healed? All of them? Truly healed?" Shangguan Lingxiu was still rather worried. "Don''t worry C he has completely recovered," Ji Lingxi gave a slightly peculiar gaze. "Besides his recovery, his cultivation base has been enhanced by a great deal. Am I right, Young Master Yun? Great Expert Yun?" Yun Yang returned the suspicious stare with one of his own. "Although that wasn''t exactly accurate, it wasn''t completely off the mark either. Perhaps I''m not yet close to being among the ranks of the ultimate supremes. However, Great Lady Ji, I am no longer afraid of you." Ji Lingxi stood up gracefully. "That''s only a verbal statement. How can you prove it, physically? Perhaps you should try it out." "Let''s try it out then!" Yun Yang was totally up for it. He had been tortured horribly by Ji Lingxi for the past few days; it was as if he had been strapped up and helplessly beaten. Now that he had a chance to seek revenge, how could he just let such an opportunity go by? His cultivation base had advanced tremendously, after all! I''ll definitely give this little girl a well-deserved beating! Ji Lingxi was about to leave when she felt Shangguan Lingxiu tugging on her sleeve. "If you are trying it out, I-I... I''d like to see it - I wish to verify it with my own eyes!" Sister, what are you playing at? You are talking in bits and pieces, as though there was something going on! On the training ground, Ji Lingxi assumed her combat stance with a serious mien and offered a challenge to her opponent. "Bring it on," Ji Lingxi prompted her challenger. Yun Yang only laughed in response, feeling an overwhelmingly powerful surge of energy within his body, his heart filled with the confidence of a guaranteed victory. Placing his hands behind his back, he assumed the stance and role of a teacher as he started to speak nonchalantly. "Lingxi, you have to respond properly and be extra wary this time - my cultivation base has advanced so much, I''m afraid I might cause you grievous hurt unintentionally." Ji Lingxi snorted. "One move from me and I''ll send you flying!" "Hahahaha" Even as his laughter echoed in the air, there was a sudden flash of a purple silhouette. Yun Yang had already charged over at the speed of lightning, his sudden dash so swift that it actually cut a gaping void in his wake. A glow as beautiful as white jade illuminated both his hands as they plummeted towards the direction of Ji Lingxi''s shoulders. Shangguan Lingxiu stared intently, feeling anxious all over. Both Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s existing levels of strength was already more than what Shangguan Lingxiu had ever encountered. However, the simplest, most straight-forward exchange of fists could still be observed by the naked eye. Of course, this was done at a speed that was not even close to the maximum levels they could channel from their bodies. If they had been exerting their full strength, the only thing visible to Shangguan Lingxiu would have just been two blobs of light. Ji Lingxi snorted. She genuinely meant to test and see if Yun Yang, upon his advancement, could get rid of that mysterious glow. Retreating two steps, she suddenly lifted her head and hurled her entire body backward. Thus, Yun Yang''s palm, which was initially aimed at Ji Lingxi''s shoulder, did not only miss its target by a far stretch - it was now directed towards Ji Lingxi''s elevated and extended chest instead... Cough! Yun Yang was already being carried forward by his momentum. He had expected Ji Lingxi to flinch or cower in terror but was caught by surprise at the use of such a bizarre technique to counter his attack instead. The palm landed unforgivingly, but it was too late to retract it. Yun Yang''s mindfulness was quick as lightning as he called out indignantly, "You! Such insolence" 640 The Script is Wrong! "Swoosh!" Yun Yang''s palm landed right on Ji Lingxi''s chest. The touch, just as he felt it was inexplicable "Boom!" A beam of red light flared brightly, as expected. The light flashed briefly, just before a certain someone who was confident about his recent advancement in cultivation base flew away like a broken kite. "Bang, bang, bang!" That certain someone broke two trees before he smashed into the yard''s wall. By the looks of it, blood oozed from his orifices as he was flattened out, arms akimbo, on the wall; his spread-out form remained stuck on the wall for a short moment before it slid down. His forlorn state was appalling to behold. Shangguan Lingxiu, who was standing by the side, cried out in surprise upon seeing the situation, while Ji Lingxi looked disappointed and sad, saying, "It still doesn''t work His abilities are still far from being adequate" At the far end of the place, Yun Yang struggled to raise his head and force out a question full of anger and agony, "Y C you what''s the meaning of this?" He passed out just as he finished his line. ''Poor me. How long have I been awake? I''ve only rejoiced for such a short while!'' Yun Yang had imagined what he would do after waking up from this breakthrough. For example, he could now ambush Sir Bi and take him down by surprise. It was two entirely different matters C two concepts, to be in ninth heaven realm and third level in Dao realm. This was especially important to Yun Yang, who was now better equipped with the ability to kill someone more advanced than he was! After all, Sir Bi''s party had already set their opinion on Yun Yang''s capabilities. Intelligence indicated that Yun Yang was at the ninth heaven realm and pushing with his all throughout the siege of so many assassins C these were such cold, hard facts that they were enough to ward off anyone''s doubt. If he were to carry out the ambush now, having swiftly turned into a cultivator of the third level in Dao realm, it would have been a reserved estimation that his efforts would yield results that were twice as effective. Just thinking about it was as gratifying as it could get. During his intended moments of triumph, he had even wondered if his current ability could rival Ling Xiaozui and the other experts in battle. Regardless, he figured that the old men''s jaws would drop with the advancement of his cultivation base now. After all, they had only seen him a few days ago; it had only been a handful of days since then. ''Have you old men ever seen such a tremendous change, akin to a rebirth?'' ''It is going to blind you!'' ''Should I also flaunt it in front of the four young masters? Should I allow Fang Mofei and Lao Mei to experience another fright?'' Yun Yang had thought about all the above and more, entertaining thoughts of gloating to Yun Xiaoyao, putting on a show for the Emperor of Yutang, helping Qiu Jianhan and the ''rogues'' as well as Old Mistress Shangguan to reflect his value, as well as a dozen other things. There was truly nothing that escaped his mind. What he did not think about, however, was being severely wounded by Ji Lingxi''s red light and sent sprawling, just as he was about to show the world what he was made of, ready to be admired. Things were not going according to the script at all! What happened to ostentatiously parading in the open after the breakthrough? Was he still the main character of this story? It had never crossed his mind to molest the girl! He felt truly and utterly f*cked. Moreover, it was Ji Lingxi herself who had forced her chest towards Yun Yang''s palm! Yet, the outcome was still Yun Yang''s fault? These were Yun Yang''s final moments of consciousness, filled with a deep sense of maligned reluctance. ''At least let me win the girl over once!'' Both the ladies were speechless as they watched Yun Yang hurled away when he had so confidently agreed to the battle. Ji Lingxi was vexed, turning hysterically agitated. "It still can''t work!" Shangguan Lingxiu sighed, a gush of mixed emotions surging through her. She felt heartache, realization, comprehension, wonder, as well as the slightest hint of secret delight. Ji Lingxi had not lied to her! This entire incident was no farce! This was the best possible news that Shangguan Lingxiu could have heard. Everything was becoming clear to her now. If this had not been so C if Ji Lingxi did not have such an unusual seal upon her, Ji Lingxi would never have given the tiniest bit of hope to Shangguan Lingxiu. This held true even if the former were beaten to death, given her character and temper. Ji Lingxi, by all rights, should not have given her any chances. No woman would actually be as generous on the matters of the heart. In spite of this, the reality was laid out before their eyes. No matter how reluctant Ji Lingxi was, she had no choice but to give Shangguan Lingxiu a chance C she even had to plead and ask her to join in. There were many unfilial acts in the world, but the worst would be not to have an heir C Ji Lingxi could be a fairy and have her man fearlessly love her, but how could they continue the lineage when the man could not even hug her? How could they become intimate? How could they They could do nothing unless their love was stronger than gold unless one of them became a nun while another became a eunuch C for life! How could such a thing happen? Perhaps such devoted people actually existed in this world, but Ji Lingxi and Yun Yang were definitely not suitable candidates. Such a romantic scenario was not suitable for them, especially not when the situation was almost unsolvable. What was Yun Yang''s identity now? The current Yun Yang was one who had ascended into the Dao realm and was about to be ranked among the notable legendary experts of the continent. Yet, his resistance was still futile when faced with the red light. Then, to what level of cultivation must he achieve to be able to fight and break the seal of the red beam? Even if it was not an entirely hopeless situation, it was still an extremely arduous process. ''Do you think that it''s an easy task for practitioners to advance? Plenty of people have no advancement at all throughout their lives; they could remain stuck at a level for ages! There are many cases like this in the continent!'' ''Of course, you can say that to be alive means that there is to be hope. You can wait for the day Yun Yang can finally advance until he can fight the red light, or maybe Yun Yang can wait for you, wait for the day the red light acknowledges Yun Yang Unfortunately, who knows when any one of these two days will come?'' ''It can be a decade later, twenty years later, or even sixty years later. After such a long time, when you''re both seventy or eighty years old, can you still do the deed when your wish is finally granted?'' ''It''s not impossible. In fact, this is the most likely outcome, is it not?'' Shangguan Lingxiu heaved a long sigh and finally felt at peace, like a general whose plans had come to fruition, and had regained control of the situation. On the other hand, Ji Lingxi breathed out a long sigh, not at all joyous that she was able to deal damage to a Dao realm cultivator. For a moment, Shangguan Lingxiu knew that she should not be happy, but hints of delight still filled her entire being. 641 I’m Hurting Inside! Ji Lingxi was plagued by distress. The events today were not only meant to be proof for Shangguan Lingxiu, Ji Lingxi herself needed the attempt to be made, to test out all possibilities. After all, Yun Yang had advanced so much during this time and could rival her cultivation base. If he could have suppressed the red light, it would have been worth it even, if she had to suffer from a little injury during the strike. Although Yun Yang was still not allowed to do.. that.. and they still could not kiss or hug too frequently - as long as the red light was no longer as tyrannical, she was agreeable to award him the occasional opportunity to take things further. Now, however, the cruel reality had utterly smashed Ji Lingxi''s girlish thoughts. What was left in her was the impulse to point a finger towards the sky and curse out loud while grinding her teeth and clenching her jaw. ''How senseless the old man must be to put a seal like this on me!'' ''Why the f*ck didn''t you put this restriction on your wife instead? What a complete bastard!'' ''Did I provoke you? Have I offended you? I can''t even go on a date now C what about in the future!'' ''Yun Yang has returned my feelings; we''ve made it all clear, but this is what we have come to?'' Ji Lingxi guessed that if she were to tell Yun Yang that she liked him now, Yun Yang would shudder in fear and run away immediately. Was this the concept of romance? The ladies'' thoughts were long-winded, even longer when described in words, but the harsh reality only took the blink of an eye to process. When Yun Yang had been flung away to end up splattered against the wall and unconscious, the girls were only momentarily stunned before they sprinted to him and carried him to his room. They laid him out on the bed and take care of him, carefully feeding him water and medicine. Poor Yun Yang had only left the bed for less than two hours before he was lying down on it once more. The anguish was unbearable When Yun Yang woke up again, he saw Shangguan Lingxiu looking at him worriedly while beside her, Ji Lingxi looked incredibly guilty, stealing glimpses at him sorrowfully. "Aih" The first thing Yun Yang did when he woke up was to let out a long sigh, one that would sadden and tear up anyone who heard it, making them question the vicissitudes of life. "Oh Lingxi, Oh young sister Oh, lady Uh oh, ancestor" Yun Yang covered his forehead with the back of his hand and said weakly, "You What were you trying to do" Ji Lingxi''s guilt doubled as she lowered her head like she had performed a heinous crime; her voice was as soft as a mosquito. "Sorry" Yun Yang let out another long sigh. ''Hmm, sorry'' ''Eighth brother, what a good sister you''ve left me with Forget the fact that she doesn''t call me brother C that''s fine, she can call me husband if she wants. I''ll marry her, I can accept it. In fact, I quite like her However, do you know how many more ''sorry''s I''ll have to accept in this lifetime, whether I marry her or not?'' ''Do you know that for every single ''sorry'' I hear,I''ll have to lie in bed for at least three days?'' ''Do you know that?'' Yun Yang could hardly speak of the bitterness in his heart, so it all came out as one, long sigh. How tragic! It seemed that nothing like this had been heard of since the beginning of time in this whole wide world! If news of this matter were to be spread, he wondered how much he would be teased C when Supreme Cloud had become a legend one day in the future, this anecdote of his would take the martial world by storm then. "Hey, you know about Supreme Cloud? The Nine Supremes'' Supreme Cloud?" "Nonsense! Who doesn''t know about him? He''s the think-tank of the Nine Supremes!" "Then you must surely know that Supreme Cloud is married, don''t you?" "Of course! He married Supreme Wind''s biological younger sister. It''s not even a secret, why are you being so discreet?" "Do you know that Supreme Cloud''s down again?" "Down? Again? I beg your pardon?" "You don''t know, do you? Come, come. Have a seat. Let me tell you a story." "Did you know? A kiss? Three days in bed." "Did you know? A hug? Three days in bed." "Did you know? Sleeping in the same bed? Three days in bed." "Intimacy? The act of love? That''s practically non-existent!" Many years later, when Supreme Cloud passed away "Did you know? Our Lord Supreme Cloud was still a virgin when he passed on" "How is this possible? Isn''t Lord Supreme Cloud''s mistress" "I knew that wouldn''t know. According to legend, Lord Supreme Cloud was the one who died from blue balls! Come, sit down. I''ll tell you the story" Once Yun Yang imagined these, he felt the sky collapsing on him. He felt like dying, like crying, but there were no tears in his eyes. ''I''ve already made a legend! Am I destined to create another one?'' ''I''m hurting inside'' Yun Yang was dismayed and so was Ji Lingxi. Furthermore, Ji Lingxi was even more upset than Yun Yang, a hundred times more! Tears were already brimming in her eyes. ''Why is my life so tragic?'' ''I would have been fine if you fellows had not brought me up after giving birth to me! Why are you being like this?'' "Lingxi, don''t be sad. I''m still here, I''ll help you the best I can!" Shangguan Lingxi hugged Ji Lingxi''s shoulders and said softly, "I think there''ll be a day that the seal will vanish Maybe when your cultivation base improves more or the person who formed this seal can found Don''t give up C hoping." Ji Lingxi wept, "What if we can''t find them?" "They''ll be found as long as we don''t give up!" said Shangguan Lingxiu with absolute certainty. Ji Lingxi continued weeping. It was fine when Yun Yang was still oblivious and things were not yet out in the open. Now, however, both of them were aware of each other''s feelings and showed signs of genuine acceptance. A happy ending was within their reach. Yet, this issue had arrived at a juncture which should have been the sweetest. Furthermore, it just had to be one that had no solution in sight! To Ji Lingxi, this was an extremely cruel twist of fate. This was a man she loved with her life and everything else she had, but he did not even have the right to come near her! Could there be a more clichd situation in this world? Yun Yang knew that Ji Lingxi was perturbed, so he comforted her gently, "Don''t worry. While the seal on you is powerful, the foundation of it is still a strong cultivation base. Maybe we can dissolve the restriction in a few years time, with our current cultivation base improvement rate. Then, we can still" Yun Yang quickly shut himself up. How could he go on? They could still do what then? Yun Yang''s mouth hung agape as he paused there, a mortified look on his face. He was not the only one who was speechless; Shangguan Lingxiu and Ji Lingxi were both flustered as well. "Rogue!" Ji Lingxi''s face was still dotted with tears but she had turned red from embarrassment The flush was alluring, easily making one''s imagination go wild. "Shut up! What nonsense are you sprouting?" She sighed inwardly. Yun Yang was right of course, but by looking at how tyrannical the seal was, she was afraid that they might not be able to do anything... even when they had advanced by another dozen levels. Moreover, how long would it take to even achieve that dozen levels? If she could maintain the speed of making a breakthrough each time she slept, perhaps she really only needed a few days. However, this seal was applied to her. It would be difficult for her to remove it on her own. The direction of another solution was Yun Yang himself, but he did not have what she had. The dozen of levels would take him a decade or two C maybe three or five; it could even be half a lifetime! The higher her cultivation base got, the harder it would be for Yun Yang to break the seal. The young lady was greatly distressed, almost crying again as she thought about her plight. 642 This Is What ‘Interrogation By Torture’ Means! Although she did not wish to leave, Shangguan Lingxiu had chosen to stand up and bid her farewells. The problem now did not lie with Yun Yang nor herself C it was more on Ji Lingxi. Inevitably, if she took it to heart and did something unthinkable upon discovering the truth, it would be an irreconcilable regret of a lifetime. She gave Yun Yang a knowing look before she made her exit, indicating that he should comfort Ji Lingxi accordingly. She then left with a heavy heart, no longer her gleeful self, filled with a secret delight. Yun Yang sent Shangguan Lingxiu off with Fang MoFei by her side. As she went along her way, she could not help but recall the events of the day, her brows locked tightly just at the mere thought of it. There was still a little happiness that remained in her heart. it was not like Yun Yang totally did not have feelings for her, and Ji Lingxi had given in courteously, making herself clear, with everything laid out in plain sight. Of course, it could be interpreted in another way; as long as she relieved herself of her responsibilities, good things could be achieved at any time. The experience of bliss and satisfaction was a fleeting one. However, as soon as her attention flitted back to Ji Lingxi, whispers of a sorrowful sigh could be heard once more, accompanied by tightly-knitted brows. ''What should be done?'' ''How can such an unimaginable thing exist in this world?'' ''Is this not terribly unusual?'' Shangguan Lingxiu pondered furiously throughout the entire journey C how was she to resolve this issue appropriately? This was not a sign of overthinking or extreme worrying. Shangguan Lingxiu felt it deep down in her bones C if this issue was not settled quickly, even if she was married to Yun Yang eventually which would fulfill her deepest desire, everyone would never attain true closure without resolving this. It would not affect just Ji Lingxi, but Yun Yang and herself as well. "This must definitely be resolved," thought Shangguan Lingxiu, with a feeling of absolute determination. "Although there is a possibility of going back to the time where I was rejected by Ji Lingxi after all this is resolved... settling this issue is still of the utmost priority!" Yun Yang laid in bed for a day and a half, drowning himself in absolute sadness, before finally restoring himself. His mood could only be described by two words during this whole time; Anxiousness! Panic! That would be two days and a night of being laid up. The assassins who had failed at the attempt to take his life did not succeed due to their mistake of not taking sufficient precautions. However, after the leader of the masked men returned, and when Sir Bi reviewed the lessons learned from his loss, how could he be unprepared? At first, the breaking through of his cultivation base and the quick recuperation of his injuries were already a pleasant surprise, which he saw as an additional bargaining chip to him. However, due to Ji Lingxi''s actions, the initial accidental and seemingly-advantageous surprise seemed to have vanished. After all, it had already been quite some time since he had been ambushed. Based on Yun Yang''s assessment of Sir Bi, there had to be some form of backlash, regardless of whether he had escaped, hidden out of plain sight, or had managed to conjure some other countermeasure. However, this would only turn the already clear, straightforward situation into an even more complicated one! However, who could be truly blamed for this? Ji Lingxi C for the red glow that she emitted from her body? It was tempting to do so, but if he had not attempted to prove himself, impress the girl and brag about his advanced cultivation base, would he have been struck so badly? Whatever this was, it was fated. There was no other way around it since he had gotten himself into it. He could only face it head-on C eagerly so! When he finally got up and walked out, his gaze fell on Ji Lingxi, who let out a huge sigh of relief. "... A day and a half earlier..." She mumbled. "What a day and a half earlier?" asked Yun Yang curiously. "Nothing, nothing. You heard wrong," Ji Lingxi dodged his question evasively. She took one look at him and scampered away like a frightened bunny, but Yun Yang vaguely noticed that the rims of her eyes were swollen, and her face C even some parts of her neck C was flushed red. Yun Yang followed the silhouette that dashed away with his gaze, a little taken aback. He sighed as well after a moment. "One day" He mumbled to himself. He stopped short, allowing his words to linger in the air. With a confident wave of his arm, a purple robe materialized upon his body. The aura that enveloped his being turned ice cold instantly when he strode out the room C it was as if a demon had made an appearance on earth. The cold penetrated skin deep, sending shivers right down to the bone C a cold that demanded fear and ignited a fit of shuddering! "Those assassins C they''re not dead yet, are they?" "Not at all. They''re as alive as ever." "To the chamber, then!" Upon hearing where they were going, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei shuddered. How could they not know what was going to happen? The assassins were finally facing their day of judgment! Yun Yang''s interrogation methods could only be described as such C it was second to none in this world! This youth looked clean and easy-going from a single glance, his face adorned with a cultured and refined expression; he carried himself with an air of sophistication wherever he went. However, from the viewpoint of the assassins, as he stepped foot into the chamber where they were imprisoned, the room suddenly became more terrifying than the underworld itself. The doors to the chamber, as thick as a fortress''s walls, closed slowly behind him. At that precise moment, Shangguan Lingxiu dashed to the scene frantically, only to see Ji Lingxi staring at Yun Yang''s silhouette disappear into the chamber''s entrance. For reasons unknown, Shangguan Lingxiu could feel a notably repressed aura radiating from Yun Yang''s silhouette C a severely inhibited one that was utterly horrifying should it ever be unleashed. ... It had been a whole four hours since Yun Yang entered the chamber. When he finally emerged, it was dusk, and the sun had almost completely set. Upon a simple glance, Yun Yang looked as calm as ever. His purple robes remained clean and unruffled as he emerged with a beatific, indifferent expression, like a young master who just returned home after having a fun day out. Behind him, however, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were both in a terrible state - both their faces were as white as sheets, their sinewy bodies accentuated with a slight sheen of sweat accompanied by occasional shivers. Their hair was entirely wet, and the terror they experienced was clearly carved into the details on their faces. Both Fang Mofei and Lao Mei had barely assisted in today''s trial. In reality, it was Yun Yang who had chaired the trial and conducted most of the session C they were merely lending a hand wherever they could. Even Lao Mei, who had played a slightly bigger role in the activities, had only accompanied Yun Yang to question one of the assassins. This time around, however, Lao Mei and Fang Mofei finally understood what ''interrogation by torture'' truly meant! In reality, Yun Yang''s interrogative methods were not fancy or complicated C there was no special trick to it. The whole process was actually rather commonplace. The only uncommon aspect lied in the fact that it was a continuous, progressive process; not to mention that calm, cold and unchanging expression etched on his face while he was at it. No answer? Certainly. Carry on. Torture him to the brink of death C then, bring him back. Ask him again if he were to speak C not answering? Fine, carry on. Next. Still no answer? Never mind, just continue watching. ''My, my... I am extremely patient. Go on, motivate each other, berate me, curse me!'' The interrogation seemed endless, repeating itself in cycles It was not even a private trial C all the assassins were gathered together in the same room since the very beginning. ''Although you are all gathered together in such a tiny room, I''m not afraid of you fellows stringing false confessionsC you are most welcome to try.'' ''Do so... as long as you fellows have the confidence that you can hide it from me!'' A normal individual might be able to withstand the test of flirting with death once C mainly because in most situations, dying meant settling a whole score of misgivings! In Yun Yang''s hands, however, dying right now would be a huge joke, especially after Emmie''s return. You wish to die? That would be no problem at all! I''ll let you live and die repeatedly, for as many times as you wish! Although Fang Mofei and Lao Mei, who had been observing everything from a corner, would not say that they empathized with the prisoners and how they must have felt, they realized that it must have been a truly unpleasant feeling indeed! 643 The Operation Begins! These martial world veterans, skilled assassins who looked at death in its eyes, who would not blink an eye when faced with the matter of life or death, went slowly from enduring the treatment with gritted teeth, to yelling and condemning out loud, from cursing viciously, to moaning in agony, and finally to convulsing until they could not speak a word in Yun Yang''s hands. Then, the cycle repeated until they pleaded in the end, begging for mercy. It came to a point where they crawled forward like dogs, voluntarily reciting their entire family history. Once, a man had mistakenly uttered a word of his ancestor''s name when he was being interrogated, thus experiencing another process of being brought back to life from the brink of death. Much later, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei thought to themselves that if the confessions and intelligence that they gathered could still be false under such circumstances, then the entire world would be a lie! ''Finally, we have some sense of the Four Seasons Tower''s presence in the Empire of Yutang! We finally have a clue.'' Yun Yang was deep in thought, his eyes glimmering with glee. It had gone on for so long C over two years of a contest of wits and courage which had resulted in the recent rebellion of Snow, Frost, and Sword. There were also various blows leveled at the imperial court and martial world, in addition to Ling Xiaozui, Heaven''s Inquisition, Dugu Chou and other powerful cultivators'' alliance. The assassin organizations in the martial world suffered from serious casualties and were a mess while the five empires had almost crumbled during the chaos. It was only at this point that the Four Seasons Tower''s base in the Empire of Yutang was finally revealed! All the signs had pointed to two individuals who were suspected to be the most crucial figures of the Four Seasons Tower right now C Sir Bi and Wu Ying! Once these two men and their subordinates were uprooted, the Empire of Yutang could be considered entirely at peace. Yun Yang already had a certain level of understanding of Sir Bi''s arrangement and information regarding Wu Ying. Nonetheless, Wu Ying had taken so many precautions that Yun Yang couldn''t help but feel somewhat impressed. The assassins he had captured this time knew only about the presence of such a person. They did not even know his name, identity or any other details regarding Wu Ying. ''How does one take a multi-pronged approach and eradicate such a man?'' Yun Yang considered the situation seriously and planned his strategy, only to find that the approach would be too difficult. His abilities had yet to reach a level where he could successfully take down such an opponent. ''Since my abilities are still not up to par, let''s not insist on simultaneous attacks on both parties. Concentrate and take one side down first C any side. Then, we can speak of the subsequent actions. For now, a close watch on the other party will do. I don''t believe that he''ll be able to escape this net.'' Yun Yang made his decision swiftly. It would be a taboo to be hesitant on matters like this. Since it was destined that both sides could not be taken care of at the same time, he would pick one and focus his full ability on it. If he were to continue being so hesitant, the enemy might be alarmed and he would fail to deal with both. When this long-awaited day arrived, the day when he could finally take action on the very core of the Four Seasons Tower in Empire of Yutang, Yun Yang felt a rather odd sense that complacency. The unusual feeling puzzled Yun Yang. He had apparently gone through so much hardship and flirted with death so many times throughout the terrifying process, but why did he feel that it was going to be easy when it came to this final juncture? It was unbelievable. If it were to be a little more difficult, he might have already have been crushed and his soul shattered as well. "Tonight, well into midnight, let the operation begin!" Deep in the silence of the night, in the study of Sir Bi''s residence, a Go board was filled with black and white Go stones. Both sides were engaged in a tough and aggressive battle. Sir Bi studied the game intently. Toying with a black stone in his hand, his brows were locked into a frown as he contemplated, unable to decide on a move. "Nowhere works Everywhere there isn''t a path to survival in all directions." "I can''t even revive it by force nor is there a knockout move to make There isn''t any room to turn things around." "What should be done now?" His finely sculpted face was painted with worry as he pondered upon his next move. At this time, shadows flashed and three people blinked into existence beside him C three similar people. More precisely, there were four identical duplicates on the spot C because these three people who had suddenly appeared were all indistinguishable from Sir Bi! They could not be told apart by their faces and body sizes.From a single glance, even their mannerisms and the vibes they exuded were parallel to each other. It was as if Sir Bi had not noticed the trio''s presence. He was still concentrating on the Go board, thinking deeply without a care for anything else. Mechanically, he kept the Go stones one by one and placed them back on the board again; the cycle repeated itself ceaselessly. Time trickled away. The trio who had appeared stood behind him, unmoving since the moment they came. They did not twitch nor had they spoken; they did not even make a sound. However, the anxiousness etched on their expressions grew unspeakably intense. After a long, long time, midnight came. Finally, one of the three men could not help speaking out loud, "Eldest, you should make a decision." Sir Bi trained his gaze on the Go board on the table and replied faintly, "What decision? In this situation where death is definite and there is no hope for survival, it is taboo to act recklessly. Without a confident corresponding tactic, anything about making a decision will be sending yourself to death''s door." "Aih!" The three people behind him were so anxious that they stomped their feet. "I''m not talking about this." "It''s all the same," Sir Bi answered; his eyes were still on the Go board, his voice nonchalant as he continued speaking, "The Go board and reality C it''s all the same. Messing up your steps and acting recklessly would make it impossible to win." He lifted his head slowly, his gaze focused on the white stone in his palm, and he commented faintly, "Life is like a game of Go, the game of Go is like life. As for me, I''m like this white Go stone, currently caught at this precarious juncture." "I can''t advance nor can I withdraw. I can''t go left, neither can I go right. Taking a step forward brings me against the most dangerous trials while taking a step back throws me into an endless abyss. Staying where I am to observe the changes, reacting to events by remaining still is perhaps the best choice right now. It''s too bad that the game has begun and there''s hardly a pause. Everything is because I... am already in the game!" Sir Bi stared at the white stone pinched between his two fingers emotionally and exclaimed with a soft sigh. "Eldest brother, you might be painting an overly pessimistic picture. The current scenario is precarious, but we''re still able to take both the offensive or defensive stance. Even when things come to an impasse, who can stop us from fleeing free in this world as long as we leave Tiantang City? With the abilities the four of us share, it shouldn''t be too hard to break the barricade and escape, even if Yutang besieges. Being in the so-called game is just a limitation C Tiantang City is this limitation. Once we leave Tiantang City, we leave this game. When we''re no longer in the game, it''s irrelevant whether the game has begun or the game is over!" The other person spoke up, "Nonetheless, we ask for eldest brother to make a decision soon." "A decision" Sir Bi said with a pained stare, "If it had been another time or another situation what you said is undoubtedly reasonable. It''s something we can truly do. By leaving the game C rendering all our previous efforts in vain - we could possibly save ourselves. Hope is there when we are as well...but not during our current limitation! Do all of you know why this Go manual has come to me at this time?" 644 The Go Playbook. The Destined Fate. The Go playbook! The three men standing behind Sir Bi were speechless. ''Eldest, we don''t wish to discuss this repellent Go manual with you at all. What we''re discussing with you right now is our life, death, and future! Do you not have any sense of priority? Are you unable to ascertain the relative importance of things?'' ''The crisis is imminent now, yet you''re still studying the Go playbook!'' Sir Bi said gently, "This Go playbook I have seen it before." The expressions of the trio behind him took on a look of shock. "Then" Sir Bi heaved a soft sigh. Suddenly, there was a gurgling noise in his throat as blood rushed to his lips. Despite his best efforts, a hint of crimson still spilled from the corners of his mouth. As he spat out a mouthful of blood, the trio behind him grunted in unison. Blood seeped from the corners of their mouth as well. "Do you all understand now?" Sir Bi asked softly, as he gracefully wiped away the blood staining his mouth. The trio was as pale as sheets, while their gazes flickered with fear. "W C what''s going on?" Sir Bi sucked in a deep breath C his gaze dimmed, before he spoke with an exhalation of his breath, "This time around, I''ve gotten all of you embroiled in this matter." All three men spoke simultaneously, "We''re brothers, it is understood that we are to share life and death with you. Any adversity is sweet as syrup, since the very beginning. We just don''t understand what''s going on now. What just happened? Why did we suddenly experience such terrible damage to our mental and physical states?" Sir Bi glanced outside the window. His gaze was distant when he spoke, "Back then... When Heaven''s Inquisition still roamed the mortal realm, I spent a princely sum to ask him to tell my fortune. Do you still have any memory of this?" The trio replied bitterly, "Of course. It was the fortune telling session that almost emptied our savings. We won''t be able to forget such a large expenditure, even if we wanted to!" Sir Bi replied faintly, "You know about the session, but you didn''t know that I was already the Four Seasons Tower''s civil official then. I was ambitious to see our country rule the world and witness peace upon it; I wanted to help the emperor take down Tianxuan and contribute to the unprecedented feat of emperors. Nonetheless, I joined the Four Seasons Tower by chance. By then, my future was lost; I didn''t know what to choose any longer." "Because I had gone so terribly astray, I decided to seek my fortune, to leave my future in destiny''s hands!" "Heaven''s Inquisition was, without a doubt, the best choice for me. He was the only option I could trust. Here is an individual who sees the astral providence and where fate lies!" "I believe that all of you must still be pondering about the outcome of my fortune, but I have never revealed it to any of you. Do not get me wrong; It''s not that I didn''t want to tell you, it''s because I didn''t fully understand the oracle then." "It was only when this Go manual reappeared before me that, suddenly, everything became clear!" "I understand everything now." "This is my destiny. This is the destined fate that I can''t avoid!" Sir Bi spoke unhurriedly but the other three were growing increasingly puzzled as they listened on. They asked with no small degree of skepticism, "Eldest, your narration confuses us. Please tell us in plain terms." Sir Bi chuckled and said, "Back then, Heaven''s Inquisition gave me a few words. These were the words that I kept in my heart without telling anyone C not even all of you, but it''s these words that changed the course of my life." "Unpolished jade that stands in the secular world C a dragon among men to answer an extraordinary calling; what a pity it is to live life without autonomy, a wash of red that shocks the martial world. Who is to say this life is like a dream, victory or defeat is hard to tell when one is in the game. As a stone piece to be manipulated, the end comes when the manual is seen once again," His gaze was distant as he spoke. Sir Bi inhaled gently and said, "For so many years, I contemplated these lines. I thought about them whenever I was free and even when I was occupied. Unfortunately, I never got anywhere." The trio''s eyes widened as they pondered upon the lines. Yet, despite the best of their abilities, they were still stumped and irritatingly baffled. "Never mind. I''ll explain it lest all of you waste even more effort. The first two lines C unpolished jade that stands in the secular world C a dragon among men to answer an extraordinary calling." "This likely means that I''m a talent. If I could build an extraordinary career, I''d become a dragon among men. As for being a dragon among men, the normal definition mostly refers to being an extremely influential mandarin whose power can tip the scales of the imperial court." "What a pity it is to live life without autonomy, a wash of red that shocks the martial world. These two lines indicate that no matter what my original intentions were, no matter what I want to do, I will never get to walk the path I first chose. Not entering the imperial court caused me to become a huge influence in the martial world instead." "Next, ''Who is to say this life is like a dream, victory or defeat is hard to tell when one is in the game''. Sigh" Sir Bi heaved a long sigh and said, "I understand these lines as well. How does one determine merit and failure, right and wrong Whatever it is, I''m already in the game; I won''t get to escape it." "All I want C even in my dreams - is to become a simple man who plays Go. However, in reality, my destiny is just to be... a playing piece. A Go stone." Sir Bi said with a heavy sigh, "As for ''As a stone piece to be manipulated, the end comes when the tattered manual is seen once again''" "Initially, I only understood the former line. Since I was already a stone piece, I would naturally be manipulated. Perhaps, I would be manipulated by someone that would deploy me to perform better in my fate of being a playing piece, adding some highlights to my life. That should be all. It''s the last line that I never actually fathomed until I saw this manual. It was a moment of enlightenment." "I see now that this is the tattered manual. This is the end of my fate." Sir Bi sighed softly and said, "As for saying this is the second time I''ve seen this Go playbook" "That day, Fang Yun got this Go manual from Yun Yang" He was deep in his thoughts for a moment, as if he intended to say something but was holding it back; after some time, he spoke in an absent manner, "I remember the first time I saw this manual" Not completing his sentence, he fell silent again. The other three men felt their insides churning, feeling a wash of blood rising in their mouths, but they tried holding it in. Sir Bi spoke, "Back in that year my path to becoming a mandarin was crushed. I was oppressed by someone''s intentional conspiracy. Utterly bored, I turned my attention to the art of Go. I lusted after nothing more in this life It seemed like a great choice to live in seclusion in a forest" "During that time, I roamed the world with the alias of Qi Yishou1 and challenged Go experts everywhere I eventually won the title of ''Go Saint''... Do all of you still remember the line ''A single move dictates victory, despite multiple strategies''?" Sir Bi chuckled bitterly, his gaze alight with memories as if he had physically returned to the days he was recounting. "Speaking of which those times were the happiest days of my life, the most gratifying Each time I reminisced about it in the night, I longed to immerse myself in those memories. If I could live my entire life like that, it''d be the most joyous thing I could ever do" "A few years later, I was contacted by the Four Seasons Tower''s Empyrean Palace. The Peak Tower caught me by surprise and said that an otherworldly expert would like to play a game with me." Sir Bi spoke softly, "I was never very much impressed by the term otherworldly expert, but I''ve heard of the name of the Four Seasons Tower, even after being outside for so long. I dared not neglect the matter, and rushed over right in the middle of the night" "It seems funny now that I am recollecting these memories. Back then, I prided myself for rarely having a worthy Go opponent in this world. I honestly didn''t worry about the other party; I even thought of holding back so that the other party wouldn''t lose face. After all, the opponent was an otherworldly expert C they wouldn''t have cared about winning or losing. As long as I knew the outcome, it would be sufficient!" "Who would have known my opponent allowed me to rest for three days when I got there, to give me a chance to replenish myself. When the fourth day came, we played while sitting on separate sides of a curtain. When we started the game, the person asked me, ''How many games do you want to play to decide between victory and defeat?''" Translator Note: 1Qi Yishou (һq y shu): һ (y shu) also means being an expert or a move. 645 Life Is Like The Go Game; The Start Is The End. Sir Bi shut his eyes and spoke slowly, "I was confident thatI could win then, but I didn''t dare act so brazenly, so I answered, ''What about best of seven games?''" "The person sitting opposite me said with a laugh, ''You are the Go Saint of this generation, unparalleled in Tianxuan for years; naturally, you would have your unique skills. However, I have immersed myself in this art for more or less a millennium The outcome isn''t fixed in stone C let us do best of nine games. There isn''t much going on anyway C we can afford to waste some time." "I agreed with a nod, and even planned to win four games out of the nine, so that my opponent could win one game to save face." "What I didn''t think of, however, was not only did each game take an unusually long time, it became consecutively longer as we played through our nine games. The first game took an entire day and I won with half a point of territory." "Throughout the game, I knew that my opponent was not weaker than me at all C he could even have been a Go expert who was much stronger than I was. So I became much more careful. As for my opponent, he probably underestimated me a little in the first game, causing his loss. He became more cautious in the second game as well. Overall, we were both overly reserved in our first game C we didn''t do our best!" "The second game took seven days to complete. Ultimately, I lost with a point of territory. Despite losing, I wasn''t upset. I felt only gratification. It was an exchange between ace Go players. It took some time, it was exhausting, but it was still only physical fatigue. I lost the game, but I didn''t lose a single bit of competitiveness. I even thought my art had improved a little." "After the second game, I took a three-day-rest before starting the third game When it came to the ninth game, the tiebreaker, both sides gave their all. Each step was basically made after a meticulous thought process and the piece was then set delicately. Each step took us at least a few days to ponder upon. When it came to the last game, our ninth game, I realize that it had been a year since we started the first game!" One year? The trio was speechless as they looked at each other. They had used a year just to play nine games. This was truly unheard of! "After the ninth game was done, my opponent was terribly delighted, saying that my Go skills were as good as the rumors made them to be; it was excellent and unique. Then, he asked me to have a look at an incomplete game, passing over a book." Sir Bi tapped the manual in his hand, smiling meaningfully, and said, "I believe you must have connected the dots by now You are right - this is the very same book! I remember very clearly that one of the pages in this playbook had a chipped corner and below this corner it''s a knockout threat in the same place where the first game manual is." As he spoke, he flipped the pages and reached the page C indeed it was a double knockout on the upper right corner of the game illustration. Both sides wanted to remove each other''s stone and were only a move away from forcing the opponent into a deadlock, a step before achieving victory. The chipped location was right where a black stone had been placed securely. "This knockout threat entails the overall victory, and is the only knockout threat that matters in the entire game." Sir Bi said, "When he handed me this playbook, he said, ''It has been many years since I had this manual, but there hasn''t been a solution all along. No one even knows how to make a move in the first game. Your skill is exquisite and is most likely paramount in this world. You are certainly qualified to analyze this game. Come, let us study it and see if there''ll be any breakthroughs.''" "That was my first time seeing this playbook." Sir Bi took a deep breath and exhaled. Unable to calm the turmoil in his heart, he inhaled deeply again, a blew his breath out. The trio was stupefied. "This manual doesn''t C it mean that there''s a hidden meaning to it?" one of them stuttered. "Exactly. There''s an insinuation; maybe even a coincidence, in its own strange way!" "On that day, when Yun yang came to the Residence of Crown Prince and stated that he was there to specifically look for me to solve this game, I was initially not too concerned about it. After all, it''s been a long time since a Go game could pique my interest. Yet, when he set the game up, I immediately recognized right away that it was the incomplete game I encountered back then. Seeing his subsequent seven steps allowed me to be certain that not only was it the same game, it was the exact same round that the otherworldly expert and I were trying to solve." "We worked on it for three months, but we didn''t manage to solve it." "Back then, I didn''t manage to work out the game and left with deep regret. Since then, I''ve worked my entire life at the Four Seasons Tower Surprise, surprise, to this day, I still can''t decipher the game." "If it''d only been the incomplete round, maybe I wouldn''t have acted so impulsively C but that manual... I came across the original playbook once again in the crown prince''s residence!" "The reality caused me to decide on the course of action immediately; I would ambush Yun Yang on that very day!" said Sir Bi. "It never crossed my mind that the ambush I prided for being absolutely foolproof didn''t kill Yun Yang, but caused me the lives of sixteen guards, their souls snuffed in the blink of an eye. Only Fang Yun managed to escape and come back. What surprised me more was that Yun Yang didn''t kill all sixteen of them. It was fine C the world is unexpected like this, there''ll always be surprises and uncertainty. Yet the secondary goal, this manual, had been snatched back. This could hardly be explained as an accident!" "On that day, I knew that the tribulation of my life had arrived!" Sir Bi heaved a soft sigh. He did not mention who won the ninth game after all. One of the three men behind him raised a question with a frown, "Eldest, why didn''t you personally act on it if you really wanted to kill Yun Yang? You could have asked the three of us to do it as well! Even if Yun Yang was omnipotent, how would he be able to escape the three of us?" Sir Bi chuckled bitterly and said, "Man proposes, God disposes C heaven is unpredictable. This unpredictability exceeded my expectations and defeated everything I had planned. This is probably what it means by the saying that everything has its destiny. I have been successful in this life of mine because I have a sense of propriety, but I also lost it all because I was too prudent!" "When I saw that this manual had returned, I knew that I was wrong; it was a mistake to send those men. Unfortunately, by then, it was too late to change anything." "I thought I was discerning. Yun Yang is a talented youth, one whose cultivation base is already at the pinnacle of ninth heaven realm. He''s a rare gem, but sending Fang Yun should have been more than enough, like slaughtering a chicken with a butcher''s knife. With an additional fifteen assistants, such a lineup could have killed ten Yun Yang''s without incident." "Nonetheless, he survived! Isn''t heaven unpredictable?Was this heaven''s providence? Destiny? Did God intentionally have a hand in this?" "This was the biggest mistake of my life, and this one mistake caused me everything. One careless move forfeits the entire game!" "This holds true in the art of Go C and in life." 646 The Go Stone That Escaped The Board! The trio sighed simultaneously. They could not say that he was wrong; it was horribly evident that destiny''s game plan had gotten them good. Perhaps, God was intentionally taking a personal hand in these matters! The scintillating auras of Tiantang City''s pinnacle experts were all gone now; to be more precise, the ones with the highest cultivation base in Tiantang City were Sir Bi''s men. ''I have sent ten cats just to devour a small mouse.'' ''Wasn''t it enough?'' ''It obviously seemed, at the time, that it was more than enough!'' ''Would the simple act of devouring a mouse need four great tigers?'' This was exactly where the issue lied! Who could have imagined that ten cats could not even annihilate a small mouse? It was unbelievable. Anyone could see now that the small mouse was essentially a mouse who feasted on cats instead- how vile! "Do all of you recall that the four of us spat blood simultaneously when I got this manual?" asked Sir Bi. "Of course C why wouldn''t we?" Sir Bi laughed depreciatingly. "What we cultivated was the art of the Quadruple Threat of One Heart, One Mind. This cultivation method''s advantage is that when one succeeds, all shall succeed C the cultivation base improvement speed is four to sixteen times faster than usual. It''s a rare cultivation method indeed, but this is where the bane lies as well. Once one is injured, all are injured. Our four lives have merged into one." "If anyone of us dies, no one else can survive, without an exception." "A lot of people know about our existence as brothers. The rumors circulating about me having duplicates isn''t much of a secret, but how could they know that the demise of just one of us would lead to the downfall of the rest?" "Still, we need not be overly pessimistic. After all, we can still unleash a force sixteen times more powerful than any individual when we gather," one of the trio said, "The combat power derived from the combination of the four of us can kill even Ling Xiaozui, should we face him." "That is in the past. It has been destined that we can no longer do that" Sir Bi chuckled dryly, a forlorn expression washing over his face. "This Go playbook has triggered the seal within me. We can''t do much now." "That is why I said earlier... I am the one who has brought trouble to the three of you." He looked at his three brothers apologetically. "I am truly sorry." The three men felt the blood rushing within them. "Eldest, what are you saying? We brothers have taken the martial world by storm before C that was a luxury, and inevitably satisfying. Sharing life and death is the way of being brothers! Sorry? Does that word not make us strangers now?" Sir Bi nodded, comforted by the reassurance, but quickly frowned. "Nonetheless, I still have a doubt I can''t figure out" He did not go on but thought to himself, ''This entire matter is still odd. The original owner of this manual is that person! Why was it in Yun Yang''s hands now?'' It was instead understandable that Yun Yang had come to him, using the Go playbook as a medium. After all, he had only a handful of hobbies. It was common knowledge that his Go skill was renowned in Tiantang City''s extremely small circles. Therefore, it was a mystery how the manual could have ended up with Yun Yang! As far as Sir Bi''s knowledge went, the owner of this Go manual should not be friends with Yun Yang no matter what; they should not even be acquaintances! Their auras were so startlingly different that they should actually be enemies instead! What could have caused Yun Yang to obtain the Go manual? If the person had truly wanted him dead, why did he have to spend so much effort? Sir Bi could have been easily reduced to ash as long as the person thought about it. What goal did he have to do something like this? Regardless, Sir Bi was still certain of one thing; from the moment the Go playbook had come to him and triggered the seal within him, there was no chance of his survival! It was because the one who wanted him dead was not his enemy, but that person instead! As long as that person wished for his demise, he was powerless to prevent it, even if he could flee Tiantang City and escape to a place hundreds of thousands of miles away. However, why would that person wish to kill him? All signs were pointing to the fact that he would die in Yun Yang''s hands! It was confusing. ''You''ve built the Four Seasons Tower with so much effort, yet you can watch the Four Seasons Tower''s external forces being swallowed bit by bit without blinking. You can stand aside and witness the Four Seasons Tower''s talents die, one after another Why?'' ''For so many years, the Four Seasons Tower has looked over the world triumphantly, commanding the respect of the martial world. Why are you bringing about your own downfall now?'' ''When will we see the end of this?'' Sir Bi pondered and felt his blood began flowing in a rush. For an instant, he felt dizzy, speckles of color swirling in his vision. He could not help vomiting another gout of blood. The three men behind him followed suit. Each of them stumbled about, looking worse for wear. "I''m like a Go stone that''s being manipulated all along. I didn''t expect my death to be controlled as well!" "If there is to be the next lifetime" Sir Bi smiled. "I must become the Go player instead!" "I won''t be content with just being a Go stone!" He smiled forlornly and said, "Brothers, looks like it''s time Let us be on our way." Blood still stained the corners of the trio''s mouths when they looked up at him, their gazes betraying a series of exceptionally complex emotions. "Unless you would like to wait for them to come to kill us, and help them achieve their merits?" Sir Bi said with a ghost of a smile, "If he wants me to live like this, I can C but if he wants me to die like this I refuse. I can''t choose how I live, but I will decide on how I die. For once, I want to make my own decision!" "What about Fang Yun?" The three men shook their heads. "Fang Yun" Sir Bi closed his eyes as he spoke, "He has gone far away now, taking some things of mine! It''s destined that we can''t escape this death today, but there will come a day when our grudge will be avenged. Until then, someone will help us seek retribution for this fate!" He smiled softly. "I am the Four Seasons Tower''s Go stone but Fang Yun is not." "Let us go on now." "For the last time, I shall pick the time I leave without anyone else''s intervention!" "This time around, I am jumping out of this Go board Hehehe." "I will escape this Go board, even if I have to pay the price with my life!" Before his words could echo in the air, Sir Bi vomited more blood. He was not weakened by it. Instead, he laughedas he recited, "Unpolished jade that stands in the secular world C a dragon among men to answer an extraordinary calling; what a pity it is to live life without autonomy, a wash of red that shocks the martial world" Amidst his triumphant laughter, a ball of flame exploded, turning the very air red-hot. The entire study was immediately swallowed by the fire; not too long after, the whole residence was engulfed by the blaze. The flame was unstoppable, staining half of Tiantang City''s sky a vivid red. Yun Yang, Ji Lingxi, ten court Yama Kings, and the others rushed to the site, flitting through the dark shadows of the night. Their original battleground had already turned into a sea of flame. "A fire?" Yun Yang frowned, instinctually feeling that something was amiss. "Let us make haste!" The entourage sped towards their destination like a falling meteor that cut across the night sky. 647 Supreme Cloud, You Didn’t Expect This, Did You? The large residence was already consumed by the raging flames. The roaring fire soared high, impossible to miss in the night, while the waves of heat left everyone drenched in sweat despite the fact that they were standing thousands of feet away. When Yun Yang and group arrived at the scene, their swift approach came to an abrupt halt, their eyes filled with disbelief. "Sir Bi''s residence is on fire!" Yun Yang''s gaze was honed on the conflagration. "What happened? How did it suddenly catch fire? These flames are terribly out of control, at that." First Court King Qinguang replied, "Caught fire? How can this raging fire be an accident? It must have been planned. I guess that a long time of preparation must have taken place before such a massive fire could have erupted. Our goal for this trip is destined to fail with this fire in our way. Any clues would have been destroyed within this sea of flame." Yun Yang scoffed. His lean form charged up into the sky and vanished within the blink of an eye. It was like heaven''s rivers had overflowed as water poured from the sky onto the raging fire. At the same time, water pillars spurted from the three wells in Sir Bi''s residence. The waters of both heaven and earth extinguished the all-consuming fire instantly; not a single spark was left, only wisps of smoke that drifted around the vicinity. However, water from the sky and earth continued gushing into the residence, swiftly washing away the remaining heat that was contained within the ruins. Yun Yang quickly entered the Residence of Bi. Despite Yun Yang''s speed at summoning the water that had extinguished the fires, it could not salvage the Residence of Bi that had been utterly engulfed by the flames. The entire residence was ruined, pillars were broken and walls were shattered; even the strongest beams that held up the structure had turned into charred remains. The house resembled a haunted edifice. Yun Yang made a swift round of the house and released his deific consciousness. What he saw was the servants and guards of Residence of Bi succumbing to the fire, scorched, in their rooms or yards "Not even one of them managed to escape? Sir Bi is really brutal!" However, the discovery in the study surprised Yun Yang. Initially, Yun Yang had thought that this fire must have been Sir Bi''s grand escape plan. By attracting everyone''s attention with the fire, he could make his escape; he could even use this fire to destroy everything about him. The servants and guards of the residence who were charred corpses were insignificant C as long as Sir Bi could make his flight, nothing else was worthy of further consideration. Now that Yun Yang saw the four corpses on the floor, he was shocked. The faces of these four corpses were as if they were alive C only their hair had been heated into slight curls from the flame''s high temperature. He did not know what approach Sir Bi had used. From the path of the fire''s onslaught, the study was where the fire had started, but this was the place that had remained relatively intact amidst the rest of the ruins. "It''s strange. Everything is a mystery. One of these four is undoubtedly Sir Bi." Yun Yang studied them carefully. "All four of them have the same face, and it''s not a disguise. Even if it had been prepared beforehand, the situation renders this phenomenon hardly achievable C terribly difficult. There''s no way" The group eventually poured in, falling silent upon seeing the scene. The legendary, omnipotent Sir Bi who was amazing and intelligent, who had three duplicates, had just died without a struggle? Furthermore, he had died alongside his three duplicates C without an attempt to fight or escape! Four of them looked unusually calm as if the sudden death was common and expected of them, like the act of going to bed punctually each night. This massive target whom everyone was overwhelmed by C Sir Bi, who had caused everyone to prepare meticulously, ready to sacrifice themselves to take him down C he had just died soundlessly! The unexplainable contrast brought everyone there through a rollercoaster ride. It felt strange to have such volatile emotions. Sir Bi had remained seated primly in front of his study table until his death; there was a white Go stone clutched in his right hand. The Go board in front of him was already covered in ashes. Yun Yang blew the dust away with a soft breath. What he uncovered was the incomplete game he had played with Sir Bi the other day. On the side of the Go board, sitting quietly on the table, was a Go playbook. Yun Yang could identify that it was the Go manual that he had retrieved from Feng Xiange, the very same one which had been snatched by Sir Bi''s men. The study was obviously where the fire had started C it should have been where the fire was the fiercest. If the four bodies were the only intact items, it could have been due to their exquisite cultivation base. Although the basic Qi remaining in one''s body upon death could maintain the corpse from being damaged temporarily, even the Go board and stones were intact despite the raging fire. What was even more unbelievable was that the Go playbook was completely intact as well. Yun Yang did not believe for a moment that there wasn''t a mighty, mystical working behind this. He picked up the Go manual C lo and behold, there were writings on the table where the manual had been placed. There were words etched on the table directly by someone''s finger. There were only eight words in total, but there was an eerie and peculiar vibe to them that brimmed with triumph. The seven words were C "Supreme Cloud, you didn''t expect it, did you?" Yun Yang''s pupils contracted. "Supreme Cloud, you didn''t expect it, did you?" ''What didn''t I expect?'' "Supreme Cloud?" ''Did you just confirm my identity?'' ''If so, why didn''t you say anything about it earlier?'' ''This is an earth-shattering secret. Such confidentiality can be used in exchange for a hefty price tag!'' ''Who was it who coerced you to embrace death? More precisely why did you commit suicide?'' Upon checking the few corpses, Fang Mofei said, "The cause of these people''s deaths is all suicide C they died by severing their own meridians. This is certain but before they severed their meridians, their stores of vitality have been greatly damaged for some unknown reason; their organs showed signs of wilting. It was like they were bound by some peculiar arcane magic and lost their zest in life." "Yet, their blood showed no signs of withering. Blood is the source of life C when there isn''t life, the blood should be the first to lose vibrancy. Somehow, there are no traces of such a thing happening." "It was only after this that they died from severing their meridians. In other words, they perished together after the fire started!" "Still, why is this so? This case is terribly full of ambiguities that are hard to unravel." Yun Yang slapped the table and spoke faintly, "There''s no need to cloud your mind with such puzzles. They''ve died now; things have come to an end right here." The table was instantly crushed into powder upon the impact of his hand coming down upon it. The handwriting that had disclosed Yun Yang''s identity as Supreme Cloud ceased its existence in the world, unseen by anyone else except Yun Yang. "Search the house!" Yun Yang said calmly, "Bring back everything that''s of value in this residence. Pay attention to the secret chambers! Since the target most probably didn''t die willingly, perhaps he left some clues behind." The group worked separately upon receiving the order. As expected, the secret chambers were quickly found C four of them in total. What came as a surprise was that the rooms were empty, in direct contrast to Yun Yang''s expectations. The raging fire alarmed the royal guards as well. In a short while, a steady stream of men began to file into the residence. 648 A Go Stone Yun Xiaoyao stood at the door with his hands clasped behind his back. His expression was bland as he remained silent. Everyone who passed by and saw Yun Xiaoyao on guard immediately knew that this was not a matter they could meddle with, and their steps quickly faltered. No one stepped forward to ask anything lest they were met with trouble until The crown prince rushed over, bringing along a few guards. He arrived panting, his clothes disheveled. Seeing Yun Xiaoyao at the door, he went forward and bowed. "I see that Uncle King Yun is here, this nephew extends his greetings." Yun Xiaoyao said indifferently, "Your Highness, where are you heading to?" The crown prince said, "I have heard that something has happened to Sir Bi. I am burning with anxiety, hence, I have come to pay a visit. Was Sir Bi saved?" Yun Xiaoyao continued in a nonchalant manner, "Your Highness is indeed a man who sets a high price on comradeship. Unfortunately, I''m here for another reason, and have yet to notice whether there are any survivors here." "Uncle Yun, I C I would like to go in and have a look." His Highness'' face wore a look of extreme perturbation. There were far too many things in Sir Bi''s hands, and if they were to be exposed C he was not certain if he could survive the consequences, let alone assume the throne. For this very reason, how could the prince possibly not be apprehensive? Thus, even knowing that his suspicious appearance at this opportune time would let out more than he was willing to disclose, he still had to come. Yun Xiaoyao said apathetically, "They''re still working on the restoration efforts inside, and there''s a considerable degree of danger. If Your Highness insists on going in, I''m afraid you will have to wait a little longer, as a gentleman won''t stand under a collapsing wall. There is no need to be impatient." The crown prince could not wait any longer; his head was beaded with sweat as he said, "Uncle Yun, I must enter right away. Sir Bi is my chief aide, and I''m eager to find out his current state. I think I have the right to enter to see what actually happened to Sir Bi." The crown prince''s tone had gradually turned harsh, and he apparently had revealed an uncharacteristically pushy intention to intrude. If it was not for fear of Yun Xiaoyao''s great reputation and martial proficiency, he would have barged in already. Yun Xiaoyao''s eyes instantly flashed a sharp glare, and he said coldly, "If you''re so anxious, then try getting past me. If you manage to do it, I assure you that there will be no one to hold you back after this." The crown prince fell silent. Yun Xiaoyao''s glare swept past the crown prince and his aura suddenly peaked as he studied the guards behind the crown prince. The eight guards who had escorted the crown prince felt as if a mountain had suddenly plunged unto them, and they could not help but let out simultaneous groans; they were on their knees, hunkered down on the ground in an orderly fashion. They could not stand up even if they wanted to. Yun Xiaoyao said, "Whether you wish to implore with words or beg on your knees, I would remain unmoved. Besides, this king, regardless of any aspects, ought to be paid obeisance. Since you''re on your knees, then kneel. Do not get up." His aura was even more imposing than before, bearing down on the few men like a mountain that they could not possibly fight. They did not even manage to move a single muscle under such a terrible onslaught. The crown prince stepped forward. The look in Yun Xiaoyao''s eyes grew warmer as he looked at the crown prince with a smile as if watching his nephew with great tenderness. However, his hand gently caressed the saber''s hilt at his waist. The crown prince sensed a fierce air charging towards him. He was immediately beset by terror and was absolutely horrified. He had clearly lifted his foot but was too afraid to set it down. ''Does Yun Xiaoyao dare to kill me?'' ''He dares to.'' Cold sweat streamed down the crown prince''s head. He stood still, rigid and did not move from the spot. Shadows wavered in Sir Bi''s residence. Yun Yang was the first to come out, his face plastered with tranquil indifference. Yun Xiaoyao''s eyes met his, and Yun Yang''s gaze flickered. At that very moment, a thick fog formed behind Yun Yang and rose into the air. Everyone involved in the operation disappeared into the thick fog without leaving behind a single trace. Only Yun Yang and Yun Xiaoyao, both father, and son were left by the door. Yun Xiaoyao said nonchalantly, "This matter is over, let''s go!" Father and son marched off together, without uttering a single word. They did not even spare a glance for the incumbent crown prince in front of them, The crown prince''s expression grew nastier, and his eyes shone with a vicious glint! ''I don''t mind if I can''t ascend the throne in this life, but when I can rule the world C Yun Xiaoyao, Yun Yang, I shall exterminate your entire family, and make you suffer the death by a thousand cuts, with no chance of reprieve!'' "Head in!" Despite knowing that Yun Yang had searched through the entire place, and there was most likely nothing useful that remained in the ruins, His Highness felt a sense fortuity, deep down in his heart. He cast a ferocious glance at his eight guards whom he assumed were his crutches, and nursed an infinite amount of inner grievances. ''I''m still too weak!'' ''So weak that others would be disdainfully oblivious of me!'' ''What should I do?'' "What do we have inside?" Yun Xiaoyao asked. "Nothing at all. This is a terribly unusual matter. Everything seems so disjointed, extremely intricate, and exceptionally incomprehensible." Yun Yang slumped in dejection. In his opinion, a civil and military minister like Sir Bi would have to make a desperate struggle to match his status, and common logic! In the usual course of events, he should have been facing countless conspiracies and traps, intentional feints, and even direct ambushes, all with the trappings of normality. All of his preparations were in vain as the other person had inexplicably died. He had died in such a complacent manner that he was able to deliberately reveal Yun Yang''s true identity at the brink of death! The line "Supreme Cloud, you didn''t expect this, did you?" was indeed brimming with vigorous insolence. The temerity of the man was astounding, in the light of his impending doom! Had he conceded the battle? No matter how hard Yun Yang racked his head, he could not figure out why. No clues were left at the scene, let alone valuable items. This had resulted in an even more baffling situation. If one insisted on a result, it would be by observing the look on the face of the deceased C a conclusion Yun Yang drew after meticulous scrutiny. Sir Bi, who had sat on the chair, was in a relaxed state when he died, whereas the other three also displayed a sense of tranquility as death came upon them. His state of relaxation bore a rough resemblance to that of a man letting go, or freeing himself from something. Meanwhile, Yun Yang held a white Go stone in his hand. It was the white stone that Sir Bi had held in his hand before he died. Yun Yang felt that if Sir Bi''s death were to hint at something or insinuate the existence of a grudge C perhaps something he could not let go of - then it must have shown on his person. However, he had died without a mark and only with this white Go stone clenched in his hands. ''What exactly does it mean?'' ''If it''s a clue, what does it indicate?'' Yun Yang opened his hand and gazed at the white Go stone. His brows knitted into a frown, and he remained silent for a long time. 649 The Unsolved Mysteries Looking at the Go stone in Yun Yang''s hand, Yun Xiaoyao suddenly broke the silence and asked, "Is this what Sir Bi was holding in his hand before he died?" "Correct." Yun Yang nodded. "How much can this piece of Go stone tell?" Yun Xiaoyao questioned closely. Yun Yang pondered. Yun Yang had already examined it repeatedly. It was just a very ordinary Go stone, and there was truly not much to tell from it. Yun Xiaoyao paused and said, "A Go stone''s actual meaning is nothing more than being a part of a Go board. In all other aspects, even if it''s a concealed weapon of an ultimate expert, it is incapable of manifesting such a substantial effect as it does on a Go board." Yun Yang said, "Still, this is not a certainty, just a matter of opinion." "I actually think that if a Go stone were to be used to take the right move, it could determine the winner of a Go game," Yun Xiaoyao said. "This is indeed true." Yun Yang was still nodding his head. "Go stone" Yun Xiaoyao scratched his head, wanting to provide Yun Yang with more clues, but even though he sent his brain through hurdles, there was nothing more to say. "Go stone'' Yun Yang contemplated, ''Go stone Without someone to use it, the Go stone is a piece of stone, rotten wood, a rigid object... Only when it falls into one''s hands will it effectively come into play. In the hands of one with superior skill in secret weapons, even the most ordinary piece of Go stone could take another person''s life. So, the key is still a person C a hand." "When Sir Bi was on the verge of death, the last thing he did was to set up a Go game and grip the Go stone in his hand." Yun Yang said, "Do you think he felt as though he were a Go stone and he would die without being used for his intended purpose?" He turned his head suddenly and fixed his eyes on Yun Xiaoyao. Yun Xiaoyao exclaimed softly, "Who in this world isn''t a pawn?" Yun Yang''s brows drew together in a frown, and said, "His death is bizarre, yet, it looks like he was relieved. Was he thinking that he''d break away from being a pawn and the fate of being manipulated if he took his own life?" "In the last moments of his life, by determining his own time of death, he''d break free from the control of a horrendous, manipulative hand?" Yun Yang said, "If that was the case, it actually makes sense." Yun Xiaoyao ruminated and was silent for a moment. Obviously, the logic in Yun Yang''s words was somewhat beyond his scope. "It seems that the man behind him is extremely atrocious Otherwise, why would he take his own life just to make a stand against that man?" Yun Yang said, "I think he had confirmed his final journey, his path resolved. However, he didn''t expect that on the edge of death, he would still be under the player''s control. Hence, he decided to end his life!" "Since he would face death anyway, then it would be better for him to choose the way he died." "Alternatively, might his suicide somehow sabotaged the plan of the player?" Yun Yang cogitated, ''If I''ve been manipulated all my life, then before I die, could I retaliate against the man who has dominated my entire life with the power I''m left with?'' ''If my death could serve as the final and most extreme vengeance, it would at least be of some comfort!'' ''Sir Bi was truly a sage after all.'' ''I just don''t know if this wise man had the same thinking as I do or not!'' ''Before Sir Bi died, he held the white Go stone in his hand. That color, white; does it imply anything else?'' Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes was also a font of wisdom among the Nine Supremes, hence the mind of a wise man and a sage would inevitably be similar! ''Great minds think alike'', wise men shared the same thinking or even more! Nonetheless, even after a long time of speculation, Yun Yang felt that he could not fully recover Sir Bi''s thoughts. However, he was sixty to seventy percent confident of his theory. Upon returning to the Residence of Yun, Yun Yang set up the Go game in his room. He sat cross-legged, concentrating on the Go board. At that very moment, he amalgamated his state of mind completely into Sir Bi''s. According to Yun Yang''s understanding of Sir Bi, this man could be regarded as infallible, blessed with a meticulous mind. If such a person were to serve as an imperial court official, he could have been brilliant in the imperial royal court; even overthrowing the aristocracy and dominating the empire was simply an affair which required slightly more effort. At worst, he could likely obtain a position as a President. If he were to serve in the military, he could have been another Han Sanhe. Even if he was not comparable to that of Han Sanhe, he was no weaker than Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin. ''If I were Sir Bi'' ''I have the ability to rule the country and the wisdom to bring peace and stability to the empire, but I am just one of the civil and military ministers of the Four Seasons Tower, a martial world organization.'' ''I have been under another''s control all along C restrained, and have no way of extricating myself from this situation.'' ''Would I feel aggrieved?'' Yun Yang questioned himself. ''Yes!'' ''I would feel aggrieved! Definitely!'' Yun Yang fixed his gaze on the Go board. ''Since I am resentful, what would I do? I can''t even control my own fate. What else could I do?'' ''There might be hope as long as I continued to live, and persevere longer. Perhaps I could put up with it until it''s over, until the day I break free. This should have been the initial idea. A sage is a human as well, and a human is naturally reluctant to give up hope and a chance at freedom.'' ''However, after making strenuous efforts for ages and not attaining the outcome I desire C until one day, I find out that not only am I unable to get rid of the control over my own fate, I have come to a time when I am to be disposed of, what else would happen?'' Yun Yang''s mind quivered a little, and he muttered, "Why did I think of the words ''being disposed of''?" He immediately recalled the injuries of the four men, including Sir Bi. Their life essence had dwindled to nothing, and their internal organs had turned desiccated! Yun Yang abruptly thought of Supreme Lord Spring Frost, and finally, a glimmer of understanding shot through his mind. He had figured something out. ''If this is the case'' Yun Yang drew a deep breath while peering at the Go stone on his palm, and said softly, "Sir Bi, if there have been no mistakes in my guess, then you should have left something behind for me; but why am I not finding anything? What did you leave me?" "This doesn''t make sense!" "More importantly, he knew that I am Supreme Cloud!" "How did he know? Even if he had guessed it, there should have been sufficient proof of his claims!" "He realized that I am Supreme Cloud, yet had said nothing. Before this, our stands were set against each other, and defying the Nine Supremes has always been the ultimate goal of the Four Seasons Tower. Despite knowing that I am the Supreme Cloud, he did not expose me to the higher authorities of the Four Seasons Tower." "The Four Seasons Tower pays diligent attention towards the intelligence of the Nine Supremes. If he had known earlier, he would only need to make a report, and it would be a great merit to him. Therefore, he must have certainly just guessed it. With this credit, he desired to free himself from control; at the very least, he could be so much better off, and it would only be nothing but good!" "Then, this could confirm that he did not know about this for long, but only learned of it recently." "If he had just known about it, why didn''t he choose to report it in exchange for benefits? Presumably, he refrained from sharing the knowledge because he had discovered that his internal organs had withered, realized that the Four Seasons Tower had laid hands on him and wanted him to die?" "It was too late for him to turn the tide, so he decided to hide my identity?" Yun Yang cudgeled his brain mercilessly, as there were areas he still could not straighten out. It was not because he could not understand the reasons Sir Bi helped to cover up his identity, Sir Bi''s suicide, and the smile of relief that seemed so relaxed. He could already approximate the truth from those small signs. However, how did Sir Bi know that he was Supreme Cloud? 650 The Ambush That Shouldn’t Have Happened! If Sir Bi had known that he was Supreme Cloud for a long while, he would not have sent only sixteen men over to murder him. It would have been Mr. Nian who would want to personally lay his hands on him. Why then? When was his identity as Supreme Cloud verified? That would have been the more pertinent question to ask. Yun Yang felt as if a thick fog had blanketed his eyes. Nevertheless, he was imbued with a sense of clarity - as long as the thick fog lifted, it would be clear, bright, unclouded sky! Yet how could he unveil it? He peered at the Go game before him, stroking the manual in his hand. His brows furrowed and he was silent for a long while. On the other side, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou formed a formidable pair as they rushed down from the peak of a mountain with all their might. Ling Xiaozui had Feng Xiange on his back while Dugu Chou carried Heaven''s Inquisition, Gu Chaliang. Both Feng Xiange and Heaven''s Inquisition were already covered with blood and had a mass of cuts and bruises. Gu Chaliang could still strain to stay awake, while Feng Xiange, at this point in time, was already senseless, and had lost consciousness. "Be sure to dash down to the bottom of the mountain!" Heaven''s Inquisition said in a tenuous voice, "The forest below could conceal the astral providence If we made it there, we would have a chance to live, and the right to say anything else!" Dugu Chou''s chest was caked with blood. He nodded his head in agreement and then increased his speed. In the past, the four great experts had plotted against Mr. Nian and the mysterious man in black, Liang Canghai, thus gaining the upper hand; they even had planned to stalk them. How could the circumstances have deteriorated into such an inferior state? They seemed to be in the most unpropitious situation of being hunted down! The answer was indeed fairly simple. Behind the two men, there were no less than seventeen or eighteen figures. Each was a killer akin to demons that sprang up from the underworld, following in hot pursuit. The group of men converged into a column of air of massive grandeur, stirring the winds and clouds in the sky into fragments. Along the path of the deadly pursuit, the areas where the sword energy perfused had caused the mountains to fall into ruins and the earth to crack asunder. Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou sped forward in desperation. Green light coiled around their bodies. They remained unruffled and did not show a trace of choleric disposition in the face of extreme adversity. The long swords in their hands constantly exuded the air of sword energy, halting mass attacks of the enemy''s sword energy. The movements of their feet were not at all impeded, and not the least bit sluggish. Their movements remained natural and skillful, and the speed was blistering to an indescribable extent. Moving separately in two directions, the intervals of their motions allowed them to eventually converge once again. "This way!" Ling Xiaozui took the lead and bolted out like an arrow from a bow. This time, he forged through directly at a breakneck pace in order to arrive at the destination at the highest speed and in the shortest time possible. His cultivation base was thoroughly exhausted after the sprint which was at high velocity. The reason Ling Xiaozui dared to do so was that Dugu Chou had turned around to ward off the attacks on them that came from behind him, without missing any one of the deadly strikes. The seventeen or eighteen men in the intense chase were outstanding. Despite Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou''s amazing cultivation bases and absolute power, they could not get the men off their tails. Needless to say, the other side''s unrelenting pursuit and attacks in full force, likewise, were incapable of closing the gap, and unable to breach Dugu Chou''s line of defense. The chase had crumbled mountains and split the earth all along the way. It was a scene of utter devastation. Although Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou were temporarily safe and had not gone amiss, they were truly abashed. It had been a long time since they had been such embarrassments. It was indeed a disgrace to their identities as two generations of the Unrivaled Experts. "This is odd" Ling Xiaozui could still crack a joke, "Heaven''s Inquisition, how could we still be ambushed even we''re in battle together? Is this a surprise? What about the divine providence that you always talk about?" Gu Chaliang''s face turned crimson. "The entire mountain they were located at was full of formations. It''s of an omnidirectional, extensive scale that indistinguishably veiled the astral providence. How could I have anticipated that someone in this world would have been able to pull off such a convoluted scheme? This is not the crime of war." Dugu Chou roared with laughter and said, " Human capabilities are sometimes limited. Today, I finally realized that. Heaven''s Inquisition does not know everything. In fact, it''s a whole new experience to be fooled occasionally. Today is yesterday''s pupil after all." Ling Xiaozui cracked up. "Absolutely correct, absolutely correct. It''s a pity Feng Xiange was tricked completely this time. They beat the living daylights out of him. How tragic! How awful!" Gu Chaliang flushed scarlet and said, "Perhaps it is truly God''s will" "Nonsense! If it''s really God''s will, then God must be intentionally having a hand in this!" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou squeaked at the same time, "How could you still have the nerve to talk about the so-called God''s will?" The two bantered on, but they felt somewhat strange. The occult art of concealing astral providence was perhaps exceptionally exclusive and unattainable in the eyes of an ordinary person. Nevertheless, these men were more shrewd and experienced than ordinary men and did not take the matter too seriously. Each of them had a clear idea about what was going on, and only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches. However, there was a more peculiar fact; how did the Four Seasons Tower know that they would come around? In their previous pursuit, they had leap through many hurdles to figure out their way here. It was by no means an easy feat. Finally, before the four of them could even lift a finger, they were immediately surrounded. Eighteen men bobbed up from eighteen different directions. The four men were hemmed in closely, just like wrapped dumplings that were enclosed tightly. Moreover, it was not the most significant sign that God''s will was veiled since they had been ambushed. There was always a good reason for that, and that cause and effect were progressive. Still, what really concerned Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou and astounded them was the cultivation bases of the eighteen men who encircled them. Each one of them was, surprisingly, almost on par with the duo! The reality was comparatively sensational. It was simply startling and staggering! Since when were there so many top-notch experts in this world? ''Why haven''t I heard of this before?'' Seeing this line-up, the status of the two as the Unrivaled Expert for two generations did not seem so richly deserved; perhaps they would no longer live up to the name! The four men had no plans to fight head-on against such a lineup and battle formation; fighting head-on was certainly courting death and seeking doom. Furthermore, they honestly had no thoughts of accomplishing their initial target this time. They turned to escape the ambush directly; it was more crucial that they break out of the encirclement and escape with their lives immediately. Gu Chaliang''s cultivation base was slightly weaker and he had been successfully intercepted by the other party during the getaway. Were it not for Dugu Chou''s constant attention to his condition which allowed him to rescue the man with a perfect joint of his sword, he would almost have been slashed to death by aimless sword blows. However, he was grievously injured after all and was unable to fight again. As for Feng Xiange, he was in a far more wretched state. His cultivation base had been the weakest among the four, and he suffered most severely when they besieged Liang Canghai earlier on. Inopportunely, he was also the leader of the operation and was in the forefront among the four. When they beat a retreat, he naturally became the one to cover the rear. Regardless of Feng Xiange''s physical condition, his true cultivation base was impossible to fulfill the mission of covering the withdrawal or handling anyone from the opposition. Unfortunately, this was true even it was just one-on-one combat. There were no more than two confrontations in total, and he had already collected a gash, a slit, a few jabs, and kicks; his body had almost snapped. Ling Xiaozui diced with death, making ferocious strikes to break through the opponent''s ten-men siege solely with his strength; only then did he manage to carry Feng Xiange out. Having fled this far, their thoughts were in turmoil all along the way to seek refuge. "This ambush was too unanticipated and too abrupt." "It shouldn''t have happened at all!" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou had been around the martial world for eons. They exchanged a glance and did not speak a single word that was on their minds, and scooted off silently all the way. In a fraction of a second, both of them had already pierced perfectly straight into the white mist like a meteor catching up with the moon; behind the shroud of white mist was a lofty cliff. A mere peep would make one shudder and tremble with fear. The mere sight of it would scare one out of his wits, let alone jump off the cliff. Nonetheless, the two had not manifested the slightest bit of hesitation and promptly plunged off the side. The eighteen pursuers at the back were hot on their tails and almost on their heels. Then, they uniformly stopped at the edge of the cliff and did not continue the chase. "I believe by coming here, that should be about it?" "Almost." "Let''s head back then." "Yes!" 651 Who Is It? Under the cliff, Dugu Chou panted harshly. Ling Xiaozui was equally fatigued and was worse off than the former. He had single-handedly fought against ten opponents and that battle itself had greatly exceeded the limits his body could take. Although he was yet to be on his last legs, he was still severely depleted and could hardly go on. Almost every breath that he took was tinged with the copper taste of blood. "Treat their injuries first. Otherwise, they won''t be able to last until we get back," said Ling Xiaozui. "Alright." Medicinal pills were retrieved and the vapor under the cliff was condensed into water before they were both poured into the injured men''s mouths. Gu Chaliang cried out, "I can drink it myself Oof" However, Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui ignored him and forced the solution down his throat. The former rested for a while; feeling their energy recovering slightly, they carried the other two men in a sprint to escape once more, making a distance of three thousand miles before finding a secluded cave to hide in. "We can rest well here." Finding a flat surface and laying the two men down, Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui exchanged a look before walking out to have a quiet conversation. "I don''t have much medicine on me now. Do you have any that specifically targets internal injuries?"I "I don''t have much left either... I didn''t expect things to escalate to this extent C I can''t believe that the four of us have been forced into this situation despite working together" "Forget it then. Let us split up and find some along our way. This forest is exceptionally hidden and dangerous. Maybe there''ll be resources we''ve never seen. Let''s try our luck." "Yes, luck is probably the only thing we can try now." Both men went in different directions, according to what they said upon leaving the cave. They met up again after making an elaborate round, discreet and stealthy. Their rendezvous point was dozens of miles away from the cave. "Who do you think it is?" Dugu Chou was grim and serious. "What do you think?" Ling Xiaozui was hesitant. "This is a tough question. Anyone is possible C no one is above suspicion!" sighed Dugu Chou. "I haven''t thought it through before, but now that I think about it, there''re too many coincidences since things happen. These two men How long has it been since they last made their appearances? It must be truly a great coincidence that they appeared at this time as well." Ling Xiaozui said thoughtfully, "If it were one of them who had painstakingly planned this trap, can we C even with our capabilitiesC escape this death threat?" "Not to such an extent," said Dugu Chou, "Both of us were even cautious against each other the moment we noticed we were ambushed There has to be a premise when a fatal trap is set against people like us, that we won''t make a break for it. The plan wouldn''t work otherwise." "Weren''t you on guard against the ambush of the person on your back when you carried him? We both know the answer. Even if they did ambush us, they can only cause little trouble or injure us slightly. Their hidden strike would not likely be fatal." "Indeed, I agree fully. If we didn''t have them as baggage, our collaboration would be feared by anyone who intends to ambush us." "Don''t be so optimistic just yet. You know that those eighteen people have the ability to keep us all here!" Ling Xiaozui sucked in a breath and said, "I am, instead, puzzled about the fact that they executed such a well-planned ambush, yet allowed us to bolt. It certainly doesn''t fit the worst case scenario I had in mind." Dugu Chou wholly agreed to Ling Xiaozui''s words. "That''s right. Still, the reality remains that we managed to break loose and the four of us have survived. We even know about their true capabilities! This in itself is already a massive gain, but to what end?" "If this were the argument, then they don''t look like they were ambushing us C it feels more like they were delivering an important message to us. It''s interesting What a riddle" Both of them cracked their heads but did not manage to figure out the hidden meaning behind recent events. They were not supposed to be ambushed, but it had happened. Since it had happened, and the other party''s combined strength was formidable, they should not have escaped as easily as they had, yet the reality remained that they did. Everything was simply illogical. How many issues and secrets were actually hidden behind the veil of obscurity? These two men had no idea. What they were certain of, however, was that the other party must have their own hidden agenda! The question was, what could it be? "While it may not be them, we can''t let our guard down from now on. Any carelessness will cause us grave defeat!" This was the tacit understanding between the two of them. "We have been veterans of the martial world for so many years now yet we were so easily outwitted. It''s utterly embarrassing. If we were to be tricked again, we can commit suicide!" Dugu Chou chuckled and said, "I''m very interested to know the other party''s next course of action, though. After setting up such an elaborate game, it''d be a waste if the follow-up plan isn''t brilliant enough." Ling Xiaozui was not as optimistic as he replied, "Don''t take this lightly. We don''t know their goal yet, but their abilities have proven overwhelming thus farC it''s really a lineup that can kill us all!" "If Heaven''s Inquisition or Feng Xiange were to be the spy, then he''d definitely expend his all to lead us onto the path he needs us to be." "On the contrary, if both of them were innocent, they''d still have other plans to push us towards their goal!" Ling Xiaozui spoke seriously, "All in all, we have to be more careful from here on. We must be highly alert." "Of course." When both of them went back to the cave, there were bunches of the mountain''s spiritual medicine in each of their grasps. The two of them then took care of a man each, healing, cultivating, and treating them. After some time, Feng Xiange and Gu Chaliang regained consciousness. Both of them wore begrudging expressions, worn down by pain. Feng Xiange began complaining about Gu Chaliang with brimming irritation, "Sir Heaven''s Inquisition, the so-called Unrivaled Fortune Teller who knows five past and future millenniums, how did you even lead us right into such a trap? What a wonder" Gu Chaliang argued his case, looking terribly flustered, "Before we came, I''ve checked upon each of us. No one showed signs of being endangered, let alone embroiled in a life-threatening situation. Could this be by chance?" "By chance? What exactly is your definition of being endangered? Look at me, do I have an intact piece of flesh? Is this not endangered? Is it only dangerous when my head is off my neck?" Feng Xiange hissed in a fit of rage. Gu Chaliang was tongue-tied, only managing a suitable retort after a long while, "We aren''t dead anyway. That''s not being endangered. Isn''t this right?" Feng Xiange''s rage burned even more furiously as he retorted, "If it weren''t for Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou who fought with their lives, could the both of us have survived?" "Turning calamities into blessings, surviving bad luck to receive good fortune It''s a good thing! Besides, gratitude should come first upon receiving someone''s saving grace!" Gu Chaliang said with his eyes blinking rapidly. Feng Xiange''s mouth hung open; he choked before saying resentfully, "Have you expressed your thanks?" He then turned and faced Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou to speak in earnest, "Brothers, thank you! I shall brew a few pots of good wine for both of you when we return." Ling Xiaozui laughed and said, "I''ll be waiting for it! The mere thought of the God of Wine''s exquisite brew has me salivating already. A taste earlier had me dreaming about it recently, reminiscing the lingering flavor." Dugu Chou chortled as well, but his gaze on Gu Chaliang was tinged with a hint of undisguised suspicion. 652 Shuddering at the Very Thought of It! For Feng Xiange to have complained so vehemently in his own defense, it looked like he was innocent. He had even presented his exquisite brews much earlier. With Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou''s experience and knowledge of the world, even they thought that it was a reasonable move C it was exactly what a God of Wine would do. Heaven''s Inquisition Gu Chaliang, on the other hand, had not shown any of his legendary prowess up until now! An expert who was known to be omniscient did not manage to foretell the trap and the moment they were ambushed, he had professed that the astral providence was obscured and he could not see more. Up to now, there was only a verbal argument without any practical actions. He was terribly suspicious, to say the least! "Let''s take a few days'' rest here, replenish some energy," Ling Xiaozui said with a smile, "We''ll head back when it''s about time." "Go back? Where can we go back to?" asked Feng Xiange. Ling Xiaozui chuckled. "Back to Tiantang City of course. We still have matters pending there; we have plenty of things left there as well." Heaven''s Inquisition nodded and agreed, "Correct, it''s imperative that we return to Tiantang City." Dugu Chou smiled faintly and said, "This incident was really unexpected. When we came so fervently with the intention to bring down the Four Seasons Tower entirely, it was a surprise that the tower actually contained so many pinnacle forces When we were ambushed earlier, I was truly shocked." "For the tower to have gathered such an impressive lineup, it would have taken them a significant amount of time. It looks like the Four Seasons Tower didn''t even exert its full strength when they fought me the last time; perhaps they refrained from unleashing their full strength for some reason or other," Ling Xiaozui sighed. Dugu Chou chuckled and said, "There''s no need to be so humble. It''s not that the Four Seasons Tower held themselves back when they tried to put you down C if the tower actually wanted to kill you, you could reduce the eighteen men today by at least half their numbers; there must be a bigger stratagem behind the Four Seasons Tower''s sedulous effort to hide their experts away. How can they possibly lose them just for a personal grudge against you?" "That sounds rather reasonable," said Ling Xiaozui after giving what Dugu Chou said some thought. With or without any intentions, Dugu Chou spoke, "Heaven''s Inquisition, you and Mr. Nian must have had quite the relationship, listening to how the both of you conversed. I wonder if you know anything about the Four Seasons Tower''s manpower, or if you''re able to foretell anything? You have to know at least something about this, don''t you?" His words, by now, were involuntarily stinging. Gu Chaliang looked troubled as he said, "During the many years of being imprisoned by Mr. Nian, my intelligence of the Four Seasons Tower''s manpower and resources is actually rather shallow As for foretelling I''ve actually augured just before I woke up earlier. It''s certain that those people have gone back, once again hidden in the mountain. I have made mention about the mountain earlier C there''s something in there that somehow obscures God''s will. My fortune-telling is utterly useless" Dugu Chou chuckled and replied, "You mean as long as they''re in that mountain, you won''t be able to augur anything?" "Yes," Gu Chaliang answered with a nod after sighing. He knew that it was preposterous, but it was true. He had never expected the existence of such a phenomenon in this world. Dugu Chou wore a faint smile but the uplifted corners of his mouth contained a hint of mirth. Ling Xiaozui frowned and spoke grimly, "The Four Seasons Tower is really resourceful. We''ve overlooked the legend''s unrivaled tower in this world!" Feng Xiange, at the side, snorted before he scooted over to Gu Chaliang and said, "Heaven''s Inquisition, please predict when I will die." "Feng Xiange, we''ve just escaped danger, yet you continue to spew gibberish. Don''t you have better things to augur?" Gu Chaliang hissed through gritted teeth. Dugu Chou said, "How is this nonsense? We should be concerned about our life and death, especially when things are so uncertain now that our futures are bound to change anytime. With you, Heaven''s Inquisition, here, when, if not now, should we seize the chance to ask for a prophecy? Augur for Feng Xiange, quickly. I think this fellow''s life force is severely damaged. In addition to his previous injury, I don''t think he has many years to live." "Dugu Chou, you old bastard. You''re older than me! Why don''t you say that you don''t have many years to live as well?" Feng Xiange chided with a chuckle. Dugu Chou chortled but urged, "Quickly now. I''ve long heard about the unparalleled oracle of Heaven''s Inquisition but I''ve never seen it with my own eyes. That has been my deepest regret. If you don''t do it today, we won''t let this rest!" Gu Chaliang was helpless, turning to look at Ling Xiaozui pleadingly. Ling Xiaozui gazed at him for a moment before saying, "Just don''t tell us if it''s inconvenient or ill-fated." Gu Chaliang chuckled and replied, "If so, I''ll have a look." He concentrated, observing Feng Xiange''s face, scanning his features. Feng Xiange wore a disdainful smirk as he watched Gu Chaliang with a squint. The more Gu Chaliang studied Feng Xiange''s face, the more puzzled he looked. After some time, he shook his head, as if to shake off his dizziness, before his brows knitted together. ''This isn''t right!'' Gu Chaliang was already screaming and shrieking inwardly, a pool of doubts brimming within him, but he did not show anything in his expression, only looking thoughtful. Gu Chaliang had always had a habit C whether it would be used or not, he would always study the faces of the people he came into contact with and bury the result in his heart. Those who asked for an oracle and paid a certain price that satisfied him, he would give some ambiguous advice. Nonetheless, whether it was to solve their doubts or create further mystery, the words would not be conclusive. Gu Chaliang had studied Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou, and Feng Xiange''s faces for one too many times during this short period of time. He was already more than familiar with what prophecy held for them. However, checking Feng Xiange''s face again this time, Gu Chaliang was greatly taken aback. ''Why is the oracle for Feng Xiange changing?'' Gu Chaliang was anxious, thinking, ''His face initially told of vivacious vitality, but it stops within decades, at most, a century. It is inevitable that he will die and whatever art he has will perish. Why has it changed so drastically? Such a dynamic life-force He may not even die even after a few millenniums!'' ''What is wrong? Could I have taken a wrong reading? Perhaps Feng Xiange kept something hidden previously? However, he''s injured rather severely now, how can he keep it concealed?'' ''It''s impossible! Absolutely preposterous!'' ''Was the man somehow swapped? No C that would still be impossible. Such an aura such sensing such There''s no way that a person''s future could change so drastically!'' Gu Chaliang observed Feng Xiange''s face for a long time, in terrible distress without saying a thing. Feng Xiange scoffed and said, "What now? You can''t have seen that I''m dying, can you? Can''t say it aloud because it''s too horrible to fathom?" As he spoke, Gu Chaliang sneered as well and lifted his head to look at Feng Xiange''s face. Right when he was about to reply, he was stunned again! The intense life essence that Feng Xiange had exuded earlier was wholly gone C the face of the current Feng Xiange told of an aging, old man who was near his end. No matter how he maintained his vitality, it was imminent that he would definitely pass within a century! Gu Chaliang was dumbfounded. He had never seen such a face in his entire life! How could it possibly be so f*cking volatile? ''If I were to give you a fortune-telling session, I might have just crushed my own reputation as Heaven''s Inquisition!'' Gu Chaliang shook his head. "What your face tells is too bizarre. I can''t understand it C I''ll admit that I lack the talent and skill!" The other three men snorted at him. Gu Chaliang snorted as well and turned away, the after-effects of oblivion in his eyes. His gaze then fell on Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui, taking him on another trip of shock. There were balls of dark air on Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou''s faces that were actually much uglier than Feng Xiange''s face, that told of approaching death. Gu Chaliang could not help the astonishment that ran through him, inwardly murmuring at the surprise. ''What is going on with the two of them? Why does my augur today witness so many peculiarities? These two faces obviously indicate that they are the victims of a dastardly scheme, but it doesn''t tell who plotted against them, and how. Still, I''ve scried everyone before embarking on this trip to estimate the danger C there wasn''t such a situation then!'' ''If they were the victims of a scheme, why didn''t I see it?'' ''However, it would be impossible if the ploy only happened now, after the ambush; there aren''t any outsiders near them. Who, then, was it who tricked them?'' Gu Chaliang suddenly shuddered at the very thought of it! It was a conundrum that brought terror the more he thought about it. 653 The Board of Militarys Ghostly Yard As his train of thoughts inevitably carried him here, Gu Chaliang could not help but recall his plan to track them; it had been flawless, without a single loophole. From the birth of intention to it''s plotting, execution, ambush, and tracking, the entire process had been smooth and utterly confidential. How could they have been ambushed instead? This had only happened after the astral providence had been obscured. All in all, this ambuscade was most certainly a premeditated event. Why? How could this come to be? Nonetheless, despite the dire situation, there was at least something that could be confirmed C the other party had long known about Gu Chaliang''s existence. They knew that their scheme would not come to fruition as long as his foreseeing skill was intact; they had to obscure God''s will to interrupt his prophetic abilities in order for the ambush to be successful. In spite of this, how did the other party find out about their operation? Just the accurately timed attack alone was already a huge suspicion! Gu Chaliang contemplated for a while before suddenly bursting out in laughter, as he said, "Actually, everyone''s face indicates good things to come. Everyone has the look of good luck, that you won''t be able to die, even if you wanted to" Even as he spoke jovially, his heart was heavy. The current situation was unusual; it was full of doubts. As he continued to ponder, Gu Chaliang related to Dugu Chou''s repeated questioning and a slight change of aura towards him. ''He seems to be suspecting me now'' ''As for Feng Xiange, he looks easygoing, grumbling and raging and asking me for an augur Is he trying to push the suspicion to me?'' ''I will have to consider this well'' Gu Chaliang looked at Ling Xiaozui before looking at Dugu Chou; he wore a relaxed grin but he had made an internal decision. ''Besides Feng Xiange, I must find an ally among these two in order to be rid of this predicament. Otherwise, it''ll only backfire if I force an argument without any evidence to expose him, despite knowing that he''s playing a trick.'' ''I mustn''t act recklessly right now'' He thought about it and said, "This mountain that contains the Four Seasons Tower''s men I guess it has to be where a huge secret lies. Nonetheless, there''s something strange; Mr. Nian, who returned with injuries C two of them C weren''t among the eighteen men." "By deduction, there''s a total of twenty experts from the Four Seasons Tower who could fight a duel with Brother Ling and Brother Dugu!" Gu Chaliang said thoughtfully, "It''s all the more unreasonable if they had a lineup of twenty pinnacle experts. After all, everyone''s capability is similar C who would submit to another? Therefore, there must be one or a few others that possesses the power to easily overcome these people!" "Otherwise, this organization would have long collapsed." "If so" "The situation doesn''t allow us to be optimistic at all!" Gu Chaliang exclaimed. It wasn''t Gu Chaliang alone who had thought about this; both Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou had entertained the idea as well. Hearing what the former said, the two men could only sigh softly. "We''ll rest for three days, then we return speedily." Ling Xiaozui made a swift conclusion. Regardless, all this had to be made known to Yun Yang as soon as possible. According to the gap in their current capabilities, they could be fatally harmed at any time. The consequences would be grave if such significant information was not delivered. In Tiantang City, Yun Yang was already preparing his next step. The civil official between the civil and military mandarins of the Four Seasons Tower, Sir Bi, had died. What about the martial mandarin? Would Wu Ying have committed suicide as well? It was yet another silent night. A wisp of a soft breeze that had been absent for some time slipped out of the Residence of King Yun and went gently on its way. Its destination was the highest place of military importance in the Empire of Yutang C the Board of Military. In a small, independent court, the yard was surrounded by lush green pines and cedars that arranged themselves tightly together. The emerald green could be seen even on the inside of the court. The pine trees here were rather aged; each of them shot tall into the sky with their canopies overlapping each other. It covered the entire sky above the yard that even when it was noon, where the sunlight was the brightest, there was hardly any light that spilled in. This caused the yard to feel ghostly all year round, so much so that all the decisions made in this yard were tinged with a hint of cold eerieness. It was fortunate that every individual who bustled into this yard was an exuberant man who had been through hundreds of wars. They were vigorous and gallant, never at all concerned about the ghostly atmosphere. The year-round habit of visiting the court had even led these people to view the atmosphere as the place''s singular ''charm''! The court was vastly spacious, but there was only one man who worked here. For him to occupy such a massive house alone, there should somehow have been rumors of resource wastage. However, no one in the entire Board of Military had ever said anything of the sort. The reason was fairly simple C it could even be described as brutally direct. It was because this person''s efficiency was the highest C no one could compare to him! Whatever strategy or tactic could be thought of, it''s chance of victory would increase by at least thirty percent, as long as it went through the man in the yard once. One should not underestimate the advantage of an increased chance for victory by thirty percent. Changes in the battleground were often the swiftest, and rarely would there be anyone who could have at least sixty percent chance of confidence in their strategy. This additional thirty percent chance of success was, more often than not, the crux that turned tables around and even paved the way to victory. Moreover, the preceding words of the thirty percent chance of victory must be mentioned C it was ''at least''! The man in this house was truly mighty! Furthermore, this man in the yard was indifferent to fame and fortune; he did what he was asked to and performed his duties superbly. He accepted any promotion or transfer he was assigned, toiling in this yard, day in and day out. It was based on so many years of quiet contribution that established his valiant reputation in the Board of Military, a reputation that one could hardly compete against. Wu Ying C other than this house, his presence would never be seen in any other place! Everyone who passed by this court would glance at it with a wary and respectful gaze. They behaved as if they could almost see an icy, wraithlike figure in the yard who seemed to have come straight from hell. The apparition appeared to be gazing back at them with his eyes that seemed to be glowing with will-o''-the-wisp. While unauthorized people could not enter such a court, those who had the qualification to do so were reluctant to go in as well. Everyone who made their visit shared the same thought C "I don''t want to come to this place anymore if it''s unnecessary; let others come the next time!" Therefore, the house was quiet most of the time C not even the graveyard was as silent. Tonight, however, people in the houses surrounding the area seemed to hear strange noises that came from this court. It was like someone was heaving long and short sighs, like a sob, like a lament, like a group of spirits that were calling out in quiet agony! 654 Wu Ying Without warning, wisps of smoke rose in the yard, accompanied by the scent of candles. There was also a strong whiff of hard liquor. It was as if Sir Wu was in the midst of memorializing someone. Those who worked at the Board of Military were veterans of war. A sniff of candle wax and alcohol, followed by the sight of rising smoke, was self-explanatory to them. However, this time around, there were doubts that rose within their chests For all these years, more than thousands of generals from Yutang''s Board of Military had perished in the battlefield, but no one had ever seen Sir Wu Ying paying tribute to anyone. He seemed to be eternally aloof, like the mortal world''s emotions had nothing to do with him. This time tonight, when there was a lull in warfare, why were the candles suddenly burning? Who was being memorialized? Who C who could possibly make this emotionless man pay homage so openly? Curious as people would always be, no one came forth to check because no one dared to. They were colleagues, they were more than aware of Wu Ying''s temper C he would not answer despite being questioned; he would only gaze back at the person with his dead eyes that flickered with the will-o''-wisp, silent all the way. Ultimately, one could only flee in panic after falling prey to that stare; perhaps, one would even find it hard to sleep at night, entangled in nightmares. This was not nonsense C it was speaking from experience! The sighs in the court were incessant, only growing softer as time passed. A man dressed in black stood in the yard, like a roaming spirit whose path was blocked by the candles before it. There was a thin branch in his hand that was being used to fiddle with the fire. "Now, you''re gone as well" he sighed softly, speaking to himself, yet the words seemed to be directed at someone in front of him C there was only the luminance of the candles. "I really didn''t expect that you''d be eliminated as well Maybe you''ve thought of it before, but you never told me." The dark shadow spoke gently, "For so many years, we''ve been watching each other from afar in this city. The occasions were rare, countable on two hands when we could actually sit together. You seem to already have forgotten that we were once brothers of life and death. You seem to have forgotten, too, that you lost your wife and younger brother because of me." "I''ve been wanting to explain it to you all these years, but I guess you didn''t need this explanation. You''ve never given me the chance nor have you sought revenge against me. I guess you already know the truth, you just couldn''t face it." "Back then, you joined the Four Seasons Tower. I followed suit C just to keep watching over you, just so we brothers could do something together. Of course, whether it''s good or bad, as long as I''m with you, it doesn''t matter what it is." "As always, in accordance with the eccentricities of heaven and earth some time ago, you were sent to Tiantang City to respond to anything that might happen. That time, I told you that God''s will is not to be defied. A gentleman does not stand by a crumbling wall. I thought you understood it C I thought you''d know to protect yourself. Some things that are birthed from heaven, are not meant to be destroyed." "Stubborn as you were, you insisted to go against God C to compete with the very heavens. I still followed you to Tiantang City. You opted to belong to the civil side of mandarins, naturally, I had to become the martial one for you, so there wouldn''t be any sign of weakness." "All these years, especially after the existence of the Residence of Nine Supremes, I have watched you defy the way of heaven, conspiring against the Nine Supremes step by step, sending them straight to the deadly abyss I remember that I''ve reminded you, that the Nine Supremes will not perish. Still, you didn''t believe it, you felt that man could defeat God." "However, a man can only do so much. When God''s will is set, how can man move it?" He sighed softly, "Now, we''ve finally come to this day. You''ve left as well I wonder if you have experienced the slightest bit of clarity before you departed?" "You didn''t contact me until the end. Were you thinking of not burdening me? Were you wanting to protect me as well? Against the slightest chance of danger?" Wu Ying smiled faintly as he spoke, "I''m very happy. I am content because I''m still your brother in your heart." "It''s simply unfortunate that it has come to naught." "The other party will be coming for me, most likely tonight." "The end now is only whether I want to die or not. That''s all there is to it." He spoke slowly, in a soft voice, with a thin branch in his grip to fiddle with the sparks and ashes. The action lasted until the flames gradually dimmed and slowly became flaring ashes; it continued even when the ashes had no light nor warmth. He was still stirring the ashes. He was carefully checking if the hell money he had sent his brother was entirely burnt. He was afraid that a slight act of negligence would corrupt the perfection of this farewell. There was nothing left. Everything had been reduced to ashes! Yet, his hand flipped. A big pile of hell money appeared once more on the ground with a sweeping sound. He lit the fire again and began tinkering, repeating his previous actions This time, however, he no longer spoke, continuing his task in silence. The dancing flame illuminated his face irregularly, like a ghost in this ghostly yard that restlessly roamed the human world. After some time, he lifted his head and tilted it slightly to listen carefully to his surroundings before speaking faintly, "Lord Supreme Cloud, come join me since you''ve arrived." His gaze quietly fell on the top of a tree on the left, in front of him. There, a strand of clouds was floating around the plant. Right as he finished speaking, the wisp of cloud moved. Drifting toward him, a masked man in black emerged with a twirl. Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes had descended! Looking at the dark silhouette materializing and slowly forming into a human shape, Wu Ying''s gaze, that was like the will-o''-the-wisp, did not waver; it only turned much colder compared to his usual emotionless, piercing stare. Even though the atmosphere was unusually frightening, Wu Ying was still calm as he spoke hoarsely, "Lord Supreme Cloud is stealthy indeed. If I didn''t have the presupposition, I might not have caught the tiny anomalies and wouldn''t have noticed your arrival!" Yun Yang scoffed and replied, "Wu Ying, do you know that I''ve always admired you? No, it''s more appropriate to say that I respect you. If it weren''t for this solid reality, I wouldn''t ever have thought that the other spy hidden deep within Yutang is you. When this was first confirmed, I even hoped for my judgment to be wrong, that the so-called reality was but a plot set by the enemy to confuse me. Unfortunately, the truth is the truth C no matter how much I don''t want to believe it, how reluctant I am, I still have to do so!" Wu Ying chuckled dryly and exclaimed, "Lord Supreme Cloud, what you said has actually explained a good chunk of what''s on my mind." "Oh?" Yun Yang made a sound of surprise. Wu Ying smiled softly; his voice trailed off as he said, "In the entire Empire of Yutang, the ones I respected the most, admired and liked the most, were the nine of you C the Nine Supremes. The one I venerated and revered the most among the nine of you was none other than you, Lord Supreme Cloud." 655 Sophistry Yun Yang sniggered. "You admired us so much that you plotted to send us straight to hell? Are you going to proclaim that you admired us, but you couldn''t have us, so you decided to destroy us instead?" Wu Ying answered seriously, "Not so. This lower official''s thoughts and actions have been despicable and uncouth, and utterly overbearing at times, but I can still distinguish some things. The Nine Supremes Lords fought the world with all you had, bathed the battlefield in blood, for Yutang''s citizens. All of you are the world''s best men and I respect you from the bottom of my heart. This is without a doubt." "The Nine Supremes Lords traveled thousands of miles to augment the war in the east of the river back in the day, fighting for four full days before finally defeating the enemy. This victory saved three hundred thousand men of Yutang from the ill fate of being tormented by the enemy. My people were part of those saved," Wu Ying spoke grimly, "Wu Ying has taken the Nine Supremes Lords as my savior, just for this truth alone. Now that I finally get to meet my savior, please accept my obeisance." The moment he said it, Wu Ying pulled his gown aside to kneel down on the ground properly and bowed to Yun Yang. Yun Yang was at a loss for words; he was truly stumped for a moment. He had no idea what to do or say. He had imagined countless rejoinders, but what was happening right before his eyes had never crossed his mind. They were enemies who were irreconcilable. That their pleasantries consisted of praises for each other was not unusual C a civilized veneer could elevate their individual images, but was it not an exaggeration for Wu Ying to bow and debase himself in such a manner? As Yun Yang was stunned, so was Wu Ying serious and grim. After three solemn bows, he stood up again to speak in a low tone, "Lord Supreme Cloud, please do not be taken aback by my actions. I, Wu Ying, came from YutangC I was born and bred a Yutang man. I am still levelheaded about the rights and wrongs of cardinal issues like the country and its people!" Yun Yang was still tongue-tied listening to him, thinking to himself, ''Levelheaded? You? Really? If you are truly so levelheaded, why are you still conspiring against the empire''s guardians? Why are you trying to cause the empire to almost fall and its people to perish? Is this being levelheaded about cardinal issues?'' Wu Ying spoke calmly, "I can imagine what must be going through your mind, but there really isn''t a need to say more about the so-called great truths. Everyone, no matter good or bad, knows the truths well. However, when one is faced with certain matters, people will always make different choices C these different choices will naturally develop into contrasting outcomes." He lifted his head, the light in his eyes dancing eerily as he looked at Yun Yang. "Many people opt to be ethical and noble, opt to serve the country patriotically, for loyalty and justice C such people are worthy of admiration. Nonetheless, there are also people who choose to be spared to tend to their personal wishes, who choose family friendship, brotherhood, or even their own longevity. You can choose to look down on these people, and despise such choices. However, they have their grounds for making decisions like these C it''s only a difference in opinion!" "The only guilt that I bear towards the Nine Supremes Lords is a momentary lapse of judgment! When faced with such choices, I still opted for the narrow-minded and selfish one, despite knowing which choice was the righteous option. That''s all there is to it." Yun Yang could not help sneering, "What a feat to speak of treason so nobly C a flitting lapse in judgment? Because of your momentary lapse in judgment, millions of brothers died in the battlefield! Because of your choice, millions of elders lived in misery C yet you can speak so blithely and with peace of mind. What a wonder!" "Speak easily with peace of mind?" Wu Ying said, "Lord Supreme Cloud regards me too highly. Perhaps I can speak with ease, but I dare not assume the privilege of having peace of mind. Since I''ve ascended to this position, Ihave done everything carefully. My entire mind and heart are for Yutang, for the empire, for the world, for the people. I expend my abilities, spare no effort in my duties, am always on high alert for the slightest mistake C I do my part as a Yutang citizen." "For so many years, any official business that went through my hands was crafted to perfection. Never were there any affairs, any part flawed. There was no oversight. Do you really think my only aim for doing so is to conceal my identity, Lord Supreme Cloud? I''m sincerely serving my part as a Yutang citizen, doing what I can for the Empire of Yutang! This is what I should do C at the same time, it serves as a token of my compensation." He spoke faintly, "I think, my many years of planning and strategizing, my many years of unreserved effort should have saved millions of people. Perhaps, it has even saved millions of comrades who should have died, many times over." "Of course I know that plotting to kill the Nine Supremes would bring unimaginable consequences but I never regret my decisions once I''ve made them. I would find my own way to atone for my sins. I would even dare say that if it weren''t for my strategies all these years, devising tactics for our many wars, the Empire of Yutang may not necessarily have lasted until the Nine Supremes'' reemergence! Do you believe that, Lord Supreme Cloud?" Yun Yang laughed, despite his rising fury. "Does it matter if I do? What does it matter if it''s the truth? In your own words, what you''ve done is your duty as a Yutang citizen to his country, your job to Yutang''s imperial court! As a man of Yutang, you should serve the people and country with all you have, publicly or personally, since you''re receiving a salary for it. How can this then become an exchange for compensation?" Wu Ying spoke with a serene mien, "Lord Supreme Cloud''s rational thoughts suits most of Yutang''s people. They can''t, indeed C once they did, it would be a heinous sin. Still, I shouldn''t belong to this category, for too many people are receiving the same stipend as I do, the same remuneration. Who, among Yutang''s military, dares to say that they''ve done better than I did? Even if Old Marshal Qiu, Old Grand Commandant Fang, and the others were here, I would still dare to say this!" "It would be hard for me to refute what you are saying, Marshal Wu. After all, I can''t ignore my conscience and spew sophistry. Therefore, I conclude that Marshal Wu is very impressive indeed. I can''t help but think, though, that no one in this world can do better than I did in certain aspects as well, according to your theory C does that mean I can act recklessly and destroy the world now?" Yun Yang said with a chuckle. Wu Ying replied quietly, "It looks like Lord Supreme Cloud''s interpretation of my argument lacks objectivity. I can only say that Lord Supreme Cloud is hardly similar to an insignificant man like me. My reason is but my excuse C because I need a plausible excuse to temporarily fool myself. Otherwise, the internal torment is enough to stop me from going on." "With this excuse, at least I can feel that I still have a reason to keep on going, despite having made a grave mistake. After all, I have more boons than banes to Yutang C it''s better to have me than not. While this is an illusion for me, it is Yutang''s reality!" "Is that not so, Lord Supreme Cloud?" asked Wu Ying. 656 Three Goblets of Wine For Worldly Affairs, A Pot of Tea For Lifetime Achievements Yun Yang kept quiet for a bit before saying, "Marshal Wu, I''m rather at a loss to comment about what you''ve just said. Tell me, what should I consider you as? A self-deceiving crook?" "I''m indeed self-deceiving. I am a real crook as well. Nonetheless, I am also a strong, powerful crook. My abilities, at least for a substantially long period of time, cannot be replaced by anyone," Wu Ying said casually. Killing intent glinted in Yun Yang''s eyes. "Do you know that once a person dies C no matter how irreplaceable they are, they are still dead. Even when their deaths caused a significant upheaval, they no longer exist in this world! As for the world itself, nothing changes." "Lord Supreme Cloud is determined to kill me. This, I''ve guessed as much," said Wu Ying. During the entire conversation, he had not once addressed himself as "this official", "this general", "this lower official", or "this reputed one" C he addressed himself with only "I". Evidently, he no longer considered himself as Yutang''s official or the military''s marshal. Yun Yang was well aware of this, but had still addressed him as "Marshal Wu". After all, Wu Ying had truly done a lot for Yutang throughout the years. This person''s contribution was pivotal in the stabilization of Yutang''s territories. Despite their opposing views, his contributions and achievements spoke for themselves. "Bi Zhongliu has died," Wu Ying spoke unhurriedly, "Back then, he kept saying that his abilities could bring peace and stability to the country C to the world. Even if disaster were to befall the empire, if there was no hope left, he could defend the nation against the tide of calamity should he be given a chance C he could save the country. That''s why he called himself Bi Zhongliu1." "I wonder if he can still call himself Bi Zhongliu when he arrives at the underworld," said Yun Yang. His tone was indifferent but he was internally surprised. The name Bi Zhongliu was very familiar. Many years ago, there was a high-profile case that shocked many people; at the heart of the story was a man called Bi Zhongliu Yun Yang wondered if that Bi Zhongliu was this Bi Zhongliu Wu Ying ignored the implied mockery in his words and continued speaking, "There must be something you want to know since you have refrained from attacking the moment you arrived. Isn''t that so, Lord Supreme Cloud? Since I''m already speaking, I''ll explain it to Lord Supreme Cloud." He heaved a quiet sigh and said, "Do you know that the number of words I''ve uttered in these twenty years can''t even come close to what I''ve said today" There was a sharp glint in Yun Yang''s eyes when he answered, "I''ve long heard that Marshal Wu is laconic, heard the praises of Marshal Wu being terse and concise. Your orders and commands regarding military affairs are strictly obeyed as well; rarely were there cases of impartiality. However, about being so wordy maybe it''s because you won''t have much chance to talk anymore after today!" Wu Ying let out a chortle and said, "Lord Supreme Cloud is powerful, of course, rarely missing the target when you kill, but you may have a wrong estimation of my abilities. I admit that I won''t be able to kill Lord Supreme Cloud nor am I a worthy opponent. However, I am quite confident that I can slip away from your grasp. Bi Zhongliu has never seen you before his death. It was his deepest regret and it''s necessary for me to complete this wish for him." "If so, there''s no need for more rubbish. I believe Marshal Wu knows what I want to find out as well. Speak of what you know, why''d you need me to raise the question?" said Yun Yang. Wu Ying laughed hoarsely and said, "Lord Supreme Cloud is right, but before I begin the story, I have to say that this conversation will take a long time. What about having tea with me, Lord Supreme Cloud?" It was easy to deceive anyone else other than one''s self. Wu Ying held his opinion regarding his own actions very strongly; at this moment, he had mentioned about his grave mistake verbally, but he actually did not think too much about his sin. If it were not for Bi Zhongliu''s matter as his baggage and his intention to escape, Wu Ying''s resolve and headstrong attitude were actually the most unusual among the Four Seasons Tower''s men whom Yun Yang had come across. Before his words echoed and before Yun Yang could speak, Wu Ying shook his wrist, brandishing pieces of furniture and laid out a tea set on the ground. They were set out neatly; there was even a long, lit candle on the tea table. A wave of mystical Qi swept across the space abruptly, the wind making billowing noises, but the flame of the candle did not flicker one bit. "Lord Supreme Cloud, please have a seat." Wu Ying picked up the teapot and said with a smile, "Three goblets of wine for worldly affairs, a pot of tea for lifetime achievements. People think that this saying is quite a flashy one, and they have countless interpretations of it. I have one of my own too." "I would like to know what Marshal Wu thinks," Yun Yang replied as he sat down. "To me, three goblets of wine for worldly affairs It means that anyone, when they''ve experienced this worldly realm, can memorialize the person with three goblets of wine." "As for a pot of tea for lifetime achievements the saying means that no matter how many achievements one has made, no matter how meritorious, when he dies, when people talk about him, the time to drink a pot of tea is all it takes to be informed of that person." Wu Ying shook his head and continued faintly. "Just like how we''re about to talk about Bi Zhongliu''s life, right now. No matter how introspective and intelligent he was, how impeccable his calculations were and how gifted he was, how influential he had been as a civil mandarin and a force in the martial world a pot of tea C" "A pot of tea is all the time it takes for you to understand everything about him from me," he said, lifting his head to look at Yun Yang. Wu Ying chuckled and poured a cup of tea on the ground, muttering softly, "Brother, this is your achievement." Yun Yang was overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of absurdity. It was his first time hearing such an interpretation of the saying. In spite of this, it had to be said that the sophistry seemed to make sense. After all, sophistry would need an argument to become rational. "Bi Zhongliu and I were childhood friends. Not only do we know each other since we were children, we''re sworn brothers. We studied together in our youth and learned from the same martial master. He''s older than me, so I called him elder brother. Even thoughwe looked out for each other throughout the years, in truth, he has helped me more." "That year, he was resolute to serve the country, to show the world what he had. He entered the capital for the examination, intending to emerge as Tiannan''s elite. Before he left, I, failing the test, held a farewell for him. He said that if he could receive the attention of a brilliant superior, he would soar among the clouds; the world would be his, he would toil to unite the empires." "He had done it, with his renowned reputation in the civil aspect. Once he entered the capital city, he was recognized by a high ranking official who married his daughter to him. He had even achieved the top rank in his scholar''s division. His fame then was unparalleled." "However, it was when his life, his career as an official gained momentum, right when he was about to shine, he was framed, without any foretelling sign. He was accused of conspiring against the state." "What caught him off guard was that the one who framed him was actually his newlywed wife. His starting career had been ruined, and his mistress initially Sigh, I won''t mention this. After I knew what befell him, I had to do something, of course. I killed every single person in the family of his in-laws and another high-ranking official who was involved in the case. Then, I slipped into the prison and extricated him." "He was deep in the mire then, because of the incident, his entire existence only dependent on his one love. Blinded, his mind was full of only his wife, yet when I killed the people, his wife was already seven months pregnant" Wu Ying recounted the story slowly while he made tea, "We were brothers. No matter how anguished he was, he would have believed me. Unfortunately, his biological younger brother was in the picture as well, pointing his finger at me, claiming that I was the culprit behind his case. He told him that I wasn''t content with his wife. I was so furious then, so, so furious, that I left." "After that, I unintentionally got to know that his younger brother was involved in framing him as well. Fueled with rage, I went to kill him in the night. Right as his head fell from the slash of my blade, Bi Zhongliu, somehow, appeared by the door." "No matter how I tried to explain it, it was useless. We had no interaction from then on," Wu Ying sighed softly. Yun Yang sighed as well, listening to his story. It was no small thing to kill someone''s pregnant wife and his biological younger brother right before his eyes. Even after that, it was only the severance of any form of interaction, but they did not become enemies. The grudge and the kinship between them were indeed indescribable. Wu Ying''s narration of the past was incredibly simple, retelling it in a nonchalant and unaffected tone, without any pauses. However, Yun Yang could paint the picture in his head C of how terrifying and nerve-wracking it had been. With Sir Bi''s mental capacity, what sort of plan must he have had to survive and flourish now, despite being framed back in the day? Thinking back to Wu Ying''s impeccable corresponding skill, what sort of plot must it have been for him to kill a person which had been witnessed by Sir Bi, the one who should be the furthest away from seeing the murder? The entire matter was filled with absurdities C the unfolding events were, even more, terrifying the more thought was given to it. Yun Yang had heard of the case back then as well; he had even studied the dossier. However, many documents were already missing, given the amount of time that had passed. The case was reduced to an unsolvable mystery that could no longer be untangled. Wu Ying was obviously a player in this case; he could even have been a litigant, but he had only mentioned it in passing earlier, without explaining himself further. Yun Yang could discern that he was reluctant to mention the case. It was just that this event was unavoidable since he was to narrate Bi Zhongliu''s life. "Actually, I know that Bi Zhongliu knew about everything that transpired. He just didn''t want to face the truth, especially after I killed those people." "Perhaps, by not facing it, he felt that it was a way of standing up to it." "The both of us he didn''t really want to break ties with me. Even though we didn''t interact, it didn''t mean that we were strangers. All these years, he''s been following me closely. I did the same as well. If we were to break all ties, why did we continue to follow up on each other?" Translator Note: 1Bi Zhongliu (b zhng li): Sir Bi''s name with Bi as the family name and Zhongliu as the first name. Understanding it on a word-by-word level, it means to stop the tidal wave; in the story, it is his name but it is also used as a homophone to highlight his ability to stop the disaster. 657 Brilliant As One Is, Why Fall From Virtue? "We were a pair of brothers who took different paths but shared both life and death. I believe that Lord Supreme Cloud will still understand what I mean by this," said Wu Ying. "Yes, I do," Yun Yang sighed. It explained why everyone knew Sir Bi as Sir Bi, but no one seemed to know Sir Bi''s real name. It was because the name Bi Zhongliu was a name of taboo, unable to be mentioned in polite society. This was why Sir Bi was only the crown prince''s aide; granted, a chief aide, but still only an aide. He had never entered the court. "Sometime later, Bi Zhongliu joined the Four Seasons Tower for some reason or other," Wu Ying spoke faintly, "Back then, I was cultivating Yin Mana Manipulation and was experiencing some form of progress. Nonetheless, I''ve always felt guilty towards him, so I followed him and joined the Four Seasons Tower as well." "A few years later, he was transferred to Tiantang City. Not too long later, I I also ended up here in Tiantang City." "Then, it was a long, long time of watching each other from afar. He chose to become an aide for Yutang''s royalty in preparation for his actions, while I became one of the military officials. We still didn''t communicate with each other, but since then, the Four Seasons Tower has enjoyed the legend of exemplary civil and military mandarins." Wu Ying spilled another cup of tea gently on the ground, heaving a soft sigh. "Just by how he handled things, it could be seen that Bi Zhongliu''s temperament had long changed since what happened back in the day. I didn''t mind the change. No matter how he changed, he was still who he was - my brother, Bi Zhongliu!" "Even when he chose to strike at the Nine Supremes, I stood by his side and did my best to help him. Even when my conscience screamed at me, I couldn''t be bothered by it As brothers in this lifetime, when he wanted to go to hell, I would, of course, go to hell with him!" Wu Ying spoke nonchalantly, his tone carefree and gleeful. "I knew that it wasn''t right, I knew that it was sinful. I knew that my conscience would never be clear, but I did it anyway. I did it with him C without regrets." Yun Yang sighed as well. He once again felt speechless in the face of such an individual. He could distinguish between right and wrong. He was clear about good and evil, yet he still insisted on going astray. "Actually, I really did give him a reminder on that day. I told him that since the heavens decided to lower the Nine Heavens Demesne unto Yutang, it was a sign of God''s will. The plan to go against the Nine Supremes to exterminate them was destined to fail C because God would not allow it." "However he didn''t give me any reply, still determined to defy God." "So I followed, defying the very heavens together with him." "I began to carefully wipe out any trace of relevant evidence that he left behind. I removed traces and clues C all of them!" "I believe that you have an approximate understanding of the particular developments regarding the Nine Supremes'' ambush. The last thing I can add to it is that the entire set up started with the intelligence I supplied, the chances I created. Then, it was Bi Zhongliu''s arrangement and planning which secured the kill. After that, utilizing some of his people, the information was gradually spread to Spring Frost; this was actually the last detail in the entire scheme. The cooperation between the two of us had already completed a great deal of the entire trap. Reality simply proves that man could challenge God as well..." Wu Ying spoke with an almost prideful tone, describing the conspiracy in detail. Yun Yang, on the other hand, was busy verifying his narration. After all, he had received too much information regarding the Four Seasons Tower during this period of time; he needed to sort through them one by one, from the crown prince, Sir Bi, to Venerable Lord Ice, Yang Botao, Supreme Lord Spring Frost Yun Yang heaved a long sigh inwardly. How was this a plan? It was mainly countless strings that were mushed together to form a trap targeting the Nine Supremes. What was the goal? To force the Nine Supremes to Tianxuan Cliff? One link was tied to the other, one step followed closely by another C everything was connected seamlessly. As Yun Yang listened to him, cold sweat soaked his back. For the first time, the brain of the Nine Supremes felt that his mental capacity was lacking as he listened to such a plot. Even if he got a second chance, he and his brothers might not have been able to escape. Many of those who were manipulated in the conspiracy did not even know of the grand plan. Many were even loyal to Yutang, loyal to the Nine Supremes C they had merely become part of the plot just because they had delivered certain information Several pieces of information needed to be linked together before a relatively complete material could be obtained. Yet, who could have imagined the subtlety of the ulterior motive hidden within it? What were the implications of asking a general of the guerrilla division to do certain things? What was the implication of having someone else trigger something on the side afterward; then, what it represented to have something done to a certain extent until the other end had gathered everything to form an information chain The complexity and chaos that accompanied the things that had been done were unimaginable! It was no wonder that he could only track down Supreme Lord Spring Frost as Tiantang City''s main culprit. There was nothing among these bits and pieces of information that could lead him to Sir Bi or Wu Ying. Even when Yun Yang knew everything now, knowing that all of it was to strike at him and the Nine Supremes, he still felt that the scheme was a masterpiece that could not be duplicated. It was a heaven-defying master plan, one that was beyond a single man''s might! "What a remarkable talent!" Yun Yang sighed softly and said, "Brilliant as you are, why did you fall from virtue?" Wu Ying replied faintly, "If my talents weren''t above the rest, how could one become the best among the crooks? Those mediocre ones, how are they qualified to become an outstanding crook?!" "Is Bi Zhongliu''s unusual death due to some sort of mysterious seal? Like the restriction on Supreme Lord Spring Frost back then?" Yun Yang asked. With a chuckle, Wu Ying answered, "Who in the Four Seasons Tower doesn''t have a seal on them? Did you know that Mr. Nian does as well? Did you think that he doesn''t have one on him? Yun Yang was shocked upon hearing his reply. "Isn''t Mr. Nian the mastermind, the highest figure in the Four Seasons Tower? Why does he have a seal too?" "Mr. Nian is the Four Seasons Tower''s mastermind, true enough. However, there is only one Mr. Nian who doesn''t have a restriction on him. As for the other Mr. Nian''s, I don''t know how many have the seal on them," Wu Ying replied. Yun Yang said thoughtfully, "I see. I see now that this is the truth of Mr. Nian! Doesn''t this mean that you also have a seal upon you?" Wu Ying sneered. "I did have a seal initially. The seal that the Four Seasons Tower places on its higher authorities is unique C it''ll merge with the individual''s cultivation method. Once the restriction is triggered, an eighth of one''s lifetime of cultivation will be lost. Who among cultivators would be willing to give up on the cultivation method they had worked on for their whole life for? Nonetheless, I already had a plan of my own when I first joined the Four Seasons Tower back in the day. Upon arriving at Tiantang City, I trashed the Yin Mana Manipulation I was cultivating and turned to Saint Lucid Volition. Because of that, the so-called cultivation method seal no longer existed within me." "This is also the main reason I haven''t been out of this house for decades." Wu Ying, who seemed to be at a loss, looked around the house said sadly, "Nonetheless, my exhaustive plan C despite having devised everything for so long and so strenuously - it is still futile Bi Zhongliu has died, after all" Wu Ying let out a drawn sigh and fell into a trance. After a long time, two droplets of tears fell from his eyes as he spoke in a broken voice, "He has died, after all" 658 Whatever For? Yun Yang was deep in thought, slowly digesting everything Wu Ying had said. The actual truth behind the incident was a lot to comprehend and the Four Seasons Tower''s strength was still formidable. Up until now, only the tip of the iceberg had been seen Yun Yang had thought of this for more than once or twice, but he was still not used to it C he still did not like it. Even then, the fact remained. There was nothing he could do but to face it fervently. In spite of this, the outcome was still acceptable for now. In some sense, it could even be considered delightful! He was now certain that besides Wu Ying who stood before him, and the three Venerable Lords who were already rebelling against their master, the threat of the Four Seasons Tower''s spies were non-existent, from Tiantang City to the entire Empire of Yutang! In other words, the internal woes of Yutang that had been planted by the Four Seasons Tower were thoroughly cleansed! Of course, this did not include the crown prince, the unlucky third prince and the fourth prince. These three fellows were actually involved in this huge conspiracy too. For a moment, Yun Yang did not feel like leaving whetstones for Bao''er anymore; what filled his mind was the satisfying thought of chopping these bastards into extinction, to vent the resentment he felt. While Wu Ying was the mastermind behind the Nine Supremes'' ambush at Tianxuan Cliff, the man''s temperament meant that he would hardly be affected, no matter how Yun Yang sought his revenge C Yun Yang himself would not gain much satisfaction from it either. The man was already one of the living dead, his eyes only seeing past the point of death, and not having any more zest for life; even if Yun Yang killed him through torment and torture, what could possibly come out of it? Thinking about this, a hint of disappointment flashed within Yun Yang. He was discomforted by the realization. Forget the fact that he still had three princes to tackle in the future, there was also Mr. Nian from the Four Seasons Tower. These people would not be in such a similar state of mind. The plan for revenge could still go on! "No matter how manipulative you were, no matter how close your strategy came to succeeding, Bi Zhongliu is still dead." Yun Yang spoke faintly, "Actually, there was no way for him to escape death. Since he''s done such a thing, such an end will come to him sooner or later. Even C even if the Four Seasons Tower''s higher authorities didn''t decide to end him, or maybe if he wasn''t willing to die, would I have let him go? That day, I was already resolute on killing him. I would kill him if he hadn''t died. No matter what, he would still have to meet his end! There''s only one outcome to all of this." Wu Ying''s gaze flickered as he replied coldly, "Looks like the heavens have blessed Lord Supreme Cloud indeed. He didn''t die in your hands. It''s a fortunate affair for all of us." Yun Yang smiled but a sharp, murderous glare flashed through his eyes. "That''s right. He should feel lucky he didn''t die in my hands. If he had died because of me, his death wouldn''t have been as easy." Wu Ying''s words held only an implied meaning that was not stated overtly, but Yun Yang''s words concealed nothing. He tore the smokescreen apart, standing tall and antagonistic against Wu Ying. Wu Ying turned around; his gleaming eyes turned as sharp as a blade, he focused his glare on Yun Yang''s face. He enunciated his words clearly, "Does Lord Supreme Cloud mean to torment him for revenge? Perhaps, I should say that Lord Supreme Cloud is rather disappointed you didn''t get to use your torturing tricks on Bi Zhongliu?" Yun Yang answered gently, "With the intelligence system you have, you should know that torturing you people, all of you who commited treason and kill the nobles, you who helped in destroying the empire without any conscience, is the enjoyment of my life!" "What a strange manner of enjoyment!" Wu Ying laughed but his tone and expression were stone cold. Yun Yang''s gaze turned icy and sharp as well. He said faintly, "Marshal Wu, you''ve spoken a lot today. I wonder if you have anything more to add on?" Wu Ying sucked in a deep breath, like he was about to lash out, but swallowed his ire. "I do." "Then, please continue, Marshal Wu." "I''m not your prisoner. You don''t have to use an interrogative tone on me!" Wu Ying complained. "I thought I''ve been adequately polite. Does Marshal Wu still think it''s hard on the ears? However, it would only be Marshal Wu''s lifetime regret if you don''t say certain things now. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have met you here, would I?!" Yun Yang said coldly. Wu Ying grunted and replied, "Is this how Lord Supreme Cloud treats one who sincerely supplies you with intel?" Yun Yang answered in an indifferent manne, "Ah, don''t you think speaking like this lacks finesse, Marshal Wu? We both know that you''ll speak of it whether I ask the question or not. Would it be possible to keep your lips sealed, given that I have humiliated you?" Wu Ying guffawed then, almost producing tears from how hard he laughed. "Lord Supreme Cloud indeed. I''m very impressed." "Never mind, you said that we both know the reality. Then, I shall not speak unnecessarily. I''ve specifically waited for Lord Supreme Cloud tonight mainly to ask something from you," said Wu Ying. "Marshal Wu''d like to live a little longer, yes?" said Yun Yang. "You didn''t manage to save Bi Zhongliu in time and are holding a grudge for him. So you''d like to continue living and watch the Four Seasons Tower fall for him C to complete Bi Zhongliu''s lifetime regret with your own eyes, correct?" "Yes," answered Wu Ying simply. Yun Yang did not answer for a moment, feeling his emotions run amok. He could not help looking at the night sky that was already obscured by the lush leaves, not speaking for a long time. After a while, he spoke softly, "The Four Seasons Tower is a piece of steel C no one has ever been able to bring it down or rebel against it. Right now, what I want to know is Why were all of you so loyal to the Four Seasons Tower previously? Why the intention to rebel now?" He avoided the topic and took an abrupt about-turn, but Wu Ying was not surprised. Receiving his question, Wu Ying answered, "There''s a saying spreading among the Four Seasons Tower''s higher authorities C if you ask for immortality, come to the tower." "If just for immortality, I''m afraid it isn''t adequate," Yun Yang commented. "Confront a fatal tribulation and your spirit rests in the Four Seasons," said Wu Ying, "Even if a person dies the Four Seasons Tower can still give them another life." Yun Yang thought about it and said, "It still isn''t sufficient, at least, the pinnacle forces of this world will hardly be moved." "Undergo the Nine Cycles, be liberated and rejoice in life," uttered Wu Ying. Yun Yang was taken aback and asked in surprise, "What does this mean?" "The Four Seasons Tower''s expression of the Nine Cycles states that with enough merit, one can go to the Pavilion of Almighty Nine Cycles and pick an Almighty Divine Art, retrieve a Golden Elixir of Immortality and a Divine Elixir of God''s Will." Wu Ying continued. "As long as one consumes the Divine Elixir of God''s Will, his divine art could be elevated to the state of minor accomplishment. The effect is massive and unimaginable. Once one stabilizes the realm and advances, one can consume the Golden Elixir of Immortality. With the augmentative assistance of this pill, the art can be cultivated right into the state of major accomplishment. Once the cultivation of the art is completed, even when one cannot ascend into sainthood and become an immortal, one can rejoice in a life that spans tens of thousands of years in this human realm. This individual''s cultivation base will even be unrivaled other than a rare few." "That time, one whose cultivation base is in the state of major accomplishment could dissolve all the restrictions set unto them. By then, if you want to be liberated and unbound, the Four Seasons Tower will grant you a title of guest shrine. You can happily do as you wish with it. When the seal is removed, the benefit doesn''t reduce. If you haven''t used up that one fatal tribulation you have by then, you can still enjoy the power of ''Confront a fatal tribulation, your spirit rests in Four Seasons''. You can even pass it to a third party." "Everything is witnessed together with heaven''s vow. Mighty as Four Seasons Tower''s head seems to be, he can''t violate it either." Yun Yang was struck with realization once he heard the explanation. "So that''s why Joining the Four Seasons Tower not only provides one with unparalleled forces as support, there''s hope for immortality in addition to the guarantee of resurrection and finally leaving the tower and becoming free. In the face of such benefits, it''s difficult to resist even when one is a pinnacle force of this world No wonder" Yun Yang mused. It had to be said that the Four Seasons Tower was second to none when it came to coming up with such wonderful conditions. Anyone in this world who was wealthy, influential, powerful, and ambitious C all of them wanted to be immortal, all of them wanted to be resurrected after death, all of them wanted to become the top of this world, all of them wanted to live carefree for thousands of years! It targeted the four main weaknesses of the human directly. Furthermore, such generous conditions were guaranteed C under heaven''s vow, no one dared to violate it; for that fact, no one could violate it, even if they wanted to. "The Four Seasons Tower is magnificent indeed. How unstinting" Yun Yang sighed and said, "However, like you said, Marshal Wu, such benefits can only be enjoyed when one comes to the highest level." "The Four Seasons Tower''s set up will not be flawed. Don''t you know, Lord Supreme Cloud, that anyone who''s qualified to join the tower won''t be inadequate nor will they think themselves to be more inferior to others? What others can do, the other will never assume themselves incapable of doing it, but would completing it be better!" Wu Ying chuckled dryly. "This is the reason still so many people toil for the Four Seasons Tower wholeheartedly up to now." "Since there are so many advantages, I can''t see why the rest of you went astray C you, Bi Zhongliu who died Could there be a hidden reason that birthed ulterior thoughts?" Yun Yang acutely noticed a crucial point. "With the guarantee of heaven''s vow initially, everyone was rest assured. However, after the battle at Tianxuan Cliff that day More precisely, after Lord Supreme Cloud began your revenge, we''ve gradually noticed strange things!" Wu Ying said in a low voice. "Pardon?" Yun Yang seemed to have figured it out, but he needed Wu Ying''s verification. "For so many years, it''s been far too long since anyone dared to hit out at the Four Seasons Tower. The last threat to the Four Seasons Tower has to be Ling Xiaozui''s incident dated much earlier on. To this day, there isn''t anything that can be of threat to the Four Seasons Tower but since Lord Supreme Cloud carried out your revenge, a lot of Four Seasons Tower''s higher authorities, including Supreme Lord Spring Frost and the two Venerable Lords, didn''t come back from their death." "It was fine initially. If it had one, two, or even three people, maybe their tribulation chance had already been used previously. Of course, they can''t be resurrected again. However, once suspicion rises, no matter how flawless the cover-up is, actual doubts are still there with enough patience to find them." "Like the seals on us." "That''s why following the unfolding of Lord Supreme Cloud''s revenge plan C while it''s flawless and cautious, no one could actually find out where you really are or who you truly are until now, haven''t you noticed or suspected that numerous exposure of the Four Seasons Tower''s men felt like they were sending themselves to your doorstep to be killed?" "Your revenge C the process was arduous, but upon further observation, it was usually smooth. I don''t believe that Lord Supreme Cloud doesn''t notice it at all. If you didn''t feel anything, your reputation as the Nine Supremes'' think tank seems to be only a name then!" Wu Ying''s eyes glinted. Yun Yang was struck by good amount of shock and said, "Truly I''ve felt it... but why?" "This is what we can''t figure out as well. So many people have died unreasonably and the higher authorities have been crying about hunting Supreme Cloud down and investigating the case but there wasn''t any actual action taken! What is this for? Could it be just to alarm these people and let so many of them die in vain?" said Wu Ying. "That''s why I can''t die. I must know what all these are for!" "I want to see the Four Seasons Tower fall." "I want to live a little longer." "Nonetheless, Lord Supreme Cloud has found me. Be it for official or personal reasons, you won''t let me go just like that." "I wish to stay here but this requires Lord Supreme Cloud''s nod of approval," Wu Ying spoke openly, his tone honest. Yun Yang replied, "Before I came, the vastness of this world allows you to go wherever you wish to. You can survive, no matter where you leave to." "I want to stay in Yutang''s Board of Military and continue doing what I''m doing. By staying here I feel at peace," Wu Ying answered. Yun Yang looked up at the man. Wu Ying spoke flatly, "I''ve already accomplished the Four Seasons Tower''s mission. The only brother who means anything to me has died too. Before I die, before the end I await comes, I want to live as a simple Yutang man or a Yutang official." "I hope to continue serving my country. That''s all." "If Lord Supreme Cloud doesn''t agree to it, I''d escape the best I can and flee to the martial world. I believe that I''ll be able to escape." He watched Yun Yang calmly as he said, "Now, it boils down to Lord Supreme Cloud''s word. May I ask what''s your decision?" Yun Yang wore a squint as he observed the culprit who spoke fluently before him. He was unprecedentedly caught in the middle. He could feel that every word Wu Ying spoke now came from the bottom of his heart. There was not a word that was a pretense. Wu Ying was a capable man. His ability was unrivaled in Yutang''s military; truly, there was no one who could replace him. What he said about serving the empire was sincere as well. ''However, there is the grudge of my many brothers won''t I be able to avenge them anymore?'' In addition, what Wu Ying said was also what Yun Yang had been thinking for a long time. the Four Seasons Tower''s strength in this worldly realm had been divided by him just like that C it had seemed difficult, but everything was bizarrely easy. What was everything for? To Yun Yang, there must be a reason behind this, even when it seemed ridiculous thinking about it now. 659 So Be I "So Lord Supreme Cloud, say, should I continue to hang on to this inconsequential life of mine or should I just die to make things easy?" Until now, Wu Ying''s voice had remained calm; his eyes were cold. Seeing that Yun Yang made no move to answer, he asked again before muttering to himself, "Frankly speaking, if I were you, I wouldn''t allow my enemy to continue living. No one knows what will happen in the future; the potential for trouble is limitless. A moment of leniency could become a lifetime of regret in the future. The safest approach would be to thoroughly uproot the hidden threat." Yun Yang sniggered and said, "Whatever you may say, you still wish to stay alive. Whatever your aim may be, you still want to keep living. Are you not afraid of provoking me?" "Who in this world wouldn''t want to stay alive when they''ve come to a point when they must die?" Wu Ying replied indifferently. "That''s right!" Yun Yang felt an incredible fury rage within him as he cried, "You''re absolutely right! Who in this world wouldn''t want to stay alive when they are about to meet death face to face?" His voice rumbled ominously as he growled, "My brothers C even when they came to their final moment in the battle at Tianxuan Cliff, would they not have wanted to live as well?" He spat the question out like a thunderbolt. Wu Ying stood frozen on the spot, as still as a statue. "Throughout these seven years, the millions of heroic souls who''ve sacrificed themselves in the battlefield to protect the empire... Despite not having any regrets when they perished in the field, wouldn''t they have wished to stay alive instead?" Yun Yang pressed on, taking a menacing step forward and glared at Wu Ying. Wu Ying stood his ground in stoic resignation. "Which one of them isn''t patriotic and loyal? Which one of them isn''t a pillar of the country? Which one of them isn''t a faithful official? Which one of them isn''t a passionate soldier? Which one of them isn''t a man of YutangC a true-hearted man who bled and fell for Yutang?" "Are you the only capable one? Who among these brothers were incapable?" Yun Yang''s gaze was unforgiving; his breathing was ragged and harsh as he advanced upon the stationary man, step by step. Wu Ying remained riveted to the ground, allowing Yun Yang, who was approaching, to spray spit all over his face. "You asked me to speak frankly; we shall speak frankly then. Everyone wants to stay alive C everyone who has brothers, comrades, wives and children, parents and families!" Yun Yang''s words were singularly sharp. "nonetheless, they''ve chosen death C they''ve gone to fight for their country without holding themselves back!" His gaze was akin to a bloodstained saber that was trained on Wu Ying''s face. "As someone who has brought ill to the empire and its people, as someone who conspires against the state, what right do you have to say that you want to stay alive?" A sense of loss flickered in Wu Ying''s gaze. He seemed a little dazed when he murmured, "I I didn''t want to keep on living forever I C I just wanted to stay alive for a few more years As long as I see the Four Seasons Tower fall it''s enough Is this too much to ask for?" He seemed to be arguing with himself, but his voice grew weaker. Finally, he shut his eyes and said, "When that day comes, I''ll list down my sins and bid farewell to this world as I embrace my death. Supreme Cloud need not do anything by then; Wu Ying''s head will be placed on a platter and presented to you." He then opened his eyes to look at Yun Yang only to be rewarded with the latter''s cold gaze. For some reason, Wu Ying could not bear to face that gaze. He shifted his vision forlornly and shut his eyes for a long time without moving. He then spoke hoarsely, "It''s only human nature if Lord Supreme Cloud finds it hard to feel at peace. You can do it now C it''s a life that is destined to be doomed anyway. It doesn''t matter whether it''s sooner or later. This old man doesn''t have much invested in this world, but pleading for my life right now would be too hypocritical!" There was a violent twitch on his face as he mumbled, "God knows what one did Even when the sin committed is recompensed later, it doesn''t suffice. In truth I have always wanted to redress my country and my people all these years the reality is that it was for my personal selfish reasons to make amends" "Lord Supreme Cloud is right. There really isn''t any reason for me to stay alive." "No matter our conscience, our initial intentions, too many great men have died because of the two of us. Bi Zhongliu''s died, why am I trying to live so hard? What if I have thousands of reasons and justifications? They''re mere lies I deceived myself with My self-deception has actually become a habit throughout these many years C I really thought that I could redress the sins I''ve committed!" "I have said all that I wanted to say. Please begin." His eyes remained shut while he spoke. His voice was increasingly broken as his state deteriorated like he had aged decades instantly. Grey and silver dotted his sideburns visibly. He stood with his neck stretched out, unmoved. His eyes closed in anticipation of the fatal blow, to start his journey to the underworld and make amends to God''s will. In spite of this, the fatal blow of the saber did not come after a very long time. "Why isn''t Lord Supreme Cloud making a go for it?" Wu Ying sighed, "What are you waiting for?" There was no answer. After some time, Wu Ying opened his eyes only to realize that there was no longer anyone standing in front of him. Lord Supreme Cloud, who was surrounded by smoke and fog, was already gone. Lifting his head quickly, a faint wisp of a cloud was seen rising and reaching where the lush canopies were. There was no hesitation nor pause as the cloud of vapor left, drifting quickly away. Then, a gush of wind whistled across the sky before everything returned to silence. Wu Ying stood on the spot in a stupor. For a long time, he was quiet as well. Supreme Cloud had left without saying anything or giving any instructions. He had chastised him so harshly with a burning killing intent, but in the end, he had opted to let him go. "It Looks like he isn''t going to kill me anymore C furthermore, he''s agreed to my request." Wu Ying squatted down to trifle with the ashes on the ground and mumbled, "We have erred indeed." "He must really want to kill me, but I''m still useful to the Empire of Yutang C very useful. Yutang is laden with threats now, reeling badly with just a little blow. He wants me to work for it" "He truly wishes to kill me, to sate his appetite for revenge nonetheless, for this country he''s guarding, he''s willing to put aside his personal grievances first. All this so that the defenses can be at its best" "Lord Supreme Cloud is truly singularly good man, the best I''ve ever seen in my life." "Don''t you worry, I''ll go down and reunite with you once I see the Four Seasons Tower fall. As for this additional time I''ve got, I''ll help the Empire of Yutang with all I have, to help you realize your original intention, to help the emperor unite the world! If I can''t do it by then I''ll still go and find you." "I believe that these extra years are enough, don''t you think?" Wu Ying mumbled to himself. "If I ask for more, it''d be too much" He retrieved more candles and hell money from his interspatial ring and continued burning them. "I''ll just burn more now. Use them slowly, don''t scrimp. I''ll burn a lot more when I''m free in the future C I''d burn more while I''m alive Don''t you be too thrifty, but don''t you spend it all at once, you hear me? Save some for me. When I go down, I don''t think we''ll have these" "There won''t be anyone burning hell money for people like us" He murmured and muttered like someone was sitting quietly in front of him, looking at him and listening to him. "So be it for me now. I''ll have to return this favor. I''ll recompense as much of this blood debt as I can" Yun Yang transformed into a cloud and left the Board of Military. While the affair had come to an end, he still felt suffocated, the heaviness within stifling him. 660 Couldn’t You Wait A Little Longer? Yun Yang moved against the wind. The wind whistled but it did not blow the stifling feeling within him away. ''Was my decision today right or wrong? Whichever way, it''s too late to do anything about it now!'' ''perhaps it was an error today, not exacting my revenge, but I hope that my decision can still be useful in some way or other there is the bigger picture to consider.'' ''I am a citizen of Yutang after all.'' ''I have temporarily put aside my personal grudges temporarily in light of the country''s teetering state Brothers, will you all blame me for this?'' ''I don''t I know what kind of people you are, but I do know that all of you won''t blame me!'' ''I do, however, blame myself!'' ''It is actually rather difficult to distinguish black and white in this world, to pick between right and wrong. It''s not just about differences in opinion, it''s not just mere resolution of wisdom. It is, in truth, a terribly helpless situation!'' Yun Yang heaved a long sigh. He had made his choice and he knew that the decision was the best choice given the current circumstances. However, the angst within him did not seem to go away but increased instead. He could barely soothe his roiling emotions. The first target was considered eliminated. He should just complete the rest of the tasks that were waiting for him. The wind fluttered. Yun Yang had come to Old Marshal Qiu Jianhan''s residence quietly. Old Marshal Qiu''s residence had been morose recently, for Qiu Jianhan had yet to gain consciousness. Old Mistress Qiu had commissioned plenty of renowned physicians while almost all of the palace''s royal physicians had come to stay at the Qiu Residence. The palace''s rare medicinal material was almost emptied out. The emperor had ordered for them to be moved to the Qiu Residence first, whether they would be needed or not lest there was delayed if the material was needed and it was not there. His Majesty had commanded that Old Marshal Qiu be saved, regardless of the cost C even if his blood was needed as an enhancer, come and take it! Whoever could save the old bastard would be promoted three ranks higher and be titled a marquis, a title that would be passed down for generations; even if one was involved in treason, one would be bestowed the gold medallion of immunity! The emperor''s promise was significant. The royal physicians were nervous like they were walking on eggshells. They had used their best tricks and made their best attempts. Even so, they were still berated by His Majesty every day C so what if you presented all the best prescriptions and your best knowledge? The Old Marshal was still unconscious! The emperor paid a visit to the Qiu Residence once every three days. Each time he visited, he sighed for a long time, tears streamed for a long time, he was silent for a long time. Then, he rebuked the royal physicians in a fit of unreasonable fury. He did not want to C he knew that the physicians had tried their best and there was truly no other way. Yet, every time he saw Qiu Jianhan''s state of living death, the misery he felt caused him to choke. The night was late now. Old Mistress Qiu was taking care of her partner, standing before his bed. Looking at the unconscious Qiu Jianhan who looked like he was just asleep, the old mistress sighed sadly, "Oh, Old Man Qiu we''ve been married for our entire life. Why didn''t I realize how important you are? My heart used to ache every time you set off for war, afraid that you won''t be able to make it back. Now that you''re back and I can see you every day, this heart of mine is still aching" As she spoke, the old mistress suddenly chuckled. "What am I saying? Compared to the fallen soldiers, you''re already much luckier. Even if you really can''t wake up again, I am still contented. You are right here before my eyes, after all" As she muttered, the wind suddenly whistled softly. A dark shadow materialized at the foot of the bed. "Who are you? Why have you come?" The old mistress did not lose her composure C despite the startling appearance of the apparition, she was calm and collected, her words composed. "I am Supreme Cloud," said the black shadow, "I''m here to help Old Marshal regain consciousness." Old Mistress Qiu was stunned upon hearing his words. Struck by a sudden sense of vertigo, she could not help the tears that escaped her eyes. In the latter half of the night, Qiu Jianhan, who had been asleep for a long time, slowly regained his senses. Now that Emmie had returned, Yun Yang was no longer deterred by most of the difficult illnesses or incurable diseases in this world. At the very least, he was not as helpless about Old Marshal Qiu''s current state as he was previously. In truth, the old marshal had depleted too much of his vital energy and did not manage to replenish it in time. Yun Yang had transfused his own blood, which was as good as prolonging the marshal''s life with the most exquisite resources in this world. It was already certain that his state of being was fine. Unfortunately, the old marshal''s physical state was equally expended and could hardly make the nutritious blood work for him. In spite of this, all these were minor issues for Emmie. He could solve these irritants with a wave of his hand. What surprised Yun Yang was that Old Marshal Qiu, who had just regained his senses, was unburdened by negative emotions. It was like the long sleep had only been a long dream for him C more precisely, it had been a sweet dream that he was reluctant to wake up from! In the dream, there were many brothers and comrades having feasts with him, making trips and accompanying him all about the place! These were the brothers who had sacrificed themselves many years ago C they were long gone from the mortal realm. Now, everyone had been reunited. It was a rare joy! Old Marshal Qiu could still remember the one question most of his brothers asked C how does my family fare after my death? That instance was probably Qiu Jianhan''s proudest moment as he patted his chest and said with pride, "What could possibly happen to your family with your father there!" "Are you looking down on your father? Don''t you believe in your father? Do you think your father didn''t take good care of them?" Some of the brothers asked, "How does our country fare?" Qiu Jianhan replied with no small amount of worry, "Still fighting. We''ll surely win. We''ve won so many times, this time will be no exception!" Then, all of them sighed and cheered together. Some of the other brothers asked, "Who are the Nine Supremes, actually?" Qiu Jianhan recovered his pride again as he said, "Your father knows. Your father is one of the rare few who knows. Not even Old Fang and Old Leng know this secret, but I do. Nonetheless, how could I possibly reveal this to all of you? Heh, heh, heh" A lot of the fallen militants then rallied together with pursed lips, "This fellow is already dead, but he''s still keeping secrets! For whom, and for what?" Qiu Jianhan laughed without saying anything, thinking to himself, ''Hmph, it''s a promise C I''ll keep the secret even when I''m dead!'' ''Could being dead be a reason to disclose the secret?'' This was a truly relaxed and exhilarating period of time for the old marshal. He had enjoyed it far too much. With nothing to do, he drank and chatted every day; he could play with this today and have fun with that tomorrow C there were hundreds of thousands of brothers here with him. There was not a single point in time that he was lonely! In view of all this, he opened his eyes only to see that he was laid out on his bed and had yet to die. Reluctance was the only feeling that simmered in his heart. ''The f*ck, which blind fool actually pulled me back?'' ''Your father hasn''t had enough fun yet'' Then, he saw Yun Yang C Yun Yang who was clothed in black, like he was engulfed in a cloud of fog. He recognized him immediately; there was only one person in this world who could be in this state. He understood the current situation immediately and his expression darkened almost instantly. He complained with no small amount of discontent, "Couldn''t you wait a little longer? Or least informed me first? I didn''t get to say goodbye to them" Yun Yang was dumbstruck and utterly confused by the old man''s words. Goodbye? Pardon? I don''t get it. 661 Are You Done Yet? Yun Yang stared back at the irate old man, completely baffled. Qiu Jianhan snorted loudly, "What are you looking at? Didn''t you know that this old man was in the midst of meeting so many brothers? Do you understand the joy of us being together? You, foolish child, just pulled me out with a swoosh, and I couldn''t even react to it C of course, I didn''t get to bid farewell! Won''t my brothers be critical of me then?" Yun Yang was bewildered. The old man was his old, shameless self again C the head of the capital''s three rogues indeed. What a thug! ''You''ve been unconscious for months, and it was only with Emmie''s help now that I got to save you. Now that you''ve woken up and have been revived, you''re turning around and putting the blame on me? Blaming me for not giving you advance notice? Shouldn''t you be grateful and thank me for the saving grace?'' ''Is this something that advance notice can be given for?'' ''Besides, how am I supposed to let you know earlier?'' ''This is really my first time seeing someone display their boorish behavior the moment he wakes up from a coma that lasted for months.'' Just as a certain someone was about to reply with a long face, the old mistress'' voice cut inappropriately behind them. "What is going on now? Was he wrong to save you? Wanted to bid farewell? Actually enjoyed being with so many brothers? How ridiculous C how absurd! Do you mean to say that you don''t enjoy being with me?" "If so, then go back and find those brothers of yours! Why did you even wake up in the first place?" The old mistress was utterly out of sorts. Old Marshal Qiu shuddered upon listening to her. He suddenly grasped Yun Yang''s hand, shook it continuously and said with hot tears brimming in his eyes, "I still want to thank you! While I have many brothers there, I still miss my home the most, especially with her at home. Thank you so much, Lord Supreme Cloud!" Yun Yang was still speechless as he then heard the old bastard say tearfully, "I''m utterly grateful for your saving grace!" With a swift turn of his head, he then spoke in sorrowful tones, "Dear You have suffered much during this time How long have I been in a coma?" The corners of Yun Yang''s mouth twitched. He deeply felt that the word ''shame'' was growing further and further from the old man. There was no better example than this to showcase how corrupt one''s values could become, how unprincipled, and how deceitful one could be! Yet, Yun Yang heard the old mistress behind him reply in comforting tones, "That''s more like it." Old Mistress Qiu approached them with emotional tears brimming her eyes; she tried not to let them fall as she spoke in a quivering voice, "Thank you, Lord Supreme Cloud. We shall never forget Lord Supreme Cloud''s saving grace!" "There''s no need to be so polite. Now that the old marshal has awakened, it''s all fine. I shall bid my leave," Yun Yang said, turning around to make an exit. "Halt!" Qiu Jianhan pushed himself up and looked at him with glinting eyes. After a moment, his voice wavered as he asked, "How How is the war at the Fortress of Resilience?" The old man''s gaze was filled with worry. "We won. Han Sanhe has died!" Yun Yang left after leaving his words behind, vanishing swiftly after turning into a cloud of fog. Truth be told, it was more like he had fled in a state of panic. He really could not bear to stay any longer. What was left behind was Qiu Jianhan''s laughter of delightful surprise and the low sobs that the old mistress had been suppressing? Shangguan Family of Generals. When Yun Yang went to Shangguan Lingxiu in the middle of the night, it was not unexpected that the latter was largely surprised. What was he trying to do, sneaking into a lady''s room in the middle of the night? Shangguan Lingxiu was so flustered that her neck was flushed a deep crimson. "Y C you C you You C Why are you here?" ''Did this scoundrel find out about the promise Lingxi and I made and can''t can''t wait any longer?'' ''This is C this is embarrassing!'' ''Still, if if he insists am I going to just follow through'' ''Oh my God, how can I bear such shameless thoughts? What if he gets angry?'' It was apparent that Yun Yang was not aware of the lady''s girlish thoughts as he stared oddly at Shangguan Lingxiu and asked, "Why is your face so red? I''m here to check on Old Mistress Shangguan. Didn''t I promise you I would treat her? After our parting the last time, my cultivation base has advanced slightly, and I should be of help You know my identity too. How can I come in broad daylight?" Shangguan Lingxiu''s thumping heart recovered immediately. The shyness was all gone. What replaced it was the impulse to kick the insufferable man out. She replied through gritted teeth, "Lord Supreme Cloud is benevolent indeed Please follow me." ''This man is just like what Sister Lingxi had said C an absolute dummy.'' ''Why am I not as skilled as Sister Lingxi? Then I could beat him up good!'' ''Forget it, it''s better not to have that defensive force. It would mean that we won''t be able to get close to each other. That would be a nightmare!'' "Alright! Why are you suddenly so angry? Who has offended you?" ''You did, you dummy!'' "I''m not angry C not angry at all," Shangguan Lingxiu spat the words through gritted teeth with a forced smile. ''I''m so furious!'' "As long as you aren''t angry, there''s no need to lead me there. Point me towards a direction and I can get there on my own. It''s inconvenient if you take me there C it''s so late now" "There! Where everything is lit up!" Shangguan Lingxiu pointed with a finger and when Yun Yang turned to look, she slammed the door close harshly. If Yun Yang were to be a little closer, his tall nose could possibly have been smashed flat. Lord Supreme Cloud, who was terribly narcissistic, would never be able to accept it if it were to happen! Lord Supreme Cloud was taken aback, grumbling inwardly, ''What''s going on? She was so gentle in the Residence of Yun earlier! I was still delighted that she''s so sweet and soft under the handsome appearance, unlike someone else Why is her temper so bad the moment she gets home?'' ''I can''t understand. Maybe I don''t understand women?'' ''An amateur like me really doesn''t understand women!'' Yun Yang shook his head and sighed, "Women oh, women what strange creatures" With a swoosh, he disappeared. Treating Old Mistress Shangguan was equally smooth, much smoother than when he woke Old Marshal Qiu up. The old mistress was already in a drowsy state due to her lackluster condition when Yun Yang went over. He did not have to do much to make the old mistress fall into a deep slumber. What took place afterward was easily achieved. As Yun Yang''s Endless Divine Art was cultivated in addition to Emmie''s air of vitality, the energy had only circulated the old mistress'' meridians once before all blockages were cleared. What was trickier during the process was storing part of the air of vitality within Old Mistress Shangguan. After all, if the efficacy were to be seen directly, the old mistress'' white hair might promptly turn black. Not only would it be a supernatural incident, it would attract too much attention. There would be an adverse outcome instead if it pulled greedy eyes. Keeping the vital energy within Old Mistress Shangguan and letting it work slowly would allow the remedial process to treat the roots over a longer period of time, befitting a word everyone could accept C miracle! Being on the last legs of one''s life without dying when one should have was a miracle, but it was also an individual''s luck. On the contrary, seeing silver to raven in a night and having one''s vitality rocket swiftly when one was past their prime was not an individual''s fortune C many would cast greedy eyes then! Having completed the task, Yun Yang slipped into Shangguan Lingxiu''s room again. Shangguan Lingxiu was already prepared to sleep after muttering a few curses, yet right as she took off her clothes and slipped into her bed, someone had entered her room. She was dumbfounded. You Are you done yet? 662 I Can’t Live Like This Anymore! "It''s done." Yun Yang exclaimed in excitement as he flaunted his accomplishment, "I''m here to let you know that you don''t have to be worried anymore. You don''t have to be concerned about Old Mistress Shangguan''s condition for at least another ten years." Shangguan Lingxiu pulled her blanket up to bury her head, feeling abashed and awkward. ''Why is he here again?'' ''It''s worse this time C I haven''t taken off my clothes before Great, now should I be worried about the state I''m in?'' She did not even listen to anything Yun Yang was saying. "You C How" Shangguan Lingxiu hid but decided it was a wrong move. She then repositioned her blanket and wrapped it around her body to show only her head while looking at Yun Yang in exasperation. "You You C You really" Yun Yang had never imagined that they would meet under such circumstances. Shocked and stunned, he spoke in a hurt tone, "You Why didn''t you wait for my news before sleeping?" These were Yun Yang''s honest words. He had really thought that Shangguan Lingxiu would wait for the result of his treatment. He did not expect the lady to take off her clothes and go to bed without even waiting! Went to bed after taking off her clothes Could he be blamed for her actions? Lord Supreme Cloud felt unjustly accused. Shangguan Lingxiu felt even more upset. Clenching her jaws, she growled in a low voice, "What are you talking about? Do you have to specifically inform me about everything you do? If I didn''t know that you were Supreme Cloud, I''d wait for the result, of course C respectfully wait for it. However, I now know that you''re Supreme Cloud and I would have gone to your residence tomorrow! What can''t wait till then? Did you think that I wouldn''t go? Ah!" Yun Yang could only spout gibberish without giving a proper response. Perhaps he had done things with a tad too much haste. Shangguan Lingxiu had adopted the routine of going to the Residence of King Yun daily, these days. It was almost a habit. Despite being Supreme Cloud, he was mainly Yun Yang. He had thumped his chest, a guarantee that he would take note of Old Mistress Shangguan''s condition C there was really no need to hurry or be hasty. Looking at the blanket-wrapped Shangguan Lingxiu, who was looking back at him in embarrassment, frustration,and helplessness, Yun Yang coughed and had nothing to say. For some reason which he could not fathom, he then spluttered, "Sister Lingxiu, actually the view of you on the bed is ratherenticing. " Shangguan Lingxiu buried herself back into her blanket, so abashed that she was turning crimson. ''Bastard! What is he talking about? '' "Uh I''ll leave now" Yun Yang immediately knew that he had said the wrong thing the moment the words left his mouth. He slipped away, swiftly making his escape. When Shangguan Lingxiu finally mustered enough courage to flip her blanket off and settle the case with Yun Yang, he was already gone without a trace. With his speed, he might already be at Old Grand Commandant Fang''s residence Embarrassed as he was, it was still better to complete what should be accomplished tonight in one go. Since he could not bring an end to his biggest threat as planned, it was necessary that he switched lanes to resolve some other issues. It would be best to solve them as soon as possible. With this minor hiccup, the stifling vexation that came from Wu Ying seemed to utterly dissipate. As Yun Yang sped through the wind, he found that he had the mood to let his thoughts run wild. ''Tsk, I must say once Sister Lingxiu takes off her clothes, she''s still very much a woman'' It was fortunate that he did not utter these words on the spot. Otherwise, he would probably have been beaten up violently C very, very violently. The next day, when Ji Lingxi saw Shangguan Lingxiu, it came as a surprise to see the latter tired, her eyes adorned with two huge dark circles. She looked lethargic and was somewhat dazed. "Sister Lingxiu, what has gotten into you?" Ji Lingxi asked curiously, "Did you not sleep well last night?" "Didn''t C uh, didn''t sleep well, yes." Due to her awkwardness, of course, she did not sleep well. She was already asleep, but the subject of her infatuation had barged into her room. Her heart thumped wildly until morning came as different scenarios ran through her head. How could she sleep then? "Why?" Ji Lingxi sat herself down beside Shangguan Lingxiu and said, "I should be the one lacking sleep. You don''t know about it C I haven''t slept soundly at all these days Sister Lingxiu, what worries are troubling you?" Shangguan Lingxiu could not help flushing as she recalled what happened last night. She bit her lips and subconsciously sighed, "Dummy!" Once the word was out in the air, she knew that it was for the worse. How could she utter this word so carelessly? Why did it just slip out like that? Everything would be exposed this way! As expected, the alarm in Ji Lingxi''s head blared. She perked up and asked, "What? Has this dummy offended you? When? What has happened? Tell me the details!" Shangguan Lingxiu was crimson as she shook her head incessantly. "No C no." No matter how Ji Lingxi questioned her, Shangguan Lingxiu refused to budge. It was not something she could recount in detail. Ji Lingxi grew even more suspicious. Biting her lips, she thought to herself, ''Could this fellow actually hmph!'' Her thoughts ran in the direction of unacceptable deeds. She stomped her foot resentfully, a dire picture already formed in her mind. The earth quivered with a boom. Ji Lingxi stood up furiously and kicked Yun Yang''s door open. She rubbed her palms together, calling out, "Yun Yang, come, come. Let us practice! How can we miss our daily sessions?" Moans of pain came from the room. Yun Yang had submitted to his fate. He was confident that the speed of his advancement and the amount of his improvement was unprecedented and unsurpassable. It was to his pride that he could regard the rest of the world from a high point. He had gone from almost no cultivation base to the fourth level in Dao realm now. While it was still lacking, insufficient to compete against the pinnacle forces of this world, there were few opponents that could call themselves his peers Speaking of peers, it was unfortunate that the monster, Ji Lingxi, could not be excluded! She did not even need to cultivate. She only needed a few nights of slumber and she woke up in ninth Dao pinnacle! How could one reason with that? She went after him every day in the name of practice, but in reality, she was beating up a sandbag! Her force was considerably heavy, so much so that a solid strike would put an end to him. If his technique succeeded occasionally, the red light would strike back at him. The anguish of being half dead was worse than being beaten up brutally! "I can''t live like this anymore!" Yun Yang moaned in anguish. If there was a more wretched case, it would have to be today, where Yun Yang was forced to ''practice'' with Ji Lingxi unceasingly Cmeaning, he was going to be beaten up incessantly. It so happened that today coincided with the Empire of Yutang''s celebratory day. When His Majesty began his morning assembly, he was surprised by the presence of two familiar faces! The officials were extremely delighted as well when they saw them. The two people were the Empire of Yutang''s military pillars, Old Marshal Qiu and Old Grand Commandant Fang! These two old men were ruddy and robust. Not only were there no signs of old age and frailty, they were both as strong as an ox. 663 Thus It Begins! All of the imperial court''s civil and military officials were dumbstruck. Were these two seniors not said to be on the last legs of their lives? One''s life was slowly draining away, while the other one was quietly waiting for his end. How was it possible that both of them had come to the assembly now, and in good spirits to boot! It was not even terminal lucidity, as that state of being would not have presented them with such vigor! This astonishing conundrum caused many jaws to drop; they were astonished that a miracle had taken place! Other than being astounded, they questioned the reason very behind this turn of fate as well. The revival was earth-shattering and the fact that both of them were brought back to good health could not be a coincidence. There must be an expert who had helped them. If these mysteries could not be solved, how could they sit well with the incident? Qiu Jianhan thought that answering it was impossible and was about to disguise the truth with sophistry, but once Old Grand Commandant Fang spoke first, he was not at all nervous anymore. "This old official is astonished about this as well." Old Grand Commandant Fang looked perplexed as he narrated his story, "My condition worsened over the days. I was drowsy day and night like I was in a dream. I knew that I didn''t have many days left. Last night was like that, but somehow, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was shocked to find out that I felt terribly light, like I was a young man again. The aches and pains of age were gone. Your Majesty and fellow colleagues are surprised at my state C this old man is also stumped. What happened? I didn''t want to come to the assembly today, but I was curious about my condition. I wanted to come and ask if anyone knows what was going on. " Qiu Jianhan took over smoothly and continued, saying, "This old official''s situation is similar, but I am even more lost than Old Fang here. Old Man Fang is at most, groggy, day in and day outbut this old man was practically the living dead. I''m naturally more confused if Old Man Fang doesn''t even know the reason behind his miraculous recovery. All in all, it''s just strange" It was understandable if everyone wanted to ask Qiu Jianhanhis thoughts on the matter, but it made more sense to ask Old Grand Commandant Fang first. He was the living dead; what could he possibly know? Better to ask a living man! The old rogue''s explanation, accompanied by much head-scratching and a flummoxed fa?ade, secured his place as the head of Yutang''s three great rogues for the quality of his acting and his speech! His Majesty could discern that Old Grand Commandant Fang was really stumped, but the emperor was vexed when he saw Qiu Jianhan''s innocent look as he scratched his head. His delight from the fact that the old fellow had awakened safely just now was close to vanishing and turning into the possibility of full-blown heart attack. There was no more jubilance as the emperor''s only thought now was to kick the old rogue who was clearly putting on a show, sighing and scratching his head. He looked lost, but he knew much better than anyone else, out of the assembly court. ''Since you don''t know, can you not talk with such an ostentatious tone?'' ''You don''t know?'' ''I''d be stupid to believe you!'' When the assembly was dismissed, His Majesty retained Qiu Jianhan to interrogate him further. Qiu Jianhan still looked flummoxed. "I really don''t know what happened, Your Majesty You should ask Old Grand Commandant Fang instead!" "This old official is rather befuddled" "While I was in a coma, I dreamed a lot... I even dreamed of so and so Your Majesty, did you know these old things are living well now? F*cking hell, they are living so well, even though they are ghosts! I am utterly envious, tsk, tsk" "Did someone save me? Really? What the f*ck? Was I actually saved? Who was my savior then? Your Majesty must knforw, if you are saying this. You have to tell me. The saving grace must be returned graciously, I will have to repay it" When faced with such a rogue, the emperor''s interrogation was in vain, even after an hour of harsh questioning. Instead, he had listened to the rogue retell his tale of touring the underworld and in the end, the emperor gradually turned into the one being questioned! Ultimately, His Majesty could no longer hold it in nor did he want to. His finger pointed towards the door. "Scram!" "This official is leaving!" The old rogue vanished swiftly. His departure was remarkably hasty! "F*ck, does the skin on these people who have died once double up in thickness?" His Majesty was quite bemused despite his rage. After staying angry for a long time, he finally cursed out loud, "You useless old man! Do you really think that I can''t figure out who you''re talking about, even when you don''t say a thing?" The Shangguan Family was also rejoicing in the sudden turn of events. Their eldest had suddenly felt much better upon waking up in the morning, and after several attempts, she could actually walk with ease. What a surprise! Then, she realized that the many discomforts and illnesses that plagued her seemed to have all disappeared What a delight! Later, she realized that even her near to non-existent cultivation base seemed to have recovered. What a delightful surprise! Subsequently, she could straighten up; she could hear clearly, her eyes could see without difficulty, and her legs were fine as well She finally tried to jump, and actually leaped dozens of feet high! Seeing that their old mistress'' state had taken such a turn for the better, the whole Shangguan Family of Generals was elated and overwhelmed with joy. "God bless the Family of Generals!" Old Mistress Shangguan looked around before asking, "Where''s Lingxiu?" "She''s gone to the Residence of Yun. Should I call her home?" Old Mistress Shangguan considered this for a moment before answering, "No need. The girl has suffered all these years." She slowly paced to the ancestral hall and studied the many plates that stood inside, murmuring to herself, "Let''s wait a few days more. If I still feel as robust as today I shall continue to run this family!" "Then, I shall invite Yun Xiaoyao to arrange Lingxiu and Yun Yang''s marriage!" The Shangguan Family''s women were delighted by the idea. Everyone had seen how Shangguan Lingxiu had supported the family all these years; none of them were ignorant of the fact and unaffected by it. Such a beauty, such a lady at her prime, but she could only age alone at home due to the burden of her family. Now, there was hope! Her efforts had paid off! "God bless!" Shangguan Lingxiu''s mother kneeled down before the ancestral plates and bowed respectfully. "Bless the ancestors! Bless Xiu''er so she can find her happiness, her rock" The day went on until night came. Yun Yang''s torturous day had finally come to an end. Ji Lingxi had not lost her energy or suddenly became kind. It was because something Yun Yang had planned for a long time was finally triggered! In an average tavern, the four noble young masters of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter were drinking in ecstasy with their guards. The surrounding tables of customers who were drinking were also made up of martial world practitioners. Witnessing the fellows chatter loudly without any regard for decorum, they pursed their lips discreetly in discontent; no one dared to kill the mood. For one, the dressing of the four popinjays was enough to show that they were not the usual sort of wealthy young masters; they had many guards with them too, a sign that any form of provocation should be reconsidered. Mainly, the reason was that these four popinjays C despite their popinjay reputation - were obviously equipped with excellent skills. Any one of them was on par with a martial world expert, thus ordinary practitioners dared not offend them. Just as their drinking session heightened to the point of ecstasy, someone barged into the tavern and pitched headfirst onto the ground. The person had fallen right in front of Dong Tianleng. 664 What A Marvel! The person who had toppled inside was an elder who was wounded and bleeding all over. The moment he fell in, he picked himself up again to cling onto Dong Tianleng''s leg, crying out, "Young master, save me!" Dong Tianleng growled, "Don''t touch me I''ve just changed my clothes" "Where are you going!" A handful of silhouettes shot over from a distance. The elder cried out before he picked himself up again promptly to escape through the window. He vanished in the blink of an eye, evidence of his excellent skills. The shadows pursued him relentlessly, hopping out through the window, hot on the heels of the elder. Dong Tianleng stood up, cursing aloud, "F*cking sh*t! I am an otherworldly young master, but the world has to come and lay a stain on me. I just came out for a drink, but I got splattered with blood instead This is really" As he spoke, he tried to clean himself up, while muttering in frustration, "That old bastard! Dirtying me with blood; how am I supposed to drink now? I''m terribly particular about Hold on, what is this?" He retrieved a tattered scrap of some unknown material from his robe. It seemed like a piece of leather "The f*ck... what is this?" Dong Tianleng lifted the piece of skin to observe it carefully. "What''s this revolting smell on it? It looks like it''s been chopped It''s in two pieces? Let me see; f*ck, are these two pieces connected? There seems to be What''s this? Strange" Chun Wanfeng and the others grew increasingly intrigued as they listened to his monologue. They went forward to crowd around him. "What is it? What is it? Tell us!" The guards of the four young masters knew that the situation was odd, but before they could do anything, Dong Tianleng had already been seen by one too many people inspecting the torn cloth in the air. The guards immediately turned pale. ''Oh, my young master Can you have a little martial world common sense?'' ''That old thing being pursued stuffed it in your robes, knowing that he can''t escape Why did you take it out? You could have just left it hidden!'' ''Seeing as to how he was being chased after by so many experts, it can''t be simply any ordinary item he left with you!'' ''This will get us into big trouble!'' "Young master, keep it quickly!" hollered one of the guards, "This thing" "What could this possibly be? Stop being such a coward!" Dong Tianleng laughed and said, "By the looks of it, they''re, at most, one or two pieces of a treasure map C incomplete ones, at that. It''s only a partial view. Based on my current identity, status, and cultivation base, in what way could I regard such a treasure map? I may lack many things, but wealth and capability are things I''m equipped with!" "That''s right! We''re wealthy and capable. We are experts!" the other three young masters said, guffawing flamboyantly. To be fair, it was not too much of an exaggeration based on the quad''s current abilities. It was simply the truth! The guards were stomping about in panic. Anxiously, they said, "Young master, your cultivation base has shot up, but your knowledge didn''t This is obviously a massive source of trouble!" The guards then went closer to the young masters and said, "If it was just a normal treasure map, why was there such a pursuit earlier? The few pursuers were all Dao realm cultivators Any one of them would be a rare find in the martial world C an awe-inspiring presence" Dong Tianleng was stunned. "What did you say? You mean this thing is a rare gem? One that will cause a lot of trouble?" The nearby tables of martial world people were already wearing shiny eyes as their ears perked up to listen with avaricious attention. "Yes, young master. This cannot be treated lightly" The guards were already quivering with anxiety. Dong Tianleng''s eyes flitted around before he said, "This is easy. That old bastard wants to frame me? Fine, I''ll let him go for wool and come home shorn C left with nothing!" "Bring me some fire!" Dong Tianleng was triumphant. "Let us burn it up. Let''s see who''s the one who gets hurt in the end. Manipulate me? What a wild wish!" Dong Tianleng''s plan was indeed reasonable. Whatever it was, he did not care; he would burn it up immediately. What could be done when he had already torched it before the public''s eyes? Without a single care, Dong Tianleng remained unmoved despite the generous outpouring of advice from all around. He lit the torch instantly. The warm light danced vigorously. Dong Tianleng picked the pieces of treasure map up using a saber and threw them into the flames without hesitation. The pieces burned for a long time. "What skin is this made of?" Dong Tianleng exclaimed in wonder, "They aren''t affected by the fire at all. How rare" The families'' guards were drained of all color again just as they began to regain some sense of relief. No matter how rare a treasure map was, one had to be sufficiently capable to embark on a journey to look for the treasure. If one was not adequately capable, the map would only be the start of a disaster. While it was a pity to char it, it was indeed a brilliant approach to resolve the hidden dangers in front of everyone. Nonetheless, the pieces were made of fireproof leather! What sort of skin could they be? Racking their brains, everyone could only think of one possibility. Faraway legends had it that only the coats of divine mystical beasts were fireproof! Beast coats like those belonging to dragons, Kirin, and other wonders were able to survive the incineration. This begged the question C what sort of treasure map would have to be made from the coat of a divine mystical beast? The chief guard was about to shift from mere panic to absolute hysteria. "Young master, let''s go quickly!" Dong Tianleng finally seemed to be aware of the issue, as he said, "No worries. No problem. I have the treasured saber boss gave to me. Let us destroy this scourge right here, right now. Bringing it home will only bring more misfortune upon us." While he spoke, he placed the pieces on the table and slashed at them with a wave of the saber. Experience was needed to perform such a feat. While Dong Tianleng''s solution was brutally simple, it was still the best course given the current situation C of course, the premise was that he could actually destroy both pieces of leather with his saber. "Hack, hack, hack" Dong Tianleng exerted his full force and dealt more than three hundred slashes continuously. Yet, when he picked the pieces up, there was not even the slightest bit of the blade''s traces upon them! These were indestructible fragments of a treasure map! The crowd was baffled. How massive must a secret be to warrant the use of such precious leather to record it down? The four noble young masters brightened up. It seemed that the trouble would be worth it if such a prize awaited them at the end of their trials. Suddenly, drawn-out laughter erupted from thin air. "No need to tire yourselves. Since the young masters do not wish to be burdened by such troubles, you may give it to me then." A dark silhouette charged over like a bolt of lightning and grabbed both pieces of the treasure map. Laughing, the person swiftly made his escape. "How dare you!" "Are you seeking death?" "Put it down!" The four noble young masters and their sixteen guards lashed out at once, causing havoc and pandemonium to erupt in the venue. 665 Dearly Beloved Brothers! Countless gales of laughter interweaved in the air once more! The man howled with laughter, but he had actually taken a direct hit as he charged out like a tornado. Spitting out blood, he hastily leaped out of the window. He was possessed of quick reflexes and an excellent cultivation base. After all, he was facing the combined forces of twenty people from the four noble young masters among others. It was quite an impressive feat to have escaped with only a spittle of blood. Unexpectedly, the snatcher had just leaped out of the inn when he saw the sudden glint of a blade that appeared alongside a sinister voice, "Did you think we would just give it to you? Like you deserved it?" The moment he witnessed the unexpected glimmer of the blade, the head of the fleeing man was lopped off before he could emit any sound. The ghost-like silhouette winked in and out and was already hundreds of feet away the next time it appeared. It was a rare sight to see something move at such a speed that was uncannily fast. In the wake of decapitation, a few men leaped into the air, their wielded blades and sabers exchanging glimmers of light. "Put down the treasure!" In the blink of an eye, those present at that location vanished abruptly, having decided that it was a better idea to be far away from here. A whistled sound of humming came from afar, originating from all four directions C various signals and flaming rockets ignited the night sky. Boom, boom, boom. Dong Tianleng held his hands together in a daze, staring absently ahead with glazed eyes, his face as white as a sheet. After a while, he burst into tears. "What should I do... I-I...think I''ve created a huge amount of trouble..." Everyone let out a huge sigh at the same time. To think that this chap was holding the world''s only treasure map that was made from divine mystical beast hide and was flailing it in the air, lighting it on fire and slicing it with a blade Although they knew that was the best course of action, most people still could not help but berate the fellow deep down in their hearts, ''What the hell, you did not just do this, did you? The treasure was already in your arms, but you still took it out to show off...'' ''Your father has never seen such idiocy in my entire life!'' On the journey back, the four young masters felt extremely dispirited, while the sixteen escorts trailed behind them like a bunch of lifeless corpses. However, no matter what else transpired, the existence of the two pieces of divine mystical beast hide treasure map in Tiantang City quickly spread, as though it had wings. Soon, the whole martial world knew about it. Yun Yang knew about it that very night. Yun Xiaoyao then dispatched a set of orders. Seal off Tiantang City! From now, one could only exit and not enter. This decision was the right call. You can take the treasure map out of here C just don''t stay in Tiantang City to create chaos and destruction. Another order was dispatched at the same time C fortify the defenses! The military troops are to be on guard! Streams of orders rained down as quickly as lightning. Everybody already knew in their hearts that this was yet another catastrophe that was looming on the horizon. The target was none other than Tiantang City, the national capital of Yutang! "Boss, it''s done!" Dong Tianleng was no longer his panicky self at the inn earlier; his entire being was absolutely enraptured. "You need not worry about the way we handle things, it''s perfect!" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. ''Done? Do you still need to say that?'' ''The whole empire already knows about it!'' ''Even I already knew about it!'' ''Furthermore, this was literally just reading out your lines - you just had to act accordingly to the script! I even designed the lines for you! If there are further mishaps, it''s definitely your problem; what is there to feel accomplished about?'' "Now that the first step has been completed, commence the second step immediately. Stick to the plan, as we have discussed before." ... On the second day, Dong Tianleng invited the guests to a different tavern. This restaurant might not be considered one of the classier ones in Tiantang City, but it was the restaurant that had the biggest floor area in the world; The House of Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon. Those present today were made up of the younger generation in Tiantang City C hardly anyone was left out. Besides the fixed attendance of the four noble young masters, there was the sole heir of Yun, Young Master Yun, who was presiding over the main chair. After him, there were the two young princes of the royal blood; and then there was the long-lost Young Master Ma, Young Master Qian, Young Master Wang, Young Master Niu, and a few Young Masters who showed their faces for the first time in what seemed to be forever. There were ten big tables altogether, each occupied by fifteen to sixteen people C it was filled to the brim! Dong Tianleng looked like he was in extreme anguish and grief like he had lost his parents, as he settled himself in the main seat. The guards of each household had already positioned themselves at every window, doorway, ceiling C every blind spot was heavily guarded. To put it in a glorifying manner, it was a serious case that required utmost secrecy! However, the guards gave each other a knowing glance amongst themselves as their hearts uttered ''son of a b*tch'', they were sorely tempted burst out in anger impulsively. ''What the to keep a secret?'' ''A chap like you invited two hundred guests, and the numbers of guards that came along are more than any I''ve ever seen before C what form of secrecy is there still to be discussed?'' ''To hell with secrecy.'' It''s only called a secret if one person knows about it. If two people knew about it, the probability of that secret being leaked would rise to eighty-percent. If three people knew about it... that would be equivalent to having the whole world know about it! Now, there were three hundred plus people... Do you still want to keep it a secret? It was extremely laughable. "What''s going on here?" A young master asked impatiently when everyone had just settled into their seats. "What''s going on? You summoned every last one of us brothers C was it to carry out some big plan?" If it were the four noble young masters of the past, any reputation they had was surely due to infamy and notoriety. They were the failures of the martial world''s most affluent families and their presences were better off undisclosed - they were not even close to gaining the attention of the Yutang noble young masters. They were simply of two different levels, two worlds apart. However, the current four great young masters not only earned the merits of having the courage to fight at the Fortress of Resilience, shedding blood on the battlefield, they even had abilities that could easily trump the power of the so-called Tenth Perfection legendary warriors. Their current reputation could not be compared to the past, or else Dong Tianleng''s invitation would not even be entertained by these people. "Silence!" Someone gave a light reminder. "What are you so worked up about C didn''t you see Young Master Yun is present as well? He hasn''t even said anything yet - who the hell do you think you are?" "Ahem. " Yun Yang let out a cough. The sound rendered the whole place silent. Every guest straightened their back and gave Yun Yang their undivided attention. Indeed, how you carry yourself would leave an impact of equal magnitude. Although there were two royal princes seated there as well, nobody dared to compare themselves to Young Master Yun. His existence was too awe-inspiring - he was the true embodiment of a name that sent tremors across the world, a name that incited Tianxuan''s various empires! Did you not witness the moment Young Master Yun caused grievous injuries to the third prince, nearly turning him into a nitwit from shock? His Majesty did not even utter a single word! The crown prince did not even seem like he obtained any benefits before the presence of Young Master Yun! Those who dared to disobey Young Master Yun in Tiantang City were insufferable idiots, insolent fools - wise men would do no such thing! "The reason why everybody is gathered here today is due to two key things, with one of them being Dong Tianleng C Young Master Dong''s C private business. Hence, I call for everybody''s assistance today, to lend a helping hand... this matter of his is really an unexpected misfortune. Sigh, well, he is truly a little dumb, a little thick, and can be quite an idiot sometimes...if it wasn''t for all that, he would seem to be a decent sort of fellow..." Yun Yang sighed, giving Dong Tianleng a disappointed, resentful stare. "Why don''t you explain yourself instead C pray tell, how do you always get yourself involved in these rare occurrences?" Dong Tianleng stood up with a tearful expression, his face slightly blue, looking as if he was about to cry at any time. "Dearly beloved brothers... m-my dearly beloved brothers" The young masters present today who proclaimed themselves knowledgeable and well-informed could not help but feel nauseous upon hearing his opening line - they had a peculiar look in their eyes and a layer of goosebumps crawled all over their skin. Shit! What is he playing at? Did he just say ''dearly beloved''? Just say what you have to say! Why are you doing this? 666 The Incredibly Great— "Brothers, do help a brother out this time..." As he spoke of his woes, Dong Tianleng wiped his tears away which were quickly replaced by new ones. His face was full of mucus and tears C he did not resemble even the slightest bit of his lawless, unruly self back. "I-I can''t bear to live anymore..." The mustard was truly effective! The crowd was clearly astounded by his bizarre antics as they mused beneath their breaths. "Has this boy gone out of his mind?" "Sigh... it is hard to explain in just a few words..." Dong Tianleng continued to blubber. "Perhaps I have been spending to much time in the limelight recently, inciting jealousy at every corner. I''m not saying that only a dimwit wouldn''t incur envy of course, but sigh, it was just yesterday when I was targeted by ill-intentioned men. The two pieces of a treasure map they were gone within a single exchange of glances sigh" Reaching this part, his face was already full of tears and unspoken sorrow; his acting was truly on point. "What then?" Everybody clearly prioritized their curiosity more than anything else. Whatever had happened to this chap yesterday was already public knowledge; his reaction to it had everyone impressed to the core - how much more stupid could he get? "I didn''t pay much mind at first, but it was only after some inquiries that I realized how big of a mess I have created..." Dong Tianleng cried out in frustration. "The fur hide yesterday was indestructible and impenetrable. From the looks of it, it seems to be the fur hide of a mythical beast from the legends, and if I am not mistaken, it could be dragonhide..." Gasps of astonishment could be heard from the masses. "I believe everybody present today are knowledgeable, learned seniors, so you must have heard of this item that has been mentioned since the beginning of time in the land of Tiaxuan, be it in official documents, personal recounts, or even in the records of novels - a treasure map carved out of dragonhide, the one and only one in the world" Dong Tianleng''s face was now full of remorse as if a treasure had landed on his lap and had been taken away at the very next moment. "How precious! How rare! And I... I-I''d just..." He could no longer bear to continue upon reaching this point, his tears raining down in torrents. A young master amongst the crowd could not hold in his curiosity any longer. "What sort of treasure map is it? Why does Brother Dong seem to know a lot about it? A piece of news this tantalizing has to be shared right this moment!" "Absolutely! You have to tell us everything C from the beginning, please C for us to help you! What kind of help do you need? How can we help?" "What''s happening? If you don''t explain it clearly, how do we participate? How do we get involved? It would be bad if our help worsens the situation or causes it to fall into even more trouble than it already is in!" .... Opinions rose and fell incessantly. Dong Tianleng calmed his emotions down. After half a beat, he proceeded to explain himself amidst tearful sobs. "To protect myself at this point, I cannot help but be more thick-skinned by seeking help from my brothers I have no qualms about telling everyone about this, but please, help me - don''t just leave me be! I only knew about this after inquiring more about it; the dragonhide treasure map was rumored to have originated from one of the legendary beings who appeared on our land eons ago. This legendary being was also known as the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss" "The Seventeenth Master of the Abyss !" "Hiss" "Hiss" "Hiss" Waves of sharp inhalations could be heard. A solemn expression was suddenly etched upon every face in the room. The original owner of the dragon hide treasure map was the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss? Now it did not seem too strange that the treasure map was carved out of dragonhide! This was an incredibly esteemed, legendary character! The so-called Unrivaled Experts, Unrivaled Swordsmen, or those of similar accomplishments were worth nothing when compared to the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss - they did not even resemble the dregs of society! ... After the era of the Gods, it was the time that civilizations developed, and the continent was undergoing a massive change. Land was first discovered and the birth of humankind came after; any earlier traces had already been erased by the ever-changing seas and scape, deeply buried beneath this land. Yet, in one fateful month of a random year, a person emerged out of the blue, calling himself the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss C his legend was thus created! The so-called first ever record of a legend was referring to the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss and his unknown origin. However, he had adopted Seventeenth as his nickname ever since he made his appearance. There was a record of someone asking him; why are you the Seventeenth? Seventeenth Master explained. "Where I was from, there were sixteen other elders before me who had already ascended into immortality. They had become the masters of the world, reigning over heaven and earth! How can a descendant like me, who came after them in the seventeenth place, hope to adopt the titles of my elders, when my sole wish was to merely keep up with their pace?" The biggest revelation from that statement was that there were actually sixteen other similar individuals before the Seventeenth Master. For example, the First Master of the Abyss, the Eleventh Master of the Abyss - so on and so forth; without exceptions, they had all ascended to the heavens, attaining immortality. The land was overwhelmed by shock over such sensational news when the truth was revealed! Of course, this truth was based on the premise that the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss was rivaled by none ever since his appearance, and this was on the basis where there were no equals across the whole of Tianxuan. Eventually, there seemed to be no worthy adversaries even after going through the borderless oceans, the endless snow-capped mountains, and the boundless forests he was left alone at his own leisure. Another outcome he had gathered from his state of leisure was the innumerable rare mystical beasts that had perished under his hands. It seemed that many powerful species that had low means of reproduction had gone extinct and vanished forever from the face of the world. Until much later, where he felt truly unrivaled in the mortal world, he gave a long sigh and said, "A sea of heroes in this world, yet none was a worthy match; why should I subject myself to a state like this - a lonely and miserable life? Very well, I should find another place to sharpen my skills." "Alas, Tianxuan, the Great Continent - a land blessed with a multitude of heroes, yet none of which, a worthy prodigy? The Seventeenth shall slaughter one dragon today, and a special map shall be etched upon its hide before it is left beneath these skies. Should one man be fated to lay hands upon it, he shall be bestowed with the entire arsenal of my wisdom; hopefully, after many years, we will meet in the heavens!" As he finished, he grabbed a dragon from the borderless ocean and slashed at it with a sword. He obtained a piece of dragonhide from its neck and inscribed a map upon it, then, after a moment''s thought, tore it into six pieces and exhaled a breath of air upon them, spreading them across the whole of Tianxuan. Upon completing these gestures, the Seventeenth Master then proclaimed. "Behold, the First Master and the rest of the elders above C the Seventeenth shall ascend now!" In a flash, his body ascended into the mass of clouds. At the very same moment, thunders roared and rumbled before the descending darkness as a path to the heavens appeared, allowing a short glimpse of the world beyond. As the Seventeenth took his leap of ascension, heaven''s path disappeared along with him. The Seventeenth Master had since vanished from the mortal realm. All of the above was the truth! No matter how long it had been since this event took place in history, it was still an undeniable, non-negligible legacy! The existence of a legendary being as such would certainly tickle the imaginative minds of the masses, and his legacy would certainly be yearned and desired by many. However, in many years, there was not even the slightest clue of the dragonhide treasure map. To think about it, it was pretty reasonable - anyone who had a piece of the map would undoubtedly treasure it themselves and not reveal it to anybody else. Tens of thousands of years stood between this myth and the present day. After all this time, the six pieces of dragon hide treasure maps never once did surface in this world, and there was never the appearance of a powerful being like the Seventeenth Master ever again. It had gradually became a myth C a passed-down anecdote C which was half-forgotten by the masses in the present. If it was not for the shocking incident yesterday, not many would have associated that with this long-forgotten tale. The so-called hide of a mythical beast C dragonhide, in other words C was only meant to exist in myths. Hence, who had really encountered a dragon in this present world? How about the existence of other mythical beasts?! Now, however, it was all because of one man! A great man! A great dumbf*ck! Before everyone''s eyes, he burned it with fire and sliced it with a saber, thoroughly proving that such an indestructible, impregnable hide existed in this world. It was, unquestionably, a precious item! Undeniably, this was an incredibly great dumbf*ck! Someone had been backed into a corner from having the two pieces of maps in his possession but had stuffed them in his embrace as a distraction that stemmed from a spontaneous improvisation of plans. Initially, judging from the extents of his vision and extensive experiences, the person did not think that any clue of its existence would be discovered and had planned to discreetly retrieve it afterward... Due to this incredibly great dumbf*ck''s usual foppish way of conduct, he had blatantly made this known to the public just to satisfy his frustration! Coincidentally, this dumbf*ck actually possessed some of his senses, be it his cultivation base, experience or knowledge. First, he desired to destroy without a care by way of revenge to the person who came up with the improvisation plan. He then developed a fear over the indestructible nature of the treasure map and had directly attempted to destroy it with the exquisite, treasured saber. However, his impulsive reaction had only served to highlight that this treasure map was indeed the dragon hide treasure map of legend! In the end, it was inevitably stolen by a covetous observer in the shadows! To sum it up simply, it was like someone had placed a bank note worth half the world''s riches in your arms, which you then took out to examine if it was genuine... and when you confirmed it was, it had been pilfered by someone else How much more could this Everybody suddenly recalled all these upon Dong Tianleng''s mention of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss. At that moment, the looks directed at Dong Tianleng were full of complicated emotions. ''Your father has never been impressed by a dumbf*ck, but I must admit that I am terribly impressed by this dumbf*ck before me!'' 667 Everybody Is Helping "Brothers, I have been truly wronged here... where do I begin to explain?" Dong Tianleng''s face was full of mucus and tears. "How could I have known that it''d be such a treasure? That asshole sprawled over me and caused me to be bathed in blood... while I was still drinking! How could I even continue? That''s disgusting, don''t you know that?" Everybody gave him an irritated glance. Drinking? Disgusting? Your drinking abilities, compared with the dragonhide treasure map? You could be completely grossed out to death by it, but you should still have protected the treasure at all costs, undeterred by any obstacles should you encounter them! "Also C those were just scraps of hide! Who would''ve known they would be so precious! There''s even a bit of a stench on them, probably the rotting stench of an animal corpse..." Dong Tianleng continued to snivel and sob. "Think about it... if you were in my shoes, do question yourselves... I-If I didn''t throw it out, I couldn''t have taken it home myself now, could I? It''s so filthy! Hah!" Everybody gave him another incredulous glance. Of course, you have to take it home! You must take it home! Filthy? If it had been me, I would have taken it home, even if it was a million times filthier than that! You good-for-nothing prodigal! This prodigal with uncountable records of similar blunders was indeed a clumsy and shallow idiot. Why was it him who was drinking and not me at that moment? Clearly, wealth entices even the strongest of will. Everybody''s minds seemed to be bereft of reason - when faced with such a huge temptation, reason didn''t stand a chance at all! "Within the boundaries of Tiantang City, the forces of our brotherhood is the greatest... hence, Dong Tianleng hereby humbly requests for everybody''s help..." Dong Tianleng declared sorrowfully. "Help me... do help me recover the item..." Everybody inhaled a deep, long breath. Clearly, they did not expect that this would be Dong Tianleng''s request! After listening to Dong Tianleng''s long-winded complaint, everybody initially thought he was just trying to gain sympathy, probably to have a whole crowd of witnesses to acknowledge that the secret treasure was indeed not with him. He was just making all forms of preparations - it was a move to guarantee his own safety Thus, the chap''s request was utterly unexpected. How would you even dare to open your mouth? Recover it? Why, it must be found, of course! Recover it for you, though? "I am already plagued with so many things on my mind... there was really no better way I could think of. I still have to face the wrath of my family as well, after stirring up such a huge mess... my only hope now lies in the whole brotherhood seated before me." Everybody sneered secretly in their hearts; this idiot just committed the world''s stupidest act again! You would still have a sliver of hope if you attempted to find it privately. However, plagued with a flurry of thoughts, you just told everybody your huge secret. It seems that fate has determined that you''ll never find it! However, it''s not entirely impossible that it will not be found by me, is it? If I found it, it would belong to me, would it not? That treasure is mine! If the gods would bestow such a good opportunity on me, how could I just let it go? Dong Tianleng took a deep bow. "Please, brothers, lend me a hand! I, Dong Tianleng, will be incredibly grateful for this! From today onwards, if there are future assignments from you, I am ready to risk my life and limbs to help out, or die trying!" A look of genuine sincerity was etched upon his face as he raised his cup. "Those who are present today have truly shown me respect C real brothers whom I could rely on, indeed! Let us raise our cups now, everybody! May our friendship be eternal, until the end of time; our bond shall never break!" Everybody followed by raising their cups at the same time. "Since Brother Dong speaks as such, we are obliged, naturally, to carry out our duty! We will march for Brother Dong, be it through a mountain of blades, or a sea of fire! We shall spend every last bit of our efforts to recover that item! This kinship we share C may it last until the end of time, may it remain eternally unchanged!" "Precisely! We must find the missing item! Let''s help Brother Dong through his troubles!" "Come, come, let us drink to it! Let''s drink up together, may our friendship last forever!" "Our friendship shall have no end, our kinship shall never be forgotten!" Everybody raised their cups in celebration. Forming those words with their lips, their hearts were filled with an incredibly absurd and preposterous sentiment. Do you bloody expected us to stand by you perpetually, just with this cup of wine? Shall our bonds never be forgotten? Who do you think you are? Who the hell are you? "Thank you, my beloved brothers, for your tremendous empathy and support!" Dong Tianleng exclaimed with immense gratitude. "Do eat and drink to your heart''s content, and remember to enjoy yourselves C everything is on my tab tonight!" "To loyalty!" "Cheers!" "No one shall leave sober! Let''s get thoroughly drunk!" "Come on, let us go and find the map after drinking to this! The earlier we find it, the earlier we can save Brother Dong from his misery!" "It shall be recovered, no matter what!" Everybody drank as they merrily exchanged prosperous slogans, but at the same time, their hearts were awhirl with wild desires. If I was the one who found those two treasure maps... heh heh heh Me, practice my abilities? Or Or maybe it was Hmm? This was truly the world''s biggest temptation! With that thought, everyone instantly felt excited and impatient to start the hunt, sitting anxiously as if there were maggots underneath their bottoms. Dismiss me, so I could go home to get ready! That, ultimately, was the dragonhide treasure map that had the records of The Seventeenth Master of the Abyss'' inheritance. Anything could happen if they were too slow, even if they were just a bit late. At that precise moment, Yun Yang stood up. "Now that we''re done discussing Young Master Dong''s issues, allow me to speak of another matter." "Young Master Yun, do speak as you please. We are listening as attentively as we can, waiting to be honored with your wisdom." "A few days ago, Marshal Tie Zheng came to me for a drink, prompting me for ideas." Yun Yang cut to the chase. "With the recent end of the huge war, too many ruins are still waiting to be rebuilt - the army, especially, does not have much allocations of funds left. There are many heroic men who died in the disaster whose compensations were not fulfilled." The faces of all young masters present suddenly turned a pale, unhealthy shade. Please, brother, speak no more! When your words have reached this point, we already know where you''re getting at! What else could it be, if it wasn''t to borrow some money? "We are compassionate men, knowing that we are all brothers. Hence, I would like to use this opportunity to request everyone to donate a sum." Yun Yang smiled slightly. "Brothers aside, I know that everyone here is a good, understanding man, and rich to boot" Well, we wouldn''t mind not being rich men; in truth, we are very poor Also...donate? That would be even worse than borrowing! "As a considerate man, I shall understandably reveal a piece of undisclosed news to all of you. If things come to worst and there aren''t any more funds to be used, Marshal Tie might just take extreme measures..." Yun Yang flashed another smile. "For example... ransacking homes to fill up the national treasury...that sort of thing." Bodies froze, one by one. Is this even possible? "Nonetheless, this is really an extreme measure, only to be carried out if there was no other way! It will not be possible to execute this now." Yun Yang smiled even more warmly. "In view of this, I already promised Marshal Tie that all of us will donate ten million taels each then, all will be well. Yes, this applies to a few specific households - those who are listed on this name list shall donate ten billion taels each. Everyone here is an understanding man - no one will make unintelligible decisions, am I right?" Ten million? How about you go kill yourself? What list? What do you mean, those who are listed? F*ck... this surely has to be circulated from the higher-ups. It was like getting nailed in the head C there was no room to even turn around! "To those who are not well-off enough to do so, I could help relay your inconvenience to Marshal Tie. I believe he would empathize with your situation C at most, he might just pay you a visit or two..." Pay me a visit? Pay a visit, my ass! That fellow should never be allowed to appear near my doorstep, no matter what. "Besides the names highlighted in my list who are to donate ten million silver taels per household, the rest would only need to donate around the amount of two million taels. Cough, I am, too, troubled by such a favor to ask. I know everybody may not be blessed with riches, and it is a tough thing to ask from you... but it should be quite possible to squeeze out two million taels, right?" 668 One By One Squeeze? Squeeze, my ass! How am I going to squeeze out that much? What you are doing is practically squeezing away half of our lives! However, nobody dared to protest or utter a sliver of disagreement right at the scene C they did not even dare to display the slightest hint of their displeasure on their faces! Who was this Yun Yang that stood before them? He was none other than Young Master Yun, the young heir of the Residence of King Yun! Who, then, was behind the Residence of King Yun? Yun Xiaoyao C King Xiaoyao! If King Xiaoyao had not agreed to this, would Young Master Yun dare to pull such a stunt? It was obvious that he must have given the green light to go ahead with this! Who was behind King Xiaoyao, then? It must be, without a doubt, the emperor, His Majesty himself! If the Emperor himself had not given his consent for this open extortion of property, would King Xiaoyao have dared to make a move as massive as this? One could only imagine that it was a hundred percent guarantee that he must have agreed to it! Regarding the fact that Yun Yang had to have discussed this with Marshal Tie, the reason would be nothing more than the inconvenience for King Xiaoyao and the Emperor to step forth personally. Once they put their foot out, how inappropriate it would be! Those two still needed to retain their dignity. One could say that it was the appropriate thing to do, a complete utilization of talents for Marshal Tie to assume responsibility for this so that Yun Yang could step forward to announce it. Bloody hell, who would dare to disobey? Let''s not talk about the malevolence of the Empire of Yutang''s top two powers. Yun Yang alone was needed before the imperial court could enforce any law and judgment. Otherwise, before Marshal Tie Zheng could find any fault, one would already have lost his head in the midst of slumber during the dead of the night... What? Was it all done by Young Master Yun? What evidence do you have to prove it? Assuming that you do have evidence, the receiving party could erase its existence with a wave of his hand. This would then be followed up with a further question - do you still have any other evidence? A thing like this was completely possible and completely imaginable as well. That would simply mean dying in vain! What? Are you are saying that Yun Yang''s donation drive was at the behest of the Emperor himself? Do you have proof? If you don''t, that was basically slander, defamation - you have no respect for your benevolent ruler! You have no regard for the law, you are challenging the sovereign, you are attempting to incur a rebellion... If that was the case, you will not be the only one who would be punished; your whole family will lose their heads as well! Do you have evidence? Waiting to present the evidence, perhaps? With or without proof, death awaits you, either way Everyone felt like they were being pushed over the edge; speechless and exasperated, they felt like they were going into a momentary state of shock. A few of the known rich households involved longed to weep, but they no longer had any tears left. It was still relatively acceptable if others had to donate ten million taels, but for their own families to also donate ten million taels you should just wait until you die! Although there was no official appointment of names... do these things even require a proper appointment of names? "Alright, alright, as I said before, I believe all here are good, understanding men, so we shall commence the donation now. Do note that this is a donation, not a loan." Yun Yang gave a good-natured laugh. "So, do consider how much you will be donating, and please, please remember this figure in your heart C this money will not be returned!" Silence reigned supreme. "All along, I have never had many earnings, to begin with. How I wish I could spend a penny by breaking it into two halves. However, the empire is at stake right now - naturally, I feel responsible for it. This young brother has already forked out my entire savings C twenty million taels." Yun Yang made an example of himself, launching a massive sum as a start. "Since big brother has said so, and although I was never born a citizen of Yutang, I was a comrade to many Yutang-born men as we rode into battle together. I still remember the bloody battle at the Fortress of Resilience No matter how tight my finances are, I am willing to fork out twenty million taels!" Xia Bingchuan offered generously. "This young brother shall donate twenty million taels." "This young brother shall donate twenty million taels as well." "I will donate thirty million taels. On behalf of my uncle, I shall donate even more. However, due to my limited finances, I can only afford to fork out ten million taels more than my brothers, Don''t laugh - do excuse my limited capabilities," said Qiu Yunsan. With that, the four noble young masters livened up the atmosphere, taking the task earnestly and laughing collectively. However, how could the rest of the young masters afford to join in this playful jest? They could not even begin to voice their unhappiness at the situation at hand, and could only wade in their woes privately. "I will donate ten million taels..." "Me too... sob..." "Why are you crying? I will donate ten million taels!" No matter how reluctant everybody felt, they still paid up the designated amount eagerly. Everyone could clearly comprehend that this sum, in other words, was a guarantee to keep their lives. If nothing was given well, one could just wait and see. After three rounds of wine, Yun Yang stood up to excuse himself. "Everybody here is the hope of the empire. It is an honor to have all of you so kindly involve yourselves to help our country go through these difficult times. I hereby convey gratitude on behalf of Marshal Tie." Then, Yun Yang took his leave gracefully, his sleeves now laden with wealth. He had just rounded up a huge sum of a hundred and fifty million taels into the bag within the space of a meal. It was equivalent to placing numerous gold mines into his pocket! Basically speaking, he had almost dug up the entire reserve of finances of these fellows before him. Regarding Tie Zheng of course Tie Zheng had never gone to him to discuss these matters. Yun Xiaoyao and the Emperor were not even informed about this either- this scheme was solely hatched and executed by Yun Yang alone. That was all. The donations, however, remained genuine donations! In recent years, Yutang had sacrificed thousands and millions of generals. In only a span of this one year alone, four million militants had already lost their lives on the battlefield, never to return home again! One year! What an unbearably brutal number! If one and half billion silver taels were to be divided equally among the four million soldiers, only three hundred taels or so would be allocated per head at the very most - what about those men who were still serving at the front lines? This sum of money seemed abundant, but in truth, it was not completely infinite after a thorough calculation. Even when the sum obtained from the last raid along their journey was included, the total was still far from adequate. It was a bit of an exaggeration to say that it was terribly lacking, but it was really only sufficient after Yun Yang forked in a considerable amount of his own stash. On that very same night, Yun Xiaoyao took the sum to the royal palace. With the opening of his ring and a swoosh, the Emperor''s study was flooded with banknotes. The two brothers were literally bathing in a sea of banknotes. "Shooot!" His Majesty wanted to say; sh*t! However, he thought twice before those words left his lips, and changed it to shoot instead "Where did you get so much money from?" "Cough... it was Yun Yang. The child had the audacity to call for a donation! Well, you do know that he is rather a peopleperson..." Yun Xiaoyao declared the whole truth naturally, putting the blame on his son. This truth could not be placed on anyone else, anyway. "Brilliant child, what a brilliant child!" The Emperor''s hands trembled, overwhelmed with excitement. The royal authority could never be challenged. The Emperor''s precious orders were the final word. His every bid and call dictated the law. Yet, only the individual involved - in this case, the Emperor himself - knew that when the situation became too overwhelming, he could only compromise. How could he be like Yun Yang, living as carefree as he wished, passing out judgment as he saw fit, unperturbed? The Emperor understood the justification provided; Yun Xiaoyao more so than anybody else. "This chap meant to have this sum to be used for a specific purpose" said Yun Xiaoyao. "He meant to spend it as compensation for the families of the fallen soldiers t-this" "Allowed!" His Majesty made the call without any further advice or input. "If this matter has a different course of events" Yun Xiaoyao began. "I will be accountable for everything!" The Emperor declared resolutely. It was only then that Yun Xiaoyao could exhale a sigh of relief. A responsibility like this was still best thrown to the Emperor himself, and with that, he could finally feel his entire body relax. Although Yun Xiaoyao knew that Yun Yang would not pay much mind to these, trouble should be avoided at all costs if there was no need for it. "If that is all, allow me to excuse myself." Without further matters to discuss, Yun Xiaoyao wished to take his leave. "Aye, we are rarely bestowed with such fortunate news! Will you not join me for a drink before you leave?" asked the Emperor. "I will pass..." Yun Xiaoyao let out a bitter smile. "My head is spitting with a terrible headache right now. There was the appearance of a dragonhide treasure map in the city C it was complete chaos out there! The emergence of such an item, compounded with the Dictum of Death, will only worsen the situation further" Whatever Yun Xiaoyao mentioned was not wrong at all C the whole of Tiantang City was already a scene of complete chaos! 669 Yun Xiaoyao’s Suspicion The chaos in Tiantang City this time around was even worse than before. After all, the excitement generated from the appearance of the Dictum of Death was a highlight only for the assassins of the world, but this treasure map of dragon hide was something that everyone would go crazy for as long as they knew about the story! The whole martial world was going agog over it. The news of the reemergence of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss'' dragonhide treasure map in the mortal world was being circulated at a speed faster than lightning! Within the span of two days, it was already public knowledge C news that was of universal appeal to the masses! Even Yun Xiaoyao was clouded with suspicious doubt. Bloody hell... how the hell did the news get out? Only so little time had elapsed! Initially, the city was already in the midst of restoring itself, reverting into its original state. Tiantang City, which was normally unfrequented by martial world practitioners, was now facing overcrowding issues even more severe than before. Every single practitioner in the world, no matter how reputable and capable they were, how high their cultivation base, were all rushing towards this direction rushing, rushing Had it already been seized by somebody? Was this not a dumb question? This item never had an official owner! As long as I manage to get hold of it, that secret treasure is unquestionably mine to claim; I am the chosen one of the heavens! What? My cultivation base is too low? There is no point for me to even try? Bullshit! What if someone actually stuffed the dragonhide map into my robes when they were merely just walking past me?" As long as I am not as dumb as Dong Tianleng, letting everyone know about it, that secret treasure will be mine! How could you possibly know that someone won''t pull the same trick of passing it to a man with low cultivation base, just before being assassinated by the rest? Or perhaps, someone heavily injured might just stumble into my path C someone who coincidentally has the dragonhide treasure map in his possession? What if... No matter what, I want to go! I might just be the chosen one. Why else would the secret treasure even exist, if it was not for me! A sea of heads! Long lines were being formed right outside the four main gates leading into Tiantang city. They spanned at least a few miles long, and this queue only showed signs of extending further and further. After all, there were still many who still attempted to enter the city, coming from afar, just like a thousand streams leading towards the sea. After all, this was Tiaxuan''s only genuine, divine treasure on record! ... As soon as he returned from the palace, Yun Xiaoyao started to worry intensely C his hair was on the verge of turning white. What the heck is wrong? It wasn''t easy for the situation to simmer down after the incident with the assassin''s league, but now, such an earth-shattering event was being stirred up again. Dong Tianleng was truly a trouble-making monster... King Yun grabbed Dong Tianleng and without the slightest regard for the status of the Dong noble house, gave him a solid beating with a stick he had picked up. He ground his teeth indignantly, and there was no sign of his wrath subsiding. "This mess was created by you, you trouble-making moron!" Dong Tianleng C Young Master Dong C whose legs were broken from the beating, could only moan in response as he sprawled across the bed. He wanted to explain, desperately; It was my boss C your son C who made me do it... However, those words never left his lips. After all, if he did really voice it out, perhaps his legs would not be the only things that would be broken! Without a doubt, King Xiaoyao was as savage as that, but compared to Yun Yang, it was a hell of a difference. King Xiaoyao had, at most, broken his legs once, which would not be much of a problem after enduring the pain for a while... If it had been Yun Yang instead, his whole being would probably have been diced into pieces a hundred times, over and that would probably have been the least of his problems. Dong Tianleng wisely chose to remain silent. Either way, you''re already treating me like a dimwit, are you not? What''s there to be worried about? I always have been that dimwit for so many years; I don''t mind the slur at all! "How can this incident be so bizarre, erupting so suddenly?" Yun Xiaoyao frowned, facing Yun Yang who stood before him. Yun Yang coughed. "I really don''t know anything about this." "Dong Tianleng and the few of them have been indoors of late, being as quiet as chickens. Besides practicing their skills and the occasional banter, nothing untoward had happened. They have been rather obedient. Going out for drinks like this was as normal as could be! Who would have known that this would turn into a series of unusual events? Honestly, I didn''t think that there was anything wrong with Dong Tianleng''s response. Everything was to be blamed on that invaluable, indestructible treasure C or else, we could have just destroyed it and saved ourselves all this trouble!" Yun Xiaoyao squinted his eyes before speaking in a distant manner. "It was precisely this part that I found puzzling. I wouldn''t have imagined that Dong Tianleng had such good brains. In fact, it seemed like he was trying to bring out how incredibly rare the hide was on purpose. So, you wouldn''t happen to have anything to do with it, would you?" Facing his suddenly wise and farsighted father, Yun Yang lapsed into silence for a moment before he said, "This incident... will not cause any harm to the Yutang Empire!" Yun Xiaoyao sighed. "So you knew about it. Perhaps I should ask C was this whole incident orchestrated by you?" "Don''t you worry about it. Everything that has unfolded before our eyes were expected. It is within our grasp." He continued, unperturbed. "The winds and thunder of the martial world will no doubt rise once more from this; but at the same time, Yutang could ride on this opportunity to advance forward!" "Within your expectations? Your grasp? You are getting cockier with all your talk, boy. This is equivalent to dancing on the edge of a sword C how can you guarantee that you won''t get hurt in the process!" "If one desires to rule for years to come, how one avoid taking any risks?" replied Yun Yang. "You should know that if news like this gets out, Tiantang City would be the nucleus of the whole continent. Countless men of the trade and schools of the martial world will find their way here. At that point, the whole city will become a massive whirlpool!" Yun Xiaoyao let out a troubled sigh. "I was only worried that they wouldn''t come." A hint of bloodlust flashed across Yun Yang''s eyes. Yun Xiaoyao remained silent. "If this can be pulled off well enough, Yutang''s foundation to achieve greatness for years to come will begin right here," said Yun Yang in a serious manner. Upon hearing Yun Yang''s words, Yun Xiaoyao slumped into a deep silence. After some time had elapsed, he asked, "Is this really possible?" "It could, naturally, and it might not even just stop at that," said Yun Yang. "I want to take advantage of this situation to eradicate certain schools in the martial world and end a few people while I am at it. There are a few other matters as well which I intend to settle once and for all in the midst of this scheme." "Will this event bring harm to the royals?" said Yun Xiaoyao worriedly. "Does it matter if they are royals? Those who bleed will bleed, inevitably," replied Yun Yang nonchalantly. Yun Xiaoyao looked up to the sky and gave a long sigh. There was no point in discussing further upon reaching this point. "You... are you cleaning up the mess?" Yun Xiaoyao asked in a forlorn manner. Yun Yang lapsed into a long stretch of silence. "... it has yet to reach that level." Yun Xiaoyao let out another sigh. "The situation before us is turbulent, hence, everything you do must be carried out with caution." Yun Xiaoyao said at last. Upon uttering these words, his whole being seemed to age tremendously in a short span of time. A sense of regret surfaced within the depths of Yun Yang''s heart. He intended to apologize, to say something, but those words never left his lips. ... In the dead of the night, as Yun Yang was about to turn in, Yun Xiaoyao suddenly dropped by. "This matter... I''m afraid there will be some trouble that may come out of it. " Yun Xiaoyao''s face was slightly pale. "What''s wrong?" "I would like to confirm something with you. The two hides you procured C are they truly impregnable and indestructible? Dong Tianleng was not just pretending?" "From the looks of it... yes... " "Sigh... " Yun Xiaoyao let out a long, worried sigh. 670 That Was All "So, are you saying that Dong Tianleng''s plea for help was an act, but the prop was the real deal?" "Yes, that... should be it." "How about the reason you all pulled out of thin air? That myth about the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss; where did that come from?" Yun Xiaoyao''s gaze grew sharper. Yun Yang smiled. "This myth is not a secret, any widely read man should somehow know something about it. There are many mentions of it in unrecognized documents of history; it was one of the most well-known legendary myths in the whole of Tianxuan after all." "Boy, has it ever dawned on you that these two hides might be the real deal?" Yun Xiaoyao questioned in an aggrieved tone of voice as he stood up with a blank, somber expression. "Of course it would have to look the part C how could I allow Dong Tianleng to drive the plot if it wasn''t?" replied Yun Yang. "I''m not talking about looking the part... What I''m saying is, you do know that it could be the real thing, right?" "That''s not important." Yun Xiaoyao let out a sigh full of sorrow. "Child... everything has a probability of happening. I only hope that you gave away the fake one... or else, you might have just missed the chance of the lifetime!" "This is the chance that could grant you immortality, a chance to become a god in the myths - to become a legend!" Yun Xiaoyao''s regret was like the incoming waves of the sea, unceasing, each wave even bigger than the one before. "That''s about what happens afterward," replied Yun Yang calmly. "First and foremost, I am a man. As a man, I have my duties. I have my family, my friends, my brothers... I have favors that remain unpaid, my vengeance unfulfilled." "Next, I am a citizen of Yutang. As a child of Yutang, I have the duty to protect the empire. My country, my home; my people." "Then, I am a soldier of Yutang. Defending my country and guarding homes is my genuine intention that has never wavered." "Only when I have completed all these can I consider the possibilities of being a cultivator. Only then do I have the right to call me a potential cultivator, to be an immortal, so on and so forth." "Hence, no matter what I do, no matter what measures I adopt... I would only like to think of them after completing my duties. Only then will I consider other matters and future plans." "I am not speaking nonsense, nor am I being sentimental - these are my genuine thoughts, and what I really intend to do. I practice what I preach. I would even carry out dishonorable deeds just to achieve my goals C I will not even hesitate in the slightest." Yun Yang continued, unperturbed. "So, is there a problem with this?" Yun Xiaoyao only sighed in response. "Let''s talk about these two maps again. There is half a possibility that they might be real, and another half that it is not," said Yun Yang calmly. "If it was a fake, then we have nothing to worry about. If those were real, then... I still only have two pieces in my possession. The whole map, by my deduction, would require between six to seven combined pieces to reveal the hidden place." "This was a point that I have confirmed before C there is no doubt about that." "Let us take a billion steps back to observe the whole picture. Assuming that all these are real, nobody has ever collected and pieced the map together for tens of thousands of years. Even it remains in my possession for a long while, there is no definite time when they will be finally pieced together." "If I can never procure the complete set of the map, it''s likely that even after another hundred thousand years, I will still never find that location." "If that was the case, why can''t it be used as a tool for the time being? That''s not a big deal. Everyone seems to be scrambling madly after it, but I, Yun Yang, have never seen it as something important." This statement of his rendered Yun Xiaoyao speechless. For half a beat he had nothing to say and was completely stunned into silence. A long time had elapsed before he finally nodded his head, and proceeded to speak in a hoarse tone. "Perhaps you are right. However, you cannot deny the fact that you have already determined your path your future does not lie here. You''re merely making preparations and paving the path for the future?" Yun Yang lapsed into silence momentarily. "To see it as a preparation for the future I can''t say it was that for sure. Perhaps." He smiled, showing his bedazzling teeth, and said harmoniously. "No matter what the future holds, my biggest wish at present was to- For the time I have spent in Yutang, I have accomplished good deeds, and I have committed bad ones; when I leave, or perhaps when I die, I want to leave with a clear conscience. That is all." "That is already sufficient." "That is my ultimate goal even until today." Yun Yang continued. "For the time being, this train of thought could be seen as something noble. However, when I think that I have achieved them and leave, and when I return again, perhaps I will have a change of perspective on this matter - this, I cannot know for sure." "Others have always been indebted to me after all this while, and I have never, ever been indebted to anyone. Be it past, present or the future, this shall always be the way." Yun Yang smiled gracefully. There were only complicated emotions that Yun Xiaoyao felt within the heart as he looked at Yun Yang''s smile. "Perhaps you were never indebted to anyone." He said at long last with a hint of bitterness. Yun Yang felt something ache in his gut. Staring at the middle-aged man before him, an unspeakable gratitude stirred within his heart. Perhaps one day when he leaves, the whole world would be in his debt. Yet, facing this middle-aged man standing before him, he was the one who was indebted! Since the very beginning, he had been using him to conceal his status as of one of the Nine Supremes. That was the way, even till now. However, he had never talked about it and had never even brought it up. Recently, he had already suspected - or had even already confirmed - that Yun Yang was indeed the Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes, but he still never mentioned it. He feigned oblivion as usual, and had always continued to give him help and support! He was not his true father. However, he had treated him like a real son! At this moment, Yun Yang was stunned. He was rendered completely motionless. Yun Xiaoyao stood in silence for a bit, smiling numbly as he suddenly said, "It''s late, you should sleep." He turned to leave after finishing his sentence. "Wait..." Yun Yang called out softly. "Yes?" Yun Xiaoyao stopped in his tracks, replying in a low voice. Yun Yang lapsed into silence for a moment and smiled bitterly. "Nothing." "Right. Sleep earlier, then." Yun Xiaoyao strode out of the room. The door closed softly behind him. Yun Yang remained in the room, staring at the closed door. He did not move at all for the longest time. "What I owe you... how am I supposed to repay that?" He let out a long sigh. For the briefest of moments earlier, he was filled with an impulse to do something, but in the end, he had done nothing. Perhaps this impulsive act would be the only way he could make it up to this person - it would be the most valuable way to make it up! The Seventeenth Master of the Abyss! The dragonhide treasure map! Impregnable! Indestructible! This series of explosive news had their targets directed to a single location C Tiantang City! The news had already reached the ears of everyone in a short span of time. This was a news that caused the heart to be utterly unexpected and unprepared, yet it was terribly enchanting, allowing one''s mind to be plagued with countless fantasies. Yutang''s imperial court had adapted to the situation in a speedy manner. Strict orders had already been issued out at the very first moment - exits were allowed, but entries were denied. The reality now, however, was that there were only a few who left. In contrary, almost all of those who were denied entry by the authorities had already found their way into the city! 671 The Wai Tiantang City was Yutang''s capital city. Unless there was an invasion from external forces, the gates to Tiantang would always remain open, allowing common folk to come and go as they please. Therefore, no matter how strict the martial law, commoners must still be allowed to travel in and out, albeit under slightly stricter security inspections! For the better part of the time, martial world practitioners did not acknowledge themselves as common men, assuming that they were totally different from the common folk. However, at that moment, they were just plain civilians. That was the reality of it - weren''t the people of the martial world merely ordinary people? The purpose of this ban was just to slow down the influx of martial world practitioners into Tiantang City - that was all there was to it! Furthermore, while the restrictive ban could curb the common folk and the average martial practitioner, which one of the high-level martial practitioners who thought that they were qualified to seize the dragonhide treasure map for themselves were not characters who could come and go as they wished? They had hundreds of thousands of ideas on how to invade Tiantang City discreetly, without alerting anyone or any defensive forces in the process. The first wave of people who entered were the ones who came for the Dictum of Death. These were the assassins who wanted to lie low and retreat but had not gone too far yet. The assassins'' league seemed to have emerged as winners from the vigorous battle against the Four Seasons Tower. Truth be told, with both sides sustaining serious casualties, it was feared that the fearsome Four Seasons Tower would launch a counterattack as an act of revenge. The killers melted away and retreated to the forest at the edges of Tiantang City to recuperate their forces, waiting for the perfect opportunity to make their move. After all, the assignment was still incomplete, and the mission of the Dictum of Death still remained unfulfilled - how could they just leave things as they were? Hardly getting any rest in between those days, Tiantang City was unexpectedly plagued by yet another uproar with a sudden explosion! It was an unforeseeable event that was even more sensational than the Dictum of Death! At that moment, even Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan could genuinely feel that this was not in their favor! Bloody hell... this situation clearly did not allow the slightest bit of time for a decent rest! However, with an otherworldly treasure like this out there C would you restrain yourself from trying to get hold of it? Speed is a crucial asset in war; do you understand what that means? Therefore, every assassin flocked, stormed and surged, attempting to establish their presence in Tiantang City. Following the immense influx of incoming assassins, it was as if a beacon had been lighted; martial artists from all over the world flocked towards the city in an even more exaggerated, unscrupulous manner. What? The city gates denied entry? We tried to avoid trouble, and we certainly have no time to start a clash with the officials. If we do not pass through these gates, can we sneak in at night instead? Therefore, late at night, Tiantang City would be like a giant wok, and the elite of the martial world would look like dumplings falling from the sky, plummeting downwards, one by one Actually, comparing them to dumplings was not exactly appropriate; have you ever seen pure black dumplings? The textile stalls within the vicinity of Tiantang City had completely run out of black fabric. In merely a few days, the price of night-black traveling robes had increased tenfold! In the Yun Residence, Yun Yang moved a chair over slowly and slowly seated himself beneath the pergola, starting to read quietly. A slight breeze started gently, slightly lifting his purple robes as his sleeves flapped against the wind; his entire being was at ease. Strands of his hair fluttered at the graze of the wind; his fair face was filled with elegance and grace. "Do you not feel the slightest tinge of regret in you? Are you not just being hard headed by putting up a facade, insisting on it, while in truth, your heart aches with regret?" Ji Lingxi strolled back and forth beside him, while Shangguan Lingxiu sat facing him. "That was the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss'' dragonhide treasure map you are throwing out there as bait! Such a shame that a precious item is exposed and wasted like that..." Ji Lingxi expressed her distress, especially on behalf of Yun Yang. "If you managed to obtain that dragonhide treasure map, you only had to search for the indicated location and cultivate the powers within maybe you could release this restrictive red glow much earlier After all, that was the world''s most enthralling legend - the legacy of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss itself" In the midst of mulling over how much of a waste it was, Ji Lingxi felt a twinge of bashfulness. Yun Yang blinked, removed his gaze from his book and fixed it upon Ji Lingxi. "... What can I do by releasing this red light seal?" "Y-You could..." Ji Lingxi uttered those words unconsciously and felt the heat creeping up her neck. "Yun Yang, get up and fight me!" She bellowed. "Hahahaha..." Shangguan Lingxiu could not help but howl in laughter as her face was flushed red. Yun Yang''s statement was really Upon hearing Shangguan Lingxiu''s laughter, Ji Lingxi abandoned her challenged and stomped towards her room. She slammed the door shut, and not a sound could be heard from her again. Yun Yang raised his head, looking confused. "I did not even utter a word! Why did she just abandon the idea like that?" Shangguan Lingxiu rolled her eyes and went after Ji Lingxi. Did not even utter a word? I am rendered truly speechless by this. Do you think that you can be like this just because you''re inexperienced? On the other hand, strictly speaking, Yun Yang could not be blamed entirely for this. Yun Yang''s state of mind was not even focused on the conversation; almost all of his responses were merely casual replies. Most of his thoughts were occupied by the efforts of analyzing the news from the Nine Heavens Dictum. Someone had entered the city, some disciple from some school was already in the city, another school was only a few miles away from Tiantang City, and was advancing fast... When night arrived, Tiantang City would transform into a martial artist''s paradise. Those active at night dashed and scampered around relentlessly as if they were rushing to the market all at once, and they barely even bothered trying to avoid anyone. In merely four days, the dragonhide treasure map had changed hands four times since the last time it was in Dong Tianleng''s possession. These four handovers were the reason behind the continuous bloodbath of at least a hundred martial artists! When their identities were disclosed, each martial practitioner that was found brutally murdered was revealed to be infamous elites of the martial world. This included three or four renowned names - each the pinnacle of their time - who was said to have retreated from the martial world a long time ago. "The treasure map had already been seized from the clutches of the single-sword wielder Qin Zishan, who lost his life to Hong Zhan. However, the treasure map had then fallen into the hands of Cheng Heyun. As of now, Cheng Heyun and his brothers are the highly-sought targets." "Cheng Heyun has been confirmed murdered alongside three of his four brothers - only the second brother Cheng Mengyun managed to escape with the map in his arms while sustaining serious injuries" "... It is confirmed that Cheng Mengyun had been found dead, while the treasure map is now in the hands of a dark-cloaked man wielding a short sword. From the looks of it, it must be the former, long-retired, one-legged bandit Qi Mengluo." ... News circulated, stacked and layered atop one another; the influx of updates never seemed to cease. Yun Yang only observed intently with a frown, never making any definite, objective deductions. He was waiting, waiting for a scrap of highly-anticipated news to appear. "... The treasure map is now in the hands of the Hall of the Crimson Blade. Currently, the Hall of the Crimson Blade''s Hong Zhan had joined forces with Hen Bieli, aided by countless assassins from all directions as they were stuck in the east of the city- -disciples of the Ma-I Sect, who had long withdrawn from society, swearing to never return to the mortal world, has just reappeared three hundred miles away from the southern gate of Tiantang City" The news Yun Yang had been expecting had finally arrived. "Ma-I Sect!" A cruel smirk appeared along the edges of Yun Yang''s lips. "Here at last!" In a flash of purple, he returned to his room instantly. At the very next moment, he had vanished mysteriously from within the tiny confines. 672 Farewell, Forgive, Forge Venerable Lord Sword, Snow, and Frost were still recuperating in the house Yun Yang had arranged for them. Their injuries had completely healed by now and their cultivation base had recovered as well. Even then, they had taken no action after knowing about the intense fight for the dragon hide treasure map. They were not even the slightest bit interested in the matter. "What''s our next step?" "I have no idea. I only wish to repay Young Master Yun''s favor and retire from the martial world. Nothing is better than spending the rest of our days peacefully!" "What about the seal upon us?" "What is there to worry about the seal? I''m not concerned about it anymore. The only thing on my mind now is to search for a decent burial spot and send Saber and Ice over as well. Whenever the seals on us are triggered, let us sever our meridians there and go on our way quietly." "As for our death and what follows, including the God''s Bones that lie within us those are in the future. We won''t be able to plan or become overly concerned about them. Being dead means being dead to everything." Venerable Lord Snow said softly, "Indeed. I am thoroughly sated with the martial world, with this mortal realm. Now, I really don''t want to stay here for a moment longer." Venerable Lord Sword and Frost let out a long sigh with their heads lowered. It had been only a few days, but three of them looked worse for wear. It was like they had aged by several decades; despite their healed injuries and recovered cultivation base, their physical states were no better than they were before. They were akin to three withered old men who were already laid out in coffins, waiting to finish their last breath, no hint of life contained within their husks. "It has never crossed my mind before this that the Four Seasons Tower''s three Venerable Lords would end up like this," Venerable Lord Snow said with a self-depreciating chuckle, "It''s a chaotic and bloody mess outside, but here we are, actually chatting over tea and wishing to retreat from the martial world" Venerable Lord Frost and Sword responded with a bitter chuckle of their own before heaving a deep sigh. "This is probably what it feels like when one no longer has a target and purpose. Our initial intention C to serve the organization devotedly Chas come to naught. This heart beats no more; I''ve grown tired of this life. Even if I were still alive, I am just left with a few more puffs of air. I don''t have the patience to look out for these battles and assassinations in the martial world; let the eager ones fight over worldly affairs" Knocks were heard from the outside before Yun Yang entered, carrying dishes and wine. "Young Master Yun," the Venerable Lords greeted him on their feet. From their initial hostility and disdain, to respect and now, gratitude, the relationship between these three men and Yun Yang was inexplicably complicated. "I''ve come today to send all of you off," Yun Yang spoke with a smile, "Let me propose a toast to all of you, wishing that you rejoice beyond this worldly realm from now on." Venerable Lord Snow spoke faintly, "We appreciate your kind intention but we''d never leave without doing anything for you in return." He stared into Yun Yang''s eyes and spoke slowly, enunciating each word carefully, "We''ll only consider retiring after we repay what we owe you. Otherwise, we''d fell indebted even when we are once again recluses in the forest. When the heart isn''t at ease, how can we rejoice?" "Actually, I do have something to ask for your help with this time. You may consider this as us helping each other; it''s a win-win situation," Yun Yang replied with a smile. The three Venerable Lords'' eyes shone. "Do speak, Young Master Yun." "Ma-i Sect." Yun Yang said as he laid down the dishes and wine, "All of you should be aware of their location. What I need your help on is for Gold Hook Ma-i''s name to be erased from this world." "Nothing in Ma-i''s headquarter lives, nothing alive escapes!" Yun Yang reiterated, "This is the favor I ask of the three of you." Venerable Lord Snow did not look troubled at all, and immediately acceded to the request, "Alright! Leave this to the three of us. Even if all three of us perish, we will complete young master''s request." "My fellow Venerable Lords might have misunderstood me. The sect leader, patriarch, sect elders, and elites from Ma-i Sect have left their operation and are now on their way to Tiantang City." "I''ll take care of these people. What I need you to target are those left behind in the house of Ma-i!" Yun Yang said. "That would be an even lesserproblem then!" Venerable Lord Frost spoke in a sinister tone, "The Ma-i Sect is destined to fall. Their millennial legacy shall no longer exist!" Yun Yang picked up a goblet and said with a smile, "We shall not meet again after today''s farewell. I wish all three of you contented solitude and ease, away from the worldly realm!" "Thank you, Young Master Yun." The three men stood up and bowed. All four of them clearly comprehended that after leaving to demolish the Ma-i Sect, Sword, Snow, and Frost would never come back. They would take diverging paths then, putting away whatever that had happened between them in the martial world. "Please wait, Young Master Yun," Venerable Lord Snow said as he entered the room with the other two Venerable Lords. Yun Yang was taken aback, unable to figure out why the three men had asked him to stay. After a moment, low grunts could be heard from inside. This caused Yun Yang even more puzzlement. Almost instantly, the copper scent of blood washed over the vicinity as the wind blew softly. Venerable Lord Snow appeared before Yun Yang, drained of all color. Three bloody bones laid in his hand. Behind him, Venerable Lord Frost and Sword looked equally pale, coated with blood. The looks they gave the bones nestled on Venerable Lord Snow''s palm were incredibly complicated. "These three pieces of bones are the Bone of Snow God, Bone of Sword God, and Bone of Frost God that have been nourished for years within us using our Qi, blood, and mystical skill," Venerable Lord Snow spoke, pained, "This is the Bone of Ice God Young Master Yun gave me before." "These four pieces of God''s Bones they shall all be passed to Young Master Yun in preparation for the future." Yun Yang''s head swirled, so shocked that his scalp was tingling with numbness. He stood up abruptly and asked, "What are you doing? You" Venerable Lord Snow smiled. "We know that Young Master Yun is kind-hearted. We stood on the same ground; we know that you can''t bear to see us mutilate ourselves, but we''re destined not to be able to run away from Four Seasons Tower''s hounding. The tower will hunt for these four pieces of God''s Bone regardless of what we do. Nonetheless, we are still indignant." "So, we shall add to Young Master Yun''s troubles in our final moment of parting." Venerable Lord Frost was holding in the pain of his wound but spoke with a grin, "Young Master Yun is a noble of Yutang and the military immensely favors you. Perhaps you''ll have the opportunity to see Lord Supreme Cloud in the future. If Young Master Yun doesn''t want to safekeep this controversial item, pass it to Supreme Cloud the next you see him. We believe that these bones will be of use to him somehow." "I know. I understand too. It''s just that will your action be detrimental to your combat powers?" Yun Yang replied with a concerned nod. Venerable Lord Snow answered nonchalantly, "If we are to face the Ma-i Sect that has been deprived of its elites, our partial combat strength will be more than enough." The three Venerable Lords raised their goblets in unison. "Young Master Yun, the martial world is perilous. Take care." "Take care!" Yun Yang emptied his goblet. "We bid you farewell." The three men bandaged their wounds efficiently and waved with a smile, leaving without bringing anything with them. Yun Yang watched the trio''s retreating figures in silence but his heart was beating loudly. It was as if a part of his past, a part of history, was eternally sealed in his memory with the departure of these three men. "Take care!" 673 Retribution Is Here "We''ll reach Tiantang City in another hundred and seventy miles." There was a troop of men and horses, approximately a hundred of them. All of them wore hemp gowns and high hats. One of them cried aloud while whipping his horse. "There''s no need to be so rushed then. While the dragon hide treasure map has emerged, there''ll be no verdict until hundreds and thousands of lives are sacrificed." A wizened old man spoke, "Let everyone take a break first and prepare themselves. We''ll observe the situation when we enter the city later C do not feed our impulses nor step right into the battleground and attract too much attention." "Yes, Grand Elder." "This is spoken from experience. Reckless impulsiveness will only cause irreversible consequences." "There''s a stop right in front. We can freshen up there." "Great!" The troops quickened their pace, galloping forward. When they were a few hundred feet away from the said stop, clouds in the sky stirred. A gale came sweeping in without warning. As the gale unleashed itself, the dust and debris on the road joined the party. It was like a smoke screen had been tossed towards the hemp-gowned troop. A straw shows where the wind blows C proficient cultivators could naturally sense an incoming threat. Witnessing the unusual wind, the Ma-i Sect halted themselves uniformly. Their expressions were grim as their gazes scanned and flitted around. Everyone knew that the sudden gale was not an act of nature. "Which friend has come? What advice do you have for us?" The sunken eyes of the Ma-i Sect''s Grand Elder were gleaming brightly; he spoke in a low voice, "Since you''ve come, do step forward to grant us advice. This sect awaits with eager ears." The gale remained strong, while the surroundings were dead silent. Sand and stones were still bring swept into the air and it seemed that the intensity of the storm was only growing more severe. The sky dimmed, blades of grass were being bent, but no one answered. The Grand Elder looked offended as he cried out, "Into formations, focus on your defense!" If there were no malicious intentions, the culprit would have made themselves known after the slight commotion. Since the other party had not responded to the invitation and showed themselves, they almost certainly were harboring ill intentions. There was no doubt that they stood on opposing sides! With a soft swoosh, twenty-eight people from the Ma-i Sect brandished their glittering gold hooks before dispersing instantly to their positions in an orderly fashion. It was evident that their cooperation was tacit. The rest of the people stayed inside the first line of defense, forming smaller groups of nine and was ready to strike anytime, to attack their enemy or rescue their comrades. In the center stood the Grand Elder, the Ma-i''s sect leader, and another three Elders. Five of them were responsible for strategizing in the middle, preventing an ambush, or countering with their remarkable skill to ensure a complete defense. The outer large formation and inner smaller formations were securely connected to each other, interwoven in and out. It was the formation that had the Ma-i Sect commanding reverence in the martial world for years C Deva of the Hundred and Eight Constellations Formation. Following the completion of the Ma-i Sect''s formation, the already raging gale continued to pick up momentum. The brimming killing intent thickened gradually like it was about to condense into something solid. The Grand Elder looked surprised despite the grimness he wore. "Who are you? Such skill you possess, yet you hide C is this how a master should be? Since you intend to target this sect, why shy away from showing yourself and fighting properly?" Before the Grand Elder''s words echoed in the air, a distant laughter rang from within the gale. Then, a voice came up within the wind; it floated with the whistling gale, rising and falling with it, and could be heard from both near and far. "Have no grudge against the world, Gold Hook Ma-i Be tainted not by the worldly, succumb not into the abyss Noble titles have nothing to do with me Kids and grandchildren, remember, never pick resentment and favor Once a grudge is forged, unrest is for eternity Once a grudge is forged, unrest is for eternity Unrest is for eternity" These words were left by the Ma-i Sect''s founding grandmaster to warn the sect. Since the establishment of the sect, his words had been taken as the golden rule, the holy edict. Not only was there no one who dared defy it, a slight doubt would cause one to be chased out of the sect to never be recruited again. The Grand Elder was sweating profusely, hollering, "Who are you? Come out!" The voice in the wind was imperceptible, sounding like it could have come from the left or right, above or below. It spoke faintly, "You''re the Grand Elder of Ma-i Sect C Hmm, who martial practitioners called the Gold Hook King Wang Chang Feng?" Wang Changfeng closed his eyes when he replied coldly, "Putting on such a show, are you set on becoming this sect''s enemy?" The voice in the wind answered, "It''s not my personal intent to become your enemy. I''m only asking you if you still remember Ma-i Sect''s ancestral teachings?" Wang Changfeng''s facial muscle made a violent twitch; he said darkly, "The Ma-i Sect''s ancestral teaching is of Ma-i Sect''s business. Whether I remember it or not isn''t for an outsider to question." "Oh, how the world has changed Men are unpredictable indeed The current Ma-i Sect is a generation that forgets the past and defies the ancestral teachings. Do you, however, remember the consequences of violating the ancestral edict?" the voice in the wind said after a cold chuckle. Ma-i Sect''s sect leader voiced out in anger, "Who are you? Mentioning the Ma-i Sect''s ancestral teaching here and there C what status, what position do you have to make such criticisms?" "It looks like you are the Ma-i Sect''s current sect leader, Ge Zuheng? Your people have violated the ancestral teachings, deceiving your teachers and ignoring your ancestors C as a sect leader, what sort of punishment do you think they should get?" asked the voice in the wind. Ge Zuheng smirked. "Whatever punishment it may be, at least it''s not up to someone dishonorable like you to decide!" "Not up to someone dishonorable like me to decide Great! Outsiders can''t be bothered with your sect affairs but I wonder what it''ll be like for someone dishonorable like me to wipe out the Ma-i Sect?" The lingering voice chuckled. Ge Zuheng huffed in rage, "Show yourself if you have the stomach for it! Your deliberately mysterious front and sharp tongue won''t be able to destroy the Ma-i Sect; is the martial world now filled with empty vessels like you?" "Once a grudge is forged, unrest is for eternity Once a grudge is forged, unrest is for eternity" the voice recited in the wind after a guffaw. The clouds stirred again, split apart by jagged lines of gold. Thunder suddenly roared in the sky, countless lightning strikes then landed thereafter. Slithering silver snakes raced through the evening sky, descending into the mortal world flashing menacingly. Boom, boom, boom. It was like explosives were being ignited at the same time on the ground. Blazing fires and sparks were all the eyes could see in such a short time-frame. The thunder ravaged the sky in an earth-shattering manner, while the wind and clouds grew even more berserk. The Ma-i Sect was indeed a grand sect of millennial legacy. Despite the panic felt upon facing such rampant phenomena, gold hooks were raised towards the sky in unison. A blanket of dazzling golden beams soared upwards. The counterattack deflected the maddening thunder; there was not even a single life lost during the natural phenomenon attack. The Deva of the Hundred and Eight Constellations Formation was indeed impressive, living up to its name. A sneer came from the sky. "Ma-i Sect You who wear hemp gowns are remarkable indeed, actually rebuffing the heaven''s thunder." The words were undisputedly sarcastic. It was not surprising that the Ma-i Sect would be struck by thunder for violating their ancestral edicts. Ge Zuheng cried, "Disreputable one! Come out now!" There was brazen laughter in the sky. "Do be patient, I am coming!" 674 Supreme Cloud the Obstacle With a cold chuckle, lightning suddenly erupted in the sky in a dazzling display of brilliance. The lightning strikes in the sky were ceaseless as if they were about to end the world. They continued to flare in a spectacle of furious power, but the Ma-i Sect stood their ground after a brief moment of uncertainty upon confronting the raw energy. The Grand Elder and the sect leader could even discern that while the lightning strikes were on a rampage and would persist for a while, much of the executer''s spiritual energy would be depleted if the opponents could not be wiped out in one go. This was especially true when the executor was faced with formations that hardly wavered and possessed incredibly strong defenses like the Ma-i Sect did. No matter how impressive the attacker''s cultivation base was or how magical his cultivation method, it was only temporal. The advantage was ultimately on the Ma-i Sect''s side. After all, the constellation formation worked mainly due to the cooperation of over a hundred people C it was simply not something a single man could fight against. However, just as the Ma-i Sect''s higher authorities were confident that the victory was ultimately theirs, a deep voice hollered again in the sky, "Harvest!" Before the word could ricochet in the air, a chorus of cries suddenly erupted from the Ma-i Sect members, seemingly without reason. The Grand Elder''s gaze followed the sound only to discover in shock that a fog of blood had materialized amongst them. The spray of blood was flying towards the sky, converging to become a blood cloud that hovered over the horizon. The Ma-i Sect''s prized skill, the Deva of a Hundred and Eight Constellations Formation was powerful and equipped with excellent defensive strength, enabling the members to deflect the disastrous lightning and preventing them from death, but it did not mean that they were not hurt in the process. Differences were present among the cultivation bases of the Ma-i disciples and many of whose cultivation bases were weaker among the injured. While the injuries were not severe and would not affect their combat power, they were still wounds after all. Facing the sudden command of ''Harvest'', a large amount of blood was lost from the wounds of those who were injured. The outcome of massive instant blood loss was light-headedness, panic, and flagging strength. In just the blink of an eye C while the lightning strikes were still rampant - dozens of men were already dead, killed by the abrupt attack. It truly took only an instant for the Ma-i Sect''s renowned constellation formation to be broken. The twist was unexpected. The Grand Elder, Wang Changfeng, was already regaining his composure but his repose vanished instantly as he cried out, "Nine Supremes? Yutang''s Nine Supremes?" The wind whistled, clouds stirred, lightning and thunder went wild, and the fog of blood colored the sky. If Wang Changfeng was unable to guess who the person was, he could quit the martial world already. A snigger rang out as a greyish shadow appeared in the sky. "By defying your ancestral edicts and leaving the mountain to partake in the hegemony of empires, the Ma-i Sect is asking for its own end! Your grandmaster can''t penalize all of you personally, so I shall do it for him to stay true to his name and reputation!" "Indeed, I, am Yutang''s Nine Supremes; Supreme Cloud of Nine Supremes. Cloud over the world and decide upon your final fate I shall!" The dazzling glint of saber light flashed amidst the growl. The man sneered, "I could kill all of you discreetly but I am worried that you all may die in bewilderment. It doesn''t give me satisfaction. This is why I stepped forward to play with you, so all of you can leave the Nine Springs without regrets C so that you may die in peace." Yutang''s Nine Supremes! It was Supreme Cloud who greeted the world and extended his killing spree. Wang Changfeng and Ge Zuheng no longer looked confident as the color drained from their faces. At this point in time, both of them felt the pressure on them were greater than it had been just now. Their ancestral edict back then stated clearly that they were not to partake in the hegemony of empires. Being informed that Dongxuan was destined to be the sole ruler over Tianxuan, however, they were finally swayed, and they sent elite experts off the mountain to assist the blessed country. They had thought that they could demolish Yutang directly and establish themselves as the national sect of Dongxuan, thereby gaining the force of the national providence and setting their foundation to becoming the unassailable sect. Who could have known that the so-called blessed country C the destined empire, Dongxuan C had lost, despite having the advantage! Their sect members had just arrived at the army base and joined their first battle, but Dongxuan was then defeated! Up until now, there were jabs of ridicule from the partial officials of Dongxuan C "Maybe we''d have won if it weren''t for a certain cursed sect''s fault" Such accusations were infuriating! In spite of this, no one from the Ma-i Sect could argue that point. Firstly, it was the reality; secondly, it would be meaningless to refute it any further! This was because Dongxuan''s emperor, who had treated the Ma-i Sect like honorable guests in the past, had obviously given them the cold shoulder and was even repulsed by their behavior. If they did not leave, Dongxuan might have already sent people to put an end to the Ma-i Sect. What made the sect lose their hope thoroughly was an irritated comment by Dongxuan''s emperor, "Who''s the one to suggest going to Ma-i Sect for help? What was he thinking? Ma-i, Ma-i, wearing hemp gown everyday Who wears hemp gowns? People who mourn wear them! What an inauspicious sect and they''re asked to back us up Are you afraid that my army doesn''t lose quicker!?" Ge Zuheng remembered that he almost spat blood when he heard of this. ''How could you say such a thing? We''ve gone against our ancestral teachings for you, Dongxuan and sacrificed so many people, but you don''t even give us a word of comfort.'' ''Who''s the one who said; I wait for your arrival like sprouts wait for rain, like winter waits for warmth C and now you despise us for that?'' With the coincidence of the dragon hide treasure map matter erupting in Yutang, the members discussed and decided to gather the elites together. It would be best if they could snatch the treasure map and return to the forest thereafter to rebuild their organization; if they failed to obtain the hide, they would still return to the mountain and live as recluses. What they did not expect was being blocked by Yutang''s Supreme Cloud right as the elite troops arrived at the outskirts of Tiantang City after coming so far. The Nine Supremes'' sole survivor was aggressive and intended to wipe everyone out! "Lord Supreme Cloud!" Wang Changfeng''s gold hook glimmered, turning him into a golden tornado to deflect the intense saber light that came showering like a heavy rain, as he called out, "We''re a reclusive sect and have only gotten involved in the worldly contest by chance. We''re on separate ways with Dongxuan now C our paths no longer cross. We''re returning to being a recluse. When this is settled, we shall return to the deep mountain immediately and won''t reemerge! Why do you have to force us to a corner, Lord Supreme Cloud?" Yun Yang chuckled icily and retorted, "Force you into a corner? Proficient cultivators rarely ever participate in the war of empires C this is the unchanged rule of Tianxuan Continent. Once involved, there must be an end. Think of the many Yutang men who died in your hands at the Fortress of Resilience C have we ever said that you''ve forced us into a corner then?" "For every action, there must be consequences! Since the Ma-i Sect has begun your cause of a blood debt, you''ll have to sustain the effect of sect extermination. This is the inescapable cycle of fate! Today, right now, is the day this debt is collected. All of the Ma-i Sect shall be killed without mercy!" With a loud growl, the saber light intensified and flew out in a wide fan. Yun Yang morphed into wind and cloud, going in for his kill recklessly in the crowd. No matter how the Ma-i members defended and countered, the golden hooks flashing like a waterfall, the counterattacks had only landed in his shadow. It could not actually damage him. The battle went on for only a moment, but wherever Yun Yang passed, people fell in groups while blood splattered copiously. The victims'' arduously cultivated mystical methods and martial skills were vulnerable before Yun Yang''s unusual cultivation method, rendering all their efforts to defend themselves. Wang Changfeng pursued the grey shadow fervently to attack and stop the latter, wishing that he could still save the situation. However, all of his actions were just like his members'' like they had struck the air and harbored no effect. Horses and men were strewn everywhere then, the scene chaotic and a terrible mess. 675 Blood For Blood "Lord Supreme Cloud!" Wang Changfeng roared suddenly, "This old, useless man has something to say!" His voice was deafening, but Yun Yang weaved through the crowd like a whirlwind without the intention to stop. His bizarre ambush that held no solidity but was invincible to any attack, his unique saber truth, Destiny Blade, complemented by the indestructible Divine Edge, in addition to his extreme speed, caused him to be impregnable in this act of massacre; he was like a dragon freed into the ocean, a tiger that had conquered the mountain; no one could stop him, as he would kill anyone who got in his way. It was Yun Yang''s home court, right now, right here. After ninety-nine swift slashes and seven Ma-i disciples being minced in a tortuous manner, a voice rang out, "Wang Changfeng, speak if you wish. I am in the midst of killing people but I can still listen. Do not worry, your words won''t obstruct my movements!" The grey shadow twirled and pounced from side to side. Wherever he went, he painted the air crimson with waves of blood that splashed higher than the last. Wang Changfeng felt a sense of hopelessness overwhelm him. The indomitable gold hook he yielded that had helped him kill countless enemies in the past had landed on Supreme Cloud no small number of times. From the ecstasy of the first strike to the ensuing doubt, then the futile effort afterward and finally, helplessness and hopelessness C it all proved that he was powerless against Supreme Cloud. It was like a group of people fought against a spirit. The group of people seemed to have the advantage of numbers, but the reality remained that their attacks were in vain, even though they were remarkably skilled. Watching his disciples'' tormented deaths, yet unable to do anything, the debilitating sense of helplessness Wang Changfeng felt was indescribable. The Ma-i Sect had sent out a hundred and thirty people, all of them elites within the sect. The initial intention was to seize the dragon hide treasure map but now over forty of them had died before they even entered Tiantang City! The number of casualties was still rising. Supreme Cloud'' saber light was as brilliant as fresh snow. Each swipe was accompanied by a stroke of blood. "Supreme Cloud! Supreme Cloud! Stop! I have something to say!" Ge Zuheng and Wang Changfeng looked ragged, their hair unkempt and face pale; they cried out continuously, the pleading tone evident in their voices. If they had initially entertained the thought of retaliating and putting an end to Supreme Cloud, it was long lost after they witnessed the scene and experienced the helplessness. The Supreme was impossible to eradicate! Furthermore, observing Supreme Cloud''s attack strength told of his cultivation base which was at least fifth level in Dao realm. Looking back at there Ma-i Sect, there was only a handful of people who were past fifth Dao realm. Even with these people, including the two sect pillars, all they had done to fight Supreme Cloud was futile, regardless of their force or arcane might used. Had they used a bigger force, they might have attacked their own people who were standing in front of them. The sect wanted very much to talk it out or even beg for mercy, but their opponent had not even given them the chance to plead. He had only carried on with the slaughter incessantly. It was apparent that what Supreme Cloud had said when he first appeared, which was to exterminate all who belonged to Ma-i Sect, was not just talk; he was walking the talk C very effectively, at that C and was slowly realizing his words. "Disperse and run! Save yourself if you can!" Wang Changfeng cried, tears prickling his eyes. With his experience and sight, he knew that there would not be many who could escape, even if the disperse and run strategy succeeded when they were faced with such an enemy. The Ma-i Sect was deprived of its elites in this battle. Just when theMa-i disciples scattered and fought to fend for themselves, Yun Yang suddenly let out a long howl. Wisps of fog which resembled wraiths rose up from the battleground''s surrounding. They surrounded the vicinity rapidly, forming a complete barrier in an instant. Their ghostly whistles were all that could be heard like one was standing in the underworld, the land of the dead. A quiet and eerie voice spoke in a sepulchral voice, "You have all come to Concourse of the Underworld C who is to escape?" Dozens of shadows materialized amidst the wraith. Each one of them wore high hats, their gazes cold and murderous. The hopelessness that Wang Changfeng and group felt intensified. Concourse of the Underworld! The ten kings of the underworld had come together! How could they break away when faced with such a lineup? Were the heavens set on ending the Ma-i Sect? The ten Yama Kings did not join in the massacre after they appeared. They watched Yun Yang from afar and only moved to kill the Ma-i disciples who intended to escape the siege. With these ten men acting as the barricade, the disciples did not get to move far in their flight. "Supreme Cloud! We, the Ma-i Sect, have indeed gone against our ancestral teachings. This is the punishment we deserve! However, that''s a decision to made by higher authorities than you and I, it has nothing to do with our disciples. They had to do it-,obng their elders'' command!" Ma-i Sect''s sect leader, Ge Zuheng, cried aloud, "Let these disciples leave! Our lives are yours!" "We won''t put up a fight! We will accept anything and everything thrown at us!" "Lord Supreme Cloud, please have mercy C let these innocent disciples leave!" Wang Changfeng''s golden hook was already poised at his neck when he roared, "Supreme Cloud! Have you heard it! One word of yours and this old man''s life is yours!" Yun Yang''s distant voice held no emotion when he replied, "The cycle of karma, of heaven''s will C whoever does God''s will shall have mercy upon them! That day, dozens of your Ma-i Sect ace cultivators joined the military and slaughtered our Yutang soldiers with tyrannical force. Tens of thousands men have directly or indirectly died because of you" "Your intervention is, to a certain extent, the reason the Fortress of Resilience fell!" "Millions of brothers are watching me!" Yun Yang said, "Their heroic souls aren''t far away, they''re still hovering over Tiantang''s sky." "I can feel their gazes on my back clearly C they''re urging me to avenge their deaths!" The grey shadow flashed. Yun Yang''s gaze shot from the thick fog like two beams of lightning strikes. "Right now, right here, right in this day, this point of time, can the few lives of yours shoulder the many blood debts? Can you recompense it?" "Even if the entire Ma-i Sect falls, it''s not enough! Far from enough!" Yun Yang said faintly, "I''ve already said it just now. Proficient cultivators are strictly prohibited from partaking in the wars of the continent''s empires. This has always been Tianxuan Continent''s golden rule. Once involved, there must be an end. Yutang has been in war for so many years but there''s never an intervention from reclusive sects. Paying no heed to your ancestral edict and putting a leg into this hegemony, becoming Yutang''s enemy, won''t more people feel hopeful if you manage to keep your legacy until the end?" "The Ma-i Sect," Yun Yang hollered, "Must fall today!" Wang Changfeng and Ge Zuheng laughed in anguish, "Ma-i Sect Ma-i Sect" They looked into each other''s tearful eyes and actually had nothing else left to say. L. There was no need to say more. Supreme Cloud''s resolution was unshakeable like the mountain. The fall of the Ma-i Sect had to happen today. 676 Giving You Room To Play "Ancestral teaching! Oh, ancestral teaching!" Wang Changfeng bemoaned, "How could I, Wang Changfeng, be honored to see Ma-i Sect''s ancestors below?" He suddenly charged wildly towards Yun Yang while roaring, "Supreme Cloud! This old man''s life is yours! If you have the guts, follow me!" Before his last words lingered in the air, he rushed into the fog and triggered a self-explosion. With a loud bang, flesh and blood detonated in the air. Wang Changfeng had turned into a mist of blood, dying alongside the destruction of his cultivation skill. With the explosion, a cloud of fog formed a shape that coalesced with the wind; Yun Yang''s saber glinted crimson again. "Anyone wants to bring me on their way as well? Try me; it''ll save me the trouble!" Ge Zuheng heaved a long sigh and raised his blade to end himself, fully intending to follow Wang Changfeng. After some time, a total of a hundred and thirty-six Ma-i Sect members were all slaughtered. This portion of the sect was exterminated without any survivors. Blood stained the ground, converging into streams of red. Yun Yang and the ten Yama Kings left in silence, not bothering to pick up the pieces of the tragic sight. A stone monument was set in place. "A hundred and thirty-six members of the Ma-i Sect were killed here. The Ma-i Sect has disobeyed their ancestral edict and intervened in the war of two empires C they are loathed by Yutang''s militants!" "Yutang''s Supreme Cloud has struck today to exterminate the sect and slaughtered its people. Those who violate Yutang shall be executed, no matter how far they try to run!" There were some remarks for elaboration below, explaining the situation clearly. It was signed off with "Yutang''s Supreme Cloud has erected this monument to pay tribute to the loyal souls, to appease the people, to warn the world, to remind the martial world!" The signature was penned with brimming killing intent and an overweening tone. Yet, everyone who saw the monument did not think it overbearing, as if everything was perfectly reasonable. Those who saw the plate felt shaken, without an exception. The monument stood tall against the sun, still exuding a coppery scent of blood that did not fade, even from dozens of miles away. Not long after, people began to pass by the place. When their eyes rested on the inscription of the plate, their heartbeats hastened, while goosebumps ran through them before they cheered thunderously, feeling immensely comforted. "It''s Lord Supreme Cloud!" "Lord Supreme Cloud exacting revenge for our soldiers!" "All hail Lord Supreme Cloud!" "Who in this world dares to stare Yutang in the eye with Lord Supreme Cloud''s unforgiving ways?" In Tiantang City, the military and civil sides worked together to seal the entire east side of the city upon Yun Xiaoyao''s order. The quarantine operation this time was unprecedentedly forceful. It was not merely words on paper or simple actions; they had moved all the civilians from the east side of the city out of the area. The Empire of Yutang announced its dictum, "The emperor has no intention to intervene with the black and white of the martial world, but all martial world affairs are strictly prohibited from harming Yutang''s civilians. The east of the city is temporarily given free rein. This is only limited to the east of the city, for only seven days." "After seven days, great martial practitioners and cultivators who have entered Yutang are kindly requested to leave. Those who stay on after the deadline will be taken as lawbreakers and shall be penalized sternly." "Within this exceptional week, the Yutang government shall collect the corpses of any martial artist who have unfortunately met their demise and send the remains to their hometown, to their roots. Any belongings shall not be appropriated!" "Yutang shall capture and execute any violator without mercy." The government had officially stated their stance, expressing the attitude of Yutang''s imperial court clearly. ''Fight as you wish C we know that we won''t be able to stop you. We''ve set the boundary for all of you instead, you can play just within the east of the city. Since we''ve set the rules and allowed all of you to play, we''ve given you enough face. With such a condition, if you still want to break the rules, then we will let it all go; no one gets to play! ''We respect all of you, so we have given you space. If you respect us as well, we will take care of matters after death, no matter who dies C we will send your belongings to your home after your death as well.'' ''If you don''t respect us well'' Once the dictum was announced, the martial artists who entered Tiantang City looked disdainful and could not care less about it as they entered the battle. However, all of them had followed it, intentionally or otherwise. Even those who had always prized mystery had chosen to wear items that could specify their identity. Everyone was well aware of the situation. All of them thought highly of themselves, assuming they were lucky, thinking that heaven''s blessings were exclusively upon them. They would be the one who would ultimately acquire the dragon hide treasure! It was only their own assumption after all. With so many pinnacle experts gathered here, it was too easy to be met with a mishap. Even if their cultivation base was higher, it was hard to guarantee that there would be no accidents. As the host of the land, the Yutang government had agreed to pick up the pieces after them C they would definitely do it. This was much more reliable than a martial world promise; after all, no one dared be certain that they would leave here alive. Since the governing administration had made such a promise, they would definitely fulfill it. If they were to break their promise or did not accomplish it fully, it would rouse critics. It would be tantamount to failing the promise made to the world''s warriors. That would be substantially damaging to Yutang''s reputation. The assassins were disgruntled, of course. ''Isn''t doing this pushing us to the edge of the cliff?'' ''What will happen to us when you move all the civilians away?'' Therefore, they went to great lengths to spoil Yutang''s migration. All the martial artists seized the opportunity. ''You''ll have to present yourselves if you want to stop the move. Then we''ll follow the moving troops and we can plan an ambush when all of you step out to stop the operation!'' There were several thousand of Yutang''s official experts led by Yun Xiaoyao who were watching over the move as well. The appearance of the assassins to stop the move would be repulsed by both Yutang officials and the martial world experts. After dozens of violent conflicts, the assassins suffered from a great loss and finally gave up on the plan. Yutang obeyed their rule as well; they ceased attacking when the assassins ceased their attempts to stop the move. This way, the assassins felt the mounting pressure diminish significantly. After all, the Yutang government was the local; they were all too familiar with the geography of their city. The assassins refrained from making a move, thus the martial world artists halted their actions. As the killers conserved their energy for the ultimate act of retaliation, the martial world practitioners waited for backup to arrive as well. Discreetly, a substantial amount of talk was guiding the actions of the practitioners. Everyone thought them to be utterly reasonable as well. "The dragon hide treasure map must fall into the hands of the assassins. They''re too powerful. Once they break free, we won''t be able to find them again." "So we need to work together and annihilate the assassins first, to snatch the treasure map. That''d be the best way to go." "We''ll fight based on our skills after that." All of them thought that to be a perfectly reasonable plan. Subsequently, Yun Xiaoyao would send some men to collect the corpses every once in a while. All the collectors were ordinary soldiers; they were sent into the area by the thousands each time they searched for dead bodies along the way. Countless ace cultivators in the entire east district let them be as if they had not seen them C no one would lay a finger on these ordinary soldiers. Occasionally when they greeted the soldiers, it was with friendly gestures. Some of the practitioners who were more well-to-do would even give the troops some money to express their gratitude. The subtext was likely, "Brother, if you find me lying here one day, please make more effort, seeing that I have rewarded you today. My broken arms or legs do finish collecting them for me" 677 The Assassins Were Tricked Just like that, corpses were recovered and brought away. Some soldiers steeled themselves and called out aloud for many of those corpses whose identities were not evident, "Does anyone know this fellow? Come out to help identify him!" After the loud hollering, a few martial artists would usually rush over and help to distinguish the identity of the dead body. The martial world affairs ended in the martial world; even though grudges still existed, rarely would there be people who would hold it against their enemies'' dead bodies. Of course, those who helped now were not entirely kind-hearted people nor were they enlightened. Anyone would have similar thoughts; what if I were to be the one lying on the ground someday? Even until later, when the soldiers came in to collect the dead bodies, they would always attract stares. Since the beginning of time, this was the first instance that the ruling empire had interacted so harmoniously with the martial world! While the martial world roamers were innately free spirits that could not be bound, they felt a deep sense of affection for Empire of Yutang now. For what it was worth, Yutang had given the opportunity for the fallen martial world brothers to return to their roots. This was a favor, regardless of the situation. The martial world artists were fastidious to repay their gratitude and seek revenge, but they were also clear about favors and grudges. If one had to pick a side to complain about or even resent Yutang''s decision, it would probably be that of the assassins. The current situation was almost equivalent to the world''s assassins contending against the entire martial world, because the dragon hide treasure map that greeted the world since leaving Dong Tianleng''s grasp was now in the hands of the Hall of Crimson Blade''s Hong Zhan, while the owner of the Dictum of Death was Hen Bieli, Hong Zhan''s sworn brother. It was because of the emergence of this token, the object of the assassin world''s highest regard, that caused most of the world''s ace assassins to gather here. Most of them were already recruited by both of the largest assassin organizations. After the direct battle with the Four Seasons Tower earlier, the killers who had come to Tiantang City for the dictum were basically absorbed into the organizations, with the exception of those who had died and a small amount of them who were left behind. These killers were already lone assassins who were rather famous and many among them were reluctant to be under the stifling hand of any organization. However, Hen Bieli had the Dictum of Death and was second in the ranking of Tianxuan''s assassin organizations. The benefit of belonging to his organization was obvious. Of course, there was also the most important factor C based on their character, the Four Seasons Tower would not let this grudge slide so easily, although the assassins seemed to have acquired the ultimate victory when they united against the Four Seasons Tower, seeing that everyone other than the three Venerable Lords was annihilated. With the Hall of Crimson Blade as their support, they thought that they could be shielded from a harsh retaliation. Who could have thought that there would be a plot twist? Hong Zhan had become the current possessor of the dragon hide treasure map, and because of this, the assassins had become the target of countless martial artists. When Hong Zhan obtained the secret map of treasure, he was utterly fazed. He had only been trying on a whim. He really was. Yet, the fellow had been unexpectedly wounded, and was on the brink of death, waiting for him to collect his loot. When Hong Zhan held the two pieces of dragon hide in his hands, he felt like he was dreaming. Had it been so easy? However, a loud roar burst out from somewhere, "The map is with Hong Zhan now! Don''t let him get away!" Hong Zhan went on a chase with his saber but did not see even a shadow. In spite of this, everyone knew about the fact that Hong Zhan had gotten the dragon hide map within a short time. The man wanted to leave then, but he was stopped, stripped of the ability to move. He had a good comprehension of the current situation, knowing that he would never be able to safeguard the secret map alone. The threat of being killed was right before him now. Therefore, he took a relatively smart approach. Seeking Hen Bieli out immediately, Hong Zhan gathered all their assassins who were of the third Dao realm and higher. They would shoulder this together, whether it be a joyous case or a disaster. The dragon hide treasure map belonged to them C if the treasure was to be found, everyone would get a share; everyone would have the chance to become the next Seventeenth Master of the Abyss. With such a lucrative return, the ace assassins dripped blood from their hands to form the league and made vows that were witnessed by the heavens. From then on, life and death would be shared, for they would advance and retreat together. Hen Bieli said then, "Combining the forces of both our organizations, no one of power in this world can take this map away from our grasp. Even if the Four Seasons Tower were to come again, it wouldn''t be a threat at all." "As long as we work together, not only can we escape this predicament, there''s a big chance we can locate the treasure. As long as we don''t give up, as long as we go forth bravely, I believe that both of our organizations can operate fearlessly in the world C when we''ve ascended to heaven, we''ll still be a tidal wave that can sweep over everyone else!" "Perhaps a decade or a century later, we''ll have the power to change this continent. We can even dominate the sky. Today shall be the starting point of this legend!" His words were hypnotic and incredibly tempting. Most importantly, this promise was made under the eyes of heaven. Neither Hen Bieli nor Hong Zhan dared go against it. The vow made was a cold, hard reality. The assassins who joined the league this time were capable talents; any one of them was a tough character who had roamed the martial world for decades. Everyone acknowledged what Hen Bieli had said and honestly, Hen Bieli, Hong Zhan, and even the many assassins were not wrong in their recognition. After all, almost all the top assassins in this world were here. There was truly no force that could fight against it. This was why no one had any hesitation in making the heaven-witnessed vow together, swearing to guard the treasure map with their lives. They would shoulder good and bad times together, help each other out and overcome the predicament as one. Ever since, the league of assassins had indeed ''helped each other out'' but the term ''overcome the predicament together'' was rather suspect. As time passed, the assassins gradually realized that the predicament seemed to be a challenge to overcome. Tens of thousands of martial artists flocked to Tiantang City every day; every day, there were countless experts who appeared without warning. The entire east side of the city had become a carnival ground for martial artists. There were many significant characters in the area C rogues, robbers, assassins They were anywhere and everywhere. Every inch of the east was filled with martial artists. It was crowded, teeming with people. Too many practitioners and cultivators had surrounded the area securely, like a steel bucket C to be fair, it was not even adequate to describe the current situation as a wall of copper and steel. Perhaps things should be put this way; if Yutang''s Fortress of Resilience had such a force helping out back then, even ten or a hundred Han Sanhes would have failed to take the place, let alone one Han Sanhe! The assassin league''s judgment of the current situation would be as follows, ''We don''t know anything of warfare or command, we don''t know a thing about war or strategies C we''re clueless about everything regarding warfare and discipline, but it doesn''t matter.'' ''We can endure it by force. When the combat power of both sides differs greatly, the influence of wisdom and intelligence will only become a minor detail. Assassins are the best informed in the ways of killing.'' ''No matter how proficient the target it, we''ll send ten men if one can''t do it, a thousand if ten can''t do it, a hundred thousand if a thousand can''t do it.'' ''Can it be done now? Are you surrendering now?'' ''Even if you''re Ling Xiaozui or Dugu Chou, can you withstand the coordinated efforts of a massive number of assassins? What''s more, there are so many martial artists here, but they are not united; they can hardly do anything despite their large numbers!'' Therefore, if a brutal confrontation were to take place, the martial artists could possibly run and be chased out of Tiantang City by the two assassin heads. 678 The Overt Turbulence of the Martial World, The Covert Manipulation of a Mastermind The martial artists did not lack experienced seniors, however, as they discerned the crux of the matter. It was inevitably true that the assassins'' singular assassination ability was unrivaled, but the martial practitioners had the absolute advantage of manpower. As long as they refrained from direct confrontation and advanced slowly, the outcome would be entirely different! In addition, it was a vague force that utilized the power that stemmed from all sorts of rumors and methods to deliver such strategies to everyone''s ears. Due to such a stratagem, the martial artists remained unhurried in their advance. Such a method achieved the result of tens of thousands of the assassin''s deaths and securely trapped them on the other end; they could not escape even if they were to be given wings! Hen Bieli had initiated dozens of attempts to break free, but they were all futile. They suffered from casualties, losing more and more men on each occasion. Both sides were suffering from a high death toll; the assassins'' headcount decreased by the thousands every day, while the martial world side lost even more people each day compared to their opponent. It was fortunate that the martial artists were in excess C plenty came after a lot had died; when the substitutes came in abundance, the total combat power strengthened over the days. On the other hand, the assassins had no more people to back them up. A single death was the permanent loss of one head. The difference in strength between both sides grew even more apparent. The foul smell of blood could be sniffed within Yutang''s palace, despite being half a city away! After seven or eight days had passed, the east side of Tiantang City had completely turned into a ghost district C a bloody underworld. If it were not for the soldiers of Yutang who went into the zone several times a day to collect the corpses, the plague would have started long ago. Throughout these days, the civilians of the city''s east hastily moved out as well. Some stubborn houses who did not want to move no matter how the officials summoned them fled so promptly that they would crawl out of the region even if their legs were broken. ''Oh my God, it''s too scary!'' The officials, however, were reeling in joy upon watching the conflict. One day, Tie Zheng received a confidential letter. The letter was short, reading, "Are you dumb? You know how to complain about being poor every day C why not make money by seizing this opportunity? What are you waiting for? So many great martial artists are trapped in the city''s east, don''t they need to eat?" Tie Zheng''s instant response was to ponder upon how reasonable this idea sounded. He was quickly enlightened and therefore sent soldiers to start businesses in the district, selling wine, meat, dishes, steamed buns All sorts of food were to be sold, the action taken was absolutely prompt. Whether it was within reason or it was expected, the business was great either way; even when everything sold was ten times more expensive than the price outside, the martial masters bought them enthusiastically, paying without batting an eyelid. Being in this part of the city meant that their lives were at stake all the time. Was there a need to be concerned about such a sum of money? It was better to maintain an energetic physique. ''Isn''t it only ten times more expensive? No worries, I''ll take it!'' Usually, the transaction would end with a good amount of reward as well. Standing on the line between life and death, wealth was only a worldly possession. In spite of this, this only made it harder for the assassins. Yutang''s military food business did not limit its offer from the assassins. Anyone in the east side of the city could buy them. The current situation, however, was that the assassins were being oppressed by countless martial artists and dared not even come out. The rice and dishes were here and the killers wanted to have some too C they wanted a hot meal as well, so they could only assemble the elites to go out and buy them in an entourage. They killed their way out and killed their way back after purchasing the food. It was a troublesome and tiresome matter. Usually, a few hundred men would come out to buy some steamed buns but before the steamed buns could even be seen, these hundreds of people would already be gone In truth, many of the higher-level assassins had spatial rings and there were stored supplies in them, regardless of the amount. It was not like the assassins were being starved. Yet, this was not the norm. The reality now was that the martial artists were growing in number, but the assassins were decreasing. Each of the assassins'' ambushes was being pushed back by their opponent aggressively. ''Isn''t it fine here?'' As a man, of course, they had to fight back violently as well... ''We can be sent home if we die here!'' ''Where are you running to?'' ''Going to other places and breaking the rules! All of us will be doomed!'' ''That would mean dying without a burial place, for real! You wicked assassins C are you trying to make me die without a burial place?'' This was what truly plagued the assassins. Hen Bieli had lost a lot of weight these days, looking like a skeleton. He was all skin and bones. "Yutang''s imperial court is obviously borrowing the forces of the martial world to exterminate the world''s assassins. After this battle, there''ll rarely be any more killers. The so-called assassins league is destined to come to naught" Hen Bieli looked at Hong Zhan with eyes brimming with fatigue. "Hong Zhan, recall carefully. Are you sure you have not been tricked?" By the look of things, it was a trap by the look of things, a trap that targeted the assassins. What Hen Bieli could not figure out was who could have been so capable as to have carved out this deception. Hong Zhan pulled his hair helplessly and said, "Big brother, look, this dragon hide is genuine. Could this be forged?" He took out the secret map easily and placed it before everyone to let them check the pieces up close. After the group''s scrutiny, they were unanimous in agreeing that the dragon hide pieces were definitely real. There was no way it could be fake! Yet, this perplexed everyone even more. "We''re all resolute people but dare I ask, who''s willing to use such an item as a device?" Hong Zhan was near to committing suiciding from frustration. "Big brother, will you be willing to, if it were you? Even if it''s Ling Xiaozui or Dugu Chou would they be willing to?" Hen Bieli checked the pieces, burning and slashing away at them; it was already his fifth verification that the dragon hides were absolutely authentic. Everyone in the assassin''s league acknowledged that Hong Zhan was right in his words C who would be willing to use such a gem as a ploy? This was provided, of course, that the person had not lost his mind. Yet with what was happening now, what was the case? Was it fortuity by chance or a coincidence that came to be from specific factors? Perhaps, it was a chain reaction formed due to some other reasons? Thoughts went wild, but there could hardly be a definite frame. It was undoubtedly the imperial court''s plan but behind the many martial artists outside, there must be a hidden mastermind who helped steer things in the right direction. There could even be a direct organization; otherwise, it was impossible to form such a subterfuge. The question was, how did the problem crop up? It was a mind-boggler! Wind whizzed in the higher altitude where the fog and cloud were dense. The dark clouds looked even lower in the dark night. The weather seemed to be hinting at a snowfall or a shower of rain. It was gloomy with a sky full of clouds and breeze. The gale whistled and billowed, crying endlessly. Yun Yang melted into the clouds, watching the east of Tiantang City coldly. Everything that had happened up to now was all in his plan, unfolding in perfect order. Just like Hong Zhan and Hen Bienl had said earlier as what everyone in the league had thought C who would be willing to give up the secret map containing the remarkable legend of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss! Be it Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou, the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian, Heaven''s Inquisition Gu Chaliang or the God of Wine Feng Xiange, it would be a challenge for them to toss away such a treasure. There was no cultivator in this world who could resist the temptation of this legacy! They did not know, however, that there was one person in this world who could stand against such enticement. Not only could he be impervious to it, he had utilized this temptation as best as he could, throwing it out without a hint of heartache and creating the current extreme confrontation between the countless martial experts and the league of assassins! There was no other way around the conflict. The league of assassins'' fall was within anticipation; it was only a matter of time. Yet, to Yun Yang, this outcome was only secondary. 679 To Be Found! To Be Killed! The main reason why Yun Yang did not mind using the two pieces of the secret map as the pawn in his ploy this time around was so that he could attract the sects and schools that were involved in the war between the two empires. He wanted to annihilate them, in the same manner as he had done to the Ma-i Sect; he fully intended to use the goriest and extreme method to serve as a warning to others. It was compulsory to achieve a horror of such great extent that no one dared to forget it and no one would dare to try again. Martial world sects and martial artists should mind their own business in the future when two empires were engaged in the hegemony of the world. The fight for dominance among the kingdoms was not something they should get involved in! Yun Yang was certain that there would at least be ninety percent less martial world schools that would still be brave enough to participate and enter the battlefield, should there be war after the incident this time around. Not many sects would risk the possibility of extinction while contending for worldly fame and fortune. Yun Yang''s second objective C or rather, a more concealed purpose C was Ouyang Xiaoshe! This person was one of the people Yun Yang loathed the most in this world, ranked right after the Four Seasons Tower''s veiled higher authorities! Ouyang Xiaoshe had a piece of the dragon hide treasure map as well, and the original owner of the map was Old Dugu. Since he had a piece, the attraction of the two pieces of the map that were presently out there now had to be much stronger to him than to others. He would definitely come. As long as he came, he would die here C there was simply no other end for him! After all, the whole of Tiantang City was currently a large trap from which no one could escape. Old Dugu had waited far too long underground. It was time this vengeance was settled! Therefore, the current ploy of deceiving the world''s assassins into being massacred was only a secondary aim to Yun Yang in this set-up. Be it those who were employed by the crown prince or those commissioned by any other princes, he would kill them all. When the connection to the outside world was thoroughly severed, they would have to stop their plan since they could do nothing about it! It was due to this that Yun Yang had been roaming above that part of the city these past few days, eager to observe the current situation. His plan to return to the Residence of Nine Supremes at once upon recovering his Nine Supremes power was not even followed through. He would have the chance to increase his capability but if he could not trap Ouyang Xiaoshe this time, he would be hard-pressed to find another opportunity, seeing how vast the world was. Shui Wuyin''s intelligence labyrinth was fully utilized as well. Now, Shui Wuyin dared to say so to Yun Yang, "Even if a mosquito flew into Tiantang City, I could tell you whether it''s male or female!" However, there was no news about Ouyang Xiaoshe, despite the fact that a long time period had elapsed. Yun Yang frowned. "No matter how careful Ouyang Xiaoshe is, he couldn''t possibly have noticed that this is a trap set specifically for him. The fact that he has a dragon hide treasure map is absolutely confidential and it''s impossible that he won''t be moved by these two pieces of the map that just emerged. There must be another reason he hasn''t appeared." "Pay more attention to those people who came in disguise." Shui Wuyin felt powerless about this. Those who came in disguise were distinct or easily identified as their arrivals were always recorded,but it was something else altogether to ferret Ouyang Xiaoshe out from these people. It was a difficult challenge. Although it was a challenge, there was still asolution. Moreover, it had to be done, no matter how arduous it was; the task had to be completed! ''Ouyang Xiaoshe C lean and sculpted with white hair and a slightly bald top. The crow''s feet on his face are severe, while there''s a blade scar at the corner of his mouth and a black mole under his chin. His eyebrows are slit and he''s always hunched over. He coughs habitually before killing someone. Six feet and a half, wears a grey robe all year long, and speaks with Ziyou''s capital city accent.'' ''His famed weapon is the saber within his sleeves, while the secret weapons he uses are a sword beneath his feet, with arched back needles and darts within his hair'' Ouyang Xiaoshe''s information was being collected and refined as the days passed by. Finally, Shui Wuyin came out with a summary. "Old Dugu''s incident saw Supreme Cloud attacking aggressively in the Empire of Ziyou''s capital, Zilong City, causing Empire of Ziyou to weaken since the battle. It was also the start of the four-nation siege''s breakup." "Old Dugu and Yutang''s Nine Supremes share a similar story; they have come a long way from it. No one in this world has not heard of the tale, so it''s impossible that Ouyang Xiaoshe does not know about it." "Therefore, the Empire of Yutang or Tiantang City is prohibited land to Ouyang Xiaoshe. He won''t possibly be caught in this location. He''d easily lose his life here!" "Due to this reason, we can''t be certain if Ouyang Xiaoshe will actually come. After all, no matter how important the treasure, it''s not as important as one''s life C especially when there are only two pieces of the dragon hide out there now. Even if he were to obtain them, he''d only have three pieces, not even half of the total. The attraction of the whole venture woulddiminish rather severely." Yun Yang nodded with a profound gaze before speaking, "Your thinking is how an ordinary man would think. Ouyang Xiaoshe will definitely come." Shui Wuyin''s expression belied his confusion. Yun Yang stood up and continued. "When Old Dugu assaulted the generals and high ranking officials of the various empires, Ouyang Xiaoshe, as his best friend, would be aware that Old Dugu is related to the Nine Supremes C a very significant tie between them, at that!" "The entire continent would also know that someone from the Nine Supremes is still alive.Ouyang Xiaoshe can''t possibly be unaware of this fact." "Nonetheless, he has still performed a malicious act against Old Dugu for a piece of treasure map!" "You must remember that he did that even when it was only for a corner of the secret map!" "Now, there are two pieces of the map here. Combined with the one he has, it''s already half a treasure, despite having only three! Besides, if my guess is right, there''s a high chance Ouyang Xiaoshe has another piece of the dragon hide with him." Yun Yang smiled. "If it were only two pieces of the map, it wouldn''t be of use to most people, or very minimally so. However, when one has three or four pieces to himself, perhaps he could roughly estimate the rough location of the treasure. At the very least, it could provide some hints." "This is especially true for the veterans who have roamed the world for far too long; they might already be able to find the location. This is basically a foreseeable hope to rocket into immortality." "Since his success the last time, Ouyang Xiaoshe should have already formed an obsession towards the dragon hide treasure map; perhaps he might have even gone entirely mad for it. How could he stop just like this? Even when he knows this city is a threat to his safety, he''d have to come for it!" Yun Yang''s eyes gleamed icily as he spoke through gritted teeth, "The pressing matter currently is still to maintain the two pieces of the treasure map with the assassins. Then, all of them shall be contained forever in the city''s east!" "Even when a certain price has to be paid in the end, all the assassins must be killed here!" "As long as these assassins don''t die, as long as the turmoil remains, it is bait enough!" "Only when this chanced circumstance stays as it is will there be a maximum probability that Ouyang Xiaoshe shows himself." "Ouyang Xiaoshe must be found, no matter what!" Yun Yang dispatched his last order. "Tiantang''s turbulence is to remain as long as Ouyang Xiaoshe doesn''t die!" "Utilize everything we have C this trap must not end!" "The plan must not stop since the purpose has not yet been achieved upon releasing the dragon hide map. It''ll be more beneficial to Yutang the longer this goes on. The longer it is, the harder it''ll be for Ouyang Xiaoshe to hide." "I am no saint, but my purpose must be achieved!" This line had everyone who heard him feel Supreme Cloud''s determination. 680 Blind Spo The battle in the east of Tiantang City grew increasingly aggressive and violent. Naturally, the commotion caused escalated as well. The entire east district was basically in ruins, looking the worse for wear. Faced with such a brutal situation, the martial world artists began to second-guess themselves. It was at this point in time that a common train of thought arose among them. "Being in the martial world, every day is a day we flirt with death! We either fight for a long-running good reputation, an immortal legend, or we die quick and early. We will then become another man again eighteen years later!" "Who in the martial world doesn''t want to become a god, a saint? Now that the opportunity is right in front of my eyes, why should I give up? The treasure has emerged in the same world as me, it exists right at the opportune timing C I should be the destined owner!" "Which one of the martial world masters have never had a strange encounter when they first started off? Why shouldn''t a similar fate fall upon me as well?" "Leave if you all want to; I won''t be going anywhere." "What''s the difference between ending this life in the martial world and ending it here? Why would I leave? Could this place not be the martial world?" "The martial world is where men are; the martial world is all around us. Dying here will perhaps be even more appropriate and gratifying!" Initially, as the death toll increased, plenty of martial artists began backtracking on their own words. There were, of course, many passionate men in the martial world, those who were very much self-assured, but those who were purposeful and smart were plentiful as well. However, many different opinions began to pop out and spread, instantly picking up on the desires which resonated with most of the people present. ''Right, why don''t we give it our all? Aren''t we suppose to give our all, wherever we go?'' An elderly martial artist bequeathed some poignant advice, which spread throughout the entire east district of Tiantang City as if carried by the wind. "The drug is only poison if it doesn''t become medicine, the man will eventually become ashif he doesn''t become God!" A drug would always be slightly poisonous; only when it had gone through heavenly ways could it be cultivated into true immortal pills and be rid of its venom, absorbed by the human body harmlessly. When a man did not become an immortal, his destiny was only to be reduced into ash. Now, the possibility of cultivating the magical pill and becoming a god was right before their eyes. Retreat? Retreating now could perhaps guarantee momentary safety, but the future was no longer in your hands! Yun Yang checked everyone carefully as he hovered in the air. He had investigated no fewer than three thousand people in secret these past few days, but there was still no clue or news leading to Ouyang Xiaoshe. He had checked all the suspects in the city''s eastern quadrant who matched Ouyang Xiaoshe''s physique and characteristics, but there was simply no result. ''Hmm If I were Ouyang Xiaoshe, what would I do?'' Yun Yang stopped his search and asked himself, trying to think in reverse. ''If I was Ouyang Xiaoshe and I''ve betrayed Old Dugu, and Old Dugu is significantly related to Nine Supremes Although Nine Supremes'' Supreme Cloud has never shown himself, he''s a powerful and authoritative figure in the Empire of Yutang. This is especially true in Tiantang City, an area under his control.'' ''However, these two pieces of the map have emerged in Tiantang City C I must go and try to retrieve them. Then, how should I do it? How do I go about it?'' ''Going there in a disguise and changing my appearance is necessary, but what kind of disguise will ensure my safety? Which way do I take?'' ''Supreme Cloud must have already grasped all the information about me, so everything about me will become his focal point. In order not to be found out and related to, I must act the opposite of every clue that is relevant to me. That way, I can avoid suspicion. I have to change my accent, habits, dressing, appearance, weapons, and so on'' Indeed, only when the collected information was all reversed could the suspicion be removed entirely. ''Still, even if everything has been changed, it''s not a certainty. Yutang government has divided this area with so much effort and allowed the martial artists to fight there. Won''t there be a certain implication within these actions?'' ''From the outside, even though it looks like it''s for the convenience of tackling the issue and limiting the disastrous battle within a certain area, who knows if it isn''t actually a smoke-screen? Perhaps it is to intentionally reduce the search area. If I''d come, how can I not participate in the battle for the dragon hide treasure map? I''d definitely put myself in the city''s eastern quadrant!'' ''If so, then the east side becomes a place where I mustn''t ever go instead!'' ''The other party has set up such a ploy and does not even mind using the dragon hide map as bait. What they want can''t be minuscule. While I''m a target, I''m most probably only one of the targets. In other words, the fight for the treasure map won''t end for the time being. I can hide and lurk in other areas first. As long as I pay attention to the latest news, I can judge where the ball is headed to'' ''When the final moment comes, when the picture is about done being painted, I shall emerge. Not only will I be safe, I would have saved myself so much effort. Only then will the danger be minimized. This is how I can best protect myself and ultimately gain a higher chance of obtaining the map.'' ''Lastly, if things were really bad and I can''t do anything, staying out of the picture is still the best way I can retreat unscathed!'' Yun Yang pondered and murmured, "If I was Ouyang Xiaoshe, I would have to come here, definitely, but I won''t put myself in the city''s east." "If it''s not the east, then which side will he choose from the remaining sides, the south, north, and west? No C hiding in the other three sides assures his safety, but they''re still too far from the east. Once something happens or when the final conclusion arrives, the window of opportunity isn''t sufficient at all. There''s a big possibility he won''t be able to make it in time." "Considering this, the palace area that''s in the middle of the four directions seems to be an excellent option" Yun Yang continued to muse, but his gaze suddenly grew focused. "No, I''m afraid the palace area still isn''t the best choice. The clich is that the most dangerous place is the safest place. It matches the current situation. As long as the blind spot of the dangerous place can be found, the perceived blind spot of danger is none other than where one is the closest to the peril!" "What then is the blind spot of the city''s east?" It was like a bolt of lightning that suddenly struck Yun Yang''s mind as he understood it swiftly. "Once one enters the east side, life and death is only a matter of time. There''s hardly an exception. Even if one''s cultivation base is high and mighty, there''s no special right to survival in the current east district. No, there''s one class of people who won''t get attacked in the east C the soldiers!" A lightbulb went off in Yun Yang''s head. He felt like he had suddenly gained enlightenment, as he began to connect the dots. "As long as Ouyang Xiaoshe blends into the troops that enter the area to collect the corpses, won''t he be able to grasp the current state at any time? He can intervene in a fight at any given moment as well. Inversely, if he doesn''t make a move, he''ll be a presence that will never be attacked!" Now that he thought about it, it was a simple problem but it was also the best option. However, one had to make a big round to be able to come to this final conclusion. This was a thinking blind spot. What came afterward was relatively simple. Yun Yang went straight to Tie Zheng for help. It was much faster, more convenient, and handier for Tie Zheng to do certain things than for Shui Wuyin to handle them. 681 Eliminate The Treacherous Ones! In the afternoon, Yun Xiaoyao led Yutang''s experts from his usual position, standing with his hand resting on his sword. At Tie Zheng''s command, three thousand and five hundred soldiers swept into the east district to collect dead bodies. The Yutang army was doing much better in collecting the corpses now compared to the past. They no longer needed to search for the deceased over a large area; their task was greatly simplified as they only needed to search near the center of the location. The count of the deceased reduced gradually, decreasing in number. After all, those who could still stay alive since the beginning of the great fight until now, whether they were the assassins who were being attacked or the martial world artists outside, could be said to be cream of the crop. Almost everyone who was alive was a tough character who was difficult to kill. Based on this premise, the search for corpses became evidently easier than before. The three thousand people who had entered to do the recovery work retreated after a while. Yun Yang, who was manifested as a cloud cluster, studied the soldiers one by one carefully but did not find anything suspicious. Dusk colored the sky. The coppery scent of blood in the city''s eastern quadrant was accompanied by the aroma of hot meals, spreading throughout the vicinity. As the aroma drifted, Yun Yang jolted. A wisp of a breeze materialized from the clouds and traveled into the area stealthily. His vision was greeted by a street that was teeming with people. There were hundreds of individuals calling out noisily to sell wine and dishes, rice and other food items. Their true identities, however, were Tie Zheng''s elite Steel Cavalrymen who had gone through hundreds of wars. Yun Yang maintained his facade as a strong wind and released his divine sense, ensuring that everyone was within the coverage of his deific consciousness. His divine sense was like a soft, caressing breeze that carefully roamed over everyone to inspect them with utter attention. He checked their faces, their auras, the color differences of their wrist, arms, and fingers as well as their necks, shoulders, and faces; he looked at their arms, their calves, the skin color of their entire body C to see if there was any unusual parts or mismatched spots, if their gaze and aura matched each other, if there were any differences between the two Yun Yang understood that the blind angle of a disguise lied within these spots. Tie Zheng had sent a total of seven hundred people this time around, establishing a large-scale trade site by the kitchen work army. Yun Yang''s search already bore fruit before he reached the two-hundredth man. The gain was not that he had found or secured the suspects who could be Ouyang Xiaoshe, but he had found seven impostors instead! "It looks like the blind spot is really a blind spot indeed; there are so many that were missed out!" Yun Yang felt like slapping himself. The large numbers of those who had slipped through meant that his plan was not all-rounded enough and that his set-up was not secure. Seven hundred men had come in C there were still seven hundred men now, but there were already seven impostors before he even reached two hundred! Where were the original Steel Cavalrymen? This was but a rhetorical question. The impostors could be martial world practitioners, the assassin league''s killer, or Ouyang Xiaoshe himself! If Yun Yang had not left a discreet marking on the two pieces of dragon hide treasure map using the Endless Divine Art, making certain that the two pieces of the map were still within the ranks of assassins, Hong Zhan and Hen Bieli could very well be among these impostors! If he had not been struck with the sudden realization today as he thought about the blind spot, there could have been an even bigger loophole! Thinking of this, Yun Yang grew more cautious and paid close attention as he continued filtering the trading army. He went through all seven hundred men present and finally discovered a total of thirty-five outsiders mixed in with the troops. He sucked in a deep breath. He could only hope that Ouyang Xiaoshe was among these thirty-five people. It was no longer just about Ouyang Xiaoshe now; all thirty-five impostors here had to die! On one end of the street, two soldiers clad in military uniform, armored and helmeted, were stationed behind steamed buns piled up like a mountain. Beside them, there were about seven to eight more people who were selling cooked food, braised dishes, and wine. Yun Yang, who was hovering in the air, appeared with the wind manifestation. He flicked his wrist quietly. Three beams of golden rays shot out, threatening to tear the sky into a vacuum as they catapulted towards the three soldiers'' throats. A brilliant radiance was left in their wake, the golden blades that cut through air actually leaving faint trails of smoke due to the intense friction. The speed of the flying daggers was unimaginable. If it had been any ordinary Steel Cavalryman, it would have been impossible to escape such a fatal attack. Only death awaited them. However, right as the three daggers arrived before the three targets, all three men tilted their heads almost in unison, causing the daggers to stab right into the wall behind them. The three daggers that were released with such an intention to kill had actually completely missed their targets. At the same time that the three daggers had missed and embedded themselves into the wall, three silhouettes flocked over and began attacking the three targeted soldiers. These were Yun Xiaoyao, Lao Mei, and Fang Mofei. Each one of them took on an opponent, their eyes burning with rage. "Brazen and treacherous ones, return the lives of our soldiers!" The three soldiers let out a peculiar laugh and sprung up simultaneously. "Yutang officialscertainly live up to their names indeed; you actually see through our disguises!" Before their words echoed in the air, they were already brandishing their hidden swords and sabers, fighting with Yun Xiaoyao and others above the street. It was too bad the battle could not last long. One of them had just deflected Fang Mofei''s sword and was about to counter only to suddenly feel his legs tangled up. Upon lowering his head to check, there was nothing. Then, he dropped to the ground like a deflated sack. Was someone pulling him underneath the ground? I don''t recall seeing anything! The person was absolutely frightened but he had no way to react, thus, he cried out in panic. Fang Mofei''s sword waved, a head flew up into the sky. The victim''s head and body were separated, dead. On the other side, Yun Xiaoyao, who was the most skilled among the trio, performed his best once he entered the duel, cutting his target into eight pieces without hindrance. As for Lao Mei, who had the lowest cultivation base in the group but was still more capable than his target, he took the upper hand once the duel began; it was only a matter of time before his target succumbed. In spite of this, any concern about time was invalid because a mysterious force had appeared and forcibly tangled itself onto the neck of Lao Mei''s opponent. The man''s eyes bulged and he stood on the spot, frozen. Lao Mei did not slow down, hacking his saber and severing the man into two halves. The three targets had perished in a handful of techniques but everyone around the area was filled with lost and confused gazes. The targets were probably killed too quickly that no one understood why Yutang officials would do such cruel things to their own people. A few Steel Cavalry generals stepped forward furiously and hollered, "What is this for? Why are you killing them so mercilessly without asking anything, King Xiaoyao?" When Yun Xiaoyao, Lao Mei, and Fang Mofei came upon the three corpses and removed their disguises to reveal the men''s original appearance, all Steel Cavalrymen wore simultaneous expressions of shock after a shared glance. They did not know any of these three men. In fact, a lot had already been stated when these three men had launched their counterattack against Yun Xiaoyao, Lao Mei, and Fang Mofei first as well while wearing their various disguises. It was not that the Steel Cavalry did not see those, it was just that they had not thought of it in time and were even more reluctant to believe it. "Do you understand now? These three men have masqueraded as your people and muddled in with ulterior motives," Yun Xiaoyao explained in a gentle tone. 682 Without A Miss The Steel Cavalry general who had spoken out was taken aback. He hoarsely uttered, "Then my three brothers" Yun Xiaoyao heaved a long sigh. He did not say anything further but everyone understood what he meant. Many Steel Cavalrymen abruptly fell silent, tears stinging their eyes. Men did not cry easily, but the comradeship and kinship created from the battlefield would always easily evoke hot tears from these men. The Steel Cavalry general then continued with a sob. "Then my three brothers I C we are there still" "Yes," Yun Xiaoyao answered in a tone filled with irrepressible anguish. The general was infuriated. "Who? Who else?" His sharp gaze washed over everyone''s faces. Yun Xiaoyao sighed and took two steps forward to approach the general, saying softly, "It''s" Even as he spoke, Yun Xiaoyao was already extending his arm to choke the general while his other arm descended in a swift strike; he continued in anger. "It''s you!" With a muted crack, the general''s shoulder was entirely shattered by Yun Xiaoyao''s strike; even his chest had collapsed inwards. It had never crossed his mind that he could still be recognized, with his excellent disguise and poignant emotions. He was so confident in his disguise that he did not put up the slightest bit of defense against the sudden attack. His eyes widened in disbelief when they rested on Yun Xiaoyao, his words struggling to leave his mouth. "You C You How You" Profound resentment flashed in Yun Xiaoyao''s eyes as he replied, "How can such a bastard like you be able to replicate even the tiniest bit of the kinship among the Steel Cavalry? You did not think about seeking revenge for your brothers, you did not ask where your brothers'' remains are. You only care about finding out about the spies C what do you take the Steel Cavalry for? " The accused man''s gaze was unfocused as he murmured, "So I see" "Where are our men?" Yun Xiaoyao was harsh in his questioning. The man chuckled in despair and said, "Unexpected so unexpected that I, the Thousand Illusory Scholar will succumb here" His already unfocused gaze looked towards Yun Xiaoyao with a slight hint of mockery; he spoke with a sneer, "Your men do you still have to ask?" Yun Xiaoyao shouted in rage and struck the Thousand Illusory Scholar''s head; dashing it into pieces with a fierce palm strike. More than fifty men of the Steel Cavalry around the pair witnessed the scene with glazed eyes, rage and anguish painting their faces. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh The golden shimmers flashed again. This time, there were five of those sparks, targeted directly at five people among the crowd. As the five targeted men saw the gold flicker flashing towards them, they roared and without hesitation, sprung up to flee. They were already exposed; if they waited any longer, there would only be death to welcome them. It came as a surprise when these five people froze in midair, just as they sprung up. It was as if someone had tied a rope to their legs and were pulling them back harshly. Fang Mofei, who was equipped with an earlier experience, was prepared. With a jerk, the sword in his hands showed its amazing capabilities again. Sword light crackled like thunderbolts, raining down, and five heads fell to the ground, almost in unison. It was from this point on that seven to eight people who had disguised themselves among the cavalry shot up and charged towards a high altitude to flee. They did not even wait for Yun Xiaoyao and the Steel Cavalry to verify the identities of the dead. The situation was clear now and they no longer had any thoughts to stay hidden amongst the troops. While they were not sure if their information was made known to their opponent, they knew that there would be no difference between staying here and seeking death, since the nine who had been exposed had not even managed to survive. This was because of the nine people who were exposed were not ordinary characters C especially the Thousand Illusory Scholar who could be considered the top few disguise experts in this world. His skills in deception were flawless, without a single loophole C at least the rest had not been able to see any blunder C but he had still been caught and killed. As these people made their move, the rest of the impostors who were still some distance away followed suit. There were another twelve people who trailed behind in an attempt to escape. Yun Xiaoyao did not hurry to stop the fugitives. He growled, a thunderously loud rumble in his throat. Right after the drawn-out howl, countless shadows appeared from the surroundings to block the men from escaping. A fight broke out in the air. Those who had appeared to halt the fugitives'' escape were all dressed alike. They wore bronze masks of menacing faces, looking exceptionally terrifying and eerie. What was equally horrifying were their skills; they were assured and powerful, as if they were only chopping up vegetables as seventeen of the over twenty men trying to flee were quickly struck to the ground. Only the last three men remained fighting stubbornly. These three men were impressively skilled. Even when they faced the siege of the ten Yama Kings and were at a disadvantage, their attacks and defenses were orderly without any sign of panic. Yun Yang could not help frowning as he watched discreetly. Without further hesitation, he joined in the battle. A considerable portion of what happened today exceeded Yun Yang''s expectations. He had neither the intention nor the time to remain entangled with these people. It would be the best to end this battle as soon as possible. The breeze blew softly in a caress; everything was it was supposed to be. However, the three men who were fighting immediately sensed that something was amiss. They had been hovering in the air, but now, they felt like they were within the ocean. None of their body parts could exert any strength, while their limbs seemed to be influenced by a formless wave as they vaguely felt like they were being pulled upon launching their strikes. The accumulation of various disturbances prevented them from performing to the best of their capabilities. Bewildered, they were surprised yet again when they realized that their legs seemed to be entangled by something, as any sort of movement was difficult. It was akin to being wrapped by seaweed under the sea. However, they saw nothing when they stole a peek. Only when they cultivated and triggered the maximum eruption of their cultivation method did they feel the hold on their legs ease. Although they were now rid of the shackling hindrance, the slight delay had added more than a handful of wounds on these men, unavoidably reducing their combat power. In addition, it inadvertently showed that their opponents were not at all interrupted by the strange disturbance. It meant that the strange occurrence came from their opponents C otherwise, why was it only effective on them? The three men panicked then, crying out, "What''s going on?" Alarmed, they pushed their cultivation base to the maximum and attempted to flee with all their might. In spite of this, the ten Yama Kings were already having the upper hand. How could they allow the trio to escape? They launched a further attack without slowing down and in a more forceful manner. It was growing obvious that one side was close to being defeated while another party was pressing on more aggressively. The trio grew even more unnerved. Other than the consecutive attacks of the ten Yama Kings, they could feel the air around them become increasingly sticky. The weird feeling of resistance, as if they were wading in water intensified... and their legs were entangled once again! 683 Ouyang Xiaoshe Their legs suddenly plummeted, yet there was still nothing around them. It would have been foolish if the three of them still could not figure out the cause of the various occurrences that had taken place before their eyes. "Supreme Cloud!" One of them bellowed in fierce resentment, "Come out! Fight me face to face if you can, instead of skulking around behind my back! Is manipulation all that you''ve you got?" Dead silence reigned all around. Not a single sound could be heard. The few men bawled, cursing and swearing vociferously as they were already in despair. In addition to being knee-deep in the siege, the incorporeal Supreme Cloud had struck out from the dark, leaving them without a single chance to live. First Court King Qinguang sneered and said, "Who the hell do you think you are to let Supreme Cloud fight against you alone? Even though one should not belittle oneself, you''ve overestimated yourself, mate. What the f*ck can you do?" "I think you''re just a tad stronger than a fart!" An overwhelming flurry of shadows and glimmers reflecting off swords intertwined in the air and shrouded the three men. The pushing and pulling in stealth continued as Yun Yang attacked endlessly. The situation of the three men worsened while the invisible rope became increasingly complex, hindering their counterattacks. They gradually lapsed into a completely passive state, in danger of being beaten up. There was another sudden pull as the trio was busy trying to cope with the surrounding attack. They had lost all their strength and could no longer hold themselves up. Then, with agonized shrieks, they lost their balance, and fell off like a kite with a broken string, leaving themselves wide open to attack. How could the ten Yama Kings miss this opportunity, given how experienced they were? The scintillating glimmerings of blades shone with their metal luster, and three heads fell, one after another. The ten men heaved an inward sigh. Each of the three men had abilities which were on par with the ten brothers and could be regarded as ultimate experts of the martial arts world. However, they had died here today without cause or explanation. "You''ve wounded my soldiers and tarnished my military reputation. Identify yourself! Only death awaits you!" Yun Xiaoyao yelled a roar that shook more than half of the East side of the city. The ten Yama Kings had vanished into thin air at the sound of the sonorous howl. Numerous martial artists had seen this with their own eyes and etched them in their minds. Everyone felt extremely shocked, deep down within their beings. There were unexpectedly many top experts from the host of Yutang''s officials. The dozen or more men who appeared just then each had the overbearing power of a sect leader, especially the kind of leader of an elite sect; all of them were considered top-notch masters of the martial arts world. Since when were there so many unparalleled experts in Yutang? The unexpected turn of events and the variation which deviated from the initial plan had even caused the decisive battle between the assassins and the martial experts to stop for a moment. The operation of Yutang''s officials this time brought immense gratification to both killers and martial artists. Anyone could have guessed the reason those men were hiding here. Their aim was obviously the dragon hide treasure map. Regardless of who would end up possessing it, the existence of these people would inevitably pose a threat. Now that Yutang''s officials had wiped out all these people with a direct and brutal tactic, it was a cast-iron guarantee for everyone. "What an amazing execution!" After watching this, both the experts in the martial arts world and the people from the assassin organizations cheered and clapped each other on the back. By the side, Yun Xiaoyao and others were not done just yet. They examined the identities of these people carefully, with a scrivener carefully recording everything. Yun Xiaoyao ascertained the identities of the impostors one by one with a frosty look painted on his face. "Put everything on record. Things do not end with the death of those who disobey orders and harm the lives of my soldiers. They shall be sentenced to nine familial exterminations after their identities are verified!" Everyone who heard this was utterly taken aback by those icy words. "Leave!" Yun Xiaoyao ordered and then marched forward with Lao Mei and Fang Mofei. After covering thousands of feet of distance, they arrived by the side of another troop of Steel Cavalry soldiers who sold food. By this time, the news had already traveled over here. Everyone looked at Yun Xiaoyao with their eyes filled with hope as he walked over. Was there was a spy on their side? Many soldiers were looking at each other and were no longer engaged in the trade at hand. ''Are you the spy? Are you?'' ''Who else is still alive among my brothers?'' Swoosh! Six golden beams appeared out of thin air, streaming toward the throats of the six different men. It was the signal to attack! Whether the beams were fatal or otherwise, they had revealed their targets. Yun Xiaoyao, Fang Mofei, and the others subsequently began to deal out death impassively. ''There are a total of thirty-five impostors, apart from the twenty-four that were already rooted out, with the addition of the six now, making a total of thirty. There are still five other people left.'' While fighting, Yun Xiaoyao calculated the figures that Yun Yang had told him and believed that Yun Yang''s inspection would neither be false nor wrong. In fact, none of the people that Yun Yang had pointed out so far had been unjustly accused. Therefore, at this time, he only needed to slaughter without restraint; this action would suffice! Even though the six targeted men had intimidating abilities, they were no match for Yun Xiaoyao and the rest who Yun Yang succored. They managed to overcome their defenses in an instant. As though repeating the same motions, three more men were ferreted out as Yun Xiaoyao and the others moved further forward. It was much easier to handle these three men. They were taking their chances by hiding because they knew that they could not run away and were already filled with endless remorse. Had they known the outcome in advance, they would not have done so. They had provoked the greatest scourge on their families for no apparent reason. However, it was useless to feel regret at this time. Yun Xiaoyao was stoic as the order had been issued. In order to set an example to others, whether or not their families were innocent, they were bound to suffer the purge. ''There have been thirty-three people now.'' Yun Xiaoyao counted meticulously, confirming the number of the remaining impostors. ''There are only the last two left.'' ''Is there anyone Yun Yang is looking for among the last two?'' A beam of golden light emerged out of the blue while he was thinking, pointing directly to a person dressed in the Steel Cavalry uniform standing on the right of Yun Xiaoyao. Fang Mofei did not hesitate and struck at once. His sword light was as fast as lightning, with an overflowing sense of murderous intent. Nevertheless, the man scoffed and sprang back. A saber materialized from thin air as if it had been made out of nothing. "You have found me, as expected. Fine, in that case, I have no choice but to attack first. We shall solve this with what we have!" An aura of loneliness and desolation reverberated through the air at the very moment before he struck. Yun Yang''s eyes shone immediately seeing the feat. This aura - was this Ouyang Xiaoshe? In the meantime, another man soared into the sky followed by a chorus of surprised gasps, charging outwards. His skills were rather outstanding. "Assassinate!" Yun Yang roared into the void. ''Ouyang Xiaoshe, you have finally turned up!'' The thought of Old Dugu''s voice and face rose in Yun Yang''s heart. A sharp ache filled his heart; even the muscles on his face were twitching wildly. ''Old Dugu, look, your son is finally avenging your death today!'' 684 Hunted Down! The roar had caused everyone present to feel a buzzing in their ears; those unfortunate enough to hear it were momentarily deprived of their usual agility. Another blade that gleamed with a chilly glow had also emerged at the same time! The temperature seemed to have suddenly dropped a few degrees the moment the blade appeared. As the saber greeted the world, overflowing saber light spread out in a continuous fan. They instantly formed a saber hill and landed with a shattering crash, aimed straight at the source of the desolate aura. However, the desolate aura was still unabated in the face of the unexpected threat and soared towards the sky instead, forming a counterattack. As he waved his sleeve, his blade drew a line of silver which flashed like lightning. A loud clang deflected Yun Xiaoyao''s sword and Lao Mei''s saber, and a kick fended off the tip of Fang Mofei''s sword. There were two lightning bolts that retracted once they came out from the other sleeve, parrying two of the kings of the Concourse of the Underworld''s weapons. They then morphed into a ball of lightning and rose up, pounding against the saber hill Yun Yang had built as a blockade. He escaped after a loud bang resounded and soared right into the nine heavens. A drawn-out howl could immediately be heard, "Lord Supreme Cloud, I am indeed your target. What an immense honor!" The other party broke through with zeal, manifesting an astonishing capability and gravity-defying skill; a single step sent him three hundred feet into space and he flew onto a treetop like a meteor. With a slight bit of force, his body shook and he ascended, turning into a black dot in the night sky. The other man of the last two targets plummeted to the ground instead, spraying a shower of blood. "How powerful!" Even when Fang Mofei had only suffered a kick from the opposing party as his treasured sword absorbed most of the inertia, he could still feel a sense of numbness between his thumb and index finger. He flew away, his eyes fixed on Ouyang Xiaoshe who soared into the sky. His surprise could not have been more palpable. Ouyang Xiaoshe''s cultivation base far exceeded everyone''s expectation. Yun Xiaoyao''s expression was guarded, yet it betrayed his disbelief. "Dugu Jimo and Ouyang Xiaoshe are equally reputable assassins of their time, and are truly deserving of their names." When he looked into the sky, not only had his target vanished, even the wind and clouds were all gone. It was dead silent as far as the eye could see. "The thirty-five imposters have all been ferreted out." Yun Xiaoyao hollered, "Dismissed! We shall return this place to the martial arts world!" He threw a glance at the sky, his gaze worried. The wind and clouds in the sky were entirely gone, which meant Yun Yang had left, following the trail of his target. Nonetheless, Ouyang Xiaoshe was surprisingly powerful. Would there be any more mishaps if Yun Yang were to give chase alone? Yun Xiaoyao, who was plotting in his mind what to do next, suddenly heard an endless booming from beyond. Both killers and martial artists had once again engaged in a violent battle. "The martial world affairs shall end in the martial world. We, as Yutang''s officials, will not interfere, but if anyone dares to harm my warriors or harbors ill intention, the thirty-four dead men here shall all be examples! Also, death is not the end; whoever is involved shall have nine familial exterminated and be killed without mercy!" Yun Xiaoyao''s stentorian voice was deafening, resonating well above the east side of the city. People within the east side of the city who heard the admonition felt their hearts lurch within their chests. It was an unspoken rule laid out in the martial arts world, for one who roamed the martial arts world, his wrongdoings should never affect his wife and children. However, it was clear that the imperial court did not care about this martial world rule. The martial world affairs ended in the martial world. One had to bear the consequences of his own acts. As long as the culprit died, however serious the issue was, it would be final as he had paid with his life. Nevertheless, if the imperial law was breached, the act of exterminating nine familial generations was a given. If it had been any other day, the martial artists would have felt that the imperial court''s methods were slightly too draconian. Nonetheless, this time around, not only did everyone think that it wasn''t severe, but they felt it was deserving as well. In the battle in the eastern quadrant of Tiantang City this time around, Yutang officials had oiled the wheels. They had even expressed their amicability by offering a guarantee that for the fallen martial artists, their matters would be taken care of, post-death. If you infringed the rules under such a premise, you would be enemies with everyone C an enemy of the martial world artists, the world''s assassins and Yutang''s imperial court! They would not be unduly bothered by your death! Ouyang Xiaoshe''s motions were sharp; he was so fast that even the human eye could barely see his sly movements. It was as if an illusory non-existent shadow flew under the vast dark sky. Ouyang Xiaoshe had fled by utilizing his entire strength unreservedly. He had been exposed! Supreme Cloud had already set his sights on him! In that case, what was important now was to thoroughly cut himself loose from Supreme Cloud, and completely extricate himself from his grasp; only then he could talk about changing his identity and everything else that followed. Of course, his desire for the dragon hide treasure map could not be given up! To Ouyang Xiaoshe, this had already become his life''s obsession, and he was willing to die many times over for it! He hurtled all the way through the air and had long left Tiantang City, an act which brought him farther away from danger and increased his chances of survival. However, as he heard the erratic wind billowing above his head, his heart began to race anxiously. The night was solemnly silent; everything was placid, where did this whistling gale come from? The origins of the violent wind were obvious. It had to be Supreme Cloud! It could only be Supreme Cloud! Ouyang Xiaoshe knew it as well, but to him, he could only try to flee and continue his escape efforts. After a while, Ouyang Xiaoshe had distanced himself from the border of Tiantang City and came to a mountain forest with complex topography. With the night as misty as ever, Ouyang Xiaoshe, who was disguised as a grey silhouette, hovered, made a swooping motion and vanished. A secluded cave that Ouyang Xiaoshe had set up long before entering Tiantang City had been his hedge and also the main reason he had continued to flee despite knowing fully well that he could not get rid of Yun Yang who was on his tail. Even though the wind was majestic and aggressive, it was not omniscient. ''I shall hide in the seclusion I''ve prepared earlier; what can you do then?'' The wind rustled, still in hot pursuit. As the wind soared into the mountain forest, a loud thunderclap signaled the sight of the forests and mountains covered in flames! The flames were licking the sky and fire raged fiercely upward. The land for thousands of miles around blazed a crimson red as the flames raged. The fire was ferocious as its blaze soared towards the sky; the levels of groundwater skyrocketed, causing both the secluded and exposed caverns and pits within the forest area to be flooded with water, without exception. With a loud cry, a silhouette charged out from the fire in a less than collected manner. It was Ouyang Xiaoshe! The topography of the mountain forest was complicated and unusual in addition to its countless natural ravines and caves; otherwise, Ouyang Xiaoshe would not have chosen it earlier as his escape route before entering Tiantang City. According to his expectation, as long as he successfully escaped into the hidden cave network, he could rely on the few tunnels that were unusually concealed and interconnected, along with the supply of food and blankets he had prepared earlier on. Even if he were to be discovered by Supreme Cloud, he would still have a big chance of survival if he could defend himself! However, what he had never imagined was that although he could escape back to the mountains as he wished, Supreme Cloud had his way to deal with it as well. There was no need at all to play hide-and-seek. Not only had he set fire to the very mountains, but he had also flooded the land with water! The blend of water and fire caused an indescribable difficulty. He would become a ball of coke or boiled human flesh if he did not come out in time! He was indeed being forced out to face Yun Yang! However, when Ouyang Xiaoshe emerged, he did not expect that his first encounter was not with Yun Yang himself, but rather, with countless thunderbolts and lightning strikes! 685 Caught In The Mountain Fire The moment he returned to the surface of the land, thunder rumbled in the sky as crackling lightning illuminated the heaven and earth! Strike after strike of lightning streamed down from the sky almost incessantly. Faced with the specter of the intimidating thunder and lightning, Ouyang Xiaoshe moved rapidly once again to avoid the attack. The method of how the thunderbolts were being thrown about was wholly different from how a cultivator would have attacked, however. Not only did it come from the air and was difficult to avoid, but it was also born of mystical forces. Rare was an ordinary cultivator who would dare to forcefully harness such power. Therefore, Ouyang Xiaoshe was already in dire straits after only a brief moment. At the same time that the thunder and lightning were running amok in the sky, the borderless ocean of fire was quickly weaving its way over. Flames licked over, like dragons fighting over a pearl. The interwoven thunder and flames were already an overwhelming threat but Yun Yang was barely contented. Golden rays glimmered amidst the lightning and rained down like a storm. Yun Yang had released flying daggers, the signature move he had used to weed out the many impostors today. Yun Yang loathed Ouyang Xiaoshe to the core of his being. He went all out in his strike, completely stubbing out any possibility of this old bastard avoiding his attack or escaping. The best solution to prevent additional issues was to try his best to eliminate any further chances of survival for the opponent. Yun Yang was more aware than all the others regarding Ouyang Xiaoshe''s ability. It would be the strangest mystery instead if the latter had not been equipped with a terrifying force. Ouyang Xiaoshe stood on par with Old Dugu in terms of their reputation. Old Dugu was able to cause the Unrivaled Swordsman Jun Moyan to be indebted to him and received a Medallion of Gratitude. One could imagine how astounding Old Dugu''s cultivation base must be. If so, how could Ouyang Xiaoshe be weak? This was the reason Yun Yang had given his all the moment he struck. No matter how Ouyang Xiaoshe evaded the attacks, the lightning strikes seemed to be concentrated too densely. A strike of lightning landed a solid strike on his head, causing him to shriek. A burnt smell rose from him as well. Stricken by lightning, Ouyang Xiaoshe could not help slowing down and a bolt of gold embedded itself deeply into his thigh. Ouyang Xiaoshe cried out in agony, "Supreme Cloud, come out and fight this decisive battle with me if you have the guts for it!" It was a pity that his invitation lacked a reply. The only thing he got as a response was a fiercer flurry of lightning strikes in the sky and even more ferocious flames. Yun Yang knew fully well that it was impossible for Ouyang Xiaoshe''s tyrannical combat power he had previously displayed to stop here. It was impossible that he had not managed to evade the two strikes; he must have let it happen intentionally. The aim was none other than luring Yun Yang out to make his appearance. Once Ouyang Xiaoshe could locate where he was, he could figure out his subsequent plan of escape, making it even more effective. How could Yun Yang be deceived then? ''Since you want to suffer, I''ll let you have enough of it!'' Ouyang Xiaoshe looked incredibly pained after the two consecutive attacks, but he dared not let himself be struck anymore, seeing that Yun Yang refused to fall into this trap. By the look of things, if he were to continue this tactic of inflicting suffering upon himself, Supreme Cloud would turn him into charred remains. The magnificence of the thunderbolt was beyond his expectations. The two strikes had already numbed Ouyang Xiaoshe sufficiently that his movements were considerably impeded. He was already regretting his execution of this particular tactic. Why would he accept the attacks for nothing if he had known that Supreme Cloud would not fall for it? The fires soared high and grew even more intense. Yun Yang had burned all the forests and mountains for thousands of miles all around with the rampaging flames. Until later, something akin to oil began to flow across the ground. All living creatures in the mountainous area, be it animals or plants, were all devoured by the ocean of flame. Other than the rare ace-ranked beasts that noticed the fire the earliest and had escaped due to luck, the rest had turned into ashes alongside the plants and trees of the forest, reduced to nothing. In spite of this, the raging fires did not slow down. It rose continuously as it continued to burn. The temperature within a thousand miles had already skyrocketed to an unimaginable extent. Even if one was a Dao realm cultivator, one would still suffocate in such a temperature. Yes, Yun Yang had set the area ablaze for four full hours without a care that even the land itself was turning red in the heat! There had been countless of times Ouyang Xiaoshe intended to flee outwards, but once he charged in that direction, the flames around him burned brighter and fiercer, reaching a temperature ten times hotter than any other place. In addition, the frequency of the thunderbolts increased as well. As long as he stepped back, the attacks eased slightly. At least, it was enough for him to save himself and even catch his breath. It was due to this atmosphere that Ouyang Xiaoshe obtained the opportunity to repeatedly change his direction in his attempt to break free. It was simply unfortunate for him that the outcome of each attempt only brought him right back to where he started. Ouyang Xiaoshe understood that even if he had paid a huge sacrifice in charging out of such attacks of flame and thunder, he would still need to face Supreme Cloud himself in the end. By then, he would have to passively take what the latter hurled at him! While his continuous retreats looked like futile struggles, giving the impression that he was being manipulated, he would always gain the room to breathe and wait for the next chance. He could still retain the last of his energy for a final battle. It might not be advantageous for him to prolong such a situation, but could Supreme Cloud actually maintain the effort of manipulating these natural elements? How much energy must be needed for one to control and execute such natural phenomena? Was Supreme Cloud not playing with fire as well when he did something like this? Ouyang Xiaoshe merely had to persevere until Supreme Cloud expended all his energy; that would be when the former''s turning point came! This was the reason Ouyang Xiaoshe repeated this cat-and-mouse game, despite knowing that Yun Yang was toying with him. Eventually, however, he realized that he was wrong. It was no longer important whether he could hold out until Supreme Cloud ran out of energy because this game apparently had other considerations that were even more complex! As the fire persisted, the heat increased. The entire mountain was slowly but surely turning into a huge melting pot. Every inch of land under Ouyang Xiaoshe''s feet was gradually tinged dark scarlet, like a part of that melting pot. It felt like his throat was stuffed with burning coal as well; each pant and breath of his felt like someone had stabbed his throat numerous times. He was under torture. The longer he stayed there, the worse he felt, and the harder it was to go on. When he felt dizzy and was almost losing grasp of himself, Ouyang Xiaoshe belatedly realized in shock that more than seventy percent of the cultivation base he thought he had kept in reserve was already depleted! This simply could not persist C he had to escape at once! Otherwise, he would die from depletion and heat before he could anticipate Supreme Cloud''s exhaustion. Even as he thought about this, Ouyang Xiaoshe was struck with a sudden realization. Since the mountain fire had remained blazing until this point, Supreme Cloud had no need to intentionally maintain the incineration anymore. The entire mountain would have already become an accomplice. Obviously, this was Supreme Cloud''s idea since the very beginning. Yet, Ouyang Xiaoshe was foolish enough to follow suit and let himself be injured. His actions were incredibly stupid! If he had mustered all his energy and tried to flee right from the start, Supreme Cloud might not have been able to hold him back. This was his highest chance of survival in this battle! What he was doing now was impossibly idiotic as it was the most passive and hopeless approach. Regret engulfed Ouyang Xiaoshe even as he thought about it now. 686 An Irreconcilable Hatred! After enduring the inferno for a seemingly endless period of time, and even with Ouyang Xiaoshe''s extraordinarily superb cultivation base at hand, he could no longer stand the excessive heat. Blisters had already started to form on his body. If this continued, it would be extremely hard to stop his internal organs from being completely scorched. Even though Ouyang Xiaoshe had long roamed the martial scene and he had always been an astute man with incredible foresight, he had never been bathed in fire for such a long duration. It was only at this moment that he discovered the overpowering waves of unceasing heat was enough to char his organs into ash and dust. Only death awaited him if he were to remain. With a hiss, Ouyang Xiaoshe moved as quickly as the whistling wind, pressing his body close against the ground as he dashed outwards. He no longer dared to escape via a higher altitude, for the waves of heat above were even more scorching than below, especially in a quick, desperate dash - the heatwaves up there could literally turn his flesh into nicely cut and steamed pieces of meat. However, even if his chances were better as he attempted to escape by foot on the ground, the flesh upon his chest and thighs were subjected to yet another round of intense grilling with every step he took. Subsequently, it was as if his own heart had been scorched as well. He gritted his teeth, spending every last ounce of his energy in a single spurt to sprint away. This time, the humongous blaze did not pursue him, and the boundless lightning no longer followed behind. Yun Yang seemed to have stopped. Nevertheless, Ouyang Xiaoshe kept on running for almost ten minutes. Only then did the air feel slightly more breathable. However, at this very moment, his mind was already in a state of complete chaos. His brain felt as though it was filled with the erratic rhythm of numerous drums playing simultaneously; it was a bizarre, disorienting feeling. The scene before his eyes was an array of colors, and he had almost completely lost his sense of sight. Ouyang Xiaoshe forcefully tried to keep himself conscious. He extended his gaze for as far as he could see and was pleasantly surprised at the obscured tinge of greenery on the other end. That was the green of trees C the sign of life! Ouyang Xiaoshe was awakened with refreshed vigor; he did not know where that sudden burst of energy came from, but he charged towards the direction of the green without hesitation. At the exact moment, he dashed out of the sea of fire... "Ouyang Xiaoshe!" A loud voice suddenly bellowed. Swooosh! The blinding glint of a blade plunged down from the skies with amazing speed, severing the connection between the greens and himself. With whatever remaining consciousness he had in him, Ouyang Xiaoshe pulled out his own blade instinctively. It was obvious that a single powerful blow from the enemy was uncontainable, throwing Ouyang Xiaoshe aside with a loud clang! Ouyang Xiaoshe had barely escaped from the fire but was almost instantly stopped by the mighty force of the blow. The aftershocks from that force caused his entire being to feel like a threadless kite as he crashed heavily onto the ground. Yun Yang seemed to have timed the distance well enough, for the spot just seventy to eighty feet behind Ouyang Xiaoshe was already scorched red, with lava-like magma seeping out of it. That was where Ouyang Xiaoshe landed once more upon being swept away! Ouyang Xiaoshe''s missed strike caused him to lose his balance and landed bottom-first on the ground. With a sizzle, that part of his body was scalded, inciting a shriek as though his rear end was on fire. Truth be told, he literally jumped because his rear was on fire; it was not ''as though''. His bottom was still dripping ignited, crimson magma. It was not the usual rear-end-ripping; his bottom was completely annihilated! He let out a maddened howl, attempting to wipe it off with his bare hands, but no avail - his hands were scalded in the process instead. Screaming, he clenched his jaw with resolution as he sliced at his bottom in a single strike, removing a chunk of bloodied flesh; a temporary relief. The chunk of flesh fell to the ground, still covered entirely with glowing embers. Ouyang Xiaoshe''s face was filled with painful, twisted expressions as his whole body shook and quivered, sweating profusely. He lifted his head with hatred and gave a loathing glare at the person that materialized before him. Well, for all he knew, it could just be a silhouette. A silhouette that was cloaked in ivory robes, its face completely obscured. Ouyang Xiaoshe''s vision was blurred from the pain. "Supreme Cloud?" He implored ruthlessly. Yun Yang snorted, and announced lightly, "Ouyang Xiaoshe, I''ve finally managed to capture you." Ouyang Xiaoshe sneered. "Captured? By you? Not necessarily!" Yun Yang gave a good-natured laugh, but his tone was ice-cold. "Do you think that you can still escape?" Ouyang Xiaoshe panted laboriously, no longer giving a care about the excruciating pain that came with every breath he drew. "Supreme Cloud, there was never any hatred nor misunderstanding between us! If you would let me live today, I, Ouyang Xiaoshe, would certainly repay you generously in the future. However, if you choose to continue this brutal treatment, I have no choice but to fight it out. Either the fish dies, or the net breaks - either options are equally unpleasant!" He roared his defiance. Yun Yang gave a contemptuous smile. "Either the fish dies, or the net splits? Very well, I''m very interested to see how a dead fish like you can ride this one out by breaking through my net of justice!" Ouyang Xiaoshe took a deep breath, enduring the burning, scorching sensation inside his chest. "Look at how Supreme Cloud is attacking me. This must be due to a matter none other than Dugu Jimo; but is there really a need to fight to the death?" His face contorted in pain. "In the end, Dugu Jimo is already dead, and death settles all scores. It is much easier and favorable for the living to make one more ally than to make a bunch of enemies due to the deceased. I wonder what would Supreme Cloud make of this? "Your reasoning is logical. However, this logic does not apply to me." Yun Yang replied flatly. Ouyang Xiaoshe held back his wrath, and asked, "Do I dare ask why?" Yun Yang took a deep breath, and said through gritted teeth, "Dugu Jimo... was my father!" As the words left his lips, the hatred in his heart escalated like a volcanic eruption. He bellowed, "The hatred from murdering one''s father is irreconcilable. Have you ever heard of this saying?" Ouyang Xiaoshe only found it increasingly difficult to breathe, feeling as though he would spout smoke from his throat at any moment. "Then you must be resolute in seeking revenge. Why don''t you get on with it? Why are you still wasting your time with this nonsense?" He wheezed. Yun Yang snorted. "If I really wanted to kill you, would I have allowed you to live till this moment? Hoho, perhaps you haven''t realized how terrible you feel now? Perhaps, you haven''t noticed how your health has deteriorated rapidly with time? In other words, you should be feeling disoriented - your mind must be swimming, and your limbs weak from a lack of energy by now, am I right?" Ouyang Xiaoshe screamed and lurched two steps forward, gasping profusely. His eyes almost tore through their rims. "You poisoned me?" Yun Yang laughed icily. "Poisoned you? Was there a need for me to poison you? Do you not know what venomous fire is? Does it feel good to have your heart injected with that?" Ouyang Xiaoshe clenched his teeth and made a sudden dive towards Yun Yang, both his hands raised high. Two blades glinted in the cold light as they emerged, overlapped against one another, pointing towards Yun Yang. His infamous, ultimate tactic had always been the Blade within Sleeves C unexpected and totally unpredictable. However, the robes he was wearing had been burned off completely by the fire; how could there still be sleeves? Those two blades were already exposed; the intended surprise was nowhere near unexpected. 687 Brutal Torture! Yun Yang did not dodge or flinch in the slightest. With a shout, he raised his saber to hack right at the target''s face. There were no fancy tricks involved C it was a pure, simple strike! Subsequently, with a huge clang ringing in the air, Ouyang Xiaoshe fell and rolled into the blazing waves once more. Ouyang Xiaoshe''s actual cultivation base was far higher than that of Yun Yang; he was already an intermediate of Dao realm. However, after using up most of it, and add the fact that he had been submerged in the blazing heat continuously for six full hours, he was almost at the point of withering. An arrow released at the fullest force would not be able to penetrate its thinnest target when its speed had reached the end point. Now, he faced Yun Yang, who had the help of Emmie and who was complemented by his divine art. Furthermore, Yun Yang had been waiting patiently to strike when his opponent was worn out. The trade-off was enough to question - how could Ouyang Xiaoshe still be a worthy opponent to Yun Yang? Furthermore, Ouyang Xiaoshe was enveloped in no less than hundreds of burnt wounds, and there were shiny blisters covering his entire body; at a glance, he resembled a human-shaped bunch of grapes. The reactive force from two of Yun Yang''s deflections earlier had already ruptured dozens of the blisters on his skin. Pus and fluids squirted out, and his flesh dangled and flapped against his body. The pain was excruciating, penetrating all the way to his bones. He was sent flying again by Yun Yang''s deflection and almost landed on his bottom in the pile of embers again. Shuddering at the thought, his head cleared up and without wasting a moment more, he gathered himself and charged forward once more. He could clearly tell that his previous judgment was severely skewed. He did not know how Supreme Cloud managed to do it - the bizarre phenomena summoned earlier did not seem to have taken up much of his Qi. At the very least, he was never a worthy rival at a full-frontal assault, and his opponent never intended to end his life after sending him flying away again and again. Clearly, he was being toyed with. He had to think of a way to leave this fiery zone, or else, with the continuous attacks by his opponent, he would just be thrown back into the embers again and again. If that was the case, being burnt alive was his only way out of this. In view of this fact, he lashed out like a mad tiger, propelling whatever remaining Qi or vigor left in his body in a frenzied attack, breaking out at full force! Although Ouyang Xiaoshe charged like a mad tiger as he prepared to brawl, Yun Yang could still stop his blows due to his heavily wounded state which had limited his combat abilities, forcing him back to pile of embers again. Unexpectedly, Yun Yang suddenly ceased his defensive measures, and retreated thousands of feet away, getting further and further away from the blaze. Although it was still abnormally hot, the current atmosphere was still bearable C not to the extent of being incinerated to death. Ouyang Xiaoshe, who had consumed the last of his energy, slumped into an exhausted state just as he dashed out from the sea of blazing fire. He thought he had completely understood his opponent''s strategy - to fight it out there and then and to never to let him escape from the inferno. He never expected his opponent to yield. However, just as he lapsed into a state of confusion, he was overwhelmed by a wave of fatigue. The sprint earlier had been sustained by the diminishing basic Qi reserved in his body. The expected powerful block had not been executed, and the breath he held in preparation for it had dissipated without his control. Subsequently, he could not even support himself without stumbling as stars circled above his head - he was dying from exhaustion! "Tired? Do you wish for some water?" Yun Yang called out from the other side. "Y-You''ll... give me water?" Ouyang Xiaoshe could not restrain himself from licking his lips. "Will you be so gracious?" He was already exhausted to the core, but upon hearing ''water'', he instantly felt as if his insides were on fire once again. Yun Yang nodded his head. "I am always gracious. If you want some water, I''ll give you some water!" Before his voice faded away, a loud roar could suddenly be heard. The heaven''s river then appeared amongst the clouds, flowing in reverse, as a pearly, white waterfall stretched from the skies to the ground, its waters pouring downwards in a torrent. Ouyang Xiaoshe was absolutely ecstatic. He opened his mouth as wide as he could almost instinctively, and gulped down the water without a care in the world. At this very moment, he would gladly succumb to it even if the water was poisoned. Yun Yang observed coldly from the corner, allowing Ouyang Xiaoshe to drink to his heart''s content. The latter''s severely blistered face broke into a smile. "Supreme Cloud, you are a true gentleman... Just for this water, I, Ouyang Xiaoshe, shall be indebted to you, even though we are mortal enemies." Yun Yang wore a very malicious smile as replied. "Indebted? There is no need for that. Furthermore, I am no gentleman... I only hope that you''ll be able to accept my kind intentions!" Ouyang Xiaoshe was speechless. He instantly felt that something was not right, yet, he could not pinpoint what exactly was wrong. Ouyang Xiaoshe truly needed that nourishment of water in his present state. His body was rid of tenseness after gulping down a torrent of water, and he even managed to replenish some of his Qi. His condition now was so much better than before! The sense of wellbeing was immediately followed by a feeling of discomfort. He was still trying to get his head around Yun Yang''s sudden benevolence by giving him nourishment in the midst of torture, and even time to recuperate. This was too gracious, too merciful, given their irreconcilable resentful states. However, as the odd feeling escalated within his body, Ouyang Xiaoshe suddenly felt that something was very, very wrong. Initially, it began as a slight itch which was growing increasingly intense and persistent slowly, bit by bit. It gradually escalated to unbearable levels... An itch C an utterly, unbearable itch. The feeling was beyond words! "Supreme Cloud!" Ouyang Xiaoshe let out a tortured howl. "You are despicable!" When Yun Yang lifted his head, his smile was filled with malice. "With this honorable excellency before me who used the Immortal''s Odium on a decades-long friend, who would dare call me despicable?" Ouyang Xiaoshe let out wave after wave of blood-curdling shrieks C his screams no longer sounded human. Judging by his own nature, the situation should not have been so unbearable. After all, his cultivation base was not only profound, his physical body had also been hardened by countless hardships and training. Even if it was not completely indestructible, it should have been somewhat tough and unshakable. In a normal situation, the medication which Yun Yang used on him would literally have no effect and could have been nullified with minimal effort. However, his current predicament was far from any normal situation. Not only was his body covered with blisters, but his skin was also in tatters and his flesh a bloody mess - it was unusually tender and sensitive. His internal wounds were filled with fluid and pus - when drenched with water contaminated with itching medication, the culminated effect would surely be a hundred times worse! Furthermore, he had consumed a whole belly''s worth of it. At that precise moment, the discomfort that came from inside out was so unbearably itchy, it seemed to have stemmed from within his bones. "Supreme Cloud! Supreme Cloud!" Ouyang Xiaoshe howled. "You''re vicious! You''re despicable!" He opened up his hands. He was itching unbearably, yet he did not dare to soothe it by scratching, for his whole body was covered with blisters. With the slightest scratch, at least ten or more would rupture; he would feel even worse when the pus oozed out of them. Yet, he could not hold on any longer without scratching. It was like having a hundred claws scrabble at his heart all at once; he had actually experienced it personally today. This unspeakable, insufferable feeling made Ouyang Xiaoshe genuinely understand what it meant to be better off dead! Flashes and glints of saber light danced erratically as he weaved drunkenly towards Yun Yang''s direction. The muscles upon his face were contorted, and his eyes were filled with a manic gaze. His gestures indicated that he did not intend to fight for survival C it was plain suicide! Clang! Clang Yun Yang delivered ten or more blows onto Ouyang Xiaoshe''s blade consecutively; each blow was filled with such immense, vigorous force that it caused the latter to shake and stumble, retreating further with each step. The continuous blows and the corresponding impact had caused the blisters on his skin to rip open C fluid and pus oozed out of them and spurted in all directions. Within a dozen strikes, Ouyang Xiaoshe had been battered into an inhuman state; the blisters all over his body had almost completely ruptured. That sort of itch was even more unbearable! "Argh!" Finally, Ouyang Xiaoshe could not endure any longer. He flung away the two sabers that had already become jagged saws in his hands and started scratching his body uncontrollably. 688 Why Have You Wronged Me? With the lightest of scratches, a large piece of flesh detached itself from his body and fell to the ground. At present, his physical body was not just weak, it could only be described as horribly frail! Ouyang Xiaoshe shrieked and clawed at himself desperately. His entire skin and flesh had been clawed away, yet, he only felt the itch instead of the pain, as if it was the only thing he could feel at that moment. Unable to endure it any longer, he dashed outwards a few feet frantically and rolled himself against the ground, rubbing his skin against the rough surface. The places he came into contact with were left with bloodstains mixed with gory pieces of flesh. He screamed, moaned and cursed, rolling on the ground hysterically. "Give me a quick relief!" "Relieve me of this misery!" Ouyang Xiaoshe screamed and begged in desperation. Stomp! Yun Yang placed his foot against Ouyang Xiaoshe''s neck, making him face upwards as his cold eyes gaze coldly into Ouyang Xiaoshe''s disoriented ones. "Answer a few of my questions, and I shall consider granting you a salve," Yun Yang demanded icily. Ouyang Xiaoshe could no longer hear his words clearly. The only thing he felt was the unbearable itch. Now that his neck was being stepped on, locking him in place, his whole being still struggled and writhed desperately. The condition of Ouyang Xiaoshe''s body was horrendously pitiful. There was no longer any flesh covering his abdomen, and his intestines had already spilled out of his body in tangled ropes. Yet, he still convulsed and twitched spasmodically. In a normal situation, even an ace practitioner would not be too far off from his expiry date in a similar condition - he would have been long dead, far beyond any attempts of resurrection. However, this normal situation did not apply to Yun Yang... As Yun Yang lifted his arm, a whiff of cool energy mixed with the air of vitality enveloped Ouyang Xiaoshe''s body. With a shudder, Ouyang Xiaoshe realized in surprise that the itch had completely disappeared, his consciousness returning as he grew more clear-headed. He tried his best to refocus his vision and noticed a fog-like presence hovering before him. It gradually took the shape of a human as two icy glares shot out of the eyes, completely void of emotions as they fixated upon his face. "Supreme Cloud..." Ouyang Xiaoshe mumbled. "Grant me a quick relief. I might have hurt your father, but... we have been brothers for the past seventy years after all... though I might have crossed him... this torture, and my life as a form of payback - these should suffice, right?" His eyes were glazed with a lost, perplexed look as if he had seen something, and suddenly screamed. "Dugu! Brother, I''m sorry! I''m truly sorry..." Yun Yang''s heart twitched with a violent jerk as he delivered another wave of cool energy. He forced out the words through clenched teeth. "You''re right. You and Old Dugu were brothers C that was why when he went to the Empire of Ziyou, he never attempted to look for anyone else but you! He placed his trust in you, and treated you like a true brother C but you sent him to straight to hell!" Ouyang Xiaoshe gradually grew more lucid by the second, yet he was overwhelmed by a boundless, earth-shattering pain that came after the unbearable itch had ceased. He stayed gasping for a while, and finally, let out a forlorn laugh. "Yes, I am despicable! I deserve whatever consequences that would befall on me C please, kill me! I shall travel to the underworld to deliver my apologies personally to him, and make my amends." "Apologize? Make amends? What do you think is the reason I spared your sorry life up until this moment? It''s only to ask you a question, on behalf of Old Dugu." Yun Yang responded frostily. He looked into Ouyang Xiaoshe''s eyes deeply, and said word by word, "Why have you wronged me?" "We were brothers-in-arms for so many years C why have you wronged me?" "Old Dugu never had the chance to ask you this personally, and it was his greatest regret even till the end. Perhaps he''s still puzzled until now. Hence, I shall ask you on his behalf." Yun Yang stared straight at Ouyang Xiaoshe with a cold, electrifying gaze. "Ouyang Xiaoshe, tell me C why?" Ouyang Xiaoshe had a distant expression as he stared into the night sky with a seemingly unfocused gaze. After a good while, he coughed out a bitter laugh, and tears accompanied his humorless laughter as they streamed down his face. He remained lying on the ground in that manner. For half a beat, he did not utter a single word, and he let out a long sigh all by himself. "That year we set out to make a living for ourselves in the martial world. We were not friends nor allies at first. Our reputations were similar and we both have double surnames; even our first names are close to each other. As such, we were a constant topic of discussion by the nosy people of the martial world. One was named Xiaoshe (Desolation) and the other Jimo (Loneliness). It''s truly depressing Eventually, some people associated us together, surely bringing one up when another was mentioned. However, we did not even know each other back then. Perhaps, at most, we only knew of each other''s existence, but that was all" "Back then... it was I who tried every possible way to search for him. We exchanged skills and realized that our skill level was almost the same, so it wasn''t like we were disgraced by each other. From that time onwards, we became friends instead and took quite a liking towards each other as we bonded. In the end, the rumors that had been going on in the martial world became true." "He was older than me by three years... I respectfully addressed him as an elder brother..." "After that, we both joined forces and carried out many tasks together... making many enemies in the process. Upon returning from one last assignment, we discovered an ill fate had plagued our households C our entire family had been butchered without a single life spared..." Ouyang Xiaoshe let out a sigh. "Naturally, both of us were fueled with immense hatred and wrath. We tried every way to find our foes and used every possible method to eradicate all of them... However, after fulfilling our vengeance, I only mulled in silence, and Dugu Jimo grew even more disheartened..." "One day, he left without saying goodbye... There was no indication at all on where he might have gone. With this sudden departure of his, we did not see each other for a whole thirty-seven years." "Until the year before the last, he made an appearance in Zilong City out of the blue and found me. He told me, ''Help me seek my revenge!''" When Ouyang Xiaoshe reached this point, Yun Yang only felt a violent quiver as a sore ache crept into his heart. "At that moment, I asked him, what was wrong? He told me, my son C he has been wronged by someone. I laughed and told him, no worries, your son is my son C I will help you without a doubt!" Ouyang Xiaoshe continued. "After that, he started to make his move in the Empire of Ziyou, while I, the tyrant of the turf, gave him the cover and protection he needed. With the power from our joint forces C who in the whole of Ziyou Was able to fight us? We slaughtered whoever we wished to kill; even the dignitaries and sovereign of the empire could not defend themselves against our joint forces. Those so-called masters of Tenth Perfection could not even last a technique or two of ours." "Dugu would always ask me out for a drink after every time we completed a kill; and without fail, he would pour eight goblets of wine onto the ground, and say, ''Sons, your father has avenged your death''" Upon hearing this, Yun Yang felt a pinch on his nose. His tears were on the brink of seeping out from his eyes. "I remembered that time, I teased him by asking, ''Where did you get so many sons from?'' He replied, ''All of them are my sons! All of them are good children C good children who were unfortunately wronged by bad men''" "Until later, it was after yet another round of killing and he had too much to drink that day. He held my hand and told me that something extremely important had slipped his mind. So, I asked; what was it that you have forgotten? He replied, he had a treasure map which he had forgotten to leave for his youngest son..." Yun Yang seemed to have forgotten the situation at hand as his mouth hung wide open, taking in huge breaths, and exhaling equally deep ones. ''Old Dugu - my dear father! You...'' 689 The Blade That Severs The Worldly Realm "Hence, I asked, ''What sort of treasure map would make you react in such a manner? We had already transcended into the ranks of the most distinguished presences of the world! What sort of treasure is worth such a yearning C Old Dugu, after all these years, you have certainly changed, perhaps far too much!" "I still remember how my words were full of disdain, but it was only reciprocated by a surreptitious glance from him. He laughed abruptly, and said, ''What would you know? If gods truly existed in this world, my youngest son would definitely be one! His accomplishments in this world are second to none! In no time, he shall be unrivaled - he shall rule above everything beneath the skies!" "After that, he said, if I were to pass him my treasure map, and if he were to find that place, he would truly become a god! At that moment, my heart experienced the slightest of quivers. I then asked, ''Could it be... the treasure map of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss - the treasure map to his legacy?'' He laughed, but spoke no more, and slept for the rest of the night." "He slept, but I stayed awake for the whole of that night, thinking to myself, ''A map that Dugu Jimo would place such importance on C what sort of map would that be?'' However, my real motivation was that I too possessed a treasure map!" "If Old Dugu really had a map like this, my chances of finding the treasure would increase vastly after combining the two parts of the map C could this be an opportunity bestowed by the heavens? For the next ten days, I was caught in a dilemma - whether to make my move or not. On one hand, he was my brother for ten long years... yet on the other, it was the absolute temptation of becoming unrivaled in the world C the lust of embarking on the path to become a god." "The day had finally arrived. I was still caught in the same dilemma a day before, but Dugu had suddenly decided that the targets in the Ziyou Empire had almost been completely wiped out. After eliminating the Ziyou infantry and marshals the next day, which was the last and final strike, he wanted to seek his revenge elsewhere in a different nation. I said that I''d go with him, and I could offer some help; however, he refused." "He rejected my offer in such a direct manner. For a moment, I thought, subconsciously, that he might have begun to be wary of me since I had made attempts in the past to gather news about these treasure maps Perhaps after parting ways this time, I might just lose my greatest opportunity with the treasure map, or never come in contact with my old friend again - hence I decided to see this through until the end. On the second evening, just as he was heading out to make another kill, I dosed him with a pinch of Immortal''s Odium" "He never suspected, or rather, he never suspected me. After the meal, he bid his goodbyes as usual and went on his way, alone. That was the only time I was alone, without his company" "Then, there was that event that happened during that assassination... that treasure map had been taken away from him right at the moment of his capture. It was only the shortest encounter, but at that moment, he never uttered a single word; he only gave me a very frank, sincere look, his gaze boring into me in a forthright manner" Ouyang Xiaoshe let out a sudden sob. "H-he just stared right at me... without disbelief, without shock, not a hint of doubt and completely void of any emotions... he wasn''t even angry. He only stared straight at me, not even putting up a fight when he was taken away C he only stared fixated in the direction I left towards..." Yun Yang felt his own heart twitch in a violent manner, his whole body suddenly quivering. "... I took the treasure map back just as I had wished and spent days cooped up in the room which we have lived in together for a while, not knowing what I was doing, nor what I was thinking. There was absolutely no joy from the success of obtaining the item of my deepest desires... and I was hit with a sudden realization. Until the very end, he had never, ever suspected me, but I" Ouyang Xiaoshe suddenly let out a loud howl. "Brother! Dugu! I''ve let you down! I''m sorry! I''m truly sorry!" He howled, tears gushing out in torrents as he sobbed in silence. "Due to my obsession for a map... I-I wronged my one and only brother..." Ouyang Xiaoshe let out a hysterical laugh. "Did you know, Supreme Cloud? Until this day, even when I have been tortured to the brink of being better off dead, I did not despise you... I truly had no hatred for you... for I am a disloyal scum who betrayed his own brother..." He gazed into the void fixedly for a good while before letting out a sudden chortle. With a slight tremor of his hand, everything fell out from the Spatium Ring he wore upon his finger. He retrieved a parcel among the fallen things, and lo and behold - the items within were two dilapidated-looking pelts. "These are the only two treasure maps that I own. The triangular-shaped one is mine; the one that resembles an oblong was Dugu''s. For you C all of them are yours now!" Ouyang Xiaoshe laughed hysterically. "Let''s just take this as a form of repayment to his son, shall we?" Yun Yang glanced at the two treasure maps before him. His eyes were remained cold and emotionless - he seemed to have no intention to pick them up. The lucidity within Ouyang Xiaoshe''s gaze had started to dissipate. He panted heavily and inhaled equally laborious breaths. In an instant, he bellowed, hysterically. "Supreme Cloud! Take out your blade!" Yun Yang turned to look at him. Ouyang Xiaoshe shrieked in a frenzied manner. "T-Take out your bladeC take out your bladeC Take out your blade!" Yun Yang clenched his teeth and took a deep, long breath. With a twist of his wrist, the Divine Edge materialized within his grasp, reflecting glints of cold light. "If you so insist, I shall fulfill your wish!" He muttered under his breath. Ouyang Xiaoshe roared facing the sky. "Dugu, are you watching this? Your son is avenging you! Hahaha" In a flurry of manic laughter, he mustered up his remaining energy and inclined his body sharply to the side, forcing his neck impetuously against the sharp edge of the blade. With a soft puff, a shrunken brain shot across the skies. The laughter echoed in the air, filled with the taste of an ultimate release. The decapitated body of Ouyang Xiaoshe dropped to the ground with a soft thud. "Hhhh--" Yun Yang let out a long breath of air. "Father, I''ve finally answered the question on your behalf, but I cannot tell if you are satisfied with this outcome. No matter what, Ouyang Xiaoshe is on his way down to wherever you are. If you''re not contented, you can settle your scores with him personally." He mumbled softly. "I did not scare him out of his mind, nor did I consign him to eternal damnation, for I have kept the sanity within his soul to search for you I don''t know for sure if you can see this, or hear this - but I have always felt that you two had the opportunity to meet again, granting you this chance... this regret instead. From how I see it, he had already paid dearly for whatever wrongdoings he incurred in his own way. Whatever that remains shall be a score to settle among yourselves C I shall not interfere further!" Yun Yang mumbled, "Father, looking at the way I handled this situation C are you... satisfied?" He closed his eyes, and they remained shut for a long time. Two drops of tears gradually seeped out of them. Yun Yang could almost make out Old Dugu''s silhouette gradually emerging from the mist of ethereal illusions. He was wearing the familiar, kindly expression just like in the past, nodding his head as he smiled gently. It was as if he was saying, "... Child, I am contented with whatever you do..." Yun Yang''s mouth hung open as he exhaled a deep breath. Unable to control himself, his palpating heart was the only thing he felt at the moment. "The blade severs the worldly realm." Yun Yang took a long, deep breath. "Father, in truth, I wanted to keep him alive - I did not want to kill him just like that. His connection to this worldly realm was not the only thing severed with this strike" 690 There Is No Need To Secure It Any Longer After a long, long time, Yun Yang finally pocketed the items left behind by Ouyang Xiaoshe C yet, the two treasure maps were not placed together. He picked up the one owned by Old Dugu and took a rapacious sniff. "Father, don''t you worry C have I not recovered that which belonged to us?" He said softly. He did not mull about it any further. With a loud scream, he struck a hole in the ground with a slam of his palm and buried the corpse of Ouyang Xiaoshe deep within it. After that, with a sway of both his arms, the horizons were covered with dark clouds which grew thicker by the second. With a sudden clap of thunder, a huge, torrential rain started pouring down. The dense droplets cascaded onto the burnt, reddened earth... The heavy rain drizzled continuously. The weather was still extremely cold C it was neither likely for such huge rain to occur, nor should it have been accentuated with lightning and thunder. However, under Yun Yang''s control, the rain still continued to pour. "I burned and destroyed all of these; I have to restore some of it, one way or another..." The torrent of rain poured and poured, largely restoring the potential of life to this barren piece of land... In the meantime, Yun Yang''s silhouette had already vanished in the midst of the drizzle. ... Both the sun and rain contributed to a contrasting, extraordinary sight as they appeared side by side, sharing the same skies upon the horizon. A torrent of rain occupied one side of it, while the other half was painted with the colors of daybreak C there was not a cloud to be seen for a million miles. A dense mass of purple clouds crept up the edges of the skies in a promising manner. With a glance, the rising sun was on the brink of emerging from the ground, appearing once more in the human realm. Yun Yang was garbed in his signature purple robes as he slowly sauntered down the streets of Tiantang City. He was like a god that had descended into the human realm, enshrouded by the gushing, auspicious aura of the East, his expression one of peace and solemness. Yun Yang''s movements seemed sluggish, but he was actually rather fast. He quietly entered a pawnshop located on the main street in the center of the city. In the pawnshop, Shui Wuyin C seemingly the shopkeeper of the place C lifted his head and exchanged glances with Yun Yang briefly before lowering his head. He did not attempt to initiate conversation as a form of acknowledgment - two of his employees rushed out attentively to welcome Yun Yang instead. "Do you have any unclaimable items of value which have exceeded their pawn limits? Bring them out C the price will not be a problem," said Yun Yang, with both his arms crossed behind his back. "Valuable items which have long passed their redeemable period? Such things shall only come by through serendipitous encounters - they cannot be sought out so blatantly!" Shui Wuyin lifted his head. "We have none in stock currently. Since it''s the good stuff we''re talking about, they will not fall into an unclaimed state so easily. However, if this young master insists, we can secure them for you if there is any in the future." Yun Yang snorted. "Secure? Whatever for? Serendipitous encounters? Cannot be sought? This young master has nothing but money. Do you think that I can''t afford the good stuff? Items that have never before surfaced in this world? His tone of voice was shrouded with annoyance as he turned around to leave, clearly displeased. Shui Wuyin waited a moment before standing up. "Look after the storefront. I''m going back to sleep for a bit C I''m tired." Entering a private corner, Shui Wuyin gave out a command. "Orders from the higher-ups C there is no need to secure it any longer! ... The assassins in the eastern vicinity of the city had almost reached the end of the road. From the very start, there had been billions of notorious martial world assassins, yet now, barely seven thousand people had survived. The casualties had taken up seventy to eighty percent of their original numbers. Although the so-called Assassins'' League was still not considered to have disappeared completely into thin air, they have already ceased to exist except in name, which still instilled fear and anxiety amongst the masses. On the contrary, the good martial men who were besieged outside still surrounded the structure, making it totally impenetrable, surrounding it and holding it up like a sturdy pair of iron walls. Their eyes, however, sparkled with excitement, as their hearts mused and contemplated. Now that the situation remained clear and smooth, victory seemed to be a course set for us. In this fight, however, will I be able to reap the rewards of it? This was a very practical question to ask! Those with brains that enjoyed a faster processing speed had already started to rally amongst themselves. Cliques were created and alliances were being formed. In the meantime, at the core location of the city''s east-central region, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan, who were the top leaders of the two great assassin organizations, gathered thirty of the strongest individuals within the Assassins'' League. These were also the ones who possessed the highest of cultivation bases. "How is the situation?" "Almost there." Their gazes fell upon each other momentarily, noticing how their eyes reflected a similar gleam of cold light. It was almost time! As long as the right opportunity arose, the two of them would charge outwards at the first moment alongside the combined forces of between three to forty people. Surely, they should be able to leave a bloody trail from this C perhaps there was not even a need to spend too much effort on it. Throughout this entire stalemate, did Hen Bieli and Hongzhan really decide not to flee? No, most of them did not wish to leave! Even the likes of Ouyang Xiaoshe and many other martial world practitioners could come up with such a trick Cwas it really possible that the two most formidable assassins in the world could not conjure this thought? If it was up to them both, they would have fled earlier C even Yun Yang would have found it hard to completely defend himself against that! Fortunately, either Hen Bieli nor Hongzhan were ordinary characters C they were, at the very least, highly ambitious, ruthless individuals. Ever since the dragonhide treasure map had fallen into their hands, leaving it exposed, they had already started making arrangements, exploiting Yun Yang''s scheme by laying out their own within his! Without a doubt, the Assassins'' League''s prior agreement was an impediment to them, yet it was not completely without room to wiggle. The arrangements they had conspired required slaughter - much, much more of it. In the midst of this bloodbath, the highly-desired turning point would appear C a moment they thoroughly yearned! The two sides of the battle were encountering casualties. The martial world practitioners'' forces were losing men, exerting their resources; Hong Zhan and Hen Bieli were also quickly depleting their assets, encountering many fatalities, rapidly decreasing the numbers of their very own assassins. The million men from the assassins'' forces were dubbed the most notorious in the world, yet there were not many true experts within; furthermore, they were caught in a situation that kept them here - their interests did not truly align with the two. While what Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan needed C or perhaps the simple goal behind this part of the scheme - was to eradicate all these men, or slowly convince them. Only by achieving this goal could they finally attain the cream of the crop that they truly desired - a group of elites that were even more fearsome than the ordinary members of the two greatest assassin organizations combined. This battle of the century was still ongoing until this very moment. To the Assassins'' League, it was truly a way to retain the best of the best by process of elimination Those with a lower cultivation base were long dead. Those with bad fortunes were also long dead. Hence, those who managed to survive until the end were not only bestowed with an incredibly high-leveled cultivation base - they were also blessed with uncannily excellent luck! In the martial world, the word ''luck'' was quite important C at most times, it was even more crucial than having a high-level cultivation base! Have you not witnessed how some people always had the most miraculous, serendipitous fates? They could instantly transform unfortunate circumstances into a blessing. Some men may be bestowed with the high-leveled cultivation bases, yet, they were still murdered the instant they showed themselves! There was no need to say that this was all dictated by luck - there was no other reason that could be believable enough to hold against this! Since the beginning of time, only those with such luck would prevail and reach the peaks of success. Did you not witness how Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou, or even the two assassin leaders resembled the likes of men with said luck? The ones blessed with good luck had always managed to go further and steadier than those who had stronger abilities. So what if you were blessed with the best aptitude in the world? It only takes one appearance in the martial world to get you murdered C no matter how good your aptitude is, it would still be a waste! Especially since Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan had planned to attain the treasure for themselves and achieve such a big goal, they really needed such individuals, blessed with excellent luck C it did not matter if your luck was bad, but if we work together, it would not be very nice to drag me down along with you... This continuous, long-standing battle had truly beat these top assassins into shape for the second time around, grinding and compressing them into a compact piece of steel. The highly-anticipated moment mentioned by Hen Bieli was a plan to wait until the surrounding assassins were completely annihilated before their own men could breakout from the enclosures as they wished. First and foremost, men had small goals C they could flee easily. Secondly, since the day we took our god-willed pledge, we had worked ourselves to our limits. We fought on continuously, we stayed and stood our ground until this moment, never escaping to anywhere else - when did we ever had an ounce of defiance? However, in this situation, everyone else had limited strength left in them. You died because of your bad luck, and we were the only ones who survived - how should we go about it then? Of course, we would fight for our survival by continuing our onslaught from one place to another was this not reasonable? "If one continues to dig amongst the sand, he shall find gold eventually." Hen Bieli was extremely gleeful C he was very contented with his own predictions. Seven thousand or more men remained at present. In the span of two days, these seven thousand men might just be reduced to approximately three thousandC or even two thousand. When the time came, they shall initiate another attempt at breaking out. Disregarding the small group they were in, the rest of the manpower was basically gone. With that, instinctively, they banded together and left abruptly. The two assassin leaders meticulously calculated and planned their moves - this scheme within a scheme of theirs was delicately detailed. However... the worldly affairs will never go as one''s wishes. The sky had just begun to brighten. The rising sun had just emerged from the horizon, as fragments of morning light began to color the land. Suddenly, there was a loud, abrupt bang that came from outside. It was followed by countless shouts and screams, rising and falling one after another incessantly. "The time for our all-out attack is here! Those assassins no longer have much energy left in them C so charge, everybody!" "Charge!" "I''m going in first! The dragonhide treasure map is mine!" "With what do you deserve to enter first? I shall enter FIRST!" With another loud bang, a few men had already charged forward directly from the east. They shoved their way forward, bulldozing through whatever structure impeded their path. Whatever that hindered their line of vision was flattened completely... Faced with the abrupt and impending unexpectedness, the assassins stood up in a flurry of terror, each with disbelief etched across their faces. At this moment, this clearly undue moment looking at the stance taken for the past few days, a buffer in movements in half a month''s time would be deemed a common sight - so why should an all-out attack be launched at this time? Are you all no longer fearful? What made you think that you can wipe us out in one attack? As one side made their move, the other side retaliated in defiance instinctively. Upon hearing a battle cry to charge, many men lunged forward instantly without a moment of hesitation, followed by many more who did the same in a mindless, muddleheaded manner. Conforming to the majority view - following the herd blindly - had always been a trait of men. No wonder it was not met with any objections! Then... as the sounds of slaughter grew increasingly intense by the moment, the more experienced and knowledgeable men of the cohort could no longer resist themselves but to charge in and participate in the battalion. By the time the men with uncannily high cultivation bases and an extra sense of patience charged into the scene, the situation had already reached uncontrollable levels C it had reached the point of no return. A flurry of rowdiness came from all directions as countless men surged inwards. There was no other way besides charging in at full force. If I don''t enter, then how should the treasure map be obtained? Under the influence of this similar thought, the whole region in the east of the city began to descend into an earth-shattering, murderous atmosphere. The other three regions of Tiantang City were drenched in the sunlight. Only the East City region was plagued with smoke and dust, to the point where everything was totally illegible. This final battle that determines all, under the direction of some intentioned individuals, had thus commenced ahead of time! ... On one side, it was a battle in full swing; yet only a sea of calm and peacefulness was found on the other. In a tavern located at the edge of the eastern city, The Ten Kings from the Concourse of the Underworld were presently gathered together. They each had a cup of tea before them, nothing else more, looking incredibly bored. Preceded by a flash of silhouettes, Yun Xiaoyao, Fan Mofei and the rest entered with large strides. 691 The Final Momen The Ten Kings of the Underworld seemed to be waiting for something As Yun Xiaoyao entered, they came to attention, full of anticipation. Yun Xiaoyao did not make an attempt at long-winded pleasantries. He got straight to the point instantly instead. "There is something that I still do not understand. To those present - do help me clear up my confusion." The Ten Kings of the Underworld exchanged knowing looks. "Do speak, sire." "The thing that I can never seem to wrap my head around is" Yun Xiaoyao began. "All of you great kings present here are also members of the martial world, or even prominent, top assassins - is it possible that you have no interest at all in this dragonhide treasure map, that was said to encompass the greatest secret in the galaxy? Somehow or other, you all seem very calm about this. It even seems like you don''t plan to intervene." First Court King Qing gave a bitter laugh, and said, "How can we not be interested? To put it in another way, we deeply desire it, but our physical being denies our will - that''s all there is to it." "What do you mean?" Yun Xiaoyao exclaimed. "Even if the treasure map was in our hands, we cannot use it." King Chujiang sighed with a rueful smile set upon his face. "Perhaps it is not known to King Yun - the source of the energy we practice is not mystical Qi. However beguiling and mysterious the legacy of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss, it is still a useless item to me. Even if I possess it, I cannot use it!" Third Court Emperor Song gazed at Yun Xiaoyao with a slight smile. "Not mystical Qi? How can this be possible?" Yun Xiaoyao was stunned for a moment. This bit of information was still new to him. Practitioners from the whole of Tianxuan were fueled by mystical Qi - was it even possible that there was another source for practice? "Yin energy is what you practiced with. The way it is wielded is clearly different from the masses, and it determined your path of cultivation, fated to be completely distinct from ordinary practitioners." Yun Yang walked in from outside, smiling as he explained. "Young Master Yun possesses a sharp eye - we are highly impressed." The Ten Kings of the Underworld laughed simultaneously. They would have taken the initiative to explain about this point, even if Yun Xiaoyao had not inquired about it. The situation had already arrived at the most crucial, final moment. As they observed from the sidelines, the two dragonhide treasure maps in Hen Bieli''s possession would most likely return to its original owner, and find its way back here. If no proper explanation was given at this moment, some misunderstanding might inevitably arise. Then, this would amount to an unhappy outcome. Therefore, every king in the Concourse of the Underworld simply rode on this topic of conversation to explain himself, completely eliminating every point of doubt that could potentially arise. They had been waiting. They had been waiting for this opportunity all along. The opportunity to explain. "The fighting has already started on that side. The opportunity to completely resolve this issue has arrived." Yun Yang gave a slight smile. His words, however, were naturally uttered with a chilling undertone. "Young Master Yun, will this issue finally be settled?" First Court King Qinguang asked. Yun Yang smiled. "The subject matter this time around has already been achieved, so it will not bring us any more good to drag or delay the remaining arrangements. After everything is done, I would like to present a gift for all of you." King Chujiang laughed heartily. "Have a pleasant experience working together, everybody! You are too humble, young master. It embarrasses us to accept your gift, but it would be disrespectful not to." "There is no need to feel embarrassed for accepting this gift, for we cannot even use it. Instead of wasting it completely, why don''t you use it to advance yourselves even further - there is no harm in accepting it," said Yun Yang with a smile. With that, the ten kings of the Underworld all had a gleam of interest in their eyes. Something that they can''t put to use, but we can what kind of gift is that? Compared to the dragonhide treasure map which we cannot wield, but they can then this gift Could it be Yin energy? When that thought came to mind, all ten kings had expressions of joyful glee etched on to their faces, itching to get on with it. Yun Xiaoyao furrowed his brows. "Yun Yang, do we really have to do this?" he asked in a worried tone. "The outcome of this issue is already set in stone - we have to do this," replied Yun Yang. Yun Xiaoyao sighed. "This...is rather..." "Rather what? This is the proper way to get something done once and for all," replied Yun Yang. Yun Xiaoyao let out another sigh. Yun Yang said, "Your reluctance is genuinely unimportant. It doesn''t matter. Even my opinion doesn''t matter, as long as Yutang can bear this weight." Yun Xiaoyao smiled bitterly and let out a long sigh, speaking no further. "Perhaps we will discuss this again in the afternoon." Yun Yang gazed at the East City which was brimming with billows of smoke and squinted his eyes. "Now, however our men can already be pulled out." His words were spoken gently. The violent battle at the East City was still ongoing. The exchange of swords grew even more intense, and the battle transcended into even more brazen levels. The atmosphere of the battle this time around was even more horrifying than before as the stench of blood permeated the air and breached the very horizon. The forces of the Assassins'' League clearly understood that the battle had reached the final stages. Whether or not they could survive all depended on whoever that would stake the final claim on the outcome of today''s battle! Confident that victory was within their grasp, the good men of the martial world still did not slack at all, for they knew that this moment was the most crucial moment. Whether or not they could seize the treasure map, or be bestowed with part of the profit - today would determine the outcome! Should they miss this day, the opportunity would fade away into uncertainty, never to resurface again. If the assassins managed to escape successfully, not only would it be an arduous task to hunt them down in this vast world, the life and safety of the pursuer''s own would certainly be at stake! Who were all these besieged men? Every one of them was a notorious assassin of the world! Merely speaking about their means of assassination, it was clear that it was not something one man could handle. There was no need to even consider how it was totally possible for these men to lay their hands on the treasure and inherit the teachings from the legacy of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss. How can they not seek vengeance for the today''s events! The thirst for revenge amongst these men was extremely immense. Should the chance today be forgone, perhaps one would live the rest of their lives in fear and restlessness - even one''s descendants would be constantly plagued by impending danger at any moment! Hence, no matter the circumstances, these gang of assassins had to be annihilated now, once and for all, in order to prevent trouble which might potentially arise in the future. Both forces exhibited a fearless, unfaltering resolve, undaunted by the perils that lay ahead. A few thousand men were retreating silently, so quiet to the extent where not even a single person noticed that amongst the forces of the martial artists there were people fleeing from the combat troops. A little while after that, these men who disengaged themselves from the battle - those who fled from the sight of the battle forces, and especially after finding something to hide behind - would vanish with a turn of their bodies. It was as though they had never participated in this battle of the century at all. It was probably because the battle was too intense, too dismal. Nobody knew who these men were from the beginning until the end. Although some men had disengaged themselves from the fighting, the battle carried on, and the slaughter continued. A great, muddled battle with millions of men - was it really possible that not a single person noticed how we lacked a little in numbers? At this moment, everybody had been thrust into a state of total frenzy from the massacre, their gaze only reflected the manic urge to slaughter! When they charged inside during the beginning, most men were thinking of the dragonhide treasure maps, or how could they escape if they managed to seize them. At this moment, however, there was only the simplest thought, which was to kill, regardless of life or death. The number of assassins was reduced drastically. Although Hen Bieli and the rest might have already devised a strategy, it was tough to execute, as they were restricted by the pledge taken by the Assassins'' Association that very day. They could not simply just pull themselves out of the battle right at this moment and abandon the other assassins whom they had shared an oath with. What they could only do was to preserve their strength and duke it out on the battlefield. That was all - there was nothing further they could do. However, if they could persevere until the moment of the Assassins'' League''s total annihilation, the plan they had devised earlier could be executed as scheduled! Therefore, although the circumstances before them did not align with their expectations, it was still not too terrible a situation - one that should not be too hard to handle! However, the unforeseen event that came next created more ripples that marred the battle''s progress, instantly transforming the situation into one more unimaginable than anyone could think of! 692 The Assassins’ Breakout! A series of rumbles rang across the battlefield unceasingly as the murderous auras between the high-level practitioners clashed full-force, with no one being exempted. Suddenly, a loud crash erupted out of nowhere. There was a possibility that the excessive pressure and repercussions of the ongoing onslaught were too much for the ground to bear, for, without warning, the ground split open, resulting in a dark, bottomless crack which spanned a few feet wide and a hundred feet long. The sudden appearance of this large crack seemed too close for comfort, happening in a totally unexpected manner. The gaping hole caused the people who were in its vicinity to suddenly feel like they were stepping on nothing but air as they fell. Many were pushed and squashed by others as they staggered; in a flurry of confusing commotion, they plummeted like a bunch of dumplings thrown into a pot. At the very next moment, however, not a single person from both sides attempted to lend a hand. Instead they revealed their numerous concealed weapons such as hidden arrows and darts. Although the results of the battle were pretty clear and the martial forces clearly had the odds in their favor, vanquishing one''s opponent at the earliest time possible will always be the number one policy in combat. Everybody participated in this despicable act, delivering deadly blows to the fallen ones before them for good measure, despite the fact that there were men of their own - if not the enemy - among the fallen. There was even a so-called saying that encouraged the murder of the masses than to allow a single escape - as long as you are not the one that was caught in the act, why should you worry about the life and death of others? Strictly speaking, there was an indefinite possibility that one''s own comrade might turn out to be a foe of the future C one less man was never a loss! This crack was the catalyst that worsened the situation even further. The beast in the man and his darkest sides were entirely unleashed at this very moment. With that, countless wails and curses could be heard from the distant end below. However, they lasted only for a short while before the scene turned completely silent. After all, countless men had joined in the efforts of exchanging blows C how would there be any who were lucky enough to survive this? In a battle like this, the life of a man truly seemed unusually small C worthless and insignificant. The next unforeseeable event came right after that, almost immediately. A beam from a sword flashed in the surrounding enclosure suddenly as it swirled and propelled itself into the skies like a dragon twirling manically within the clouds. Followed by a sudden rumble, the beam transformed into a dazzling, colorful light-dragon a few feet thick. It turned and twisted, diving mercilessly from the skies at full speed. There was no clear difference between comrade or foe wherever it passed. Blood and flesh splattered all the same - everything before one''s eyes was painted red. It attacked in an undiscriminating manner! Within the crowd, someone roared in fury, "Wang Jianfei, you''re insane!" The platen-like beam had no intention of stopping. It whizzed through the throng of people in a manic dash, slaughtering at least a hundred men, killing whoever it grazed. The dazzling, lustrous beam accumulated the aura from slaughtering those hundred men in one consecutive blow, filling its reserves to the absolute maximum. This culminated in a loud bang as it plunged into the assassins'' forces with a powerful crash. "Hand over the treasure map!" A sudden, loud boom came from the boundless beam of the sword. The power contained within was earth-shattering C it could be said that it was the strongest ever in history! Hen Bieli bellowed, "Kill him!" Thirty or more assassins of the Dao realm reacted immediately, directing their attention towards the dazzling beam! These were the men who had initially prioritized their own safety; they had yet to unleash their full potential prior to this. The instant eruption of power - especially since it was released in a collective manner - was truly a sight to behold as physical light showered down like a waterfall. Akin to a downpour that seemed to flood an entire human realm, the collective, sharp beams accumulated from countless swords destroyed the incoming beam with just one overwhelming blow! Following the united retaliation by the top assassins as they struck collectively, a blood-curdling howl could be heard from within the glow. A pair of legs propelled through the air first, followed closely by a pair of arms; a disembodied head then spun through the air, an expression of unspeakable ruthlessness still etched upon its face. Clearly, this person did not expect to be eliminated the instant he showed his face. Amongst the crowd, those who knew him let out a stream of endless sighs. Wang Jianfei, The Mad Dragon Swordsman, was an incredibly skillful and reputable practitioner in the martial world. His cultivation base had reached such an otherworldly state - one much higher than the Dao realm. Throughout his life living in the martial world, rarely did he find a man that was his equal in power. His name even appeared in the previous list of Tianxuan''s most controversial swordsmen, occupying the sixth place! Yes, sixth on the list, which was also Bai Yixue''s current ranking C perhaps one could even say he was Bai Yixue''s predecessor! However, he was the real deal, having earned his formidable reputation from winning numerous battles with his high-level cultivation base. He was true to his name, as opposed to a certain person who made it into the ranks just because he was fortunate enough to survive a fight against Jun Moyan. To sum it up, this fellow was one hell of a ruthless character indeed! Nevertheless, this time, with a sudden burst of resolve, he had the intention to release his strongest technique, then fight his way out after seizing the treasure. This plan of his was too obvious - anyone could see through it! Judging by the intensity of the existing battle, this fellow was not considered overly ambitious for attempting to stand out. If the current combatants continued to unleash a similar display of skills, perhaps Wang Jianfei, the Mad Dragon Swordsman, would have gotten what he wished for. However, the problem was that not a single man among the mob of real professionals present had unleashed their full potential, nor had anyone utilized their ultimate killing technique. Hence, the attempt at standing out from his peers was repaid with an unforgiving defeat, a fatal failure. The fact that he died in such a simple, uncomplicated manner might seem totally out of place, but it was completely logical! It was just as it should be, wholly appropriate! Fate was still at play. Until this moment, amongst the throng of top assassins, Bai Yixue''s cultivation base still could not join the ranks of the top assassins. However, the fact that he could still escape unscathed from the Unrivaled Swordsman was totally due to the fact that fate had smiled on him. The Mad Dragon Swordsman Wang Jianfei, on the other hand... did it matter if his cultivation base was incredibly high? He was still as dead as trash and within such a short altercation! Nevertheless, the battle did not simmer down after Wang Jianfei''s untimely demise. On the contrary, the situation intensified, growing even more extreme - the numbers of elites that unleashed their ultimate techniques amongst the masses grew more and more by the minute. There was never a lack of hidden talents within the martial world. As the clash between the two forces escalated, one could say that the battle had reached its final point; nobody had the intention of holding back any longer. The crowd went all out in a frenzy, causing the battle to escalate once more in a wave of excitement. At any given moment, a few hundred men would collapse in defeat, leaving howls of torment in their wake. If one had to reveal the most unexpected event in this situation, it would have to be the fact that most of the fallen men were top assassins C elite practitioners who possessed high cultivation bases! Throughout the entire time that elapsed as the violent battle ensued between the two forces, the scene of battle remained disastrous. Still, not many top practitioners unveiled their ultimate moves, despite the fact that the final moment was right before their eyes. First came the crack that swallowed a handful of people, seemingly a prelude to this absolute massacre; it was followed by Wang Jianfei''s swift demise, allowing those who were present to arrive at a sudden epiphany: although the numbers within these grounds were reducing drastically, the fallen men were mostly rare, exceptional pros of the martial world. The eminent ones. The outstanding ones. Everyone seemed to finally comprehend this logic, gradually acknowledging the fact that certain people were more of a threat than the rest of the herd. Hence, when an opportunity arose, everybody cooperated - intentionally, or perhaps otherwise - to eliminate these certain people at the first possible moment. However, the assassins'' forces still remained absolutely minimal, while the ones who persisted suffered a crushing defeat as they dropped to the ground one after another, in splatters of blood. Their numbers were drastically decreasing. In a blink of an eye, there was no more than a hundred left. Hen Bieli''s sword quivered suddenly, emitting a magnificent glow. "On your guard, everybody C breakout!" He roared. The winds stirred and clouds scudded as his last word lingered in the air C there was a sudden wind of change! The top-notched assassins who were fortunate to survive suddenly abandoned their original positions simultaneously. They brandished a shocking amount of power, slicing open a bloody path amongst the throng of people instantly, heading towards the direction of Hen Bieli''s roar. Almost within the same beat, Hen Bieli and Hongzhan lashed out with a saber and a sword respectively, ardently creating a painfully shrill, high-pitched whistle that shook the entire course of events. An aura of the sword, and an aura of the saber C they whirled out in an intertwined flourish, extending far and wide towards the edges of the world. The auras emitted from both saber and sword flowed in a smooth, united rhythm. Within moments, they wiped out the surrounding enemies and managed to clear up a momentarily safe area for their men! Boom! As waves of blood and chaos hit the shores, the mob of top assassins had already converged at the point, and started to charge towards a single direction! "Kill them all!" 693 Survival Versus Impasse At that very moment, the force of the hundred pinnacle assassins led by Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan successfully converged. It was like a massive, treasured sword that could not be separated; unstoppable, it charged all the way, breaking through obstacles with a frightening momentum. There was no one along the way, who could stop their swift action! Like a motor that was running on the remnants of its gas, they shot to the middle section of the martial artists'' secure siege. However, a bright light suddenly flared from the opposite side of the hundred assassin''s combined sword light. The glaring sword light manifested into a phalanx of swords that rained down forcefully and continuously. Everyone''s heart almost stopped beating upon witnessing the sight. It was a scene created by over twenty pinnacle swordsmen who had unleashed their ultimate skill simultaneously. Anyone of these people was on par with the Berserk Dragon Swordsman, Yu Jianfei; their motives and state of mind were far more superior than his as well. They had been hiding, reserving their genuine capabilities in hopes of reaping what was sown by others. Now, however, it had come to the stage where they had to do something to stop it. If they waited any longer, the assassins would have fled far and high, breaking away from the siege. It was like heaven''s river had been tipped. Hen Bieli attacked first with a thunderous howl, hair streaming wildly behind him. Streaks of black actually appeared from the sword light he painted across the sky C the air itself had been split into separate voids, an empty space created by the aftertrail of the slash. It was overwhelmingly powerful. As for Hong Zhan, the man growled furiously as he followed right behind Hen Bieli. His saber was like an enraged dragon that soared into the sky, charging vehemently against the sword mountain. Any of the hundred assassins following behind them were capable men who had gone through countless battles; they knew what options to take upon seeing the unreserved and fearless charge of the two leaders. All of them became as one with their swords as they ignited their maximum cultivation base. The impact of the collision of the fierce attacks from both sides was literally earth-shattering! All the buildings within three thousand feet were crushed flat into the ground and soon, debris blocked off the sky. At this time, a stream of blood shot out. No one knew who had been injured, but both sides were roaring, flirting with death, and launching strikes. No one cared to note who had drawn first blood. "Kill!" The dust and debris drifted to the ground, revealing the tattered martial world men. Everyone who was involved in the attack had been flung at least hundreds of feet away. The assassins fared no better; more than thirty people laid on the ground, bloody, without any sign of life, while the rest of the group was injured. They drew back with staggering steps. Rare was the man who could stand steadfast under such circumstances. The martial world men did not slow down. With a bellow, thousands of men surrounded the killers. For a few thousand men to besiege the group of fewer than a hundred men, a secure steel-like fence would be put up if the siege succeeded. Hen Bieli sucked in a deep breath and tried his best to stop his retreating steps, yet he could not help spitting out blood. He knew that the other party''s besieging momentum had picked up, but they had yet to complete it. Once they managed to form the siege once again, the killers would truly be doomed. They had to charge out using this opportunity C only then could be there a chance of survival. Fortunately, the events that unfolded up to now were still as per what he had anticipated. He believed that the subsequent episode would be smooth sailing. He roared; at the instant, he pulled at Hong Zhan. Both men catapulted outwards in unison once again with an even more powerful stance than before. Their abilities were extraordinary; easily trouncing the martial world experts who were still in retreat or flung unconscious within the blink of an eye. The frontline of their enemy was gone, but the backup relief had yet to come. This delicate moment was the moment of hope, where the path in front of them was clear of obstacles. Hen Bieli perked up and roared, "The road to survival is here. Follow me!" The two leaders of the assassins managed to exchange a glance despite the hectic situation, triumph written across their eyes. The assassin''s team behind them was made up of nearly sixty people, a handful more than the duo''s best expectation. Each one from the team was an excellent expert as well. Of course, the path of escape they would follow until they arrived at a safe spot would still see a substantial amount of casualties. However, the final damage should be too severe. With a reserved estimate, the pair thought they could still have twenty-five to thirty people with them when they reached a safe range. Safe to say, these people were basically the cream of the crop, the elites among elites! Moreover, they were all lucky ones, without exception! Assassins who could stay alive until then were absolutely lucky presences to have around. These would suffice! The sixty killers rushed forward, bolting towards the gap in their enemy''s defense, where their survival was at its most fragile. The gap was only guarded by no more than a hundred people; it was almost as if the ending of the killers'' escape was already a reality. The martial world artists naturally shared the same point of view and thought of the outcome. All of them were filled with indignation. In spite of it, this was the situation Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan had long plotted out. Both assassin leaders had an incredibly accurate and precise grasp of the current situation and analysis of the group''s capabilities. In fact, this was key to their longevity in the martial world C if they had assessed even situations like this wrong, they would have died a long time ago. However, right when the killers shone and displayed their prowess, slaughtering the martial men who were at the breach, and were about to break free, the sound of the horn suddenly resonated in the air. A solemn and authoritative voice emerged C "In accordance to His Highness the Crown Prince''s order, the rebels are to be executed C the assassins to be exterminated. Recover the clear skies of Yutang!" The sudden order had Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan widening their eyes simultaneously, their gaze filled with disbelief. What was going on? This was actually a dictum to kill from Yutang''s crown prince. Was this C was this a joke? For a moment, the two leaders were baffled. However, this was obviously not a joke, as there was a loud noise from the surroundings right after the order. With a glance, countless Deicide Bow archers were perched everywhere C on the ground, the collapsed walls, the tall walls, the trees, taller buildings C they lined the space tightly and could be seen almost everywhere. Every one of them wore a black military uniform, while on their uniform, there was the emblem that belonged specifically to the crown prince''s direct armed forces. These were the crown prince''s troops! They were the military forces belonging directly to His Highness'' command. It was apparent just by the look of the uniforms. What neat movement C what majestic military discipline! At this time, there had to be at least over ten thousand Deicide archers around the vicinity, pointing the chilling tips of their arrow right at the sixty over assassins who had just made their arduous escape. The archers had pulled their bows as far as they could, the crescents turning into full moons; their gazes were icy, the thousands of arrows waiting to strike with a command. Hen Bieli roared in fury and halted his steps, bellowing, "Your Royal Highness! What is the meaning of this?" 694 The Crown Prince’s Operation It was, in essence, a dictum to kill issued by Yutang''s crown prince. Was this C was this a jest? For a moment, the two leaders were baffled. It quickly became apparent that this was not a joke, as there were loud sounds of movement from their surroundings right after the order. With a quick glance, countless Deicide Bow archers could be seen perched at every corner C on the ground, the collapsed walls, the tall walls, the trees, taller buildings C they lined the space tightly, and could be seen almost everywhere. Everyone wore black military uniforms which sported emblems that belonged specifically to the crown prince''s personal armed forces. These were the crown prince''s troops! They were the military elite that was directly under His Highness'' command. It was apparent just by the look of the uniform. What neat movements, what majestic military discipline! There had to be at least over ten thousandDeicide archers in the vicinity, pointing the chilling tip of their arrows right at the sixty-odd assassins who had just made their arduous escape. The archers had drawn their bows as far as it could allow, the crescents turning into full moons; their gazes were icy, the thousands of arrows waiting to leap with a single command. Hen Bieli roared in fury and his steps faltered as he bellowed, "Your Royal Highness! What is the meaning of this?" Their initial goal in coming to Tiantang City was because they had been commissioned by the crown prince''s men. Why had they turned around and threatened them instead? Did the crown prince desire the dragon hide treasure map as well? Unfortunately, before Hen Bieli could figure it all out or pose the question plainly, he heard a deafening shout, "Shoot!" Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh Hen Bieli felt his vision darkening immediately. Without a doubt, it was due to the simultaneous release of inky arrows from the Deicide Bows that had obscured the sky''s illumination. "Ah!" Hen Bieli shrieked in rage and reacted spontaneously. With a flip, he rolled away, staying close to the ground. As he did so, he grabbed onto the corpses on the ground and used them to shield himself from the Deicide Bows'' force. As a top-tiered assassin, he knew full well the Deicide Bow''s power. It was simply too easy to skewer a person with the arrow; it was not even a challenge to penetrate five to six people that stood in a single file! Therefore, his first thought was to gather more cover C the more the better! Watching Hen Bielie''s swift response, Hong Zhan and the other assassins, being experienced experts as well, quickly found shelter to hide behind. In spite of this, only a small number of approximately twenty people up front had managed to cleanly avoid the storm of arrows. A large portion of the assassins at the back was weaker in their abilities and most of them were still clouded by the haze of the violent collision just now. If Hen Bieli and others had successfully broken free, they would have advanced, following suit. However, they were less than capable when faced with such a shower of arrows C they could not even react in time. By the time they realized how disastrous the situation was, it was too late to take any preventative measures. They could only grit their teeth and clench their jaws, blocking the attack with the weapons they had in their hands. The sounds of weapons clanking and targets being penetrated rang incessantly Then, a series of shrieks and cries followed. The shower of arrows had effectively halved the ranks of pinnacle assassins, which had originally numbered over sixty men! Each one of these people was a top-notch expert C a remarkable killer. Under normal circumstances, every one of them would have been equipped with the ability to perfectly avoid the Deicide Bow''s attack. With enough opportunity and space provided, it was only a matter of time for these sixty people to counter the attack and wipe out the ten thousand Deicide Bow archers instead. Now, however, under such specific circumstances where these killers were fatigued and the Deicide Bow archers had suddenly appeared to ambush them, it effectively turned the place into the assassins'' hell! They did not even have the opportunity to seek cover. One ace-ranked assassin had reacted incredibly swiftly, but he had only managed to collect three or four corpses to block the arrows. In the end, a round of shooting had turned both him and his shield into a porcupine. In all likelihood, he had used up all his luck in the previous battles! Hen Bieli''s voice boomed in the air, seething with anger, "What a great crown prince of Yutang! What a great crown prince of Yutang! Hahaha Your father has finally seen past your fa?ade!" Amidst Hen Bieli''s grave laughter, a cold voice of command rang out once more, "Shoot!" The second round of arrows descended. As the Deicide Bow archers commenced their attacks, the arrows rained down on the hapless men. After three rounds of such a storm, there were no more than five people who were left alive in the assassin team who had been charging to escape. These survivors included both Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan! The other three men were superb assassins whose names were what it took to terrify the martial world. Strictly, they were on par with Hen Bieli, Hong Zhan and the ten Yama Kings. These five men were all injured, while the corpses they had procured as their shields had already turned into huge porcupines long ago. Supported by the densely packed arrows, the dead bodies actually looked exactly like real, standing porcupines! Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan growled in rage and anguish. Their minds were practically overflowing with resentment. They had turned back just earlier, their eyes scanning the land full of fallen assassins. They were in extreme grief and fury. It as if their hearts had exploded right at that very moment. The martial world experts who had finally caught up at the rear were terrorized as well. Pale-faced, they dared not move recklessly. They were brimming in fervor earlier, but they now felt their calves cramping. In all honesty, the current lineup of the martial men was difficult to be defeated even if Yutang deployed all of the empire''s army, as long as the martial artists remained calm. The army would be annihilated, as the reputation of the martial world pinnacle forces who could fight one against ten thousand was not mere words! At least, it was not an issue to break free and escape. Despite the seemingly obvious advantages, such an outcome was on the premise that these martial men were not fazed or perturbed. Any cultivator, especially those proficient ones, would normally enjoy better psychological quality than the militants. The more skilled in cultivation base one was, the more one would have had to go through mentally. Therefore, the army would have been hard-pressed to defeat the martial artists even when they had the advantage of numbers under normal circumstances C just like when the Ma-i Sect had joined Dongxuan, bringing up Dongxuan''s combat power immediately. This was the special attribute of a martial force intervening in a war. Nevertheless, the martial cultivators had their weaknesses compared to the army as well. Firstly, they could barely form a team; they were used to battling alone and their fighting spirit and determination were limited. Secondly, the psychological trait of wanting to protect oneself and escape unscathed had stayed hidden within them all along. Thirdly, and also the key point, was that the vast majority of the martial world men could only fight a winning battle; they could perform their best when they had the upper hand, but once they were at a disadvantage or met a stronger opponent, their fighting spirit would be reduced and the determination would fare worse than that of ordinary soldiers, causing their combat power to decrease significantly. The best example could be seen right now C were Yutang''s Deicide Bows powerful? They were, very much so! Yet, it was a whole other story to speak of the annihilative damage it could deal to the martial men. Despite that fact, the martial world cultivators were still afraid, because the previous round of arrows had butchered thirty to forty pinnacle experts instantly C after three rounds of the same shower, only a handful of the sixty pinnacle assassins who had almost broken free of their siege were left standing! The result was terrifying! Due to this current state, the martial artists had completely omitted the fact that Hen Bieli and group had actually exerted most of their combat power on them and this troop of Yutang militants had shown up at a very opportune moment. In addition, the Deicide Bows were dead set on their targets and had been utilized in massive amounts as well. It was due to these overlapping incidents that such an outcome could be procured! In other words, such an ending could never be repeated. In spite of this fact, the martial artists would never share such a point of view. What they saw was only the three rounds of Deicide Arrows pouring down and the annihilation of the assassins whom they had failed to wipe out and almost let them break free, despite their momentous effort. How could they not be struck with terror? In their minds now, anyone was vulnerable to such an attack, as long as they had not reached the immortal level of heaven ascension. Everyone who pondered upon this had another question in mind, ''Didn''t Yutang officials say they wouldn''t step in? They had even cleared out space for us C why are they intervening now?'' ''The commander earlier said that it was in accordance to the crown prince''s name. Is this the personal order of Yutang''s crown prince, or the command from the Emperor of Yutang? Moreover, is their target only the assassins, or do they plan to clean the rest of us up as well?'' 695 The Dazzling Young Master Yun All the martial world artists present were desperate for an answer as they were truly frightened. If it had been any other time, they would have been unfazed. It was not an arduous task to fend off the Deicide Bows with their cultivation base. Now? Now, when everyone was worn out from the battle and was left with a sliver of their cultivation base? Now, when they had to face ten thousand Deicide Bows, all at once? Ten thousand bows! They wondered what the sight of ten thousand arrows released all at once would look like. Did you see those assassins that were about to become porcupines? Were their cultivation base any lower than yours? Fortunately, their doubts were quelled quickly. A figure appeared from a high altitude in the sky, accompanied by the sound of whistling wind. His clothes fluttered in the air, his commanding aura did not need the company of rage to make it impressive. The person was none other than Yutang''s King Xiaoyao. "General Li? What is going on?" Yun Xiaoyao asked authoritatively, "I''ve promised the martial world on behalf of the Yutang administration that we would not partake in this matter. Why are you here now? Why have you killed so many people with the Deicide Bows? General Li, give me an explanation C at once!" General Li, who led the troops and was mounted on his horse, cupped his fist calmly and replied, "Don''t be angry, King Xiaoyao. This lowly general is only running the orders he has received." "Received orders? Whose orders?" Yun Xiaoyao questioned angrily. General Li remained still with his fist still cupped by his hand, balancing himself on the horse as he answered, "This general has received the instruction from the crown prince''s eastern palace. His Highness does not mean to target the martial men, the initial promise is still in effect. However, these assassins are wicked ones, doing more harm than good C none of them can be forgiven!" Yun Xiaoyao''s expression was dark and grim. "This is unreasonable. The killers are a part of the martial world. Such intentional bias isn''t logical at all!" "There is a reason for this. Does King Yun remember the previous period when a lot of Yutang officials were ambushed? Including those of royalty. These cases happened after these assassins arrived," General Li answered. "These assassins are the murderers." "His Highness has investigated the workings of the case and recognized the reasons that it happened. Although the commissioner cannot be identified, for now, it is a wonderful chance to wipe out the world''s killers. There''ll definitely be lesser trouble in the future!" "By nipping things in the bud, does it not mean that we get to erase the danger and hidden threat right at the source? This lowly general asks that King Xiaoyao be understanding, and not make things any harder than it has to be." Yun Xiaoyao spoke in contemplation, "No. The martial world affairs end in the martial world. To derive ploys secretly and ambush targets during their vulnerable moments like what you have done, in addition to being unfaithful to your words, it''s not what a man does! This cannot be!" "The royal command is sanctioned, it cannot be denied. If King Yun intends to stop it, King Yun can take up this matter with His Highness. However, this lowly general must carry out the operation!" said General Li. At this moment, where both parties insisted that their course of action was the right one, growing increasingly unforgiving with their words, a purple robe flashed into existence as Yun Yang arrived, fluttering down from the sky. He called out in a low voice, "General Li, your purpose of arriving, especially His Highness'' intention, we know and we understand. However, the reality now is that the assassins here have either perished or injured. The few more remaining can hardly make anything out of themselves. God is always merciful C let''s not force them to a dead end. If you do carry out the operation to its end, showing the world that we do not follow through with our promises, the damage done to His Majesty or my father''s reputation will be massive. Who, then, will shoulder this damage? Will you be the one, General Li?" General Li was caught off-guard, his hesitation painfully evident. Hen Bieli, Hong Zhan and the others felt immensely grateful to Yun Yang who was hovering in the air. They did not expect that it would be the target they had been commissioned to kill who would step forward and talk on their behalf, saving their lives, when they were caught in an impasse. They wouldn''t have known that this would be the final juncture out of which they were unable to extricate themselves! They felt a rush of complicated feelings, which was hard to describe. As for the martial world practitioners and cultivators who were lined in an outer circle surrounding the vicinity, not a single one of them failed to give their two thumbs up to the father and son pair. A gentleman would repay the favor with favor and avenge grudges fairly; his bottom line was clear. What the Yun father and son pair was doing was truly principled! This was how a true gentleman would act. This was the mannerism of a great empire, the grace of a great family! King Xiaoyao of Yutang indeed! Young Master Yun of Yutang indeed! These two were dazzling indeed! General Li was hesitant as he murmured, "This" Yun Yang chuckled and said, "It has been said that a rumor must be instigated, but for the assassin, league to be left with the five people from their initial tens of thousands, and for this handful of men to be so terribly battered, they can really be up to nothing. I believe that His Highness the crown prince will not blame all of you after he knows." "Since King Yun and Young King Yun says so, this lowly general truly has nothing else to say. There is no use for me to insist. However, even if the five of them are pardoned, the two pieces of the map must be retained C so this lowly general can conclude this matter to His Highness!" General Li continued speaking in a troubled tone. Once his words left his lips, Hen Bieli, Hong Zhan and the rest of the assassins raised their heads up immediately. The resentment in their eyes was thick enough to coalesce into physical matter! What marvelous words! They could be pardoned, but some evidence must be left as a conclusion C an explanation. It seemed reasonable, but anyone could hear the implied truth behind that sentence. So, this was the reason! The genuine reason had finally been revealed! The martial world men who were beyond the attacking range came to a boil as well when they heard him. "What is the meaning of this? Leave the dragon hide treasure map?" "We''ve fought for so long, putting our lives on the line! Tens of thousands of souls have been lost. We''ve finally executed ninety-nine percent of the assassin league and then you, who have just been watching from the sideline and waiting to reap what we sow, decide to intervene? You plan to just ask for the map, with mere words?" "If you want it, why didn''t you come forth and join the battle since the very beginning!" "What''s the meaning of coming forward now?" "Could you possibly be any more shameless?" "If it weren''t for Yutang''s official order, we would have f*cking gone elsewhere with our battles; why would we stay here?" "Are you planning to toy with us by playing this hand now?" "Not only are you taking advantage of the situation, but you also aren''t contributing anything!" "Do you plan to tackle the observers as well now?" "Are you going to play us all out? Wipe out the proficient cultivators of the martial world?" "How could you be so brutal?" Obviously, the martial world men were thinking too far ahead. The paranoia that stemmed from their panicked state was brewing storms in their minds. With the capabilities of these martial world artists, the entire Tiantang City could be leveled if they could not suppress their internal fear, channeling it out in a negative direction. There was honestly no doubt about this. It was not even a challenge to the martial artists who were currently gathered in Tiantang City. Just as these people were about to overflow with rage, resentment, and fear, just when a decisive battle could break out at any time, Yun Yang spoke again. His tone was discontent. "General Li, you should watch your words! Prior to this, my father has sought His Majesty''s approval and has made allowances for this incident. His Majesty has personally permitted this to take place. Anyone from Yutang must not partake in this martial world turbulence nor can they lust after the two pieces of dragon hide treasure maps. The dictum is not to be violated." "His Majesty has even spoken ceremoniously that the divine gem of the martial world, no matter how godly it is, belongs only to the martial world. Yet General Li now speaks of retaining the secret map!" 696 I Only Trust You! General Li was caught in a hard place. "This lowly general is only carrying out instructions. Why are you making my life difficult, young heir?" Yun Yang spoke aloud, "Carrying out instructions C whose soldier are you? Which matter should be prioritized? The crown prince lacks consideration and does things improperly. Are you following blindly? If the dragon hide treasure maps are retained, let''s not talk about Tiantang City being the world''s target, what about the reputation of being unaccountable? How are you planning to compensate for this? How many more lives shall we lose afterward, for these two pieces of the map?" "Can''t you see it yet? The so-called secret dragon hide map is nothing but huge trouble!" Yun Yang said, "Keeping them will only cause unnecessary problems, a source for disaster!" "But" General Li began. "No more but''s. I''ll explain it to the crown prince later. You''ll be left out of this!" Yun Yang waved his hand in dismissal, having fixed the subsequent affairs. General Li had a quick discussion with the other generals beside him before finally lifting his head and saying, "Since Young Master Yun says so, we can let them go and we won''t take the dragon hide treasure maps as well - but the map pieces will never go along with Hen Bieli and the assassins!" Yun Yang was taken aback upon hearing his words. "What''s the meaning of this? The martial world''s item of fantasy belongs to the martial world. It is fate, no matter who acquires it. Why are you causing further issues?" "Young Heir Yun, you have a remarkable cultivation base and are unafraid of ambushes. We, unfortunately, do not share that same bravery! The last of the assassin''s forces succumbed to us in today''s battle. If they were to obtain the treasure, however" General Li spoke hesitantly. Everyone immediately understood what he was trying to say. Had Hen Bieli and his group obtained the treasure and intended to seek revenge, the crown prince would be the main target, while the generals and Deicide Bow archers involved today would be on the list as well. Excluding the events of the day, how many people out there could defend themselves against such terrible revenge? This was basically laying one''s head under the blade! The request was tricky, so much so that Yun Yang hesitated as he repled, "Uh But" General Li spoke resolutely, "Young Master Yun, pardon this lowly general''s stubborness. If this condition cannot be fulfilled, this lowly general does not dare let Hen Bieli and group leave. Young Master Yun is benevolent and forgiving, calm and collected, but we have not these holy virtues!" Yun Yang sighed and was about to argue, but Hen Bieli suddenly emerged from a pile of corpses. He raised his head and spoke in a low voice, "Young Master Yun, there''s no need to argue any further. I, Hen Bieli, accept your grace today. Up until this point, we can''t possibly leave if we don''t return the map. This is certain, it''s destined. We resign ourselves to this fate!" A flash of extreme hatred flickered in his eyes as he spat through gritted teeth, "Anytime I, Hen Bieli, am still alive, shall be the time I repay Young Master Yun''s good grace! Just like what Young Master Yun said, the dragon hide treasure map is indeed huge trouble. Keeping it by force will only cause further trouble and lead to calamity. What truth! This secret map C we don''t want it! As long as everyone allows us to leave safely in peace, we shall hand over the dragon hide maps with both hands." Hen Bieli had spoken so earnestly it was apparent that he was sincere. Yet, he had not said a word about the crown prince. The implication was only as evident. Everyone heard what he did not say, everyone understood it. As long as he was alive, he would repay Yun Yang''s saving grace anytime, but the grudge of the crown prince would also be a resentment he would avenge as long as he was alive! The debt of gratitude and revenge existed concurrently. This was how a martial man worked! As long as they remained living, they would not rest until they died! Not resting until one died was actually a neutral term; it could be interpreted positively and also understood under a negative light. Hen Bieli stood up, straightening himself slowly, and called out, "Hong Zhang!" Hong Zhan stood up from another pile of corpses. There was an arrow stabbed into his right shoulder, going through his body, leaving only the tail of the arrow in his chest. Blood was still gushing out of the wound. "Big brother," Hong Zhan responded, looking aggrieved. The other three assassins stepped out as well. Each of them was solemn, their gazes scanning everyone in front of them. Hen Bieli gritted his teeth with closed eyes, speaking through them powerlessly, "Retrieve the secret map." "Big brother!" Hong Zhan cried, his eyes turning red instantly. Plot after plot, scheme after scheme, everything had been done to bag the dragon hide treasure map. Unexpectedly, in the end, they had to return the secret map pieces with both hands held out. The humiliation and reluctance to part with the map pieces were unavoidable. "Take it out!" Hen Bieli hollered, "The dragon hide map is no longer an opportune chance for us. If we die here, what use is the secret map? It would still belong to others, wouldn''t it?" Hong Zhan lowered his head. His muscular build was trembling. For the first time, the head of the Hall of Crimson Blade was showing his vulnerable and sad side in public. Hong Zhan looked up into Hen Bieli''s eyes. Both men saw the endless loathing that was reflected in each other''s orbs. They had completed all the planning and ploys so smoothly. The exit was already before their eyes. Yet, it was at this final moment that the crown prince had popped out to intervene brusquely, spoiling the perfect set-up brutally. Once these two pieces of the map were handed out, perhaps they would never see it again in this lifetime. Hong Zhan was still trembling. His emotions wreaked havoc within him. Hen Bieli''s lips were quivering but he had still urged weakly, "Brother take it out" The other three pinnacle assassins pressed their lips tightly together like the former pair. They looked at Hen Bielie and then at Hong Zhan before shifting their glance to General Li, who was mounted on his horse, wielding his blade. The iciness in their gazes was not the least bit concealed. Their brimming murderous intent was overflowing, almost tangible. Hong Zhan stroked his spatial ring, his tears falling to the ground. Steeling himself with closed eyes, he retrieved the hidden map and squeezed it in his hands. Stretching his arm out abruptly, his voice was hoarse as he shouted, "Take it!" He had tried his best to control the tone of these two words but his teary inflection had still carried through. No one present had ever heard of this intonation of his; it was possibly the only time they would hear it for it would never be repeated again! Who was Hong Zhan? He had actually cried in public. The fact that this happened was a fright to everyone. Hen Bieli shut his eyes and let out a huge breath. He took large steps over and received the two pieces of the dragon hide treasure map from Hong Zhan. Verifying them to be authentic, he slashed at them twice with his sword harshly and burned them for a short while; they proved to be real, preventing any suspicion and doubt or the possibility of a hidden threat. He was anguished as he said, "I have retrieved the items. They are right here. The desperate situation today called for desperate measures. We have nothing left to say. Among those here, the only person I trust and is worthy of appointment is Young Master Yun. I shall pass these two pieces of the map to Young Master Yun. I hope Young Master Yun doesn''t mind. Please help a brother once again!" 697 Sending The Tiger Back To The Mountain Hen Bieli glanced at Yun Yang after he spoke. Yun Yang smiled humorlessly and said, "Head Tower Hen, your favor is a difficult one. You are placing me right on the grill!" "If there was a choice, I wouldn''t have passed this can of worms to Young Master Yun. However, now, here, Young Master Yun isthe only one whom I can trust to remain impartial C no one else." Hen Bieli replied without holding anything back. Yun Yang asked, "Why do you think that I''m not at all interested in this dragon hide treasure map, Head Hen? Just because of my self-righteous words earlier? Do you think that I would not take advantage of the situation?" Hen Bieli chuckled dryly. "This is Tiantang City. If Young Master Yun had wanted to obtain this dragon hide treasure map, I believe you wouldn''t have leaked even the slightest bit of information." "Since the news has been disclosed and it''s so widespread, common enough to instigate this huge fight, Young Master Yun can''t possibly be interested in it at all. How, then, could your words earlier be a pretense? They''re definitely your sincere words! There is no doubt about this." What Hen Bieli said contained a massive amount of information; it seemed like a compliment but it also seemed like mockery, vague enough to have a dual meaning. Even if one were sharper than the rest, his mind would have to work harder to actually comprehend the meaning contained within. Yun Yang could only chuckle flatly. "If so, should I be thanking Head Tower Hen''s trust?" "How can one who''s at his desperate end be worthy of Young Master Yun''s thanks?" Hen Bieli said quietly after a self-depreciating laugh. His gaze narrowed as he called out, "Young Master Yun, catch." With a swing of his arm, the dragonhide treasure map that had kept everyone on their toes flew up in the air. Everyone could not help staring wide-eyed, trying to focus on this moment. There were many who secretly reeled in their energy, planning to spring up and snatch the pieces. ''What a wonderful opportunity it is right now!'' ''The assassins have given up, Yutang''s officials weren''t fighting for it, those on our side are all looking in front C wouldn''t it be great if I flee after catching hold of it?'' When these people cast their gazes at the chilling gleams on the thousands of Deicide Bows, however, their hearts lurched again. They swiftly dismissed their initial thoughts. Yutang officials stated that they would not involve themselves in the contest, but they were still looking greedily at the map pieces. The risk of making a move now was truly too great. It would be best to wait a little longer. Therefore, countless pairs of eyes stared at Yun Yang who was in the air. They wanted to see what Yun Yang''s next response was C if he was genuinely heroic, upright and honorable. Hong Zhan and the other assassins watched the dragon hide treasure map fly. They looked agonized as if their hearts were being sliced apart. This, honestly, was no different from violently slashing at their hearts. The exquisite treasure was already pocketed, but they had to give it away with both hands and could no longer participate in the fight; it was the saddest thing in life to have encountered such a fate. The treasure map slowly rose in the air. Yun Yang stood where he was standing all along, unmoving. The only change was the slight extension of his arm. That was all. Everyone inwardly breathed out a sigh of relief when they witnessed the motion. It seemed that Young Master Yun was truly not interested in the map. If he had wanted it, he would not have been so nonchalant at this moment C he would have descended to receive the map pieces. The slight movement was not to be overlooked, for the meaning it represented was significant. No matter how nonchalant and how much a pretense one put up, one could not help but stretch out his arm in anticipation when he saw the approaching dragon hide treasure map. Everyone was even inwardly certain that even Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou, Mr. Nian, and other similar leveled experts would have made a similar move as well. This was an unprecedented temptation! It was a godsend larger than heaven itself! Anyone who bagged would be bagging the path to heaven! Being the so-called unrivaled expert in this world was not even worthy of mention in light of this dragon hide treasure map! What sort of a concept was this entire episode based on? However, Yun Yang was having none of it. His expression was even one of annoyance C not one that was faked, but a vexation that came from the bottom of his heart. Under everyone''s gaze, the dragonhide seemed to have hovered in the air for a century before it finally landed in Yun Yang''s hand. Yun Yang picked it up with two fingers, sighing softly, and said, "This item is, of course, a gem to those with intentions, but to me it is truly the seed of a disaster!" He did not wait for the crowd''s reaction before he suddenly flicked his wrist and the dragon hide treasure map that he had just received flew away again with a swoosh. He said faintly, "His Majesty is right C the martial world affairs end in the martial world. This piece of the martial world should belong to the martial world!" "The martial world''s item of fantasy does not stand in Yutang!" "Take this secret map away. From now on, do not wreak havoc in Tiantang City anymore." "The fight for the secret map in Tiantang City ends today!" "Any martial man who creates trouble in Tiantang City with his martial prowess shall not be pardoned!" As he spoke, the dragonhide treasure map had already traveled thousands of feet across the sky. It was only a short while, but countless sword lights and saber energy soared. Fresh crimson blood splattered everywhere. It was truly only an instant, but thousands of men had sprung up to fight for the map pieces; hundreds of them died at once, while the martial prowess of the men fought for glory in the air. The gory scene lasted for only a moment when someone suddenly howled and darted into the sky, weaving drunkenly. Immediately, dozens of light rays followed, giving chase relentlessly. The countless martial world artists below had risen without hesitation to pursue the map of fantasy. It had only been within the blink of an eye before the gory location that had been full of corpses and broken limbs became empty. It was apparent that someone had seized the dragon hide map and instantly fled; then, everyone else had given chase, refusing to give up. The east district no longer had its value and promptly became deserted. The secret dragon hide treasure map C the huge source of trouble had simply been tossed away by Yun Yang. To a lot of people, it seemed like he had given up on the path to immortality without hesitation. It was a reckless waste of God''s gift! Saying that he had given up, Hen Bieli''s eyes trailed after the dragon hide map closely, watching it leave his hands to head straight into Yun Yang''s hands, then watching Yun Yang toss it away. He watched as everyone else fought over it, and finally, for everyone to leave. After a while, he breathed in deeply and looked up to Yun Yang to say, "Young Master Yun, I, Hen Bieli, have never admitted inferiority to anyone throughout my entire life. Today, right now, I am utterly floored!" Yun Yang chuckled dryly and replied honestly, "Head Hen, you''ve flattered me. You know that I won''t be able to guard the map either! Even if I borrowed the intimidation of Yutang''s military and hold on to this treasure map momentarily, so what? I''ll only bring endless issues to myself and even the entire realm of Yutang." "I dare not keep it! Never!" Yun Yang continued. "Especially under today''s circumstances, how dare I." "Young Master Yun is wise, being able to pick it up and let it go," Hen Bieli mused before continuing his sentence. Hong Zhan and the other three killers at his side were mournful as they heard him. Hen Bieli continued. "Young Master Yun, can we leave now?" He did not ask Yun Xiaoyao nor General Li, only Yun Yang; he could already see that Yun Xiaoyao was tempted to apprehend them right there and then. In actuality, only Yun Yang had insisted on letting the group of assassins leave. Yun Yang voiced out, "General Li, do order your soldiers to put down their bows and arrows, and give way to them." 698 A Play. A Plot. It seemed that General Li only had one expression etched onto his face; he looked troubled like he had been caught between a rock and a hard place. "Young Master Yun, giving way is of no concern, but His Highness, the crown prince" Yun Yang replied impatiently, "This will have nothing to do with you! I promise on behalf of Hen Bieli that he will not find fault with you in the future! As for His Highness, I''ll explain all this to him myself, and it will still have nothing to do with you. Is this acceptable?" He then snorted and said, "If he dares to say anything about it, he can come to me directly!" The last line was delivered with an incredibly overwhelming aura. General Li did not look any more relieved than he was before. Sighing, he finally waved his hand with no small amount of hesitation. "Lower your bows and arrows! Give way!" Hen Bieli howled and spoke coldly, "It will be enough to lower the bows and arrows! I dare not walk the path indicated by His Highness!" Before his words echoed in the air, he sprung into the sky and cried out, "Let''s go!" Hong Zhan and the others tailed closely behind him. The five men flew into the sky like five rocs, zooming away, headed towards the city''s southern quadrant. The five of them converged into a single stream, looking like a thunderbolt as they passed through. The long trail that was left in the sky was formidable, its aura frightening. Hen Bieli''s group of five was not only comprised of the masters of assassination, but they were also top notch cultivators of the current era. Although Yun Yang had only won a moment of respite for them, the damages they had suffered were relatively limited; it was mostly energy exhaustion. While they could not recover their pinnacle combat power despite replenishing most of their energy, it was not a problem for them to perform a high-velocity escape, with the short break they had. The quintet''s voice came from afar, "Young Master Yun, the world is vast C allow us to repay your favor in the future! From today onwards, we shall not harm even a hair of Young Master Yun and anyone under the care of Young Master Yun. Should you have any instructions for us, pass the message in the martial world C we shall follow through, even if it means dying a thousand deaths!" The voices grew farther but more intense. They eventually roared like a thunder that drummed above Tiantang City. There were no more martial world men remaining in the city''s east that were now in ruins. General Li and a few of his subordinates who had been wearing a troubled look since they appeared exchanged a glance with Yun Yang, both sides wearing a meaningful smile. The unsettled expression was no longer plastered on their faces! Yun Yang spoke to the general, "Is the person who arranged your mission fine?" This was the last test. The cooperation this time was flawless C it was also a test for that person. General Li was not someone Yun Yang was familiar with. General Li answered, "Sir Wu asked us to greet young master in return if you were to ask about him." Yun Yang let out a relieved breath. His contact with Wu Ying had not lasted for long. They had not met in this duration of time, only observing each other from afar. However, Wu Ying''s attitude of wanting only to do the last of what he could with no other wishes in or for life was obvious. Other than work, he was as animated as the living dead. Yun Yang had given the matter a long period of consideration before finally deciding on this probe. The probe was not only a test of cooperation, but there were also other aspects contained within. Up to this point, there was no other problem. At the Board of War, General Li arrived at the entrance of the dark and silent house. "Sir Wu, this subordinate comes to submit news that the mission is completed." "Mm." "Sir Wu has guessed correctly, it was indeed Young Master Yun who hasbeen asking for my assistance." "Mm." "This subordinate has greeted Young Master Yun, according to Sir Wu''s instruction." "Mm." "Does Sir Wu have any further instructions?" "No." "Then, this subordinate bids his leave." "Mm." The conversation was as simple as it could get. It was as if Wu Ying only knew how to utter a single word C an additional word more and he would be reluctant to speak. Yet, this was his normal behavior in the Board of War. If it had not been his personal arrangement, he probably might not have even said this single word. Inside, Wu Ying sat listlessly before the table, as usual, carefully tidying the many years of documents and records of the Board of War. Beside him, there were a few books that he had just compiled and finished writing. "About Han Sanhe." "About Qiu Jianhan." "About Nine Supremes'' Fall." "About The Empire." "About The World''s Greatest Generals." "About The Military and Civil Officials." "About The Civil Affairs." "About The Military Affairs." "About The Imperial Court and The Martial World." "About The Difference Between A General and Marshal." Among all these, some were drafts he had previously worked on and some were ideas he had just gotten C they were guides that Wu Ying had sorted out and produced after a fair bit of work. The content recorded in these titles could be said to be the essence of Wu Ying''s lifetime of military knowledge and experience. He had almost completed analyzing all the notable officials, whether military or civil, since the beginning of time until now. His personal understanding and comment were included as well. All classic warfare, war, strategies, and stratagems, techniques and measures, were concluded without missing anything out. The rise and fall of all the empires of the Tianxuan Continent for the next thousand years were summarized and concluded. The main points were highlighted, while the pros and cons were neatly listed out. "When I die, these can be of some use to Yutang. Consider this the last token of effort from me, an authority from the Board of War." Wu Ying was murmuring to himself. "No C perhaps, before I die, I should personally search for a few suitable successors" "If this effort of mine were to be stored away, it''d be meaningless." "My end is evident C I don''t have much longer left. If I sit down to wait for it, it''d be a waste of time. There''s no benefit coming out of it. It''d be better for me to head to the military base and pick out a few low-ranking officers and personally train them. I''d be the one who understands what I write the best... Should I head to the school as well and see if I can recruit a few students fated to be with me and pass down what I''ve learned my entire life? Since thisIncludes Old Bi''s lifetime of knowledge, I''ll help him find a few successors as well." Wu Ying whose thoughts carried him afar was in a daze. When he broke out of his trance, he could not help chuckling dryly and looked at a book he had just written on the table. The last one he had yet to finish. "About How Yutang Conquered The World." "I most probably won''t be able to see the day the world is united. Regardless, the administration after the unifying the world will always need more talents. I should really recruit more disciples during these last moments of mine, cultivate more useful talents for Yutang." "According to the current trend in the continent and the various episodes recently, Lord Supreme Cloud has dealt with the imperial court, the martial world, the assassins, sects, royals and other issues respectively I believe the war to conquer the world will definitely erupt in the next three to five years." "So, there won''t be much time left for me no matter what happens. I have to find the talents I need as soon as possible. Otherwise, when the war breaks, I''ll have to manage various sides. How would I have the time to train them?" "If I have someone helping me on these, perhaps the efficiency level could improve tremendously. My thoughts after this can''t wholly be on the Board of War. For the sake of Yutang, I''ll have to change." Wu Ying stood up and delivered his order. "Help me send a few invitations out." A few invitations sounded fairly simple, but everyone who saw the name of the receivers of these few invitations could not help but a sense of shock. The meaning these invitations held was not to be underestimated, the impact literally earth-shattering! Fang Qingtian. Qiu Jianhan. Leng Daoyin. Tie Zheng. Old Mistress Shangguan! The five people he had invited for a meet-up were basically the pillars of the Empire of Yutang. If Wu Ying were to be included as well, it was everyone who was anyone in Yutang''s military, be it leaders overtly, covertly, in actual fact, or even spiritually! Wu Ying took some time with the last invitation. Finally, he let out a bitter chuckle. "Do I still have the face to see him?" He cast the invitation into the fire. "Cloud!" There was only a single word on the invitation, but it had already vanished within the flames. 699 Do Me A Favor When Qiu Jianhan and the rest received the invitation, they were stunned. They were indescribably surprised that the named few had rarely encountered each other throughout their lives. Yet today, they felt taken aback. This handful of people had received countless invitations in this lifetime, be it from the aristocrats or even the emperor himself. To them, those were common occurrences. This person''s invitation today, however, was not only unprecedented, but they also would not even have dreamed about it in their entire lifetime. These elders honestly could not imagine that this person had actually sent out an invitation to them. "Depart immediately!" Old Marshal Qiu made his decision at once, while Fang Qingtian, Leng Daoyin, and the others reacted similarly. Moreover, all of them felt as if the world was spinning C that ghostly fellow would actually deign to send them an invitation?Was it to discuss something? Was the sky falling? Otherwise, how could his invitation have come about? This was definitely an unusual appointment! The elders muttered inwardly to themselves. "He didn''t even come when my son married my daughter-in-law, or when my grandchild got married. What is he doing this time?" "Your father almost died the other time and he didn''t make a single sound. Why is he sending an invitation now?" "Could this bastard have turned crazy?" This was Wu Ying''s influence C shock no longer sufficed to describe the effect the invitation had on the invitees. On that same night, Wu Ying sat straight as a ramrod at his table. In front of him, the four marshals and an old mistress stared at him like they were looking at an exotic animal. Wu Ying wore a poker face and said nothing. After a while, the quintet began to look offended. ''What do you mean by inviting us over, but not speaking at all?'' "Ghost C uh, Sir Wu." Qiu Jianhan almost called out the nickname "Ghost General" that he and the others had given Wu Ying; he stroked his beard and continued. "You must have something to say, to have invited us over?" "Mm," answered Wu Ying. Mm? Old Sir Qiu turned his head away angrily. "What is it then?" Fang Qingtian asked. Wu Ying answered, "Something." He looked rather distant and dazed. Fang Qingtian was inflamed. ''As if I don''t know there''s something?'' Tie Zheng was the third to speak up, "Sir Wu, you can speak directly if there''s something that is amiss." Ah, the peacemaker. Wu Ying said nothing then, quietly contemplating matters with a frown. Were these five people worthy of his appointment? Would there be any problems? If there were, who would be the one where the issues would crop up around? Tie Zheng was close to pulling his saber out of its scabbard. ''You managed to muster a humming sound when the others asked something of you, but when it came to me, you actually close your eyes!'' ''What a bully!'' "There''s nothing much, really. I just wanted to ask all of you important ones for a favor." Wu Ying finally broke out of his trance. The five people snorted and rolled their eyes. A favor? Based on your attitude now? Dream on! "Have a look at these first." Wu Ying stood up and retrieved the titles he had written and compiled personally, displaying them openly on the table for his guests to flip through them. Qiu Jianhan and the rest were set on not being amicable to this fellow, but the very names of these books in front of them were truly captivating. Could there be one that analyzed him? His opponent as well? The quintet was curious; why not go through the index first? However, the first flip of the books marked the start of their absorption into the titles. Wu Ying wanted to speak, but when he raised his head, Qiu Jianhan and the group were hungrily going through the books, like a glutton who saw food. They picked the next book up after finishing the previous one; they liked each title so much that it was like they had all received gems. These were the manifestations of wisdom, the reflection of successful experiences! If the dragon hide treasure map that contained the legacy of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss were to be the martial world men''s item of fantasy, then the dream article of Yutang military''s main authorities had been born as well. Yes, it was these titles that Wu Ying had produced! It was more than generous for Wu Ying to share these books with them. Everyone was familiar with the content, but it was the first time in history that someone had actually compiled them into a book and analyzed them in a uniform system. In addition, these generals were litigants. When they read the work, realizations struck them immediately. Fang Qingtian flipped through a few books and sighed deeply before he lifted his head to look at Wu Ying. This was the true talent of the phantom! He was a genius! Wu Ying looked cold and stoic as usual, but his face right now was even more beautiful than the most dazzling lady to these people. "Amazing! Remarkable!" Tie Zheng exclaimed with a shake of his head as he read through the titles. His fingers that were two times larger than an ordinary man''s, like the fattest root of a carrot, were flipping page after page carefully in adoration. He really had not much of a vocabulary for compliments, so he exclaimed "amazing" during the duration; the word had been repeated for forty to fifty times within the blink of an eye. After a short while, when everyone was more saturated with their surprised thoughts, Wu Ying spoke up slowly. "Recently, I recalled what I''ve learned in this lifetime, in combination with the ancestor''s wisdom, experience and everything else. I''ve compiled and written what you see before us I foresee a long time will be needed before I can complete them C I still have about half to work on. These here are not yet drafted too, they''ll need more edits. A big chunk... if they''re made purely into words, those who read them afterward will find it hard to comprehend, so" When Wu Ying spoke, he stuttered slightly. This was due to his rare interaction with others. Yet, he still spoke calmly, "So I want to find a few students from the military and the civil side. I''ll teach them the ways of being an official, of being a person, of war, of carrying oneself in this world, of administrating an empire, of conquering and unifying" The elders widened their eyes in unison and spoke with utter fervor, "We totally agree! Without any objection! We''ll work with you completely!" A little was enough to tell the big picture C after going through the books displayed to them, the quintet was further certain about a fact regarding this ghostly Sir Wu Ying, that this talent they had thought to only be capable of bringing peace and stability to the country, was actually a talent capable of ruling the world C to them, he was a genius C an all-rounded talent! He was sensational! Before having read these titles, these elders already knew that they might not be on par with this Ghost General in certain aspects, but they were still seniors in status. Moreover, he was a characteristically low profile. Even when they had the intention to promote and foster him, it was a plan that was difficult to come to fruition. Now, however, after actually experiencing Wu Ying''s capabilities, the personages had decided in the very first instance that whether Wu Ying wanted to show himself before the public or not, he had to C it would be sinful to keep such a talent buried until now! When they heard Wu Ying suggesting to teach voluntarily, the personages were ecstatic! The elder personages had no doubt that Wu Ying was boasting or if he had spoken with conceit, to preen about passing down the ways of this and that. By the contents alone of the books Wu Ying had produced, the evidence was enough. There was no room for doubt. What they only had to do was to support him, fully so! Wu Ying looked up and said, "Regarding the students, I have some compulsory requests. I''ll only train them if they fulfill them. Firstly, their family background must be clear; secondly, their character must be decent; thirdly" Overall, he actually had dozens of conditions. In spite of this, Qiu Jianhan and the others agreed without any objections, without even the slightest bit of hesitation. They fully complied with all of the requests. It was, instead, Fang Qingtian who intercepted hesitantly, "Can the children from our families join the selection?" "Even the rogues'' children can join," answered Wu Ying. Fang Qingtian could not help coughing, feeling an impulsive temptation to beat someone up C ''isn''t it very offensive to agree this way?'' Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin blurted out a chuckle. Old Mistress Shangguan was thrilled as well. "Us Shangguan" Wu Ying cut her off by saying, "The teacher to the children in your family is much stronger than I am." The corners of Old Mistress Shangguan''s mouth twitched. ''I really don''t discern that.'' Wu Ying then continued. "I dare not take away his disciple." Old Mistress Shangguan was shocked, as was Qiu Jianhan. Among these people, only Qiu Jianhan knew the truth but Wu Ying''s words were dripping with implied meaning! 700 Shui Wuyin’s Persistence Based solely on Wu Ying''s capabilities and skills, putting aside the possibility of producing an abundance of talents, it would not be an issue at all for him to foster prodigies fit to rule half the land of the Empire of Yutang if he were to open a class and take in students. The titles he had written and produced were evidence of that. "How many do you need, in particular?" asked Leng Daoyin. Wu Ying counted silently and answered, "I can select from a total of twenty people, but there can be no more than ten who can remain. Ultimately, I can only choose one successor each for the civil and military arms." "Well, that doesn''t sound like too many, does it?" Tie Zheng said. Wu Ying rolled his eyes and scoffed. The rest of the group understood what he had meant. This was a task of coaching the talents from scratch. Who could possibly know how much effort had to be put in; ten were already plenty, how could it be considered few? However, Wu Ying continued his explanation, "Other than the two who I will hand-pick in the end, the eight whom I have eliminated, even if I were to be modest, wouldn''t have any issues governing a territory." The quintet''s eyes radiated. "Any particular requests?" Old Mistress Shangguan was even more thorough in her queries. "The two whom I prioritize needs to be supported by their family background," Wu Ying said, "Otherwise, it''ll take far too long to wait for them to slowly ascend, step by step." No one objected to this pertinent point. The request of possessing an adequately high starting point was reasonable. "The other eight... other than their characters, I have no other request," Wu Ying said. "This shouldn''t be a challenge," Qiu Jianhan spoke first and said, "The few of us will become the chief examiners for you. You don''t have to worry about fairness and impartiality." The rest of the elders nodded in agreement. "I''ll trouble you for your assistance then." Wu Ying bowed and said, "I know that Old Sirs are occupied with various work and even more personal affairs. Wu Ying does not dare to detain you for long. Please, do head back." The quintet looked at each other in bafflement when they heard him, not knowing the appropriate response to give. ''You invited all of us here just to give this mission to us?'' ''You sent an invitation, brother! Forget about wine or dishes, we didn''t even have a cup of water upon arriving here and now we''re being chased away!'' ''I can''t imagine that there would be such a thing in this world! Such a person!'' ''Even if you''re talented, a genius, very remarkable fine, you''re remarkable!'' Fang Qingtian did not know whether he should be laughing or feel annoyed. "Wu Ying, I am guessing that you had no intention to set out a meal?" Wu Ying glanced at the Old Grand Commandant coldly and replied, "This lower subordinate has always lived frugally. I don''t have any money with me now. I''ve taken too much advantage by living on the country''s generosity all these years C how can I be greedy?" His implied meaning was, "Do you want me to prepare a meal? That would be forcing me to be corrupted, coercing me to be depraved. What''s the meaning of this?" The five elders were stunned into speechlessness once again. They admitted defeat! Qiu Jianhan huffed, "This fellow is deserving of the surname Wu indeed!" Once the comment had been made, everyone thought of the stoic, impartial, official and could not help studying Wu Ying''s face with uncertainty, thinking if the two of them were twins. This duo were the two oddballs of Yutang''s imperial court. "You and Wu Lie" Leng Daoyin finally let the question out of the bag. "Are brothers?" Wu Ying gazed at Leng Daoyin silently, just staring at him quietly for a moment, and suddenly asked, "Is everyone in the world with the surname Leng your brother?" Leng Daoyin was momentarily at a loss for words. ''My brothers? What crap? Leng isn''t a common family name, but there''d still be millions of people with this surname in this world.'' ''Who could give birth to so many people? This bastard''s words are true'' "Hahaha!" Qiu Jianhan laughed gleefully. Wu Ying gazed at him with unfriendly eyes, his stoic expression. He finally said, "Please, bid your leave. I have things to attend to." The five elders were instantly clouded by anger. Even the emperor would not have spoken like this to them! It was their first time being chased away. The five of them stood up huffily and left with curses mumbled under their breaths. Fang Qingtian suddenly turned around as he reached the door, "Hold on, that can''t be it. Your attire and meals are covered by the country. Where, then, are your many years of stipend?" Old Grand Commandant Fang''s sudden question was insightful. Yutang''s stipend and rewards towards the militants were generous; Wu Ying''s position was incredibly high and he had no burden of a family. He should be rather wealthy; how could he be without any money? "It is all kept in the Board of War''s account. This lower subordinate has never used money C there''s no need to collect it. I''ll need to think of how to place it and ways to spend it. It''d only be a hassle for me." Old Grand Commandant Fang''s mouth was agape. He looked at the ghostly fellow like he was looking at an immortal. After a long, long time, he shut his mouth with a crack and left without a word. There was only a single word in his mind C ''Amazing!'' There were actually people in this vast world who refused to take his salary just because he thought spending was a hassle C how shocking! The five elders who remained skeptical went to check the bursary of the military. Obtaining Wu Ying''s stipend record, they realized that Wu Ying did have a generous amount of stipend, having gathered hundreds of thousands of silver taels already. In spite of this, there was also no record of him collecting them. He truly had a healthy amount of savings. Qiu Jianhan shook his head sighing, "I thought he was a god who can rule the world C he''s actually a ghost who can ascend to immortality and descend to the underworld as well. He probably won''t have to use any form of money in our human realm in this life time This old man should really start to work for him." "Me too. Better hurry and do what we have been appointed to do." The quintet turned and departed filled with approbation. "Cough, say Sir Wu probably won''t want this wealth he''s accumulated in the future." Tie Zheng''s eyes were glowing. "Why not give them all to me?" "Take them!" The Old Grand Commandant immediately approved of the idea. Of course, Tie Zheng was not spending it for himself. Wu Ying would not be spending this fortune anyway; he might as well let Tie Zheng have it instead. The families of the fallen soldiers would have more to make ends meet; it would always be better than letting the silver taels collect dust in the bursary. In spite of this, if it had not been their meeting today, Tie Zhen and the other personages would not have utilized Wu Ying''s sum of silver taels on their own accord, despite knowing that he would not be laying a finger on them. Now, the situation was vastly different! Wu Ying had readily given the precious guides that contained his lifetime knowledge C what the silver taels were worth! Such genius, such talent, such a phantom of a prodigy, one who was so noble and upright in character, would not care for worldly fortunes. It would be best to take them and use them on those who needed it more. The sum had been seized by Tie Zheng without any guilt. Yun Yang found out about Wu Ying''s action soon enough. Facing Shui Wuyin''s questioning gaze, Yun Yang kept silent for a long time. "Boss, what should be done about this?" "Let him be," Yun Yang sighed, Shui Wuyin was rather reluctant. "This... is one of the culprits. He can''t be allowed to do whatever he wants!" Although Shui Wuyin said nothing about Yun Yang pardoning Wu Ying previously, he was nevertheless indignant. The only difference in attitude between him and Yun Yang was that Yun Yang would sometimes opt for the greater good under certain conditions. On the other hand, Shui Wuyin was much more direct C if you performed a misdeed, you would be a villain for the rest of your life! You should be executed! Truthfully, such thinking was rather extreme and tended to go overboard. "Mm, let him be," Yun Yang said, "You have to help him to recruit disciples as well. You must go through the background of these disciples thoroughly to make sure they''re clean!" Shui Wuyin heaved a deep sight and did not say a word for a long time. "Is there a problem?" Yun Yang frowned. "I only have one request." Shui Wuying said firmly, "When Wu Ying dies, no matter how he meets his end, I want to see his dead body!" Yun Yang closed his eyes. "It shall be allowed!" 701 Backed Into A Corner Wind brewed in the company of the clouds, rising rapidly, and dying down as fast as it had come. The unprecedented martial world turbulence that had started in Tiantang City had ended in the same location. Although many people had died in the process and Tiantang City''s east district had fallen into ruins during this time, Tiantang City itself did not seem to have suffered much damage. The tattered land of ruins could easily be reconstructed. It was not exactly bad news for the houses and buildings to be brought down onto the ground. Without destruction, there would be no construction. Now that the destruction was complete, the construction process was greatly anticipated. The renovated east district would then become cleaner and tidier than the other city districts. It was expected to be a more uniform area in terms of style and atmosphere. This was, instead, something good to Yutang. As for the many casualties, ninety-nine percent of them were from the martial world. Whether they were martial artists or assassins, they did not have much to do with Yutang. On the contrary, there were no fewer than a hundred thousand people who owed Yutang a favor for sending their remains back to their homeland after the battle. At the very least, Yutang had gained much in terms of reputation. More crucially, the assassin organizations that Yutang had been worrying about had been wiped out in this battle! Among the hundreds of thousands of known killers who made a living out of assassination, only five people had managed to escape! Furthermore, these five people were released after being granted a reprieve. Therefore, there would be no further concerns about assassinations in the realm of Yutang. From now on until a very, very long time later, it would become a common fact that commissioning assassins was a challenging task to jumpstart in the entire continent. Subsequently, this situation was incredibly good news to all the officials and tycoons across the continent. After all, the more fame and fortune one had, the more fearful they were of dying. Illnesses and assassinations had always been the millionaires'' worst fears. Now that half of their fears would no longer plague them for a long time to come, how could they not cheer in ecstasy? Due to this very reason, after this incident, Yutang''s reputation had risen to a substantially high stage, be it among the empires or the ungoverned territories. The only one who was unhappy and unfortunate was probably Yutang''s crown prince, His Highness, himself. "I''ve sent men to grab the dragon hide treasure map? I''ve wiped out countless top-notch assassins three times over?" The crown prince was dumbfounded upon hearing the report. His handsome face turned pale. "When have I issued an order like this? How is it possible?" "The crown prince''s six troops?" His Highness was confounded. "It''s true that they belong to the crown prince''s residence, but it''s only for show. Since when can I, the crown prince, instruct those people? These troops are secured by father C why would they ever obey my commands? If I could deploy them, wouldn''t I have" He was merely being honest. While the crown prince''s six troops consisted of tens of thousands of men, they were the most elite combat power within the Yutang military. Their cultivation base, discipline, weapons, or equipment were all among the best of the best. However, they had only carried a title. The crown prince had never thought to use this squad. He dared not use this squad. No one from the squad ever really listened to His Highness. If that had been the case, how could these militants have exterminated so many premier assassins with three rounds of bows and arrows? This was a miraculous feat, despite it being an ambush, despite the timely attack, despite the fact that their targets were already exhausted and injured! Had these people actually obeyed the crown prince, he would probably have woken up laughing from his dreams and yearned for this to be reality. In spite of this "Guard, send General Li over. I have something to ask him!" His Highness'' expression turned menacing. "Your Highness, General Li says that he is currently occupied with military affairs. Your Highness'' arrangement is completed and the trip here will take much time. He asks that Your Highness need not be overly courteous, there is sufficient time in the future to reward him." The crown prince was apoplectic with rage. "What I arranged is completed? Need not be courteous? Reward?" "Bastard!" His Highness sprung up with a growl, "This is a baseless accusation! He''s framing me, making things up! This is defaming the prince C this is C this is a huge blame placed upon me! How could there still be a future for me?" The crown prince was almost hysterical. How could he admit to things like this? If he had actually wanted to do so, he would never make it so clear and overt! ''You''ve completed your task and the future is yet to come Forget the fact that I didn''t instruct you to do so C even if it had been my order, why would you let the five most terrifying assassins go?'' ''I was the one who commissioned them!'' ''Now the story has turned to make me out as the one who wants to kill them C and I''ve already killed ten thousand of their brothers!'' ''This irreconcilable grudge has been pinned on me directly C I won''t even be able to wash it off by jumping into the Lunar River!'' ''From now on, everyone in this world need not worry about assassinations, but this crown prince has to live in fear day and night because I need to watch out for them!'' ''At all times and at all places, I may be assassinated by Hen Bieli, Hong Zhan or even all five pinnacle killers!'' His Highness growled and prowled in a rage, cursing out loud. To this day, the crown prince was basically a general without an army. Other than a few feeble scholars, he really did not have any powerful forces behind him. His aides had been killed, one after another; his teacher had been murdered as well. Anyone of his guards who could be considered an expert was also butchered. As he continued to muse, it came as a surprise to the crown prince that it seemed that the only one by his side whom he could discuss things with was the crown princess. Unknowingly, the talents around him, the eastern palace heir, had withered to naught! "Your Highness, this incident is obviously a trap set up by His Majesty, King Xiaoyao and the military side." The crown princess was clearly wearing distress on her face. "Other than not knowing if His Majesty is totally oblivious or has granted permission discreetly, the military and King Xiaoyao must have personally participated in this whole debacle." "Why is this so?" The crown prince asked, lost. "Don''t you see the current state of things yet, Your Highness? Everything they''ve done is none other than clearing the path for someone else. Your Highness is the legitimate heir to Yutang''s throne C how can you not be their biggest obstacle right now?" replied the crown princess. "Correct. This must have been planned by Yun Yang, Tie Zheng, and the others. They want to force me to an impasse. How dare they How dare they" agreed His Highness. The crown princess lowered her head and said, "Looking into the truth of this no longer helps the situation you are in now. Your Highness the case is clear; the good days are gone. It is destined that the position as the eastern palace heir cannot be secured. Forcing it to happen may cost lives. Your Highness, your mistress asks for you to devise a method to gracefully retire as soon as possible. It''s more important to stay alive." The crown princess looked defeated but she was more lucid than the crown prince, knowing that her man no longer had a future carrying Yutang''s prime position. Insisting on it would only mean the end, without any luck to overturn their fate. Recalling the time when she had just become the crown princess, she had dreamed more than once to be the maternal model to the world, standing shoulder to shoulder with the crown prince. Today C no, since a long time ago, she no longer bore such a hope. The crown prince sighed. "The problem is even if I''m willing to be the scapegoat and resign from the position as the crown prince now, I can barely hang on to my life. The ones they freed are the pinnacle assassins of this world C the five aces Worst of all, I am the biggest mortal enemy of these five killers!" "This battle has ended my future C and my life!" It was like the crown prince had aged instantly. "I have been backed into a corner!" 702 Why? The crown prince was frightened and absolutely unnerved. It was a nerve-wracking experience. He could be beheaded at any time. The possibility was already seared in the crown prince''s mind that thinking about it filled him with a sense of dread which led to unstoppable weeping. Truly, security could hardly be maintained, even if he had employed Ling Xiaozui or Dugu Chou as his escorts when he was faced with the unexpected ambush of five top assassins simultaneously. Even when his chaperones were remarkable and could safeguard him temporarily, could they guard him for life? What was more, the grudge the crown prince had established with Hen Bieli and group was irreconcilable and irreversible! Ten thousand assassins had been killed. They had died in the hands of the martial artists, but the last strike from His Highness was enough for the five ace killers to focus all their resentment on the crown prince and deeply at that. The crown princess sighed and gazed at the crown prince sympathetically. ''You knew it couldn''t be done but you kept the improper desire and refused to step back. Now that you have struggleduntil the brink of death, they''ve severed all your escape routes.'' ''Even your many plans for survival have been foiled. What can you do?'' ''Who can be blamed when the situation has deteriorated so badly?'' "It''s not entirely a lost cause right now." The crown princess sighed. "Right now, there''s still one person who can turn this situation around and save you and me." His Highness perked up. "Who? Father? If it was father you meant, he can''t move Hen Bieli and the others!" The crown princess spoke slowly, "I don''t mean father but Yun Yang, Young Master Yun." Her words were earth-shattering, shocking the crown prince to silence. "Is His Highness here to visit?" Yun Yang looked at Lao Mei, surprise hanging off the tip of his brows. "Yes." "Invite him in then." There was a meaningful smile at the corners of Yun Yang''s lips. The visitor was unexpected, but after thinking further, why should he be surprised? Yun Xiaoyao glanced at Yun Yang; his lips moved, but he sighed in the end, saying, "Take care of it. I''ll sit this one out." What if the crown prince begged him, hugging his leg? Whatever the case was, he was his uncle C his biological uncle. Although it was said that a man needed his face while a tree needed its bark, there was also the saying that conscience would be lost in a dead-end; conscience was also humility C what could not be done if one were to appeal to that? An upturn that could pass off as a smile or perhaps something else altogether hung on Yun Yang''s face. "Might as well. Let this be at your convenience." He continued leisurely. "I have had ample experience in handling this fellow..." "As long as you stay alive?" Yun Yang''s gaze was thoughtful when he looked at the crown prince before him. The crown prince of Yutang currently looked like a rooster that had lost its fight. There was no sense of vigor and ambition left in the man whatsoever. "Yes." The crown prince''s eyes were empty and his face sculpted. It had only been two nights but His Highness who had initially been full of grace had suddenly aged three to five decades; even the stems of his sideburns and hair were dotted in white. He thought that the target he had fought and worked for the better half of his life was within his reach, so near to his grasp, but it was all gone in a single night. His Highness had never been known to be a perseverant man; faced with such a heavy blow, it was only natural that he was unable to take it. If Yun Yang had not been presented as a possible solution, he would have either committed suicide as an easy way out or go crazy from depression if this went on for a few more days. "Stay alive" Yun Yang mumbled. The crown prince spoke up, "I''ve already written the legal paper to request for the dismissal of the position of crown prince. I''ve even found myself excuses C talentless and characterless, rebellious and defiant, disrespectful and wayward, abusive and harassing, plagued by men''s ailments, so on and so forth" The crown prince had truly given it his all. He had even resorted to using an excuse like ''plagued by men''s ailments''. He was evidently sincere, but he had no other choice. The emperor had agreed to allow the martial world to do battle in the city''s east, but he had intervened with a command. He had been framed but the crown prince knew that he could not escape the accusations. The cooperation of so many people, the collaboration of the military and civil sides, was enough to tell him that even if it were black, it had to be white. There was no need for evidence. There was no leeway. His Highness wore a vacant look. "I only ask that Young Master Yun secure my life. Everything else is secondary." "I''ve seen Your Highness'' sincerity, but you still haven''t admitted to one offense. Just this one sin alone shows your lack of sincerity," Yun Yang said faintly. His Highness'' head came up abruptly. "What crime? What charge is it? Say it and I''ll admit as well!" "Why have you not said a word about conspiring against the Nine Supremes? Even when you''ve stated all sorts of criminal acts, you said nothing about this one. What sincerity is there to be spoken of?" Yun Yang''s gaze was unforgiving like a lightning bolt, his words piercing as a sword. It was like the crown prince had been struck by a thunderbolt when he heard Yun Yang''s words. Hit by vertigo, his mouth was agape without any words coming out from it for some time. His gaze towards Yun Yang was full of terror, his face was drained of color. Yun Yang''s chilling eyes pierced right into the crown prince''s own, as he said, "Don''t misunderstand this as my ambush. The conspiracy against the Nine Supremes had reached a conclusion after the investigation from many parties. Whichever it is, it has bits and pieces to do with you." "Although, you were only being used by all sorts of forces throughout the process, becoming a puppet who was deceived by the Four Seasons Tower, who regarded himself too highly, who thought he was scheming and calculative, who assumed that they manipulated the big picture You thought that you led the battle at Tianxuan Cliff, but in reality, your every move and plan was being pushed by someone else, whether intentionally or otherwise Though, you''ve done it still. Your malicious intentions towards the Nine Supremes isn''t a pretense. It''s genuine." "I" The crown prince''s face was as pale as a sheet; panic colored his gaze. "I only have this question for you C why did you conspire against the Nine Supremes? What''s your reason? " Yun Yang asked in a low growl. "As the crown prince, no matter how masterly the Nine Supremes are, no matter how great their reputation is, the land they made into territories will ultimately be yours! Basically, they''re fighting for your empire," Yun Yang said in puzzlement, "Why are you destroying your own spine? Give me a reason!" This was what Yun Yang could not figure out. The Four Seasons Tower had plotted the Nine Supremes'' murder with an obvious aim. Their opposing stances were more than adequate reason. However, the crown prince''s effort in the Nine Supremes'' fall was dragging his country into the sinking mud, almost sending it spiraling into ruin. This was unreasonable. It truly boggled one''s mind. The crown prince lowered his head. After a long time, he spoke hoarsely, "I That new year C I saw my eldest brother I" Yun Yang frowned. The crown prince covered his face. "Back then, father spread the news a few years ago that my eldest brother had passed from an illness but I saw my eldest brother C alive C outside father''s study" "I was shocked then, I was shocked for a long time" "That night, father drank himself into intoxication. He looked at him, his gaze full of indignation and unwillingness He said something, then he passed out thoroughly." "What did His Majesty say?" Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath. "Father said in a low murmur When the Nine Supremes reins this world then, are you willing to hand over this throne?" 703 Done and Dusted Yun Yang was somewhat startled when he heard what the crown prince had said. He had finally found out the truth C the emperor once had experienced a slip of the tongue! A secret had been revealed to someone who should have absolutely no knowledge of it C the crown prince, the person whose advantages and disadvantages were directly at stake! "There wasn''t anyone else around then; those nearest to us were dozens of feet away. Father mumbled the statement no one had heard it other than me, but I was stunned then C like when I had accidentally seen my eldest brother." "No, I was lost and had been caught. Hearing my father''s question, I lost my cool and felt like the sky had fallen on me." Yun Yang sighed. "You don''t have to say anything more." He finally understood; he understood everything now. The emperor He had carried that intention all along. It was no wonder! In all honesty, the intention could be realized. As long as the world was conquered and the conquest was completed, safely tucked away as Yutang''s territory, it would no longer be necessary to keep the eldest prince''s identity as one of the Nine Supremes a secret. The fact that the eldest prince was Nine Supremes'' leader, Supreme Earth, could even be an accent to Yutang''s reign over the world. When that time came, a timely imperial dictum was all it would take to declare the reason behind the eldest prince''s proclaimed death back then. After such a huge sacrifice and returning victorious, it would be an easy feat for him to ascend the throne once again. Yutang''s officials and people would not have any objections! The only person C the only exception among all - was His Highness, the crown prince. The eastern palace heir was, in reality, just a placeholder. It was about that time, then, that the crown prince knew about the emperor''s plan C he finally figured out that his crown prince status was only for display. Yun Yang heaved a deep sigh. Looking at the aged and dreary crown prince before him, he was left with speechlessness and a knot in his heart. Should he or should he not kill this crown prince? The decision depended on Yun Yang''s thoughts. Logically, what the crown prince did demanded nothing less than death. However, putting oneself in his shoes, there was nothing wrong with his choice of action, despite the fact that it had harmed the country and defied the emperor; it was faultless for the royal heir to resort to any tactics and measures in order to rise to the throne. It was only a matter of success or failure. In retrospect, it was the crown prince who had been overthrown today. If Yun Yang had fallen in Tianxuan Cliff as well back then and had not managed to save the Emperor of Yutang who had been poisoned, the next Yutang emperor was perhaps long crowned unto this prince. Whether Yutang was occupied or had been extinguished by the other empires then, His Highness had still emerged victorious from the competition for the throne! Yun Yang''s thoughts were all over the place. It was a difficult choice to make. Dazed, there seemed to be a pair of eyes watching him from afar. ''Ol''Ninth My brother is my biological brother after all." They were Supreme Earth''s words, but he did not utter them. Yet, he could already make such a sacrifice for his country and family; it would be expected that he must not want to see his biological younger brother perish in Yun Yang''s hands? What about the other brothers then? "It''s still possible to stay alive." A cold glint flashed in Yun Yang''s eyes. There was actually a mirage in his orbs, like eight masked figures slipped past the bottom of his eyes just now. His decision was made certain in that instant. He uttered each word slowly, "Regardless, you''ll have to die once first. Whatever happens after can only be continued." The crown prince had been holding his position for so long, he naturally understood the meaning between the lines. Without hesitation, he nodded and said, "I C Everything of mine will be up to Young Master Yun''s arrangement." It was undeniably the best solution to fake the crown prince''s death and bury his identity. However, this method could barely be completed based on the current capability His Highness had. What was more, there were countless threats. If the solution had been set up by Yun Yang, however, it would be a whole other story, the stake to success would increase by folds. Perhaps Yutang''s Royal Highness would unavoidably perish in this world by the end of the chapter, but the crown prince could keep on surviving. At this moment, the crown prince thought he had understood and even deeply felt the kindness and sincerity Yun Yang exuded. Yun Yang nodded and did not say more. Watching the crown prince''s hunched form leaving the Residence of Yun, Yun Yang clearly felt that one thing had come to be done now. This crown prince, the Eastern palace her who had been on display for years in the Empire of Yutang, the eastern palace heir, was thoroughly disheartened. There was no more greed or lust after anything in him. "But" "Were my various plots just for the exchange of your disheartenment?" Yun Yang stood with arms behind him, his gaze distant. Ultimately, it turned into a glare, an indescribable menace. Yun Xiaoyao walked out from behind the screen and expelled his thoughts into a long sigh. King Yun honestly could not hold himself back from his urge to sigh as well. "Yun Yang, what are you really doing? Making so much effort, what''s your ultimate aim?" King Xiaoyao was confused. The episode was done and dusted. Yun Yang had acquired plenty from the battle. He had killed his sworn enemy, Ouyang Xiaoshe, wiped out ninety-nine percent of this world''s notable assassins, and even paved the way to the dethroning of Yutang''s crown prince. However, he had paid an equally significant price. Just the dragon hide treasure map was enough of a regret to Yun Xiaoyao. He lamented over the loss of it. Moreover, when Yun Yang pushed the blame, shifting the five pinnacle assassins'' attention to the crown prince, it dismayed some people despite it being a wonderful tactic. The ''some people'' mentioned were none other than the - Emperor of Yutang and Yun Xiaoyao himself. "What is it?" Yun Yang asked with a smile. "Aren''t you being too brutal? The royal bloodline" Yun Xiaoyao sighed. "The crown prince, after this battle, would be considered utterly erased. The third prince was crippled by you too, gone insane even. The fourth prince is relatively safe now, but I don''t think you''ll let him off the hook." "The fifth and sixth prince as well. The progress of their recruitment recently was too smooth. I don''t know the particular situation, but I can still be certain that everything is within your plan. I even doubt how many among their so-called subordinates actually listen to them C could there be half?" "I''m not surprised that you targeted the crown prince, the third prince and even the fourth prince. However, the fifth prince is only thirteen years old this year while the sixth prince is only twelve," said Yun Xiaoyao, "Isn''t it too ruthless for you to already begin setting up their fall?" "I''ve never concealed any of these from you," Yun Yang commented faintly. Yun Xiaoyao sighed. "Yes. If you didn''t want me to know, I guess I won''t even obtain any hints or traces of these. That''s why I think that you''ve probably made corresponding arrangement for the other princes?" "I''m only preparing for rainy days. Prevention is better than cure." Yun Yang had still spoken nonchalantly. "Everything you do aims to pave the path for Bao''er, to prevent any possible accident?" Yun Xiaoyao questioned. "It''s true that I''m paving the future path but to speak of preventing any possible accidents" Yun Yang answered honestly, "After all, there are some things that I don''t want to do. If I were to do them all, that would bring all the roads for him." "Oh?" Yun Xiaoyao let out a noise of question. Yun Yang kept his hands in his sleeves, looking relaxed. "The source of these princes'' wild ambition comes from none other than the harem." "What do you want to do? Don''t be reckless. Brother will not let you go about your ways!" Yun Xiaoyao shuddered and exclaimed in alarm. Yun Yang replied coldly and rather mockingly, "Don''t worry. I''m not thinking of doing anything more. That''s why I''m telling you. If I''ve set my mind to do it, those women of the harem would already be rotting meat right now. Will the emperor be able to stop me?" 704 Who Else Is to Be the Prodigal Child If Not Him? Yun Xiaoyao closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. In all honesty, there were indeed not many men who could stop Yun Yang as he was now. At least, no one in the Empire of Yutang could do so C regardless of whether it was him, Yun Xiaoyao, or the Emperor of Yutang, Yu Peize! As long as Yun Yang wanted to do something, he would succeed, even when the entire Empire of Yutang was banded together to stop him. Things had already come to this stage. "What should be done, I have done," said Yun Yang, "Everything else after this is only an exercise of waiting for our efforts to bloom and come to fruition." Yun Xiaoyao said, "Have you ever thought what would happen if Bao''er isn''t up to par? What if he can''t shoulder your expectations? No matter how he''s taught and trained, there''s no certainty that he will grow into the mold we hope he grows into. What then?" "Nothing. Let him be the prodigal child. As long as the land that the Nine Supremes have fought so painstakingly for isn''t lost to an outsider," Yun Yang answered and with a grin, he said, "That will be sufficient." He laughed. "Aren''t the possessions and wealth the elders fought for to be left for their descendants? If their descendants live long enough to enjoy success, they''ll naturally guard the treasure and prosper. If they fail to do so and exhausted all that was given to them, isn''t it how it should be as well?" Yun Yang''s chuckle was lighthearted. "How can others take advantage of the assets his father and uncles fought for? When those who fought for the rivers and mountains gained them and wanted to quit, who else to pass the ready-made possessions to if not him? Who else is to be the prodigal child if not him?" "Besides, its just like you said. There''s no certainty as to what he''ll grow up to be. Who knows, he might be a brilliant emperor the likes of which we have not encountered since the start of time? Much more magnificent than his grandfather and ancestors? Who knows?" Yun Xiaoyao could only sigh upon hearing this, no longer bothering to come up with a response. ''After I die, whatever happens, it matters not how my son wastes away my properties'' C this was probably Yun Yang''s current thought. Whether it was carefree or selfish, it was still a sincere sentiment! Yun Xiaoyao entered the room and closed the door. He needed some time to digest Yun Yang''s words. In addition, he was immensely troubled by his own thoughts. What Yun Yang had told him could be considered an act of openly laying down his cards, thus leaving the issue to Yun Xiaoyao. Should he tell the emperor? ''Why is this choice always looming over me and forcing me to choose? And I chose this side, every single time!'' Yun Xiaoyao lamented and sighed in his study. "The ten Yama Kings and Fang Mofei aren''t back yet?" Yun Yang asked Lao Mei. "No. No news as well, but it''s still within an acceptable duration," answered Lao Mei. "Mm." Yun Yang no longer said anything and closed his eyes; what ran through his mind was unknown to anyone. The next morning, the crown prince submitted his statement which contained his self-confessed lack of talent and character, asking to be voluntarily shed off his position as the crown prince. Looking at the crown prince''s case, the emperor was stunned for quite a while. A plethora of thoughts rushed through him, and his face indicated a series of emotions; relief, comfort, pain, and longing. In the end, he still managed to pick up his brush. He approved the request, and granted the title ''King of Serenity'' to the then crown prince, conferring Fenglong City to him. Fenglong City was located at the southern end of Yutang and was twenty-seven thousand miles away from the capital, Tiantang City. A normal round trip would take at least a few years to complete! His Majesty contemplated for a long time before issuing an edict C the prince was to depart for the land granted to him before the end of the month; after that, he was not to return without any royal dictum. There were no obstacles in the entire process; from the listening, approval, title appointment, granting of the land, to any other miscellaneous items. His Majesty did not even ask for opinions from his officials. It was like a rehearsal, a simple question or two, then the matter was set in stone. He was thoroughly authoritative in this. Many officials in the imperial court were befuddled, but the few who were truly influential saw the case as a matter of course. They did not intervene, remaining silent. They did not even try to give any advice. This had never happened before in the history of Tianxuan Continent and it was a wonder if there would be a repetition of this ever again. When Yun Yang heard the news, he moved no muscle other than a faint smile. "His Majesty thought hard about this, wanting to save his son''s life" Shangguan Lingxiu beside him replied, "His Majesty is also a parent. This is reasonable. It''s no surprise." Yun Yang said with a smile, "However, the second prince''s life cannot be guaranteed by anyone. His Majesty''s effort will be in vain. Forget it, let''s go visit Bao''er and the children. We haven''t practiced with them in a while." (Author''s Note: The second prince is the sacked crown prince.) In the backyard of the Residence of Yun, a little person who wore white clasped a book in his hands, studying it with utmost focus. Bao''er was still young, a child, but his height had shot up within this year, already lending him the appearance of a young youth. Beside the little person, a teacher explained the lesson thoroughly. Behind Bao''er, a few children were reading books as well but they looked frustrated, obviously disliking the books. "Prosper, the people suffer. Perish, the people suffer." Bao''er mumbled and asked, "Since everyone will suffer whether prosper or perish, how can they avoid suffering?" The scholar standing beside him replied with a smile, "Suffering despite prosperity and perishing means different things. There''s no doubt about perishing for the country; perish, everyone suffers. However, prosperity does not necessarily mean things are flourishing; they could merely be thriving." "If there are people thriving, there will be people failing. Similarly, a prospering nation would be accompanied by the fall of another nation. The process is a bitter one. That''s why suffering exists, whether there''s prosperity or perishing. Still, if a country can stay peaceful and secure for a long time, then the people won''t have to suffer. The people''s hearts are the simplest C they won''t speak of suffering if they have enough food to eat." "Then, how can a country stay safe and peaceful for a long time?" Bao''er frowned; his innocent face was curious and sympathetic. "How does everyone get to have something to eat?" A clear chuckle rang out. "Long-term security is a huge challenge. It needs at least the effort of a few generations." It was Yun Yang. "Uncle Yun!" Bao''er crowed loudly and was about to bolt over. Somehow, he held himself back with much restraint and looked towards his two teachers in front. Evidently, he was waiting for their instruction. "Go." The teacher chuckled. It was only then that Bao''er rushed over and hugged his arm when he came to Yun Yang. Yun Yang bent down to pick up the child, continuing his explanation with a chuckle. "Only by the continuous effort of generations will the nation and its people thrive and flourish, letting everyone have a good meal. When the first emperor founded the nation and established his dynasty, everything was a slump waiting to flourish. The second emperor will work to keep his people thriving and the third emperor will watch over the empire, making sure his people accumulate wealth. When it comes to the fourth emperor''s dynasty, only then can he achieve long-term security and prosperity. If it can be maintained, then the world shall not suffer." Yun Yang looked into Bao''er''s eyes and said, "Bao''er, it requires great knowledge to stop the world''s sufferings. You have to study well and act upon it. Then it''ll be the people''s fortune, the world''s luck." "Then what exactly should we do? How do we start?" asked Bao''er. Yun Yang answered, "Have noble officials within and have lionhearted generals without. Be crystal clear and sharp, pay attention to details. Balance the left and right and be able to rein in authority. Kindness and intimidation need to be applied together, one should be gentle and caring, as well as vehement and assertive. Bao''er, you''ll have to learn all these things." 705 Nation. Family. Bao''er asked in a perplexed tone, "There''s so much to learn; won''t I die from exhaustion?" An amused chuckle escaped Yun Yang''s lips. "It''s necessary that those rising to position know more and realize more. Of course, when it comes to a certain point in time, you will only need to be able to do one thing." "When? What is that?" Bao''er asked. Yun Yang smiled without answering. After a while, he said softly, "Think of the world as a family. If you want a family not to be bullied, to have enough to eat and wear, to not suffer from then on, you only need a single piece of knowledge. Also, if you want everyone in the world to eat their fill and dress warmly, you also only need a single piece of knowledge." Bao''er blinked his eyes in a daze; it was almost as if he understood it, and yet did not. The two teachers did not comment on Yun Yang''s lesson, but it was evident that they were also listening intently. In spite of this, they were astounded when they heard what he just said. Both of them were well aware of the theory Yun Yang was speaking about, but there were words they dared not say. They murmured, "A single piece of knowledge, a single piece of knowledge Only needs a single piece of knowledge." The teachers could not help but ponder upon that statement. Consequently, their gaze on Yun Yang was involuntarily filled with confusion. Bao''er was still too young. Yun Yang had already stated clearly that it was prohibited to step into political strategies too early in a child''s development. However, what he was doing now was planting seeds in Bao''er, incorporating the ideology so it was rooted within the boy and what was left was for them to grow. There were things the teachers dared not say; some, perhaps they could not explain it clearly. Yet Yun Yang''s words pointed straight to the crux of the matter. The premise was that those who knew would know and those who did not know would only go on to another path. Could Bao''er really understand it? The teachers glanced at Bao''er who was deep in thought and could not help but emit a humorless chuckle. Did he understand? It was only now that they realized, as teachers, that they truly dared not ask the question. "Bao''er, it''s enough that you only know one word C family. To ordinary citizens, family means a home of three or four people. To an emperor, what is family?" Maybe Bao''er did not understand the meaning of this, but it was like a thunderbolt had struck the two teachers as they raised their heads abruptly to look at Yun Yang. They were finally certain of what was going on. Today, Yun Yang was not here to teach Bao''er. He was here to teach them instead. "What is family?" The scholars felt their hearts dragged down by a tremendous weight. "Aunty!" Seeing Shangguan Lingxiu''s arrival, the other children came up to gather around her, pulling her hands to complain to her. "Aunty what''s the use of us studying here? We should be released back to practice It''s the first priority to survive on the battlefield. What can these books do?" Shangguan Lingxiu was initially all smiles, looking at the studious environment, but her face fell when she heard them. "Nonsense! What do you mean what''s the use? Stratagems and planning decide the outcome of a battle from thousands of miles away. This is a military truth. Do you really not know this? If I hear any more nonsense from you, you''ll be punished according to the family rules, even if your teachers aren''t bothered to take any action!" The children were immediately crestfallen, but no one dared to utter a retort. Family rules? The family rules of the Shangguan Family were beyond the acceptance of a normal person. They were frightened at once. Yun Yang could not help feeling tickled. Shangguan Lingxiu''s temper could not be blamed. These children of Shangguan were, in all honesty, brave little warriors. Fighting was like having honey to them; they were utterly immersed in studying books about warfare as well. It was only when it came to knowledge on studious subjects and philosophy that all of them had been stopped right in their tracks. During the high-pressure learning in the Residence of Yun at this time, they were basically moaning and groaning in torment every day. Even when there was a slight improvement, the progress was incredibly limited, close to none. They were undeniably th Shangguan Family of Generals C they did not let the name of being a family of generals down. "No worries. There''s no hurry." Yun Yang comforted them. "The descendants of the Shangguan Family possess the innate character of Shangguan. The reason I''ve placed them here is so that they can learn as much as they can. Secondly, it''s to pave their way for the future. Thirdly, it''s to stretch their endurance a little further. Actually, there are still more reasons. All in all, there is only benefit, without any detriment to them." "It''s not necessary to be overly concerned about their innate temperament. After all, they''ll be in the Board of War or on the battlefield after this," Yun Yang said, "Besides, the future Shangguan Family of Generals won''t have that many worries!" "No more worries" Shangguan Lingxiu muttered and could not help the overlapping joy and sadness that surged within her. No more worries For how many years had the Shangguan Family of Generals been struggling with these words, like a nightmare that engulfed them. Now, it had actually been dissolved by Yun Yang. Thoroughly, there were no more worries, forever. Recalling that Yun Yang spoke about paving their way, with the foundation these children had in the Residence of Yun now, perhaps the Shangguan Family of Generals could truly prosper with the advantage of noble titles. Of course, the preceding condition was that they were not planning to rebel! Without anticipating too much of the future, this really should not be an issue, by just looking at the current childhood friendship between these Shangguan children and Bao''er. Therefore, the burdensome responsibilities that had always weighed down Shangguan Lingxiu could be lifted off of her shoulders now. The sudden presence of ease almost made her cry happy tears. "There could be, at most, four who can really go into the battlefield among these six nephews of yours." Yun Yang delivered his voice straight to Shangguan Lingxiu. "The other two can play the role of pigs that devour the tiger. It''s best for them to stay on the Board of War. You know this well enough." You know this well enough! How could Shangguan Lingxiu not know? She sobbed as she replied Yun Yang. "I know it, I really do. I''m already more than content now! Still, do you know how I wish the numbers you mentioned could be reversed" Yun Yang was speechless. Three of the Shangguan children went up to her furiously. "Aunty, you''re crying Who made you cry? We''ll beat them up!" There was one more child who was hesitant, pausing where he stood, pretending to be studying. There were two more who exchanged glances with each other before lowering their heads and refocused their attention on the books. Yun Yang and Shangguan Lingxiu observed the different reactions of these six children to the sudden episode, all of them wearing contrasting expressions. Yun Yang looked deep in thought while Shangguan Lingxiu appeared to be comforted. There was only Bao''er who rubbed his palms and fists together while saying, "Who dares bully my uncle?" Shangguan Lingxiu rolled her eyes. ''Bully your uncle? Everyone on the continent Is that enough?'' In the palace, when the emperor was done tackling national affairs, he had specifically kept Qiu Jianhan behind. Since the war at the Fortress of Resilience, Qiu Jianhan had been in a coma. Every time His Majesty wanted to talk to someone to dispel his woes or just for a personal chat, he was always taken aback to realize that he had no one, and was lonesome for a good while. Now that Qiu Jianhan had finally awakened and was fully recovered, the emperor was back to his old self, utterly delighted. He had summoned for the old marshal even more frequently, almost asking Old Marshal Qiu for a chat after the assembly daily. Qiu Jianhan was bemoaning his fate. Who could take the daily overtime? Everyone else was dismissed from work punctually, but he had to work a few additional hours the Emperor''s kindness did not seem to be too much of a great thing after all! ''Always looking for me for company, but why didn''t I see you increasing my stipend? Asking for the pleasure of my company for nothing'' Qiu Jianhan muttered inwardly but he looked wonderfully serious on the exterior. "Your Majesty, is there anything that you need?" "I shall adhere to formal procedures strictly, without any personal feelings. Can the second prince''s life be saved?" His Majesty was levelheaded and got straight to the point. 706 No Way Forward Qiu Jianhan was startled upon hearing the emperor''s words. In his mind, he was rolling his eyes wildly even as his face was calm, without a sign of his repressed frustration. ''You''re asking me? How would I know?'' ''Besides, what''s the use of following formal procedures?'' "What do you mean, Your Majesty? This old official does not understand. Please speak directly, Your Majesty," said Qiu Jianhan. "Is Supreme Cloud set on killing him?" asked the emperor, "Is it possible to let him go?" Qiu Jianhan was sweating. "How would this old official know of this?" "Ask him about it for me," the emperor said vehemently. Qiu Jianhan was flabbergasted. "Where- where would this old official go to ask?" ''Are you asking me? Then who am I supposed to ask? Don''t you know that Supreme Cloud is always unpredictable? He is never to be found if he does not wish it, and you will only meet him if he wants to meet you!'' The Emperor stated, "Very well, it is decided. Go speak to him on my behalf. The second one has given up on everything. He has nothing else. Why must he be forced into the corner? Regardless, he is still of my blood." Qiu Jianhan wanted to say more but His Majesty had begun to chase his guest away. "Go C go ahead. I know you have your way. I believe in you." Qiu Jianhan was sent out of the palace in bewilderment. How How was he to go about this? While the emperor did not frequently meet unreasonable officials, it was not entirely uncommon. It was not exactly rare either, like in the case of the Emperor of Yutang''s three pillars of support. Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin, and Fang Qingtian were exemplary images of incorrigible rogues, seasoned like pickles. Therefore, the Emperor of Yutang was well equipped with tactics to tackle these rogues. More specifically, he was well versed in the ways of tackling his rogues! What then was the most effective tactic in subduing rogues? When rogues set out to do mischief, they were always on the lookout for advantages. When a rogue met another rogue, it would then be a contest of who was more aggressive. His Majesty was all about ''I don''t care'' and ''What can you do if I''m being unreasonable?'' now. Qiu Jianhan was exhausted. It was said that heroes could come from humble beginnings and rogues could be of any age. Now, Qiu Jianhan wanted very much to say that rogues were not limited to any particular status or class as well! What should an official do when he faced an unreasonable and roguish emperor? "Sigh" Qiu Jianhan felt like he had suddenly aged decades in this single afternoon. He returned home and kept on sighing, feeling the onset of crippling helpless. Old Rogue Qiu was indeed at a loss now. He had the intention of going along with the order as a compromise, but could he actually go and ask? It was impossible! He believed that the emperor must have already started to pay attention to his every movement during these delicate moments; he suspected that he would be watched even when he was answering nature''s call, taking a shower or changing his clothes. If he were to go to Yun Yang at this time, the only outcome would be the exposure of Yun Yang''s secret identity. If Supreme Cloud''s identity was exposed, Qiu Jianhan dared not even think of the consequences. It was due to this point that other than sighing upon his arrival at home, he was utterly helpless, bereft of the ability to do anything more. He also lamented inwardly, ''No matter how wise an emperor is, he''s still blinded when it comes to matters concerning his bloodline. Does the Emperor of Yutang really not know the possible consequences that could erupt from the exposure of Supreme Cloud''s identity?'' ''He obviously knows this, but he has still chosen to force me to think of a way. He still chooses to believe that Supreme Cloud has the ability to face all sorts of dangers and challenges. He still prioritizes the life of his son even when that son isn''t worthy of such security!'' As an emperor, as a parent, he knew what was the right thing to do among a multitude of things, but he could not help being selfish! Subsequently, as an official, Old Rogue Qiu could only sigh helplessly, despite fully understanding the situation. Compared to Old Marshal Qiu''s helplessness, this period of relative lull was a rare moment for Yun Yang to seek reprieve. After the incident, everything was had ground to a halt. For the time being, he had nothing to do as peace was upon the nation. It was reinvigorating. Thus, the only thing he could do to while away the time was to practice his skills in the Residence of Yun. It was already a habit to train with Ji Lingxi daily, their practice sessions ranging from three to five times a day. Yun Yang''s cultivation base improved day by day as did his Endless Divine Art; Emmie had even made its return to support him. However, all these were insignificant when compared to Ji Lingxi''s improvement. Ji Lingxi did not even need the guarding red beam now. She could defeat Yun Yang with just her actual cultivation base. In spite of this, Yun Yang was not dispirited. Each time he was defeated, he rested immediately to recover himself, during which he studied his styles and forms meticulously. Once he was sufficiently rested and he believed that he gained some form of improvement, he fought once again with Ji Lingxi. Initially, Ji Lingxi was not too interested in such competition. After all, the differences between their capabilities were too great. Her cultivation base advanced in actual leaps and bounds, so no matter how flawless Yun Yang''s techniques were, his defeat was expected since he was faced with an invincible force. Yet, she grew more passionate as time went on. Ji Lingxi''s cultivation base had grown so rapidly that her state of mind and practical combat skills were lagging far behind. While Yun Yang''s attacks were weak, his recovery speed was amazing, making him a suitable sparring partner. It allowed Ji Lingxi to absorb the tremendous improvement as her own and fully utilize the cultivation base. In addition, she wanted to see how long her strange rapid growth of cultivation base would last, to see what stage it was going to grow to before it stopped. Right now, Ji Lingxi could feel that her current cultivation base had very possibly exceeded the realm of Dao, yet, the cultivation realm that the world knew of stopped at the mere ninth level of Dao. Such a realization was inadequate. Even when she knew that she had passed the limit of this world, how could she explore further? How should she go about it? What was her particular realm like? There was no way forward. Ji Lingxi knew nothing about it, nor did Yun Yang. In fact, no one in Residence of Yun had any knowledge regarding the issue, not Yun Xiaoyao, not Lao Mei, not Fang Mofei nor the rest. Yun Yang had posed the question to the ten kings of the Concourse of the Underworld. The ten Yama Kings were clueless about this as well, but they had promised that they would ask on his behalf when their master came out from his seclusion. The profound question could probably only be answered by seniors and experts who were above the pinnacle state. Subsequently, Yun Yang was not too concerned about it. In his view, Ling Xiaozui and the others would be back soon. They should have some ideas about states that were above the Dao realm. In all honesty, this was a mind-boggling issue. It could possibly be the first time this had happened in this world. There may not have been a precedent where someone had broken through to the highest level a cultivator could achieve in this world without a clue as to how to move forward. Although Ji Lingxi did not know what lay in store for her,nor did she know where her path would bring her, she had still embarked on her journey persistently All things said and done, she was still advancing on this path at breakneck speed. Such a cultivation mode was truly maddening! 707 Low Emotional Intelligence All said and done, Yun Yang had no intention of suffering blindly. It was decided that he could do nothing against Ji Lingxi for the time being, but he could still act against the others. After suffering from such a brutal thrashing, he vented his frustrations by torturing the weaker ones instead. First, it was Dong Tianleng and group, alongside their guards. They had surrounded Yun Yang and attacked him in unison, but this lineup had only gone on for a day before all four young masters had surrendered simultaneously, feigning the approach of death on their beds. "Can''t take this torture!" The four noble young masters scoffed and thoroughly ignored Yun Yang''s claims like "All of you are people who will build the empire with me in the future. How could you be so lazy? Wake up!". "We''ve never harbored such great ambitions! From the very start, we were mostly interested in going along with the flow in life and waiting to die in this world! Being able to be happily enjoying life and leveling up has already gone beyond our deepest desires" "Popinjay? What''s so bad about being a popinjay?" "Other than you, boss, which popinjay in this world would dare to say that they''re parallel to the four of us? We''re contented now C those who are contented are always happy!" "Boss, we beg you to have mercy on us We really aren''t talents, slated to become pinnacle forces" Facing the quad''s teary pleas and professional skills in feigning death, Yun Yang was speechlessly helpless. No matter how creative Yun Yang was, he was powerless against these fellows who have no desire to progress further. "Were you tooting your horns when you said that you all are following me to create something great?" "We want to carve out a career, one that comes complete with terms and conditions The toil must at least be within the range we can endure. The battle at the Resilience Fortress has long depleted our ambition, resilience, perseverance, and vigor. What happens after it must be utterly enjoyable. It would be best if we can be comfortable." "Yes! If we can do it pleasantly and garner envy on the way of completing an admirable career, that would certainly be the best" Hearing arguments like these, it took a lot for Yun Yang to hold himself back from killing someone. Actually, the four popinjays had something else they dared not say C "Even if was necessary for us to grind our way to become strong, we can take it slowly. Rome wasn''t built in a day and we politely refuse torture. Big Brother, you''re so much more skilled than all of us. The nice thing to say is that we''re exchanging skills but the root of it is the fact that you are venting your frustration. Who doesn''t know it? Do you really think we''re all stupid?" "You seem to get addicted to being beaten up daily and will not shy away from it C but we have no such addiction." "Besides, you''re being beaten up by a beauty. We are being hit by you!" "We aren''t masochistic. That being said, we won''t become your venting targets as well." The refusal of their cooperation severed Yun Yang''s outlet to release himself. Undeterred, he shifted to training the mystical beasts. Inevitably, the five Whiteys became the unlucky ones being bullied. "Where''s your monkey?" Yun Yang''s sudden question surprised Ji Lingxi. Ji Lingxi''s pet, the Thousand Illusory Monkey, was an eighth level mystical beast, only slightly lower in rank than the Eclipse Panthers. In spite of this, the Thousand Illusory Monkey was a spiritual species, thus possessing a higher chance of advancing in rank compared to the Eclipse Panthers. If they were in the same rank, the monkey would be more superior since its innate gift was the ability to manifest into prolific forms, an absolutely magical talent. "I didn''t tell you?" Ji Lingxi said, "I''ve sent it out in search for something. Only I could find the item." "Find something? What is it?" Yun Yang frowned. "It''s the Feature Herb Cough, it''s one of the main ingredients of the exquisite wine, Simian Wine" Ji Lingxi''s explanation was weak, her latter elaboration apparently targeted to gloss things over. "The Feature Herb" Yun Yang chuckled oddly. Ji Lingxi''s embarrassment turned into anger. "What are you laughing at? Are you feeling itchy again?" "Nothing C nothing." Yun Yang shut up tactfully. He was less than knowledgeable about whether the Feature Herb was one of the main ingredients to brew the Simian Wine but he knew about the herb''s other effect C it would wash off disguises that were adorning a man''s face. Obviously, Ji Lingxi was intending to remove the medicine he applied on her. The reason the disguise had to be done with the medicinal cream that day was mainly due to the fact thatLei Dongtian was a threat. With Ji Lingxi''s current cultivation base and ability, fighting Lei Dongtian was probably just like playing a game; a simple wave of her hand would have slapped him to death. Naturally, there was no longer such apprehension, thus dismissing the presence of the disguise cream. "The cream''s effect is about due. It''ll vanish after 10 months. Why are you wasting your energy to search for the Feature Herb?" Yun Yang''s emotional intelligence was too low that he had spoken his honest thought without a filter. Ji Lingxi was instantly furious, flinging herself into the practice session once again with Yun Yang. Shangguan Lingxiu, who was beside them, was shaking with laughter. It was only now that she had thoroughly understood Yun Yang''s lack of sensitivity. His low emotional intelligence was so revolting that it was almost maniacal. It was apparent that Ji Lingxi wanted to recover her original appearance as soon as possible. This begged the question C why would she want to recover her appearance? There was a saying that said that a gentleman would die for a patron who knew his worth while a lady would doll herself up for the man who liked her. It was without a doubt that Ji Lingxi wanted to show her beauty to Yun Yang as soon as possible, yet this fellow had exposed the lady''s little secret in public in addition to not comprehending her intention. How could anyone take this? "Who''s getting beaten up if not you?" Shangguan Lingxiu was happily amused by this. Subsequently, Yun Yang seemed to be determined in doing something today C rubbing the at the tender spots. "Then, where''s your wolf?" Ji Lingxi''s expression darkened immediately while her eyes rimmed red. "Last time it was killed by Lei Dongtian" Yun Yang''s expression darkened as well. Hearing Lei Dongtian''s name again, he was filled with a multitude of spies... ''I''m so hopeful in anticipating your delivery of resources, medicine, and pills why have you disappeared just like this? What about the revenge you said?'' He was utterly gone after leaving here the last time, disappearing without any trace. "Could he have died on the way?" Yun Yang muttered. Compared to Tiantang City''s peace and security, the martial world''s turbulence had just begun. Beginning from Tiantang City, all the way to various locations in the martial world, deadly pursuits ranged for tens of thousands of miles. When Yun Yang tossed the two pieces of the treasure map out, they were rolled together. In that case, they were complete in existence no matter who landed on. No one was idiotic enough to separate them after getting them. In such a short amount of time, the two pieces of the secret map had changed ownership no fewer than dozens of times. Countless mountains on the way were ruined and crushed as countless martial artists participated in this competition of map. The overflowing crowd fought from the south to the north then back to the south again, going absolutely berserk. The ten Yama Kings lurked within the martial world, trailing after the crowd to follow the map''s whereabouts closely and gather first-hand intelligence. 708 Incredible Foresight And A Well-Designed Ploy Upon seeing the rising death toll of those who pursued the treasure maps, this fight had truly reached unparalleled heights of savagery. Even the Ten Kings felt increasingly appalled. When would this outrageous catastrophe C one that originated from Tiantang City itself - simmer down? Subsequently, one could observe how experts with cultivation bases much, much stronger than their own appeared, only to be murdered mercilessly; brave, elite professionals who had long mastered their abilities would attempt to seize the maps with no regard to their own lives, only to find themselves surrounded, ambushed, beaten, slaughtered in a moment of frenzy... By putting things into perspective, the Ten Kings of the Concourse of the Underworld felt a wave of chilliness that surged through their entire being from bottom to top. "This is really an unprecedented catastrophe!" King Chujiang''s eyelid twitched erratically as his cheeks spasmed involuntarily. "One can even say that this is truly a rare calamity that hardly comes by, even in the wake of ten million years! "A catastrophe at a scale as grand as this had never happened before, even in the legends. No matter which aspect you look at - be it the number of people who were involved, the size of the territory covered, or the death toll - this is truly a first in history." "Perhaps, after all of this, the whole martial world would be tranquil for the coming years." "You''re right. The number of top martial artists in this world would be reduced. At least a third of them must go C maybe more." The ten sovereigns understood this perfectly, but they were helpless against the current situation, as there was nothing that could be done. Not only could they not cease the fighting, but they also had to escalate the situation further by adding fuel to the fire. Furthermore, as the onslaught persisted, stopping this massacre was a totally impossible feat, even if the gods themselves showed up to put a stop to it! Everybody had lapsed into a state of frenzy. "Stirring up such a disaster which would persist even longer than expected... how exactly does this benefit Yun Yang? Why would he deliberately lay out such a ploy? Those two pieces of dragonhide treasure map are the real deal!" First Court King Qinguang implored. "Whatever one contributes shall eventually be repaid. The benefits Yun Yang could obtain from this would surely be tremendous. Well, at least to him, the cost of these maps would definitely be worth the returns C and they would be even more profitable than one could imagine." King Songdi sighed forlornly. "This huge battle has simmered down for the moment. Yutang''s outstanding performance in this is already a fact set in stone. By devouring a few other empires in a certain order, the continent shall be united completely - Tianxuan shall finally be at peace." "What power still could disrupt such a momentous event, or change its course? It will be none other than the martial forces!" "No matter what it is - be it to assassinate the leading general amongst the army, or to gather significant military power for a full-on confrontation - the people of the martial world are an unstable variable in Yutang''s grand scheme of unity. Yet, when faced with precarious circumstances, do you know the extent of benefits large empires out there were willing to offer, in exchange for the participation of the martial forces? How could these empires afford to hold back all they''ve got when faced with the looming threat of total annihilation? Similarly, at some point, a highly-respected individual, no matter how strongly he holds to his values, would surely buckle when offered a certain price. At the final point, the ruling government of each empire would certainly think of this method to redirect the fate of the battle." "Before the commencement of the United War, he concocted a catastrophe which was designed to be amply enticing - a disaster with an impact large enough to deal significant damage to the Qi reserves of the martial forces. It might seem a little brutal, but it was an ingenious move!" "The first step in this scheme orchestrated by Yun Yang was to eliminate the biggest threat of all C the ruthless assassin organizations. A brilliant plan, indeed! Ten million renowned assassins eliminated in just one day! You can say that half of the threat stemming from the forces of the martial world had been erased C the assassins'' ruthless ways had always been the topic of greatest taboo within the army." "Till this day, the people of the martial world continued to fight and brawl amongst themselves, deteriorating the condition of their basic Qi from all that action, exerting more of it to the point where they had no strength left in them to participate in the United War." "When all this chaos had simmered down for a bit, and during that window of time where the two dragonhide treasure maps were nowhere to be found... those who were fortunate to survive did not only have to worry about the revenge-seeking pursuers, they had to muster up plenty of energy to attend to their families. They would have to treat their wounds and improve themselves further with training... I''m afraid that they might not have any will left to participate in the United War." "Besides, there is one more advantage to be gained from Yun Yang''s scheme. Every martial artist would''ve unknowingly owed a favor to the government of Yutang from the battle at Tiantang City. As long as the favor stays, Yutang can do as she wishes by the end of this catastrophe, drafting out any form of retaliation which will no longer be bound or disrupted by the forces of the martial world." "This catastrophe had truly manipulated the forces of the martial world thoroughly, taking in the slightest detail down to the bone! No matter what it was C be it the inception, the pretext, the turning point, the timing, and the strategies that came after that C all of them were strategically designed and meticulously planned!" King Songdi expressed a long sigh. "Yun Yang C Young Master Yun C is truly a genius. He plans ahead with incredible foresight and gives deep consideration to every move he makes - I am far from what he is capable of!" First Court King Qinguang could not accept nor understand King Songdi''s songs of praise. "We are well-informed about Young Master Yun''s good intentions, but perhaps he is not as great as you make him seem, eh? Your brains are known as the best amongst us, and even you think you''re not on his level? Should we fear to even speak to him?" King Songdi gave his brothers a snide look. "Have you forgotten who Yun Yang is? Besides being Supreme Cloud, he is Supreme Wise C the Supreme Wise of the Nine Supremes! How would you even begin to know how exactly did he capture this chance to stage this scene? How would you know the amount of advantages Yutang has gained from this? You couldn''t even begin to imagine these things, yet here you are, forcefully trying to place ourselves on par with him. You were right about one thing, though. Perhaps you fellows should have minimal contact with him, or else, I''m afraid he might just buy you over - and you''ll be the ones offering your price willingly!" The remaining sovereigns brooded among themselves. "Third Brother, we all know no better than you do C can you please explain in a more detailed manner? Was Supreme Cloud as sharp as you claimed?" King Songdi snorted and rolled his eyes. "Perhaps I should start from the beginning. Since this event erupted from Dong Tianleng, I''ve already told you that I am ninety-nine percent sure that it was all Yun Yang''s doing, that he was the one pulling the strings. However, like everybody else, I did not think too much of it. In fact, it was the significance of the dragonhide treasure maps that got me thinking about it. His intentions were not insignificant at all C I only truly understood the entire details after reaching this far." "Yun Yang commenced his scheme by enlisting Dong Tianleng''s help, tossing the maps out there with a flawless, ostentatious flourish. The four cavaliers did a swell performance in keeping up this prelude, and they even made themselves look like victims to get themselves out of it. That was how these four young masters - the original troublemakers - remained perfectly unscathed by the bloody battle which was ravaging the entire martial world. There is a saying in the past; the best liar could get by with a lie by merely speaking one truth among nine. An observant person with intentions could see through Yun Yang''s schemes instantly, but really - can you resist? That is the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss''s legendary treasure maps we''re talking about! With this, don''t you think he''s bloody superb? If it was you, could you come up with something like that?" "One more thing C timing. The timing Yun Yang chose to put his plans in motion was too perfect C didn''t you feel that something was amiss? In the past, this pursuit for the maps would have already ended a long time ago. When the legendary experts showed up, this match would''ve ended immediately, but nobody is that idiotic to provoke those unshakable opponents! 709 Once And For All "Where have all the real powerhouses gone to? Are they truly not enticed by the legacy of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss? The answer is obviously a negative. There is no need for me to say anything further - surely everybody is well informed about those few names. Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, Mr. Nian, and the experts from the Four Season Tower... of course, there''s still Jun Moyan and our teachers whom we are indebted to. However, after taking everything into account, that still doesn''t exceed ten people. Is there any objection regarding this number?" "Logically speaking, there is a high possibility that these individuals would show up. One of them will identify the perfect moment to seize the treasure maps and take them into their possession. With that, those who made their move a little later would miss the treasure, merely inches from their grasp. The only thing they could do was to only complain about their misfortune, yet, they will not exert themselves to the point of death. In short, if a certain group of spectacular individuals shows up, this battle would''ve ended ages ago. However, at present, not a single one of them has appeared, which begs the real question - why did they not show up? This is a highly enticing piece of treasure we''re talking about!" "Actually, the reason behind this is pretty simple. Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and their party of four had left the Residence of Yun not too long ago, Mr. Nian being the target of their ire. If my assumption isn''t wrong, it is highly likely that those experts have their movements completely restricted at present. They no longer have the energy nor the time to get themselves here. Perhaps, they are not even aware that the martial world had lapsed into such a state..." "Everyone noticed that the ones who could make the final call weren''t present; hence, a rare opportunity has appeared. Everybody believed that they stood to have a fair and equal chance in this pursuit, and the absence of the real experts only made this an opportunity even more exclusive. It was an extremely rare opportunity. Too many were plagued by a bursting confidence that they were the ones destined for this treasure, so naturally, here they came, geared with a phenomenal amount of energy. Using this strength with personal intentions, they waged their campaign only within the boundaries of Tiantang City." "The timing C is it precise?" "Why wouldn''t Ling Xiaozui and the rest of the experts show up, you asked? Well, why would the people of the martial world waste their efforts to think up a reason for that? They only saw this as the perfect opportunity, and had since clung to it desperately, soldiering on with even more determination." "If every man had the same thought justified by similar reasons, that would only bring Yun Yang''s ploy one step closer to success by rounding up the hidden dangers of the martial world that could affect Yutang''s plans of unification, eradicating them all at one go." "Didn''t Yun Yang know that those assassins had been sought out by the princes and the crown prince just to counter him? He must''ve known about this more than anyone else, yet he kept stalling the situation, never addressing it directly. He continued to keep the plan at bay in a neutral, controlled manner, leaving the assassins with nothing to ride on, and making it extremely hard for them to make their next move. Eventually, he stalled them all the way until this incident blew up - that''s how he got rid of them in a single blow!" "Later on, using this whole incident where the assassins had been murdered by the military, this ploy would conveniently progress, taking the crown prince down and causing Yutang''s internal conflict to be reduced even further!" "The incident that would be resolved this time around was a national crisis!" "Don''t even mention how he even planned for the ruthless slaughter of his ultimate arch nemesis, Ouyang Xiaoshe. Such a meticulously layered scheme it constantly requires one to tread on thin ice." "From my point of view, this ploy orchestrated by Yun Yang seemed to have considered every single aspect and factor that could affect it; the potential consequences that might arise are also within his control. Even us, the Concourse of the Underworld, are pawns in his game..." "How are we pawns in his game? What''s the meaning of all this? Are you saying he has calculated our every move? We''re in league with him; if he''s playing us out, that''s not right of him!" The more hot-tempered of the bunch C the King of Cycle C mumbled vehemently. "Honestly speaking, Yun Yang can''t be blamed for coming up with a ploy like this. We are considered to be the unexpected variable C a huge one. Our chances of obtaining the dragonhide treasure maps will be highly unrivaled if we were to join in the pursuit for it due to our valiant strength. Nonetheless, most importantly, we have no concern over the dragonhide treasure maps. We would then have the chance to retrieve the maps, and eventually, return it to Yun Yang." "There is a strong chance that Yun Yang had considered and planned this from the start! Why else would he promise us a chance of advancement after the end of all this? This is proof that he had already found a place that resembles a sanctuary of Yin energy, or an abuttal with an unusually high volume of Yin energy. He had definitely chosen the optimal time to release us. We shall finish his dirty work and draw all the attention from that, but there shall only be admiration - not even the slightest bit of resentment." "Furthermore, we could continue to team up and foster an even better relationship." "As we only take what we need, the benefits are surely immense." King Songdi laughed grimly. "With the current outlook, you are able to discern all that? The martial world is at peace. The imperial court is stable. There''s nothing to worry about and there is no chaos from all sides. The military, the government, and the people are united; there are no rats on the inside, and there are no formidable foes on the outside. The military is strong, filled with many renowned strong commanders. Add on the fact that this power struggle had been eliminated, it will be most shocking if Yutang still could not unify Tianxuan! "If one were to think about it, the price that Yun Yang has paid to organize this scheme is in the form of those two treasure maps, yet still, it returned to him in perfect condition after going around the martial world. This is literally getting more by doing less - he''s on a roll!" "Such planning, such scheming... he manipulated the whole world in his hands C how terrifying!" King Songdi let out a sigh filled with genuine admiration. "Don''t be impressed too quickly C how can you confirm that those two treasure maps will be produced by Young Master Yun? Also, how can you be sure that we''ll definitely be able to take them back?" King Qinguang shook his head as he spoke. King Songdi stared at his own brother with a dumbfounded gaze, as did the rest of the sovereigns. They all sighed simultaneously. "With an IQ like this... I am truly speechless. Our average IQ level, the ten lords of the Underworld, has been lowered because of this person right here." The one who uttered this was the King of Equality, his face clearly reflecting a haughty expression of superior intelligence. "There''s is no longer any uncertainty left... my foolish brother, stop asking stupid questions, you''re embarrassing us." King Chujiang sighed. "What are we Kings of the Concourse best at? Nothing other than hiding our tracks! This drawn-out battle would eventually end, so, as long as no powerful being emerges, those treasure maps will definitely be ours. All that awaits is our powerful presence in this battle!" "I can confirm that the ones who could make the final decision are currently tied up among themselves. They are not meant to cross paths during this battle!" "There is no longer an ounce of uncertainty!" King Songdi made the final decision. "We shall make a move tomorrow. Let''s retrieve the treasure maps and resolve this issue once and for all." The other few promptly nodded in agreement, impatience etched all over their faces. Yun Yang may have kept away the treasure maps in a hurry, but the rest quite anxiously wanted to enhance their abilities as well. First Court King Qinguang gave his head a scratch. "I see." He, too, was anxious to retrieve the treasure maps as soon as possible in exchange for the opportunity to heighten his abilities, just as Yun Yang had promised. With one quick thought, he finally understood what it meant for the case to be completely rid of uncertainty; if I wanted something badly enough, how can I accept an answer other than getting what I wanted? Yun Yang''s words may have seemed pretty, but the items were still in his grasp C if he did not agree to give it to you, what else could you do about it? If you can''t retrieve the treasure maps, with what do you deserve the opportunity offered by Yun Yang? The truth is simple and as plain as day - this arrangement was obviously something that would benefit both parties. ... At this very moment, the fellows who could ''make the final decision'' - the ones mentioned by King Songdi earlier - were stuck in a difficult situation. They were truly not destined for this battle after all. Yun Yang''s plans were never wrong. 710 The Second Ambush! Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou C the two vaunted heroes C were feeling rather downcast at this point in time. Logically speaking, with their own judgment, their little party of four could be considered the world''s strongest lineup of fighters. Be it a battle of wits or a battle of strength, they were unrivaled in every sense of the word; no one would dare to find any trouble with them. Their lineup included Ling Xiaozui, the unrivaled swordsman; Dugu Chou, the best of his time during his days of glory; Heaven''s Inquisition, the man who could tell fortunes, draw out their odds and predict the future; even the weakest among them was the Phantom Physician God of Wine C Feng Xiange! Be it in theory or fact, this four-man lineup could do as they wished, in any corner of this world! However, it could not be denied that the current journey they had embarked on was an extremely turbulent one! After a period of recuperation, the four men left the mountains with their abilities, cultivation base and wounds fully healed and restored. Feng Xiange felt unbearably bitter about the grievances they had incurred and suggested that they head back to the Four Seasons Tower to deliver some trouble C to kill them all when they least expected it. The last encounter might have been disastrous, but they had managed to confirm the location of the headquarters of the Four Seasons Tower, which was situated on an enormous mountain. Now that everybody''s wounds had been fully healed, what better time than now to execute their revenge? The main reason why they had played right into their opponent''s hands was that they did not take any precautionary efforts towards the ambush their opponents had set up. This time around, everybody had their guards up. How is it possible for them to be ambushed once more? They would succeed as individuals with a sound plan, as they would be facing the ones who were ill-prepared this time, rendering them defenseless and open to attack C it would be the perfect strategy! Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou felt that Feng Xiange''s proposal was perfectly reasonable. This was especially true as there was still a layer of apprehension at the bottom of Ling Xiaozui''s heart. Frankly speaking, he would have liked to seek out Yun Yang alone to discuss the best way to execute their next move. However, after weighing out his thoughts, he was certain that someone within this four-man party would surely find fault with this. However, if they were unable to seek out this individual and bring him back with them swiftly, a worse disaster might be triggered. Be it a trap or an ambush that lay in wait if they went ahead to attack the Four Seasons Tower, this experience would certainly reaffirm the true nature of one''s comrades; it would be better for him to clear the suspicion within his own company before returning to avoid the lurking dangers. If he and Dugu Chou ever did something remotely akin to leaving themselves open to attack and be completely unaware of their own stupidity, then that would be the biggest joke in the entire martial world. How could they stop anyone from laughing about it? The humiliation would last a lifetime. In short, they could not afford to sustain any losses! This situation eventually boiled down to the matter of attitude: the more formidable the men who were gathered here, the more reluctant they were to suffer any form of defeat. Why the hell would I deserve to lose here? Hence, in the end, the three men agreed to this suggestion. After a brief calculation, Gu Chaliang was the only one who had an unusually firm sense of objection towards this. He declared what he knew just as he saw it, "There are many dangers that lie ahead. Not only will there be a disaster of bloodshed, but we will also face being driven into a corner. We should turn back to safety, for we will sustain losses if we proceed any further." It was a firm objection that had never happened before. Dugu Chou already had a growing suspicion; how could he possibly sit this one out? At the same time, Ling Xiaozui seemed to have made a firm decision in his mind, and adding on to Feng Xiange''s strong encouragement C it was three against one. Gu Chaliang would not be able to win against the majority view, no matter how hard he stood his ground. If he were to add in a few more comments, the four men on the spot would surely fight amongst themselves, and he - he would be the target of the bunch, without a doubt. The other three would certainly gang up against him, and the only outcome that could result from it was to flatten him whole - that would be the ultimate injustice. Helpless, he reluctantly agreed. Hence, on that night itself, the four individuals crept up the mountains which they had set their sight on once more, seeking out the Four Seasons Tower. The headquarters of the Four Seasons Tower was located at the peak of that mountain. It was perilously steep, and the highest point of the primary peak itself stood amongst the clouds. With a quick approximation, its height must have been at least a few thousand feet tall, surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides. The whole mountain peak looked like a penholder. In reality, this hill was aptly named Penholder Peak. "See that? You can only see that penholder-like peak when you enter these grounds. The last time we were assaulted, we were at that vast area beneath the penholder." Feng Xiange said gleefully as he pointed towards the direction of Penholder Peak. "This time, however... we have brought ourselves all the way up the peak itself, taking them by surprise at the most unexpected manner, right before their doorstep. Even if they had laid out any defenses, could they even defend themselves against our attack this time?" Feng Xiange''s plan was an extremely bold one, yet there was quite a striking and unexpected element to it. Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou were silent for half a beat. They both felt that this idea could actually work, with high chances of success. No matter what it was, they still had the combined strength of the four of them to counter any unexpected situations that might arise. If there was a need to escape from such unforeseeable circumstances, surely their opponents would find it hard to fend them off, no matter how strong they were. To escape unscathed would not be a hard thing to do! "I''m a man who is halfway into the grave anyway; I don''t wish to have any grievances left in my heart, or die with hatred or in vain!" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou nodded in agreement, echoing Feng Xiange''s sentiments. Being the only person here who had any objections, Gu Chaliang''s opinion did not mean anything at all. Yet, Gu Chaliang remained adamant on suggesting one idea. We''re bringing the fight up there? Yes, we can, but first, we should draft out our attack strategy and our escape route. Everything else aside, purely judging by the site itself, Penholder Peak was a remarkably defensible peak, tough to penetrate - this was a fact known to all. Although everybody here was blessed with great strength and abilities, they would surely overlook or underestimate this fact; yet, there was always a limit to a man''s strength, and the martial world is always filled with countless circumstances even more brutal and unpredictable than the last. Hence, there is a reason to be amply prepared with necessary defensive measures. For example, medication for the wounds. Merely carrying it would not be sufficient; it should be hidden in the crevices of one''s mouth, ready to be ingested at any moment in need. As for the matters related to the terrain - the mountains, in their case C transit kites that could float and glide in the sky should be constructed. These were just precautionary measures C how could you guarantee that you wouldn''t fall for one of these schemes that could cost you the ability to amass your basic Qi? Furthermore, the body should also be equipped with adequate defenses of its own. Antidotes? Just take it before beginning the expedition. If anything were to happen, it would work against poison, but if nothing eventful occurs just take it as a drug. With that, a man would be prepared against any potential disasters and be safely out of harm''s way. Gu Chaliang mumbled incessantly as he brought up these requests. Dugu Chou was extremely annoyed, yet Gu Chaliang insisted on fulfilling his demands with absolute determination. My request was with everybody''s safety in mind, and it was only for your own good. Do you have objections? You don''t want to follow them? Fine, then I shall not entertain you all any longer C go ahead, the three of you. The three of them gave it some thought. Gu Chaliang only meant well, and the forces of the Four Seasons Towers were unexpectedly strong, as could be seen from the last attack. As for their side, it would not hurt to have extra preparations, for their own good. Hence, they all complied to Gu Chaliang''s requests. The four of them then dashed forward. However, beyond everybody''s expectations... they were ambushed once again! As the four of them stepped foot onto Penholder Peak, their deific consciousness could already gauge that there was not a single soul around. They had slipped into the headquarters of the Four Seasons Tower as cautiously as possible, yet, within the grounds of the peak''s only building, there was no one to be seen. When such a sight greeted them, how could the four men not know that something had gone horribly wrong? Just as they turned to leave, it was too late, for a huge explosion suddenly erupted out of nowhere. The thousand-meter-high peak was instantly reduced to a state of ash and debris with a concussive boom! Numerous explosives had been buried underneath the mountain by the forces of the Four Seasons Tower. They had been triggered simultaneously, resulting in an earth-shattering explosion! 711 A Narrow Escape From Death Fortunately, Gu Chaliang had adamantly rejected Feng Xiange''s suggestion to split up for this expedition. The four of them moved as one, landing on the highest point of the peak, while the explosion tore up the area below. At the moment it was triggered, the four of them had already launched themselves into the air, narrowly escaping the direct impact of the explosion. If it was not for that, these four would have perished in the blink of an eye and walked the roads to the underworld as one, no matter how deep their cultivation base nor how good their abilities were. Although they were quick to respond by avoiding a direct hit from the explosion and enduring the worst of this horrendous blow, they eventually sustained terrible injuries from the waves of powerful aftershocks that came after that. The Big Four Experts - who had not even fought hand to hand with their enemies yet - had their strengths thoroughly depleted, and their conditions completely worn. An explosion of such magnitude - one that could tear an entire mountain down in seconds - was enough to annihilate even the strongest individuals in the world! It was apparent that powerhouses like Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou were no exception! After a while, the vibrations of the impact from the core of the explosion came to a halt, yet the rumblings persisted in continuous waves. The peaks still quivered from the aftershocks that ripped through them, collapsing in bits and pieces from time to time. The snow that lay accumulated atop the peaks had always existed beyond the clouds in an unchanging manner, yet, with a shudder, they slid down, causing an unlikely avalanche! It spilled and spread over the hills and dales, filling in the streams and flattening the entire landscape. Besides a series of rumbles, no other sound could be heard in the space between the skies and the ground. After a long, long time, the realm began to gradually calm after being plagued by chaos, yet the peaks within the perimeter still quivered incessantly from the radiation. The vast field of blinding whiteness split open abruptly as a green-garbed silhouette leaped out of nowhere. It was...Ling Xiaozui! Dubbed as the unrivaled expert, Ling Xiaozui truly lived up to the name. He could still maintain his cool in the face of a horrendous situation such as this, seizing the opportunity to promptly get out of the mess - he was truly holding up to his title. However, his current condition did not seem too promising, and his outlook seemed less positive. Walking with a limp, his green robes were splattered with traces of blood. His chest was marred with a patch of dark red, which was actually his own blood that oozed from the pressure of his gestures and movements. His face was black and blue, his hair a mess; his eyes were filled with rage. He did not dare to move any slower, jumping into action the moment he emerged as he quickly surveyed his surroundings. Only after ensuring that it was safe did he dare take a deep breath and start to activate his base. In half a beat, he spat out a spittle of bad blood as his face gradually reverted to a normal state. Panting harshly, he emitted a deep, long sigh. His remaining strength, compared to his usual condition, was insignificantly minuscule. In other words, this was the most precarious moment of Ling Xiaozui''s entire life. Ling Xiaozui strived to calm his state of mind and resumed his search for the traces of his three other companions. Did they even stand a chance of survival against an impact of such magnitude from this sudden explosion? Right at that moment, the snow-covered ground rustled with movement. Dugu Chou popped his head up, followed swiftly by his body as he propelled himself up to the surface. Dugu Chou''s condition was none too different from Ling Xiaozui. He was also panting profusely, coughing up blood from the effort. He threw his head back in a sudden movement and let out a moan of agony, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, his gaze was directed towards Ling Xiaozui''s direction. "How are you feeling now? Where are the other two?" "Couldn''t seem to die with one hit. Both of them could be buried underneath, but we have to recuperate before even thinking to save or search for them." Ling Xiaozui shook his head, panting profusely as he replied. Ling Xiaozui already noticed that Dugu Chou was in a state no better than his own. Their cultivation base had dropped tremendously - if they were to start their search immediately, they might just drop dead from exhaustion before locating their comrades. Dugu Chou choked with wry laughter. "We really owe Gu Chaliang this one - that fellow''s premonition of a bloody disaster had a really swift and immediate effect. He forced me to put on an icesilk top, with an additional protective layer of dragonskin vest on top of it. Even the few spiritual pills I took earlier was very effective otherwise, sustaining severe injuries and a high depletion in strength would surely be unavoidable if we relied on the beast-hide gliders upon the explosion. Now that I think about it, if it wasn''t for his insistent reminders, I''m afraid that this would be my body''s final resting place." Ling Xiaozui laughed bitterly. "My condition is not too far off from yours. I had my leg broken by a huge rock. That''s about it ...sigh." The two experts exchanged rueful looks and smiled wryly. A leg snapped into two by a large rock - it was justifiable if a normal man had encountered a similar situation, yet, when it happened to Ling Xiaozui, it became a joke instead. Ling Xiaozui''s leg was one that would not even sustain a crack even if it was smashed by a hammer wielded by an expert. Yet, here it was, broken by a large rock "Our opponents could so accurately pinpoint the timing of our attack, so I''d imagine that we''re not left with a lot of time right now. We have to get on our feet as quickly as possible and try to find the others I''d say we have no more than a quarter of an hour before the men of the Four Seasons Tower show up to survey the aftermath" "Yes, very true." After a short moment, when their energy had returned slightly, they commenced the rescue mission. Although the two of them were severely wounded and their energy depleted, their deific consciousness did not sustain too much damage; with a sharp focus that momentarily stretched and enveloped the terrain for across a hundred miles, two thin, barely-there breaths of life were detected. "You go left, and I''ll go right - let''s get out of here after extracting them!" After Ling Xiaozui''s command, the two of them jumped into action without further ado. When Ling Xiaozui extracted Gu Chaliang from rockpile located a few hundred feet beneath the snow-covered grounds, Dugu Chou had also dug Feng Xiange out. "Both of them still have an ounce of breath in them - they''re still alive!" Ling Xiaozui''s lips tightened into a thin, straight line. "Gu Chaliang''s internal organs are completely damaged - he is completely fried from inside out. There are seven or eight holes in his brain - he is heavily wounded and close to death." Dugu Chou coughed. "Feng Xiange is no better. The traces of life left in him seemed barely there. Both of them are in the same boat - they are right before the gates of hell, just a step away from checking in." "Let''s move! Leaving this place in the fastest way possible is the correct thing to do right now!" Ling Xiaozui was the first to take flight, followed closely by Dugu Chou behind him. They went at full speed. Although they seem to be traveling swiftly, they were at least ten times slower than the speed that they had traveled at when they arrived. At this moment, a few silhouettes appeared, bellowing from a distance, and sped towards them at full-throttle. "Kill Ling Xiaozui, but capture Dugu Chou - alive!" "Let''s go!" The two great experts could not help but feel extremely morose when greeted with such circumstances. They had never felt so dejected in their entire lives. Two bursts of sullenness in just four days - just brilliant! The second time it happened, especially, it felt like their rights had been stripped abruptly - it was blatantly a loss of power! By the looks of it, one could speculate that the strength of the incoming pursuers was no small matter. It was not usually a cause for concern, or at least, they would not find themselves in an unprecedented situation as awkward as this - looking to flee with someone coming after their asses. In the midst of the escape, the two of them could not help but to liken their situation to two analogies; they were as restless as dogs who had lost their homes and felt as anxious as escaped fugitives. Drawing parallels to the humiliating examples, they sighed helplessly. What the hell! 712 Something Is Still Not Quite Right! The two of them fled hard and fast, panting laboriously and using their recuperated Qi to eliminate the smell of explosives and blood from their bodies. They both knew that they were a little slow, but it was still a step ahead; if they could keep themselves in the lead in an intelligent manner, they would still have a guaranteed chance to escape from their pursuers. The real problem now that could cost them their lives were the traces of life that clung to them. If these traces were not gotten rid of, death would be the only outcome of the day, and nothing more. Whether it was coincidence or not, whether was it accidental or inevitable, the two of them had already reached the end of the cliff; they both jumped without hesitation, carrying their comrades along. Was this an accident or was it not? As they leaped forward, the two of them instinctively felt an inane sense of absurdity in their hearts. What the hell-- who do you think I am? Am I the world''s expert, adored and feared by many, or am I an inexperienced amateur, fresh out in the martial world? In a short span of only four days, I''ve been chased and pursued to the point of leaping off cliffs... twice! Didn''t the strange tales and legends in the novels state how a cliff is a turning point in one''s life? Can this be applied in our situation? The key difference between this situation compared to the last was that, this around, the forces of the Four Seasons Tower did not withdraw. On the contrary, they conducted an abnormally strict search, as if they were looking forward to eliminating the four of them as swiftly as possible upon sight. After painstakingly lengthy and difficult search, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou finally found a hidden corner down below, having expended their best efforts. Dragging his broken leg around, Ling Xiaozui started to lay out misleading formations. After putting them up at three different zones, only then did they drag Feng Xiange and Gu Chaliang with them to find an even more secluded corner. They dug a hole, removing the topsoil in a single piece. The four of them then squeezed into it, concealing themselves as they shifted the soil surface atop them, back to its original position. Not too long after the four had just settled down in hiding, sounds of rustling broke the silence in consecutive waves. It seemed like the enemy had caught up with them. "There''s something wrong with this place!" "There''s a formation up front." "Break it!" "There''s no one here!" "... It''s just to confuse us. It was placed there on purpose to misdirect us. Carry on with the search!" "There''s another one there." "Look!" "There''s no one in this formation it''s simply misdirection!" "Is this the third one?" "Yes." "The Unrivaled Expert is truly the Unrivaled Expert. The three misleading spells have taken up almost an hour of our time. It is highly unlikely that we could keep up with their speed now." "Retreat." "Gather up, all of you. Listen to the boss''s command." "We can''t let these two escape again this time. See if I wouldn''t dice them up when we finally catch up with them." Ling Xiaozui and Gu Chaliang laid below, completely silent. They even held their breath, only taking in another after a long interval. Ling Xiaozui''s palm had been pressing against the center of Gu Chaliang''s back, channeling a continuous flow of Qi into his body to increase Gu Chaliang''s chance of survival; Dugu Chou did the same. Although there were no longer any sounds from the outside, the two did not move a muscle. They remained in that position for a day and a night. It was only then they crawled out from their hiding place, carefully, carrying the wounded with them. "We can''t continue being in this state. We have to find a suitable place to resuscitate them - they can''t last any longer." After a day, Gu Chaliang came back to his senses with some aid. Upon opening his eyes, two faces came into view, watching him as he opened his eyes with bashful smiles etched on their faces. "Sigh" Gu Chaliang rolled his eyes and started grumbling after initiating a self-healing process. "What did I say? Something went wrong, didn''t it? I did say that there would be bloodshed, didn''t I? You fellows just wouldn''t listen to me; just look at what just happened!" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou let out a series of coughs, using that to cover up their embarrassment, but it was barely effective. "What about Feng Xiange?" Gu Chaliang directed his attention elsewhere. The ambush, the serious damage and the severe depletion in strength; these events that were encountered by the four of them were already facts that transpired. Pinpointing the unstable factor as quickly as possible was presently the most crucial task at hand! Was Feng Xiange the rat amongst them? If he was, he would''ve made his move by now, wouldn''t he? There was another pressing question; in their current condition, how could the other three escape the plan the schemer had in store for them? "Feng Xiange''s condition is extremely grievous; he''s nowhere close to how you are now" Dugu Chou''s face darkened. "At least you have regained consciousness; that means you could heal yourself by activating your base. What''s left of him is just a chest barely moving by the breaths he takes. There''s still a bit of warmth left in him, but the rest of him is already cold" "How could this happen?" Gu Chaliang cried out, appalled by the news. He angled his head upwards in a swift moment, attempting to sit up, forgetting that his movements would trigger the wounds on his body. With that sudden movement, his brain felt like it had been beaten into a frenzy by eight hundred strong men. "Argh! This this truly restores some of my vigor." He moaned in agony. "Just rest. We can''t leave, even if we wanted to." Ling Xiaozui sighed. "The injuries we sustained would need at least half a month''s time to heal with self-cultivation and in this half a month, we cannot act recklessly. One step out of here can only mean death!" Gu Chaliang rolled his eyes. "I already mentioned that there would be bloodshed before us and that we would be cornered, but you didn''t believe me, did you? Do you believe me now?" The old man who had gained the upper hand of this situation from the accuracy of his predictions started complaining and grumbling to himself, emitting a variety of sighs from time to time. Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou knew that they were in the wrong, so they just let him be. After a while, Ling Xiaozui forcefully fed Gu Chaliang some medication, then slapped the back of his neck, making the latter fall back into a deep slumber and effectively stopping his incessant grumbling. He simply believed that Gu Chaliang''s body had been restored back to a state where its self-defense mechanisms had kicked in, just enough to conduct self-healing. "There''s something weird about this; a lot of it didn''t seem to make any sense." Ling Xiaozui made his thoughts known to Dugu Chou as his gaze fell upon the two unconscious fellows on the ground. Dugu Chou also felt slightly confused by the events. "I agree - something''s amiss." Both of them frowned. This time around, although they had been ambushed and wounded heavily in the process, the suspicion placed upon Gu Chaliang and Feng Xiange was completely eliminated. Gu Chaliang, the most suspicious of all, had been terribly adamant despite the fall-out in opinions and had suggested safety measures prior to this. It could be said that he was the only reason the party had actually survived. As for Feng Xiange his wounds were just too severe. They were severe to the point where his fate hung between life and death; if he truly was a spy amongst them, was this really all an act? An act that seemed just a tad too realistic? However, how could the Four Seasons Tower have anticipated all of this by burying that amount of explosives beforehand? Could they have prepared this earlier, only waiting for the enemy to strike all along? The ensuing damage was entirely too drastic! The two of them exchanged a look. They both had questions in their hearts, yet it felt too perplexing - it was hard to organize their train of thought. "Dugu. Did you get the feeling that it was still too easy and lucky for us to have escaped? At the very least, we had to fight a bit during the last encounter; we didn''t even have a face-off this time around," said Ling Xiaozui. Dugu Chou slowly nodded his head. "I was also considering this fact. Judging by the showdown just now, if the Four Seasons Tower had really predicted our move and had plotted accordingly, it''s possible that they had intended to bury us for good with this explosion. However, their men were situated just a little too far away, giving us too much time to respond" "This point is really extraordinary." Ling Xiaozui nodded. "Judging by Mr. Nian''s intelligence, predicting our second attack and all there shouldn''t even have been such a mistake, and something like this wouldn''t even have happened for the second time which is why I think that there must be a reason - an objective - behind all of this." Dugu Chou''s face darkened. "However, here we are, accepting and allowing things to happen - we don''t even know what is their true objective!" 713 The Rise of the Military Forces Ling Xiaozui sighed. This matter had caused a huge headache to the two experts. After a few rounds of reconnaissance nothing was discovered. The only thing confirmed was that the other party had other intentions in mind. However, what was their true objective? The situation was still a blur, and there were still no leads. Everything was still the same, as though they had never encountered the Four Seasons Tower in the first place. Ling Xiaozui sighed, and spoke, "After a few days, when everything has returned to normal one of us shall stay, while the other leaves alone to assess the situation. We''re being overly passive in a situation like this - we need to try our best to change our fate." Dugu Chou remained silent and only nodded his head gently as a form of response. Ling Xiaozui continued, "This plan by the Four Seasons Tower is completely void of logic, but within this lies an even more terrifying goal! I fear that this matter might be linked to even more terrible things" Dugu Chou raised his head slowly, with a gaze as sharp as daggers. "No matter what their goal is, they will never succeed!" Compared to the dire atrocities faced by Ling Xiaozui and his party, the Yutang empire, on the other hand, did not encounter anything of significance. The internal troubles and external aggressions had all been taken care of, and no active threats loomed before them. The defensive frontiers on all four sides were equipped with strong, capable military might, held by men of integrity and exalted morale. They trained their troops incessantly, and the strength of their forces was astounding. Fang Qingtian''s state of decline was a thing of the past as he glowed with vigor, his entire being brimming with the essence of life as if he was reborn anew. Even if he kept watch within the military department without saying or doing anything, that was all it took to reassure one of his or her safety. The two old men - Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin - had always been full of vigor, and their physique was always kept in tip-top shape; yet, they had aged inevitably along time, and could no longer depend on their muscles. However, after undergoing Yun Yang''s little modifications, they did not age any further, and their bodies looked as good as new, functioning just like they had aged backward for a good decade or so. These two elderly chaps were brimming with vitality, and were willing to take on just about anything; they had even offered their lives to be at the frontlines, ever willing to trade places with the respective marshals for another chance to bask in glory - another chance to create fresh, new chronicles of battle. However, His Majesty himself, the Emperor of Yutang, and all beneath his Excellency - be it the military or the government - were completely speechless towards this matter. They did not know how to respond for the longest time. What kind of crazy idea are you two old blokes thinking of? Do you even realize what you two are even talking about? What are you going to do? If the two of you are so durable, why don''t you just ascend straight to the heavens? As of now, there was Tie Zheng at the north and Leng Shan at the south; Fu Baoguo at the East and Wang Yunzhu at the West - all of them were experienced, renowned leaders of the battlefield! Not forgetting Sun Zihu and the rest beneath them - these were also warriors who could take charge of a situation all by themselves. Under their command were troops and troops of soldiers with countless years of combat experience - an army of fearless warriors and gallant knights. However, the stronger one''s army is, the stronger the attitude they tended to display. They were getting increasingly difficult to manage and were only devoted to their own superiors. Take a normal situation - the western front, for example. Sun Zihu would only listen to Wang Yunzhu''s command. If Leng Daoyin and Wang Yunzhu gave out commands at the same time, Sun Zihu would most likely choose to comply with those issued by the latter. However, apart from the little digression, it would not be much of a slip-up if the two old blokes were really transferred over. The same applied to the western front - as long as it was Qiu Jianhan who was transferred over, Wang Yunzhu, who was his apprentice, would not even utter a single word - perhaps he might even cry, "Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on now!" Similarly, if it had been Leng Daoyin who went to the southern front, there would not be any problems. The reasons behind it would be brutally simple - the current marshal of the southern front, Leng Shan, was his son, and the title that he held was actually inherited from his father! However, the question now was this; how could the two of you white-haired elderly blokes intend to show-off now, when you looked as though you had one foot in the grave just yesterday? What are you planning to flaunt? Your gallantry? Speaking from the bottom of his heart, Leng Daoyin, who was younger by Qiu Jianhan by five or six years, really did intend to get out there to oversee the southern front. Fang Qingtian''s health had been deteriorating in recent years, and had lacked the strength and vigor that he had before to face the troops; if battles arose before them, Leng Daoyin could oversee the military. He was truly bored to the bone. Leng Shan, the chief marshal of the southern front, was the best leader of defense amongst the four marshals of Yutang''s four fronts. His methods of defense were second to none in the world, but his attack strategies were clearly lacking.At present, Yutang was rid off any internal conflicts, and had even broken through the threat of a siege by the surrounding countries from all four sides the bordering frontiers had blatantly become a scene of change. Should Leng Daoyin makes his way towards the southern front, the lack of offense of the southern front could be filled in perfectly! However, Qiu Jianhan''s plan was only to escape the never-ending questions from His Majesty. Now, the emperor would always ask Old Qiu without fail, ''Any news about Supreme Cloud?'' ''Have you come into contact with Supreme Cloud yet?'' ''Who in the world is this Supreme Cloud?'' Qiu Jianhan was extremely miserable regarding this aspect of his life. His every waking moment was plagued with the thought to deal with these questions, and suddenly an idea popped up in his mind. If I can''t fight them, I can still avoid them, right? Can I go to the front lines, away from all of this? If he were to coincidentally travel to the western front, he would chance upon Wang Yunzhu, the little rascal, and have a look at the amazing forces of the northern front which he always bragged about let''s see if it''s as interesting as his own legacy. He was especially keen on seeking out young novices there; after all, he possessed the ultimate legacy on the art of war! However beautiful one''s ideas could be, they still had to be realized eventually - are the frontlines really as good as they sound? His Majesty disagreed with total resolution. You wish to go to the frontlines? You aspire to have countless adherents and disciples at your beck and call? You want to be off the grid, don''t you? Why, isn''t that a pretty idea, you old little bastard! You stay right here in the capital until you find Supreme Cloud, before even thinking about the rest! Qiu Jianhan had tried everything he could think of, yet he still could not shake himself off this situation. Hence, he finally retorted with a huff, "If I''m not allowed to go, then Leng Daoyin shall not be allowed to as well. Or else, I''ll think that it''s pretty unfair" It was just exactly as what His Majesty wished. He pointed directly at Old Qiu''s nose, roaring, "You two elderly junks are not going anywhere! At this age, if you two are caught up in some fatal tragedy, I wouldn''t be able to hold off the torrent of tears from both your families!" In truth, His Majesty was genuinely heartbroken to the core the last time Qiu Jianhan got into harm''s way. Hence, Leng Daoyin was also cooped up within his own home. When Leng Daoyin knew about this, he was enraged to the point of vomiting blood. He went to seek Qiu Jianhan to pick a fight on this, yet the latter was avoiding him all the time, occupying himself with the task of seeking out a disciple for Wuying; on one hand, he knew he was in the wrong and had since hidden himself as far away as possible; on the other hand, this matter itself was dubbed as Yutang''s biggest secret by the Qius, the Lengs, the Fangs, the Ties, the Shangguans... and everyone else! It was a matter of top priority. The level of confidentiality seemed to have the tendency to surpass even the Nine Supremes! Well, nobody would get hurt as long as comparisons are not drawn. As far as Yutang was aware of, the Nine Supremes still remained irreplaceable. The Nine Supremes were known to be too elegant, too exalted, too unattainable; they were levels above, too difficult to grasp and gauge. Wu Ying''s search for a successor was truly a feasible matter. As a few people started to study Wuying''s works in detail, they could not help but acknowledge Wu Ying''s peerless talent with no small sense of awe. If they were worthy enough to be a disciple of his, they need not worry about learning nothing. The few big bosses had a good eye - they were all aware that this was a good opportunity. They all wanted to ride on this opportunity by selecting a representative from their own families to be chosen as Wu Ying''s in-house apprentice. However, the few batches that had been sent over were all promptly rejected by Wu Ying. "They do not fulfill my requirements!" Seeing how the young men of their own families were eliminated one by one, the few big bosses felt a little heartbroken. These youngsters were already the cream of the crop - what else do you want, if you''re not satisfied with them? What are you being fussy about? After a few days of selection, Wu Ying had only chosen one out of the many candidates that the Qiu family had sent. This particular person was only a distant kin of the Qiu family - not even from a direct line of descent. He did not give the rest a single glance. Leng Daoyin was enraged over this. He was overwhelmed with wrath, almost at the brink of prompting his eldest son Leng Shan, the southern general of the empire, to participate in this selection! However, in the next selection, unexpectedly, the son of the Wu Lie, the President of the Board of Punishments, was chosen - to the surprise of many. This outcome had caused the people who were in the know to be in a total state of shock; they were simply flabbergasted at the oddities of the whole affair! 714 A Rebellion Within Ziyou! It was a widely known fact that not only was this son of Wu Lie bereft of a cultivation base, he was also an invalid. His was disabled from the waist down, and had even lost his sight for quite a while - it was only due to someone''s kindness that he had managed to regain his sight and was able to see light again. Besides these traits that had been mentioned, there was another impression he seemed to give - he did not seem altogether too bright; in fact, he seemed to be somewhat dim-witted. What was the use of a person like this, even if he could revert to the condition of a normal man? How could a person like this manage to grab Wu Ying''s attention? Or, in other words, what in the world were Wu Ying''s standards like? "As for my standards of selection, I prioritize one''s nature over talent and other qualities. Wu Lie''s son may not have many years to his age, but the things he had experienced were much more compared to a common man. His mind has reached the tempered state of perseverance and incomparable tenacity. Although he may not possess a cultivation base, and his body physically impedes him from practicing it, it wouldn''t obstruct me from imparting my legacy, as long as he strengthens his body over time. However, the level of concentration he possesses is unattainable by most in this world; that is the most precious aspect of all." Wu Ying continued, "Furthermore, allowing his upbringing to speak for itself, passing on the flame of wisdom is strong in his nature. I will not have any regrets." "To be able to live a life as honest and with a conscience as clear - that quality itself is my top choice in a man." The few big bosses were speechless upon hearing his reply. As of now, Wu Ying had already selected the top two disciples to take under his wing - one who excelled in the arts, and one who excelled in combat. The rest would probably be present just to push the two a little harder - he would have to accept a few unofficial disciples to be their study companions. Wu Lie was absolutely ecstatic over the fact that his son was selected, even seeming a little out of character; he went to express his gratitude to Wu Ying personally, and for the first time in recent history, had even presented someone with a gift by writing a stroke of calligraphy: ''Unstained Skies''1 Qiu Jianhan and the rest scoffed in disdain at a gift like this, judging it with scorn. Wu Lie, a man like you is no doubt a high-performing minister - an officer with exemplary morals - but those two simple strokes of calligraphy are barely appropriate. A gift of gratitude should be more precious than that; yours did not deserve to be given! To everyone''s surprise, Wu Ying looked as though he was honored with an award of the highest order when he was presented with Wu Lie''s gift. He shook with emotion, carefully laminating the characters, eventually framing and hanging them at the main hall. Did Wu Ying actually like the gift? The few big bosses were elated at what they had discovered and began to brew a cauldron of ideas. Within the next few days, they gathered a bundle of calligraphies produced by famous artists and sent them over, hoping that a certain teacher would acknowledge their efforts - their very expensive and precious efforts - and return their appreciation by accepting two more disciples. They were certain that taking in a few more would not hurt! However, they encountered a nightmare in the following days. "These calligraphies were the perfect fuel for a fire to boil some water; for Sir Wu, they will last for a while." The big bosses had arrived at the ultimate state of speechlessness; every single one of them had been stunned into silence. What? They are being used as...what? Seeing how overjoyed you were over some man''s simple strokes, we really thought you were into this kind of hobby, which we then proceeded to present you with calligraphies from renowned artists. Those were the real deal - literally saying that one word was worth thousands was the humblest way to put it. How can those be compared against Wu Lie''s two simple strokes? They did not even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath. Perhaps it was a truly worthless collection to you, but still, it was not exactly appropriate to start a fire with it! This was absolutely crazy. How could they have known that Wu Ying was a man with an inglorious past, and had since restrained himself from any form of material desires? Wu Lie was known as the embodiment of justice and righteousness, and he was the epitome of integrity in the whole of Yutang. The choice of words given by him, ''Justice and Impartiality'', was far from ordinary, but to Wu Ying, it was the greatest form of acknowledgment. That was the reason why he had decided to accept it - in an ecstatic, grandiose manner, nonetheless - for it was a gift from Wu Lie himself; the ones presented by others, however they were merely pieces of paper tainted by a few brushstrokes - there was nothing else it could be used for! I could still use a piece of blank paper when presented with one. What else can a piece of used paper be used for, if it not for starting a fire? The understanding of Qiu Jianhan and the masses towards Wu Ying was too one-sided. They were not even aware of what Wu Ying had done or experienced - how could they even begin to empathize with Wu Ying''s sentiments? Just as the few big bosses were scrambling desperately to come up with a flurry of tactics in hopes to entice Wu Ying, a shocking piece of news was heard. Something huge had transpired within the Empire of Ziyou. An uprising had suddenly broken out within the royal family of Ziyou. The prince had rebelled and had overthrown the reigning emperor. The rebel forces and the royal forces were caught in a ferocious battle, which had yet to determine a victor. To sum it up, the whole Empire of Ziyou had lapsed into a state of total pandemonium. Wang Yunzhu, the marshal of the western front, requested for further instructions. "Shall we command our forces to march from the west to eliminate Ziyou in a single stroke?" In the wake of such sudden, shocking news, His Majesty would naturally summon the presence of all his top officers to discuss the matter. Without a doubt, this was the perfect chance to expand the territory of Yutang''s reign - it could possibly even be the prelude to Yutang''s ultimate war to take over the world! The bigger the movement, the more cautious the approach to the matter should be, especially since the bigger picture of the whole situation was not entirely within comprehension - how could a rebellion of such magnitude break out suddenly within Ziyou? Judging by the stance employed by Ziyou over the years, the Emperor of Ziyou had not exactly performed remarkably well, but he had still governed decently. There should not have been any problems to maintain his reign for another one or two generations - the rebellion seemed to have occurred suddenly without a proper cause. Since this seemed to have stemmed from no justifiable source, this matter had to be analyzed deeper to determine if there were any suspicious activity within - maybe this could be a ploy? A ploy directed at Yutang! Wu Ying and the rest made an attempt to read the future, but as their actions only reflected their innermost desires, a conclusion was drawn quickly; the fate of Ziyou had truly run its course to the point of oblivion. Even if Yutang did not mobilize her troops, the chaos before them would be the final straw that would completely wipe Ziyou off the map. Everybody was at a loss regarding this matter. Had the strong, ever-prosperous Empire of Ziyou, dubbed as one of the five greatest empires at present, finally reached the end of its fate as a nation? What was happening? Whatever it was, it did not matter any longer. Everyone felt it. This... was an opportunity bestowed by the heavens! After a joint discussion with the military department, Wu Ying quickly drafted out an overall battle strategy directed towards Ziyou, to destroy the empire as quickly as possible. The formations discussed were deployed at a scale sufficiently large to eliminate a nation. Besides mobilizing the entire western army at full-throttle, the southern and northern battalions would each deploy an army ten thousand strong. They would support the western army from both sides to ensure the dominance of the military in the onslaught, with the goal of ending the battle as quickly as it started. The war strategies directed by Wu Ying were impeccably detailed. Every step of the plan - even the daily tasks - were planned ahead clearly. "This is a great opportunity blessed by the heavens. We shall destroy Ziyou with this battle!" "Eastern front, Fu Baoguo''s department - set out from the Fortress of Resilience, deploy the troops to the boundaries of Dongxuan; put a stop to any of Dongxuan''s brash moves. If there are any signs of activity, sacrifice all costs and fight them head-on." "The southern front, Leng Shan''s troops - spread rumors that Supreme Cloud shall arrive and participate in the battle. Rattle the core of Dayuan." "Northern front, Tiezheng''s troops - mobilize the Steel Cavalry at full-throttle. Make each man take on their own fight. Spread the cavalry across different routes and commence the operation to harass them. It is of vital importance to make the northern enemies waste their efforts. Keep them on the run, but contain them within the territory!" "From today, Tie Zheng shall journey as quickly as possible to the northern frontier to keep watch over the north." "Begin a national-wide recruitment to enlist potential soldiers! The chance to unify Tianxuan has finally arrived after so long! Whatever goals there are in line to accomplish - the time is now! When Wu Ying devised his plan, the first step was to eliminate any possibility of trouble that could stem from other nations. Translator Note: 1Unstained Skies ( qng tin bi r): Literal meaning refers to clear blue sky without clouds; it is also a figurative expression to describe an official who is impartial and full of justice. 715 The Return of the Family of Generals Back and forth, initiatives were launched in endless waves. It was like the Empire of Yutang that had just quieted down for a few days was wound up tight again, ready to spin rapidly, like a pot of soup that was reaching boiling point. "A man should serve his country!" "A hero stands at the frontline!" "Today is the day one builds his career!" "This is our last chance!" Every military recruitment location Yutang had set up was filled with swarms of people right from the get-go. This was the popular sentiment among Yutang''s millions of people. To Yutang''s citizens who were usually bullied and took a passive stance in wars, it seemed that each one of them was injected with adrenaline, now that they had the chance to fight back. "The day to seek revenge is finally here!" The entire Empire of Yutang was brimming with killing intent upon Wu Ying''s arrangements. Women and ladies radiated justice and courage and even the elder men and women who normally strolled placidly through the market exuded an aura of flinty toughness. The fighting spirit spread throughout Yutang in an incredibly short time. It was also at the first instance when the dictum for war was announced that Sun Zihu had led fifty thousand Yutang cavalry, whipping their horses and galloping wildly to strike right into the Empire of Ziyou, like a giant saber. At the same time, Wang Yunzhu led four hundred thousand men of the army of the western line''s main combat power and rode in from the west. Everywhere they passed, the war flags fluttered, covering the entire sky; the military form was majestic, their dominating disposition blinding all that was along their way. Thus began the expansion war initiated by Yutang! Wu Ying sat in the Board of War, commanding the distribution of food provisions, army rations, armaments and other resources needed in this war to the frontline. Yutang had started the war with its all C the war to unify the world had begun! Observing closely for the first time, the three military bosses Fang Qingtian, Qiu Jianhan, and Leng Daoyin realized with some bafflement that Wu Ying could truly complete everything alone. He had no family members, no wife or children; he only needed to be responsible for Emperor of Yutang. Occupied with the warfare, he could even forego the need to sleep. The three elder military pillars were happy to take in the situation. After all, the combination of the trio''s intelligence might still lack in efficiency and precision compared to that of Wu Ying alone. They wore the reputation of rogues proudly, but deep down, they were generous beings. Despite becoming high-ranking advisers who drank tea instead in the Board of War, they were elated. The reality before them eased and comforted them about Wu Ying''s ability. Of course, they were still jealous of him, to a greater or lesser degree. Shangguan Lingxiu arrived at the Residence of Yun dressed in her military uniform. "What are you doing?" asked Yun Yang. "Yutang has recruited soldiers nationwide this time to fall upon the Empire of Ziyou. The Shangguan Family and Ziyou are enemies; how can we not partake in this war? I''ve come to bid farewell to young master." Yun Yang pursed his lips and said, "Your presence won''t be needed in this trivial war. Isn''t it a drop in your status if you were to go personally?" Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyebrows raised as she was about to retort but a certain someone had already waved his hands. "Call the six children of Shangguan over." The six children came over promptly to listen to Yun Yang''s orders, "The six of you are to follow the army to conquest and announce to the world that the Shangguan Family of Generals is once again active C to settle the past grudge with Ziyou once and for all!" Shangguan Lingxiu was alarmed. "How can this be? They''re still so young! They''ll have their time on the battlefield in the future, but now is not their time!" "Other than this war, there won''t be many battles in the future that require their presence!" Yun Yang spoke decisively, "Keep your wavering heart back to where it came. They''ve learned a lot by now. They''re young, but it doesn''t mean that their combat power is weak. Their military prowess has long passed that of common generals. Other than a focused cultivation process, practical fights are necessary to the descendants of the family of generals; this war won''t come again if you miss it!" He turned to look into Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes. "In the past, many of Shangguan''s descendants died in the battlefield - not because of their lack of military prowess or cultivation base, but because of their lack of experience in the battlefield. Instead of saying that they lost due to the enemies'' conspiracies, it''s more like they weren''t thoroughly prepared." "With a war like this, in which victory is almost certain, all the more they should be thrown in for immersion. This is the best way for them to mature and grow quickly." "These six fellows'' young age isn''t exactly a disadvantage. Just entering the military will see our military leaders taking care of them. It is expected. In addition to their capabilities and equipment, it''s honestly a challenge for anything bad to happen to them." Yun Yang''s voice was monotonous but his words were heavy. "The return of the Shangguan Family of Generals should begin from this war!" "Sister Lingxiu, you should think about it carefully. If you still want to embark on this battle, representing the entire family, it would mean that the Shangguan Family of Generals is already at its last leg, without an heir. Isn''t it so?" "From now on, you should keep away from the public as much as possible and let your family''s children out, to face things, to solve issues. This should be how it is!" Shangguan Lingxiu bit her lips and lowered her head. Perhaps it was harder for common people to understand what Yun Yang said, but to Shangguan Lingxiu, she immediately recognized logic when she heard his words. Not only was his words reasonable, but it was also the simple truth. "Nonetheless, they''re still so young What if" "This very moment is already a what-if. Isn''t the current best-case scenario already rare in itself? If we still can''t let go of the children and still want to wait for a certain time C even if you were the one to enter the battle this time and they were to wait until they are grown up and have reached Shangguan Wudi''s level, there''s still a degree of uncertainty. I dare say that the situation they wouldn''t be like how it is right now." Yun Yang cut her off in the middle of her stammered concerns. "There''s no doubt in your concern for them, as righteous as it is, but your worry Even if they were to grow another hundred years old, they''d still be young to you!" Shangguan Lingxiu remained quiet. After a long period of silence, she bit her lips harshly before saying, "Alright! I''ll listen to you this time." Despite her verbal agreement, Shangguan Lingxiu was still anxious. The six children were anticipating this conquest; their excitement was written all over their faces. Looking at the excitement and anticipation on the six innocent faces, Yun Yang''s gaze was cold, bereft of emotion. Once they arrived at the battlefield and saw death in the eye, the eagerness and enthusiasm would vanish in a flash. The battlefield was always the best location for a person to mature swiftly. Yun Yang believed that these six children would undergo a massive change, akin to a rebirth, after experiencing this war. There was no other way, simply because they were the descendants of a family of generals. Their future would be a constant struggle, poised at the brink of life and death. This was their destiny! It could not be changed! 716 Save For A Rainy Day Shangguan Lingxiu could be their support for now, but she could not possibly protect them forever. Similarly, Yun Yang could not change their destiny. What he could only do was to bring forward their destiny as much as he possibly could, for their fate to become safer and more secure, for them to start higher than the already high starting point they now enjoyed. Moreover, he was to provide a certain sense of protection so that no one dared to provoke these young fellows. Until this day, who in the empires of the continent in this world dared to offend Supreme Cloud? That would be seeking a quick death. Did they not see how Han Sanhe had died? Bao''er was teary-eyed with regards to his separation from his young friends. "You don''t have to be envious or sad. When the war to take Dongxuan down comes, I''ll let you go into the battlefield, no matter how young you still are. You can then fight alongside your young brothers!" "Thank you, Uncle Yun." Bao''er''s eyes radiated hearing Yun Yang''s promise. "Don''t thank me yet. Right now, I''m very afraid of your dad and mum beating me up violently, which is a lot worse than just cursing and swearing at me. Ah, the fear" Yun Yang answered seriously. If Supreme Earth and Supreme Water were still here, they would definitely bruise Yun Yang up for this promise. Whether they thought that the promise was reasonable, and no matter how correct the decision was, it was certain that Yun Yang, who had made the decision, must be trashed. However, Yun Yang would not change a thing about his decision. As an emperor who would unify the world and lead it, he must have entered the battlefield and taken part in the decisive war. Only when he experienced the brutality of the battlefield and the sting of blood could he truly understand the value of his soldiers'' sacrifice, the hardship of his militants and the challenge of the frontline. Otherwise, how would he be able to guard his empire? The extinction of the past dynasties after a few generations was, to a certain extent, due to the emperors growing up in the palace since they were young. They knew nothing and understood nothing; everything that they had learned came from the teachings of the Grand Tutor and civil officials, the records of books and documentation, as well as the words of the servants and eunuchs beside them. Growing up in such an environment, it was unavoidable that the emperors would subconsciously favor the civil side over the military side. They would also be intimidated by the chilling, killing intent of the military generals. No matter how these military men concealed their bloodlust, it was still a huge threat to someone who had never stepped foot onto the battlefield. The so-called act of achieving merits higher than the ruler did not necessarily mean that the official had indeed contributed so much merit at times. It was just due to the overwhelming threat they posed to the ruler and when any ruler repeatedly felt the oppressive force from his subordinates, the extreme discomfort would grow a mind of its own and cause a subconscious bias. When a nation began prioritizing the civil aspect over the military, it would be when the downfall began. Subsequently, its extinction would not be far away. This had always been the case since the beginning of time! Shangguan Lingxiu was stopped by Yun Yang, but the eight thousand guards of the Shangguan Family who initially belonged to her had gone along with the original plan and escorted the six young masters, setting off to the war. The decision caused the western army''s marshal, Wang Yunzhu, to flip the table and break the teacups in a rage. "F*ck, do they think my place is a nursery? This is a war zone! A battlefield! A f*cking battleground! Sending six little things here, what do they want your father to do?" "Are the heads of the Board of War''s people filled with feces?" He ordered his aide to compose a letter on the spot, requesting to send the six young fellows back home. In spite of this, Wu Ying, who currently commanded the Board of War had known that it was Yun Yang''s decision for the six children to participate in the war. How could he challenge Lord Supreme Cloud''s meaningful action? He immediately gave Wang Yunzhu an ultimatum, "Two choices C one, watch over the children and win the war; second, come back and let Qiu Jianhan lead the army representing you!" Wang Yunzhu wilted instantly upon facing the two choices. Honestly, it would be his greatest dream come true for his teacher, Qiu Jianhan, to come to the western line of defense and watch him lead the conquest. The premise of it was to watch him C not to represent him. If he had to go back now because of the six children C his teacher had just forgiven him and he was fighting Yutang''s first war for world domination C this was when he was at his prime, elated and in high spirits If he had to go back due to these six children and for his teacher to fight the war for him Wang Yunzhu could totally imagine his end C it would be the mildest thing for him if he were to be instantly chased out by his teacher again! "I choose the first option. I''ll watch the children well and win the war!" Wang Yunzhu changed his stance swiftly. "Actually, I''ve been wanting to train a few upcoming talents long ago I''m fond of these six Shangguan children just by looking at them. I''m only afraid that I lack the knowledge and talent, that my shallow legacy will not hold up for these children." His military subordinates who watched their marshal write the corresponding letter in a pandering manner were dumbfounded. Mouths agape, their eyes were wide with disbelief. Qiu Jianhan, who was in the capital city, slapped his table, cursing out loud after hearing the news. "That rascal! F*ck your ancestors to the eighteenth generation! Such a God-given chance and you actually refuse it C you know that you lack the knowledge, but you don''t know enough to invite your father over?" Yun Yang had been quiet during this period of time. Other than training the mystical beasts, tormenting the four noble young masters and chatting about the military affairs with Shangguan Lingxiu, he practiced regularly with Ji Lingxi. However, the last activity filled Yun Yang with hopeless fear. During this time, not only had Emmie recovered and advanced, the degree of spiritual Qi it could now supply was terrifying, even to Yun Yang himself. Furthermore, since Yun Yang had consumed the treasured resources of heaven and earth prepared by Yun Zuiyue, the insides of his body had undergone a constant state of energy release; there was no dissolution, the reservoir of nutrients turning into slivers of mystical Qi and melting into Yun Yang. In addition, Yun Yang was cultivating the Endless Divine Art, a superb cultivation method that reigned superior in the continent. According to his understanding, the cultivation method was above the improvement speed of any other cultivation method in the world. Its absorption of spiritual Qi was even one to two times faster than usual. It could be explained this way C the efficiency of Yun Yang cultivating for a day could compare to that of a month of an ordinary cultivating genius! Ten days of concentrated cultivation from him would equal to a year of arduous cultivation by others! Such an advanced speed was unprecedented since Tianxuan''s existence. On the contrary, Ji Lingxi''s cultivation method was one of the continent''s pinnacle ranked methods C perhaps, it was already much faster in terms of cultivation efficiency than all other known cultivation methods in this world, but it was still much slower than the Endless Divine Art. A safe estimation still saw a difference; it was about one cycle slower. Yet the advancement of Ji Lingxi''s ability had still crushed Yun Yang without mercy! What was worse was that the difference was growing day by day. It was a difference of three small levels today, but it could turn into four tomorrow! Yun Yang cultivated stubbornly then, asking Emmie to deliver energy to him limitlessly. It sapped the cheer out of the creature, making it complain endlessly. He had made it into the seventh realm of Dao with much difficulty recently, and such progress, despite not being the one and only in history, was worthy of pride. After he saw Ji Lingxi''s progress, however, his pride turned into a sense of inferiority. 717 An Unplumbed Grudge Ji Lingxi''s cultivation base improvement was utterly absurd. A few days ago, she was only slightly above the Dao realm, but she had completely secured it today and had even gone through a growth spurt in the form of an eruption in aura during her session with Yun Yang. Yun Yang was familiar with the abrupt air because it was a vibe that exploded from one when one''s cultivation base had a breakthrough, most notably in an uncontrollable situation. Another breakthrough! This meant that Ji Lingxi had made another step of progress in a mysterious, unknown advanced path. The difference in levels between both of them was already discernible by mere sight. Yun Yang was speechless, bewildered upon facing the reality of their increasing contrast. How had this happened? This was a ridiculously unbelievable cheat! "What cultivation method are you practicing? Would you mind disclosing it?" asked Yun Yang with a frown. "It''s C Phoenix Uh, no," Ji Lingxi began her answer, but she looked lost halfway through it and said, "I think that''s not it now. The cultivation method I am practicing now seems to be called Nine Heavens Volition I don''t know what it is either." Yun Yang hissed, "Changing the foundation of one''s cultivation method is a big taboo in cultivation Forget it, it''s not important. Still, you don''t even know the method you''re practicing. How can this be?" Ji Lingxi seemed to be honestly puzzled, "Be what? I''ve never even cultivated this method before. It has appeared only recently, out of nowhere. Yet, it feels like I''ve cultivated it for a long time. It''s familiar, without any difficulties. Everything comes so easily and smoothly as if it has always been innately there" Yun Yang was speechless. Why did the entire incident sound so mystical? "Now that I think about it, there must be a huge issue with my background." Ji Lingxi sighed. "I don''t know what sort of an existence my father, who doesn''t seem a very dependable man, lived This cultivation method of mine should have been imprinted in my memory, but I really know nothing else about these things." Yun Yang nodded and said, "Never mind. I guess there''s no issue as long as there''s no harm in it." He heaved a sigh inwardly. How could this ever be explained? The lady was utterly confounded by the cultivation method she practiced, but she was improving by leaps and bounds. On the other hand, he knew everything, yet could not catch up to her, despite working so hard. Ji Lingxi gritted her teeth and hissed, "I''ve never met a father who sabotages his daughter like this since the start of time! When I find him in the future, I''ll pull out all his hair and beard! I''m so angry!" The more she spoke, the more furious she got. Stomping continuously, she repeated herself incessantly, "I''m so angry, I''m so angry, I''m so angry That old bastard, I C I I C I really want to stab him right now." Yun Yang coughed, at a loss for words. An impulse rushed within him as he let himself go and cried, "When you plan to wallop him, count me in!" He had been seriously tormented by the red light during this period of time. Flirting with death so frequently, it was impossible for Yun Yang to be without any grudges. In addition to the begrudging fate of luck triumphing over his hard work, he honestly wanted to beat that old bastard up as well. How had he come to take on the father''s role? Ji Lingxi nodded easily and agreed. "When I find him, we''ll both beat him up together!" Yun Yang scratched his head and muttered under his breath, "He probably doesn''t dare retaliate if you hit him That''s part of being a family. However I am merely a son-in-law. It''s not exactly appropriate for me to do so It''d be unfilial" Shocked, Ji Lingxi flushed red instantly and said, "Shameless one! Whose son-in-law are you? Hmph!" With a defiant lift of her chin, she turned and left. Yun Yang coughed, "I''m going to the frontline to have a look. Are you coming along as well?" "When?" Ji Lingxi turned around then, her eyes shining. "When the Concourse Kings are back. I''ll depart then. You going?" answered Yun Yang. "I''ll go with you!" Ji Lingxi decided at once. Pausing, she then added. "Let''s ask Sister Lingxiu to come along as well." During this period of time, Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu''s relationship had developed greatly. There was no doubt that Shangguan Lingxiu was an exceptionally fine lady. Be it her personality or etiquette, she was magnanimous, gentle and kind; she was ready to look at the bigger picture and valued kinship. Moreover, the resilience deep in her bones was especially prominent and rare. To any man who understood her, such a lady was a gem worthy to be cherished. Even Ji Lingxi, who was also a lady and even a love rival, was filled with admiration for Shangguan Lingxiu. Ji Lingxi''s feelings towards Shangguan Lingxiu was quite the tortuous one. From the initial admiration to being an acquaintance, to becoming close, then realizing that she had fallen in love with the same man as this remarkable person, she realized she could not loathe her or be resentful. From forcefully keeping her distance to slowly becoming close again, to gradually tolerating her, then admiring her, liking her, becoming fond of her as they got to know each other deeper, Ji Lingxi finally recognized that it was not exactly a chore to accept the fact if they were to live together. Ultimately, Ji Lingxi gained another best friend, a best friend who could almost be compared to Yue Rulan. Ji Lingxi was a woman as well, she would want to have the man she loved to herself without sharing him with others. Yet this reality was helplessly unattainable. No one knew when the red light on her could disappear or be rendered ineffective. What meaning could there be for her to forcibly conquer Yun Yang and disallow the approach of other ladies? What good could it do? The relationship between people needed a meeting, followed by a season of getting along, a period of time to be cultivated. If she persisted stubbornly all the way, the final outcome would only force Yun Yang away from her gradually or even eternally. If things did come to that stage, she could not even secure her status C that would be finding fault with herself. Instead of going to such extremes, why not take a step back herself and touch Yun Yang with her effort? This was not manipulating him, it was being intelligent in the way of life; perhaps, it could be said to be the knack of being a woman! With the intention to possess something eternally, taking a step back first could do more good than harm as long as the overall advantage was maintained. It could even be all boon without bane! Shangguan Lingxiu had undoubtedly fulfilled all the basic conditions for Ji Lingxi to take a step back. Furthermore, with Shangguan Lingxiu''s presence, it removed the most awkward situation for Ji Lingxi to a certain extent. Shangguan Lingxiu''s presence had maintained the advantage for both of them. Therefore, this was considered something good. Every time she thought about this, Ji Lingxi could not help feeling embarrassed, but she was angrily helpless. Thus, her grudge for her father, whom she had never met, increased even more. ''Fathers are known to be overprotective of their daughters, but for you to do this it''s secure, but isn''t it a little over the top? I understand that you would want to protect your daughter and there''s no doubt about that, but shouldn''t everything have a limit to it?'' ''Going over the limit is tantamount to becoming extreme!'' ''Although I won''t hand myself over before a marriage a severe injury with just a touch? Dying with just a simple pat?'' ''Which man in this world could accept such a thing?'' ''Which hero can put up with a woman like this?'' ''Yun Yang is tough and has an amazing ability to recover. If it were to be someone else, he''d have died a hundred and eighty times over!'' 718 Entering The Supremes’ Residence Again! The seemingly grandiose statement was not an exaggeration at all. If it had not been Yun Yang, the practices during this time would have killed an ordinary person more than a hundred and eighty times C even a thousand and eight hundred times would be a safe estimation. This world had always seen men as the more superior being compared to women. It was common for a man to have wives and concubines, but the old man had added a restriction onto his daughter that would kill whoever who touched her. Did he want his daughter to remain single for the rest of her life? At the very least, from the way things were looking, there was no way to help her. Should she watch the gentleman she liked become someone else''s husband? Wait for years until the red light vanished to grab the man back? By then, this man would probably have more wives and concubines than she could imagine. Would she, the original consort, be the third, fourth, fifth or even sixth mistress in reality? Even then, the man might have already passed away ''Are you making life miserable for me?'' ''I really don''t know how the old man thinks!'' Ji Lingxi thought to herself, a deep sense of resentment obvious within the lines of her clenched jaw. ''Luckily I still have Shangguan Lingxiu here with me. She dares not step into romance yet, because of family matters'' ''Nonetheless, her reticence is indeed temporary. It is a matter that will be solved soon. Me? My problem seems set to last a lifetime!'' ''That old bastard!'' Sigh! Yun Yang waited for an entire day, but the ten Yama Kings had yet to return. With a switch of thoughts, he heaved a rare sigh. "It''s time to let the Nine Supremes become one," Yun Yang said quietly, "Looks like all of you won''t be back." "As Supreme Cloud, I can''t ignore the warfare C but the Nine Supremes can''t take care of everything. When I''ve handled the issues here in the capital, I''ll go check the frontline to ensure there aren''t any mishaps. Don''t you fellows worry." "Everything is being carried out in an orderly fashion." "I''m Supreme Cloud, Yutang''s Supreme Cloud C forever." "Actually, I don''t want to take this step, but I have no other choice now." Yun Yang stepped out of his room, clad entirely in purple. Ji Lingxi was meditating and cultivating under the flower tree in the yard. She had long noticed that the efficiency to train in Yun Yang''s yard was much higher than everywhere else, especially under the flower tree. It was twice as effective compared to anywhere else. She did not understand why this was so, but Ji Lingxi subconsciously opted for this spot as long as she needed to cultivate. To a martial artist, nothing was more important than increasing one''s ability. She was about to train but had seen Yun Yang exit his room solemnly. The aura he exuded was overwhelming grief and oppression. She could not help asking, "Where are you going?" For some reason, Ji Lingxi felt her emotions suddenly surge within her. Vaguely, she felt that the place Yun Yang was heading to had a close relevance to her. The feeling was unfounded but unusually firm. It was so that the question slipped out of her without hesitation. "Can I go with you?" "No," Yun Yang directly refused her request, shaking his head after a moment of pondering. "Why not?" Ji Lingxi mumbled in disappointment after the initial shock, for she had not expected Yun Yang to reject her at all. Yun Yang answered faintly, "There are some places that only I can enter." Ji Lingxi scoffed and turned back to her room with a huff. Waiting for Yun Yang to leave, she then followed him secretly. ''I don''t believe that you''d be able to shake me off with my current cultivation base and skill!'' However, Yun Yang had indeed vanished after making a turn upon leaving. When Ji Lingxi caught up with him, there were no traces of the young man, not even a hint of his presence. Stomping her foot in frustration, Ji Lingxi scolded, "Damn it, I forgot that the bastard could manifest himself into various forms!" She looked up into the sky full of wind and clouds, troubled. "Which one of those is he? Is it the one that looks like a rabbit? Is it the one that''s like a bear?" Sigh, there were indeed things that could not be done easily just because one had a high cultivation base unless it was so sufficiently profound that no one and nothing could escape one''s grasp Otherwise, it was just like these clouds. They would be whatever they could be The Residence of Nine Supremes, which rarely heard the footfalls of visitors, stood in majestic silence. Yun Yang was manifested as a wisp of a cloud as he hovered in the air, observing the lofty structure before him that was thoroughly enveloped in a dense fog. At this very moment, the past incidents flashed through his eyes just like the cloud he was manifested as, drifting by slowly. This time, he stayed for a long time beyond the walls of the residence before diving down. Nostalgia would always grow stronger when one was too close to home. Yun Yang was experiencing similar emotions right now. Since he knew of the possibility of his brothers being alive, the grief accumulated within him had significantly reduced. Yet, as long as he came here, there was always an inexplicable sense of worry that inched into him. After all, it was only a possibility that they were still alive. How real could the chances be? What if his guess was wrong? A flurry of thoughts rose and fell alongside his emotions, the rollercoaster ride a train wreck inside the young man. In spite of it, he still had to face reality, no matter how perturbed he was. In the Residence of Nine Supremes and in front of the room of his third elder brother, Supreme Wood, Yun Yang stood motionless for some time. When he cultivated the first stage of the Sacred Wood Spell, he pressed his palm onto the door. The door opened soundlessly and like the doors previously, a fresh scent welcomed him. Taken aback, Yun Yang lifted his head to take in a room filled with lush, green bonsai. There were four racks that took up all four sides respectively. On each rack, there were three bonsai plants. They were all emerald and lush, exuding a rich air of vitality that belonged to exclusively to the plants. The sight was pleasant and relaxing, putting one''s mind at ease. It had been close to three years since anyone had ever entered this room. Naturally, no one took care of or watered these bonsai plants, yet all twelve of them were teeming in exuberance, without any signs of wilting. It was absurd. Yun Yang was not too concerned about it. Giving the plants a quick glance, he shifted his focus onto the table. Other than the bonsai, this room only had a table and a chair. On top of the table, a letter had been placed neatly. It was Supreme Wood''s last will. Yun Yang could still recall his third elder brother''s warm gaze with so much clarity right now. It was like Supreme Wood never had a temper. He was always composed when he did things, unhurried but not slacking, and orderly with a good grasp of priority and timing. Such a temperament was relatively unique among the brothers. Having gathered for so many times over the years, the brothers never seemed to have seen their third brother lashing out. He was always gentle and caring towards all the other siblings. Every time they were beside their third brother, a sense of pleasant warmth would spread easily, even when there were no words said. Yun Yang closed the door and softly paced to the table. Sitting down and taking in a deep breath, he finally stretched his hand out to pick the letter up, opening it carefully. 719 Talk About It! This was, without a doubt, Supreme Wood''s will. Yun Yang had only read the opening of Supreme Wood''s letter, but he had already felt the difference in its content compared to the others. "Ninth Brother, you have come. If my guess is correct, it should be three years after what happened to us, when you lay eyes on this letter." "Somehow, I knew that the person who comes would definitely be you. Isn''t it strange?" Yun Yang straightened up when he read this. His hands, which were still earlier, began trembling. Three years after what happened to us? What did that mean? Did his third brother actually know that there would be an accident and had even forecasted the time of the calamity? "I wanted to write my will like the rest of them as well, but I thought you would probably break down soon from the torment of having to go on until now. I am the only person who might know a little bit of the inside story. I can''t bear to let you carry on with so much pain, so I''m leaving you a little bit of information here." "When you have seen this letter, when you have read up until this point, some form of realization should have taken place within your mind C I''ll take it that you''ve understood half of it. Don''t'' ask me why it''s half. I actually don''t know the reason for the other half." "You''ve done well, Ol''Ninth." Yun Yang''s lurching heart was finally appeased when he reached this part of the letter. He was thoroughly relieved and was almost singing tearfully with extreme joy. He felt a solid pinch on his nose, the bubbling emotions long contained within him a challenge to suppress. Yun Yang really wanted to sing right now. He wanted to dance, wanted to scream and shout, to jump in joy, to cheerfully express how much happiness he was experiencing. ''My brothers did not die!'' ''They lied to me? What does that matter?'' ''Torment? So what if I was tormented?'' ''Everything doesn''t matter!'' ''Nothing is an issue!'' ''As long as they could be alive, as long as they''re still alive!'' ''That would be the best thing ever!'' ''All the happiness in this world is nothing but this!'' Yun Yang pressed the letter to his chest and took a deep breath. Exhaling slowly, his expression was jubilant. After some time, he forced his elation down to continue reading. "The formation of the Nine Supremes was the purposeful doing of the creator. It is destiny. Only the candidates of the Nine Supremes were manipulated. There were coincidences, there were those who were destined, there were also those who cut the line. I was one of those who cut the line." Yun Yang frowned upon reading the line, confusion slowly rippling within him. The three words, cut the line, were easy to understand, but the previous line C the formation of the Nine Supremes was the purposeful act of the creator? Since it was the doing of the creator C whether it was purposeful or not, it should be an unflinching destiny. How, then, could there be the statement ''to cut the line''? Who could cut the line? "Actually, I truly can''t recall much, only some fragments of the past. My physique is likely to be more unusual, different. I know that I have to go back after this incident, back to where I came from. However, I don''t know where I came from nor do I know what will happen to the others, what situations they will encounter" Yun Yang bit his lips, the confusion within him growing heavier. "The buried memory fragments in the bottom of my heart tells me that my family name is Tan. Very strange and rare, is it not? I thought it was strange as well, but what is weirder is my name C it''s actually called Tan Yixia1. It was said that back then when my father was giving me my name, his group of brothers had gathered together to contribute ideas. They proposed to name me Tan Yixia, meaning that anyone could look for me to talk about any uncertainties they may have Don''t ask me why I''ve suddenly mentioned this, because this is the clearest fragment I have of my memories. Other than this, I don''t even know who my father was" Looking at the ellipses in the letter, a chuckle almost slipped from Yun Yang. He could totally imagine his third brother''s extremely speechless grudge and his complaints about his name. Tan Yixia! This name was amazingly strange. Find Tan Yixia (talk about it) to talk if one were to have any form of uncertainty What a good idea! The person who gave the idea was a genius while the person who decided to use the name was even more of a genius! "I cultivated a wood-relevant cultivation method. It''s a completely supporting attribute. This matches my personality very well. I like to help people. When I had to choose back then, I naturally picked wood Unfortunately, this seemed to go against my father''s initial wish. I remember being beaten up many times, but my eldest uncle quite admired me He protected my every time." "Very well, this is the end of me recalling my memory fragments. There doesn''t seem to be more anyway. These past few years were the happiest time in my life, having so many brothers to fight together Too bad it was such a short time. Now that I have to leave, I am filled with reluctance." "Right, I keep having a sense of familiarity when I face Ol''Fifth and Ol''Eighth, but they were never in my memory This situation is very odd. Still, it should be a good thing. I think Ol''Fifth and Ol''Eighth were also the ones who cut the line. So, Ol''Ninth, if one day, when we brothers are met with a mishap, me, Ol''Fifth and Ol''Eighth should be the three people you should be the least worried about." Reading up until this part, Yun Yang''s heart clenched once again. What did he mean by only Ol''Third, Ol''Fifth and Ol''Eighth? What about the others? Could there be danger for the others then? As he thought about this, Yun Yang recalled the past immediately. His fifth and eighth sisters-in-law Yun Zuiyue and Yue Rulan''s mysterious disappearance and his third brother''s unusual letter had all supported the probability that they had not met with an ill fate, but it also meant that Like his seventh brother, Old Dugu''s only son, he was definitely not a queue-cutter; as well as his eldest brother and fourth sister, they too "I can''t be sure of the other brothers'' fate, but the eldest is definitely not one. The eldest in my memory is not this eldest right now." "The Nine Supremes are a unique presence that does not exist between heaven and earth. Therefore, it''s also destiny that there can only be one Supreme left from the so-called Nine Supremes." Supreme Wood''s words were all over the place like he was trying hard to jog his memory like he was doing his best to hint something further to Yun Yang. Yet, he could not remember a thing. "So life and death are bound to happen, it''s necessary. Don''t be absentmindedly optimistic about the parting of life and death." Yun Yang felt his heart aching immensely when he read this. It could not be avoided it was not to be avoided It meant that there must be someone who had died among the brothers? "In spite of this, everyone''s fate is somehow tied to you." Supreme Wood, Tan Yixia''s message continued, "One day in the future if you can achieve the tier of dictating the universe, you can use your skills to reverse time itself and resurrect the dead. For one who reaches that level, anything is possible C there''s nothing else that he can''t do if he has the intention." "I shall spare you the chatter. My cultivation method, the so-called Sacred Wood Spell, isn''t even the least bit useful. I have no regrets giving it up. Just cultivate what I''ve always been cultivating, the Craft of Life! Remember to cultivate it well. Ol''Second''s Gold Rune is at the bottom. You can open his room with it." "Speaking of which, Ol''Second is one tough cookie I haven''t seen through as well. This was mainly because I thought the Gold Rune wasn''t exactly useful. This is a valid reason, is it not?" "Alright, I shall stop here. We brothers will see each other again. By then, we''ll drink until we''re drunk." Supreme Wood'' message stopped then, leaving behind a dumbstruck Yun Yang. Translator Note: 1Tan Yixia (̸һtn y xi): the author uses Tan (̸) as family name and Yixia (һ) as first name; the literal meaning of the three Chinese characters also means to talk about it for a moment, i.e. to talk about it. 720 The Twelve Zodiac Bonsai There was too much information being disclosed, and there was too much that could not be comprehended! The wills his other brothers had left previously were all genuine, but his third elder brother, Supreme Wood''s will, was more like a letter of explanation C to state his extraordinary background, to state the Nine Supreme''s miraculous origins, to state the other brothers'' astonishing fall! In spite of this, there was more that Yun Yang could not understand, like the creator''s arrangement, the intervention of the Nine Supremes'' selection of candidates, the cutting of lines There were many people of remarkable origin that had intervened in Nine Supremes'' descent to the world! Who were those people? Ultimately, the conclusion Yun Yang obtained was that ol''Third, ol''Fifth and ol''Eighth were surely fine. The eldest in memory was someone else, not Supreme Earth, while there was certainly a parting of life and death among the other brothers. Regarding Supreme Wood''s identity, there was nothing more as he could not recall much from his vague memory. He also thought that the Residence of Nine Supremes'' wood-attributed Sacred Wood Spell was practically useless, while his Craft of Life was an excellent one. Supreme Wood''s father and eldest uncle He had also mentioned ol''Second''s seemingly unusual background at the end of his letter, but he was not able to fully discern it. Why did he specifically mention that this was a wonder to ponder upon? There was also that farfetched wish C the fate of Yun Yang''s brothers being tied to Yun Yang and when he could master the universe and overcome the boundary of time and space, he could resurrect anyone he wanted In essence, these were the details that Yun Yang had gathered from Supreme Wood''s will. However, these things were beyond mysterious and absurd to think about. It had exceeded common knowledge to the extent that Yun Yang''s usually clear mind was muddled, sticky and murky like a turgid paste. Everything Supreme Wood had penned in his letter was vague. Every sentence was merely half a line. Not a single one was completed! After combing through Supreme Wood''s words, the direct impression Yun Yang had gathered was that his third brother''s father was an eccentric! An eccentric who could compare to the father of a certain violent lady C he actually named his son Tan Yixia (talk about it)! Talk about it, why don''t you walk around it! As for everything else, it was a mess that could not be put into words. This caused Yun Yang''s relaxed and even ecstatic mood to lurch into anxiousness once more. His heart hung in uncertainty, lodged high in his throat. He believed that his brothers had not died, that they had all been rescued, but looking at it now, there was a big probability that things were not that rosy. Those whom he could be sure were alright were only ol''Third, ol''Fifth and ol''Eighth. At most, there was an additional ol''Second whose origin was unusual. That was all; the fate of the other brothers was totally unknown. "At least I am relieved with the knowledge of two things now" Yun Yang chuckled dryly and said, "At least, it seems like fifth sister-in-law Yun Zuiyue and eighth sister-in-law Yue Rulan had been brought away by fifth and eighth brother. They''re actually fine" "This would explain why Sister Yue could provide me with so many treasured resources back then and why Sister Lan''s will was so odd" Yun Yang could not tell whether he was in grief or joy. It was a blend of emotions, so complicated that he felt lost and stripped of the ability to think. Yun Yang remained in a stupor for some time in the small room before finally saying quietly, "Third brother, thank you." It came from the bottom of his heart. His entrance to his brother''s room was insightful and surprising but there was also a sense of disappointment. If it were not for Supreme Wood''s incomplete explanations, Yun Yang did not know how much longer he needed to be able to figure out the contents he was looking at now. This had nothing to do with intelligence. It was truly because the reasons were so extraordinary that the incidents were almost as ridiculous and as beyond one''s knowledge as the red light that surrounded Ji Lingxi! He sighed softly and picked Supreme Wood''s letter up longingly to toy with it. Unintentionally, he flipped the letter over and his eyes bulged when they landed on the side of the page. There were still words on the back of the letter. "The thing I enjoyed the most in this lifetime are strange plants. The twelve bonsai in this room are marvels that I collected after searching across half the Tianxuan Continent. They''re rare shrubs and, at the same time, precious treasured herbs. Consider this a little present from third brother to you. It would be best if you did not eat these twelve bonsai all at once C that would be a complete waste of God''s gift" "Use my Craft of Life and complement it with the Sacred Wood Spell to cultivate the plants. It can make the twelve bonsai grow three fruits each within ten days. Pay attention now; each bonsai can produce, at most, three fruits. If they produce more, you have to pluck it off instantly. More than three fruits, the medicinal effect will be diluted. It''d be bad instead." "Gather one fruit from each of the twelve plants and consume them together. It can increase one hundred and twenty years of refined mystical force." "Cough, ninth brother, you must take good care of these twelve bonsai for me These are the twelve zodiac fruit bonsai I''ve collected over a long, long time" Yun Yang was genuinely tickled by his third elder brother''s message. Why did he not realize that his brother was this adorable last time? It seemed that Supreme Wood was really fond of the twelve plants - so much so that his worry of Yun Yang robbing his bonsai spilled through his words. Yun Yang could imagine that Supreme Wood was not planning to leave these twelve shrubs behind, but it must be due to some reason that he could not take them with him and had to leave them here. Despite leaving his bonsai, he left plenty of advice and concern, afraid that Yun Yang would ill-treat his prized gems. The complex emotions reflected his simple charm. "You only wanted the bonsai anyway C this is simple. I only want the fruits, the fruits." Yun Yang communicated with Emmie at once. "Emmie, see these twelve bonsai?" Emmie, who was already waiting in anticipation in the space, was impatient. "Ayaya" "This is superb? An item of myth?" Yun Yang was shocked. Supreme Wood had mentioned the benefits of these shrubs in his letter, that all twelve fruits must be gathered to increase a hundred and twenty years worth of mystical power. The enhancement was, of course, a rare fantasy to ordinary people, but it was only a supplement to Yun Yang. After all, Yun Yang still had an endless sea of strength within him. The plants were hardly of help and there were so many species as well; time and effort had to be spent cultivating them. In such a short period of time, its benefits were fairly limited. "Ayaya Ayaya" Emmie''s soft voice was unusually excited, expressing its elation about these twelve bonsai. It was very fond of them as well and was even salivating a little over them. "Uh" Yun Yang said, "These bonsai will be under your care, but I must clearly state the rules first; we only have the right to use the fruits. You mustn''t hurt the plants, understand?" 721 Supreme Gold Gu Jiu "Ayaya Ayaya" Emmie was even more ecstatic upon hearing Yun Yang''s words. It danced in joyful glee. It seemed that Emmie was incredibly confident of the twelve bonsai that lay before it. Yun Yang understood Emmie''s long-winded story and understood that while these plants were precious and rare in themselves, they were not effective if they were consumed directly; their value lied within their fruits, so no one would spoil the bonsai for no reason. "These twelve plants set in this combination is called the Twelve Zodiac Fruit Bonsai. Do you know the origin?" Yun Yang asked Emmie, but this time, Emmie was clueless. It expressed a sense of confusion; as long as it knew that it was a marvel and how to use it, why was Yun Yang asking so many things? Even as Yun Yang was struck speechless at Emmie''s reasonable thoughts, he shifted his focus to the twelve herbs and saw twelve different animals from the bonsai''s aura. "Hmm, dragon, tiger snake? Rabbit? Goat, cow, pig Is this... a mouse? Is this a rooster? This is a horse for sure. Hmm, this is a monkey" Yun Yang frowned. "What a terrible mess. I''ve always heard people saying that trimming and changing the state of a plant damages them greatly. I see that third brother was very limited with his love C what a prank! Fine with dragon or tiger, what''s up with the pig, dog, and mouse" Without pausing, he waved his hand, instantly bringing everything into Emmie''s space. "Ultimately, how many times can they bear fruit?" asked Yun Yang. "Ayaya" Emmie noted that another magical aspect of these plants was that they could reproduce limitlessly, time and again, without end. Yun Yang did not use any Sacred Wood Spell or Craft of Life either. Emmie could handle it all by itself without Yun Yang''s extra effort. "How many times can you make them bear fruits in a single year?" Yun Yang''s interest was piqued as he asked in excitement. After all, a hundred and twenty years of mystical Qi could be added with one consumption of twelve fruits. It was a dream come true! If he could obtain three sets of them within a year, that would equal to three hundred and sixty years of refined mystical Qi cultivation base! What If he dreamed bigger and had thirty sets per year? Would that not be three thousand and six hundred years of cultivation base? It was not a crime to think about it C what if it could come true! Unfortunately, Emmie''s answer poured a bucket of ice water on Yun Yang. "These plants they can only bear two rounds of fruits every year now. This is already under the premise that Emmie depletes a massive amount of air of vitality. Any more and it''d be going overboard. It would hurt the plant''s base." "If you want more, you''ll have to wait another twelve years." "Twice a year isn''t few at all!" Yun Yang calculated in his mind. ''Harvesting twice a year will supply me seven hundred and twenty years of cultivation base that''s no small number at all. I can give this to anyone anyone except Lingxi!" Yun Yang chuckled to himself. It was not that he was selfish, it was relevant to a man''s pride. In addition, Ji Lingxi was already advancing like she was cheating; if he were to give her this Yun Yang would probably fail to catch up to her in this lifetime. How would they then remove the red light seal? Yun Yang, who was immersed in the thought of enhancing his cultivation base had obviously overlooked the fact that such treasured resources would usually only provide the best effect when consumed the first time under normal circumstances. Taking it repetitively afterward would see a reduction in effect, although the effect of the fruits cultivated mindfully by Emmie in its space would not be as simple as adding a hundred and twenty years of cultivation base. Furthermore, Yun Yang was not lacking the strength of treasured resources now. Instead, the potent medicinal strength stored within him was overbearing, so much so that he would not be able to digest it even when he cultivated for a long, long time. A mere hundred and twenty years of mystical Qi? How insignificant! "Third brother, wait for me. When I see you, the first thing I tell you will be" Yun Yang chuckled evilly. "Third brother, I''ve refined the twelve bonsai into pills I''d like to see how you, a gentle and honest man, will react!" The psychological journey of this trip was a rollercoaster ride while the complicated emotions it brought was inexplicable. Relatively, however, relief made up a large part of his feelings. It was finally certain that a few among the brothers did not actually die while Yun Yang''s fifth and eighth sisters-in-law were well alive. This was no doubt, great news. Moreover, even if there were brothers who passed away, Yun Yang could resurrect them in the future! This was Yun Yang''s new goal, a goal he would work towards throughout this lifetime! "Others can do it, why can''t I?" "One day, we brothers will meet again under the starry sky!" With such ambitions in his head, Yun Yang opened another door, the door that belonged to his second elder brother, Supreme Gold. This room''s style was truly no different from Yun Yang''s second brother who was a man of few words. It was empty, containing only a table and chair that one would not miss even at a quick glance. There was also a letter on the table. Otherwise, the room was practically empty. "I don''t know which brother will read this letter, but whoever you are, I want to tell you C I want to go on living very much, continue living with all of you." "If I had to die, I hope I die before all my brothers. While I''m still alive, no one can lay a finger on my brothers!" Yun Yang felt a pinch on his nose as he read the first two lines of the letter. This was his second elder brother! His second brother who had rushed to the vanguard during each battle! He was always icy, always in his black robes, always wearing his black mask, always standing tall and straight like a spear; whatever it was, he would always stand in front of his brothers and bolt to the frontline of battle, facing everything head-on. He was not cold, nor was he impulsive. He merely afraid that he was not quick enough to stop someone from hurting his brothers should he not stand at the very front of the army. Faced with an unpredictable opponent, the first one to rush forward and test the waters was always Supreme Gold. "My family name is Gu, my name is Gu Jiu. I don''t understand the meaning of my name. In this world, I don''t have any relatives, neither do I have any unfulfilled wishes." "I only hope that whoever brother who reads this letter can live long and well." "Live a wonderful life for me as well, brother." Supreme Gold''s will was short and simple. That was all there was to it. Yun Yang, who had finished reading his letter, felt the long-absent sense of passion rushing through him. The unstoppable cutting air felt as if Supreme Gold was standing in front of him. Even when it was his death being talked about, he was still sharp as always, going forward fearlessly. Below the letter was Supreme Earth''s cultivation method, Earth Release Charm. Looking at the Earth Release Charm, Yun Yang did not extend his arm, remaining dazed for some time. "Big brother, I can finally go to your room. Still, do you know how much I''ve gone through to get here?" Yun Yang lamented bitterly, feeling a surge of emotions within him. 722 For The Nation and People, Cherish This Body No With Yun Yang''s current mystical Qi cultivation base level, he had taken only half a day of cultivation to complete the first stage of Supreme Earth''s Earth Release Charm, despite the fact that cultivating various manifestations would normally result in slower progress compared to cultivating a sole power. This was the advantage of the accumulation of solid mystical Qi. If it had been someone else who wanted to achieve what Yun Yang did, it was impossible to cultivate the Earth Release Charm to a beginner stage without three to five years. What was strange was that Yun Yang felt like it was a matter of course when he cultivated the Earth Release Charm. He hardly felt the need for any insight and could enter the early world of that method with just a cycle of cultivation. This was Yun Yang''s first time experiencing it. An odd feeling rose inexplicably the moment Yun Yang pressed his palm on the door to Supreme Earth''s room. It was difficult to describe the feeling in words It was as if he had come to the end of a path today, right at this very moment. It was either the activation of the Earth Release Charm or Yun Yang''s mind at work; anyway, the door slowly opened amidst an intense glow of yellow radiance, leading the way to the last room, Supreme Earth''s room. Casting his gaze around, Yun Yang saw that Supreme Earth''s room was easily much larger than the other Supremes'' rooms. There was a huge piece of calligraphy that hung in the center, signed by Supreme Earth himself. "For the nation and people, cherish this body not!" Yun Yang stared at the nine words and went into a trance. For the nation and people, cherish this body not That was absolutely right. Supreme Earth''s lifetime perfectly mirrored these nine words. He was, perhaps, the epitome of these nine words. For the nation and people, he had indeed given up everything. Not only did he forgo the throne that was within reach, but there was also the happiness of the company of his beautiful wife and son! Descending from his rightful throne and shedding his royal status, letting go of his beloved young son and silently building the team of the Nine Supremes, he had gone from a high point where he was admired from to a hidden world where no one knew he existed. For many years, he had fought countless times on the battlefield and gone through too many life and death situations. It was more than facing challenges, more than flirting with death. He had contributed so much, unparalleled in his merits, but no one knew about them at all. None of the fame was truly shining on him. For the nation and people, cherish this body not C In the end, he had realized the last four words, cherish this body not! His life had ended at Tianxuan Cliff! Even his name had never been etched on his tombstone. There was only his code name on it C Supreme Earth! Supreme Earth! One of the Nine Supremes, one of the heroes of the people of Yutang. A great presence indeed. However, this great hero had sacrificed much. Perhaps, Supreme Earth could stay in Yutang people''s heart eternally, but only as Supreme Earth, not Yutang''s eldest prince C Yu Chengtian! As the most obvious decoration in the room, Yun Yang had seen the calligraphy the moment he stepped into the room. Absentmindedly, he felt a bizarre feeling surge within him, like Supreme Earth was watching him while quietly stood there. It also seemed like the overwhelming aura of Yutang''s eldest prince, whose majestic sovereign outshone his royal yellow gown, overlooking the world and his territory. "Big brother." Yun Yang called out softly, his emotions running wild. The four treasures of the study were still placed neatly atop the table. The ink had dried a long time ago, while the brush''s tip was parched and hardened like the tip of a spear, gleaming with a vague sharpness. In contrast to the others, there was not only one will on the table. There were a few letters stacked neatly together. Yun Yang went over slowly and stretched his arm out to take the stack of letters. The letter on the top read, "To the brother who enters this room." The second letter read, "Your son bids farewell, Father." The third letter. "Your son bids farewell, Mother." The fourth letter. "My dear wife." The last letter in sight had a slightly longer message, "Brother, give this letter to Bao''er when he turns twelve." Yun Yang was shocked when he saw the fourth letter. Supreme Earth had obviously kept a sliver of hope that even when he died, his wife, Supreme Water, might still have the chance to survive. It was a pity that Supreme Water would never be able to read this letter anymore! She had entered another world alongside her beloved husband Unlike the others, Yun Yang could be sure that his third brother Supreme Wood, fifth brother Supreme Flame, and eighth brother Supreme Wind had escaped the fate of death at Tianxuan Cliff due to their unusual parentage while his second brother Supreme Gold might have a chance of survival. However, there was a high possibility that Supreme Earth, Supreme Water, Supreme Blood, and Supreme Thunder had all perished! From Supreme Wood''s letter, it was known that the Nine Supremes'' descent to the world was by chance C an unusual destiny that man could hardly manipulate. Even when it could be changed, only one who was far more superior than this world could make a slight amendment C someone like Supreme Wood''s father and elders, whose abilities were unpredictably mighty! In spite of this, Supreme Earth and the rest were not within such a lineup. Firstly, Yun Yang''s seventh brother, Supreme Blood''s father, Old Dugu had no such capability. Otherwise, how could he have succumbed to Ouyang Xiaoshe''s ploy? Next, it was his sixth brother, Supreme Thunder, who came from the Bound of Universe. While Lei Dongtian, who also came from the Bound of Universe, was powerful, Yun Yang thought that the Bound of Universe most probably lacked such potent talent after judging the capacity of both worlds. Even if there had been, they could hardly be related to his sixth brother or be willing to exert such effort; after all, his sixth brother had left the Bound of Universe due to his family back then, forming the Nine Supremes right after! Subsequently, it was Yun Yang''s eldest brother, Supreme Earth, and his fourth sister, Supreme Water. Both of them were certainly people without any weighty descent. There was barely a hope of them surviving. The so-called cutting of queue lines meant that it could only happen to someone else who had waited in the queue. It was not a complete change of lineup! Looking at the letter that could never be received, Yun Yang felt as if he had been choked. Coughing, he slowly sat down to open the first letter. Unfolding it carefully, rows of neat handwriting greeted his sight. The penmanship was exalted and distinguished, like Supreme Earth''s entire lifetime. The phrase ''One''s penmanship told of one''s character'' was never only a saying. "I was the one who suggested the idea of writing our will. When I was writing this, though, I couldn''t help but think; what kind of men and what kind of force will kill us? Our cultivation base isn''t high, but the cultivation method we have prevents us from being an easy target. When we do die one day, how terrifying the enemy must be for this sole survivor of ours to face! How massive the pressure he must carry To the brother who receives this letter, you must do everything after a term of consideration. Do not be impulsive and reckless. Do not have the weakness of being oblivious to the existence of others." 723 Signing Off Yun Yang continued reading slowly. "I''ve always been thinking which brother will it be who opens this door and reads this letter when I''m gone one day. Selfishly, I hope with my heart, that it''s not Supreme Water. If, unfortunately, you are the one who opens this, please read it with the letter I addressed to you. I''m so sorry; although I have promised you a lifetime of companionship, it is a promise I can''t fulfill anymore!" "Who among other brothers will it be, other than Supreme Water? Ol''Second is tough and resilient, sharp C if you see this letter, I hope that you don''t seek revenge for us brothers recklessly. Helping Yutang is still the priority; do well what we''re doing now, and continue living for us. You have always been impulsive. If you insist on revenge, you''ll be easily found by those with ill intentions. That''d be too bad then. On a serious note, if you read this letter, ol''Second, if you still take me as your eldest brother, do not seek revenge. Otherwise, I won''t be able to rest in peace. I shall never forgive you." "Ol''Third is gentle and prudent. Rarely will you be rash, or act blindly. I believe you''ll do things slowly and won''t let down those who have passed on." "If it''s Supreme Water If you see this letter, think more about our child, think less about me. You''ve done too much for me. If you can, do something within your ability for Yutang. You must remember, your responsibility from now on is to watch our child grow up healthily! It is not to seek revenge! This is my last request You have never rejected me, so this time should not be an exception. Please!" He repeated what he told Supreme Water once again here. Other than sighing, Yun Yang was struck by a myriad of emotions. It was no wonder the emperor was so carefree in letting his eldest brother build the Nine Supremes team, judging by his character "Ol''Fifth, if you see this letter, don''t seek revenge either. Your personality is like fire, your temper a direct path of flame. You aren''t any better than ol''Second" "Ol''Sixth if you are the one who sees this, I hope you can choose to become a recluse and give up on the Nine Supremes'' identity. Become someone else, and go on" "Ol''Seventh, if the heavens let you see this letter, then it''s truly heaven''s will. I only hope that you can tone down your fierce thirst to kill. Discuss things with father more. You know control more than ol''Second and ol''Fifth, but once you get impulsive, your killing threat is the deadliest among all brothers. Do urgent things with time, especially when we''re at a disadvantage" "Supreme Wind, ol''Eighth, if you see this I have not much to advise you, based on your careful temperament. I believe that the brothers'' revenge is within reach. Unfortunately, you''re a challenge to be tied down; you''re a free soul. Without my constant reminders, I''m afraid you won''t be concerned about the national affairs" "To the end, my heart will hardly be at peace, no matter which of the seven brothers'' hands this letter lands in. How I hope that all of you will never have to receive this letter. I am still worried about each one of you. It feels like none of you are grown up yet, and I can''t help wanting to watch over all of you every day until you can take charge alone" "If there were to be such a day, I, as your eldest brother, will truly be able to rest in peace." "Hmm why did my thoughts run astray ol''Ninth would''ve thought that I''m biased if he sees this. I''ve mentioned everyone but not him. If If it''s ol''Ninth who reads this letter, then I, your big brother, have only one thing to say to you C think before you do anything; for you to take charge, this grudge must be avenged! Regardless of everything, anything!" "Whoever the enemy may be, however powerful they are, I only have one request for you C to pay tribute to me using the heads of all enemies!" "Even if you have to go against the world alone, you must avenge this grudge!" "One more thing." "Young nine, if there were to be such a day, even when all eight brothers have to sacrifice our all, we will all create a chance of survival for you. This decision of mine is also everyone''s decision." "Don''t blame big brother for being biased. I am not the only one. All the elder brothers have high hopes for you. Nonetheless, I have the highest hope for you among all. That''s it." "Remember when the Nine Supremes were cultivating back then, the method of spirit force explosion? It was an exercise to converge the power of our own souls during the worst of times and gather everyone''s life force to fight for a chance of survival for one brother. When we assembled all nine people and were discussing with your second brother, third brother, fourth sister, and so on, we''ve decided unanimously that all eight brothers will cultivate this final step but we wouldn''t let you, ol''Ninth, know of this method''s existence. Our ultimate goal was for this last method, this final way to survive." "The reason we kept you out of the loop was the fear that you would be impulsive and follow us in churning your power of life. Then, our sacrifices would have been in vain." "Do you understand, now, why I''ve glossed over the message for all other brothers but when it comes to you, I wrote an essay? It''s because I know that the possibility of you coming to read this is the highest!" "Ninth brother, if, there''s an if, everything after this is up to you!" "I believe that, by now, you''d already have known that I''m Yutang''s eldest prince. Yes, His Majesty Yu Peize is my father." "No matter how righteous and passionate I''ve felt when I gave up on the crown prince''s throne, I couldn''t help feeling crestfallen. After all, I''ve lost the most important goal of the early stage of my life. I would never have been able to get it back. However, all that has happened after that made me understand that nothing is more crucial than being genuinely happy." "If I became the emperor, I could have overlooked the world and ruled the imperial court. Still. there wouldn''t necessarily be lots of happy times." "However, by becoming one of Nine Supremes, fighting on the battlefield and going through perilous threats, I was happy every day. I''m so thankful that I made this decision." "Your fourth sister, Supreme Water, is my wife. As someone who has lost his status as the empire''s eldest son, I only have one promise to your sister-in-law C a lifetime of companionship. It''s a pity that, when you see this letter, I can''t even fulfill this vow." "Yutang, I am passing it on to you." "The sovereign, I am passing it on to you." "If there were any brothers coming with you, I''m I am passing them into your care as well." "The matters of the afterlife and families of our brothers, I''m passing all that to you now." "The love and hatred, favors and grudges, shall all be passed to you." "Bao''er, is passed to you, as well." "Brother, don''t scoff at my long-windedness or my old-fashioned way of talking. I''d say it still. I am so lucky, to have the company of you brothers. It would have been wonderful if there were to be one day, when the world is peaceful and Yutang thrives, when the nine of us brothers can roam the world with our families Too bad, it can''t be done" "Take care of yourself, ninth. If you find yourself in danger, remember that anything can be put aside. Everything is second to you being alive and well!" "What we, the elder brothers, hope the least to see is that you too have fallen!" "Take care! Brother Yu Chengtian, signing off." 724 Nine Mystical Arts Into One Yu Chengtian. Yun Yang felt only grief when he read the words. It was his big brother''s name, Supreme Earth''s name. Since he knew that the eldest prince was Supreme Earth, he knew the name Yu Chengtian. Now, however, when he saw Supreme Earth addressing himself as Yu Chengtian, he still felt an endless wave of despair... The shock that Supreme Earth''s letter had brought to Yun Yang was unprecedentedly large. Prior to this, he had always thought that his survival was the result of a snap decision by his brothers during that pressing moment. He had never thought that it had been no coincidence that he was able to sidestep the fate of death, that it was an escape route long prepared by his brothers! This meant that whatever ill fate or emergency they faced, whatever disadvantageous situation they were in if there must be one who could survive through it all, that person had to be Yun Yang! It was never going to be anyone else from the other eight people. They had long placed the hope of survival solely on Yun Yang! A spontaneous decision and a long planned-out decision were two very different feelings. Yun Yang''s shaking hands flew up to cover his eyes. Tears gushed and poured through his fingers; whoever said that a man should not cry easily could only do so because the man had yet to reach his saddest moment! The Nine Supremes were always on dangerous missions all year long, facing death at almost every moment as they hopped between the line of life and death. Even with nonpareil mystical skill, how could they possibly have emerged unscathed? Ultimately, the Nine Supremes themselves were still physical flesh and blood. If they encountered fatal threats, they would get hurt and die like any other man. In spite of this, his elder brothers had actually made such a decision a long time ago C when they faced the most extreme risk of death where there was no way out, they would give up on saving themselves and contribute their all to make sure their youngest little brother stayed safe. How could words ever describe such kinship? "Why are you all doing this to me? Why?" Yun Yang cried out in pain, "Do you know what your sacrifices mean to me?" In front of him, there seemed to be eight masked men standing quietly as they looked at him. Each of their gazes brimmed with smiles that were oozing with doting and tenderness, like a group of big brothers watching their little brother whom they had used their all to protect. Yun Yang sat on Supreme Earth''s chair in a daze, gazing at the stack of letters before him dumbly. His vision had long lost its focus. After a long, long time, he slumped on the seat like his bones were sucked away, pliant as mud. "My weak moments shall only belong here and now. It shall never be seen by others again. If you brothers are still here, laugh all you want, if you want too. You won''t have another chance!" Yun Yang smiled, his grin tearful. "After I go out from here, I will go straight to the Four Seasons Tower''s headquarters. Then, I''d go on a journey of martial arts. Just wait for the day I can achieve the legendary state" He gritted his teeth and said with a smile, "I''ll find all of you one by one and settle this with each of you. I don''t know if all of you believe it, but I''m confident. I believe that I''d definitely be able to fulfill this promise!" "All of you won''t be my opponent by then anyway C you''d be up to my judgment!" Far away, eight pairs of eyes watched him. They were still filled with smiles, not at all bothered by the provocation. "Okay, okay. I''m going to practice now. That''s what matters now" Yun Yang mumbled, "Don''t look at me anymore, all of you. I feel very perturbed. Go on, go. Wait for me. I will go and find you!" Yun Yang shut his eyes. What he held now was Supreme Earth''s Earth Release Charm, Supreme Gold''s Gold Rune, and Supreme Wood''s Sacred Wood Spell. There was also Supreme Water''s cultivation method he had obtained previously All nine cultivation methods of the Nine Supremes were finally gathered in the hand of a single man for the first time ever. The pithy cultivation formula and method of all nine mystical arts filled Yun Yang''s mind. Until today, Yun Yang''s cloud cultivation had reached the sixth stage while his wind and flame arts had achieved similar states as well. Thunder was at the fifth stage, blood was the fourth while water was the fifth. As for Gold, Wood, and Earth, they were at the first stage; after all, he had only just learned them, thus the limited progress. Although his third brother Supreme Wood suggested that he forgo Nine Supremes'' wood-attributed Sacred Wood Spell and turn to the more magical Craft of Life, Yun Yang had opted to cultivate the Sacred Wood Spell obediently after some pondering. After all, no matter how miraculous the Craft of Life was, it did not come with the Nine Supremes'' packaged mystical arts. What he needed currently was for the Nine Supremes to become one. Now that all nine cultivation methods were within his grasp, it meant that Yun Yang could cultivate all nine arts. However, he dared not be too optimistic. After all, he had tried to simultaneously cultivate all six cultivation methods of Wind, Cloud, Water, Flame, Thunder, and Blood previously, with pitiful results. The cloud manifestation was shapeless, so it had been twice the result with half the effort when he cultivated the Mystique Wind Conjuration with the cloud manifestation, yielding a surge of wind and cloud. However, when he added the third cultivation method to the mix, not only was the effect lackluster, it reduced the power greatly. Yun Yang''s attempts made him realize that cultivating three cultivation methods at the same time would hinder each other, despite achieving certain progress. For example, Water and Flame extinguished each other, Blood stained Cloud, Wind and Thunder could hardly merge, so on and so forth. It became clear that cultivating a singular art became, instead, faster. Due to this factor, Yun Yang''s six cultivation methods all had contrasting progress. Now that he had acquired all of the Nine Supremes'' mystical arts, Yun Yang dared not cultivate them all at the same time. He tested the water first with the Sacred Wood Spell, which seemed to be the mildest. He had just drawn his Qi and cycled through it briefly, yet he unexpectedly discovered that all nine mystical powers within his meridians had suddenly flowed at an unusually aggressive speed! Whether it was his cloud manifestation with a high cultivation base or the recently acquired beginner level Earth Release Charm, all nine mystical arts were operating within him in a bizarrely swift motion. Practitioners of cultivation method, whether they practiced the eight extraordinary meridians, twelve principal meridians, or even three meridians and seven circulations, it was a plethora of selection with each their own specialty. For one to cultivate two methods or more, there was a huge chance that two circulation routes would be present and intersect or even overlap each other. There was even the possibility of them clashing. Unless it was an incredibly unique cultivation method, there could hardly be the situation of two or above cultivation methods being circulated simultaneously, let alone smoothly. This was the principle behind Yun Yang''s extremely slow progress of many concurrently cultivated arts that could not compare to cultivating them individually. As when Yun Yang had grasped all nine cultivation methods at the same time, it meant that nine circulation routes had to be worked on at once. Logically, it was absolutely a mistake to cultivate them all in parallel. Not only would a minute result be seen from double the effort, forcing it would only be futile and could even trigger a backlash that could damage oneself severely. Right at this moment, after these nine types of powers that were never intentionally led had converged, it was like they were nine brothers who shared the same root and source. As long as one of them moved, the rest would move, following suit! A loud cry boomed vaguely in Yun Yang''s mind before his dantian became unstoppable, like a market that had just opened to the flood of a bustling crowd. 725 Havoc in the Residence of Nine Supremes Nine different forces poured in at the same time without conflicting with each other, but there was not the slightest tinge of discomfort. The nine forces merged, split, then diverged while remaining orderly and well proportioned. In an instant, the seven cultivation methods which were relatively mild, such as the Earth Release Charm, Sacred Wood Spell, and Gold Rune, encroached fearlessly like a knife through butter and elevated another level higher! Yun Yang''s jaw almost dropped, so shocked was he by this transformation. The speed of elevation was terribly perverse! Unfortunately, Yun Yang''s surprise was destined to be brief, and he would probably have to accept it with utter jaw-dropping shock as Yun Yang had also discovered that the previous cultivation base elevation was not the end, but merely the beginning. His cultivation development had just begun from then on and would no longer stop! With the rapid progress of his cultivation method, endless spiritual Qi of the outside world surged into his body, like rivers joining in the ocean, toppling mountains and overturning seas. He could not refuse, and it was impossible to stop! The nine powers twisted into an array of ropes, engulfing Yun Yang before charging all the way forward! Yun Yang, who was in a magical situation, could feel that the obstacles in his body that hindered the awakening of his cultivation were collapsing one by one, without any resistance, due to the strong force. However, he had entirely lost control over himself and was completely passive, as if he were a third party outside his own body and could only look on, unable to do anything more. Low thumps resounded unceasingly inside his body. It was the sound of hidden chakras being unleashed, one after another! The idea in the past about the possibility of having many hidden chakras in one''s body had turned out to be true, and they were unlatched one by one, becoming the way to improve cultivation strength. Each time a chakra was unfolded, there would be a flow, a series of streams, endless flows of mystical Qi that poured into his body like quicksilver spilled over the ground, penetrating into every nook and cranny as if they had found a new passage to traverse. Yun Yang felt as if he was surrounded by a dense fog. He felt unfeignedly shocked and disbelieving of everything he had been through! Since ancient times, all mystical Qi cultivators in Tianxuan Continent or other worlds such as Bound of Universe and even all the heavens and myriad realms had been cultivating chakras. It was an acknowledged truth that chakras were naturally produced, as they could neither increase nor decrease. Although the old legend had it that there were some people, blessed with good fortune and a great destiny, who managed to uncover one or at most two additional chakras on top of their original chakras foundation by chance. However, these were only exceptions and not a definite belief. The world''s understanding was that the human body could only have nine chakras! Even though Yun Yang had broken the exception long ago; he not only had all his nine chakras unlocked but had also opened a few more in addition to what he had in his foundation. His cultivation base foundation had gone far beyond what the world had thought possible. Nevertheless, it appeared that countless chakras in Yun Yang''s body had been activated vigorously by the confluence of the might of the nine manifestation powers, supplemented by a charging force. At that point in time, Yun Yang did not fully comprehend or even knew what had happened. All he could do was to grit his teeth and stay on the course. "My brothers will never do me harm. This should be anecessary process of integrating the Nine Supremes cultivation methods into one!" Nine Supremes manifestation powers had then merged into one and surged into his meridians. The pain it caused was like nothing he had ever felt before. The agony of his body, the torment of his mind, and the suffering of his deific consciousness had then intertwined. Every single nerve fiber in his body was in agonizing, spasmodic pain. The pain crawled up into each strain of nerve, including those that were connected to the hair, and down to each inch of a skin patch, right down to the toenails They were spasming and convulsing! The pain his body was going through was relatively insignificant and petty. The mincing torture was nothing compared to his current pain! Yun Yang felt that it was just as good as a mosquito bite compared to this searing agony. Nonetheless, Yun Yang was holding on to his breath, persevering through the torment. He believed that as long as he passed through it, there would be a smooth path ahead and that his elder brothers would never harm him! Yun Yang''s body condition began to change even as he persisted. Every once in a while, his skin would rupture without warning. Numerous droplets of blood spurted out, turning the entire room dim with a crimson fog. The process had then become more transient. On the contrary, the intensity of spiritual Qi in the room had grown stronger and gradually formed into liquid raindrops. Subsequently, a spiritual Qi rainstorm began like a torrential downpour in the small room It was as if an endless, spiritual Qi rainstorm was gushing down Yun Yang''s body, simultaneously replenishing his body needs. Yun Yang was now in the state where it felt like he was being disintegrated and reassembled unceasingly, then being reintegrated over and over again The process was completely uncontrollable and could not be stopped! Yun Yang could only hang on and wait wholeheartedly. Since everything could not be stopped at all, he could only hold on instinctively and continue to persevere. He would faint occasionally but would be woken up by the pain almost immediately; then he would fall unconscious and wake up again. However, he continued to plow on. In the end, even the brief respite of unconsciousness had become unattainable. The perception of pain in his body seemed to be magnified by ten times, or even more than hundreds of times! Each lancing jolt of pain and discomfort grew excessive. The abysmal agony he felt was many times more tormenting than the chopping torture, but he could only endure such pain without even having a choice to give up If there were one thing Yun Yang could still be gratified or comforted by was his capability had been increasing. He had become unprecedentedly strong at an inconceivable speed, and his strength was still escalating! Yun Yang suddenly wondered why Ji Lingxi''s elevation just required her to sleep, and she would improve naturally like it was only a matter of course. Nevertheless, even though he had elevated, the process was so f*cking agonizing! It was often said that happiness and pain were parallels and life was full of flavor, but with his current condition - the joy of his capability enhancement and the torment of ten thousand deaths at a single instant similarly formed a delightful contrast. Life was such an ass! The scathing pain had made Yun Yang completely neglect the fact that when the nine cultivation methods gathered in his body at the same time as he cultivated, a gigantic tornado suddenly formed over the sky of the Residence of Nine Supremes! The wind had always been invisible, but it was something that truly existed! At this time, the massive tornado above the Residence of Nine Supremes seemed like a huge funnel, revolving at high speed while rising into the sky, stirring and hauling the clouds wherever it passed! The tornado at this moment was a visible wonder of nature. The endless flow of clouds from all directions was gathered by the tornado, whirling above the Residence of Nine Supremes just like an enormous, snowy path to heaven! 726 Heaven And Earth’s Tumul Endless spiritual Qi crossed a borderless space, coming from above the heavens, from everywhere, into the tornado. Like rivers converging into the ocean, the spiritual Qi gushed into the Residence of Nine Supremes. The Residence of Nine Supremes'' existing dense fog thickened like water, almost condensing into actual droplets. The massive flood of spiritual Qi was still converging to cluster together, still pouring in! Right in the center of the Residence of Nine Supremes, where Supreme Earth''s room was located,was the assembly point of the endless, spiritual Qi. This was exactly where the storm of spiritual Qi in the room was headed to. Yun Yang was still seated straight in the chair that had originally belonged to Supreme Earth. His eyes were shut tight as he cultivated in concentration. As time continued to pass, the enormous tornado by the sky did not seem like it was faltering but had instead grown even bigger, while the spiritual Qi that amassed in the Residence of Nine Supremes increased as well. The spiritual Qi that initially washed over Yun Yang''s physical form like a storm gradually changed from liquid form to a more solid state. The white spiritual Qi was like tiny elated snakes, surrounding Yun Yang and spinning in glee. Each spiral saw some of the tiny snakes vanishing but there would be more white-colored spiritual Qi snakes filling in the void from the outer layer, spinning on and on The replenishment persisted as did the disappearances. The cycle was in a tight, endless loop! The Residence of Nine Supremes, that had been silent all this while, transformed, engulfed by colors in the unprecedentedly intense fog. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and indigo, the iridescent colors scintillated ceaselessly in their radiance. After some time, even the entire Tiantang City was illuminated in kaleidoscopic colors by the hues emitted from the Residence of Nine Supremes. It was like the city had been dipped into a layer of liquid rainbow. This situation was akin to a rare gem which had suddenly appeared in the dark night and flooded the world with its glow; all that was alive in this world, mobile or rooted, was immersed in a peculiar yet dazzling atmosphere However, it was still daytime. How could this happen? As massive a capital as Tiantang City was, there was no one who did not catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. Not only could the view be seen from thousands of miles around Tiantang City, the range was slowly but surely expanding. A day passed. The scale gradually spanned across the whole of Yutang. Even people who were tens of thousands of miles away from Tiantang City could clearly see the prismatic colors that dazzled the eye. Then, the sky''s palette began slowly changing again. The colors turned dark from the sunset hues before transforming to shades of blue. Towards the end, it shifted to the purest purple! It was like that throughout the territory; no stars and moon was within sight. The night sky was like a large swath of deep violet jade, replacing the nightfall that was supposed to be pitch black. Above this purple sky, where no one could see, endless purple gas from the extreme east rose and surged from the east, billowing over swiftly. The countless men who witnessed the scene were utterly dumbfounded, stunned as they took in the never-before-seen phenomenon. At the Residence of Yun, Ji Lingxi picked herself up, anxiously looking far towards where the Residence of Nine Supremes was. "Why is there such havoc? Has something momentous occurred?" Quick as a fleeting shadow, Yun Xiaoyao''s tall and lean form appeared from thin air. His face was weighed down with worry, his lips pressed tightly against each other as his eyes gazed towards the region where the very air glowed. He closed his eyes, trying hard to conceal his concern and anxiousness. However, his emotions were long out of his control, exposed and out in the open. The corners of his mouth twitched incessantly, droplets of sweat beaded on his head. ''Can you still hold out?'' ''Can you'' ''What is happening?'' ''Why is the Residence of Nine Supremes, that has been quiet for so long, creating such a huge ruckus, now that it has come alive?'' Ji Lingxi asked curiously, "Uncle Yun, is this episode related to Yun Yang?" Yun Xiaoyao hovered in the air silently, his gaze at the iridescent location unblinking. It was like he had not heard a word from Ji Lingxi, despite her being so close to him. Ji Lingxi looked at Yun Xiaoyao with surprise before she bit her lips. "I''ll go check it out." The instant Yun Xiaoyao was out of his trance, Ji Lingxi had already gone far. He could not help hollering, "Don''t be rash! Don''t go there!" The shout was deafening, like a thunderbolt out of the blue. Despite Ji Lingxi''s speedy movement, she was halted by the shout. With her current cultivation base level, Yun Xiaoyao''s cry should not be of her concern even though it was powerful. It was due to Yun Xiaoyao''s other identity C Yun Yang''s father, that proved even more overwhelming, as she was frightened. She involuntarily paused and turned around. "With such a ruckus there, I''m afraid there''ll be unpredictable danger. It''s better to wait and see!" Yun Xiaoyao''s gaze was brimming with anxiousness and aching struggle, but he had still stared into Ji Lingxi''s eyes when he spoke each word slowly, "The Residence of Nine Supremes is off-limits now! Anyone who goes close will definitely be punished by the heavens!" What he said was incredibly severe. "Ah?" Ji Lingxi cried out immediately, asking with no small amount of concern, "Then then will he be alright?" Yun Xiaoyao did not answer her, only gazing into the distance in a daze. After a long time, he murmured, "He''ll be alright, he''ll definitely be alright!" His voice was indescribably firm. "We only need to wait patiently now, to observe the situation." "He''ll return safely, for sure." "As long as he returns, this world it''ll be the moment of change!" Yun Xiaoyao sucked in a deep breath. Droplets of sweat dropped soundlessly from his arms that were rested behind him, hidden from Ji Lingxi''s sight. It was from his tightly gripped fists that resulted from his high-strung nerves. A doctor may not necessarily be able to heal himself C the one who asked others to wait in patience may not actually be at peace! The emperor was chatting with Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian. "Are you two saying that Wu Ying is actually so capable? I''ve overlooked him in the past!" His Majesty exclaimed. "His great talent will only prove greater rather than come short, compared to what we''ve said just now. The only words that can describe it is probably only the capability to run the world!" Qiu Jianhan nodded, complimenting the said man''s talent repeatedly. Fang Qingtian was about to add words of agreement when he froze and cried out, "What C what is this?" Scintillating hues of radiance were all that they saw when the three men turned to look in unison. The source His Majesty stood up abruptly to run to the window and could not help the exclamation that slipped from his lips, "The Residence of Nine Supremes? It was the Residence of Nine Supremes that caused such a large commotion?" The two personages remained silent. Where else from Tiantang City if not the Residence of Nine Supremes that could render such huge episode? "How come? Nothing this big has happened at the Residence of Nine Supremes before. Is it a warning from the heavens" His Majesty frowned when he said, "Or is it Supreme Cloud?" Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian were quiet. They did not know what was going on as well. "Such earth-shattering phenomenon Is Supreme Cloud going to do something? Or is it another external force with ulterior motives? The emperor picked himself up abruptly. "Come, let''s go have a look!" 727 The World Stirs They had no choice, but to go have a look. Still, the two military elders felt their hearts thumping with anxiety. "This is the delicate juncture where our army has been deployed to take over Ziyou and start the grand world domination. Is it a good or bad thing for a momentous event to happen at the Residence of Nine Supremes so suddenly? Is it an opportunity or a threat? Why has this happened?" The emperor mumbled to himself they walked outside, sounding for all the world like he was having a monologue. The elders knew, naturally, that this was not a question they had to answer. "If this tumult is caused by Supreme Cloud and Supreme Cloud does indeed have the capability then isn''t he already an immortal? On the contrary, if this was caused by the sect that tied everything to heaven''s will previously, doesn''t that mean the Residence of Nine Supremes is facing an unprecedented challenge?" His Majesty mumbled, "Whichever it is, though, they point to the same thing. The secular sovereignty to Supreme Cloud, or to the really powerful ones is truly fragile." This was a rather sensitive issue. Qiu Jianhan''s expression betrayed his confusion as he replied slowly, "The secular sovereignty to rule the world has never been in Supreme Cloud''s eyes. Have we not discussed this before?" This was the truth. The name of the Nine Supremes was a living legend in the heart of Yutang''s people and officials since a long time ago. Its faculty of power had long reigned above that of the sovereignty, but Emperor of Yutang knew fully well about the true intention of the Nine Supremes'' establishment, thus he had never minded much about it. "This throne must never be in Nine Supremes'' eyes too" His Majesty seemed thoughtful, a revelation bubbling within him. "Let us go take a look at it." The emperor made his decision and quickened his pace. "Your Majesty! You said yourself that this tumult at the Residence of Nine Supremes could be due to the external forces that had previously targeted the structure. It''s better that we go after the dust clears a little!" "Do not worry, we''ll just look from afar. We won''t actually go close to it. Even if it were actually external threats, they probably won''t target us." The emperor''s expression was hard to read, a little forlorn perhaps, as he said, "You might not know this, but right now I vaguely feel that perhaps after today we won''t be able to see the Residence of Nine Supremes ever again" Just as His Majesty walked out of the palace and stepped foot outside, the entire sky turned purple. It was as if a pure, deep, violet jade billions of miles wide was spread across the very heavens! In the Borderless Ocean, waves suddenly billowed on the usually calm surface, flashes of gold reflecting off the ripples. With a sudden swoosh, the waves swirled dozen thousands of feet high, glinting with power. Dozens of silhouettes appeared in midair standing on the waves; they cried aloud as they stared at the deep purple in the sky. "The seal is finally broken!" "The cycle of an era has been reactivated again!" "Our destiny is here!" "The world is finally moving!" "Let''s go!" "To the Bound of Universe!" "This time, we must seize the opportunity!" The dozens of shadows shot into the sky together with a wave of their sleeves. Then, they vanished without a trace. After a moment, the high, swirling waves fell abruptly, resulting in a catastrophic tsunami In a hidden valley somewhere, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, who had just gone through an aggressive ambush as well as Gu Chaliang and Feng Xiange who were severely injured, scrambled up as well, training their unblinking gazes at the sky. This place was no farther than three thousand miles away from Tiantang City. If the four of them were in their optimum state and sped along at full speed, they could rush their way back in, at most, four hours. Now, their wish could only remain as one, given their handicapped abilities. Seeing the sudden change, all four of them were greatly surprised. Ling Xiaozui was shocked and confused about the change, as was Dugu Chou. However, Feng Xiange''s eyes were gleaming; a massive aura flashed through him before disappearing. Gu Chaliang was the most astonished one out of the quad; he stared into the sky, frozen like a statue before beginning to tremble uncontrollably. Lowering his head, Gu Chaliang stared at the purple jade flute in his hands, at a loss. After some time, it was like he could no longer hold it in as he cried out, "It''s too late!" Dugu Chou turned to him. "Too late? What''s too late?" Gu Chaliang stumbled as he answered, "It''s too late for us to rush back to Tiantang City Oh my God, what should I do? A sliver of stubbornness and I actually missed this incredible destiny!" He looked terribly vexed and regretful like he was about to pull his head off his neck, agony written all over his face. "What happened? Why is it an incredible destiny?" asked Ling Xiaozui. Gu Chaliang suddenly grabbed Ling Xiaozui''s hand. His face bore a look of absolute solemnity. "Old Ling! Only you can help save this matter now! You have to help me!" Gu Chaliang''s expression was almost menacing when he said the five words ''you have to help me''. "What on earth is it? How can I help you if you don''t tell me what it is?" Ling Xiaozui asked irritably. After so many incidents, Gu Chaliang had successfully washed away the suspicion that had been placed on him. Ling Xiaozui was no longer doubtful about him, letting his guard down. Currently, they could already be considered as true friends who had been through life and death together. If Ling Xiaozui could be of help, he would definitely not reject him. Yet, he had to understand the full picture, despite already deciding that he would help since Gu Chaliang had spoken so grimly. "Please!" Gu Chaliang looked determined like there was nothing of greater import right now. With a flip of his wrist, he passed over the purple jade flute he held in his hands. Everyone had seen the purple jade flute in Gu Chaliang''s grip many a time after being together for this entire duration, thus they thought nothing more about it. In spite of this, looking at it again now, they were astounded to realize that the luster of this purple jade flute was actually the same as the purple tinting the sky! "Please, with the fastest speed you can possibly muster rush to Tiantang City and toss this purple jade flute into the Residence of Nine Supremes! Please!" Gu Chaliang offered the purple jade flute with both his hands and kneeled down on the ground. "This incident concerns the world''s welfare. What happens to me is insignificant but please you must rush there the fastest you can Even if you give it your best shot there mustn''t be any further delay. You must catch up in time!" "This" Ling Xiaozui was shocked by Gu Chaliang''s actions. "There''s really no time to explain now!" Gu Chaliang was in utter panic. "You must believe me Otherwise Otherwise everything''s over" The purple jade flute was glowing and glimmering like it was answering to the purple illumination in the sky, threatening to shoot towards the sky at any time. "What is it?" Ling Xiaozui frowned. "At least let me have an idea!" Gu Chaliang was already at a loss for words, seeing as to how anxious he was; he stomped his feet impatiently. "Hush, don''t nag anymore! Go quickly! Please, go quickly! The Nine Supremes are returning to their origins! The Nine Supremes are reuniting!" The restoration of the Nine Supremes! 728 The Purple Jade Flute Hearing these words, Ling Xiaozui grew stock still, as did Dugu Chou. "When the Nine Supremes unite, there will be an upheaval of heaven and earth, of the world and empires alike. The Supreme shall reign unchallenged." These four lines were part of a famous saying that far too many people had heard of before. It was on everyone''s lips! However, unrivaled experts like Ling Xiaozui and company were not too bothered with such sayings. After all, they had stood at the pinnacle of this world. Their knowledge of this world''s cultivators was incredibly proficient. Although the Nine Supremes'' power was magical, it was still within the extreme limits of this realm. To overthrow heaven and earth, however, sounded very much like exaggeration! Yet, when these four lines fell out of Heaven''s Inquisition, Gu Chaliang''s mouth, it was somehow different from anything that had been heard in the past. At the very least, it sounded different to Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou. It had to contain a deeper meaning! There was a glint that flashed across the eyes of Feng Xiange who stood by their side, as he said, smiling, "When the Nine Supremes unite?" He spoke as if he was rather curious, "The restoration of the Nine Supremes is a matter for the Nine Supremes anyway, what does it have to do with your purple jade flute? Is the incredible destiny you spoke of all tied down to this flute?" As he spoke, his arm stretched forward to take the said item. Gu Chaliang had intended to pass the purple jade flute to Ling Xiaozui and send it quickly to the Residence of Nine Supremes in Tiantang City. Thus he did not hold it in his hands as he would usually have but had held it balanced on his palms, kneeling on the floor to wait for Ling Xiaozui''s consequent action. As for Ling Xiaozui, he was still deep in thought, not ready to come back from his trance, so he had not managed to take the flute. The timely extension of Feng Xiange''s arm seemed slow, but it was actually incredibly swift. Before the three other experts could think of stopping him, he had already had a tight grip on one end of the purple jade flute. Gu Chaliang was extremely swift, grabbing onto the other end of the flute almost instinctively, and cried out anxiously, "What are you doing? Give it back!" Feng Xiange said with a smile, "It''s only a purple jade flute C why are you so panicky over it? Is there anything hidden within? Let me look at it." He spoke jokingly but his grip was powerful. Gu Chaliang felt an unstoppable force coming towards him and before he could secure his hold on the flute, his hand was already empty; Feng Xiange had grabbed the purple jade flute. Gu Chaliang spat out blood, overwhelmed by panic. He cried hoarsely, "Feng Xiange! You!" He turned to look at Ling Xiaozui and roared with dreadful rage, "What are you waiting for? It''s over! It''s over!" Ling Xiaozui turned abruptly. There was really no more time for him to consider anything further as he stretched his arm towards Feng Xiange. "Give it to me!" His gaze was cold and stern. At this critical juncture, he had still instinctively chosen to believe Gu Chaliang. Even rationally C disregarding Gu Chaliang''s action just now that showed how urgent the matter was, which disallowed any disruption, that a moment of delay was worse than sin, Feng Xiange''s state should have been the worst out of the four as he was severely wounded previously. He should not have possessed the capability he currently had. It begged all sorts of questions! Feng Xiange chuckled. "Brother Ling, what is this for? It''s only a flute. Should there be any argument over me having a look and toying it for a moment, based on our acquaintance?" Clang! It was the sound of a sword being pulled out of its scabbard and cutting through the air. Turning towards where the noise emanated, Feng Xiange saw Dugu Chou''s icy glare with his sword tight in his grip, already ready to fight. His eyes bored into Feng Xiange like two rays of sword light that pierced the sky, his voice ominously low, "Hand it over!" Feng Xiange seemed to turn furious from embarrassment as he shouted, "What is the meaning of this? What are you all trying to do? Ridiculous! Are the both of you really casting greedy eyes over this so-called incredible chance?" He held the purple jade flute in his hands like he was utterly enraged. "We''ve shared so many instances of life and death, and just because of one absurd conversation here, you''re going to attack me?" "Hmph! Forget about the Nine Supremes uniting C look at how I will destroy this flute first to cut your wild wishes away, in case your state of mind is flawed and your cultivation journey halts!" He held one end of the purple jade flute, huffing, and determinedly folded it downwards! "How dare you!" Gu Chaliang screamed in horror. A sharp gleam of sword light flashed C Ling Xiaozui pulled his sword out of his scabbard as well and pointed it right at the middle of Feng Xiange''s brows. "Hand over the jade flute. It isn''t too late yet!" The iciness that surged caused the muscles on Feng Xiange''s face to twitch, chilling the man like he had been dipped into an ice pool. Feng Xiange raised his head slowly and stared back at Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou in disbelief. Suddenly, his rage flared as he shouted. "Are your honest intentions blinded just because you saw an opportunity? Trying to attack me? Come! Come together! See if I''m scared of you!" Gu Chaliang''s cry was anguished. "Quickly! It''s already late" Feng Xiange triggered his mystical power as he held the purple jade flute and said, "Come! Win this fight against me and the purple jade flute is yours!" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou frowned simultaneously but made no impulsive moves. If they were to really start fighting, what Gu Chaliang had said would surely be too late, no matter the outcome. Furthermore, it was highly possible that Feng Xiange would destroy the purple jade flute once the battle, began judging by his current behavior; he could even leverage on their attacking force and shatter the treasured item with their combined power. "Feng Xiange, who are you really? Why act further when things have come to this stage?" The threatening glare in Ling Xiaozui''s eyes was growing more intense as an overwhelming sense of sword energy began flowing and converging on him. Feng Xiange laughed. "Ling Xiaozui, you didn''t drink any wine. Why are you spewing drunk words? Don''t you recognize me anymore? Just for the vague opportunity that isn''t necessarily present, you''re going to fight me?" Ling Xiaozui nodded slowly and said, "Hand the purple jade flute over before I reach the count of three. Otherwise, it would be hard to avoid being crushed by my sword core!" "I believe you know what that means!" He lay heavy emphasis on his words. Feng Xiange''s gaze zeroed in as he, too, enunciated his words. "I know. More so, you too. Why not try? I dare you!" The sword energy that wrapped around Ling Xiaozui intensified and soared as he nodded again. He said slowly, "One!" Feng Xiange laughed. "Do you have to go to this extent? I''ll just believe you" "Two!" Ling Xiaozui cried. He did not slow down, evidence that his previous words contained no hesitation. Feng Xiange''s eyes darted before he said, "We''re all friends. No point harming each other. I''ll give it to you." Suddenly, there was a loud holler. "Dugu Chou! Act now!" Before the words echoed in the air, his body shot up from the ground like a cannonball while his mystical Qi rushed into the purple jade flute right at that very moment. Feng Xiange rose rapidly like a beam of light. Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou''s swords pounced at the same time, their sword light pursuing Feng Xiange who was in midair. The sword energy tore through the sky. Feng Xiange cried aloud, his form staggering in the sky. With a quick spin, his head was at the bottom instead of his legs, his entire person engulfed in an endless threat. At the very next moment, a loud explosion rent the air. Upon the powerful collision, Feng Xiange was tossed far away like a broken kite, while Dugu Chou let out a low grunt as he took a step back. Ling Xiaozui let loose a long howl, advancing instead of retreating, despite the massive pressure he was under. His sword energy shot through the air as he bellowed, "You''re not Feng Xiange indeed!" 729 Go! Whoever this person was, he was clearly not Feng Xiange! Forget the fact that Feng Xiange should have been weighed down by his injuries; even if he was in the pink of health, he should not have been capable of defending himself against an all-out attack from Ling Xiaozui or Dugu Chou, what more the combined attacks of the pair! Not only was this person before them, this impostor of Feng Xiange, able to stand up to the pair''s strike and bear only an injury, but the two men also had to suffer from the force of his counterattack! He had to be at least at the same level as Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, just based on such capabilities. Otherwise, it was impossible that he could have successfully beaten off the attacks. Feng Xiange, who was in the air, was bleeding from all of his seven orifices. He vomited some blood, but after a brief stumble, he stood upright again hundreds of feet away in the air. He spoke with a coughing chuckle, "This purple jade flute isn''t bad at all. It hasn''t been smashed despite me inflicting my maximum damage upon it. It''s worthy of me; I shall keep it!" Before his voice echoed, it was already apparent that he was about to flee thousands of miles away. Ling Xiaozui let out a low growl, resolve washing over his expression. Their opponent had faced the pair''s attack, yet he could move freely at will. The powerful ability had allowed Ling Xiaozui to vaguely guess the person''s real identity. Still, he could not fathom why this person had chosen this moment to expose himself when he had disguised himself for so long C even discarding their initial plan. The only reason seemed to be... to thwart the restoration of the Nine Supremes? Then the other party must be Mr. Nian! The Four Seasons Tower''s actual top authority, the one, the only, the true Mr. Nian! Only he would treat the matter of the Nine Supremes'' unity so seriously. The sudden moment of realization left Ling Xiaozui with no choice. Other than self-detonating his sword core and committing suicide, there was no other way to contain this terrifying enemy. The sword energy surged, rendering the heaven and earth in total silence. Just as Ling Xiaozui was about to soar, wielding his sword and unleash all his might to fight one last time, he suddenly halted his set course of action. A shocking scene had unfolded before him. Midair, Feng Xiange who was already hundreds of feet away, in possession of the purple jade flute, had suddenly cried out. Trembling, he vomited a splatter of blood. The purple jade flute that he clenched tightly in his fist fell from his grip! Then, Feng Xiange, who was still in the air, shrieked in agony. The tremors that wracked his body grew fiercer. His head of raven black faded into grey then snow white in an instant; within the blink of an eye, they fell right off his head! Yet, the man had no intention to be concerned with his current state. All of his energy and focus was on what was in front of him, what his gaze was trained on like he was seeing a ghost. In front of him was the purple jade flute. It hovered in the air, brimming with a pure purple radiance that looked absolutely noble. It was like the king of the sky had descended unto the world! It was elegant, undisputedly so! A moment later, the purple jade flute began falling slowly, still exuding the iridescent purple gas. A voice seemed to come from farther than the nine heavens; it was graceful and faint, unable to be clearly discerned, yet so firmly confident. "Play past the lake of nine heavens, the purple jade flute in my hands!" Feng Xiange, who was in the sky, was still watching the falling purple jade flute with indignation. However, a flash of sword light glinted. Dugu Chou had already risen with his sword, his target was clearly Feng Xiange. Feng Xiange shouted, turning into a blink of light and disappeared, shooting swiftly away. It was apparent that the man knew that there was nothing he could do. He was already suffering heavily from the brute combined attack of Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou earlier, while the purple jade flute''s unexpected damage had discounted his combat power even further. If he lingered on, he would suffer the risk of annihilation instead. Despite the person''s swift escape, Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui could still see the Feng Xiange impostor wilting even further, with their sharp sight. Perhaps, his century of longevity had been reduced to nothing, as his hair and beard had all fallen away! There were also age spots on his face and his entire person had begun exuding a dying vibe. His hands even looked like dried chicken claws. It was as if the accident had allowed a mysterious force to suck a large portion of his vitality away! Although he was fortunate enough to have fled, it was a dying old man who had left! Judging by his state, he probably could not live past three days, left only with the last struggle to breathe his last breath. "Don''t give chase!" Gu Chaliang bawled, "Send the flute first! That is of greater urgency!" Ling Xiaozui sprung up without a second word, grabbing the purple jade flute in his hands, and said in a low voice, "I''ll go!" His words had yet to echo, but he was already a ray of light followed by a crackling burst of static, speeding in the direction of Tiantang City. The purple in the sky seemed to grow richer, not at all fading with time. Ling Xiaozui''s fully accelerated form rushed into the violet gaseous atmosphere like a meteorite. As if melting into the purple gas, he vanished! Obviously, he had gone all out, knowing how urgent the matter was. Watching Ling Xiaozui finally leave, Gu Chaliang slumped onto the ground with a groan. He was thoroughly drenched with sweat, murmuring lethargically, "Hopefully it''s in time, by chance, it''ll be on time, it must be in time!" Dugu Chou sucked in a breath and pulled Gu Chaliang up, saying, "Can you talk about what''s going on now?" "Sorry, I still can''t," Gu Chaliang apologized after a sigh. "Forget it then," said Dugu Chou. "Let''s go quickly." Gu Chaliang was still inexplicably emotional over what happened just now; his legs were still shaking. "Carry me. Let us rush to Tiantang City as well. Maybe we can still catch the last of it!" "Alright, let''s go!" Dugu Chou agreed. Nothing else was said. Dugu Chou picked Gu Chaliang up on his back and bolted towards Tiantang City. "Dugu, your temper may be bad, but you''re still not too bad a person." "Am I? Thank you for your compliment." They fell into silence. After a long time, Gu Chaliang said, "Dugu, for what it''s worth, today, I shall reward you with a line." "This is what any man would have done, you don''t owe me anything," the said man replied faintly. Gu Chaliang smiled in answering, "Dugu, your destiny tells me that you have a life and death tribulation you need to face. If you can survive this, it shall be a straightforward path to longevity!" Faced with Gu Chaliang''s fortune-telling, Dugu Chou dared not joke as he asked, "A life and death tribulation? May I ask, how do I resolve it? Since it''s a life and death situation, I''m afraid it''d be a challenge I can''t overcome!" "Not necessarily. As long as you find the right person, death can still be reversed. However, there is only one person in this world who can defuse this absolute death threat for you!" Gu Chaliang said grimly, "As long as you follow this person, not only will the tribulation be resolved, perhaps, the hope of you and your wife meeting again shall fall on this person as well, " Screech! Dugu Chou''s rocketing form came to a screeching halt, the soles of his shoes digging two deep drains in the ground. He spoke, overwhelmed, "What did you say?" 730 Upheaval of Heaven and Earth Dugu Chou''s wife was the love of his life and also his biggest regret. Since his wife passed away, he had discarded his title as the Unrivaled Expert. He had resigned from the martial world and lived as a recluse. For so many years, he had not been able to let go of his grief. Long had he been a guest of heaven, merely half a step to ethereality; by virtue of a soul mate, he had halted a step before the clouds! It was because of his wife that Dugu Chou gave up on his future that required just another step forward. The legends might not be entirely true, but Dugu Chou''s feelings mirrored the rumors. Now that he heard what Gu Chaliang had said, it was like a thunderbolt that shook his entire being. The abrupt halt almost threw Gu Chaliang off; the man complained in discontentment, "Watch it! Are you trying to kill me?" Dugu Chou asked impatiently, "Who''s that person? Tell me! Who do I need to follow so that I can meet my wife?" "That purple jade" Gu Chaliang said. Just as he uttered the three words, his expression twisted as he cried out in panic, "I didn''t" Boom! A ray of lightning suddenly arced across the purple sky, landing precisely above the nine heavens on Gu Chaliang''s head. The man shrieked, charred and spewing fumes from his seven orifices. Then, he fainted. What was strange was that Dugu Chou, who was carrying him and in close proximity, was unscathed. Nonetheless, Dugu Chou was absolutely frightened by the accident! He paused and looked up into the sky. Dugu Chou had always been one who did not believe in the heavens and earth nor the Gods and ghosts. It was the first time in his life that he felt the power of heaven and earth up close. He was instantly filled with reverence and awe. "The heavens exists!" Dugu Chou mumbled quietly to himself before he hurried to save Gu Chaliang. He was more than aware that Gu Chaliang, in directing him to avoid the death threat, had been punished by the heavens for disclosing heaven''s will. This was undoubtedly a huge favor C an incredible favor! "Thank you, brother!" Dugu Chou said softly, "One day if I can be reunited with my late wife and be with her eternally, I shall never forget your favor today, brother!" In the Bound of Universe, it was initially peaceful and serene. Out of the blue, the entire sky had turned pure violet, without any forewarning! Later, the entire Bound of Universe began to experience a peculiar quake. Mountains crumbled while the ground cracked. The land was ruined as far as the eye could see! The Bound of Universe was at a location which had a higher level than the Tianxuan Continent. It possessed a much larger territory than the Tianxuan Continent, and countless inexplicable spots, like peaks that even pinnacle forces could not overcome In spite of this, the tumult had caused most of the mountains in the bound to collapse irreversibly! As mountains crumbled and collapsed, many volcanos erupted while snow avalanched from snow mountains. The water in rivers and streams, lakes and oceans, flowed the other way round as lava gushed from below the ground. In a very short time, the Bound of Universe was experiencing an atmosphere which seemed very much like the end of time. Moans and cries could be heard everywhere in Bound of Universe, but no one knew where and how this catastrophe came about. Enigmatic ancient buildings popped up one after another in countless mysterious places, emerging from nowhere. Then, a mountain sprung up from the ground; from east to west, it stood tall in the sky. There was a stone monument at the top of the mountain. It was birthed out of nothing, rising to existence with scintillating vibrancy. Ten large words were etched on it C "Ace of spades for the millennium, phenomenal work of eons!" The words were glaring, shining upon the realm. Since the stone monument appeared, no one could go near it! Yet, the ten words could still be clearly seen. As the reverent mountain came into existence and pierced the heavens and earth, the Bound of Universe''s catastrophic damage slowly reduced. However, another saying had come along into existence in the martial world of the Bound of Universe. Everyone in the Bound of Universe was thinking about the meaning. "The heavens and earth merges, the stars converge; the Supreme returns, the world is in upheaval!" At the same time, a majestic palace had materialized in an extremely mysterious place in Bound of Universe. The Bound of Universe had changed. It had only been a day, but an earth-shattering change had transformed the whole Bound of Universe. The whole of the Bound of Universe was thoroughly shaken. It did not affect the population all that much C after all, the huge transformations had all taken place in deep mountains and plains where signs of mankind were rare. Yet, it was also for this very reason that those who felt the change the deepest and in the most distinct ways were the pinnacle experts who resided deep in the mountains. These Bound of Universe experts acutely felt as if the spiritual Qi within this heaven and earth had gotten richer C and it seemed to be growing even richer. Also, the sky seemed to be higher than it had been before. Feelings similar to these could hardly be put into words; they were even being confused as illusions. However, such mystical feelings dawned on the experts. Despite the lack of evidence, it felt tangible. Then, heaven and earth provided the evidence. After the tumult, many changes occurred throughout the realm. A plethora of treasured resources increased out of the blue; spiritual materials and plants that had hardly be seen in centuries and millenniums in the past greeted the world, one after another. They did not overflow in supply, but they were no longer rare. In addition, many cultivators who were at the bottleneck of their cultivation journey achieved their long-awaited breakthroughs after the disaster hit, advancing in leaps and bounds. The wave of progress had come so easily like there was no obstacle at all! Initially, these had all happened in gradual silence. Those who benefited thought that they had a stroke of luck and had turned into main characters with a twirl; their moods improved, their luck had finally come C at the very least, their efforts had paid off These people shared the same mentality C their breakthrough had provided them with another secret trump card. If they could trick their nemesis during the final decisive moments, would it not be the greatest joy of life? Perhaps, they could surprise those who looked down on them! Still, when such cases multiplied, the secret burst without being poked. It slowly became a state that was known by all. When two nemeses fought for the decisive win... "You who suggested this battle - I believe you could not have guessed that your father has advanced! Let''s see if I''ll make life a chore for you C let you get caught in your own trap Huh? You C why you" "Heck, you''ve f*cking broken through as well! Your father thought my advance is admirable already C why else would I suggest to fight this battle?" "Sh*t, you f*cking thought the same" Similar situations repeated continuously The higher ranking sects in the Bound of Universe, on the other hand, had felt a huge sense of danger from this incident. It was as if a certain shackle or barrier of this heaven and earth had been opened. The martial world rumors and myths intensified to new heights following the tumult. The word was all about who had gotten the millennial spiritual material; this medicine was no longer a rare gem. The news was also about so and so who had achieved a breakthrough. The higher level ascended was no longer recognized Other than sayings about heaven and earth being restored, the hottest topics right now also consisted of various absurd rumors, like someone grimly expressing that they had seen a majestic palace floating in the sky How could a palace drift in the sky? Then, someone else said that a palace hovering in the sky was nothing surprising, that they had seen a prismatic divine mountain floating in the sky C forward and backward, furthermore A mountain could float as well? A floating palace and mountain? Were they possible? In spite of this, a crowd had asserted their witness to such shocking information, expressing that they had indeed seen them C it was not only one person! The subtlety of things hinted at a bigger picture C the catastrophic incident in the Bound of Universe this time had caused far too great and far too profound a change All cultivators were either consciously or subconsciously working to adapt to the current changes. Of course, following the transformation, a new wave of replacements was brought about. The martial world of Bound of Universe was a mess of battles, ruins everywhere In a particular secluded forest in Tianxuan Continent, countless martial world men were still in the heat of fighting for the dragon hide secret map; it had gotten to the last stage now, where the remaining aces were after the treasure. 731 Who Was To Bag The Treasure Map? At this point in time, the two pieces of the dragon hide treasure maps were already in the hands of Mu Shixiong, the Phantom Swordsman. Mu Shixiong was a magnificent swordsman who had both achieved his fame and had also kept away from the martial world a long time ago. This person had awed the world away with his phantom-like swordsmanship back in the day; his techniques were unpredictable and mystical. No one could ever guess when or where he would strike with his sword. What they only knew was once his phantom-like sword attacked, someone would sure to turn into a ghost. There had never been an exception, thus his title as the Phantom Swordsman was without rival and well-earned. It was after the Unrivaled Swordsman, Jun Moyan, came to him and after an amazing battle of the swords that took hundreds of techniques that the results were apparent. The Phantom Swordsman disappeared from the martial world after suffering from severe injuries inflicted in that awe-inspiring battle. In spite of this, he was one of the only two survivors in Jun Moyan''s lifetime worth of sword fights. Off-screen voice: The other person was Bai Yixue C a lucky one who was truly fortunate to have survived without many capabilities to speak of! Now, however, the Phantom Swordsman had emerged once again and was going after the treasure map. The formidable force of the Phantom Swordsman had not faded over time. He stayed true to his past reputation. The martial artists who faced him were helpless in the face of his skill as they could do nothing against him. Seeing that the Phantom Swordsman had already seized the game, able to flee at any time and escape unscathed, it was obvious that he would become the final winner of this remarkable battle for the treasure map. In fact, the Phantom Swordsman had already done so C his movements were ghostly, drifting no shorter than dozens of miles away in the blink of an eye. He had hidden in a valley, varying his directions as he switching paths dozens of times before he finally slipped into a thick forest. The Phantom Swordsman only heaved a sigh of relief when he arrived at the forest. Feeling that he was safe and secure, a triumphant smile tugged the corners of his mouth as he lowered his gaze to look at the treasure maps in his hands. With this item in his possession, it would be of no concern if he were to meet Jun Moyan again, as long as he located a place and cultivated wholeheartedly for a few years. He had to obtain his revenge! By then, the title of the Unrivaled Swordsman or even the Unrivaled Expert would have to be crowned on the head of the Phantom Swordsman, Mu Shixiong! He had paid the price of hefty injuries, bathing in blood during the battles today, but it was all worth it! Then, a strange phenomenon took place. The hues of all the things around him seemed to experience an odd change; even the pure, violet sky was no longer clear, slowly changing its tint. This peculiar scene took place right before the Phantom Swordsman''s eyes! Mu Shixiong was confounded, his anxious gaze flitting around his surroundings. It was then that he saw a wraith-like fog materialize out of nowhere, concealing the sky, the purple sky. He, being incredibly knowledgeable, immediately knew who it was and exclaimed in shock, "Concourse" Before he finished his sentence, a sword swept out of thin air while an extremely distant voice said, "Let me experience the expertise of the Phantom Swordsman!" The moment the sword struck, the entire world turned cold! A wash of white fluttered in the air, the ray of sword light flew as fast as a thunderbolt; it was Bai Yixue, instead, who came, wielding his sword. Mu Shixiong sneered, "It''s you, Bai Yixue How could you possibly think that you are a worthy opponent? Do you really think that because you also survived Jun Moyan''s battle that you can be my equal?" The man''s sword light then flashed mystically as a slash descended towards Bai Yixue''s sword. With a drawn cry, the latter retreated and made a turn in the air before he attacked again. Although he was thrown back by Mu Shixiong''s strike, he did not suffer any serious damage and could still fight. Right then, a low voice spoke out flatly, "Is he not a worthy opponent? Then, what about me?" The voice was laced with the sense of loneliness and desolation experienced when one was alone at the peak. A flash of sword light glittered in the wake of that voice; it had just emerged, yet it had threatened where it mattered most C Mu Shixiong''s throat! Mu Shixiong gasped in surprise, "What a swift strike!" The consecutive threats sobered the Phantom Swordsman up; he could no longer take the situation lightly. He drew back speedily, but Bai Yixue was already launching another attack upon recovering. Facing the pair''s combined ambush, Mu Shixiong kept his composure. As he dealt a swift strike, the sword light separated into two beams and shot towards Bai Yixue and the mysterious man respectively. He yelled, "Who are you?" The person morphed into a series of shadows alongside his sword as he moved left and right. However, the sword light from his weapon sprayed out like a storm of blades. He replied coldly, "The one who kills you!" While Mu Shixiong was a pinnacle swordsman, he was worn out and wounded prior to facing the simultaneous attacks of the duo. He could not avoid the gradual loss of his upper hand as his exhaustion grew more apparent. An eerie voice rang, "The gate to hell is open Time to go, Phantom Swordsman" The voice was the combined orchestra of hundreds and thousands of the underworld''s souls which had escaped together. Countless silhouettes flashed into existence, accompanying the ghoulish sound. The Phantom Swordsman was shocked. Panic and anger crossed paths as he cried out, "It is truly you fellows..." Even as he faced the two experts, the Phantom Swordsman was at the losing end, but all was not lost yet. Even though the mysterious man was a pinnacle expert whose swordsmanship and cultivation base was no weaker than his own, the Phantom Swordsman was still confident in his ability to escape alive. As the Concourse of the Underworld''s ten experts entered the fray, however, the situation turned foul quickly enough. The Phantom Swordsman''s defeat became an undeniable outcome, one that was impossible to be reversed. The Phantom Swordsman hollered out of panic and rage, "Wait!" To Mu Shixiong, this was no longer a threat C it was death. His only chance of escape was if Bai Yixue and his partner were not on the same side as the Concourse of the Underworld''s assassins; he would then have some room to maneuver himself out of this sticky situation. In spite of it, how could these people, who were in the same group, slow down? They could only wish that they speed up as much as possible and launch a simultaneous attack. With two consecutively squelches, the Phantom Swordsman was wounded horrifically. Two fountains of blood shot out. Mu Shixiong realized immediately that only death awaited him if he held back the treasure map any longer. It was with this consideration that he cried out with much anguish, "Stop! I''ll give you all the treasure map! " The siege did not show any sign of stopping; instead, the killing intent heightened. Mu Shixiong thought quickly. Making a swift decision, he tossed the dragon hide treasure map away. One person bolted and caught hold of the treasure map; flames flared up and flashes of saber slashes gleamed to verify that the leather pieces were indestructible, confirming that they were indeed the dragon hide treasure map. Upon confirmation, that person made a howl to which the group''s attack eased slightly. The Phantom Swordsman, Mu Shixiong, puffed huge gulps of air and spat harshly, "You''ve gotten the treasure map, do you still want to put an end to me?" The twelve people exchanged a glance and suddenly guffawed. "As you wish; we''ll end you!" Before their voices echoed in the air, the dozen men rushed forward in unison. Their attack this time was ten times fiercer than before! "Shameless Shameless! Argh" The Phantom Swordsman, who had long lost his edge, cried out in agony in the face of the inexorable momentum. A head shot into the sky, evidence that a life had been lost. "Let''s go," said King Qinguang. The rest withdrew then, vanishing after turning into mist-like wraiths. "Bai Yi, we''ll talk upon returning." The words emerged from the fog as the silhouettes of the men slowly faded and disappeared entirely. 732 A Sea of Change In The Supremes’ Residence! "Bai Yi, are these all your friends?" asked the mysterious man. "Yes, master." The mysterious man was but Bai Yixue''s master, Xiao Shaoqing. Bai Yixue had previously applied leave from Yun Yang to rush back and ask his master over. Swiftly making his way over, it was a coincidence to meet the ten Yama Kings here. In a way, it could be said that he had managed to catch up to the end of this martial world ruckus, the closing of the battle. "Mm. It''s a pity that the treasure map is in the hands of the Concourse of the Underworld''s now." Xiao Shaoqing shook his head. Evidently, Bai Yixue''s master regarded the Concourse of the Underworld highly and was also self-aware. He did not act rashly despite being the first one to be of threat to Mu Shixiong and the one to exert the most effort in this battle. "Master, the treasure map and everything else aren''t important at all. What''s important is that grandmaster is still waiting for you." Bai Yixue commented and thought aloud, ''It''s practically the same thing, whether it was the concourse''s ten kings or me who took the treasure map.'' In spite of this, he could not speak of it openly before gaining his young master''s permission C even when the other party was his master "Never mind. Let''s go. When your grandmaster forgives me it will be another rock off my heart. It''s indeed more important than the treasure map." "Master is wise." "Mm. I''ve heard you say that, who was it Young Master Yun has God of Wine Feng Xiange''s wine?" "Master, you haven''t touched even a drop of wine in so many years. Why" "Sigh, what do you children know? Your master hasn''t drunk a drop of wine all these years mainly because your grandmaster hasn''t forgiven your master. If your grandmaster forgives your master, I can naturally taste the exquisite brew again, stopping only when I''m drunk" "How can this be?" "Why not? After receiving your grandmaster''s pardon, I must drink until inebriation. With the rest of my life, I must refill the decades of drought. Only then can my life be considered fulfilled" "Cough, cough, cough" In Tiantang City, the bizarre but incredibly radiant situation continued to persist. As far as the eye could see, the purple tint in the sky seemed to grow richer. The current Residence of Nine Supremes had turned into the largest gem between heaven and earth. It was glowing, illuminating the world and many lives thousands of miles away! The tornado was like a pillar connecting heaven and earth. More precisely, it was a funnel-shaped chimney that continuously delivered endless spiritual Qi and purple Qi into the Residence of Nine Supremes where the gas then disappeared within. Nonetheless, as time passed, it felt harder for Yun Yang to go on. The suffering he was going through was growing increasingly difficult to manage. Prior to this, he had never thought that such a huge reaction would be triggered by activating all nine cultivation methods of the Nine Supremes. Right now, he was completely oblivious to everything that was happening outside. He was, instead, only aware of the changes wrought upon his body. He had watched his muscles slowly expand, and grow several times larger until they cracked, his skin and flesh breaking apart and gradually disintegrate over and over again. Then, the ponderous process of recovery came; his physical being that had repaired itself became stronger, tough as jade, endlessly enduring the intense energy that was flooding into his body The cycle repeated, wave after wave, time after time, cycle after cycle Yun Yang could feel each strand of his nerves and fibers in the clearest way possible. At this point in time, even the pinch of plucking a strand of hair would exceed the remembered agony of severing a finger. What was more, his body was being crushed and rebuilt time and again, ceaselessly repeating the motion Yun Yang only had a single thought C it felt as if the entire universe was exploding and reforming in his mind. It was too painful. Wanting to grit his teeth, he recalled with a start that his teeth had already been ground into powder. Since stronger teeth would grow, it didn''t matter that they fell into dust; they would still regrow themselves. It was utterly futile and useless Faced with this situation, Yun Yang gradually felt himself losing the sense of his determination to persevere. After all, the current episode could no longer merely be described as brutal. Yet the benefit yielded from the dual pressure on his physical and mental aspects as well as the multiple rounds of torture was titanic C it was astounding, it was earth-shattering! Yun Yang''s cultivation base was escalating like an actual rocket. It began with the nine mystical arts C the seven cultivation methods that were slightly behind caught up like a rising tide; they flew smoothly to the cultivation level of wind and cloud, the sixth stage, directly. Then, the nine mystical arts paused its progress. The advanced switched to the simplest growth of mystical Qi cultivation base. From the seventh Dao realm, Yun Yang shot up to the seventh pinnacle Dao realm. There was no bottleneck then; he had achieved a breakthrough without any hindrance. Like a powerful arrow shooting through a plain cloth, he advanced easily. The mystical Qi cultivation base kept ascending rapidly, going through the eighth Dao realm than the ninth. The journey was smooth-flowing as if the very concept of a bottleneck was made up. The swift growth had only stopped when Yun Yang arrived at the pinnacle of the ninth Dao realm. However, the level of ninth pinnacle Dao realm was already Tianxuan Continent''s highest standard. Such growth and improvement were no longer just shocking C it was simply unheard of! To the best of everyone''s knowledge, this had never happened before. As the mystical Qi cultivation base paused its growth, the refined spiritual Qi that gushed in and the purple Qi swapped their target to the Endless Divine Art. The Endless Divine Art that Yun Yang found the hardest to improve was currently growing and wrapping around his meridians in a way that had never happened before, moving swiftly now that it was nourished by endless spiritual resources. In concurrence with this, the endless karmic air that existed from the grudges and favors in this world seemed to pour over, as if hastily summoned. It was as if all the sinners whom the Nine Supremes brothers had killed throughout the years, including the countless souls killed in the battlefield, had all turned into the karmic air that was flooding in like a swamp here. The numerous events caused the Endless Divine Art, that had leveled up not too long ago, to accelerate again. It rocketed to the fourth stage pinnacle and as the Endless Divine Art''s realm heightened, Emmie, that was in the deific consciousness space, shrieked with excitement. Even as Yun Yang was delightedly surprised, he lost consciousness as his body entered yet another process of breaking down and rebuilding itself Simultaneously changing was the Lotus of Endless Fate in the space C the fifth piece of lotus leaf grew, swaying and gracing the world with its presence The fifth stage! The fifth stage of the Endless Divine Art had been unlocked! It was unfortunate that Yun Yang, who was caught in the endless cycle of being crushed and patched up again, was truly in too much pain; so much so that he had fainted before he could see how much he had improved or what benefit he had gained. Naturally, he had no idea that the Endless Divine Art did not stop at this growth but had continued its progress until the pinnacle of the fifth stage. Yun Yang who had experienced too many rounds of physical restoration gradually lost his persistence and grip on the situation. Green veins webbed themselves around his forehead while his temple throbbed visibly. If there had been a third party around, the person would have been shocked. Should the situation continue, Yun Yang''s head might explode at the very next moment, losing his life and cultivation altogether. Yun Yang was semi-conscious, but his cultivation method did not rest. The external energy came flooding in without a halt and as the energy was being charged, Yun Yang''s nine mystical arts that had stopped momentarily began working again. This time, they advanced in unison, soaring to the seventh stage and even breaking through it As if in tacit agreement or in adherence to a certain specified connection, his mystical Qi cultivation base began climbing once more after the nine mystical arts reinitiated themselves, actually going a step further than the ninth Dao realm. The acceleration and growth of the nine mystical cultivation methods and mystical Qi was wonderful, but Yun Yang was tormented even more intensely through the process. He fluctuated between fainting and waking up, losing consciousness from the pain and revived by the agony as well. There was a limit to man''s power. No matter how resilient one''s willpower was, there would always be a limit. It was clear that Yun Yang had arrived at this very limit. A vein had bulged alarmingly on his temple as if it was going to pop out of his head at any time. His eyes were tiny slits of pain, the corners of his orbs torn. The incessant endurance of such extreme suffering, such endless pain, gave rise to the mad impulse of ending himself to stop everything more than once. He really could not take it anymore The exquisite pain felt like he was being sliced and cut into hundreds and thousands of pieces for dozens of centuries! He had no idea at all that during this critical juncture, during the instant when his brain was truly about to explode a shadow had flown into Tiantang City like a meteor. It was only within the blink of an eye, but the person had come to the side of the Residence of Nine Supremes. This silhouette had paused momentarily before his arm rose without any further hesitation A glint of lustrous purple shot from his hand, ringing with a gleeful cry, as it entered the thick fog of the Residence of Nine Supremes, like a sparrow returning to its nest. 733 Assembly Of The Mighty The Residence of Nine Supremes was already filled to the brim, the purple Qi that had almost condensed into a tangible solid, soared like it was exploding. The pure violet actually turned deeper then. The tumultuous state of heaven and earth, that had been going on for a long time, suddenly vanished! When Yun Yang was at the edge of his endurance threshold, when he was in the most excruciating pain and at the most critical moment, he suddenly felt a shudder course through him. The invasion of spiritual Qi no longer pushed itself into him, while all the changes that were wreaking havoc within his body halted abruptly. He was relieved of his agony then; puffing a breath of ease, he collapsed and sprawled across the floor, losing consciousness. This time, he passed out completely, but it was a relaxed and relieved unconsciousness. ''Finally it''s done I won''t be awoken by the pain anymore'' This was his last thought C his last wish! This incident was entirely unexpected and unfamiliar to Yun Yang. He did not even know how long the entire process had taken. He had no idea about the vast changes in the outside world nor the massive consequences it had caused. He was oblivious to the danger he had been in earlier C if it were not for the assistance in the form of the life-saving gem that sent had been sent to him from thousands of miles away, he would have died, torn apart by the magnificent forces. Yun Yang did not even know that the gigantic funnel of a whirlwind that was being seen as a wonder was slowly dissipating. The purple gas in the sky was also slowly ebbing away, the purple-jade sky turning back to its original clear blue and cotton-white The thick fog of the Residence of Nine Supremes, however, was coalescing swiftly. Under extreme pressure, it gradually turned into intense purple Qi. The doors to the rooms that had belonged to the Nine Supremes within the residence that were initially shut tight had somehow opened up and were speedily absorbing the thick purple Qi. Stacks of purple cubes began to materialize on the floor of the nine rooms, each of them only the size of a brick. They were violet through and through, brimming with the purple gas inside; a single glance at one of them would indicate that they were extraordinary items indeed Eventually, even the yard and hall were filled with the purple cubes. The incredibly rich, refined spiritual Qi could easily suffocate someone who tried to inhale a breath of air. Regardless, the tumult finally came to an end. It had been three whole days. Later, when Yun Yang was made known of it, he had no troubling naming the three days and nights, calling them, "Eternal Past, Present, and Future, The Purple Qi From The East!" The name was fitting. By the eternal virtue of past, present, and future, the torture probably started the day he was born; even if he counted a lifetime as a hundred years, Yun Yang thought the days would still be unable to catch up with the torment he had been through this time around. As for the purple Qi from the east, the sky was purple, the Residence of Nine Supremes was purple C everything was purple as far as the eye could see! The Residence of Nine Supremes was still surrounded by many curious onlookers. These people included His Majesty, the civil and military officials, and the martial artists who were still here due to the dragon hide treasure map. Gu Chaliang and Dugu Chou had rushed back as well and had met up with Ling Xiaozui who reached earlier. They stood at a higher altitude, observing the Nine Supremes Residence for any further signs of changes. While Yun Yang had experienced countless cycles of reincarnation-like advances throughout these three days, like he had gone through three entire lifetimes, the secondary beneficiaries were these three men instead. Firstly, it was Ling Xiaozui who had given his all and even ignited a substantial amount of potential life force to speed back to Tiantang City''s Residence of Nine Supremes, just so he could deliver the purple jade flute. This allowed the chaos to draw to a halt, causing him to receive the largest reward. It was as if the purple Qi at the Residence of Nine Supremes knew that Ling Xiaozui was the key stakeholder in this episode as it sent a portion of the Qi to him. Ling Xiaozui''s cultivation base, knowledge, and experience were proficient enough to discern that this was an incredible opportunity. He absorbed it with full concentration, beginning his cultivation in the spiritual Qi environment that was a hundred times richer than most other places. Dugu Chou and Gu Chaliang who had just caught up, began to cultivate, closing their eyes as well, healing themselves and increasing their cultivation base. After all, such an opportunity was an incredible chance and might not be available again in another thousand years. There would be time afterward to talk about what was on their minds. After the futile tracking, secret attack as well as the subsequent ambushes, these three men were frustrated and angered. They had come to the startlingly depressing understanding that their cultivation base was not actually at the pinnacle of this world, nor were they truly unrivaled! With the three days of devoted cultivation, the trio felt their cultivation base escalating a great deal more than ever before. Ling Xiaozui, among the three, was the one who gained the most improvement. His already magnificent capabilities were stretched further, coming closer to his reputation as the Unrivaled Expert. When they felt the spiritual Qi''s intensity slowly fading and there was not much meaning to continue cultivating, the trio opened their eyes in unison. Glancing again at the magnanimous Residence of Nine Supremes, the three men felt a strange and subtle longing. If the continent were said to be a crown, the Residence of Nine Supremes would be the most luminous pearl mounted upon it! There was no doubt that it could never be replaced. Far away, the wind whistled and herded the clouds along. An overwhelming sense of killing intent came from afar, exuding a brazen air. The three men looked up and into the distance simultaneously. The vibe that was being exuded was truly familiar. At least, they were truly familiar with it during this period of time, familiar because they had come into contact with it before. Their old opponent was here; the group of experts from the Four Seasons Tower had arrived. Despite their two previous defeats, the trio was fearless. The terrifying sense stopped in the distance and did not come closer. There was a total of eighteen people from the Four Seasons Tower this time, appearing high in the clouds some distance away and hiding amidst the fog. They could sense their piercing gazes, hesitant, as if they were discussing, and did not launch any attack immediately. The Residence of Nine Supremes beneath them was still exuding thick purple Qi, still gleaming radiantly and shining upon the world. After the momentary pause, a shadow from the eighteen people broke apart from the group like a rainbow to be marveled at, stopping above the Residence of Nine Supremes. He smiled faintly. "Gentlemen, please." Ling Xiaozui nodded gently and replied, "Liang Canghai, you actually are still alive." The person was the black-masked man they had met the other day, Skied Glints of Gold Liang Canghai; this person was Mr. Nian''s most famous representative when making public appearances. In the previous ambush, Liang Canghai had borne an injury which was almost fatal. To appear here intact was truly astonishing. Liang Canghai stood with his arms resting behind his back, smiling faintly. "What challenge is there in death, if death was only the beginning? If I had died, wouldn''t that be an affront to Brother Ling''s grand gift?" 734 Imminent Death Liang Canghai trained his gaze at Ling Xiaozui for a brief moment before shifting it to Dugu Chou and finally at Gu Chaliang. A sense of extreme hatred burned in his orbs. He sucked in a deep breath and said, "We''ll have to requite the great favor you three have provided before we can talk about my death." "How can it be just the three of us? There''s obviously four! Have you forgotten that Feng Xiange was the biggest culprit behind your lethal defeat back then? He was the one who exerted the most force in that battle. If what we did was a huge favor, what about him? How grateful and teary you must be when bowing to him?" Gu Chaliang sneered. Liang Canghai was unaffected as he replied with a cold smile, "Brother Gu, we don''t speak between the lines when all of us know the truth. What matter is it to me if I can see you trying to provoke my anger in such a juvenile manner? Instead of me, why don''t we talk about how it feels like for the three of you to be led around the noses, like dogs being walked, here and there? What do you think about it? I believe that you must have understood, after this time, that one isn''t triumphant all the time C the Unrivaled, the Unparalleled, they don''t actually mean being unrivaled and unparalleled, do they?" "So what if it has been turbulent? At the very least, we''re still intact up to now. On the other hand, can the Four Seasons Tower say the same? How ludicrously arrogant!" Dugu Chou answered coldly. With a chortle, Liang Canghai replied, "So what if we can''t? After all, we''ve actually played out the two Unrivaled Experts Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, as well as the so-called divine oracle Heaven''s Inquisition C not only once, at that. At the very least, we think it''s worth it!" He guffawed, extremely presumptuous, and said, "It''s so very worth it!" Dugu Chou''s hand slowly went to the grip of his sword. The rage within him had come to a boiling point. The sword light flickered in his eyes, his sword intent radiating from him in waves of ice. Gu Chaliang coughed. "Liang Canghai, you managed to avoid death and prolong your life despite being held in a fatal grip that day. It says a lot about your luck. However, seeing as to how you''ve come here in your original appearance today, the itch has thrilled me to see your prophecy. Are you interested to have a listen?" Liang Canghai replied with a scoff, "Could Heaven''s Inquisition have seen some huge change in the course of destiny? However, why have I also heard that the oracle of Heaven''s Inquisition isn''t allowed to disclose his knowledge? If it could be announced so easily, what prophecy could come out of it?" "Heaven''s will isn''t disclosable C it is a fortune teller''s taboo, for sure. Still, there''s an exception to this; when the target is already being illuminated by the star of death, when death is imminent and it can''t be helped whether the oracle has spoken or not. That will have nothing to do with disclosing heaven''s will then. You are in such a threat now. This will be where you will fall; furthermore, today is the day when you, Liang Canghai, will return to the creator!" Gu Chaliang laughed. Liang Canghai cackled as well. "A threat? This is where I fall? Return to the creator? A threat, just from the three of you?" Gu Chaliang was still laughing, shaking his head to answer only after a while, "All of us intend to take your life, but it''s destined that it isn''t any one of us who kills you. Don''t you worry though, you''re sure to die today!" Liang Canghai sneered. "Brilliant! Gu Chaliang, I''d love to see how your oracle comes true, and who, other than the three of you, dares to make a move against me." Before his words could even echo in the air, he spun around and shot up. A glint flew from his hands and it instantly turned into a shocking bolt laced with a piercing shriek, coming down with formidable force. Liang Canghai''s target was apparently the Residence of Nine Supremes that lay beneath them! It was visible to Ling Xiaozui and the other two men that what Liang Canghai used was not the ruler he normally wielded, but a titanic steel hammer that looked like it weighed at least several thousand catties! Truthfully, with the level of their abilities, it was a piece of cake to move things that weighed a few thousand or even several dozen thousand catties of weight. However, famed experts still cared about their reputation and proficient cultivators could infuse mystical Qi into any plant or natural object to turn them into lethal instruments of death. Rare was the one who resorted to using such massive weapons! Rare as it was, the massive hammer that was charged with mystical Qi of a remarkable expert like Liang Canghai bore the power of a falling meteor when it was tossed. The momentum was unassailable C at least, there were few in this world who could tackle it; any formidable expert had to avoid the force, barely able to fight it head-on. Even when Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and Gu Chaliang wanted to stop it, they were already too late. Liang Canghai was hundreds of feet away; it was fated that they would be powerless against the situation. During the moment Liang Canghai tossed the massive hammer away, he knew that the case was closed. He rose up and guffawed. "My mood today is complete! My three old friends, the future is vast. Let''s meet again in the martial world, shall we?" His voice was loud and resounding, but Liang Canghai was already retreating speedily. The sudden plot twist and unfortunate turn of events prevented Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and Gu Chaliang from attacking Liang Canghai. The trio was focused on watching the gigantic hammer streaking towards the Residence of Nine Supremes. Accompanied by the shrill cry of speed tearing through the air, the giant hammer dove powerfully right into the Residence of Nine Supremes that was still engulfed in the purple luminosity. Obviously, this was the Four Seasons Tower''s probe into the Residence of Nine Supremes. Back when Gu Chaliang had ensured that Ling Xiaozui would send the purple jade flute despite everything that had happened, Mr. Nian, who was disguised as Feng Xiange, was thoroughly alarmed. At the risk of destroying his ploy and exposing his identity, he intervened forcefully. It was simply too bad that he went for the wool and came home shorn as not only did he fail to snatch the purple jade flute, he had paid a huge price for it. Even then, he was indignant and had sent some people immediately to test the waters. This was the main reason the eighteen pinnacle experts of the Four Seasons Tower had come. They were really not here for Ling Xiaozui and the other two! An observant one could tell that this was when the Residence of Nine Supremes was either at its strongest or its weakest. Like skilled experts in the martial world, why would they seek cover from others when they attempted breakthroughs? It was because despite being at their most powerful during that time, it was also the delicate juncture where they were the weakest and most vulnerable. A pure probe could render only a limited amount of ill fate to oneself. However, if they had successfully stumbled upon the Residence of Nine Supremes'' weakest state, then this strike would perhaps destroy the entire structure or even annihilate Supreme Cloud directly, saving them from future issues! Therefore, Liang Canghai had come. Therefore, he had tossed the steel hammer with all that he had, fully intending to kill. Therefore, he drew back as well, without pause or hesitation. This was to protect himself. Under unflinching stares, the gigantic hammer broke into the Residence of Nine Supremes with a piercing shriek. Strangely, the expected crack of a massive collision everyone on the spot had imagined did not occur. There was neither a tremor nor a quake of a powerful collision! It was like a leaf or a piece of cotton had landed in the Residence of Nine Supremes, unable to create any effect and naturally, was unable to make any noise. 735 Hammered! This was evidently a decidedly abnormal phenomenon. The few-thousand-catty giant hammer had been pitched by Liang Canghai with all his might, a man who was basically a pinnacle level expert in this world. The strength, flow, and power he had yielded must have been at least a few hundred catties of force! Logically, the entire Tiantang City would collapse into rubble in aftermath of the earthquake that would have erupted from such a strike. Why was it soundless without any reaction at all? Gu Chaliang watched Liang Canghai who was drawing back in a suave manner with mockery in his gaze, commenting faintly, "Seeking his own death C Liang Canghai is doomed!" "Seeking his own death? Why so?" Ling Xiaozui asked in confusion. Gu Chaliang nodded slowly as he spoke, "What I said earlier was the truth. I did see his features before speaking the oracle. He does a lethal tribulation that awaits him. Today is definitely the day of his fall! There''s no other way!" Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui''s eyes widened instantly, tracing over Liang Canghai who was still fleeing gracefully, and muttered, "This this doesn''t look like he''s dying. Seeking his death? How is he seeking his death Oh f*ck!" The curse came simultaneously from both pinnacle experts, their eyes almost bulging out of their sockets. There was a ripple from the violet radiance at the Residence of Nine Supremes. Then, a gigantic hammer flew out, weaving drunkenly, from the luminosity. It reached a height of thousands of feet, and with a swish, it went chasing after Liang Canghai. It''s speed its speed gave even an expert like Ling Xiaozui goosebumps! It was because they had just seen the hammer flying out, yet Liang Canghai''s head had burst with a gruesome splatter despite his retreating motion at the very next moment. His body was still in the poised form of retreating, but his head was already gone. Upon crushing Liang Canghai''s head and separating it from the body, the enormous hammer stopped in its tracks and fell with a loud crash. Ling Xiaozui and pals had seen the hammer rising, so Liang Canghai, who was retreating backward, should have been able to see it as well. In fact, he had seen it C he had seen clearly that the steel hammer was chasing after him, but he had been struck before he could respond. Seeking his death C he was truly seeking his death! The pinnacle expert Liang Canghai, the famed Skied Glints of Gold across the world, had died here, in such an abrupt manner! Until the moment before his death, he was still flaunting his triumph! Until the moment before his head was crushed, he was still suave and dignified! On the opposite end, there was obviously a wave of disbelief and concern from the Four Seasons Tower''s seventeen people. A few gasps could be faintly heard from where they were. Despite the suddenness of it all, there were two shadows that flashed swiftly from the group. Quick as lightning, they received Liang Canghai''s headless corpse. In spite of it, Ling Xiaozui saw the apparent tremors that ran through their bodies, a dead giveaway that they were shocked about the current situation. Then, the gigantic hammer finally landed from its flight, causing a large explosion. The land shook, causing the whole of Yutang to tremble! The two people in the air turned to look straight at Gu Chaliang. Although there was a considerable distance between them and it could hardly do any damage, the stacked iciness in the pair''s eyes was glaring with killing intent. Gu Chaliang was not bothered at all. Instead, he guffawed. The delight was clear in his voice when he said, "What are the two of you looking at? Heaven-inflicted pains can''t be helped but self-inflicted actions? You asked for it. I''ve disclosed the heaven''s will earlier C I told him that he''d be trialed fatally, but he didn''t care. Everything is the culmination of his own actions; he reaped what he sowed. Can I be blamed? Did you really think that my title as Heaven''s Inquisition is a sham?" A clear voice rang out, "Heaven''s Inquisition having the destiny of prophecy and the ability to peek at heaven''s will indeed Being able to witness it now is so much more exciting than hearing about it. I am truly impressed." Gu Chaliang said mockingly, "He'' was but cannon fodder you fellows sent out to probe. No need to forge such a pretense, it''s revolting! If you really took him as your brother, why didn''t you come to test the power of the Residence of Nine Supremes for him?" A few people grunted in rage; their hands held tightly onto their weapons, ready to take action. Gu Chaliang remained oblivious despite the obvious tension. He was still laughing without a care. "Oh, how terrifying! You Four Seasons Tower people are so great, aren''t you? Since you have such kinship, such comradeship, why don''t you hurry to seek revenge for Liang Canghai now that he''s dead? All of you can come at us together!" "The one who killed Liang Canghai is the Residence of Nine Supremes in front of us all! Go avenge his death directly! What''s the point of posing and putting up a front there? It is better to actually fight!" "All of you will be at the top of this world if you dared to take on the Residence of Nine Supremes; otherwise, you''re all gutless little twerps!" Gu Chaliang spat and said derisively. Ling Xiaozui cackled. "What a statement, Old Gu! Not bad, not bad. Those who dare not seek revenge for their brothers are all coward,s no matter how high their cultivation base!" The seventeen people from the Four Seasons Tower glared daggers at the three people here. The murderous intent kept on accumulating C like the reservoir''s water, once it spilled, it would be formidable and impossible to stop. In spite of this, Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and Gu Chaliang were not intimidated. They continued mocking and laughing heartily, taunting and angering them. Beneath, the Residence of Nine Supremes continued to glimmer with the purple luminescence. It was unmoved, like unshakable mountains, overlooking the world coldly. A significant period of time passed. No matter how enraged and how repeatedly they were ridiculed, the thought to strike at the Residence of Nine Supremes again did not cross the heads of the seventeen men from the Four Seasons Tower. A superb expert like Liang Canghai who was parallel to Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou had been so easily annihilated by the Residence of Nine Supremes after his one attempt Would it not be sending themselves to death''s door if they had gone to try? Even when all seventeen of them attacked together, they might not achieve anything C they might just be giving seventeen lives away! Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and Gu Chaliang did not mind lowering their reputations, putting aside their identities, as they jeered at the men with an ulterior motive, hoping that the latter could be deceived and seek their death. It was abhorrent! An icy voice came from afar, "Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou, Gu Chaliang, we shall remember what the three of you did today! The wheel of fortune is always spinning. Should we meet again, there won''t be a next time for all of you to have the luck to be able to flee like rats." "Let''s go!" The person who spoke commanded sternly without waiting for a reply after the threat. Dugu Chou raised his voice then. "Why are you in such a hurry? Is Feng Xiange''s impostor dead yet? The three of us are very concerned about the life and death of our old friend! Turning white in a day and coming to the last leg of his life with the snap of a finger, how many days are left for him to struggle to live?" 736 See You at the Bound of Universe! Dugu Chou''s words were vile, but he loathed Feng Xiange''s impostor to the core, thus the barbed, scathing words. There was still no reply from the opposing party. The seventeen people rose in unison, swiftly disappearing after a brief moment. While they were incredibly furious, jaws clenched tight from rage, they still had to leave. Tiantang City was not a good choice of venue to fight with Ling Xiaozui and his group. Other than their individual capabilities, timing and location were factors that could significantly affect the final outcome of a battle among pinnacle forces. Facing Ling Xiaozui''s trio, they had lost the element of surprise and the advantage of location; not only was the chance of victory slim, but there was also the mysterious Residence of Nine Supremes C the Residence of Nine Supremes could retaliate and kill them all at any time. Seeking their own deaths once was one time too many; no one wanted to be the next Liang Canghai! Watching the Four Seasons Tower''s men leave, Ling Xiaozui scoffed before he shifted his gaze to Gu Chaliang. "Brother Gu, can you explain what''s happening now?" Dugu Chou looked over as well. The matters of the Residence of Nine Supremes, the purple jade flute and others were already beyond the pair''s knowledge. Even when the two of them had gained considerable benefits from the incident, they still felt the need to comprehend the entire story behind the episode. Gu Chaliang coughed, meticulously sorting through what he knew in his mind, and said, "Actually, I''m not entirely sure about this matter. At most, I am half conversant with the situation." "Back then, I was just an ordinary youth, originating from an insignificant school. One day, I went out to manage some tasks, but when I returned, the sect was already wiped out. Not a single person survived. Despite the luck of temporarily escaping extermination, I wasn''t exempted from the fate of being pursued. I fell over a cliff then, being at the most critical point of my lifetime but it was then that" A glimpse of memory colored Gu Chaliang''s eyes as he recounted his history, "It was this purple jade flute that appeared out of the blue before me. Then, I was falling down the cliff and the purple jade flute asked me, ''Do you want to die?''." Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou were speechless for a moment, too stunned to say anything. The man was already falling down the cliff in midair C who would want to die? How critical must that instant have been? Was there really time to think or even answer this question? A hint of a humorless grin fled across Gu Chaliang''s face as well. "Back then, I was only a youth who''d just started his cultivation journey not too long before. Out of an instinctual greed for life, I shouted without even thinking C I don''t want to die, I don''t want to die Then, the purple jade flute began to glow brightly, bringing me up and leaving me on the ground unscathed. I was forced down a cliff then C when I finally landed safely, I was this close to losing my mind. Only a single, crystal-clear thought stayed within me; the purple jade flute was extraordinary" "After that, the purple jade flute passed to me an inheritance; the cultivation method I''ve cultivated all my life. Still, the voice did not consider things complete after handing me the cultivation method but continued to carefully instruct me on how to cultivate. The whole month of teaching allowed me to widen my horizons, but after that single month, the voice told me that my lack of talent had disabled me from inheriting the legacy." "Nonetheless, what I learned in that one month was sufficient for me to take the martial world by storm and create a legend out of myself Then, the voice made me promise in all seriousness that one day in the future when I complete an assignment, there will come a subsequent method that could continue the cultivation method I learn. By then, my cultivation journey would have hope for an advancement and come closer to the nine heavens." "Cultivation method? Nearer to the nine heavens?" Dugu Chou asked carefully. "Yes, this is my story. Unfortunately, I can''t tell you the name of the cultivation method," Gu Chaliang said apologetically. "Of course," Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou expressed their understanding and said, "We''re more interested in the voice''s assignment to you." "The voice assigned a total of two tasks to me. The first is when the restoration happens, I am to return the purple jade flute," Gu Chaliang said, "This task is completed now, but it''s a pity that I didn''t return it with my own hands. If it had been me personally, the following benefits that came from the Residence of Nine Supremes would have belonged to me and me alone." Gu Chaliang looked regretful while Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou chortled, a little embarrassed. Indeed, it should have been Gu Chaliang''s personal destiny, but it was now shared among the three of them. Dugu Chou asked curiously, "What about the second task? Is it related to what you mentioned about being closer to the nine heavens?" "Perhaps. The second task is for me to assist a person in confidence. I''ve already told you my biggest secret. Now, I have to bid farewell to the both of you. If fate so decides, we shall meet again," answered Gu Chaliang. Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou looked thoughtful for a short moment before their gazes turned grateful. The information Gu Chaliang had disclosed to the two of them was indeed significant. "Farewell? Where are you going?" asked Ling Xiaozui. "The worldly affairs of Tianxuan are done now. I am heading to the Bound of Universe to wait for the arrival of my next destiny," Gu Chaliang chuckled and said, "For things to unfold up to this point, there''s no more room for alteration in Tianxuan''s set path. Even when there should be some ruffles and bumps, they won''t take up too much time. Maybe the both of you should plan in advance as well." "Bound of Universe" Dugu Chou mumbled. He glanced at Ling Xiaozui and said, "Back in the day, I actually had the opportunity to enter the Bound of Universe, but I''ve given up on it myself." "Why?" Gu Chaliang was aware of the answer the moment the question slipped out from him. By virtue of a soulmate, halted a step before the clouds C this was most probably the case that had taken place in the past. "I was afraid that my late wife would be lonely, thus I decided to keep her company for five hundred years," Dugu Chou sighed after a humorless chortle. Gu Chaliang and Ling Xiaozui sighed as well, exchanging knowing glances. The world knew of Dugu Chou''s devotion. Even after a few centuries had passed, a few hundred rotations of seasons had gone by, his dedication still remained unflinching. Such a man, such faithfulness and romance, was absolutely worthy of the world''s admiration and would cause any other man to feel remorseful. "The Bound of Universe is not entirely a stranger to me, but I wanted to go only after some more improvement. Despite the progress I gained from this episode, the advancement came too abruptly. I have to digest and thoroughly absorb it as my own before I can go further." Ling Xiaozui laughed dryly and said, "The Bound of Universe is a whole new world, ranking above Tianxuan. The plethora of experts and proficient cultivators, the amazing talents, could be seen everywhere. While we can summon a part of the world in Tianxuan Continent, even if we aren''t ordinary characters in the martial world, when we''ve gone to the Bound of Universe, we''re no longer considered pinnacles. It would be better to make certain of our own abilities first." Dugu Chou nodded in agreement since his thoughts mirrored that of Ling Xiaozui''s. Gu Chaliang''s gaze shifted from one man to another and he spoke with a grin, "What happened to our initial intention of entering the martial world? Could there be no more courage to start over again after going to the Bound of Universe? What does it matter if we aren''t the peak forces anymore?" The pair was shocked and somewhat moved by Gu Chaliang''s words. "I will now depart for the Bound of Universe first. I shall anticipate both of your arrivals." Gu Chaliang beamed. "By then" He let out a hearty laugh and left with a quick. He had actually left without even finishing his sentence! 737 A Tremendous Improvement! Yun Yang slowly awakened from a deep sleep. After the repeated rounds of extreme torment, his physical and mental energy should have been drained; he should have felt like he was utterly depleted. However, Yun Yang only felt indescribably at ease now. A switch of thoughts could easily summon the surge of energy within him and a slight bit of cultivation work could make his body float airily like he possessed no weight at all. It was not an uncontrollable imbalance of weightlessness, but a complete manipulation of control. Carefully feeling the surging energy within him, the aggressive force in the past that pulsed but could not be exerted was no longer there. It felt gentle and obedient to his will, yet the actual power was a hundred times stronger than it had been before. There was no doubt about the authenticity of this feeling. Every pore on his body could breathe on their own, inhaling and exhaling the energy of both heaven and earth. The birth of a thought could allow him to absorb the surrounding basic Qi and silently turn it into his personal reservoir of energy without any hindrances. Yun Yang dared not believe the tremendous improvement he had experienced upon the breakthrough. He cultivated to observe himself internally, attempting to peer at the changes. What greeted him, flowing in his meridians, was not the spiritual force he originally possessed; it had turned into a special spiritual energy that was purple and endless. Even his dantian was violet in color and the inner walls of his meridians were lined with a thin purple film that felt incredibly resilient. Yun Yang tried to maneuver the spiritual energy in his dantian only to realize with surprise that the cycle speed of the spiritual Qi within him had increased by more than ten times compared to how it had been before! "How is this tremendous progress possible? It is akin to leaping right into heaven to take on God''s role!" Checking his cultivation again, Yun Yang discovered that all nine mystical arts of his had ascended to the pinnacle of the seventh stage while his mystical Qi cultivation base had gone past the ninth Dao realm; like Ji Lingxi, it had reached a previously unknown realm of expertise. The most delightful part of all of this was his Endless Divine Art; it had arrived at the pinnacle of the fifth level! To the youth, the improvement of his cultivation base was delightful, but there was always a cultivation experience that could be followed. Even when he had ascended to an unknown realm, there was a direction forward. Unlike the cultivation base, the journey of the Endless Divine Art''s progress was immensely arduous. Developing into another stage was usually several times harder than it had been previously, so the current breakthrough was honestly a remarkably precious opportunity! "Ayaya" Emmie was about to go insane from ecstasy. It shook and danced in the space, its long tendrils waving around speedily. Perhaps it was overwhelmed with elation, which caused it to pull its deeply planted roots out as well. Sprinting around, its five large leaves fluttered everywhere. The space was a blur of green but enjoyably so. Jiji that had benefitted greatly from this incident covered its head with its pair of wings that was just grown with a layer of thin down. It buried its head into the space''s soil, exposing only its buttocks. It was evident that Jiji was scared of the overly excited Emmie slapping it with its tendrils in its delirium. That would be a scathing sting at the end of happiness. Yun Yang suppressed the glee that bubbled within him and focused on the contents of the Endless Divine Art''s recently acquired fifth level. The pithy lines of the Endless Divine Art''s fifth stage were already reeling in his mind, but Yun Yang was caught between laughing and lamenting the current situation. He had cultivated the fifth stage to the pinnacle without even knowing the pithy formula! What kind of a situation was this? Could the Endless Divine Art have a hidden attribute? Could it only advance as long as one was adequately capable? In spite of this, when Yun Yang had checked the pithy lines and fully comprehended it, he could finally confirm that while the smooth sailing pinnacle achieved was real, there was still a considerable difference from the pinnacle which had been cultivated step by step. The fifth stage''s maxim C Bless the people and the world, massacre C where did the heart go? Picturesque territories stained into shape by blood, the five-leaf lotus of gold should always stay Nonetheless, the exact cultivation route, precautions to be taken and everything else still needed to be done accordingly. Otherwise, the foundation was hardly secure and there would be no hope of ascending into the sixth stage. The explosion of spiritual Qi from heaven and earth this time around and its forceful infusion into the body had fortified Yun Yang''s cultivation base. Despite its purity and refined aspects, it was still distinctive from the Qi that he cultivated and ground with effort. The cultivation method was the basic to cultivation after all. A fair cultivation base did not mean an upgrade of a realm, especially with a mystical cultivation method like the Endless Divine Art; there was not much room for skimping. Of course, what Yun Yang lacked right now was a routine cultivation for a period of time. It would be fine with correction. It would not affect his actual combat power. Actually, what Yun Yang was the most interested in among the benefits of the Endless Divine Art was the Saber Truth: Destiny Blade, specifically, the one form two styles that he was newly accustomed to. It had actually made him feel as if it was corresponding to his previous techniques. Perhaps, it was too much of a coincidence! The Destiny Blade''s fifth form C first style, Door of Life and Death Opens; second style, Eighteen Levels of Hell. "Keep karma in mind, the door to life and death opens with this strike; do not speak of the fickleness of heaven''s will, the eighteen levels of hell invite your presence!" Yun Yang could not help but fall deep in thought once he saw the maxim. Right now, he was in close cooperation with the Concourse of the Underworld. Very possibly, they would continue working together and he did have plans to tell the ten Yama Kings about the Haunting Temple location that he had discovered. It was at this subtly delicate juncture that he had a breakthrough to the fifth stage and came across such a maxim. Although the description could be a metaphor for the saber''s power, could there be such a coincidence for the maxim to appear so timely? Would it actually be some sort of reminder? "Keep karma in mind, the door to life and death opens with this strike," Yun Yang mumbled, "The door to life and death opens with this strike? The next line C do not speak of the fickleness of heaven''s will, the eighteen levels of hell invite your presence that means something else. It is a subject worthy to ponder upon." "A strike sends you to the underworld? Or the eighteen levels of the underworld invite me?" Yun Yang felt as if there was a certain reason for that message, no matter how he formed the explanation. If so, his cooperation with the ten Yama Kings could very well branch into something else Unfortunately, everything needed more concrete evidence before it could be taken as truth. Yun Yang did not go slow, trying out his saber truth and practicing the newly acquired one form two styles. Just as he attempted the form, he felt inexplicably odd, like the styles did not match. They were not as smooth as when he had practiced the previous forms. Yun Yang was silent for a moment before he continued practicing. After several attempts, it was still hindered. The indescribable sense of an obstruction remained. If he had used this form in a battle, the only result would be sending himself to death! He stopped, no longer forcing the cultivation, and switched to thinking again. Until now, the saber truth Destiny Blade had respectively acquired had a total of five forms and ten styles. They were Merciless Blade, Merciless Dao, Saber Laic, Life and Death in a Thought, Upended River of Blood, Reincarnation under Saber, Wind Beyond the Sky, Mountain of Ivory Bones, and finally the recently obtained fifth form, Door of Life, Death Opens and Eighteen Levels of Hell! 738 Jackpot! As Yun Yang thought about it, he began to practice the forms from the very beginning, combining all five forms and ten styles in an extended sequence to see how it would go. The first four forms of the Destiny Blade saber truth could be considered as the extreme of the techniques in the known world. They were flawless, probably perfect in every sense of the word. They remained so in this practice session, but as Yun Yang went through Mountain of Ivory Bones and was about to finish the style, he dived straight into the Door of Life and Death Opens suddenly, unable to control his own actions. With a cry, the airstream spiraled and formed a whirlpool. A sense of eerieness spread out overwhelmingly as Yun Yang was sprinkled with dots of stars, sparkling in saber light. The power of the fifth form had been triggered unintentionally. It was a wonder whether it was a surprise or this was how it was meant to work. With this realization in his heart, Yun Yang did not stop, following up with the next style, Eighteen Levels of Hell. The space converged then, six collapsing joints appearing in unison. It was like the gate to hell had been opened, as ghostly cries and howls could be heard aloud. It sounded like countless ghosts had come out from the void, charging over with their aggressive claws and fangs. Yun Yang retracted his saber, already comprehending the form thoroughly. "So this is it!" He fully understood it now. The intention of the fifth form was not to exist alone but as a fatal strike to connect the previous and next form. Only with the trigger of the four previous forms could the unusual states like the door of life and death as well as the eighteen levels of hell be created, thus instigating unprecedented damage. It was like an external technique of a technique When it came to the sixth form, there should be an even stranger change. Furthermore, Yun Yang had just begun learning the form, limited in his familiarity with the technique. This allowed only six collapsing joints to appear, for now, meaning that only six levels of hell were created. The form might need more practice to achieve a major accomplishment for all eighteen levels of hell to appear, genuinely living to its name. Thinking of this and recalling the ghoulish cries earlier, Yun Yang could not suppress his feeling of mounting excitement. If he could open eighteen levels of hell with one style, how overwhelming would the phenomenon be? "I have to toil harder after this. I mustn''t be even slightly lazy. I shall continue to apply myself further." Yun Yang thought, ''There are too many powerful ones in this world, always someone better than me My cultivation base right now is worthy of a top-notch character in Tianxuan Continent, but upon careful analysis, it''s far than being enough. Whether it''s Ji Lingxi''s maniac of a father or the mythical Seventeenth Master of the Abyss, the contrast between us is like heaven and earth.'' It had to be mentioned that Young Master Yun''s horizon was greatly widened now; so was his target. Initially, it was just to annihilate the Four Seasons Tower, but now, it had hopped right to the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss and Ji Lingxi''s father Yun Yang collected his thoughts and stood up upon closing his practice. The moment he opened his eyes, he was dumbfounded by what greeted his sight! Everywhere he shifted his gaze was a vision of purple radiance which almost blinded Yun Yang. "What is this? What''s going on? Why does everything look so spectacular?" Yun Yang observed his surroundings, seeing purple cubic crystals everywhere, glowing with a violet luminescence. Other than an empty spot beside him, every other area was filled with a similar substance. The cubes were not big at all, only the size of a palm. The shocked youth picked a piece up to study it cautiously in his hand. He felt instantly that the violet cubic crystal contained extraordinarily refined spiritual Qi. "This C this is tangible, solidified, spiritual Qi!" Yun Yang was stunned once again by his discovery. Spiritual Qi was intangible, without shape or shadow. Only when it was so prolific to a certain extent that it would appear milky in color and when it came to a mystical stage, it would appear to be purple. When such a state grew a hundred times more profuse, the spiritual Qi would liquify. Following such a basis, it had to intensify another few hundred times more before the spiritual Qi could solidify. However, the question was, what could it possibly take for the energy to condense into such cubes? Yun Yang was at a loss. Lifting his head to look around and taking in the mountainous purple cubes, his head was a blank. How many spiritual Qi crystals were there in this room? At the very least, with his most reserved estimation, there must be no fewer than a few thousand cubes! Yun Yang was certain that with these purple spiritual Qi crystals, he could still make two C three, no, five big leaps in improvement C or even more, even if he were to go somewhere without a single drop of spiritual Qi. "Who put them here? Did someone enter this room when I was cultivating?" Yun Yang was beyond dumbstruck, cold sweat soaking his forehead. "These violet crystals weren''t here at all when I came in! Otherwise, I won''t have missed it no matter how blind I am!" While Yun Yang was shocked and delighted, the element of surprise was much greater than his joy. What he reaped from this episode was unimaginably great and the copious spiritual Qi crystals must be incredibly beneficial C yet when he thought about the fact that someone had approached him soundlessly, that he had not even noticed the person or the fact that someone could slip in when no outsider had ever stepped foot into the Residence of Nine Supremes since it was birthed gave him no small amount of worry. If this were true, did this not mean that the other party''s magnificent skill had gone to a terrifying level? it would have to be so wondrous that Yun Yang could only await his fate if that party intended to do anything to him. He would be like meat on a chopping board The thought sent chills through Yun Yang, the terror palpable. Yun Yang was suspicious, exiting the room doubtfully, and wanting very much to ask, "Who has come here?" After all, the execution had to be done, whether one stretched or curled back his neck. Making certain of things earlier would at least lessen the pressure. In spite of this, before the question could slip past his lips, Yun Yang was rendered speechless by the sight that lay before him. The hall and yard of the Residence of Nine Supremes were stacked with these purple spiritual crystals. Ample and in numerous piles, they were piled on high. Yun Yang could already count a frightening number from a single glance; there had to be at least millions of cubes in the residence! "Uh" Yun Yang''s jaw went slack, not able to speak a single word for a long time. He could even feel his eyes about to leave their sockets and fall to the floor. What an amount of wealth! This must be what infinite fortune would look like. This had gone beyond the knowledge of anyone in this world! Yun Yang was utterly confident that even if the whole of Tianxuan Continent''s cultivation resources were gathered together and the millenniums of spiritual Qi within this heaven and earth were absorbed, they probably could not produce as many refined spiritual Qi crystals! Yet, these crystals were everywhere throughout the Residence of Nine Supremes! Even the inner walls of the yard were lined with the substance! The Residence of Nine Supremes had transformed into a luminous palace that was made up of violet spiritual Qi crystals. Furthermore, these were not all C the mountainous heaps in the yard spoke of even more cubes! 739 Aunt? Yun Yang turned around in shock, his gaze scanning his surroundings. He was, once again, bewildered by what he saw. Besides Supreme Earth''s room, all the other eight rooms had their doors flung wide open as well! Each room was occupied by these violet crystals as well, filled to the brim. Plop! Stunned insensate, Yun Yang fell to the floor, weaving drunkenly- an unfortunate situation, akin to hitting rocks with eggs. A certain someone had been forcefully transferred the energy of heaven and earth and was cleansed inside out, countless times. The many cycles of physical torment had stripped away the person''s garments and clothes long ago he was bare all over. Clumsily collapsing onto the floor now, of course, he was hitting rocks with C cough, eggs. "Could this be the Residence of Nine Supremes'' actual secret?" Yun Yang, who was still in his birthday suit, was bereft of thought. He looked at the purple spiritual Qi crystals in a stupor, feeling his scalp tingle. "With these resources right before me, I''m afraid it''d be more than enough to make a ruler of the universe? Even if one wished to be a living immortal, how could such ample resources be needed?" Yun Yang muttered while pinching his thigh. No matter how he pinched, however, he did not feel the pain. After the huge accident, he was actually no longer aware of the sensation. "Oh my God!" Yun Yang panted harshly. He had thought that it must have been the greatest joy in the world for his cultivation base to leap forward at such a great scale, but he now knew that there was a bigger surprise left to him. Yet, when the element of surprise was so shocking that it exceeded the litigant''s knowledge, it became a burden. For example, the bountiful resources right now were far beyond Yun Yang''s known boundary; even if the whole Tianxuan Continent was dug apart, it could not produce a twentieth or even a tenth of these resources. However, to say that these crystals could create a ruler of the universe was a far cry; it was more like a pretentious assumption of the frog in the well On the contrary, before the frog hopped out of the well, the sky it saw would only be as big. Similarly, Yun Yang was caught in the same situation. Despite his experience and knowledge, as well as his many encounters, he could not help the shock that overtook him when he gazed upon the purple spiritual Qi crystals. Based on his current knowledge, he honestly had no idea what resources, what kind of people, or even what magical skill was needed to be able to assemble so many spiritual Qi crystals! He did not even know what these were called, but the rarity of these items could not be put to question. Therefore, he was utterly dumbstruck. There seemed to be a purple glow at the corners of his eyes that was bright enough to hurt. Yun Yang turned around abruptly to see a purple jade flute lying where the Nine Heavens Dictum was originally placed. The item was glowing with a sparkling brilliance. "Purple jade flute?" Yun Yang thought it looked rather familiar. Was this not the flute Heaven''s Inquisition Gu Chaliang had always been fiddling with? Why was it here then? Yun Yang went closer and gently took the flute into his hands. The touch was warm and he experienced an abstract sense of fondness for the instrument. After a moment, an indescribable sense of amicability suddenly blossomed. Concurrently, the podium that originally held the Nine Heavens Dictum suddenly exuded a faint glow. A slim figure in red then flowed out of it gracefully, standing dozens of feet away from where Yun Yang was rooted in shocked silence. The crimson silhouette was vague, its face similarly so, but its outline was slender as it stood in the air, ethereal and otherworldly. No matter how one concentrated one''s gaze, the face of the silhouette could not be discerned. Even its particular shape was not clear. In spite of this, the airy grace and slenderness, as well as the poise and allure were clearly perceptible to Yun Yang. There was only one thought in Yun Yang''s mind; the person right in front of him now must be an absolute beauty he had never seen before! Her charisma must be unparalleled since the beginning of time! She would be a beauty no one across the world could be on par with! He could ascertain all of this with a single glance. Such a person, despite the vastness of this universe and the endless cycle of fate and mystical Qi, could not be replicated. She stood there quietly, but it felt like she was dancing with light, bouncy steps, like a fairy in the nine heavens. It was as if the whole world was doing a pirouette to complement her dance. Yet, she did not move. This was the first feeling that one could sense emanating from her. Then, the second feeling slowly bubbled to the surface. It seemed that this shadow in front of Yun Yang exuded an incredible affection, so endearing that the youth wanted nothing more than to be close and dote upon this creature, a feeling that rose from the bottom of his heart. It was an inexplicable sense of joy and contentment. On the illusory face of the silhouette dressed in red, there seemed to be a pair of eyes staring at Yun Yang in silence. She spoke suddenly, her voice clear but faint, "Child, these are your aunt''s1 gifts to you. Do you like it?" "Aunt?" Yun Yang cried involuntarily, feeling his heart thump and his throat suddenly turn parched. "You you''re my aunt?" It was a spontaneous reply. His head was a mess. ''Since when do I have an aunt? This person in front of me is my aunt? Where do we even start to make sense of this?'' This was his only consideration. As for the so-called gift, it did not even cross his mind. The silhouette in red sighed softly and said, "My poor child, you''ve suffered much along the way." It was a simple line, but Yun Yang was struck by a sudden impulse to bawl, like a child who had been mistreated for ages and could finally vent the negative emotions buried deep within him, when he suddenly saw his family, his support. Just as the thought sprouted, Yun Yang''s eyes were rimmed red. The red shadow spoke distantly in a furious tone, "Your aunt has always disliked disobedient and unfilial children. However, when you see your father in the future and intend to beat him up to vent your anger, I''ll make an exception and support you. There have never been parents who are crueler in this world! It''s too much!" "These are a far reach from the gifts I''ve prepared for you, but your father actually complained about the abundance, despite this bit of support Ridiculous! What a maniac! It''s repulsive!" The crimson figure spoke tenderly, "My child, your aunt will provide you with more in the future. We have a long way to go." A far reach! This was considered a bit? Yun Yang was mentally prepared, but he was still shocked by the use of these two phrases. ''You C this much is called a little bit?'' The woman dressed in red watched Yun Yang affectionately and asked, "Child, do you have anything you want to say?" Yun Yang was frozen. Various emotions took him on a rollercoaster ride when he heard her question. Overwhelmed, he asked in a sob with red-rimmed eyes, "Who C who am I? Who are my parents? My father is still here? Then what about my mother? Who is she?" Somehow, he trusted the lady in red''s words without a sliver of doubt. ''This is my aunt! There is no doubt about it!'' Translator Note: ?1aunt (ùg g): Addressing the sister of one''s parents is distinguished between the sister of one''s father and the sister of one''s mother in Mandarin. Here, it refers to the older/younger sister of Yun Yang''s father. 740 It’s Not a Dream! The lady in red hesitated, obviously troubled by Yun Yang''s question. Finally, she sighed and said, "Child, the answer to your question will come in time. Right now, this is the most pivotal point of your life You have only yourself to depend on for the future path Your aunt can''t help you further than this" "This trip down here was only made successful by working together with many brothers to beat your father up." Yun Yang nodded, feeling much more assured. For the first time in his life, he distinctly felt a sense of belonging, of having roots. "Your father is used to being pitiless. Selfish and cold, tyrannical, he is simply not a good man. I have quarreled with him for so many years over you" The shadow in red seemed to be clenching her teeth as she said, "There is no need to miss your mother either. The two of them are gleefully in each other''s company, but there they go, tossing their son down to suffer and be tortured. Your aunt is about to explode from anger by what they did You must avenge this rage of aunty in the future. Still, don''t be too harsh though, he''s still your biological father after all" Yun Yang could only feel the walls he had put up in his heart all these years slowly crumbling, replaced wholeheartedly by joy. He nodded and said smiling, "If this day comes in the future, I shall seek vengeance for you as well. My strike will be precise for sure. I''d be filial to you as well, I shall remember your kindness for life!" The shadow clad in red replied contently"What a good child, my good child. Your words have touched your aunt. I shall stop here. My time here is limited, I''ll have to go now. You''ll have to depend on yourself in this worldly realm I''ve fought your father to come this time, so I may not be able to come again These men''s hearts, all of them forged with steel. Sigh, it''s never just a saying" She sighed softly and watched Yun Yang longingly. "Do you have anything to say, my child? Any personal words for your parents?" Yun Yang was silent for some time before saying dryly, "I don''t know anything for now. I have nothing to say, really." The woman in red felt her heart clench and she replied gently, "You''ll know everything in the future Just remember one thing for now; before you find out about all these, you can only depend on yourself in this world. Do you understand?" "I have never depended on anyone," answered Yun Yang with a faint tug at the corners of his lips. "Your father''s a ruthless one once he hardens up You must protect yourself well in this world It would be unfortunate if an accident were to take place. Do you understand?" The woman reminded him time and again, apparently still worried. "I understand." Yun Yang nodded. Should there be an accident, it would be terribly unfortunate. It seemed that his father''s ruthless character went beyond ordinary savagery. Just by listening to his aunt''s repeated, imploring words, Yun Yang finally had the realization as well; if he were to die in this world, there would be, at most, someone who would seek vengeance for him. Resurrection was only a wild wish. ''Does it I look like I want it?'' The woman''s silhouette was slowly fading and she did not look happy by that fact, muttering angrily, "Cold-blooded thing, turning merciless after finding a wife Where did the heart he had back then go to? Forgetting after marrying" She then spoke in a hurry, "Take care, my child. Your aunt is really leaving now" At the moment the slender figure in crimson disappeared, a finger suddenly stretched out and poked him. Yun Yang felt a tap on his forehead. Alien information then entered his mind before warmth enveloped him; even his heart was agreeably at peace Then, his eyes closed as he slowly lay on the floor, eventually falling asleep The shadow in red quietly vanished, leaving only her words in the air, "I''ll go back right now to settle this with them! One more day that you don''t go up is another day that I''ll fight with both husband and wife! Even if you were prophetic, could it be any better than my helpers? Do you really think I''d be reluctant to beat you up? I''d beat your wife up too this time!" She muttered her plans as she counted with her fingers, "Sixth, seventh, eighth and the few shouldn''t dare to but second brother, fourth brother, fifth brother, Sister Zi and the rest That should be enough to beat the two of them up. If it''s not enough, then I''ll get Junior Brother Tan to talk to him" "Child, with this line of defense, there shouldn''t be anything to worry about, unless there''s an enemy whose cultivation base is a hundred times stronger than yours" Unfortunately, Yun Yang had already fallen asleep, unable to hear what she said. After a long time, Yun Yang eventually stirred and awakened. He sheepishly sat up on the floor and looked at the purple jade flute in his hands before looking at the podium where the Nine Heavens Dictum was originally placed. For a moment, it felt surreal. ''Was I dreaming earlier? A fulfilling dream that I''ve yearned for for so long?'' ''Why was it so real then? Maybe it wasn''t a dream'' ''Not only do I have parents, but I also have an aunt? A biological aunt?'' ''I I''m not an orphan?'' ''Is there a reason behind everything I''ve been through?'' ''Everything C everything still feels like a good dream'' ''Are these all real?'' The anxiousness within Yun Yang gradually took hold. A strong sense of doubt rose within him and he suspected that what happened just now was a dream birthed from his obsessions. He suddenly sprang up and sprinted to look at the piles of purple spiritual crystals before taking off to every room to confirm again the actuality of the bounty. He bolted back again and looked at the purple jade flute in his hand then at the spot where the woman dressed in red had popped out Everything that had happened was real, undoubtedly real. Yun Yang stood there stunned, tears suddenly streaming down his face. "This C everything is real they''re all real It''s real!" He suddenly guffawed despite the tears. He felt a sense of warmth engulf him. The sorrow and loneliness buried deep within his heart had vanished. As for his worry that there was nobody there for him and he had to depend on himself was it truly a concern? ''When have I, Yun Yang, depended on anyone?'' ''You want to be there for me? I won''t let you intervene!'' ''I''ll definitely become the most powerful person in this world, just you wait! I''ll beat you up every day C uh, no, I can''t. Even if I don''t beat you up, I''ll give you a scare daily Wait, I can''t seem to do that either. What should I do?'' Lord Supreme Cloud was prideful now. As the last bit of haze in his heart dissipated, he was shocked to discover a sword technique in his mind. The sword style was exceptionally clear like it had been seared into his very soul, unable to be wiped away. It had just flashed in his mind and into his thoughts, but everything seemed so familiar as if he had been practicing the style for a few centuries. Other than the familiarity, Yun Yang reached another conclusion. The style was incredibly powerful! It was even stronger than his saber truth, the Destiny Blade! 741 The Disappearance of The Residence of Nine Supremes In all honesty, this realization was extremely preposterous to Yun Yang. To best of his understanding, the Destiny Blade was already a flawless saber truth that no other technique could surpass! Yet, the appearance of this sword style had broken Yun Yang''s initial perception. "What Matter If The World Is Massacred?" Yun Yang could not help being tongue tied from just repeating the name. The name of the style was incredibly vicious, the ruthlessness a terrible thing to hear. What did it matter if the entire world was to perish? The overflowing sense of sadistic, murderous intent was absurd. "This technique is merciless, incomparably so. Once the style is unleashed, it could easily break the entire world apart, but it''s a technique meant for swords. The weapon that matches me is the saber instead." Yun Yang thought, ''This technique has to be aunt''s gift from the tap of her finger earlier. A phenomenal defensive technique indeed! Impressive especially when one is heavily besieged from all sides. It''d be an astounding sight to escape with this technique!'' ''It looks like I need to find myself a sword.'' ''Well, I can change the Divine Edge on the spot too'' He heaved a long breath like he was exhaling all the worries and self-depreciation he had kept within him all this while. His state of mind was refreshed; it felt like he was at the top of the whole, vast world. "Great! Gratifying!" Yun Yang laughed. He held the purple jade flute in his grip and stood up to walk outside. The soft breeze delivered its caress, reinvigorating Yun Yang, specifically around his thighs. Lowering his head subconsciously, his face was flushed red instantly. What happened previously had probably been too shocking and unimaginable that a certain someone had only realized now that he was thoroughly unclothed. When his aunt came, he was sitting on the floor in a stupor, but at least he had been covered with something. Now that he stood up, the clothes had slipped off, rendering him naked. It was lucky that he was just beginning to pace around in glee; if he had walked out of the Residence of Nine Supremes like this, he would have no dignity to continue living! It was better to dress quickly! A short while later, he donned his usual purple robes and he returned to his handsome self, a beautiful young master. ''Since the abundant wealth here is aunt''s gift, I don''t have to suspect its origins. What my advanced cultivation base needs now is to secure the basic. If I chase after more progress, it''d be learning to run before walking. Let''s leave these crystals here and retrieve them when I need to,'' thought Yun Yang to himself. There was nothing wrong with that. He was the only one in the world who could enter the Residence of Nine Supremes anyway! The place was essentially his personal treasure safe. It was secure without a doubt. With that decision in mind, Yun Yang carefully kept Supreme Earth''s will before walking out in a carefree manner. Just as he soared upwards and left a piece of cottony cloud in the sky, a deafening boom could be heard as purple Qi covered the heavens, concealing the area for miles around. Everyone who was in the vicinity was blinded, unable to see a thing! Even Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, who was paying close attention to the Residence of Nine Supremes, were not exempted from having their vision obscured. The change was so sudden that gasps and cries rose in undulating waves. Then came another thunderous bang which seemed to shake Tiantang City itself. Yun Yang, who was at the heart of the mater was bewildered when he saw the Residence of Nine Supremes beneath him fly up after the quake. The entire massive residence had just flown straight into the sky! The residence visibly shrunk, turning into a glint of purple at the end and catching up to the youth, before it disappeared entirely. Yun Yang''s mind worked quickly as he checked himself all over, finally discovering an additional purple jade pendant the size of a thumb on the purple jade flute. The structure carved on the jade pendant was realistic, taking the likeness of the Residence of Nine Supremes. Yun Yang was astounded once again, almost falling from the sky. Was the Residence of Nine Supremes actually just a pendant of the purple jade flute? What then was this purple jade flute? Why was it previously with Heaven''s Inquisition and why was it mysteriously in the Residence of Nine Supremes now? Furthermore, it seemed that the true owner of the purple jade flute was Yun Yang now, but what should he say or do if Heaven''s Inquisition were to question him? This was a huge issue. Not only was everything too abrupt, but the process was also unbelievable. It baffled and boggled Yun Yang''s mind to no end. However, it was more convenient to Yun Yang that he could wear the Residence of Nine Supremes on him at all times, so he had no complaints. Ling Xiaozui and the others were observing the outer area, wishing to discover the magic of the Residence of Nine Supremes. Although they knew that they would be clueless still, there was no harm in widening their horizons about such divinities in this world.s Yet, it had never crossed their minds that the Residence of Nine Supremes would suddenly erupt with such an extreme glow that they, who had their eyes opened wide, were blinded instantly. Just as they were struck with panic, they felt their vision slowly clearing and returning. When they could focus their visions again, the crowd was stupefied once again. Where was the Residence of Nine Supremes? The Residence of Nine Supremes, a legendary landmark located in a prohibited location of Yutang had just disappeared into thin air! Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou felt a buzz in their heads. Dugu Chou reacted rather normally; after all, he did not relate too much to it. Ling Xiaozui, however, was an entirely different matter altogether. Throughout this period of time, Ling Xiaozui had understood from various channels and aspects that his young friend Yun Yang could very possibly be Supreme Cloud of Yutang''s guardians, the Nine Supremes. Now, the enormous Residence of Nine Supremes had vanished. Then what about Yun Yang? What had happened to him? When he recalled that the culprit behind the disappearance of the Residence of Nine Supremes was he himself, Ling Xiaozui was in a dire panic. If he had not tossed in the purple jade flute He sprung into the air and cast his gaze as far as he could, spreading his deific sense to probe the area. He prayed consistently in his mind, ''Don''t let anything happen to you! Don''t let anything happen to you!'' It was not only Ling Xiaozui who had such morbid thoughts. When the emperor and his entourage saw the sudden disappearance of the Residence of Nine Supremes, His Majesty''s eyes were wide as saucers, almost fainting from the shock. Qiu Jianhan''s gaze was fixated as he turned pale and stumbled. A coppery taste rushed up his throat; the old man about to vomit blood. The Residence of Nine Supremes, the Nine Supremes themselves, had always been a symbol of the Empire of Yutang, its spiritual pillar. Now that the empire was becoming better, it had suddenly disappeared! Could he have jinxed it? Had the emperor''s thoughts about external forces assaulting the residence come true, and had they ruined the Residence of Nine Supremes? This was breaking Yutang''s support! Not only Yutang''s officials, but even its people also would not be able to take such a heavy blow. Was Yutang''s guardian truly gone? In spite of this, the wind howled suddenly in the already clear sky. A piece of cloud unfolded mystically in the air. In the blink of an eye, the cloud had morphed into a giant that straddled the sky and earth. 742 The Formation of the Nine Supremes, The Fortification of Land A quick glance would show that the giant was at least a few thousand feet tall. Everyone felt the presence of two suns in the sky when the giant opened his eyes. It stirred reverence within their hearts with just a single glance, a sense of intimidation without rage. "I am Supreme Cloud. I am well!" The giant''s voice roared like a thunderbolt in spring, spanning across the land. "The Residence of Nine Supremes was a blessed presence. Its existence was to aid Yutang''s astral providence; it was never meant to stay long in the human realm. Now that Yutang''s providence to rule over Tianxuan is improving and its national destiny has stabilized, there is no longer any need to depend on the Residence of Nine Supremes. Therefore, I am retrieving the Residence of Nine Supremes today to prevent ill intentions. This shall be my farewell. I wish the Empire of Yutang governance over Tianxuan, eternal presence, and peace upon its people!" The words boomed over the city. Anyone could hear it the moment it was spoken. Even those who were thousands of miles away could hear it loud and clear. The worries of the people of Yutang quickly gave way to a sense of ease. They thought to themselves, ''True enough, a saintly structure like the Residence of Nine Supremes shouldn''t linger in the worldly realm for so long. It makes absolute sense that Lord Supreme Cloud would want to reclaim it'' As for why Lord Supreme Cloud could keep it C was this question not redundant? How could a godlike presence like Lord Supreme Cloud not be able to keep the Residence of Nine Supremes? The Residence of Nine Supremes belonged to Supreme Cloud anyway C what objection could there be if he decided to move it? It would be strange indeed if there were anyone else in this world who could take the Residence of Nine Supremes away. The ensuing chaos that threatened to ruffle the entire nation dissipated in between Yun Yang''s few words. Such influential power was not achievable by even the Emperor of Yutang himself! Listening to what was said, watching the giant in the sky that was manifested from the very clouds, gazing at the expressions of the officials beside him, then looking at the sincere cheering and joy from the citizens around, His Majesty sighed softly. The idea of locating Supreme Cloud and retaining him as his personal force that had been slowly but steadily growing disappeared abruptly. Enslave Supreme Cloud? Under such a situation and with such influence, it would only be too effortless should Supreme Cloud want to replace him instead. To wish to manipulate such a figure with the monarch''s tactics was only a fool''s fantasy. "From now on, Supreme Cloud" It felt like an internal knot within the emperor was being unraveled as His Majesty said softly, "Is free to do whatever he wishes so long as he doesn''t bring harm to the empire!" "Your Majesty is brilliant!" Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian bowed in unison, showing support for the emperor''s decision with their actions. His Majesty laughed and shook his head, saying with a sigh, "It was all my fault. Things have gone so smoothly for me that once a selfish thought popped up, foolish ideas are all that filled my mind. At least it is not too late for me to wake up now." Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian grinned at each other, feeling like a huge rock had been lifted off of them as relief flooded their beings. For so long, the struggle between the Nine Supremes and the royal supremacy had brooded deep inside them. The emperor was brilliant and firm, without doubt, a gifted leader; he reigned over a prosperous dynasty as well, being in his prime. However, the Nine Supremes existed in Yutang as gods. This was akin to a contest between imperial power and divinity, yet this divine being held an actual presence and was equipped with godly abilities Should a rebellion break out, it would cause the Empire of Yutang to fall, no matter which side won in the end. Luckily, such a worry was finally erased now. "The disappearance of the Residence of Nine Supremes means that Supreme Cloud will disappear in the sea of people as well. To find him again will only be a wild, wild wish" The emperor sighed. He stared at where the Residence of Nine Supremes originally stood and felt heart-wrenching pain. When the Residence of Nine Supremes was still here, it was as if his eldest son was still by his side as long as he could look upon it Now, the Residence of Nine Supremes was no longer there His Majesty felt like a hole had been dug out of his heart. The emptiness was excruciating and he, who had always stood tall, suddenly hunched over "This matter has come to an end. Let''s return to the palace" the emperor said weakly after a standing there for a long while. "Old Qiu, be my company Let''s go to the Residence of King Yun." The emperor said feebly, "I C would like to visit Bao''er. I haven''t seen him in a long time." "Certainly!" Qiu Jianhan agreed instantly. Supreme Cloud''s words spread across the land. Some people were startled when they heard it. "The formation of the Nine Supremes, the fortification of the land; eternal dominion, supremacy forever!" This saying had long circulated in the Tianxuan Continent. Now that the sole member of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Cloud, had said something like this C what could it mean? Everyone was deep in thought, pondering upon the possible meaning of this saying. Hearing Supreme Cloud''s parting words, Ling Xiaozui and others were equally relieved. As they were leaving, Dugu Chou bemoaned, "I''ve always thought that Yutang''s Nine Supremes was only the product of words passed around among Yutang''s people. To me, they were frauds, using rare peculiar arts. Now that I have seen Supreme Cloud today, I know that words in the past were only a fragment of the truth. There''s really someone out there that exists like a God I regret that I won''t be able to meet such a hero." "Yes, exactly" Ling Xiaozui agreed, still rather dazed. Then, a clear voice beside them piped out, "Senior Ling, yes exactly about what? I rarely hear you say things like this. Are you willing to share?" The two men turned, following the sound, and when they saw who was talking, Ling Xiaozui could not help the glow in his eyes as he beamed from the bottom of his heart. "It''s you." Standing not too far away from them, handsomely clad in purple like he did not belong among the commoners, smiling softly with an airy grace, who else could it be if not Yun Yang? Dugu Chou could hear the clear exhalation from Ling Xiaozui. It was a breath of relief. However, what was there from this child in front of them that was worthy of Ling Xiaozui''s concern? "Are you alright?" Ling Xiaozui asked smiling, his gaze falling upon Yun Yang with the question hanging in the air. Yun Yang grinned. "Do I look like I''m not alright now? I''m fine! I''m great!" "Good. Let''s head back. We can talk more then," Ling Xiaozui replied with a smile. With the smile, Ling Xiaozui returned to how he usually was, like everything was beyond his concern. He was back to his impervious state, unaffected by all things in the world. It was too bad that Dugu Chou refused to follow suit. The reason was none other than the fact that he had seen the purple jade flute Yun Yang held right away. His eyes bulged instantly. That was C that was obviously the same purple jade flute that Gu Chaliang had held. Was it not the exact purple jade flute that he had kneeled down to ask Ling Xiaozui to send it to the Residence of Nine Supremes? The purple jade flute had brought Gu Chaliang a heritage and a consignment, but now it was in Yun Yang''s hands! What did this mean? What did it symbolize? For a moment, Dugu Chou''s thoughts were a train wreck, blearily scattered all over the place. ''Does this mean that as long as I follow this child before me, I can see my wife?'' ''Does this mean that Yun Yang is the person Gu Chaliang has hinted at?'' ''The person with an incredible future!'' 743 Reunion of Master and Disciple All the way back, Dugu Chou, a pinnacle artist who had been unrivaled for centuries, was still dumbfounded. The three of them were naturally faster than the others in making their way home. In addition, all of them were entertaining their own thoughts and did not speak a single word along the way. Yun Yang was tabulating his gains, enjoying himself while he did so, beaming widely. He looked like he was on top of the world and his stride was breezy. Ling Xiaozui was also sorting through his yield. He made a huge leap this time around, equal to at least thirty years of cultivation effort. His cultivation base was already at the peak of this world, thus the urgent issue to be resolved now would be what was needed to push his cultivation base and combat power a step higher. As for Dugu Chou, he was laden with questions, pondering what he should do in order to realize his lifetime wish. At the door of the Residence of Yun, Ji Lingxi stood with a long neck, full of anticipation. Her pretty face was plagued by worry and anxiety. Beside her stood Shangguan Lingxiu who was equally troubled. Both of them had wanted to head to the Residence of Nine Supremes to investigate but Yun Xiaoyao was adamant on them staying put. Having Yun Yang there was already distressing enough; if the two of them were to go over during such a critical moment where experts and pinnacle masters would gather the security issue was enough to scare everyone else in the Residence of Yun. They were not allowed to go! Under Yun Yang''s father, Yun Xiaoyao''s vehement resistance, the two ladies who also knew what a precarious situation it was could only wait patiently by the door. On the other hand, Lao Mei and Fang Mofei were calmer than the rest. The pair was even sneering at the anxiousness that overwhelmed Yun Xiaoyao and the girls. ''Danger? It doesn''t exist!'' ''That is Lord Supreme Cloud we are talking about C what danger could Supreme Cloud possibly face? This would just be another routine encounter!'' He had already overcome everything with incredible destiny, even when he was still feebly capable. Now that his cultivation base was at the top of this mortal world, what danger could there be for him? The two old men only felt a sense of regret that they had to watch over the residence. If they could join in the fun, they might reap some benefit from it. After all, they had one too many experiences in seizing the chance. It was no longer strange territory; instead, they were happy to see it happen! In spite of this, they could do nothing more when Father Yun was stopping activities across the entire house. The pair could not help grumbling silently about the gentleman''s exaggeration, preventing them from obtaining another advancement opportunity. As for Dong Tianleng and the group of young masters, worry was not even a word in the quad''s dictionary. These four people did not even understand what exactly had happened as they played mahjong in complete ignorance. The four of them already had paper strips littered all over their faces, but these paper strips were no ordinary notes. One paper strip was worth ten thousand silver taels. Not only was such a method entertaining and thrilling, but it was also ingenious. Therefore, the four popinjays were utterly immersed in their game. Truth be told, they were so focused on defeating the others that they did not even notice the purple Qi changing Bai Yixue and his master, Xiao Shaoqing, had already announced their stay in the Residence of Yun by now, thus they waited by the house''s door as well. Bai Yixue looked indifferent, sharing similar emotions with Lao Mei and Fang Mofei; he was completely calm and collected. On the contrary, Xiao Shaoqing looked nervous, checking his dressing and tidying himself intermittently, before he paced around with a frown locked into place. His anxiety was evident from how troubled yet excited he looked. Fogs of wraith occasionally rose around the Residence of Yun. Those were the ten court kings from the Concourse of the Underworld who came out to check if there was any particular news, unable to hold their patience before they returned immediately. Under the group''s watchful eyes, three lean silhouettes appeared at the end of the long street, walking shoulder to shoulder. Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu heaved a breath of relief once they cast their sights afar. The person in the middle of the trio was lean and tall, his mannerism poised, and he was handsomely clad in purple C who else could it be if not Yun Yang? Ji Lingxi scoffed, suppressing the delight in her eyes, and lifted her chin defiantly to head back inside. Shangguan Lingxiu had taken a few steps forward subconsciously to welcome the man, but seeing that Ji Lingxi had gone back inside, she hesitated before turning to follow the latter as well. Yun Yang was initially thrilled, spotting the two devoted ladies waiting for him by the door from afar. Just as he took a few steps forward to be received, there was no one before him anymore Yun Yang was struck dumb by what he had just witnessed. "Hahaha" Ling Xiaozui could not help guffawing when he took in what had happened. Yun Xiaoyao who was also at the door with his arms behind him spoke up, "Are you alright? Came back for good?" His tone was apathetic like he was unstirred by recent events. Yun Yang was respectful when he answered, "Yes, I am well. I''ve returned home." "Good, good." Yun Xiaoyao smiled. Then, he nodded a greeting to both Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui before heading back inside without another word. Yun Yang could make out the fact that Yun Xiaoyao''s form was currently completely at ease. He had walked back inside without hesitation as if he was not concerned about whether Yun Yang was coming back or not. However, the large patch of wetness on his back had already exposed his worry. Sincere surprise lingered in Yun Yang''s gaze, leaving the youth in a long silence. "Master!" With a cry of delight mixed with sorrow, Xiao Shaoqing fell to his knees. He shuffled forward quickly in the kneeling position, his face streaming tears. "Master! Sob Your disciple finally sees you again today!" Xiao Shaoqing clung onto Dugu Chou''s leg while still kneeling on the ground, openly bawling and refusing to get up. Dugu Chou took in a deep breath, barely keeping his emotions in check, and scolded the distraught man, "Get up, get up quickly. So many people are watching C have you no sense of propriety?" "I won''t get up if you don''t forgive me, master!" Xiao Shaoqing sobbed. Dugu Chou lashed out, "Do you still want face? I still want it even if you don''t. Why would I have asked for you if I didn''t forgive you? Have I not been angry enough?" "Then, is master willing to take in this disciple again?" Xiao Shaoqing looked hopeful. Dugu Chou snorted and said, "Will I have allowed you to call me master otherwise?" Xiao Shaoqing was overjoyed, springing up and said with a smile, "I knew it. This disciple is so handsome and talented. How coulld master actually be willing to chase me out of the school?" There were still tears on his face, he was in a miserable state. Yet, he was grinning, eyes turning into crescents from how gleeful he was. Dugu Chou could not help sighing. His expression was menacing when he said, "Xiao Shaoqing, taking you as my disciple was perhaps the biggest mistake of my life. I would never have expected that I, Dugu Chou, would actually repeat this mistake!" He sighed again and continued, "Forget it, forget it. My face You''ve disgraced me anyway" Xiao Shaoqing crawled forward in a pandering manner and with a bootlicking grin as he held onto Dugu Chou, speaking with a chuckle, "Master, who else is there if not your disciple to embarrass you? Besides, aren''t we all living just for this face? Isn''t this face to be put to shame?" 744 A Wonder! The statement stumped both Yun Yang and Ling Xiaozui. Was this one''s pride, that he worked so hard for throughout his life, merely to be humbled? Such an expression and view was uncanny, but it was undeniable that it C perhaps, maybe, probably C was quite reasonable! Deviant logic was still logic after all. In the face of such an eccentric person, all the color drained from Dugu Chou''s face. He heaved a sigh into the sky and was left speechless for a long time. He only felt that it was the biggest mistake in his life for him to soften his heart and allow the fellow back into his guidance! It was simply unforgivable. Indeed, the man had embarrassed him the moment they met. "Master, slowly C master Master, your disciple has brought you your favorite Fell Spike from the Mountain of Clouds. This is your disciple''s effort Master, you haven''t changed at all throughout these years! You''re still so handsome and striking and gorgeous and fine" Amidst Xiao Shaoqing''s endless fawning chatter, he brought Dugu Chou in towards the Residence of Yun. Bai Yixue followed behind the pair, his hands covering his face. ''What can I do? I''m also helpless training under such a master'' Dugu Chou was sighing incessantly. He had barely taken ten steps, but he had already sighed twenty times. He was deeply aware now that asking this fellow back this time could very possibly be the largest mistake of his lifetime. Oh, how he was bringing trouble to himself! He had chased this bastard out of his tutoring and enjoyed peace for so many years, but now that he grew older, he was a fool to seek out his former student. Oh, how he wished to smack that tawdry face! "Little Snow1! Little Snow!" Xiao Shaoqing called for his disciple even as he served his master. Bai Yixue ran over with hands over his face and a lowered head. "I''m here, master." "Today is a great day for your master, me, and you. It''s the world''s happiest occasion that you and I both are being received into your grandmaster''s doors once again! How can we not celebrate this joyful event? Go prepare dozens of dishes, make it big C then prepare some wine. Tonight, your teacher, I, shall gratifyingly" "Gratifyingly what?" Dugu Chou glared. "Uh" Xiao Shaoqing choked, blinking and saying with a shameless grin, "This disciple C this disciple This disciple wants to gratifyingly sniff the aroma of the wine" Dugu Chou sighed again, suddenly feeling like he had nothing more to live for in this world. The joy and excitement of meeting his disciple whom he had not seen for so many years actually lasted shorter than an inhalation of breath before it turned into the familiar sense of powerlessness that he had experienced in the past. "What a sin" Dugu Chou''s exasperation was clear to anyone''s perception. Xiao Shaoqing was still chuckling and tailing behind Dugu Chou obsequiously, his fists carefully massaging his master''s shoulders, while he turned and glared at Bai Yixue to urge him forward. "I''ll go now C right away C immediately." Bai Yixue bolted off. "Master, master, this disciple has missed you almost to the point death all these years" Xiao Shaoqing spoke with reddening eyes, "Having met master again if I can''t drink to my heart''s content tonight this disciple this disciple honestly doesn''t know how else to express my stirring emotions... sob" Dugu Chou glowered helplessly, not even having the energy to sigh for now. ''Can''t you think of anything else other than wine?'' ''Did you try so hard to reenter the pupilage just so you can break your wine fast?'' "Haha, Brother Dugu, your disciple has the innocence of a childC pretty, pretty good." Ling Xiaozui was having a stomachache trying to hold in his laughter. When else would the opportunity arise if he were to keep away from poking fun at the elder right now? "Who are you young one? Is this a place for you to speak up?" Xiao Shaoqing rolled his eyes, looking disapprovingly at Ling Xiaozui. "How dare you compare your status to my master? Do you know who my master is? Do you know who I am? Do you know who my disciple is?" Dugu Chou landed a loud slap on the back of Xiao Shaoqing''s head. The strength of the blow was considerable, sending the fellow stumbling away. The former chastised, "How impolite! This is your Senior Uncle Ling!" "Senior Uncle Ling" Xiao Shaoqing was bewildered. "Since when did I have a senior uncle This fellow isn''t much older than I am; why is he a senior uncle?" "Open your eyes and look carefully. This is your Senior Uncle Ling Xiaozui!" Dugu Chou introduced and suddenly exploded in fury. He kicked his student. "Bastard, you say you don''t know who this is when you and your disciple have stayed here for so long? What dumb act are you putting up?" This was when he realized he had been tricked by his bastard disciple. "Aiyaya" Xiao Shaoqing turned to bow in delight. "Senior Uncle C Senior Uncle Ling, it is indeed your honorable presence. This C this disciple has long admired your great reputation of being the Unrivaled Expert. It''s a loud thunderclap to the ears, it''s my lifetime of honor to be able to see you today" The series of praises were almost without consideration, uttered in an incredibly practiced and well-worn manner. Ling Xiaozui could not help being stunned before he chuckled, "Brother Dugu, your disciple is really like what you said A wonder His greasy compliments are obviously ingratiating, but I still feel absolutely flattered!" Dugu Chou''s face was crimson from being flustered and angered. This was humiliating! Watching his student groveling to Ling Xiaozui with extensive effort, Dugu Chou''s temper rose as his hands went to work. ''it is fine when you mentioned other things, but how dare you say that Ling Xiaozui is number one in the world? What about your master? No longer the first in the world? Your master has been the world''s number one for five hundred years! You''ve just come back, but you''re already disrespecting your master C who should I wallop if not you? Your father is going to clean the school today, I''m going to clean your mouth good!'' Following his decision, Xiao Shaoqing flew around the yard like a ball from the violent beating. His face instantly swelled with bruises instantly, and he no longer looked like how he did. When Dugu Chou finally ceased his attack, Xiao Shaoqing sat in the yard like a swollen swine. He heaved a long sigh of contentment, "Ah, the pleasure! I haven''t been beaten up by master for so many years This long-lost feeling is back again and it''s still as pleasurable as ever" Yun Yang breathed in deeply to hold in the bubbling laughter within him. "Get out of my room!" Dugu Chou bellowed when he saw that Xiao Shaoqing was about to follow him inside. The latter swiftly scrambled away. "What an ill fate An ill fate indeed" Not even the waves of the Borderless Ocean could wash away Dugu Chou''s sighs. "Hahahaha" Ling Xiaozui hugged his stomach as guffaws broke out. This was truly his happiest day in many years. Not only had he succeeded in teasing Dugu Chou, but this wonder of a man was also extremely amusing! Translator Note: 1Little Snow (Сѩxio xu): The last word in Bai Yixue''s name is snow. 745 The Riddle of Cultivation Then, Ling Xiaozui closed the door before he turned his head, in sync with Dugu Chou. Their four eyes stared at Yun Yang without blinking, their gazes wild, like perverts lusting over a beauty. Yun Yang was shocked. "What do you want to do? Why are you looking at me like that?" He hurriedly checked his person to see if anything was amiss. Ling Xiaozui said with a smile, "Young brother, you have advanced significantly from this fated chance! I see that your temperament has changed as well, your state of mind is closer to perfection. it looks like you have found incredible joy, an event worthy of celebration!" Dugu Chou laughed as well, despite a wash of surprise that flashed across his gaze. These two men had obviously restrained themselves with much difficulty from asking the question while they were on their way back. Others might not have seen it, but Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou? No matter how Yun Yang concealed his cultivation base or restored to himself to purity, how could the two of them not notice his skyrocketing progress? Yun Yang chortled as well, mulling over his choice of words and way of speaking. "Young brother, you must have something you want to ask if you have followed us all the way. Is it very important?" asked Ling Xiaozui. "Yes, it is indeed." Yun Yang admitted honestly. Dugu Chou chuckled as well. "You have been silent all the way and your cultivation base advancement is shocking. I believe you must''ve experienced some unique turn of fortune,but you didn''t share the happiness with your loved ones immediately. Obviously, you must be troubled by something important. Perhaps it''s related to your close one as well?" "Senior Dugu is wise and sharp indeed," Yun Yang said, impressed. "Is it regarding the cultivation base?" Ling Xiaozui asked with a grin. "Yes." "The last time I came, I perceived the oddity in the girl''s cultivation base. Firstly, it''s unbelievable; secondly, it''s unimaginable. Now that you have put it out in the open" Ling Xiaozui said, "Ask whatever you want to know. If the two of us can''t even answer the mysteries and questions of cultivation in this world, I believe no one else can." This was simply the unexaggerated truth. Yun Yang pondered, sorting through his thoughts, and finally spoke, "Actually, what boggles me isn''t a difficult matter It''s more or less regarding the particular categorization of our cultivation realm and level." There was a pause before he continued. "Based on the example of common cultivators, it can be said that they have already arrived at the pinnacle when they can reach the summit of peak realm. However, this realm is only a beginner''s standard to proficient cultivators. When one achieves the pinnacle of the heaven realm, there''s still the Dao realm. Initially, these are advanced levels that this junior has never touched nor imagined but now, not only has this junior ascended to the pinnacle of ninth Dao realm due to fate and circumstance, I''ve even gone past it. Yet, the pinnacle of Dao realm is already the limit of Tianxuan Continent''s cultivators. There is no level higher, even in rumors or myths." "I''ve recalled all the past experiences about this, especially historical legends. The cultivation base of the super experts in those legends obviously did not stop at this standard. Like the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss and others, they were not of what the level of ninth Dao realm cultivation base could cover." "I mentioned just now that due to the quirk of fate, my cultivation base has exceeded the ninth Dao realm and entered a new realm. However, this junior has no idea what sort of a realm that is C in other words, what is the future path of my cultivation journey?" Yun Yang spoke respectfully, "I ask for help from both seniors to resolve my doubts." Dugu Chou and Ling Xiaozui chortled in unison upon hearing what Yun Yang said. Reminiscence flashed across their eyes as they remembered their youth. The doubts Yun Yang was having right now was exactly what they had encountered in the past. Meeting Yun Yang''s gaze again, their own eyes could not help being tinged with the colors of envy. Back then, the same doubt had gnawed at them for many, many years. Now, Yun Yang had just achieved his breakthrough and there were already the two of them waiting to resolve his queries. It was like everything had been prearranged given how things had just unfolded so smoothly without any hitch. Such destiny and chance.. the elder men would be lying to themselves if they were to say that they were not envious! Yun Yang was simply too lucky! "Let me tell the tale then." Ling Xiaozui spoke after Dugu Chou''s signal to proceed when he looked at him. Yun Yang was the one to shout for a pause. "Wait a minute, there''s someone else who needs to listen to this" He rushed out, pulling Ji Lingxi in hurriedly. Ji Lingxi was practicing by herself outside, so she was caught unaware by Yun Yang. Being hauled into the room like she was a chick, she lashed out angrily without being mindful of the situation, "You C" Just as she was about to teach him a lesson, she caught a glimpse of the two personages, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, looking at her with knowing grins. She could not help being flustered, her lifted arm suddenly losing the sense of direction and aim. "Sit down quickly. Listen to these two seniors about the cultivation levels. Haven''t you been bugged by the higher cultivation level issue?" Yun Yang instructed curtly pointing to a chair. Since he made a breakthrough, Yun Yang suddenly felt overwhelmingly confident of his capability and had since returned to his stance of "your brother has placed you under my care". Hearing this tone that had been long absent, Ji Lingxi''s rage bubbled and simmered. She suppressed it by rolling her eyes, but still perked up her ears to listen well. Evidently, the issue of higher level cultivation was still the plague that bothered her the most now. Ling Xiaozui began his speech when everyone was seated. "The so-called cultivation begins from the dantian. Driven by the Qi of heaven and earth, it courses through the nine orifices and thirteen meridians of the human body before melting into the individual to be used. I believe you all know this basic information. It''s the foundation for all cultivators. I''ll refrain from elaborating too much." "Any cultivator in Tianxuan Continent starts with mystical Qi once they begin their journey. The origin of mystical Qi was explained by a sage, ''The door to the way of life is mystical. Therefore, the Qi of this heaven and earth is called mystical Qi''." Ling Xiaozui''s words easily resolved Yun Yang''s doubt. "All cultivators assume that they''re better than others, so are their abilities that are incomparable to the common man. Based on this point, cultivators label their cultivation method and realm with exceptional exaggeration. Since unknown years ago, they''ve been called peak realm, heaven realm, and Dao realm. This is how the saying ''go through one peak after another, see one heaven after another; step onto the path to Dao, one sees the nine heavens again'' comes by." Yun Yang nodded to indicate his comprehension. Ling Xiaozui''s words were simple and short, but it captured the cultivation journey of Tianxuan''s cultivators precisely. Ji Lingxi began thinking, recalling her cultivation journey, and mumbled, "So this is how it is, I see" "However, the journey of cultivation is vast, its length unknown. How can it stop at only these three realms? The so-called pinnacle of this world is but the pinnacle of Tianxuan Continent''s cultivators. It was never the pinnacle of cultivation!" 746 God’s Shackles Ling Xiaozui''s soft voice was solemn, "This revelation may be easier to understand for the two of you since both your cultivation base have already gone past the ninth Dao realm. It comes as a matter of course to you that there must be a higher realm. In the past, however, many cultivators of Tianxuan Continent were hounded by this bottleneck for far too long. They knew that there was a path ahead of them, but they were clueless about how to go about it!" Yun Yang showed a hint of understanding but it was tinged with doubt. He paused before asking, "May I ask senior what is the reason behind this?" Ling Xiaozui chuckled dryly. "The bottleneck after the ninth Dao realm is a huge contrast against the barrier and bottleneck of the peak and heaven realm. When one reaches the maximum limit of the ninth Dao realm the dantian cannot contain anymore mystical Qi. However much that is absorbed will be lost. Based on such a premise, there is, naturally, no way forward." "This was the case until that one senior C upon achieving the pinnacle of his cultivation base-tried his hardest without the slightest bit of advancement. Stumped, his whereabouts was found out by his enemies as well. They gathered a dozen similarly-leveled masters and ambushed him." "It was intentional versus surprise. The senior was first poisoned then severely wounded from the ambush before he was pursued. Exhausted and at the brink of depletion, he thought he''d come to his end. Helpless, he was forced to trigger soul inducement, hoping to fight to his death alongside his enemies! However, not only was he utterly expended in Qi and energy at that point in time, he was suffering from too much damage. He was like a ragdoll that was so broken that he couldn''t even complete his soul inducement act." "However, it was at that critical juncture that he felt the mystical Qi flowing into his body, which arose from activating the art of soul inducement, didn''t seep away It had, instead, run amuck within his body. Quickly, he realized that there were two new chakras being awakened, adding to the nine chakras he had inside him!" "As these two new chakras were awakened, his capability shot up immediately followed by his rapid recovery. He eventually turned the tables around, and sent a dozen masters scrambling for their lives." "From then on, word went out among the skilled ones that there weren''t only nine chakras in one man! There were hidden chakras many more" Ling Xiaozui sighed. "Later, this stage would be called God''s Shackles by the later generations." "God''s Shackles" Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi mumbled it under their breath at the same time. "Yes, God''s Shackles. Not being able to reach this half-immortal realm, one will never be able to come into contact with this unusual seal," Ling Xiaozui sighed gently and said, "Since the beginning of time, for so many years that have passed, countless talented experts came to a halt right before this stage!" "The cultivation journey emphasizes one''s talent C this remains unchanged. However, this stage itself has already eliminated more than ninety percent of people in this world. Ascending to the heaven realm from the peak realm will remove another ninety percent of the remaining while going into the Dao realm, another ninety percent is gone. To advance from the Dao realm and face the God''s Shackles, ninety-nine percent of the remaining cultivators would have to be ruled out once again! Therefore, the probability of cultivators ascending to the God''s Shackles isn''t one in a million C there may not even be one in a million!" "This seems to be terriblyharsh!" "Up to now, this is the overall level of differentiation in Tianxuan Continent," Ling Xiaozui said, "Dugu and I, we''re the luckier ones. Dugu is a romantic who entered the martial arts, making his path of devotion C he''s devoted in love and martial arts, charging through the limit of chakras by chance. I don''t know how many he''s awakened in particular, but he''s gone into a whole new cultivation journey due to this." "As for me, I''ve entered the journey wholeheartedly by swordsmanship. To pass this stage" Ling Xiaozui shook his head bitterly, reluctant to recall his past. "Every time I try, I pierce through a chakra by stabbing my sword across myself" "Back and forth, I''ve attempted a total of fifteen times before taking advantage of the Water Pneuma Spell. Leveraging on the fortunate encounter with the magical fish, I''ve indeed charged past the barrier of God''s Shackles" "Then, I searched for the magical fish endlessly mainly to secure my realm. It''s the Qirin Fish I''m talking about." Ling Xiaozui glanced at Yun Yang with a smile. "It''s due to this that I come to Tiantang City often and got to know Young Sister Yun. Knowing you, young brother, was also because of this." Yun Yang nodded and smiled faintly. Recalling the moments when he just met Ling Xiaozui while they fished, such a long time had actually passed in just the blink of an eye. He had also grown to this stage from being an insignificant character. For an instant, it all felt like a lucid dream. Ji Lingxi asked from the side, "This is still different from my situation. When I cultivate, situations like being unable to absorb or leaking mystical Qi were never an issue. My cultivation base steadily increased and I just want to know what lies ahead." "Patience, patience. We''re about to come to the main topic I''ve fumbled a lot regarding further cultivation, even sneaking into the Bound of Universe and probing around The trip was hazardous, but I''ve come back fruitful. I have to say, the information in the Bound of Universe is indeed much more diverse than what Tianxuan Continent has" Ling Xiaozui replied. "With much effort, I''ve managed to collect some reliable information, thus revealing the riddle of cultivation in Tianxuan Continent." Ji Lingxi and Yun Yang could not help perking up their ears. Both of them were well aware that what Ling Xiaozui was about to say might perhaps be the most critical secret under this sky! "It is said that hundreds of thousands of years ago, Tianxuan Continent wasn''t called by this name. It was known as the Xuanxuan Continent!" "Xuanxuan Continent? What kind of name is that?" Yun Yang muttered and chortled. "Tianxuan Continent sounds better." Ling Xiaozui continued. "What''s the use of having a nice name? The Xuanxuan Continent of the past was teeming with powerful individuals who could summon the heaven and earth C that was the prime, the best days" "Legend has it that there was once a youth, a popinjay like you C well, he was different from you C he was actually a real popinjay then, an incorrigible one. However, once he gained his senses, he worked hard and improved swiftly. His progress went up in a straight line, unhindered and smooth. Later, he became the ruler of the Xuanxuan Continent. He spent no more than twenty years to complete all of these. No one could top his speed of advancement even if he weren''t the first to have done it!" "Twenty years!" Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi exchanged a glance, shock reflected in their eyes. "Ascending from the worldly realm and becoming a ruler of one place in less than twenty years Is this really possible?" This sounded exactly like a myth, a mystical story C an absurd legend! Could this really have happened? 747 The Origin of the Bound of Universe "No, you didn''t hear it wrongly. It has truly been less than twenty years. Exactly how many years it really was, well, that''d be another story. After all, it''s been far too long. The actual timeline had long since vanished in the long river of history Only references from books of historical legends recorded the amazing talent of this master. However, he was individualistic in his affairs, situating himself between good and evil when faced with matters of life. He was both righteous and corrupt, depending on his whim. It was due to this peculiar temperament that he was called the Heretical Overlord! For a long after this, no one dared to mention his real name. Any records about him called him by Sir Overlord, for fear of speaking his true name." Ling Xiaozui said with respect. "Heretical Overlord," Yun Yang mumbled, feeling the might as well as unspeakable command the name carried. "This Sir Heretical Overlord has left behind many famous legends in the Xuanxuan Continent. Because of his incredible cultivation base, the world slowly lost its hold over the dominion of this Sir Heretical Overlord. In the end, Sir Heretical Overlord left through the void with his beautiful lover!" "The entire land could not contain this person''s magnificent command" Yun Yang could not but be astounded, his gaze filled with admiration and anticipation. "So it was said. According to history, the Xuanxuan Continent documented the cultivation as such the first to ninth Mystique was called Mystic, then it was Silver Mystic, Gold Mystic, Jade Mystic, Earth Mystic, Heaven Mystic, Immortal Mystic, Supreme, Supreme Acme, Honor, Saint and so on and so forth" "The cultivation base levels then were thorough. In comparison, the ninth Dao realm that''s our cultivation pinnacle now is probably around the level of Supreme Acme in the past" "The rest of the cultivation journey and other particular methods were long lost in the Tianxuan Continent. Since the legacy had vanished, there was no way to go on." Ling Xiaozui heaved a sigh. "What do you mean the legacy has vanished and there''s no way to go on?" Ji Lingxi''s eyes were wide open. "The path of cultivation has existed since the start of time. It prevails and the priority has always been to pass it down. Since it still exists, it''s would be incorrect to say that it has disappeared, much less completely vanished. Isn''t it ridiculous to say there''s no way to go on?" Ling Xiaozui chuckled dryly. "Ridiculous? Yes, it does sound ridiculous, doesn''t it?Utterly unreasonable and illogical. Nonetheless, this is the fact, the reality of these things which are related to Sir Heretical Overlord. Before he crushed the void and left, he performed an earth-shattering feat. He saved all the lives on the continent. His grace was magnanimous, extending to all life forms. Yet, after he left C who knows how long it''s been - the great work he left behind was coveted by many." "This wasn''t surprising, given the forgetful and greedy nature of man. On the premise that it isn''t relevant to one''s benefit, one may still think of the good in the past. Once there is something to gain, however, one can do anything. The so-called kinship is present only when the rewards of betrayal aren''t adequate!" "In spite of this, what was even more tragic was that the spiteful ones didn''t only covet the doings he left behind, they wished to wipe away all traces of the Heretical Overlord in this realm. The mastermind was tactical; he did not mind the centuries it took to erect sects and spread its teachings to the world. They intentionally emphasized the ''heretical'' portion of Sir Heretical Overlord, saying that he was of an evil cult. The fact that the world was saved was only by chance, it wasn''t due to his good intentions." "By then, it had been far too long since the Sir Heretical Overlord had left. What he left behind was already teetering, no longer as prosperous as it had been. There were only a remaining few guarding the last remnants. As for the people of those times, they had already long forgotten Sir Heretical Overlord''s benevolence, whether intentionally or otherwise, swiftly swapping stances." "At that time, a descendant of Sir''s longtime friend, who was also the continent''s wealthiest man, did not mind expending his fortune to guard Sir Heretical Overlord''s creation. He was, instead, targeted by the world and had his family ruined and killed" "Maybe God is watching everything we do. During the final moment when the land was well under the sway of the mastermind and he was about to banish the last of Sir Heretical Overlord''s legacy with his combined forces Sir Overlord returned from traveling the universe and came across the nefarious plot." "It is still unknown if the return was a lucky or unlucky coincidence C by chance or a destined happening!" "After the Overlord understood what was happening, he sneered, ''I saved the world back then, I can destroy the world now! Since my benevolence has been forgotten, then remember my wrath!''" "Before his words echoed, Sir Heretical Overlord began to act. With an easy flip of his wrist, he banished all those in the Xuanxuan Continent who participated in the rebellion. After a while, all proficient cultivators were killed, without exception!" Yun Yang sucked in a cold breath. All those on the continent who were not on his side had been destroyed with a flip of his hand! According to Ling Xiaozui''s tale, the mastermind had absorbed almost everyone in the land, meaning that everyone in the realm was against him. Then, did it mean that the flick of his wrist had wiped out everyone on the continent? Had billions of lives been lost, just like that? With the flip of a palm? "Those who were left behind were the insignificant ones who were unqualified to join the rebellion. More than a ninth of the total population had been instantly exterminated" "In the end, the Sir Heretical Overlord chuckled and said, ''You didn''t want traces of me in this land, thus you resorted to every trick up your sleeves to erase them. I shouldn''t fulfill your wish, but you''re all dead C your wish is but a dream. Yet, the lives in this continent have done this to me C to my descendants. It''d be an insult for traces of my legacy to still be left here!''" "Thereafter, Sir Heretical Overlord raised his hand again C this time, he split a new world open, out of thin air! He moved everything of him into that realm and named the new world C Bound of Universe!" Ling Xiaozui looked at Yun Yang and said, "This is the Bound of Universe and how it came about." "Now, do you understand why there isn''t a higher-level heritage in the Tianxuan Continent? It was because Sir Heretical Overlord loathed this land. He had erased all the proficient knowledge from this continent with a single thought, leaving only parts of Honor behind" "Consequently, to go a step or even a few steps further, one must enter the Bound of Universe." Ling Xiaozui chuckled humorlessly and said, "If our current cultivation base were to be placed in the Bound of Universe, it should be at the standard of the Honor cultivation base. Still, we have no idea how many levels are there in Honor. After all, we know nothing about the cultivation method above it. Even when we''ve gone to the Bound of Universe, we have to join a school or serve a family to be able to learn it." "This is the main reason I have not wished to travel to the Bound of Universe. Those in the Bound of Universe do not welcome people from the Tianxuan Continent. To them, we''re cultivators from a place that God despises C we are greedy, cruel and full of wild ambitions, and simply revolting." Ling Xiaozui chuckled dryly and looked bitter. Yun Yang sighed subconsciously as well. 748 The Two Freaks Yun Yang could empathize with Ling Xiaozui''s feelings. Even without his status and background, if a person who had been at the top of the Tianxuan Continent and commanding the scene for so long were to refuse the fate of mediocrity once he got to the Bound of Universe, he had to find a source of influential support and depend on it. Maybe one could be an ordinary disciple of a school and slowly make his way up the ladder; maybe one could attach himself to a noble family as a serving man C yet, what was the difference in that from being a simple home servant? Furthermore, there was the status of being one who came from a place that God despised. It was awful! Such was the case. Forget the fact that Ling Xiaozui was reluctant to go, even Yun Yang was not willing to as well. Nonetheless, there was no way forward if they remained where they were. This was a dead end with no other solution in sight! "Bound of Universe How big is it?" Yun Yang mused. "Very, very big C barely describable with words!" Ling Xiaozui chuckled flatly. "I''ve snuck in before by chance, using a gem. Fortunately, what I wanted to know wasn''t exactly confidential in the Bound of Universe. It was only pure bad luck that my prized possession was destroyed when my identity was exposed and I fell out of the void passage during an ambush." "It''s actually quite simple if we want to go to Bound of Universe again now. As long as you concentrate all of your cultivation base to trigger the domain sense, the crack in space will automatically be activated and you can enter the Bound of Universe through this crack. However, this method easily allows the people from the Bound of Universe to find out our origins and background. Once our identities are exposed we''re basically the lowest caste C acaste that hails from where God despises!" Dugu Chou sighed too. "No way... If this is the case, how did Lei Dongtian come over the other day? He was so proud of his cultivation base, proud of the fact that although he wasn''t the best, he was still one of the proficient experts." Yun Yang asked with no small amount of surprise, "Lei Dongtian''s cultivation base was indeed impressive then, but now it can only be considered meager. How could he travel back and forth freely? There must be a reason behind" There was also Yun Yang''s sixth brother, Supreme Thunder, who came from the Bound of Universe. His cultivation base was worse than what was required, but he had, nonetheless, come to the Tianxuan Continent. How could there not be any reason for this? Ling Xiaozui said in a puzzled tone, "There must be some special method If one could travel between the Bound of Universe and Tianxuan Continent freely when their cultivation base is lower than ours, I''d never believe it C there must be many restraining conditions!" "Oh" Yun Yang mused. Perhaps this could explain why Lei Dongtian had not returned after leaving. What could the reason actually be? "Speaking of cultivation base" Ling Xiaozui looked at both Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi while saying, "We two old men have worked hard, experiencing countless life and death threats, before we managed to break through God''s Shackles by luck. The two of you young ones, though C how did it happen?" Dugu Chou looked perturbed as well as he said, "That''s correct. Situations like those that the two of you have experienced are unheard of" "Previously, I was thinking perhaps Yun Yang had gone through a rebirth due to the Residence of Nine Supremes. Looking at it now, Lady Ji''s cultivation base reached God''s Shackles earlier. The depth of your cultivation base now may be higher than both of us old men This is very puzzling." As he spoke, he grabbed Yun Yang''s hand to check his meridians, sending out his refined mystical Qi to check Yun Yang''s body. Yun Yang was not peeved at all, making no move to reject the intrusion. He was very puzzled about his current state as well. However, Dugu Chou pulled back abruptly in the midst of his inspection. He raised his head, watching Yun Yang like he had seen a ghost. "You C you How many chakras have been awakened in you? Have you, in truth, been gifted with a mysterious physique?" Yun Yang scratched his head. "This junior is truly unaware of this. This junior had only seven awakened chakras initially, but through many fated encounters and the incident this time, I''ve come to the state that I''m in now. May I ask how many chakras are awakened in both seniors?" He gazed towards Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou. Dugu Chou was silent with an irked face, but Ling Xiaozui openly replied, "I have fifteen now. Let me see your" As he spoke, he began checking Yun Yang''s meridians as well. Similarly, before his mystical Qi could make a cycle through Yun Yang''s meridians, he retracted his hand with a sudden jolt. His head lifted in shock, eyes staring right at Yun Yang, and his breathing was somewhat labored. "You All are awakened?" He turned to look at Dugu Chou and the latter nodded reluctantly. The two experts were speechless. They had made half a cycle, but they could already tell that there were over a hundred chakras in Yun Yang, at the very least. If they had completed the cycle around his body, what could the final count be? How many chakras could possibly exist in one person? Dugu Chou looked upset as he said, "I have sixteen. It took me over five hundred and seventy years. Since a hundred and twenty years ago, there hasn''t been any progress" Ji Lingxi extended her arm with even more interest, saying, "Please see how many do I have awakened C if I have more than Yun Yang!" Ling Xiaozui helped the lady and twitched like he was being electrocuted. His eyes threatened to fall out of his sockets. "Yours are fully awakened as well? You have even more than Yun Yang! How is this even possible?" "What?" Dugu Chou stood up in shock and grabbed Ji Lingxi''s hand to check. Then, he slumped down on his chair; a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. "How can such a thing happen in this world? Oh, God" The two experts were flummoxed. Ji Lingxi spoke up feebly, "I don''t know what has happened to Yun Yang, but C anyway C my chakras have been a mess since I was born. It''s countless, and it was decided a long time ago that my cultivation journey wouldn''t go far My family hasn''t been fond of me since It''s only recently that everything has improved after a few nights of good slumber." Things were still manageable before she revealed the reality of her situation. Once she did, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou immediately felt like breaking down. ''Do you mean your chakras were already visible when you were born? They were awakened with some sleep?'' ''We''ve cultivated all our lives and it can''t compare to the simple event of your birth'' ''How flashy! You can ascend straight into immortality then C why flaunt your abilities at talentless people like us?'' ''Pardon?'' The two Unrivaled Experts were baffled by the current situation before them. They felt immensely maligned as well. Such a feeling was truly a first for them. It was simply unfair! ''If you two had gone through grueling cultivation and lots of other things before so many chakras had been awakened, we wouldn''t feel as bad!'' ''Awakened since birth What the heck? How is this possible?'' ''This is what cheating looks like, isn''t it?'' ''The God''s Shackles that had impeded everyone doesn''t even exist with the both of you!'' Compared to the speechlessness of the elders, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were ecstatic, anticipatory, even. "If so doesn''t that mean that our cultivation base is already at the same standard? More so, mine would be highest C I improved further yesterday" Ji Lingxi was eager. "Why don''t we try it out?" 749 An Unconfident Exchange Ling Xiaozui was ruffled, breathing heavily as he said, "Might as well. I haven''t flexed a muscle for a long time. Cultivation base affects one''s combat power, but that doesn''t make us equal" Dugu Chou snorted as well, speaking with a raised chin, "That''s right. Even if our levels are similar, there''ll still be differences in our combat power, the stability of our foundation, and state of mind" In other words, the two older men were trying to say, "Don''t think you two are gifted C you''re still far from us compared to the years of experience we accumulated." Ji Lingxi was on the edge of her seat and ready to pounce, almost shouting a war cry at that very moment. "Don''t, let me go first." Yun Yang was quick to stop her. "Let me test the waters with the two seniors first Then, I''ll fight with you afterward. Our differences can be compared this way C and it''s better." Ji Lingxi retorted angrily, "Why are you like this? Both seniors have agreed to fight me. What are you doing, coming in between us?" Yun Yang scoffed without answering her. Instead, he rolled his eyes at her, hard. Ji Lingxi who had been glared at, quieted down, feeling terribly maligned. She immediately understood Yun Yang''s intention and she knew that this was indeed the only way to go. It would be a fatal disaster if the red light that was placed upon her flashed during the friendly fight. The peculiar beam of crimson looked like it had only hindered Yun Yang up to now and did not look as lethal but in reality This applied only to Yun Yang C Yun Yang who was immensely able and had many ''cheats'' up his sleeves. It was a trap C anyone else who encountered the red light would have already been reincarnated at this point If the red light did flash amidst the exchange of skills and killed both Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou it would be a disaster. With the amount of power the beam of crimson possessed, there was at least seventy to eighty percent of danger, if not a hundred percent. Such a high risk must never be taken! Outside, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei were setting up dishes diligently while Bai Yixue had gone around the city to buy unusual delicacies in bulk. Xiao Shaoqing roamed around freely, occasionally sniffing and frowning, as he muttered to himself, "Where are all the good wines in the Residence of Yun? The aromatic scent of wine can''t even be whiffed in this spacious residence C this isn''t what we agreed to!" After spending some time with this fellow, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei had gone from being polite and respectful towards an honorable guest to the current state of ignoring him. The fellow was old and a generation higher than the both of them C if they were to be peers to Bai Yixue, Xiao Shaoqing was naturally a generation higher; if age was the sole factor, the fellow was even older than Ling Xiaozui, since he was Dugu Chou''s only disciple; he must be aged by his years. In spite of this, Fang Mofei and Lao Mei really did not take the man into any account nor did they treat him like a senior. The man was a fool! When they had met for the first time and exchanged pleasantries, saying things like, "Senior, you don''t look old at all", it had pleased the fellow so much that he laughed heartily and boasted about his appeared for a long time. Such pleasantries were only to be lightly commented by others C how could one boast about it and for so long as well? What was more, the fellow was insistent on becoming sworn brothers with Fang Mofei, who praised his youthful look Fang Mofei almost broke down at that. ''I''d have to sever ties with Bai Yixue tomorrow if I were to become your sworn brother.'' ''This''d be the least severe outcome. What if I were to be greeted by his sword? This isn''t how you frame someone, even if you wanted to!'' There was also Yun Xiaoyao, who came by to ask about the preparations. The meal was more than it was made out to be. This was the first time King Yun had realized the true identity of the two middle-aged men who had stayed in his house for a few days. Ling Xiaozui! Dugu Chou! King Yun was close to fainting when he heard these two names. They were legends of the martial world C legends that had never expired, and they were all residing in his house right at this very moment! King Yun decided to keep them company tonight. It would be best if these two men could provide some insights into Yun Yang''s skill It had never crossed King Yun''s mind that right now, behind the closed doors to Yun Yang''s yard, Yun Yang was already practicing with Ling Xiaozui This could be considered providing insight in another way as well! "After you!" "After you!" Ling Xiaozui dared not take the situation lightly when facing the current version of Yun Yang. The latter was on par with him now. Even though he was still a few ranks higher than Yun Yang, should they scrutinize things carefully... Yun Yang had too many tricks up his sleeves. Without putting himself down, Ling Xiaozui would say that the result was still unpredictable if Yun Yang unleashed all his abilities in an all-out brawl. He thought that there was a huge possibility that the one defeated at the end would be he himself! Luckily this was just an exchange C yes, an exchange, a purely friendly fight! However, Ling Xiaozui had still brandished his sword first, gripping it in his hands. He said with a smile, "An exchange that makes me pull out my sword first before the fight begins C this is my first. Nothing wrong with being careful. I don''t want to admit it, but I have to admit it." "Similarly, this is also my first that I''m embarrassed to show my saber before the exchange," said Yun Yang. Ling Xiaozui was speechless, so was Dugu Chou. Why did he not dare brandish his sword for a friendly fight? Was he trying to maintain a sense of decorum? "My saber" Yun Yang chuckled dryly. "Is too sharp. I''m afraid that it would ruin senior''s sword with just a slight tap. Why don''t we put away our weapons and use ordinary swords and sabers?" Ling Xiaozui swore that this was absolutely the first time in his life that he was so vastly underestimated. Who, in this world, dared to say that they could break Ling Xiaozui''s sword in one strike? That would be absurd C crazy, a dreaming fool! Now, Yun Yang had said so in all propriety. He was even abashed as if he was reluctant to take a huge advantage. Yet, Ling Xiaozui really did not dare say "No need to worry, we''ll use our own weapons.". It was because he had seen Yun Yang''s saber. It was truly, incomparably sharp! His own sword was divine, but compared to the saber, it was far off the mark. At most, it could only afford a bout of play-fighting; an actual clash would crush the sword. If he had gone against the previous Yun Yang, he could shield his sword with his proficient cultivation base and stop before the blade was damaged. The younger man''s cultivation base had improved so much now and he was at the delicate point where he could not control his strength well C who knew if his lifetime partner would be ruined by this fellow''s saber? Consequently C "Then let us use a normal sword and saber." Ling Xiaozui''s words made Dugu Chou stare at him for a long time. The gaze held volumes of meaning. Ling Xiaozui flushed red from the stare. ''You, Ling Xiaozui, aren''t confident to guard your sword before a child?" 750 Fight! Ling Xiaozui said spitefully, "Use your sword when you fight with him later, if you have the spine to do so C it''d best fit you and you can fight easily!" "Do you think I''m stupid?" Dugu Chou scoffed and retorted by rolling his eyes. Ling Xiaozui was tongue-tied with rage. ''If you''re not stupid, then why did you look at me with that gaze? What''s the meaning of it? Are you dumb?'' Ling Xiaozui''s stance was natural and at ease, filled with grace and efficiency. Whatever sword it was, even a broken piece of steel, it could become an exquisite blade, a killing weapon that could break apart mountains and oceans, once he held it in his hands. On the other hand, the saber in Yun Yang''s grip looked insignificant. It was just an ordinary saber. "Come on now," Ling Xiaozui spoke with ease, "Let me see how much you''ve improved." Yun Yang did not hold back either. What the rocket-like escalation of his cultivation base needed the most now was an opponent like Ling Xiaozui. This friendly match was significant to Yun Yang C it was utterly important. Saber light glinted as Yun Yang''s hands moved, spilling over into the vicinity. An abundance of mystical Qi surged like a roaring tsunami. The common saber actually flashed with blinding brilliance as it was raised, its wielder yelling, "This style is called Merciless Blade!" A flash of cold light flickered as if it came straight down from the heavens, but it felt like the gleam separated the heaven and earth into two. The force did not seem to come close to stopping, even after dividing the land under one''s feet into two! "Merciless indeed!" Ling Xiaozui''s sword light glinted as he drove against the style head on. Just as he came into contact with the attack, he could feel the intense backlash awaiting him. What shocked him, however, was the indescribable power hidden in the style that felt vaguely like it was locking in on the target''s energy. A wonderful saber style! Ling Xiaozui''s eyes were sparkling with glee. Despite his astonishment at the initial attack of the Destiny Blade, he still had to break it with one style. After seven to eight twists, the tip of his sword deflected right against Yun Yang''s saber blade before it yielded. This was the first time an opponent had broken his style and he was even put on the defensive since Yun Yang had comprehended Destiny Blade as his own saber truth. However, Ling Xiaozui could not launch his counterattack directly at the simple strike directed against him, but had, instead, used seven to eight distraction styles. It seemed easy to others, but Dugu Chou who was watching the match from the sidelines showed no small amount of surprise in his gaze. Who was Ling Xiaozui? He was a great master of his art. Without exaggeration, Ling Xiaozui could parry any style in this world, even if it was already halfway executed before him. He could break, deflect, counter, and subdue an opponent with just one strike. Now that he was facing Yun Yang, why did he have to add so many twists? This should not be. Yun Yang retracted his saber accordingly. "Merciless Dao!" The saber light slithered like a dragon, gleaming ferociously. The saber light illuminated the mirage of a pathway to heaven; it was lonesome and very far up, so high that it seemed cold and distant. Anyone who walked the path would be chopped up mercilessly! Ling Xiaozui switched his stance, making seventeen or eighteen position swaps, only to still be caught in the pursuit of this style. There was a flash of surprise in his eyes as he moved again. The sword light cried and made an aggressive counterattack. Blade To Heaven''s South!Ling Xiaozui made his move. Dugu Chou squinted. He was well aware of Ling Xiaozui''s plan since the very beginning. Rather than calling this an exchange of skills, Ling Xiaozui was inclined to tutor Yun Yang''s saber truth with his proficient cultivation base and years of experience. If he could help the youth in stabilizing his cultivation base through this friendly match, that would be best. These were what Yun Yang needed the most due to his swift advancement. Like an exquisite sword that was being shaped, it needed to be pounded by a huge hammer to rid it of impurities and refine it to be the world''s greatest blade. The part that Ling Xiaozui was taking on now was the character of the huge hammer. Since it was supposed to be a training session, it did not matter whether Ling Xiaozui initiated an attack. He only needed to tackle the drill with a secure defense and make some comments after it ended. However, even Dugu Chou had not expected that Ling Xiaozui was already forced to make a move during the second exchange. It was easily discernible that if the latter was just going along the practice, it was impossible that he would be able to rebuff such a powerful strike that hinted at the cold Dao. With a clang, both weapons collided. Yun Yang made a flip and flicked his saber outwards. A spray of saber gleam showered outwards like a sky of meteors. As if from the heavens, they fell like they naturally belonged to heaven and earth. "Saber Laic." Ling Xiaozui remained stationary as he hollered, "Drunken Sword of Stars!" Glittering bars of sword rays sprang out from his sword as his wrist flicked rapidly. The millions of sword gleams worked as a rebuttal, rebuffing the countless saber lights from the Saber Laic. In spite of this, Ling Xiaozui realized the seriousness of the situation. He had only managed to deflect the style due to his proficient cultivation base and extensive experience. If it had been someone slightly weaker than he was, the only option was retreat! What was more, the retreat might not be done in time. "Life and Death in a Thought!" Yun Yang''s voice served as a timely reminder of this. Instantly, a ruthless style was executed in full sequence; the sky was full of the saber glow, resembling the upended river of heaven, way more powerful than the Saber Laic. "As expected!" Ling Xiaozui sucked in a deep breath. The main goal of the last style was indeed to force one to withdraw; if the opponent had indeed opted to retreat, he would have to pay a substantial price facing this subsequent pursuit C at the very least, the opponent would be panicking by now. "This is a follow-up from victory. It''s best to use when one is at the active end! Even when it can''t kill the enemy immediately, it can aid the flow of events to true victory!" Ling Xiaozui exclaimed. Based on his insight and experience, he could easily perceive the unique edge of this style. He even recognized the fact that Yun Yang did not give it his all due to certain reasons. If he had unleashed his full power "Upended River of Blood!" Yun Yang''s clear voice rang out again and as it did, a surging saber light followed, coming in like a tidal wave. Ling Xiaozui felt as if a flowing river of blood had suddenly materialized before him; it poured from the sky, its force unstoppable! "Good one!" Facing the next attack, Ling Xiaozui could not help uttering the compliment with genuine astonishment. There was no other reason except that the style was truly ruthless and tyrannical! The borderless bloodlust and endless murderous intent frightened even Ling Xiaozui, despite his experienced state of mind. Even when Yun Yang was yet to unleash the most powerful of this style, the terrifying image of a gushing river of blood from the sky falling to become a pool of crimson copper in the human realm sufficed to shake anyone. Ling Xiaozui switched his state of mind instantly, chanting the Ice Core Charm inwardly to calm himself down. He closed his eyes to shut out the gory image, but the sword in his hand buzzed and drew adefensive wall, purely made of refined sword glow. He used his capability to defend and took two steps back for buffering space. Prepared for a follow-up attack, he would hit back at once when the strike slowed down. Honestly, Ling Xiaozui''s countermeasure was marvelous. Even if it were Dugu Chou or Jun Moyan, there could hardly be a better case. It was too bad that before the Upended River of Blood matured, Yun Yang had retracted the saber before an unusual outline of a dome formed. "Reincarnation under Saber!" 751 A Divine Saber Truth! Reincarnation under the Saber! What a brilliant and simple meaning this line carried! Whoever you were, however strong you might have been, reincarnate under this saber of mine! Ling Xiaozui was shocked once again. Logically, most of the pinnacle forces in this world would have prioritised some semblance of defense and kept only ten to twenty percent of their forces for a counterattack if they were to be met with the savage Upended River of Blood where crimson painted the entire vicinity. Yet, Ling Xiaozui''s skill had allowed him to see through the style before he deflected it. Not only was an offense hidden in his defense, but his parry also was not wholly passive. Once his opponent''s attacks became predictable, Ling Xiaozui could launch an attack of his own, using the reserved buffer room and turn his defeat into a victory. It was a wonderful countermeasure. In spite of such a brilliant countermeasure, it was still within the judgement of the Destiny Blade''s creator. Before the Upended River of Blood came to its end, a special whirlpool came into being and thus shaped a bizarre atmosphere that separated the two men. It caused Ling Xiaozui''s subsequent move to be in vain. If he went on with his initial plan and launched a chase at this moment, he would fall into the strange energy field instead and be caught irrecoverable in the trap. During the same instant when the energy field was formed, Yun Yang''s saber struck once again. It overturned the energy field and flowed into a new wave of offensive measures. The magical saber style was predicting the enemy''s every move C it was simply mystical! By then, Ling Xiaozui concluded with his years of combat experience that it was barely possible for whoever facing this strike to escape it unscathed. One could only hope to escape based on their actual cultivation base. Fighting persistently, however, meant facing an utterly strange and contradicting force field. How could one then perceive the attacker''s direction and destination of his blade that was manipulating the force field? In reality, this was the danger of this style. Ling Xiaozui let out a howl and spun rapidly. Being unable to parry the style did not mean he had to take it passively. Leveraging on his swiveling speed and intense sword energy, he formed sword mountain that securely defended himself. This was the best method to rebuff the attack C using the most direct and secure defense. It was also the best way to parry the current strike. There was a precondition, however, that was the opponent must have a much higher cultivation base than the attacker. Using an ultimate defense that was so passive, the depletion of cultivation base would be far more than that of his opponent''s. If both parties had an equal cultivation base, it was absolutely impossible to thoroughly parry this strike! In simpler words, the defender was fighting solely based on his mightier power! Dugu Chou, who was the spectator to this match, had his eyes rounded like saucers. Ling Xiaozui had fought this exchange with Yun Yang by suppressing his ability to one that was similarly on par with the latter, but he was already on the losing end within a few exchanges. One must know that it had only been no more than four exchanges, but Ling Xiaozui had taken the chance to increase his level to manage the situation. "How could there be such magical saber truth in this world!" Dugu Chou was musing as he watched from the side. The clarity from the sidelines allowed him to put himself in Ling Xiaozui''s shoes. Were there other countermeasures other than Ling Xiaozui''s approach to rebut this strike? Upon contemplation, he had to admit that there was truly no second input. Other counterattacks would only put one in a worse state, accelerating one''s defeat. Now that he had witnessed it personally, if he were to go up and face this strike promptly, he would actually make the same move without a second option to consider! "The saber style is really a wonder. If I hadn''t seen it personally, I''d never believe such divine trick C tricks!" Dugu Chou sighed as he watched and studied. Yun Yang''s saber styles were divine and contradictory C they were filled with impossibilities but it was due to this that they showcased a flawless perfection. After all, contradictories and impossibilities are absolute perfection! His gaze trailed Yun Yang''s execution closely and the elder was surprised to realize that each form and style of the Destiny Blade contained a dozen to over twenty and more Qi circulation methods. The circulations were working on an illogical yet specific regularity. If one or several methods were to be forced to circulate, the executor would die from his meridians exploding. There was simply no exception to this. In spite of this, the dozen to over twenty types of circulation created a uniquely delicate cycle; not only was it harmless, but it was also beneficial! It was such a circulation that caused the style itself to multiply. "The one who created this saber truth mustn''t be a man!" Dugu Chou was filled with reverence. "He must be God!" Unless it was God''s wisdom and God''s realization, how could such flawless saber forms, that should not belong to the human realm, be created? A soft clang signaled that Ling Xiaozui''s sword and Yun Yang''s saber had finally collided. When the offense did not withdraw and the defense was thoroughly secure, the weapons must meet to decide the result by force! Ling Xiaozui did not exert himself by force during the collision. He took three steps back as he waved his sword in a crisscross motion to protect himself. It was still a parry that attacked, despite being effectively defensive. He did not lose his edge, waiting to pounce anytime. It was an unexpected event that Yun Yang leveraged on the collision and floated, traversing a hundred feet of distance. Then, the tip of his saber pointed downwards as the saber''s blade waved horizontally. It landed gracefully without any aggression, like the nine heaven''s wind that caressed the human realm silently. If one had not paid attention to feel it, one would not be able to feel even the slightest breeze. Perhaps, it should be said that the breeze had already carried itself over mountains and rivers and the human world when one did not sense it. The breeze had silently grazed the world. It was soft, but it was everywhere! "That''s right, this is C Wind Beyond the Sky!" Yun Yang''s clear voice rang out amidst the saber light, while Ling Xiaozui looked unprecedentedly concerned. With a flick of his sword, the sword light that danced around the tip of the weapon surged like it was going all out when facing a formidable enemy, like it was unleashing its all! Ling Xiaozui understood very well that despite the gentleness of the soft breeze that did not show any damaging power, it could actually transform into thunder and lightning or a violent storm at any time! The same issue remained that no one would not know when the wind would change; maybe it was the next moment, maybe whenever! This was the gravest matter as there was no solution to it! Ling Xiaozui could only continue his defensive bladework and protect himself. His sword flashed up and down, buzzing at the speed. Slashes were dealt out, building piles of sword mountains all over himself to assume multiple layers of defense. 752 Ling Xiaozuis Regre Since he could not be certain of when his enemy would change his form of attack, he opted to meet all the possible variations consistently , to ensure his safety as much as possible before thinking of subsequent counterattacks. To face all the possible variations consistently; perhaps it was the same as sticking to one method and figure out the rest of the changes! The soft breeze turned into a harsh tornado, spitting out biting iciness. Ling Xiaozui felt chilled to the bone. It was as if the blade could cut any part of the body. Unfortunately, there was no way for him to back down now, as Yun Yang had disappeared alongside the breeze, as he had never existed. The source of the attack was gone C Ling Xiaozui could not even enact a risky or extreme counterattack that might strike right back at the source! Such a change was not due to Yun Yang''s cloud manifestation, but from a natural phenomenon derived from the style Wind Beyond the Sky. With Ling Xiaozui''s mastery, he could still recognize this well. However, comprehension was merely an acknowledgement. how to rebuff it was an entirely different matter . It was the same as understanding how something worked; it didn''t necessarily mean knowing how to manage it. At this moment, Ling Xiaozui had a random stray thought, "It''d be great to let Dugu Chou teach him Why did I volunteer?" It seemed that he regretted his decision. It was too bad that man would always regret after facing an issue, though it was too late, when things could no longer be mended. Ling Xiaozui, who was in a dire state, made up his mind. He exerted more force to continuously shield himself with the sword mountains; he turned the attribute of his sword energy from aggressive to gentle as well, leaving instantly once it came into contact and never lingered. Whatever direction the attack came from, he would have a countering strike ready. Although it was hopeless to rebuff, there was no doubt it could maintain the current status C not a victory, but not a defeat. Ding, ding, ding, ding The collision of saber and sword went on consecutively for dozens to hundreds of times, but what was heard was only soft noises akin to the sound of silver needles falling to the floor. Ling Xiaozui let out a breath of relief, discreetly breaking out in cold sweat. It was fortunate that Yun Yang had not fully mastered this style yet. Perhaps his current cultivation base was limiting him, and he could hardly exude the real essence of the style. This allowed Ling Xiaozui to retain his last line of defense. Otherwise, this style alone should have sufficed to defeat him and sweep his grand reputation off his shoulders! The intricacy of the style was exceptionally divine, so much so that it was completely unpredictable. If a level had to be attributed to the style, only a phrase could describe it; it was not of the human realm! Then, a devastating sense of murderous intent flooded the air. It was extremely inexorable, looking like it was going to massacre the entire human realm. "This style is called C Mountain of Ivory Bones!" Yun Yang spun in the air. His saber light sprayed out hundreds of flickering glints, each one hundreds of feet long. When he turned again, he drew an odd arc with the weapon in his hand, targeting it right at Ling Xiaozui, and dealt the blow in the most direct, extreme and violent way. Simultaneously, the hundreds of saber energy rays spilled earlier returned, as if summoned, when the pitiless blow was levelled. All of them had gathered into the strike Yun Yang was making. Faced with the force of this blow, Ling Xiaozui who was in the battle and Dugu Chou who were outside were both baffled C this attack had exceeded their knowledge of forms and styles! If they were to dissect the saber style, it was easy to explain. The hundreds of saber glints splattered during the initial stage of Yun Yang''s style was a wide-ranged attack intended to lock onto a target, a prelude to the lethal kill. As for the killing stroke, not only would it heighten the attacker''s attacking power to its maximum, the shower of saber energy could ensure the target''s inability to avoid the attack, leaving it to tackle it head-on. The convergence of the saber light looked bizarre as well, but it belonged to an ace cultivator''s trick of morphing his saber forms and styles. Applying these singularly was not worthy of a marvel, the most it could achieve was to be exceptionally brilliant. What happened was indeed a combined display of the narration above. However, the final assembly of the dispersed saber energy by Yun Yang was without loss, fortified, even. The converged attack was basically the act of merging the hundreds of rays of saber energy all into the final blow. This was a terrifying method which had never been heard of! No matter how excellent a saber style was, it had to follow the most basic laws of physics. The spread of saber energy had dispersed C how did one retract it after changing the style? The two elder men''s thoughts flashed back to the instant when Yun Yang made a twist to his style when he drew an arc. Could that be the moment where he recollected the hundreds of saber glints he littered? However, the arc was supposed to act as a barrier to the outer world. How could it work like a whirlpool? Furthermore, the energy was drawn in without any loss. How did he actually do it? Both seniors pondered and calculated. To be able to do this, Yun Yang would have to cultivate Qi and manipulate his pulses in a logic-defying way, countless times within himself. Once such a lightbulb went off in their mind, it seemed like they realized the works behind it yet the actual elaboration only chilled and astounded them further. This was contradictory to normal cultivation theory. It was something that should not be happening at all! In spite of that, it had actually happened to Yun Yang. The reality of it was somewhat disconcerting! Compared to Dugu Chou, who was a spectator and had time to slowly consider the possibilities, Ling Xiaozui who was battling had no opportunity to go through any more details. What he could do now was only to cope as well as he could, based on his extensive experience and knowledge, as well as his personal grasp on cultivation. He transformed into a flash of sword gleam and soared into the sky, making an aggressive counterattack. When one was faced with such a strike, one could only live through death, seeking for the survival path from the lethal impasse. Ling Xiaozui really felt like it was a mountain of corpses and an ocean of blood before him, that he was stood right in front of an actual ascent of ivory bones! The style lived up to its name indeed. Just the devastating murderous intent and sanguinariness could evoke fear in any expert before they even fought. Cold sweat drenched Ling Xiaozui''s back. With a boom, the saber and sword met once more. The split second where the collision happened, Ling Xiaozui retreated swiftly as if admitting defeat. His withdrawing form swapped between some twenty to thirty spots in the yard, deep tightly packed saber dents marking everywhere he had been. Ling Xiaozui had still managed to evade the blow. The style''s killing threat was already formed. In addition to its prior target, it was simply impossible to avoid it. One just had to deal with the attack. However, a direct solution meant facing a fatal assault, the convergence of hundreds of saber light beams. Not only was it difficult to seek an opportunity, almost certain defeat might be lying in wait! Ling Xiaozui was, after all, a master of his art. He had still come up with the best countermeasure in that instant. Bringing up eighty percent of his force, he deflected the attack vigorously to cope with Yun Yang''s savage style. Yet, he withdrew and left without hesitation once he had slightly rebuffed the initial point of attack. It was because he had withdrawn first and Yun Yang''s initial point of attack was slightly hindered during the parry that even when the latter had given chase with all his might afterwards, it was futile against Ling Xiaozui. He had managed to safely retire, despite the risky fa?ade. 753 Holy Sh*t! Dugu Chou, who was watching from the side, applauded secretly. Ling Xiaozui''s countermeasure was absolutely brilliant! If it were to be him fending against this one style, Dugu Chou thought that while he might not be at a losing end, he would never be able to cope with it better than Ling Xiaozui did. The split second of difference when the latter had deflected the attack was so precise that it was simply remarkable! It was so close. Ling Xiaozui, who had successfully overcome the threat, lamented inwardly. He had been forced to utilize eighty percent of his skill by the young fellow before he could seek the chance the escape! It would be horrendous if this went on C the child might force his entire lifetime''s worth of cultivation base out. That would be utterly embarrassing C and Dugu Chou was watching aside too He had embarrassed himself too much today. Just as this thought birthed inside his head, he felt another wave of menace tiding over him as he turned around. The danger he felt was an unprecedented one. Even when he, Dugu Chou and others had been ambushed by explosives during the Four Seasons Tower''s siege, it had not felt so direly perilous. Ling Xiaozui dared not be careless. Drawing up a mouthful of basic Qi, he turned around swiftly only to be met by the sight of a large gate before him! The doors were inky, large, wispy wraiths billowing outwards like a brewing storm. The gate felt realistic, the type where one would bid farewell to the human realm once one entered. "This style is Door of Life and Death Opens!" Saber light streamed out from the door of life and death like a phantom dragon before it dispersed into a sky, full of killing intent! It filled up the entire space C as long as one came into contact with the slightest bit of it, it was akin to entering the gate of death! Ling Xiaozui broke out in cold sweat upon witnessing this style and brought his power up to ninety percent without hesitation, vowing silently, ''Friendly match? I''m not exchanging any skill with this freak in the future! Advise him Whoever''s willing to do so, please go ahead.'' ''I''ve made up my mind. This great honor shall belong to Dugu Chou alone from now on!'' Prevailing over this style, Ling Xiaozui felt his head thrumming and pulsing, like his entire being had been dug empty. Of course, it was not necessarily hazardous as Yun Yang would definitely stop if the elder was really exhausted to the brink. Furthermore, he would not be injured so easily, no matter how embarrassed he had been. He still had his cultivation base suppressed, after all, he could grit his teeth through the ordeal by removing his self-imposed restriction if things were to come to the worst. It was just that the mental pressure was too much! It was not good for his personal mental realm to simply push through; one''s mental state needed some grinding, but blindly drilling into it would only cause a backlash! "This is the last style." Yun Yang''s voice wafted over. Yun Yang was not doing so well now either. Each style of the Destiny Blade caused an extremely huge depletion of energy. If it had not been for Emmie''s support, he might not be able to exert all four forms and eight styles! Ling Xiaozui drew in a deep breath and sprang up into the air. The air lacked a solid leveraging platform, but the room to evade and spin was relatively larger. There was no fault in being better prepared when facing Yun Yang''s exquisite saber forms. "Eighteen Levels of Hell!" Ling Xiaozui heard the name as expected. Then, he was surprised to realize that the door of life and death that had materialized previously had vanished. Replacing it was six palaces that appeared out of the blue C six ghastly, graceful and majestically tall palaces! Each gate to the palace was flung wide open with hundreds of thousands of ghosts inside howling and shrieking, clamoring to charge out. From afar, there seemed to be countless strange ancient torturing devices inside the six halls. Mountains of sabers, boiling pots of oil, searing seals, thousand of slicing tools it was a macabre galore of everything! An ordinary person would be traumatized by just a single glance! Ling Xiaozui could predict that the power of this current style would only be much stronger than the combination of the earlier strikes from this small hint. With this conclusion, he roared as he unleashed his complete skillset without hesitation. Pushing it higher, he went all out, exerting more than he could possibly afford to, to fight once and for all. Embarrassing? He couldn''t care less about it now; he would be even more embarrassed if he did not go all out! Witnessing such an intense battle, Dugu Chou stood up promptly with shock written all across his face. Ji Lingxi, who was also watching, had her mouth agape, gazing at Yun Yang''s battle in the air with a dumbfounded expression. She was frozen like this for a while now, thoroughly doused with genuine shame. ''Such saber forms I C how will I be able to block them'' ''Here I am ''practicing'' with him daily and winning C he was going easy on me'' ''I would have died eight hundred times and more if I were to encounter these styles!'' However, she had overestimated Yun Yang here. Previously, she was more than a dozen levels higher than Yun Yang in terms of cultivation base. Even when Yun Yang could counterattack with the divine saber forms, he would hardly have been able to overcome Ji Lingxi''s overwhelming coercion. Of course, how could Yun Yang ever make use of such lethal styles on Ji Lingxi, even if he could? What if C what if he were to harm that pretty little face? Plop! Ling Xiaozui and Yun Yang landed at the same time. Yun Yang gasped, drawing in gulps of air, drenched as if he had been fished out of the water. This was Yun Yang''s first time unleashing these five forms and ten styles without any reservation against an opponent whose standard was similar to his own. He need not worry at all about harming his partner; he was only required to focus on his attacks. He did not even have to worry about the opponent''s sudden retaliation; like the rock amidst the ocean''s ravaging waves, his opponent remained passive, no matter how much havoc Yun Yang wreaked! The feeling of unleashing his full potential felt utterly gratifying! "I can''t anymore C I''m out" Yun Yang panted, sweat lining his head and face, dropping down in strings. In spite of this, he looked as if he was in a state of utter bliss, "Nonetheless, it feels great! It''s so satisfying!" Right as he said that, the saber slipped from his hand and landed on the ground with a loud clang. Then, he lost the strength to hold himself up as well and fell onto the ground with a stagger. Besides his soaked clothing, he had struck ''eggs'' against the rock again! Heh! A certain someone was thoroughly exhausted right now. Otherwise, he would not have lost his composure. On the opposite end, Ling Xiaozui was also sweating profusely but he was faring much better than Yun Yang. Despite that, his eyes bore holes into Yun Yang, unable to cast his glance away like he was looking at a monster. Strictly speaking, Ling Xiaozui had lost half of the last style. The black robe he wore that was almost his signature appearance was adorned with six gashes slit by a blade. His inner garments were peeking through some of the rents in his robes. Even with Ling Xiaozui''s pinnacle skills, he could not fully evade the last style C he had been struck by all six strikes as well! If he had not been able to avoid them in time, it would be more than his clothes that were gashed. Dugu Chou strode forward hurriedly and stared wide-eyed at the slits on Ling Xiaozui''s robe. For a long time, he did not speak but the tremor in his gaze had spoken enough for him. "What a marvelous saber truth C I have never known there are such saber forms in this world until today! It''s more than a lifetime of luck that I got to witness this." Ling Xiaozui finally caught his breath and chuckled humorlessly. Shaking his head, the sweat on his head splattered. Dugu Chou nodded with strong agreement. "Brother Ling, you''re at least four ranks higher than Yun Yang. We both know the result of this battle." Dugu Chou, as an unencumbered bystander, evidently had his judgment about Yun Yang''s current actual capability. "I feel it." Ling Xiaozui nodded with a dry laugh. "I''m lucky it''s so much higher than his. Or else, what you see now may perhaps be a corpse named Ling Xiaozui." Dugu Chou let out a humorless chortle as well. Both men turned simultaneously to look at Yun Yang. Their gazes right now mirrored each other; one of ''holy sh*t'', like they had seen a ghost! 754 Everybody Reaps A Reward Yun Yang tried his best to prop himself up, but could only feel his limbs turn to jelly. Not being able to stand, he sat on the ground, smiling with a grimace, "What contentment! Such satisfaction! Elder Ling, we need to spar more often in the future. A satisfying exchange like this is truly a first in my life! I reckon my saber techniques would improve within a few more rounds of this." Ling Xiaozui let out a dry cough. With a dark expression, he mumbled, "Brother Dugu shall accompany you if we were to spar again in the future. It is a blessing of a lifetime for me to have experienced a demonstration of this ultimate technique. How would I dare ask for more? As a man, our virtues lie in being contented and grateful. If something was to be overdone, it would be as bad as doing lesser than what''s required." Dugu bellowed angrily, "Brother Ling, that''s not very grateful of you!" Ling Xiaozui rolled his eyes and took a few shaky steps forward. "Whatever it is, I''ll not entertain this any further ... Outside, in the yard, the fighting had already attracted everyone''s attention. Presently, Fang Mofei, Xiao Shaoqing, Bai Yixue, Lao Mei, the four noble Young Masters, Shangguan Lingxiu, Yun Xiaoyao and more were quietly standing at a corner of the yard, staring in their direction with incredulous expressions. In the skies, behind the veil of the underworld, the Ten Kings of the Concourse of the Underworld stared at the scenario which had unfolded below, their eyes wide as their jaws gaped open. A strong sense of disbelief was mirrored in their orbs. "T-that''s... Yun Yang?" "You don''t say!" "The one he was brawling with... was that Ling Xiaozui? The Ling Xiaozui? The unrivaled expert?" "You don''t say!" "T-then..." First Court King Qinguang was the most shocked among them. He was thinking about the first time he had met Yun Yang. Shaking his head, he felt as if he was dreaming, overwhelmed by a sense of dizziness "Y-you give me a pinch." "Argh" He emitted a painful moan at the rough treatment. ... On the main street a little further away, the emperor''s carriage was headed towards the Residence of Yun. As he caught sight of the dark, murky fog looming above the residence, he could not help but mumble to himself, "Why is it so gloomy..." As he spoke, a brutal shriek rent the air. "Argh" The emperor was startled, while the two highly-experienced veterans beside him, Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian, let out an involuntary shiver, their faces turning as white as sheets. "Ghosts!" Now, that was quite a non-typical way of putting it. The scream had originated from a being whose presence was even worse than that of a ghost - a Yama King! Dugu Chou might have verbally claimed that he would not keep Yun Yang company. Deep down in his heart, however - he was quite eager to spar with him! Dugu Chou thoroughly understood that Yun Yang''s true cultivation base were levels away from theirs if they were to be compared. However, it was precisely due to this fact that they were still left with room to deal some punches against each other. If they were to face such a flawless technique when both their base levels were equal, they would have died eons ago! It was a full-on display of strength, for it had always been the quickest way to improve one''s power. Take Ling Xiaozui''s fight today as an example; although he had endured a severe loss of face in the process, the exchange of punches was extremely beneficial for the advancement of his combat abilities and cultivation base. However, such an opportunity to improve oneself was difficult to come by, especially since Yun Yang possessed such a superior saber technique, wielded with such immense pressure C If he were to spar with Yun Yang with a strength suppressed to match Yun Yang''s level, he could have gained many advantages from their exchange! To sum it up, if he could block a flawless attack like that with a strength similar to its level, was that not evidence that he had a deeper understanding of the martial arts? Although this opinion of his had not yet been realized, both Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou had very esteemed reviews on Yun Yang''s Saber Truth: Destiny Blade. They would have found it difficult to produce such a formidable technique of that level, no matter how much they tried. However, under the stress of such an incredible technique, gaining huge improvements was definitely not impossible to achieve. Dugu Chou had gauged that Ling Xiaozui had already gained a new piece of information from the incident at the Residence of Nine Supremes. Adding on the fight today, he was only waiting to claim the entire reward for himself. His abilities would most certainly improve, and perhaps they would even supersede his own! Although Dugu Chou''s state of mind was not butter to the point of bearing a grudge or any deep resentment, being unhappy about the whole affair was inevitable. After all, he was known for being the best in the world until he was beaten by the Ling Xiaozui, the unrivaled expert of the new generation - he would eventually feel a little displeasure! Since Yun Yang had expressed his wishes to have another round of sparring, Dugu Chou naturally would not allow Ling Xiaozui to seize the limelight. It was better to advance forward together! However, today would not be the day, even if they were to carry on with their sparring. Yun Yang had thoroughly exerted himself to his limit - his body was severely ravaged. Even with Emie''s little trickles of power to assist, he would not be able to get up on his feet anytime soon. Saber Truth: Destiny Blade - every move and stroke was flawless and perfect. However, it was precisely due to this reason that performing it required one to exert an immense amount of Qi, especially the last move - Eighteen Levels of Hell. After unleashing that move, the entire reserve of Yun Yang''s mystical Qi would be drained entirely - even the strength deep in his bones would be sucked dry. After every fight, Yun Yang, finally being able to relax, would be left in an extremely, energy-deprived condition. Even his bones felt soft to the touch, which would make it impossible to spar within the upcoming hour. "There will be ample time for that later." Being the true experts of cultivation bases, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou naturally understood the reasons behind Yun Yang''s present condition. Inherently, they did not insist on it. They were not at all worried. After all, the two of them would be residing in the Residence of Yun for quite some time C was that not a chance presented right before them? Yun Yang draped himself over the chair without an ounce of energy left in him, yet, his heart was filled only with joy. The benefits he gained from their sparring this time around was enormous - it was the most he could possibly obtain! Ling Xiaozui was like a sturdy rock in the midst of a vast ocean, a mighty cliff in the middle of a storm C he could block every blow, and like a massive hammer, return the attack at lightning speed! This allowed Yun Yang to have a deeper understanding of these moves. If it was not for Yun Yang''s own lack of energy, and if they could carry on with this exchange of skills, allowing him the opportunity to exercise these moves with complete freedom, the benefits gained would certainly be tremendous! However, Yun Yang remained unfazed. He sat on a chair. Looking at Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, he simpered mildly. With the two of them here, how could he not have the chance? ... The banquet had arrived promptly on time, as planned earlier and was graced by the presence of three uninvited guests - the emperor and his two esteemed personnel from the military. The party of three seated themselves without feeling the slightest bit of reservation. This was the residence of King Yun, which also meant that it was his house, which rarely saw the appearance of strangers. Nonetheless, although he was the sovereign of a nation, there was still a need to be on good terms with the likes of Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou. As Yun Xiaoyao saw how his elder brother - the emperor - invited himself, he simply upgraded the whole banquet into a nation-wide celebratory feast and humbly invited His Majesty to be seated at the position of the host. He still had to give a little face, somewhat. "Young Master Yun, this... this wine..." Xiao Shaoqing began fervently. "I came to know that you were in possession of the God of Wine - Feng Xiange''s - wine?" Upon hearing the mention of those three words ''Feng Xiange'', Dugu Chou only felt a belly-full of melancholy. With one swift kick, Xiao Shaoqing arced through the air at the very next instant. "Feng Xiange might be a fake, but wine from the God of Wine is genuine," said Ling Xiaozui in a neutral tone. "Think about it. Either God of Wine Feng Xiange was Mr. Nian''s incarnation all along, or Feng Xiange had already been killed by Mr. Nian. It''s either one or the other - there was no other answer to it." "No matter what the outcome is, Feng Xiange, the God of Wine..." Ling Xiaozui sighed as he spoke. "... will never appear in this world again." 755 What Have You Been Learning? "Hence, the wine that fell into Yun Yang''s possession is truly the last from the God of Wine - the final entity from him that would cease to exist in this world." Yun Yang laughed heartily. "Big Brother Ling has spoken truly. Besides us, not many in this world deserve to drink such wine. Let''s just treat it as a gift from Mr. Nian. Drink up, drink up all of you drink up! Feel free to lose all sense of sobriety! Don''t you dare leave if you ain''t drunk!" Just like that, he tossed out ten pots of wine generously. "Astounding!" Xiao Shaoqing let out a hearty laugh as his eyes shimmered. "Young Master Yun is truly a straightforward man!" It was then followed by a gesture which was unexpected by all. Crack! With a snap of his fingers, he sealed up the mystical Qi from his own cultivation base completely. The minds of everybody present spun quickly to process what they had just witnessed, but they could not grasp what this fellow was playing at. What the hell do you think you''re doing? "To drink, one must seal up his mystical Qi. The way the high-level practitioners activate their mystical Qi has already become basic instinct - they don''t have to do this deliberately. This could also - to a large degree - prevent the feeling of dizziness and drunkenness and keep your head clear - but this ability in itself is very irritating to drinkers." "Drinking - why do we drink? What do we accomplish by drinking?" Xiao Shaoqing was completely enraptured by the moment. "We drink to get drunk, to experience the dizziness after that. Oh yes, that floating feeling like a God, that feeling of strolling on the edge of the clouds - that satisfaction, that free and easy vibe, that state of mind tsk tsk" Xiao Shaoqing closed his eyes, shaking his head while he was at it as if he was recalling past sentiments. "Therefore, I have confirmed that mystical Qi should not be activated when drinking." Xiao Shaoqing was fervently promoting his twisted ideas to the crowd, but they only reacted with the rolling of their eyes. Not a single person responded to his nonsensical insights - not even Bai Yixue, whom Xiao Shaoqing had accepted his abilities and teachings from. Yun Yang, the host of the banquet, was rolling his eyes innumerable times upon hearing this fellow''s torrent of nonsense. He remained speechless for a long time. Those present today were all highly-esteemed guests of stellar reputation. They knew that there was no real threat to it - but who would dare to seal off their mystical Qi for real - just to drink? Everything else aside, if this table of men were to seal off their mystical Qi for the pleasure of drinking what would happen if they were attacked by enemies that decided to show up suddenly? Would they all not be wiped out at one go by the incoming enemy? If it ever played out to such an end, they would be jeered and laughed at until the end of time before they could even explain the absurdity of the situation. "Piece of shit!" Dugu Chou was swimming in a sea of wrath. He finally knew the reason behind the careless, low-level mistakes committed by this fellow. He would lose his things for the longest of times and not realize it himself. So this was the reason why! This fellow had always been sealing off his mystical Qi before drinking "The fact that you can wander around out there for so long and not perish yet - that in itself is a humongous blessing of its own!" Dugu Chou''s face was as black as the bottom of a wok. "Oh master, you praise me too much! Although this is the truth" Xiao Shaoqing rambled on, thick-skinned. "My fortune and luck were both bestowed by you, my master-" "Get lost!" Before he even finished his sentence, he was kicked out of the way by Dugu Chou. "Don''t learn from your master! Sigh..." Dugu Chou said. Seated at a corner, Bai Yixue kept as silent as possible and was trying his very best to minimize his presence by compressing his body to it''s tiniest possible form. Yet, he was unexpectedly called upon, and had no choice but to comply bitterly, "This disciple shall do as you say, and will try his very best" Bao''er, whose presence was long-awaited, clambered up the emperor''s knees at this moment, his little face etched with reluctance. I''m already such a big boy how can you still see me as some two or three-year-old child isn''t an adult''s knees prepared for children to sit on? However, as the emperor saw how Bao''er stopped in his tracks midway, he scooped him up onto his lap - and that was something that could not be resisted by anyone at all. The emperor looked at everybody seated at the table, moving his gaze from one person to another, celebrating this moment with great joy! This, perhaps, was a long overdue feeling of familial kinship craved by the emperor of Yutang. This indescribable feeling had been obtained at the queerest of moments! Actually, it was rather expected for the emperor of Yutang to crave such thoughts. The people before him were dear to him, and the wine was one of the rarities in the world; the surrounding atmosphere was comfortable, relaxed and rid of any worries; there were no strained formalities between ruler and minister, but only the kinship between brothers - the joy of a familial kinship! In an atmosphere like this, the only sentiment felt by the emperor was that this, perhaps, was the happiest meal he had ever had in his entire life. Even when Bao''er''s tiny body was squirming and would not sit still in his lap, the emperor could truly feel the subtlest sense of having the whole world in his arms. This night, endless streams of laughter came from the emperor. Gradually, he drank a little too much and became a little high from it. Still, nobody stepped in to put a stop to it. Even Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian did not attempt to stop him. From their point of view, His Majesty had not had such a moment to relax in a long time; to be able to get drunk joyfully this time was too rare of an opportunity to relax - how could they have the heart to interrupt the moment? Thinking about it, the Empire of Yutang had endured countless predicaments in recent years - the emperor and the few of the old fellows had been carrying legions of stress upon their backs! As they had endured similar sentiments, this only led them to share similar experiences and ideas! Today, all that stress and tension was gone. Enduring it for so many years was not an easy feat indeed. If it had been men with a weaker spirit, they would have broken down a long time ago. The number of times they would have ended their lives due to the stress would have been uncountable! "Bao''er, hahaha, dear grandson come over here - today your grandpa emperor would like to give you a test." The emperor twirled his beard, his eyes twinkling with affection. He smiled with such fondness and kindness - where was the solemnity of a ruler? He was not an emperor at the moment - his only role now was that of a grandfather. The crowd smiled as they watched this little interaction between grandfather and grandson from the side. "What does Grandpa Emperor want to test Bao''er about?" Bao''er cocked his little head to a side. "Hmm, your grandpa emperor would like to test you on what you have learned thus far hmm let me think." The Emperor knocked his forehead, racking his brains to come up with a question to ask. It should be something not too difficult, and it should not be something completely void of difficulty; this itself was a problem on its own - he was not even aware of Bao''er''s current learning progress! He could not come up with anything after thinking for half a day. Hence, he resorted to asking gently, "Bao''er, what have you learned in these past few days?" Bao''er replied, "Nothing much. Uncle asked me to ponder a little on a question a few days ago, so that was what I''ve been doing these few days - thinking about this question." His Majesty was clearly interested in the topic of conversation. He followed up with a question, smiling, "What did he ask you to ponder about? Let Grandpa Emperor know about it!" "That day... Uncle was telling me about the allusions to ''When the birds are gone, the bow is cast aside'' and the parallels between that idiom and our present reality," replied Bao''er with utmost innocence. In the beginning, the crowd was looking on with fondness as the emperor interacted with his grandson, doing everything possible to maintain the interest, reacting appropriately to the scene before them. However, upon hearing this statement, especially when paired with Bao''er''s childish voice, everybody felt as though there were dark clouds looming above their heads as if there was an impending storm ahead! At that very moment, their eyes twitched as their lips trembled with shock - if it was not for the years of practice in controlling their emotions, they would have embarrassed themselves today. This was especially true of the two veterans, Qiu Jianhan, and Fang Qingtian - they stared blankly ahead in absolute bewilderment. 756 When The Birds Are Gone, The Bow Is Cast Aside ''When the birds are gone, the bow is cast aside'' How could this topic even be brought up for discussion? Wasn''t it just a little too controversial? A taboo topic? Be it a ruler, or a minister, they were all highly sensitive towards such words! "Err" His Majesty the emperor''s hand stopped in the midst of stroking his beard, his entire body frozen. His eyeballs nearly fell out of their sockets, and with a sudden jerk of his hand - alongside a slight ''hmph'' - he pulled out a few strands of his beard from his chin. "Ohoho" The emperor choked out a dry laugh. He then turned his head and directed his attention towards Yun Xiaoyao as he sniggered, "Say oh brother your son has certainly placed a little too much effort into his teachings, eh? My successor is only nine-years-old - is there really a need to know the deep meaning behind ''When the birds are gone, the bow is cast aside?" Yun Xiaoyao''s face had already turned a different shade as he stammered and struggled to find his words. He stared at Yun Yang with a gaze like he was about to devour him as if he was about to swallow Yun Yang whole into his belly! Look at what the hell you''ve taught him! An idiom shrouded with such a profound meaning! If you''re so f*cking capable, why don''t you just ascend to the heavens! ''When the birds are gone, the bow is cast aside...'' Can such things even be taught? I knew you wouldn''t even bat an eye when it comes to an emperor''s power - I know you don''t give a damn. You should not even have agreed to this, then. Well, now that you did, just do a decent job while you''re at it! Now you''ve stirred up such a situation... What the hell are you playing at? As the only person in the banquet who still retained the color in his face, as if nothing was out of place, Yun Yang smiled, gently asking, "What good memory, Bao''er! Not bad at all! it was this phrase exactly. Do you remember what did I teach you about this when it can be used appropriately? The meaning behind it? If you can reiterate its meaning clearly, Uncle Yun here will give you a reward!" Every single gaze from the crowd swung in their direction as keen encouragement were inscribed on each of their faces. However, in truth, their hearts were caught in their throats as they locked their gazes on Bao''er. This question was a terribly sensitive one. It was especially so now that the whole continent had lapsed into a blanket of silence, the excellence and success of the Yutang empire would most certainly draw envy as they gradually marched towards a bright future. The Empire of Yutang would unite the entire world and deliver peace to Tianxuan! In this critical moment, there was barely even time to give out due rewards or promotions, nor the time to rope in the hearts and support of the people - how could one even begin to think about ''casting aside the bow when the birds are gone''? Even if such mind games were something necessary to practice amongst the royals, this was blatantly too despicable! There was nothing in this world that could be an even worse disappointment than this! Bao''er was still a child, after all. He was more mature than his peers, yet he did not think much about it, replying with enthusiasm, "That day, uncle first explained the allusive meaning behind this idiom. It was about how after a hunter hunts, he would store away his hunting tool after gaining the prize of the hunt. In a real-world context, the deeper meaning behind it can be seen in two ways. First, it''d be in the point of view of a ruler. To a ruler, this phrase is interpreted with a negative connotation, as it signifies his inefficiency and uselessness; the other way to see it is from the point of view of a minister - to those who had sacrificed everything they had for a cause, this phrase was their ultimate woe of tragedy." At this point, everyone let out a cumulative sigh of relief. At least there was still a bottom line to this bastard Yun Yang''s audacity. These words these words might not be pretty, but the reasoning behind them was certainly irrefutable! Traces of menace flitted ominously through the emperor''s glazed eyes, yet, he commented warmly, "Yes, this is a good way to put it. Carry on, Bao''er - your grandpa emperor would like to hear your uncle''s enlightening remarks." Yun Xiaoyao gritted his teeth and threw another deadly glare towards Yun Yang, yet Yun Yang seemed to not give the slightest hint that he was the least bit bothered. He smiled slightly, completely oblivious to the hostility around him. Naturally, Bao''er could not gauge the true intention behind the emperor''s question. Thinking thoroughly, he then replied, "Uncle Yun told me that these words do not mean well in most situations. It would be best if one does not find the need to use it at all in their lives, and this may be applicable to themselves or upon others, but it also depends on the context. Then he proceeded to ask me, ''Who in this world is the most venerable person of all?''" The emperor nodded his head. "Well then, who do you think is the most venerable of all in the world, Bao''er?" The emperor was hoping that Bao''er would name him as the most venerable person in the world. That could at least feed his ego, and would render him a great deal of accomplishment - they could even bring themselves out of this sticky situation with it. He was already the world''s most venerable one after all - he could most certainly close an eye over any educational misdemeanors that Yun Yang had imparted! "Back then, I told my uncle, ''The most venerable of all are those who sacrificed their lives - the heroes on the battlefield who slaughtered our enemies," replied Bao''er. The emperor secretly let out a dejected sigh. There was a burning sensation within his heart as he implored, "Oh?" "Bao''er said it as it was. Uncle said, ''Bao''er, you''re right about that. The most venerable ones are the heroes. Without their sacrifice, how will there be peace in the world? However if one day the world is finally blessed with peace, and when these heroes no longer have their battles to fight - are they still the most venerable ones of all?''" Bao''er replied. The emperor threw Yun Yang another hawk-like glare. "This is certainly a pressing problem - how does Bao''er see this, though?" "Bao''er thinks that these people are still the most venerable people of all! For they''ve completed fighting their battles - that on its own is respectable. Due to the existence of such men, we no longer fear war!" replied Bao''er. His Majesty said jovially, "Bao''er, you''re absolutely correct. What else?" "Uncle Yun said that I was right, too! Then he told me, ''When faced with a hero, he should always be treated as a hero.'' He wanted me to always remember ''when the birds are gone, the good bow is cast aside'' - and never to forget it." Bao''er said it as it was. Everybody was completely dumbfounded and started coughing simultaneously. What the hell? They had just maneuvered themselves away from the topic, how the hell did it find its way back? This was a blatant affront indeed! Fang Qingtian and Qiu Jianhan looked as though they were sitting on nails. They squirmed anxiously, unable to hide their discomfort. This question was already a solemn topic when deliberated in private - discussing this in the presence of His Majesty himself was even more heart-thumping! Without missing a beat, Bao''er sweet voice could be heard once more. "For now, we, the Empire of Yutang, may have the vision to unite the world, but to do so, we have to address the issue of casting aside our useful resources when the deed is done." This exact thought was echoed within the hearts of Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian. Yes, if the world is united as one, the ones at the most awkward position would undoubtedly be those who had sacrificed everything they treasured, including their lives - the soldiers! How should this issue be resolved? How can they never forget the purpose they have carried since the start? The soldiers, especially the outstanding ones, were the most arrogant and fearsome ones - if they were to be rewarded for the deeds they have contributed accordingly, every single one of them possessed equally impressive merits; However, if such individuals were delegated into higher positions, they would no longer have the chance to exercise their combat abilities - if that is the case, how should they be arranged? How can this be sustained for long? If there is no solution to make such arrangements, how would the future look like? This was an incredibly serious problem. If this was looked upon in a more progressive way of thinking, it was obvious that nobody could ignore it, and it was something that should not be taken lightly. However, a significant number from this bunch would certainly become an unexpected factor. There was no doubt that when it came to this - avoiding the problem would not bring any benefits! The sharp gaze in the emperor''s eyes did not recede one bit. "Bao''er, do continue." Bao''er continued, "Uncle said, when the birds are gone, a good bow should be retained. That itself is something reasonable to say - if it was a good bow, of course, you''d save it for future use. You don''t always have to kill your hunting dog when you''re done hunting the rabbits." The emperor squinted his eyes. Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian held their breaths, awaiting further elaboration from Bao''er. 757 A Worthy Successor! "When the birds are gone, it''s only a temporary situation; if they are flying birds, they were meant to fly C it is an indestructible, innate part of their nature. As for ''casting aside the good bow'', the emphasis has to be on the words ''the good bow''. A good bow is a useful bow - and we most certainly should retain a useful bow, storing it in good condition to not let it lose its strength. Temporarily storing it away doesn''t mean that the bow will be cast aside completely. Instead, when the time comes, it will be brought out again to eliminate the birds in a more effective manner." Bao''er continued. "Uncle Yun then said, ''Immediate action is imperative to address this matter, but it also requires a particular way of approaching it. For example, say, if you retain a useful bow and keep it stored somewhere, what happens if it was not kept in a good condition, and covered all over with rust and mold? Consequently, when it is kept in storage, how can we ensure that the bow will be maintained at its most optimal condition? These are the most significant aspects to resolve.''" When he finished, everybody lapsed into a deep silence. The emperor stroked his beard, speechless. His gaze wavered slightly, the wrath and solemness in his eyes were long gone. Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian were in deep thought as well. This was a problem that required proper consideration. The army would slack after a war was done from the inaction, and their condition may not be as efficient and optimal as they were before. It would most certainly be tough to keep up with their former performance standards, a situation that would not be beneficial for the nation at all. Through the lips of a child, Yun Yang had expressed the dire need to address this persistent problem. He had even pointed out a generally-acceptable direction to resolve this - one could say that he had certainly taken great pains to bring this up, and the underlying intent was well-meant, allowing the crowd to have some food for thought. There was an overall sense of certainty in this established direction to address the persisting problem C the hostile atmosphere earlier was long gone. Yun Yang sat in a corner, remaining silently oblivious as he smiled. Occasionally he would raise his cup to give Ling Xiaozui a toast, clinking cups with Dugu Chou, or carousing with Xiao Shaoqing; sometimes he would wink at Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu, flaunting his charm. After mulling for a long moment, the emperor then asked, "Bao''er, did Uncle Yun reveal the ways to retain the good bow after the birds are gone? What kind of methods should you adopt, generally speaking?" Yun Yang was clearly seated in the same room, yet, the emperor did not address him. Instead, he directed the question to Bao''er - the underlying intent behind his actions was especially significant. Bao''er blinked a few times. He then woefully said, "Uncle Yun said he wanted Bao''er to think about this problem of the future - he did not mention an answer. He said, ''This is your homework Bao''er shall think about this nagging problem, and fill three large pieces of paper with the solution,'' and could only be done when he''s truly satisfied with my work!" The emperor let out a hearty laugh. "So, have you finished writing?" Bao''er lowered his head and replied, guiltily, "Not yet." "Then how do you plan on writing it?" the emperor asked. Bao''er babyish face reflected an expression of deep thought. "Summing up everything Uncle Yun has said, a good bow - no matter how well it has been preserved and kept - would rust given time. It will only function as good as new if it was used frequently. Bao''er has thought long and hard about this premise, imagining how can it be kept away, yet can still be put to use at the same time..." The emperor felt his body suddenly quiver. He mumbled, "If it''s already set aside, is there still a way to put it to use?" Bao''er replied, full of innocence, "Bao''er has thought about this for the longest time. The intent to store it away was to not put it into use - even temporarily. Yet, using it and no longer hiding it away was downright contradictory. Hence, Bao''er thought, ''Why don''t we just... not set it aside anymore?'' With a functional bow and arrow, you don''t have to only shoot at birds with a bow. You can use it to shoot at tigers, wolves foxes, or even rabbits! Or if all else fails, you could shoot at rats or snakes, or well, just shoot!" The emperor''s eyes shimmered as he echoed, "Yes, you could use it to hunt tigers, wolves, rats" For a moment he was lost in thought. The silence stretched for half a beat. Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian exchanged looks and smiled. Suddenly, the anxiety in their hearts had reduced, becoming half as worrying as it was just a moment earlier! Bao''er few words had already revealed the two different solutions to resolve this issue. To him, storing it away and putting it in use were two contradictory situations - it was not possible to adopt both solutions at the same time. However, in the eyes of the governing ministers, there was still a large, workable potential to be explored, and there were still unimaginable prospects when it came to hunting the so-called tigers, wolves or just anything in this world. It was spot on C the underlying meaning behind it stretched far deeper than the surface! The two rascals could not help themselves but burst out in laughter simultaneously. "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations indeed!" The emperor shook his head as the smile on his face expanded. Suddenly, he burst out in loud laughter as well, "Hahaha" The three of them - the ruler and his accompanying ministers - raised their goblets at the same time. The emperor exclaimed, very loudly, "Today, I am remarkably happy. I must be totally inebriated with my two brothers here tonight - nobody leaves if they aren''t dead drunk!" Both Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian proclaimed happily at the same time, "We also desire to get totally drunk today, and we shall hence sacrifice our humble selves to join Your Majesty C none of us shall leave if we are not totally plastered!" The three downed their drinks to the last drop. Then, they caroused, raising their cups ever so frequently to drink and toast, their indescribable delight unable to be captured in the form of words. A cup of wine in hand, the emperor suddenly asked, "Bao''er, whatever you said just now - how much do you truly understand of it?" Bao''er blinked. "Uncle said, ''Everything will be well, as long as the heroes do not lose faith.''" The emperor laughed once more, his laughter skyrocketing through the roof. "Well-said, well-said! Well-said indeed!" With three consecutive ''well-said''s, he raised his cup and roared suddenly, "Young Master Yun, my good mantoday, I shall grant you a toast!" Yun Xiaoyao relaxed as he let out a smile. "This bastard is full of nonsense, he doesn''t deserve a toast! Your majesty, my brother - don''t you spoil him." "No, no, no. I am toasting this cup of wine on my own willing accord!" Yun Yang laughed heartily in response. "Thank you, Your Majesty-- I shall join you for however many cups you down today!" The emperor grew even merrier upon hearing his words. Without wasting another breath, he drained the entire cup in one gulp. After this drinking session, His Majesty was not the only one who was completely plastered - Qiu Jianhan and Fang Qingtian were also light on their feet from the alcohol. However, endless streams of laughter could be heard throughout the night - it was a joyful and merry atmosphere indeed! Even up till the point where he was escorted up the royal palanquin, he was still seen yelling, "Fetch me more wine! I''m feeling absolutely elated today! Let''s get thoroughly wasted nobody leaves without getting wasted" Yes, he was drunk to the core - it was the time to leave! In the Residence of Yun, Yun Yang asked the little fellow with a solemn face. "Who taught you to say all that?" Bao''er pointed his little face up, and replied, "Heroes aside, Uncle Yun, you of all people cannot lose faith; uncle, you have to be forever happy - this will make Bao''er the happiest of all!" Yun Yang stared at Bao''er with a somber expression, and gently said, "A good boy shouldn''t reveal too much of his wit." Clearly, Bao''er''s early development and maturity came much sooner than Yun Yang''s expectations. Yun Yang could already envision it - if Bao''er kept this up, there was a possibility that his honorary title of being the think tank would be passed on to Bao''er in the future! Bao''er nodded eagerly. "Whatever Uncle Yun says, Bao''er will remember them with full attention, and never forget them!" He then raised his little head, and said, gently, "Still, Uncle Yun will leave Bao''er sooner or later, no?" He then lowered his head sadly. "Bao''er will miss uncle a lot" Yun Yang lapsed into silence. He caressed Bao''er''s head as if he wished to say something, but in the end, nothing came out. In the span of these few days, the movements of Li Yingqiu and the rest were controlled and supervised strictly by Yun Yang. Whoever who came into contact with Bao''er, and whatever they had said - at every single moment - was under his surveillance. He was certain that there was not a single place that had been overlooked. He was very sure that nobody taught him that. If that was the case was all that had been said purely conjured by Bao''er''s mind? As the image of Bao''er youthful little face surfaced in his mind, Yun Yang''s gaze paused at a point in midair. There was both joy and sorrow in his gaze. 758 Eight-Hundred-And-Nine Men! On that very night, Yun Yang laid within his room, his eyes shimmering as he gazed at the night sky beyond the windows, a complex expression upon his face. After a long, long time, he mumbled to himself, "Bao''er he is truly worthy to sit on the throne as the rightful heir. He is competent enough to assume such a role!" Yun Yang was not the only person who had such thoughts. The next day at dawn, the emperor gave out his orders without losing another moment. "The Mediocre King should no longer remain in the capital he should set out to the fief right away!" The Mediocre King was a current royal title referring to the former crown prince the second prince himself! Compared to Bao''er''s wit at such a young age, the former crown prince''s title as the ''Mediocre King'' was a fitting title indeed! The next royal edict that was passed down was of a slightly different nature. ''It is hereby proclaimed that Yu Qiankun, son of the eldest crown prince, is the royal grandchild, legal heir to the throne; a nation-wide celebration is in order, all sentences shall be reduced or pardoned!'' The ministers and officials received the orders all at once. Yutang''s dominion had thus begun, seemingly taking the winning stance of domineering the world. Choosing to confer the crown prince''s title at this point in time was the perfect move to eliminate any problems that could arise in the future. There was no trace of doubt in His Majesty''s swift and decisive style. The same day, at dusk, the Mediocre King began his journey, his convoy only eight-hundred-and-eight men strong. They would soon leave Tiantang City, the capital of Yutang, together. Specially requested by Wu Ying of the military department himself, after the assessment by the Ministry of Rites, any implements brought along by the Mediocre King shall be inspected once more by the military department to prevent any ill-intended infiltration. The Ministry of Rites dare not lax. After the assessment, they sent it over to the military department immediately. Wu Ying did not slack one bit while personally overseeing this matter. The whole procedure was strictly monitored, and those who were uninvolved were completely removed. Even if his consort, the palace maids, the concubines, and accompanying eunuchs were included, the total sum would only amount to the stipulated number. Including the Mediocre King himself, it would be an exact total of eight-hundred-and-nine men. Hence, he gave out the order to commence their journey. Eight-hundred-and-nine men! The Mediocre King was momentarily stunned when he got wind of the headcount. He choked out a crazed laugh as if he was struck by a moment of epiphany and he spat out a spittle-full of blood. "Hahaha eight-hundred-and-nine! Eight-hundred-and-nine! Is this a form of revenge? Hahaha" Before the city gates, only a few officers showed up to see him off. Instead, the person whom he could never see eye to eye with came forth to send him away Wu Lie, the President of the Board of Punishments. Garbed in green robes, the Mediocre King looked back at the city gates, his handsome face etched with desolation and despair. Facing the city gates, he dropped to his knees and bowed nine times. "Father, after thy humble son bid his farewell today, he will never see you again." The Mediocre King''s face was covered in tears. "Please do take care of yourself. I pray that you will be blessed with a long life." The Mediocre King''s consort comforted him gently, "Your Majesty, the journey might be long, but there is no certainty that you will not have the chance to return. Don''t give up or feel sad about it." The Mediocre King shook his head, grief-stricken. Unwilling to say another word more, he mounted the carriage and rode south. Nobody knew better than he did the reason why his accompanying convoy was so few in number, or why it numbered eight-hundred-and-nine men! Although he was being relegated, and it was not unusual for rats to leave a sinking ship, or even if the situation was blatantly taking advantage of his predicament, still, how could he be accompanied by a convoy of only eight-hundred people? Where were his aides? Even if only the staff in the crown prince''s suite came along, the total headcount would definitely not just be only within eight-hundred-odd people. However, the convoy of exactly eight-hundred-and-eight men made the former crown prince recall an event that happened in the past. During the battle at Tianxuan Cliff, the accompanying convoy during the accident involving the Nine Supremes was also comprised of eight-hundred-and-nine men! The Nine Supremes traveled alongside an army of eight-hundred men! Eight-hundred-and-eight men perished during the battle at Tianxuan Cliff almost the entire army was wiped out. Supreme Cloud was the only lucky survivor of this calamity and had stirred up a big melodrama upon his immediate return. However, the Nine Supremes had since concealed themselves within the shadows! The count was inclusive of those who had perished and those who had survived! In the event of his existing relegation, the numbers of his accompanying personnel including himself was coincidentally eight-hundred-and-nine! What did this symbolize? What did this mean? The Mediocre King knew the reason behind this more than anyone else! He and his convoy were bound for death. There would not be any stroke of luck this time there would never be any fortunate survivors like Supreme Cloud! Connecting one event to another, if they could make such arrangements, clearly and surely they were very aware of his involvement in that incident at Tianxuan Cliff. If one were to analyze the situation a bit further, the number of people in this journey of his was ultimately determined by the military department. Did that not just reveal even more problems? This was neither an accident nor coincidence. It was a dead end a path to their demise. In other words, it was a journey of no return! These eight-hundred men were his most trusted aides they were his support; these eight-hundred men were confidantes to be brought to his grave, buried alongside him! There would not be a single one that would survive! This was already a fact set in stone. After three days, the Mediocre King and his convoy journeyed through Canglong Ridge and had decided to make camp there to rest their troops for the night. When midnight came, the winds started to howl suddenly, followed quickly by a heavy downpour accompanied by lightning and thunder. The second day, at dawn, not a single person walked out from the campsite which was unusually quiet. The local government had caught news of it and came forth to investigate the matter. However, they were greeted by a sight of eight-hundred-and-nine corpses sprawled throughout the entire campsite there were no exceptions. Every single one of them was laid on the ground, arranged meticulously, laying in plain sight for all to see. The first of them all was the Mediocre King himself. It was as though the eight-hundred-and-nine men were sleeping. In the tent, there were four giant words written by the Mediocre King himself; A well-deserved punishment! On a nearby rock, somebody had written a few lines in blood: ''The prince has broken the law, and he too shall be punished like the peasants; blood for blood, and a tooth for a tooth all gratitude and grudges shall be repaid in their own weight, and a debt of blood shall be repaid in blood.'' In a little restaurant three hundred miles from Canglong Ridge, a lean, young man had ordered a few pots of wine and some dishes. He ate and drank quietly within. After a long while, he mumbled, "Big Brother Supreme Wind I, Shui Wuyin, walked the talk I have avenged you!" He quietly lowered his head and gazed upon the wine in the bowl, chuckling bitterly, "Sir Supreme Cloud''s orders were only to kill the Mediocre King. The innocent should not be involved, but it was too much for me to restrain myself in the end. I don''t want to kill just one I only want to kill all eight-hundred-and-nine men." He chuckled out loud, "It certainly feels good!" He stood up suddenly and simply tossed out two thousand silver taels, effectively buying up the whole restaurant''s worth of wine and pouring them all to the ground, laughing maniacally. He kneeled before the wine-stained ground and bowed against it for a few times. With the fabric of his black robe rippling in the air, he turned and left abruptly. At the Board of War, in Wu Ying''s yard, a terse conversation was taking place. "Sir Wu Ying, thy humble servant did not execute his duties well. Thy humble servant is here to receive his punishment." "Oh?" "When thy humble servant reached the scene, they were all there. His Highnessthe Mediocre King and his convoy of eight-hundred-and-nine men were already dead. There were no survivors." "Hmm?" "There was a rock at the side with these words written ''''The prince has broken the law, and he too shall be punished like the rest; blood for blood, and a tooth for a tooth all gratitude and grudges shall be repaid in their own weight, and a debt of blood shall be repaid in blood''. These words indicated that someone had got to them first." "Hmm." "Sir, what should we do now?" "Cover all traces of this." "Yes, I understand." "Off you go." "Thy humble servant shall now take his leave." The man in black exited the room in reversed steps. Wu Ying paced around slowly. He stopped before the window and looked upon the night sky. Heaving a heavy sigh, he muttered, "He''s dead." A piece of cloud hovered right in front of the moon and blocked the entire view of it. The sky was obscured by a blanket of haze. "I gave out the orders two hours later on purpose as expected, someone got to them first!" 759 The Haunting Temple! At almost the same moment, the Ten Kings of the Concourse of the Underworld alongside their master, and the only two gold-ranked assassins left were gathered in the midst of a dark and gloomy valley respectively. There was a figure standing before the Concourse, his silhouette shrouded by flapping purple garbs who else would it be, but Yun Yang himself? "When I attempted to find the whereabouts of Sister Lan the other day, I unexpectedly noticed that the condensed chillness in the vicinity of this land differs from the norm." Yun Yang stood, his hands folded behind his back as he stared across the mountain range in the midst of darkness. "With a heart filled with curiosity, I went to investigate the matter, and found out that there is a dense and large amount of Yin energy located beneath this mountain range I can confirm its existence after checking it through and through. Additionally, all of this is controlled by a mechanism hidden somewhere in other words, this is completely man-made." "Well, my body does not require Yin energy, as I am unable to convert such energy into combat strength anyway it was as though I am blessed with a mountain of treasures, yet I am unable to use it. I was informed that such Yin energy was the best source for the practitioners in the Concourse after I crossed paths with King Qinguang. To confirm this, I sought out this place once more to find the origination point of the mechanism, and lo and behold I have thus located the entrance. I suppose I could say" Yun Yang said, nonchalantly. "This must be another Haunting Temple." Haunting Temple! The Ten Kings perked up with interest, waves of emotion reflected upon their faces. Just the other day, a series of events had led them to venture into a Haunting Temple, which allowed them to advance their cultivation bases from the large reserve of Yin energy within. It was precisely due to this they had formed ties with the Nine Supremes. In such circumstances, if this was truly the Haunting Temple, it would certainly be related to the Nine Supremes! Upon reaching this conclusion, each of the kings had a bewildered expression upon their faces. They were rendered speechless. Leading the Concourse of the Underworld was the Man In Black. He was obscured by a blanket of thick, abyssal fog, yet his cultivation base was unmistakably levels above the ten kings. He was every bit dignified, true to his role as the leader of the Concourse the master of them all whom Yun Yang was not destined to meet with until now. He was solemnly silent at this moment as he stepped forward. He walked over, attempting to find the pivoting point of the said mechanism. Not too unexpectedly, he managed to locate an unassuming rock protruding from one corner, just as suggested by Yun Yang earlier. The Man in Black did not waste another second, nor did he hesitate any further. He exerted some pressure upon it, and after a moment, a series of soft rumbling could be heard. In no time, a large crevice appeared before them. The freshly-emerged crevice was not large. It was, at most, the size of a bedroom, and the atmosphere within was one of underworldly darkness a looming aura that would deter even the slightest form of contact. Nonetheless, the members of the Concourse were overjoyed, for the underworldly aura within the crevice was clearly made of the fog of the abyss itself. Upon further inspection, ten luminous pearls hovered in the midst of the abyssal fog, permeating a dense mass of mist from time to time. "Not bad, not bad! This is really another Haunting Temple," King Qinguang exclaimed, pleasantly surprised. "We, the Concourse of the Underworld, may be known as the best of the world''s top three assassin organizations, yet, stripping it down to the core, it''s hard to deny that such a reputation, for the most part, stems from fear of the dark aura we possess. Their advancement that day was all part of their karmic cycle it was a great aid from the Supremes, headed by Supreme Earth himself. The haunting temple had been concealed beneath the ground, and the ground belongs to earth earth, the leader of the Nine Supremes himself. Hence, to commemorate your favor, from this day onwards I shall be known as Earth Treasury!" The master of the Ten Kings turned around with a sullen expression and gave Yun Yang a deep bow of gratitude. "There is no need for your esteemed presences to do such a thing" Yun Yang was taken aback by the unexpected gesture before him, not knowing how to respond appropriately. "Whatever it was that happened prior to this, we are nonetheless committed, so of course it has to be this way. I have made my decision there is no need to be troubled, Supreme Cloud." Earth Treasury took a deep breath and turned around. "Ten of you cover your right hand over those ten Abyssal Qi Pearls according to your respective bearings; then, muster up all you can to channel the Yin energy open up the Haunting Temple!" The Ten Kings agreed simultaneously and stepped forward. Each of them took a deep breath and extended an arm, bringing their palms over the Abyssal Qi Pearls and activated their bases to the best of their abilities. Their gestures seemed to suggest that this was not their first time to engage in such a ritual the entire process was smooth-sailing and there were no accidents. As if triggered, the abnormally dense fog thickened even further in a snap. Even with Yun Yang''s incredible eyesight, the scene before them lapsed into total darkness they were unable to distinguish anything at all within the murk. This situation stretched for a moment before the whole valley erupted into a state of severe, earth-shattering vibrations. Every entity shook and quivered, as though a dragon had turned on its side beneath the ground. Yet, everyone present was equipped with formidable strength. This little ruckus was well-anticipated, and to them, it was nothing to worry about! The slight commotion only lasted for a moment. The space enclosed by the ten Abyssal Qi Pearls in the crevice crumbled, and the tremors gradually came to a stop. Everybody''s attention was caught at that moment, highly focused upon a dark, massive temple slowly emerging before them. Writings in black, darker than darkness itself, flickered momentarily ''The Devas'' Haunting Temple Second Court!'' After a moment, the temple gates swung open after the black writings had faded away. The temple seemed even darker on the inside. The shaft stretched deep into the ground, its exact length unknown. Earth Treasury, the Master of the Ten Kings, took a deep breath, and solemnly declared, "The Concourse would like to extend our utmost gratitude forYoung Master Yun''s assistance this time, but this is where your help has reached its limits, for only those who practice the dark arts shall be permitted access it will only bring you harm if you go beyond this point. We will not appear anytime soon after venturing into these grounds, therefore do take care of yourself, young master! Soon, there will be a chance for us to meet again in the future." Yun Yang replied, "I completely understand. Do as you please, everybody and as mentioned by your esteemed presences there would most certainly be a chance to meet again in the future!" The Ten Kings stepped forward on cue, bidding their goodbyes to Yun Yang. Each of them was overwhelmed with reluctance, especially First Court King Qinguang. He was the earliest among them to rub shoulders with Yun Yang, and he was the one who dealt with him the most. King Qinguang was the most candid amongst the rest of his comrades, and upon knowing that it was time for Yun Yang to leave, he grumbled about the parting for the longest time. Just as everybody from the Concourse was about to step foot into the Haunting Temple, putting a temporary halt to their journey, a voice emerged out of the blue, "Wait a moment!" Everyone directed their gaze towards the sound, their hearts spiking with increased caution was somebody spying on them? It was followed by a killing instinct, one that blended perfectly into the aura of the netherworld they were in. If there was any indication what hell would feel like, this would most likely be it. Earth Treasury and the Ten Kings focused their attention on the direction where the sound originated. Witnessed by everyone present, two silhouettes emerged from the shadows beyond, launching themselves towards their direction feverishly, quickly closing the distance in no time. Upon further scrutiny, they realized the incoming projectiles were the two assassin leaders Heng Bieli and Hong Zhan. The Concourse of the Underworld, the Hall of the Crimson Blade, the Merciless Tower these three great assassin organizations were known fly at each other''s throats, the animosity deeply ingrained since the beginning of time. Needless to say, the situation turned even more confrontational when facing their respective arch nemeses. With a hand over the hilt of his sword, First Court King Qinguang asked ominously, "Why are you here? Do you wish to lend us a hand by coming here to die?" With such a poor choice of words, he had pushed the situation even further to a hostile edge. However, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan were cool and composed. There was not an ounce of animosity from them as they first extended their respects to Yun Yang before facing Earth Treasury, solemnly saying, "The two of us desire to become members of the Concourse. We hereby extend our respects before your esteemed presences are you willing to take us in?" 760 Black and White Impermanence "Do the two of you want to join Concourse of the Underworld and take our great master as your master?" First Court King Qinguang who heard their reply, almost felt his eyes falling right out of their sockets. It was not only King Qinguang; the other nine Yama kings were in complete disbelief as well. Even Yun Yang was stunned, looking like a deer caught in headlights. What sort of diabolical plot was this all about? One was the master of The Merciless Tower, another was the head of the Hall of Crimson Blade C both were the leading chiefs of the two largest assassination organizations. Their identities were kept secret, that of the leading ten court kings, King Songdi; they were only slightly below the Yama kings'' master, Earth Treasury. Even when both organizations had been severely damaged, it was not yet to the extent of being under somebody else''s roof! Yet, these two men had spoken such things under everyone''s watchful gaze. How could it not startle them? "I know that what we have just said is barely believable, we sincerely wish to be part of the Concourse of the Underworld. To show our sincerity, both of us are willing to make the heaven''s vow, and perish we shall should we violate it," Hen Bieli said with sincerity etched across his face. "Why?" Despite Earth Treasury''s experienced and composed manner, curiosity still got the better of him. That one word was the honest thought of everyone on the spot. Making a heaven''s vow was no joke. It was a promise that could not be made in jest. This meant that the latter half of Hong Zhan and Hen Bieli''s lives were to be tied to Concourse of the Underworld now. The token sum paid was actually little, but why did the pair make such a decision? If they had done so to acquire the others'' trust, it did not seem like they had to go to such an extreme! Hen Bieli chuckled humorlessly. "I know that what we say sounds preposterous and hardly believable, no matter the listener, but during the battle in Tiantang City, we brothers were blinded by greed. All that was in our minds was to get hold of the dragon hide treasure map C without a care. This caused the force of Tianxuan Continent''s assassins to be completely drained in this battle" Although his tone was bitter, Hen Bieli''s diction was exceptionally clear, without any hesitation. It was evident that he had considered this repeatedly during this period of time. "The assassination career of Tianxuan Continent can be said to have gone to its lowest point, almost irrecoverable. The both of us are guilty in the eyes of the ancestors of the assassination world!" Hong Zhan continued and said, "Overlooking the whole continent, the Concourse of the Underworld is the only assassination organization whose structure is still intact. I''ve discussed with big brother, we don''t wish to recover the glory and prestige we had in the past; we only ask that we can secure the continuation of the assassination heritage using the remainder of our lives! That''s all we ask for!" "Based on this, while it seems absurd that we''re joining Concourse of the Underworld, in actual fact, it''s the best option that kills more than two birds for us. As long as we join the Concourse of the Underworld, not only will our safety be ensured, the families of those brothers following us could guarantee an income source. Most importantly the field of assassination can continue flowing in Tianxuan''s martial world." Hen Bieli nodded, looking emotional. "We''re not trying to be dramatic in saying that we don''t want the assassination career to be doomed. We''re hard-pressed, with enemies everywhere, but with our capabilities, it''s not exactly a chore if we wish to keep our peace until our last breath! We''re all assassins C we are killers who receive commissions and end lives, but it''s still a business that has so much legacy! Assassin C the one who controls the power to kill or leave alive! Maybe the continent will disagree, maybe they''ll want us gone, once and for all. This power to kill or leave alive must not be thrown away from our hands! We don''t want to see this trade vanishing from the people!" "So we''ve come today not asking for cooperation, but only to join in. Our sincerity lies in our willingness to make the heaven''s vow C it''s also the most credible guarantee we can give!" Hen Bieli wore white from head to toe while Hong Zhan was clad wholly in black. Both men stood tall like spears, awaiting the reply of Earth Treasury and the ten court kings standing in front of them. Earth Treasury frowned and said, "I completely believe what you two are saying. However, simple words like these can''t conclude your addition to the Concourse of the Underworld. Everything else is not an issue, but you both are pinnacle experts of this realm, your cultivation base has a system of its own. The Concourse of the Underworld''s cultivation is different, a complete contrast to the cultivation methods in this continent. Just this aspect has already denied the possibility of you joining the concourse." "If both of you wish to join the Concourse of the Underworld, you''ll have to begin cultivating from zero, practice a cultivation method that''s entirely unlike the cultivation you originally do. That means that your proficient cultivation base right now is the greatest obstacle to your addition to the concourse because that very same cultivation base won''t only not be beneficial in cultivating the concourse''s unique art, it''ll bring more harm than good. Would you really be willing to give up the cultivation base you have and redo it again?" The question drew a frown and a dry chuckle from all ten Yama kings. Earth Treasury went straight to the point, sharply and unforgiving, but it was an unavoidable crux. If they could not reach a consensus in this, it would be a waste of time, no matter how sincere Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan were. However, how could a question make such peak forces waste away their cultivation base and rebuild it? It was ridiculous! At least, the ten Yama kings were certain that they would definitely be reluctant to do so if they were in their place. "We''re willing to!" Unexpectedly, Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan agreed without any hesitation. The group was rendered speechless for a long time. Did they really just agree to it? How could they just agree? Should they have agreed so easily? "Senior, while the reason we agreed to remake our cultivation base and restart the practice is to express our sincerity, it''s actually also from selfishness. As pinnacle cultivators, we know ourselves well. We know that our cultivation method has no further heritage C there isn''t any future path for us. Although we''ve yet to come to the peak of the pinnacle class, we''re not far from it. Yet, as we progress and reach the tip, we''ll only stray farther from the real cultivation journey. The essence will essentially be out of our grasp. Overlooking this world, only the Concourse of the Underworld''s complete cultivation method can lead us across the boundary of this realm, to go further and higher." Hen Bienli said rather abashedly, "In fact, this is the main reason we''ve come forth this time." "I see." Earth Treasury pondered with a frown and said, "If so, the Concourse of the Underworld can actually take you in C but both of you still have to make the heaven''s vow. Once you join the concourse, you''ll have to make obsolete your entire cultivation method before you make the switch to the Concourse of the Underworld''s art. If you can fulfill these two conditions, I shall allow both your addition to the concourse and appoint you guardian positions." Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan looked at each other before they nodded immediately and kneeled down on the spot to make their vows. Then, they bowed down nine times in three separate motions to Earth Treasury, completing the procedure of their pledge to serve him as their master formally. "The initial intention of both your additions to the Concourse of the Underworld was to maintain the assassination industry. The decision to kill or leave alive by the Concourse of the Underworld shall be designated to the both of you," Earth Treasury said, "You''re in black and white each, so you shall adopt these two positions C Black and White Impermanence!" "The presence of Impermanence, the presence of death!" "Yes." "Come, let us enter the Haunting Temple! This place is but the best cultivation land for the phantom art." 761 A Resounding Victory! As the members of the Concourse of the Underworld entered the Haunting Temple in a single file, the fog-shrouded gates slowly sealed itself close. The whole mountain shook with a series of quivers, and in no time at all, the Haunting Temple sank into the ground. Not a sound could be heard from it anymore. Yun Yang was completely speechless. A man as wise as him would never have dreamt that such a thing could happen. Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan Both the leaders of the Merciless Tower and the Hall of the Crimson Blade had been accepted into the ranks of the Concourse, just like that. They had even taken the initiative to give themselves up. No matter how magnificent or sincere-sounding their reasons were, Yun Yang still felt that something was not right. These reasons could not have been sufficient to cause Hen Bieli and Hong Zhan to make such a resolute decision, could they? What was the real reason behind it? Yun Yang racked his brains for an answer, but he failed to discover anything conclusive, and was still left in a state as clueless as before. "Tsk, whatever. This has been delayed long enough. Now that I''m finally relieved of any duties for the moment, I should probably take a look at the ongoing battle in the west immediately. I hope there are no accidents." Yun Yang took off and headed towards the west. "Hen Bieli, what was the real reason behind this?" "The real reason? It''s simple. In my recent practice sessions, just as I was pushing myself to the extreme as I attempted to break though my own limitations in order to attain even higher forms of enlightenment, I heard someone whispering to me, as if on cue, ''Life or death only the Concourse could determine such; if you desire longevity, go straight to the Underworld!''" Hen Bieli smiled bitterly. "It was like a call from fate itself; initially, I always thought it was just an illusion stemming from my own demons, but Hong Zhan had also received similar news, confirming the existence of such a message. Moreover, after our confirmation, we were sure that the message was not from an external source, but a queer thought that stemmed from within ourselves it was very much real, and not made up whatsoever. " "We''ve had a thorough discussion before we made the decision to seek you out." "Why didn''t you bring this up just now?" "In truth, we''ve been here for the past few days already. With our own eyes, we''ve witnessed how you seized the dragonhide treasure maps, and how you returned the maps to Young Master Yun We knew that this whole incident was an act that was staged by Young Master Yun" "Although it didn''t matter how this whole thing started, Young Master Yun was still our savior in the end, but" "Well, to sum it up, we were feeling extremely conflicted. We were even worried that this was a secret of the Concourse. If it really was one, and if we somehow revealed it well, that''s why it''s complicated." First Court King Qinguang and the rest broke out in bellowing laughter upon seeing their conflicted expressions. They finally understood the complicated and conflicting feelings that had been plaguing these two fellows. If they were in their shoes, they would feel conflicted as well, when faced with such a situation. "So, do you despise Young Master Yun?" "If there wasn''t an ounce of hatred at all, we''d be deluding ourselves, so perhaps just a little. Sigh.. just thinking about how we''ve played right into his hands, or being part of his scheme since the start, only to hustle and die in the end, we still had to be grateful towards the mastermind of this all, and take our leave in gratitude it certainly makes one feel out of sorts" "Hahaha" "We actually did think of eliminating the Mediocre King the former crown prince on our own. Alas, we didn''t expect to be one step too late, and the former crown prince had been butchered before we could get to him sigh." Hen Bieli let out a sigh. "In truth, a void filled our hearts when we got to know that fellow was dead. We don''t know what to occupy ourselves with in the future which was why we had a sudden resolution" "Yes, that''s the way to put it," Hong Zhan added. "The Haunting Temple is shaking!" "We''re here!" Earth Treasury''s eyes glimmered with interest. Everybody came to a stop. As they directed their gazes forward, a massive temple appeared before their sight, oozing continuously with abyssal fog "There are now fifteen positions of the Underworld that have tentatively been filled tm" Earth Treasury took a deep breath as he recalled the many ranks within the Concourse''s legacy, and could not help but mutter, "Heavy responsibilities, and a long way to go..." On the same day, the forty-million strong army led by Wang Yunzhu had already slaughtered their way into the the empire of Ziyou''s inner city. Miles and miles of land were ravaged as fire from the battles burned and pillaged through them. The forces of Yutang''s western frontier were unrivaled, wherever they went. They were an invincible, all-conquering force ever victorious! Yet, Wang Yunzhu, a marshal who had dutifully guarded the western frontier and had engaged in a decade-long war with the Ziyou empire, was feeling completely perplexed at the moment. "That''s all the strength the Ziyou empire could muster?" Marshall Wang sat upon horseback and scratched against his head, his face wounded up in confusion. "Where was the great army of Ziyou whom I had agonizingly crossed swords with back then? Am I dreaming, or are Ziyou''s forces infected by a sleepwalking plague?" "I clearly remember that there were quite a few seasoned commanders among the ranks of Ziyou''s military where did they go to? This is a war that could wipe an entire country off the map a total annihilation of a nation we''re talking about are they truly not going to show up?!" "Perhaps I''ve been scaring myself all these years by thinking that our opponent was a ferocious tiger but perhaps they were mere shadows instead?" What a shame nobody could answer Wang Yunzhu''s question. In truth, his generals were equally confused and puzzled they were even feeling quite awkward about it. It was understable that they were confused or puzzled. Even their marshal was equally perplexed, so how could his men be exempted from such emotions? Why did they feel awkward, though? This was where it became a little cliche. A battle of this scale could wipe out an entire country, restore peace in Yutang and unite Tianxuan going as far as guaranteeing the nation''s welfare in the coming years. The forty-million-strong army of the western frontier marched into battle, and whilst they were pumped with energy and adrenaline, they were always on their guard, fearful of falling into the enemy''s hands at a moment''s neglect. After all, the western battalion were very familiar with Ziyou''s military tactics after engaging in battle with Ziyou for so many years. Deep down, they knew that victory is a must, but approaching with caution is another matter! However, as the two forces engaged in battle, the Ziyou military either collapsed upon first contact or had chosen to give themselves up right away. The defeated army was utterly crushed and ravaged beyond the point of no return, and they seemed a little too keen to surrender themselves, making this matter more suspicious than it already was ! Sun Zihu, the general of the western frontier, came to a conclusion swiftly something was definitely not right about this, something fishy was going on! Although the battle was progressing in their favor, Sun Zihu still did not dare to make too many drastic advances. It might be a resounding victory, yet for days he kept on his toes, sending out numerous scouts to scavenge for information in fear of being overconfident and falling for Ziyou''s set-up ultimately. It was only after Wang Yunzhu had arrived did they connect all the events prior to the battle with the present state of affairs, amounting to a conclusion: Ziyou''s forces were neither feigning their defeat nor staging some devious trickery up their sleeves. They were truly defeated big time! Strictly speaking, Sun Zihu''s cautious approach and all that holding back had actually delayed many good opportunities to strike in fact, they had given Ziyou plenty of time to take a breather! Yet, Wang Yunzhu did not dare to deny that Sun Zihu was not to be blamed for this. If he or just any marshal in the world were to bear such a matter upon their own shoulders, they, too, would not simply advance prematurely there were no exceptions! Due to this mentality, the present state of affairs was incredibly awkward! Then, the key question remained after being at war for so many years, how did Ziyou''s forces suddenly become so weak? If the Heaven''s Inquisition was here, he would have said: If your luck is truly bad, you will choke when you just want to take a sip of water. Ziyou''s luck had already ceased to exist of course it would only get worse from here on. A torrent of misfortunes and disasters would plague the nation all at once is this even really worth mentioning? Roughly speaking, the present situation could be summed up in this manner; Ziyou''s top marshals who were seasoned in battle were either all caught up in a coup, or they were too occupied defending their own turf. Perhaps they might have even been murdered, locked up, or removed from their post for various reasons. Either way, it was extremely rare to find veterans who were still capable of combat on the battlefield! Just talking about Sun Zihu''s first ever battle where he aggressively advanced into Ziyou, was already something to behold! When they faced off, Sun Zihu did not dare slack one bit. He started to deploy his troops into a battle formation, and at the verge of launching his attack, the enemy forces lapsed into disarray, not even resembling a proper battalion. As a veteran well-versed in combat, how could he not take this opportunity to strike? The truth was simple an internal strife had occured within their ranks. The opponent''s vanguard was so intimidated by Sun Zihu''s ferocious forces he fled with his troops even before the battle could commence! A leading marshal fleeing right before the battle how much more ridiculous could this get? Still, this was exactly how it played out in the presence of the two armies. As the two armies confronted each other with the aura of battle lingering in the air, their own vanguard had chosen to make a break for it out of fear A move like this was a blow to Ziyou''s forces a fatal blow! Adding on Sun Zihu''s incoming assaults, how could Ziyou''s army escape defeat, when plagued with the pressure from both internal and external forces? Of course they would suffer an overwhelming defeat. However, a victory like thistoo easily, causing Sun Zihu to hold back his advances. He cautiously scouted around for snippets of information, and only after the arrival of Wang Yunzhu''s main forces did he confirm the present state of affairs! The situation had truly gotten out of hand! On the battlefield, more and more news poured in, sounding even more preposterous than the one before ''Yutang''s army of a hundred men were chasing after Ziyou''s thousand-men forces like they were going after rabbits!'' ''Ten or so men soldiers would dare attack a five hundred-strong battalion, and they could even emerge victorious from that!'' ''Three to five soldiers, escorting hundreds of captured prisoners from Ziyou''s military, approaching from far'' Say how would you begin to explain this? "Bastards all of them bastards" Marshal Wang Yunzhu stabbed at each syllable, injecting each word with gloom. "What impressionable feat did we gain out of this situation? Conquering half the empire had taken less than three months, effortlessly. Damn it, if this were to be reported back to base, do you think they would believe the military? It''s better if they don''t if they do, I''ll probably be chided to death. ''What-the-fuck Wang Yunzhu what the hell have you been doing all these years at the western frontier? Spending all your time complaining about a simple opponent like that?'' My good reputation has truly been ruined by these bastards of Ziyou!" Faced with a situation like this, the western frontier were equally dismal as the marshal who led them; to have been oppressed by their opponents for so many years, they would most certainly be perceived as idiots by now! 762 Identity Exposed! No matter how it played out, the news of the victory was circulated and reported directly to Tiantang City. In the royal study, the emperor stood before a portrait of his eldest son with his arms crossed behind his back; the expression on his face was one of deep anguish. "He''s gone now whatever hatred and grudges you bear between yourselves should be evened out by now, right?" He whispered softly towards his eldest son. "Yes, I knew. I always knew, yet I did not handle it well no, I did not." "All of you are my children" "At first I thought I could take away everything he had - his title, his glory, his pride, or even his dignity seize them all. I would only spare his life, yet I did not do so in the end, just like how I couldn''t save you. I shouldn''t draw such comparisons now, should I?" "However, from the way things played out until today, you''ve already taken back whatever he owed you on your own." "My heart... is filled with so much pain." "However, if I ever face you now, I would finally feel a little more at peace; whatever that was meant for you are all in the hands of your son now." "Now, the nation is at peace and the people are united; the Empire of Ziyou in the west will soon fall into place in Yutang''s plans; oh, son, if only you were here to witness and handle all of this on your own wouldn''t that be great?" "Your Majesty!" It was Qiu Jianhan who had barged in urgently his voice had reached the ears first before his physical being could be seen. Following his yell, the surrounding vicinity of the palace abruptly lapsed into a state of absolute silence. "Marshal" Eunuch Li, the Minister of Internal Affairs, was bent over as he chased after the marshal like his life depended on it. "O marshal, please wait please allow this humble one to announce your presence and wait to be granted an audience with His Majesty" However, Qiu Jianhan had already barged in with huge and quick strides, sweating profusely. "What happened?" The emperor was cloaked in brilliant yellow as he stood by the entrance to the royal study. His heart thumped erratically against his chest as he set sight upon Qiu Jianhan, who was coming towards him in an anxious manner. He was not angry, and he would not be. Qiu Jianhan had always been a man of reasonable conduct. Judging by how out of character he was, and how desperate he looked to the point where he did not even bother to gauge his place before deciding to barge into the palace it must be an urgent matter indeed. And this, apparently, was some massive incident that was deemed unsolvable even by Qiu Jianhan himself! Reaching this inference, the emperor suddenly felt faint. His heart thumped a series of drumbeats against his chest like and he felt his mouth go dry. The last time Qiu Jianhan was so out of character was during the fall of the Nine Supremes! What could this be about, now? Matters that could not be resolved or handled by Qiu Jianhan were often matters that he could not handle as well! "What happened? Minister Qiu, please calm down whatever urgent matter must be addressed carefully and slowly we should avoid panicking among ourselves." The emperor implored worriedly. He did not forget to attempt to calm Qiu Jianhan''s emotions, but of course, this was merely more inclined towards dissolving the tense atmosphere before them. "Nine Supremes Supreme Cloud" Qiu Jianhan wheezed, drawing in large breaths. He was covered in sweat, his eyes a little glazed. The emperor felt a tight knot in his heart and nearly passed out from the anxiety. He grabbed Qiu Jianhan''s hand, imploring further, "What''s wrong with Supreme Cloud?" They really could not be bothered about preventing panic among themselves now. Whatever that had to do with the Nine Supremes or Supreme Cloud was the most urgent matter in the world one that could shake up the nation''s existence to the core! Qiu Jianhan had a frantic gaze in his eyes. "Supreme Cloud''s identity has been exposed!" "Identity exposed?" The emperor echoed in a mumble and leaped up suddenly. "Who is Supreme Cloud?" "Yun Yang!" Qiu Jianhan''s gaze bored into the emperor. "It was the son of King Xiaoyao Yun Yang." The emperor broke out in cold sweat. "How was this exposed? How could it be him t-this it was really him after all. I''ve always suspected it was him, but I''ve never thought of probing deeply how was this exposed so suddenly?" Qiu Jianhan wiped away a handful of sweat. "As of now, the whole of Tiantang City knows about it already" The emperor started to move outside in large strides. "What in the world happened to trigger this revelation? Who was it that found out about this?" Qiu Jianhan tailed behind him, twisting his torso around as he yelled, "Guards! Guards!" He then walked alongside the emperor, wiping his sweat away. "The situation out there is in total chaos. Do take care of your noble body, Your Majesty you must not meet with an accident in light of such circumstances" On the way out, a glance from the emperor of Yutang would reveal that although the people in the palace seemed nonchalantly silent, there was an ecstatic expression contained within their faces, paired with utmost surprise there was unspeakable excitement and adoration, but of course, it was mostly a fanatical craze as though they had finally seen a god with their own eyes! Snippets of gossip poured in incessantly from afar. "Supreme Cloud is Yun Yang Young Master Yun!" "Oh my god" "Sir Supreme Cloud has always been amongst us" "After all these years, Sir Supreme Cloud has finally appeared before us" "We finally got to know who Sir Supreme Cloud is our wishes have been answered. However, its just something I would rather not know, but I have to Sir Supreme Cloud should still have our gratitude and respect, but now that his identity is exposed, the dangers he would face would increase a hundredfold" "Precisely. What''s up with these people making a ruckus? Why would they suddenly disclose Sir Supreme Cloud''s identity? What could their intentions be is there an underlying conspiracy behind this?" "I don''t know. Let''s just say things are not as simple as they seem." "There''s no need to dig out the past. The current situation was chaotic everything had descended into total pandemonium!" Yes, the situation was chaotic indeed everything had truly descended into total pandemonium! This was the first thought that occurred to the emperor. Rewinding the time to one day before, a party of ten or more people suddenly approached the original site where the Residence of the Nine Supremes was located. One of them produced a queer object and explored the grounds as if he was probing for something, which brought them to find the Residence of Yun. At that fateful moment, Yun Yang was alongside the Concourse of the Underworld searching for the location of the Haunting Temple and hence did not bump into this bunch. Therefore, this was how the rumors about Yun Yang being Supreme Cloud emerged and the news spread like wildfire. "When the Nine Supremes were formed, the martial world stands strong; the Nine Supremes have come together as one, the martial world shall stand even taller. Now, we are aware that the formidable Supreme Cloud was actually Yun Yang of the Residence of King Xiaoyao all along the Young Master Yun who was once Tiantang City''s number one fop is this all an accidental coincidence, or does it make perfect sense?!" "Naturally there would be evidence to claim that Yun Yang is indeed Supreme Cloud with the first being the God-Willing Plan in my hands that would never go wrong. Although this is a secret of the school that will not be sufficient to convince everybody, with proper analysis, there is actually ample evidence lying around everywhere just not many would think to piece them together." "Every time Supreme Cloud goes out for a mission, Yun Yang will not be around; and every time Young Master Yun shows himself, Supreme Cloud''s mission would surely come to an end. Also" Every mission executed by the Nine Supremes since the time they were formed till now was brought up as supporting evidence. The timing was perfectly precise down to every single hour of every single day. Everything lined up perfectly. "Ever since the incident at Tianxuan Cliff involving the Nine Supremes, Young Master Yun did not appear for almost half a year! Where did he go to, during those times? He had gone to recuperate, of course. Eight of the nine Supremes had been buried from that incident at Tianxuan Cliff, with Yun Yang being the only survivor but that doesn''t mean that he wasn''t injured." "Besides, there are other evidence that which makes this" Every bit of evidence was listed down this was how the whole theory on Yun Yang being Supreme Cloud was concluded. Throughout this whole time, the legends regarding the School of Kismet State was brought up once more in the martial world: ''By heaven''s grace, the true ruler shall be sought out!'' ''Who does the martial world belong to? The School of Kismet State knows!'' ''Saving the world and helping the people their virtues shall be sung for a thousand years.'' ''They surface in the midst of chaos, and retreat when the world is saved!'' ''When turmoil arises, the gates shall open once more!'' 763 A Tsunami Of Thousands! Following the swift circulation of these legends, many had begun to dig out ancient archives extremely old records that spoke of the legends regarding the School of the Kismet State. The rumors were real after all. At the same time, the people of the entire land were struck by an epiphany; so this-this was the real truth! There is truly the existence of a god a savior in this world! Now, it was well known that during the era where the nations were established, rulers of the land were chosen amongst many by members of the School of the Kismet State the body where a true sovereign would be selected. They were a group of benevolent beings, for every time they made an appearance, their purpose was not to seize power for their own selfish gains but to rid the world of chaos the reason behind their existence was solely to save the people from their worldly miseries! Their virtuous deeds were boundless. The practice of selecting the true sovereign and delivering peace to the world such deeds were irreplicable! How could a tradition like that not amass respect? What was one supposed to do, if not to respect such an individual? As for their role in enabling empires and establishing sovereigns, they had contributed massively after all; what was the fuss in requiring a little repayment? Being under the reign of benevolent individuals would be the ultimate gift to the people of the world! Furthermore, the School of the Kismet State habitually retreated into hiding after selecting the true sovereign. They never seemed to stay around to claim responsibility for their deeds causing many from the land to not have even heard of them! How noble! The rulers of Yutang were grinding their teeth over such remarks. The efforts we had painstakingly invested in this the blood of our soldiers painting the ground red and good men slaving themselves away tirelessly over the years; the great outcome we see today was only attainable through generations of hard work! With a twist of a tongue, all these achievements are suddenly yours to claim wild tales that you were the origin, the one who instigated all of these? This was preposterous! Misleading the crowd by perpetuating rumors; that was the current situation they faced. Suddenly, the whole of Tiantang City was bursting with an array of book antiquities at every corner many of them rarities which only existed in lore had promptly begun to surface in the present world. Scholars invested their time in studying and expanding theories about the subject, promptly writing and documenting the School of the Kismet State, singing praise without restraint. With the legend of Supreme Cloud, the identity of Supreme Cloud and the legend of the School of the Kismet State interwoven as one, ancient legends and present-day myths continued to enhance each other''s tales, only to deliver even more shocking discoveries to the people! In the eyes of the emperor of Yutang, the incoming series of changes were blatantly malignant. All of them seemed to appear on the eve of the unifying peace to come a series of unusual surprises leaping out of nowhere! Even with the intervention of the officials and the disapproval of the emperor of Yutang himself, the fiery passion did not falter a single bit. It grew even more intense by the moment it was overwhelmingly potent! In the wake of this sudden incident, the Residence of Yun was flooded with throngs of people. Many citizens knelt before the gates; some had even rooted themselves to the spot by kneeling there, unwilling to budge. As if embarking on a pilgrimage, countless people dropped to their knees with every step they took, paying their respects throughout the whole journey. "Lord Supreme Cloud!" "Young Master Yun Yang is Supreme Cloud!" "No wonder Young Master Yun is so good-looking a great young master like him in the midst of such dark times is actually Lord Supreme Cloud himself!" "Lord Supreme Cloud is our savior! We must certainly go to where he lives to deliver our utmost gratitude or else it will be deemed ungrateful and disrespectful of us!" Under the influence of such thoughts, the citizens throughout the whole of Yutang had started to make their way towards Tiantang City! Lord Supreme Cloud might not have cared about our repayments, but being a recipient of his grace, we certainly must pay our respects, no matter what. We may not be fated to meet, but we must certainly journey to catch a glimpse of Lord Supreme Cloud''s residence at the very least! Every citizen of Yutang had already gotten this sense of gratitude deeply ingrained within their hearts. In the past, they were more determined in suppressing such thoughts to prevent Supreme Cloud''s identity from being exposed, for they did not know who Supreme Cloud really was. Now that Yutang was to about to unite Tianxuan as a whole, this worry was the least of their concerns, and when invoked by certain well-intentioned individuals, the wave of gratitude was accumulated with the overwhelming ferocity of a tsunami. Even if the Residence of Yun were equipped with countless masters, their capabilities were rendered useless in a situation like this no matter how powerful they were their hands were totally tied! "We don''t have to meet Lord Supreme Cloud just paying homage before his gates would suffice!" "It would be the ultimate blessing to just catch a glimpse of Lord Supreme Cloud''s residence I''ll die with no regrets!" Feeling helpless, Yun Xiaoyao warily opened up the gates to the Residence of Yun after tidying up Yun Yang''s quarters, allowing public visitations. Thus, news of his gestures traveled far and wide, causing a stir within the nation! The number of people who visited the Residence of Yun exceeded three hundred thousand each day, and the headcount was still increasing! A situation like this was simply unnerving. The blanket and pillows in Yun Yang''s bedroom had turned entirely into a shade of black in merely two to three days everybody desired the chance to graze their fingers unto Lord Supreme Cloud''s personal amenities Although they were strictly warned by the supervising personnel, some still boldly conducted the act, or perhaps, they were willing to risk their lives in this to accomplish this dream of theirs. Everyone''s hands were tied when faced with a situation like this. They could only warn them verbally how could they possibly put a stop to this by using physical force? The emperor was fuming mad regarding this matter, yet he was completely helpless. A bright person could easily tell that this was clearly a ruse by someone a ruse exploiting the admiration and respect the people had for the Nine Supremes to initiate public disorder. Surely there was some other motive deep within his bones! However, with the people''s aspirations ringing loud and clear, there was nothing that could be done. The emperor, Yun Xiaoyao, Qiu Jianhan, Fang Qingtian and the rest of the senior officials of Yutang were now in a terrible situation. They were sitting on pins, clearly at their wit''s end! They were fully aware that someone out there had malicious motives, cooking up such a ruse in the dark, yet their hands were tied as they only could only drift along, letting the matter take its course; they knew full well that this could amount to an unimaginable outcome, yet there was nothing they could do! How could a feeling like this be easily placated? Of course, there were two individuals in particular who felt incredibly elated and honored towards everything that had transpired Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu. Judging by how bright they were, they were certainly aware that there had been someone pulling the strings behind the scenes all along; however, the prestige of their beloved could not have been an act! How could the two ladies not be overwhelmed with emotion under such circumstances? This was especially true of Ji Lingxi, who was Supreme Wind''s biological sister. Witnessing how the prestige of the Nine Supremes had been cast upon the nation, evoking tears of joy and appreciation from the people as they paid homage wholeheartedly her fair maiden''s heart was about to explode from the tumult of emotions she was feeling. This is my brother''s accomplishment! This is Yun Yang''s accomplishment! They are such great men! He is worthy of every bit of respect, admiration, and devotion! He is worthy of the adoration of ladies, he is worth any treasure in the world! My beloved! "I want to know just where the hell Supreme Cloud is right now! Right this moment!" In the palace, the emperor''s face was dark with anger. Standing before him was Yun Xiaoyao, looking extremely distressed. The emperor stared hard at his brother of another mother with a murderous gaze, his knuckles crackling loudly he was filled with the intense impulse to beat up a certain someone! Recalling the times they had spent discussing the identity of Supreme Cloud together, discussing Yun Yang, discussing related matters, Yun Xiaoyao''s solemn assurance was still clearly ringing in his ears. ''He is not Supreme Cloud!'' ''Your humble brother can guarantee that!'' ''Your humble brother will swear by anything, as a guarantee of this!'' Now, however The emperor gritted his teeth. Judging by his murderous expression, the emperor might just tear him apart, bit by bit, at any moment! 764 The Emperor’s Wrath Where had Supreme Cloud gone to? This was the question posed by the emperor himself. Although he was fuming mad, and although they were situated within a private, sealed-off space the royal study, for that matter the emperor dare not refer to Yun Yang as ''that little brat'', ''that insolent child'', ''that bastard'', ''that little shit'' or names that were equally derogatory. He had to address him as Supreme Cloud! This was the highest form of respect one could obtain by accomplishing the greatest deeds in the world! Even the emperor himself was not exempted from it! The emperor of Yutang still remained as the most esteemed individual in Yutang, but Supreme Cloud was legendary this was the difference between a man and a god! Pondering upon such thoughts, the emperor''s stare grew even more fearsome as he bore his gaze into Yun Xiaoyao it was a hatred as deep and unforgivable as the act of murdering one''s father. "Well, the nation has been quite chaotic lately, how could he be mulling at home? He did mention to me that he would be going to the western front lines two days ago" Yun Xiaoyao''s head shrunk into his shoulders as he huddled into his chair obediently, attempting to minimize his presence before his brother. Although the emperor of Yutang''s cultivation base was rather low-leveled, and he might not even stand a chance against a breath by Yun Xiaoyao, the overbearing presence of royalty and his elder brother''s imposing stature kept Yun Xiaoyao as silent as a mouse. "Oh, so he has gone to the frontlinesLord Supreme Cloud is truly loyal towards his nation and his people, always being at the frontlines, barely lamenting about how tough it is" Qiu Jianhan coughed while, at the same time, attempting to break down the icy atmosphere before him. "Ah, y-yes," Leng Daoyin and Fang Qingtian echoed, their mouths running dry. Usually, or in most cases, the three greatest hoodlums in the capital would sort out any conflicts for each other. Moreover, the person of interest this time was the little brother of the emperor of Yutang himself. All the more that this matter should be resolved in no time there was no need to even teach him a lesson! However, this was a special situation one that was different from the usual circumstances! The emperor neither spoke nor moved his posture seemed to remain constant for the longest time. Like an enraged lion, he sat upon his throne, his gaze boring into Yun Xiaoyao with a deep-rooted hatred, his eyes never even blinking once. Naturally, Yun Xiaoyao felt incredibly uneasy at the moment. He might not have purposefully averted his gaze to avoid eye contact, yet the feeling of the burning, dagger-like stare on his back was very apparent, making direct eye contact a better option. He could not help but return the gaze, facing the emperor''s shimmering, hawk-like glare. As he was about to speak, an unexpected chill crept up into his spine as he parted his lips, yet he steeled his voice and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?" "Why am I looking at you like that you dare to ask? You have the temerity to ask?" The emperor replied icily, his voice emitting between gritted teeth. "Why simply because you''re so good-looking, of course! I enjoy looking at you am I not permitted to?" These words were meant to tease, yet under the circumstances, it only came across as simply terrifying. Yun Xiaoyao choked out some dry laughter, and waved it off humorlessly, "Ah, my noble brother, you favor me too much! Your humble brother''s looks are merely passable" The emperor clenched his jaw as his face twisted into a multitude of expressions. "Oh, come on now besides your looks, you have something else to be proud of, are you not? A great son for a hero that had saved the entire Yutang." The conversation had been promptly steered into perilous tides. Suddenly, the atmosphere took a hostile turn the turn of events began to seem extremely unfavorable. Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin, and Fang Qingtian knowingly buried themselves into their chairs without making the slightest move, trying their very best to minimize their presence and innocently watched the exchange between the two brothers. If I had a choice I really wouldn''t want to sit in for this I''d rather resign and return to my hometown to live out my years quietly instead You can''t blame me for being a coward, for this is blatantly a minefield it''s too dangerous to be here! Yun Xiaoyao felt like he was sitting on pins and needles as he laughed, wryly, "Well, he''s your nephew after all there''s no need to mention such deeds whatever has been done was still far from what has to be accomplished. That''s too much of a praise, noble brother too much!" The emperor did not even bother to give the slightest hint of a smile. He replied, icily, "How is this too much of a praise? How can such accomplishments be deemed enough? There is simply too much worth mentioning Well, I did ask a few days ago I did ask you if you knew who Supreme Cloud was. Do recall how you answered me" Yun Xiaoyao choked and lowered his gaze, remaining speechless. "Look up!" The emperor roared, loud as thunder, causing the imperial study to tremble slightly. The four of their heads snapped up immediately. Almost instantly, they lowered their gaze meekly. Cough, I didn''t hear anything Yun Xiaoyao was sweating profusely. "Noble Brother t-this this" "This! That!" The emperor released his rage. "I''ve asked you eight-hundred times about this, haven''t I? Your son, Yun Yang is he Supreme Cloud?! You made guarantees, you confided to me with absolute sincerity, you vouched for your words, and you even swore on our dear father''s name" He huffed and puffed, slamming a fist onto the table. "Yet from the looks of it today, you don''t sound at all surprised, do you?" Yun Xiaoyao''s expression quickly switched into that of a troubled soul. "That time, I truly" "truly feel that you''ve lived long enough?" The emperor cut him off, biting off each word with disgust. "You have balls you no longer respect me as your elder, do you? Having a strong cultivation base and a good son fooling and conspiring against me as you wish" Yun Xiaoyao''s hands trembled slightly. "Noble Brother, listen to me, I can explain. Things happened for a reason, and the had the circumstances allowed" "To hell with your explanation! Like I''d listen to your sorry excuse of a reason!" The emperor cut him off mercilessly as his wrath bounced off the walls of the palace. "Yun Xiaoyao! Y-you you lawless, unfilial bastard! You mutinous, treacherous thing! You" A thunderous roar lashed out suddenly, "Who the hell permitted you to be seated? Stand up you! F*cking bastard, you son-of-a-b*tch! You''ve really grown a pair of horns now, haven''t you" Yun Xiaoyao snapped his head up, protesting strongly, "You can berate me for all you like. You are my big brother after all, but you mustn''t curse on our fathers'' name! You shouldn''t call me a son-of-a-b*tch or a bastard; just think about what you''re saying" "You bet I''m cursing our father alright! You are a sorry d*ck of a son as well!" The emperor''s wrath knew no bounds as he spat out whatever that came to mind. "Shut up! You''ve no right to speak in my presence!" "You really mustn''t curse my father cursing at my father is equivalent to cursing at your own! Y-you you are the exalted one, the reigning sovereign you mustn''t say such things!" Yun Xiaoyao''s voice grew smaller and smaller, his head shrinking further into his body as he squatted above his chair. The emperor grew even more incensed by the second. He started to stand, striding towards Yun Xiaoyao with a condescending gaze, like a proud lion towering over his prey, pressing his forefinger against the latter''s forehead as he hurled out a torrent of insults. He raged as he pointed, and Yun Xiaoyao would raise his head, backing away at every one directed at him Eventually, the fun in waving his finger around seemed to have died down, no longer satisfying the emperor''s impulsive lust for violence. He lashed out a few kicks, and King Xiaoyao was sent rolling like a gourd. "Calm down, Your Grace cough calm down" Qiu Jianhan braced himself and came to the rescue after catching Yun Xiaoyao''s helpless, pleading gaze. However, just as the words left his lips, the old marshal knew that he had fallen into a trap. Yun Xiaoyao was not pleading for help he was blatantly shifting the blame to him! 765 This is Deification! Just as expected, as the emperor was told to hold on to his rage, his gaze instantly shifted to Qiu JianHan and he became even more infuriated. "Ohohohoho! Here I was, wondering which audacious person it was, that I can''t even go berserk in front of him. So, it is Qiu Jianhan, who always tells a pack of lies, a mouthful of sh*t, one who commits treason and deceives the emperor as his duty! Old Marshal Qiu! My dear Qiu! Qiu War God! You are good, you are great, you are wonderful! I have the utmost respect for you. Remember to keep it up!" Qiu Jianhan sat down, exasperated and speechless. "I remember asking you many times about the true identity of Supreme Cloud, but didn''t you say that you were unaware of it? You don''t seem too surprised now! Why would you want to run off as soon as you were asked to investigate this, to point of entertaining the idea of leading the western troops to battle to stay out of the way? Why would you want to avoid this so badly? It was to hide from me, to stay away from this troublesome place, the rabble-rouser I''m sure all of you know about this, but you hid it from me! I am right?" "Qiu Jianhan!" He let out an angry roar. "Do you think I am an idiot?" Qiu Jianhan''s cough caught in his throat, threatening to choke him to death. ''I am an idiot?'' ''What could I say? Was I able to utter, "Your Majesty, you are not an idiot" or "Your Majesty, you are brilliant?'' ''it wasn''t right, and would only make it worse. So, I had better keep my mouth shut, be good, and take on this raging storm'' The emperor was enraged, and his anger gradually shifted to Fang Qingtian, then to Leng Daoyin. By the time the emperor got tired of chastising his men and leaned back in his chair to take a breather and drink water, the faces and hair of the four men had been completely sprayed with white, foamy saliva! This was the first time that His Majesty had been so furious in many years! How could he not be incensed? The emperor felt as if his very organs had been torn apart eight hundred times. Now, as long as the emperor pictured the uncouth manners of the four men lowering their heads, he could feel the rage imploding within his heart, threatening to lash out again. Hence, he began cursing. Even though his stomach was still bloated from how intensively he was fuming, the only feeling he could experience now was dizziness; he did not even have the strength to be angry. He could only huff while his eyes glared at these men; his gaze struck each one of them like saber blades. If his stare had truly been sabers, then the four men would have been chopped at least seven or eight hundred times each in such a short amount of time! "Cough, cough" Fang Qingtian coughed, cleared his throat, preparing to speak. "Old fart, why are you coughing? Do you have a wasting disease? When you were like this before, I had to uphold your sky-high honor, and said nothing! But now" His Majesty glanced at Fang Qingtian from the corner of his eye. "Now, who would have known that an old man like you, who has one foot in the coffin and half your body has already gone to hell, can still be alive and functioning to anger me? So, it was Lord Supreme Cloud who is keeping you alive. Ohohohoho, what an immense honor you have" Fang Qingtian wore a bewildered look. ''I coughed because I was ready to speak about serious matters. How did I end up being covered in a big, warm fart?'' "Is there anything else you want to say? Say it, say it!" The emperor, who had completely lost control of his emotions, was exasperated. ''You rascals! What do you take me for?'' ''You have been hiding from me all you have known about this matter. Do you think that I am a fatuous emperor who is ignorant and has no sense of priority?'' ''Would I kill Supreme Cloud once I found him because his merits are undoubtedly higher than those of the emperor himself? You are afraid that I will feel dread, so you all will go to any lengths to hide it from me?'' What a bastard! "Your Majesty, even though Your Majesty is in a fury, now is not the time to vent your spleen. What''s important now is that it is obvious that the current turbulent situation was caused by those with ill-intentions What we should consider most now is what should be done about this matter. How do we react?" Fang Qingtian said sternly, "This matter must be dealt with as soon as possible. If it were left to develop into something bigger later, it would be a major event that would affect the very foundations of this country." "Harrumph!" His Majesty huffed angrily and said, "Tell me then, how do we deal with it? Answer me, one by one." Qiu Jianhan coughed, wanting to speak. He lifted his head but shrank back. He looked at Yun Xiaoyao, signaling him to speak about this matter as he was the most suitable person to do it - he was the father of the culprit. Yun Xiaoyao rolled his eyes and shrank in his chair without making a sound; I am to speak? How dare I speak now? I would be beaten up the moment I opened my mouth. Besides, I am helpless with things that require thinking. You have regarded me too highly if you let me think of a way. King Yun felt very much aggrieved. ''Your father is an idle king; that old bastard was dissolute, gave birth to your father and did not care. Although I was made marquis, I was not given real power, not even a salary'' ''However, how many times have I put my own life at stake for the Empire of Yutang all these years? Surviving countless battles is just of little importance. My son is Supreme Cloud. What is wrong with that? He has saved the whole empire We, father and son, have contributed so much for the Empire of Yutang; we have nothing in return but resentment. Up until now, you bunch of scoundrels still want your father to go against thunder!'' ''Where''s the logic in this?'' ''I will not come out, even if I was beaten to death!'' ''I will probably be beaten to death the moment I ventured out!'' ''You fellows still have some dignity in the eyes of the emperor, but I have none in front of him!'' ''He beats and chastises me whenever he wants. I have to restrain my cultivation base to resist retaliating, even when he hits me, lest the bastard be hurt. Except for the fact that this fellow cannot kill me, he can do whatever he wants to torment me as if it is unquestionable and euphemistically called ''home law''.'' ''Screw the pooch!'' Leng Daoyin was one who was the least suspected thus far. First, he had little contact with Yun Yang. Second, he did not receive any treatment from Yun Yang. He coughed and rubbed off the spittle on his face, and said, "Lao Fang is right. It is obvious that someone is behind all of this, harboring ill intent! I reckon that it is most probably the few people from the so-called School of Kismet State who are behind this. We might as well put them under our surveillance" "Do I need to be reminded by you that we can do so? What you said is bullshit!" The emperor rolled his eyes, fuming. "The problem now is that this has become an act of deification. Don''t you know that the law cannot be enforced when everyone is an offender?" Everyone was quiet. His words were right on point. That was the reality, a solid case of deification. By depending on Supreme Cloud''s influence, they would trigger an upheaval to initiate the School of Kismet State into the movement. They could then mobilize scholars from all over the world to exalt the School of Kismet State''s position to the altar! They were smart because there was only one man in the Empire of Yutang who could be deified - Supreme Cloud! 766 What to Do? Regardless of how superb or influential the School of Kismet State was, it was not nearly as good as Supreme Cloud. The solution that could be applied to the emperors of other countries in history was completely inapplicable to the Empire of Yutang, so they could only depend on other influences - by leveraging upon Supreme Cloud''s reputation! In spite of the fact that Supreme Cloud''s identity had been revealed and his enemy being the continent''s top sect - the Four Seasons Tower - they would certainly not live long as they loathed each other and would fight each other to the death; even the School of Kismet State could seize the opportunity to carry out an in-depth operation. As long as Supreme Cloud died, the magnificent benefits of deification which affected the whole world would all belong to the School of Kismet State! Even the royalty of Yutang could not get much profit from it; at most, the profits were scant. Why should not they do it, with this being the case? Besides, the timing was a godsend. The trend of Yutang had already been established - the military was now expanding the empire''s area of influence, yielding unparalleled merits, while the civil side and scholars'' talents had become barely employed at this time. That would be a great achievement in uniting Tianxuan! It would be a pity if one could not have a finger in the pie. Those who had official positions were still powerful, but how about those intellectuals with no official position? It was simple; each of them would be given a title, so they could start preaching. As long as they preached well, there would naturally be merits; in the future when the world was unified, they would all be meritorious officials because they had achieved merit in the war of unity! Besides, the School of Kismet State had made contributions by indoctrinating the people of the world, and that was half the battle. It was unshakable! The heresy and extreme tactics of sizing people up were a great market for many scholars! Yes, one could prepare biographies for Supreme Cloud and the School of Kismet State now; once the nation was united in the future, one would naturally make a name for one''s self. At that time, the credentials would be solid and genuine, wherever one was. One need not fight or even work, but just open one''s mouth or put pen to paper. There wasn''t even the slightest danger; only writing biographies and licking someone''s boots. What a convenient task! It was far easier than those fools who carried their heads into the battlefield, right? Moreover, they would be ranked much higher than those crude bastards who only knew coarse language and bloodshed when they were made officials This was clearly a good deal - would these scholars not come rushing for it? Were they wrong in doing so? Was Supreme Cloud the hero of their country? What was wrong with one publishing a biography for him? Was it a crime? One should not do something for Lord Supreme Cloud? What did this mean? A rebellion? Right, there were objections, but consigning the opposition to eternal damnation was just a snap! It was worth mentioning that the School of Kismet State''s move was indeed a brilliant tactic - capturing the mindset of Yutang''s people. If one was loyal and grateful, one''s gratitude and loyalty would be put to good use. If one was despicable and an opportunist, one''s despicableness and opportunism would be used. The virtue and evil instinct in human nature were all in the consideration! "Now, the tides are fierce and the repercussions will be far-reaching. It is really difficult to deal with." Qiu Jianhan sighed. "Everything else is fine. The crux of the matter is that they bind themselves up with the names of Supreme Cloud and even the Nine Supremes. Is it the butterfly effect. Even if we can take any measures, there will be little effect and almost no better countermeasures under these circumstances." His Majesty was even more frustrated upon hearing Qiu Jianhan''s explanation. How could he have not known this; he knew the key points and the severity of the matter. He just hoped that Qiu Jianhan and the others could somehow provide a solution. Who would want to listen to the root cause of the situation? That was already unimportant. His gaze was like a flying dagger, flittering around the faces of the four personages, and finally, he let out a sigh. "The damage of public-opinion uproar has its limits. As long as the officials intervene, it is easy to suppress any form of controversy at once. However, someone has been manipulating things this time around, and the coverage has extended far and wide. It is a fact that the law cannot be enforced when everyone is an offender, and these people still have every chance to kick up a fuss. The will of the people have always been easy to stir, so it is difficult to have a long-term foresight and sense of crisis." Yun Xiaoyao and the rest frowned as they nodded their heads in agreement to the point. The commotion caused by this matter was undoubtedly serious, and the subsequent events were even severe. However, just like the emperor had said, once the mastermind behind this manipulation had been taken down, things could still be easily dealt with. The problem would then turn to the School of Kismet State. There were not many disciples in the School of Kismet State. How many people could there be in a school that had stayed reclusive all this while? Nevertheless, due to this reason, the disciples had intimidating abilities, and their high cultivation base was formidable! If they were to be in complete opposition to each other, it was also foreseeable that their proficient martial skill would bring great harm to the Empire of Yutang''s higher authorities. What was more, Yutang had no ability to stop it! Fang Qingtian stroked his brow. "This matter has happened so abruptly. We have been exceptionally passive and were taken by surprise, yet we did not know the real motives of the sudden appearance of the School of Kismet State." "The thoughts of these recluses are unreasonable. They have been at peace in the past; why did they suddenly resurface at this juncture?" Yun Xiaoyao did not understand this. "Actually, the School of Kismet State has come to me" The Emperor chuckled humorlessly. "Speaking of this, perhaps it is it is God''s plan and destiny. In fact, the people of School of Kismet State did not want to do it in such an extreme manner either; but the reality of the situation compels them to do so. If I disregard my standpoint, I could even understand their choices, their approaches, they are not likely to feel good, and may not be easier than our helplessness." "What do you mean?" asked Yun Xiaoyao with shock. The emperor bit his tongue immediately, eyes staring daggers at Yun Xiaoyao, and he remained silent. Everyone could not help but have a peculiar feeling of amusement about this. His Majesty was about to tell the whole story and what he had known. Nonetheless, upon hearing Yun Xiaoyao''s question, which was obviously out of courtesy to connect the previous and next statement; he stopped speaking in a fit of pique. "Others can ask, but I won''t speakif you are the one who asks!" After a moment of awkward silence and speechlessness for a long while, Yun Xiaoyao looked at the emperor in bewilderment, carefully choosing his words, "Brother? You" The emperor gritted his teeth as if he wanted to devour someone and said, "Your son is superb, a living legend! You can ask your son; you wouldn''t have had to ask me!" Had this not already passed? Why was it turning back? Yun Xiaoyao was even more perplexed and dumbstruck for a very long time. Qiu Jianhan and the others could not help but burst out laughing, despite speaking about such a serious topic, especially being in front of the emperor. The quarreling atmosphere of both royal brothers was truly amusing. Everyone''s eyes shone particularly when the authoritative emperor with great talent and bold vision was nursing a grudge. It was indeed a scene that was rarely seen. "Your Majesty, what do you mean?" Qiu Jianhan asked quickly as he started to laugh so hard that he had to stop himself from shaking. The emperor snorted. He began to calm down as he had really taken things personally, and solemnly, he said, "The initial intention of the School of Kismet State was to support Dongxuan, including the previous battle of Dongxuan''s invasion on the border of the Fortress of Resilience. They had all been a trick of theirs." "Oh." The masses were well aware of the situation and came to a realization immediately. "However, they had not expected that Dongxuan could still lose the battle eventually, despite having such a big advantage!" A mocking smile surfaced on His Majesty''s face, and said, "So They have no choice but to turn the target around now" The group immediately understood everything. Going against one''s initial intentions, violating one''s conscience; I would be embarrassed if I were a member of the School of Kismet State! "The School of Kismet State has always been hitting the mark once they have set their sights on their targets from within. There have been no exceptions, not since ancient times. This has also fortified the positiveness of their identities in the annals. This time, however, due to the turn of events, they have been forced to choose passively from the outside, and have to use public opinion to coerce us into acknowledging their status, so that they can continue to benefit." "Of course, this is also because we do not recognize their status!" The emperor said, "Hence, this commotion. That being said, they have chosen the right time to initiate the commotion. It was simply apt and the timing was perfect." Fang Qingtian said, "You''re right. If the timing had been any earlier, the news would dissipate, provided that we ignore it. If it had been later, the situation of the continent would have been decided; and whether Supreme Cloud''s background and identity would have been exposed or not, and what would have been the choice of the School of Kismet State - these are inconsequential. Nonetheless, the point of time is just intricate. It is right when Yutang has just risen and commenced the final war to conquer Tianxuan, and it even falls in the delicate juncture where domineering Ziyou is already set in stone but has not been completely accomplished." "Stop bragging about those shameless fellows who are trying to save their faces. I''m getting a headache from figuring out how to react next. It will be better to think of a way right now." Yun Xiaoyao sighed heavily, and said, "From how I see it, the most abhorrent thing now is those scholars who take advantage and escalate the situation further by adding fuel to the fire! Scholars are not a good thing. Those faithful to kinship are mostly butchers and lower-classed people while those who are ungrateful are mostly scholars and the educated ones - that it an inconvenient truth!" Fang Qingtian was somewhat fairer in his assessment. He said, "I''m afraid what King Yun has said is rather biased. There are still many scholars in the Empire of Yutang who are awe-inspiring, while many civil officials in the imperial court who are devoted to the public interests and have wholeheartedly served the nation and its people. There are only a few of those who are involved in fanning the flames and stirring up havoc; they are mere scum." "These people want to take the opportunity to gain fame and embark on an official career, and they even hope their reputations can leave an eternal legacy. It is indeed a filthy thought" Leng Daoyin then said, "They are speculative at this time, and it is the best moment as well. If this is also what the School of Kismet State has planned for a long time, then this is the point that they have designed and grasped perfectly. The plot they have set up is remarkable." "I''m afraid we martial people cannot give any better suggestions on this matter." Qiu Jianhan said, "Your Majesty may as well summon the chancellor, the grand tutor, and the others to hear what they have to say about this." Fang Qingtian and Leng Daoyin both chortled. This old man was still as crafty as ever! Using scholars against intellectuals 767 The Strategy of the Civils "The Grand Tutor and others are already waiting in the chamber." The emperor scoffed. "Summoning the few of you is but for the assurance of the military morale. Not an issue when such talk spreads among the people, but it mustn''t spread in the army! All of you should understand this point." The group rolled their eyes. ''Of course, we do.'' ''However, for you to see us first, I''m afraid it''s not for the reason you''ve stated so overtly!'' ''The unspoken factor must be because you want to lash out with your fury first to vent your frustration!'' In spite of this, it did not seem to be a big deal for His Majesty to actually release his rage before moving to the discussion. "Hurry up and ask Supreme Cloud to return discreetly," the emperor said standing up with his eyes trained on the sky and earth, just not at Yun Xiaoyao, as if he was talking to the air, "The fate of the western line is set. He has nothing better to accomplish there. Instead, this headache in the capital is of utmost importance. It needs a living legend like him to come back and handle it!" "Yes." Yun Xiaoyao agreed from the back. He was the only one who could promise such a matter anyway! The emperor sneered once again before leaving with a flap of his sleeves. It was worth mentioning that the civil officials truly had countless approaches in dealing with scheming, tricky ploys like this. At the very least, His Majesty was pleased listening to them. This was most probably the quintessential part of their profession. "Your Majesty, we mustn''t be reckless in facing this situation. We can try to divert the focus, disperse the cause and effect." "How do we split it up and break them apart?" "The School of Kismet State has set up an intricate ploy. The general picture is already painted by now. Not only will it be ineffective if we try to tear through it by force, but we''ll also only make a mess out of ourselves, our efforts in vain. Why don''t we go the opposite route and select a few of those leading in singing praises of the school C the higher the reputation, the better, and appoint them official titles, applaud their works This is how we divert their attention" "The civils and scholars have always looked down upon each other since the beginning of time. There''s also the saying that one isn''t afraid of poverty but the disparity of wealth. They''d definitely fight internally as the few who were commended and benefited from it will persuade the others in protecting their profits. At the very least, they''ll make sure they won''t lose what they''ve gained. After all, this is their very aim or at least one of it." "That sounds reasonable. What about the next one?" "The next one is to focus our oppression on a certain group of people based on this premise, especially those who are exceptionally loud in their ''support''. We can herd them into a corner, bring harm to their family and extended clan. This will cause their loved ones and supporters to leave them, crushing their motivation. Then, we use them as an example to warn the others and to make those who received imperial court titles feel lucky. The controversy will be triggered and aggravated naturally to the point of no return." "That makes sense." "Thirdly, task the portion of people who''ve entirely submitted themselves to the imperial court to follow-up on this matter. The bestowment of official titles has never been for nothing C it''s only righteously appropriate for them to put an end to this issue! They''ve already chosen to betray their original stance; they would be more than brutal to their original stance C they would go to the extremes" The emperor''s heart lurched, but he hummed a sound of agreement faintly and said, "How deep the favor runs indicates how intense the grudge will be C however dense the gratitude that is felt, however endless the resentment can be" "Other than these, the waves of rumors should be treated as lightly as possible. They don''t have to be given profits or ministerial positions. We only have to dissuade part of the idle talkers." "If it''s necessary, we can snip right where the bud is. Spreading rumors among the civilians such an action we can call it rebellion" "The whispering campaign will unavoidably break apart, some intensifying while some will leave. The crime pinned on those at the lowest level will be too heavy, so it''s predictable that the tales will greatly reduce" "Then, there''s only the official intervention by the officials left. We shall catch some of the targets directly under the crime of damaging the national hero''s name C I don''t think we won''t yet be able to lock down those conspiring ones Even if there were to be mistakes, that''d be on them!" "That''s right. Lord Supreme Cloud is the hero of our empire. For this group of people to jump out and call out Supreme Cloud''s identity, it''s basically placing our hero right under the enemy''s blade. This is rebellion! This is an act of betrayal! The intention alone is worthy of execution!" "Then" The civil officials were eloquent, already listing out hundreds of executable plans within a short while. It could be said that if the School of Kismet State did not direct the incident behind the curtains, perhaps the commotion could have been destroyed within a night, should the series of actions be carried out. Even with the school''s intervention and support, the combined tactics would have sufficed to disorient them, burning both ends of their candles! His Majesty nodded as he listened to the officials'' discussion, an odd feeling rising within him. These strategies went straight for human nature, targeting their humanity. They were selective and brutal, going to the extreme, but they were terribly effective, immediately reaping the results. ''If one were to compare the skill of killing without spilling blood, these civil ministers are the real talent C the exemplars'' The emperor mused with a squint, sitting on his throne. ''As an emperor, it''s a real challenge to master the skill of a ruler, to take rein of people''s hearts The martial practitioners are straightforward, their nature easygoing; with the correct approach, their loyalty will be gained to be used. However, the civils for such ideas to be spouted from these brilliant ministers how fluent and consistent of them'' ''If the practitioners intend to rebel, maybe an army is all it takes to overcome it. If the civils were to rebel though, one wouldn''t notice it in three years'' His Majesty was alert and watched the civil officials with through the corners of his eyes, internally heaving a deep sigh. "All of you are insightful and wise. You''re adequately farsighted and meticulous in scheming, preying upon human nature, but it''s a pity that despite your ideas, no one mentioned the most important part. Now that Supreme Cloud''s identity has been exposed, how do we guarantee Supreme Cloud and his family''s safety?" "While the commotion can be chaotic for now, it can be resolved easily. Yet, if Supreme Cloud is sacrificed due to this, do you think there will be a second Residence of Nine Supremes?" "That''s the very foundation of our empire!" "If it''s the extinguishing team I''m looking for, why should all of you be enlisted with high ranks and salary? It would seem that the direction of selecting the country''s administration talent needs to be adjusted" The emperor''s gaze was grim; many thoughts had already flitted past him at that very moment. Yun Yang rushed to the western battle line to personally witness Yutang''s army achieving victory after victory. He was quickly rid of his worry, losing the thought to materialize and strike. In all honesty, the western line army''s morale would be greatly boosted if he had presented himself and even assisted with his manifestation powers. However, would that be beneficial? His departure was certain C Yutang had to gradually get used to being independent of the Nine Supremes'' assistance and to overturn a critical battle! It was not that the empire needed to C they had to! Both elders Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou were idle, thus they followed him to the battlefield. In spite of this, the masterly experts were speechless upon witnessing the situation. 768 Returning "How is help even needed in this situation?" Ling Xiaozui shook his head. "This is a landslide massacre The Empire of Ziyou''s generals have no intention to fight, while the army has no fighting spirit. The military is incredibly scattered without a leader; they''d destroy their own nation without a war" Yun Yang chuckled easily. "We''re here anyway. Let''s have a look." The trio roamed the Empire of Ziyou, soon realizing with comfort and resignation that there was indeed no need for them to intervene. "Oh, Yutang''s army is the cream of the crop indeed!" Dugu Chou complimented genuinely. He was not tooting the empire''s horn, his praise coming from the bottom of his heart. Yutang''s soldiers were ravaging the battleground. Their boosted morale kept them advancing despite their disadvantage in the number of people they had. Like splitting a bamboo, their conquest was unstoppable! "This C this is like a group of aphrodisia-induced men mass assaulting the C uh, without a care" Ling Xiaozui started but was too abashed to continue. The three men were relieved then. While they had come with the intention of providing assistance in the battle, they were now idle, like they were on a relaxed journey. The contrast in emotions was vast. It was on the fourth day when the military men began to suddenly whisper to each other in the battleground. "Has anyone seen Lord Supreme Cloud?" "Did Lord Supreme Cloud appear on the battlefield?" "Did Lord Supreme Cloud come? I don''t believe so!" "It''s said that there''s something going on in the capital and Lord Supreme Cloud needs to rush back." "Yes, I heard that too." "I wonder what it was... and if it''s anything serious" "Something that needs Lord Supreme Cloud''s personal presence? I''m afraid that it''s no small matter" "You''re right" Yun Yang''s expression changed upon hearing the conversation. He was instantly aware that there must be a huge deal going on in Tiantang City; otherwise, Wang Yunzhu would never have dared to search for him using such a tactic, even if he were to be given another gut. Retrieving the Nine Heavens Dictum quickly, it was then that Yun Yang realized that the device was completely filled with messages that Shui Wuyin had sent! "Boss, it''s terrible!" "Your identity has been exposed." "It was a plot by those from the School of Kismet State. The current direction of things is" "Right now, the capital city" "Two extremely massive forces are pursuing us from the Nine Heavens Dictum" "Boss, are you there? Please reply as soon as possible. Nine Heavens Dictum is laying low currently without further action in anticipation for boss'' instruction." "Boss" Yun Yang breathed in deeply, his expression dark and his eyes gleaming with terrible, murderous intent. The School of Kismet State! ''I haven''t made any effort to look for you all and you should consider yourselves lucky for that, but now here you are, sending yourselves to me!'' ''Alright then, let us settle accounts, both old and new!'' Seeing Yun Yang''s menacing expression, Ling Xiaozui asked, "What has happened?" The young man smiled and answered, "Nothing much. It''s just that my hidden identity has been exposed." "Supreme Cloud?" It slipped from Ling Xiaozui''s tongue as he was too stunned to guard it. Yun Yang spread his arms and said, "See, nothing much, right? You all have guessed it long ago anyway." Ling Xiaozui was speechless, thinking to himself, ''Nothing much? We guessed it because you''ve never kept any of your powers from us. Outside? Your identity has always been the world''s biggest secret!'' Gu Chaliang had been watchful of his words. It was due to this fact that he managed to stay alive despite Mr. Nian''s best efforts and even managed to escape with luck! "Stay where you are!" Yun Yang sent Shui Wuyin a message. Then, he stood up. "We have to go back. Knowing this information, the Four Seasons Tower will surely devise something grand. This time I think it''ll be the final battle against the Four Seasons Tower!" "Final battle!" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou''s eyes shone brightly. "Since our departure is destined, graces and grudges should be settled once and for all." Yun Yang chuckled but his eyes were glinting dangerously with brimming, killing intent. He continued, emphasizing each word carefully. "The Four Seasons Tower is probably left with only dozens of people now" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou made an internal calculation and suddenly felt goosebumps rise on their skin. Indeed C since Supreme Cloud''s return for revenge, the Four Seasons Tower had continuously suffered from casualties. Its outer layer of forces was almost extinguished as Supreme Lord Spring Frost''s men were the first to be banished. Then, vengeance crawled its way up, to the Five Venerable Lords, to the civil and military ministers Skied of Golden Glints, one of Mr. Nian''s rumored disguises had been killed earlier as well. Then, how many more people could the Four Seasons Tower be left with now? One must know that Four Seasons Tower''s deeply hidden forces had never been only the stuff of rumors! "Child, Summer, Autumn and Winter Supreme Lords'' men are still well and alive, are they not?" Dugu Chou reminded him. "While they''re still intact they aren''t an issue now." Yun Yang smiled and continued. "I''ve gotten hold of the master list of these people C their identities, background, anything they intend to hide. Killing them will be a piece of cake." The corners of Ling Xiaozui''s lips made an involuntary twitch. Gotten hold of the name list To Yun Yang, it was basically announcing death sentences to these people. There was simply no other outcome. With his current cultivation base and capability, he could kill any stronger individuals in this world. The crux of his issue was only if he could know if he could verify, if he could find them C that was all. Once he was made aware, only death awaited the poor soul. The wind whistled through the night. Despite the long, strenuous journey, Yun Yang, whose cultivation base had made a huge leap, was already rushing back to Tiantang City promptly. Overlooking Tiantang City that was brimming with a dozen times more people than usual, especially the Residence of Yun that was packed so tightly one could hardly move, an odd, chilling gleam flashed in Yun Yang''ss eyes. There were dozens of incredibly powerful auras flowing around Tiantang City right now. Each aura was exceptionally formidable and threatening, so strong that it was petrifying C it was akin to countless venomous snakes lurking in the dark; they were ready to pounce at any time, taking one''s life instantly! "These people are waiting for me C for me to send myself to death" Yun Yang sneered. He was truly not worried about these auras. Direct and open attacks and sieges were never of his concern. What could actually bother him were the lurking enemies who would not even show their senses. Those people were presences that could actually form a real threat to him. The unknown would always be a terror, because of how mysterious and how unpredictable it was. Yun Yang was like that as well. The origin of Supreme Cloud was a mystery that had stumped many; although his capability was not the greatest, Four Seasons Tower still had a hard time exterminating him. Now that his identity was exposed, even if Yun Yang had the entire Empire of Yutang as his support, the Four Seasons Tower would still opt for the most extreme and direct solution! The whole capital city was overflowing with ulterior motives and dangerous vibes. Tiantang City now was longer home to Yun Yang C it was a dragnet, a lethal trap! Everyone Yun Yang knew had several people who, despite the fact that they tried their hardest to conceal themselves and lay low, were being observed from the dark. From the emperor, Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin, Wu Lie, to Old Mistress Shangguan, Shangguan Lingxiu, Ji Lingxi and Fang Mofei, Bai Yixue, Xiao Shaoqing, Yun Xiaoyao and more Even the few veterans he was usually in touch with were being watched. Everything was out in the open. 769 Why Pick On Us? "The School of Kismet State remains true to its hundreds of thousands of years of legacy indeed. Such an ability to manipulate is truly exceptional. How utterly impressive!" "All of a man''s weakness is contained in these two lines." Yun Yang looked over the commotion that stirred underneath as though it had never calmed down, as well as the civilians who were incited to worship Nine Supremes. A sigh escaped him. Such a sense of veneration and worshipping was supposed to be an incredible feat for the empire. However, the way it was currently being utilized by the School of Kismet State had turned it extremely foul. These people had borrowed the great name of justice and kinship in such a manner that the national officials could not hit back nor intervene directly! To intercept these people overtly? To disallow people from expressing their devotion to Nine Supremes? What would come of that? Doing so would be immediately labeled burning the bridge upon crossing the river. It was keeping the bow after the birds were hunted. It was being so meritorious that the ruler was cautious... it was Such an action would trigger an endless wave of retaliation instead! It might even result in a rebellious strike! Yun Yang went on a search, finding Bao''er''s presence swiftly. He saw Bao''er in the palace; accompanying him was a prim and proper little lady hugging a snow white kitten in her embrace. It seemed like Big Whitey? "Big Brother Bao''er, can you teach me to write and practice, pretty please?" The small girl stared at Bao''er, her big, bright doe-like eyes filled with adoration. This young little big brother was absolutely remarkable to her. He was not too much older than her, yet he knew how to write, read and make logical reasonings C he even knew martial arts! Wow! He was absolutely the best! She was head over heels in adoration! Yun Yang was flabbergasted. Was this not Deputy General Wang Zhuang''s little girl, Nannan? The girl was about five or six years old now and was visibly cuter than when he had last seen her. "Me? My uncle is even better." Bao''er was heard saying. "I learned what I know now from my uncle." "Your uncle is so good!" Nannan said adoringly, "Do I know your uncle?" "My uncle? Of course, you do," Bao''er spoke with a slightly mocking tone, "He''s Lord Supreme Cloud." Flowers almost bloomed from Nannan''s eyes. Her hands were clasped before her as she shrieked in ecstasy, "Your uncle is Lord Supreme Cloud! I C the one I like the most and adore the most... and he is the eldest!" She stuttered many more mosts, but could not figure out any other words to describe her elation. Yet, what she said left Yun Yang speechless for a long time C ''I C how did I become an elder?'' Bao''er could then be heard saying proudly, "That''s C my uncle C that''s the most incredible person in this world!" Farther away, Yun Xiaoyao and the emperor stood aside in silence. Watching the children play, contentment was etched across their faces as they let out some chuckles. In spite of it, their expressions were grim after the smile. Their faces were stoic, their upturned lips forced. "I gave this little girl a name." Yun Xiaoyao was heard saying with a forced smile, "Do you want to know?" His Majesty smiled, replying to the question, "This is Wang Zhuang''s daughter? Wang Zhuang had gone on the operation with Nine Supremes then and had fallen at Tianxuan Cliff. Whatever his daughter is named, I think it''s just right." Yun Xiaoyao said, "Her family name is Wang. What do you think if she''s called Wang Yi?" His Majesty turned to look at Yun Xiaoyao, replying with a smile, "With reference to becoming the motherly model of the nation?" Yun Xiaoyao chortled, not denying nor agreeing to it. The emperor pondered before saying, "Let''s temporarily put it as the Yi, as in elegance. We''ll go back to it after a few years C after all, one must have the flair of a phoenix if she were to use Yi in reference to the motherly model of the nation!" "Elder brother''s thoughts are well-rounded, for you to say so." "Mm. Has Supreme Cloud been contacted?" asked His Majesty. "He probably already knows," said Yun Xiaoyao, "He should be on his way back." The emperor paced around before speaking grimly, "Return? Whatever for? He can''t come back C he shouldn''t!" "This younger brother thinks so too," agreed Yun Xiaoyao. His Majesty spoke, "If he returns, death seems more likely than survival I C I can''t afford to take this risk." The last discussion concluded in asking Supreme Cloud to return as soon as possible, but this time, things were entirely different! Yun Xiaoyao tried. "Have you forgotten the suggestions of the civil ministers? One word from Supreme Cloud and the chaos right now will be resolved. Everything will go back to tranquility, won''t it?" "I''d rather the drama continues than for him to come back and land in this trap!" His Majesty enunciated each word with emphasis. Choked, Yun Xiaoyao spoke hoarsely, "So do I." "It''s not suitable for Supreme Cloud to make an appearance now," His Majesty said faintly with his arms resting on his back, "However, I''m afraid someone will make a move against you or me if he refrains from making an appearance for a while C maybe the Shangguan girl, or the young girl Ji" "All in all, these should be the people we need to watch over closely. As for others, they probably aren''t in the consideration of the other party." "Do you understand what I mean?" The emperor looked over to Yun Xiaoyao. Yun Xiaoyao nodded. "I understand." "We brothers seem to be nobles, an emperor and a king C it seems like it is the nation''s fate that''s being affected, but the reality is that while the empire will be shaken should we be gone, it may not be fatal C because we have our heir, we have Supreme Cloud to intimidate the world." "However, if Supreme Cloud is gone it''s all gone." The emperor said, "I''d rather die than to let Yutang down! Brother!" "This younger brother understands!" "Yutang can take a step back temporarily, any of Yutang''s officials can be sacrificed C even you or I can greet death C whatever it is, nothing must happen to Supreme Cloud!" His Majesty uttered slowly. Just as he said it, he sighed, his gaze resolute. To be able to say what he had just said, there was a surge of various emotions rumbling within him. These few days, the events that haunted the capital were like a hectic onslaught of storms. Tackling the scholars who were making a ruckus outside according to the civil ministers'' measures was more than a piece of cake. With time, it was easily silenced. However, just as the plan was carried out, they encountered the most extreme form of retaliation. Such an event had happened during the morning imperial assembly. A civil official had just begun his report, touching on the subject C " We have seized eighty-nine scholars who have publicized and sung praises of the School of Kismet State" Then, a voice suddenly rang out in the royal golden hall. The voice was icy, yet it was tinged with an indescribable air of nobility. "His Majesty of Yutang, why are you picking on us, the School of Kismet State?" The question rang like a bell, resonating in the grand court. Instantly, everyone in the imperial court was aghast. This was the most powerful organization in Yutang! This was where the highest authority of Yutang lied! Countless experts and ministers were here, but no one knew where their enemy was. The latter had actually slipped soundlessly into the hall. What an impressive skill! Did it mean that he could also kill everyone here without a sound since he could already sneak into the court as silently? The civil and martial officials panicked; they looked everywhere but their search was in vain. Yun Xiaoyao''s eyes opened abruptly. Directing his divine senses and focusing all of his cultivation base, his intention to search for the hidden voice was futile as well. He could not help the sudden feeling of terror that struck him. 770 Yutang Can Perish, But Not Supreme Cloud! Yun Xiaoyao had already been acknowledged as Yutang''s top expert and was also currently the most skilled within the imperial court. If even he was powerless, the others would only be even more so! For a short moment, the entire party was helpless! The calmest one, instead, was the Emperor of Yutang himself. He was unmoved on his throne, even maintaining a very relaxed posture. He spoke faintly, "Are you from the School of Kismet State?" "Your Majesty''s kind intention to remember this small, rugged school of the martial world makes this lowly one exceptionally honored," the voice said distantly, "Please rescind your order and allow the School of Kismet State a path of survival, Your Majesty." Everyone knew that it was not a plea, but a threat C an unconcealed threat! The other party had slipped into the imperial court without any foretelling sign and had made himself known in such a manner. Obviously, the person was trying to make a statement using the situation C the School of Kismet State could do anything it wished to! Even if they wished to massacre the emperor or his many ministers, it was easily achievable, with no one being able to stop them! His Majesty spoke faintly, "This matter concerns the fate of the nation. I have to consider it meticulously." His gaze swept past Yun Xiaoyao briefly. The only hope right now was that the latter could find the person and kill him; if Yun Xiaoyao was unable to do that, they could only be threatened and forced to comply. The current situation was clear. The lives of the civil and martial officials were all in the other party''s grasp. Since the person had come here and acted so recklessly, they were no doubt giving a final warning. If both sides failed to come to a consensus, only a massacre would end the impasse. His Majesty honestly could not afford such an extreme consequence. Yun Xiaoyao turned pale. He had tried his best, but he could not locate the position of the other party. The person was like a gust of wind; while he knew that the person was hovering above the hall, he could not pinpoint his exact position. Evidently, the person''s cultivation base was far higher than his own. Not only was Yun Xiaoyao unable to find him, but he would also easily be killed even if he came into contact with the person by chance. It was apparent that the other party knew what the emperor was planning as he played along and waited for a moment before replying, "King Yun is titled Yutang''s unrivaled expert. Your skill is truly exceptional, but we uncultured ones still retain a few survival tactics. I''m afraid King Yun''s effort to find us will be in vain... isn''t it so?" "What do you want?" His Majesty spoke heavily as a chill surged within him. Once the words left his lips, all the civil and martial ministers in the imperial court felt a strong sense of humiliation wash over them. This was the imperial court C the hall of highest authority in the empire, but they were being so overtly threatened! The voice replied, "We only wish for a close-knitted cooperation with Your Majesty. That is all." "I need time C to discuss with my officials," answered His Majesty, after a deep breath. The voice continued, still as faintly, "I believe Your Majesty won''t keep us waiting for too long?" "That is correct," the emperor answered without any intonation, grimly closing his eyes. "If so, this lowly one will come forth for Your Majesty''s advice tomorrow." The voice chuckled faintly; then, there was no further sound. The imperial court was silent for a long, long time. Everyone wore a dark, stoic expression. The fury licking in their eyes flickered and spilled like an erupting fountain. An unspeakable humiliation filled everyone''s heart. The martial marshals had their fists gripped tightly in rage while the civil officials flushed in wrath. His Majesty kept mum for a moment. Then, he said, "This incident today allows me to thoroughly understand one thing." No one spoke. There was only the emperor''s voice resonating in the court. "I have always understood that this world will always be a world where martial skills triumph all. In this world, martial power sits higher than the imperial authority. It''s not something we can turn a blind eye or remain oblivious to, despite putting less emphasis on it." "I only regret that I do not have unparalleled martial skill in this world!" "It is best to be peerless in martial power than to be peerless in monarchical power," His Majesty said tiredly, "I am fatigued. Dismiss." He had mentioned that he needed a discussion with his officials but there was no discussion held. In spite of this, the officials said nothing. If there were to be a consultation, everyone was here C it could be done immediately. The reason it was delayed for a day was but to salvage the last bits of pride, the last sense of face, to cling onto the last layer of illusion. That person from the School of Kismet State was well aware of this, thus he did not push it and left immediately. Yet, he would never have imagined what severe consequences he had created just by allowing this one-day grace period! Even when it was only two hours, the School of Kismet State would still not be acknowledged by Yutang. The emperor and Yun Xiaoyao waited silently in the palace. Another four hours and the person from the School of Kismet State would come. Both of them understood that Supreme Cloud must not be summoned back at this time. It was no great deal for them to be temporarily held at gunpoint for now. Going back on their words later could only harm their reputation, but during certain times and from certain perspectives, it was simply the only thing to do! Instead, the repercussion would be utterly unimaginable if Supreme Cloud were to come back and meet these people If Supreme Cloud were to be killed, everything else was done for. As long as Supreme Cloud was alive and there was room for him to keep improving, he could one day tackle the School of Kismet State like how he had gone against the Four Seasons Tower! This was the hope Yutang clung to! Therefore, His Majesty was prepared to tolerate the insult in bearing the burden of the nation''s hope, in ensuring that Yutang would persevere for years to come. "He''s coming soon, anytime now C maybe he''s already waiting at the imperial court." "Indeed." "Surprising is it not? We brothers actually have to face something like this at the eve of conquering the world. This is hilarious. A timeless emperor C a hopeful ruler of the continent C I''m probably the first, perhaps the only one!" "This younger brother has nothing to say." Yun Xiaoyao wanted so much to die from shame. He could not keep the shame at bay. Compared to others, he, as Yutang''s acknowledged unrivaled expert, had to be ashamed C he had to bear the responsibility! "It doesn''t matter, doesn''t matter. From now on, I''m going to alter the national policy," said His Majesty softly with his eyes half shut. "Pardon?" Yun Xiaoyao was rather confused regarding the Emperor of Yutang''s words. It was then that they saw someone brisk-walking over from a corner. They were both taken aback. Qiu Jianhan! The person was none other than Qiu Jianhan! His Majesty and Yun Xiaoyao were unusually surprised. How could they forget Qiu Jianhan''s livid expression and his furious gaze when the assembly was dismissed yesterday? He was trembling so much from the resentment and wrath that he could not help but pass out, vomiting blood once he forced his steps out of the court. As a veteran marshal who had gone through too many wars, his resilience and passion were more than words could tell. In spite of this, he had to bear such humiliation today alongside the emperor he served in the golden imperial court of his country C this was simply unacceptable for Qiu Jianhan! Regardless, he had to endure it. If he had exploded recklessly, the price he would have to pay might very well be the extermination of the entire Yutang imperial court. That was basically announcing that Yutang had fallen! Qiu Jianhan held back his fury, choking himself, close to exploding from the rage. Reaching his limit, it was why he succumbed right as he stepped out of the door with a gout of vomited blood. If he had not been treated with Yun Yang''s Endless Divine Art previously, the vexation alone was enough to kill the old marshal! He was still recovering from the blow now, bedridden upon being sent back to his residence by the emperor''s arrangement. He was still muttering then, "This official shall die should the emperor be shamed! This official regrets the years I neglected my martial practice Oh, how I regret it" Both the emperor and Yun Xiaoyao did not expect Qiu Jianhan, who should not have been able to get up now due to the heartache that consumed him, to appear here at this instance. "Elder Qiu, why are you here?" Yun Xiaoyao was the first to ask. Qiu Jianhan''s expression was grim as he replied, "This official has an urgent matter to discuss with His Majesty." The emperor was stunned when he heard him; so was Yun Xiaoyao. Immediately after that, their eyes shone brightly. "Since it''s urgent, it should be solved promptly. Let us talk in the royal study." Before his words echoed in the air, Yun Xiaoyao was already walking away, briskly pulling His Majesty along. Strictly speaking, the act had crossed the line by far. No matter how close Yun Xiaoyao and Emperor of Yutang was C despite being brothers - there was still the disparity of the ruler and his subordinate. He was not supposed to make the decision, what was more, walking away and pulling the ruler along. His Majesty''s mind worked quickly. A pondering gleam flashed across his orbs before they brightened. He made no move to resist, following his younger brother. In the royal study, a fog suddenly rose from Qiu Jianhan who stood before the two men. When the cloud of mist dissipated, the old man looked entirely different. With sharp features and a fluttering purple gown, it was none other than Yun Yang. 771 The Emperor’s Shift In Attitude He had transformed into Qiu Jianhan with the help of his cloud manifestation power and had come forth under the veil of secrecy. His Majesty shot up and asked anxiously, "Why are you back? Didn''t we tell you not to come back?" His tone was of panic, and no small amount of distress. Yun Yang chuckled. "No worries. No one knows that I''m already back." At the same time, the emperor breathed out in relief, another form of pressure weighed him down. Yun Yang had come back. This was both favorable and not for Tiantang City and the Empire of Yutang. If someone with ill intention had somehow found out, the aftermath would be a grave explosion that left nothing to be salvaged. "How''s the situation now?" asked Yun Yang. "Ahh" The emperor sighed solemnly. "No matter what, it''s good, as long as Supreme Cloud is still here and the nation''s faith is still standing. Yun Yang, don''t you be rash and act recklessly." Yun Yang nodded. "I won''t. Please go on." "This is the situation. During the assembly yesterday" Yun Xiaoyao recounted what happened the day before; as he spoke, he grew livid again. "Then, the countermeasure against the School of Kismet State was temporarily cast aside" Yun Yang, who was quietly taking in the narration, fell into silence. He was silent for a long while, like a sleeping volcano that was gearing up for its eruption. "The School of Kismet State..." Yun Yang finally spoke his tone cold without any hint of emotion. "They said that they''ll come for an answer today? Is that what they said?" His Majesty turned around in shock. "Supreme Cloud! Do you know what you stand for now? If you act impulsively Yutang C Yutang will be doomed! You have the capability to enter the palace without anyone knowing C you can leave in peace too. Just be patient for now" "I won''t be impulsive, but there''s no need to struggle on like this!" Yun Yang said in a low voice. He sucked in a deep breath and said, "Well, we can do so and so" As he spoke, His Majesty and Yun Xiaoyao''s eyes radiated, glowing brighter and brighter. Simultaneously, the vague thoughts in the emperor''s mind slowly gained clarity. When Yun Yang completed presenting his plan, His Majesty heaved a long sigh, feeling the huge rock that was weighing him down completely dispelled alongside the exhalation. He recovered his smile, his burden absent, and said, "Yun Yang, I was thinking to grant you an official title Now, there''s no need to do so" Yun Yang could not help grinning. "Luckily you didn''t. I never had the talent to become a minister." "Your position now is actually higher than mine!" The emperor chortled. "I remember the first time I met you, I thought you were impish. The second time I saw you, I was sure that you were a popinjay. The third time, I thought you had something in you. The fourth time, I grew suspicious because of how wonderful your art of antidotes was. The fifth time, though, all my doubts were quelled by your father Now, after all the twists and turns, my initial guess wasn''t wrong at all." "Your Majesty is wise. Yun Yang is impressed," Yun Yang said respectfully. "Wise my *ss! I''m so wise that these fellows deceived me like I''m a fool. I''d, at most, think that others are insincere if they''d said this, but coming out from your mouth, I''m utterly ashamed." The emperor rolled his eyes and glared at Yun Xiaoyao, evidence that his fury still lingered. Yun Xiaoyao coughed awkwardly. It seemed that his choice to hide Yun Yang''s identity was going to be a lifetime stain here with his elder brother. His Majesty then turned to remind the youth, saying, "Your plot is well-rounded, but there''s always a chance it might go askew. Never take the risk. If anything feels wrong, you must leave at once. Your life is our priority, understand?" "Yes, Your Majesty. My life will be the priority!" Yun Yang could clearly feel the change in the emperor''s attitude this time around. It was a shift in nature. Previously, His Majesty had wanted to find Supreme Cloud with the intention to restrain him. After all, an uncommon force like his own, one that exceeded the sovereign power, threatened His Majesty too much. To a ruler, he could not and should not exist. Therefore, a wall had formed between Nine Supremes and Yutang''s royalty. It was because Yun Yang understood the complexity of the situation and had not minded that nothing more severe erupted. In spite of this, the sense of estrangement had thoroughly vanished when they met this time! The wild eagerness to control everything was gone. Replacing it was a generous sense of magnanimity. Facing Yun Yang, the wish to dominate no longer existed within the emperor, but there was an indescribable sense of respect. Yes, it was certainly respect. Yun Yang was not flabbergasted by the emperor''s respect, however. He was collected and at ease. The contributions he had made as Supreme Cloud had given him a sense of cool composure despite the forms of respect he received. A royal edict was announced by the palace to summon the civil and martial officials for an assembly. It commanded everyone to rush back to the palace within two hours. The civil and martial officials left their residences with solemn faces. There was no peace in their expressions. They still remembered the humiliation yesterday and the time extension was about due now. Must the emperor admit defeat right in front of them all? It would be pushing the limit! At the same time, in the same golden court, the same number of people were present C including Qiu Jianhan who had vomited blood and fell ill yesterday, Fang Qingtian who failed to get up from bed upon returning, and others No one was absent from showing up at the throne hall. Despite being pale-faced, some huffing while others wore bloodstains on the corners of their lips, everyone was there. ''We are servants of Yutang. When His Majesty rules the world in valiance, we are his company overlooking the territory. When His Majesty governs in grace, we are his company of prestige over Tianxuan. However, if His Majesty has to bear the humiliation, we are here too! To face the jab with a smile!'' Gazing at the civil and military ministers who had assembled at the imperial court, the emperor felt a gush of warmth surging through him. ''These are my officials! These are my right-hand man, my sidekicks!'' The emperor sat on his throne with a dark face, as were the expressions of the ministers beneath him. "I''ve called upon all you dear ministers today for what happened yesterday." His Majesty looked grim. "Regarding the School of Kismet State how should the imperial court go about conferring them? Dear all, I need your suggestions. Do discuss." There was only pin-drop silence. Ragged breathing was all that could be heard from the officials, but no one said anything. Even the ministers who usually conspired for personal gains C even the officials who were utterly corrupted and unreasonably greedy No one made a sound! The tense silence was tinged with a sincere sense of shame; it slowly spread across the hall, permeating the air. The emperor was not in a hurry. His hawk-like gaze scanned his ministers as he said slowly, "No one''s talking? Never mind. No hurry. There''s still time. We can discuss this slowly." "They''ll have it anyway. We''ll still have to face it," His Majesty said slowly, "To be angered, to feel wronged, humiliated whatever for?" 772 Ants. Conferring. Still, no one spoke. "Why aren''t you all speaking? I''ve already said my piece. I should be the one who feels the most mortified now, should I not?" "I thought that I had the world. I rule Yutang C I may even dominate the whole of Tianxuan. The world''s lands belong to the emperor, the world''s people are the emperor''s people. My words are law, my commands are rules. No one dares to disobey me. However, after having all these, I still have to accept such humiliation despite my court of civil and martial ministers being present!" "Aren''t you all usually conspiring and ganging up, alienating the nonconformists, deceiving the superior and cheating the inferior, accepting bribes and bartering ranks, trampling lives and abusing your powers? Aren''t you all pretty good at brewing issues? What happened to all of that now? Keeping mum when someone is shaming the whole empire?" The emperor''s choice of words was incredibly sharp and direct. Like a red-hot needle, it stabbed right into the deepest part of the officials. "Your high rank and handsome stipends, your honorable statuses and powerful authority, your wealth and fame, your lands, your supposed capabilities what are they before such ravaging martial power? What can they do?" "The shameless quest for personal gains, your exclusive parties, and sects, that all of you participate so actively in what are they before such tyrannical martial power? Can your so-called eloquence kill their presence?" "The longevity that you pursue, the continuation of your lineage, the heritage of your name and reputation C what are they in front of this martial force? Can they prevent you from perishing? Stop the extinction of your heir?" His Majesty''s tone grew icier. "I have an incredibly uncomfortable feeling, but it is truly in existence. It is now, it is this very instant!" The emperor stood up to pace back and forth in front of his throne, speaking faintly, "I feel that this so-called world hegemony, this uniting of continent C this absolutely majestic goal to us C to some people, it''s like a tiger watching a colony of ants fighting, battling to call themselves king. It is akin to watching the colony of ants kill each other, piling up corpses like mountains!" "This tiger only watches from the side, in satire, like it''s looking at a joke. When a thought strikes the tiger, it''ll descend the mountain and dash right into the colony of ants! Among the ants, it only needs to say ''Hail to me C for if you don''t, I shall destroy all of you!''." "As such, the celebrating ants were dumbfounded. They realized that besides submitting to the tiger, there''s no second option in this situation!" "So, these ants that had gone through so many baths of blood and mountains of corpses gave up They surrendered" His Majesty''s cold voice sounded like it came from the very depths of hell, bringing with it a piercing cold. "This is what I feel now. I am but a stronger ant, the leader of the colony," said the emperor depreciatingly, "Now, you and I, the ants C just as we''re about to celebrate our victory after going through so much, just as we''re about to reach for glory, we meet the tiger." "The tiger has come!" "So, all the ants were silenced." With a finger, the emperor pointed to each and everyone present, speaking resentfully, "A bunch of ants! I, too, am one!" His finger then went to where his heart thumped in his chest. Pointing to it with a thud, he cried, "All ants!" Everyone lowered their heads, many ministers were already starting to sob. Ants! The word had never plowed into their heart like a huge hammer before today. Who would have thought that this word would actually be used on them? Ant C I''m an ant! I''m actually an ant! The tension in the hall felt like an approaching storm. All else was quiet. At this time, a clear voice rang out. "Your Majesty is too humble. The School of Kismet State is rather capable, but no matter what, we''re still Your Majesty''s subordinates. How dare we cross our boundaries?" It was still the same voice from yesterday, calm and flat like it held no emotion. Without exaggeration, however, this voice had resonated in all the officials'' mind since yesterday, even when they slept. It felt like the whisper of a devil C oh, how they loathed it to their very core. Since the founding of the Empire of Yutang, no one, be it an enemy or an opposite party, could gain the simultaneous hate of both the civil and martial parties like this voice had! Even the top opponent of Yutang''s military Han Sanhe, or the spiteful nemesis of Shangguan Family of Generals, Empire of Ziyou''s late emperor Zi Yicheng, had never received such service! Yet, the owner of this voice had achieved this glorious feat instantly after speaking. Including the emperor, all the civil and martial officials resented the voice beyond measure! "You''ve already come, why are you so fickle in showing yourself off?" His Majesty said glumly, "Are you afraid that we''d seize you, despite our lack of ability?" The voice chuckled and replied, "This lowly one is never worried about being unable to escape unscathed. Your Majesty is a brilliant ruler who''s about to take over the world; as an astounding monarch who''s to create an unprecedented achievement, how will Your Majesty even think to banish an uncivilized person like this lowly one and lower your status?" "The reason this lowly one hasn''t presented me before Your Majesty is my self-awareness of my own ugliness. If my hideousness were to offend Your Majesty, that''d be this lowly one''s sin." The emperor spoke lightly, "However, if you insist on not showing yourself, how do I confer something upon you?" "Confer?" The voice sounded surprised. His Majesty heaved a long sigh and said, "I''ve thought all night long. Considering all else, I''ve come to a conclusion, a realization, despite the lack of alternatives. While we, the Empire of Yutang, are unparalleled right now and would be the up-and-coming winner upon taking over Tianxuan, we lack an overwhelming martial force. It blemishes the so-called illusion of hegemony. The title can hardly live up to the truth." The voice hummed, evidently interested in and quite moved by what the Emperor of Yutang had to say. "We''ll speak in a straightforward manner. I am not happy with what you did. I believe this will be the same case, even if it were any other emperor or ruler" His Majesty showed his disdain clearly. "Your Majesty, we can''t help the current situation as well The grievance is unspeakable. We''ll explain it in detail to Your Majesty in the future. We ask for Your Majesty''s temporary patience." The voice was obviously a little impatient. The mention of conferring earlier had attracted all his attention, so it would be his priority to minimize or even extinguish the ruler''s resentment. Although they were powerful and unrivaled in Yutang, they lacked the venerable reputation and an official title. These had been the easiest achievements in the past hegemonies, but this time around, they had bet on the wrong side and lost their stature. 773 A Fine Attainment, A Marvelous Feat? To be unsanctioned was the School of Kismet State''s biggest taboo. If it could be helped, they would not resort to such extreme measures. Making a forceful threat was revolting, but watching the control over the world slip away from their hands and the destiny and fate shifting positions, they were unduly perturbed. If the Emperor of Yutang could switch his intentions and confer the School of Kismet State, it would justify the flaws of their current actions. Therefore, the person''s eyes glimmered automatically once he heard the word ''confer''; the distant composure was no longer present, replaced by a sense of caution. His Majesty spoke with a grim look, "Our meeting yesterday and current events tell of your extraordinary reputation and capability that''s unparalleled in this world. I''m thinking, if you can change how you do things, no longer insisting on forceful tyranny, I could perhaps consider conferring your school as the national guarding sect and allow the dissemination of your teaching. From now on, the Empire of Yutang and your school can support each other across the sovereignty and martial world C the Empire of Yutang may prosper while your school''s heritage remains untouched." "Thank you for your benevolence, Your Majesty. We shall definitely exert our all to ensure Yutang''s longevity," the voice spoke passionately. The emperor replied, "Nonetheless, I have never seen any sincerity from you. In fact, you have not even revealed yourself C what sincerity could there be? I don''t even see anyone C what''s there to confer? I cannot confer the School of Kismet State when I am facing nothing but my court of ministers." Insuppressible excitement could be heard from the voice. "Thank you, Your Majesty. This lowly one understands Your Majesty''s concerns. I shall report this to the school''s master right now so that they can come forth to see Your Majesty and discuss this crucial matter. This lowly one is anxious. Your Majesty, please be patient." His Majesty breathed in deeply and said, "I do also hope that your school can be more polite. I, after all, am the ruler of this state!" The voice repeated himself a few times. "Of course. Don''t worry, Your Majesty, don''t worry." Then, there was no other sound. The person had left in a hurry to report the case. The imperial court was still in grim silence. No one among the officials looked pleased. Everyone knew that the emperor had only sounded aggressive earlier, but once he agreed to confer the school, it was already a compromise C it was surrender! It was still utter humiliation! At most, there was an additional layer of smoke to it C what help could it be? The tension was tangible in the silent atmosphere. His Majesty was quietly waiting, but deep inside his eyes, there was a securely hidden sense of comfort. The martial officials were fuming, their temples throbbing while their gazes were spitting fire. It was only normal. However, the civil ministers felt similarly shamed. The indescribable sense of extreme rage was the most important factor in the emperor''s sense of comfort. "This is what the empire''s soul looks like!" If this case could end in a way that benefited Yutang, the unity of Yutang''s imperial court would ascend to another invincible level! The Emperor of Yutang had most probably touched where it mattered the most to the School of Kismet State as, not long after, a clear voice spoke up, "The School of Kismet State''s current leader, Ximen Huanyu, alongside the school''s disciples, requests to see Your Majesty, the Emperor of Yutang. Long live Your Majesty!" "Permitted," His Majesty answered lightly. Just as he spoke, a soft noise rang in the court. Out of thin air, six silhouettes appeared. The leading one had a sculpted face and a lean body. His hair, moustache, and beard fluttered as he came into view and stood above the hall. He vaguely felt like an immortal who stood aloof from the world, as if he could leave this human realm at any time and ascend to godhood. This was probably what people referred to as the divine flair C the saintly aura. The other five people who came with him were handsome and refined as well. A glance at them made one felt indescribably and inexplicably fond of them. The emperor''s gaze shone almost instinctually with admiration. He called out amicably, "Ximen Huanyu?" "Here, Your Majesty." The leader of the School of Kismet State smiled softly; graceful without any sense of nerves, he spoke, "These two standing beside this lowly one are the right-hand men of my school, Jiao Buqi, and Meng Wuliang, while these two are the sect elders, Ping Shishui and Hai Wujiang. As for the last one, he''s this lowly one''s terrible junior brother, the one who has been speaking to Your Majesty all this while, Kong Wubo." Jiao Buqi and Meng Wuliang had the appearance of middle-aged men while Ping Shishui and Hai Wujiang looked elderly. As for Kong Wubo, he looked about thirties, sophisticated and dignified. All six men bowed in unison. "We''re here to see you, Your Majesty." "Rise," His Majesty said with a smile, "The School of Kismet State is brimming with talent indeed. Just the elegant demeanor of the six of you stirs admiration in one. The peerless school of this realm is made up of men who live up to your great reputation indeed." "This lowly one dares not accept Your Majesty''s honorable compliment." The emperor waved dismissively and grew friendlier. "What''s there to be afraid of? The School of Kismet State has come a long way. The name of being the world''s top school is not an exaggeration! Leader Ximen, how many members does the School of Kismet State have right now?" Without hesitation, Ximen Huanyu answered respectfully, "Each generation of the School of Kismet State''s disciples stops at three hundred and sixty people in matching the notion of three hundred and sixty days" "Three hundred and sixty people? This is a little too few. I certainly wasn''t expecting that," said the emperor. Ximen Huanyu smiled. "Your Majesty, the three hundred and sixty people this lowly one mentioned earlier are only the disciples of one generation. It''s not the total number of people in the school. This school has a total of six generations of disciples. From the first to the sixth generation, the total headcount is two thousand one hundred and eighty people." "Still a little too few. When your school becomes Yutang''s national guarding body, you''ll have tasks you need to carry out. I''m afraid you''ll have to expand your manpower," His Majesty said with a smile. Hearing what the emperor said, Ximen Huanyu''s heart was completely appeased. He could not help the upturn of his lips as he replied, "Time will change. With the acknowledgment of Your Majesty, this school will naturally obey Your Majesty''s command in the future." His Majesty then said, "What a delight that you aren''t one of those rigid and traditional folks! Your adaptability is just right. As such, I shall make another request, a favor C I wonder when the School of Kismet State can consider the noble descendants and the wealthy heirs of the capital when you recruit disciples in the future?" Ximen Huanyu was even more relieved when he heard the request, answering, "This lowly one shall commit what Your Majesty has said to heart and give it due consideration. This school prioritizes the talents and innate gifts of the disciples when we recruit but since Your Majesty has given instructions, this lowly one shall obey it. When the time comes, we''ll pick our disciples from Your Majesty''s appointed range first. As long as they match the conditions, we shall recruit them and cultivate them wholeheartedly." "That would be best," the emperor said, beaming widely, "I believe that you''ll be able to nurture many talents for the empire in the future. Marvelous, marvelous." He laughed and continued. "My dear ministers, what say you? Isn''t this a fine attainment? A marvelous feat! Hahaha!" The spacious golden hall was silent. No one made any sound of agreement. Even the officials who were usually simpering sycophants sealed their lips tightly; not a single word escaped them. 774 This is The Trap! A chilly sense of fear flashed across Ximen Huanyu''s eyes. The current impression was notable. Although the emperor had promised the School of Kismet State a position in consideration of the bigger picture and had even shifted his perspective to ask for close collaboration between them, a good notion no doubt, the School of Kismet State''s actions had still offended everyone in Yutang, without exception. At the very least, the civil and martial officials right before them were still provoked. In this aspect, there was a lot of work to be done for some time to come before they could really settle themselves in the position of Yutang''s authorized body. As for certain stubborn ones among these people all they had in mind were ideas to tackle them! Ximen Huanyu''s deific sense had covered the entire hall. He was clearly aware of everyone''s reaction. Naturally, he knew that there was no other expert in the court besides Yun Xiaoyao. There was simply no threat. He was utterly confident that he would unearth anyone like Ling Xiaozui or Mr. Nian, even if they were to hide in the throng of people! This had nothing to do with the strength of one''s cultivation base; it was one of the School of Kismet State''s unique arcane abilities. Since there was no disturbance, nothing was there. The vague sense of caution he kept in his heart could finally be put down as well. The emperor seemed like he had wholly accepted the School of Kismet State. He was not at all upset by the various discords unfolding before him C not even affected, as he continued saying with a wide smile, "I wonder where all of you are staying at in Tiantang for this trip? Your people will lodge in Tiantang often in the future. You have to plan as early as possible!" Ximen Huanyu chuckled. "We are unrefined beasts. We can call any place our home. It''s fine wherever we reside." His Majesty laughed and replied, "The ways of experts are as their hearts desire, truly extraordinary. If so, we shall begin conferring immediately. Pass the edict." Before his words echoed, a eunuch was already walking out, holding the edict. Once he stood in position, he spoke aloud, "The School of Kismet State is to receive the edict!" No matter how egoistic they were, how reclusive they had been, or how amazing their skills were, the group was required to formally kneel down to receive the royal decree as they were personally present just for it. Even more so, it was the School of Kismet State who had made the request and took the initiative to acknowledge themselves as the people of Yutang. Therefore, they could only be more respectful without any hint of hesitation. If they could not even show a little respect to His Majesty, what collaboration was there to talk about in the future? What national guarding body was there? What about the School of Kismet State''s fundamental aim? If it were only words with no practical measures taken, how could they establish their credibility? Regardless of the situation, they had to attain the title first! Due to these observations, the six men from the School of Kismet State kneeled down in unison without any hesitation, once they heard the eunuch''s announcement. "By the mandate of heaven, hereby the emperor''s decree, the School of Kismet State boasts of a heritage" The Emperor of Yutang''s decree was worded bombastically as it complimented the School of Kimset State''s various accomplishments. The flowery penmanship elicited bubbles of joy within Ximen Huanyu and the others. They thought that there was finally hope to the school''s mission in coming to Yutang this time. Could the so-called end prophecy be but a process of calm after the storm, no longer subject to the most extreme of conditions? Was the school''s bright future actually right before them? "Therefore, the School of Kismet State is conferred as Yutang''s" When the decree was read to this part, when things were finally turning better for the School of Kismet State, when they instinctively perked up their ears as it came to the crucial moment and paid all their attention in listening C it was during that subtle moment when soundlessly, a cloudy fog coalesced above the big hall. Immediately, two beams of sword light bolted out of the blue and illuminated the court with its blinding radiance. Then, a ray of saber light tailed the luminescence. It was incredibly lithe, arriving with a fluid glimmer. The saber light was as if the twinkling stars, like all of heaven''s starlight, had assembled here, shining upon Yutang together. Even God could not have predicted this assault! All six people knew that it was absolutely safe. Ximen Huanyu had even discreetly informed them that there was no form of a threat here. Yet, such a shocking twist had happened so abruptly! The trio''s ambush could hardly be avoided even when one was utterly focused; what was more, this was totally unexpected! Pang, pang, pang! Three pillars of blood shot up almost simultaneously towards the air. They were Jiao Buqi, Meng Wuliang, and Kong Wubo, who had not managed to react in time. In an instant, their heads and bodies were already separated, their lives lost. Even in death, their expressions were still of ecstasy from being conferred earlier C a look of excitement. Ping Shishui, Hai Wujiang and the School of Kismet State''s leader, Ximen Huanyu, were quick to react. They sprung up to accept the challenge, but the abruptness of the attack had already dealt a bone-deep wound on each of them. Blood gushed out like spring water. "Who is it?" Ximen Huanyu was devastated. How could he still not know that he and his members had stepped foot into a terribly vicious trap? What the Emperor of Yutang had intended by announcing the dictum was not at all to confer the School of Kismet State. It was an intentional scheme to reduce the members'' caution to the lowest point and then exterminate them all! This aspect itself was not the most surprising ploy. After all, the School of Kismet State had a long history since establishment and compared to the assortment of conspiracies and stratagems they had seen, this was child''s play, utterly insignificant! What truly astounded Ximen Huanyu was the three people who struck in this trap! Not only were their cultivation base proficient, but they were also on par with him. Two from the trio even slightly exceeded his own powers. It was an absurd, hardly believable, reality. Yutang had no other masters C Ximen Huanyu was confident that he had already made clear of this fact. He had even proven his finding on Yutang''s so-called unrivaled expert, Yun Xiaoyao, yesterday. This was the very reason the School of Kismet State even acted so overbearingly these past few days and entered the palace, full of themselves, today. Ximen Huanyu was thoroughly confident that even if Yutang refused to be threatened and set up a trap, they could react immediately and counter it. The palace of Yutang was a piece of cake to him; there was no sense of danger contained within it. After the meeting yesterday, Ximen Huanyu was even more relieved. After all, if Yutang had another masterly expert, he would have attacked long ago when Emperor of Yutang was pressured to such an extent. It was simply impossible for the expert to stay by the sidelines! Therefore, while King Yun Xiaoyao, Yutang''s best martial expert, was perhaps one of the most skilled masters in this world, he was not in the School of Kismet State''s regard. If Yutang''s higher authorities had only such capabilities, whatever trap or device arranged was nothing worth mentioning. It was why he dared come forth without a single care. What was more, he had even sent out probes using the school''s arcane abilities. How had these three men hidden? His mind was a chaotic mess. There was only one question in his mind C ''How is this possible? How C how were these three people able to hide from my scrying?'' 775 An Amazing Stroke of the Sword! Ximen Huanyu had always been wise, acting only after thinking. As the leader of the School of Kismet State, he had been reputable throughout the years, earning the acknowledgment of others. He could be considered a man of wisdom of his time. However, the three masterly experts who made a sudden appearance now befuddled him to no end! This caused half of the six that arrived from the School of Kismet State to be extinguished in the blink of an eye, while the three remaining survivors suffered severe injuries in unison, discounting their combat power. Such a hefty loss was an unprecedented first in the long history of the School of Kismet State! "Who? Who are you people?" Hai Wujiang howled repeatedly in his panic as he countered the attacks in a rush. He was being wounded continuously, blood spluttering from his body. His tone was one of terror, the trauma and pain taking over his entire being. The person who fought him flashed back and forth like an illusion. A cold voice rang out, "Didn''t the School of Kismet State investigate before you tried to harm Yutang? Don''t you know that Yutang''s guardian is called Supreme Cloud?" "Supreme Cloud? How how can your ability be so menacing?" Hai Wujiang bellowed. "Supreme Cloud isn''t so powerful!" "That''s why I asked; didn''t you conduct a thorough check beforehand? I really don''t understand how your school''s so-called tens of millenniums of years of legacy came by C did you all waste all those years away?" Yun Yang spoke icily, "Never mind. When you turn into ghosts upon going to the underworld, there are no more worries about the information. Have a good trip to hell!" Then, there was an abrupt cry. "Do you see it? Eighteen levels of hell!" A blazing saber light gleamed as eight ghastly underworld apparitions appeared in mid-air. Upon the previous battle, Yun Yang, who had experienced actual combat, advanced in his new comprehension of the Destiny Blade yet again. With one style, the underworld had increased to eight courts now. The countless evil spirits contained within seemed to be wanting to charge out like a storm. In the face of such an overwhelming technique, Hai Wujiang was stripped of any ability to defend himself. With a cry, he was halved; the ghosts his company for the departure to the ghoulish realm. On the other side, Ling Xiaozui''s intense sword light engulfed Ping Shishui. The latter''s cultivation base was already lower in addition to the passive position he was forced to take from being ambushed; he could only try his best to push through. In spite of this, dread had already washed over his face. "Ling Xiaozui, is that you? How could it be you?" Ping Shishui''s cultivation base was incredibly proficient but placed next to Ling Xiaozui, it was still meager. Ling Xiaozui''s expression was aloof as he replied, "Since the birth of Tianxuan, the imperialists have never allowed the manipulation of martial schools. The position of the continent''s overlord is never a pie to be cut by those with ill intentions. Does the School of Kismet State think that control is yours just because you''ve been existing for so long? You who have violated the laws of cultivators can be banished!" Ping Shishui shrieked but new wounds were added to his body endlessly. Blood was dripping from his mouth, evidence that his end was near. "Die, should you be in my way!" Among the three duels happening, the only one from the School of Kismet State who was not yet at the losing end was Ximen Huanyu. Nevertheless, he was already bathed in blood. The grace and composed mannerism earlier had long been replaced by a savage expression. Squared off against Dugu Chou, he attacked with his all, as if crazed. Yet, Dugu Chou was like an immovable mountain that was stretched before him, the secure defense rendering Ximen Huanyu''s attacks futile. Strictly speaking, Ximen Huanyu''s cultivation base was extremely proficient. If he had not been wounded, he could have had thousands of exchanges in a fair battle against Dugu Chou, even though he would lose in the end. Now, the situation was a total opposite. Not only was Ximen Huanyu ambushed and wounded, but his disciples were also killed. Everything that transpired had filled him with hysterical terror. How could he get by with luck when facing an established Unrivaled Expert like Dugu Chou? If it were not for Dugu Chou''s awareness that victory was secure with them and his reluctance to jeopardize himself and thus extended the battle, the old expert could easily counterattack Ximen Huanyu and end the match! As his series of aggressive attempts turned out to be in vain and his stream of consciousness slowly came clear, Hai Wujiang, Jiao Buqi, Meng Wuliang, Kong Wubo and others who had succumbed to the ambush came to Ximen Huanyu''s view. He was conscious of the fact that the situation was no longer theirs to command. Suddenly, with a loud bellow, his sword light rose in a burst as the fallen leader now turned to pounce at the emperor. Everyone was stricken with alarm. It was where Ximen Huanyu''s only chance of survival lied. Only by holding the emperor hostage could he hope to escape! Dugu Chou spun and thrust his sword before flicking it. A stretch of a sword mountain materialized intimidatingly and descended, promptly sealing off Ximen Huanyu''s advance. Lo and behold, this was actually Ximen Huanyu''s distraction. Watching the sword mountain emerge, he sprung up and separated into three clones with a spin. Like three falling meteors, the three duplicates raced towards the exit to escape. This man was a smart one. The wish of holding the emperor hostage was wonderful, but it was also a challenge to realize. Instead, he leveraged on the trick to escape. Dugu Chou''s sword glow escalated as he watched Ximen Huanyu flee. He stopped one of his forms immediately, chopping the silhouette into two with a gleam of his sword. Ling Xiaozui flew across diagonally. As the tip of his sword swiped past Ping Shishui''s neck and tossed a head up in the air, he, too, halted one of the three shadows. A billow of sword energy crushed the clone into dust. In spite of this, the third glimmer of the replicate had charged to the entrance of the great hall. One more step was all it took before the borderless sky was Ximen Huanyu''s to roam freely. Whether it was Ling Xiaozui or Dugu Chou, they were no longer in time to stop him. It was during this very moment that a sense of murderous intent spread across the wide hall. Yun Yang''s voice rang out once again. "So What If The Word Is Massacred!" His words were still ricocheting but a beam of luminous sword light had bolted out at an incomparable speed right as it greeted the world astonishingly. The speed of this sword light far exceeded that of a lightning strike! It was a sword style! Yun Yang, who had always used the saber, had actually unleashed a sword technique during this critical juncture! Furthermore, the murderous intent and sanguinariness of the sword style was unrivaled in force. Experts like Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou who witnessed the technique felt chills in their spine. The prickle of cold actually made their hair stand on end! What a blood-curdling style! The ray of light that was Ximen Huanyu who had managed to flee from the hall twinkled, a sliver of relief inching into the man''s mind, but he suddenly felt palpitations. Then, he felt a sense of iciness in his chest. He, who had been speeding in the air, looked down only to see the tip of a sword emerging from his chest. The blinding sparkle of steel was stained with the crimson of blood. Ximen Huanyu''s eyes bulged. ''I''ve been struck?'' ''How is this possible?'' Before his doubt could be properly assuaged, he watched as the shiny tip of the sword disappeared with a swoosh. 776 Yutang’s New Policy Then, a splash of blood spluttered in the air. It was during this moment that Ximen Huanyu felt as if he had been struck by lightning. All his energy seeped away from him, his consciousness telling him that he had no more control over his withering body. He slid thirty feet across the air from the momentum before falling down with a swoosh. As he fell, Ximen Huanyu twitched as he made an effort to lift his head up and look towards the back, muttering, "Who killed me? Who?" Reflected in his eyes was a purple-robed youth illuminated by the setting sun, making him glow with dazzling radiance. Ximen Huanyu tried to look with a squint, but the rays of the sun were blinding. He, whose life was burning away like the last flicker of a candle, could only feel himself growing lighter as if melting from the sunlight. As for the purple silhouette of the youth, he seemed to be carrying the sun on his back as he looked even larger in the shadows, brilliant and ablaze with fire. "It''s me." The youth''s voice was cold. "I was the one who killed you." Ximen Huanyu''s consciousness was withering as he chuckled dryly, "Great C great sword technique." His head lolled to one side, all signs of life thus leaving him. At this point in time, all six people from the School of Kismet State had gone to the Nine Springs together! "Clap C clap C clap!" Crisp clapping resounded as the emperor walked out of the hall clad in royal yellow. He clapped unhurriedly. "Marvelous!" Everything seemed to be too abrupt and the process was too short. The civil and martial ministers had only come back to life then as the atmosphere livened up. "So this is the case." "That''s why I say" "Exactly. With Supreme Cloud here, how can these clowns get their way?" "What a relief!" "Gratifying! Gratifying indeed" "Glory to Supreme Cloud!" By the side, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou exchanged glances. Both of them felt absolutely indignant. ''Excuse me, both of us did a lot in this battle as well!'' ''Why do you only see Supreme Cloud?'' ''Could this battle have ended so beautifully by Yun Yang''s efforts alone, without our assistance?'' ''Are we, the Unrivaled Experts, transparent in your eyes?'' The six leading figures of the School of Kismet State were all wiped out in the battle. It was as if Qiu Jianhan, Fang Qingtian, and the other elders had gone through terminal lucidity; they beamed so brightly that their cheeks were about to fall off. Actually, it was not only them; all the imperial officials were grinning as happily, the doom and gloom long gone. They had never felt so gratified and pleased. After the emperor expressed his thanks personally, he pulled Yun Yang aside and told him softly, "This C If the roots are not removed, the weeds will grow again with a blow of the breeze." Evidently, His Majesty was still concerned about the School of Kismet State''s remaining forces and was blatant regarding his intention to exterminate any possible lingering threats. Although the School of Kismet State''s higher authorities had been banished, resulting in a host of dragons without a head, the overall combat power of this reclusive school was quite prominent. Just the power of the rest of the members was still a qualm to the emperor. Easily, they could become the foundation of extreme insecurity. "Perhaps not all of them have to be executed. We can see if we want to segregate a portion of them They C There should be a portion of them who can be wholly utilized by the empire" The Grand Tutor suggested in a low voice with a frown. The Grand Tutor''s suggestion was impartial. The force itself was free from good and evil, right or wrong. It depended on the person using it. If Yutang could actually absorb the School of Kismet State''s strength, it would be hugely beneficial! Even if only a slight percentage of the members were absorbed, it was still a substantial elevation to Yutang''s capability. To this, the emperor replied faintly, "I don''t think that''s necessary!" An overly strong external force would be a challenge to control. What was necessary now was to prioritize stability. No matter how tempting the fruit was, it could only be plucked with equivalent ability! Yun Yang then said, "If so, the School of Kismet State''s name will be removed from this world." A school that threatened the imperial power and the court officials would become everyone''s nightmare even if only one person was left behind. For the School of Kismet State to take on this route, there were only two destined ends C total success or a complete failure. Should they succeed, they could go on and become even stronger; had they failed, the entire school would be exterminated! The longevity of the School of Kismet State was thus decided from an exchange of words by the Emperor of Yutang and Yun Yang. Yun Yang and the other two experts had left for some time now, but the overwhelming emotions of the emperor and his ministers were yet to fade. "I have a new decision," said the emperor, "The past civil service examinations have mainly recruited scholars who are talented in literature and academic prowess, but there''s a downfall that we cannot omit. The intellectuals are knowledgeable, but their limitations are plenty as well. If they were to meet the assault of absolute martial power, no matter how high their academic knowledge and how noble they are, it''s useless C it''s futile." "Despite the martial category set in every session, it was perfunctory C just a formality, strictly speaking. The so-called evaluation was only to filter people from certain groups of noble heirs It has effectively prevented the possibility of true impressive forces from serving the country." His Majesty announced, "I want to reopen the imperial martial arts examination!" The sudden declaration was shocking. Although the ministers knew that the emperor was unprecedentedly triggered by this incident, the message still stunned the officials. "Set up The Eighteen Arms ranking, set up martial skill ranking, the national accreditation, corresponding titles," listed the emperor, "How many should there be on the ranks and what official titles they will achieve" "What restrictions, uses, system or rules are needed for these, how they work in particular, shall be your responsibility." The emperor said, "I shall pass this fully to Old Grand Tutor and Old Grand Commandant as well as others for discussion. You should come up with a draft as soon as possible." He paused for a bit and his tone suddenly turned stern. "This shall be Yutang''s fundamental national policy from now on. It''s not to be changed for the years to come. I do not wish to see anyone taking this lightly!" His Majesty enunciated each word with clear emphasis, "I do not wish to experience this humiliation again!" "I''m giving all of you half a year''s time to complete this agenda and promote it to the world!" The emperor left after issuing the command, leaving behind a posse of bewildered ministers. There was a saying C an order from above, a hectic race down below. His Majesty could demand the end result without any reasoning, but what if the officials were to be as unreasonable? They could easily be swayed to commit treason C it was simply impossible for them not to do anything! The Grand Tutor, who happened to be the person in charge, was dumbfounded. He was baffled for a long while before he pounced on Fang Qingtian. "Grand Commandant! You''ve kept company with His Majesty in recent days. I want to know what this is about!" Fang Qingtian rolled his eyes as he answered, "Why are you asking me? You were here too, weren''t you? Whatever is this about?" The Grand Tutor said angrily, "Setting up the imperial martial arts examination and commending it so forcefully How can this be? Since ancient times, martial warriors have often done wrong with their skills. Such examples are not lacking C with this declaration" Fang Qingtian replied with equal agitation, "The evidence of martial warriors doing wrong with their skills is right before our eyes C just a short while ago. Everyone here is the witness. What are you crying about? Do you think everyone''s blind? Still, how can a cultivator be contained? Only another cultivator can do it! Besides, when saying that martial warriors violate the law with their martial skills, how about intellectuals creating chaos with their scholarly abilities? Weren''t the issues that were previously tackled made up by ill-intentioned intellectuals? Why didn''t I see you scholars who''ve been in the imperial court for years resign on your own accord? Why don''t we talk about what''s to come after you bunch get out of here?" 777 An Emperor’s Ar The Grand Tutor was enraged. "You''re spewing utter nonsense! I''m discussing the matter of fact C I''m not pinpointing anything specific!" Fang Qingtian sneered and said, "This old man is also talking about facts, but I''m also making specific mentions. History is proof, evidence of the rise and fall of entities Cit''s the truth of this world Now, this old man is going to work. It''s up to you whether you come or not. If you don''t, I''ll report it to His Majesty! If you come and you work sluggishly, I''ll also report it to His Majesty! If you don''t work, all the more I''ll report it to His Majesty! If you do a lousy job, I''ll report it too!" "Fang Qingtian, Old Useless Fang, Old Useless Fang, you C you C you" The Grand Tutor''s lips were already trembling with rage. Fang Qingtian''s chin was lifted up high. "What about me? Didn''t you intellects like impeaching the most previously? Casting doubts on this and questioning that every day, saying ''Your Majesty, this official has a report to make!''... Hmph, we''ll do the same in the future. It''s practically living on rumors C who doesn''t know how to do that?" "Don''t want to work? Accept the stipend but refuse to put in the hours? How can there be something so generous in this world?" Fang Qingtian said loudly, "In future, we''ll be His Majesty''s ears, the speakers of the censure among the martial ministers! I''ll just report whatever I don''t like C I''ll do just that!" The Grand Tutor was shaking with fury while Fang Qingtian was already leaving with wide strides. "Coming? I''m asking if you''re coming or not." " I''ll go!" "Then what are you waiting for?" "This task is a complex and heavy one. How can it be completed with only a few people?" "No one''s stopping you from recruiting more helpers!" "Where am I supposed to find them? Why aren''t you the one to find them?" "You''re the main person in charge as declared by His Majesty. You''re slacking off if you don''t find helpers, you''re practically defying the imperial dictum. This will be the first line this old man says when I impeach you later on! Do you think I dare not do it?" "You C you" The Grand Tutor was close to spitting blood. The three great rogues of the capital were still razor-sharp and abrasive despite their age! "Me too, I''m going to raise questions about you too! This old man has taken everything in with my eyes C I''d be ill if I don''t say it out!" Qiu Jianhan sprang out of the blue. "Precisely! I''ll bring a case against you as well!" It was Leng Daoyin. "Let''s keep making statements from now on! We''ll press cases every day!" "Yes!" Who could defend themselves against the combined attack of the capital''s three greatest rogues? The civil ministers were riled up. Watching these old rogues who were getting increasingly insufferable, they felt only speechlessness and disgruntlement within "Brother, are you really reopening the imperial martial arts examination?" asked Yun Xiaoyao. "Of course. Not only do I want to reopen it, but I''m also reopening it with superb remuneration," said the emperor, "I''m setting up the policy of three generations of emperors to thoroughly take over the martial arts of Yutang and reign over the world! I want the martial artists of the world to accept the imperial martial arts examination and be proud of it!" "If this is the case, the issue of warriors breaking the law with their martial skills may really" started Yun Xiaoyao with no small amount of worry. His Majesty asked with a smile, "We haven''t done this now, but does the said issue lessen?" "Uh" Yun Xiaoyao was tongue-tied. Indeed, such an issue would never cease, whenever it was. "Since we can''t stop it, we might as well try to sort it out," His Majesty said, "Better unclogged than congested." Yun Xiaoyao replied, "Makes sense, brother. Still, why did you say it''s a policy of only three generations of emperors? This is long-term security, an ongoing national affair." The emperor looked at him with a smile as he answered, "When three generations pass, hundreds of years would have gone by" His voice sounded distant. "By then, all of the world''s heroes are basically recruited by the imperial martial arts examination. It''ll definitely form the situation where the imperial martial arts stream contains the martial world." "After three generations, how much of the martial world will still be left?" "Then, the existence of the imperial martial arts examination will be damaging to the people and economy. The policy of eternal longevity will come into shape when the imperial martial arts stream is refined to an acceptable extent by the empire after three generations!" "Only when the contrast between civil and martial becomes insignificant, only when it''s the competition of careers and not the disparity of forces, will the time of the great union come. Only then will the world''s land truly become the ruler''s land and the land''s people are the ruler''s people. These two lines are still just a farfetched dream now." His Majesty was obviously in a bright mood as he spoke of the matter openly with Yun Xiaoyao. "I see." Yun Xiaoyao could not help but sigh inwardly. The path of a martial artist was still so difficult, was it not? Could there really be no future for one? "This is an emperor''s art" His Majesty patted Yun Xiaoyao''s shoulders. "Brother, an emperor has no right to have any personal preferences." Yun Xiaoyao remained silent, only heaving a sigh after a long, long time. "I''m afraid I can only ask both elder brothers for help regarding the extermination of the School of Kismet State," Yun Yang said with a blush as he walked out of the palace. Dugu Chou raised his doubts. "Why aren''t you going? It''s no problem for both of us to go but without you along, it''s hardly official C we have no official reason to go after them!" Yun Yang grinned. "It''s still inappropriate for me to be in the public eye, for now. There''s a high chance the Four Seasons Tower''s men are already in the capital. If I expose myself needlessly, I''m afraid the situation will only get worse. The consequences will be grim. As for being unofficial, I''ve made a voice delivery to King Yun. He, Bai Yixue, Fang Mofei, and Lao Mei will assist both seniors in wiping out the School of Kismet State. It''ll then be a matter of course, an official agenda." Dugu Chou wanted to retort that Yun Yang could transform into a fog of cloud or disguise as someone else since he had already used a similar tactic many times before; there was hardly a worry, but his words remained unspoken. "Even so, annihilating the School of Kismet State is still a troublesome affair. After all, not only do we have to eliminate those members who have come to the capital, we have to destroy the entire school. This is what you mean, right?" Ling Xiaozui spoke up from the side. "Exactly so," said Yun Yang. Ling Xiaozui smiled meaningfully. "There may be more to this. The School of Kismet State has established themselves as a true oracle for so many years and has even helped the continent''s main ruler unite their territories, assisted some emperors in building their empires, with all they could C there must be a crucial reason behind all these Don''t you want to know these details?" "Precisely what senior says. This is another reason I don''t want to go," Yun Yang answered with an easy grin. He paused for a while before saying, "For some things, the best state is not to hear or ask about it. It would be best for them to become extinct from this world, from now on." Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou exchanged glances, both of them aware of Yun Yang''s exhaustive train of thought, and nodded in agreement. "Wiping out the School of Kismet State" Yun Yang was silent for a beat before he said, "I''m guessing that the school must have their confidentialities plenty of them." He gazed at Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou as he smiled. "However, I have no interest at all to know about any of them." "I understand," Ling Xiaozui answered softly with a deep breath. Dugu Chou, on the other hand, looked at Yun Yang admiringly and was even rather touched. By doing so, Yun Yang was basically presenting the abundance of resources and secrets that the School of Kismet State had kept for tens of millenniums of years to the both of them. As the saying went, stones from other hills could serve to polish one''s jade, especially when they were proficient cultivators whose cultivation base had gotten to their current level. Putting aside anything else, just the literature on martial arts the School of Kismet State housed would suffice for the two of them to remedy any shortcomings and improve themselves further. 778 Eastern Amethyst – Ladder to Heaven! "If there were to be any harvest, a closed-door session will be necessary." Yun Yang smiled. "Yun Yang first wishes both big brothers a smooth breakthrough here!" Ling Xiaozui replied seriously, "We''ll rush back as soon as we can before your final battle against the Four Seasons Tower. The Four Seasons Tower is our nemesis too; as enemies, they aren''t exclusive to you!" Yun Yang beamed but said nothing. "As farewell looms, Yun Yang has another gift for both elder brothers. Perhaps, they''ll be of help when the time comes." With a flick of his wrist, a violet gas rose from Yun Yang''s palm. Two pieces of purple crystals appeared where there were none before. He extended his arm and presented a piece to each man. Both men were already feeling rejuvenated once they were bathed in the crystal''s revitalizing aura, but when they actually saw the crystals, their eyes shone as if there were light beams shooting out from them. The shock written across their faces was not at all hidden. "This C is this not the legendary item of fantasy? The Eastern Amethyst that can change a cultivator?" Both experts expressed their shock with their eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. They even turned pale, the rapid thumping of their heartfelt like the organ was about to jump out of their throats. Even with their masterly cultivation base and nearly unperturbable mannerism, the duo could not help the ripple of emotions that broke their well of peace when they beheld the two pieces of violet crystals. These were the dream items that people rarely came across, despite the many years that had passed! Just a single crystal was worth more than a city if it were to be exchanged into quantifiable wealth. Perhaps, it should be put as such C if they had something like this, they would never exchange it, even if someone else were to offer an empire''s worth of fortune! The Eastern Amethyst. The ancient myth had another name for it C the Ladder to Heaven. As the name had it, it was akin to having a ladder straight to heaven if one were to be in possession of the Eastern Amethyst. This was how it came by its the name. "Absolutely not! This item is too precious! We can''t take it!" Despite the gripping reluctance and an irrepressible thirst for the crystals, a desire for such things that set a wildfire within them that was hardly containable, the two experts suppressed the strong emotions and rejected the gift. Such items were not common treasured resources of heaven and earth. If they accepted it, the favor they owed would be gigantic. Of course, the crux lied within the fact that Yun Yang might not have known the real use and actual value of such crystals; if he knew about them in the future and regretted giving them away, everyone would be rendered in an awkward state. Both Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou felt a twinge of conscience; putting themselves in Yun Yang''s shoes, if they had given something like this to others, they would really regret it for life and an internal demon would be birthed from such an act. "This thing is called the Eastern Amethyst?" Yun Yang was struck with a realization. "Quite a nice name." "You didn''t know?" Both elders chuckled without humor. "All the more we can''t have it!" Yun Yang chortled and replied, "Yun Yang understands the kind intention both brothers have for me. While I don''t know the name of such an item and its actual use I am not short of them. I don''t have a lot, about a dozen The saying is that things are rare when they''re scarce. After giving one crystal to each of you, I still have about a dozen. It''s something I should do, regardless." "A C a dozen?" The men''s eyes dilated as their tone changed. Such an unimaginable resource, such an ethereal item... it would be a lifetime''s luck if one were to possess one or even half a piece, but he was giving out two crystals at a time and still had a dozen of them with him? So many? If these two elderly men were not exceptionally composed and untainted by nature, they would have already brandished their weapons to rob Yun Yang! Yun Yang nodded seriously to mean that he indeed still had more and that scarcity meant rarity was not just his smokescreen of an explanation. While he did so, he thought that if he had honestly told them that he still had a few hundred thousands of such crystals, would he be robbed on the spot? It was a sign of brotherhood to give a piece or two to bosom friends when one had a dozen of such items, but it would be an absolute scrooge to give one piece to others when one had hundreds of thousands in his possession; no matter how rare or precious, it would sound ill to the ears. Wherever one could be, this was an undeniable truth! "Actually, I''ve already distributed these crystals. Not only to the both of you, King Yun, Bai Yixue, Lao Mei, Fang Mofei and the rest" Yun Yang grinned. "Everyone will have one. I will keep two for myself, so there''s really no need to be polite over it." This was how Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou accepted the gift rather abashedly. Just as they received the crystals, they stored them in their spatial ring hurriedly. Bagging the items, they still felt as if they were dreaming. How could they receive something so precious so easily? It felt unreal It was said that whenever such an item appeared, there should be some sort of bloody fight or martial world battle over it. Should thousands or hundred thousands of lives not be drained first before a result or an end could be reached? Even a piece of such a crystal might very well compare to the Seventeenth Master of the Ninth Abyss'' secret treasure map! That martial world fight had previously taken hundreds of thousands of lives! Yet, what was happening before their eyes? This was probably what people called a bonus C no, a godsend! "Yun Yang, you must be careful in the future!" Ling Xiaozui reminded him seriously, "Don''t act in haste and don''t let anyone know that you have something like this. Even more so when you''ve gone to the Bound of Universe. Use them as soon as possible, if you can Really. What these crystals contain are the traces of Dao and even the secret of the very universe! You must remember to be careful." "Don''t worry, I understand!" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou did not say more as they acted swiftly to search for the School of Kismet State''s quarters and annihilate everyone in the school. They did not wait for Yun Xiaoyao and others mainly because Yun Yang''s generous gift had still baffled them; so much so that they were still dazed, and plenty thrilled. This caused them to slip out of the city in the night and massacre the School of Kismet State. Even when they were seven thousand miles away from Tiantang City, they still felt their minds buzzing. "Did he C did he just give them to us like that?" Dugu Chou felt his mind working at an incredible speed. He was in an inexplicable ecstasy, so much so that he dared not quite believe that the reality was true. "Ye- yes" Ling Xiaozui who could thoroughly empathize with the former had an impulsive need to retrieve the crystal and hold it in his hand to feel its actual presence. "Regardless, the both of us have accepted quite a huge favor," Dugu Chou sighed. Despite his sigh, his tone was one of thrill and delight; the joy was uncontainable. "Precisely," Ling Xiaozui sighed as well, "I feel the same. Firstly, I''m shocked by his generosity. Then, I''m floored by Supreme Cloud''s way of carrying himself. How truly extraordinary" "Hmm? Would you care to elaborate?" Dugu Chou said. "You feel like you''re closer to him, do you not? Furthermore, I believe you actually don''t feel too much in debt?" asked Ling Xiaozui. "Correct, naturally," said Dugu Chou, "There''s also the feeling of surprising favor. What you said about feeling indebted truly doesn''t exist." "Naturally? How so? You''ve accepted a mythical item that only appears in legends out of the blue, yet you feel at ease. Other than surprise, your state of mind is at peace without much thought. Why do you think this is so?" questioned Ling Xiaozui. Dugu Chou was stunned then. That was right C why did he not feel indebted despite accepting such stroke of luck? Reconsidering it, this did not make any sense! 779 Supreme Cloud’s Conduc "Don''t understand? You really don''t understand? This is but a situation that Supreme Cloud purposefully creates!" Ling Xiaozui inhaled softly, his gaze exceptionally profound and distant. "You and Yun Yang haven''t been spending a lot of days together. Supreme Cloud does things his way; different but measured," said Ling Xiaozui, "The reason we have such feelings all comes from his intentional doing." "What do you mean?" "Since we crossed paths, Supreme Cloud has always been the weaker one. However, today, right now, we acknowledge him as our peer. Isn''t this so?" "Not at all." Dugu Chou chuckled dryly. "Now, I keep feeling like he''s the centerpiece of all this." "All this time, while we''ve helped him, we''re also accepting his favors. With Yun Yang, have you ever seen anyone receiving a gain without working for it? Or simply just gaining?" "This Indeed, I haven''t. Everyone has their own responsibilities and each of us performs our tasks. Even when we sometimes intersect, there''s no entanglement." "That''s right, even us. We''ve been helping him C although our initial intention was to bring up a junior and never ask for anything in return, he''s repaid us in various ways, including the practice sessions with us. Do you really think that he needed it so desperately as we''ve thought? That he''s the only one improving from the drills?" "Pardon?" "Other than the first time, when he did need to meld and secure his cultivation base, to grind the martial skill he''s learned, the two sessions daily that wore him out thoroughly C they weren''t necessary to him." "I can easily say that what he secured was his foundation, but what we gained was unlimited paths to go forth. Each of our physical aspects, our art, and divine senses, have stepped up from the practices. These weren''t absolutely necessary to him, he was doing more work with less efficiency!" "That is indeed true." "Thinking through it, we''ve accepted his service unknowingly a long time ago, pulling our positions to the same level." "This time is no exception. He has asked us to annihilate the School of Kismet State C while we have to handle the case, he''s given us all that can be gained from the school and he''s not taking a sliver of it." "From the outside, this is what we should get. We''re going to wipe out the School of Kismet State. Who else do those things belong to, if not us?" "However, if he were to go with us, could you have forgone your dignity and looted the findings with a junior? That, and he''s carrying the name of justice. As long as he goes, at least eighty percent of these will go to him. Do you not acknowledge this distribution?" "How can I not? It''s undeniable even if all of it goes to him. If so, it makes sense to say that these are also given by him." "Still, these aren''t quite adequate. It doesn''t suffice to cover the favor of us fighting Four the Seasons Tower for him and helping to tackle Ximen Huanyu today. Therefore, he gave us the Eastern Amethyst." "Once and for all, he has recompensed all the favor and debt! Went past it, even!" "This results in the establishment of his new position. His title has gone from the initial senior to elder brother. Yet, we don''t feel offended C we only think that it''s befitting." "He''s never given anyone anything on his own initiative without a reason but he''d never mistreat anyone''s assistance. This is Yun Yang''s conduct. It''s like how he has given me the Rainbow Kirin in the past; it''s the same case." "Maybe it was intentional, maybe it didn''t even cross his mind, maybe I''m reading too much into it today C but such extreme balance is truly felt being around Yun Yang!" "You''ll get what''s yours but what''s not yours will only be a wild wish even if you wish upon it." "Such an ability is unbelievable." "Nine Supremes'' Supreme Cloud, Nine Supremes'' Supreme Wit C true to his name, true to the reputation!" "He has unwittingly become everyone''s core," exclaimed Dugu Chou. "Thinking further, even the four popinjays of the noble families, they play all day long, but who among them dares to slack when it comes to what Yun Yang has assigned them? Fang Mofei, Lao Mei and the others as well they stand by their duties. Sometimes, they''ll get things in advance, but they''ll never get it for anything." "In the future, we still have a long time to go together," Ling Xiaozui said in conclusion, "This is an extremely balanced and incredibly prudent person Perhaps he hasn''t realized it himself but sometimes, we can''t already behave simply due to our elder age. I''m believing Gu Chaliang''s words even more now C the Heaven''s Inquisition''s prophecy is precise indeed." After saying so much, the last line seemed to be a sigh of exclamation. This was what Ling Xiaozui truly wanted to say today, thus the meaningful impact lingered. Dugu Chou was quiet for a moment, obviously experiencing some realization that was not expressed in words. "Let''s go." Ling Xiaozui quickly switched the topic. "Finish up the School of Kismet State quickly and hurry back to the capital. I guess that the final battle between Yun Yang and the Four Seasons Tower isn''t far now. We can''t miss this fight. Maybe, this is our last battle in this realm." "Alright. Still, Old Ling, I''m quite surprised by how Yun Yang handled this issue with the School of Kismet State." "You mean why didn''t he think of solving the matter by borrowing one force to extinguish the other?" Ling Xiaozui asked with a grin. "Yes! Even I feel that the School of Kismet State can be used to go against the Four Seasons Tower. Why didn''t Yun Yang think of it?" "There must be other reasons behind it. We''re not the think tank, why are we thinking so much?" Ling Xiaozui let out a hearty laugh and sped off, whizzing through the clouds like a strike of lightning. The School of Kismet State''s higher authorities had been massacred and it was only time before the school fully collapsed. However, the mess that they created was far from over. At least, the Residence of Yun was still very crowded, teeming with people. A breeze drifted above for a moment before it roamed far away after a period of observation. Only Lao Mei was left supporting the entire Residence of Yun now with a long face. Well, in truth, he was not really the only one left. There were also the guards who had just been recruited, scattered around the residence to receive and direct the visitors. In spite of this, the reception was an incredibly complex and troublesome task. They could not lash out or show even the slightest of inappropriate expressions. Once they made the slightest misunderstanding, they could be deemed as being arrogant, harassing people with their status. Any slight stir or ripple at such a critical juncture could easily cause a massive consequence! As for the others the four young masters were the earliest to react. They had escaped with their guards at the very first moment while Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue, alongside his master, had surrendered after the first day of helping out at the reception. Yun Xiaoyao holed himself in the palace, refusing to return home, while Bao''er had gone with him for a short stay. Ji Lingxi had gone to Shangguan Lingxiu''s residence as well. Although Lady Ji was delighted that her crush was popular and admired, loved and revered, the crowd had gone way past her limit of acceptance. In addition, she was being too obvious a target if she remained there, thus, Ji Lingxi left swiftly, escaping the chaos to her best friend''s house. 780 Before The Final Battle Only Lao Mei was left behind, who eventually discovered with no small amount of shock that the word ill-fated seemed to be talking about him. When he realized that these people were gone and wanted to flee as well, it was already too late. He was the only one left in the entire residence, the one who had always been the Residence of Yun''s chamberlain. He had to shoulder the responsibility; in the end, he had to come out and face the reality. He was truly a pillar standing strong amidst sweeping currents, the sole foundation that held a building in place. In spite of this, the chamberlain thought that he was about to die of fatigue anytime now! Watching the crowd who had come to make obeisance to Supreme Cloud piously, Lao Mei felt dead inside, but he had to wear the most radiant of faces and speak gently, putting up a soothing and friendly demeanor. The breeze blew past softly, leaving no trace behind. Yun Yang, who was manifested as the wind, dared not stop even for a moment more, taking his leave directly. The current situation was the best incubator for trouble. He could not afford to make an appearance. He turned, instead, to visit the Tower To Heaven Inn. As expected, the four noble young masters, including their guards, some thirty over people, had all moved to stay here. Looking at their relaxed and delighted forms, Yun Yang could not help grinning. Putting himself in their shoes, he could not make any comment about the four young masters blanching in the face of the throng of people, so he saved himself a trip down and went straight to the Shangguan Family of Generals. Emitting his deific consciousness, he found out that not only was Ji Lingxi here, but Bai Yixue, Fang Mofei, and Xiao Shaoqing were also here as well. It was already a common sight for Xiao Shaoqing, whose alcohol ban had been lifted, to be carrying a pot of wine around and occasionally tossing a peanut into his mouth from his pocket. This man was basically in a happy haze during this period of time. This state was probably the state of ''riding the clouds to ascend towards the immortal realm'' he had been chasing after. Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu were drinking tea, seated opposite each other in the yard, looking serene. Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei were located left and right, one high and one low at the roof and by the yard''s entrance. Although they looked sluggish, the mystical Qi flowing from them was exceptionally active. With how they currently were, it was guaranteed that they would be able to spring up immediately should there be any incident, to ensure the two ladies'' safety; even if it were this world''s pinnacle force or a superb assassin, the two men could certainly seize a substantial amount of time for the girls to react. Yun Yang nodded in approval. The alertness of these two men was evidence that he had found the right people. As for Xiao Shaoqing he had no hope for the man; the reality had shown that he was without any aspirations and was wasting away, from the inside out. Other than drinking, being intoxicated and sleeping, he had nothing else that he cared for! He was thus categorized by Yun Yang as those who would not strive for progress like the four noble young masters. There were the four Whiteys too, their snow-white fur ball bodies rolling around in the yard. If only these were to be taken into account, the sight was peaceful and content. However, Yun Yang could still sense the vague, unusual air that seemed to be lingering atop the yard. It somehow spoiled the current serenity. The air of oddity was unreal, seemingly not there. Even with Yun Yang''s current level of divine senses, he still could not be sure. It would be even harder to pinpoint the particular location of the source. Only the discomfort pressing against his chest was palpable and exceptionally evident. What caused Yun Yang to be so certain of the strange air also stemmed from Ji Lingxi in the pavilion. Lady Ji was basically looking around suspiciously every once in a while, her gaze brimming with uncertainty and doubt. It was obvious that Ji Lingxi had sensed the presence of the unfriendly vibe as well and similarly, she could not be sure of its location just like Yun Yang. In spite of this, her worried expression had explained too much. ''This is the divine sense surveillance by masterly experts of this world?'' Yun Yang pondered. ''Using this tactic at this point of time and location, such experts are obviously looking for me, targeting me using the group below!'' ''In other words, they are already in considerable danger. Still, how do I enter under such watchful deific consciousness? How can I dissolve the current threat without alarming the opponent?'' The other party apparently knew that was where Yun Yang''s Achilles'' heel lay C Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu! As long as they watched this side, they would not have to wait long for Yun Yang''s appearance. If it were necessary, they could even capture the two ladies and force Yun Yang to emerge. This was the shortcoming of the exposure of Yun Yang''s identity as Supreme Cloud. The past Supreme Cloud would not have such a weak point that could be leveraged on! The soft breeze that was Yun Yang drifted around softly, but just as he was about to go away, an unusual twitch was made. Then, the wind manifestation dissipated quietly. The vague, deific consciousness that had been silently observing made a clear jerk before countless divine senses suddenly shot up from all around. Instantly, the area above the Shangguan Residence which spanned tens of miles was locked down without any gap for escape! Countless intimidating forces swept past the high altitude rapidly, breaking the air apart into fragments. There were more energy bolts that catapulted into the sky, tens of thousands of feet above the ground, and swung back and forth. Faraway, a few entities of deific consciousness bolted from the four main directions and formed another barrier. For a moment, the countless beams of forces that resonated in the air, the grandeur that exceeded all expectations, baffled Yun Yang. ''How much firepower did the Four Seasons Tower send over?'' Yun Yang mused. ''Could the Four Seasons Tower be thinking to finish things off in one battle? To completely end my existence?'' ''What a coincidence that I''m thinking the same thing!'' ''Nonetheless, I have to arrange all the other matters first'' It was the same pawn shop as the other day. Shui Wuyin was idly resting on a round-backed armchair. Beside him was Yun Yang who was equally at ease. Of course, Yun Yang was already wearing another fa?ade. "How are things?" asked Yun Yang. "The atmosphere is pretty tense. Unprecedentedly strained." Shui Wuyin wore a blank look. One of his legs was propped up and shaking idly, but whatever that came out of his mouth was not tinged by the sense of calm at all. "The Four Seasons Tower has been after the Nine Heavens Dictum during these past few days. Just within these four days alone, nineteen of the Nine Heavens Dictum brothers have been lost." Yun Yang felt his heart ache. "How are you handling it?" "I have to be responsible for the remaining majority." Shui Wuyin was still without expression. Yun Yang''s face fell. "That means" "That means exactly what you think." Shui Wuyin cut him. "I''ve protected all the families of the Nine Heaven Dictum members. There''s only one request or perhaps, the condition, to everyone C if you''re caught, the faster you die, the better!" Yun Yang felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his heart, but he stayed silent. 781 Where and What Next for the Nine Heavens Dictum? Shui Wuyin was quiet for a moment as well before he continued with clear diction. "There mustn''t be any carelessness now. I trust all the Nine Heavens Dictum brothers, I trust that they see death as their end, I trust that they''re loyal. Unfortunately, the reality is that there are those who can''t take it. That is why we lost nineteen brothers." Shui Wuyin softly sighed. "Actually, there were only seven of them who had initially exposed themselves by accident. These seven people were the most external circle of the Nine Heavens Dictum. What they know is limited. If they could have kept it in, there wouldn''t have been any loss afterward." "Nonetheless, they couldn''t keep the secret, and their supervisors were identified. They, in turn, couldn''t take the torture as well, so their supervisors were discovered. Eventually, it became the current nineteen casualties." "I''ve made the command clear once the first batch of uppers was traced. Then, everyone was instructed to go into hiding. That''s how we lost only nineteen people." Shui Wuyin said coldly, "If I were a step late, I''m afraid that even I would have been the Four Seasons Tower''s captive." "That would mean thousands or even tens of thousands of lives lost. I don''t want to carry such a responsibility!" Yun Yang was solemn when he replied, "You don''t have to explain it to me. I totally understand the reason for your decision. It''s just a little hard to accept it in such a short time. If it were me, I''d have made the same decision with you." He sighed softly. "It''s a pity Those nineteen brothers." Shui Wuyin was quiet for a long time after hearing what he said. Finally, he slowly spoke up, "Yes. After all the torturing methods of this martial world are far more cruel than the imperial ones. In this world, there are many who accept death as their final destination, but there are those who remain faithful to loyalty far too few." He said without warmth, "The brothers As long as they didn''t seek death at the first moment, it''s expected that they can''t endure it in the end. It''s well within reason. I can hardly blame them. The staunchness of the Nine Heaven Dictum brothers is the highest of standards that I''ve seen this lifetime." Yun Yang kept mum for a bit and said, "I understand. Accepting death and staying true to faith has never meant the same thing." When one was dead, everything ended with their death. As a martial world person, the majority of them could still accept death despite being scared of it. What most could not take was endless torment that hauled one between life and death without a choice! To speak of it, a man was but a body made of flesh and blood. "The families of the nineteen sacrificed brothers Take care of them well. The Nine Heavens Dictum is responsible to nurture their children into talents without any negligence," Yun Yang paused before saying. "Whether they could withstand it or they couldn''t take it they''re all Nine Heavens Dictum brothers, unchanged despite life or death," Yun Yang said in anguish, "Unable to persevere through the Four Seasons Tower''s torture isn''t a shame. If it had been you or me, we may not carry on to the end either." To which Shui Wuyin answered, "I understand. I''ll make the necessary arrangements." Then, he asked, "What should we do now? How do we continue from here? The overt and covert have switched places. We are at a terrible disadvantage!" Yun Yang answered, "The Nine Heavens Dictum need not make any more moves. To battle with the Four Seasons Tower the standard is too high. Even collecting intelligence no longer has its meaning What I mean is, continue hiding, until this matter comes to rest before we discuss this further." "Comes to rest?" Shui Wuyin questioned. Yun Yang said grimly, "Yes, comes to rest. Meaning, either I die, or the Four Seasons Tower is completely destroyed! The Nine Heavens Dictum now, to me, to Supreme Cloud, is no longer of use but" "Indeed it''s become a burden I''ve realized it too. The assistance the Nine Heavens Dictum can provide to you now is reducing, almost insignificant. It''s become only a burden. The competition among proficient cultivators is truly beyond our capability," Shui Wuyin said after some silence. Yun Yang was quieter than Shui Wuyin, a heavy sense of silence rested between them for a long time. After an extended period of silence, Yun Yang heaved a long, long sigh and looked into the sky, murmuring, "It''s still possible to be of help to me but doing so it''s definite that only less than fifty from over nine thousand people will Nine Heavens Dictum will be able to survive." "Even their family members will be added to the count. That''d be fifty to sixty thousand people worth of famine. Wuyin, you know this." Shui Wuyin nodded slowly. "I do. That''s why I also understand why you opted to run the organization remotely all along and why you passed the authority to me while you wholly put it aside, almost separating yourself from the internal workings of the Nine Heavens Dictum" Yun Yang was silent for a beat and said, "Whether it''s the Nine Supremes or Supreme Cloud they can''t exist eternally. No matter how true my intelligence lives up to the name Supreme Wit or the brain of Supremes, I have my shortcomings. One mistake could overturn everything there is to be overturned." "Especially when you''re also still worried about the bow being cast aside after the birds are hunted?" Shui Wuyin chuckled mockingly. Yun Yang smiled and said, "Not now anymore because this bow of mine can no longer be contained by anyone. There''s only one reason that the Nine Supremes and Supreme Cloud could not exist eternally all along." "It is because Yutang is our country. We can''t ever be the source of unrest ourselves. That''s all there is to it," he said slowly. Shui Wuyin said mockingly, "You have quite the sense of awareness then." "You''re not happy?" Yun Yang asked, smiling faintly. "It''d be a miracle if I''m happy!" Shui Wuyin retorted angrily, "You f*cking threw such a heavy load on me and acted like you''re leaving at any time, you could be leaving at any time. What do I do? I can''t move forward, I can''t quit. I can''t go with you. Tens of thousands of people are counting on me, how do you expect me to be happy? You and all of the Nine Heavens Dictum are Yutang''s people. Nonetheless, your father isn''t. All of you talk about patriotism, about sacrifices C what''s that has to do with your father? Your father is helping you because of Ji Lingfeng C because of my Brother Feng! Do you really think I''m so noble?" "You can leave after accomplishing your great feat, but how about so many of the Nine Heavens Dictum members after you do? I can''t give them the official titles publicly, everyone won''t be happy switching to martial world men C there''s really no way forward nor back. And you want me to be happy? Where''s your wit? The brain of the Supremes? More like no-brain of the Supremes!" In the entire Tianxuan, whether in front of people or alone in isolation, there was nobody else except Shui Wuyin who dared to say ''no-brain of the Supremes''. There was surely no one before him nor a second person after him! After a tense moment of silence later, Yun Yang said, "The terminus of everyone in the Nine Heavens Dictum is indeed what I wanted to discuss with you. If you want to continue with it, I''ll leave everything completely to you. The Nine Heavens Dictum will be under you alone from now on, no longer belonging to the Nine Supremes. On the other hand, if you don''t want to go on, I can find ways for everyone." He smiled with pride. "Those under me, whoever I tell to take care of them, they''d never mistreat them during this lifetime!" 782 With A Great Favor Comes A Timely Exi Shui Wuyin was silent again before he replied, "I need to consider this. I should not doubt your appointment, but things will be forgotten after the person ceases to exist. It''s certain that you will leave this realm and yourentrustment can be effective for three to five years to come, perhaps a decade or two C but what about after that?" Yun Yang nodded and handed over a thick manuscript. "I understand your concerns and I know that you''re sincere towards the Nine Heavens members. This is what I promised you before. As long as you cultivate according to this, anything, whether it''s from your physique or any possible cultivation issues, can be smoothly resolved." "Alright, but why give it to me at this time?" Shui Wuyin stared at the manuscript with a frown. "The final battle against the Four Seasons Tower is impending. If I die" Yun Yang smiled lightly and tossed the manuscript over to Shui Wuyin. The latter said, "Actually, I have something I''m curious about. There''s something I can''t quite figure out." "You want to ask about why I didn''t consider to utilizing the School of Kismet State. Is that it?" Yun Yang asked in a relaxed manner. "Precisely," said Shui Wuyin, "From what I''ve seen, we have all too many methods to use them as our pawn against the Four Seasons Tower. Let the Four Seasons Tower and the School of Kismet State tear each other apart. The two of them have never been in the same boat anyway." Yun Yang answered faintly, "It''s a pity that the School of Kismet State is prominently capable, a reclusive school of its time, but it''s too far off when compared to the Four Seasons Tower. Next, to the Four Seasons Tower, they''re only a larger cannibal ant. Fatal, but still an ant." "Besides, while the School of Kismet State is considerably powerful, they''ve stayed reclusive for far too long. It''s been a long time since they stayed away from the worldly realm. And they''ve always assumed the upper hand, cooperating with imperial power. Towards strategic scheming and clever conspiracies, they''ve long lost the instinctive sense of alertness. That''s why it''s easy to hatch a plot against them and destroy them with a flip of a hand. If the Four Seasons Tower''s brains were to be added to the School of Kismet State though If these two bodies work together, it''d be us who''ll be doomed." "Although I know that this could possibly save some energy for me, I dared not risk it. Right now, it''s best not to take any chances." Yun Yang smiled lightly. "Like using the conferring as a trap, if the Four Seasons Tower were the target, the situation of one-kill and consequently full extermination would never have happened. With this premise, it''s pointless to make an unnecessary move. Better to prevent any chances of additional threats!" "I see. Truly, this is the case." Shui Wuyin nodded slowly. Yun Yang then took out a spatial ring and passed it to Shui Wuyin. "There are some monetary assets here, gold, silver, jade and a considerable amount of banknotes. During this time where Nine Heavens Dictum brothers are hiding and after this" Shui Wuyin stared at the spatial ring and was silent for a good amount of time before he uttered dryly, "Alright then." He looked up to Yun Yang and asked, "What''s your ultimate aim in making complete arrangements now?" "Didn''t you all call me the brain of the Supremes? It''s my habit C to make arrangements for everything," Yun Yang answered softly as he stood up. "Is it only out of habit?" Shui Wuyin questioned. Yun Yang was no longer in front of him when he asked. Yun Xiaoyao gazed at Yun Yang who stood in front of him. He carefully looked at his ''son'' from head to toe in the palace''s secret chamber, the usual handsome face just like it had always been. Time seemed to rewind back to the year when he first saw the youth who looked resilient and strong, calm and cold, yet was still so young. Now, despite looking as fine as he had been, the corners of his eyes and the sculpted end of his brows told of many changes. "Why did you suddenly think of talking to me?" Yun Xiaoyao asked in an unusually warm tone. "I''m going into a final battle against the Four Seasons Tower," said Yun Yang calmly, "I''m not very confident about this battle, so I have to make arrangements beforehand." Yun Xiaoyao turned abruptly, losing his composure. "Why the haste? Why must it be so fast?" "It''s exactly because we don''t have to hurry, so there''s a final battle. Yutang''s path is paved. Uniting Tianxuan will only be a matter of time. The longer it''s dragged, the more disadvantaged it will be for the Four Seasons Tower. They won''t be giving me more time! Yuang won''t'' be giving me any more time either," Yun Yang answered him after a beat. "This battle is hasty, but whether I live or die, everything can settle down." Yun Xiaoyao heaved a long sigh. Yun Yang had explained things very clearly C at the very least, he had understood everything with amazing clarity. Supreme Cloud was destined not to be able to partake in the union war. Supreme Cloud was already a presence that was higher than the imperial power. He was like a living myth. If he contributed more in the union war, the barely maintained balance now would surely be broken. The emperor could still afford to ignore this, he could even actually worship Supreme Cloud like he was an actual god, but Yun Yang could not do the same C the imperial ministers and people would never overlook this, and neither would Supreme Cloud''s enemies. Furthermore, Yutang''s enemies would not take this lying down as well. This was why Yun Yang wanted to disappear. Disappearing at this moment was timely to everyone C except, of course, to Supreme Cloud himself. "You said that the deadlock would put the Four Seasons Tower at a growing disadvantage. Then, hold it out. As long as His Majesty doesn''t mind, so what if everyone else does? Ignore them all!" Yun Xiaoyao was slowly panicking. Yun Yang smiled. "How can I not care? This is my country. We''ve done too much for this country. Now, when I discover that my existence will actually affect this country''s rise and fall, in an unfavorable way even it would not be suitable anymore to exist." "Such is the case for heroes. No matter what the courts and external parties say about how it''s unfair to Supreme Cloud in the future, such a hero who has exceeded the imperial power is destined not to exist." "It''s because we''ve exerted all we have in building the peace now; we can never destroy it ourselves." Yun Yang said in reminiscence, "This is what Supreme Earth said back then. I''ve always kept it in my mind. It''s like his words are still echoing in my ears. He had predicted that this day would come long ago. It''s just that he didn''t expect that he wouldn''t be able to see it happen." "Even if what you said is reasonable and benevolent, however fearless and responsible you are, it can''t be now You knew that you were going against the Four Seasons Tower but why did you send away Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou?" Yun Xiaoyao said angrily, "Are you stupid? This arrangement of yours is akin to digging your own grave!" Yun Yang replied quietly, "I have my reasons." "What reasons could there possibly be?" Yun Xiaoyao insisted, obviously dissatisfied with Yun Yang''s passing answer. "My reasons are simple actually" Yun Yang sighed and finally said, "I have always suspected that the Four Seasons Tower''s goal isn''t that simple. I even doubt if there''s any huge secret inside I wonder if these are appropriate to be made known to others aside from me" "To this day, I''m confident that I already possess a significant amount of ability to protect myself and go against the Four Seasons Tower." Yun Yang spoke honestly, "Based on this judgment, I want to make clear of things myself. I would like to see this through in the most complete way possible." "Ridiculous!" Yun Xiaoyao was flushed from agitation. "Na?ve! Utterly absurd!" 783 Lost in Life Yun Yang did not retort nor did he defend himself. He did not explain himself either, merely lapsing into silence. Yun Xiaoyao paced around huffing and said angrily, "There''s absolutely no way if you''re thinking to go alone. At least I''ll go with you!" "Absolutely not!" Yun Yang blurted out in shock, breaking his supposed silence immediately. Yun Xiaoyao wanted to go with him? Was this a joke? Facing the Four Seasons Tower''s full strength, it would be a guaranteed delivery of his head on a platter! "There has to be someone collecting your corpse somehow." Yun Xiaoyao looked over in a rage. "Are you thinking to have no remains?" Yun Yang took in a deep breath and said, "I won''t die. I''m confident of it!" "Well, I''m confident as well!" Yun Xiaoyao roared in anger. Then, both of them were quiet. After a long time, Yun Yang spoke up, "I''m leaving." Yun Xiaoyao snorted but said nothing. It was only when Yun Yang walked to the window that Yun Xiaoyao''s hoarse voice came from his back, "All these years, I''ve been thinking C how nice it would have been if you were really my son Why aren''t you my biological son?" Yun Yang came to a complete halt. "I really see you as my biological son." Yun Xiaoyao''s voice was resigned. "I just don''t know if, for a moment, you would ever have taken me as your actual father" Yun Yang did not say anything for some time. Yun Xiaoyao waited for a reply in vain. Thinking that the youth had already left, he sighed softly. His voice sounded dreary. His state of mind had aged remarkably in that short period of time. Murmuring, he said, "Whatever it is, don''t you dare die. I C I don''t want to collect your corpse" Yet, as he turned around, he was immediately stunned. Yun Yang was still standing right before him. He had not left. As for his eyes, they were gleaming with unshed tears. Yun Xiaoyao stared at his son by name helplessly. "Actually, in my heart, you have always been my father. What you''ve done for me all these years is much more than what many biological fathers would have done, so much more" Yun Yang''s voice was low, but his words were clear, sincerity lining every letter he spoke. There was a glow that washed over Yun Xiaoyao''s eyes suddenly. "You''ve fought for me, not minding to roam alone for years outside. For me, you didn''t mind keeping secrets from the emperor, for me" Yun Yang smiled bitterly. "I would very much want to be your actual son. Unfortunately, I would only bring harm to you that way." "Nonetheless, you''re forever my father in my heart. You were in the past, you are now, you''ll be in the future. You are forever my father." "Even when I find my biological father in the future, I will tell him that before him, I already have a father, a father who sincerely treats me, loves me and cares for me," Yun Yang spoke gently, "Even if I can''t find him, I still have you. I''m not alone in this lifetime!" Yun Xiaoyao could only feel his mind buzzing, his vision a little blurry when he tried to look. At that very moment, he felt that whatever he had done in the past, everything that he had given, was all worth it C far from being just worth it! Blurrily, he saw Yun Yang kneel down before him and bowed thrice, respectfully. He wanted to say something, anything, but he could only feel the trembling of his lips, words unable to leave his mouth. Then, he stared dazedly as Yun Yang stood up and said, "I''ll leave now." The young man took two steps back and vanished without a trace. Yun Xiaoyao was shaking all over, retreating two steps unconsciously, and fell unceremoniously on a chair. Not a sound was made for a long time. Tears streamed from his eyes but a genuine smile hung on his lips. He could understand every word Yun Yang said, thus he could comfort himself. He was happy, he was elated! ''I can only be your father by name to outsiders, I can only be your foster father in front of the emperor, the shield you use to block any attack.'' ''Still, between you and I, we are truly father and son.'' ''That''s enough! It''s enough!'' At the Tower To Heaven Inn, the four noble young masters looked troubled. They were now considering a very grim matter of life C what was their ultimate life goal? To become a popinjay throughout this life? To be delightfully enjoying all that the world had to offer? To become a powerful practitioner and rein over the martial world? To become a highly ranked minister and rule over the world? To have a beautiful wife and consorts and endless romance? This was an exceptionally serious subject. The various answers to these questions were initially far beyond reach, mostly musings they only occasionally ponder upon when they were bored to the extent of death. Yet, these questions were presented right before them currently today. All four men were swept away by lost currents; helpless, their thoughts were all over the place. Yun Yang could not help sighing inwardly. His initial intention was only to ask them what plans the quad had for the future. After all, they had known each other for some time now and the four of them had been calling him their big brother, helping him a lot in various matters. If he could, he did not mind leaving them some resources in anticipation that one day, they could meet again in the Bound of Universe, so that their relationship during this period of time would not go to waste. However, seeing the expressions on the four of their faces, Yun Yang was hit with many realizations. "We don''t know what to say for now." Dong Tianleng broke the silence and said with a humorless chuckle, "Initially, we thought before that we could try working as hard as we can and follow you, achieve something in this world, so as not to waste this life away C leave some sort of legend behind. It''s delightful just thinking about it!" "However, we really never expected your pace to be so wide, so fast. Until later, we only felt the inability to adapt and the difficulty to even imagine it." "Now that you ask us about our futures we don''t know how it''ll be. At the very least, our initial intention is already a wild wish." Dong Tianleng was rarely so serious, but this time, he had honestly spoken his thoughts out loud, his voice sounding heavy and grim. "All in all, we are still popinjays at heart. We''ve never lacked wealth and fame since our birth. In contrast, we lack the ability to become an imperial minister." "Similarly, being an heir to our noble families is out of the question." "As for beautiful wives and consorts and endless romance, we can achieve them without any hard work due to our status since birth. Obtaining them too easily, instead, becomes boring." "Becoming a powerful practitioner and rein over the martial world, becoming unparalleled in the realm, or even going to another realm to fight for the ultimate title we''ve honestly thought very seriously about these grand ambitions. Alas, we know ourselves well; we can''t endure so much hardship. This is also the truth!" Dong Tianleng laughed depreciatingly and said, "We live luxuriously since we were young C we''ve passed so many years living in comfort Asking us to toil now, maybe it''s doable for a moment, but the long journey of cultivation we can''t maintain such ambition for long." Chun Wanfeng sighed, "It''s difficult." Xia Bingchuan laughed dryly, shaking his head. "Unless C unless we have no other way to go C unless we''re forced into a corner by the vicissitudes of life, maybe then it could be possible. However, if we still have another day we can waste away without any suffering, I probably wouldn''t work for anything" 784 Writings in the Sky Qiu Yunshan said, "During this time, we can say that we have gained a lot here from you. Just by cultivating at a divine cultivation spot like the Residence of Yun and improving ourselves using various resources, it was possible for talentless people like us to advance to the Dao realm. This is already one of the greatest fortunes we can hope for. Looking back at our residence, how could there be real Dao cultivator?" "Besides, each of us has an ace level mystical beast, which elevated our capabilities by another class." "For the current embodiment of us to return home, we can be considered presences others can''t afford to offend or dare not provoke for the rest of our lives. Even if we don''t want any power, we''re still a presence that can stand in parallel to a clan leader. The rest of our lives can be smooth and easy, there won''t be any more worries." All four of them looked at Yun Yang with shame and said, "This current state we''re already more than content." Yun Yang nodded with a smile. "I know, I understand. I even agree with you. That''s why all of you should return to your families now." "We can''t help you here, but we''d still like to see you defeat the Four Seasons Tower. Otherwise, we can hardly sleep a wink. Missing out on this battle of the century will also be our lifetime regret!" said Dong Tianleng. "There''s nothing to anticipate from this final battle," said Yun Yang, "There''ll only be an ill ending if you fellows insist on staying. To you and me, to any side, it won''t be a good thing." The four young masters were all dumbstruck before realization hit them. Yun Yang was right. They would only become an additional worry for Yun Yang if they stayed. If the Four Seasons Tower assaulted them, Yun Yang would never ignore it. Then, would their kind intentions be only an obstacle to Yun Yang? Since it was destined that they must leave, why did they have to wait for a result? "I wish all of you here that there won''t be a time you''ll have to fight with your all throughout the rest of your lives," Yun Yang wished with a warm smile. When the four of them had said that maybe only when the situation had come to worst that would they fight and risk their lives, Yun Yang understood the implied meaning very well, despite the covert delivery. If there came a day when their families were torn apart and the enemies were so formidable that no one could defend against them that was when they would fight back. That was why Yun Yang wished them what he did. "The four of you will always be my, Yun Yang''s, brothers." Yun Yang smiled. "What comforts me is that you all really have a good sense of self-awareness. Even though you all have said that you don''t know what you want, you have long acquired what you really wanted the most. Seizing it in your hands, they won''t leave you." "We shall meet again if fate decides it." Yun Yang then melted into the air, his form gradually disappearing. "Return quickly!" After these words were uttered, Yun Yang completely vanished. The quad stared at the chair Yun Yang had sat on, each of them in a sad trance like they had lost someone dear. "Although we spoke the truth, I still don''t feel good, like I''ve failed boss," Dong Tianleng sighed. Qiu Yunshan lamented, "Boss is the nine heaven''s dragon. It has been destined that we won''t be able to keep up with him. To be able to have such an experience of his company in this lifetime, it''s sufficient to reminisce for years to come. There''ll be our shadows in his legend after all." "Speaking of this, the three of us have to thank Dong Tianleng properly. If it weren''t for his monkey business which allowed him to get along with boss, how else would we ever have the opportunity to get to know such a legend? Every time I wake up in the middle of the night, I feel how surreal it has been, especially after boss'' identity as Supreme Cloud was exposed. It''s unbelievable, no matter how I think of it." Chun Wanfeng chuckled bitterly. "Actually, I wanted to go along with boss" Dong Tianleng was gloomy, his sudden words shocking everyone. "You aren''t the only one!" the other three men said simultaneously and they began chortling sadly. Qiu Yunshan said, "Although we said that we''ve looked past the vicissitudes of life, that happiness comes from contentment, who isn''t ambitious, being a man? Who doesn''t want to stand at the top of the world and experience the joy and thrill of being the sole man standing at the peak?" "Who doesn''t want to make the most out of life and be unrivaled?" "Our families are great, but they''re a safe bet. Compared to these legendary figures, what can they be?" "Still, we must have some sense of awareness. We can''t be too blinded." Chun Wanfeng chuckled in self-ridicule. "Boss is a sentimental person. If we wanted to leave with him, he''d have granted our wish however he could." "Unfortunately, our speed of advancement, the level of our state of mind, our temperaments and persistence, they''re too far apart from boss." "Our insistence will only hold him back! It will drag him down and slow him down enough to harm him C that''ll be failing him." "Since boss is fated to fly past the clouds, why should we become his burden? That won''t do good to any of us!" The four of them looked at each other and grinned softly. "We can''t do anything for boss, but we can let him enter the battleground with a light heart. In the future, we can boast to our children and grandchildren that the legend of Tianxuan, the brain of the Supremes, Supreme Cloud, was your grandfather''s brother. That''s also a delight in life." Dong Tianleng stood up. "No time to think about the future so much. Let''s pack up quickly and return home." He looked at the other three men. "After I go back, I''ll cultivate closed-door for some time before I roam the martial world to gain some experience If I have the chance to go to the Bound of Universe in this lifetime, I''ll try to meet boss again. If I can''t ultimately that''s my life too." "Indeed so!" The other three agreed wholeheartedly. "Let''s go!" The four young masters left the room to see a guard standing by the door. "When Young Master Yun left just now, he left four rings for you young masters." As he spoke, he passed the four rings over. The four men took one each, feeling a surge of emotion within them. For a moment, they dared not open it. "Let''s check them out after we reach home." Dong Tianleng kept the ring and said, "What boss left for us must be extraordinary We can''t cause any more trouble for him at this point in time." "That''s how this should be." "Let''s go!" On that very afternoon, the four noble young masters left with minimal baggage and guards, quietly exiting the southern gate of Tiantang City. After traveling a distance of five hundred miles, they then separated into four different directions and disappeared swiftly into the wild. No one noticed their departure because, at this time, a big line of words were formed out of clouds above Tiantang City. Everyone''s attention was riveted by it. "Mr. Nian, we shall meet at Tianxuan Cliff in three days!" A row of words floated in the sky silently. Sometimes it was dark clouds, sometimes it looked as white as cotton; occasionally it was colorfully hued, occasionally it was lined in gold. The hint that the words were manmade was evident. After a while, the words in the sky slowly grew, expanding massively. The change was shocking, attracting everyone''s focus. The entire capital was sonorously cheering. "Supreme Cloud! "It''s Lord Supreme Cloud!" "Lord Supreme Cloud is back!" 785 Four Seasons Tower, Get Out! Droves of people rushed out of their doorsteps in a flurry. Looking up into the sky to stare at the words, reverence was all there was on their faces. Although people were teeming on the streets, severely crowding the space, the entire Tiantang City was unusually quiet. The citizens watched the sky in devotion, taking in the traces left behind by the person they respected the most. There was no other noise. In fact, glittering moisture glazed the eyes of many as they were inexplicably touched by the sight. This is Supreme Cloud! This is Supreme Cloud! The legend has shown his magic in front of us! This is god''s doing! How can a mere man accomplish the effervescent words of clouds in the sky? A lot of them recalled the year when Supreme Cloud recovered his identity as Yun Yang. His popinjay fa?ade amused them, but they were also highly impressed. Young Master Yun was an infamous scrooge back in the day, accumulating wealth wherever he went. However, it had been proven by Yutang officials now that the countless families of the sacrificed soldiers and handicapped veterans who had fought many years for Yutang would all receive monthly donations! The source of the stipend came from Yun Yang, Supreme Cloud. The Board of War''s Marshal, Tie Zheng, had also stepped out as a witness to mention that not only was the military stipend and the veterans funded by him, even his wedding was supported by Supreme Cloud''s silver taels! The Nine Heavens Dictum sent a message discreetly as well C a complete name list, a big bundle of it. That was the name list of Supreme Cloud''s years of secret donations and an astronomical figure of silver taels. By rough estimation, those in Yutang who had received Supreme Cloud''s assistance all these years, whether directly or indirectly, would include almost the entirety of Yutang''s population! What a mind-boggling figure was it! What grand fortune it must be! Yet, Supreme Cloud had given all of it out without any reservations. Hot tears brimmed in the eyes of countless people. Their hearts thumped hard as if they were about to explode. "This is our Supreme Cloud!" "This is our god of Yutang!" Now that the god of Yutang had shown himself and left some writings in the sky, the people cheered instinctively, despite the majority not understanding what the words meant. Many veterans and their remaining families sobbed once they saw the words written in the sky by Supreme Cloud. It was a deeply set gratitude C respect that would last for lifetimes to come! "Since the existence of man, never has there been anyone who can be revered by the people to this extent!" His Majesty exclaimed. "I do not have any misgivings now nor am I jealous. I only feel lucky, fortunate that such a figure is in Yutang after all!" Since Supreme Cloud''s script had appeared, it hung in the sky, growing increasingly eye-catching. Everyone was easily aware that Lord Supreme Cloud was waiting for a reply, so they waited as well in silence. They watched on quietly. Countless people covered their mouths with their hands, their tears coursing down freely from their eyes, but their eyes remained unblinking as they stared at the penmanship in the sky. This was the script of their savior, the traces of Lord Supreme Cloud! How many times could they have seen it in this lifetime of theirs? This time, even though it was only a few words, they wanted to look carefully C they wanted to sear it onto their hearts! They would never forget it, not for at least an eternity! Many scholars retrieved their brush and ink on the spot; wherever they were, they began to replicate the scene. An hour later, a clear voice rang from somewhere unknown but it ricocheted around Tiantang City. "Lord Supreme Cloud, be it grace or grudge, right or wrong, it''s fated that they can''t be peacefully resolved wherever one is. Since Lord Supreme Cloud harbors the intention to end this grace and grudge, why not end it here in Tiantang City?" The people discussed this in whispers. "Who is this person? What''s his identity? What is his background? Why does he have a past with Lord Supreme Cloud? Is he rightfully qualified to utter such words?" "Shh, didn''t you see Mr. Nian writing in the sky? This person must be Mr. Nian. To be able to make Lord Supreme Cloud take the initiative and invite him, I believe he can''t be an ordinary person. He must have some sort of background" "F*ck, will I not know such an inference? I''m asking what grudge do they have with each other? This bastard dares to have a grudge against Lord Supreme Cloud? He dares challenge him face to face as well! How dare he C how dare he?" "We''ll wait for what''s next Look! The writings in the sky are changing into something new!" Under the watchful gazes of everyone present, the words in the sky transformed again into the color of dark clouds. Like ink that was painted across a painting, the script splashed across the sky, exuding an oppressive atmosphere. "Mr. Nian, the Four Seasons Tower is shamelessly despicable. You used dirty tricks and set up traps in Tianxuan Cliff, killing my eight brothers. I will not forgive this grudge, not even for a single day. Since the resentment must be cleared, of course, I would choose Tianxuan Cliff! The Four Seasons Tower is not yet qualified to settle this battle at Tiantang City against me!" The fury that was contained in these words was vehement. The murderous intent poured out far and wide. There were no fewer than ten million of Yutang''s people who saw the reply. Instantly,outrage broke out. Like a bomb that had been thrown into a crowd, the effect rippled into an earth-shattering trauma. "It was the Four Seasons Tower that killed Nine Supremes? They C how dare C how can they do this?" "What is this Four Seasons Tower? Somebody explain this to me!" "The Four Seasons Tower be damned! It should be demolished right away!" "Could this Nian be the leader of the Four Seasons Tower?" "F*cking hell, he can''t be a good person C all the surnames out there and his is Nian. Serves him right to be beaten into a pan by Lord Supreme Cloud!" There were people who cried aloud, "Nian! Why aren''t you dead yet? Get out of Tiantang City!" "Four Seasons Tower, scram! Die, quickly!" A person''s cheer was reciprocated by a hundred more while a hundred was reciprocated by ten thousand C immediately, tens of millions of people were shouting in unison, "Nian! Get out of Tiantang City! Four Seasons Tower! Get out of Tiantang City!" "The debt of blood must be avenged with blood!" "All of the Four Seasons Tower will die a terrible death C die without a whole corpse!" "Damn the Four Seasons Tower, you should be tortured by millions of cuts and may your bones be shaved and your ashes be spilled!" "Bastard Nian, how can you f*cking have the cheek to still stay alive? Die quickly!" Yun Yang''s words had undoubtedly announced the killers of Nine Supremes to the world. He had also nipped all of Four Seasons Tower''s plans or conspiracies in Yutang in the bud. From this moment onwards, the Four Seasons Tower would be hard-pressed to do anything in Yutang. Unless they were forever undercover, they would only be a universal target, like a rat running across a street. As long as Yutang''s people remained, the opposition that stood would never be erased! As powerful as Supreme Lord Spring Frost was back then, there was still a handful who knew about his Four Seasons Tower identity. Furthermore, what the Four Seasons Tower wanted had never been the imperial power but providence. Still, something like providence could never be separated from the support of people. How could they accumulate providence when the entire nation hated them? 786 No New Year From Now On What the Four Seasons Tower had to face now was a thorough abomination, in its most extreme sense. This was the most severe providence backbite that one could hardly recover from! The Four Seasons Tower''s higher authorities would absolutely hate to see this scene. Facing such a vehement wave of opposition, such intense and united condemnation, any ordinary person would have already broken down. Mr. Nian, however, scoffed loudly. It sounded like a sonorous thunderclap that thumped through everyone''s heart. The people could not help feeling the quake before they paled and staggered. Involuntarily, they thought of the most frightening thoughts they could possibly imagine C who was Mr. Nian? How could he be so powerful and terrifying? "The final battle is at Tianxuan Cliff. If you''re not going, I won''t show myself. You can carry on and wait for my next appearance." The writing in the sky then changed. "I believe that the Four Seasons Tower has yet to gain the ability to catch me." "Do I need to show my confidence further? I''ve traveled back and forth in Tiantang City today and even now, have you found out where I am? Have you discovered any trace or hint of my presence? I''m here, right now, but can you possibly capture me? Even if you managed to find out who I really am, so what? Would I really be stupid enough to go under your knife, waiting to be chopped?" "A day without my appearance will mean an extra day before the Four Seasons Tower''s plan can be accomplished." The script in the sky transformed quickly, but it exuded a sense of leisure and ease, delight even. Mr. Nian''s graceful voice rang out, "The Four Seasons Tower''s past targets have hidden well, but once a person exposes their trail, there''ll be a corresponding weakness. The target will no longer be invincible. Take the Residence of Yun in Tiantang City now; it houses many people you care about. Would you not care about their life and death at all?" The words in the air morphed once more. "Tianxuan Cliff has the blood of my eight brothers as well! What do you think?" "I''m giving you three days'' time to set up Tianxuan Cliff, the same set up as the last time!" The hovering words stopped at this line, not changing anymore afterward. Mr. Nian spoke some more after that, of threats and of terror, but there were no more replies in the sky. An hour later, the dark clouds etched in the sky slowly dissipated, the ink stain lifting away. As the ink slowly faded, Tiantang City simmered up with curses. On this day, tens of millions of Yutang citizens inside and out of Tiantang City condemned the Four Seasons Tower without fail. It was a tough day for those belonging to the tower, as everyone in their family was ''greeted'' by the throng of people without exception, repeatedly so. Filthy words and vile curses were put on a loop while the leader of the Four Seasons Tower, Mr. Nian, was everyone''s main target. No one before the nineteenth generation of his ancestors was exempted or excluded. With tough luck, they were attacked and upbraided. The Four Seasons Tower''s undercover personnel were infuriated upon hearing the censure; enraged, they had nowhere to vent their frustrations. Revenge? How? Those were tens of millions of people berating you. Who was there to seek revenge upon? Kill them one by one? No matter how skilled one was, how could one kill so many people? Those of the Four Seasons Tower could already imagine a more frightening scene. It was only a start now. When the news spread, the people who dealt out condemnation would only increase. By then, it could be hundreds of millions of people C perhaps a few billion, who were censoring them in unison. After all, Yutang had a considerable population. When it really came to that, the rebuke would exist with them being the target, wherever there were people. How could they seek revenge then? The Four Seasons Tower men decided wisely. All of them moved out of Tiantang City, to stay away from people. Yes, they were staying away from people. They dared not even stay at the more deserted towns and had gone directly to Tianxuan Cliff. It was because once Yutang started such a vehement castigation, it would go on for a long, long time. Whether it was literate ministers or laborious vendors, whether it was morning, noon, or night, whether one was with others or alone, it was a curse upon the Four Seasons Tower as animals or unworthy creatures once one was to speak! They would condemn their families too. In addition, they thought that it was not enough. Countless citizens presented their suggestion that was received by the officials and brought up to the emperor. They were not going to celebrate new year''s eve anymore! The word Nian1 was too inauspicious! They were not celebrating the new year anymore! They would be celebrating the spring festival! That was right C the spring festival! Even when it was the spring festival that they were celebrating in name now, the particular celebration had to be discussed further. Even when they were not celebrating the new ''year'' anymore, they must not forgive the word ''Nian''! For example, they could treat ''Nian'' as a devil! A ghost! A revolting monster! Anywhere in Yutang, ''Nian'' was more repulsive than a rat, more nauseating than the maggots in the cesspit, more off-putting than the Dung Beetle! Yes, such was the extremely sickening state that Nian saw himself in! From now on, every year when spring festival was celebrated, the bastard must not enter Tiantang City. Every household had to burn firecrackers to blind, frighten, and chase away this appalling creature. The emperor accepted the suggestion easily, immediately summoning the officials from the Board of Rites to set the celebration of the spring festival. From now on, and for hundreds of thousands of years to come, Nian must be chased away in unison, as long as the spring festival was celebrated. No, it would be too easygoing if they only chased Nian away once a year. Firecrackers were to be lit on every major occasion to drive Nian away again! Any household that was celebrating an auspicious occasion should light loads of firecrackers as something so odious must not be welcomed It came true. The custom eventually became a tradition in Yutang and even the entire Tianxuan later on, passed down for generations to come. The Four Seasons Tower''s men had been driven away, so Yun Yang had nothing more to fear. He landed in the Residence of Shangguan Family of Generals to see the two ladies. Shangguang Lingxiu and Ji Lingxi were delighted to see him, but they could not help worrying. After all, they were also cultivators. They knew of the Four Seasons Tower''s terror. "Are you really going to Tianxuan Cliff for the final battle against the Four Seasons Tower?" Shangguan Lingxiu looked at Yun Yang anxiously, worry spilling over her gaze. Yun Yang smiled. "I must go, but the initiative is back to me now. Don''t you worry, I know what I''m doing." "This is still too risky" Shangguan Lingxiu was still worried. Yun Yang spoke softly, "There''s a huge secret within that I need to unravel Instead of saying that I''m ending the past grudge with this final battle, I''m going to untangle the doubts in my heart" Ji Lingxi walked over slowly and said in a confident voice, "Let me go with you. Tianxuan Cliff''s blood debt consists of my big brother as well. You can''t stop me. Even if you do, I''m still going!" Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes shone in agreement. "Good idea. It''s the best tactic now for Sister Lingxi to go with you. If there were any danger then, Lingxi, you can pounce upon Yun Yang. You both will be invincible. Nothing can harm you. That''ll be great." Translator Note: 1Nian (nin): As mentioned in the earlier chapter, the Chinese character stands for ''year''. 787 Enhancement In Preparation For The Battle Ji Lingxi rolled her eyes, but could not help the blush that adorned her cheeks, anticipation rising within her being. ''If it can help him repel some of the damage, I''d be more than happy to do so'' Shangguan Lingxiu knew about the red light on Ji Lingxi, so it had been without hesitation that she said something like this. It wasn''t only Shangguan Lingxiu; Yun Yang, who had not planned to take Ji Lingxi along, was tempted by the suggestion as well. He could not help considering the plausibility of this course of action. "You''ve spent the whole day outwitting that Mr. Nian today. Have some rest and a good meal before you go." Shangguan Lingxiu left to prepare the meal. "Are you really so confident? I want to know the truth!" Ji Lingxi stared at Yun Yang, concern spilling through her gaze. "Confidence" started Yun Yang, "If was only me, I don''t have much of it. However, if you were to help me, it multiplies." "No problem! Just tell me how I can help!" Ji Lingxi was ecstatic, feeling that she was finally of value and had some use after cultivating so hard, for so long. Ji Lingxi was genuinely happy that Yun Yang said that he needed her help in doing something. ''I can actually finally do something for him?'' ''I''m not just an insignificant existence behind his shadow, never being able to handle reality!'' Although Ji Lingxi''s current cultivation base was above that of Yun Yang''s, she was the weaker one no matter how she put up a tough front and oppressed him with practices when they were together, subconsciously becoming the one to be taken care of. Ji Lingxi could not figure it out either. ''I''m not bad, I''m better than Yun Yang. Why do I need his care everywhere?'' Truth be told, Ji Lingxi liked being taken care of like this very much. Yun Yang pulled her into the room and retrieved seven Eastern Amethysts, saying with a smile, "What I very much need you to help me do now is to wholly absorb the energy in these crystals and complete this process in the fastest and safest way possible." "What are all these? Resources? Energy crystals?" Ji Lingxi was curious. "I''m not particularly sure what they are, but for now, they''re rare gems," said Yun Yang, "Cultivate your art later, I''ll help you. When our mystical Qi converges at their maximum point, gather two flows of internal energy to circulate in one cosmic orbit and enhance your cultivation base as much as you can. We must escalate our abilities further during these two days of respite. Then, we depart!" As he spoke, Yun Yang went into action. He first set up a simple illusion formation and arranged the seven Eastern Amethysts with the Big Dipper shape in the center of the formation. Then, he connected them with a golden thread while another end of the thread was held in his palm. This made a mini convergence formation of spiritual Qi. With the golden thread acting as a lead, it would become an optimum spiritual Qi channel with the triggering of mystical Qi. "Come!" The two of them sat cross-legged, facing each other across the purple crystals. One of Yun Yang''s hands held onto the golden thread while another palm of his was connected with Ji Lingxi''s. He said softly, "Exercise your cultivation method wholeheartedly. Use the mystical Yin energy to activate the Amethyst''s spiritual Qi. Don''t slack, you must give it your all." Ji Lingxi followed through the instructions, delivering her mystical Qi slowly. She then realized with surprise that once her mystical Qi came into contact with the purple crystal, spiritual Qi rose from it with a soft buzz. Almost at the same time, Yun Yang activated his mystical Qi from the Endless Divine Art. Using the golden thread as a medium, the flowing spiritual Qi from the Eastern Amethyst was received and directed into his meridians. It made a cycle through his meridians and bones swiftly before it went through Yun Yang''s right palm into Ji Lingxi''s hand. Ji Lingxi felt a tidal force of spiritual energy surging into her palm before her meridians expanded instantly. The spiritual energy then transformed into rich spiritual Qi as it settled into her meridians. In the blink of an eye, she felt almost saturated with spiritual Qi. Ji Lingxi worked quickly, accelerating her already fully flowing cultivation method and directing a part of the surging energy into her dantian for personal use, and recycled part of the spiritual Qi from her left hand into the next orbit. Yun Yang was doing the same with himself. The seven pieces of Eastern Amethysts glowed brightly, the radiance effervescent. As Ji Lingxi was astounded by the powerful purple crystals, she was also filled with many questions. Her cultivation method was no longer of the Ji Family''s arcane magic, where she had come from. It was the magical art left by her useless father. Not only was it powerful, but its level was also far above the cultivation method of this realm. Even when Yun Yang possessed the secret identity of Supreme Cloud, his cultivation method was still of this realm. It could never be on par to the one Ji Lingxi was currently cultivating! The reality now, however, was when Yun Yang and her cultivation methods combined and formed a big cycle, it was not at all incompatible C it was inexplicably well matched! Their speed of absorbing spiritual Qi had more than doubled; it was simply amazing! As the spiritual Qi surged within their meridians, the speed accelerated. It was fast but stable, not at all disturbed. They had only worked this way for an hour but Ji Lingxi was already feeling that the spiritual Qi in her dantian saturated to its limit; she had to further condense it or else she would not be able to continue and their efforts would be futile. It begged the question C how did Yun Yang know that their cultivation methods could fit each other so congruently and work like this? She remembered that she had never mentioned her cultivation method''s characteristics to him. It was bewildering and unbelievable! The spiritual Qi washed over both of them again and again. Both of them could feel their capabilities growing slowly but surely. Eventually, the two of them entered a state of cultivation oblivion, thinking of nothing but advancement. Shangguan Lingxiu came to the door quietly only to see the billowing spiritual Qi in the room, but not Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi. Shocked by their cultivation progress, she knew that she could not disturb them. She finally sighed after staring at the room for a moment and moved a chair to the door. Watching the outside scenery, she fell into a trance. After a long, long time, Shangguan Lingxiu suddenly activated her cultivation base and concentrated it on the length of her five fingers. Gripping the hilt of her sword, she clenched them harshly. When she finally eased her grip, a faint handprint was etched on the hilt, accompanied by a pulsing ache within her fingers. She could not help recall the fact that Ji Lingxi had twisted the same sword easily without a sound before rubbing the sword into a pile of metal shards a few days ago. "Too far we''re too far apart How can the differences be so vast?" Shangguan Lingxiu chuckled depreciatingly and mumbled, "How can I keep up with his pace then?" 788 Shangguan’s Deific Serendipity Shangguan Lingxiu muttered to herself. "Even if I insisted on being together, what''s the use of it? Become an ornament he protects for my entire life? Even if he doesn''t mind and I''m willing to submit, is that still me, Shangguan Lingxiu?" Old Mistress Shangguan, who was supported by her dragon-head crutch, wore a deep sense of sympathy in her gaze as she stood by the yard entrance. She could not help but recall something "King Yun, Yun Yang isn''t young anymore. When my son was his age, he was already a father of two. As his father, why aren''t you considering his marriage?" "Yun Yang is a stubborn one. I''ve never forced him to do anything, including his marriage." "What does King Yun think about our Lingxiu? It''s wonderful that the two of them reciprocate each other''s feeling. Isn''t it marvelous for both our families to become relatives? Old Marshal Qiu has mentioned to me before that he''s willing to become the matchmaker." "Old Mistress, regarding Yun Yang''s matters Instead of saying that I''ve never coerced him, let us just say that he''s never needed my concern. Everything of this child I''m unable to decide for him. Especially when it comes to marriage C his own opinion matters." "It looks like King Yun isn''t fond of this idea of marriage." "Not so, no. I''d love for it to happen, I''m even willing to push for it. That being said, Yun Yang, himself is still needed for the final say." "The matter of marriage is upon the instructions of parents and the words of a matchmaker.I understand King Yun''s intention. I shall bid my leave." "Old Mistress" "No need to send me off!" Old Mistress could not help recalling her proposal to Yun Xiaoyao previously. She had thought that if she were lower herself enough to ask, Yun Xiaoyao would never reject her. Be it due to reasonable circumstances or their status, he would have agreed immediately, happily. What she did not expect was Yun Xiaoyao''s reaction. Even though he spoke highly of the marriage, it did not happen. Old Mistress Shangguan left swiftly then, seeing Yun Xiaoyao with a begrudging lens from then on. It was only now that she knew that Yun Xiaoyao was not at all lying at that time. It was true that he was happy to see the marriage happen, it was also true that he was willing to push for it. However, it was even more apparent that he was unable to decide for Yun Yang. He was the Nine Supremes'' Supreme Cloud! Supreme Cloud, who summoned reverence from the world and triumphed over the martial world! How could Yun Xiaoyao be able to decide anything for Supreme Cloud? Especially when it was something major like marriage! Even His Majesty dared not decide anything for Supreme Cloud! Since she knew that Yun Yang was Supreme Cloud, Old Mistress Shangguan immediately guessed that Yun Yang was not Yun Xiaoyao''s biological son with her extensive wisdom and experience. Recalling Yun Xiaoyao''s helpless expression, Old Mistress Shangguan sighed. ''I''ve wrongly accused Yun Xiaoyao then My personal intentions have caused me to think unjustly of him,'' Old Mistress Shangguan muttered inwardly. Now that Lingxiu was already with Yun Yang, it seemed now that she was rather behind C not due to her family background, not because of her appearance, not because of her temperament, only based on her cultivation base In spite of this, cultivation base was something that could never be achieved speedily or in a hurry! Old Mistress Shangguan let out a sigh with her eyes closed, murmuring, "It''s time to let Lingxiu seek her happiness. The Shangguan Family of Generals has really dragged her on for far too long" "Lingxiu," Old Mistress Shangguan called out softly. Shangguan Lingxiu looked up as if startled from a dream. She was dazed, not realizing that Old Mistress had already come to her. "Grandma." "What are you thinking about?" "Nothing much." Shangguan Lingxiu smiled, looking like she was doing fine. "Good. I remembered something important that has to be done. Follow me," Old Mistress Shangguan instructed. She turned to leave once she spoke. Shangguan Lingxiu looked back with worry before she glanced at Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue who were standing guard on the left and right. Then, she followed Old Mistress Shangguan, looking back repeatedly with each step she took. In the ancestral hall of Shangguan, Shangguan Lingxiu was somewhat surprised as she took in the many ancestral plates that were lined up on display. "Grandma, why did you bring me here?" What important matter could there be here that was so urgent? "We, Shangguan Family, have kept a very special secret." Old Mistress Shangguan spoke in a low voice, "The very beginning of this traced back to Shangguan Family''s first ancestor. Back then, the first ancestor met someone severely injured by chance. He was near death and the first ancestor saved him with all he could, managing to rescue him. Unexpectedly, the person disappeared without a trace nor a thank you after he recovered. However,first ancestor''s intention was only to save him; he didn''t mind whether there were any thanks or not. Yet, someone else came a year later, saying that it was to thank his saving grace and could grant him a wish, even boldly saying that it could be anything! But first ancestor''s conduct was to help anyone who needed it. He really never had the thought of being compensated, so he rejected the person''s generosity." "The person insisted on leaving three joss sticks behind, saying that he only needed to light the three joss sticks up if he had any request in the future. Then, someone would come forth to help. The person emphasized clearly that it could be anything." "If it had only been this, the first ancestor might not have committed the incident to heart. It''d be normal to even forget about the three joss sticks. However, after the person passed him the three joss sticks, the person moved Shangguan Family''s ancestral tomb with a wave of a hand. The person spoke seriously that from then on; the Shangguan Family''s future generations would all become great generals who would win every war they fought, that it was only appropriate that the family was titled nobly for generations to come." Shangguan Lingxiu felt her scalp tingle as she listened to the tale. Who could the person be to be so mighty that a wave of the hand could shift their ancestral tomb and change fengshui itself? The fact that they had noble titles for generations was impressive but to be able to set Shangguan Family as a heritage family of generals was divine. Furthermore, to grant a wish that could be about anything? The statement was exaggeratedly bold, as one could only be a myth to possess such an ability! "When this person was done talking and vanished in front of our first ancestor, it was then that the first ancestor realized that he had met an amazing master. Naturally, he passed down the three joss sticks with an ancestral edict C if the later generations were tremendously gifted, these three joss sticks could be used to achieve deific serendipity." "Maybe it''s an oracle, maybe it''s fengshui. The Shangguan Family has been a family of generals ever since, wearing a noble title for generations It''s really like what the person said. Nonetheless, because this secret is so significant, the three joss sticks are passed down without being utilized, until today." Old Mistress Shangguan looked at Shangguan Lingxiu and said, "Looking at you, I have a realization. Won''t these three joss sticks be able to help you achieve your wish? Your wish is a difficult one, but it still falls within the category of ''anything''!" Shangguan Lingxiu was shocked. Achieve her wish? What should she say? Deny it? Still, how many in Shangguan did not know about her wish? 789 The Three Joss Sticks Lady Lingxiu could not help blushing as she spoke with embarrassment, "There''s something so unbelievable. It really does sound mystical, barely imaginable. It has been about a dozen centuries since the Shangguan Family has risen in Yutang. Tracing back to the source, it''s all actually" "What you think is too simple and na?ve." Old Mistress Shangguan smirked. "The first ancestor I mentioned was the first generation of Shangguan ancestor who established the clan. If my count is correct, you should be Shangguan Family''s one hundred and seventy-second generation! Your nephews are the one hundred and seventy-third generation. The so-called family archive, other than to avoid troubles and to cover up, only records the dozens of generations since the beginning of Yutang." "One C one hundred and seventy-three generations" Shangguan Lingxiu was so stunned by the number that she could not think straight. A hundred to nearly two hundred generations of legacy. How long must that have been? Even if each generation was only thirty years, it had to be at least five thousand years or even six thousand years by now? "Why else do you think the Shangguan Family of Generals is revered by the world''s militants? Stars of the sky compassed the Big Dipper, generals of the world revere Shangguan! This doesn''t come from Yutang!" "Dashang, Dazhou, Dazhao, Daqin... before this, through the countless rise and fall of dynasties and empires, the Shangguan Family of Generals has always been a nation''s generals! It''s just that as the dynasties rise and fall, the Shangguan Family, too, quieted down for some time." "However, any Shangguan member who appeared on the battlefield has never lost an inch of land!" "Winning every war and breaking any attack isn''t a legend that only exists in the recent century. Among the one hundred and seventy-odd generations of Shangguan, there were over four hundred imperial marshals! There were thousands of leading generals." "The pedigree of the Shangguan Family isn''t just a bit of background, you see." Old Mistress Shangguan''s voice was solemn but it was laced with an inexplicable sense of pride. Shangguan Lingxiu, on the other hand, was completely tongue-tied by the series of new knowledge. "Okay, back to the topic," said Old Mistress Shangguan, "I''m going to light up these three joss sticks now. If you''re unwilling to continue, speak now." "Why would I be unwilling?" Shangguan Lingxiu was taken aback. "Because this serendipity isn''t ordinary. Once the joss sticks are lit, they won''t be extinguished. As the deity comes, your destiny will change accordingly. In the future maybe you''ll realize that what you''re after now, what you''ve been pursuing, won''t be able to keep up with you anymore By then, maybe you''ll have an all new change to your mindset." Old Mistress Shangguan watched Shangguan Lingxiu lovingly. "That''s why I''m giving you the power to choose your own destiny." "But why are you certain that I''m gifted? If I can''t do it, won''t an extraordinary chance be wasted?" Shangguan Lingxiu bit her lips and asked. "Never mind about being gifted. I''m sure of the significance these three joss sticks hold. Since it can be anything, there''s no need to care about talent and whatnot! In fact, I''ve been wanting to light these three joss sticks since the first day I was given them. Not doing so until now, I think I''m impressively patient." "Sigh, for so many years, the huge burden of the Shangguan Family has always been weighing you down. Now, it''s all thanks to you that Supreme Cloud has resolved our difficulty and our family vengeance against Ziyou is about to be avenged too. The family owes you too much. Just by compensating you with this, I don''t think it suffices at all!" Shangguan Lingxiu spoke very softly, "I hope to know the cause and effect of the incident, all of it." "Follow me," said Old Mistress Shangguan after a heartbeat of silence. There was a small door at the corner of the Shangguan ancestral hall. It was one that Shangguan Lingxiu had never opened. Today, however, it was opened right before her. Shangguan Lingxiu would never have dreamed that such a small door could lead to such a wide spacious space. It was so big that the room could already be called a warehouse! Old Mistress walked over with a straight back. Unblinking, she spoke in a low voice, "Here are the biographies of the past ancestors! The weapons they used, the equipment they loved" Shangguan Lingxiu took in the view like she was pilgrimaging, moisture involuntarily wetting her eyes. Entering the huge warehouse, she felt as if countless gazes were quietly but lovingly watching her. It was the spirits of her ancestors. When they came to the end of the room, there was a table where a square jade box rested. Old Mistress opened the jade case and retrieved a book. Below the book, there was another long tiny jade casing. She opened the book and flipped to the end, stopping at one of the pages. There were a few lines of messy writing. "One day... a martial world battle was encountered when the army was withdrawing. One rather huge and plump person stumbled into the army, severely injured and lost consciousness, near death. I took pity on him and hid him to heal him. Afterward, I found out that this person''s surname was Tang. His name was Tang Yifang. Seven days later, his injuries improved and he left without bidding farewell. A year later, a lady came and said to grant Shangguan something, anything, for this incident. Due to the extraordinariness, I recalled it and thus formally documented it." The words were clear. He had not put the matter to heart then but because someone had come to repay the favor and he had known by chance that the person was unusual, he reminisced and highlighted it in his records. "The joss sticks in the jade case can reach deific serendipity for Shangguan''s future generations. Please remember this" What was written after was similar to what Old Mistress Shangguan had said. "It is indeed so." Shangguan Lingxiu could not help being curious. Who could the person be to be so omnipotent? How bold of the person to promise that they could grant any wish! "Since you have no objections, I shall bring out these three joss sticks." Old Mistress Shangguan was determined and decisive, firmly following through her words. She retrieved the long jade casing. The three joss sticks were crystal clear, like jade pieces. They looked like they were transparent as one looked at them. Observing them carefully, the joss sticks were finely made. They were only the length of a palm, delicate and fragile. They were not like any ordinary incense. Old Mistress Shangguan brought over a small incense burner and piously planted the three joss sticks on top before carefully lighting them up. A short while later, smoke wafted slowly into the air. The grandparent and child duo were surprised to discover that the smoke was actually rising in a straight line. Like a metal thread, it rose all the way that even the rooftop could not stop it. The smoke actually made a clear hole through it without any hindrance. The three joss sticks were incense that had been kept for many millenniums, yet the smoke from them being lit could penetrate the roof! The situation was unimaginable C unbelievable! Shangguan Lingxiu thought that if she had not witnessed it personally, she would never have believed it if anyone told her so! 790 My Disciple Is Here! The wisp of smoke ascended into the sky. It was a small strand of smoke, but it made its way up, higher and higher. In only the time it took to take a breath, it had reached the sky, soaring through the clouds and rising to the nine heavens. Nobody knew nor could they imagine that after the smoke went through the clouds, it was then that the incense aroma began to spread. Instantly, wafts of an extremely sweet fragrance permeated the nine heavens, drifting everywhere. In a sapphire-hued plant, beside a picturesque lake, there was a white-clothed youth who was fishing. He spoke confidently, "Look, I''m going to fish a dragon here today without any trickery!" Beside him were seven to eight youthful ladies who were incredibly beautiful, each minding their own business, all of them at ease. Some were reading laying on a chair, some were resting on a hammock, some were paddling their feet in the water while some were studying tunes while holding on to a flute. There was only another girl who was similarly clad in white who sat beside the white-clothed youth with a smile. Another girl could be heard speaking as she rolled her eyes, "How can there be a dragon in such a small lake? Forget this lake, even the entire continent is without a dragon! I''d love to see how you fish one out! Let us see how you toot your own horn!" "Toot my own horn? How am I boasting? What if I really manage to catch one? Xiao Yi?" asked the young man, "Do you want to make a bet?" The girl was utterly confident. "How can you catch something that doesn''t even exist? Very well, we''ll make a bet. If you catch a dragon, I''ll do whatever you say!" The young man chuckled evilly and said, "If you lose, you''ll practice all thirty-six erotic positions with me! How about that?" The moment the words left his mouth, the few girls around him flushed and gasped abashedly. The girl who was being spoken to turned crimson as she replied, stomping her foot, "You lecher Hmph, we''ll bet. I''ve checked that there are absolutely no signs of a dragon on this entire planet. If you lose, you''ll be punished by punished by you won''t be allowed to touch me for three years! No C no, that''s too easy for you. I want to make you bark thrice, like a dog!" She had said that he was not allowed to touch her for three years, but she changed her mind after consideration, blushing even redder. Watching the shy, innocent girl, the ladies around laughed. The young man was still confident as he said, "Okay! That''s a deal! This is our wager. Remember, whoever loses must acknowledge defeat! Look now! Something has taken my bait! Let''s see what it is" A few girls looked over, focusing their sights on the surface of the lake. They saw a big fish zooming underwater, tugging at the fishing line. They could not discern what fish it was yet, or if it was even a fish. The girls excitedly urged the young man. "Quick, pull it out of the water! Let''s see the result!" The baited prey came closer to the water and the group could finally see that it was a large golden carp. The fish was a significant size and wore gold scales all over, looking magnificent, but it was not a dragon after all. Everyone could easily see that. The girl was promptly victorious, laughing and saying, "This is a carp C you''ve lost! Hahaha Bark like a dog, quickly!" "How is this a carp? Look again carefully," said the young man. The girl turned skeptically only to hear the young man hollering, "Carp that skips through the dragon gate C transform!" With that soft cry, the carp on the fishing hook transformed into a dragon immediately. It was still golden but five claws and two horns emerged from the creature as it swam in the water C what else could it be if not a dragon? "You''re cheating! Aren''t you ashamed to cheat like this? You shameless cheater!" The girl was indignant. The young man replied triumphantly, "You lost anyway! What I fished out is really a dragon. The legend about the carp jumping through the dragon''s gate and becoming a dragon? This carp has ascended to become a dragon with the doing of karma. How is this cheating?" "The current situation is that the carp have similar karma of jumping through the dragon''s gate! Understand? The one who lost must acknowledge defeat. This bet is concluded. Young little lady, remember to wash clean and wait for me tonight to complete our wager." The girl flushed, stomping her feet in disagreement. The other ladies could only tease her, the atmosphere livening up immediately. Then, an aroma drifted over. Sitting quietly in her incomparable beauty and elegance beside the young man, the white-dressed lady frowned and assessed the situation, pressing her fingers together before she smiled and said, "My disciple is coming. I wonder if it''s a coincidence or not." "Your disciple? When did that happen?" the white-clothed young man asked curiously. The lady scoffed and said, "You''re the root of this encounter. You made me save fatty''s direct descendant then and when I was gone, I found out that the child was already rescued. However, that fatty didn''t even repay his savior in his hurry to escape, so I gave away three joss sticks in anticipation of this fated encounter." "I see Oh, I remember now. That fatty isn''t even human, so lazy like a pig He didn''t rescue his descendant but came to ask for my help. How could there be someone who''s happy to fight and argue with me all day? I remember now, I recall everything. I haven''t found fault with him on this yet" The young man in white said after scratching his head, thinking hard. "Go then," the youth continued, "Good timing then, that you won''t be here tonight." He chuckled wickedly and thought, ''No one is after me once you leave. I can do whatever I want to that girl tonight right? Wanna skip over my bet? How can it be so easy? You think you''re that varlet, Old Black?" "Sister Mei, I''ll go with me! I can help you!" The girl who lost the wager begged pitifully. "Help? What help? Better admit defeat!" The young man in white collected her in one scoop and told the lady clad in white, "Go quickly, go. Go quickly and come back quickly." The lady smiled gently and said, "Xiao Yi, I''ll go and come back fast. I''ll save you soon." With a twirl, she vanished. "All of you are bullying me!" The girl named Xiao Yi cried, stomping her feet. Frustrated, she thought and immediately turned her gaze to the others. "SistersC where are they? Where is everyone?" The seven or eight girls who were still here just now had somehow disappeared. "All of you don''t have any sense of sisterhood!" The girl stomped her foot. The young man laughed. "I say that your elder sisters are obviously creating a chance for you. You must seize it" As he spoke, he was suddenly stunned and blurted, "Sh*t! I forgot to tell her something" "Never mind. It''s not too late to talk about it after I collect my wager" he muttered with a tilt of his head. Then, the young man heaved the girl over his shoulder, ignoring the lady''s vehement struggles, and sang happily, "Come, come. Let''s have fun What we have is time" 791 The Entrance Of A White Dress Panic slowly took over Shangguan Lingxiu and Old Mistress Shangguan''s expressions. Watching the three joss sticks burn quietly, the grandmother and granddaughter duo could not help feeling that the joss sticks looked prideful and refined as they burned, untainted from all worldly affairs. No matter how gracious the incense blazed away, the calm composure of the two people who were waiting was slowly but surely being ruffled. As the three joss sticks were about to reach their ends, there was still nothing. Old Mistress Shangguan could not help being consumed by anxiety. "What''s happening? Why isn''t there any reaction?" The old mistress stared restlessly at the smoke and subconsciously murmured, "Could it be fake?" Once she entertained this possibility, it was difficult to maintain her composure. The old lady felt chilled to the core as she trembled uncontrollably. This was Shangguan Family''s last trump card C the family''s biggest secret. It was the pillar and mental support that the Shangguan Family of Generals had depended on to go through countless challenging times! If the incense was a fraud, would it not be a joke for the family''s many generations to have passed it down verbally and guard it so ceremoniously for millenniums? If this were true, Old Mistress Shangguan knew fully well that she would not be able to accept it. On the contrary, Shangguan Lingxiu was more composed. "Don''t be troubled, Grandma. Time is surely needed for this incense to pass the message along." "What do you mean?" Old Mistress murmured as if she had caught onto a life-saving straw. "Since this incense has to be lit and burned, it means that the deity must need some time before receiving the message. If the deity were so divine, it''s probably a powerful presence that does not belong to our continent. No matter how magical these joss sticks are, it''s connecting another world to this world after all C a certain duration of time must be needed. Even if the deity moves to depart upon receiving the message, it has to cross the distance between two worlds. This definitely needs time as well." "Since there are so many imaginable processes, how can the deity really rush over within the burning period of the incense? No matter how omnipotent the deity is, it''s still a challenge." Shangguan Lingxiu continued to conjecture, "I think the deity is already terrifyingly powerful to be able to rush here within a day or two. Asking for more will only be troubling ourselves with self-thought fantasies." "What you say is reasonable. I was too high-strung and lost my rational mind," Old Mistress Shangguan muttered, feeling her distressed mind slowly calming down. Shangguan Lingxiu''s analysis was obviously well-grounded. It was logical reality and undeniable facts. Both of the ladies calmed down again to wait in silence, anticipating the arrival of unknown serendipity. Then, they heard a light chuckle. It seemed to have come from beyond the sky; illusory, yet it also seemed real, resounding in their ears. As they doubted themselves and second-guessed their thoughts, they saw the smoke in front of them quiver suddenly before a pretty silhouette materialized from it. A lady clad in white who looked like she had stepped out from a portrait wore a light smile as she stood before the grandmother and granddaughter. When Old Mistress Shangguan was young, she knew that she had been a fair beauty. Shangguan Lingxiu was also at the age where she was at her prime, the most beautiful time in her life. When these two ladies took in the beautiful face in front of them, however, they were simultaneously stunned. A self-deprecating thought bubbled within them immediately C ''How could there be such a beautiful woman in this world? I''m so far from it!'' It was not at all adequate to describe this white-dressed lady before them as sensual, beautiful, or enchanting. Simply using these adjectives was akin to blaspheming this beauty! Such splendor did not belong to the human world at all! Even if it were the heavens, among the otherworldly fairies, she was obviously unmatched in her allure. Her charm was incredibly incomparable! The enchantment of her gaze, the draw of her smile, the elegance in her posture, any of these could already enrapture the world, mesmerizing them to voluntary, repeated deaths! "This young girl has a detailed mind, does she not?" the lady said with a gentle smile, "Old Mistress, this young girl is the final candidate the Shangguan Family has picked after all these years? Your wish is to be bestowed upon this girl?" "As you have said, divine one," Old Mistress said respectfully. The lady in white looked at Shangguan Lingxiu with a smile, scanning her from head to toe and from left to right, before she nodded and complimented what she saw, "Not bad, not bad. Just her temperament is already exceptionally decent. Just as I like." "Can I ask Old Mistress a question?" she turned to the old mistress and asked with a smile. "Please do," replied the old lady. The lady in white started lightly, "According to what I know, the opportunities to develop the later generations in this world are usually kept for boys. However, Old Mistress has chosen your granddaughter. May I ask the reason behind this choice?" The lady asked casually but the old mistress dared not simply answer. Heaven''s intention was never to be challenged C since the lady was a deity, every question she raised must have her reason; maybe there was something else between the lines, maybe it was another test? Although she looked friendly and gentle, the otherworldly vibe she exuded from her being, the dazzling beauty and the indescribable aura all made one feel that she was tremendously noble and saintly. Old Mistress Shangguan took a moment to sort out her thoughts and replied, "Honestly, I have my considerations. Firstly, this girl has done too much for our family. The family owes her too much and has thus hindered her marriage. Now that she finally has someone she likes, her martial journey is barely achieved due to previous family issues. She''s a prideful one, unwilling to become a burden of the man she loves" "This stands as a reason. You mentioned firstly just now, so is definitely a second reason?" the lady asked without expressing any further opinions. Old Mistress Shangguan answered, "Yes. The second reason I''ve made this decision thinking for the future of Shangguan Family as well." She paused for a heartbeat and said, "Boys represent the continuation of the lineage and the family''s heir, but Shangguan''s boys have never been too interested in the martial arts. They are more interested in battles and wars. It''s destined that the boys of Shangguan can hardly go far in the martial path." "Even if an incredibly talented boy who''s extremely responsible for the future of Shangguan were to go for this opportunity and succeed, Shangguan boys are aggressive by nature. It''s an innate characteristic, without exception. The martial world battle in this realm is already in chaos, what''s more, the uncommon path to deity? The risk of succumbing midway is too high." The lady in white nodded slowly, deep in thought. 792 Only Four Hours "If that child falls, the Shangguan Family will lose its greatest hope." "On the other hand, no matter how tough a girl is, she will still have her soft side compared to the men. Girls will know to protect themselves better as well, and they lack the ambitious will in comparison to the boys. They don''t forget their roots, so they''ll be more diligent in taking care of their maternal family With the presence of a deity, that very same sense of caution can surely secure Shangguan Family''s longevity. This is a long-term solution." Old Mistress Shangguan hesitated at this point, feeling that whatever thoughts she had were blatant before this fairy. It would be detestable if she held back. Finally, she blurted what was kept deepest in her heart. "Also, with Lingxiu''s intelligence and beauty her husband will definitely be an upcoming talent as well if she could rise in the divine realm!" "If so, the Shangguan Family would have sent only one person away with a high probability of receiving two in return C or even more guardians! This is where my most selfish thought lies." The old mistress smiled. "This way, even as I fulfill Lingxiu''s wishes, the longevity of the family is figured out as well No matter how I think of it, I don''t think it''s any loss." "Old Mistress'' words are very sincere," commended the lady in the white dress with a soft smile. Old Mistress chuckled humorlessly. "It''s because I''m before you, divine one. How dare I keep anything from you?" "You are Shangguan Lingxiu?" The lady in white smiled and looked at Shangguan Lingxiu. "Yes," answered Shangguan Lingxiu humbly. "Born in the year of Bing Zi, you''re already twenty-three years old this year," said the lady, "What is rare is that you have an innate phoenix physique, your meridians are obscured but smooth-flowing, and you have the quality of yonder Yin and are completely whole. Your meridians are limited by this realm, hidden but not blocked, but it''s easy to resolve this temporal shortcoming. It''s only a matter, of course, to advance leaps and bounds in the future Not bad, not bad at all!" Old Mistress and Shangguan Lingxiu were thoroughly surprised, waves of emotions washing over them. They had just met, only getting to know each other, and the old mistress had not told her anything about Shangguan Lingxiu, yet she could list everything off as if memorized without any mistake. "Are you willing to leave with me? To become my disciple?" asked the lady with a smile. "Lingxiu would be happy to." The lady dressed in white then asked with a smile, "Is there anything you haven''t done before we depart?" Shangguan Lingxiu blushed and her eyes were rimmed red as she spoke with a slight sob, "Can I ask divine one to allow me some time?" "I can only give you four hours at most," answered the lady faintly. Shangguan Lingxiu was even more perplexed once she heard the reply, not knowing how to react. "This teacher does not mean to be merciless. Firstly, this realm''s level is too low. It can hardly accept my Empyrean Force. Four hours is the limit. Secondly, since you wish to embark on this divine journey, you must learn to get used to everything that follows from now." "The said pinnacle of martial arts has always been too high, too cold, too lonely. The higher the peak, the fewer companions one shall have." The lady dressed in white concluded with a sigh. She then cast a careful glance at Shangguan Lingxiu and said, "Although your destiny is striking, you''re fated not to be able to partake in any more of this world''s humanly affairs." "This disciple understands," Shangguan Lingxiu sighed softly as she replied. "What do you understand?" asked the lady. Shangguan Lingxiu elaborated sadly, "Once I begin cultivating time will fly and the journey is long a universe across, I''m afraid" "The deity and human realm are two worlds, it''s been so since the beginning of time" said the lady. The old mistress spoke up softly from the sidelines, "Lingxiu is under your care from now on, divine one I''m old, I''m afraid I won''t be able to anticipate her return Everything will" Her voice became a sob before she could complete her sentence. The lady in white dress comforted her gently, "Don''t worry, Old Mistress. I will take good care of Lingxiu when she''s my disciple. As long as she cultivates diligently, I can guarantee that her life will be smooth-sailing and her wishes shall come true. No one across the universe will dare provoke her and no one across the realms will dare bully her. It''s only a matter of time." She then smiled proudly and said, "Even the ten brothers who act brazenly across the universe they''ll have much to ponder about if they want to bully my disciple. When they''re done considering, they''ll eventually have to give up on the thoughts." She had spoken very firmly, but it was a pity that Old Mistress Shangguan and Shangguan Lingxiu did not even know who the ten brazen brothers were. Naturally, there was no veneration. They were more intimidated by the Empyrean Force mentioned that Tianxuan Continent could not even contain for more than four hours. What level and standard was such power? However, the authoritarian tone of Shangguan Lingxiu''s new master allowed Old Mistress Shangguan''s lurching heart to finally be at ease. It seemed that her granddaughter''s deity master was accomplished; the Empyrean Force sounded absolutely magnificent "This shall be all that we address for now. We''ll complete the ceremony when we go back." The lady in white smiled and said, "Lingxiu is my first disciple ever and I''m afraid she''s the only one as well. The ceremony can''t be simple and the gifts to be received won''t be few. I''ll have to hunt for some then." Old Mistress Shangguan felt even more assured when she heard this. What transpired were obvious hints that the beautiful fairy regarded Shangguan Lingxiu highly. Before she accepted her as a disciple formally, she was already beginning to plan the far future for her to-be student. "Honestly, I didn''t have any plans to take on any disciples. How unexpected that I''ve skimmed some benefit from fatty after all! The cause and effect of this matter are heaven''s will!" The lady smiled faintly and said, "Four hours it is. Complete what you should quickly. No need to pay attention to me. I have to calm myself down and suppress my power. This realm is really too weak. Any leakage of my energy can cause a substantial effect." Then, the lady vanished with a spin of her body. Right up to that point, Shangguan Lingxiu was still dazed. Before the three joss sticks were lit, Shangguan Lingxiu was anticipating something, but she was also slightly skeptical, disbelieving, amazed and very slightly amused. After the incident of the Seventeenth Master of Ninth Abyss'' dragon hide treasure map, Shangguan Lingxiu was already certain that there were deities in this world. There were masterful presences that exceeded the knowledge of this realm''s cultivators. However, would they really come over with such ''effortful'' summoning, even when they really did exist? At this time on this realm, it had been a hundred to two hundred generations of the Shangguan Family and at least five thousand long years since the incense was given back then. Not only had time changed, it was not an exaggeration to say that the oceans could have already turned into land. Could the magic still take place? Furthermore, like what she had said, this was not something to be settled in a few days. Surprise, surprise, the deity was here before the joss sticks were reduced to ashes! 793 Stunned! Not only had the deity arrived, but the entire matter had also been fixed within a few exchanges of words. Then, a time limit had been set to take her away. Shangguan Lingxiu had no doubt about what was being told to her regarding this realm being unable to take the Empyrean Force and that four hours was already stretching the situation. However, her emotions were still on a rollercoaster ride. Once she left, she was possibly severing all her mortal concerns in this realm. She did not know how many years must pass before she could return again to this world. Even when she did come back to Tianxuan then, this world would have long changed, for everything was ephemeral. As she thought of this, Shangguan Lingxiu could not help feeling lost. It was too fast C too hasty! She did not have enough time to say goodbye and she had to leave already? Shangguan Lingxiu was heartbroken; she ran out in a hurry. As she did so, her tears marked her trail. Four hours! How could such a short time be adequate? Her nephews were already on the conquest to take Ziyou down; they were fighting for the nation and avenging the family. It was fated that she would not be able to see them anymore. There were, however, still many people left. Old Mistress Shangguan issued the commands immediately, "Everyone inthe Shangguan Family is to gather at the front hall!" "Any member of the Shangguan Family who is in the capital must return in two hours. No one must disobey this, no one must be late!" In Shangguan Lingxiu''s yard, Bai Yixue could vaguely feel the indistinct and unusual aura coming from inside. The faint contact caused him to feel like he was thrown into an ice pit, chills erupting from nowhere; his hand went to the grip of his sword while he elevated his cultivation base to its peak in anticipation of an attack that could come at any moment. It was evident that his current guard was at its highest point. Supreme Cloud and Ji Lingxi were cultivating rigorously inside to advance as much as they could. The backlash of their cultivation this time was the combination of both Yin and Yang; it was crucial that they were not interrupted by anyone or anything as they cultivated in unison. If they were disturbed by an external force, it could possibly lead to grave consequences. In spite of this, Bai Yixue could feel his heart trembling. He was utterly alert, but he could feel an indistinct aura inside. It was unbelievably powerful. Compared to himself, it was not just like an ant versus a dragon or a seed versus an ocean C it was the contrast between a man and the universe. The stark difference was simply incomparable! Glancing at Fang Mofei who was standing on the other side, it was clear that he was equally nervous, even more so than Bai Yixue. In truth, Fang Mofei did not feel the rippling power from Shangguan Lingxiu''s yard. His cultivation base was slightly lacking than that of Bai Yixue, so he was not yet qualified to feel the ripples of energy. His nerves were mainly due to his fear as Bai Yixue''s anxiety was on full display. It caused Fang Mofei to act oddly as well and look even more nervous than Bai Yixue did. Fang Mofei was grumbling inwardly, ''Boss oh boss, are you sure you''ve driven Mr. Nian and the Four Seasons Tower''s men away? You''re cultivating here with such grandeur, but we feel really insecure C look at how Bai Yixue is acting right now! We''re very frightened! If enemies of their level were to ambush us, we won''t be able to defend against them, even if we give it our all!'' As the atmosphere remained as tense as ever, Bai Yixue''s unblinking eyes widened suddenly. A lady dressed in white had emerged out of nowhere not far from him! There was no foretelling sign; she had just materialized abruptly! It was a piece of spacious land in front of them where there was no blind spot and the eyes could see as far as it went. This lady before them, however, had appeared out of the blue and had caused no tremor in the space. She had just emerged casually and directly before him. Her clear gaze came to rest on Bai Yixue gently, causing goosebumps to rack through the latter. With a clang, his sword left its scabbard. This was the instinctual action of an ace cultivator. At the same time, Bai Yixue wanted to ask who she was, yet he realized in shock that he could not even move. His sword was gleaming in his grip, but he could not so much as move a muscle or speak a word. He could also clearly feel that he was not being restricted, his meridians were not blocked, and there was no special tactic impeding him. Why had he suddenly turned into a statue then? Bai Yixue wanted to call for Fang Mofei, to alert him, but he could not do it. With the corner of his eyes, he saw the man at the edge of the roof. He held his sword in his hand with gritted teeth and was about to pounce, but he was stationary as well! That pose looked like Fang Mofei could fall at any time, but his body was maintained at a peculiar forty-five-degree angle, frozen with a murderous look of clenched jaws and a wielded sword. Then, the lady in white walked past them with ease. Feeling the intense waves of mystical Qi from the room, she smiled softly. "The ephemera of this world is often due to fated encounters. With this destined chance, let''s not leave this regret behind for all of you. Stopping one session of cultivation to erase a regret; let me compensate you for that." She lifted her hands and gently gestured in the air. She seemed to have drawn a circle, a rather irregular circle. As her hands dropped, a ball of amethyst energy rose in the far east, where the sun rose. Then, it seemed to cross the unlimited distance and speed to the upper space of the yard before it condensed rapidly into two tiny balls that were glowing a bright purple, yet they were only the size of a grain of corn. "This is the purest, truest form of amethyst energy. With gain comes loss; only then can it be called cause and effect." The lady in white smiled and snapped her fingers. The two tiny balls then turned into two rays of light as they catapulted into the room. One of the violet balls shot into Yun Yang''s dantian while another entered Ji Lingxi''s dantian. They disappeared instantly, melting into the duo''s bodies. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi who were cultivating, oblivious to their surroundings, felt their dantian bloat in pulses. With a soft band, the spiritual Qi in their bodies flowed at an unprecedented speed that was barely controllable. In most circumstances or perhaps, a majority of cultivations, interruptions were strictly prohibited. Just a break in cultivation would be the result for a lucky cultivator who was disturbed in their process while more commonly, one''s Qi and blood would be disrupted, meridians messed up, mystical Qi refluxed, cultivation method damaged and possibly death by an explosion due to the havoc in spiritual energy. The lady in white''s action, condensing the external force and sending it right into Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s bodies was a situation that could never be allowed to happen. The most direct consequence that should happen was the two amethyst light balls erupting in the dantian of the duo and thus causing both youths to explode, with no remains left to speak of. The reality, instead, was altogether different. Despite the meridians showing signs of disruption and chaos, the flow was exceptionally stable as they charged through stage after stage with each bloating they felt The continuous surge allowed the two of them to break through three levels in just dozens of breaths. They did not even feel any discomfort; the usual grinding and suffering that accompanied the eve of a breakthrough in past cultivation sessions were completely absent. To this point, not even a tenth of the energy from the seven pieces of crystals set on the floor was absorbed, yet the cultivation session had halted automatically. Did it mean that the cultivation was complete? The result was ridiculously surprising. Although Yun Yang had his expectations regarding this cultivation session, he had thought that it was enough if he and Ji Lingxi could ascend one level by combining their Yin and Yang forces. It was beyond his wildest dreams that the ultimate result was a smooth breakthrough of three whole levels! The outcome far exceeded his expectations and was incredibly hard to come by. As both Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi awoke from their meditative state, they saw the stunned faces of their partner that mirrored their own. Both of them were utterly shocked! 794 Watch Me What was going on? When it began two hours ago, it had already advanced at a very rapid cultivation speed, much faster than their individual cultivations in the past, but it was not at an absurd rate. It was well within Yun Yang''s expectation, about double the speed of his usual cultivation state. According to that cultivation speed, the breakthrough of the next level could be estimated to be completed in approximately one day and a half. This was Yun Yang''s initial imagined outcome. Things had turned out differently now. How could everything have been accomplished in the blink of an eye? With three levels of advancements at that? It simply defied all logic. "What happened?" Ji Lingxi was dumbstruck. "Is the effect of our combined cultivation so fantastic? Is this method truly so effective?" The corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched. "No C it''s impossible that this is the outcome of our combined efforts" Yun Yang concluded so, but was at a loss to explain further; he was bewildered as well. The incident was inexplicable. How had they advanced so suddenly? How could such a thing happen in this world? "Not the result of our joint cultivation? What do you mean? Have we not halted the session because of this?" Ji Lingxi blinked, still perplexed. "Could God have finally opened his eyes? Or have our physiques heightened explosively?" As she spoke, she cultivated to check her body, to see if there were any hidden issues. Yun Yang coughed. He wondered why it was so quiet outside. Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei who stood guard beyond should have felt their change from idle to active; even if they did not come in to ask about it, there should at least be some movement outside! Yun Yang felt his heart clench and immediately opened the door to check. What greeted him was an immobile Bai Yixue who was drenched in sweat, gripping his sword stoically. On another side was Fang Mofei who had fallen off the roof with a plop and frozen limbs; he was sprawled on the floor, unable to get up anytime soon. "Who has come? Do present yourself," the young man stated firmly, quickly overcoming his shock. The various occurrences were definitely not coincidences. A powerful player must have come and maybe, it was even an illogically skilled one! A voice tinged with the hint of a smile suddenly rang out from behind Yun Yang. "I''m here. Didn''t you see me?" Yun Yang turned around abruptly but just as their eyes met, Yun Yang''s widened. It was not because the person before him was terribly beautiful. It was because of Ji Lingxi. Right behind Ji Lingxi, around a shoulder''s width distance, a lady in white was walking out of the room together with her. No C in fact, the lady was almost stuck to Ji Lingxi, but the latter was not at all aware of it. She was still anxiously skipping out of the room, asking, "Yun Yang, is it the Four Seasons Tower?" Yun Yang took in a deep breath and was instinctively aware of the lady''s abilities. She must be unimaginably powerful, with an extremely terrifying capability! It must be emphasized again that Ji Lingxi''s current cultivation base was higher than Yun Yang''s. Based merely on cultivation base, there was possibly no one else in the Tianxuan Continent who could stand in parallel to the girl. Yet, she did not even sense the lady dressed in white who was almost sticking right onto her back! Furthermore, the lady had spoken just now. Yun Yang was certain that she was not using any method to deliver her voice but Ji Lingxi actually did not hear her! "Respected one, good hand," Yun Yang said in low voice. Ji Lingxi looked at Yun Yang who was standing in front of her and asked in puzzlement, "What respected one? What are you blabbering about? The previous breakthrough wasn''t me C the red light on me didn''t do anything C it really wasn''t me!" Yun Yang kept his lips sealed and his gaze at the back of Ji Lingxi. Thinking quickly, Ji Lingxi turned around swiftly as if sensing something. Once her gaze reached the target, a cry escaped her as she sprung some thirty or forty feet away to cower behind Yun Yang, the colors drained from her face. Someone had been standing soundlessly behind her all this time! God, it was scary! The white-dressed lady looked at Yun Yang with a smile. Seeing the lack of fear in his eyes despite the shock, she grinned and complimented him, "Yun Yang, you''re really not bad." "May I ask who this respected one is? What business do you have coming here?" Yun Yang asked carefully. The lady seemed to think about it before she answered with a smile, "You''re not yet qualified to have the answer to this question, but I can tell you that I''m Shangguan Lingxiu''s master. If you bully my disciple in the future, I won''t forgive you!" Shangguan Lingxiu''s master? Yun Yang was puzzled. Since when did Shangguan Lingxiu have a master? Why did he not know a thing about it? To have a superb master of such capability at that! Wait, that was not right... If Shangguan Lingxiu had such a master, how could her capability stop at where she was? This did not make sense! "Unfortunately, respected one has impeded my men when you came here. What''s the meaning of this?" Yun Yang let Shangguan Lingxiu''s matter go and calmly focused on where the issue lied. The lady smiled. "It was not difficult to incapacitate your men. I just wanted to visit you. I didn''t want to waste my saliva and invite more trouble. If you think that just halting the two of them makes you uncomfortable, I can make the two of you immobile too and just listen to me." "I have yet to meet someone in this continent who can suspend me without a sound." There was an expressionless twitch on Yun Yang''s face, accompanied with a scowling smirk, but his eyes were gleaming coldly. Yun Yang''s physical form had already begun transforming into his cloud manifestation instantly, bodiless with only a shell. It looked like he was still standing there, but his being was already a cotton ball of clouds. With his current cultivation base and capability, as well as the cloud manifestation he had transformed into, Yun Yang was confident that he could never be contained, even if all of the Four Seasons Tower''s experts came for an ambush or the entire continent''s martial artists joined forces. "Then, I''ll now let you experience what they feel too," the lady smiled as she spoke. She raised her hands casually to grab the space in front of her. Thinking quickly, a hint of a chill developed in Yun Yang. He dared not overly depend on his intangible cloud manifestation then, vanishing with a swoosh. Turning into a soft breeze,he drifted away promptly. He scoffed inwardly, ''Your cultivation base is amazing and difficult to deflect, but will I let catch me without moving? How can you stop me now?'' At the very next moment, the lady clad in white grabbed the air very slowly, following her initial trail, speaking softly, "You''re still too weak now. It''s really not much harder than catching an ant I have to control my strength in case I crush you during the process." Her palms met as she cried out gently, "Come out!" Before her voice echoed in the air, Yun Yang''s shapeless and formless wind manifestation disappeared as he turned tangible. He had been forcibly pulled out of the void by the lady to end up standing in front of her with shock! Yun Yang''s eyes were wide with surprise. There was no other emotion contained within them. Even now, he could not fathom how he had been caught! The spiritual energy in the air earlier had no movement, nor were there the trails of mystical Qi. His deific consciousness did not tell him anything either. ''I C how was I caught?'' ''Who am I?'' ''Where am I?'' 795 Aunt May Witnessing that Yun Yang was at a disadvantage, Ji Lingxi took an unhesitant step right in front of him and raised her palm to pound at the lady in white. The shockwave that followed her strike was intimidating, as, after the breakthrough, Ji Lingxi''s cultivation base was almost paramount in the world. The power of the strike was unstoppable. Even if it had been a pinnacle of this realm like Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou or Mr. Nian, they might not have dared to tackle it head-on! In spite of this, the lady kept her faint smile as she gently raised her hand to block the attack. Two delicate hands collided in the air with a loud screech. Ji Lingxi felt an aggressive surge of energy that she could not withhold. There was simply no room to fight back. In spite of it, Ji Lingxi was relieved instead when the strike failed. ''You have been tricked!'' ''I''m not really using my palm strike to fight you C I''m using the red light!'' Taking in how the other party could easily and casually break Yun Yang''s unique skill, Ji Lingxi was quite sure that she could never rival her. Since it could not be done, she would go along another route and cheat, using her red light. The lady clad in white gave an amused smile and continued to increase her strength. A beam of red light then emerged, as expected. Ji Lingxi retreated two steps and looked at the lady in white rather triumphantly. ''Even when your beauty is absolutely envy-worthy, you will eventually have to succumb to me'' This was most probably the only time in Ji Lingxi''s life that she did not loathe the red light all that much. The fact that the red light was overwhelmingly tyrannical was deeply planted in her heart. The unrivaled dominance had never failed once to this day, so even when the lady in front of her and Yun Yang was unexpectedly masterful, so much so that her proficient cultivation base exceeded their knowledge, she would not be an exception to the flawless record. Ji Lingxi was incredibly certain that her plot was accomplished. What awaited was only the extent of its success! When the next moment came, however, her mouth was agape in shock. The lady in white was still at ease in the glare of the red light. With a gentle smile, her delicate finger made a light tap and she caught the crimson ray with her palm. She had caught the deadly light in her hand! Ji Lingxi''s eyes bulged. What was going on? How was this possible? Where was the tyrannical force? Where was its invincibility? The corners of the white-gowned lady''s lips went up as she said, "This stuff must have taken your father some energy That''s a lot of effort! Ah, the love of parents" With a wave of her hand, she sent the red light back into Ji Lingxi''s body. Ji Lingxi was still dumbfounded, losing any sense of recognition towards what was happening. She was truly terrified. She could not understand how the guarding red light that had always been indomitable had suddenly gone astray today. It did not make sense! The lady smiled again and dissolved the restraints on Yun Yang with another wave of her hand, saying, "Why are you children so surprised? Why show off your ace cards so blatantly? I don''t have any ill intentions C I just wanted to see the both of you along my way." "See both of us along the way? Only?" Yun Yang was sensitively aware of the hidden meaning in her words. "You know us? Or maybe you know our elders?" The lady smiled and answered softly, "Knowing or not is only a matter of time." Yun Yang was then conscious of the fact that this white-clad lady in front of them was an extremely significant figure. If his prediction was correct, she could possibly be on the same level of omnipotence as his mysterious ''aunt''! He had manifested into wind and cloud but had been easily caught and restrained while Ji Lingxi''s red light that had never missed was subdued as easily. This paramount power was unimaginably terrifying Ji Lingxi asked, "Then, who are you?" "My surname is Mei. You can call me Aunt Mei. Let''s see, you too," replied the lady. The latter part of her answer was directed at Yun Yang. Another aunt indeed. Then, paramount power was no longer an adequate description of this lady''s level. It should probably be calleda force of the universe? Yun Yang had a vague idea about this, as well as a very odd thought C why did the universe''s forces all consist of females? Could the Yin overpower Yang there? Aunt May, who was dressed in white, waved her hands again, taking away the restraints on Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue, before she spoke warmly, "Come, come, chat with me, the both of you. Let me see what you fellows have learned. This world''s withstanding limit is above my expectation, but my time here is still limited. Try to pick what''s crucial to talk about." Ji Lingxi started hesitantly. "Aunt C aunt Mei do you know my father?" "Hmm Perhaps I guess?" The lady lifted one of her eyebrows and answered with an amused smile. Yun Yang''s mind worked quickly, recognizing that the answer could be read between the lines, but Ji Lingxi did not think more of it as she continued to speak, gritting her teeth, "What''s that old bastard''s name?" The lady in white was taken aback instantly. No matter how ethereal and clever she was, she had never expected a daughter to curse, with the target being her biological father. Right away, the lady laughed animatedly as she answered, "Old bastard This nickname matches your father''s character indeed! Perfectly so, in fact" She was thoroughly tickled. Blushing, Ji Lingxi continued. "Can you tell me his name please? And who was my mother? Is she still here?" The lady answered, "Don''t worry. Your parents are well. They miss you every day too actually but it''s inconvenient for them to visit you for now. They have ineffable difficulties." "What difficulties? Could they have been captured by someone?" Ji Lingxi panicked at once. The girl''s imagination went wild then. Suddenly, her eyes were rimmed red as she said, "Is it is it because my parents met an indomitable danger? Have they been attacked and captured? Before they were held captive, they tossed my brother and I out with the last of their cultivation base. That''s why we" The white-gowned lady''s eyes went wider and wider as her mouth was almost agape. She looked shocked without any grace, most probably stunned by Ji Lingxi''s wild imagination. Powerful as she was, however, she retracted her surprise swiftly and continuously nodded. She actually forced out a sigh and said, "Your prediction is rather off but your parents aren''t really living their best days now. That much is true. Enemies are everywhere, danger lurking all around them." ''Of course, your parents are having a hard time. I hear that your father is being attacked by his brothers now. There are really enemies everywhere, with lurking danger He''s being beaten up daily like it''s a routine.'' 795 Aunt Mei Witnessing that Yun Yang was at a disadvantage, Ji Lingxi took an unhesitant step right in front of him and raised her palm to pound at the lady in white. The shockwave that followed her strike was intimidating, as, after the breakthrough, Ji Lingxi''s cultivation base was almost paramount in the world. The power of the strike was unstoppable. Even if it had been a pinnacle of this realm like Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou or Mr. Nian, they might not have dared to tackle it head-on! In spite of this, the lady kept her faint smile as she gently raised her hand to block the attack. Two delicate hands collided in the air with a loud screech. Ji Lingxi felt an aggressive surge of energy that she could not withhold. There was simply no room to fight back. In spite of it, Ji Lingxi was relieved instead when the strike failed. ''You have been tricked!'' ''I''m not really using my palm strike to fight you C I''m using the red light!'' Taking in how the other party could easily and casually break Yun Yang''s unique skill, Ji Lingxi was quite sure that she could never rival her. Since it could not be done, she would go along another route and cheat, using her red light. The lady clad in white gave an amused smile and continued to increase her strength. A beam of red light then emerged, as expected. Ji Lingxi retreated two steps and looked at the lady in white rather triumphantly. ''Even when your beauty is absolutely envy-worthy, you will eventually have to succumb to me'' This was most probably the only time in Ji Lingxi''s life that she did not loathe the red light all that much. The fact that the red light was overwhelmingly tyrannical was deeply planted in her heart. The unrivaled dominance had never failed once to this day, so even when the lady in front of her and Yun Yang was unexpectedly masterful, so much so that her proficient cultivation base exceeded their knowledge, she would not be an exception to the flawless record. Ji Lingxi was incredibly certain that her plot was accomplished. What awaited was only the extent of its success! When the next moment came, however, her mouth was agape in shock. The lady in white was still at ease in the glare of the red light. With a gentle smile, her delicate finger made a light tap and she caught the crimson ray with her palm. She had caught the deadly light in her hand! Ji Lingxi''s eyes bulged. What was going on? How was this possible? Where was the tyrannical force? Where was its invincibility? The corners of the white-gowned lady''s lips went up as she said, "This stuff must have taken your father some energy That''s a lot of effort! Ah, the love of parents" With a wave of her hand, she sent the red light back into Ji Lingxi''s body. Ji Lingxi was still dumbfounded, losing any sense of recognition towards what was happening. She was truly terrified. She could not understand how the guarding red light that had always been indomitable had suddenly gone astray today. It did not make sense! The lady smiled again and dissolved the restraints on Yun Yang with another wave of her hand, saying, "Why are you children so surprised? Why show off your ace cards so blatantly? I don''t have any ill intentions C I just wanted to see the both of you along my way." "See both of us along the way? Only?" Yun Yang was sensitively aware of the hidden meaning in her words. "You know us? Or maybe you know our elders?" The lady smiled and answered softly, "Knowing or not is only a matter of time." Yun Yang was then conscious of the fact that this white-clad lady in front of them was an extremely significant figure. If his prediction was correct, she could possibly be on the same level of omnipotence as his mysterious ''aunt''! He had manifested into wind and cloud but had been easily caught and restrained while Ji Lingxi''s red light that had never missed was subdued as easily. This paramount power was unimaginably terrifying Ji Lingxi asked, "Then, who are you?" "My surname is Mei. You can call me Aunt Mei. Let''s see, you too," replied the lady. The latter part of her answer was directed at Yun Yang. Another aunt indeed. Then, paramount power was no longer an adequate description of this lady''s level. It should probably be calleda force of the universe? Yun Yang had a vague idea about this, as well as a very odd thought C why did the universe''s forces all consist of females? Could the Yin overpower Yang there? Aunt May, who was dressed in white, waved her hands again, taking away the restraints on Fang Mofei and Bai Yixue, before she spoke warmly, "Come, come, chat with me, the both of you. Let me see what you fellows have learned. This world''s withstanding limit is above my expectation, but my time here is still limited. Try to pick what''s crucial to talk about." Ji Lingxi started hesitantly. "Aunt C aunt Mei do you know my father?" "Hmm Perhaps I guess?" The lady lifted one of her eyebrows and answered with an amused smile. Yun Yang''s mind worked quickly, recognizing that the answer could be read between the lines, but Ji Lingxi did not think more of it as she continued to speak, gritting her teeth, "What''s that old bastard''s name?" The lady in white was taken aback instantly. No matter how ethereal and clever she was, she had never expected a daughter to curse, with the target being her biological father. Right away, the lady laughed animatedly as she answered, "Old bastard This nickname matches your father''s character indeed! Perfectly so, in fact" She was thoroughly tickled. Blushing, Ji Lingxi continued. "Can you tell me his name please? And who was my mother? Is she still here?" The lady answered, "Don''t worry. Your parents are well. They miss you every day too actually but it''s inconvenient for them to visit you for now. They have ineffable difficulties." "What difficulties? Could they have been captured by someone?" Ji Lingxi panicked at once. The girl''s imagination went wild then. Suddenly, her eyes were rimmed red as she said, "Is it is it because my parents met an indomitable danger? Have they been attacked and captured? Before they were held captive, they tossed my brother and I out with the last of their cultivation base. That''s why we" The white-gowned lady''s eyes went wider and wider as her mouth was almost agape. She looked shocked without any grace, most probably stunned by Ji Lingxi''s wild imagination. Powerful as she was, however, she retracted her surprise swiftly and continuously nodded. She actually forced out a sigh and said, "Your prediction is rather off but your parents aren''t really living their best days now. That much is true. Enemies are everywhere, danger lurking all around them." ''Of course, your parents are having a hard time. I hear that your father is being attacked by his brothers now. There are really enemies everywhere, with lurking danger He''s being beaten up daily like it''s a routine.'' 796 Your Parents Have Been Captured "How dangerous" A wall within Ji Lingxi crumbled immediately. Replacing it was an inexplicable sense of sadness and worry. "Doesn''t he have any helpers? It must be due to his awful connection with people!" The lady in white sighed softly and replied, "I can''t give you too many details right now, not even their names If I tell you now, I''ll only bring you harm" Ji Lingxi was about to continue pleading but the white-dressed lady continued, "Your current cultivation base is still too shallow. You haven''t come across the realm where a single thought of longing will kill in an instant. You don''t know yet that a thought or the birth of a thought can already trigger the surge of energy and signs, resulting in many disasters that should not happen. All in all, as long as you cultivate diligently and enhance your cultivation base to a certain standard, you''ll know it when you can know it." "Maybe then, you''ll be needed to personally save your parents from their woes," said the lady. Ji Lingxi bit her lips and felt her guts twist. Tears glistened in her eyes as her composed mind lost its orientation. ''Not very good.'' ''Enemies are everywhere, with danger lurking at every corner.'' ''Deep in their woes.'' ''You''ll be needed to personally save them'' The information contained within was massive and terribly negative! ''I''ve wrongly accused you all! You''re in such danger, you''re in such a dreadful situation, yet you''ve sent us away at the risk of your own lives!'' ''You''ve created this guarding red light for me so painstakingly, afraid that your daughter is at a loss in this mortal world'' Ji Lingxi felt grief pouring from her heart; she could not help the tears that spilled from her eyes, looking pitiful. The lady clad in white coughed; a hint of awkwardness tinged her expression. ''I wasn''t wrong Yes, that''s right, I wasn''t the slightest bit wrong.'' ''Your father is now being attacked by his brothers and almost no one is on the same line as he is. Of course, that''s awful'' ''Those brothers of his All of them are forces of the universe. Naturally, there would be enemies everywhere with danger lurking at every corner!'' ''As for your mother She''s a tough cookie too, fighting your father every day. Of course, your dad is deep in his woes. This C this isn''t a problematic description'' ''Besides, husband and wife are one, inseparable Your dad naturally represents your mum as well. Since your father is in deep sh*t, your mother will be too. This still isn''t wrong'' ''I''m just stating facts. I take no sides. It''s you who are imagining things in the worst way. I C I can''t be blamed!'' ''Still, this girl''s imagination is through the roof C she thinks too much too fast!'' ''Pursued and captured Awaiting rescue Saving you fellows in the very last moment with their last bit of energy Why didn''t you become an author with such a mind? What a regret'' Yun Yang, who was by their side, spoke up in a timely manner, asking, "Then, do you know my father, Aunty Mei?" Aunt Mei almost groaned with a palm to her forehead. ''Am I here today to answer your questions, curious babies? Do they all have to be about your father?'' "Your father I''ve met him. Everything''s a chance encounter. It''s the work of fate." The white-dressed lady was resigned. She could not say that she knew them, for these people came together to fight every year, and Yun Yang''s father was a sly one! Well, it wasn''t only him actually; the many masters of the Ninth Abyss were all old foxes, speaking about the truth of destiny all the time! "How are my parents now?" asked Yun Yang, "Are they well? Are they also in danger?" The lady pondered for a bit to arrange her words and answered, "Both your parents should be together now." ''Hmm, this reply is still correct. They''re really together daily. I didn''t say that they loved each other deeply and fought each other aggressively as well. Never mind, it''s alright even if I were to say it.'' Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi immediately looked alarmed. From the earlier conversation, it was easy to infer that Ji Lingxi''s parents were trapped and held captive by formidable enemies. They were not doing well, at the very least, stuck at an impasse. If Yun Yang''s parents were their company, did that mean that Yun Yang''s parents were captured as well? Fat tears fell in a pitter-patter from Ji Lingxi''s eyes. "Uncle and aunty are in danger too Why is this happening?" Yun Yang, on the other hand, was doubtful. ''This isn''t the same as what my aunt told me previously.'' "May I ask senior who has captured them? At least both of us have a heads up, lest we don''t know it despite facing our enemy in the future!" Yun Yang asked calmly. The lady was about to answer but suddenly heard a voice ringing in her ears and could not help being stunned. She then conveyed the message that the voice was trying to pass on, "I''m telling you through telepathic voice delivery but for the short time being, at least, you have to keep this secret securely. You cannot speak of it, even to each other. Otherwise, the consequences will be devastating. What I spoke just now about causing chaos with a thought isn''t a lie. Mentioning the subject here will allow the party to feel it." Ji Lingxi nodded seriously. "I won''t ever disclose it C not even half a word!" "Is it true? Is it so mystical?" Yun Yang thought to himself. Was it true? The lady spoke softly, "Not only is the person who seized your parents proficiently capable, but his name is also very odd. He''s called, the First Master of the Ninth Abyss." When she said this, she could not help the internal monologue she had, ''Sorry Old Black. I can''t help it that all of them want to splash black ink on you'' Ji Lingxi gritted her teeth and was utterly resentful. "First C Master C of C the C Ninth C Abyss!" She was anguished, loathing the named person to the bones. Yun Yang repeatedly the name slowly, "First Master of the Ninth Abyss? This name seems quite familiar The legendary pinnacle expert whom no other person can top, the Seventeenth Master of the Ninth Abyss; I wonder if he''s related to this first master?" "Indeed, they''re the heirs of the Ninth Abyss. The Seventeenth Master is the seventeenth heir among the bunch. As for the First Master, he''s of the first ancestral generation. He''s also the most skilled among the rest," the lady answered. "How so in particular?" Yun Yang asked musing. "How in particular" Aunt Mei gave it a thought and replied, "Maybe because the act of moving mountains and filling oceans, ascending to the heaven and tunneling into the land, is already intimidating to all of you. However, this First Master of the Ninth Abyss" "Yes?" "The continent, this land under your feet... the First Master of the Ninth Abyss can destroy it umpteenth times with a stomp of his feet! A breath of his can destroy the stars and the moon C it''s the absolute truth that he can kill someone with a single thought!" the white-gowned lady listed casually. Dread washed over Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi. Destroy the continent umpteenth times with a stomp of his feet? Destroy the stars and moon with a breath? How omnipotent was he? Was there such a terrifying force within this universe? "I''m not at all exaggerating. What I can make a comparison to isn''t much because what you all know is too little. I could only make a rough explanation. It''s basically the same reason regarding this realm''s inability to withstand the so-called Empyrean Force." The lady looked serious. "Therefore, don''t recklessly seek death before your capabilities grow up to par!" Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi looked grim. Ji Lingxi was worried and tearful, panic-stricken, while Yun Yang frowned and pondered, "Is this true? Is this real?" 797 An Occasion of a Farewell "Work hard, children." There was an inexplicable sense of sympathy in the white-gowned lady''s voice as she said, "When your cultivation base reaches a level where it can be of use, your parents'' friends will come looking for you to rescue them together. In this universe, those who are able to save them are too few in number. Perhaps, other than their direct descendants, there are no others." "This is the Ninth Abyss'' unique arcane magic," she spoke in a low voice. Yun Yang second-guessed himself then. ''Could this actually be real?'' No matter how calm the lady looked and how serious her actions were, it was a challenge to hold back her laughter; she almost broke the fa?ade a few times. She ultimately succeeded with much effort, the willed composure built up from countless years allowing her to maintain the grim front without a crack in her serious mien. All this while, the exchange of voice travel had gone on many times externally C "Aren''t you being too spiteful?" "So what? Old Black thinks I''m powerless against him if I don''t do something." "Won''t you be bringing down karma upon yourself? You''ve already induced one the last time, now you''re provoking Old Black. When will the issues come to rest?" "Whatever. I think the more karma like this I collect, the better. They want to accomplish things smoothly and pass on the heritage? There''s no such convenience in this universe. They don''t even come to greet me. So be it... Now, I''d like to see what they can do to me" "Nonetheless, it''s still too much to twist the situation like this. They''re their biological parents." "They''re doing things within my territory. How can it happen without them showing any sincerity? I''m not going to take such a loss." "If so, Old Black is going to be a sick black sheep. It''s still good karma if it''s just the effort that''s wasted, but if" "This is the result I want. Have you already taken in your disciple?" "Yes, I''ll take her back in a while." "Let me go over to recruit a disciple or two as well sometime later. I can''t let a certain someone be the pioneer in this." "So this is the idea you''re thinking of. It''s not a bad one at that." "You realized it as well? This way, it''ll be their people and ours. How is that related to Old Black now? I''m so happy!" "Hah! You''re delighted, but this opportunity didn''t come by easily for Old Black He''s borrowed the Bound of Universe to set things up just to leverage on the providence to accomplish the Ninth Abyss, but instead, he became an enemy by your books Old Black''s done so much to make himself an enemy! This is too much" "Cough, this can still be negotiated. As long as he comes to me to apologize, I''ll give it back to him. I''m benevolent and generous. I''m accepting. That''s how a smart one behaves." "Hah!" The lady in white almost spat blood. "Apologize? Did they offend you? It''s you who''ve been finding fault with them all these years! You haven''t taken enough advantage as well as finding troubles?" "It''s his fault anyway!" The voice over on the other side was vehement. "Am I someone who simply finds fault with others and incurs random karma? The current situation is that he was wrong first! Since he''s at fault, is it unreasonable that I want him to apologize?" The white-dressed lady was stunned. It seemed to sound quite logical when said that way... but could it really be the case? Arguing insistently and rigorously? Simply making up statements? Messing things up? "Come back quickly once you''re done deceiving them lest the child sees through you. The child''s the same like his dad, both very cunning. He''s called Supreme Wits in that realm of his C that child is cocky." The voice over on the other side began urging. "This child is not at all like his dad. This child looks upright, he exudes ethics, the kind of a warrior who sacrifices for the nation and people. His character is noble, an absolute hero. He''s a mythical main character of another universe''s legend." "Isn''t that similar to me? Is he as amazing as all that?" asked the voice on the other side. The lady rolled her eyes speechlessly and curtly cut the conversation single-handedly. ''I''ve never seen such a shameless man! You''re thoroughly evil, how could you compare yourself to Yun Yang? This young man is a true hero!'' Then, the white-dressed lady saw Shangguan Lingxiu walking over with red-rimmed eyes. Each step she took was as heavy as lead. Her gaze at Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi was filled with longing. "Lingxiu is here," said Aunt Mei, "I''m about to take her away. Speak quickly, say what you have to say. Bid farewell. In the future, all of you can''t drag each other down, but I think you''ll meet again then. There''ll be other chances to meet." Ji Lingxi''s head swung up curtly. "Sister Lingxiu is leaving with you? For how long?" The emotions in the girl''s gaze turned into a deep sense of reluctance. "It''s not up to me to say how long exactly," answered Aunt Mei gently, "This depends on how diligent she is and how hardworking you fellows are." Ji Lingxi was stunned. Aunt Mei had just spoken but she had vanished immediately. Those who disappeared along with her were Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei; evidently, these two men had been tossed out. There were only Yun Yang, Ji Lingxi and Shangguan Lingxiu in the yard now, enclosed in relative privacy. In spite of this, the trio had no words for each other. After a moment, Ji Lingxi bit her lips and forced a smile, speaking dryly, "I''ll wait for you all outside. You two talk." As she said that, she turned to leave. Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes brimmed with intense gratitude then. Ji Lingxi''s withdrawal now meant too much to her. To this day, all the promises in the past were only symbolic. If someone were to regret it one day, there was nothing to be blamed on, simply because there was no actuality! Yet, Ji Lingxi''s decision to step away from here at this time and leave the space entirely to Shangguan Lingxiu, especially at this moment of separation, represented a different attitude. This was proof that Ji Lingxi had completely taken Shangguan Lingxiu as one of her family C or perhaps, one of the Yun family! She would not be taking the step that she drew back today, in this lifetime. As long as Shangguan Lingxiu''s heart did not change and as long as Yun Yang did not die, everything was set in the stone! Set upon her intentions and even showing them with her action, Ji Lingxi who left still could not help sighing. Arriving outside the door, Aunt Mei showed admiration in her eyes when she saw Ji Lingxi walking out and asked with a smile, "Aren''t you upset?" 798 Breathe Out A Fallen Star Ji Lingxi was dazed for a moment before she quickly arrived at a semblance of comprehension. Still, she forced a smile as she answered, "Sister Lingxiu is gentle in temperament but determined in character. She''s a warrior. She is made of ice when facing the enemy, but demure with her loved ones. Any man would be attracted to her. Yes, I am jealous, but more than that, I am happy." "Sincerely?" Aunt Mei asked staring at her "Sincerely!" Ji Lingxi answered earnestly. The lady was dazed, pondering for a moment before commenting in a low voice, "Not bad, you''re really not bad at all." Ji Lingxi smiled and said, "Actually, we have seen Sister Lingxiu''s worry during this time and we feel anxious as well. However, the matter of individual foundation isn''t something that can be resolved with urgency. We''re unable to rectify it, even when we wanted to. After all, the intended results can hardly be reached in a short time, no matter we pile it up with heaven and earth resources or construct a fantastic cultivation environment. Now that Sister Lingxiu is under the tutelage of Aunt Mei, this shortcoming can be overcome in the shortest time possible. We can only be happy for her." "This is true. Even when her basics are weak, I have ways to fulfill it for her when she''s my disciple. What follows is but the adaptative process of the state of mind from ordeals and experiences. Maybe, a long time later in the future, Lingxiu''s cultivation base will be higher than the both of yours," Aunt Mei said, nodding after making a humming sound in her throat. Ji Lingxi asked hopefully, "Aunt Mei, your prowess is legendary, your cultivation base even more so. I wonder how is it compared to the First Master of the Ninth Abyss." The corners of Aunt Mei''s lips twitched subconsciously as she answered, "That First Master of the Ninth Abyss My cultivation base is already quite extraordinary, but to fight him head-on, there''s a substantial gap between our skills. I''m never one to put myself down, but the reality is such." "The First Master you mentioned earlier blowing the stars and moon in a breath the force is unimaginable" said Ji Lingxi worriedly. Aunt Mei nodded and said, "This is not all to his mastery. Perhaps, I should say that if this is all to his mastery, I wouldn''t have been so worried Actually, the so-called blowing off stars and moon is more or less like this." As she spoke, her arm waved about as she cried out, "Flip day and night!" Then, Ji Lingxi saw the sun that was hanging in the sky set in a hurry before a round moon appeared in its place, surrounded by twinkling stars. The swift change, day turning so quickly into night, had taken place at the behest of the lady''s words! The entire Tiantang City was in utter chaos at the sudden and unexpected phenomenon. Ji Lingxi was dumbstruck as she murmured, "This is the upturning of the sun and moon C the reversal of the stars?" Aunt Mei chuckled. "You''re limited by your experience now. You think too naively. What I''ve done is just to illustrate more clearly what it means to blow the stars away" She took a pause and pointed to a certain place, saying, "Do you see it, a rather dull star beside the moon?" "Yes, what is that" Ji Lingxi''s eyes followed the finger as she asked. Aunt Mei was still as gentle as she answered, "This is what blowing the star away looks like." Then, she pursed her lips and blew. A ray of white light shot out and vanished. Within heartbeats, Ji Lingxi could see the dull star suddenly explode in the nightfall, becoming a shower of light in the sky. A dazzling meteor shower appeared in the vast sky. Ji Lingxi''s jaw fell as her eyes almost bulged out of her sockets. Her mind was an absolute blank. A single cry and day and night had swapped places! A breath and a star had exploded into a meteor shower! These were all man-made! They were nothing but the result of a holler, an exhalation! Aunt Mei spoke softly, "Only when one''s cultivation base reaches this stage can it be said that it has arrived at a certain standard." Ji Lingxi''s scalp tingled while she shuddered, unable to answer with words. "The First Master''s capability is much stronger than mine," Aunt Mei said lightly. Ji Lingxi suddenly felt like the future path was far beyond reach. It was not that there was no hope, but the route was dark and grim. Aunt Mei''s cultivation base was already an accomplished realm where people in this world could not understand and had nowhere to comprehend; so much so that they could not even imagine it. Yet, the First Master of the Ninth Abyss was even more skilled than her. When could her parents be rescued then? Even when Yun Yang was added to the team, whenever could they fight him? Thinking of this, tears involuntarily escaped Ji Lingxi''s eyes. "Let me tell you one thing more," Aunt Mei said softly, "Don''t ask how far you have to go still, just move forward with perseverance! Yun Yang has the potential to reach that stage - as do you. It''s up to you whether you can make it or not." ''Yun Yang has the potential to reach that stage C as do you!'' The encouragement Ji Lingxi felt from these words was tremendous. Her head lifted instantly. "Really? You''re not bluffing?" Aunt Mei grinned. "Why should I lie to you? Don''t you feel the change within your own body? This is the power your father put into you. More so, you''ve only gotten one-thousandth of that energy from him" "I understand, Aunt Mei." Ji Lingxi''s eyes sparkled. "In the future, I''ll let Shangguan Lingxiu go with the both of you to fight that person The First Master of the Ninth Abyss." She had wanted to say ''that devil'' like how it was mentioned in the psychic voice, but she refrained from it upon consideration; after all, it would be blinding her conscience. She even felt a little sorry as the First Master had become the imaginary monster of a few youths without himself knowing it. It was an ill fate. ''You''ve even borrowed the Bound of Universe for your set up then, nurturing a complementing league partner with so much ecstasy. However, you don''t know that everything''s changed now, do you?'' ''Not only are you carrying the other''s burden, but you''ve also cultivated yourself a strong enemy'' ''What friends have you been making? Other than deceiving each other, you''re manipulating each other C this isn''t even comparable to making a bad choice in friendship!'' ''This is the representation of a severe failure of being a man!'' Yet, once Aunt Mei recalled how the First Master had tricked her husband previously, she was relieved of the regrets, thinking, ''Who else would I trick if not you? Who''s to blame for your failure as a man and spreading hostility everywhere?'' ''These people are striking together, including your own now; these are the troubles you made for yourself How can you fight so many people alone?'' ''Ah, how ignorant you are of your own life and death...'' 799 We’ll Wait For You! Aunt Mei waved, restoring the normal order of heaven and earth''s workings. She said with a smile, "Lingxi, the fact that the red light upon you that doesn''t discriminate between friend and foe distresses you, doesn''t it?" "It''s alright now. It''s still useful" Ji Lingxi blushed. Aunt Mei beamed meaningfully and asked, "Would it still be really useful if I told you that I could get rid of it for you?" Get rid of it? Ji Lingxi was startled once again. This would be Yun Yang''s biggest wish all this time. Ji Lingxi could very well see that Yun Yang was utterly and absolutely resentful of the red light upon her. If she were to get rid of it, he would have devoured her easily within days C and she would not be able to resist him either. "Better not." Ji Lingxi was still bright red. "This is a goal to strive towards for the short term. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks anyway" "Oh the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, do they?" Aunt Mei made a long, meaningful ''oh'', flustering Ji Lingxi further. "Oh, women" Aunt Mei hugged Ji Lingxi''s shoulders and told her, "Sometimes, they must know to endure and tolerate. Sometimes, however, they can''t take even a step back. The judgment of this will only come to you during that moment. You can''t just know it, you must seize it. You have to strike when it''s time to strike." Ji Lingxi hummed and nodded to agree instinctively, but there was still a sense of confusion in her gaze. "Appreciate those in front of you," Aunt Mei added with a low sigh when she saw that the girl did not really understand what she had meant. These young girls In the small yard, Shangguan Lingxiu was gazing at Yun Yang. Her delicate face was pale and her eyes were oozing with adoration. For a moment, both of them were quiet. Yun Yang felt a wave of sadness surging and consuming him from within. Usually sharp-tongued and eloquent, he could not utter a single word now. They harbored feelings for each other, and they knew that the other reciprocated their feelings. They had never avoided it intentionally. However, when it came to intimate contact, it was basically nonexistent. They were worse compared to Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi. Ji Lingxi''s red light was annoying and domineering, but a buffer had been triggered following Yun Yang''s semi-proactive attempts. They could still touch each other''s hands occasionally, but of course, the consequences were still severe. However, Shangguan Lingxiu and Yun Yang had actually never even held hands. "I''m leaving." Shangguan Lingxiu wore her usual gentle smile and said softly, "This is goodbye "I know," Yun Yang said after a deep breath. "I won''t be by your side from now on You C take care," said Shangguan Lingxiu. "I will, definitely," Yun Yang answered warmly, staring at the pretty face in front of him, "Aunt Mei is someone masterly. It''s immense serendipity for you to be able to become her disciple, Sister Lingxiu. You must cultivate diligently and improve fast. Don''t miss us too much." Shangguan Lingxiu hummed and said sadly, "Yun Yang, I understand everything you say but we won''t be meeting for a long, long time" "It won''t be long. You have a great master, your improvement will be swift. I won''t bind myself to the current state too, I''ll work hard to progress. I believe that our reunion at the Bound of Universe won''t be far away," Yun Yang replied earnestly. Reunion C the word was incomparably important to Shangguan Lingxiu now. She felt her drifting heart quiet down immediately; it became resilient and secure, no longer filled with doubts. "You must be well!" Yun Yang urged in a low voice. Shangguan Lingxiu lowered her head and hummed her agreement demurely. Yun Yang sighed softly and said, "Aunt Mei''s identity, origin, and force far exceeds my knowledge. My little farewell gift to you probably won''t be significant to them." He chortled and continued, "However, my woman is about to go far away. This departure gift can''t be found lacking!" His wrist flipped and a ring was retrieved. "This contains cultivation resources that I will give to you. Keep them well. When you arrive at your master''s, we have our confidence as well. No need to overly diminish yourself." Shangguan Lingxiu was astounded, blood rushing to her face. My woman! The shock that came to her accompanying these words was indescribable. Shangguan Lingxiu''s eyes were moist. Her gaze was surprisingly shy when she stared at the black ring before her. She extended her right hand and said softly, "Help me wear it." "Once you wear it you won''t have to take it off this lifetime." Yun Yang smiled tenderly. Shangguan Lingxiu''s face was crimson as she said, "If it has to be taken off then why should I wear it?" Yun Yang laughed. Picking up the ring, he gently brought it through Shangguan Lingxiu''s right ring finger. Shangguan Lingxiu trembled throughout the process, flustered, but did not move away. She stared at Yun Yang longingly, fully intending to commit this face to her deepest memory. In this lifetime, she did not want to ever forget this scene and this very moment. After a long time, Shangguan Lingxiu went near Yun Yang slowly, as if hesitating. Suddenly, she stood on her toes, trembling, and slowly pressed her lips on Yun Yang''s own mouth. Yun Yang could feel the unusual iciness on his lover''s lips and her trembling body. The indescribable fragrance from her was soothing and it was laced with bittersweet tenderness and love. He could not help bringing his arms forward and pulling Shangguan Lingxiu in by her waist. Petals of lips separated after another long moment. Shangguan Lingxiu gazed at Yun Yang devotedly and slowly stepped back. "I''m going now, I have to go now." "I''ll work harder. Let us anticipate the day we meet again," Yun Yang told her fondly. Shangguan Lingxiu stared straight into Yun Yang''s eyes and after a beat, a teardrop slowly fell. Finally turning around, she rushed out of the door like she was taking off and kept herself from turning back. Two drops of tears fell onto the floor. Ji Lingxi was still waiting at the door, almost colliding into Shangguan Lingxiu. Just as she took a step to avoid the collision, she was hugged tightly by Shangguan Lingxiu. Then, Ji Lingxi felt her shoulder being drenched with tears. It was a wonder that the guarding red light was discriminating of sex or it could accurately judge an approaching person''s intention as it did not flash and create havoc. Realization hit Ji Lingxi when she saw how Shangguan Lingxiu was behaving. Tears escaped her eyes as well as she hugged Shangguan Lingxiu tightly. "Sister Lingxiu, take care! I''ll wait for your return with Yun Yang! I''ll try my best to catch up to you as soon as possible!" Both girls sobbed against each other''s shoulders, pouring out their sorrow. Aunt Mei stood aside and watched the girls'' tears with a sharp gaze. After a while, she lowered her head, softening her expression, especially when she saw Ji Lingxi''s tears. "The heart of a pure one is the most precious." Finally, under Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s aching gaze and Old Mistress Shangguan''s longing stare, Aunt Mei spoke lightly, "Is there an end to romance? Don''t sink your hunger for the path to heaven. Today we depart; who says that girls can''t take charge?" Swiftly, she pulled Shangguan Lingxiu along. "Goodbye!" 800 Yun Yang’s Gif Her arm hissed softly as it waved about in the air. A black hole about the size of a house then appeared in the sky. The other end of the black hole was not endless darkness; it was sunny brightness. A crystal clear lake could even be seen some distance away. Aunt Mei took Shangguan Lingxiu with her and in a single step, they were at the lakeside on the other end of the black hole. The naked eye could see them still, yet the group was already separated, in two different worlds! Aunt Mei waved towards the rest of the group, causing the black hole to disappear swiftly. In the blink of an eye, space returned to how it was, no longer peeking through to another world. Ji Lingxi sucked in a long breath. "It''s actually so easy and effortless to go to another realm from here by a true powerful master" By the small lake in another world, Aunt Mei looked at Shangguan Lingxiu curiously. "Let''s see what your lover gave you as your parting gift. How dare he talk about confidence! This teacher is quite curious as to where his confidence comes from!" Repeating the word ''confidence'' respectively and for their meaning to depend on each other, the truth within the noun was still uncertain. Shangguan Lingxiu blushed as she opened the spatial ring. She took a peek inside and said, "What are these? I don''t know them and I''ve never seen them before They''re some kind of pretty purple crystals Are they some sort of mineral?" "Purple crystals? Mineral? Let me look at a piece," Aunt Mei hummed and said with no small degree of surprise. Just as Shangguan Lingxiu retrieved a piece from her spatial ring, she immediately felt an intense surge of spiritual Qi pouring into her. She actually felt almost suffocated and could not help being shocked, resisting it forcefully by cultivating in a flurry, as she cried out, "What is this? Why is it so domineering?" "It''s the exquisite amethyst!" Aunt Mei recognized it at a single glance and commented, rather astonished, "Not only is it exquisite, but it should also be considered ethereal I have it here as well, and it''s not actually rare, but in that barren continent of yours, there''s no difference from ascending to heaven to finding such a divine amethyst. This boy is pretty generous, isn''t he? Still, you can hardly digest this stuff for now. You have to mend your cultivation method before you can use them with ease." Instantly, Aunt Mei asked again in curiosity, "How many pieces did he give you?" Shangguan Lingxiu peered at it and answered with a startled cry, "A lot." She paused and added, "A whole lot!" Now, Aunt Mei was more than curious. "Show me all of it. This stuff is pure energy crystal. While it''s not very rare, time is needed to compress it. I don''t have a lot with me either. He has quite the heart for you." As she took over and sneaked a quick peek, Aunt Mei was dumbstruck as well. "Ten thousand pieces?" Her shock was not due to the number of amethysts Yun Yang had given. When one was at her level, the amethyst could easily be made, however many ones wanted. It was mostly time-consuming but time was not an issue anymore when she was so skilled. What astounded her was that Yun Yang was so generous to give so many resources in one go, despite Tianxuan Continent''s thoroughly arid state. This was not an issue of being lavish C he was being amazingly generous. "The heart behind this gift is very significant, Lingxiu," Aunt Mei sighed softly, "Priceless treasure is easy to come by, but a man of true love is hard to find. You must cherish it." Shangguan Lingxiu was exuding happiness. "There''s something else We almost missed a gem." Aunt Mei searched around and discovered something else. Upon studying it with her deific consciousness, she could not help clicking her tongue in acclamation. "I never expected it to be this C this is a true blue gem. Lingxiu, it looks like this fianc of yours does really hold you at an important place. Don''t you let him down in the future? If you do, I''ll be the first one to come after you." "What are you saying, master?" Shangguan Lingxiu exclaimed abashedly. From the spatial ring, Aunt Mei retrieved something with a swoosh C it was a large piece of lotus leaf! Clear emerald green, the luscious succulence looked like it was going to drip moisture at any moment. "Lotus leaf? This is" Shangguan Lingxiu started in surprise. She had seen the lotus leaf the moment she checked what was in the spatial ring, but she had not been too concerned with it. To her, the symbolism of Yun Yang giving her a gift was much more significant; the dazzling appearance of the amethysts looked even better, so indeed she had almost missed the gem. "This isn''t an ordinary lotus leaf!" Aunt Mei said seriously, "This is heaven''s will treasure!" "I will teach you a method later. Concentrate your energized blood on this lotus leaf and once the process of ownership by energized blood is completed, this lotus leaf can change its form according to your will. It can become a saber or a sword, ever-changing into whatever you want it to be. Whatever it becomes, it''s indestructible. Similarly, it can turn into clothes. If it transforms into clothes, it''s also unassailable. Not only that, it''s foolproof in the sense that no evil nor internal demon can harm you." Aunt Mei clicked her tongue again in appreciation. "This Yun child is truly big-hearted. I have changed my mind about him now. Just this intention of his can hardly be accomplished by any man. You''re really fortunate." Shangguan Lingxiu was shy. Other than happiness and contentment, she was glowing in triumph. "I didn''t expect my judgment to be wrong Xiu''er, you''ll have to think about what you want it to turn into next. I''ll let your grandmaster bless the process" Aunt Mei''s tone suddenly turned wary. Shangguan Lingxiu was taken aback by the abruptness, replying in stunned surprise, "Master didn''t you say that this is a heaven''s will treasure and can transform at my will and whim? If it''s limited to being just one thing, isn''t it wasting this magical item away?" Aunt Mei slightly flushed as she mumbled, "This master has been too delightfully surprised just now that my judgment was slightly off. This lotus leaf is a heaven''s will treasure indeed but it''s a complementary leaf. It should be one of the leaves from Yun Yang''s prized treasure, so its effects are reduced. It can''t change constantly C only once. It can''t turn into simply any form or shape. However, this is already precious in itself because, after the transformation, the effects will stay the same. It''s still a gem that''s hard to come by, no matter how long you look for it." Shangguan Lingxiu bit her lips, unable to make up her mind. "I think it''s best to turn it into clothes," Aunt Mei said in exclamation, "If you have such celestial clothing as a form of defense, not only will your cultivation improve with half the effort and internal demons will stay away from you, it''ll be a great assistance to you in your future journey. As long as the force doesn''t go past the level of the sacred one, absolutely no one will be able to harm you. Of course, this is only my personal suggestion. Everyone has their own fortuity. The weapon of a heaven''s will treasure is a weapon no other can compare to." Aunt Mei suggested kindly. 801 Send Them This Time! Shangguan Lingxiu took a long time to ponder before she said, "Master, I want to turn it into a sword. Yun Yang''s future path will definitely be challenging and winding. I can''t only think about protecting myself. I hope to face future trials and tribulations together with him. When we''re faced with obstacles, I hope more to use the sword I wield in slashing away a smooth path for him." Unrestrained laughter rang out before a voice immediately said, "Xue Yan, how about that? You''re a woman but you still don''t adequately understand women, do you? I long guessed that this girl would pick a weapon, do you acknowledge your defeat?" Following the guffaw, a man clad in white materialized from thin air. The person had long hair, beard, and mustache, their fluttering length approaching his belly button. The snow-white hair told of his advanced age, but his eyes were still bright like he could see through everything. There was an otherworldly air to him like he was untainted despite the corruptions of the world. It gave birth to a sense of reverence once one saw him. Such a person was indeed an extraordinary one, a deity! Shangguan Lingxiu was intimidated by the person''s aura, awe instantly filling her. She was promptly aware that this man must be her grandmaster as mentioned by her master. Her master was already so skilled, her grandmaster must only be even more capable. It was unexpected, however, when Aunt Mei''s eyes widened before she looked resigned. "You C what are you doing? Why C why did you change into this horrible look? Are you trying to scare us?" The person stroked his hair, looking high, mighty and unpredictable, as he said with a squint, "Since I''m now a grandmaster, of course, I can''t assume my previous look. In front of this young girl at least, I must maintain a trustworthy and reliable image. Isn''t this to be expected? How is this frightening?" Aunt Mei was instantly speechless, a palm covering her face. ''Which of your words now is reliable? You aren''t scary; you now have no more image!'' "You''re one to complain. We''ve finally gotten a disciple. What''s crucial now is to hurry up and send the invitations and organize the ceremony." The man in white stroked his beard as he continued speaking, squinting his eyes, "It''s a serious enough matter to urge those fellows over to congratulate us and send us gifts, isn''t it!" Exasperation filled Aunt Mei when she knew that her husband''s image had further collapsed. There was no virtuous value or dignity left to him! "Xiao Miao, Xiao Yi, come quick. Come quickly to cheer this occasion up. I''ll give you the name list, write up the invitations fast." The white-gowned man counted with his fingers. "Hmm, send fifty invitations over to Palace Lingtian. As long as there''s a person in there, make sure they have an invite in their hands. Don''t miss out anyone. Then, send two hundred to Old Black is it enough?" "How many wives does Old Black have again?" he turned to ask Aunt Mei as he mused. Aunt Mei was indignant when she replied, "Are you thinking to ask each of his wives to send a congratulatory gift as well? Could you be any more shameful? We sisters want our faces still if you don''t want it!" The white-gowned man was furious when he heard what she had to say, retorting as angrily, "Who''s the shameless one now? Which of his wives has never sent an invite when they give birth! Of course, we have to get back our share this time when we have a disciple now! F*cking sh*t, my biggest loss in this lifetime is marrying too few wives. A total loss!" "Hmm?" Aunt Mei''s eyes glared straight at the man as she asked with a smirk, "Too few wives? Look at how you speak C it seems like it''s your honest thought that has been buried long in your heart!" The man''s expression turned serious immediately after a chuckle. He said with pride, "I don''t have many wives, but they''re high caliber women. Compared to his common kitsch, mine is so much better! Completely stepping over his! I''ve always been content about this." "Hmph." An unprecedented storm was instantly quashed. No matter how powerful and how capable, women were women. They would eternally prize beauty over anything else. Receiving the sincere compliments of their own man, eighty to ninety percent of whatever brewing disaster could already be eliminated! "Right, there''s the other side too. Send a few dozens to the ten people over there. Give one to each name." As the man spoke, he suddenly thought of something and said, "Right, don''t give the invite to the narcissist. He won''t come anyway" "Other than that, specifically tell that conman that our disciple is his daughter-in-law! Let him consider the significance of it! Don''t think of taking advantage of others every time." "Oh, send the invite to Smiley as well. Make sure the invite arrives in their hands." "Then" "Send them all anyway C confirm that they had received the invites." The white-gowned man howled ecstatically to the sky, "It''s my turn to reap the gains now!" The corners of Shangguan Lingxiu''s lips twitched, feeling that this grandmaster of hers was somehow very odd. It was a contrast to the very first image she saw of him. Could one really not judge a book by its cover? "Are you sure you want to invite Old Black as well?" asked Aunt Mei. The man thought about it and replied, "You have a point. Let''s not invite Old Black then. In case we alarm them" "You bunch of people are all planning for the worst schemes. It''s like the pot calling the kettle black. Do you really think that you''re such a good cookie yourself?" A few women laughed in unison. Shangguan Lingxiu was confused listening to the group. She had no idea what was happening before her. She could understand every word but when she began to think about what they actually meant, she was completely confounded. Subsequently, however, Shangguan Lingxiu realized with a startle that she was being swamped by various gifts. She had only a grandmaster and several martial aunts, as well as the meeting gift from her master, but the presents she received were already a great assortment. Staring at the wonderful gifts she received, Shangguan Lingxiu, who was opulent now, thought subconsciously about how great it could be if she could return now and give these items to Yun Yang, saving a lot of hard work Shangguan Lingxiu had left, leaving a family of Shangguan''s who was in low spirits. There was only Old Mistress Shangguan who sighed softly, seemingly to put away a concern. It was just that a sense of longing was added to her heart from now on, the slight edginess evident in her expression. "Yun Yang, don''t you let Lingxiu down then," Old Mistress told Yun Yang formally. Yun Yang nodded. "Don''t worry, old mistress. Yun Yang promises you here that I shall never let Lingxiu down." Old Mistress Shangguan smiled lightly and gazed at Yun Yang with affection. She spoke tenderly, "One day when you marry Lingxiu, don''t forget to make a toast at my grave. I''ll be comforted in the underworld." "Old Mistress is healthy and fine. You''ll be able to see that day for sure. It won''t be a wild wish to have grandchildren surrounding you as well!" Yun Yang said, sucking in a deep breath. Old Mistress Shangguan''s lips tugged upwards as she replied, "As Supreme Cloud has said, I hope so too." Then, her tone turned soft. "Supreme Cloud must be cautious leaving to Tianxuan Cliff this time. If there is no sense of absolute confidence, do not force it. Further thought can be given to devising a long term plan. The days are long. No need to rush it." "Yun Yang understands," answered the young man. The old lady sighed and said, "Actually, the matter of the Nine Supremes is the matter of the Empire of Yutang but you, alone, have directed the whole case to the martial world, forcefully severing it from the empire''s providence. Your intention is kind, but to shoulder the right and wrong of this world on your own then carry the consequent disputes of the empire after it''s too tiring C simply too much." Yun Yang sighed. Old Mistress Shangguan was indeed the household leader who had solely maintained the upkeep of Shangguan Family for so many years. With a pair of eyes, she had seen past all of Yun Yang''s thoughts. 802 Henceforth, Yutang’s Deity! In the palace, His Majesty the emperor kept himself in the royal study. Right now, he held in his hands his eldest prince''s, Supreme Earth''s, will. He had read Supreme Earth''s letter, again and again, already memorizing each word and punctuation written inside, committing them to memory. However, he could not bear to put the letter down; he wanted to keep on reading it. He had the strangest feeling that if he maintained this, his son would not be deceased; it was like his son was still by his side. The emperor cried, sobbing soundlessly. The floor underneath his feet was already drenched with his tears. His pair of eyes were swollen like two peaches. He kept shaking, calming down only after some time, and heaved a soft sigh. Passing the royal edict, he summoned Qiu Jianhan, Fang Qingtian, and Leng Daoyin to enter the palace for a discussion. "Supreme Cloud has arranged the final battle at Tianxuan Cliff with the Four Seasons Tower. What do you all think about this? Speak what''s on your mind freely. Don''t keep any thoughts or suggestions to yourselves." In spite of this, the three military kingpins were silent. ''What do we think?'' ''What can we possibly think?'' The emperor looked serious when he said ceremonially, "Supreme Cloud is a significant pillar of this empire. He''s the spiritual leader of Yutang, the guardian of the nation! All along, he''s fought at all fronts for the empire. His brilliant achievements were unparalleled. He''s done so much for the empire and today, he''s taken the enemy away for the country and the empire." "In addition, for the empire, he has never taken offense at the endless wrong accusations he''s suffered. He insists on tearing himself away from any possible political whirlpool. Everything he''s done, he has done for the security of the empire, the future of Yutang" "To this day, are we still going to watch Supreme Cloud bear such a terrible weight alone? Are we going to enjoy the fruits he sowed so righteously without any tinge of guilt?" The emperor questioned sharply, "Are we going to watch unblinking as Supreme Cloud goes to fight for the country alone? How can we assuage our conscience? How can we stay at peace with ourselves?" "The Four Seasons Tower has never been exclusively Supreme Cloud''s enemy. They''re the enemy of the whole Empire of Yutang!" "Right now, the few of us already know what many people in Yutang have done in the previous battle at Tianxuan Cliff! Then, can we do something, anything, in this upcoming battle at Tianxuan Cliff?" His Majesty spoke in outrage. Old Marshal Qiu and the rest of his military colleagues grew increasingly silent in the face of the emperor''s questions. They said nothing for quite some time. ''What can we do about the approaching Tianxuan Cliff battle?'' ''Honestly, we want to do a lot. Even if our lives are sacrificed, we don''t mind C as long as we can help Supreme Cloud, even in the slightest!'' ''No matter how unwilling and how guilty we feel, though, we can''t do anything.'' ''Any reckless move now is biting off more than we can chew C it''s futile, it''s suicide. If it''s only a waste of effort or drowning ourselves in the whirlpool, it''s fine. Supreme Cloud may very well be dragged into the mess also just because of our overestimation and mindless actions. That, instead, will make us become a massive burden, weighing him and ourselves down.'' "Your Majesty, the empire doesn''t even have any martial manpower who can intervene in this battle. Not only will forcing things to happen worsen the situation, but it''ll also become a load that burdens everyone" Qiu Jianhan heaved a long sigh, resignation filling his breath. The Emperor closed his eyes, nearly choked by the reply. "Hear my command!" His Majesty''s eyes were still shut, his voice devoid of any emotions as he said, "Get Fu Baoguo out of the Fortress of Resilience to standby and follow Tianxuan Cliff''s movements closely so he can back up Supreme Cloud at any time. If Supreme Cloud is at risk, even if the eastern front''s four hundred thousand army has to be sacrificed to a man his safety must be guaranteed!" "Your Majesty, do remain calm. Please do not act rashly," Fang Qingtian urged with no small amount of surprise. "I am very calm right now. This is a decision upon careful contemplation," the emperor said softly, "I must do something. Otherwise, how can I face my conscience?" The military trio sighed simultaneously, understanding that His Majesty was resolute in his decision and there was no other way to change his mind. All three of them thought that the action was foolish and irrational, unreasonable even; there was simply no benefit to the empire and this could even sabotage the overall plan. In spite of this, what was remarkable was that everyone felt a gush of warmth and comfort within them. Serving an emperor like this, whatever the end was, it was well worth it. For what could have happened, he could already see everyone''s sacrifice and contribution, and he, too, had given an equivalent response. This in itself was more than enough! "At the same time, go and investigate in secret," said the emperor, "I remember when Supreme Cloud snuck into Ziyou for a massacre, he had some sort of acquaintance with the Unrivaled Swordsman, Jun Moyan" "Try everything possible to visit Jun Moyan. Let''s hope that he can assist Supreme Cloud in this battle. Any terms that he has, agree to them immediately, including for the western line to retreat from Ziyou." "Your Majesty, how C how can this possibly happen? The western army''s conquest is victorious C completely taking over Ziyou is already an outcome set in stone, lacking but a bit of time. How can Ziyou be given a chance to catch their breath at this juncture? This mustn''t be carried out!" "Why not? If Supreme Cloud can return safe and sound from the battle, so what if we let Ziyou live temporarily? The Empire of Ziyou is left with the last bit of sparkle now, on its last legs. If this can be exchanged for Supreme Cloud''s life, then this is how it should be!" "As you say, Your Majesty. It shall be done right away." "This shall be all for now." His Majesty waved his hand tiredly. He seemed to suddenly have thought of something and said, "Gather up the officials and people to support Supreme Cloud and Nine Supremes and build a monument in Tiantang''s square." "Let us confer Supreme Cloud as the Holy Guardian of the nation!" "For years to come, as long as Yutang''s bloodline still rules in the world, Supreme Cloud is to be paid respect first before the ancestors in any major offering ceremonies or national providence sacrificial ceremonies!" The three military kingpins were aghast from the shock. This was a very significant edict indeed! This meant that from now on, there was no doubt Supreme Cloud reigned higher than the imperial power. However, it was evident that His Majesty thought it was not enough. He added, "From now on, Supreme Cloud is a living deity in Yutang! From this day onwards and for eternity to come, he shall be deified by the people and enjoy Yutang''s providence!" During this time, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were already out of Tiantang City, leaving towards the south gate. Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei stood by the city''s gate, looking far and away to send the couple off. Reluctance was painted all over their faces. "All of you have your own path. Move forward diligently, don''t slow yourself down." "If you were to keep following me, you''ll lose yourselves, you''ll become my family men, you''ll become my subordinates. However, this isn''t an outcome that I wish to see." "I hope that each of you will become an independent individual. Each one of you has your own silver lining." "Each one of you can become a hero of your story." "I shall become your friend and brother." "These three rings C there''s one for each of you, leave one for Lao Mei." "Parting today, maybe I''ll come back. Maybe I''ll leave with no possibility of return." "Should the fates decide it, let us meet again in the Bound of Universe." 803 Lifetime Aspiration Atop the city wall, Yun Xiaoyao also held one ring in his palm as he watched Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s retreating silhouettes with an unreadable expression. Yun Xiaoyao still stood on top of the city wall, even until the duo''s forms could no longer be seen. The night breeze came, caressing the city. Soft sighs could be heard from the top of the walls. The man closed his palm gently, grasping the ring tightly in it. "To the end of this life, I won''t open this ring," Yun Xiaoyao murmured. This was his son''s gift to him but he did not want to know what was inside. He only wanted to keep it intact and whole, complete in its original form. Ji Lingxi and Yun Yang moved towards the east, not going very fast at all. Of course, their relaxed speed was relative to their personal speed and maximum velocity. Compared to the common man, they were already much faster. As they moved, they probed for their sense of fortuity. They had a vivid realization that as they as they wished, they could manipulate all their mystical Qi and leave this realm to enter the Bound of Universe! The feeling was growing clearer, but both of them had no thoughts of doing so. The Four Seasons Tower had yet to be banished! Along their journey, they saw tendrils of smoke rising from houses. People along their way were smiling, wholesome smiles that were thoroughly at peace and untroubled. Every time they came near a village, children were seen chasing each other and playing, occasionally running along the roads. Passersby were busy as well, each with a destination to head to. No longer was there the futile sense of hopelessness that permeated the air during the four-nation siege previously. There was a hopeful look towards a better life that could be seen clearly on everyone''s faces. What also tinged their expressions was a superior air of dignity and confidence. Occasionally when a military troop passed by, all the vendors of any tea stall by the roadside would passionately ask the soldiers to stop for a drink. They served the troops with all they had to express their gratitude. However, the army would never stop, only passing by the passionate owners with grateful smiles. When a troop finally passed by, the vendor pushed his tea stall even further instead, setting it up almost on the paved road. When another troop came by, he held a tray and pushed a cup of tea into each of the soldiers'' hands. ''How can you not accept my tea? This is a token of my heart. The military has its rules, but I want to express this small token of mine too!'' "Lingxi, do you know The biggest wish we nine brothers had in this lifetime was nothing but to be able to see such a phenomenon!" Yun Yang watched the passersby in contentment, joy thoroughly filling him. He could not help slowing down his already relaxed pace, halting his steps to observe the scene where the tea stall owner served the army a refreshing repast. "Big brother once said that if there was one day when Yutang''s people could have full meals and warm clothes for the cold, when they can walk with a raised chin and puffed chest, when they''re filled with pride and not resigned to meek docility,then, the day to world union isn''t far away. Our lifetime''s aspiration is C is but so. For this goal, we have no regrets even when we die, even when we fight battle after battle." "Now, all of Yutang''s fronts are secured and prospering. The domination is so close within reach. Relatively, the people''s confidence and dignity have all grown. Yutang has already grown an indomitable backbone. As long as this support system remains, our effort isn''t wasted." Yun Yang spoke joyfully, "In other words, the goal we''ve been fighting for our entire life can be considered completed. I didn''t let my brothers down. When we meet again, I can face them square in the face. I''m so happy C I''m thrilled." "You''re all amazing people C you and my brother, and the other big brothers as well," Ji Lingxi said respectfully. Yun Yang laughed, "Indeed, are we all not amazing people?" Ji Lingxi then continued by asking, "What you mean is that you won''t be partaking in Yutang''s union war of Tianxuan subsequently, is that so?" "Yes," Yun Yang answered with a heavy nod, "The current state is apparent. Whether Supreme Cloud intervenes or not, this world C this Tianxuan Continent, shall be united under Yutang''s reign. It''s only a matter of time! Supreme Cloud''s existence, right now, is only for spiritual support." "Previously, I saw passion and indignation on the faces of Yutang''s people, but more of it were numbed sufferings and hopeless pain. Now, everyone''s faces are colored with pride and ambition!" "This is the foundation of a powerful nation, the base of an eternal reign!" Yun Yang said with a smile. Ji Lingxi pondered and asked, "Still how will other countries think that it''s a good thing for Yutang to take over the world?" "The heart of a man is never centered. This is just how things are." Yun Yang answered faintly, "Being conquered and conquering is never the same. Even war can never differentiate the right and wrong party. It''s just a contrast of stances. From individual perspectives, everyone''s right, including Han Sanhe, including Zi Yuanlong, including Qiu Jianhan, including me All our choices are correct, they''re all based on benefits to the country, officials, and people!" "In my view, every ruler will think they should be the one to conquer the world, they''d be the best choice for this world. Firstly, this is ambition, a desire, a sense of achievement. At the same time, it''s a covert sense of purpose. They feel that they could administer this world well C they will provide grace to the people and shine brilliantly for years to come!" Yun Yang spoke very slowly. "In spite of this, it''s never them who can decide who is to be the true ruler of this world. Only the grand scheme of the world itself can conclude this." "For so many years, Yutang has been at the core of wars. Millions of people were oppressed to no end. Sacrifice is basically a concept embedded in every Yutang person''s heart. In such a nation, any sliver of hope given can cause its people to burn like a prairie fire! Based on this premise, who else is more qualified to dominate the world if not us?" "It''s still the same old reasoning C the affairs concerning this have no right or wrong. There''s only the strong and the weak C perspective and choice!" "We''ve grown to this stage by being harassed by other empires. The spine nurtured from wars can''t be broken by anyone. It simply can''t be crushed." Yun Yang watched the zestful roadside life with interest. As the weather slowly warmed up, there was already a budding layer of green that swayed along the breeze. The thriving force of life was everywhere. By the road, a boy ran out with a stumbling gait and was met with Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi. He blinked his big eyes as he asked, "Uncle, do you want to come in for a cup of tea?" Yun Yang laughed and patted the boy''s head, answering, "Uncle is not thirsty. What''s your name?" "I''m San Huzi1," the boy answered rather shyly. "Hmm, San Huzi" Yun Yang grinned in amusement and said, "I guess that you have two elder brothers too, one''s called Da Huzi and another is called Er Huzi. Am I right?" The boy looked at Yun Yang with sudden amazement and asked, "Uncle, how did you know? Are you our relative? Why do I not recognize you? My memory is quite remarkable!" Ji Lingxi could not help pressing her lips together to suppress a chuckle. "Hmm, where are your two elder brothers? Are they not home? Why didn''t they bring you out to play?" Yun Yang asked. The boy replied ecstatically, "My brothers have gone to become generals! They''re great warriors! Mama said that they''re with father. They''re all heroes C great generals! When we celebrate spring festival this year, Huzi lit incense for them to wish them well!" With father C incense! Wish them well? Translator Note: 1San Huzi (sn h zi): Huzi means tiger cub, usually a child''s nickname to imply a talented and capable young man; San here is three or third, meaning that the boy in this chapter is the third child of the family, thus explaining the plot where Yun Yang makes a guess of the boy having two elder brothers. 804 Granting You A Future Yun Yang looked startled as he glanced upon the white couplet attached to the teahouse that had yet to fade. Battered by the wind and rain, only half of it was left fluttering in the wind. Yun Yang''s mind was spinning; he felt the pangs of a bitter ache engulf his heart. After a moment, he spoke softly, "That''s right. They are both heroes, Yutang''s loyal men. San Huzi, you have to be a hero too when you grow up!" "Yes!" The boy replied proudly, "I will never embarrass my brothers and father. Our family members are all heroes of Yutang!" Yun Yang smiled reluctantly. A gleaming wisp of purple Qi emerged from the hand laid on the boy''s head as incredibly refined purple Qi slipped into the boy. Silently and unknowingly, Yun Yang''s purple Qi activated four chakras in the boy''s body which initially had three awakened chakras, all in one swift moment. The remaining purple Qi quietly hid within the other few chakras in the boy which he could break through in an orderly fashion once he began cultivating. At the same time, a cultivation method had passed into the boy''s mind. The boy felt a wave of vertigo, trembling before he collapsed on the floor, unconscious. "San Huzi!" A voice came from the teahouse; a coarsely-dressed woman rushed out the door with anxiousness etched on her expression. "It''s alright." Yun Yang said softly, "San Huzi will be fine after some sleep. He will be very outstanding hereafter, even more remarkable than his father and brothers." The woman stared at Yun Yang in a rage, and said, "Who are you? What have you done to San Huzi?" Yun Yang smiled, "San Huzi is a good child, I will not harm him." The woman whose entire being was filled with fury felt Yun Yang''s smile was just too warm; her resentment vanished. Moreover, the more she fixed her gaze at the handsome face before her eyes, the more she felt a sense of familiarity. Even so, she could not recall where she had met him before and was thereby filled with doubts. "Who are you? Why do I seem to have seen you somewhere before? Are you a relative of my family?" Yun Yang smiled and turned to leave. "Take good care of the lad. Your family''s efforts will eventually be repaid. Yutang will not forget your contribution." Before his words could linger in the air, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi had disappeared without a trace at the end of the street. As the woman carried her child in her arm, she was deep in thought, "Who is this young man? Why can''t I remember him? I have a very good memory, I have definitely seen him before... but why can''t I remember?" Suddenly, she felt something in her hands. Lowering her head to see, she noted there were two banknotes in her grasp, each worth one thousand taels. The sight of the two large banknotes made her heart pound rapidly! Did the young man leave these behind? ''Why did he give me this money? Is he a relative of mine who bears a hint of sympathy for orphans and a widow like me? Is my memory not as good as I thought that I have forgotten about having such an exceptional relative?'' She returned to the teahouse absently and unintentionally saw the portrait of Lord Supreme Cloud on the wall which she had spent a silver tael to acquire. She leveraged upon her identity as the family of military and perished warriors to attain it with a silver tael at the time when many were fighting for it. It was a handsome young master clad in purple in the portrait, his smile accompanied by an elegant manner, and his eyes were warm. The woman was astounded as she finally remembered who this person was, and cried out, "It''s It''s the arrival of Lord Supreme Cloud!" The instant she was out of her trance, she charged out of the teahouse like she had gone berserk. She wept as she kept her eyes on the end of the street. Then, she knelt on the ground, bowing ceaselessly to show respect and sobbed. It was an indescribable excitement, pride, and joy that came from the bottom of her heart. The next door neighbor who did not know what had happened came around. "Third aunt, what are you doing?" The woman raised her tearful face, crying and smiling all at once. "Lord Supreme Cloud was here just now. He had also held San Huzi and spoke to him for a while, and he even gave me banknotes It was the arrival of Lord Supreme Cloud!" The crowd, without exception, was shocked upon hearing the news. Some of them immediately cried out in frustration. "Say, I saw two people from afar just like the deities had descended, speaking to San Huzi. I thought they were passing merchantsAlas, it was the arrival of Lord Supreme Cloud! Oh, I''m as blind as a bat, I actually missed the incredible destiny of paying homage." Everyone was filled with only envy and excitement, but none had any doubts as to what had happened. Nobody would dare to impersonate Lord Supreme Cloud in Yutang! "It is not a bad thing San Huzi has fainted. Lord Supreme Cloud must have given San Huzi a gem; otherwise, he would not have passed out. This is an otherworldly encounter. This child is blessed and has earned Lord Supreme Cloud''s favor. Third aunt, you will live a comfortable life soon" "Your casual actions just now might have just built a general for Yutang." Ji Lingxi stared at Yun Yang the way she had watched as Yun Yang had done the same many times all the way. "After all, it depends on the child''s future opportunity." Yun Yang said, "However, this path can be smoother than an average person. His brothers and father had died fighting in the war for Yutang. For such a child, I have never let it pass when I come across one. Since I have met him, I''m obliged to give him a future." "The future of this child has already been decided. News of all these matters is bound to spread. Many people will know that Lord Supreme Cloud has personally given advice to these children, so everyone in the entire Empire of Yutang will somewhat have to look up to them. Hence, the fate of these children is already sealed the moment you intervened, right?" Ji Lingxi''s eyes were trained on Yun Yang; her gaze sparkled brightly. Even though she had appeared to be asking a question, but it was actually in a firm tone. Ji Lingxi''s feeling had always been very consistent for Yun Yang. Since the night the two had gone against each other unexpectedly, Ji Lingxi had sought out Yun Yang for help, and had stayed in Yun Yang''s home. Ji Lingxi had yet to figure out why she had never been wary of this man before. With more and more contact, she was further certain about this man, especially after experiencing separation and had been rescued by Yun Yang. Ji Lingxi utterly understood her own sentiment. Hand in hand, till the day we die - but this was just a common sentiment between men and women, nothing more. In other words, the ignorant love between young men and women who had reached the proper age was merely hoping to get married and grow old together; they had yet to develop an understanding for other deeper aspects. After all, those required a long time to develop and affirm. However, as she made further contact with him, Yun Yang''s intelligence, Yun Yang''s plan, Yun Yang''s battle, Yun Yang''s guts, and Yun Yang''s Until the end, she discovered that Yun Yang was one of the well-known Nine Supremes, the sole remaining Supreme Cloud, the brains of the Nine Supremes For Ji Lingxi, the feeling was as though she was refreshing her perception for her love over and over again. It was as if seeing a different Yun Yang every day; becoming perfect day by day. To put it more conventionally - there is never the best, only better. Until now, today, Ji Lingxi once again realized a sentiment in Yun Yang. It was the nobility for the nation and people regardless of anything. It was the demeanor and mannerism of an almost saint-like warrior who had nothing but compassion for the world. Perhaps, he should not be described as a warrior; it was more apt to call him the greatest warrior, a warrior among warriors, warrior of the saints! In addition to this acknowledgment, Ji Lingxi could not help but become increasingly sure that Yun Yang was rare, and felt happy with her discerning eyes that could tell greatness from mediocrity. "I already liked him when he was decked out like a popinjay with a vagabond''s temperament. How visionary I am I am basically picking out a precious jade, a flawless piece of jade from a pile of rubbish. Such good intuition..." 805 Already Late At the same time, Ji Lingxi was feeling slightly inferior about herself: He is so outstanding, and I why do I feel that I can never match up to his level? I need to be more impressive, I need to work harder, my cultivation base needs to be stronger Somewhere far, far away, a father and a mother were completely rendered speechless: Silly girl, how can you look down upon yourself like that? Your cultivation base is clearly many levels stronger than that little brat''s! You''re not weaker than him in any way! If he could capture your fair maiden heart, that would be that brat''s greatest fortune! You shouldn''t surrender or think that you are lacking! If you ever resign yourself to that, your parents would the butt of the joke for that liar. Please please prove your worth! Yun Yang was feeling a little strange at this moment. They were walking at leisure; why did Ji Lingxi seem to be holding his arm intentionally? Plus, was she doing it on her own accord? "Look, Yun Yang the clouds over there by the mountains are so pretty! It looks like a giant fish, don''t you think so?" Ji Lingxi exclaimed excitedly as one hand pointed towards the colorful horizons, while the other held onto Yun Yang''s to nudge his attention. Yun Yang looked towards the direction of her voice and frowned. Fish? That looks nothing like it. Pretty? What kind of aesthetic appreciation is this? However, this reason had given Ji Lingxi a chance to hold him, his hand in hers and they had never separated since. "Look over there it''s a squirrel, how adorable!" "Over there what is that cow doing?" "Why are those two dogs sandwiched together ugh! Don''t look!" Yun Yang was feeling rather speechless for the longest stretch of time. This was the meeting ground for those committed to sacrifice their lives in battle how did it turn into a sweet little excursion in Ji Lingxi''s eyes? They started out their journey late by a day. If Yun Yang had transformed and sprinted the whole way, he would have reached his destination a lot earlier than this; however, with Ji Lingxi tagging along, it was not possible for Yun Yang to do so. Although they were traveling at a speed much faster than that of a common man''s, it was still, eventually, a journey of a million miles. They had already wasted much time in giving away bounties along the way earlier now, they were still pausing occasionally to watch the scenery and smell the flowers The three-day limit that Yun Yang had imposed earlier had reached its end in the blink of an eye. Upon its expiry, they still had not made the halfway point of their journey. "It''s true that a man should walk the talk, and he who has no integrity does not carry himself well... still, breaking one''s word towards an enemy is not much of a big deal." After Yun Yang gave himself a reason, he was more at ease and began to grow even more laidback by the moment. "Well, we''re doomed to not make it on time anyway let''s just follow the flow. Whatever that is meant to be, will be!" Hence, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi walked slower and slower. It was a long and arduous journey, and had they not been traveling at a certain speed, their time of arrival would be largely unpredictable. This was a situation that had almost caused the puzzled forces of the Four Seasons Tower to be on the verge of a mental breakdown! At this hour, every single expert of the Four Seasons Tower had already gathered upon Tianxuan Cliff, waiting. Under the supervision of Mr. Nian, Four Seasons Tower had brandished their entire strength. The scale of it all was astonishingly huge even grander and more formidable than the one encountered by Ling Xiaozui and his party previously. After all, this was a challenge incited by Supreme Cloud himself the greatest culmination of the Nine Supremes witnessed by everybody, complete with an appointed date. Hence, of course, it would be the final call it would be the ultimate appointment rid of any doubt, an appointment that would not tolerate the slightest slip-up! Both parties would not part until this matter is wholly settled. The only way out of this was if one party was completely exterminated, or in the event where both parties would perish together there was no way that both parties could get out of this alive! Thus, the day of this historical clash had arrived. The forces of the Four Seasons Tower had already made all the due preparations. The only task that remained was to kill Yun Yang and call it a day. The Four Seasons Tower would go down in history a reality unprecedented by any once again! One could say that this outcome was definitely expected every man from the Four Seasons Tower was clearly excited and confident about the prospects. In a highly motivated and efficient manner, they cast a soul-controlling formation all around Tianxuan Cliff, and laid low in silence, waiting for the arrival of their opponent. However, he did not show up after they had waited for a day the much anticipated and perfectly logical ''taking-the-enemy-by-surprise'' attack did not occur! After waiting for two whole days, he still did not appear neither did the unforeseeable assault! With the third day almost coming to an end, everyone was on high alert. Every speck of attention was spent focused on the task at hand; everybody waited patiently for Supreme Cloud to arrive so they could finally commence this ultimate deathmatch. Clearly, Supreme Cloud had it all planned out a day was a day, and two was two he would not entertain any form of a discount on his promised word! However, in the end the man of the hour still had yet to show up as the time elapsed had passed its due. This time, everybody started to seem a little lost. You strike up this challenge before the whole world you wouldn''t just retract your challenge like that, would you? There was no logic in this. You are the Supreme Cloud the most famous legend in the current world! How can you just eat your words? "This reputed one still believes that Supreme Cloud would fulfill his promise. He will come perhaps something had come in his way, or he has been held back by some matters," Mr. Nian said. "Let''s wait for another day the Four Seasons Tower can definitely afford to do so." Yet, days became weeks. This situation continued to remain like this for the next seven to eight weeks Everybody was on the verge of bursting their blood vessels from all the waiting. Just as they were sure that this was the limit of their patience, Supreme Cloud still did not show up! Then, to his surprise, the scout lying in wait on the fringe of their encampment found the entire Tianxuan Cliff encircled by rows and rows of soldiers of the battalion led by Marshal Fu Baoguo the same battalion that had defended the Fortress of Resilience. They were so tightly-knit to the point they resembled a wall of solid copper it was completely impenetrable. Do not even mention a man with this level of security, even a mosquito would find it difficult to enter and exit as it pleases! What is Supreme Cloud playing at? What kind of wishful thinking is this? The experts of the Four Seasons Tower expressed their bewilderment at the current situation. Was he planning to use the military to encircle us, then wipe us out? Is this even possible? Well, we are not totally invincible. Surely we would not be able to kill all these people but if we really mean to leave and retreat entirely you will not be able to stop us, even if you gather an army ten times bigger than this scale! If all else fails, we could make our way to the skies. We do know how to fly, after all. Although the Deicide Bow is a little ruthless, its firing range is still pretty limited in the air. As long as we don''t go all out, what can they do to us? Then, what is the military of such scale for? They''re not here just to wave their banners for moral support, are they? In light of this, Mr. Nian sent his men directly to Fu Baoguo to address the matter, "What are you here for?" "We are here to witness the battle and cheer for Supreme Cloud, and also to ensure that this battle will not be disrupted by the interference of a third party," Fu Baoguo replied intimidatingly. The forces of the Four Seasons Tower were completely speechless with this reply. The interference of a third party? This reason made a lot of sense, and was by far the strongest justification! However, in the current state of affairs, the real question now was this; which man, group or force would have the strength to involve themselves in this battle of the century? Eventually, to make the situation sound even worse, even if there was really the interference of an external force, say, the Concourse of the Underworld, or Ling Xiaozui, or Dugu Chou for example that would only be to Supreme Cloud''s advantage. Would you be able to fend off the external forces coming to aid Supreme Cloud''? Don''t be a standing joke already! 806 Three Days Later! Well, if you are willing to stay, then, by all means, stay as you wish. When the fighting begins, the aftershocks on its own would kill quite a number of people. If you''re not afraid of death, do you think we would be concerned about killing you...by accident? We really don''t mind! However, nothing occurred even after a few days of waiting. The Four Seasons Tower finally lost their patience. They sent out somebody to scout for information. The scout took off immediately, searching and combing through the grounds frantically. After venturing for almost a third of the entire journey, he finally found Yun Yang making his way on the path below, strolling leisurely. With that speed, one could only cover a few hundred miles in a day at most. With one-third of the entire distance remaining, ten or more days would still be required to complete the journey. The most infuriating matter, however, was the fact that he clearly had a rare, noble steed beside him which he did not mount, but chose to only walk with the leash in hand! The expert from the Four Seasons Tower almost gagged from rage upon the sight that greeted him. We were waiting for you back there, one whole big group of us, waiting, expecting and here you are, wielding a horse in one hand and a lass in the other, taking your time pray, tell, are you walking your horse or womanizing? It doesn''t seem like you''re in a haste to show up at all! At this moment, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi had just gotten up a hill, standing atop to marvel at the majestic scenery of rolling clouds beyond the horizons. Suddenly, they heard a strange noise from above the skies. Like a meteor, the man in black descended, the noise from his gestures not deliberately minimal. The incoming person gave the two of them an incredulous stare. "Sir Supreme Cloud, what is the meaning of this?" From the tone of his voice, he was clearly from the ranks of the Four Seasons Tower. Yun Yang rolled his eyes. "Pray tell, what is the problem?" "Everybody agreed to meet at Tianxuan Cliff after three days to settle this once and for all, yet here you are, Supreme Cloud, miles away from our rendezvous point what is the meaning of this?" The man in black raged on. "Perhaps Sir Supreme Cloud has forgotten about this appointment?" Yun Yang replied, in a matter-of-fact tone. "How could I forget about it? Of course, I would remember the meeting that I''ve set up myself. My memory is most certainly better than yours you''re being overly paranoid, good sire!" The man in black roared, "Then why are you still here? A man should walk the talk , a man without integrity does not carry himself well! I can''t believe that Sir Supreme Cloud would go back on his word that he is someone who would simply toss his words around!" "Me, going back on my words? Good sire, your accusations are going a little too far, aren''t they?" Yun Yang mused. "Sir Supreme Cloud, including today, you''ve already missed the appointed date by a full nine days! We agreed to meet three days later, yet now now it''s the twelfth day, is it not? How would Sir Supreme Cloud explain himself?" "Well, you see I am aware that I''ve promised to meet three days after well now is this not three days after?" Yun Yang replied casually. "I beg your pardon?" "Be it the twelfth day after or the thirteenth day after they all fall beyond the three-day-after agreement, don''t they? I do remember this agreement how dare I not? Whichever day it is after those three days, however it should be decided by me the one who instigated this meeting and not you, shouldn''t it? This is the fact of the matter, whatever self-justification you call it this is how it should be since the start, should it not?" The man in black almost spat out a mouthful of blood. His body shaking, he gritted his teeth and replied seethingly, "Shameless, utterly shameless! Such audacity! I can''t believe that the Nine Supremes would have such a shameless descendent like you this is madness and utterly infuriating!" "You lot are the uncultured ones here, misinterpreting my words and waiting like idiots at a corner who else is there but yourselves to blame? Here you are, trying to turn the situation around by blaming me, instead! How dare you! Why do you look so riled up? Would you like to teach me a lesson? Then get down here I''m waiting," replied Yun Yang nonchalantly. The man in black heaved in laborious breaths, his eyeballs almost popping out of his sockets. Getting himself down there to engage in a deathmatch with Yun Yang what kind of joke was this! The cultivation bases of Yun Yang and this young lady was immeasurably high it''ll be suicide for me to go down there on my own. Do you really think I''m an idiot? I might be fuming to the point of death, but I still value my humble life! The man in black held his breath. "So, according to Sir Supreme Cloud''s logic three years after is still considered to be a valid date within the ''three days after'' limit? Is this what you mean?" "You are correct. You''ve turned so intelligent suddenly what promising potential you have in you!" Yun Yang replied calmly. The man in black was at lost for words, completely overwhelmed with rage. To encounter such a shameless person, especially in such undebatable circumstances What should I do? What can I do? To his relief, Yun Yang continued, "Well it''s a shame that our meeting has been established to not drag on for that long now, how can I let you lot live for another three years? Please wait patiently for a little longer, I''ll be heading there straight ahead. There is not much of the journey left, so don''t be hasty. One more thing I''d like to call you out on please, remain calm in face of unexpected things. Allow nature to take its course!" At the verge of breaking down, the man in black could feel his liver imploding. "Convey this to Mr. Nian upon your return to accomplish great things, one must possess immeasurable patience! Now that there is still time, you lot could probably work on refining your soul-controlling formation. Try your very best to survive and savor your final days I am purely thinking on your behalf! When the day of the battle arrives, your souls shall be on their way to the afterlife by dawn there will no longer be another chance for you to have a taste at life!" The man in black did not waste another breath more. He transformed into a mass of darkness and took off at a speed faster than the one he arrived with. He could not stay here any longer. If Yun Yang were to speak a single word more, the man in black felt that his internal organs would rupture without Yun Yang even raising a finger. He could meet his end right here and now he could really die from all this wrath! "What a shame!" Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi mused simultaneously. If this fellow had lashed out impulsively in a moment of fury, how wonderful would that be! If Ji Lingxi were to step forward and activate her red gleam as a form of retaliation, that fellow would have been annihilated from being exposed to it just once. That would be equivalent to lopping off one of Mr. Nian''s prized limbs so why not? However, this fellow was unexpectedly gritty he chose to flee at the spur of the moment. "If I remember correctly if we walk straight ahead, the scenery after this valley is superb. There is ice and snow on one side, while the other side is filled with flowers in full bloom an incredible, awe-inspiring sight." "Really? Really? Let''s go! Let''s go there quickly we shouldn''t miss such beautiful scenery." Upon Yun Yang''s comment, Ji Lingxi felt incredibly elated. She held Yun Yang and ran towards that direction. Reddie snorted, and followed them begrudgingly. As for this chap who came after him at full speed, even after he had left Tiantang City for a good thousand miles Yun Yang was feeling completely helpless. Stroking its mane, Yun Yang mulled. "Oh, Reddie after these few days, I have to leave say, what will become of you?" Reddie snorted and gave Yun Yang a few warm licks which were filled with indescribable emotions. Yun Yang sighed. In the span of these few days, Yun Yang had combed through Reddie''s meridians countlessly and fed it with many precious minerals he brought along with him. He had even squeezed out half a bowl of his own blood essence for it to consume. Yet, the only outcome was this this chap seemed to grow even more inseparable from him as the days went by. Yun Yang could not make a decision when it came to this fine, psychic steed. What should be done? Set it free and let it return to the wild? Or stay on the battlefield? If he were to bring Reddie along with him and leave this world behind would it even be possible? 807 This Journey All things said, there was a still fact that could not be denied the chances of him requiring a warhorse would grow lesser, or perhaps even dwindle to none. However, now that Reddie had grown attached to him if he were to disappear, there was no guarantee that Reddie wouldn''t do something stupid if the loneliness and solitude became unbearable. A psychic, noble steed like this would only heed one master in its entire life. A noble steed was normally buried along with its deceased master. Events like these were not rare occurrences in this world, and Yun Yang most certainly would not like things to play out that way. Reddie''s joy came in unusual ways it seemed incredibly elated from just being able to stay by its master''s side. Sometimes it would frolic, dashing from one end to the other, occasionally with a fresh flower in it''s mouth which it would then present enthusiastically; sometimes it would give Yun Yang some licks a lick to the left then to the right its thick, shiny tail swishing about, like it could not wait to attach itself to its master; sometimes it would stop at the peaks, look to the sky and let out a shrill neigh, expressing its grace and glory as the king of all steeds. Ji Lingxi never seemed to get fed up with Reddie''s obsessive attachment, for, Yun Yang aside, Reddie seemed pretty keen to please her as well. It did not seem to realize that its owner would leave its side to a faraway place after this momentous battle. Just this point alone had caused Ji Lingxi to grow an uncanny fondness towards Reddie. "The key question now is what would happen to Reddie once we enter the Bound of Universe? Where would it go?" Yun Yang questioned Ji Lingxi worriedly. In the midst of stroking Reddie, Ji Lingxi''s hand came to an abrupt stop as she froze in her tracks. She was aware of the troubles this may bring in the future very heavy and severe ones indeed, and with an equally high likelihood of occurring! "Could you not take Reddie along with you?" Although Ji Lingxi possessed a strong cultivation base, her mental fortitude was still not adequately polished and tested. When she was struck with this moment of epiphany, her entire being seemed to have lapsed into a state of panic. "Objectively speaking, of course, I would like to bring it along, if I could." "However, that is still not the kindest way to go about it. Reddie''s happiness mostly lies in the mortal realm. It could do as it wishes, unfettered by anything, and express its grace as the king of all steeds. If it was to be taken along with us forcefully, it will not be happy, and it will never be for the rest of its life," Yun Yang replied calmly. "The realm of the Bound of Universe is levels above Tianxuan. The sheer number of experts itself in there is already a foreseeable fact. There are even practitioners practitioners with higher cultivation bases who possess a speed even faster than Reddie even if Reddie exerted itself wholly; they could even disregard any form of obstacles by choosing to travel by air. Under such circumstances, how would Reddie be happy?" "It is incomparably the best mount in the entire world it is the most precious steed and the most supreme of all. Its speed is the main reason for its existence, hence, if this special trait is no longer valid, then it would ultimately become depressed. Inconsolable pain, sadness, frustration, and resentment are considerably normal symptoms at that point how does this benefit Reddie, even in the slightest?" "A noble steed a precious breed like this can only exist in a mortal world like Tianxuan. If it were to go to the Bound of Universe, it''ll be stripped of its dignity and it''ll be plagued with loneliness until its end." Yun Yang gave a gentle sigh. "If that''s the case, I rather leave it here, and let it be free and happy forever." "If it would like to join the battle and gallop on the battlefields, I will have Fu Baoguo take care of her. If it wants freedom, and be the king of all steeds, I will set it free, and give it an eternity of freedom and volition." "I don''t want Reddie to be miserable, and neither do I want it to be in any situation of risk, especially in vile, foreseeable cases." "Still, Reddie has clearly identified you as its only master it will only be unhappy when it leaves you, feeling lonely as ever," Ji Lingxi replied. "At least it wouldn''t die. If it goes to the Bound of Universe, it would surely die from losing its pride in the most depressing way possible. Its dignity as a king will cease to exist," Yun Yang replied sombrely. Ji Lingxi''s gaze fell onto Reddie, who was frolicking around happily. "That is still uncertain, is it not? Under our care, how could it die?" Yun Yang reiterated his stance, "My point is, Reddie is a king! It may only be the king of all horses, but it is still a king! When a king''s dignity has been lost, how can he still exist? It applies to both man and horse! At least, a man could simply get on with life and still try their very best in getting a future; a horse''s world is simple if its dignity is lost, that would be the end of it!" A long and shrill neigh could be heard as Reddie dashed over from afar at full speed, a fiery red flower about the size of a bowl in its mouth. It tilted its head and presented it to Yun Yang. Yun Yang accepted it. Reddie then nudged against his hand with its head, pushing it towards Ji Lingxi''s direction. Yun Yang could not help himself but laugh. "Do you mean to have me give this flower to her?" Reddie rocked its head and swished its tail, it''s entire being filled with unbridled happiness. Yun Yang brought the red flower before Ji Lingxi accordingly. She accepted it, red-faced, and hugged Reddie, planting a kiss on it. Reddie''s delight was through the roof almost instantly, it took off in a form of a red silhouette and sped off into the distance. Ji Lingxi grew even more reluctant by the moment. "Yun Yang, Reddie seems to have noticed something" Yun Yang''s heart was struck with a pang of sadness. "Reddie is now a psychic entity, so naturally it would be more sensitive in picking up certain things. Hence, in the largest degree of self-expression, it is leaving behind happy and hopeful thoughts, along with the best and most precious memories." In the next few days, Reddie seemed even more cheerful than ever. It galloped and frolicked, dashing around like the wind, never leaving their sides. Yun Yang had a very strong and clear feeling that Reddie was coming up with ways to win his favor and to make him happy. Perhaps it was trying its best to earn its place here or perhaps, it was only trying to make both of them as happy as possible in their final days together. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi walked even slower than before, their voyage largely reducing from a thousand miles a day to a hundred, sometimes even lesser. In these few days, Yun Yang would travel quite a distance to procure fresh grass at certain intervals of time. He pounded the Eastern Amethysts into powder form and had them mixed into the grass feed before feeding it to Reddie. Reddie ate with pleasure; it swished its tail in sheer happiness as it indulged. The atmosphere was filled with joy. To Yun Yang''s realization, the powerful Qi contained within that was enough to kill a common practitioner had almost no effect on Reddie. Reddie continued to chew and ingest them calmly, indulging upon the special food which seemed no different from common grass. Fueled by curiosity, he simply fed the Eastern Amethysts to Reddie for every meal. Hence, within the span of these few days, Reddie had ingested almost seven to eight pieces of Eastern Amethysts. If Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou were to bump into such a sight, they would have gone mad, even risking their lives to confront Yun Yang themselves for the matter. Those were Eastern Amethysts! Boss, can you stop wasting them like that? The two of us only get a few to share between us, and here you are, feeding your horse these supplements as part of its meal on a daily basis what happened to our so-called friendship? However, that was not the end of the wastage. Yun Yang even squeezed out some of his own blood essence, enticing Reddie like before by wiping them across its feed, then fed them to Reddie. Reddie still munched on happily, barely containing its joy. 808 An Inevitable Goodbye However, when Yun Yang was preparing Reddie''s feed for it to consume early in the morning, Reddie munched on them persistently in a seemingly jolly manner. Nothing seemed out of place. Yet, Yun Yang was quick to notice that two drops of tears had begun to form in Reddie''s eyes. Eventually, they fell and landed onto the grass feed, albeit slowly. The dampness was then quickly swallowed by Reddie, gone within the seconds if one did not pay close attention. Yun Yang felt a violent tremor in his heart. Suddenly, he was overwhelmed gradually by a strange, painful feeling of loss a feeling that he could barely contain and suppress. Yun Yang straightened his body abruptly. As he directed his gaze towards Tianxuan Cliff, which was already quite discernable in the distance, he only felt his heart being ravaged by waves of emotions; indescribable feelings rising and falling incessantly. Reddie finished its feed. In these past few days, it had been quite joyful and active, yet suddenly, it seemed more exhausted than its usual self. It licked Yun Yang affectionately, forbidding him to leave, and even placed its head between Yun Yang''s arms. Just like that, it fell asleep, allowing itself to be locked in Yun Yang''s embrace. Yun Yang''s face was wearing a somber expression as he hugged Reddie tightly. Ji Lingxi stood warmly beside him, her body against his and Reddie''s, and just like that, she remained at rest silently. At that very moment, the horse and the two individuals seemed to have merged into a single entity. Under the setting sun, they were shrouded in a blanket of gold, shimmering splendidly with scintillating beauty. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi did not venture a single step that day. They stayed on the peak and settled there for one whole day. When the entire land was dusted with the twilight sun, Reddie finally stirred. Turning around, it stood up and shook its mane loose before letting out a shrill neigh into the distance. The force from the powerful, earth-shattering neigh pierced the air in an indiscernible, lingering breath. The mane covering its entire body resembled ferocious flames. Then, like before, Reddie lowered its head and started licking Yun Yang''s leg affectionately; then, it moved to his hands, his chest, and his head. Reddie whimpered slightly. After giving Ji Lingxi a few affectionate licks as well, it stepped aside and started searching for food with its tail swishing from side to side as if nothing had transpired. "What time are we leaving?" Ji Lingxi asked. "Tomorrow, in the morning," replied Yun Yang solemnly. On that night, Yun Yang procured a myriad of food and ingredients. Working together, the two of them whipped up a hearty feast. A jug of wine was produced, and the two of them began to drink and hoist toasts to each other. Being a good sport, Reddie surprisingly drank three big bowls. It yelped in joy, its shrill neigh rocking through the valley. The night grew deeper and both Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were seemingly asleep. Reddie, who was laying at a corner, stood up silently. Even in the dark, its eyes shimmered with a dazzling crimson. Its gaze was fixated upon Yun Yang''s face with utmost reluctance, studying it for the longest time. Reddie stuck out its tongue carefully and gave the side of Yun Yang''s robe a gentle lick. Retreating two steps, it studied Yun Yang''s face from afar in silence; it did not budge for quite a while. Tears slowly pooled within the pair of big, round eyes, and finally they fell, drop by drop. After a moment, Reddie turned its body around slowly, as if it was afraid to wake Yun Yang, and retreated seven to eight feet away in absolute silence. With a sudden twist of its body, it leaped effortlessly into the dark and set off quietly. Within moments, it found itself at a peak, a million miles away from where it was before. This was the tallest peak in the region it was much taller than the peak Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were situated. Reddie''s flame-like physique stood tall on the mountain peak, its head held high. It whipped its head around suddenly and found itself gazing longingly in the direction where Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were slumbering. Again, it stood there for quite a while without budging the slightest inch. Reddie''s mane danced wildly in the biting cold wind, yet it did not move. It was as if it had turned into a beautiful sculpture. After a long period of time, Reddie finally turned his head around, retracting its longing gaze. Lowering its head, it wept and whimpered, its hooves thudding restlessly at the edge of the peak as if it was contemplating something. How it wished to run back to be by the side of its warm, beloved master to revisit that longing tenderness and nostalgic sentiments. Yet, even when tears had started to pool at its hooves, Reddie did not return. Then, it finally turned its head around and left. This time, like a flash of red lightning, it headed straight into the wilderness, never turning back again. Early in the morning, Ji Lingxi roused from her slumber. As she opened her eyes in a sleepy daze, she found herself propped against Yun Yang''s body, her head on his shoulders. Feeling embarrassed, she recoiled her body and averted her gaze only to realize that something was amiss. Ji Lingxi only responded after half a beat. "Where''s Reddie? Has it gone to find food?" She mumbled, her eyes searching. Yun Yang''s somber voice had a strange quality to it. "Reddie is gone." "Gone?" Ji Lingxi cried out involuntarily. In one quick swoosh, she stood up immediately. "Why did it leave?" "Reddie has always been a naturally psychic entity. We''ve never considered to bring it along with us this time, yet this horse had followed us all the way from Tiantang City till here. Deep down, both of us understood the fate of this relationship we share, so there is no need for words" "Since that moment, I knew. Reddie could feel that I would be leaving its side, and there might not be a chance to meet again. That was the reason why it came after us, disregarding everything else just to say a final goodbye." "Throughout the entire journey, it was desperately trying to win favors. It was constantly wandering by our sides. It ate whatever I fed it whether or not it enjoyed it, Reddie still consumed everything with relish. Yun Yang''s eyes were closed, and his voice was kept neutral without betraying the slightest quiver; yet, Ji Lingxi could knowingly feel the ferocious waves of emotions that ravaged his heart. "The only thing it wanted was nothing but the last moment of joy together." "As of now, we have almost arrived at Tianxuan Cliff. Reddie knew that this was as far as it could follow us, so it left, quietly, in the middle of the night, yesterday." Deeply saddened, Yun Yang closed his eyes. Yet, the scene that lingered before his eyes was one of Reddie standing atop the faraway peak the moment where it turned around and locked eyes with him. His heart clenched with an unspeakable sorrow. Goodbye, Reddie. I will miss you Yun Yang let out a long sigh, his heart full of melancholy. I only wish for you to be happy, free and unfettered by anything When the right time comes, when I return to Tianxuan, the first thing I will do is to find you, and feed you, and ride you we shall bask ourselves in this endless joy once again! Yun Yang approached the base Tianxuan Cliff, his purple garbs bellowing around him; walking next to him was Ji Lingxi, cloaked in ivory. They had finally arrived. Both of them approached; they were evidently a match made in heaven. The man was dashingly handsome, exuding an elegance like no other, while the lady was full of grace, blessed with outstanding beauty. However, as they turned the corner to the area bordering Tianxuan Cliff, Yun Yang''s face abruptly turned a shade paler his deific consciousness was warning him that something was horribly wrong. "What is Fu Baoguo''s eastern battalion doing here? Judging by its scale, it seems like the entire eastern forces have been deployed here but whatever for?" Yun Yang was stunned at the scene that greeted him a scene of tight-knitted rows of military tents with their banners fluttering in the air. 809 Finally Yun Yang was caught in a moment of shock. What was going on? What''s happening? What is the entire stronghold of the eastern garrison here for? The two of them approached the site quickly. "Sir Supreme Cloud has arrived!" The sentry guard''s eyes were filled with passion as he kneeled out of respect, his voice clear and sharp enough to slice the sky apart. Upon his announcement, the whole encampment lapsed into chaos, quickly followed by the blaring sound of a battle horn. The pounding of drums started rhythmically. In a short moment, four hundred men of various ranks and designation, led by Fu Baoguo, rushed forward. When they arrived before the gates of the campgrounds, the four hundred men quickly kneeled and paid their respects in one swift and ceremonious gesture. "I, Fu Baoguo, this humble subordinate leading forty million soldiers, hereby pay homage to Sir Supreme Cloud. Best of luck in combat may you eliminate all adversaries!" "Please rise, my brothers," Yun Yang started. "All of you have placed your lives on the line and spilled blood in Yutang''s name; how could I accept such an honorable treatment by my own brothers? Please, do not put me in such a position rise, all rise!" "However Marshal Fu, what are you lot playing at? Why is the entire eastern garrison deployed here? Is the eastern frontier or the Fortress of Resilience no longer important?" Yun Yang implored in curiosity. Fu Baoguo laughed heartily. "Relax, Sir Supreme Cloud, we are only following His Majesty''s orders by coming down to Tianxuan Cliff. The emperor had given us our an irrefutable order we are here to protect Sir Supreme Cloud, and not let you encounter any form of injury at all costs, even if this means the death of the eastern frontier''s forty million soldiers!" Yun Yang felt a quiver in his heart. "Is this for real?" "If this is not for real, how would this humble subordinate dare call the shots? Of course, before we left, this humble subordinate had already made the necessary arrangements to take care of things when we are not around. Even if Dongxuan takes this opportunity to attack, they won''t be able to break through the Fortress of Resilience in this short span of time. Furthermore, after Dongxuan''s recent defeat, Yutang is the most formidable force in the whole of Tianxuan Dongxuan will not dare to make any move." Yun Yang let out a deep sigh. "I am touched by His Majesty''s hospitality I am grateful to the core. However there is really no need for this. Marshal Fu, I was the one who challenged the Four Seasons Tower this time, and this is a dispute of the martial world with many private matters concerning my actions. Yun Yang isn''t claiming that your assistance will not be required here, it''s just that there is really no need for this." "Well, the royal decree has already been given. This humble subordinate does not dare to defy orders. Please, Sir Supreme Cloud don''t make this harder than it already is for this humble one," Fu Baoguo pleaded. Beautifully said, indeed, but I''m the one here who bears the weight of the royal decree on my shoulders. To not let me assist you only means that I am not following the orders given this is blatantly sending me to my death. How can you do this even if you are Supreme Cloud, you can''t do this to me! Knowing the true meaning behind Fu Baoguo''s elaborate explanation, Yun Yang could not help but keep quiet. He silently observed the will and passion etched on everybody''s faces and knew that it was useless to say more. His heart was flushed with waves of warmth. The fact that the emperor would send us an edict like this was far beyond Yun Yang''s expectations! An army of forty-million strong defended the Fortress of Resilience, the gateway to Yutang this stronghold was a very important one indeed, yet, the emperor could bear to come up with an irrefutable command like this. The gateway could be sacrificed, the safety of the entire nation could be forfeited, just to protect me! Strictly speaking, this edict was actually quite preposterous, but the entire eastern frontier still obeyed such orders by gathering here willingly. They demonstrated such will and fearlessness which made the whole affair seem quite absurd! Yet, when such circumstances befell Yun Yang also known as Sir Supreme Cloud, Champion of the Nine Supremes it was almost befitting! "Well, since this is a direct order from His Majesty, Yun Yang shall not trouble Marshal Fu any further. However, I have only one request." "Feel free to ask, Sir Supreme Cloud, this humble subordinate shall do his best to fulfil your wish." "To prevent unnecessary casualties during the battle, I would like Marshal Fu to order the troops to step back twenty miles from the original formation. If more activity is triggered in the event of the battle, please move back another twenty miles accordingly!" Fu Baoguo considered his words. "Certainly. Baoguo will definitely act accordingly depending on how it all plays out no unnecessary sacrifices shall be made." "I am grateful for this, Marshal Fu." "Be cautious and take care, Sir Supreme Cloud you are still Yutang''s best hope after all!" Carrying out Marshal Fu''s military order, the entire eastern garrison of Yutang spaced themselves out and retreated. Their movements were perfectly in sync there was no sign of disorder at all. As they were getting into position, they chanted, thunderously, all at once, "Sir Supreme Cloud shall triumph! Sir Supreme Cloud shall be victorious!" Thousands of men cheered in unison, their voices erupting and rippling through the air an energy and enthusiasm that could tear the skies apart Yun Yang strolled and found himself before the gates to Mount Tianxuan, treading the paths that had appeared countless times in his dreams. Whatever his vision grazed even the moss atop the rocks seemed hauntingly familiar. Yun Yang plucked a blade of grass from the side of the footpath and held it before his eyes. There were still vague traces of crimson on it as if the blood spilled by his brothers that day had still not faded completely they had merely blended into the nature and elements of the mountain. "I am here" Yun Yang murmured. "This dispute has persisted for almost three years now brothers, have you grown impatient from the wait?" A faint voice could be heard gradually. "Your brothers are not anxious from the wait at all in fact, your presence is required in the underworld for them to question you personally. We, however, have certainly grown quite impatient from all that waiting." Yun Yang raised his head and found a silhouette hovering in the midst of the fog. He smiled slightly. "Perhaps it''s more like you lot have grown tired of living that is the extent of my understanding. Am I right?" The silhouette in the fog chuckled gently. "Who was it that made this appointment, and who was it that grew tired of living? I believe that we are both very clear about this, and the answers are to each his own nothing more than that." Yun Yang burst out in laughter, and replied, his voice laced with ominous undertones, "How about Mr. Nian? He''s here, isn''t he?" The person in the fog smiled slightly. "The battle today is crucial. Our leader is here, of course he''ll be sure to see to your final wishes, Sir Supreme Cloud." Yun Yang''s voice spread across the clearing, slow and unimpeded. "Mr. Nian, before our final battle, perhaps we could have a chat? I believe that that are still many unanswered questions in your heart. You are not alone I, too, have many doubts that are unanswered as well, and I wish to have them clarified once and for all." Moments later, a refined voice emerged from the peak, with subtle slivers of mockery concealed within it. "This has always been my wish, I just didn''t dare to request for such a favor. Sir Supreme Cloud is truly elegant and refined. Very well, this reputed one shall entertain you let''s have a discussion at the peak, shall we?" That refined voice paused momentarily before continuing. "There is another Residence of Nine Supremes on the peak of this mountain, which I believe that you, Sir Supreme Cloud, will not forget. Let''s have a chat there let us allow the venerable spirits of the Nine Supremes to join us for the revelation of the entire story. That way, everybody will know the truth, be it those either in the mortal realm or the underworld. Those who are gone will die with no regrets, and those who are present will live without qualms isn''t that better?" Yun Yang''s cold, hard glare was oozing with hatred. "That''s good to hear. I have the same thought let''s do that." Done with his words, he ascended the flight of steps in a calm and composed manner. Not a trace of aggression could be detected in his mannerisms. Ji Lingxi, who had been following Yun Yang closely, had already mustered up a lifetime''s worth of cultivation base this moment. It was an expansive aura, unearthly and formidable, bouncing back and forth within the forest they were in. With her existing overbearing cultivation base and her heightened deific consciousness, she could already feel it there were approximately twenty experts hiding within the vicinity of this tiny peek! Impressively, every one of them had a very similar progression as Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou! A line-up like this was blatantly terrifying! Who the hell are Yun Yang''s opponents? They''re all insanely strong! If they went up there, they would be walking right into a trap, or blatantly digging their own graves where would their luck come from this time? 810 Tea of the Nine Supremes "There is no need to be too careful. Today may be the day I die, but Mr. Nian would surely wait until I''m finished with my words before initiating this massacre. There are certain things that must''ve bothered him for quite some time surely he would be desperate to know the answers to them as well," Yun Yang reassured. Ji Lingxi nodded, but it was hard to shake off that anxious feeling in her heart. Knowing that danger lurks ahead, how can I truly relax? What kind of person would be able to do that? With every step they took up the mountain, Ji Lingxi found herself overwhelmed with a new, foreign feeling a feeling as if she was held down by some external force, or some form of pressure which made up the atmosphere in this area. It made her strangely uncomfortable, and the discomfort was reflected on her face. "This must be the spiritual restraining formation." Yun Yang strolled as he explained, fascinated. "This technique is the Four Season Tower''s go-to strategy. Back then, they used this exact spiritual retaining formation to seal the manifestation abilities of my brothers, rendering us to fight with only brute physical strength. It was this that caused the tragedy that befell on us." Yun Yang''s voice was unusually steady. He narrated in a factual, matter-of-factly style there was not the slightest bit of emotion or expression at all. "Then can you still" Ji Lingxi implored, worriedly. Yun Yang flashed a slight smile. "It doesn''t matter if I can or not I am no longer the old me. They won''t be able to do anything to me now!" Peals of laughter were heard coming from two sides. Clearly, they were snorting in contempt at Yun Yang''s words. Yun Yang was not bothered by the sniggering at all. He pressed on steadily, slowly making his way up the mountain. Yet, the murderous aura and malicious intent attacked them in tides and torrents. The experts of the Four Seasons Tower were clearly finding a way to torment Yun Yang, attempting to break his spirit before meeting Mr Nian and admit defeat before before they exchanged fists. Yet, Yun Yang pressed on calm and composed without a care, turning a blind eye to his surroundings as if he did not see any of it. He made this entire journey seemed like it was nothing more than just a sightseeing hike, strolling at a leisurely pace as he made his way up the mountain, poised and unfettered. At the Temple of the Nine Supremes, the sculptures of the Nine Supremes which were destroyed during the battle back then had been fully restored, looking as good as new, to Yun Yang''s surprise. The sculptures of each of the Nine Supremes stood tall and solemn in the Temple of the Nine Supremes. They were the impressions of nine black-cloaked men with concealed faces. Ji Lingxi raised her head and focused her attention on the last two sculptures. The back of these two sculptures their faces concealed seemed to portray a mass of fast-moving clouds. Those were the sculptures of Wind and Cloud. Their masters, naturally, were Supreme Wind and Supreme Cloud respectively. Within this large temple, a tea table had already been set up. There was only a man garbed in green seated peacefully at one end of the table, brewing tea attentively. The earthy aroma of the tea rose in puffs; his tea-brewing technique seemed unbelievably smooth, every stroke and gesture perfectly natural, making those who watched him feel incredibly at ease as if watching him brew tea was the highest form of enjoyment one could attain. Yun Yang smiled. "This wouldn''t be the fake Mr. Nian this time, would it? The leader has finally shown himself?" The man in green raised his head and returned the smile. "Lord Supreme Cloud had agreed to meet personally, so why is there a need for this reputed one to hide himself, and let himself be the butt of the joke?" The man was meagre, his hair peppered with strands of grey and white. His eyes were murky, like they were shrouded by layers and puffs of smoke. He exuded the vibe of an extraordinary being, an aura that stood out from the commons; merely looking at him would prompt one to have a good feeling and likable impression on him. His looks were also incredibly familiar. Yet, Yun Yang still nodded his head in acknowledgement. "As expected Feng Xiange." Mr. Nian grinned. "Lord Supreme Cloud is bright as ever. As expected, you will not make an erroneous guess your reputation as Supreme Wit is not tarnished at all. Correct, Feng Xiange the God of Wine is the identity frequented by me during my active years in the martial world." He smiled, warmly this time. "That good wine my prized possession did you find it to your liking, Lord Supreme Cloud?" Yun Yang laughed. "It''s not bad, actually. It certainly lived up to being second to none in this world. A shame that the amount was too little for comfort that''s not too generous of you in that aspect." Mr. Nian burst out in laughter. "I gave you the most prized possession I''ve ever owned in my entire life. I''ve not even kept some for myself, yet here you are, claiming that it''s too little. How more generous can I be? I can''t do anything about it it''s beyond my reach." Yun Yang seated himself down slowly. After inviting Ji Lingxi to be seated as well, he then looked around, excited, and wondered, "A wine made by the God of Wine himself will indeed be second to none in this world but how about the tea?" "If Heaven''s Inquisition is here, he would know best." "There''s no need to beat around the bush. Heaven''s Inquisition had gone to the Bound of Universe he is no longer in Tianxuan," Yun Yang responded with a fleeting smile. Mr. Nian sighed. "We are acquainted, yet far apart. I don''t know if I''ll have the chance to meet him again when it is my time to go to the Bound of Universe, " He raised the kettle and poured tea for Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi. "Before you, there was only one person in this world that could make me brew tea personally for them Gu Chaliang." "Then, there''s you here today. Oh and this young lady here." "Of course, having this chance to serve tea to the Lord Supreme Cloud a being regarded as a god by the entire world is this humble one''s utmost honor." Yun Yang held the cup and took a gentle sip. His eyes widened as he exclaimed, suddenly, "This is good tea!" Mr. Nian burst into laughter. "Of course this is good tea. This tea was made from that year I went to the Nine-Peak Mountains, and crossed the Nine-Level Fortress, followed by the Nine Heaven Rivers and on top of the Nine Snow Peaks. It was made by gathering all nine colors of the snow lotus before they could bloom, using the only petal at the bud that remained unopened. This gem of a tea was made from petals that were soaked for nine days and nights in the waters of the Abyss, dried in the shade within nine breaths of nine flowering maidens, who had mustered up the energy of nine heavens using pure, underworldly mystical Qi." He grinned. "In this world, I daresay this tea can only be found with me and it only costs nine silvers and nine bronze!" "Pray tell, what is the name of this tea?" Yun Yang asked in a cautious manner. Mr Nian laughed. "This tea is named Tea of the Nine Supremes." Yun Yang clapped his hands as he burst out in a hearty laugh. "What a great name. Good tea with a great-sounding name!" Mr. Nian squinted his eyes in response. "This is a good name indeed. I take extreme caution every time I enjoy this tea, careful to not make the slightest mistakes, for throughout the entire process of drinking it, I felt like I was savoring the process of having the Nine Supremes in my cup, then gulping them down whole. I really enjoy this feeling." "Really? Shame my way of understanding is completely different." "Oh? Please enlighten me, Lord Supreme Cloud." "My understanding is very simple this so-called Four Seasons Tower and so-called Mr. Nian have invested so much effort in creating such an exquisite tea, yet it is named after the Nine Supremes; I can''t help but to feel that you, Mr. Nian, are merely a tea farmer for the Nine Supremes, and you would do anything in your capabilities to please your masters you truly live up to that role." Mr. Nian stared fixedly at Yun Yang, and only slowly broke into a smile moments later. "I am very careful with the amount of tea leaves I used whenever I make this tea, for I fear that I''ll never have the chance to savor such a taste again if I finish it. Hence, since a year ago, I''ve stopped drinking this tea, for there is only enough to make it one last time." "I wanted to keep this one last brew to enjoy it with the Nine Supremes that way, I wouldn''t be insulting the existence of such a tea." "When this tea is finished, the Nine Supremes shall never be heard of again in this world." 811 You Have Doubts, I Have Questions Yun Yang responded with a slight smile. "Even once is considered one too many times to have this Tea of the Nine Supremes consumed by the Nine Supremes, so there is really no need for a tea farmer like you to exist any longer. Since the tea farmer will cease to exist, nobody else will be able to make this tea. Is this what you mean, Mr. Nian?" He heaved a sigh of disappointment. "Come to think of it, this poor tea farmer has thoroughly exerted himself. The many years of hard work consumed in a single sip, and he will be void of a purpose a terrible pity, indeed. These circumstances made me think of slaves as part of a big family trying their very best to win favors, yet they fail to get their master''s affections. A fate like that is unspeakably tragic." Mr. Nian simply shook his head. "Oh well, I''ve tried I can''t seem to enrage you." "Likewise. Mr. Nian, your self-restraint is strong. This humble one is equally impressed." "If that''s the case, let''s just talk about the real reason why we''re here. I''ve been beating around the bush my entire life, but in contrast, now, I prefer getting straight to the point." "I''ve never enjoyed beating around the bush," Yun Yang replied. Ji Lingxi, who was listening to their conversation from a corner, was dumbfounded. All this while, you both have been jabbing at each other in a roundabout way, leaving me completely clueless, and now you both actually agreed to not beat around the bush I am completely appalled at your level of shamelessness! With such thick hides, you might as well ascend to the heavens already! The two of them sat facing each other, the air around them diffused with the tea''s fragrant aroma. They were wearing gentle smiles on their faces as they sat with a dignified demeanor, their expressions relaxed. If Ji Lingxi was not aware of the complicated blood feud between those two, she would have thought that they were a pair of best friends having a casual banter over some tea. "The Four Seasons Tower is above worldly desires. Since thousands of years ago, they were at the top of the world, unrivaled, second-to-none," Yun Yang began. "In fact, before Tianxuan Cliff back then, we, the brotherhood of the Nine Supremes, had heard of the Four Seasons Tower, and we truly admired and respected them - a lot more than the so-called School of the Kismet State. Both of them could not be similarly compared." "To us back then, the Four Seasons Tower''s renowned power and incredible strength in Tianxuan was an ambition we desired for ourselves." Yun Yang let out a gentle sigh. "However this was something that had never crossed our minds that the Four Seasons Tower was the one who had placed a kill order on us, that the Four Seasons Tower was the one who ruthlessly executed the kill. Until now, even when I''ve already fought through most of Four Seasons Tower''s ranks, I still don''t understand why we stand here, face-to-face on opposing ends, in such an irreconcilable manner!" He raised his head and looked at Mr. Nian, smiling, "Perhaps you can answer my doubts, Mr. Nian?" The expression upon Mr. Nian''s face did not shift one bit. He gently blew on the foam on his tea. "Are there any more questions, Lord Supreme Cloud? Do shoot all of them out, this reputed one shall try my best to answer them." "Of course there are. I survived the tragedy of that fateful day, and have since rolled out my plans of revenge. However, as I was executing my revenge, just as I was feeling elated and proud of myself from finding the Four Seasons Tower''s men from throngs of people after days of painstaking lookouts, meticulous planning, and laborious research, at the same moment, I was worried that the Four Seasons Tower''s retribution might arrive anytime." "However, even until I got rid of the Four Seasons Tower''s Supreme Lord Spring Frost, I still have yet to encounter a real form of revenge by the Four Seasons Tower." "In the process of dealing with the forces of the Four Seasons Tower, I can say that many men were deployed by the Four Seasons Tower, ranked from the lowest to highest levels respectively. However, in terms of whether or not they were a threat to me they weren''t at all. It was this very reason that caused my suspicions to grow." "Moving on, besides those who were sent over at the beginning, which were caught by yours truly I''ve got a feeling that all these men especially the Five Venerable Lords were deliberately sent over by the governing council of the Four Seasons Tower just to have me finish them off." "This feeling grew even more evident when I met the two civil and martial officials. When it finally came to Summer, Autumn and Winter you could say it was as if I had the entire list of names in my hands. Although it had gone through Wu Ying instead, something seemed a little out of place. The Four Seasons Tower had reveled in good reputation since the beginning of time in the land of Tianxuan so how could a slip-up of this degree even happen?" "Pray tell, why is that so?" Mr. Nian wore a slight smile as he poured tea, giving no further comments. "You first struck a perpetually unresolvable feud with us, the Nine Supremes, then sent men from the lowest to the highest of ranks to die under my blade, having me eliminate them one by one. These self-destructive moves of yours are truly inexplicable." Yun Yang continued. "I believe that if it wasn''t because you''ve gone completely crazy, then it must have been for some other significant purpose! The most confusing thing was although I knew you had a greater purpose behind this, I still can''t release those men whom you''ve sent over I can only kill them all! However, with every man I kill, I can''t help but feel that you are inching closer to your final goal. The fact that you''re using somebody else to do your dirty work is truly amazing, yet infuriating at the same time!" "Come to this very day, we have agreed to a final battle. Since now is the moment, these mysteries should be unraveled." Yun Yang continued. "I am ashamed. I''ve always prided myself over my unrivaled intelligence as I''m always thinking a step ahead, yet I still can''t figure this out. Please enlighten me." Mr. Nian exhaled gently and smiled. "Not bad not bad at all. These state of affairs certainly have other reasons behind them. Lord Supreme Cloud, your ability to judge the Tower''s strength, goals and even self-cognition is very accurate indeed. Supreme Wit you truly live up to your name. The real reason itself is a little unusual anyway it is completely reasonable that you might not have figured it out or managed to think it through!" He looked at Yun Yang, a smile etched across his face. "Anything else besides that? What else do you wish to be answered?" Yun Yang returned his smile. "These two questions should be sufficient. You should list your own questions next." "Well, yes I do have a few queries in mind for you, Lord Supreme Cloud. The secrets behind the Residence of Nine Supremes are the ones that I am most curious about; also how did you manage to maintain your identity with such secrecy? If it wasn''t for the sudden intervention by the School of the Kismet State, this reputed one would have still remained in the dark and not known that Lord Supreme Cloud had always been in plain sight, and had even dealt personally with a few of my men." A light smile flitted across his face. "Just like how you said, Lord Supreme Cloud after today''s battle, the Four Seasons Tower might just vanish from the martial world permanently; the other possibility would be you, Lord Supreme Cloud, might just be put into an eternal slumber; now that we''ve arrived at this ultimatum, there is truly no secret that cannot be shared." "Do elaborate." Mr. Nian gave a good-natured laugh. "It seems like Lord Supreme Cloud is expecting me to answer first." "I was the one who asked first, so I should get the answers one step ahead!" Yun Yang replied calmly. Mr. Nian burst out in laughter but made no move to respond. He lapsed into silence as if he was arranging his stream of thoughts. Locking his gaze onto the puffs of aroma from the tea, he began, albeit slowly, "For so long, the Four Seasons Tower has upheld the tradition, yet now, for the first time in forever, we are pushed into a desperate, you-die-or-I-die situation. Although I might have purposely instigated this entire thing, it might also be dictated by the power of destiny, or perhaps, it is the work of both destiny and human intervention." "I need to begin from the tradition of the Four Seasons Tower to address the root of the matter." "The skies have clear and dark days, and the years have their seasons," Mr. Nian started. "That fateful year, I was eighteen, and I was one of the five disciple-leaders of the Four Seasons Tower." Yun Yang mused silently; The Four Seasons Tower is truly extraordinary they went as far as having five disciple-leaders! 812 When Nine Stars Grace The Skies Mr. Nian looked as if he was recalling his oldest memories. "There''s no need to think too much. Between the five disciple-leaders, one would be chosen to take over the position of Mr. Nian. The four others would also live with honor and glory, enjoying positions of power there would not be much conflict or dispute regarding this, for this has always been the tradition of the Four Seasons Tower. Back then, my master was almost three-thousand years old. He was at the end of his time, and would very likely pass on at any moment. We were to complete a task given by him, and those who managed to achieve it would be the Tower''s next successor; the other four who did not succeed will be Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter respectively the four Seasons and a Year that make up the highest level of hierarchy in the organizational structure of the Four Seasons Tower." "Well, you may have already made the connection by now. Every leader of the Four Seasons Tower all had the last name Nian, or to put it in another way all of them are called Mr. Nian1," Mr. Nian stated nonchalantly. "My real name is Feng Xiange yes, that is my original name!" "The task given by my master wasn''t unfamiliar. It was the Four Seasons Tower''s existing and unchanging end goal the location of God''s Gates!" "I believe that Lord Supreme Cloud would''ve heard parts of the incident regarding God''s Bones from the three Venerable Lords. However, God''s Grave had a great secret it would relocate itself every three hundred and sixty-five years, which brings us back to the task itself the objective of the task was to find and confirm its new location!" "For that mission, I was the first one to find the grave, so I took on the role as the new Mr. Nian. Furthermore, as I was searching for God''s Gates, I coincidentally came across the realignment of the stars. I jammed the Stargates with a weapon, accidentally causing God''s Grave to be permanently positioned, never to relocate itself again! I accomplished a great deed within the ranks of the Four Seasons Tower, and there was no hesitation in making me the kingpin of the Tower." "However, from that time onwards, I understood the Four Seasons Tower''s true mission or perhaps, the key to the survival of Four Seasons Tower, so to speak." "God''s Bones certainly have miraculous abilities its power is unprecedentedly vast. However, once it is obtained, it cannot be stopped, or else, those who use it would suffer ramifications by the spiritual forces governing God''s Bones. Also, there are certain limitations in obtaining God''s Bones it would not always be there when one requires it numerous elders of the Four Seasons Tower have always failed at this stage." "After the permanent relocation of God''s Bones, I procured the final will of the founders and studied them over and over again, focusing on one particular phrase, ''When nine stars grace the skies, one shall either ascend the Nine Heavens or sink into everlasting nothingness!" Mr. Nian''s eyes were unreadable when he glanced at Yun Yang. "...When nine stars grace the skies the Residence of Nine Supremes appeared in Tianxuan. From that moment, the feud between the Four Seasons Tower and your side...had thus been established!" "To protect the Four Seasons Tower from sinking into everlasting nothingness, we had to stop the Nine Supremes from ascending to the Nine Heavens!" Yun Yang could not help sighing to himself; this was really quite an unexpected disaster. The first-generation master of the Four Seasons Tower was really quite astounding passing down a prophecy like this since a thousand years ago. "If there was a choice, who wouldn''t want to just enjoy life, focusing on their path and practice? Yet, when the nine stars aligned, the Residence of Nine Supremes had really graced the world with its presence. Is this destiny, or fate?" Mr. Nian''s voice was full of heavy sighs. "Since the prophecy on the alignment of nine stars came true as predicted, then the two outcomes of ''ascending Nine Heavens'' or ''sinking into nothingness'' could not be avoided," Mr. Nian continued nonchalantly. "However, there must be some sort of reason behind the existence of such a prophecy. Where there''s an effect, there must be a cause, vice versa this is just how the universe operates. Therefore, I tried to search for that cause, thinking that if I could find the reason behind this, or if I could find a key variable that could affect or disrupt this fated outcome, it would be advantageous to our side." "The events developed and rolled out with that as the starting point. The first foreseeable event was undoubtedly the alignment of the nine stars, whose effect could be a threat to the Four Seasons Tower, or perhaps, an opportunity. As long as we managed to seize this opportunity, we could avoid perishing into nothingness. Lord Supreme Cloud, from your point of view, does my understanding make any sense?" Mr. Nian questioned. Yun Yang heaved another breath. "There''s not an ounce of wrongness in this. If it was me, I''ll see it that way too." Danger accompanied by opportunity everybody should understand what it meant. Yet, in face of a critical moment, not many people truly understood how to react to the problem. Clearly, the Four Seasons Tower and Mr. Nian chose the most efficient method to go about it, which brought about the battle at Tianxuan Cliff, followed by the tragedy of the Nine Supremes! "When the Residence of Nine Supremes emerged as nine stars graced the skies, I didn''t make any move, for I was unsure about the second half of the prophecy back then. Blindly making a move would only result in a waste of effort. It was followed by the arrival of the Nine Supremes in the world, who promptly began to establish their presences. As the Nine Supremes made their presence even more established, the providence of the Four Seasons Tower accumulated over a period of time, even as it gradually showed traces of decline and disintegration. With such evidence, there was no need to hesitate any further." "Moving on, although the situation had escalated to this point, I did not have the slightest intent to vanquish the Nine Supremes. I had not discovered the root of the problem and I still didn''t understand the premise behind this prophecy. Even if I went on with it forcefully by finishing off the Nine Supremes, I would only appear to be a puppet governed by prophecy, dutifully following it through and fulfilling it." "Following countless analysis and research, I finally confirmed that the providence of the Four Seasons Tower is intertwined with God''s Grave we are one. However, the providence of God''s Grave and the destiny of the Residence of Nine Supremes are inversely proportional to each other in other words, if the Residence of Nine Supremes thrives, God''s Grave will decline, vice versa. After confirming this fact, we tried different sorts of ways, like attempting to drain away the providence of the Nine Supremes using different methods, or taking it away forcefully. The matter that frustrates us most and rendered us utterly helpless was that the Residence''s providence cannot be siphoned away at all. As one blooms, the other one falters no external force will be able to change this!" "With no other choice, we could only use the most extreme of ways destroy the Residence of the Nine Supremes!" "Since then, I started sending my men to attack the Residence of Nine Supremes, employing the most direct of methods." Yun Yang gave a long sigh. "So that''s how it is. This is the truth." When the Residence of Nine Supremes first appeared, and when the Nine Supremes were newly formed, the Residence had suffered wave after wave of attacks someone out there wanted to remove the Residence from this world. The level of these attacks was no joking matter. However, all of them suffered the backlash produced by the Residence itself. Anyone who came forth to attack the Residence would die from it, regardless of their levels or delegation their lives were taken away all the same! Hence, that was why Yun Yang and the rest never got to find out the ranks of these incoming assailants they were all dead anyway, there was no point in arguing about it. Moreover, there was no room to even argue about it even if they wanted to, for what was left of the people who suffered the rebound effects was only a pile of ash and crushed bones there was nothing left of them to identify. So, those men back then were from the Four Seasons Tower. The fight between the Nine Supremes and the Four Seasons Tower had already commenced much earlier one party was just not aware of it. "After three rounds of probing, everyone was dead from the backlash. These men who participated in these three round of raids were men tenderly handpicked by myself. The first raid was conducted by scholars, the second raid consisted of the Five Venerable Lords, and the third raid consisted of only two men men who were pinnacle experts of their time with levels only slightly lower than mine." "Not only did the forces from the three raids fail to destroy the Residence of Nine Supremes, but they were also all killed by the ensuing backlash. This only further proved that the Residence of Nine Supremes truly could not be destroyed." "Since the Residence of the Nine Supremes could not be destroyed, the only way to secure a happy ending for the Four Seasons Tower was to eliminate the Nine Supremes themselves." "However, credit needs to be given where it is due the Nine Supreme''s duty of keeping this a secret is truly impressive totally foolproof," Mr. Nian sighed. "Even I, who tried my best, could not discover the profiles and details of the Nine Supremes I could not even obtain the basic movements and intelligence on the Nine Supremes." "The Nine Supremes heroes who contributed greatly to Yutang''s cause and who had shown themselves countless times on Yutang''s battlefields were not restricted by an imperial power, nor forces of the military, Board of Civil Appointments or any department of Yutang at all. It''s funny how an extraordinary thing like this could happen." "Running out of options, I started to direct the Tower''s men to infiltrate Yutang an infiltration which was a step more in-depth and holistic than what was ever done before." "However, in this entire process, our providence experienced a new development a change which was strange to the core. A change like this had never happened in the entire term of the Four Seasons Tower''s existence!" Translator Note: 1Mr.Nian (nin xin shng): As stated in earlier chapters, Nian means year. A year consists of four seasons, thus the name Four Seasons Tower and its leader''s title as Mr. Nian. 813 An Aggravating Elimination! When Mr. Nian reached this point, he heaved a long sigh, finally unable to hold it in. "Originally, with the Four Seasons Tower''s forces expanding their infiltration deeper into Yutang, I expected this to cause more disruption for the Nine Supremes. However, as more men of the Tower infiltrated Yutang, the providence of the Nine Supremes blossomed even more. These bizarre circumstances made me even more helpless than ever, for this situation only justified that regardless of who I sent over, they would only contribute to Yutang''s power and increase the providence of the Nine Supremes. For all we knew, the man could be a spy who fostered malicious intent to Yutang, yet the outcome would be entirely opposite." "The providence of the Four Seasons Tower inevitably grew weaker by the moment. However, God''s Grave was easier to enter after my plans were in motion, and relatively, God''s Bones were easier to obtain. This only proved that the strategies I formulated were useful after all." "Hence, the key to the survival of both parties lied in whether or not I could eradicate the Nine Supremes at the root if I could put an end to the possibility of them ascending to the Nine Heavens." Mr. Nian continued, "At this point, I believe that with Lord Supreme Cloud''s impeccable wisdom, you should understand the history of everything by now, right?" "Yes, I understand I understand everything now!" "It''s a shame that this affair did not just end here there was so much more to it," Mr. Nian laughed bitterly. "I conspired with Dongxuan and orchestrated the battle at Tianxuan Cliff. Dongxuan sent their military personnel to aggravate the situation, forcing the Nine Supremes to show up and assist in the battle; we also planted our men within your ranks to be updated on the Nine Supremes'' every move. In the end, all of you made your way up to Tianxuan Cliff to ambush Dongxuan, walking right into our trap. Well, you, Supreme Cloud, were one of the key individuals involved in this matter so there is no need for me to go on further." "Precisely after that battle that wiped out eight Supremes the battle in which you, Supreme Cloud, miraculously survived the providence of the Four Seasons Tower suddenly experienced an overwhelming transformation. Our providence escalated instantly, increasing almost ten-fold, reaching heights even beyond the time of our most prosperous reign in the past! Mr. Nian continued, nonchalantly. "From that point on, members of the Four Seasons Tower found that their providence and cultivation bases experienced growth and improvement; only those those who were deployed to finish you off did not experience such an effect." "Supreme Cloud, who was the only one left, was never found so it can''t be said that we''ve completed our job." Yun Yang was suddenly hit by a moment of epiphany. "So the reason that you allowed those men to purposely expose themselves was to have me help you eliminate them just to have their providence return to the Four Seasons Tower, and to prevent your own from draining away?" "Of course it wasn''t just that. My bigger wish was to reach my goal by following the breadcrumbs, to know who Supreme Cloud is he who had concealed himself for the longest time and put an end to this, once and for all. However, it''s a shame that Lord Supreme Cloud appears to be a little too vigilant." "Quite the contrary, when the providence of these men was returned, the providence for the rest of the Tower''s forces blossomed even more. It was especially useful in nurturing God''s Bones. The surging providence improved the coalescence between God''s Bones and the human body by a large degree, making the union even more compatible. Thus, I concluded that as long as we have a sufficient amount of providence, all of the twelve sets of God''s Bones would eventually be in the Tower''s possession one day." Yun Yang frowned. "I don''t understand. It''s not that I don''t understand what you''re saying I just find the logic behind your statements hard to digest." Mr. Nian chuckled bitterly. "I have not figured out that particular part myself. Those who perished were all my men of the Four Seasons Tower, yet why did they get embedded into Yutang''s providence after they went to Yutang regardless of how they had malicious intent, regardless of being spies, or how they had caused harm to the nation and its people?" "Or perhaps these men after basking in the providence from the other side could still possess such an effect even if their providence was returned to the Four Seasons Tower after their deaths I can''t seem to understand this part even more." Mr. Nian uttered. "Eventually, I resigned myself to acknowledge it as the wondrous mysteries behind the Residence of Nine Supremes. This, perhaps, could be an opportunity or a favorable development." "The Four Seasons Tower, you were against us because of this very reason" Yun Yang murmured, sighing softly. "Now I''ve finally understood everything." Mr. Nian smiled. "Whatever you understood was only half of it. As for the other half, you''ll know the answers once you enter God''s Grave if you win the battle today. However, if you lose, well there''s nothing much to say about it." Mr. Nian straightened his body and glanced at Yun Yang. "Now, it is my turn to question you!" "Please speak. Whatever that I can answer, I will answer everything to the best of my capabilities without holding back," Yun Yang replied calmly. "Being able to talk openly with one''s sworn enemy before a deathmatch will truly render people like you and me with no regrets, whether we live or die." Mr. Nian burst out in laughter. "First of all how did you manage to hide your identity as Lord Supreme Cloud? We''ve investigated the backgrounds and identities of the Nine Supremes to the best of our capabilities, be it pre- or post- battle at Tianxuan Cliff. Somehow, our efforts amounted to nothing. If it wasn''t for the lingering lifeforce of the Nine Supremes after that fateful battle, this reputed one would''ve thought that we have completely eliminated the Nine Supremes. Supreme Cloud Yun Yang you are a man whom the Tower has dealt with the most, yet you could still come this far, maintaining your anonymity without leaving the slightest trace impressive, indeed!" "Secondly, what is the mystery behind the Residence of Nine Supremes? Or perhaps I should say what are the secrets behind it? Till this day, there shouldn''t be any more questions shrouded with more secrecy than this!" "Is that all the questions you want to ask, Mr. Nian? These two are essentially the same question," Yun Yang replied calmly. "Oh?" "Honestly, Supreme Cloud has never tried to hide from the Four Seasons Tower. I was always in plain sight." Mr. Nian grimaced. "It was precisely this point that had to cause a terrible outcome like this today!" "After the battle at Tianxuan Cliff, I noticed that the lifeforce of the Nine Supremes was weak, but still not completely erased. From my queries with Gu Chaliang and the rest, I realized someone among the Nine Supremes had managed to escape from the clutches of death. Using the lingering traces of lifeforce as our lead, we manage to track and pinpoint your location to be in Tiantang City. We''ve inspected almost every person in Tiantang City, barely leaving anyone out, and that includes you." Mr. Nian was clearly feeling perplexed regarding the decision made on that fateful day and its unimaginable outcome. He reiterated, "In truth, you the infamous Young Master Yun who had an incredibly low cultivation base were among the first batch of suspects to be eliminated" Yun Yang spluttered. He could not help but feel amused at Mr. Nian''s theory. He certainly did not expect to be among the firsts to be ruled out from the list of suspects based on Four Seasons Tower''s intelligence How did this God-like logic come about? Notoriety and the infamy of being a well-known fop was not the greatest way to conceal one''s identity. You couldn''t say that this was a fault from coincidentally being in the blind spot! "In this particular aspect, the Four Seasons Tower had truly conducted an enormous error of judgment!" Mr. Nian heaved a heavy sigh. "If it wasn''t for that, we wouldn''t have gone easy on you, allowing you the opportunity to start afresh and steer away from your doomed fate perhaps, this entire farce would''ve ended way earlier, and the outcome would''ve transformed into a completely different one." "During the first round of inspection, all the well-known young masters of Yutang like the young masters of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter households respectively, and Yutang''s king of all fops, ''good-for-nothing'' Young Master Yun were eliminated foremost. Back then, Lord Supreme Spring Frost was personally in charge of that inspection he was the one who personally listed down the first batch of suspects to be ruled out sigh!" "You you good-for-nothing Young Master Yun Yang you were number one on that list. Which also meant in the eyes of He Hanqing back then, you were the most unlikely person to be Supreme Cloud!" "In retrospect, that decision seemed painfully absurd and ridiculous, doesn''t it? It was simply the most aggravating decision ever made!" 814 A Justified Defeat! Even with Mr. Nian''s excellent composure, he could not help but feel a heart-wrenching ache when he reached this point. "At that moment, He Hanqing imagined that particular Supreme would surely be someone with a low profile. He would be especially vigilant since he was the only one left, and he would not show himself in public. Hence, anyone who was particularly flashy and ostentatious should not be included in the inspection process, especially someone who was known to be ''good-for-nothing'' like Young Master Yun Yang. There was a proverb that goes, a person''s name might be wrong sometimes, but his moniker would never be. This reputed one agreed with this statement this is just something that men would naturally be inclined to believe, so this is not a fault to be blamed for." "Still, this was so unexpected. That little oversight, that mere assumption had caused the Four Seasons Tower to made the biggest mistake ever!" Mr. Nian shook his head helplessly and gave a bitter chuckle. Yun Yang smiled slightly a smile rimmed with an inexplicable iciness. Refreshing his far-away memories, his other brothers among the Nine Supremes had opted to adopt a low profile. He and his eighth brother had acted otherwise, concealing themselves within the ranks of the imperial court and throwing out some strategies to cover up the truth. He could never imagine that this was the reason that saved his life! "Good-for-nothing!" It was a nickname a label that had been stuck with him for the longest time. Never in this world did he expect a residual moniker from after the war to become his talisman instead! "This should be treated as a humorless joke, yet it was one that was unusually fatal. With this blunder as a start, we proceeded to conduct the second and third round of inspections on the others after eliminating you lot" Hilarity bubbled within Yun Yang. However, when he came to think of it, it made sense. Who would''ve thought to waste their efforts on someone who had already been eliminated from the first round of inspections a person whose identity was confirmed to not be the said person of interest? Nobody would do such a thing. Unless, of course, they had decided to recalibrate the direction of the manhunt after settling with the fact that this was not the way to go. Clearly, He Hanqing never appeared to wait till this moment. "Later on, there were others who suggested to restart the inspection from the beginning. A few Venerable Lords that had the opportunity to deal with you after that could feel that you were different from the common folk. You were unusually active, your strength grew at a shocking speed, but then your relationship with Ling Xiaozui soon surfaced and was revealed to all" A bitter expression was etched across Mr. Nian''s face. "With the appearance of a ruthless killing machine like Ling Xiaozui, the best opportunity to hunt down Supreme Cloud had been thwarted completely in fear of harming our own in the process. The reluctance to provoke a pinnacle expert like Ling Xiaozui was a part of our fears, after all, as the Four Seasons Tower was facing a critical matter of our own survival; we naturally would not wish to engage and provoke a strong opponent like Ling Xiaozui." "Another aspect we considered was that the massive improvement in your cultivation base can be largely credited to Ling Xiaozui''s presence. After all, judging by Ling Xiaozui''s strength, the fact that your abilities could gain such a large improvement in such a short span of time was not too strange if you both shared a close relationship. In fact, it seemed perfectly reasonable." "Come to think of it now, although Ling Xiaozui was incredibly strong, his fortune was limited; it would be tough to train and nurture a teen expert in such a short time. It''s truly a shame that the entire Four Seasons Tower was as blind as a bat for missing out such a massive giveaway we had even painstakingly set up an alibi for you instead and released you. An outcome like this had made this reputed one truly speechless!" "Later, your name would appear before me in various instances. For example, that event where the four Venerable Lords faced off against a particular brat, or the incident when you rushed to offer aid to the Fortress of Resilience. All these happened right under my nose, yet it was promptly overlooked because of a reason like this!" "If time could be reversed, I would kill him personally that Supreme Lord Spring Frost He Hanqing I would murder him a hundred times over!" A fleeting smile flashed across Mr. Nian''s face, yet the ominous undertone in his words was unmistakably clear. He raised his head to meet Yun Yang''s gaze. "An inspection like that was equivalent to sending the Four Seasons Tower''s entire stronghold to perish under your blade! If it wasn''t for that, this entire farce would''ve ended long ago!" "If time could be reversed, I would love to go for a drink with this revered Elder He. He had dedicated his entire life to protect Yutang none of his efforts were wasted at all," Yun Yang replied casually. Stubbed by Yun Yang''s words, Mr. Nian heaved a disdainful snort, nearly unwilling to go on. "Of course, there was something else that erased all the doubt initially placed on you. You never seemed to appear as if you had someone reporting to you; well, as we all know, the Nine Supremes were needed to activate the force belonging to Nine Heavens Dictum but the mysterious force was clearly brimming with action. We tried to prove that it was you, Supreme Cloud, that was controlling its actions, or to prove your so-called ''innocence'' yet every time it was active, you, Yun Yang, seemed to not be stirring up anything. You''ve never even met a single stranger come to think of it now, this must have been another way to hide!" "Regarding this point, you''ve simply overestimated my capabilities, Mr. Nian. It''s a shame that you''ve never been into the Residence of Nine Supremes," Yun Yang replied, calm. "There is a mysterious existence known as the Nine Heavens Dictum in the Residence that was the key to my control over the force that belonged to the Nine Heavens Dictum!" Mr. Nian''s expression hardened. "Oh?" "Nine Heavens Dictum; this is the name of a group known to all as the force under the Nine Supremes. However, to me, it''s merely an authorization tally. I''ll be able to instruct the Nine Heavens Dictum to do anything through it, no matter how much distance is between us, even if we are a thousand miles apart." Yun Yang continued calmly. "Therefore, to determine whether or not I was Supreme Cloud based on my relationship with the Nine Heavens Dictum is doomed to be wrong this had always been an unrealistic deduction since the beginning. It isn''t a mistake caused by this reason shame, indeed!" The calm demeanor Mr. Nian had been wearing since the start of the conversation had finally cracked. "Really? Can a mysterious entity like this exist in this world?" "Perhaps you wouldn''t believe me, Mr. Nian, but in truth even those who serve under the Nine Heavens Dictum wouldn''t know who Supreme Cloud is, or what is Supreme Cloud''s real identity. Since the beginning of time, they could only confirm one thing: besides the unique cultivation methods exclusive to the Nine Supremes, nobody else could use the Nine Heavens Dictum to convey messages. Hence, those who are able to convey messages must be one of the Nine Supremes!" For a long moment, Mr. Nian was stunned into silence. Finally, he let out a bitter chuckle. "So that''s the truth so even if we, the Four Seasons Tower, had lost in the aspect of information and intelligence, our defeat is justified it was not a mistake due to our faults!" Yun Yang only gave a smile in response, neither confirming or denying his words. Mr. Nian''s message was clear: in an era where communication was still heavily reliant on horseback and pigeons, a mind-blowing form of communication like this one that could cover a range as far as a thousand miles could exist in this world. Just as everyone was scrutinizing the physical communication routes, the Nine Supremes had already completed the job, although they were thousands of miles apart... If they did not lose, it would be the most bizarre thing in the face of this world. "This is one of the core secrets behind the Residence of Nine Supremes," Yun Yang continued. "Would you like to know the other secrets behind the Residence, Mr. Nian?" "If Lord Supreme Cloud is willing to share, this humble one will naturally be willing to listen and improve his knowledge," Mr. Nian sighed gently. Observing Mr. Nian''s poised demeanor, Yun Yang sighed in return. "The way you carry yourself and your demeanor, Mr. Nian, is extraordinary it makes me think of a proverb." Mr. Nian expressed a fleeting smile. "''You started out a good man why be a bandit?''" "Not bad, not bad! You know exactly what I was thinking of!" Mr. Nian chuckled. "What does it mean to be a good man? What does it mean to be a bandit?" Yun Yang was silent for a moment. Eventually, he broke out into a smile. "Well, due to a difference in opinions, now we''re rivals of life and death." "Correct. Rivals of life and death due to a difference in perspectives," Mr. Nian heaved a slow, soft sigh. 815 No Lies At The End Of The Path "Your explanation this time around has really assuaged my doubts, Lord Supreme Cloud, but I am truly delighted to know that you regard us as rivals of life and death." "If that is truly the case, there is no harm to have Lord Supreme Cloud divulge further the secrets behind the Residence of Nine Supremes. This reputed one has lived a good, long life, and I''ve had my fair share of knowledge and experiences, yet this is the first time I''ve met with such an unusual event." Mr. Nian smiled as he continued. A cynical smirk broke out across Yun Yang''s face. "The secrets behind the Residence of Nine Supremes only belong to the Nine Supremes. I''ve already mentioned the frank truth earlier only the cultivation methods exclusive to the Nine Supremes can activate the secrets concealed within the Residence of Nine Supremes, and no other would possess these techniques besides the Nine Supremes. Therefore, as for the so-called secrets behind the Residence, it will not add to any benefit, Mr. Nian, even if you have such knowledge, for they will only be a burden to you. Nature and its mysteries would naturally exceed the boundaries of our understanding by so much more so why demand the answers, especially now when the Residence of Nine Supremes has already vanished?" For the first time in the entire time, there was a slight change in Mr. Nian''s expression. "Vanished? Was it not concealed by Lord Supreme Cloud with some secret technique to not leave it out in plain sight?" Yun Yang returned the question with a wry smile on his own face. "I know you have always lusted after the Residence of Nine Supremes, Mr. Nian, but now it''s a little too late to do anything about." "Too late?" Mr. Nian murmured, perplexed. "Too late, indeed. The destiny of the Residence of Nine Supremes has already ended such a deific entity should never overstay its due in the mortal realm, right? Furthermore our Daos are different from each other," Yun Yang reaffirmed. "Men with different Daos need no reason to collude," Mr. Nian murmured after a smile. "The secrets behind the Residence of Nine Supremes could possibly be as numerous. Any more will not add to your benefit, and it''ll only add to your worries." Mr. Nian''s eyes reflected traces of iciness. "Whatever it is, this reputed one has finally untangled one of the greatest doubts in my heart. I have to thank you, Lord Supreme Cloud, for this. Nine Heavens Dictum, hoho, that''s a good one." Yun Yang held his tea and took a sip. "The tea is really good," he murmured. Mr. Nian was silent for a moment. "Such a shame the tea has gone cold." Yun Yang sniggered. "The words have all been uttered, the tea has grown cold; God''s plans will always supersede our own fate always has a way of toying with men." Mr. Nian smiled slightly. "The other day, when Lord Supreme Cloud suggested having this battle, I thought he''d be full of confidence, yet here he is, talking about destiny, so on and so forth. Judging by the situation now and looking at how Lord Supreme Cloud has only brought along one other companion to attend this deathmatch I don''t know if you''re placing blind faith in destiny, or you''re underestimating the Four Seasons Tower!" Yun Yang''s eyelids were half-closed. "Mr. Nian, if you don''t believe in destiny, why is there a need to imprison Gu Chaliang for years? When the Nine Supremes were not eliminated completely since the day of that battle at Tianxuan Cliff, it was already proven who such destiny shall belong to. The ending of this realm''s matters and the avenging of wrongdoings are sorted out as they should have been." "Since we met, I''ve already understood the meaning behind Lord Supreme Cloud''s words, but now I understood it even more. Lord Supreme Cloud, you are truly loyal to the nation and to the people. You are truly the world''s number one hero you are literally what they call a noble patriot!" Mr. Nian replied indifferently. "It''s such a shame that this Tea of the Nine Supremes will vanish from this world forever!" Mr. Nian let out a melancholic sigh. "The Nine Supremes will also disappear from the face of the earth that''s a shame as well." Hands behind his back, he slowly made his way outwards as he calmly informed, "Supreme Cloud, today, Tianxuan Cliff is filled with the pinnacle forces of the Four Seasons Tower. They consist of the twelve heirs of God''s Bones, alongside the brothers of the Four Seasons Tower''s twelve Months; furthermore, there are also the four Season Bearers Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, respectively. Finally, there is me, the leader of the Four Seasons Nian!" "The twenty-nine men here are the pinnacle forces of Four Seasons Tower they are the ultimate pillar of strength we possess." "In other words, if you have it in you to kill all twenty-nine men here, there will never be a Four Seasons Tower in Tianxuan ever again!" Mr. Nian had already reached the gates. Yun Yang questioned quietly, "Would Tianxuan be the only one who will be rid of the Four Seasons Tower''s presence? What you meant is the Four Seasons Tower exists in other places?" Mr. Nian flashed a slight smile. "Perhaps there is, or perhaps there really isn''t. Bound of Universe is somewhere I''ve not stepped foot on!" Yun Yang remained silent. Mr. Nian''s physique vanished like a mass of dissipating fog when he reached the gates. "The Year and his four Seasons had already existed since the dawn of time, but the so-called Nine Supremes appeared out of the blue to challenge it. Supreme Cloud, focus on preparing yourself for battle. After an hour, we shall commence this battle of life and death to end this feud once and for all!" "I have no guarantees of victory in this battle, but I also believe that you, Lord Supreme Cloud, do not have confidence in winning this as well. However, when it comes to the final moment whether it is you who will walk the path of death, or it is me whose existence will be erased we will both have no regrets." "If you lop my head off, I hope you will drink to me and tell me the secrets you have not yet revealed. If I am the one to take your head I will, too, drink to you." The voice vanished. In the space of silence, the flawless tea set and table made out of exquisite jade had been abandoned by Mr. Nian without the slightest hint of regret. Throughout the exchange between the other two, Ji Lingxi had not uttered a single word. When Mr. Nian had left, and Yun Yang was left to his thoughts in a corner, she finally spoke out, "From how I see it, that Mr. Nian seems like a rather influential and impressionable character in the martial world. Good or evil aside, by merely judging his manners and demeanor, he is undoubtedly one of the best in the world." "Those who can rile up such drama in the martial world are there any who weren''t outstanding talents of the world? The Four Seasons Tower had conquered the martial world of Tianxuan and built a formidable name for themselves for over thousands of years the talents they possessed will be naturally outstanding. If Mr. Nian was not exceptionally skillful, how can he have the right to lead the Four Seasons Tower?" Yun Yang replied seriously. "To sum it up, it was nothing but a dispute caused by differences in perspective, yet when driven by fate, it had evolved into an unresolvable topic. Clearly, Mr. Nian and the Four Seasons Tower must finish me off before they can completely claim God''s Grave for themselves, assuming the position of God to achieve a great deed; on the contrary, I must eliminate the Four Seasons Tower from the root itself this is vengeance on behalf of my eight brothers!" "Whatever Mr. Nian has said today was all true he wasn''t lying in the slightest," Ji Lingxi replied. "There''s no doubt about this I was monitoring him telepathically with Ice Core Charm the entire time," said Ji Lingxi. "This is expected we owed each other that much. The battle today has always been the ultimate battle that determines each party''s survival there is no room for lies at a moment like this," replied Yun Yang solemnly. "Instead of pandering around with words and trickery, why not face and respect your opponent with sincerity? It is also a form of respect for our own life. He will not utter untruths at a moment like this." "When this one hour is up, what''s your strategy? Have you thought it out yet? Our opponent has many men on his side that much can''t be denied!" Ji Lingxi probed, more than a little worried. Yun Yang flashed a smile. "Who says it has to be twenty-nine men only? Even if there were more, why would that be a problem? We will fight till every one of them topples to the ground. It was my suggestion, and Mr. Nian has agreed to it. It was simply the way of life in the martial world purely the best way to resolve this dispute." "The final battle this time will be resolved entirely through the means of the martial world." "The surest way to resolve this by means of the martial world is no other than to fight, live or die!" 816 Cloud In The Skies, A Saber In The Clouds! An hour was not exactly a short period of time, but it was not exactly long either. However, to those who were waiting down below like Fu Baoguo and his troops, a few days would seem like years! Every moment felt like the passing of a year. As the tea brewed, and joss sticks burned down, with the sudden whisk of time everybody was anxious to the very core of their being! Lord Supreme Cloud had been in the mountains for a good length of time now. It has been almost half a day, why hasn''t there been the slightest action? What''s happening up there? No matter how much confidence they had in Lord Supreme Cloud, the crowd was still incredibly restless. Everybody was wearing a myriad of worried expressions and nobody was spared from concern. Fu Baoguo, who was standing in one corner, had an expression of restlessness clearly etched on his face. His usual steady and weathered composure as a great general was nowhere in sight. He clearly wore for all to see the expression of anxiousness. He paced around restlessly, and from time to time he would raise his head and direct his gaze to the mountains, heaving sighs between his breaths. "What''s going on?" "Why isn''t there the slightest bit of action going on up there?" "If this is the ultimate battle, what more a battle between pinnacle practitioners, how can it be so silent?" "Has the battle not commenced yet, or has it ended already?" "I''ve heard that when real experts fight, every move and motion happens within seconds. Perhaps" Every soldier beside him also had their hands tied, wishing that they could just march up the mountains to grant themselves a look. After a long, long time "Marshal! Why don''t I march up there to have a look," a general offered, anxiety etched across his face. "I really can''t stand waiting it out here like this." "That''s a good idea" The words had just left Fu Baoguo''s lips; the sound of his voice had not yet dissipated, yet suddenly, a roar filled with a murderous, ominous intensity broke the sheer silence, originating from the peak of the mountains. "Mr. Nian, let''s fight!" "That''s the voice of Lord Supreme Cloud!" Upon hearing that, Fu Baoguo stood up with renewed vigor, perked up and inspired. Everybody else had an invigorated look in their eyes as well. They felt themselves trembling involuntarily with excitement from merely hearing this voice! It was followed by an equally violent crash as if thunder had struck the land itself. The ground quivered, rocks split open and the skies ripped themselves apart although there was a good thirty-mile distance between them, everybody could still clearly feel the immense quivers beneath their feet. Some of the soldiers were even flung up by the force of the trembling, crash-landing onto the ground almost immediately. Yun Yang''s voice could be heard soaring through the air again. "Fu Baoguo, have your troops pull back thirty miles! The lives of the soldiers who defend the Fortress of Yutang cannot be sacrificed here in vain. Obey this command at once, nobody is allowed to go against it!" Fu Baoguo straightened up, wearing a respectful expression as he proclaimed solemnly, "This one will do as you command!" Although they were far apart, and although he could not see the other person at all, Fu Baoguo''s behavior was as if Supreme Cloud was standing just before him he stood tall and formal like he was receiving a direct order, not a single hair out of place. "Fall back, men quickly!" At this moment, loud, thundering roars erupted incessantly from the peak. The ultimate battle had finally commenced! As Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi stepped out of the gates of the Temple of the Nine Supremes, they found seven men standing before them, each of their beings looming with an intense, murderous aura. Leading them was a man who stood right in the middle, humbly garbed in green robes. His physique was as slim as a rod of bamboo in spring and had a clean-shaven look with an emerald jade flute in his hand. Among the other six people standing beside him, three were similarly garbed in green, while the other three were clothed in yellow robes. Contrary to their leader, whose murderous aura was undetectable, the other six men loomed ominously, their presences exuding malice at full blast, directed towards Yun Yang. "Lord Supreme Cloud, this is Spring of Four Seasons Tower, here to learn a thing or two," the green-robed man greeted with a hint of a smile. He wore a relaxed expression as if he had brought along a group of friends for a short leisurely walk when spring was in full swing. "How do I address you?" Yun Yang enquired. "Lord Supreme Cloud, you may just address me as Spring," said Spring standing before him, widening his smile elegantly as he spoke. "A few of my companions beside me these three they are January, February, and March respectively. The other three are God''s Envoys of the Tower. You must''ve already been aware of our ranks and identities from the long conversations you''ve had with our leader." "Spring three months and three envoys of God in a spring is this the most optimal formation the Four Seasons Tower could offer?" Yun Yang chuckled slightly. "Allow me to learn from your incredible techniques. Let''s see if the Four Seasons Tower''s revered reputation is as good as we have heard." "We would also like to have a taste of the renowned Lord Supreme Cloud''s superb abilities before our leader could," he gave a dashing smile. "We''ve danced in the dark with each other for so long, Lord Supreme Cloud, yet we''ve never had the chance to engage you directly. If the entire stronghold were to swarm in with an ambush this moment, that would be too kind to you, I''m afraid." Yun Yang offered a slight smile in return. "Understood." He truly did. Which one of them was not a pinnacle expert amongst this group of men? Within them, were there any who were not men of ego and arrogance? How could they bear to cast their ranks aside and attack him all at once, without ascertaining their opponent''s true strength? This was especially true since their opponent was a mere nuisance just a little while ago that would make them even more reluctant to make a huge fuss about it. "Lord Supreme Cloud, please!" Spring smiled, yet his demeanor was serious. Yun Yang returned his smile. "Please!" Right at the moment, dense Purple Qi surged ferociously within Yun Yang''s deific consciousness. Emmie''s rare activeness was not present. Instead, it was solemnly silent, attentively modding for Yun Yang, not daring to slack in the slightest. After all, even to Emmie, this was the most critical moment that would determine the difference between life or death! Mystical Qi surged vigorously within his dantian as Purple Qi could be seen slowly rising up Yun Yang''s face. However, he slowly extended his right arm. The fair, slender fingers stretched flat across his torso as he offered a slight smile, "The final battle shall commence now. Allow me to start with Spring. After this battle today, the Four Seasons shall cease to exist, and the year shall not be deemed complete!" ''Clang!'' A shrill, crystalline hum of the saber broke out in the sudden rumble, yet it was particularly moving as if the people''s heartstrings had been seized by a violent jolt. A magnificent, slender saber with an immaculately elegant and smooth blade materialized in Yun Yang''s palm. Under the harsh light of the sun, the body of the saber seemed to be swimming with an array of colorful hues, looking even more brilliant and splendorous. The long saber buzzed by itself in Yun Yang''s grasp like a bloodthirsty warrior that had finally found himself at the frontlines. It was an indescribable form of excitement and vigor, fuelled by a thirst for blood. "A good move!" Spring''s eyes shimmered with admiration. "Cloud in the skies, and a saber in the clouds; a man''s heart is like the clouds, and destiny is like a saber; let the hands of the cloud wield the saber of destiny to send you on your way!" Yun Yang exclaimed. He then raised his long saber over his head and roared, "Come and fight!" Before his voice could echo, a vicious slash had already descended in a diagonal motion, its magnitude massive and undeflectable released without a chance to retract! The power of that slash was undoubtedly extraordinary. However, in the eyes of the opponents, they were simply too far apart from each other, with a good five to six feet between them. If one strikes while remaining in their original position, how can they expect to defeat their foe? Sneers of disdain surfaced upon the faces of the seven men simultaneously. For a fight of such magnitude, what did it matter if he struck while standing so far away? Was this some form of intimidation, or merely a jest? There was no need to bother themselves with this kind of attack. Perhaps Supreme Cloud''s intentional attempt at faking a blow had gone terribly wrong due to overconfidence? At the very next moment, however, the faces of all seven men abruptly turned a different shade. 817 A Slash That Severs Life And Death! At that very last moment when Yun Yang''s saber was unleashed, it underwent an unexpected transformation right before everybody''s eyes. The moment the slash came plunging down from the skies, the snow-white saber, which was initially only three-feet long, underwent a sudden transformation, a massive and shocking metamorphosis! The moment it descended, it suddenly extended into a seventy-feet long saber. The initial diagonally-moving slash turned into one horizontal sweeping movement, enveloping all seven men at the same time without missing a single one! Furthermore, at that very moment, that mild, deliberately misleading tip of the blade suddenly took on the form of crackling lightning! The sudden increase in speed was more than tenfold its original velocity! Every single man sent by the Four Seasons Tower was a well-polished veteran, their lifetime''s worth of experience exceeding far more than a mere hundred battles. However, although the sum of their lifetimes might add up to nearly thousands of years, these seven men had never encountered such a bizarre situation! Please, you were wielding a saber and not some lightning from the skies how can it get so long upon your will? This was a transformation that exceeded the cognitive capabilities of every normal person who was present. The saber light had quickly transformed from mere lightning into a terrifying, fatal ray! The first among them to suffer the greatest blow were January, February, and March. They heavily misjudged the extent of the blow that came hurtling towards them in close quarters, delivering almost no response to counter it. In a glaring flash of energy, they were cut into two, losing their lives immediately! Even in their last moments, their faces were still wearing sneers of disdain! That strike had been planned thoroughly before Yun Yang even began his move. He had plotted with due consideration and did not hold back at all when he played his hand, slaying three men at one go. Although it had already successfully taken down three men, the force of the attack still did not falter by the slightest as it went after the fourth man with astonishing speed! The saber light rained down unforgivingly. In fact, the fourth man had also lost his life from this slash. However, when the blade swept across his waist as Yun Yang was putting an end to him, a loud sound was emitted upon impact. It was as if it had come into contact with an extremely hard piece of metal. Although the fourth man was still slain upon impact, this unparalleled force began to falter, coming to an inevitable halt. A strike like this did not belong to the mortal realm! When everybody finally came to their senses, everything had already ended! Everything had happened just a hair''s breadth away in such an abrupt manner. The emission of life-giving fluids only came moments later, spewing into the air in an upward, exploding motion as the stench of blood permeated the atmosphere and spilled into the surroundings. The remaining three men stared at Yun Yang in disbelief, then shifted their gaze to the ground, the rims of their eyes turning crimson. They had only begun to recover their senses at this moment. That move embodied such a formidable aura of death! The next emotion they felt churning within themselves was immeasurable wrath! Brothers-in-arms whom they have known and trained with for years comrades whom they have gone to battle with had died under the opponent''s blade just like that! All four of them! Furthermore, it was in the strangest of ways, under everybody''s watchful eyes. How could the rest simply let this affront slide? "Despicable!" Spring spat on the ground, unable to maintain his elegant conduct, his eyes nearly ripping out of their sockets in anger. "Despicable? Really?" "This is an ultimate battle after all, so whatever methods utilized shall be permissible. Go on and throw out your best This should already be a well-known fact, but I''m still used to reminding my opponents about this to enlighten the remainder of their lives, just in case they die without the knowledge of how they perished, bringing this regret to their graves. However, I feel something very strange about was this; you lot already knew that the battle had started, did you not? Although I was the one who delivered the first strike, you''re still able to dodge, couldn''t? Why didn''t you evade my strike? Can''t wait to die?" Yun Yang quizzed strangely, wielding Divine Edge in his grasp, which had already reverted into its original length. Infuriated by his words, the three of them nearly spat blood! Dodge? How could we dodge that attack? Never in this life have we dreamt of such an assault as strange as this how are we supposed to dodge that unimaginable attack? How would you have us dodge from that? Reminding your opponents to enlighten their lives, to prevent them from bringing hatred to their graves? With such words, why don''t you just ascend to the heavens already? You can go all out in being some noble advisor up there and enlighten every being! After all, all three of them were veterans highly experienced in combat and top practitioners whose cultivation bases were at their peak state. With a furious roar of release, they instantly calmed their state of mind. At the same moment, they retaliated brazenly, smoothly morphing into a ''Ʒ''-shaped formation, surrounding Yun Yang in all three directions. A saber, a sword, a flute, and their shrillness broke the silence of the winds the moment the sounds echoed through the peak, they sounded extraordinarily daunting. Divine Edge, which had, at this point, reverted to its original size, danced and swayed feverishly in Yun Yang''s grasp. The saber glowed in an array of changing hues, resisting the three men just in time. Although he was entirely encircled and trapped, he did not make the slightest retreat! Yun Yang, at a moment like this, still did not unleash Saber Truth: Destiny Blade as a form of attack. The real enemy had yet to appear how could Yun Yang expose his trump card just like that? However, the robust Mystical Qi rendered each and every strike of his with an unblockable, indefensible vigor. Spring and the other two envoys restrained the rage within their hearts as best as they could. They engaged in fierce battle and thrust their best efforts into it, trying their hardest to crush Yun Yang into a pile of bone and ash. However, even after they had combined all their strengths, they could only strike a draw against Yun Yang, never able to gain the slightest upper hand. Ji Lingxi stood at the side, watching the flight closely, and eventually heaved a sigh of relief. Yun Yang''s first strike had caught his opponents off-guard, eliminating more than half of their forces unexpectedly. He was more in control of the fight before him; there was nothing to worry about, for Yun Yang was mostly accumulating his strength during that so-called ambush to prepare for the fight later on. After all, there were at least twenty-two top-notch experts lying in wait within the forest before them, awaiting the chance to attack! Since there was nothing to worry about on Yun Yang''s side, let me focus my attention on threats which had yet to appear. It''ll be better to prevent potential risks from surfacing I will make sure our bases are all covered. At this moment, Ji Lingxi accidentally noticed a bright yellow glow emitting from the corpse of a yellow-cloaked envoy who had just bitten the dust. That yellow glow was concentrated at two main parts of the corpse one at the neck and the other at the waist. Ji Lingxi stared hard at it, feeling more perplexed by the second. The bodies of high-level practitioners are considered special, for the Mystical Qi that defends their bodies or the attacks emitted from them would have a special glow. This was not surprising at all, for water, fire, wind, and lightning each has their respective elemental hues. However, no matter how outstanding the practitioners were, their auras would be dispelled upon death, and the special abilities rendered to their bodies would slowly dissipate alongside the diminishing traces of life. After that envoy had been slain into two halves by Yun Yang, surely he had kicked the bucket, so why was his corpse still glowing? Ji Lingxi scrutinized it closely. She was quite sure that it was not just some reflection from the armor it had donned it was truly a glow emitted from a portion of the corpse itself! That was the problem, then; what kind of strange happening is this? It''s far from normal! Ji Lingxi muttered an inaudible chant mentally and stretched her hand out in a grasping gesture, raising the corpse in midair and maneuvering it towards her direction. However, at this precise moment, a blinding yellow light appeared out of the blue. A silhouette emerged and approached Ji Lingxi at an alarming speed, seizing the corpse a step ahead before she could, tucking it under his arm before retreating as quick as lightning. "Young lady, I''m afraid you can''t have this." 818 Destiny Is With Me! It was the man who shared a conversation with Yun Yang earlier Mr. Nian! Before Ji Lingxi could utter a single word, Mr. Nian had already vanished with the corpse in hand. Not giving the slightest care to his three other subordinates who had been caught in a fierce and precarious battle one where the slightest misstep would lead to total annihilation. As Yun Yang''s saber sprang forward, Spring was forced to retreat thirty feet away. "Mr. Nian, there are so many men here are you just going to observe as a mere guest? The stances of both sides are pretty clear, and this fatal exchange is bound to happen sooner or later anyway, so why not come forward and relish in this fight?" He called out with a chuckle. Mr. Nian''s voice could be heard from afar. "No matter what, we should give you a form of respect you deserve as Supreme Cloud in this final battle. It is known that true justice is hard to attain in feuds of the martial world; however, in this ultimate battle where Lord Supreme Cloud himself had personally invited us to, not only have my forces cast the spiritual restraining formation around this area to gain the upper hand, we have more men on our side. There is no honor in bullying a lone man with our masses, so, see this as a way to create a fairer, more well-balanced environment for the fight. Perhaps this is something we can offer in return." "Fair? Hoho, no matter how fair it is, this is still simply bullying a lone man like me with your masses why is there a need to deceive yourselves? All this pretending will only invoke scorn." Yun Yang smiled slightly. There was a hint of amusement in Mr. Nian''s voice. "Whether or not we''re lying to ourselves that''s up to you to decide. In this battle, it is true that our grand strategy was to swarm you with our numbers and finish this up as quickly as possible. However, Spring had volunteered to weigh your worth first, Lord Supreme Cloud, so as the chief of the Tower, of course, I would have to fulfill the wishes of my dear minister by letting him use his own strategies to fight you." "To live or to die there will be no regrets." "Why would one be afraid, even if he dies from this? The dead will be gone. Those who were lucky enough to survive the whole lot of you will you just stand by idly and watch this unfold before your eyes?" said Yun Yang with no small amount of emotion. Mr. Nian''s voice sounded calm and composed. "That is how it is, be it to live or die. Even if they die here and now, that is the choice of Spring and his minions. This is the decision of our entire stronghold not only it is a form of respect to you, but it is also a form of respect to our own life and death." "One should be responsible for their own choices after entering the battlefield, regardless of what had transpired in the past. Even though we might be anxious to the deepest parts of our beings right now, any further discussion must wait until a true victor emerges from this battle." "I understand. If that is so, let me send these three on their way. I can''t stand seeing you lot feeling troubled like this allow me to relieve you of your miseries!" Yun Yang declared. His saber technique encountered a swift change before his voice could grow fainter. The glow of the saber permeated the space around it, rippling outwards like waves of light, bathing the entire scene in no time at all. The saber was unforgiving and the Dao showed no mercy; one form two styles, appearing like torrential waters! A low hum broke the silence, followed by a resplendent display of the saber''s glow. A strange feeling suddenly dawned within the three men before him. In this time and moment, the being before them was not a man at all, but the magnificent power of the Dao that they had been seeking their entire lives! Without exception, the practitioners that had chosen to embark on this path could only depend on their own efforts to go against the natural order and swim against the currents! They could not afford the slightest misstep. Any mistake made would not be granted with even the slightest mercy. This had always been the maxim of the practice a maxim not unfamiliar to all top practitioners! However, at this exact moment, the three other men were struck by a sudden epiphany. The path they had embarked on was wrong from the very start! Even if they had persevered until this moment, there was no longer any motivation to go on there was no future ahead for them! The Spring Bearer had a sudden look of despair upon his face. "Wrong? This path I walk, is wrong? Have I sinned so much?" He howled towards the skies. In the midst of his shrieks, he suddenly lapsed into a daze, momentarily entranced. A waterfall-like flash had already grazed his body during this slight instance of inattentiveness. His torso could be seen splitting into two halves. The top half of the body arced diagonally through the air and landed on the ground, yet he did not feel the pain at all, but merely raised his head, directing his woes towards the skies, "Was I really wrong? Then, what is right?" Before he could finish, the slain torso toppled to the ground, never to utter a sound again. The imaginary path of Dao suddenly divided in a flash. In two hits clang clang the two envoys first suffered the force of the blow before the blood began to run down their bodies. The injuries they suffered were quite severe, but because of the bones of God they wore upon themselves, they did not perish instantly, for their bodies were more resistant than that of a normal man''s. However, they still looked lost. "Wrong? How can it be wrong?" They murmured, perplexed. Yun Yang snorted disdainfully. "The presence of the Nine Supremes was driven by Dao and prompted by destiny. You, the Four Seasons Tower, went against the natural order of things how can this be the right way?" For a brief moment, their gazes were clouded with confusion, but they were quickly replaced with an extraordinarily sharp and vicious glare. "A man''s body that undergoes practice will inevitably be nurtured from mere mortal flesh until the state of immortality is there truly any that didn''t go against the natural course of events? Why are we wrong, of all people?" Although they lamented pitifully, the path of Dao hovering in the skies still clearly displayed a clear message; Wrong you are all wrong! Were we wrong? The two men were hit by a sudden sense of despair. The shimmering destiny hovering in midair was clearly indicating all of this. Your paths are wrong! There is no path even if you venture further. "We have the bones of God upon us we will be Gods upon assembling the complete set! What have we done wrong? What went wrong?" They shrieked. They howled relentlessly as they attacked, defending themselves from the rays that descended from the skies from the midst of Dao. The saber light underwent a myriad of changes in the air; the gates of Dao experienced an unending series of transformations as well as if it was narrating something. You installed the bones of God in your bodies they were not honed on your own! Hence, that is where you are wrong! Why are they merely just a bunch of white bones, if they are truly gods in your eyes? They were not real gods eventually that''s why. If that is the case, they were wrong since the very beginning. You you who embarked on an even more incorrect path are you not sinning even more? A sin above another how will there be another way out for you? They resisted feverishly as they listened to the voice of Dao, suddenly feeling every hope crumbling to dust! "A sin above another!" "A sin above another!" In the midsts of their shrieks, their eyes that initially reflected their determination to fight for their survival suddenly turned into a look of despair. "Since we are wrong, what more a sin above another, what is the point of living?" They plunged forward as they laughed maniacally, facing the blade of destiny. They did not run or hide, no longer fearing death. "The saber beyond the mortal realm!" A thin, red fog suddenly appeared, descending from the skies. It appeared to be a nebulous combination of light and shadow, seeming like it came from another mortal realm. Facing such an extraordinary sight, both of them were stunned into shock. Their saber and sword were still flailing around relentlessly, but they delivered no significant impact. As light as mist, the saber light gently grazed their necks in a flash, and their fates were sealed. Two heads were sent flying in a spinning motion. Yet, the expressions etched upon them were extraordinarily at peace. As if they had finally attained a form of release as if they had finally found the path of Dao. Where the saber light graced its presence, blood erupted, raining onto the ground, capsizing the mortal world! "So this is the real Saber Truth; Destiny Blade" Yun Yang murmured as he retracted his weapon. "Every slash is by the will of God." In the past, whenever he activated Saber Truth; Destiny Blade, victory was always attained by brandishing the saber with his hands, complete with the appropriate technique. This time, however, Emmie was fully focused, giving the maximum capacity of its power to Yun Yang Emmie''s deific consciousness had even merged together with Yun Yang''s, allowing him to discover the deeper, profound essence of Saber Truth; Destiny Blade for the first time ever! The true power of Saber Truth; Destiny Blade was whatever he unleashed in the past was barely scraping the surface of its true essence. It was as if he had not been grasping the actual content at all he had yet to fathom the real deal! 819 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 1 There were faint, distant sighs emerging from the midst of the dark forest. A few silhouettes in yellow emerged again, carrying the remains of the six corpses into the Temple of Nine Supremes to be properly dealt with. One of them sniggered the moment he emerged from the temple gates. "Lord Supreme Cloud, you clearly live up to your reputation as Supreme Wit with your arsenal of ingenious attacks. That saber you wield is truly, wondrously, unusual it has certainly assisted you greatly." In other words, he was simply accusing that Yun Yang could easily eliminate the seven men by exploiting the power of his queer weapon. He was hoping that Yun Yang would lose his head due to the massive victory and cast the weapon aside from the rash impulsiveness of his youth that would certainly be too easy for them if that happened! However, Yun Yang merely replied, "This battle our final, fatal exchange was instigated by me. Facing a situation where I am clearly outnumbered, do you think I''d come totally unprepared? Having such a fine weapon is merely just my luck; with such accusations, are you doubting your own leader and his stance about fairness?" Yun Yang''s response was merely using his own words against him. You attempted to shake my mind by accusing that my victory was due to my fine weapon, then I will incite conflict in your mind by claiming you doubt your own leader''s judgment. Let''s see who will be the one to cave in first! "There is no need to spout nonsense and incite dispute within our ranks, Supreme Cloud. I''ve had my fair share of these life and death matters over the years. However, the blood feud is still very much present and vivid before us, and this needs to be repaid one way or another." Yun Yang sneered. "The blood feud still exists and vivid before us? That''s a good one I am doing exactly as you said." "It''s a shame that that''s the luckiest shot you could get with your ultimate technique, Lord Supreme Cloud. I hope that my lord will be blessed with such luck again, or it will be a total disaster for you your blood shall paint our grounds." With a disdainful snort, that person slipped into the dense forest in a flash. The ground was covered in patches and splatters of blood, yet once again, there were only two people alive Ji Lingxi and Yun Yang. However, they both knew this was the real moment the final battle would commence. Mr. Nian had used seven lives in that fight earlier to forewarn his men lest they persist in underestimating Yun Yang. This outcome was greatly caused by Spring Bearer''s dissatisfaction. However, ultimately, if he had not sent men to gauge the situation by trying it out themselves, they would not have been contented. After all, although Yun Yang''s cultivation base might have progressed a lot, and his strength might have seemed impressive, there were not enough significant achievements to prove his prowess. Besides, he was presently caught in the spirit restraining formation, so he should not have had the chance to unleash those seemingly remarkable abilities of his it was perfectly logical for him to be taken lightly. However, if they simply ambushed Yun Yang with the mentality of dealing with a novice, Yun Yang and Mr. Nian could confirm a single fact; whether or not Yun Yang could survive this endgame was up to fate itself, but the losses the Four Seasons Tower would incur amongst themselves will definitely exceed far more than a mere seven men! The slightest misstep would cause the total annihilation of the Four Seasons Tower''s pinnacle forces! On the surface, it seemed like the Four Seasons Tower had inevitably suffered the loss of seven experts. However, that had stopped the rest of them from underestimating him further! Everything comes with a cost it was a worthy sacrifice! No matter who it was that would face Supreme Cloud now, they would definitely not deal with him using normal means. Now, the men of the Four Seasons Tower were aware that Yun Yang was a world-renowned expert, surpassing even Ling Xiaozui''s reputation from the early years! The situation before them was clear; although his first move was successful, Yun Yang had used a mysterious saber unfamiliar to all and had attacked when least expected; yet, even when the three men banded together at the later stage, Yun Yang could still suppress their forces firmly, and had the entire situation under his control! Furthermore, even after tearing down three men, Yun Yang did not suffer the slightest sign of injuries he was not even out of breath! This meant that even in that fight earlier, Yun Yang had limited the usage of his Mystical Qi. Although it was not particularly little, it would still have a limited impact on the following battles! If those who came to the above conclusion still could not make out just how terrifying Yun Yang was, the entire Four Seasons Tower could simply just queue up before a tree to commit mass suicide by hanging themselves already. Light clouds hovered gently amongst the skies. The northern wind reverberated as the sun shone brightly up high. The time had reached precisely midday. However, it was extremely dim within the woods at Tianxuan Peak. The visibility was frighteningly low. From afar, where Fu Baoguo and the rest were located, Tianxuan Peak was filled with rising dense fog, obscuring the entire peak and making it hard to see anything at all. The thick fog gradually spread to the sides, and in just a short while, nothing could be seen any longer. Faint sounds of humming blades could be heard from time to time, signifying that the battle of the century was still ongoing. Yun Yang treads forward slowly in the dense fog. Walking in front of him was Ji Lingxi with a longsword in her grasp. Ji Lingxi had insisted to walk in front of him to ensure that their plan was entirely foolproof. Unable to convince her otherwise, Yun Yang could only agree to it. After all, this was the highest form of strategy they could muster. Their opponents had completely hidden away, and they would be an easy target for sure if they had remained in front of the temple gates; hence, they could only move about actively. Although they remained clueless in regards to the location of their enemies, as long as they were constantly on the move, they would not be caught in the worst case scenario of being completely surrounded by all twenty-two men. With Ji Lingxi taking the lead, this strategy was further improved, having evolved from a passive stance into an offensive approach. The Four Seasons Tower might be able to gauge her uncannily strong powers from her actions, aura, demeanor, or her various aspects they might even be able to tell that these powers far exceed Yun Yang''s own but they couldn''t have known about her ultimate trump card, which was the defensive red gleam! After all, to Ji Lingxi, it was no longer the matter of whether she would be assaulted she was more worried that she would not! Just as the two of them stepped onto a dense patch of long grass, the ground collapsed without the slightest sound. This unforeseeable event happened suddenly. The collapsed area had a circumference of almost a hundred feet long! Almost immediately, two flashes from each of all four directions came whizzing towards them at the speed of lightning, still completely soundless! All these happened like a pantomime in complete darkness! The entire process was completely noiseless, yet filled with fatal intent. Already on their guard, both Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi leaped upwards and levitated themselves the moment the ground beneath their feet gave way. However, they seem to have set themselves up as targets for their enemies by levitating in midair, for chilling flashes of light came soaring simultaneously from all directions with perfect timing clearly they had anticipated Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s next move, and had already laid out the next fatal blow in store for them. However, facing the sudden assault from all four sides, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi exhibited no signs of panic at all. They did not stop levitating, one on the left and the other on the right, taking this chance to extricate themselves. They were equally noiseless, just like demons and ghosts! Yun Yang''s silent retaliation came abruptly. He brandished Upended River of Blood, and the saber light which was seemingly hovering in mid-air blocked all incoming fatal flashes in no time, leaving only the clinking shards of breaking fragments behind. In that brief moment of deadlock, he counterattacked at full throttle with Reincarnation under Saber! The saber light glowed with a flourish, followed by a swishing movement that caused a pitch-black path to emerge in the midst of the thick, milky fog. However, its sides were lined with layers of skulls ivory bones adorned with ebony flowers between the cracks, blooming in macabre bits and pieces. The path led to the faraway distance without a view of an end, filled with an atmosphere of dead, netherworldly silence. 820 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 2 Only the furthest end of this dark path, like the end of the sky, had the dimmest of glimmering light. It was faint, vaguely visible to the eyes. No one knew what path this was, there was no hint of its nature either. Everyone who was attacking Yun Yang, however, was immediately struck with an astounding realization C it was the path of reincarnation! This was the reincarnation passage that only existed in the Yellow Spring of legends. The inky passage seemed to attract all of the observers'' concentration like it was exuding an indescribable temptation. It caused everyone who saw it to feel stirred, unconsciously ruminating on their past and current lives. The unique glow belonging to the style Reincarnation Under Saber bloomed in the air. As Yun Yang struck, he felt a strong sensation wrenching at his wrist. An overwhelming force had pushed itself over but it vanished immediately. Feeling the extinguished countering strength, Yun Yang was relieved. Then, a low grunt came from farther away. Thinking quickly, Yun Yang guessed that it was due to the collision between his Divine Edge and his opponent''s weapon, thus causing the initial obstructing force. His opponent''s cultivation base was obviously tremendous; otherwise, how could the resulting trauma affect him? In spite of this, the legend of the Divine Edge''s unparalleled sharpness still held true. A moment later, the opponent''s weapon had been broken, it''s wielder injured. The outline of a person flashed once more despite the dark. Two more light beams shot out as Yun Yang''s saber broke his opponent''s weapon and wounded him, coming to a halt before him threateningly. Yun Yang dared not be mindless, retreating speedily, and at the same time, his saber light switched to a horizontal sweep, his right palm striking backward ferociously. With a loud bang, the ambusher approaching from his back was flung away by the accurate hit while the sword of another attacker from the side was fractured by the Divine Edge. A man could only do so much, however. Despite Yun Yang''s unreserved counterattack, he could not avoid the last ambush, only having enough time to twist his body before a sharp glint swept across his chest. As he felt a stabbing pain in his chest, Yun Yang had already retracted his saber and continued his counter-attack with the style, Merciless Dao, dealing it with an intensity several times stronger than his previous rebuff. A crisp clang resounded. The last person of the four-direction ambush withdrew with a somersault. As he tumbled away, the enemies of the other directions withdrew as well without lingering, as if discussed. On the other side of the altercation, Ji Lingxi''s sword was commanded with flowing ease and persistence. The sparks created were radiant like the fireworks. The girl attacked without care for defense, surprising her four opponents. How could there be such a feisty girl whose cultivation base was so proficient? It was hard to imagine a girl whose combat power and battle aggression was so overwhelming in this world. Seeing was truly believing! Nevertheless, such a flawed combat style would lead only to death when it was used against them, the ambushers thought, no matter how proficient Ji Lingxi''s cultivation base. As their eyes met, two of the attackers had dealt the first set of blows, working together to deflect Ji Lingxi''s sword. One of them strengthened his palm force to divert Ji Lingxi''s right hand away while another person aimed right for the gap and slid to Ji Lingxi''s right side swiftly before he brought down his blade ardently. The target was Ji Lingxi''s slim neck. There was no hint of gentleness at all, the fact that she was a girl notwithstanding. Death was already imminent for Ji Lingxi as the battle unfolded to this stage. Although she had an outrageously high cultivation base, it was impossible for her to endure such a direct blow to a vital part of her body! The girl seemed to be oblivious to the attack, however, as she pushed herself in a frenzy to attack the two collaborating swords in front of her, intending to break the interception and kill her opponents. It had happened faster than words could tell. The saber light flashed like a zap of electricity and landed precisely on Ji Lingxi''s neck with a loud pop. The attacker''s other arm extended simultaneously, five fingers spread out in a vicious grip; he was planning to behead the girl and leave, grabbing his loot with one hand, to use the head to overwhelm Yun Yang later! Once he thought about how he would be killing Yun Yang''s prized assistant, his highly capable girlfriend, in one simple strike and throwing this beauty''s head to Yun Yang, he would love to see if the venerable and intimidating Supreme Cloud would break down instantly and lose his composure. The man''s gaze was brutal, his hand ready to grab his prey, but at the very next moment, he was dumbstruck! The savage chop that could flatten a mountain and crush rock had indeed landed on the girl''s neck, but it did not behead the target! No C not only did it not sever the head, there was no feeling of hitting anything What was happening? Could there be an oddity to this lady''s defensive arts that allowed her to attack without any care for defending herself? Right as such a thought occurred to the attacker, he saw a flash of a crimson beam slowly rising from the girl... ''What''s this again?'' ''Is this the unique phenomenon of her special method?'' The attacker watched as the red light coalesced and gained intensity. ''It''s coming for me?'' ''What''s this stuff? Why is it so strange?'' The person''s train of thoughts halted right there and then as he abruptly felt his body crash against a mountain C a mountain that was cruising hundreds of thousands of miles in the blink of an eye. If the scenario had to be described in a manner that everyone could understand, perhaps it could be illustrated as a speeding palanquin crashing against an incoming railing without any deviation of angle. A deafening boom was but a matter of course! The other three people who were deflecting Ji Lingxi''s fiery attacks looked over in shock only to see their partner suddenly being flung away. He was like an eagle, soaring to a high altitude with his arms spread out. Fly high in the sky if you are a hawk! Their partner''s current state was all too similar to that maxim. Nonetheless, why was this hawk catapulting into the sky bravely at such an incredible speed yet not come down after so long? The answer was unveiled next. The silhouette that was flying high, high up into the sky, obviously able to go higher, had come apart as if his physical form could not withstand the pressure! Without a doubt, it was dismembered C definitely. His head, limbs, and body had all separated in different directions. Was it because he had gone up too fast and the air pressure was too much, thus his body tore itself apart? The minds of the three people worked promptly, but they could not guess what was going on. It was a horrifyingly macabre puzzle! The girl opposite of them was still attacking vehemently without any reservation. The sword she held in her hand was unleashing a three hundred percent vigor but the reason was fairly simple C she need not defend herself at all! Attacking was the best defense, but it did not mean a total absence of caution! Did they not see someone chopping her neck just now? That was a blow to her vital part; how was she able to continue attacking? Ji Lingxi who saw that her incessant attacks were futile against the trio''s collaboration as they worked together to deflect her hits suddenly screamed from her frustration. She sheathed her sword then, deciding to run directly over to the trio instead. What sort of an attack was this? How could there be a style like this in this world? This was not fearless C this was suicide! The trio was shocked, knowing that there must be a danger behind an abnormality. There must be a reason behind the girl''s actions, despite her rage. Two of the trio dared not act recklessly, avoiding their opponent swiftly, but Ji Lingxi was like a hysterical bull, charging to the person in the center. The said person stabbed wildly in the direction of Ji Lingxi''s heart, seeing that the window to evade her enraged charge had closed. 821 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 3 The sword stabbed right at her heart! As the man succeeded in his assault, disbelief colored him. ''This C this girl''s actual cultivation base is much higher than mine, but it''s just a lack of combat experience. How can she allow me to stab right at her heart without even attempting to protect herself?'' He had only managed to carry his thoughts to this point because the moment his sword pierced Ji Lingxi''s heart, the crimson glare appeared as expected. The powerful repercussion lashed back in a furious counterattack. His sword disintegrated into dust with a soft pop. As the red glare swept over him, the man was astounded, quickly withdrawing to avoid the beam as much as he could. It was too bad that the crimson beam had come too fast C at least, it was faster than he had imagined. A tidal wave of energy came into contact with his hand. The man felt his right hand, that could have strangled a tiger, vanish without any room for rebuff. Yes, it had simply disappeared! He could not even feel the searing pain in time. As the man''s hand was smashed instantly, the red light did not stop there, catching up to him. The man was flung away, but he finally could react in time, roaring hoarsely to warn his companions, "Something''s up with this girl! There''s a backlash" Before he could finish his words, he was already tens of thousands of miles away, hurled forth by the crimson light. As expected, he was dismembered as well, dying without an intact body. The other two attackers watched with wide eyes how another one of their comrades had been flung away without a reason and died a pitiful, pulverized death. Both of them shuddered with goosebumps racking through them as they faced such a bizarre situation. What was going on? How could two of their brothers whom they had known for thousands of years fly away so rapidly and die so horribly? They had never seen something so peculiar in their lives! One person hacked his sword at the girl''s neck and was killed by the repercussion; another person stabbed his sword into the girl''s heart and was again, killed by the repercussion! No matter how they looked at the case, it was simply too mystical! They were equally shocked. Describing the battle in words was troublesome and lengthy, but the actual process was completed with the snap of a finger, already happening in the blink of an eye; passed, gone, ended completely. The enemies disappeared in the thick fog, withdrawing themselves from the fight. Immediately, the wavering fog calmed down. Yun Yang retracted his Divine Edge from the thick fog and saw a line of blood slowly dripping down from the blade without surprise. Almost instantly, the saber recovered its pristine state again, glowing iridescently like spring amidst the mist. Somewhere along the way, Ji Lingxi had come to his side. Looking at the saber in Yun Yang''s hand, she muttered, "The legend has it that some treasured sabers possess the mystical ability to automatically absorb the fog in places like this. I don''t know if it''s true. Can this saber of yours do that?" Staring at the untainted blade that was glowing brighter in the dense mist, Yun Yang answered faintly, "This saber has such mystical ability, but this fog is produced by formations. Even if the saber could absorb it, the fog is being continuously produced. Single-handedly absorbing it doesn''t garner much effect." "However, this saber has greater uses in this fog." Yun Yang chuckled softly. "There''s a total of eight people in this round of ambush, am I right?" Ji Lingxi asked fervently, "How many did you kill?" Yun Yang coughed and carefully recalled, answering, "It seems like two were injured but they escaped. Their abilities are remarkable and their timing is appropriate too. It''s not easy to kill them." "How is it not? I killed two without any effort." Ji Lingxi chortled. Her implied meaning was "You didn''t kill even one and I killed two people without much work. This sense of achievement is overwhelming indeed!" With another cough, Yun Yang questioned, "Really, without any effort? Is it not true that you didn''t kill them with your own hands but used the red light''s backlash instead?" His tone was questioning but he was actually affirming the fact in a straightforward manner. Ji Lingxi scoffed and stood with her arms against her back. Her chin was tilted up as she spoke distantly, "The process has never mattered to me when I do things. In this life of mine, I''m concerned by only the results. Enemies are dead, I didn''t use any effort. This is the reality C undeniable reality. The rest of it isn''t up for discussion!" What vehement reasoning C how difficult it was to argue with her! Yun Yang had no more energy to quarrel, having only the impulse to grab the girl and swat her rear end. It was just a thought anyway. He was incapable of making it come true. After all, the crimson glare''s brute impartiality was not at all forgiving when it came to him. Fianc? Lover? It was still merciless! After all, this boy was the biggest foe of the man who implemented the red beam. A fair piglet who had the luck of having the greatest feat, how dare he criticize the girl and the crimson glare when he was the one who was incapable! On the other side, no one from the Four Seasons Tower stayed to wait at where they had originally planned to ambush the couple. They had all gone to gather at a hidden location. A few of them were aghast; their expressions more upset than the rest. The two who were wounded looked slightly better; they looked beaten, but their will to fight was still burning. As for the other two men who were unscathed, their faces were paler than the dead. Terror painted their gazes, like birds who were frightened by arrows. Dead silence permeated the secret valley. When the group looked towards Mr. Nian, their gazes were evasive. Mr. Nian stared at the nineteen people in front of him, staying silent for a moment, before he said, "Who else thinks that Supreme Cloud is only a shell of his reputation now? Anyone who still thinks that Supreme Cloud can be easily killed, do stand up." No one made a sound. Supreme Cloud''s only reliance was his various nature manifestations while he himself was a layman of battles. This recognition that his ability was lacking had long become a thing of the past after this round of battle. Mr. Nian stood up with arms resting on his back as he spoke faintly. "Then, who else thinks that he has the capability to fight alone C please stand up and go challenge Supreme Cloud. This respected one would love to see it happen. I shall send you away with a delighted heart." There was still no one who made a move. Everyone present knew about Yun Yang''s abilities now and he was even complemented by a nonpareil blade. What was the difference between fighting him alone and committing suicide? "The reputable name of Yutang''s Supreme Cloud blares across the world! Becoming one of the Nine Supremes when he had just turned an adult, he has influenced Tianxuan''s state and easily affected the world. He has always been one to spout ideas and strategies among the Nine Supremes C the Supreme Wit of the Nine Supremes. His planning and deductions lead to victory thousands of miles away. It can be said that Supreme Cloud, alone, has contributed to half of the intimidating reputation the Nine Supremes established along the way, or even more," Mr. Nian said softly. "When the Nine Supremes were still here, maybe Supreme Earth''s strategies were paramount, but Supreme Cloud''s role is still not to be overlooked." "For so long and across the world, no one can find out their real identities. If it were solely based on Supreme Earth, how could he come up with such a well-rounded system? Think about it C is Supreme Cloud''s repute as Supreme Wit an exaggerated rumor or does he live up to the fame fully?" "As the Four Seasons Tower subdues the world by force, the men who lurked in Yutang, whether in the imperial administration, the martial world, the palace, the imperial court, all have extremely discreet identities. How did Supreme Cloud find them all?" 822 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 4 "Although Supreme Cloud was lucky enough to escape the last Tianxuan Cliff incident, he was severely injured. Considering the information we have today, his so-called title of ''glutton'' obviously came from his actions of healing himself with plenty of heaven and earth resources and mystical beasts meat due to the damage done to him. The entire duration took more than eight full months. It was also about a year after the Tianxuan incident that our spies were put down, one by one." "This proved that the moment Supreme Cloud returned to Tiantang City, he''d immediately taken action, finding clues in an extremely short time and proceeding to catch them!" "How''s such intelligence for all of you?" Mr. Nian gazed at the group and continued, "Even if we disregard the clever setup, Supreme Cloud then only had the ability of an ant. Yet, it was with such shallow ant-like capability that he single-handedly overturned the whole Four Seasons Tower. Each of you can call yourself a martial world veteran, arrogantly grumbling and complaining, but you can''t even catch the young man! How ludicrously laughable!" "To this day, Supreme Cloud''s abilities have advanced big time, but all of you are still pacing on the same spot, being surpassed, overshadowed, and trumped!" "Today, Supreme Cloud has come forth and openly asked us for the final battle. All of you know only to blame me, why didn''t I agree to it instantly C why didn''t I make a move at once?" "All of you blindly and optimistically assumed that this was the best opportunity to get rid of Supreme Cloud!" "You thought that you only needed this battle before you could live in peace once and for all." "Your imagination is wonderful but too bad you all are too ugly; it''s futile, no matter how wonderful you think things to be." "Didn''t you wonder why the wise Supreme Cloud would propose to have the final battle at this time?" Mr. Nian''s icy gaze ran over the group. "In other words, if he had no confidence, why would he suddenly propose the final battle?" "Could Supreme Cloud have suddenly lost his mind? Did he wish to rush headlong into his own death?" "Have not a single one of you thought about it? If Supreme Cloud didn''t have substantial confidence that he could obtain revenge, why would he have suggested the final battle at this time? It''s evident that the longer time passes, the more secure his status as a living legend will be! There''s room for his capability to advance further as well!" "Then comes the next question C what gave him such boost of confidence? If he were to face the entire Four Seasons Tower, what else could ensure an absolute success other than ravaging combat power?" Mr. Nian sneered and glanced at each person in the group. "The reality now is concrete evidence that none of you have even thought about these facts. I''ve said more than once that going against Yun Yang, going against the current Supreme Cloud, we must regard the danger seriously, even beyond the threat that Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou posed. All of you agreed openly, but honestly, none of you were convinced. You were even quite recalcitrant with my arrangement." "The final battle is about to happen, but your individual pride has still taken over most of your mind!" "Spring is a significant figure and you watched with your own eyes that he went to fight on his own, but what was the outcome? All seven of them were wiped out immediately!" "We have the thick fog teeming and even limited the battle within the spiritual restraining formations. We basically had the advantage of location but in the end? The second time when eight people went to ambush them, two were injured and two were killed!" Mr. Nian said in anguish, "The Four Seasons Tower''s twenty-nine pinnacle forces are here C each one can handle a challenge on their own in the martial world, each one can triumph over an entire territory! Unfortunately, it was only a skirmish and nine people have already died!" "Did anyone of you actually think that this could have happened?" "What do you mean Supreme Cloud''s saber is sharp like no other? Did you think that Yun Yang only got his weapon today? Isn''t one''s well-crafted weapon part of his combat power''s reflection? Whoever said that should be beaten to death alive!" "He knew that the advantages of timing, location, and manpower were all not on his side, but he still came as promised. Why are you so surprised that he had a special weapon? Are you all never on guard about your opponent''s weapon when you fight? Killed in such a manner, and yet you dare shout about being maligned? How are you being maligned?" "As for the young girl who has an odd physique" Mr. Nian sighed. "Isn''t this reasonable and to be expected?" "If she had no special abilities, why would Supreme Cloud bring a delicate little girl to this final battle? Just because she''s exceptionally capable and could fight?" Mr. Nian continued in a fit of rage, "In such a final, decisive, battle, anyone whom Supreme Cloud brings along must be one who can be of immense help to him! Since she is of great assistance to him, she must be a perilous threat to us. Isn''t this minor recognition expected and well within reason? Why weren''t you extra cautious of the aide he brought along, someone whose identity and background you are unaware of?" "Why didn''t he come with Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou? Why did he pick this little girl instead? Has no one thought of this?" "When you get hurt, when you get killed, then you come running over to tell me that Supreme Cloud''s saber is problematic, Supreme Cloud''s woman is problematic!" "Are you all fools?" "Have you wasted all these years you spent living? How can you make such a rudimentary mistake! Each one of you has the cheek to whine to me that I shouldn''t have regarded Supreme Cloud so highly; where are your hearts?" Mr. Nian rubbed the center of his brows tiredly and asked, "What more do you have to say now? What else do you want to argue about? Tell me!" A middle-aged man who wore red looked ashamed and sighed soundlessly. This person was the bearer of Summer and initially had the same thought as the Spring Bearer who had already been killed by Yun Yang. If it were not the Spring Bearer who stepped up first, he who had the same idea might already be the one who was first killed by Yun Yang. Looking at it now, the lingering fear towards death and the unknown surrounded the man. "What''s the point now to insist on these previous matters? Are you watching so many brothers being killed by Supreme Cloud without doing anything, just for this idiotic reason?" the Winter Bearer who wore all white asked with a frown. "A team that has no teamwork may very well cease to exist instead," Mr. Nian spoke faintly, "Subordinates who cannot follow instructions and cannot trust their leader what difference does it make when they die?" "If we survive, there''ll be more enemies of the same level we have to face in the future. Even if I save them today, they''ll inevitably die, killed by someone else." "Since that''s the case, it''s simpler for those with ulterior motives to die right here, right now." "After all, only by speaking the truth can the memory stay fresh and evergreen!" "Even if only one man is left in the end, I wish he will be one who completely trusts the correct leader." Someone voiced up in discontent, "Must one have an ulterior motive just because they have doubts and voices a contrasting opinion?" "To me, that is as good as having an ulterior mind!" Mr. Nian answered flatly. He stood with his arms resting on his back and paced two steps around before he sat down and continued speaking, "Think about it. What methods do we have to tackle Supreme Cloud''s saber and what magic does that strange young girl have? How do we now go about this?" 823 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 5 As Mr. Nian finished his words and waited for the group''s response, there was no answer; they opted for silence, thus allowing the quietness to permeate the vicinity. All nineteen people were mute. Their expressions were blank as well; some were pale while some were stern. No longer was there one who looked at ease. After some time, someone finally spoke. "According to the information we''ve gathered, we can come to a conclusion. Yun Yang''s saber isn''t only exceptionally sharp beyond comparison, it can elongate and retract at will. Such a characteristic is a challenge for our defenses! Our weapons are the crme of the crop but engaged with his saber, our weaponry can, at most hold, out for an instant before being sacrificed. This aspect alone is already an incredible challenge to resolve!" A man whose chest was drenched in blood stood up to say, "I have more right to speak about this. Yun Yang''s actual cultivation base is masterly, but it''s still an individual''s power. With his treasured saber though, his combat power is raised several times higher. We really can''t compete with his blade''s magnificence if we were to challenge Yun Yang. A careless move means our own execution. If we don''t find a solution to this, I don''t see any chance for us to win!" "We don''t even know and aren''t even sure how many times our weapons can collide against that treasured saber before it gives way. This is what we call competing skills at the tip of blades, I guess!" "Not only is Yun Yang a challenge beyond our expectations, but he is also even scarier than Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou combined. Based on our abilities, even if we go alone against the two generations of Unrivaled Experts, we can stand up to them for a while, despite there being no chance of a lucky escape anyway. However, when we went up against Yun Yang, we could barely get the room to fight him off." "Besides, Yun Yang''s personal cultivation base level is unusually substantial. We have just made two bouts earlier, but his power, combat force and explosive strength were all comparable to that of a leader''s level. Honestly, even without the saber with him, he''s not at all weaker than Ling Xiaozui back in the day. The combat power he displays now may very well yet to be his maximum potential. Nobody knows how many percent of capability Yun Yang had unleashing earlier; seventy percent, ninety percent, a hundred percent or even just fifty percent!" "Another aspect that also can''t be overlooked is the sophisticated saber truth used by Yun Yang. It''s the most sublime move I''ve seen my entire life. His forms and styles may be second to none in this world!" "Combining these three advantages C based on his dominating cultivation base, supported by his unparalleled treasured saber and complemented by his eminent form, the level of danger Yun Yang poses alone is up to par with three men of Ling Xiaozui''s capabilities added together!" The person sighed deeply. "Our leader''s previous qualms are totally right. It is we who have underestimated the enemy. The current situation it''s not that I''m applauding others and putting ourselves down, I''m just speaking from the heart. If we don''t come up with a surprise plan in this battle, there''s more than eighty percent chance of success should Yun Yang wish to escape unscathed. On the other hand, we" He paused abruptly here and did not continue but everyone understood the unspoken message. The current situation was that Yun Yang could leave if he wanted to and they would not have too much confidence to block his escape. Even if the battle proceeded to its climax, Yun Yang could come and go as he wished to ensure his safety. Even if he did not win this time, there were opportunities for him to try again. Instead, not only would the Four Seasons Tower suffer immense damage, they would not even be able to secure the battle and warrant the outcome they wanted. This end was not to their liking, but it was the most likely scenario. Everyone''s expression was darkening with time. Before Yun Yang came, before the battle pulled its curtain open, everyone within the Four Seasons Tower was brimming with confidence. All of them thought that the exposure of Yun Yang''s identity had forced him to opt for the final battle out of necessity; it was the doing of the situation, the worst option there was due to the lack of choices. Victory was fully in their grip! There had been no doubt about this battle''s victory or loss since the very beginning! In spite of this, the reality now was almost the exact opposite of what they had imagined. "That girl that girl''s peculiar backlash is even more terrifying." One of the men who had an exchange with Ji Lingxi was still drained of all color. "The other two brothers had obviously scored her vital points C one slashed her neck but was blown into the sky and exploded in midair while another stabbed her heart and was killed the same way. What''s more terrorizing is that after being struck twice, she''s not at all hurt." "The girl''s cultivation base, according to our evaluation from the many collisions of our weapons, has to be at least the level of Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou. It''s within our initial guess that this cultivation base is the main reason Yun Yang came to the battle with her tagging along. However, if cultivation base was all there was to her, we can tackle it by plotting out some deadly tactics. In fact, we''ve done so too, the process smoother than we expected. However, the final outcome is absurd to even think about. If Yun Yang is a challenge, it''s within reason. The girl''s bizarre retaliation is the true problem This is our urgency right now." Even Mr. Nian looked stumped when this part was being talked about, causing him to forget about everything else. An overwhelming cultivation base was already a tricky challenge. Their target had to be one who was unafraid of being hurt. This simply severed any means of attack! In addition, she was equipped with a retaliation skill when attacked; unperturbed when she was completely unscathed after being slashed and stabbed, she killed the attackers with a backlash C this was basically cheating! Yet, this unbelievably ridiculous situation was their reality. The lethal crux lied at the observer''s recount C"What''s more terrorizing is that after being struck twice, she wasn''t hurt at all." The victim whose neck was slashed and heart were pierced did not die but her attackers were killed from the repercussions. This sounded incredibly shocking, but it could be due to the victim''s use of certain arcane magic. The effect would be outstanding the first or second time, but in fact, a sequela existed; it was just that it did not show itself instantly. However, commenting that she was not at all hurt tore this idea apart entirely. Even if the girl''s defensive arcane magic was limited and had a severe implication to her, could they dispel it when they poured all their manpower into the battle? Furthermore, what if her arcane was flawless? What if it was an impenetrable shield of protection as well as a retaliatory weapon? That meant that they had no other way. It was simply impossible to kill this woman! They could not kill her, they could not avoid her, they could not attack her. She was really unafraid of attacks; in fact, she was afraid of them not attacking her! "This is revolting. She''s even harder to handle than that Yun Yang" A Four Seasons Tower expert sighed with a twisted face, exclaiming the helplessness he felt. Mr. Nian''s frown grew deeper. 824 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 6 Although Mr. Nian had already guessed that the help Yun Yang took along with him must be unusual and would greatly affect the Four Seasons Tower, he had never expected it to be so precarious. What did it feel like to have an enemy who could not be killed? Moreover, the enemy was a nemesis whose cultivation base was proficient and who would not rest until death came calling! If the rival were a man, Mr. Nian could have tried coming between them to provoke an instigation of profits. It was a woman, however C Yun Yang''s woman, obviously. One who was head over heels in love with him at that! How could one make a woman who was utterly devoted to her man betray him on the battleground of life and death? This was, perhaps, absolutely impossible across this entire world and since the beginning of time! "At this moment, we can only use the most foolish of tactics against them." Winter Bearer, who wore all white, frowned as he spoke dryly, "Let us separate and trap them both in different locations. One side fights Yun Yang in free combat to end this man as soon as possible, while another side tries to contain the woman!" "I can understand free combat, but how do we trap the woman? Try? Do you think it''s that easy?" asked another person. "The girl''s cultivation base is excellent and her defensive arts are prodigious, but her practical combat experience is lacking. This is where we can attempt to leverage on What I suggested about trapping her is not attacking her on an initiative and passively take her attacks with our advantage of numbers. Our goal is only to enclose this woman." The Winter Bearer was sullen when he said, "I know that this is overly passive, being beaten up and tossed around by another party, but this is the only targeting tactic I can think of. That woman''s retaliatory arcane magic is absurd, but I believe that her voluntary attacks will not be accompanied by that extreme backlash. Otherwise, it won''t be only two who were killed just now, but all four of you!" "Are you proposing that we become punching bags?" The group chuckled bitterly. To trap a pinnacle force, not by attacking but by allowing one''s self to be passively attacked, making sure that she would not charge out of the siege The strategy was ridiculous, but this seemed to be the only solution left for now. All the elites felt extremely frustrated, but they could do nothing about it. To face someone whom they had to lower their defenses again and not hit back that someone being a pinnacle expert as well was undoubtedly a perilous matter! Their rival''s retaliation could kill them, but would her attacks not be equally deadly? Even if these elites were made of steel, they would still not be able to handle being struck like this. When the news of the final battle arrived, everyone heaved an internal sigh of relief. Engaged for so long with Supreme Cloud, be it openly or covertly, it was unavoidable that they felt worn out both mentally and physically, even when they were confident victory was all theirs. They had been impatient for a long time. Now that they finally had an opportunity to finish their opponent off once and for all, they were naturally filled with a sense of thrill and anticipation to attempt the impossible! What was unexpected was that when it finally came to the ultimate battle, what welcomed them was this intensely awkward situation! F*cking hell, all of the brothers were ecstatic in their anticipation to become human punching bags? To call it awkward was already the most indirect way of putting it; the current circumstance was obviously perilous and extremely hazardous! Mr. Nian''s expression suddenly turned into one of surprise as if he had thought of something. He stood up in a flash and said, "This C the original Residence of Nine Supremes seemed to possess such a characteristic the retaliation and repercussion Could this girl actually be" A jolt coursed through everyone present. Disbelief and realization filled their faces. "I see Could this woman be the manifestation of the Residence of Nine Supremes?" "Has the Residence of Nine Supremes taken on the form of a human? A female at that? This C this is really unbelievable" "Even if it''s so, the backlash is devastatingly powerful It can''t even be explained" "No wonder the Residence of Nine Supremes has suddenly vanished " "How is this even possible?" The few men who had seen Ji Lingxi, especially, wore a distracted look. The alluringly slim figure, the pretty face, the lustrous black hair, the soft, bewitching eyes She was, in truth, a house? A house could become a person? You must be f*cking kidding me! "If this is the case Supreme Cloud''s found a house as his wife" There were disbelieving looks all around. "House How do you fornicate? This Uh" Another person looked indignant. "Why do you care how people fornicate? The state of affairs now is how do we handle the onslaught of this house? How do we trap this house and not be crushed by this house? I think your worries are a little too off the mark" The previous person chuckled dryly with a slight frown. "I just think that Supreme Cloud''s taste is rather odd" When everyone else heard him, they exchanged humorous glances. The initial frustration and indignation that should have made them feel stifled and glum were strangely tinged with some sense of amusement. Mr. Nian sighed and said with a frown, "Disaster is upon us now, but you fellows can still worry over these strange ideas F*cking martial veterans who indeed have placed life and death aside of themselves" He pinched the center of his brows, feeling an oncoming migraine. "I have an idea." Summer Bearer stood up. Everyone perked up. "What is it?" "Let us load up heavy arms and hefty secret weapons, retreating once we strike C don''t linger to fight and ambush them in rotations, so he won''t have any gap to rest" The others'' eyes brightened up. This suggestion did not seem too bad. "Let us reinforce the formations to thicken the fog even more and facilitate our ambush." Mr. Nian frowned as he mulled over the suggestion carefully. "This is doable. However, everyone must remember that you have only one strike. Leave immediately after that. No one is allowed to linger!" "Agreed." "If the opponent can''t help but pursue us, that''s our chance to separate both of them. Go on a suicide mission then to end the battle as soon as possible. Even if a few have to die at once, we must kill Supreme Cloud in the shortest time possible once they''re separated!" "As for that girl, she can be ignored." "Once we kill Supreme Cloud, our mission is accomplished!" "Yes!" "Let''s get moving now." Yun Yang, who was clad in purple, moved forward despite the thick fog without any attempt to hide. He was walking at a leisurely pace, like he was strolling around in his yard, looking no different than any other day. He was not putting up a fa?ade. There had honestly never been a moment where he felt as powerful as he did now. It was the surging confidence of being able to kill an enemy with a single slash, no matter how powerful they were! All along, Yun Yang had been cautiously walking on eggshells. He warned himself of his overly insignificant capability at all times, that he could be killed by his enemy at any moment 825 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 7 It was this vigilance rising from the bottom of his heart countless times a day that urged him to seize each opportunity to enhance his cultivation base and move forward with all he could muster! It also told him to scavenge for resources however he could, to cultivate and practice his martial skills to the brink of exhaustion and to refine his saber truth Perhaps, it should be put in this manner; it was this constant guardedness that caused him to conceal his presence using every trick he had up his sleeves. As far as he had made it, he had tried to use his wits in fighting the enemies he met. It allowed him to almost never have a direct altercation with his enemies during this long period of vengeance. Keeping his abilities concealed and faking a weak front for so long, he would finally triumph over the world now that he could unleash his true potential! This was not him rambling in incoherence after scoring once, this was him basking in his value and absolute confidence! "His intelligence quakes the mountains; he immerses himself in refining his skills. For three years the world misses his absence, the heaven and earth shake when the treasured saber is unsheathed!" Many years later, the story of Supreme Cloud would be passed down throughout the world. His experience of years of suffering and training before he made his comeback was spread across Tianxuan in the form of novels. The Board of War''s President, who had later become the Grand Commandant, Wu Ying, broke his long-standing habit of having few words to say and composed a poem as he got tipsy. The two characters stood dependent on each other as their names were written down in history, to be sung praises for all eternity. Accompanying Yun Yang was Ji Lingxi, who looked even more relaxed than the youth himself. The Four Seasons Tower that had initially weighed them down and was regarded as an immense threat had now become an insignificant character unworthy of their worry. As the previous confrontation came to its end, it gave an amazing boost to the couple''s confidence. "Tianxuan Cliff!" Yun Yang sighed softly. "My brothers are all here. Watching the Four Seasons Tower''s men meet their ends at my hands, one after another, I can totally feel how gratified and comforted they''re now." "Didn''t you say that a few among them aren''t dead yet? If they''re all here, delightedly watching us, it won''t be good. At least, I don''t want big brother''s spirit here C I don''t want to miss the day I meet him again!" Ji Lingxi replied with a chuckle. Yun Yang exhaled a faint sigh and said, "You''ve misunderstood me. We may be at different places now, separated in the realms, but our hearts have never been apart. What I exclaim now is just because I have yet to see them before me alive." A voice suddenly cut them off. "I didn''t expect Lord Supreme Cloud to be such a sentimental person. What a pity that the battleground is fraught with danger and life and death are but the blink of an eye. However, if Supreme Cloud really wishes to see them again, it''s not exactly difficult. I shall send Lord Supreme Cloud on your way and you''ll be able to arrive before them immediately. You don''t have to reminisce with such longing" Yun Yang turned swiftly and with an upraised hand, a ray of saber light lashed out like a bolt of lightning. A loud clang was heard. With the resonation of the collision, the man who spoke just now withdrew promptly with a drawn-out laugh. A shower of cold sparks could then be seen flying over from another direction. Wielding his saber right in front of him, the Divine Edge buzzed with a clang as a bizarre-looking secret weapon that measured up to a foot fell to the ground. Not only did the secret weapon look unusual, but the strength that came with it also was not at all weak. Even with Yun Yang''s current cultivation base, he had to suffer from the reverberations; what was more, this secret weapon was only a start C perhaps, it should be called the prequel to a shower of secret weapons Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh Instantly, an assortment of secret weapons, rare and peculiar ones, came flying in an ambush from every direction possible. The attackers were incredibly cautious, leaving once they launched their weaponry; they never stayed still at the same spot. Each attack was powerful and exerted with full force. In addition, the secret weapons they used were all hefty ones; none of them weighed less than a catty. With such heavy secret weapons being hurled by martial elites of this realm with fully immersed mystical skill, the intensity was nothing but earth-shattering! Alongside this wave of heavy secret weapons were assaulters who approached directly in the gaps between the attacks. These people used extraordinary weaponry as well; other than huge steel staffs and thick sabers, there were weapons along the lines of equally hefty steel rulers. There was even someone who was waving around a massive steel hammer. Most of the weapons used by this batch of ambushers were not exquisite weapons nor ones they were accustomed to carrying around but they all shared a common trait; they were thick, heavy and hard! This precondition ensured the main objective of the weaponry being solid blows. Utilizing such heavy arms complemented by mystical Qi, they would not be as easily destroyed now, even if it were pitted against Yun Yang''s Divine Edge. Furthermore, the attacks were consistent at all time; they were ongoing without any pause! The teeming ambushes were happening at least once or several times within an instant, yet without the direct appearance of the Four Seasons Tower experts. They maintained their exits after each strike, carrying out the core strategy of touch-and-go, disregarding if it was effective. Every attack was triggered without any foretelling sign and was focused only at Yun Yang. They ignored Ji Lingxi, none of the weapons trained upon her. The collisions rang incessantly as if one was at a smith''s shop. Yun Yang handled the ambush with concentration, completely preoccupied with the attacks. He had thought that the Four Seasons Tower would call an end to this tactic after a while. After all, he would never be killed this way. Unexpectedly, his rival had carried on endlessly! There was almost no breather in between the frenzied wave of thrown weapons. Such a standstill actually lasted for an entire day before the frequency dropped slightly, despite the ceaseless assaults. Yun Yang''s mind was crystal clear. It seemed that the Four Seasons Tower was planning on such a strategy. "They''ve attacked you no fewer than ten thousand times today; I believe that my count should be correct, isn''t it?" Ji Lingxi looked at Yun Yang full of worry as she said, "Looks like they''re planning to exhaust you to death!" Yun Yang''s face was uncommonly flushed and his breathing was quite labored. Even with his domineering cultivation base and cheat aid Emmie, he still felt worn out and enervated after holding out against the relentless attacks the entire day. "The Four Seasons Tower is famed not only for its formidable combat power. It''s foreseeable that they''d opt for targeting tactics when the game isn''t going smoothly for them. I think they probably aren''t restricted to this stunt C after all, this tactic takes too much time. Their main purpose is probably to expend my mystical Qi as much as possible, then come up with subsequent ploys." Yun Yang caught his breath and said, "While I''ll be drained if this attacking mode is prolonged, they''re equally strained C maybe even more sapped of their strength than I am!" 826 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 8 Ji Lingxi asked in surprise, "Why do I feel that this is already the best tactic they could come up with against you? You basically didn''t counter anything the whole day C isn''t this already putting you in a position of defeat?" "Putting me in a position of defeat doesn''t mean that I am defeated! It''s totally impossible to wear me out to death by purely using this trick." Yun Yang smiled faintly and said, "Think carefully. I''m bound to the spot to make sure I don''t sabotage myself. While I''m not winning, neither am I losing. Yet, the enemies have to pick their method to advance and retreat in the right direction at all times in addition to exerting their full strength in each attack. The physical toll on them is several times more than mine. My current cultivation base is higher than most of them as well; how would I be overtaxed by them? If this strategy is really effective, do you think we would have this space to breathe now?" Ji Lingxi pressed her lips together into a wide grin. "Then why didn''t you take the initiative to attack? They have been attacking frequently, but there were multiple gaps throughout this whole day. Although they flashed by, they were not figments of my imagination. If you took the chance to attack, it''s not even a challenge to kill one or two of them!" "Because if we do that we''d be taking their bait instead." Yun Yang explained with a smile, "I can almost be sure that the ultimate aim of their battle today is to wear down our patience and goad us into launching the attack. Only then can they separate us and destroy us individually." "They obviously regard you highly, powerless against you even, thus, they are passively executing this inefficient tactic. If they were to succeed, however, we would be separated. Then, they won''t have to fear you anymore. They only have to constrain you with a minimal number of men and concentrate their attention to finish me off in the least time possible by way of sacrifice." "As long as they wipe me out, they don''t even have to be bothered with you. They can very well leave immediately. Your presence doesn''t concern the big picture. It won''t be able to shake a mammoth existence like the Four Seasons Tower." "Do you understand now? This is the core purpose they''re using this draining attack." Yun Yang spoke with Ji Lingxi while he deflected the incessant attacks. While he did not speak fully with ease, he was still able to handle the situation without looking too worn out. He had elaborated the situation openly, without lowering his volume and without using his psychic voice delivery. He explained it with no attempt of concealment and dished it out plainly. Therefore, not only did Ji Lingxi heard him clearly, the Four Seasons Tower''s experts who were in hiding did as well. This was indeed Four Seasons Tower''s aim C and it had been ruthlessly stated by Yun Yang in plain language. As Yun Yang''s speech drew its curtain, the Four Seasons Tower''s attacking tempo suddenly turned chaotic. For a quarter of an hour that followed, the ceaseless attacks disappeared. "I''m guessing what you said just now wasn''t actually for my benefit," Ji Lingxi grinned. Yun Yang laughed and answered, "Why wasn''t it? I was answering your question!" Ji Lingxi beamed. "Of course we have to explain it to them. Otherwise, they''d think that they totally scored this round." "This is definitely not all that Mr. Nian has. He certainly has more tricks up his sleeves. It''s simply impossible that he''ll let me off so easily. We must be more alert after this," said Yun Yang, to which Ji Lingxi nodded. Yun Yang''s little speech earlier had apparently revealed the Four Seasons Tower''s grand plan as the following half an hour was laid bare without any subsequent moves. In spite of this, the attacking rhythm afterward exploded with an unprecedented intensity. It resumed the previous mode of attack! It did not change but only became more fervent. Countless pieces of heavy arms rained down upon Yun Yang like a massive downpour of rain. Ji Lingxi was quite irked. Why did they not change their initial strategy since it was being pointed out so frankly? Instead, they were carrying it out with even more vigor! This did not make any sense. The Four Season Tower''s experts continued to increase the pressure by increasing the frequency of their attacks, unrelenting and tightly paced. Until later, someone had muttered something unintentionally and the onslaught had become countless hill-sized rocks being tossed over. The range of attack now exceeded what was being covered previously. Naturally, no one could care to avoid Ji Lingxi as they hauled the rocks over without a care for the consequences. It then came as a delightful surprise when the tower''s men realized that while the rocks would be smashed into dust when they hit Ji Lingxi, they could not reveal their trail to the attackers as the repercussion was too overwhelming and the rocks could only take so much before they disintegrated. The Four Seasons Tower''s men were thrilled by the outcome, assuming that they had found the correct solution to restrain Ji Lingxi. Consequently, each rock that was hauled up was as large as a small hill. When the huge rocks were infused with a significant amount of mystical Qi by superb experts like the Four Seasons Tower''s men and being pitched so forcefully when it was not only one person but at least twenty of them who were fighting like this, the rippling effect of the siege was earth-shattering! The attackers insisted on not showing themselves, however, maintaining their initial reserved tactic. No matter if they scored with the one strike, they withdrew immediately without giving room for Yun Yang to counterstrike. "Maintain this mode of fixed warfare and exhaust Supreme Cloud to death!" "So what if he sees through the leader''s plan? Revealing it doesn''t mean he''s able to handle it! So many of us are bombarding Supreme Cloud together C will he not die?" Indeed, such an uncivilized approach did eventually tire Yun Yang out as he slowly but surely lost his grace tackling the blitz. Truth to be told, this was currently the most effective and efficient way against Yun Yang. Retreating right after an ambush would render him helpless no matter how amazing his skills were. After all, Yun Yang could only execute one person by chance following a few exchanges even if they were to combat man to man; what was more, such an instantaneous gap between attacks! Such was the ambush that was coming from each direction. Once Yun Yang was to pursue his target, he would break the corresponding state he was in with Ji Lingxi even when he did kill his prey and that would be what the Four Seasons Tower wished for the most. Boom, boom, boom The attacks were unending. Ranged and melee, high and low, the onset came from everywhere without skipping a beat. A situation that was not supposed to happen in a duel of pinnacle experts was put on play continually here in a bizarre way. Seeing that the attacks were unfaltering, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi switched up their countermeasures as well. They defended in a rotation, holding out for a quarter of an hour before switching places to catch a break. As the day progressed, the two of them were soiled and grubby despite not being hurt, in addition to being seriously depleted of mystical Qi. In spite of this, the offending team showed no sign of stopping, as if they planned to execute this singular tactic until the end of the day. The couple began to look concerned. Were they really constrained by such a simple strategy that the previous advantage was no longer existent? 827 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 9 The white nebulous fog surrounding them was pervasive. Despite holding hands, the couple could no longer see each other''s face! "The mist is getting heavier. It has grown thicker by three times, at the very least." Yun Yang spat some sand out and said, "They''re obviously reinforcing the formations to turn the fog dense. Looking at it maybe the whole Tianxuan Cliff is already engulfed in the vicinity of the inducement formation!" Ji Lingxi was covered head to toe in dust and grime as well. It was almost indiscernible that she was wearing a white gown. The girl spoke with dissatisfaction, "This Mr. Nian is also considered a significant figure in the martial world, a fighter of his time, but why is he using such an uncouth tactic? It''s upsetting!" "How can a martial world''s final battle be like this?!" Ji Lingxi was disdainful. Yun Yang smiled and replied to her, "Your argument is completely incorrect. In fact, what Mr. Nian did is how a true martial artist should be C doing whatever he can to achieve his goal without caring for the reputation that''ll be passed around and countering his enemy with the sole wish of winning. Those martial warriors who obeyed their principles and the rules It''s impossible for them to survive in such an environment." "Why didn''t you think that if it weren''t for our illogical tricks, my incomparable, cutting Divine Edge and your domineering guarding red light, why''d they use such a tactic? Isn''t it easier to besiege and kill us straightaway?" "You think that just because we see through their plan and they''d change their strategy due to shame or lack of confidence? This is actually the na?ve thought of illiterates who''ve never been through life and death combat. It''s not even funny." "Even if it were a scholar, as long as they''ve gone onto the battlefield, they''ll never think of the situation in this manner." Yun Yang stared at Ji Lingxi and said, "Lingxi, maybe we won''t be sticking together for some time in the future. What happened today, you must remember this small experience. You mustn''t forget it." "Remember, this is the martial world!" Ji Lingxi stared back at him in confusion. "You knew that they wouldn''t change their mind but you played along with me to reveal their plot It''s actually to let me understand this fact, isn''t it?" Raising his arm, Yun Yang''s Divine Edge hacked an incoming rock that was hauled over as he answered with a smile, "It''s not only this, I have other intentions as well. However, I need you to remember something by heart C in the martial world, before life and death, everyone can cast their concern for anything and everything aside!" "Martial artists who''ve gone to this level have crossed the river of life and death far too many times, they''ve stepped over to the other side and back on countless occasions. Once their very worth is on the line, they''ll no longer care for the so-called martial world rules, their reputation and honor. Before their fundamental gain, none of these were worthy of mention. If you ever meet someone who''s concerned for this and that before a life and death juncture one day remember, this person must have a deeper sense of agenda. Stay away from them as much as you can! It''s trouble to be either friends or foes with such a person!" "It''s never been simple to set foot and survive in the martial world. However, to be able to build a career for yourself and secure it in such an environment is a harder task." Ji Lingxi gazed at Yun Yang fondly for a long time before she spoke gently, "I''ll remember it. I won''t forget forever." ''He''s worrying that I''ll be cheated if he''s not with me one day'' Thinking of it, a sweet warmth enveloped Ji Lingxi despite her still being in a hazardous combat situation. She was totally smitten with romance for a moment, losing herself in it. Love-struck, the storming rocks and flying gravel around her seemed to have turned adorable as well. So what if her pristine white gown was stained? She was fighting alongside her love currently without the interruption of a third party. She was content. The battle went on, dry, but incredibly perilous. The thunderous booms rang for three full days, resonating to the ears as if the earth was shattering and the land was collapsing at every moment. Camped a hundred miles away, Fu Baoguo and the army felt the quake under their feet; their hearts trembled alongside the noises and vibrations. They were already so far away, thus they only suffered from the remaining ripples, but with their cultivation base, they still felt the quaking of their feet. What powerful collisions must Supreme Cloud and others who were combating be feeling? What was more frightening was the question that begged to be asked; how could a battle go on for so long? It had already been three days, but there was no sign of stopping C there was not even a pause! It was as if those who were fighting needed no rest at all. "Martial experts they are, mythical legends. This endurance alone is more than enough to change our minds." In Tianxuan Cliff, Yun Yang was visibly huffing with fatigue while Mr. Nian and group were equally tired out. The twenty experts of Four Seasons Tower remaining were all drenched in sweat and lacking energy, Mr. Nian included. It was apparent that both Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s resilience levels had far exceeded Mr. Nian and men''s expectations. "Hah Hah. Hah" The Winter Bearer breathed laboriously, almost like he was going to puff out his very organs. Popped blood vessels and pulsing veins wormed across his face and mystical Qi was dripping off him in a disorderly form. "If this goes on before Supreme Cloud is killed by us, we''ll be the ones dying first At least, I feel like I can''t go on anymore. Now it''s like my heart is going to jump out of my mouth at any time. My cultivation method is crumbling C If I don''t suppress it and readjust, I''ll die anytime now with my Qi and spirit dissipating into nothing" The others wheezed with their tongues out and nodded vehemently without being able to speak even a single word. It wasn''t only them. Mr. Nian was also immensely drained, almost unable to speak. "Who''s grouped to attack now?" "It''s It''s Summer and Autumn pushing on Hah Hah But they probably won''t be able to hold out for long C the brothers are exhausted Maintaining such long-term extreme depletion C hah C hah No one can withstand it." "Supreme Cloud must be worse for wear!" Mr. Nian panted. "We have more people than them. We get to catch our breath occasionally. Both of them didn''t have any chance to rest since the start! Even if they''re made of steel, they should be crumbling by now." "So we''re not contesting our determination. Whoever perseveres to the end is the winner!" Mr. Nian''s breathing gradually stabilized. His gaze was sharp. "I don''t believe that Supreme Cloud can last longer than so many of us!" 828 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 10 As they spoke, a few silhouettes came crawling over, resembling rolling snowballs. The sound of laborious heaving could be heard, even from hundreds of feet away. "Hu hu" The Summer Bearer who wore red swayed on his teetering feet and collapsed. His forehead knocked onto a huge rock with a bang, losing any semblance of his masterly flair. Thankfully, his head was harder than the rock as the boulder split with a sharp crack. Then, he was sprawled across the ground, unable to move, but he could still be heard panting and saying, "Uh Cough C cough Hah Hu Dead tired Next" Even as he spoke, white froth with strings of red actually began foaming from his mouth. It was evident that he was not only fatigued but internally injured as well. Exerting oneself so intensely and for such a long time was indeed a challenge, even for the deities. Mr. Nian stood up abruptly. "Those who can still take it C follow me. Victory is ours if we hold out to the end!" With the eight to nine people who had just caught their breath but who actually were still feeling like jelly, he bolted away, heaving loudly. The aggressiveness did not weaken him in the slightest. "Yun Yun Yang" Ji Lingxi looked sullen as he continued to wheeze. "I don''t feel good C I feel like C I feel like I can''t go on anymore" Although Yun Yang looked slightly better than Ji Lingxi, it did not seem optimistic. He pulled Ji Lingxi''s hand and said, "It''s going to be fine. Let''s go on a bit more We''re competing with our remaining will now. Whoever gives up first will lose. Once we let it go, we lose everything." He delivered a bolt of Emmie''s air of vitality to the girl as he spoke without disclosing the act. Receiving the deific space''s energy, Ji Lingxi felt rejuvenated, but she was still panting badly. "I I feel like I''ll faint any moment now My vision it''s blurry" Yun Yang comforted her while he also sought to catch his own breath. "Carry on Don''t give up!" He suddenly staggered during his speech of encouragement, as if his legs could no longer support himself. The Four Seasons Tower''s experts who were spying on them could not help being motivated, their attacks heightening immediately. Their intimidating rivals were finally on their last legs! The victory was going to be theirs! Honestly, the couple''s ability to survive until now was already worthy of everyone''s admiration. The Four Seasons Tower was rotating three batches of manpower to acquire some breathing room while the couple did not have any break at all, hammering away intensely. Yun Yang was the Four Seasons Tower''s biggest nemesis, so it was fine if the survivor of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Cloud, had such endurance. The girl, however, was unexpectedly strong. One must know that females were weaker by nature; their physique could hardly be compared to that of males. No matter how proficient their cultivation base was, it could not account for the innate physical differences. To be able to persevere to this point was a miracle that it had wholly renewed everyone''s perception of female cultivators! Yet, as they recalled that this girl was a house, they were relieved. Yun Yang''s hoarse voice roared out angrily, "Mr. Nian! Do you Four Seasons Tower plan to go on like this This method Even if you toss all the rocks in Tianxuan Cliff how many could there possibly be?" "Isn''t this just a tad ridiculous?" "Since this is the final battle could the Four Seasons Tower''s final battle be entirely C haha hauling rocks?" Yun Yang shouted with all his might, "Come fight with me face to face if you dare!" His threat was choppy. The extreme exhaustion that washed over him was felt by everyone. Empathy gave rise to plenty of emotions. The enemies hidden in the fog were silent, their only task was to haul countless rocks without stop, accompanied by cutting noises of the wind. No matter how they sympathized or identified with Yun Yang''s fate, they were martial veterans; they knew about the theory of falling short of success at the last stage. Despite how beaten up Yun Yang was now, they must not ease up, not even a bit! Once they allowed the chance for Supreme Cloud to catch his breath, they would be the ones to suffer! Yun Yang was still deflecting the boulders, strike after strike, while he bellowed in rage continuously. Ji Lingxi helped him intermittently as if she could no longer keep up the torturous state. In fact, the corners of her lips were subtly lifted, almost breaking her fa?ade. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were utterly drained, that was for sure. They were greatly exhausted. In spite of this, it was far from the exaggerated state they displayed. Completely worn out of energy and could no longer carry on C they were nowhere near this state! Yun Yang''s Emmie was a terrible cheat. It made perfect sense to use Emmie in this combat mode. When both of them felt tired, Emmie would deliver some refined air of vitality to reinvigorate them in a timely manner. Throughout the entire bout of combat, Yun Yang had sent the energy to Ji Lingxi no fewer than a dozen times. While Ji Lingxi did not understand the cause and effect, nor the arcane magic involved, she comprehended that Yun Yang was not as weary as he showed. As a girl and as an indirect recipient, she could still keep a portion of her strength and combat power. How could Yun Yang, a direct beneficiary, not be able to withstand the fight? This fellow was deceiving the enemy and playing with them! How difficult it must have been for him to act so convincingly! Yun Yang''s side was visibly nearing the end of their spent force and due to this, the Four Seasons Tower was naturally exhilarated. Although the latter had been completely spent too, victory was so close to them C they had to carry on, regardless of what happened! In spite of this, their perseverance went on and on Batch after batch was rotated again and again. The couple maintained the dying hysteric state like they were about to exhale their last breath in the next moment yet they lingered, struggling at the last breath! Their forlorn weary state persisted, actually going through three of their enemy''s shifts, and they were still standing! If a third party were to observe the situation with a shrewd mind, they would be muttering about the oddity of this episode. As for the Four Seasons Tower, all of them were so depleted that even panting took too much effort. Their eyes were rolled back in their sockets, a dozen of them almost reaching their end, as they went into a seizure on the ground, foaming at the mouth with some blood seeping out. Other than the weariness, each of them was somehow either lightly or severely injured. It was the consequence of being countered by Yun Yang when they ambushed him with the intention to end this combat as soon as possible. Although not one of the Four Seasons Tower''s twenty people had died, all of them knew that they were no better than being half-dead. Some of them were even having hallucinations once they stopped moving, their internal demons wrecking their stabilized state of mind. Truly, the extent of fatigue had gone past their limit. If any of them were to collapse and fail to get up again, none of them would be much surprised. 829 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 11 The Four Seasons Tower''s boulder attack was executed with the full force of mystical Qi each time it was launched. One had to make tens of pitches before being swapped and regaining minimal rest. The cycle repeated again and again until there was no distinction between being on loop. The men were humans too, they were not made of steel. What effect could the fleeting intervals garner? The few experts who bore God''s Bones were completely exhausted as well, finding it difficult to keep on pushing themselves. "This isn''t a final battle. This is hard labor! It''s better to kill me straight with a slash!" The group bemoaned. "Why is Yun Yang so preposterous? No matter how high his endurance is, he''s made of flesh and blood too. We''re people who greeted death in the face plenty of times but we still feel expended when we exert ourselves so vigorously" "How does this Yun Yang take it? He''s at least ten times more tired than all of us!" "Is our determination so much weaker than others?" Similar doubts rose in everyone''s mind. This was their first time being in combat of this manner, but this was also their first time coming across such a bizarre episode! The strange occurrences they had encountered in this Tianxuan battle came one after another without a hitch. It was such a pain in the rear end! As a wise, intelligent, and astute man, Mr. Nian had long suspected everything that was unfolding before him. "The strategy should be correct but why is this happening? Has there been some form of deception?" As Tianxuan Continent''s largest and most powerful organization, Mr. Nian and the Four Seasons Tower were unimaginably wealthy. It was well within reason for them to be equipped with an abundant array of spiritual pills and rare medicine. Faced with such intense combat, however, Mr. Nian and the rest could not keep up with the recovery speed of their basic Qi depletion. Otherwise, they would not have fallen to this pitiful state. In spite of this, Mr. Nian had the nagging feeling that Yun Yang could go on and on to the end of this world should this battle, which had come to a standstill, continue. How could this be? It was absurd! Where would the Supreme Cloud find such resources? If he did possess the resources, how could the Nine Supremes have been oppressed back then? There was simply no logic to explain it. "Seventh Month! Attack aggressively thrice and withdraw for a short break. Try to regain your breath as soon as possible!" "Yes!" "The others act as cover. Attack as usual; that should suffice." A knowing glimmer shone in Mr. Nian''s eyes. ''If you really do have something else reserved, it''s worth it for me to pay the price of a life in exchange for the truth'' ''If you don''t and you''re only holding out'' ''Then there''s nothing more to be said.'' Seventh Month pounced like a bolt of lightning. Two extremely hefty mystical steel daggers were first launched like canons before a special Chinese halberd weighing a few hundred catties was pulled out from behind him as he soared up high and laid the weapons down with a boom. The pitch was more forceful than all the other previous hauls. It was unassailable, the momentum it was in seemed to be able to move mountains and upend oceans. Yun Yang flicked the tip of his saber, firstly flinging away the dozens of secret weapons surrounding him, and concentrated a profusion of mystical Qi into the Divine Edge. With a soft buzz, the saber was aimed directly at the falling special Chinese halberd to rebuff it like a cushion of prairie fire. Clang! The moment the saber and halberd met each other, Yun Yang sank immediately, as if unable to support the momentum. The pitch by his enemy was indeed too powerful, so much so that even when Yun Yang was already on guard, he still felt strenuous. Unexpectedly, the weight felt suspicious as it seemed to be increasing continuously. Was his opponent not leaving after a strike? Were they finally changing up their strategy? Once Yun Yang felt the anomaly the first instance the contact was made, he retracted his saber swiftly and made a quick twirl, becoming a spinning silhouette. He was not avoiding the ambush with speed; it was due to the Divine Edge clutched in his hand that had grown dozens of feet long in a spurt and was driving in like a spear in an incredibly prompt counter. Seventh Month felt awful, as if being electrocuted when his special Chinese halberd collided harshly against Yun Yang''s saber but the halberd that was made entirely out of rare northern ice steel was not destroyed in the clash. Instead, it flew from the impact. Seeing the opportunity, Seventh Month wrung for the maximum of his mystical Qi and flew following the halberd. Hauling it again, the weapon went towards Yun Yang once more like a storm. Facing the ethereal saber, winning with strength was the best choice as they could not win with a plotted ambush. Logically, Seventh Month''s timing and execution were to have been perfect. If it had been the others, they might not have done it better than him. The battle today, however, was just logic-defying and extraordinary! A gigantic long saber was suddenly seen gliding through the air like the roc. It was only a snap of fingers but the saber was already approaching in a lethal force. How was it so fast? Seventh Month felt thoroughly chilled, his vision darkening. The special Chinese halberd was still winging it, but it had already turned into the most secure barrier. With how it was still intact despite the hard impact earlier, the final outcome now would not stray too far away from it although the saber had already changed form. Seventh Month prayed silently in his heart. In spite of this, the underworld suddenly appeared in front of him. It was so tangible as if the mythical eighteen levels of hell was revealed right before him. It was during another snap of fingers when Seventh Month''s consciousness lost its clarity. In a trance, he felt like all his enemies whom he killed in this lifetime had all gathered here in this present moment. Countless wronged souls and resentful ghosts lunged at him, filling his sight and asking for his life. He could not help the cry that escaped him, but he could already feel the icy pierce of a saber on his chest. Yun Yang had looked like he could not even lift his arm from how weary he was and his movements were evidently lacking than they had been but how did he possess such amazing speed now? It did not make sense! Seventh Month had no time to ponder. Death was already greeting him, so he withdrew instinctively, prioritizing his life. His retreat looked like it could draw hundreds of feet in distance between them. It was a pity that just as he began moving, there was already an impending form before him. Vaguely, there was a wash of chilling violet that could be glimpsed at C radiant but grim. Seventh Month cried aloud in fear, his intent to cry for help apparent. That, however, could only be a luxurious thought as his rival would never give him such a chance. The silhouette flashed again, near him. Seventh Month met Yun Yang''s cruel gaze. After that, he was left with the icy feeling on his chest, as if a piece of ice was suddenly stabbed into his heart. At that moment, he felt inexplicably gratified, even feeling a slightly at ease Then, it seemed that the similar iciness was felt at his neck. His hands that had always been stable lost their strength suddenly. The special steel chinse halberd that was not shattered despite crashing against Yun Yang''s Divine Edge slipped off of his hands and fell to the ground. The last of Seventh Month''s sight was a headless body that appeared beneath him out of nowhere. His thoughts were scattered now, thinking dazedly, ''Whose body is it? Why isn''t there a head'' Then, he knew nothing more. 830 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 12 The wash of purple seemed to return instantly, returning to its original position in the blink of an eye. There were only droplets of blood dripping from the pristine blade, like a broken string of crimson pearls, that served as the last witness to the death of the Four Seasons Tower''s Seventh Month. Yun Yang blinked into existence like a spirit, exiting and returning in a flash. His movements took place in the breadth of time it took to snap one''s fingers, but the life of an expert was concluded, too, that quickly. Seventh Month''s series of attacks came to an end just as Yun Yang came and went. He had been too greedy, pursuing his opponent, hoping to ride the victorious wave; not only did he not do anything, he ultimately lost his life as well. The speed of Yun Yang''s ambush caused even Mr. Nian, who was watching from the sidelines, to narrow his eyes, his gaze filled with shock. Even when he was in his prime, without an exhausting battle, it would have been punishing to unleash an attack at such speeds. Furthermore, this was during a prolonged battle; it should have been all the more impossible! How did Yun Yang do it? Yun Yang had looked like he was on the brink of death. His state was the worse for wear. He was basically in the jaws of death judging by how fatigued he looked. How was it possible for him to maintain such a strong combat force? He had sensed Seventh Month''s plan almost immediately as the latter launched his continuous attacks and had immediately counterattacked, terminating him swiftly. At that moment, Seventh Month''s succession of attacks was already formed. Logically, a counterattack was not even expected, yet Yun Yang did it quickly enough that just as the attacking momentum was set but not yet even approaching, he had made a timely retaliatory strike! What was more terrifying was that Yun Yang could reach Seventh Month in the incredibly short gap and even had the time to execute a complete saber style. Ultimately, he killed Seventh Month with a complete saber intent! The more direct observation that could be translated to words was that during the split second when Seventh Month''s second chain attack was about to be launched, Yun Yang had stabbed his saber right into Seventh Month''s heart before beheading him with another slash, thus ending his opponent''s life. He had displayed speed, strength, a quick reaction, explosive power, and dynamically flawless saber style None of it was supposed to be demonstrated by someone who was worn out by an extended period of battle. "Yun Yang has been acting all along! His exhaustion, his frazzled state, him looking like he''s on his last legs, they''re all a fa?ade!" Mr. Nian came to a conclusion swiftly, an unbelievable but reasonable conclusion. At that very moment, regret washed over him like a tidal wave. That was why he kept feeling that something was not right somewhere. Yun Yang was not at all afraid of or bothered by the depletion tactic he had decided on. In a certain sense, it would seem that they had fallen straight into his counter-strategy. They had waited eagerly for the moment when Yun Yang was thoroughly drained, not knowing that it was the same moment he was anticipating as well because he was also awaiting the instant when they were fully expended! A cold sweat broke out on the foreheads of Mr. Nian and the handful of men who were besieging Yun Yang. They were antique creatures who had lived through the millenniums. Even when their intelligence lacked compared to Mr. Nian, these men''s sense of danger would never go wrong. The same thought arose among the group. Was this Supreme Wit''s clever plan? Supreme Cloud was simply too cunning! Without any warning, he had trapped them all and kept them oblivious to it for so long The girl seemed to have revealed their original plan when she spoke previously, but Supreme Cloud had set up a fatal trap for them by making use of the opportunity just as they had thought that they had succeeded. The group had speculated Yun Yang''s strategy from the couple''s conversation and carried on with their initial tactics, executing it to the fullest, only to land face first in the hands of his deadly wile. It was fortunate that they did not find out about it too late. If they had waited until they were truly exhausted, would they have the energy to defend themselves then? Or would they become prey, waiting to be looted? There was a more petrifying reality that Mr. Nian had swiftly discerned C Supreme Cloud and the girl must be possessed of a recovery method that they did not know or could not even understand. This was how they could be so confident in anticipating their reaction. Was this another form of waiting at their ease for the enemy to become fatigued? Once he thought of this, Mr. Nian could not help feeling pessimistic and discouraged, even with his extensive experience. Since they now understood that the depletion strategy would only be a form of self-sabotage, there was no need to continue it. They had to adapt to the situation! They had to be quick about it too, or else they would be digging their graves soon. With Mr. Nian''s holler, everyone from the Four Seasons Tower who were immersed in the battle withdrew themselves swiftly into the fog, vanishing without a trace. A clear but obviously tired voice emerged from the thick mist, "Lord Supreme Cloud lives true to your reputation as Supreme Wit indeed. Such adaptive ability and intelligence shows how clever you are. We are really impressed. It is unfortunate that a momentary impulse wastes a lot of effort. We wonder if Lord Supreme Cloud feels that it''s a pity as well." Yun Yang answered faintly, "Killing one man is a gain for me. There''s nothing that I regret. To me, it''s already a bonus if I can eliminate one person. All of you have spent so much effort setting up this kill zone C would I be sorry to Mr. Nian if I don''t play any longer with you? Since the sentiment is reciprocated, we''re doing good to each other!" Mr. Nian''s voice had already faded, so he might not have heard what Yun Yang had said. The latter continued to listen for some time after he spoke before pulling Ji Lingxi''s hand and began sprinting in the fog soundlessly, slipping away to another direction. "Let''s go!" "The thick fog was to facilitate their tactics, but we can utilize it to our advantage as well." "We can''t accurately tell where they''re coming from when it''s their initiative to attack in this blanket of mist, but when the offensive and defensive positions are switched and we''re the one attacking now, it''s similarly oppressive to them!" "Actually, what Mr. Nian has guessed, or what all of them guessed, is still wrong." "What I was waiting for isn''t the moment when they lose all energy and waiting to be killed." Yun Yang''s gleeful gaze was glinting dangerously with killing intent. "What I''m waiting for is for this minute, when they find out about this. Otherwise, why would I reveal myself and break this impasse?" Ji Lingxi could not understand what he was saying, and asked, "Why? Isn''t it better to finish this battle this way? Why do you need to expose yourself first? Wouldn''t it be easier to finish them off when they''re really drained?" 831 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 13 "It''s not so easy to put an end to this battle. When they''re truly depleted, their first instinct would be to hide first. This is without a doubt. What''s more, this location was set up by them. They''re naturally more familiar with the geography. By then, we may not be able to find them quickly and with their capabilities, even if only a portion of them managed to escape in the end, the damage to Yutang will still be massive." "Instead, when they have realized that we aren''t bothered with a depletion in our energy and when they find out that the current situation is a trap I devised, a reversed plot of ours, they''ll immediately change their flawed strategy." "At this time, faced with this huge shock and discouragement, the instant they stop all attacks and withdraw to discuss their corresponding strategy, that instant will be the only time they''re no longer monitoring our whereabouts in this battle." "This timing will be our best opportunity to launch a counterattack." "What we''re going to do now is to seize this chance." Yun Yang told Ji Lingxi seriously, "When we have a trump card in our hands and when we''re not afraid of the enemy''s conspiracy anymore, we must let them carry out their plan to fruition C at least, let them finish half of it. Let them be stuck, unable to pull out nor continue." "It is only at this time that the heaviest blow can be dealt to the enemy which destroys their confidence. It''s also C truly C the best time to annihilate the enemy!" "I''ll remember this," Ji Lingxi hummed in agreement. She was filled with delight. During this period of time, Yun Yang had been doing all this. He had been using all the time and everything that was happening to teach her martial world experience. His intention was blatant. He was afraid of her being taken advantage of, especially after they entered the Bound of Universe. Therefore, he kept teaching her by setting himself as an example, delivering lessons the best he could. When they made it to the Bound of Universe, it was certain that the two of them would have to separate for some time. It would be impossible for them to be on the same route. The path to heaven manifested itself in different fortuities to each person; there was never a similar passage. Yun Yang''s patient teaching was obviously in fear of his lack of protection when Ji Lingxi would be alone. The concern of her lover warmed Ji Lingxi''s heart as the impulse of crying happy tears rushed to her. What else could she ask for when she had met such a kind man in this lifetime? It did not take long before both of them were tens of thousands of feet away. "Their hiding spot can''t be too far away. We''re very close now." Yun Yang talked using psychic voice delivery and held his breath. Ji Lingxi''s actual cultivation base was a fraction higher than Yun Yang''s, thus she halted her steps to listen carefully. "There is some movement up front. It seems to be a valley? Is that their hiding spot?" Yun Yang perked up when he heard her, leading them both over to the said location. "What?" The Four Seasons Tower''s men were sprawled across the ground. All of them were wheezing their faces pale, greatly resembling the dead. A few of them were already spitting copious amounts of blood. Overwhelming exhaustion had caused them to experience a sense of failure that wiped the perception of time away. Then, the foul news hit them at that very moment. A few of them choked, their eyes rolling to the back of their heads, and they passed out. A few more eyes and mouths widened in disbelief, the shock from Mr. Nian''s news almost making them forget their weariness. All of their eyes were as wide as saucers, their jaws slack and almost touching the ground. They stared at Mr. Nian in a stupor. For a good while, there was no sound at all. ''Is he not afraid of the depletion tactic at all?'' ''He was, in fact, waiting for that depletion tactic?'' ''Are you trying to say that we were the ones who got tired instead?'' ''They can recover themselves without limit? They can wait for the opportunity at ease while we work our bones off?'' ''Does that mean we''re self-assuming fools who tired ourselves to death?'' ''Fools who are completely drained as suited to their intention'' ''What''s worse is that not only can they fight again, they''re completely energized, their combat power wasn''t affected!'' Once they thought of it, the group sunk into an ignominious atmosphere. The impulse to shout ''Oh my God!'' and bang their heads in an attempt to commit suicide engulfed all of them. Truth was, the Four Seasons Tower''s guesses were quite deviated. Yun Yang could recover very quickly and currently had some combat strength left in him still, but energetic? That would be overestimating Lord Supreme Cloud. No matter how rapid his recovery was in addition to Emmie''s divine assistance, the physical feeling of being stretched thin was totally tangible. Yun Yang was made of flesh and blood, after all. The saying that manpower was not always boundless could be used on him too. Manpower had never been limited to physical strength C the force of vitality, psychological and mental power were all included in the said term! It was simply unreasonable to be inexhaustible when one was in such an extreme and aggressive battle. Compared to the Four Seasons Tower, he was just faring, at most, slightly better. Of course, the situation had not been alleviated for the Four Seasons Tower although Yun Yang was only slightly better than them. Whether Yun Yang''s condition was eighty percent or fifty percent of his fully charged state, he was equally a challenge to the group whose combat power was not even ten percent of their usual capacity. "Consume the medicinal pills immediately and move," Mr. Nian instructed in simple words, "This place is no longer secure. If Supreme Cloud ambushes us now, the situation will be unamendable, and it''ll head south really quickly." Before his words echoed, a flash of light appeared as if summoned, engulfing the vicinity. With the burst of light came the sharp noise of billowing wind! The ambush was unexpected, not a single forewarning sign was given for them to heed. Yun Yang struck out with all his might; Merciless Saber, Merciless Dao, Saber Laic, Life and Death in a Thought, Upended River of Blood, Reincarnation Under Saber, Destiny Blade''s three forms and six styles were executed, all in a flawless row! With all the physical strength Yun Yang had gathered and his utmost exertion of mystical Qi, he could only unleash these three forms continuously before he felt expended. In spite of it, these six styles were more than enough. The saber light created a flood of destruction, surging into the valley like a storm and drowning the Four Seasons Tower''s men. The tower experts who were thoroughly worn out entered the most absolute sense of despair then; a lot of them were in a debilitated state, especially the handful who had just come off the ambush duty, it was too much to even hold up their weapons. There were a few who were already unconscious as well. Their current situation found them in a tremendously weak position. After all, they thought that they had just escaped a perilous situation to somewhere safe and they could breathe in relief. The attack came when their guard was at its lowest and their spirits, the most sullen. Who would have known that a Yama King would suddenly launch an ambush at this moment! How could they have deflected such a sudden and fatal attack? It wasn''t too long before the cries and screams began to ring incessantly. 832 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 14 Yun Yang had been preparing for three whole days for this very moment. He had given it a lot of thought. First, he showcased his ace skill, the Divine Edge, as much as he could in the battle to intimidate the Four Seasons Tower and cause them a headache in order for them to devise other strategies. Next, he exposed Ji Lingxi''s mystical retaliation power that he should have kept as his trump card to elevate his opponents'' dilemma, forcing them to cook up a way to avoid Ji Lingxi and attack him instead. Under such circumstances, Yun Yang had actually left three options open to the Four Seasons Tower. They could either go head on against him with heavy weaponry, ambush him with secret weapons, or prolong the battle to deplete his strength. Otherwise, they would never be able to evade Yun Yang''s saber and Ji Lingxi''s retaliatory force. As for the three options, no matter which one the Four Seasons Tower had picked ultimately, Yun Yang could adapt to it and lead the situation to his desired outcome. Putting himself in his enemy''s shoes, Yun Yang made a further inference after more thorough consideration. The optimum method would be to combine these three tactics into one. After all, if he were Mr. Nian, he would choose this mode of attack anyway. To pick the three-in-one tactic did not mean that the Four Seasons Tower or Mr. Nian was stupid. It was because such a stratagem was the singular correct attack mode, targeting the two trump cards Yun Yang had revealed. Other than that, there was no other route. They could not keep away from Yun Yang''s saber. If they remained fighting or continued to ambush him, they would all be killed by Yun Yang sooner or later C or slaughtered by Ji Lingxi''s backlash. Even if their target were Yun Yang, what could they do if Ji Lingxi suddenly pounced on Yun Yang? It was totally foreseeable and they could not even steer clear of it! In addition, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s cultivation base were exceptionally high. It was also difficult to separate them and annihilate them one after another. Therefore, there was really only one choice if they wanted to kill Supreme Cloud in Tianxuan Cliff, regardless of Mr. Nian''s remarkable intelligence. They had waited for years for today''s final battle C how could they leave in the middle of it? How could they leave when they had the advantage of numbers as well? It was impossible. At long last, the Four Seasons Tower''s men had unwittingly entered the deadly trap Yun Yang had painstakingly arranged! In hindsight, if Yun Yang was not supported by his greatest trump card, Emmie, the Four Seasons Tower''s option could actually be the only way to exterminate both Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi. Yet, who could have imagined that he had Emmie, a logic-defying cheat that exceeded everyone''s knowledge, and overturned the circumstances, accomplishing a situation where all the tables were turned? The crux actually lied in the last step C whether Yun Yang could pursue the Four Seasons Tower''s men to their resting base when they withdrew upon knowing the truth and assassinate them while they were unaware. This was an opportunity Yun Yang had toiled on for three days and three nights after following suit with whatever his enemy decided on; it was a chance he almost died fighting for. How could he let it slip by so easily? Even Yun Yang himself felt that perhaps he would only come across an opening like this once throughout his entire life! Once they knew about his ace card, they would never commit the same mistake twice the next time around. This was the reason Yun Yang had gone full force in this ambush. The saber light shone, reaching the heavens, casting even the thick heavy blanket of fog aside. Wherever the saber light reached, a symphony of cries rang out. The crimson gleam of blood glared ferociously. The Four Seasons Tower''s men, pinnacle experts atop of the martial world''s peak cultivators, were like lambs led to the slaughter now, stripped of any ability to defend themselves. Ji Lingxi, who was beside Yun Yang, was merciless with her sword as well. Wielding and waving it gracefully, sword light engulfed the valley from end to end. The couple was like two unstoppable killing machines, trampling anyone who was in their way. Their powerful momentum was akin to breaking dead branches and crushing dry weeds, potently sweeping any obstacle out of their path. During that very minute, even Mr. Nian''s gaze seemed to be dazed from despair. With the snap of one''s fingers, heads rolled and limbs flew, severed from their owners The Four Seasons Tower''s men were at the lowest point of their entire lives. Directly faced with Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s full-forced ambush, there was no lucky exception. Many of them who were splayed on the ground did not even have the chance to stand up again. When Yun Yang had killed six and Ji Lingxi had killed five of the Four Seasons Tower''s experts, their murderous dynamic took a slight pause. The four people who returned the earliest from the ambush rotation and Mr. Nian who just came back, pushed themselves, exerting their vitality potency, and managed to temporarily stop Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi, despite harming themselves in the process too. In spite of this, they only saved three men. Mr. Nian had exerted himself to keep up his attacking momentum and drove the couple slightly away before one of his legs made a kick during the momentous gap, kicking the three men who had collapsed on the ground out of fatigue far while growling "Go quickly!" as they bounced and rolled far away like three hapless balls. Before his cry could echo, his sword slithered and exuded sword energy dozens of feet long, mightily stopping Yun Yang, who was hell-bent on uprooting the entire tower. At this very moment, the Four Seasons Tower''s honorable lord had lost his previous elegance. The four people who fought alongside Mr. Nian currently were Autumn Bearer, Summer Bearer, Winter Bearer, and a God''s Bone Bearer. As for the other Four Seasons Tower experts, whether they possessed God''s Bones or were only ordinary months, all of them were already killed by Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi. Since the juncture of the couple initiating their ambush, a total of eleven men had lost their lives in just about a dozen breaths'' time. The pinnacle forces of this world had still died with a swift slash. Despite bearing God''s Bones and having a more superior physique compared to the ordinary man, they could not parry the Divine Edge''s unparalleled sharpness, especially when Yun Yang had triggered his maximum limit and wielded the saber with his all. This was already proven earlier, while they were thoroughly spent now; it was truly not too surprising to come to such a result! The blood on the ground could almost form a river, the copper scent and crimson gore enveloping the entire valley. Mr. Nian was in heart-wrenching anguish, resentment lacing the fury licking in him. More than half of the God''s Bones Bearers whom the Four Seasons Tower had spent millenniums gathering one by one were lost while four Seasons and twelve Months who had been together for thousands of years were either dead or wounded To build these pillar forces of the Four Seasons Tower, countless Venerable Lords were sacrificed during these painstakingly long years C they were recruited, bones were planted, nourished, extracted, melted Countless lives were sacrificed to weave the glory that was the Four Seasons Tower. Now, was such a powerful cadre of individuals to be buried here? Mr. Nian was rather regretful then. What if he had not cared about the prophecy? He and Heaven''s Inquisition, Gu Chaliang, would still be best friends, and he would still be a heaven-obeying man! Let the Nine Supremes rise! Their initial intention was only to protect Yutang. When Yutang conquered this world, they would eventually quieten down. The Four Seasons Tower would still dominate the martial world and several hundred years later, maybe the Nine Supremes would no longer be in this realm. The Four Seasons Tower had waited for millenniums. Why were they in a hurry to wet themselves in this puddle? "Either one soars to the nine heavens or one sinks deep into extinction. It''s fixed. It''s destined!" 833 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 15 A broken cry pierced the ears beside him. Mr. Nian had finally seen the retaliatory power, the backlash, for the very first time! Summer Bearer had executed his saber too quickly and failed to retract it as he wished since his energy was drained. His offense landed on the white-dressed girl and not only did the girl forgo any attempt to avoid it, but she also dashed to him head-on, pushing herself between Summer and Winter Bearer and brutally thrust her sword in Winter Bearer, stabbing a hole through his shoulder. As for the girl herself, a beam of red light slowly but surely shone from her. Summer Bearer''s attack was like snow that had met the sun. It was immediately extinguished and melted while his red-clad form clashed with the red beam. Crying aloud, the man was flung away. He was already spitting out shattered parts of his organs when he was high in the air. Judging by what just happened, realization was clear within Mr. Nian that Summer Bearer was doomed! Added with the earlier overstrain, Summer Bearer''s physical condition was already overloaded. The retaliation he suffered from now instantly triggered all the adverse states of his body. How could he be a lucky exception? As expected, Summer Bearer''s rising body dismembered abruptly while it flew, turning into ashes and blending with the sky''s dust. "Let''s go!" Mr. Nian growled. At the same time, his sword radiated in an unprecedented blinding white. A rapid twirl in the air later, he and his sword became a spiraling dragon that gleamed and glittered, heading straight towards Yun Yang. Yun Yang first executed his saber truth with utmost strength and followed it up by killing a few men. He was already on his last legs now; after all, he was not forged from steel. Days of battle were not a dream. He did not have the magical red beam like Ji Lingxi who did not need to defend herself. Even with Emmie''s support, he was still consumed by fatigue. Now that Mr. Nian came after him with such an aggressive strike, he could only evade it with his all. Facing the desperate blow of a pinnacle expert, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou would have had to avoid it, even if they had to work hand in hand to do so, what more Yun Yang, who was at his weakest state. Sword light and saber energy, wounds littered across their bodies, Mr. Nian and the other three men fought in unison to break through Ji Lingxi and Yun Yang''s defenses. Following an agonized howl, they charged out of the valley. There was a visible quivering in the thick fog. The three men who had been tossed out earlier had fled from that direction and now, these three moved fast to meet them. The Four Seasons Tower was in a grievously grim state. If the six of them did not assemble, they were bound to be killed by Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi separately! Even if the six survivors could gather now, it did not mean more sense of security to them. Their rivals were ghastly and potent after all. Indeed they were. In contrast to Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s actual capabilities, their additional tricks were the key to this battle''s result. Be it Yun Yang''s amazing saber or the girl''s protective magical beam, or even their unreasonable recovery method, they were unknown stunts. How could the Four Seasons Tower not lose, facing such peculiarities? Watching Mr. Nian and his men speed out of the bleeding valley like strikes of lightning, Yun Yang heaved a long sigh instead. He dropped himself on the ground, sweat pouring out of him like an underground spring, thoroughly drenching him. His eyes were rolled back from how dreary he felt. It was like he could not even breathe in to wheeze. It was a frustrating feeling and itched to tear his throat apart so he could pant properly. His vision blackened and the world around him seemed to swim. Lowering his head, blood spluttered from his mouth. Ji Lingxi was not any better. Her legs gave up and she landed beside Yun Yang. She gasped for air, her face pale. Both of them had similarly reached their limits. Yun Yang panted. "We adjust and recover ourselves now. We have at least a day''s time" "A day?! You C aren''t you scared that they''ll flee?" asked Ji Lingxi. Yun Yang smiled lightly and said, puffing, "They won''t! They''d never think to escape when their goal is yet to be achieved. Besides, even we''re so tired, they''ll only be even more tired than us, lower in spirits than us. They won''t be able to run even if they wanted to." "Before we regain our energy, they don''t even have to think of getting themselves up!" Yun Yang took in a deep breath, feeling his throat catch fire, so much so that even breathing hurt, and chuckled dryly. "Those who survived this round C all of them have damaged their principal essence except the two of us." "Damaging the underlying essence has always been only a rumored saying unable to be perceived by the naked eye. How do you know this?" said Ji Lingxi. Yun Yang''s eyes were closed as he scoffed and said tiredly, "What you''re saying is the normal circumstances. Proficient cultivators can hardly get hurt. Their fundamental essence is their core. Even if it''s damaged, they must cover it up the best they can. However, they''re now at the lowest of the lowest. Continuous heaving all that''s left in themselves to counter the attacks, their cores are severely damaged. Even the air they puffed is red and tinged with a strong coppery scent of blood" "That''s when the essence of life is expended to its limit and the capacity of vitality is also maximally drained. It can barely be faked or concealed." "You saw how everyone was pumped and ferocious in the battle just now but once they stop now C let me tell you even if they were lain here, right beside us, they won''t have the strength to roll over and hit us even once. It''s the same case as when the Four Seasons Tower laid here, collapsed and unable to move or parry us just now. The fundamentals of their air of vitality weren''t too damaged just now. Now, though, their life force, physical strength, mystical Qi and their mental power, as well as determination, are all fully depleted. It''s not something they can replenish in a day." "So today will be the most carefree day in this battle. Sleep. Don''t worry and sleep." He then pushed a few medicinal pills into Ji Lingxi''s mouth and delivered some air of vitality to her. He did not have to worry about himself. After all, the reservoir of energy within him was supporting him; as long as there was sufficient recovery time, he would be fine. Taking in a few big puffs of air, his breathing gradually smoothened out. Feeling that his state was much better now, Yun Yang retrieved a bag of water only to realize that his arm was shaking. He could barely push the water over to Ji Lingxi''s mouth. The maiden gulped down the water and before long, her eyes were shut and there were soft snores coming from her. The corners of Yun Yang''s lips lifted silently. How stupid of him not to realize that the girl was truly exhausted these days. Bringing up the water to himself, he quaffed it. As he drank, the weight of his eyelids pushed at him. An indescribable sense of fatigue washed over him and he succumbed to it almost senselessly. The water bag fell, spilling its content over the young man, but the latter could no longer feel anything. 834 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 16 Yun Yang''s current state was not all that different from the Four Seasons Tower group who previously laid in a heap on the ground. Lethargy completely consumed him as he entered a deep slumber of self-recovery. What Yun Yang had said was accurate to a point. Mr. Nian and group had exerted the last of their energy to charge out of the valley to the back of Tianxuan Cliff, to a hiding spot they had prepared earlier. All of them practically fell inside. Settling down and panting, the puffs they made were a mist of blood that continued to dissipate in the air for quite a while. Mr. Nian strained his remaining strength to complete the formation at the cave''s entrance and unable to push on, he keeled over on the ground and blacked out without any further words. No one showed any sign of surprise because the five other men had already lost consciousness as well, breathing stably. Going through such a massive loss and being extremely grieved and wronged, they did not even have the energy to curse Yun Yang now. In the small cave, the six of them huddled together as their snores began to echo in peaceful harmony. Beneath Tianxuan Cliff, Fu Baoguo and his troops were anticipating hopefully. After four days and nights, the endless rumbles and booms had finally ceased. Everything went back to dead silence. However, the stillness was not as well received as the deafening noise. The army was pale, filled with worry and anxiety. "This must be the end" "It should be?" "Then who won?" "It must be Lord Supreme Cloud right?" "Do we want to go up and take a look? Just to confirm the situation" "Can we?" "Will it affect Lord Supreme Cloud? We''re quite lacking in our abilities C what if Lord Supreme Cloud has to divert his attention and take care of us?" "Hmm" "Let''s wait a bit more." Fu Baogu''s stomach was in knots. His thoughts were scattered all over. His usual brilliance and assertiveness were gone without a trace. He spoke after a moment of contemplation, "If the battle is over, Lord Supreme Cloud will let us know" "It''s so worrying" Far away, high up in the sky, there were two silhouettes who were rushing to where the final battle was taking place. "We''ve taken too long this time I wonder if we''re in time" "It can''t be helped. Who knew the School of Kismet State was located in so secluded a location? No one could have imagined it''d be beyond the Borderless Ocean" "It''s upsetting!" "Young brother mustn''t have anything happen to him, please don''t" "Less nonsense now. Let''s move faster" About two thousand miles away from Tianxuan Cliff, a white-gowned silhouette was also speeding towards the same location, cutting straight across the air. He and his sword were rumbling through the sky, tens of thousands of feet covered in a flash. This person was the long-awaited Jun Moyan. Yutang''s dispersed men had finally found him and persuaded the Unrivaled Swordsman to partake in the Tianxuan Cliff battle. What moved Jun Moyan was not the war between Yutang and Ziyou. It was another fortuity, a fate between him and Yun Yan whom no others knew about. "Yun Yang is Supreme Cloud." "So Supreme Cloud is that child Old Dugu spoke of back then." "No wonder Supreme Cloud did what he did in Zilong City previously" "I didn''t manage to rescue Old Dugu in time. Today, I must save his son." "Even if it''s the Four Seasons Tower, there''s no two ways about this." It was too bad that when Jun Moyan received the news, it was already rather late. The battle at Tianxuan Cliff had begun some ten days before! Jun Moyan embarked on his journey in distress and without rest. Finally, he was approaching his destination. Staring at the looming venue, he sped up even more. "I hope I''m still in time I hope it''s not another regret!" Up in Tianxuan Cliff, the current state was one that would make anyone''s eyes bulge should they have witnessed it. The rivaling parties, one in front of the mountain and another at the back of the cliff, were now doing the same thing C they were deep asleep! So soundly sleeping, they looked absolutely blissful! Was there a battle? Not that I know of! The atmosphere was too peaceful. It was like they were preparing to ascend to the heavens! It was four hours later when Yun Yang was the first to slowly wake up. He knew that Mr. Nian and group were surely more fatigued than he was, and would not be awake in at least eight hours, but he only gave himself two hours to sleep. However, he was still dissatisfied C he had actually overslept! "My self-discipline and self-restraint are still lacking. I may have to train myself to focus on these aspects in the future. Any lapses can be fatal C one careless mistake is already one too many." Yun Yang was upset by his own performance. Watching Ji Lingxi who was still deep in slumber, the girl was equally exhausted. Asleep, she was like a kitten; her hands were clasped in front of her face while her body was curled up. Her breathing was soft and rhythmic, surprising Yun Yang. He remembered that this girl was softly snoring before he fell asleep. Why was she not snoring now? Barely figuring it out, Yun Yang turned to stand up only to hear the bones all over his body crackle. The sudden noise was frightening, Yun Yang feeling goosebumps rise when he heard it. Carefully moving, he still felt the sense of powerlessness, like his bones could break at any time. He attempted to invoke his divine senses, but tidal waves of prickling pain were all he felt in his mind. The unexpected yet continuous pain almost made Yun Yang moan aloud, hugging his head. Thanks to his previous sufferings that had been much worse, the current ache was endured with clenched teeth. Feeling better, he slowly expanded his deific consciousness to probe his surroundings with caution so he could confirm the current situation. Relieved by his observation, it should be mentioned that what he said earlier that there would not be anything happening in this one day was mostly to comfort Ji Lingxi. It was not true at all. How could Yun Yang actually assume it to be the truth? There would never be such a windfall in this world! To him or to the Four Seasons Tower, such a stroke of luck was absolutely prohibited from happening. To Yun Yang, any accident or unexpected episode that struck in such a circumstance would turn his short break into a long slumber, completely overturning the situation. To the Four Seasons Tower, it was impossible for Yun Yang to allow them such a long recovery period. If he had not also been thoroughly tired out and would damage his foundation should he persist, Yun Yang would not have let them go at all C what more, a break! Permitting himself two hours of sleep was already a decision made out of futility. If he resisted a rest, he would not only be damaging his core, he would be tiring himself to death! The thick fog still blanketed his surroundings. Yun Yang did not take the chance to search for Mr. Nian and entourage. Firstly, the timing was not right; rushing things would instead make them worse. Secondly, his condition did not allow such action; he was sore and tender, his capability far from replenished. Going to his enemy now might be suicide. Both parties stood at the same level right now. They were exhausted and aching, unable to exert even the slightest bit of energy. Even panting was excruciating. It was an awkward stage with both sides wanting to attack each other, yet lacking courage as they were weak. Approximately three hours later, Ji Lingxi finally woke up. With a soft grunt, the beauty instinctively frowned. Her body ached like it was not hers to command; any movement was hardly graceful. In spite of this, the maiden''s reaction was incredibly strong-willed. She withstood it and helped herself up, biting her lips with a frown. Shaking the throbbing knots out, she slowly cultivated. While her brows had been tightly knitted together, there was not a moan or grunt. An hour later, she finally spoke, "This is the first time I''ve been so tired in this lifetime. How are you? Are you alright?" Yun Yang''s gaze was fond and inexplicably admiring. The girl before him was smart and kind, tough on the outside and levelheaded on the inside, a brilliant maiden. What else could he have asked for when he had such a confidant? "I''m fine." "What you say doesn''t count. Let me look at your wounds." Ji Lingxi stood up to take a look at Yun Yang only to have her eyes turn red immediately. Yun Yang had the upper hand in this battle but the price he paid for it was not little at all. During the later stages of the fight, Emmie''s support was barely significant. The wounds on him could hardly heal as quickly. There were forty to fifty slashes all across his body; he was basically hurt everywhere. Although each gash was only an external wound, the sum of the bleeding slits was still painful and frightening to look at. If it had been an ordinary person, those injuries could have drained the man of his blood! Ji Lingxi took care of Yun Yang''s injuries carefully. She treated all the wounds on him without missing any gash, but Yun Yang did not look burdened or weighed down by the bandaging. "Your bandaging skill" Yun Yang was impressed. "I admit my lack of skill! I''m surprised by your remarkable technique. It''s wonderful." Ji Lingxi smirked proudly and snorted as she said, "You call yourself a veteran. Martial practitioners of our generation are all excellent in these little tricks. Isn''t getting hurt part and parcel of roaming the martial world? Surprised? There are plenty of areas in which I''m skilled and you know nothing about!" Yun Yang looked up speechlessly. ''Big sister, how arrogant of you! That guarding red beam on you is already preventive, what opportunities to get hurt could you possibly have?'' ''Are you not ashamed by the words leaving your mouth? Let me be ashamed for you!'' "Still nothing from the Four Seasons Tower?" asked Ji Lingxi. 835 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 17 Yun Yang replied faintly, "They''re most probably behind this mountain Nonetheless, I didn''t check." "Why? Aren''t you afraid they will escape? You''ve set things up so painstakingly to avoid a slip and letting that slip harm Yutang, haven''t you?" asked Ji Lingxi. Yun Yang cast his gaze at the scattered corpses not far away and sneered, "It''s all the same, they''ll never run away. Their biggest wish now is still to kill me. Other than that, the God''s Bones that the Four Seasons Tower have accumulated for tens of millenniums are basically all scattered here. How are they leaving?" "This is a battle to end our grudges. It has to be finished here C one side must be completely defeated and destroyed!" "Before this, my vengeance took precedence. I wanted to kill all of them, no matter what it took, that I even suggested this battle. However, now... more than ninety percent of the Four Seasons Tower have been ruined by my hands. Their brothers for millenniums, about eighty percent of them, were killed by us. I believe that their resentment must burn far more deadly than mine." "As long as they''re not cowards, they won''t ever run away. If they are actually afraid to fight, they''re no longer to be considered an issue as well. There''ll be people who will eliminate them after this." Yun Yang smiled faintly. "Now, I feel comforted because I''ve finally passed back all the pain they''ve given me." Around the same time when Yun Yang regained his consciousness, Mr. Nian, who was in the cave behind the mountain, opened his eyes as well. His gaze was bleary as he looked at the ceiling of the cave. Then, a crimson thirst flushed in his orbs. There was a huffing noise from his throat too. It was not due to fatigue but extreme resentment. "Supreme Cloud!" He screamed soundlessly, blood threatening to spill from his lips. Turning around and looking at the six men around him who were still soundly asleep, each one of them was bloodied with a peppering of wounds. It was difficult to look at. All of them were moaning in pain despite their steady snores. Mr. Nian''s eyes were rimmed red instantly. The Four Seasons Tower! It had been at the top of the martial world for tens of thousands of years, subjugating the world by force and domineering Tianxuan. Now there were only these people left. Mr. Nian included, they were the last seven people. In addition, all of them were severely wounded. Mr. Nian, who had awakened before everyone else, panted as the emotions flickered in his eyes. He stared at the six slumbering men before shifting his sight to the thick fog blanketing the outside of the cave, no words escaping his lips. The Four Seasons Tower was doomed. This thought that he felt could never exist rose from within him, bringing an excruciating pang to his heart once he realized it. The tumultuous effort he made to succeed his seniors, the target he had fought for his entire life Was it gone just like that? He panted for a long time, finally regulating his heaving, but the flickering light in his eyes slowly faded, dimmed in the end. His gaze was morose. Then, he was seen retrieving ample medicinal pills from his spatial ring and tossing them all into his mouth. The sun was about to set. It was near evening. Yun Yang, who was significantly recuperated, stood at a high point overlooking the setting sun with his arms resting on his back. In contrast to the Four Seasons Tower''s Mr. Nian and his men''s damaged cores, most of what Yun Yang expended was his physical and mental strength. At most, there were only external wounds. Even without Emmie''s support, Yun Yang''s state would improve swiftly as long as he had a good rest and hours of adjustment since he had so much energy stored within him. Currently, more than seventy percent of his combat power had already come back to him although he had yet to return to his optimal state. Tianxuan Cliff was completely silent now. Yun Yang was truly at peace, impatience, and anxiety not at all in sight. He was quietly waiting for the man. He believed that Mr. Nian would definitely show up. All of a sudden, a howl rang from the back of the cliff. Yun Yang turned around slowly to the direction where the voice came from, wearing a faint smile. In spite of this, the upturned corners of his lips hid an inexplicable sense of murderous intent. Ji Lingxi who sat cross-legged stood up at once. As her gaze followed the sound, her dazzling sword was already in her grip. Those at Tianxuan Cliff were all enemies if they were not Yun Yang, thus the one who howled just now was naturally an enemy! A silhouette materialized on the other end of the thick blanket of mist. Mr. Nian''s usually clear voice rang out in an incredibly suppressed tone, "Supreme Cloud, where are you?" The veil of fog laid over Tianxuan Cliff was too thick, effectively rendering a person blind. Mr. Nian was the one who had set the formation, but he was no exception to its effect. He could not even discern anything far away. "I''m here, waiting for your arrival," answered Yun Yang. Before his words could echo, Mr. Nian''s illusory form had come to him, following his voice. Mr. Nian had recovered the usual black robe he wore. He was neat, even his hair was kept too. There was no sign of distress and exhaustion from experiencing a battle. He looked like he had just returned from a springtime outing. The refined demeanor was without the haze that rattled one before a battle. A sliver of surprise flashed across Yun Yang''s eyes. There was obviously a disparity between his expectation and Mr. Nian''s current state of mind. He could not help heightening his alertness. "Supreme Cloud is Supreme Cloud, truly. You live up to the reputation of Supreme Wit." Mr. Nian sighed, "We, the Four Seasons Tower, have lost this battle today." Admitting defeat the moment he showed up? What an opening speech! Yun Yang was bewildered as well, saying, "I should be comforted when Mr. Nian admits defeat personally, but our stances stand in opposition. We don''t rest until we die. This vengeance can''t be ended with just an acknowledgment of defeat!" It was not that Yun Yang was being unforgiving and inhumane, determined to exterminate all of the Four Seasons Tower. The truth was that both parties no longer had parrying room. Any method to dissolve the dead knot between both sides was simply ineffective. The revenge could only be resolved by one side''s extinction! "Lord Supreme Cloud has misunderstood my intentions of admitting defeat. I have admitted my loss, but I am not using it to end this battle nor will I await death while doing nothing. The battle goes on. The debt of blood can only be returned with blood. Lord Supreme Cloud has always known this and has been doing this. Naturally, the Four Seasons Tower will not lack in this aspect compared to Lord Supreme Cloud. Still, we understand the same reasoning." Yun Yang spoke cautiously, "Go on." "Only one party will perhaps descend Tianxuan Cliff when this battle ends!" Mr. Nian heaved a long sigh and said, "Whether it''s you, or me." "Mr. Nian means that the final battle goes on and you admitting defeat has nothing to do with the grand scheme of things?" Yun Yang frowned. "If I say that our vengeance stops here, would Lord Supreme Cloud agree to it?" Mr. Nian sneered. "Of course not. Setting free a tiger back to the mountain isn''t in my character." Yun Yang''s gaze was resentful and cautious. His incomplete quest for vengeance aside, the consequences of these people surviving were not one he could shoulder if he asked himself. The consequences would be severe, the resultant threats never-ending! 836 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 18 None of his friends and families in Tiantang City could rival the opponent before him. If he could escape from this battle with the intention of seeking revenge afterward by assassinating everyone related to Yun Yang, there would be no lucky exceptions! Furthermore, the whole Empire of Yutang could break apart and collapse from this man''s retaliatory wrath! Yun Yang had never denied the intelligence and capability that Mr. Nian possessed. He was a brilliant talent, the crme of the crop! Perhaps, in comparison to Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou, the two generations of the Unrivaled Experts, Mr. Nian was a more qualified Unrivaled Expert. "Since Lord Supreme Cloud''s initial plan is to uproot all things, why are you asking if I''m fighting? Isn''t this uncalled for?" Intense hatred poured from Mr. Nian''s gaze. "To me, even if Lord Supreme Cloud relents and ceases to fight, even if you wish to forget everything and seek reconciliation, it''s impossible!" His finger pointed, his teeth clenched. "The blood debt of Supreme Cloud''s brothers is always on your mind. Today, the remains of the Four Seasons Tower''s brothers still lie exposed in the open! Their blood has yet to dry, their eyes C they''re still staring at me!" "If I don''t avenge their deaths, what dignity do I have to continue leading the Four Seasons Tower?" Yun Yang replied in a distant tone, "What is your intention by coming over here now, then? To openly provoke me? Or perhaps you''re here just to tell me this?" "The brawls of the martial world result in deaths. This is the case C this has always been the case. Being killed because one is weaker, all the more is a martial artist''s final destination. There''s no dispute about this." Mr. Nian said, "However, the many years of comradeship" There was a pause and a hint of a sob in his voice but it was suppressed immediately. He looked up into the sky and recounted, "How many cycles of spring and autumn, how many cycles of peace and turbulence In retrospect, the least time among these brothers spent with me sums up to one thousand and two hundred years" "Among them, when the bearers of the four seasons just got to know me was three thousand years ago" "They''ve died fighting, but I''m still alive. Maybe I''ll die too not too long from now. However, as long as someone from the Four Seasons Tower still lives on, we''d never allow our brothers to die and be left out in the open so pitifully!" "You''ve come to collect their corpses? So that they can rest in peace?" Yun Yang blurted in realization. Mr. Nian answered darkly, "Exactly. We''re brothers. I must collect their corpses. In addition, I want to collect God''s Bones!" "God''s Bones" Yun Yang was deep in thought with a frown on his forehead, a thought suddenly bubbling in his mind. "I''ll bury them as fast as I can so that they can rest in peace. Early morning tomorrow, you and I will fight the ultimate battle and end this war once and for all!" Mr. Nian said in a low tone and laughed forlornly, saying, "I think Lord Supreme Cloud won''t be so heartless as to not allow this little window of time, will you?" Yun Yang answered faintly, "You''re here today to bury them, but I wonder when you lie lifeless here soon, who''ll be present to bury you?" "I believe Lord Supreme Cloud would not have my corpse exposed to the wilderness," replied Mr. Nian with a chuckle. Yun Yang kept silent for a beat. Rationally, his first instinct was to disallow Mr. Nian from collecting the dead bodies; it was a cultivator''s instinct that automatically reminded him that doing so would put him in utter danger. However, Mr. Nian''s request was justified; it was reasonable and logical. It could hardly be rejected. Even if it were two armies at an irreconcilable war, there would be a period of time to allow each other''s soldiers to collect their troop''s bodies! Those who were dead were the most significant, their burials should be prioritized so that they could rest in peace. This was the way of life since the beginning of time C this was a basic principle recognized across the entire world! Ji Lingxi, who was quietly confused, looked at Yun Yang. To her, the matter posed no issue. Their enemy had asked to collect his late comrades'' corpses before their final battle. It was completely reasonable, even more so when they had thousands of years of kinship. Why was Yun Yang hesitating? He had never been a cold-blooded man Yun Yang then replied after a momentary silence, "Your request makes sense. I''m also impressed that you wish to complete your late brothers'' funeral matters before the decisive battle. However, on your request, I shall have a term as well." "What condition is that, if I may ask?" the light in Mr. Nian''s gaze flickered as he raised his question. "I''d like to keep a few pieces of the God''s Bones from the deceased. I think Mr. Nian probably won''t mind," said Yun Yang slowly. Mr. Nian raised his head abruptly. Staring at Yun Yang, his eyes made a dangerous squint. "Lord Supreme Cloud''s condition is logically fair. You killed them, all their remains should be your loot. It''s well grounded. However, to put God''s Bones into physical bodies is not a process of simply embedding them into the people. They merge with the flesh and blood. If Supreme Cloud is allowed to keep a few pieces, how would that be different from desecrating the dead?" "Besides, the God''s Bones uniquely belong to the Four Seasons Tower. They should probably not have anything to do with you, Lord Supreme Cloud. Why are you making this more difficult than it should be?" "I''m but a little curious. I''d just like to take a look at these bones, see what mystery and mystique they carry. We just fought earlier. The bodies have long been neglected over there and I actually forgot to collect them. I wonder if it''s a careless mistake of mine or destiny," said Yun Yang. He was implying to Mr. Nian that if he had wanted to, he could have looted the God''s Bones before Mr. Nian even arrived. Mr. Nian was quiet for a moment before he answered, "If Lord Supreme Cloud insists, please collect several of them on your own. They''ll be under your care for now. When tomorrow''s battle ends and I have the misfortune to lose, all the tower''s God''s Bones will go to you." "Otherwise, if the one who falls tomorrow is Lord Supreme Cloud, the items of my tower shall be returned to their rightful owner." Yun Yang replied with a smile, "Mr. Nian is very open-minded. I''m further impressed." Yun Yang had made his condition and Mr. Nian had agreed to it. Basically, although Yun Yang had no idea of Mr. Nian''s true intention behind collecting the bones, he had successfully interrupted the process. Mr. Nian was hard-pressed to complete his plan now. In spite of this, Yun Yang felt disconcerted when he thought of himself having to retrieve the God''s Bones from the corpses. It was a nauseating idea. Like Mr. Nian had said, what difference did it make from the desecration of the dead? It was possible to say that they were opposing parties and those pieces were loot! The Four Seasons Tower could, perhaps, do such a thing without guilt, but when it came to Yun Yang, he was not able to do it. This was probably the contrast between a hero and a villain. Mr. Nian was not idle as he began gathering the corpses and putting them into his spatial ring respectively. Obviously, burying them so that they could rest in peace was not meant to be done here, but another location would be sought out and the process carried out meticulously. Of course, God''s Bones in these dead bodies had to be collected before their last offices were arranged. This was one of the cruxes that were apparent to both Mr. Nian and Yun Yang. Tianxuan Cliff was still thickly blanketed in fog that the task ought to be a challenge despite the search being conducted using divine senses. Yun Yang had thought that it would be time-consuming for Mr. Nian to assemble the remains of his men but surprisingly, the latter had found all the corpses quite swiftly. 837 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 19 A sense of realization struck Yun Yang. It was true that the thick mist obscured their vision, but Mr. Nian must have his unique way of sensing God''s Bones. The thick layer of fog was not at all an obstacle to him. It seemed that God''s Bones was certainly unusual! In the end, Mr. Nian left three bodies on the ground and stood up. Gazing at Yun Yang, he spoke distantly, "If Lord Supreme Cloud insists on your initial intention and wishes to take a few pieces of God''s Bones to toy with, you can do it now. I ask for Lord Supreme Cloud to consider it as you go about the collection." He smiled quite sadly and said, "The Four Seasons Tower''s process of regathering God''s Bones is bloody and damages the bodies, but we''re rather careful. I hope Lord Supreme Cloud thinks about the deceased''s remaining dignity." "Naturally." Yun Yang nodded and forced a smile. Honestly, Yun Yang was still very reluctant to let Mr. Nian fetch these corpses and God''s Bones away easily. His cultivator instincts told him that his decision was largely inappropriate and contained a massive threat within it. The intuition was blatant and exceptionally tangible! He could not, however, come up with any reason to stop this matter. Be it from a logical perspective, justice, martial world rule or culture and tradition, it simply could not be stopped. The subordinates were already dead and their leader had come forth to gather their bodies without a care for the risks. How could he stop him? Could he be so inhumane? Would he rather watch the deceased become a pile of rotten meat? If he intended to do so, what state of mind was he actually in? Could he still be considered a man? They had passed away. Death resolved everything, no matter how deep their resentment was. If such a case were to spread out, Yun Yang''s reputation would definitely be tarnished. He could seek revenge, of course. It was without a doubt as it was justified. Yet he had already killed them. What else did he want? Must he crumble their bones and scatter their ashes before his vengeance be considered fulfilled? That would be going way over the line! Nevertheless, Yun Yang was certain that this had to pose some sort of issue. Even if Mr. Nian was sincere in risking his life to gather his men''s remains, his personality suggested that there must be another reason C and that reason had to be the main factor. Despite the nagging behind his mind, Yun Yang could not actually leave to retrieve God''s Bone His enemies had already left, their corpses the aftermath. Was he going to dig a piece of bone from their corpses? Yun Yang frowned and held an emergency discussion with Emmie. "Emmie, I still think it''s problematic. What do you think?" "Ayaya" Emmie was disdainful of Yun Yang''s reaction. ''Anyone can see that it''s problematic. Need it to be said? Need it to be asked?'' ''Master, you''re becoming more foolish by the day. Yet, people call you Supreme Wit. What''s becoming of this world?'' "Now isn''t the time to argue this, alright? I''m asking you how do I prevent it?" ''Ayaya'' Emmie was clueless as well. ''I really don''t know much about the human realm''s conspiracies and plots. The Supreme Wit is helpless as well C what''s more, I''m not even human. I''m only a plant. What can I do?'' Yun Yang''s brow knitted together as his mind spun swiftly to consider the case. Mr. Nian stood with his arms on his back, his cold, hawk-like gaze trained on Yun Yang. He could, of course, see Yun Yang''s multiple doubts and woes; he might even know what Yun Yang was worried about, but he had never doubted for once that Yun Yang would not agree to his request. Whatever perspective one considered his request from, it was utterly righteous. Anyone who was not incredibly maleficent or fiendish would never refuse! Yun Yang was not only not a commoner, but he was also a famed heroic figure. He was a legend. How could he tarnish his brilliant achievements with a splat of during his final battle in this realm! "Lord Supreme Cloud, do you still have any doubts?" asked Mr. Nian coldly. "You can state them explicitly if you do. We are enemies. No matter what you do, it''s simply a matter of course." "Since we found out Lord Supreme Cloud''s real identity, all of the Four Seasons Tower recounted in retrospect other than surprise Lord Supreme Cloud seems to already have God''s Bone in his possession" Mr. Nian''s eyes were flickering with an eerie, cold glint. "Aren''t God''s Bones from Snow, Frost, Sword, and Ice with you? Haven''t Lord Supreme Cloud toyed with them adequately?" He went on. "If that''s the case, Lord Supreme Cloud can just state how many pieces you want." Mr. Nian''s words went down another path. The mocking tone grew even more blatant. In spite of this, Yun Yang''s eyes, whose head was lowered in thoughts, shone abruptly. Snow, Frost, Sword, and Ice''s God''s Bones? ''That''s right. How did I forget about this? Aren''t those pieces with me?'' "Emmie, where are the four God''s Bones?" asked Yun Yang. He recalled that Emmie absorbed a decent portion of energy from the bones right after the Venerable Lords passed him their God''s Bones. Emmie was flabbergasted. ''Ayaya'' "What is it?" Yun Yang''s heart skipped a beat. He prayed silently, ''Don''t tell me that you''ve eaten them all? No please, keep some for me somehow'' Emmie was like a child who had done something wrong. Its leaves sagged as its roots shuffled, revealing four pieces of bones from its soil. As Yun Yang''s gaze followed the momevements, his deific consciousness went hazy as he almost fainted. The four pieces of smooth and shiny God''s Bones in his memory were blackened and dull now. There were tiny holes from erosion on the surface as well. The grimed look did not remind one of their original appeal at all. The corners of Yun Yang''s lips jerked. He looked at Emmie speechlessly. "This C this is God''s Bones?" ''A ya C ya'' Emmie pulled at its leaves, its tendrils quivering. "Can you recover them? I need to study them!" ''A C yayaya'' Yun Yang was disappointed. "Can''t you reverse the process? I mean is there any way to temporarily recover them?" ''Ayaya, ayaya'' Emmie perked up immediately and went into a long, rambling, speech. "It can be done?" Yun Yang perked up as well. He did not have many thoughts about it initially. Thinking that it could atone for its shortcomings, Emmie went into a long explanation ecstatically, describing what it could do with painstaking detail. "Inject your energy into them to form the Bones'' optimal state and they''ll look no different from how they originally were?" "You can control the energy remotely and take them away at any time?" "The so-called God''s Bone force is essentially a higher level air of vitality? You can duplicate it without a flaw and distinction?" "Are you sure?" Yun Yang was relieved. "Then what are you waiting for? Work quickly!" Yun Yang could vaguely guess Mr. Nian''s true intention of risking himself over to collect the bodies and God''s Bones now. 838 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 20 The exchange between Yun Yang and Emmie seemed to last forever, but no matter how elaborate it felt, the process was actually only as long as it took to snap one''s fingers. Nonetheless, Mr. Nian was already waiting impatiently. In a loud voice, he called out to Yun Yang, "Yun Yang C Lord Supreme Cloud, what do you truly want? Speak honestly! Hesitating and acting as if you are stumped, are you not planning to let me gather my late brothers'' remains? Is this what a hero should be doing? Is this what the legendary Supreme Cloud is truly made of?" Yun Yang chuckled. "Why are you so anxious, Mr. Nian? I was only wondering if I really wanted to keep two pieces of God''s Bone to study. I know that installing God''s Bone into a person can actually enhance his or her power. Such an unheard of mystical potency isn''t a joke. That''s why I took a long time to contemplate All in all, I still think it''s inappropriate. Regardless of how a hero should act, it should not have been done solely as a man." "What do you mean by that?" Mr. Nian watched Yun Yang skeptically. Could the young man have another unspeakable objective? Why had he suddenly changed his mind? Being conspired against using his previous plot, the impression of Supreme Wit''s scheming nature was deeply implanted in Mr. Nian''s mind. The fear lingered, as did his worry. "Death bears the most significance. I, Yun Yang, shall never do anything remotely resembling the desecration of the dead." Yun Yang spoke righteously, "No need to waste time on this. Gather your late brothers'' remains and leave quickly, Mr. Nian." Mr. Nian''s doubtful gaze was still cast on Yun Yang. He could distinctly tell the vast difference between the youth now and the one just a bit earlier. He vaguely felt that the young man must be harboring an ulterior motive; he most probably had something planned in secret. However, Mr. Nian could not halt his original arrangement now when things had transpired to this stage. "Why is Lord Supreme Cloud suddenly so benevolent?" Mr. Nian could not help asking in curiosity. Yun Yang feigned embarrassment as he muttered, "As you said, the God''s Bones from Venerable Lord Sword, Frost, Snow and Ice are indeed with me. Man is always innately fearful of the unknown, so am I. If I''ve returned them to you, it''d be detrimental for myself Now that it''s come to our ultimate battle, I''ll just return the four pieces of God''s Bones as well, so the circle comes a full round." Mr. Nian was stunned, inadvertently blurting out, "You would be so kind?" "What do you mean, Mr. Nian? I am upset to hear this. I, Yun Yang, also named Supreme Cloud, have always followed an open and righteous code of conduct all my life. Since when have I ever committed a despicable act?" Yun Yang replied in annoyance. "Since when have I lied to anyone?" "Even when I face my enemies, I act in an upright manner, and can clearly distinguish between life and death!" Yun Yang spoke fervently, "Even if the Four Seasons Tower and I stand on opposing grounds and are thoroughly irreconcilable, I''m certain that you have no reason to see me as a varlet!" Mr. Nian was tongue-tied. In truth, he had to agree with what his opponent had said and found it difficult to issue a retort. It was indeed so. Yutang''s Supreme Cloud was a heroic figure revered by the world. Even when it was someone who loathed Yun Yang to the ends of the world and wished for nothing but his death, that particular person had to admit that Supreme Cloud was truly a hero of this time, a living legend! Squinting his eyes, Mr. Nian replied, "Even a hero, when facing his enemies, may often resort to drastic measures. The polar ends of their stance scream faultless." "I resent everyone in the Four Seasons Tower. This is a fact. However, my perspective aside, the tower''s men are worthy of my respect too. Not every one of any organization could stay loyal, even to their death. Should such opponents not be respected?" said Yun Yang coldly. "The Four Seasons Tower does measure up to the esteem of being this world''s top organization." "That''s why I do what I''m doing today C to give to the limit I can give." "Whether you believe me or not, this is my thought. There''s no need to speak more about it." Yun Yang then retrieved the four pieces of God''s Bones from his spatial ring and said faintly, "These are the four pieces of bones Sword, Snow, Frost, and Ice gave to me. I always stay true to my word. I don''t go back on them. I said that I''m returning God''s Bones, so here it is. Let tomorrow''s final war come round a full circle!" "You''re the Four Seasons Tower''s leader. Your knowledge of God''s Bones must exceed my own. I wouldn''t care to take this little advantage from you." "Want it or not, this is what I''m doing!" Four crystalline God''s Bones were tossed onto the ground by Yun Yang like they were worthless. The four pieces, with their amazing structure, glowed with their own unique brilliance. Once they left Yun Yang''s hand, they radiated an effervescence of their own. The energy of ice, frost, and snow danced around the sharp sword energy. It was incandescent as the aura of four God''s Bones converged and soared into the sky. There was a piece of a shinbone, a piece of cervical vertebra, a piece of a vertebra, and a piece of the rib bone. These were God''s Bones left by the four Venerable Lords in the past. Yun Yang tossed the bones and sneered, turning to leave. "I''ll wait for you at the entrance of the Nine Supremes Temple tomorrow morning. Our final war shall then commence. Winner takes it all while the loser leaves no regrets. So be it!" He then took Ji Lingxi''s hand and left with a cold chortle, not turning back again. Mr. Nian wanted to say something, but nothing left his lips. He stared at the God''s Bones on the ground, in a slight daze. He had spent almost all his life tangled with God''s Bones; how could he not recognize their aura? The four pieces of God''s Bones discarded by Yun Yang were decently nourished. The energy of sword, snow, frost, and ice within them were unusually rich, looking more perfect than the bones in the Four Seasons Tower''s God''s Bone Bearers now. Lying on the ground, gleaming luminously, anyone who saw them would be entranced. Instead, Mr. Nian was suddenly hesitant now that the spiritual items were in front of him. To take them or not to take them? The current situation was similar to the earlier one. Earlier, Yun Yang decided that it was suspicious of Mr. Nian to gather the corpses and collect the God''s Bones, but he had no reason to stop him, given the illogicality that action would have entailed. Now, their places were swapped. Yun Yang had generously given the four pieces of God''s Bones that looked absolutely fine. The surging surprise must mean that there must be an ulterior intention behind it. How could Yun Yang have returned them just like that, Mr. Nian asked himself. Putting himself in his shoes, how could he give up on God''s Bones so easily when he had nourished them with so much effort? He must have some elaborate scheme planned. However, was Mr. Nian going to give up and forego them? The four pieces of God''s Bones did not look suspicious at all! Was he really going to deny these perfect bones just because of his budding skepticism? Mr. Nian was heavily troubled. He had never expected himself to fall into such a dilemma, given his strength of will. Slowly making his way over, he picked up a piece of God''s Bone from the ground and observed it carefully in his palm, examining the bone from tip to end. It was flawless! There wasn''t the slightest bit of imperfection! This was the best state the God''s Bone could be in. He held in his hand Venerable Lord Ice''s God''s Bone. 839 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 21 Mr. Nian injected his mystical Qi into the bone slowly and watched the piece of bone shimmer with even more luster due to the infusion of mystical Qi. It slowly began to show signs of coldness. As there were more mystical Qi being delivered into it, a blanket of frost eventually formed on the surrounding ground. The temperature sank swiftly to freezing point and kept on decreasing. Mr. Nian then shifted slightly to scrutinize the God''s Bone under the sun. He fed some mystical Qi into the bone again to make certain of its state before cutting it a few times with a short sword. Lastly, he made a fire and attempted to burn the God''s Bone. After several attempts, he could finally conclude that this was the authentic God''s Bone. It was genuine without a shred of doubt. In spite of this, he still had his misgivings. He placed the four pieces of God''s Bones on the ground and temporarily disregarded them. He turned to pick up the three corpses laid around and murmured to himself, "There must be an ulterior intent As long as I bear with the temptation and not take them, whatever trap he devises won''t work. Yes, this is the best option." He then turned to leave, disappearing in the thick fog. His exit was without hesitation. The four pieces of God''s Bones continued to lie on the ground just like that as if being abandoned C discarded by both parties without a second thought. They laid still for two hours. Then, there was a quivering in the thick cloak of mist. Mr. Nian appeared once more upon the fringes of the mist, muttering to himself in doubt, "It seems that there''s nothing to question" "These four pieces of God''s Bones are fine. After having sensed these bones, there seems to be nothing wrong with them. These are the God''s Bones that are well nurtured." Mr. Nian''s gaze was inquisitive. "What motive does Yun Yang have for doing this? How will his plan work?" He pondered for a long time in vain. Gradually, his eyes brightened. "Yes, yes So this is it!" "Back then, Saber, Sword, Snow, Frost, and Ice were five exceptionally gifted people, distinctively selected and appointed. Yun Yang must have been mistaken in his judgment as he didn''t see any God''s Bone Bearer using skills specific to these five areas during this period of battle" "His purpose of returning these marvelously fostered God''s Bone to me at this point in time must be to let me give these four pieces of bones to the God''s Bone Bearers despite the urgency." "Simply planting the God''s Bones in one''s body will be effective in the short-term, but there are downfalls that come with it." "No human body can suddenly take in such perfectly fostered God''s Bones that are specific in nature as well" "This is especially when he''s already copiously experienced in fighting Saber, Sword, Snow, Frost, and Ice. Even if there were accidents, he could tackle them with grace. As for those who bear the specific God''s Bones abruptly, there must be shortcomings. Such shortcomings, once one catches on, will only cause the bearers to die instantly!" "Even if we give up using these four pieces of God''s Bones due to doubt, the thought of it will settle down and make a nest in our minds. If the war sours on our side, someone will definitely regret it." "Once regret bubbles up to the surface, ripples will spread in one''s state of calm. Careless mistakes that shouldn''t be happening will then come in company." "Such mistakes are easily fatal!" "Yun Yang''s intention for giving back the God''s Bones must be either one of these. It''s no wonder too. What he said makes sense What he''s been using has always been proper and overt schemes. As an example, earlier, he walked into our trap by using himself as the bait C that''s a plainly-seen plot as well" "Is this, similarly, a blatant trick now? Leaving these God''s Bones here so we''re distressed by watching them? What a good set-up!" Mr. Nian sneered. His eyes glinted cruelly. "It''s too bad that your intentional devising will only be a catalyst to me because you''ll never know my purpose of collecting the God''s Bones. This is what we call suicide" He hovered over and with a flap of sleeves, the four pieces of bones were collected. Chuckling icily, he turned to leave. "Supreme Cloud, I''ve read your conspicuous plan like a book. What are you going to do? If you were to know that the God''s Bones you gave me will kill you, I wonder what you would think. Hahaha" Mr. Nian left with a wide smile on his face. "Supreme Cloud, you''ll surely be flabbergasted tomorrow morning. You''re not the only one with an ace card that goes beyond the knowledge of this world''s cultivators." The fog fluttered, signaling that Mr. Nian had finally vanished. Four hours later, Yun Yang drifted into existence. Directing his gaze at the location and discerning that all the God''s Bones had indeed been retrieved by Mr. Nian, the corners of his lips tugged upwards. Ji Lingxi came along excitedly. She looked around, poking her head in and beamed, saying, "The God''s Bones Has Mr. Nian taken them all?" Yun Yang nodded. "Then this fellow is in deep sh*t, isn''t he?" Ji Lingxi used the psychic voice, chuckling with mirth. Yun Yang glared at her and replied in a vexed manner, "Am I one who usually puts people in deep sh*t?" "Aren''t you?" Ji Lingxi stuck her tongue out. Yun Yang was rendered speechless and made the first move. "Let''s go. We can have a good rest tonight. Nothing will be happening for sure." "Are you confident in tomorrow morning''s battle? He''s taken all the God''s Bones. There must be another plan. Won''t your decision be too risky?" asked Ji Lingxi with some worry. "Even you know his intention in collecting the God''s Bones C but I''ve still given everything to him with honor." Yun Yang sighed easily. "It is truly foolish to be someone like me I''ve held my principles too resolutely Sigh." "You wretch" Ji Lingxi dry heaved before she lashed out in a furious rage, "What are you saying? What do you mean by even I know? Am I that dumb in your eyes?" Yun Yang chuckled and left without an answer; Ji Lingxi gave chase, taking offense and protesting playfully. When Mr. Nian returned, the men of the Four Seasons Tower were still sleeping soundly. Gazing at the group who was sprawled across their safe ground, he was hesitant. "If we fight tomorrow with our current force, against Supreme Cloud and that girl, defeat is as certain as daylight." "These people are severely injured, their cores damaged we won''t know if they''ll be of help tomorrow." "However, if I do that I can turn defeat into victory." Mr. Nian''s gaze was wavering, seething with myriad emotions. For a moment, it was grievous, then it was vicious, inexplicably savage and terrifying before it immediately turned dull. For a long time, he could not make up his mind. "How many years has it been since I''ve been in such a quandary Have I really turned soft throughout these years?" At this time, one of the men slowly woke up. He coughed once, then he spat a mouthful of blood. There were actually fragments of his internal organs in the crimson fluid. He looked at the discharge in despair and said weakly, "Boss, tomorrow''s battle, this young brother. This young brother I I''m afraid sigh" Mr. Nian''s gaze was on the blood on the ground as well, as he mumbled, "Leave everything to me." There was a glint that flashed across his eyes as his gaze turned eminently icy. He had made his decision. 840 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 22 A bolt of light sped forward from the far edge of the night. Closing in on the distance, it approached the outer vicinity of Tianxuan Cliff. The newcomer dove into the thick fog of the cliff without hesitation. His momentum was bold, like the nine heavens'' thunder that arrived with a sonorous rumbling. It was Jun Moyan. The Unrivaled Swordsman, who did not want to add another single moment of regret, had embarked on his journey, disregarding the cycles of day and night, finally arriving at Tianxuan Cliff! According to the agreed time, the battle had actually ended long ago - more than half a month had passed. An ordinary final battle could not possibly go on to this day. In fact, when Jun Moyan received Yutang''s word of the fight, it was already past the set day. Rushing all the way to the cliff, he only did so because Jun Moyan clung onto a sliver of hope. When he came close to his destination, however, Jun Moyan could easily see Yutang''s eastern line army camped around Tianxuan Cliff. Noticing that while the troops looked anxious, they did not look grieved. The recognition allowed Jun Moyan to come to an instant conclusion C the battle was yet to be over! ''If this is indeed the case, God has mercy! He doesn''t want me to have any more regrets!'' Nonetheless, after Jun Moyan charged into Tianxuan Cliff''s territory impatiently, he immediately charged right. Working seamlessly with his sword which erupted brightly in sword light, he then circled the cliff three or four times in exasperation. There was no reason for him to do so except for the fact that Tianxuan Cliff had already transformed into a forbidden land. Not only was Tianxuan Cliff blanketed thickly in fog, but its perimeter was also ringed by forty to fifty of Mr. Nian''s men and Mr. Nian himself. The formations, big and small, intersected and linked with each other; they were utterly secure. No matter how magnificent Jun Moyan''s swordsmanship was, he was an amateur when it came to formations. Just as he entered the area, he was like a headless fly. Flittering around aimlessly, he immediately triggered many chain reactions of the formations. If it had not been for his exceptional skill, he would have been killed inside, dying with regret, instead of escaping in a flurry. Jun Moyan was well aware of his own capacity. He knew that he would not be able to penetrate the inner part of Tianxuan Cliff, so he switched to circling the cliff, hoping that he would be able to come across a breach along the circumference. It was a pity that despite the several rounds he made, it was futile. Actually, this was how it should have been. Mr. Nian was also a smart man. Although he did not know that Jun Moyan would come in assistance of Yun Yang, he was not oblivious to Yun Yang''s other three pillars C Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and Heaven''s Inquisition, Gu Chaliang! Mr. Nian''s ultimate aim in this battle was to kill Yun Yang. Naturally, he had to eliminate all possibility of Yun Yang obtaining aid. The formations set up along the perimeter of Tianxuan Cliff could both stop Yun Yang from escaping should he lose in the battle and hinder all attempts at assistance originating from outside the cliff! The layers of formations were built on the premise of stopping Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and Gu Chaliang, thus the powerful efficacy was fully justified. Even with Jun Moyan''s capability, he was actually powerless as well. The old man could only stand, gloomily wielding his sword. Jun Moyan lamented inwardly. Could he have come so far in support only to be rejected at the entrance? Finally, he had the opportunity to see his late friend''s son caught in a lethal threat, thinking that the heavens had grace, but he could not even penetrate the outermost barrier. Was he looking at hopelessness in the eyes right after touching hope? He made continuous attempts in a determined manner, relentlessly searching around, but there was no gap that made his entrance possible. "Who made these formations? Why are they so secure? Isn''t this too lavish?" Jun Moyan was extremely frustrated, in addition to the anxiety burning in his heart. At dawn, Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou finally arrived, travel-stained and weary. Unfortunately, they were equally helpless against the unshakeable formations. When the three old men first met, they were all ecstatic, thinking that they had gathered the three people whose cultivation base were the highest in this realm. They were invincible C practically indomitable! Yet, the reality was that the three of them had been blatantly stopped outside the circumference by the series of interconnecting formations! Despite their incessant attempts, the effect was minuscule. It was not even worth half of their effort. They could not help looking at each other, aghast and in shock. Dugu Chou heaved a long sigh, "Everyone''s a master at their own field. The study of formations is unique. The collaboration between the three of us should have been able to take apart just about anything, but the linking formations here are like a part of the Tianxuan Cliff itself. It''s truly a challenge to break it!" "I was here earlier and I attacked at the maximum of my capacity in hopes of shaking the foundation of these formations. It was like an ant trying to move a tree. When the three of us worked together, it got much better, but at least three days are needed before we can actually demolish the formations!" said Jun Moyan. Ling Xiaozui frowned deeply and said shaking his head, "It''s too bad that Gu Chaliang''s gone to the Bound of Universe. His prophecies would have kept evil away and ushered in the good. He could''ve hinted us to target the weak avoiding the powerful. Even if we three can blow up the whole Tianxuan Cliff after three days, will Yun Yang be able to wait that long?" The three men sank into silence. The helplessness was clawing at their insides, easily playing with their minds. Yet they were truly powerless. What could they do? At the break of dawn on the next day, Yun Yang suddenly felt his sense of peace being ruffled. Standing upon higher ground, he looked over to the back of the mountain instinctively. It was mostly foggy without much to be seen, but he could vaguely sniff a burning smell spreading over from afar. It was the scent of flesh being charred. Was Mr. Nian cremating the Four Seasons Tower''s men? In the cave, Mr. Nian stared at the bodies piled up by the entrance. His stoic face was pitiless. The ethereal grace he usually carried was no longer there. Before his eyes were twenty-four corpses belonging to the Four Seasons Tower''s men. Other than the four men who had been turned into ashes by Ji Lingxi''s retaliation, all twenty-four others were here. Strangely, there had been only eighteen who Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi had killed. How could there be twenty-four bodies? Unless the group who had not died from yesterday''s battle were all dead now. Only then it could sum up to twenty-four corpses! This was, in fact, the truth of the matter. Other than Mr. Nian, every one of the Four Seasons Tower who came for the battle had died. Everyone was bloodied, flesh and blood an indistinguishable mix. Mr. Nian sat in a dazed stupor. In front of him laid the pieces of God''s Bones that were gleaming with a crystalline glow. It was incredibly radiant. Many among the pieces were still stained with their original owners'' blood. "Nobody blames me I do this C for the Four Seasons Tower" Mr. Nian murmured. He said calmly. Then, he took out a short sword and unhesitatingly cut open his arm. Blood gushed out immediately. No matter how proficient one''s cultivation base, cutting oneself in this manner guaranteed damage and bleeding. Not a sliver of change tinged Mr. Nian''s expression. Like dismembering a mystical beast, he plucked a piece of his bone out and replaced it with a corresponding piece of God''s Bone. As he repeated the operation, cold sweat dotted Mr. Nian''s forehead. It was apparent that the process was incredibly painful and unnatural. 841 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 23 "We were impuissant. No one had expected things to get so far out of control, in such a spectacular fashion. This should have been done in a ritual before the altar while one consumed medicine to heal and recover. One should then take the fluid of taboo to eliminate any possibility of rejection all this in addition to being supplemented by twelve rare spiritual herbs and guarded by powerful experts, mystical Qi injected continuously by at least twelve men I have none of these now. I can only risk everything to complete it." "Constraints cannot mean anything to me now. The retaliation triggered by embedding different God''s Bones into a single person can turn him into a ghost, lost for eternity. Once he dies, he won''t be able to reincarnate, forever. This terrifying backlash shall all be shouldered by me" "Do not say that I''ve maligned you all The suffering I am enduring now is far greater than all of you dying quickly by the blade. My sacrifice is more than you can imagine." "Ultimately I''m left with no other choice. If I don''t do this, I can only accept total and utter defeat served to me on a silver platter." Mr. Nian''s eyes gleamed. Another cut was made, the destination this time was his thigh. The same process was repeated, taking a piece of bone out and replacing it with another piece. The cycle went on almost without stop. The fire glowered. The corpses of the Four Seasons Tower''s men slowly reduced to ashes in the flame. The bodies convulsed and went into spasms as the heat stripped them of their human forms. They were engulfed by the flame, burned and ceased to exist The blaze flickered, as if many pairs of eyes were watching Mr. Nian, be it in rage or in resentment. Mr. Nian was covered in blood as he reflected by the fire, but gash after gash, the slits continued to open on him. He dug out pieces of his bones from himself and installed pieces of God''s Bone into where the gaps remained. He was turning pale. The blood he had lost was weakening his already unstable physique. In spite of this, his gaze grew savage, his expression turning into a growl Early in the morning, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi walked out, shoulder to shoulder, looking exceptionally serious. "Leave Mr. Nian and the seasons bearers to me," Yun Yang said slowly, "You block the others. Come assist me only when you have eliminated them. We must win this war." Ji Lingxi nodded slowly. "Alright. Don''t worry. Even if I can''t overcome those on my end quickly, I can at least guarantee that not one of them will slip over to your side." "Today''s battle shall end all resentment and humanly affairs of this realm!" The thick fog drifted, almost tangible amidst the silence as one could touch it. Mr. Nian was already standing before the Nine Supremes Temple. He was dressed in black as usual, but he was unusually pale. His gaze was like a famished wolf, indescribably fiendish and thirsting for blood. Long gone was his handsome manner and grace. Yun Yang asked, "Why are you the only one here? Where are your subordinates?" "They''ve gone down to wait for you. I won''t let them wait for long," Mr. Nian''s voice was strangely discordant. Yun Yang''s squinted as he replied mockingly, "Ah, just as I''ve guessed. Mr. Nian, the leader of the Four Seasons Tower C sufficiently brutal, sufficiently merciless indeed. A model of the so-called villain." "Hmm?" A ghostly light flickered in Mr. Nian''s eyes. "When you came to collect the bodies and bones yesterday, I was guessing that you were assembling the God''s Bones and would insert all of them into one person to unleash the maximum strength of the God''s Bones. Only then could you contend against the two of us." Yun Yang spoke coldly, "Other than this tactic, I can''t think of any other way you can resort to, to overturn your defeat." "Right now, the reality shows that my prediction is completely correct. Mr. Nian, Four the Seasons Tower is considered thoroughly ruined in your hands!" Yun Yang''s gaze was filled with ridicule. "Since the very beginning when you delivered victims to me until now when you''ve killed all your men the Four Seasons Tower had finally ceased its existence. My greatest goal C is finally accomplished." "Is it? If you die today, do you consider it a death without regrets?" Mr. Nian stood with his arms resting on his back, his eyes trained maliciously upon Yun Yang. "Dying without regrets is only meaningful to those who have lost. It usually has nothing to do with me." Yun Yang smiled gently. "Before our final battle, I want to know. You knew the real intention of my God''s Bones collection. Why did you still give me the four pieces of bones?" asked Mr. Nian in curiosity. This was what he could not figure out. Even if Yun Yang saw through his real intent and wanted to kill the others by leveraging on him, it was unnecessary to give him the four pieces of God''s Bones. He did not even need to reject the three bodies. Mr. Nian would still kill the survivors anyway to retrieve the God''s Bones within them in order to reel in the strongest combat prowess in the face of the final battle. "It''s because I''m afraid that your collection is incomplete." Yun Yang smiled. "If it isn''t complete, I was worried that you wouldn''t put the plan into action. The chance isn''t high, but I don''t wager on possibilities. What if you didn''t execute this plan? I couldn''t be sure if there are people left in the Four Seasons Tower C how many are left." "However, once you carried this plan out, once you have really done so, your subordinates would all have died by your hand. I don''t even have to worry about it!" "You would have definitely executed all of them." "Based on my deduction, it''s more than worth it if the four pieces of bones I gave can make certain of this case!" Yun Yang smiled faintly. "Of course, the main reason lies within my accomplished skill. Excited by my confidence, I wished to see the greatest countermeasure of the Four Seasons Tower." "If I didn''t allow you to display it during our last war, I believe you would have been very, very indignant. You would die with many regrets!" Yun Yang chuckled. "As the opponent that I wished to kill the most, I was more than happy to let you wipe out all your subordinates and extinguish the opportunity of the Four Seasons Tower being passed down C I''m happy to precipitate this situation!" Mr. Nian smirked icily. "Yun Yang, do you know what? I''ve heard of how some people dug their own graves. I''ve always thought the martial world''s negative examples to be fabricated, that they''re stories repeated to others. How can someone in power be so foolish?" "Today, though, I believe all of them to be true. Because right on front of me, stands such a person C an intelligent man who''s called Supreme Wit." "Supreme Wit, who is famed from his clever plans. Nonetheless, at the very core, he is but an arrogant, close-minded man!" His lips were tugged into a cold smile as Mr. Nian cruelly said, "I''m very happy now because I''m about to contribute to such a legend in the martial world. I''m truly honored to leave my name in the history of martial world''s battle in this manner." Yun Yang was grinning in equal satisfaction. He felt a very strong sense of accomplishment. "You''ve asked me a question. I wish to ask you one too, Mr. Nian." "May I know how did it feel when you killed your brothers of millenniums one by one last night? How did it feel, too, when you cut yourself open bit by bit after that and dug out piece after piece of your bones? Was it a pleasant feeling?" 842 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 24 When Mr. Nian heard what Yun Yang had said, his immaculately sculpted face immediately twisted in fury. He trembled with rage, hissing through gritted teeth, "Supreme Cloud, since this is the final battle, it should be completed between the two of us, shouldn''t it?" "I understand what you mean. You''re wary of Lingxi''s mystical red light. Despite having God''s Bones as an advantage, you still don''t dare to meet her, fully intending to provoke me to duel one to one against you. It doesn''t matter, I shall fulfill your wish," answered Yun Yang faintly. Mr, Nian smirked menacingly and said, "Then, what are you waiting for?" He emitted a drawn-out howl. "Back then, you had the blood debt of your brothers to avenge. Right now, I have my brothers'' blood debt to claim as well. Let''s see to whom destiny finally belongs to. Let us see whether the nine dragons triumph in the heavens for eternity or the Four Seasons sink forever!" Yun Yang laughed. "I wonder if your brothers who are under the Nine Springs will die again from anger when they hear you calling them brothers now. The downfall of the Four Seasons is guaranteed. Why are you repeating it time and again?" Mr. Nian let out a loud roar. He had already sprung into the air. Once he struck, he gave it his all; the momentum was formidable. The force of Mr. Nian''s attack this time was entirely different from his previous blows. It bore the combined force of two individual people! Previously, his combat style was refined and sophisticated; leisurely at ease and the flows exuded a cultured nobility. Now, it was filled with savage bloodlust; like a ferocious flame eager to slaughter the world, it was wild and self-absorbed! If Mr. Nian''s previous manner of conduct was said to be laced with a superior''s dignified air that could impress others, especially his unhurried and tasteful elegance that was appealing, Mr. Nian was only left with ruthlessness now! Brutal and heinous, it was blood-curdling evil personified! Even as it struck fear in those who faced him, it evoked hatred as well! In spite of this, there was no doubt that the cultivation base and power Mr. Nian displayed now was earth-shattering and shocking. Just by raising his arm, he could cause billowing gales; the shrill noise of air piercing through pained the ears. By gathering all of God''s Bones into himself, Mr. Nian''s capability had grown by three-folds. Yun Yang raised his palm fiercely to welcome the strike, intending to test out Mr. Nian''s current level of power. The moment both blows met, however, Yun Yang felt a quake course through his body and he was unexpectedly flung hundreds of feet away. Although he had been thrown far by the menacing palm strike, Yun Yang landed safely with a somersault, as did the rock that had been weighing him down internally. Mr. Nian''s enhancement was shocking, but it felt hollow like he could barely win by a hair''s breadth, even if he were to get any stronger. "Supreme Cloud, how does my strike feel?" "This is all there is to merging all of God''s Bones?" "All to it? This is more than enough to take you down!" Yun Yang laughed in incredulity. "You can''t fully unleash the God''s Bones maximum power by merging them forcibly like this, can you? Is this combat power within your estimation? Are you disappointed?" Mr. Nian said nothing else as he immersed himself in combat. As the war went on, his attacking momentum grew increasingly aggressive and furious. Obviously, the force contained within Mr. Nian did not stop here. As the battle progressed, new energy birthed before the old one died. It was endless and intense, a petrifying force indeed! However, Mr. Nian was well aware of how right Yun Yang was. His cultivation base was elevated, very much so, but the issue now lied in his inability to evoke God''s Bones maximum power. Growing stronger as he fought was only temporary. It was only due to his explosive escalation of skill that his attacking momentum had increased. When the battle raged on, God''s Bones would resist each other due to different reasons and then, his combat power would recede! Mr. Nian knew as much. It was impossible to homogenize them entirely to the point where they fit without any complaints, something that could not be accomplished without some thirty to fifty years of familiarization. There were too many supplementary factors missing in this bone fusion process. There were too many relevant conditions that were lacking. It could even be said that the fusion of God''s Bones this time around was a total failure. He could use the bones temporarily now and could even fight with a combat power exceeding his previous state, but when the battle ended and he returned, he had to pick out each piece and embed them again respectively! In other words, he had to repeat the process of cutting his flesh and picking out his bones, enduring cycles of torture again! Not only that, there were more serious consequences He looked like he was in excruciating pain, but countless waves of saber light and sword energy spurted from him. As his right hand waved, saber light spilled like a glowing curtain; as his left hand flicked, sword energy crisscrossed. Following his movements, the force of frost and snow spread from his chest. Frost and ice were also forming around his cervical vertebra. Subsequently, they turned into ice daggers and flew out in a spiraling cone of death. There was mystical energy that was gradually surging across his legs as well. Both his legs seemed to be dancing with the wind and clouds. With wind carrying his left leg and clouds cushioning his right, he was airy and lithe, moving about freely. No. The changes happening within Mr. Nian now were almost impossible to describe. Almost every part of his body had distinctive forces slowly showing their presence. All sorts of unimaginable mystical powers were bustling and pouring out incessantly. However, as these abilities showed up like mushrooms after a shower, Mr. Nian looked increasingly afflicted. Yun Yang gave up his offensive moves to defend himself. He focused all his attention and mind on evading the attacks that seemed to be coming everywhere, spinning, rolling, and bending. It appeared that he was caught on the losing end, a critical situation, but his gaze became calmer as he moved. He resembled a small boat amidst the raging sea, drifting and heaving, following the waves and wind. It looked as though the boat would capsize at any time, but it was actually safe. Mr. Nian attacked ceaselessly, his assaults supported by countless mystical forces. Yun Yang avoided them with growing agility, his body light like he had recovered his cloud manifestation ability. Despite the massive onslaught of forces, they were futile. Seeing that his prolonged attacks were in vain, Mr. Nian bellowed, "Yun Yang, I''d love to see how long you are going to continue to scurry away. My mystical Qi is endless. I don''t even have to use my personal mystical Qi cultivation base. The power of God''s Bones can let me fight you to the end of the world! Come, accept your death willingly!" Yun Yang answered coldly, "Since you''re so powerful, who are you showing your agonized face to? Are you trying to seek sympathy? Right, so many different God''s Bones fighting in your body C it mustn''t feel good. Let''s see if you''ll kill me by exhaustion or you''ll first be killed from the unbearable pain of rejection!" The muscles on Mr. Nian''s face twisted. It was not something he could control. He wanted to control it, he wanted to show his graceful ease. He was unable to do it, however, not the least bit. The excruciating torment was draining his self-control. Being able to keep himself from shouting and screaming was already an achievement as he poured his all in to achieve this deceptive state of calm. Therefore, each word he wanted to say now was growled out at the loudest volume possible. It was likely that he could lessen some of the indescribable pain using this method. As the battle intensified, the wretched misery Mr. Nian had to endure amplified as well. 843 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff 25 As it was, his cultivation base was formidable, but the torment he had to go through all at once was equally terrifying. Mr. Nian had hoped to verbally provoke Yun Yang into counterattacking him wildly to end the battle as soon as possible, in addition to venting his repressed anguish, but the latter had no plan to be goaded into a fight. Every style and form of Mr. Nian was dealt out with full force, but each technique missed its target, lashing out in futility. Under Mr. Nian''s extraordinary attacks, dust and grain flew off Tianxuan Cliff. Gravel took flight while the surrounding trees were uprooted, hovering in the air. However, Yun Yang was like a slippery eel. Evasive and lithe, his movements were like the very air itself. No matter what attack came his way, he refused to parry them with another attack of his own! Mr. Nian was enraged. He roared and waded in, but it was in vain. There was only regret brimming within him now. Supreme Cloud''s elusive skill was known to be able to avoid any attack in this world C it really did seem rather unfitting for him to do what he did; it was not even reaping an insignificant outcome. In fact, it was practically useless Mr. Nian familiarized himself with the rhythm he was in as the battle went on. He got used to the flow of God''s Bones power within him as he slowly searched for a pattern. As he did so, he racked his mind for a countermeasure, a tailored strategy against Yun Yang. Yun Yang was avoiding his attacks without fighting back anyway. He was not really a threat to Mr. Nian. While it was difficult to lock down onto Yun Yang, Yun Yang was similarly powerless against Mr. Nian. When Mr. Nian thought about it this way, the weight upon him lessened a little. He even felt somewhat fortunate. If Yun Yang continued to avoid his assault without countering, he would be at a loss. Waiting for Mr. Nian to crumble from the retaliation of the God''s Bones was a joke. If they fought on, it would only allow Mr. Nian familiarity with the divine power. Once he could discover the cooperative pattern of God''s Bones and an effective method to match his flesh and blood to them, Mr. Nian''s capability could escalate further from how it was now to an unimaginable height. By that time, a regretful death was the only end for Supreme Cloud under Mr. Nian''s ferocious attacks, no matter how evasive he was. Furthermore, as Mr. Nian''s physical self slowly bonded with God''s Bones, it was probable that he would not suffer as much as he did now! This battle, this awful state, would instead be Mr. Nian''s opportunity C a turning point! As he thought about it, Mr. Nian was actually elated. The numbness, the itching, the pain, the soreness, the prickling torment, the saber hacks, and sword slashes The affliction upon him actually felt much more alleviated. As long as he persevered, not only was victory his, a more glorious life was awaiting him! Mr. Nian''s attacks were as powerful as ever, a wild storm and thunder, striking out consistently. Ji Lingxi, as well, could see that Mr. Nian was obviously experimenting C perhaps, adapting to something. Like a powerfully-built person who was adjusting to an intricately forged and incredibly hefty weapon, his combat strength was mediocre during the beginning phases of use, but once he succeeded in familiarization, the resulting future would be unimaginably terrifying. "Yun Yang, counter him!" Ji Lingxi could not help crying out, "You can''t let him go on adapting!" "This is the last battle. How can I not let Mr. Nian enjoy to his heart''s content?" Yun Yang replied with a grin. Ji Lingxi was speechless. ''Your mystical Qi cultivation base is evidently so much worse than his! You''re only barely dealing with him, even with your remarkable skill. This much is clear. If his cultivation base elevates, your skill may very well be ineffective.'' ''It''s so precarious now and you''re playing with your enemy? Aren''t you afraid of playing yourself to death?'' Ji Lingxi was anxiously stomping her foot. ''You aren''t normally so pedantic and dumb; what demeanor are you insisting on adopting when facing your nemesis?'' ''You truly do not want him to have regrets? Do you want him to have a blast?'' ''From whom did you learn this lousy theory from?'' In spite of this, no matter how panicked Ji Lingxi was, Yun Yang stubbornly went his way. Mr. Nian laughed. "Supreme Cloud indeed. An extremely sincere man, the saint of warriors! I''m very impressed! I truly am!" Yet, he thought to himself, ''This is the shortcoming of those who call themselves upright, ethical men. Overly scrupulous, strictly adhering to this and that rule, disallowing this or that, and insisting stubbornly'' ''Ridiculous!'' ''The deaths of so-called heroes since the start of the time were basically on their own heads!'' Mr. Nian was so close to saying this principle he held true in his heart aloud. Despite feeling the excruciation pain in his body gradually increase, it also meant that a certain fusion was rapidly forming within him due to the high-intensity battle. At the same time, Mr. Nian hammered away, despite the suffering. An abrupt sense of gratification that inexplicably rose within his heart surged accordingly. The battle had gone on for ten hours! Yun Yang continued to avoid the attacks throughout the lengthy war. It seemed risky, but he was actually safe, not even a single wound had been inflicted upon him. As for Mr. Nian, he looked like he was going to die at any time, his expression tortured, but he attacked persistently with full force, barely slowing down. If anything, he was growing more powerful. As the battle carried on, Mr. Nian''s movements looked more at ease. Where God''s Bones had been installed within him, there was a subtle glow that not even flesh and blood could obscure. Now, however, the gleaming radiance was slowly vanishing. It was apparent that God''s Bones were gradually merging with Mr. Nian! Sometime along the battle, Mr. Nian''s mystical Qi grew as well. It was endless. If Mr. Nian''s cultivation base was said to have grown three times from his original self, it was at least five times more now Mr. Nian was controlling it as best as he could, hiding it carefully so Yun Yang would not realize his true capacity. He was terrified of Yun Yang forcing a stop to his adaptive process once he knew about it. The fight plodded on. As God''s Bones fused and his capability heightened, Mr. Nian was even more disdainful of Yun Yang. The four pieces of God''s Bones returned by Yun Yang were amazing. They felt much more effective than the rest of God''s Bones combined! The divine force contained within was magnificent, but what was more delightful was that there had not been any sense of discomfort since they were lodged into his body. Where his upper spine bone, shinbone, spine, and breastbone were, refined spiritual Qi was exuded constantly. Their essences were still differing powers of sword, snow, frost, and ice but they seemed to be also maintaining his original mystical strength, soothing the damage the other God''s Bones had caused from repelling each other. It could even be said that without these four pieces of bones, Mr. Nian''s fusion this time would not have been so smooth. The agony would have been twice the torment it was now! These four pieces of God''s Bones, as mentioned, had been given by Yun Yang the fool! 844 The Final Battle At Tianxuan Cliff End These four pieces of God''s Bones were already within his possession and had been nourished to this extent. No one could accuse him of anything if he opted not to hand them over, but he had to act nobly C perhaps it could be said that he wanted to play a mind trick. Instead, he had now trapped himself. Supreme Cloud had handed over the God''s Bones - and Supreme Cloud would lose his life by doing so. What a delight! Just a fleeting thought caused Mr. Nian to feel very much soothed. Two more hours passed. Mr. Nian felt that no matter how aggressively he launched his attacks, not only was the mystical Qi within him not expended, it continued to replenish itself to the brim. There was even a subtle feeling of his body being fully expanded to the point of exhaustion. He who was utterly familiar with his physical state now knew that his meridians had reached their endurance limit. If he were to conceal himself under this state and inject even more mystical Qi into himself incessantly, he would only pull the trigger to a self-explosion! Fortunately, he need not do so. It was no longer necessary to disguise his capability now that it had reached such an extent. Putting his thoughts into action, Mr. Nian howled. "Supreme Cloud, your time has come!" Yun Yang smiled faintly. "Exactly the opposite. It should be your time that has come!" A solid wash of ridicule colored Yun Yang''s eyes. "At this moment, I believe that you''ve already finished absorbing the energy in the God''s Bones I''ve given you?" Mr. Nian guffawed listening to the question. He was too full of himself currently that he failed to discern the strange note in Yun Yang''s tone. Before the laughter resonated, Mr. Nian corrected his stance and with a drawn-out howl, white light erupted from him in five different directions as if countless swords were shining on him. He raised his hand and a ball of violet energy rose from his fair palm. The littering of wounds all over him due to the installation of God''s Bones was healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. The gory cuts and hanging flesh had become supple skin in an instant. "Grip three thousand miles of amethyst energy in the hands, hold twelve levels of heavens in the eyes!" Mr. Nian laughed. "This is the highest path of the martial way! This is the distinguishing factor between a deity and a mortal!" "Even if I have to start anew in the end, I''ve come to this level. Anything after that is but a cumulative process. It''s only a matter of time!" "For you, Yun Yang, however, your life ends now. Hand it over!" Despite his healing wounds, Mr. Nian was still in pain. Having finally turned the tables, he refused to entangle himself in the battle against Yun Yang any longer. It was better to kill his nemesis swiftly and reset his cultivation immediately after seeking a hidden spot. Killing Supreme Cloud was always a cloud hovering over him, the matter that kept him awake at night. Now as Mr. Nian felt his divine art achieving perfection and his cultivation base improving by vast leaps and bounds, the task had become child''s play to him. It was insignificant. Leaping, the ball of purple energy in Mr. Nian''s hand turned into an amethyst sword. "The heaven''s sword C accomplishes every endeavor!" Mr. Nian drawled loudly, "Supreme Cloud, no matter how incomparably sharp your saber is, it''ll be useless against this heaven''s sword!" As he spoke, he moved to thrust the sword forward. At this very moment, just in the nick of time, when Ji Lingxi was set to rush in front of Yun Yang'' and take the attack for him, Yun Yang suddenly broke out in a guffaw. The Divine Edge in his grip disappeared and was replaced by a gigantic piece of lotus leaf! As this lotus leaf the size of a round table greeted the world, a mysterious freshness engulfed the entire Tianxuan Cliff. Mr. Nian, who was hovering in midair and in the midst of his assassination attempt, let out a surprised yelp. Disbelief was all there was in his eyes. He could clearly feel that his waist seemed to have collapsed. No, it was more like an important piece of backbone around his waist had suddenly shattered. What could it be like for someone who was going all out in a battle to have a crucial piece of his backbone crumbling? If the spine of an ordinary person were to be crushed, he was fated to be paralyzed for the rest of his life. There was no lucky exception. As for a martial artist whose spine was broken, the repercussions were far more serious. His cultivation base would be pulverized instantly and recovery would be impossible. As for Mr. Nian, whose bone had been shattered during a battle, his mystical Qi was working at full force, unstoppable like a surging river, but there was a breakage in his meridians; the most prominent connecting part of his body was gone, vanished! Where had the mystical Qi gone to? The tragedy that befell Mr. Nian did not stop here, far from it. He also felt that a piece of his upper spine bone seemed to have been smashed into pieces Had his cervical vertebra been crushed as well? His head and upper body promptly lost their connections as well. The contact point between his brain and limbs had disappeared! The surprises came in rapid succession. At the same time, his chest caved in and blood gushed out from his right calf with a pop. His shinbone was gone as well! Mr. Nian had sprung up in dominance and triumph, but when his murderous intent was at its peak in midair, he lost all control over his body. It was complete chaos. This was the true twist of the situation. Yun Yang slowly lifted his head, his icy gaze cast on Mr. Nian, and he spoke softly, "Mr. Nian, isn''t the feeling from these four pieces of God''s Bones just wonderful?" Mr. Nian''s proficient cultivation base and martial instinct caused him to freeze in the air, but his mind was a complete blank. The trance lasted only for a moment. After being certain that he had wholly lost his momentum, Mr. Nian''s rationality came back to him. He chuckled dryly and muttered, "I see I see your intention in giving me the God''s Bones. What a marvelous trick, setting the stage in a strike." He laughed. "I''ve prided myself in being incomparably intelligent and manipulative my entire life, but against you, Supreme Cloud, I always end up in your traps and ploys. This defeat isn''t wrong at all. I will not die with regrets!" Before his words echoed in the air, Mr. Nian''s body fell right out of the sky. When he landed heavily on the ground, a thick mist of blood billowed out from the hapless man. His veins were thoroughly ruined due to the internal eruption of his meridians and mystical Qi. Almost every pore on his body was spraying out blood. The many pieces of God''s Bones exploded with an unprecedented force. Without the meridians'' restraint and without anywhere to charge to within Mr. Nian, they naturally wrecked his body. Like a torrential flood that surged violently along the rivers, it was dangerous but still within a controllable range; as long as the raging water was directed accordingly, it would pass. However, after running through the rivers, there was suddenly no more passage ahead. There was only a limited spread of shore. The raging water had only one choice C flood and ruin the shallow shore entirely. Even if the front was actually a dam, what could become of a rampant river''s water all flowing into a tiny dam? It was obvious, the outcome being Mr. Nian''s current state! What was worse was that his body had been divided into three parts because of the abrupt shattering of the God''s Bones and the massive power that had run amuck. His upper body, his lower body, and his head had all become separate pieces. Each of them was withstanding the turbulence hundreds of times stronger than his own force! He laid on the ground, unable to move. There was a bitter smile on his face. He tried his hardest to look up, to look at Yun Yang. His gaze spoke volumes, "Why? How did you do it?". 845 The End Of Vengeance Yun Yang smiled faintly. "This was clearly a set-up!" "A set-up? Clearly?" Mr. Nian echoed dully with a sense of loss. "That''s right. This was a plot I set up painstakingly, a scheme that was aimed right at the Four Seasons Tower''s core," Yun Yang said softly, "The top priority in achieving this act was that all those under the Four Seasons Tower had to die. For it to be accomplished by your cooperation was perfectly appropriate." Mr. Nian laughed in despair and self-mockery. "I''ve always coordinated things well," he said and could not help heaving a long sigh. "Think about it. With how skilled all of you are, it would have been too easy if any of you had intended to escape or hide. It would have been like looking for needles in a haystack if I were to find all of you individually, given how big this world is. Even when I killed all of you, I would constantly worry if anyone got off the hook. However, if you were the one to do the dirty deed, no one would get away!" "Sword, Snow, Frost, and Ice''s God''s Bones are another salient point that brought about this set-up." "I guessed that you''d collect God''s Bones, doing whatever it takes at some point in time. Truthfully, I was also waiting for this chance. Your collection of the corpses and God''s Bones was, precisely, the best opportunity for me." "Therefore, this was a set-up, one that you provided an excellent amount of collaboration too." Yun Yang said, "I''ve told you everything about my plot. I''d like to know if Mr. Nian will follow through your promise and tell me the location of God''s Grave." There was blood bubbling from the corners of Mr. Nian''s mouth. Sticky, crimson liquid leaked and streamed from his lips as he said in despair, "Of course I''ll tell Lord Supreme Cloud." "You''ve won. All these should be yours to take!" He looked at Yun Yang, his sharp gaze slowly fading. It seemed to be sympathy, it looked like ruthlessness but they all vanished in a glimpse. He laughed and said, "The God''s Grave is in midair behind the Four Seasons Tower''s headquarters. As long as you inject mystical Qi to support three points in three directions, God''s Grave can be opened." "The convergence of God''s Bones opens the pathway to heaven. One will be indomitable, becoming a deity! Yun Yang, all these are yours now!" Mr. Nian laughed but it was a weak one. Finally, he smiled. "The Four Seasons fall the Four Seasons Tower Heh heh Lost C lost Lost" He repeated the word ''lost'' dozens of times before his head lolled to one side and there was no longer any signs of breathing. Yet, his body was still twitching. The power of God''s Bones was still wreaking havoc within him. A long time passed and with a loud explosion, Mr. Nian''s body flew apart into countless pieces, eternally vanishing in this world. Simultaneously, a vigorous power slowly spread into the forest; its source the fifty-four pieces of God''s Bones that now laid on the ground. Each piece was crystalline and snow-white, shining and gleaming brilliantly. Had the Four Seasons Tower only collected so few pieces of God''s Bones after so many years? A human skeleton consisted of more bones than this. If God''s Bones were to replace all the bones in a complete skeleton, the Four Seasons Tower''s endless time spent in the collection was only a meager start! Looking at God''s Bones, Yun Yang sighed softly and kept them all with a wave of his hand. After some time, Yun Yang turned around to see that Ji Lingxi was staring at him. Upon realizing that she was being looked at, Ji Lingxi wore an incredibly bright grin and said, "Well done! You''ve finally obtained your revenge and put an end to this lifetime of resentment." Yun Yang''s response was to have a lengthy exhalation. He looked up into the sky and closed his eyes, not moving and not speaking for a long, long time. Everything that he had experienced in the recent years, anything and everything, flashed across his shut eyes like wisps of smoke and fleeting clouds. Supreme Earth, Supreme Wood, Supreme Water, Supreme Flame every familiar face drifted past him, smiling Ji Lingxi watched him in confusion. She stared at Yun Yang''s face in a stupor, as if untold changes and life events had manifested tangibly on Yun Yang''s face in this short amount of time. This was supposed to be impossible. No matter how much Yun Yang had experienced, how could he already be jaded by life? In spite of this, Ji Lingxi felt that her eyes did not lie to her. "When do you plan to locate God''s Grave?" she asked, finally finding her voice again. Although Ji Lingxi was reluctant to interrupt Yun Yang''s apparently benign state, she had to break his train of thoughts. Yun Yang took a pause before replying softly, "It''s necessary to go there as only by visiting there will our journey of cultivation in this realm be fully accomplished. However, before that, I plan to stay here for a few days." "It''s good to have a few days of rest here. We won this battle, but we''re both physically and mentally drained. We should really have a good rest Right, do we need to let Marshal Fu know we''re safe and sound?" asked Ji Lingxi. A beat of silence, then Yun Yang replied, "There''s no need. The formations here are quite complete. As long as they''re not damaged internally, it''s nearly impossible to destroy them from the outside. Mr. Nian''s elaborate set-up was a good thing. When we leave, I''ll fortify the formations here so that it will last forever. From now on, I don''t hope for anyone to come to Tianxuan Cliff." "I understand. I''ll help you later, to perfect the formations," Ji Lingxi answered in agreement. That night, Yun Yang slept in the Nine Supremes Temple as usual. He laid down early and before long, Ji Lingxi could hear his even breathing. Yun Yang had fallen asleep. An indescribable sense of peace tinged his sleeping face. There was also an impatient thrill to go and tell his brothers about the good news, like a child who was eager to boast about his accomplishment. Staring at the man, Ji Lingxi''s expression melted into one of tenderness and fondness. She only knew about what was on the surface, but she still understood how difficult it had been for Yun Yang, how taxing it was to take each step, like he was walking on thin ice. To say he was dancing on sharp blades or walking on a tightrope would not suffice to describe the danger Yun Yang had encountered. To avenge his brothers'' deaths, Yun Yang had flirted with death as well, pushing himself to his limits. For Yutang, Supreme Cloud had given everything he could. As a Yutang citizen, Yun Yang had done his utmost! Similarly, as a brother, he had done everything within his power! To Ji Lingxi, even as a man, Yun Yang had gone beyond himself. She was certain that the name Yun Yang, the name Supreme Cloud, would be passed down in Tianxuan Continent for a long, long time. It would become a legend no one could replace! Yun Yang was truly asleep now, fully relaxed in his slumber. Initially, he was early to rest, but he had not expected himself to fall into a slumber so quickly. He thought that he would have to toss and turn for some time. In contrary, an inexplicable sense of drowsiness overtook him not long after he laid his head down, so Yun Yang had fallen asleep without any defenses. Asleep, he finally began to dream. 846 With Wind I Shall Reign The World! In his dream, the brothers of Nine Supremes were reunited. Supreme Earth and Supreme Water took off their masks. Supreme Earth was Yutang''s eldest prince, exactly as Yun Yang had seen from his portrait, while Supreme Water was a beautiful lady who exuded a handsome flair. Only in her occasional glances at Supreme Earth did she display a discreet sense of gentleness. Supreme Gold and Supreme Wood, on the other hand, were vague; their faces were a blur. Supreme Flame had taken off his mask too. Yun Zuiyue, whom Yun Yang had not seen in a long time, was seated next to Supreme Flame. Both of them were in love and laughing happily. On the other side, Supreme Wind and Yue Rulan sat together. They smiled as they raised their goblets to Yun Yang, saying, "Yun Yang, you wicked child. An absolute novice, but you managed to court my younger sister. I''m telling you, if you don''t take good care of her, I won''t beat you to death, but I''ll still beat you up at least eight times a day. I''m not joking!" Supreme Thunder who was seated near Supreme Wind cut in timely and said, "That''s right. Your sister is my sister as well. Remember to invite me when you teach ol''Ninth a lesson. Let me help!" "Me too, me too!" Supreme Flame laughed. "Flame spreads with the wind, wind urges the flame C how can you leave me out when you fight?" Supreme Wind guffawed with triumph written all over his face, but Yue Rulan looked at him with fond disapproval, irritably chastising him, "Hmph, don''t get too full of yourself! Yun Yang is great to Lingxi, unlike someone who left without any news or even a note C there goes his conscience, there goes his accountability. He watched me and his sister search for him across the continent, suffering and almost dying, but he refused to step out. Now he has the cheek to criticize others. How ridiculously humorous C how repulsive!" "If you could be half as nice as Yun Yang is to Lingxi, I''d wake up smiling, even when I dream! Hmph" Before Yue Rulan even finished her ranting, Supreme Wind was somewhat abashed; long gone was his triumphant air earlier. Similarly reminded of the sad past was Yun Zuiyue. She scoffed as well, glaring at Supreme Flame. The latter pleaded guilty with cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He did not mention anything about collaborating with Supreme Wind or how well wind and flame would go with each other anymore. The rest of the brothers were very much amused, first trying to hold the laughter in before it led to a complete explosion of chuckles. Supreme Blood looked at Yun Yang as he asked softly, "Father... is he" Yun Yang turned glum immediately. Supreme Blood''s expression followed suit, obviously being able to guess as much. After some time, it was Supreme Earth who suggested, "Let us give a toast to the old man." The brothers all picked up their goblets. Then, it was someone who said, "Toasting our father C why don''t we just invite the old man out?" Right there and then, an old and wrinkly man appeared by the door. He was all smiles, warm and friendly. The brothers cried out in unison and with delighted surprise, "Father!" Yun Yang teared up from joy. Staring at his old man, whom he had not seen for a long time, his lips were split into a wide grin. He did not know what to say then, only able to beam dumbly. After a long time, he finally found his voice to say, "Brothers, the Four Seasons Tower" His brothers laughed. "We knew it. We were waiting for you to come and boast. It must be hard for you to hold it in for so long, wasn''t it? Still, if you didn''t manage to put an end to the Four Seasons Tower, did you think we''ll let you go? We would''ve beaten you up so many times over already." Yun Yang let out a hearty laugh and as he giggled, his tears streamed down his face. He suddenly shouted, "You fellows want to beat me up? I should be the one to wallop you bastards!" The brothers tilted their heads as they looked over at him, beaming widely. They crossed their arms in front of their chests and asked teasingly, "Alright! How many of us do you want to beat up? We''ll fulfill your wish!" Then, they rubbed their fists and palms with malicious intent brimming in their eyes. They chuckled and sneered, "We''d all love to fulfill this wish of yours. Oh, how we''re more than happy to do so!" Yun Yang thought quickly about it and turned to run away. As he did, he laughed. Not long after, he was caught by his many brothers before they piled on him like a stack of pancakes. Yun Yang begged for mercy, chortling while tears of happiness still coursed down his cheeks. Ji Lingxi watched Yun Yang''s sleeping face as she sat beside him. There was the sudden appearance of smiles that made him look like a grinning fool and the unstoppable tears streaming from his eyes as the man muttered, "Great This is great" The maiden could not help the quiver that ran through her as she stared at Yun Yang in a daze. Then, she gently wiped away his tears and softly sighed. ''Are you meeting your brothers in your dream?'' ''After this fulfilling dream, can the persistent thought that has been rooted for so many years in you be erased now?'' ''I wish that you can live with more ease in the future'' Early the next day, Yun Yang felt thoroughly rejuvenated upon awakening. He could feel endless energy flowing through him; he had been fully charged. It seemed that even his mind was exceptionally clear. He was in an optimal state. His eyes were squinted as he reminisced about everything that had happened in his dream. Involuntarily, his lips tugged into a small smile. He especially remembered the question he subconsciously asked when they were about to part. "Brothers, can we still gather together again?" His brothers laughed simultaneously, turning to leave and vanishing amidst the blanket of mist. There was no answer to this question, but Yun Yang was not upset. He teared up in his dream, but he woke up smiling. Perhaps, everything that had unfolded to this point was considered to have come a full circle. Ji Lingxi heard Yun Yang''s dreamy mumbling before he woke up. "What was it that you were murmuring earlier?" she asked curiously. Yun Yang smiled but did not answer. At the very end when his brothers were no longer seen in the fog but their voices were still clearly heard, they were clapping and reciting together. "The royal earth splits open a world, Water, flame C the Five Elements rule, With wind, you shall reign the world, Supported by the nine heavens as the Supreme!" The volume of their voices slowly diminished. It was only until the very last word was heard that his dream returned to boundless silence. Yun Yang retrieved dishes and wine from his ring, staying in the temple for the next eight days. When he was fully sated from eating and intoxicated from drinking, he slept; after he woke up, he moved around for a bit before he ate and drank once more. For the eight days, other than chatting with Ji Lingxi for a while, he did nothing else daily. He did not practice his art, he did not think about things; he did not analyze Yutang''s national condition nor was he concerned with the warfare that was taking place. He spent eight full days at Tianxuan Cliff that was utterly isolated from the world in peace and ease without any worries. It was a pity he only dreamed a long dream on the first day. The rest of the time, all he did was sleep. He did not even dream of anything that was of his imagination and wild wishes. Lucky or not, Yun Yang''s sleep quality in these eight days was exceptionally fine C so much so that Ji Lingxi actually thought that he seemed to have grown a little fatter. It was perfectly understandable that he grew fat. After all, Yun Yang almost recovered his past reputation as the rice bucket during recent days. Eight days later, Yun Yang cleaned up the Nine Supremes Temple one last time and set up a secluded formation around the structure. He stood before the temple for a long, long time and suddenly turned around to leave, laughing, without looking back. "With wind I shall reign the world, supported by the nine heavens as the Supreme!" He chuckled and took Ji Lingxi''s hand. Leaving the mountain in a relaxed manner, he did not even look back once. It was, instead, Ji Lingxi, who was already hundreds of feet away, who could not help turning back. All she could see was the Nine Supremes Temple fully submerged in the fog. 847 Lingering Charm As both of them descended the mountain, Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and Jun Moyan greeted them as they approached from the opposite direction. When the trio saw the pair, their initially anxious expressions relaxed immediately. "Where''s Mr. Nian?" "Where''s the rest of the Four Seasons Tower?" The three old men asked in unison. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi''s safe return was a blatant hint to this battle''s outcome, but they could not avoid the doubt rising within them. They voiced it out without hesitation. Yun Yang smiled. "From now on, Tianxuan Continent does not have the Four Seasons Tower anymore nor does it have Mr. Nian." "Dead? Are all of them are dead?" The trio heaved a long, soothing sigh. "Great!" The shock only came a heartbeat late. "You killed them all alone?" As they spoke, the three experts had eyes that were as round as saucers. Disbelief and incredulity were oozing from their very gazes. "Good luck," Yun Yang replied with a smile, "It''s not worthy of mention." Jun Moyan coughed and rolled his eyes at the sky, muttering, "Oh, stop it!" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou were flabbergasted. Based on their estimation, the Four Seasons Tower''s manpower was formidable, despite their side gaining Jun Moyan as an added aid; it would still be a challenge for the tower to kill the veteran experts but it would be equally difficult for the latter to hold their enemy back or even charge out of the tower''s siege. Those men of the Four Seasons Tower were superbly skilled experts, renowned for generations! Jun Moyan shook his head rather speechlessly and said, "Since Supreme Cloud is fine, I shall bid my leave. The worldly matters have come to an end. Everyone, let us meet again in the Bound of Universe." He turned to leave in a dapper manner. Clad in black, he was swift to disappear, only his voice resonating from a distance. "Raven gown, raven sword, thousands of mountains jogged, sword wielded in hand, don''t you speak" Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou watched Jun Moyan''s fading silhouette and chuckled simultaneously. "This fellow is very similar to your disciple," said Ling Xiaozui. Dugu Chou shook his head. "Don''t flatter me too much. I''d be overjoyed. If my disciple achieves at least half of what he had, I''d be saved from my headache. Sigh, erratic as he is, he brought up a similarly volatile student Don''t mention it anymore, it''s a weight in the heart." Ling Xiaozui guffawed. He went on to ask, "Yun Yang, what''s your next course of action?" "I plan to head to the Four Seasons Tower''s headquarters later to settle some matters, then I''ll be going to the Seven Star Lake. Then, I''ll prepare what''s needed to depart to the Bound of Universe," Yun Yang answered honestly after a moment of pondering. "Alright. If so, we''ll be a step earlier than you. We shall leave to the Bound of Universe today and reconnaissance for you first," the two old men spoke simultaneously. Upon doing so, they looked at each other before breaking out into laughter. "Very well." "See you in the Bound of Universe!" "See you in the Bound of Universe!" The two experts, like Jun Moyan, turned to leave without any hesitation. They left without any worry. The Four Seasons Tower was already terminated. Given Yun Yang''s current capability, he had no contender in this world C he was truly unrivaled! What was there to be worried about? Yun Yang went to see Fu Baoguo and gave him some simple directions as to what to do afterward. Then, he left with Ji Lingxi. "Are you still going back to Tiantang City?" " Everything is fine." "Does Lord Supreme Cloud have any future plans?" I''ll take a good look at this world, see if it gets better." Yun Yang smiled and together with Ji Lingxi, the pair vanished some distance away. Fu Baoguo frowned, not entirely sure of the real intention behind Yun Yang''s answer. Was he leaving anyway or had he decided to stay? He had absolutely no idea In spite of this, Fu Baoguo was certain of one thing. The legend of the Nine Supremes and Supreme Cloud would be passed down for a long time to come! Supreme Cloud''s victory at Tianxuan Cliff was rapidly relayed back to Tiantang City. Immediately, the whole of Yutang entered a state of ecstasy; there was no household that did not know about the good news as all of them celebrated it. Each family decorated their homes in festive lights and lit firecrackers to congratulate Supreme Cloud for chasing away the beast, Nian! The troops guarding the borders of Yutang were immensely ecstatic upon receiving the news as well. "All hail the invincible Supreme Cloud!" The six words seemed to possess some magic that could weave legends. Each time the army embarked on a conquest, cheering these words seemed to enhance their combat prowess without reason. In addition to that, their enemies would look terribly disheartened! The chronicle of Supreme Cloud spread across the world. Of the four noble families, the four young masters listened to the recounting of others in excitement. Then, they returned to their houses and practiced diligently. ''Boss, when will we be able to trail behind you again!'' In the Residence of Yun, Lao Mei, Fang Mofei, and Bai Yixue were lost for words in the midst of their fervor. Then, they practiced arduously as well. ''Young master, we shall meet again in the Bound of Universe!'' A few days later, Yun Xiaoyao requested to be deployed after a lot of consideration. ''It has been long known that Supreme Cloud is indomitably capable. There''s no need for further elaboration. However, this world will never be personally unified by him. As his father, it''s only a matter of course that I complete this on his behalf!'' The higher authority of Yutang expressed their understanding of Yun Xiaoyao''s decision and emotions. Everyone knew that Supreme Cloud would most likely not return to Tiantang City again. His intention to retire as a recluse was clear to the world back then; now that the Four Seasons Tower had fallen, it was certain that Supreme Cloud would not make himself present in this realm anymore. The Emperor of Yutang complied easily, appointing Yun Xiaoyao as the General Marshal, to command and lead the world''s army! Then, His Majesty declared Yu Qiankun as the royal grandson. As the empire celebrated, Qiu Jianhan and the other kingpins understood then how powerful Yun Yang''s last words were and how much was implied within them. "I shall see this world become better." This line had further set Bao''er''s already secure throne in stone! It was also from this month onwards that Yutang truly began its domination conquest towards ruling the world. To this day, the powerful enemies that had set eyes on Yutang had either been eliminated or weakened considerably by Supreme Cloud. Consequently, the path to hegemony was certainly quite a fair bit smoother. Concurrently, Yun Yang had arrived at the Four Seasons Tower''s headquarters. He was not impatient at all along the journey from Tianxuan Cliff to the Four Seasons Tower''s headquarters. He practically enjoyed his travel with Ji Lingxi. Both of them did a thorough tour around the picturesque scenery of Tianxuan Continent. As they wended their way, their relationship deepened. Ji Lingxi was all smiles; her cultivation base advanced as usual as well, increasing swiftly as time went on like there was no boundary for her. The contrast between her and Yun Yang escalated even more than before. "Are you still dreaming these days?" asked Yun Yang. "I still do. And they''re still as blurry," answered Ji Lingxi, frowning with frustration. She seemed to be trapped in the same dream during this period of time but the dream remained blurry and vague, troubling her to no end. This was probably the case when one talked about a lingering dream. "You don''t really have to worry about it. Maybe it''s just your cultivation base. Once your level gets there, you''ll probably be able to see it clearly." Yun Yang comforted the girl. "Lingxi, we''ve spent so much time together now, yet I don''t seem to have seen your true appearance." "Do you not think that I am pretty just as I am?" Ji Lingxi retorted with a scoff. 848 The Four Seasons Tower’s Headquarters Yun Yang grinned. "You were the one who complained about recovering your original appearance before this and suddenly, you haven''t mentioned it at all. Can''t I be curious?" Ji Lingxi snorted and tipped her chin high up. Resting her hands behind her back, she went forward skipping in joy but she spoke with feigned pride, "I''m actually worried for you. I''m afraid that my true face will enrapture you instantly. What should we do then?" Yun Yang pursed his lips and replied softly, "This young master has met many people. These include absolute beauties, alluring femme fatales; I''ve met plenty of them as well. You, a mere young little girl, boasting that you''ll enrapture me hilarious!" "Whatever you say. I''m not letting you see my real face anyway. Try me if you can!" Ji Lingxi skipped forward with her arms behind her back. Yun Yang sighed with a palm on his forehead, not answering her for a long time. ''Try you? How do I do that? I''ll be put down once I try'' When the both of them first met, Ji Lingxi was already wearing her disguise. Not only that, she was wearing a mask as well. When she moved to the Residence of Yun later, she was still wearing her face veil. It remained so until she left Tiantang City for the first time to search for Ji Lingfeng. When she finally returned the second time around, it was pure coincidence that she was being pursued by Lei Dongtian. To avoid Lei Dongtian''s ulterior motive, she was forced to disguise herself as an ugly lady. When she moved to Yun Yang''s house, her disguise was not removed but was covered entirely by the herbs Yun Yang had given to her. Prior to this, when the crises had been resolved, Ji Lingxi yearned to remove the disguise and was arduously searching for the antidote, but it was in vain. Now that the medicinal potency was near due, she was not in a hurry instead. Ji Lingxi had even prepared new herbs to disguise herself for the time when Yun Yang''s initial one was cured. She was not planning to see anyone wearing her real face No matter how intelligent and gifted Yun Yang was, he could not understand the psychology behind such a decision. Did they not say that a girl would doll herself up for the one she liked? Why was this girl different from others? "Lingxi, honestly, I can make a blend of the antidote easily," Yun Yang said chuckling, "Look, I''m totally different with you. I don''t even know what you look like yet I''ve already liked you. I don''t judge a book by its cover at all!" Ji Lingxi scoffed with skepticism written across her face. "I''m not allured by beauty, did you not know?" "Hmph!" "Wash your disguise away. Let me see what my love looks like," said Yun Yang, "We''ll definitely be separated when we first get to the Bound of Universe later on. I don''t want to not be able to recognize you when we meet afterward. Won''t it be a joke then?" Ji Lingxi lifted her chin defiantly and replied, "Exactly what I planned would happen. When that time comes, I''ll seduce you with my original appearance. You''ll be a bastard if you actually fall for me!" "And if I don''t?" Yun Yang pulled a long face. "Then you''re not satisfied with me! You don''t like someone like me! What could I ask for when you''re not even interested in me?" Ji Lingxi answered in a matter-of-fact tone. Yun Yang then asked cautiously, "Do you wish that I take no interest in you or do you wish that I''m a bastard?" "Just be yourself. Whether you don''t like me or you''re a bastard, I''ll accept the reality of the situation. I''m not one who doesn''t resign herself to fate!" Ji Lingxi rolled her eyes. "Ji Lingfeng! F*cking come out and look at your baby sister! Is there even a way to survive this? She''s forcing me into a corner!" Yun Yang moaned into the sky. Ji Lingxi chortled happily. "It''s useless even if you call for him. He has never dared keep me in check since we were young, what more now? Put me in my place yourself if you can!" Yun Yang sighed in despair. In spite of this, he was reluctant to give up. He continued to persuade and pacify Ji Lingxi, only to realize that all his efforts were futile. The maiden simply refused to comply. In the end, he could only give up. "Never mind. I''ll show my face naturally when it''s our wedding night," Ji Lingxi added with a flushed face. Yun Yang muttered, closing his eyes, "By then not only will I see your face, but I can also see other parts as well" His reply triggered Ji Lingxi''s rage that stemmed from absolute embarrassment, which led to a violent pursuit that stretched over hundreds of thousands of miles. Currently, Yun Yang could not subdue Ji Lingxi by any means. Not only was his cultivation base lacking, but his argument was also flawed as well. If it were not for Ji Lingxi who remained rational and did not actually go all out she would not actually escape from the crime of killing her own husband! "Here C this is the Four Seasons Tower''s headquarters?" Ji Lingxi looked at the houses atop the high peak in disbelief. As the base of the world''s top influential organization, the scale seemed rather plain. They were all average straw houses. A main house, a side hall, a kitchen - everything was no different than that of an ordinary citizen''s home. At most, the distance between each house was a little longer and they were located on a lofty cliff commoners could hardly come by. When they finally arrived at where the Four Seasons Tower''s headquarters was located, they confirmed that there was a residence approximately every five hundred feet apart. There were yards, plants, halls, bedrooms, even kitchens and toilets in the residences; fully equipped, the structures looked like they were lived in. Despite that, there was not a single person in these houses now. The mountain was quiet, seemingly abandoned. A vague sense of desolation permeated the atmosphere. Some of the plants were growing silently in the houses as if waiting for the return of their owners. "It''s unexpected that the Four Seasons Tower''s men were modest cultivators," Yun Yang spoke with almost a sigh, "Speaking of which, though, how could they have become such amazing masters if they couldn''t withstand such bleak lonesomeness?" "Good or evil, that''s the case for any master or proficient cultivator since the beginning of time." "In wishing for the ability that surpasses everyone else, one must pay a similar price!" "The saying that being unrivaled is the most lonely, it''s the same if it''s spelled backward!" "If no one in this world works as hard as you, then no one will gain as much as you!" "Fair, very fair." Yun Yang gazed at the houses with a sense of peace. "You''ve all passed, the grudges have come to an end. Rest in peace." Yun Yang spent two hours looking for the track-concealing formation that was set up in the area. When he pulled away from the last piece of the formation''s rock, there was an abrupt ripple in the sky. As an abundance of spiritual Qi dissipated, a dark hole appeared in the air. A passage could clearly be seen on the inside but its destination was a mystery. "Wait here, I''ll go in to have a look," said Yun Yang. "You C be careful!" Ji Lingxi replied nervously, "Who knows what trap Mr. Nian could have installed here C people like you are used to sparing a hand. Maybe this is where his last fatal strike lies" Yun Yang chuckled. "Bingo. Mr. Nian''s final trap is here, but I''ll spring it safely. Don''t worry." "You knew? And you''re still risking it?" Ji Lingxi''s eyes bulged in horror and disbelief. 849 Why? Yun Yang smiled and patted Ji Lingxi''s head, saying, "There''s no risk involved, don''t you worry. I''m not Mr. Nian nor am I from the Four Seasons Tower. The heart is different, so the reaction and countermeasure will be different as well. Mr. Nian''s last move will be useless against me." Ji Lingxi slapped his hand away furiously and replied, "I''m seriously warning you for the last time. Don''t ever touch my head like this again! You would do well to be wary of my slap if you continue to persist in doing so." "Then may I ask how should I touch you so that you don''t slap me?" asked Yun Yang. "You should" Ji Lingxi''s answer screeched to an abrupt halt before she turned even more enraged from embarrassment. "Scram!" Yun Yang laughed. Taking another glimpse at the blushing beauty, he lingered no further, slipping into the dark passage instantly. Venerable Lord Frost and company had mentioned that there was a time limit to this passage''s entrance. If one did not exit the path upon the due time, one would be locked inside eternally. Yun Yang remembered the reminder clearly, but he was here, nonetheless. It was all because "One day, if I''ve fallen, I won''t wish for anyone to cultivate with my remains!" "These bodies were once masterly experts!" "Out of pure respect to them, I should return these God''s Bones to their rightful owners. I should not let these remains linger in the mortal world to be tainted by others once again!" Yun Yang was currently speeding through the tunnel at his highest speed but he was genuinely curious. Since he entered the passage, the feeling this realm gave him was a stark contrast against what Mr. Nian and the Venerable Lords had described to him! It was said that each step would be laden by lead once one entered It was said that illusions would haunt anyone who trespassed, and a careless move would cause internal demons to devour and kill the person, destroying his cultivation base as well It was said that one''s sight would be hindered once one was inside. The vision was not blinded, rather, all that could be seen was a tattered God''s Grave and a skeleton of God''s Bones before oneself. Everything else was hardly visible. It was either blurry images nearby or total blank farther away. In spite of this, these hindrances did not exist when Yun Yang entered. Not only was his pace unusually smooth, but his vision and mental state was also utterly clear and vividly detailed. Could the myth be wrong? Yun Yang did not notice that Emmie was slowly swaying in his divine sense once he entered the realm. The karmic Qi that he had been collecting for years was slowly spreading and quickly filling the space. It was the purest energy of justice in this human world. Everywhere he drifted to, the haze avoided him. There was a wash of light at the far end of the passage. It seemed distant, but Yun Yang''s arrival was only a matter of time. With his current cultivation base, it was only a blink of an eye before Yun Yang sped through the path at his full speed. Although the young man thought that there was something odd with the current atmosphere, the light on the other end was already right before him. How could he not go on? As Yun Yang stepped out of the passage, he entered the brightly lit realm. He was overwhelmed by the dazzling white light immediately, but it was not too blinding as he could still see when he focused his gaze. Glancing around, he realized that there seemed to be no end to the spacious room he stood in, and God''s Bones were scattered around, gleaming with an ivory sheen. It was apparent that the white gleaming radiance that greeted him came from the massive collection of God''s Bones here! As the realization struck him, an inexplicable pressure that enveloped the mysterious realm forced itself upon Yun Yang. It felt like it could fall at any time and crush everything within reach into dust, without exception. Yun Yang dared become careless and mustered the fullest of his strength in case of any untoward incidents. Simultaneously, he exuded his deific consciousness to probe the area around him, only to find tombstones, which was the only other thing besides the God''s Bones. The tombstones were all old and fragmented as well, with nothing legible written upon them. He could not help being taken aback. The state of the tombstones left no clues or hints. It was impossible to distinguish which God''s Bone belonged to which set of skeletons here. Furthermore, there were more than twelve graves that he could see! It was not a walk in the park at all to fulfill Yun Yang''s initial wish of returning the God''s Bones to their original owners'' graves. Thinking about it, Yun Yang could not help chuckling dryly. Putting further thoughts aside, there were far more than two hundred and forty God''s Graves within reachC the tale of the God''s Bones of the Twelve Celestial Beings was simply absurd. What Yun Yang did not notice was that since he entered the space, the room''s brightness was slowly but surely increasing, like something was slowly being incepted. Standing in the mysterious realm, Yun Yang was rather stunned. He had imagined many things, including an ambush in the God''s Grave and lethal danger. It was not that he had any ill thoughts; he only wanted to return the God''s Bones. This was probably why he felt that the trip was surprisingly easy. However, despite the lack of danger now, it was equally hopeless to complete his initial wish. A bitter chuckle escaped him. After some time, Yun Yang retrieved the God''s Bones from his spatial ring and slowly placed them on the ground in front of him. He wished softly, "I have no other intention being here except to return seniors'' remains. I wanted to return them all to their original owners, accomplish the task perfectly, but the reality is the opposite of my wish. This junior is honestly unable to differentiate anything further. Long live seniors'' brave souls, I believe all of you will not blame me for this." "I am also a cultivator. Putting myself in your shoes, we bear the most pride in the pack. The stronger a cultivator is, the prouder he will be, and the more he will disallow anyone to humiliate him!" "Each of you seniors would have commanded the world when you were alive. Even when you lost your senses and cognition after your death, I''m reluctant to see your remains being toyed and wrongly utilized by those with ulterior motives." "There''s no other reason for my presence here. This is the empathized dignity of a master! When you were alive, you maintained your dignity, no one dared overstep their boundaries. When you have passed on, we, the later generation, shall preserve it for you." "When I heard the tale of God''s Bones, I intended to uphold them. My wish is finally fulfilled today." "This is all to my intent." "Rest in peace. As your brave souls live on, your God''s Bones are returned. You shall be separated from the world from now on as I wish you peace for the years to come." Yun Yang spoke softly for a while before he took a deep bow and moved to leave. It was his honest wish to return the God''s Bones. Although it was not perfectly accomplished, the trip was not made in vain C his determination had not gone to waste. Suddenly, there was suddenly a soft, vague voice that spoke out quietly, "Why?" 850 A Pure Hear Surprised, Yun Yang thought to himself, ''Why? Didn''t I explain it clearly just now?'' He remained in bewildered silence as the hollow voice asked again, "Why?" Yun Yang thought about it and answered, "Just because. Because each senior is a famed personage, a presence that belongs to the legends. While I am lacking, I''m confident to think that I could be weaved into the legends of Tianxuan as well. I''m human, I''ll die too one day." "If people were to scavenge pieces of my remains to aid their cultivation after I die I know that I won''t be able to take it. Therefore, I think each senior here is equally intolerant of it," he continued with a light smile. "This is why this happens today." Having completed his explanation, Yun Yang was startled as he thought to himself, ''Eh? Who spoke just now?'' This was a closed space, wholly isolated from the world. How could there be someone speaking? He had double-checked with his divine senses just now Who in the world had spoken earlier? Yun Yang felt chills running through his body. His head lifted abruptly. Without preamble, a slow sigh could be heard, followed by a wave of sighs. The empty and silent realm was filled with hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of long sighs simultaneously. Goosebumps wracked Yun Yang violently. The sound of wind could be heard, but it did not come from Yun Yang''s manifestation. Small tornados that were visible to the naked eye appeared and carried the many God''s Bones Yun Yang had placed just now towards the God''s Graves. Instantly, the remains had been taken apart in their various graves were completely restored. It was still the same unhurried voice that spoke after that, "Young man, thank you For so many years someone like you has finally appeared Destiny toys with us all but there''s finally a sense of kindness" "Justice and kindness have never been lacking nor have they fallen asleep in this heaven and earth. They do exist after all I''m relieved!" The breeze blew, the clouds drifted apart. There was a strange change in the air and Yun Yang found out with a start that everything he was seeing had transformed within the time it took to snap one''s fingers. The space that had been permeated with an uneasy sense of desolation and abandonment became magnificent and glorious. Cottony clouds surrounded the perimeter as dragons and phoenixes danced around; the atmosphere was majestic and lively. Lofty palaces stood erect amidst the wisps of clouds. They were obviously from another world. Shadows buzzed around as if countless silhouettes were present but they vanished at the very next minute. It was like armies of golden-armored soldiers were guarding the eminent palaces that had just appeared. A piece of cloud drifted over, shape-shifting into an otherworldly elder. The old man was white-bearded and white-haired, the airs of immortality wrapped tightly around him. Yun Yang''s seasoned judgment and experience in cloud manifestation allowed him to instantly discern that the elder''s form was completely comprised of cloud and mist. There was nothing tangible, but the essence of it was distinctive from his cloud manifestation. "Young man, you are certainly formidable," said the elder''s projection in the air, "I don''t know how many years it has been, but this is my first time meeting someone like you. Very good, considerable cultivation base and even more considerable intent." Yun Yang was prepared to say something, anything along the line of humility, but the elder waved his hand immediately, cutting him off. "Young man, this old man doesn''t have much time. I can only speak shortly, so I hope that you can listen to me quietly." Yun Yang felt like he was dreaming; everything was so unreal. The elder''s voice rang out again. "You are right. The dignity of a master is not to be toyed with. We''ve been so high up all our lives, how could we be resigned when our remains are being abused?" "However, what can we do even if when we''re indignant?" He heaved a long sigh and said, "Since you''re in the cultivation field and you''re in a substantial realm now, you must know that when there''s an area of earth, there must be an area of heaven as well." "The theory is rather straight-forward. Where there are humans in this world, there is also the presence of heaven. These so-called deities are the people in this heaven who have ascended to immortality." "The ones in heaven manipulate the karma, providence and everything else in the human realm. This is a matter of course, one that no one can change since the birth of this world." "However, as powerful as we are everything changed after a martial world disaster many years ago!" "Whoever says that the fate is inevitable says so only because his capability and prowess are lacking When calamity befell the human realm and we only cared to spend our days in leisure without intervening, the Lord Sovereign was infuriated. He thought us to have failed our responsibilities and were unworthy to hold such positions That day, the Lord Sovereign passed the realms in rage and with a flip of his palm, destroyed heaven and split the earth!" "Everyone in heaven died then Only their remains were left, piled in this abandoned space Even the lingering energy and essence of ours were sucked away to maintain the good and evil of this continent, to keep up the so-called karma" "In spite of this, the energy we left behind, however much it is, isn''t grounded. It''s certain that it can''t run on for long. Until now, all of us are approaching our end as well." "I believe it''ll be the last of our days after a hundred years at most; the celestial essence will be then lost." "Everyone is buried here, a particular location where it''s penetrable through many sides" "This space connects the Bound of Universe and Tianxuan Continent. It is a rare place in heaven and earth where both locations are linked, or perhaps, the central point that connects both worlds." "It''s also because of this very reason that our remains are placed where people could discover anytime It''s tempting, as well. Anyone who''s a cultivator who sees the God''s Bones will know that as long as they obtain the God''s Bone and integrate it into their body, they can hope to push their cultivation journey forward and become one of the immortals!" The voice''s tone was pitiful. "We are the people above the nine heavens. None of us are exempted from being utterly arrogant. Who would be able to watch their remains being torn apart to cultivate after their death? Being heroes all our lives, we''ve already achieved the title of deity, but in the end, we all end up in a similar tragedy of having no remains!" "This is the ending that the Lord Sovereign wants us to see and feel for ourselves C always watching our remains being taken away and exploited being taken to cultivate by people we''ve taken care of wholeheartedly. We can observe, but we can''t fight back!" "I still remember what the Lord Sovereign said back then C if there''s a day when a pure hearted cultivator could withstand the temptation of immortality and choose to send the God''s Bones back after acquiring them that will be the day all of you can be freed of this torture!" "As long as this person collects all the God''s Bones and send them back, not only can heaven return to its original form, all of you can also return to yourselves and head on to your celestial positions!" 851 Help! "In the past, we were caught in between chaos, blinded with wishful thinking, hoping that a massive transformation would bring about a new wave of outstanding individuals that surpassed their peers has there ever been a lack of heroes in the generations to come? Surely there will be some with hearts of gold, who would truly abide by their morals and principles. Perhaps, we would be able to find our escape after a few years but in the end, all of us were horribly wrong!" "Not a single man that was fated to come here could resist the temptation of being a real god. All of them chose to disassemble our corpses so they could use it for themselves" "We endured and waited bitterly, waiting for the arrival of this fated individual. However, this period of waiting took a hundred thousand years" The elder hovering in the air looked at Yun Yang with a look filled with hope. "Little brother, you''ve now listened to the entire tale of our past. An old fellow like me here could tell that you are a true gentleman, a true hero. I am uncertain, but perhaps you might be willing to lend a hand to us poor, desecrated souls?" The moment the voice of the elder faded away, the sky was filled with numerous apparitions. Although they were blurry, one could tell that every single one of them had their sights focused on Yun Yang with a sense of urgency. Clearly, they were hoping that he would agree to it. Yun Yang remained expressionless, but his heart was quivering within! I''d never imagined God''s Bones would involve such a variety of affairs. This was quite the pickle, wasn''t it? This unrivaled legend of Tianxuan God''s Bones that can make one become a deity had originated from the heavens, from the real gods themselves Yet, the most frightening part was how these gods immortals who outmatched every living being of the land were still a minuscule existence who could still be toppled by even stronger hegemons. To be a god is to be the master of the universe; that ignorant theory he initially believed in was way off the mark! "So, it was all of you who were protecting and restoring the peace of this world with your essence, Qi and spirit even after perishing so long ago" Yun Yang sighed gently. He looked up to the sky and murmured, "Heroes should never be subjected to such grievances, even if there were many reasons behind it. Your contributions were far too much after all this time." He was silent for a moment before speaking. "How can I help all of you? Please, feel free to tell me!" Upon hearing those words, that elder could barely string his words together, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions. "You you accept?" The strong quivering of emotions nearly caused his spirit-form to disintegrate it took quite some time for him to settle down. "I accept." Yun Yang smiled as he nodded earnestly. The apparition of the elder burst into violent convulsions. He only began to reply after a moment. "Y-You Aren''t you afraid that our words are nothing but lies? Aren''t you afraid that we might have other motives or we might just be exploiting you to escape from our troubles?" "A hero''s dignity should not be trampled upon; I am willing to do this due to that simple belief. If you''ve used me, I''ll just have to defeat all of you when I''m done restoring you to your original selves!" Yun Yang said calmly, with his eyes half-closed. The elder gazed at him, the expression on his face shifting into a look of bemusement. "What a great spirit!" His heart was palpitating within him as he murmured, "Is this heart?" At this juncture, the form of the elder had contracted to the point where the words in between his sentence were completely inaudible Yun Yang never had the chance to make them out. However, the apparitions seemed to be struck with a sudden moment of realization, their faces clearly reflecting expressions of epiphany. As they lapsed into deep thought, a sense of guilt gradually sparked within them. "Young man, there are a few passages like this in the Bound of Universe that has led to the grave." "If someone had taken away the God''s Bones out of greed, these passages will only seal off completely when somebody returns them." "Therefore, as long as you go after all of them, young fellow, you would naturally know the way to enter. Similarly, I can only rebuild the heavens only when God''s Bones are gathered completely, and return to be an immortal." "We''re counting on you on these matters, young fellow." Signs of guilt were reflected across the faces of every apparition. "The thing that caused me the most guilt is the fact that a bunch of desecrated souls like us is unable to repay you with anything. Even if you really do return God''s Bones, we still have nothing on us worthy as a form of reward this is something we will not lie to you about." Yun Yang burst into laughter. "I had always intended to return God''s Bones without any reward in mind it was nothing but to preserve the dignity of true heroes. I will try my best to assist with anything that happens later on. A hundred years I''ll be sure to turn up here before your presences along with all of your remains. This is just one of the things I can do for the welfare of Tianxuan; such efforts will not go to waste. "You have our thanks!" The apparitions hovering upon the horizon expressed their gratitude by taking a deep bow collectively. They promptly disappeared at the very next moment. Not a single one stayed behind as if they had never existed. In no time, the sight of that majestic architecture transformed into a slate of nothingness. Only a frail voice remained, echoing faintly in the air, "It is not fit for a common man to dwell in this place too long please run along now, young fellow, before you are harmed by the yin energy here" Yun Yang felt a little muddled as he emerged from the realm of God''s Grave. No matter how slick he was, he would not have imagined that the source of God''s Bones this entity lusted after by Mr. Nian and the rest of Four Seasons Tower would bear so many secrets! This was simply a shocking, unimaginable secret that no man could ever have thought of! "The Four Seasons Tower was obsessed with collecting all of God''s Bones, hoping to be a true God and attain the status of being an immortal but little did they know that it is impossible to be a true immortal by depending on God''s Bones. Even if they really do achieve it, they''ve done nothing but to stoop to reprehensible levels. It''s an even more preposterous idea to attain the status of an immortal what''s the point of being an immortal when they would no longer exist? If that is all taken into account, God''s Bones is not an opportunity to ascend to the heavens at all it is nothing but a trap of eternal damnation, a trap beyond the point of redemption!" "Needless to say, it''s impossible for them to gather all of God''s Bones. Even if they managed to gather all of it and ascend into the levels of a true immortal, evidently, they will only come to face a reality without the slightest trace of hope. There''s no way they can go further in their path of practice there is only despair!" "The moment of success is also the moment of failure. This this is the most terrible sense of hopelessness!" Yun Yang subconsciously remembered how persistent the Four Seasons Tower was. They were always pushing themselves, working towards this goal without rest. They had invested their efforts in every aspect all too much of it to arrive at a truth like this. It was truly tragic. Yun Yang couldn''t help but let out a mental sigh. If you cast aside their conscience and morals, who amongst Mr. Nian and his entourage were not great men? These were the ones that were hard to come by in this mortal realm. It was only because they had fallen into this irresistible maze they could not escape once they were involved. In the end, it was nothing but the greed of mankind at fault. However since the beginning of time, nobody could have withstood the temptation of attaining the highest form of achievement in the world they were thoroughly obsessed to the point of no return! "When Mr. Nian had finally told me the whereabouts of God''s Grave the other day, it was expectedly ill-intentioned. That was the final trap he set me up for but the test was to see if I would succumb to the greed within myself. "Mr. Nian is truly an ambitious man. He''s already dead, yet he still managed to leave behind such a deadly trap!" Yun Yang recalled something; Mr. Nian''s body did not have a single piece of God''s Bones on him before the final battle! He was the ruler of the Four Seasons Tower, yet not a single piece of the bones that could render one to be an immortal was found on him; what could this possibly mean? Recalling the events of this day, he couldn''t help but shudder in fear. 852 Seven Star Lake "Even if he wasn''t aware of the truth, there was a large possibility that he had noticed that God''s Bones did not truly fuse with his body after enhancing his physique with them, despite feeling that the entity was extremely powerful. They could only provide a momentary boost to his strength, and it was a power that was hard to retain perpetually. There are both advantages and disadvantages if the entity is truly fused with one''s body. Those who gather God''s Bones will be plagued with bad luck and disasters it is only a matter of time before something permanent occurs." "Perhaps this was the reason why Mr. Nian and the core members of the Four Seasons Tower like the four Season Bearers and the twelve Months did not fuse God''s Bones into themselves to enhance their strength, even when many within the Tower had them on!" "He led me to God''s Grave with an intent to challenge my mental strength. If the slightest trace of greed grew within me, I would have had a different end." "There are only a good few hundred years to meddle with anyway the days are limited!" Even if the apparitions in God''s Grave did not mention any bad repercussions to those who stole God''s Bones out of greed, surely a bad outcome awaits them; is there such a thing as a pleasant end to those deemed greedy thieves by the true immortals, who were seething with rage? Maybe they were just helpless for the moment, but this wrath would surely accumulate gradually, awaiting the day where it would be released upon a hapless victim. Can these gods even forgive these men who had desecrated their corpses? Even if they had been reincarnated, they will most certainly be taken back to be brutally tortured! Reaching this thought, Yun Yang recalled the most terrifying acknowledgment in that encounter the power of the Lord Sovereign! In the past, Yun Yang had known that the unimaginably terrifying power wielded by the one who crippled the whole of Tianxuan, Lord Sovereign or master of the universe was something he could only admire from afar, but he secretly thought that gods documented in the ancient records of Tianxuan were most likely powerhouses of such levels, or perhaps they might be the masters of the universe themselves! The truth of the reality now, however, was when those gods from the time before the separation of Tianxuan Continent and the Bound of Universe faced the masters of the universe, their existences were those of a mere insect''s they could be toppled with a flip of a hand and simply turned into dust within seconds! This acknowledgment was not just scary; it was simply terrifying! These so-called masters of the universe turned out to be such unknown factors. Using terms like high-end, elegant or classy might not even be sufficient to describe a ten-thousandth of their strength, or maybe even a hundred-millionth! "Why does it seem like there''s something on your mind? Did it not go smoothly?" Ji Lingxi frowned as she sneaked a glance at Yun Yang. Although Yun Yang had not spoken a word since he had emerged from there, his preoccupied demeanor was easy to spot and his cheerless mood was hard to conceal. "Could it be that something happened in there something that exceeds our imagination" The ruminations in Ji Lingxi''s heart barely settled themselves. She tucked away her little attitude for the next leg of the journey, showering him with tenderness as she took care of him diligently. Yun Yang was certainly weighing out some matters in his head indeed. Even if he put aside the master of the universe since it was a matter to be dealt with in the future, merely gathering all of God''s Bones was already quite a tough task as they were already scattered all over the place. Those who had God''s Bones in their possession are surely the rich and powerful families in the Bound of Universe, clans whose strength will not be too far off from the Four Seasons Tower, perhaps even surpassing them by a fair bit well, this would all boil down to his efforts, especially since the matter concerned Tianxuan''s existence and survival for the next hundred years he had to definitely try his best to accomplish it. After pondering unconsciously for half a day, and after he was done with feeling blue, he found himself somewhat surprised. Why has this half a day been uneventfully pleasant? He only had to hold out his hands to be clothed, open his mouth to be fed, and just drank whenever water was held to his lips Judging by Yun Yang''s brains, surely he would have known what was happening around him; yet it was precisely the same mind that prompted him to continue furrowing his brows, acting as if he was in deep thought. An opportunity to indulge like this did not arise very often How would Ji Lingxi know that he was a master in acting? She continued to serve him dutifully, just in case this fellow decided to fall ill from his despondency somehow Sigh, the hearts of men nowadays were no longer like those before. Who said heroes didn''t have wicked thoughts? This man speaks for all! "Where are we going?" "Seven Star Lake." The Seven Star Lake. "One can only understand where the Seven Star Lake had gotten its namesake by visiting this place!" Yun Yang expressed a sigh as he gazed at the Seven Star Lake before him. So, this was the homeland of Eunuch Mi, of Mi Kongqun He recalled the words uttered by that grandmother, breaths away from dying. "Thank you for helping me and Brother Qun fulfill the biggest wish in our lives. As a form of gratitude, go and pay a visit to the Seven Star Lake if you are free perhaps you may find something you seek." Now, here I am, at the Seven Star Lake. 853 Forced Invitation! Initially, the volume of Yun Yang''s roar was not all that high. It transmitted outwards gently but slowly rose towards the skies. Moments later, it started to rumble in mid-air, like a series of imploding thunderbolts. The rumbles grew louder, instantly becoming deafening to the ears. After a while, it sounded as if the mountains themselves were roaring as the sea howled. The very sky seemed to collapse as the ground cracked open, and a good thousand-mile radius of the area was plagued by the rumbling of golden thunder any soul would find it a problem to remain calm with these events taking place. This persisted for a quarter of an hour. The roaring did not lessen, but grew even louder, becoming more violent by the second. At the top of these seven peaks, howling winds basked the lofty turrets as flashes of sudden lightning crackled across the skies. On the seven peaks, the large trees branching towards the skies were bent wherever the howling winds grazed as if they were kneeling! A roar like this was filled with a ferocity that could shift the ground itself and send the clouds rolling! There was a loud noise that emanated seemingly from nowhere. The waters of the Seven Star Lake, which was ringed by seven peaks, coiled back and shot upwards over a hundred feet high towards the sky! The grandiose force of the water surge upwards, reaching a sky-high altitude before finally losing momentum. It momentarily paused in mid-air before plummeting downwards. Boom! A few thousand tonnes of water came crashing onto the surface of the Seven Star Lake, causing the water in the lake to splash outwards in every direction! However, the scene remained deserted. The practitioners of the area remained at rest, holding their breaths! Yun Yang did not give up. Instead, he increased the magnitude of his roars, making it sound even more magnificent than before! Like a demonic voice that seeps all the way to the brain, the sonic force of his roar inflated further, its omnipresent ferocity gushing towards the Seven Star Mountain in an overwhelming manner. Every flower and plant upon the seven peaks were uprooted by the sonic force, spiraling upward in protest. Countless rocks and stones at the peak had also started to tremble, rolling downwards like a pair of barrel drums. Finally, faint cries could be heard. Ten or so silhouettes emerged in the midst of the flying stones, soaring towards this direction with pained expressions on their faces. "Stop your roaring already" Someone shouted with a twisted expression on his face. However, before the voice could transmit across the distance, it was completely shredded into pieces by the strong winds and the force of that horrible howling, rendering it completely inaudible. Since somebody had finally appeared, Yun Yang had achieved his goal. He eventually piped down and flashed a winsome smile. As soon as he put a stop to it, the sound waves flickered and died out across the land, returning everything to silence once more! However, the Seven Star Mountain was still suffering the aftershocks of the soundwaves. The peak still shuddered and the waters still rippled across the lake the clouds in the skies were still very much scuttling about. In the midst of chaos, incoming silhouettes could be seen soaring towards him. A few of them were in a very sorry-looking state, their eyes reflecting traces of terror. The force of Yun Yang''s roar had shifted the land and the skies, its magnitude sufficient to rile up a massive storm in the area. Although their cultivation base was rather high, they still couldn''t withstand the widespread, invincible, head-splitting demonic sound. The only way around it was to show themselves and beg for mercy. At this precise moment, their hearts were beating anxiously. What kind of person was this, and why was he so tyrannical? This was exceptionally true regarding the level of his cultivation base it was unlikely that he could be counted among the practitioners of this world. Their guesses were not wrong. Yun Yang''s existing cultivation base had already surpassed even those who were at the peak of this realm. "Pray tell, who is your good self? Why why are you here" The twelve practitioners that trained here in seclusion stood before Yun Yang, staring at them both with shocked expressions. This couple here seemed a little too young to be true; they looked nothing like those elders in the legends In a world governed by the strength of the fist like Tianxuan, when one is challenged by an even stronger opponent, despite being a high-leveled practitioner himself, his gentlemanly demeanor would surely diminish. Those with a lesser state of mind would appear to be exactly like these bunch of people here, forgetting their own stance, but it was not because they were not capable. It was simply because Yun Yang was far too strong! With his palm above his fist, Yun Yang greeted them in an unusually amicable manner. "As an outsider, this is my first visit. I do not know the secret behind the Seven Star Mountain, so I have no other choice but to conduct this reckless act as an invitation for everybody to step out for a moment. Without a doubt, my actions have surely interrupted your peaceful practice, so please forgive me for that." Pale-faced, the people quickly insisted that it was ''not a problem at all'', but their hearts spoke differently; with that overbearing invitation of yours, how dare we say otherwise? If we don''t, we''ll probably be shaken to our deaths! With such strength and power, you''ll get your way as long as your fists pack a bigger punch. This has always been how it is we totally understand this! You don''t have to put up such a feigned apology. No matter how good your performance is or how you sincere you seem, we will not believe you; still, this will not stop us from acting as we do! "What kind of secrets does the Seven Star Lake bear? I''ve tried to search for it a hundred times over, yet, why have I turned up with nothing?" Yun Yang questioned them sweetly. Their faces instantly turned dark upon hearing his words all twelve of them! The secrets of the Seven Star Lake are obviously the fundamental reason why we chose to practice here how can we reveal this to you? The first question from you deliberately intended to get to the root of this matter. Although your cultivation base is really impressive, however, there is a known saying that goes, ''to inhibit someone''s road to wealth is as serious as murdering one''s parents''. Cutting someone off from their path of practice is an absolutely intolerable act don''t you know that? "Ah, this" Everyone was hesitant. Although they were fearfully mindful of Yun Yang''s high cultivation base, Yun Yang''s question had already involved the fundamentals behind their practice it was hard to make a decision at the moment. Yun Yang squinted his eyes. "You are free to live in seclusion at the Seven Star Lake and disregard any worldly affairs no one has the right to judge. However, the Seven Star Lake is located within the Empire of Yutang, so naturally, it is part of Yutang''s territory and that makes you a citizen of Yutang by default. In the past, chaos had descended upon this land and Yutang had lapsed into dire straits, facing the fate of being eliminated as a nation. You lot drew many benefits from Yutang, yet you watched the nation go up in flames as if nothing was out of the ordinary you paid no heed as you watched the people of Yutang plunge into misery and suffering; isn''t this considered a serious crime?" A few amongst the crowd felt guilt creeping up their necks after hearing Yun Yang''s statement; many of them, however, still had traces of objection in their gazes. After all, to high-level practitioners, worldly conflicts had never been an important matter. Yun Yang''s statement was undoubtedly logical but it was nothing more than a reason to incriminate them simply because they were strong! "This reputed one has overall authority over matters of the world. However, it''s hardly justifiable if I behead you lot just like that." Yun Yang stated calmly. Finally, somebody sniggered. "An overall authority over worldly matters? Who do you think you are?" Yun Yang''s eyes flashed with a chilling look as he stared intently at the person who spoke. "Who am I, you ask? This reputed one has fought the world, going through hell and back, always being on the frontlines and experienced a thousand battles only to attain the image of Yutang you see now. This reputed one is Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes from Yutang!" Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes from Yutang! The color of their faces changed abruptly. They might be living in seclusion, but they were certainly aware of the unrivaled reputation of Supreme Cloud, who was also known as Supreme Wit amongst the Nine Supremes of the Yutang Empire! If it was anybody else, they could possibly just ignore him. They certainly had something to say regarding this. They could simply argue about how high-level practitioners should not be involved with worldly conflicts. However, the twelve of them were lost for words as they faced Supreme Cloud himself and his countless contributions to Yutang''s cause. With Supreme Cloud''s contribution in mind, nobody would object if he decided to kill those who did not contribute their effort to the wars that had transpired! Inevitably, some of them might even feel maligned; although we did not lend a hand, we are fully devoted to our practice we have no time to be concerned over such matters! However, no one in Yutang would accept such logic. When the nation was falling apart, you chose to hide yourselves in the mountains despite being blessed with strength and abilities, enabling your nation to burn to the ground. From the perspective of the people of Yutang, this was a crime! A crime that should not be forgiven! "This reputed one isn''t here today to condemn all of you. I am only here to scout for some information, yet you refuse to reveal anything due to your selfish interests, furthermore thinking that I''ve imposed upon your benefits?" "If you put the nation and the people aside, and spoke frankly regarding the terms of the martial world this reputed one would''ve eliminated all of you. So what if it is truly the secret of the Seven Star Mountain; are you telling me that I can''t have it? Hmm?" Yun Yang''s artful question was asked in an imposing manner. 854 Are You Even Human? His final hum was filled with an overbearing undertone, one as large and imposing as a mountain. His threatening aura blanketed them; the pressure of the perilous situation they were in came close to stifling them in an intimidating manner! The twelve people were suddenly scared witless, feeling as though they had descended into the pits of hell itself. They felt the chill creeping up their bodies, shivering as though it could be felt deep within their souls. They came to a sudden realization; this Supreme Cloud before them was not only the Supreme Cloud of the Nine Supremes. He was, at the same time, an unrivaled powerhouse levels above them! He was a mega-expert whose level was high to the point where it was unheard of! If he really intended to kill them, it would be as easy as slaying hapless chickens. Somebody amongst them let out a cough before saying, "In truth, the secret behind the Seven Star Lake might not be worth mentioning even if it is revealed; however, since Lord Supreme Cloud has specifically asked about it, we will, of course, provide you the information you desire." The rest of them also lowered their heads. A hint of iciness flashed across Yun Yang''s eyes... These people had hidden here amidst the chaos, not giving the slightest care towards the affairs of the world. Naturally, their utmost priority was peace and quiet without any external disturbances, devoting their whole lives towards seeking the Dao, but before they could even have a taste of ut, there was nothing that could possibly cause them to be afraid for their lives. Today, by dangling their lives on the line, he had managed to drive out their true nature. The disdain in Yun Yang''s heart grew even more intense; with such attitudes, you lot seek the Dao? If you really do attain it, that would be the world''s greatest joke. "The spiritual Qi at the Seven Star Lake is more concentrated than anywhere else. Practicing here would double the outcome; this place is comparable to where the gods themselves reside in the legends." That man took a deep breath and spoke. "Personally speaking, when I practice here, the mystical Qi accumulated after a day''s practice is a month''s worth if I were to practice elsewhere so, I was unwilling to leave this place and have lived here ever since. Yun Yang frowned. "Oh? This place seems to be extraordinarily magical; may I know the cause of it?" Watching those before him, Yun Yang was quick to follow up with his queries, but his heart was plagued by sorrowful woes. Every nation had always declared that there were no suitable high-level experts as Yutang''s great wall of defense. In the past, it was always Yun Xiaoyao who had been keeping up the facade, but that Seven Stroke Death-wielding Marquis of Heavenly Clouds back then was barely at the level of the seventh peak by comparing him to many of the tenth perfection experts of the peak realm, there was a massive difference indeed! However, who would have known? Just as countless good men had perished on the battlefields while the people of Yutang suffered in misery; just as these common men were willing to come to their nation''s aid, equipped with nothing but courage in their hearts as they pressed forward into the war zone... Here in Yutang, here in this place, there were people who possessed individual strengths equivalent to a thousand-strong army, but they chose to hide away from the world, carrying on with their peaceful lives, day by day. They were enjoying themselves, living their life to the fullest! The entire land was ravaged by the flames of war how could they not know about it? If they knew about the Nine Supremes and Supreme Cloud, it was not possible for them to be ignorant about the events that transpired outside. Yet, they still chose to live away from the rest of the world. They were clearly strong powerhouses of the world that had already attained the level of Dao realm! Yun Yang had purposely announced his name in hopes that these people knew who he was. Yun Yang had hoped that these people were fully devoted to their practice he had hoped that they were truly unaware of the worldly affairs that had transpired around them... However, the truth was out they knew! They were aware of everything! Despite their knowledge, they had chosen to do nothing as the people suffered when Yutang burned to the ground. Rage skyrocketed within Yun Yang in face of the truth; he nearly lost control and came close to having these fellows slain under his blade! "We also don''t know the reason behind the high concentration of mystical Qi in this area. Honestly speaking, we''ve tried to investigate this as well, but nothing turned up. What we know is as much as what Lord Supreme Cloud knows." The speaker articulated cautiously, carefully picking his words and phrases. However, the twelve people still felt the strong murderous aura surrounding Yun Yang and knew that Supreme Cloud''s killing intent had already been triggered. Everybody had their hearts thumping restlessly against their chest, feeling frightened to the core. "The only thing we found special was the mystical Qi in the surroundings of the Seven Star Lake is uncannily thick; especially during the night, where the moon seemed brighter and the stars seem to glow in an exceedingly lustrous manner. During every full moon, the concentration of this mystical Qi doubles." "Truthfully, we''ve also invested wholeheartedly in seeking out the origins of this secret behind the Seven Star Lake, but we never got to fulfill this desire of ours it was an impossible task." Standing in one corner, an elder sighed. "Actually, perhaps we wouldn''t have been so distracted if had been able to discover this secret earlier. Perhaps we might have already left this place to participate in the battles after all cough everybody is responsible for the rise and fall of our nation cough, cough, we are also the people of Yutang, are we not?" Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath of air. He was on the brink of initiating a killing spree when he heard such words being uttered; they never realized how close he came to taking away lives. Everybody is responsible for the rise and fall of the nation you would know that, wouldn''t you? Do you even deserve to utter such words? Yun Yang was not the only one affected. Ji Lingxi was also trying her best to suppress the urge to vomit upon hearing those words that spilled from the elder''s lips. Yun Yang stood there in disappointment for a while before waving them away weakly. "Whatever. Just go back to wherever you came from, all of you" He suddenly lost all interest in conversing with these people, and only wished for them to disappear from his sight as fast as possible. As if they were granted amnesty, all of them turned around and fled as if they had wings. The last of them looked back abruptly after taking a few steps, his face etched with sorrow. "Lord Supreme Cloud, we are not as heartless as you think we are. Practicing has always been a hard and arduous course, just like rowing a boat against the current one will fall behind if he is not moving forward. Now that we''ve finally stumbled across such an advantage that could complement our training, who would bear to abandon this place? Lord Supreme Cloud, I have nothing to say when you accused us of not contributing to our nation at all I can only accept your chiding shamefully but you can''t possibly know" "What? What do I not know about?" Yun Yang questioned icily. The man sighed. "My family had also perished in this conflict. I watched this tragedy unfold with my own eyes, completely helpless the day when Dongxuan''s troops marched. Even if I had some notable abilities, my strength is limited. This meager strength of mine wouldn''t be sufficient to incite millions of soldiers anyway This old chap here couldn''t even protect my own family, so why should I have bothered?" "Just because your strength as a Dao realm practitioner was weak, you watched your family murdered before your very eyes? You paid no heed to them at all?" The man expressed another deep sigh. "I am but one man. Even if I put my life on the line, can I truly inspire a million-strong army?" With a bright red face, Ji Lingxi''s slender body trembled with rage. "Y-You are you even human?" The strength of hill realm practitioners was already known to be quite extraordinary, but their weakness lied in a strategy by the masses chances of survival were extremely low if they were surrounded and attacked by a large army; whereas the strength of heaven realm practitioners were a few times stronger than that of a hill realm practitioner, but they still could not go head-to-head against a battalion with a large number of soldiers. Back then, even when Yun Xiaoyao, Bai Yixue, Fang Mofei and the rest demonstrated extraordinary skills during the battle at the Fortress of Resilience, they still could not change the outcome of the battle. However, the strength of Dao realm practitioners was paramount in this world, their powers defying even common sense. Even if they were encircled and attacked by a ten-thousand-strong army, they would definitely not be killed. Hence, many dynasties would dare to lay a hand on heaven realm practitioners, but were wary of facing Dao realm practitioners! If they were pushed to the edge, Dao realm practitioners could even massacre an entire army on their own. Of course, an outcome like this would exhaust their Qi, and they would be completely worn out to the point of demise! However, this Dao realm practitioner before him was blatantly saying that he dare to face an army, or even aid his own family members this was clearly the biggest joke in the world! Yun Yang''s eyes had also widened in shock upon hearing his words. He stared intently in disbelief at this man before him who was busy defending himself! A Dao realm practitioner who had already surpassed the highest possible level in this world could say something like that what was he even thinking? His message was clear; if I could bear to watch my own family die before my own eyes, why should I even bother to save my own nation and people? Contributing to the nation that''s a bit of a joke, isn''t it? Do it for your nation, then for your home; for you must first have a nation then only a home. The term (nation) consists of two words: (also nation) and (home), which implied the nation should come before family. Here, the entire saying had been flipped around, suggesting instead that there was no point in fighting for the nation since his family was gone. It was shocking this was a whole new level of surprise indeed! He was truly cold-blooded to the core. Stunned for a moment, Yun Yang laughed good-naturedly. "When it comes to a practitioner and his mental state, the state of mind is a shackle that is the hardest challenge to overcome. You looked so remorseful I''d imagine you are constantly plagued with pangs of pain. Whatever journey of yours is doomed to fail anyway, so come now, allow me to send you off for a little family reunion." As it turned out, Yun Yang''s killing intent could not be suppressed any longer. His single palm raised winds and thunder; in one clean, swift strike, he slammed his hand against this so-called incapable man, turning him into a mass of flying ash into dust that blended gently with the skies. 855 Probing The Secrets Of The Seven Star Lake This person died with a puzzled look on his face. What crime have I committed? After I die, why would I even care about everything else? Isn''t that a man''s most basic drive? "Kill and you dirty your own hands there are no words that ring truer than this," Yun Yang stretched out his hands in disgust. The air condensed, producing a torrent of water that poured downwards. Yun Yang washed his hands, still unable to simmer down. "Why are there even people like this in this world? How in the world could such people exist?" Whatever that happens after you die has nothing to do with you. Since your death is the only point, you might as well go ahead and die now! Yun Yang paused for a moment as if he was stunned. He turned to Ji Lingxi, somewhat shocked. "Lingxi, can you recall the condition of the abilities displayed by those people earlier?" Ji Lingxi was momentarily dumbfounded by Yun Yang''s sudden question. "I only noticed that they''ve already attained Dao realm in terms of their cultivation. I didn''t really notice their individual conditions. Their abilities are generally extremely high, but that''s perfectly logical. If they''re not innately gifted in the first place, how could they even reach the level of Dao realm?" Yun Yang shook his head and replied in a soft tone. "Why, of course! Both our strengths have already surpassed the level of Dao realm, but as we''ve not really worked on the path towards the next, higher level, our strength is still classified as the level of Dao realm. That man earlier my attack had succeeded all too easily. However, at the moment of contact, I could tell that his power was barely at the tip of heaven realm his strength was clearly still not the level of the Dao realm! Ji Lingxi expressed surprise. "Are you saying that his cultivation base is only at the tip of heaven realm? His aura is clearly the level of Dao realm!" Yun Yang pondered in silence for a while. "In my opinion, this bunch of people is too obsessed in improving themselves, and in the midst of it all, they''ve completely lost sight of everything else, be it their nation and family, or their mental state and experience. They''ve even lost sight of the true strength they wield!" Ji Lingxi somewhat at a loss for words. Yun Yang had to be exaggerating how could this be possible? "The most important aspect in a practitioner''s journey of practice is the state of his physical being. However, if his mental state, strength, and experience are unable to keep up, his overall power will decline sharply. With their extraordinary talent, the benefits of this extraordinary location, and the large improvement in their cultivation base, this bunch of people completely neglected the actual condition of their bodies to say that Dao realm practitioners like them have the nerves to do so is truly too much to ask for!" Yun Yang stated calmly. It was about midnight now. The sky was sprinkled with stars, seemingly making the sky stretch even deeper into the night. That aside, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. At this very moment, the vicinity of the Seven Star Lake had already regained its original peacefulness. Although the scenery was not like before, the surroundings were buzzing with the chirping and humming of insects, portraying promising signs of life and vitality. The desolate sight during the day was no longer visible. Ruffled by a gentle breeze, Ji Lingxi''s long and smooth hair brushed against Yun Yang''s face. It was ticklish, yet soothing. "How long is your hair?" Yun Yang was about to say. Instead, he suddenly had the feeling that the stars in the sky had seemingly started to blink. Churning his thoughts in his mind, he yelped suddenly, taken aback, and directed his gaze upwards. Countless stars in the sky were really blinking, throbbing and pulsing in the night. It was not only the sky that suddenly seemed full of stars even the moonlight seemed to glow even brighter. This went on for a short while. Soon, the lustrous moonlight gradually came into focus. Like a glow stick made of moonlight, a ray of light descended from the skies. As the ray of moonlight emerged, the sounds of insects buzzing around the entire area stopped abruptly. It was cut off and suddenly vanished. It came to a stop because, for some reason, it seemed as if they were waiting for something. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi both knew there was something momentous was taking place. They stared intently at the horizon. A strong instinct dawned within Yun Yang''s heart; the key to the secret of the Seven Star Lake most likely lay within the light of the moon and stars. Perhaps the truth would be revealed before their eyes at the very next moment. The stars blinked and flashed even more feverishly to the point that it became one in Yun Yang''s eyes. It would have been hard to look at it directly if it was not pressed against the dark night sky. Before Yun Yang could even express his surprise, he noticed how the glow of the lunar corona was even brighter than the starlight, lighting up the entire sky above the Seven Star Lake, ringed by layers of silver strands. In no time, the entire vicinity of the Seven Star Lake was shrouded by strands of silver! The mysterious silver strands produced by the interweaving of moonlight and starlight were as tightly-knit as a net, without the slightest opening for escape. As soon as the net of silver strands was formed, spiritual Qi poured from the faraway skies above, sliding along the silver strands, and finally into the vicinity of the Seven Star Lake. At this precise moment, this spiritual Qi of completely foreign origin quickly permeated the entire area of the Seven Star lake. It was so thick and concentrated that a breath or a mouthful of it could suffocate those who came into contact with it. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi had practiced in atmospheres with much denser spiritual Qi before this. However, they could feel the meridians throughout their entire body throbbing in ecstasy the moment they basked in this atmosphere, their bodies hungrily indulging the thick spiritual Qi without the need for activation. Seeing this strange phenomenon before them, Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi did not waste another second. They quickly examined this foreign spiritual Qi to determine that it was harmless to their bodies before activating the divine art at the same time, working on its form to refine the mysterious spiritual Qi before them. Judging by the fact that these two had already surpassed the highest achievement possible within the limits of the category of this art form in this world and the fact that they were cultivating together whatever they conjured was no laughing matter. Within seconds, a black hole-like entity had formed beside them, siphoning every ounce of that mysterious spiritual Qi at the Seven Star Lake that flowed towards their direction. Within seconds, a tiny tornado had formed, its strength unimaginable. From the combination of their efforts, more than ninety percent of the spiritual Qi formed by the heavenly net of silver strands made from moon and starlight were drawn towards their direction in a voracious manner; it was a delightful sight indeed. At this moment, the ten man-strong party that had left earlier was not idle as well. They unleashed a lifetime''s worth of cultivation base, trying their best to capture the gradually dissipating spiritual Qi in the air. However, it was a shame that whatever they managed to retain was even lesser than the one-tenth of what they could muster before. This outcome made every single one of them feel horribly dismayed. How had these two odd folks appeared out of nowhere? In all these years, it was not that no outsider had discovered the secret of the Seven Star Lake those who lusted after the Seven Star Lake had all been eliminated by these bunch of people. These people paid no heed to cardinal guides or ethics and had even negated family ties, unwilling to help Yutang defend against her enemies. This was mostly due to the fear of revealing their true strength, and their cultivation sanctuary would be exposed promptly following that. Once this place has been exposed, there would soon be more who would come forth to have a piece of it For many years these people had sacrificed their state of mind, experiences, their nation, and family. They had sacrificed everything they had to preserve the secret of the Seven Star Lake; why had these two shown up so suddenly? 856 The Sun And Moon Shine As One These people were noticeably distressed. We''ve already annihilated all the locals who lived in the surrounding areas. Not a single living being existed within a thousand-mile radius from here, and there were no traces of human life here at all, making this land a truly desolate place. So, how could there still be outsiders with such a powerful cultivation base turning up here? What more, two at the same time! This is truly annoying! Current complaints aside, what kind of art were they practicing? How can it be so powerful beyond belief? We''re already prepared to sacrifice half the spiritual powers bestowed by the union of sun and moon, but apparently, it still wasn''t enough. They took ninety percent of it are they even planning to leave some for us? Sucking in such a massive amount of spiritual Qi during the start aren''t they afraid that they''ll die from suppressing all that energy? Little did they know, as Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were in the midst of drawing in this huge amount of spiritual energy, they were actually muttering to themselves; this spiritual Qi seemed somewhat intimidating but in reality it is in truth, rather meager. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi spent the first night here in a state of loss and confusion Yes, they were not troubled by the countless curses and angry rants hurled by those people; it was not something worth harping about! The eleven of them were disappointed and full of rage, wishing that Yun Yang and his companion would explode and die from their gluttonous behavior. However, they were completely unaware that even if Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi had successfully gathered more than ninety percent of the spiritual powers from the moon and stars, they were still feeling somewhat crestfallen; the power of this spiritual Qi is considered quite mystically divine yet in the end that''s all there was to it! Such words truly deserved a slap on the face, but when they were spoken by Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi, who had habitually basked in spiritual Qi on a daily basis, whose cultivation would improve massively after a night''s sleep, who possessed countless Eastern Amethysts in their hands, it was perfectly acceptable. After all, the only difference between this mystery spiritual Qi before them and their default cultivation atmosphere was more or less the strangeness and foreignness of it. What was it called again an opportunity of a lifetime? Clearly, it was nowhere close to that! A stark contrast could be seen here; these eleven men were poor souls who would burst into admiration when they stepped foot into just about any restaurant; their dream life was to be able to dine outside on a daily basis yet Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi were the types who could indulge in a sumptuous feast everyday Perhaps the dishes in this particular restaurant were exceptionally delicious; however, in the eyes of Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi, they might be rather unique and worth a taste, but that was really all there was to it. At dawn, this mysterious net of light made out of interweaving threads of moon and starlight gradually faded away. The landscape before them reverted to how it was before. The insects resumed humming, growing louder and clearer by the moment "It doesn''t really live up to how it sounded," Ji Lingxi opened her eyes as she scratched her head. "It was a huge let down from my expectations at least how is this an earth-shattering secret?" She reiterated in a soft murmur, "That so-called earth-shattering huge secret that''s really all there is to it?" Yun Yang had a similar feeling. He lowered his voice. "I feel it too something''s off, but it''s probably because our current cultivation level is too high, exceeding the normal range of a common practitioner''s Logically speaking, this place is considered quite a precious haven for cultivating. It seemed like an out-of-the-world opportunity to me when I first heard of it, at least. After all, a place like this had attracted the likes of these Dao realm practitioners here to the point where they had decided to stay permanently and cut ties with the world If you think about it, I would''ve been massacred by these bunch of people if I had made my way here when I first caught wind of this place. Their strength is levels above He Hanqing, the Supreme Lord Spring Frost. Even if I had transformed, it would have been hard to tell what would have happened simply because then and now would amount to different outcomes." Ji Lingxi nodded her head slowly. "True. So, what do we do now? Should we leave immediately?" Yun Yang directed his gaze towards the sky. "No hurry. Today is the fourteenth, so that means tomorrow is the night of the full moon. Let''s wait a little longer. The seven peaks surrounding the Seven Star Lake looks interesting, seemingly bearing the preliminary form of the Seven Star Heavenly Spirit Formation it seemed especially so after the appearance of starlight and the lunar corona." "Of course, if it really is the Seven Star Heavenly Spirit Formation, the power needed to activate the entire network of stars does not lie only within the moon and stars themselves." Yun Yang replied with a smile. "The Seven Star Heavenly Spirit Formation usually unleashes its full potential during the full moon. If whatever that happens tomorrow night is the same as today, then we''ll not stay any longer we shall depart to the Bound of Universe at once." Ji Lingxi agreed. "Let''s do it, then. I could hardly suppress the power throbbing in me recently. I have been feeling the signs that my spiritual Qi is spiraling out of control" She lifted her head, looking slightly puzzled as she questioned, "Yun Yang, how do you know so much about it?" "I do not know much; the Seven Star Heavenly Spirit Formation had always been a well-known formation in the legends, but I wasn''t sure... In fact, I have no idea how that formation was created. I only noticed that these seven peaks were geographically strategic, and it was blessed with solar and lunar spiritual powers. That made me recall that the Seven Star Heavenly Spirit Formation had a theory that it ''seeks power from the skies'', so this is what I surmised," Yun Yang chuckled. "As for why wait until the night of the full moon the reason lies within the entire time I was monitoring the deific consciousness of those people, as well as their pulses... They might hate us to the core during the night, but at dusk, their deific consciousness clearly had signs of relief and relaxed emotions, as if they were expecting something. Their heartbeats were also unusually fast. When this unusual phenomenon occurred, eleven of them only seemed to care about our response. This is clearly illogical, especially for the likes of such people." "Actually, I purposely exhibited some disappointment within my deific consciousness just now. It was precisely that moment that they released signs of joy and relief." Yun Yang smiled. "Lingxi, tell me what were they hoping for?" Ji Lingxi''s pupils rolled in their sockets. "What were they hoping for? Are you saying that they''re looking forward to the night of the full moon?" "They most likely aren''t looking forward to the night of the full moon they''re hoping that we leave this place as soon as possible. Since I''ve expressed that there was nothing really special about this miraculous encounter, they''re hoping that we''ll express no interest and leave this place quickly" Yun Yang smiled. "Initially, the biggest fear they should have is the vulnerability of having their lives taken away by us, but as we''ve already let them go yesterday, we''ve basically ensured that they didn''t have to fear for their lives. Using that as a premise, what else is there that could make them feel so delighted and relaxed? Perhaps it is none other than the fact that they can continue to indulge in this little secret after our departure?" "In other words, their relief proved that something is definitely up. Even with our presences here and knowing that we can just eliminate them any time, they could still feel relief in a situation like this" Yun Yang paused. "Therefore, there''s no hurry to leave." "I''ve only suggested that we make a decision after the night of the full moon due to this exact factor." Yun Yang''s gaze fell onto Ji Lingxi''s face. "Do you understand now?" Ji Lingxi was hit with a moment of epiphany. "Oh, I see! I didn''t think as far and as fast as you did sigh, I truly don''t understand how the minds of people like you work. So many twists and turns to it. It was just a random thought, but you managed to turn it into a giant trap for them so much information from the tiniest detail how terrifying." Yun Yang burst out in laughter. "Best take everything seriously now. When it comes to situations like this, as long as you stop and think for a moment, questioning why based on their responses you will soon figure out the general reason behind it. It''s never a bad thing to be one or two steps ahead." "This is especially important since I will not be by your side in the future. No matter what, you have to analyze the situation first think before you act." Ji Lingxi nodded her acknowledgment. Nothing eventful happened during the entire day. In the blink of an eye, it was the night of the full moon The evening sun had descended below the mountain peak, while the west was still enshrouded in its peaceful residual glow. The moon had just emerged from the horizon at the east... During this indeterminate moment, the entire area within a ten-mile radius bordering the Seven Star Lake lapsed into an extraordinarily bright state. The sun that had already set beyond the western mountains suddenly burst into an array of golden rays. The sun had clearly set, but golden beams still spilled from behind the mountain, shooting up into the skies. On the other side, the moon had just risen up high, simultaneously emitting rays of silver that plunged towards the horizon. At this instant, this second, this moment, the light of the sun and moon interlaced in midair at the halfway mark. One was radiant while the other was wintry cold, yet, it was the perfect convergence! "The sun and moon shine as one!" 857 Super Stellar Steel Yun Yang sucked in a breath of air. "Now this feels right! All we have to do now is wait for the stars to shine we shall be graced with the truth soon." The light from the sun and moon interlaced harmoniously in midair, rotating slowly with a giant, mysterious yolk-like entity between them. The yellow and white halves radiated a mysterious, obscured glow it was truly a splendid sight. After emitting the golden rays, the setting sun seemed to have lost all its luster and strength; the sky turned dark as usual, and there were no signs of anything out of the ordinary. Here, in the skies above the Seven Star Lake, only a strange mass of white and yellow hovered in the air At this very moment, the sky above the Seven Star Lake was completely obscured. After the essence of light from the sun and moon was left behind, starlight began to appear in bits and sprinkles. This time, however, they shot downwards as soon as they appeared. The glow of the stars spilled across the night sky and plunged downwards, merging as one with the luminescence from the sun and moon. When the light of the sun, moon, and stars converged, a bright light filled the entire horizon. A beam of silver appeared at the point where they converged, plunging straight down into the Seven Star Lake. The water in the lake looked as if it had transformed into part of the galaxy as it was adorned with starlight. Clouds of dense spiritual Qi began to rise gradually from the surface of the lake. The spiritual Qi this time was very different from the night before. It contained a bright silver sheen; it was both pleasing to the eye and soothing to the mind. Yun Yang gently heaved a breath and instantly felt waves of comfort easing through his body. Although he was well accustomed to exclusive minerals deemed precious treasures of the world, and his body was familiarly attuned to the Eastern Purple Qi he habitually consumed, he still felt an indescribable, pleasurable delight at this new sensation. "This, most likely, is the real secret of the Seven Star Lake." "Seize this time to practice. I''ll go down to have a look." At a loss, Ji Lingxi promptly protested. "You''re going down to have a look while I practice? Why do you have to have a look down there? Why can''t you stay and practice with me?" Ji Lingxi felt no different from Yun Yang she could feel the foreign, tidal-like spiritual Qi surging within her body and its high, seamless compatibility when it entered her meridians; it was an incredible feeling of instantly-refined power that could almost go without the need of cultivating A way to enhance their cultivation like this felt wonderful there was no other sensation that could top this! Ji Lingxi could not comprehend why would Yun Yang choose to leave at a moment like this. He was focusing on the least important detail and missing out on the key point! "Idiot!" cried Yun Yang. "You''re focusing on the wrong things. This foreign spiritual Qi is most certainly an absolute advantage at present, but it had originated from the converged lights of the sun, moon, and stars. The converging point of those three lights had shot into the Seven Star Lake, causing the spiritual Qi to spawn from it. Now therein lies the problem why is this fresh spiritual Qi unlike the one yesterday that descended from the skies? What''s with all the fuss?" "Furthermore, the spiritual Qi today is even more outstanding than usual; it seems even more powerful than Eastern Purple Qi. This makes it even more precious than ever." "Well from this point to another, can you tell that there must be a one-of-a-kind treasure hidden beneath the Seven Star Lake? Perhaps this mysterious spiritual Qi was produced because the converged light of the sun, moon, and stars had shone precisely upon this treasure?" Yun Yang continued. "If you have inferred this far, you might as well have it in your hands to claim its benefits once and for all, right? Unless you''re willing to leave this chance to those scoundrels" "instead of severing their future?" A glint of iciness flashed across his eyes. "A phenomenon like this must''ve occurred for quite some time already. Unlike us, the tyrants occupying this place must''ve noticed it already, but why haven''t they retrieved this treasure? Could there be some sort of danger associated with it?" Ji Lingxi asked worriedly. "Well, at least they aren''t dead yet," Yun Yang replied nonchalantly. With those words, Ji Lingxi snapped out of her stupor as she instantly understood what he meant. Yes, these men aren''t dead yet! This was Yun Yang''s biggest guarantee just because those people could not retrieve the treasure did not mean that they could not. After all, Yun Yang''s cultivation base was the world''s number one, surpassing these men by far. The difference between them was like heaven and earth. They were in no real danger anyway, so why was it even a concern if Yun Yang decided to probe personally? In fact, since there were no questionable risks, Yun Yang would naturally want to try it out himself. "Alright." "If you''re in danger, please let me know. I''m not being deliberately sentimental, but we really do need to be cautious, just in case." Yun Yang nodded. He transformed into wind and took off instantly. The sound of the wind blended into the night sky quietly. In no time at all, it soared towards the converging point of the three lights and dove headlong into the lake, along the path of the light. Besides Ji Lingxi, no one else had the chance to notice this little commotion. It was done in a truly top-secret manner! Underwater, Yun Yang dived all the way down, but he did not shift into his water form immediately as the water in this lake was actually not very deep, looking as though it had a depth of only a few hundred feet. In just a little while, he found himself at the bottom which was filled with layers of silt. The beam that plunged downwards from the converging point of the three lights was directed towards the silt, traveling beyond it. With a quick resolution, he transformed into a drop of water and seeped through, following the path beyond the silt. He dove, following the path, but ran into rocks no more than thirty to forty feet in. Even after transforming into a water droplet, he could not penetrate the obstacle; there wasn''t even the slightest gap to enter. However, that beam of light had clearly stopped at this point. There was no change of direction at all the target clearly lied below this layer of rocks. Yun Yang knew that this would be hard to overcome with his water form he instantly shifted into an earth-based form. This cultivation method that was originally Supreme Earth''s was promptly worked on by Yun Yang, and in no time, he had already merged as one with the rocks. He promptly went to the edges and made his way downwards through the gaps and crevices along the sides. These so-called earth or rock forms could only be composed in chunks, or else, this entire continent would simply exist as one gigantic rock, wouldn''t it? Since it wasn''t a singular entity, gaps would surely exist, which served as a form of a divide in between the mass. Yun Yang''s various cultivation techniques and different transformative forms had provided him unlimited possibilities to dive through all the way. He continued to dive downwards for almost five hundred feet and found himself in a place where there were no longer huge rocks. What was left were tiny stones and sand amidst layers of groundwater. "It''s not that they haven''t tried looking, it''s more like their hands were completely tied. I couldn''t even do anything in my water form, let alone them" "There is a two-thousand feet difference between this point and the bottom of the Seven Star Lake. Whatever kind of expert that could reach this point would surely find this layer of rocks hard to get across" Yun Yang pondered. If it really had to be done, one must first siphon away the water in the Seven Star Lake, and then remove the layers of silt which were a few feet deep. Then, he must strip away a few hundred feet worth of rocks, penetrate through a few layers of groundwater hindered by stiffened earth, and make his way down even further Plus, there were layers of huge rocks up front Furthermore, there was still no certainty that the goal could be achieved even after clearing away all these obstructions. The chance to obtain the spiritual Qi produced by the triple lights will be gone forever as the landscape was destroyed this method of obtaining the treasure was truly impractical! "Judging by this, I suppose nobody else could reach this point besides me, at least not without destroying the landscape." Yun Yang mused, satisfied with himself. The next moment, however, he stopped grinning, for there was nothing to smile about. For even after he had already descended for a few thousand feet, there was nothing to be found. If it was not for the presence of the energy from the convergence of the three lights, Yun Yang would have thought that he had been searching in the wrong direction. "If this continues, will I drill straight through this continent?" Yun Yang mumbled as he continued downwards. Finally, the next obstacle he came into contact with had an unimaginable toughness; it was simply terrifying Furthermore, it was ice cold, and felt somewhat familiar Is this "Stellar Steel?" Yun Yang was astounded when he deduced the true identity of that obstacle. The final obstruction that he had encountered thus far was made out of Stellar Steel a material with an unimaginable toughness. A complete piece, by the looks of it! Scrutinizing it further, he noticed that the Stellar Steel was emitting dense Purple Qi. Without a doubt, the treasure that was emitting spiritual Qi as a result of the beam from the three converging lights must be lying in this piece of Stellar Steel! His hard work had truly paid off. Finally, he had arrived at his destination. Yun Yang was absolutely ecstatic. He quickly searched for gaps across the surface, but after a few attempts he came to a frustrating conclusion there was none! That whole piece of Stellar Steel, put simply, was a gigantic metal ball with a hundred-feet circumference it was totally spherical. Not the slightest crevice was found it was a perfect sphere! Yun Yang was dismayed beyond belief upon confirming this. He was still rubbing his hands in glee just a second ago, thinking that he could retrieve the treasure as long as there was a gap he could slip into. Brilliant his plans had backfired almost immediately, like a giant slap to his face. Naturally, Yun Yang did not give up. He tried transforming into his gold form to merge with the piece of Stellar Steel. As long as he could merge into it, he could enter its innermost core, retrieve the treasure and leave That was all Yun Yang''s wishful thinking, but the outcome was not at all lovely. Yun Yang''s gold form could not blend into the Stellar Steel at all After half a day, Yun Yang had exhausted all his abilities. The Stellar Steel could not be dealt with at all regardless of the techniques he employed, and he was left completely helpless. "Unless Does it have to be opened with brute force? Should I use the sharpness and toughness of Divine Edge to pry it open?" Yun Yang gloomily surveyed his surroundings. It seemed that space here was a little too tight for him to perform that act... I came down here through the form of a tiny water droplet; there isn''t much space for me to swing my saber! Yun Yang straightened up. "Emmie." "Aayaya" "Come have a look at this Stellar Steel see if there''s any way to pry it open." Emmie''s consciousness popped out in curiosity but indicated disappointment seconds later. "Aayaya ya" "You can''t pry it open?" Yun Yang grew increasingly dismayed. Emmie was the final resort he could think of, but even Emmie could not make it happen! "Aayayaya" Emmie expressed its frustration, attempting to explain via a myriad of expressions. "This little toy here is indestructible, and it can only be slowly sliced open over time through the friction of water?" Yun Yang''s frustration grew even more intense. Wasn''t Emmie simply saying, even if he chose to open it with brute force via the sharpness of Divine Edge, he could only slowly cut it open? Just how thick was this Stellar Steel? How long would it take to slice it open, bit by bit? I really don''t have much time left to do such a thing! "Aayayaya" "Are you saying that this isn''t common Stellar Steel? This is the essence of Stellar Steel? It''s core?" Yun Yang questioned, feeling gloomy, "Can''t I just save it into my deific consciousness?" Yun Yang was just churning his thoughts away with the most whimsical ideas storing it in that space to slowly slice it open was truly the fastest and most convenient method! The question here, however, was the probability of making this work was close to none. At least, that was what Yun Yang thought. After all, he had attempted it just now. Although this piece of Stellar Steel had a circumference of not more than a hundred feet, its weight and density were unimaginably high Yun Yang could not budge it in the slightest. After pondering for a bit, Emmie called out unexpectedly, a little hesitant, "Aa yaya" We can try? Keep it directly into the space of your consciousness! Yun Yang was stunned for a moment before feeling overjoyed. "Let''s try, then!" For the first time, Yun Yang unleashed the entire reserve of his deific consciousness while Emmie did all it could, throwing out all the power it could muster and focusing it on Yun Yang. After that, both Emmie and Yun Yang felt pathetic to the core. There was a loud boom, and the piece of Stellar Steel swayed a little. However, it was just a slight quiver it was not really lifted away from where it originally was. Meanwhile, the strength of Yun Yang''s deific consciousness had been thoroughly exhausted. He floated in the water, aimless, distracted and reeling with panic. He flitted in and out of consciousness, unable to restore his senses to its proper state while Emmie teetered, its leaves losing its usual rich and luscious color. At the same moment, the beam produced by the convergence of three lights disappeared. Yun Yang surmised that it must be dawn already. This must be the moment of daybreak Yun Yang slowly came to his senses. "How terrifying." This extent of pain that could tear his mind apart left Yun Yang in a fearful state. This thing couldn''t be opened and taken away what should I do? Will I really leave the treasure cave empty-handed this time? Yun Yang churned his brains for options. Finally, an idea struck home. "Something doesn''t seem right the strength I need to move this steel ball is so much more than the weight of it. It seemed as though it was connected to the entire mountain range, stuck into the earth. If I detach it by cutting away the connecting parts, what''s left will be the actual steel ball consisting of only Stellar Steel!" "I believe that that would be much easier, right? Compared to the situation now where it''s completely stuck, how different is it from dragging these mountains into my deific consciousness? If that was the case, it would make sense that I was unable to move it!" Yun Yang was done contemplating. He concentrated on his recovery. Moments later, the Divine Edge materialized and he sliced at the edges with unusual fervor. 858 He’s Ou Ji Lingxi was waiting quietly at the lakeside. Yun Yang had yet to resurface, even after the sky was starting to turn lighter. It''s been one whole night and he still hasn''t surfaced? Throughout the entire time, the surface of the lake remained calm, without the slightest hint of ripples. It seemed unusually quiet, but there was a whole living human being in it! Where had Yun Yang gone to? Even after waiting until daybreak, Yun Yang still had yet to appear. She could not help but feel alarmed. Maybe he had encountered some sort of danger? Perhaps he had been ambushed... maybe he had been eaten by a large fish? Reaching this thought, Ji Lingxi jumped into the water without wasting another moment. Even after swimming a few rounds in the Seven Star Lake, she still could not detect any signs of Yun Yang. She was unable to stop herself from panicking! He had clearly gone down there, but why was there no sign of him? She surfaced for a moment to take another breath before submerging once more to continue the search. Ji Lingxi stayed and searched in the lake for a whole day, but not the slightest glimpse of Yun Yang could be found. Eventually, the ten or so people who had become recluses in this area came over to inquire after him. "Young lady, did Lord Supreme Cloud go down under to look for the secret?" "Tsk tsk we''ve tried many times to scour the bottom of this lake in the past. Although we couldn''t find anything, there was no real danger down below." "Why has he vanished? This is such a strange thing indeed." "Aah perhaps Lord Supreme Cloud has suffered the wrath of the heavens?" "This is rather hard to tell" "Say, what should be done?" "Aah this rather unpleasant to say" Ji Lingxi was extremely anxious, her mental state overwhelmed by wild panic. Judging by the time that had elapsed since Yun Yang had entered the lake, these people assumed that he must have been struck by some form of misfortune, and began to gloat as they rode on her distress. They decided to stay, watching by the lakeside as Ji Lingxi combed through the lake, again and again, shedding crocodile tears as they offered doses of condolences when she surfaced in between each dive. There was not really a problem, generally speaking they did not give Ji Lingxi a reason to get mad. However, their gloating was very apparent, vividly displayed in plain sight. Anger sparked within Ji Lingxi''s heart bit by bit, and gradually reached a boiling point suddenly, she erupted. Do you think you''re safe because you''ve survived the bigger picture? If I want to kill all of you, do I need a reason to do so? Is there a need? Is there no need? There isn''t really a need! "Even if Supreme Cloud is dead, there''s still no reason for trash like you to gloat yet! Die, all of you" Ji Lingxi went berserk in absolute rage, and charged into a killing spree! Her initial strike immediately eliminated four of them at once, and noting that she might as well finish what she started, she promptly went after the heads of the remaining seven, hunting them down at full force! She was already full of gloominess and feeling frustrated without the room to release her pent-up negativity. With the men here fanning the flames by gloating incessantly, how could she still uphold her ladylike demeanor? Who gave you the nerve to make fun of Supreme Cloud in front of me? Do I look like some nice, good-natured lady to you? Her eyebrows dipped down in anger as she commenced her killing spree. In just a few moments, all eleven of them had been massacred. Frankly speaking, these eleven men had signed up for death on their own accord. These people were most likely too obsessed with the cultivation atmosphere here to the point where the level of their experiences and mental state were far from the level of their actual cultivation bases. They neither had the courageous heart of a warrior nor the experience of a learned man, doing all it takes shamelessly for their personal gains. They forgot their place and provoked unrivaled experts in the process did they not deserve it? How could they still be left alive? Ji Lingxi''s bloodlust had been surging violently since that encounter with the man who claimed to watch his family die before his eyes. She wanted to just kill them all then and there, but as Yun Yang had not said anything, she forcefully suppressed that urge to kill. She never imagined that these men would be so boldly insensitive gloating shamelessly even after cheating death once. Like a cat licking a tiger''s nose, they had effectively signed themselves up for death. With a final crash, the final fellow also lost his life to Ji Lingxi. A fair little palm fanned outwards with tremendous force, instantly throwing that man into the air and spinning him rapidly for a good few hundred rounds. His head and neck spun for a few extra rounds, and with another slap, the head was detached from the torso. The body fell into the Seven Star Lake, while the head arced into the other side of the mountain with a loud whistle Ji Lingxi''s entire being was still surging with a murderous aura. The whites of her eyes had turned red, clearly indicating that her anger had not dissipated as she surveyed the scene to see if anyone had escaped Fortunately, the water surface was disturbed with a splash. Ji Lingxi turned her head promptly towards the direction of that sound. She found Yun Yang floating on the water surface, looking extremely exhausted as he swam towards the shore with great difficulty. It was as if he had just gone through a massive battle, for he was completely void of energy every step and movement seemed to take a huge toll on him. "Aaa" Ji Lingxi could not refrain herself from letting out a cry of surprise or delight when she was presented with such a sight. She dashed over quickly to fish Yun Yang out of the water and found that he was completely out of energy. His complexion was sallow and he looked as if he had wilted, every ounce of his strength sapped out of him. "Y-You you what happened" "Stop talking get me up there quickly" Yun Yang might be completely without strength, but his tone was still as haughty as ever. Without another word, Ji Lingxi grabbed Yun Yang and dashed up the shore like she was dragging a gigantic piece of salted fish. Her mood did not shift from sorrow to delight in a gradual manner; she was literally dancing with euphoria, completely pumped with ecstatic joy. Anything is possible as long as he lives even if he''s completely out, a few days of rest will do the job! "When did you surface?" "The moment you started that killing spree of yours just when you''ve eliminated the first four" "Then why didn''t you say something? If you did, I wouldn''t have gotten my hands dirty!" "I was afraid that you wouldn''t kill them when you happily see me safe and sound" Ji Lingxi blushed. "Who cares about you, you shameless fool?" Moments later. "What happened to you? What did you do to make yourself so exhausted? Why aren''t you able to recover even after such a long time?" "It''s a long story." Yun Yang sighed and started to describe his experience. After all, he had completely and impulsively exhausted his entire cultivation reserve twice in such a short period of time. Surely anybody who had done that would be horribly dispirited and burnt out to this extent. "You stored it away?" Ji Lingxi''s eyes grew round with interest. "Can I see it?" "Cough... Later I''ll put you into the space, you can go in and have a look yourself I can''t produce it right now." Yun Yang''s lips moved again. He had truly exerted all his strength this time to retrieve this piece of Stellar Steel, almost throwing his life away underwater in the process. Recalling the prior events, he could still feel the terror of that moment creeping up to him, making him shudder with fear. "There''s no way I''m going in there to see it." Ji Lingxi snorted, her face turning crimson. "Why not?" Yun Yang was puzzled. Emmie aside, the few Whiteys in that space were still radiating with life proving that putting an entire person in there would not be a problem at all. As he stared at Ji Lingxi''s dark expression, he truly did not understand what this little girl was red-faced about. You''re interested in it after all, so why are you refusing to enter? 859 A Strange Metal Ball Face reddening, Ji Lingxi cried out in a fit of rage, "Like there''s anything to do with you! Like you''d know" She stomped away. Little did he know, a gamut of thoughts were running through Ji Lingxi''s mind. Enter his deific consciousness? Doesn''t that mean he could do whatever he wanted, or see whatever he wanted? He could do whatever he wanted in the space of his consciousness like staring at my body my face my What''s more, what''s so different between entering Yun Yang''s deific consciousness and having my body entered by him how can I allow this? Hmph! I''m not going in there! I''ll never go in there! What''s more important that a girl''s modesty? The more she thought about it, the more wicked Yun Yang seemed, disrespecting a girl''s dignity like that. She failed to refrain from turning around and shouting at him. "Hooligan! Lecher! Pervert! Yun Yang, you''re one vile brat!" What''s wrong with me? What did I say? Why am I a hooligan and a pervert? Why am I vile? Why am I not aware of this? Where did this even come from? The injuries he sustained to his deific consciousness this time was not light at all. Only after three days of recuperation could he be considered half-healed. In these few days, even with the Stellar Steel below as an anchor, the formations surrounding the Seven Star Lake resumed as usual; starlight still descended from the sky every night and the atmosphere was no different than before there was no notable change at all However, Yun Yang could already tell that the next full moon would not look like it did before. "However, no matter what, this is still a conducive haven that aids in cultivating." Yun Yang sighed, lost in thought. Next, he promptly activated the Nine Heavens Dictum, prompting Shui Wuyin to send a message to the Four Great Young Masters, Fang Mofei, Bai Yixue, Lao Mei, and even Yun Xiaoyao, letting them know that this realm was the most optimum place to advance their skills. Only after informing his close comrades directly did Yun Yang relax. After two more days of rest, he finally felt full of energy and spirit, as if he had been reborn. "Shall we?" "Alright!" During these days of recuperation, their cultivation skills had already attained peak levels, or perhaps one should say the limits which can be sustained in this world for they could be thoroughly hated if they made even more breakthroughs. Now, however, by willing themselves with a simple intent in mind, they could work wonders. No matter which aspect it was analyzed from, their cultivation bases rendered them no longer suitable to stay in the Tianxuan Continent, or perhaps, in other words, their cultivation bases had already surpassed the highest possible level. They had been suppressing it all along, and now it was getting extremely tough to hold it in. "If we are not separated from each other by the time we reach the Bound of Universe, then there''s nothing to worry about, but if we do get separated" "Please remember what I told you. Be careful. Think before you act." Yun Yang urged again and again. "I know. Everything must be treated with caution!" Ji Lingxi seemed to have come to a sudden conclusion. She unconsciously lowered her head, and for the longest moment, she did not speak. It was as if she was pondering about something. She seemed a little dazed, stopping herself midstep. Yun Yang could not comprehend what this little girl was daydreaming about this time. She was acting strangely. "Kiss me." Ji Lingxi recalled Yun Yang''s kiss when Shangguan Lingxiu was about to leave. In that instant, she was hoping for it as well, and could not help herself. Despite her best efforts, she blurted out this desire in a low murmur. "What?" Her words came out vaguely, in a low tone and all too suddenly. Yun Yang was unable to catch them, so he questioned persistently. Ji Lingxi was incensed. "I said you''re a real pig!" Can a girl''s modesty be disrespected in such a manner? Yun Yang rolled his eyes instantly. Women why is it so hard to deal with them? I don''t even understand what''s going on now? You women are always acting up like this, making me feel really helpless Ji Lingxi rolled her eyes in a ferocious manner before yelling suddenly, "I said, I''m letting you kiss me are you deaf?" She suddenly leaped up. Holding Yun Yang in an embrace, she tilted her red lips up voluntarily. They were about to part from each other soon; there was no time to care and be shy about a lady''s modesty. Dignity, modesty and these sort of things; why do they even matter when my beloved is standing right here before me? It was only during that moment Yun Yang understood her intent. His heart throbbed upon the sight of those alluring red lips; without further hesitation, he kissed her. "This to be ordered to kiss like this seems a little fishy. I seem to have forgotten something" he thought to himself. The moment their lips touch, a red light bloomed unexpectedly around them. Boom! Yun Yang, Lord Supreme Cloud or Supreme Wit, the so-called number one in the world, flew away for a good ten feet, his body thrown into the air as he gritted his teeth. "I knew I was forgetting something" Luckily, this time it was by Ji Lingxi''s own will, so Yun Yang did not suffer much damage; however, half a day''s rest was still required. Ji Lingxi''s face darkened as she mumbled to herself incessantly. It was unsure who she was cursing this time... Yun Yang was very curious about the Stellar Steel Ball that had been stored in the space of his consciousness. Stellar Steel that had attained the progression of a stellar core was already quite a rarity in itself. What kind of entity would be contained within? Initially, Yun Yang was feeling quite smug when he first took in the Stellar Steel ball into his deific consciousness, thinking that whatever that was already in that storage space of his was like a piece of meat on his chopping board he could sort it out in whatever manner he found fit. However, in reality, Yun Yang was feeling more and more discouraged. Yun Yang spent half a day''s effort, imagined every way possible and exhausted all the resources he had, but he still could not pry open the outer layer of the Stellar Steel Ball. As compared to his prior attempts, the Divine Edge could be expressed in many ways. One slash from it could produce a five-feet-long cut, rendering it quite effective, but as soon as he pulled out the saber, that incision was sealed shut! It had healed itself completely! This outcome nearly caused Yun Yang''s eyeballs to fall out. This is Stellar Steel after all steel? Since when did steel have self-healing properties? Furthermore, at such a speed! Even if it was Stellar Steel that had precipitated to its highest progression Stellar Steel core it wasn''t possible that it could undergo a transformation like this. Yun Yang activated his power, Endless Divine Art, once more and tried repeatedly, but he made no progress. In the end, Yun Yang focused all his energy on the Divine Edge and yet there was still no signs of progress even after he activated Endless Divine Art to cast Saber Truth: Destiny Blade. Although the damage inflicted on that steel ball this time was much severe than before, it restored itself to its original condition almost immediately, rendering every effort of his useless. This steel ball could not even be permanently harmed with a perfect combination of Divine Edge paired with Saber Truth: Destiny Blade. Yun Yang was truly at his wit''s end, feeling utterly helpless. Seeing how Yun Yang had failed at so many attempts, Emmie tried enveloping the steel ball with green vines. After examining it for a long time, it resorted to a look of utter dismay as well. "There must be something really precious inside, but why can''t it be pried open?" Eventually, Emmie came up with a conclusion. The results from the combination of Saber Truth: Destiny Blade and Divine Edge were evident it was definitely effective, but Yun Yang''s cultivation base was just too weak. If Yun Yang could advance to the sixth tier of Endless Divine Art while simultaneously making Divine Edge undergo a transmutational upgrade, there might be a chance that the steel ball could be opened by then. Yun Yang felt slightly dejected. I''m only at the fourth tier now Ascending subsequent levels in the future will be even tougher than before when will I ever reach the sixth tier? 860 Lightning Strikes Also, what in all the hells does ''there might be a chance'' even mean? Doesn''t that mean that there is also an equal chance of failing to open it even at that stage? Still, a sliver of hope was better than none. Well no matter what it was, this little toy was already stored within the space of my consciousness. Nobody can take it away from me Although the road to refine my art and techniques will be extremely tough, success would surely come eventually there is still time! Reaching this thought, Yun Yang could finally soothe the worry in his pounding heart. There was nothing to fret about any longer! Three days later, the two of them stood at the peak. "Are you ready?" "Yes. How about you?" "I''m ready as well." They lapsed into silence after that sentence. "You really not going back to take a look at anything?" "... I won''t. It''s better not to." "This land most of it has been united through your efforts. I''ve always thought that you''ll leave only after everything has been truly unified as one." "... My goal has never been to unite the world." "Then what is it?" "My goal is to have my brothers come back to life. This has always been my biggest wish since that fateful day of that disaster it has never wavered." "We''ve encountered even more unsolved mysteries during this period of time. I hope we''ll be able to unravel all of them when we reach the Bound of Universe, and that everything will go smoothly." "I see." "Shall we?" "Alright." At the same moment, both of them activated and mustered their volition whole-heartedly. Two massive auras that had been suppressed for far too long promptly rose and shot towards the skies. Wisps of bright, milky-white light abruptly leaked out from their bodies. The hundred-feet circumference enveloping them was filled with a dream-like sequence of holographic hues appearing in sparse patterns, a magnificent sight beyond imagination. Two incredibly strong auras shot into the air, penetrating through the layer of clouds with vigor as if indicating a formidable power that could outmatch anything in this world. In this pivotal moment, they were clearly summoning something The sparse, thinly-scattered white clouds that adorned the skies slowly disappeared, transforming into a clear slate of nothingness. However, this peaceful, cloudless state only lasted for a very short time. Moments later, like an incoming army of ten thousand horses, dark clouds rolled in rapidly in an unexpected manner, and the skies were filled with low rumbles that foreshadowed an impending storm, getting louder and closer by the moment. The overcast sky blanketed the entire Tianxuan Continent in an intimidating manner it was anywhere and everywhere. At this moment, the people of the entire continent gaped at the skies in fright. A sight like this was rarely seen in the world, looking a lot like an impending apocalypse. The moment the dark clouds started to seep from the edges of the sky to the moment it gathered upon their heads was merely seconds! This was a distance of a few thousand miles; there was no short path in between. The dark clouds crept in at an alarming speed; Yun Yang would not have been able to beat it even if he dashed as fast as he could in his cloud form! Dark clouds came rolling from all directions, like loyal, disciplined soldiers who had just received a summoning order of the highest degree. Within seconds, they convened in the skies above. The shift from clear skies to an overcast one darkened to the point where everything was no longer visible only took less than ten breaths! There were many cases like this in this year itself, but those that preceded this were never this severe and of such an intense scale. At the peak of the Seven Star Mountain, the violent winds howled incessantly, uprooting countless trees mercilessly that had been part of the mountains for the longest time they were lifted and thrown about to only god knows where. Yun Yang and Ji Lingxi stood tall atop the peak. They did not move a single muscle, their eyes shimmering with curiosity and wonder. The Bound of Universe! We''re almost there! The Bound of Universe had always been a huge enigma to practitioners from Tianxuan Continent there were even rumors and legends passed around in the mortal realm. Today, this mysterious world would unfold before their eyes, and they would be granted a first-hand experience in it. The dark clouds convened in even thicker masses and the brew of thunder and lightning started to wreak havoc in mid-air the sight was absolutely terrifying. A net of electrifying light was seemingly weaved from the crisscrossing pattern of flashes across the skies, its glow so blinding and glaring to the point where it was hard to open one''s eyes and look at it directly. The unceasing waves of thunder sounded like an all-out performance of ancient war drums beating incessantly with a clear rhythm rising, falling and overlapping all at once in an uncontrollable manner. The rumbles traveled from afar, slowly closing the distance, its volume escalating to a deafening point. Moments later, a heavy downpour began as a torrent of water plummeted downwards with a force as if there was a massive hole in the skies. At that moment, two large eyes suddenly appeared, hovering in mid-air. One stared at Yun Yang, while the other was fixated upon Ji Lingxi. Although their cultivation bases were very strong and deep-rooted, and they were already at the top in the world, they were experiencing a crossover between realms for real after all; however, they remained calm and collected as they waited for something to happen. "They say, demons will be inevitably struck by lightning when they become a god they can only experience some transmutational upgrade through a baptism of lightning," Ji Lingxi''s eyes reflected slight traces of terror. "Does that mean that we will be we struck by lightning too" Yun Yang was unsure. "This we wouldn''t, right?" Before his voice even faltered, two flashes of lightning descended, targeting the top of their heads, striking them in an absolutely merciless manner! Ji Lingxi yelped in terror, the so-called calm composure vanishing instantly. With a loud boom, their hair became a disheveled nest from this first strike during the course of this baptism. However, this was just the beginning. Flash after flash of lightning struck down mercilessly in increasingly thick strokes and variegated hues. They were initially white like those seen during a normal rainy day, but gradually transformed into red, purple every color imaginable made an appearance, equipped with an equally striking force The two of them had no experience at all when it came to a lightning baptism like this. Neither had they seen something similar to this nor heard of any related legends. Hence, they had no idea how to avoid or counter such a critical moment they even feared that things would turn out differently if they deliberately did something to prevent themselves from being struck. Thus, the two newbies stood there pathetically, not moving a single muscle at all as they allowed themselves to be ravaged by this baptism of lightning. The only thing they did was to activate their cultivation bases to protect themselves. Ji Lingxi was completely unharmed. With the protective red light on her, she was completely untouchable. The effect of these lightning strikes on her felt like a scratch on an itch perhaps even lesser than that. The soothing scratch-like sensation came from the strikes that were slightly weaker those that could not break through her defense aura so whatever she felt from that was naturally very minimal; as for those which were slightly stronger, they were completely eradicated by the red gleam, so naturally she did not feel anything at all Yun Yang''s situation, on the other hand, was absolutely dreadful. While enduring the ambush of lightning strikes passively, his self-defense efforts were completely negligible, comparable to an act of throwing a cup of water onto a burning cart. He managed to persevere for a moment before his physical body caved in from head to toe, his flesh was completely fried, mangled to oblivion, looking less and less like a living person. Standing close to him in the midst of this violent storm, Ji Lingxi suddenly picked up a strong scent of cooked meat and could not refrain from crinkling her nose. 861 The Bound of Universe After some time, the lightning storm finally came to an end. Yun Yang, who had persevered through the entire ordeal, could only feel a single sensation C he was certain that his entire being was a piece of steel that had been laid on a chopping board and had been pounded on from head to toe. His bones, his muscles, his meridians Nothing was left unscathed! The moment the lightning strikes stopped, he collapsed onto the ground, no longer able to support himself. He had not actually succumbed to the storm; in truth, he felt unusually relaxed. He would be sorry for himself if he did not seize the chance to lie down and rest a little. Yun Yang subconsciously exhaled a breath he did not know he had held on to earlier. It was a rare sight indeed when a puff of black smoke exited his lips. The couple glanced at each other to see a similar wash of gratefulness in their eyes for having survived the havoc. They were about to speak, to ask each other how they were doing, but a faint, light musical note rang in the air. It sounded distant, airy and gentle, but it felt like the fairies themselves were dancing. The music was rejuvenating and dreamy. Immediately, a pair of golden doors materialized in the air. Like two suns, they glowed brilliantly, shining upon the world. The doors opened and a prismatic radiance that spilled from within enveloped the young couple. Yun Yang let out a soothing moan promptly. When he came into contact with the rainbow glow, the damage and pain that the lightning storm had caused him earlier disappeared entirely. The brutal patchwork of wounds healed at that very instant! Based on Yun Yang''s past experience, the healing effect of Emmie''s air of vitality assuaged his worry regarding the external and even internal injuries caused by the lightning storm. The price paid was worth it, seeing that the phenomenon had given him tremendous improvements. Bathing in the prismatic light now and feeling his injuries fully healed, it was a bargain. Furthermore, Yun Yang could feel an indistinct trace of Dao from the rainbow radiance, giving him a lot to ponder upon. What came more as a surprise was Ji Lingxi''s situation. There wasn''t the slightest trace of injury upon her, so she had skipped the recovery process and directly absorbed the rainbow glow Yun Yang was initially worried that the guarding red light would be overly domineering and would reject even the beneficial prismatic radiance. Now, it seemed like he was thinking too much. The red ray had a judgment of its own, remaining inactive towards external forces that were harmless and advantageous to its owner. That did not sound right either. Yun Yang was also harmless to Ji Lingxi. Why was he being counterattacked, even when it was just a soft kiss? What did it mean? He shooed his thoughts away, for considering them more would only further enrage himself. Sometime later, the rainbow radiance that lingered around them vanished. The hovering doors exuded a strong suction force and despite the couple''s proficient cultivation base, they were unable to resist its strength. Slowly leaving the ground, they drifted towards the golden entrance. Simultaneously, four enormous words manifested in the sky. "The Bound of Universe!" The four words were luminous, glowing brightly. "Yun Yang!" cried Ji Lingxi who suddenly felt a powerful sense of reluctance. "I''m here!" Yun Yang answered, "Take care of yourself. Remember what I said and be careful in everything you do." Ji Lingxi nodded and teared up. "Be well, I''ll find you!" "I''ll find you too. See you again in the Bound of Universe." Seeing that the gigantic doors were approaching, Ji Lingxi began to speak quickly, "You must be principled. When you''re in the Bound of Universe, don''t look at pretty girls, don''t make acquaintances with girls, don''t talk to young girls C if girls like you, you have to pretend you can''t see them C you mustn''t wrong us C you mustn''t be nice to other ladies, you mustn''t be heroic and save other girls C make yourself uglier, you can''t C" Before she could finish her list, she was sucked into the golden doors and disappeared within. She had no time to hear Yun Yang''s reply. In actual fact, Yun Yang did not even have the chance to reply to her. Hearing so many prohibitions proclaimed in such a short time, he was utterly stunned. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, he was also pulled into the gold, sparkling doors! As the two of them entered the gleaming gold doors, the doors shut immediately, ceasing its existence in Tianxuan. The storm stopped as well, the dark looming clouds dissipated. Two arches of rainbows made their appearance in the sky instead, one from the east to west and another from the south to north. They reflected off each other, their radiance shining impeccably. Yutang''s conquest to take over the continent began flagrantly. With the remaining empires of the continent that were left with little to no resistance, the conquest advanced aggressively almost without a hitch or obstacle. In the spring of that year, the western front marshal, Marshal Wang Yunzhu, led the army to attack the last city of the Empire of Ziyou, Fenglong City. The Empire of Ziyou was swept off the map, remembered only in the history. The whole of the Empire of Ziyou was absorbed into Yutang''s territory. In the summer, Tie Zheng led three hundred thousand militants to attack the capital of the Empire of Tianci, thus annihilating Tianci. One month later, the Empire of Dayuan in the south was rooted out as well. Fu Baoguo and Yun Xiaoyao led the war against Dongxuan. It went on until the peak of winter. Dongxuan was showing signs of defeat and the Emperor of Dongxuan ventured out into the battlefield personally, but the effort was futile. During the third month of the next year, Dongxuan''s emperor passed away in the military base, thus preceding the fall of Dongxuan. The days of Han Sanhe spending decades fighting in the bloodshed and the days of anticipating the restart when Dongxuan''s next emperor ascended the throne eventually evaporated! After that, Yun Xiaoyao led the army and with Tie Zheng, they separated into two directions as they conquered the grasslands. Yutang reigned over the world. The children whom Yun Yang had advised contributed meritoriously without exception, becoming influential figures. However, every year, when the day that Supreme Cloud had his final battle at Tianxuan Cliff arrived, the few of them would gather and have wine together. Bao''er C the royal grandson Yu Qiankun - grew up in the company of Shangguan boys. Whatever position they held after that, they would gather to drink as well on the day they were received in the Residence of Yun by Yun Yang annually. There was no emperor and officials on this day C only brotherhood and gratitude. There was not a moment when His Majesty Emperor of Yutang, Qiu Jianhan and the other kingpins forgot Lord Supreme Cloud who had contributed so much to Yutang''s world domination. "Document all the details!" "There is no such thing about a taboo of the ruler. Everything regarding Lord Supreme Cloud is to be faithfully recorded." "Announce it to the world." "Supreme Cloud came riding the clouds and wind and in the end, he left with the clouds and wind." "Assemble scholars to pen down biographies and books for the story of Lord Supreme Cloud to be spread to the later generations." Clouds and wind gradually become the phrase to mean heaven''s will. From then on, anything that had to do with destiny would borrow this current saying as mockery C"Don''t boast about yourself as the destined one, unless you want to see if the clouds and wind come for you!" Yun Yang had let go of everything that had to do with the Tianxuan Continent. Now, the first thing he encountered in the Bound of Universe actually confounded him. ''I C What am I seeing?'' 862 The Arrival of One Man, The Withering of a Thousand Miles Yun Yang felt himself being suspended, buoyant despite the supposed weight of gravity. His senses were blunt, he did not know where he was. There was, however, a solemn and ceremonious voice that echoed in the air. "The heaven is black, the earth is yellow, the universe is formed from nothingness and chaos. The lower realm is ordinary, detained at my boundary. The way of Dao is the path, it allows for no hesitation. A nation has its law, heaven has its rules; Dao has its path, the plethora of occupation has its precepts. Heaven and earth know no mercy, the lives of people are countless. Stay true to your heart, go against it and meet an ill fate. In the world of martial arts, the strongest commands. Stay away from debauchery, those who do not shall be harmed. The heavens see, reap what you sow. The Lord Sovereign rules, do not think, do not conspire" The lines were repeated continuously, looping near eighty times inside Yun Yang''s head. When Yun Yang felt like he could already recite the lines backward, another grim voice broke in unexpectedly. "Enter the Bound of Universe, roam free you shall. The law is lodged in your heart, violate it you shall not. Defy it, and die! Be warned and blame no one!" Then, Yun Yang felt gravity coming back to work on him as he fell swiftly as if laden by lead. Yun Yang did not know how high up he was. Falling so fast, it was one thing to wonder if he would injure himself - what if he died from the drop? Yun Yang tried his hardest to cultivate some spiritual Qi to lighten himself and decelerate or decrease the increasing momentum, but it was in vain. It was completely useless. The spiritual Qi within him that used to be so pliant was thoroughly sealed now. He could not use even a drop of it. Even Emmie was disconnected like the previous incident; it was as if it did not exist! If freefalling was all there was to it, Yun Yang could have tried to arrest his descent, despite the danger. In spite of this, the deafening thunder and lightning that crackled around him became his last straw. Strikes of thunderbolts landed on him with precision, putting him in constant, excruciating pain, like he was being torn apart. Under the overwhelming onslaught of the persistent and increasing pain, Yun Yang finally passed out. Boom! He fell into a dense forest like a fallen meteor, and as he reached the ground, the land quaked thrice in repercussion. Stone and sand soared into the sky in a flurry, engulfing the entire territory, as Yun Yang dove deep into the earth, like he was burying himself. No one knew how long it took before Yun Yang slowly awakened, recovering his senses. However, the blinding darkness and suffocating atmosphere blared like an alarm, telling him that he was currently buried in the ground. Yun Yang dared not take his time, churning the spiritual Qi within him in hopes of breaking out of the soil. At the very least, he had to cultivate the earth manifestation. If he who possessed all the Nine Supremes'' manifestation powers died in the earth due to suffocation, it would be the worst case of irony. Yun Yang was caught by surprise as the spiritual Qi in his dantian responded like a tsunami right as he took a heave; an unstoppable force supported him as he catapulted right out of the ground. The hapless fellow was not at all prepared for the current situation. He was still flitting between the fear of being unable to find his spiritual Qi and that would cause him to free fall from a high altitude as well as the terror of being buried far down the earth. His best plan was to manipulate some of his energy or manifest into earth in order to get himself out of the unfathomable burial. If he could not achieve that, he would then attempt to seek Emmie for any sense of life support to avoid death''s embrace before he figured out what to do next. Therefore, it was a surprise to Yun Yang when his spiritual Qi was flowing twice faster than when he was in Tianxuan Continent. It had been only a thought and a heave but he had bolted right out of the earth''s clutches onto the surface! Despite his escape, he was now even more confounded. He could not even direct any spiritual Qi when he was falling earlier, but how could things have improved so fast once he woke up? What sorcery was this? Yun Yang, who was in mid-air, was rarely imbalanced; he shot out of the ground and into the sky like a cannonball. The motion was logic-defying, but it pushed a lot of dust into an aggressive dance anyway. Plop! Losing strength, Yun Yang returned to the ground and realized that he seemed to be stepping on soft, wobbly land. He was shocked when he lowered his head to have a look at what he was stepping on. On the ground, it was all fallen leaves. They were at least dozens of feet deep and they were leaves that had just fallen without even rotting yet! Yun Yang was further perplexed. What tree could shed so many leaves in one season? That was not right either. If it had been a year, the leaves would have long been rotten C how could they be so fresh and yellow? He looked up again to scan the vicinity, but he was once again flabbergasted. Where was he? The location was obviously a dense forest, one that was far and isolated from any signs of man. Flora should have grown to their lushest in such a region, but anywhere he laid eyes on, it was withered yellow. The place was drained of life, losing vitality. Anywhere Yun Yang''s eyes could reach, be it flowers and grass or tall sturdy trees, they were all wilted. There was no vivacity nor color. In spite of this, the large tree still stood tall on the ground, its branches spread wide. "What''s going on? How does a tree like this die just like that?" Yun Yang looked around, trying to wrap his head around the current scene. His judgment told him without a doubt that these trees were still alive, finely so, at least two to three days before! There were trails of fresh budding shoots on some of the branches, but they were wholly shriveled now. If this had been the case any more than two days, the sprouts would have been blown away. This begged the question C what caused these trees to wither and die within a day? Yun Yang tried moving his limbs to make sure that the accidental explosion of power earlier was not just a coincidence. Only then did he stand up and move more to check that his body was fine; he got more agile, the flow of his essential energy smooth and vigorous. He was in an unprecedentedly well-rested state. Pondering, his arm came to rest on a trunk as he walked to a tree, murmuring, "What''s happening?" With a sudden poof, the tree that he had just touched with his palm, the gigantic tree that needed at least a dozen people holding hands to circle its circumference, crumbled into dust that rained down upon the land. Yun Yang retracted his arm as if electrocuted. His jaw fell slack. ''I C Just now C my hand I didn''t use spiritual Qi Even if I did use some cultivation base and could actually crush this tree to powder, I don''t think I can pulverize it so dry without any moisture like it is now'' ''How can I be equipped with such prowess?'' Today was probably Yun Yang''s day of many discoveries as there were more surprises to come. As the huge tree turned into fine powder and blended into the air, it seemed like a horn signal was blown as the surrounding trees fell in waves, as if receiving a summons! They then turned into a flurry of dust as well. Yun Yang soared up and hovered at a higher altitude. His mouth was still agape as he watched all the trees within hundreds of miles from the center point where he stood fall in rippling waves outward and disintegrate into powder. Dust was everywhere. It seemed like he was the only one to witness and be wrapped in the storm of fine dust in this territory. Other than that, there was nothing else that possessed any signs of life. Yun Yang, who was hovering, was dumbfounded. He did not know that higher up, there was another person who was baffled as well, much more stunned than he was. 863 Ridiculous Little Fatty The person that hovered above was stunned. "What? It''s customary to reimburse some spiritual Qi of heaven and earth to the Ascended but the Ascended in the past have only wilted the flora for an area of thirty to forty feet around them at most. Why is this one today sucking dry a thousand and five hundred miles of the forest? What''s C what''s going on? Could this person be practicing some sort of evil art that specializes in devouring the life of others?" "So what if that''s the case? What''s it got to do with me? I''d better run quickly now." "I thought I''d come and take a peek to see what''s so great but it''s troublesome if you come to know people like this" The silhouette high in the sky vanished instantly. In Yun Yang''s deific consciousness, Emmie stretched lazily, its leaves looking greener and healthier, and it went back to a deep slumber. "What''s going on?" Yun Yang felt as if his head had been shoved into a cloud of cotton. "I''ve come to the Bound of Universe officially as an Ascended. What happened earlier has assured this. Why am I thrown into such a place now? Don''t I have to complete some registration procedure? Shouldn''t there be some guide who provides further arrangements and that sort of thing? Isn''t it" Questions bubbled like a fizzy drink in his head, to which he had no answers to. A moment later when the shower of dust was about done, it dawned clearly on Yun Yang that he had truly been abandoned here. It was definite that there would be no reception of any sort. "Heck, I''m still a top-notch expert down in the other realm C to think that there''s actually no welcoming of any kind when I arrive! I don''t even see any living person here, discarded in the wilderness without any sign of life to be seen for thousands of miles What''s the meaning of this? Biasedness?" Yun Yang muttered in dissatisfaction. The triumphant air he had exuded earlier had totally vanished. As he adjusted his feelings and tried to find his bearings, looking up into the sun for orientation, he saw a black dot growing larger and falling like a meteor from the sky. With a loud bang, the black dot sank into the ocean of dust and fine fragments of leaves that had just gained its peace. Then "Cough C cough C cough" It was clearly a person who had fallen deep into the thick cushion of dust and was unsurprisingly choking and coughing out the debris. However, his heaving inevitably made him inhale even more dust as his voice sounded extremely coarse. "Cough C cough What''s this C this" Following the complaint, the person could be seen picking himself up with much effort. As Yun Yang''s gaze trailed after the motion, he saw that it was a plump little fatty; the fatty did not look very old either. The rotund fellow had a round head, a round face, two round eyes, a round nose, a round mouth, a pair of round ears, and a round tummy He looked rather comedic. Just as the fatty climbed out of the heap of dust, his hands went straight to rub his eyes as he ''cleverly'' blew upwards to blow away the fine particles clinging onto his face only for the dirt to scatter everywhere. He then recalled something... "F*cking hell, why am I blowing? Why am I not using water?" Immediately, he retrieved a water bag with a flip of his wrist. He poured some water to wash his face and eyes before he shook his head like a dog, flinging the droplets of water away. As his eyes opened to look at his surrounding, he cried out in despair, "Oh mother, what''s become of this? Where''s the forest?" The fatty cried like he had lost his family, his liveliness draining away from him. There was a huge sense of disbelief bouncing off of him as well as if the borderless finely ground leaves gave him an extreme sense of shock. The fatty waved his arms, creating a formidable force that swiftly swept the dust thousands of feet around him up and away somewhere. Sometime later, there was a boom; one could imagine a storm of dust landing far away. The little fatty who had cleared his surroundings did not stop there. Like a hound, he went back and forth across the exposed ground like he was searching for something, looking and sniffing. Once he covered a distance of a hundred feet, he swung his arm to sweep away another area of dust. As the fellow walked around looking and tossing the ground leaves away as he sniffed, he finally came to where Yun Yang was standing. However, his eyes were never cast upwards. He remained close to the ground to carefully inspect for any oddities, crying out after a moment, "Oh my lord! The marking I made is here, this is definitely that forest. However, where is the forest? Where has it gone to?" Yun Yang followed the fatty''s gaze, spotting a round rock approximately thirty to forty feet away from him that had been carved into a tortoise, either with a saber or a sword. It looked terribly realistic. The tortoise''s head was stretched out of his shell strenuously and elongated to look out. Similarly, the little fatty was also stretching his neck as he huddled on the ground, his head turned to look at one side. The both of them looked like a reflection of each other, the carving mirroring its creator. Yun Yang could not help feeling tickled. This fellow seemed like he would be a fun one! His amusement, subsequently, shocked the fatty under him. Springing up with a loud pop, the fellow flew hundreds of feet away before he raised his head in panic. He exclaimed, looking at Yun Yang who stood higher up, "Oh my god, there''s someone here You C you Who are you? Why are you here? You C you C are you a man or a ghost? You C what''s happening?" Yun Yang was speechless. Looking at the fatty''s movement and cultivation base, he was already an esteemed expert. Yet, it was such an expert who felt nothing despite the fact that Yun Yang had been standing above him for so long. He was just scurrying underneath him, burrowing back and forth like a ground squirrel, and had no idea that a normal-sized grown person was standing right above him. Such a lack of awareness was honestly ridiculous! Yun Yang sighed inwardly. Such intelligence and such alertness How did he survive and even grow so fat in a place as dangerous as the Bound of Universe? Before Yun Yang could speak, however, the fatty reacted rather promptly to the surprise. He backed hundreds of feet away and squinted at Yun Yang in vigilance. Suddenly, the fatty hollered, "Who are you? Where has this forest gone to? You C you C unacceptable! You saw my secret marking just now, didn''t you?" He continued harshly without waiting for Yun Yang''s reply, "What a thief C how unscrupulous you are! I shall fight with my all today then!" Letting out a roar, the fatty stood in a stance as if he was ready for death even as he spoke in anguish, "Come, I shall pull you along if I die! Even a worm will turn. How dare you fair-faced boy harass me like this! Is there still justice C where''s the justice in this?" Yun Yang was exasperated. Not only was this fellow absurd, but he was also clearly sick as well. Instantly, the fatty had turned into a round ball of lightning without a second word. Advancing quickly, a long, golden whip lashed out from his grip aggressively. Yun Yang, who was experienced in battle, was calm. As he focused his gaze on the fatty, he saw that there was a gleaming ball attached to the latter''s long whip. It was no ordinary whip C it was a meteor hammer! "Wait!" Yun Yang hollered loudly, his hand upraised after some thought. Swoosh! The fatty skipped hundreds of feet back again like he had been bitten by a snake. "Scared? It''s good that you''re scared now!" The meteor hammer flew back, following his retreat, almost bashing its owner''s head in. 864 My Name Is Qian Duoduo Staring back at the fatty whose face was drained of color due to the fright, Yun Yang was very amused. Who was afraid of who now? He had merely raised his hand, but the former had sprung so far away, like a frightened bird The courage he possessed it was a discredit to the word ''scared''. "What do you mean unscrupulous and harassing you? Aren''t you spitting insults blindly here? I don''t even know you! The most I am is a passerby who coincidentally ran into you. Why are you making such a big fuss out of it and spoiling for a fight? It''s a waste of energy and effort," said Yun Yang. Yun Yang was not afraid of trouble, but he had just arrived in the Bound of Universe. He was unfamiliar with the place, utterly lost. It was better if he could stay out of sticky situations, especially when the fatty''s words were implying something C Yun Yang would never willingly be a scapegoat! The fatty was taken aback, replying doubtfully, "You aren''t here to pursue me? Not here to catch me? To torment me? To do me in?" Yun Yang was growing even more exasperated. "No C I won''t do it, even if you were a willing victim!" The fatty laughed, relaxing at once, and kept the whip away. His face was split into a wide grin as he cupped his fist with his palm, greeting Yun Yang warmly, "That''s what I was thinking How can my enemy be someone so handsome, fine and stunning A good friend is here, I see. How fated we are." Friend? Fated? One can become your friend as long as he is not pursuing you? Do you consider this fate? The fatty''s round face was brimming with friendliness. He asked rather enviously, "Brother, tell me, how did you become so handsome? This young brother, I, am genuinely envious and jealous!" A cold sweat broke out of Yun Yang instantly. He raised his arm. "Hold it. Are we so close? I''m only a passerby!" The fatty chortled and answered, "It''s exactly because you''re a passerby and a coincidence that''s why this is fate. Don''t friends come to be after a fateful encounter and some interaction? We''ll become more familiar with each other. This young brother''s name is Qian Duoduo (a lot of money). What''s your good name, big brother?" Qian Duoduo What a wonderful name! Yun Yang pondered carefully, ''Are people in the Bound of Universe so warm? Or does this fatty have an ulterior motive?'' Just his cultivation base and unusual meteor hammer, as well as the spatial ring on his person, were evidence of an extraordinary background. Back then, Lei Dongtian had tooted his own horn so loudly, but compared to this fatty, he was terribly lacking! "I''m Yun Yang," Yun Yang answered honestly after some consideration. He was a newcomer, after all, it should be fine to tell his real name. "Wind rises, cloud stirs C good name, good name!" Qian Duoduo was extremely pandering as he sang the most fantastic praises, "What an excellent name" All of a sudden, the sound of wind breaking could be heard as the meteor hammer whip appeared above Yun Yang''s head without warning. It crashed down violently, it''s killing intent quickly escalating. It was incredibly abrupt, an unexpected ambush that was barely avoidable. In spite of this, Yun Yang was well prepared. After all, he had come across too many conspiracies and tricks before. There was the saying ''one who is unaccountably solicitous is hiding an evil intention''. They did not know each other, but the fatty had acted so affectionately right as he approached. It was illogical, so Yun Yang was already on his guard. He had just arrived at this realm, it was only normal that he was cautious. A gleam of a saber, a clang of metal colliding C the Divine Edge parried the meteor hammer. The meteor hammer''s material was worthy of attention as it was not hacked into two by the Divine Edge, despite its small size. Yun Yang skidded following the counter-attack, but he was not injured. However, his caution grew. The fatty''s ambush was furtive. His technique was powerful, yet light. It was apparent that he was not as weak as he had seemed to be. The cowardly front and shower of compliments just now were merely smoke and mirrors. This fellow was actually a solid expert! Recalling the fatty''s clumsiness when he had retracted the meteor hammer and almost hit himself earlier, Yun Yang could not help sneering. The innocent and down -to -earth looking fatty was not only considerably skilled, but he was also an expert who knew how to disguise his capability! One should not underestimate him. On the other hand, the fatty was even more flabbergasted by the current situation. He had thought that his plan had been executed flawlessly. He was so confident. His all-or-nothing strike had instead been deflected by a casual wave of a saber. Not only had his usually unrivaled meteor hammer missed, but he had also been flung thirty feet away by the counterattack''s momentum. Did this not prove his opponent''s frightening ability? This made the fatty who initially planned to watch his opponent''s head being crushed almost wet his pants as he quacked, "Are you a third level Honor cultivator?" He then suddenly moaned, "Oh god how can I be so unlucky, even in such a deserted place? Is there still justice in this word?" Watching Yun Yang approach wielding his saber, the fatty drew back, half crawling and half rolling. He called out in as simpering a manner as he could muster, "Big brother, bro, brother, dear brother, this is C this actually a misunderstanding! It''s really it''s just a misunderstanding!" A ray of saber light pounced at him. Terrorized, the fatty rolled and felt some coolness on his face. He caught a few strands of hair flying by the corner of his eyes and let out an earth-shattering moan. The saber strike ignored his dodge, chopping the strands of hair resting at the side of his face swiftly. Gleaming, the saber then stabbed into the ground resting against his face. Regardless, it did not actually harm or injure the fatty, so it was worth wondering if the reason for his tragic cry was due to his fear or he was a great actor. Yun Yang was quick to decide. If the fatty''s agonized cry was still an act, his appraisal of him would go up two more levels, for his acting skill was award-winning. How could he underestimate him then? The fatty was sprawled stoically on the ground in an incredibly awkward and twisted position. His eyes were closed as he trembled and pleaded with a dry sob, "It''s a misunderstanding C it''s really a misunderstanding Have mercy C I didn''t do it on purpose just now, I had a cramp in my hand It''s all a misunderstanding" "How dare you still rinse and repeat this? Not only are you more courageous than others, but are also you more clever as well? Speak truthfully, who are you?" Yun Yang said icily. As he spoke, he rubbed his saber against the fatty''s cheeks. The chilling sensation immediately caused goosebumps to rise on his face. The fatty was shuddering and stuttering, "Big C b-b C big brother yo C you please C can you C can you move the s C sa C saber away first? I C this young brother C I feel like peeing" Yun Yang did not comply, his saber still resting against the fatty''s face, as he spoke in an exceptionally gentle manner, "Don''t be scared. This saber of mine is fast. When I behead you later, I''ll make sure you won''t know or feel anything. I guarantee it." The fatty pulled a long face and was trembling. Suddenly, his crotch area felt warm as moisture gushed out. He cried, "This C this is what I''m afraid of!" "Speak!" Yun Yang''s tone was colder than before. He was a stickler for hygiene, but he could not leave right away; he could only thicken his guarding mystical Qi to remove certain stenches. It would be a miracle if he could manage to sound happy under such circumstances! "Please, please hold your hand firm. This is really a misunderstanding" The fatty was bawling pitifully. "I thought you were one of the bastards pursuing me for the treasure I have. That''s why I Brother, it''s a misunderstanding, I swear to god!" "Treasure? What treasure?" Yun Yang questioned instinctively after the initial surprise. Slap! The fatty landed a harsh slap on his own face, regret washing over his expression. "What a loud mouth you have C do you intend to spit everything out?" 865 The Effervescent Rimed Orchid "Treasure?" Yun Yang''s gaze turned dangerous immediately. "I beg your pardon?" "Bro Brother I''ll speak C I''ll speak" The fatty felt dead inside. "It''s like this I was out and somehow, was identified that I had an Effervescent Rimed Orchid in my possession Since then, I have been hounded by that shameless bunch, so I ran and ran. It''s absurd, absolute injustice" He looked up at Yun Yang with tears hanging on his face. "I really thought that you were one of those scoundrels earlier I didn''t ambush you on purpose. You must believe me." Yun Yang made no response to the clarification and asked slowly, "The Effervescent Rimed Orchid? Where is it? Show it to me to prove that you''re not lying, then I''ll decide if I want to believe you." "Brother, you must believe me. Absolutely. I''ve asked someone to send that Rimed Orchid home," the fatty blinked and answered softly. "Sent it home?" "Yes C yes, yes, I''ve sent it back!" The fatty nodded like a chicken pecking at grains of rice. Yun Yang hummed and replied, "So if I found another Rimed Orchid, that''s my providence C at least, it''s not yours, right? Since you''ve sent yours back." "Huh C this, yes, that is correct. That''s exactly so. It''s only fair and reasonable, logically justified," the fatty agreed. Yun Yang smiled and turned away, speaking casually, "Since it has been a misunderstanding, we''ve cleared it all here. Let''s not meet again in the martial world." The fatty was stunned for a moment before he picked himself up from the ground as if awakened from a dream and watched Yun Yang''s retreating back. He was still a little dazed. Had he just survived this encounter? He had predicted that the handsome, fair-skinned man would threaten him and it would have been expected if he wrested his clothes away to conduct a search. Yet, how could this fine man be so kind? Immediately after that, the fatty spotted that Yun Yang was heading towards the rock that had the engraved tortoise. A shock coursed through the fatty; he scurried after him. "Big C big brother, bro, slow down Don''t trip yourself" As he walked, his hand went into his pants and yanked the musty, drenched underwear off before tossing it away. His pace then switched into a jog. It was worthy to note that the cool breeze that greeted him was rather enjoyable. When the rotund man caught up to him, Yun Yang was already lifting the rock up. The latter stuck his arm in and right away, he retrieved a box made of white jade. Without any hesitation, Yun Yang opened the box and saw a beautifully bloomed orchid lying quietly inside; its leaves and stem were healthy, its petals were crystalline and glossy, radiantly glowing with exquisite beauty. As Yun Yang stared at it, the Rimed Orchid seemed to change, as he saw a momentous picturesque scenery, followed by rich lush trees before a looming waterfall and a river that flowed between majestic mountains, as well as a starry night sky with a full moon greeted his sight It was only a small orchid, but it possessed an ever-changing hue and tone. It was incredibly magical. "I didn''t expect the Effervescent Rimed Orchid to be produced in such large quantities here. It''s so rare. You''ve just sent one home, but there''s one more here! I must look around meticulously later and see if I can find more Rimed Orchids" Yun Yang exclaimed with delight. The fatty, Qian Duoduo, stared at the Effervescent Rimed Orchids with eyes as round as saucers, the muscles on his face twitching uncontrollably. His gaze then shifted to Yun Yang, saying with a dry chuckle, "This C Big C big C bro''s luck is really good." "This flower is so pretty. Can this young brother have a look? I haven''t seen such a pretty and amazing orchid since birth" He then said in a simpering manner. Yun Yang shot him a curious glance. "What are you saying? Didn''t you just send one back? Haven''t seen enough of it yet?" "Mine was far lacking compared to this one you''ve got, big brother Heh heh" Qian Duoduo was flustered and giggled humorlessly. Yun Yang studied the Rimed Orchid in his hand and looked thoughtful. He asked slowly, "What''s the use of this Rimed Orchid?" Qian Duoduo''s eyes brightened as he answered ingratiatingly, "This orchid isn''t terribly useful. It''s just pretty and most probably in demand only because it stays alive longer The girls love it. I won''t lie to you, the main reason I want this orchid is to court the ladies. It''s especially effective" "I see. This amazing orchid actually amounts to such little use Such a disappointment, I thought I''d gotten some good luck Let me destroy it then, it''s only trouble keeping it," Yun Yang said with a sudden realization and was about to crush the flower without any mercy. Qian Duoduo sprinted over and pulled at Yun Yang''s hand. His face was pale. "Big bro Big Dear brother It''s such a pretty flower though C can you really bear kill it? Didn''t I say, it''s magical at winning over girls" "Winning over girls?" Yun Yang turned his head and smirked. "Fatty, I don''t care if your real name is Qian Duoduo. Whatever it is, you tell me the truth in every word you spit from this second on. Any false word and I''ll take this flower apart at once before it becomes your turn. Say, is it better if I pick your nerves and skin you first or suck your fats to light the lantern? These two decisions aren''t really mutually exclusive. I can do them both simultaneously. It''s not contradicting" "Mother, I understand" said the fatty while quivering. "What did you call me?" Yun Yang glared. "Mother! This useless mouth of mine Big brother This is my pet phrase C I can''t help it" He slapped himself twice and continued speaking with a long face, "I''ll cry out mother every time I''m nervous C I''ll cry god when I''m surprised This C this is a damned habit I''m totally honest" Yun Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry at such honesty and sighed softly at the sky, "Your pet phrase is ''mother''C I would have thought that it''d be ''heaven has justice''!" He really did not expect to meet a clown the moment he arrived at the Bound of Universe. If the fatty did fear death, he did not leave despite knowing that Yun Yang could kill him easily but stayed on He had acting skills as well C he was a total drama king, perhaps a corpulent drama king! "The Effervescent Rimed Orchid!" "Yes C yes, the Effervescent Rimed Orchid It''s a rare, exquisite gem. It can cure chronic diseases and incurable illnesses, bringing life again to those who''re supposed to be dead. However, what''s best about this magical plant is that it can heal the meridians of those whose meridians have been damaged and paralyzed in a short time, recovering their chance at life. This is priceless for a martial practitioner, specifically those whose cultivation base was destroyed and themselves utterly trounced C it''d be a dream. They won''t make a slight frown even if they have to pay a bigger price." After understanding that Yun Yang was not one to play around with, the fatty explained it truthfully with a long face, not daring to play the fool any longer. "Do you have someone handicapped like this at home? Hoping to heal them with this orchid?" Yun Yang questioned unflinchingly. 866 The Bound of Universe’s Creed and The Martial World’s Law It was apparent that the Effervescent Rimed Orchid was a brilliant artifact. It was not an exaggeration to even call it a precious treasure. Yet, such an item was not rare to Yun Yang; he was even a little disappointed about it. What could compare to Emmie if recovery and cure was the concern? The fatty''s face flushed immediately. He was quietly thoughtful for a moment before he replied, "I wanted to buy it for an emergency. No one will complain about such a fantastic item''s excessiveness. I just didn''t expect the danger of other people''s intentions after buying it and I was chased away from my family as well, losing their support Sigh, it''s terrible being pursued all this way. Morals these days have declined, and justice is present no more!" Yun Yang was puzzled. "Hold on, can you stop talking about justice? Solely based on your cultivation base and capability, how could you survive up until now if someone were to pursue you all the way? How can you still be so lively and able to fight?" The fatty felt utterly humiliated immediately as he replied vehemently, "What''s wrong with my cultivation base? I''m also an ace cultivator! I''m a solid level two Honor! Do you think the Bound of Universe is brimming with luna C third level Honor cultivators everywhere?" Yun Yang looked at him with a squint and smiled faintly, not giving any reply. Flustered, the fatty said, "The imperial court has its regulations, the martial world observes its ethics. The martial world naturally has its own law C if you rob, you can''t kill; if you kill, you can''t rob. This is a traditional law of steel. Who dares disobey it?" "There''s such a rule? This is new knowledge to me!" Yun Yang was surprised, wondering to himself. Robbing and killing were usually connected. If one only robbed and left the victim unscathed, would the robber not be waiting for the victim to seek revenge? How could there be such a rule here? Listening to what Yun Yang had said, the fatty was stumped. He looked at Yun Yang as if gazing at an immortal; the fatty then stuttered, "You C this isn''t right Why do you sound like an inexperienced chick?" "Inexperienced chick? You''re the inexperienced chick C your whole family is made up of inexperienced chicks I''ve indeed just arrived at this realm; so what is it to you?" Yun Yang retorted with a glare. He was rather sensitive when others called him inexperienced, first-timer or anything along those lines. Although he understood what the fatty meant by calling him an inexperienced fledging, it was purely out of instinct that he retorted angrily. The fatty''s mouth widened into a round black hole as he used a rather hysterical tone like he was going to die from the shock and said, "You C you just ascended?" He then thumped his chest. "A newbie who just ascended defeated me? Did me good? How useless I am" Yun Yang continued. "Today''s the first day I''ve gotten here." As his shoulders sank and his head hung low, the fatty seemed like he did not want to say a word more for the remainder of his confidence was crushed. At this moment, the frustration and humiliation he felt were even more than the fear he had for death. It was too embarrassing. He had been defeated by someone who just ascended "Alright, fatty, you C" "I''m not fatty! I''m Qian Duoduo! My name is Qian Duoduo! This is my real name! It''s a real name, alright! I''m Qian Duoduo, Qian Duoduo is me!" the fatty screamed aggressively. "Okay, okay, fatty. Let me tell you, I know this, whatever orchid is yours. I don''t have any use for it even if I take it. Let''s do it this way. As long as you give me an introduction to the small and big matters of the Bound of Universe, like the martial world law or the more influential schools and clans C as long as I''m satisfied with it, I''ll give the flower back to you and let you leave. What do you think?" Yun Yang stated his terms clearly. This fatty looked like he had reached his limit. If Yun Yang played around some more, he might overdo it. Furthermore, he was immediately aware that this realm was very distinctive from the Tianxuan Continent when he heard the rule of either robbery or murder. If such a rule were to exist, there must be more similar ones. Once they were violated, it would usually result in death. It was better for him to find out about them clearly. As for the fatty offending him, it was no big deal C he could beat him up whenever he was upset "Such a dream item C such a treasured gem You''re willing to return it to me?" the fatty asked in disbelief as he looked up to Yun Yang. Suddenly, something popped into his thoughts as he turned pale and shuddered, saying, "I was being an absolute idiot just now I thought you were from the Bound of Universe, rob without murder F*cking luck You''re actually a newbie, oblivious to any law and rule. What if you had stabbed me? How pointless my death would have been then... I wouldn''t even have a place to lodge a complaint Oh, how lucky I am" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. "Stop with your nonsense. Give me your answer directly. Trust me when I say I''d be brutal and let you sob to your heart''s content right here." "Alright, alright!" the fatty answered hastily, "I''ll definitely tell you everything I know. Once you listen to my introduction, I guarantee that you''ll be a Bound of Universe pro in a maximum of three days. I guarantee that it''s worth it and you''ll surely be satisfied!" Truthfully, the fatty was quite boastful with his words. With Yun Yang''s understanding of the Bound of Universe, he knew how large the area was and how dense the popularity Bound of Universe possessed. It also had many forces. To convey this information to him within three days was basically impossible! In spite of this, what surprised Yun Yang was that the fatty was not tooting his horn. He was really well versed with the Bound of Universe''s information, the facts and figures leaving his mouth like seasoned stories as he recounted them. "To roam the Bound of Universe''s martial world, one must know its celestial system and laws and obey them. It''s not to say that you must strictly adhere to them, but you mustn''t let anyone pick out a tangible mistake - at least on the surface. First, no lechery C death awaits if anyone commits this sin, no exception!" "Second, each career has its rules, robbers have ethics as well. The Bound of Universe itself is a super martial world. There are countless walks of life in this realm and each profession possesses a body of law of its own. Take for example robbery Like the assassins As for the bandits As well as the sects" The fatty delivered an elaborated speech on the diverse variety of life in the realm. Parched, he had already emptied three water bags but his excitement was evident in his increasingly ruddy self. These were things that the elders would usually harp on about to the younger ones before letting them off to the martial world alone. He was the one being educated and it came as a pleasant surprise that he had the opportunity to impart such knowledge to someone else. Of course, he would seize the chance and savor it C it was more than gratifying! "Assassins are commissioned to kill. You take someone''s money to put an end to their issue C but you can only take the payment. The patron pays, you kill the target. So ends the process. Even if the target is incomparably wealthy, you mustn''t take even a cent from him. Otherwise, you''ll die!" "Bandits camp at territories or they steal C cough, it''s the same rules. You take the money and not the life, or you take the life and not the money. If money''s what you''re after, you leave ten percent of chance. Even if the victim''s fortune is overflowing and you''re able to bag it all, you can only take, at most, ninety percent. You must leave ten percent untouched." "This is what they call to bind the sack before it is full." "As for duels in the martial world, if single combat is agreed upon, any side who violates the agreement will have to die even if they won. There''s no exception to this." "Sects and schools have their regulations too, but no one usually dies from breaking the rules despite receiving punishment. However, the principles are acknowledged publicly in the martial world; only death awaits you once you go against it! There no such thing as second chances." "The Bound of Universe''s celestial punishment needs only one strike of lightning to wipe out a top-notch expert." "Take a face-off for example; when the celestial punishment points at the violator, the area covered doesn''t stop at the violator alone C anyone who partakes in the battle will be held accountable, without exception." Yun Yang was immersed in the tale, feeling like he had really stepped into a whole new world. 867 A Buffoon "If this is the case, someone or some force must be maintaining Bound of Universe''s law and order? Then who''s the one to do so? Bound of Universe''s imperial court?" asked Yun Yang. "What imperial court? The martial world is the martial world. What even about the imperial court?" The fatty looked at Yun Yang with a despising gaze. "There''s no such person or force that can upkeep this law. This is a supernatural power that lives through the whole Bound of Universe It''s passed down that this law was personally decided by the Lord Sovereign back then. The power of the celestial punishment is also arranged by him!" "Lord Sovereign is a terrifying presence who can eliminate the entire Bound of Universe with a spit. Who dares disobey him?" "Therefore, the Bound of Universe''s martial world is a place of law and order!" "Here, you can be in any profession. As long as you work hard, as long as you make something out of your effort, you''ll be recognized. But each profession, each career, has its ethics. Some jobs that are more unique, those that are not mentioned in the law, you mustn''t think that you''ve gotten an advantage. The professions that aren''t governed by the law will still be restricted by the martial world''s regulation. Besides, all the rules will be attached to such occupations, resulting in more restraints" "When you first dwell in the martial world of Bound of Universe, it''s best to pick a profession that you''re suitable in. Whether it be assassin, bandit, escort, bodyguard, merchant, physician, or even roles in intelligence, fortunetelling, transportation, thievery, and prostitution, any occupation that works with people is fine" "But rules are rules C no one shall overstep them! Once you infringe it, there''s no distinction between small and severe punishments. There''s only one way to go C death! Your soul and physique are both extinguished!" Stringent law and uncompromising penalty! Yun Yang could not help pondering, '' Won''t the world be much more peaceful this way?'' At least, the weaker ones were protected by the world. The Lord Sovereign''s law sat well with Yun Yang. It was just that these rules and regulations took Yun Yang a lot of effort before they were digested. Even if there were parts he found difficult to understand, he committed them to memory so he could consider them again when he was free. "What about the martial levels in Bound of Universe? How''s the partition of forces? What are the big schools and clans and organizations" Yun Yang threw a bunch of questions. After all, these were the issues he was the most concerned with. "Ay, it''s irritating how you guys don''t know anything. You think that only you can only depend on martial forces when you roam the martial world?" the fatty complained condescendingly before he rattled on in explanation, "It''s like so" "Why not let us drink some wine while we talk?" "Then we must look for a good spot." "Alright." From the initial combat and critical life and death threats to the current drinking session, Yun Yang as the initiator did not feel absurd but the fatty''s reaction was spontaneous like it was a matter of course. He was simply a quirky man to behold. He knew that his cultivation base was lacking compared to Yun Yang and the both of them were in contradicting stances, battling for life, in which he was even in a less than advantageous state. For the fatty to be able to act so excitedly, he was truly a buffoon, doing what others could not. His interest and thrill was palpable, at least in Yun Yang''s eyes. If he was still acting, he would be worthy of an Oscars award. "Right, didn''t you say that people are after you?" Yun Yang recalled the issue. "It''s better to go for a more secluded place at this juncture." The fatty froze for a moment once he heard Yun Yang. With lingering fear, he glanced at the path leading to where they were and urged, "Let''s go, let''s go. Oh mother, I was only concerned with spilling the information to you just now and actually forgot this I set up a formation earlier. Although it was successfully activated, it won''t hold them back for long. Now" Colors drained away from his face abruptly as he pressed, "Go, go, go We''ll leave towards there. Let''s go quickly." The two of them switched their direction immediately and made several turns. After a while, they managed to leave the deserted area and arrived at another dense forest. Before they left, Yun Yang turned back and studied the forest that had already turned into dust, confusion in his eyes. Emmie had seemingly woken up once since coming to Bound of Universe before it fell right into a deep sleep again. It was different from the silence back then. Previously, it had gone into a self-defense hibernation mode due to the depletion of its energy; now, it was asleep because the sudden benefits it got was too much for it to digest instantly. When these nourishment melted into Emmie, it would go back to itself. However, Yun Yang had no idea about this. Both Qian Duoduo and Yun Yang walked around the forest. The former found a giant tree that a dozen of men would be needed to wrap around its trunk. Its canopy was like an umbrella that spread hundreds of feet wide in perimeter. It was a massive tree. "Let us talk more under this tree. Don''t" Before the fatty finished his sentence, he was frozen, quivering with a fallen jaw. Two men slowly emerged from the sides of the tree respectively. One was tall and thin, one was short and fat. Their arms were crossed before their chests while their gazes were trained on Qian Duoduo with a leer. "Qian Duoduo, we''re obviously lost but you find us on your own. We should really thank you for your generosity." Qian Duoduo was further dumbstruck and helpless. The atmosphere was awkward. Yun Yang stopped abruptly and took a step back, his eyes turning into a squint. His first thought was ''Is this Qian Duoduo''s trap?''. Then, he thought, ''Qian Duoduo won''t be so dumb, right?''. Lastly, he confirmed the answer C yes, this fella was really so stupid! Clever as Yun Yang was, he understood everything just by scanning the expressions of both parties. The current awkwardness was completely the fatty''s own doing. He had set up a confusion formation to mystify his enemies to which it was effective as they were indeed lost. In spite of it, he had so smartly found a safe spot upon escaping and had sent himself back to them again now. For this to actually happen, Yun Yang felt like he could break down from the hopelessness of the situation. How could there be such a buffoon in this world! If he, as a variable, were not here, did this not realize the saying ''you may escape a trouble from heaven but not the disaster of your own doing''? The tall and lean person stepped forward, looking like he was floating, as he stretched out his thin right arm. "Qian Duoduo, give us the Rimed Orchid. Why struggle in vain? Both of us dare not kill you but if you must be tortured before obeying why make this a trouble for us and suffer?" 868 Made a Partner In Crime Qian Duoduo''s plump cheeks jiggled as he cried out indignantly, "A scholar who''s been away for three days must be looked at with new eyes. How do you know that I won''t be the one to kill the both of you then? Then and now are different times." As he spoke, his gaze fleeted over to Yun Yang but he did not say anything more. The tall man was unaffected as he replied faintly, "According to the Bound of Universe''s law, we''re here to rob you. We can only take your fortune and not your life. You, as the victim, can, of course, defend yourself however you want, including killing us in self-defense. However are you able to kill us? A scholar who''s been away for three days must be looked at with new eyes C too bad we''ve only been away for a short while. This idiom isn''t even suited for us!" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. Qian Duoduo''s protest was clearly meant for him C"They can''t kill me, but we can kill them, it won''t infringe the Bound of Universe''s law!" In spite of this, who were ''we''? The fatty wanted to make Yun Yang his partner in crime! The latter honestly had no intention of provoking such a nuisance, thus he took a few more steps back and was ready to leave at any moment. After all, he had just arrived in this realm. The information he had received was too limited. It was best if he could stay away from anything outside of the plan. Otherwise, Yun Yang would have slaughtered Qian Duoduo when he ambushed him earlier. It was because he had just come to the Bound of Universe that he did not do so. He knew very well how severe the consequences would be if one thing triggered another. An ordinary looking fellow could carry a massively different background behind him. Yun Yang was a new Ascended. He knew too little about this world. It would be extremely unwise to make any enemies now. His current plan was to acquire a general picture of the Bound of Universe, its distribution of forces and the overt as well as covert rules it imposed. After that, he would cultivate in immersion to increase his ability some more before he entered the martial world and seek opportunities to climb the martial ladder. The Bound of Universe was different from Tianxuan Continent. Yun Yang was without the Nine Heavens Dictum''s intelligence support nor did he have Empire of Yutang''s assistance. He had to depend on himself. Not only did he have to plant his feet on the ground and carry each step out practically, but he also had to be cautious, like he was walking on ice! To recklessly find fault when he did not have any basis to do so and not even the least amount of knowledge of this world Yun Yang would never do such a thing. In spite of this, the vicissitudes of life meant that nothing was predictable. There was a saying that one was not afraid of something bad that happened for it would be worse if one met someone bad! When Qian Duoduo saw Yun Yang''s movement, he was prompt and decisively pointed a finger at Yun Yang. "He has snatched the Rimed Orchid. What can you do to me now?" He sounded like a thug but he was, in truth, pushing the responsibility away. Otherwise, he would have said that the flower was snatched by someone else and not point fingers directly at Yun Yang. It was apparent that he intended for Yun Yang to be dragged into the mess. The pair''s gazes shot over like lightning strikes as fiendish smiles tugged at the corners of their mouths. They were robbing Qian Duoduo and due to the law''s restriction, they dared not kill him. With the intervention of a third party, however, the situation was different. This was an additional bandit; it would become bandit killing bandit. There was no restriction of law factored, thus making it easier for the pair to make their move! "Child" Before the lean and tall one could finish what he was saying, Yun Yang did something that caught the three people by surprise. He retrieved the jade box that contained the Rimed Orchid and opened it, exposing the Effervescent Rimed Orchid before saying, "It''s this orchid, correct?" He then closed the jade box and ''swoosh'', went the box as his arm swung. The jade container landed in Qian Duoduo''s embrace. The latter''s jaw dropped, panicking as he held the jade box. ''How did C how did the Rimed Orchid come back to me, just like this?'' ''You''re a f*cking third level Honor!'' ''Third level Honor!'' ''Where''s your courage?'' ''Where''s your sense of responsibility?'' ''And C and where''s your dignity?'' Yun Yang spoke casually, "Back to where we were, you''ve already fulfilled my request. OF course, I must return you the flower. There you go, the orchid''s yours now. Nothing here concerns me anymore. I bid my leave, everyone." Although Qian Duoduo had yet to finish telling him about Bound of Universe, he could find anyone to complete the task. There was no need for him to confront an enemy whose capability he had no idea of for the fatty. Yun Yang was very levelheaded and turned to leave, not even a sliver of hesitation in his movement. Hugging the jade box that held the Rimed Orchid, the fatty was crying badly, despite regaining his possession. He was befuddled. ''Why is there a plot twist like this?'' ''I''ve never seen something like this throughout the many years I''ve roamed this martial world!'' The tall and lean man''s gaze gleamed as he suddenly called out to stop Yun Yang, "Hold on right there!" "Handsome, where are you going!" The fat one beside the former man sprung up and blocked Yun Yang''s way. A frown appeared between Yun Yang''s brows. "What do you want?" He stayed away from mortal affairs, but they had come to him; he did not want any trouble but trouble came skipping to him anyway. The fat shorty scoffed, "You want to leave after seeing our transaction? There''s no such advantage in this world." "I actually don''t understand why you want to stop me," Yun Yang sighed and said, "Your goal is to rob Qian Duoduo''s Rimed Orchid, but you won''t kill him in the process. This means that there''s no worry of me spreading the news. If Qian Duoduo wanted to, he''d think of his ways to broadcast this incident. Qian Duoduo and I aren''t together, I don''t think you can''t see through this. This also means that I won''t fight you two for him. Lastly and most importantly, you and I, we don''t know each other. You don''t know the level of my ability as well; aren''t you afraid of a sticky mess? It''s best not to branch out into more trouble when you''re onto something serious. It''s impossible that you don''t understand such a simple theory!" "What you say is correct but useless. Leave the wealth you carry on you and chop off your legs before you can go," the short fatty chuckled menacingly and barked his instructions. Yun Yang raised his head lightly. During that moment, a stark realization struck him. It was true that one could only either rob or kill but that was not the absolute end to it because any law had its loophole. For example, these two people here would not actually kill him or Qian Duoduo, but they would very likely severe his legs. How could someone who lost both his legs and his belonging survive in this martial world that thrived on risk? Whether the man was ultimately eaten by a beast or killed by others, the two initial culprits would have avoided the lawful constraints as they were the ones who originally killed the victim "There are many clever men in this world, but some assume themselves to be clever while some are actually smart" Yun Yang sighed and glanced at Qian Duoduo. It seemed that he had been made this fatty''s partner in crime today. It was the fatty''s wishful thinking, but it was indulged passively by Yun Yang. Qian Duoduo perked up instantly as he made a little celebratory dance. "Boss, kill these two jerks!" The fat and thin pair were on guard at once. Staring at Yun Yang, they spoke, "Our mistake. You''re actually Qian Duoduo''s boss. How impolite of us." Yun Yang smiled without any sincerity and replied, "No need to say more. Let me see how capable you clever ones actually are." With a sharp gasp, his saber was pulled out of its scabbard. The tip was pointed towards the bandit pair as Yun Yang said, "I do not wish to speak another word to the both of you. Move quickly if you want, less nonsense!" 869 Fight! Yun Yang''s unusually forward reaction stunned the duo instead. Rarely had they met a victim who was so frank and outright. In the face of their aggressiveness, should he not negotiate his way out first before begging for mercy? Only then could he compromise and obey them; after he was forced into a corner and toyed with like cats chasing a mouse. Why did he act like he had ulterior intentions? It even felt like he was anticipating to harm them. It did not look right. Qian Duoduo, who was standing by the side, called out a reminder, "Be careful, boss. These two men are quite infamous for being the Savage Duo of Bamboo Garden. They''re both third level pinnacle of Honor." His ''kind'' reminder infuriated the so-called Savage Duo of Bamboo Garden and Yun Yang as well. ''If it wasn''t for you, would your father have come up against these C uh C Savage Duo of Bamboo Garden so soon?'' Reaching a discord, the situation was clear to both parties. The pair facing Yun Yang said nothing more as they hovered into the air, unleashing their sword and ax in a fierce motion. They had just risen, yet to attack, but Yun Yang could already feel an unprecedented pressure snaking its way towards him. The overwhelming force was enough to give Yun Yang an idea of the pair''s level. Standing in the midst of a lethal threat, he was delighted instead of being shocked; an unusual thought bubbled within him. Based on the capability the two men showed, it felt like they were the same level as Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou C to him, at least. Perhaps they could not even compare to the two elderly experts, but they were somewhat on par. According to little fatty Qian Duoduo''s introduction and the current situation he faced, this meant that Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou as well as Gu Chaliang who came earlier were basically safe here in the Bound of Universe as long as they did not walk into trouble. Yun Yang was very much relieved thinking about this. As for Ji Lingxi, he did not even need to worry about her. The lady''s fatal red light allowed her to not only dominate the Tianxuan Continent but to do the same here. At the very least, before meeting any pinnacle masters who could break the guarding red beam, Ji Lingxi need not be afraid of anyone. In addition, her cultivation base was beyond ordinary, already surpassing Ling Xiaozui and Dugu Chou. She was already a master! "Wonderful." As Yun Yang observed the incoming attack, he swiftly unsheathed the Divine Edge. The aura he exuded transformed immediately from the gentlemanly young master earlier to that of an unstoppable terminator. The pair could not help the sense of shock that flooded their minds. Although both sides had yet to officially come into contact, the impregnable vibe from Yun Yang was tidal. It was a strange atmosphere like one was touching the sky while standing on the earth, like an imposing mountain that was both majestic and solemn. The bony one was already halfway through his sword strike but he suddenly twisted aside. The gleaming beam in his palm flickered and shot out, hitting Qian Duoduo''s lower abdomen. They had erred in their earlier judgment. This young man before them was actually a formidable opponent and was most probably a tough one to take down. Therefore, what they had to do now was not to end the battle as soon as possible but eliminate Yun Yang''s combat support, Qian Duoduo. Only by ridding the fatty''s combat power and ability to assist Yun Yang, could the pair then erase any anticipating trouble and go all out to take Yun Yang down. They could even leverage on Qian Duoduo as the young man''s sore spot to distract him and annihilate them both! Qian Duoduo''s cultivation base was not bad, level two of an Honor, but he was less experienced in practical combat. Taking the initiative to attack, he was considerably lithe and strong, but when he was ambushed without any expectation, he was not adequately spontaneous and was struck at once. The fatty cried out instinctively. In truth, it was not a matter of concern, since his ambush was expected to Yun Yang. He was still quite wary of the fellow, so he had not helped nor warned him, intending to teach him a lesson. After all, the bony one''s attack was only to handicap Qian Duoduo''s combat power and not to kill him. However, the self-preserving blue light that flashed from Qian Duoduo once he was attacked gave Yun Yang a significant scare. When the gold gleam reached Qian Duoduo''s lower abdomen, a ray of blue radiance rose and parried the gleam. "Something is strange about this fellow''s weapon. Let us first finish him off together," the fat one growled. The bony one had only wasted a blink of an eye''s time, but it was during this split second that the fat one was engulfed in Yun Yang''s storm of saber light. "Clang, clang, clang" As the weapons collided consistently and clanked, the fat bandit was heartbroken to find out that the excellent hacking ax he roamed the martial world with was utterly beaten up. When the bony robber had come to his support with his sword, the fat one finally had a chance to rest and check his treasured weapon; the hacking ax he had babied so much had already turned into a jagged saw! From its blade to its handle, crevices lined the surface neatly in one direction. Even if he wanted to use it as a saw blade afterward, it would not work The fat bandit was so stunned that he had no tears to shed for this unfortunate incident. Then, the thin bandit hollered like the fat one earlier, "Fatty! What are you doing? This child''s weapon is wicked! Help out here!" As the fat bandit looked in the direction of the hollering, he saw that the thin bandit''s sword was in a similar state as his ax. Just as he was about to provide assistance, a crisp ringing was heard as the sword broke into two, deeming its own end. The poor sword consequently became three pieces, as Yun Yang would not stop just because his enemy''s weapon was broken. It was logical that he would follow up his attack when his opponent was down! The bony bandit deflected the attack, barely, and retreated with the intention of a temporal escape. In spite of this, the handsome face who wore fluttering purple robes was emotionless when he pushed forward insistently; his determination to kill was blatant. Some clamor later, the thin bandit had only the grip of his sword in his hand. "Third level Honor?" both the robbers exclaimed simultaneously. Before this, they had tried as much as they could to overestimate Yun Yang''s cultivation, but the two of them still did not expect that such a young man was a difficult character whose cultivation base rivaled them who had cultivated for hundreds of years. Otherwise, no instrument, no matter how divine they were, could break their weapons that were fortified with powerful mystical Qi so easily. The bony one withdrew. As he did, he threw the sword grip like a secret weapon in order to fight for the littlest amount of gap. With a cheery blink, another sword appeared in his hand. As for the fat one, he changed his weapon to another ax too, bolting forward to take over the battle. Both the bandits knew that the youth''s combat power exceeded their prediction. If anyone between them was defeated, the remaining one could never be exempted from the same fate as well. Survival was only possible if both of them worked together and fought with all their might. In spite of this, Yun Yang still looked as cold as an ice sculpture. He suddenly changed his stance, and the saber light that sprayed out transformed accordingly. 870 The Celestial Luck Banner Almost immediately, the saber light spilled over like a storm, intensely focused on the bony bandit. A saber materialized out of thin air, almost invisible due to its speed, as it shot straight for the fatal spot between the fat bandit''s brows. For the first time, the saber truth, Destiny Blade, greeted the Bound of Universe! Merciless Blade, Merciless Dao C the styles were directed at different targets but they had been executed concurrently. A splatter of blood gleamed following the form as the bandits drew back almost simultaneously with loud cries. The fat one hurriedly cried out, "Who are you? This is a misunderstanding, have mercy." Yun Yang remained stoic but his saber light exploded with sheer intensity. Saber Laic C another realm seemed to emerge right before the two bandits. The bandits'' upper bodies, their shoulders, and their chests, were littered with wounds. They staggered as they withdrew, bleeding heavily. Both of them were terrified and agitated; wielding their weapons fervently, they attempted to put up a defense, but there was no stopping the absorbing laic attacks. Ultimately, they managed to parry the saber form based on their proficient cultivation base and self-defending mystical Qi; they remained alive but injured. However, what caused their despair to grow even more debilitating came at the very next moment. Black and white, Yin and Yang, two beams of opposite yet complementing saber light flashed into existence in the sky. The Destiny Blade''s saber forms presented themselves consecutively, continuing their saber legend in the Bound of Universe. "Life and Death in a Thought!" Yun Yang''s icy voice rang out. "Stop! We''re C" Gripped in the horrible feeling of death, both bandits shouted in hopes of salvaging the situation. It was too late. Before they finished their words, their heads were already soaring through the air as blood spurted from the gaping cuts, putting an end to the battle. A blink of violet and Yun Yang stood tall thirty feet away, staring into the distance as the beheaded corpses that had yet to collapse jetted blood from their necks. After a while, two soft thuds could be heard; the corpses had succumbed and fallen to the earth. Almost at once, two mystical auras slipped into Yun Yang''s deific consciousness. The youth''s brow arched. This was most probably the karmic force of this realm, existing much stronger in this present form than in the Tianxuan Continent. The karmic force of killing two people like this was much more than that when he killed hundreds of wrongdoers in Tianxuan Continent. It was a considerable harvest. The outcome delighted Yun Yang, but he still experienced conflicting emotions The little fatty Qian Duoduo stared at Yun Yang in a stupor before his frozen gaze shifted to the two corpses. He screamed with all his might, "Ah! Ahh! Ahh! Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh, my land! Oh my heaven!" "Are you out of your mind?" Yun Yang asked with a frown. ''I''ve helped him kill his enemy, but here he is, shrieking like a lunatic without any sense of joy What is he up to? Has he gotten inebriated from excessive acting?'' Yun Yang was already annoyed with him, but his irritation grew even further. Yet, as he turned to look, he could not help widening his eyes too. Ghostly images of two banners popped out above the two corpses laid on the ground. They hovered in the air, fluttering softly. It was a sight never before seen. Despite the flags being only a shadow, it was obvious that they were glimmering. If it were not for their ephemeral appearance, it was like the banners were real! It was remarkably strange. After proficient cultivators died, their spiritual essence would show due to their significant cultivation base. They could even enter the cycle of reincarnation consciously. Such occurrences were not rare. It was unusual, however, to have two banners jump out of the dead bodies like this. What did it mean? This situation was completely beyond Yun Yang''s experience and knowledge! Despite his wisdom and calm, he was still bewildered, asking with a frown, "What is this?" The question was, of course, posed to Qian Duoduo, a local of the Bound of Universe. Surprisingly, just as Yun Yang finished his question, the two banners were already rising into the air and vanishing quickly as they drifted up. All traces of their existence quickly disappeared. Little fatty shrieked with all his might, "The Celestial Luck Banner! It''s the green Celestial Luck Banner! Ah, it''s the Celestial Luck Banner! We''re doomed! We''re doomed!" "Doomed? What are you shrieking at? Summoning spirits?" Yun Yang scolded as he slapped the agitated culprit straight across his face. Qian Duoduo was in total despair. "Boss, we''re in deep sh*t" "Deep sh*t?" Yun Yang frowned. "What sh*t?" Grief and anguish were clearly written across the fatty''s face. "This is the freaking Celestial Luck Banner Oh my god" "This isn''t a good place to talk. Let''s go," Yun Yang said as he dragged the dumbfounded fatty and rapidly took care of the corpses, leaving the place swiftly. He knew that the matter was grave just by looking at the fatty''s reaction, but the bandits were already killed. It was no use crying over spilled milk, thus it was more important to understand the cause and effect of the situation. The fatty seemed to want to make things clear on the spot but the case was not something easily spelled out in a moment or two. Still, Yun Yang needed to understand the scenario promptly, so it was better to find a spot and shed light on this. A long time later, in a secluded cave, the color had yet to return to Qian Duoduo''s face. His gaze was still slightly dazed. "The Celestial Luck Banner ah, you won''t know about it since you just ascended. Let me tell you The Celestial Luck Banner is a gem second to none in this world." "Only when you form a school or clan and it has grown to a level substantial enough to obtain the recognition of the god that the Celestial Luck Banner will appear. In other words, the Celestial Luck Banner is basically a sect''s most treasured and representative treasure!" "The Celestial Luck Banner gathers the spiritual Qi of heaven and earth to hold the sect''s providence. It''s a destiny gem, a heaven''s providence treasure!" "The Celestial Luck Banner is classified into six classes. The lower class flag is black. Any sector school that reaches a certain scale and a certain capability will qualify to have it. Once the school or sect has the Celestial Luck Banner, its influence will shoot up because its members will enjoy additional benefits when they cultivate." "A lower class black Celestial Luck Banner allows the spiritual Qi of where the sect is located to increase its richness by two. Due to the attached providence of the sect, its disciples'' speed of absorbing spiritual Qi in cultivation will be several times more than ordinary rogue cultivators. Do you understand, now that I''ve put it this way? The spiritual Qi intensity increases by two times and the cultivation speed increases by two times from providence. By my calculation, a lower class school''s disciple is four times quicker in cultivation speed than rogue cultivators who are independent of schools and sects." "Do you understand now?" the fatty asked rather mournfully as he looked at Yun Yang. Yun Yang breathed in deeply and answered, "A little. Then? Do higher class Celestial Luck Banners have stronger effects?" He thought, ''If this is the case, aren''t the rogue cultivators destined to be doomed in this realm? No matter how gifted and intelligent above the rest they are, how could they compare to those who are assisted by the sects they''re in?'' ''Besides, which disciple''s talent will be lacking when they can be absorbed into notable sects?'' "What''s above the lower class black Celestial Luck Banner is the middle-class green flag," said the fatty, "The Green Celestial Luck Banner can quadruple the spiritual Qi potency around the sect location while the providence addition to the sect is still two times more. However, combining them makes grow six times." Qian Duoduo blinked and exclaimed, "Attached providence sounds mystical, but it''s merely a fixed variable. No matter what class the Celestial Luck Banner is, the attached providence only doubles. Let''s illustrate this with a Black Celestial Luck Banner sect C if the spiritual Qi a rogue cultivator absorbs during cultivation is one, the lower class sect''s two times of spiritual Qi is four, and adding the two times from the providence, it''s actually six times more than a rogue cultivator. If they cultivate like this for a year, it will be equaled to six years of cultivation by a rogue cultivator." "The middle-class sect that possesses four times the spiritual Qi will be sixteen times faster compared to the independent cultivators. Adding the two times from the attached providence, makes it eighteen times more. This means that the middle-class sect is three times faster in cultivation speed compared to a lower class sect, and eighteen times quicker than a rogue cultivator!" As the fatty elaborated, Yun Yang understood it all; terror and shock quickly engulfed him. "Don''t be so surprised yet. A higher class sect that has the Silver Celestial Luck Banner will possess spiritual Qi ten times more potent and of course, double the attached providence. Ten times of spiritual Qi means a thousand and twenty-four times more, added to the two times of providence, totals to one thousand and twenty-six times more. In other words, cultivating for a day in an upper-class sect will equal to a rogue cultivator cultivating three years and more. That''s seven times faster than a middle-class sect and over two hundred times faster than a lower class sect!" Yun Yang''s eyes were dilated at this point. How could there be such a thing in this world? Did this not mean that cultivating in an upper-class sect would make one spring right into heaven? Could rogue cultivators even survive in the Bound of Universe? The fatty continued his explanation, "These are only the lower, middle, and upper-class sect, three of the many classes in the Celestial Luck Banner. Going up further the ladder, you have the Gold Celestial Luck Banner, the Amethyst Celestial Luck Banner The Gold Celestial Luck Banner has sixteen times the spiritual Qi while the Amethyst flag has sixty times that. As for that particular bit of information, well, you can count it yourself." "It has been said that the cultivation base achieved in one day of cultivation by a disciple in the sect that possesses the Amethyst banner, purely by using multiplication, is equivalent to a century of cultivation by beginner sect''s disciples!" "These differ from person to person and talent to talent, and prodigious disciples are extremely rare in any of the schools as well, but due to such multiplied aid, even the most appalling disciple in a higher class sect will be better and more capable than the most prodigious disciple of a lower class school!" "In contrast to sects and schools, families and clans that could possess the Celestial Luck Banner are relatively limited. Of course, there are super clans that were established since ages ago that have the flags C these are not low class either. However, most of these so-called noble families or clans are only tethered to certain sects, becoming their bonded helpers and cultivating by borrowing the force of the sect''s Celestial Luck Banner" Qian Duoduo sighed and said, "This is also the main reason why poor families can hardly produce rich children in the Bound of Universe now. This is why the general rule in the martial world is all about sect against sect, clan against clan The so-called lone wolf bandits, the rogue martial practitioners they have become increasingly rare and hard to find!" 871 The Dying Success Stories From Humble Homes? Yun Yang heaved a sigh. "That''s correct. Humble families can hardly produce successful children if this system goes on." "All in all, the disparity of spiritual Qi distribution in this realm is too great" The fatty chuckled and said, "Think about it. Even if you''re a paramount genius with a fitting masterly cultivation method, a hundred years of cultivation can''t even compare to a day of cultivation in those top notch schools How do you compete with others? The circumstances force one to join sects in order to go a step further. Yet, to join these sects, especially the notable schools, isn''t an easy feat. The term tumultuous cultivation journey isn''t just a saying!" Yun Yang began to look serious. ''That''s true. The entire lifetime of an ordinary cultivator is only a day of a super sect''s disciple!'' ''How can a comparison even be made?'' ''According to what fatty says, it''s not even nearly impossible to reign the Bound of Universe alone C it''s simply impossible!'' While Yun Yang was engulfed in negativity, he heard the fatty speak again. "That being said, the forces that have the Amethyst and Gold Celestial Luck Banners aren''t usually active in the martial world. Even if they are, they rarely expose their identities After all, to compete or battle with others possessing a similar background and status, is simply irritating." "Then again, the organizations that have the black, green and silver flags could already overlook their peers and the rogue cultivators with a squint." When Qian Duoduo spoke of these matters, his plump face was radiant and animated. Yun Yang was in luck. If it had been someone else, he might have known these things as well, but he might not be as knowledgeable and all-knowing like this fatty who was thoroughly informed of all minute details. Qian Duoduo''s cultivation base was not worthy of regard to Yun Yang, but his delivery of information that the latter wanted to know was eloquent and enlightening. His knowledge was extensive and exhaustive. Despite himself, Yun Yang was impressed. Perhaps this was the cause of his lesser significant cultivation base and limited combat power, Yun Yang concluded inwardly. "In the Bound of Universe''s martial world, openly, it''s ruled by four top forces. The nine continents and four oceans are divided into four territories. Where we are now is under the jurisdiction of the Sacred Heart Palace, one of the four palaces in the Eastern Celestial Court. The other three palaces in the Eastern Celestial Court are the Sacred Essence Palace, the Sacred Soul Palace, and the Sacred Spirit Palace." "The four forces are the Unfettered Court, the Eastern Celestial Court, the Western Sacred Court, and the Northern Magic Court. The Eastern Celestial Court is ranked number two here, right after the Yao race''s Unfettered Court. The reason the Unfettered Court is at the top is due to the Regal Daemon Lord''s brilliance and unprecedented power, as well as his subordinates, the Twelve Daemon Kings and the Thirty-Six Daemon Generals C they are all formidable characters, difficult to defeat." Subsequently, Qian Duoduo began introducing the four forces'' power distribution and territories respectively, including their individual characteristics and abilities. It seemed unending as the Eastern Celestial Court alone took him four hours and he did not look like he was coming to a close, but had only covered the tip of the iceberg. Yun Yang was not in a hurry, however, carefully listening and memorizing what was being told. What he had obtained today would be things he would possibly need when he roamed the Bound of Universe in the future. It was better the more detailed his knowledge was, so he was not at all annoyed by the fatty''s ceaseless narration. To Yun Yang, the more elaborate and specific he rambled, the better it was. "Actually, as the top four forces of the Bound of Universe, other than the bottom and middle people and sects that are active, the higher ranked ace cultivators no longer care to roam this martial world. It does not befit their status" After a long time, when the fatty finally finished explaining the four forces, he said this as a closing line. Yun Yang could not help being choked up about this. ''F*ck this, they are not no longer active in this realm, but you talk about them so excitedly from night to day'' At the same time, there was a deep sense of shock within Yun Yang that rippled through him. There seemed to be another meaning to the fatty''s words. The ace cultivators were no longer active in this martial world, but the main point was not that they did not care to do so or how low their status would be. More importantly, where else were they being active at? Such cultivators, such high-leveled presences, would never go into seclusion nor stop their cultivation journey. The actual interpretation of being inactive in this martial world could only mean that they had other encounters and experiences! Wherever that was, it must be incomparable to the ordinary martial world. "Under the four forces, peer cultivators from the four palaces of the Eastern Celestial Court basically don''t roam the martial world much already. Everyone knows that they haven''t truly disappeared from this world, but even if they were still active, who could recognize them as long as they don''t expose themselves? Therefore, the various notable sects'' fight of hegemony is done openly here." "Under each palace, there are three upper-class sects, six middle-class sects, and nine lower class sects. These sects and schools are qualified to own the Celestial Luck Banner while after them, that''ll be the lower-ranking sects and rogue cultivators who don''t have the flag, as well as the clans, all of which are fighting and competing for a chance to climb up." The fatty''s tone was laced with a sense of sadness, but the suddenness of it made Yun Yang look closely at him with a curious expression that begged the question, ''What are you lamenting about?''. "What does a chance to go up mean, in particular?" asked Yun Yang. "The ownership of the Celestial Luck Banner!" said Qian Duoduo, "The ownership of the Celestial Luck Banner is not constant, it can be taken away. When a school comes to a certain standard, it can challenge the sects that have the Celestial Luck Banners. Once the challenge succeeds, it can replace the sect challenged and obtain the flag they originally owned. As for the defeated school, it''ll fall, due to its defeat." "This is also the last passage towards the heavens and the way of Dao for the bottommost cultivators that the creator of the Celestial Luck Banner left for!" Yun Yang''s eyes brightened up at the sound of this. He stroked his chin and murmured, "There''s something like this? That''s interesting" "Interesting?" Qian Duoduo scoffed after a glance at Yun Yang and said, "You think it''s an easy path? This path is none other than a single-log bridge, a way of no return! In the four palaces under the Eastern Celestial Court, each palace contains only three upper class, six middle class, and nine lower class schools C a total of eighteen sects. Do you know how many sects and forces there are that don''t possess the Celestial Luck Banner? How many people who want to sprint across this single-log bridge?" "How many? Could there be hundreds of them? To pick one out of hundreds?" asked Yun Yang. "Pick one out of hundreds? Hah! There''s at least twenty to thirty thousand of them under each palace - and that''s the most reserved estimation." The words left the fatty''s lips airily. "Yes, this amount is about right. It''s the sects, schools, and clans that make up this number. It''s far from enough to describe it using one out of hundreds. Isn''t it more interesting now?" Yun Yang quivered slightly, oblivious to the fatty''s mocking tone for a moment. Twenty to thirty thousand forces to nine lower class Celestial Luck Banners What a ratio It was not even one out of hundred C it was one out of thousands or tens of thousands! 872 Where Shall Thou Go? "Furthermore, up to this day, ever since fighting for the Celestial Luck Banner was permitted, there are less than a hundred sects that succeeded in snatching the flag." The fatty took a pause before he continued, saying, "Yes, by up to this day, I mean a point in time hundreds of thousands of years ago to this day. There are fewer than a hundred who have succeeded in all this time. Isn''t it even more interesting now?" Yun Yang coughed but he did not bother to retort. "Surprised already? Do you know how many there are of the lower class sects that rose to the middle class and succeeded in fighting against other middle-class sects?" the fatty said very calmly while squinting at Yun Yang. Despite feeling discouraged, Yun Yang did not want to give in. He squinted at the rotund fellow and asked, "How many?" "I forgot if it was eight or nine. Definitely lesser than ten anyway." The fatty licked his lips and said, "Also, how many of the middle-class schools who rose to the upper class? I remember this very clearly. For so many years, only two! Two!" Yun Yang replied as he rolled his eyes, "Then how many are there among the upper-class schools that have ascended to the palace class?" The fatty replied with a hiss, "Heh, what a wild imagination you have Upper class to palace rank? A prodigious Ascended it must be, indeed, far-sighted and wise, to think about such farfetched technical levels right away I''m sorry, this young brother''s knowledge is incredibly limited. From what I know there''s" He smirked before continuing, "Not even one." When he mentioned "prodigious Ascended", his tone was rather strange. Yun Yang remained silent, tearing his gaze off of the fatty. The latter continued to stare at Yun Yang with a squint before he stretched his legs out and lay down comfortably. Cushioning his head with his arms, the fatty spoke as if he was talking in his sleep, "Brother, it''s not that I''m purposefully crushing your hopes. You''ve just ascended and your cultivation base is already the third level of Honor." "Forget the fact that you must already be unrivaled in your original realm, a supreme master that''s never been seen before C you''re considered a prodigy here in the Bound of Universe as well. However, in the Bound of Universe, it''s never about being able to go far just because you''re a genius or your cultivation base will forever remain proficient." "If luck isn''t on your side, this could very well be the peak of your life. Who knows when you''ll meet a tough one who finishes you off? If your luck is better, you may be able to join a clan that''s attached to a lower class sect and enjoys half of the Celestial Luck Banner C don''t you dare look down on that. That''s really a good amount of luck already. If you''re exceptionally lucky, you may gain the favor or the liking of someone from a lower class school and enter it as a disciple. Of course, if Lady Luck favors you so much, it''s not entirely impossible to enter a middle-class sect directly. However, your chances are as good as a meteor falling from the sky and striking your asshole precisely without injuring you As for upper-class schools and above, that''s something we can''t even dream about. Save your wishful thinking lest you tear up after a beautiful dream slips through your hands" "Oh, right. With your talent and current cultivation base and ability, perhaps you can try for the super clans. I must warn you though, the super clans are few in number and rarely show themselves, so much so that ordinary martial practitioners could hardly come in touch with them." "This young brother, I, shall tell you something honest. The cultivation methods in this world are countless and varied. There are only those that you can''t think of, never ones the cultivation methods can''t cover. It''s a pity that most of them are in the hands of schools and clans. There are nearly no resources at all in the martial world." "Do you understand now? The entire reality of the Bound of Universe is based on mere numbers. Rogue cultivators have no resources!" "Now that you''re aware of these, do you feel your future turning pitch black? Not even a glimmer of hope?" Qian Duoduo crushed Yun Yang with his words without any effort, his eyes twinkling with relish over the matter. "Aren''t you left with hopelessness and despair?" Yun Yang''s eyes were narrowed into a squint as he nodded slowly, saying, "You''re right. I really do have only one feeling now" "What feeling is it? Can you share it?" "Right now, I feel that I should thank you properly and help you work your limbs and muscles." "I beg your pardon?" With a pained cry, Yun Yang was already on top of the other, showering punches and kicks. The fatty''s delight ended in agony, as he was beaten up by a certain heartless one. Although he begged for mercy incessantly, it was futile. He had turned into a swollen form of himself within an instant. After a while, Yun Yang looked over to Qian Duoduo with a crisp spirit. "Continue." "My cheeks hurt, I can''t speak" "So serious? Let me rub them for you!" "No need, no need. I''m just blabbering I''ll speak, I''ll speak now." The fatty gave a two-day lecture covering both major and trivial information, spit foaming as he presented the rules of different occupations, division of forces, schools and sects, cultivation base and levels in the Bound of Universe, as well as the whole story about the Celestial Luck Banner, specifically regarding the methods of obtaining and snatching the flag and successful examples The more Yun Yang listened to him, the more he felt that the fatty was a talent. He was truly a gifted man! If this large amount of information was the knowledge of cultivators who were substantially successful, it was not unusual. However, to compare to the fatty who spoke with so much familiarity and was very versed in each field, not many could pass! Such eloquence and organizational skill did not belong to simply anyone. By the time Yun Yang was done listening to the speech, it was already dawn of the third day. He was not at all fatigued. Sitting upright by the cave and gazing at the first rays of the day outside, he was silent in his own thoughts. The fatty who similarly pulled a few all-nighters and had his eyes rimmed red stole glances at Yun Yang''s expression. Other than the dilated veins in his eyes, there were also brimming interest and hope. He was guessing that Yun Yang must be contemplating his future path in Bound of Universe. Qian Duoduo was filled with curiosity. What was the plan of this handsome lad? One thing he was sure, however, was that whichever route Yun Yang decided on, it would not be a smooth one! The sky gradually brightened. The droplets of dew hanging off the leaves by the cave were sparkling with crystalline splendor. Like an old monk who was meditating, Yun Yang was immersed deep in his thoughts. The fatty could no longer hold himself in as he crawled over carefully and said, "Boss you what do you plan to do? This young brother is useless but I''m willing to offer you my service!" Yun Yang was not surprised by his reaction. He had long seen past the fact that the fellow had nowhere to go and was without a future too. Following him would instead be the best path now. Otherwise, he would not have given such an effortful lecture. It was like the fatty was fearful of being careless and accidentally violated some celestial law. "You mentioned the Black Celestial Luck Banner, the Green, Silver, Gold, and Amethyst just now but these are only five classes. Didn''t you say that there''s a total of six classes?" "Cough, the final supreme flag is not known to ordinary people. Everyone knows that there''s such a flag, but no one knows what it looks like." "I see." Yun Yang pondered for a moment before returning to the topic at hand, asking, "What do you wish for me to do?" As he raised the question, he was crisp and calm in his mind. He had already decided. 873 The Toughest Route Fatty Qian Duoduo rolled his eyes and said, "How would I know what you should do? All I ask from you now is that we partner up during this period of time. I''ve felt rather fond of you and I believe we were fated to be since I saw you" "Pardon? Partner up? Fond and fated?" Yun Yang turned to stare at him, his eyes widening abnormally. He was expecting a certain amount of refuge-seeking, but what vocabulary was he using? Could he be more shameless? Was he secretly addicted to his beatings? Fatty looked a little bashful as he said, "I cough Actually I''m just a little lonely. I want to find a partner" A chuckle almost escaped Yun Yang. ''Lonely? Why don''t you say that you''ve been cold and empty? Your father has a strong embrace, but it''s not for you!'' "You''re scared are you? Scared that someone will finish you off anytime by being on your own?" Yun Yang looked at Qian Duoduo mockingly. "Following me means that you have conveniently gained a bodyguard! You can chat and dispel boredom during normal days, and you can get protection and help during critical times, too, right?" "This C this isn''t embarrassing, is it?" Fatty was flushed. Yun Yang smiled and replied in a low tone, "Of course it''s not embarrassing." Fatty cheered, "Boss, you just came here anyway. You have my introduction, but there''s been no practice. You know the outline of the situation, but not the entire picture. Partner up with me; at least you have a well-informed guide, right?" "You make absolute sense and I acknowledge it deeply. Alright! I''ll be your partner," Yun Yang agreed, nodding his head. Fatty was elated. "Fatty, your family background must be significant as well, I believe?" asked Yun Yang. His question seemed to have struck Fatty''s sore point as his delight waned immediately. He sighed silently and said, "You''re right, but it''s too bad my house isn''t mine anymore now. My dad was the household leader, but he passed away last year and my second uncle succeeded his position. Just three months ago, he chased me out of the family and robbed me of my Celestial Luck Banner spiritual meridian Right now, I''m nothing more than a rogue cultivator." Menace took over Fatty''s expression as he spoke, the muscles in his face twitching violently. He took in a few deep breaths and held his tears in, speaking slowly, "Not only am I homeless now, but I also have no shelter. The reason I risked my life for the Effervescent Rimed Orchid was actually to repair my spiritual meridian. It''s just that even if I recover it, I won''t be able to share the benefits of my family''s Celestial Luck Banner anymore" His laughter was forlorn as he said, "Honestly, I''m left with less than a hundred spiritual jade pieces now after buying the Rimed Orchid. And a little gold and medicinal pills. I don''t have anything else." "When they chased me out of the gate that day, I wasn''t even allowed back to my own home to pack some of my belongings" "I see," Yun Yang commented after a moment of silence. He had thought that Qian Duoduo''s behavior was bordering the extreme. He was like a terrified bird that was panicky and anxious, a floating piece of driftwood. It was actually due to his insecurity. It was also due to this that he was now so warm to a stranger that he had just met. Fatty''s lonely confession seemed plausible then, but it was more believable now, supported by the isolation, resentment, helplessness, and hopelessness he had experienced. Based on these factors, Qian Duoduo had flung himself over like a plaster, without regarding the fact that Yun Yang had just ascended without any knowledge or foundation upon confirming that the latter had no ill intentions C at least, not someone who bore ulterior motives against him. It was like a traveler who had been trapped in ice and was desperate to find another person for warmth. It had nothing to do with profit or benefit. "Alright, alright. This is not the time to grieve and be sentimental. Tell me quickly, where''s the place to register for a sect?" Yun Yang asked flatly as he stood up. Glittering radiance shot from Fatty''s eyes, his voice quivered slightly as he replied. "Boss, are you sure you want to pick this path?" The future route Yun Yang disclosed was considered the hardest option out of the given cultivation journey directions. Yun Yang stared into the sky and answered softly, "I don''t want to be under someone nor do I want to become someone else''s slave At least, before I completely lose hope, I must try a path of freedom first!" He mentioned ''try'' but his gaze spoke volumes of his determination. Attaching himself to a sect or a clan could make things far easier for him. It would not even be a challenge to find himself an attachment given his current cultivation base and capability. However, doing so would unavoidably plant the idea of acquiring safety by anchoring oneself to others. That would be the fall of a master''s spirit. From then on, no matter how great the achievements he attained, there would always be a prick in the heat. Yun Yang was at least sure that it would be an undeniable challenge to ascend to the pinnacle of this world with such a mentality! Succeeding by depending on others was not something Yun Yang would do! In fact, he had formed this plan since he heard everything related to the Celestial Luck Banner. He would depend on himself and fight for the flag on his own! If the Celestial Luck Banners were not unique to this realm, Yun Yang even had the thought and confidence of creating it! He admitted the flag''s existence as the milestone of this realm''s cultivators and its significance as an incomparable treasure, but did he truly lack the items and genius required? Be it Emmie, the Divine Edge or the Endless Divine Art, anyone among them was a rare godly item. Yun Yang was positive that what he had would not pale in the light of the so-called Celestial Luck Banner. "I have one last question," said Yun Yang. "I loved" Fatty answered subconsciously. "What are you saying?" Yun Yang was bewildered by his answer. What? Fatty seemed to wake up from a trance and tried to salvage the situation. "Pardon, what are you asking?" "The Celestial Luck Banner, where does this flag come from? It''s so mystical, its origin must be extraordinary too!" "The Celestial Luck Banner, by its very name, is, of course, a gem gifted by the heavens." Fatty was taken aback by Yun Yang''s question, only providing a vague answer after several moments of thought. "Gifted by the heavens? If it''s truly the case, it should be destined. However, for a sect to snatch another sect''s banner, it''s obviously due to their own doing and forces. How can it be gifted? Isn''t it a lie to ourselves to say that?" questioned Yun Yang. "This really isn''t the case," said Fatty as he exhaled deeply, "The so-called gifted by heavens and the contest among schools and sects contain a contrast in nature. This contrast will have to be explained from the very source of the Celestial Luck Banner" 874 A Slim Chance Yun Yang did not interrupt Qian Duoduo''s tirade, quietly waiting for him to continue and apparently anticipating the story of the Celestial Luck Banner''s origins. "Legend has it that the Celestial Luck Banner was also preordained. When it emerged, there were nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine flags that were circulated in this world!" "The total of the banners remained the same at any one time. Whether it was natural disasters or manmade catastrophes, intentional or accidental influences, nothing could destroy the Celestial Luck Banners." "To this day, the flags have all been owned. It''s impossible that the banner bearers will voluntarily give them up, so those who want them could only take them by force!" Fatty focused and took a long time to think before he said, "From what I can see, the Celestial Luck Banners are actually like they''re like the personification of the laic minister positions, as well as the status and the benefits they bring. The position you get commensurates the remuneration you receive; if you can''t reach that status, the treatment is naturally not yours to enjoy. To be more exact take, for example, the seventh rank county magistrate and a provincial governor in a novel, the stipend between these two must be vastly different right? So are their powers! Their area of jurisdiction, too, will be as far apart as heaven and earth. The attitude of a third party towards them will differ as well" "Let''s just speak of the contrast in a straightforward manner!" Yun Yang was speechless as he thought to himself, ''Do I need you to explain this to me? I''m from that world!'' "A more tangible illustration," said Qian Duoduo, "To become a county magistrate from an ordinary citizen, one must learn, study, be tested, sit for an examination, get recognized by someone already in power, before that someone can be sanctioned to power and status. Then again, there are only so many positions. You''ve come to fill in the position, but what happens to the magistrate whom you''re replacing? Maybe he resigned, maybe he was dismissed, maybe he has been captured by the law, he may even have been killed. It just depends on the outcome of the contest between you and him. That''s all!" Yun Yang replied faintly, "It may not be such an extreme case. The one being replaced may have left due to a promotion, may he not?" Fatty was tongue-tied for a moment before he said dejectedly, "Your concept is unique and has substance to it, boss, but it''s baseless and hardly executable for there is no possibility of promotion to the Celestial Luck Banners." Yun Yang''s interest grew the more he listened. He continued to probe further, "Can we put aside the promotion issue first C it''s far away anyway. Tell me about the pros and cons of obtaining the flag and its usage!" Quietly wracking his head for the correct wordings, Fatty began steadily, "Things seem to be set after acquiring the banner but there''s actually a lot of consequent work. It''s not a once and for all matter. Back to the county magistrate example, when you''ve become the magistrate, it''s a matter of course that you grasp the power over a certain territory; to actually accomplish continuous obedience and complete compliance, however, some time is still needed C because the citizens under your jurisdiction are still the original citizens. They''re still affected by the initial magistrate''s influence. Which means, even if you''ve gotten the Celestial Luck Banner, the organization recognized by the heavens is still the original school during the beginning period of time when you''ve just acquired the flag C not you, the owner of the banner in reality." "Therefore, what you must do at this time is to obtain the recognition of the heavens." Yun Yang frowned. "That''s exactly what I''m asking C how do I get the acknowledgment?" "The so-called process begins once you have successfully snatched the Celestial Luck Banner. Sometime after your success later, the highest authority in the territory you''re in will send an official in charge of that area to conduct an evaluation with a Golden Glimmer Celestial Luck Banner. The evaluation consists of continuously accepting the battle challenge from three competitors of the same class of flag. Only by going through and succeeding this test will the Golden Glimmer Celestial Luck Banner erase the original name on the flag you''ve got and change it into the name of your sect. By doing so, the banner will truly be yours and stay yours until your sect ascends or is defeated by others!" Fatty was comprehensive in his knowledge, calmly spilling the contents like he was counting his treasure. Yun Yang was sharp enough to have his fair share of questions. "About accepting the battle challenge from three competitors of the same class of flag There is another story behind it, isn''t there? I guess that there won''t be a difference in ranking despite the equivalent classes, am I right? If there is and if the three contestants sent are from upper ranking sects, isn''t defeat guaranteed then? Doesn''t that render all the effort in vain?" Fatty stared at Yun Yang in shock for some time. ''This boss hasn''t even established his sect, but he''s already thought of such faraway issues.'' "It won''t be so bad. There is ranking among the sects but there''s only a total of nine ranks. If the one you defeated is the ninth, then they can only send sixth, seventh, and eighth for the battle. There is a further standard in this. The strongest of the evaluating sects can deploy, at maximum, half of the sect''s manpower to combat; the second strongest can send seventy percent while the weakest one can, at most, send ninety percent of its combat force." "The overall evaluation after obtaining the flag will be so. If the Celestial Luck Banner you win were ranked the sixth, then the third, fourth, and fifth-ranked will come forth to evaluate you. All the participating combat forces won''t be from the schools'' instruction too. The Golden Palace''s special agent will use the Golden Glimmer Celestial Luck Banner to pick the combative members from the sects. It''s totally fair and just as favoritism can hardly be brought into play." Yun Yang grimaced and said, "This isn''t totally foolproof. What if the sect defeated by the challenger is any one of the top three sects? How can you get three evaluating schools then?" Fatty choked, lamenting inwardly, ''What a bold heart you have.'' "There are still middle-class schools if the lower class sects are insufficient. However, such a possibility is almost insignificant. It''s only ever present in the rules and legends. Well, at least I''ve never heard of such cases" "Are casualties allowed in these fixed evaluations?" asked Yun Yang. "Not prohibited. Combat among martial artists is all about not giving in and being merciless. One strike is enough to reverse the outcome of a situation. However, casualties are not common in most duels since those dead from the battles will be revived by the Golden Glimmer Celestial Luck Banner." Yun Yang''s jaw was close to dropping. "There''s something like this? Resurrecting the dead? This isn''t a joke?" "Do you think that the Golden Glimmer Celestial Luck Banner''s faculty is only limited to increasing the cultivation base? Its abilities are far from what we can imagine Of course, being resurrected doesn''t mean that there isn''t any resentment created. A lot of grudges start from here. After all, dying once will inevitably birth foul feelings towards those who killed them" Fatty snorted. "Competition is never prohibited among the sects and schools, nor is revenge," said Qian Duoduo, "There isn''t a lax moment towards personal cultivation from those who were in sects that have the flags. They have to be on their guard against the attacks initiated by the crazed rogue cultivating schools and be prepared for the annual ranking contest." "Many sects that are after the top three will see constant changes in their rankings." "After all, sects that do not have the Celestial Luck Banners are countless while rogue cultivators and disciples from the lower class flag schools may have differences in capability, but it''s not beyond comparison This is why everyone toils to maintain their ability. No one dares to take things lightly." As if guessing Yun Yang''s thoughts, Fatty continued to say, "Those who die in the ranking contest will not be revived. The Golden Glimmer banner will not be concerned with other battles that have nothing to do with the Celestial Luck Banners." "Uh," Yun Yang coughed and asked, "If the lower class sect succeeds in the challenge C say, the top sect from the nine lower class sects has ascended to the middle-class sect, then the nine lower class will become the eighth. What about the vacant spot?" "This C this is something I haven''t heard of before. There should be similar cases before this but no particular news has emerged. Nobody knows the exact situation but one thing that we can be sure of is that C the school that fills up the spot, no matter how it''s done, will never be exempted from battles." Just by listening to a rough explanation like this, Yun Yang was immediately aware of the danger and risk involved. There were only nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine Celestial Luck Banners across the entire Bound of Universe! The upper-class ranks like the Gold, Silver, Amethyst, and Green would be banners that rogue cultivating sects dared not even wish for. Members from these upper-class schools would probably crush them with a single whiff of air. Therefore, despite the nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine flags that were said to be present, those that were actually being circulated were the ones in the lowest class. In addition, the top three to even top six of these so-called lowest class sects were barely touchable to the rogue cultivators. The most they could amount to was contesting against the last three ranked schools or in a more direct manner C they stood the highest chance fighting for the ninth spot! A single spot! On the contrary, how many rogue schools were there in this realm that did not possess the Celestial Luck Banners? More precisely, how many sects like that were there in a palace''s territory? Fatty seemed to have mentioned that there was at least twenty to thirty thousand of them! Yet there was only one-ninth rank! The ratio was even more exaggerated and drastic than hundreds of thousands of soldiers crossing a single-log bridge. Furthermore, how could the last ranked sect, the ninth school, not cultivate in madness when they knew clearly that their position was on such a steep slope? In spite of this daunting knowledge, they were assisted by the Celestial Luck Banner; their cultivation speed was six times faster than rogue cultivators. It was not as easy to eliminate them from their spot. These purported opportunities for promotion were still slim C not even one in ten thousand! 875 My Majordomo "Qian Duoduo, what are your plans for the future?" Yun Yang asked Fatty. It must be acknowledged that this fatty whom Yun Yang had just gotten to know was indeed a talented person. He was a know-it-all, an inexhaustible source of the Bound of Universe''s many stories, and a conscious person who knew a little more and a little deeper about everything compared to others. Yun Yang had yet to meet anyone else from the Bound of Universe but such a judgment was not entirely far-fetched. Take the realm he had come from, for example C how many mandarin positions were there in an empire? Who could list out all these positions and their responsibilities so glibly? Perhaps there were people who could do so, but in a place where cultivation was prioritized and others considered less significant like the Bound of Universe, they were scarce, whether to be sought or found and to exist or remain. In spite of this, Fatty here was as capable as he claimed to be. Not only was he adequate, but he could also elaborate and illustrate new analogies. This was a skill C a marvelous skill indeed! Coincidentally, Fatty had nowhere to go, thus Yun Yang thought of absorbing him as a subordinate. It was simply impossible that someone had arranged for a spy to conspire against him so quickly. He had just ascended and did not know anyone. Who would target him? He had nothing covetable as well; how could the people in this realm know what he kept on his person? As for how would he make the fatty submit, well, that was a simple matter. Fatty seemed to be a timid and cowardly person. These were extremely convenient aspects for Yun Yang C an upraised hand, a scathing glare, and Fatty would acknowledge submission immediately, doing whatever he was asked to obediently. This factor alone determined his excellence; where else could Yun Yang find such a suitable underling? The matter of loyalty could be an underlying threat, but Yun Yang was confident about his own charming personality. Bai Yixue had initially been reluctant when he was attached to him back then as well, but Yun Yang had still managed to thoroughly convinced him through his ''persuasion''. This precedence assuaged his worries that Fatty would not submit to him sincerely in the future. "My plan" Fatty felt like bawling. ''What plan can I have? I''m just planning to follow you, but your scheme is crazy! You''re only a rogue cultivator and a recent Ascended How are you feeding me? At least let me understand your game plan and the source of your confidence, so I can consider and carefully calculate my next step'' "My sect is lacking a majordomo. I like you and I think you''ll do well," said Yun Yang. Qian Duoduo rolled his eyes replying, "Do you even have a sect now?" "It''ll be set up soon. It''s just a matter of time," answered Yun Yang confidently. Folding his fingers, Qian Duoduo pondered, ''Majordomo? That sounds good. However even if you establish your sect now, there are only two of us. It sounds great that I''m the majordomo but who would be under my care? Can the majordomo possibly oversee the sect leader?'' ''Other than the sect leader, I''m the only one left'' ''Do I look after myself?'' ''Is it funny?'' ''What does being the majordomo mean then?'' "The majordomo... What a significant position. What exactly am I in charge of then?" Qian Duoduo asked, pursing his lips. "The majordomo takes care of the sect''s general affairs and firstly, the sect''s assets," Yun Yang answered leisurely, "The sect''s wealth, resources, future transactions C all these are part of the majordomo''s duties!" "Wealth?" Fatty''s eyes brightened up like two lamps the moment he heard the word. Saliva left the corners of his lips in a long string of drool. He was clearly a covetous man. "Money" Qian Duoduo repeated with a shudder, his tone brimming with fantastic thoughts and misgivings. "I like money the most" Yun Yang replied him with a glance, "You like money? That''s great. I dare not boast about other things, but I''m quite well to do." Fatty glanced at him with oozing skepticism, thinking to him, ''You freshly ascended fellow Even if you''re amazing and very affluent in your original world, have you seen the Bound of Universe''s resources? Do you know what is considered wealth here? Calling yourself well to do? Have some shame!'' Yun Yang scoffed and rolled his eyes at the fatty''s skepticism. ''Watch how I crush you with money after we''re done with all the formalities!'' "Quickly, let''s go register and set the sect up. This is the utmost priority right now!" Majordomo Fatty led the way and soon enough, found a nearby city. The duo entered the city and was swallowed by a bustling crowd. "Isn''t the Bound of Universe made up of mostly cultivators? Why are there still so many ordinary people?" Yun Yang asked. He could see right away that, despite the teeming cultivators here, there were plenty of commoners to go around. "Cough, I actually forgot the most important rule." Qian Duoduo''s expression took on a serious mien since he heard Yun Yang as if he suddenly recalled something. "It''s these common people who are completely ignorant of the martial arts and without mystical Qi C they''re the biggest taboo in the Bound of Universe!" "What do you mean? How are they a taboo?" "The main law of steel in the Bound of Universe, the first rule, is that cultivators are strictly prohibited from striking commoners. Familial extermination will be the sentence for the violators!" Qian Duoduo uttered with a strong emphasis on each word, seemingly very serious. Yun Yang was taken aback. Prohibited from striking the commoners with the threat of familial extermination to the violators of this rule? What could be considered a strike? The concept was vague. Slapping a commoner would be striking, killing one would also be striking C even taking a piece of vegetable from a commoner could be seen as striking! Could familial extermination actually befall the cultivators solely by the weight of these actions? "Is there a more exact definition of these? Like injuring people or causing handicap or death? There must be a more precise form of infraction!" questioned Yun Yang. "None," answered Qian Duoduo, "This rule is the main rule. It''s utterly illogical and irrational. Even if a commoner were to scold you and you retort either verbally or physically, you''ll face familial extermination!" "There was once a cultivator who was shopping in the market and because he paid a silver tael less and the seller refused to comply, they had an argument. It wasn''t that the cultivator didn''t want to pay the amount, he just didn''t bring enough with him. His conscience was forced into a corner. In the end, it was after that argument when the ace cultivator, who was already at the Saint level returned home, he was killed by a strike of lightning! None of his family members survived him." "Since then, as long as cultivators are out and about, whether they''ll use it or not, gold and silver taels are indispensable among what they bring along. It''s a situation like this that everyone''s afraid of C uncalled-for accidents. Not only will you die, but you''ll also drag your family into it too." Yun Yang was dumbstruck, feeling the buzz of thunder in his head. The rule was ridiculous! Yet, to be honest, he was rather in favor of the existence of such a rule. If it were possible, cultivators harassing commoners was something that should not be treated lightly. Putting aside other proficient cultivators, Yun Yang''s cultivation base as an Honor now could easily enable him to wipe out an empire alone if he were to meet commoners. The presence of such a law could prevent any hint of such cases. The undiscriminating punishment, instead, could greatly benefit the commoners. It was the most effective countermeasure! You could be right, you could be the one at fault, but once you committed the offense, only death awaited you! This way, all the cultivators would be wary. Violating the rule was tantamount to death, familial death! "Whoever enacted this law is admirable! It looks evil, but it makes absolute sense. It snips the possibility of many tragedies right in its bud. Even if there was a loophole, it would be hard to exploit!" Yun Yang''s compliment was truly from the depths of his heart. 876 Registering A Sec "This is an iron law of oligarchy that has been observed in the Bound of Universe for hundreds of thousands of years!" Fatty snorted. "If you don''t believe it, you may very well find a commoner and argue with them. Try and see the effect for yourself." Yun Yang exploded at once, retorting, "Why don''t you go and try it?" The fatty was insane and malicious. It was no longer a joke, he was trying his level best to kill Yun Yang! When both of them came to the local registrar of sects and schools, Yun Yang finally experienced for himself how fierce and how brutal the competition among the Bound of Universe''s cultivators was. Given the fact that schools were already in existence, who were the ones that were packed tightly in front of him? One could tell by a single glance that there were more than hundreds of people lined up here. Did this not mean that there were hundreds of sects waiting to be created? These were only the ones currently in sight, a mere instant from an hour within a day How many schools were formed in the Bound of Universe throughout a year then? Yun Yang began to feel slightly dizzy. "We have to line up?" "What else did you think? You don''t want to? Who are you not to?" Fatty snorted scornfully. "Are you thinking to try bribery? Let me tell you, as long as these officials accept even a carrot from others, their entire family dies! They don''t even have to wait until they get home, a bolt of lightning will strike at once!" Yun Yang discovered then that despite the low number of administrative officials here, the rules they had to follow were unimaginably stern. It was hard to picture the person who set these regulations C could he have been intoxicated when he cooked them up? Otherwise, how could he be so extraordinarily fresh? It was not at all superficial! About four hours later in the queue, Yun Yang''s turn finally came. Entering the place, there was a partition after the table. They could not even see the administrating person''s face. "Name?" "Yun Yang." "Sex?" " Male." "Occupation?" "Uh, occupation?" The sudden question flabbergasted Yun Yang. The voice inside seemed to be very surprised as well. "You didn''t pick a profession?" "Pick a profession? Pick what profession?" Yun Yang was lost. Huffs and puffs could be heard coming from within. "You haven''t even picked your occupation and you''re here to set up a sect?" "No one told me about it" "Then did anyone tell you that you''ll be hungry if you don''t eat? That you''ll be thirsty if you don''t drink? That your stomach will hurt if you have constipation? You''ll die if all those are serious?" Yun Yang dared not make any further replies, fully intending to flee from the spot. "Come back here!" Yun Yang, who had reached the door, halted his steps abruptly. Being in another realm, he did not know if the place had any special restrictions. It was better to follow instructions C what if the celestial lightning struck him for being defiant? "Running away? Where are you running away to? Since you don''t even know to pick your profession, I believe you wouldn''t know the rest of the procedures as well? Going to pick your profession now, are you?" "Um yes." "Then will you run away again when you come back and I ask you about other things? Do you know that what you''re doing now is stupid?" Yun Yang felt utterly embarrassed. Since his debut, the most common comment made about him was Supreme Wit, the think tank of the Nine Supremes, clever and astute these were the kind of adjectives used to describe him! Never in his wildest dreams would he have thought that he would be called an idiot today! Furthermore, he felt that the opposite party was right and there was simply no way to rebuke him. It was a whole new experience, one that was aching yet rejuvenating. "Which world did you ascend from? You look rather smart but you do foolish things. How can you cultivate to ascend to the Bound of Universe with that head of yours? Could the world you were in be exuding spiritual Qi and as long as you''re a person, you can ascend? Or have you eaten some mysterious and rare spiritual ingredient by chance and were enlightened overnight?" Yun Yang was bordering insanity. ''What the heck? How could they be so sarcastic?'' ''Even if what you said was the truth, I''m famed for being intelligent in the place where I came from!'' ''How could I be taken as a fool when I''m here?'' It was painful. If people in Tianxuan Continent knew that their Supreme Cloud whom they had known to be shrewd, far-sighted, meticulous, and omnipotent, was actually treated as a fool here and was even tongue-tied from the conversation, it was worth wondering what their reaction would be. Yun Yang exited the registrar with no small amount of exasperation. "Fatty! You did it on purpose, didn''t you?" "Wha C what?!" "Profession! You pig C how can a sect be registered without a profession?" "Oh C ohhhh! F*ck! You don''t have a profession?" "Of course not!" Yun Yang did not even want to speak a word from the rage boiling within him while Fatty looked at him with a gaze akin to looking at a wonder. After a while, both of them walked out with their heads hung low. No longer exasperated, they were crestfallen. At the registrar of professions, Yun Yang waited in a queue of about four hours before it reached his turn. The sky was already darkening. "Your name is Yun Yang? Which Yun and which Yang? Yun of clouds (yn)? Yang of sun (̫ti yang) or Yang of goats (yng) or Yang of triumph (d y yang yang) or Yang of pride and fulfillment (üyng mi t q)?" A strange voice came from the inside. Yun Yang was bewildered once again. What was this? Was the person trying to show off how knowledgeable he was from speaking so much? "Cough, Yun of clouds and Yang of pride and fulfillment." "Oh, what profession are you picking? I''m telling you, you can only opt for seven occupations in this life of yours. Don''t go over or under. Once you decided, go forward with them confidently but if you pick the wrong ones, that''s it to your life. Understood?" "Understood." "Then go on and pick." A few pieces of paper were tossed out with a swoosh; written on and across them were names of various professions. The first page consisted of legitimate occupations like farmers, chefs, tailors, businessperson, dentist, shopkeeper, and there were even jobs like yamen official, coroner, mess cook and more. Yun Yang would not go for these professions, of course, thus he skipped and went to the second page. The first profession listed on the second page was assassin while the second one was a bandit. The corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched in amusement. Transactions that could cost an entire family''s lives in Tianxuan Continent once they were found out were actually stated so blatantly here. It was without a doubt that Yun Yang would go for both of these professions. Swordsman, saber knight He picked them as well. Secret weapon? Checked. Hold on, it was already five and the person said that he could only choose seven Even as he thought of it, Yun Yang quickly asked, "Sir, does picking swordsman mean I can''t fight with other weapons anymore?" "You can use your hands and legs." Yun Yang was left speechless, tens of thousands of curses rushing to the brink of his lips. "What else do you want when you pick swordsman? Could you, a swordsman, not fight with your sword, but kill someone with your poop?" The voice that came from inside was snarky even as he said this. 877 Residence of Nine Supremes In all honesty, it was fortunate that everything was transpiring right here. If it had been in the martial world, Yun Yang would have hauled over the person he was talking to and beaten him up multiple times! This was the first time in his life meeting someone with such a sarcastic and sardonic mouth. Reigning in his contempt, Yun Yang continued his selection process. He had two more choices left. Beast trainer? He would pick this. Six now. Alchemist? He had Emmie; there was no need to choose this. Smith? He had Emmie as well; there was no need to opt for this. Soldier? Intelligence? "Omnipotence?" The option sounded amazing. Thinking about his nine manifestations, Yun Yang picked this one without any hesitation. Other than these, it seemed like there was more to what he knew but the person had mentioned that he could only pick seven in total. There were no more slots. Upon deciding, Yun Yang held the pieces of paper in his hand, mulling over his choices. What else could be changed? He would not get to revise this afterward, for it would be set in stone. He had to deliberate over them and make sure they were well-balanced. Yun Yang finally put the sheets down after pondering for a long time, ruminating over it for a few moments, and reviewing it even further after that. These would be the final selection C he was not altering anything. Dead or alive, these would have to do! "May I ask if there can be any adjustments made after choosing my professions, sir?" "Adjustments? Then why did you pick them in the first place? Do you think you''re playing with mud? This pile of mud doesn''t look so good, so you want to change into another slab? Or are you selecting your wife? Try a lady out and if she''s not to your liking, you go for another one?" "Cough, this is not what I meant" "What do you mean then? Do you think your family owns this? You''d switch professions when you don''t do well in one? Let me tell you; people like you will fail in any profession you choose! Whatever you do, you can''t do it well, but whatever you have, you don''t save up! All you think of is changing professions Changing them so often, you won''t even be able to keep warm a pile of dung even if you have to eat it!" Yun Yang was infuriated. In all of Yun Yang''s experiences, this man''s extent of satire was second to none. "Done picking?" "Yes." "Pass it back to me then, are you waiting for it to lay eggs down there? The sun''s about to set, you know? Do you think I don''t have to eat rice, but sh*t like you? Wait for others to digest the rice before they can produce anything for you C so you can savor it by the mouthful?" Yun Yang was shaking with anger now. How sardonic must he be? He was so sarcastic! Submitting the papers with quivering hands, the official snatched it roughly and commented in annoyance, "Look at your poor choices C the most common of professions and here you are acting like it''s some serious life-changing matter What a waste of my effort. Trash doing trash, what a waste of my time!" "There you go!" He tossed over a small purple plaque which landed at Yun Yang''s feet with a clack. "Take it and go to hell, stupid child. You''re wasting your life away being a saber knight or swordsman" A slow but strong wind came from the inside and gently pushed Yun Yang out of the door before the door slammed closed. Yun Yang was already boiling with anger, the color drained from his handsome face. Qian Duoduo did not know what happened, despite seeing Yun Yang''s trembling lips. "Boss, you C what''s wrong with you?" "What''s wrong?" Yun Yang was near his limit. "The one inside he speaks like a" His pointing finger was shaking as well. "Like a bastard!" "Don''t you mind them. Those working in this area are basically from the Sacred Heart Palace. These people''s cultivation base may not be very high, but they have connections and an extensive network. You''ve been upset, but we can only glare at them helplessly. We can''t actually offend them" "That man took so many jabs at me!" "My advice to you is to let it go. It can''t be helped. These people are all like this." Qian Duoduo giggled and lowered his voice to continue saying, "I''ll be honest with you. Most of these administrative people are the remnants from the Sacred Heart Palace whose cultivation journey is stunted. They aren''t capable of civil or martial matters and they aren''t gifted in any way. That''s why they''re sent out to rural areas like this for administrative tasks" "Nonetheless, they''re essentially still descendants of the Sacred Heart Palace''s cultivators, which means they have plenty of connections. Their attitudes are awful because they have been chased out of the palace. Of course, they would be upset. Yet, they dare not be lazy because it''s punishable celestially. How could they act in a civil manner to people like us then? It''s normal, very normal." Yun Yang''s rage began to simmer down at once, and he replied, "I see but the Sacred Heart Palace is so extravagantly advantageous. How could they produce such descendants?" "Wherever it is, whatever sacred cultivation locations or divine caves and lands, there will inevitably be useless trash. Either they aren''t innately gifted thus aren''t fit for cultivation or the state of mind they were born with is too poor which poses a challenge to their cultivation journey Anyway, there will always be a group of such good-for-nothings. They exist, thus it makes sense," said Qian Duoduo. Yun Yang agreed, "True that they exist thus it makes sense There are many prodigals from a royal lineage as well" Qian Duoduo clapped his hands once and commented, "You''re absolutely right, boss. This is the principle." "It''s getting late. Let us find shelter and come again tomorrow?" Fatty suggested. "Very well. Come and line up first thing in the morning tomorrow. I''ll come after breakfast. As a majordomo, you must take care of these things." Having experienced the torture of queuing up the entire day, Yun Yang did not want to ever queue again. Fatty''s expression soured immediately. ''I, as a majordomo The sect isn''t even permitted yet, but I''m working already?'' ''Furthermore, my task is to line up C what marvelous treatment'' It was noon on the second day when it was finally Yun Yang''s turn. After assessing all the information "Have you come up with a name?" "Yes." "What is it?" "Nine Supremes League." "That has been taken." "Tower of Nine Supremes?" "Taken too." "Then Nine Supremes Pavilion?" "Taken!" "Nine Supremes Sect?" "You''re dead set on Nine Supremes, aren''t you? Can you not come up with such an awful name?" Yun Yang sighed. "I ask for your favor to check if there''s the Residence of Nine Supremes, please." Yun Yang was thinking that it was destined if the Residence of Nine Supremes was taken as well; he would simply name his sect. Whether it was the Residence of Yun, Residence of Yang or even Residence of Emmie, anything would be acceptable! A moment of silence lapsed from the inside before "Strange, this actually hasn''t been taken yet. How can such an awful name not be taken yet?" Yun Yang heaved a sigh. Was this really fate? "Have you decided?" "Isn''t it available?" "You have to be sure yourself! Stupid! Grow some brains, will you?" "I''m sure!" "Residence of Nine Supremes it is?" "Yes, this one. For sure." "Alright F*cking hell, everyone and anyone''s naming themselves all high and mighty now. Supremes Supremes? Supremes my ass" Grumbling could be heard from inside. Veins throbbed and popped on Yun Yang''s forehead. He entertained no other thoughts currently except to kill everyone in sight. Should names not be high and mighty? Could he really name his school Residence of Emmie? "Done." It was finally announced. Then, the shadow of a flag flew out in a flurry from behind the screen. On the flag, there were faint, twinkling words C"Residence of Nine Supremes". The shadow catapulted a distance of a hundred feet before landing quietly on Yun Yang. It was an illusory image, but it was plain to the eye that it was a clean, untainted white banner. 878 The Ethereal Amethyst? A white banner! Yun Yang regretted that he did not check the calendar when he went out today. He was unbelievably unlucky. ''I''m just setting up my sect today and you''re giving me a white flag that symbolizes surrender!'' "Why is the banner white?" The official scolded, "What''s wrong with the white flag? Do you want an Amethyst banner? What banner, if not a white one, can I be giving you for a school that has just been founded? Should I be giving you white buttocks? Fool! When are you going to stop being an idiot?" A low chuckle came from inside. "We still have an idiot like this during such current times What a wonder" "Don''t you speak ill of these wonders. This child should be a recently-ascended bumpkin A single-celled being who doesn''t know anything. His good looks are probably the only thing that can get him by. Your mention of white buttocks earlier should be more than enough of a kind reminder to him" Yun Yang was indignant. ''Oh God, oh earth, oh the faraway powerful universe master, please allow me to kill!'' ''I can''t take this anymore... but I have to.'' ''If I don''t, I''ll be struck by lightning and have my soul and spirit destroyed, broken down into irrecoverable pieces!'' Yun Yang muttered in his heart repeatedly, ''A moment of forbearance will find you calm and peace Desist Forbear Words spoken during anger will only serve as regret, let the wrath burn in your heart C let it go when you can, forgive when you''re able to I''ll hold myself back!'' "You''re done, why are you still here?" It was spoken from inside, "Waiting for me to buy you a meal? To admire your white butt C white banner?" Yun Yang walked out, clenching his teeth in rage. Bits and pieces of conversation flowed behind him. "This dumbass must be enraged. Look at him having to hold his tongue back, it''s so pretty C so gratifying!" "My favorite thing to do now is to torture these idiots. This is our biggest benefit and pastime." "Hahaha" Loud guffaws could be heard; "Who''s next! Quickly! Don''t be a slowpoke." Yun Yang walked out holding his stomach. If he did not, he felt like his stomach would have exploded from sheer fury. The intelligent Supreme Cloud of Nine Supremes who had triumphed over the world C since when had he ever been mocked and humiliated like this? What he had experienced today could not be erased even with all the water in this world! The registration of his sect was successful and it was a joyous occasion, but Yun Yang did not feel even the slightest bit elated. Instead, he thought he was about to erupt and he needed to vent it urgently. Fatty was ecstatic as he skipped over. "Big brother, it''s done?" "Done," Yun Yang answered weakly. "That''s great! What''s our group called?" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. "Let me catch my breath first." A short while later, Yun Yang regained his breath and replied, "Residence of Nine Supremes!" "Residence of Nine Supremes?" Qian Duoduo was chirpy. "What a domineering name! Residence of Nine Supremes Haha Obviously, there are nine highest leaders, right? Which Supreme am I then?" "You''re the majordomo!" "Majordomo which Supreme is that considered to be?" "A Majordomo is a majordomo!" "Not a Supreme?" "Yes, it''s not. Of course, it''s not." Fatty was crestfallen, replying in a disappointed tone, "I''m not a Supreme, am I?" Yun Yang sighed and said, "You can be a Supreme if you want. However, each time there''s a mission, you have to attend to it personally. To kill, to risk your life, to go through any situation required C you have to go, despite the danger, go where the danger is, stand at the frontline." "Pardon?" "How else do you become a Supreme if you can''t lead and be the one who handles crises?" "Oh" "On the contrary, the majordomo is a support member. You take care of the money, of the members, of connections, of resources All the wealth of the Residence of Nine Supremes is in your hands. Actually, your main responsibility is to earn, to make the Residence of Nine Supremes the wealthiest organization in the world C becoming the actual Qian Duoduo (a lot of money) is your ultimate task." "Do you understand? You''re not a Supreme, but in the Residence of Nine Supremes, your authority is the highest after me." Yun Yang cajoled the man, exaggerating and linking any dots he could find. Fatty''s eyes were twinkling as he listened, his tongue wetting his lips again and again. "I see" "Okay, I''ll give you a chance. If you really want to become a Supreme, I can break the rules and let you be Supreme Qian (money) C you''ll be commissioned to kill. If you don''t want to become a Supreme, be Majordomo Qian!" said Yun Yang, "Pick one of the two." Qian Duoduo sprung up. "I want to be Majordomo Qian!" "Alright then, my Majordomo Qian. You shall officially assume your post today. It should be celebrated. This is your chance, buy your sect leader a meal." "Money?" "What money?" Fatty had no tears left to cry. "I''m a majordomo and I have so much power. Even when our sect is just starting out, there must be something I can take care of Give me something even if you''re not giving me money You must let me look after something" Yun Yang thought about it. "Okay, look after this for now. When you have no money or when you need money, exchange it with this." A spatial ring was pressed into Qian Duoduo''s fleshy palm. The majordomo pursed his lips. ''You''re just a new Ascended. What great treasure could you possibly have? At most, your cultivation base is higher. I''m guessing that you must have spent all the resources you have collected How dare you boast now? Exchange this with money when we''re poor? Be careful not to bite your own tongue!'' Taking a look upon receiving the ring, it was true that there were not many things inside. There were only about a dozen purple, dazzling items. "What are these?" As Qian Duoduo used his divine senses, he easily retrieved a piece of the item into his palm. Then He was stunned C his jaw dropped straight to the floor and he became tongue-tied! In his palm sat a violet crystal, glowing with a soft luminosity. Once the crystal appeared, the spiritual Qi potency around them thickened immediately. Its concentration was unimaginably high, saturating quickly within the blink of an eye. Fatty''s brain shut off. He thought that Yun Yang would not have anything worth marveling at, yet as he retrieved it, he knew that this was easily an earthshattering gem! In addition, he was the only one who knew that there were a dozen such gems in the spatial ring! Fatty was dumbstruck, his mind refusing to function, until someone exclaimed from his side, "The Ethereal Amethyst?!" The passerby was deafeningly loud. Immediately, an inexplicable rustle and buzz came from all around him. Countless pairs of eyes zeroed in on what was lying on Fatty''s palm. Fatty kept the Ethereal Amethyst swiftly, his heart thumping and his palms sweating. His beady eyes scanned around in panic and fear. How could he take something so precious out in public? And to have been frozen still for so long! ''I C I How grave a mistake have I made?'' ''Oh my God Trouble will be on our tail now!'' ''It''s going to be worse than the Rimed Orchid, for sure'' "Let''s go, let''s go quickly." 879 The First Skill Probe in the Bound of Universe Yun Yang pulled him away, both of them beating a swift retreat from the city. In spite of their haste, countless gazes were trained on their retreating backs with hints of malicious smirks hanging at the corners of their lips. How could there be such idiots in this world? There they were, admiring the Ethereal Amethyst right there on a busy street. What was the difference between them and a na?ve child who roamed the market, hugging an ingot? These people had met many death-seeking eccentrics throughout their martial careers, but it was their first time encountering anyone as suicidal as this pair! It was a sight of wonder C a mystical encounter, the strangest occurrence in one''s lifetime! Both Yun Yang and Qian Duoduo sped along, quickly leaving the city and went back to the deserted area. They marched into a forest before Fatty heaved a relieved sigh. He felt his face burning as he spoke with shame, "Boss, it''s my fault I should die for causing such big trouble." Yun Yang was indifferent, however, saying. "Wrong you may be, but you''re only thirty percent at fault. Your mistake is within my expectations, so it doesn''t matter." "Since I''ve already expected that the item will be exposed, the consequences will naturally fall into my consideration as well. A child who carries a gem across the market will unavoidably attract covetous eyes. However, I can use this chance to gauge the so-called practitioners'' strength in the Bound of Universe too!" said Yun Yang faintly. Qian Duoduo was still ashamed despite Yun Yang''s comforting words. He had just been appointed the majordomo and received the sect''s resources for the first time, yet he had already so much trouble. He was truly lacking! His leader was not unhappy and was even comforting him, but this was an incredibly grave error, one that could annihilate his sect! "Alright. What we should think of now is where to locate our Residence of Nine Supremes. This will be the Residence of Nine Supremes'' headquarters in the Bound of Universe, where the dragons soar; we mustn''t be careless!" said Yun Yang. Fatty took out a map they had just bought and studied it carefully, eager to contribute as compensation for his mistake. "The choice of the location is not difficult," muttered Fatty as he studied the map, "The white banner has no benefits of increasing providence, but it''s still quite useful. No matter where you decide to locate your headquarters, you can change that spot to your liking. It''s rather mystical." "It can do something so magical?" Yun Yang''s eyes twinkled. If the white banner could work as claimed, it was truly a charm. "It can only be used once." Fatty sighed and continued, "Furthermore, only the exterior can be changed. Nothing practical or effective forms part of its abilities. That is the so-called fa?ade." "That''s more than enough," replied Yun Yang stroking his chin. However, what exterior did he want his headquarters to assume? Should he reproduce the Residence of Nine Supremes'' frontage as it had been in the past? It would be grand, but it would also be excessive. In addition, the Residence of Nine Supremes had already turned into a charm he carried around, would it not be redundant to copy it? Before Yun Yang could contemplate, rushed movements could be heard coming from behind him. The target of the furtive footsteps was unmistakably where he and Fatty were standing. A rough voice called out, "You rascals are still thinking to run away?" Yun Yang''s gaze became icy. Without a word, he pounced, wielding his saber. Swift like a beam, he waded in to meet his attacker head-on. A day and a night later, Yun Yang and Qian Duoduo collapsed onto the ground in the midst of a forest. Panting laboriously, both of them were extremely weary and haggard. Supported by Emmie''s air of vitality, Yun Yang had expended more of his physical strength than his combat power. In spite of it, he was the main tank, thus his general combat force had still been reduced by thirty percent. Fatty, who was forced to become the secondary tank, looked more ashamed than he was before. "Boss, this It''s all because of my careless mistake. I''ve only let my guard down for a moment and I''ve caused you this mess. You''ve already killed around forty to fifty people now cough, cough." Yun Yang heaved heavily before he laughed and said, "Do you know how to phrase your words? What you should say is, due to your momentous carelessness, there are already over thirty people hunting us down! With more to come!" Yun Yang had managed to guess how it would begin, predicting that he could very well fight off the attackers and would even have some energy left, but what he did not know was how maniacal and hysterical the Bound of Universe''s cultivators were towards the Eastern Amethyst. They could die for it, refusing to give up until their last breath! It had only been a day, but both of them had been ambushed for over thirty times! It was fortunate that the news did not spread for long, thus those who came hearing the word of mouth were not masterly in their cultivation base. The highest of them was only a fourth level Honor, but it was this person that allowed Yun Yang to be distinctly aware that a fourth level Honor here was prominently powerful and was vastly different from his current capacity as a third level Honor C it was not at all like the level contrast in Tianxuan Continent. It was a difference of heaven and earth! Throughout the battles, Yun Yang could put an end to a cultivator who was also a third-level Honor with just his saber in a few exchanges without any assisting tricks, killing his opponent directly. Faced with a fourth-level Honor, however, Yun Yang had executed all that he knew and almost showed his trump card before he managed to only injure his opponent to the extent of being unable to fight. It was not that Yun Yang did not want to kill his opponent once and for all; he was already wounded and his deific sense was nearly diminished. He was unable to fight as well, despite his best intentions! Fatty Qian Duoduo had to be given credit here as he had sprung into action during the critical moment, eliminating the severely wounded fourth-level Honor. One should not say that Fatty was just reaping someone else''s effort. The fact was he did, but it was not an advantage easily taken. Fatty was only a second-level Honor and he could be easily subdued with just the aura if he had met the fourth level Honor on an ordinary day. For him to strike at this juncture, he was shouldering an incredible pressure, especially when it was an ace cultivator who was at the brink of death; it was always during a cultivator''s most dangerous moment that one would be left guessing if the cultivator had reserved the last life-saving trump card or the final strike to end both parties. Perhaps Fatty was lucky, or perhaps his timing was perfect. The fourth-level Honor had been killed on the spot with his single blow! After the battle, Yun Yang came to a conclusion he could not deny C it would be a challenge to battle and kill someone of a similar level in the Bound of Universe. One would be a Saint after the rank of fourth-level Honor and the disparity was even bigger by then. In other words, it was impossible to kill a Saint when one was fourth level Honor. There was no exception! 880 The True Function of The Celestial Amethys The martial levels here were more difficult to attain than anything he had encountered before! No matter how gifted one was or what divine tricks one had, it was pure unadulterated wishful thinking to want to kill someone of another level. Take Yun Yang''s battle for example C he had been equipped with a marvelous weapon and the skill to execute a phantom-like ambush, but he had to play attrition with all that he had in order to exhaust his opponent; ultimately, Fatty had to steel himself to deal the ultimate blow before the both of them could wipe out a fourth-level Honor. The ache and despair could hardly be understood unless one was involved in the exercise! As it was, Yun Yang entertained the thought of what would have happened if the fourth level Honor had not disregarded both of them during the start of the battle. What if he had not handicapped Fatty at the very beginning? Perhaps the result would have been different If that was the case, the Residence of Nine Supremes might as well be closed. The Supreme and the majordomo would already be on their way to meet the Yama King. At least, the majordomo would have to see the Yama King for sure. Yun Yang was certain that he would be incapable of ensuring both his and Fatty''s safety by then. The fact was that cultivators who had registered their sects and could establish them securely were not great in number at all. Those who could build their schools and ultimately rest in peace were even more scarce. As for the ones who could bring glory to their sects not only were they not many, but they were also terribly few and far between. After these people had died, the white banner image would automatically fly back to delete themselves. Of course, cultivators who managed to stay alive and grab a Celestial Luck Banner that was a different matter altogether! Now, both Yun Yang and Qian Duoduo were being pursued by two fourth-level Honors and were fleeing in pitiful panic. "We''re being chased by dozens of people" Fatty cried, "You''ve killed so many people. The only thing I''m sure now is that we''re in more trouble than we were before." Yun Yang scoffed indifferently. Fatty counted with his fingers. "Up to now, you''ve killed a total of forty-seven people, boss. Twenty-nine of them were rogue cultivators; we can basically ignore them. However, the remaining eighteen people C there were shadows of the Celestial Luck Banners rising after their deaths, proving their identities. The sixteen black flags are still fine, but there are two green Celestial Luck Banners!" "Do you know what this means? We have at least C at the very least - offended ten schools or more that have the celestial flags. Great, we''ve actually offended all the schools that possess the Celestial Luck Banner within an area of tens of thousands of miles! It took us only one day!" Fatty hissed, unable to secrete any tears, despite his desperate wish to cry. He could not blame Yun Yang, however. If it had not been for him who had exposed the Celestial Amethyst from his inability to hold himself in, could they have brought such deadly trouble upon themselves? Could Yun Yang have killed so many people? The root cause was due to Fatty after all. Therefore, Fatty was already on the brink of death from the shock. If it were not for this acknowledgment that he was the culprit, he might have carried Yun Yang to safety instead of rising to the occasion and killing the attacker when he was met with the severely injured fourth-level Honor. The seed of disaster was already sowed. Once the schools found out that it was the two of them peace would be forever out of the question! "So what about it?" Yun Yang was unaffected by his circumstances. "It''s only a matter of time before we take note of who we offend. The outcome''s the same. It doesn''t matter." He firmly believed this to be true. Those whom he should kill, he would have to kill them sooner or later. It was indeed only a matter of time. "What''s urgent currently is not to hide from pursuit, it''s to first find permanent shelter," said Yun Yang, "Only then can we begin to recruit people." He suddenly recalled something. "You said that that''s the Celestial Amethyst?" "The Celestial Amethyst! Of course, it''s the Celestial Amethyst!" Fatty perked up once the crystal was mentioned. "An absolute gem!" "This item Isn''t it called the Eastern Amethyst?" asked Yun Yang. "Funny. We''re both human, you''re called Yun Yang and I''m called Qian Duoduo. However, in the eyes of the Yao race or the animals, aren''t we both human?" Fatty rolled his eyes. "Is it very strange that one item has a few different names?" Yun Yang was speechless. He was actually being educated by this fatty and what was worse was that he thought the other party made sense while he had nowhere to start retorting. How could this be? "The Celestial Amethyst is a cultivation gem of fantasy to cultivators," explained Fatty while he gently stroked the spatial ring on his finger. His expression was one of bedazzlement like he was stroking the radiant violet crystal. "Gem of fantasy? What''s so fantastic about it?" Yun Yang scoffed, "Isn''t it just an energy crystal that stores more energy? It''s still useless after the spiritual Qi inside has been fully absorbed. Its fate to become powder and dust is inevitable." "Fully absorbed? Becoming powder?" Fatty stared at Yun Yang in astonishment. "Big C big brother You C you would use the Celestial Amethyst in this manner?" "Is there anything wrong with that?" "Big brother, don''t ever speak of this again after today. If the ace cultivators find out about this, they''d definitely beat you to death and drown you in their spit. You''ll be everyone''s enemy and die under a never-ending avalanche of attacks!" Fatty looked anguished as he moaned, "You''re wasting God''s gift! You look very smart, but how can you be such unwise idiot? How am I following someone like this?" "The Celestial Amethyst is rare to come by, not only because it stores a large quantity of energy within it, but mainly because as long as it''s worn on a person, it''ll automatically attract heaven and earth''s spiritual Qi to help that person cultivate. If one merely takes the spiritual Qi stored in a piece of Celestial Amethyst, the energy can, at most provide, a beginner Honor cultivator a few days to expend it. Wearing it on oneself, however, can assist the said wearer to absorb endless spiritual Qi. In other words, the spiritual Qi that surrounds you could always be much more than that of others, despite similar cultivation conditions! At the very least, two times or more!" Fatty''s cheeks were trembling from his own lavish description. "Although using the Celestial Amethyst like this will still cause a drain on the crystal, the energy in a piece of Celestial Amethyst will only be fully exhausted after a century, as long as it''s not overused!" "Such a rare precious gem, yet you C you would suck it dry straightaway C how could you? Furthermore, listening to what you just said and the dozens of crystals you have given me, this means that you''ve used the amethyst like this more than once, more than a piece C were there many pieces?" Fatty''s gaze threatened to devour the man as if his resentment could only be assuaged by biting Yun Yang. "Uh I see," Yun Yang replied as he rubbed his nose, a little abashed. He did not know that such an item carried such a significant effect. He had indeed underestimated the tiny crystal. Ah, it was such a handicap to lack knowledge. This adage had proven true several time since a certain Supreme had come to this realm. "Well, we still have ten pieces of the Celestial Amethyst. A good ten pieces can easily recruit ten ace cultivators!" Qian Duoduo was truly confident that it could be done. 880 The True Function of The Ethereal Amethys The martial levels here were more difficult to attain than anything he had encountered before! No matter how gifted one was or what divine tricks one had, it was pure unadulterated wishful thinking to want to kill someone of another level. Take Yun Yang''s battle for example C he had been equipped with a marvelous weapon and the skill to execute a phantom-like ambush, but he had to play attrition with all that he had in order to exhaust his opponent; ultimately, Fatty had to steel himself to deal the ultimate blow before the both of them could wipe out a fourth-level Honor. The ache and despair could hardly be understood unless one was involved in the exercise! As it was, Yun Yang entertained the thought of what would have happened if the fourth level Honor had not disregarded both of them during the start of the battle. What if he had not handicapped Fatty at the very beginning? Perhaps the result would have been different If that was the case, the Residence of Nine Supremes might as well be closed. The Supreme and the majordomo would already be on their way to meet the Yama King. At least, the majordomo would have to see the Yama King for sure. Yun Yang was certain that he would be incapable of ensuring both his and Fatty''s safety by then. The fact was that cultivators who had registered their sects and could establish them securely were not great in number at all. Those who could build their schools and ultimately rest in peace were even more scarce. As for the ones who could bring glory to their sects not only were they not many, but they were also terribly few and far between. After these people had died, the white banner image would automatically fly back to delete themselves. Of course, cultivators who managed to stay alive and grab a Celestial Luck Banner that was a different matter altogether! Now, both Yun Yang and Qian Duoduo were being pursued by two fourth-level Honors and were fleeing in pitiful panic. "We''re being chased by dozens of people" Fatty cried, "You''ve killed so many people. The only thing I''m sure now is that we''re in more trouble than we were before." Yun Yang scoffed indifferently. Fatty counted with his fingers. "Up to now, you''ve killed a total of forty-seven people, boss. Twenty-nine of them were rogue cultivators; we can basically ignore them. However, the remaining eighteen people C there were shadows of the Celestial Luck Banners rising after their deaths, proving their identities. The sixteen black flags are still fine, but there are two green Celestial Luck Banners!" "Do you know what this means? We have at least C at the very least - offended ten schools or more that have the celestial flags. Great, we''ve actually offended all the schools that possess the Celestial Luck Banner within an area of tens of thousands of miles! It took us only one day!" Fatty hissed, unable to secrete any tears, despite his desperate wish to cry. He could not blame Yun Yang, however. If it had not been for him who had exposed the Ethereal Amethyst from his inability to hold himself in, could they have brought such deadly trouble upon themselves? Could Yun Yang have killed so many people? The root cause was due to Fatty after all. Therefore, Fatty was already on the brink of death from the shock. If it were not for this acknowledgment that he was the culprit, he might have carried Yun Yang to safety instead of rising to the occasion and killing the attacker when he was met with the severely injured fourth-level Honor. The seed of disaster was already sowed. Once the schools found out that it was the two of them peace would be forever out of the question! "So what about it?" Yun Yang was unaffected by his circumstances. "It''s only a matter of time before we take note of who we offend. The outcome''s the same. It doesn''t matter." He firmly believed this to be true. Those whom he should kill, he would have to kill them sooner or later. It was indeed only a matter of time. "What''s urgent currently is not to hide from pursuit, it''s to first find permanent shelter," said Yun Yang, "Only then can we begin to recruit people." He suddenly recalled something. "You said that that''s the Ethereal Amethyst?" "The Ethereal Amethyst! Of course, it''s the Ethereal Amethyst!" Fatty perked up once the crystal was mentioned. "An absolute gem!" "This item Isn''t it called the Eastern Amethyst?" asked Yun Yang. "Funny. We''re both human, you''re called Yun Yang and I''m called Qian Duoduo. However, in the eyes of the Yao race or the animals, aren''t we both human?" Fatty rolled his eyes. "Is it very strange that one item has a few different names?" Yun Yang was speechless. He was actually being educated by this fatty and what was worse was that he thought the other party made sense while he had nowhere to start retorting. How could this be? "The Ethereal Amethyst is a cultivation gem of fantasy to cultivators," explained Fatty while he gently stroked the spatial ring on his finger. His expression was one of bedazzlement like he was stroking the radiant violet crystal. "Gem of fantasy? What''s so fantastic about it?" Yun Yang scoffed, "Isn''t it just an energy crystal that stores more energy? It''s still useless after the spiritual Qi inside has been fully absorbed. Its fate to become powder and dust is inevitable." "Fully absorbed? Becoming powder?" Fatty stared at Yun Yang in astonishment. "Big C big brother You C you would use the Ethereal Amethyst in this manner?" "Is there anything wrong with that?" "Big brother, don''t ever speak of this again after today. If the ace cultivators find out about this, they''d definitely beat you to death and drown you in their spit. You''ll be everyone''s enemy and die under a never-ending avalanche of attacks!" Fatty looked anguished as he moaned, "You''re wasting God''s gift! You look very smart, but how can you be such unwise idiot? How am I following someone like this?" "The Ethereal Amethyst is rare to come by, not only because it stores a large quantity of energy within it, but mainly because as long as it''s worn on a person, it''ll automatically attract heaven and earth''s spiritual Qi to help that person cultivate. If one merely takes the spiritual Qi stored in a piece of Ethereal Amethyst, the energy can, at most provide, a beginner Honor cultivator a few days to expend it. Wearing it on oneself, however, can assist the said wearer to absorb endless spiritual Qi. In other words, the spiritual Qi that surrounds you could always be much more than that of others, despite similar cultivation conditions! At the very least, two times or more!" Fatty''s cheeks were trembling from his own lavish description. "Although using the Ethereal Amethyst like this will still cause a drain on the crystal, the energy in a piece of Ethereal Amethyst will only be fully exhausted after a century, as long as it''s not overused!" "Such a rare precious gem, yet you C you would suck it dry straightaway C how could you? Furthermore, listening to what you just said and the dozens of crystals you have given me, this means that you''ve used the amethyst like this more than once, more than a piece C were there many pieces?" Fatty''s gaze threatened to devour the man as if his resentment could only be assuaged by biting Yun Yang. "Uh I see," Yun Yang replied as he rubbed his nose, a little abashed. He did not know that such an item carried such a significant effect. He had indeed underestimated the tiny crystal. Ah, it was such a handicap to lack knowledge. This adage had proven true several time since a certain Supreme had come to this realm. "Well, we still have ten pieces of the Ethereal Amethyst. A good ten pieces can easily recruit ten ace cultivators!" Qian Duoduo was truly confident that it could be done. 881 The Preparation Fatty said in reassuring tones, "These alone could recruit ten experts of fourth-level Honor and above, without difficulty! Your Residence of Nine Supremes could be set up at any time, boss. I miss the crystals you wasted away even more now. How could you? How can you do that?" Fourth-level Honor In all honesty, Yun Yang was not quite satisfied with this somewhat lowly rank. It was simply impossible to contest for a lower class Celestial Luck Banner by relying on a few measly fourth-level Honors. It might, however, be done with several Saints Yun Yang glared. "Can you talk about something else? I''ll use my crystals however I like them Are you certain it can be done so simply? Are you underestimating the challenge?" Fatty chuckled and said, "It is truly that simple. Once the agreement is signed and before the amethyst''s energy is drained, no one will violate the contract. In other words, they won''t infringe the agreement for at least a hundred years!" "I see. What I meant by succeeding and you underestimating it is regarding the acknowledgment you have about my purpose of establishing the Residence of Nine Supremes. If it''s only about recruiting experts, I really don''t have to go to you, do I?" "What I need are brothers who can toil and share my ambitions, not fighters who come to work for you for a piece of Celestial Amethyst! If that kind of fighter could work under me for a piece of Celestial Amethyst, who knows if they''ll stab my back for greater benefits? The sect I build is meant to soar into the nine heavens!" said Yun Yang lightly. "Pardon? Soar into the nine heavens?" Qian Duoduo was stunned for a moment before he asked carefully, "May I ask your final destination?" "My short term goal can be considered partially achieved if I can enter the Eastern Celestial Court" Yun Yang thought about it and felt that he should be more reserved. He should not be too boastful, he had just arrived here. Fatty''s brain made an almost audible clanking sound. He fell to the ground with a thud and spoke in a wavering voice, "Big C big brother let''s stop here for now My head is spinning, I''m so dizzy" Fatty had seen from the beginning that his newly acknowledged boss was rather extraordinary. His way of doing things was not of the norm and he had a bag full of tricks. He had an oddly good eye as well, shrewd and perceptive. Other than the temporary unfamiliarity with the Bound of Universe, everything else about him was quite impressive. He knew that his boss held monumental ambitions as well, but what he did not expect was his ambition to be so lofty... it seemed to have no limit! The Eastern Celestial Palace! At least, in addition! Why not in subtraction? At least! To make matters worse, that was only the short term goal... what was that about? Did your parents know that you were so ambitious? That you thought so well and you could just go straight into heaven? As Fatty chastised his sect leader inwardly, he saw Yun Yang hum and stand at the mountain''s tip as he stared at an area surrounded by faraway peaks. He spoke faintly, "I think that place is suitable. Mountains surround all three sides of it while one peak takes the limelight. Let''s head over and check it out. We''ll do it there if it''s fine." Yun Yang was already drifting towards the said destination as he spoke. "Once our location has been set up, you try and sell these ten pieces of Celestial Amethyst out and build up our assets." "No!" Fatty was panicking. Those were the Celestial Amethysts! How many people had not seen even one throughout their entire life? Now that they had it in possession, it was to be sold away? ''This is investing in your enemies, you bastard!'' ''If you''re so brilliant, really, just go straight to heaven. Don''t harass my weak soul here in the mortal realm; I can''t take it!'' "Boss, let us discuss this. Can we not sell the Celestial Amethyst" "Pardon? Not sell them? How do we get our money then?" "Well" "How do we establish our sect without money?" "Well" "What ambitions and goals are we talking about if we can''t even set up the sect?" "Right, well" "Besides, I''ve only given you ten pieces. You won''t assume that there are only ten of these would you?" "Excuse me?" "Yet, you dare say that I''m an idiot?! Tell me, who''s the idiot now?" "Me, I''m the idiot. As long as you still have the divine crystals, I''m happy to be an idiot Do you really have more in your possession?" "Enough with all this nonsense. Tell me, how many spiritual jade pieces can a single Celestial Amethyst be traded for? If so many crystals emerge in the market suddenly, will its value depreciate?" Yun Yang knew now that the universal currency of cultivators in the Bound of Universe was spiritual jade and spiritual pearls; they were divided into lower, middle, upper and superior class. A middle-class spiritual jade was equal to a hundred lower class of its kind, while an upper-class jade could be exchanged with one hundred middle-class jade pieces. The superior class spiritual jade was the rarest, was almost impossible to find and was equal to ten thousand upper-class spiritual jade pieces. The higher class a spiritual jade was, the higher its purchasing ability would be. This meant that ten thousand upper-class spiritual jade shards could not actually be equivalent to a piece of a superior class spiritual jade. In spite of this, the circulating currency was more often than not the lower class spiritual jade. Those that Lei Dongtian had given to Yun Yang, for example, were pieces of lower class jade. As for spiritual pearls, they were the bits and pieces of the spiritual jade''s remains. They were circulated only among common citizens, exchanged for gold and silver. "A piece of Celestial Amethyst can be sold for about three thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade. Depreciation will definitely not happen. This thing is invaluable. No matter how high the supply is, there''s always constant demand" Fatty''s reply sounded uncertain. "Just three thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade? That''s not a lot. Three pieces of Celestial Amethyst can''t even redeem a piece of superior class spiritual jade and here I was thinking that it''s so valuable" Yun Yang was rather dissatisfied with the number. "Big brother, do you think that anyone would have three thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade on their person? Common traders will never barter with upper-class spiritual jade! Three thousand pieces of upper-class jade are not considered meager. The Celestial Amethysts are precious and are called items of fantasy, but they are consumable, after all. This price tag is just about right." Fatty''s irritation was genuine with regards to Yun Yang''s recognition of this realm''s commodity prices. "As for the superior class spiritual jade the Celestial Amethyst has somehow appeared. The superior class spiritual jade, however, has never made its presence known! What do you think?" "Cough, these ten pieces should be enough then?" "More than enough! This is an extremely vast sum of wealth!" Yun Yang made a rough calculation as he listened to the fatty C a piece of upper-class spiritual jade was ten thousand pieces of lower class spiritual jade while three thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade meant thirty million pieces of lower class spiritual jade? Thirty million? Indeed. That was not such a small sum after all, then. "Furthermore, this was the previous market price. There haven''t been any Celestial Amethyst pieces for a long time now in the market!" Fatty was brimming with confidence, his gaze glistening with a golden glimmer. "As long as time and opportunity are given to me, especially now when the news about the Celestial Amethysts emerging is all over the place, I can totally use these ten pieces of Celestial Amethyst to stack up a city made up of a million lower class spiritual jades!" "Boss, how much more do you have?" Fatty was obviously an avaricious man. He was quite elated. His boss'' tone and the spatial ring was given to him earlier were evidence that these were only a straw in a haystack. Did this not mean that he had a considerable amount of Celestial Amethysts on him then? Oh God, the news was not only overwhelming, but it was also mind-blowing and simply earthshattering! Fatty felt like he would not be able to rest in peace if he did not get to the bottom of this. "As long as you complete this task well, I can let you hang a piece each on both your ears, your neck, your wrists and ankles, and even the front and back of your groin. Would that be sufficient?" 882 Somebody Underneath "Cough Enough, enough, that''s enough. How am I supposed to use so many of them? I don''t need those two, especially at the crotch of my pants. That would be too much, a literal exploitation of deific entities" The little fatty was mortified by the turn the conversation was taking. "Begone!" "Yes, sir!" The little fatty bore no resentment at being yelled at. He was close to abasing himself on the ground to pledge his loyalty! Yun Yang was very satisfied with this location, content enough to set up the sect here. After shaking loose any possible form of pursuit, Yun Yang took two more days to ensure that his surroundings were safe. He had finally decided to set up the sect among these mountains! "This shall be the place." Yun Yang closed his eyes and lapsed into deep thought, imagining how he would want his sect to look. A place that they could easily defend themselves, and a place enemies would find tough to attack that would be the top priority. Grandiosity, good taste, and all these other things there was no need for that for now. As long as it was clean and proper, equipped with adequate spiritual Qi, that would do. Oh yes, there had to be sufficient space to fight or practice this was certainly a must After disguising himself and changing his looks, the little fatty took off in a dash. He had no business being here money-making was his only real duty. Yun Yang was not at all worried that the little fatty would take off on his own with the items. It was just that little bit of treasure anyway. If that little fatty really ran away, Yun Yang would not be at a terrible loss. It was really something too small to be concerned about. However, if that little fatty managed to return with the finished errand he would be a great help in the future! The only concern on his mind now was the mountainous landscape before him, and how he should manage them. Even as he continued to ruminate, the silhouette of a white banner was quickly summoned. Yun Yang transformed into his cloud form and rode the winds. With a small portion of his will, he sketched the shape of the valley he desired. When he reached an altitude of ten thousand feet, he thrust his stroke downwards. Boom! Suddenly, the land below shifted and the mountains quivered, then cracked and collapsed! Within moments, the entire scene changed completely it had become a complete mess! Yun Yang stood amongst the clouds, looking down at the mountains and rivers beneath his feet. Without further hesitation, he put his will into his thoughts and changed the landscape bit by bit, slowly transforming it into how he had imagined it to be. The scene manifested from mere imagination into reality, and that had filled him with an enormous surge of wonder. The peak of a mountain protruded from the ground. On its tip, eight tiny peaks formed on its left and right, forming a vague line of defense that protected the northern-most peak. A large and flat piece of land laid within the nine peaks. On top of those nine peaks, there were similar plateaus as well. These grounds would be reserved as a practice arena for combat purposes. Since it was named the Residence of Nine Supremes, naturally there should be nine peaks dedicated to the mortal world. Normally, the nine leaders would each occupy a side. They would coordinate with each other from afar, assisting one another and preventing the enemy from crossing over into their territories. Reinforcements would just be a call away if anything happened. In addition, a battle formation was actually concealed within the formation of these nine peaks one that could largely benefit their attacking and defensive strategies. Furthermore, with the situation before them closely resembling an all-natural environment, one could say that this was the most naturally-developed formation that ever existed. Using this as a base, the layers of mountains originally surrounding the area were pushed outwards. Here, the geographical landscape of the Residence of Nine Supremes was truly unique, evidently standing out from the rest. The rest of the empty lands would be used to construct buildings. Members of the sect were the fundamentals of the sect after all, so naturally sufficient space should be reserved to build the necessary structures; as for what he wanted, or what sort of architecture should be built, Yun Yang had a vague idea in his mind that only needed to be detailed to perfection in the near future. At this point, the basic construction for his sect was almost complete. The effects of the white banner limited, but it was enough to surprise Yun Yang. With just a wave of this white banner, the massive power unleashed could cause such a massive change in such a short time. It was just a banner, one that was the lowest class amongst all the Celestial Luck Banners within the renowned sects the white banner which was deemed the most useless one of all. He looked on as the silhouette of the white banner slowly disintegrated, bursting into a wisp of green smoke and vanishing forever before his eyes. At this moment, Yun Yang understood that was the extent of the banner''s function the only thing it left behind was a mark on his body. However, this was already an incredible power a power that could shock the entire universe! "Imagine, this little thing could really cause such a catastrophic change." When analyzed in detail though, besides changing the appearance of the valley''s landscape, there wasn''t anything more to the function of this transformation. Still, that was all it took to be deemed as a great achievement something that was hardly achievable with the abilities of a mere human! When it came to mother nature, no matter how vast or formidable a person''s cultivation levels were, the only outcome one could amount to was to destroy it. It was never like this shifting mountains and reorganizing lands to the point where the landscape was almost unrecognizable. "What''s left now is to get the men." "This would be something that I could do less with than to have too much of." Yun Yang muttered to himself. The Residence of Nine Supremes had always been the driving force in Yun Yang''s heart. Whether or not he could reassemble a new ensemble of Nine Supremes, Yun Yang was not too bothered by the potential difficulties. From his point of view, it did not truly matter if he could not assemble them all. After all, as long as his being was here, it represented every single one of his brothers of the Nine Supremes everybody was present! No matter how many men were recruited, or what kind of people they were in the future, Yun Yang would never give them titles like Supreme Earth, Supreme Fire, Supreme Wind or names remotely similar to these. Although it was more of some casual banter when he was making fun of Qian Duoduo being Supreme Money, it was an attempt to give Qian Duoduo another choice of being one of the candidates for the new line-up of Nine Supremes. In a man''s life, one may be entitled to make many choices, but luck has nothing to do with it! "Now that the basic landscape for the sect is complete, I should further secure it with a formation and plan out our defenses." Yun Yang gave due consideration to this next endeavor. An idea like that made perfect sense. Completing the basic construction of the landscape was nothing more than building a castle in the desert it might look good, but it was completely useless. If they encountered an expert and a fight ensued, it would be hard to fend off the force of the incoming attacks. Before a huge battle could even end, the entire landscape would most likely be destroyed. Thus, casting a large defensive formation to protect the mountain was a non-negotiable step. While Yun Yang willed his intent, he heard a resentful voice full of rage coming from below his feet. "Who''s that up there? What kind of bastard would do such a d*ckless, disrespectful, absolutely despicable and disgusting thing?" That brash voice carried an exorbitant amount of rage. Following the angry epithets, a head with a filthy face and frizzy hair emerged from the midst of a pile of rubble in a landscape full of smoke and dust located just beyond the nine peaks. The original color of the robes that man was wearing was completely indiscernible. He was extremely filthy the only thing that stood out was the spark in his eyes, looking as if they could spit fire. Shi Wuchen was mad! He was furious beyond belief! He had been gravely injured by his nemesis. Due to their massive influence and forces, they had been in pursuit of him to just about any corner of the world, and he had been hiding and evading them with a body filled with wounds. Only when he arrived here had he successfully managed to lose his pursuers, and to his surprise, he had unexpectedly discovered a ground meridian concealed below. Shi Wuchen was absolutely delighted at the discovery he had stumbled upon. He dived into it instantly, tending to his wounds with the spiritual Qi extracted from that ground meridian. However, due to the severity of his wounds which had been left untreated for too long, it became a grave, lingering condition; he had only managed to recover by thirty percent, even after the three years he had spent tending to it. He was in the midst of healing himself down below when the mountains suddenly began to quiver and the grounds began to shift. The entire land seemed to have been turned inside out, and that ground meridian suddenly changed its path. Initially situated underground, he soon found himself churned above the surface gracelessly, then buried underneath the ground by countless large rocks! First, his internal elements had run amuck, and the next thing he knew was that he had been crushed by huge rocks. If it was not for the fact that his cultivation base had been slightly restored, he might have already lost his dear life from this unexpected occurrence, dying a death filled with resentment! 883 Let’s Gamble, Shall We? Although Shi Wuchen was aware that someone had set up a sect above him by the most random of chances, and that it was pure coincidence, it was undeniable that the ground meridian that he was benefiting from was being taken away, and he was being tortured in the process. Moreover, he could no longer restore himself through the ground meridian in the future, not to mention the fact that he had lost any chance to practice and enhance his cultivation Affected by so many negative emotions, Shi Wuchen was naturally angered beyond belief, fuming with a towering rage. Do you think it''s easy for me to find even the slightest bit of hope? After enduring this earthquake, Shu Wuchen crawled to the surface at the very first chance he got. Firstly, he wanted to find out who had caused this ruckus and would make him pay for it; secondly, he knew this a long time ago: the preliminary steps of setting up a sect involved putting up a defensive formation! If he waited for this person to complete the casting of the Hill Protective Formation, triggering a corresponding force that would reinforce the body of the mountains, then not only would he lose his chance to seek revenge, he would probably never see the light of day again! He would be buried underground! Therefore, he dug and dug as if his life depended on it, reaching the surface just as Yun Yang was about to start casting the formation. Yun Yang looked on, wide-eyed with disbelief, as a man emerged from the initially flat surface with a sudden, loud whoosh. "Who are you? Why are you trespassing upon my spiritual land?" Shi Wuchen shouted a torrent of abuse. "How dare you ask who am I? I''m the one who''s supposed to ask who the hell are you! Bloody bastard, disrupting my peace when I was practicing how are you going to pay for this affront?" Disrupting you? Where the hell did that come from? Although this fellow standing before him was horribly filthy from head-to-toe and his looks were completely indiscernible, he did not seem very old. However, Yun Yang felt that it was strange given the fact that he was fuming with such indignant rage which was entirely directed at him. Did I frighten you? As they argued and finished laying out their individual points, they finally understood each other''s standpoint and how this entire matter came to be, but they could not refrain from slapping their hands against their heads. How in the world would there be circumstances as coincidental as this? A plot like this would not ever happen, even in a fictional novel! I chose to set up a sect here, but I almost tortured this fellow to his death? "If you wanted to set up a sect here, that''s none of my business, but why did you pick this place?" Even if he was perfectly aware of how this entire thing came to be, Shi Wuchen''s anger did not abate in the slightest. "Who wouldn''t choose to set up a sect at a location that is easily accessible, or somewhere geographically strategic? At least pick somewhere at the edge of a town so as not to inconvenience yourself! Why did you pick somewhere in the middle of the wilderness? Do you think you''re some kind of legendary recluse?" Yun Yang let out a dry cough. "Brother Shi, I am truly sorry and regretful for whatever that has befallen you. However, you still can''t hold someone accountable if he wasn''t aware of his wrongdoings. Whatever this humble one did was unintentional, so please pardon me. As for why I chose to set up the sect here, I definitely have my own considerations I don''t owe you an explanation in any sense, good sir." Shi Wuchen pulled his sword out of its sheath. "According to the laws of the martial world, the strong will be the kings of the jungle and reason is always governed by the strength of the fist. If you win, that simply means I am wrong, and I will be on my way. However, if you lose, you have to come up with some sort of payment for my loss of the ground meridian! I don''t want to take away your life, so please, get out of my sight immediately and find somewhere else to set up your sect." Yun Yang stared intently at this fellow standing before him, his eyes filled with amusement. Why, this fellow with his principles was quite the character! He might seem thuggish, but he didn''t necessarily force someone to go his way. Instead, he even allowed them a way out that quality itself was quite hard to come by. "What''s your cultivation base like?" "If I am completely restored to the original level of my cultivation base, do you think you still have the right to speak to me face-to-face, like this? My meridians may be hurt and sealed, and my wounds have not yet healed completely, leaving me with only ten percent of my actual strength, but I still have some fight left in me. Brat, you''re terribly fortunate this time!" Shi Wuchen roared furiously. Yun Yang nodded. "That''s a pretty honest way of putting it, good sir it''s a pleasure to hear that. Instead of simply fighting it out, why don''t we gamble with high stakes now let''s talk about the matters of losing and winning." "What sort of gamble with high stakes? How?" Yun Yang chuckled. "Since we''re talking about a gamble with high stakes, of course, we need to place each other''s futures and fates as a wager. If you lose, good man, you shall join my sect immediately, never to abandon it and pledge unwavering loyalty to me. However, if I lose, I will restore the ground meridian to whatever state it was before. I will sincerely offer this land back to you and top it up with a piece of Ethereal Amethyst. How does that sound?" When he uttered these words, Yun Yang looked deeply into Shi Wuchen''s eyes with a neutral expression. Now that Lord Supreme Cloud was completely alone, he was growing rather impatient to recruit some men. Coincidentally, this chap had sent himself right up his doorstep, so of course, he would try his luck at soliciting him. "Ethereal Amethyst?" Shi Wuchen''s eyes flashed with interest as he licked his lips subconsciously. If I have the Ethereal Amethyst, why would I need that ground meridian? His thoughts churned mightily and greed stirred within his heart. He was barely able to suppress it. "You have an Ethereal Amethyst? You''re really using that as wager?!" He asked, a hint of hesitation and uncertainty in his tone. "If I don''t, what would become of this gamble?" Yun Yang replied nonchalantly. Shi Wuchen muttered to himself for a bit before replying, "If that''s the case, there''s no need to fight. Just give me a piece of that Ethereal Amethyst and I''ll be on my merry way. This would put an end to everything, I''ll simply write it off. How''s that?" "That doesn''t sit well with me at all. If we do it that way, I will be the only one contributing to this, and that''s not fair in any way. Contrary to your suggestion, I am more willing to engage in a high-stakes gamble unless, of course, you are afraid of losing?" Shi Wuchen laughed in a conceited manner. "Although my body is wounded and my strength is lacking, my eyes and senses still work. Your cultivation base is way lower than mine where is the fairness in a fight like this? If I really hurt you, and take the Ethereal Amethyst from you, not only will this make me seem unkind, I seriously have no heart to do such a thing. So, why don''t you just give me a piece of that crystal, and let''s be friends, there''s no need for mindless killing perhaps, I will even sweeten the deal for you if you need assistance in the future, you can enlist my help, and I''ll never reject whatever that''s within my capabilities. How does that sound to you?" Yun Yang narrowed his eyes. "That doesn''t sound like a go from me. This fight hasn''t even started, and there''s no victory or defeat yet, so why does it sound like you''ve already won and I''ve already lost? If you have really wounded me, that would simply mean that I am defeated. You would''ve done your part and obtained the ground meridian rightfully, and you''ll also get the Ethereal Amethyst what''s there to be unhappy about? I firmly insist that it has to be this way even if I''ve lost, I''ll have nothing to be resentful about!" "Why you''re a bloody hard-headed little brat, aren''t you? You disrupted my healing process my anger is perfectly justified. However, I understand that you were unaware of my presence below, so although I''m boiling with rage, I won''t intentionally take it out on you. A piece of Ethereal Amethyst as repayment may seem a little too much to ask, but I am a Saint-level practitioner after all, so that''s something for you know I''m not even taking too much of your advantage. Do you really want to leave me with no choice but to give you a good beating? I, Shi Wuchen, am not a totally unreasonable man I can''t commit myself to this atrocious deal!" Shi Wuchen roared. Yun Yang nodded. "That''s how it is. You are truly virtuous, good sir." More brownie points were added to Yun Yang''s silent judgment of this man''s character. He threw out the information about the Ethereal Amethyst intentionally as a test to probe the man''s character; Yun Yang did not want to recruit simply anybody. If that man had wicked intentions Yun Yang would never let him join the Residence of Nine Supremes, no matter how strong his cultivation base is, or even if he groveled and begged. However, from this man''s performance, although there was greed, he was still able to restrain himself. His conscience was unusually clear, and there was no way he would take another step beyond his boundaries. Yun Yang had to admit that this was a rather unusual trait. It precisely this very reason that truly made Yun Yang want to take this man under his command. 884 Shi Wuchen’s Resentmen "You''ve never even fought me before! How should I trust that you''re truly stronger than I am?" "What if you''re only bluffing? Do you think that I came by my Ethereal Amethysts easily, thinking to take them away like that? That single condition of yours truly demonstrates your generosity and good faith!" Shi Wuchen became incensed. "I, Shi Wuchen, am a real man! Why would I cheat you with lies? Go around and ask about me about what kind of man Shi Wuchen of the Tri-Autumn Swordsmen is, and when has he ever gone back on his word!" Yun Yang simply said, "Wouldn''t a real man lie? There are way too many liars in this world after all, and furthermore, are you even famous? Why haven''t I heard of this man called Shi Wuchen? Oh, oh, are you even Shi Wuchen?" Shi Wuchen was furious to the point where his hair was practically standing. His eyes flared up with wrath. "It seems that you''re adamant in picking a fight, aren''t you?" Yun Yang loosened his hands. "You haven''t even accepted my invitation for a gamble, what''s the good in picking a fight with you right now? I''m only concerned about the gamble, I don''t really care about who you are, your terms, or anything about you!" Shi Wuchen was itching to fight, yet he did not want to start one, and walking away from this seemed too much of a nuisance. Furthermore, the words of this brat before him was pushing him off the edge. Shi Wuchen was at the verge of breaking down. Grinding his jaw, he growled, "Just tell me, what the hell do you want now?" When those words left his lips, Shi Wuchen suddenly felt that the situation had been turned around. Wasn''t he here to demand for answers? How had the situation turned out this way? "Lose, and you''ll be my underling. Win, and I''ll give you whatever you want," replied Yun Yang. "Did it take you so long to understand a simple gamble contract like this?" With a whoosh, Shi Wuchen had his longsword in his grasp. "Fine! It''s on!" "Wait, wait, is it on when you say it''s on? What about your wager? I''m here, the sect is here, even if I run away, the school of thought is still here, but how about you? What happens if you lose and you can''t pay up? There was this swordsman called Liao Youyan who cheated me last time apparently, swordsmen can''t be trusted either" Shi Wuchen took a deep breath. "The terms of a gamble have always been regulated by the laws of heaven victory or defeat shall be witnessed by the very heavens itself. If one dares to place a bet, one shall have the guts to admit defeat this is a law no one would dare to break. You''re spouting too much nonsense and deliberately being a nuisance are you toying around with me?" "Alright, alright. You said it, and now it''s too late to retract them." Yun Yang took out his saber slowly. "Shi Wuchen, you will soon be part of the Residence of Nine Supremes you''ll be my first underling!" Shi Wuchen sneered with wrath. "I was going to be kind and merciful, for I don''t intend to hurt you at all, but since you''ve said it, I''ll give you a lesson you''ll never forget for life. There''s no such thing as luck in the path of cultivation, and it''s absolutely preposterous for you to spout more bullshit." The torrent of sharp-tongued remarks they launched at each other ended there and then. Without further ado, wielding their weapons in hand, the two men stood fifty feet apart as they faced each other, the fight commencing at any moment now. Shi Wuchen mustered the spiritual Qi inside his body, feeling it surge with the force of a massive river. Although was not as powerful and boundless as what he had when he was his fully restored self, he was extremely confident that he still had the strength for a fight at least, his wounds would not relapse in the middle of it if the fight went like how he had predicted it to. As long as he does not activate any powers exceeding Honor Level Four in this fight, nothing would go wrong. Upon this thought, he grew even more self-assured. Through his powerful deific abilities that had already attained Saint Level, he could easily and quickly tell that Yun Yang''s true cultivation base was barely at third-level Honor. Although he was quite surprised at the level of his cultivation base, judging by Yun Yang''s young age, which was a pretty rare and unusual circumstance, he would not allow Yun Yang to triumph over him in this fight, no matter what! If cultivation base was part of the discussion, although he was unable to unleash his full potential, he was still at the fourth-level Honor, which largely trumped his opponent. When it came to deific consciousness, he had already attained the level of a Saint, and he could easily gauge if his opponent''s responses were the real deal. Besides, there was still personal experience and knowledge accumulated to talk about judging by his opponent''s young age, how could they even be mentioned on the same page! No matter which angle he analyzed this from, he would be the winner of this fight! Shi Wuchen had already thought it through. After beating and conquering Yun Yang, he would definitely give this young man a good lesson. The terms agreed upon earlier would still be honored, of course after all, he would have given up the Ethereal Amethyst by then. It would definitely not reflect too well on him if he took the treasure and finished his opponent off after all, swordsmen have their own dignity and principles as well Shi Wuchen''s form straightened up suddenly, the sword in his grasp producing a crystalline hum. At this moment, he seemed to have grown taller by at least two heads, looking sharp and deadly, shrouded by flashes of iciness! His eyes gazed at his opponent intently, formidable to the point as if it had physically manifested, the tip of the sword spitting out a gleam at least three feet long. At this moment, his being, his heart, his mind, and his sword had merged as one there were no other impurities within! I am the sword, the sword is me! Yun Yang''s heart jerked violently as he faced Shi Wuchen''s brief demonstration, a rather fuzzy thought taking over his mind peculiarly as if something important had just flashed across his train of thought. He came close to grasping it, but it was still out of reach. Yun Yang intended to recall it thoroughly to make use of this sudden opportunity that struck him, but the moment did not allow him to delve deeper into his thoughts. The opponent''s sword had already transformed into an earth-splitting gleam of light, coming towards him in an impossible speed. Within a quick flash, the glint from the sword had reached the point between his eyebrows. The speed of Shi Wuchen''s attack was the fastest Yun Yang had ever encountered in his life there was none other that could even compare! Even Ling Xiaozui, the ultimate master of the sword whom he had met at Tianxuan Continent, did not wield a sword as fast as this man! This slash was incredibly swift, to the point where Yun Yang had no time to do anything to evade it he could only endure it head-on! At that fateful moment where the strike seemed to be at the brink of fatally wounding Yun Yang, his body burst into a mass of clouds and fog with a loud poof. That sword glinted, whizzing through the air with the speed of lightning, seemingly reaching its target, but in truth, it had cut nothing! Shi Wuchen reeled back in shock. What just happened? What sort of odd, secret technique was this how much more bizarre could it get! Before his shock could wear off, Shi Wuchen felt the sharp rustle of air that came from the saber, which was plowing down mercilessly from behind with an incredibly unstoppable force! In the path of that impending strike of doom, Shi Wuchen''s surprise quickly vanished. However, he simply twisted his body without even looking back. Suddenly three flashes of after-images whizzed out in an electrifying speed, followed swiftly by three streaks of sword light, ambushing Yun Yang in a reversed direction. Seeing the way Shi Wuchen countered his attack, Yun Yang was astounded. This swordsman of the Tri-Autumn Swords truly lived up to his word. Not only was he a man of integrity that abided by the rules, he had the look of an honest man, but when it boiled down to actual combat, his reactions were incredibly fast. Be it his intuitive response, his attacks, his counters, his transformation he interchanged these moves like the back of his hand. This was clearly a type of combat instinct the kind that had been deeply ingrained into the bones! This this was something that stemmed from the combat experience of countless attempts at refining and practicing. With a turn of his body, Yun Yang morphed into a light breeze. The saber in his hand descended, plowing down without an inch of mercy, charging towards Shi Wuchen once more! He did not activate Saber Truth: Destiny Blade. Shi Wuchen was yet again surprised at the way Yun Yang countered his attack. However, he did not lose his cool he landed quickly on the ground with a spin before launching himself outwards, followed quickly by a fold of his body as he faced up and returned the strike. Whoosh The glint of the sword formed a curtain of light, plummeting downward like an endless waterfall. He understood now; his opponent practiced some sort of strange, mystical method. It would be hard to strike at him effectively with a basic slash, so he decided to change his strategy, shifting into a similar form of attack but one that covered a larger area of effect to probe the limitations of Yun Yang''s mystical methods! Yun Yang''s physique had just come together, yet under his watchful eyes, it morphed unexpectedly into a mass of clouds once more, completely unfazed and unhurt by the attacks. Through the accumulation of cloud and fog, Yun Yang swung and struck the saber towards the direction of his head! Shi Wuchen had predicted this move incorrectly. He was nearly struck although he was well-experienced in facing an enemy. He quickly stepped back and got out of the way; although it was not too graceful, at least he wasn''t hurt. "Insolent brat, facing your opponent with such a lowly distraction shameless!" He roared furiously. A sense of resentment quickly flew into his head. Is this little brat some kind of ghost? His form keeps on changing how do I defeat him? 885 Defeated! Yun Yang shifted back into his original form, the clouds and fog slowly dissipating. The saber glinted in the light as it plowed down with incredible force. "What a bunch of nonsense! Do you think all the secret techniques you don''t know about are moves to distract you? I''m telling you, this is the way I fight if I hadn''t employed this method, how would I even fight against someone like you, whose cultivation base far exceeds my own? Do you really think I''m stupid?" Shi Wuchen choked on his breath upon hearing that, feeling too embarrassed to utter anything else. After all, his true cultivation base was levels above Yun Yang''s, and his deific consciousness itself was already a few times more powerful than that of Yun Yang. The wide disparity of strength between the two was as clear as day to stop his opponent from using arcane techniques unique to himself was an argument he could never win! Shi Wuchen was brimming with confidence in this fight. Any arcane techniques would likely be strange, unexpected, or packed with queer powers, but they would eventually have their limits, or perhaps sustained by certain levels of mystical Qi or a combination of other forms of spiritual energy. It was impossible to keep activating them without having to rest in between. With a cultivation base levels above him and plenty of combat experience under my belt, I will definitely be the final victor of this fight! I''ll have him spent to the point of death! However, to Shi Wuchen''s dismay, his efforts were futile, even when he had consecutively tried eighteen sword techniques and seven to eight combat styles that specifically targeted arcane techniques. Yun Yang, on the other hand, only used a single technique to thwart his attacks; I don''t care I''ll keep transforming into cloud and fog. After your strike, I''ll simply morph back into my original form, then blend into the winds again and counter it quickly. Even if you have the power to wreak havoc on heaven and earth, can you do any harm to a simple mass of cloud and fog? The most you can probably do is just dispel it. However, I can regather my form anytime, anywhere, and raise hell again! The two men contended for almost four hours. As time passed, Shi Wuchen attacked with reducing vigor. I''m literally fighting against a ghost! No matter how swift and quick his stroke, no matter how it was packed with an unrivaled force, the only thing it struck was air. This feeling was mortally unbearable, yet his opponent was as lively as he had been during the beginning of the fight. He did not even unleash any special tricks, they were just basic jabs and strikes In other words, he wondered if his opponent had even unleashed any of his true skills. The more he fought, the more helpless he felt, and the more he thought, the weaker he seemed to be. Suddenly, with one big stride, he leaped forward. "Alright, alright, I yield! I admit defeat!" He cried, feeling greatly disturbed. The mental state of the Great Swordsman Shi was now upon the verge of breaking down he was resentful beyond belief! Throughout this fight this wind-grabbing and shadow-clutching exchange that had lasted for nearly four hours - he had managed to come up with an irrefutable conclusion. Although his opponent''s arcane technique was extremely bizarre, the energy consumed to sustain it was suspiciously, disproportionately meager. Even until now, his opponent was still in tip-top condition. His own energy, on the other hand, was another matter altogether. The deep, exhausting focus he had spent in these four hours was secondary compared to his concerns at the fact that his spiritual Qi was already reaching its limits. If he forced himself to continue, he would not be able to suppress his injuries should his wounds relapse, that would truly be the greatest loss to him! "If I wasn''t wounded, where will you run to when I unleash Heaven and Earth Cage, regardless of how bizarre your techniques are? I wonder where will you dissipate to! What a shame, sigh" A long sigh stretched into the air before silence returned. Yun Yang stopped, returning to his original form, looking mildly entertained. "Yield?" "Yield, I yield!" Shi Wuchen shook his head helplessly. "There''s no point in fighting when you''re in that form." Yun Yang burst into a hearty laugh and sat on the ground. "Can''t go on anymore, can you? Same here, I was unable to persevere further already. This is really tiring me out." He looked as though he was exhausted to the point where he could no longer stand, and his face was ash-white as if plagued with death. To Shi Wuchen, this fight was an extremely irritating one, but what Yun Yang felt was only fatigue extreme levels of pure fatigue! His opponent''s sword was coated with an appetite for destruction and massacre. His cultivation base was one whole level above Yun Yang''s current standing, and he was enveloped by a deific consciousness of an unknown level that far exceeded his own. Facing an enemy like that in one-to-one combat, there was no fight. If he pressed on forcefully, he would be simply asking for it he would be the sole victim of this entire farce. Yun Yang was also reluctant to use other slaughtering methods, for if he employed them, life and death would be evident! Yun Yang did not want to kill this man, but he was not very keen about making this place his own grave either. Facing this chap whose cultivation base was already at the Saint Level, how would one know what sort of power he could unleash when he was pushed to the edge? Although Yun Yang was rather confident about himself, he rather not tempt fate. If that was the case, a fighting style which employed his wind cloud form had become the only choice! Still, a continuous loop of dissipating and condensing his form still required him to use up spiritual Qi and the essential energy of wind and cloud. Even to Yun Yang, the energy spent was unusually high it was not like what Shi Wuchen had assumed, that he had plenty left from where it came from. Although it was not to the extent where he could go a single step further, he was also close to reaching his limit even as the fight had progressed to this point. However, even when he had come close to reaching his limit, he was not exactly completely sapped out. He opted to appear weak and frail, but that was only Yun Yang''s final probe on the man''s character. If Shi Wuchen took this opening as a chance to attack, Yun Yang would not allow this man to join the Residence of Nine Supremes, regardless of how much he took a liking to him. When it came to recruiting, Yun Yang had his own standards. He had a bottom line, one that would not be easily broken! Shi Wuchen''s eyes twinkled, a sense of peace slowly seeping into his heart. "So, even you can''t carry on any longer? This mystique method of yours has its limits as well?" Yun Yang nodded. "Naturally, any secret or ultimate technique would have its limits. Of course, I''m not made out of steel either. I would tire out eventually." Shi Wuchen tipped his head upwards and guffawed. "Then I am relieved. Although I couldn''t defeat you, I almost tired you out. It''s not too big of a defeat, I suppose at least it''s not a crushing defeat!" Yun Yang remained unperturbed upon hearing that. "So what if it wasn''t a crushing defeat? You have admitted defeat, have you not? Now, get on with this business and join my sect this instant, Great Swordsman Shi." His retort was calm and collected. Shi Wuchen slowly retracted his smile and gave some serious thought to his words. "I, Shi Wuchen, duly meant what I said, and I will never go against my own word! Today is the first day your sect is established what is it called? How many people are there? These are the things I need to know!" "Cough This sect is called the Residence of Nine Supremes, and it''s shared between two for now. I am the sect leader. There is a majordomo as well oh, that''s not right, there are three people now we have one more, which is Shi Wuchen, Great Swordsman Shi, the elder of the school." "I''m rather impressed by you you have just joined us and you''ve been promoted to the position of an elder. This luck of yours is truly amazing." Shi Wuchen gaped even wider at that. "Hold on for a bit, we need to make this clear! There are only two people in this Residence of Nine Supremes of yours? A sect leader and a majordomo? Only three, if I count myself in. You you mean to solicit me with such a minute scale?" A rare blush surfaced across Yun Yang''s face, seeming a little awkward as he let out a cough. "You said it yourself, this sect has only just been established. It will slowly grow stronger with time, and the path to its future is brightly lit. Being the sect''s elder will be the wisest choice you''ll ever make in your entire life." These words were uttered with such brazen confidence as if they were uttered simply to boost their own morale through a one-sided declaration of how luxurious, noble and magnificent this offer was. It seemed horribly similar to a sales pitch in fact, there was no difference at all! Shi Wuchen was completely speechless. He directed his gaze towards the sky, and for a long time, he did not utter a single word. One could say that it was a solid hit to the gut, for there was nothing unreal about this. I am Shi Wuchen of the Three Autumn Swordsmen; although I can''t say that this reputation of mine has shaken the world, or caused a stir in the Bound of Universe, I am still one of its well-known heroes. Many sects had extended their invites to me, yet I did not join them; but here, now, under totally unexpected circumstances, a sect with only two people solicited me, putting me in a difficult position where I can''t simply shimmy out from. It''s just like riding on a tiger''s back Have I, Shi Wuchen, truly fallen so far? 886 Ranks, Path! Still, I was the one who lost the bet The words had already left his lips, and it was far too late to retract them. Alas, all is lost! If the opponent extended his invitation once, one that was simply a formal courtesy, or perhaps a prompt ... However, he had straight up requested me to fulfill the terms of the gamble how will I still maintain my dignity if I were to reject him? Shi Wuchen wore a resigned look on his face, finally accepting his fate. "A gentleman''s word is as good as gold. Since I''ve personally admitted defeat, I will not go back on my word. However, sect leader, what kind of duties will you have me perform if I join the sect? You wouldn''t simply be making me a sect elder for no apparent reason, would you?" Yun Yang coughed. "The Residence of Nine Supremes wasn''t named just for the sound of it its name suggests exactly what it means. Nine shall take the positions, so how does Supreme One sound?" Shi Wuchen rolled it around his tongue. "That that''s alright what Supreme are you addressed as?" "My surname is Yun, so naturally I''m called Supreme Cloud (Yun)." Shi Wuchen gushed enthusiastically, "That''s eloquent indeed! So, from today, I''ll be called Supreme History (Shi)?" "Supreme History (Shi)" Yun Yang spluttered. He choked for real and started coughing uncontrollably, his face and ears turning a fiery red. Shi Wuchen paused and was hit with a sudden realization. "This doesn''t sound good it''s a little inappropriate. This will be easily misunderstood when heard" He grimaced. "Cough" Yun Yang had a difficult time stopping his hacking. This wouldn''t be easily misunderstood; this would definitely be misunderstood! Supreme Shit (Shi)! Brother, you''re honestly not trying your hardest to disgust me, are you? If there''s really going to be a Supreme Shit amongst the Nine Supremes, I rather you did not join us; that would be taking things too far! "You''re a renowned swordsman. Let''s call you Supreme Sword," suggested Yun Yang enthusiastically, casually ignoring his nagging suspicion that he was plagiarizing it off a member of the Four Seasons Tower. "This doesn''t sound great either" Shi Wuchen protested in a conflicted tone. He was against it. "Supreme Despicable (Jian) you mean that''s not too far off from Supreme Shit" Yun Yang was at a loss for words. " Then, what kind of Supreme do you think you should be addressed as? Your surname is Shi, but that wouldn''t do; you wield a sword, but that also wouldn''t do. What else do you know? A name should bear its actual meaning it should be defined in a relevant manner, don''t you think?" Shi Wuchen explored his options. "Perhaps since I''m the second and below you, you''ll be Supreme First, and I''ll be Supreme Two?" Yun Yang rolled his eyes. "Supreme First? Supreme Two? Do you really think that Supreme Two sounds better than Supreme Sword?" Shi Wuchen was out of ideas. "But" "Let''s just stick to Supreme Sword! You have been called a swordsman before this, and now you shall be known as Supreme Despicable those who have heard of it would think that it''s an improvement. That''s pretty alright for now, if you get too demanding about it, it would seem even more unrelated, so what else are you even thinking of?" cried Yun Yang. Shi Wuchen''s face was one of helplessness. "Fine, fine, Supreme Sword it is" He heaved a breath suddenly. "If reincarnation is a technique tell me, would we even have this argument if I was born with a different surname?" Yun Yang snorted. "Isn''t Supreme Sword better than Supreme Shit?! Well if it affects you that much, just slide your blade against your throat and you''ll have the opportunity to do so. I can gladly reserve this title granted upon you for an additional eighteen years." Shi Wuchen''s eyes rolled wildly to the back of his head. He was truly speechless in light of the mouth of this new leader of his. Immediately, Shi Wuchen took an oath towards the heavens, pledging his utmost loyalty as he joined the Residence of Nine Supremes. The silhouette of a white banner promptly made a complete circle around him before returning to Yun Yang. The ceremony was thus completed. The sky was already dark. "Sect leader, where are we resting for the night?" "Over there it seems like there''s a cave, let''s take a rest there temporarily." Yun Yang was astounded when he glanced at Shi Wuchen, who looked clean and tidy after washing his face. "Well, seems like your looks are pretty passable." Shi Wuchen could only remain speechless. How''s it only ''passable''? Shi Wuchen Great Swordmaster Shi was most certainly a show-stopping heartthrob. At twenty-seven or eight years of age, he had a square face, high nose bridge, and full, thick lips. His single eyelids seemed to render him with a cold, sharp gaze. He had a tall, lean physique, and he was only slightly shorter than Yun Yang by a hair''s breadth. The fitting green robes he wore on his body set off nicely against his physique, making him appear to radiate masculinity and looking more distinguished than ever. As for style and demeanor, those two aspects of his were levels beyond Yun Xiaoyao and Bai Yixue''s His cultivation base was not even in the question his levels could easily conquer theirs! After all, Shi Wuchen''s actual level of cultivation was so formidable to the point where it could actually beat Yun Yang''s! In the cave, Shi Wuchen was still sighing and lamenting endlessly, feeling as if his hopes and dreams had been entirely crushed to dust. It felt as if he had boarded the wrong ship and had his future royally doomed in the process. However, all his negative emotions promptly vanished after he personally witnessed the way Yun Yang cast the defensive formation around the mountains. Before his very eyes, Yun Yang scattered a few purple crystalline entities onto the ground. Next, he started to put up the formation banners a hundred and eight formation banners started to fall onto the ground in a consecutive manner. The last formation banner, accompanied by the last piece of the purple crystalline entity, landed on the middlemost square. However, those special purple crystalline entities vanished; not a single trace of them was left upon the completion of the formation banner. Following the completion of the formation''s foundation, the entire mountain felt as if it was overwhelmed by quivers that resembled contractions, all at the same time. The power from countless ground meridians started to accumulate beneath their feet from all directions. The sky full of stars throbbed and shimmered brightly. They shone simultaneously, and suddenly, the brilliance from the entire sea of stars showered downwards. Within seconds, the peak where the Residence of Nine Supremes was located lapsed into a fog-like state of total whiteness. Everything was visually indiscernible even one''s deific consciousness could not extend beyond it. Spiritual Qi from all over the realm came swarming and spilling into the land ringed by the nine peaks. This phenomenon of converging spiritual Qi lasted for the whole night. The next morning, Yun Yang heaved a breath of relief. "It''s done. The foundation of this formation is done it''s good enough for starters." "Is this the rumored Heavenly Stellar Formation, lost in the passages of history?" Shi Wuchen asked with a face full of deep respect. "Your expectation of me is too high, Supreme Sword. This formation might be formed by extracting energy accumulated from the starlight of the entire sky, but it is still largely different from the real Heavenly Stellar Formation you can''t compare them side by side," Yun Yang smiled. "I shall call this the Yin Yang Starlight Formation of the Five Elements!" "This formation was gathered from the five elements and transmuted through yin and yang energies. It required the power of stars from the entire night sky and sourced Qi from the ground meridians of all eight directions, causing the spiritual energy to come towards this land only then could this formation be formed. This formation is the foundation of the Residence of Nine Supremes it should not be destroyed!" Yun Yang continued calmly, "With the energy provided by a hundred and eight pieces of crystals as the underlying support, merging together with it as one, the self-defense mechanism will function without the slightest doubt. Although our Hill Defense Formation isn''t as invincible as the Heavenly Stellar Formation, it can probably still defend us from the attacks of Saint Emperor without breaking." "Saint Emperor!" Shi Wuchen''s widened his eyes. "What did you use to cast this formation? How could its power be so unbelievably strong I need proof!" Shi Wuchen couldn''t deny that he had encountered many Hill Protective Formations before, but one that functioned as how Yun Yang said it would be was the first he ever heard of. "It was nothing but just a few rare crystalized energy actually I brought them with me from where I''ve ascended from." Yun Yang replied in a vague manner. In his heart, he thought, if I told the truth and let him know that it was cast with a hundred and eight pieces of Ethereal Amethysts would this fellow faint? "If you don''t want to go into details, then I won''t question you any further, but the spiritual Qi within these gates is a little too dense, don''t you think?" Shi Wuchen wrinkled his nose. "The other sects probably can''t even beat us even if they have low-grade Celestial Luck Banners; furthermore, we are just newly established. When the formation stabilizes after a few days, the spiritual energy here would probably get even better" "The formation I cast was meant to have this effect. It''s still far off from its maximum potential." Yun Yang said simply. "I''m just letting you have a taste of it. In a while, I''ll stop the spiritual Qi-gathering function here later while we wait for that fatty to bring the men back the construction of the school''s main hall is the next step, after all. After that, we''ll have to cast the formation to lock down the gates to the mountain." "Today, the Residence of Nine Supreme has finally established its roots in the Bound of Universe." Yun Yang''s heart was rippling with emotion. He would never have known that the Bound of Universe would be such a hard place to get around if he had not gotten himself here. However, today, this at least, was a first step forward. "What''re we going to do in the future?" Shi Wuchen asked. "Hmm, rob." "Rob?" Shi Wuchen echoed, his voice going off-tune. "You heard me correctly, rob," said Yun Yang. "In the Bound of Universe, robbing is a legal profession. What a useful, convenient way to go about it why not put it to use? We''ll rob whoever who passes this territory of ours. If they have something we want, we''ll take it. If there''s nothing we want here, we''ll pillage somewhere else. If there''s nothing to rob elsewhere, we''ll come up with our own terms we''ll still rob all we can!" Now, he was finally certain without a hint of doubt; he had really truly embarked on the wrong boat! Looting although it was legal, one would have to ultimately bear the consequences. Once the wheels started rolling, how many people would they manage to offend in the future? Shi Wuchen''s legs started to tremble at the thought of powerful enemies flocking and swarming towards the Residence of Nine Supremes. "If I pull out now, will it be too late?" Shi Wuchen asked weakly. "What do you think?" Yun Yang gave him a sidelong glance. "If you''re not afraid of heaven''s wrath, go ahead and leave. As for me, you''re free to come and go." Shi Wuchen''s head drooped as he took in breaths full of regret. His voice even seemed to be lined with a little sob. "It''s a shame that my personal vendetta has yet to be fulfilled" Yun Yang rolled his eyes and walked away. "In the next three days, I will help you heal your injuries. Then, we''ll get into action immediately! You''re a Saint Level practitioner and also the best expert in our sect, so for our first ever mission, you''ll naturally take the lead!" At this very moment, Shi Wuchen was already out of tears. As it turns out, I''m the first scapegoat after all 887 Selling Off Ancestral Property In the midst of the conversation, the thing that caught him by surprise was the other matter that Yun Yang had mentioned. "You''ll help me heal? In three days?" Shi Wuchen''s eyes were wide with curiousity. Shi Wuchen was not all too surprised at Yun Yang''s plan of making him his top henchman. After all, his cultivation base was right there, sitting idle he should be contributing to the sect since he was already a member of it. At the same time, it could not possibly come as a surprise to him that Yun Yang had volunteered to heal him he would only be able to unleash his full strength if his wounds took a turn for the better. That must be what he had intended, and it was a perfectly reasonable gesture. In actual fact, Shi Wuchen was utterly shocked by the fact that Yun Yang had sworn to heal him in three days! With the powers of the ground meridian, my wounds had only restored thirty percent of its full capacity after three years of recuperation, and here you are, offering to cure me in three days do you think I''d believe you? Like hell, I would! However, following a trickle of life essence that had been injected into his body, Shi Wuchen obediently shut his mouth, his face swimming with emotions. Since it''s happening now before my eyes, no matter how ludicrous it sounded, I need to place complete faith in it! As his actual cultivation base was already at the Saint Level, it was no surprise that he was a man who knew his stuff. "This this wouldn''t happen to be innate essence, would it?" He asked carefully. With a dash of this perfectly pure life force, it was enough to suppress all the negative side effects of his aches and pains. He no longer had any worries to care about he only had to focus on cultivating and recuperating. Being able to restore seventy percent of his strength in a day was a highly probable feat. By the looks of it, complete restoration in the days to come was not a problem at all it could even be deemed as a guaranteed outcome. If if I manage to retain a bit of this mysterious essence and allow my body to use it to strengthen my cultivation base, perhaps, it might even be helpful in achieving more future breakthroughs in my cultivation journey! This this is practically a blessing from the heavens. It was a pie from the skies, a wonderful thing indeed! Suddenly, Shi Wuchen felt that joining the Residence of Nine Supremes was not too much of a bad thing after all. Instead, it was an opportunity for him to journey further into his path of cultivation. In truth, he had already been entertaining thoughts of joining a sect. Even if Yun Yang had not solicited him today, he would have most likely gone with the flow if someone else had sought him out as long as they were suitable. After all these years, after going through the annihilation of his family, his life had been hanging on the line as he constantly drifted from one place to another, soliciting many karmic repercussions in the process. After all, to survive in the martial world, it was impossible to live without making enemies and forming feuds; countless enemies had gone after him to the point where he had nowhere to hide, and he, who had no assistance at all, had long felt that his lone strength was too feeble. Yun Yang''s invitation was exactly what he wanted. Otherwise, even if it was a chore to break Yun Yang''s cloud form, as long as he did not mind the damage and possibly aggravate his existing injuries, he could forcefully summon Heaven and Earth Cage. Considering the actual difference between him and Yun Yang, Yun Yang may very well be defeated here from the unexpected and swift change. Furthermore, any wound could be suppressed with Shi Wuchen''s cultivation levels as long as he could lay his hands on the Ethereal Amethyst, and he could continue to heal himself progressively. Therefore, instead of saying that their fight was completely set up by Yun Yang, Shi Wuchen had gone along with it willingly by playing his part. Just like how Xi Menqing had seduced Pan Jinlian, the latter was just playing hard to get deep down in her bones, she was actually willing to go along with it. Of course, they were completely infatuated with each other in the end, hooking up and doing all sort of things! Yet, in wake of the fight with Yun Yang, the only thing Shi Wuchen thought of during the moment he resigned himself to compromise was this; Alas, finally, we are men who now belonged to an organization. Although the accountability of this group of ours is questionable, I still can deal with it with my best efforts if someone comes knocking and tries to pick a fight. At the very least, if I can''t deal with them, I wouldn''t blatantly pay for it with my life. I will prioritize this humble life of mine over anything else I shall act according to the circumstances before me and not flaunt my superiority. Supreme Cloud that little chap is not a simple man at all. That odd ability of his that allows him to stay alive really takes quite some skill. After witnessing Yun Yang cast the formation, another realization dawned within his heart; besides being blessed with a unique style of combat art, his body was miraculously intriguing, and he was even well-versed in casting formations. He is truly an unparalleled genius there was even a possibility that he and I could carve out a whole new universe together if I went with him. As for the fact that Yun Yang had completely healed the wounds that he himself could not heal for three years, Shi Wuchen only could heave a sincere sigh of relief in his heart. Before the start of everything, he had already been showered with benefits from a stranger; it would hardly be fair if he still harbored any doubts. He wholeheartedly decided to stay if he ever encountered real danger, the only thing he would do was to fight for his life. If he still harbored the thought of escaping at any time in the wake of such loyalty and sincere treatment, deep down in his heart, he knew that he would deem such a dilemma as those of an uncultured man! As soon as this thought materialized, he suddenly felt as if he had finally thought through the entire dilemma, feeling his entire body relax, finally at ease. Shi Wuchen felt entirely at ease physically and mentally as he reached this realization, yet he felt that there seemed to be a development with his surroundings. Upon further inspection, he found the thick spiritual Qi that shrouded his being seemed to have increased by a large degree. "Boss, what sort of God-sent boon did you add to the fundamentals of this formation? How can it be so effective?" He could not restrain himself from asking. Shi Wuchen would never believe Yun Yang that it was just "some rare, crystallized energy". "It''s just something common that I happen to have a lot of," Yun Yang was obviously still reluctant to tell the truth. "If there is a chance, I''ll tell you next time, when the proper results are shown." Not that I''m not telling you, it is really just something very common, something that I have a lot of! Although it was neither a lie nor an exaggeration to Yun Yang, and it was nothing but the truth, it sounded extremely ridiculous! Bloody hell, are you actually saying that Ethereal Amethysts are common, and you have a lot of them? Even if that was the truth, you probably shouldn''t even say it so casually! Aren''t you afraid that you''ll be hacked to death for letting on too much? Shi Wuchen nodded his head uncertainly. "Since it''s just the usual stuff, then I won''t inquire further." He was an understanding and transparent man. It was only the early stages of their acquaintance, and there was no need to engage in deep conversation when their bond was not that strong yet. There was still plenty of time and a long way to go, so why make a fuss out of this? At the same time, Qian Duoduo had transformed into an affluent young master who was participating in an auction. He crossed one leg over the other in an arrogant manner, exuding a refined air as if he hailed from a privileged background. "If it wasn''t because of the decline in my household, why would I even be here, procuring such treasures?" The little fatty said, his sighs displaying slight hints of sadness. "My first and second uncle had thrown themselves into a life of debauchery, not attending to their responsibilities sigh, what''s more, they have recently been infected with sexual diseases" "Now, the survival of the entire household has fallen onto me and only me; what a hard life indeed! We, a clan who has enjoyed a five-thousand-year legacy, are eventually doomed for decline after all talking about it really makes me feel ashamed." "However, no matter how hard it is, we''ll never have such a mystical ancestral piece sold at a cheap price. If the price proposed by your reputed house isn''t suitable, we''ll never make a move. No matter how dire our situation is, our five-thousand-year old clan is still able to endure this tiny bit of hardship." The staff of the auction house was speechless and helpless, even as they remained indifferent. "If these are to be auctioned will we have a deal with the default price quotation? How does that sound?" "Well, not that it''s not possible, but besides the shocking price we''re dealing at, auctioning such a treasure would definitely give your reputation a boost. If we break all that down, that makes the advantage to your side simply even more than before wages cannot be calculated in the usual manner." "Most auctioneers would take a commission of ten percent. Besides writing off this commission, all you have to do is give me an extra hundred pieces of top-grade spiritual jade - I''m not a greedy man, so I won''t pick on the rest. Well, your house, your rules I suppose I have to give in a little since I''m under your roof. Look at me, a man from a reclusive clan of a five-thousand-year ancestry who has endured countless hardships and has overseen the coming and going of worldly events, yet here we are, in our decline due to some worthless, good-for-nothing descendants. Here am I, selling off ancestral treasures to keep us alive" The men of the auction house had to restrain themselves from fainting simultaneously. What the hell? So, besides the fact that we''ll be earning nothing, we''re supposed to compensate your losses willingly? Why does this sound like you''re suffering a massive loss, and we''re the ones bestowed with a deal of a lifetime? How the hell did you even come up with what you''re saying? On one hand, you said you came from a clan with a five-thousand-year legacy, and at the very next moment, you''re saying you''ve endured all forms of hardship. If you have such gutsy confidence, why don''t you simply break the heavens apart what are you even doing here, selling off ancestral property? 888 Understood! "Absolutely not! There''s no way in this world that will happen" The manager''s mind was rattling like drums. "Ahem, wealthy young master this suggestion of your is a little too harsh, don''t you think? We have our families to feed too if this truly went your way, not only will we not be able to afford soup, we''ll even need to cover the costs of the firewood to cook it as well how can such logic exist in the world?" "Then how should we go about it?" "The Ethereal Amethysts you offered are definitely legitimate items, but making an exception of only getting a five percent commission is already the limit! As for making it up with an extra hundred top-grade spiritual jade and stuff, well" The man in charge fumbled with his words. "Impossible! I''ll lose too much from a deal like that! We''re talking about Ethereal Amethysts here! A top-grade mystical item that rarely makes an appearance in the world! Aren''t you aware of how big a ruckus this would cause when it surfaces in the market? The Ethereal Amethysts produced by that idiot the other day had already led to so many lives being lost; while this piece of ours doesn''t come with any form of karmic repercussions at all are you truly blind to this ultimate deal presented before you?" "Wealthy young master, you said so yourself that you''re from an aristocratic lineage of a five-thousand-year legacy where are the magnanimous bearings of such aristocracy? Give us a little leeway, would you? An auction house that doesn''t make money but loses money instead? That has never been heard before it would totally destroy the rules and spoil the market of the trade!" "... Fine. Well, I didn''t ask to be born in an aristocratic family of a five-thousand-year legacy, but I''ll give way to make things simpler. You lot discuss amongst yourselves I''ve already stepped back, so I couldn''t possibly swallow any more losses." "Fine, fine, fine. Let''s just settle at one percent. This is truly the lowest we can accept if you want any lower, please seek out someone else, young master." "One percent it is, then. You could''ve told me that from the start, couldn''t you? We would''ve been done with this sooner than this. Deal!" "..." One percent. That was ten percent of ten percent. That''s one out of a hundred! That was extremely little. The auctioneer realized that he had fallen for the trap. This chap here had no intention of negotiating at all he was simply waiting for this entire farce to play itself out. However, the words had already left his lips, and especially since that he had taken the initiative to name his price, he could not possibly take back his words now. "Pray tell, how many of these Ethereal Amethysts do you have, O wealthy young master? Perhaps you can provide me a realistic amount so that my side can organize them accordingly?" The auctioneer grew more and more dissatisfied the more he thought about it. If he was going to pay such a high price only to know that the man had only one piece of Ethereal Amethyst on him, that would really be a big bill to pay at the end of it all. "You all know how precious Ethereal Amethysts are, don''t you? How would I dare to carry so many of them on me? I only have three pieces right now." Qian Duoduo sighed. "Of course, I don''t just have only three of it. I have many more at home. It''s just a little inconvenient to show them now." "Oh" The few men made a few quick calculations in their heads. Even if there''s only three, that''s not too little. Furthermore, he has more than three pieces, there''s more at home Those words had a very deep and lasting effect. What sort of family would have such underlying wealth? And how much exactly have they declined? To the point where they had to procure Ethereal Amethysts in exchange for other resources needed to survive? No matter what it was, clans who own even a piece of Ethereal Amethysts were still untouchable to the likes of commoners, regardless of how much they had declined from their days of glory there was nothing more to doubt about this. Furthermore, from what was revealed from the conversation before, this clan had most likely already squandered most of their wealth away. However, how many more pinnacle experts did they have within their ranks? This was not something they could lightly assess "How much more time would you need before you can start to auction the items? I need an exact time." "Naturally, we would need to prepare the necessities for the auction, release the news and then confirm the time. This entire process would take at least a month or so. Only then we are able to entice the big guns to show up" "A month''s time preparation is too long, where do I even find the time to idle here for such a long time? It matters not, just give me fifty million low-grade spiritual jade pieces first. After the auction, just subtract that off from the total amount." "What''re you looking at? I''m here to make a deal on the Ethereal Amethysts, so I would naturally want to get the money as fast as possible. That would be a good reason for me to convince the family to obtain a few more Ethereal Amethysts for your auction, or else more time would be wasted, and more delays would occur." The little fatty said in a matter-of-fact tone. The auctioneer initially disagreed, but as soon as he heard the last part of the sentence, his eyes lit up instantly. The price of three pieces of Ethereal Amethysts was at the very least more than a hundred million pieces of low-grade spiritual jade. If he leaves with fifty million first that''s wouldn''t be too bad after all. "Alright!" After receiving the payment, the little fatty accepted the contract bounded by heavenly laws as he calmly said, "Have you fellows prepared a backdoor to get me out of this? You don''t plan on revealing the contents of this deal earlier than expected, do you?" That request sounded like it made some sense. It was a pretty huge deal after all being a bodyguard as a complimentary after-service would serve as an investment into potential dealings in the future. The little fatty left calmly, bringing nothing else with him but a legion of low-grade items in exchange for three pieces of Ethereal Amethysts .in exchange The men of the auction house glanced at each other after the deal was done. It was an unreal experience for those who came across the three pieces of Ethereal Amethysts settled on the table before them, pulsing incessantly with Purple Qi. These were Ethereal Amethysts that had not appeared in the realm for over a thousand years and now there were three of them before their very eyes! "Quickly, send them into the secure cell! Look after it with extra security!" "Send out the news this very instant!" "Keep an eye on this wealthy young master''s every move. Don''t act rashly. Follow-up accordingly." "Spread this news for a good fifteen days, then, on the twentieth day, we''ll start the first phase of the auction. The Ethereal Amethysts would be the main attraction to be auctioned!" "Roger that!" About two hours later, the person who had been sent by Qian Duoduo off had returned, his face etched with fear. "Boss, I''ve lost him." "Pardon?" "Once he left, that little brat snuck into a green building and had a meal accompanied by three young maidens which was followed by a round of hanky-panky. He''s even more hedonistic than the dandiest man in the world" "We waited outside, and in the end, only the three ladies appeared when the door opened. We made our way in and realized that this wealthy young master was nowhere to be seen" "This" "This humble one deserves death." A few handlers of the auction trade lapsed into silence as they stared at each other. Moments later, the head sighed. "I can''t blame you for this matter. Think about it would a descendant of an ancient clan with a thousand-year lineage have no power to protect himself? Whatever we''ve struck a huge bargain on this deal for our side. There''s no need to complicate the matter with new problems." "Yes." "Boss, do you think that that brat was one half of that pair from the other day?" "Hoho you think too much. To us, even if those two pay us a visit, they''re considered clients." "Yes." "Now, the Ethereal Amethysts of those two fellows have nothing to do with us, understand? They were from a ruined aristocratic family, understand?" "Understood!" 889 It Has Begun Concurrently, the little fatty, who had managed to lose his pursuers, had adopted another look and had found his way to a local sect within the area. ''God''s Built.'' As its name suggested, this sect was literally an organization that helped to construct buildings, but ''God''s Built'' was an unusual organization that specialized in building dwellings for practitioners and legendary abodes for immortals. "I''ve got a huge business deal here, situated in the mountains out of town. Perhaps your sect would be interested in it?" "How big of a deal?" "About let''s see, two-hundred million spiritual jade pieces." "Low-tier?" "What sort of bullshit is this? Are you expecting me to close the deal with top-grade spiritual jade?" "Cough" "Be quick about it, just tell me, deal or no deal? If not, I''ll find someone else." "Deal!" "Well, be quick about it! Here I''ll give you two million spiritual jade pieces as a deposit. Once you''ve completed the task, I''ll give you the rest of the money without any delay on that very day." "Alright." "Bring the contract here; any construction and renovation tasks will be completed by you lot. I am only responsible to coordinate and fork out the money!" "That would indeed be for the best!" "For the early stages, allocate a thousand men. If you need more in the future, let me know." "Hick that many?" "A sect! We''re talking about a sect, you know?" "Oh, oh understood!" "Quickly prepare yourselves you start work at dawn tomorrow. It would be best if the task can be completed in the shortest time possible we are not stingy on the spiritual jade, and we definitely place priority on the development and delivery of the work!" "Alright! Deal!" On the third day, Shi Wuchen''s deep-rooted healing process came to a close. He gingerly felt each and every part of his body, savoring the feeling of fullness and potency that he craved for so long, almost screaming out of delight and excitement. Suddenly, he noticed puffs of smoke rising towards the skies from afar, and there was a troop of men coming towards them. Now that he had completely restored himself to his original condition, his deific consciousness was so much stronger than that of Yun Yang. After a bit of concentration as he prodded the situation, he discovered that the incoming group was a band of builders. Qian Duoduo''s voice could be heard from afar. "Here it is. Wait a bit." Yun Yang sensed the commotion and emerged. "Boss!" "How did it go?" "It was successful, extraordinarily successful." "That''s great. Here is a sketch that I''ve drafted; have a look. Generally, try your best to follow how these spaces are organized let these men work out the rest of the details. Understand?" "Understood, understood. It shall be done!" "Good. Our majordomo here shall oversee the work! You''re responsible for all this now." "... how about you?" Suddenly bestowed with so much authority, the little fatty became slightly disoriented, only breaking out of his thoughts after a while. "Supreme Sword and I are going out to run some errands." Yun Yang grinned. "Do you want to tag along?" "Supreme Sword?" The little fatty''s eyes gaped wide. How did you manage to find a Supreme Sword in such a short time? Supreme Sword or Supreme Despicable that was the question! "That would be me Supreme Sword of the Residence of Nine Supremes." Shi Wuchen approached with slow steps. His physique resembled a sharp sword that was driven straight into the skies as his gaze bore into the little fatty''s. The little fatty suddenly felt a sense of uneasiness, finding himself at the verge of escaping, yet he forcefully planted himself firmly on the ground. "It is an honor to meet you, an honor! This humble one before you is Qian Duoduo, the majordomo of the Residence of Nine Supremes I hereby pay my respects to the Supreme of the Residence." Shi Wuchen nearly burst out loud with laughter: feeling good about yourself even when you''re just a mere majordomo? Yet, he still nodded his head approvingly. "Hello there, majordomo." "H-Hello, hello," The little fatty stuttered. That was because this man''s gaze was far too sharp, even sharper and more formidable than the many high-level practitioners that he encountered in the past! "Work hard, majordomo the upcoming matters are all upon you." In just two days, Qian Duoduo thoroughly understood the meaning behind ''Work hard, majordomo the upcoming matters are all upon you''. His own boss, Supreme Cloud, and the newcomer, Supreme Sword, quickly disappeared out of sight, as if they had vanished off the face of the realm. A mountain as humongous as this was now his responsibility as the majordomo. Food and sanitation of a thousand men, construction materials, the expenditures of everything, the construction drawings, inspections, auditing, and a whole lot of other items. Every single matter, no matter how big or small, was on his shoulders. The little fatty was busy to the point where he did not sleep for five consecutive days. If it was not for the fact that the little fatty also possessed a cultivation base of the Saint Level, he probably would not have been able to deal with it. From all this, he became aware of something. "Being a majordomo isn''t that fun after all" Yet, the job had to be done even if it was not pleasant. Their state of progress had not even reached detailed matters like recruitment they first had to set up the basics before they could proceed with the next step. The little fatty understood this perfectly he could only grit his teeth and carry on. He watched as the parts carved out from the mountain peak were cleaned and tidied to a pristine state. He watched as troughs were dug, he watched as materials were brought up the mountain, he watched as the foundation of the sect slowly rose from the ground. He kept watching Everything seemed to have been born out of nothing materializing out of their own effort. In the midst of blood and sweat, an inexplicable sense of pride gradually sprouted within the little fatty''s heart. This all of this is ours! This is our home! The foundation for our future! At this current stage, one could conclude without exaggeration; whoever who come knocking with the intent of knocking down this foundation of theirs, the little fatty would be the first to put his life out there to defend it! A whole month had passed, yet Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen still did not return; there was not even a single word or two from them. However, in this one month, something seemed to be stirring in the Donghuai area. Large waves of chaos rippled across the martial world of the Bound of Universe! Many martial men had already caught wind of the news two bold bandits had emerged in the Donghuai area. The modus operandi of these two bandits were completely different from the bandits of the past! No matter how lawless past bandits usually were, there were certain boundaries that they would not cross. For example, if they encountered goods from larger clans or significant sects and schools, they would not dare to make a move. The victims they set sight on were usually solo fighters; otherwise, they would usually team up in a group of two to three men to attack weaker fighters. They would not even dream of making a move on the supplies from sects that possessed Celestial Luck Banners. Sometimes, they would even escort the goods and send them to wherever they had to be. The only thing they feared was to have something happen to the goods in their domain, and be hunted to have the score settled with. However, these two bandit newcomers were shamelessly bold, doing as they please. They operated mainly at the three-way fork at the foot of Swallow''s Hill that was where they would unleash their audacious acts without a second thought! Those who passed this area, be it bands, clans, sects even the disciples of sects that hold Celestial Luck Banners would not be spared! Solo fighters or a party of two to three fighters who journeyed across this area would surely suffer a similar fate there were no exceptions! Common folk would not be robbed, but as long as a practitioner made his way through this zone, he would surely be a successful target without any apprehension at all. "Look at those two scoundrels and their absolutely despicable ways. If it was the subordinate of the Eastern Celestial Court who rode pass here, they would still have the nerves to attack they''re shamelessly bold as brass!" "Absolutely. I really don''t know where the hell did these two crazies came from. They are extremely unforgiving!" "They''ll surely lose their cockiness in a few days time. Didn''t you hear that a few clans have already started closing in on them?" 890 Raiders Of All But God! "The four great neighboring sects are starting to mobilize. The first batch of men has already taken their positions. They''ve already scouted Swallow''s Hill for a good ten days, but no luck." "Heishui Sect and Qingyang Sect are already on the way. We''re talking about sects who possess Celestial Luck Banners; those two bandits will surely meet their end soon." "That''s right. These two bastards need to be eliminated as soon as possible; they need to die!" "Damned right you are!" "Too greedy, too extreme, absolutely too bold!" "I brought nothing with me but a truckload of iceworm silk the other time I took that route, and those two bastards had the nerve to take ninety percent of it as toll fare what cutthroats they are!" "Well, that''s iceworm silk! I only had twenty pieces of low-grade spiritual jade in my pouch when I passed that area, but I was still stopped. They left me with two pieces and took the rest as toll fare! That''s twenty pieces of low-grade spiritual jade they seized; it wasn''t even top-grade or medium-grade spiritual jade pieces... Did they even have to do that?" "They''re completely void of morals!" "That''s totally inhumane!" "Dear God, witness this with your eyes of justice may your judgment fall heavily upon trash like them!" "Sigh, I''m out of ideas. I need to start doing business again within these few days, or else I won''t be having food on the table. If I don''t have any silver on me and riled up a fight with those men at the restaurant, I''ll be turned into a pile of ash with just a single strike of lightning" "Me too. Sigh, let''s think of a way, shall we?" "When these two bastards are captured, I''ll definitely spit on their corpses! They are such intolerable bullies!" "That day wouldn''t be too far away." The martial folks of Dongye City had collectively lapsed into a state of panic. Every day, men would travel to Swallow Hill to look for the two bandits, but every day, someone would surely be robbed! Even those who purposely went out with the intent to seek revenge on those thieves were still plundered! Those involved continued to lose face from these unfortunate events. Everybody''s highly-anticipated, successful plan of revenge the day where their corpses would be satisfyingly desecrated still did not happen. At most, what ensued was wave after wave of the martial world''s top experts marching into Swallow''s Hill, either intending to seek revenge or exhibit their righteousness, helping the heavens do the job. In the beginning, some experts remained quite reserved about it as their reputation was at stake, unwilling to go out there in fear of being the laughing stock. Even if they emerged victoriously, it would be one void of glory. The men that were first deployed were men with levels of Honor Level One or Two however, they kept being slain in return. This did not seem like an operation to apprehend the bandits, but more like an offering of tribute; they were plundered all the same every single time. If this wasn''t an offering, what else could it be? Among them, some were plagued with even more misfortune. They had their own spatial rings stolen from by those bandits, and could only return in an awful, pitiful state. Hence, those of Honor Level Three or Four could no longer sit tight they buckled up and took off. However, they ended up being nothing more than another round of tribute. Furthermore, those who returned this time were in worse condition. Besides being beaten black and blue from head to toe, they even suffered both internal and external injuries wounds that refused to heal without recuperating for a good amount of time. The few small clans who were looted simply took it upon their entire clan to seek revenge, but what they had done was simply turning in their entire reserve of property, placing them in a state of despair where there were no more tears to shed. Saint-Level experts only arrived after half a month; only then did the situation improve slightly. However, by the time the Saint-Level practitioners and the two great sects who owned Celestial Luck Banners arrived, a few hundred people had already fallen victim to the murderous bandits. The number of items robbed was enormous it was sufficient to tempt the hearts of many! Hence, numerous experts silently entered the vicinity of Swallow''s Hill. They had even agreed on a secret signal with each other. The vicinity of Dongye City had not seen the likes of such brazen thieves for a good few thousand years! Those two vile creatures must be eliminated this time! The judgment of heaven shall be executed justice shall prevail! After upholding the peace, wouldn''t it be natural to receive a little service fee? This was perfectly logical everybody had the same thought! "Boss, don''t you think your actions are a little overdone?" Shi Wuchen was starting to feel a little more hesitant and jumpy this time. Throughout the entire course, he had tailed after Yun Yang; he truly felt that this new boss of his was devilishly and unspeakably daring! He was simply being completely unscrupulous and arrogant to the core! They had been robbing resources and materials without a care in the world as if his eyes and judgment were completely clouded. In just a month, their own rings aside, the twenty spatial rings they had with them was completely filled to the brim. Left with no other choice, they began to start stealing even the spatial rings themselves. It was precisely due to the filching of the rings that they had managed to seize seven million low-grade spiritual jade pieces, one-hundred-and-fifty-thousand medium-grade spiritual jade pieces, a hundred pieces of top-grade spiritual jade, and a variety of precious metals and minerals that filled up three whole spatial rings. Iceworm silk, Skyworm silk, Stellar Jade, a myriad of medicinal herbs, a variety of robes, all sorts of precious ingredients fell into their hands they even got hold of an entire box of Crimson Jade Root. However, the most valuable of them all was most probably the Thousand-Year Winter Root they got from Qingyang Sect! The cluster of Thousand-Year Winter Root of that particular haul caused the two men to be ecstatic for a pretty long time. However, Shi Wuchen began to seem increasingly fearful, for he could feel that his new boss was blatantly a psychopath that had no regard for anything or anyone. He already had himself completely immersed in the ecstasy of mindless plundering. There was nothing else he cared about. "It''s almost time." Yun Yang adjusted the cloth concealing his face. "The experts must all be gathered here already." "Boss, what are you saying?" Shi Wuchen was truly afraid that Yun Yang would say: Let''s rob''em all the same! He would really be reduced to tears if that happened. In the fights before this, with a full-restored Saint Level practitioner like him holding the line and Yun Yang''s passably formidable cultivation base, they had managed to pull off anything without trouble. However, soon they would be facing top opponents who were Saint Level and above individuals who far exceeded the league of their capabilities! "Let''s just try to avoid their advances." Yun Yang remained calm and unruffled. "Wuchen, if a profession as a bandit exists, surely a complementary profession such as a dealer that disposes of these stolen goods would exist, right? It''s time for us to rid our hands of these." Shi Wuchen did not know whether to laugh or cry. "There is definitely a channel like that, but we''re getting rid of a high volume of items, not to mention a chaotic variety of them. Not only will it be hard to guarantee that this way is completely safe, but we also can''t guarantee that others wouldn''t catch wind about this." Yun Yang replied in a lowered voice. "Perhaps you should tell me where do we do this? We''ll plan from there." "The black market?" Black market? What a simple, direct and violent term straight to the point! Yun Yang''s frowned. "Actually, now that we''ve stolen so many things in this period of time, I''m afraid we ourselves might be the targets of ill-intentioned figures. If we put these items up for sale, our identities will be blown for sure. Whether or not if it''s the black market that''s not the key point." Shi Wuchen nodded. "That''s true." "Therefore, the thing that we have to brainstorm about now is this; what is the quickest way to get rid of these items? Of course, it must be a way that will not shed any suspicion on us." Shi Wuchen frowned and thought deeply. "To get rid of these items without being discovered, what more in the fastest way possible we can''t possibly handle one matter without neglecting the other. I can''t think of anything." "No worries, let me come up with an idea." Yun Yang expressed a fleeting smile. "Tonight, we shall pay the black market at Dongye City a visit to seek out our options." He announced this in an undeterred manner. Shi Wuchen''s eyes glinted with interest. Now that all the attention was focused onto the vicinity of Swallow''s Hill, this was the best chance for them to make their escape. Even if the black market was being monitored to some extent, the pinnacle of their forces would still be inevitably centered at Swallow''s Hill they could not possibly place equal emphasis on two places at the same time. Someone would have stayed behind to monitor the headquarters of the black market, but their forces were not believed to be that strong. The two men reverted to their original selves. They removed the cloth covering their faces and marched out confidently. After removing their disguises and body-shrinking skills, the two of them looked no different from ordinary martial men. "Who''s there? Halt!" Before even walking a few feet further, an accusatory tone could be heard ringing out from up front. "Swoosh!" "Both of you treacherous thieves! Give us back the things you''ve stolen!" Yun Yang demanded with a sword in hand. He wore a face full of rage and a mouth full of wrath. Shi Wuchen gaped in astonishment, almost believing that it was real. Boss, what kind of show are you putting up now? At that precise moment, two men emerged from the throng of trees in front of them, their faces clouded with suspicion as they glared at Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen. "Don''t act brashly, the two of you pray tell which clan are the both of you from? Please don''t misunderstand we''re here to capture the bandits too." Yun Yang''s brows furrowed as he stared suspiciously at the two men before him. "Is that the truth? You''re here to go after those men?" He demanded with a lowered voice. "Of course! Why would we lie about it? We''re here to capture the men!" Yun Yang slowly sheathed his sword, but the caution on his face did not waver. "I see. Did the two of you notice any tracks left behind by those two vile thieves? Please give us a hint or two if you have stumbled across some clues." "Clues? Tracks? Not even the slightest traces of them were found. Those two vile thieves seemed to have vanished into thin air there was no sign of them at all," replied the two men before them. Yun Yang uttered through a clenched jaw. "The two of you have no leads at all? My brother and I have been circling this area ringed by the three-hundred-mile circumference for two whole days and there was nothing to be found. Is it possible that those two thieves have finally left?" The two men smiled ruefully. "Both of you have truly underestimated them. They just did another round of plundering today at the borders how vicious." "Wicked!" Yun Yang spat with fury. "Those two scoundrels how dare they act so brazenly, so heartlessly, so unscrupulously!" "Don''t lose hope. Those two will surely be caught soon." The two men smiled. "At such a blown-up scale, what skills do those two scoundrels have that could possibly let them escape the clutches of justice?" Yun Yang nodded. "Thank you for the encouragement. However, both of us have been wandering here in search for them for three whole days and nights, so we''re feeling a little exhausted. We plan to return now to rest up a little before apprehending the bandits. You''d never know we might just put these two evil bastards to rest!" "Haha alright take care and be on your way, the two of you." Brushing past those two, Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen left and went on their way. The two men only smiled as they shook their heads, paying no mind to them taking their leave, even waving them off as they took off. Only after taking a few steps one of the two questioned, confused, "Say, didn''t those two first said they''ve been wandering here for two days? Why did they suddenly say that they had been searching for three days and three nights? Why would they do that?" The other man sniggered. "Their words don''t match up at all. They just wanted to show how hardworking they are and how much they''ve suffered. From how I see it, whatever they said was just a boast, inflating their own egos Think about it the Black and White Ruthless Duo have brought so much chaos to an uncontrollable state what can those weak cultivation bases of theirs amount to? How dare they still make their participation known without shame I''m guessing they must be finding somewhere to hide, waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of this" "A bunch of scums who can''t gauge their true levels I won''t even bother wasting time on them. Let them be on their way" Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen''s little journey was a smooth one without any further obstacles. They did bump into seven or eight men, yet nobody ever suspected that these two were the horribly infamous Black and White Ruthless Duo. Not a single person had imagined that these two fellows striding before them with mouths full of bullshit were the legendary bandits the bandits who would stoop as low as they could go. Also in these few days, there was no need for the two of them to make themselves known. The friends they made along the way had already given the two despicable creatures a number of nicknames. ''Black and White Ruthless Duo'' was the most common one, named after the color of their clothing. ''Nine-Feet Heavens'' was another, tacked on after how the two would leave no stone unturned as they would dig three feet after three feet, and this would persist for three years. Another one was ''Feathers-Off-A-Swallow''; picking feathers off a goose was already a description of people who would not let any opportunity slip past their fingers. Picking feathers off a swallow, however was used to describe people who would make a move towards the slightest benefit or opportunity they could get their hands on. Well, it was true that two would stoop as low as swiping even low-grade spiritual jade, so how was that not picking the ''feathers off a swallow''? However, their most notorious and popular nickname was ''Raiders Of All But God''! True to the name, it was literally saying God aside, it was needless to say these two would make no exceptions when it came to their plundering activities everyone would be robbed all the same! 891 Yun Yang’s Improvemen At this very moment, countless entities of deific consciousness swirled above Swallow''s Hill, appearing to have materialized into one dense being. In such a situation, those two who were widely known as ''Raiders Of All But God'' would have nowhere to hide the moment they showed themselves. There were even thirty to forty Saint Level experts hiding in different locations. Everybody was certain of one thing now these two men were not average bandits! The two of them could also be considered gold mines mines of pure gold! The numerous treasures they had seized from others would naturally fall into the possession of whoever that managed to capture them! However, there had been no commotion at all recently, as if the duo called the ''Raiders Of All But God'' had simply vanished Yet, nobody was too worried about it. They were high-level practitioners after all they had the deepest sense of confidence and determination ingrained in their hearts. This was especially true now that they were certain of an undeniable fact; now that they had stolen so many items, they surely had to find a way to sell them off. The moment they struck, their doings would all be uncovered! Furthermore, if we were to follow the trail, we can get an even bigger cut. The entire black market is already under our control, anyway. Let us see where can you escape to. Even if they went to the neighboring martial black market, there were no exceptions; everything was within their hands. Although Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen were not completely aware of the plans the others had in store for them, they still had a vague idea of what it would be. Still, here they were, the two of them striding into the black market with full vigor. Shi Wuchen still did not know what kind of plan Yun Yang had in mind. He could only tag along, completely in the dark. His thoughts churned incessantly, as he gave the matter some serious thought. Now that we have so many items in our possession, selling a portion of them would already be an incredibly tough task to achieve under such tight monitoring... Yet, here we are, wishfully thinking about selling off everything? That would be simply impossible! "Supreme Cloud, your powers seemed to have improved very quickly during this period of time!" Breaking out of his deep thoughts, Shi Wuchen suddenly recalled this query and quickly delivered a reminder. "Nonetheless, building a firm base is the priority when it comes to improving oneself in the path of cultivation. One can only venture further when he has a firm and stable set of fundamentals." Although the time spent with Yun Yang was limited, through Shi Wuchen''s better judgment that stemmed from a myriad of experiences, worldly exposure, and actual combat, how could he not tell that Yun Yang''s combat experience had undergone shocking levels of improvement, and at such a rapid speed? Currently, Lord Supreme Cloud might be able to confidently face the practitioners of the Bound of Universe, practitioners of various cultivation levels and strength. What was more frightening was that as the fights leveled up progressively, Yun Yang''s cultivation base had improved in a way that could be witnessed with the naked eye! Although it seemed logical, it still did not make any sense! How did this conflicting inference come to be? The reason was simple. Combat was the only way for a practitioner to attain further progress in the path of cultivation. No matter what it was, be it to strengthen their existing cultivation state, or to refine the mystical Qi within their bodies to a purer level, or to cultivate one''s state of mind all of those must be nurtured and forged by combat to attain improvement in a more efficient manner. That was why it was rather logical for Yun Yang to have a corresponding level of improvement in his cultivation in the midst of his participation in their recent episodes of continuous fighting! However, Yun Yang seemed to be improving more than was usual. His margin of improvement was too high the curve of the progress he was making was so steep to the point that Shi Wuchen found it unbelievable. Taking the progress of an average practitioner as an example, it was already an incredibly tough feat for a normal practitioner to improve by one or two levels after many rounds of actual combat. Those blessed with innate talents could advance much further, but advancing to a state of minor accomplishment would prove to be almost their limit. At most, by accumulating their default potential, they could go beyond their limits and even reach the peak of a new accomplishment, but it would be extremely tough to make so many breakthroughs continuously! Yet, Yun Yang had shattered this widely accepted fact. He had made so many breakthroughs continuously and that, of course, was not logical at all. It was inexplicable. From how Shi Wuchen saw it, although Yun Yang was blessed with innate talents, it could not possibly justify the levels of massive improvement he was undergoing. He suspected that Yun Yang might be practicing some art form that only prioritized progress in cultivation without regard for the fundamentals. He would simply be neglecting his basics and choosing to focus on the unnecessary details, and that was an utterly stupid mistake to make! Shi Wuchen felt that it was his responsibility to bring this matter up. He had to offer his advice! "I understand. I''ll take note of this." Yun Yang was well aware of what Shi Wuchen''s well-intended advice was addressing, but he seemed unperturbed by it. If a ten-thousand-feet building was extruded from the ground without proper foundation and only had a taste for rapid development, how could it be expected to last for long? However, the recent fights had significantly given Yun Yang a special and unusual feeling than the ones in the past. That, perhaps, was a feeling of fighting and killing while having his life on the line an immense pressure that weighed down on him every day of being in an environment where he was merely a call away from death. An environment that would place him directly before spilled blood, an environment that constantly placed him in front of annihilation! By submerging oneself continuously in such a high-pressure environment, that would make any practitioner who could live through the immense pressure improve their cultivation base like crazy, as if they had opened a valve! He was aware that his circumstances were different from others, but Shi Wuchen was still in the dark. Furthermore, no matter how good his fundamentals were, he should probably pay some mind to it. Shi Wuchen himself could greatly empathize with this feeling, for it was not the first time for him whose cultivation state had already attained Saint Level to have this sort of experience. Therefore, he advised Yun Yang based on his outlook as a person sharing a similar experience. Based on Shi Wuchen''s knowledge, it might be quick to attain this level of progress, but at certain intervals, one would have to enter a state of inactivity for a few days to buffer any repercussions and recuperate. Only through this process could the battle experiences accumulated be broken down bit by bit and converge in the body as one. If this could not be done, one would be left reeling from a regrettable feeling of a flawed outcome. Haste would not bring success. Yun Yang had been fighting continuously for more than a month already. Only now did he pause to rest and recalibrate. To Shi Wuchen, this duration was far too long, and there was a huge possibility that some unseen misfortune would occur from that "I could tell that your saber form was undergoing slight transformations." Shi Wuchen recalled slowly, shining a light across all his memories in order to spot every bit of difference on Yun Yang; ever since he joined the sect, he and Yun Yang had become a duo of shared interests. The better Yun Yang is, the better I will become! The stronger, more perfect and further Yun Yang could venture, Shi Wuchen would feel happier. This indicated that the two of them can survive longer in this perilous martial world. Having an acquaintance to venture within the path of cultivation is always a rare, wonderful thing. "Yes. After fighting you the other day, I was aware of this problem a problem that I''ve never encountered or gotten involved in before my ascension." Yun Yang moved forward with light and quick steps. "The fact that you''ve become a swordsman, and have become who you are today after wandering around on your own I think it''s because, besides your sword, you have nothing else, don''t you?" Shi Wuchen was surprised. "You can tell?" "It was precisely this matter that I found very similar to myself, causing me to think of this certain problem that closely involves me, which is the matter of the saber. My saber, actually and how can I improve further." "In the realm where I''ve ascended from, my power triumphs over anything across the realm, unrivaled and unparallel, causing me to be contented within my own bubble and making me think that my saber''s Dao had reached its limit, without the room for improvement in this short time. However, I''ve discovered recently that I simply have a very limited point of view, as my take of the world was limited to the extent of my shallow imagination. After fighting you, I''ve decided to make my own destiny!" Yun Yang cried out enthusiastically. "Actually" "Don''t say it." Yun Yang smiled. "I really intended to make my own destiny here, and I have no intention on emulating someone else''s ways to do so." 892 The General Commerce League "Very well." Actually, Shi Wuchen had swallowed the rest of his words just as he spoke. The path that one discovered and carved on their own, and the path that others told one and pointed to, contained polar emotions. They were opposites, like heaven and earth! As they spoke, the busiest streets of the black market were already appearing in front of them. Many martial artists could be seen bustling about, entering and exiting the shops. "Supreme Cloud, what do you want to do? I think it''s better that you tell me your plan so that I''ll worry less and know how to cooperate," Shi Wuchen asked, "Too many people are waiting for us to show ourselves here. I''m certain that every shop here has an eye kept out for this purpose. Once we expose ourselves, even in the slightest, things will be too far gone to be salvaged. We mustn''t be careless, thinking that the majority of the manpower is not here." Shi Wuchen was confused. The goods both of them held now possessed considerable value and were worth a shocking amount. How could Yun Yang sell them without leaving any hint? It was almost an impossible mission. "Don''t worry, I have my way. You just have to follow me. If I let you know in advance, you''ll be in great danger. I already have something figured out," Yun Yang said, as his gaze fell on a shop in front of them. "Precious Treasure of the World." "This is the franchise of the Bound of Universe''s top trading association, the General Commerce League. It has a high reputation, but it poses an equally high risk as well," reminded Shi Wuchen. "I know. They''re the one I''m looking for." Yun Yang stepped inside, leaving behind a flabbergasted Shi Wuchen. To the latter, this was the one shop across the entire black market that they must not provoke because it was the riskiest to be found out here. Therefore, he did not hold back, explicitly expressing his reluctance for Yun Yang to sell his loot here, barely suspecting that Yun Yang had actually decided on this shop. It was straightforward suicide. However, Yun Yang had already entered the store. Shi Wuchen could only stomp his foot and sigh as he followed the former''s steps. ''Never mind, your older brother will die with you.'' "Come this way. Do let me know what you need so I can direct you according to your wishes." "Hmm, is your keeper here? I have a very large deal and I wish to speak to him face to face." Yun Yang did not keep his volume down, so many customers in the shop heard him. Once he spoke, at least seven or eight pairs of eyes around him glanced over; some of the gazes were doubtful while some others were skeptical. Many of them had even connected the dots on their own, wondering if these two men were the Raiders of All But God. Or perhaps they were the Black and White Ruthless Duo? The Feathers-Off-A-Swallow? They explicitly spoke of a significant deal in the shop of the General Commerce League. It must have meant more. What was more, they said ''very large deal''! How large was it? If it did not turn out as mentioned, they would be digging their own graves, would they not? The worker was taken aback as well, but he was incredibly professional. Without missing a beat, he answered respectfully, "Please wait. I shall go to inform the keeper." Yun Yang nodded and sat down, easily finding a chair. Scanning his surroundings, he looked at everyone around him like an extremely wealthy and arrogant man. The annoying ostentatious air immediately made each suspecting person think, ''Most probably not! The Raiders of All But God are ruthless and brazen, but it can''t be to this overt extent! Bored of living? I don''t think so.'' Sometime later, the worker came down. "Dear guests, the shop''s manager is waiting upstairs. Please make your way up." Yun Yang stood up and replied, "That''s the way. The negotiation of a big deal should, of course, be in an appropriate place." When he ascended the staircase, it came as no surprise to Yun Yang that there were seven to eight divine senses swimming around him. Each sense was exceptionally piercing as if wanting to penetrate his body and scrutinize his internal organs. In spite of this, no one spoke, silently watching as both men made their way up. They were like a muted pack of wolves, coldly staring at their prey entering their territories and waiting for any change in the situation. The keeper of the Precious Treasure of the World was an elderly man with a sculpted face. His hair was lined with silver while a pair of deep, piercing eyes sat below his long brows. He was lean, unlike the usually plump businessmen. Seeing that Yun Yang entered the room, he was already standing up with a faint smile. "The arrival of honorable guests. I wonder what significant deal you intend to present to this humble shop. I''m Feng Guohai. May I know your names?" "I''m Yun Yang," Yun Yang informed the other of his name without disguise. "Keeper Feng, a pleasure to meet you." "A pleasure to meet you as well. Do provide your aid, Young Master Yun." Feng Guohai took a glance at Yun Yang but there was no odd emotion in his gaze. There was no curiosity, dubiety, or suspicion. His gaze was only calm, like a pool of quiet water. A man from the General Commerce League indeed. The ability to not bat an eye was extraordinary, Yun Yang exclaimed inwardly. "To be honest to Keeper Feng, I''ve come here because I''ve unexpectedly hit a jackpot. I want to sell it in exchange for some upper-class spiritual jade pieces. Perhaps some higher quality resources of heaven and earth too," Yun Yang went straight to his point. "Oh? What do you have then? We rarely have goods that we aren''t able to take and our reputation fares favorably, as well." Feng Guohai''s eyebrows twitched a little, looking rather serious. "I have a few pieces of Ethereal Amethysts" Yun Yang sighed, "To be honest, I am an Ascended. Having recently made it to the Bound of Universe, I''m not yet familiar with this realm''s culture and practices. I was careless enough to expose myself, thus I must get rid of these gems, even if I''m reluctant to. Forcefully keeping them with me will only bring me more trouble. I must be embarrassing to you, Keeper Feng." Feng Guohai understood the reasoning at once, replying with a smile, "This old man did hear rumors of a fatty showing off an Ethereal Amethyst on the street, and was stunned for a moment I see" "That''s my brother. Sigh, it''s all misery to speak of," Yun Yang heaved a sigh and said, "My initial intention was but to provide him with some resources so that he could cultivate on his own, but he didn''t know better, assuming that I was only giving him some common items. There he went, opening the spatial ring in front of everyone and retrieved the item into his hand" Yun Yang looked exasperated and at a loss for words. Feng Guohai chuckled and said, "I see. To me, everything happens for a reason. If it weren''t for this, I may not have been able to meet you." As the conversation went on, much of the elder''s underlying doubts began to dissipate. 893 Do You Know About God’s Grave? As the main person in charge of the General Commerce League''s franchise, Feng Guohai''s was a man with a prominent status. He was not someone whom anyone could simply meet at their own time and convenience. The reason he had emerged so quickly this time was mainly due to the emergence of the so-called robbers of the century, the Raiders of All But God. He suspected that the pair were the culprits, thus, he had come out to meet them. After all, the offered fortune was tempting. The loot was in possession of the Raiders of All But God. If they could be captured, it was definitely a significant amount of income to the local league. This statement was no exception for the main person in charge of the General Commerce League''s franchise. What was better was that money would not even be needed if the goods were taken from these two men In spite of confirming that this pair was not the infamous duo, Feng Guohai was not disappointed in the slightest, because the value of the Ethereal Amethysts was far greater. It did not pale in comparison to the loot and could potentially be even more valuable. Based purely on their value, the market price of a piece of Ethereal Amethyst was three thousand upper-class spiritual jade pieces in addition to being high in demand. A sole piece of the purple crystal was already lofty in value. Furthermore, Yun Yang had stated explicitly that he had a few pieces of them. The total value would definitely be an exceptionally huge number. It was honestly hard to determine if the Raiders of All But God''s loot was worth more or less than this. After all, the stolen possessions were only items of practitioners belonging in the Honors level and below, despite the large quantity and variety. If everything were to be summed up, it was difficult to imagine that the amount would be worth all that much. Furthermore, Keeper Feng was more interested in the Ethereal Amethyst compared to the massive amount of loot. Even though the General Commerce League was a large organization, it did not have many pieces of Ethereal Amethyst in circulation. To some extent, this man''s unexpected visit was akin to filling in the General Commerce League''s shortcomings; such gems were a force to be reckoned with, even if they were not sold immediately and were merely kept in the league. Without giving himself away, Feng Guohai''s attitude took a big leap forward as he spoke amicably, "Brother Yun, don''t be off put by my serious words despite our fresh acquaintance. Even if our shop is not the best in terms of reputation in this realm, it''s still second to few. I''ll ask you without guile C how many do you have with you? I''ve heard that your brother took out quite a number the other day" Feng Guohai was friendly when he spoke, but the content, of his speech, was straight to the point, hinting that both sides were equally interested in this transaction and it was better to get to the crux quickly. Explicitly, it was like he was saying "Our shop won''t try to harm you just because you have such gems with you. You can state the number of goods and the deal can proceed as soon as possible. That would be for the best!". Yun Yang chuckled awkwardly. "Of course I know about the General Commerce League''s reputation. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have come here right as I arrived in the black market. It''s just that I really do have plenty of these Ethereal Amethysts with me, but I wonder what sort of price would the General Commerce League offer." Feng Guohai sat up straighter immediately. The message in Yun Yang''s words was basically telling him "It''s up to how much money you fellows can offer", thus meaning "I have an abundance of them!" His reply was crucial. Could this mean that the number of Ethereal Amethyst this youth had with him was much more than expected? "Can I have a look at the goods first?" Out of a businessman''s caution, Feng Guohai requested to have a glimpse of the Ethereal Amethysts. The truth would be what the eyes could see. No matter how convincing Yun Yang sounded, a long-established buyer like Feng Guohai would never expose his intentions too early before actually seeing the item. "Definitely. This is but a matter of course." With a flip of his wrist, four to five pieces of crystals which exuded violet energy appeared on his palm. The spiritual Qi in the room increased and intensified abruptly as if simmering in a boiling pot. Feng Guohai breathed in deeply and with a wave of his hand, a wave of mystical Qi spread and engulfed the room. Shi Wuchen was stunned. A quiver of Qi to cloak C the prison of heaven and earth! This was a trick only Saint level masters could unleash, and it was the greatest distinction between cultivators of Saint level and above, and lower level cultivators. In addition, watching how casually Keeper Feng executed the technique, it seemed like an insignificant action to him. It demonstrated the fact that he must be above the Saint level! Yun Yang was inwardly startled as well, feeling an inexplicable wave of emotions surge through him. It came as a surprise to him that even a franchise keeper of the General Commerce League was an expert like this as well. The General Commerce League was indeed the top commerce association in the world! Feng Guohai himself was not overly affected like it did not require any effort and was not worthy of mention. His gaze had already traveled to the Ethereal Amethysts on Yun Yang''s palm; his eyes were unblinking for a long time and finally, he inhaled deeply and commented in a rather shaky voice, "Exquisite treasure!" He then looked up with a burning gaze and asked hungrily, "Are these all you have?" There was a total of five pieces on Yun Yang''s palm now. Yun Yang sighed and replied, "There are only ten pieces for now." Ten pieces! This was already a surprising number C a large number, actually. After all, a piece of Ethereal Amethyst could supply a hundred years of cultivation to the cultivators. The total value of ten pieces was basically equivalent to that of the common schools that had the black Celestial Luck Banner! However, Feng Guohai''s attention was focused on two other words C for now! What did ''There are only ten pieces for now'' mean? Could there be more? "What you mean by having only ten pieces for now..." the old man repeated softly, "I don''t quite understand that. May I ask what do you mean by that?" "I mean that I can acquire more Ethereal Amethysts," Yun Yang answered, cutting to the chase. "You can acquire more Ethereal Amethysts?" The reply was incredibly significant. Feng Guohai sat up straight and said, "If what young brother says is true, do speak of whatever you need, and don''t be shy about it!" At the same time, there was an extremely sharp glint that flashed across his orbs. Then, another sliver of reluctance flickered in his eyes. A commerce league was a commerce league. A commerce league was not a bandit! They could not do lawless things, or else only celestial punishment awaited them. Selling the treasures one has in his possession and selling the loot from robberies were opposing concepts. The latter was grounds for execution based on that factor once evidence was found, and the goods pocketed, while the former was protected from celestial punishment. They could not be compared to each other. In spite of this, who could suppress the budding greed in the face of such overwhelming profit? The feeling of forcefully killing any budding thoughts was insufferable. Yun Yang hesitated before he lowered his voice and asked, "Has Keeper Feng heard of God''s Grave?" "Of course I have. Could it" Feng Guohai replied, nodding after suppressing the waves of emotion that curled and crashed within him. "Strictly speaking, it''s a long story. I''ve mentioned that I''ve just recently ascended to the Bound of Universe just now with the Ethereal Amethysts I have on me They came from an accident where I was pursued and was at the brink of death, bleeding profusely and wounded all over. I fell into a deep valley a hundred thousand feet deep. I thought I was going to die, but instead, I hovered in midair." Feng Guohai raised a single eyebrow as he questioned the story, "The God''s Grave?" 894 I Can’t Help It Either This myth was not unheard of in the Bound of Universe. The ones that Feng Guohai knew about already numbered more than a dozen. He was shocked, but not astonished. He even strangely felt like it was somewhat reasonable that it would eventually resurface. "Not the God''s Grave," said Yun Yang, "More like the Spirit''s Grave" "The Spirit''s Grave" Feng Guohai repeated the words with a mouth that had somehow dropped wide open, his eyes filled with surprise. He had never heard of this name. Where and how did it come by? "Actually, I don''t know what the Spirit''s Grave means either. I just discovered these words when I entered and so I am recounting them as it is." Yun Yang sighed softly. "I struggled with all my power then, but I made only a few steps. However, it was within these few steps that the wounds peppered all over me, internal or external, were wholly healed." "Then I realized there were countless purple crystals in front of me" "Countless purple crystals" Feng Guohai murmured, feeling his breathing quicken and his throat grow increasingly parched. Looking back at the Ethereal Amethysts in front of him, how could Feng Guohai not know what these so-called purple crystals were? He felt himself trembling like his entire being could cease to exist at any time. He grabbed the young man in front of him without a second thought and questioned him about the consequential fate of the countless purple crystals. "I went over instinctually that time, but I discovered that I couldn''t make it any further. My body was unusually stiff and I couldn''t walk. On the far end of the thick fog, a vague voice could be heard. I have never been to such an odd place before, but the voice knew my name and everything that had ever happened in my life" Yun Yang wore a look of lingering fear while Feng Guohao breathed in deeply and quipped, "It has been said that those whose cultivation base has reached the level of a Divine Saint can see a person''s previous and current life, as well as his karma, at a glance It''s a wonder that such an existence is present in this world" "That voice told me that my physique is unique, an empty spiritual form that hardly comes by I was the only fated one of the Spirit''s Grave. So, he saved me and used the blood from my wound to open a door to the Spirit''s Grave by slitting the void open. Each opening lasts for only two-quarters of an hour, and I can only take ten steps inside. I will be chased out of the space once I exceed the time limit." Feng Guohai nodded slowly, looking more serious. Up to this point, he did not doubt even a single word of what Yun Yang had said. Yun Yang''s cultivation base was obvious, as was his age. It was also a fact that he was an Ascended from the lower realm. The combination of these three realities proved the truth of his words. More importantly, such myths were plentiful in the Bound of Universe. The lucky ones who entered God''s Grave would always meet strange phenomena Although the known occurrences were different from Yun Yang''s narration, those who entered usually were not able to move freely and were only able to cover a small distance each time; there could even be more restraints that were more intense than what Yun Yang had encountered. Based on this point, the minuscule contrasts further supported his credibility. "Since then, only I can enter the Spirit''s Grave and it can also only be activated with my blood. Only my being can enter and each time I enter, I''m able to obtain some rewards, like this Ethereal Amethyst," said Yun Yang. "Things are more precious when they''re scarce. Before this, I actually had no idea of the correct way of using the Ethereal Amethyst. I merely absorb the energy within and that''s it. Now that I think back about it, I''ve spent it like water!" Feng Guohai nodded before he shook his head, obviously feeling a pinch of pity regarding what Yun Yang had done. His level of ability enabled him to see that Yun Yang was truly just a young man of over twenty years. It was not a falsehood. If it were not for the Ethereal Amethyst, an abundance of them, how could he reach such a height in a realm outside of the Bound of Universe? Everything made sense! Yun Yang began speaking again. "There''s always a situation of give and take. I have grown a lot from the contributions of the Spirit''s Grave and I need to pay that back accordingly. How I do that is to complete some task for the Spirit''s Grave each time I enter." "For example" asked Feng Guohai with no small amount of curiosity. "Cough Well, actually, a big part of the reason I''ve come to sell these Ethereal Amethysts is due to my task. Ninety percent of the upper-class spiritual jade pieces I get from this deal will have to be returned to the grave. This is how I acquire my chance to retrieve items there next time." Yun Yang lamented, "The conditions to activate the grave are extremely stringent. My being, blood, and opportunity C missing either of these will eliminate the possibility of future encounters." Feng Guohai nodded and agreed, "That''s definitely the case." He thought quickly, considering the credibility of Yun Yang''s tale and the feasibility of it. A long round of contemplation later, he finally made a decision. The current credibility of this matter was less than fifty percent. If there was a next time or if he could follow Yun Yang to the Spirit''s Grave and witness the occurrence, then it would be a hundred percent believable. In spite of this, how could he promise to take others along with him to a place like the Spirit''s Grave? Would he have to bet everything on the next transaction? Would that mean he had to be constrained by him for a long time? The number of thoughts that ran through his mind was reflected in the hesitation on his face. "Now that I''ve come to the Bound of Universe, my perspective is very different than the past. My main goal this time is to seek a dependable partner because what the Spirit''s Grave wants now is no longer achievable if I were to go at it alone. Instead of watching this fated opportunity waste away, or watching myself die because I failed to accomplish the task, it''s better that I find a partner and make a win-win situation out of it." Yun Yang sighed and said, "What I said about selling ten pieces of the Ethereal Amethyst is just a disguise. Perhaps, a lead." "Disguise? Lead?" Feng Guohai frowned lightly. "Young brother, the first and foremost quality in doing business is credibility." "Agreed. Otherwise, why would I come to your honorable shop and tell you the cause and effect in such a straightforward manner?" Yun Yang nodded and spoke honestly, "What I said stands. The ten pieces of Ethereal Amethysts will all be sold in your shop. Then If it''s convenient for Keeper Feng, we can look for a more secluded location and observe for real what the Spirit''s Grave is. Then, we shall talk about the partnership. My sincerity suffices, does it not?" Feng Guohai''s eyes glowed immediately. "You''re serious, Young Master Yun?" "Why not? The Spirit''s Grave is already a limbo to me. If I don''t work well with my partner, it will all still go down the drain," Yun Yang exclaimed, "I can''t help it either." 895 This Is A Huge Secre Feng Guohai took a deep breath and said decisively, "Since young master here is so easygoing, let this old man behave in the same manner. I shall take in all the amethysts, with six thousand upper-class spiritual jade pieces per crystal! As for any future cooperation on our part, well, I''d like to decide about that after we see the Spirit''s Grave." "Very well! Please make the following arrangements then," Yun Yang agreed, nodding his head. Feng Guohai replied, "If so, can I ask both of you to wait here for two days? I have to report this to the upper management." Yun Yang inhaled and answered, "This matter holds much importance. I don''t wish for too many people finding out and all the more I hope that irrelevant ones will not be around This concerns the matter of life and death, after all" "I understand the significance of this. Do not worry, young brother." Feng Guohai smiled and continued. "It involves a massive profit as well. We, the General Commerce League, will not miss it." Both Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen then stayed at the General Commerce League''s franchise. The ten pieces of Ethereal Amethysts were sold, and Yun Yang''s spatial ring was sixty thousand upper-class spiritual jade pieces richer. Yun Yang was calm and collected, but Shi Wuchen was losing his sanity! ''What''s all this about? What about selling our loot? How did it become a legitimate transaction?'' ''These items are actually Ethereal Amethysts C not just one, but ten pieces! Furthermore, there are subsequent deals, more Ethereal Amethysts to sell C and the Spirit''s Grave'' In spite of this, Shi Wuchen, who had been bewildered in the General Commerce Trade''s franchise, dared not say a word now. He could only give Yun Yang incredulous looks. He honestly thought that he was near his breaking point. ''Big brother, how are you salvaging this massive deception?'' ''How are you going to create a Spirit''s Grave that could appear everywhere and be activated by blood out of nowhere? Why aren''t you in heaven yet, if you''re so great? No, wait, to activate the Spirit''s Grave with blood is already f*cking slitting open the void!'' ''Do you think the General Commerce Trade is so na?ve? If what ensues is the least bit untrue, you''re committing fraud C the General Commerce Trade will never let us slip away!'' ''What''s more, we''re in their territory; we won''t be able to run, even if we wanted to.'' ''This is suicide, big brother!'' ''I thought you were really here to dispose of the booty. It looks like I''m thoroughly mistaken. Your boldness is to the extent of unlimited suicide - I see that now What a pity that I''m still in my prime'' Shi Wuchen was close to tears, but he had to put up a front as calm as Yun Yang was displaying. The contradiction was indescribable What made him felt worse was how casual and relaxed Yun Yang was as he stayed comfortably in the league. It was driving him insane. Yun Yang was oblivious to Shi Wuchen''s, who was close to panic, seemingly collected state. He disclosed not one bit of information. "There''s nothing that can''t be spoken of. Our main objective today is to seek a partnership wholeheartedly. You can speak of what''s on your mind without hesitation, no need to use the psychic voice, lest we are suspected of collusion. This is how we earn the credibility of partnering." Yun Yang said this openly. This was also the only information he gave Shi Wuchen, but he might as well have omitted to say it. Shi Wuchen was speechless. ''You''ve already placed your neck under the blade of a steel saber C I''m truly impressed that you''re still so calm now!'' ''I''m completely impressed!'' ''Even my buttocks are impressed!'' ''You have weaved such a big net of lies, creating impossible stories, and I''ve been the one by your side along the way. Will I not know your background? When have you ever gone to the Spirit''s Grave?'' Throughout the days, Feng Guohai would come over to chat with Yun Yang when he was free. As for the others, not a single one of them was allowed to approach. He had indeed kept it as confidential as he could. Even when they spoke, the elder opened up a Heaven and Earth Cage to lock the surrounding space, in order to prevent any untoward accidents. Yun Yang and Feng Guohai made quite the acquaintance and it was not due to giving anyone face. It was mainly because Feng Guohai was an actual martial world veteran and an encyclopedia of the strange and peculiar incidents of the martial world. What he knew and had encountered trumped even Fatty Qian Duoduo''s experiences. His incredibly extensive martial experience was a good offset to Yun Yang''s shortcomings. From the celestial courts and palaces to the ordinary citizens, he had endless stories that Yun Yang was never bored of listening to. Yun Yang listened to him earnestly. As the days passed, Feng Guohai gradually understood that he was indeed a newbie in the Bound of Universe and he was learning from him. Yet, Feng Guohai recounted the tales without reservation, teaching him his experiences and knowledge. There were only a few days left before those from the General Commerce League''s headquarter were due to arrive. By then, they could decide if Yun Yang''s words were true and plan the appropriate countermeasures. If he were lying, they would kill him with a slap. It did not matter how much he had learned. For making up lies, his death would be well deserved. The celestial punishment would not target them, so they had no loss to endure. In addition, there would be ten pieces of Ethereal Amethysts that they could pocket. If Yun Yang was being truthful, it would be better. They would reap further profits and both parties would actually become partners. It did not matter how much Yun Yang learned C it would be best if he could learn more and use it in times of need. After all, Yun Yang was the direct connection to the existence of the Spirit''s Grave. His life was very valuable indeed. "Back in the day, when the leader of our Sacred Heart Palace, Lord Huo, fought with the top Daemon King of the Yao race, Nine-Lives Cat, all the mountains and rivers, for tens of thousands of miles around, save for super sects that had the Celestial Luck Banners, turned into charred ground Later, Lord Huo used the stars as his sword and the sun and moon as his saber. Harnessing the universe''s power and gathering the earth''s force, he dealt a severe blow to King Nine-Lives Cat. This is how the Sacred Heart Palace earned thirty thousand years of rest. Otherwise, at least four hundred thousand miles of our territory would have been lost to the Yao race!" "It was also after the battle that Lord Huo confirmed the pinnacle position of a Divine Saint. However, after the battle, he was also enlightened with a realization and went into closed-door meditation." "The King Nine-Lives Cat reflected on the shame and took courage, cultivating in concentration. It has been said that his cultivation base improved by leaps and bounds throughout these years and he was not any weaker than the Regal Daemon Lord. He was finally ready for some action The sudden change in heaven and earth''s spiritual Qi this time was like a signal C a telltale sign that a long-awaited war of the century will soon erupt There are trails of Daemon Generals from the Nine-Lives Cat millions of miles within our Sacred Heart Palace''s territory and there are some of the Yao race here and there as well." "Perhaps this world will lose its peace soon." Feng Guohai sighed. His snow-white eyebrows gathered into a frown filled with worry. "If the Yao race invades and restarts the war, the location of the Sacred Heart Palace will be their first target. Although the humans are allowed various professions and martial practitioners are encouraged to improve in extreme leaps and bounds, our development still lacks much compared to the Yao race. The total combat power can''t even fight them off." "In comparison to the human race, the Yao race''s reproduction sees multiplications in birth especially the lower class Yao race among them. Their offspring numbers are mind-boggling. It''s insane to think about. They reproduce in litters" 896 The People From The League "Speaking of the Yao race''s lineage, one cannot avoid speaking of the Regal Daemon Lord. The king has stated long ago that as long as a pair of the Yao race gives birth to more than twenty descendants, they will receive a substantial reward. The Yao race organization will bear all the costs of raising their descendants and even sponsor the cultivation resources required. Once the dictum was announced, it caused the population of the Yao race to proliferate in a short period of time, so much so that it reached the highest limit of the Bound of Universe''s history and it''s still increasing. This can be considered the human race''s largest worry of the future!" "Sigh, coming to think of it, if it weren''t for the continuous rivalry within the Yao race itself and how devastating it is compared to the ones we humans have, the human race would have been long extinct" "A great chaos is about to befall us Who knows when the entire city will fall to the Yao race''s army when we wake up? This isn''t an unnecessary worry, it''s an inevitable reality!" Feng Guohai''s eyebrows waggled as he spoke. "Our generation of cultivators must have the sense of urgency and increase their capabilities, seizing every chance available. When the threat comes, not only must we be able to ensure our mobility, we must unite and fight against the enemy. Otherwise everything is at risk." He then looked at Yun Yang and said, "The Ethereal Amethyst is the ultimate prewar resource that triumphs over all other heaven and earth treasures during such a time. Do you understand what I mean?" Yun Yang breathed in lightly and answered in a low tone, "I understand. I''ll collect more Ethereal Amethysts in the future. If necessary, I can donate the crystals I''m using as well." "Things have not yet gotten to that stage. Your cultivation base is also a priority. No need to be so wary. You only have to understand the significance of this matter and not take it lightly." Feng Guohai gazed meaningfully at Yun Yang and emphasized his earlier words, "The Ethereal Amethyst and the Spirit''s Grave!" "I understand, I truly do." Yun Yang spoke honestly, "In truth, I am being forced to this adverse decision out of helplessness. The Spirit''s Grave is heavily restricted. Other than the difficult act of activation, there are other taboos. If I can''t send in the required resources in time, not only will I lose the activation right forever, the divine sense left upon me by the spirits will be triggered, leading to the demise of both my physic and spiritual self." "Due to my fated encounters when I was in the lower realm, my cultivation improvement was far faster than my peers. However, the further I went, the more resources I burned through and it slowly went over what I could afford. When I ascended, I was further restricted by this realm''s rules. If I don''t change how I do things, I honestly can''t afford to carry out this providence. Thus, I can only request for help, regardless of the approach. I could only survive by doing this." Feng Guohai sighed softly. "I can sense your honesty through what you just said. I thought it was hard to come by, that you''re already an Honor pinnacle in cultivation base when you''re only so young, but if there were a copious amount of Ethereal Amethysts as a supplement, this improvement would seem overly slow instead. Now it looks like you''ve paid a price before you ascended, despite receiving such a rare opportunity. It''s well within reason C everything in this world is a barter trade." "An ancient legacy like this will definitely be accompanied by similar restrictions. What''s more, the Spirit''s Grave you came across contains an astonishing presence within. Most of his existence comes from your contribution. This is a win-win situation where both of you help each other" He smiled and continued. "However no matter to what lengths you''ve gone to previously, as long as this Spirit''s Grave is real in existence, you''re a meritorious contributor! Your contribution knows no bounds and shall last for a long time to come!" Understanding what was being relayed, Yun Yang replied, "I know, I understand. However, my genuine intention is still to be hidden Elder Feng." Feng Guohai laughed. "Once it''s proven true, I guarantee that you''ll be the Sacred Heart Palace''s top secret! We''ll never allow anyone else to unearth such a secret, be it the Yao race, the human race, or other forces." "I would have to trouble you then, Elder Feng," said Yun Yang with a smile. "It''s worth it," answered Feng Guohai. His smile conveyed an unusual amount of meaning. Since the very beginning, Feng Guohai''s actions and expression, including his divine sense, did not show a hint of suspicion or glaring acuteness. Everything that came from him looked like a friendly old man who was chatting with his junior without any sense of human problems. In spite of this, deep in their hearts, Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen knew very well what he was thinking. How could Feng Guohai not have any doubts? How could a veteran like him believe someone else''s words so easily? The more natural he acted, the more it fitted the reaction a veteran should have. The reason he did not even try to check Yun Yang with his divine sense was mainly due to caution. If Yun Yang proved useful, he would not leave any excuse lest Yun Yang leveraged on it if they fell out in the future. On the contrary, if Yun Yang were useless, the matter of his life and death could be decided in the blink of an eye once Feng Guohai turned hostile. Compared to the ability this old man had shown during this period of time, the present Supreme Cloud and Supreme Sword were not even on par. They could be easily wiped out. Both parties were well aware of this. Four days had passed. On this day, winds and clouds suddenly gathered in the sky above the General Commerce League''s franchise, Precious Treasure of the World. An inexplicable sense of oppression fell from the high altitude. The entire Dongye City turned dead silent after that! Prismatic hued clouds drifted into the sky, their radiance shining across the expanse. It was a unique phenomenon that manifested itself when ace cultivators of Royal Saint level and above came out without disguising their trails. Feng Guohai looked up, an odd look in his eyes. "The people from headquarters are here. It seems like a few Protectors are being sent directly The headquarter must place a lot of significance in the deal this time." Yun Yang''s eyes were squinted as he asked, "I wonder if it''s alright for Elder Feng to disclose what level of cultivation the General Commerce League''s Protectors are in." "This isn''t confidential, but instead of me disclosing it, why not witness it for yourself? You''ll know in a while," Feng Guohai answered with a meaningful smile. Before his words echoed in the air, a golden glint gleamed in the yard and with a soft swoosh, three silhouettes appeared by the door. The moment the faces of the three people were unveiled, Feng Guohai visibly quivered before surprise washed over his features. He took hurried steps out. "I didn''t expect Vice Chief and two Protectors to be here personally. I apologize for not welcoming you from a distance." "Never mind," said the Vice Chief, who was bulky and muscular, with prominent hairy facial features as he waved his hand and chuckled, "You won''t be able to welcome us from far anyway. No need to be courteous. Let''s talk about the matter at hand. Have you verified what you reported to be real?" "The Vice Chief is straightforward, as usual. It''s confirmed here with this subordinate but what''s it worth C it can only be decided when the higher authority verifies it," Feng Guohai replied with a smile as well. The two Protectors wore snow-white robes with three lines of gold on their sleeves and collars. One of them had snow-white hair and a beard, but his skin was smooth and supple like a baby''s, wearing a warm smile. Another one looked stern, standing straight like a javelin with a gaze like a sword that pierced through one''s heart. He looked frosty like the entire world owed him silver taels. 897 A Vacant Spiritual Physique Indeed! "Yes, yes. Is this Brother Yun Yang?" The Vice Chief chuckled and said, "I am Lang Fantian (the wave that overthrows the heavens). People call me Heaven Toppling Palm. I am the Vice Chief of the General Commerce League. These two men here are the league''s main Protector elders. This is Living Immortal Xiao Yushu, while this is Steel-faced Life and Death Arbiter Gu Jiuxiao. Brother Yun, Brother Shi, it''s our pleasure to meet you." Having the honorable status as the General Commerce League''s Vice Chief, a person who was influential and authoritative, Lang Fantian maintained his etiquette, despite facing two insignificant unknowns of the martial world like Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen. His mannerism was generous and noble. At least, it exceeded Yun Yang''s expectation. Yun Yang thought to himself, ''Indeed, the higher your status is, the less arrogant you are. People who act like they''re the top priority in the world will hardly rise up to such heights. The idiotic leaders commonly seen in novels are literally made up C unworthy to be mentioned or joked about.'' He quickly replied, "Both of us feel extremely honored and even bewildered by your presence, Vice Chief. We''ve heard a lot about you and both elders''. It is truly our honor to meet all of you today." "Hahaha" Lang Fantian guffawed freely and took large strides forward, saying, "Let us talk in the room. Guohai, do come with me too." "Do you mean to say that something like this truly exists?" Lang Fantian looked at Feng Guohai, who was standing in front of him in the secret chamber. "To this subordinate, it''s sixty to seventy percent truth, at the very least." Feng Guohai spoke carefully, "I don''t think there are many individuals in this world who are staying here in the General Commerce League and is daring enough to use his life to joke with us" Lang Fantian nodded slowly and answered, "True enough. If it''s fake, he''s doomed. And the Ethereal Amethysts are authentic as well. They''re already substantial evidence!" He stood up and said, "Let us go out of the city tomorrow and find a quiet place to see if the Spirit''s Grave truly exists and further verify if this matter is believable. By then, Yushu, you check with your divine sense while Jiuxiao shall examine the soul. Do your best, but don''t force yourselves. If anything feels wrong, your safety is the priority. Don''t act recklessly either. If this matter is real, the one behind the Spirit''s Grave can''t be an ordinary presence too." "We understand." Yun Yang was waiting in the living room but with a flicker of a golden gleam, Lang Fantian, Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao appeared before him. The three of them stared at Yun Yang with wide eyes. Feeling three incredibly strong forces locking down on him, Yun Yang felt like he could barely move his limbs. He was quietly shocked, but his expression remained calm. Lang Fantian grabbed Yun Yang''s wrist with an outstretched arm and said with a smile, "Brother Yun, let me take a look at your physique. Don''t mind me, I''m very concerned with the so-called empty spiritual physique and am quite delighted to meet one." "Understandably so. Don''t hold yourself back, Vice Chief," Yun Yang said with a chortle. He had boasted that he possessed a vacant spiritual physique. It was only a matter of course that the other party wanted to prove him true. In fact, Feng Guohai must have held himself back with so much restraint to wait until now for Lang Fantian to personally perform the probe. With a blink of their eyes, Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao extended their hands over as well. Three separate intense waves of mystical Qi swam through Yun Yang''s meridians. The three owners exchanged glances abruptly when they were halfway through and saw the delighted surprise in each other''s eyes. "This This is really the vacant spiritual physique It''s so different from an ordinary person''s physique" Delight and appreciation poured from Lang Fantian''s expression as his eyes glowed. "Third level pinnacle of Honor is but an average in one''s cultivation base. Even with a young age, it''s only an average and of low progress among the noble clans and schools'' disciples in the Bound of Universe. However, if he''s truly a fresh Ascended and his cultivation base is wholly cultivated in the lower realm it''s extremely precious." Xiao Yushu nodded and said, "That''s right. Although his mystical Qi cultivation base is only a third level pinnacle of Honor, the width and resilience of his meridians parallel a fourth level pinnacle Saint The perfectly filled state of his dantian is never before seen It''s the first among the Bound of Universe''s cultivators. It''s not an exaggeration to call him a unique case." Gu Jiuxiao still looked stone-cold, but there was more warmth in his voice now, as he said, "Furthermore, there aren''t any impurities in this boy''s body. It''s all innate energy and it''s equipped with the ability to identify useless, unkempt, spiritual Qi. It is distinguishable from the mystical Qi we deliver and it''s honestly a sight to behold If this is the so-called vacant spiritual physique, it lives up to its reputation." "That''s not all. This boy said that his cultivation base came mostly from the Ethereal Amethyst''s support, but any treasure of heaven and earth, whatever divine item it is, poses a limit to the user''s body. The Ethereal Amethysts are no exception. Still, this boy''s body, meridians, energy, and blood C there are no hidden issues across his whole body. This says a lot about his extraordinary physique. It must be true that he has the empty spiritual physique!" exclaimed Lang Fantian, after a momentous silence. The three men suddenly stood up in unison, their gazes burning like never before. A vacant spiritual physique! It actually existed! This physique that had only existed in myths was an extraordinary form not to be for millennia, even in the Bound of Universe! It was the crme of the crme, the one and only. Based on this single fact, Yun Yang could not be simply killed, even if he lied about the Spirit''s Grave because he was a marvelous potential worthy of fostering. At this moment, the three older men looked at each other. They exchanged wary glances split second before all of them chuckled awkwardly. Understanding each other, they held no ill feelings. After all, they shared the same mind and sentiment. A target worthy of fostering was someone everyone wanted to have, but there was no need to lose peace over this. ''Even if Yun Yang were to lie this time, I must make sure he''s safe and take him into my school as my disciple. This boy can be my heir,'' thought Lang Fantian. ''Regardless what happens after this, I''m going to take him in as a closed-door disciple and teach him all I have without reservation,'' Xiao Yushu considered. Gu Jiuxiao frowned and asked out loud, "Yun Yang, are you willing to take me as your master?" The other two men were only thinking, without any thought of taking action but this man was a gem, asking the question right on the spot. There was no one more straightforward than he was. Before Yun Yang answered, Lang Fantian and Xiao Yushu were quick to speak up. "Gu Jiuxiao! What''s the meaning of this?" Xiao Yushu bellowed, looking as if he was ready for a fight. "Gu Jiuxiao! Get your priorities right and do what matters first!" Lang Fantian was obviously leveraging on his higher status as he said, "Don''t you abuse your power for personal gains and forget your place!" Gu Jiuxiao rolled his eyes and snorted, retorting stoically, "As long as the two of you don''t squabble over him, we''ll do what matters first!" Lang Fantian grunted, "Can you look at the bigger picture? Do you understand what getting your priorities right even means? We''ll talk about the rest afterward C squabbling and all notwithstanding!" Xiao Yushu chuckled softly. 898 How Powerful! Both of them had already made up their minds. They would surely compete for the boy, but they would first fight to build a good relationship with the child in this mission to let him know who he could depend on and who was befitted to be his master. The next morning, Lang Fantian took Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen into the sky in a flash of gold. Behind them, Living Immortal Xiao Yushu and Steel-faced Life and Death Arbiter Gu Jiuxiao followed, as did Feng Guohai. Where Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen could not see, Feng Guohai''s speed did not, at all, lack in comparison to that of Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao''s. His cultivation base was excellent, yet he had hidden it very well. After a while, all six of them arrived at a mountain surrounded by a sea of clouds. Their surroundings were enshrouded by stretches of clouds that obscured everything. All three experts did not dare be careless, however, as they spread their deific senses and immediately extinguished any signs of life that were within an area covering thousands of miles. "Brother Yun, I apologize. We would still like to validate the existence of Spirit''s Grave. Please try to understand this." Lang Fantian was still amicable, but all three men''s gazes towards Yun Yang were somehow covetous, causing the goosebumps to rise on the latter''s skin. ''Do these three have some sort of fetish? Why are they looking at me like that?'' ''I am handsome and talented, elegant and alluring, a beautiful youth, but'' "This is only a matter of course." Yun Yang was all smiles, not at all bored by the attention. Under everyone''s stare, he sat cross-legged and circulated his mystical Qi to trigger his divine sense. Meanwhile, Emmie was long ready in its space! It was no doubt that Emmie had to step out this time to complete this trick, thus both Emmie and Yun Yang treated the matter seriously. This step was considered the most crucial step in Yun Yang''s entire plan; it was the link to success or failure. After all, he did not expect that he himself was also a coveted target aside from the Spirit''s Grave and Ethereal Amethyst that the other party would love to swallow whole! Lang Fantian stood facing the ocean of clouds with his arms resting against his back. He looked graceful C at least, he looked especially relaxed from the outside, but internally, he had already maneuvered his cultivation base to be on standby. His deific senses observed everyone''s actions without missing any minor movements. Indeed, he was not only watching Yun Yang, but was observing the entire situation. Based on Yun Yang''s lacking cultivation base, it was destined that he could not cause much trouble other than proving himself real or a fraud. Perhaps, it could be said that he was proving his own life or death. What Lang Fantian wanted to observe was whether the others were dependable. From what it seemed, those who were currently present were the most loyal people to the General Commerce League, but if the Spirit''s Grave did truly exist, the massive profit might cause some of that loyalty to waver. Monetary gain was already sufficient to shake someone''s resolve C what was more, a lofty profit like this! Therefore, what Lang Fantian wanted to do now was to ensure everything that happened next was thoroughly within grasp, that he would kill every possible threat and danger in its bud! Xiao Yushu''s deific senses quietly spread as well, forming a void territory and building a divine sense barricade. Then, he silently slipped his divine sense into Yun Yang''s. What he had done, even across the whole Bound of Universe, was barely achievable. Xiao Yushu''s unique cultivation method was ever-changing, able to transform according to his thoughts to a total replica of his wishes. Of course, the process required copious exhaustion; after all, he was using his deific senses to imitate and transform into the target''s divine sense It was a serious matter. In spite of it, he could only do so despite the toll taken on him, given the significance of the current case. This was also due to Yun Yang''s shallow cultivation base as an Honor. If the target were Shi Wuchen, Xiao Yushu might not dare slip into his deific consciousness so carelessly. He would have to make more preparations to back himself up. Gu Jiuxiao remained rooted where he stood and did not look like he was using his divine senses as well. There was no movement from him, but his soul had actually left his body quietly to watch Yun Yang''s spirit undulate from another aspect in a mystical force. The combined surveillance from all three men was enveloping and pervasive. To the three of them, at least, there was no one else in this world who could escape their supervision! Yun Yang''s mystical Qi was being circulated to his extremities now. Emmie was swaying in the deific consciousness space as well, its tendrils rising and falling slowly. Waves of blurry intents were being sent out continuously. A flicker of saber light later, Yun Yang had cut his finger open as he whisked the pouring blood to the foggy clouds of the mountain. Emmie''s force went into action subsequently, delivering at its maximum capacity. Xiao Yushu, who had already strewn his divine senses around the location, was the first one to sense it. It felt like he had come into contact with a powerful and profound but unusual divine sense. At the same time, his deific consciousness that emulated and mixed alongside Yun Yang''s divine sense was separated at once just as it was touched by this strange divine sense. Promptly, an unknown power led his deific consciousness straight to the borderless darkness The feeling was like he had suddenly lost control while hovering in midair! In addition, Xiao Yushu could clearly judge that if his divine senses continued falling like this, it would shatter. When that happened, he who lost his deific consciousness would become a zombie With a yelp, Xiao Yushu pushed for his maximum strength to retract the divine sense that he unfurled. Thankfully, Yun Yang''s shallow cultivation base and the fact that the impersonating deific consciousness was only a small portion of his divine sense allowed him to salvage his teetering ability. In spite of this, Xiao Yushu broke out in cold sweat when his deific consciousness returned to him completely, huffing and puffing with a pale face. Towards the end, the powerful and strange divine sense relayed a sense of an incredibly discontented aura. Discontent The more Xiao Yushu recalled the more fear he was in. ''That that at least has to be a Divine Saint master who''s discontented with me Ah!'' ''I C I C what should I do'' Lang Fantian turned around, his gaze sharp as a hawk. "What''s wrong?" "My divine sense My divine sense was pulled away and tossed out I was so close to death C so close!" Xiao Yushu muttered unblinkingly. "Yun Yang did that to you?" asked Lang Fantian with a frown. "No! It can''t be him!" Xiao Yushu was certain when he said, "Yun Yang didn''t even know that I snuck in after him The force is something else It feels like like" "Like what?" Lang Fantian raised his eyebrow. "Like it''s more powerful than the Palace Leader" Xiao Yushu was still sweating profusely, his eyes searching around in panic. ''Where where''s the master who could sweep the world off his feet? Is he looking at him?'' ''Will he punish me because of my offense? Will he kill me with a wave of his hand?'' Lang Fantian felt a shudder course through him as he heard what was being said, his soul almost leaving his body from the shock. More powerful than the Palace Leader! Cold sweat drenched Lang Fantian as well. 899 You Fellows Have Caused Me Big Trouble! What Palace Leader? Who else could the Palace Leader mentioned by Xiao Yushu be, other than the Sacred Heart Palace''s Palace Leader? What level could the presence be to make Xiao Yushu feel so fervently that it was more powerful than their Palace Leader? It was unimaginably terrifying! Simultaneously, Gu Jiuxiao cried out in horror as if he had seen a ghost. He trembled, while his face was twisted from agony. Soaked in sweat, his face was drained of all color. Suddenly, he raised his head and spat out a wad of blood. Then, he collapsed and lost consciousness. Lang Fantian was truly shocked! While Xiao and Gu''s status and cultivation base were slightly below him, it was not distinctively different. Both of them possessed cultivation methods that were unique to themselves, so much so that if they were to fight hand in hand, he was not a worthy opponent. Yet, it was these two people who were overwhelmingly frightened, repeating that he had almost died and fainted respectively What force could injure these two third level Royal Saint experts so severely without a sound? Could the Spirit''s Grave Divine Saint level presence actually be watching them all this while? If it was so, it would be petrifying. The severity of the mishap had far exceeded their recognition and estimation! At this very moment, Fang Guohai shrieked as well. Although his voice belied his shock and terror, at least it was not one of weakness or injury. "Where''s Yun Yang?" Lang Fantian and Xiao Yushu turned around abruptly and looked over, following the direction of the voice. Where Yun Yang had originally been sitting cross-legged, it was now empty. No one knew where the young man had gone to! The clouds were drifting around before them, as usual. The place was still as ethereal as ever, silently enveloped by clouds of fog. In spite of this, the silence only brought a greater worry to the group, they could barely take it. A moment later, Gu Jiuxiao woke up with a moan. Fear was written across his eyes as he said shakily, "It''s horrible. The power of my soul C the power of my soul was partially devoured I C I" As he spoke, he spat out blood again, looking extremely weak. Lang Fantian and Xiao Yushu felt chills racking through their backs as they watched him. Large beads of sweat slid and fell from the tips of their noses. If only cultivation base were to be measured, Gu Jiuxiao''s capability was the last among the three of them. However, the power of the soul that was only possessed by a Royal Saint cultivator was the opposite case for them; Gu Jiuxiao''s cultivation method that trained the spirit as well enabled his soul strength to outdo his peers. It was unexpected that he would be plagued by a setback here and was severely injured. Up to now, the reality was more than certain C the Spirit''s Grave truly existed, and the fact that it contained an absolutely powerful presence inside was more evident than ever! Yun Yang was not lying. He did not even completely tell them one-tenth of a thousand of the mysterious master''s ability! How reckless for the three of them to actually probe using their divine senses and survey with the power of soul under the watchfulness of such a masterly presence What was the difference between them and a cat that licked the nose of a tiger? They were impatiently and maniacally seeking death C that was what they were doing. It was fortunate that this master was benevolent and did not stoop as low as they did. Otherwise, how could they have survived? He had only caused a fright to Xiao Yushu''s divine sense and a little loss to Gu Jiuxiao''s power of soul It was evident that this master had mercy on them. If he were to be more brutal, at least half of the four of them would die here, in vain! The force of a deific consciousness and the power of the soul were no mystical Qi. If he could easily devour a little bit of them from you, it meant that he could devour you whole just as easily! In other words, this was actually a warning C a warning from an absolute master. Why was Yun Yang gone then? Was it necessary to even ask? He must have gone into the Spirit''s Grave! The Spirit''s Grave was a lethal area of prohibition they could hardly come into contact with. Their life and death could be decided with a snap of a finger. Yun Yang was the only one who could enter. This much was the reality laid before their eyes, no one could doubt it. In fact, it was not only Lang Fantian and his three subordinates who were terrorized. Even Shi Wuchen was dumbstruck on the spot, his eyes widened and words were taken from him. ''F*ck this! Boss So he''s really C I can''t imagine a more fortunate encounter!'' ''So whatever he blabbered back then He wasn''t bluffing it was all true?'' ''This C this My, this overturns my entire imagination My lack of experience and knowledge has indeed limited my recognition and imagination!'' Lang Fantian, Xiao Yushu, Gu Jiuxiao, Feng Guohai, and Shi Wuchen C all five of them wore the exact same look right now. They stared at the floating clouds in bewilderment for a long time, their gazes focused without being dazed. Shi Wuchen fared slightly better. Although shocked, he could hold himself securely. After all, no matter how surprising Yun Yang appeared to be, he would not harm him, seeing that he was his superior. On the other hand, cold sweat was breaking out in streams for the four elder men as their hearts thumped hard in their chests. Compared to Shi Wuchen''s rooted posture, their legs felt like jelly. If the matter was not as significant, they would have wanted to flee and escape this imposing place! What if the master saw the four of them and got upset, suddenly flying into a fit of rage? Even if they cried for help without caring for their dignity, it seemed that no one would come to their rescue. Consequently, they spent a long time in fright There was a ripple in the air. Yun Yang suddenly appeared from the clouds and fell down immediately, due to gravity. His face was as pale as a sheet. He murmured, "You fellows have caused me big trouble this time" A sweeping noise could be heard when ten pieces of Ethereal Amethysts fell from his hands as Yun Yang passed out with a tilt to his body. The four elder men looked at each other, still sweating profusely. No one dared to move. If it had been any earlier, they would have snatched a piece of the Ethereal Amethyst, seeing so many of them despite their status and background. Now, however, they did not even think of touching it although the crystals were littered before them. They sweated, feeling their heartbeats picking up. Their throats felt parched, their legs weak like they could fall onto their knees at any time Oh my, it was terrifying! After some time, the clouds began to hover as usual. There did not seem to be any oddities. Another hour went by before the four men seemed to wake up from a trance. They wiped the sweat away, the fear still lingering. They looked around stealthily and a little lost before they spoke softly, "This C we should be fine now?" Lang Fantian felt as if a handful of sand had been shoved down his throat as he answered scratchily, "Looks C looks like it" 900 There Is A Spirits Grave! There Is An Omnipresent Being! "Hah." Feng Guohai, Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao let out a puff of air simultaneously and their legs gave up supporting their weight, all three men falling down to the ground and landing on their rear ends. Xiao Yushu''s face was still pale as he wheezed, laughing like he was crying. "Say Sir Vice Chief, let''s not take on something so mystical like this in the future Half of my life is almost gone from the scare" Gu Jiuxiao looked icy as ever as he slowly exhaled, "You scared only half your life away Me Mine was devoured" Wiping his sweat, Lang Fantian spoke with lingering fear, "Weren''t we unsure before this? It''s enough that we verify it now, who''d make certain of this matter every day? Next time I won''t come, even if you beat me to death. Whoever likes it can come all they want." "Me too." "Me too." "It''s terrifying Me too, me too. I shiver just thinking about it," quipped Feng Guohai. Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao squinted at Feng Guohai, suddenly feeling vexed. ''This old man How did he come out unscathed? What''s the use of shivering, thinking about it?'' ''This isn''t fair at all'' "Our next step is to discuss the partnership with Young Brother Yun," Lang Fantian started slowly as his breathing gradually stabilized. The other three men said nothing. These were matters between the Chief and the Vice Chief. Here, at least, Lang Fantian could decide on his own without discussing with the others. They did not want anything to do with this matter anymore. Who could they look for if something happened in the future of their partnership? They refused to take the blame! "We''ll discuss it when Yun Yang wakes up. We have to ask and confirm with him what the senior inside thinks if there are any particular rules. We must be careful," Lang Fantian said respectfully. "That''s right. We have to be careful C very cautious." The three other men nodded in agreement. Before knowing what happened to Yun Yang when he entered this time, no one could guess the senior''s intention. If they had mistaken his intent, things could go extremely awry. Just seeing that the senior could extend his deific sense and devour one''s soul from the inside of the Spirit''s Grave was enough to hint at the extent of the damage he could muster if he did come out of there. They did not know why he stayed inside C maybe there was a story behind this unusual behavior, but he could definitely step out if he wanted to since his divine sense could already wander out. No one wanted to risk themselves to find out, though. Even if they were beaten to death, they refused to take such a risk! Lang Fantian carried Yun Yang on his back personally and to show his genuine intention, the ten pieces of scattered Ethereal Amethysts were carried by Shi Wuchen. The group then hurriedly left the frightening territory. Before they left, they turned back for a glance but all that greeted them was the illusion of serenity. There was nothing! There was no sign of the Spirit''s Grave, but all of them could feel as if a pair of eyes were coldly staring back at them from the thick blanket of fog. Just turning back and glancing at the scene drenched them in sweat again. In Yun Yang''s deific consciousness space, Emmie waved its tendrils around, playing with four Whiteys and Jiji. Its leaves were a dark emerald, almost dark enough to be black. Yes! The divine sense and power of soul forces Emmie had accidentally consumed today were much more refined than what it had absorbed previously. It would be magnificent if it could eat up more; it was never too much! What a pity that the forces had slipped away so fast''Hmph! I can''t gobble down other forces, but the divine sense and power of soul'' ''Come as much as you may!'' ''I can finish you whole, even if I have to nibble! Hahaha!'' The golden flash gleamed again and everyone was already back in the General Commerce League. Yun Yang was still knocked out, but the ten pieces of glowing Ethereal Amethysts he took back had spoken enough. Staring at the Ethereal Amethysts, Lang Fantian pondered for a bit before making his decision swiftly. "Feng Guohai." "Here." "From today onwards, the Precious Treasure of the World will change its name to General Commerce League''s Dongye Flagship. Using this shop as the central point, all the resources and manpower ten thousand miles in perimeter shall be under your responsibility to command." "Thank you for your trust, Vice Chief." "Your responsibility increases now. You must be more careful, especially on matters regarding Young Brother Yun, understand?" "This subordinate understands. I shall be more cautious." "Yun Yang here You" Lang Fantian contemplated and said, "To be safe, let''s not make any decision yet. We''ll see what to do when he wakes up. Young Brother Yun must have his plan as well." "Alright!" Yun Yang remained unconscious for two full days. However, it was two whole days of good slumber to him. He had taken the opportunity to fully wash away his accumulated fatigue of two months. Proficient cultivators could cultivate to replace the need for sleep and could garner a better recovery effect by doing so, but once his energy, divine sense, and power of soul were highly depleted, or expended to the extreme, a full recovery could only be achieved by unreserved deep sleep. Yun Yang had exerted himself to a great extent, tackling the General Commerce League''s people this time around. Although Emmie bore the brunt of the work, Yun Yang did all he could as well, maximally expending his deific consciousness and almost collapsing. After all, the goal of this project was to deceive four masters whose cultivation base were so many levels higher than his own. How could it be easy? Half of his fainting was an act, but he had indeed gone to his limits and needed a thorough slumber. When he woke up again, he still felt aches all over his body like he was no longer its owner. It was the opposite of the usual rejuvenation and energized self he felt. Just as he regained consciousness, five shadows appeared before him, almost in unison. Everyone looked serious and grim. They were Lang Fantian, Xiao Yushu, Gu Jiuxiao, Feng Guohai, and Shi Wushen. "You''ve woken up?" Shi Wushen heaved a long sigh as if relieved of a grand wish. "Yes." Yun Yang sat up and started with some fear evident on his face, "It''s so close this time. I''m really afraid that I won''t wake up again." What he said received nods from Lang Fantian and group, showing that they sincerely agreed with the statement. Everyone looked fearful, fully comprehending what sort of presence they had provoked this time only after coming back. It was really a close escape from death! The other party was surely an omnipresent being who could crush all of them into dust with a flip of its wrist! "Young Brother Yun, when you enter this time, cough" Lang Fantian coughed and asked, "Is there" 901 So Many Gems! "The Ethereal Amethysts are with me," Shi Wuchen explained, seeing that Lang Fantian had paused in the middle of his sentence. "Sigh!" A forlorn sigh could be heard before anything else was said. Yun Yang''s tears looked like they were about to fall from how maligned he felt. "The lord was very unhappy with the resources I brought in. He said that I didn''t complete my task well this time. I failed spectacularly, and he almost killed me for that" Yun Yang looked forlorn, his head hanging low. "Some of the upper-class spiritual jade pieces were barely accepted this time everything else wasn''t. Furthermore" He fell silent as he looked up to Lang Fantian and the group. The three elder men turned red and coughed simultaneously in an attempt to stave off the awkwardness, only to highlight their presence as the current source of discomfort instead. "However, it doesn''t matter much. This is the basis of our cooperation. It''s necessary. After all, to supply the lord with resources he''s content with solely based on my own power is simply unrealistic." Yun Yang continued, "However I really don''t know how to describe what happened next." "Young brother, just speak the truth. What befell you?" Lang Fantian asked with sincere curiosity. "Actually actually, I have something I neglected to mention earlier. The senior inside is only a deific notion" Yun Yang quietly said the following after a moment of silence, "The elder passed me a cultivation method and took me in as a disciple, only by name. He said that if we can meet one day, maybe maybe there''s hope for me to actually be his disciple. Now it looks like my chances are slim. I am such a useless one, to be unable to reach his expectations and waste such a fortitude Sigh" The consequence created by the two statements was incomparably shattering. It was only a deific notion! The first statement of six words felt like a thunderbolt that struck Lang Fantian and the other three men''s heads! It was only a deific notion, but it was so powerful! If the tangible form were to come how powerful would he be then? There was also the namesake disciple? To be a namesake disciple of such omnipotence was overwhelmingly impressive! Although he was a namesake disciple who could be killed at any time, he was still the only person in this world who could enter the Spirit''s realm! What about the hope of actually being a disciple? That was the goal of advancement! "Since we plan to work with Brother Yun, we shall face any and all difficulties together. What''s more, the General Commerce League will be able to gain a massive profit from this partnership as well." Lang Fantian said ardently, "Do speak of any challenges you have, Brother Yun." He was being exceptionally sincere, changing the term of address and no longer using ''young master''. It used to be Young Brother Yun and so forth, and while it seemed friendly, the superiority was still evident. Now, it was Brother Yun. The superior tone had taken a one hundred and eighty-degree turn! After the episode in the mountain, be it Lang Fantian, Gu Jiuxiao or Xiao Yushu, no one thought of recruiting Yun Yang as their disciple anymore. Who would dare to snatch a disciple from such a powerful master? Were they bored with living? In addition, how could Yun Yang regard them any higher with the lesser cultivation base they possessed? They had vaguely considered capturing Yun Yang and manipulating him, but now none of that kind of nonsense even crossed their minds! What a joke C would you dare capture him even if he let you? Previously, they were still doubtful about how Shi Wuchen, the Tri-Autumn Swordsman, a Saint level cultivator, was willing to submit to Yun Yang. Now, it seemed that Shi Wuchen was the shrewd one who knew how to invest. Such a leader-follower relationship was not simple to come by. Oh, how envious and jealous and resentful they were! It was not so much resentment, actually, for it was not too late to build a bosom relationship even now! Shi Wuchen who was being wholeheartedly envied was, in fact, innocent. He had his plan, but he did not carry such wild wishes. He could only think of this as his fortitude C everything was destiny''s doing. "To prove my innocence, I have... mentioned our partnership," said Yun Yang. Lang Fantian''s expression turned dark immediately, as did the other three men''s. ''He sold us out?'' ''We''re marked from now on as well?'' ''If so, is it still alright if we don''t cooperate with you now? If this omnipresence were to come after us how can the mere General Commerce League take it?'' All four elders felt as if they were on board a pirate ship. Previously, they were in it for the huge profit that could be reaped. It was a situation where Yun Yang was the one compelled to work with them. Now, however, had things turned around? "The senior expressed that he understood it, but he needed a plethora of resources inside. This time, he stated it directly to me." Yun Yang sighed softly and began to count on his fingers. "The spiritual jades pieces are required a large amount of upper-class spiritual jade pieces asked were only the minimum and most basic request It''d be best if there was a supply of substantial divine class spiritual jade pieces. Other than these, he needs the Celestial Mystical Gold, Celestial Punishment Gold, Celestial Meteorite Gold, Star Core, Steel of Luna Soul, Cloud Copper Polar Silk, mystical beast cores various heaven and earth gems of five thousand years and above, the more the better" He only came to heaven and earth resources after listing over a hundred kinds of metal and two hundred types of items. After the long-winded list, not only was Shi Wuchen shocked, even Lang Fantian and the group who prided themselves for being vastly experienced and knowledgeable were stunned into wide-eyed silence, slacked-jawed and speechless! The senior had asked for so many gems at once. Furthermore, he was not asking for one per type but the more the better. Anyone knew that the more the better, given how wonderful these items were, but the more practical question was C how much equivalent resources could you give back with the intention of absorbing so many gems? Everyone saw how omnipotent the senior was and that on in itself made for a strong sense of reasoning. However, to ask for so many things so directly, it did not seem sound. "Consequently, according to how much or how few things I bring in each time, the compensation that the Spirit''s realm provides me will be adjusted accordingly. The reimbursement doesn''t stop at these Ethereal Amethysts; there are plenty more like the Celestial Amethyst Qi, the air of vitality the spiritual energy of pulse, the power of soul they include these items that we only hear about in myths. It can even provide the force of divine sense and an assortment of medicinal pills, like the Youth Recovery Pill that could return a senile man to his youth within a night, the Emerald Cloud Pill that gives a person a millennium worth of cultivation base almost immediately the Seal-Breaker Pill that can help one achieve a breakthrough, disregarding the realm and many more weapons, so on and so forth" After saying so much, Yun Yang chuckled bitterly and said, "It''s unfortunate that other than the Ethereal Amethysts, I haven''t received anything that I''ve mentioned. Everything above was relayed to me by the lord. I''m just letting you know all these, but I can''t prove that they actually exist It''s such a shame!" The four experts were all wide-eyed and gasping. 902 We’ll Help You Commit Robbery! ''We seem to have gotten wind about something amazing!'' ''Whatever it is, it''s C it''s something incredible!'' ''The Celestial Amethyst Qi? That''s an absolute necessity to accomplish Dao. Forget about actually possessing it, just being able to lay a finger on it is like touching the gate to Dao itself! Do you think it''s important or not?'' ''The air of vitality? Legends say that it can eliminate everything negative in the body, including the battle scars earned since the beginning of one''s cultivation journey, down to the remaining and hidden illnesses left in one''s physique Everything can be completely erased! Having a gush of air of vitality is basically akin to recovering one''s entire physical and innate form!'' ''Do you think it''s significant? Is it not precious?'' ''There''s more to the power of soul and the force of divine sense but they need no explanation! Everything is blatantly obvious!'' ''There''s also the Youth Recovery Pill that can take an old man back to his youth within a night It''s logic-defying!'' ''How about that Seal-Breaker Pill that can break through any realm''s bottleneck? The legends have it as well, but it has been missing for at least over ten thousand years'' ''And C and'' The breathing of the four elders quickened as their eyes glowed. Like famished wolves zeroing in on fresh meat, their gazes were locked on Yun Yang''s fine face. "How do we obtain them? Do tell, Brother Yun! No need to be wary, you can speak freely!" Lang Fantian asked in a hurry. If he did not know about Yun Yang''s significant background, he would actually have considered holding this child captive to make him stay by his side forever, lest he met others! It was simply too precious to share! "It''s difficult!" Yun Yang chuckled dryly and said, "To all of you, I seem to be exceptionally blessed, possessed of incredible fortitude and my cultivation journey seems smoothly laid out before me. No one knows that I''m utterly lost about what lies ahead of me C I''m helpless!" Exceptionally blessed C that was about right. Even Lang Fantian felt that Yun Yang''s luck was over the top in regards to his encounter. To be innately gifted was rare, but talent was not the core of cultivation in a place like the Bound of Universe; luck was. Although Yun Yang was marvelously gifted, possessing the vacant spiritual physique that was not seen since eons, he was, at most, a precious talent. It did not mean that he was not irreplaceable or that he could not be disposed of! "This time included, I''ve failed my mission twice in a row," Yun Yang heaved a deep sigh, "That''s why the venerable deific sense increases his requests, several times more than the past. How can I possibly complete them with my current state?" "The upper class and even divine class spiritual jade pieces, among the other requests, are only the most basic and compulsory items. There are plenty more things, many more requests. There''s even one that puzzles me C providence." Yun Yang looked helpless. "Providence! How can I find something so vague like providence?" Lang Fantian asked, "Providence? What the senior requires includes providence?" "Yes. The lord didn''t elaborate on what he meant when he mentioned providence. He only said that whether it''s providence from sects, empires or geography, they''re all acceptable. He can absorb them." "However, how can this realm''s providence be obtained so easily? Even when I''ve poured out all my assets and established a sect, how can I acquire more Celestial Luck Banners? If I don''t have the Celestial Luck Banner, how do I even begin to collect providence?" Lang Fantian''s brow knotted into a deep frown as he listened to Yun Yang. He stayed silent for some time. This was indeed a challenge. The General Commerce League itself only possessed the middle-class Celestial Luck Banner. Hope was only beginning to glimmer for them after all these years of effort and additional experts. They were hoping to get the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner in next year''s competition and that would already be their limit. This was also a time where they needed providence, so they could not and did not intend to give any of it to Yun Yang. After all, the commerce league was a commercial organization. It was not a super sect. Despite the league possessing many experts whose cultivation base were very high, so much so that a portion of them could even leap across the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner sects and compare to the pillar forces of the Golden class Celestial Luck Banner organizations, many of these experts came from the mentioned sects or the Golden class palace. They were only working in the league and did not belong to the league''s combat forces. Once their originating sects were involved, they could rebel at any time! Therefore, while Lang Fantian could specifically relate to Yun Yang''s difficulty, he did not have a solution to it. Naturally, he was left bewildered, unable to come up with any help. "To ensure that the fortitude lives on, I had no other choice but to set up my own sect." Yun Yang chuckled bitterly and said, "Unfortunately, there are only the two of us right now in the sect. Oh, there''s a majordomo who''s not in charge of battling the little fatty who exposed the Ethereal Amethyst in the market previously." Lang Fantian rolled his eyes, feeling speechless as he stared at Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen. He honestly had no reply for the boy. ''Brother we are truly speechless about your situation. Other than that, we''re powerless as well. We feel helpless for you and we feel your pain!'' ''Do you think we wouldn''t have checked your background, given how significant this matter is? We''ve already gone through the origin of the few of you!'' ''How dare you call yourself a sect when your minuscule sect doesn''t even live up to a sect''s fa?ade? Forget about being a sect, any group in the martial world has more people than you fellows do'' "As for the resources" Yun Yang straightened up and gritted his teeth as he said, "To be honest, other than robbing we have no other options left to us." "Robbing" Lang Fantian and subordinates had nothing to say but Feng Guohai''s eyes lit up. "You two are indeed" "That''s right C we are the fanatic bandits, Raiders of All But God!" Yun Yang cut him off. "Raiders of All But God?" Lang Fantian and the other two elders had just arrived in Dongye City, thus they had no clue what the name meant. They only thought it to be rather famous. Feng Guohai chortled without humor and explained the origin of the name Raiders of All But God as well as the other popular nicknames Black and White Ruthless Duo, Feathers-Off-A-Swallow and more. "Hahahaha" Lang Fantian guffawed to the point of shedding tears. "What are you laughing at? We are forced to do it. If it weren''t for the fact that we had no choice, would we have taken even a few pieces of lower class spiritual jade?" Yun Yang tried retorting but his tone gradually weakened to melancholy and he finally fell silent, looking glum and sorrowful. "How about this? Why would we expose you, now?" Lang Fantian said as he slapped the table, "Don''t worry, it''s just robbery. How serious can it be? If needs be, we can send people to help you fellows commit robbery!" Shi Wuchen was speechless. His superior had casually dissolved their hugest risk, just like that. Furthermore, it seemed that they would have a specifically secure selling channel in the future. It also looked like they had strong support and a safer transaction course now Such strategy and such a reaction how had his superior even thought of them? ''Why are you calling yourself Supreme Cloud with this mind of yours C call yourself Supreme Wit!'' Glancing at the ten pieces of Ethereal Amethysts placed on the table, Shi Wuchen abruptly recalled something. He felt as if his head had been struck by a flash of lightning, almost fainting from the shock. He finally remembered the hundreds of pieces of purple crystals Yun Yang had casually tossed when he set up the formation 903 A Sincere Collaboration Shi Wuchen was befuddled! Why did he feel that he could relate to what he was seeing now? Although Shi Wuchen was a Saint level cultivator, he had never come across the Ethereal Amethyst. Other than fretting about exposing themselves, he worried about Yun Yang''s condition; it was a matter of course that he did not think to connect these dots during these past few days. When Yun Yang had retrieved ten pieces of the crystals, he had sold them right away, so Shi Wuchen had only a glimpse of the highly coveted gems. However, these Ethereal Amethysts were either with him or placed on the table in front of him for these two days. He felt things begin to fall into place. ''Could the formation that boss made the other day with one hundred and eight energy crystals all be these Ethereal Amethysts?'' The possibility grew even more plausible as Shi Wuchen thought about it as if the reality was so. Then ''What boss said earlier, ninety percent of them has to be false, if not all'' ''Being able to take only ten pieces out at one time You could already set up a formation with them'' Shi Wuchen''s eyes went blank, as he suddenly thought about the one hundred and eight Ethereal Amethysts that were buried in the guarding formation of their sect, tossed away by Yun Yang like they were bits and pieces of trash With a "huh", Shi Wuchen passed out in blissful oblivion. Before he lost consciousness, he heard Yun Yang rejecting the group''s offer, "That can''t do My sect has to fight independently in order to gather the providence. If you fellows help, it simply can''t work. No, no way." "Including the resources that we exchange after this, I can''t take them for nothing. They have to be from exchanges. This rule must be fixed now and no one can change it." Lang Fantian laughed and said, "Alright, alright. We''ll go according to what you say, Brother Yun. However, you can sell the stolen goods here to us when you rob in the future. We''re in the black market business. I promise you that we''ll take whatever you rob in the future and fence them at a good price!" What he thought, however, was the opposite. ''What valuables could these two children steal? Besides, they''re so weak in their capabilities. What if they meet someone tough and it''s instantly the end of the line for them?'' ''If they die, this path is broken. As such, they can''t even be harmed, let alone die!'' ''There are still so many gems have yet to be retrieved from the Spirit''s Grave!'' On the other side, Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao''s eyes glowed as they spoke simultaneously, "It''s fine. We think that the name, Raiders of All But God, is quite domineering. We quite like it. You can go on being bandits and develop your sect to strengthen your forces. As your ally, it''d be great if we offer your protection, wouldn''t it?" "That''s right! It''s just robberies Who hasn''t been robbed before, some more than others in fact, while roaming the martial world? Could one be called a martial artist if he has not been robbed repeatedly? Fret not. Once you have the loot, come here to us. We''ll give you whatever you need. It''s fair trade, a win-win situation! We help each other!" "Yes, that''s right. There shall be no free takeaways lest those with ulterior motives plan things. That''ll affect your sect''s growth too This rule is excellent!" Feng Guohao said thoughtfully, "Why not station someone at Yun Yang''s sect to receive the resources at any time and quicken our transaction processes? Won''t that be better?" He gave Lang Fantian a look, the latter understanding and saying, "I''m afraid that person will have to stay with Brother Yun''s sect for a long time. If so, who''d be willing to go?" "I am!" Feng Guohao, Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao spoke up in unison. Swiftly, the three of them looked at each other, the flickers of flame in their eyes clashing and jabbing at the others. What a good opportunity it would be! They could see whatever gem arrived instantly! First come, first served! This would be a chance of a lifetime. All of them were not young anymore, they needed the resources more than ever. Lang Fantian rolled his eyes thinking, ''Damn you all! If I weren''t the Vice Chief, I''d go too!'' ''Do you three old folks think I don''t know what you fellows are thinking about? Are you fellow so eager to hit the jackpot?'' ''How can I fulfill this wish of yours?'' "Why not all of you go together?" Lang Fantian decided promptly. If two went, they could team up; if it were three, however... The perspectives of two Protectors and a keeper were contrasting. "Then I''ll send two more people as a rotation." Lang Fantian added after giving it another thought, yet he still found himself troubled. Feng Guohai pondered and replied, "I don''t think it''s enough. I''m afraid the Vice Chief will have to give it some thought. When we transport the goods in the future, the route will surely be noticed by ill-intentioned ones sooner or later. By then, we''re too weak" Lang Fantian glanced at Feng Guohai in appraisal and said, "Elder Feng is far-sighted and meticulous indeed. Let me request to come personally with the Eight Vajras and be stationed at Dongye City from the Chief upon returning." "The significance of this matter is enormous, relevant to the General Commerce League''s longevity. I suppose I must toil for it," he said sighing softly. The other three elder men rolled their eyes. He was the Vice Chief for sure, being able to transform his ulterior motive to such righteous and bright determination as if he had made a lot of sacrifices ''It''s not our business who comes over after you go back, though. We''re here now in charge of Yun Yang''s safety and that''s enough. A waterside pavilion gets the moonlight first anyway.'' ''As for whether you, our dear Vice Chief, can secure this task and return here it boils down to how good you are.'' ''After all there are six more Vice Chiefs who are equal to you'' As the discussion came to a conclusion, all that was left was execution, thus relieving the group of any further tasks. Lang Fantian turned around and finally noticed, exclaiming, "Here now C how did this fellow faint? When did he pass out?" Yun Yang glimpsed at Shi Wuchen who was passed out on the floor and could not help pursing his lips. ''This fellow has been passed out for half a quarter of an hour and you four experts have only realized it now. I feel bad for my Supreme Sword C how non-existent he must be feeling'' Under everyone''s watchful gaze, Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen poured everything that they had plundered from their spatial rings. They watched as the large warehouse Yun Yang had requested earlier being filled up by things that were gradually piling up. Then, they watched the various categories of items accumulate and each pile grow bigger and denser before the variety grew even more diverse When the first warehouse was filled, they moved to the second one, then the third Lang Fantian, Xiao Yushu, Gu Jiuxiao and Feng Guohai could not help the twitching of their lips as they witnessed what unfolded before them. These two fellows certainly lived up to their reputation as the Raiders of All But God indeed! 904 Fencing The stolen goods were abundantly diverse, as were the collection of emblems from various sects and distinct clans! Roughly, these two fellows must have at least, at the very least, robbed seven to eight sects that possessed the Celestial Luck Banner as there were seals from the middle-class green Celestial Luck Banner organizations as well. As for the sundry of clans, it was innumerable. They had barely missed a single one. The insignias of sects that were without the Celestial Luck Banner were even more plentiful, glowing and radiant, catching the eye of everyone present. "Just these things here they must have robbed at least a hundred organizations" Lang Fantian exclaimed with a twitching eye, "This is really C really" "The name isn''t merely for show. They are truly maniacs!" Xiao Yushu was already stunned. He had seen many bandits and had met plenty of them, but he had never seen any of them that was so hysterical! ''Yeah, it is all good and fine when your high-quality spoils are valuable, but what''s up with those lower class spiritual jade pieces?'' ''You really don''t let anything slip past, do you?'' "They have truly raided everything other than God" Gu Jiuxiao muttered as he grabbed a small box containing the most valuable item of Yun Yang''s recent raid. It was a ten thousand-year-old snow ginseng! A ten thousand-year-old snow ginseng was precious, but it was not exceptionally rare in addition to not being worthy enough to be regarded by a Royal Saint level master like Gu Jiuxiao. The reason he took it was due to the extraordinary box It was not that Yun Yang did not recognize a bigger gem, accidentally giving away a precious treasure while fencing the plant; the small box itself was not valuable. It was the golden Celestial Luck Banner emblem that was printed on it C it was the Sacred Heart Palace''s emblem! These two fellows had the temerity to rob even the Sacred Heart Palace''s goods! Their courage was honestly indescribable by merely using the words outrageously bold and maniacal. Feng Guohai''s gaze was frozen. "Isn''t this Sacred Heart Palace''s" His voice trembled. Yun Yang answered uncertainly, "I guess not How could the Sacred Heart Palace''s goods be consigned by two men whose cultivation base were so low? I think it''s forged. Besides, it''s only a ten thousand-year-old snow ginseng. The market price it commands is less than a piece of Ethereal Amethyst!" Lang Fantian said numbly, "Brother Yun, you are missing the point! Gu Jiuxiao will take it not because of what lies within the box but that this item does indeed actually belong to the Sacred Heart Palace! Who across this region dares lay a finger on goods stamped with the mark of the Sacred Heart Palace? The consigners are never afraid of meeting any issues and will be received well wherever they go C they may be given gifts along their journey as well This has always been a trip of all pros without con, why would anyone need a formidable combat force? Everything is fated Such fated coincidence" The powerless complaint rested uneasily within Lang Fantian. "There''s only you a new Ascended who doesn''t know a thing, who dared to undertake such a feat Luckily the men weren''t skilled. If the item were consigned by the palace''s experts, you two would be finished with a wave of their hands!" The more he spoke, the more Vice Chief Lang felt like he could not say any more. Finally, he heaved a long sigh. "Indeed a newborn calf does not fear the tiger. Your luck is over the moon too!" His tone was brimming with a strange emotion of ''I honestly never expected this, despite the fact that life is like a box of chocolates''. "Then what?" asked Yun Yang, "I''ve already stolen it I can''t possibly return it now" "You''ve already stolen it" said Lang Fantian weakly, "Then we can only remain oblivious It''s a stolen good, isn''t it" As he spoke, he glared at Xiao Yushu, Gu Jiuxiao and Feng Guohai. The warning intent in his gaze apparent. Xiao Yushu grinned. It looked more like a grimace, as he suddenly said, "This snow ginseng looks decent Why don''t you consume it on the spot, Vice Chief? It''ll be greatly beneficial" "This C is this acceptable for you folks?" Lang Fantian answered almost like he was about to cry. Gu Jiuxiao spoke up, "It does look like it''s gotten to the level of a divine class. You''ll gain at least fifty years of cultivation base if you eat it now, Vice Chief. It''s a good thing!" "Good thing?" Lang Fantian stared right back at him. "Then why don''t you eat it? I think it''s good for you as well!" The corners of Gu Jiuxiao''s lips twitched. "With Vice Chief here, it isn''t what this subordinate should do. This subordinate dares not overstep his boundaries. If I do eat it, you" "I''m relieved that you said this. I shall command you to eat it now. The growth of your cultivation base equals the growth of the General Commerce League''s ability. We''re superior and subordinate, but what difference do we have from brothers C it''s the same, whoever eats it," said Lang Fantian. Gu Jiuxiao held his stomach and looked pained, crying out, "My C my stomach hurts I have to C have to" He ran out abruptly still holding onto his stomach, disappearing in a flash. There was not a trace of a Royal Saint master''s dignity from his laughable state. Lang Fantian turned to look at Xiao Yushu but before he could speak, Xiao Yushu held his head immediately and said in agony, "My divine sense was damaged I need to cultivate closed-door for a few days" With that, he vanished without a trace as well. The speed at which he departed was actually impressive. Shrewd as Feng Guohai was, he was already speaking in a hurry before Lang Fantian shifted his gaze to him, "Why aren''t the dishes I order the kitchen to prepare here yet? Shame! I have to go urge them and supervise their work!" His voice echoed in the air, but he was already out of the door. Lang Fantian stared back at the ten thousand-year-old snow ginseng in his grip. It was like he was holding a hot potato, the corner of his mouth quivering. After a moment of stupor, he suddenly stuffed it into Yun Yang''s mouth saying, "Since you stole it, you have it. You''ve just woken up from a deep sleep, it''s a good time to nourish yourself. A young man like you must cherish your body, you can''t take things lightly." Unprepared, Yun Yang almost bit into it subconsciously. Quick to respond, he returned it to his spatial ring and asked, "Would the other party actually come looking for me?" Lang Fantian sighed and answered, "Despite the General Commerce League''s reputation, we have only the green Celestial Luck Banner. What we know about the higher class banners is limited. It''s said that the Golden Celestial Luck Banner is unique and mystical. Who knows what they can do? It''s perhaps the safest solution to eat it now on the spot, but it''s also possible that consuming it helps nothing." "That''s scary!" Yun Yang was shocked, tossing the ginseng to Emmie in a jiffy. "Actually, I lean more towards destroying it and destroying it as soon as possible at that. At least eat it!" Lang Fantian sighed, "This is a troublesome pickle we are in!" "I know, I understand." "We''ll take all these things!" The corners of Lang Fantian''s lips twitched again as he stared at the warehouses filled with stolen goods. "In addition to these ten pieces of Ethereal Amethysts, do you want to trade them all into upper-class spiritual jade pieces or something else?" Yun Yang thought about it and said, "Half of them to upper-class spiritual jade pieces while the other half shall be in the form of heaven and earth treasures and mystical metals. If a part of them can be traded into divine class spiritual jade pieces, that would be the best." "Very well!" 905 Secure Hereafter Taking in the sight of all the stolen goods, Lang Fantian began to feel slightly worried. "Brother Yun, from now on, you can only work with us, the General Commerce League. We are sincere regarding this collaboration; we hope you don''t disappoint us." "The heaven-witnessed vow is already made," Yun Yang said with a dry chuckle, "I don''t dare to violate it, even if I wanted to." "Hahaha" "We''d like to visit the Residence of Nine Supremes. Would that be convenient for you?" Lang Fantian displayed a sudden bout of interest. Exiting the room, they saw Xiao Yushu, Gu Jiuxiao and Feng Guohai appearing simultaneously by the door. They were all chuckling in embarrassment when they saw Lang Fantian. Lang Fantian scoffed, glaring at the three men, and pointed at each of them. "The three of you Very well, I''ll remember each and every one of you! Be careful now C the moment you commit any mistake, I shall punish all of you severely!" The three men heaved a sigh of relief and chortled. "We never make mistakes and we shall be more cautious in our words and actions from today onwards, staying out of trouble and away from you as much as we can" "Less nonsense, and please hurry up!" Looking at the bustling construction site that was the Residence of Nine Supremes, Lang Fantian was rather taken aback. "You''re using these common workers to build your sect?" Lang Fantian''s gaze at Yun Yang was as if he was looking at an alien. "Yes indeed," Yun Yang answered contentedly, "The outline is visible now, isn''t it? The progress has exceeded my expectation. They''re professionals indeed." "Brother, your point of view right now is problematic," Lang Fantian spoke patronizingly, "Based on this foundation of construction, a whole area will be destroyed if your disciples were to battle with emotions when they train in the future. What can this place of yours support?" Yun Yang answered gleefully, "I''m waiting for them to demolish the place." Lang Fantian looked confused. "Don''t you have to pay for damaging public amenities? Whoever damages the place shall bear the restoration fee! They''ll have to figure it out themselves if they don''t want to damage the place." Yun Yang was confident in his decision. "I know that the current conditions are limited as well but I can only build the shell now. When the number of my disciples increase in the future and the practices add up, the sect will naturally be more secure and things will hopefully flow in the matter of course." Lang Fantian''s heart lurched at the thought that this fellow was not taking his sect seriously. How could he develop his sect and gain the Celestial Luck Banner like this? His nearly oblivious attitude could only cause his sect to weaken and crumble, instead of flowing smoothly! Lang Fantian grew more skeptical about the Residence of Nine Supremes'' future. In spite of it, this was what the General Commerce League would be delighted to see happen. If the Residence of Nine Supremes could not prosper, they could only stay attached to the General Commerce League and depend on them to survive. In this manner, the league could obtain the treasured goods for a long time. On the contrary, if they shot up without a hindrance and ascended even higher than the league, what could the latter get? The basis of their current collaboration was the relationship between the strong and the weak; one side was dependent on the other. If their forces were parallel or to run in an inverse direction, there was no more room for cooperation! Listening to what was being said, Shi Wuchen, who was behind the group, began sweating nervously. ''I must remember to fight outside if I ever need a practice session!'' ''I shall never fight in my own sect! I must endure it even if others harass and step over me!'' ''F*cking hell, I might just go bankrupt with just one fight.'' Little Fatty Qian Duoduo sprinted over like he was flying. His plump face was thinner and he was dirty all over, with dark circles around his eyes. "You fellows are finally back. How could you possibly have taken so long?" Little Fatty looked utterly relieved as if he had finally found someone to continue his toil. "We''re going out in a while," Yun Yang said with a grin, "We''re just back to check out the progress. You''re doing very well, I''m satisfied. This is a big merit for you; record it yourself later and we''ll talk about it when you want to redeem it." Little Fatty froze upon hearing Yun Yang, his face long and glum. "Boss, you can''t be like this. Are you trying to exhaust a capable man to death once you get your hands on him? You don''t trick a person like this!" Yun Yang frowned and replied, "I don''t seem to have disallowed you from recruiting any helpers, have I? As this sect''s majordomo, you have so much power in your hands. It''s not even necessary for you to do everything on your own It''s a must to have a team of people under you, but if you don''t look for them yourself, should I be the one building the team for you? Of course, I don''t mind it if you insist on shouldering everything on your own. I''ll most probably think that you''re a little stupid, but whatever it is, I''m not exploiting you for sure!" Little Fatty was dumbfounded again. ''That''s right. Why was I waiting to be equipped?'' ''I''m the majordomo. Have you seen any sect or clan''s majordomo doing everything personally? Which one of them isn''t directing a bunch of men and is only responsible to coordinate the tasks? It truly isn''t that difficult after all!'' In that moment of epiphany, he felt utterly wretched for the hardships he had gone through in this period of time. "The choice of location is not too bad. It''s orderly." Feng Guohai commented in admiration for the Residence of Nine Supremes'' site, "I shall stay at the valley over there from now on. It''s only ten miles away from here. No one will notice as long as I''m careful." Listening to Feng Guohai, Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao looked thoughtful as they scanned the sect''s address that was under construction. While the Residence of Nine Supremes looked relatively unrefined while it was being constructed, its setting exuded an air of nobility and zest that was bubbling forth. "We shall stay respectively on the left and right of the site from now on as well, and look out for each other." Both of them decided in tacit agreement and were clear that the safety of these young fellows would fall on their shoulders now. Thinking about it triggered a bout of headache. After all, the two men were true troublemakers. Not only was the amount of trouble they caused shocking, but the quality of their trespasses was also terrifying C who would dare provoke the bearer of a Golden Celestial Luck Banner without cause? It was fortunate that their Vice Chief was going to send more help over later. Otherwise, the two of them might not be able to protect them, keeping them completely unscathed and out of harm''s way. Later, Lang Fantian silently left in a hurry after scanning the environment. Other than to report this to the league''s Chief promptly and verify the truth behind the matter as well as to decide on their next course of action, the reason behind his swift departure was due to the consideration that the two younger men were indeed trouble-magnets. They were the infamous Raiders of All But God and had even offended the Sacred Heart Palace. Lang Fantian had to have a solution ready for this incident. Following the departure of Lang Fantian, the other three elders vanished as well. Yun Yang knew that they must be lingering around the perimeter but his current deific consciousness was not strong enough to detect their whereabouts. The disparity of their capabilities was too great. However, Yun Yang felt secure, like never before. With the Royal Saint level experts as his free bodyguards here, Yun Yang thought that he did not lack anything. What else did he not dare to do? The availability of his fencing channel, too, prompted him to make use of it wisely. ''Why call ourselves Raiders of All But God? Why aren''t we raiding God as well?'' ''Hah, I shall raid God as well in my next course of action!'' 906 Operation Two All the outsiders had left. Besides the toiling workers, the Residence of Nine Supremes was only left with three of its kingpins. It was at this point where Shi Wuchen expressed his amazement and shock, in addition to boundless bewilderment. He tapped on his years of experiences as he tactfully sent a psychic voice message to Yun Yang. ''Boss Did you C did you plan this since the very beginning?'' Yun Yang was finally relieved as well as he nodded slowly and answered, "Did you think that everything was mere coincidence? Did you think that the massive amount of stolen goods could be so easily disposed of? Even if we managed to pull it off this time, what about the next? Are you going to rob only this one time?" Shi Wuchen''s eyes almost fell out of his sockets. He was suddenly very impressed with himself! He admired his brilliant decision to join the Residence of Nine Supremes without hesitation. He was brilliant! He was too clever! He also genuinely admired his boss, the veneration washing over him like an unexpected tidal wave. Recalling Yun Yang''s plan that had been hatched from naught to develop into a series of close-knitted maneuvers He had first withdrawn the Ethereal Amethyst to attract everyone''s attention before establishing his sect using the gap and leaving the subsequent matters to Little Fatty Perhaps there was only one accident that Yun Yang did not anticipate C the addition of Shi Wuchen''s participation! In spite of this, Shi Wuchen could easily imagine that even if he were not present when the sect was built that day, Yun Yang would continue to steal based on his sole capability without any hesitation; at most, he would not rob cultivators who were at the Saint level and above right from the start. As his designated plan was carried out and he continued to plunder at an insane rate, it naturally exuded a manic feeling, as if he would die if he did not rob. These actions hinted at the arrangements for his future partner! When his loot grew to a certain extent, he would go to the black market and search for a partner to fence the goods, be it openly or covertly, exposing the fact of him being a bandit. At least, this would be what it was like to his partner. Even when Yun Yang had not spoken about it, his target since the very beginning would still be a well-established commerce organization in the Bound of Universe, like the General Commerce League. After all, only an organization like this could fulfill his need for a fence. Once he entered, the subsequent plan would naturally unfold as he disclosed the anticipatory details upon the Ethereal Amethyst''s exposure in a timely manner. Any organization that was incisive would give up on the treasured gem like the Ethereal Amethyst that was bound to be encountered repetitively and lead the consequent anticipation C the Spirit''s Grave! Yun Yang then securely tied the targeted trade organization to himself using this so-called Spirit''s Grave and turned the General Commerce League that was supposed to be a huge threat to his bandit identity into his protector instead! From then on, there would be no hidden dangers in his raids, his safety would be assured, his fencing channel would be smooth-sailing, in addition to so many bodyguards who were free of charge! It was akin to killing many birds with one stone. "I wonder how boss'' brain is wired C why is he called Supreme Cloud? He should obviously be called Supreme Wit" Shi Wuchen exclaimed in awe. Connecting each link, the consequences would be grave if anything happened to any one of the loops. Yet, everything was completed without any hiccup as things progressed! How could Shi Wuchen not be impressed? He was utterly dazzled by Yun Yang. He finally knew what it felt like to throw oneself at somebody''s feet from admiration. However, there was one thing that Shi Wuchen did not know about. The episode where Little Fatty had exposed the Ethereal Amethyst back then was not at all part of Yun Yang''s strategy. It was wholly an accident! Yun Yang had merely turned the accident into an opportunity and built the momentum into his subsequent action plan. This was evidence of a clever man, acting spontaneously and riding the wave. His intelligence was clear to see, even from such a small move. The sect was still under construction. Yun Yang thrust a large number of resources to Little Fatty; those were actually from the loot as not all of the stolen goods needed to be fenced. There were things that they could use straight away. Then, he left, once again disappearing among the mountains with Shi Wuchen. He only left behind a few words C"Hurry up!" Little Fatty understood what was told by heart, immediately bringing along a hefty amount of wealth with him, and descended the mountain to recruit more people for work. This time around, Qian Duoduo recruited several thousand people to be added into the sect''s construction project and bought forty young men and forty maidens from the city''s recruitment market. He also employed ten managers, three accountants, eight servants, and purchased a mass of living necessities like blankets, mattresses and everything else he could think of While he was at it, he obtained forty horse carriages and two hundred cart-pulling mystical uni-horn cows. They returned on their merry way, like a victorious army who was returning from their conquest. It must be mentioned that these items that Little Fatty purchased could at least feed ten thousand people for a year without being frugal! Some of the things that were not perishable could last even longer. Furthermore, Fatty''s ingenious decision was his extensive purchase of spiritual herbs, spiritual medicine, and precious flower seeds "As a sect, how can we not have our own spiritual herb garden? It''s too passive and dependent on others to always source for them externally." This was what Little Fatty said to himself. "In the future, not only do we have the spiritual herb garden, we shall have weaponry, a mystical beast court, the punishment hall, the judging court, the military room, the execution hall, the miscellaneous hall, the internal affairs court, intelligence, spies, assassins We''ll have all of them!" "We aren''t sure how the future will be for now but we must have these outlines at the very least." If there were outsiders, they would surely be surprised by Yun Yang for finding someone like Little Fatty. This fellow was a capable character, adopting a far-sighted view on external affairs! Ninety percent or more of these tasks that were supposed to be Yun Yang''s were actually shouldered by the fatty alone! He was living up to his name as the majordomo, a true chief aid of the sect. As Little Fatty returned to the mountain consigning the goods he had purchased, Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen were once again on a hunt for their next target, almost robbing Little Fatty and his entourage At the leg of the Swallow''s Hill around the junction, there were still plenty of people searching for the Raiders of All But God, despite the days that had passed. Everyone''s eyes were wide, but their patience was wearing thin due to the long period of inactivity. It was during this moment that anyone could raise suspicion! More often than not, martial artists fought each other without a reason, finding each other''s faces a nuisance to look at. Since they could not stand the sight of each other and the Raiders of All But God was not here, they proceeded to do battle! Let them fight to their heart''s content first C the others would have to show up when someone caught the bandits anyway, so it did not matter. They did not mind whether they battled sooner or later C they still had to do battle regardless of their circumstance. ''You don''t mind? I don''t mind either. It''s just fighting. Your father''s bored out of his mind for days, the brimming impatience is waiting to be vented!'' Therefore, many practitioners growled and fervently engaged themselves in battle. As Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen made their way, they had encountered more than seven to eight groups of men fighting heatedly. The two bandits were free to roam around instead. Yun Yang could not help being speechless as he watched what was unfolding before him. "Raiders of All But God! Surrender now!" Thirty to forty men formed a barricade, their leader wearing a menacing grimace. "Are you trying to pass with a mere word or two after plundering the goods from Steel Castle? Let me tell you, there''s no such thing in this world!" These were the two men who had been besieged by the "Steel Castle" cohorts, one clad in white while another one wore yellow. Both of them were clearly befuddled. 907 The Demiurge-Flawed Ten "Are you all sick? How many times do we have to tell you that we are not these Raiders that you speak of! We''re not the Black and White Ruthless Duo!" The yellow-gowned man was livid with rage. "Do you not have eyes? I''m wearing a yellow robe! Does it even come close to being black? Don''t think that we don''t know what you idiots are thinking? You''re obviously intending to rob us, yet you try to accuse us of being the bandits! You wicked monster! Your greed is overwhelmingly blatant!" There was a flash of complex emotions across the leader''s eyes of the Steel Castle group, but he hollered with determination, "You two are the Raiders of All But God! You are the Black and White Ruthless Duo! Do you think that we don''t recognize you just because you''ve changed your clothes? There is no doubt about this! Kneel down quickly and we shall end you easily later! Should you dare be stubborn and try to resist, you shall suffer!" The man clad in yellow took in a deep breath, his gaze growing increasingly sharp. Finally, his entire being felt like a long saber that stood overlooking the heaven and earth. His clean right hand drifted slowly to touch his saber''s grip. He uttered with reluctance, "Brother Ren, it looks like this battle is bound to happen. We can''t avoid it." The man wearing white, who had been addressed as Brother Ren, looked cold and distant. He replied, "Brother Lan, I''ve told you earlier that these people are ill-intentioned since the beginning. Their goal of stopping us here isn''t to catch the Raiders of All But God, they''re here to rob us! You didn''t believe it, you insisted on reasoning with them. If we had just fought as I wished, and killed them all, the effort required would have been far less!" He glanced around slightly and said, "Their eyes have been trained on the Yin Yang Jade you wear on your waist. I told you to keep it covered, but you never listen. Are you scared now?" The man called Brother Lan smiled as he wielded his blade. "Scared? Not yet! How can a man be cowardly and behave like a mouse given only one life in this world? I refuse to change my ways just for a group of vermin. Even if it''s more dangerous this way, I, Lan Ruojun, am not bothered by it." The one called Brother Ren grinned and said, "If so, I, Ren Qingkuang, shall clear this battle alongside Brother Ren. Let us kill them all." The Steel Castle men facing them shouted, "Recalcitrant resistance C let''s go, everyone! Kill the Raiders of All But God! Kill the Black and White Ruthless Duo!" Thirty to forty people charged into the fray with whoops and hollering. The sword energy and saber light soared in a split second, the murderous atmosphere lighting up the area all around. As both parties began battling, Lan Ruojun''s saber began to glow! Wherever his saber light passed, blood spurted in copious amounts. Two heads had flown, rolling alongside the dazzling saber light. Lan Ruojun''s saber light was like the snow while his fluttering yellow gown resembled a supple yellow chrysanthemum blossoming in the air. The color bloomed here and there; each time it opened out, at least two heads fell from their necks without exception. Beside him, shards of light flowed freely. The cold flashes and glints did not lack in damaging power compared to the saber light. Each time there was a flicker, a person was stabbed right in the throat; blood would spurt in a thin stream, but it would achieve a distance dozens of feet away, like a spraying fountain. As the scintillating light blinked more frequently, those who were stabbed in their throats increased as well. The intervening streams of blood in the air multiplied, growing denser. The exceptional swordsmanship was truly intimidating, as it could make the wounds bleed in spurts despite already killing the victims! Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang sprinted and dashed in the seemingly large net weaved by fresh blood to kill to their heart''s content, without any mercy. They flowed gracefully, moving in their unique rhythm, their respective yellow and white gowns pristine and clean. It was awe-inspiring to see that they were not at all stained by even a single droplet of blood despite being in such a gory and brutal battle. The battle proceeded with the minority triumphing over the majority. Although the Steel Castle had more people, the yellow and white pair was fully taking the upper hand as their victory became one that resembled a landslide. It had only been a moment but the thirty to forty Steel Castle men were left with only seven or eight people now, resisting in vain. Their loss was inevitable. Yun Yang who was watching the fight from a hidden corner said, "These two men are quite interesting. They''re skilled." Shi Wuchen sighed and replied, "The Steel Castle men are seeking death Didn''t we only rob a few carts of Ice Silk from them? Why are they so adamant about it and why would they get themselves tangled with these two killing gods?" "Are these two men famous?" asked Yun Yang. "Not only are they famous, but they''re also like me, belonging to the notable few of this younger generation. There were ten of them who shared this title back then I wonder how many of them are left now." Yun Yang looked at Shi Wuchen with an amused glance and poked fun at him. "How can you say that you''re one of the notable few of the younger generation with such a straight face? Why are you dragging them into this? I know that your cultivation base is proficient and you''re exceptionally gifted. No need to toot your own horn, you''re going over the line now!" Shi Wuchen flushed and was momentarily stunned before he replied dejectedly, "I''m afraid I''m no longer considered as a peer to these two men. I''ve rested for three years due to the severe injury I suffered before. My cultivation base is probably far lacking compared to theirs." Yun Yang pursued the topic with interest, asking, "Tell me who the ten people are. Cultivation base and whatnot are only temporal judgments, they''re not finite." Reminiscence played in Shi Wuchen''s gaze as he mumbled, "The ten of us who share the title back then were all young prodigies who ascended to the Saint level before they turned thirty years old. The martial world had even made up rhymes to sing praises of us." "Of course, the reason the ten of us stood shoulder to shoulder is mainly due to the fact that everyone was no longer assisted by the Celestial Luck Banner. Some were either rogue cultivating prodigies who didn''t belong to sects that possess the Celestial Luck Banner, some were eliminated disciples who were chased out of their schools. There were even two lost disciples whose sects were entirely wiped out Therefore, we were called the Demiurge-Flawed Ten." "Demiurge-Flawed Ten?" asked Yun Yang with a frown, "Are you all handicapped?" "No, actually," Shi Wuchen answered distantly, "The reason they call us this is to point out that while we''re geniuses and gifted, we aren''t disciples supported by the Celestial Luck Banner. Even if we''re prodigies, it''s destined that we can''t make it too far. The young unfortunate death of a prodigy is usually called flawed by the demiurge, heaven''s envy. That''s how the name Demiurge-Flawed Ten came about." During their conversation, the Steel Castle men had been killed, with no survivors to speak of. Before the leader died, he suddenly yelled out, "Remember your promise!" Blood spurted as he succumbed to death. In spite of this, Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang did not leave. They stood wielding their weapons and scanned the vicinity cautiously. Lan Ruojun, who was clad in yellow, spoke up faintly, "May I ask who''s there? Why hide if you''ve been here long ago?" Shi Wuchen was shocked and just as he was about to greet the pair, Yun Yang held him back. "It''s not us whom the two men found." There was a sense of grimness in Yun Yang''s gaze. 908 Lend A Helping Hand And Hope For A Reward Following a wave of drawn-out laughter, three people stepped out of the dense forest from three different directions. One of them spoke with a sonorous voice, which rang like colliding steel, "The Demiurge-Flawed Ten indeed. Being Raiders of All But God, your tactics are impressive and your killing decisive C you allow no hidden threats!" Lan Ruojun squinted his eyes and said, "Who are you? You know that we''re the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, but do you think that we''re the Raiders of All But God as well?" The leader of the trio scoffed and replied faintly, "Could I be them if the two of you aren''t?" Lan Ruojun took in a breath and uttered, "It was you who directed, or perhaps, threatened, the Steel Castle men to find fault with us, wasn''t it?" He was no fool. The Steel Castle men were not opponents of their level, yet they had rushed in to seek death. There must be a reason, it was only that he had yet to figure it out. "What difference does it make whether it''s me or not?" said the man, "They''re already dead. And you, Raiders of All But God, are responsible for the blood debt of dozens of lives!" "We''re not Raiders of All But God!" Lan Ruojun''s expression slowly turned icy. The trio chuckled maliciously at the same time. Breathing in simultaneously, Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang''s hands slowly went to their weapon''s grip. Ren Qingkuang uttered coldly, "You''re right C we are Raiders of All But God. Let''s skip all the nonsense!" As soon as he spoke, he charged like a tornado, entangling himself with the trio who had pounced as well, with a holler. "Who are the ten people?" asked Yun Yang while the fight began. "The ten of us" Shi Wuchen looked worried as he answered, "Enchanting Young Master of Dark Fog, White Blade That Counts Wild Madness, Green Robe of No Dust, Yellow-Cored Orchid Summons Regality; Purple Gowned of Dreamy Nobility, Golden Hand Raises the Hawk; Vicious But Not Due to Triviality, Power of Star Stains the Great River; Nine Serenities Engulfs the Fallen Moon, Day Long It Shines Warming the Sun." "These are the Demiurge-Flawed Ten of the past." Shi Wuchen laughed depreciatingly and said, "We''re all quite famous individually, but our capability and support are lacking. It''s inevitable that we end up being the whetstone. It''s only a matter of time" "Winning the Demiurge-Flawed Ten title enables one to be ranked as the central or true teaching disciples of the black Celestial Luck Banner The so-called Demiurge-Flawed Ten is nothing but whetstones pushed by the sects C how laughable" Flashes of a forlorn sadness stained Shi Wuchen''s gaze as he recalled his past encounters. How similar these two men, who were being attacked under a wrongful accusation, were to him! Their attackers were disciples of Celestial Luck Banner schools too. Yun Yang then asked, "Then these two men before us must be White Blade That Counts Wild Madness, Ren Qingkuang (qng kung also means mad or maniacal), and Yellow-Cored Orchid Summons Regality, Lan Ruojun (ln stands for orchid while jn means monarch), right?" "That''s right. It''s them. Other than sharing a similar temperament, the reason these two fellows are always together is that both are them quite particular about cough C cleanliness" Shi Wuchen expressed his distaste implicitly. Chuckling, Yun Yang understood the message between the lines and replied, "Let''s just say that they''re both clean freaks. Anyone with eyes can see it. It isn''t the worst. I like being clean too, it''s just that I haven''t reached the level of being freaks." What else could the pair be if not intense clean freaks when they could keep their clothes clean despite being in a bloody storm-like battle? "Who are the rest?" asked Yun Yang. "Young Master of Dark Fog, Shi Bujia (jiC good, fine), Violet Robed Golden Needles, Wu Menghuan (λmng hun C dreamy, fantasy), Gold-Hand Scholar, Tie Qingcang (qng cng C raises or holds a hawk high up), Vicious Physician, Ping Xiaoyi (Сxio yC petty, trivial), Star-Souled Saber Knight, Luo Dajiang (d jing C a big river), Serene Soul of Nine Springs, Kong Luoyue (lu yuC fallen moon), and Day-Long Assassin, Guo Nuanyang (ůnun yang C warm sun)." "Plus the three of us, Tri-Autumn Swordsman, Shi Wuchen (޳w chn C dust free), Traceless White Blade, Ren Qingkuang, and Yellow Gowned Sword of Frost, Lan Ruojun." Shi Wuchen was familiar with the names like he was reading from the back of his hand. His tone was dejected. "It''s only been three years but it feels like a very long time''s passed" Yun Yang answered softly, "Don''t you be sentimental now. Your Demiurge-Flawed peers are actually going to be impaired soon." Turning to look, Shi Wuchen saw that both Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang were at the losing end. The three attackers looked relaxed still, their movement and robes vaguely blinking the shadow of the green Celestial Luck Banner C they were actually disciples of a middle-class Celestial Luck Banner sect! "I''m going to save them!" Shi Wuchen uttered gently as his hand went to the grip of his sword. His tone was soft but it was determined. It felt more like informing Yun Yang, not asking for his opinion. Yun Yang moved to rest his palm on Shi Wuchen''s hand, shaking his head slowly. "Be patient, wait a little longer." "Wait a little longer?" Shi Wuchen was perplexed, asking subconsciously, "The strong and weak of this battle are obvious. Intervening when Ren and Lan are still capable of countering can end this fight as fast as possible. Why must I wait for a little while more? What will happen if I were to wait until the two of them are injured and couldn''t do more?" "Intervening now could possibly offend both parties. That two brothers of yours may very well not be grateful to us," answered Yun Yang. Shi Wuchen was rendered speechless. There was a pause before he said, "It''s their business, whatever they think. It''s a gentleman''s way to lend a helping hand without hoping for a reward." "It''s not whether we hope for a reward for helping them or not," said Yun Yang, "Let me ask you; do you hope that your Demiurge-Flawed Ten go on like a joke or do you wish to switch to another approach in reflecting the value of your existence? Are you sincerely willing to become the whetstone for these sects and grind away your future?" "Whatever whetstone one is, it''ll be broken and ground into pieces as time goes on." Shi Wuchen was silent, thoughtful. "You have a fount now, you have a place where you belong. Your future is bright. Should you think of your brothers'' future too?" Yun Yang continued saying, "I don''t intend to harm them by playing a ploy now, nor do I want to get on their good side. I want them to a similar sense of identity as us. Should an opportunity to work together arise in the future, we can easily work well and fight together." Shi Wuchen blinked and glared at Yun Yang. "Listen to yourself. I feel like you have an ulterior motive however I listen to you. Anyone can say that I have a bright future but isn''t it too boastful for these words to come out of your mouth? You not wanting me to intervene immediately, isn''t it just to be deeper in their good books C isn''t that just being manipulative?" Insulted, Yun Yang chided the man in his mind C how could he dare spell out the truth? Did he not know the limits of superior and subordinate? What was he yapping about? Words left his mouth easily as he asked, "Just tell me this; do you want to go on separate ways with them after saving them now or do you want a chance at fighting and obtaining the Celestial Luck Banner together after the rescue?" "Uh" Shi Wuchen was speechless with wide eyes. "I''m giving you a chance to pick freely. Choose one out of the two," said Yun Yang, "Insist that I''m devious and hold the principle of lending a helping hand and wishing for a reward, or intervene right at this very instant. Choose C I''ll not intervene. Whatever your choice is, I''ll do it with you, for better or for worse." Shi Wuchen said quietly, "It''d be the best if they can stay and do things together, but" 909 The Yin Yang Jade "Well, it''s decided then, isn''t it? So be it, but there is more to this" Yun Yang smiled. "Ultimately, it just depends on how you phrase the same outcome in a different way to conceal its ugly truth. What is the difference between sincerely helping each other out and lending help with the hope of obtaining a reward?" "Helping each other out is putting in effort together, but if they stay with us, both we and they will similarly have to help each other out as well." Shi Wuchen sighed, "I''ll never win an argument against you and I have to accept that your logic is sound as well." "It''s just that you haven''t properly figured it out for now," Yun Yang did not paraphrase himself as he said, "The saying of one losing his conscience being trapped at a dead end is just another way of saying that one can''t always be thinking or doing things in the same way. Isn''t this the case for those who roam the martial world?" Shi Wuchen snorted derisively, but a sense of agreement rose within him. ''Perhaps, Yun Yang''s thoughts are more well-rounded than my own.'' Even as he pondered upon this, Shi Wuchen grew discouraged. It seemed that other than cultivation base, Yun Yang was much stronger than him in every other aspect, be it strategizing or intelligence. In addition, the advantage of his cultivation base level did not seem like it could last much longer. Well, there was nothing he could say when he had met such a monster. Yun Yang, on the other hand, chortled inwardly. He was utilizing every opportunity and every situation he could manipulate to secure his position as the supreme leader and superior in this team of his. The founder of a sect had never meant that one was the most eligible leader since the beginning of time. A founder and a leader were two very different things. Therefore, Yun Yang was using his intelligence and tactics to stand out as much as he could in this team in order for others to defer to him in a genuine and otherwise contented manner. If this wasn''t the case, it would be a challenge for him to enforce his position as the true leader. ''Not only am I the founder, but I am also the most eligible leader.'' If the leader had no command over the team, it would cause the rise of small, isolated factions. The presence of these selfish factions had always been the biggest threat to a team C one that could dissolve and collapse the team at any moment! Throughout this period of time, Yun Yang prioritized the establishment of his position, be it through schemes or trickery. The scenario of losing command over his group was one that he would never allow to happen. Fundamentally, his current capability was still too weak, so much so that he could only depend on details like this and temporary workarounds. As they conversed, it was apparent that Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang were eventually losing out and would soon be subdued. While the pair was excellent in their partnership, their combined cultivation base and capability were far lacking compared to the three attackers. They could not turn the battle around. The attacking trio wielded their swords confidently; one of them separated Lan Ruojun from the group, one of them pressured Ren Qingkuang while the third one gracefully rained down a flurry of attacks, viciously successful in his blows. Gashes of blood continuously bloomed on Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang''s clothes. The intent to kill from the trio was palpable, evident from their aggressive attacks, but they did not kill their victims immediately. Instead, like a cat toying with a mouse, they added new wounds to the pair relentlessly, perhaps worried that the pair would fight back vehemently in desperation or for some other reason. An abrupt swoosh was heard. A sudden gleam of sword light flashed, and Lan Ruojun cried aloud as the jade he wore on his waist flew into the air with the sound. One of the attacking trio sprung up and caught it swiftly. Holding the Yin Yang Jade in his hand, he exclaimed, "Got it!" There was a twitch that ran through Lan Ruojun. He howled, unconcerned that his waist had been stabbed, "You instructed the Steel Castle men to sacrifice themselves besieging us, then put on a show f avenging them, all for this piece of Yin Yang Jade? You have another piece of the Yin Yang Jade, don''t you?" The trio laughed. "Very clever! However, everything regarding this jade after this has nothing to do with you anymore. No matter how precious a thing, it''s useless for the dead." "Excellent words! It''s not as easy to obtain the Yin Yang Qi of life and death from us as well!" Lan Ruojun smirked menacingly and roared, "Break!" A deafening crack could be heard immediately. It was the Yin Yang Jade that the attacker had just snatched away. It had exploded in his palm, turning into a handful of dust. The man''s expression was murderous. "You still have the Yin Yang Jade with you!" Ren Qingkuang guffawed and whisked his sleeve, sprinkling the dust on the ground. He spoke distantly, "If we don''t have a trick like this One-hearted Jade, how is Ruojun wearing his Yin Yang Jade like a show-off?" "Why? Is it so upsetting that we tricked you once when you''ve done things your way for so long?" Ren Qingkuang cackled, a glimmer of insanity showing on his otherwise seemly face. A soft sigh escaped Yun Yang. He could hear just how maniacal and indignant Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang were at this moment. At the same time, he seemed to have realized something. These two men roamed the martial world wearing the Yin Yang Jade. They looked like they carried a terribly expensive treasure, parading it and asking for trouble, but the reality was that they were using such extreme measures to retaliate against the humiliation that the Celestial Luck Banner sects had forcibly placed upon them, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten! ''I wear the Yin Yang Jade. I know that you fellows are going to try to take it C not only will you scoundrels steal it, but you''ll also have to make yourself an excuse to do so.'' ''The Steel Castle men were threatened to rob us, we killed them. For you fellows to come after them, you fellows aren''t robbing, you fellows are avenging a martial world resentment.'' ''What a perfect way of avoiding the heaven''s rule.'' ''This is why you fellows are undaunted.'' ''Nonetheless, I also carry the opposite with me. I can react when it''s necessary!'' ''If I beat you, all of you will be my whetstone. If I am defeated, I shall destroy everything C I shall never let you take advantage of me!'' ''What you want is what we''re not giving!'' ''As for the consequence, do what you may C we don''t mind, even if you kill us.'' ''We just don''t want everything to happen according to your wishes!'' "What''s this Yin Yang Jade? What''s its particular use? Is it very precious and rare?" Yun Yang asked softly. "The Yin Yang Jade is an incredibly rare resource to rogue cultivators. Instead of being called Yin Yang Jade, it''s more fitting to call it the Treasure Hunting Jade. This jade is formed by the condensation and combination of Yin and Yang energy. Once it''s activated, one can find heaven and earth resources within hundreds of yards with this jade as the center point. It rarely fails." "Still, this gem has a big taboo. If two pieces of the Yin Yang Jade are activated at the same time, they''ll both be damaged simultaneously. It''s most probably the magnetic field formed by the Yin and Yang energy''s resistance and the countercharge towards a similar field!" Interested, Yun Yang pursued the topic further, "Does the simultaneous destruction happen as long as there is more than one piece of jade?" Shi Wuchen shook his head and replied, "Not exactly. Similar to another method of usage by the sect disciples, one can also use three pieces in unison or in five, seven, nine As long as it''s used in odd numbers. Not only will the Yin Yang Jade not be destroyed, but the treasure hunting effect can also be magnified. However, this approach can only be used by disciples who have the providence from the Celestial Luck Banners. It hasn''t been realized by any rogue cultivator, so it''s not known if there''s anything else about it." 910 Claiming Further Stakes! "Regardless, the Yin Yang Jade belongs to the category of resources rogue cultivators and sect disciples cherish, the more the better for everyone." "This is the one that Lan Ruojun wears on his person. However, he seems to be suicidal, resolute to risk his all in a single battle Otherwise, he''ll never wear the Yin Yang Jade outside." Shi Wuchen''s eyes brimmed with anguish that came from his empathy. Yun Yang sighed softly, as he had realized as much. He said, "There are truly too many aspects that aren''t fair to the rogue cultivators in this realm." Shi Wuchen replied in angst, "If the case is that it''s unfair between disciples of sects that have the Celestial Luck Banner and rogue cultivators, that''s still fine. We aren''t insensible people. The schools that are outstanding become so because their seniors sacrificed god knows how much. That''s how the juniors get to start a little higher than the rest. We aren''t jealous. We don''t think it''s unfair either. We''re just envious, and we see them as goals." "However, the disciples of these sects whose starting line is already way ahead of ours have to pressure us and humiliate us every chance they get. This is what upsets us the most." "True. Yes, the disciples of these sects have a higher starting point, but this is what they deserve C because their seniors contributed a lot It makes no sense to grumble and lament about this. Similarly, if we work hard enough, we can give our later generation the same starting point," said Yun Yang slowly. "We can''t bully others, but we should never be harassed by others as well!" Shi Wuchen''s gaze was abruptly ablaze as he uttered heavily, "That''s correct!" As Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang''s Yin Yang Jade crumbled, the battle ascended to new heights. Three of the middle-class Celestial Luck Banner disciples whose wishful thinking had been shattered suffered damage instead of gaining profits. Embarrassment turning into anger, they attacked hysterically, no longer relaxed like they were playing a game earlier. There was no fear from Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun who faced the aggravated attacks; instead, they laughed and attacked without bothering to defend themselves, counterattacking with all they could muster. "What a joy of a lifetime to be able to annoy you bastards before we die!" Ren Qingkuang let out a hearty laugh despite the litter of bleeding wounds on his body, not at all minding them. Lan Ruojun guffawed as well. A scraping sound was accompanied by a flash of green robes, then a flicker of green light as a man landed a blow on Lan Ruojun''s back. He spat coldly, "If so, be on your way together then." Lan Ruojun had the time and ability to avoid this singular assault, but he did not, receiving the palm strike forcefully and twisting his wrist to stab right into the attacker''s chest. The stab went through the victim''s back, Lan Ruojun cackling, "Die a man shall! I''ve become the whetstone for so long, how can I not claim more stakes!" "Excellent words!" Ren Qinkuang howled as he charged through the battle and with a swift stroke of his sword, he severed the head of the man whose chest had been stabbed! The first one to fall was actually one of the three disciples of the middle-class Celestial Luck Banner! Lan Ruojun had been dealt a solid blow, naturally suffering a severe injury, while to kill their target, Ren Qingkuang had bolted over despite the other two disciples'' attacking storm C he succeeded in attacking, but he was also thoroughly wounded! Blood ran in rivulets and flesh was hanging off of Ren Qingkuang, but he was roaring with laughter, "I have no care from the Celestial Luck Banner but that''s the destiny''s doing. If there''s a next life, I''ll still stand irreconcilable with all of you!" "The stake is claimed C not sufficient, but it''s still comforting!" Both of them cackled maniacally. The other two attackers were growling, the flickering of their sword light growing more intense, as they sprinted towards Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang''s lethal points. Watching the deadly blades come for them, Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang were calm and at peace. Faced with the saber and sword that glimmered with blood, they did not avoid them but bellowed in unison, "Merciless heavens, we must extinguish the Celestial Luck Banner in our next life! Hahaha" Suddenly, a ray of radiant saber light shone, blocking the blades of death, before a voice rang out in the air, "Why wait for the next life if you already have the intention to do so now? You two aren''t the only Demiurge-Flawed Ten!" ''Clang, clang!'' Shi Wuchen''s life-saving saber strike managed to parry the deadly weapons but he staggered visibly. Darkness washed over his face while a sliver of blood spilled over the corner of his mouth but he stood rooted before Lan and Ren, not taking a single step back. "Shi Wuchen?" The assaulting pair retreated accordingly as they hollered, "Shi Wuchen, you can''t even take care of yourself; how dare you interfere with Emerald Cloud School''s important matters! You must know, the price has to be paid for insisting on standing up for them!" Shi Wuchen chortled. "Emerald Cloud School? That is nothing but a fart in your father''s eyes!" Lan Ruojun cackled through his spasm of coughs, "That''s right! Shi Wuchen, what you said is exactly as I thought." A murderous intent flashed in the eyes of the two men from Emerald Cloud School as they spoke slowly, "It''s destined that three out of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten will be eliminated today! Since you''re so full of brotherhood, Shi Wuchen, it''d be a regret if I don''t fulfill your wish!" Before his words could echo, there was suddenly a flash of saber light that blinked behind his head. The cutting saber light was unusually swift in its speed. Before the man finished his words, his head had already separated itself from his body with a soft pop. Beheading the man, the saber light did not seem to slow down in the least as it traveled to another man''s shoulders and hacked in brutally! "If so, then claim further stakes!" When Shi Wuchen had stepped out to save his peers, Yun Yang had slipped away, transforming into the wind and sneaking behind the two attackers, waiting for his chance to strike. When both the Emerald Cloud School disciples had their attention fully focused on the uninvited guest, Shi Wuchen, it was only expected that they would not be able to notice someone else behind them, ready to pounce! Furthermore, Yun Yang''s divine ability was beyond their area of knowledge. Unprepared for the surprise, the first man died immediately. In spite of this, these two men were Saint level ace cultivators, after all. After Yun Yang''s full-forced strike which beheaded the unfortunate man, the momentum of his move was already weakening as it stabbed into the other man''s shoulder. A few inches deep into his flesh and Yun Yang could already feel the strong resistance coming from his victim''s bones. No matter how much he forced his saber to travel down, he could only chop his target''s shoulder, unable to further slice him into two halves. The man who lost his arm howled, fiercely countering with a blow of his own on Yun Yang. It was too bad that the counterattack only landed upon the air, striking a soft breeze and lazy clouds. Shi Wuchen wielded his saber and sprinted forward, "Kill him!" "Let''s do it!" Lan Ruojun cried, pushing out the last bit of his energy. Ren Qingkuang whose eyes were glowing yelled as well, "Kill them all!" The three men in front and the one at the back attacked with all their might, besieging the disciple. The saber light and sword shadow formed almost a flawless net of energy as a flash of blood splattered onto the ground. 911 The Innate Whetstone The sole surviving Emerald Cloud School disciple let out another inhuman cry as Shi Wuchen stabbed right into his forehead, Lang Ruojun''s sword pierced his heart, and Ren Qingkuang cut open his stomach unflinchingly. Behind him, Yun Yang dealt three strikes consecutively, each one diving towards the fatal points on his neck. ''Clang! Clang! Clang!'' Each strike landed on the target''s neck, but it felt like hacking into a piece of steel; it was only the third blow that finally severed the head! Before the man died, he howled hysterically and stabbed wildly in the air, yet he managed to penetrate Shi Wuchen''s right shoulder by chance, the saber''s tip peeking out from his back. The headless corpse swayed before it collapsed forwards onto the ground. All four men heaved a sigh of relief simultaneously. Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang fell to the ground and shook with laughter. "Gratifying! Thank you!" Nothing more was done as their eyes rolled back. marking their loss of consciousness, their movements surprisingly coordinated. "Let''s go! Quickly! We can''t stay here for long!" Yun Yang carried the two men without further words while Shi Wuchen pulled the saber out of his shoulder with a low grunt and kept the weapon in his spatial ring. Moving amongst the dead bodies, Yun Yang retrieved the spatial rings of all three Emerald Cloud School disciples before leaving promptly into the thick forest. Almost simultaneously, the sound of wind breaking and clothes flapping could be heard from afar. "Who''s there?" However, there was not a single shadow to be seen. "Why are you here?" "Why did you fellows come here?" Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang woke up swiftly, but just as they regained consciousness and exchanged stares with Shi Wuchen, the first words that left their mouths were coincidentally similar. "You answer first!" "You answer first!" Yet another identical reply. Yun Yang looked at the three of them curiously, like he was relishing a memory in the long past. He could feel, at this moment, that the sentiment among the three, although not as close as he and his Nine Supremes brothers, or connected like the brotherhood of the ten Court of Yama Kings, there was a sense of kinship that tied them together. "You''ve disappeared for three years and we''ve lost all traces of you in the martial world C it seems like you''re living quite well. The rumor of you sustaining irrecoverable severe injuries is obviously untrue. Yet, carefree as you may be, how would you know what kind of life we would go through in these three years?" Lan Ruojun chuckled self-depreciatingly, "It will soon be the time for the Celestial Luck Banner contest this year in another four months. Furthermore, the difference this time from the past, countless sects are restless and eager C some intend to upgrade their Celestial Luck Banner and some plan to guard and maintain their flag level. The participating disciples are all engaged in closed-door training now, and this has caused many empty spots among the true-teaching disciples. The ordinary disciples of these sects are almost crazed, pouring into the martial world and upgrading their abilities like they''re toying with their lives" Shi Wuchen sighed. There was no need to listen further when he heard what the former said. The small part he spoke about was enough to hint at the general picture. He already knew his brothers'' encounters and their situation. Nine solid pieces of whetstones were here as if they had been conveniently placed for a long time. How could these disciples not pounce at them madly? They had to create whatever opportunity they could to defeat the Demiurge-Flawed Ten and obtain the qualification to be one of the true-teaching disciples! It was a cold, hard reality C there was no need for guessing. "It looks like you haven''t had the best of days" Shi Wuchen exclaimed. "Not the best of days? The two of us are always sticking together, so we still fared better. It''s a daily event for Shi Bujia to be engaged in battle thrice a day he can''t even hide from it. Ping Xiaoyi is quite the cautious man usually and doesn''t engage in an argument with others as easily, but somehow, he and a sect went head-to-head in an altercation. He poisoned a dozen of their disciples to death in one go That man''s already a public target. At least he''s smart. Once he killed them, he escaped to a place hundreds of thousands of miles away and his status is still unknown to this day" Shi Wuchen was astonished. "This fellow is usually soft-spoken and gentle, yet his murders were exceptionally brutal. I guess one really can''t judge a book by its cover It''s good to not know his status I guess, no news is good news C there''s still hope. What about the others?" "The others are mostly the same Maybe some are worse, but we don''t know about it," Lan Ruojun sighed sadly. Yun Yang asked from the side curiously, "Where are the ten of you picked at the whetstones initially? Don''t they have their judging standards? What kind of benchmark decides all of you as the whetstones? How did all this happen?" "You have no idea, brother. A few among the ten of us have entered sects that possessed the Celestial Luck Banners before, like Wu Menghuan and Tie Qingcang. Strictly speaking, they''re still under the schools However, back then, before half a year after they formally acknowledged their masters, it was the Bound of Universe''s great sect contest. Their schools were unfortunate enough to lose and were replaced, finally downgraded. The two of them were already selected as the true-teaching disciples. but all of their seniors perished in the battle Their schools exist only in name from then on and they were forced to roam the martial world," Lan Ruojun recounted forlornly. "The others were either framed in their sects or isolated, or some other reasons thus forced to leave the schools they originated from. Eventually, there were rumors that said that we had the innate talents of being whetstones" Yun Yang was flabbergasted. "Innate talents of being whetstones? Whatever does that mean?" "It isn''t false but the so-called whetstone talents are referring to the people in sects who have met bottlenecks and can''t achieve a breakthrough, and it has to be ace cultivators who have been stuck for fifty years with no hope of breaking through. Such cultivators are suitably situated in the highest rank of their cultivation base level and are equipped with extensive martial world knowledge as well as battle experience. Understanding that their cultivation base can no longer progress and wanting to leave some sort of glory behind, they''ll mostly opt to be training partners to their sect''s disciples who are in the same level or a level lower than them The presence of these people is called the whetstones." "In reality, schools, sects, and clans don''t lack members like this. Providing an excellent platform for the lower-level disciples who were gifted, the contribution of whetstones mustn''t be omitted." Yun Yang nodded and continued to ask, "It''s easy to understand what you said, Still, calling you fellows the innate whetstones, there must be a difference from the whetstone disciples of the ordinary schools and clans, right?" "Of course there''s a difference C a very fundamental difference. What is said about the innate whetstones is that they can reach the ace rank in each level very quickly then they stop there for some time to digest the progress." "This is called the grinding time Perhaps, it''s closer to call it the whetstone time. Facing us during this period, a cultivator at an equivalent level will feel the highest amount of pressure." "In this manner, the so-called best whetstone is thus birthed." "As to why we are the ''innate whetstones'', the word on the street is but a malicious rumor initially spread by the vermin who had feuds with us!" 912 Talent! Yun Yang chuckled. "Whether or not you admit it, the point is moot. Time and reality shall be the only evidence to vouch for the authenticity of this opinion!" Lan Ruojun paused for a moment before replying sombrely. "That is the truth. It was as if fate itself was playing a prank with us... After we were chased out from our apprenticeship, almost every disciple who sought to engage us in battle experienced an awakening in the midst of it" "Until today, we still couldn''t grasp how they could attain such an awakening! Nonetheless, they had truly attained it in the midst of our fight." "A situation like this isn''t unfamiliar to the likes of those who were cast out of their sects or those whose sects have been destroyed. After all, picking on the weak is an evil trait of mankind yet this situation was most obvious when it came to the ten of us. This became a disaster, a disaster belonging to a select handful" Shi Wuchen wore a speechless expression on his face. "Me too During three consecutive battles, my opponents achieved an awakening every single one of them. I felt truly speechless and helpless in the face of such phenomenon" "Me too. In my case, it was five of them, on a continuous basis" Ren Qingkuang could not bear to recall that particular memory. Yun Yang came to a sudden realization. "It''s no longer important whether or not you fellows acknowledge your existence as innate whetstones; the most important part is how others perceive it. However, there''s one thing that I''m curious about how did you all come to gang up and stick together? Is it just because of the rumors of being innate whetstones?" "Of course not. We were not related or associated with each other back then, and rumors of being innate whetstones were only whispered within a certain area or vicinity. As long as we traveled towards unfamiliar lands, we could avoid conflict; the chances of being challenged were dramatically lessened. However after that fated coincidence, the ten of us entered the Land of the Demiurge-Flawed, all coming from different directions The most outrageous and unbelievable fact was that the ten of us found our destiny there an extraordinary destiny related to the Demiurge-Flawed and the Earth-Bereaved." At this point, Shi Wuchen''s expression started to shift slightly. "This so-called Demiurge-Flawed and Earth-Bereaved were as if they were fated to be non-existent." Ren Qingkuang sniggered. "The successors of the Demiurge-Flawed and Earth-Bereaved are usually individuals with impressive comprehension skills Those who are quick on their feet in battle" Yun Yang seemed to grow even more interested in the topic. "Now I can''t help but suspect that you fellows are really the innate whetstones; how else could you fellows have such an interesting destiny fall upon you?" Lan Ruojun shook his head and replied sombrely. "I''ve thought about it and came up with an inference. The disciples from sects with Celestial Luck Banners do not lack resources, techniques or spiritual strength the only thing they lacked was the essence of spirituality in a battle. Even if they lost a battle to us, surely they would find this sort of enlightenment in it" "Perhaps this was how our reputation as innate whetstones was further affirmed" When the two of them lapsed into silence, Yun Yang felt that he was introduced to a whole new world of information. To imagine, such a strangely marvelous thing could exist in this world! This was startlingly new information to his ears! Demiurge-Flawed and Earth-Bereaved they sounded incredibly powerful. "Shi Wuchen, tell us about your journey so far," prompted Lan Ruojun. "Rumors of you being severely wounded by experts and you going into hiding was all of that untrue? How did you so coincidentally happen to appear here and save us? How did this come to be?" "This is my current boss!" Shi Wuchen declared proudly. "I''ve pledged myself to my boss''s sect, we do everything together now. Do you folks want to come on board?" Their eyes grew even rounder. "Your boss? Sect? Can it be trusted?" "Only reality can determine whether this sect is worthy of your trust; I have already seen the evidence of it!" Shi Wuchen promoted with grand vigor. "I''m not spouting lies just to trick you, my brothers. Take a good look at the Bound of Universe only our leader can take us to the pinnacle, and as for the rest After being so many years of being brothers, we must be already familiar with each other''s antics and natures, am I right? "Think about it how would it feel, to have a sect you can depend on? What sort of feeling would it be to work and strive for the peak together as brothers? Don''t you look forward to it? Don''t you crave for it?" Shi Wuchen was completely out of character as he transformed into a glib orator, dutifully casting his charm and working his magic. Yun Yang, standing in a corner, was looking at this man in a completely new light. He had never expected this man to be such a smooth-talker. He spouted words like a river no, not like a river, it was as if he had five lakes and four oceans strung onto the edge of his tongue His smooth-talking abilities were second-to-none, even compared to that little fatty Qian Duoduo the silver-tongued expert. Yun Yang had truly underestimated this man! "Of course, for us, joining the sect and using its luck accompanied by the power of God''s will is the only way to compensate the hole left behind by the Demiurge-Flawed and Earth-Bereaved. I believe you all would already have known about this?" Shi Wuchen''s eyes were crystals of hardened concentration as he urged, "What are you still hesitating about? It''s either you''re in, or you''re not!" Lan Ruojun hesitated. "Truth be told, you''re acting exactly like swindler now there''s no difference between you and those common swindlers who would talk big in crowded, public places" Ren Qingkuang nodded feverishly as he fixed an extremely suspicious glare onto Shi Wuchen. This man had he been possessed? Those sentences were clearly that of a veteran swindler that had swindled his way throughout the entire martial world how is he still the Tri-Autumn Swordsman from the past? "How can you even think of me in such a manner?" Shi Wuchen replied unhappily. "I, Shi Wuchen, am only thinking on behalf of you folks. We were brothers after all why would I even seek you out if it''s not for the best deal in the world? I just risked my life to save your hides just now. Both of you are really" He sneaked in a side glance and added condescendingly, "You actually have the nerve to accuse me of cheating you while you look poor as heck. Great, then tell me, what exactly can I get out of you both?" The two of them gave it some thought, as this statement of his was perfectly reasonable. They had nothing on them at all as they were absolutely impoverished what could anyone possibly cheat off them? Lan Ruojun stared at Ren Qingkuang and spoke hesitantly, "Now that we''ve nowhere to go and we didn''t manage to die even if we originally planned to die fighting to our deaths today... why don''t we" Ren Qingkuang was also hesitant. "... Why don''t we join Shi Wuchen for a bit?" It was obvious that the two of them were in a dilemma. Shi Wuchen grew infuriated. He felt that he was losing face before his new boss, but there was no time to coax those two further! It was plainly embarrassing! "Sigh fine, I won''t force you, fellows" Shi Wuchen was clearly disappointed. "Do whatever you like then you are really mistaking my goodwill for malicious intent" "Hey, hey, Brother Shi, we''ll do it!" Lan Ruojun blurted out quickly. "We''re in!" Ren Qingkuang was afraid that there would not be another chance like this if he passed this opportunity up. He would do it; if he got cheated, at least it was by his own brother. "You''re really in for it? Don''t force yourselves what if I am truly planning to dupe all of you?" "We''re in, we''re in!" "Then, take an oath towards the heavens and make the pledge to join the Residence of Nine Supremes." Shi Wuchen swiftly prompted to conclude this matter once and for all. "As long as you''re acknowledged by God''s Will, we brothers shall be stuck together for life and death and share a similar fate." "If we die, we''ll die together, if we ascend, we''ll ascend together we''ll do it together till the very end!" Shi Wuchen proclaimed passionately. 913 The Ship Of Thieves And A Show-Off After listening to Shi Wuchen, Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun lapsed into a state of deep thought. Why was Shi Wuchen giving out such a strange vibe today? It was completely different from his indifferent self in the past. Could a person possibly experience such a massive change in just three years? "What are you looking at? Me anxiously pushing you to join the Residence of Nine Supremes was only for your own good. If the both of you join now, there is a huge chance that I might be able to seize a few positions for you" Shi Wuchen persuaded them earnestly and patiently. "Time will wait for no one if one is too late. Once a sect starts developing, it''ll flourish as fast as it can. Today, your presence is still considered a vital addition to the sect, but if you miss this opportunity, you can''t even be extra icing on an already perfect cake!" Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun pondered upon these words. What he said did make quite some sense. Being a great help in a dire time of need would certainly deliver a bigger impact than being the icing on an already perfect cake. If they joined now, although they might not completely be of vital assistance, it would certainly be more impactful than being inconsequential icing in the future! "Fine!" Under Shi Wuchen''s guidance, the two individuals first made the oath of God''s Will to join the Residence of Nine Supremes. It was followed by paying respects to the sect leader Yun Yang, officially making them members of the Residence. After confirming that they had really become members of the Residence, they were both overwhelmed with confusion. There was no other reason; they both did not feel the assimilation of the Celestial Luck Banner into their bodies "Why Why can''t I feel the stacked-effect of luck from the Celestial Luck Banner? Have my senses stopped working properly because of my severe injuries?" Lan Ruojun was utterly confused. Shi Wuchen''s face darkened. "It''s only a problem if you can feel the effects of the Celestial Luck. The Residence of Nine Supremes is just a newly-formed sect. The sect has not even finished construction, so how would we possess a Celestial Luck Banner? You think too much!" Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang felt a fleeting sensation of dizziness. "A A newly-formed sect?" "Yes," replied Shi Wuchen. " With the two of you, there are altogether five people in the Residence of Nine Supremes the numbers make up an entire palm." He pointed towards Yun Yang. "There''s our sect leader, me, the two of you, and a majordomo who''s at our headquarters, overseeing the construction of the sect." Upon hearing that, both their bodies shuddered involuntarily. Lan Ruojun slapped a hand over his forehead. "Shut up Stop talking Oh I feel a little faint" The same feeling surfaced simultaneously within their hearts. "We''ve boarded a ship of thieves for real" Yet, the oath was already made in the name of God''s Will. Under the witness of God''s Will, no matter how much they regretted their decision, it was simply too late! At that moment, the two of them were overwhelmed by a sudden urge to wail. Their motivation for joining quickly was to avoid being redundant icing on top of an already perfect cake but they had never expected the so-called cake to be so distant from them! "Shi Wuchen Y-Y-You" Ren Qingkuang exuded a huge sigh even as he began to wail. "You really think you''re not responsible for screwing us over, do you? Aaargh!" Shi Wuchen snorted as he folded his arms. "I''m telling you don''t be ignorant regarding my good intentions. Only heaven knows how much of a good deal you''ve gotten yourselves into, and you still dare to accuse me of screwing you over in front of me? Hmph! The time will come where you fellows will be grateful towards me!" Lan Ruojun gritted his teeth. "Shi Wuchen, I''ll thank you right now. I''ll thank all eight generations of your ancestry. I don''t think it''s enough to thank every each one of them just once perhaps I should deliver a whole new round of gratitude!" Shi Wuchen gave a huge snort and replied, "It''s really hot today." He then proceeded to remove his garments. Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang restrained themselves from sniggering. Although the weather today was not that cold, it was not that hot either. How hot could the weather be around the time from March to April? Furthermore, judging by Shi Wuchen''s Saint Level cultivation base, he should be immune to the cold or the heat. He should not have felt anything, no matter how hot it was. Was he out of his mind? Their gazes fell onto that certain someone subconsciously and widened at the very next moment. Watching him, they saw a piece of crystal glistening with Purple Qi on Shi Wuchen''s chest after he removed his garments. It was entirely shrouded with Purple Qi, emanating a foggy glow. As the crystal was uncovered, spiritual Qi from all over seemed to be guided by powerful traction, surging towards that purple crystal at electrifying speed and a tidal-like force. The two of them knew instantly what they were looking at. Registering that sight with electrifying speed, they exclaimed simultaneously, "Ethereal Amethyst?" Their eyes widened in amazement as they stared intently! Their gazes never wavered at all as they gaped on in an unblinking manner! How could such a treasure be found in Shi Wuchen''s possession? Where did he get it from? Shi Wuchen held up the Ethereal Amethyst smugly, examining it before his eyes. Without the spiritual energy of the dantian to suppress it, the natural energy-absorbing abilities of the Ethereal Amethyst erupted, no longer subdued. Suddenly it was oozing and steaming with rich Purple Qi, the ethereal glow gushing up into the skies and painting it with a brilliant sheen. Shi Wuchen then quickly tucked it away, murmuring, "What a hot day I was worried that my sweat would damage my precious little treasure Good thing it wasn''t damaged" What was this cretin saying, just what the hell is he talking about? Does he even know what he''s talking about, and what he is doing? Can you possibly act even more superior about this or be an even bigger show-off? Also, the soothing, relaxing wave of spiritual Qi they could feel earlier had vanished; what would they do about it should they never experience it again in the future? Suddenly, the thought of seizing the Ethereal Amethyst after stepping over his dead body surfaced in their hearts! From the corner, Yun Yang''s smile widened to the point where his eyes were barely visible. Unexpectedly, without having the need to step in personally, these two fellows had been properly and efficiently coaxed by Shi Wuchen it was quite a pleasant surprise. "Brother Lan, Brother Ren, there is nothing to fret or be disheartened about. I''ll not let both of you regret the decision to join our Residence of Nine Supremes." Yun Yang laughed heartily. " Since two brothers have joined us, how can I, as the leader of the sect, not present a little welcome gift? Hmm how about this?" He muttered beneath his breath before continuing, "For now, our sect is newly formed and we''re just simple showrunners, and we can''t afford to present you with anything substantial here, I''ll just give our two new brothers a little piece of something." As he spoke, he flipped his wrist over and there they were two pieces of Ethereal Amethysts in his palm. Purple Qi surged wildly in the air. Spiritual Qi flowed like a tidal wave! That lost-and-found, borderline-suffocating sensation of being surrounded by spiritual energy caused a flood of emotions to wash over them; they were no longer able to avert their gazes. They felt their throats run dry as their breaths quickened, but they could only look at Yun Yang eagerly as they waited for him to carry on. "Um" Yun Yang did not go overboard with the show. No longer acting coy, he grabbed both their arms in a welcoming manner and stuffed a piece of Ethereal Amethyst into each of their palms. "Brothers, please don''t mind the simplicity of the gift. From here on, we''re all in the same pot we shall celebrate together as one, and we shall struggle together as one! May we work together to make a good name for the Residence of Nine Supremes." Right until the moment where the Ethereal Amethysts were placed in their hands and clearly replenishing their meridians, both of them still thought that they were stuck in a dream. Ethereal Amethysts! A holy item of the Bound of Universe whose existence seemed to have only existed in myth! How had it fallen into their hands so casually and easily? 914 New Blood! Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang had never dreamt that they would ever have the chance to possess Ethereal Amethysts in this lifetime! Such things only existed in sects with Celestial Luck Banners. Furthermore, one could only own them if they were in the higher ranks of the sect or disciples of the innermost circle! Before this, the two of them felt that being able to own a piece of Yin Yang Jade or to chance upon some other treasure would already be the biggest blessing they would ever experience. However, how could Yin Yang Jade even be compared to Ethereal Amethyst? Ethereal Amethysts were the holy grail of cultivation it was a damned good item that could be used for a good hundred years. To be able to cultivate anytime, and to be able to reap such benefits on a long-term basis At its maximum capacity, Yin Yang Jade could only help in finding some valuable trinkets to be sold for some money This, however, was on a completely different level! Simple showrunners? Nothing much? Just a little welcome gift? Those words were completely overlooked and tossed out of their minds! He might say that it''s just ''a little something'', but that was just him being humble. They were fools if they really believed that big fools indeed! "Thank you, leader!" Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang cried, their hearts filled with gratitude and emotion. Although they still might not comfortably acknowledge their reality now, they felt so much better than before. "This leader of ours isn''t a stingy person after all." "Having this piece of Ethereal Amethyst is equivalent to possessing the stacked-effect of luck associated with sects that possessed low-tier Celestial Luck Banners. Of course, there''s still a difference, but it''s still negligible In that case, joining the Residence of Nine Supremes might not exactly be the greatest thing ever, but at least it''s not a bad thing" Since we''ve already taken heaven''s oath, let''s just be complacent and stay here. We need to live up to Boss Yun''s kindness after all let''s just see what these Ethereal Amethysts have in store for us." "It''s death for us if we leave anyway. Being alive is a lot better than being dead, so why not stay here with like-minded comrades and work towards our goals together? We might even do a damned good job while we''re at it." Their initial shock was wearing off as they gripped the Ethereal Amethysts in their hands, their hearts gradually settling down, having a renewed hope for the future. "There''s no need to thank me, really, there''s no need to." Yun Yang smiled warmly. "As for your positions in the Residence, we''ll talk about it after the two of you are fully recovered." Shi Wuchen sputtered the moment Yun Yang mentioned that. His expression turned serious even as he remained silent. Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang were astounded deep down within them, although they might not show it on their faces. Boss Yun''s every move is always unexpected. His words clearly indicated that he didn''t consider having us as the central force of the Residence of Nine Supremes, as he''s still quietly judging our performance. There''s nothing wrong about this, according to the general regulations of a sect, but judging by how he has already given us the Ethereal Amethysts, it doesn''t seem to make sense Wait, if the Ethereal Amethyst was just a welcome gift, what would be in store for us if we become pivotal members of the sect? When the two of them reached this thought, they dared not let their thoughts go any further! They truly did not dare to exercise their imagination. The Ethereal Amethysts were given to them, each a piece such a flashy move was enough to ward off some people. If this goes on in an even more over-the-top manner, it would totally beyond their imagination! "Shi Wuchen, what''s your role here?" After keeping silent for half a beat, Ren Qingkuang directed his gaze towards his brother-in-arms to probe for an answer. Between the three, Shi Wuchen was the elder of the Residence of Nine Supremes. It was possible to determine his current rank by judging the level of his title -- this tiny detail would reveal the answer. "There are nine positions as Supremes in the Residence of Nine Supremes, as its name suggests. Our leader is Supreme First, which is Supreme Cloud." Shi Wuchen replied gleefully. "I''m ranked second as Supreme Sword." "Supreme Sword" A burning-hot gaze shot out of Ren Qingkuang''s eyes. Ren Qingkuang usually beat his foes by the means of hidden weapons. However, his best weapon was also the sword. Hence, when he first heard the name ''Residence of Nine Supremes'', he could already imagine that the sect''s topmost level must consist of nine men to be true to its name. Initially, he was contemplating whether or not to go for the title and position of being ''Supreme Sword''. However, before he could even realize that idea, he was stopped right in his tracks, for the position of Supreme Sword has already been taken. Furthermore, the one who seized this position was, to his shock, no other than Shi Wuchen! "The Residence of Nine Supremes is nothing but a newly-formed sect, so whatever ranks there are remains as such for now. We might not have been assigned any fixed positions yet, but yours isn''t fixed either." Ren Qingkuang was full of animosity. "You won''t necessarily stay as Supreme Sword that might be replaced by someone else." Shi Wuchen rolled his eyes. "Why, are you thinking to seize it from me?" Ren Qingkuang replied coolly, "In the martial world, strength comes first! If I beat you with the sword, will you even still have the face to take the position of Supreme Sword?" Shi Wuchen gave him a sideways glance and replied nonchalantly, "I eagerly await your challenge!" "Deal!" Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun were still heavily injured. Although they had already taken pills for recuperation, Yun Yang still injected the air of vitality into them generously. Furthermore, with the help of the Ethereal Amethyst, the recovery time had been largely reduced. There were certain parts that could only be thoroughly healed within a fixed period of time any external involvement would not hasten the healing process. Yun Yang carried Ren Qingkuang on his back while Shi Wuchen picked up Lan Ruojun, suppressing his injuries; the four of them made their way towards the direction of the Residence of Nine Supremes. In the midst of dark shadows, Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao slowly revealed themselves. "That brat had brazenly declared that he only has ten pieces of Ethereal Amethysts in hand, yet in reality he has so much more, giving them away to others so lavishly to build his influence and strengthen his base here. That''s really cunning of him" "That is to be expected. If he didn''t harbor a few schemes in mind, how can he ascend to the Bound of Universe at this age, and with what will we acknowledge him as the leader of a sect? How he developed himself?" "That might be true, but I still feel that something''s not right there''s something up with that brat!" "You''re the one who''s got something up! If you put yourself into his shoes, wouldn''t you leave a few Ethereal Amethysts for yourself as a backup even if you trade some off for business? We''re blessed enough to even get our hands on ten pieces Furthermore, the Ethereal Amethysts are secondary don''t forget our one true motive." "This certainly makes a lot of sense. Not bad, not bad at all." "As I was busy reasoning logic with you, I nearly forgot to comment on the battle earlier those two brats fought very well and they were full of surprises." "Absolutely. That Yun boy''s timing and choice of attack was ingenious, done to the point of perfection he swiftly swoops at the window of opportunity he gets. Potential, judgment, experience, nature every aspect of his was perfectly executed." "Tsk tsk" In the blink of an eye, four days had passed. Ren Qingkuang and the other two had their wounds completely healed. They were back in a hundred percent condition, their bodies exuding both life and vigor. The air of vitality had helped improve the toughness of their meridians. With the help of cultivating with the Ethereal Amethyst, the three of them felt that their cultivation bases had improved by a massive step, although it had only been a few days. How could they stay put? They were literally itching with a lust to fight from head to toe. Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang, in particular, were more in an anxious state of mind than Shi Wuchen. Shi Wuchen was now already Supreme Sword, and that was already the second-ranked Supreme in the Residence of Nine Supremes. They had missed the opportunity to join the sect and offer their services in time, and now they neither had positions nor Supreme Cloud''s personal attention how could they just keep calm? Currently, Shi Wuchen was one of the sect''s leading members, while the two of them became the disciples instead No matter how they imagined it, it still left a bad taste in their hearts. 915 The Return Of Raiders Of All But God! Yun Yang and the other three spent the next few days together. As the days passed, Lan Ruojun, Ren Qingkuang, and Shi Wuchen grew even more impressed and even more reluctant to leave their leader! Even though Yun Yang''s cultivation base might pale in comparison to their own, his knowledge of the martial arts could easily surpass anyone. A random quote of his could easily make those two feel like they had been showered with new, undiscovered insights. At times, his unusual views on certain matters also made those two feel as if they had been struck by moments of epiphany. In private, Lan Ruojun who thought of himself as a pretty resourceful person had admitted to Ren Qingkuang, "He might be younger than us by a few years, but our leader is a man with a vision a man who would contemplate every step before he makes the move. I''m nowhere near his level, that I admit" "Our leader is clearly a man with foresight. What did you say his title was Supreme Cloud? Supreme Wit is more befitting." "Our boss is Supreme First, and that shouldn''t be ridiculed with. If our boss can constantly devise plans of such quality, we can achieve great heights in terms of devising schemes and plans that are of value. Although we might not have the strength and numbers, for now, we still have a bright future ahead of us!" "As long as we proceed steadily and surely, we''ll definitely achieve glory one day!" This was what Lan Ruojun said to Ren Qingkuang, and the latter was not one who would doubt whatever Lan Ruojun said. Instead, he was even more determined to make that a reality. It was precisely this mentality that prompted the two of them to strive to perform their best, and the most direct way to do so was none other than a satisfying battle. We should hurry to establish our presences! Whatever it was, Shi Wuchen cannot be ahead of us! "Boss, when are we going to start getting things done?" Ren Qingkuang rubbed his palms and ground his fists together. "Today!" "Today? That''s great then, what''s the primary business of our sect?" Lan Ruojun asked, interested. "Simple - we rob!" "Rob?" Yun Yang flashed a toothy grin. "Precisely! We''re going to rob! The two of us are what you would know as Raiders Of All But God!" "Damn! You two are Raiders of All But God!" The two of them were genuinely shocked. "Our target this time is still within the vicinity of Swallow''s Hill Every single martial folk!" Yun Yang waved. "Let''s move!" With three Saint Level experts tagging along to go about their plundering activities, Yun Yang was filled with confidence. In reality, Yun Yang was just a step away from being a Saint Level Practitioner. He was already dreaming of attaining an awakening and to ascend into the next level so he could keep up with his three new subordinates. After all, it definitely does not ring well to be a leader who has the worst cultivation strength in the sect! There was still another reason behind their urgency to do the job; the air of karma received after killing disciples under sects with Celestial Luck Banners was unexpectedly rich and thick. This got Yun Yang thirsting for the next battle. According to Yun Yang''s rough estimation, every Celestial Luck Banner disciple killed was equivalent to killing a hundred evil troublemakers in the Tianxuan Continent If that was the case, the probability of self-ascension was almost a hundred times better than before. Improvement in cultivation was something that could be highly expected. However, the matter that Yun Yang couldn''t seem to get his head around was this; why was the air of karma in this realm so rich, and what sort of karmic repercussions had occurred here to cause such a phenomenon? There must be a reason behind this, but currently, Yun Yang felt that he was incapable of knowing that reason, and he was not interested to find out! Now, the utmost priority was to strengthen himself. As for the rest, well he would cross that bridge when he came to it! The four of them set out with great strength and numbers actually, not very much, from the looks of it. When they turned around occasionally, they noted that the construction of the Residence was almost done. The little fatty now had stopped overseeing the work after all, he already had many hands on deck. The days became easier, and he easily put on a few more pounds in the blink of an eye. The structure was already up in short order. Now, it was all up to the leaders and how much resources they could return with. The little fatty was even starting to make preparations for the recruitment of new members into the sect As soon as the four men with concealed faces showed themselves at the entrance of Swallow''s Hill, they went about their plundering activities with the tenacity of a monstrous whirlwind. The first and foremost seven to eight people were completely raided within seconds. "Raiders of All But God is here!" "Raiders of all But God has returned!" Those with lower cultivation bases promptly fled in all four directions. They scurried away for their lives, wishing begrudgingly that they were born with an extra pair of legs. What the hell, didn''t the Raiders of All But God only consist of two men? Aren''t they called the Black and White Ruthless Duo? How did they suddenly become four? Black and White Ruthless Duo, doubled? "How brazen, that''s pretty cocky of them!" Gu Jiuxiao could not stop himself from heaving helpless sighs. The two powerful Royal Saints couldn''t help but suck in their cheeks in futility upon seeing those four people stationing themselves along all four directions of the four-way junction. Don''t you think that your raiding approach is a little too gutsy? Can you fellows get even bolder than this? The Raiders of All But God appeared once more in the mortal world with twice the number of their original forces. It was the original Black and White Ruthless Duo with double the offensive power! In just one day, fifteen waves of passers-by had been robbed blind by these four men! These fellows did not rob blindly by going after simply anybody. If they chanced upon strong opponents, they would turn themselves around and walk away promptly without a second thought! They would disappear in the blink of an eye, leaving nothing behind. However, if they chanced upon weaker practitioners, they would swarm against them and beat them up, using their sheer numbers to bully the weak. After giving them a good round of beatings, apprehending them and relieving them of their possessions, they would take off! Hence, a few Honor Level men claimed to suffer from blurry vision, despite not noticing the slightest of silhouettes. They were beaten up duang, duang, duang! suffering from an unidentifiable pain from head to toe, only to have their riches stripped off them entirely. After regaining consciousness, they found themselves cloaked only in their undergarments, devoid of anything else. It was literally ''having nothing apart from themselves'' they were only left with a head circling with stars. Some experts of Saint Level Two or Three would come forward to ease the dire situation. If they bumped into the bandits, they would chase after them persistently, but mysteriously they would soon find themselves stepping on nothing in the midst of the pursuit. Wind and sand would suddenly arise, obscuring the sky and the sun and soon, their vision... Under mysterious circumstances, the peak of the mountain would suddenly give way, and smoke would crawl in from all directions. In some cases, the trees in their path would suddenly grow unusually thick anybody was bound to smack into them if they sped forward. If they did not encounter all of the above, they would soon find themselves attacked by a sudden torrent of water which would forcefully obstruct their path. What the hell is going on? This was a piece of flat land, for hell''s sake... To sum it up, countless methods and ideas had been put up to keep these experts from pursuing them! By the time they had successfully disentangled themselves from the extraordinary obstacles, the bandits were nowhere to be seen. Those four men of the Raiders of All but God were already far from here long gone! "Gah, these fellows are just too sneaky!" "That''s right, where in the world did they even emerge from?" "They would surround you in the quickest possible moment, and take off as quickly as they came. Not a single strike did we manage to lay on them, and now they''re on the other side of the world What the hell, are they actually assassins or bandits?" "How more crafty can these petty thieves get?" "They rehearsed their strategy pretty well, didn''t they?" After some silent contemplation, a Saint Level Three expert began to speak. "The only thing that can be done now is to evacuate everybody from here. It does more harm than good to have too many people here, for it would only hinder our plans to wipe the bandits out by encircling them." "Everything else aside, this is a place with too many low-level targets who had no sense of teamwork aren''t they practically sitting ducks waiting to be served up at the table?" After a discussion between a few high-level practitioners, an order was declared an order to rid this land of low-level practitioners. 916 Uncooperative Folks! However, this order was met with strong objections from all around. "What right do they have to do this?" "How can we just leave? The Raiders of All But God has taken away the supplies that our sect depended on if we leave, what would become of these stolen items?" "We have had so many our items stolen, and now we''re asked to leave no way, definitely no" "Our sect leader has already issued an order, if we don''t bring the goods back, he''ll have our heads lopped off and brought back in a bag. Perhaps you should just kill us" "Our" "We''re not leaving!" "We want to stay and have the final battle with the Raiders Of All But God; we''ll not leave even if it means our deaths!" "If we can''t obtain revenge, we''ll never give up!'' "That''s right, we''re not leaving, even if this means our deaths, we''ll never give up!" "We will not leave even if this means our deaths. We''ll never give up!" Snippets of similar discussions started to echo endlessly in the vicinity of Swallow''s Hill. Celestial Luck Banner-wielding high-level practitioners who were gathered here could not help but feel a bubbling rage rising from within their guts. How can you bunch of lousy eggheads even think of getting revenge? You folks, who only have a few measly tricks up your sleeves you deciding to stay behind will cause nothing but even more trouble... Objectively speaking, Honor Level is considered to be one of the best in the community of the Bound of Universe, but the problem now was that you folks are so much weaker than the bandits themselves... This is a game where your capabilities will definitely be compared. The bandits are on a much different level than you folks. Is this a gap that can be compensated by your bloodthirsty, gung-ho attitudes and cheers of support? In truth, this detail was something that those lowly experts from small sects would not be aware of, but they were certainly aware of this; if we were to withdraw, you would definitely have an easier time going after the Raiders of All But God However, after you''ve gotten rid of them, do you even intend to return the goods you salvage from them to us? Do you? In that case, it''s better if we stay behind as there is a chance for us to hope for a lucky break; why should we retreat to help you accomplish your goals? Do you think we''re stupid? We were hoping that both you and the Raiders of All But God will suffer equal losses so that we can seize the ultimate advantage from the situation... This might be the reality of the future perhaps we can take this opportunity to gain the upper hand! Everybody harbored the same thoughts and the same logic. Everybody was hoping for that big break. Each and every one of them was sure that they would be that lucky one. If this was the case, why would they willingly step down? "Alright then, if you don''t remove yourselves, we''ll help you do that!" Since these people were adamant on not leaving, the experts of Celestial Luck Banner-wielding sects quickly made a decision after a short discussion. Do you intend to play the part of the rogue and become gangsters? Are you folks planning to be stubborn and insist on going your way? Feel free to go all out! We''re not worried at all. The Raiders of All but God aren''t going anywhere! Hence, eight members of Saint Level Two and Three and a few Royal Saints quietly evacuated the place. This matter was done in complete secrecy nobody else in Swallow''s Hill knew about it. Let them all be raided. Let them all become targets, and we''ll get an even fatter share after we''re done with the Raiders of All But God. The men before their eyes were from at least ten different sects, bands, and aristocratic families. However, in such a situation, they will not be able to cooperate no matter what, resulting in a bizarre outcome like this. Such a sight had Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao folding their hands as they gasped in awe. "I can''t help but be impressed at that brat Yun Yang; he''s really something!" Gu Jiuxiao heaved a long sigh of admiration. "I''m guessing that he had already anticipated that a situation like this would happen, even before executing the raids." Xiao Yushu kept shaking his head. "Most likely that''s what happened Or else, he wouldn''t have refused to release every single man he sees, taking even worthless items I don''t know if this brat''s ruthless or a plain cheapskate; he couldn''t even keep his hands off a few low-grade spiritual jades. Brother Gu, will you pick them up if you found them on the ground? I sure wouldn''t I''ll lose too much face by doing that!" "I wouldn''t either Why are you so focused on those details? We have more than five hundred high-level practitioners gathered here in Swallow''s Hill we have the strength and numbers. If those people can just work as one, the Raiders of All But God will be annihilated even if they have a hundred men on their side It''s such a shame that these people harbor their own selfish intentions, for that only gives the Raiders of All But God yet another chance for a raid while making themselves completely helpless towards the enemies they detest the most" "A situation like this is truly a pity to look at, a result of Yun Yang''s ruthless raids" Xiao Yushu sighed. "Yun Yang''s intentions really do have the element of surprise. They are truly awe-spiring." Gu Jiuxiao was silent for a moment. "If we were involved and knew about these schemes, would we willingly remove ourselves as well?" Xiao Yushu was completely speechless. Never! No matter what it was, never. If those with low cultivation bases were to remove themselves, that would indicate that there was no chance at all. Everything would be lost! Put yourself into someone else''s shoes. You can lie to anybody, but you can''t lie to your own heart. This matter could not be rejected or denied so easily! With the absence of Saint Level experts in town, they practically swiped every target they saw along their path. Whoever they bumped into was practically unable to be free from their fate. However, Yun Yang was quick to realize the bad side of the rules governing the Bound of Universe, or the parts that seem to gross them out, ''Raid riches but not lives, take lives but not riches.'' There were many instances where Yun Yang and his men would bump into the same men, again and again, men who were seized upon until they were left with nothing. They didn''t have a single weapon left in hand, and often the only thing they were left with was a piece of undergarment to protect their modesty. Still, they were adamant on staying! This situation was quickly growing inhumane. Yun Yang and that brilliant mind of his suddenly came up with an idea. "The rules only dictate that murder was not allowed, but they never said anything about hurting people" Hence, a new proposal was produced in short order, ''If a past opponent shows up again, he shall be heavily wounded." With one swift decision from Yun Yang, these bunch of people might have just landed themselves into hot soup. "We haven''t met any stubborn mules in the past two days. Those experts must''ve shooed them all away because they were being a nuisance and a laughing stock to them." Yun Yang snorted. "They plan to have us help them clear this land out. After making sure that they aren''t interrupted by any liabilities and ensuring that they have a clear sight of everything, they will engage all their energy to take us down" Lan Ruojun furrowed his brows. "This strategy is pretty vile. If we really do clear this land out, we''ll be the only ones left here. If we don''t clear them out, these people will be eyeing us from the sidelines constantly; we''ll lose our lives with the slightest misstep. These people might not deliver much impact on their own, but if they do join forces for an ambush, it''ll still be quite a threat to us!" "Also, those experts might have already cleared out of here, but I believe their deific consciousness still lingers. As long as we make a move, we won''t be able to evade their observation!" "It''s fine! I have a plan!" "Split up and make a move, let''s put an end to these scum." Yun Yang decided in a resolute manner. "Very well!" 917 A Pike In The Air Suddenly, screams of agony echoed through the forest in Swallow''s Hill from every direction, rising and falling incessantly; it sounded as if it was Hell had arrived on Earth! Martial men men with broken legs, arms, and hips fought to get themselves out of there in a haphazard manner. The men who scampered out of the area were completely bare no one was spared. From top to toe, they totally unclad. Much to the surprise of Yun Yang and his men, they managed to collect thirty to forty spatial rings this time around. These were rings that they did not manage to get their hands on last time as they were hidden in secret nooks, previously undiscovered. This time, they really went out of their way, scavenging through every single fiber, without missing even a single speck of dust! "Giving out spatial rings to disciples in our sect who achieve any form of merit seems like a good reward that could last awhile." Yun Yang wiped off every trace of deific consciousness associated with the rings while he was gathering them, rendering them ownerless. "As for our sect''s reserves, I believe that we won''t be lacking anything for a while." Shi Wuchen sniggered gleefully. "Move faster. Finish all the fights within a quarter of an hour, and then assemble at where I am when you''re done." Yun Yang gave out strict orders. "Be by my side at the final moment of that quarter, and make preparations to face our opponents; be very prepared in all aspects." At this very moment, Yun Yang''s deific consciousness had already detected a few powerful deific consciousnesses coming towards them from afar, eyeing them hungrily. The first one of them all had a particularly powerful aura, streaking over quickly, like a meteor, putting quite a distance between the few who trailed behind him. Suddenly, Yun Yang''s mind was struck by another idea "Alright!" The three men agreed simultaneously. Qiu Mengcheng, like a hawk, drew open the curtain of fog shrouding the skies with a powerful wave and swooped towards the peak of Swallow''s Hill. His heart was burning with anxiety! Capturing the Raiders of All But God could be considered as the most admirable and respectable act in the martial world. Furthermore, a huge reward would come along with it this was an opportunity that he would not allow anyone else to seize. Since this area was already cleared, they would belong to whoever reached here first! He was a practitioner that belonged to the Qing Yun Sect. In terms of cultivation base, his was neither too high nor too low in the Qing Yun Sect. He rarely explored the martial world, and ever since he was stuck at the position of Saint Level Three for more than fifty years, he was now known to be a Saint Level sparring partner for the Qing Yun Sect. This time, be it a coincidence or otherwise, the goods he manned had encountered some mishaps. Qiu Mengcheng, upon hearing this news, was beyond rage. He rejected every offer to pursue them and went after them himself. However, getting back the goods was not the main point. He was more interested in throwing some punches, killing some people and getting rich in the process. Being a sparring partner was somewhat an achievement after all his Saint Level Three pinnacle cultivation base was the real deal. This man was still miles away from Yun Yang. However, the terrifying aura he exuded flattened the trees of the forest in a single direction, as if a hurricane had suddenly arrived! A flash of electrifying lightning trailed behind him. This phenomenon of bringing along lightning was a sign of mystical Qi being called upon in stupendous quantities! At a glance, the incoming man had his arms wide open with his large sleeves lapping around his wrists as if he had a pair of large wings attached to his torso. He glided along with the wind, his sleeves so big and vast to the point that they hung low, enough to rid the skies and heavens of their aura! On one hand, he was pressing forward, on the other hand, he obscured the vision of similar-leveled experts trailing behind him. He even triggered an anti-directional draft to slow them down. They''re mine! Nobody else shall take them away from me! On the peak, four silhouettes stood next to each other, their faces masked. Their gazes were filled with a dancing light as they stood tall and fearless on the peak, glancing at the incoming Qiu Mengcheng as their sleeves bellowed wildly in the ferocious winds. Their gazes did not waver at all. The entire reserve of mystical Qi was already full to the brim! The powerful Qi blazed across the skies, coming together and dissipating in an endless cycle. The ground where the four stood had slowly turned into a whirlpool of spiritual Qi! Boom! Qiu Mengcheng descended from the skies. Before he could reach the ground, his arms were already wide open, his eyes filled with ominous killing intent. However, just as he landed and finished accumulating strength within himself "Finish him!" With a loud roar, the four men leaped up into the air simultaneously like rays of a rainbow, perfectly in line! Two sabers and two swords were unsheathed. A combined attack of sabers and swords, an incoming attack of conjoined forces! His opponents were approaching in a formidable manner, but Qiu Mengcheng did not think too much about the attack. He had the pinnacle strength of Saint Level Three after all, and the strongest among his incoming opponents were merely a Saint Level One practitioner. Their strength and damage should not be underestimated, but it was still something he could definitely withstand; naturally. there was no need to be too worried about it! This entire farce only made Qiu Mengcheng feel like laughing. Could these four fellows actually think that they could defeat me with their feeble cultivation bases? They''re quite ready to die, aren''t they? However, just as they were about to clash with each other head-on, Qiu Mengcheng suddenly felt that something was out of place. He was suddenly plagued by a sudden, creeping chill in his bones. There was another attack, concealed from sight, which had been executed long before this double-saber double-sword move! A pike with no form or shadow! He had not noticed it at all earlier! This pike possessed no visible silhouette. There was not even a trace of its presence that could be felt; it was as if it only existed within the air. However, this pike was horribly long, spanning almost a hundred-and-eighty feet! How can there be a pike that long in this world? Over a hundred feet long This was no prank indeed What sort of person could use a pike like this? I''ve never heard of such a thing in my life! Since Qiu Mengcheng descended from the skies in such a hasty and imposing manner, that pike had already been lodged there securely, awaiting his arrival. It was clearly positioned for Qiu Mengcheng to launch himself against the pointy end! Qiu Mengcheng had only noticed the swords and sabers wielded by the four men in front of him and had let down his guard too early. He had not anticipated a pike like this hidden on the other end! However, this was clearly something that made no sense at all! It was believed that any practitioner in the Bound of Universe wouldn''t have a similar encounter and they would never believe such a bizarre thing could happen to them! However, this was truly something that was happening right in front of him! He only discovered the presence of the pike when he felt the sinister chill of the pike''s sharp tip after the mystical Qi layer protecting his body came into contact with the pointy end of the pike. However, it was too late. Only God knew what force was behind this pike, for it had completely pierced through Qiu Mengcheng''s mystical Qi protective barrier as if it did not exist, as if it was tearing bamboo into shreds! Qiu Mengcheng dived downwards like a shooting star, plunging himself against the head of the pike! If it was not for the fact that he had chosen to disperse the mystical Qi throughout his entire body after predicting the cultivation strength of Yun Yang and his men, and if he had chosen to accumulate the Qi at a single point instead, he might have stood a chance to block the deadly edge of the pike. However, it was a shame that he did not. Hence, an ultimate tragedy ensued. When the pike encountered Qiu Mengcheng''s mystical Qi barrier that shielded his body, it still struck forward with an unstoppable force. Due to the obstruction from the mystical Qi, the transparent body of the pike inevitably flexed, resembling a large bow but its pointy end still rammed itself straight into Qiu Mengcheng''s chest! It pierced through his flesh and blood spurted everywhere! 918 A Gallant Death… His fate was sealed the moment the outermost mystical Qi protective layer was breached. Qiu Mengcheng only felt a stabbing pain in his chest as the pike entered from the front and protruded out from his back. The pike that was initially bent was released, springing back instantly to its original shape. The pike, which was over a hundred feet long, completely penetrated Qiu Mengcheng''s body in the midst of his screams! Everything happened too suddenly and quickly. Even after he was stabbed, he still could not help displaying the prideful momentum he was wearing when he fell from the skies. Qiu Mengcheng was still baring his fangs when he descended upon those four men on the mountain peak! The series of events happened in the blink of an eye; Qiu Mengcheng had arrived! He came with thunderous gallantry, coming forth as if he had brought along the apocalypse with him. Then, out of nowhere, his chest burst open in a spray of blood. Stabbed! Stabbed all the way through, from the front to the back! Then, he fell, blood spilling into the air as he plunged downwards. However, that was still not the end to the bizarre happenings today. After tearing through his flesh, that strange pike the remaining end of it was still lodged in Qiu Mengcheng''s body. It suddenly vanished into thin air, dissipating from his chest. The direct outcome of the pike vanishing was a round hole that appeared in his chest. The four men standing on the mountain peak could see the sun through his torso! This was a horrifying sight a frightful one indeed! Gallant Qiu Mengcheng let out a tragic scream. In the midst of that scream, he plunged downwards. Like before, he faced the sword and saber pairs head-on as the four leaped into the air! Contrary to before, however, both of them were in vastly different conditions. Qiu Mengcheng''s protective mystical Qi was already breached and he was badly hurt! Fatally wounded, the only feeling Qiu Mengcheng could comprehend was the frenzied burning sensation of his internal organs. It was the sort of pain that suggested that he was nearing his end. He could thoroughly sense his life force draining away rapidly, feeling as if he was about to hit the rock bottom of hopelessness. There was also the torturous pain stemming from the intimate contact between his chest wound and the violent winds that tore through it... Every single brush was painful to the core to the point where he would rather be dead than alive! He could even feel the gush of air lapping against him from the momentum of his rapid plunge which began to peel away his organs one by one His vision was starting to blur, reducing his ability to fight. Even his deific consciousness was starting to lose cohesion. He could not even react in time when the two sabers and two swords sliced against his body. He only let out a huge roar the moment blood spurted, as if he had just awakened from a trance, and grabbed on to a saber and a sword in each hand. However, he was not able to take care of the other pair of saber and sword. Yun Yang imbued the Divine Edge with his entire reserve of mystical Qi before plunging it mercilessly at Qiu Mengcheng''s left shoulder. With one swift swing, his arm, from shoulder to palm, was lopped off completely! The blow served by Shi Wuchen was a sword thrust right through his sternum. The sword slid into the flesh with a ferocious vigor and exploded like a bomb in Qiu Mengcheng''s chest! Qiu Mengcheng screamed in absolute agony and despair, his body quivering all over as bloody foam trickled out of his mouth. His internal organs those that were still intact were reduced to particles by the aura of the sword. Both his hands that were holding on to a pair of swords and sabers involuntarily released their grasp! Lan Ruojun''s saber regained its freedom. With one smooth gesture, he lopped off Qiu Mengcheng''s right arm. Ren Qingkuang made a large, circular overhead movement with his sword, and with one swift, horizontal stroke resembling a large cleaver blade, he lopped off Qiu Mengcheng''s head. All that this Saint Level Three pinnacle expert did was to show up and arrogantly made his way here. However, in just moments, he had been sliced into pieces. Dead within seconds without a full corpse! Even until the moment his head was separated from his torso, or right up till he drew his last breath, his body had not even landed on the ground! It was still in midair. The outcome was eternally sealed in that brief moment. Qiu Mengcheng''s eyes in the cavities of his lopped off head were filled with terror and disbelieving shock. Right up to the point of his death, he still couldn''t understand what was going on? How could there be a pike like this in midair? Yun Yang caught Qiu Mengcheng''s severed left arm with a wave of his hand. With a gentle tug, the spatial ring was now his. The possessions of a Saint Level Three expert must be worth a lot, so of course, they had to take it. They would seize the slightest opportunity they came across, so how could the Raiders of All But God even leave this place with nothing? Time was running out! The thunderous noise from afar was closing in. "Let''s go!" Upon hearing Yun Yang''s urgent command, the three other men turned around quickly in midair before they could even sheath their blades. Shi Wuchen grabbed the ends of Yun Yang''s robe. With his own cultivation, he was hauled up into the air by Yun Yang. Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang could not switch their Qi in time as well. They each grabbed one of Shi Wuchen''s legs and was also brought up into the air. The three men shifted their Qi and exerted their strength at the same time. This huge burst of energy started to push Yun Yang forward instead, and Yun Yang took this window of opportunity to inhale a huge amount of basic Qi. He dashed forward at full-throttle, stringing the three other men along. In the blink of an eye, the four men were abreast of each other, catching their breaths; with a huff, they sped out of the skies, and in a flash, traces of them were nowhere to be seen. Behind them, the ten or so silhouettes landed at Swallow''s Hill in just the matter of seconds, the aura they exuded as imposing as a mountain. However, they were still too late the only sight that greeted them was Qiu Mengcheng''s corpse, torn from limb to limb. His eyes were not even shut. Those who saw Qiu Mengcheng''s dead body could not restrain themselves from sucking in a breath of cold air, recoiling in terror! "Qiu Mengcheng!" "Protector of Emerald Cloud School!" "A Saint Level Three pinnacle expert!" "How did he die in such a short window of time, and in such a horrible way?" "That was definitely a shocking sight to register just now, but we clearly saw him take off first before we followed his trail. That''s at most half a breath''s worth of time, and they must''ve had a battle in this short duration. How did Qiu Mengcheng die so easily? Although the opponent might have the numbers, this shouldn''t'' have happened! Really, the more I think about it, the more bizarre it seems! "Is it possible that someone among the Raiders of All But God had the strength to kill a Third Level Saint? It''s impossible, right?" "Definitely impossible, or else, why would they flee?" "Don''t jump to conclusions and don''t touch anything at this crime scene. Let''s investigate the cause of Qiu Mengcheng''s death that''s the matter we should prioritize now." These men had gotten themselves here as soon as they could as well. Although Qiu Mengcheng was quicker, they were not too worried about it. Everybody here was a veteran of the martial world after all, and this was something they knew very well in their hearts. Qiu Mengcheng might be fast, but the Raiders of All But God were not exactly the best company to deal with as well. As it turned out, taking them down in an instant was not possible, despite being a Saint Level Three pinnacle expert. It did not matter that Qiu Mengcheng was the first person to reach them having someone to pin down the Raiders of All But God was not at all a bad idea. They would be ours when we arrive! He could also help us weaken the Raiders of All But God while he was at it. However, very unexpectedly, Qiu Mengcheng had died just because we were slightly late. He came here with such insufferable arrogance and died just like that Damn 919 Yi Tuo! Ten or more experts circled around Qiu Mengcheng''s corpse with confusion scrawled over their faces. The cause of death could not be ascertained. How did this old man die? All of his wounds seemed to be inflicted at the same time. Either he was decapitated first then torn from limb to limb, or vice versa, or he might have been heavily wounded from the onset "It still doesn''t seem right, unless Qiu Mengsheng was tired of life and out of his mind, coming all the way here just to seek death! The way he died and his injuries seem to point towards one thing this fellow here did not put up a fight at all" "No matter how we see it, this fellow wasn''t here to seek revenge, he looked like he was here to kill himself." This might sound absolutely ridiculous, but it seemed like the only plausible explanation when the people were presented with such a scene before them! "How strange!" "It''s really weird, truly perplexing!" The four men dashed into their pre-scouted cave hideout like a whirlwind at the same time, with Yun Yang being the last to arrive. Just as they touched down, the power of the Earth and power of the Wood were activated at the same time. Bits of soil fell from the ceiling of the cave while the earth layers on ground swirled upwards rapidly; countless vines and various plants also started to grow at an unusually fast speed. Within the blink of an eye, the entrance to the cave was completely obscured! If one were to look from the outside, they might not even be able to tell that something was out of place even if they were to lean directly against the walls of the mountain. They would never expect that there was a cave hidden right here. "Whoosh" In the cave, the four men collapsed onto the ground, having spent their entire energy reserve to flee the scene. Heavily ragged breaths, all of them were tired to the point of suffocation. Although Qiu Mengcheng had been seriously wounded in the battle earlier before the fight which had reduced his combat abilities and strength, subsequently leading to his demise with one strike, Yun Yang and the rest were more concerned about Qiu Mengcheng''s Saint-Level-Three, powerful protective mystical Qi and his almost invincible body. The four of them had really expended all the energy they had during that short altercation! Although that fight ended in just the blink of an eye, the four men managed to unleash the ultimate potential that was required to break through their limits! Additionally, with the exhaustion of their escape stacked atop of it, the fatigue they were feeling now was as if their bodies were completely drained of energy. However, their hearts were filled with an invigorating sense of victory! Saint Level Three! It was equivalent to the central members of low-tier Celestial Luck Banners! Although they might not be commanding disciples of a sect, they would at least be an Elder-ranked expert. Those with the highest cultivation bases in the last few black Celestial Luck Banners were, at most, only at Saint Level Four! To Yun Yang and the rest, the physical outcome from killing Qiu Mengcheng was not as satisfying as the morale boost they derived from their endeavors! "Although we used deceptive techniques to finish off Qiu Mengcheng, but that also proved that as long as we push forward with hard work, we still stand a chance to slay our way through the matrix of low-grade Celestial Luck Banners with our current strength!" Shi Wuchen was tired to the point where his face had a pale, yellow sheen. However, he was still very motivated. "Boss, do you plan on doing this?" Yun Yang breathed in a shallow, long breath, calming down his heart which was thumping quickly like a drum. In a serious tone, he replied, "Naturally, of course, I do, but we''re lacking the numbers by quite a fair we still have a long way to go." Shi Wuchen and Lan Ruojun nodded at the same time. A proper Battle for Celestial Luck consisted of three matches. This included a match to determine the sect with the highest strength, then a battle of the commandeers between two parties; the last match was a battle of essential formations. Generally, the battle formation was usually proposed by the side playing on defense. To most sects, the first two battles to determine the highest strength and the battle of the commandeers were considered as one match split into two. Most probably, the top first and second experts from the two biggest sects will take turns to take the stage! The third match, however was the hardest test of all for the Residence of Nine Supremes. Currently, the Residence of Nine Supremes only consisted of four members. If they really took on the challenge while the opponent proposed the inclusion of a nine-man team They would not even have to fight by then, for they would be disqualified immediately due to the lack of participants... "We need to come up with a plan for that quickly. Perhaps we can ask the rest of our brothers to join us." Shi Wuchen suggested enthusiastically. Lan Ruojun rolled his eyes. "Yi Tuo (һy tuC means a pile of), you''re definitely the man for it." Shi Wuchen was enraged. "I''ll cut all ties with you if you call me Yi Tuo one more time!" Yun Yang and Ren Qingkuang stifled their laughter, their tears almost coming out of their eyes. As ShiWuchen''s surname was Shi, and due to the fact that Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun were deeply envious of him being the second Supreme while the both of them had no titles bestowed upon them, they had given him a nickname called "Yi Tuo". (Shi Wuchen''s family name Shi(ʷ) is homophone to feces (ʺsh). The nickname he was given, Yi Tuo (a pile of), combined with his surname Shi (homophone to feces) makes him ''A Pile of Shit''.) Shi Wuchen had been angry about this matter on a separate number of occasions already, but it seemed to have no effect. He was one lone man after all Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang joining forces and talking about it were enough to anger him, but now, Yun Yang seemed to take an interest in this new nickname of his as well. Additionally, Shi Wuchen had the habit of curling up when he slept. That strange, curled-up form of his did certainly resemble a pile of "Hey, hey, we''re all brothers. We''re just teasing you, what''re you so angry about?" Yun Yang attempted to make peace. "Yi Tuo, truthfully speaking though, you must put in a little more effort when it comes to this. Our forces are weak. We need more men." Shi Wuchen was exasperated. "Boss, even you are calling me that now? You''re really making me sad" "Why''re you so worked up over this small matter? Yi Tuo!" Yun Yang worded sternly. Shi Wuchen laid on the ground, arms and legs akimbo as he lamented, "I need allies! I need allies in league with me desperately" The other three burst into laughter. "While we rest, let''s take this time to do a stock count on this time''s haul." "It seems like we took quite a lot this time. At least we gained something." The four men counted the items they each seized and reported the sum. The results of Yun Yang''s tabulations went as follows; first, Yun Yang; second, Ren Qingkuang; third, Shi Wuchen. Lan Ruojun was the last. "The number of top-grade spiritual jade pieces we seized this time is too little; we didn''t even manage to get a thousand pieces twenty-thousand middle-grade spiritual jade pieces, and low-grade spiritual jade three million pieces and just a handful of various precious materials and stones. As for various uncommon metals -- there are only ten pieces of those." Yun Yang was deeply unsatisfied with this haul. "It still doesn''t amount to much, even if every single piece of junk is added to it, weapons and whatever else included... What can we even get with a haul like that" "Sect leader, we still haven''t looked into Qiu Mengcheng''s ring, have we?" Shi Wuchen reminded him. Yun Yang sighed. "There''s nothing here in this piece of trash''s ring. Two swords, five-hundred top-grade spiritual jade pieces, three stashes of Fire Fungus, a few bottles of pills, a small lump of Stellar Steel Jade and there are also women''s undergarments a few of them, what the hell? What''s he playing at?" 920 He Doesn’t Care! "Incredible!" Shi Wuchen and his party were completely dumbfounded. They were truly impressed by Qiu Mengcheng''s little hobby! There was nothing that could be considered as too ridiculous in this world. As long as one could imagine it, surely it would exist! "So this is why this piece of trash was still at Saint Level Three when the rest of his peers of a similar term if they''re not dead yet have already ascended to become Royal Saints" Lan Ruojun snorted. "It''s not like there wasn''t a proper reason behind it." Yun Yang was also speechlessly full of sighs. He was initially feeling rather hopeful with regards to this Saint Level Three practitioner''s spatial ring, but now, from the looks of it, aside from its comparatively bigger size and volume, the belongings that were held within were still relatively quite a let down compared to the possessions of most people It was simply a big disappointment. This spatial ring was mostly part of the reason why he had formulated this risky plan of a raid. However, from the looks of it now, the items in the ring were really not worth that risk Furthermore, that fight would definitely have set the Emerald Cloud Sect on their heels with a deadly vengeance. Yun Yang felt that this was the most erroneous decision he had made since he ascended to the Bound of Universe. Due to a moment of greed, the price of this outcome was a heavy one. Yun Yang instantly reminded himself; I can''t be greedy in the future! Knowing when to stop has to be a principle I have to commit to! Otherwise, if the case like Qiu Mengcheng''s keeps recurring, it''ll bring irrevocable annihilation to the Residence of Nine Supremes. "May we learn from this lesson!" Yun Yang was silently determined to adhere to his mantra. "Let''s dispose of the items first. Then, let us stabilize the experience we gained from the fights incurred recently; together with the Ethereal Amethysts, enhance as much as you can using the pills and precious ingredients improve your body''s potential to the highest degree possible." "You lot return to the sect first. I''m going off to do some business." Yun Yang chuckled and then vanished on the spot. "Boss''s divine little gimmick is truly enviable" Lan Ruojun was filled with admiration as he watched Yun Yang vanish before his eyes. "If it wasn''t for this divine gimmick, I''m afraid we might''ve already" "The name of the Residence of Nine Supremes shall send shudders throughout the world!" Ren Qingkuang''s eyes were filled with passion! Tired of being constantly pushed around in the past, Lan Ruojun and Shi Wuchen were actually equally inspired as Ren Qingkuang, suddenly seeing hope, then feverishly latching themselves onto it! "Let''s return to the sect!" Shi Wuchen patted the dust off his derriere as he stood up. "Remember to change your clothes and freshen yourselves up. Don''t bring that vile reputation of Raiders of All But God into our grand and honorable sect. The Residence of Nine Supremes is a sect that means business, a sect filled with serious individuals and honest men." Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang felt the air binding in their throats. "The construction of the sect is nearly complete. I''ll follow the leader''s orders to activate the Hill Defense Formation. I''ll let you two peasants feel where the benefits of the sect truly lie!" Shi Wuchen laughed, but his eyes were also filled with longing. "Let''s just have a discussion to determine the suitable candidates for the Residence of Nine Supremes." Lan Ruojun frowned. "Our leader might not be familiar with the personalities of the rest of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, but we are. We can give primary consideration to the outstandingly defiant ones." "That''s right. However, don''t you think it''s strange that our leader simply allowed anyone of us to enter the Residence? Isn''t he worried that we''ll gang up against him? I mean, he''s got to know that when the forces of all ten Demiurge-Flawed Ten are gathered together, overpowering our leader isn''t just something remarkably easy to do it''s practically something that might naturally happen. He would definitely expect us to pull off that stunt!" cried Ren Qingkuang. Shi Wuchen rolled his eyes. "I say, you''re too narrow-minded. Do you really think the boss isn''t aware of such stakes? Do you think he cares?" Lan Ruojun smiled ruefully. "Not bad. The boss clearly isn''t concerned about this, and I would be perceived as a despicable man for even saying this Maybe he''s blatantly waiting for us to overpower him by giving us so much authority and when that time comes, surely he''ll have some sort of terrifying way to counter this and make us all docile and submissive in a single stroke." Shi Wuchen opened his eyes wide in surprise. "From how I interpret your words, do you have more faith in him than I ?" Lan Ruojun guffawed. "Yi Tuo, in the eyes of those with wit, everything he sees is wisdom; in the eyes of those with trust, everything he sees is loyalty; but in your eyes, Yi Tuo, everything''s just a pile of... It''s alright, it''s totally understandable and forgivable." Shi Wuchen took a deep breath. Suddenly, there was a thunderous roar. "Lan Ruojun! I, Shi Wuchen, am not able to coexist with you in this time and place we''re absolutely irreconcilable!" Before his voice could falter, he bellowed once more before wading in with a flurry of kicks and punches. Lan Ruojun did not seem to be caught by surprise. Without missing a beat, he retaliated, lashing back at the furious man. Within moments, they were both black and blue, swelling to the point where they did not look human. Ren Qingkuang closed his eyes and sighed. "With that Do you think our leader even had to worry about us ganging up against him? So much for ''naturally'' and ''definitely''... You fellows are a joke an inevitable joke." His words were rewarded with a kick from each of them. "Come over here and discuss official matters, right this instant! Can you be more serious about the matter?" The three men discussed as they walked towards the direction of the Residence of Nine Supremes. Compared to the previous occasion, Yun Yang''s loot this time around was not a lot in terms of both quality and quantity, but the General Commerce League still accepted them happily. Feng Guohai even came out to entertain him personally. He even offered to purchase the goods with at a price higher than the market''s rate, but Yun Yang was having none of it. A business is a long-term engagement one should not simply gain from a brief moment''s benefit. He insisted on using a normal transaction standard. "When can you" There was a glint of anticipation in Feng Guohai''s eyes. "Enter the Spirit''s Grave again?" "Yes." "I thought I''ve made it clear the last time. Activating the grave can be done at any time." Yun Yang''s face reflected traces of melancholy. "However, the problem now lies in the item passed to a certain someone. With this little bunch of items in my possession I was already damned lucky for not getting killed, so how can I ask for more?" When this was mentioned, Feng Guohai seemed a little embarrassed. He could not blame Yun Yang for this. After all, Yun Yang had brought it up many times before, and the goods promised by the headquarters had not yet arrived. Asking him to enter? For what purpose? "Brother Yun, by your calculations, how much resources do you need for one entry?" "From these few recent trades, the amount of spiritual jade accumulated in my possession now is enough for the moment, but that''s just enough to cover my own insignificant life. As for other resources" Yun Yang''s brows furrowed. "It''ll be sufficient if I can just have a few stalks of those thousand year''s worth of precious ingredients. Of course, it would be best if a few pieces of uncommon metals and rare, precious gems can be added into the pot as well." He smiled ruefully. "That was my initial plan to provide lesser initially, then slowly increase the quantity so that we have some space as a buffer. If we provide too much in a one-off manner, their demands will get even higher and their appetite will grow even bigger. At that point, it''ll be hard to meet such demands, and if we can''t keep up, we''ll lose the entire game. However, the reality now is that we only have enough to fulfill the lowest requirements needed to activate the Spirit''s Grave, for we''ve never managed to gather the rest of the other offerings. It''s a grand pitch, but it''s not one that can be digested easily!" He referred to themselves as ''we'' in a natural manner. When Feng Guohai heard it, everything seemed even more pleasant-sounding to the ears. This was a matter that had always required hard work from both parties! When he thought of that, Feng Guohai truly believed in this entire "Spirit''s Grave" matter without a doubt. 921 A Man Must Be Virtuous! That was the best-case-scenario for Yun Yang. It was also the outcome he had hoped for the most. Everything else would be much easier after influencing the rest of the General Commerce League once Feng Guohai''s the direct party involved trust was gained. Feng Guohai sighed to express his empathy, but his brows were locked tight. "I''ll make haste and settle them accordingly. This is a matter that cannot be neglected it must be executed quickly." "I can use the existing spiritual jade pieces from the sales of Ethereal Amethysts to shoulder a part of the expenses first, as a sign of my sincerity." Yun Yang offered. Feng Guohai smiled bitterly. "Brother Yun, your words are as good as a slap to the face for us from the General Commerce League. It''s simply a waste of effort if you do that. You took out Ethereal Amethysts from the Spirit''s Grave and exchanged them for spiritual jade pieces, which you''ll use to purchase other goods to be gifted back in there What benefit will you gain from this? There''s no logic behind this, none at all!" Yun Yang smiled. "It''s not that bad. By doing that, the benefits I will gain is clearly lesser, but it''s not like I don''t have anything to gain at all. Activating the Spirit''s Grave itself will render me some degree of welfare even if I didn''t mention this, I believe your respected self is aware of that. If I manage to further my business and strengthen my sect in this process, isn''t that a huge gain on its own merit?" He gave a fleeting smile. "If we zoom out a little further, I''ve made a lot of friends from the business we share. You, for example, Elder Feng. There''s still point number four, which is also the most significant one. The General Commerce League purchases Ethereal Amethysts with a high price while selling an assortment of rare and precious materials to me at a low price. There are already huge cuts in cost through these transactions. It''s completely understandable for a person to crave for profit, but being too insatiable is absolutely detestable. A man must be virtuous" Feng Guohai widened his eyes and mumbled, "Brother Yun, is there some sort of misunderstanding somewhere We''ve never promised to sell you the goods for a low price" Yun Yang looked deeply saddened. "Ah? You never thought of selling it to me for cheap? Then I must have been mistaken, I must have been extremely insatiable and detestable to ask for that Sigh, a man can''t be as greedy as I am when conducting business." Feng Guohai nearly choked on his breath when he heard that. All that talk about pushing down the prices of a high-value item, all that talk about gaining a huge profit from you, all that talk about being a virtuous man was followed by you wallowing about insatiability after I brought up a slight disagreement. Are you talking about yourself or someone else? Who''s the insatiable one and who''s the unvirtuous one here? Do you really think I can''t tell what you really meant? "Brother Yun, you must be joking how can you ever be insatiable." Feng Guohai frowned. "We can assure that you''re a virtuous man, Brother Yun." Yun Yang sighed. "Being a virtuous man is a principle I live by." Feng Guohai was speechless and was on the verge of flipping the entire table over. With you being like this, who are you to tell me that a man should be virtuous? If we stop you from gaining profit, does that mean we are being unvirtuous? You''re the virtuous one here by pushing down our prices to gain some profit? I flattered you for half a day, but how dare you twist my words against me now! Feng Guohai found it hard to find his voice. "... An old man like me really can''t imagine that you''re a person like this, Yun Yang. From my perspective, you have the potential of being an unethical merchant." "Is that so? Elder Feng, that''s flattering." What Yun Yang really meant to say was; In truth, I totally have what it takes to be a scheming, profiteering scammer that lies his way through everything. However, he would never utter that, even if he was being tortured to death. He had to reserve some dignity for himself. He gave it some thought. "Everybody''s an unethical merchant in this world. Everybody can be one!" "What does that mean? Please don''t hold back on enlightening me, Brother Yun!" Feng Guohai enquired. "We all want to gain the most by contributing the least," replied Yun Yang. "It''s the same for anything and anyone. This is human nature. The only difference lies in whether one has the will to execute and complete this wish; that is all!" Feng Guohai lapsed into deep thought. He suddenly felt that these words were very meaningful, worthy of some thought. He fiddled with the idea in his head and still reached the same conclusion. Even those who were deemed geniuses those who are enlightened enough after understanding the concept of ''nothing ventured, nothing gained'' would think the same. Else, why put in the effort? It was true that everyone was an unethical merchant deep down in their bones. The only difference was in whether they could actually complete the entire process of being one! "This time, I came here to settle this myself as I haven''t found suitable candidates on my side yet After everything has settled down, I''ll send my majordomo to liaise with you, Elder Feng. Actually, he''s not quite a stranger to you, I believe." "It''s that little fatty, isn''t it?" Yun Yang laughed heartily. He was aware that the little fatty, Qian Duoduo, did not leave a good impression for Feng Guohai and his men. After all, anybody would think that he was a questionable character if they find him mincing about in the streets with Ethereal Amethysts in hand. "That little fatty doesn''t have your gimmicky tricks; if you''re confident enough to send him over to receive the goods and resources, be sure to send along a mighty bodyguard as a precaution." Feng Guohai continued. "Or else, that little fatty might just be abducted at any time. We''ll be working for nothing then. It''ll be a waste of effort, like scooping water with a wicker basket." Yun Yang nodded his head, whole-heartedly in agreement. "You''re right, Elder Feng. You should assign this said bodyguard as a foolproof measure." Feng Guohai widened his eyes. It''s my job to assign one just because I suggested it? It''s just a suggestion, and it''s one to help you prevent unwanted outcomes how did this suddenly become my job? You brat, you''re really going to just go with what I say, don''t you? You''re really going to latch onto my words, just like that? "Think about it, Elder Feng. If my majordomo were to be abducted" Yun Yang breezed on casually. "It''s not entirely my loss. In truth, I don''t have much men on my side and our strength is weak. Perhaps you should handpick the person yourself take a look at who would be a fine bodyguard among them to be assigned to the little fatty, as a precautionary measure?" Feng Guohai forced out a smile. "... Sigh, fine, fine. I''ll assign a bodyguard to him." Frankly speaking, to assure that those gains with astronomical value could arrive promptly, the strength of Yun Yang and his men was not really up to the mark. "I might trade for something a little special this time, so, your resources better be amazing and quickly delivered. A successful trade lies in good teamwork and mutual reciprocation. It won''t be enough if I''m the only one who''s contributing benevolently." Yun Yang reminded the hapless man before he left. Feng Guohai''s eyes twinkled. "Noted!" Yun Yang might have just left, but Feng Guohai was already packing the items. It was best to place these items in storage at the first moment possible. This was especially since Yun Yang''s final reminder was of utmost importance; it had to be handled as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Yun Yang went on his way with ease. The construction of the Residence of Nine Supremes had finally been completed. The vicinity of the entire encampment was shrouded in a light veil of fog. The sect had a divine vibe, looking like a palace sitting in the clouds. The nine peaks surrounding the Residence of Nine Supremes echoed at each other from a distance as tufts of white clouds drifted between them gently. 922 The Start of the Residence of Nine Supremes! Shi Wuchen put up a confident show confidently when he returned to activate the formation. Unfortunately, the outcome of his actions was that there was not the slightest bit of change, thus he was mocked by Lan and Ren for quite a while. It was only until Yun Yang came back that the mountain-guarding formation was officially activated. "Excuse me, what are you trying to do by delivering mystical Qi to activate only one formation point? What kind of effect do you wish to garner? There are so many points of formation, but you only activated one of them? Does it make sense if the formation comes to life? What kind of guarding effect could such a formation create?" Shi Wuchen was flustered by the merciless jabs, but he was quickly stunned by the change that was unfolding before him. Tongue-tied, his jaw dropped and his eyes widened; his face was twisted in shock, looking almost deformed. As Yun Yang delivered doses of mystical Qi and the grand formation was fully activated, a soft noise was followed by the sight of heaven and earth that changed its colors. A shapeless barrier rose from the ground and soared into the clouds. After a moment, the sun, moon, and stars glowed simultaneously and showered their brilliance upon where the Residence of Nine Supremes stood. Endless radiance poured onto the Residence of Nine Supremes, the luminosity prismatic and beautiful, only to vanish immediately after. It seemed that the lights had disappeared, but the intensity of spiritual Qi around the Residence of Nine Supremes escalated abruptly. It was like the spiritual Qi from the vicinity had met with a gigantic whirlpool as they poured and gushed, streaming into one point from various directions. It had been only within the blink of an eye before the Residence of Nine Supremes was brimming with rich spiritual Qi. Lan Ruojun breathed in a mouthful of spiritual Qi instinctively, only to be choked. As Shi Wuchen, Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang stood at the Residence of Nine Supremes'' highest point and took in everything that had happened, they were left with astonishment and stupor. There was no other way to describe it; they were utterly shocked. "How can the spiritual Qi be so dense C how -how is this possible?" Lan Ruojun''s jaw almost dropped, his eyes unblinking; he was perplexed like he was in a dream. "A sect that was simply erected has the supply of spiritual Qi that doesn''t lack in comparison to schools of lower class Celestial Luck Banner, in just its guarding formation activation This isn''t a dream, is it?" Ren Qingkuang was also dumbstruck. "What is even more amazing is that the spiritual Qi is only accumulating here. It''s not going away. If this goes on" Shi Wuchen could not even finish his sentence from bewilderment. Even though Shi Wuchen already had his own set of expectations and was confident in Yun Yang, knowing that the formation set up by a hundred and eight pieces of the Ethereal Amethysts must be extraordinary, the current situation had still come as a surprise. What was going on? As the trio felt the spiritual Qi that was growing richer, they felt increasingly soothed. It was as if every breath of spiritual Qi taken caused the mystical Qi within their body to leap forward in advancement. There had probably never been such a joyous time in their lives as they were experiencing now. "We really don''t have the Celestial Luck Banner here?" Ren Qingkuang was so surprised that he subconsciously thought of something he would not even believe. "Have you not come into contact with the Celestial Luck Banner in the past? Do you feel the flag''s presence here? Asking stupid questions is all you know!" Shi Wuchen scoffed loudly, looking at Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun like he was looking at a pair of bumpkins. "I know that poverty has limited your mind and imagination, but can you at least try to hide your ignorance? You don''t think it''s embarrassing but I, Supreme Sword of the Residence of Nine Supremes, think it is!" Ren Qingkuang flushed, retorting angrily, "Yi Tuo! Supreme Despicable! Of course, you''re amazing, being Supreme Despicable C oh how amazing you are! Nonetheless, you would do well to watch your words! Be careful, or I''ll be at your throat!" Shi Wuchen snorted and said, "I have no intention to quarrel with you. What do I have to be scared of even if you have a row with me when someone like you can''t even feel the presence of the Celestial Luck Banner?" Both men glared at each other like gamefowls. This scene had repeated itself too many times throughout these past few days. Ren Qingkuang was proficient in swordsmanship as well, thus it was natural that he was concerned with being the Supreme of Sword. He had to fight for the title! Therefore, there were already plenty of times that they battled as the consequence of arguments. In spite of this, their cultivation base and combat power were similar. They even knew each other as well as the back of their palms. Hardly was there a distinct win after they exhausted themselves each time. It was also for this reason that Shi Wuchen unavoidably felt that the threat was growing while Ren Qingkuang thought that he was getting closer to his target and was utterly confident instead. During this period of time, approximately half a month, Yun Yang showed no sign of making any more, only concentrating on building his sect. Under his and Qian Duoduo''s concerted supervision, the ground construction of the Residence of Nine Supremes was already completed. It included the disciple''s accommodations, study tower, training room, canteen, toilet, garden, spiritual herb farm, contribution and merit tower, execution hall, fight hall, chore room, warehouse, treasure house, and other basic establishments. There were also more than a thousand people working in the sect. Out in the huge training ground in front, there were already more than two hundred people training, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' freshly recruited disciples. These were all external disciples recruited by Little Fatty. Among these people, only the most outstanding could possibly be recruited as the internal disciples. Similarly, remarkable internal disciples would only be considered as in-house disciples by the Residence of Nine Supremes'' nine Supremes. There were the associated disciples above the in-house disciples and the former who were brilliant could then be the true teaching disciples while those who met the requirements of character and talent had the chance of becoming direct disciples. Going further as a direct disciple would be to become a core disciple. The top ten of them would be titled the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Ten Disciples, the leading one carrying the honor of being the Residence of Nine Supremes'' commanding disciple. In spite of this, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' commanding disciple was vastly different from the commanding disciple of other sects. Firstly, the commanding disciple was not the head of the Residence of Nine Supremes, Yun Yang''s, disciple. Secondly, the commanding disciple would face a challenge every once in a while; only a complete victory could secure and retain his status. Otherwise, he would be replaced by the next most worthy individual. In a nutshell, the rules Little Fatty came up with were riddled with complexity and were incredibly stern. Since entering the sect, a disciple would begin an endless competition of a lifetime! "This disciple and that disciple C is it too much? Isn''t it redundant?" "The various titles allow everyone to fight for them continuously. Only by going up rank after rank will there be a sense of accomplishment, step after step. This can nurture their confidence and whenever it is, they''ll never feel like slacking." When Little Fatty Qian Duoduo informed Yun Yang about the rules, the latter was rather confused. "Alright. Do as you see fit in this matter." "Of course. I am terribly familiar with this kind of rules! Of course, we have to get rid of the dross and keep only the essence!" Little Fatty had been pouring his heart and soul recently in setting up the sect, truly accomplishing his responsibilities and tasks as he drew out all the regulations and systems. It had been more than a month since he had a good sleep. He had slimmed down from the fatigue, losing exactly eight small catties of weight! The entire sect''s outline was indeed built properly by Little Fatty. In addition, Yun Yang, Shi Wuchen, Ren and Lan could not pick out any issues after looking through the specifications and systems he drafted. Even if it were not flawless and perfect, it was extremely all-rounded. It even caused Lan Ruojun''s gaze at Qian Duoduo to be filled with grudging admiration. 923 Who Is There? Lan Ruojun and the others had roamed the Bound of Universe''s martial world for a long time. He was no sect beginner in the manner of Yun Yang. He knew very well how hard it was to wish for an all-rounded talent like Qian Duoduo to grace a new and unrefined school. It was always those battle prodigies who were high and mighty, spreading their name across the world, that came in droves to join a sect. Those who were at the pinnacle and those who ventured into the martial world enjoyed fame and reverence as the central figures of existence. In spite of this, for a school to actually stretch its arms far and high, establish a secure foundation, and last for years to come, it would forever depend on prudent talents who worked endlessly in silence, not unlike Little Fatty! Now, Little Fatty was still eloquent and talking incessantly, despite Yun Yang''s snores. "Since it is the Residence of Nine Supremes, after all, let us divide our disciples by clothing colors. My suggestion is to segregate them by red, orange, yellow, light green, green, blue, black, white, and violet - a total of nine colors. Only those who with positions have the right to wear violet while other disciples start from red level by level" Little Fatty continued to speak about his plans ceaselessly, but he did even skip a beat. It was evident that he was filled with a sense of accomplishment. "You''ve worked hard!" Yun Yang exclaimed, "Little Fatty, don''t forget to watch your cultivation base. The majordomo needs to meet guests often as well." "I have a gem with me. My cultivation base won''t be forgotten. After this hustle, I''ll cultivate wholeheartedly. I know what to do!" Qian Duoduo replied while patting his puffed-up chest with confidence. "I''ve completed the arrangements in the warehouse too. The resources you fellows brought back home have all been arranged and categorized Things that need to be sold and things that we''re keeping for our sect''s usage are all categorized and kept as well. Just take them directly when it''s time to use them." "I have also set up the spiritual gathering formation in the spiritual herb garden, planting all the spiritual herb seeds as well. This is the key to our school''s future development; this isn''t a chore to be regarded lightly!" When Little Fatty gleefully returned to rest in satisfaction after making his report, all four men, including Yun Yang himself, felt like their brains had been mixed by a ladle. It was hard to move even a single muscle to think. Little Fatty had reported over a hundred matters at once, in addition to elaborating each concern with several main points, several minor points and even more minor details "The majordomo is truly a talent!" Lan Ruojun praised the man respectfully. "Yes! An absolute genius!" Ren Qingkuang agreed, nodding violently. Shi Wuchen was also impressed. "Brilliant! I see Little Fatty with brand new eyes now!" Before the mountain''s gate, the original peak had been split into two halves, exposing the smooth, rocky surface. The words Residence of Nine Supremes gleamed majestically and loftily on the surface of the rock, each word the size of a house. Even from hundreds of miles away, they could be seen clearly. It sat tall on the peak, overlooking an area tens of thousands of miles wide. It was a pity that such grandeur and solemnity reigned only in silence. The entire martial world had no idea that the Residence of Nine Supremes had already been formed and was ready to greet the world, taking its place in the great land of the Bound of Universe! This day, a wild gale billowed as winds and clouds gathered as if giving a hint that there would be more blood and war in the Bound of Universe from now on. It was also on this day''s afternoon that two silhouettes passed by; like it had been forordained by fate, they saw the words Residence of Nine Supremes. "Residence of Nine Supremes?" One of the frowned and questioned, "Since when is there a sect here? Why did we not hear anything about it?" "How strange C tens of thousands of miles of territory belonging to the Cangwu Union. Since when did this sect exist and why do we not know about it?" "Let''s see how this Residence of Nine Supremes is like C what''s the use if only its name is stately?" The leading man was lean and had a long face like a horse, while another man was short and stumpy, with a round head, round face, round shoulders, round stomach, round waist, and round legs; the latter looked rather funny, but the sharp glint in his eyes was cold and icy. "We, the Cangwu Union, are the last of the top ten lower class sects, but it''s not challengeable by simply rotten tomatoes and eggs. Since this Residence of Nine Supremes appeared out of the blue so abruptly, its background must be significant. If it''s left to grow and develop, it could very well be our biggest threat!" "How can a mountain contain two tigers?" Thinking of this, both men struck at the same time. They wanted to probe the Residence of Nine Supremes'' power, but there was also the intention to commit murder. The pair rushed towards the Residence of Nine Supremes'' mountain gate with an unusually formidable and forceful mystical Qi, their gazes brimming with a brutal sense of mockery. ''A sect that has just been formed?'' ''Great, that''s not bad at all!'' ''Let''s destroy their mountain gate first C demolish it, and see how your school survives.'' As a long-time top ten lower class Celestial Luck Banner sect disciple, it was obvious that both of these men had done similar things many times prior to this. They were more than familiar with the process. This had been an ongoing phenomenon in the Bound of Universe since the beginning of time. Every day, similar things were happening countless times. To the flagged sects'' disciples, it made sense to eliminate any potential threat. These two men had torn down plenty of schools, thus they were confident in striking this time. However, once they did, they were completely baffled! The Residence of Nine Supremes'' mountain gate that bore the brunt of the pair''s powerful attack was unscathed! Their combined attack that contained enough force to quake and uproot a mountain actually vanished without a sound! It was futile! The guarding formation of the Residence of Nine Supremes did not even shudder! Shock was simultaneously written across their faces. They were no longer as contemptuous as before, immediately losing their overbearing smugness. Exchanging a glance, they saw the terror mirrored in each other''s eyes. This sect must be quite extraordinary! Immediately, sirens blared in their mind. If it were within another sect''s territory, it was fine. Yet, it was unmistakably situated within the Cangwu Union and now was the delicate time of competing for the lower class banner; it was hard to say who would emerge the flag bearer ultimately! Once the Residence of Nine Supremes came into the picture, Cangwu Union would undoubtedly be the first to suffer, given its proximity to the former. If the Residence of Nine Supremes were to participate in the Celestial Luck Banner contest, its target would definitely be the Cangwu Union! Although they knew nothing about this Residence of Nine Supremes, there was a clue to the whole picture C the sect''s guarding formation was already indestructible! Who would know or imagine what was the true force of the Residence of Nine Supremes? What could its level be? The threat was enormous C so much so that it threatened the Cangwu Union''s future! They were just passing by and had simply extended a curious probe, but now their curiousity had turned into their enemy! Then, the fog around the Residence of Nine Supremes'' mountain gate quietly parted to allow a distant voice to echo in the air, "Who dares barge into my mountain gate?" The horse-faced man took in a deep breath and said, "Who is it? How dare you open a sect in the land of my Cangwu Union? Your action has breached the dignity of my sect C what shall your offense be?" A clear voice replied from the school, "How absurd! The inaugurating Celestial Luck Banner allows and verifies my establishment of a sect here, and validates my starting efforts. Who are you to criticize me here?" 924 Shall We Start Here? The horse-faced man was in a fit of apoplectic rage. "Cangwu''s territory stretches for tens of thousands of miles of mountains and rivers! This has been the law for three thousand years C who dares disobey it?" Inside, Yun Yang''s voice, which was dripping with scorn, replied, "Cangwu Union? The last of the ten lower class Celestial Luck Banner? Cangwu''s territory stretches tens of thousands of miles of mountains and rivers? Don''t worry, this line will soon be the past. That flag will be ours soon enough." A soft noise accompanied the image of a black Celestial Luck Banner that descended to the mountain gate in front of the Residence of Nine Supremes. Green mystical Qi enveloped the horse-faced man''s body. His sword was drawn out of its scabbard as he hollered icily, "Residence of Nine Supremes'' trash! How dare you? Listen! I allow you three days to dissolve your sect and withdraw from our school''s territory! Otherwise, the Cangwu Union shall come after you! The godly army shall come and when the earth collapses, killing all of you, don''t say that we didn''t warn you!" Before their words echoed, both men had already turned away and with a flicker of shadows, they left without a trace! It was blatant that these fellows were not brainless men, for they did not force themselves to attack the sect. The probing attack was already a result of their full exertion, yet they could not even tickle the other party''s mountain gate. Their superiority was apparent. If their opponent were to step out, things would not end well for them. A gentleman would never take a losing risk laid before him. Since it was destined that they would not be able to fight them, they would return quickly to their school to report this incident and gather together enough forces to eliminate it. If they had acted recklessly, it would be undesirable if they lost their precious lives over it! Surprisingly, Yun Yang, who was in the mountain wore widened eyes as well. Smart and sharp as he was, he did not expect this outcome. The other party had come forth aggressively to find fault with them and had even launched a strong attack, but after a slew of harsh, threatening words, why did they, who seemed so vengeful, turn around and leave so quickly? How could there be such a thing in this world? Switching his train of thoughts, however, Yun Yang understood the reason soon enough. He could not help exclaiming inwardly, ''It looks like there aren''t many fools in this martial world after all'' Disregarding everything else, the spontaneity to react to the current situation these two fellows had was already significant. Even when they had to hold on to their anger and reluctance, they did not force themselves to take a risk. This was how a true martial artist behaved! A genuine practitioner would never barge in aggressively and roughly into an issue and would always maintain one''s optimal state to wait for the next suitable timing. Looking again at the illusory image of the black banner embedded before the gate, there were words fluttering on it C"Cangwu". As Yun Yang focused his vision to study the words, he muttered, "Cangwu Cangwu Union ranked last among the ten lower class Celestial Luck Banner in Eastern Celestial Court''s Sacred Heart Palace What''s the actual force of this school?" The episode just now was hard to be written in a stroke of a brush, but the entire process actually took only a moment; even stretching it out would not reach the time taken to drink half a pot of tea. This was also the reason Shi Wuchen and the other two had rushed here just in time to hear what Yun Yang had said. They cut in, saying, "Although Cangwu Union is recognized as the sect with the lowest ability among the ten lower class banners, one mustn''t look down upon them. From what I know, even if Cangwu''s experts don''t reach the Royal Saint level, their leader is a Saint level pinnacle. Rumors have it that this person is but a hair''s breadth away from entering Royal Saint. There are also six to seven experts of Saint level three or four, so their combined forces are quite strong." Yun Yang nodded hard and replied, "Then their overall ability is not something we can overcome?" Lan Ruojun sighed and said, "I''m reluctant to admit it, but this is the reality that can''t be ignored. Don''t talk about us now, even if the original plan of gathering together all the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, the overall capability is still lacking by far." Yun Yang smiled faintly and announced, "Cangwu Union Very well, this will be our first target!" His gaze traveled to the intangible image of the Celestial Luck Banner before the gate and lightly grinned, saying, "I think the flag doesn''t look too bad. I quite like it." Shi Wuchen and the other two men exchanged looks of shock. ''Is this for real? A sect that has just been formed for days and our boss wants to challenge Cangwu Union?'' ''Did he not hear and understand what Lan Ruojun said just now?'' "The words are out, we can''t go back, even if we don''t want to fight them Cangwu Union has already taken us as a target. It can''t be resolved by us withdrawing now," said Lan Ruojun, after he pondered for a while and sighed. Yun Yang chuckled. "That''s dispiriting. We don''t know who is whose target yet." "Boss, just tell us what should we do now." Yun Yang answered nonchalantly, "What should we do? Whatever it is, do it calmly. Let me ask you just one thing C can they break apart our guarding formation? Cultivate in peace, don''t worry about these external affairs." "Oh, right. There''s actually something you fellows have to do as soon as possible." "Don''t hurry and dive into cultivation yet. Go your separate ways and recruit people for me. The first target is what Lan Ruojun said just now; gather all the Demiurge-Flawed Ten in the shortest time possible. Then, we''ll talk about the rest." Yun Yang continued, "The Residence of Nine Supremes shall focus on its people first for this half of the year." "Alright, understood." "Depart on your own if you have truly understood what you are to do. Remember to disguise yourselves. It''s not yet time for us to be openly flaunting our identities. Be careful in whatever you do, don''t act recklessly. If there''s any danger, you can ask for help from the General League Commerce. They''re our secure affiliate. It''d be a waste not to use them." "Yes, understood." "Go now." "Boss, we''ll be going now. What''s going to happen if Cangwu Union comes?" "Don''t worry about it. Concentrate on your task. I''ll have a solution to this." A sharp glint gleamed across Yun Yang''s eyes. The three men left the Residence of Nine Supremes on their missions reluctantly, turning back thrice within a step. They left as if their lives depended on it. They had never come across a place with such abundant cultivation before! Cultivating in the Residence of Nine Supremes for half a month saw improvements that almost exceeded a concentrated cultivation effort in other places for half a year. If it were not necessary, how could they will themselves to leave? In spite of this, they could only bid the place a short goodbye in hopes of developing their sect. Each one of them had decided to find their targets as fast as possible and return quickly afterward. If their targets refused their requests, they would knock them out and carry them back! Anyway, they would just leave fast and come back even faster. There was also the problem of the Cangwu Union They would fight them right beside their boss once they returned. They had drifted about for so many years and finally, they had this base now. How could they allow the Cangwu Union to destroy it so easily? It would not happen, even if they had to risk their lives! Yun Yang was once again left alone in the Residence of Nine Supremes. Looking at the familiar yet new buildings in front of him, his thoughts raced, his imagination unfolding. Cangwu Union that had caused a commotion earlier was not at all in his regards. The cluster of buildings before him now was an expanded version of the Residence of Nine Supremes built purely from his imagination and impressions. To Yun Yang, the Residence of Nine Supremes had always been the most important existence that could not be taken lightly. He gazed at the nine peaks that represented the rooms of the Nine Supremes, his eyes flowing with tears. "Brothers, let our Residence of Nine Supremes begin here, shall we?" 925 Killing Up to The Doorstep "Brothers, the Residence of Nine Supremes that represents us, the Nine Supremes, still stands in the Bound of Universe now, a realm with a level higher than that of the Tianxuan Continent where we come from. I won''t stop, I''ll only work hard to go further. I hope that one day in the future, we''ll actually be reunited!" Yun Yang''s form could be seen as a flickering shadow, his violet robes fluttering, already making its rounds across all nine peaks. This was when the complete and mysterious connection among the Nine Supremes'' peaks was built, allowing the effects of the Nine Supremes Dictum to once again appear in the Bound of Universe. Reminiscing about the past, Yun Yang smiled at himself and with a single thought, a podium made entirely of amethyst appeared out of the blue, glowing with a crystalline brilliance in the study of Supreme Cloud Tower, the core of the newly built Residence of Nine Supremes that no one ever stepped foot in ever since its completion.. With a wave of his hand, the Nine Supremes Dictum that had remained quiet for a long time greeted the world again, automatically entering the podium. Then, the podium glowed even more radiantly. After the intense luminosity flared up, it slowly disappeared while the Nine Supremes Dictum slowly flew back to Yun Yang''s palm. He stared around in a daze, mumbling, "This is the real Residence of Nine Supremes from now on!" Then, he turned away and left. Yun Yang was still graceful with his fluttering purple robe as always, handsome and bright. Wherever he passed, over two hundred disciples who had just joined the sect bowed to him, chanting, "This disciple greets Supreme Cloud!" The violet gown flared in passing. What a wonderful cultivation method! The cultivation methods that the Residence of Nine Supremes passed to its disciples right now were complex and not simple. After all, these were lower class treasures that Yun Yang and others had robbed from before. It was impossible that there would be any cultivation methods that were more refined. In spite of this, these cultivation methods were sufficient for the disciples to build their foundation, eliminate the weaklings, and retain a group who could become experts-to-be. To wish for all the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples to be outstanding and rise to the pinnacle was simple too wild an ambition. It was necessary to continuously eliminate those that were deemed unfit. Behind him, Qian Duoduo''s voice could be heard speaking in an advisory tone, "You fellows have just joined the school C it''s more than enough to be able to obtain these lower level cultivation methods. When your foundation is solid and you stand out from the rest, you''ll naturally acquire a higher level of inheritance. Fellows, the future forest of masters is fair to every one of you. Now, it''s just a matter of whether you can push through this hell like before!" "To be better than the rest, you will need to be able to drill harder than the rest. Continuous grinding will only make you a sharper weapon. One must be reduced to ashes before he can rise like a phoenix! We, the Residence of Nine Supremes, don''t take nonsense! We only want talents." Yun Yang did not stop to listen any further, vanishing without a trace in just a few steps. He had turned into a soft breeze and left. ''Shi Wuchen and the rest aren''t here, but can''t I be the Raiders Of All But God all by myself?'' Cangwu Union had come knocking at their door in a fit of rage. Yun Yang thought that they must not be passively harassed. It was better for him to pay them a visit The Residence of Nine Supremes was lacking cultivation methods and Cangwu Union was a solid target. Yun Yang felt that it was a waste to let Cangwu Union''s cultivation methods and arcane rest in the dust. Currently, the Swallow''s Hill had already become a boiling hotpot. About a dozen experts from sects that possessed the Celestial Luck Banner waited here, reluctant to give up. They hoped and wished, they believed that the Raiders of All But God would not disappear just like that C they would definitely come back again! There were also Xiao Yushu and Gu Xiaojiu. Both of them were resting with closed eyes, adjusting to their optimum state at all times to prepare for a situation, because they knew very well that the Raiders of All But God would actually come back and strike at any possible time! In spite of it, Yun Yang and gang had not come here for some time now. That was, until today C Yun Yang had opted for another mountain diagonally parallel to Swallow''s Hill and blew the horn of Raiders of All But God again, robbing continuously for three days and attracting everyone''s attention before he left again. To Yun Yang, what he was in need of now were cultivation methods The Cangwu Union was ranked last among the top ten Celestial Luck Banner schools! Tension filled the air of the Cangwu Mountain. Every disciple was immersed in cultivation as much as they could. Everyone was nervous, for the flag contest was approaching. Cooperation and unity were required from the entire school. Similarly, this was the best time to explore the disciples'' gateway to ascension! Once they contributed to the school''s level-up battle C they might not even need to contribute, just being selected to participate in it was an immense glory. It was a start to many benefits! At the very least, they would be able to acquire the identity of being a direct disciple. This was the war of destiny and survival! Whoever it was, no one would dare nor could they take this lightly. On a high podium, three silhouettes stood with arms resting on their backs. Their expressions were blank as they observed the disciples'' training. "Have those who''ve gone to seize the Raiders of All But God come back?" "Not yet. According to the relay, the Raiders haven''t appeared in a long time." "Say Who are these Raiders of All But God C who is the Black and White Ruthless Duo?" the person in the middle asked faintly. "Pardon?" "Were they unleashed by a certain sect''s true teaching disciples? To achieve a certain goal?" The other two looked shocked, replying, "Eldest senior brother, your words are like a snap that awakens those asleep!" "From my inference, everything can actually be traced back to the source. The sudden appearance of the Raiders of All But God, their stealthy whereabouts, their uncouth tactics are still secondary C what''s important is their cultivation method that no one recognizes This in itself is already suspicious" The sect leader remained calm and distant all along, saying, "It''s a crucial time now Everything should be put aside for the battle to maintain our ranking. We mustn''t put too much effort or even suffer casualties for petty issues like this Send my words, call back our manpower." "Yes." As they spoke, the sound of a bell rang out of the blue from the colony of buildings and towers behind them, right before a sharp cry of warning pierced through the sky. There was a moment of stunned immobility in all three men''s expressions before they turned around following the sound, rushing away like three rocs. Simultaneously, countless silhouettes charged in the same direction from everywhere, each one of them looking rigid and serious. The direction from where the warning bell came from was the Tower of Martial Keeping! It was the central part of their school. As Cangwu Union''s members sprinted to the scene, they were also bewildered. Strictly speaking, it was a delicate moment where schools and sects were competing for the Celestial Luck Banner. If someone harbored the ulterior motive to attack the Cangwu Union, it was not exactly the most surprising affair after all. However, someone had slipped in without the mountain guarding formation reacting and had struck right at the Tower of Martial Keeping! This was a huge affair! How had the thief managed to sneak in? The mountain guarding formation was the existing foundation to all Celestial Luck Banner schools and even clans and associations. It was always the most securely installed fixture. How could such a loophole appear? Witnessing the dramatic event, everyone from Cangwu Union, from its leader to the disciples, was stunned and terrified to the core! 926 Barge In! The fact that Yun Yang, who had turned into a soft breeze, had managed to enter the Cangwu Union without a hitch, left him astonished and in disbelief! It was simply too easy C there was no reaction at all when he passed through Cangwu Union''s mountain guarding formation. Yun Yang had even thought that there had to be something else behind their guarding formation; perhaps it was preparing to unleash some form of an extreme backlash. This caused him to hesitate for a moment, he readied himself for the impending counterattack. In spite of all his caution, there was nothing, even after a long while! The sneak-in was too easy! It was nothing like an invasion against the guarding formation of a sect that had the Celestial Luck Banner. As Yun Yang slipped into the inner part of the Cangwu Union, he instinctively realized something C the guarding mountain formation of the Cangwu Union most probably did not have the ability to defend against deific consciousness; otherwise, how could it have no reaction against his trespass? His various manifestations were mystical, but the core of it was tied to the spiritual essence of one''s being. No matter how traceless and intangible he was, it was impossible to avoid slight, unusual twitches; even if the deific sense tracking mechanism would not be able to thoroughly seek him out, there would be hints and clues as to his passing. Oddly enough, Cangwu Union''s mountain guarding formation had no reaction to these. The only explanation was that the formation was not able to defend against any form of deific consciousness! However, was that not an absurd revelation? Yun Yang was bewildered. As an established sect that had the Celestial Luck Banner, how could they not have this least bit of protection? Nonetheless, this seemed to be the truth of the matter. In fact, while it was not unique to the world to have formations like that in the Residence of Nine Supremes that could deter the divine senses, it was rare and hard to come by! As for Yun Yang''s manifestations, it was a special arcane magic that was unheard of in this realm, exceeding the cultivators'' knowledge. Perhaps his skills could not avoid the restraint of spatial arcane magic like ''cages'', but it was undeniable that his manifestations were absolute mystical methods! Yun Yang drifted to the Tower of Martial Keeping smoothly, in no apparent hurry, but that was where his good luck ended. The reason was simple. The divine senses of powerful cultivators were all around Cangwu Union''s Tower of Martial Keeping, wrapping the place securely. From afar, the tower''s entrance was open. The four-storied tower was filled with rows upon rows of books. The highest shelf contained strips of jade slips, laid openly where one could reach for the with an outstretched arm. In spite of this, the reality was far from what was being observed. The entire Tower of Martial Keeping was like a deific consciousness space where there was no loopholes or weaknesses to exploit. Yun Yang was perceptive, knowing that his manifestations would not be as smooth-sailing as earlier, thus, he stopped his trek with a frown, trying to figure out a countermeasure. He was confident that he could overcome the obstacle using Emmie and his Endless Divine Art if the Tower of Martial Keeping contained only the deific sense force. However, there was an unusual gigantic outline above this structure. The peculiar outline was intangible and hardly visible, but its presence was undeniable. It was a flag, the Celestial Luck Banner! The Cangwu Union had placed their black Celestial Luck Banner right inside the Tower of Martial Keeping, not knowing that it was actually useful in another way, creating this special form of defense. Seeing that Cangwu Union''s Celestial Luck Banner was also here, Yun Yang dared not be reckless as he calmed himself down to check the defenses the tower was equipped with. There were four elders guarding the entrance of the Tower of Martial Keeping, two inside and two outside. ''All of them are Saint level experts C this is quite tricky,'' Yun Yang mused. Facing this situation and under the premise that he could hardly use his manifestations, how could he complete his initial goal? Hesitating for only a moment, Yun Yang immediately made up his mind. Transforming once more into a cloudy fog, he charged towards the Tower of Martial Keeping from the high altitude at his highest possible speed and swiftest agility. Before he reached the building, the billowing gale was already curling the air, making intimidating waves. Underneath, warning bells began to ring. Four shadows rose and shot up to stop him but they did not expect to discover that the invader was invisible to the eye and missed the crucial seconds required to halt him. Yun Yang, who sped like the whirring thunderbolt, crashed against the Tower of Martial Keeping''s defense layer C the simplest and the most direct force broke the mystical Qi barrier set within the tower! The ease of invasion came as a surprise to Yun Yang. He was initially ready to invest more effort had the mystical Qi barrier been stronger, but realization struck him as he cracked the barrier that this mystical Qi barricade could only stop the enemy for the slightest length of time. It was more similar to the divine sense network and the image of the Celestial Luck Banner, its presence only serving as a warning illustration. After all, the momentary pause would suffice for Cangwu members to sprint their way over. On the contrary, if the mystical Qi barrier were too powerful, the attacker would destroy it forcefully; a slight strayed force would destroy the arcane magic stored inside while breaking the barrier. Even if the invader was killed afterward, the loss suffered was too much to bear! How could Cangwu Union''s members imagine that their setup to prevent thievery and to gain some time would turn out to be futile as someone would intrude the Tower of Martial Keeping in broad daylight? The whirring current in the air had catapulted into the Tower of Martial Keeping! Everything came as a surprise, an unexpected twist. The four men who sprung up could have caught Yun Yang as they were right in his tracks but they did not discern Yun Yang''s cloud manifestation, brushing past him. When they finally came to realize it, Yun Yang had already shot into the building. The pop that indicated the mystical Qi barrier had broken said as much. Swiftly, the Celestial Luck Banner that stood floating intangibly in the middle of the Tower of Martial Keeping twitched before it vanished entirely. Then, a white shadow popped out and presented itself in the tower with a mewl. It was a small white kitten that was no bigger than two feet, looking frantic and lost, scampering within the tower. It was lightning-quick as well. When the four experts barged into the tower in a panicked frenzy and took in the sight of the tiny creature, gasps of surprise left their lips. They were astounded. Did this little fellow cause all the ruckus just now? Was that possible? "Meow" Whitey Two swung its tail timidly as it laid itself on the ground, staring at the four men pitifully. "Catch it!" Whatever the case was, the strange kitten must be seized first! Four of the experts went to work immediately but Whitey Two scurried away again, its dexterity unbelievable. Sprinting from left to right and up and down, the four Saint level cultivators found it a challenge to capture the kitten. "Meow" A drawn-out cry escaped its tiny mouth. It seemed that the white kitten''s speed picked up even more as it rushed out from the four-man-siege''s gap, looking like a white silhouette. One of them felt a chilled body brush against his legs but the kittle was already hundreds of feet away, turning around and crying out. "Meow meow" It was as if the kitten was saying, "Don''t catch me, I didn''t mean to do it!" 927 Got It! "Could a kitten have moved so swiftly? How could it be?" exclaimed one of the men, "Perhaps this creature is already a heaven class mystical beast?" "Probably more C this kitten may be a mixed Yao beast" "It''s still an offspring, isn''t it?" "Looks like it" As the four of them discussed, they did not plan to give up on trying to catch the bizarre white cat. Whether it was a mystical beast or a creature that had degenerated a step further into a Yao beast, whether it was owned or not, they would think about that only after capturing it. By then, the other Cangwu experts had arrived, rushing in from above and below. "What''s happened?" "It was a cat?" "Uh" "Catch it!" Opinions came crashing in waves, the commotion gaining momentum in size and noise. There were only Cangwu Union''s leader and two junior brothers who, with fluttering sleeves, sprinted into the Tower of Martial Keeping without any regards to the kitten that was still making its escape. To them, no mystical beast was more important than making sure their school''s arcane defenses and Celestial Luck Banner were safe and sound. As Whitey Two temporarily distracted the attention of the tower guards and led them away from the building, Yun Yang knew that he could not miss this opportunity. Without hesitation, he swept away all the racks on the first level with a wave of his arm. Rushing to the second level without any hesitation, he similarly took in all the shelves there and charged up to the third level. Repeating what he did and sprinting to the fourth level, Yun Yang suddenly felt an extraordinary force coming down upon him from above. Not only was the power unstoppable, but it could also lock an entire area of space down. ''Heaven and Earth Cage?'' The thought flashed across his mind but he shot up anyway. If he had taken a step back now, there was no other way he could reach the top anymore. The force pressed down aggressively C the Heaven and Earth Cage was excellent in parrying all forms of mystical arts of the world, being intimidatingly powerful. If Yun Yang were in his physical form meeting this force, only death would await him. However, he was now manifested as the winds and clouds; he was bound by the Heaven and Earth Cage, but the art could not destroy something as ethereal as wind and clouds. In other words, the impressive force first targeted a space before turning to destroy its enemy using a tidal wave of power. While Yun Yang''s wind and cloud manifestation were restrained by this power, he also had a moment of respite! With a soft pop, the wind and cloud manifestation was crushed by the force, unable to take its pressure, but the space restraints vanished as well. Ultimately, Yun Yang''s physical self was intact, despite the blow that had been dealt at his manifestations. The huge risk that Yun Yang took from which he had emerged successfully did not mean he was exempted from suffering. His organs and divine senses felt as if they had been pounder upon by a massive hammer, waves of vertigo hitting him as he felt utterly wrung out. The Cangwu Union had hidden a formidable master here on the topmost floor of the tower. It was brilliant, an ambush for the unexpected invader! Barely maintaining the clarity he had, Yun Yang rushed to the fourth floor with what was left within him only to see a tall elder by the staircase staring at the void in front of him suspiciously. It was evident that the elder was not confident at all if his attack had gotten his enemy. An enemy who could not be tracked, hiding his trail with the manifestation of wind and cloud, was always the hardest to tackle. This elderly man was not sure if his attack was effective and if it was, how effective it had been. In spite of this, as Yun Yang made another move, he felt the odd stirrings in the air and turned around immediately, striking another section of the Heaven and Earth Cage. Yun Yang had just arrived at the highest level but he was, once again, trapped by the caging art. Panic did not engulf him as he was still in his wind and cloud form; while the other had restrained him, he still could not be seen. As expected, the elder compressed the space again and while Yun Yang could not escape from being crushed again, he was still able to quietly gather his cloud self and advance without a sound. Failing to see any outcome from the attack, the elder began to look worried. He was a veteran, noticing that he had met perhaps the most challenging enemy of this lifetime. He could not launch an effective attack when it was a shapeless intangible enemy without any hint of a physical presence to track. Despite knowing that his enemy was around him, he could hardly strike because he could not lock down his aim. Both of his attacks just now felt like they struck the enemy, but his senses told him that the blows had landed in the air with no suggestion of penetration nor rebound. It felt absolutely awful! What was the truth then? Was the enemy hit? Was he injured? What was happening now? The elder was completely clueless to it all! The instantaneous judgment caused the elder to launch his attacks continuously, a decision made from trusting his instinct as a martial artist. Since the enemy had intruded the tower, he must have come with a motive. Whether the elder''s earlier attacks had dealt actual damage or not, they must have affected the enemy somehow. Based on this thought, he launched his attacks ceaselessly since the Heaven and Earth Cage was the bane of all arcane skills in this world; it must work in the end as it slowly ground away at the enemy''s mystical Qi and energy. The elder''s plan was wonderful, but after seven strikes, he was baffled to see that all shelves on the fourth floor had disappeared in an instant The attacker must have been wounded under his dense attacks no matter how mystical his own cultivation method was C yet he was still thinking to steal at a time like this! "Vermin!" The elder was enraged, bellowing in fury, "Leave the things here alone!" He then dealt another three strikes almost insanely, the force that came with them several times more powerful than the nine attacks earlier. Following the three serial attacks, the rooftop of the Tower of Martial Keeping flew off with a large crash, shattering as it flew. It was at this moment that Cangwu''s Leader, Hong Changtian, alongside two junior brothers had arrived, calling out from afar, "Senior uncle! Is the Tower of Martial Keeping alright?" Everything seemed a lot to speak of but it had happened in the blink of an eye. The "senior uncle" looked ashamed as he roared, "The thief''s robbed all of the tower''s mystical methods and arcane magic! Come quickly!" The three men were alarmed, speeding up their entry. The remaining thirty percent of Yun Yang''s wind manifestation was spread around the staircase. When the three men had brushed past him in their sprint towards the top floor, they almost brought Yun Yang up as well. Pushing his mystical cultivation and assisted greatly by Emmie, Yun Yang finally forced his wind-manifested self to slowly drift upwards. He was severely damaged, no longer able to speed off in his attempt to escape. It was fortunate that Cangwu Union''s gate was situated at the peak of a mountain. With the billowing mountain gale, Yun Yang leveraged on the wind, allowing the gale to bring his wind form higher and farther from Cangwu Union 928 The Chaotic Cangwu Union On the top floor of the Tower of Martial Keeping, Hong Changtian stared at the mess that lay before him with a flat expression; however, his whole being shaking uncontrollably. "Who is it? Who did this?" Everyone stood in silence, the color draining off of their faces. Each one of them felt chills running through their bodies. The school''s elites were all here, yet they had been aggressively invaded by the enemy and the tower was completely ransacked. Their martial art literature that was collected over thousands of years was thoroughly raided, not one book left! Still, this was not the main point. What was worse was that they had so many people, yet no one had seen what their enemy looked like since the beginning nor did they know which force or sect their enemy had come from! The devastation was all-consuming. "The attack*was intangible. There isn''t a trail to trace at all" The sect''s senior uncle who guarded the Tower of Martial Keeping''s top floor was noticeably more upset. He had fought his entire life only to stumble upon such an obstacle in his old age. He was the only one in the Cangwu Union who had confronted the intruder, but he had gained nothing from it. It was allowing the enemy to escape unscathed after plundering their arcane treasure from right under his nose! The old man was so close to giving in to his impulse of committing suicide as redemption for his failure. "Intangible? No trail to trace?" Hong Changtian frowned and murmured, "Could it actually be the Raiders of All But God?" The Swallow''s Hill that the Raiders of All But God ravaged was right within Cangwu Union''s territory. As the leader of Cangwu Union, he knew certain things that others did not. For example, the Raiders of All But God would sometimes execute an incredibly bizarre vanishing technique that was immune to all forms of attack. "However, it doesn''t look like it The Raiders of All didn''t vanish completely like what happened today" "Leader, what should we do? There must be a countermeasure put in place!" The others were in distress. The matter at hand now was to chase after their enemy and regain their arcane possession to salvage their loss C but why was their leader in a trance instead? "Of course we must get to the bottom of this, but give chase? It''s impossible!" Hong Changtian sighed and said, "To be able to stay hidden under senior uncle''s series of attacks and sweep our Tower of Martial Keeping clean, it would mean that this person is not an easy one to tackle at all." "Just the fact that he could still insist on taking away all our arcane valuables while being under the pressure of senior uncle''s Heaven and Earth Cage speaks of this person''s confidence. It''d be as hard as ascending to the heavens to want to capture him now. Pursuing him will only be a waste of our energy" Hong Changtian continued saying, "Let''s not make a fuss out of this first Deploy all our disciples to check out the surroundings. Many of the cultivation methods robbed are strikingly characterized Pay attention to this and don''t miss out any clues." "As for the four who went after the Yao cat today" A flash of grim anger washed over Hong Changtian''s eyes as he said, "Their mistake of falling so easily into the enemy''s trick is unforgivable! Each of them is to take a hundred beatings of the Venomous Dragon Whip!" A hundred Venomous Dragon Whip beatings! All of those who heard him could not help sucking in a cold breath. The Venomous Dragon Whip was a whip made from the tendons of mystical beasts specifically to punish disciples who had broken the sect''s rules. It would have been fine if it were only a whip, but the entire length of the Venomous Dragon Whip was barbed. A whip would tear off a big piece of skin and flesh altogether C it was not a punishment one could take lightly! In addition, the victim had to seal his cultivation base during the process, suffering the pain only with his physical form. Even if they did not die from a hundred Venomous Dragon Whip beatings, they would already be half dead after that! In spite of this, the leader was unwavering. The incident was indeed an unforgivable mistake as well. The group dared not simply plead for mercy despite having the intention to do so as the mistake caused them the sect''s cementing foundation! Everyone was silent throughout the Cangwu Union. "Right, remember to watch the recently established sects. They have enough motives to do this too." Hong Changtian looked icy and desolated, sighing softly, "It''s been two thousand and seven hundred years since the ancestors built Cangwu Union for us to finally acquire the Celestial Luck Banner Three thousand years have passed now but not only did our sect not move forward an inch, but we''ve also lost our sect''s very core. When I have passed on to the Nine Springs then, how am I supposed to face our ancestors and masters?" Those who were around shared the same disheartened look. What the leader said was what they were they were thinking. Had the Cangwu Union finally come to it''s end? "If we can''t reclaim these arcane items" Hong Changtian heaved a long sigh shaking his head, no longer bothering to even finish his sentence. "Report to leader, Ma Xingyun and Yan Tang have returned. They say that they have urgent matters to discuss with you, leader." "Let them wait." How could the leader be interested to see his members and listen to the so-called urgent matters during a moment like this Hong Changtian gave a series of orders and instructions before leading a few elders back to the sect''s hall. What happened today must not be disclosed, at least for the time being; even the sect''s disciples had to strictly keep the episode to themselves. Otherwise, the members would panic, or worse, break down in terms of their unity; if their resolve were to crumble before the grand contest, that would serve as their end. Outside, Ma Xingyun and Yan Tang, who were waiting to meet the leader, were puzzled. In the past, when they had gone out and discovered newly erected schools, the leader would meet and reward them when they returned to report it. The sect would take immediate action as well to eradicate any possible threat. Why was the sect authorities indifferent to the matter now when an extremely potential school had established its standing right before them? There was not even a higher status sect elder who came C they were ignored directly! What was going on? This was important intelligence! Perhaps, it did not even cross these two men''s mind that their sect were met with the ill fate solely because they had gone out and provoked a small sect. If Hong Changtian had known that his sect was ransacked because these two members had caused trouble and attracted the attention to turn to Cangwu Union as target, he would probably skin them alive and pick their tendons on the spot. A storm was still raging in Cangwu Union. The leader''s temper finally exploded after being suppressed for so long. He did not want to lash out in fury but he really could not hold himself back. Not only was he enraged, but he was also heartbroken C his heart ached for his sect. Luring the tiger away from his mountain How could his members be tricked with such an obvious gimmick? It was ridiculous! It was more infuriating when said members were insisting upon their innocence. "We have been wrongly accused" "Wrongly accused? How? Did you catch the kitten?" " No" "Did you manage to keep up?" "No" "Then why did you chase it when you can''t keep up? Are you still aware of your responsibilities? Do you all think that you have nothing to do?" Hong Chang tian finally erupted, feeling that his rage was about to make him sick. "One question C don''t you think it''s odd for a cat to appear out of the blue at such an important place?" "One more C do you think that the kitten is cute, you''re all interested But a Yao beast like this that''s obviously a pet C have you never thought that it has an owner?" "And all of you went to chase after it without a second thought? Where are your brains? Fed to the dogs? How dare you shout about your innocence now?" 929 Worth It Too The men lowered their heads. ''We thought of this as well, but wasn''t third senior uncle inside? How could there be an issue when he was standing right there?'' ''Who could have known that even third senior uncle would have failed to stop the enemy?'' ''Besides what''s the point of us staying there when he can''t even stop him? What can we do even if you condemn us?'' These were the thoughts that were running through the members'' minds, but no one dared to voice them out. "You know how large your responsibilities are, yet all of you gave chase to a cat! Who''s going to guard against the person behind this cat then? Who''s going to protect the school''s arcane treasures? Are we opening our doors to them?" "Don''t know what to reply now? Got nothing to say? Isn''t this the reality, though? Your foolish actions have opened our doors to the enemy for him to steal our collections and escape unscathed! Am I wrong for punishing all of you? Men, take them away! Start administrating the penalties!" Everyone in Cangwu Union became nervous once they heard their leader''s commands. "Leader, I''m afraid that it''s hardly efficient to investigate things like this now. An appraisal is more meaningful before reacquiring the loss," the senior uncle told the leader when there was no one else around. He was the only one who had confronted Yun Yang, the mysterious thief, face to face, thus he knew better than most how terrifying this thief was. If they were to probe into it according to how they were doing it now, a lifetime would probably still be insufficient to come to a conclusion. "I know!" Hong Changtian sighed and said, "Senior Uncle Wu Our sect has taken a solid blow this time It''d be a moderate failure to lose the essentials Worse comes to worst, this will be the end of our school!" Senior Uncle Wu let out a deep sigh and nodded with empathy. "The timing of our treasured collection being stolen is tricky, it''s right at a point when we can barely do anything." Hong Changtian said lowly, "The contest is near. Our sect may go down or up in level and we don''t have the room to pursue this, yet we can''t act like it never happened" Senior Uncle Wu understood what the leader meant instantly. "The secret scriptures are significant to us, but no matter how important they are, they won''t be as crucial as maintaining our sect''s level." "My mind is only on going through the grand tournament. Once we manage to maintain or even ascend the ranks, we''ll have at least three years to play with. Then, we can look into this matter during this period and put a closure to it." "However, if we make a hoo-ha out of this and inject the strength of our experts into the investigation now, it''s secondary that we''ll be depleting our forces C it''s uncertain if we would attract more malicious attention from this and add insult to injury. We won''t be able to take on more disasters." "If our sect goes down in ranking due to this matter, you and I are both eternal sinners of Cangwu Union!" Hong Changtian exclaimed with a sob. Both his fists were clenched tightly, resentment pouring from his eyes. The thief was abominable. He could have stolen any treasured resources of the heaven and earth or any divine weapons, but he had chosen to steal the sacred collection of scriptures instead. "Whoever stole our treasured scripture collection must suffer through his death once we have found him!" Hong Changtian spat through gritted teeth, his wrath and hatred burning like a bonfire. Yun Yang quietly appeared at a secluded valley several hundred miles away from the Cangwu Union and made a slow landing. Just as he appeared, he vomited three mouthfuls of blood successively, staining the ground red. His depletion of energy this time was over the limit! Cangwu Union''s capabilities had far exceeded Yun Yang''s initial expectations. Before he had made a move, he had heard that Cangwu Union''s leader was only a fourth level Saint pinnacle. He was, of course, very confident that he could escape from the said leader, although he wasn''t entirely certain of it. While he was weaker in ability, he made it up with his divine manifestations that were unique to the Bound of Universe. How could he have known that the Cangwu Union housed a Royal Saint level master? It was the Senior Uncle Wu C throwing away dozens of Heaven and Earth Cages casually with each wave of his hand! One could never be able to pull this off if one was not a master of the Royal Saint class! Yun Yang was certain that not only was there few people in the martial world who knew about it, but there also must not be many in Cangwu who had this knowledge. The prior rumors about Cangwu Union that ranked last among the lower class Celestial Luck Banner vaguely showing hints of crossing levels and ascending in class did not come from nowhere after all. With a master in the house, they might possibly attain a higher rank. Facing such a proficient master, Yun Yang had still been crushed some seven to eight times by Senior Uncle Wu''s constraining technique despite having various manifestations to himself, especially the wind and cloud form that could not be damaged by external forces. If Yun Yang had not increased his wind and cloud manifestations to higher levels and managed to preserve his manifested forms despite being attacked, he would be reduced to ashes without any remains. It would not be a simple death for his spirit and soul would be destroyed as well, reincarnation an impossibility. Although he was lucky to have escaped now, Yun Yang did not flee unscathed. He was near his end, severely harmed. When he exited drifting through the air, he had already lost his consciousness, depending solely on Emmie. It was until he got here that he recovered his physical human form. Yun Yang struggled to swallow a few healing pills while Emmie pumped the air of vitality incessantly. Only then were Yun Yang''s organs that were almost falling into pieces managed to be salvaged and upheld their working mechanism. Even then, Yun Yang was no longer able to move. He was reduced to a slow waiting period of recovery. If someone hostile were to pass by during this time, he would be unable to do anything, left to the person''s wills and wants. Despite his horrible state, Yun Yang still thought that it was a risk worth taking looking at the newly acquired treasured collection in his spatial ring. It was a wonder whether Yun Yang created the Raiders of All But God or the Raiders of All But God had deeply influenced Yun Yang C he was valuing possessions more than his own life! "With these, the Residence of Nine Supremes finally has a true base C a hope to rise!" "These are only the collections of the lowest class school but it''s still knowledge accumulated throughout millennia, not at all lacking the excellence to solidify the basics. The higher class sects that are all the way up in the sky, instead, won''t have a suitable arcane collection for the members'' starting foundation." "These are the truly treasured cultivation collections that are the most needed, the roots of grass." Yun Yang took in a deep breath and began to cultivate the Endless Divine Art to heal himself. However, the gulp of breath he took almost crushed his organs. His stomach hurt like it was being torn apart, darkness clouding his vision like he was about to faint again. Pushing himself to keep his consciousness, he struggled to continue with his healing actions. The sky slowly darkened. Yun Yang used the last of his energy to pick a pit by the mountain wall of the secluded valley and sat down. Then, he closed his eyes and slowly adjusted his breathing. "Cangwu Union must be worse, given my pitiful state However, even if they have exploded in wrath, they can only take this loss silently for now..." 930 Can You Help Me? @@ An entire day passed by. Yun Yang woke up from his long meditation and gingerly tried to cultivate, only to find that his meridians were cleared and smooth-flowing; while his organs still ached as mystical Qi flowed through them, he was generally fine. Most of his injuries were alleviated. In spite of this, there were many blockages across his organs when he carefully examined his insides. Those were caused by bruises and clotted blood. This was still the case despite cultivating the Endless Divine Art for a full day as well as having Emmie pour the air of vitality into him. It was evident how serious the injuries he had sustained were. Taking in a deep breath, a gush of mystical Qi came charging against the tide and washed through Yun Yang''s meridians. A faint roar could be heard around his abdomen area before he spat out a bright crimson blood clot. Yun Yang then panted once again, his breathing finally slowing down after some time.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease clickfor visiting. This was his mystical Qi pushi@@ 931 First, the Terms and Conditions @@ In that case, given that the man could sustain himself for thirty to forty years without eating, his cultivation base must at least be at the proficient Saint level. He could even be a Royal Saint or higher. Nonetheless, Yun Yang did not hope for the man''s cultivation base to be any higher. It would not be good for the latter''s cultivation base to be masterly since the higher level he was in, it would mean that his captor''s cultivation base was even higher. Saving him would mean standing in opposition to his captor, thus gaining Yun Yang himself an enemy who was a cultivator the level Royal Saint and above. How could this be a good thing? "Given the length of time that you have been imprisoned, you must possess a considerable cultivation base. Why didn''t you crush this mountain and dig yourself out?" said Yun Yang, "Are you being restrained in an unusual manner by someone else?"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease clickfor visiting. The voice gave a jaded chortle and answered, "That''s right. Young friend, come in and y@@ 932 Never Heard Of It! The man seemed to have lapsed into a choking fit, unable to recover from his coughing spasms for a long time. After half a day, he finally managed to utter, "... You At such a young age, who did you learn such shameless manners from? That''s a little vile, don''t you think?" It was as if he would choke to death upon hearing Yun Yang''s words. It''s not that hard to kill a hundred men for you; it''s not terribly unacceptable. However, a hundred tasks Until when will I be able to complete all of them? I might as well sell myself to you. There''s no guarantee that I can complete them even if I die trying! If I have to pick this option, can I choose to be your protector for three years?! I definitely won''t be able to complete a hundred tasks in three years, would I? As for cultivating until you attain the status of Supreme Saint You''re pretty unreserved about this, aren''t you? With just a twitch of your lips, you aren''t afraid to spout any form of nonsense at all! Supreme Saint Do you even have what it takes to cultivate until you reach the status of Supreme Saint? Do you know the number of resources, time and manpower that would be used up for this endeavor? "Young friend, this old man here is being serious about negotiating our business deal. Can you show a bit more sincerity from your side? Stop demanding for the impossible and something that is completely out of my hands!" "Very well, we can continue to negotiate if the terms are not agreeable. If a price is too much, surely it can be reduced by a great deal." Yun Yang smiled until his eyes resembled a thin line, ready to go with his suggestions. "Complete three tasks, kill three men and the provision of resources to reach the rank of a Royal Saint. My terms are already brimming with good faith." "Fine, fine, fine. I''ll take one huge step back then. Ninety-nine tasks, ninety-nine men, until Supreme Saint is attained! I believe this should be fine." "You The most I can do for you is four tasks, four men, and attain the level Royal Saint!" "I''ll take yet another huge step back. Complete ninety tasks, kill ninety men, and only stop at the level of Supreme Saint! This step back should be one that is large enough. I''m starting to feel a little bitter about this. My good faith" "Impossible! I''m a man with a bottom line. Your terms are plain nonsensical and impossible it''s even more preposterous than offering a sky-high price!" "It''s not like I wasn''t up for negotiation. I''ve already taken a few steps back, how am I being preposterous?" "The furthest I can go is five tasks, five men and Royal Saint!" "Eighty-five. This should do!" "Six!" "Eighty!" "You''re shameless! How can someone as overbearing as you who rides on the misfortune of others even exist!" "You''re shameless! You''re the one being overbearing!" Yun Yang was incensed. "The price I first quoted was a hundred, but you reduced it to three is there anyone else besides you who would haggle like this? I took a step back, again and again, cutting it down almost twenty percent of its original value. Twenty percent but here you are, adding only one every single time Is this how business should be conducted? You still have the face to call me shameless? Who''s the shameless one here, and who''s the one being insincere?" When he was smacked with that reply, he suddenly felt his brain swirling into a giddying loop. For a brief moment, it actually felt like the fellow was making sense However, it was followed instantly by a stream of rage! "Clearly I was the one who named the price first!" "That''s correct. You offered three, but I brought it up to a hundred. I admit that I''m asking for a sky-high price, but I still allowed you to cut the price down. I''m being honest, open and utterly frank about it!" "... Y-Y-You You''re blatantly Shameless!" The two of them started to bicker like women bargaining in a market, completely tossing away their previous claims of good conduct stemming from their identities as high-level practitioners. At the very end, this man''s final price was to complete ten tasks and kill ten men. As for assisting Yun Yang to ascend one level higher, this term continued to be overruled by Yun Yang. Instead, Yun Yang stated his ultimatum; besides completing ten tasks and killing ten men, that man has to provide whatever resources needed for Yun Yang to attain Royal Saint Level Three. The man gave it a long thought and sat on it for half a day before agreeing to it reluctantly. "One more thing before the ten tasks are fully completed, you cannot leave." With one quick thought, Yun Yang came up with another request. "Could you possibly require my presence to execute that many matters?" This man had begun to raise his suspicions. From the way he imagined it, he would only be required to step in when the situation turns extraordinarily complicated, but things like this would not happen so frequently, would it? "What are you talking about? My sect was just newly formed and there are many jobs to be done this is a prime time that requires all hands on deck!" Yun Yang replied in a serious manner. "This is something that I swear to the heavens I won''t lie to you about!" This man was unsatisfied when he heard that retort. Who am I, that I''m needed to execute everything? However, come to think about it, this brat in front of me might possess air of vitality, but his cultivation base was still extremely shallow and his experience might be just as negligible. It''s not necessarily a bad thing for him to think like this and order me around. With his current level, how many urgent tasks could possibly be associated with a newly-formed sect? Completing ten tasks and killing ten men would take at most a few months to complete, wouldn''t it? It could definitely be completed within a year''s time. Hence, this could actually a good thing there was nothing I should find unagreeable with. This bit of time means nothing if I put my long life into perspective. This was especially so since Yun Yang had promised; for the resources required for cultivation until the level of a Royal Saint, you can take your time and give them to me in the future once you have your conditions set there''s no need to hurry. It seemed like there was plenty of room to play with. When he imagined the moment this brat realized his true identity, potential, and level and regretted that he never bothered to make amends, when he imagined the brat''s expression when he never thought of employing his help only for serious matters, he could barely contain the joy from the sheer thought of it! Hence, he agreed wholeheartedly after a bit of hesitation. "Alright. Next, please take an oath towards the heavens to validate this matter." "Fine!" "Hold up, I still don''t know your name, do I? Pray, tell what''s your name, good sir?" "This old man''s" The man felt his breath clogging up. What the hell you didn''t ask for my name, yet you bargained with me for so long "This old man is called Dong Qitian! The young generation like yourself surely must''ve heard of me, have you not?" When he mentioned his name, Dong Qitian had a sense of pride. He was somewhat proud of himself no matter how much time had passed, the name Dong Qitian was fated to not be forgotten by the world! "I was known as ''Qitian Who Stands Tall'' back then! Do you understand what that means?" Dong Qitian was basking in glee as he recalled those fond memories of his prime, waiting for the boy to reel in shock and pay his respects. "Never heard of it." Yun Yang honestly never heard of it. "Whatever Dong Qitian ( tin = sky), Dong Qidi ( d = ground); I''ve truly never heard of you. Are you famous?" When he heard that response, Dong Qitian was speechless for quite a stretch of time, fuming with frustration. How much more ill-informed can this brat be? He hasn''t heard of me, Dong Qitian? Technically, he should still be familiar with the higher-up matters with his Honor Level Four standards and quantifiable cultivation base! "Have you truly not heard of me before?" Dong Qitian asked dubiously as he could not believe his own ears. "I swear to the heavens, I''ve never heard of you!" Yun Yang claimed, being completely honest. Dong Qitian was suddenly plagued by a sudden sense of disappointment. He remained silent. Could the forgetful nature of this martial world be so severe? Have I, Dong Qitian, been forgotten? 933 The Prisoner In The Belly Of The Mountain Dong Qitian felt somewhat dejected. I was such a reputable figure back in my day Just because I stopped appearing in the mortal world for a while, no one speaks of me anymore. How can this world be so cruel? Thus, he initiated the proper, procedural matters with a glum sigh and took his oath, an oath to be acknowledged by the heavens. Dong Qitian pledged his oath, feeling dispirited. It was followed by a sudden strike of lightning, indicating that the oath had been acknowledged by God''s will. At this point, Yun Yang finally relaxed. Since God''s will of this realm had already acknowledged it, it proved that this name was not feigned. This was something he could put his trust in. If that was the case, there was nothing more to worry about. Yun Yang rested for a bit more to allow his body to regain its peak condition. Then, he got to work. Initially, he thought that employing his earthen abilities would be the best and most convenient way to get the job done. However, the severe injuries he sustained earlier had not yet healed completely. Although his movement speed was back to normal, his mystical Qi, deific consciousness and strength were still at their weakest. That was the reason why Yun Yang was making very slow progress. Thankfully, Dong Qitian was not in a hurry. He did not urge him to pick up the pace but waited patiently instead. He even managed to start up a conversation with Yun Yang while he waited for Yun Yang to dig his way into wherever he was. "How''s the situation out there?" "Same old." "Same old?" "The mountains are still green, the waters are still emerald, the martial world is still a dog-eat-dog world. You''ve got to compromise you can''t always do as you wish. Didn''t I mention this before? " Yun Yang summarized the current state of affairs concisely. "Nonsense!" Dong Qitian was already reeling with anger. That little bastard out there could truly spout words that would anger him to no end. "Hey, you seem to have been here for a good few years already, but I was the only person you''ve bumped into? Why didn''t you let someone else save you? The conditions you offered are sure to touch a few men''s hearts, right?" Yun Yang asked. "Someone else?" Dong Qitian snorted with disdain. "Do you think this is a place where anybody can simply stroll into?" "What do you mean?" "I mean You''re the only person that could make your way here after all these years!" Dong Qitian was overflowing with resentment as he explained his predicament. That was his original plan to hope for help when somebody arrived and get himself out of here. However, after all these years, the people he could sense within range that were coming close to him would mysteriously disappear, or go around him completely In other words, before Yun Yang, there was nobody else that came near this mountain! Yun Yang was stumped and caught by surprise when he heard this. This sounded completely outrageous! Dong Qitian had confirmed this several times there were no restrictive hexes or concealed formations contained within the surroundings of this mountain. Whatever bizarre forces there may be, there was none of it! However, why could others not make their way here after all these years? This was a matter he simply could not wrap his mind around! Whenever Dong Qitian pondered about this question, he would wonder about another; How long have I been sealed here? Has it only been ten years or so it seems unlikely! Occasionally, he would force himself to shut off his outward-scouting deific consciousness. He isolated himself from the world to meditate and cultivate in silence, and a self-imposed exile like this would easily take up ten years or more. Sometimes, even a light nap would take up quite some time Then, there was also his dedication to the study of his martial craft. He had studied every move and stroke meticulously, fussing over the tiniest, insignificant details and eliminating the tiniest flaws The time taken up by this had slipped away like sand in an hourglass. There was no need to mention that his time spent doing absolutely nothing was even more Taking all of that in have I been enslaved for ten years, or even more? Perhaps ten times more than that was not even close! "Boy, what year is this?" Dong Qitian finally asked, a little hesitant. "I''m not too sure about that" replied Yun Yang. "However, I believe it''s probably still within the calendar cycle of the Bound of Universe." Dong Qitian almost spat blood. "Nonsense! It has always been the same calendar cycle since the existence of the Bound of Universe! What other calendar cycle would it be if not for the Bound of Universe''s!" "I''m not aware of the details. When you''re out of there, ask somebody else." Yun Yang''s reply did not manage to anger Dong Qitian this time, for he could feel that Yun Yang seemed to be getting nearer! It was almost the next immediate moment that a loud explosion could be heard. A massive hole tore open the belly of the mountain and a proper connection with the outside world had been established. In the midst of dust and smoke, Yun Yang stepped inside and stood beside Dong Qitian. "How fast" This entire break-in into the center of the mountain took Dong Qitian by surprise. From how he had imagined it, Yun Yang was a person with a very shallow cultivation base, but even with a good weapon, he should not have been able to dig his way in here that quickly. Yun Yang laughed it off. "The middle was largely made up of soil, so the process was quicker than anticipated." He had to raise his head to size up this ''Qitian Who Stands Tall'' and nodded subtly. Everything else aside, his height was enough to live up to his name. Yun Yang was already considered rather tall seven and a half feet. That was around one point eight meters. However, Dong Qitian''s height seemed to be at least nine feet! Both his torso and his legs were long a brawny man indeed. However, this brawny man was currently in a very sorry-looking condition. As mentioned by Dong Qitian before, the perimeter of the space that encompassed the belly of the mountain was only four to five-hundred feet long. In the middle of this space, there was an odd-looking platform that seemed to be made out of neither gold, jade or stone material, softly emitting a dull glow. There was a pole erected on that platform. It had only the girth of a human''s thigh, and Dong Qitian was entirely bound to it.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease clickfor visiting. A chain punctured and looped through both his clavicles. It looped around his neck, its ends connected to the top end of the pole. Another chain thrust through the left side of his waist and punctured back through his right, as if it was coiling around his spine, binding him against the pole behind him. Both his legs were kept apart from each other like the '''' character, bound at the ankles by two separate chains. His hands, however, was not bound to the pole but kept horizontally apart in opposite directions. Each wrist was clasped with a chain, tethered to the top of the stone walls on opposite ends. When Yun Yang inspected closely, he determined that there must be poles on both ends of the stone walls to guarantee maximum security. To sum it up, the great Dong Qitian was spread-eagled, resembling the ''̫'' character. Secured in this manner, besides being able to turn his head slightly from left to right and shake his derriere a little, he was unable to move otherwise. Yun Yang could not refrain himself from reeling in shock. "You managed to survive for so many years after being locked up like this? It seems that you, Dong Qitian, must be an extraordinary being you must''ve got a pretty remarkable backstory!" Of course, the most unusual thing his gaze first fell upon was Dong Qitian''s beard and hair. Dark strands of mustache dragged across the floor. His hair was even a few feet long as they spread across the ground. From one quick glance, his entire being seemed to have landed in a pile of grass, grass that had continued to grow thicker and thicker. Thankfully, the pair of eyes shrouded in that mass of hair and beard was still dancing with life, brimming with an exuberant fighting spirit. "How pitiful!" Yun Yang sighed. "Sigh, Elder Dong, pardon me for saying this a monkey is even better-looking than how you look now." Dong Qitian seethed with anger. "Why don''t you try cuffing a monkey here for a few years?" 934 There’s Something I Don’t Understand Angered, Dong Qitian suddenly wound up his mystical Qi and exhaled it in a single breath, momentarily parting his beard and hair to reveal a face full of blurred splendor. At that moment, his face became less obscured. One could at least tell where his set of facial features were located. Yun Yang inspected him as he rambled on in amazement. "The person who imprisoned you was being painstakingly original. Still, how did you survive, being bound like this all this time? How did you eat? Or drink?" "If a man possesses the will to live, he''ll have a few tricks to keep him alive. He''ll definitely find a way" Dong Qitian sighed begrudgingly. He wound up his Qi again and the air slowly condensed into water. Like it was being poured out of an invisible, formless teapot, the water trickled downwards and into his mouth. In the next moment, Dong Qitian''s lips emitted some sort of hiss, transmitting it towards afar Moments later, a slight swooshing sound could be heard. Yun Yang directed his gaze to wherever the sound originated from. A tangled mess of mice, scorpions, centipedes, snakes, a variety of creepy-crawlies emerged from the crevices and made their way towards him. Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease clickfor visiting. Still, Yun Yang could not wrap his mind around it. With Dong Qitian bound securely like that, how could he grab these creatures and ingest them into his belly? As he continued to stare, the strands of hair beneath Dong Qitian''s feet started wriggling about suddenly, meandering between the menagerie of crawlers leisurely as if it was picking its prey. A brightly-colored venomous snake was chosen, tied up and then brought towards his feet. Following that, as if pardoned from their terrible fate, the rest of the creatures suddenly scampered off, not a single one left in sight. Dong Qitian continued to work his magic, using his hair by delegating tasks among each individual strand. Strands of hair injected with mystical Qi deftly stripped the skin of the venomous snake. To stop the snake from retaliating, another strand of hair had already stabbed itself through its heart, efficiently taking the snake down with one simple strike. After deftly cleaning it, what was left hovering in midair was a fresh, clean slab of snake meat. Dong Qitian cultivated his Qi once more and spat out a puff of mystical Qi. It was not that much of an unusual sight, but when that puff of mystical Qi started to ignite in midair, it was simply quite extraordinary. The most amazing thing was that the strands of hair holding the slab of snake meat did not fear fire. Instead, it held the meat over it, flipping it over and over while grilling it. In just a short moment, a pleasant smell wafted over. The slab of meat was clearly cooked. The scent of it permeated the air, enticing those around it and causing them to salivate involuntarily. Dong Qitian brought the snake meat towards his lips with the help of his hair and bit into it, occasionally tipping his head upwards to ingest sips of water between the bites. Sustenance-wise, he was comfortably satisfied. Yun Yang could not help but watch in amazement at the sight! "What talent!" Dong Qitian looked extremely pleased with himself. "It''s still the same old saying a man, when desperate, can come up with any solution. In such a time and day, I can only think of ways to save myself what other options do I have besides this? Still, this is quite something, no?" Dong Qitian''s face wore an expression which clearly said ''I''m amazing, go on and compliment me''. Yun Yang would definitely not let him down. "Amazing!" Yun Yang did not hold back on the compliments and gave him a thumbs-up. "Elder Dong, you''re the most impressive person I''ve ever met in my life!" Dong Qitian burst into laughter, very pleased with himself. "However, there''s something I don''t understand. Please enlighten me, elder." Yun Yang requested. "What is it? Spit it out!" "It''s actually something very simple. You''ve been imprisoned here for so long, but you could still manage to eat and drink due to your well-practiced cultivation base. However, now that you''re eating and drinking, surely you''ll have to excrete them, don''t you?" Yun Yang continued, filled with curiosity. "How did you settle this problem?" Dong Qitian''s hairy, gorilla-like face flushed. The fact that the color of his skin could still be easily identified despite his current condition indicated that it was not a wee bit of embarrassment at all. However, Elder Dong was clearly not a common man. A string of nervous laughter ensued. "Young man, you''re thinking too much. A high-level practitioner''s body has very little impurities, so there''s no need to defecate W-What''re you looking at?! Is there something interesting to look at here?" Yun Yang had lowered his head, his gaze fixated at the ground between Dong Qitian''s spread legs. There was a very obvious dark brown stain on the ground a whole circle of it. There was another similar ring, stained a very dark brown in front of him. Dong Qitian became enraged and started to yell in anger. "You What the hell are you looking at? Don''t Don''t you start imagining things! I''m warning you damn it! Are you even here to save me, brat? You Start working on it, what are you staring at?" Yun Yang let out a very knowing ''oh''. "I see. You must be a man that doesn''t really pay attention to the small details in life, do you, elder? Sorry, this humble one didn''t get the hint in time!" Dong Qitian was incensed. He bellowed, "You What do you know! The The The color of this ground was originally like that, t-that wasn''t by me! If it was really from me why is there nothing left? Am I right? Did Did you smell anything? No? You" Yun Yang replied innocently, "I I didn''t say anything, did I? Why are you being so irritated, elder?" The green veins on Dong Qitian''s neck were frighteningly obvious as he glared at Yun Yang with wrath. "You''re clearly making fun of me, brat! You You probably don''t know this, but my cultivation level is extremely high As long as I put my mind to it, I can expel the to a few hundred feet away Why would I allow them to fall all around me You What''re you laughing at? Argh I''m so angry!" Overwhelmed by agitation, the chains on Dong Qitian''s body rattled noisily as he pulled onto them. "Oh my, you didn''t have to get so emotional" Yun Yang opened up his arms. "I know nothing and I didn''t say anything. Let''s first discuss the problem of how to get you out of here. The chains on your body now must be of some unusual quality You still couldn''t break out of them even with your powerful cultivation strength, elder, so they must be pretty difficult to deal with" Dong Qitian was still wallowing in a pool of wrath. He was embarrassed and caught in an awkward situation. Without a place to hide his shame, he could only retort, "Since you''re so capable, you can just identify what is it what are you asking me for?!" Yun Yang''s face darkened. This man seemed to have a rather large ego. "My cultivation base is shallow. How can I tell what are we looking at? I''m not capable of this at all, so I can''t save you. Please consult an expert on this and wait for the next best person to assist you." Displeased, Yun Yang was prepared to leave. "Slow down!" Dong Qitian panicked. "How can you just leave like that? I took an oath." "You just said it yourself you took an oath. I didn''t, so why can''t I leave?" Yun Yang shrugged, very relaxed. "Young friend" The way Dong Qitian uttered this was so heart-wrenching and distressful it almost caused Yun Yang to burst out laughing. "Fine, fine. Let me have a look at those chains" Yun Yang''s brows were furrowed even more tightly the more he stared at them. 935 Indestructible? Even after multiple inspections, Yun Yang realized he still did not know what it was. He tried to pull at it with his hands, but it did not budge in the slightest, even after he had exhausted his entire cultivation reserves. Although this chain was not very thick, its sturdiness was a first to Yun Yang. Yun Yang smoothly pulled out a stolen blade from his spatial ring and brought it down swiftly. Clang! The chain remained unbudged, yet the blade had shattered into pieces. "Allow me to enlighten you, brat this must be the legendary Stellar Chain" When Dong Qitian saw how the chain had remained undisturbed even when Yun Yang had used a blade, he seemed to grow slightly forlorn. "This old man here has been imprisoned here long enough to do a little study myself. In the end, I still can''t tell what this is made of, but I only know that it''s something that cannot be easily damaged." "There was a myth that spoke of the reason that the stars in the sky never deviated from their positions was due to the existence of a Stellar Chain that linked them all together. This locked them in place The name ''Stellar Chain'' originated from there, so you can just imagine its strength." "A thing that could lock the stars in place could only be described as extraordinary!" The more he talked, Dong Qitian seemed to grow even more dejected and the more he felt that Yun Yang would not be able to get him out of here. He felt extremely miserable, no longer his lively self from before, a man brimming with life. Even with his impeccable cultivation base, he still felt that he could not escape from this unknown chain that locked him down. He could not even begin to think of a way to deal with it, so how would Yun Yang, a much younger boy with a shallow cultivation base, manage that? He was simply seeking desperate remedies for an incurable disease. The weapon wielded by Yun Yang earlier that had been reduced to pieces was not an item of superb quality, but from Dong Qitian''s eyes, it was at least an instrument of top-tier standards. If he took them all into consideration Yun Yang''s age, his cultivation base, so on and so forth owning a blade like this was already the best scenario this situation could take on. If he wished for more, that would only remain wishful thinking! In other words Nothing could beat how bad the situation had turned out to be now. He had hoped and prayed that someone would come to save him from here, but all he got, in the end, was just despair! "Perhaps" Dong Qitian suggested, disheartened. "Perhaps, let''s just forget about it It would be great if you could provide me a little air of vitality to recover" Unexpectedly, a sudden clang whistled passed his ears! Dong Qitian followed the sound with his gaze, but he was greeted with the sight of fiery sparks. When he focused his attention towards that direction again, he found Yun Yang wielding a smooth celestial blade with an extraordinary design in his hands. Accompanied by a loud sound, it plunged towards the chains at his shoulders. That glaring spark had originated from the clash between the Stellar Chain and that unique, celestial blade! Even with Dong Qitian''s powerful perception, he, unexpectedly, could not make out the grade of this blade. However, one thing he was sure about was that this was an ultimate blade that he had never seen before in his life! Dong Qitian watched as a cut materialized on the chain that he was so sure was indestructible! Although it was a very shallow scrape, it was still a cut nonetheless. This outcome managed to send Dong Qitian into absolute ecstasy and invigorated with renewed hope. If it could be sliced into, that proved that this so-called indestructible chain could be severed! The only thing that was worth celebrating more than hope itself would be the re-emergence of hope after devastating despair! Dong Qitian regained hope, but Yun Yang, on the other hand, was not feeling terribly optimistic. The Divine Edge might have successfully inflicted a cut into the Stellar Chain, yet, the large rebound of energy that resulted from that clash was equally enormous! It instantly caused a trail of blood to trickle from the edge of Yun Yang''s lips.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease clickfor visiting. The heavy wounds he had sustained were still not fully healed after all. The might he had forcefully unleashed this time around was no doubt already his best shot; it almost seemed like the damage inflicted onto himself was more than what that was inflicted onto the subject matter. Yun Yang retracted Divine Edge and stepped forward to take a look, breathless. "As expected, this chain has an unusual sturdiness to it. Judging by my cultivation strength now, a stellar core would''ve at least cracked halfway through by the blow just now, whereas this chain only suffered from a cut of a hair''s thickness. I''m afraid the strength needed to sever this chain would be an astronomically large amount" "No worries, it''s good that you can cut through it. Dripping water would be able to penetrate stone one day, so this will definitely succeed in due time." Dong Qitian was almost shocked to the point where he could not manage to get a word out, but due to him being particularly fast-thinking, he deftly got back to his feet and gave Yun Yang ample confidence in a convincing manner. When he looked at Yun Yang, especially at the unparalleled blade in his hands, Dong Qitian felt his values thoroughly overwhelmed by the scenario before him. With his cultivation level, melting metals using his mystical abilities was definitely not a very tough task. He could even cut through metal as if it was mud with his bare hands. However, every single technique he knew was useless against this weird chain, rendering him completely helpless. Dong Qitian had tried countless times in the many years he was imprisoned here, so he already knew just how sturdy these chains were. Nothing could destroy it, or even break or damage it. It was simply indestructible. The main objective of having Yun Yang here this time was none other than to save himself from a hopeless cause. It was just an attempt, for the thing he actually yearned for was Yun Yang''s air of vitality. As long as he had a certain level of vitality, he could attain a breakthrough for his stagnated cultivation state, and he could think of ways to save himself after achieving that. If it was not for that, why would he even argue about the terms? He would have agreed to complete a hundred tasks without hesitation! What else could possibly be more important than his own freedom? Be it himself, his very being, his very life! Bargaining about the terms like old women in a market was none other than a ruse to provoke Yun Yang, a plan to give Yun Yang more reason to help him. At least during the moment when he was asked for some air of vitality, he would not hesitate or be too reluctant to help! However, never would he have expected that Yun Yang not only had the air of vitality, he also possessed this God-like blade that could damage this unusual chain! This outcome was severely unanticipated by Dong Qitian, as if he had experienced an extremely pleasant dream. This was the best possible thing that could ever have happened something he did not even dare to hope for in the first place! "Sigh, to sum it up, I''m still bearing rather serious injuries right now and I''ve already reached my limit, so I definitely can''t pry this open." Yun Yang continued. "Elder, please allow me two days to recuperate; once my abilities are fully restored, I believe that breaking this chain will not merely be sheer imagination. The day where you break out of here is just before your eyes, elder." Dong Qitian''s voice was quivering. "Good That''s good That''s great" This was simply the best, most earth-shattering news ever! It did not matter if it was two days. Even if it was two years Dong Qitian would still feel that it was terribly fast! Too fast! Hope and freedom are just before my eyes! Just two days; why that''s nothing This blessing had come in too suddenly and too extraordinarily! However, just as quickly, Dong Qitian suddenly felt time crawl. The slowness of it crept up on him almost instantly after the ecstatic feeling wore off little by little. He did not live through everyday feeling as if years had slipped by, he was simply living through every second feeling as if years had passed! It was unbearably slow! 936 Celestial Cotton Gold! When Dong Qitian initially thought about it, he would have refused, even if Yun Yang was planning to try his best now. Although Yun Yang''s impressive blade might be able to cut through the chain, any weapon would have its limit and this applied especially to a blade that looked as flimsy as this one did. If Yun Yang''s amazing weapon gave out before the chains could be severed, everything will be lost. Perhaps they should wait until Yun Yang''s cultivation base was fully restored and ensure that he was in perfect condition so that he could give his best shot and obtain success with a greater degree of certainty! Of course, there was another more perfect way to execute it, which was to have Dong Qitian wield Yun Yang''s treasured blade. Dong Qitian was confident that the chain could be easily gotten rid of if the mighty blade was paired with his own cultivation base. Although his hands and feet were bound, he could easily supply his own Qi to wield the weapon and might just beat Yun Yang at it! However, Dong Qitian knew that Yun Yang would not yield to him that amazing weapon so easily. Furthermore, Dong Qitian could tell that that the mightily divine blade was fueled by Yun Yang''s own lifeforce and Qi. If anyone else attempted to use their own to wield it, they might find it tough to unleash its full potential. The effort invested would only give them half the result it would only lower its efficiency! Therefore, he did not dare to interrupt when he saw Yun Yang closing his eyes as he dedicated himself to a meditative recuperation process. He could only watch, his eyes wide with worry. Why isn''t it done yet? Why hasn''t he recovered yet? How much slower can this get? As a fellow practitioner himself, he already knew that recuperation was a process that takes a particularly long amount of time. Pills with miraculous effects and the insanely rare air of vitality could at most cut down the recuperation time, but they could never heal a person instantly. However, hope had presented itself right before his eyes no matter how steady his state of mind was, he could not keep himself calm. Only two days God! I-I I''m terribly exhilarated and looking forward to it! Tortured in such a pool of emotions, Dong Qitian turned horribly haggard in these two days time, his eyes bloodshot with a web of blood vessels. A few hundred year''s worth of imprisonment did not torture Dong Qitian to the brink of insanity, yet this short wait of two days had caused him to almost lose himself. When Yun Yang finally recovered, he leaped in shock at the first sight that greeted his eyes. "Y-Y-You Elder Dong, what''s going on with you?" He cried in surprise. The haughtiness Dong Qitian had before was nowhere to be seen in this person before him. It was as if he had completely lost his humanity his face was entirely black and his eyes webbed with blood vessels. His eyes were locked onto Yun Yang''s as if it was about to catch fire as if he wanted to swallow Yun Yang whole into his belly. "Done? If you are, then get on with it!" When those words reached his ears, Yun Yang noticed that his voice had actually turned hoarse. "Just how anxious and impatient can you be?" Yun Yang was speechless. Dong Qitian replied faintly, "Why don''t you try being locked up here for a few years?" His face darkening, Yun Yang pulled out Divine Edge with one smooth motion. As he was finding a suitable position, he asked, "I presume that the person who imprisoned you must be an old acquaintance?" "Why would you say that?" replied Dong Qitian. "I also happen to know that both of you must be rather good friends." Yun Yang continued flatly. "Oh? Why would you say that?" Yun Yang raised his blade and replied coldly. "Because if I were him, I would most probably lock you in here as well." "Why?" Dong Qitian was truly confused. "Your mouth, that''s why." Yun Yang brought his blade down in a swift strike. "It''s incredibly foul" Ever since Yun Yang had arrived at the Bound of Universe, anyone whom he was relatively close to seemed to always override the lower limit of his tolerance. This so-called lower limit was not referring to their cultivation level it was referring to their snarkiness. The first one he met, the little fatty Qian Duoduo, was already deemed a pretty exceptional one; next came Shi Wuchen, who was equally a prodigy smart-mouth, comparable to the little fatty. Then, there was this person right before him now who seemed to rank even higher than the other two. Yun Yang, a self-professed smart-mouth himself, was at the brink of conceding defeat and lamenting that he was not as good as them! Dong Qitian, the party directly involved, could only respond with muted silence. Clang, clang, clang His injuries fully healed, and now in tip-top condition, Yun Yang unleashed thousands of strikes continuously like a ravaging storm! Every blow was delivered perfectly onto the same spot. The resounding echos were almost unbearable to their ears. Yet, this was a necessary process. If he hacked at a sturdy chain like this with a single, slanted move, that strike would be rendered ineffective. Only by directing all his strikes towards one single point with extreme precision could he achieve an outcome that stemmed from the persistent effort! Finally With a gentle ''clack'', the first chain finally broke under Yun Yang''s onslaught. The both of them let out a breath of relief the moment their hopes were realized. They directed their gazes simultaneously towards the same direction and found that one half of that chain had fallen onto the ground. The severed edge was cut clean the precision of Yun Yang''s bladework could clearly be witnessed. However, the hacked-off edge didn''t seem like it had been freshly cut. Instead, it was filled with a time-worn sensation as if it had been severed a hundred years ago! Yun Yang felt some movement stirring within his heart. Deep within his deific consciousness, Emmie suddenly yelped, "Ayaya" It seemed to take an interest in this weird chain, in an extremely agitated manner. Dong Qitian stared at this broken edge in a daze and moaned as if he was about to tear up. "So, this is the metal. No wonder" Horribly exhausted, Yun Yang was heaving huge gulps of air as he propped himself against his blade. "What kind of metal is this? You finally know the identity of this thing here?" "This is Celestial Cotton Gold Celestial Cotton Gold that rarely appears in the mortal realm." Dong Qitian heaved a breath. "As the myth goes, Celestial Cotton Gold came from the vine of something called the Celestial Cotton Tree a vine that is both soft yet incredibly tough at the same time. However, if it was tossed into a pot of melted Stellar Core for two hours and seven minutes, the vine of the Celestial Cotton Tree will transform into indestructible Celestial Cotton Gold!" That was the first time Yun Yang had heard of such a thing. "Something that seems like gold and wood, yet is neither of it. That''s pretty creative from the sound of it." So, it turned out to be a type of vine?Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease clickfor visiting. Does that mean Emmie can use it? Yun Yang pondered about it in his heart. "It''s not just very creative. Celestial Cotton Gold is known to be the number one divine article to toughen up weapons in the Bound of Universe!" Dong Qitian heaved a long sigh. "However, I never would''ve imagined that someone would spend a few thousand feet worth of Celestial Cotton Gold to forge a chain just to imprison me here. That''s a pretty big deal" He shook his head, speechless, then laughed ruefully. "I''m really flattered by the amount of effort invested!" Yun Yang sniggered. "Since you seem to like it and be so amazed about it, perhaps we should leave the remaining chains on your body? Won''t you be absolutely glad to still be able to wear it with glory?" "Don''t! Please don''t!" Dong Qitian''s expression changed abruptly. The plan to free himself was obviously already in sight, yet there was still some lingering fear within him as he was still slightly frightened by any possibility that could happen. "Haha" Four more hours later, Yun Yang finally severed all the mysterious chains made out of Celestial Cotton Gold surrounding Dong Qitian''s body. Dong Qitian could not be bothered by the excruciating pain of the chains being pulled out his body one by one. Even when he was still bleeding profusely, he was already impatiently taking a few steps on the ground, cackling with laughter as he paced around. "I''ve finally regained my freedom!" 937 Emerging Once More In The Mortal Realm In the midst of cackling laughter, Dong Qitian began to cry in agony. A man of quintessential existence whose reputation was once feared across the world, the feeling of being defeated and locked up for so many years was indescribable. If one had not endured it, it was simply hard to describe in words. With tears clouding his eyes, he observed the sight of Yun Yang still raising his sword and plunging it down mercilessly, very specifically targeting the stone pillar that imprisoned him and the other two buried at the sides of the stone wall Clang, clang, clang "Boy, what are you doing?" "The quality of this Celestial Cotton Gold is truly amazing. I''m cutting all of them up to bring them back with me. If I just leave them here, it''ll be as if I''ve turned up with nothing although I''ve been into a treasure cave." "Ah" "At least you gain something, no matter where you go. You said that this is a soul-sealing platform, did you not? This is a rather good item as well, we''ll take it back with us!" "I can understand that you would want to take the Celestial Cotton Gold and the soul-sealing platform, but is there anyone else who would dig through the poles like that besides you? Why are you being so meticulous? Do you think you''re doing some needlework, or perhaps you simply have too much time to waste?" "What are you talking about? The four pillars buried within these stone walls are clearly otherworldly items, or else they would''ve been destroyed when you tried to escape the Celestial Cotton Gold by transmitting energy through it. If it is of value, of course, I''d have to bring it back. You really don''t know how expensive it is to manage a sect these days." "As a commandeering sect, I live most of my days in poverty." "I see..." Yun Yang had extremely sharp eyes. On one end of the chain forged from Celestial Cotton Gold which was concealed within the crevices of the stone wall, he could vaguely make out a few words carved into it. That was the key. Undoubtedly, this had to be brought back. If a certain someone ever paid us a visit, and if I''m unable to fight them off, I could just give them the chain. It shall be returned to its original owner I''m just helping this elder stow it away for the time being Wouldn''t that placate their wrath if the item was returned to its original owner? There might also be a possibility that they could strike up a good working relationship Yun Yang was calculating all such potential possibilities with the imaginary abacus in his heart. Of course, his intentions could not be made known to Dong Qitian Boom! Dong Qitian stared as Yun Yang stored everything away into his deific space. Suddenly, the entire mountain gave way the pillars just happened to be the structural support to the hollow belly of this mountain. The two of them dashed out quickly through the smoke and dust. Dong Qitian was drenched in blood as he complained, "Could you possibly be any more impatient? That cave was entirely supported by those few pillars. If you get rid of them all at once, its structural strength is going to just perish, so how would the cave even exist then? Yun Yang threw him a sideways glance. "Haven''t you gotten enough of that place yet? Do you still miss it? If you do, you could''ve told me earlier!" Dong Qitian inhaled huge gulps of the fresh, outside air. Watching the clear skies in the bright daylight, he felt extremely relaxed and carefree. He lapsed into a daze and did not hear a single word from Yun Yang. He stood facing the sun on the mountain top for a long, long time. Tears of astonishment streamed down his face eventually, but it was followed by a sudden laugh as he bellowed towards the skies, "I, Dong Qitian! I''m out! I''m out!" "I''m out!!!" "Hahahaha The Bound of Universe! Dear opponents, I''m out! Did you hear me?" He only lapsed back into silence after a long time. Then, he turned around and focused on Yun Yang with a piercing gaze. He bowed suddenly, a deep bow that touched the ground. "Brother Yun!! In this lifetime of mine, I shall never forget your kindness!" Yun Yang was somewhat stunned by his actions. Waving it off and before he could think of a reply, Dong Qitian had already stood up back up and gave him a fleeting smile. "I''ll only say such words of gratitude once in this lifetime." It was followed by a drawn-out howl towards the horizon by Dong Qitian, and in the midst of it, Yun Yang watched as the wounds on his injury-laden body healed quickly. His flesh regenerated rapidly with a speed that could be seen by the naked eye, covering the bloody punctures all over his body in no time. Even Yun Yang ogled in amazement at the recovery speed of his injured body! After his injured body had been completely healed, Dong Qitian shook his head. Ninety percent of his hundred-feet long hair was trimmed with a swooshing sound, and the remaining hair fell flat against his scalp. He sliced off the excess portion of his beard with a graze of his hand. He shook himself like a wet dog and the dirt he had been liberally covered with fell to the ground. Yun Yang thought that that was the end to Dong Qitian''s makeover. To his surprise, he realized that he had huffed out a breath of air. Suddenly, Qi-induced dark clouds gathered from across the skies, and with a sudden strike of lightning, a massive downpour ensued as if on cue. Summoning lightning, inducing thunder, converting it to a huge storm those gimmicks were nothing in Yun Yang''s eyes. However, this particularly massive downpour that Dong Qitian summoned was somewhat strange the torrent could be constrained only within a certain radius, specifically focused on Dong Qitian''s body to wash him clean. After a long time, with a clear snap of his fingers, the clouds vanished along with the rain and light peeped out of the horizons once more. With a wave of his hand, a soft white robe materialized and shrouded Dong Qitian''s body. It was snowy white from the inside out. There was a pair of boots covering his feet, made from the hide of a mystical beast. Be it his clothes or his shoes, they had a simple, classic style to it. Yun Yang gaped and wondered in awe as he watched. In no more than fifteen minutes worth of effort, the person before him had transformed from a sorry-looking, severely-injured prisoner to a lean and incredibly poised middle-aged man! Dong Qitian''s physique seemed even more elongated when Yun Yang took another look at him. From the looks of it, he seemed to be half a head taller than he was. His two long legs stood tall from the ground, giving off a slight feeling as if they were meant to prop his well-built body against the galaxies! Thick brows shaped like a sword''s edge, eyes with a piercing gaze, white robes lapping in the wind every movement of his seemed as if he was about to execute his reign over the mortal realm. "This man must be an impressive, unprecedented individual before he was imprisoned!" That was what Yun Yang thought to himself. The massive howl Dong Qitian had let out earlier had been transmitted far away by now. There were movements of silhouettes quickly approaching from a distance clearly, somebody was coming to see who was the one who had triggered it. Yun Yang peered at their attire. They should be members of the Cangwu Union? Dong Qitian stood on top of the mountain with crossed hands, his white robes flapping against the wind as he watched the four incoming silhouettes with an icy glare. As the four approached their target, their speed seemed to grow slower and slower, as if they were hesitating if they should continue forward. Finally, they stopped. After all, the cultivation base of the person who emitted this howl was simply too terrifying When they were still debating whether or not to retreat, there was a loud whoosh. The trees and bushes that blocked the distance which spanned across a thousand feet between the four of them and Dong Qitian were completely uprooted from the ground, then blasted away outwards with another whoosh. Now, there was nothing that could obstruct their line of sight. The two parties stared at each other from afar. Clearly, this person was annoyed at the fact that the forest was impeding his line of sight. With a wave of his hand, he had simply gotten rid of them with a single blade-like cut. Yes, I see you, and I want to see you face-to-face. Are you planning to hide? Why don''t you try hiding instead? Those four looked as if they had been struck by lightning they simply gaped in astonishment!Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease clickfor visiting. The bushes and trees and even the hills that they could have concealed themselves with were completely and instantly upheaved they had no time to react. What sort of move was this? 938 Dare Not Return A method like this was more than what a normal person could comprehend, or at least, it far exceeded what those four had ever encountered how could they not be terrified? Dong Qitian''s chilling voice finally reached them. "The four of you come over here!" Nobody dared to disobey that single command that was filled with such a monstrous aura. The four individuals turned as white as a sheet. They knew that they had encountered an unprecedentedly strong character in this expedition of theirs, and if they did not handle this properly, they might just meet a horrible end. With such conflicted thoughts, the four of them approached with caution, careful not to incur deadly wrath upon themselves. "Pray tell, what would this elder like us to do? We are from Cangwu Union..." "I didn''t ask you lot who you were." Dong Qitian replied flatly. "I would just like to ask you this does this area still belong to the domain controlled by the Sacred Heart Palace?" "Yes." "What year is it?" Dong Qitian asked. " To reply to your question, elder, the year is the three-hundred-and-ninety-eighth century of the Bound of Universe''s calendar cycle; year nine-hundred-and-three." The four of them offered a reply, stammering nervously. Where did this fellow come from? His strength was high as heck, yet he didn''t know what year it was Did he just fall out of the sky? "The Bound of Universe''s three-hundred-and-ninety-eighth century year nine-hundred-and-three" Dong Qitian mumbled, his body spasming and twitching from time to time. He closed his eyes, opening them only after a long while, cloudy as if they had been shrouded by a flash of smoky haze. Yun Yang could clearly feel that whatever flashed across Dong Qitian''s eyes was the acknowledgment of the massive changes that had occurred within this period of time. "Understood. Off you go." As if they had narrowly escaped their doom, the four men fled swiftly. They could not help but wonder, did this fellow call us over just to ask us what year it was? They didn''t quite understand what had just happened. Is this the birth of some age-old creature? Dong Qitian slowly closed his eyes. For a long time, he did not move, looking just like a statue. Yun Yang didn''t utter a single word to urge him on. He simply stood by his side. "When I was imprisoned in there it was the three-hundred-and-ninety-fourth century, year seven-hundred-and-forty." Dong Qitian had his eyes closed. His voice was calm, a little distant. "Currently, it''s already the three-hundred-and-ninety-eighth century, year nine-hundred-and-three." Yun Yang''s thoughts came to a halt. He couldn''t make out the meaning and intent behind Dong Qitian''s words. However, he was stunned by Dong Qitian''s next words. "One century is a thousand years" Dong Qitian chuckled. "I can''t believe that I''ve already spent four thousand, one hundred and sixty-three days in the belly of that mountain! How amusing Truly amusing!" Suddenly, he raised his head towards the skies and let out a long stream of cackles, yet in the midst of it, there was a flurry of conflicting emotions. That laugh sounded no different from a cry of anguish. Yun Yang seemed to finally register what was happening and continued to accompany him in silence. Finally, after he was done laughing, and when his voice had lowered and became calmer, Yun Yang began to ask, "Could there possibly be something or someone so unforgiving in the mortal realm back then?" Dong Qitian shook his head and replied ruefully, "Who in this mortal realm doesn''t have something or somebody they simply can''t let go of?" Yun Yang was left speechless. He did not know how to continue. Dong Qitian continued. "From the time I entered and exited this place, four-thousand-and-one-hundred years have passed. Even if I have certain grievances towards something or somebody and although I might be able to withstand such a long period of time can they?" He turned around and faced Yun Yang. "With my return this time around, how many old acquaintances will I meet? Or perhaps, how many abandoned graves will I see? How many tombstones? Or perhaps is there nothing left at all?" There was a clear sheen in Yun Yang''s eyes. "Nonetheless, you''re still here. If you''re present, how can there be no hope?" "Yes, I''m still here Hope" Dong Qitian crossed his arms and watched the evening skies. "Who else in this realm is worthy of my protection?"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease clickfor visiting. He suddenly threw a long-winded scream that hurtled towards the skies. The clouds in the sky shifted colors as a sudden thunderous roar tore through them. "Zhan Wufei! You''re a bloody bastard!" Yun Yang''s heart stirred at the name. Zhan Wufei? This name sounded vaguely familiar as if somebody had mentioned it before. Wasn''t Wasn''t that the name of the Palace Leader of Sacred Heart Palace? The two men headed east together. Dong Qitian did not utter a single word the entire way. Occasionally, he would come to a stop when they passed a mountain, fly to its peak and look around. Then, he would come down without a word and resume the journey. "Where are we going to first?" "To your sect, of course. It doesn''t feel good to be indebted to somebody." "Honestly, I don''t mind if you''d like to return home first." Yun Yang deliberated for a moment before he started slowly. "Go back home Take a look at whatever you''ve missed You''ve never given up hope of being released, and now that this has come true, how would you know that your other aspirations won''t have a chance to be realized as well?" Dong Qitian''s body shuddered abruptly. For a moment he did not say anything. Only until he had journeyed for almost over a hundred miles, he finally sighed and admitted, "I dare not return for the moment." Yun Yang sighed. He could understand such a statement, despite the fact that it was completely void of context. The sorrow captured was already indescribable by prose instead, they lied within unsaid words. "As you mentioned earlier, elder, you were trapped for forty to fifty years" Yun Yang tried hard to lighten up the mood. "Instead, over four thousand years have passed That is quite a tremendous difference." Dong Qitian forced a smile. "There was neither sun nor moon in the cave." Yun Yang was about to reply when he found that Dong Qitian had suddenly stopped moving forward. He turned around with such force abruptly, staring straight at Yun Yang with a menacing and piercing gaze. Yun Yang staggered in shock. Suddenly, he felt as if he had not known this person in front of him at all the freshly-established familiarity was gone. When his gaze fell onto that man, the only thing he saw was a strange smile that had suddenly surfaced on Dong Qitian''s face and a concentrated waft of a murderous aura enveloping his body. In a flat voice, he started, "Little brother, I''m very grateful towards your help in rescuing me, but you just happened to rescue me by chance, yet you demand so much from me. Don''t you think I should just kill you so that I can quickly be rid of this ill-fated relationship between us?" Yun Yang suddenly felt a massive wave of danger that he had never encountered before looming ahead. He stood up, his body tensed with caution as he replied in a nonchalant voice. "The heavens are witnessing whatever we do. This is especially true in the Bound of Universe. You can give it a try if you''re not afraid of the punishment meted out by God''s Will. I''m actually very interested to witness this so-called legendary punishment of the heavens I''m interested to know what kind of punishment it would be!" Dong Qitian cackled menacingly. "Heavenly punishment? I''ve been away from the mortal realm for a good four-thousand-and-a-hundred years! I don''t have anything left. Instead of living a meaningless life like this, perhaps I should drag you along with me you dare say I won''t dare to do it?" Before his voice faltered, the ominous, murderous aura grew even stronger as if it had manifested physically. Clearly, his words that had been stringing Yun Yang along was not just an empty threat but a move he could execute at any time an execution he could deliver mercilessly! Dong Qitian''s gaze and expression had a crazed, savage look to it. 939 Ascension To Saint Level, Closing the Gap Between Men and Immortals! Yun Yang made a prompt decision and retracted himself instantly. Dong Qitian was the strongest opponent Yun Yang had ever faced directly in his life. He was even more powerful than Aunt Mei that he had previously encountered much more powerful. However, Aunt Mei had never had that sort of killing intent towards Yun Yang. However, the Dong Qitian standing before him was exuding a murderous aura that was not feigned at all it would definitely be an extreme killing blow if he makes a move. Judging by their differences in cultivation strength, Yun Yang''s chances of survival would be extremely low despite having a multitude of divine elemental forms up his sleeve. His wind cloud form and the others clearly had their unique perks, but though it might be unaffected by attacks from a blade or any sort of weaponry, it still had its limits. When faced with a ultra-powerful being like Dong Qitian, it was hardly effective! Suddenly, this moment turned into the most critical and dangerous moment Yun Yang had ever encountered in his life! Initially Yun Yang had rejoiced at his trip to Cangwu Union this time. Not only did he managed to obtain a lot of obscure scrolls, he had managed to largely replenish the most critical shortcoming of Residence Of Nine Supremes at the moment and also coincidentally enlisted the help of a great man. It was as if a deity himself had intervened and had decided to go back on his words, then out of nowhere, this entire situation transformed into a macabre attempt to take his life instead pray tell how did this situation even came to be! The greatest joys and woes of a person''s life comes in the most abrupt ways. It overwhelms one in an unexpected manner it could suddenly turned into such an overwhelmingly terrifying situation without the slightest hint! However, Yun Yang did not regret one bit at all. Perhaps phrased in other words, there was no time to regret. The more he registered the danger looming ahead, the calmer his deific consciousness became, as calm as ice and snow. Yun Yang took a step back, then another. He had already heightened his movement speed to its maximum levels besides having his wind cloud form unactivated. However, Dong Qitian traced his movements the way a shadow does and used his immense aura to pin down Yun Yang securely. Like maggots deeply rooted in bone, there was no way to shake it off. Taking one step out, Dong Qitian''s entire being planted himself right before Yun Yang''s nose. Looking down at him in a condescending manner as if he could just take Yun Yang''s life right away, he declared mercilessly, "There''s no need to struggle. Please just get on your way. When we get to hell, at least we can keep each other company. We''ll never be lonely." Before his voice could falter, Dong Qitian slowly lifted up one arm. Following the gradual lift of his arm, Yun Yang felt the pressure on his body growing bigger and bigger, heavier and heavier, as if there was a huge mountain pinning him down. He was unable to move.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Knowing that he was at the brink of death, Yun Yang desperately activated the mystical Qi within his body and pushed it to its limits while Emmie assisted wholeheartedly within his spiritual consciousness. Both of them were aware that they had arrived at the final point of life before their eyes they were gripped with a sense of fatality they had never encountered before. The entire reserve of mystical Qi Yun Yang could muster was activated rapidly in an unprecedented speed. In a state where his limits were pushed even beyond their existing boundaries, Yun Yang could even hear the swooshing sounds of mystical Qi coursing through his meridians at top speed. The previously dormant strength in his body inflated to record-breaking points in light of the looming threat of death ahead, flowing incessantly in waves, pushing far beyond even the peak of his existing state. However, the pressure inflicted by Dong Qitian was still unbearably heavy and the murderous aura was even more concentrated than ever; no matter how much Yun Yang increased and mustered the power to exceed his body''s limits, he could not untangle himself from this deadly threat! Instead, it felt as though he was pinned down even more severely, a sensation as if it would be extremely tough to even turn himself around. Yun Yang knew that he could not be intimidated by this threat of death. Endless Divine Art was activated to its maximum levels. At the same time, he allowed all his divine elemental forms to be unleashed all at once, attempting to go all out to seize a chance of survival. However, that monstrous pressure had already blocked up a ten-feet radius worth of space from Yun Yang''s position, completely sealing off his divine elemental forms and giving him no chance to unleash them at all. Even with the offset from utilizing Endless Divine Art, his efforts were futile. Dong Qitian looked at Yun Yang with emotionless eyes. "It''s pointless. No matter how much you struggle, the difference between our strengths is too huge. Everything you could come up with will be pointless! Just resign yourself to death." Resign myself to death? Yun Yang suddenly let out an earth-shattering roar. "I, Yun Yang, am never a person who will just succumb to death! When have I ever yielded to anything in this vast world?! Who do you think you are, Dong Qitian? How dare you ask me to succumb to death?" Letting out a savage shriek, the aura he bore increased in a shocking amount from its existing peak state, squeezing out potential that extend beyond his limits. He puffed out his chest rapidly as if his life depended on it , and with what sounded like crashing waves, Divine Edge appeared in his hand suddenly with such formidability to greet his opponent! Boom! A monstrous aura mushroomed from the ground and swept outwards radially, flattening the landscape around them! Dong Qitian burst into laughter when he saw that and quickly pulled back. He leaped a hundred feet away in a miraculously fast speed, crossed his arms as he stood firm and tall, then gently chuckled, "Not bad! Really, not bad at all!" He really meant it when he declared to pull back, but he made it sound so easy. The pressure, murderous aura and the spatial restraint instantly vanished without a trace in seconds. Everything went back to a peaceful state! However, Yun Yang didn''t feel too good after that, for he had maximised his aura beyond his limits earlier, increasing them to extreme levels where he had not even been able to control. Then, he lost his opponent just like that the mystical Qi of his entire being had nowhere to release and instead surged upwards like boiling water. In this moment, Yun Yang only found himself flitting between consciousness as mystical Qi coursed through his entire body in a backward flow, seeping through his meridians. As the massive pressure that was inflicted on Yun Yang had vanished just like that, the mystical Qi forcefully mustered by Yun Yang could not find a way of release and instead flowed backwards. His internal organs were injured and blood spurted out of his mouth and nose instantly. The monstrous energy was momentarily stagnated because of that, then erupted like an exploding bomb all at once! At this point the danger in this situation seemed to be defused as Dong Qitian had tuck the threatening murderous intent away, but Yun Yang seemed to be in a condition that was even worse than before. Even without aggravating it further, his mystical Qi was spiralling out of control and erupting from his physical body. Although Emmie desperately attempt to inject him with air of vitality to counter the back-flowing mystical Qi that was seeping away in an alarming speed, its efforts were rendered useless. It was simply tough to turn the situation around. Fortunately, a green light suddenly flashed above his head. Yun Yang suddenly found white lotuses blooming by his sides, and a sweet scent reached his nose, as if he was surrounded by a sea of flowers. The only sensation Yun Yang felt was that his entire body, every limb and bone were basked in an indescribably blissful state! What happened was that Yun Yang had taken the most vital step beyond his level of Honor Level Four during this perilous phase. He had ascended to the level of Saint Level One. Though it was just the difference of one level and a step away, this tiny gap was often hard to cross over! In the midst of this breakthrough, the remaining aura was still experiencing an increase. Yun Yang could clearly feel the original mystical Qi in his body dissipating completely due to the sudden backflow during the breakthrough. What that replaced it instead was a completely different sort of mystical Qi! This new Qi was not in a very big amount, but the power it held within was almost tenfold from the one before! An awakening from Honor Level to Saint Level was in fact undergoing a transformation at the most discrete, quantum levels! Within moments of his awakening, his cultivation levels surged dramatically, yet the combat intent and mystical Qi that Yun Yang had accumulated earlier to peak levels had to be released, like an arrow already strapped in place on its bow! He simply could not hold it in! As if even without intent, a blade slashed outwards rapidly in one formidably savage attempt, targeting Dong Qitian precisely! A sharp blast was sent towards the direction of Dong Qitian, who was standing opposite of him, in the form of a slash which was meant to kill, packed with a terrifying force within. With slight movement, Dong Qitian evaded this strike easily. Following that, his face broke into a slight smile as he cried, "Congratulations, little brother, you''ve finally stepped pass the gap between man and immortals!" 940 Your Residence Of Nine Supremes Is Pretty Decen Yun Yang''s mind consciously regained its clarity, a sudden epiphany that dawned within his heart. So, all that Dong Qitian did just now was to help him take one huge leap forward! Although he might have rejected one of the conditions which was to have Dong Qitian help him raise his level by one, Dong Qitian still decided to call the shots by using a method that was incredibly dangerous and somewhat extreme. Using his own incredible strength and channeling it into immense pressure, he managed to induce an innate sense of danger in Yun Yang by releasing it and then retracting it instantly. Through pure survival instinct, Yun Yang managed to achieve his awakening in one sitting and had ascended to a whole new state. He certainly meant well, but it was an incredibly dangerous method! Yun Yang was originally already at the peak of Honor Level. He was one opportune enlightenment away from the awakening just one trigger away. Dong Qitian was well aware of that. If he wasn''t, he wouldn''t have come up with such terms. This chanced enlightenment might sound easy, but to execute it was horribly difficult. Many had found themselves stuck at this point because they had missed this spontaneous trigger. Even upon death, they could not attain an even higher state of mind and relish the sensation of breaking through the divide between men and immortals! This had always been a critical point for those practicing with mystical Qi and those who would like to ascend to Saint Level from Honor Level Four! Just like the words themselves it was the divide between man and immortals! If you manage to cross it, you''re an immortal! If one cannot step across it, they shall remain common men and doomed to not achieve any form of greatness in life! Dong Qitian had used his monstrous cultivation base to forcefully pin him down, pressing onto Yun Yang to draw out all his potential and have him resist it vehemently.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Then, he immediately pulled back just to allow Yun Yang to attain the breakthrough himself! A method like this was known to many, but those who could execute it successfully in this world was rare. At this moment, Yun Yang could not be bothered with delivering his thanks and gratitude yet. He simply closed his eyes and dedicated his body and soul to cultivate the mystical Qi within himself, stabilizing its state a process he dare not neglect in the slightest. After a while, clusters and layers of purple mist rose from Yun Yang''s body. It hovered and rode along with the mountain breeze, never dissipating an amazing sight indeed. As Dong Qitian watched Yun Yang, his originally relieved gaze suddenly had an extra dose of a surprise to it! "Purple mist? Why would it be purple mist? Isn''t it supposed to be white mist? Yun Yang, what''s going on?" After a while, the purple mist finally dissipated. Yun Yang exhaled, taking his time to answer the question. Though it was completely silent, there was a trace of a sovereign''s vibe lingering in the air. He slowly stood up. "Many thanks!" Yun Yang was not an idiot. He understood why Dong Qitian had employed this method during the moment he achieved the awakening! A method like this could not be revealed prematurely. One only has one shot at it for it was horribly tough to replicate another attempt. Therefore, there was no need for another redundant verbosity other than this word of thanks! Dong Qitian gave a fleeting smile. He wore a melancholic expression on his face as he replied, "You''re welcome. I only hope that if there comes a day where you''ll face some hmm, tough opponents - you won''t end up like me." "The strength you have now is so much greater." Dong Qitian walked forward with crossed hands, his voice laced with desolation. "You will safeguard the things you would like to protect the most" "True, that." Yun Yang could discern the meaning within Dong Qitian''s unsaid words; in this martial world, strength rules above all! No matter how righteous, honorable, kind or honest you are, it all still depended on strength. Justice could only be determined through strength. "Strength!" Dong Qitian sighed dolefully. "Strength" If I really had what it took, how did I end up being imprisoned in this belly of a mountain for four thousand and one hundred years? "Elder Dong, before you were imprisoned that year, what level was your strength at?" Yun Yang asked, immensely curious. Dong Qitian smiled ruefully. "I''ve already ended up in such a condition, why is there still a need to bring up the matter of strength?" These words effectively ended the topic. As they talked, they made their way towards the Residence of Nine Supremes. They met many people from Cangwu Union along the way, but they simply continued on their journey. uneventfully. Yun Yang knew about the inside story, but he didn''t feel like riling up any form of drama, so he remained calm and indifferent as he passed; as for Dong Qitian, he couldn''t care less about the people he encountered at all. That aside, they bumped into many people who were hunting for Raiders of All But God, but even they didn''t dare to cause trouble for them. Those who made it difficult for them were sent flying by Dong Qitian with a huge slap. During the entire journey, Yun Yang did not see Dong Qitian come up with any other move. It was always a slap... ... and another slap! One smack was enough to send the victim flying through the air. Slapping his way through, no matter what levels their cultivation bases were, they were dealt with by a single smack. It was clean, efficient, and void of any future repercussions. From how Yun Yang perceived it, those people who were sent flying flew for at least a distance of ten miles. Whether or not they were dead or alive, Dong Qitian was not responsible for that. If they were dead, it was simply their misfortune. Those who were lucky enough to survive would understand the difference of levels between them how would they dare cause trouble again? An interesting combat technique like this was a real eye-opener to Yun Yang. "What a professional! An expert whose levels far exceed my expectations!" The Residence of Nine Supremes was in sight. From a distance of about ten miles away, Dong Qitian could not stop marveling when he set sight on the daunting location where the Residence of Nine Supremes was located. "Not bad, not bad at all! Your sect seems to be prospering. Everything else aside, this Hill Defense Formation is something I''ve never seen before. It harbors plenty of opportunities, its formations are sufficiently formidable yet disorderly in an intriguing manner, and the spiritual Qi is indescribably concentrated. For a sect that hasn''t obtained a Celestial Luck Banner, this is already considered pretty decent, high-level standards. How rare. How remarkable." "Furthermore, the geography of this place is excellent. The fact that it is easy to defend and hard to be attacked is secondary with every peak standing tall like that, they could constantly respond and coordinate accordingly with the Hill Defence formation and render it a few times stronger. That''s truly magnificent." "It seems that your sect is run by truly competent individuals!" "This place is rife with hidden talents." "You kept telling me that you''re desperately poor, saying that there are only a few poor sods in your sect are you being modest, or do you just not want to expose your background?" After some thorough scrutiny, Dong Qitian felt that this was no ordinary land. "Though it might be a freshly established sect, the luck it is shrouded in is incredibly concentrated with a vibe that thrives over most others!" "The Residence of Nine Supremes since it has been named as such, I believe that this sect was founded by nine people - am I right?" Dong Qitian continued to express his awe. "Are you the leader of the Residence of Nine Supremes? Then please tell me, who was it that helped you out? I really question my abilities after seeing all this. Even I would find it extremely difficult to pull this off, and now you have just made me feel very humbled. Yun Yang let out a hollow chuckle. "It''s just a little business in progress, something not worth mentioning at all." Dong Qitian shook his head with force. "A little business in progress? Even what the Sacred Heart Palace could manage wasn''t as great as your place when they first started" Yun Yang burst out in a hearty laugh. "That''s too much praise. I guess we''re doing pretty alright" Dong Qitian stopped singing praises when he heard Yun Yang''s overly obvious glee from the compliments. "Tell me about the things you want me to do. However, let me make this clear only ten. After the ten tasks have been completed, you and I are merely strangers on the road." "You still have to kill ten men, and don''t forget the resources until I reach Royal Saint Level Three!" replied Yun Yang. 941 A Massive Scam! "There''s no need for you to even bring it up. I''ll gladly do them," replied Dong Qitian. "Best if you brief me about those ten tasks I need to know about them beforehand." Yun Yang''s smile widened and he replied, "Actually, I don''t actually have many important tasks at hand for the moment. They''re mostly menial ones." "Pardon?" "The first most pressing issue is none other than the fact that everybody''s strength in this sect is at remarkably ordinary levels" Yun Yang started, a little embarrassed. "The sect needs a chief instructor" "A chief instructor?" Dong Qitian''s brows furrowed instantly. "We''ve already agreed I will not hold a post in your sect. What''s with all this talk about being a chief instructor?" Dong Qitian had a nagging feeling that he had been tricked. Yun Yang smiled apologetically. "Did I say I''d like you to hold a post in my humble little place? Actually, being a chief instructor is just a name. On normal days, you don''t even have to do much. You''d only have to monitor the progress of the member''s cultivation bases and clarify some questions occasionally When there''s no need to monitor them, we can all sit down at one corner to sip some tea, have a chat, play chess; even picking up girls is on the menu" Dong Qitian sensed that something did not seem right the more he listened. His face darkened as he continued to ask, "I''d like to confirm something how frequently am I not needed to monitor them?" Yun Yang blinked. "It should be pretty fast. The period of time where you shall assume your role as a chief instructor should take up half a year''s time, and if there are certain things that require your attention within this time frame, it''ll be considered as part of the ten tasks, depending on circumstances" Dong Qitian''s face darkened as he retorted, "You don''t say? Additional work will be counted as well, of course. What do you mean by'' it''ll be considered as part of the ten tasks depending on circumstances''? What circumstances?" A hint of guilt crept up into Yun Yang''s heart suddenly. "Of course. Yes, of course. A slip of the tongue. That was just a slip of the tongue. My mistake." Dong Qitian gave him a suspicious glance. "You still haven''t answered my question. In half a year''s time, how many days will there be no need for me to monitor them? I''m highly suspicious regarding your personal character now please don''t lower the good impression I have about you." Yun Yang wiped some sweat away from his forehead and chuckled nervously. "About that Pretty frequently, I''d say. They''ll be at least a day in every month or half a day." "You good-for-nothing!" Dong Qitian had completely lost his composure. "How''s that any different from prostituting myself to you with that sort of arrangement? One task will take up half a year of my time. Instead of that, I might as well just agree to be your Protector for three years. Won''t I get to have more idle time as a Protector instead?" Yun Yang chuckled nervously. "Elder, if you''re willing to take on the role as a Protector, we can amend the terms immediately. Everything will be done according to your wishes, elder. We shall do whatever you say of course. Perhaps we should take an oath to the heavens and amend it to Protector for three years instead?" Yun Yang probed cautiously with a face full of hope. Dong Qitian let out a strange chuckle, as he stole a sideways glance at Yun Yang and rolled his eyes. "Seeing that you''re full of tricks, I''m sure you have many more up your sleeves! Do you think that I, Dong Qitian, will fall for your schemes? Do you know what''s the most effective way to deal with an intelligent person?" Yun Yang replied to him almost instinctively. "What is it?" Dong Qitian guffawed. "It''s to go against whatever you wish for and not dance to the tune you desire. You might be able to come up with a million schemes, but I''ll have a set of rules I abide by. What are you going to do about it?" Yun Yang acted as if he felt horribly maligned. "Now, where did that come from, elder? I bore no such intentions at all! Oh, right do you still have a very good impression of me, elder? Dong Qitian scoffed. "As of now, my good impression on you has amounted to zero. It''s nonexistent!" Yun Yang''s good-looking face darkened. "What? It''s already zero? Then what were you saying about lowering your good impression of me!" Dong Qitian felt his face tightening. He stretched out an arm and pointed towards the side of the road. "Yun Yang, you little brat do you see that wild boar over there?" Yun Yang was utterly confused. "I see it." Dong Qitian snorted. "That''s my impression about you I would trust you only if that wild boar flies!" Yun Yang felt speechlessly dismayed. However, at the very next moment, Dong Qitian gasped in shock perhaps his wrath-ridden finger had activated some sort of threat that packed a punch, for right after the moment he pointed, the poor wild boar suddenly went flying into the air. It was flying rather swiftly. It''s heavy body riled up a tuft of black fog in midair as it''s awkward legs wriggled incessantly as if it was rowing. With its tail between its legs, it wriggled in fright, flying further and further and speeding off into the distance rapidly like an escaped prisoner "What the f*ck!" Dong Qitian was tongue-tied as he continued to stare, his eyeballs almost falling out of their sockets. "How the hell can such a thing even happen? That bloody thing is a demonic creature! What the actual f*ck in the name of its holy grandmother" Yun Yang almost laughed. "I knew that you''ve had an erroneous judgment in me, elder. I''ve always been honest, upright, chivalrous and I possess a heart of gold. This exact thing has just vouched that my words are completely worth placing your faith in, to the point where even the heavens would help me out this is really evidence that the heavens had been watching us!" Dong Qitian continued to stare in shock for a bit, then finally dipped his head in dismay. "Sh*t, I''ve really been had." Yun Yang burst out into laughter. "Elder, don''t worry. How can I, Yun Yang, be a person who expects you to return the favor after helping you? Just trust me and have wholehearted faith in me and you''ll never be wrong. No matter who I''d like to scam, it definitely won''t be you!" Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Dong Qitian laughed querulously for a bit and lapsed into silence. You won''t scam me? Even my own conscience hurts when you say that. "What are you laughing about? Don''t look down on my newly-established sect. My majordomo has been seeking out talented individuals all these time, and you can feel free to select a few disciples from there as you please, elder That''s called the transfer of knowledge. In that case, a tradition of passing down overall knowledge shall be established in this realm. Isn''t it a wonderful thing? Dong Qitian had initially planned to stop talking to this slick fellow, but when he heard this shameless opinion of his, which was getting more and more outrageous by the second, he could no longer suppress the rage in his heart. He pursed his lips and said, "I guess with that, there''s simply no way for me to escape from being the Protector or an Elder of your Residence of Nine Supremes, and if not for that, I''d only have the option of dedicating myself to worshipping your sect, correct?" "I don''t even have to wishfully assume that it''s going to take just three years -- my entire life has already been sold to you, has it not?" He stretched out a finger and pressed it directly against Yun Yang''s forehead, causing Yun Yang to stagger momentarily. "Your intentions are thoroughly wicked, brat! An ordinary person only has one intestinal tract, but you have nine-hundred of them. Every single one of them twist and meander in an incredibly long-winded manner the perfect ingredients to make a dish of nine-twist intestines" (TL Note: Nine-twist intestines (ת) is a traditional Chinese dish made out of pork intestines) He rolled his eyes in resentment. "What about the other tasks?" "As for the others, there''s nothing much to it. At most, we might be troubled by a few experts sent by sects that own Celestial Luck Banners due to our new status. Just in case we are unable to face them on our own" Yun Yang chuckled apologetically. "With your unparalleled strength, elder, I''m sure you''ll be able to dismiss them using the amount of time from your break when you''re monitoring the other disciples" Dong Qitian was expressionless. "It seems that besides being a Protector and an instructor, I''m also a hired thug" "Don''t make it sound that bad!" Yun Yang cried. "With your participation in the Residence of Nine Supremes, elder, it is equivalent to having the Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod. You''re as valuable as a golden bridge that stands tall amidst the seas and a white jade pillar that props itself towards the skies. Your presence shall send tremors into the fray of the Bound of Universe!" (TL Note: Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod () is a powerful and versatile weapon used by the Monkey King in Journey to the West). "Alright, alright, I believe you..." Dong Qitian snorted from his nostrils. "... I believe that your words do not stem from a genuine heart." "These words are really true!" Dong Qitian snorted and bragged proudly, "With my presence, who would dare to look you directly in the eye? Not even the Sacred Heart Palace would dare to do so hmph!" 942 Heaven-Equaling Supreme Saint? "This is the Residence of Nine Supremes?" Yun Yang and Dong Qitian had finally stepped foot into where the said sect was housed, but just as he entered, Dong Qitian blew up once again. He had just been exclaiming in awe outside but he erupted in rage once he was inside. Everything inside the building was clear to him with a single probe of his divine senses. Not only was there not a single expert present, but there was also no disciples who were more appealing! What did he say about having a handful of talents? Here, there was only a colony of ants with ordinary cultivation base C they could not even be considered ants in his eyes! Did he have to be the chief trainer of these people? How could he even begin to train them? Was he supposed to babysit these people with the almighty cultivation base he had? Dong Qitian''s face was about to turn charcoal-black. Yun Yang spoke up indignantly, "Senior, what are you complaining about? I''ve told you that the Residence of Nine Supremes is only in its infancy. Everything is still in their foundation stages. The current situation is to be expected. I believe that when the Sacred Heart Palace was initially built, it also had to slowly develop from a tiny school that had nothing. As long as our genuine heart remains, our determination persists, it''s only a matter of time as we persevere" "As if I''ll believe you" Dong Qitian scoffed. As both of them walked towards the training ground in the center, Dong Qitian felt even more despondent as he watched the four to five hundred disciples who were practicing. There was really no talented one among so many of them! The most prodigious among them had only seven innately awakened chakras! ''It''s a waste of my life to ask me to train such disciples'' Little Fatty Qian Duoduo came like a rolling ball, ecstatic as he asked, "Boss, you''re back Who''s this big fellow? Little Fatty was only slightly taller than Dong Qitian''s belly button as he stood in front of him. He stretched his neck to look up at him, admiration clearly displayed on his face. "So f*cking tall" Swoosh! Little Fatty flew far, far away immediately. Dong Qitian who had just indiscriminately vented his fury retracted his hand and frowned, saying, "Your sect has quite the number of oddballs Who''s this fatty?" Yun Yang looked speechless as he answered, "He''s our majordomo I mentioned earlier" "This fella can actually" Dong Qitian looked equally speechless. Little Fatty soon returned, filled with wrathful indignation. "Big fellow! You" Dong Qitian smirked, a red lotus suddenly popping out from the top of his head, swaying vivaciously. Little Fatty fell to the ground and remained seated. His lips quivered as his entire form shook like grains on a sieve. "Saint Saint You''re Saint." Dong Qitian snorted, rolling his eyes and shrugging, but did not say anything. Yun Yang was amused. ''Say, you''re a master of a whole other level. Sure, you can show your cultivation base''s quirky reflection to scare a fatty of Honor level, but why are you so proud of it? Did you really have to do that?''Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "This majordomo of mine Everything you see in the Residence of Nine Supremes now, he created from scratch. To the Residence of Nine Supremes, his contributions can''t be drowned out, neither can he be replaced," Yun Yang said listing off Little Fatty''s meritorious deeds. When Dong Qitian turned back to look at the fatty again after his divine sense scanned everything within the Residence of Nine Supremes as his eyes wandered about, there was an additional sense of gravity in his gaze. As a martial world veteran, he could see that the fatty himself had drafted the skeleton and outline of an up and coming sect for the Residence of Nine Supremes. There was no need to make any additions to the sect''s basic facilities at least for the short time being. The decision-maker and higher authority were the ones who had to fill up the framework after this; there was a lot of space to be filled up, further marking the sect''s potential. It was incredibly well thought, the vision remarkably distinctive. If he had asked himself, Dong Qitian was aware that he might not have been able to construct the layout to this stage, even if he was given a year to do so. The fatty had a rare talent for masterful organizing. "Not bad!" Dong Qitian''s curt compliment cheered up Qian Duoduo immediately. His plump face blossomed into a beam as he replied, "Not at all, not at all C you''re too kind with your words" Dong Qitian looked around and continued saying with a sense of pity, "Your groundwork for the Residence of Nine Supremes is already hitting the nail on the head Looking at it now, you really are only lacking the guarding experts and your central forces" "Simply put, you are missing the upper-class experts, the middle-class management, disciples who can link the higher authority with the rest of the sect, and the lower class seedlings who have exceptional talent C these are probably all." "It''s too bad; it''s impossible for a sect to grow strong and far with these missing What''s laid before us is a plant without water C how can you go on?" Yun Yang smiled faintly and answered, "Senior Dong''s concerns are spot on, but they aren''t an issue to the Residence of Nine Supremes." Not an issue? Dong Qitian stared back at Yun Yang, thinking that the young man must have tooted his horn a bit too loudly. These were major issues to any sect, the most crucial ones amongst other main problems. Yet, they were ''not an issue'' to the leader of the Residence of Nine Supremes that had just been erected. Where did his confidence come from? "I shall anticipate it," said Dong Qitian, "However, these disciples you have here C I have no interest to become the chief trainer at all. I''d rather take heaven''s punishment than to train these people." "You''ll be very interested, I promise!" Yun Yang said assuredly. Dong Qitian went to rest in a house that Yun Yang arranged for him while Yun Yang called Little Fatty aside. "What were you so shocked about just now? Saint what? What Saint was it about?" Little Fatty was quivering but his gaze was glowing as he lowered his voice and said furtively, "The Supreme Saint He''s a Supreme Saint, boss. Where did you summon this divine presence from? It''s amazing!" "Supreme Saint" Yun Yang looked thoughtful. "Have you heard of the name Dong Qitian?" asked Yun Yang. "Dong Qitian? The Heaven-Equaling Supreme Saint?" Little Fatty was flabbergasted. "Heaven-Equaling Supreme Saint?" "He was a famous person a few thousand years ago" Little Fatty spoke shakily, "Dong Qitian was called Standing Parallel to Heaven (q tin also means parallel or equals to heaven) back in the day. He has also been unrivaled in the same class of Supreme Saint, thus people called him the Heaven-Equaling Supreme Saint" "Wow" Yun Yang thought that the name was rather impressive, laced with a sense of grandeur. " However, the martial world rumors has it that this man offended someone later on disappearing within a night and was no longer seen" Admiration colored Little Fatty''s eyes as he asked, "This this big fellow is he" He lowered his voice. "Is he the Heaven-Equaling Supreme Saint?" Yun Yang nodded slowly. "He should be." 943 Justice Must Not Come Cheap! Little Fatty squawked, just a step away from fainting. He trembled harder, his flabby flesh quivering as well. "This C uh He He''s my idol I C I" Yun Yang pondered. A Supreme Saint Master? The exhibition Dong Qitian showed was indeed one of Supreme Saint''s level, but Yun Yang had the feeling that he was not as simple as he looked. "Come with me." Yun Yang hauled Little Fatty, who was still dazed, to the Residence of Nine Supremes'' warehouse. Qian Duoduo was still in a trance, mumbling, "Oh my god Happiness came out of nowhere Oh, the Residence of Nine Supremes really has a limitless future Sob Boss, you''re simply marvelous!" "Shush," said Yun Yang, "I''m giving you another sum of money. Hurry up and recruit more talented individuals ." "Money?" Little Fatty shuddered once he heard the word, snapping back out of his trance and threw anything about his idol and Supreme Saint to the back of his head. His eyes glittered. "Where''s the money? How much?" Yun Yang did not reply, merely giving a wave of his hand. As the noise of things brushing against each other resounded, the warehouse was instantly filled to the brim with spiritual jade pieces. Lower class spiritual jade pieces took up more than ninety percent of the entire warehouse while the rest of the space was filled with a hundred thousand pieces of middle-class spiritual jade and tens of thousands of upper-class spiritual jade shards. "Wow" Money C Little Fatty had been agonizing over recent expenditures. The billions of lower-class spiritual jade pieces from the previous transaction were almost depleted. He was developing a headache trying to figure out how he could carry out his plan. Now that he saw a full warehouse of wealth, he was tongue-tied from how happy he felt. Instinctively, Little Fatty touched the spiritual jade pieces lying around him, tears slowly forming in his eyes. "This is awesome! It''s money My favorite thing The love of my life" Yun Yang turned to face away, unable to watch Qian Duoduo''s avaricious behavior. "Snap out of it. Go buy some men." "Buy men? What men?" Little Fatty was confused. "With our current reputation, our chances are slim if we wait for people to join us," said Yun Yang, "If they don''t come to me, I shall go to them. Go and look for those people-smugglers." Little Fatty''s eyes shone. "Good idea!" "You don''t have to penny-pinch, money''s not an issue," said Yun Yang, "Obtain good seedlings from them at a high price, the more the better." "Yes." There were mainly two types of people-smugglers that they had mentioned. One was pure human traffickers, specialized in trafficking children to exploit them to steal or rob, or to sell them to begging groups or brothels, or to be groomed into brings with good spiritual physiques and sold for bigger profits when they grew up. The other type of people-smugglers were those that specialized in collecting young disciples for sects and schools, supplying these children for selection by various Celestial Luck Banner sects, and earning a massive sum from their exploits. Whichever type it was, it was essentially a transaction completely devoid of conscience. As for the people-smugglers Yun Yang had mentioned, they included both types of traffickers. He wanted his goal achieved, regardless of the tactics employed. "Don''t be miserly in spending, but do have a limit. Build up a connection with these people-smugglers and buy men from them, paying attention to separate them according to their standards. Recruit those who are gifted to our sect, while for those less talented, let them leave with a sum of silver taels. If they''re not gifted in cultivation base but are bright and possess a good nature, you can hire them for chores in the sect. Understood?" "Yes." "The more people you buy, the better. Disregard the cost, understood?" "Yes." "Remember to keep in touch with the people-smugglers you''ve dealt with. Better if you contact them more often and it would be best if you maintain a long-term relationship."Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "Understood." "After you have the cooperation channels, take the commission under the Residence of Nine Supremes'' name on missions that target the people-smugglers - you may take their lives as payment" A flash of a thirst for blood gleamed across Yun Yang''s eyes. "Ninety-nine percent of the children who are already in the business are destined to be homeless, no more families waiting for them. Even if there are, it''d be difficult to find Whether it''s for our personal motives or those of the sect, we''re elevating our capabilities and forces at the same time while we spend money to save them." "But striking transactions with them does not, at all, mean that we agree to what those people are doing. It''s more crucial to eliminate these conscienceless fellows one after another! Tragedies of breaking families apart just for children trafficking should be lessened as much as possible from now on." Little Fatty was confused, asking, "Then we can kill them directly after contacting them. Why make the extra effort to take assignments?" Yun Yang looked like he was stating the obvious when he answered, "If we do it this way, you''ll find, at most, a few groups. Those men have always been on their guard, staying far, far away once they sense that something''s wrong. You''ll hardly find most of them again. Instead, we leverage on our wealthy image and let them look for us themselves. We can reach a bigger crowd this way." "Secondly, our main aim is to kill these people. However, if we could receive an additional sum of reward, it''s a windfall too." Yun Yang took in a deep breath and said, "Fatty, we don''t call ourselves philanthropists but we still hope to fight for justice, for this human realm, in wishing that the mass in this world has peace Like what you said, we should still do this even if there''s no benefit involved." "However, you must remember one thing, always." "What is it?" Yun Yang looked up into the sky, speaking softly, "Justice must never come cheap!" "Justice must never come cheap?" Little Fatty was puzzled, asking, "Why? Shouldn''t justice exist in everyone''s heart? So that when everyone holds justice within them, they''ll eradicate these animals on their own initiative?" "The human heart has always been complicated. Once justice can be obtained without any price, it won''t be appreciated. Once it''s not being cherished, justice and sympathy will be exploited by those with ulterior motives C twisted, deviated, kidnapped C causing the fall of moral and justice." "It looks like, now, collecting payment to eliminate evil is going against our initial wishes. However, going forward like this makes sure that the hope stays alive. Otherwise, if justice in this world can be achieved without any price, then we won''t be far away from days when justice is being twisted and used When that time comes, this realm will be truly without justice, without sympathy, without heroes!" "When a price is paid, people will sing praises of the heroes. No one will say that you''re sinning because you accept a payment." "However, if there isn''t a price tag" Yun Yang smiled mockingly, "Justice will die of starvation." Qian Duoduo replied quite dazedly, "I know where you''re coming from but I still think that it''s too extreme to do this." "Maybe. Still, being extreme is always better than a downfall." Yun Yang kept quiet for a beat and said, "It''s for the sect''s development now. Take it as doing something extra for it. Don''t draw the line of whether accepting the rewarding payment is an act of justice C and you won''t have to consider it as extreme or not." He looked at Little Fatty and continued. "One day, when you think our sect has grown strong to a certain stage and we can use our sect''s power to realize world peace. You can use the power in your hands to lift the price tag off of justice and sympathy." Little Fatty nodded seriously and said, "If there really comes a time like that, I''ll do my all for it." Yun Yang patted his shoulders, giving a smile without saying anything. The smile, however, was mocking. In the house where Dong Qitian rested, there was suddenly a quiet sigh. 944 Brothers, Bundled Up To Hell Little Fatty packed up the spiritual jade the fastest he could and organized the many treasured books that Yun Yang had brought back into the martial warehouse. Then, he took two people with him and hurried down the mountain. Dong Qitian''s gaze was thoughtful as he watched Little Fatty leave, full of ambition, mumbling to himself, ''Justice must not come cheap? Justice must not come cheap?'' He suddenly heaved a long sigh, "Ah, the human heart" On the next day, early in the morning, Yun Yang was meditating and cultivating to stabilize his cultivation base that had just touched the Saint level when the mountain guarding formation was triggered. Shi Wuchen was the first to come back, followed by two middle-aged men. Both of the latter was tall, clad in black; their gazes were piercing, exuding an aloof and unapproachable aura. They were similarly lean and sculpted, equally cold and distant. If it were not for their completely different faces, people would have thought that they were twins. "Boss, this is Serene Soul of Nine Springs, Kong Luoyue, and this is Young Master of Dark Fog, Shi Bujia." The two men who had returned alongside Shi Wuchen were members of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten! As Yun Yang''s sight shifted to them, both of them wrapped their palms in their fists and chanted in unison, " Would this be Lord Supreme Cloud?" Yun Yang returned the gestured with a self-deprecating reply, "I am Yun Yang. The both of you" "We''d be delighted to join the Residence of Nine Supremes. May we ask which Supreme we will be titled as?" both men asked simultaneously. How direct! Yun Yang had not even given his welcoming speech yet. Rolling his eyes, Yun Yang answered, "It''ll depend on each person''s capability to decide who will take on the mantle of which Supreme The Residence of Nine Supremes has only two Supremes currently, that is Shi Wuchen as Supreme Sword, and myself. The rest are still undecided." "That''s not an issue. We''ll fight based on our capabilities. That would be fair. The both of us still have one request C we hope that Supreme Cloud will agree to it," said Shi Bujia. "Do speak," Yun Yang replied. "You''re the creator of the Residence of Nine Supremes. It''s only right that you are one of the main Supremes. However, what contribution or merit did Shi Wuchen make that he dares take the place of the second Supreme? We ask for you, the chief Supreme, to cancel Shi Wuchen''s title as the Supreme Sword and for us to contest for it. I believe that this is the unanimous opinion of all the Residence of Nine Supremes'' members!" "Agreed! Happily so!" Kong Luoyue voiced out with a straight face. Shi Wuchen was enraged. "F*ck all of you! I''ve traveled thousands of miles without a single word of complaint despite the effort and invited the two of you with brimming sincerity, yet you burn the bridge after crossing it and shoot arrows right into my back!" "Hmph" "Hmph" "We didn''t release the arrows behind your back C we did it right in front of you!" The two of them certainly resembled a pair of twins as they crossed their arms, giving a mocking glance as they tipped their chins, rolled their eyes, smirked and snorted at the same time. "Alright, alright. I''m always democratic and ready to listen to everyone''s opinion. When everyone is here after a month, we shall commence the first ranking meet of the Residence of Nine Supremes to see who takes the Supreme titles." Yun Yang laughed and continued by saying, "Train hard for the following month, brothers! I''ve also prepared a chief instructor for everyone. He has high expectations, temporarily not having any disciple whom he could regard highly enough to train yet. Instead of everyone not doing anything, work together. You fellows will have to tough it out." All three men scoffed at the same time, snickering, "Who is it who actually dares to become our chief trainer? Sure, we''ll train, but it''s hard to say who will be training who" "Heh, heh, heh" "Chief trainer, heh, heh" The three men were resolute, convinced that they were going to strong-arm their instructor when there was an opportunity to do so. ''Become our chief trainer? Does that not mean his position is above us? Just this title alone is already asking to be beaten up!'' ''Ridiculous!'' Yun Yang coughed and replied, "Time will tell regarding the training, but whoever among you follows who can beat the chief instructor will naturally replace him. Elites will be prioritized in the Residence of Nine Supremes; there''s no intervention to your training exchanges." The trio rubbed their palms together with glimmering gazes, coveting the title of being the main instructor. In the small yard, Kong Luoyue fondly caressed the Celestial Amethyst that belonged to him. Despite his effort to maintain his cool image, the corners of his lips were lifted. His joy simply could not be contained. Shi Bujia, too, was beaming while he stroked the crystal. Shi Wuchen rolled his eyes in irritation.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "Look at the two of you behaving as if you''ve never seen what this world could offer You''re really embarrassing the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, do you know that?" Kong Luoyue sneered and replied with a roll of his eyes as well, "How do I not know about the Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s other title? Are we not embarrassed enough, being beaten by others daily like a dog?" Shi Bujia chuckled dryly and added, "The Demiurge-Flawed Ten is a humiliating name as of now. It''s amusing that you, Shi Wuchen, are still proud of it. You''re really the odd one, befitting the name of Supreme Despicable!" "Can we not argue? Imagine our days after entering the Residence of Nine Supremes C do we have any particular plans for the future?" Shi Wuchen asked with a sigh. Shi Bujia took in a deep breath and answered, "The Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s fate as the whetstone has been going on for years. I''ve had enough of it. It''s just that I never had a choice and still have too many concerns, not daring to simply risk my life. Now that a sect is willing to take us in, we must make full use of this, even if it costs us our lives. I won''t regret it, even if I have to die nine times." "That being said, if the Residence of Nine Supremes could prosper, I hope to find the sects that once took us as whetstones and settle the account with them one by one C I will not a single one of them get away!" Kong Luoyue announced with a murderous glare. Shi Wuchen asked Shi Bujia, "Kong Luoyue has moved his family over. What about you?" There was a grimace on Shi Bujia''s face. "I have less fuss than Kong Luoyue. Just last month, she joined the Saint Saber Sect And I''ve become the Saint Saber Sect''s new whetstone since last month" He chuckled self-depreciatingly, "I have no worries or concerns now. What else is there about me?" Shi Wuchen could not help going silent, only speaking up after some time, "She''ll regret it one day." Despondently, Shi Bujia chortled and exclaimed, "I have nothing to ask for anymore, except to have no more regrets for the rest of my life and live and die according to my wishes!" When Dong Qitian woke up from his meditation and probed the vicinity with his deific consciousness, he saw that Yun Yang was already seated in his yard, enjoying a drink by himself. "Speak. What is it? There must be a reason for you to come to me so fast!" "Ah, nothing so serious The first batch of fellows who need special training is here. There are as many as three of them in this batch," Yun Yang said with a smile, "You''re free anyway, do you want to try your hand out first? Take a look at the trainees I''ve picked for you?" Dong Qitian rolled his eyes as he answered, "The first batch is here? Doesn''t matter. As long as they can take the training, I don''t mind. This first round of training C does it include you, child?" Yun Yang nodded and agreed to it easily, "It''ll be four people, including me." "Numbers don''t matter either. Any specific requests regarding the training? Is there anything in particular that you want to achieve?" "Capability!" "Nothing else matters?" "Yes, exactly." "Good C that''s great." When Yun Yang spoke, what he thought was that Residence of Nine Supremes'' overall capacity would definitely increase considerably in a short time under the supervision of such a masterly expert. At the very least, no one would go astray. In spite of this, Yun Yang did not really know Dong Qitian. He had no idea what type of person Dong Qitian was, nor did he manage to read between the lines of what Dong Qitian had said just now! As a consequence, he had bundled himself up with Shi Wuchen and the rest into helI with just a few words! 945 A Blackguard! Dong Qitian looked first at Yun Yang then at Shi Wuchen, Shi Bujia, and Kong Luoyue. He was exceptionally aware of the savagery that was pouring from the latter. He clicked his tongue and grinned, saying, "Not bad. You children have decent physiques, all right. Yun has the best foundation but the three of you are fine as well, all certainly above average. In this case, it''s worth my time and effort to be the chief instructor." The corners of Shi Wuchen and the other two men''s lips were tugged upwards in an insincere smile that turned into a sneer as they crossed their arms after hearing what he had said. " More words just won''t do if you want to be our chief instructor. You''ve got to be capable to train us. Boasting is worth nothing, that''s what empty tins do." Dong Qitian was first taken aback before he smiled meaningfully and replied with mild interest, " It Iooks like I must impress all of you before I officially start the training. Come at once, all four of you. I shall let you find out your chief trainer''s level, where high as heaven is, I am there!" Yun Yang shook his head like a rattle drum. "No, no, no, I don''t need such knowledge. I''ve long been impressed by you, wholly so." Yun Yang was not stupid. He would never jump into such a deep pit. Dong Qitian was at least the level of a Supreme Saint based on what he had shown and what was he? A newly ascended Saint! The difference between them was more than heaven and earth Dong Qitian''s exhalation could probably blow him away Why would he create more trouble for himself? If he had gone for it, he would be digging his own grave, inflicting pain upon himself C it was not what a wise man would do! Shi Wuchen cast doubtful eyes at Yun Yang. Based on his understanding of Yun Yang, he instinctively felt that something was not right. Yun Yang spoke seriously, "Senior Dong, these three men are three of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' founders. Their cultivation base isn''t ordinary at all. While you''re a senior, I would still advise you to watch out." Dong Qitian nodded in equal seriousness. "I know. I haven''t met experts for a long time. I''ll treat this seriously, very seriously." The trio guffawed when they heard him, one laughing, one bellowing, and one more smirking. They asked with barely contained bravado "Are you sure you want to go one against three?" Dong Qitian blinked, answering, "A chief instructor should behave like one" "Let''s go!" Shi Wuchen unsheathed his sword with squinted eyes. "Chief trainer, my sincerest apologies!" The sword light was threatening, Shi Wuchen''s build was tall and lofty, while his gaze was at least as sharp as his sword. Shi Bujia held a long whip in his grip, his weapon gleaming in gold. He took a few steps back slowly, smiling with his arms on his back. "Careful, chief coach." Two strange-looking weapons the shape of cones glinted icily in Kong Luoyue''s hands as he smiled and said, "Chief instructor, my weapon is a peculiar one. Do watch out" "Certainly," Dong Qitian replied, nodding calmly. With a piercing cry, the trio launched their attack in unison, besieging Dong Qitian from three directions. The latter looked collected as he made no move to avoid the onslaught, quietly waiting for the three-pronged attack to reach him. Then, there was a loud boom as he unleashed a counter-attack. Clang! As Shi Wuchen felt a powerful force hitting his sword, he actually lost his grip on his weapon. The smug look was still on his face when he flew like he was riding on clouds. As he drifted through the air, he coincidentally saw a whip in Dong Qitian''s grasp. That was Shi Bujia''s weapon. As for said man, he was just slightly behind him, soaring in the same direction he himself was flying in, with probably a few millimeters'' difference in distance. Watching in disbelief, Shi Wuchen continued to witness as Dong Qitian threw the whip on the ground like it was a dead snake, but his hand was yet to be empty. The latter''s gaze was still flickering coldly as Kong Luoyue''s ''peculiar weapon'' that he had introduced earlier appeared in his hand. Kong Luoyue himself followed after Shi Wuchen and Shi Bujia, flying closely behind them. The trio who had been flung away and were still flying managed to exchange looks, seeing the mirrored shock and disbelief that was reflected on each other''s face. They dared not believe it! Indeed, other than being shocked and in disbelief, they dared not believe it. It seemed like What had happened? Why had they suddenly How could something like this possibly happen in real life? It was absurd C there was no way this could be taking place! Right then, Dong Qitian transformed into a devil with thousands of arms and legs as he gave chase and launched a series of violent blows, with each battering raining down on the trio like a storm. "Are you impressed now C are you impressed now C are you" Thwack, thwack, thwackFind authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. The rapping sound of each strike meeting flesh was continuous and intimidating. The trio stayed hovering in the air for nearly an hour, unable to land, while Dong Qitian walloped them for the same period of time like he was practicing on a punching bag. Forget counterattacking or trying to avoid the blows, the trio did not even have time to fall with gravity and could only take the punishment that was being meted out. Time! Dong Qitian flickered like a ghost, already returning to the ground quietly. He proudly stood with arms behind his back, saying coldly, "From tonight onwards, anyone who dares slack off will be punished ten to hundred times, based on today''s penalty. You''re welcome to try!" Before his words echoed, he was long gone. After a moment, there were three thuds resounding from the trio''s fall back to earth. The men were unable to pick themselves up for some time. Laughter almost tore through Yun Yang''s throat when he scrutinized them, after his initial uncertain assessment. All three men looked like they had expanded more than double their original size. Initially, they were three lean and sculpted middle-aged men who had an elegant flair; their nobility was entirely gone now. Yun Yang only felt that there were three of Qian Duoduo''s brothers in front of him! The three of them could no longer be described as sporting a bruised lip and broken nose. They were bruised and swollen all over, yet it was funny and easy on the eyes because the swelling was unusually balanced across each part of their body! It was like a fermenting bun that was slowly expanding outwards. The three men who were thoroughly beaten had no tears to cry as they laid sprawled on the ground, staring back at Yun Yang with bleary eyes. "Boss you''ve dug such a big hole You could''ve told us earlier that the chief trainer is so skilled You should''ve told us earlier" Shi Wuchen looked utterly resentful, but Yun Yang remained oblivious to it as a certain someone did look completely different from usual. It would be strange if he could see the resentment from his expression. The trio knew now, no matter how stupid they were, that this was Yun Yang''s trickery C a huge pit. He knew the level of this chief instructor but he had cunningly said nothing and even goaded the three of them into challenging him Looking back at their flesh that was almost transparent from being swollen, it felt as if their scalp was swollen too The trio had no tears despite wanting very much to sob bitterly. How could there be such a blackguard in this world? Where was the so-called good faith of this human realm? Worse, this blackguard was their superior 946 This Is Only A Test! It was early in the morning, well before the break of dawn, when four people were hauled up and medicinal pills pushed into their mouths. Then, their divine senses, dantian, and six sensory senses were sealed under Dong Qitian''s orders before all four of them were told to jog in circles, carrying three hundred catties of weight. The feeling was a first for everyone, Yun Yang included. Shutting off the six senses, deific consciousness and dantian meant that they could not see, smell, and hear. All their senses were lost It was an unusual experience. The four of them ran until they were nearly out of breath before Dong Qitian stopped the morning exercise. It was only a brief pause before tied protective gear weighing hundreds of catties on their arms and calves. They then began training bare-handed punch forms, swordsmanship, saber skill, stances, and techniques Each jab and each kick had to utilize one''s full-body strength to ensure its accuracy and completeness. As for their break, it was simple C a short break could be achieved when they passed out from training. Yes, the break was short because Dong Qitian would wake whoever fainted up and give him no more than a quarter of an hour''s rest before they were to continue! Yun Yang no longer cared how many times the rest of his companions had fainted from training. He only knew that he kept training, kept practicing and he seemed to have passed out seven or eight times by now. After two more times of passing out his dantian twitched. Dong Qitian unsealed his dantian but his six senses remained blocked. "Begin cultivating now. Cultivate your mystical Qi cultivation method fully through your body and churn your mystical Qi at the highest speed you possibly can!" "Allow your dantian to reach an expanded state the fastest you can. Then, with your all might, attack. Release the entirety of your mystical Qi in one go!" "Your mystical Qi and dantian must be thoroughly depleted after your attack is unleashed." Right in front of the four men, where they could not see, stood Dong Qitian himself. He was the sole target of the four attacks. Dong Qitian deflected each strike effortlessly and evaluated the men''s capability in his mind respectively. There were compliments and critics, both direct and to the point, but the outcome still surprised him. Based on Dong Qitian''s cultivation base, Yun Yang and the other three men''s standard were plain for him to see. He was able to examine their level accurately and their performance was similar to his initial evaluation and expectations. Among the quartet, Yun Yang was still the weakest in mystical Qi cultivation base, despite having also reached the Saint level. This was expected of him but as the high intensity training went on for the first day, Yun Yang had only fainted thrice when the other three men had already passed out ten times and began recovering their mystical Qi. Additionally, when they had to unleash as much as they could of their mystical Qi, the mystical Qi in Yun Yang''s dantian was depleted the most thoroughly among the group, upon completing the attack. It was undeniable that Yun Yang was the most successful among them and far ahead of his peers, judging by the cultivation strength and result. ''So, this is the legendary vacant spiritual physique that no one''s seen before. How extraordinary!'' Dong Qitian praised inwardly, ''Shi Wuchen and the other two aren''t just averagely talented; all three of them could already be considered as exceptionally gifted. Still, Yun Yang''s prodigy was at least three times more resilient than theirs C and it''s only mere physical strength. The outcome will definitely be more shocking if the overall evaluation of deific consciousness, mystical Qi and others are taken into account as well'' ''Speaking of which, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten are interesting. The Demiurge-Flawed and Earth-Bereaved forces that flow in these three people most probably have more than just that. However, such force is too extreme The power that they release is nearly at the pinnacle of standards in every realm'' ''It''s no wonder that their sects used them as whetstones. The level of their strength truly enables them to be a perfect whetstone.'' '' Nonetheless, I know this because my cultivation base is far above theirs. I can comprehensively read the core level of their cultivation method and this can hardly be done if not by an extensively experienced master C especially lower level schools, it''s impossible for them to reach such class. How did they determine these ten pieces of whetstone back then?'' ''There must be things I don''t know still C how interesting!'' ''Perhaps there were incidents I have no idea of throughout the thousands of years I was imprisoned'' ''All four of them are pure gold C unrefined jade. Perfect to be developed.'' From feeling disdain in the beginning, Dong Qitian grew even more fascinated towards his task as the chief instructor now. He was even a little impatient to see what heights these young men would soar to after he trained them with such brutal methods. Dong Qitian was very curious about this! Simultaneously, he also wondered how long the quad could endure his ruthless training because there was no comparison. No one knew who there was besides them and no one knew if the others were persevering still. When all six senses were sealed, one was like a zombie! ''Back when my master tested me with this method, I''ve only toughened up for three days! Then I needed a period of recovery time before I continued'' ''After so many years of roaming the martial world, what I regret the most is nothing but persevering too short a time back then that I couldn''t achieve the amazing accomplishments my master did'' ''I wonder how long these young boys can take it. If they could last more than three days, their future will at least be parallel to mine'' The first day passed amidst the endless drillS and under Dong Qitian''s anticipating gaze. When dawn came on the second day, the training resumed. There was neither rest nor sleep. It was an endless cycle of drilling, depleting one''s physical strength and passing out. Repeating it until the tenth time, they would recover their mystical Qi and cultivate to replenish it the quickest they could. Then, they would empty it by pushing their limits and cultivation method to attack wholeheartedly. The dantian would once more be sealed and the cycle continued Three days had passed! The four men who had gone through the three days of hellish cultivation did not look too much like themselves anymore in Dong Qitian''s eyes, but none of them had given up. All four of them were still immersed in the repetition The fourth day came and went away It was now the fifth day! Dong Qitian looked increasingly shocked. There seemed to be a sense of brute resilience that flowed within these four men C a stubbornness that could take training to their deaths and perseverance that pushed them to hard work and persistence for nothing but capability. Just as the sixth day began, Kong Luoyue was the first to succumb after around two hours. Mist of blood sprayed from his body as he collapsed on the ground; even the spasms that ran through him looked weak.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Dong Qitian was well prepared, immediately sprinting forward to recover Kong Luoyue''s senses and heal him. He looked indifferent, but he was inwardly overwhelmed. This was the weakest one among the quad, but he had already persevered for twice the amount of time compared to his record back then! 947 Transcendence Dong Qitian was incredibly puzzled. These young men were prodigious. How blind must these Celestial Luck Banner sects be to take such budding masters as their whetstones and force them to join the opposition? There must be a reason behind this. Dong Qitian''s doubts were not baseless. Even if there were one of two sects that were blind, it was impossible for all the schools that possessed the Celestial Luck Banner to be similarly unperceptive and unappreciative of these raw jades. Moreover, all the Demiurge-Flawed Ten shared similar fates C there must be more to it than met the eye! When noon came around, Shi Wuchen proudly became the second person to surrender to unconsciousness. The day had gone dark as Dong Qitian waited and it finally saw Shi Bujia''s silent fall. He had held out the longest among the elder trio and sustained the severest injuries as well, blood seeping out of his scalp. If Dong Qitian had not saved him in time, his life would be at risk with any further delay that took place ''This fellow is a tough one too C truly harsh upon himself!'' Dong Qitian commented in a low mumble, ''One can only be more cruel to the enemy when he''s cruel to himself. These three are all savages!'' The trio''s injuries were carefully treated by Dong Qitian before he recovered their six senses, but they still had their dantian and mystical Qi sealed to prevent them from having the opportunity to automatically cultivate and heal themselves. They were put aside and left in a deep slumber, their recoveries reliant upon their own body''s most primal instincts. When all three of them woke up, they were told to eat something and sit quietly at the side, disallowed to make any noise nor move; they were not allowed to cultivate either. Then, Dong Qitian shifted all his attention to Yun Yang. He remembered that his master had said that he himself had persevered for seven days in this stage. This phase did not look like it was the hardest, but when it was carried out, especially when one was in it, it felt like being in hell training for a century in less than three days. According to what Dong Qitian knew, his master had the longest period of endurance among the past generations in their sect and his master''s achievement was the highest among all as well! Yun Yang had plowed on for close to seven days now. Not long ago, Shi Wuchen and friends had slowly regained their clarity. Upon reacquainting themselves with their own state, all of them quietly looked towards Yun Yang, who was still plodding away, shock flooding over them. It was because they had gone through the exact same training that they knew how horrible and inhumane the situation was. Each minute and each second felt like the most agonizing torture. Yun Yang had started with them, yet he was still hammering away C he could still go on! The trio felt an additional sense of reverence for him, especially Shi Bujia and Kong Luoyue, who were completely floored. They did not need more; this test alone was enough for them to call him ''boss'' wholeheartedly. Seven days passed. Dong Qitian''s eyes were glowing as he watched Yun Yang who was still holding out, but he dared not let his guard down. The person undergoing such a drill was not supported by his mystical Qi or divine senses. Everything he went through was endured by his physical body. It was unavoidable that a substantial amount of damage would be incurred. In the past, seven days was the limit of this method. Yun Yang had reached the maximum now, so while Dong Qitian commended Yun Yang, he was wary that a momentous lapse in his virgil could cause Yun Yang''s instant death C that would be one unjustified death indeed! When the eighth day came, Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun returned respectively with company. Lan Ruojun came back with two people while Ren Qingkuang came back with one. Including Shi Wuchen and friends, there was a total of eight people who were gathered here at Yun Yang''s yard, seated on the peak. All of them observed the activity without making a sound and as they continued watching, their gazes were filled with astonishment.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. It was a tour of hell! Lan Ruojun and group looked at Yun Yang who was going through hell and the trio of Shi Wuchen who had just gone through it in shock, amazement, and surprise running through them. "You''ve seen it now. Join in." Dong Qitian was not in the mood to say much. Preparing the five people, he started their training right away alongside Yun Yang. When Lan Ruojun and friends joined in, Dong Qitian released the seal he had on the other three men so they could cultivate with full concentration and improve their cultivation base. By the time the trio awakened from their deep cultivation state in the afternoon of the ninth day, they were all bewildered. There was as much as half a class of impro rest in their mystical Qi cultivation base as they cultivated this time. This was half a class of Saint level cultivation base being mentioned here! However, this was still a secondary concern. What truly mattered to them was the enlightenment after their cultivation efforts. It was unprecedentedly profound. Their meridian endurance and divine sense vicinity, too, had an amazing elevation almost as if they had gone through a reincarnation. "This is another form of reincarnation," Dong Qitian explained faintly as he looked at the people who were still in training hell. The trio knew that it was not time to ask further, their attention focused on Yun Yang. They could not help but think how many days more Yun Yang, who was still grinding away, could carry on. In fact, this was a burning question for everyone. Lan Ruojun and the others had persisted for six days and more, never quite reaching the seventh day, before they surrendered one after another, becoming quite an audience after their recovery. It was due to this fact that the eight friends were further impressed and amazed by Yun Yang who was still pushing on. Adding the days that had passed, he had kept at it for half a month now! ''Why is he the boss? This is his qualification! Not convinced? You try it and see!'' This was a thought that rose instinctively within Shi Wuchen and friends. Those who had come later who initially still felt unconvinced had all given in now, without a second thought. This was his capability! Solid, unpretentious, capability! No one could doubt it. The persistence stood firm until the eighteenth day Yun Yang collapsed without a sound or a foretelling warning. Dong Qitian sprinted to him like a dash of lightning, shaking with bloodshot eyes. He pushed a medicinal pill into Yun Yang''s mouth immediately and unlocked his six senses'' restriction, making sure that there was still a pulse beating in Yun Yang. Looking at the young man who was deeply unconscious, Dong Qitian''s eyes shone like he had found a rare treasure. "This boss of yours, I can predict that" Dong Qitian''s voice was trembling as he uttered word by word, "He''ll definitely weave a new page in the Bound of Universe''s history!" There was unwavering affirmation in Dong Qitian''s tone. He should not have given such high accolades, he should even be commenting about it distantly lest Yun Yang and his following grew arrogant, but he simply could not hold it in. 948 The Art of Ultimate Heaven When Yun Yang returned to the light from extreme darkness, it was like the break of day had shone through the world, a rekindling of hope. His remaining reasoning resurfaced quickly and as he came to his senses, the pain was all he felt as if his whole being had been torn into hundreds of thousands of pieces. Furthermore, why was he exceptionally lucid towards each kind of pain emanating from each part of his body? The realization evoked an involuntary moan of agony from Yun Yang. Why had his sense of pain seem to have gotten stronger? Then, he swiftly realized that not only had his sense of pain sharpened, but all his senses had also become more sensitive too! Eyes shut without using his deific consciousness, Yun Yang could still feel how many people there were around him, whether they were men or women, even down to their scents, their postures, their expressions, their strength Everything that he currently felt was clearer than when his eyes were opened. The moment Yun Yang reached out to his divine sense and confirmed his senses, he was delighted to discover that his current divine sense seemed to have been rebirthed; like it had a life of its own, it could extend freely within a certain distance His deific consciousness space seemed to have at least doubled as well C he seemed to be able to hear and smell better tooFind authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. As his train of thoughts carried him there, Yun Yang immediately caught a whiff of a revolting stench that smelled sour and acrid at the same time C there was also ''F*ck, is this coming from me?'' He opened his eyes. A glance was enough to let him know that he could see a lot better as well Distracted by another thought, Yun Yang attempted to cultivate the mystical Qi in his dantian. It was only a sprouting thought, a slight movement at most, but he promptly felt a gush of mystical Qi within him that rapidly reached each part of his body, prepared for anything whether he was planning to attack, defend, heal or deliver. It was easy and utterly malleable to his wishes. Whatever he thought of, it was done. There was no buffer in between! It also appeared that his physical body''s reflexes had been strengthened as well. Had it grown twice as fast, or more? Then, Yun Yang was surprised again to realize that there were two more chakras that had been awakened within him. Right now, he had ''Holy sh*t, I have about twenty awakened chakras now'' Yun Yang pondered with a sense of amusement, ''One is an absolute prodigy with nine innately awakened chakras previously What is the standard now?'' After another moment of observation, Yun Yang noticed that his mystical Qi cultivation base had skyrocketed as well, after this drill. He had only broken through the first class of Saint-level not too long ago, but he was almost at Saint pinnacle now! How many days had it been? How long had it been since he started training? Yun Yang was detached from the current moment, not having a single idea since his six senses and divine sense were all sealed during the training. He was completely clueless regarding the passage of time. Towards the end, what drove Yun Yang on was the droplet of clarity that was his refusal to give up. He was oblivious to everything else. Yun Yang was surprised at the changes within himself. Other than the leap in his cultivation base and astonishment that racked him, he was also aware of several gazes trained on him. They were Shi Wuchen and friends, all eight of them focusing their sights on him. Their gazes looked as if they were staring at a deity, brimming with respect and admiration. Among them, there were three men who were strangers Three men who had never seen him C how could they admire him and even respect him? Nevertheless, Yun Yang could discern that these three men C no, all eight men''s reverence to him came from the bottom of their hearts, sincere and genuine. This confused him further. When they saw him finally awakened from the hellish drill and recuperation state, all eight men called out in unison, "Boss!" Scratching his head, Yun Yang looked stumped. They had just trained once together; why did everyone willingly acknowledge him as the boss? Did it not sound a little too much like child''s play? The Demiurge-Flawed Ten were not average men. Possessing the titles and reputations they had today, they must have met too many unfair encounters. Each and every one of them had to be resilient, prideful individuals. It was like a joke to see them submit so easily! Yun Yang had even come up with a number of methods to assert his dominance for the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. One of these included his countermeasure if all eight of them were to gang up to isolate and deplete his energy, branching off into even more extreme strategies Now, it looked like he did not need them anymore. Not only was there no need for him to use an extreme measure, but he also did not even have to resort to the most basic approach of gentleness and winning their hearts. Although Yun Yang had always regarded himself highly, never one to demean himself simply, his confidence had yet to reach the level of enabling newcomers to bow to him once they met, especially when these handful still looked untamed. Yet, when they looked at him, the genuine reverence, specifically the awe and the self-depreciation, were exceptionally apparent. Despite that, what perplexed Yun Yang the most was that all eight men were much stronger than him if they had looked only at mystical Qi While he had a huge improvement after this hell of a drill, the men in front of him had similarly become better. Why were they admiring him then? He must say, however, that being admired felt great! "You all did quite well!" Dong Qitian praised faintly. He had worked very, very hard to suppress his emotions, calming down his ecstasy. This was the outcome of a strenuous attempt to control his speech''s speed in an effort to maintain his distant and indifferent attitude. In spite of it, what he involuntarily said had still exposed his honest thoughts. Dong Qitian had only wanted to say "You all were somewhat mediocre." but he felt that he could not let these words slip past his lips. Given his status, he truly did not want to go against his conscience and utter absurdities. All nine men looked up at Dong Qitian, waiting for his explanation. They were not stupid, they knew that Dong Qitian must have had his reasons in using this approach, and they did reap incredible benefits from the brutality. Guo Nuanyang, who had the highest cultivation base among all, had officially stepped into second-level Saint through this hellish drill after being stuck at first level Saint pinnacle for two years. All of them would never believe it if Dong Qitian''s method held no deeper meaning. "What I did to all of you is called the Art of Ultimate Heaven. It''s an arcane method of my sect, only executed during the selection of internal disciples. Those who went through this art would have to best opportunity to display their talent, resilience, endurance and potential! This is because when all the senses are sealed, what''s left to fuel the perseverance is only your true self." 949 Restrictions That Did Not Matter Dong Qitian continued to explain in a matter-of-fact tone, "One''s true self usually hides feebleness, cowardice, and even compromising meekness. Such human flaws will definitely surface when one''s in the Art of Ultimate Heaven, presenting itself in the most extreme manner." "Due to this reason, my sect has used this approach to test its disciples. There has never been a mistake For hundreds of thousands of years, the central forces of my school also possess the most outstanding cultivation base among their peers in the whole of Bound of Universe, without a doubt." "If it weren''t for a catastrophe that destroyed the sect''s building foundation and all the sects in Bound of Universe launching simultaneous attacks, taking advantage of our crisis, our sect would''ve already" Dong Qitian''s gaze was distant as he spoke quietly, "I was born late, fortunate enough that I never had to encounter that disaster It was fortunate for me, but also one of my deepest regrets." "Since then, our disciples have scattered, our sect no longer glorious like it used to be. However, those who survived, each and every disciple are proud to be a member of the sect, determinedly so." Lan Ruojun mused and asked respectfully, "The sect senior mentioned something was it the Ultimate Heaven Sect that overwhelmed the entire Bound of Universe and almost replaced the Eastern Celestial Court thirty thousand years ago?" "Yes," Dong Qitian answered faintly. Bafflement was splayed across the eight men''s faces. Although they had guessed it before receiving the answer, the shock was no lesser when they actually heard it. Yun Yang was the only one without a similar reaction as he did not know the story behind the Ultimate Heaven Sect. He was still astounded C there was a sect that almost took the Eastern Celestial Court''s place? How powerful was this sect? "You''re all marvelously gifted. If you had entered the Ultimate Heaven Sect back then, you would''ve been ranked among the top ten internal disciples of the youngest generation based on this Art of Ultimate Heaven test!" Dong Qitian continued softly. "The future is bright. Don''t ever look down on yourselves for no reason!" A frown surfaced between Lan Ruojun''s brows as he asked, "Senior, you mean we, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, can make it to the top as well? We can also become like you?" Dong Qitian replied with a squint, "Any cultivator who''s qualified to be the Ultimate Heaven Sect''s top ten internal disciples is a notable presence, as long as they don''t die young or meet with misfortune in the future." "Even if the restriction within us exists?" Lan Ruojun pursued the question further. "Restriction? Do you mean the Demiurge-Flawed and Heaven-Bereaved legacy that you all received?" asked Dong Qitian. The eight men were startled upon hearing him, nodding in surprise. "Yes." To this day, Dong Qitian was the first one to see the abnormality in the Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s cultivation method and expose it. Naturally, Shi Wuchen and friends would love to know the truth.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "What I know is also limited. There are still many parts I don''t understand," said Dong Qitian, "However, my sect''s Art of Ultimate Heaven targets one''s true self, with no margin of error. Perhaps, you''ll find your enlightenment when your cultivation base comes to a certain level. My only advice to you now is to go with the flow and keep up the hard work." Dong Qitian''s advice sounded like a shot of ecstasy to Lan Ruojun and friends. As they perked up, they asked even more respectfully, "May we know your name, senior?" "This is the Residence of Nine Supremes'' chief instructor," said Yun Yang, "Dong Qitian!" "Heaven-Equaling Supreme Saint!" exclaimed the group. Yun Yang rubbed his nose. The title was a brilliant one, sufficiently grandiose to shock Little Fatty and these fellows He thought that he was going to be shocked too when he heard it. Compared to Yun Yang''s oblivion, the astonishment in the eight men''s expression was massive. Dong Qitian, an unparalleled figure who had vanished for thousands of years, had greeted the world once again and had unexpectedly become the relatively new and unknown Residence of Nine Supremes'' chief trainer! This was like a dream come true to the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. No matter how capable and full of potential the Residence of Nine Supremes was, it could not change the fact that it was a new unknown sect without a Celestial Luck Banner. If there was a second choice, no cultivator who was at the Saint-level and above would opt for such a school! The Celestial Amethyst could better the spiritual Qi insufficiency for the cultivators, but it was not a long term plan. In addition, it was only a matter of time before ill-intentioned ones began to covet the superior materials in the sect. The simultaneous addition of eight of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten to the Residence of Nine Supremes had basically solved the fault of general capability deficiency, but the sect lacked the most fundamental defensive combat force. For example, other than Cangwu Union''s leader who had reached the fourth level pinnacle in Saint-level, there was only another elder whose cultivation base was even higher whom the members depended upon as their hidden ace. Now, Dong Qitian, who had been dramatically unveiled, was the Residence of Nine Supremes'' chief instructor! The surprise was overwhelming. The delight that flooded the men was uncontrollable. Among them, Shi Wuchen''s elation bubbled as he cheered himself for his good sense. Yun Yang himself was exceptionally talented, his natural disposition above the rest, in addition to his continuously lavish methods that were baffling. From presenting the Celestial Amethyst as their meeting gift, becoming the Black and White Ruthless Duo and robbing everyone, collaborating with the General Commerce League and entering the Spirit''s Grave, to recruiting the legendary Dong Qitian as the chief trainer, which one among these mentioned was not a jolt to one''s heart? His past decision, or lack thereof, resulted in having Yun Yang as his superior, the main Supreme of Residence of Nine Supremes. How could Shi Wuchen, the second Supreme, not share the glory? Sharing mirroring emotions were Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang, who understood the Residence of Nine Supremes'' current composition a little more than the rest of their Demiurge-Flawed friends. While they were thoroughly impressed by Yun Yang, they had never recognized Shi Wuchen''s status as the second Supreme. They were insistent upon subduing Shi Wuchen in the upcoming sect contest and take the second Supreme''s place permanently! The place should belong to those who were capable C those who were not should not occupy it! The rest of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten who were here felt a pouring sense of belonging as well, no longer doubtful, although they had just arrived at the Residence of Nine Supremes and had yet to officially join the school. Dong Qitian''s piercing gaze scanned the nine people in front of him, suddenly feeling a mirthful sense of acceptance, that it did not seem as atrocious as it was earlier to become the chief instructor to these nine men He was filled with anticipation, looking forward to the lights and sparks these prodigious nine men could bring in the future if what they could offer could shine light upon the Bound of Universe. "Alright. We''ll talk about the rest some other time. I''m giving you a night of rest." Dong Qitian turned to leave. "You''ll officially start cultivating tomorrow. Don''t assume that your formal training will be as easy as before." Before his words echoed, he was gone. Yun Yang and group had experienced a hard time during this half a month, but Dong Qitian was also tremendously worn out, especially with regards to his mental state. That was because he had to look after all of them alone and be prepared at all times. The Art of Ultimate Heaven seemed simple, but it was incredibly delicate. If the executer were the least bit careless and failed to save the overexerted person in training in time, death was almost guaranteed! The source of this art was quite peculiar. It came from a time when the Ultimate Heaven Sect''s founding ancestor first roamed the martial world and was tricked into severe injuries by his enemy, falling into a dark impasse where his five senses and divine sense were rendered useless. When he survived by pure luck after several days, his state of mind was elevated to a higher level due to this encounter. 950 Undeserved Nicknames As the Ultimate Heaven Sect''s founding ancestor reflected upon the matter and sighed at the unpredictability of life, his peculiar encounter etched within him, he had specifically set similar challenges when he recruited disciples to test their temperament. However, the approach was incredibly risky as it was near impossible to overcome unless one was highly gifted and fine in predisposition with exceptional determination. Otherwise, it was all too easy to break down and go crazy or turn dull-witted. Across the many generations of the Ultimate Heaven Sect''s legacy, many brilliant disciples whom their teachers had high hopes for had all succumbed at this stage, dying young in the middle of their cultivation journey. Having the experience accumulated from past generations, the elders of the Ultimate Heaven Sect had finally perfected the drill. The intention of the Ultimate Heaven was more to warn themselves that there was a limit to heaven C what more, human. Dong Qitian, who was the executor of the approach, had to supervise and prevent external disturbances while constantly observing to see that his trainees did not overexert or actually destroy their meridians. He had to pinpoint the maximum point of their limit during the process and intervene to rescue them. Not only was this a toll on the physical aspect of a person, but it was also a test of experience and perception. If his timing was slightly earlier and the trainee had yet to reach his limit, it posed a deficiency to the cultivation process; if his timing had slacked and his trainee went past his limit, the trainee''s meridians could be severely damaged and the poor soul might even die. The optimal outcome could only be achieved when the timing was accurately grasped. How could this be an easy job? Although everyone who was drilled during this duration was exhausted, they could take some rest when they passed out from the training. Dong Qitian was the most exhausted as he dared not even blink. In the past, after the Art of Ultimate Heaven was perfected, a master had, at most, looked after two or three disciples; Dong Qitian had to care for nine people at a time Dong Qitian felt like he had lost his sanity. He knew that his trainees still had a lot to say but he thought that he would actually die if he did not get some sleep. Of course, a big part of his fatigue came from the heart. He had been high-strung, especially when it came to Yun Yang. His attention was wholly concentrated on the former, afraid to even let his guard down in the slightest. Now that the drill had come to a break, the fatigue was overwhelming, despite his ecstasy. "Tomorrow''s the official start?" Nine of them looked at each other, flabbergasted, when they heard Dong Qitian''s words. It had not even begun when they were already trained to this state? They were all half dead. If this could be described as easy, what was difficult going to be? Was the legendary Ultimate Heaven Sect actually so demanding, that there was no lack of members as of its reputation, or were they frogs at the bottom of the well, ignorant of the broader sky? "Boss, this is Tie Qingcang, this is Ping Xiaoyi, and this is Guo Nuanyang." Lan Ruojun introduced the trio, changing the topic and soothing the current oppressive atmosphere. Dong Qitian''s words before he left had caused considerable damage. Looking over, Yun Yang saw a man in black clothes and dark skin with a solid build like steel. He was probably Tie Qingcang. Another man was pale and thin like he could be blown away at any time C this was most likely to be Ping Xiaoyi. These two men were like their names, easily recognizable. However, there was one more man who stood there and was naturally forgotten. Was he Guo Nuanyang? Yun Yang thought that the name and the man were rather contradictory but he recalled that Guo Nuanyang''s nickname was Day-Long Assassin and was pacified immediately. Since he was a renowned assassin, he naturally needed such a tactic to blur into the background, the best disguise an assassin could possess. Young Master of Dark Fog, Shi Bujia, Day-Long Assassin, Guo Nuanyang, Tri-Autumn Swordsman, Shi Wuchen, Vicious Physician, Ping Xiaoyi, Traceless White Blade, Ren Qingkuang, Yellow Gowned Sword of Frost, Lan Ruojun, Gold-Hand Scholar Tie Qingcang, and Serene Soul of Nine Springs, Kong Luoyue! The Demiurge-Flawed Ten was only lacking Violet Robed Golden Needles, Wu Menghuan, and the Star-Souled Saber Knight, Luo Dajiang, as all eight others had gathered at the Residence of Nine Supremes. The more Yun Yang looked at them, the more he wished to tease them. Starting from Shi Wuchen, the name Tri-Autumn Swordsman Shi Wuchen sounded so free-spirited and unrestrained, but since when did the lonesomeness of tri-autumn ever present itself on the fellow? The most he had was dust and dirt (Wuchen also means spotless or dustless) How could he ever live up to his name and nickname? It was said that, perhaps, one could be misnamed but nicknames could never go wrong. Yet this did not seem like the case for Shi Wuchen as both his name and nickname seemed to have been given wrongly. ''As for Yellow Gowned Sword of Frost Lan Ruojun, where''s your yellow gown? Where did it go? What does it mean when you''re always in green?'' Young Master of Dark Fog Shi Bujia who was clad in black was, instead, the one whose image lived closer to his nickname but Gold-Hand Scholar Tie Qingcang''You''re so muscular like you''re a blacksmith, one who''s utterly burnt too C please tell me where did you get your ''scholar'' reputation from? And Gold-Hand where''s your gold hand?'' The remaining Traceless White Blade, Serene Soul of Nine Springs, and Vicious Physician Other than the Vicious Physician who looked a little like the part, the other two seemed quite undeserving of their nicknames. Yun Yang wondered how they got them. Could they have burned gifts in an exchange of lower-class spiritual stones? "I have a question. How did this reputation of yours come by?" Yun Yang asked complying to his curiosity. "We dare not call them reputation These nicknames are from the discussion when we first roamed the martial world, sensational names we made for ourselves They''re made up entirely by us, they aren''t our reputation from fame" Ren Qingkuang was even more direct as he said, "Such a thing like nicknames they exist once you hire a few people to spread words about it in the martial world. At most, we''ll add ''I''m Tri-Autumn Swordsman, Shi Wuchen'' when we dwell in the martial world. After a few rounds of shameless promotion like this, it''ll naturally gain momentum" Shi Wuchen raged, "Why don''t you give the example using your name?" Ren Qingkuang rolled his eyes, answering, "How can I use my nickname as an example when it''s such a shameful matter? Of course, I must illustrate with the one who''s the most undeserving of his nickname!" The group broke into a chorus of guffaws. "This is really new knowledge to me" Yun Yang commented slowly. He was being honest. He had always thought that nicknames were only used when they were given by other martial practitioners and cultivators. Who knew that these fellows'' nicknames were given by themselves?! Those were not monikers, those were prearranged names!Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "Boss, you''ve ascended to the Bound of Universe not too long ago and you must be an awe-inspiring cultivator in your original realm. You won''t know how hard it is to earn a reputation on your own without a background or belonging to any Celestial Luck Banner sect..." Ren Qingkuang sighed, "It''s honestly difficult to make a name for yourself in the martial world if you don''t think of ways to do it. If you don''t create a moniker of your liking in time and allow things to take a course of their own, it''s a possible lifetime disgrace once malicious disciples from other sects put a title on your head" "There''s such a thing?" Yun Yang was baffled. 951 A Joint Reques "Ren Qingkuang isn''t making it up." Ping Xiaoyi heaved a sigh and joined in the conversation emotively, "There was a rogue cultivator back in the day called Han Yunkong. His nemesis had intentionally or unintentionally said, ''Han Yunkong? You mean Three Pile Dog Poop Han Yunkong?'' when people were to mention Han Yunkong in public. Since then, it became a running joke and Three Pile Dog Poop Han Yunkong never left people''s lips. Until the day he passed on, the joke didn''t die..." "The scented moniker was his throughout his lifetime, despite his best efforts to wash it away Until his last moment in this world, he was still cursing the heavens There''s nothing more poignant than a misgiven nickname!" "His life- long tragedy was caused by this ill-intentioned prank!" Yun Yang took a deep breath and responded, "It''s amazing that this actually happened." "There are far too many ways in the martial world to kill someone. It''s not common to see a moniker killing a person, but it''s not entirely unheard of." Ping Xiaoyi sighed softly, "Once an ill-intentioned name is made up, like ''Lecher of the Decade'' or ''Conscienceless Beast'', names that are derogatory, and publicized by a group of people, being talked about and bandied about everywhere It''ll plant its roots after some time" "A moniker has always been the second life of a martial artist." "This is why it''s better to make one up and circulate it yourself than for someone to make one up for you with less than pure intentions." Guo Nuanyang felt fervently for the topic as he added, "That''s right. Day-Long Assassin was made up by others. It was never my ambition to be an assassin but to live up to this name, I became one. Although the outcome is that I''m very much suitable to be one, it''s only luck, one fortunate event among many misfortunes." "If I weren''t gifted enough to be an assassin, I would be a laughing stock my whole life, carrying this nickname." As the group continued to chat and recuperate while cultivating, the atmosphere grew increasingly friendly. The interaction finally allowed Yun Yang to know the reason these fellows were so reverent and impressed by him. "The longest we lasted was only for seven days" Shi Wuchen went closer and lowered his voice, "But you, boss, managed to last for eighteen days. It''s spectacular, you managed to perform a feat that we couldn''t" Yun Yang instantly understood what had happened. The martial world prioritized capability. To ask a group of prodigies to submit to you, you had to be more superior and talented than they were. His level had obviously surpassed their imagination, so what he received was of course acknowledgment and genuine submission. "Boss! The nine of us have a joint request!" Tie Qingcang stood up and spoke humbly, "We hope that you can agree to it." "Nine of you?" Yun Yang was puzzled. "Where do the nine of you come from?"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. The group laughed and answered in a jovial manner, "Wu Menghuan and Luo Dajiang are on their way. They''re probably arriving soon, so it''s a joint request from the nine of us." "Then the number of people still doesn''t add up. Shouldn''t it be the ten of you?" Yun Yang was mystified. He was probably too spent recently that his mind was not working properly. "Shi Wuchen is not included, so it''s just the nine of us," several people chanted in unison. Shi Wuchen was enraged. "I''m warning you, fellows, don''t play tricks! Otherwise, don''t blame me for being impolite. Not only am I the second Supreme, but I am also Supreme Sword!" The seven men were not at all frightened by his blatant threat, all of them retorting coldly, " What is it to you if we''re playing tricks? What can you do? What do you dare do?" "We would collectively ask for you to refrain from deciding on any titles in the Residence of Nine Supremes, other than retaining your position as the main Supreme, Supreme Cloud. We shall decide the second to ninth Supreme based on our capability when everyone''s here." " However, the Residence of Nine Supremes only has room for nine Supremes. The Demiurge-Flawed Ten has ten people. There will surely be two left out. What do we do about this?" said Yun Yang. "There will be no titles for the last two people. They will only be worthy to serve as the sect''s Protectors. They must be out of their minds to be thinking about being a Supreme when they''re more inferior to others" "Exactly!" "Still, we must pull Shi Wuchen down first so that he''s with us! How can he be the second Supreme? Just because he''s more despicable?" Shi Wuchen was close to vomiting blood. "You C you fellows" Tie Qingcang hollered, "Look, this child actually dares to raise a protest C Brothers, let us first trounce this boy!" Seven people rushed forward. Not long later, Shi Wuchen was breathing meekly with a swollen face. "Boss, Shi Wuchen has agreed!" Ping Xiaoyi cried. Shi Wuchen opened his mouth to issue a retort, but Ren Qingkuang covered his mouth forcefully and said aloud, "Boss, Shi Wuchen admits to it by virtue of silence C there''s no protest!" Seven of them cheered, "Shi Wuchen''s a Demiurge-Flawed Ten indeed, how noble and open-minded he is!" Shi Wuchen struggled with all his might, glaring at his friends, but it was a pity that he could not utter a single word. "Alright! All ten of you are strongly united. It''s decided then! I''ll say this first, though. If Shi Wuchen manages to become the second Supreme based on his capability, no one is allowed to disrespect him anymore!" "The Residence of Nine Supremes is a lawful place!" Yun Yang said with a smirk. "Agreed!" The group concurred merrily while Shi Wuchen cried out in hopelessness, "I don''t" His mouth was covered again as seven people thanked Yun Yang, "Thank you, boss, Shi Wuchen has fainted from joy" Yun Yang rolled his eyes, acting blind to their actions, but he considered his option of helping the older man. He understood Lan Ruojun and friends'' motive. They were all the Demiurge-Flawed Ten; Shi Wuchen had the advantage of being here first, but taking the position above the rest due to that did not sit well with them. If it stretched on, more commotions could happen because of it. Therefore, Yun Yang agreed to a contest. If Shi Wuchen could win with his proficiency, the rest would have nothing more to say. It was why he agreed so easily. He had no intention of waiting for a show. "The Residence of Nine Supremes'' ranking match shall begin after the training ends. Work hard, everyone!" "Very well!" Little Fatty ran over. "Boss! Boss! There are three people who have waited for you for twelve days outside the entrance They''re about to go crazy!" "Who are they?" "They are from the General Commerce League," Little Fatty said worriedly, "Are they here to look for trouble?" Yun Yang recalled his conversation with Feng Guohai the other day and promptly recalled what was going on. He had actually forgotten the entire matter It looked like Feng Guohai and colleagues were losing their nerves. "I''m on my way!" 952 An Anxious Wai Feng Guohai stared at Yun Yang in stoic silence. "We, the General Commerce League, are still businessmen, despite being involved in the martial world. The affairs of doing business are particular to credibility and wealth-attracting harmony. Even if our partner has goods of high quality but not credibility, the deal hardly proceeds," Feng Guohai said, glaring at Yun Yang. He looked furious. Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao, who were beside him, were silent as well. They were close to breaking down, given the duration of their anxious wait. Despite their experience and knowledge, they had yet to meet someone like Yun Yang. He had formally expressed that there were fine goods and he would require early preparations the last time, telling the General Commerce League that his endeavor this time around was highly likely to bring out what they coveted. Therefore, the league had only taken two days, resorting to whatever they could do at unprecedented speed to collect, search and excavate, plundering their own warehouses, and assembling invaluable items to be sent here under professional supervision. Naturally, they contacted Yun Yang once they arrived. After all, they had brought along an incredible sum of goods that could easily attract the covetous eyes of many forces. The Raiders of All But Heaven, the Black and White Ruthless Duo, the Feathers-Off-A-Swallow, the various names that reflected their previous infamy, was said to have pilfered an innumerable fortune. That fortune, while extremely significant to an individual cultivator, did not mean much to truly high-level masters or higher class sects. They would, at most, only be slightly attracted. If they too had been struck by avarice, there would be more cultivators targeting Yun Yang and his partners besides those who were Saint level pinnacle and below partners. In spite of this, the goods that the General Commerce League had gathered this time around could no longer be compared to the common items of this realm. A reserved estimation would put the value at least a hundred times more than what Yun Yang had robbed. It was mind-blowing, be it in terms of quality or quantity. The General Commerce League was a middle-class Celestial Luck Banner sect, but this trip was made in confidentiality, the party consisting only of Feng Guohai, Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao. The risk was high, the security uncertain, especially when it was near the Celestial Luck Banner contest now. If there was a blunder, it could easily cost the entire General Commerce League! Who could have anticipated that the young fellow had undertaken a closed-door training like there was nothing important during such a critical moment? It was not the gravest matter that Yun Yang was embroiled in closed-door training as Feng Guohai and colleagues found a new surprise within the Residence of Nine Supremes'' mountain guarding formation. They discerned that the formation could withstand the attacks of experts that were at Royal Saint levels and above. It was commendable, the workmanship impressive. What was worse was that Yun Yang''s closed-door training had taken half a month! It was too long C compounded by the fact that the day the elderly trio had arrived was coincidentally Yun Yang''s first day. It was no longer merely an anxious wait during the period of their anticipation. Their hearts had nearly stopped! The three of them had brought along a large quantity of treasure, valuable enough to alarm the Bound of Universe, but to stop at a mountain, waiting day after day, was absolute torture. Even if there had been exceptionally secure protective measures being taken, one could hardly be at peace. After all, any additional moment of idleness could lead to severe consequences when they had so many gems in their pockets. Disregarding the Bound of Universe''s martial world that had been more chaotic than usual of late, the General Commerce League''s headquarters was also constantly pressuring them, adding oil to the already burning fire within the three elders. They could understand the headquarter''s concerns. The matter needed absolute discretion. Although all three of them were masterly experts, their capabilities were insufficient in comparison to the items they had brought with them! In addition, the General Commerce League was called a ''league'' for a reason; it was not a singular body. Their initial thoughts had been well-rounded C Feng Guohai and colleagues had seen how Yun Yang activated the Spirit''s Grave and knew that despite the risk of their exchange, the danger was highly reduced as the process would be extremely short; the time of their transaction was largely prolonged now, greatly increasing the risk involved. This was why the three elders were anxious and impatient throughout the half of the month in addition to being in perpetual terror. The jumble of emotions was hard to describe, but it certainly did not feel good.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Now that Yun Yang had finally emerged, the trio felt their nerves melting away but as they took in the sight of the former''s gleeful front, they thought that their temperament was high above their own judgment, given they could hold themselves from beating up the young man. Yun Yang beamed in agreement and replied, "I understand what you mean, Elder Feng. The General Commerce League should, of course, operate on credibility and wealth-attracting harmony. This is the reason I''ve opted to work with the league earlier." Feng Guohai''s eyes were unwavering on Yun Yang. "I didn''t mean it like that. I meant" He took a pause and said, "If it weren''t for this I''d have given you a thorough beating!" Yun Yang chuckled dryly. "Elder Feng is funny C very funny indeed!" Even as coughed, Feng Guohai questioned weakly, "Is Supreme Cloud planning to complete our deal at your mountain entrance?" "No, no, of course not. Please, come in. Quickly. Your honorable presence is a glory to our sect!" Yun Yang invited the trio in with extremely welcoming warmth like they were his personal Gods of Wealth. Truth be told, they were indeed quite similar to being the Gods of Wealth now. At least, the assortment of heaven and earth resources Yun Yang, Emmie and even the Residence of Nine Supremes needed would have to depend on these people for a considerable period of time in the near future. When Feng Guohai and friends entered, they were shocked once again. "This Residence of Nine Supremes of yours is already looking the part. Not only is the mountain guarding formation extraordinary, but the interior also looks lofty as well." With their experience, they could easily perceive the unusual atmosphere in the Residence of Nine Supremes. The spiritual Qi was steadily flowing inside the structure and the hint of providence was brimming. It did not look, at all, like a sect that had been newly founded. At the very least, it looked the exact opposite of when they had come to visit the last time. "Not at all. This is only the preliminary structure. It isn''t worthy of praises yet, it''s too early for that," Yun Yang replied indifferently, shaking his head. He was being honest with his opinion, not at all making any attempt at humility. To Yun Yang, only the moment when the Nine Supremes officially took their places would the Residence of Nine Supremes unleash its prowess. Their current stage was, unfortunately nowhere near that. "Being overly humble is basically bragging!" Gu Jiuxiao rolled his eyes with a snort. "I dare not I wonder what quality goods three elders have brought me this time. Do let me see," Yun Yang went straight to the point, looking rather impatient. "Hmph." Feng Guohai spoke quietly, "How many more upper-class spiritual jade pieces do you lack the last time we spoke, Supreme Cloud?" "Was I not clear enough? The upper-class spiritual jade is far from the lowest limit now, it isn''t in too high a demand. What''s needed now is the heaven and earth treasure and various gems and mystical steel. Did you only prepare upper-class spiritual jade pieces this time around?" Yun Yang explained and asked worriedly. "Supreme Cloud''s previous request is still ringing in our ears. I was just asking to confirm before we begin our transaction. We''ve prepared three types of heaven and earth resources and ten kinds of mystical steel this time. It isn''t a lot in quantity, but each heaven and earth resource is a rare fantasy class item of this world. They''re not high in value, they''re valueless. The mystical steel pieces are divine items, mostly present only in legends and rumors as well." He spoke softly, "Brother Yun, I''m making the last confirmation. This is not something to joke with. If the items you present cannot reach our expectations well, you understand what I mean." 953 You Won’t Be Disappointed Yun Yang''s expression turned solemn as well even as he replied in a light-hearted tone, "I understand the league''s well-intended sincerity. I can''t make any guarantees regarding the transaction and anything related to it. Even if I do, it would only be an empty promise. Everything can only be made certain after I enter the Spirit''s Grave. What I can bring along, however, isn''t up to me. I hope you understand, Elder Feng, but I''m also confident that anything I retrieve from the Spirit''s Grave will definitely not disappoint the General Commerce League." "That would be best," Feng Guohai answered grimly. He took out a spatial ring and continued softly, "Take a look for yourself. Never mind the ten mystical steel pieces, but some of the heaven and earth resources can''t be exposed." "I understand," Yun Yang replied and accepted the ring. "The three heaven and earth resources are basically plants, Ghoul Ginseng aged for twenty thousand years, seventeen thousand years old Ghost Lingzhi, and Rootless Lotus which is fifteen thousand years old. Any one of these is at least ten times more valuable than the ten thousand years old Blood Ginseng you previously obtained." Feng Guohai''s words elated Yun Yang. The Ghoul Ginseng and Ghost Lingzhi were known rare items of fantasy, but the Rootless Lotus was even more difficult to procure! The Rootless Lotus had never had a fixed place to grow or reside; it grew randomly and floated in midair, from its birth to its maturity. This was how it came by its name. It was also due to this characteristic of the lotus that made it so rare. If it were not for its trait of staying some time where the spiritual Qi was unusually rich, it might not even he discovered and remain unplucked forever! When the Rootless Lotus absorbed enough nutrients, it would go back to hovering at a high altitude and drifting along wherever the wind took it until it found another spiritual Qi-rich location. As it appeared at the spot, that was the only chance to seize the lotus! Due to this unique feature, the Rootless Lotus was rarely more than a thousand years old. After all, ace cultivators were frequent visitors of places where spiritual Qi was teeming. Once the lotus was discovered, most of the fated ones would pluck it immediately, as the probability of the same cultivator meeting the same lotus at a different point of his life was practically nil. There was no such thing as temporarily giving up and waiting for the lotus to mature further. This also caused a fifteen thousand-year-old Rootless Lotus to be the legend of legends. It was, in essence, a valueless gem. Yun Yang was more than delighted after scanning the goods inside the spatial ring, saying gleefully, "This offering will definitely be a perfect pass! I have confidence that our efforts will pay off." Xiao Yushu reminded him, "Don''t be excited too early. We need a significant amount of items in exchange; such is a fair trade." "You won''t be disappointed!" Yun Yang chuckled. The General Commerce League was lavish in preparing this transaction. Aside from the three plants of fantasy, the ten mystical steel pieces overjoyed Yun Yang as well. The Stellar Steels and siderites were not the rarest but they were solidly sublime and had extraordinary value. What surprised Yun Yang the most was two pieces of dark golden steel. " Is this Celestial Mystical Gold?" Yun Yang''s eyes glowed with wonder. Emmie, who was in the deific consciousness space, was very much agitated and salivating, waving its tendrils anxiously, its sprouts pulsating urgently. The three spiritual herbs were incomparably attractive to Emmie; the little creature could not help itself, fully intending to bypass Yun Yang and devour the plants. As its journey with Yun Yang stretched on, Emmie was not, in any way, ill-treated, but its contact with heaven and earth resources was pitifully limited being in Tianxuan Continent. It was almost sad that this was its first time as an ethereal creature to see such high-level herb. The ecstasy of receiving the highly coveted items made Emmie dance around involuntarily. Emmie was already delighted by the Celestial Cotton Gold that Yun Yang had sent in a few days ago, spending the days in concentration to dissect the material and finally making out some of the elements that made up the Celestial Cotton Tree. It then went on to cultivate the tree on its own. As for the long steel chain, Emmie did not waste it, attempting to combine it with the steel lying around in its space, in hope of creating a better and more refined gem. The plethora of mystical steel Yun Yang sent in previously had all been deconstructed by Emmie, breaking down as many impurities as possible. The tiny hill was now reduced to a piece smaller than half a room, but its quality was several times higher than it had been. Initially, Emmie had been persistently complaining to Yun Yang that it could not further combine the products without high-quality steel pieces. Then, Feng Guohai came, bringing along with him various mystical steel pieces and the spiritual herbs that were exuding an unusual air of vitality; his presence had long brought about Emmie''s impatience. "Ayaya" Emmie urged, pushing Yun Yang back to work. It could not hold itself back anymore. "The league''s collection this time around is a delightful surprise. It''s much more magnificent than my loftiest expectations," Yun Yang said in contentment, "In comparison to the previous trade, what you have brought this time far exceeds my anticipation." Feng Guohai cautioned him in a serious tone, "Don''t be blindly overjoyed, Brother Yun. You must know that we have sacrificed much to prepare for this transaction and we''re waiting to see if you can produce satisfying goods later. Otherwise, I''m afraid this is a debt you can''t bear." "May I ask Elder Feng approximately how much these items prepared are worth if they''re converted to upper-class spiritual jade pieces, according to the market price?" asked Yun Yang. "At least four hundred thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade! If they''re up for auction, they would cost millions." Feng Guohai''s expression was grim as he uttered the numbers. "Brother Yun, the items are exactly according to your last request We believed that we would obtain more special items this time that''s why we''ve put in so much effort to gather what we have now. If there aren''t more special goods the higher-ups will be very disappointed. The four hundred pieces of spiritual jade are only a market price. The total value of just those three spiritual herbs will be more than that if they were successfully auctioned. You must understand this." "I do, I do. I totally understand the league''s sincerity. If I can''t amount to the same level of sincerity, it''s completely my fault. Businesses must always be fair, to you and also to me!" said Yun Yang. Gu Jiuxiao had remained cold and distant throughout the entire conversation, but he finally spoke up with a reminder to Yun Yang. "Young Yun working with the General Commerce League has its assurances but sometimes, it''s also a burden. You have to realize this. The bigger a force and the more it provides, the more is being asked as well and what''s being asked will never be common goods" His tone was still icy and his words piercing to the ears, but Yun Yang heard the overtones of concern brimming in his voice. "I know. I really do. I''ve known it since I began working with the league. When I''m provided with sincerity, I repay with integrity."Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Yun Yang said with a smile, "I shall enter the Spirit''s Grave now. Do keep an eye out for me, elders." 954 Qi of Vitality Yun Yang entered the meditation room as he spoke. The three elders were separated into three corners outside the room, fully immersed in their efforts to guard the young man. They could distinctly tell that Yun Yang''s vital signs had vanished immediately inside the room. The trio let out a collective sigh of relief. This meant that Yun Yang had already entered the Spirit''s Grave. This was one of the factors that encouraged the General Commerce League to work with Yun Yang with its utmost earnestness. Not only did Yun Yang have the goods, but his transaction method was also exceptionally secure as he could do it anywhere and anytime; there was no such thing as a non-existent transaction. All that was left now was to wait. As Yun Yang''s vital signs that signaled his presence disappeared, he stepped into his deific consciousness space. Emmie was already cheering gleefully, already aware that Yun Yang would come. "Ayaya" Its tendrils swayed eagerly with rare excitement. Once it saw Yun Yang, it wrapped its delicate leaves around him almost instantly, putting up an adorable front like a child. A wave of freshness wafted to Yun Yang, reinvigorating him both physically and mentally. Yun Yang fondly peeled Emmie''s leaf from his face and said with a straight face, "Behave, little fellow. You should be happy now that there are so many good items here." "Ayayaya" Emmie twirled around, lost in its ecstasy. " Beyond your expectations?" Yun Yang grinned in joy as well. This would be his largest haul to date since he had arrived at the Bound of Universe. The upper-class spiritual jade pieces he had obtained previously was not small in sum, but the total value and actual contents were much lower than what he had this time. After all, the heaven and earth resources and mystical steels he received now were all invaluable goods. Take, for example, the Celestial Amethyst; a single piece was worth ten thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade, but having ten thousand pieces of the upper-class spiritual jade could hardly enable the purchase of a piece of Celestial Amethyst. In other words, the Celestial Amethyst could not be bought if it were not for a fortunate stroke of serendipity. It was like what Feng Guohai said, the market price barely sufficed in describing the goods'' true value. "I''ve promised them some goods and they did indeed make an effort. You should know what to do," Yun Yang said with a telling look in his eyes. "Ayaya?" Emmie hesitated, slowly giving consideration to his words. ''That''s right, these items aren''t for nothing. They are meant to be exchanged. However, what should I give in return?'' Emmie was lost, despite a lengthy period of pondering and eventually began to grow impatient. "Ayaya-ayaya" It focused its efforts to cajole Yun Yang instead. "You have so much energy. You can divide them into levels and I shall take some each time I come. This is the best way we can make offerings without much effort," said Yun Yang. "Ayaya" It was not a problem. Emmie promptly relaxed, knowing that it did not have to ransack its mind, its leaves unfurling and tendrils waving again. Other than being filled with contentment and joy, it was also excited, waiting with eager anticipation. After some time, Yun Yang exited the meditation room, looking fatigued but undeniably gleeful. "How was it?" Feng Guohai sprung up in agitation. In truth, he did not have to ask. It was obvious from You Yang''s expression. It must have been a massive success. In spite of this, Feng Guohai was so anxious that the question just slipped out unknowingly. "My personal gain is still ten pieces of Celestial Amethysts this time around," Yun Yang began with a smile and placed the ten crystals on the table. The three elders did not move a single muscle or say a thing and continued to look at him. It was apparent that they knew that Yun Yang did not only acquire the crystals. The ten Celestial Amethysts were valuable, but they were no longer essential to Yun Yang or the General Commerce League, especially Yun Yang. " I also have a gust of Qi," said Yun Yang, "I''ve brought it out by sealing it on my arm. These items do not have a vessel. It needs to be retrieved on the spot and best used immediately by you all."Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "What Qi?" asked the trio simultaneously. "It''s a ball of Qi of vitality," answered Yun Yang, "The elder senior is very content with the items I brought along this time and bestowed the Qi of vitality that will allow anyone who is on their very finite timeline to return to the prime of their youth in the blink of an eye!" The trio''s breathing became labored the moment they heard his words. Six eyes were rounded in unison, almost bulging out of their sockets. ''Anyone who has limited time left to them!'' The wordings seemed redundant, but it was not repetitive at all. The meaning it contained would ensure that it was wildly coveted! Perhaps the young cultivators who were in their prime could not fully understand the value of this line yet, but to the older generation cultivators who had reached the limit of their longevity and had very Iittle of their mortality left, they truly felt the significance of the energy of vitality! Legend had it that as long as a cultivator was fortunate enough to receive a sliver of the Qi of vitality, he could extend ten years of his life! There was obviously more than a sliver of energy sealed in Yun Yang''s arm C how could the Qi of vitality that "would allow anyone who was on their very finite timeline to return to the prime of their youth in the blink of an eye" be so scarce? The heaven and earth resources were valuable and undoubtedly precious but even if it were one and only to the entire Bound of Universe, the value and magnitude were apparent when it was compared to one''s life. Any person whose course of life had come to its end would obviously choose the continuation of his existence and not the heaven and earth resources! To give up life was to give up on everything else C this was the principle that could be applied to ninety-nine percent of things in this world. "Young Yun, do you think the vitality Qi you have obtained could be shared by a few people?" Gu Jiuxiao asked hurriedly. "Honestly, I''m not sure either." "According to that senior, he sealed my right arm using his divine sense and retained the energy within. In other words, I''m only a temporary vessel of this energy. You''ll have to discuss among yourselves on how you will ultimately decide to use it. Oh, and I''m unable to gauge the particular value of this energy. You''ll have to do that as well, and see if it can even out the goods you''ve supplied" The trio looked at each other, feeling somewhat challenged. When they heard of the vitality Qi, the three of them wanted it, to be honestly procured, almost wanting to get their hands on it the moment they saw it; after all, no one would complain about being alive for too long, especially cultivators. However, the three of them were far from being in their declining years. In addition, they were the direct people in charge of this matter. If such a gem was consumed by them without being reported, their statuses in the General Commerce League would definitely be obliterated in the future. They would be using the vitality Qi today and die of unknown reasons tomorrow! Forget the fact that this action was already considered embezzlement, it was hard to say if others would criticize them for the transparency, or lack thereof, regarding the entire matter. From the moment Yun Yang confirmed it, the Qi of Vitality was already the General Commerce League''s property. It was no longer for personal use nor application. How it was to be used and who would use it would be decided by the higher-ups. It would belong to whoever they decided to give it to. 955 A Magical Seal Since the Qi of vitality already belonged to the commerce league, whoever dared to steal it must be somewhat bored with living! "Report it immediately." Feng Guohai''s decision was swift. "Let the leaders decide who is to receive this ball of energy." "Let us wait here without intervening." "Young brother, how long can the seal on your arm last? Will the efficacy decrease along with time?" asked Xiao Yushu while looking at Yun Yang''s right arm covetously. He looked like he could barely wait to swallow the arm whole. Yun Yang replied in a troubled tone, "I don''t know I didn''t make this seal, so I can''t tell It could be a day, maybe a few days C perhaps even a month I won''t be surprised if the energy dissolves in the very next moment. What right do I have to be concerned with the senior''s otherworldly skills?" The three elders glanced at each other soundlessly. Right. It was as if he had not said a single thing, but it was as good as if he had delivered a conclusion. Without further delay, Feng Guohai took out the messenger jade and delivered his message promptly. The matter had to be sorted out as soon as possible lest there were consequences and impediments. Yun Yang saw the messenger jade blink three times in rapid succession. After a while, it glowed like candlelight, beaming incessantly like a lit lantern flickering in the wind. It was a sign that the messages were flooding in from the other end. Feng Guohai was occupied with replying the messages, hinting that there was more than a person posing questions on the other end. It was only after some time that the messenger jade finally quieted down. Wiping the sweat beading on his forehead, Feng Guohai chuckled dryly, "Chief and Vice Chief have thrown in their lot as well. They''re holding an emergency meeting and will need a little time before they come to a decision." Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao chortled without looking surprised, replying, "As expected. Demand is high but the supply is low. It''s only a matter of course." "Basically all the eldest heralds in the league have come to the autumn of their lives. Most don''t have long. in this world, quietly resting in anticipation for their last breath. It''s probably today or tomorrow for the fastest one, a day more is a day earned but death''s door is simply unavoidable." "Now that there''s this Qi of vitality, hope has finally bloomed. Who to give it to, however, is still a big question."Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Xiao Yushu sighed, "If the several heralds could recover, the league will have several Supreme Saint combat powers There is the possibility of Regal Saint Not only will this aid the Celestial Luck Banner meet, but it''ll also seal the deal for the league''s eternal existence." Yun Yang asked from the side, "Should this energy be given a price tag? A big part of receiving this vitality Qi is because the senior is very delighted by the excellent items presented, but I dare not guarantee that I can obtain it every time. We must come to an agreement on this, so I ask for you to fix a price first. Don''t worry though, the energy on me is already yours. What I think about is having an approximate standard after this, so we both can be happy and satisfied with our cooperation!" "Of course I understand. This Qi of vitality is invaluable to cultivators of our generation! However the evaluation goes, the value will not be lower than the total value of the items we''ve brought. The actual estimation will have to be decided by headquarters after they come. We can only wait patiently now," Feng Guohai answered with a humorless chuckle. What he meant was clear. Yun Yang''s mention of evaluation had already exceeded his authority. He was unable to have a say. In spite of this, he had suggested the extraordinary worth of the vitality Qi C at least, it would not be lower than four hundred thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade. "Brother Yun, can I have a look at your arm?" Xiao Yushu suddenly requested. Yun Yang was expecting this; he extended his arm and was grabbed by the elder trio simultaneously. He was shocked, exclaiming, "Be careful! Don''t lift the seal" The trio was embarrassed even as they carefully lifted Yun Yang''s arm and felt it cautiously. "What a divine technique C it''s utterly profound" Xiao Yushu sang his praises and said, "Using the almost intangible divine sense to seal something tangible within the arm is an absolute stroke of godly skill. Not only is the vitality Qi not leaking, but it''s also not merging with your physical body either. This is incredibly bizarre! As I feel it with my deific consciousness, I can clearly feel the refined energy inside, but it doesn''t at all affect Brother Yun''s autonomy towards his body. This technique here is certainly a marvel." Gu Jiuxiao and Feng Guohai shared the same sentiment, expressing how impressed they were as well. Even if the cultivation base involved was not taken into consideration, the ability to produce such a seal was already strikingly impressive. Although the seal could be lifted with some cultivation, the trio knew that they would not be able to produce a similar seal if they were asked to. Not only could they not do it, they did not even understand the structure of it! At the very least, what they already knew about creating seals could not enable them to do so. What was certain now was that there was a ball of vitality Qi resting between Yun Yang''s wrist and elbow. It was tangible, the vigor brimming to the touch, but there was not the slightest bit of drainage. It was a rare sight to behold. "The Spirit''s Grave as it is C an otherworldly power!" The trio was overwhelmed with adulation. That night, Feng Guohai and his friends stayed at the Residence of Nine Supremes. They could not have left as the matter was an important one. They had to stay to wait for those from headquarters and witness the receipt of the Qi of vitality in completion of this transaction. Could they have gone to the headquarters with Yun Yang? No matter how bold they were, they dared not risk it! On that night... "This isn''t the first time we''ve come. Why does it feel so oppressive this time? It doesn''t feel like an illusion to me" Gu Jiuxiao felt uneasy like someone was perpetually spying on him and he was fully unclothed. It felt like pinpricks on his back. Feng Guohai and Xiao Yushu felt the same, implying that Gu Jiuxiao was not wrong in his senses. However, what masterly expert could the newly erected Residence of Nine Supremes have? " Is this really not our illusion? Surely it''s not our doubts messing with our head?" Feng Guohai asked in vexation. Once he said this, the feeling of being watched disappeared. 956 The Night Of Hell! When the dire sense of foreboding dissipated, all three of them subconsciously assumed that it must have been due to the massive pressure they were under recently. They had undoubtedly misjudged it C but it made no sense that all of them shared the same wrong impression! When midnight came about, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' chief trainer executed his authority once again. Other than Yun Yang, the rest of the eight men were gathered together and had their six senses sealed, leaving them with only their mystical Qi, and thus began an extreme round of unarmed combat. "Fight to your death C if you don''t want to beat someone to death, you will be beaten to death by others!" Dong Qitian said faintly, "I must see at least four half-dead men tomorrow morning! This is relevant to your ranking in the near future. I won''t hold it against you if you choose to be merciful." He went back to sleep after leaving his instructions. It had been more than four thousand years since he could comfortably lie down to sleep. Now that he had escaped captivity, he had to babysit this group of children; it was only expected of him that )he would not stand or sit if he could lie down. As Dong Qitian laid himself on the bed, he felt utterly blissful the moment his back touched the soft mattress. "So what if your cultivation base is out of this world?" Dong Qitian sighed slowly, "Real happiness is to feel like a common person." "One can open up a valley and feed himself from the wind and dew the higher his cultivation base is, but he loses an average person''s joy of eating. One can be in closed-door cultivation for months without sleeping or resting but he, instead, loses an average person''s joy of sleeping. One can be ambitious to triumph over the world, having longevity and living long in this realm, but how is the average person''s happiness of having family and grandchildren to come about?" "Despite being an old monster who''s been alive for tens of thousands of years, meeting and parting are constants in life, having seen the livelihood of people, gone through the vicissitudes of life to the grow and fall of this society even, is there the happiness an ordinary person goes through" "Heirs and heiresses are certainly expected to exceed hundreds of thousands in number as tens of thousands of years go by, but which child can always be remembered when there are so many of them? When one loses his concern for his family, indifferent to everything like a stranger, what family warmth is there even when one has many descendants?" Dong Qitian lay on the bed enjoying the softness of his mattress, but sleep had escaped him. Looking at the moon outside the window, various thoughts and emotions surged up waves within him. For a moment, he was entranced. "There was a saying many years ago Be a person first if you wish to enter heaven. Now, cultivators are everywhere, but who among them is actually living fully as a person?" Pow, pow, pow. All Feng Guohai and colleagues heard throughout the night was the sound of flesh hitting flesh wafting from the training ground. It came ceaselessly until moans and groans joined in later, a chorus of increasing agony. The trio was unable to rest from the commotion, cloaking themselves and coming out to watch the source of the noise instead. Once they did, however, they shook their head in disdain. The eight people on the field were attacking each other like berserk tigers. It was fine that they were punching each other, but all of them were knocking into each other like headless flies, beating up whoever they caught. There was no target nor order. It was a mess, a horrible one to look at. Being horrible to look at meant two things here. Firstly, it was the trio''s comment regarding the eight men''s strategies and techniques. Their fighting methods were horrible to look at, a pain to the eyes. Secondly, the entire situation was basically a horrible sight. Each person was facing seven enemies at the same time; while they attacked others all the time, they were simultaneously being attacked by seven others! Each one of them gritted their teeth, hissing, their faces were swollen and blood dripped on to the ground. All of them were being beaten to the ground and picking themselves up continuously. Their attacks were strong and powerful, evident of their excellent mystical Qi cultivation base, but their attacking modes were purposeless. It was as if everyone was deaf and blind, stripped of their senses. They were worse than ordinary men who had just learned to fight for a few days. "Such a training method is rather unique." Feng Guohai frowned as he replied, "This is my first time seeing it." "This is my first time too. I''ve never seen something like this elsewhere," chorused Xiao Yushu and Gu Jiuxiao, shaking their heads. "Such training is wasting away their talent. How is it possibly efficient?" They shook their heads as they watched the brute fight, but Shi Wuchen and others who were in the battle slowly felt an unfamiliar sensation. In the beginning, the battle felt tough. They could not see, could not hear, and could not feel. They could only launch their attacks blindly, based purely on their practitioner instincts, but they gradually found what worked for them. This was the seventh sense! Depending on their innate senses to danger as cultivators, eight of them began to slowly display deliberate movements to avoid and evade. Their attacks picked up order, no longer fighting blindly based on luck. As such, their injuries grew increasingly severe. It looked like all of them were sleepwalking now, launching their attacks softly but releasing a tremendous amount of power when they met their target. Switching to this mode saw their attacks successfully hitting the mark eight times out of ten. Fortunately, their cultivation base was similar, so there was no worry of someone actually killing anybody else by accident The first night of training was called the night of hell. As the night continued on, all eight men lay on the ground unconscious, without exception. When dawn broke, Yun Yang dragged all of them into a room and pushed a pill into each of their mouths. Then, he exited the room without further concern, closing the door with a bang. When afternoon came, eight of them woke up respectively and cultivated to recover themselves, recuperating their physical forms. As they did, they cussed aloud. "Who beat me up to this state?" "What''s left of the brotherhood?"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "F*ck, couldn''t you fellows have pulled your punches a little?" "Did you go lighter when you attacked?" "It''s not the same Hiss C that hurt!" "It''s fine being a bit rough during practice but I would just like to ask C who the f*ck kicked my groin?" An impatient voice moaned, "I''m a f*cking virgin You bastards Ouch, I wonder if it''s still usable" "You think you''re the only one" someone else chimed in, obviously just catching his breath, as his voice quavered with pain, "My groin it''s about to shatter" "As if others weren''t hit" Someone else was reveling in their suffering as he said, "Who''s to blame when you don''t tilt to the side quickly enough when you were kicked? Take the hit with your legs, you idiot!" With a loud crash, Dong Qitian walked in casually. 957 Rare Commodity to be Hoarded, Heaven Sword and Earth Saber "Now, you all sound mighty fierce indeed! It Iooks like you didn''t really exert yourselves last night nor have you reached your limits. Otherwise, how would you have the strength to curse and swear now? Young people are great, possessing an excellent ability to recover quickly. I think I can tune it up some more. Training is only effective when it''s done in it''s most extreme form" Dong Qitian huffed. " How could you say we didn''t reach our limits? We gave our all last night. We couldn''t even move in the end." "Please judge wisely, chief trainer. We did exert as much as we could last night. Our limbs still feel like jelly now, we feel utterly depleted" "Let me ask you then. What enlightenment did you acquire from the battle process? Was there any form of realization?" "Uh" "This seems like" "I didn''t feel much just pain" "Other than pure agony, what else is there to be felt?" "None" Dong Qitian nodded and said, "Very well. No realizations, excellent. Since you have not come to any enlightenment, we shall continue training tonight, until you gain some insights!" He walked away as he spoke, but his words came from afar, "I need to see a few of you with broken bones tomorrow morning." Moans came from the room. "No" "Today''s horrible enough. Why are we continuing" "Oh my God Is this training? This is outright murder" "Is this the Residence of Nine Supremes or hell" "Have mercy" "Help me" It was too bad that Dong Qitian had already wandered off quite a distance, but even if he had heard them, he would have ignored them anyway.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "The chief instructor''s cultivation base is striking." Gu Jiuxiao clicked his tongue and commented, "He''s already level four of Saint from what we could see, about the capability of an ordinary sect''s leader I wonder where the child found him." "Not bad indeed but he doesn''t look familiar C probably a recently ascended ace cultivator," Xiao Yushu said reservedly, stroking his beard. "Fourth level Saint is indeed a noteworthy expert, especially precious for the current Residence of Nine Supremes," Feng Guohai looked comforted by the fact, nodding patronizingly. Dong Qitian passed from afar, scoffing internally. ''You fools, of course you only see a level four Saint on the surface.'' ''With my cultivation base, of course you can only see what I want you to see!'' ''As for more...'' The General Commerce League acted notably quickly. It was only the third night when an unusual wind-breaking cry tore through the gloom, deafening in the sky like a dragon''s call or a tiger''s roar. An earth-shattering voice spoke, "Where is Feng Guohai, from the commerce league?" A lofty aura preceded the echoing voice. The Residence of Nine Supremes was protected by its guarding formation, remaining untested by the pressure, so the effect was not significant. In spite of this, all the trees within hundreds of miles around the mountain guarding formation bent uniformly from the power, like officials paying respect to their king. Being in his room, Dong Qitian only raised his eyes faintly before he rolled them and went back into unconcerned slumber. Yun Yang was swift to react, unlocking the guarding formation, and saw five silhouettes landing gently. The leading one was sturdy in build; who else could it be if not Lang Fantian. It was the four elders behind him whom Yun Yang did not know, all strangers to him. As he ran his eyes across the group, he noticed that two of them were already hunched and bony with silver strands on their head and wrinkles lining their face. Age spots were littered across their faces and their eyes were murky without any light. Their pulses were weak and wilting, a tiny draw of air after some moment. Every aspect was showing how senile they were. Perhaps their state was worse than what was seen because they came being held by the other two men. Understandably, if these two had come on their own, the depletion of this journey would have further shortened their counted breaths. Worse, it could cost their lives. As for the other two elders who held them, they were also very senior in age, well past their prime, despite looking better than the two former men. Yun Yang rushed out to welcome them personally. "Brother Yun! Hahaha Brother Yun, we meet again!" Lang Fantian took a large stride over, spilling warmth as he grabbed and shook Yun Yang''s hand continuously, "Brother, you''ve worked hard, oh you have." He acted like they were blood brothers who were separated for years, suddenly meeting in a chaotic, war-torn street. The surprise, the elation Yun Yang who was on the receiving end of his tidal friendliness was very much taken aback and eventually managed to respond, "Cough Vice Chief Lang you need not be so courteous" "I should, I should!" Another wave of hearty laughter later, Lang Fantian lowered his voice and said, "I''ve never expected the goods you prepared this time to actually be such rare items It''s really wonderful!" Yun Yang coughed and answered, "Alright, alright. Please do let go of my hands first!" He thought, ''The Qi of vitality is but the lowest grade among what Emmie has Its Force of the Soul, Qi of Dao, Celestial Amethyst Qi, the spiritual energy of pulse aren''t even used yet.'' ''Here he is, already beyond elated I must adjust my plan then How can I not utilize it further when I have the commodity?'' "Come, come. Let me introduce them first, brother. These two are the General Commerce League''s herald elders, Heaven Sword, and Earth Saber. They''re the league''s elders since the General Commerce League upgraded to middle-class Celestial Luck Banner twenty thousand years ago. Throughout these years, they''ve risked their lives for the league and contributed significantly, basically our meritorious officials." Lang Fantian pointed to the two old men who were close to becoming skeletons. The two old men tried their best to straighten up, their muddy gaze locking onto Yun Yang. "I''m Heaven Sword, Song Changgong." "I''m Earth Saber, Li Yixin." The two elders sighed in unison. "We''re no longer what our nicknames are We can''t even wield the sword and saber now The names Heaven Sword and Earth Saber are only for laughs now." The other two men intercepted in respect, "Seniors are venerable men. Your effort is incomparable in making the General Commerce League what it is today!" "These two are our league''s Protectors, Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi," Lang Fantian introduced along. "Nice to meet you." Yun Yang bowed ceaselessly with his palm cupping his fist before his chest. "I''ve long heard your great names. Now that I get to see all of you in person, it''s my lifetime honor!" Lang Fantian rolled his eyes. ''Aren''t your words rolling from your tongue too smoothly? You''re obviously making it up... I''d be a fool to believe you.'' 958 Who Is To Use It? However, Heaven Sword and Earth Saber, as well as Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi, were not at all concerned with Yun Yang''s pleasantries. It was not a matter of whether they believed him or not, but their collective attention was attracted by the men who were exhaustedly caught up in training at the Residence of Nine Supremes'' training grounds. The eight people in the field had bruises and swollen faces. All of them looked the worse for wear and there were even a few of them who were crying out, holding on to their groins. In a nutshell, it was a scene of an absolute disaster and a horrible sight to behold. It was probably due to the distance as well as the sealed six senses that all eight men were unaware of the presence of the outsiders. In spite of this, the gazes of Song Changgong and the other three elderly men lingered upon them. These people were wilting, but their extensive experience and knowledge were still present. No matter how murky their eyes looked, it did not affect their sight. All of them felt the soaring vigor from the eight people, the type that hinted at a boundless future. Although the eight men were exhausted and injured and looked terribly pathetic, the sense of hope that they exuded heavily impacted the four seniors. It was not that they sensed it upon discovering the mystery behind the Art of Ultimate Heaven. It was simply because the zeal spilling from Shi Wuchen and friends were what they needed and wished for the most. All four elderly seniors who came from the General Commerce League this time around were cultivators of Supreme Saint level, with Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi slightly stronger than the other two. In spite of this, the two men mentioned had felt their time dwindling, knowing that their last breath would come within a year and a half. As for the Heaven Sword and Earth Saber, their conditions were far more critical. Their remaining vitality was like a flickering candle in the wind; they might die at any moment, possibly passing away once the moment they closed their eyes. In fact, these two older men had maintained a state of suspension for years now. The league had expended an incredible amount of heaven and earth resources to keep the rein on their lives, but it was not a long-term solution as it was not of much help. If both old men who had contributed so much to the General Commerce League had to be described, it could only be ''on the verge of death''. Moreover, a lot of people from the league were worried that they might succumb to death themselves, given the long journey they had to take this time "Brother Yun, the Qi of vitality" Lang Fantian went straight to the point of their trip, his impatience to resolve the issue apparent. As Song Changgong and Li Yixi heard him, they turned back to look at them, while Wan Qingliu and Bai Yixu looked on with anticipating eyes. Yun Yang himself wasted no time as he extended his arm easily, saying, "The vitality Qi is sealed within my arm. You can use it once you open the seal but I''m not sure how many of you could use it. It''s my first time taking it out as well." Lang Fantian was ecstatic, immediately ushering everyone into the meditation room. Song Changgong, Li Yixin, Wan Qingliu, and Bai Yuxi were utterly focused, respectively checking the vitality Qi around Yun Yang''s arm, before their wrinkled faces showed absolute excitement. When hope arrived as death was knocking on the door, anyone would be exhilarated. Song Changgong and his colleagues were no exception, especially when the divine senses that sealed the Qi of vitality felt unusually intricate, exceeding all the techniques that they currently knew. They even doubted that the masters of elder level in upper-class Celestial Luck Banner sects could achieve such a refined sealing technique. What was even more outstanding was that such an intricate technique could actually be lifted at any time as long as one wished to undo it. It was like its existence was only to contain the presence of the vitality Qi! "The sealing technique itself is already God''s doing!" Song Changgong exclaimed softly. As the group admired the seal, they fell into an awkward silence. The Qi of vitality was right before their eyes. The four elderly men had verified that it was genuine. The following issue was still as tricky C who should this Qi of vitality be given to? Once the seal was undone, the Qi of vitality would stream out. It would be fine if there were a lot of it, but who should it be given to if it was only sufficient for one? Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi both looked tortured by an internal struggle. Finally, they swallowed and spoke hoarsely, "The both of us can at least keep ourselves up for half a year. There''s still some time. We can try to accumulate more spiritual gems in the time to come and wait for the next transaction This time, Senior Song and Senior Li, please go for it." The two men looked at each other and took a heavy step back, despite their gazes still being trained greedily upon Yun Yang''s arm. Yun Yang''s appraisal of these two men went up after listening to what they had said. If one had not come to this stage, it would be difficult to comprehend how huge a sacrifice and compromise they were currently making.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Death was knocking at the door and the hope to stay alive was right before their eyes, yet both of them had given it away. This was no longer a question of their morals or generosity, but a representation of their truest sentiments. All of them knew about what was at stake. From the surface, it looked like as long as Yun Yang was still here, as long as the league collected a certain sum of heaven and earth resources, the items could be taken in for an exchange and the opportunity to acquire the vitality Qi once again was not slim. In spite of this, it was not as simple as that. Yun Yang had long stated that whatever he was given when he entered the Spirit''s Grave was not decided by him. It was lucky that he had gotten the Qi of vitality this time around, but what about the next? Who could be sure about what would be given then? Perhaps, the Qi of vitality would not appear ever again, after this round Perhaps, this was the only time they could come in contact with the vitality Qi; there would be no second chance after missing this one! Then, those who were waiting would be doing so in vain. Furthermore, the General Commerce League had utilized plenty of manpower, resources, and effort to gather the number of goods this time. Maybe it could be done for another one or two times in a short period but it was impossible to assemble so many exquisite gems for so many times. When the next time came, maybe they could not have waited for it. A tremor ran through Song Changgong as he turned around slowly and took a deep bow at Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi, uttering, "Thank you, brothers." Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi''s lips quivered for a while before they answered dryly, "You''re welcome. It''s what you should receive, seniors. We''re envious, but we shouldn''t be the ones taking the Qi of vitality this time. We know this. We''re not giving in purposely, so it''s not a matter seniors should be concerned with. Life and death are fated, so is our destiny. The Qi of vitality is destined to be yours." 959 Concession of Brothers Song Changgong and Li Yixin bowed again to Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi. Both of them knew well that it was tantamount to yielding. How could it not be? It was yielding with their lives as the wager. Even though Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi were no higher than them in seniority, Song Changgong and Li Yixin could easily die along the long strenuous journey if the former two men had any ulterior motives. Once they had gotten the Qi of vitality and escaped the approaching limitations of their age, in addition to their status and cultivation base, the General Commerce League would not pursue the case any further, despite wanting to. The significant sentiment of what had happened at this moment was indescribable. They could only etch it in their hearts, thinking that it would be unworthy to call themselves humans if they were to ever forget it! "Brother, remove the seal quickly and use the Qi of vitality." Song Changgong stood stiffly straight, looking at Li Yixin. "Big brother, the elder brother will always come first before the younger one. There is no sense for this young one to go first. You should come first, big brother." Li Yixin was determined. Song Changgong replied sternly, "Since we become sworn brothers, I''ve been the decision-maker in everything big or small! Since when do you have a say? You shall take the energy when I ask you to! Are you trying to go against your elder brother?" Li Yixin laughed. "There''s no you or me in brotherhood. Big brother, I''ve obeyed you my entire life, it''s tiring. What would it matter if I rebel for once today?" Song Changgong refuted harshly, "If you don''t take it immediately, I shall kill myself right on the spot. Do you think I dare not do it?" Everyone else was shocked, the color quickly draining from their faces. Li Yixin looked unperturbed, however, as he spoke calmly, "If you aren''t taking it, I won''t as well. At most, we shall die together. Isn''t it living to what we said when we made our oaths? We can''t be born on the same day, same month and the same year, but we can die on the same day, same month and same year!" Song Changgong''s snow-white hair and beard shook in his fury. He started to pant. "Are you trying to anger me to death? I''m asking you to use it first and I''ll take the remaining portion. Why are you so stubborn?" Li Yixin chuckled. "Big brother, I''m three good years younger than you. I still have time." Song Changgong was baffled by his rage. They were brothers, sharing a similar cultivation base and age; being Supreme Saint in cultivation base level and enjoying tens of thousands of years in age, the three-year difference was not a gap at all! As both of them continued to argue, Lang Fantian, Feng Guohai and the rest of the people there were increasingly moved. These two elderly men had come to the end of their longevity, death knocking at their doorstep at anytime, but they were pushing the opportunity to stay alive to the other party, despite facing the attractive lure of vitality. Lang Fantian inhaled deeply and said, "You don''t have to do this. Before I came, the chief has given me some heaven and earth resources privately and told me formally that if the Qi of vitality were true and divinely effective, our league will further extend our sincerity and request Brother Yun to enter again." Song Changgong and Li Yixin gazed at each other before Song Changgong''s wrinkled face was adorned with a smile. "Brother, what you are worried about now? Use it quickly!" Li Yixin smiled contentedly as well, replying, "Great, great. Big brother, you really don''t have to worry about me now!" These two men were still pushing it to each other, unwilling to give in and be the first one to take the ball of energy! "What if my brother doesn''t get to use the Qi of vitality after I use it C so what would it matter if I can stay alive and live longer?" This was their shared thought. Yun Yang was already touched when he witnessed Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi''s generosity, but now that he saw these two old men who refused to leave each other''s side despite life and death, the brotherhood that was unwavering despite the world''s greatest temptation, he was brimming with emotion. He butted in, "Both seniors don''t have to waste time pushing it to one another. From what this junior sees, the second portion of the vitality Qi is definitely hopeful!" "Why so? There must be a reason for Brother Yun''s confidence!" Lang Fantian, Feng Guohai, and the others asked collectively. "This junior has gone into the Spirit''s Grave many times. While what I know about the grave is limited, I still understand some of it. Like my first entrance, I''ve gotten the cultivation method and the way to activate the entrance to this grave; my second time, I started a bartering process C it''s just that what I''ve gotten then were only some spiritual herbs that could help the cultivation base It went on for quite some time until the reward I received changed to the Celestial Amethysts after one particular time. After that, my cultivation base has improved enough that it''s reached the limit of the realm I was originally in. The senior in the Spirit''s Grave then requested, for the first time, that he needed higher-level resources and mystical steel. This is the starting point of my disguise as the Raider of All But God and collaborated with your league. In retrospect, the Celestial Amethysts are precious to the current world but it''s only slightly valuable in the grave, not at all rare. Otherwise, the senior wouldn''t have given me over a hundred pieces of the crystals back then" "What? You have over a hundred pieces of Celestial Amethysts?" Feng Guohai intercepted him, asking in astonishment. Yun Yang shook his head. "That was before I overcame the cultivation base bottleneck and arrived at Bound of Universe. I was temporarily stuck in my cultivation base progress, causing my search for the treasured resources to be ineffective, so the senior gave me a hundred pieces of the crystals all at once to be cultivated accordingly, resulting in an explosive boost that I surpassed the limitation of my original realm and ascended to the Bound of Universe" Lang Fantian and the rest were struck with a realization listening to him, swiftly understanding why Yun Yang was a Saint level cultivator despite being only in his twenties. If he had come from the Bound of Universe and some substantial background, it was reasonable. The reality, however, was that he was an Ascended from the lower realm. His progress was then deemed terrifying, instead. Now that they knew of his cultivation past, their suspicions were lifted. "Brother Yun, while we''re interested in your cultivation experience too, we honestly aren''t in the mood right now. Speak of the main point, will you?" Lang Fantian cut him off. Yun Yang was gleeful. "I''m coming to it. The Celestial Amethyst was the best the Spirit''s Grave could give, but now that there''s the Qi of vitality, the crystal paled in comparison and we''re afraid that there won''t be a second time. Still, you fellows don''t interact with the Spirit''s Grave much. You don''t know that the senior within isn''t picky over the mystical resources and steels he receives, basically the more the better. I believe that even if the vitality Qi isn''t as abundant as the Celestial Amethyst, there should still be a few times more." "According to my understanding of the Spirit''s Grave, the Qi of vitality has just appeared There should at least still be a next time. The possibility stands at ninety percent and above. Instead of being hesitant now, it''s better to try it as soon as possible. Things are up to our doing, there''s no need to worry too much." The group was deep in thought. Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi looked excited, a sense of comfort coloring their faces, while they secretly heaved a sigh of relief. It was one thing that they had high morals and had willingly given their places C who would like to die if they had the chance to keep on living? Li Yixin laughed and stood up. "Alright. I''ll keep my guard up for you outside, big brother, and wait for the next opportunity." As everyone else chipped in their persuasion, Song Changgong finally sighed and glanced outside rather resentfully, saying in anger, "If there isn''t a next time I shall be filled with regret for the rest of my life C I''d feel dead even though alive!" Lang Fantian spoke in grim seriousness, "Don''t worry, Senior Song. Brother Yun must be confident in saying what he did. Since there''s hope, the league will send Brother Yun in again and again, even if it means expending all we have until we acquire sufficient Qi of vitality!" He paused for a beat before saying, "This is also the promise Lord Chief made earlier on!"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Song Changgong heaved a long sigh while Yun Yang was already seated in front of him. Yun Yang''s cultivation base was still questionable before these people but his long time with Emmie made him extremely sensitive to the pulse of life, allowing him to easily judge that it was indeed Song Changgong''s vitality that was the weakest among the bunch. His signs of life were as good as none and while Li Yixin was similar, he was still slightly better than Song Changgong. Happy to see that the matter with Qi of vitality had played out well, Yun Yang was also impressed by the elderly men''s brotherhood. It was possible that one of them could die just like that as they argued over who to consume the vitality Qi despite the chance at life right before them Song Changgong placed his hand on Yun Yang''s arm and covered the seal with his divine sense. As the deific consciousness flowed, it linked with the seal and Yun Yang activated his divine consciousness as well; the Qi of vitality began to flow steadily from his arm. The others watched from the side unblinkingly, witnessing how Song Changgong shook as a blush resulting from his shock colored his wrinkly face. 960 Brotherhood and Martial World Integrity Everyone could distinctly feel the sudden surge of life in the small, enclosed space! Their deific consciousness had been flowing, closely following Yun Yang''s arm, so it was even more pronounced for them to sense the trickle Qi of vitality originating from the seal on the latter''s arm. Without wasting a single drop, Song Changgongv soaked it all up into his meridians. As a portion of Lang Fantian''s divine senses was wrapped around Song Changgong, he felt as if he was the recipient, as Song Changgong''s wilting body gradually shone again with renewed vivacity. The drained meridians were softening at a visible speed while the thickened blood that had flowed sluggishly began to circulate once more. The most significant change, however, was none other than the meekly pumping heart that began to thump with a steady rhythm! As the Qi of vitality coursed through Song Changgong''s body at a greater speed, he, the actual beneficiary, unmistakably felt that his long-lost strength and youth, the buoyancy of life - things that had long left him - were all returning swiftly. He was regaining them all. His body, from the continuous infusion of the vitality Qi, was slowly weeping dark-colored dirt It was the impurities that were blocking his meridians being drained out rapidly. This feeling filled him with the delight of being rebirthed. "Enough!" Song Changgong cried for a halt when about half of the Qi of vitality had been delivered, "It''s enough for me. There''s a lot left C quickly, give it to my brother!" He struggled as he spoke, "This is more than enough for me to stay alive, for a long time Stop, quickly." Yun Yang could only chuckle dryly and answered in a low tone, "This junior is in awe at senior''s sense of brotherhood, but this portion of Qi of vitality is truly only for one person and it can''t be given up halfway Now that I have come into contact with the vitality Qi personally, I truly understand what it is. The Qi of vitality is a portion of life, a tune of that portion. It has its head and tail, a start and an end. Once it''s given up halfway, it''s like cutting a life into half The remaining Qi of vitality in the seal will dissipate, while what has been delivered into your body will drain itself away This is the death of the vitality Qi. Do you really not know this, as the receiver?" Song Changgong was baffled. "What about my brother then?" "It''s our effort that matters. When there''s a will, there''ll surely be a way." Yun Yang was brimming with assurance, "Just for this strong bond of your ties that life and death can''t break apart, I''ll request for the vitality Qi on my own initiative when I enter the next time. Even if I must pay a higher price for it, I shall bring along another ration of the vitality Qi." Song Changgong began to slow down his hoarse breathing. "Do help then, young brother." The Qi of vitality slowly and steadily penetrated Song Changgong. It had only been less than a quarter of an hour when the energy was fully transmitted. Not much was known of Song Changgong, since when there was no more movement from him as he had gone into a deep, meditative state surrounded by a thick blanket of fog that he could not be seen anymore. After another moment, Lang Fantian and the rest seemed to have broken out of their trance as their gazes at Yun Yang when they looked up were unprecedentedly passionate. The vigor contained within those eyes was ten or even a hundred times stronger, especially Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi''s unblinking stare as if they were about to swallow Yun Yang whole. Yun Yang shuddered uncomfortably and replied, "Let''s wait patiently I''m also very curious what change this Qi of vitality could bring." He extended his right arm. The spot where the Qi of vitality was originally sealed now had a mysterious pattern. The seal had left its mark on his arm, not yet completely vanished. However, when one felt it again, what was previously felt was not there anymore. It was simply bizarre. Li Yixin had come in just about then. Watching the thick fog around Song Changgong and feeling the teeming energy of life, he was grinning with some hint of pride. Lang Fantian turned around and spoke seriously, "Elder Li, don''t worry. I still have plenty of resources with me. The chief has spoken previously that if the Qi of vitality were true, he shall let all of you recover your youth, regardless of the cost. It won''t be long before you aren''t restricted by age anymore." "I thank the chief for his eagerness but I''m already content. I honestly dare not ask for more," Li Yixin replied peacefully. He smiled and reminisced, "Back then, big brother and I had very good luck. We had just thrown ourselves into the martial world and got to join a lower class Celestial Luck Banner sect and were even selected as true teaching disciples. Although our sect was taken over by another school in the Celestial Luck Banner meet, both of us were recruited together and even became the disciples of a middle-class Celestial Luck Banner school. Later on, we were scouted by an upper-class flag sect and became their disciples, inheriting the cultivation method and moving forward, side by side ever since" "Actually, big brother''s destiny has always been better than mine. Unfortunately, he didn''t have a good big brother like me!" "Back then, the middle-class banner sect picked big brother first. Big brother said, ''I have a brother who''s more gifted than me''." "When it came to the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner sect, big brother still said, ''I have a brother who''s more gifted than me''."Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "Just like that, we stayed together all along." Li Yixin chuckled lightly. "It''s true. Even when the school''s person in charge stated repeatedly that they only wanted one disciple, big brother said the same, insisted to take me along" "People always say that a helping hand lent in need is gracious but not all helping hands will be requited with gratitude. I think that''s an excuse for insincere relationships. Otherwise, I''d have exploited him endlessly and have long harmed him, seeking success for myself!" "Now, I''m forever grateful that the league could return big brother''s youth back to him. Any more requests would honestly be wishful thinking." "That''s why there are also many who contributed massively to the commerce league, those that don''t pale in comparison to the both of us. How can the league''s resources be largely drained just for us both? It''s unreasonable and irrational. Even if there''s the Qi of vitality the next time, I shouldn''t be in the consideration," said Li Yixin. He smiled gently and said, "To gain another opportunity despite our withering days is too much C it is enough." The group was silent as they listened to him. What Li Yixin had said was logical. Things that were scarce were precious. Effective as the vitality Qi was, it was currently an invaluable asset. The previous transaction that had cost more than four hundred thousand upper-class spiritual jade was more of a test, an assurance. It was a surprise to acquire the vitality Qi. The order for Song Changgong and colleagues to come was a fated occasion to them, but it was also taking the four of them as experimental rats, to evaluate the Qi of vitality''s efficacy and usage. Now that the Qi of vitality''s efficacy could be proven, it would only invite criticism if Song and Li took the opportunities respectively, should there be an opening of the energy despite their achievements. It was indeed unreasonable. In spite of it, it was not exactly irrational. This was what everyone thought to themselves. Lang Fantian was in deep thought for a long time before he spoke up again, slow and serious, "Maybe Elder Li thinks this is already enough, but I don''t think so. The second transaction is definitely going to happen. If there was the Qi of vitality, it''s going to you for sure. It''s up to you whether you want it or not, but it''s up to us whether we fight for it." Li Yixin was also quiet for a long time before he replied, "Big brother has always been more perceptive than me. This is most probably why we serve the General Commerce League" He smiled lightly and commented in a soft voice, "We weren''t of service to the wrong part in this lifetime after all." He then looked at Yun Yang and asked, "Brother Yun, can you understand what I said?" Yun Yang carefully pondered for a long moment, not saying a word for a good quarter of an hour, before he answered, "I think I understand." Li Yixin beamed with a comforted expression, cracking open his toothless mouth, and said, "I hope you can truly understand it and realize the enlightenment." "I understand, but I most likely won''t be able to do it," said Yun Yang with a hint of sadness. Li Yixin cracked another meaningful grin and replied, "People who admit that they can''t necessarily do it will usually achieve it instead. But sometimes, it''s better to be unable to do it than having done it with blood, sweat, and tears." "Yes, that is true indeed," Yun Yang said with a long sigh. Li Yixin let out a reassured sigh. "Looks like you really do understand. My words are not a waste of my breath." Yun Yang did not speak. After a long time, he asked, "Senior Li, you''ve only known me. Why do you tell me these things?" "One who''s going to die speaks kind words. It''s a saying. However, one who is about to die will have realizations and discernments that one usually can''t possess. Can you understand this?" Li Yixin answered, smiling warmly. Yun Yang nodded. Li Yixin continued. "I can feel that I''ll stay at the Residence of Nine Supremes for some time. Perhaps, for the rest of my life." "Young Brother Yun, these are a few lines that I conclude from my entire life. I think you''re really decent, so I hope that you''re able to achieve something great." "Of course, most crucially, I think that you''re hopeful." What Li Yixin told Yun Yang was vague, but it seemed to have been very clearly expressed in a certain way. Yun Yang thought that he had understood it, yet it was like he did not. This was an unusual feeling to Yun Yang, who prided himself on his above-average intelligence and shrewdness. Lang Fantian, who was musing on the side, asked softly, "Senior Li Then, do you think that C is it possible for the General Commerce League" Li Yixin considered momentarily and answered just as softly, "Just the word league in the General Commerce League is in itself a restraint!" "A restraint?" Lang Fantian repeated, looking perplexed. "It''s a good thing," said Li Yixin, "However, it''s also unnecessarily a good thing." Lang Fantian mulled over his words and asked, "How so?" Li Yixin''s eyes were cast downwards. For a short while, the answer was not given. "The higher authorities value brotherhood and martial world integrity too much." Lang Fantian did not understand, asking, "Isn''t valuing ties and bonds a good thing?" Li Yixin kept his lips sealed then, not saying another word. Lang Fantian was relentless but he did not ask any further. Musing alone, his frown knotted deeper. After a stretched instant, he asked Yun Yang, "Brother Yun, isn''t valuing brotherhood and martial world integrity a good thing?" "Of course it is," answered Yun Yang, after a stunned silence. "Then C then why did Elder Li say that it was a restraint?" exclaimed Lang Fantian. Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath and answered, "It seems that this isn''t something I can interpret at my level" Lang Fantian looked dazed, murmuring to himself, "Brotherhood and martial world integrity are the basic tenets of the martial world!" Yun Yang watched him with a rollercoaster of emotions running within him. Brotherhood and martial world integrity were the basic tenets of the martial world but they were never the fundamentals of an eternal organization! Gazing at the General Commerce League''s Vice Chief and recalling the Chief''s words "let all of you recover your youth, regardless the cost", he realized that the promise held far too much weight! Yun Yang immediately recalled everything involved since he formed ties with the General Commerce League. Instantly, he understood each and every word Li Yixin had said, the meaning behind them. Yet, he could not explain it. This filled him with a helplessness that could barely be expressed. As his thoughts raced, Yun Yang suddenly realized something. The General Commerce League was powerful in its influence and capability. This much was obvious. Yet, it had stopped at the level of being a middle-class Celestial Luck Banner organization. It was rather illogical. Speaking of Supreme Saint masters, he had met four of them today and they were close to death''s door! Then how many more others could there be in the league? At least, in the most reserved estimation, there had to be no fewer than ten? Could there be masters of a higher level like the Regal Saint? Possibly! In spite of such an impressive faculty, why were they only holding a middle-class flag? Yun Yang was unwilling to keep thinking about it, once he thought of this. If he did, it would be saddening, a blow to his heart. Yun Yang did not want to damage his confidence. It would be too much of a loss to lose his competitiveness. Unfortunately, this fact was indeed reality, indelible, no matter how cruel it was! 961 A Return to Youth The group no longer spoke then; they waited silently, seated at their respective places. Each of them was entertaining their own thoughts. Lang Fantian was quiet for a very long time. His frown was locked in place as soft sighs constantly escaped his lips. Feng Guohai looked calmer instead, with his eyes half shut, while Xiao Yushu and the rest of the people merely looked thoughtful. Li Yixin''s words had been vague, but everyone managed to form their own interpretation after listening to him. Some of them had chosen to speak aloud, while the others kept their comprehension in their heart. The outcome was the heavy atmosphere that currently permeated their surroundings. It was only after another lapse of time that a gentle boom broke the tension. The focal point of everyone''s attention that was the thick layer of white mist abruptly disappeared. The group looked over instinctively and let loose a uniform gasp. A handsome, middle-aged man slowly stood up from the floor. The man stared at Li Yixin excitedly and rushed over, hugging him and crying out euphorically, "Brother, we have hope!" Everyone else, without exception, was dumbfounded C their jaws dropped and their tongues looped themselves into knots! Their minds were the fragments and shards of a universe that had exploded. Song Changgong! This fine man in his prime was Song Changgong? The Song Changgong who had been wrinkled and senile just a while ago, with silver strands for his hair and beard, who had looked like he did not much more time in this world? They felt like they were in a hazy illusion. Were they dreaming? It had been but a trickle of time, yet, Song Changgong had returned to his youth. This was the Qi of vitality!Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Song Changgong had absorbed the Qi of vitality and achieved the current result. As everyone''s thought process carried them here, their gazes simultaneously shifted to Yun Yang, blazing heat oozing from their stares. They thought of how the miracle appeared C the source of the marvel. They had known previously that Yun Yang had acquired the Qi of vitality from the Spirit''s Grave. The latter had already spoken of the energy''s effect earlier. They were electrified. After all, the vitality Qi was no ordinary Qi if it could prolong one''s life! It was expected that the consumer could pass the limit of his longevity and it would be no surprise that his general state would be improved. In spite of this, the outcome they were witnessing now was astounding Yun Yang had not said a thing about the Qi of vitality being able to recover one''s youth! Song Changgong teared up as he hugged Li Yixin; the latter did not fare any better himself. Both of them had been in each other''s company their entire life. Faced with rain and storm, faced with life and death, facing the martial world, facing each other, no one else had spent as much time together as they had. Naturally, they were had witnessed each other''s struggles and uncertainties, as well as their gradual aging and decline from the prime of their lives. The emotions and feelings were indescribable. Now, Li Yixin had witnessed a miracle take place within his big brother, watching him go back to his youth. The joy he was engulfed in was incomparable. "Congratulations, big brother!" Li Yixin said sincerely. He thought that even if there was no hope for him, even if he were to die at this very moment, he could be on his way to the Nine Springs in relief and with no regrets, upon seeing this scene. His brother was rejuvenated to his prime state now; he was capable of taking good care of himself. Even if he was not by his side, well, that didn''t really matter anymore. Song Changgong''s eyes were trained on Li Yixin''s silver strands and weaving lines as he spoke fondly, "Brother, you''ll be like your big brother. I guarantee it! No matter the price, I''ll make sure your youth is returned to you!" He turned around and gathered his emotions. Facing Yun Yang, Song Changgong bowed deeply in gratitude. "Brother Yun, thank you for the Qi of vitality!" Yun Yang returned the gesture quickly. "Elder Song, you''re being courteous. It''s a fair trade, I dare not accept your thanks." Yun Yang was moved by the brotherhood between both old men and even thought about helping by giving an additional portion of vitality Qi to Li Yixin, but the current scenario deemed that action inappropriate. If he had accepted Song Changgong''s thanks, it would mean an unavoidable and irrecoverable change in their standpoints. Therefore, Yun Yang was direct in concluding all that had transpired into their deal. The sentiment of individual feelings could exist in a deal, but it must come from a general angle. It could not involve too many personal emotions or else the priorities could be skewed and pose a disadvantage. "I''m not being courteous," Song Changgong said earnestly as he stood up straight, "I know your stance and I''ll definitely also thank the commerce league. But to you, this sense of gratitude is inevitable C especially when I have another favor to ask for." Yun Yang glanced at Song Changgong and then at Li Yixin, immediately understanding. "Brother Yun, I believe that you know what I want to ask for. State your terms freely. Whatever the conditions, whatever the price, it doesn''t matter. I must ask you for this help." Song Changgong spoke each word in seriousness, "My brother needs this Qi of vitality too." His posture was straight. He said softly, "I can pay, whatever the price is!" A frown came to Yun Yang. "I''ve seen and am deeply touched by the kinship Elder Song and Elder Li share. On the topic of the vitality Qi, though, I can only promise both of you that I''ll try my best. I can''t guarantee anything. After all, it''s not something that I can decide." "Of course. I thank you for being willing to lend a helping hand, Brother Yun," said Song Changgong. Yun Yang was pondered silently for a moment before he spoke again quietly, "If What if I can''t obtain it smoothly, or I take too much time to do it" Li Yixin''s face fell. What Yun Yang said seemed to be a forewarning, a clear statement of the worst that could happen, but it was essentially a test to their brotherhood. Even if he did not mean any harm, he still had an ulterior motive. "Big brother!" Li Yixin had spoken before Song Changgong could open his mouth, "Big brother, both life and death are destined. I''d be lucky to get it, but it''s also my destiny if I don''t." Song Changgong shook his head easily as he stared at his brother gently before a smile pulled at his lips. He then turned to look at Yun Yang again and suddenly raised his arm. "I, Song Changgong, swear that if my brother is unable to extend his life and regain his youth, then the two of us shall share life and death; we shall both stay or we shall both leave this world together!" A rumble of thunder roared in the sky as the vow was made. A vow had been made to the heavens! Li Yixin did not expect Song Changgong to make such a decision. He was stunned, shuddering as tears escaped his eyes. "Big brother, you C !" His voice came out as a sob, the words choked in his throat. The heaven''s vow had been made. Any sort of attempt to stop or advise him was already too late. Song Changgong smiled faintly. "You and I are brothers. This is how it should be. Our vow to be brothers is still a fresh echo in my ears. My acquisition of the Qi of vitality today is because you held yourself back. If you pass on, unable to obtain the vitality Qi, what''s the use of me staying in this world alone? We''ve roamed the martial world for tens of thousands of years. Having spent so much time together, if you did leave first have you the heart to keep me tormented by guilt, eternally lonely?" Li Yixin heaved a long sigh, unable to get a single word out. 962 An Astronomical Price Tag Lang Fantian and the others were stunned. The shock that ran through them was indescribable nor was it comparable to any other feeling they had experienced before. All that was left were overwhelmed gazes trained upon the two brothers, respect brimming in their orbs. They had always known that both old men had supported each other throughout their lives and that the bond of their brotherhood was earnest, tightly knitted, despite the tribulations of life and death. However, never had they imagined that the kinship they shared was so profound and unchanging regardless of the circumstances!Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. One had given the hope of recovering his youth away when presented with it, while another was willing to give his youth away despite having already recovered it for his brother C how precious such a brotherhood was! Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi exchanged glances, both catching the shame reflected in each other''s eyes. The one person hardest to lie to was none other than oneself. If they were asked, would they give such chance away, when faced with one, like these two old men? Both of them shook their heads silently in bitterness. Perhaps, their bond had yet to reach that level; perhaps, it was the workings of destiny, but most importantly, they had never possessed such a strong sense of brotherhood! "Vice Chief Lang!" Song Changgong turned to Lang Fantian and said, "We brothers may have to stay at the Residence of Nine Supremes for some time now." Lang Fantian nodded easily. "Don''t worry, Elder Song. Leave it all to me!" He patted his chest with confidence. Although Lang Fantian looked rugged in appearance, he was no fool; he was the Vice Chief in the General Commerce League. It was apparent to him that Song Changgong was fully rejuvenated and he was also back in his prime, the third level pinnacle of Supreme Saint, at that too! The capability was secondary. Essentially, it was the addition of at least a few thousand years of cultivation time he had from now on. With Song Changgong''s experience and temperament, no one could be sure of the level he could attain in the future. Nevertheless, there was no doubt he would be much stronger than he was currently. If Song Changgong could owe Lang Fantian a huge favor during this moment, how much of an investment it would be! Even if there was no part of a favor involved, a rapport could still be earned C it was similarly a worthy investment. Moreover, if it could even be a favor. Li Yixin who would go back to his youth was included as well. Considering this, Lang Fantian had a huge advantage. It was basically having two more pillars of support in the General Commerce League''s highest authorities. On the contrary, if Lang Fantian were to continuously dismiss and delay the request, it was less important that he would offend both elders and fail to earn their favor. The most direct consequence would be the General Commerce League losing both Song Changgong and Li Yixin because Song Changgong would definitely go with Li Yixin if the latter were to die. It would mean that the league''s trade with Yun Yang this time was entirely wasted, their efforts were totally pointless! As it stood, of course, Lang Fantian had to pat his chest in assurance in addition to making his promise happen. Warmth was radiating of Song Changgong''s handsome face. "Thank you, Vice Chief Lang." As he spoke, he took his spatial ring down and passed it to Lang Fantian alongside Li Yixin''s ring, speaking slowly, "These are our life savings. If they aren''t sufficient for Brother Yun to enter the Spirit''s Grave again, please help to gather what''s lacking, Vice Chief Lang." He then smiled and said apologetically, "Everyone, we brothers have something personal to talk about. Brother Yun, please prepare a meditation room for us, thank you." Yun Yang made the arrangement without a second thought. "Feel free, elders." Song Changgong left slowly, holding on to Li Yixin. Everyone else watched their retreating backs, their stares still shocked and moved. It was without question that Song Changgong must have gone to unravel Li Yixin''s meridians. Li Yixin''s current state could no longer be alleviated by ordinary external resources, but it would still be somehow effective for Song Changgong to rectify his brother''s physical body using his recovered third level pinnacle Supreme Saint cultivation base. Additionally, both of them were familiar with each other''s capacity and bodily flaws. Under such circumstances, Li Yixin could definitely wait till the next supply of vitality Qi, if it could be obtained, with Song Changgong''s support! All of them believed that Song Changgong would strive for the time needed with his life for Li Yixin. After the group watched Song and Li off, their gazes were exceptionally ardent when they turned back to Yun Yang. "Brother Yun!" Lang Fantian was flushed with excitement. "The Qi of vitality is divine! It''s really a marvel" Feng Guohai and others looked equally flushed with shining eyes and blubbering words like they were drunk. Even Bai Yuxi and Wan Qingliu, both Supreme Saint experts, were thrilled. What was heard could be purely rumors, what was seen would be reality. No matter what Yun Yang had said and what they had felt with their divine senses previously, it was not like when someone actually went through and experienced the efficacy of the vitality Qi. The miraculous phenomenon amazed all of them now that it had been used on Song Changgong, someone whom death was knocking on his door, as the true power of the vitality Qi was dissolved. As the wonderful as the Qi of vitality Yun Yang provided, as much as the laudation it should receive! "Cough Vice Chief Lang!" Feng Guohai coughed several times and eyed Lang Fantian. "Let us discuss the price tag of the Qi of vitality How does headquarters regard the vitality Qi? Is there a considered value?" He tilted his head and glanced at Yun Yang, saying with a smile, "I believe that Brother Yun is the most concerned with this!" "Right, right. This we should C we should" Lang Fantian broke out of his daze as if struck with a realization. The situation was obvious. Yun Yang had brought the Qi of vitality; its efficacy was proven to be true; it was now a tested and true product of quality. Once it was considered a product, there should be its pricing, especially now, when they were already discussing the next supply of the vitality Qi. If the value they posed did not match his price and he was unable to take another portion of the energy out what would they do? Therefore, their quotation must be carefully placed in addition to inclining higher than lower worth. Lang Fantian had only thought about it for an instant before he decided, saying openly, "The league''s headquarter did have their qualms about the Qi of vitality before I come. Now, the doubts they had were no longer of significance. I shall state the Chief''s opinion directly. Like Feng Guohai had mentioned, Yun Yang was indeed concerned about the Qi of vitality''s price tag. "The Chief said as long as the Qi of vitality is proven to be effective, we can follow the highest quotation, offering a million of upper-class spiritual jade." Feng Guohai sucked in a cold breath subconsciously when he heard Lang Fantian. A million upper-class spiritual jade! Ten thousand pieces of lower class spiritual jade equaled to only a piece of upper class spiritual jade. A million upper class jade would mean ten billion lower class spiritual jade pieces! A total of ten billion pieces of lower class spiritual jade it was! The lower class spiritual jade was the most common currency circulating around the Bound of Universe. This was only the quoted figure for a one-time Qi of vitality transaction and it already carried an astronomical price tag! 963 Quit While You’re Ahead "The resources the league had previously given was according to the standard market price," said Lang Fantian after discussing with Feng Guohai, "It was approximately equivalent to six hundred thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade." "According to what we''ve agreed upon, we have supplied superior heaven and earth resources and mystical steel pieces in exchange for Brother Yun''s yield from the Spirit''s Grave this time around. However, this Qi of vitality is too precious, so much so that if we proceed with the deal as it stands, it would inevitably be a loss to Brother Yun. Therefore, if Brother Yun agrees with the stated quote, the General Commerce League will now owe Brother Yun four hundred thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade. It''s either that or items worth four hundred thousand upper-class spiritual jade pieces!" "Brother Yun, what do you think? Do you have any opposing thoughts on the matter? Please don''t hesitate to speak your mind freely!" Lang Fantian questioned carefully. It was a different set of circumstances now. The Qi of vitality Yun Yang provided was divinely effective and scarce. Naturally, he would become the party with the upper hand, thus Lang Fantian had become much more relenting. "I don''t have any opinion on this." Yun Yang agreed easily with only the slightest bit of consideration. The Qi of vitality was quoted at the highest possible price, while the resources were valued at a middle price as cited by the General Commerce League. The price difference between the two was already a huge sum. Regardless of perspective, this transaction was a reflection of the General Commerce League''s sincerity. Honestly, they had achieved an agreement regarding this deal earlier on. Their bargain was the one- time supply of resources for Yun Yang''s one-time reaping from the Spirit''s Grave. Now that the item from the Spirit''s Grave had exceeded their initial expectations, it was the league''s shrewdness that allowed their investment to enjoy significant returns. There was no fault if they failed to compensate Yun Yang for the price difference but their current initiative to suggest filling the spread was evidence of their additional kindness and sincerity! Yun Yang was further impressed, thinking to himself, ''The General Commerce League''s Chief is truly a notable figure! The integrity shown now is admirable. It''s no wonder he could create a colossus like the General Commerce League.'' "Having said that, do you want the spread to be reimbursed in spiritual jade or resources, Brother Yun?" asked Lang Fantian. Yun Yang gave it a quick thought and answered, "A hundred thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade and three hundred thousand upper-class spiritual jade worth of heaven and earth resources. What do you think, Vice Chief Lang?" "Alright, it''s a deal," replied Lang Fantian without hesitation. He then opened his spatial ring and rummaged through it, moving the items he picked up into another ring and passing it to Yun Yang. "Brother Yun, there are a hundred thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade and three hundred thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade worth of heaven and earth resources inside. Keeper Feng, do explain to Brother Yun. He''s only arrived at the Bound of Universe not long ago, he may not know all of the items." Feng Guohai nodded. "Necessarily." Both of them went through the items on the spot. Feng Guohai was familiar with the goods that Lang Fantian had given, recounting their origin one by one and concluding that the value could only be more, not less. They were worth approximately three hundred and twenty to thirty thousand. Yun Yang called for Little Fatty. The latter made a rough estimation, evaluating that the total value of these heaven and earth resources should be around three hundred and forty thousand or even more. The obvious deviation between both parties'' estimation was at least a hundred thousand pieces of upper-class spiritual jade. It was a massive amount of wealth but Feng Guohai apparently lowered his total evaluation to further display the General Commerce League''s sincerity. They had gone to the extreme, afraid of any discord that would interrupt their future partnership. The stances, attitude, and resources were laid out accordingly; of course, the end was mutual happiness. Currently, the payment for Yun Yang''s entrance to the Spirit''s Grave was already made. It was the three spiritual herbs and over ten pieces of mystical steel. The four hundred thousand additional upper-class spiritual jade now was basically, Yun Yang''s personal reward. Perhaps, it could also be considered the benefit the General Commerce League was giving Yun Yang the deal''s profit.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. In spite of it, the dividend of four hundred thousand upper-class spiritual jade was more than what one would call lavish. It was pure exaggeration. Yun Yang knew to quit while he was ahead, intending for a mutual gain, and said, "We''ll take this batch of resources as three hundred and thirty thousand, meaning that I''ve taken thirty thousand upper-class spiritual jade in advance for our next transaction." After some courteous exchanges, Lang Fantian and the others agreed to it happily. Yun Yang was well aware that the other party was so polite because of the Spirit''s Grave C more likely, due to the big boss inside who knew how to control and seal the divine sense. They feared the figure inside too much, thus contributing to the current reality. If he did not have such a tactic, he would have long been captured and imprisoned, unable to escape for life. The so-called vacant physique was a rare gift, maybe unique in existence, but it was not irreplaceable. At least, it was incomparable to the value of the Spirit''s Grave. His ability to unlock the Spirit''s Grave was his biggest trump card of staying alive! It was one thing that the league was fearful of, however, and it was another matter that they could engage in fair trade and mutual respect. Since Yun Yang was already at an advantage, he chose not go overboard. Otherwise, it would be futile if their initial joyous cooperation turned sour "If so, when do you plan to go in again, Brother Yun?" Lang Fantian''s usually calm demeanor was replaced with impatient excitement. Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi''s eyes were sparkling as well. The next trip meant differently from the previous one. The involvement was too big. Not only was Li Yixin in need of the vitality Qi, but both of them were also desperately vying for it as well. ''The both of us don''t have many years'' Feng Guohai put their emotions into words instead. "Can you enter now, successively?" "Elder Feng, how could you ask this" Yun Yang chuckled dryly. Feng Guohai replied with an awkward chortle. He understood everything but not others. "Theoretically, entering now is doable," Yun Yang said frankly but helplessly, "After all, the senior in the Spirit''s Grave requires these items eagerly too From this point of view, he''d welcome it the more often we enter." "However, if we enter now and bring along sufficient heaven and earth resources, in addition to the incredibly short gap between two trips and the excellence of the resources that fares much better than the last He''d inevitably feel that it''s become easy for me to collect these goods and lower the trade gain." Yun Yang continued. "It''s greatly disadvantageous that what we gain will be lowered but if the senior fixes the period of the transaction directly we''ll be in too passive a position. Even if he doesn''t fix the duration but increases the value, it''ll become increasingly difficult for us. I believe that there''s a limit to the resources you guys can collect as well." "Based on this premise, I hope that what I send in for exchange in the future won''t suffer from inflation due to our impatience." Yun Yang said genuinely, "So our current priority should emphasize long-term partnership. If things become hard or even turn into a deadlock, our future is bleak; we''ve neglected the essentials. Furthermore, the Qi of vitality is precious and magical, but there aren''t too many seniors who''re troubled by old age like Song and Li Elder and Wan and Bai Elder in the league, am I right? I don''t think you''ll divert all your attention to the Qi of vitality, would you? I believe that the Spirit''s Grave may not necessarily have nothing better than the Qi of vitality. Blindly expending too many resources for the Qi of vitality and not have the capital in exchange for anything better" The last chuckle was pointedly strained. 964 Faster Lang Fantian, Feng Guohai and the rest were members of the General Commerce League. For them to assume such high positions, it was not a great surprise that they were profound in the ways of business. They knew full well that what Yun Yang had said was incredibly reasonable. Not only was he thinking for himself, but he had also considered both parties'' pros and cons comprehensively. His sincerity was something to be given due credit. "Brother Yun is levelheaded," said Lang Fantian, "We''ve been too concerned with the magical Qi of vitality, so much so that we got impatient." He pondered for a while, but ultimately could not hold himself back and asked, "How long do you think is appropriate before we enter again?" "The next time we go in It would be best if we prepare twenty percent more than what we have this time." Yun Yang stated the terms before giving the question some thought and answered, "As for when to enter We should wait at least half a month more. This duration is already considered tight. We can''t shorten it any further." He placed heavy emphasis on his words. "After the next trip, it''s better that the next one takes an even longer gap." "Half a month Will that be too long?" Lang Fantian mused. "This is already the shortest period, much shorter than all the previous excursions between my entrance to the Spirit''s Grave," said Yun Yang decisively, "There''s something else I must state first. Other than the heaven and earth resources, as well as upper-class spiritual jade pieces and mystical steels, the goods that are to be traded after a few more trips will require the force of providence." He chuckled bitterly and spread his arms to show his helplessness in the situation. "Honestly, my initial plan was to slow down the frequency of me entering the Spirit''s Grave and at the same time speed up my school''s establishment in hopes that I could acquire a certain level of providence. Now, my Residence of Nine Supremes has just been built C how is it just heaven and earth''s distance to acquire the force of providence? If I weren''t able to send in what is needed, I''m afraid my rights to enter will be forfeited. That''d be a real shame" "Due to this, we must leave some time for ourselves in order for the sect to have room for development. At the very least, we have to establish the qualification to contest for the force of providence Only then can the far future be brought into the discussion." Lang Fantian thought deeply and commented slowly, "Brother Yun does make sense." On the side, the other five people from the General Commerce League nodded as well, after careful consideration. According to common logic, Yun Yang should hit the iron while it was hot and further expand his achievements. This was business they were talking about! In spite of this, Yun Yang went the opposite way; not only was he not in a hurry, but he was also advising the rest to take their time as well With his behavior, everyone''s doubts regarding the Spirit''s Grave diminished dramatically, while their admiration for Yun Yang spiked. If they were in his shoes, they might not have been able to do any better with such clarity under the huge temptation of profit. This was the judicious mind that should be equipped by someone who was ready to take on the world! It was akin to fishing at the same spot due to one''s impatience to gain profit. It would be the worst thing that could happen when the day nothing could be exchanged and even the Spirit''s Grave could no longer be entered came. Yun Yang''s personal safety was irrelevant to their grand ambitions, but the General Commerce League''s hope to soar by leveraging on him would crumble into pieces. "Brother Yun is far-sighted and circumspect. We''re very impressed," chorused the group. "Half a month it shall be!" Lang Fantian said, "The resources I''ve brought along this time is sufficient for three to four trips, according to the amount we''ve traded this time" He sighed, "As Brother Yun has said, the materials the General Commerce League can gather is also limited. What I''ve taken this time is half of the entire General Commerce League''s tens of thousands of years'' assets However, our supplies won''t be able to support too many more of these transactions. If we''re anxious for quick wins, it would truly be a fool''s action" "Vice Chief Lang, don''t worry. We brothers shall try our best. As long as one is determined to seek these materials, nothing is impossible, for the world is vast."Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi were suddenly filled with confidence, the glow in their eyes intensifying. Both of them had made up their minds. If nothing could actually be done, they would steal them C they would just resort to robbing people! Regardless of the circumstances, they would collect as much of these resources as they could The entire continent was filled with such! If they were to consider their reputations well, they would cover up their faces then. "It''s decided then. We''ll enter again half a month later," Yun Yang announced. "Very well." Lang Fantian was an easygoing person, never delaying what could be decided easily. He was firm as he said, "The five of us will leave now to the headquarters. It''s necessary that we report this in detail to the Chief for future plans and decide on our next course of action." Yun Yang nodded as a sign of understanding. Wan Qingliu and Bai Yuxi were rather reluctant but they had no choice. It was required of them to return. Only by returning and reporting the matter could this episode be completely proven. Once the higher authorities came to a unanimous voice, everything would be easier to manage. Furthermore, the entire matter had previously been reported by Lang Fantian, Xiao Yushu, Gu Jiuxiao, and Feng Guohai. The four of them rode the same boat, how could their words contain any weight again? By definition, the two elders were the real witnesses. Who would return if not them? As for Song Changgong, he wished to stay put and take care of Li Yixin. No one dared interrupt him. It was, of course, the most convincing for Song Changgong to go back, but who would be willing to light the torch? Li Yixin had come to the end of his life now that death could come and collect him at any time. What if Li Yixin died while Song Changgong went back? Who could face his wrath? This was a risk they would not take. As for asking Song Changgong to return with Li Yixin, the group decided that it was best to not even mention such a possibility. Whoever suggested it would most probably be chopped into pieces by Song Changgong instantly. "Goodbye!" Lang Fantian cupped his fist and wished the others warmly, "Brother Yun, do work hard. The lower class Celestial Luck Banner meet will commence in less than half a year''s time. I wish you the qualification to challenge the flag." Previously, Lang Fantian was not at all worried about Yun Yang''s sect, thus he had not posed any questions. The development speed of a newly built sect by someone insignificant was irrelevant to him. As for contesting for the Celestial Luck Banner was he dreaming? Was the flag so easy to be bagged? Now, however, Lang Fantian was more concerned about this issue than everyone else, even more than Yun Yang, the founder of the school. Truth be told, he even felt like joining and fighting for the Residence of Nine Supremes! It was too crucial for the sect to snatch the providence flag. This was a chance that should not be missed! Yun Yang nodded. "Don''t worry!" He thought, ''I''m even more worried than you are'' 965 The Gathering It was all well and good that Yun Yang was confident, but how could the General Commerce League be free of worry? The Residence of Nine Supremes'' current situation was as plain as daylight. There was only a handful of them. Their top combat force could probably fight the lower class Celestial Luck Banner sects'' least capable higher authorities, but once the latter was to bring out their top forces or if they came face to face with the General Commerce League''s combined forces, the Residence of Nine Supremes was wholly inadequate. Their disciples recruited were unusually weak in their given talents. None came close to competing. As for the Celestial Luck Banner contest, there were plenty of rounds to fight, including a one-to-one battle of one''s best combat force. The said round was usually attended by each school''s best fighter. Then, it was the higher-level combat force between two sects; there were basically three rounds, but it sometimes depended on the situation. Following that would be the battle among the schools'' core disciples; at least five rounds would take place while the party without a contender would be considered having surrendered. Last but not least, the final combat formation battle consisted of an all-out combined technique by one sect''s elite combat forces. Therefore, the grand meet was said to have four rounds, but there were actually more than ten fights in each round. As stated, the norm for the core disciples battle was best three out of five, while the challenger could only be qualified to enter the next round of higher-level combat force after winning this round. The higher-level combat force battle was usually best two out of three and similarly, the challenger must win in order to proceed to the next level of the meet. Losing the round meant an immediate loss of the subsequent challenging qualification. What followed would be the battle of combat formations. This round was not as strict, as both the winner and loser could enter the final battle. However, the combat formation battle was usually the round with the most casualties among the four bouts. Contenders from both sides would suffer equally, as after this round, whether it was the challenger or the defender, both would lose their combat forces. The final battle of the top was usually participated by the strongest forces of a sect to draw an end to the banner contest. Winning three of the four rounds would allow one sect to acquire the Celestial Luck Banner through the flag contest, but a newly ascended sect that won all four rounds would earn the chance to immediately challenge a higher level. If the sect had only won three rounds out of the four, it could only attain the qualification for the last ranked lower class Celestial Luck Banner; the school would have to wait three years later to fight again if it wanted to go a step further. In other words, if a school could maintain four wins all the time, it could charge its way up continuously C as long as the time gap did not exceed three months. Theoretically, the possibility to obtain many Celestial Luck Banners in a short amount of time existed. The issue at hand was, instead, the fact that the Residence of Nine Supremes was miserably inadequate! In the eyes of Lang Fantian and group, at least, Yun Yang''s Residence of Nine Supremes had no hope of even winning any round.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. When a round of victory was already too much to ask for, what was more, the Celestial Luck Banner or even winning all four rounds and continuously challenging the higher ranking Celestial Luck Banner schools? Shi Wuchen and friends had an excellent cultivation base, but they were about the level of core disciples in the higher-ranked lower class Celestial Luck Banner sects. There were only a few days left before the grand meet now. Could they achieve a breakthrough within such a short time? Even if one or two of them were graced by Lady Luck and did advance, it was simply impossible for all of them to attain breakthroughs and increase their levels, thus eliminating the last ranked lower class flag sect, Cangwu Union! Lang Fantian left in worry. "I''ll take at most seven days C I''ll be back!" Lang Fantian and colleagues soared into the sky and left speedily towards the south. Song Changgong and Li Yixin stayed in the Residence of Nine Supremes. Song Changgong was well behaved, only staying in the house that Yun Yang had appointed to him. Of course, the main reason was due to his brother. Day to night, he cleaned his sworn brother''s meridians with his refined mystical Qi. He almost never stopped, not at all showing signs of fatigue. Li Yixin stubbornly tried to stop him, but Song Changgong was equally headstrong, ignoring him and doing what he wished. "This hope belongs to both of us, not just one." Song Changgong was willful. "If only one can have it, I''d rather both not take it and go to the Nine Springs together." "We brothers aren''t able to achieve great heights that are earth-shattering but our brotherhood can''t be tainted nor obliterated! Not even by the both of us!" On the second morning after Lang Fantian and colleagues left, the final two people from the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, Violet Robed Golden Needles, Wu Menghuan, and Star-Souled Saber Knight, Luo Dajiang, arrived at the Residence of Nine Supremes respectively. The Demiurge-Flawed Ten, the ten legendary whetstones, had not come close to being complete for a long time now. Finally, they had gathered here at the Residence of Nine Supremes. Besides Yun Yang, even the ten of them felt a long-lost sense of reverie. Other than having made the longest journey, the reason Wu Menghuan and Luo Dajiang came so late was because they had brought along their families. It was like they had never considered if the Residence of Nine Supremes would refuse to take them in before they had departed. Both troupes met coincidentally by the Residence of Nine Supremes'' mountain gate. Wu Menghuan hopped down from the cart and looked at the gate quietly, not making any move for a long time. On his side, Luo Dajian assumed the same action. Both men had seen each other but it was as if they had not. After some time, Luo Dajiang sighed softly. "Looks like you''ve decided." "Yes, you''ve decided too," Wu Menghuan replied just as silently. Both of them still had not loved but they chuckled without humor successively. "Since Shi Wuchen and others have come, the Residence of Nine Supremes, as the Ten''s port, won''t disappoint us," Wu Menghuan said. "Even if it''s a disappointment, it''s the last time." Luo Dajiang looked indifferent, as was his tone. "Since when do we lack an opportunity to join a sect for so many years However the outcome when we actually sent ourselves over they were disappointment and humiliation over and over again" Wu Menghuan said, "I''ve taken too much of such humiliation that I barely care now. However, this time C the recommendation by the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, takes the same route and ends up to that treatment ultimately, I don''t think I''ll be able to take it." Luo Dajiang was silent for a while before he mumbled, "I hope, this time, we can truly have a place we can call our ground. Is such a wish too lavish? It is C very much so!" Both of them did not look at each other still, but simultaneously, they took a big step forward. "Do be informed that Violet Robed Golden Needles, Wu Menghuan, and Star-Souled Saber Knight, Luo Dajiang, have come to join you!" Before their words echoed, the mountain gate opened. 966 Luo Dajiang, Jiang Luoluo A thick, foggy mist coalesced, accompanied by a similarly dense layer of spiritual Qi. Yun Yang appeared with a smile plastered on his face. "Both brothers have finally arrived. I''ve been waiting for you. Please! Come in quickly." As he spoke, the other two men felt their palpitating hearts calm down and eventually began to warm up in front of this smiling face. Wu Menghuan cupped his fist in his palm. "How dare we trouble Supreme Cloud to welcome us personally? Where are Shi Wuchen and the rest?" Yun Yang''s grin grew wider. "All of them are in training They''re probably unconscious from it by now. Not to worry, not to worry. Come in first" Unconscious from training? Why did that have such a terrifying ring to it? Was the Residence of Nine Supremes not a newly founded sect? Yun Yang, Supreme Yun, the founder of the Residence of Nine Supremes, only possessed an ordinary cultivation base. What master could the school be housing, to be able to train Shi Wuchen and the others? It was mind-boggling! Yet the more they thought about it, the more petrifying it seemed to become. Wu Menghuan and Luo Dajiang entered the gate of the Residence of Nine Supremes, more than a little lost. Behind them, their families scanned the various buildings within the compound with curious eyes. Both men had brought along all their family members with determination, including Wu Menghuan''s parents and his two younger sisters, as well as Luo Dajiang''s parents and a red-gowned girl who looked exceptionally defiant. "Brother Luo, may I ask if this lady is" Yun Yang was rather puzzled. "My name is Jiang Luoluo," said the red-gowned girl with a pout, "That''s Jiang Luoluo with Da taken off Luo Dajiang''s name and flipped over." Yun Yang coughed. "O C oh my apologies." Was she explaining her background or her name? It seemed mystifying but also a point worth pondering. "Luo Dajiang is my fianc! Our families have agreed that I''m betrothed to him since we were young but now that my parents aren''t here anymore, Luo Dajiang is planning to deny this arrangement and abandon me!" Jiang Luoluo''s tears pitter-pattered as they fell onto the ground. "I can''t find anyone to make a ruling for me and I don''t know how to punish this heartless man I can only follow him all the way I want to see how this heartless man ends up! Hmph!" Luo Dajiang looked as if he was about to spit blood. "Luoluo be reasonable, will you? How did I abandon you? Haven''t you taken enough humiliation during the time you''re trailing me? You''re a disciple of a middle-class Celestial Luck Banner sect C you have a bright future ahead of you. Why make yourself suffer, following someone without a future like me? Would you watch me become others'' whetstone daily? Humiliated and played after being used? Are women supposed to find husbands like me? What could their futures possibly be like?" Jiang Luoluo''s eyes flashed with dissent as she said, "Whatever you say is useless. My father and mother betrothed me to you. I can accept that you wouldn''t want me when they were still alive; I could ask them to retract their request. But they aren''t even here anymore, where do I go to get them to withdraw the engagement? Can''t you bear a bit of responsibility as a man? I''m not asking you to be great and mighty, but can''t you keep a promise for once?!" "So what if you''re humiliated? So what if you''re used and played and toyed? This is God''s test for you. You''ll be able to achieve great things in the future! You obviously think that you''re going to be impressive in the future and want to leave me first, Luo Dajiang C you think you''re more superior than me! You think your good wife is unworthy of you, you''re shameless Sob" Luo Dajiang''s face was crimson as he struggled helplessly. "I C I''m not that type of person!" "Then marry me!" "Now I C How do I marry you?! Stop messing around!" "Messing around? You obviously intend to be heartless! Just be frank!"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "I''m not! How am I heartless I didn''t do anything" "You are! You are, you are, you are!" The young lady''s eyes were glossy with tears as she insisted. "You absolutely are!" "Leave quickly!" Luo Dajiang looked troubled. "I''m not alone now. When your sect''s members come, I won''t be the only one involved C there are so many brothers here Do you want me to trouble my brothers as well?" The girl glared. "As long as you marry me and give me a title, I''ll leave! Deal?" Yun Yang observed the aggressive young lady in front of him with admiration. She was a tough cookie. In the past, he thought that Ji Lingxi was feisty, an utter boss of herself; there was also Shangguan Lingxiu who exuded valor and mettle. If they were to be compared to Jiang Luoluo here, however, they stood no chance at all. Jiang Luoluo was dauntless, she was full of spunk! Luo Dajiang could be seen heaving a long sigh. A blink of gentleness flashed across his eyes. He was no fool. How could he have no idea of the young lady''s feelings? Yet, he knew that the sole outcome from his current situation would be a burden to her, putting her in trouble, and tarnishing her reputation. If he had married her, it would be an irrecoverable disaster to Jiang Luoluo. The name of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten was still disreputable. The main reason no one dared target Jiang Luoluo was only that the eldest senior brother among the commanding disciples in her sect liked her. Comparing status and influence, the eldest senior brother paled next to Lang Fantian. He was not like Elder Li Yixin or Protector Wan Qingliu, but he was parallel to Feng Guohai. He was still someone influential and significant. He would not lose his cool nor would he allow anyone to lay a finger on Jiang Luoluo. If Luo Dajiang and Jiang Luoluo were to get married, the commanding eldest senior brother''s dream would be shattered and that would definitely induce his wrath. Under his rage, Jiang Luoluo''s position in her sect would not be secure, and even her safety could be threatened. It was not something to be taken lightly. "Are you leaving or not?" Luo Dajiang willed himself to harden up and asked with a cold face. Jiang Luoluo wailed immediately, crying loudly, "I know what you''re worried about. I understand. Once you marry me, I won''t go back. I''ll stay, I won''t go anywhere. I''ll just become your stay-home wife!" Luo Dajiang breathed in deeply. He looked stern as he said, "You have a good future ahead of you. You''re a true teaching disciple of a middle-class flag school. What an opportunity that is C how can you not know to appreciate it?" Yun Yang had heard only half of the story but he could comprehend the whole situation already. This was obviously a couple in love with each other but torn apart to the current stage of life and death separation due to the Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s reputation as a whetstone. Luo Dajiang appeared to have submitted to fate without much resistance, apparently not wanting to keep Jiang Luoluo hopeful, thus he chastised her cruelly. If he did not love her, however, was it not easy to go according to her wish and abandon her afterward? He was resolute after all, not even giving her a title; he was only afraid that his impulsive actions would bring harm to the apple of his eye. 967 Whetstones Luo Dajiang''s parents watched helplessly from the sidelines. They looked afflicted, words at the tip of their tongues, but forcefully swallowed them back. It was evident that this was a scene they had witnessed one too many times. It was not that they did not know what to say - they just didn''t know how to say it. If they did, who should they advise? Who could be persuaded? It was a dilemma, without a clear sense of who was right or wrong. "Ah, ah, so it''s Lady Jiang Luoluo." Yun Yang laughed. "Lady Jiang''s arrival at our place is the Residence of Nine Supremes'' pride. Please come in. We''re immensely thrilled and pleased to have you here I''d like very much to have a friend like you since I first glanced at you, Lady Jiang. Come in quickly, come in." As he spoke, he eyed Jiang Luoluo. Realization colored the young lady''s eyes as her expression changed and she chuckled, replying lightly, "Nice to meet you, Supreme Cloud. I''m Jiang Luoluo. Greetings. You''re my friend now, Supreme Cloud. It feels like meeting an old friend seeing you, we could have been friends all of our lives." "That''s right. We hit it off well, we''re friends for life. Lady Jiang, hurry now. Come on in," Yun Yang invited with a laugh. Jiang Luoluo stepped into the Residence of Nine Supremes proudly, puffing her chest without a second word, no longer concerned with Luo Dajiang. Luo Dajiang was exasperated. "First Supreme Cloud, you Jiang Luoluo, you can''t come in!" "What are you saying? Who are you to say this? Didn''t you hear that it''s my best friend, Supreme Cloud, who invited me inside? It has nothing to do with you. Who are you to meddle with my freedom? I didn''t come here with you- I''m here to visit my good friend. Supreme Cloud is my good friend!" Jiang Luoluo retorted with an upraised chin. Luo Dajiang was speechless. "Brother Luo," Yun Yang said melodiously, still looking as friendly as ever, "I must do my best as a host when I have a friend visiting from so far away. If there''s any issue at all, let''s talk about it in the future Tonight, we''re going to throw you fellows a welcoming party!" He cut off Luo Dajiang''s words and congenially invited Wu Menghuan and Luo Dajiang''s family members into the Residence of Nine Supremes. Wu Menghuan had been watching everything from the side. A genuine smile suddenly found its way to the corners of his lips as his posture relaxed. He laughed. "Since it''s a welcoming party, is there wine? Will there be enough if there is?" "Of course there is, and good wine at that. Surely there''s enough for everyone!" "That''s great, that''s great" Wu Menghuan said no more, entering shoulder to shoulder with Yun Yang and ignoring Luo Dajiang who was standing, stunned, by the door. Standing there dumbly for a moment, a wash of relief flashed across Luo Dajiang''s eyes. He sighed softly and followed the crowd. His eyes quietly shifted to the red-gowned silhouette beside Yun Yang, fondness pouring from his gaze. It was a surprise that Jiang Luoluo turned around abruptly and glared at him. She then scoffed and tipped her chin high, prideful as she walked forward. Luo Dajiang felt a pang in his heart. He saw the tears that filled the girl''s eyes sprinkling in the air as she turned away. He could feel her finally letting the pressure slip a tiny bit away from herself. "Perhaps, the Residence of Nine Supremes is really where my destiny changes. I hope it doesn''t encounter disaster due to my arrival," Luo Dajiang murmured inwardly. That night, Dong Qitian mercifully gave everyone a break so that the Demiurge-Flawed Ten could reunite and drink as a form of welcome to Luo Dajiang and Wu Menghuan. Such an enjoyable night did not come by easily. After the drinking session, Luo Dajiang and Wu Menghuan would begin their trip to hell as well. Around the table, there were twelve people who were intoxicated C Yun Yang, Qian Duoduo, and the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, Young Master of Dark Fog, Shi Bujia, Traceless White Blade, Ren Qingkuang, Tri-Autumn Swordsman, Shi Wuchen, Yellow Gowned Sword of Frost, Lan Ruojun, Violet Robed Golden Needles, Wu Menghuan, Gol-Hand Scholar, Tie Qingcang, Vicious Physician, Ping Xiaoyi, Star-Souled Saber Knight, Luo Dajiang, Serene Soul of Nine Springs, Kong Luoyue, and Day-Long Assassin, Guo Nuanyang! Reunited after a long period of separation, each one of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten had an endless story of their own to tell. All of them had experienced countless sufferings and untold bitterness. In spite of it, no one spoke a word about their encounters after their separation now that they had gathered. All of them picked interesting martial world tales to recount, laughter filling the air, making the atmosphere a lighthearted one. Drinking towards the later hours of the night, all ten of them were highly intoxicated. Wu Menghuan suddenly laughed and let out a drawn-out howl, saying in a scratchy voice, "Today marks the end of the past. I shall not be a whetstone from now on!" The other nine men were stunned momentarily before they cried in unison, "Alright C Let''s not be a whetstone from now on!" Yun Yang, who sat at the main seat, looked nonchalant as he spoke slowly, "I think, actually, that there''s nothing wrong about being a whetstone." Once he had spoken, all ten men glared at him with anguish and rage. The humiliation of being a whetstone had lived with them for far too long. Now, someone actually dared to say that there was nothing wrong being a whetstone right in their faces? Put nicely, one who was never in their shoes would not know how it felt; otherwise, it was barely concealed mockery, picking at the scabs all ten of them nursed. Yet, the one who had said it was Yun Yang. The Demiurge-Flawed Ten was very respectful towards Yun Yang, the leader of the Residence of Nine Supremes. They were upset, but they did not say anything. However, their mood was visibly dampened, no longer ecstatic and motivated like before. This was also the doubt that lived in them, despite being hopeful towards Yun Yang, questioning his motive of recruiting the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. They wondered if Yun Yang was going to mold them into whetstones specifically suited for the Residence of Nine Supremes, that he was going to hold them here while giving them a home ground, so he could thoroughly utilize and exploit them. Otherwise, why would he say what he did? "I don''t know what all of you actually think what a whetstone is." "First and foremost, no one can deny that a whetstone has its value. If there isn''t a value to it, no one would actually look for you, even if you want to become one. Do you all agree?" Shi Bujia raised his brow and replied, "Of course we understand this, but all these years" "I don''t care about your past encounters. Those aren''t relevant to our current topic. We''ll talk about them when it comes into the picture in the future." Yun Yang continued saying, "I''ll just ask you fellows; did your cultivation base grow rapidly in these years that you''ve been a whetstone?"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "For sure! If we didn''t achieve anything, we''d have long been dead!" said Luo Dajiang. "How about your battle results throughout these years? Are they all losses?" Yun Yang asked, keeping a straight face. "How could that be? In fact, we''ve won more than we''ve lost. Truth be told, we rarely lost." Wu Menghuan said with a prideful grin. 968 From This Day Onward, I Am The Blade! "It seems that your track records are exceptionally excellent. If that is the case, why do all of you think that you''re merely whetstones? Are you acknowledging your identities as whetstones just because your opponents have thought of you as such?" Yun Yang was smiling. "From what I see, instead of saying that those disciples trained using you fellows as their whetstones, it''s a bunch of whetstones colliding That''s all." Tie Qingcang spoke up, "A bunch of whetstones? Do you mean to say that not only are we whetstones, but our opponents are also the same as well?" "Can''t I assume so? As those people take all of you as their whetstones, aren''t they becoming your whetstones too? Doesn''t it make sense when I say that you are each other''s whetstones then?" questioned Yun Yang. All ten of them were silent. Finally, they nodded their assent that Yun Yang''s words were unmistakably reasonable. "Since there are whetstones, then what would be the stone? What is the blade?" "All of you take each other as whetstones, so that would result in a collision among stones," said Yun Yang, "Where''s the actual blade then? Are they the blade? Or are you?" The ten men were fell silent once again. "No way. Are you losing confidence again? Looks like all of you are deeply affected by the mention of the word whetstones! From what I see, at least from the current stage, no one from either side is qualified to call themselves the blade. Up to now, you fellows only seem to be the tougher stone. How are you as sharp as the blade? Or as pointed?" Yun Yang continued mercilessly. "They''ve set their standpoint earlier, taking you fellows as the whetstones. The mindset was already an early loss, the first to restrict itself. However, you fellows chose to bemoan your fate, actually treating yourselves as whetstones. How could you not lose when this is already your attitude?" Yun Yang wore an amicable face but his words were deep, it''s meaning worthy to ponder. Lan Ruojun was contemplative for some time before he respectfully asked, "I''d like to ask boss what should we do then?" "Firstly, of course, is to face your heart rightfully, to correct your position from the roots before you fight. Only when you possess the heart of being the best, knowing why you fight, will the right path to cultivation appear," said Yun Yang. "Understand? What all of you need to do the most now is to reconstruct your frame of mind during this period of time and sort through your advantages and weaknesses, assess the cons of your cultivation method and the shortcoming of your techniques. The sect has a wide collection of cultivation books that you can refer to for countermeasures. Your cultivation journey isn''t hopeless after this. This is number one." "Number two, the task is to mature into an incomparably sharp blade from a piece of whetstone in the following hellish training sessions. Only when you want to stand as a blade will you have the right to find your piece of whetstone." "Even if you couldn''t progress into a divine weapon in the end, even if you''ve only developed into a hard workpiece in progress, you have hope to be sharpened and shine. At least you''re no longer a whetstone, isn''t it?" Yun Yang paused and said, "What I hope to see is From today on, all the Celestial Luck practitioners in this martial world are all whetstones in your eyes C they are advanced forces that support all of you by sharpening your edges!" Yun Yang''s tone was unruffled as usual, as was his gaze, calm like the lake. "If you still see yourselves as whetstones and come into the Residence of Nine Supremes only for protection, a safety ground, that''d be disappointing whether to me or to yourselves. Because, under my leadership, the Residence of Nine Supremes will only head a team of divine weapons to create a history of their own, to weave glory. It''s not a nest for a bunch of whetstones, to share the light with the dust." He stood up lightly. "I''m heading back to rest. Think about it. Whatever is right or wrong will be up to you." Yun Yang turned and left soundlessly. After a long time, the rest of the men were still silent. What Yun Yang had said just now was harshly pounded into all ten men''s hearts from another angle. All of them felt their nerves tingle. ''That''s right. Why am I destined to be a whetstone? Why aren''t others my whetstone?'' More time had passed before Shi Wuchen chuckled coldly and said, "The Demiurge-Flawed Ten has been everyone''s whetstones for far too long that even we acknowledge this identity. I, Shi Wuchen am utterly ashamed!" Lan Ruojun shared the same sentiment as he said, "Boss you seem to be very disappointed at us" "I''d be too if it were me. Resorting to all I can, only to have recruited a pile of rocks in the end Who''ll be willing to lead a bunch of stones? Even if it''s to build a stone city, it''s not a solid material," said Ren Qingkuang. Wu Menghuan inhaled deeply. "The world is so vast and the sky, so wide, when you look at it in a different way. Why can''t I, Wu Menghuan, take the world''s heroes as my whetstones?" Luo Dajiang let out a hearty bark of laughter, saying loudly, "I''ve decided. I want the world''s cultivators as my whetstones. The timing now, though, I''ll have to ask the nine of you to be my whetstones first!" "Cultivators of this world, none of them isn''t a whetstone other than me!" There was a sharp glint that flashed across Guo Nuanyang''s eyes. "That''s right, none who isn''t a whetstone other than me!" All ten of them chorused standing up, their volume high and deafening. "I''m going back to sleep! I''ll continue training tomorrow, I''ll correct my frame of mind!" "I''m going back too. I''ll join the training tomorrow, I''ll readjust my attitude!" Ten of them slipped away but each individual''s vibe was completely different than before like they were two distinct people. The mountain to the Residence of Nine Supremes had long been determined. However, no one''s position among the nine Supremes was fixed except for Supreme Cloud. Hence, everyone was temporarily staying in the same house, including their families who were residing nearby. "The principal mountain of the Residence of Nine Supremes can''t be entered by simply anyone! Without a Supreme title, what face do I have to stay in the mountain who belongs to someone else sooner or later?" Luo Dajiang took a big stride towards the house that contained his family members.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. The other nine men watched him in surprise, not knowing what the fellow was up to. The house housed his parents and also Jiang Luoluo. He was usually avoiding the latter. Luo Dajiang walked decisively towards the front of the door and suddenly shouted, "Jiang Luoluo! Listen here!" Everyone inside and outside the house was shocked once they heard him. Jiang Luoluo, who was deep in thought while seated by the candle, had her eyes rimmed red since a long time ago thinking about her uncertain future, about how Luo Dajiang still refused to accept her, about the hardships she had suffered all these years As she took pity on herself, thinking that she would have to assume the persona of a feisty lady in the long future, continuously expressing her feelings to fight for her happiness, she could not help heaving a sigh. It was then that she heard Luo Dajiang''s shout, astonishment filling her. Why was the fool who thought that he had no future, who loved her yet avoided her and put himself down, suddenly yelling? She picked herself up and looked from the window following the noise, seeing Luo Dajiang standing tall in front of the house''s entrance. There seemed to be a dominant air of masculinity that he had never exuded engulfing him. The sight shocked Jiang Luoluo. Luo Dajiang was then heard shouting, "Jiang Luoluo, listen to me now. I won''t run away from now on! I''ll marry you, I''ll take you as my wife!" 969 The Rapidly Growing Residence of Nine Supremes Jiang Luoluo was baffled, even as she felt her face flush instantly. Her wish had come true, but tears fell like a broken string of pearls from her eyes. This dummy had finally achieved enlightenment! She had finally heard the words that she had only dared to dream of now. For a moment, it felt like she was indeed in some form of hallucination. "Jiang Luoluo, I''m not scared of anything now! I don''t care about it all! Whether you stay here or return to your sect, as long as your heart remains the same, you are my wife! If you stay here, when we develop the Residence of Nine Supremes, I''ll marry you officially! If you go back to your school, I''ll also go to your sect to marry you when we turn the Residence of Nine Supremes prosperous C if your sect doesn''t allow it, I''ll make you my wife, even if I have to kidnap you!"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Luo Dajiang yelled, his voice rumbling and chasing the very clouds away. Jiang Luoluo sobbed. "I know that you can hear me!" Luo Dajiang shouted, "I agree to marry you, I''m going to take you as my wife!" Covering her mouth, the sweetest smile bloomed on Jiang Luoluo''s face while her tears streamed freely. Luo Dajiang was still speaking sonorously, "How am I entitled to become a master if I dare not even face my feelings truthfully? From today onwards, from now onwards, I shall face everything in this world truthfully! The first thing I shall face is my feelings!" "All the pressure, all the resistance, all the hardships that await us, leave them all to me! I shall shoulder them all!" Despite holding a palm over her mouth, Jiang Luoluo was about to bolt out to throw herself into the sturdy embrace that she imagined was waiting for her, only to hear another roar come from the outside. "I''m going to sleep! Wait for me! I''m drunk today, but what I''ve said weren''t inebriated words!" Jiang Luoluo halted her steps by the door. With tears still coursing down her cheeks, a chuckle escaped her. "This fool! He''s still a dummy!" The person at the entrance turned around to leave without a pause. Outside, the various cheers from the other nine Demiurge-Flawed men were still chorusing each other. It was boisterous, like a pack of wolves howling. There were even a few of them who blew ringing whistles, a flash of their roguish side evident to view. "F*ck! Luo Dajiang, you''re awesome! Why have I never known that you could be so magnificent?!" "Luo Dajiang! I admire you! You''re amazing! Don''t ever change, I have high hopes for you!" "Dajiang, marvelous job! Excellent! My brother indeed!" "We brothers have your back!" "Why don''t you fellows make tonight the wedding night already" "Great! I second it!" "Whoo C whoo C whoo!" "Hahaha" Dong Qitian stood atop the peak, overlooking the merriness below. Listening to the noises, a ghost of a smile briefly adorned his cold face. "These ten kids have good temperament. Once they understand the realization, they act immediately. However, Yun Yang is the sharpest after all. A leader of a sect he is, being able to eliminate the internal demon haunting the ten fellows in such a short time. It''s a timely strike to their heads, herding them back to the correct path." "Looks like I''ll have to work harder and exert more in the training." The Demiurge-Flawed Ten left in a storm, leaving only one person at the originally crowded table C Little Fatty Qian Duoduo. The entirety of Qian Duoduo''s flabby flesh was shaking. He seemed to be incredibly worked up as he muttered, "The Demiurge-Flawed Ten that has been called the world''s genius whetstones now think of seeing the whole world as their whetstones. What should I do then? Am I really incomparable to them? Can''t I achieve something myself?" "Hmph, I''m going to join the training too!" "As the Residence of Nine Supremes'' majordomo, a classy status of being inferior to one but superior to tens of thousands, how can I lag behind? I can''t fall back too much, regardless. I must keep up to their pace. Even if I can''t be parallel to Boss Yun, I can''t lose to those ten fellows. Who''s worse" "I''m going to join the training of hell tomorrow morning as well." "Nonetheless, I''ll only join the morning session One must be determined, but one must also act within his means. I have formal matters to attend to in the afternoon. Right now, my official responsibility is to trade and earn resources" Little Fatty spoke to himself with increasingly firm resolution, "All ten of them want to take the world''s cultivators as whetstones, I shall I shall take everyone whom I can earn from in this world as whetstones! I want to make more money than anyone could ever have!" "Not only do I want to become an expert, but I also want the Residence of Nine Supremes to replace the Tang Clan in becoming the wealthiest in this realm!" "You go for it, Qian Duoduo! You can do it!" Little Fatty looked unprecedentedly resolved with his gaze sparkling like the radiance of spiritual jades. As time went by, the manpower in Residence of Nine Supremes increased. Little Fatty had been continuously in contact with an assortment of human traffickers during this entire time. There were already more than three thousand girls and boys who were under ten years old who had been bought. Including the older ones, the Residence of Nine Supremes was nearing ten thousand people. What comforted Yun Yang was that many of the young kids who were recently bought were quite talented. This meant that they were not spending money in vain. When he allocated another large sum of spiritual jade pieces to Little Fatty, it came with instructions, "Buy more! Especially those who supply to notable sects, intercept them, regardless of cost! Don''t forget to thoroughly forge connections with these smuggler organizations too, in case we miss them out in the future. Don''t worry about the money, don''t even feel pained over it!" Yun Yang was adamant about his message. His last words seemed to be unnecessary, as Little Fatty was not at all pinched. The money spent, despite its massive amount, was only being kept by those human smugglers temporarily after all. Once their grounding details were investigated and grasped, the fortune would be recollected the moment they were exterminated! Additionally, there was also the organizations'' past savings Due to this factor, Little Fatty was zealous and diligent. In the duration that followed, two of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten would escort Little Fatty out for trades as scouts and the latter''s bodyguards after training half a day together. All the children who had arrived at the Residence of Nine Supremes would obtain a set of basic cultivation methods and a fixed amount of cultivation materials. What Yun Yang had the most now was a copious sum of spiritual jade pieces. To build the foundation for children who had never cultivated, a certain amount of lower-class spiritual jade was more than enough; there was no need to deplete more resources. Further training would be provided only when there were disciples who stood out. As for the children who had come to the Residence of Nine Supremes, specifically those who were purchased from the human traffickers, all of them knew that the current cultivation opportunity did not come easy, that there was no second chance if they missed it, despite they differing personalities. Not only had they escaped their initial tragedy, but they were also given an opportunity to cultivate. Hence, they put their all into practicing, fearful of being eliminated. Afterward, they found out that they could receive a sum of money and return home despite being cut or they could choose to continue staying at the Residence of Nine Supremes for general chores, but they thought that if they could become a legitimate disciple, why stop at working general chores? Even three-year-olds understood the Bound of Universe''s principle of survival of the fittest. 970 Simultaneously Executing Varying Tactics Yun Yang was glad to see it happen, silently placing a spiritual-calling formation where the children stayed. The placement of a smaller formation within a bigger formation made it several times more effective. The flooding spiritual Qi rinsed the children''s bones and meridians every day, resetting their physical conditions anew. It was, instead, the people whom Little Fatty first recruited that were sent away, batch by batch, as some of them were barely cultivation talents. In spite of their dismissals, each one of them received a hundred gold taels to bring home. To an ordinary person, this was a handsome amount of wealth; as long as they did not act unreasonably or splurge, it could last them a lifetime. By continuously filtering the people they had, such cycles of refinement were performed soundlessly. The Raiders of All But God took a hiatus as well, no longer in action, since Yun Yang and the Demiurge-Flawed Ten were concentrated upon Dong Qitian''s training. After all, they were not left with much time as the flag contest was quickly approaching. The Residence of Nine Supremes was new; it had not been long since it was established, but the whole school was thriving. Everyone was cultivating and improving, racing against time. The higher leveled men were preparing themselves to compete for the nine Supreme positions while the disciples were readying themselves to grab a ticket to being an internal disciple. All of them were working hard, exerting themselves fully Little Fatty was working on the average frequency of bringing back a batch of children every two days. Sometimes, he could even gather three groups of children in a day and send them back. The efficiency that he was showing elicited an exclamation from Yun Yang. There were many human traffickers in the Bound of Universe. It was surprising, to say the least. Fortunately, the Residence of Nine Supremes was adequately spacious as it was able to contain the newcomers, no matter the number. Each batch of children would never stay together. This had been Yun Yang''s plan all along. The groups of children had come to the nineteenth wave now, being divided into waves according to their time of arrival. While Qian Duoduo was still sending people back consistently, although each time gap between the trips had grown longer. It was obvious that the people those human smugglers had been bringing in had been mostly bought by Little Fatty. "Keep on buying!" Yun Yang was sensitively aware that it was only now that they were about to come into contact with the actual higher authorities or the basecamps of these human traffickers. There must still be high-graded goods in their hands! As long as they continued doing what they did, they would be able to dig deep into their roots! On this day, Dong Qitian came to Yun Yang to request a cluster of heaven and earth resources. "Do you still have the resources left after the exchange with the Spirit''s Grave? Give them to me if you do!" Dong Qitian was straightforward as usual, his request brutally direct. "I do!" Yun Yang was forthright in his answer as well. Of course, he did! The so-called exchange was only smoke and mirrors to deceive others. All the heaven and earth materials that he had received all this while was still within his grasp. Whether they were acquired from trading with the General Commerce League or robbed by being the Raiders of All But God, most of the goods were still present. Emmie had an unhealthy obsession with the treasured commodities, but its standard was growing higher, as it refused to even regard common graded items. "What do you want to do?" "Hmm, refine some medicinal pills." "Alright!" "Very unhesitant you are. It''s not for my personal use, it''s for the ten fellows. Their meridians aren''t resilient enough. I must craft some medicinal pills to increase their meridians'' flexibility before they can consume pills for cultivation base increment. If their cultivation method were forcefully elevated now, they won''t be able to bear the strength." "I won''t have a second word even if it''s for your personal consumption. Use them as you wish, it doesn''t matter if you refine them all into medicinal pills!" "You wish. I agreed to help you train your men. I''m not here to become your professional medicine refiner" Dong Qitian sighed and said, "Time''s pressing. It''s necessary. If those fellows can''t improve by leaps and bounds, there''s no hope for you all in the meet for the Celestial Luck Banner half a year later." Yun Yang''s eyes shone immediately. "If that''s the case, please refine all the medicinal pills for increasing cultivation base that you can. Leave the meridian pliability that you worry about to me. I guarantee that all the risks will be resolved without a hitch." "Huh?" Dong Qitian''s eyes bulged. That one word was evident of his disbelief. Yun Yang scoffed and rolled his eyes before he left, without making any further explanation. ''How dare you doubt me!'' ''Have you ever thought that all your old injuries and your damaged meridians C who healed them for you?'' ''I can easily treat your old traumas which are centuries, nay, millennia, old, wounds that were repeatedly inflicted. What''s more, the little burden now?'' Yun Yang was quick to act upon his words. That very night, he rinsed all eleven men''s meridians with the Qi of vitality to allow more resilience to flow to them. Eleven men C there was Little Fatty in addition to the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. When the next morning came, Dong Qitian''s eyes almost fell out of their sockets when he all of them again. "How was it done?" Dong Qitian pursued the issue as it was apparently out of his knowledge sphere. The answer was the same across eleven men C"Boss has the medicinal pills. They''re wonderful." "F*cking hell!"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. Dong Qitian expressed his dissatisfaction with what Yun Yang had done. "Give it to the ten of them, it''s a waste to give it to Little Fatty! What for? Feeding fats? Why give it to him? Do you have nowhere else to keep your pills?" Qian Duoduo''s mouth was agape as he shook with anger, exasperated by his attitude. ''This is how unwelcomed I am!'' ''Old man, just you wait! When my cultivation base surpasses yours, I''ll beat you up eight times a day!'' Shi Wuchen and the others each had a piece of Celestial Amethyst, while there were a hundred and eight Celestial Amethysts outside as the mountain guarding formation. In addition, Yun Yang used more of the purple crystals to build a second spiritual-calling formation without regard to the cost. Therefore, the speed of cultivation was unprecedentedly fast! After all, the intensity of the spiritual Qi under such circumstances was at least twenty times higher than other spiritual Qi-concentrated places. Furthermore, the men were assisted by the Celestial Amethysts they owned and their own prodigious talent Dong Qitian was also pushing them with the Art of Ultimate Heaven after Yun Yang''s Qi of vitality that further improved their meridians'' pliability and the medicinal pills that could elevate one''s cultivation base. Combing through all that was mentioned, the twelve men''s cultivation base improvements exponentially, as if they were on cheat mode. They achieved new heights every day, experiencing new realizations each day. Yun Yang''s own cultivation base went through level two Saint to beginner level three Saint within the ten days, leaping across two big realms, while the Demiurge-Flawed Ten was no slower, as they had all ascended to third level Saint, without exception. The cultivation base standard of the sect''s higher-level members was already higher than most common lower-class Celestial Luck Banner schools. In spite of it, this was only the higher-level men. Unfortunately, once the disciples'' cultivation base was taken into consideration, their combat experience and state of mind were still horribly lacking. Dong Qitian knew it well, but he was helpless. "They''re all trash! How can they face an actual fight? Is it a suicide mission? Are you trying to kill yourself?" 971 Can You Die First? Early in the morning, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' higher authorities, who had taken a one-day break, dragged Dong Qitian to where the disciples cultivated. Even before they entered the area, they could already hear the crisp, committed shouts of the children. The children inside were the Residence of Nine Supremes'' first batch of disciples. They were also the earliest who had begun cultivating. Just as Dong Qitian entered, his eyes nearly fell from their sockets as his gaze was frozen on the tableau before him. ''What C what am I seeing?'' Were these disciples still the trash he saw when they had first arrived? Why were their physique and meridians so clean and crisp? What was going on? Although there was no change to the disciples'' chakras, the chakras'' walls became much thinner. It was not only one or two spots; many of the walls had turned thin. When the right time came, the innate chakras would tremendously improve. The children looked energetic, like cubs that were spoiling for a brawl and a sense of fierceness that they exuded from their bones. Boys or girls, all of them cultivated diligently. They practiced the most basic cultivation method, learning the most ordinary combat techniques, but their sparring sessions looked solid. There were two girls aged seven to eight years old who were fighting seriously with puffed cheeks; they were aggressive and committed, not giving each other a chance or the slightest reprieve. Dong Qitian rubbed his eyes, intending to wake himself up from the dream. When he opened his eyes again, nothing had changed. This meant that this was real C it was reality. Nothing was fake! On the border of the cultivation ground, many seventeen and eighteen years old teens, youths in their twenties, and a few middle-aged men were quietly carrying out secondary tasks like boiling water, applying ointment, massaging the children, soothing their muscles, and cooking These people were already eliminated, the talent to cultivate non-existent within them, but they were reluctant to leave the Residence of Nine Supremes, thus taking the initiative to serve the sect''s future disciples. It was clear that everyone here cherished the days in the Residence of Nine Supremes. No one wanted to leave. "Young Yun, how did you do it?" Dong Qitian only began to understand after asking. With his extensive experience and knowledge, he instantly sensed something unusual in the spiritual atmosphere. There was an exceptionally thick concentration of heaven and earth spiritual Qi here. It paled in comparison to the spiritual Qi where Yun Yang and others cultivated, but it was gentler and more tender, a perfect environment for beginner cultivators. Furthermore, the intensity of spiritual Qi was weaker only because the comparison was made next to the cultivation spot of Yun Yang and the others. If it were compared to something outside, it trumped all the schools and clans that did not have the Celestial Luck Banner! Also, Dong Qitian could sense small whirlwinds of spiritual Qi spinning gently around the field. He subconsciously recalled the spiritual cultivation land his master had sought high and low for him, the Spiritual Zephyr Valley of Rebirth. Cultivating in the Spiritual Zephyr Valley of Rebirth, one would be constantly immersed in the drifting spiritual breeze. Not only could the spiritual breeze wash the cultivator''s meridians and rinse the cultivator''s physique, but it could also train the cultivator''s flesh and bones. However, the valley was only effective for children under fifteen years old. The atmosphere that was currently in front of Dong Qitian, the endless surrounding spiritual whirlwinds, was more than ten times more intense than the Spiritual Zephyr Valley of Rebirth! These children were bathed in a rebirth of meridians constantly C all the time! This was not all. These children were tirelessly battling and painstakingly grinding themselves. With the helpful assistance of the spiritual breeze, the effect garnered would only be many times more superior. Dong Qitian''s thoughts ran through his head. Despite the rather conclusive perception, it was only a glimpse that he had seen. It was baffling, but he did not study it meticulously. Now that he observed the situation with a more critical eye, he was surprised to find out that a small group among these cultivating children had already reached the bar set by the Ultimate Heaven Sect in recruiting disciples. This was an unbelievable miracle! What a place the Ultimate Heaven Sect was back then! What a place the Residence of Nine Supremes was now! How could such a bizarre situation take place? Still engulfed in incredible shock, Dong Qitian continued visiting nineteen similar fields. The more he saw, the more astonished he was. All the places were the same! Each field hid at least dozens of prodigies like the first he had seen! After the site visit, Dong Qitian exhaled a long breath and scanned Yun Yang like he was looking at a genie, not saying a word for a long time. Shi Wuchen and the rest were limited in their cultivation base, thus they had limited insight as well. Naturally, they were unable to discern the intricate anomalies. Dong Qitian was different, however. He could see everything clearly and he understood deeply what it would further mean. If the Residence of Nine Supremes were to go on at such a scale and developing speed, its rise was a matter of course that was unstoppable. As long as Yun Yang was not stupid enough to recklessly provoke a totally inescapable force, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' future was a hazardless pane; once it was to start rising, it would be overwhelming! If he were to ask himself, Dong Qitian acknowledged that even the Ultimate Heaven Sect back then did not possess such uncanny capability. "You can recruit the first batch of core disciples now." Dong Qitian gave his suggestion regarding the school''s disciples for the first time after a deep exhalation to suppress the shock within him. "I can do it now?" Yun Yang was genuinely and delightfully surprised. "Indeed." Dong Qitian felt speechless. Why did the child look like he was not very satisfied? What did he want? To go to heaven? "If you don''t start now and quickly train them, passing down a finer cultivation method, you fellows won''t make it to the Celestial Luck Banner contest half a year later Even if you start now, actually, there won''t necessarily be a handful whom you can use in just a year. It''s close to none whom you could send to the battle, maybe a few at most." "It''s up to our doing. As long as there''s a chance!" Yun Yang was confident, as he always was. There was no longer a sense of disdain in Dong Qitian. Instead, he felt like he was witnessing history in the making, from nothing to something. It thrilled him, leaving him with an unprecedented state of contentment. "I initially thought that I''d modify all these children into vacant physiques before training them, so their cultivation would happen more effectively" Yun Yang was rather regretful. "Well, we''ll have to work with this now" Dong Qitian stumbled, almost falling to the floor. He spoke with the corners of his lips twitching, "Why don''t you die first? You can go straight to heaven and fall face first. That would be the best, especially gratifying"Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. 972 The First Band of Disciples @@ Yun Yang abolished thoughts of the white-robed disciples, black-gowned disciples, blue-dressed disciples, and whatever complicated system that Little Fatty had set prior to this with a frown and without further interest. The solution Little Fatty had come up with had been drafted with reference to the traditional rules of various sects and schools, taking what he thought was useful and adding his personal touch to them. If Yun Yang had followed his arrangements fully, the emulation could have gone terribly wrong. Instead, Yun Yang decided to respond directly to the current situation and figure out the rest later. The Residence of Nine Supremes was starting out fresh anyway. It was unnecessary to intentionally copy the Bound of Universe''s orthodox practices.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "The Residence of Nine Supremes will only take in prefatory disciples for now. All shall wear white and qualified ones will be selected among them to prepare for the Celestial Luck Banner contest. The rankings w@@ 973 I Shall Give Them Hope! Shi Wuchen''s indifferent voice was inexplicably distant. It resounded in the air and echoed in the disciples'' hearts. The black, beady eyes of all ninety-nine children stared at him nervously as they held their breaths. At that very moment, they seemed to have made their resolutions. ''No matter how tiring and how hard it is we don''t ever want to be replaced!'' "All of you, follow me." Shi Wuchen did not say more as he led them along at an unhurried pace. After a while, he spoke, "When you enter the Nine Supremes Hall later, state your names respectively and make your vow to join the Residence of Nine Supremes without regretting your decision in this lifetime!" Sometime later, the children''s ringing voices thundered down from the Nine Supremes Hall atop the hill as they made their vows. "We are fortunate to enter the Residence of Nine Supremes today, and become the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples We do not regret it nor will we betray our sect in this life!" The tender voices of the children turned into bolts of thunder, roaring in the sky, one after another, ceaselessly. Heaven''s vows had been made. Below the mountain, thousands of children were still ceremoniously standing where they were. Their eyes were shining with yearning, enviously watching the place above the clouds where the voices emanated from. Those were their mates, and they were a step ahead of them. ''We shall catch up with more effort!''Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. ''We want to make our vows above the clouds as well!'' ''We want to announce to the world that we do not regret joining the Residence of Nine Supremes!'' "Do you mean that these children were actually bought from human traffickers? Most of them aren''t even prepared for the Celestial Luck Banner schools?" Dong Qitian clicked his tongue in wonder. "Not bad." "These children are so talented Why didn''t anyone see it? Even if one or two of them were blind, it''s impossible that all of them are. How can this be? It''s absurd!" "They weren''t originally gifted, of course. In fact, they were merely ordinary before they came to the Residence of Nine Supremes. Just like what you saw when you first arrived" "Do you mean to say that the Residence of Nine Supremes is able to hoist a person''s innate talent up in such a short time? That it is as effective and divine as we see, and can be used repeatedly, benefitting many?" "I''ve never said that. Don''t push me into the fire pit, senior!" "I understand. I won''t ask further." "Hmm According to what you''ve said, not even one of the disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes now is from a wealthy background?" asked Dong Qitian. "The Residence of Nine Supremes is a new sect. I don''t want to invite trouble." "This isn''t about inviting trouble or not. Most affluent heirs have their families'' elders rinse their meridians and physiques the moment they were born. This sort of starting point is what these children we have now can''t compare with. People say that the poor ones study as they can''t afford to practice martial arts under masters C it makes sense." "I know. Still, rich children have a lot of flaws too." Yun Yang was not at all swayed, replying very indifferently, "Especially true when we don''t have too much to attract them. There''s no need to crack our minds over recruiting these people as the results will probably be half the effort made." "What about in the future?" "The future?" Yun Yang looked at Dong Qitian with an amused glimmer in his eyes. "All the more reason that we won''t need to do it in the future. When the Residence of Nine Supremes stabilizes its standing and grabs the Celestial Luck Banner, the spiritual Qi intensity of the sect''s location will probably increase, by another one or two times. I mean, from what we have now." "By then, it''ll only be easier to mass-produce prodigies here." "Since it can be done with external assistance, why would I still want those conventional geniuses?" Yun Yang gazed at the children in the Residence of Nine Supremes, his expression gentle. He spoke softly, "I see these children in front of us C they''ve suffered a lot, but they''ve also learned the ways of life; they know about how cruel this world can get, more so than others. They''ll cherish what they have now even more because of it, guarding all that they have with whatever they can." "It''d be my pleasure to invite a bit more light into their futures." "I believe that their endurance towards suffering and pain will be much, much stronger than their peers who have never had such encounters." "Perhaps, their hardship won''t be recompensed in this society, under this sky. However, I''m willing to give them a chance, a bright future. A place above the clouds - that''s the chance that I''m able to give them." Yun Yang said with a smile, "As long as they work hard, they''ll receive a glorious tomorrow." Dong Qitian was silent for a long time before he finally sighed deeply. "What you think is quite radical C extreme, even. Still, I must say that you make sense as well." "From what I see, this is true logic. How is it extreme?" Yun Yang retorted. Dong Qitian replied, instead, "Why don''t you tell me why are you doing this?" Yun Yang''s gaze was distant, stretching into the horizon, as he answered, "It''s only empathy. Since I was born I''ve been an orphan for more than twenty years." There was a flash of melancholy in his eyes that took Dong Qitian aback, allowing the latter to suddenly understand the motivation and intention behind Yun Yang''s actions. "Rich children will cry when they''re scolded. They''ll cry when they fall, when they''re bullied, when their toys are snatched away when they''re injured or wounded C they''ll cry when they''re hungry And when they cry, someone will be there to comfort them." Pointing down, Yun Yang''s tone was soft. "These kids who have been kidnapped to be sold, who are bullied and harassed, they''re in a high-strung state every day; they experience pain all the time, but they rarely cry." "They know that it''s useless to cry. No one will comfort them, just because they cried. They could even be beaten up worse because they cried. They gradually got used to it. Even if they were bitten by a dog, they could only bandage themselves while swallowing their tears. They could only grit their teeth and take it if they were hit. Yet, they won''t cry." "I have rarely cried since I was young, like them, because we know that crying is useless. Since it''s useless, what do we cry for?" Yun Yang raised his chin. "I want to give them an opportunity. I hope that their future will be like mine, that we keep our tears in our hearts. When we''re faced with this world, this martial world, we can laugh freely, we can conquer it!" "This, this is the Residence of Nine Supremes that I envision!" "This will be the actual Residence of Nine Supremes!" Dong Qitian mulled over Yun Yang''s words, feeling that he must have an initial ambition for his emotions C or more likely, his actions. It was evident, however, that Yun Yang did not want to speak of it. Yun Yang''s gaze was currently on the void as if he was seeing his Nine Supremes brothers again. "We come from the lowest class of society." "We know our pains. When we have the world in the future, when Yutang reigns the over the realm, whoever it is, they must remember to take care of the lowest class children a little more." "They''ve had it too hard C too hopeless." "If we don''t give them hope by then, what would be the meaning of our life time''s worth of effort?" Yun Yang''s eyes were glowing as he murmured, "I shall give them hope!" 974 The Supreme Standings The first round of selections among the protg of the Residence of Nine Supremes saw a hand-picked total of ninety-nine children. It seemed like a lot if only the number alone was taken into account, but the Residence of Nine Supremes guided their disciples according to the mountains. When the selected children were divided equally over the nine mountains, one peak would only receive a little over ten people. Then, there was the central main peak that was connected to Supreme Cloud''s first mountain as well. When ninety-nine people were divided in that manner, it was, instead, not that numerous after all! As the disciples were already the crme of the crop with talents in a class of their own, it was unnecessary for intentional competition. They were led to the mountains by the respective managers of the peaks to await the guidance and teaching of their mountain leader. There was, however, another issue that had escalated to an emergency which had need of an immediate solution C the nine mountains'' leaders themselves had not yet been determined. Yun Yang decided promptly that it had come to the time where the other eight Supreme standings, other than himself, should be decided! His initial plan was to determine the placings after they handled the human traffickers according to contribution and individual cultivation base, but the current situation proved that change was the only constant; it would not be in time for him to go along his original plan. "The nine mountains competition shall commence early in the morning tomorrow to determine the Residence of Nine Supremes'' nine Supreme positions."Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. "Brothers, prepare yourselves well." Yun Yang''s decision caused a storm among the Demiurge-Flawed Ten immediately. Waves and currents lapped tidally. Shi Wuchen and the rest began to anticipate the contest, rubbing their palms together. All of them scanned the others maliciously as they rolled their shoulders and shook their wrists, making strange noises of laughter while looking incredibly indecent. Shi Bujia. "Jejejeje" Shi Wuchen. "Hahaha" Ren Qingkuang. "Heh, heh, heh" Lan Ruojun. "Huo, huo, huo" Wu Menghuan. "Kakakaka" Tie Qingcang. "Hohoho" Ping Xiaoyi. "Heng, heng, heng" Luo Dajiang. "Wahahaha" Kong Luoyue. "Hehehe" Guo Nuanyang, as the last person, had no other unique laugh to choose from. He shook his hips instead and made a chuckle. "Ying, ying, ying" As Kong Luoyue and Guo Nuanyang uttered their final cackles, they disgusted everyone on the spot. It was like they were looking at two perverts as they gazed upon the latter duo. It was remarkably scary. Yun Yang and Dong Qitian exchanged a look, both thanking the heavens that the ninety-nine protgs were already sent to the nine mountains. If they were still here and had heard Kong Luoyue and Guo Nuanyang''s cackling, it was guaranteed that no one would pick the both of them as their masters. Even if there were, Yun Yang dared not appoint crucial tasks to them either; disciples who voluntarily picked lunatics like those two must have a wire or two mistakenly connected in their minds C it was better not to take mindless risks. Waiting momentously for the awkward atmosphere to dissipate, Yun Yang then spoke seriously, "The Residence of Nine Supremes, by its name, has only nine leaders titled Supreme to complete the name of Nine Supremes. However, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten has, well, ten people. I believe that everyone realizes the contrast, so I have to say no more. As for who is to take the standing as one of the Nine Supremes, it''s up to your capabilities. Prepare yourselves well. Once the strong and weak are determined, it is fixed." The ten men mentioned laughed. "Of course. We''re the Residence of Nine Supremes, not the Residence of Eleven Supremes. Other than Boss Yun''s Lead Supreme''s position, there are admittedly only eight places left. The ranks can only be filled by capable ones. What reason do you have to covet the spot if you''re weaker?" "This competition must be fast. Actually, if it were up to me, I would eliminate Ping Xiaoyi and Shi Wuchen immediately. It''d be what everyone wishes to see." "That''s right. Eliminate Shi Wuchen and Ping Xiaoyi. Saves time and effort, and it makes everyone happy." Ping Xiaoyi was enraged. "What do you mean what everyone wishes to see? Makes everyone happy? If you take Shi Wuchen out, I''ll be happily agreeing, but why drag me along? Who did I provoke? Is there still justice?" Shi Wuchen was even more furious. "What are you fellows talking about? Especially you, Ping Xiaoyi! What do you mean by you''ll be happily agreeing to take Shi Wuchen out? Are you fellows even human? It''s not final yet who''s going to kick whose butt! Nine Supremes'' Second Supreme, Supreme Sword, is me, Shi Wuchen. No one will snatch it away. Let''s try it if you fellows don''t believe me. Let actions speak louder than words!" The group sneered. "We''ll try it out, of course. Let''s see who''s better!" "Exactly! Whoever is knocked out will be arranged to handle miscellaneous tasks C there''s no place for empty vessels to make noise!" All ten of them looked excited and relaxed, eager to fight; their confidence was brimming as if this was not an issue at all. "Before you test each other out, I have something to say." Yun Yang emphasized his speech. "The purpose of this competition among your brothers is only to fight for the standings. It''s normal that you don''t give in and be merciless on the spot, but you must remember to stop at where it counts. No casualties are allowed to happen. Also, whoever disqualified from the nine Supreme standings mustn''t be resentful. Be willing to acknowledge defeat when you''re willing to gamble! I must highlight this lest you keep resentment in yourselves later. It won''t be what I want to see happening." The ten men let out a hearty laugh. "Don''t you worry, boss. We, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, still have a lot of this understanding. Whoever who can''t take the defeat can leave right now." "Good. Less talking, go back and prepare yourselves. The ranking of the Supreme standings will begin early morning tomorrow at the Central Peak''s square." "Alright!" The Bound of Universe was suddenly in a clamor as well, due to a news'' arrival around when Yun Yang had announced that the Nine Supremes would be selected on the next day. "The Celestial Luck Banner Tournament, the race for the flag, shall start soon." "Schools that intend to fight for the Celestial Luck Banner need to complete their registration within half a month!" "Those who fail to do so will lose their qualification in this contest!" The Bound of Universe Dictum that represented the Bound of Universe''s Celestial Luck Banner Tournament greeted the world. Mountains and valleys across were like pots of boiled water, bubbling from the notice. The fate-deciding moment was finally here, as expected! Countless sects issued their respective highest-leveled dictums immediately to order the prompt return of their disciples roaming and experiencing the martial world outside. Everyone was preparing for the tournament in full force, the world falling into an unprecedentedly serious atmosphere. At the break of dawn, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Supreme standings battle commenced. Ten men came one after another, exuding a fighting spirit with motivation and vigor. For a brief moment, the tidal will to battle ran amok in the sky above the Residence of Nine Supremes, shuffling the clouds and wind. Gazing at their brothers facing them, a flame was burning brightly in everyone''s eyes. Dong Qitian, the chief instructor, had logically become the judge while Yun Yang and Little Fatty were only responsible as spectators to the match and anticipate the final result. Of course, Little Fatty Qian Duoduo was the only actual spectator. Yun Yang had to make his own judgment regarding the ten men according to his observation, including the tasks they should respectively handle and the aspect of sect matters they should shoulder in the future. These had to be concluded in today''s observation. It was no small matter, so Yun Yang forced himself to focus on the proceedings. 975 The Battle Begins! The rules for determining the Nine Supremes were simple. Ten of them would be divided into five pairs and they would draw lots to decide their first round of opponents. There would naturally be five winners and five losers when the first bout of battles was completed with the winners advancing into the next round. Five of the winners would draw lots again in the second round and fight once more in pairs. The remaining person would then wait for his turn. When the round ended, winners from the two battles would advance while the remaining one would draw lots to fight with either one of the two who lost in the second round of battles. Ultimately, there would be three final battle candidates. The third round would be commenced by the three final contenders in the round-robin style. The fittest of all would then become the second Supreme coveted by everyone C the second-in-command of the Residence of Nine Supremes, the Second Supreme! After the Second Supreme, the other two contenders would be ranked third and forth according to their results while the rest of the group would continue their battle by drawing lots and subsequently decide the fifth to ninth Supreme. Removing the last two ranks, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Nine Supremes would thus be produced. As for the two members left, they would be tasked with other responsibilities like the punishment hall or the battle hall and other miscellaneous items.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.comfor visiting. The rules were straightforward, effortlessly understood once stated. No one doubted if there was the component of luck because luck itself was already a crucial aspect of a cultivator''s average capability. There was even an old saying that everyone wholeheartedly believed in C"When luck is here, it can''t be stopped, even by a city wall; even a pig can fly!". Shi Wuchen was the first to stand out. "I''ll go first!" He stepped forward with anger simmering within him. "Don''t all of you disapprove of me? I''ll be the first to draw the lots then! Let me tell all of you, no matter who I get, I won''t show mercy! Just you all wait!" The rest of the nine people burst out in laughter instead of being intimidated. "Who wants your mercy? Worry about yourself!" With a furious glare, Shi Wuchen took a big step forward and drew a name without hesitation. Opening the paper, he guffawed. "Kong Luoyue! Come over and call me big brother!" The man named sprung out, huffing and rubbing his palms. "I''m about to teach you, bastard, a lesson!" Thereafter, Shi Bujia drew Tie Qingcang, Ren Qingkuang drew Guo Nuanyang, Lan Ruojun drew Wu Menghuan, and the last ones, Luo Dajiang, was matched to Ping Xiaoyi. When the pairs were set, Luo Dajiang''s face fell. Everyone else looked at him in glee, reveling in his misery. Amongst all of them, it was Ping Xiaoyi whom everyone was the most reluctant to meet. His nickname, Vicious Physician, was not one he had made himself, as he had said previously; it was a living reputation. He was venomous; one whose cultivation base was higher than his own would not be saved from it if they were distracted. Therefore, everyone else sighed in relief when Luo Dajiang drew Ping Xiaoyi in the preliminary bout. After all, this round would affect the Supreme standings directly. Losing it meant an unswerving disconnection to the highest Supreme ranks. The initial plan was for the first five battles to start simultaneously, but Yun Yang suddenly changed his mind right as the competition was about to begin. "Let''s start pair by pair. We still have much time to spare." "We can watch and learn from the fights, understand and familiarize ourselves with how our brothers do battle. I believe that we''ll gain some insight and tacit synergy when we fight together in the future," said Yun Yang. The group nodded, agreeing to the suggestion as they, too, thought that it was sound. Only Dong Qitian turned to glance at Yun Yang, a faint wash of admiration flashing across his eyes. The first two people to engage in battle were Shi Wuchen and Kong Luoyue. The pair of life and death brothers leaped forward respectively. Shi Wuchen wielded his famed Tri-Autumn Sword without surprise while what was in Kong Luoyue''s grip was not the long sword he used in previous battles; what had replaced that blade was two inky, strange-looking weapons. They looked like two sharp awls with an unusual pattern scrawled across the weapons'' tips. Kong Luoyue introduced them faintly. "Shi Wuchen, your bad luck is soaring today. These two weapons in my hands have never greeted others. They''re called the Stealth Marker. Not only are they pointed and sharp, countless needles are hidden inside. They could shoot out at any time, which poses a challenge to avoid." "So Shi Wuchen, you must be very careful. Pay attention. Don''t be deceived later and complain that it''s unfair," he finished with a smile. Shi Wuchen exploded in rage. Pointing at his opponent with the tip of his sword, he bellowed his challenge. "Any more rubbish you want to say? Come and accept your beating otherwise!" The other nine people had been intentionally provoking Shi Wuchen throughout this period of time all because he had arrived a step earlier. For this, the latter was already close to combusting internally from his wronged anger. This time, it was a legitimate opportunity for his counterattack. Of course, Shi Wuchen was going to vent his fury. What was more, he had a killer trump card boss had specifically prepared ''Hmph! Do you really think my Tri-Autumn Sword is still the old Tri-Autumn Sword?'' Shi Wuchen was confident of his success! Dong Qitian was initially rather absentminded. After all, the battle between two Saint-level cultivators was not yet the battle of life and death to the level he was in; it was only the intra-sect context. He was honestly not too interested, only peering at the men''s current aura, their flaring battle intent, and concentrated looks. As the judge to such a level of battle with his cultivation base, it was not required of him to be overly focused on the details of the fight. Even if there were accidents, they could be easily overcome. Coming to the Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s standard, when a hair''s breadth of difference would determine the final outcome, risks of danger still existed as any move was easily shattering even if they were sparring for a ranking and not for survival. Nevertheless, Dong Qitian was not too concerned. At most, he dared not be too careless. Yet, as Shi Wuchen and Kong Luoyue moved, the vibe they exuded was far from the battle atmosphere of ordinary Saint cultivators, thus causing Dong Qitian to stop and carefully observing the proceedings. Why was their aura so strong? Yun Yang, on the other hand, was watching the pair''s gazes and expressions closely, especially subtle movements that did not belong to the battle. Dong Qitian''s responsibility was to referee, dictating the victory and defeat as well as stopping the match once there were accidents. Yun Yang was judging the group''s personality and temperament through this sparring session in addition to their general attitude towards winning and losing. Individual cultivation base and capability, along with today''s result, were important, affecting the Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s onwards status and standing in the Residence of Nine Supreme, but it was uncalled for to overly emphasize it. Instead, one''s character and heart were the keys to achieving great things. With a clear cry from the ring, Shi Wuchen and Kong Luoyue moved at the same time, marking the start of their battle. Shi Wuchen''s sword swung, a lonesome vibe that was like the bleak starkness of three autumns added together which surged and rapidly engulfed the field. It was the third month now, the start of spring where grass grew and birds sang, but as Shi Wuchen''s sword light glimmered, the spectators felt a sense of desolation. It was like the cold of autumn. Melancholic and barren, like one was alone in this vast world. 976 Wuchen Versus Luoyue Seeing that Shi Wuchen had not held anything back in launching his attack, Kong Luoyue rose to the challenge as well. His wrists flicked, the onyx Stealth Marker went up and down respectively and reflected each other''s dark gleam; he seemed to have camouflaged himself, blending into the dark, creating a stark contrast against the spreading autumn sky. The sight was like a ghost melting into the dark night, as natural as nature itself. There were only two ghoulish, glinting specks that seemed like the last embers of the night, blinking and flickering ceaselessly. Then, Shi Wuchen sprung up with his sword shining in the air. A swathe of autumn chill cut the space open like a gushing waterfall, and as it landed, its speed triggered the wind of fall that billowed across the field. Halfway through the technique, the sword light turned into an overwhelming autumn rain that showered the ring completely, becoming a wide-ranged mass attack. There was a saying that real experts could along always tell the truth. The Demiurge-Flawed Ten, who were making noise about eliminating Shi Wuchen from the Nine Supremes, looked serious now that they saw this technique of his. They did not expect Shi Wuchen''s swordsmanship to have developed to such an astonishing level, largely exceeding their initial estimations. The sword intent was brimming. It was at this point that Shi Wuchen finally spoke, "Kong Luoyue, I''d like to see how many techniques of mine you can take on when you''re so full of yourself about having a killer weapon. This is the first sword style of Dreary Misery, Enveloping Fall After Summer. I don''t mind telling you, this form is called the Start of Autumn!" Kong Luoyue maintained a straight face as he turned into a cloudy fog like a ghost, abruptly creating a hundred feet of distance between him and Shi Wuchen. Mist gushed as the two black glimmers of the Stealth Marker raced outwards, transforming into two high and low black rivers midway. The rivers were flowing rapidly, with turbulence chasing after water, and finally, they soared into the sky, blocking the autumn rain and wind like it was retaliating against them. At the same time, a cold voice rang out. "The gate of hell opens, the river of darkness flows!" The rising autumn vibes and the ghoulish fog intensified once more with two soft clangs. For an area of a hundred feet where the pair fought, the forces escalated, covering five hundred feet of space. There was even a green-robed silhouette that sprung up like a projectile. It was Shi Wuchen, becoming one with his sword, charging towards the clouds with unnatural swiftness. As Shi Wuchen''s sword light shone across the sky, two dots of gleaming light chased from below; it was like two lights of hell that had never gone out flickering in the river of the underworld, looking more intimidating than it had before. Everyone''s attention was on the battling duo. They watched as the escalating sword light unfurled in the sky, turning into dots of stars and falling in a fan-shaped formation. The stars then transformed into a sky full of frost as they fell halfway through! "Relentless autumn chills, raindrops, and frost! Take this form of mine, White Dew!" The delivery of another tyrannizing attack caused the dark tidal river of hell to draw back. With a drawn-out howl, Kong Luoyue''s dark form shot out like an arrow; he was avoiding the attack at an incredible speed but the two rays of chilling gleams in his hands spun instantly in countering Shi Wuchen''s sword style. "Look back from the Homeward Terrace in Hell!" "Look back once more!" "Take a step on the Homeward Terrace and look back thrice!" The ghoulish Stealth Marker churned continuously and transformed once again into an upward flowing river of darkness. The water was tidal, accompanied by a massive cloud of fog. The overall aura seemed stronger than Shi Wuchen''s autumn-styled sword forms. As they spectated the match, Dong Qitian shook his head and Yun Yang frowned while the eight Demiurge-Flawed looked sympathizing. The winner could already be guessed from here as Kong Luoyue was already on the losing side. Although the current situation was still stable for the pair, and Kong Luoyue even had a slight upper hand by doing a combination of three forms, what was the actual state of things?Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Shi Wuchen had only executed two forms up to now, using Start of Autumn and White Dew of his Tri-Autumn swords art. He had yet to perform techniques in mid-autumn and depth of autumn. Yet, Kong Luoyue had already countered with four forms. What was happening currently was one thing but Kong Luoyue was already in a passive state based on their individual skill repertoire. This was discernible, not only to Dong Qitian and Yun Yang but the rest of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten as well, thus they had an approximate judgment towards the battle. As was expected, Shi Wuchen''s sword light flickered as it formed a siege from top and bottom. Immediately, there was another ray of chilling glint that tore out of thin air from the center and ambushed Kong Luoyue. "Autumn that separates heaven and earth! Autumnal Equinox!" The icy gleam birthed a sword that came from the flow between the heaven and earth; spearing through the air; not only had it pierced Kong Luoyue''s thick fog, but it also went straight for his throat. In spite of it, the flying sword had subtly halted all of a sudden right before it reached Kong Luoyue. The tip of the sword fell a centimeter lower, slightly missing the predetermined aim. Kong Luoyue''s crisscrossed Stealth Marker was gearing up for an attack, a frightening ghost head still in the process due to a lack of force, but the halt of Shi Wuchen''s sword, a hair''s breadth of tilt from its tip, gave him an opportunity. Kong Luoyue''s eyes were shining as he took in a deep breath riding on the time he was given; the skull that was formed dissipated instead as he cried out, "Let''s do this!" The Stealth Marker welcomed the attack head-on, colliding against the incoming Tri-Autumn Sword in the most direct and explosive way. A boom could be heard, green cloth could be seen fluttering; Shi Wuchen tumbled outwards and landed softly while Kong Luoyue drew thirty feet back, wobbling, unable to gain his footing. There was a sense of gladness that flashed across Shi Wuchen''s gaze. Kong Luoyue stabilized himself as he smiled bitterly, raising his head and announced grimly, "I''ve lost." "You haven''t used your Stealth Marker''s needles. Won''t you regret if you admit defeat?" Shi Wuchen asked after a moment of silence, to which Kong Luoyue replied angrily, "You can stop gloating. We know the match. Are you amazing now that you''re a tiny bit better than me? So what if I used the Stealth Needles? So you get severely injured and I get killed?" Shi Wuchen laughed. "Brother, this elder brother acknowledges your favor." "Who wants your acknowledgment?" Kong Luoyue pouted. As he spoke, the Stealth Marker that he had already pulled back to his grasp vanished with a flick of his wrist. He turned and walked back, talking loudly, "F*ck this, I lost! Yituo actually got so much stronger than before? This doesn''t make sense!" The rest of the Heaven-Demiurge Ten laughed. "Still criticizing Yituo now when you can''t even defeat him!" The group became rowdy with laughter and chatter. A smile hung itself on Yun Yang''s face, comfort filling him. Shi Wuchen had undoubtedly taken the upper hand in the match. Everyone could see it. However, if they were to fight with their lives, Kong Luoyue might not be the losing one. Once he were to use the Stealth Needles, the worst-case scenario would be a heavily injured Shi Wuchen and a dead Kong Luoyue. There would be another more probable consequence C both of them would die together! Kong Luoyue gave up on his trump card that he had long planned for, the Stealth Needles, during the final moment when the result was decided. It could be said that he showed mercy, holding himself back. Yet, Shi Wuchen had also done the same in the last second, never fully launching his ultimate kill and pulling back his punches even earlier. 977 Pros and Cons As it turned out, their respective compromises had resulted in the current outcome. It was inevitable that Kong Luoyue would lose, even if he were to use the Stealth Needles, but Shi Wuchen would not be able to proceed and compete against the others today as well despite winning this round. Yun Yang was extremely satisfied with the result but he refrained from saying anything. He let it pass without any comment, and with a smile, he announced, "Second pair!" However, he thought to himself, ''Shi Wuchen held back first. His sword had gone straight for the throat earlier; victory was within his grasp C Kong Luoyue did not have any opportunity to shoot the Stealth Needles. Nonetheless, Shi Wuchen held himself back right at that moment. His emphasis on their brotherhood and the general state of things was apparent. As for Kong Luoyue, he gave up his last counterattack, despite gaining an opportunity. He would rather solidify his defeat and relent. The sense of brotherhood is strong with him too.'' ''Both of them are generally wonderful, able to stand firm on their own. Their sense of kinship is impeccable as well. The sect can consider them in the future for relevant tasks.'' The second pair was Shi Bujia and Tie Qingcang and their bout was even more dazzling. One of them was called the Young Master of Dark Fog while another was titled the Gold-Hand Scholar. Most people would assume that these two men were lean and suave gentlemen by their monikers, but that perception couldn''t be further from the truth. They looked gentlemanly, but they were not lean at all, both burly and well-muscled. The brawny men began to strike each mercilessly once they began their battle. Their strong statures caused the ground and mountains to quake, magnifying the match''s amplitude. If it were not for the Residence of Nine Supremes'' excellent mountain guarding formation, the landscape would have easily been destroyed by the pair''s collisions. The Young Master of Dark Fog was completely hidden in the inky mist but his techniques were not diabolical, each form and style powerful and open. As for the Gold-Hand Scholar whom Yun Yang thought about a lot, that worthy fellow was finally unleashing his skill too. Tie Qingcang''s sleeves fluttered; his arms all the way to his wrists were glittering with gold, looking like they were invincible. He parried Shi Bujia''s advances with his pair of arms; where his palms and fists passed, they felt like a giant ax hacking a mountain open, or the god of thunder raging! Yun Yang''s eyelids jumped at the sight. The scholar and the young master landed each strike with brutal efficiency, battling aggressively and fearlessly. It was as if two nemeses from the previous life had met in this one when these two herculean men fought; their combat styles were all about strength. As the bout progressed, a sword and a pair of arms went at each other head-on, colliding without reservation! Whatever form and technique, whatever the art style, the entire battle was filled with the sounds of collisions The spectators were baffled, jaws dropping out at what they were witnessing. Golden glow shone, dark fog rose, and finally The Young Master of Dark Fog cried out furiously, "What in the actual world are your stupid hands made of? How can they damage my weighty sword! I''m not fighting anymore!" As he spoke, he surrendered and quit the match. Tie Qingcang guffawed, showing off his gleaming hands and roaring with confidence and pride, "These are my hands! Gold hands! Unbeatable!" The crowd booed at him in unison, but when they looked at the pair who just fought again, their gazes were serious. When the pair fought explosively, they watched in admiration and satisfaction. However, if one from the pair were to swap with any one of them here, no one was certain that they would win as the combat style was too extreme and barbaric! What would they do if they met them? Could their best technique tackle the other party? These were the questions running through everyone''s mind while they frowned; obviously, they were not quite convinced with themselves.Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Tie Qingcang, as the winner, stepped away from the battle with large strides to stand before Shi Wuchen and laughed. "Shi Wuchen, I''ll beat you up into a pile later, make you live up to your name as Yituo!" "Based on your barren skills? It''s too early for that" Shi Wuchen smirked. He then scoffed and turned away, ignoring Tie Qingcang''s provocation. Yun Yang was deep in thought, considering his future arrangement for this duo. ''Tie Qingcang and Shi Bujia are the aggressive and active type, basically dauntless fighters. The frontline will definitely be theirs in the future and the combat hall will fit them perfectly.'' ''However, by observing their temperaments, Shi Bujia is cautious despite his rugged exterior, his thoughts refined, while Tie Qingcang looked careless in his muscle-bound appearance, but is a classic case of deception. Not one of them is as foolish as they seem to be, all brawn but no brain'' Whilst Yun Yang was engrossed in his thoughts, the next pair was already battling vigorously in the ring. They were Ren Qingkuang and Guo Nuanyang, both of them were wielding swords. Swords were the most common weapon in the Bound of Universe. At least six out of ten people would be using the said weapon. It was the same for the Demiurge-Flawed Ten with half of them wielding the sword as their primary weapon. In spite of it, there were differences across the category like Shi Wuchen and Ren Qingkuang who brandished the regular style of a sword while the sword Guo Nuanyang flourished was narrower and much longer. The varied shapes of their swords usually meant distinct individual styles. Ren Qingkuang''s forms were conventional, his solid foundation reflected through traditional use. He did not pale in comparison to Shi Wuchen, thus it became understandable that he was eager towards the latter''s position as the Supreme Sword. On the other side, Guo Nuanyang''s style was incredibly bizarre. He might not counter once throughout Ren Qingkuang''s ten advances, but once he did, his counterattack was extremely threatening and fiendish. "The reputation of Day-Long Assassin is true to its name!" Yun Yang watched the match once he reeled himself back from his thoughts, discerning the key to the battle''s result after a while. He was quick to conclude that the pair fighting was most probably expecting the same outcome. Ren Qingkuang''s combat style was open and crisp as he fully showcased his swordsmanship, each strike packing a punch. Guo Nuanyang''s counterattacks were ferocious as well but he was, after all, an assassin. He was best in attacking from the shadows, achieving his kill once he made a move. Therefore, he had no advantage fighting in this front-to-front battle. If Guo Nuanyang was allowed to ambush Ren Qingkuang, the latter would barely escape his attack, given Guo Nuanyang''s purposeful strategy and environmental factors. However, a front-to-front battle would magnify both men''s strengths and weaknesses as time went on; Guo Nuanyang could fight, but the loss was inevitable. ''Ren Qingkuang has also gained insight to the sword''s intent. His actual capability is on par with Shi Wuchen''s. As for Guo Nuanyang it''s probably the best fit for him to be in the furtive hall.'' Yun Yang gradually reached these conclusions as the matches progressed. The pair fought for some time before Guo Nuanyang hopped out of the ring and asked to be eliminated. "I won''t participate in further battles, I''ll resign from the Nine Supremes placing match of my own volition." Guo Nuanyang chuckled humorlessly. "I finally know with an impression left after real combat that you fellows have a really solid skillset. I was a fool for choosing to fight you fellows head-on when I''m an assassin" 978 Win Or Lose, It Is Decided The group was surprised by Guo Nuanyang''s words, even as they quickly glanced away, feeling extremely awkward. No one spoke for some time, obviously still stunned by his choice. In spite of it, just like what Guo Nuanyang had said, there was indeed an inherent disadvantage in this seemingly fair contest for the placement of the Nine Supremes to him who was remarkably adept in the art of assassination. Faced with this perplexing situation, Guo Nuanyang''s spirit was not in the slightest bit dampened. Instead, he took the initiative to ask, "Boss Yun, can the Residence of Nine Supremes set up a division that specializes in assassinations?" Yun Yang replied, "Well, this wasn''t initially in the plan." "Then what should I do? I''m not exactly the best at a front-to-front battle" Guo Nuanyang said, crestfallen. "I really don''t plan to build a division for assassinations, but the Residence of Nine Supremes in my mind owns an intelligence hall and an infernal region. No one across the whole Residence of Nine Supremes will fit the place of a leader for this hall more than you!" Guo Nuanyang sprung up in delight. "This is what I would love to do the most. I shall be the leader of the secrecy hall from now on C no one is allowed to snatch this away from me!" The group was taken aback once more before they broke out in hearty laughter, the problematic atmosphere vanishing into thin air. Whoever contesting for the position against Guo Nuanyang would truly be a fool. The next bout was Lan Ruojun versus Wu Menghuan. Lan Ruojun was called the Yellow Gowned Sword of Frost while Wu Menghuan was called Violet Robed Golden Needles. After spectating the first three matches, Yun Yang was highly anticipating the fight between these two. He was curious to find out if their monikers matched their abilities and how skilled they actually were. In spite of this, the crowd fell into silence once the battle began. Lan Ruojun was clothed in yellow as usual and he wielded a sword of frost. It seemed like he was living up to his name. Yet, as the battle started, the sword of frost was tossed aside as a hidden weapon and what replaced the blade were long yellow needles, two rather thick long ones held within his grasp. His movements were furtive and unexpected as well. On the contrary, Wu Menghuan was in a violet gown and ambushed his opponent with a storm of golden needles right from the start, fully reflecting his nickname, only to have a sword in his grip with a flip of his wrist after the shower of needles. The union between him and his sword was a surprise, the proficiency of his swordsmanship even seemed to parallel that of Shi Wuchen and Ren Qingkuang Yun Yang subconsciously covered his eyes. He could not bear to watch any longer. Who exactly is using the sword and who''s using needles? What happened to the task of living up to your reputation? You fellows will have to swap your clothes to actually match your monikers Ultimately, Wu Menghuan won by a slight stroke. Lan Ruojun scoffed and went away to wait for his next bout. As of now, the four winners were Shi Wuchen, Wu Menghuan, Ren Qingkuang, and Tie Qingcang. Three out of the four were swordsmen. It was time for the last pair to enter the ring C Vicious Physician, Ping Xiaoyi, and Star-Souled Saber Knight, Luo Dajiang. Ping Xiaoyi was thin and small, like a monkey, while Luo Dajiang had a big build, burly and tall, almost like Dong Qitian. When the two of them entered the ring and stood against each other, it roused another bout of laughter. Dong Qitian grinned. "This is like a circus stunt in the market" The saber that Luo Dajiang carried with him was slightly taller than Ping Xiaoyi when it was just standing on the ground. Luo Dajiang looked helpless. "Xiaoyi, just surrender. I can''t bring myself to fight you." Ping Xiaoyi''s eyes were squinted. "That''s your problem. I''m very much in the mood to fight you." Luo Dajiang sighed and pulled out his saber. When the long saber rubbed against the scabbard, a loud dragon-like cry was heard. The blade gleamed icily when it was drawn. Even Dong Qitian could not help being stirred by the scene. Luo Dajiang was just standing there, but it strangely felt apt hat heaven, the earth, the saber, and the man were all connected! He was like a mountain that was made up of a saber that linked heaven and earth, as endless saber intent stretched and spread from his legs. The saber slowly moved down and pointed to the front. An indomitable sense darted out and flooded the entire field, sweeping the sand and dust sending it up and away. Faced with the overwhelming force, Ping Xiaoyi took a step back subconsciously. The ferocity birthed a submissive cowardice once one came into contact with it. Ping Xiaoyi understood the intimidation. With a sharp holler, he straightened up, his initially frail self becoming taller, and he brandished a sword in his grip with a wave. The blade trembled lightly, making a buzz. Ping Xiaoyi did not attack immediately. He raised his left hand that was empty; a ball of greenish-black fog then danced on it. He chortled. "Dajiang, if I don''t take the chance with poison today, I probably don''t even have to fight. Your chance of winning is slim when I play with poison though, you can barely defeat me!" Luo Dajiang''s eyes dropped to almost a close as he replied faintly, "Really?" His right hand stretched into his robe and extracted a white medicinal pill that was exuding a rich unusual fragrance even as he spoke. He tossed it into his mouth and beamed. "Let''s do it." Ping Xiaoyi was dumbstruck, unable to say anything. He was stunned for some time before he sprung up like he had been hit on the buttocks with a staff and cried shrilly, "You C you You C you C you Luo Dajiang! You shameless, despicable C you''re a total, complete rogue!" "How am I a rogue?" Luo Dajiang snorted. Ping Xiaoyi was in utter distress, stomping, and hopping. "You C you How dare you say that you''re not a rogue! Why are you taking the Ten Thousand Cure-All then Where did you even get them from!" Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Above them, a crisp voice rang happily, "I gave it to him. What about it?" When everyone followed the voice, Jiang Luoluo was seen standing prettily on a higher spot looking proud of herself and content. The fighting spirit seems to have escaped Ping Xiaoyi as he muttered, "You two you two are working together to bully me How can you do that" Luo Dajiang howled and gave another jab. "Isn''t outwitting the enemy and executing a customized strategy necessary in combat? You can only blame yourself for why you still can''t find yourself a wife now! The pill is given by my wife, of course, it''s mine! Are you coming or not? Let''s finish the battle quickly!" "What battle? You''ve already consumed the Ten Thousand Cure-All, common poisons can''t do sh*t to you and I can''t actually use those unconventional toxins on you. What am I fighting for? A one-sided beat up?" Ping Xiaoyi spat. Their spectators were already hugging their stomachs from laughing too hard. The Ten Thousand Cure-All, literally, was the remedy to ten thousand types of poison! It was one of the mystical medicines in the Bound of Universe that was very valuable. One would be safe from being poisoned for three years after consumption. It was not absolutely fool-proof as its efficacy towards unique blends of the toxin was still limited. Just like what Ping Xiaoyi had said, the Ten Thousand Cure-All might not be sufficient if he had indeed gone to the extreme, but both of them shared a close bond. How could he really go in for the kill? The battle''s end was then announced! 979 Let’s Make a Be Luo Dajiang continued to ride the wave of his triumph. "Just one word; are you fighting or not?" "I surrender!" Ping Xiaoyi sheathed his sword in absolute chagrin, murmuring to himself, "Just you two wait, see if I''ll drug you fellows on the night of your marriage for trapping me with so much effort" Jiang Luoluo blushed. "Ping Xiaoyi, I''m not afraid of you. I''ll dare drink it if you dare to drug us! Your threat has intimidated me. From now on, I shall sabotage all I can, as long as it''s a lady you like C I''ll talk ill about you in front of all the future sisters-in-law of the Residence of Nine Supremes C you can remain single your whole life! Even if there were a girl so blind, I''ll stick around her to speak badly of you, all day long. We''re staying in the Residence of Nine Supremes anyway, I know about all your dark history. I wouldn''t be Jiang Luoluo if I didn''t jeopardize your reputation C do you think I dare not or can''t do it?!" Stupefied, Ping Xiaoyi cried out, somewhat offended, "Have mercy, big sister! I''m only saying it for nothing" "I assume it to be true anyway!" Jiang Luoluo tipped her chin up high. Ping Xiaoyi was still moaning in agony, "Where''s the justice in this? This C this Luo Dajiang, how can you let your wife be?? Both husband and wife are bullying me together!" Luo Dajiang was calm and collected. "We aren''t married yet. She''ll only be my wife after we get married. We''re only very good friends now. How can I check her? Besides, who do you think you are asking me to do what you say?" Poor Ping Xiaoyi was utterly speechless and incredibly aggrieved. ''You two are husband and wife, a pair of spouses when you work together to deceive people. When people come to hold you accountable, you''re separate entities, good friends you say, unrelated'' "I really learn something new today" Bowing deeply with a palm cupped over his fist, Ping Xiaoyi begged for mercy incessantly. Jiang Luoluo ignored his effort, causing the former to be drenched in panicked sweat and fright. As the first spouse member of the Residence of Nine Supremes, the chain reaction Jiang Luoluo could create was not one to be taken lightly. If she were determined to sabotage Ping Xiaoyi, it would truly be quite a challenge if the latter intended to find his other half "Boss" Ping Xiaoyi turned to Yun Yang pleadingly. "Help me! They can''t string me around like this! My lifelong affair, my marriage, my ancestral heritage are all involved" Yun Yang held back his laughter and said with a straight face, "Ping Xiaoyi, what ulterior motive do you have? You want me to offend a woman? Have you not heard that one would rather offend the most skilled man in the world than to anger a woman? You actually wanted to trap me as well C how mean you are, how deceitful" Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Ping Xiaoyi was at a loss. "Then what should I do? Tell me what do I do" "Go beg for mercy Whenever your sister-in-law forgives you, that''s when you look for a wife. Don''t even think about it for now. If your broken reputation were to spread out there you''re a goner." Yun Yang spoke solemnly while the rest of the group were reveling in the poor man''s misery. Ping Xiaoyi chased after Jiang Luoluo to apologize, but the latter ignored him, causing the man to bow and kneel; until later, Jiang Luoluo seemed to have relented with some sort of terms made. When Ping Xiaoyi came back in relief, the first match of the Nine Supremes placing''s second bout was already completed C Shi Wuchen went against Wu Menghuan and had gained an overwhelming victory. Although Shi Wuchen, Ren Qingkuang, and Wu Menghuan were all swordsmen, there was a difference in their achievement; Shi Wuchen was better versed in the art than Wu Menghuan, so it was not exactly a surprise that he had won. As the battles progressed, it had finally come to the final match C Shi Wuchen versus Luo Dajiang! In all honesty, Yun Yang was not too surprised that Shi Wuchen could last to the end but he was astonished that Luo Dajiang had managed to persevere to this stage as well. Among the five men who won, their actual cultivation base and capability were similar. Perhaps Shi Wuchen was the most skillful but he was only a hair''s breadth better; it was not a staggering advantage. As the matches went on, the strategies and forms he used became key to his victories. It was not by luck that Shi Wuchen had won consecutively. Nevertheless, Luo Dajiang seemed to have an unusual sense of resilience in comparison to Shi Wuchen. He rose up to the challenge when the going got tougher, never once showing signs of quitting. His courage grew as he battled, too, partially contributing to his wins. Consequentially, he advanced staget6%55 after stage, bagging victories and ultimately made it to the final battle! Currently, the two of them were standing opposite each other. Even Dong Qitian was looking unprecedentedly serious, fully focusing his attention on the ring. One was a master in wielding the sword while another was an expert in brandishing the saber. None of them was akin to the average practitioner of their art and weapon. Hence, it was definite that the battle that was bound to happen would be earth-shattering! The reality was as expected. Shi Wuchen was determined to secure his position as the Second Supreme of the Residence of Nine Supremes while Luo Dajiang was a dark horse who looked confident that he was going to clinch the placing. Therefore, the aura that the pair exuded since the start of the match was already formidable and baffling. Nervousness filled Jiang Luoluo who stood behind Yun Yang. Her pretty eyes were trained on the ring, her delicate fists were clenched, and she kept mumbling, "You must win! You must win!" It tickled Yun Yang as he asked her, amused, "Shi Wuchen''s cultivation base is the best among the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. Luo Dajiang most probably can''t win. I''m afraid that you''ll have to be disappointed, Lady Jiang." Jiang Luoluo glared at him with a pout. "I thought that you''re the good one. I didn''t expect you to be this mean! Do you want to make a bet with me?" "Bet? What''s the wager?" asked Yun Yang. "If Luo Dajiang wins, you''ll give me a piece of Ethereal Amethyst. What do you think?" "And if Shi Wuchen wins?" Jiang Luoluo''s eyes darted around as she thought about it and answered, "You can punish me to marry your brother. You''re not losing anyway C I''m betting my entire self against a piece of your Ethereal Amethyst. You''re having the advantage here no matter how we see it!" Yun Yang rubbed his nose chuckling humorlessly. What a cunning lady C a card sharp would have to at least deal his card but she did not even have to put out anything! "No way!" Yun Yang shook his head and replied, "That''s not how a bet works." "Why not this then C I won''t talk ill about you when you have a wife in the future. Otherwise, when you find a wife, I''ll tell her that you''re always teasing your brothers'' wives and I''m one of the victims C only one of them" Yun Yang was shocked, completely defeated. It was then that he thoroughly understood the lady''s savageness and was beaten, surrendering with a bitter smile. "Alright, alright. As you wish, let''s make a bet!" Jiang Luoluo cheered. 980 Gone Astray In The Way of Sword Dong Qitian cast a sidelong glance at Yun Yang and silently called him a fool. ''Talk to me if you must for being bored out of your mind, but why did you affront a woman? Don''t you know that women are the most irrational creatures in this world? That it would be best to stay away from them? It''s not a relative statement, it''s absolute!'' Dong Qitian coughed and said, "I still remember the old tale C the former court master of the Eastern Celestial Court was once presented a riddle by a friend; he was given two options, the first was to reason with his wife while the second was to fight the Regal Daemon Lord." He spoke slowly, "Reasoning with his wife was verbal, using only words, but fighting the Regal Daemon Lord was a battle of life and death. It would have been a difficult fight, but do you know what he chose?" "What?" Yun Yang''s interest was piqued. "This court master opted to fight the Regal Daemon Lord without any hesitation! The battle actually ensued in the end" answered Dong Qitian. Yun Yang broke into a profuse sweat. "That senior is truly an example to be considered" The cry of a sword and the screech of a saber rang simultaneously in the ring C both men were one with their weapons! When they launched their attack, they executed their best techniques in unison! "Shi Wuchen has gained insight into the sword''s intent. He has gotten to the stage where there''s nothing else in the world other than his sword," said Dong Qitian, watching the fight, "More so, he''s not far from gaining insight into the sword''s core." "What about Luo Dajiang?" "About the same!" answered Dong Qitian, "The saber''s intent flows within him, there''s also nothing else other than saber to him. Although he''s not that close to comprehending the saber''s core, not even taking that path, he''s enlightened with something else C everything in this world could take the form of the saber!" "The result of this battle is no longer important. What''s crucial is that as long as both of them could continue their journey and not die in the middle of it the Bound of Universe will surely see, once again, the most worthy kings of sword and saber!" The match between the two men in the field gradually gained momentum. Shi Wuchen and his sword melted into a murderous autumnal gale and poured down incessantly alongside the autumn rain, frost, and dew. All one could see was the piercing chill of an autumn storm! Fighting up to this point, he had already continuously effected the sword art of Tri Autumn seven to eight different times. His sword intent grew more desolated, more barren. Every time he performed the techniques, he was bestowed with a completely different sense of enlightenment. It seemed that as the Tri Autumn sword art was executed over and again, the vibrant spring was slowly stained into inconsolable autumn. Shi Wuchen''s state of mind was increasingly despondent as he unleashed the sword''s intent, yet the sword light turned smoother while a melancholic but excited, murderous, intent colored his face. Luo Dajiang who was on the opposite end maintained a stable and secure strategy. His entire being remained like a massive mountain, hardly conquerable, but he was not passively guarding himself. Once he attacked, his advances were powerful and insistent like the tidal waves themselves. Dong Qitian concentrated on the scene and could not help sighing softly. "What is it?" asked Yun Yang. "Shi Wuchen has already gained insight 43into the art of the sword and is stepping into another stage. However this stage he''s stepped foot into is a wrong path, a path he''s gone astray on and shouldn''t be touching. Even if he were to overcome it, the accumulated wrongs will only bring about endless consequences," Dong Qitian answered faintly. Yun Yang was bewildered. He had a good sense but his experience lacked too much in comparison to Dong Qitian. It was only natural that he was confused by the latter''s comment as he thought that Shi Wuchen was already taking the initiator''s position now and slowly guiding the battle towards his advantage; his chance to win was very high, so why did Dong Qitian view it as something terrible? "The result is obvious if we''re only looking at this match. Victory is Shi Wuchen''s, without a doubt!" said Dong Qitian, "Because he''s enlightened on the sword''s core that belongs uniquely to him in this battle. This is already clear!" "However, this bout has also caused both of them to embark on two entirely opposite paths." "After this fight, Shi Wuchen''s future path contains the sword intent that focuses on getting everything in this world and being loyal only to the sword then the Residence of Nine Supremes. There''s nothing else!" "It''s different for Luo Dajiang. Other than being loyal to the saber and the Residence of Nine Supremes, he''s faithful to himself, to his brothers, to sentiment and kinship, to his family and to whatever else restrains him." Dong Qitian sighed softly. After a period of silence from Yun Yang, he asked in a low tone, "I somewhat understand what you mean. Is Shi Wuchen''s current state of swordsmanship too extreme? That despite his temporary gain, the repercussion will be deeply rooted, but Luo Dajiang has no such issue?" "Yes, such a contrast is determined by the differences between them as individuals, by their nature," Dong Qitian answered, watching the vigorous ongoing battle. Yun Yang questioned, "Is it really so grave? Being faithful to the sword and the Residence of Nine Supremes and nothing else doesn''t seem to be too bad C why do you say that the accumulated wrongs will be hardly corrected and will have endless repercussions?" "It depends on the person whether it''s good or bad. An intelligent one will naturally understand." Dong Qitian smiled. "Some people have personal intentions, some don''t. Some people live for their ideals while some live for reality. It''s all but the perspective you take, there''s no consideration of superiority here." "Living for one''s ideals don''t usually get a good ending while living for reality allows one to experience the vicissitudes of life and achieve greatness from it," said Dong Qitian, "The reality I mention here isn''t selfishness. Do you understand?" "I do," answered Yun Yang. "As a swordsman, Shi Wuchen should be faithful to the sword, but he''s too fixated with it C that''s obsession. It is simplyC too much." "In other words, he''s successfully entered the world of the sword, but he''s consumed within, unable to escape. As time passes, how can the mania not increase into a state of no return and pose endless aftermath?" "A true master must be able to advance and withdraw as he wishes, resigned to his own self confession C this is the best state one can be on the top!" said Dong Qitian. Yun Yang mumbled, "Entering the art of sword, but unable to get out of it, becoming obsessed with the sword" He thought that he seemed to understand it somewhat but there were still so much that he could not figure it out. Dong Qitian smiled and told him, "It''s not necessarily bad that you don''t understand it now, but it would be best if you could decipher and fathom something from this." After this ambiguous comment, Dong Qitian stood with his arms on his back and cast his gaze afar. He began to talk slowly again after some time, "Back then, there was a tradition in my hometown. Every time someone died in the village, someone will be commissioned to play the suona (a Chinese sorna C double-reeded horn). There''s an old man called Old Father Qin in the village I''m from who specializes in playing the instrument. One song is enough to make people tear up and any more after it simply depresses everyone. Whichever family that holds a funeral, Old Father Qin is the go-to person. Once he''s there, the sadness that was three-tenth will rise fully as he plays the suona. Sobs and wails will definitely be heard." As he spoke about the past in his hometown, there was a rare gentleness and sense of reminiscence that lingered on Dong Qitian''s expression. His faraway gaze seemed to have traveled back to the quaint village back in the years, back to where he often dreamed of in his sleep. It had been a few thousand years since he was back He had actually not returned for so long! He turned to ask Yun Yang, "Have you heard the suona being played during funerals?" Yun Yang was perplexed, answering, "Yes, of course. The culture in Empire of Yutang is the same. As long as the family has a little money left, they''ll commission people to play the suona whenever someone dies This custom is probably the same across the Tianxuan Continent where I come from." Nodding in comfort, Dong Qitian replied, "I''ve heard that the Bound of Universe came from the same origin as another realm in the past. It seems that although the standard of cultivators from both realms contrast distinctly, the basic custom and tradition are still the same!" "Back then, there was a child in our village called Wu Geng. His parents had passed away and he grew up being helped by everyone. Old Father Qin had a hard life as well, single despite his old age. Seeing the pitiful Wu Geng, he took him in. As Wu Geng slowly grew up and became a teen, he was still without a skill, so he thought of learning suona from Old Father Qin to feed himself." Yun Yang was utterly confused by Dong Qitian''s sudden storytelling. Old Father Qin? Wu Geng? Suona? Funeral? What and what? How was the tale related to the current fiery battle and the sword obsession in one''s cultivation journey? "But Old Father Qin was reluctant to teach Wu Geng suona. He kept saying, ''Child, it''s not that I don''t want to teach you Once you step into this career, there''s no turning back. I''m afraid that I''ll let this life of yours go to waste''." "Wu Geng could not fathom what Old Father Qin said. If he acquired the skill, he could feed himself and receive the respect of his villagers, he would be invited to events as an honorable guest C how could it be a vice? There would be meals and drinks, he would earn too. How was it bad" "Still, Old Father Qin refused to teach him. He got older then, gradually unable to play the suona. Wu Geng was still without a survival skill, pleading to the old man repeatedly, saying, ''You''re already elderly. I''m afraid you really won''t be able to play the suona anymore after some time. And I still don''t know anything. When you pass on, I can only be a beggar. Why are you still unwilling to teach me? Even when I''ll freeze and starve to death in the future?'' It wasn''t only Wu Geng, a few old men in the village came to persuade Old Father Qin as well." "Old Father Qin sighed and relented, agreeing to teach Wu Geng. He said, ''But there''s something I must state first. Don''t you hate me in the future.'' Wu Geng was delighted, promising the old man easily." "So Old Father Qin began to teach Wu Geng how to play the suona. The young man was quite talented in playing the musical instrument, plus he was by Old Father Qin''s side for so long, the foundation was naturally there being influenced by what he constantly saw and heard. He picked up the skill quickly, able to play the instrument just like Old Father Qin. Nevertheless, there just wasn''t the feeling of grief and anguish, so Old Father Qin took him along every time he went to funerals to allow Wu Geng to feel the bereavement and mournfulness in playing suona for funerals." "Old Father Qin said that the mourning suona mustn''t have the least bit of joy. A funeral should have the feeling and melody of a funeral. ''If you can''t produce that sentiment, no one will ask for yout even if you know how to play''." "Wu Geng committed Old Father Qin''s words to heart and learned from the old man wholeheartedly. A few years later, everyone said that Wu Geng''s suona playing was more and more like Old Father Qin''s. People booked him one after another. That year, Old Father Qin passed away; Wu Geng played an entire night of suona. After that, everyone hired Wu Geng for funerals. Wu Geng played the suona in such ceremonies and occasions, the more he did, the more he felt depressed, the more his state of mind turned melancholic Ultimately, Wu Geng did not marry nor did he have any children when he turned old." "When he was well past his prime, he finally understood what Old Father Qin meant by it would be a vice to his life. Funerals were grievance and separation, hopeless and wretched, and one who played the suona needed to have similar emotions to be able to play it empathically, only then he could match the mournfulness of the bereaving families Only by having such reflection of emotions could people keep hiring him. But when he maintained such state of mind for a long time, how could he seek a wife and take care of children in a dampened mood like this? He wouldn''t even have the thought to do so He''d only feel the emptiness of life and the depression" "So Wu Geng buried the suona that kept him company his whole life into the ground before he passed away. There were many young ones who wanted to become his apprentice and learn from him in his elderly years, promising to take care of him until his death, but he took no students throughout his lifetime." "After that, the elders in the village who''ve heard Old Father Qin and Wu Geng played mourning suona said that ever since the both of them passed on, deaths in the village didn''t feel like deaths anymore." Dong Qitian finished his narration gloomily and said, "Do you understand now? Shi Wuchen''s sword has gone into the blues0." Yun Yang heaved a soft exhale and answered, "I understand. All art forms is one, no matter how they vary, they don''t stray away from the origin. The art of sword cultivation and the art of playing suona share the same principle when they go to the extreme end. One can hardly learn and master it if they don''t pour their heart and soul into the art. But once they do and can''t reel themselves back, being able to go in but not out, it''s possible that they would be controlled and trapped by what they know in their cultivation and lose themselves. This is what you mean, isn''t it!" "Yes, exactly. All forms of art is one, the source is the same," said Dong Qitian. "Which also means that Shi Wuchen has now embarked on the path of sword obsession, a strayed path of being controlled by the sword. He isn''t controlling the sword now, the sword is manipulating him. Is this the case?" asked Yun Yang. Dong Qitian slowly sighed, "That''s right. Shi Wuchen is currently in the optimal state of sword that contains nothing else but the sword. Everything in this world is no longer his concern, not even himself. The only fortunate aspect is probably he''s not yet too far gone on this road; he still has kinship in his heart, still has the Residence of Nine Supremes. There''s still a chance to return." Yun Yang turned to look again at the battle happening, shifting his gaze towards Shi Wuchen who slowly but surely gained overwhelming upper hand, and said nothing. Dong Qitian was still talking, "If there''s a day when he doesn''t care even about these, that''s when he truly becomes a slave to the sword. One form is all it takes for the internal demon to backfire and devour him into the endless abyss, erasing any way back. Once the melancholia takes over his heart, there''s no turning back." "This isn''t an exaggeration to scare you, because when it actually comes to that point of time, any expert or master can at most kill him C it''s impossible to pull him back to the correct path anymore, for that version of him then is just another Wu Geng!" Dong Qitian looked meaningfully at Yun Yang. Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.com for visiting. 981 The Installation of the Residence of Nine Supremes’ Supremes A drawn-out wail of the sword rang out, like the cry of a dragon hurtling through the sky. Moreover, everyone could hear the distinct sense of victory from the sword''s cry. Yet, the autumnal chill grew increasingly piercing. Luo Dajiang took seven staggering steps back in the ring, his face pale. There was a slash that extended from his left chest to his right lower abdomen. Luckily, it was only a gash to his clothes and did not actually reach his skin. It was apparent that Shi Wuchen had held back, the fight fierce, but not life-threatening. "I''ve lost." Luo Dajiang stood up straight, a reverential expression on his face. "Shi Wuchen, your swordsmanship has gone to the level where your heart and the sword has become one. I willingly admit defeat. The Second Supreme of the Residence of Nine Supremes, the Supreme Sword - the title belongs to you legitimately. I acknowledge my loss sincerely." A smile broke out on Shi Wuchen''s countenance. "You''re too polite. I''ve just found only an inkling to the path. Still, I''m surprised by your current standard as well, Dajiang I don''t even have the strength to stand now C if my last attack had missed, the one who surrenders in compliant defeat would have been me." As he spoke, Shi Wuchen stumbled. It was not in jest, as his legs looked like they were giving up on him. Sweat poured from his head and his body. It was after the battle ended that sweat began to ooze out from him. His face looked so drained of color that even his eyes seemed to be losing focus. Be it Shi Wuchen or Luo Dajiang, they had given this match their all! The other eight members of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten who watched from the side looked serious; no one doubted Shi Wuchen''s victory. The second standing in the Residence of Nine Supremes and the title of Supreme Sword were deservingly his; he lived up to the name! Shi Wuchen and Luo Dajiang were both panting heavily, puddles of sweat growing steadily under their feet. Yun Yang looked at Shi Wuchen''s genuine grin despite his exhaustion and said, "I think things aren''t that bad yet." "It''s budding, it can''t be ignored," replied Dong Qitian. Yun Yang smiled faintly. "Since the seedling has been discovered so early, it shall be nipped in the bud. No brother in the Residence of Nine Supremes will go astray in their path. With so many brothers by his side, it''ll be our neglect, our mistake, if he''s allowed to continue being wrong when we''ve already given the hint. It won''t be his fault anymore." Dong Qitian was stunned by Yun Yang''s words and did not say a thing for some time. He was silent but what he heard incited a tidal wave of emotion within him. He asked himself, ''Is this what brotherhood means?'' Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Then, Yun Yang announced out loud, "Now, the Nine Supremes placing match has determined the first standing C it goes to Shi Wuchen! Henceforth, Tri-Autumn Swordsman Shi Wuchen shall be the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Second Supreme, Supreme Sword! Everyone here, do you have any objection?" The Demiurge-Flawed Ten, aside from Shi Wuchen, actually sighed in unison, replying, "Shi Wuchen is really lucky getting the spot of the Second Supreme. What can we do C Yituo has finally earned his title, well deserving of his fame" Angered, Shi Wuchen shouted, "I''ll punish whoever f*cking calls me Yituo again with the sect rules!" Yun Yang chuckled and prodded, "Brothers, Yituo doesn''t look very good now. I shall emphasize this; he''ll be the legitimate Second Elder Brother tomorrow! Be careful!" "He''ll be tomorrow" meant that he was still not today! The other nine men were clever, immediately catching the drift, and sprung up at once. They charged forward in unison, burying Shi Wuchen beneath them swiftly amidst howls and cries. The latter was completely drained after the battles, how could he defend himself against a group of men who were not unlike a pack of wolves? He could only be a puppet, manipulated by the rest. With a pitiful wail, he was pinned at the bottom. At that very instant, he felt like even his sacks were being pressed, so much so that his tone of voice changed. "I''m going to penalize all of you with the sect rules Ow Save me" He struggled to ask for help from the bottom of the human avalanche, only to see Yun Yang leap up with a face full of ecstasy and land right on the top "Ow!" Shi Wuchen''s eyes rolled back in anguish. It felt like even the last breath of air in his chest had been squeezed out. Other than his leg that was left twitching outside the pile, the rest of his body could no longer move even an inch. "Hahaha" Ten people guffawed. "Yituo''s become the second elder now, we must take our revenge" "Who''s afraid of him? We have boss!" "True!" "Better not say it. Yituo is Lao Er (second elder in Mandarin) Yituo Lao Er, Lao Er Yituo (can be slang to mean balls and penis) This" "Hahaha Ping Xiaoyi, you''re a genius! What a way with words! Good thinking!" The competition to determine the Supreme placing of the Residence of Nine Supremes finally came to a close. The boss of the Residence of Nine Supremes was, of course, Supreme Cloud, Yun Yang. The Second Supreme C Supreme Sword, Shi Wuchen. The Third Supreme C Supreme Saber, Luo Dajiang. The Fourth Supreme C Supreme War, Tie Qingcang. The Fifth Supreme C Supreme Kuang (madness), Ren Qingkuang. The Sixth Supreme C Supreme Meng (dream), Wu Menghuan. The Seventh Supreme C Supreme Lan (orchid), Lan Ruojun. The Eighth Supreme C Supreme Shi (rock), Shi Bujia. The Ninth Supreme C Supreme Yue (moon), Kong Luoyue. Demiurge-Flawed Lord Supreme C Guo Nuanyang; Earth-Bereaved Lord Supreme C Ping Xiaoyi. Majordomo C Qian Duoduo; Chief Instructor C Dong Qitian. At this point, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' top-level administrative structure was complete. The installation of Nine Supremes was concluded while the two Lord Supremes after them were consummated as well. Supreme Sword, Supreme Saber, Supreme War, Supreme Shi, and Supreme Kuang were under the combative unit; whenever the sect needed to fight, these Supremes, alongside their divisions, were the main frontliners, heading each battle. Supreme Lan was tasked to collect intelligence, Supreme Meng was responsible for penalties and awards, while Supreme Yue was assigned to sect management and working together with the majordomo. The Demiurge-Flawed and Earth-Bereaved duo were in charge of matters that could not be handled openly by the school. Once the Demiurge-Flawed and Earth-Bereaved struck, both heaven and earth must be deprived! Shi Bujia was most probably the one at the most loss in the placing match of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. His capability paralleled Tie Qingcang''s and was even on par with Luo Dajiang. In spite of this, he had exerted too much after fighting Tie Qingcang that he was unable to keep up in the latter bouts and the advantage was taken by Lan Ruojun. It was a matter of course that Shi Bujia was rather unhappy about it, but after some jokes, he had let it go. Just like what Yun Yang had said before the battle, the chronology and pairing of the matches consisted of the aspect of luck. In addition, luck was the majority of a cultivator''s general ability. Shi Bujia believed in the term ''no compare, no despair'' anyway. He was the Eighth Supreme but he was still one of the Nine Supremes. He still had Kong Luoyue, Guo Nuanyang, and Ping Xiaoyi after him! Looking at Guo Nuanyang and Ping Xiaoyi who were cheerily contented and unaffected despite not being enlisted as Nine Supremes, what else could he regret about? Regarding Yun Yang''s assignment, Dong Qitian had only scoffed. It was too general, too perfunctory, too unspecific It was child''s play! He had never seen someone managing a sect like this. His identity as the chief instructor was even formalized C this was not what they had agreed on earlier! 982 The Secret of the Residence of Nine Supremes Although Dong Qitian had grown to enjoy the atmosphere in the Residence of Nine Supremes with the increasing number of days he had stayed in the sect - so much so that he might not have agreed to leave, even if Yun Yang had taken the initiative to suggest an early release C lo and behold, one could only laugh at the unexpected turn of events. He was still unhappy that Yun Yang had decided his position as the chief instructor without any room for discussion The position was after everyone too! Dong Qitian thought that it was necessary for him to argue about it C I''m going to leave! I''ll leave once I complete our deal! However, he did not manage to get his words out. Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Inauguration of the nine peaks!" Yun Yang announced. "After you enter your mountain, place your hand on the podium in the center and infuse it with the force of your soul and divine sense until it lights up." Shi Wuchen and the others went to their respective peaks swiftly. Once they entered the main hall, disbelief colored their expressions when they laid eyes on the place. Theoretically, the mountain main halls had never been visited by anyone since the establishment of the Residence of Nine Supremes. Even if they were not covered in dust, they should not be as speck-free as they were now. Yet, as they scanned the area, it was pristine and sparkling. Upon closer scrutiny, it was really spotless! How could this be? There would definitely be some traces left, no matter how one cleaned and polished every corner. How could the halls look untouched? As mentioned, there was a strange-looking podium of amethyst in the center of each hall, glowing lightly in violet. There was a flat plate on the tall podium, with an indent the shape of a palm within. Just like Yun Yang had told the men, it was where they needed to place their hands on. The eight men placed their palms on the said spot doubtfully and cultivated their deific consciousness and the force of their souls, pouring both energies into the mark while wondering what it was for. Right about then, the group was shocked! When the forces of their soul and divine sense were infused to a certain level, each one of them felt as if a connection had been formed between their deific consciousness and the podium in front of them It was like an invisible thread had tied them to the podium. The feeling was unquestionably odd, but it was as real as it could get. As they felt it, the strange-looking podium of amethyst suddenly gleamed purple. The luminescence grew brighter and slowly spread, engulfing the entire mountain in an amethyst overtone. After an instant, the boundless amethyst Qi snuck into the eight men, vanishing promptly. When the men opened their eyes again with a shudder, the spot in front of them was empty. There was no amethyst podium in sight; there was only the smooth and reflective floor without anything on it. "That''s bizarre Is this magic?" The group felt their scalps tingling with bewilderment. It was then that they heard Yun Yang''s voice simultaneously. "Can all of you hear me?" The eight men jumped up subconsciously in unison. Boss! Where is he C how "No need to look around, and no need to make a fuss about it." Yun Yang''s voice was still clear. It was actually in their minds; he was communicating directly with their souls. "This is the biggest secret of the Residence of Nine Supremes. Only those who are enlisted as the Nine Supremes are qualified to know about and possess this." "No matter where you are, as long as you have one last breath with you, you can communicate with each other this way." Yun Yang''s voice sounded distant. "This is the Residence of Nine Supremes'' best-kept secret C it mustn''t be disclosed!" Then, he fell silent. However, the few lines he has spoken had still stirred a massive whirlpool in the eight men that took a long time to be calmed down C the Residence of Nine Supremes actually possessed such an ability that was almost logic-defying! One could contact and communicate with each other at any time! It was devastatingly amazing! One must know that the biggest challenge of roaming the martial world now was the issue of communication unless one was in the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner schools; even then, it was only a slim possibility for the central top management to be qualified to use the messenger jade to exchange intelligence. To reach the stage where one could simply use the messenger jade, one had to, at least, come to the level of the Eastern Celestial Court. As for any level lower than that, they might not even be able to afford a piece of the messenger jade, or worse, they did not even have the cultivation base to operate the jade. Such an issue that was deemed unsolvable had been easily resolved by the Residence of Nine Supremes, a sect that had never possessed the lower class Celestial Luck Banner. There was no struggle involved in the solution. How was this only logic-defying? It was No one had any idea on how they could put their amazement into words. It was crazy anyway C it was wondrous, it was inhuman! They could now contact each other, even if they were thousands of miles apart and there was no need to exert any spiritual force. It was a luxury that they could actually chat whenever they wanted to! What a delight! Nevertheless, more surprises awaited, knocking the newly appointed Nine Supremes off their feet. Before they could truly collect themselves from the excitement, all of them realized with astonishment that their cultivation base seemed to have grown, by a big leap! In descending order from Shi Wuchen, everyone had basically just broken through to third level Saint, but now, they had explosively improved to the third level pinnacle together! The progress was baffling and rather stupefying. Since the start of time, there had never been something so rare and absurd as this! When one''s cultivation base came to a certain level, one would need to spend several times more effort and time to achieve further advancement, compared to prior attempts. This was especially true for people like Shi Wuchen and friends who had gotten to the Saint-level at such a young age; they had to depend on the painstaking accumulation of years and toiling in order to ascend another level in the future. Three to five years would be a godly speed, while ten years or fewer deemed one a genius. It was normal for one to achieve a breakthrough after thirty years of work. Who could guess that one needed only an hour in the Residence of Nine Supremes to complete what was mentioned? Even when all of them knew that the sudden escalation of their cultivation base was probably due to the connection of their deific consciousness and soul to the mystical amethyst podium as newly appointed Nine Supremes, that it was a benefit gained from the bountiful amethyst Qi, the fact was still shocking. Shi Wuchen attempted a cough with the method Yun Yang had taught. "Cough C cough!" Then, a series of protests flowed out. "Yituo, what are you barking at! Are you crazy?" "Yeah, what are you coughing for? You scared the hell out of your father!" "Shut the f*ck up if you have nothing to say." "May I ask if the newly decorated Second Elder Brother has any instructions?" Finally, someone sensible had spoken! It was Kong Luoyue. "Apple polisher!" "Apple polisher!" "Apple polisher!" "Kong Luoyue, you shameless polisher! How come your father never knew that you''re actually this type of person?" "You pandering trash C your father is ashamed to be teamed up with you!" Shi Wuchen scoffed and said, "Quiet. I''m going to speak of something serious; this is not in jest. You''ve heard what boss said earlier. I don''t wish to see this secret being known by someone aside from the nine of us. This is a real issue. We must strictly commit it to our hearts." 984 Yun Yang’s Disciples On the other side, the Heaven Sword and Earth Saber elders had not stepped out of the door for days, fully concentrated on recuperation. After all, it was Yun Yang''s Residence of Nine Supremes and they were not members of it; it would be awkward if they knew too much. In spite of this, Li Yixin''s originally life-threatening state had been stabilized with a certain degree of success during the period of time he spent resting in the sect. A big part of it was thanks to Song Changgong''s unceasing treatment, delivering energy to Li Yixin''s frail body day and night, but the geographical advantage reaped from the Residence of Nine Supremes was also a vital factor. This was because Li Yixin''s current state vaguely showed signs of recovering and this was definitely not the doing of Song Changgong''s efforts. For now, there were only hints, but it was still a good sign. Both elders were delighted. No matter how Li Yixin said that he could accept the coming of the end, no one would rather die if they could stay alive. Today, when the Nine Supremes claimed their standings, both of them were shocked to sense the arrival of the force of Dao! Moreover, the force had slipped into their bodies uncontrollably. Li Yixin''s withered body shuddered upon receiving the strand of Qi of Dao; he instantly opened his eyes to ask, "Big brother have you felt it?" A glint that had long left his eyes sparkled again, a sharp glow flashed when he had opened them. Despite the instantaneous blink, there was truly a gleam. Sighing softly, Li Yixin continued. "Big brother, you won''t have to deliver mystical Qi to me in at least half a year with this opportunity that we have encountered today" "How C what has happened?" Words tumbled out of Song Changgong, who was somewhat surprised. Li Yixin wore a faint smile as he said calmly, "Big brother it means significantly that we could be here coincidentally and share this glorious chance. There''s no need to pursue the cause and effect involved, it''s better not to know anything." "Will you speak of it if the commerce league asks about it in the future?" he said slowly. Song Changgong laughed. "You''re right, my brother. It''s better not to know anything." He then closed his eyes and concentrated in cultivating and recuperating; his plan to head out earlier had been thoroughly eliminated. As the leader of the Residence of Nine Supremes, Yun Yang could distinctly feel the connection between the nine mountains and the union of the land. There were some changes to the mountain guarding formation as well. Whilst the spiritual Qi turned more concentrated, the intangible image of the Celestial Luck Banner popped out from him. Yun Yang wrote the Residence of Nine Supremes on the abstract flag seriously. What followed after was Supreme Yun Yang and the Supremes of the other eight peaks, Shi Wuchen, Luo Dajiang It was determined that they would participate in the Celestial Luck Banner contest five months and twenty-seven days later. He then filled up the address and located the land before he made a cut on his left hand and sprinkled a spattering of blood, charging his script with the crimson liquid. The Celestial Luck Banner image glowed swiftly with a fiery radiance. With a soft swoosh, the words that were written vanished, and the flag returned to its originally airy form. After a moment, the image of the banner changed again. Three big words slowly manifested in the air C"You are registered". Yun Yang stared at the print from the moment they appeared until they disappeared from his sight before he slowly stood up. "I shall go take a look at my disciples." "The conquest has started!" Each mountain was had been given ten children from the ninety-nine pupils who were selected, leaving nineteen more who, as expected, stayed at the main peak, to become Supreme Cloud''s protgs. The disciples of the leading Supreme had to be of a higher number compared to the Supremes in other mountains; this was also the custom of sects and schools. The nineteen children who were chosen to remain in the main mountain were currently lined up in order, nervously but excitedly waiting to meet the Leading Supreme who would also be their master. As Yun Yang scanned the group, he was promptly taken aback. These children were excellent. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they were geniuses who were wonderfully gifted but they were simply too young! There were twelve boys and seven girls who made up the nineteen kids. Each of them had bright crystal-clear eyes and lasting Qi; although the weathered and suffering color left from their recent release from the human traffickers had yet to be washed off entirely, they were already changing; furthermore, the changing process was largely completed now. A few children were already looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, adorable to look at. From their appearance, all nineteen of the children were quite frail. They were looking up to Yun Yang with sparkly gazes that were brimming with anticipation and hope, as if they were gazing at the only deity in their life, with reverence and awe. Yun Yang had only taken a glance at them before he turned and walked away immediately, feeling his temples throbbing. Oh no! Standing by the side, proudly puffing his chest and round stomach, was Qian Duoduo. He minced over, licking his lips with a face that spelled rewards, saying, "Boss, I''ve carefully handpicked them for you this time. These nineteen children before us are crme of the crop, the best of the best" A wave of dull anger was already simmering within Yun Yang, but it bubbled even more now that he heard what Qian Duoduo said. Ultimately, he sighed powerlessly and asked, "Fatty, how old is the oldest among these nineteen young ones?" "The oldest is only nine years old. This is the best time to train and cultivate their meridians and bones, guaranteeing them a bright future." "Okay. How old is the oldest among the pupils who were divided away?" "Fourteen to fifteen years old. Very prodigious as well, but still lacking compared to the group you have here." "Fatty This is the Central Peak" Yun Yang looked at Little Fatty like he was looking at an idiot. "Do you know this?" "I know. This is the Central Peak, that''s right," chorused Fatty in confusion. "The disciples in the Central Peak There must be an eldest senior brother of the sect in the future no matter what You do know this right?" Yun Yang had the sudden impulse to suck the fat out of this rotund fellow and light the lantern with it. "Of course I do. This is a matter of course C how can I not know about it?" Little Fatty nodded, looking lost, unable to figure out Yun Yang''s reason for mentioning what he did. "These pupils you''ve chosen for me are obviously younger than the others! How am I supposed to pick the Residence of Nine Supremes'' eldest senior brother?" Yun Yang rubbed his temples and exploded abruptly. "Can you grow some brains? And some heart, while you''re at it?" "Oh I''ve forgotten this" "It''s secondary that they''re all so young. There''ll be room to adjust if this isn''t an urgent time but now do you know what time it is? The Celestial Luck Banner contest is approaching, less than half a year now, and the Central Peak''s students must fight in the match How else could they lead?" Yun Yang glowered at Fatty like he was about to eat him. "Are you asking me to take this group of babies to battle when the competition starts half a year later?" 985 Tailored Teaching Little Fatty was dumbfounded. "I uh" His eyes darted around, comprehension dawning in his eyes that perhaps he had caused some form of trouble. "I could go to them to ask for a few older ones? They''re all disciples, it probably wouldn''t matter if I swapped them around" "Do you think we''re playing house?" Yun Yang spat in disdain. "As the master supreme, as the sect leader, as the Lead Supreme, I think my protgs aren''t good enough and so I am to swap them with others? Where''s my face if I do this? Do you think I''m as shameless as you are?" "How am I supposed to lead this school in the future?" Little Fatty peeked at the angry man in a daze. "Then what should we do? We need to find a solution somehow!" "What should we do? Doofus, we will be doomed!" Yun Yang rolled his eyes, certain that he had been kicked into a pit dug by this fatty. Little Fatty had personally reserved a batch of the most talented pupils with kind intentions, but not only was it impartial, but the inability to utilize these disciples due to their much younger age compared to others was also the direst of issues! When the sect had met up, everyone else would be ushering their taller and bigger disciples while he, as the leader, would be bringing a group of children When the disciples from the other Supremes could be sent to the ring, his disciples could only watch from the sidelines How frustrating it was to even think about it! Furthermore, this matter could hardly be alleviated in the first three to five years. After all, the oldest of his first batch of nineteen disciples was only nine years old! They were all merely babies! "Ah!" Yun Yang''s sigh came from the bottom of his heart. Other than heaving a sigh, he did not know what else to say. It came as a surprise, then, when Dong Qitian''s upset voice rang out. "What are you sighing about? If you''re not happy with them, reluctant to take the children as your protgs, give them all to me. I don''t mind their talent nor their lack of age." Dong Qitian had wanted to say their talents were lacking, but his status and conscience forbade him from lying so openly. In the end, he concluded the fault to be due to their age. Yun Yang was close to vomiting blood. "Boss, I''m not putting the blame on their age; well, yes, the age is an issue, but the matter to be resolved is not this one!" Dong Qitian scoffed, his disdain as plain as day. The excitement was no longer there. There was only anxiety permeating the nineteen children outside. Why did their leader master come out and go in straight away? Why did he not look very happy? ''Is he not pleased with us?'' ''We''ve been handpicked by the majordomo. Even if one or two of us aren''t the best, could everyone be so bad that the Lead Supreme can''t bear to see us?'' While the little ones were wrapped in nervousness, the leader master was seen walking out slowly. His fine looks and sophisticated air of a ruler caused the children to have great respect for him, the deference growing deeper. "From now on, all of you are recorded disciples of the Central Peak," Yun Yang said faintly, "I shall teach you the same cultivation method after this and treat all of you the same." The children listened seriously, eyes trained on Yun Yang without blinking. "There will be a match every ten days. Like how the Nine Supremes were determined, the nineteen of you will be ranked accordingly. Two months later, the top-ranking ten will become my in-house disciples." "The rules, aside from the sparring, are much simpler," Yun Yang elaborated with a smile, "I will not urge all of you to cultivate. All progress shall be made on your own accord." Yun Yang''s terms were simple but the children looked more pensive, becoming unprecedentedly serious. Everyone understood the Lead Supreme''s meaning very clearly. It was the survival of the fittest in the Residence of Nine Supremes C there was no room for weakness here! Although their leader master did not mention what would happen to the others after selecting the in-house disciples, it was definite that the education that followed would not be as good. The crucial variable that would decide this result would actually be their individual efforts. Yun Yang wasted no more words and began to teach the children cultivation methods. According to the norm in the Bound of Universe, there was basically no difference across such foundational cultivation base; one would have to be above the level of Heaven Mystic when it came to choosing a specific cultivation method that matched their individual color, only then would there be meaning to further develop a disciple. Not only was it inappropriate to teach a high-level cultivation method to a disciple who had just entered the sect, but it was also easy to expose the sect''s unique cultivation method. Moreover, the weaker one''s cultivation base, the easier it was for accidents to happen. Whether the student was robbed by an outsider, eliminated by his school, or hardly gained any improvement, it could contribute to the sect''s cultivation method being spread externally Therefore, higher-level cultivation methods were only passed down when the protgs reached a certain level. In spite of this, Yun Yang did things differently in the Residence of Nine Supremes. He taught them basic cultivation methods as well, but he observed each child carefully before picking out several practices to allocate to these nineteen children. There was a total of seven cultivation methods that Yun Yang had handed out to the nineteen children, specifically varying the practiced methods between boys and girls. "Already individualizing his teachings at this stage?" Dong Qitian who had been watching was stunned, startled by Yun Yang''s actions. To tailor one''s teaching to the student sounded easy, but it was exceptionally difficult to actually do it. Everyone''s physique, meridians, talents, innate gifts, personality, temperament, and other traits were different, varying across the board; how could it be easy to accurately gauge all of them? Yet, Yun Yang had done so during the first time he and the children met. It was a painstaking effort as well as a great resolution. "I''d love to see if you''re simply arranging things or you''ll actually embody this tailored teaching." Other than passing down the foundational cultivation method, Yun Yang spent the whole day teaching the children six sets of techniques consisting of the body, steps, palm, fist, swordsmanship and saber style. Similarly, other than the sets of body and step techniques that were taught universally, the technique sets of palm, fist, sword, and saber were personalized, different among the children and focused on distinct aspects. A day passed, just like that. When these young ones were observed again, everyone looked the part when they were practicing. Although they had only the fa?ade, showing a semblance of learning, there was no substance to it, yet the outcome was enough to make Dong Qitian and Qian Duoduo click their tongues in astonishment. The practice of martial arts, the existence of each set of techniques of body or sword or fist, possessed its particular requirements. Each form and each style held at least some degree of precision. They were art forms of hundreds of thousands of years that were practiced and perfected repeatedly, having close to no room for tweaking. An inch higher or lower of the wrist, an inch wider or narrower between two feet after a step, a little raise or drop in shoulders, a slightly skewed angle in the gaze These could affect the success or failure of a technique. A millimeter''s deviation that could cause a thousand miles'' disparity in the result was best reflected in this case. This was the reason martial art practitioners and cultivators were said to be in need of talent because such prodigy was not equipped by everyone. The ability to copy and memorize as well as the physical agility and coordination were the very least skills needed Nevertheless, these little ones had committed the cultivation method to heart within a night and at the same time remembered six sets of body, step, palm, fist, sword and saber techniques. There was no doubt that these were rare prodigies. Even if it were the top Celestial Luck Banner disciples, there was hardly a handful of them, geniuses who could memorize things so quickly. This was only Yun Yang''s first time teaching them, but all nineteen children had done what he had instructed without exception. This in itself was already a rare miracle. 986 This Is All Fated "Young Yun, how did you do it? I don''t believe that these children are all geniuses who can absorb everything they''re given instantly!" Dong Qitian''s eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. "This really isn''t my credit to claim. I have, at most, taught the cultivation methods and forms in as detailed and refined a manner as I possibly could. As for these children being able to improve so speedily and remember everything so well, it''s mainly due to their own hardships in the past and the overly massive pressure I''ve given them just now. This probably caused everyone to focus all their attention to absorb what''s being taught. This way, it''s impossible for them to forget what they are thought." Yun Yang spoke plainly like everything was logical and within reason, but he did not speak the entire truth. The main factor that had contributed to this miracle was Emmie. Yun Yang had asked Emmie to identify each child''s talent and choose the most suitable foundational cultivation method for them in addition to pinpointing their individual characteristics for the skillsets congruous with them. This alone had halved the effort and doubled the results. Furthermore, Emmie had quietly released psychic energy during the learning process to help the children memorize better. It aided the entire experience, enhancing their capabilities. However, Emmie was Yun Yang''s biggest secret. It was inconvenient to disclose it to Dong Qitian. "You can actually use the jade slip to record the information and transmit it directly to their minds. Won''t this save you more effort and time?" asked Dong Qitian. "Saving time and effort usually means that the effect hardly reaches the optimum level. If I were to do that, their foundation wouldn''t be as secure. There''ll be a breach in their knowledge," said Yun Yang, "If so, a preceding distinction is already there before they even reach the competitive level. The feeling that I want to give them now is each step forward that they take, they must exert all their strength to complete and achieve it. This way, the children will work harder without looking back." "Imprinting the jade slip with my deific consciousness and transferring it to their minds isn''t a suitable method for now. Currently, the most appropriate approach is to make them fight for the opportunity with their own effort" Yun Yang continued. "Nothing comes without work in the Residence of Nine Supremes nor will there be any special attention given. They must get what they want with their own hard work. There''ll only be elimination waiting for those who don''t work for it or don''t work enough for it." Dong Qitian was silent. Yun Yang''s approach was incredibly harsh and extreme, but the disciples who could take this system and survive it would only bear one goal in mind in the near future C to be number one! In addition, everyone would be competing for the first place. In front of them, behind them, beside them, their peers would be as prideful and resilient as them. Even if one did not want to better himself, it would not be an easy feat under a competitive environment like this. "Aren''t you worried that they''ll fight amongst themselves?" Dong Qitian asked suddenly, his question pointed directly to the crux of the matter. "I''m not worried. It''s inevitable that a civil conflict will happen as this goes on, but when it comes to that time, I''ll just beat the dog before the lion!" Yun Yang said faintly, "Raising the limitations and rules now won''t ever be as effective a warning than punishment during that moment." Silence enveloped Dong Qitian again. After a long, long time, he sighed softly. "I''d really like to see what it''ll become of the disciples taught and the sect developed this way ten years or a hundred years from now whether it''s brilliant or withering" "I''d like to know too," Yun Yang replied with a smile. The nineteen children had already entered the practice room to concentrate on their training now. Each of them was cultivating and practicing in the most assiduous state; some were meditating, some were deep in thoughts with a frown, and some were running through the sets of techniques taught There was only one aspect that was similar across the nineteen kids, that was everyone was giving it their all, no one was reserving even a single drop of effort. This was obvious to anyone who was watching as well. In less than an hour, the practice room''s floor was flooded with puddles of sweat. Yun Yang watched them for another moment before he turned to leave without any comment. This action of his further added to the children''s pressure. Qian Duoduo asked on the side, "Will this be too much? What if there are some who can''t take this high pressure?" Yun Yang turned to look at him weirdly and answered, "Then they''ll be eliminated Why do we want those who can''t even handle this amount of stress? I''m recruiting disciples, I''m not babysitting." Chubby cheeks quivering, Qian Duoduo commented, "It''s too cruel I''m lucky I''m not your pupil" Yun Yang snorted and squinted at him. "Majordomo Qian on the day the Residence of Nine Supremes soars into the clouds and takes the Bound of Universe by storm when the Nine Supremes'' cultivation base has transcended average to become godly If your cultivation base remains the same and can''t keep up, majordomo, you understand what will happen." Little Fatty paled instantly. "Big brother, let''s not joke about this" "Joke? Do you think I''m joking with you? When it comes to then, even if I don''t sack you, do you think you can still go on? If the cultivation base of the youngest generation of disciples surpasses yours what face do you have to be the Residence of Nine Supremes'' majordomo then?" Yun Yang gave him a withering glance and said no more. What he said forced Little Fatty to think deeply, so much so that he looked terribly nervous. "That''s right. When the time does come how can I still take the position as the majordomo? No way, I must cultivate with whatever time I have now. Even if I can''t become the best, I can''t lag too far behind!" "Still, even if you train them under this high pressure, the Residence of Nine Supremes simply cannot prepare in time for the Celestial Luck Banner contest half a year later." Dong Qitian asked, "Do you have other plans?" "Why won''t we be in time? I''ve chosen to establish the sect at this time exactly for this flag match and to acquire the Celestial Luck Banner," Yun Yang sighed gently, looking at the spiritual Qi whirlwinds in the Residence of Nine Supremes that had become more concentrated, "I''ll need Elder Dong to refine the medicinal pills that could elevate one''s cultivation base a month later." "Sure," agreed Dong Qitian easily with interest twinkling in his eyes. Of course, Yun Yang had won the bet he had made with Jiang Luoluo. After the meet, Jiang Luoluo actually came personally to Yun Yang to congratulate him. "Congratulations, big brother. You''ve won our bet." The corners of Yun Yang''s lips twitched. He wore a friendly smile. "Win or lose, it''s just a game, but as the first family member of the Residence of Nine Supremes, Luoluo, this big brother has a meeting gift for you" "I want the Celestial Amethyst!" Jiang Luoluo was ecstatic. Yun Yang was speechless. He had wanted to give her the Celestial Amethyst as their meeting gift; it would be her prize if she had won while his present to her if she had lost C why would she specifically ask for it despite losing? Luo Dajiang, who was standing aside, was quiet. As Yun Yang gave the crystal away, he could not help sighing, "Dajiang, you''re down to earth and honest, but finding yourself a wife like this, you will never suffer a loss in this lifetime" Luo Dajiang hummed and answered, "Boss this is all fated." A bark of laughter escaped Yun Yang, wiping away his frustrations. 987 A Horde of Challengers Around the same time, many sects and schools that possessed the Celestial Luck Banner had received information, nor the least of which was the exact particulars of the challenger sects. The details could be withheld before the contest, but once the registration was completed to become a challenger, there was no longer any need to maintain a semblance of secrecy. Schools that possessed the middle-class Celestial Luck Banner did not receive many challenges due to their high capability, but the lower class Celestial Luck Banner sects faced a sea of enemies, especially the last three schools in the ranking. The sound of the wind and the brush of weed, too, felt like an enemy''s ambush to them. Cangwu Union, that had been ranked last, had suffered the most. Staring at the long list of challenger names, the leader was deeply unsettled. "How could there be so many challenge letters? There are a hundred over sects that wanted to challenge us Who will win ultimately? Who''ll obtain the final challenge qualification?" "These schools in front are well documented, we know quite a fair bit of their capabilities This Residence of Nine Supremes, though, what is it? What''s its background? When was it built? Why isn''t there any documentation on this?" "Go take a look." As the news of the challenger sects was spread across the realm, countless schools began to react; some prepared themselves, some set out on conquests, while others welcomed the challenges. Schools that held the Celestial Luck Banner would remain quiet for now, preparing for the battle eagerly to prevent an unexpected challenge, while sects that had no flag seek opponents; this was because for a school to challenge a target sect that possessed the banner, it would have to defeat ten other sects to obtain the qualification. Due to this factor, the Residence of Nine Supremes that was established in the shortest time possible and seemed like it had no support had inevitably become easy meat, the best stepping stone for others to obtain the challenger qualification. "Let''s get rid of this Residence of Nine Supremes first!" The higher-level management of more than twenty sects came to the same decision respectively. They would first knock out the Residence of Nine Supremes, not only to gain a term, eliminate an opponent, train their members, they could also let other sects of similar capabilities fight each other to suffer some casualties first. The Residence of Nine Supremes was undeniably a good choice as a target! They must not miss it. "Depart!" "Across the mountains and rivers, who''s the hero?" "Reign the martial world, rule the world!" "Who can acquire the celestial luck?" For a moment, countless schools under the Sacred Heart Palace''s administration were roused into action, like a boiling pot of water. The Mount Penta-Tier that was five hundred miles away from the Sacred Heart Palace was also effervescent, glowing with radiant colors. The Mount Penta-Tier was a special mountain around the Sacred Heart Palace, endowed with the shape of a pagoda. Other than the enormous size, each tier on the mountain was strictly restrained. It had been the battleground of the Celestial Luck Banner contest since hundreds of thousands of years ago. The first tier of the mountain was only limited to the competition of qualifying for the Celestial Luck Banner contest. One who could go to the mountain''s second tier was one who was eligible for the lower class flag match while the third and fourth tier of mountain belonged to the middle and higher class banner tournament. The highest peak, that was the fifth tier, was the moderation place for the Sacred Heart Palace''s higher-level management, rarely trodden by others. When the Sacred Heart Palace officially announced the start of the Celestial Luck Banner contest, it was basically restricting all flag-bearing sects to stop their external conquests; any member who intended to join the battle for the banner should come back to their position regardless of the journey. All schools originally bearing flags were to seal their mountain gates during this period of time, disallowing any of their disciples from going away. This restriction was naturally to prevent the Celestial Luck Banner sects from oppressing or even banishing their opponents using illegitimate tactics other than the flag tournament. There were quite a number of rules for the banner-bearing schools in the tournament of the Celestial Luck Banner, but there were no limitations to the rogue cultivating sects. Perhaps, it should be said that limitations were put away in order to witness the survival of the fittest. To qualify as the Celestial Luck Banner challenger, one had to struggle its way through the brutal martial world. The process was the law of the jungle, the weak being preyed upon by the strong. One could do anything, go to any extent; it would be meaningless with rules instead. On the basis of such conditions, the Residence of Nine Supremes had received thirteen challenge letters in a day just as the flag tournament started! They were unavoidable challenges but with battles, came loss. No matter how powerful their lineup was, could they possibly suffer no casualties when faced with a series of fights? It was possible that they refused to accept the challenges, but that would disqualify them from further challenging the flag-bearing sects. How could they not do battle then? On the other side of where the Sacred Soul Palace reigned, another legend had slowly begun to rise and spread its wings. An organization that called itself the White Garb Alliance had begun to build itself up and expand its influence. Knowing that the competition was looming over the horizon, Shi Wuchen and the group taught their pupils wholeheartedly. Even with disregard to the flag tournament, the training of disciples across the nine peaks was, implicitly, a ground for comparison. Therefore, the nine mountains were bustling with activity. From harassed whetstones in the martial world to the highest level of management in the Residence of Nine Supremes, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten was burning with the hunger to fight, to contribute and build merit, to not disappoint the hope they were given. In addition, they were incredibly satisfied with their freshly recruited disciples. These students had little to no foundation, almost starting from zero, but they were exceptionally gifted while having higher than average determination and resilience. A few of the children had quietly broken through their chakras during the night of the Nine Supremes installation, while some of them were prodigious enough to have awakened two to three chakras miraculously The reality pleased the Demiurge-Flawed Ten greatly. Geniuses C this was a big group of geniuses! However, no matter how gifted they were, they still could not be sent to the frontline. The disciples recruited by the eight other Supremes were older than Yun Yang''s but the eldest of them all was only slightly older than ten. Shi Wuchen and the others did not think that their conscience could allow them to ask these children to do battle. The higher-level authorities who took part in the contest of the Celestial Luck Banner had to at least have the cultivation base of the Saint-level to be able to fight. This was not actually the bar set but when others surpassed this cultivation base standard, it was better that one who was not on par dismiss himself from participating. Otherwise, there was only death that awaited the unfortunate soul! This was a battle of solid capability. There was no consideration of luck. One could be lucky once or twice, maybe all the way to the end, but facing a wide disparity in abilities, a drop of ill fate meant that one would die with the destruction of his cultivation. The sparring rounds would be attended by each sect''s core disciples and they would at least have the Honor leveled cultivation base even though that was it, not one who was more than first level Honor. This was a standard lower than Little Fatty Qian Duoduo when Yun Yang had first met him. In spite of it, the highest cultivation base the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples had was only Heaven Mystic! The contrast between the levels was like the distance between heaven and earth 988 Man of Straw Turned to Steel As a matter of fact, if things went according to ordinary cultivation progress, the pupils could probably participate in the battle... after two hundred years. The Residence of Nine Supremes was undeniably an excellent environment for cultivation. The spiritual Qi was thick, like concentrated gel, as if one could elevate one''s cultivation base with every breath C that said, one must have the time required as well! Based on the current state, the disciples would not be able to pick up their cultivation base in time for the Celestial Luck Banner match half a year later. Furthermore, there were the preliminary rounds in the martial world before qualifying to compete for the flag in the official contest. All the members of the Residence of Nine Supremes were arduously cultivating, immersed in improving themselves; those as teachers supervised and taught their protgs exhaustively while those as students worked hard to push themselves further Yet, droves of people still came knocking on their door for a challenge during such a hectic time! Outside the mountain gates, a drawn-out howl broke the serenity of the mountains in an alarming manner. The challenger sect had arrived. "Kong Luoyue, take your disciples along and eliminate one of the challenger schools!" Shi Wuchen gave the order absently as he sat in his hall. If he had not experienced it personally, he really could not imagine how the Residence of Nine Supremes'' unique communication system would work. Upon trying it, he sang praises of its convenience from the bottom of his heart. He was sitting in his own hall, but his order had already reached Kong Luoyue''s hall, not taking any time at all. It was marvelous! After Shi Wuchen sent his instruction, he had planned to proceed with training his pupils, but he added another line of command after giving it some thought. "Make it more brutal, more bloody. A battle with a landslide victory won''t be able to train them!" Kong Luoyue, who had received the order, felt his face fall. F*ck! He would have gone to the Heaven-Demiurge and Earth-Bereaved if he had known earlier that he would have to do everything as the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Ninth Supreme! He was basically the first line officer C although he had expected it, he did not expect it to come true so soon. He had not even familiarized himself with the placing yet Nevertheless, this was a sect order that had no room for bargaining or doubt. Their leader did not say anything, so Shi Wuchen''s words sealed the deal; this was his power as the Second Supreme. Kong Luoyue walked out in frustration, bringing his ten disciples along. "Let''s go. I shall take you to experience the martial world battle. This will be the first battle since the establishment of the Residence of Nine Supremes. It holds a different meaning, it''s not to be taken lightly!" The eldest among the ten disciples was only fifteen to sixteen years old while the youngest was about seven or eight. They did not recoil in fear nor was their terror reflected among them; instead, all of them tailed Kong Luoyue excitedly. Would they finally get to witness the martial arts world they had been hearing about? Outside the sect''s gate, the leader of the Black Tiger Sect stood before it, displeased with thirty to forty people of his sect. ''Isn''t this Residence of Nine Supremes a little too hugely structured?'' ''Isn''t it a common practice to receive us once they accept this kind of challenge?'' ''Why why haven''t they removed the guarding mountain formation to welcome us inside or even greet us?'' ''What does this mean?'' Behind him, shadows lurked in the forest. There were dozens of more people waiting and happily watching the awkward situation that the Black Tiger Sect members were in. ''Yes, do rush forward, thinking you''ll be at an advantage!'' ''Embarrassed now, aren''t you?'' ''Hopefully, this Residence of Nine Supremes fights well and defeats the Black Tiger Sect. Otherwise, we''ll have to travel and search high and far for the next school'' Leaders from a few of these sects were already observing the other sects around them maliciously. These other schools were all merits; they were stepping stones to warrant the qualification for the Celestial Luck Banner competition. When the Residence of Nine Supremes was settled, they would just wipe out the dozen of sects that sent themselves here in one go! They need not wipe out all of them; once ten wins were collected, they would already be eligible to join the banner contest! This was a golden opportunity not to be lost easily! Kong Luoyue appeared in front of the mountain gate with a joyless face. He crossed his arms immediately as he spoke, impatience oozing from his very being, "Who''s come to challenge the Residence of Nine Supremes? Step forward quickly, I don''t have time to waste." The leader of the Black Tiger Sect took a step forward and said aloud, "I am the Black Tiger Sect''s leader, Ge Changtian. Who are you? What position are you in the Residence of Nine Supremes? You must know that I''m the Celestial Luck Banner''s" "So you''re the challenger. Are you fighting or not?" Kong Luoyue asked, still looking unhappy. Ge Changtian was angered. "Who are you?" "Have you heard of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten?" Kong Luoyue started lazily. Ge Changtian was confused. "I''m Kong Luoyue," said the man, "Serene Soul of Nine Springs, Kong Luoyue, from the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, now the Ninth Supreme in the Residence of Nine Supremes. Understand?" Ge Changtian was further mystified. Kong Luoyue jabbed. "Can you understand human language? Decide quickly if you''re proceeding with the battle!" Ge Changtian was still speechless. His mind felt muddled. Since when had the Demiurge-Flawed Ten become one of the Residence of Nine Supremes? Springing up and landing a palm strike, Kong Luoyue furiously yelled, "Looks like you really can''t understand human language. I''ll fight if you don''t!" With a loud bang, blood flowed profusely from Ge Changtian''s face as he flew away from the attack''s force. Ge Changtian''s cultivation base was on par with Kong Luoyue''s cultivation base before the latter achieved a breakthrough; he was the Black Tiger Sect''s leader too, most probably more skilled than Kong Luoyue. However, Kong Luoyue had improved tremendously since he had come to the Residence of Nine Supremes and was now far leading in front compared to the former. In addition, his attack was an ambush that Ge Changtian was not prepared for. The unexpected episode ended with Ge Changtian''s surprised cry, for his experience and cultivation base had still allowed him the clarity to shout "Stop him!" as he flew out. Then, his brain finally untangled the knot as he continued angrily, "It''s the Bound of Universe''s whetstone I see Take him down!" Being the leader of a sect, Ge Changtian was equipped with substantial experience. The palm strike just now was enough to tell him that Kong Luoyue''s cultivation base was above his own. In spite of it, Kong Luoyue did not lead many people out and by the looks of it, they were all young children with average combat ability. On the other hand, his men were powerful and strong; this was a possible battle. Nonetheless, Kong Luoyue had come with the goal of making an impression. He would never allow the challenger any room for countering. He wielded the Stealth Marker immediately as he barged into the group of Black Tiger Sect members. "Pupils, look properly C this, is the martial world!" The Stealth Marker shot and spun, making soft noises of skin breaking as silhouettes fell one after another, bleeding and shouting in terror. "Rules? What rules? I am the rules before the gate of the Residence of Nine Supremes!" Kong Luoyue sounded furious. The Demiurge-Flawed Ten absolutely loathed being called whetstones. Moreover, this man in front of him had called him "Bound of Universe''s whetstone"! ''Am I born to become the whetstone for everyone in the Bound of Universe?'' ''F*ck you!'' ''Your father will sharpen you today, grind you away until the extinction of the Black Tiger Sect!'' Kong Luoyue''s actual cultivation base was above the strongest combat force of the Black Tiger Sect. His blow that had dealt severe damage to their leader was apparent of it. Now that he brandished the Stealth Marker, his combat force increased further; as he gave it his all, he was unstoppable! Under Kong Luoyue''s merciless attacks, all thirty-six members of the Black Tiger Sect who had come for the challenge this time were laid in pools of blood after an instant. The result was unexpected! The Residence of Nine Supremes that was originally the man of straw actually contained such an expert? 989 Luoyue’s Lesson At the other end of the forest, involuntary gasps could be heard shattering the silence. There was movement behind Kong Luoyue as well, sounds of successive heaving and vomiting. The involuntary gasps had come, undoubtedly, from the remaining schools. Did they not pick a man of straw to step over? Why did it seem like they had encountered a man of steel instead? Help was certainly required! As for the successive heaving and vomiting, the sounds came from Kong Luoyue''s disciples. Prodigious and resilient as they were, they were still children after all; innocent and unjaded, the martial world combat and casualties were not part of their common experience prior to this C what was more, a scene saturated with crimson that saw blood with each blow. Blood was all they suddenly saw, the copper stench filling their noses. Who could take it? All the young boys and girls had turned pale, without exception. ''When the master said that he was going to show us the martial world, did he mean to let us watch a massacre?'' ''Blood everywhere and life and death only a matter of an instant?'' "The law of the martial world, the survival of the fittest!" Kong Luoyue looked ruthless, the Stealth Marker in his hands gleaming as cruelly as he did. He spoke faintly, "The Black Tiger Sect came to challenge us and I''ve killed all of them. The martial world grudge ends here. Pupils, go and fetch me their heads!" All ten boys and girls were stunned. Their gazes froze. They had to behead the dead men? Must they be so inhumane? "I''ll count to ten. Anyone who fails to do it shall be chased out of the Residence of Nine Supremes on this very day!" Kong Luoyue announced and began to count, "One, two, three, four" There was no pause in his countdown, no mercy given. The children were still in shock, but there was no room for further consideration as a jolt sparked within them. With a yowl, they bolted out as a group. Someone from the forest spoke up fiercely, "The martial world grudge ends with death. Why are you mutilating their corpses? Kong Luoyue, don''t go overboard!" Kong Luoyue remained stoic as he continued counting. "Five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten! Stop!" When Kong Luoyue said stop, it was just as the last little girl severed the neck of a Back Tiger Sect member and stood up, holding his head. Her guileless face was completely drained of color as she trembled like a leaf; her fist, however, clenched onto the head, refusing to let go despite the gusting wind. Her grip was clasped tight. Her lips pressed together as if she would bawl at any time. Kong Luoyue''s eyes landed on the girl like a hawk but he said nothing. Other than the little girl, the rest of his disciples were all holding onto a head each. Their faces were as pale as sheets and they were all shaking similarly, not doing any better than the girl. The small girl clutched the head in her trembling hands, suddenly running over and crying out, "Master, I C I didn''t exceed the count of ten" Kong Luoyue maintained a straight face, not moved by the child''s cry, and kept mum. The young girl sprinted to Kong Luoyue only to be intercepted by a chilling flash that was fast approaching. A crescent-like scimitar appeared in the air, aimed at the girl''s neck with brimming killing intent. Kong Luoyue kept watching coldly, not moving a finger. The girl was about to run behind Kong Luoyue, but it was within that small window of brushing past him that the dagger flying from the forest took its chance to make an ambush. In truth, the attack was unexpected, but Kong Luoyue could have deflected the blade easily with his current cultivation base. Instead, he stayed rooted with a straight face, coldly watching the ambush take place. The small girl was still sprinting, but she was about to be killed by the flying blade. Kong Luoyue watched, on unmoved. Clang! A crisp noise C a sword - had blocked the lethal blade in its path during this critical moment. Then, a loud yelp followed. It was a boy, just thirteen or fourteen years old and one of Kong Luoyue''s ten disciples who had stepped forward and blocked the blade with the sword in his hand, saving the girl. However, he was overwhelmed by the forceful ricochet on the scimitar, so much so that not only did the force crush the young boy''s sword, it traveled into his body and devoured his meridians. With an agonized bark, the boy involuntarily shuddered before spitting three mouthfuls of blood and fell onto the ground. "Senior brother Bai!" The small girl shook, disbelief pouring from her gaze as she shrieked with tears running down her face. It was when the boy collapsed that Kong Luoyue extended his arms to catch him. His eyes scanned his pupils sternly. "Feel bad now? Won''t you feel bad when you watch your brothers being killed by others then?" The remaining disciples flushed, whether from shame or guilt, it was unknown. Kong Luoyue''s emotionless voice rang in their ears. "This C is the martial world!" "If I live, my enemy dies!" "If my enemy doesn''t die, I do!" Kong Luoyue carried the unconscious boy and announced faintly, "Let''s go!" "Master!" The nine pupils shook themselves again, raising their heads and looking disbelievingly at Kong Luoyue; a few of them crying out. The other party had ambushed their junior sister and had caused their senior brother to be severely injured, life and death undecided, and their master was about to leave without a care? Kong Luoyue replied cruelly, "Revenge? You fellows are not up to it. Your performance just now was severely weak and cowardly. The sect has asked us to return. What follows does not concern us anymore." "Feel the hurt now? What were you doing earlier? Follow me back! Or do all of you want me to count again?" Kong Luoyue ushered the nine disciples back mercilessly while carrying the wounded boy. The small girl who had returned last was drowning in her own tears as she made her way over speedily and asked, "Master, how is Senior Brother Bai?" Kong Luoyue answered distantly, "What can you do about it? If you''d completed your task earlier, will you be asking how your senior brother is doing now? What will words that don''t help do?" He turned to look at the girl, his tone icy like the snow. "If you don''t want anything to happen to your senior brothers in the future, behead your enemy as soon as you can! Remember!" "I remember, master!" The girl looked stunned. "Go back!" "Master, we want revenge!" "Your actions have forfeited you the right for revenge!" Kong Luoyue said, "The only thing all of you have to do now is to follow me back and stop spewing nonsense." Shi Bujia''s voice came from the Residence of Nine Supremes then. "Who dares challenge the Residence of Nine Supremes? Who dares to hurt my junior nephew? Come out, and be prepared for your death!" 990 Sending Progress The eyes of Kong Luoyue''s nine pupils brightened up all at once as they pleaded, "Master, can we watch Senior Uncle Shi as he avenges senior brother? Please, master?" Kong Luoyue''s expression was still frosty as he answered, "Do all of you not understand the human language? Don''t you know what not having the right to means? Revenge is not a matter of concern. Whether others do what you shouldn''t do or not, you have no right to ask about it! Move! Don''t make me say another word!" Without saying more, Kong Luoyue took his pupils back vehemently. The nine children were tearful, grimacing through gritted teeth, but they could not do anything else except leave with Kong Luoyue. However, a seed was embedded in each of their hearts. ''This is the martial world!'' ''If the enemy lives, I die!'' ''If I don''t want to die, the enemy must die!'' ''One''s capability is one''s right.'' ''If you aren''t capable enough, you can only cry about it!'' ''You don''t even have the right to watch your enemy get beheaded and feel gratified.'' ''This is the real martial world, this is the cruel truth.'' They turned back to look with each step they took, delaying their strides as much as possible, hoping to hear the noises of their Senior Uncle Shi battling, but their wish would not come true. They had returned to the interior of the ninth peak before they heard anything. The emotions that filled everyone put them at the edge of eruption. "Continue cultivating!" Kong Luoyue ordered indifferently. The wounded young boy was tossed in the hall, unceremoniously laid on the floor, still covered in blood. He was unconscious, the only sign that hinted his survival was the slight heaving of his chest. The rest of the children were in anguish, but no one dared disobey their master. They could only watch their brother fight for his life with eyes that were rimmed red while they pushed themselves to practice. "The only outcome you''ll receive if you don''t work hard to cultivate and don''t exert yourselves to improve is grief. It could be any brother or sister around you or you, yourself, who will lie here, a nuisance to people and your own, a blatant waste of resources." Kong Luoyue''s voice was unsympathetic. "This child overrated his ability, biting off more than he could chew, it''s suicide. There''s nothing to do with anyone else. Furthermore, he''s afflicted by his sibling. Death is truly inadequate to justify his mistakes. However, seeing that all of you are first time offenders, I''ll have mercy. If all of you can achieve a level up, I''ll save him as an exception!" "If you can''t improve, then let him die before all of you! You''ve caused him injury and then watch him die, but it''s his doing. He sought his own death. Your master will not blame any of you!" Their bloodied brother was lying in front of them C he would die if they could not achieve a breakthrough and improve. Nine boys and girls cultivated with all their might then, having only one thought in mind C to cultivate and to breakthrough! A flash of comfort flickered across the withdrawn gaze of Kong Luoyue as he observed the nine children who were working their hardest in the field from outside from the hall. Looking at the disciple laid out on the ground, who seemed to be in a pitiful state, drenched in blood, but had actually only passed out temporarily since he had sealed his blood and meridians, Kong Luoyue snorted and mumbled, "You''ve motivated all of your siblings. A moment of rushing to the fore, unthinking, and an instant of alertness have completed this encounter and threat. This is your providence, so is theirs." Once Shi Bujia stepped out, he lashed out with fury. "Who ambushed the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciple? Step out now! F*ck you all, you''ve eaten the leopard''s heart, haven''t you?" The young pupils behind Shi Bujia looked agonized as well. Their brother who had come from the same place as them was ambushed by an unexpected enemy before their very eyes and his life and death were not known! Sharing the same thought and being able to empathize, how many among them could actually survive if it were not for their master and senior uncle? The flames of wrath danced in the eyes of the ten disciples, their fury unstoppable. Shi Bujia''s teaching style varied from Kong Luoyue''s. The method that Kong Luoyue used was to turn grief into motivation, leaving without turning back, and allowing the anger to continuously spur his disciples. Shi Bujia had saved a step by leveraging on Kong Luoyue''s method, but the effect garnered was the same. On the opposite end, the ambushing party, the members of the Dagger School, looked vehemently pained as well. The flying dagger earlier was an ambush, but the ambusher had estimated the distance and direction. Based on Kong Luoyue''s performance, he could have easily parried the blade and saved the girl. That would also retain the man simultaneously. According to the combat force, Kong Luoyue had displayed in wiping out the Black Tiger Sect, the Dagger School that was slightly more capable could easily overcome him and make a name for themselves, even reaching the number of kills they needed to accumulate. It came as a surprise that Kong Luoyue had left without reservation and another man had sprung up, taking the Dagger School as his teaching device! This was absolutely abominable! The Dagger School members hopped out impatiently to hear Shi Bujia commenting icily, "The Black Tiger Sect is wiped out C why isn''t it recorded in the Celestial Luck Banner?" With a wave of his hand, the banner that represented the Residence of Nine Supremes manifested in the air above him. A whirlwind stirred and suddenly, images of the Celestial Luck Banner popped up from the corpses of the Black Tiger Sect members; the images turned into green smoke and merged with the Residence of Nine Supremes'' flag. A number appeared on the Residence of Nine Supremes'' banner, "One!" It represented the results of beating sect, simple and direct. Then, Shi Bujia looked up at the Dagger School members. He chuckled menacingly. "I''m Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s Shi Bujia!" Before the people on the other side replied, he charged forward, pulling out his sword. Time was pressing. He had no interest in exchanging words back and forth. It was better to quickly kill all of them. Instantly, blood-splattered and crimson-colored the sky. The Dagger School''s overall capability was only a hint better than the Black Tiger Sect, or else they would not have resorted to trapping Kong Luoyue by ambushing him. It was none other than a plan to bring luck to themselves despite not having much confidence to win. Now that they faced Shi Bujia, who was more than just a little skilled than Kong Luoyue, all hell broke loose when he bolted into their group. The Dagger School was known for using hidden weapons, their taboo being close range combats. Yet, Shi Bujia was the best at melee attacks. The battle ended soon, a landslide victory. "Watch how your master seeks revenge for your brother!" "If you''re incapable in the future, you can only wait for others to avenge you!" "Asking for external assistance is but the most passive and helpless act of a coward C my disciples are not allowed to be cowards!" "Roaming the martial world, you should face your life and death directly. This is the real martial world!" Shi Bujia''s tone was as indifferent as Kong Luoyue''s, but his pupils had no complaints, staring at the flying flesh and splattering blood with pale faces. Their master was right. This was the martial arts world! When the battle ended, the number on the image of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Celestial Luck Banner changed again. "Two!" 991 Winner Takes It All Starting with Kong Luoyue and Shi Bujia, the Supremes in the Residence of Nine Supremes stepped into their respective battles. The shock that there were dozen of sects waiting to challenge them was tremendous. The Residence of Nine Supremes had only been recently erected. The registered leader was a newly Ascended bumpkin. The school had only been established for less than half a year. This was the softest doormat one could step on and walk over! Why were famed tough figures like the Demiurge-Flawed Ten popping out like mushrooms after the rain once the sect had been challenged? It was understandable if they showed up, but why were their capabilities two times higher than what was rumored? No, they were several times more skilled than rumors would have it - this was basically a nightmare. It was a collective nightmare of all the sects wishing to challenge the Residence of Nine Supremes! Their confidence had soared upon their arrival, high enough to warrant their qualifications but they had become the ones sending the qualifications to their targets instead. What the heck? The Demiurge-Flawed Ten had been identified as the whetstones by notable schools, but to these mediocre sects, each one of them was still a masterly expert. Moreover, their cultivation base and capability had doubled. When it was Shi Wuchen''s turn to fight, the four remaining sects outside no longer had the spirit to do battle. As the Demiurge-Flawed Ten made headway one after another, a total of seven sects were exterminated before the Residence of Nine Supremes'' mountain. The spectators were almost numbed by the massacre; how could they repeat the mistake and turn themselves into the next casualty? This was no different than committing suicide! "Don''t attack C we''re only here to watch, only to watch!" The members from five or six sects outside said simultaneously, "We don''t plan to join the Celestial Luck Banner contest anyway We''re only here to observe the differences in strength" The leaders of those sects felt their hearts bleed as they spoke. Here to observe the differences in strength? What was the difference of personally denying their qualifications from dishing their qualifications to others? It felt absolutely horrible and they had to put up a front, hiding any hint of unhappiness, lest the other party seize the opportunity and secure the accusation with evidence. In spite of this, taking in the sight of corpses piled up outside the Residence of Nine Supremes and the thicker stench of blood, everyone felt more alert than ever. At least being exasperated and angry was better than turning into a corpse! The first few batches of men from the Residence of Nine Supremes were devils reborn. They had no mercy at all, landing lethal strikes each time they dealt an attack. There were at least thirty people sent by each sect from the seven schools that came forward to challenge the Residence of Nine Supremes, but none of them was lucky enough to survive, all of them laid out before the school''s mountain gate lifelessly. They had the same purpose; to subdue the Residence of Nine Supremes, to take the Residence of Nine Supremes as their stepping stone, to achieve the warrant to the Celestial Luck Banner match. Instead, all of them had become the sect''s stepping stones! Perhaps, the sects that began the challenge were relatively weaker, but everyone else had stepped forward, assuming sufficient confidence after that. After all, why embark on the conquest of the Celestial Luck Banner without any confidence? The end was the same, however. The Demiurge-Flawed Ten in the past, the eight Supremes of the Residence of Nine Supremes currently, were each stronger than the other. Their skills were so intimidating that the rest of them lost the ambition to fight! They would rather lie to themselves and give up, hoping to survive by assuming the submissive and pitiful front. This was capability speaking. The blood that streamed before the Residence of Nine Supremes and the two hundred bodies of martial world experts that laid scattered across the area was evidence of it. Shi Wuchen squinted. He had not expected these fellows to surrender when it came to his turn Should the schools that lasted to the end not be the strongest? Why were they caving in? This was unreasonable! How was he going to train his pupils when they relented? "Never mind, clean up these corpses." Shi Wuchen ordered, "Search each dead body carefully. They were the challengers this time, the rule on killing but not robbing is void Everything here is our loot, without a doubt." "Our sect is new. We cannot waste any resources, including weapons and clothes." The five schools that were lucky to stay out of the battle summed up to about two hundred people. They stood rooted to the ground like clay statues as they watched the ten soft children search and pat down corpses in the bloody battleground. Everyone felt a rushing impulse to vomit. A leg and an arm were flipped over and turned in the effort to recover anything that was valuable It felt as if the kids were rummaging through them instead C if it were their sect that attacked just now, would they be the ones that would be ransacked instead? The spectators could not help the sense of nausea that ran through them, but what about the ten young disciples who were executing their master''s command? The ten of them were just young and na?ve children! Shi Wuchen''s ten pupils were pale, not looking any better than the pupils of the seven Supremes who came out just now, but none of them slowed down in their actions. They did not even look hesitant. Shi Wuchen''s words were cold and forbidding. "If it were the Residence of Nine Supremes that lost, the ones laid on the ground now will be all of you, the ones desecrated will be you as well." "Winner takes it all. This is the martial arts world''s law of elimination." "The winner will become stronger to survive and once he loses, he''ll become the loot of the land he was defeated on. If you don''t want to be defeated and killed, if you don''t want to become other''s loot, you must grow to be powerful from now on and always be stronger." "I can determine the battle''s end for all of you today, but you''ll have to roam the martial world on your own sooner or later, you''ll have to face the cruelness of the reality on your own." "Kindness can exist in your hearts, but unnecessary sympathy must be discarded." "This is the martial world." "The reality will not yield to you because of sympathy and grief. Remember today and don''t forget it throughout this lifetime!" The members of the remaining five schools stood aside, listening to Shi Wuchen''s teachings like they were not there. Each of them felt a chill that crept up and lingered within them. There was only one emotion left for them. Regret. The Residence of Nine Supremes felt like a pack of famished wolves, famished wolves that were savage. What they taught the disciples was bloody, it was the reality. Shi Wuchen eventually left with his pupils, but the blood and the corpses on the ground were left as they were, even more striking and nauseating than before. This was because Yun Yang had yet to step out. What was left were tools, excellent tools to educate their disciples. Although these were living flesh and blood prior to being killed and their remains exposed, they had to pay the equivalent price, since they had chosen to try to annihilate the Residence of Nine Supremes. The price was not only their lives, but they had also become the Residence of Nine Supremes'' devices. They were tools to be used before and after their death; as were their lives, so were their corpses! There were no more challenges. The five schools that were long terrified left quietly, afraid that any noise or large movements would be interpreted as a provocation. 992 Shining For The First Time When Yun Yang came out with his nineteen disciples, all they saw was an expanse of land littered with dead bodies. The copper stench of blood was still evident. "Too clean!" Yun Yang was baffled. How could the fellows perform their jobs so meticulously? What was he supposed to use to educate his protgs? There was nothing valuable left! In comparison to Yun Yang''s exasperation, the nineteen young ones who tailed him were ashen-faced and in shock, almost unable to look straight at the bloody mountain of corpses. These disciples were exceptionally gifted and possessed resilience and resolution. There was, however, a disadvantage compared to the other Supremes'' pupils. They were much younger. If the other disciples could be categorized as adolescents, these had to be grouped under children! "All of you, don''t you dare close your eyes. Stay here and observe everything, give it a good feeling, the life and death of the martial world, the reality of the mortal realm." Yun Yang said slowly, "These dead people were much stronger than all of you. Consciously take in this situation and each of you will submit a written account to me when you return." The nineteen disciples stayed to gain insight and enlightenment while Yun Yang observed silently. He could clearly feel the rich karmic energy in the air turning into streams of Qi and entering his body, flowing into his deific consciousness space. Emmie uncurled its leaves, gleefully absorbing the karmic Qi without missing a beat. "The karmic energy produced by two hundred and eighteen people is actually more than three thousand or thirty thousand people killed on the Tianxuan Continent. An ace cultivator''s fall indeed" Yun Yang immersed himself in the process, seemingly realizing something. "It''s almost the same as the karmic energy produced when I killed on my own." "Does this mean that establishing the Residence of Nine Supremes, the karmic Qi that came about from killing anyone under the Residence of Nine Supremes will fully be reflected on me?" The discovery thrilled Yun Yang. Unfortunately, there were no more challengers after the sects were intimidated by the other Supremes. This caused Yun Yang''s long-forged plan to train his pupils to go down the drain. In spite of it, Yun Yang''s disappointment lasted for only a night. New challenger schools sprouted like mushrooms after a rain shower. The faculty of Bound of Universe''s schools were divided into levels as well. While there was a heaven and earth difference to sects with and without the Celestial Luck Banner, there was an equally large contrast of competence among schools without the flag. It was just that many sects had regarded themselves too highly despite their lacking aptitudes, like the Black Tiger Sect and the Dagger School. The recently established Residence of Nine Supremes was easy prey for schools intending to compete for the banner, thus effortlessly attracting the attention of many schools and sects. They each had a long history, the shortest one yielding three to five years of development, but the Residence of Nine Supremes was only built this year C what faculty of strength could they have? It was the best candidate to warrant their qualification to the flag contest. The number of wins needed to qualify for the Celestial Luck Banner competition was not a small one, so it was better if one could suffer lesser damage. Therefore, the limelight indisputably fell on the sect that had the shortest time of establishment and looked like it was incompetent. Everyone had shared the same idea when they had come, but the outcome was mass suicide. It had only been two days, but there were already more than ten schools that the Residence of Nine Supremes had massacred, effectively eliminating them in the process. Throughout this period of time, Nine Supremes had each fought a battle while Ping Xiaoyi and Guo Nuanyang partnered up to tackle one fight too. Actually, it was only Ping Xiaoyi who showed up slightly as his poison extended over several dozens of miles, achieving a ranged attack and killing three or four sects. The Residence of Nine Supremes stood unyielding. This did not stop the other schools from launching their attacks but they who had come forth to challenge them realized that the image of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Celestial Luck Banner had a ''luck'' word added to it. It meant that the Residence of Nine Supremes had defeated ten sects and warranted the qualification to the preliminary round of the banner match. They no longer had to collect any more wins. In other words, the Residence of Nine Supremes did not need to be concerned with the challenger sects now; even if a sect had come to provoke the Residence of Nine Supremes and subdue it, it would not help the sect in warranting its qualification. Faced with this situation, many had come in excitement only to return with disappointment. They could not figure it out. The Residence of Nine Supremes was so new. How could they have already accumulated ten entries of defeated schools? Could the sect have a powerful background or support that targeted the other schools instantly? Otherwise, how could they fulfill the requirement so soon? The news was only spread three days later. The Residence of Nine Supremes that had secured its place to the preliminary round of the Celestial Luck Banner contest had respectively defeated the Black Tiger Sect, the Dagger School, the Five Peak Mountain, the Divine Breeze Sect and six others. The sect had even advanced with the result of a full extermination of those schools. The Residence of Nine Supremes'' name was promptly broadcasted and circulated. It shook the territory of the Sacred Heart Palace. Countless people were dumbstruck by the Residence of Nine Supremes'' aggressiveness. It was only a fresh sect but how could it be so efficient? There were many schools that scoffed at it as well. It was one thing to secure a place, its actual competence was another thing. Take a look at the schools the Residence of Nine Supremes had subdued. They were only lucky. The preliminary round of the flag contest was about to begin, and the Residence of Nine Supremes would be eliminated instantly Regardless of shock or disdain, it was also the reality that the Residence of Nine Supremes could no longer be challenged. The schools intending to do so simultaneously went for new targets. Upon completing the ten entries, the Residence of Nine Supremes, too, gained a breather before the match. Dong Qitian concentrated on refining medicinal pills while Yun Yang began another round of meridian cleansing for his pupils. The Residence of Nine Supremes achieved another elevation in faculty. Its ninety-nine disciples looked much better than before, completely different. The piercing, murderous intent was slowly coming to shape. The pupils of the residence were, perhaps, lacking in cultivation base and ability compared to their peers in other schools, but their aggressiveness was far superior. It manifested itself as a kind of piercing glow. Then, the General Commerce League''s men came once again in eagerness. This time, Lang Fantian brought along a dozen people, arriving in a hurry like a passing meteor. "Brother Yun, half a month is up." Lang Fantian''s impatience was apparent, but Yun Yang looked troubled. "I haven''t finished gathering my items. Can''t there be a slight delay?" He looked utterly reluctant; there was even a tinge of helplessness in his eyes. 993 Wild Ambitions "Brother Yun, do not fret. All the resources required will be collected by us, the General Commerce League." A sense of urgency seeped through Lang Fantian''s jolly expression. "As a matter of fact, we''ve gathered plenty of resources and the quality of those treasures is much higher than the last time The focal point now, instead, is whether or not Brother Yun can bring us the Qi of vitality." "I really dare not guarantee this. The value of the Qi of vitality has exceeded my expectations, I C" "Brother Yun! You must help us!" Lang Fantian was now clearly desperate. "Other gems are secondary, but the Qi of vitality is compulsory for Elder Li to recover his cultivation base The future of the General Commerce League depends on this." "Why is it so serious?" Yun Yang was surprised. This was not the case that had been presented previously. Yun Yang had said that he was rather confident of obtaining another stream of the vital energy, but he had never said that it was certain. The situation now were they not regarding him too highly? Or, were they forcing him to act upon their wishes? "The General Commerce League cough After the higher-level management discussed among ourselves, we think that if both heralds could partner up and do battle, our odds of winning the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner will increase another twenty percent from the initial odds. Furthermore, they''ll be our secret weapon, taking the enemy by surprise, so our chance of winning will be quite high" Lang Fantian spoke hesitantly, the meaning to his words ambiguous. However, smart as Yun Yang was, he understood it immediately. The General Commerce League probably already possessed the faculties to compete for the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner and even had the confidence of up to fifty percent chance of winning. It was due to a lack of ace combat force that they dared not risk an attempt, thus taking a hiatus from it. The episode at the Residence of Nine Supremes, however, had helped one of their ace forces to return to youth and they were hopeful to rejuvenate another as well! This would be adding two ace Supreme Saint experts to their fighting force at once! The delightful surprise jolted the General Commerce League''s higher-level management awake instantly. This was a God-given opportunity! If the Heaven Sword and Earth Saber could recover their prime prowess before the banner match, the General Commerce League would have a boost in their overall combat force. The upper-class Celestial Luck Banner would no longer be a fifty-fifty chance, but a highly probable acquisition. This was concerning the longevity of the General Commerce League. Since there was hope, why would they simply give up on it? Therefore, the General Commerce League decided promptly C they had submitted their application and registered to compete for the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner. The decision was sudden, a spontaneous one. It was also this unforeseen decision that caused Lang Fantian, the Vice Chief, to be caught at a loss, at sixes and sevens. The key to the entire situation lay on Yun Yang. Yun Yang''s timely supply of the Qi of vitality had roused the General Commerce League''s wild ambitions that had long been in hibernation. It was necessary that they obtain more of the energy during this point of time to recuperate Li Yixin, so that both Zhang and Li Elders could partner up in the battle as the league''s ace forces. Lang Fantian''s trip this time was to execute the glorious mission of sustaining the General Commerce League''s eternal operations. The pressure he felt was immense, an arduous challenge for him to tackle. "Is it too late to say that I''m not actually confident and dare not, at all, to guarantee anything?" Yun Yang shook his head insistently as he emphasized his reluctance. "We can enter the second time if we fail once, or thrice if we fail twice! Brother Yun mentioned that you were quite certain. Can''t it work with more attempts?" Lang Fantian''s gaze was fervent. What he said allowed Yun Yang to understand the scenario completely. The resources that Lang Fantian had brought along this time was not only better than those that he had previously entered the Spirit''s Grave with, but they were also sufficient to handle a handful of entries to the grave. There was a massive amount of items. Comprehending the purpose, Yun Yang could not help but ponder. Awkwardness filled the air then. After some moments of awkward silence, Yun Yang spoke through gritted teeth, "I''ll try my best." His expression, however, was like the dead water, dark and murky. Yun Yang''s reaction was not feigned. It was utterly natural. Although the Qi of vitality came easily to Yun Yang, like a piece of cake, it must not be known to others, including the eight other Supremes, Little Fatty Qian Duoduo and the other Residence of Nine Supremes'' higher-level management C not even a hint of such a secret could be disclosed! Prior to this, Yun Yang had tried to overestimate the power of the Qi of vitality and possible scenarios as much as he could, but it seemed like he had still undervalued the energy''s attraction. The General Commerce League knew that there were substantial limitations to Yun Yang''s entrance to the Spirit''s Grave. The current decision posed an absolute disadvantage in the long term, but they had still insisted on urging Yun Yang, to convince him that repeated entries were within their consideration. It was apparent that their personal gain was too irresistible that everything was deemed insignificant! There were uglier thoughts that sprouted in Yun Yang''s head. Considering what he had said about the pros and cons of entering the Spirit''s Grave, the General Commerce League''s determination and insistence on maintaining their decision was no different from exploiting him and he felt like a bottomless jug they were trying to fill. Of course, the actual state was a total contrast. The more transactions there were, the happier Yun Yang was to see them happen. In spite of it, there was an essential distinction to who the dominant party was. The profit arising from the relationship between them was significant. With Yun Yang''s intelligence, he knew well about the boons and banes involved. Seeing that Yun Yang had agreed, Lang Fantian was overjoyed, as he continuously thanked the former. "Thank you, Brother Yun. Thank you for your assistance." He then introduced his colleagues who had come with him to Yun Yang. Other than the usual handful of men from the General Commerce League, there were eight more men who were the league''s Eight Golden Guards who came forward to greet Yun Yang respectively. The meet and greet was supposedly common and was irrelevant to their discussion, but Yun Yang felt inexplicably unsettled when he met the fifth Golden Guard, Xiao Jianghu. Xiao Jianghu was muscular, with a refined air about him. He worked hard to look cautious and like an underling when they interacted, but the individual temperament did not match what he showed. "This is Xiao Jianghu?" Yun Yang smiled and complimented the man, "You have a great name. Xiao Jianghu (homophone to laughing at the martial world), overlooking the martial world with a laugh. What name, what innate reverence, being able to laugh while facing the martial arts world wielding a blade C what a brilliant name!" Xiao Jianghu replied, "Leader Yun has sung too high a praise. A name is only an address. Everything else is merely a coincidence." Yun Yang laughed and answered, "There are good names and bad names. It''s normal. However, some people are able to bear the weight of their names while some can''t. This depends on the person''s destiny as well." "Ah, I''ve not studied this," Xiao Jianghu replied with a chortle. Lang Fantian, standing by the side, chuckled and cut in. "How are there so many references to a name? Such details are not worthy of discussion. Brother Yun, we don''t know what you need for this entry to the Spirit''s Grave but are we proceeding with the previous quotation?" Even as he spoke, it was clear that he was trying to divert the topic back to more important matters! 994 It Would Be Stranger If One Could Not Discern I Yun Yang smiled faintly. "One will always be filled with endless desires. This is an unavoidable quest for any cultivator or anyone for that matter, even me. Still, this time, I genuinely hope that the resources involved aren''t too extravagant. Since all of you have come personally with so much sincerity What do you think if we fix the highest limit of this transaction at nine hundred thousand taels?" A substantial amount from the last million-tael deal was Yun Yang''s commission. This time around, a hundred thousand taels had been knocked off; it seemed like Yun Yang had decreased his commission by one hundred thousand taels, but the fact was that he had fixed the total value of their transaction at one million taels. This was nearly double the price of the last transaction. Six hundred thousand taels were the price tag the last time around as the rest from the trade had been pocketed by Yun Yang. Now that the bonus was given, it could not be taken back. It looked like Yun Yang had given them a discount of one hundred thousand taels, but there was actually a hike of four hundred thousand taels in the asking price; the reality was a reduction of one hundred thousand tales at the corresponding expense of inflation by three hundred thousand taels. In addition, the one hundred thousand taels discount was limited to this particular transaction; the trades that followed after this would still be one million taels! This was daylight robbery! The men from the General Commerce League did not look pleased. This was Yun Yang''s instant and effective payback. He had told them that it was a bad idea to frequent the Spirit''s Grave, but the General Commerce League was so impatient that they continued to urge him to enter the Spirit''s Grave continuously. In essence, they had no regard for Yun Yang''s situation. Of course he would be justified in limiting the total value of their transaction. A trade was supposed to be fair and impartial to all sides; another party would only turn more insatiable and exploiting if one party was a yes man all the way. The issue was as apparent to Lang Fantian. With an inward sigh, he chuckled dryly and said, "This is fully your decision, Brother Yun. The league is very much in need of the vitality Qi, so we would have to trouble you for it." To Lang Fantian and the General Commerce League, Yun Yang had gotten plenty of personal gains throughout their trades. Although the General Commerce League was a little too eager this time, their decision was based upon considering the overall picture of things. Giving in now would only further fortify their collaboration, especially when Yun Yang had received many bonuses the last time; it would be the best if he stayed away from accepting any dividends as the league could save a bunch that way. It was, of course, unexpected that Yun Yang did not yield, but had instead set a number on the total value of their trading resources, putting the General Commerce League in their place. Yun Yang''s words were like a double-edged sword. Firstly, it was telling the league that they were in an actual monetary collaboration; the amount suggested was the amount due, period. Then, he was pointedly concise about their transaction; the league wanted to make multiple deals despite the short period of time, fine, but the highest limit would be set by Yun Yang and no one else. Other than poking fun at himself, Yun Yang''s mention of everyone''s endless desires just now also suggested that the owner of the Spirit''s Grave could get greedy from the frequent exchanges. What should Yun Yang do if there were no recurring trades of high value? Furthermore, he was also ridiculing the General Commerce League''s impatience to obtain quick success, coercion, and unreliability. Lang Fantian and his colleagues were experienced seniors. It was not difficult for them to identify the jab. However, they were powerless against Yun Yang. He was, after all, the monopoly supplier. Nevertheless, it was with one reply that the General Commerce League''s transaction value was restrained. It could even cost them the purpose of this exchange and cause the group to return in disappointment. The corner of Lang Fantian''s lips twitched, but in the end, he said nothing. The league''s decision actually contained another consideration. They were using this opportunity to test if Yun Yang''s narration of opening the Spirit''s Grave too many a time would harm himself was true. This was a major factor. In spite of this, it did seem to be mostly true, based on the current situation and Yun Yang''s staunch attitude; not only had the league suffered a loss from probing, they had offended Yun Yang deeply. At the very least, their relationship was not as harmonious as it once was! Yun Yang had still welcomed the entourage of the General Commerce League into the Residence of Nine Supremes'' guest room warmly. As Lang Fantian and the Eight Golden Guards stepped foot into the Residence of Nine Supremes, they were genuinely shocked. Their eyes shone with disbelief and amazement. Upon allowing the troop to settle down, Yun Yang apologized and exited without further pleasantries. He was a busy bee in addition to the necessity to leave time and space for this group of men to react and discuss among themselves. The General Commerce League''s action this time was reasonable and expected to Yun Yang, but it did not mean that the former felt the same towards him. What he could do now was to leave them in a relatively private room for their discussion. After Yun Yang left, the commerce league''s members formed a circle. There was no obvious superiority or subordinate arrangement. Lang Fantian, who was on one side of the circle, looked grim as he pondered upon the situation with a frown. Xiao Jianghu was the first one to speak, his tone low. "Why does this Leader Yun seem to have seen past my identity?" Lang Fantian gave a bitter chuckle. "It''s not that I''m putting Yun Yang on the pedestal, but this leader of a sect truly has the brains and tactics which are hard to be found across hundreds of thousands of years in the whole of Bound of Universe, despite his young age. It''s not too much a surprise that he discovered something odd in you, boss. Forget everything else, wasn''t his decision just now already earth-shattering?" "Hmm? I didn''t know that you regard Leader Yun so highly, Fantian!" said Xiao Jianghu. Lang Fantian breathed in and replied, "I thought that all of us from the league shares some judgment about Leader Yun. I see that''s not the case. Boss, do you know that the first time I met Yun Yang, there were only two of them, but they had already created a name for themselves, the Raiders of All But God? And when they struck business deals with us, the whole process was almost trivial, our partnership smoothly achieved." Xiao Jianghu exclaimed, "Of course I know about this C If not for that day''s encounter, how could today happen?" Lang Fantian shook his head. "This wasn''t the only reason I attached great importance to this child. He has many secrets, each one a huge mystery that shakes the world, and we, whose capabilities far exceeds his own and who know very well the value of these secrets, dare not lay a finger on him. At most, we probe and test carefully. Tracking it all the way to the source, while there are many surprise elements, more of it is due to Yun Yang''s way of handling things." Xiao Jianghu nodded. "Indeed. While I thought that this child must be superior to others in some sense after listening to you talking about his excellence, I was still doubtful and a tad disdainful. From what I saw today, he is truly impressive!" "The Residence of Nine Supremes was already slowly taking its form the second time we met. Today marks our third meeting and the inside of the residence is essentially completed, with hints of its bright future showing." "It''s only been two to three months apart, but each time we met, it''s accompanied by a sense of astonishment. The amazement all comes from the achievement he''s reached in such incredibly short time. It''s what others couldn''t have done." "This is why I say that it isn''t a shock that he sees past your identity," sighed Lang Fantian, "Instead, I''d be the one taken aback if he didn''t realize it." 995 A Truth To Be Told Xiao Jianghu chuckled. "Do you mean to say that by pointing out my identity, Leader Yun was giving us a reminder?" "Yes. If he didn''t say anything upon finding it out, we should be suspecting his motives instead." Lang Fantian explained honestly, "He discovered it and blurted it out loud. He''s informing us regarding his opinion about it. This young man has always been cool and reliable, he doesn''t bend or bow, and does not endeavor to prove himself. There''s no need for him to flaunt or boast." "This is true," Xiao Jianghu commented as he mused. "As for his attitude just now, I think it''s inevitable Our partnership did consist of large sums. Looking at the digits, Yun Yang had more than enough advantage, but more than eighty percent of what he gained was presented to the Spirit''s Grave in exchange for the most valuable items. It was us, the General Commerce League, who have easily acquired the exquisite treasure instead." Lang Fantian concluded, "Therefore, this reputable one feels that the current collaboration favors us. It can be carried out for the long term and in order to do that, the first prerequisite is to build a good rapport with Yun Yang. We mustn''t rouse his dislike for momentary gain C just like today, multiple trades within a short period of time are Yun Yang''s taboo. We''ll have to show some sincerity later as recompense." Xiao Jianghu''s gaze was thoughtful. After a long time of consideration, he suddenly took a turn in the conversation topic. "The current concentration of spiritual Qi in the Residence of Nine Supremes is similar to our own headquarters, is it not?" "Yes," Lang Fantian answered after a slight pause from the surprise he felt at the sudden question. "Fantian, haven''t you realized the difference? The main reason our league''s headquarters has that sort of spiritual Qi environment is due to our middle-class Celestial Luck Banner while the Residence of Nine Supremes doesn''t even have the lower class banner now!" Xiao Jianghu continued grimly. "If the Residence of Nine Supremes were to obtain the Celestial Luck Banner, the spiritual energy within its vicinity will definitely escalate. At least, it''ll be on par with our headquarters. Do you all agree?" "That''s true, it''s undeniable." "Here comes the issue. Let''s not talk about the fact that the Residence of Nine Supremes will have the spiritual atmosphere parallel to a sect bearing the middle-class flag after only acquiring the lower class banner, aren''t all of you bewildered by what''s already going on now?" Xiao Jianghu''s thick brows met each other in a frown. "I can basically be sure now that the Residence of Nine Supremes will rise colossally with time and become a formidable enemy of any school in the Bound of Universe as long as there aren''t any unusual accidents from now. It''s a massive threat" His words were laced with emotions. Lang Fantian kept quiet for a moment before he spoke up, "This reputable one thinks that Chief might be overly worried." "Hmm?" Xiao Jianghu hummed with a tilt of his head. Another instant of consideration was taken before Lang Fantian said genuinely, "This younger brother has something to say that if I don''t, I would feel choked." Lang Fantian''s use of his personal pronoun kept changing. Right now, he no longer called himself by his name, or his status, or his secondary position; his address of himself had suddenly switched to being a younger brother in the midst of the conversation. He had swapped the perspective of the current conversation to one between brothers. "Do speak," said Xiao Jianghu. Lang Fantian coughed to clear his throat and started. "This younger brother thinks that big brother''s mind is too occupied with fame and power now. It''s deviating from the league''s purpose of establishment." Xiao Jianghu was silent, only looking back at Lang Fantian. "The league''s founding principle is in its name. We are called the General Commerce League. Our mission is stated in our name. Although we also envision absorbing businesses into our league, we''re essentially traders." "The word commerce itself has decided the nature of our league. And the Bound of Universe obviously is dependent on commerce," said Lang Fantian. "Based on this principle, the league developed rapidly, especially after the extreme difficulty of first starting the business. It has almost been smooth sailing since." "The premise of us being a commerce league dissolves any conflict between us and other sects, clans, and associations. Since there isn''t a fundamental conflict, they do not see us as a threat to be eradicated. That''s why we''re able to stand strong so smoothly until now." "Even if we''ve successfully pocketed the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner this time, a commerce league remains a commerce league. At most, we have more faculties to protect ourselves and fewer parties setting their preying eyes on us. It''s never going to change the commerce league''s way of working and our principles." "It is only by this philosophy that our league can keep on surviving." "Maybe the Residence of Nine Supremes will soar into the nine heavens in the future, maybe it''ll dominate the martial world Perhaps it''ll be a threat to the other sects or schools, an enemy even, one that can hardly co-exists with the others, but there wouldn''t be too much damage to us, a commerce league." "Moreover, we can complement the Residence of Nine Supremes with each other''s advantage and share a closer-knit of partnership. A little goes a long way C look at our current state; our collaboration with the residence is already increasing our league''s capability continuously." "That said, this younger brother feels that the Residence of Nine Supremes is never a threat to us." The meaning was already apparent, but Lang Fantian''s additional conclusion felt as if there was more between the lines, or like he had not finished. Finally, after another pause, he gritted his teeth and said, "Besides, this younger brother thinks that there''s a limit to our league''s growth." "We cannot exceed this limit. Once we do, once we step out of this frame of constraint, we''ll be asking for disaster. However, if we restrain ourselves, we''ll probably last for an eternity; as the dragon in the sky, we would continue to reign. On the contrary, if we go overboard, the fall comes after the peak. We want to be the dragon, not the falling one." Lang Fantian blurted the large chunk of words without missing a beat, already sweating by the time he finished. The dozen people listening to him, too, were drenched in a nervous sweat. Lang Fantian was really bold, telling the truth as it was Xiao Jianghu had been listening with a straight face without a word. After some time, he asked, "Hmm, then, where do you think the limit of the General Commerce League lies?" Braving himself, Lang Fantian spoke, "Above the upper class and below the Gold class Celestial Luck Banner Arriving at the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner is already surpassing many in this realm and this is also the peak of our development. Passing it, we''ll be a sore thumb to many high-class sects in addition to inciting the Palace class'' scrutiny. Then, our days will be numbered." Xiao Jianghu let his head hang down as he went into another bout of silence. A few people from the circle wanted to say something, but they were all stopped by Lang Fantian despite their opened mouths. 996 The Commerce League’s Decision Lang Fantian had already turned pale, tiny beads of sweat dotted his face while his breathing became uneven. An ace cultivator like himself should not have been seen in such a state. It was solely because he was the only one who could say what he had said, as a Vice Chief, as a sworn brother, as both combined. If the words had come from anyone else, they would probably be killed by now. Nonetheless, Lang Fantian felt much lighter now that he had poured everything he had wanted to say out. Throughout these years, the commerce league''s abilities had grown stronger and the Chief''s influence and fierceness had grown alongside it; that his prestige came without him having to lash out was merely an understatement. There were also groups of people in the league who were just waiting for an opportunity to pounce. In a nutshell, these were detrimental to the General Commerce League; they were brewing issues that could lead to a full extinction. Take the current incident for example; prior to this, the commerce league would first think of sincere collaboration and supporting the Residence of Nine Supremes when they met an organization like it, better yet if they could work together seamlessly. Now, however, the Chief had thought of the sect as a threat almost instantly when they were still in a partnership. This was an incredibly unhealthy frame of mind! A long time had passed again before Xiao Jianghu finally picked up his head from the dead silence. He looked up into the sky and spoke faintly, "Fantian, thank you. Being brothers for so many years, today is the one time I''m most thankful to you!" "I believe that you already have a plan, this younger brother is only" Lang Fantian replied feverishly with a shudder. "No need to be humble," said Xiao Jianghu softly, "A commerce league is a commerce league. Your reminder is correct! I''ve been on too high a pedestal these years. This time, you''ve looked at things farther than I have" Words of comfort began to spill from the masses simultaneously. "I shall draft a rule after this contest, to stop the wild ambition that the commerce league shouldn''t have had. Like Fantian had said, the commerce league is a commerce league. Never deviating from the way of trade is the way to go." Xiao Jianghu chuckled bitterly. "If we were to push ourselves higher, even if we''ve come to the day when we''ve gone past the Sacred Heart Palace, could we actually surpass the Celestial Court? We''ll be wiped out sooner or later. Why not maintain the presence of a trader and play a crucial role among the forces C this is the way to harmonious longevity." "Since that''s the case, let''s show a slight sign of weakness when we can still stop upon reaching a certain level, be reserved about our own faculties. This is how we can secure our organization and sustain it eternally" "Brilliant, Lord Chief!" A voice rang out all of a sudden, outside of the window. When the group turned to the source of that voice, it was Zhang Changgong who had gone back to his youth, walking in airily, looking pleased. "This old one can die with no regrets being able to hear what Lord Chief has just said!" "Senior Zhang!" Lang Fantian''s term of address reminded everyone of this person''s identity, consequentially shocking the mass into rounded eyes. "Senior Heaven Sword!" Xiao Jianghu was prepared for Zhang Changgong''s change of physical state, but the sight was still too much of a surprise that his eyes bulged. When had he ever expected the old man who had one foot in the coffin to be so thoroughly rejuvenated to his youth? The group''s conversation turned heated upon Zhang Changgong''s arrival. "Regardless, the exchange in the Spirit''s Grave must still go on tomorrow. It''s necessary that we obtain the Qi of vitality. We''ll just recompense Leader Yun better next time." Xiao Jianghu spoke ultimately, "Not only is advancing to the upper-class banner our wish for many, many years, but it''s also the key to our league''s future standing If Senior Li Yixin couldn''t recover, the General Commerce League has no chance of winning." "I think he can," Zhang Changgong replied with a faint smile. Xiao Jianghu''s frown was immediately soothed as he asked, "How come? Please enlighten us, Elder Zhang." "For Chief''s information, our league is indeed a little too impatient regarding the exchange this time. We intended to maximize our chances of acquiring the Qi of vitality and increase our qualification to bear the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner, which is an inevitable matter of course but it is still coercion to our alliance. Any flowery words to conceal this intention or compensation afterward is of no help to the ill feeling that''s already there. Yun Yang, Leader Yun, is upset, whether by his words or his reaction, towards what we''re doing. I believe that you won''t remain oblivious or lie to yourself about this," said Zhang Changgong. Xiao Jianghu maintained a neutral expression as he answered indifferently, "I do know about this, but what we do this time is essential to our league. One who wants to achieve great things cannot be restrained by minor details. Even if it is partial, it must be done!" "Do you think that I''m blaming you, Chief? Or that I''m speaking on behalf of Yun Yang? You''re mistaken, Chief!" Zhang Changgong sighed softly with a bitter smile. Xiao Jianghu corrected him in a hurry. "I don''t mean it at all. Do not misunderstand, Elder Zhang." With a shake of his head, Zhang Changgong continued. "Honestly, I do regard this leader Yun quite well. I''m rather fond of him too. Still, I''m a part of the commerce league. While it''s thanks to the Qi of vitality that I could be reborn, the vitality Qi has still come from an exchange of massive heaven and earth treasure by the commerce league. I am very clear about this!" "Elder Zhang is too polite. You''ve contributed incessantly to the league. No matter how precious the Qi of vitality is, you''ve gained it through your actions and merits. I believe that there''s no doubt or differing opinions throughout the league!" Xiao Jianghu said ceremoniously as he stood up and made a slight bow to Zhang Changgong. The latter sidestepped and avoided his Chief''s bow. "I''m emphasizing this now to state my stance. Back to the transaction this time C our league obviously hasn''t considered the Residence of Nine Supremes. Perhaps, our need is truly too pressing. This is the fact, an undeniable truth." "I believe that Vice Chief Lang has clearly reported Leader Yun''s notion last time. Leader Yun is frank, that we must put things on hold even if we''ve gathered sufficient resources. We can''t allow the Spirit''s Grave to assume that these items come easy." Zhang Changgong smiled. "A powerful presence like that, I think they''re able to tell the bigger picture from a hint. How long between Yun Yang''s every entry, if he''s calm and collected, if he looks troubled if the heaven and earth treasure are repeated if each piece of metal is relevant Many things can be inferred from these minor details" "If the presence inside could judge that Yun Yang is actually capable to collect what he needs in a short time, he''ll definitely increase his request. By then, not only will Yun Yang find it hard to complete his task, we''ll be burdened as well and can hardly go on." "Even if Yun Yang has yet the faculty to reject us, even with an inward disagreement, he can only opt to work with us. But once or twice of such instant gain is insufferable in the long term, the friction lingering." "Yun Yang has actually mentioned very formally during the end of the last exchange that he''ll try his very best to obtain another portion of the vitality Qi, so I believe that he''ll actually resort to all he can to obtain the energy entering this time. After all, the Qi of vitality is our focus. Obtaining it allows both of us to gain some advantage. If he couldn''t procure it, we''ll necessarily ask him to enter again with the gathered resources for the current situation. And that will be what Yun Yang can''t take." Zhang Changgong said, "I think that there''s an eighty to ninety percent chance that we''ll acquire the Qi of vitality this time but in the future we must place a larger emphasis on this We mustn''t commit impulsive and profit-eager actions like this again." "Elder Zhang is wise with far sight. I''ve learned much from you," Xiao Jianghu replied with a serious nod of his head. On the next day, Lang Fantian, Xiao Jianghu, Zhang Changgong, Song Yixin, and Feng Guohai came to the central hall of the Residence of Nine Supremes together. The General Commerce League showed even more sincerity this time. Other than the five men, the rest of the entourage had left the residence to stay at the place where Feng Guohai was temporarily residing near the sect. This was a massive display of trust. As Yun Yang glanced at them, his gaze turned into a squint while his heart felt lighter. Xiao Jianghu was walking in the center as the five of them came, smiling warmly. By the looks of it, was the decision not to hide anymore? 997 The Yao Core "Leader Yun!" Xiao Jianghu laughed. "I am Xiao Wuyi, of the General Commerce League. I formally apologize to Leader Yun." A bark of laughter escaped Yun Yang as well. "Respectable Chief, you''re too polite. Your status is very significant. You''re supposed to be more cautious when you''re out and about. No such thing as apologizing for it. It is I, this junior, who is offensive." Xiao Jianghu - no, Xiao Wuyi - cackled and grabbed Yun Yang''s hand to shake it continuously in an incredibly warm manner, saying, "It''s still my fault for hiding my identity from Leader Yun; it''s a sign of insincerity to my partner Don''t be offended, Brother Yun. This is honestly my fault." Yun Yang refused the apology ceaselessly, but Xiao Wuyi was still pulling his hand, and continued to say, "I know, too, that the duration between this and the last transaction is too short and the resources we collected exceeded Brother Yun''s expectations, so much so that it has troubled you I deeply regret it as well." He said sincerely, "However, it''s a crucial point of time to the General Commerce League now. Our wish for millenniums could perhaps be fulfilled in the Celestial Luck Banner contest this time around Fighting for the upper-class Celestial Luck Banner has always been the shared aspiration of hundreds of thousands of people in the league. It''s a wish that we can only bear in our hearts in the past but it''s so close, almost within our grasps now. We''re really reluctant to let it go when we''re only one step away Don''t worry, Brother Yun. Whether it''s a success or not this time, you''ll be the decision-maker of when the next entry to the Spirit''s Grave will be. We will not doubt you. This is an exception that''ll never happen again!" Yun Yang chuckled bitterly and sighed, "Since you''ve said so, Chief, of course, I''ll do my best to complete this task at hand first sigh" A rather distressed sigh still exalted Yun Yang''s lips as he spoke. "You''re easygoing, Brother Yun," Xiao Wuyi chortled. With a stretch of his hand, a gently glowing box made of amethyst appeared on his palm. He thrust 7it into Yun Yang''s grip swiftly and said, "Brother Yun, this is a core belonging to a Teal Bear Daemon General that I''ve gotten by chance back then. I''ve had it for a long time, but I''ve never used it. As a recipient of Brother Yun''s generosity today, I''ll give this to you as a sign of my sincerity. Don''t you dare reject me, Brother Yun. It''s nothing big, but it''s my expression of goodwill." The core of a Daemon General? Behind the men, Zhang Changgong, Li Yixin, Lang Fantian, and Feng Guohai were distinctly moved when they heard it. The Daemon Soldier, Daemon Guard, Daemon General It would be the Daemon King after that! A Daemon General''s level of ability was similar to a human of the Saint-level; however, if a human Saint and a Daemon General fought head to head, there was no doubt the former would lose. This was because the Yao race possessed an innate mystical power that humankind did not. Once they used the mystical power, it could escalate their capability to twenty percent and more. As for the Daemon General''s core, it was a scarce treasure that a martial artist could only wish for. The Yao race fighters were courageous creatures. Even when they failed to win a battle, they would self-detonate at the final moment to make the last attempt in harming their enemy. They would never let their opponent go easily. Said core was the core sitting on Xiao Wuyi''s palm. It could be said that getting a Yao core was more about luck. As for the core of a Daemon General, one must have significant luck as well as an amazing capability. The core could increase a cultivator''s cultivation base by a few hundred years. It was truly a rare gem! Now, Xiao Wuyi was actually giving it to Yun Yang, citing that he had no use for it? The gift was too valuable. It was not a mere expression of sentiment anymore. Yun Yang was stunned by the sudden gesture as well, refusing repeatedly, "This C How can this be You''re too courteous" Xiao Wuyi slapped the box into Yun Yang''s hand insistently and feigned anger. "If Brother Yun doesn''t accept it, you are insulting my crude present C it is akin to looking down upon my, Xiao Wuyi''s sentiment!" Gripping the box that contained the Yao core tightly, Yun Yang replied, "This This is really too courteous It''s C it''s too This younger brother this younger brother can only cough C receive it with a humble heart." Lang Fantian rolled his eyes, Feng Guohai coughed while Zhang Changgong wore a smile feeling amused. This tactic of their Chief was usually useful once he humbled his status and cast it no matter which martial artist it was. Today, however, it did not seem so effective against this fellow! How could they know about Yun Yang''s background and past experience? With how Yun Yang was, forget a Yao core C even if they were to dish the General Commerce League to him, he would at most say "Ah how embarrassed I am" and accept it without remorse or shame. As for being bought from then on cough, the Chief better not think about something like that. He would only be wasting his effort and hurting his head. In spite of this, Chief Xiao''s apology and gift checked the boxes. Yun Yang was beaming as he invited them. "Chief, my other honorable guests, come here" He invited the group to the Central Peak''s hall. In the field of the hall, nineteen young children were cultivating and practicing wholeheartedly; not one of them noticed that there was a group of outsiders observing them. Xiao Wuyi took a quick glance before turning a blind eye to them. To him, the young ones seemed to be talented and could be nurtured, but that was all there was to them. He had no idea that these children were waste material grade kind of talents just a few months ago Regardless, the group was occupied with only one thing C the Spirit''s Grave! This was the most important matter. Everything else came second. This was all that filled their hearts and minds as they anticipated feverishly. Yun Yang accepted the heaven and earth treasure as well as the mystical steels from Lang Fantian. Although it was previously mentioned that this exchange was made on the market price of nine hundred thousand upper-class spiritual jade pieces, Yun Yang could not help complaining when he actually saw what he had gotten, "It isn''t much different from the last time" It was a delightful surprise when he had received these items the last time, but he was now quite stumped to see the same items again. "A lot of items from this batch of resources are repeats from the last time," Yun Yang said helplessly, "Strictly speaking, this is a big disadvantage." "Hmm, young brother, what exactly do you mean to say?" asked Xiao Wuyi. Yun Yang answered, "I know that the league is doing this in order to maximize the chances of obtaining the Qi of vitality. You''ve thought a lot about this and exerted much effort but even when this is the case and the quality of the goods is the same, I''m afraid the senior inside will still be dissatisfied. What if the senior asks if I''ve gotten this many items at once but have divided them into two entries? How am I supposed to argue? Do you think he''ll believe me even when I tell the truth?" He chuckled humorlessly. "Once this feeling takes form, the barrier will be there unavoidably even if the senior may not get angry. If he were to modify the rules of exchange it would be a whole lot of trouble to both me and the league." "Brother Yun is right. We''ve taken this for granted this time," Xiao Wuyi replied in shock. He turned to issue an order, "Change it to another batch." Lang Fantian looked anguished. Could everything be changed just because you said so? If only it was so easy! 998 Take It All Out! "We can, at most, swap a few of the heaven and earth treasures for now The rest really can''t be helped," Lang Fantian said with a long face, "Besides, the value of these treasures swapped would be much higher, be it their market price or actual worth, than the original" Yun Yang''s eyes shone. "You can reduce an item if it exceeds the price. It''s fine. The point is not to have repetitions." ''Take it all out, since you have new items!'' Lang Fantian was caught, faced with this unexpected twist; his dazed expression was proof of his emotions. The General Commerce League had prepared plenty of resources this time around, but the majority of the items were similar to the few types in the last exchange. This was their plan, to barter; to exchange their treasures with identical items. This was the most basic and most common strategy. This was also the biggest source of the league''s confidence in assuming that they would obtain the Qi of vitality. In spite of this, the reality was exceptionally brutal. The current situation was the exact opposite of their expectations. Their initial strategy had become their own trap. Not only could it not reap the desired outcome, but it also became their hindrance. Although the remaining heaven and earth resources were abundant, a substantial amount of them were either singular items, highly valued, or had unique purposes To Lang Fantian, he was more than unwilling to trade them. After all, these treasures were useful in their own terms and rarely could they be acquired again. Even if there was no choice but to enlist them as exchange items, they should be let go slowly Once the commerce league was to obtain other treasures, these should not be given away as much as it could be avoided. It was unexpected that the goods were pointed out directly C what was the difference between this and revealing their trump card? Lang Fantian looked agonized as he said, "I only think that it''s scarce I''m not If so, then Keeper Feng, do" Yun Yang''s mind worked quickly, saying, "Vice Chief Lang, the current situation is somewhat unusual. I think that you should just take everything out. Let us discuss what''s the best arrangement. After all, I''m the one who knows about the person in the Spirit''s Grave the most I really don''t want a transaction of repeated items like today to happen again For it to happen once is already one too many times!" The group looked at each other in dismay. They knew that what Yun Yang said was reasonable, but they also knew that this fellow had ulterior motives and was making use of this pretext. ''Although you''re the only one who knows about the bias and preference of the person in the Spirit''s Grace, we don''t have anything to judge this claim C we can only listen to you!'' ''Take everything out?'' ''Won''t it all be up to you if we really do take everything out? People say you shouldn''t announce how wealthy you are; this is in absolute defiance of that'' Now, even Xiao Wuyi was a little dazed. Yun Yang smiled. "For all the numerous trades we have had, each time was a joy of collaboration and each of us reaped the profits we wanted. Up till now, I believe that you won''t be stopping after these exchanges, right? Despite having rare treasures, they''re but trading chips in the future. As for the gems from the Spirit''s Grave, the quality has gone distinctly from low to high. It''s up to what you think about whether the items should be exchanged as soon as possible or kept for the future. Personally, I always feel that these treasures are perhaps uniquely effective, but they may not fit the current urgent need. How one decides between this and what''s needed desperately now will be up to you." "Will you only need the Qi of vitality once?" Yun Yang spoke indifferently, "There are still the Qi of Dao, Qi of heavenly Dao, the energy of soul do you not have need of these items?" "If you do intend to obtain the mentioned goods, I lean towards you disclosing the exquisite items you have and compile them as soon as possible. I''d not like to experience a lose-lose situation due to a mistake in one of the links. Moreover, one may have to pay a higher price later for being momentarily stingy. Who knows" "An unparalleled master, who''s like a myth his experience and knowledge need not be explained compared to ours! If the senior inside thinks that we''re playing a trick, well" "Maybe all of you feel that I''m coveting the resources that you so cherish. I''ll be honest, I do have such an intention, but other than considering my personal profit, I''m also accounting for your league''s profit and loss. The sun and moon can bear witness to my sincerity." "Whatever I say, it''s still up to you seniors to decide. If you don''t want to do so or if you have any considerations, it''s fine to carry on like this too." Yun Yang smiled lightly. "Truth be told, I don''t really mind." Xiao Wuyi and Lang Fantian exchanged an unsettled look, with no words to say. It seemed that Yun Yang was making quite a lot of sense. Retaining these excellent graded heaven and earth resources could be of use sometime later, but compared to the Qi of vitality, Qi of Dao, or even the realm''s amethyst Qi, they were insignificant. The contrast of the level between the items needed no further elaboration. Since this was the case, these goods would have to be passed to Yun Yang sooner or later. It was only a matter of time! Xiao Wuyi frowned. "Fantian, hand the resources that we''ve brought along this time directly to Brother Yun. It''s a matter of course anyway, let''s save ourselves from quoting prices every time." Lang Fantian sighed, "Might as well." He reluctantly passed his spatial ring over and said, "The others are fine, but there''s a Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng here that''s one hundred and fifty thousand years old. It already has a sense of spirituality Also, two Spectre Ginseng that is eighty thousand years old, three to four Frozen Jade Lotus that are twenty-seven thousand years of age These are exquisite spiritual herbs that one can only dream of" Xiao Wuyi could not help the slight twitch on his face as he involuntarily glanced at Lang Fantian. "I didn''t know that you would actually carry all our most valuable items here." With his collected air, Xiao Wuyi still could not help feeling pained. Once these items were traded, it would be extremely arduous to find another one of them. Perhaps, there would not be a second chance throughout this lifetime. Yun Yang smiled and said, "If you''re reluctant or you''re still doubtful, it''s fine to take them back. It''s not like we''re only trading this one time." His smile was distant as he continued. "As Chief said, it''s only a matter of time. It''s not a waste as long as it can be used." Xiao Wuyi and Lang Fantian were speechless when he said that. It was true. No matter how precious the spiritual herbs were, they were wasted if they could not be used. What was the purpose of forcefully keeping them? Why not trade them off and save themselves the headache and heartache? "Fabian, give all the resources to Brother Yun. I ask you to help us distribute the items, Brother Yun, to see how many times of an entry could these resources make." Xiao Wuyi decided immediately. 999 Good Idea Yun Yang observed the heaven and earth treasures and the pile of mystical steels in the spatial ring. His expression was nonchalant and his gaze was unfazed, but in the deepest regions of his heart, he was overjoyed! Although he was uncertain of the origins and potency of the resources he had just received due to his limited knowledge regarding this realm, it did not prevent him from understanding that everything inside the ring was remarkably excellent. There was a copious number of great things! In truth, it was not only Yun Yang who was overjoyed. There was someone else who was more exaggerated in expressing joy than he did C Wahaha! "Ayaya C Ayaya C Ayaya!" Emmie was shrieking within the deific consciousness space at the very first moment Yun Yang took the ring. It was exceptionally impatient to grab hold of the bounty. ''So much good stuff?'' ''Give them to me, give them to me quickly!'' "Let us confirm the prices first." Yun Yang shook all the items out from the ring, which formed a formidable pile on the floor. "A junior like me doesn''t know much. Elder Feng, would you please do the honors? You can quote higher prices, don''t feel shy." Feng Guohai felt so upset that the corners of his mouth were twitching. "These are all heaven and earth treasures. Why did you shake them out so roughly, Brother Yun? You have to hold and place them gently on the ground, so you don''t damage their quality" "Ah, I''m truly sorry. I saw that there was such a big pile that I didn''t think of it. People say that scarcity makes the item precious It''s my mistake," Yun Yang said with a chuckle. Despite his apology, his expression did not mirror his words. The men from the General Commerce League were appalled. For a junior, a young one, like Yun Yang, it was forgivable that he did not know how to care for the heaven and earth treasures when he was suddenly presented with a large stockpile that he did not even recognize due to his lack of knowledge. In spite of this, to say that the items were precious due to their scarcity here was a statement that was too na?ve, even for him! It was unbeknownst to them that Yun Yang personally had no qualms about it. Forget that he was shaking everything out of the ring, it would be fine even if he threw them out. If an item was broken or spoiled, it could be recovered instantly by Emmie without any difficulty. Yun Yang''s quest for the heaven and earth resources was focused more on obtaining a mother plant. Once he had the first one, Emmie could replicate plenty of it. For an item to be precious due to its scarcity, it only applied to the first specimen; the rest that followed would not be precious anymore. This was how arrogant and superior one playing with an advantage would be, yet this sense of pride was not known to the others! "Our league''s heaven and earth treasures this time around can at least be exchanged for five million upper-class spiritual jade pieces while the mystical steels amount to two million upper-class spiritual jade pieces." The final result of the quotation was none other than an astronomical figure. Seven million upper class spiritual jade pieces! That would be seventy billion pieces of lower-class spiritual jade! Feng Guohai said, "This Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng of one hundred and fifty thousand years would already bring about two million upper-class spiritual jade as a starting price of an auction. Quoting it for three million per plant is really the bare minimum" He sighed heavily as he spoke. Yun Yang had no objections regarding the price. The age of one hundred and fifty thousand years alone was already an extremely precious and one of a kind existence. "Okay, we''ll go by Elder Feng''s quotation. According to the ratio of our previous transactions, the resources we have here will suffice for seven attempts" Yun Yang showcased his commendable mathematics skill before swiftly changing the topic. "Still, there''s something I must mention first. The exchange ratio of each batch of resources valued at one million upper-class spiritual jade pieces is made according to the last trade. I can''t be certain if the Spirit''s Grave senior will provide a similar exchange ratio. I can only make sure that I''ll persuade him as much as I can when I enter to maximize the opportunity of obtaining a portion of the vitality Qi. I honestly can''t guarantee anything else. Also - and most importantly - even if the ratio is determined and there are six more trades minus today''s, the next transaction must be carried out after some period of time. There mustn''t be another trade so soon after." "I understand. Please try your best, Brother Yun. All of us from the league thank you for your contribution," Xiao Wuyi answered, staring at the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng reluctantly, feeling somewhat distressed. "Sigh, let us discuss the distribution strategy and begin shortly after. I''m very busy recently." Yun Yang took out some of his resources as well and combined the items from both sides. With the help of Feng Guohai and colleagues, they separated the goods into seven piles quickly. The total value of the other six heaps was more or less the same, but the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng formed a mound of its own. After all, it was the minimum to quote the herb for three million spiritual jade pieces; there was simply no way for it to go lower. Yun Yang had quit while he was ahead, taking out seven spatial rings and storing each bundle into each ring. "I plan to only take the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng this time," Yun Yang said musing, "I''ll also just bring another fifty thousand upper-class spiritual jade pieces. I won''t enter with other treasures or mystical steels then." Xiao Wuyi and the rest of the group considered the opinion quickly before cheering in unison, "Good idea." "I''ve always trusted Elder Feng''s price estimation. Since this Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng can be taken as three million upper-class spiritual jade, then it should be rather significant to the senior in the Spirit''s Grave. At least, compared to the goods from the last trade, its value would increase threefold. I believe that the Spirit''s Grave senior won''t be stingy on this. He''ll only reciprocate even more" Yun Yang replied. "Although we were the ones who took the initiative to meet him despite the short period this time, it''s up to how I talk As long as I enter with a precious treasure now, it won''t look like I purposely separated what I have into two trips, but it''s still subject to luck. More so, it''s like I''ve thought of the Spirit''s Grave at the very first instant when I''ve gotten the treasure and passed it to the senior. I believe that all of you can appreciate the complexities of the situation!" Yun Yang looked shy, but he was, in fact, in his element. He paused for a beat and continued. "I believe that we can obtain what we require with the highest chance possible I think that this is the most convincing strategy. It''d even be a matter of course if we gain more What do you think?" "An excellent tactic indeed!" Everyone else praised him simultaneously. "If so, please wait for a moment. I''ll get to work now." Yun Yang entered the meditation room after he spoke. Xiao Wuyi sat down, crossing his legs. His face was stoic as if he had gone into the meditative state. "Boss, don''t you check with your divine senses!" Lang Fantian quickly warned once he saw him. Coughing, Xiao Wuyi asked awkwardly, "How did you know" Lang Fantian, Feng Guohai, and the others answered with a sense of lingering fear. "We''ve tried it. That''s suicide" As they talked without checking with their deific consciousness, they had still felt the disappearance of Yun Yang in the meditation room from their instincts as a martial artist. It was like he no longer existed within this heaven and earth! Xiao Wuyi knew about this, but when he actually experienced it himself, the shock had still coursed through him. His stoic expression earlier was all but gone. Could the Spirit''s Grave truly be so magical? 1000 The Qi of Dao After some time, the sounds of heavy breathing could be heard coming from inside. Immediately, everyone knew that Yun Yang had returned! "This is way too convenient" Xiao Wuyi was amazed. "The world is truly vast, that all sorts of miracles are possible. Still, how can one believe in such an encounter if one hasn''t personally experienced it?" Yun Yang sauntered out, grinning widely. "How was it?" Xiao Wuyi and Lang Fantian asked simultaneously. Song Changgong''s gaze was especially fervent. Li Yixin, who was standing by the side, looked indifferent, but his hands had still subconsciously clenched into fists. "Luckily, I have not disappointed anyone. It has been successfully completed!" Yun Yang chortled. Very carefully, he pointed to his right hand with his left and pointed to his left hand with his right before he chuckled proudly, pleased with his accomplishment. "Hahaha" Xiao Wuyi was instantly relieved, and he laughed out loud. "Brother Yun is blessed with luck indeed, to be able to make dreams come true." "The process of this entry was much smoother than I imagined. The Spirit''s Grave senior is very contented with the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng. He said that it has reached the rank of the lower class and that he could even consider the spiritual herb. He''s very happy As such, I braved myself to tell him that although it''s mostly a lucky coincidence that I could produce the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng, more of it is for a reason, that a senior is urgently in need of the Qi of vitality. That''s why I''ve used the ginseng as a medium of exchange" He continued with a wide beam. "Guess what''s the outcome." The others did not respond to him, but smiled in unison, knowing that Yun Yang would not be keeping them hanging if the outcome was not a good one. As a compatible and understanding partner, of course, they would have to act along when he had done so; otherwise, how could the game continue? It was just that everyone present was of a significant status Among the General Commerce League crowd, Feng Guohai held the lowest position. Seeing that no one replied, he could only ask himself to overcome this challenge. "How was the result?" Yun Yang laughed. "The senior agreed immediately without a second word. He''s indeed generous and a very sophisticated being." The group felt speechless C Oh, how unsurprising! "The senior has given ten pieces of the Celestial Amethyst for p this trade." Said items appeared on the table with a wave of Yun Yang''s arm. The amethyst Qi was radiant, illuminating the room in its iridescence and thickening the spiritual Qi by twofold. The group swallowed instinctively. The Celestial Amethyst was not a scarcity in the Residence of Nine Supremes but it was still a rare commodity in the outside world. It was valuable, but there was hardly a supply for it. When the ten pieces of Celestial Amethyst appeared in a batch, needless to say, they would easily stir the yearning of more than eighty percent of cultivators in this realm! "The second reward received is, of course, the Qi of vitality. Other than that, there''s a third item" Yun Yang was grinning. Feng Guohai need not take the initiative this time as Lang Fantian was the first to ask, "A third item? There''s a third item?" Yun Yang laughed. "It''s like what we''ve guessed. The senior is very contented with the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng. He especially feels that it''s grand age has exceeded his expectations. With my current ability, there''s simply no reason I could get it, but the reality is that I''ve gotten it. That''s why he''s given another reward." "The senior is pretty straightforward and generous." Lang Fantian looked reverent. "According to what the senior said, this third gift is more precious than the Qi of vitality. You can decide on your own whether that''s the case, Chief'' I shall not say much," said Yun Yang again, grinning. "What is it?" Xiao Wuyi was unsparingly inquisitive. "Everyone here can count each other as brothers. There''s nothing that can''t be spoken about. Do tell, Brother Yun." Lang Fantian and the others looked moved, but Xiao Wuyi had immediately regretted his words for winning them over. "Since the respectable Chief is faithful to the brotherhood, I shall stay away from being a despicable one as well. Everything is your league''s reward from the trade This third gift is a sliver of Qi of Dao! Other than possessing the source, this sliver of Qi of Dao imparts enlightenment. Whether the final fruit is big or small, a lot or a little, it all depends on the individual''s fate." The group was silenced at once. All five pairs of eyes were wide as saucers. Xiao Wuyi''s mouth was open wide; there was only one remorseful thought in his mind C oh how he wanted to land a big fat slap on his own mouth! ''What a big mouth!'' ''That''s the Qi of Dao! The dream of every martial artist, the Qi of Dao!'' ''There''s only one strand of it!'' In spite of it, it was known to all five of them. What was worse was that it was within Yun Yang''s arm; one would have to absorb the Qi of Dao once he lifted the seal. Who would it be given it to? Who would it not to give it to? There was only one among the five who could benefit from it. Everyone else would have to watch the energy slip away from their own grasp! Song Changgong coughed and spoke first, "Chief has previously promised that the Qi of vitality obtained this time will be given to Yixin. This is an immense bestowal. Both of us brothers will be shameful if we were to covet the Qi of Dao but allow this old man to say something given my age No one else in this league is suitable to receive this strand of Qi of Dao except Chief." "Yes, yes," Feng Guohai chimed easily knowing that he absolutely stood no chance. Lang Fantian was flushed, coughing before saying, "Yes, right, Other than big brother I''d fight whoever covets it." Xiao Wuyi was equally flushed as he coughed dryly. After some time, he said, "If so, I I''ll be thick-skinned. In the future, if Brother Yun redeems more Qi of Dao, you''ll have the priority privilege, my fellow brothers." It was not that Xiao Wuyi did not want to make any pleasantries. It was just that he knew well that now was not the time to be courteous. What if there were someone as shameless as Yun Yang? What would he do then? To illustrate his point, if he had said, "Elder Song''s cultivation base is the highest among us and he''s gone back to his prime, in addition to having a crystal clear heart. I think that Elder Song is more suitable than I am." If Song Changgong had replied with "Since Chief has said so, this old man will accept it humbly. I shall serve the league to my death from now on", that would be awful. The possibility was not great, but there was still a sense of anxiety that Xiao Wuyi dared not risk. During a time like this, the grace of a Chief and everything else should just be cast aside! No one else made another sound after what Xiao Wuyi said but the atmosphere grew tenser. Musing, Xiao Wuyi could only sigh helplessly in his heart. He knew that his carelessness today, assuming that he was showing his generosity, had instead trapped himself and caused a small bump of dismay among his brothers. He understood that he had resolved that sense of upset as much as he could when they returned, but he was lost about how he should go about it 1001 The Upright and Virtuous Leader, Supreme Cloud "Elder Li," Xiao Wuyi said with a smile, "Do consume the Qi of vitality quickly. The commerce league''s advance in the Celestial Luck Banner contest will depend on Elder Song and Elder Li." Li Yixin''s wrinkled face wore a faint smile. "Don''t worry, Chief. I shall do all I can for the league''s career. Even if I have to die, I wouldn''t say another word about it." Under everyone''s curious gaze, Li Yixin opened the seal on Yun Yang''s arm and absorbed the Qi of vitality. Then, Song Changgong swept Li Yixin and himself into the meditation room with a wave of his arm. "Chief, we brothers will dismiss ourselves first, to recuperate quietly." "Very well." It was now the start of a climatic event C Xiao Wuyi''s consumption of the Qi of Dao. The Qi of Dao had always been an item of legend, one which could be met, but never be found. Even if there were to be a fated encounter, the ultimate result was like what Yun Yang had said; the enlightenment would differ according to people; it could be big or small, a lot or a little. There was no certainty, but surely, it was beneficial! Lang Fantian stood guard, the epitome of concentration. His eyes hardly blinked while his body was tense like it was about to explode. His first objective was to observe and peek at the usage of the Qi of Dao - his second, to guard Xiao Wuyi. There was no room for even the slightest mistakes during this moment. Once disturbed, Xiao Wuyi could easily be overcome by his internal demon! After all, it was the legendary Qi of Dao that was entering one''s body. There must not be any fault. To Lang Fantian, the General Commerce League had obtained a big advantage in today''s transaction. The Qi of Dao, alone, was already a dream that no amount of wealth could measure up against. If one must place a price tag Adding all the heaven and earth resources the General Commerce League had gathered this time totaled to a maximum of seven million upper-class spiritual jade pieces, which was an astronomical figure, but could it buy a sense of the Qi of Dao? What a joke! This was because the Qi of Dao was never a representation of resources, but serendipity! It was serendipity that one could only come across with incredibly good fortune! Yet, the commerce league had obtained it now with a method that was no different from trade. The good fortuity was amazing. "Brother Yun, your nobility and integrity will be remembered by heart!" Lang Fantian''s gaze towards Yun Yang was brimming with sincerity. Why? If Yun Yang had said that there were only two rewards from this transaction, no one could actually find out. After all, the General Commerce League would recognize the trade as long as they received the Qi of vitality. Who would have thought that there was a third gift; what was more, the Qi of Dao! Therefore, it was undeniably easy and risk-free for Yun Yang to keep the energy for himself. He did not do that C this was evidence of his character and morals! He was truly upright and virtuous! At least, Lang Fantian thought that he would most probably pocket the Qi of Dao if it were him. The least he would do after that would be to recompense the commerce league more when his cultivation base came to an achievement. "You''re too polite, Brother Lang. The heavens are watching us. What''s yours is yours," said Yun Yang with a smile, "Besides, the senior also said that he''ll give me a chance to acquire the Qi of Dao in the future, so you don''t have to regard me too highly." "Brother Yun has really good luck." Lang Fantian was incredibly envious. Yun Yang chuckled looking at Lang Fantian before he suddenly spoke to him in a psychic voice, "Vice Chief Lang, I''ll try to get a portion of the energy for you too if there''s a chance in the future." Lang Fantian plopped onto the floor swiftly. His jaw dropped, his tongue-tied, and his face was speedily turning purplish as his lips trembled. Feng Guohai was shocked. What was going on? Could the Vice Chief who had been on guard was first bitten back by the mystical cultivation method before the Chief who was absorbing the Qi of Dao was consumed by his internal demons? Why else was there such a situation? "Truly?" Lang Fantian blurted in a shaky voice, unable to hold himself back. However, he wanted to tear his mouth off once he spoke. What the f*ck! Yun Yang used the psychic voice to talk to him C what a secret it was, how could it be made known to the others? What should he do now that he had blurted his reply? It would definitely cause suspicion! If Feng Guohai were to speak, to spur the doubt of others, he would not be able to redeem himself from the waves of questions that would ensue! This was the Qi of Dao. It was not comparable to anything else! Yun Yang answered him faintly, "I''d never tell a lie. The senior did say that if he could receive heaven and earth treasures that are on par with the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng, he still has the Qi of Dao to give. Maybe items that are even more precious." Lang Fantian was relieved instantly as he stared at Yun Yang with gratitude, saying, "The league shall do our best!" "I was made known to your league''s sincerity several times. We''ll definitely have a seamless and happy cooperation," replied Yun Yang with a laugh. Lang Fantian replied from the bottom of his heart, "Of course! Of course!" His face remained flushed for a long time before it returned to its normal hue. After some moments, Xiao Wuyi woke up from his meditation. He looked lost and worried as if he had awakened from a dream. "Big brother, how is it?" asked Lang Fantian. "It''s profound and sagacious!" Xiao Wuyi said with gleaming eyes, "The legendary Qi of Dao is true to its reputation. The Dao is endless, it''s not to be realized within a day. To be completely enlightened, I''m afraid at least a few more years will be needed!" He stood up and suddenly bowed to Yun Yang, saying formally, "Brother Yun, your great contribution is not to be concluded without thanks. I, Xiao Wuyi, will not forget this for the rest of my life!" Yun Yang replied indifferently, "You''re too courteous, Chief! This belongs to your league. I''m only a middleman and I only take what I should get, so I have a clear conscience." Xiao Wuyi chuckled and suppressed the waves of emotions inside of him to say, "I know it, I know it all!" He easily fished out a spatial ring and continued. "Brother Yun, this contains a million upper-class spiritual jade pieces. It''s not to compensate you, it''s just that you''ve just started your sect. There must be plenty of areas that you''ll need to spend a fortune on. This older brother is fond of you the moment I laid eyes on you, so this mere amount is only a small present to congratulate the establishment of your sect. It''s a token of my thoughts. If you still regard me, brother, then don''t you utter a word of refusal." A million pieces of upper-class spiritual jade had actually become a small present, a token of one''s thoughts C Amazing! Yun Yang accepted the ring, looking embarrassed and said, "Cough, cough. What you said really I''m quite embarrassed to accept this." Xiao Wuyi let out a hearty laugh and was not bothered at all. Instead, he was relieved. The matter today was of the Qi of Dao, a subject deeply related to one''s karma. If he could use a million upper-class spiritual jade pieces to redeem this karma, Xiao Wuyi would be absolutely delighted to do so. The white fog dissipated in the meditation room. Two handsome, middle-aged men exited the room, shoulder to shoulder. Both of them had fine builds with a sophisticated air around them. Their movements were elegant and gentle, their polished aura evident. They were Song Changgong and Li Yixin, the Heaven Sword and Earth Saber! Both of them looked somewhat emotional, inexplicably moved. The rest of the group congratulated them simultaneously. 1002 A Massive Gain Chapter 1002: A Massive Gain Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation It was on the same afternoon that the entourage from the General Commerce League left the Residence of Nine Supremes. Before they parted, Yun Yang reminded them in a low voice, Chief Xiao, our partnership must be confidential. Not a whiff about it must be disclosed. Dont you worry, brother. This league will definitely keep this secret, answered Xiao Wuyi with a glint in his eyes. What I mean to say is it would be best that those who come from the commerce league are fixed from now on. You must know that the people who come and go from these trips have been rather numerous Im very worried about this. The General Commerce League is a notable force in this realm but the Residence of Nine Supremes is a new sect. Why, it doesnt even have the lower class Celestial Luck Banner yet Xiao Wuyi nodded seriously. Yun Yangs concern mirrored his own worries as well. He took a deep breath and replied with equal gravity, Dont worry, brother! Leave it all to me! Watching the General Commerce Leagues people leave, Yun Yang finally heaved a sigh of relief. Just as he returned to the inside of his mountain gate, he entered his divine sense space in a hurry. Emmie, hows our gain this time? Ayayayayaya Emmie was beyond itself in elation. How was the bounty this time around? Should this even be a question? The abundant heaven and earth treasures had colored Emmies leaves deeper by twice its shade and under each leaf, there were stipules the size of a finger. This was an extremely healthy growth from intense nourishment! Emmie gleefully introduced the new appendage to Yun Yang, the sight of which the latter was incredibly delighted with. The state of having stipules! This could be considered an embryonic form of Emmies complete state. With the support of stipules, its vital energy was doubled, besides having its leaves strengthened. More importantly, while the stipules would not grow large, it would assist Emmie in unleashing its mystical magic. When the stipules grew to the size of a palm and the leaves had reached a certain thickness, it meant that Emmies leaves had arrived at the level close to completion. By that time, the force that Emmie could release was no longer limited to the Qi of vitality and the Qi of Dao, even though they were exceptionally precious; a strand of the Primordial Qi of Amethyst that could hardly be produced despite months could be acquired as well Perhaps when that time came, Emmie could produce hundreds of strands of the Primordial Qi of Amethyst in a day! This was under the circumstance of having a few pieces of leaves. If it grew new leaves, the outcome would only be increasingly spectacular. Indeed, it was stupendous and petrifying just as it was! Moreover, this was not yet the limit. Following the growth of Yun Yangs cultivation base and continuous absorption of karmic Qi, his deific consciousness space could experience a change in quality after a change in quantity, transforming into a primordial space when Emmie grew to have eight pieces of leaves with complete stipules! It would become the primordial space before the world became the realm that it was today! Yun Yang was almost stupefied by how happy he was regarding current and future events. When he managed to contain himself and made another closer observation, he found out that there were more surprises beyond his gains. It no longer just exceeded his expectations but his very imagination as well. Emmie had shown its magical prowess as it swiftly learned about the medicinal values and characteristics of the heaven and earth treasures that it received, sorting out a portion of seeds and sowing them within the divine sense space. There were stretches of spiritual herb farms currently languishing in the deific consciousness space From what Yun Yang could sense with his deific consciousness, there were already more than a dozen herb gardens nearby. Healthy, vivacious seedlings of green were flourishing at an almost visible speed. Farther away, flat planes of land stretched across the horizon. Every other instant, a seedling shot out from the ground, shaking and teeming with vitality. There was no need to worry that the new sprouts would have to fight for nutrition as the distance between each seedling was the same. Even if one were to measure it with a ruler, there would probably be no error. Up to hundreds of spiritual herbs were planted within the deific consciousness, each of them a rare species in the outside realm. Although they were only seedlings now and still could not be used, Yun Yang believed that these spiritual herbs would thrive speedily under Emmies care. The term it would not be long was very apt now. As Yun Yang glanced around, he saw a vine-like spiritual herb at the side. It had climbed no less than several hundred feet, spotted leaves hanging from the vines. It was the Celestial Cotton Rattan, the special spiritual plant that Emmie had salvaged with some effort. Seeing Yun Yang focusing his attention on the Celestial Cotton Rattan, Emmie called out in pride. Ayaya, it repeated several times as its tendrils waved and pointed around at the stretches of an herb garden, looking very accomplished. Its intention was obvious, to convey that as long as it was there, these herbs would be produced very speedily! Filled with more joy, Yun Yang could not help laughing. He took another glance at the parent plants of the bountiful spiritual herbs that he had gained along his journey; many of them had entered the space for a long time and had already recovered their strength, liveliness oozing out of them. It was only the dozen plants that had just come that seemed rather shriveled. The one that was the most damaged was none other than the one hundred and fifty years old Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng. Perhaps a portion of its life force had been sucked away, for it looked droopy like it could wilt at any time. In spite of this, Emmie tossed a ray of Qi of Dao over and the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng actually pulled itself out of the ground to swallow the Qi of Dao. Then, its leaves danced a little, as if it was incredibly pleased. After a while, it dropped itself onto the ground as its roots moved, this time planting itself back on the surface. The corners of Yun Yangs lips twitched. Is this a herb? A plant? Why is it so active? Why does it behave like a human? Gazing to another side, various siderites and mystical steels were clumped together, but many of them had already turned into powder. Emmie had another large piece of leaf covering it. What was actually happening was that a piece of emerald leaf would wrap a piece of metal up and as the leaf curled itself up, poof! C other than dust and debris that fell upon the leaf opening up, only a small piece of steel, about one hundredth the original size, was left behind. Everything else vanished like evaporated ice. Yun Yang realized that there were more than thousands of tiny metal pieces like that in this area, all of them gleaming with mystical radiance. These were the essence of the steel pieces. Nevertheless, it was evident that Emmie was not too keen about dealing with the mystical steels and siderites; it was even slacking a little. At least, it was not as devoted as it was with the spiritual herbs. It had only placed a piece of the leaf there, moving once after a long time, with a marked lack of enthusiasm and effort. Regardless, Yun Yang was still content with the ample amount of items he had with the metals. Emmie, do something with the mystical steels, quickly, urged Yun Yang, When can we create a series of divine weapons belonging to the Residence of Nine Supremes with the current speed youre going at? A yaya Emmie was obviously uninterested in the task as its tone was pouring with laziness, reluctant to mention the case. 1003 Yun Yang’s Perplexity Chapter 1003: Yun Yangs Perplexity Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Emmie could feed on the spiritual Qi from the heaven and earth spiritual herbs that were largely beneficial to it, even as it planted them. Handling the steels, on the contrary, was pure manual labor, without any profit. It would be strange if any form of excitement could be generated when it was mentioned. Emmie, you must think of it this way. The more hardworking you are, the more mystical steel essence that you could sort out; the more goods we have, the more heaven and earth treasures I get to exchange. Yun Yang attempted to persuade it kindly. Look, if you could produce an exquisite treasured saber with a wag of your finger, I guarantee that the heaven and earth treasures we have here can at least increase by ten plants! Ya? Yaya? Emmie asked, unsure of how a saber could be traded into ten herbs of heaven and earth treasures. Maybe it could be more than ten! Yun Yang said with a nod and promised it in all earnestness, Its not impossible that we may gain twenty to even thirty plants! Ayaya? Emmie was still confused, but it was obvious that its interest was piqued now. The process was actually meaningless to Emmie as long as the outcome was there. Yun Yang would not lie to it with something as serious as their personal profit. Emmie had always been confident about this. You see, while these heaven and earth treasures that you cultivate have a bright future, theyre of little use now. All of them are too young, their efficacy limited. Yun Yang continued to fortify his persuasion. Its better to exchange them with a batch of fresh, high-quality goods. Besides, as long as you make that tiny bit of effort and produce a few amazing weapons, you can wait for the return of an endless supply of the heaven and earth treasures! Ayaya! Unsurprisingly, Emmie had been successfully coaxed by Yun Yang. Crack! A piece of the steel was refined at the very next instant. Crack! The same was done to another piece. Crack! Crack! Crack! The Whiteys and Jiji were chasing each other in the divine sense spaces gardens, occasionally circling Yun Yang and calling out to him. Although it was quite lonely and boring here without other creatures except for the few of them, the spiritual Qi was unprecedentedly rich. To the Whiteys and Jiji, the atmosphere, abundant with spiritual Qi, came first. Be it mystical beasts, spiritual beasts, or Yao beasts, capability was their eternal priority. Therefore, they greeted Yun Yang when he came to the deific consciousness space, but most of the time, they were intent upon cultivating and improving themselves. Seeing that Emmie was working diligently, Yun Yang shifted his attention to the Whiteys. The four Whiteys still looked the same, like balls of velvet, but Whitey Five had changed a lot. Not only was it much larger in size, but its speed was also distinctly slower than the other four Whiteys. The natural genetic superiority was plain to sight. Jiji was, as always, still exceptionally ugly. There were only a few feathers on its initially bald wings, barely covering itself, while its two thin legs were still barren. There were three strands of hair on its head and another lonely piece of quill on its buttocks. It was already repulsively ugly and the sole pinion on its buttocks kept swaying annoyingly Yun Yang rolled his eyes. What species was this fellow supposed to be? Even with the spiritual Qi that filled the deific consciousness space and the extended period of time, its hairless body could not even grow ten quills. Yun Yang really did not know what to say. Nevertheless, it could not be a crow Say, what are you? Yun Yang murmured stroking the three plumes on Jijis head, Could you actually be a pure-blooded phoenix? But, if you are you wouldnt be a baldy after so long, would you? Ji C ji C ji C ji! Jiji cried out excitedly and snuggled to Yun Yang, flapping its wings; its sharp beak pecked Yun Yang twice, making two small holes on his clothes. Yun Yangs lips twitched as he looked at his clothes. He was C he was wearing Ice Silk! The Ice Silk was a product of the Ten Thousand Year Ice Silkworm. It was of unique quality and exceptional resilience. Not only was it invincible to sabers and swords, but it could also absorb all kinds of attacking forces. A garment made of the Ice Silk could deflect incoming weapons in addition to being strongly resistant to physical attacks. How did the two holes come by then, with this birds sharp beak that pecked like it was eating a fruit? What was the beak made of? It was a good thing, however. A tiny beak that was not fully grown was already capable of such attacking ability. It had to be extraordinary. Yun Yang could only comfort himself with this form of guesswork. In spite of this, Yun Yang rejected his initial assumption regarding what this tiny creature was. What was its species? Yun Yang had the feeling that it was not as simple as it being a pure-blooded phoenix. There was still the Yao race in the Bound of Universe; he would figure out a way to ask about Jiji when he met them After assigning Emmie its task, Yun Yang exited the divine sense space without lingering. After all, there were still nineteen disciples outside, waiting to be trained. On the journey away from the Residence of Nine Supremes, Xiao Wuyi was remarkably enthusiastic. Unsuppressed passion and liberation filled his square face. For the usually calm and collected Chief of the General Commerce League who rarely showed his emotions, such an ardent display of feelings was truly a rare sight. The several men around him were not surprised. Xiao Wuyi had gained a strand of the Qi of Dao in this trip! This was a stroke of luck! With the support of the Qi of Dao, it was foreseeable that Xiao Wuyis cultivation progress after this would develop speedily. When he thoroughly grasped the enlightenment, his cultivation base would escalate to unimaginable heights. Lang Fantian looked indifferent, but his mind was preoccupied; not regarding Xiao Wuyi or the General Commerce League, it was his lingering on his own personal matters. Yun Yangs words echoed in his mind CVice Chief Lang, Ill try to get a portion of the energy for you too if theres a chance in the future. Both Song Changgong and Li Yixin moved swiftly, shoulder to shoulder. They looked impassive as well, but they were actually talking to each other with their psychic voices. Yixin, what do you think about the Residence of Nine Supremes? Extraordinary! Hmm have you noticed their disciples? Of course. Maybe you hardly had time for other things as you were conditioning my body during the time we stayed there, but I have discovered things that were of exceptional interest. Chief and the rest were not there for long, so they wouldnt have taken notice. I, however, see everything. Me too. Id love to get two heirs from the residence These children are like pure jade, hidden in the rocks C pure, flawless jade. The Residence of Nine Supremes is slowly peeling the rocky layers away I really dont know how the Residence of Nine Supremes filter those so-called geniuses from the crowd and keep these buried treasures away The Residence of Nine Supremes isnt as simple as it looks, Song Changgong said faintly, I suspect that they have the unique Art of Tempering Bones and Extracting Meridians I beg your pardon? Have you felt a vague sense of oppression around us during this period of time? And, every time you try to find it, you find nothing? 1004 The Two Young Children Frowning as he thought it over, Li Yixi replied, "Oh? I didn''t sense this. Did you find out the source?" Song Changgong chuckled bitterly. "Perhaps I wouldn''t be too astonished if I had some findings. I''ve performed searches in a meditative state many times before, but I found nothing. Do you know what this means?" Li Yixin was slightly taken aback, and he answered in a baffled tone, "I''ve just recovered today, my senses were lacking before, so it''s not a surprise that I didn''t realize it. However, if you did sense it, does it not mean that there''s a pinnacle master guarding the Residence of Nine Supremes?" Nodding, Song Changgong replied, "Not only that, the master must be someone several realms more superior than both of us" "That would be better. We brothers are indebted to the General Commerce League and the Residence of Nine Supremes now. We must do our best if the league faces a challenge in the future, and at the same time, we must also serve with our all if the Residence of Nine Supremes faces any form of hardship. With a top expert like this guarding the residence, we''ll have the chance to repay the sect, since it can definitely progress further," said Li Yixin in relief. Song Changgong chirped, "I think the same." "Let''s go. I hope that the Chief can retain his initial heart despite gaining the Qi of Dao this time. Otherwise, we''re still powerless against the troupe of heroes in this world, even though we''ve recovered." "It doesn''t matter. Every day beyond this is a blessing we pick up. It doesn''t really matter if we lose it." "Haha..." "Hahaha" Both men made dozens of miles as they conversed. Song Changgong suddenly spoke up, "I think, once the Residence of Nine Supremes grows it''s actually possible for it to turn the Bound of Universe over I have a gut feeling about this." "Be it as it may, remember to kill this intuition in your throat. Don''t even announce it." Li Yixin smiled faintly. "Let''s go." "Right, there''s a question I''ve been holding back from asking for days. Now that we''re young again, possessed of energy and the vigor, have you ever thought of once again" "Once again what? Once again watch them age and die? Watch them leave then watch the barren house for thousands of years to come?" Song Changgong heaved a long sigh. Then, neither of them spoke as they made their way, side by side. As Yun Yang''s divine senses scanned the field before the hall, he was immediately made known of the nineteen children''s cultivation state. He taught them individually according to their level before making his rounds at the nine peaks. Now that the business with the General Commerce League was temporarily accomplished and there was still a short duration before the Celestial Luck Banner contest, Yun Yang roamed around to relax between cultivating and resting before waiting for the night drill, other than training his disciples. The location of Yun Yang, Shi Wuchen and others'' special training were different from where their protgs trained. It was a place the children could not come near. After making his rounds and checking out one peak after another, Yun Yang was delighted to find out that there were always a few outstanding children in each mountain who could endure the hardships, who were intelligent and eager to learn, whose characters were virtuous and principled, who were absolutely resilient. The discovery comforted Yun Yang, knowing that it was only a matter of time before the rise of the Residence of Nine Supremes with the presence of these budding seeds. As he came to the last mountain Yun Yang saw two disciples who were rather different compared to the rest. They were a thirteen to fourteen years old young man and an eleven or twelve years old girl. The boy was decked entirely in white, a sense of toughness in his features; despite not being very tall, his stature was evident that he would grow well in the future. The girl seemed to be more vulnerable, carrying with her a stronger sense of childlikeness. From their appearance, these two children did not seem any different from the other disciples. In spite of this, Yun Yang astutely noticed that these two children stayed with each other all the time. When they practiced, they were the utmost concentrated and diligent. Each time they practiced the set of stance, hand, saber and sword techniques, Yun Yang could see that their foreheads would crease in consideration after each execution before they repeated the techniques once or twice until they perfected the action. This was yet the end. Upon further ensuring that their movements were correct and precise, they would ponder, discussing while practicing. "Here, the tip of the left foot faces outward, the heel leaves the ground. The tip of the right foot touches the ground while the body turns towards the left making a left punch. The right elbow goes down and the right palm stays inside facing downwards, exerting strength when the waist is half tilted. But what is it for moving the elbow here? The enemy will be on the left but what if there''s an accident? Are the right arm and right elbow prepared for another enemy?" "Here, thrust the sword forward and the body falls front with the center of gravity in front as well. If there were an enemy from the side this sword execution is probably based on speed and aura, going straight for the kill If there were an enemy from the back or side the one at the back can be ignored while the side can be stopped with a block Is there anything else? If this were an actual battle this sword execution is best aimed at one''s throat." "" Like the above, the two young children, a boy, and a girl kept mumbling to themselves in utter seriousness. "Senior Brother Bai, look at this style it should be" "No, Junior Sister Ling. I think it should be" "Let''s try it out?" "Okay." "It should be this way indeed It''s more streamlined this way" "About half of the energy can be saved?" "Senior Brother Bai, look at this sword execution of mine" "Well, try it again with your elbow going an inch lower." "Mm" Both of them were focused, immersed in the cultivation land built around only the two of them. Yun Yang watched the two kids cultivate and practice; they were wrong sometimes, occasionally getting it right, but he said nothing. He only observed quietly while recalling the time when he had just gotten into martial arts himself He had been as serious as they were now. Each form, each style, each step, he thought about it earnestly and asked himself countless times "Why? Is there any reason?". He considered questions like this ceaselessly when he broke down the techniques and practiced them. He mused again when he connected all the parts and executed them in one go. Whether he was eating or sleeping, he was thinking almost all the time. Watching the two young children, it was as if Yun Yang had seen himself in the past. It was not that the disciples in other peaks did not do the same but most of them cultivated on their own. Even when there were occasional interactions, they were short-lived. The students separated quickly. It was only this pair that had stayed together all this time. While there were mockery and taunts from the other disciples, some who wanted to talk to the girl, the young girl was blind to them all. She was only after her Senior Brother Bai, like a follower who trailed after each step. On her innocent little face, admiration and fondness were written all across it, while she looked completely distant to others. 1005 The First Disciple Contes It was under such circumstances that the young man, Bai, naturally became the target of some disciples. Conflicts arose easily with merely a few pointed words and there was even a darker-skinned child, bigger in size, who had developed an interest in challenging him. Yun Yang was still watching, not doing any more than that. He stopped Kong Luoyue, who had wanted to intervene, as well. "Everyone has their own fortuity. In wanting to rise above everyone, you must first rise above yourself!" Kong Luoyue nodded and said with a grin, "You want to watch how these two children grow?" "Mm. Bai is capable, an Earth Mystic, but the girl has nothing, barely at a level that can be given consideration Still, these two young ones are not bad in their talents and their comprehensive abilities. How far they can go in the future depends more on the Bai child." "Hmm?" Kong Luoyue could not understand Yun Yang''s judgment. "The girl follows Bai. She looks pretty, already alluring despite her young age. When she grows up, she''ll definitely be a beauty, capable of wrecking the country and bringing ruin to the people. Bai''s cultivation base is higher - he can guide her. If they walk a smooth path and stay unscathed, they would probably grow into a charming pair, a match made in heaven. However, if Bai encounters a calamity, the girl will mostly suffer a change of character and become an ordinary person." "These two children are the type of people who will complete the path they chose. They may look soft, but Bai is determined and Ling is assertive." "They have commendable natures." Yun Yang said faintly, "Begin distributing resources and assigning levels to all disciples three days from now. Assign cultivation locations according to their levels. Understand?" "Yes, big brother. I''ve made the relevant preparations." Looking at the ten pupils below them, Yun Yang continued to say, "It''s a small martial world among these ten disciples. We''re in the martial world, everywhere around us lies the martial world. This area, it''s a martial world; the Residence of Nine Supremes, it''s also a martial world; each mountain, it''s still a martial world; among these children, it''s a martial world as well." A tremor ran through Kong Luoyue as he suddenly looked like he had gained some form of terrible insight. "Boss, you mean to say?" "As an educator, we watch over our martial world, but we cannot intervene in this martial world which is under our care too much." Yun Yang smiled and left. The entire Residence of Nine Supremes maintained a similar operating mode in the three days that followed. The higher-level management focused on teaching their protgs and continued with their personal special training. The disciples cultivated wholeheartedly day and night, exhausting themselves with their diligence. The more junior disciples cultivated and practiced arduously as well, but with a limit that they could bear. In spite of this, the higher-level management was drilled by their respected Chief Instructor, Dong Qitian, so much so that they felt like dying. In addition, they had to feign energized fronts each morning and appear before their students with a masterly aura to either just be present or to teach them. Regardless, they were unwilling to show their weak sides in front of their disciples, thus they suffered more than was necessary. The nine of them C hmm, no, the eight of them, except Yun Yang - all eight of them felt drained, both physically and mentally. This caused them to begin envying Ping Xiaoyi and Guo Nuanyang who were without a Supreme title. The pair had no students to train nor tasks to be completed at the current stage. They could either recuperate personally or leave to drink and chat, perhaps play a game of chess, after the special training F*ck this! It was too much! The eight of them had fought so hard to be a Supreme only for it to be a life of toil? Even their esteemed state before their pupils was only a pretense they pushed themselves to put up; it felt suicidal! They felt like the walking dead even as they kept up their pretense. Due to such gloomy thoughts, the gazes of these eight people towards Ping Xiaoyi and Guo Nuanyang were as if they were glaring at an irreconcilable enemy. Who would have thought that both Ping Xiaoyi and Guo Nuanyang felt utterly maligned as well? ''Excuse me! All of you are Supremes, of course, you have to work harder. Isn''t that to be expected?'' ''We''re free now, but that''s because we didn''t get a higher position. How could you be having all the perks?'' ''You gain some, you lose some. You have to lose something to receive something else. This is an infallible truth!'' ''Each one of you is glaring at us and complaining so loudly C take a look at Boss Yun. He''s working as much as you fellows, he''s drilled as much as you all, but he''s reinvigorated and zestful every day!'' ''Comparison is the source of all misery!'' ''Why are you looking at us like this? Do you want to fight?'' ''Come on C we''re not afraid of you!'' ''All of you must think it through. Who is in a better condition now? Who''ll be the one at a loss when we fight? You can''t blame others when you send yourselves for a good beating!'' Fortunately, Shi Wuchen and others were not complete fools. Both sides separated after a while of being at each other''s throats. Yun Yang felt drained as well, looking at the ten fellows. He had initially wondered whether the ten of them would work together and throw him off his leadership, but it seemed like he need not even be worrying about this now. They were ten lone rangers! Even Lan Ruojun and Ren Qingkuang who were always together would trick each other without hesitation once they had the chance. They were the epitome of bad best friends! As long as they could make the other suffer, all of them were happy, clapping seals; no one cared about their dignity. Like the internal disciple contest this time around, the eight Supremes were ambitious and aggressive. "We''re the Second Peak C even if we can''t get first, we mustn''t drop to third! If we lose to your Senior Uncle Luo heh heh" "We''re the Third Peak C even if we can''t become first, we fight for the second! If" "We''re the Fourth Peak but if we want to compete, we compete for the first!" "We''re the Ninth Peak but we will fight for the first since we''re already fighting!" Yun Yang sat in the main control room, listening to the orders made and tasks assigned through gritted teeth by these men. When he heard the first one, he thought that the fighting spirit was praiseworthy; when he heard the second one, he thought that it was reasonable; the third one sounded like a coincidence but when all eight said the same thing, Yun Yang was left with a tired heart. ''No wonder outsiders aren''t afraid of you fellows uniting, despite knowing that you share the same vengeance when the Demiurge-Flawed Ten has been famous for so long You fellows are a complete mess, in a state of discord!'' ''If people say that someone is hopeless, these people are worse than hopeless. If it weren''t for this chance encounter, how could the Demiurge-Flawed Ten unite? If I, the Lead Supreme, didn''t dominate them, the Residence of Nine Supremes would probably be a wreck from their stubborn fights.'' ''The contest this time if the disciples from the Central Peak, the students of the leader, were to lose too badly that won''t do either.'' Before the Central Peak of the Residence of Nine Supremes, the numbers five months and eight days to the Celestial Luck Banner contest were arranged strikingly. Yun Yang sighed continuously, feeling depleted. Among all the protgs, the young boy who had the highest cultivation base now was a Heaven Mystic pinnacle. There were four disciples ranging from beginner to pinnacle level of Heaven Mystic cultivation base, seven in the Earth Mystic cultivation base, eleven from the Jade Mystic cultivation base, and seventy-seven more in ninth Mystique cultivation base. Moreover, this was the outcome after Yun Yang had pushed their elevation. 1006 Some Toughening? It had been ten days now since the forced enhancement. During the ten days, all disciples practiced at an insane pace to familiarize and secure their current state, but it was unfortunate that the honing period was too short and there was more than ninety percent of pupils who had yet to adapt completely. There were even about a dozen of them who did not thoroughly grasp the taught sets of cultivation methods, sword, saber or stance techniques. Personal hard work was irrelevant. More of it depended on individual talent and sensibilities, features that were completely innate. Even with external assistance, it would need substantial time, and time was what the Residence of Nine Supremes was lacking right now. Time, oh, time! Consequentially, Yun Yang could only sigh helplessly, feeling more exhausted as each day passed. He could rob everything, but he could not rob time. The higher-level management''s cultivation base was sufficient for the Residence of Nine Supremes'' current state, but the Celestial Luck Banner contest was not something to be accomplished solely by them C at least, it was inadequate to fulfill Yun Yang''s planning! The pupils'' cultivation base was heaven and earth''s difference from being passable to being battle-ready, but they were only left with five months and eight days. The opponents they faced were at least of Supreme level, maybe Honor level two or three too C how could they fight without losing? In addition, it would be a miracle if there were no casualties. Not only was this a challenge, but it was also one without a solution! Five months and eight days! It was not five years or fifty years Watching the protgs that entered, Shi Wuchen and Luo Dajiang''s frowns were locked deep on their foreheads. They exchanged a look after a very long time and Shi Wuchen went to Yun Yang. "Boss, I''m afraid this can''t do. I''ve given it a long consideration. Let''s ask the brothers to take the children out for some toughening after this match," Shi Wuchen said very softly, in a low tone. Yun Yang''s head turned abruptly and his gaze fell on the man like a strike of lightning. "Shi Wuchen, what are you about?" "It''s good to complete some tasks. Not difficult ones, just for some toughening" Yun Yang stared straight at him and replied in an equally low tone, "Shi Wuchen, these are your disciples, our pupils, members the Residence of Nine Supremes has just recruited." "Didn''t I say that we won''t assign them to difficult tasks? And we''ll be watching over them discreetly. It''ll be fine. Besides they will never know what the martial world signifies without some experience outside Even if there was to be an accident, it''s better for it to happen now than in the future," answered Shi Wuchen, after an uncomfortable cough. Yun Yang was silent for a moment. Rationally, he knew that Shi Wuchen''s approach was correct. It was the right thing to do and the best option to go for these children. However, his sentimental side told him that doing so was incredibly cruel. The toughening would be enough to destroy the values these kids originally had. Moreover, there would definitely be fallen members once they headed out; it was certain that there would be casualties! How could the purpose of injecting the sense of awareness into everyone be achieved without any deaths? Even if their assignments were carried out smoothly, there would still be casualties. Only one''s own blood or the blood of people around them would truly alert a martial artist and etch the lesson onto their hearts permanently! The corpses of the enemy would not make such a deep impression. At least, to these children who had just embarked on their martial journey, it would hardly leave an impact "Okay!" Yun Yang finally agreed, but the disapproval on his face grew deeper. Shi Wuchen''s face was bleak as well. "This can''t be helped. It''s the only thing we can do now." Yun Yang breathed in and replied, "I understand. There''ll be another bloodbath before the Celestial Luck Banner contest for sure C that''s the battle among rogue sects that have defeated ten other schools and acquired the challenge qualification. That''ll also be a life and death battle, one that we, the Residence of Nine Supremes, must face." "By then, I''m afraid we can''t avoid massive casualties." "Instead of leaving the issue of facing life and death in the face till then, I''d rather face it earlier!" "If they can''t realize the reality sooner, it won''t just be ordinary disciples who die then - it''ll be our elite pupils." "You''re right, boss," said Shi Wuchen. Yun Yang continued. "However, we must state everything clearly to each and every disciple before taking them out. We can''t just lead them to their slaughter. Each one of them has encountered more than a normal child should. It''s better if they could realize some things on their own!" "Naturally." Nodding heavily, Yun Yang sighed. He had just hauled them away from death and he was about to send a part of them back. Why did it hurt so much to realize this fact? The first Residence of Nine Supremes match was also the first full assembly after the disciple selection. The sect match was a battle, a competition. Gazing at their brothers and sisters, the pupils from nine mountains showed fervent fighting spirit in their eyes. The path of martial arts prioritized the best; the strongest one would call the shots. Everyone knew that the underlying aim of this sect match was to determine the top ten disciples of the school. Perhaps, it could be understood that this match would decide their fate in the Residence of Nine Supremes for the years to come. This was the intersection of the future of their cultivation journey! In addition, the meet would be pivotal to the ranking of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' nine peaks since disciples of the same level in all nine mountains would fight after the top ten protgs were selected. The duration of the match was a full day. Swiftly, each peak had determined its top three pupils. After taking a look at Yun Yang''s disciples, the eight other Supremes, as well as Ping Xiaoyi and Guo Nuanyang who were both observers and judges subconsciously, shut their mouths tight to prevent themselves from barking out in laughter. The top three from other mountains were at least adolescents, but the top three from Yun Yang''s peak... cough, the oldest was nine years old, a small girl; the second was eight and a half years old, still a girl; the third was eight and a half years old, a small boy, the only boy. The highest level of cultivation base among the top three disciples in other peaks had reached Heaven Mystic while the poorer ones were of Earth Mystic level. The differences were not so apparent. The highest cultivation base level achieved by the disciples of Yun Yang, the Lead Supreme, however, was only Jade Mystic C a fresh breakthrough, as well. Despite Yun Yang''s calm front, he was filled with utter helplessness and plagued by a massive headache. ''F*ck this is gonna be embarrassing.'' Yun Yang was aware that he, as the leader, as the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Central Peak, would be held in this embarrassing predicament for some time to come. Taking in Yun Yang''s murderous glare, Qian Duoduo hid behind Shi Bujia, sweating profusely. He slowly made his way backward, turning to escape once he finally reached the door. Little Fatty was certain that his leader was utterly capable of beating him up, the majordomo, up in front of the sect''s disciples as long as he, also the culprit, dared to enter. The protgs had begun their battle in the field. Yun Yang watched with a frigid expression; the nonchalance he feigned was long gone. Given how upset the sect leader looked, all the disciples were silently frightened as well. 1007 Yun Yang’s Leading Protégé There was no miracle, just like how the heavens would not always bless the same soul. The protgs of Yun Yang, the leader of the Residence of Nine Supremes, did not even qualify to compete in the race to be the top ten disciples. This fact gladdened the hearts of Shi Wuchen and others. They were gratified and thrilled C it was not an easy feat for them to finally outdo Yun Yang! "Sigh, my top disciple, Yu Chenghang, got second place. I thought that squeezing himself into the top three was already the best he could do!" Luo Dajiang spoke humbly, but the elation on his face had long betrayed him. "Hmm, it''s such a surprise that my top student, Sun Mingxiu, seized the first place in the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciple match. I thought that boss'' protgs would definitely dominate the top three placings C he''s relented too much" Shi Wuchen added, looking smug. "Second Shi, shut up. Don''t you know that it''s the critical match between third and fourth rank right now? Eh? This little fellow isn''t too bad C whose student is he?" "Ninth''s, Kong Luoyue''s disciple. The little fellow''s sensibility is excellent. What''s his name again? Bai Yexing? How on earth had that name been given to him? Bai Yexing, isn''t that cruising the night in luxurious garments?" "He''s called Bai Yexing but it''s entirely different from cruising the night in luxurious garments, alright? That child battling him is Tie Qingcang''s disciple, Huang Tie. He left quite an impression on me. This child''s actual capability is supposedly higher than Bai Yexing, but he lacks flexibility and spontaneity. He doesn''t fight as ingeniously as Bai Yexing does I''m afraid he''ll lose" "Why doesn''t Boss look too good here?" "How can that be? So many of our disciples are improving by leaps and bounds. It''s plain to see. Boss should only feel overjoyed." "Do you think that he''s jealous? And angry?" "I don''t think so. Even if he doesn''t look happy, I''m sure he feels it in his heart. He''s delighted" "Really? Is that possible?" "Why don''t you ask him if he''s inwardly gleeful?" "F*ck off! Why aren''t you asking him yourself?" "Hahaha" Looking at the serious-looking chums who were actually laughing at him with their psychic voices, Yun Yang''s exasperation intensified. He had never felt this level of frustration he was currently experiencing. ''Hmph! Am I the type of person who cares about the ranking of my disciples?'' ''Fine, I am!'' ''Still, I can''t turn the tables now, so I''ll let you fellows enjoy it a bit more'' ''Our accounts will be settled one day!'' Speaking of Bai Yexing, the young boy was very clever. There were truly not many at his age and cultivation base who could apply what they learned so easily in battles, yet he had successfully done so in addition to setting himself quite far apart from the rest When the results of the matches were revealed, Shi Wuchen and Ren Qingkuang''s disciples had respectively taken two placings each while the other six peaks held a ranking each. The outcome had simultaneously shown that none from the Central Peak had claimed a spot from the top ten disciples. They had scored a clean zero. Eight men were grinning ear to ear while Yun Yang''s expression was ominous. The contest for the sect''s top ten disciples came to an end, but the match was yet to complete, as there were still battles of the same level. As the top ten disciples were the best among the Earth Mystic and Heaven Mystic levels, bagging their victories in the previous match, it was unnecessary for them to fight again. The ranking was determined directly without any objection. Subsequently, the spotlight of the equivalent level battle fell on the disciples whose cultivation base was only at Jade Mystic. There were plenty of them across the mountains, whether they were just Jade Mystic beginners or Jade Mystic pinnacles. Here, Yun Yang had a protg who could participate as well. It was the small girl with the highest cultivation base among Yun Yang''s pupils. In a timely manner, a strong-willed childlike voice rang out crisply, "Yun Xiuxin of the Central Peak is ready!" Yun Xiuxin, who was nine years old, a little girl, was Yun Yang''s leading protg The little girl had been observing her master''s grim expression. The first disciple contest of the Residence of Nine Supremes, but there was no one from the Central Peak who was in the top ten disciples Anyone would be enraged. It was not that the girl did not want to do her part; she was smart. She knew that her cultivation base disallowed her from competing against her peers of Earth Mystic pinnacle and above, so she had held herself back all the way until the equal level battle! Stepping out from the crowd, the little girl was young, but she was already exuding a piercing aura. "I''ll be the top in Jade Mystic for master!" The young girl was aggressive and relentless. Not only did the Supremes feel that the petite girl was not exactly out of place, but their gazes also brightened. Shi Wuchen murmured to himself, "This young girl is quite interesting." The battle began. It must be mentioned that the duels among the Jade Mystic cultivators were worth more anticipation than the fights among the Earth and Heaven Mystic cultivators. At the very least, the result was not revealed as fast. Yun Xiuxin''s first opponent was a boy who was around ten years old. Once they put up a fight against each other, the girl had absolute dominance. The tiny person had her lips pressed tightly together while her delicate face was serious, an icy sense of lonesomeness flowing from her expression. The sword in her grip glimmered coldly as it waved about systematically, enveloping the boy in layers of sword light within three techniques. Despite being at the losing end, the boy was reluctant to admit defeat as he fought back with all he could. It was, however, apparent to everyone that his chance was lost. His fierce counter was only futile, if not escalating his losses. As expected, the boy let out a low grunt as his shoulder bled and his sword flew out of his hand after two additional exchanges. "Good match." The girl withdrew her attack immediately upon scoring. It was beyond doubt that Yun Xiuxin had won her first battle! There was a total of eleven people across the nine mountains whose cultivation base had come to the Jade Mystic level. Five people advanced as five more lost while another person received a walkover; luck was always a part of one''s ability, thus no one could complain about it. Yun Xiuxin''s next opponent was an eleven-year-old girl whose cultivation base was a notch higher than hers. In spite of it, the latter was more inferior in the ring, contributing to Yun Xiuxin''s second win after the combat round. There would only be two people who could maintain a winning strike after two bouts. In other words, Yun Xiuxin would be the best of Jade Mystic level with just another victory. "Boss, your young girl is rather tough isn''t she?" said Shi Wuchen, looking somewhat grim, "However, such a disciple stands out too much. It''s easy to fall when one reaches an extreme end. Besides, a personality like this isn''t great. I''m afraid she''ll only add to your fury. She looks like a delicate little girl, but she''s a tough cookie for sure. Why don''t you move her to be under me? I don''t mind going the extra mile for you as a brother." Yun Yang chuckled, answering incredibly gently, "F*ck off!" Shi Wuchen looked abashed. Grudgingly, he thought to himself, ''With her determined character, she should be my disciple'' Another person who maintained the winning strike was also a girl. Glancing at her, Yun Yang realized that she was Junior Sister Ling, the junior to Bai Yexing, Ling Xiaorou. 1008 The Legendary Belles The two young maidens'' fight for the number one posting was absolutely thrilling, a spectacle for Yun Yang and the other Supremes to watch. Both girls were dainty and delicate. If one were a glistening pearl, another would be an emerald jade. One would be utterly fond of them with a single glance. Ling Xiaorou was a year or two older than Yun Xiuxin, and was thus an inch and a half taller than the latter. Yun Xiuxiu was cold and aloof, but Ling Xiaorou, too, was frosty with a sharp and unruffled gaze. When the battle began, the girls'' usual gentleness was gone; each of their styles was fierce, and each form was fatal. An injury for an injury, a life for a life; it was exceptionally vicious. Blood was shed from both girls in just five exchanges as one was more savage than the other, while one was more cut-throat than another. They were unrelenting, embodying the prime example of being merciless. The higher-level management of the Residence of Nine Supremes held their breaths watching the young maidens. The saying that women''s ultimate priority was their beauty did not exist between these two young girls. Many of their attacks were directed at each other''s faces. "Can''t judge a book by its cover I thought that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but why are girls the same as well?" Luo Dajiang, who prided himself as a ruthless person, hissed as well when he saw the scene, feeling baffled. They were utterly crazy! The sword light flickered in the ring with its icy radiance. Both girls were equal rivals, so evenly matched that it seemed like there was no issue for the bout to go on for another hour. Besides, Yun Yang and the other Supremes could already imagine that the winner, in the end, would probably be the first girl who stood up first, after plopping onto the ground from being too exhausted Two rays of light shone in unison at this point of time as both maidens picked themselves up and charged towards each other with a soft cry, wielding their swords. Both of them were clever, knowing that their actual abilities and ambition were on par and it would not be easy to determine the winner, thus they resorted to using the riskiest approach. ''You want to make your master proud, so do I C it''s not only you fellows who want the glory - I do too!'' Looking at their demeanor, both little girls did not seem to care for their lives as their actions were resolute, not looking back once they had decided and not minding death in the slightest. In spite of it, their cultivation base was similar, their actual combat force was identical, and their ability to deal damage were comparable as well. It was sufficient to kill someone, but their self-defense mechanisms obviously could not keep up. "Both of them will probably kill themselves during the collision" Tie Qingcang had already stood up. "No." Luo Dajiang had been observing every movement in the ring, watching the scene seriously and meticulously. He spoke slowly, "Ling Xiaorou is already expended long ago, she''s staggering, merely pushing herself on now. Yun Xiuxin is tired as well, but at least she''s not swaying The result is clear. Obviously, both will be sacrificed in this attack. Yun Xiuxin is slightly better, but she won''t be able to escape this thrust of the sword." "Both attacks are aimed towards the heart. These girls are really brutal!" On the other side, Kong Luoyue had already risen and shouted for a halt. "Surrender!" He flew out like a strike of lightning. Simultaneously, Yun Yang, Shi Wuchen, Ren Qingkuang, and others had stood up as well, but sat themselves down again upon seeing that Kong Luoyue had gone to the rescue. When they finally had potential talents like these, they could not be destroyed in a mere intra-sect match! With a soft brush, the young girls were separated. They landed on the floor, staggering a few steps, before falling on the ground. What was different was that Yun Xiuxin sprung up once she landed, like she had springs attached to her lower bottom, her sword drawing circles before she held it behind her in a clean manner. Contrary to Yun Xiuxin, Ling Xiaorou picked herself up quickly but was unable to stand up right away. It was only by leveraging on her sword that was held perpendicular to the ground that she managed to push herself up. She knew that she had lost, her lips pursed to hold herself back from wailing. Her eyes were rimmed red, tears pitter-pattering as they dropped. Under Kong Luoyue''s gentle comforting, she wiped her eyes and spoke, "Senior Sister Yun, I''ll beat you the next time!" "I won''t lose!" Yun Xiuxin replied, panting harshly. She took in another gulp of air and announced loudly, "Across the same level, I won''t lose!" Everyone was baffled. How did she have the confidence to say that she would be unrivaled in the same level? Did she not know that the handful of children at the bottom of Earth Mystic had just progressed into the level before the contest? Any one of them could easily beat the girl who had just reached the Jade Mystic realm. Yun Xiuxin walked to the podium shakily and came to the front of Yun Yang with a bow. "This disciple didn''t fail her task! I didn''t let master down." Yun Yang looked warm as he answered with a smile, "Not bad, not bad at all! Xiuxin, it was worth my effort to give you this name." The girl was an orphan before she came to the Residence of Nine Supremes, only knowing that she was called Xiu''er without any first or last name. Empathizing, Yun Yang gave her the name Yun Xiuxin; it was normal for a disciple to take after the master''s family name anyway. He had not expected the girl to risk her life today. The match for the nine class disciples that followed saw two protgs from Yun Yang entering the top three places, seizing the first and the third, while the second spot was grabbed by Luo Dajiang''s pupil. "The children are beginning to grow up." Lan Ruojun looked comforted after the meet. It was worthy to note that all the disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes had gained some form of growth from this match. They had gotten an opportunity to train their characters and state of mind. Many pupils who were rather lost before the match seemed to have been wakened up by a bell as they gained clarity after the bouts. When the children left, they left with wonder on their faces. It was plain to see that this tournament had deeply affected each disciple, be it physically or mentally. Ling Xiaorou wiped her tears beside Bai Yexing. "Senior Brother Bai, I''ve lost" "It''s okay. You can win the next time." "But I''m sad" "I''ll practice with you tonight. Earlier, I saw a technique of yours that could be improved upon" "Okay" Yun Yang could not help chortling, listening to the two children whisper to each other as they left. Looking at Yun Xiuxin beside him who still wore a gritty expression as the fierceness had yet to leave her mannerism, Yun Yang judged the situation subconsciously. As a woman, Yun Xiuxin was weaker than Ling Xiaorou in terms of intention, strategy, or utilizing her innate specialty; As a martial artist, however, she was a notch higher than the latter. Ling Xiaorou knew how to bend and yield, but Yun Xiuxin was the uncompromising type of girl. If these two girls could rise to the Honor level, they could be named The Legendary Belles. Yun Yang was already considering the moniker for when his disciples would roam the martial world Yun Yang began yet another assignment instantly. Shi Wuchen kept giving him looks, unable to hold himself calmly. "Qian Duoduo!" "Here!" "Retrieve ten sets of information on the human traffickers." "Ten sets?" "Yes." "Ten of you are to lead a team each for a mission. You can accept the rewards regarding these human traffickers. Your mission is to exterminate ten human trafficking organizations." "Each team consists of ten people?" "Oh Ping Xiaoyi, you lead nine people. There''s no problem there now, yes?" Yun Yang commanded from his seat, not at all embarrassed that he needed a discreet reminder on the headcount. "The duration is three days. All of you must return on the third day whether you complete your mission or not!" "Understood." "According to your level of completion, this will be the second time the nine peaks are ranked." "This is the Residence of Nine Supremes'' first conquest. Don''t you all dare to shame me!" "Understood!" 1009 To Kill Or To Be Killed? Ten teams, like ten pointy arrows, shot away in ten different directions, heading towards their targets in the dead of the night. Yun Yang stood before the mountain gate of the Residence of Nine Supremes gazing into the gloomy night with an upturned chin. Without a word, he turned to return to the sect. Dong Qitian had been beside him all this while and was currently walking with his arms rested behind his back. After a while, he finally spoke up, "You have ninety-nine disciples, why didn''t you divide them into eleven teams and lead one team yourself? Wouldn''t it have been more credible if you were to lead by example?" "I''m the leader of the sect," Yun Yang replied nonchalantly as if that explained everything. Dong Qitian chuckled and commented no further. "Qian Duoduo!" "Coming, coming!" "Your main task now is to guard the sect; other than that, you have to further investigate and determine the human trafficking organizations'' background and actual strength, minus the ten organizations that are the targets this time around. You have a month left to do this; this issue must be resolved as soon as possible." "Understood." "How many organization''s information do you have upon you now?" "One hundred and thirty-seven!" "One hundred and thirty-seven organizations?" Yun Yang sucked in a deep, cold breath. "One hundred and thirty-seven human trafficking organizations You''ve managed to collect so much information within such a short period of time! I wonder how many people in the Bound of Universe were separated from their families due to these hundred and thirty-seven bodies" "Get going with your work. Be meticulous." "Very well." Qian Duoduo was livid regarding human trafficking organizations as well. In the past, he was used to being trade-oriented and was indifferent towards human trafficking. As he dealt with these people more frequently, however, Little Fatty developed a constant wish to uproot organizations like these after seeing their repulsive actions and inhumane tactics. His rage and abhorrence could only be sated through the torture and execution of each member within such organizations! These people were conscienceless animals! Therefore, while Qian Duoduo worked hard to seek talents to add to the sect''s disciples, the search for human trafficking organizations was also his priority. He vowed to hunt down all these monstrosities and wipe them out completely. He would neither miss one out nor leave one alive C they were to be killed brutally! Now that the sect had begun to terminate them, Little Fatty felt a sense of genuine elation. "You''re heading out?" Dong Qitian looked at Yun Yang, realization suddenly dawning upon him. "Senior, you have sharp eyes. I coincidentally have something of my own to do during this period of time, when Shi Wuchen and others are not in." Dong Qitian grinned with comprehension in his eyes, saying, "Yun Yang, some sacrifices are actually necessary. One who is tender-hearted is destined to be incapable of achieving greater things." "I''m only going out for some personal matters. Do you have to raise everything to a higher plane of principle?" Yun Yang retorted with a long face. Dong Qitian went on talking, ignoring Yun Yang''s rhetorical reply, "Still, have you thought about how you''ll cope with the aftermath as you get involved this time? Perhaps I should ask Where do you plan to arrange these fated ones at?" Yun Yang halted and stared at Dong Qitian for a long time. What fated ones, what arrangement, nice ones? There was a lot to be read between the lines! After some time, Yun Yang replied dryly, "Elder Dong, are you certain that I''m going to do these things?" "A hint is more than enough. Ninety-nine disciples and ten teams, but you aren''t the one leading them. That paints a clear picture. How can I not guess it? After all, the dignity of a leader is nothing to you, next to the joy of fighting shoulder to shoulder with your brothers C it''s not you to assume such pomposity," answered Dong Qitian with a smile. Yun Yang chuckled bitterly. It was not easy for him to keep any secret in front of this sly fox of an experienced martial artist. He had only unintentionally disclosed a hint of his thoughts, but this old monster had read it all. Could it be that his acting skills had deteriorated?! Dong Qitian started to speak again. "I''m not the least bit surprised by your intentions, but what I''m curious, instead, about whether you be able to take care of everything when it''s only you alone." "I beg your pardon?" "Actually, it''s not my concern whether you''ll be able to handle everything. My concern is if, this could be your second task to me," Dong Qitian spoke the truth after a smile. Yun Yang contemplated his suggestion. With an improved mood, he answered, "Elder Dong, do you intend to seek a few heirs for this sect?" Dong Qitian soured immediately. "The cultivation base of your sect''s disciples are too shallow and they''re only averagely gifted. Are there any who''s worth my effort?" "Alright then. We''ll go as Elder Dong''s wish. You go east and I go west, is that alright?" Yun Yang laughed and asked. "So you admit it now?" Dong Qitian scoffed. "Old geezer!" Yun Yang was riled up from his embarrassment. "Just tell me if you''re going!" A bark of laughter escaped Dong Qitian; the man felt a sense of happiness from the bottom of his heart. "Everything must be done discreetly. We mustn''t be found out by the other disciples." "Of course, I know this better than you do." Dong Qitian said after a moment of silence, "I plan to head home once during this trip away from the mountain." There was a beat of silence from Yun Yang as well before he replied, "I understand. Then, please go and return together with the children you''ve rescued upon completing this matter, Elder Dong." "I''m not as weak as you think," Dong Qitian said, glancing at Yun Yang. "You think too much, Elder Dong. I''m only asking you to take good care of my pupils," Yun Yang answered airily. It was Dong Qitian who chuckled dryly, instead, and who left without another word. Moving eastward, Dong Qitian came to a rural area promptly where all he saw was desolation, but he could feel a sense of warmth engulfing his heart. ''This child is really thoughtful'' Guo Nuanyang and the team had arrived at their destination, the outskirts of the Stellar River City. The ten children whom he had brought along included Yun Yang''s top protg Yun Xiuxin, second protg Cheng Jiajia, and third protg Hu Xiaofan All ten of them were Yun Yang''s pupils; they were the purported leader''s team. At the other end of the nightfall was a big house. "According to the intelligence, there''s a total of forty-five people inside this mansion, men and women included. There are thirty-two rooms on the outside, but there are many secret passages and chambers underground. The children who were caught are basically located inside these secret chambers and are constantly watched." "Their combat force generally includes ten Heaven Mystic martial artists, five Supreme leveled experts, and an Honor leveled expert. The level of everyone else won''t be lower than the Earth Mystic, but they''re incredibly scattered, so there''ll be substantial room for attacks." Even though Guo Nuanyang had spoken casually like he did not regard their target too highly, even pointing out their standard and defensive loophole, his heart pumped wilder the more he spoke. F*ck this sh*t Was he really here to kill the human traffickers with the team he had? Really, were they not here to be killed instead? 1010 The Beginning of The Seasoning There was a total of ten people in his team and the highest cultivation base among them only reached that of the Jade Mystic level! Each one of them was lively and delicate, their gazes were crystal clear and unjaded. Any Supreme cultivator from their target could easily wipe them out en mass with a single slap Although Guo Nuanyang was confident that he could kill this group of people and ensure that he missed no one out, he was stuck with having to fight alongside these ''sidekicks'' whose cultivation bases were practically insignificant and to look after their safety during the chaos. Easy? Even a deity could not do this! Faced with the said dilemma, Guo Nuanyang was struck with a blistering headache. The ten disciples had their eyes trained on Guo Nuanyang nervously. Everyone understood what was being stated to them. This battle was nothing to their Senior Uncle Guo who had come to the Saint level - to say that it was a piece of cake to him was an understatement. In spite of it, this was a challenge of life and death to all of them; there was a chance that they would all die. "This fight is your first fight, a fight that you must face. It''s the beginning of your journey of conquest." Guo Nuanyang''s tone was devoid of emotion. "I''m certain that there will be some who will die in this battle. I''m not sure who it''ll be among you all, but those left alive must get used to it." "You must get used to the fact C people around you will keep dying." "This is the martial world. This is your first fight, it''s also the first lesson where you will truly step on the line between life and death." All ten children held their breath at that moment, not letting out a sound. "The aim of this battle is to wipe out the enemy. We have the advantage in this ambush where the enemy is not prepared. When we charge in later, kill whoever you see. Being merciful to the enemy means being cruel to your own people!" Guo Nuanyang''s tone was distant. "I''ll watch over all of you and try my best to take care of you. But one can only do so much. If I can''t be there in time I hope that you understand the following words." "Life and death are destined, heaven has decided your fate." A strange atmosphere upon the children upon hearing what he had said. Yun Xiuxin gripped her sword tightly, feeling sweat drench her palm. She repeatedly told herself that she must not panic or be afraid, chanting the fact that they had an advantage as the enemy was not prepared, but she could not help the nerves and terror that enveloped her. While her mind was still in pandemonium, she heard Senior Uncle Guo announced faintly, "Let''s go! Attack!" Guo Nuanyang''s tall form transformed into a ghoulish silhouette as he drifted away in the night, arriving at the mansion''s gate instantly. "Who is it? Stop right there!" Someone could be heard shouting sternly. Then, a loud booming noise cracked the silence of the night. Boom! An earth-shattering wave of mystical Qi lashed out like an enraged dragon, crushing the mansion''s entrance and half of its wall in a single blow. Many people could be seen crying out in agony with flailing limbs as they were sent soaring into the night sky. Still floating in midair, many of them exploded, staining the night sky crimson immediately. At least a dozen people from the mansion were killed in Guo Nuanyang''s ambush. "Attack!" Leading the charge, Guo Nuanyang bolted into the house and began his massacre. His sword light whipped around like a hissing snake. Before the seven or eight people who had rushed out had met him, blood had shot out from their throats shortly before they collapsed to the floor. The rapid incidents rendered the ten children in a stupor. Yun Xiuxin was the first to break out of the trance as she forced herself to keep calm and took a deep breath, loudly declaring, "Charge forth!" Wielding her sword, she was the first to sprint over as she knew that it was currently the safest to stick with Senior Uncle Guo; if she were to be separated from him, her life would be at stake. Following Yun Xiuxin''s holler, nine children stormed into the house simultaneously. In the blink of an eye, the mansion was lit with murderous intent. People stampeded through the chaos, their faces furious when illuminated by the light. Watching the enemy''s fall, Yun Xiuxin dared not let her guard down. Her small form flashed as her long sword landed on a middle-aged man''s neck. As the blade moved, blood gushed generously. Nevertheless, Yun Xiuxin, who had secured her attack, paled immensely. Braving herself to continue, she pulled her sword away to stab into another person''s waist. Encountering several enemies and succeeding in her attacks, Yun Xiuxin was still fully on guard. She knew that none of the enemies she had met was weaker than her. They had perhaps succumbed to her sword because their abilities were reduced subsequent to Guo Nuanyang''s powerful ambush or maybe they were not in the right frame of mind due to the disastrous surroundings. If she wanted to stay safe, she had to keep close to Guo Nuanyang! Barreling her way forward, a weapon seemed to have collided with the sword Yun Xiuxin was gripping with a buzz. The momentum wounded her immediately, causing the part between her thumb and index finger to bleed and her body to turn numb like a pulse of electricity had flowed through her. Someone cussed loudly, "Where did all these rascals come from?" Before his voice echoed, an icy glint assailed them like a lightning strike, flashing brightly, before Guo Nuanuang''s voice followed. "Plough in!" Blood was gurgling out from more than ten people''s throats here as they collapsed in a strange position. The blood that gushed out copiously seemed to have merged into a stream, causing the situation to look incredibly hazardous. In fact, the enemies nearby were already fatally injured if they were not yet dead; they could no longer fight, so the area was temporarily a safe zone. Guo Nuanyang did not stop, Picking himself up and speeding through several hundred feet of the mansion, his palms landed harshly on the thick wooden doors like he was planning to tear apart mountains. Boom! The doors crumbled into fine powder instantly, becoming one with the dust. As the doors were destroyed, several rays of glowing light shot out from the room. It was also the delicate moment where the attacker had just expended his strength upon succeeding in his assault. The enemy''s counterattack was timely. If it had been against someone with a weaker capability, the enemy could at least gain some form of a buffer, even if the counterattack had missed. Guo Nuanyang was far more skilled, however, and had moved quickly to avoid the onslaught with a scoff while his sword swished into the room thunderously. Bodies fell one after another with blood spilling everywhere his sword passed. There wasn''t a single man left alive in the room with a snap of his fingers. Guo Nuanyang heaved a soft sigh of relief. The Honor level expert was already killed, as were the two cultivators above the Supreme level. It meant that a majority of the enemy''s combat force, according to the information given, was lost upon his round of assault and the risk was largely reduced as the remaining men were no threat at all. Nevertheless, the remaining enemies were still intimidating opponents to the children. He still had to keep a close watch and keep his guard high. Noting these in his mind, Guo Nuanyang had also cursed Shi Wuchen, the culprit of this toughening idea, in and out. What an awful idea he had given! 1011 Growing Pains By now, it was a scene of utter mayhem outside. Guo Nuanyang had killed many experts of the enemy in the room swiftly, but it had still taken some time, causing the safe zone earlier to turn perilous. The battle was fully joined at this point. There were people screaming in senseless rage, "Who are you people? Who are you? This is Blooms Park! Who are you?" There were also low grunts and agonized moans. Guo Nuanyang briskly walked out and scanned the ongoing battle with a hawk-like gaze. The children were all still in one-piece, but they were barely holding on; all of them had fallen into a stunned silence without exception. A few of them were even bathed in blood. A soft cry rang out. It was Hu Xiaofan, who had not managed to dodge in time and had been struck on his right shoulder, staggering away as he retreated while spitting blood. A burst of menacing laughter pealed in front of him as a few sabers hacked towards him in unison, brimming with killing intent. "Xiaofan!" Seeing that her peer was in danger, Yun Xiuxin was anguished. Pure impulse filled her with the intention to charge over and provide support, but her panic threw her off her feet; she was stabbed before she could go over to her peer''s rescue. The initially stable state quickly went downhill from there. Quicker than words could describe, a drawn-out howl and a divine blade arrived speedily to help. The menacing grins were still on the three men''s faces, but their heads had already left their bodies. Guo Nuanyang held nothing back when he saw his sect members being hurt. He attacked in full force, the sword he brandished swirling like a dragon. From east to west and from south to north, he shuffled, killing anyone who was in his way. The three enemies who had intended to kill Hu Xiaofan were the first to face his wrath, being beheaded as a consequence of their audacity. It was evident to Guo Nuanyang that he was unrivaled in this current battlefield. Annihilating the enemies was only a matter of time. However, it did not mean that the young children would be totally safe, even if he gave it his all; at most, the enemies would die slightly faster. Nevertheless, he could bring immense pressure to the enemies that they could not withstand if he continued his momentum. Perhaps, such a sense of pressure could help the children to stay alive? This was already the most that Guo Nuanyang could muster for now. Pained shrieks and moans still rang out incessantly, from the enemies and the ten young disciples. Once Guo Nuanyang heard the disciples, he would shoot over at once, overflowing with killing intent. It terrorized the remaining members of the Blooms Park, further breaking down their fighting spirit. When the enemies began to comprehend how strong Guo Nuanyang was and how indomitable he was to them, they howled and attempted to escape by climbing across the wall. There were also people who looked hopeless and no longer held themselves back as they attacked the young opponents with all their might; they were ready to die and were willing to die as long as they could also take someone along with them. As events unfolded, Guo Nuanyang''s dispersed rescue was still invincible but it was gradually weakening. It was not that he was tired or he had expended his mystical Qi, it was honestly simply due to a lack of manpower. How could a singular person strike in eight different directions, especially when the ten disciples were separated everywhere, not just in eight spots? Coincidentally, there was a loud explosion that came from the inside of the mansion as flames soared into the sky. It was the fire they had started earlier that had spread slowly and had eventually reached the oil house in the mansion. A large quantity of stored kerosene was lit, and thunderous explosions followed. By chance, Guo Nuanyang was right in front of this unexpected explosion''s path. He could only feel a powerful rush of force that was beyond his defensive capabilities catapulting towards him before he let out a shout and was flung away with a flip. Guo Nuanyang could no longer pay attention to other things during this moment. If he forced himself to, he might very well be the first victim to die in this incident! It was fortunate that the accident had happened so quickly and in such a short manner. Guo Nuanyang was not actually injured; he was only forced to expend a partial portion of his defensive mystical Qi, so minute that it was insignificant to his general wellbeing. In spite of this, two disciples had cried out and succumbed to the enemy respectively within that instant. Cheng Jiajia exclaimed in pain as well, as her thigh was pierced by the enemy''s sword. The cultivation base of Cheng Jiajia''s opponent was higher by a few notches compared to her; he had been distracted earlier, but he was now merciless upon successfully wounding her. The stained sword came once again after Cheng Jiajia''s chest. Avoiding the lethal advances arduously, Cheng Jiajia had managed to escape the left blow but the enemy was still able to stab her right chest. Just as she felt the blade slide through her torso, Cheng Jiajia suddenly felt warmth gushing from within her "Could death actually feel so nice?" The girl was confused before she passed out. It was then that the enemy''s mystical Qi contained within the attack erupted in her chest. The intention to kill was apparent, but the force was washed away by another strange form of energy. Right after that, a swish of sword light blinked. The enraged Guo Nuanyang had already beheaded the man and kicked his corpse away. The momentary gap had caused the battle to fully go out of hand. Disciples were injured everywhere, all of them had panicked, causing the situation to go south. A young disciple from the Residence of Nine Supremes was suddenly hit in the head by a gourd hammer. His head was entirely crushed, the boy dying instantly. He was yet to be at a complete loss. There was still room to fight. According to Guo Nuanyang''s estimation, he could make at least two exchanges with the opponent, dragging the battle on until the former could come to his rescue. However, the boy was in a state of panic; his gaze was bouncing off the surroundings as tears brimmed his eyes Even when his opponent''s combat strength had been largely reduced and they were lacking the fighting spirit, he had still seized the opportunity and killed the boy. Flames were glowering. The Blooms Park people were either dead or in full flight. Guo Nuanyang watched his disciples who were assembling. Not only was everyone wounded, but three of their members had also died, including Yun Yang''s second disciple, Cheng Jiajia, whom Yun Yang himself regarded rather highly. Infuriated, Guo Nuanyang hollered, "Where could you people possibly be thinking of going?" He sprung up and gave chase. With his cultivation base, it was easy to pursue the enemies, even if they were dispersed. Guo Nuanyang returned bathed in blood after only a moment. "Headcount!" "Senior Uncle, Blooms Park had forty-five people. There are thirty-seven corpses here." "I''ve killed the seven who escaped, so one more is missing! Search the grounds!" Murderous intent was flaring from Guo Nuanyang, so intense that he felt like a devil. The seven men who ran for their lives had been completely wiped out. According to the headcount, there was still one more man left. The entrance to the basement opened with a bang and a shadow was seen scampering anxiously on the other end. Guo Nuanyang''s sword light flew like a meteor, the mystical Qi that was attached had shattered the person directly into pieces despite the hundreds of feet of distance. "Tabulate our gains," Guo Nuanyang spoke coldly. The seven disciples who were still alive went away upon receiving the order. Their first move was to save all the imprisoned children in the underground cells. The human trafficking organization''s target had always been only children. There was basically no adolescents who were above seventeen or eighteen years old. 1012 The Eldest Senior Sister! The conditions of the children rescued were not a pretty sight, but most of them were relatively unimpaired. There were a few children whose legs were broken, however, most probably due to their lack of talent for cultivation and could not be sold normally; these would be children forced to beg on the streets later on with their inflicted handicaps. The seven disciples also found several children whose bodies were stuck in pots with only their heads left outside in the deeper part of the secret chamber. This was a method to cultivate dwarves and deformed humans; the targeted children would complete their growth in the pots before being trained with entertaining skills. These were candidates for future circus stunts or begging as well. Many of the young girls saved were delicate and pretty, obviously unharmed nor tortured. While these young maidens were safe, they had to be aware of any accidents that could happen during their puberty. If their faces were scarred, if they were to grow fat, if they were to turn ugly only hell would be waiting for them The seven children were in agony. "Search carefully! All the wealth here belongs to us!" Guo Nuanyang spoke icily, "We''re on a mission, we accept payment to kill these people, so the saying robbing lives and not robbing wealth is nonexistent in our case. Do not miss out on a single dime!" "Seven of you move separately. Your merits will be decided according to your loot!" Under Guo Nuanyang''s command, the seven disciples dispersed and went on their own way. It was after seeing the children depart on their separate ways that Guo Nuanyang flew out in anguish. He had to collect the bodies of the three other children. The injuries on the children were fine, but he really did not know how to relay the three children''s deaths to Yun Yang Searching around to affirm the situation, Guo Nuanyang''s eyes bulged. He could only find one corpse Where were the other two bodies? Where had they gone to? The one he found was the boy whose head had been crushed. Guo Nuanyang was sure that the other two children were killed C Cheng Jiajia''s chest had been stabbed with a sword and subsequently experienced a mystical Qi eruption; there was a hole in her chest. How was it possible that she was not dead after such a trauma? As for the other boy, his chest had also been pierced with a sword, the blade going right through his heart. The mystical Qi that ran across made a big gap on his back. It an equally fatal wound. Suffering from such injuries, there was no alternate ending if the victims did not have a cultivation base of Saint-level and above. Even if a Supreme Saint were to protect and heal the victims, it was barely possible for them to survive. Nonetheless, these two bodies were missing! Guo Nuanyang''s brows were knitted into a deep frown. The forty to fifty children whom the seven young disciples had saved and brought to a corner of the yard were squeezed together, trembling like a nest of chicks in the winter wind. Those with broken legs and those who were in pots with basically unusable limbs were gathered in the center. Guo Nuanyang sighed, regret filling him when he glanced at these children. He should not have let those vermin meet their death so easily just now; he should have wounded them and tortured them, one slash after another, so they could live as long as possible going through such torment every day. When they would be on the brink of death, they would be saved to resume the torture. That was how the account could be settled. Looking at the pitiful children, Guo Nuanyang retrieved several bottles without hesitation and gave each child a pill. These were medicinal pills with excellent healing effects that Dong Qitian had refined; they were especially useful for internal injuries and external wounds. To these children, specifically the handicapped ones and those still kept inside pots, the efficacy would be massive. Guo Nuanyang then quickly adjusted and recovered the positions of the broken bones of those children with broken legs, reconnecting the bones and giving them an additional recovery pill to ensure that the medicinal effect was adequately potent. As for the children inside the pots whose limbs were soft and deformed, he bit his lips and broke their bones in order to join them again; he then delivered a shot of vital energy to each child alongside the four pills to help them regrow their muscles and bones. Everything else depended on the Residence of Nine Supremes spiritual energy atmosphere After a bout of treatment, Guo Nuanyang waited for a while before he saw the seven children walk out, dragging huge boxes behind them. A massive amount of assets filled the yard. The children went back to move more boxes "Move them all back!" Rancor grew in Guo Nuanyang as he watched the piles of resources and fortune. How many children had they harmed to accumulate such an amount of wealth? Guo Nuanyang''s frown was still locked in place. How would he explain himself when he returned? Casualties were expected and a matter of course, but the ratio was too high! Three disciples were gone, just like this! This was a thirty percent loss C it was too much. In addition, two of the bodies could not be found It was awful. Yun Xiuxin''s gaze roamed the vicinity. There was a hidden sense of grief in her eyes but at the same time, there was a hint of relief; it was a sense of relief that was a calmness that came close to being disinterested. "Jiajia''s body has disappeared. Little seven''s body too," Yun Xiuxin reported after searching for another time. Guo Nuanyang sucked in a breath softly as he stared at Yun Xiuxin. The girl''s collected self surprised him. Whether it was calm or distant, her attitude better not be cold-blooded! Yun Xiuxiu was still searching, trying her best to look for her peers'' remains, and making sure that she did not miss anything. "Xiuxin, don''t you feel sad?" Guo Nuanyang could not help asking after seeing the other six pupils who were sobbing pitifully. "I am! How could I not be!" Yun Xiuxin answered, looking up, "But master has ceremoniously told us before departing that we''ll go through this sooner or later. It''s just that Jiajia and seven have encountered death earlier. Only when one experiences life and death that one experiences the martial world." Guo Nuanyang was left with waves of shock washing over him. "The martial world isn''t only about myths and legends or glory. What the martial world has the most is the separation of life and death, the deceit, betrayal, blood, and brutality. These are the eternal constants of the martial world." Yun Xiuxin paused for a beat and continued. "When one really roams the martial world and personally goes through life and death, one will know that the ideal world that exists during one''s younger time is not the martial world at all." Guo Nuanyang was speechless. ''Boss Yun Yang, what do you usually teach your disciples This is really'' "Don''t cry anymore!" Yun Xiuxin had the mannerism of the eldest senior sister as she scolded, "What are you crying about? What''s the use of crying? Can your wails and sobs bring Jiajia back? You''ll die too, one day! Don''t you all cry now, I''ll beat you up to death if you cry!" The six young kids were taken aback upon hearing her. As they looked up, it was like they were looking at the Yama King himself. "You! Weren''t you always dreaming about the martial world having endless taels to spend, traveling thousands of mountains in a blink of eyes, possessing the best luxuries and beauties? Do you still want that now? Do you? Answer me!" Yun Xiuxin jabbed a boy''s chest fiercely. "You! And you! Weren''t you fantasizing about countless masters and knights in the martial world? About mystical encounters that you''ll come across thrice in a step? About delicacies that you''ll enjoy till the end of time Do you still think about them now?" "You! You! And you" "I don''t know what you were thinking You yell about roaming the martial world and feeling at home wherever you wander to daily C hmph! Are you still thinking about it now? Have all of you turned mute? Speak up, continue blabbering!" The six children lowered their heads. Their eyes were still rimmed red, their tears were still falling, they were still sniffing, but no one dared to make a sound. Finally, a small boy grumbled, "You were the same previously. The day before yesterday you were still saying that the martial world is where you can see the immortal pill when you look down, where you can grab on to secret cultivation books with a stretch of an arm, where you can soar with serendipity" "How dare you!" Yun Xiuxin was enraged. "How dare you slander your eldest senior sister''s teachings! You shall clean the toilet for half a month when we go back!" "No" The boy cried out. Guo Nuanyang felt his temple throb watching the children. The young ones he had taken along this time were all Yun Yang''s disciples. He was not sure about the situation in the other teams but he was certain that the other disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes from the other teams could never be as cool as his team! The composure of this team was more striking after Yun Xiuxin''s talk. The girl was really something C a something that practiced martial arts! In this case, Guo Nuanyang''s description was an unreserved compliment. 1013 Loss Envy filled Guo Nuanyang. ''If only I had a disciple like this as well'' Yun Xiuxin alone had already put her junior sisters and brothers in their places without needing Guo Nuanyang to comfort or pacify them. She had singlehandedly completed the work required in the aftermath, an exemplary accomplishment that was invaluable! Guo Nuanyang was even certain that Yun Xiuxin did so subconsciously because no matter how wise she was for her age, she would not yet be able to consider such aspects voluntarily. Her experience had not taken her through these while her time in the sect was not long enough for Yun Yang to be teaching the relevant knowledge. It meant that what she had said and done was entirely instinctive. It was her instinct that allowed her to guide her junior siblings, increase their martial world experience, and erase their fantasies as well as the fear of facing death in its face. Yun Xiuxin was still lecturing her junior brothers and sisters. "If you fellows die one day like Jiajia I''ll collect your corpses for you. I won''t let all of you vanish just like that without your remains." The six young ones paled in unison, immediately losing whatever color they had left in their faces. It would be more surprising if they could look unfazed when they heard their peers talking about matters after their death at their young age. "One day, when I die," Yun Xiuxin said, "Remember to gather my remains. You better sew my head up if it falls, you hear me?" "Yes, yes!" "Very well," Yun Xiuxin replied in relief, "I''ll sew your heads too if you were beheaded. This is our promise. You can''t forget it, even if you die." Guo Nuanyang looked up into the sky. What were these babies talking about? He could not bring himself to listen to them, wanting to forget what entered his ears "Our loot seems to be ample, but it is, at most, around eight thousand upper-class spiritual jade pieces there shouldn''t be so little left," Yun Xiuxin said, "Ransack the house and look for secret chambers in your search." Hearing their eldest senior sister''s command, the children spread out again, scurrying away. Watching the carriage leave, Yun Yang walked out, carrying two tiny bodies. They were his second disciple Cheng Jiajia and sixth disciple Lu Changman. Both children were conscious and coherent. "Sorry, master" "We''ve caused you shame" The two kids looked mortified, wishing that they had actually died just now instead. "Shame is fine. Who, in this martial world, can constantly keep their pride? Even I, your master, was almost killed by my enemy back then with my spirit and soul almost torn apart." Yun Yang spoke faintly, "As long as your life is not lost, everything else comes secondary. There are plenty of chances to seek them in the future." "Yes, this disciple will remember what master has said." Yun Yang had injected a timely pulse of Qi of vitality when these two children had been fatally attacked, protecting their energy from dissipating. They looked like broken ragged dolls now, but they were, in fact, safe from any critical harm. Cheng and Lu''s injuries were severe, but they were not Yun Yang''s concern since there was Emmie''s Qi of vitality taking care of them. The only pity was the plump child whom Yun Yang could not save in time. The accident was not only Guo Nuanyang''s mistake in his estimation, but it was also Yun Yang''s as well. Everything had happened in a quick blur that although Yun Yang had tried to salvage the situation afterward, the boy''s divine sense was smashed along with his head. There was no doubt that his death was irreversible, even with energy as magical as the Qi of vitality. From another perspective, while all three children were trapped in the same lethal impasse, Cheng and Lu had fought their hardest before suffering such severe injuries due to their incapability; the wounds were fatal, but there was sufficient time for Yun Yang who had been waiting by the side to sneak over and help them. It had happened in a blink of an eye, but the kids had been saved. As for the plump child, he panicked and lost his courage; it was not within Yun Yang or Guo Nuanyang''s guess. On a certain level, his death was justified. Even with Yun Yang''s ability, he could only sigh in vain. "There''s a cave in front. Go over and wait for me there. We''ll return to the Residence of Nine Supremes together when I come back." "Yes, master." "Watch your state while you wait. Your injuries didn''t damage your core but your state of mind is affected. Calm yourself down and stabilize your psychology, then think about your cultivation base, forms, and styles" Yun Yang listed out faintly, "And what the martial world is Tell me when we return to the sect!" "Yes, master!" Like a ray of light in the dark, Yun Yang sped towards another location. Dong Qitian was now with Shi Wuchen. The combat atmosphere at Shi Wuchen''s side was far more brutal than Guo Nuanyang''s. Despite his best effort to take care of the disciples, there were two who had been killed. The death toll was already the result after Dong Qitian had helped in the dark. If he had not assisted the team, only two out of the ten disciples who came with Shi Wuchen would be left, even though Shi Wuchen could annihilate the human trafficking organization. When the battle ended, Dong Qitian left without showing himself like Yun Yang nor did he take anyone with him. ''So these fellows are so irresponsible when leading the children'' Dong Qitian felt his heart ache now. Any internal disciple of the Residence of Nine Supremes was extremely gifted. Such casualties were a waste of prodigies. He had better rush to another spot! Three days later, Yun Yang stood at the field entrance inside the Residence of Nine Supremes'' mountain gate with an ominous expression. Eleven children stood in a row behind him. Other than Yun Yang''s four disciples, the other seven disciples were from three other men. These pupils were members announced dead in the teams that went out for the mission. A total of ninety-nine disciples under the nine peaks had gone for the Residence of Nine Supremes'' first mission and only seventy-five people, including the eleven whom Yun Yang had rescued in secret, ultimately made it back. In other words, there were twenty-four pupils who had died outside! The last team that Dong Qitian and Yun Yang saved, especially, suffered incredible casualties. Seven of Shi Bujia''s students had died in the mission, making his loss the most devastating one. Team after team returned, assembling inside the mountain gate. Almost every member was wounded, injuries littered all over them. Many of the children who saw Cheng Jiajia, Lu Changman and other children standing in the sect could not help crying out in delighted surprise. However, when their eyes shifted to Yun Yang''s dark face, no one dared speak. Those who came back first dared not make a sound. They stood quietly, waiting for the other teams to come back. All survivors of the ten teams had arrived at the Residence of Nine Supremes by noon. "There were ninety-nine people when you headed out. I''ve brought back eleven heavily injured members while none of the sixty-four kids you brought home was left unscathed. There are twenty-four more who are dead outside, never to come back again." The higher-level management of the Residence of Nine Supremes stood together, looking grim. Yun Yang looked at Shi Wuchen, Luo Dajiang, and others, his tone unprecedentedly serious. 1014 This Is A Transformation Yun Yang looked at Shi Wuchen, Luo Dajiang, and the others, his tone unusually somber. Shi Wuchen''s expression was stoic as he said, "This is a necessary martial world toughening, a baptism to life and death. If I were, to be honest, boss, I think you shouldn''t help at all. I even know that Elder Dong has most probably helped ae well p but not only will your assistance reduce the effects of this martial seasoning, but the disciples will also be dependent, thinking that they''ll always be this lucky." Yun Yang replied, "If we didn''t do anything, how many of the ninety-nine children who have gone out with you fellows would have come back? Twenty?!" "Wuchen, I know you mean well. Eliminating the weak with the cruelest life and death can indeed make them mature earlier and even grow up faster but" Yun Yang said softly, "Wuchen, if the members of the Residence of Nine Supremes have to grow this way, what''s the use of us, the higher-level management?" Shi Wuchen was silent for some time. "Our sect has always existed as a hegemony tool of the martial world. I hope that the Residence of Nine Supremes becomes one big family." Yun Yang spoke slowly, "Other than to develop and become stronger, the presence of this sect''s higher-ups should become the disciples'' haven This should be the state of a healthy sect, a state I''d be happy to see." "If our members were to be cultivated into cold-blooded emotionless killers, your method could perhaps work. What we want, however, is to create the Residence of Nine Supremes'' longevity and eternal presence." There was a pause before he continued. "Which sect, among those that have stood strong for hundreds of thousands of years and are still glorious in their operations now in the martial world, does not feel proud of their own school? Which of them does not defend their own people regardless of whether they are right or wrong? Which of their members isn''t loyal and would willingly sacrifice themselves for their sect?" "To me, at least, such sects will be able to go farther." "Those who only see the benefits they could reap right now, like the Passionate League, Clan of Heaven Assassination, Assassin League and whatnot Most, if not all, will be annihilated within a night and quickly replaced after a few years of fame." "Wuchen, these protgs we teach How different are they from being our children? Can we really treat our children so apathetically and so purely rational like how we do to tools? Take this expedition for example; they''ve seen the ruthless instance of life and death, they''ve understood the true constant of the martial world and could motivate and encourage each other" "They also respect their master and senior uncles from the bottom of their hearts now C these are enough this is already the environment of a sect I''m glad to see!" Yun Yang emphasized his words. "Brother, a sect is not a gang, a guild, or a league!" Shi Wuchen''s gaze was rife with his thoughts as he muttered, "Looks like my previous thought has strayed too far from the founding vision of the Residence of Nine Supremes." "Not totally," said Yun Yang, "You''re mainly too impatient for instant success." "This lesson of sacrificing twenty-four lives in the battle is already too much, Wuchen." "We don''t have a lot of time in preparation to face the impending challenges, but undue haste will only set us back farther and plant seeds of ill consequences." "After all, they''re only children, teens. They''ve only just set foot on their cultivation journey." Luo Dajiang and the others considered what Yun Yang said and answered, "You''re right, boss." "Indeed, I think this toughening is a little too harsh as well." "Yeah, many of them will find it hard to sleep for a long time to come now." "Shi Wuchen, how have you become so coldhearted and eager for quick success? Have you realized that you''ve changed, yourself?" In the blink of an eye, Shi Wuchen was the target of everyone''s critique C because everyone felt that Yun Yang was right because they genuinely agreed with him. Looking back at Shi Wuchen''s method, it could perhaps garner the same effect but plenty of sacrifices, too, would come with it. The outcome was one that everyone found hard to swallow, especially when the Demiurge-Flawed Ten had just found their new footing, feeling like they had just built a home for themselves after their previous experiences, and had to watch so many life and death separations. In addition, this result was a consequence of their incapability to rescue those that were indeed in need as well as their wholehearted efforts to look after each child. Rather than claiming that this expedition was a memorable experience to the disciples, it was more shattering to the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. They had an absolute advantage in terms of their combat force as no one among the enemies was a worthy opponent. There was not even a handful who could parry one or half of their forms and style. Yet, it was the higher headcount of the enemies that their disciples were unavoidably killed before their eyes! The sense of powerlessness was indelible. Undoubtedly, the men would wake up from their dreams with a jolt due to this battle Shi Wuchen who had suggested this undertaking, insisted to see it through and had even planned to carry on like this in the future, was inevitably the target of condemnation. Everyone gave him dirty looks. ''This fellow still thinks that the death toll isn''t high Do you know what? I can''t even breathe right from how much my heart is aching!'' The Residence of Nine Supremes held an informal but exceptionally ceremonious burial in the afternoon. All the deceased pupils would be buried together here. Everyone, including the children whom the Residence of Nine Supremes had yet to take in, was required to attend the ceremony. Facing the twenty-four small graves, all children were solemnly quiet. Their friends whom they were still seeing yesterday had laid there soundlessly today. They were still practicing and hurrying on with their journey together yesterday, still whispering to each other last night, encouraging themselves for today''s battle, but they were separated into two worlds today. "Go back and think. Then, write what you feel during this moment and submit them. Those who don''t know how to write, ask someone to write it for you." Yun Yang had begun assigning a new task. "This is your personal realization towards this battle. What the martial world is, what life and death are. Joining this sect is stepping into the martial world." "What were you thinking when you faced the critical moment of life and death, when you see fatal loss right in the eye? What do you plan to do after this?" "The seventy-five disciples, submit your reflections to your masters after you''ve written them. The other children, submit your compositions to the caretakers." "This is your first lesson in the martial world, all of you." All the children looked incredibly serious and grim; the innocence that they were supposed to have was nearly gone. 1015 The Martial World Is Hahaha… The Residence of Nine Supremes was then filled with hustle and bustle like never before. The warehouse was filled with endless resources, and the library grew substantially while professionals tended to medical matters. The education for the children there did not stop at martial arts and cultivation as they now included literacy and academic factors as well. Contrary to the past, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' atmosphere has changed as a result. With as many as five to six thousand children together in a single spot, noise and ruckus was something to be expected. However, the entire place was quiet. Whether they were walking, reading, writing, or cultivating, the children all wore solemn expressions. It was almost as if every child was deep in thought about what the martial would be. Yun Yang held the assignments passed up by his disciples, somewhat comforted now. From the nineteen protgs under Central Peak, only sixteen remained. Among these sixteen children, more than ten of them penned down what they had realized quite decently, proving that they treated their task with utmost importance. One of the works submitted by Yun Xiuxin read, "The martial realm revolves around life and death. Although a step forward may cause your demise, a step back may not guarantee survival. One''s capabilities, along with luck, is of utmost importance in determining one''s life or death. Aside from these, one need not bother themselves with anything else." Yun Yang felt like he was getting to know the girl again when he read what she wrote. The girl''s counted words were weighty and precise. Cheng Jiajia wrote, "The so-called martial realm is one that separates life and death, over and over again, rendering heartache time and time again. When my turn arrives to render pain unto others, the martial realm that was once mine will end." It was an average recognition of the martial world that was simple and direct. The answers after theirs were not too creative. They were mostly about life and death of the enemy and themselves. As Yun Yang went through paper after paper, his eyes suddenly bulged. Huh C''What did I see?'' ''I seem to have found a weirdo among my students?'' Making a double-take, Yun Yang realized that the author was Hu Xiaofan. Yes, it was his third disciple. Hu Xiaofan''s realization was actually only one sentence, one extremely simple line C"The martial world is hahahaha" Yun Yang thought about it while stroking his chin, speechless for a long time. ''What''s this kid going about? I, as his master, actually can''t figure this out. Is he being elusive or deceiving, or maybe he''s just being idiotic'' When it was the cultivation break, Yun Yang gathered everyone. "Xiuxin, read out everyone''s thoughts about the martial world. Hmm... make it a sharing and learning session with your junior brothers and sisters." Yun Xiuxin stood up and walked to the stage, her face tensed but looking the part like the eldest senior sister. As she recited composition after composition, the disciples sat quietly as they listened with only a slight change in their expression or raising their gaze if it was their thoughts being read aloud. Most of the time, however, they remained expressionless. This went on until the last piece of work where the usually easygoing Yun Xiuxin was stunned. "The martial world is hahahaha?" Yun Yang sat above them, feigning oblivion to the expected situation. As the eldest senior sister, Yun Xiuxin had to bear the responsibilities as one other than reining the power and authority of one; Yun Yang had made it clear just now that she was supposed to arrange the session, thus fully taking charge of anything that would transpire. He would love to see what his leading protg could do about the issue. Erupting in rage right after she read the line aloud, Yun Xiuxin cried out, "Hu Xiaofan! Stand up!" The named child stood up lazily and coughed. "Yes, Eldest Senior Sister?" "Explain, what do you mean by haha in your realization?" What do you mean the martial world is hahaha?" Yun Xiuxin''s brows arched in a glare. It was only then that the other students understood what just happened. A few of them could not help cackling. "Do not laugh!" Yun Xiuxin who felt put on the spot looked at Hu Xiaofan fiercely. "Speak up!" Hu Xiaofan tipped his chin in answering, "It''s literally what it says. The martial world, in my eyes, is hahahaha" "What do you mean hahaha? You''ve contained everything about the martial world where life and death are a thin line apart in haha C do you think it''s a game?" Yun Xiuxin was shooting daggers at Hu Xiaofan while heaving from how angry she was. If it were not for Yun Yang who was still sitting above them, Yun Xiuxin would have thrown a punch and started fighting. In all honesty, Yun Yang had vaguely guessed that Hu Xiaofan would possibly be the first troublemaker of his group of pupils when he saw his answer earlier. Now that he had heard the boy''s reply, he could not help affirming his guess. "So what if life and death is a thin line apart? So what if I see it as a game? I just don''t think it''s that big of a deal. The martial world is the martial world, it''s hahahaha, everything can be treated with a laugh!" Hu Xiaofan spoke. "When I''m alive, I drink and I eat, I enjoy, I kill, and I practice to become stronger. I do my best in every aspect, not failing myself or my sect. I won''t disappoint master''s effort. Isn''t that enough? Can''t I be happy after I''ve given my best and done my best?" "Even when it really comes to the time of my death, I''d still have to die if I''m crying so why can''t I leave this world laughing? Life or death is just that, life and death. One should laugh as much as one can when one is alive. Being joyful and carefree always is also a joy of life! Could we all really live for an eternity in the martial world?" Yun Xiuxin was tongue-tied from her rage. "Hu Xiaofan, your thinking alone is problematic. You''re not eager to improve yourself and you don''t realize your true self. You''re a lunatic!" Unaffected, Hu Xiaofan was still flippant. "Eldest Senior Sister, you were kidnapped when you were very young. Maybe you only remember that you were pitiful back then but you don''t know how pitiful you were." "I''m different, though. I''m totally different," said Hu Xiaofan. "I''m nine this year, I''m the same age as you. But around two years ago, when I was seven, I was still with my parents. Both of them are martial artists but they named me Xiaofan hoping that I could be more ordinary, not having to roam the martial world." "Our family was met with a tragedy that day. My parents were killed right before me. My mum''s head was already flying out but her eyes were still on me My dad''s legs were chopped and his heart pierced but he was still climbing toward us" "My elder brother''s head couldn''t even be found when the enemy landed a slap and my elder sister was already thirteen then, her clothes were taken off and she She finally found her chance to commit suicide My three-year-old brother was crushed with a strike." Hu Xiaofan''s tone was nonchalant, like what he said was unrelated to him. In spite of it, Yun Yang could see the suppressed grief residing deep in the boy''s eyes. 1016 Hu Xiaofan "My parents hadn''t been involved with the martial world for a long time back then. Our whole family survived through farming. The days were hard, and we were happy every day. However, once the nightmare came, my entire family but I was killed. The reason I''m alive is that I kowtowed. I told them I was obedient, and that I was willing to cook and wash for them, I told them that I was afraid of dying That I wanted to stay alive no matter what" "Ultimately, they thought that I was good for nothing but having eight innately awakened chakras, they took me back to sell me away seeing that I was moderately gifted I actually began to cook and wash for them, doing anything they asked me to every day from morning to night for three full months." "Then, I finally got them to let down their guards and I killed them with a pot of poisoned soup. I avenged my parents'' deaths the blood debt of my family. On the day I took revenge, I laughed. I laughed so happily Too bad I was caught by another group of human traffickers not too long after I escaped. That aside, I''d most probably be an average worker in a shop now. Maybe I''d like my life ordinarily but it''s comfortable" "Faced with another group of human traffickers, I begged them meekly again, worked for them diligently and even helped them bully and train kids who were new. A few months later, I poisoned the five people once more with a pot of soup and saved a bunch of kids too" "I took the dozen of them around to beg on the streets. I actually still wanted to go work at a shop but what about the young kids after I leave? I took everything with a smile, thinking that I could still be a shop worker, an average joe, after we go our separate ways when everyone was a few years older!" "But our begging lifestyle didn''t last past a few days as we were targeted by another group of people in less than ten days. We were caught This group wasn''t killed by my soup, they were killed by peers of the same field in a battle. As they were wiped out, I became the goods of another group of men." "In less than two years, I''ve gone through five batches of human traffickers. It''s like an endless cycle and I''m nearly numbed. I no longer want to become a shop worker, no longer want to live like an average person. I I''ve come to the Residence of Nine Supremes." "I''m sincerely grateful to master. I genuinely like this environment too. But the martial world is the martial world. No matter how much I like it here and how thankful I am, this is a reality I can''t change. When I encounter danger, when I don''t have master around me, when I will be killed, I will still die." "The old saying is that nothing matters after death but I''ve come so close to death too many times C what''s the big deal! Why can''t I go hahahaha?" "This is how I am. The martial world to me is like a laugh. I try to laugh when I''m alive, to face life happily while making myself stronger so I won''t die as soon. However, when it''s time to die... when I''m killed, I want to keep laughing Even before I die, I don''t want to give the other party a sense of gratification!" Hu Xiaofan said while laughing, "Imagine the moment when I''m about to die. Do you think that the person killing me will ask the same question you did? Why is he laughing? Death is looming over him but how could he still laugh so happily?" "This is my complete realization toward the martial world. The martial world is hahahah" Hu Xiaofan recounted his tale with an icy gaze but tears kept falling from the corner of his eyes. Nonetheless, there was a spread of smile on his face all this while. All the disciples were shocked. Yun Xiuxin''s mouth was agape too, speechless for some time. Hu Xiaofan continued speaking with a tipped chin, "So this expedition didn''t exactly give me too much of a realization It''s still the same old same old, even affirming many of my previous thoughts" "Hu Xiaofan!" Yun Yang who had been quiet above them finally uttered. "Master." Hu Xiaofan bowed respectfully to listen to him. "Your feelings are valid but I''d like to tell you that there''s an implicit standard to the practitioners of the Residence of Nine Supremes. It''s guarding! Guard your senior and junior sisters, your senior and junior brothers, guard your master and senior uncles, guard your sect and in the future, guard your family, your children. Just like your parents, guarding everything that they cherished." "I trust that you understand what I mean," Yun Yang continued to say after a beat of silence. Hu Xiaofan mulled over his master''s words and replied, "Yes, master. I''ll do my best to become stronger and not be like my parents, watching everything I want to guard being destroyed before my eyes so this disciple dares not slack every day." "It''s good that you understand," Yun Yang commented with a comforted nod. "Yes, master. I shall do everything I can to guard and turn stronger the best I can from now on. If I were to be unlucky or inadequately capable one day, however, I hope that I can still die laughing," said Hu Xiaofan. "" Yun Yang choked, waving his hand. "Enough rest, go back to practicing." It felt awful to be countered by his protg. ''So what if you have a deep realization? Do you know how to respect your master? Are you going to eliminate your master and sect?'' Yun Yang subconsciously wanted to beat this kid up and teach him a lesson ''No I can''t do this. I shouldn''t scold and beat the kids. I''m a kind master, I win by rationalizing'' When night came, Yun Yang had still caught Hu Xiaofan and given him a good wallop. The boy had complained about the dull atmosphere and actually put a snake in every senior and junior sister''s blanket Hu Xiaofan became the pupils'' mutual enemy then. Yun Yang sighed. ''Why did I take in such a fella'' When rationalizing could not work, violence was the answer C the effect was equally striking! In spite of it, Hu Xiaofan''s improvement was truly speedy. Under the high spiritual Qi pressure of the Residence of Nine Supremes, his cultivation base had advanced to Jade Mystic pinnacle within three days and respectively advanced into Earth Mystic with Yun Xiuxin and Cheng Jiajia. That day, Yun Xiuxin had just achieved the breakthrough in the morning, Cheng Jiajia in the afternoon, and Hu Xiaofan trailed after them in the next night! Yun Yang breathed in and finally decided to ignore the children. He would no longer ask or care about their progress, completely leaving them to fend for themselves. Yun Xiuxin was more than a notch better than Hu Xiaofan in terms of talent or Yun Yang would not have selected her as the Central Peak''s leading protg. She had a resilient character too which was evident in the sect contest among the Jade Mystic students previously. She was also far more hardworking than her peers, basically cultivating as if her life depended on it. In spite of it, such cultivation speed did not throw Hu Xiaofan far behind her. It was even possible that Hu Xiaofan could catch up with Yun Xiuxin anytime. After all, Yun Xiuxin had been the only Jade Mystic disciple among Yun Yang''s many pupils back then. For Hu Xiaofan to step into Earth Mystic almost right after Yun Xiuxin, it only meant that Hu Xiaofan was cultivating even harder! 1017 The Residence of Nine Supremes’ Competence That Was Making Headway Faced with disciples who were all-out in training, what Yun Yang had to consider instead was to prevent them from overstraining and hurting themselves. He could not encourage them to diligently cultivate like that any longer As time passed, Yun Xiuxin''s position as the eldest senior sister was validly secured. Her method of showcasing her powerful influence was very simple C one order and everyone would move in together, holding Hu Xiaofan down before beating him up! All of them actually took action together. Even Cheng Jiajia who was usually gentle would stealthily kick the boy It was obvious how much the boy was despised by everyone. Nonetheless, the overall capability of Yun Yang''s Central Peak was growing at a terrifying speed. It was not only Yun Yang''s mountain, actually, but the other peaks were also developing at an alarming speed after returning from the mission as well. For example, the Ninth Peak''s Bai Yexing had advanced directly to the Heaven Mystic after coming back while Ling Xiaorou had forged on to the Earth Mystic three days after Yun Xiuxin did. Due to the members'' consecutive breakthroughs, the lower level of the Heaven, Earth, and Jade Mystic training facilities that Qian Duoduo had set up earlier was damaged at various levels. The battering only grew worse each day. They were only slightly impaired on the previous day still usable after a quick repair but would be destroyed on the second day Qian Duoduo complained to Yun Yang with a long face, "Boss, this can''t do. Even if we''re rich and can afford it short term, how much more do we have to spend to sustain this expenditure when these disciples are so savage" "Rubbish. Change the equipment to new ones quickly, change them to stronger ones. Ones that they won''t be able to move or damage!" "Uh" It could be a fantastic cultivation environment and sufficient personal labor. The ones who achieved a breakthrough after the toughening of mind were not limited to those whose cultivation bases were initially weaker like Yun Xiuxin and Hu Xiaofan. The newly crowned first disciple of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' top ten disciples, Sun Mingxiu, had progressed directly to the level of Immortal Mystic on the fifth day of their return, becoming the first among the Residence of Nine Supremes'' pupils to step foot into the rank of ace cultivators! The second disciple Yu Chenghang too, had pushed on to Heaven Mystic pinnacle. He would be able to ascend to a higher realm with serendipity. In fact, every disciple of the residence was cultivating wholeheartedly. The Qi of Dao, the Qi of vitality, and the Primordial Qi of Amethyst that was flowing around the Residence of Nine Supremes were slowly but surely transforming the children''s foundation and talent, swiftly aiding them in their cultivation speed! Each elevation of their physique would bring forth a leap in their cultivation base, and each newly awakened chakra would result in a difference as wide as the distance between the heavens and earth alongside the waterfall wash of spiritual Qi through it. The situation felt like an eye-opener to Dong Qitian. Was he supposed to pick kids lacking talent when he was to select his disciples in the future? Was he to watch them better themselves step-by-step, improving leaps and bounds each time? The so-called prodigious disciples in his memory did not seem to make such swift headway. This felt like soaring right into heaven in a step, it was never before seen What was going on? Speaking of Dong Qitian, his ''convenient'' trip home was like what Yun Yang had guessed. No one knew where his old house was. The small valley he originally resided was now a small town. The change was incredibly fast and it was not even like having different people in the same place As for his family members, who knew where they were now? Who would know if he had an heir Despite Dong Qitian''s temperament, he was still crestfallen for a long time. "Maybe they''re still alive C have just switched to another place and live in seclusion while waiting for you" Yun Yang tried to comfort him. Dong Qitian did not reply. What Yun Yang said sounded fair but it was only a lie to himself. It had been more than four thousand years. Who would be able to give an account of what had happened and how things had progressed? His cultivation base was formidable, and he could live for such a long time. However, there was no one at home with a similar cultivation base when he had left back then After so many years, they were now most probably in the soil Ten days later, the Residence of Nine Supremes struck for the second time. This time, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten only took two disciples each. The rest of the children were left to cultivate and practice in the sect. Their targets were ten human trafficking organizations. They were to wipe them out, and no one was to be an exception. Bringing only two protgs along, the seniors could maximally train the combat skills of both children in addition to saving them at any given time, ensuring no accident. Such an arrangement was foolproof! The official battle of the Celestial Luck Banner was now only five months away. The atmosphere in the Residence of Nine Supremes turned more tensed instead because a new round of matches among the peaks would be held once more after a few days. Furthermore, the residence did not prohibit challenges between their members during this period of time. ''If you think that your capability has surpassed your senior sibling, you can challenge them!'' ''If you win, you''ll be the senior sibling now, and you''ll be able to bask in victory!'' ''If you lose... Sorry, but your allowance and benefits this month will wholly belong to the person you''ve challenged!'' Almost everyone who was ranked upfront was in danger. Below them, kids were lining up to challenge them. The sparring field of the Residence of Nine Supremes was now occupied most of the time! Even Yun Xiuxin had gone to challenge Sun Mingxiu. "I don''t hope to win you now but I''d like to know how far away I am from you." Yun Xiuxin''s cultivation base was in Earth Mystic intermediate when she had said this. The process was simple and short. The girl lost within three exchanges. Aside from her devastating loss, she had to pass up her month''s worth of allowance. In spite of it, Yun Xiuxin had achieved another breakthrough on the eighth day after the challenge. She had leaped to Earth Mystic pinnacle and was only one small step away from the Heaven Mystic. Sharing the same thought as Yun Xiuxin were many other disciples C they did not want to win the stated opponent, they only wanted to know their difference. The current state made the Residence of Nine Supremes'' eldest senior brother, Sun Mingxiu, feel like a piece of meat swinging in front of a pack of famished wolves. He felt very much like crying out loud, "You guys can find Yu Chenghang if you want to know the difference between our levels Why must you come for me! Do you know that I have to be very careful when I fight all of you? I''ve to reel myself in and control my power. It''s tiring!" "Yu Chenghang is about to keep up with me now that I''m being delayed by all of you. For an expert to be slowed down by you bunch of non-experts is a huge burden, don''t you know that?!" 1018 A Fools’ Camp Time slipped fast. In a blink of eyes, the Residence of Nine Supremes had done four missions now including the first one with the frequency of one execution every ten days. It meant that forty days had passed. Three months and twenty days left to the Celestial Luck Banner battle. The disciples were no longer satisfied with tailing their masters and combating weaker targets. Gradually, they became the first to attack and many of them succeeded. The younger ones, especially, were indomitable when faced with experts of the same level; their confidence was developed bit by bit and was beginning to bloat. The atmosphere in the residence slowly became livelier as interaction increased on the daily. "I''ve killed two people today." "What does it feel like" "Scary. I still can''t eat for now. It''s nauseating... like someone is behind me every time I turn" "It''s alright. Don''t worry. It''ll be fine when you kill a few more people." "Okay." In the three consecutive quests after the human traffickers, there was no longer any casualties among the seventy-five pupils of the nine peaks'' first generation disciples. Furthermore, these seventy-five children were much calmer and collected than they were. Even the youngest kiddos were indifferent when they battled. Ending lives, wielding sabers, and killing people while unsheathing their swords were no longer something new. The psychological barrier in doing such a thing was no longer present. As the children grew tougher, Yun Yang was shocked to notice a good number of fools among them. To illustrate, Hu Xiaofan was sparring with another disciple. Both of them stood facing each other with wind breezing through them. "I, Hu Xiaofan, was enlightened at three years old, had begun practice at six, have eight innately awakened chakras, killed five people at the age of seven, wiped out three sects at the age of nine, and have become accomplished in swordsmanship at the age of ten. This sword I wield is forged by refined steel. It''s two feet and seven inches long, three catties and nine taels in weight. It''s not a notable blade but it''s precise when it comes to killing." "I, Meng Yiran, was enlightened at the age of four and began practicing at the age of seven. I was a vagabond, wandering from place to place. I began killing at nine years old and mastered the saber forms at ten years old, becoming the disciple of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' Second Peak. This saber is made of divine refined metal. It''s two feet and five inches long while weighing five catties and two taels. It''s not a magical weapon but it''s a treasured saber." "Great saber!" "Wonderful sword!" "Please, let''s learn from each other!" "Let''s!" Just as both of them engaged in a fight, Yun Yang was thoroughly speechless. He honestly had no idea where these two learned nonsense like this. They had yet to master anything but they could really act. This was all achieved without anyone teaching these things to them and yet, their pretense was unbelievably natural and spontaneous. ''What did they mean by "accomplished in swordsmanship"? And "mastered the saber forms"? Please, do not disgrace the terms accomplished and mastered based on your terrible skills!'' On the other side, there were Yun Xiuxin and Ling Xiaorou. "Junior Sister Ling." "Senior Sister Yun." "Junior sister is alluring as usual despite our last meeting." "Senior sister is as gorgeous too after several years of separation." "Would you like to have a bout when you come over this time?" "I wish to learn from senior sister, let''s fight to see who''s the bull." "Same." "Let''s!" "Let''s!" They carried their swords while cupping their palm over their fist before dealing their first strike. As Yun Yang watched the duels among the disciples, he was utterly exasperated. ''Several years of separation? Excuse me, which day have you two not meet each other? How is it several years of separation?'' ''Fight to see who''s the bull even Both of you, you''re girls, what bull?'' ''Alluring like usual, gorgeous You two, don''t blaspheme the adjectives alluring and gorgeous okay? You babies'' Perhaps the Residence of Nine Supremes was still lacking in many aspects compared to the other schools but on the standard of being posers, the members were top of the Bound of Universe; they were unparalleled, totally the top ten C top five, top three, basically. Yun Yang sighed. Since when had the sect''s mannerism gone astray? Why did he not notice it? Not even a hint? "Junior Brother Yu!" "Senior Brother Sun." "You''ve achieved a breakthrough!" "Senior brother has sharp eyes." "Would you like to engage in a duel?" "No thanks. I won''t be able to beat you, no need to battle in vain. I shall exchange wisdom with you on another day." "Have a good journey, junior brother." "You''re too courteous, senior brother." "Do be on your way." "Yes." These fools Yun Yang wondered if they could still speak like a normal human being. Fortunately, he found the source quickly. Shi Wuchen was seen landing graciously with an excellent technique while Luo Dajiang walked over, bearing an imposing manner like a mountain. "Second elder brother!" "Third younger brother!" "Second elder brother has improved again." "You too, third younger brother." "Second elder brother, you''re captivating as usual." "Third younger brother" As both of them turned, they saw Yun Yang. "Big brother!" "Big brother is captivating as usual" "Big brother is dazzlingly handsome" Yun Yang turned away swiftly covering his face and sprinted back to his hall. He palmed his forehead and let out a long sigh, not knowing what to say for a long time. ''F*ck!'' ''These drama queens!'' ''The Residence of Nine Supremes used to be amazing. How did these troublemakers transform it into a fools'' camp!'' Yun Yang could not figure it out no matter how hard he thought about it. When did it become what it was now? Why? It had been normal! Summoning and questioning Little Fatty, Little Fatty was stunned and blurted another question instead of answering him, "Didn''t you suggest this?" "" "It was after the last sect match that you suggested it, mentioning that everyone''s already a teacher, a role model. Whenever and wherever, one must act and educate exemplarily" Little Fatty stared back at Yun Yang weirdly in confusion, as if saying, "How could you forget it when you arranged it?" "Everyone''s exerted their all to be able to act it out. Why are you flipping out instead, boss? This is illogical" Yun Yang hugged his head, refusing to reply. I C illogical? ''Heck, I want you guys to be role models in educating them, be exemplary, but not this way.'' ''What examples are these?!'' Leaving this nonsense aside, there were still happy and comforting occasions that had happened in the forty days, like the amazing stage the Residence of Nine Supremes'' younger generation disciples had achieved in their progress. Yu Chenghang and Sun Mingxiu had respectively gone to the second tier of Immortal Mystic. Other than the secure placings these two boys had grabbed onto, the ranking of the other top ten disciples was shuffled almost every ten days. A slight slack in effort made it possible for the junior siblings behind to keep up and override them. Once they lost, the senior brother would become the junior brother and the senior sister would become the junior sister. The rank change was exciting. Hence, everyone cultivated insanely and tried their hardest to improve due to their competitiveness 1019 An Encounter That Smelled Dong Qitian was once impressed by the fact that the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples kept the right mindset and did not go into Qi deviation despite their vigorous chase after advancement. It was unbelievable, nearly illogical. He was amazed, wondering how they did it. Yun Yang thought without saying anything. "With the Qi of Dao, the Qi of vitality and the occasional drop of Primordial Qi of Amethyst that Emmie shares, it invisibly enhances the disciples'' competence by reinforcing their foundation to a highly secure state. Before they go into the level of Saint, any Qi deviation or stray of mind is impossible!" What surprised Yun Yang was Kong Luoyue''s top disciple, Bai Yexing. He had gone through two rank changes during this duration. The first time was victorious, Bai Yexing rose from the tenth spot to the ninth but he was swiped down from it ten days later. Twenty days later, he returned stronger and slotted himself back into the top ten rankings, climbing straight to the eighth rank. He cinched the spot securely after that, unmovable by anyone. Yun Yang''s leading disciple, Yun Xiuxin, maintained being the top in Earth Mystic twice before hauling herself up directly to being the fifth in Heaven Mystic after the third match. She had even pushed right to Heaven Mystic''s top two in the last contest, shocking everyone with her progress. Lin Xiaorou caught up to the fourth rank among Heaven Mystics while the one cutting Lin Xiaorou''s chase to Yun Xiuxin short was Hu Xiaofan who was ranked third. Hu Xiaofan was a sore thumb and a troublemaker, but his progress was rather fast. Even with Yun Xiuxin''s shocking advancement, she did not throw him off too far behind. In fact, Hu Xiaofan''s speedy improvement surprised even Yun Yang. The boy was not the most talented among his disciples; his diligence was on par with everyone else as well. At best, his disposition was relatively above average. Yun Yang''s judgment of him was that he should be far behind Cheng Jiajia. Why was his improvement progressing so fast that he was now far ahead of Cheng Jiajia and nearly keeping up with Yun Xiuxin? It must be noted that Cheng Jiajia was only ranked seventh among Heaven Mystics. There must be a reason behind Hu Xiaofan''s surprising headway! Yun Yang had specifically summoned the child in order to probe further into the matter. "Encounter? I was pooping in a forest when I set out the second time with Senior Uncle Guo and found a green shrub near my feet that bore fruit. It was fragrant and since I was pooping, I plucked it and ate it Then I passed out" "Cough, I washed my clothes in the end too A lot of people didn''t want to talk to me after that, they kept saying that I smelled bad. I washed myself every day though They didn''t like me, as if I like them! I improve my skills, I''m improving much faster than them anyway. This disciple doesn''t know if it''s a providence" Despite the mental capacity of Yun Yang as ''Supreme Wisdom'', he thought that Hu Xiaofan''s breakthrough process rather smelled ''How lazy and how carefree you must be!'' ''It''s too f*cking dirty!'' ''It''s fine if you pluck the fruit as you notice a shrub while pooping but to pluck and eat it as well I honestly can''t think of another person who would do that.'' ''I''m afraid there''s only one person out of a million who could meet such a special encounter?!'' ''But what did he ear?'' Yun Yang realized that he was still stunned with no impression after asking Hu Xiaofan to describe the fruit''s appearance in detail, thus going to Dong Qitian for assistance. Dong Qitian was knowledgeable indeed, swiftly providing Yun Yang with an answer. "Could it be the Spiritual Root Marrow-Promoting Fruit!" Dong Qitian was astonished as well. "He found it while he was pooping? And he plucked it and ate it too?" "He really ate the fruit while he was pooping?" Dong Qitian questioned. When he received Yun Yang''s confirmation, Dong Qitian looked speechless and suddenly dry-heaved. "Your disciples is a talent huh Killing two birds with one stone?" Dong Qitian was completely flabbergasted by the outcome. "The kid''s luck is insane" Dong Qitian shook his head in mock anger. "What kind of good luck is this Squatting down beside the Spiritual Root Marrow-Promoting Fruit as he popped Let him ascend right into heaven with his good luck" "What actually is it?" Yun Yang was blank. "The Spiritual Root Marrow-Promoting Fruit is a mystical species in the Bound of Universe. It can only breed underground and takes at least a thousand years to breed before germinating just that one time. The germination is completely underground as well and is invisible to. When it becomes a shrub three thousand years later, it greets the world like any other grass. And there''s no difference from them. It wilts and thrives following the weather. No spiritual herb master, no matter how skilled, can distinguish it." "After a thousand times of wilting and growing, the spiritual plant will bloom once. The period is a short two hours and the flower withers immediately. This will be the only distinction of this fruit from other ordinary shrubs since its sprouting from five thousand years ago. After another thousand years would it bear fruit. The entire process from fruit-bearing to maturity lasts only a quarter of an hour. Once it matures, it will fall instantly. The shrub will wither too and await the next cycle." Dong Qitian retched through his speechlessness. "This fruit has only one use actually. The marrow of the one consuming it will all be turned into the Innate Spiritual Marrow" "We cultivators use our physical selves as the mystical energy''s medium but our physical bodies are constantly battered by time and the world. Any cultivation method or spiritual herb will not remove impurities from our bodies to this world or from this world to our bodies eternally, so the physical body''s marrow is a human''s best bet." "We always mention going through a bone change or rinsing of the meridians like a reincarnation. It means to strengthen our physical bodies and nourish our spiritual marrow but how many people could actually go through the actual process of a change of bones and rinsing of meridians? Even a rare opportunity is a providence that could hardly come by again." "By consuming the Spiritual Root Marrow-Producing Fruit, Hu Xiaofan''s entire physique will constantly be enriched by the spiritual marrow all his life. There would be no impurities within him all the time. It would be astounding if his improvement wasn''t going fast Why do you think everyone complains about him being smelly? It''s the spiritual marrow eliminating impurities from his body all the time C it''ll be a mistake if he smells good!" "Oh my god, what kind of fate is this" Dong Qitian was extremely lost for words. "This fruit has honestly only appeared in novels since the start of time. No one has heard of anybody eating it. Who knows that your disciple Heck! Squatting beside it just when he was pooping. What astral providence" "I really want to kill him!" 1020 A Serene Martial World Elder Dong wore an expression of naked envy and jealousy on his face. ''F*ck, why can''t I ever have such a divine encounter? If your father could have the Innate Spiritual Marrow, being invincible would not be an impossibility! This old man could even crush the Sacred Heart Palace!'' ''Now, it''s given to this young junior with a shallow cultivation base. It''s a disastrous waste of treasure!'' ''This old man has fought someone for a spiritual shrub before, when I roamed the martial world in the past. I beat his brains out, but I didn''t manage to get my hands on the herb This kid is a baby, but he''s eaten the gem while he was doing a number two'' ''That gem appears for only a quarter of an hour in at least six thousand years'' Dong Qitian gazed into the sky with a grave look, looking for all the world as if he wanted to go up and ask, "Oh heavens, did you mean for all this to happen?" Although this was not a moment he could or should laugh at, Yun Yang felt a sudden impulse to do so. It was amazing to think that an antique who had lived for a few millenniums like Elder Dong had would actually look so upset because of this matter "Cough!" Yun Yang tried to comfort him. "Elder Dong, everyone has their providence. It''s just a small encounter of the disciple. With how high your status stands, you don''t have to be so begrudging about the whole matter..." ''Begrudging?'' ''What are you saying to me, child? Me? Begrudging? Where?!'' ''Heh heh'' Dong Qitian glared sullenly at Yun Yang before he spoke faintly, "You''re right, everyone has their providence. We can''t ask for it Yun Yang, you seem to have made progress again from the last time? You''re one with incredible providence, aren''t you?" Yun Yang nodded. "Elder Dong has good eyes." "Your improvement is remarkably swift Cultivators of levels Saint and above would prioritize personal disposition. One must train his state of mind lest there''s a chance for the internal demon to strike. Why don''t we spar, while I suppress my cultivation base to third-tier Saint pinnacle? This old man will train you and remove the hidden risk," Dong Qitian said in a single exhalation. Yun Yang vaguely felt that something was wrong, but what Dong Qitian said was the maxim of cultivation. It was true; one must train and fully grasp the advance after each leap. It would be better if an ace cultivator helped out with this exercise. Yun Yang was incredibly willing. He was excited, anticipating the said activity. "Please do, Elder Dong." "Heh, let''s begin now then." A few moments later, Yun Yang''s cries filled the hall that was sealed with Dong Qitian''s divine sense The monster antique who had been alive for several thousand years was incomparable to ordinary people, no matter his experience, knowledge or judgment. Even if their cultivation base were similar, the result was instantly announced during the actual combat. To fight on the same level was a rather difficult task with such restraints in place. The respected Leader Supreme Cloud did not show himself for a good two days after the sparring bout. The daily task arrangement was relayed through the Nine Supremes Dictum, adding a sense of mystery to their vaunted leader out of the blue. All disciples and the Demiurge-Flawed Ten were puzzled. ''What''s up with boss? Closed-door training? It doesn''t look like it'' ''What''s up with master? Closed-door training? It doesn''t look like it'' ''What''s up with Lead Supreme? Closed-door training? Doesn''t look like it'' ''Could he be creating a mysterious atmosphere and secretly preparing an ultimate trump card, just the way the legends had it?'' The reality was that there were three bumps on Yun Yang''s head, raised neatly side by side. After two days, his bruised and swollen face had healed, but the three large bumps on the top of his head had only gone down half their size despite Emmie''s mystical prowess. When he had just been beaten up, Yun Yang had looked like he had four heads stacked together. It was a horrible sight. While the three bumps were still visible now, they could still be considered concealed with some hair over it. Yun Yang heaved a deep sigh looking at his reflection on the mirror. "Why?" "Hehe Because I''m begrudging" Yun Yang felt that he must have lost his mind then when he recalled the conversation. He had sent himself on a silver platter right after provoking a masterly expert whom he still had no idea of his actual capability. This was asking for torture, total suicide! He had no one to blame. In retrospect, this period of time seemed to be the most peaceful time he had experienced since he had ascended to the Bound of Universe from Tianxuan Continent. There were no accidents or surprises; no one came to find fault and no one came to visit out of boredom, even the General Commerce League had stopped pestering him. The Black and White Ruthless Duo, the Feathers-Off-A-Swallow, the Raiders of All But God, too, seemed to become a thing of the past. It was calm and serene, with no ripples or waves. It was not only the Residence of Nine Supremes. The entire martial world was similarly peaceful. It was like entering utopia; it was not that one had no war against the world, it was that there was no war across the world! The only noise was probably from the Residence of Nine Supremes still setting out for missions every now and then to wipe out the human trafficking organizations. However, that was even more mind-boggling. It had been a while since the residence attacked the organizations; Yun Yang had estimated that the upper line of these organizations would have come to them long ago, but the reality was nowhere near his expectations. There was no one, no forces, that came looking for trouble. It C it seemed overly peaceful. People said that whenever something was unusual, there must always be someone behind it. Yun Yang was bewildered by the current serenity, thus he immediately sent Qian Duoduo out to collect hearsay and information. According to the latter, the whole Bound of Universe seemed to be incredibly quiet, so much so that even the sects and schools bearing the Celestial Luck Banners that were previously quite active had shut themselves in; it was like everything in the outside world was irrelevant to them and they only wanted to live their lives in peace. Yun Yang was acutely aware that things did not feel right. Was it still the martial world to be in such tranquility? This was probably the state of a retirement home If it were not for the substantial karmic energy that Yun Yang received from the annihilation of the human traffickers every other day, he would have lost his cool long ago. There must be something that he did not know; even without impending worry, it could be a future concern! Nevertheless, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' general competence was developing speedily. This was a state that Yun Yang found extremely reluctant to cut short. What a wonderful advancement opportunity this was. There was nobody to fight or compete with, the human traffickers had accumulated a generous number of talented children, each mission resulted in plenty of resources and a substantial amount of karmic Qi as well as new, talented members The Residence of Nine Supremes was the only sect doing this now! What else could feel more gratifying than monopolizing the source? Nonetheless, what was the reason behind the current calm? Since the Tianxuan Continent, Yun Yang had upheld the principle that it was better to be safe than sorry. Each of his steps was cautious and he was always on guard. This was how he could survive to this day. The surprising peace now, however, fazed Yun Yang, disturbing his calm. If he did not figure this out, he would probably not be able to sleep well. Holding the three big bumps on his head, Yun Yang walked out with a distant look in his eyes, to search for Dong Qitian. 1021 A Dim Future Instead of cracking his head and not have anything to show for it, it would be like entering the treasure mountain and returning emptyhanded if Yun Yang did not think to ask a monstrous antique who had been living for a few thousand years. A certain someone was ready to humbly ask for new knowledge, as he was still upset. ''Will I endure your trashing if it weren''t for my inability to beat you? I''ll assume that I''m reusing trash now. Yes, recycling, fully utilizing my resources!'' The disciples who were practicing at the entrance finally saw their master and were about to greet him only to see him walk away in a hurry, looking cold and serious. They were stunned and did not dare provoke him; after all, they were clever children. "Master doesn''t look so happy?" "Hmm, I think so too." "Senior Sister Yun, looking at master''s expression, what do you think?" Yun Xiuxin rubbed her eyes and said doubtfully, "Is master injured? But there hasn''t been any fight these days" "Was he injured?" "What''s wrong with master?" Cheng Jiajia asked anxiously. Yun Xiuxin was about to tell her that she seemed to have seen three bumps on their master''s head, but a cough could be heard before she could speak. Their master''s stern voice came drifting over, "Why aren''t all of you training? Are you all very free?" The dozen disciples spread out immediately, not a sound escaped their lips. "Maybe I was wrong" thought Yun Xiuxin. How could her master be injured with his amazing cultivation base and lack of opponents that could fight him? Even if he were injured, it must be a devastating match; how could it be a strange injury of having swollen bumps on the head? Listening to Yun Yang''s concern, Dong Qitian looked back at him oddly. "You think that it''s abnormal? Let me tell you, this is the most common thing ever!" "The Celestial Luck Banner contest is held every three years It''s about three months now until the banner match. Who would be out moving around at such a critical period? What if the sect''s expert who''s out had some mishap meeting another expert? Isn''t that suffering a casualty for nothing and providing the enemy an opportunity?" "What if the core disciples were wounded?" "What if" "Everything that exists is possible. There are countless possibilities that could cause a downgrade in level or a failure to upgrade in level. There are also countless likelihoods that could cause initial level retention or level up to be near impossible. Schools and sects that have set their eyes on the Celestial Luck Banner meet would normally prevent unwanted circumstances. Staying constant is the best way to counter any change. When everyone is coping with changes by being constant, of course the martial world is serene. What''s so odd about it?" Dong Qitian scoffed. "Do you think that everyone is like the Residence of Nine Supremes? You were just established not too long ago and you fantasize about a circus troupe conquering a country?" "I''m telling you, they won''t be roaming the martial world now nor will they focus on cultivating. Even if they''ve met a chance of a breakthrough, they dare not do it at this juncture. What if the breakthrough takes up too much time and they miss the flag contest? What if the breakthrough fails and lowers their capability instead? Even if they''ve successfully achieved a breakthrough, it''ll still be disastrous if they exceed the combat range after that!" "These are the considerations, so facing all changes with constancy is the habitual strategy all sects and forces use currently. Do you understand now?" Yun Yang nodded. "I see, the truth is actually so simple." "As for you fellows who are killing the human traffickers and taking over their resources did you think that nobody knew it was you? They''re just letting you be for now. Once they''re free after securing their levels, they''ll come after you Based on how much a lightweight the Residence of Nine Supremes is, it''s a piece of cake to wipe you guys clean!" Dong Qitian snorted. "Just you wait. Once the Celestial Luck Banner contest is over, your residence will have countless visitors and challengers. Whether you snatch the flag in this match or not, it''ll be the same. You''ve recruited ten thousand disciples despite how new your sect is! Are you planning to soar into the heavens or upturn them?" "I''ll just ask you the simplest question. If these sects came after you asking to pick a few children from your pool, are you giving the children to them? No? Then that''s war!" "By then, maybe the challenges you receive a day will be more than when you''re in the Celestial Luck Banner match. They''ll be crueler and riskier. You could be wiped out and annihilated at any time." "I''d really like to see how long your Residence of Nine Supremes could last!" "So these are the consequences. I''ve been a frog in the well these days, too full of myself" Yun Yang stroked his chin. Now that it was laid out plainly in front of him, the Residence of Nine Supremes was brimming with threats. It was probable that it would be eliminated! "The survival of the Residence of Nine Supremes is still what happens after. Right now, there should already be many sects that are departing towards the contest location. Some may even already be there. The geography of the contest venue is also key to victory, so it needs to be observed and studied carefully How should one arrange the men and formations, how should one plan and strategize, these should be revised as early as possible. And here you are, occupied with increasing your competence level. Your general competence is indeed lacking as well" As Dong Qitian pointed out the facts, he actually felt weary, like there was no future left for him. For an experienced ace master like Dong Qitian to meet a ludicrous leader like Yun Yang and an absurd sect, it was enough. Based on his honest opinion, the Residence of Nine Supremes had a bright future; as long as it remained low profile for three years and joined the next Celestial Luck Banner contest, it would rise with momentum. The timing was not late at all, and the buffer they would obtain would be comfortably sufficient. Yet, this fellow insisted to do it this time He was really carefree about life and death. He looked indifferent about the match too "When do you plan to depart?" Dong Qitian asked rubbing between his brows. Yun Yang hesitated. "There''s still three months and eight days left from now I''ve checked the route, we can arrive at the venue from the Residence of Nine Supremes in less than seven days in addition to not having to rush at full speed. A good amount of rest time could be adjusted So I''m thinking if we could depart on the last tenth day?" "The disciples really need to train more with how their capabilities are currently. Another day of practice is another day of advantage It''s good if they could improve a little more." He smiled in embarrassment. Dong Qitian heaved a big sigh. "You''re too courteous. Perhaps, too optimistic. The pupils of the nine peaks need not improve a little more. They need to leap across a huge gap Sigh, the best you have is second-tier Immortal Mystic and you want to fight with people''s elite class disciples of Honor level It''s at least two huge levels difference An ordinary martial artist who has never joined a Celestial Luck Banner sect may not even complete the progress of two huge levels all his life and you want to complete it in three months. I really don''t know if I should call you confident or delusional" 1022 The Risk Percentage Yun Yang rubbed his nose. "It''s an emergency now, it can''t be helped" "Those ideal sects prepare themselves in advance and depart early You" Dong Qitian did not know what to say for a moment and continued his ineffective laments, "Do you view the Celestial Luck Banner contest like a stroll to the market? All is well as long as you arrive there on the same day? That the flag match is fighting when you''re there and coming back when it''s done? Is it so easy and casual to you?" Yun Yang chuckled dryly. "Events depend largely on our own actions. We''ve already come to this stage, we must give it a try" "Sigh" Dong Qitian let out a long sigh, exhaling his endless lament. Never mind; he would just assume that he had met a lunatic "In the course of increasing the disciples'' cultivation base, it would be best for them to consume the Emerald Cloud Pill. It won''t be on time if we delay it. Elder Dong, can you start off the advanced Emerald Cloud Pill you''ve mentioned previously?" "It''s not an issue for me to cultivate the Emerald Cloud Pill, but have you prepared the herbs needed?" Dong Qitian asked with a curious glance. "I''ve brought them here." "Also, the bone tempering pills, meridian expanding pills, marrow cleansing pills, and pure energy pills The skyrocket effect will only be achieved when all spiritual herbs are ready and used alongside the Emerald Cloud Pill. Have you actually prepared all of them?" "Yes. I''ve spent the most time on this recently." Yun Yang retrieved the resources with a grin while Dong Qitian rolled his eyes. ''This bastard C he''s prepared everything?'' ''Why are you so fast?'' Dong Qitian had wanted to make things difficult for Yun Yang with the heaven and earth treasures, but looking at the mounds of treasured herbs neatly placed in front of him, he found himself momentarily taken aback. He had not expected this. These abundant heaven and earth treasures; where did this fellow get them from, and so easily at that? Dong Qitian sighed and his expression turned unusually serious. "There''s one thing I must tell you beforehand. While the Emerald Cloud Pill, as our sect''s secret that''s not to be passed on, can allow the person taking it a meteoric rise and an escalation in cultivation base when consumed with other complementing medicinal pills C once successful, your disciples will advance a full level, the risk involved is similarly high! Its chances of success stand at only twenty percent." "Furthermore, the twenty percent we''re talking about requires the prerequisite of the sect''s disciples being total prodigies. More precisely, upgrading seventy-five disciples at one go is a huge taboo At least fifty of them will either die on the spot or become good-for-nothings with utterly wrecked meridians" "This is already the most reserved, most minimal, and the best-case scenario!" "Have you considered it thoroughly? Are you really going to do so?" Dong Qitian asked seriously. Yun Yang replied faintly, "If one wishes to walk the destiny-defying path, one must pay a heaven-defying price! I am prepared for a low percentage of success." "There''s one person whom you don''t have to worry about. He''ll advance with one hundred percent certainty and there will be no risk. It''s Hu Xiaofan. Possessing the Innate Spiritual Marrow and constantly eliminating the impurities in his body, no amount of spiritual herb consumed will be a problem to him. Other than him, though, everyone else is in danger. Think about it. I personally do not condone your eagerness." Dong Qitian felt weary. Yun Yang In the beginning, Dong Qitian had indeed suggested the Emerald Cloud Pill to Yun Yang. Back then, he was thinking to himself, "All you have here are trash It will be fine to weed out some of them. It''s enough for two or three out of a hundred of them level up." In spite of this, as he came in contact with the children during this duration, Dong Qitian grew to like these children who suffered pitiful histories but possessed resilient characters. He was reluctant for them to bear the risk. Hence, he thought of delaying the approach with the heaven and earth treasures only for Yun Yang to actually gather all that he needed Yun Yang answered decisively, "We have been long prepared! There''s no need to consider any further! It''s either make it or break it! Compared to going about things slowly, we don''t have time and I also believe that man can overcome his destiny!" Dong Qitian stared at Yun Yang for a long time before his gaze slowly turned distant. He gradually shut his eyes and said, "Okay, be on your way. I need half a month to cultivate these medicinal pills." Yun Yang left then. Opening his eyes, Dong Qitian watched Yun Yang''s retreating back glumly. "This is the third request." "Alright." Yun Yang did not turn back. Dong Qitian inhaled and exhaled deeply. "Child, why are you so cruel? You know that eighty percent of your pupils will die, yet you insist on trying it Do you really not see them as human beings?" Dong Qitian closed his eyes, his heart aching mightily. "I didn''t think that you were this type of person, but could I be wrong?" "Is the Residence of Nine Supremes in truth, not a haven at all?" Yun Yang returned to the Supreme Cloud Peak, no longer perturbed and suspicious like he had been earlier. He was calm and collected. Risky? Twenty percent of success? Such concerns were nonexistent to the Residence of Nine Supremes and Yun Yang! If Hu Xiaofan could advance completely safe, it meant that consuming the Emerald Cloud Pill in a certain state would allow a hundred percent success. As long as Emmie was here, it could even surpass Hu Xiaofan''s Innate Spiritual Marrow. ''Not a single one of my disciples will be in harm''s way!'' ''I''m totally confident!'' The worst-case scenario that could happen from promoting their cultivation base using the pills would be an elevation failure, with no sign of progress in their cultivation base. Having wrecked meridians or destroyed cultivation methods would never happen. Yun Yang understood what Dong Qitian was thinking, but the crux of this matter was Yun Yang''s biggest trump card; it must not be disclosed to anyone else but himself, so he could only let the reality speak. Time passed slowly, but surely. To the Residence of Nine Supremes, every day went by too fast, like it was gone in the blink of an eye. To every disciple, it felt far too slow; each day and each moment felt like a year! Rest? It did not exist. Be it the leader of the nine peaks, the internal disciples or common disciples who were yet to be acknowledged by any peak, their time in a day was spent in small fragments. Tired from practicing the sword, they would cultivate; tired from practicing the saber, they would cultivate; tired from practicing the hand and feet techniques, they would cultivate. Most probably, the only activity that could be considered relevant to resting was meditating and cultivating. The exchanges of skills in the form of combat was a constant in the huge field. The disciples were like tiger cubs; all of them were growing strongly and rapidly. Deep in the night, when all the children were immersed in a concentrated atmosphere of adjusting their internal pulses, waves of spiritual Qi like the tidal waves of the ocean washed over each part of the Residence of Nine Supremes. Yun Yang slipped into the children''s room. A pulse of Qi of vitality disintegrated into countless speckles as they fell on the dozen of disciples. Then, Yun Yang went to the other peaks and repeated the process. It would be dawn soon. With a deep gaze directed at the distance, Yun Yang stood at the top of a tree on the highest point of the Residence of Nine Supremes murmuring, "The Celestial Luck, the heaven''s providence!" His eyes glimmered, like two sharp swords that churned in the nightfall. 1023 Rising Like Bamboo Shoots After A Spring Rain During the first hour of the next morning, Yun Xiuxin collected questions and challenges her junior sisters and brothers faced the day before and submitted them to Yun Yang for teaching examples before they spread out to practice again. Yun Yang explained the cultivation methods on the spot during the moments that the children were the most recharged. Each time, he used the Art of Daigo (great realization or enlightenment) to reach the disciples'' innermost self, making sure that disciples who paid attention would certainly remember by listening only once. This was a bonus that pupils from the other peaks did not enjoy. In fact, this was also why the Central Peak''s disciples were improving so quickly. The pupils from the other mountains could only receive such treatment when Yun Yang addressed all of them in a speech after each intra-sect contest. It was not that Yun Yang was being biased; in truth, he was not adequately competent. The personal depletion of using the Art of Daigo was high; while it was fine to use it in a small area, a wide-ranged execution like the one towards the whole of Residence of Nine Supremes could only be done occasionally as a constant demonstration of the art was not something Yun Yang could achieve currently. If he were to do so to every disciple daily, Yun Yang would need at least half a day to recover... In addition, the other disciples had their own masters; Shi Wuchen and others would have their individual teaching styles and secrets that might not be lacking compared to Yun Yang''s. The cons were definitely more than the pros if he had pushed himself to accomplish this. A week flew by and it was time again for a new round of intra-sect matches. This time, Yun Yang had specifically paid attention to the performance of a few select protgs. Other than the highlighted targets like Sun Mingxiu, Yu Chenghang, Yun Xiuxin, Hu Xiaofan, Bei Yexing, Lin Xiaorou, and Cheng Jiajia, there were several others as well. Sun Mingxiu had achieved another breakthrough, currently at Immortal Mystic pinnacle and would advance to Supreme at any time. The boy was growing increasingly composed and poised. Yu Chenghang had climbed up to Immortal Mystic ace as well, not overshadowed too greatly by Sun Mingxiu. Yun Xiuxin had arrived at Heaven Mystic pinnacle and was awaiting a chance of a breakthrough. As for Hu Xiaofan... When did this fellow arrive at the Heaven Mystic pinnacle and become parallel to Yun Xiuxin? Bai Yexing was in the Immortal Mystic beginner tier while in the intermediate tier of Heaven Mystic were Lin Xiarou and Cheng Jiajia. There were only less than ten people among the first generation of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples who were still at the pinnacle tier of the Earth Mystic, currently the lowest cultivation base level. Everyone else had ascended to Heaven Mystic and above, without exception. Therefore, it was a cerulean blue sight once these disciples performed, illuminating the Residence of Nine Supremes and turning it into a sapphire ocean. Yun Yang was seated in the center, while the leaders of the other eight mountains were lined respectively on the left and right. Ping Xiaoyi and Guo Nuanyang took a spot individually. The latter pair actually thought of recruiting protgs of their own after seeing how well the pupils of others were doing; each of them took ten children under their wings after the first mission to wipe out the human trafficking organizations, finally having a taste of how it felt like to be a master. Nevertheless, their disciples were not yet eligible to take part in the contest of the nine peaks. After bouts of battle, Sun Mingxiu had still secured his position as the top disciple while Yu Chenghang was closely-ranked second. Bai Yexing whom Yun Yang regarded quite highly charged like a lit firecracker right into the third! Looking at the rather disappointed looks of the other top seven pupils, Yun Yang frowned as well. After a long period of spiritual energy rinsing, these children were still considered geniuses if they were in other schools based on their personal improvement. However, signs of stagnating were showing in their meridians. It meant that even if their physique were to change in the future, it was near their limits; there could hardly be bigger progress within a short duration. They would need a long time of grinding before they could achieve another breakthrough. There was nothing that could be done about the situation in a short period of time. A countermeasure could only be figured out after the Celestial Luck Banner competition The most talented ones among the protgs were Yun Xiuxin, Bai Yexing, Lin Xiaorou, Cheng Jiajia, and now, Hu Xiaofan as well C especially Hu Xiaofan, who was showing hints of being a dark horse. There was no suspense in the battles of the Heaven Mystic level. Yun Xiuxin took the first directly while Hu Xiaofan had given a successful chase, coming in a close second. Hu Xiaofan, who thought that his cultivation base had kept up to his eldest senior sister, did not forgo the opportunity to challenge her, stepping out with pride, but was flung away within ten exchanges by Yun Xiuxin who had sworn to maintain her place as the paramount in her level. Cheng Jiajia and Lin Xiaorou''s cultivation base were similar, their duel lasting until both of them were out of strength. Cheng Jiajia won by a slight technique, ranking her third and another, fourth. As expected, Lin Xiaorou cried again Dong Qitian watched the events unfold from the highest point with a long face. Each time he saw these young children, he felt like he was seeing bamboo shoots after a spring rain. All of them were rising up so fast! Their advancement was breathtaking! Even during the Ultimate Heaven Sect''s prime, their disciples had not developed so quickly! Shaking his head, Dong Qitian thought that it was a pity. How could Yun Yang be so revolting; he did not know contentment, actually wanting to cultivate the Emerald Cloud Pill Make it or break it, he said! Rubbish! He was taking his blessings for granted! Gazing again at the top seven disciples after Bai Yexing took third place, Dong Qitian could distinctly feel Yun Yang''s dissatisfaction regarding the seven children''s progress, frowning at their physical state. In spite of it, Dong Qitian only wanted to say"What the f*ck else do you want?" "While the seven kids'' meridians are showing a state of stagnating, they are already bodies of the Innate Physique! What else do you want? Do you know that I''m also just an Innate Physique?" The fellow must have seen too many gems that he was picking bones from eggs now. It must be said, however, that the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples were irresistible! Yun Yang had gotten himself into a huge amount of trouble. Many of his later disciples in the houses under the mountains were forming the Innate Physique as well, with many of their chakras gradually awakened Due to the Residence of Nine Supremes'' unique environment, all chakra walls within these members had turned incredibly thin. Even if a middle-class Celestial Luck Banner sect were here to select disciples, at least five thousand of his ten thousand pupils would be picked! How would he handle the ravaging wolves'' aggressive extortion? Dong Qitian was eager to see how Yun Yang would overcome the issue. ''I won''t help you anyway! Hmph!'' Dong Qitian quietly decided. As days passed, the atmosphere clouding the Residence of Nine Supremes grew more tensed and oppressed. Even Shi Wuchen, Luo Dajiang, and the others often looked somber and in a hurry whenever they were seen scurrying about. Other than teaching their protgs, they were either cultivating their cultivation method or Qi or practicing their saber or sword; it was as if there was nothing else to be done in life. Perhaps, the least nervous C the only one unfazed, even, in the whole residence, was Yun Yang himself! 1024 A Great Conflic Yun Yang was disconnected from his nerves ever since Dong Qitian threw light on his confusion. For the rest of the day, he wore a warm smile on his face. This puzzled Dong Qitian to no end. ''Aren''t you supposed to be more anxious after what I said?'' ''Why are you more relaxed instead?'' ''How carefree must you be?'' ''It''s definitely eye candy when you wear a smile on that handsome face, but they don''t really match well with the rest of the group; in fact, it''s almost an eyesore!'' The Great Lord Supreme Cloud was now thoroughly engrossed in teaching his protgs. Then, he realized that while there were only slightly more than ten people, they seemed to have a lot going on. After Yun Xiuxin was bestowed her authority, she came snitching on someone almost every day. Each time Yun Yang saw the girl''s head poking out from the hall''s door sneakily with darting eyes, he felt a pending headache. "Master, who and who never listens" "Master, who and who isn''t diligent in practicing" "Master who and who pulled senior and junior sisters'' braids and then they fought" Yun Yang was immensely regretting his decision to pass this little girl the power. It had become unduly annoying, like now. "Master, Hu Xiaofan hit Lu Changman again today" Yun Xiuxin snuck in to rat the boy out. "What is it for again this time?" A large part of the reason Yun Yang was not smiling these days was because of this unique disciple of his. He subconsciously rubbed the area between his brows. "Same reasons Lu Changman wore the combat suit today and Hu Xiaofan complained that his shoes were made of leather instead of canvas. He said that Lu Changman was mismatched and looks weird. Then he began beating him up" Yun Xiuxin said, rolling her eyes. Yun Yang sighed. Hu Xiaofan was truly a troublemaker. He had beaten Lu Changman up eleven times in the last seven days using whatever excuse he could find to do so. It was getting preposterous Sometimes it was by saying Lu Changman did not wash in the morning, sometimes he said that his belt was crooked, maybe his clothes were dirty, or his hair was unkempt, or he did not wear his hat C there was just a hoard of reasons The most ridiculous one had to be the one used last night. Lu Changman had eaten ten mantous (Chinese steamed buns), one more than Hu Xiaofan; the latter was enraged and cried out, "You actually ate one more mantou than I did! This is a blatant provocation" He beat Lu Changman up without saying anything further. It was not without reason that Hu Xiaofan kept targeting Lu Changman. Their grudges seemed to have come a long way There was once when Hu Xiaofan was in the toilet after a rain and a rock nearly a hundred and ten catties of weight thrown by Lu Changman landed in the dung pit, making Hu Xiaofan infamously smell again In spite of it, Lu Changman did not do it on purpose; he was practicing with Cheng Jiajia with the latter asking him to throw rocks at her, so she could block and hack the obstacles with her sword to train her long-ranged counterattack. Lu Changman was a guileless one, naturally doing his best when his senior sister asked something of him. It had been smaller stones in the beginning and Cheng Jiajia tackled them easily; she asked for a harder challenge later, using bigger rocks and throwing them farther and higher, telling Lu Changman that it was fine to throw the rocks at his full strength. Ingenuous as Lu Changman was, he actually went for a large rock and tossed it with all the might he had. Things were different from earlier on. Lu Changman''s cultivation base was not weak while his strength was one of the top three among their bunch of senior and junior brothers. Going full force allowed the rock to shuttle in with a terrifying momentum like it was bringing a storm with it. While Cheng Jiajia''s cultivation base was above Lu Changman''s, she was not that much better. The sword was not a heavy weapon as well. Faced with a weighty attack, she was unable to parry it; swiftly avoiding the rock whilst landing a flick, she sent the rock to another destination. It went straight into the toilet After a heavy rain, the dung pit was covered with water. Therefore, Hu Xiaofan was heard shrieking in the toilet before he sprung out, pulling his pants and covered head to toe in excretion. He went berserk on the spot. Anyone would have gone berserk in the face of such an unexpected disaster. What was more, a mischievous one like Hu Xiaofan! Anyone who had eyes and could do a little thinking could easily see that Lu Changman was at fault because of Cheng Jiajia; he could not even be considered an accomplice in the entire incident and Hu Xiaofan knew it himself. Lu Changman was framed. However, Hu Xiaofan was disdainful to settle the dispute with Cheng Jiajia, a girl, as he called himself a heroic man. More importantly, Cheng Jiajia was supported by Yun Xiuxin and he could not win the latter. Hence, all his fury was vented on Lu Changman. This caused the boy''s wretched misery in the seven to eight days that had passed. Even though Lu Changman''s response was slightly delayed, he was surprisingly an obstinate one; he would rather die than lower his head submission and apologize. "I''m not at fault!" "It wasn''t on purpose!" "I''m not wrong, even if you beat me up!" Hu Xiaofan was angry and just wanted out, but his wish was not granted He could only keep going. Lu Changman was incredibly resentful being beaten up all this time while Hu Xiaofan was constantly fuming from his inability to receive closure. The conflict grew worse as it dragged out. Both of them were spitting fires at each other. "We''re irreconcilable in this lifetime!" Yun Yang rubbed between his brows and felt extremely drained. ''Ah What can I say?'' "Cheng Jiajia had unintentionally caused this, then? Or did she do it on purpose to prank Hu Xiaofan?" Yun Yang looked at his most senior disciple. Yun Xiuxin hesitated and stuttered, her gaze evasive. "Speak!" Yun Yang slapped the table and looked angry, frightening Yun Xiuxin. Hearing his holler, the girl paled and her legs gave up on her as she collapsed on the floor, saying with a teary face, "The last match Hu Xiaofan won Jiajia so" "You''ve repeated this reason seven to eight times now." Yun Yang scoffed and gave Yun Xiuxin a side-eye. "I''m asking now, what''s your role in this mess?" "I" "Hmph, if you weren''t behind it, Cheng Jiajia wouldn''t have done something like this even when she''s lost, based on how gentle she''s always been. If you have nothing to do with this, why are you rooting for Cheng Jiajia out of the blue? If you don''t come clean" "Master" Yun Xiuxin was hesitant. After a long time, she finally spoke blushing with her feet rubbing the floor and the edge of her clothes wrung in her hands, "Uh I came up with the idea Um Cough Gave Hu Xiaofan some meds and watched the timing, then I told Cheng Jiajia" "Sigh" Yun Yang heaved a long sigh. Herds of beasts trampled all over Yun Yang''s mind. "Can I not be worried about anyone of you for a single moment?" "This disciple knows it''s my fault I dare not do it again" Yun Xiuxin''s eyes darted around as she lowered her head. ''Hu Xiaofan is overzealous, actually coveting my position as the eldest senior His thoughts are enough to warrant his downfall! Besides, since that fellow ate the fruit while he pooped, his cultivation progress is too fast Hmph! It''s severely threatened my position as the eldest senior sister.'' ''He must be taught a lesson!'' 1025 The Four Whiteys As Overseers Yun Yang heaved another long sigh. "Never mind, I''ll go have a look." How could the master not clear the mess his disciples had caused? Arriving at the training ground, Lu Changman was seen hugging his head and squatting in a corner while Hu Xiaofan launched punches at him, incessantly screaming, "Do you give in C do you give in C do you give in C do you give in?" "Hu Xiaofan you stupid pig, smelly dog, sneaky mouse, maggot, cockroach, wretched mosquito I do not give in! I''ll never give in, not even upon my death. Hit me to death now, if you''re that capable I''ll make you pay ten thousand times over when my cultivation base surpasses yours, I''ll make you pay for it every day, all the time, without end. Your father will not ever reconcile with you in this life!" The Residence of Nine Supremes had stated that the disciples could argue, but no one was to insult each other''s family. Therefore, it was stupid pig and smelly cow and wretched something every time there was an argument "Stop! Your father says stop, all of you!" Yun Yang''s bellow shook the whole vicinity. Hu Xiaofan halted angrily and Lu Changman looked up with bruises and bumps as well as rage and indignation burning in his eyes. Yun Yang walked over with a sneer and looked at the two boys timidly kneeling on the floor. "I do not have the mood now nor am I responsible to care for whatever goes on between you two!" "It''s the survival of the fittest in the martial world, the winner takes it all. This is the permanent rule. The weakest will be eliminated in sects too, the winner prioritized. However, one mustn''t persist without control. Hu Xiaofan!" "This disciple is here." "You know the consequences if you continue hitting people without a care." "Yes, master. I dare not repeat this." "Lu Changman." "This disciple is here." "I''ll give you a chance to take revenge and a chance for Hu Xiaofan to beat you up as well. When the next ten-day match ends, both of you will have a fair chance for a duel." "Yes!" Lu Changman''s eyes were glowing. "You want to have revenge and wash away the accusations, am I right? You can, totally, as long as you defeat Hu Xiaofan. You can make him pay thoroughly. I''ll clap for your side! At the same time, if you''ve surpassed Hu Xiaofan and actually take him down, then he shall equally have a chance to challenge you after each match from then on. This means that the loser will have an unlimited number of challenge rights while the winner must not refuse." "However, both of you are not to fight privately anymore other than during this fixed timing." "This disciple obeys." "I shall formally restate this agreement. There is no time limit. You can fight until the one that loses between the two of you doesn''t want to fight anymore!" "Understood!" "Yes, this disciple understands!" "Master is really brilliant and amazing and handsome and dashing and fair and square and this disciple is completely amazed!" Apple-polisher Yun Xiuxin spouted her praises swiftly, baffling Yun Yang so much so that he did not know how to react for a moment. Snorting, he tapped the girl''s head. "Remember, this is a one-time thing. You can''t do it again. Otherwise, I''ll get rid of your title as the eldest senior sister! I''ll make you the youngest junior sister." Yun Xiuxin was shocked. "No, master! I dare not do it anymore It''s just that this disciple sees that Hu Xiaofan''s been getting more brazen recently Cough, cough" Yun Xiuxin covered her mouth and ran out nervously with her two braids swishing behind her. Her usual composure of being the eldest senior sister had vanished completely. A loud shout could then heard from the outside. C"Hu Xiaofan! How dare you bully your teammate! This eldest senior sister will teach you a lesson!" "Eldest senior sister? You''re a snitch! Do you think I''m really scared of you? If I become the eldest senior brother, I won''t ever tell on anyone" Hu Xiaofan was heard arguing. The fight began then. Yun Yang closed his eyes. ''Ah, my protgs are either troublemakers or power-crazed and a big bunch of fools It''s tiring being a master.'' ''Still, Lu Changman is really a tough cookie.'' ''Hmm'' Pondering, Yun Yang figured out a way to turn this to his advantage. With a wave of his hand, five Whiteys landed on the floor, rolling around like five snow-white, velvet balls. "I shall completely hand over the task of supervising the cultivation of disciples to the five of you." Yun Yang thought about it and continued. "All of you are to transform yourselves bigger, or else the kids will be starry-eyed when they first see you. Their progress will be hindered instead if they want to play with you every day." "Roar!" The five Whiteys roared in unison as a sign of agreement. Subsequently, four snow-white giants appeared in the hall. These four behemoths were more than a hundred feet in size while their heads were as large as half a room; their long tusks were white and gleaming with tongues red as blood and fearsome eyes Each step they took caused the floor to tremble. After that Yun Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry. There was still a tiny furball that was trying to expand. It was the Lightning Cat, Whitey Five. No matter how it tried, this was the biggest it could get Whitey Five meowed and looked up at the other four Whiteys that had turned colossal with miserable eyes. It seemed like it was not even the size of their nails ''I can''t bear to continue living, meow'' Looking at Whitey Five that was rubbing and snuggling his legs, Yun Yang was tickled. "This is um the issue of species You can only wait for an opportunity in the future It''s only possible if we find you something good" Whitey Five looked lost. ''So I can''t keep up with them for now?'' Four mountain-guarding spiritual beasts had suddenly made an appearance in the Residence of Nine Supremes! Their presence had stirred a huge commotion instantly. It was mainly because all the disciples in the sect were sensitively aware of them due to the quake the four spiritual beasts made once they stepped into the hall. They were gigantic and looked savage. Who knew if they would swallow the dozen of us in one mouthful What level must these spiritual beasts be C it was terrifying! This was not only the question of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples, but even Yun Yang also did not know what level the four Whiteys were currently at either. He had no concept of the Bound of Universe''s mystical beast class as his minimal knowledge learned from Qian Duoduo barely scraped the surface. In spite of it, Shi Wuchen and friends were different. As they came to see and carefully identify the beasts, they were all shocked. "These are four kings of the beasts!" A breeze softly blew when the four Whiteys walked out that Dong Qitian, too, was baffled. "Four spiritual beasts of the same species that are nearly the level of a Daemon General, how rare" Dong Qitian was astonished. ''Since when does the Residence of Nine Supremes have these? Where have they been kept all this while?'' His second question C''Why are these four beasts not transformed yet when their capabilities are almost at the level of a Daemon General?'' The third question quickly followed C''Heck, aren''t these Eclipse Panthers? How did Eclipse Panthers get so big?'' ''They''re also only mystical beasts, the highest level they could go is the tenth, but these four here have long gone past their own limitations!'' 1026 Begin! Four bestial overseers roamed the mountains of the Residence of Nine Supremes. The overlord aura that flowed from them unnerved the disciples. Faced with such immense pressure, the cultivation effect was actually better than previously as all the disciples actually cultivated better under it. "It''s been fifteen days." Dong Qitian passed about a dozen of jade bottles to Yun Yang expressionlessly. "Be careful when you use them. I''m warning you for the last time, the success rate of consuming the Emerald Cloud Pill and advancing is twenty percent at most!" "The risks involved I hope that you can consider it for these children." "I know, I know!" Yun Yang received the bottled gleefully. Whether the Residence of Nine Supremes could rise like a dragon this time all depended on these bottles of medicinal pills! This batch of pill refinement actually depleted more than three million upper-class spiritual jade pieces worth of heaven and earth treasures. Upon carefully checking the cultivation base of all the pupils, Yun Yang ordered, "All disciples are to gather at the Central Peak''s hall in the night, one day hence!" At this point in time, the cultivation of every disciple in the Residence of Nine Supremes had come to Heaven Mystic and above. It was an appropriate time to promote their level like an arrow from a bow. "Emmie, get yourself ready. It''s your show time after this, to weave another miracle belonging to the Residence of Nine Supremes!" A day later, all high-level executives of the residence were assembled, including Dong Qitian, who was usually elusive. In fact, other than the top brass in the Residence of Nine Supremes, not a handful among the children had seen Dong Qitian''s actual person despite knowing that they had a masterly expert in the school. After all, Dong Qitian had intended to leave the sect at any point after he fulfilled his terms, so he kept himself from making too many bonds. Bonding with the Residence of Nine Supremes'' younger disciples meant planting seeds of causes and effects. To a superbly skilled cultivator like Dong Qitian, one''s biggest taboo was to make additional karma. No matter how envious and admiring he was towards the younger generation of the residence''s protgs, he was reluctant to simply make such a bond. Old Sir Dong had revealed himself in front of everyone today, then, mainly because he knew about the purpose of this assembly, to enhance the children''s cultivation base by consuming five types of medicinal pills, including the Emerald Cloud Pill. Having a veteran like Dong Qitian around could, of course, allow an earlier notice of disciples who reacted negatively during the pill consumption and, thus, an earlier rescue could be affected. Dong Qitian estimated that he could add another five percent of success to the twenty percent he had evaluated earlier now that he was helping. The old man genuinely felt sorry for these prodigious children of the residence; he was doing his best, hoping to save as many children as he could! Perhaps Dong Qitian did not realize it himself. He was regarding these juniors more now, sympathizing and being fond of them. It was already a deviation from his initial objective of completely not wanting to build any ties. Currently, all seventy-five first-generation disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes stood confidently behind their masters in anticipation. Each of them was guessing the reason the Lead Supreme had summoned the full assembly. Had anything huge happened? Perhaps they were about to depart to the Celestial Luck Banner competition venue now? A moment later, Yun Yang slowly stepped out from the Central Peak''s hall, wearing his usual smile. "The top ten disciples please step forward." "Yes." The top ten ranking disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes rose immediately and lined up below the stage. Glancing at them, Yun Yang discreetly nodded in approval. He had not seen them for only a short period of time, but ten of them seemed to have made significant headway again. The top disciple, Sun Mingxiu, was already the first tier of Supreme intermediate now. It was not even an exaggeration to call his improvement petrifying. Shi Wuchen was smug; it felt so good to see his best disciple also be the best among all the others. Whilst Yu Chenghang had just made a breakthrough to the first tier of Supreme, he had already stabilized and secured the state. The other disciples'' cultivation bases were decent as well, basically around the second and third tier of Immortal Mystic; the last among them was still a first-tier Immortal Mystic intermediate. Based on their cultivation period, their level of realm was already unbelievably fast. To this day, Dong Qitian still felt that the cultivation progress of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples was second to none in the Bound of Universe and the one and only since the beginning of time! Nevertheless, the one among the top ten protgs who surprised Yun Yang the most was still Bai Yexing. Bai Yexing''s cultivation base was currently at the Supreme level as well. Although he had just achieved the breakthrough and had yet to stabilize his state, being slightly weaker than Yu Chenghang, Yun Yang had a hunch about this boy that perhaps Yu Chenghang''s second placing would not be secure in the next intra-sect contest. As Yun Yang squinted in time, Luo Dajiang was indeed seen pulling a long face while Bai Yexing''s master, Kong Luoyue, looked pleased and complacent. "If all goes as expected, one could step across a full level and go right above Supreme upon consuming the five medicinal pills Sun Mingxiu will be able to advance to Supreme Acme ace and will be only a step away from Honor. As for the others, they''ll be also be scattered across the Supreme Acme level." "Ten of you, follow me." Yun Yang nodded and said, "Shi Wuchen, you fellows as well, come in with me." It was necessary that Shi Wuchen and others be vigilant by the side during the process of consuming the medicinal pills and advancing. No matter how confident Yun Yang was regarding the pill-aided breakthrough in addition to Emmie''s assistance on the sidelines, having no one to stand guard was still an extremely perilous thing to do. Despite how talented and resilient Sun Mingxiu, Bai Yexing, and all the children were, their time in the cultivation journey was short. They had been cruising a smooth trail all the time, so it was inevitable that their ability to cope with an unexpected crisis could be inadequate when faced with inexplicable harm. Furthermore, these newbies had no previous experience of achieving a breakthrough by leveraging external forces. They had no idea how it was done completely. No one else except Shi Wuchen and friends had the prerequisites to complete this guiding. Nonetheless, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten were not made aware of the medicinal pill-aided breakthrough before this. That was why shock was written all over their faces when they heard Yun Yang upon entering. Compared to Dong Qitian, Shi Wuchen, Luo Dajiang, and others did not mind their protgs consuming medicinal pills that would promote their cultivation base. After all, they had taken Dong Qitian''s pills earlier and had remarkable improvement without any side effects. What they questioned in surprise was, instead, if the second consumption was relevant since it was said that repeated usage of medicinal pills would either be useless or suffer a reduction in effect. Taking in the doubtful gazes, Yun Yang pressed his lips together and answered, "The medicinal pills the children are taking this time are different from the last. Think about it; why would I fight for this year''s Celestial Luck Banner meet if there wasn''t this second boost?" 1027 The Emerald Cloud Path The group was struck by a sudden realization, and it all began to make sense. "I must mention, however, that using the medicinal pill as an external force has come to the maximum end after this enhancement. One must not consume any more divine medicine or magical herbs after this. All of us from the Residence of Nine Supremes must not increase our cultivation base through this method four at least the next ten years. Each one of you must treat this seriously. It''s not merely a warning or a precaution; this is absolutely forbidden." "Everyone must fulfill the ten-year abstinence; it would be best to eliminate the negative impact quickly from using the medicinal pill to promote your cultivation skill! The only way to wholly remove it is to cultivate and do battle!" Yun Yang wore a serious expression. "Therefore, do not devour or simply take in any heaven and earth treasures you see in the future If your meridians are unable to cope and it causes harm, it''ll be an immense regret as your cultivation journey will be short-lived. You must return to the sect and ask your elders before using it with caution." "Yes." The top ten disciples agreed in unison. All ten of them looked utterly thrilled. The Emerald Cloud Pill! One could already know from its name that the pill must signify a smooth and swift rise to heaven, like stepping on the Emerald Cloud Path. What else could feel like skyrocketing to heaven by riding the Emerald Cloud Path if not the headway of stepping across a full level at one go? "Ten of you, take a meditation room each later and calm yourself down to adjust your breathing and pulses. Commit to being physically and psychologically undisturbed as much as you can." "Ten of you, watch the sequence of the medicinal pills consumption. Use your mystical Qi to catalyze and guide the medicinal strength, lead them and guard them. Whatever issue that arises during the process, do not stop! Remember, not for any problem at all! This is the most crucial point!" "Understood." Shi Wuchen and friends chorused. Like their disciples, they were practically glowing with excitement. Right on cue, Dong Qitian''s voice rang in Yun Yang''s ears. "Leader Yun, this old man is suggesting to you once more do consider it carefully. Even if you insist on the consumption, it''s better to go one by one and not all ten together. The person guiding and sorting the potency could be me as well." Dong Qitian had made himself very clear and was, once again, showing kindness. The risk involved was too high. It was basically one man killed per consumption. It would be only one person lost with the worst outcome if they were to go one by one; the rest of them had the choice to choose. Doing it all together made it highly probable that all ten would die together with an orchestrated meridian explosion Then, the casualties would number all ten men! Their ten most elite disciples at that. How could this not feel devastating? Moreover, Dong Qitian had volunteered to steer the medicinal potency. He was being the kindest he could possibly be. Even when Shi Wuchen and others were the children''s masters, their cultivation base, experience, and knowledge were a long way from Dong Qitian''s. There was no doubt that the success rate would be raised if Dong Qitian helped in addition to his ability for an immediate rescue if there were to be a mishap, given his familiarity with the Emerald Cloud Pill''s strength and effect C it could avoid the most unwanted crises! In spite of this, Yun Yang replied without hesitation, "No need to complicate it. This will do. It''s only taking some meds. No need to trouble Elder Dong." Flapping his sleeves angrily, Dong Qitian walked out and muttered in fury, "Bastard child! Cold-blooded creature! I''ll see how you handle it as a leader when shit happens later!" "Let''s begin," said Yun Yang with a chuckle. Ren Qingkuang had a slight frown as he asked, "Lead Supreme, will there be any danger, given how strong the Emerald Cloud Pill is? Furthermore, simultaneous intake with the other four assisting medicines? Do we need to perform any preparations?" Yun Yang''s eyes were half-lidded as he replied faintly, "The journey of cultivation is never an easy one. What method of enhancement is entirely safe? The way of a martial artist is going forward amidst crises. Being afraid can never lead one to push through brambles and thistle to the way of Dao." The Demiurge-Flawed Ten mused but the ten disciples were incredibly motivated by their leader''s words. "Leader Senior Uncle is right. The way of martial arts should be by moving forward on a perilous road! It''s impossible to not go through some hardships if one wants to be powerful. This disciple is willing to accept any risk and sufferings!" Sun Mingxiu looked determined, as were the other disciples. Lan Ruojun quietly pursed his lips, thinking, "Bunch of gullible children" "Let''s start." Yun Yang sucked in a deep breath. "The competition of the Celestial Luck Banner is starting soon. The victory of our residence depends on today''s actions. If all of you advance successfully, we''ll have the competence to do battle. If not we can only wait for our next chance three years later. During these three years, when the Celestial Luck Banner bearing sects grow, we can only stand still here, as their spiritual Qi is thicker than what we have" "This is your opportunity to change your destiny." "Work hard, children." The ten children entered the meditation room following the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. All of them looked somber and serious. Dong Qitian who had left in anger heaved a long sigh. Streams of mystical Qi tinged with various auras spread in the Central Peak''s hall instantly and gradually intensified. Shi Wuchen and colleagues dared not take it lightly. Each of them exerted their best, quietly observing their disciples'' state. These children had just begun their cultivation journey; they had no idea what this breakthrough would mean and to what extent the risk involved would go to. The adults, however, were fully aware. This was a one-time step across a full level! It was really skyrocketing on an Emerald Cloud straight to the heavens! If it were a step to heaven, how could there not be risks? This was a nearly fatal test! Shi Wuchen and others were well aware of the peril their disciples had to bear in this breakthrough, thus the nerves within them were tightly wound. At this moment, Shi Wuchen''s sword heart was trembling. One must know that his cultivation method was the emotionless sword heart, the sword core that held no feelings. However, it could not help quivering now that it was faced with disciples whom he had poured his heart and sweat into. ''How many among you could push through ultimately?'' ''How many of you will fall in this instant, due to this breakthrough!'' Perhaps the ten disciples knew that this enhancement was significant for they had swiftly entered a state of meditation and adjusted themselves with mystical Qi to ensure they were in an optimum condition to handle any changes that were within their capacity. It had been only a while but a white fog slowly rose around the top ten disciples and formed a thick cloud above everyone''s head. Yun Yang seated himself in the leader''s throne, looking nonchalant but his divine sense and concentration had long engulfed the whole hall. Everything big or small was in his grasp. He was closely watching each disciple''s cultivation state; there was no missing even a single strand of hair. Immediately, a faint voice rang out, "The Emerald Cloud Path, the first step." 1028 Five Steps To Heaven A bone tempering pill was retrieved from the bottle by the Demiurge-Flawed Ten and given to the disciples. There was barely any reaction when the first medicinal pill was taken. Every disciple merely felt their body tremble gently. Based on their current cultivation base, they could easily endure the potency of the bone tempering pill without it being too much of a challenge. The only reaction they had was the slight noise that emanated around their bones. It was after that soft noise that Yun Yang''s flat voice rang out for the second time. "The Emerald Cloud Path, the second step." It was the meridian expanding pill. As this medicinal pill was consumed, a few of them looked somewhat discomforted. That was all to it, however. As the medicinal strength worked its way out, those who looked pained recovered with ease. Sun Mingxiu and others whose cultivation base were higher looked reposed at this stage, passing it without any issue, while Shi Wuchen and the rest who sat cross-legged behind their disciples took no action. To Shi Wuchen and the other men, their disciples would need to face and go through the first four steps themselves no matter how excruciating those stages were. What they were here for was the last step, the end to the entire process; too early intervention would cause an adverse effect. Yun Yang''s eyelids trembled slightly. The meridians of the disciples were absorbing the medical potency of the meridian expanding pills and fusing droplets of the force into their entire beings and each meridian stream Yun Yang''s unique divine senses acutely detected that the powerful medicinal strength was gradually attaching to the disciples'' meridians as the meridian walls began to thicken and expand. Slowly, the potency of both the bone tempering pill and meridian expanding pills combined and expanded the children''s meridians twice their usual size. This caused their faces to flush as each vein popped to the surface of the skin and glowed a light green. Commonly, this was a good sign. Cultivators wished for their meridians to be as broad as possible as it eased their cultivation of mystical Qi at the same time of dissolving external mystical Qi that attacked them. In spite of it, the expansion of these disciples'' meridians was currently accomplished with external medication, thus rendering them incredibly weak and unstable. In a timely manner, Shi Wuchen and the other Demiurge-Flawed Ten reminded themselves almost simultaneously, "Be one with your spiritual self, do not lose your breath and circulate your mystical Qi to ninety-nine cosmic orbits to stabilize your Qi and meridians." The ten disciples did as they were told, circulating the mystical Qi they already had in their expanded meridians. Due to the increased size, the circulation speed sped up several times, feeling strange to the children The unfamiliarity lessened after the ninety-nine cosmic orbits, however, and the children were confident in the actions. Simultaneously, their Qi and lifeblood grew thicker from their meridian expansion. The blobs of white fog that gathered above their heads slowly manifested into a shadow that looked like a flower bud "The Emerald Cloud Path, the third step." It had come to the marrow cleansing pill! All the disciples reacted strongly once they ingested the pill. Sun Mingxiu who was the first to digest the medicinal pill was the first to show a reaction; his body oozed a liquid that resembled black grease and he spat a mouthful of foul-smelling purplish bruised blood after a while. Yu Chenghang was the next to go through a similar situation as Bai Yexing following a beat later. Subsequently, all the other children excreted a large number of impurities. The hall was putrid, the stench revolting, but no one frowned in the slightest bit. It was a necessary step! This process involved eliminating all the impurities from head to toe, including those in the blood, flesh, bones, marrow, and lifeblood, leveraging on the combined potency of the first three pills. The disciples'' current bodies were the cleanest and purest they could be. Similarly, whatever that was discharged from them was also the grimiest excretion. A quarter of an hour later "The Emerald Cloud Path, the fourth step." The pure energy pill! This pill was actually the medicinal pill that they had taken the last time, the one that could add a hundred years of cultivation base to them. All top ten disciples maintained their state. The slowest one took only an hour to complete the absorption before their breathing returned to normalcy. Amidst the thick fog above each disciple''s head, a flower bud was now completely formed. It was a marvel to behold. About ten breaths'' time passed quietly before Yun Yang''s voice rang again calmly and muted, as if from a distance, "Wuchen, all of you are to deliver your mystical Qi and merge it with the mystical Qi of the children. Do not do anything reckless, just maintain the current state. We want the kids'' mystical Qi to stay stable." Without any delay, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten did as they were told. "The Emerald Cloud Path, skyrocket to the Emerald Cloud, the fifth step!" "The Emerald Cloud Pill!" The last medicinal pill was pushed into the disciples'' mouths. Dong Qitian had left the hall out of anger but he did not go far. He stood outside silently to carefully watch over the lifeblood movement in the Central Peak'' hall and the powerful auras that slithered around. Suddenly, a strong force of Qi and blood soared right through the hall''s ceiling into the sky! "It has begun." Dong Qitian''s slowly closed his eyes as he sighed softly. He had indeed acted his way The eruption of such mystical Qi carrying the force of lifeblood meant that the Emerald Cloud Pill had come into play. There was no turning back! As the energy exploded respectively, there would only be more to come C the force of their minds would explode before the force of their divine senses and force of spirits did as well! It was stepping on the Emerald Cloud, one step across a full level. Of course, it would not be limited to the improvement of the mystical Qi cultivation base. It was an overall enhancement of a cultivator! How could it be considered a step into heaven if it were only the promotion of the mystical Qi cultivation base? "It''s only just begun." Worry and faint sorrow clouded Dong Qitian''s eyes. Yun Yang, you''ll regret this! Sun Mingxiu sat cross-legged, feeling every part of his body at rest. There was an indescribably powerful feeling that was quietly stirring like it would rush out anytime. It was during such a juncture that a medicinal pill was slipped into his mouth. He knew that it was the Emerald Cloud Pill, the last step and the crux to the pill-aided elevation. Perhaps the adverse effect from the first four pills was too weak for him that he slightly let his guard down. In spite of it, what followed was entirely different after the Emerald Cloud Pill melted in his mouth like the previous pills. Just as the pill entered his mouth, it melted into a sweet liquid before instantly turning into a sensation of incredibly ferocious potency. It felt like throwing a piece of red-hot burning coal into a ball of snow! Gliding down his throat, the force rushed its way in. It was an instantaneous feeling, but it felt like his organs were on fire. 1029 Rend and Rise Forget breathing; even their very thoughts seemed to have exploded at this critical moment. It could hardly be suppressed, let alone recover to the repose. The potency of the medicinal pill was unbelievably overwhelming. Although Sun Mingxiu was astonished by the Emerald Cloud Pill''s strength, he was not perturbed. He instantly recognized that his organs would actually be charred if he allowed the medicinal strength to charge on its own will. Having that thought in mind, he reacted immediately. The pill''s potency was imposing, far exceeding his limits. The mystical Qi Sun Mingxiu, who had cultivated with all his might, had only overcome the rushing force for a brief moment before it swept right over him! Horrified, Sun Mingxiu was close to submitting to his fate. He acknowledged that he was about to be shattered by the frantic wave of medical strength, only to feel a sudden constant stream of energy moving, parrying the powerful medicine. It was his master. His master''s mystical Qi that was almost as sharp as the sword Qi no longer stayed dormant in his meridians. It rapidly countered the medicinal potency and led the berserk stream of energy into his dantian at a relatively stable speed. From Sun Mingxiu''s dantian, it refluxed and gushed towards a meridian route that the boy had never explored. All this time, Sun Mingxiu had thought that his master looked icy, like a sword mountain that stood eternally, and would hardly show any warmth to anyone. It was as if he was a sword himself, emotionless and merciless, cold-blooded and steel-hearted. He and his junior siblings had always been more afraid than respectful to their master. Nevertheless, Sun Mingxiu felt the love and concern from an elder at that moment. It was a thought of wholeheartedness and disregard of personal damage as long as the disciple managed to accomplish what was needed; the sentiment was apparent and clear! Sun Mingxiu''s body trembled as two droplets of tears seeped from his eyes. He then heard his master''s stern voice, "What are you thinking about? Follow my mystical Qi quickly C are you hoping that I''ll cultivate for you your entire life?" "Yes, master." Sun Mingxiu sobbed his answer and did not dare slow down; he gave it his all as he circulated his mystical Qi to tackle the intense force of the medicine. This was a critical juncture. His master was using himself to help him pass this stage. If he were to fail, his master would inevitably suffer severe harm! He must not lose his focus nor fail! Whether it was for himself or his master, he must not fail C he had to succeed in pushing through! The stream of energy formed from the combination of the five medicinal pills surged up from the dantian and kept meeting an opposing force from the meridians along its way. The meridians that were still sealed, that did not have mystical Qi passing through yet, became layers of insurmountable barriers. In spite of it, the obstacles were brittle against the raging strength. As the energy charged through seven to eight barriers continuously, its momentum did not seem to be reduced. Other than mystical Qi that began to flow where the energy surged, there were also crushed meridians. The medicinal strength kept pushing forward, following the fixed route, but it was external energy, possessing only the faculty to charge forth. At most, it would change its direction from a much stronger force, but it was impossible that this existing energy could heal the damaged meridians. This was exactly one of the biggest drawbacks regarding consuming the five spiritual herbs, including the Emerald Cloud Pill. This stage itself was a major factor in the twenty percent success rate that Dong Qitian had mentioned before. When the final step, the Emerald Cloud Pill, was ingested, all five spiritual herbs would come into effect instantly and form a powerful tide of medicinal strength. A slight mistake could cause the meridians of the person taking the pills to explode and be rebuffed by the mystical Qi, failing the process instantly. In fact, Sun Mingxiu had nearly failed, but Shi Wuchen''s timely intervention to buffer the energy''s glare and guide it into the child carried them through the crisis. This stage''s level of difficulty was the lowest, however, as the consequent charge of the medicinal potency towards sealed meridians would be the actual challenge. Failure could happen in the blink of an eye. Normally, the subject ingesting the medicinal pills could not leave the damaged meridians as they were, despite assistance from their elders to guide the medicinal flow. The damage from the medicinal surge had to be healed speedily or else the circulation of the individual''s mystical Qi could possibly deal second-time damage to these meridians. It was perilous and the subject''s cultivation base must certainly be limited; how could rapid healing be done? This issue itself was already impractical. The reason Dong Qitian was so confident about Hu Xiaofan being able to complete the procedure safely was none other than his Innate Spiritual Marrow that could heal himself swiftly during this part of the process. The possibility of a failure of the rapid healing process was nonexistent to the boy! As Sun Mingxiu was struggling at this stage, he worked hard to repair his meridians as well, but the effort was futile with the minimal effect reaped. He could even foresee that his meridians would be completely destroyed not too long later and what this meant would be an abortion of his cultivation method, possibly even a self-eruption! Not only had Sun Mingxiu encountered the situation, but there was also no exception among the top ten disciples. The Demiurge-Flawed Ten who were guarding the children were, of course, well aware of the circumstance, but their mystical Qi was fully occupied with guiding the medicinal strength''s route; they could hardly be distracted. In addition, their mystical Qi cultivation base was proficient but their attributes were not on repairing and recovery. Even if they could divert a portion of their effort to help, it was an external force; it was basically of insignificant effect to repair their disciples'' meridians. Helpless, the group did not notice a powerful force slipping into the disciples'' bodies gently and quietly repairing the shattered meridians At the same time that they were being healed, the crushed meridians were slowly coming into shape forming an even stronger passage. What was going on? The Demiurge-Flawed Ten had realized the raging extent of the medicinal potency right when they came into contact with it. When such an overwhelming force washed over the meridians, those that were initially clear could endure it, but the meridians that had yet to be activated and greeted by the mystical Qi could only be charged into fragments. This way, what was the use of gushing through the sealed meridians? Not only would they be useless afterward, but they would also be severely damaged and might even affect the cultivation method. What should they do? The situation was out of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s capacity. They were extremely anxious, but they were powerless! Luckily, they recalled in time what Yun Yang had said, that they must not stop no matter the situation, that they must persist to the end. Out of confidence towards Yun Yang, they gritted their teeth and continued guiding the medicinal force. Then, the men found out with delightful surprise that their disciples'' broken meridians were actually being repaired and reshaped at an incredibly high speed. The current crisis was no longer an issue! "Could this be the so-called rend and rise? Is my disciple fated as such?" 1030 Not Exactly Normal? Despite their doubts, the ten men did not dare stop their mystical Qi steering. Up to now, the powerful medicinal strength had charged through more than half of the barriers in the body''s meridians, but there was no sign of its momentum weakening! It was still rushing forward, like an enraged dragon that was destroying anything that dared be in its way. A barrier, an obstacle, another hurdle As the medicinal strength pushed through vigorously, even the bridge between heaven and earth was connected! The Supreme level! All ten disciples had forged ahead into the Supreme level as their cultivation base was promoted explosively. The level of Supreme was a mark in the journey of cultivation. There was a senior who once said that the so-called Supreme was to be invincible; it was being the Supreme of the human realm without anything to do with the heavens. This Supreme was only a title C a speck of dust in heaven, but a Supreme in the mortal world. The true meaning was saying that the dust in the eyes of those marvelously capable masters was sufficient to become a Supreme among the humans. Nevertheless, it was stepping on the starting point of the martial path towards the heavens once one ascended to this level. How else could one know about the Supreme Acme level if one had not arrived at the Supreme? It was like hiking; how could one know about higher and mightier peaks as well as the ocean of clouds if one had not conquered a mountain? The disciples had quietly pushed on to the Supreme level in this fated occurrence. Due to the breakthrough of the disciples, the mystical Qi that suddenly hiked surged swiftly in their meridians. The increased mystical Qi flowed with medicinal strength and they grew fiercer. The Supreme beginner, intermediate, ace, completion, pinnacle All forces poured and swept towards a meridian so strong it was almost invincible. There was a total of three challenges upon the consumption of stacking five medicinal pills including the Emerald Cloud Pill. Firstly, it was the medicinal torrent that the subject could not adapt to but it could be passed safely with an expert guarding by the side. Secondly, it was the meridian damage that would be caused during the breakthrough process assisted by the medicinal tide; this was the hardest stage as it could hardly be overcome unless the subject could perform self-healing or the guarding expert possessed special support. Thirdly, which was also the current stage, was the last barrier of the subject''s current cultivation journey; the future was smooth sailing for those who could pass it while an inability to do so would inevitably kill the subject! The Demiurge-Flawed Ten understood the workings, realizing that this was the actual fight now. They pulled up eighty percent of their mystical Qi and combined it with the spiritual Qi to aid their disciples in an attempt to obtain an aggressive breakthrough. The torrent of mystical Qi blasted towards the strong wall of the meridian. Boom! It had happened in the meridian and barely created any noise of collision but both the disciples and the Demiurge-Flawed Ten instinctively felt deafened. Sun Mingxiu was the first among the disciples to officially achieve the breakthrough. Upon the advancement, he felt as if the whole world had exploded within his mind! It was like his soul had drifted to the nine clouds and had broken free from gravity. He also did not know that his body was actually violently shaking while his seven orifices were spraying tiny streams of blood! A moment later, each of his pores spurted blood as well! Instantly, it was a shower of crimson, staining everything within thirty feet around him red. In spite of it, the impenetrable barrier of Sun Mingxiu was shattered in the previous instant! It had been broken down! The Supreme Acme level was achieved! It was a breakthrough! A short quarter of an hour later, the first top ten disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes, with Sun Mingxiu being the lead, had all successfully advanced to the Supreme Acme level! The spiritual energy that was produced flowed into the medicinal stream and the previous spiritual Qi, adding more vigor to the already billowing energy. However, the stream of energy was obviously weaker now because breaking the barrier to the Supreme Acme just now had depleted too much force. It was more good than bad as the reduced vigor was much more controllable than prior. The Demiurge-Flawed Ten relaxed, controlling the weakening spiritual Qi in their disciples'' meridians and circulating it in high speed to take over and pass through the meridians barren of mystical Qi. It was only now that the ten of them could breathe a sigh of relief. The breakthrough was accomplished! It was a success! They were at ease, but the ten children still looked awful with their seven bleeding orifices. After their masters pulled away with their mystical Qi, the children were motionless, unable to even circulate their own mystical Qi. The men knew that it was the collision in breaking down the meridian wall that caused the children''s spirits to temporarily leave their bodies. They would gain consciousness a while later. It was sufficient that they guarded them during this period of time. As the Demiurge-Flawed Ten''s external mystical Qi moved away, the disciples'' instinct to adjust themselves reclaimed the initiative and directed their own mystical Qi in the most comfortable and stable method to course through the meridians, like a tidal but smooth flowing river. The crisis had been overcome! In the hall, Yun Yang was still seated expressionless on the leader''s throne; his gaze did not even change throughout the entire procedure. In reality, his numb body had relaxed softly. "Hah" Yun Yang breathed out a long exhalation. "So close!" He had almost been pushed to hell by Dong Qitian. If it were not for Emmie and Dong Qitian''s previous statement of Hu Xiaofan being able to go through the process unscathed that hinted Yun Yang, forget the twenty percent, it was unlikely that even one out of the ten could survive this Emerald Cloud Path! Of course, it was not Dong Qitian''s intention. He had just mistaken the medicinal potency. Dong Qitian''s assumption was based on the Ultimate Heaven Sect''s past performance in using the five stacked medicinal pills. The heaven and earth treasures that he had used to refine the pills in the past were standard fare, but The goods Yun Yang had given him this time were resources that Emmie had nourished in the deific consciousness space! The difference was a contrast in quality. Strictly speaking, the medicinal efficacy of the combination Emerald Cloud Pill that the children had consumed this time was many, many times stronger than every other time that Dong Qitian had ever cultivated them! If it were not for Yun Yang''s early judgment and his request that Emmie oversee the procedure in advance, the disciples would probably have erupted into pieces right when the Emerald Cloud Pills were ingested It was even possible that the Demiurge-Flawed Ten would be harmed as well! It was too f*cking close! Dong Qitian was still watching in worry from outside the hall. When the fourth medicinal pill was sent into the disciples'' bodies, he could already sense something unusual. As an experienced cultivator and pill refining expert, he was naturally aware of the anomaly in the force of lifeblood and it''s soaring extent Why was the effect so powerful? 1031 How Was It Possible? Dong Qitian''s gaze was still full of doubt when the Emerald Cloud Pill was delivered straight into the children''s mouths. It was when the lifeblood was fully exploding and the mystical Qi was completely triggered to rush after the breakthrough that Dong Qitian, who stood by the door, felt a powerful force erupting instantly. The surprise almost flung him away. Although the force was vigorous, it was not more than a glancing blow to Dong Qitian. However, he was stunned. His mind was blank. How was it possible that the medicinal potency was this powerful? A veteran like Dong Qitian could comprehend this immediately after only a beat of suspicion. The medicinal potency! The medicinal efficacy! Every heaven and earth treasure that Yun Yang had given him looked all too perfect! What if their medicinal properties and potency far exceeded the norm as well? He had still measured and rationed the treasures according to the normal standards when he was refining the medicinal pills. Of course, the final efficacy would be greater than expected Dong Qitian immediately turned pale. This was disastrous. All ten disciples would most probably not make it out alive. Would he have to be the one who killed these children with his own hands in the end? Dong Qitian''s thoughts were scattered, but he could not intervene. His cultivation base was excellent, he could fight all of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten as well as Yun Yang with one hand, but the current situation was not something a proficient cultivation base could solve. Once the breakthrough attempt failed, Dong Qitian could do nothing, even if he were a deity. Right as Dong Qitian began to berate himself in grief, he suddenly felt the mystical Qi regain momentum and shoot higher, catapulting away with a sudden explosion Things then went back to a state of peace and quiet, leaving behind a soft but dense energy that kept binding into itself, continuously being strengthened Was it a success? Dong Qitian''s despair turned into astonishment. The shock overcame him in waves. How was C how was it possible? Even if it were the Emerald Cloud Pills painstakingly refined by the Ultimate Heaven Sect previously, it was already fortunate that two out of ten could succeed. Moreover, the Emerald Cloud Pills Yun Yang had requested him to cultivate this time was more powerful. How could there be a full success rate? This was irrelevant to one''s talent and gift. All the subjects ingesting the medicinal pills began at the same starting line. Other than determination and hard work, providence was also a part C perhaps a major part - in the final accomplishment, as a tiny difference was lethal. There was no avoiding it! However, what was the current situation? Could he be in a dream? How else could there be such a life? Dong Qitian was utterly baffled; rare was the occasion that would question life The powerful aura above the Central Peak''s hall slowly calmed down and began to gather into globules. Dong Qitian was further shocked by this development. This was the sign of the disciples regaining consciousness and beginning to control their mystical Qi, getting used to their strength The masters should be withdrawing their mystical Qi from the disciples gently at this point in time The process was normal, but could it be so fast? Could Dong Qitian be wrong, all the way, about his knowledge gained in the Ultimate Heaven Sect?! How could it be? How could it be? After a lengthy duration, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' eleven top brass sat at their positions in the hall. Standing in front of them were the top ten disciples who had cleaned and dressed neatly; each of them looked enthusiastic, their gazes at their master, senior and junior uncles were brimming with respect and admiration. "We thank master''s kindness!" Sun Mingxiu, the eldest disciple, called out loudly and all ten of them kneeled down in unison. "Master''s benevolence is as high as the sky and deep as the earth! This disciple shall not forget it to the end of life!" They performed the ritual of three rounds of kneeling and nine kowtows. Shi Wuchen and others accepted the ritual, looking comforted. It was a joy to watch their disciples finally grow and bloom. All of them nodded with smiles. Yun Yang finally spoke out, "Alright, all of ten of you go clean the places you''ve dirtied right now! Your junior siblings will have made it smell worse than a pigsty" The children could not help the laughter that escaped them. Their usually strict Lead Supreme was actually joking with them now. It was a first in their lifetime. "This disciple obeys!" The cleaning was completed after a short while. After all, they were Supreme Acme cultivators. Cleaning a few rooms was only a matter of minutes. Sun Mingxiu, who was extremely meticulous had even checked each meditation room again to ensure that there was, no longer any stench detected before rinsing the rooms lastly with his mental capacity, sweeping away any remaining mental force that was left inside. "This disciple shall leave now with the others if Lead Supreme has no more instructions." "Go. Recuperate your meridians and familiarize yourselves with this new force. What you have to do now is learn to control and secure the current foundation!" said Yun Yang, "Then train with lots of battle! Practice among yourselves again and again! Do you all understand?" "We understand. We shall not be lazy." Looking at the disciples'' glowing and impatient gazes, Yun Yang knew that they would train their hardest even without his reminder. He believed that it would not take too long for them to thoroughly master this massive and unfamiliar strength. During then, Dong Qitian was still stood at the door staring at the hall like a dummy. Disbelief was all his eyes wore! Thumping footsteps came unexpectedly. There was no doubt that Dong Qitian would snort hearing them because the footsteps signified that the owners making these noises were yet to be able to control their power and rhythm after a huge leap of cultivation base advancement, causing each of their steps to be heavy like a moving mountain. To a masterly expert like Dong Qitian, one should swiftly adjust their condition and compose themselves after a cultivation base breakthrough. How could they show such a state before others asking to be laughed at! In spite of it, Dong Qitian had no intention to scoff right now, because he immediately thought of the source of these footsteps! Looking over to where the noises were coming from, who else could it be if not for the Residence of Nine Supremes'' top disciple, Sun Mingxiu, who was the first to step out of the hall. Sun Mingxiu was handsome as usual, looking fresh and tall with thick, raven hair. However, his usually gentle eyes were tinged with sharpness. Although he had walked out with clumsily heavy steps, his movement was still graceful. This was a composure unique to the eldest senior brother. Even during such a time, it was no different from the past. 1032 The Teachers Kindness Should Be Remembered! Other disciples also filed out one by one, though they had not fared as well as Sun Mingxiu. Not only did they walk with imbalanced steps, but they were also completely unable to control their strength. They even had to stop for a brief moment after taking each step, as they felt as if they were about to fall over at any time. Nevertheless, everyone''s expression was indicative of how excited they were. The junior disciples outside, after all, had little knowledge, and could not understand why they were like this. Nonetheless, they could still feel that their senior brothers and sisters had all become much stronger by the aura they gave off. Nonetheless, their clumsy appearance still looked remarkably humorous to them. Meanwhile, Dong Qitian''s eyes were completely wide open. When he saw the current cultivation base of these people, it felt like he was seeing ghosts. Sun Mingxiu was at the peak-level of Supreme Acme, only one step away from becoming an Honor! Yu Chenghang''s cultivation base was at the perfected ace-level of Supreme Acme, only one step away from the peak-level. Like him, Bai Yexing had also reached the perfected ace-level of Supreme Acme, but his strength seemed to be slightly stronger. The cultivation base of the other disciples fell between the ace or intermediate-level of the Supreme Acme realm, and the worse two were also at the beginner-level! All in all, they had all advanced to the realm of Supreme Acme! It was like the old hen had turned into a duck in the blink of an eye. Furthermore, they had not just turned into ducks! They were clearly...dragons! They had all truly succeeded in this Emerald Cloud Road! No one had failed! So, what had happened to the legendary twenty percent success rate? The following question was, where was the effect of the heaven and earth treasures, which suddenly had a huge impact because of the increase in quality? Was he seeing things? Supposedly, even though this Emerald Cloud Pill could raise an individual to the next major realm, it was already an excellent result for these discipleswhose highest cultivation base was at the peak level of the Immortal Mystic realmto have achieved the beginner-level of the Supreme Acme, while he estimated that others could only break through to the peak level of the Supreme realm. This was already the best result and the highest achievement under the twenty percent success rate. Still, why had all these disciples soared to the level of Supreme Acme? Moreover, Sun Mingxiu and the few other disciples even leaped to the peak-level of the Supreme Acme realm! If the medicinal strength had been slightly stronger, wouldn''t they have directly become Honors? This did not make any sense at all! If he had been seeing ghosts earlier, did that mean he was bumping into gods right now? Dong Qitian had made it very clear to Yun Yang before. "Things will develop in the opposite direction when they become extreme. When a supplement is so powerful that the user can''t withstand it, it will become the most poisonous thing for him or her!" "In the Ultimate Heaven Sect, the Emerald Cloud Road is also called the Road to Hell. Those who set foot on this road will either ascend to heaven in a single step or fall from the sky and perish forever!" "More than ninety-nine percent of the warriors in this world do not have the blessing to bear it." "Under normal circumstances, no one would have resorted to this method unless it had come to a point of necessity. The saying of ''succeed or die'' is never plain talking, and the so-called ''men are the masters of their own fate'' is just a lie used widely in novels, a bluff used to encourage people." It was an indisputable and unquestionable fact, but now, he could not believe they all succeeded... Wasn''t this an absurd situation? Why did the miracle that only occurred in novels appear in front of his eyes and become reality? No, how could a success rate like this be a mere miracle? This was clearly a divine revelation! However, who was Dong Qitian? After being startled for a moment, he keenly noticed with his eyesight and rich experience that there must have been other factors at play here! A divine revelation like this would not have happened if there had not been some intervention! At that moment, Sun Mingxiu stood at the steps and performed a roll call. "Yun Xiuxin, Hu Xiaofan, Cheng Jiajia, Lu Changman, Lin Xiaorou..." He read out the names of ten people. "Master asked you to go in." Looking at the nervous and excited eyes of the ten junior brothers and sisters, Sun Mingxiu smiled and said, "Go ahead, you don''t have to be too nervous. I wish you all good luck!" Then, Sun Mingxiu and nine other disciples walked gracefully...well, with the same imbalanced steps, and moved away. Nevertheless, their speed was much faster now, obviously going back to digest today''s harvest. Their current appearance did not look too elegant to their juniors. Sun Mingxiu had set himself a goal: he needed to get himself used to this new strength within five days, as he still needed to maintain his mannerism as the eldest senior brother. "My junior brothers and sisters, you must seize the time to consolidate your current cultivation base after you go back. You must not be lazy! Don''t fail to live up to the painstaking efforts of Master, Uncle-Master, and Master Sect Leader." "This advancement is undoubtedly a rare encounter. Even in the Residence of Nine Supremes, there will not be too many such opportunities. We are a sect that has just been established, but Master has given us such an opportunity. I believe there was a huge price to pay for this. Perhaps, the resources of the whole sect have all been consumed for our breakthrough this time... "Such great kindness, my junior brothers and sisters, you must not take for granted. "This is a kindness worthy of our life''s service! "We should remember this kindness in our heads and imprint it in our hearts!" Everyone''s face grew solemn as they nodded in silence, their eyes flashing with gratitude. "Eldest senior brother, you don''t have to say that, we all know it!" How difficult was it for a sect that had not yet possessed a Celestial Luck Banner to get such an opportunity? The disciples were shallow in their strength and knowledge, so it would take them a long time to realize the difficulty! Nonetheless, this did not hinder their loyalty toward the Master and sect! And, judging from their shallow knowledge, even the sects with Celestial Luck Banners should not have many heaven-defying spiritual medicines like this that could make people advance into the next major realm overnight. Therefore, as their eldest senior brother, Sun Mingxiu said, their Master and others were likely to have lost everything this time around! They really had to remember this great kindness all their lives and imprint it in their hearts! After seeing Yun Xiuxin and other disciples swarm in with eager anticipation, Dong Qitian began to worry again. Among these little fellows, the one with the strongest cultivation base was only at the peak-level of Heaven Mystic realm. In terms of the prospect of cultivation, Dong Qitian was actually more optimistic about Yun Xiuxin and her group than Sun Mingxiu''s group. Although Sun Mingxiu and others had made astonishing progress that was faster than the core disciples actively cultivated by many sects, they were merely excellent in his eyes, but not rare geniuses. All the top ten disciples, including Sun Mingxiu, were in the category of mature and prudent disciples, except for Bai Yexing. Normally, over ninety-percent of such people would grow up to be elders, heralds, or guardians of the sect. Even the best of them, Bai Yexing, had the opportunities to become one of the leaders of the sect and had even undergone greater development, but that was all. If he had not met any other special encounter, his achievements in this life would probably have been like this! It was especially the case when he was in the Residence of Nine Supremes, a unique sect packed with geniuses! Nonetheless, Yun Xiuxin''s group was different! 1033 Prosperous Not only did each of the little fellows in Yun Xiuxin''s group have amazing talent and unparalleled aptitude, but they were also extremely brilliant. Moreover, their bodies were extremely strong after being almost constantly washed by the enormous amount of Spirit Qi in the Residence of Nine Supremes. Perhaps, it was because their cultivation process was far too smooth that each of their characters became rather...prickly. Yun Xiuxin was quick-witted; Cheng Jiajia looked honest and simple, but in fact, she had many ideas; Lin Xiaorou was soft outside but hard on the inside, an iron hand in a velvet glove; Lu Changman had amazing perseverance. Among all the disciples, Lu Changman deserved the first place in terms of perseverance alone. As for Hu Xiaofan...he was a fastidious fellow with a bad temper and many shortcomings. However, there was one thing about him that was undeniable; apart from his extraordinary state of mind and tenacity, he had great luck. This kind of good luck had transcended the general sense of good; it was almost equivalent to that of the ''son of destiny'' found only in novels. At least in Dong Qitian''s view, Hu Xiaofan''s luck was something he had never seen before, and no one could match it! He had once picked and eaten a precious herb that no one had found for hundreds of thousands of years when taking a dump and even survived the strong medicinal strength...No one else could have such good luck. As long as these little fellows did not fall on the way of cultivation or die young, they would certainly achieve their own glory in the future! And now...this Emerald Cloud Road... Would this be unnecessary for them? Would such undue haste destroy them, who were the best and the brightest? Another drawback, which was not really a drawback, of having five medicines on top of one another was that it required the consumer to have a certain level of cultivation base. There was a big gap between the realms of Heaven Mystics and Immortal Mystics. However, the actual gap between the two realms was not just a little bit, but tremendous! According to Ultimate Heaven Sect''s ancient experience, the cultivation base of Yun Xiuxin and the group of disciples met the minimum requirement. However, the current situation was such that the effect of the medicinal strength was far greater than that of taking five medicines on top of one another. Under such circumstances, would there be an extremely adverse effect? At the thought of this, Dong Qitian could not help worrying whether these little fellows could survive the attempt. The top ten disciples, including Sun Mingxiu, took about four hours to break through. Yun Xiuxin''s group, on the other hand, took a much shorter time. It was only a little over two hours before they came out. Seeing this, Dong Qitian''s eyes grew wide once again. Dong Qitian was not surprised that the time they took was relatively short, because the difference in cultivation base between the two groups of disciples was not small. Yun Xiuxin''s group was only breaking through the realm of Heaven Mystics, so it was natural for them to spend less time. And, he was not shocked by the fact that all ten of them had made the breakthrough, none failing or dying in the process. What really surprised him were the two oddities in this group of disciplesYun Xiuxin and Hu Xiaofan. In the previous cultivation, Yun Xiuxin had already broken through to the level of Immortal Mystics. However, she had barely just broken through, and not yet fully stabilized her foundation. However, in this round of advancement, she actually grew by leaps and boundsshe had caught up with the progress of the top ten disciples. Moreover, her current cultivation level was not low, soaring all the way to the intermediate-level of Supreme Acme. If carefully analyzed, in the process of this breakthrough, Yun Xiuxin not only crossed a major realm but two major realms! When Dong Qitian saw this fact, his eyeballs almost fell off. A Supreme Acme who was only twelve and a half years old! Was the world crazy, or was it too crazy? As for Hu XiaofanHe had only been a high-level Heaven Mystic expert before, but not only did he cross the peak of Heaven Mystic this time, but he also directly crossed the entire Immortal Mystic realm to the late-stage of the Supreme realm, almost touching the peak level. This kind of leap was barely a little less than Yun Xiuxin''s; he had also crossed two whole realms, and still had a surplus! For Dong Qitian, Hu Xiaofan''s amazing progress was partly understandable, because he had long predicted that the latter, who possessed the innate spiritual marrow, would surely be able to ride out the ordeal of taking five medicines on top of one another and make astonishing progress! However, no matter how amazing his progress was, there should have been a limit. How could he cross two major realms at once? This was beyond Dong Qitian''s expectations! Hu Xiaofan was able to cross two major realms because of his incredible luck, but how was Yun Xiuxin able to achieve that as well? And she was even ahead of Hu Xiaofan! It did not make sense in any case! Apart from the two oddities, Cheng Jiajia and Lin Xiaorou had broken through to the high-level of the Supreme realm. They were still neck and neck, and both felt a little resentful about the result, wondering why they did not go beyond. Among the group, Lu Changman''s performance was still average, as he had broken through to the perfected beginner-level of the Supreme realm. As for the other few little fellows, although their cultivation base was slightly lower than his, they were also firmly standing in the realm of Supremes. The result made Dong Qitian shiver a little. He had been watching every movement in the hall. The first ten went in, and then all came out unscathed; the second ten went in, and they, too, came out unscathed. Meanwhile, their progress was even more amazing than that of the first batch. Then, the third batch went in and came out soon afterward, all unscathed... The same thing repeated over and over again, and after thirty-two hours... Dong Qitian was completely dumbstruck. He stood frozen in place, speechless, and unable to utter a single word for a long time. The seventy-five first-generation disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes had all made a smooth breakthrough in this episode. In the end, the worst fifteen disciples all stepped into the realm of Immortal Mystics, and even they were all at the high-level. Of the other sixty disciples, eleven had become Supreme Acme, and the rest... The rest of the forty-nine disciples all attained the cultivation base of Supremes! If they all stood together, they looked like a group of fair and delicate little girls and boys, and yet they were all high-level warriors... The world was indeed crazy! There were Supremes under the age of fifteen everywhere! Dong Qitian swore that he had never seen such a prosperous scene in any sect. Yes, prosperous! Apart from this word, there was no other word that could more appropriately describe this situation. Although it was a little too much to use this word for a sect that had just been established for a bit more than half a year and did not even have the Celestial Luck Banner, Dong Qitian really could not think of other words to describe the situation while looking at a large group of little boys and girls slowly getting used to the strength they had just gained with extremely solemn and grateful expressions. 1034 Are You Going To Tell Me Or Not? A feeling of ''each new generation surpassing the last one'' grew in Dong Qitian''s heart. Now that the Residence of Nine Supremes had such a prosperous cornerstone, it was only a matter of time before it achieved glory! "I, Dong Qitian, had my meridians cleansed by my master from an early age and was thoroughly transformed, then followed a famous master and cultivated in the holy land of cultivation where Spirit Qi was in abundance. I gained my first enlightenment at the age of three, joined the sect at the age of five, stepped into the realm of Jade Mystics at the age of nine, the realm of Earth Mystics at the age of ten, the realm of Heaven Mystics at the age of eleven, the realm of Immortal Mystics at the age of fifteen, and broke through to the realm of Supremes at the age of eighteen...I was praised by my master as one of the few rare geniuses in the Bound of Universe since ancient times... "But, compared with the Residence of Nine Supremes...In the face of these little fellas of the same age as I was, my achievements are actually reduced to the bottom level? How can I endure this! But... even if I can''t endure it, I still have to endure it..." Dong Qitian looked up at the sky and felt completely speechless. "I...I am now also considered an omnipotent almighty expert who can shake the world by just stamping my feet..." AHHHHH! Compared to Dong Qitian, who was deeply depressed and full of negative energy, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten were even more miserable. After dozens of hours, each of them was so tired that they felt like dying. After struggling to make it to the end, they mustered their last remnants of mystical Qi and went back to their respective peaks to rest without even informing Yun Yang. Their rest this time was not meditation, but sleep. They had entered the most extreme deep sleep as their mystical Qi had been completely exhausted! If they forced themselves to meditate now, it would only cause further damage to their bodies. Therefore, it was the right way to let the body functions adjust themselves and let the body recover for a period of time. Only then could they begin to recover their mystical Qi. When Yun Yang walked casually out of the hall, he was greeted by Dong Qitian''s gaze, which seemed to be looking at a deity. The latter''s eyes were complicated and flashing with emotionssurprise, disbelief, doubt, dreamlike hallucination. And there was even a look that seemed to be sayingthe past was too painful to look back on? "Elder Dong, it''s all thanks to the spirit medicines you have refined that the junior disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes have been able to make a big breakthrough this time." Yun Yang laughed. He was in a good mood, so he flattered Dong Qitian conveniently. In fact, he was not really flattering. The effect of the medicinal pills provided by Dong Qitian was enormous, and the refining method was even more unique, which had been an eyeopener for him. Therefore, his praise came from the heart and was not empty. "..." Dong Qitian''s mouth twitched a few times, left speechless for a long while. "Elder Dong, although my face is calm, I''m just pretending! In fact, I''m more worried than anyone else!" Yun Yang sighed with emotions. "I was worried all the time that the situation of twenty to thirty percent success rate you mentioned will appear. If it really happened, I would have definitely died of sorrow. Thanks to the pills you refined this time, they are really...too powerful, and they completely fit the physique of the disciples. I can''t believe we didn''t lose anyone! Haha..." Well...what he said now was completely insincere and nonsense. Even though he looked very sincere, he was full of affectation inside! Dong Qitian, "..." "If the Residence of Nine Supremes can have the Celestial Luck Banner in the future...Elder Dong, you can be said to have made the greatest contributions that no one can match!" Yun Yang said gratefully. "In your opinion, I am responsible for the successful breakthrough of all disciples today?" After his mouth twitched for a long time, Dong Qitian finally spoke. However, every word of his seemed to be forced out of his teeth. "Of course!" "Leader Yun, an honest man does not resort to insinuations. Are you sure you really didn''t do anything?" "Me? Haha! Of course, I did what I should do, I am the Guardian! I was guarding them all the time with a full concentration...really! I have hardly lifted my fingers, and focused all my attention on them." Yun Yang laughed and said, "I''m full of energy now and not tired at all. I feel I can level a mountain with my hands..." With a perfunctorily smile, Dong Qitian said in disdain, "You don''t have to use your hands. You can blow a mountain flat with just your mouth." "You are flattering me! How could I be so powerful? Hahaha..." At this point, Dong Qitian finally lost his composure. His figure flickered as he grabbed Yun Yang and entered the hall, speaking with his eyes widened, "Boy, tell me honestly...how did you do it? If you don''t tell me, I''ll strip you naked and take you to the square outside for a walk. Do you think I dare or dare not do this?" The threat struck Yun Yang at his soft spot. ''I am the sect leader! You want to make me run naked in front of all my disciples? Are you kidding me?'' But, the person who made this threat was Dong Qitian. Not only did he dare to do so, but he also had the ability to put the threat into action. According to Yun Yang''s evaluation of this old man, he was probably still not Dong Qitian''s match even if his Endless Divine Art made another breakthrough, his Destiny Blade made another advancement, and his strength leaped like his disciples''! The gap between their strength was so great! "Hmph!" Yun Yang said angrily, "You can kill me, but you can''t humiliate me! Am I a man who gives in to coercion? But Elder Dong, since you are my sect''s guest elder, it is not impossible if you really want to know..." Dong Qitian said, "Speak up if you have any conditions!" Yun Yang was very afraid of Dong Qitian, and the latter knew him very well. When they first met, he already knew what Yun Yang was like, so he made it clear! "Elder Dong, since you know you didn''t take all the credit for this one, then it should not be counted as one this time. Do you agree?" Dong Qitian nodded and said, "Of course! My role in the great success of the medicinal pills this time is nothing. You can exclude this one!" Yun Yang said, "Since you have agreed, then you''ve only accomplished two things, and...you haven''t truly finished the first thing..." Dong Qitian rolled his eyes and said, "Deal!" Yun Yang smiled and said, "The reason why all the disciples succeeded today is very simple...Well, it is thanks to Elder Dong''s brief advice that I was able to prepare in advance, resulting in such an amazing result today!" With Dong Qitian''s rich knowledge and experience, he understood something in an instant. "You mean because I mentioned that Hu Xiaofan could ignore the side effects of taking five medicinal pills on top of one another and break through safely, you''ve followed his example to deal with today''s situation?" He said in astonishment. Yun Yang said proudly, "Elder Dong, you are truly worthy of your reputation! I just mentioned a little, but you managed to understand my thinking in an instant. Although that''s not accurate, it is not far away from the truth..." Dong Qitian snorted coldly and said, "Nonsense! So what if you heard about Hu Xiaofan''s unusual reserves? Can you find seventy-four Spiritual Roots Marrow-promoting fruits and let all your disciples have innate spirit marrow? Moreover, even if you really can find so many Spiritual Roots Marrow-promoting fruits, they are still not enough to let your disciples obtain their current achievements...It seems that you are not going to tell me the truth! Do you really think I dare not strip you naked!" 1035 Innate Primordial Qi Yun Yang moved back three steps in a hurry as he waved his hand and said, "Don''t be so impatient, Elder Dong! I didn''t say I copied Hu Xiaofan''s situation directly. I just followed the same pattern and let all disciples simulate Hu Xiaofan''s state, so they managed to get away with it! That''s all." Dong Qitian''s face was still full of disbelief. "Do you really think I am a three-year-old child? Why don''t you tell me how you did it? I''m really interested in gaining some knowledge!" Yun Yang said with a smile on his face, "Elder Dong, do you still remember that day when I exchanged things with the Commerce League?" As soon as Dong Qitian heard that, he knew what Yun Yang meant. His eyes flashed as he said, "The Spirit''s Grave?" In fact, Dong Qitian had some speculation in his heart about the breakthrough of all the disciples today. He had pondered hard and long, figuring out that nothing owned by Yun Yang except the Spirit''s Grave could lead to such miracles. "Yes! It was the Spirit''s Grave that indirectly created this miracle!" Yun Yang laughed. "Tell me everything, I want to know the details. Don''t beat around the bush! I don''t like to play riddles." "Well, I actually exchanged four things that day. Because it was the first time that I brought in such a good thing as the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng, and perhaps that ginseng was too old, the senior inside directly transformed it into a flower demon after I went in." Dong Qitian sucked in a cold breath. Directly transformed it into a flower demon! Could it be that the almighty expert in it was...a Sage? According to the historical legend he knew, spiritual plants such as the Spiritual Jade Snow Ginseng could only become medicinal spirits or flower spirits. If it really wished to become a demon, it needed at least hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation. However, the almighty expert in the Spirit''s Grave was able to transform it at will? What level of cultivation base did this require? He was able to transform a spirit plant at will, skipping hundreds of thousands of years of spirit Qi accumulation? This... Dong Qitian was shocked again and froze on the spot. Yun Yang''s current knowledge was still very shallow. He did not know this level at all, so he naturally did not know how ridiculous his boast was. Therefore, he smiled and continued, "The senior inside was very happy, and said that he was very satisfied with the gift this time. He hoped that I would make persistent efforts and then gave me the Ethereal Amethyst, Qi of Vitality, Qi of Dao, and...the last one I didn''t take out, because the senior said it was a seed for me personally... So...hehe." Yun Yang narrowed his eyes and said, "But, that seed didn''t seem to be of much use to me, so I used it for this breakthrough of the disciples." Dong Qitian''s breath grew short as he asked, "What exactly is it? Why can it produce such a heaven-defying result? Why can it produce the same effect as filling one''s body with nearly a hundredfold of innate spirit marrow? No, given the cultivation base of the disciples, they cannot have such incredible progress even if their bodies are really full of innate spirit marrow." Yun Yang said, "It''s nothing but a stream of innate Primordial Qi..." "Ugh..." Hearing that, Dong Qitian almost slapped Yun Yang in the face. He grabbed Yun Yang by the shoulder and asked, "Innate Primordial Qi? Are you sure?" With a faint smile on his face, Yun Yang said, "There is nothing uncertain about this. Don''t you often say that my knowledge is shallow? In fact, I also don''t know what''s the use of this thing. When the senior gave it to me, he only said briefly that it can protect the meridians, ensure that no mental demons will appear under any circumstances, and also calm the mind. In addition, it will have the same effect even if used by many people at the same time. I was thinking that although it''s not quite the same effect as the innate spirit marrow you mentioned earlier, it can still be used in this situation..." Yun Yang laughed and then said, "Speaking of which, if Spirit''s Grave senior had not mentioned that it can be used on multiple people, I would probably have handed it out." Dong Qitian took a deep breath. At that moment, he suddenly felt a heartfelt pain. He was no longer surprised by the smooth breakthrough of seventy-five disciples, but felt a little heartbroken for the innate Primordial Qi! What a waste to use a stream of innate Primordial Qi to help seventy-five disciples break through the realm of Immortal Mystics and stop at the intermediate-level of the Supreme Acme realm! "Innate Primordial Qi... Innate Primordial Qi... Heavens..." Dong Qitian pulled his hair and muttered to himself, "Such a treasure... and yet you..." With his eyes turning red, he pointed to the outside and said, "... and yet, you''ve spoiled it on those little fellas..." "Is it something very powerful?" Yun Yang really did not understand now. After all, it was something provided by Emmie, and it could be provided repeatedly. Was it really something rare? Glaring at him, Dong Qitian said in a pained tone, "Do you know that the realms after the Supreme Acme are Honor, then Saint, Saint King, Supreme Saint, and Saint Lord? "Above the realm of Saint Lords is the peak level that the Bound of Universe can truly come into contact with, that is, the highest realm that human beings can reachthe Sages. However, under the realm of Sages is still a unique realm: the realm of Semi-Sages. "Innate Primordial Qi is the most original Qi of Dao when that chaos was not open. Some Semi-Sages cannot become Sages for hundreds of thousands of years because they did not have the opportunity. "And, the opportunity is a strand of innate Primordial Qi." Dong Qitian smiled like he was crying. "The senior in the Spirit''s Grave is very generous. The original intention for giving you this innate Primordial Qi should be to give you a bit of spiritual roots, that is, the true meaning of a seed you mentioned earlier... "With this seed, as long as you don''t fall, your future path of cultivation will be a smooth one, and you will certainly be able to ascend to the realm of Sages! The seed is the foundation of your road to the realm of Sages!" He gnashed his teeth and looked as if he wanted to devour Yun Yang. Lowering his voice, he said, "I can''t believe you...you have wasted it just like that...You''ve used it on those disciples..." "And you even dare to say it is of not much use..." Dong Qitian was extremely furious. He gave himself two punches in the chest to vent the pain that filled his heart at the moment. He felt as if his heart had split into eight pieces, and the pain was so strong that he could hardly breathe and calm down! ''Don''t stop me! I''m going to kill myself! I can''t live anymore! I can''t believe anyone would say that the innate Primordial Qi is of not much use...I''m so pissed that I want to vomit blood now!'' After listening to Dong Qitian''s explanation, Yun Yang also froze on the spot. "This thing is...so...so powerful?" he stammered. Dong Qitian looked at him and did not even want to say anything again. 1036 The Pained Fatty Yun Yang frowned and seemed a little pained. "This...Since it is so powerful, I''ll find an opportunity to ask the senior inside for another wisp...He''ll give it to me again, right? After all, he was so generous this time...I think it is not necessarily a rare thing..." Dong Qitian sneered, "What is a fated chance? The so-called fated chance is a chance that will not come again if you miss it! Since you have already missed it once, how can you have a second time? When the chance comes and you seize it, it is your fated chance. But, if you cannot grasp it, there will be no more of those. I can''t believe you are still dreaming of having another one...Keep on dreaming! You will never have such a chance again in your life!" Yun Yang said hesitantly, "I don''t think things will be as absolute as you said...When the senior gave me the wisp of Primordial Qi, I clearly saw that he still had seven or eight wisps in his hand. He was holding them like a lock of silks and had given me one casually...In the future, he wouldn''t be so stingy." "He still has seven or eight wisps?" Dong Qitian took a deep breath, then took another deep breath, and then passed out on the spot. ''Let me die. What have I heard...I must be dreaming.'' The success of the Emerald Cloud Road had brought about a huge leap in the strength of the entire Residence of Nine Supremesboth in terms of overall strength and actual combat forcewithin just two days. It was almost a qualitative change! Almost the entire Residence of Nine Supremes was happy and excited about this change. Well...the reason why it was said to be ''almost'' was that there was still a person who was not very happy, and that person was a higher-up of the sect! In addition to the Lead Supreme, Yun Yang, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, the eight Supremes, and the guest elder, Dong Qitian, there was only one more higher-up in the Residence of Nine SupremesQian Duoduo! In the beginning, Qian Duoduo was happy with the breakthrough of the disciples, but he just wept later on. Over time and under his painstaking efforts, the materials and wealth in the warehouse had become more and more abundant after hardly being consumed. The wealth was growing at a steady rate, and he was very satisfied with such results. Qian Duoduo''s love for money had become an obsession. There was only one thought in his mind: more the money, the better. And, it was best to have only income and no expenditure forever! ''It would be best if all the money in the Bound of Universe goes into my warehouse, and then...continues to come in without spending a penny. This is the best!'' However, the dream was completely shattered when it had just begun to be realized. Those little guys, including Sun Mingxiu and Yun Xiuxin, really cost too much money to cultivate. Their monthly allowance was not much. After all, Residence of Nine Supremes was still pretty rich, and there were millions of superior-grade spiritual jade piled up in the warehouse. As long as it was used for cultivation, anyone could request them at will, use them at will, or even squander them. As long as one''s cultivation base could improve, everything could be discussed. As for the quantity of medial-grade and inferior-grade spiritual jade, it was enough for disciples to cultivate for a long time. Perhaps they would not run out even when the seas dried up and the rocks decayed! Well, the reason why he dared to be so sure was that the Black and White Ruthless Duo had done so well and had accumulated so much wealth. What was more important was that the utilization rate of spiritual jade by disciples was actually very low. After all, from Yun Yang down, the actual cultivation base of all the people in Residence of Nine Supremes was not high! Among the top ten disciples, there were distinct levels of monthly allowance. Sun Mingxiu was at the top of the list, receiving two superior-grade spiritual jade, twenty medial-grade, and one hundred inferior-grade every month. Yu Chenghang, who was one level lower, received only one superior-grade spiritual jade, while the others were the same as Sun Mingxiu. Bai Yexing, who came in third, was not eligible for superior-grade spiritual jade. As for the three disciples ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth, their monthly allowance was further reduced to ten medial-grade spiritual jade and one hundred inferior-grade spiritual jade every month. Disciples ranked seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth were the worst paid, receiving only five medial-grade spiritual jade and one hundred inferior-grade spiritual jade every month. Each of the disciples in Yun Xiuxin''s group could only get one medial-grade and ten inferior-grade spiritual jade, except Yun Xiuxin, who could receive three medial-grade and fifty inferior-grade spiritual jade every month as a special reward for ranking first on a long-term basis. Ordinary disciples, on the other hand, could only receive two inferior-grade spiritual jade every month. But, this amount of resources was simply not enough for cultivation. The hierarchy was obvious and strict. To get more resources, a disciple must become stronger; only by becoming stronger could a disciple have the statue and voice to enjoy more resources! The principle of survival of the fittest and natural selection was also applicable to the Residence of Nine Supremes, and it was more immediate and obvious! If these were all the monthly expenses, Qian Duoduo thought they were just a drop in the bucket. Just the income from exterminating the human trafficking organizations these days could last for years... But, since those little guys broke through, he had become more and more miserable day by day, often wanting to cry and being in constant pain. The disciples'' monthly allowance did not exceed his budget. However, the losses they caused during training had increased more than a hundred times than before! The sect''s training facilities were basically completely damaged in a very short period of time! As these little guys had just broken through and their foundations were still unstable, they could not control their own strength. Besides, since their strength had soared explosively, their excitement had exploded as well, and every one of them was wreaking havoc as if they were competing with one another! Fatty wisely replaced all the training facilities to the Supreme level, but on the afternoon of the replacement, all the facilities were completely damaged again. Refused to admit defeat, Fatty once again replaced the destroyed facilities with Supreme-Acme-level ones. He believed they could cope for a long time. But, the reality was cruel. In the early morning of the next day, all the facilities were destroyed again! "What the fu*k do you want? Since you are so formidable, why don''t you fly to the heaven!" Qian Duoduo no longer wanted to weep. He just wanted to kill himself. ''Do you know how much money I spent these days to replace the training facilities you destroyed?! Do you know that it is very difficult to buy Supreme-Acme-level training facilities? Do you know that every time I spend money, I feel like there is a knife cutting at my flesh?'' But, Yun Yang, the lead Supreme Cloud, paid no attention to it. In the face of Fatty''s complaint, he only said, "You are the majordomo of the Residence of Nine Supremes, so you have to handle such matters. As long as it doesn''t delay the cultivation of disciples, the rest is not important!" Fatty was dumbfounded, feeling so angry that his whole body was shivering. "The rest is not important? Does my mood not matter to you? Do I...Do I owe you all these..." Yun Yang said lightly, "Why don''t you just tell me whether you want to do it or not? If you really feel tired and are unable to do it, I will find someone to replace you. The Residence of Nine Supremes''s majordomo must have the ability to do his job." "I''m just joking and nagging! I''ll get things done immediately! I promise I''ll finish the job! You just wait and see!" He had disappeared even before his words died away. 1037 This Is A Strategy After the incident, Dong Qitian''s attitude toward Yun Yang returned to the same as before. No, he seemed to be a little tamer, as if he had grown a head shorter in front of the latter. Sometimes, when he saw Yun Yang, he would roll his eyes and sigh, then walk away as if he had suddenly remembered something. Obviously, he was thinking of the wisp of Primordial Qi, and his feeling of regret struck him once again. "Now that all the disciples have made advancements, why haven''t you, the higher echelons of the sect, also advanced?" Dong Qitian did not understand this. "Although the efficacy of the Emerald Cloud Pill is much weaker for people above the realm of Saints, and it is impossible to make you break through a major realm, it can still make you break through a minor realm. Since the Residence of Nine Supremes is now aiming to improve its overall fighting strength, why don''t you do it?" Yun Yang smiled and said, "Well, there is no hurry." Dong Qitian was stunned. The battle for the Celestial Luck Banner was only a few days away. At such a critical moment, why did Yun Yang say there was no hurry? In fact, in the past period of time, disciples were not the only ones whose strength had improved by leaps and bounds. Shi Wuchen and the others had also taken a big step forward. Previously, they were not only exhausted in physical strength, but also exhausted in spirit after spending more than dozens of hours helping the disciples break through. The whole process was more exhausting than having to fight a dozen intensive battles in a row. However, after a day and a night of deep sleep and recovery, they were startled to find that their strength had advanced as well. Now, including Yun Yang, the masters of the nine peaks were all fourth-level Saints; Shi Wuchen, Luo Dajiang, Yun Yang, and Tie Qingcang were all peak fourth-level Saints. As long as they took one step further, they could enter the realm of Saint Kings. Under such a premise, it should be no difficulty for them to use the Emerald Cloud Pills to break through to the realm of Saint Kings! They might even have the possibility to reach the peak first-tier of the Saint King realm! The efficacy of the Emerald Cloud Pills was indeed amazing yet dangerous for junior disciples like Sun Mingxiu. But for cultivators like Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen, who had become Saints, they were helpful without any risks. Instead, the medicinal strength was rather insufficient for them! "Why?" Dong Qitian was puzzled. "According to my assessment, Residence of Nine Supremes''s strength at this stage is enough to meet the challenge of competing for the last place at the junior level," Yun Yang said lightly. "I intend to save this advancement for a rainy day. For example, when we are competing for eighth or seventh place...well, even when we are competing for the first place..." He looked up at Dong Qitian with a sly smile on his face. "If we directly improve everyone''s strength now, we will only expose our trump cards in advance. This will make it easier for others to be on guard, and it is not good for the Residence of Nine Supremes." Dong Qitian sighed, "Even at this point, you haven''t forgotten to entrap others. I really don''t know how you have so many bad ideas. You might as well stop calling yourself Supreme Cloud and just call yourself Supreme Crafty. As your opponents, those people are really too...you are really too insidious..." Yun Yang chuckled and said, "Supreme Crafty? That''s a bad name. I use this as a means of saving for a rainy day, so this is wisdom! How did it turn into a trick in your mouth? And if I had to change my name, I''d be called Supreme Intelligence, wouldn''t I?" Dong Qitian shook his head noncommittally, imagining the miserable fate of Yun Yang''s enemies. The enemy, ''As far as I can see, all the higher-ups of the Residence of Nine Supremes are here. Hey, the strongest of them are only fourth-level Saints? Our strength is stronger than theirs. It seems that we have a good chance of defeating them!'' However, in the next day''s battle, the Residence of Nine Supremes would suddenly send a peak first-tier Saint King, or even a second-tier Saint King... How were they going to fight the battles? They would be completely thrown into confusion. The biggest taboo on the battlefield was to misjudge the opponent. Any mistake was enough to lead to a total defeat, not to mention a serious mistake in predicting the opponent''s strength! If there were Saint-King-level experts in their sects, they might still have a chance. But what if they did not? Then they would have to watch their own people get defeated brutally! Or, perhaps their sects had matching fighting power, but when they met the day before, they did not see any danger and wanted to retain their strength. So, they would leave earlier without participating in the battle. This was not an impossible thing! If such a thing happened, it would indeed be a miserable fate. Yun Yang smiled faintly and said, "Senior, you are also a man who has experienced many battles. Don''t you think it is a necessary strategy?" Staring at him, Dong Qitian still shook his head and kept silent. Supposedly, Dong Qitian had been habitually shocked during this period of time. However, that was because he had not noticed the one who was the biggest surprise among them all! The cultivation base of all the people in the Residence of Nine Supremes had increased almost exponentially, and so had Yun Yang''s. However, the growth of his cultivation base was not just reflected in his mystical Qi, because his Endless Divine Art, which did not belong to the category of mystical Qi cultivation, had also improved dramatically! The advancement of the Endless Divine Art was far more difficult than the growth of mystical Qi, because it involved karmic energy. Now, Yun Yang''s Endless Divine Art had stopped at the fifth level. Since he set foot in the Bound of Universe and climbed to the fifth level by chance, he had been accumulating on this level. In the operation of the Residence of Nine Supremes to kill those human trafficking organizations, he clearly felt the collection of a large amount of karmic energy, which had cultivated his Endless Divine Art to the peak of the fifth level. As long as he took one more step forward, he could break through overnight. The essential difference between the Endless Divine Art and other cultivation methods was that it was not enough to judge it just because it climbed to the peak level. As that happened, it only meant that Yun Yang could exert the highest power at the level, and must wait until the karmic energy also reached the critical point if he wanted to make further breakthroughs. Otherwise, he would be stuck at the peak of the fifth level. The river was still the same river, but it was constantly filled with water and could not expand again... Thinking about this state of his, Yun Yang was also very helpless and speechless. But, what did the peak power of the level-five Endless Divine Art mean? It meant that the power Yun Yang could exert now had more than doubled than before! The situation left him somewhat speechless. Previously when he broke through to the fifth level, he succeeded only after consuming the karmic energy from killing millions of wicked people. And now, if he wanted to break through to the sixth level, he needed the karmic energy equivalent to kill tens of millions of wicked people! Since Yun Yang came to the Bound of Universe, he himself, together with the strength of the whole sect, had killed many human traffickers and gained considerable karmic energy. However, the total amount was still less than half of what he needed. Although killing a person in the Bound of Universe could get ten times as much karmic energy as in Tianxuan Continent, the harvest in the current period of time was really insufficient. In any case, Yun Yang was still very confident about the current situation. 1038 Rank Change So far, Yun Yang had only swept through dozens of human trafficking organizations. Of course, there were more of these evil scum in the Bound of Universe! Among these organizations, the smallest had more than fifty people, and many even had thousands. These people had done so much evil that they deserved to die. He just needed to find them one by one and kill them all! As long as he continued to do that, he believed that it would not be long before he could break through to the sixth level. ''After this banner competition is over, the Residence of Nine Supremes needs to act again. It is time for the disciples to go out there and experience the world with their own strength,'' Yun Yang thought. "Master, Hu Xiaofan..." Yun Xiuxin was looking for him again. He sighed. ''Can''t these two live together peacefully for one day?'' The cultivation of the Residence of Nine Supremes disciples was shocking and amazing in Dong Qitian''s eyes. Now, with the opportunity to become stronger, the hard work and efforts of these children from the bottom of society had shocked everyone. They were totally desperate in their cultivation. It was common to see disciples cultivating in the square in the dead of night. While cultivating, they were also trying to refrain from making noises. Moreover, they were practicing every move with great seriousness! Every once in a while, there would be puddles of sweat on the ground; everyone, be it a boy or girl, always had wisps of wet hair stuck to their foreheads. Each one of them was clenching his or her jaw and puffing rapidly... Only five to six days after the breakthrough, even the least gifted disciples were already familiar with their new strength. The time they took to adapt to the new strength was twice as fast as Dong Qitian''s estimate of twelve days! Although they were only beginning to become familiar with the new strength and still had a considerable gap from fully mastering them, this achievement and progress were still enough to shock any sect in the Bound of Universe. ''In other sects, each one of these seventy-five first-generation disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes would be a genius!'' Dong Qitian sighed in his heart and gave a shocking comment. However, he also knew that this group of children''s sense of belonging to the Residence of Nine Supremes could not be broken by any external force. Even if there was no oath, it was still the same. Their lives were dark before this, and only the Residence of Nine Supremes gave them hope. Moreover, most children knew very well that their aptitudes were nothing but rubbish at that time. Those children with great aptitudes had been picked out. If they were really gifted, the human traffickers would not have abused them. They were really just a bunch of trash. However, when they came to the Residence of Nine Supremes, the masters did not abandon them, but used a lot of resources to transform them! This kindness and virtue would never be forgotten! There were still two months and three days to go before the competition of the Celestial Luck Banner. In an atmosphere of spiritual Qi fluctuation, the chief disciple of the Residence of Nine Supremes, Sun Mingxiu, made a successful breakthrough and became the first Honor-level disciple. Three days later, Bai Yexing also broke through to the realm of Honor, officially surpassing Yu Chenghang and becoming the second Honor-level disciple. Only half a day later, Yu Chenghang also made a successful breakthrough. After Yun Xiuxin ascended the realm of Supreme Acme, her progress was more than complete, and she continued to climb upward, successfully breaking through to the peak of Supreme Acme, only one step away from the realm of Honors. Her cultivation base was currently only below Sun Mingxiu, Bai Yexing, and Yu Chenghang. Hu Xiaofan had advanced to the high-level of Supreme Acme, while Lin Xiaorou and Cheng Jiajia had reached the intermediate level. Moreover, Lu Changman also broke through to the rank of Supreme Acme, landing firmly at the beginner level. At this point, there were three genuine Honors and more than twenty Supreme Acmes among all the first-generation disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes, while the rest had all reached the peak level of the Supreme realm. Basically, each of them was just one step away from a breakthrough. Dong Qitian, who had witnessed the Residence of Nine Supremes grow from nothing to so strong in such a short time, felt absolutely speechless. He really could not find anything to complain about. At the same time, the competition within the Residence of Nine Supremes was also in full swing. Disciples were not allowed to insult each other''s parents and elders, to fight in private, or to hurt each other. As a result, there was only one thing left for them to compete with: ranking! The top ten disciples were naturally at the top level among all disciples. Under the top ten, the disciples set their own rankings accordingly. There were ten positions of the Supreme Acme realm and ten positions of the Supreme realm. Although there were no Heaven Mystics and Earth Mystics among them, the rankings still needed to be kept. After all, they would still have junior brothers and sisters in the future, and everyone''s cultivation base would go through the process from low to high. During this period of time, the group of little guys, including Yun Xiuxin, were all proud and always addressed themselves as seniors in front of all other disciples. Once again, the top ten disciples ranking competition was held, with many climaxes and endless surprises! Sun Mingxiu was the first to break out in a cold sweat with fright. Yu Chenghang was now ranked third, so he was naturally not strong enough to pose a threat to Sun Mingxiu. However, Bai Yexing, who caught up from behind, came in strong and almost knocked him down from the top! They had a fierce fight, and it took Sun Mingxiu a great effort as well as all his trump cards to suppress the other successfully. It was not until the end of the fight that Sun Mingxiu put his heart, which had been hanging in his throat throughout the battle, back into his chest. He then realized that his robe was already soaking wet with cold sweat. It was too dangerous! ''If I don''t work hard, maybe I will become the second junior brother after the next competition...'' If such a thing became a reality, it would be really embarrassing for him! Bai Yexing, who had just secured the position of the top ten first-generation disciples, was also scared out in a cold sweat. He was prepared to face Yu Chenghang''s challenge, and he had easily suppressed him. However, when he was facing Yun Xiuxin''s challenge, who was clearly weaker than him, he almost failed miserably, although their cultivation bases were one rank apart! At the beginning of their battle, Bai Yexing held the lead with a higher rank and gained the upper hand. But Yun Xiuxin, who refused to give up the entire time, suddenly had an epiphany in the battle and unexpectedly broke through to the realm of Honors! If it were not for the last-minute breakthrough in the battle, which caused Yun Xiuxin''s cultivation base to soar but also made her no longer familiar with her strength, Bai Yexing might really have failed miserably! Although Bai Yexing eventually won the battle, his face was pale for a long time! By this time, the difference between the disciples'' aptitudes and their personal efforts were gradually showing. A new ranking of the Residence of Nine Supremes''s top ten first-generation disciples had been released. The chief disciple was still Sun Mingxiu, while the second disciple was replaced by Bai Yexing. In third place was Yu Chenghang, while in fourth place was Yun Xiuxin, who climbed all the way up but was defeated by Bai Yexing. The fact that Yun Xiuxin almost broke into the top three certainly caused a great shock, but the shock was not as great as that of another newly-promoted disciple! The tenth place was taken by Hu Xiaofan! 1039 The Final Sprin Hu Xiaofan! This unexpected name could be said to have dazzled the eyes of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. Yun Xiuxin''s progress was in front of everyone, and it was not a great feat for her to have achieved such results. This little girl''s physique was one of the best in the Residence of Nine Supremes to begin with. Before, she was not shining as she was supposed to due to being limited by her short cultivation history and her young age. However, after taking Yun Yang as her master and experiencing a series of events, she was like a phoenix reborn from the ashes. Although they were shocked that she was able to have such results today, they did not feel it was something amazing after a detailed analysis, and even thought that it was reasonable. But Hu Xiaofan, who had been recognized by everyone in the Residence of Nine Supremes as a troublemaker, had become one of the top ten first-generation disciples after Yun Xiuxin! Although he was ranked the last, he was still one of the ten senior brothers to all the younger disciples! This was simply... "The battle of the Celestial Luck Banner is one month and twenty-five days away. The competition held every ten days can be held four more times. I hereby announce that the top ten disciples decided in the last competition will represent the Residence of Nine Supremes in this battle of the banner! "This battle of the banner will be the beginning of the foundation for the Residence of Nine Supremes''s eternal legacy!" Yun Yang''s voice reverberated in the air for a long time. "All those who perform meritorious deeds for the sect in this battle will automatically become true teaching disciples, and will get a bottle of Divine Pills, a piece of Ethereal Amethyst, five hundred pieces of superior-grade spiritual jade, and a divine-grade weapon as a reward. In addition, his or her deeds will be recorded in the annals of the Residence of Nine Supremes, and his or her portrait will always be kept in the ancestral hall of the sect for future disciples to admire and worship!" After hearing everything Yun Yang said, the eyes of all disciples, including Sun Mingxiu, turned red at once! The last top ten disciples would represent the Residence of Nine Supremes in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner! But, this was only the process, and what really moved them were...the rewards! They had the chance to become true teaching disciples, get a bottle of Divine Pills, a piece of Ethereal Amethyst, and a divine-grade weapon! In addition, their deeds would be recorded in the annals of the Residence of Nine Supremes, and their portraits would always be kept in the ancestral hall of the sect for future disciples to admire and worship! They did not take the reward of five hundred pieces of superior-grade spiritual jade to heart. What was that when compared with other rewards? One was material, and the other was glory. They could not be compared at all! Even Hu Xiaofan, who had always liked to cause trouble, had his eyes shining brightly like searchlights, and his expression was very ferocious and horrible. In fact, not only Hu Xiaofan, but all the disciples had their breathing become rapid in a very short time. "Opportunities are available to everyone, not just those who are ranked high in the competition." Yun Yang''s voice was very indifferent, but it immediately made the blood of all disciples boil. "You still have forty days. Forty days later, the positions of the top ten disciples will be decided, and then the Residence of Nine Supremes will officially go on the quest to fight for the Celestial Luck Banner! When the time comes, I don''t know how many among the current top ten disciples will follow me, and how many among the disciples who are not in the top ten will be one of them!" "Dismiss!" At Yun Yang''s command, all the higher-ups of the sect including him left, but none of the disciples below moved. Almost every disciple present was grinding teeth and staring with bright eyes at the top ten disciples, who were still on the stage. They were all weighting carefully in their heads about who they should pull down, how they could do that, and if they really could do that... The expressions of the top ten disciples also became very serious and alert. ''I want to keep my position and even go further!'' Bai Yexing and Yun Xiuxin''s fiery eyes fell on Sun Mingxiu almost at the same time like two hungry wolves looking at a piece of fat meat. Sun Mingxiu, who had always been calm, suddenly shuddered. He knew very well that Yu Chenghang was behind him now, and since there was a Bai Yexing between them, it was impossible for Yu Chenghang to catch up with him. But, Bai Yexing had grown up to be his enemy. Bai Yexing not only chased up frantically, but also made him feel great pressure in this round of competition. And there was also Yun Xiuxin, who was almost in the top three. The potential of this little girl was simply limitless! Now that she was almost as good as Bai Yexing, the odds of her passing him in the next competition were almost one hundred percent even though she was currently ranked behind Yu Chenghang! And Hu Xiaofan, who was at the bottom of the list, was also likely to catch up with him in the third or fourth competition! And Lin Xiaorou, Cheng Jiajia... Sun Mingxiu suddenly had a feeling that he was surrounded by wolves, while Yu Chenghang''s heart was filled with helplessness of being surrounded by enemies and having been born at the wrong time. But what could he do even if he felt helpless? Since he was not going to accept this fate, he would have to try his best! For the next forty days, even Shi Wuchen and the others were horrified. By now they were not urging their disciples to cultivate, but to rest. "Go to rest quickly!" "Look at what you have become now, boy! Why are you still forcing yourself?" "Go back quickly!" "Master, let''s practice a little more, just a little more." "Well, we''ll go back to rest soon." "Master...Hehe...you come at the right time. I have a question that I don''t understand, and I want to ask for your advice. Let''s sit down over there for a while so you can explain it to me..." "Chief Yun''s announcement has driven the disciples completely crazy..." Shi Wuchen said helplessly. Luo Dajiang snorted and said, "Your disciple is still at the top, but my Yu Chenghang...He has now fallen to the third place, and even this third place is a fluke...I think he''ll probably fall to fourth place at the next competition..." Shi Wuchen said with a wry smile, "It is still unknown whether my disciple will be able to hold the first place after the last competition, and I am not too optimistic either." Like Shi Wuchen, Kong Luoyue also smiled wryly and said, "I wonder how far can Bai Yexing go...Why hasn''t he reached the top yet?" As he spoke, he shook his head while showing a worried look. "Bast*rd!" Shi Wuchen and Luo Dajiang glared at the guy who was clearly posturing. Ren Qingkuang said lightly, "I don''t know or even care if Bai Yexing can reach the top, and I don''t care if Sun Mingxiu can keep his first place. All I''m concerned about now is how far can Yun Xiuxin go. It would be very interesting if she got to the top after the last competition!" After hearing what he said, Kong Luoyue''s mood became bad. Everyone knew it was pure luck that Bai Yexing was able to keep Yun Xiuxin down this time. But in the competitions that would follow, how could he win if he did not have such luck again? And with Yun Xiuxin''s rate of improvement, the results were really unpredictable! 1040 Unpredictable Suddenly, Luo Dajiang snorted and said, " I have been busy from morning till night since I became the master of the third peak, so busy that I have no time to be concerned with love and romance... Luoluo is still waiting for me..." All the other singles immediately threw scornful glances at him! ''Damn it! Don''t you know we hate it when someone shows their affection?'' ''Isn''t it enough for you two to be together every day? Jiang Luoluo already lives on your third peak. What else do you want?'' "Dajiang, not that I want to accuse you, but you can see that our disciples have been working so hard. And as their masters, how can we relax all day? This is really not the time to talk about love affairs." Shi Wuchen said, "The special training has to continue. I want to go back to sleep now because I need to get up tomorrow morning and continue the special training!" "Well said! I''m going back to sleep as well." Lan Ruojun folded his arms over his chest and walked away with his head tilted back. "I am not in the mood or interested in listening to you showing off..." Lan Ruojun and Shi Bujia were in the worst mood of all. Originally, they each had a disciple in the top ten, but both were kicked out of the list at the same time in this competition. Only their disciples were not among the current top ten disciples, so it was no wonder that they were in a bad mood. Ten days later, the nine peaks competed once again. Sun Mingxiu held onto the first place in a precarious way while Bai Yexing managed to sit firmly in second place. However, Yu Chenghang was pulled down by Yun Xiuxin and slipped out of the top three. What was even more exaggerated was that the gap between Yun Xiuxin and Bai Yexing''s cultivation base was very small, almost at an equal level. In fact, the gap between Bai Yexing and Sun Mingxiu was almost like this as well. Right now, it could be said that the cultivation base of the top three disciples was basically on the same level. Hu Xiaofan, on the other hand, climbed from tenth to eighth place. Obviously, he had made considerable progress. Cheng Jiajia and Lin Xiaorou had also made great progress. Although they had not yet made it to the top ten this time, they were already on the verge of itone at the eleventh place and the other at twelfth. Lin Xiaorou followed Cheng Jiajia closely, and she refused to relax even though she was only one place behind. Lu Changman''s ranking had also increased, currently at the fifteenth place. The ranking of the disciples had risen and fallen, but those who advanced and those who fell back were still gritting their teeth to cultivate desperately and fight with one another. Now, they not only relied on the rich spiritual Qi of the Residence of Nine Supremes when they were cultivating, but also unsparingly used the spiritual jade they did not want to use before. Medicinal pills that they regarded as treasures and refused to use easily were thrown into their months one handful at a time. When some disciples went out and saw some unknown fruits, they picked them directly without hesitation and thrown them into their mouths. What if those fruits were the marrow cleansing fruits Hu Xiaofan ate? In the face of this situation, Qian Duoduo''s desire to cry was rising again. In just a few days, almost half of the detoxification pills he had purchased with a lot of money were consumed! The battle of the banner had not even started yet! This was really too wasteful! In the blink of an eye, it was time for the next competition between the nine peaks. Now, all eyes were basically on a few key disciples: Sun Mingxiu, Yun Xiuxin, Bai Yexing, Hu Xiaofan! The main reason why Hu Xiaofan, who had just entered the top ten, could get everyone''s attention was nothing more than the fact that everyone was very interested in seeing how far this boy could go! The reason why everyone paid attention to Sun Mingxiu, Yun Xiuxin, and Bai Yexing was to find out who would end up as the chief disciple. The battle between the three of them also reached the point where it was in full swing. Yun Xiuxin came out strong and challenged Bai Yexing. The battle had come as no surprise to Bai Yexing. The two fought fiercely, but in the end, they exhausted all their strength and collapsed to the ground, and yet still could not defeat each other. As agreed, if two disciples drew, their ranking would remain the same. In other words, Bai Yexing was still in second place, and Yun Xiuxin was still in third place! After Bai Yexing recovered from his rest, his battle with Sun Mingxiu turned out to be a draw as well! They, too, fought to exhaustion, and Bai Yexing could not go any further! The draw of the two battles was not the climax of this competition, because when Yun Xiuxin challenged Sun Mingxiu later on, the final result was that both fought until they could not even lift their fingers, and yet still could not defeat each other! In terms of results alone, the three of them were neck and neck in this round. Such a situation was unheard of, and was considered an anecdote even for the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, who had experienced countless battles in their lives! They were all very discerning people. In their hearts, they already knew the cultivation base and the strength of these three disciples. When it came to cultivation base alone, there was still a difference between them, and they were not really neck and neck. Among the three disciples, Sun Mingxiu''s cultivation base was obviously the strongest. Bai Yexing''s strength lay in his eccentric mind, and his moves were unexpected. Every time he attacked, he was full of twists and turns, extremely weird and unpredictable. Meanwhile, Yun Xiuxin''s moves were ever-changing, and her footwork was genius. Sun Mingxiu''s style was aboveboard and straightforward, like an imposing array of troops; he would never take risks or chances. Bai Yexing, on the other hand, was good at the treacherous way; his moves were always unexpected and mysterious. Yun Xiuxin, the weakest among the three, was full of spirituality in her attacks, defenses, and avoidances; almost every move and technique of her was full of spirituality. The performance of the three disciples amazed everyone. But, the rules could not be changed, and a draw was not a win. So, the final result was still Sun Mingxiu at first, Bai Yexing at second, and Yun Xiuxin at third. In this competition, Hu Xiaofan''s ranking climbed again, soaring to fifth place. In the end, he was defeated by Yu Chenghang, who had fallen to fourth place. The junior brothers and sisters below each clenched their fists and opened their eyes wide, panting. Although they admired these senior brothers and sisters in their hearts, none of them was convinced on the outside. Their desire to be in the top ten or to be in the top place remained unchanged, only becoming more determined. Soon, the third competition was here. This time, even though Sun Mingxiu tried harder, he was still pulled down by Bai Yexing, allowing the latter to taste the pleasure of reaching the top for the first time. Yun Xiuxin did not do as well as last time; she was defeated not only by Sun Mingxiu, but also by Bai Yexing, so she was still at third place. Hu Xiaofan also failed to go any further, but he and Yu Chenghang fought to the point of a tie this time. At the end of their fight, they both collapsed to the ground at the same time, gasping for breath and rolling their eyes. Cheng Jiajia and Lin Xiaorou were still moving forward together, making a strong push into the top tenone at ninth place and the other at tenth. It was still Cheng Jiajia edging ahead by a little. Lu Changman''s ranking had also improved as he came in twelfth place this time, almost biting at the tail of the top ten. Compared with the original list of the top ten disciples, almost half of them had been replaced after this competition! It could be said to be an earth-shaking change! 1041 A Special Favor "Master..." After the competition, Yun Xiuxin, who had lost both matches, went directly to Yun Yang''s room on the Central Peak. With her eyes red, she pulled at his sleeve and said, "I''ve disgraced you...I''m sorry..." Looking at the two braids that stood up because she had lowered her head, Yun Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry. "I''m quite satisfied that you have come so far. You should not put too much pressure on yourself. Just try your best, and you don''t need to force yourself too much." She was only a little girl twelve and a half years in age, and Yun Yang was very content with what she had achieved. But, the little girl was obviously very dissatisfied with herself. She went behind him and said, "Master, you must have been very tired after sitting all day...Let Xiu''er massage your shoulders for you..." After saying that, she began to massage while looking at Yun Yang with a flattering expression. ''I have a motive...'' was written all over her face. Yun Yang snorted and said, "One who is unaccountably solicitous is hiding evil intentions. If you have anything to ask, just say it and don''t beat around the bush." Yun Xiuxin continued to massage Yun Yang''s shoulders as she said flatteringly, "Master, you are indeed a wise man with keen eyes. I can''t believe you can see that I have an ulterior motive at a glance. Hehe...After today''s competition, I feel I should still have a chance to reach the top of the list...However, when Senior Brother Sun and Senior Brother Bai return, the two Uncle-Masters will definitely give them special training..." Yun Yang rolled his eyes and asked, "Hmm? What do you want then?" The little girl chuckled and said, "The next competition is the last one before we go to the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner. It doesn''t matter if I lose, as my personal honor is not valuable at all. But, if I disgraced Master once again...that will be my sin..." Yun Yang snorted and said, "Just say that you also want to have special training. What''s the point of being so sweet-tongued?" Yun Xiuxin stuck out her tongue and said, "I am worried that Master will be too tired..." "In that case, why don''t you cultivate yourself diligently?" Yun Yang said with a sigh. "At least, you won''t feel any guilt." "But what if I am pulled down by others?" Yun Xiuxin said in a crying voice. "I am a girl...but Senior Brother Sun and Senior Brother Bai never go easy on me...They are both men, but they have no gentleman-like manners..." Yun Yang rolled his eyes and said nothing. Yun Xiuxin''s eyes darted from side to side as she massaged Yun Yang''s shoulders harder and said, "In fact, I don''t really need much special training. But, I saw Master practicing sword moves the last time, and I felt that Master''s sword technique is the most powerful...If only I could learn one or two moves, I should not disgrace you..." Yun Yang rolled his eyes again and remained silent. "As the eldest disciple of the Central Peak, I feel really bad to see that the position of the chief disciple is always occupied by those from other peaks. Moreover, junior brothers and sisters are all saying that I, as their eldest senior sister, am disappointing and incompetent..." As she spoke, she began to weep. Looking out of the corner of his eye, Yun Yang really saw beads of tears rolling down her cheeks. ''This little drama queen!'' Yun Yang knew that she was only faking it, and that she was aiming for his sympathy. But, even though she was faking it, she was out of breath with tears all over her face. That seemed like a legit skill to him... After pondering for a moment, Yun Yang said, "Let me think about it..." When she saw her chance, Yun Xiuxin''s spirit suddenly lifted and she wept even more sadly, "I...I just want to take back the place that belongs to the Central Peak..." Pretending to be moved by her, Yun Yang said generously, "Well, since you are so thoughtful, I will teach you three sword styles! I think they should be enough for you to practice in these days." "Wa!" Yun Xiuxin jumped up and said happily, "Master, how kind of you! I love you so much! Wahahaha..." She kissed Yun Yang on the cheek, then laughed loudly and jumped up and down. The heartbroken bitterness she had just now was long gone. "How rude!" Yun Yang snorted and said, "You look carefully, I will only show them once. As for how much you can understand, it is entirely up to you!" Yun Xiuxin immediately became quiet and sat down, widening her eyes without moving at all. ''What a whimsical girl.'' Yun Yang did not know whether to laugh or to cry. In fact, Yun Xiuxin was not unreasonably suspicious or cynical. At the same time that she begged Yun Yang to teach her extra moves, Shi Wuchen, Kong Luoyue, and the others were actually giving their disciples special lessons. Everyone''s thought was almost the samelet their disciples get a better ranking. At this moment, Shi Wuchen and the others were wondering. Yun Yang''s personal disciple was treated the same as their disciples in the sect. Even though Yun Xiuxin''s aptitude was better, there should not be such an overwhelming gap between them. The aptitudes of the nine peaks'' first-generation disciples were at the same level. However, the average age of Yun Yang''s disciples was younger than the other disciples, and their starting point was at the bottom of all nine peaks. If it were not for these reasons, it would be impossible for none of the disciples from the Central Peak to make it to the top ten disciples after the first competition. They still remembered that the only relatively outstanding disciple from the Central Peak at that time was Yun Xiuxin, and she was only a Jade Mystic. Although she was the strongest of all Jade Mystic disciples, she was still just a Jade Mystic! But, why were these disciples improving by leaps and bounds in both cultivation bases and fighting tactics, and their progress was so appalling? Clearly, their disciples also worked very hard, they were dwarfed but compared with these disciples and quite inferior. What was going on? To clarify the doubt, eight peopleincluding Shi Wuchencame to the Central Peak as if by prior agreement to observe how Yun Yang guided his disciples. They wanted to see if he was also good at teaching. However, when they arrived, they did not see the man at all. "Where is your Master?" "Master is in the main hall," Yun Xiuxin answered crisply. Ren Qingkuang was taken aback. "He doesn''t even watch you practice and give you advice?" "Master never watches us practice." Everyone was shocked. ''How did your disciples improve when you are so irresponsible?'' Why did it seem more and more unreasonable? The eyebrows of the eight were twitching as they watched Yun Xiuxin practice by herself and instruct her junior brothers and sisters at the same time. When someone''s movement was not right, she walked over and gave the disciple a kick, "Are you stupid? How long have you been practicing this move for? How can you make such a simple mistake?" When someone lost his concentration, she also walked over and gave him a kick, "What are you thinking? Are you planning to disgrace Master? Are you an undercover agent from another peak trying to set us up?" Shi Wuchen and the others tried hard to control themselves so that they did not fly into a rage on the spot. ''Why is this little girl''s mouth so big? What nonsense is she talking about? How could she say that!'' 1042 The Central Peak Disciples But, Yun Xiuxin still did not stop talking, and her words became even more sharply. "Do not think that your own disgrace is your own business. You are disciples of the Central Peak, so your disgrace is equal to the disgrace of the Central Peak! Whoever disgraces himself or herself is equivalent to shaming the Master, shaming us, your fellow brothers and sisters! You better be careful! "Master never scolds you because he has a good temper and a kind heart, but none of us will forgive you! "We are all poor things who have no home. It is Master who has given us home again! Since we are a family, we should work together and forge ahead for the sake of this family! Who dares to disgrace this family? Think for yourselves, what''s the point of living in this world if we don''t have this family?" After hearing what she said, Shi Wuchen and everyone else were drenched in sweat. But soon, those sharp-minded people such as Ren Qingkuang and Luo Dajiang all frowned slightly and looked thoughtful. Anyone who had pondered over her words a little more carefully could tell that the disciples of the Central Peak had a strong desire for honor, a sense of collectivity, and a sense of belonging. It was almost as if they were acting out of their hearts to safeguard these things. The belief was not only reflected in the efforts to make themselves stronger, but also in the safeguard of this family, this community, and the reputation of the Central Peak at all time. They always focused on the Central Peak. In fact, compared with their own strength, they attached more importance to these intangible things! Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun looked at each other and nodded, each with a clear understanding in their hearts. Disciples who strived to make themselves stronger were inevitably weak in motivation, unlike the disciples of the Central Peak who surrounded themselves in such a team spirit. Those from the Central Peak were like a person who had faith; all their actions were basically to fight for this faith unswervingly! When a person was working hard for personal strength, he was likely to become frustrated and discouraged, doubt himself when facing adversities, or slack off and stop moving forward when he was on a roll. But, when a person fought and strove for faith, his progress would never end! ''I am already in the first place, and I want to keep this positionnot for myself, but the Central Peak. I have become an Honor, but this is not the end of my journey. I will continue to work hard! I have become a Saint, but this is still not the endthis is just a process, and I still have to try my best. I now have a great reputation. I have already made a great impact on the world. But, the glory I have brought to the Central Peak is still just a process, only a moment of joy and pride!'' ''I need a lot of this kind of honor, the more the better.'' ''Even if I have become the best in the world, I am still only a disciple of the Residence of Nine Supremes''s Central Peak! ''Glory will always belong to the Residence of Nine Supremes''s Central Peak, and I will always be a part of the Central Peak!'' "So, this is the motivation for the Central Peak''s disciples, this is the truth..." Lan Ruojun muttered to himself. "We had taken ourselves as a guide, so we make them pay too much attention on personal strength, while the motivation of the Central Peak''s disciples is to defend the collective honor. These are two completely different paths, and because they are different in essence, the results are naturally different." "Xiuxin, come here!" Kong Luoyue beckoned. "Greetings, Uncle-Master Kong!" Yun Xiuxin came over obediently. Her temperament and appearance were quite different from just now when she was shouting at her junior brothers and sisters. "Does your Master never answer your questions?" Kong Luoyue asked. "He did," replied Yun Xiuxin. "But, he only answers our questions after morning exercises, an hour before breakfast. Anything everyone does not understand must be raised at that time. Once that time passes, Master will not answer any more questions, and we have to wait until the next morning." Luo Dajiang clapped his hands and sighed, "Wonderful!" "What''s wonderful?" Shi Wuchen did not understand. "Yi Tuo, let me tell you..." "Try calling me Yi Tuo again! I''m the second brother! SECOND BROTHER!" "..." Luo Dajiang turned his head in anger and stopped talking. In the end, it was Kong Luoyue who explained. "When we are teaching our disciples, some disciples do not understand the answer once, and we often patiently answer it the second, or even the third time. By doing so, the disciples will not have any more doubts about the current problems, but it creates a dependency. At Central Peak, however, the questions only need to be answered once, or will only be answered once, because there is only a limited amount of time to answer their questions each day. In this limited time, disciples must prepare their questions, and then ask them in the morning to get the answers. Moreover, they have to remember the Master''s answers in their hearts, or they will have to wait at least one more day once they are careless or mishear." "In such an atmosphere, waiting one more day might make them never catch up with their peers. "To get the solutions to the current problems, they may have been thinking about how to ask the questions from the night before, remembering the questions even in their dreams for fear of forgetting them. When they ask the questions the next day, Boss Yun only uses one sentence to point out the crucial part and let them have a thorough understanding. With that, their memory of the answer will naturally become deeper. After that, they only need to follow the answer and practice it again, and they can get the best results..." "This is an extreme epiphany under a high-pressure atmosphere! This is not taught at all, but forced by themselves." "In such an atmosphere, it is not easy for them to understanding anything less deeply." "In addition, they have such an eldest senior sister..." Kong Luoyue had been transmitting her voice to others as she said with a wry smile, "Yun Xiuxin has always been in the position who gives pressure to everyone, constantly saying that someone has disgraced everyone else, someone has disgraced the Central Peak and their Master...With such a supervisor, no one dares to slack off." "Over time, her actions have even formed conditional reflexes in the minds of the disciples." "Originally, this method would have its drawbacks. If it were placed on teens seventeen or eighteen years of age, it will probably make them rebellious. This is the common weakness of young people. But, for these children who are eleven to twelve years old, it is the best time to use this method. When this ideology takes shape in them, it will only become stronger and stronger." "Besides, Yun Xiuxin has done everything she said, very well at that. The other disciples try their best to catch up with her, but they still cannot, and can only look up at her. I believe that the only thought in the Central Peak disciples'' minds should be to follow in the footsteps of their eldest senior sister, so that they will not be left too far behind by her." "Growing up like this, the disciples of the Central Peak will be brainwashed, and the more they grow up, the deeper the ideology will become rooted in their minds, unbreakable and indelible." "Let''s think deeper! Boss Yun did not show up after early morning, so what should those disciples do when they have new questions and are eager to get answers? They can only seek advice from their senior brothers and sisters, even their junior brothers and sisters. By helping each other, the relationship between them will become deeper and deeper...Over time, the whole Central Peak will become extremely united! "In fact, it won''t take long...They are already very united even now." Kong Luoyue sighed. 1043 A Sect Is Not A Gang! "In Central Peak, the master is the supreme being, no different from a god in the hearts of disciples. Below the master, the eldest senior sister is serious and responsible, and the rest of the disciples are united and friendly. Even if there are conflicts, they still share everything with one another when training. Even if there are any resentments, they can be eliminated..." Kong Luoyue pouted his lips and said, "Look at Hu Xiaofan and Lu Changman, the recognized irreconcilable pair of the nine peaks! When Lu Changman wouldn''t understand something, Hu Xiaofan would beat him up first, then start to explain in detail. Do you think this is the way enemies get along?" Everybody looked over and saw Hu Xiaofan and Lu Changman walking together. Hu Xiaofan was talking with unconcealed disdain on his face and his hands were gesticulating while Lu Changman, his face all blue and black, had a thoughtful expression and seemed to be understanding something. "These are the things that our peaks do not have." "When a Central Peak disciple makes progress, it means many people move forward together. Even if someone falls behind, others will pull that person so they can move forward together. No matter how stupid a person is, he will be pulled forward in such an atmosphere...Otherwise, falling behind is also a very shameful thing. Look over there..." An eight or nine years old girl, her face eager for answers, was listening attentively to the noisy explanations of several little girls around her. Then, everyone made her practice once without taking their eyes off her while cultivating. After that, they pointed out her mistakes, gave her advice, and the whole process was repeated again. "That little girl should be the weakest disciple in the Central Peak. But in about seven minutes since we came here, she has mastered at least three of her unfamiliar moves. With this kind of group support, how could the progress of the disciples slow down? Moreover, the aptitude of every Central Peak disciple is excellent. They are not stupid." Ren Qingkuang also said, "I listened carefully just now. When guiding her, the other disciples were cultivating and pondering on their own, and then several of them shared their thoughts on the way she practiced the move. It''s almost like everyone is practicing the move again, and in a more perfect way..." Kong Luoyue sighed, "Yun Yang''s unconcerned approach to let his disciples cultivate on their own has produced such an effect instead. I''m really amazed! On the contrary, although we put more heart than him, our disciples have been overtaken one by one. Comparisons are odious indeed!" Shi Wuchen, too, showed a look of enlightenment. "Boss Yun is a god in the hearts of his disciples while we are only Masters in the hearts of our disciples. That''s the essential difference." "In fact, it''s not just the disciples of Central Peak. Even when our disciples mention the Sect Leader, they, too, show a look of respect and admiration. This is the demeanor this group of little guys can create without saying anything, because they have been constantly suppressing themselves!" Luo Dajiang showed a thoughtful look. "Boss has always told us that what we want to establish is a sect, not a gang. I used to be puzzled by this statement, but I seem to understand it nowI really understand it!" "It seems that we need to change our attitude and teaching methods as Masters." "If this goes on, will there be a place for our disciples in this Residence of Nine Supremes?" At this moment, Yun Xiuxin''s yelling rang out again. "You, you, you, and you! I can''t believe you''re not in the top ten yet! Do you think it is only your own business that you are worthless and incompetent? Where did you put the glory of Master? We are disciples of the Central Peak! We represent the Central Peak, the leader of the sect! And yet, you were beaten like dogs. What a shame!" Kong Luoyue suddenly felt like beating someone. "Do you remember? We are disciples of the Central Peak and the Lead Supreme! We should take the top ten! Do you understand?" The little girl''s mouth foamed as she kept yelling, "This is the demeanor that we, as the disciples of the Central Peak, should have!" Looking at the Uncle-Masters standing nearby, Hu Xiaofan smiled mischievously and said, "Thanks to Eldest Senior Sister''s mightiness, she trampled on all the disciples from other peaks! We will always obey the orders of the Eldest Senior Sister!" Yun Xiuxin said angrily, "How dare a lazy fella like you talk so much! If you don''t pull Bai Yexing down in the next competition, you might as well find a tree and hang yourself!" Hearing that, Hu Xiaofan went on with a cheeky grin, "Senior Sister, how can you push something that even you can''t accomplish on me? But it doesn''t matter. I''ll definitely defeat Yu Chenghang in the next competition and climb up again...Hehe..." Yun Xiuxin was furious. "So what if you climb up again? I know you have been unwilling to give up and are always eying at my position. You can rest assured that I''ll defeat Bai Yexing first in the next competition and then Sun Mingxiu! If I fail, I''ll find a tree and hang myself!" Hu Xiaofan did not stop there, but went on in a funny voice, "So what if you reach the top? There''s still me! My target is not only Yu Chenghang and Bai Yexing, but also you! Do you think I can defeat you or not?" Shi Wuchen and the others, already upset by the first half of Yun Xiuxin''s sentence, were outraged by the second half of her words and Hu Xiaofan''s announcement. It turned out that the two little fellas had such wild ambitions! Kong Luoyue was the first to turn and leave, followed by Ren Qingkuang and the others. They could not listen anymore, and staying here further would only make them more unhappy! These disciples were simply too arrogant! Could they be more arrogant than that? ''Just you wait! I will let my disciples teach you a very deep lesson in the last competition!'' They had come to steal the way of teaching, and although they had found out everything they wanted to know, they were deeply upset as well. As soon as they left, Yun Yang quietly appeared in front of the hall with an indifferent expression. Dong Qitian asked while frowning, "Why don''t you tell them these things in person?" Yun Yang said lightly, "Elder Dong, you are unfair to me. I''ve said this many times, and it is clear that they do not take it seriously. They still train their disciples the way they train themselves, or they still train their disciples in the same way that their Masters trained them. But, the facts have been proved. Only by allowing facts to prove can we truly learn something. "Some words must pass through other people''s mouths before they can be understood, and some knowledge can only be understood after it is comprehended by oneself." "This is life." Dong Qitian seemed to have realized something as he said "It''s like raising children. There are some words that children will not listen to, no matter how their parents tell them. However, in a certain period of time, when they are jarred or have experienced some things personally, they will regard what their parents said as wise words...Isn''t that right?" Yun Yang was between tears and smiles. Looking askance at Dong Qitian, he said, "Elder Dong, that''s a strong remark, and they are not my sons!" 1044 Kicked Off Time passed, as every disciple of the nine peaks was working hard to make use of every minute and second, refusing to relax or slack off. Every day when the sun went down, the air was always filled with unwilling sighs. "Why does time pass so fast!" "I haven''t made much progress with my mystical Qi..." "I''ll have to work harder tonight..." "Only four days left to decide my fate..." "Three more days." "Only two days left!" "The last day is counting down..." The night before the last competition, Yun Yang appeared in the little fellows'' rooms. "Now that everyone is here, I''ll count to ten and you will all go to sleep! Anyone who has not fallen asleep after a quarter of an hour, I''ll immediately expel him or her from the sect!" Yun Xiuxin, who was intending to organize the final sprint for her junior brothers and sisters, pouted her lips and lay helplessly in bed. A quarter of an hour later, Yun Yang floated in the air outside while listening to the smooth breathing in the rooms with a smile. Early in the morning next day, the last competition of the nine peaks before the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner finally arrived! This was the competition that would determine the candidates for the battle. Under the attention of everyone, the competition officially kicked off. Everyone, including the more than ten thousand children who had not yet been taken in as disciples, sat quietly in the stands. Although these children had not been cultivating for a long time, the ones with the strongest cultivation base had reached the realm of Earth Mystic! However, as the Residence of Nine Supremes had no plan of taking in new disciples now, they could only stay in the mansion for now even though they were gifted. They could only work hard, waiting for the next recruitment. All the children knew that this competition was the most important one for their senior brothers and sisters: winners would represent the sect in the battle and seize the Celestial Luck Banner that would keep them safe for the rest of their lives! The palms of all the disciples were warm and sweaty, and their eyes were anxious. Which senior brothers and sisters would win? For a long time, the Celestial Luck Banner had always existed in the legends. Perhaps, it would appear in their sect in the near future! "No matter who wins or who goes to battle, they will always be the heroes of the Residence of Nine Supremes!" As this sentence spread, the arena, which was full of more than ten thousand people, immediately fell into awe. Yes, no matter who went to battle, as long as they could win, they were the heroes of the Residence of Nine Supremes! A war drum roared. "The disciples of the nine peaks are here!" In the sky, ten beams of light lit up from different directions and then flew over! The Demiurge-Flawed Ten quietly appeared in front of the grandstand and then sat on the ten seats, five on the left and five on the right, according to their ranking order. "Greetings, Masters!" More than ten thousand children knelt and saluted them at the same time. Meanwhile, the disciples of the nine peaks filed through the entrance. The first to enter were the disciples of Central Peak, all dressed in snow-white robes. Yun Xiuxin was at the forefront; one of her hands was on the hilt of her sword, and her little pretty face was cold and serious. Behind her were Cheng Jiajia, Hu Xiaofan, Lu Changman, and the other disciples. After them, Sun Mingxiu came in with his junior brothers and sister, and then Bai Yexing... The disciples of nine peaks lined up in nine directions, each on one side. The scene was like white snowflakes suddenly falling onto the verdant scenery of the Residence of Nine Supremes. All of a sudden, an auspicious cloud appeared in the sky, accompanied by a bright light like the rising sun and a colorful glow. Dressed in his usual purple clothes, Yun Yang quietly appeared in mid-air and then flew leisurely to the seat placed in the middle. "The Sect Leader is here!" At the sight of him, all the disciples and children present got excited. Everyone was staring at him, their eyes filled with passion! Without the Sect Leader, there would be no Residence of Nine Supremes right now! This sentence had already taken root in the hearts of all disciples and children, and would never fade away. Without the Residence of Nine Supremes, they would still be goods and beggars, and no one would respect them. However, the Sect Leader was willing to take them in, regardless of their origin and ranks. Because of him, these children, who had gone through the life of displacement, now had a paradise-like warm family, and they could once again have the feeling of home! It was he who founded the Residence of Nine Supremes from scratch; it was he who had gathered more than ten thousand poor children; it was he who had fought for land when he was still weak; it was he who protected the children and allowed them to live a happy life! "Greetings, Sect Leader!" Many disciples and children could not help bursting into tears. When they saw Yun Yang, they felt as if they had seen their parents, their hearts filled with warmth and comfort. "Don''t stand on ceremony." Yun Yang''s voice resounded through the audience and shook the void, "Today is the first big day since the Residence of Nine Supremes was founded, and it is also the first step in our journey to acquire the Celestial Luck Banner. The Masters are ready. Now is the time for you, young generations, to prove whether you can take the lead and amaze us." Hearing his words, the eyes of Sun Mingxiu, Bai Yexing, Yun Xiuxin and others standing at the front of the line immediately lit up as they squared their shoulders. "No failures or accidents are allowed in this battle of the Celestial Luck Banner." Yun Yang''s eyes swept the whole audience as he said lightly, "In the world of warriors, the strong are respected. It doesn''t matter when one starts learning, but the one who discovers the truth should be the teacher. This is not only the iron law, but also the basic rule since the ancient times. When most people are bullied because of their weakness, they just complain about the unfairness, and only a few people will choose to make themselves stronger. Yet, it is this choice that opens the door to the path of the strong. "I hope each of you can become stronger and keep moving forward on this road of the strong. "I won''t say much. Now, the competition officially begins! All those who intend to compete for the top ten disciples, take a step forward!" A rumble rang out. Without exception, the seventy-five first-generation disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes took a step forward in unison. No one flinched before fighting. Looking at the youngest of the Central Peak''s disciples, Mo Youyou, an eight-year-old girl, Shi Wuchen laughed and said, "Youyou, although it is commendable that you have reached the realm of Immortal Mystic at the age of eight, it is a bit overreaching to compete for the position of top ten disciples with your current cultivation base. I think you''d better give up!" Mo Youyou pouted her lips and said loudly, "Master once said that no matter what level our cultivation base is, we must have a heart of the strong, and we must always forge ahead bravely and unswervingly! "Although my cultivation base is weak and my age is young, so what? I want to fight, and I will never give up!" The little girl''s thin body was like a mimosa in the wind, and her voice was young. But, when she used all her strength to shout, her imposing manner was not weaker than that of a man. Shi Wuchen was taken aback and then said, "Well, don''t cry when you get hurt later!" Mo Youyou said loudly, "Master once said that we will habitually choose to accept what is established most of the time. For example, Elder Brother Sun and Elder Sister Yun are the top seed in this competition. However, once we choose to accept it, we have actually withdrawn ourselves from the competition and lost the qualification to compete! "The road of the strong requires disagreement and never giving up! If you are stronger than me today and have defeated me, I will naturally call you Senior Brother and respect you. However, if I defeat you tomorrow, you will have to call me Senior Sister! "In the Residence of Nine Supremes, senior brothers and senior sisters are never just a name or a position, but an honor! The ringing voice of the little girl echoed across the arena. All the children present were lost in thought, and many had their eyes lit up. It was not a position, but an honor! After thinking it over, Shi Wuchen shook his head and sighed. Yun Yang''s ability to teach his disciples was really too good. He was thoroughly convinced. In fact, not only was Shi Wuchen convinced, but also were Luo Dajiang and the others, even though they did not say it out. Even Dong Qitian, who had been hiding nearby, admired Yun Yang even more! "The top ten disciples of the last competition are on standby. We will first decide the ten challengers from the remaining sixty-five disciples," Yun Yang said lightly. The last competition before the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner was finally kicked off officially. 1045 Top Ten Disciples After a three-hour duel, ten challengers emerged from amongst the sixty-five disciples. The eliminated disciples'' faces were full of disappointment, but they accepted their defeat. It was impossible for a person to cheat on his strength. Since their strength was not as good as that of others, one must be convinced and admit defeat. What was the point of complaining about results? Among the ten challengers, Lu Changman came out on top. Mo Youyou, who had already been defeated early on, pursed her lips and her eyes were red. She looked like she was going to cry. There were also several other little girls who had tears in their eyes and were about to cry. However, no one comforted them. Having confidence, fighting spirit, and the will to never give up did not mean one would have the actual strength to acquire the desired results; ambition and perseverance alone could not change the fact that one''s strength was weaker than others''! The Sect Leader had strictly ordered that the bitter pill of losers must be swallowed by themselves, and no one was allowed to comfort them. After an hour''s rest, the challenge of the top ten disciples officially began. The disciples on the stage were fighting fiercely, while the audience was overwhelmed and exclaimed from time to time. One senior brother or sister after another came to the stage to fight, and then the winner stayed while the loser left. Every battle was extremely intense and exciting. Every senior brother or sister was like an eagle cleaving the sky and dragon gliding in the limpid deep. Their every move and style showed extraordinary power, dazzling the eyes of all the little guys sitting in the audience and giving birth to an idea in their hearts: ''I will be like them in the future!'' Senior Brother Sun was gentle and elegant like a scholar; Senior Brother Bai was handsome and full of righteousness; Senior Sister Yun was mighty in spirit, heroic, and beautiful. Senior Brother Hu was quick-witted and with an unpredictable strength; Senior Sister Lin looked very weak, but became very fierce as soon as she fought; Senior Sister Cheng looked gentle and lovely, giving others the feeling of a sister... ''I like her so much...'' The eyes of all the little guys glowed as they watched the duels. At this moment, something called ''idols'' was quietly born. Every disciple who went on stage to fight gained many of their own fans... As a result, from time to time in the near future, people fought each other for this. "What? You said Senior Brother Bai is better than Senior Brother Sun?" "What? You said Senior Brother Bai can''t compare with Senior Brother Sun?" "What? You don''t think Senior Sister Yun is beautiful?" "Hit him!" Naturally, these were for later times and a whole another story. What really mattered now was that every disciple on the arena was fighting with an unprecedented intensity! This competition was far tougher than any previous one! Sun Mingxiu was challenged by eight disciples, which made his gentle and handsome face turn blue with anger! ''Yu Chenghang is my old opponent, and it''s no big deal that he punches above his weight and challenges me. Hu Xiaofan''s ranking is just below Yu Chenghang, so I expect him to challenge me. After all, his strength is no longer weaker than Yu Chenghang''s. But the others...Do you think I am an easy target because I was defeated by Bai Yexing and Yun Xiuxin, therefore you can try to bully me?'' ''You are pushing me too far! ''Since you want to bully me so much, then you will be bullied by me!'' The competition was not decided until the sun went down. The last battle was still between Bai Yexing and Yun Xiuxin. The two disciples fought fiercely while all the other disciples and children were divided into two groups, shouting and cheering in unison, their voices shaking the heavens! At the critical moment of their battle, Yun Xiuxin suddenly floated into mid-air and held her sword high. In the blink of an eye, the blade burst into a dazzling light, illuminating the whole void. Then, all the light converged into a blinding beam of white light and struck down toward Bai Yexing''s head. As the white light fell, everyone heard a harsh grinding sound coming through the void. This move was a variation of Yun Yang''s Saber Truth: Destiny Blade. Yun Yang had been immersed in his saber technique for a long time, and had already entered the state of being extremely familiar and skillful. On that day when Yun Xiuxin pleaded to him and asked for special training, he modified the moves of the saber technique slightly before teaching her. Although he taught her three moves in name, there were only three styles in fact: the Merciless Blade, Merciless Dao, and Saber Laic! The move Yun Xiuxin was using now was none other than the Merciless Blade. Although performing the move with a sword made it less magnificent, it was given a touch of strangeness and unpredictability. In any case, its superb subtleties had not weakened at all. Faced with the sudden appearance of such a famous move, Bai Yexing was immediately thrown into confusion. He lifted his sword horizontally in an attempt to block the attack while quickly stepping back as he tried his best to dodge. He planned to avoid this move first and then fight back. However, Yun Xiuxin did not relax after gaining the upper hand, but immediately attacked with the second move: the Merciless Dao. A sharp sword light flashed through Bai Yexing''s left shoulder and pierced his robe. He suddenly stopped in place and paused for a brief moment, then said bitterly, "I have lost." He knew very well that Yun Xiuxin had shown great mercy in this move. Otherwise, she could at least pierce his shoulder and seriously injure him on the spot. But, she did not do it. Although he could continue to fight, he was embarrassed to fight again. He was convinced of the defeat and threw in the towel. The Residence of Nine Supremes''s last competition was finally over, and the ranking of the top ten disciples was renewed. The chief disciple was Yun Xiuxin, the second disciple was Bai Yexing, and the third was Hu Xiaofan, with Sun Mingxiu at the fourth rank. The ranking thereon was Yu Chenghang, Cheng Jiajia, Lin Xiaorou, Meng Qianshan, Duanmu Feng, and Lu Changman! The top ten disciples stood side by side on the stage and received cheers from their junior brothers and sisters. The applause was thunderous while Shi Wuchen and the others looked at each other, speechless. In the beginning, none of Yun Yang''s disciples made it to the top ten disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes, and Yun Xiuxin, who had the highest cultivation base in Central Peak, was only a Jade Mystic. But now, four among the top ten disciples were Yun Yang''s disciples. Moreover, two of them made it into the top three. Not only was the glory of the first place taken away by Central Peak, but Hu Xiaofan also defeated Yu Chenghang, then defeated Sun Mingxiu through a tough battle and entered the top three strongly. Such a progress was really too great and scary. After the competition, Yun Yang''s disciples occupied four seats in the top ten disciples. Kong Luoyue''s disciples occupied two seats, while Shi Wuchen''s first disciple, Sun Mingxiu, occupied one, Meanwhile, Luo Dajiang''s disciple occupied one seat too. In addition, Tie Qingcang''s discipleMeng Qianshanand Ren Qingkuang''s discipleDuanmu Fengeach took a place. Wu Menghuan, Lan Ruojun, and Shi Bujia did not even get a seat. This caused the faces of all three to become as black as the bottom of a pot. Of course, their disciples were full of shame as well. At that moment, Yun Xiuxin delivered a speech on behalf of the other disciples. "The Residence of Nine Supremes has always been not only our sect, but also our home! We will go out this time to win the Celestial Luck Banner for our home, so that our home can be beautiful and strong for generations to come!" "If we don''t succeed, we will never return!" "If we don''t succeed, we will never return!" The top ten disciples shouted in unison. "For our home, we will fight to the end! We will never change our mind and will never regret!" 1046 Set Ou On the night of the same day, Yun Yang taught everyone the attacking and killing methods of the Nine Supremes Formation, and everyone began to learn it. In fact, he had long taught them the basic methods of the formation but not the more advanced ones, especially the deadly moves. The first reason was that the formation had high requirements on the cultivation base of the people who formed it. Secondly, the lethality of the formation was too strong, and it was difficult for disciples to master and skillfully control it without relatively excellent psychological quality. Both Shi Wuchen and the others, as well as the first-generation disciples, had to learn and master this formation, because no one knew which camp would face the battle of formation. The next morning, everyone in the Residence of Nine Supremes came to both sides of the square, crowding the whole place. Yun Yang, dressed in purple, walked out first. Behind him, eight people, including Shi Wuchen, filed out while behind them followed the freshly minted top ten first-generation disciples. "Elder Dong and my brothers, please take care of our home after we leave." Yun Yang turned to look at Dong Qitian, Guo Nuanyang, and Ping Xiaoyi. With a look of solemness on their faces, Guo Nuanyang and Ping Xiaoyi nodded and said, "Rest assured, Boss! As long as we are still breathing, nothing will happen to Residence of Nine Supremes." Yun Yang nodded and said, "The rules of the competition have been set. During the period when we are away, the two of you and Qian Duoduo will carefully comb through the disciples and select those with good aptitudes to teach and nurture. At the same time, continue the competition, and then allocate resources to the disciples according to the ranking of each list." "Understood, Boss! Please rest assured." "When we come back, the Residence of Nine Supremes will begin to take in a new batch of disciples. The first-generation disciples stopped at those people who were ranked on the list of Earth Mystic and above. All the disciples to be taken in later will be taught by these disciples on behalf of their Masters, and the new disciples will be the second-generation disciples. "All of the more than ten thousand children here can be included in the second-generation disciples, but those rescued later are the third generation. "As for this part, you can discuss among yourself and come up with a set of rules." "Yes, we understand." Qian Duoduo finally smiled through the tears and beamed with joy. After all, these were all his specialties. Dong Qitian, who was standing aside, rolled his eyes and was about to speak. But, Yun Yang knew in advance what he wanted to say and interrupted him, "Well, this is the third thing I need Elder Dong to do for me." What Dong Qitian wanted to say got stuck in his throat. After a while, he said gloomily, "Fine!" In fact, Yun Yang had previously considered whether to take Dong Qitian to the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner. The benefits of bringing Dong Qitian along were obvious. With this almighty expert, their reserves would definitely increase dramatically, which would allow them to cope with any unexpected occurrences. However, the drawbacks were also obvious. If Dong Qitian left the place, Residence of Nine Supremes would definitely attract the coveting eyes of the top sects in the Bound of Universe. It was not necessarily a good thing to be targeted by those high-end powers too early. Moreover, Yun Yang had not forgotten Dong Qitian''s captivity. There must be some super expert behind this. If Dong Qitian showed up in front of people, no one knew whether this expert would do anything or what he would do. In any case, with the power this expert showed in imprisoning Dong Qitian, even a little move of his would certainly be groundbreaking. The current meager strength of the Residence of Nine Supremes could not afford such a blow. Therefore, the best way was to keep a low profile and lay a solid foundation first. "Sending off the Sect Leader, Uncle-Masters, as well as all the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters! The battle will be won! The Residence of Nine Supremes will win!" More than ten thousand disciples shouted in unison, their deafening cries almost poking a big hole in the sky. Yun Yang waved and said, "Let''s go!" Twenty people gathered together to form a huge sword light and then flew out of the Residence of Nine Supremes at top speed! The Residence of Nine Supremes finally set out. At that moment, everyone except Yun Yang was very excited. Before, whenever the Demiurge-Flawed Ten went out and wherever they went, they were always called whetstones by others. The name ''whetstones'' had been with them for far too long. But now when they came out again, their state of mind was already very different. ''Let''s see who still dares to call us whetstones! Those sects that used to use us as whetstones, we will definitely crush them one by one!'' When they had traveled for about dozens of miles, they suddenly heard someone shouting behind them, "Wait for me!" Everyone turned to look over and saw Jiang Luoluo, dressed in red like a bride, flying toward them. Luo Dajiang''s face grew black. "We are going to do proper business this time. Why are you following?" Jiang Luoluo snorted and said, "You said you''d marry me when you got the Celestial Luck Banner. How can I rest assured if I don''t follow you to accomplish such a major task? What if you meet some enchanting bitc*es when you go out this time? I don''t care! I just want to watch over you and follow you anyway!" Luo Dajiang was speechless. ''I got to hand it to you...What are you talking about? What enchanting bitc*es? What watching over me?'' And so, Jiang Luoluo, a latecomer who no one knew whether could be considered as an uninvited guest or not, was included in the group who went to fight the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner. "Sister-in-law, I have never heard you mention it before, but your sect is..." Yun Yang asked. Jiang Luoluo beamed and said, "My sect is the Phoenix Cry Sect, which ranks in the top three among the sects with medial-class Celestial Luck Banners. Well, we are also the second in the ranking among the medial-class Celestial Luck Banners in Sacred Heart Palace." In the eyes of all disciples, this Martial Aunt was an eccentric person. Whenever anyone called her ''Miss Jiang'' or ''Sister Jiang'', she would lose her temper or pretend she did not hear it. But, if someone called her ''sister-in-law'', she would smile and answer readily. So, all the disciples were used to calling her Martial Aunt now. This was probably the name she would like to hear the most. Even Yun Yang would have to suffer her temper whenever he addressed her wrongly. Even someone like him naturally followed the course of water and only called her sister-in-law. "Dajiang," said Yun Yang, looking sideways at Luo Dajiang, "when we get back, I think you better marry Luoluo as soon as possible. I can''t bear to see you delay her so much, and we can take advantage of the occasion to have fun together." Hearing that, Jiang Luoluo immediately brightened up and turned to look at Luo Dajiang. Obviously, she wanted to hear a promise. But, Luo Dajiang just gave a wry smile and said, "Boss, everyone in Residence of Nine Supremes knows that Luoluo likes me, but do you know that I like her as much as she does?" When he heard that, Yun Yang paused for a moment and then said, "What does this matter? Now that you have worked through the knots, you should get married as soon as possible. Do you have to be so obsessed with who likes whom more?" 1047 Worries Concerning the Phoenix Cry Luo Dajiang said with a darkened face, "Boss, do you know Luoluo''s position in her sect? She is the seed disciple of the Phoenix Cry Sect, and her real cultivation base is stronger than mine. This is not the most important thing, because I am not the kind of petty man who cannot tolerate his woman being stronger than himself. However, Luoluo''s Master, the ''Knife In Jade'' Gan Tianyan, is the top expert of Phoenix Cry Sect after their sect leader, and she has never been optimistic about us, let alone allowed me to marry Luoluo. If there are only the two of us, we will get married if we want to, even if we have to roam the world and live a life of displacement. But, it''s not just about me and Luoluo. If we really get married, it will definitely arouse the anger of Phoenix Cry Sect, and even bring trouble to the Residence of Nine Supremes." Yun Yang''s eyes gleamed as he said with surprise, "Maybe things are not as bad. The two of you are truly in love. If Luoluo''s Master truly cares about her, she will naturally consider her feelings and respect her choice. Besides, Residence of Nine Supremes is not only the home of all disciples, but also the home of all of us. It is too much for you to say that you will bring trouble to us!" "Boss...after all, your time in the Bound of Universe is still too short to know much about the sects here. For the seed disciples of those super sects, their marriage has never been up to them. The so-called true love will never be considered by the higher-ups of the sects. For an intermediate sect, it is simply unacceptable or even challenging the bottom line to lose a seed disciple because of marriage." Luo Dajiang said with a wry smile, "I really don''t treat you as outsiders, but Residence of Nine Supremes really can''t afford the anger from a super sect like Phoenix Cry Sect." Jiang Luoluo sighed softly and her face became unsightly. It was a rare moment when she did not refute, because she knew what Luo Dajiang had said was true. In fact, what he said was exactly what she was most worried about. If the Residence of Nine Supremes were destroyed because of their marriage, Jiang Luoluo felt that she could not forgive herself for the rest of her life, whether she had a future or not, let alone Luo Dajiang, who valued friendship and personal loyalty greatly. It was a tough nut to crack. Yun Yang laughed and said as he continued to fly, "Don''t you worry, I will solve this matter for you. As the sect ranks in the top three among the sects with a medial-class Celestial Luck Banner, Phoenix Cry Sect will certainly participate in this battle. At that time, I will go to your Master and discuss this matter with her. I think they should give me, a newly promoted Sect Leader of the sect with a Celestial Luck Banner, a favor, right?" Shi Wuchen smiled and asked, "What if Phoenix Cry Sect doesn''t give you the favor?" The implication of his words was obvious. Even if Residence of Nine Supremes did get the Celestial Luck Banner, its prospects might not be very optimistic, let alone the fact that it had not yet obtained the banner. After all, the Residence of Nine Supremes was so new that it hardly had a reputation. So, who was Yun Yang to negotiate with Phoenix Cry Sect? Just because he looked handsome? Yun Yang laughed and said, "Phoenix Cry Sect had better not give you trouble. If they know what is the right thing to do, we, the Residence of Nine Supremes, will naturally reciprocate and give them the richest possible dowry. In the future, they will know that becoming in-laws with us is a match above their rank! "However, if they really don''t give me face and would rather sacrifice the lifelong happiness of their disciple, then we will have to resort to force when there is no other choice." Hearing this, Ren Qingkuang immediately laughed darkly and said, "Better if they don''t give face then! Phoenix Cry Sect is also one of the sects that humiliated us as whetstones in those years. If they agree to the marriage, we will be hesitant to bring up the old story again. Moreover, even if we are not satisfied with them, we must give Dajiang and sister-in-law face. However, if they really don''t know what is the right thing to do...well, they better not blame us for settling the old scores with them!" Jiang Luoluo said while frowning, "You needn''t be so aggressive. Master is the one who dotes on me the most. I''ll ask her when the time comes, and I''m sure she will agree." Yun Yang closed his eyes and said, "I hope so." Unlike these seniors of Residence of Nine Supremes, the top ten disciples were all leaving the sect with their masters for the first time. Moreover, because they had shouldered such a heavy task, the sense of calling, responsibility, honor, and anxiousness in each of them were extremely strong. Of course, the excitement in each of them was also unusual! Among the top ten disciples, Sun Mingxiu, Yu Chenghang, Bai Yexing, Duanmu Feng, and Meng Qianshan were slightly older, so they seemed calmer, and they all had some experience. As for Yun Xiuxin, Cheng Jiajia, Lin Xiaorou, and Lu Changman, they were total rookies. Although Hu Xiaofan was also young, he had seen the ugliness of the world more than once. In terms of experience, he was right at the top. At the same time, because of his childhood experience, his state of mind far exceeded that of others, and he was also more sensitive. Except for his Master and Uncle-Masters, as well as his fellow brothers and sisters in the same peak, he did not trust others very much, even if they were disciples of the same sect like Sun Mingxiu. However, although he had seen many people, he had no more knowledge of the magnificent scenery of nature than any other disciples. In this respect, he was no different from any other disciple. Yun Xiuxin led the way with a tight face. "Eldest Senior Sister, the mountain in front is steep and covered with a thick forest. If it is not occupied by some powerful figures, there must be mystical beasts or demon beasts. We are following Master and Uncle-Masters, so we don''t have to pay too much attention to it. However, if we encounter such a place when we come out for training next time, we''d better detour to avoid unnecessary troubles." Sun Mingxiu whispered. "I already know that." Yun Xiuxin raised her small chin and tried to hold back the corners of her mouth, which had almost curved upward with pride after she heard the title ''Elder Senior Sister''. "When we travel outside, we must always watch and listen. In fact, some high-level mystical beasts are lurking in the woods on both sides of us now, but they did not show up because they are frightened by our mighty force. Along the way, I already sensed at least a dozen mystical beasts, so we''d better be more vigilant..." Sun Mingxiu reminded. "Ah? Where are they? Where are they?" Yun Xiuxin quickly turned her head and looked at both sides, but immediately regained her composure and said with a straight face, "Of course I know! How can I not know something that even you know of?" 1048 Illusory Sword Sec Yun Xiuxin''s last sentence was a lie. Although she won the first place in the competition, Sun Mingxiu was still the best among all first-generation disciples when it came to personal mystical Qi cultivation. The information he could detect was not necessarily what she could have. Just then, Hu Xiaofan laughed mischievously and said, "Eldest Senior Sister, you have gunk in the corner of your eye." "I already knew it, and I don''t need you to remind me. Why do you have to make a mountain out of a molehill?" Yun Xiuxin had become faintly accustomed to suggestions, so she answered subconsciously. But, she immediately came back to her senses. Instead of scolding Hu Xiaofan, she quickly wiped the corner of her eye with a hand, then took out a small mirror and took a careful look, even though they were still traveling at high speed. After she was done, she flew into a rage and snapped, "Hu Xiaofan, is your skin itchy again and needs a spanking?" Hu Xiaofan put on an innocent face and said, "I really saw it just now, but you wiped it away. If you don''t believe me, you can ask Lu Changman." Before his voice had died away, a fierce and warning gaze fell on Lu Changman''s face. As if he could not see the warning look, Lu Changman answered honestly, "I didn''t see it. Hu Xiaofan lied to you." Hu Xiaofan roared, "How dare you betray me! Is your skin itchy?" Yun Xiuxin, too, roared, "Hu Xiaofan, how dare you lie to me! I think you are the one with the itchy skin!" Sun Mingxiu frowned and his face was twisted. He was going to explain some basic knowledge and experience about the martial world to his fellow disciples, but these fellas were obviously too nervous and excited to listen. Bai Yexing, standing next to him, smiled and said, "Junior Brother Sun, if others tell them these things, they would only get a general idea at most. When they have not experienced it personally, it''s hard for them to truly understand it. We just need to take care of them more. I don''t think you need to be so eager to teach them and hope they can become like us. Most of the time, haste makes waste." Sun Mingxiu felt deeply ashamed. "Yes, you have a point there." Lin Xiaorou followed Bai Yexing closely, her little face full of happiness and admiration. "Senior Brother Bai, are we experiencing the martial world now?" "Kind of, but not truly. When we do not follow Master and Uncle-Masters but go out to carry out missions on our own, or travel ourselves, only then we would truly be experiencing the martial world." Bai Yexing explained seriously, "We are just going out to broaden our knowledge right now." Lin Xiaorou nodded repeatedly and said, "Senior Brother Bai, when we are truly experiencing the martial world, can I walk behind you?" Bai Yexing said dotingly, "Alright, it''s a deal." A warm and gentle smile bloomed across Lin Xiaorou''s little face. Yun Xiuxin curled her lips and muttered, "Hmph! At such a young age, all she cares about is love. She will corrupt the other disciples. Hu Xiaofan, go and give Bai Yexing a good beating." "What?" Hu Xiaofan''s face turned bitter. "I am not his match, so you might as well do it yourself..." Cheng Jiajia pursed her lips and said in a low voice, "What''s so good about Bai Yexing...He''s a far cry from Master..." Yun Xiuxin''s eyes narrowed slightly as she bared her little teeth and said, "Jiajia, your thoughts are very dangerous." Cheng Jiajia''s cheek turned red. "What are you thinking? Master is handsome, with a natural and unrestrained temperament. Everything he says and does is free from vulgarity, just like a god in the clouds. Do you think Master''s demeanor is not good?" Yun Xiuxin snorted and said, "Good, Master is definitely good. When did I say Master is not good?" She rolled her eyes and then suddenly thought, ''Was it wrong that I had been protecting Cheng Jiajia before? How could she have such a perverse idea? She is simply...hmph! Master is certainly handsome, natural, unrestrained, and charming, but...are these words what you should say?'' Yun Yang and the others took the lead in the front, and their speed was not very fast. After all, Yun Yang had not been in Bound of Universe long, and he did not know much about its landscape compared to Sun Mingxiu and the other juniors. Therefore, Shi Wuchen and others took this opportunity to introduce him to the scenery and landscape along the way. Whenever they passed by a place that Yun Yang thought had some value, he would imprint the landscape in his mind. By doing so, if he passed the place again, he would be able to recall it clearly. It was a habit he had formed for a long time. As a result, although they passed many places along the way, they were all remembered by him. "We''ve traveled over four thousand miles now. Based on our speed, we can reach our destination in three days at most." In the evening, Shi Wuchen looked at the map and calculated the distance as he gave an answer with certainty. "Not far ahead is the base of the Illusory Sword Sect. It is ranked seventh among the top ten sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, a somewhat powerful sect." Luo Dajiang laughed, but there was no smile in his eyes. Ren Qingkuang and Lan Ruojun''s eyes also grew cold. "Back in those days, we suffered a lot from this Illusory Sword Sect..." "It is nothing but a buffoon. Why should we pay any attention to it now?" Yun Yang smiled and said, "When we defeat them in the battle of the banner, or defeat the opponents who defeated them, that will be the greatest punishment for them. At that time, when you look at their faces, you will certainly feel very happy and amused. We don''t need to rush to take revenge now." Life was never as one expected. The Residence of Nine Supremes did not want to get into trouble with the Illusory Sword Sect, but those from the Illusory Sword Sect refused to let them go. Early the next morning, when Yun Yang''s group had just traveled about a few dozen miles, a sword suddenly whistled into the sky not far in front of them and then burst into a million rays of light. Then, a voice said, "Are the friends in front from Residence of Nine Supremes?" Shi Wuchen shouted back, "What does it matter to you?" The voice said coldly, "I am from the Illusory Sword Sect. My Uncle-Master, the Sect Leader, has already gone to Mount Penta-Tier and is not here, but I still dare not disobey the rules. Initially, I thought you knew we are here and have detoured, because you never appeared..." He gave a cold laugh and said, "I didn''t expect you to really not have passed this area yet. You guys are so relaxed...Are you planning on taking advantage of the time when all the elite forces of the sects along the way have gone to the battle of the banner, so that you can get to your destination before the deadline? Unfortunately, I have destroyed your wishful thinking now! Well, I won''t say much nonsense. Since you want to pass through, you should know the rules... You must pay for the way! "You must not think that I am bullying you, because you, the Residence of Nine Supremes, do not have that qualification yet!" Shi Wuchen sneered, "When did Illusory Sword Sect become a road robber who asks money from the travelers? Why have I never heard of it before?" The man replied coldly, "You have heard it now." He whistled and then shouted, "Brothers, come out and meet the great figures who can go to Mount Penta-Tier to fight for the Celestial Luck Banner! Let''s see if we can stop them with our cultivation base!" Before his voice had died away, the sound of footsteps had begun to echo out. One by one, men clad in blue clothes walked out of the woods with cold faces. One of the young men folded his arms over his chest as he laughed scornfully and said, "I have long heard of a new sect called Residence of Nine Supremes. Well, the name is quite cool. Haha, I thought you would be a group of splendid men, but I realize now that you are just a bunch of whetstones gathered together to brag with one another!" "Residence of Nine Supremes? Haha! I think you should change the name to Residence of Fools, that''ll suit you better! Hahaha! This is so funny!" Another man mocked. 1049 Money For Passage "Why do you mock all ten Demiurge-Flawed? I feel that the reason the sect founded by them is called the Residence of Nine Supremes is probably because one of them had a clear estimation of himself and dared not to call himself a ''supreme''. It can be seen from this that there is still a wise person among the Demiurge-Flawed Ten who knows how to judge the situation and has a clear estimation of his strength. You shouldn''t generalize the ignorance of others. However, the nine in front of us are those stupid ones who do not know the height of the sky!" A middle-aged man in a blue robe walked out slowly, his voice full of contempt. "Sect Leader and Masters said that our cultivation base is not strong enough, so we are not qualified to go to Mount Penta-Tier. However, since even fools like the Demiurge-Flawed Ten can go, how can we be worse than them? Masters are really making a mountain out of a molehill," said another man in an enigmatic tone. "Nonsense! Masters didn''t let us go because they knew about the level of fighting strength in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner. Yes, we are stronger than those good-for-nothings, but we are indeed not qualified to participate in the battle. Otherwise, aren''t we as foolish as those who overreach themselves?" Another man said in a sarcastic tone. How could Yun Yang not know what was going on now? All this was simply because the elite of Illusory Sword Sect had gone to the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner, while a group of eliminated, unconvinced disciples waited here for ordinary sects who had not yet passed. These men''s intention was obvious. Their so-called money for passage was just an excuse, and their real purpose was nothing more than to prove themselves by defeating the relatively weak sects. Moreover, if they succeed, they could also reduce one opponent for their sect. Admittedly, it was a well-thought plan. Yun Yang said lightly, "Since they all dared to jump out and even mentioned the name of your Masters, who among us would like to pay for this passage?" Before Sun Mingxiu and the others could speak, Hu Xiaofan jumped out and said loudly, "Master, let me pay for the passage!" Without waiting for Yun Yang''s answer, he had already rushed out as if he was afraid that the others would take his chance away. Lin Xiaorou clutched her pocket nervously and her face was full of reluctance. "Do we really have to pay for the passage? Can we pay less? I only have two superior-grade spiritual jades in my pocket, and I''ve worked so hard to save them." Bai Yexing felt amused. "You don''t really think Master is going to pay, do you?" Just as they were talking, Hu Xiaofan''s cocky voice rang out, "So, you want us to pay you money for the passage? No problem! I may not have anything else, but I certainly have money! In fact, I have thousands of superior-grade and supreme-grade spiritual jades in my bag! As long as any one of you can defeat me, I promise all of you will have no worries about food and clothing from now on, and have enough resources to cultivate to the realm of Saint Lords! Come on, which one of you is going to come out and fight me? What great things can you achieve by talking all the time?" Hearing that, all the disciples of Illusory Sword Sect flew into a rage, and one of them shouted angrily, "How dare you, a little boy who is still wet behind the ears, challenge us! I think you''d better call your adults here! My name is..." Hu Xiaofan interrupted him, "Stop! You don''t have to waste time telling me your name. I already know your name and all of you." The man did not understand and said, "What are you talking about?" Arms akimbo, Hu Xiaofan laughed and said, "Your names are corpses!" He threw his head back and burst into laughter, then said, "Anyone who insults my Master and Residence of Nine Supremes will face death!" The man was stunned for a brief moment before he roared furiously, "You are going to die, little punk!" Before his voice had died away, he had already drawn his weapon and rushed up in a murderous manner. Unfortunately, Hu Xiaofan was faster than him. He had just finished speaking when Hu Xiaofan pulled out his sword and rushed at him. As Hu Xiaofan pulled out his sword, a sudden thunderclap crackled in the sky and a brief moment of darkness manifested. Seeing this, the leader of the opposite camp gave a cry of alarm and immediately warned, "Back off now!" But, his warning came too late! Hu Xiaofan''s opponent only saw a dazzling light, and then his eyes were temporarily blinded while his mind became chaotic, causing him to forget the move he wanted to use. At this moment, he was flustered and confused, and his heart was filled with an extreme fear. This state lasted only for a short moment because he felt a chill on his neck, and then all the negative feelings disappeared! Well, it should be said that all his senses had disappeared, because he had completely lost consciousness, so he could naturally no longer feel anything. Blood spattered in all directions. There was a faint smile on Yun Yang''s face. Hu Xiaofan''s performance in this battle was laudable, especially how swiftly and cleanly he finished off his opponent. The latter reached out a hand and grabbed the man''s head as he asked casually, "Is this enough to pay for the passage?" The leader''s face suddenly turned pale as he asked in a trembling voice, "You... who are you?" Hu Xiaofan looked up at him and said, "I''m Hu Xiaofan, the second disciple of the Residence of Nine Supremes''s Central Peak! Who else wants the money for passage?" The man asked again, "Are you the seed disciple who will take part in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner?" His heart was suddenly filled with fright, and he felt absurd. ''Is this the disciple of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten? This... Why is this so dreamy?'' Hu Xiaofan sneered, "Are you the next one to take money for passage from me?" The man trembled more violently and was drenched with cold sweat as he said in a very weak voice, "This...this is a misunderstanding! We..." Hu Xiaofan burst out laughing. "Misunderstanding? In the martial world, only the strong are respected. How can there be a misunderstanding? I have only one question for you nowdo you still want to collect money for the passage?" Hearing that, the man immediately said, "No, we won''t collect anything! We don''t dare to collect anything from you! This is a misunderstanding..." Hu Xiaofan glared at him and said angrily, "Misunderstanding? I just said it was not a misunderstanding. Do you take my words for nothing? Now, it''s your turn to pay me for the passage! Are you paying or not?" At the rear, Cheng Jiajia looked puzzled and asked, "What is Xiaofan talking about? Why is he asking them to pay for the passage?" With a smile on his face, Sun Mingxiu explained, "The money they asked us for just now is for this mountain road, but the one Hu Xiaofan asked them for is for their lives. Both are paying for passage, but the meaning is different. However, in essence, this is still the principle of the strong being respected, and the one with the bigger fist setting the rules." Yun Xiuxin, too, looked enlightened as she said, "Yes, this is the principle of the strong being respected, and the one with the bigger fist setting the rules." Just then, Hu Xiaofan shouted, "You don''t want to pay for the passage, do you? Fine, I don''t want it either! I think I''d better just kill you!" The sword in his hand flashed, and then he rushed into the opposite crowd alone! 1050 Sun Mingxiu The Residence of Nine Supremes had the upper hand and was high-spirited while its opponents were caught in a dilemma. As elite disciples of Illusory Sword Sect, these people had accumulated a lot of resentment in their hearts because they were eliminated in the qualification battle to participate in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner. It was also the reason why they had set up a checkpoint here to stop the Residence of Nine Supremes and all the small sects that wanted to pass through the area to participate in the battle. What they really wanted was to prove themselves. ''Although you won''t let us take part in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner, we can use facts to prove that we are definitely no worse than those so-called seed disciples. We can finish more enemies!'' In fact, there was an element of pique in their behavior. Their plan was actually quite good. However, imagination was always beautiful, while reality was very cruel. They did not expect that a random disciple from this little-known Residence of Nine Supremes, which was founded only a short time ago, would show a mighty strength that could scare all of them! His strength was indeed mighty! There was nothing about him that they could match, whether it was his fierce sword technique or his vigorous mystical Qi. Were all the disciples of various sects who could take part in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner as ferocious as him? Then, these disciples of Illusory Sword Sect remembered Hu Xiaofan''s sudden mention of the money for passage and other things, and before they could give an answer, he had given them no chance and viciously rushed toward them. The moment his sword was flashing, he had already rushed into the crowd. As his sword kept flashing, the crowd quickly dispersed. However, in the dispersed crowd, several more disciples'' necks were spewing blood as they spun and fell to the ground. One of them shouted loudly, "Stop! Stop! We''ll let you pass!" Hu Xiaofan smiled grimly and said, "But, I''ve no intention of sparing you, a bunch of rubbish who refuse to pay for the passage!" He said no more while the bloody sword in his hand was constantly being swung out, darting like a poisonous snake or an evil dragon who claimed lives constantly. In a single a moment, more than twenty disciples of Illusory Sword Sect fell to the ground one by one, all screaming miserably. Yun Yang remained calm and composed as he looked on coldly from the side, but his attention was not on Hu Xiaofan. In terms of cultivation base, strength, and state of mind, Hu Xiaofan was far superior to these disciples of Illusory Sword Sect, so he had no doubt about the result of this battle, and did not need to pay attention to it. Instead, his eyes fell on the disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes who did not take part in this battle, and saw sympathetic expressions on several faces. Sun Mingxiu, Bai Yexing, Hu Xiaofan, and Lu Changman had the usual expressions on their faces, as if they had not seen the blood pouring in front of them. Standing beside Yun Xiuxin, Sun Mingxiu asked, "Senior Sister, do you think these people should be killed?" Yun Xiuxin hesitated for a moment and then said, "They can be killed." With a smile on his face, Sun Mingxiu said, "Can be killed? Why only can be killed? In fact, the answer should not be ''can be killed'' or ''should be killed'', but ''must be killed''! If we were to switch places with them and were even just a little bit weaker, it would be us who would be sprawled on the ground now. Senior Sister, do you think they''d let us go as long as we paid them the so-called money for the passage? No, they would never let any of us go, because they would need our heads to prove that they were no worse than the disciples who were chosen to take part in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner!" Yun Xiuxin''s eyes grew cold and sharp as she said, "You are right, I got into a blind alley." "It''s human nature and normal human reaction to feel sympathy when we see the weak being slaughtered. However, in our compassion, we must consider how cruel it would be if the weak became strong and faced those weaker than them." Sun Mingxiu''s voice was gentle, but his tone was unusually firm. Yun Xiuxin nodded slowly and said, "You are right. Thank you for the advice!" Yun Yang nodded slightly as he saw Yun Xiuxin gain something from this battle and her state of mind become more perfect. Meanwhile, as Hu Xiaofan continued to kill the disciples of Illusory Sword Sect, he felt the constant incoming of karmic energy. Although the amount was meager, it was free of charge, and a buck was a buck. He smiled and beckoned, "Mingxiu, come here!" Sun Mingxiu came over and said respectfully, "Sect Leader!" Yun Yang nodded. "I saw you at Yun Xiuxin''s side all the way, explaining these things about the martial world to her. What are you doing this for?" Sun Mingxiu froze for a moment and could not answer for a long time. Yun Yang smiled faintly and said, "You are thoughtful and comprehensive in doing things, and you have a noble personality and will do what you say. There must be a reason for you to do this. I want you to speak out boldly and express your feelings truthfully." Sun Mingxiu took a breath and said in a low voice, "I do have my own reasons." "Tell me about it." Yun Yang''s eyes were full of encouragement. Shi Wuchen waved and laid out a mystical Qi barrier around them to isolate their voices from the outside world. "In the past, I''ve tried my best to cultivate, never daring to slack off or neglect. I thought I could be a role model for all the junior brothers and sisters...But, facts have proven that my ability is far from enough, at least not to the extent that the Residence of Nine Supremes''s chief disciple should have." Sun Mingxiu''s expression was bitter, but he said frankly, "The disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes need an excellent leader, and Xiuxin has reached this level now. With her nature, aptitude, and personal achievements, it is very difficult for the first-generation disciples, whether it be Bai Yexing, me, or anyone else, to have the chance to surpass her again in our lifetime." "Or should I say it this waythe moment Xiuxin ascended to the crown of the top ten disciples, she firmly established herself as the chief disciple of Residence of Nine Supremes, and has become the undisputed and irreplaceable new leader of all disciples." "However, it is not enough for a qualified leader to have only mighty and unmatched strength. Xiuxin''s current weakness is that her heart has not yet been thoroughly tempered, and her experience of the martial world is too shallow. But, as the chief disciple, she must know this, so that she can let her junior brothers and sisters take fewer detours and reduce losses." "Based on this consideration, I want to give my own relevant experience to Xiuxin so that she can understand it earlier, and more deeply." "This is also my responsibility." With a magnanimous smile on his face, Sun Mingxiu said, "That''s why I''ve been sharing my experience with her along the way. I didn''t mean anything else, and Xiuxin didn''t mind my nagging." Shi Wuchen''s face was filled with relief and mixed with a trace of pride. Yun Yang thought for a moment and said, "Mingxiu, in your opinion, what role do you think you should play in Residence of Nine Supremes in the future?" Hearing that, Sun Mingxiu paused for a moment, then was lost in thought and speechless for a long time. It was a long time before he said, "I...I haven''t seriously thought about my future role. I just want to be able to work with Masters and all the senior brothers and sisters to further develop Residence of Nine Supremes, and also protect all the junior brothers and sisters. In this way, I feel that my life will be complete." Yun Yang asked, "Why do you think so?" 1051 A Bloody Journey Sun Mingxiu said with a bitter smile, "Although I am not from a great family, we used to be doing quite well. However, we were attacked by enemies and everyone was killed overnight. This is a thing of the past, and it is useless to say more. But, the most profound memory of the tragedy in my mind is when my late father was besieged by the enemy and fell into a disadvantageous and precarious situation. I know that he could break out and escape with his cultivation base, but he never did that and fought until he was killed. Before he died, he cried out at the top of his lungsif a man cannot protect his family, what''s the point of living?" "My late father''s words have been ringing in my ears all these years, and to be able to protect everything I have is my lifelong obsession." "The Residence of Nine Supremes is my home, and all the senior brothers, senior sisters, junior brothers, and junior sisters are my brothers and sisters. My wish in this life is to live safely and happily with everyone forever. Anyone who tries to destroy this, I will definitely fight them to the death!" With a smile on his face, he said, "That''s pretty much what I have in mind. I couldn''t think of anything more long-term." Yun Yang smiled warmly and said softly as he gave Sun Mingxiu a deep look, "Mingxiu, you are very good, very good!" This disciple might not be as gifted as Bai Yexing and Yun Xiuxin, but he had a good heart. By the time the conversation with Sun Mingxiu ended, Hu Xiaofan had also finished his fight, and he even collected all the spoils and handed them to Yun Yang with a smile. "Master, I was able to accomplish the task by good luck, and the spoils are quite abundant...Hehe..." Yun Yang''s face darkened as he said gravely, "Why are you laughing?" Hu Xiaofan''s face turned pale at once, and he squared his shoulder as he said, "I''m sorry!" "Hand all the spoils to your Uncle-Master Shi!" Yun Yang glared at him and said, "The timing of your attack is not bad, but what is the matter with your sword moves? They are all messy and out of order! If it weren''t for your superior cultivation base, you would have been killed by now! How could you be so proud of yourself? Why are you laughing? Are you thinking about the spoils? You want a share of it?" Hu Xiaofan''s forehead was covered with cold sweat. "No, I have absolutely no such intentions." Yun Yang snorted and stopped talking. Meanwhile, Hu Xiaofan put his hands down by his side and did not dare to say a word again. Yun Yang actually had great expectations of Hu Xiaofan. Not only was this disciple not bad in nature, but he could even be said to be very kind and honest. However, his life experience was quite different from that of other disciples. Before he joined the Residence of Nine Supremes, he forged a chance to live with forbearance and blood, and hence, the brutality in his personality had always been the strongest among all disciples. Even adults with rich experience were hard to compare with him. If he had not joined the Residence of Nine Supremes but taken other paths, even if he did not become a bloodthirsty devil as an adult, he would become an extreme person who acted only according to his nature! It was because Yun Yang knew this that he often scolded Hu Xiaofan harshly, his intention being to polish this disciple. However, this boy''s nature was very good indeed. He had just left dejectedly, but as soon as he returned to his fellow brothers and sisters, he was high-spirited again and kept on bragging. Yun Yang did not know whether he should laugh or weep about this. ''Don''t you think you should at least put on a dejected face since I''ve just reprimanded you?'' "Keep going!" Hu Xiaofan had fought aggressively and killed all those disciples of Illusory Sword Sect, but he did not get much spoils from them. The only valuable thing was just a storage ring, while other odds and ends could not even enter the eyes of the people with super wealth like Yun Yang. Yun Yang simply glanced at the spoils and then told Shi Wuchen to put them all away. However, he did not forget to say, "When we return to the sect, give Hu Xiaofan ten percent as a reward." Hu Xiaofan exclaimed in delight and did a somersault on the spot while the other disciples were full of envy and jealousy. Although the spoils this time were nothing to Yun Yang and others, they were still very valuable to these disciples. Therefore, even ten percent was worth a lot. They were all envious of Hu Xiaofan, but at the same time, they also blamed themselves for not rushing out just now. With the road ahead cleared, Yun Yang and his group were on the move again. During the rest of the trip, they passed through the areas controlled by four different sects. Perhaps it was a coincidence, or perhaps people felt and thought alike on this matter, they were stopped and challenged by the disciples of two different sects. In any case, the process of finishing them was faster than the first time. All disciples fought bravely to be the first to get rid of the enemies. Sun Mingxiu resolved the first group and then Bai Yexing finished the second group. Both battles were cleanly fought out in a matter of minutes. As the eldest senior sister, Yun Xiuxin volunteered several times, but she never got the chance to fight. As a result, she was always unhappy on the road, until a group of ignorant bandits rushed at them and she slaughtered them all without even uttering a single word. They did not encounter any obstacles for a long time afterward until they were not far from the destination. At that time, a group of about two hundred experts charged at them, shouting arrogantly that they would plunder and rape the female disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes. With a wave of Yun Yang''s hand, the top ten disciples joined forces and killed all those ignorant fellows. Along the way, Shi Wuchen was filled with emotions. "I have never felt so happy while roaming the martial world." His words made everyone smile. Although his tone was a little helpless, what he said was indeed the truth. When they were roaming the martial world in the past, wherever they went, the disciples of the local sects would always come to fight them whenever they got the news, using the excuse of learning from each other. The opponents of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten all had their elders taking care of them from the side, so they would not have to worry about any life-threatening danger, and could fight to their heart''s content. However, the Demiurge-Flawed Ten did not receive such treatment. In order to avoid being killed, they must try their best to fight, but at the same time, they had to restrict their strength so as to not kill their opponents. Once they killed their opponents, the elders watching from the side would definitely kill them. Besides, even if they managed to escape, they would still be hunted down by these sects later. They might not die in the end, but their families and friends would inevitably suffer together with them. When this happened more often and over a long period of time, their situation became miserable, and simply unbearable to look back on. But this time, those disciples of the sects who were once high above and looking down on others all died tragically in the hands of their disciples. Although Shi Wuchen and others did not take part in the fighting in person, they felt an even greater pleasure and enjoyment! What goes around comes around! After all the fighting was done, Ren Qingkuang smiled faintly and said, "By the time we get back, the slaughtered sects might be looking for us and giving us trouble." "Giving us trouble? If they dare to come to us, we will take them all. Previously, I was embarrassed to compete with the disciples because I wanted to maintain my demeanor as a master, and my hands are itchy for some action now!" Luo Dajiang said with a smile, looking very conceited and dashing. Jiang Luoluo looked him straight in the eye and said, "Dajiang, that''s a very manly statement!" The crowd burst out laughing as they stared dubiously at someone. Luo Dajiang flushed at once, and he hurriedly pointed to the front and said, "Mount Penta-Tier is ahead!" 1052 Mount Penta-Tier, The Five Heavens! Hearing him, everyone''s expression became serious. They had finally arrivedThe place that would decide the winners of the Celestial Luck Banners! Yun Yang peered ahead and saw a white mist fill the heaven and earth hundreds of miles in the distance. When he looked at it carefully, he only saw a vast sea of clouds, and the rest could not be seen clearly. He did not even see the Mount Penta-Tier mentioned by Luo Dajiang. "That is the Fog of Celestial Luck. It has completely enveloped the entire Mount Penta-Tier at the moment...What an amazing sight to behold!" Luo Dajiang took a deep breath and his expression became solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Mount Penta-Tier is also called the Five Heavens by the warriors under the Sacred Heart Palace. As the name implies, every time you climb one more tier on this Mount Penta-Tier, it is equivalent to ascending one more layer of heaven! Therefore, the scenery on the higher mountains is naturally completely different from that under the mountains. "Such a statement does make sense. The lowest level of Mount Penta-Tier holds the qualification battle, which is also the starting point of the elimination battle, while the second level is the place to compete for the lower-class Celestial Luck Banners. Few can cross this level, and even we might not be able to cross it this time. The third level is where people fight for the medial-class Celestial Luck Banners. The fighting there is even grander, but the number of participants is extremely few. As for the battle of the superior-class Celestial Luck Banners held on the fourth level, it is far beyond our level, and hence useless to talk about. The fifth level, which is also the highest level, is the place which the Sacred Heart Palace''s higher-ups use for supervision. The scenery on each level of the mountain is completely different." Before this, Yun Yang had already learned something about Mount Penta-Tier from Qian Duoduo, Shi Wuchen, and even Dong Qitian. But when he heard Luo Dajiang''s explanation, he felt enlightened again. "Does this mountain have a spatial origin? Does the saying that every time one climbs one more tier of mountain, one is equivalent to ascending one more layer of heaven, exist since a long time ago?" He asked casually. "No. It is said that this mountain was just a very ordinary mountain before, but it has been surrounded by an abundant sacred power and protected by celestial luck since it was chosen as the place to hold the battles of Celestial Luck Banners. Over time, it has really become a sacred place with extraordinary abilities." Yun Yang''s curiosity was aroused. "Oh? The so-called ''sacred place with extraordinary abilities'' surely has some other meaning, right?" "How should I put this...I''ve only heard of it but not witnessed it with my own eyes. I heard that there are countless mysteries hidden in this Mount Penta-Tier, and the most magical of them is that those who die in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners can be resurrected on the spot after the battle is decided." "In other words, there is only victory and defeat in this battle, not death." Yun Yang nodded and asked, "Does it have any limits? Can those killed in the qualification battle be resurrected as well?" Luo Dajiang said with a wry smile, "It doesn''t go that far. Only those killed in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners can be resurrected. There are too many people taking part in the qualification battle. If all of them can be resurrected, then this magic is not valuable anymore! Those who take part in the mere qualification battle are not eligible to enjoy the treatment of being resurrected by celestial luck." "We''ve never really participated in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners, so the details must be based on the actual situation," he added. "Everything will have to wait until then before a final conclusion can be reached upon. You can''t count on what I''ve said." Looking at the thick fog in the distance, Yun Yang said lightly, "I understand. Mount Penta-Tier is only about four days away, so we have some extra time. I think we will rest and recuperate here for a night, so we will go there in our best condition tomorrow morning." "I want all disciples to have a good rest and give me your best condition tomorrow. Do you understand?" ... It was quiet throughout the night. Yun Yang himself did not care much about the battle, but because it was the first time they were taking part in such a major event, he could not show such an attitude. After all, this event was sacred to the whole Residence of Nine Supremes and needed to be taken seriously. At this moment, the hearts of all disciples were filled with dignity and solemnity; they simply made this battle their life''s goal. The next morning, Yun Yang came out, still dressed in purple. He saw that the top ten disciples were all dressed in spotless white while Shi Wuchen and the others were all in blue, looking very clean and tidy. He glanced at the crowd carefully and found that each one of them looked radiant and in very good condition. Luo Dajiang and Tie Qingcang had also shaved and looked several years younger. But at this moment, no one had any desire to make fun of them. They merely glanced and examined each other before moving on. As they kept moving forward, the thick fog became closer and closer. Soon, it was close to hand and within reach. Yun Yang stepped forward and his body came into contact with the fog for the first time. He felt a strange sensation at once, and at the same time, an illusory Celestial Luck Banner appeared behind him and hovered in the air. In the next moment, the illusory banner flew into the thick fog just like a swallow returning to its nest. Then, a sudden ripple spread across the fog and a portal completely constructed of fog appeared in front of him with a muffled noise. On the top of the portal were several words composed of black fog: Residence of Nine Supremes Qualification: Ten Wins Approved to enter the qualification battle zone on the first level. It was the first time everyone from Residence of Nine Supremes, including Yun Yang, had seen such a strange phenomenon. Although it was all hazy fog, it could form a door and even words. Moreover, as far as they could see, it was clearly not controlled by anyone or any mystical Qi. Everyone could not help marveling at and admiring such a magical display as they walked into the door in turn. When everyone had gone in, Lin Xiaorou, who was at the end of the line, looked around and saw that the door behind her was no longer there, but had been replaced by a thick fog that could not be seen through. Beneath their feet was a continuous passage leading into the unknown. As they continued to move forward, the passage also continued to extend forward. Yun Yang deliberately sped up a little, but the passage also extended faster and was not affected by his acceleration. It was indeed a wonder! When he was still at Tianxuan Continent, Yun Yang was used to detecting potential dangers in advance and taking preventive measures. He was very cautious about unknown environments. He knew they should not be in any danger here, but because they were in an unknown place, he still instinctively looked around and was constantly checking the current environment and atmosphere. He produced a cloud manifestation that he had not used for a long time and tried to fuse it with the surrounding fog, hoping to detect whether anyone was controlling the fog. However, although Yun Yang felt that his cloud manifestation fused perfectly with the surrounding fog, he did not feel anything else. There was still a vast cloud of fog around them, and there was no sound or anything. He could not even feel whether he was stepping on earth or mountain. Could it be that the road under his feet was made up of fog as well? 1053 Expert of Courting Hatred ''It turns out that the cultivation of my manifestation powers is still too shallow. Otherwise, even if I couldn''t control this fog, I could at least find out the approximate limits of this area,'' Yun Yang sighed in his heart. But, what reassured him was that although the fog gave him no feedback, he did not feel any hostility either. It meant that the fog had no malice toward him and his party for the time being at least. They continued to walk for about two hours. Yun Yang judged that with their speed, they should have traveled no less than two hundred miles by now, even though they walked fast at times and slowly at other times. At the very moment this thought appeared, a flash of light suddenly burst out in front of him! When the light faded away, he found themselves already in a tent. The group walked out of the tent and then looked back, seeing a sign on the tent which read: Residence of Nine Supremes. Ehen they turned around, in front of them was a vast square surrounded by similar tents. These tents looked like big steamed buns from a distance, and when they looked at them carefully, they saw all kinds of names, such as Beast King Sect, Thousands Swords Sect, Divine Saber League, Blue Cloud Sect, Seven Star Mountain, Three Yi Sect, Four Directions School, Great Dragon Flag, and many others... All the sects participating in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners had gathered here, and the scene was very spectacular. "Are all these sects already qualified for ten victories?" Shi Wuchen sucked in a cold breath. Although the Demiurge-Flawed Ten all had very rich experience because they had traveled the martial world for a long time, the sects they knew, or the sects that often troubled them, all had at least lower-class Celestial Luck Banners. Moreover, there were only so many sects in this world that possessed Celestial Luck Banners. Therefore, even though they already had some expectations about the sects participating in this battle, Shi Wuchen and the others did not expect that there were actually so many different sects out there. And this did not even include the whole Bound of Universe. There were just so many sects within the region of the Sacred Heart Palace, one of the major powers under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Celestial Court. So, how many sects would there be in the whole Bound of Universe? That was really a mind-boggling, astronomical figure. By just looked around roughly, they already saw more than five hundred sects, and every one of them was qualified to come here only after defeating at least ten sects without Celestial Luck Banners! In other words, there were at least more than five thousand sects competing for a place in this battle of the Celestial Luck Banner! This kind of cruelty was simply inconceivable and appalling! The so-called hordes of troops crossing a wooden bridge were probably just like this. What was more exaggerated was that the wooden bridge that everyone wanted to cross this time could only be crossed once, and only one person could cross it! "Opponents will be randomly assigned." A list of rules suddenly appeared in the tent. Everyone quickly looked at the rules intently and did not dare to be careless. Soon afterward, someone''s scolding could be heard coming out of a tent, "Who does that Residence of Nine Supremes think they are? So many sects came here a month earlier just to wait for them? I didn''t expect them to arrive in the last few days! They are really too arrogant!" As the man''s voice spread, many people immediately chimed in. It was clear that everyone was full of complaints at this moment, and was very dissatisfied with the late arrival of the Residence of Nine Supremes. "What does it have anything to do with Residence of Nine Supremes when you came here early because you have no patience?" Staring at the rules, Yun Yang said with a disapproving expression on his face, "Do you think you don''t have to wait even if we come one month earlier? Do you really think this battle will start early because we arrive early? What nonsense are you talking!" His words were not polite, and his voice spread all over the square, immediately arousing a new round of clamor. "How rampant!" "Who does he think he is?" "I want to challenge him!" Yun Yang sneered, "The Residence of Nine Supremes is right here. If you are unconvinced, you can challenge us as soon as the battle begins! However, before that, you''d better prepare your own coffins, or your corpses will be exposed to the wilderness after you are killed!" Everyone who heard his words flew into a rage! "When the battle begins, this Residence of Nine Supremes is mine!" "Ours!" "This guy is too arrogant! I will personally kill these fools from the Residence of Nine Supremes!" Yun Yang snorted and turned to look at the rules leisurely, then smiled and said, "I see." The disciples, as well as Shi Wuchen and the others, all looked at Yun Yang as if he were a god. "Master is really too domineering! No one else in the world can compare with him!" "Too handsome! Master is so handsome!" Shi Wuchen and others only felt that although they were called whetstones by outsiders, their ability to court hatred was simply too weak compared with Yun Yang! Although they had spent half their lives in the martial world, all their enemies together were probably not as many as Yun Yang''s, who were offended by him today with just one sentence! The rules for the qualification battle, which was the first round of the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners, were very simple. Only one sect could challenge at a time, and the challenged sect must answer the challenge. There were no restrictions on casualties or fighting methods, and there was no limit on the number of people participating in the battle. In general, there was only one requirement: of the more than five hundred sects present, only one could advance to the next round of the Celestial Luck Banners challenge! And it was obvious that there was only one hidden indicator of the rules: group fights were not allowed, so there was no situation where several sects could challenge one sect at the same time. All challenges must be one on one. On the surface, at least, such rules were perfectly fair! As for the situation where two sects were facing each other and one only sent three people while the other sent thirty people, it was still acceptable! Such a rule was simple and cruel. After reading this rule, Yun Yang felt relieved and had no doubts about winning. The battle would begin the morning after tomorrow and end in three days. It was tantamount to saying that the more than five hundred sects here would have to defeat all sects except themselves in three days! To be fair, this rule was neither harsh nor soft. It was harsh because, after all, more than five hundred sects were participating in this battle, and it was a little tight in terms of time to decide the winner within three days. However, it was not harsh because these sects, which had the courage and confidence to take part in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners, must have considerable strength, and the best experts always fought fast. Therefore, although there were so many sects vying for qualification, there was still enough time! Seeing this rule, Yun Yang was even more relieved. As long as there was no possibility of being attacked by multiple sects at the same time, but they had to simply fight one sect at a time with real strength, Yun Yang was confident that his sect could win. Otherwise, how could he covet things above the lower-class Celestial Luck Banner? "Insolence!" Yun Yang only gave everyone this word as their strategy, and all the disciples immediately began to take action, their performance immediately causing quite a stir. 1054 If You Have Guts, Come Out And Beat Me! Yun Xiuxin took her junior brothers and sisters to familiarize themselves with the venue. As the eldest senior sister, she naturally had to show her style when she brought them out. Moreover, because of the strategy given by Yun Yang, she assumed a more arrogant appearance. The so-called ''pride in the pack'' was no longer sufficient to describe her. Therefore, the top ten first-generation disciples of Residence of Nine Supremesonly four of whom were adults while the others were all childlike little boys and girlswere led by a little girl who looked the shortest among them and went out of their tent with peak arrogance. "This place looks really nice!" "It certainly is! Senior Sister, if we occupy this place in the future, can we bring our junior brothers and sisters to play here?" "Can you not be so honest? Can you get rid of your weakness of saying whatever you think?" Yun Xiuxin said arrogantly, "We''re here to take the Celestial Luck Banner. Do you think this is our back garden? When we defeat the more than five hundred sects here, we''ll have to go home. Besides, what is this place? Our battlefield should be on the second or third level..." "Senior Sister is right! Senior Sister is indeed far-sighted and visionary!" "Senior Sister, can we really win this time? The sects here all come with so many people!" "Look at your worthless appearance!" Yun Xiuxin deliberately raised her voice and said, "Put your heart back in your chest! Can''t you see that although there are so many of them, they are actually all vulnerable and weak? I reckon they are just a little stronger than the so-called elite disciples we have defeated before. We are invincible here, and we will certainly win!" "Senior Sister, are they really vulnerable? But, they clearly look fierce and imposing..." "Hahaha! They are very fierce and imposing in your eyes? Bah! Look at their cowardly appearance...I have scolded them like this, but none of them dare to come out and fight back! This alone does not qualify them as our opponents!" "Senior Sister is right!" "Senior Sister is indeed wise, heroic, and brave as a man!" Yun Xiuxin looked more and more pleased and proud, but her expression, when coupled with her current personal image, was not at all imposing or convincing! She looked more like a young lady spoiled by her family, who was completely self-centered, ignorant of the world, and only knew how to brag! Even clay figurines had tempers, not to mention all the sects present. In the face of this group of arrogant youths, everyone was so angry that their lips turned blue and their faces went pale as they began to scold angrily. "What a bunch of brats who are still wet behind the ears! How dare you to bark here!" "What do you think you are? The Residence of Nine Supremes is nothing but a pile of rubbish!" "You are full of nonsense!" If it were not for the fact that the time for battle had not yet come and no one dared to attack first, these juniors from Residence of Nine Supremes would have been beaten by the crowd. Yun Xiuxin did not pay any attention to all the scolding. Instead, she burst out laughing as she lifted her little face and said triumphantly, "Look, even though we''ve scolded them like this, they still did not dare to come out. They only know how to hide in their tents and scold us back. Hmph! They are a bunch of cowards! If you dare, come out and beat us!" Hu Xiaofan laughed wildly and said, "That''s right! If you have the guts, come out here and beat me!" His voice was even louder and more rampant than Yun Xiuxin''s. All around them, the eyes of the people from different sects were full of anger. ''Beat you?'' ''Beating you will only be the lightest punishment! If it weren''t for the rules that prevent us from fighting before the battle begins, we would have beaten guys like you to death and beyond redemption...'' ''We will never leave the matter at this! When the battle begins, we will definitely kill every single one of you from the Residence of Nine Supremes!'' Yun Xiuxin continued to swagger here and there with her junior brothers and sisters, fanning the flames all the way. Wherever they passed, they were greeted with furious glances filled with deep hatred. "What is the name of this sect...Wan...What Sect? How do you pronounce the word in the middle?" "Wan Lan Sect. The word in the middle reads ''Lan'', Senior Sister." "Well, I know it''s a ridiculous sect at the sight of its name. What kind of name is that? The name of a sect is best to be catchy, and one must avoid any uncommon words. By just looking at this name, I know this sect is doomed. It''ll definitely be beaten up and torn to pieces, and I think most probably in this battle." "Senior Sister is right. Let''s take one more look at this sect and remember it, because we''ll probably never see it again in the future." "What are you looking at? You better spend your time cherishing the last few moments you have in this...Why are you still looking? All you know is to look at us! If you really have guts, come out and beat me!" All the people from Wan Lan Sect were so angry that their livers were even swollen. "This is the Thousand Swords Sect...Pooh! What ugly name is this? It is even worse than that Wan Lan Sect! Sooner or later, I will kill them all!" "Yes! This sect and all its disciples are as ugly as its name!" "What are you looking at? If you have guts, come out and beat me now!" "That''s a good name, Mantis Saber! Hahaha! I can''t believe someone would give his sect such a name! I''m laughing my head off!" "To deal with them, you just have to trample them one by one like stepping on mantises..." "Yes! Senior Sister is right!" "What are you looking at? If you have guts, come out and beat me!" ... With her junior brothers and sisters, Yun Xiuxin stopped at each sect to say a few provocative words before moving on. They strolled around as if they were on a sightseeing trip, and the sentence they said the most was: ''If you have guts, come out and beat me!'' All the sects were black and blue with anger, and not only did their livers ache, but all their insides ached! ''Who on earth is the Master of these nasty disciples? Why are they so annoying? And...who is the Supreme Lord of that Residence of Nine Supremes? Is he really tired of living?'' ''Are they not afraid of being attacked by the entire crowd when they continually provoke hatred?'' ''Are they trying to make the whole world their enemy?'' They were right about one thing, that was, Yun Yang was really not afraid of making enemies with anyone, at least for now. After all, the rules had already stated that only one-on-one fighting was allowed here. In this case, what was he afraid of? ''Why should I be afraid? It is not us who should be afraid!'' In fact, not all sects were doing nothing. The disciples of some sects did come out and follow Yun Xiuxin and others, scolding them as they walked. However, their mental endurance could not be compared with Yun Xiuxin and the others, the little boys and girls who had witnessed and experienced the darkness of human nature. As a result, their counterattack was not only ineffective, but also made the whole first level as noisy as a vegetable market. "This sect..." Yun Xiuxin and others turned a deaf ear to the people who kept scolding them from behind and simply fanned the flames all the way! ''Anything is allowed except fighting before the battle begins, which means we can fight with our tongues? If there is no one in front of us, we will move forward with the wind, but if someone is standing in the way, we will still rush through. In any case, none of you dare to take the lead in attacking us, because by doing so, you will be immediately expelled from here by the official of Mount Penta-Tier and disqualified from this challenge.'' Because of such restrictions, in the end, there was only one sentence that kept reverberating in the square: "If you have guts, come out and beat me!" 1055 Enemies Everywhere "Let''s discuss the battle plan." Yun Yang''s voice rang out from a distance and could be heard by everyone. "Boss, you can arrange it. We will all follow your orders." "Actually, there''s nothing to be arranged. Look at these sects...They have no strength other than numbers. In my eyes, they are just dishes! They are not even qualified to compete with us!" "I couldn''t agree more, Boss! Your words are exactly the same as what I thought." "All of you, remember thiswhen the battle begins later on, get rid of them all as quickly as you can. I don''t want to let these troublemakers bother my eyes for too long. It''s already too hard for me to bear looking at them now." "Understood!" "Since this qualification battle allows us to kill, it means that this is not an area where casualties are strictly prohibited. Killing these guys is the most convenient way, and can save us from any future trouble. It is rare for us to come to a place that is not restricted by the heaven laws of the Bound of Universe. We should seize the opportunity to do whatever we want!" "That''s right!" "They are just a bunch of ants! Hahaha!" A roar of laughter echoed through the square while the eyes of everyone who heard this conversation were filled with flames of anger. "What kind of people are these folks from the Residence of Nine Supremes? Is there even a single normal person in their sect? Why are they all behaving the same, be it their juniors or seniors?" "Are you planning to piss us all off with your mouth before the battle begins?" "How can they be so arrogant and rampant?" At this moment, a clear voice rang out, "Listen, people from the Residence of Nine Supremes! We are all here to take part in the qualification battle. Don''t you think it is too unkind for you to act rashly like this?" Yun Yang replied with a flat tone, "Since we have all come here and have confirmed that everyone except ourselves is an enemy, why do we need to be kind? I''ll be a fool to be polite to my enemies! Besides, what are you guys? Why should I be polite to you?" Unable to hold back the towering anger in his heart any longer, the voice said coldly, "Residence of Nine Supremes, I am the Sect Leader of the Thousand Ghosts Sect, Li Wuying. I hereby declare that my sect will be the first to challenge you three days later! We will fight you to the death!" Yun Yang said lightly, "You have made a wise decision, Sect Leader Wan, because it can make your Thousand Ghosts Sect lives up to its name!" Li Wuying roared furiously and said, "Fine, fine, fine! Then we shall see whether my Thousand Ghosts Sect will turn your Residence of Nine Supremes into a ghost realm, or we will be annihilated by you and became a real hell!" Yun Yang laughed disdainfully. "Residence of Nine Supremes, we from the Thousand Swords Sect are at loggerheads with you!" "We..." Yun Yang burst out laughing and said, "Who else wants to challenge the Residence of Nine Supremes? You might as well give me your names, and I''ll see what you can do later!" Without even a moment''s silence, the names of one sect after another rang out noisily. Yun Yang laughed. "In the end, you are just a disorderly mob! Look how disorganized you are! Where is your demeanor of challengers who are going to fight for the Celestial Luck Banner? In my opinion, we, the Residence of Nine Supremes, are the mightiest, and we will defeat you all!" The crowd was boiling at this point! Shi Wuchen and Luo Dajiang looked at each other and felt amazed, admitting in their hearts that they were not as good as Yun Yang. ''No one can match our boss''s ability to provoke hatred.'' The top ten disciples were fanning the flames outside while their masters kept mocking their opponents in the rear. As a result, except for themselves, the more than five hundred sects on the first level had all become enemies of the Residence of Nine Supremes! "Boss, all we have to do is just sit still and wait for others to challenge us. As long as we hang in until the end, we will certainly be promoted to the next level. All the sects here are destined to fight with one another. Why should we turn everyone into our enemy? Wouldn''t that be a little bit extra? Moreover, it will also get us into trouble." Lan Ruojun did not understand Yun Yang''s approach. In fact, Lan Ruojun was not the only one who had such an opinion. Although all the people, including Shi Wuchen, were not afraid of fighting, they still did not understand Yun Yang''s way of turning everyone into an enemy. They could not figure out his purpose in doing so. Yun Yang smiled and said, "I know it is safer to just wait for them to challenge us, defeat them, and then advance to the next level. But, this approach is not suitable for us now. An opportunity like this is hard to come by, and I don''t think we will meet one again in the future." "An opportunity? Please enlighten us, Boss!" "The current situation is exactly an opportunity that will be hard to come by in the future. The ultimate goal of our participation in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners this time is to obtain the banner and become a sect with a Celestial Luck Banner. Judging from our current state, our odds of advancing to the next level are almost certain. But what happens after this?" "After this? What do you mean?" Lan Ruojun still could not get the point of Yun Yang''s remarks. Shaking his head, Yun Yang said, "After this battle, we certainly have a great chance of becoming a sect with a Celestial Luck Banner, but at the same time, our opponents will all become sects with Celestial Luck Banners as well." Although our disciples have excellent cultivation base, their combat experience is seriously insufficient, and they also lack the heart of the martial world." "Oh, so you want to..." At this point, Lan Ruojun had been able to vaguely guess Yun Yang''s real purpose in doing so, while others were more or less aware of it as well. Everyone was nodding at this point. "Even though the whole square seems to be full of our enemies now, have you carefully observed these people? In my opinion, there is not a single person or sect here that is our match, and the cultivation base of even some of the sect leaders is weaker than Xiuxin and other disciples." "Since there can only be one winner in this battle, we might as well just assume an arrogant stance and attract all the opponents to challenge us, then defeat them all." "By doing so, we can not only hone our disciples, let them gain actual combat experience and cultivate their boldness, but also finish this battle with the fastest speed. Since we can kill multiple birds with one stone, why don''t we do it?" With a smile on his face, Yun Yang continued, "Moreover, even if we don''t provoke these people, they won''t let us go either. In that case, we might as well offend them all at once. Haven''t you noticed that of all the five hundred sects participating in this battle, only one will make it out of here alive? Don''t you know that it is either them or us who die in the end?" "It was a single choice question from the start!" "The only outcome of this battle is life or death, and winning or losing is not important at all." "Is it really so extreme? What about those sects that throw in the towel?" Lan Ruojun asked. Yun Yang shook his head slowly and said, "Throw in the towel? No one will give up." "This is a battle of destiny, so no one will throw in the towel. Everyone will do their best to fight to the death. It has been made clear in the rules that those who die in the qualification battle cannot be resurrected." "So, everyone is the same. Only the strongest can go further on the path of martial arts." 1056 Sweep Over Listening to the loud shouts of cursing and the almost cannibalistic sounds of teeth-gnashing outside, Tie Qingcang laughed and said, "This is the best way in my opinion." "Putting aside the consideration of what''s best for the children and yourself, try to shift your thinking...This place is actually a microcosm of the whole martial world. The people outside are all those who used to use you as whetstones, but have now become whetstones for our children..." "Now do you understand? Do you know what we should do next?" "Understood! You are quite right, Boss." When they thought about it, they found that Yun Yang was right. Here, no matter how kind and humble they were, their opponents would always want to kill them. After all, if they did not, they would not be able to advance to the next level! It was indeed a single choice question and a situation of certain death, so it was no big deal to offend others. With that thought, they were relieved and their mood became calm. But, Yun Yang''s eyes were still gleaming. At the moment, he was thinking about another question, ''Among the more than five hundred sects here, there must be at least ten thousand people, right? ''If all these people are killed, how much karmic energy can they provide me?'' ''According to the ratio of one to one hundred between Tianxuan and Bound of Universe, will there be more than one million? Or more?'' It was a question worth exploring! In the next three days, the Residence of Nine Supremes''s arrogance had sent all the sects here into a frenzy. Everyone was ready to fight, and could not wait for the decisive battle to arrive. Everyone was cursing and vowing that they must teach Residence of Nine Supremes a bitter lesson on the day of the battle! Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Early in the morning on the day of the battle, it was still dark. At that moment, a deafening voice suddenly rang out, "People of the Residence of Nine Supremes, come out and fight us!" Yun Yang turned and rushed out in a beam of saber light. Meanwhile, Shi Wuchen and others shouted from the side, "Let me do it!" "The first battle should be mine." "Boss, slow down! It''s not your turn yet..." "Let''s go out! Hurry up!" "Why is he so fast..." It was a pity that Yun Yang had rushed out first, leaving only his voice echoing in everyone''s ears. "Each of us takes turns to fight a battle. When all nine of us have had fought, let the disciples go out to fight in groups of two. End every battle as quickly as possible." Outside the tent... A man, with a fierce face and eyes full of enmity, was staring at the tent belonging to the Residence of Nine Supremes. His whole body was shrouded in an eerie ghost aura, and his face was pale as a sheet. As he stood there in the darkness, he looked exactly like a ghost. Behind him stood two dozen men, each of whom looked about the same and none looked alive. At a glance, they resembled a group of ghosts who had just come out of hell. This challenger was none other than Thousand Ghosts Sect. They kept their word and came to challenge the Residence of Nine Supremes as soon as the battle began. "Residence of Nine Supremes! We, the Thousands Ghosts Sect..." But before the man had finished speaking, Yun Yang had already rushed over and raised his saber to hack right at him. "Save your breath and fight! I don''t have much time to waste!" The bright saber light quickly transformed into a brilliant beam of light and poured down with a boom like a galaxy, dazzling and magnificent to behold! The saber light that suddenly appeared in the sky was more than ten feet long, illuminating the whole place! With an explosive rumble, the sect leader of the Thousand Ghosts Sect was the first to bear the brunt. The sword he struck out with all his might achieved nothing, and he was split in half by the brilliant saber light instead! Then, without even weakening, the saber light continued to sweep out, splitting seven or eight disciples of the Thousand Ghosts Sect in half as well! In terms of saber technique, there was nothing in Yun Yang''s attack to speak of; it was just a very simple straight cut and could not be considered as a technique at all. Whether it was a broadsword, a longsword, a saber, or a claymore, any weapon with sharp edges could achieve that! However, its power was appalling, far beyond the imagination of many cultivators present. With the first attack, miserable shrieks instantly resounded through the air, and when the second attack was struck out, all the enemies were slain. As he returned his saber to its sheath, Yun Yang shouted loudly, "Go and collect all the spoils!" Everyone from the Thousand Ghosts Sect was killed by Yun Yang with only two saber strikes! The two strikes were like sudden thunderbolts, filling the hearts of all those watching nearby with fear and sending shivers down their spines! Was this the strength of the Residence of Nine Supremes? All the disciples, including Sun Mingxiu, Bai Yexing, and Hu Xiaofan, rushed out of the tent. At this moment, there was not a single living person from the Thousands Ghosts Sect. Their bodies were all over the ground, and all of them had truly become ghosts! Fighting back their discomfort, Sun Mingxiu and the other disciples began to search the bodies, collecting all the useful cultivating materials, weapons, and storage rings, before turning back. Right now, the way these disciples looked at Yun Yang was as if they were looking at a celestial being. A sect that was qualified and competent enough to compete for the qualification of the Celestial Luck Banner battle had been completely wiped out by Yun Yang with only two strikes, and they had not even finished introducing their names. The gap in strength between them really frightened everyone. Meng Qianshan, Duanmu Feng, and Lu Changman were a little slower, so they hardly collected any spoils and became laborers who had to clean up the field. While moving the bodies aside, they mocked themselves for ending up with the epitome of thankless tasks. After killing all the enemies with only two strikes, Yun Yang''s purple clothes were still very clean, without any wrinkles or blood. With hands clasped behind his back, he turned around and walked calmly into the tent. "Hold on! The Thousand Swords Sect is here to challenge you!" Yun Yang ignored the shout. The sense of fear that Yun Yang had struck into those witnessing how he slew all the enemies with only two strikes was indescribable, and his strength was beyond the imagination of all the sects present. Thousand Swords Sect''s combined forces were actually not stronger than that of Thousand Ghosts Sect, and their impatient challenge could be said to be very unwise. It was no different from courting death. However, as Yun Yang said before, this battle was a life-and-death battle, and the idea of fighting to the death had long been deeply rooted in the hearts of everyone present. Fighting was inevitable. Moreover, although Yun Yang''s two strikes were appalling in power and he looked relaxed after that, who knew if he was not posturing to confuse his enemies? Perhaps, he had already exhausted all his strength after those two attacks. Even if he did not reach that point, the higher-ups of Thousand Swords Sect had decided to take advantage of the moment when he had just struck twice and exhausted a significant amount of strength to launch a strong attack against him in order to fight for a chance of survival. It was a pity that no matter how well they planned it, it was all in vain. Yun Yang turned a deaf ear to their challenge while Shi Wuchen had already drawn his sword and rushed at them, his face overflowing with disdainful sneers. He basically copied what Yun Yang had just done. In the face of the Thousand Swords Sect, he only used two sword strikes to kill all the enemies! With only two saber strikes and two sword strikes, two sects were wiped out! In this qualification battle, the Residence of Nine Supremes was invincible! 1057 Continue Sweeping Challengers still came in an endless stream, all having the same thought: what if Yun Yang and Shi Wuchen were the only experts of Residence of Nine Supremes, and what if they had actually exhausted all their strength and were no longer as formidable as just now? But, Luo Dajiang and the others did the same as Yun Yang, wiping out all the sects who challenged them with only two or three strikes. For a moment, the Residence of Nine Supremes was on a winning streak! With his eyes slightly closed, Yun Yang sat in the tent and did not say a word. He seemed to be absentminded, but in fact, he was perceiving the unique atmosphere of karmic energy constantly flowing into him while being lost in thought. The accumulation of karmic energy was unprecedentedly rich and potent! Normally, even though the karmic energy provided by a martial world practitioner was significant, it was at most equivalent to that of one hundred bad guys on the Tianxuan Continent. But, the amount he received now was clearly and significantly more! "Evidently, these people had done many terrible things when they were establishing their sects. It seems that the heaven laws of the Bound of Universe still have a limitation, or these people would have long found ways to avoid or deal with it over the years." Yun Yang watched the balls of karmic energy fly into him as Emmie kept on sucking them in the subconscious space and crying happily, ''What happened today...Why is there such a rich harvest...Ayaya...'' ... The facts proved that Yun Yang was right. When the battle began, the sky was still dark and it was almost impossible to see anything. It was not until they fought over a dozen sects in a row that the sky began to grow slightly bright. Of course, it was also because Yun Yang, Shi Wuchen, and the others were so strong that they had finished off all their opponents with only a few moves, so the time taken was naturally shorter. After these fights, no one from the Residence of Nine Supremes was wounded. As a result, the latecomers did not dare to take their chances anymore. Instead, they let others challenge first while they waited! After all, the corpses piled up like a hill beside the Residence of Nine Supremes''s tent made for a ghastly sight that had struck fear into those who witnessed it! Although the crowd had presumed that the Residence of Nine Supremes must be somewhat formidable from their arrogant behavior, none of them had expected them to be so fearsome! As the latecomers hesitated and no one dared to challenge, the Residence of Nine Supremes answered the challenges with their disciples, all of whom were little boys and girls, looking young and tender. At the sight of them, the crowd grew bold again. "Let''s kill them all and clip off the Residence of Nine Supremes''s wings!" Yun Xiuxin and Lu Changman, the first and the last of the top ten disciples, were the first pair to answer the challenge. It was the first time they had fought a battle with the enemies outnumbering them. So, they were very cautious as soon as the fight began, and had been retaining their strength for an emergency. However, as they fought, they realized... The people from this sect were extremely weak, and even though finishing them off was not as easy as flipping a palm, it was still very simple! Moreover, their so-called elders and sect leader were even weaker than the dozens of junior brothers and sisters who had stayed back in the sect! As they exchanged a glance and confirmed their thoughts, their confidence rose. Then, they no longer held back and began to slaughter at will! ''Sect Leader has told us to kill all the opponents!'' The fight lasted only about fifteen minutes before the sect was completely wiped out. Moreover, it was due to both disciples not daring to fight with all their might at the beginning of the battle, thus causing a delay. But, the two little fellas'' performance after the fight was not as good. Instead of cleaning up the battlefield, they were throwing up on the spot. After all, they were still quite young. They were fine when they were focused on fighting, but now when they looked at the heaps of corpses and puddles of blood created by them, they both felt sick to their core. ''Those men were alive just now...'' The visual and mental impact was very serious, causing them to throw up. Even when Bai Yexing and Duanmu Feng returned from the second fight, they were still throwing up. The second pair''s performance was much better than the first one. Other than the slightly pale faces, they did not have any negative reactions. The third pair was Hu Xiaofan and Meng Qianshan. When they returned, Meng Qianshan''s face was pale as well, but Hu Xiaofan looked as if he had just done something very common. By the time it was time for breakfast early in the morning, the Residence of Nine Supremes had defeated and wiped out twenty-three sects with no casualties. But, such an amazing achievement came in second when compared with their shocking efficiency of slaying the enemies. Well, it was not exactly true that the Residence of Nine Supremes suffered no casualties, because after the top ten disciples had all fought, Yun Xiuxin, Lu Changman, Lin Xiaorou, and Cheng Jiajia came together to throw up until their entire strength had left their limbs, and their fighting strength was no longer as vibrant as before. While frowning at them, Yun Yang made a seemingly inhuman decision. When another sect challenged them, he directly ordered Yun Xiuxin and Lu Changman to answer the challenge once again. Moreover, he made it clear to them that they would not rest after the fight, and would fight the next challenger as well. "You can come back and rest when you have stopped throwing up. Of course, you can rest forever as well if you were killed by the enemies." The approach of fighting fire with fire was very efficient, and the result was instant and significant. After three more fights, although Yun Xiuxin and Lu Changman still looked pale, their foreheads were covered with cold sweat, and their stomachs were churning, they had gradually overcome the negative feeling and stopped throwing up! Seeing that both disciples had become better, Yun Yang replaced them with Cheng Jiajia and Lin Xiaorou. The mental quality of the two little girls was worse than that of Yun Xiuxin and Lu Changman. They fought four waves of challengers in a row but still felt nausea and vomited. Even though they managed to win the fifth fight subsequently, they were already in a flurry. However, Yun Yang forced them to continue despite that. In the subsequent two fights, both little girls had faced several perilous situations and were even lightly wounded, but Yun Yang still did not change his mind. He even stopped Kong Luoyue from rescuing them. "No one is allowed to intervene! Do you think I was just spouting air? They will either kill all the enemies and come back victorious without throwing up, or be killed by the enemies and fall into an eternal sleep, left to be buried by us! "They have only two options, and if they are killed by the enemies because of some careless mistakes due to their soft hearts, that''s their fate, and has nothing to do with anyone!" Fortunately, although Cheng Jiajia and Lin Xiaorou were in constant danger, they managed to defeat the enemies over and over again, and eventually stood in the Residence of Nine Supremes''s camp with dirty blood all over them. Meanwhile, their faces had transformed from pale to cold. In such a short timeframe, the two little girls had quickly completed the transformation. Although they were not cold-blooded, their hearts had grown cold! By this time, the sun was well up in the sky. Yun Yang, Shi Wuchen, and the others sat in the tent drinking tea, looking calm and leisurely. Outside, the ten disciples were dealing with the challengers, and Yun Xiuxin was deciding who would face the sects that came to challenge them. "You are the eldest senior sister, and this is your responsibility." "You will take the command and decide who to face the challenges." "You don''t know? It''s fine. If they are killed because of your wrong command, it will be your responsibility, and it is your incompetence that would have killed them!" At the moment, Yun Xiuxin was extremely nervous; she was tensed at all times, and her little face was serious. She was so serious and cautious that she was almost morbid. She had to carefully observe each enemy, calculate the strength of every person in every sect, and then compare them with her junior brothers and sister before making the most detailed arrangements. "Boss, don''t you think you''ve pushed them too far?" Shi Wuchen felt a little pity for the disciples. "The martial world is the most ruthless place. If we want to let them grow up as quickly as possible, the only way is to pressure and temper them to the extreme!" "By forcing them now, even if there is a miscalculation which causes them to face dangerous situations, they will still have the chance to save themselves as these people are clearly weaker than them. But, if we don''t seize this opportunity and train them, we will have to suffer real losses when we face formidable sects in the future. By that time, the situation will not be something we can control!" Yun Yang''s eyes were full of confidence; he was certain that his approach was correct. The process might be too cruel for Yun Xiuxin, but it was necessary for her to go through it! The martial world was a ruthless place, and it would never allow juniors to be carefully nurtured like precious plants in a glasshouse. It would be best if they could be trained and tempered. If not, they would be replaced by the juniors, and they could only blame their incompetence and no one else! Yun Yang''s judgment was obviously extremely accurate and without a trace of error. None of the sects that competed with the Residence of Nine Supremes on the same field could match its strength! One must know that in this place, despite how much hatred the Residence of Nine Supremes had courted through their arrogance, it was not the only sect that fought all the other sects. In fact, many sects were desperately attacking each other and fighting to the death in almost every corner. This was the true portrayal of the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners. Otherwise, three days would never be enough for over five hundred sects to fight with one another and decide the final winner! The Celestial Luck Banner, the physical object symbolizing the qualification for the battle, was now suspended in the sky. It was because of this object that all the sects and everyone present were fighting with all their might. In just one morning, the square was already covered with blood as battle cries and miserable shrieks shook the sky, and over fifty sects disappeared forever from this world! "So many people died here just for a qualification...Is it really worth it? Besides, even if they did get the qualification, they might not be able to defeat those men who truly own celestial luck." Lan Ruojun sighed with emotions. "This is celestial luck!" Yun Yang''s eyes were thoughtful. "Celestial luck is owned by everyone, but no one truly has control over it. In the face of such a situation, the wisest choice is none other than playing safe, going back home, getting oneself a wife, and never stepping foot in the martial world for the rest of the life. As long as one does not wish for more celestial luck and just wants to spend the rest of the life in peace, one can naturally live in peace and leisure." "However, anyone with even just a little bit of greed and wish to rise above everyone else would have to brave through mountains of corpses and seas of blood!" "In fact, the same principle applies to everything outside the martial arts. This is also another example of the famous saying ''the multitude of ways of the world lead to the same path''." "What everyone is fighting for right now is the ownership of the final celestial luck, and only when one seizes the celestial luck can one understand that there are differences between celestial lucks! And, if one wishes to obtain a stronger celestial luck, one would have to fight again, snatch again, rob again, occupy again! "This is a journey without an end, and perhaps is deeper and farther than the vast journey of martial arts, truly without an end!" When they had finished listening to Yun Yang, Shi Wuchen and the others nodded silently. Meanwhile, Kong Luoyue smiled. "No doubt Boss''s words are reasonable, but they are too far from us now. For now, our strength has put us far ahead of the others at least, and none of the sects here can match us." Yun Yang''s eyes were half-closed as he said faintly, "Our purpose here this time has never been to just fight for the qualification, but to seize the celestial luck. With our current strength, I am confident that we can even defeat those sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners...So, it would be unusual if we came across a formidable opponent in this qualification battle!" "In fact, we should have trampled all the opponents in this qualification battle even now, but we have not. To me, such efficiency is really too low!" Yes, the strength of the Residence of Nine Supremes far exceeded that of the other sects here. Otherwise, with Lin Xiaorou and Cheng Jiajia''s fighting strength, how could they fight five challengers in a row and even defeat them all in the end? Had Yun Yang and the others struck out separately, the Residence of Nine Supremes would have wiped out over a hundred sects by now! This was the reality, the most true and cruelest reality! ... By midday, the Residence of Nine Supremes had fought another twenty-five challengers, and the sun was already high up in the sky. The entire square was covered with blood trickling in streams, as well as the pungent smell of blood that suffocated those who inhaled it, filling all nostrils and mouths with the smell of rusty iron. But, just as the sun moved to the top of the sky, a white fog suddenly appeared and all the corpses, blood, and traces of battle were gone in the blink of an eye amidst a strange whistle. It was as if those corpses and blood had never existed before. "The Mount Penta-Tier is indeed magical!" Yun Yang sighed softly. Perhaps these people might have been resurrected and sent out in the eyes of others. But, Yun Yang knew that they were truly dead. The karmic energy he had obtained had proven that, because it could only be produced from the dead. Moreover, the many weapons, resources, and even storage rings were real, and not illusions. They had been sitting firmly in the hands of the winners. When dusk fell, all the corpses, broken limbs, heads, and blood produced during the whole afternoon once again disappeared mysteriously. After one whole day of intense fighting, there were less than one hundred sects left! 1058 The Celestial Luck Is Fair! Although three days were more than enough to decide the final winner from among five hundred sects, it should not be so fast. But with the presence of Residence of Nine Supremes, a super formidable sect who was so strong that it did not meet any worthy matches and was finishing its opponents as quickly as a snap of a finger, the progress of the qualification battle was significantly accelerated. And it was exactly because of such an atmosphere that the people from all the other sects except the Residence of Nine Supremes were wounded, and everyone was so tired that they could fall asleep even while walking. Originally, the various sects thought of taking a good rest for the night to recover themselves and prepare for the next day. But on that very night, at Yun Yang''s order, the Residence of Nine Supremes took the initiative and struck out for the first time. Over sixty sects were wiped out overnight; the attack route began from one end of the square and swept all the way through, and the shrieks let out by dying warriors rang for the whole night. In the early morning of the next day, seven sects withdrew themselves from the battle, their faces all as pale as sheets. At this point, there were less than thirty sects left in this qualification battle. The remaining sects, which were less than ten percent of them all, appeared to be extremely lonely on the huge square. As for the sects who were either wiped out or withdrew themselves from the battle, their tents vanished as soon as they were defeated or gave up. It was even more magical than the disappearing of the corpses and blood. From beginning to end, Yun Yang had never stopped observing with his divine sense and perceiving with his manifestation powers, and yet did not find any trace of power controlling this place or presiding over the battle. It was as if everything was performed by this mountain alone, and had nothing to do with anybody. It seemed to be...too advanced, at least beyond Yun Yang''s current knowledge! The next afternoon, the thirty sects were further reduced to eleven, and by evening time, only six were left. On the morning of the third day Of all the sects participating in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner in this realm, only two were left the Residence of Nine Supremes and the Wild Saber Sect! Without any surprise, the two sects confronted each other. The Wild Saber Sect had brought thirty-five men to this qualification battle, but after all the fighting, there were only seventeen of them still alive, and the rest were all dead. The death toll was more than half. Moreover, the survivors were all wounded and so tired to continue that they could hardly lift their hands. Yun Yang came out with all the disciples, staring at their last opponent silently. In sharp contrast to Wild Saber Sect''s bad shape, their clothes were clean and dustless as if they had just taken bath and changed into new clothes. When the sect leader of the Wild Saber Sect saw them coming in such excellent shape, and when he sensed their formidable aura and an explosive fighting will, he gave a bitter laugh with tears trickling down his cheeks. "The Residence of Nine Supremes is indeed mighty!" The sect leader was a burly man. Glancing wistfully at the disciples, junior brothers and sisters around him, he said sadly, "For today''s battle, the Wild Saber Sect had endured all kinds of hardships and prepared for twenty-seven years... "We were having the upper hand during several occasions when we met Cangwu Union in the past, and I thought we could certainly seize the Celestial Luck Banner this time. But, I never thought...however strong you are, there''s always someone stronger." Looking at Yun Yang, he said blatantly, "If we force ourselves, it is no different from seeking death. We admit defeat! Sect Leader Yun, you wouldn''t be so ruthless as to kill us all, would you?" Yun Yang, Shi Wuchen, and others did not hide their aura; it was the first time that they unleashed their mighty aura at the same time. As their opponent was also a cultivator with a profound cultivation base, he naturally could sense them. Even if none of the people from the Wild Saber Sect died and their strength remained at the perfect level, they still could not overcome such a massive gap in strength. It was a gap that could not be overcome by risking one''s life! So, if they risked everything to fight, they were not only seeking death, but were being extremely stupid! "I bid you farewell," Yun Yang said warmly. "Brother, our purpose here is nothing but to get the Celestial Luck Banner. Now, with you withdrawing yourself, the winner has been decided, and we will not force you further. When we meet again in the martial world, we will still be friends." The sect leader smiled sadly. As he glanced wistfully at the huge square, he muttered, "This is celestial luck, so this is celestial luck..." All of a sudden, he coughed out a mouthful of blood, then waved and said, "We admit defeat! Let''s go!" Before his voice had died away, his burly body fell to the ground. His spirit, energy, and soul seemed to have completely vanished at this very moment. "From today onward, the Wild Saber Sect will be in seclusion for a hundred years! I hope there will be some excellent talents among the future-generation disciples after a hundred years, and only then will we come to fight for the Celestial Luck Banner again." With tears in their eyes, the people of the Wild Saber Sect left behind a sad and bleak remark before they were directly sent away by the magical power of the Mount Penta-Tier. At this point, the Residence of Nine Supremes was the only sect left on the huge square. Standing straight with his hands clasped behind his back, Yun Yang had a thoughtful look on his face. After a long time, he finally murmured, "Celestial luck, celestial luck!" But then, from behind him came a loud cry of cheers! "We''ve won!" With the Wild Saber Sect''s withdrawal, the qualification battle had come to an end. The white fog at the edges of the square changed once again, rippling and tossing quickly and condensing into a road that led upward. A white cloud drifted in front of Yun Yang and others, as if guiding the way, and then slowly drifted forward. Knowing that it was because of their victory that they were guided by a cloud, the people of the Residence of Nine Supremes beamed as they strode happily toward the road. Only Yun Yang had a sudden sense of melancholy, but he followed others all the same, walking away one step at a time. Even then, the bleak and despairing voice let out by the sect leader of the Wild Saber Sect before he left was echoing in his mind. "Celestial luck, celestial luck!" Accompanied by that were the hopeless, listless, and despairing eyes of all those from the Wild Saber Sect, and... ...the heaps of corpses that fell under the sabers and swords of the Residence of Nine Supremes. "Wuchen, what do you think is the celestial luck?" Shi Wuchen, Luo Dajiang, and the others were walking along with Yun Yang in a happy mood when they heard the question, and it stunned them momentarily. How were they going to answer the question? It simply did not have a standard answer. With a faint smile on his face, Yun Yang walked leisurely as he asked again, "Do you think that the process of fighting for the celestial luck is...overly cruel?" At the question, all the masters and disciples of the Residence of Nine Supremes lapsed into silence and none made an answer. A few moments later, Luo Dajiang sighed softly and said in a low voice, "Boss, do you think too many people died in this battle?" "Yes, I do have this feeling. Previously, I was concentrating on defeating the enemies, so I did not think too much, and I was merciless for fear of leaving some hidden troubles. But when I look back now, even though our conscience is clear, we were too cruel and ruthless." Luo Dajiang''s voice grew lower, "My take on this is different from yours, Boss. I do not find cruelty, ruthlessness, or even the slightest unfairness in this battle. On the contrary, I find it very fair!" Shi Wuchen nodded in agreement. "I thought the same. Although the battle is bloody and ruthless, it is fair in essence; it''s nothing but the survival of the fittest. Those sects with senses had long withdrawn themselves, and those who continued were counting on their luck. They can''t blame anyone else for their own demise. It''s their own choice." Yun Yang nodded silently. "I thought it was fair as well!" Tie Qingcang chimed in. "In essence, this battle is a fight among warriors. Cruel or not, at least it gave a chance to compete, and at the same time, also provided the chance to give up. It is absolutely fair!" "In my understanding, everything in this world is the epitome of the celestial luck. In the mortal world, people fight for the throne, shedding blood and killing countless men to rise to the top. Behind every man who ascended the throne, thousands and even millions died. Cultivators fight for the future of their cultivation, men fight for thrones, businesses fight for profit. Everyone is fighting, and in my opinion, this is the fight for the celestial luck!" "It''s a pity that the fatty Qian Duoduo is not here, otherwise, he would have told you that the fight between businessmen is as cruel. Although it may not be accompanied by heaps of corpses and puddles of blood, the schemes, trickeries and plots are as intense, if not more serious. They would resort to every conceivable means just to get rid of their competitors. Betrayal, deception, extortion, and even force...There are all kinds of means, many of which are beyond your imagination." "If we think deeper, even the most common mortals have to exhaust their abilities to survive in this world. However, many would not be able to achieve their goals in their lives, no matter how hard they try. If you want to talk about unfairness, don''t you think life is more unfair to those people? Many people have reached the pinnacle of their lives the moment they were born, such as the sons of the emperors, the heirs of the lords and the riches...and commoners cannot even reach their soles after working hard all their lives." "Therefore, although the world of commoners seems quiet and peaceful with no apparent risks, without risk itself is where the unfairness lies! Because...fairness is something that one must fight with a price!" "The battle of the Celestial Luck Banners is bloody and ruthless; winning doesn''t mean one has reached the end, and the price of losing is always one''s life. However, it is a platform for all of us to fight, so that we will not resign ourselves to fate before we even have a chance to fight!" At this moment, Luo Dajiang also said with deep feelings, "Even though they know that the hope is slim, everyone still doesn''t give up this hope. When you win, you will have everything! But when you lose, you will have nothing, and it is because you are incompetent and you don''t have the luck, not because of unfairness!" "Perhaps people will think the martial world practitioners are too stupid when they look at us from a secular perspective. To them, only when one lives can one have hope and future, so why are we risking our lives? It is better to live than to die, and it is too foolish that tens of thousands of people died for the Celestial Luck Banner, which cannot be eaten or drank." "But, are we really stupid?" "It''s nothing but each pursuing different things. As for foolish or not, different people have different views." "Others fight with money, power, affection, wit, but warriors fight with their lives. As the prices vary, the rewards are naturally different." "For those who fight with money, power, and wit... what they get in the end are nothing but money, power, status..." "But what we, the warriors, fight with our lives are the future, the celestial luck. When we live, we will have a future, but when we die, that''s our destiny. It is never cruel or unfair." "When one looks at warriors from the perspective of commoners, we are ruthless and incomprehensible. But when one looks at us from the perspective of warriors, one will think that we are...reasonable. We are all the same, fighting for what we want with our lives, nothing more." Shi Wuchen added coldly, "The journey of cultivation is always tough. If we don''t fight with our lives, what else should we do? How are we going to surpass others when everyone is fighting with their lives?" At his words, everyone burst into laughter, but Yun Yang remained in silence. A brief moment later, he said, "Is that what warriors in the Bound of Universe think?" "Of course...In Bound of Universe, only the fittest can survives, and everything is based on strength. Boss, isn''t that what you think?" Yun Yang smiled and said no more. If truth be told, it was not what Yun Yang thought. As someone from Tianxuan Continent, he always felt that everything here in Bound of Universe was very different from that on Tianxuan, and many things were out of place with him. In fact, he was pondering about a question many times: so many martial world practitioners who did not know each other were killed just for a qualification, and many warriors who did not know each other had died just because of minor arguments... Was that too extreme? Was that really necessary? Yun Yang had gained more than others in this battle. He had received a large amount of karmic energy, which proved that those who were killed were not as innocent as he thought they might be, and they were deserved to be damned. However, how could any man who roamed the martial world be free from committing deeds that would get his hands stained with karma? Was it necessary that any martial world practitioner with a slight reputation should have killed hundreds of thousands of men? Many feuds were not just because of the dispute between good and evil. Even Yun Yang was not innocent. Along his journey, he had killed many soldiers from other countries, even though he always kept his original intention of serving his country and his family. That was the reason why he kept murmuring ''celestial luck''. It was not because of the desire for the celestial luck, but confusion. But now, after witnessing those sects fight each other for the Celestial Luck Banner with their lives, and then hearing Shi Wuchen and others, Yun Yang vaguely felt that he seemed to have understood something. He was not weak and irresolute, but...all the warriors and people in this entire Bound of Universe were like that, and the atmosphere as a whole was like that! Hordes of troops were crossing a wooden bridge; every three years, only a few people could have the opportunity to reach another stage, and the rest were either killed on the bridge or pushed down from it. Those who gave up could keep their lives, but at the same time, their journey of martial arts in this life would have come to an end as well, and they could never advance again! Everyone had to be so cruel, only then could there be room for further advancement. Everyone had long accepted this reality, and this was the fate of warriors. Since one had chosen to possess stronger power than ordinary people, these struggles were the price one had to pay! ... Yun Yang breathed out a long sigh of relief and mumbled with a smile, "So that is what it is. I understand now." At that moment, he truly felt relieved and relaxed! 1059 Battle Of The Lower-Class Celestial Luck Banner! Yun Yang felt as if there had been a thin layer of fog veiling his eyes in the past. But after listening to the world view of all these people just now, it disappeared completely and his vision became clearer than ever. The world in front of him, as well as his future path, had become much clearer instantly. ''Yes, every world has its own rules.'' ''The Bound of Universe protects ordinary people in an extremely harsh way, but it also highly values and promotes the concept of survival of the strongest!'' ''In this way, the weak can always live in peace while the strong will become stronger and stronger.'' ''This is the Bound of Universe!'' As soon as he realized that, Yun Yang felt extremely relaxed. ''I don''t have to view Bound of Universe with the worldly eyes of Tianxuan!'' At that moment, there was a sudden turmoil in front of him, and the world before his eyes actually became extremely clear. It seemed to be deliberately matching with his enlightenment. In front of him were nine steps, and at the end of the steps was a huge platform. Yun Yang walked up one step at a time, and when his head emerged above the platform''s floor, he heard a loud voice. "The challenger of Celestial Luck, Residence of Nine Supremes, enters the arena!" The voice was as deafening as a thunderclap and could be heard even from a far distance. Then, he suddenly felt as if countless divine senses had enveloped the entrance where he was at in that moment! Each divine sense came with strong curiosity, and a few of them were filled with malice. But, he could clearly sense that they could only look at him and not thoroughly examine him! They were nothing but countless eyes. Yun Yang walked up the steps with a calm expression, and his stately and refined purple figure quietly emerged above the floor. At the moment of his appearance, he felt a slight tingling sensation on his face, caused by countless eyes fixing on his face at the same time. Yun Yang smiled faintly and his expression remained unchanged as he stood straight at the entrance, looking up and glancing at the surroundings. Soon afterward, Shi Wuchen and the others followed him into the arena and stood beside him while Yun Xiuxin and other disciples stood behind their respective masters. Presenting before the people of the Residence of Nine Supremes was a huge platform like that of the first level. The only difference was probably... ...directly in front of this platform was a high stand made entirely of amethyst, which looked luxurious and magnificent. Three seats were placed on top of it, on which sat three men in green clothes and with golden crowns on their heads. Instinctively, Yun Yang squinted at the men and saw at a glance that there were glittering heart symbols on their sleeves and collars. Among them, the man in the middle should be the leader and the other two his assistants. As his eyes swept across the amethyst stand, he saw nine more stands, five to the left and four to the right. They should be the places of honor for the nine sects owning the lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, who sat loftily there according to their ranks. The arrangement made the place look like a gaping mouth, because the entrance where Yun Yang came out was the only side without a stand. However, as soon as Yun Yang and others from the Residence of Nine Supremes emerged, the gap was closed, making the arena perfectly rounded. With just a glance, Yun Yang instantly grasped the current situation. Of the ten stands in front of him, nine were for the lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, and one was the hosting stand for the Sacred Heart Palace. The differential treatment was also obviousonly his side, the challenger, did not have a stand, which clearly put them in a lower position! But that was the rule, so the people of the Residence of Nine Supremes could only stand there, waiting quietly for the next step to come, unable to do anything to their opponents. Even then, all the people sitting high above had the same feeling: the Lead Supreme of the Residence of Nine Supremes looked extremely calm! Seeing that the people of the Residence of Nine Supremes had all arrived, the green-clad man sitting in the middle rose to his feet and thundered, "The challenging sect has arrived! I hereby announce that the battle for the Celestial Luck Banner has officially begun! "The founder of the Residence of Nine Supremes, Supreme Cloud Yun Yang, the eight Supremes, Shi Wuchen, Luo Dajiang, Tie Qingcang..." The man actually called out the names of all the Nine Supremes. "I''m Huo Yunfeng, the executive officer of the Sacred Heart Palace''s Iron Face Hall. Beside me are my two fellow brothers, Ding Buke and You Buneng, and we will preside over the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner. Should we judge unfairly in this battle, we are willing to accept the scourge. May heaven and earth be our witness!" Before anything, the man had sworn a serious oath, showing that he was just and without selfish motives. As he made the oath, a thunderclap rang out of the thick fogthe Heavenly Dao had acknowledged the oath, and it was official! The faces of all turned solemn and cold! With the oath, all friendships or plots were rendered ineffective! Those who wished to pass the battle could only fight with their strength! Hong Changtian, the sect leader of Cangwu Union that ranked the last of all the sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, had been staring at Yun Yang and the others, his eyes filled with a complicated look. ''The Residence of Nine Supremes...Why do I find this name so familiar?'' ''Ah... I remember now! It is a new sect situated not far away from my sect! I got the news when it was just founded, but there are too many sects in Bound of Universe and warriors are establishing new sects almost every day, so I never took it seriously.'' ''I can''t believe that it is this little Residence of Nine Supremes that cut through all the obstacles and came here to fight with my sect in the end!'' ''Strange things happen every year, but what has happened today is so bizarre that it is almost out of my knowledge!'' ''The saying that one should never tolerate others encroaching on one''s preserve does make sense. If I had known this, I would have...'' Hong Changtian suddenly thought of the wisdom of the ancients and could not help but regret it. If he had sent several disciples to uproot the newly established Residence of Nine Supremes at that time, he would not have to face such a situation now. His lack of action could only be described as ''cherishing a snake in one''s bosom''! "Now, I''ll read the rules of the battle!" Huo Yunfeng''s clear voice echoed across the square and could be heard by everyone regardless of distance, showing his precise control of mystical Qi. Moreover, although the voice rippled like waves, the surrounding fog did not stir at all. Yun Yang and the others listened attentively, not daring to neglect any details. Sure enough, the battle was not what he had known, or it could be said that what he knew was only part of the challenge. The battle was divided into five matches. The first four matches were between the number one experts from both sects, the pillar forces, the disciples, and a match of formations. This was similar to what Yun Yang had learned before, except for the last match: the defending sect had the right to propose any way to fight it. Then there was the basic victory condition for the battle: a very simple system of best of five matches. The sect who won three matches would be the winner. However, in addition to these basic rules was another rule. If either sect won all five matches, it could not only receive the Celestial Luck Banner, but also choose to continue to challenge the higher-ranking sect. For example, if the Residence of Nine Supremes won all five matches against Cangwu Union, it could choose to stop there or continue to challenge the eighth-ranked sect. If it won all five matches again, it could challenge the seventh-ranked sect. But, the rule was irrelevant to Cangwu Union, because even if it narrowly defeated Residence of Nine Supremes, it would not be able to continue to challenge the higher-ranked sect. If Cangwu Union had the strength, it would not have waited until now and would not have been targeted by many sects participating in the qualification battle. As for the Residence of Nine Supremes... When the people from the nine sects with Celestial Luck Banners glanced at those from Residence of Nine Supremes, they shook their heads and sighed at the same time. Usually, the reserves of such a sect, which had only been established for less than a year, were extremely weak, and it should be its limit to obtain the challenge qualification. If it wished to challenge all the way up after defeating Cangwu Union, it was no different from a fool''s dream. And that stayed true even though all those who were killed during the battle in this realm could be resurrected afterward, and those who were wounded could be fully healed in an instant! It was still the same even though their fighting strength could always remain at the perfect level! The treatment of this realm was obviously higher than that in the qualification battle, which was almost completely opposite to the first-level''s rules: there was only victory or defeat, no death! After all, the ten sects hereincluding the Residence of Nine Supremeswere essentially the sects that already had the Celestial Luck Banners and were no longer cannon fodder in the qualification battle! At this time, except for Cangwu Union, all the people in the other eight sects looked bored. It was too boring! They came all the way here just to watch Cangwu Union fight the challenger, and when the battle was over, they would go home and then come back three years later, only to do the same thing again. Sects with Celestial Luck Banners were basically existences worse off than some but better off than many, because owning a Celestial Luck Banner meant having the ability to despise all sects without a Celestial Luck Banner. However, it was also because they had personally experienced the power of the Celestial Luck Banner and even knew the frightening power of higher-class Celestial Luck Banners that most sects had long extinguished their enterprising spirit. All they wanted was to maintain the status quo. Even if they still had the will to fight, they had a clear estimation of themselves, and would never bring humiliation on themselves before they had absolute confidence in success. Perhaps, only Golden Cauldron Sect had some other plans. Long in the first place among the lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, they felt they had accumulated enough strength to support them to go one step further, and intended to challenge the middle-class Celestial Luck Banner when things were done here. They were also the only sect with lower-class Celestial Luck Banner that was qualified to challenge the higher class! Even Huo Yunfeng and his two fellow brothers, who were sitting high above everyone else, only had calm faces smeared with a faint hint of helplessness. ''This year''s luck has clearly hit rock bottom. Not only was I sent to preside over the battle of lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, but none of the bottom eight sects had the will to challenge. Apart from the top-ranked Golden Cauldron Sect, which shows the intention of challenging the middle-class Celestial Luck Banner, other sects have no desires to change their positions...'' ''Well, there''s at least the Golden Cauldron Sect.'' ''But, the Golden Cauldron Sect is not challenging middle-class Celestial Luck Banner in this venue!'' ''So, there is only one battle today between Cangwu Union and Residence of Nine Supremes...'' ''There is no suspense at all!'' ''A sect that has possessed a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner for thousands of years against a sect that has just been established...Even fools wouldn''t bet on the wrong side, would they?'' Even if Mount Penta-Tier had prevented all the experts from probing with their divine sense so that no one could see each other''s true strength even face to face, such an obvious thing did not need to be found out with divine sense; one could know the result with just their buttocks. "This year''s battle of Celestial Luck Banners is just too boring. Brothers, do you want to bet with me?" Huo Yunfeng asked his two fellow brothers with a voice transmission. "How would you like to bet, big brother? Are you the banker?" Ding Buke and You Buneng replied in unison. "I can be the banker. We will bet on the outcome of the battle between Cangwu Union and Residence of Nine Supremes. What do you think?" Ding Buke smiled. "I''m fine with it. I bet on Cangwu Union." You Buneng chuckled and said, "It''s best that big brother is willing to be the banker. I, too, bet on Cangwu Union!" Glaring at them, Huo Yunfeng said, "Don''t you think it''s really boring if you bet like that? Do I look like a fathead to you?" Ding Buke laughed and said, "Big brother, you are the boring one. As our senior, you should be magnanimous. Now that you''ve agreed to be the banker, it means that the two of us can bet at will. Don''t tell me that you will play only if we bet on Residence of Nine Supremes?" "That''s right!" You Buneng chimed in. "One cannot be so shameless! A banker who sets a restriction on bets is a cheater!" Huo Yunfeng rubbed his chin. "Brothers, you''d better think it over. Although Residence of Nine Supremes is only a new challenger, the bearing and power of its people are extraordinary. After all, it is the best sect among the qualification battle who had defeated five hundred opponents. I have heard that Wild Saber Sect had also participated in this year''s qualification battle, a sect that fought fiercely with Cangwu Union decades ago. Residence of Nine Supremes''s ability to defeat Wild Saber Sect proves that its strength cannot be underestimated. At least in my opinion, the two sides in this battle are evenly matched and the outcome is uncertain. Consider again, brothers! I am a very accommodating banker. Since they haven''t started yet, I''ll allow you to change your bets once. It is now or never..." Ding Buke and You Buneng snorted at the same time and stared at Huo Yunfeng with an idiotic look. "Change the bets? Do you think we are idiots? Giving you spiritual jade for nothing?" "We are brothers, so we just play smart to lift the spirits. Let''s bet ten...no, five spiritual jades. What do you think? Both of you bet on Residence of Nine Supremes and I''ll pay you five times if you win!" Ding Buke and You Buneng laughed scornfully. "Not satisfied? Fine. If you bet on Residence of Nine Supremes, I''ll give you 10-1 odds! How''s that? If you win, you can get fifty supreme-grade spiritual jades! What''s the point of betting on Cangwu Union when you will only get a little profit? Fortune favors the bold!" "Hah..." "15-1!" "Hah..." "30-1! This is my limit! If you still don''t want to bet with me, forget it!" Huo Yunfeng complained, "It''s too boring!" You Buneng thought for a moment. "You said 30-1? Then I''ll bet two spiritual jades on Residence of Nine Supremes to add a little bit of fun. You are the boss, and as your junior brother, giving you two supreme-grade spiritual jades is my limit. I can''t afford any more." "You Buneng, why did you agree? What''s wrong with you?" said Ding Buke angrily. "This shameless guy has been cheating our spiritual jades all these years, and I''ve lost hundreds to him! How can you still fall for his trick?" While smiling, You Buneng said, "Don''t you understand? This guy is going to pull the two of us into the game no matter what. What''s the big deal about two supreme-grade spiritual jades? Think of it as a small bet to lift the spirits and send this gambler away." "Ding Buke, can you just say whether you want to bet or not? It is your business not to bet, but don''t make a scene and interfere with others'' judgment." "Well, now that You Buneng has made his bet, it would seem that I am not generous enough if I let him suffer alone," said Ding Buke. "I will lay down my life to accompany him once and lose two spiritual jades to you. But, you have to promise me one thing in advancewhen we get back, you have to treat us with your Thousand Spirit Wine! Otherwise, we will not play your game!" "It''s a deal!" The two sighed. "It''s a deal!" Huo Yunfeng''s spirit was suddenly revived when he saw the sure-win game was on. "Now I am really interested in this battle. We''ll have to watch it carefully later." The two men rolled their eyes. "You are not interested in the battle but our spiritual jades...I really admire your cheekiness! How could you say things that have no basis as if they are true? Wild Saber Sect has not participated in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners for at least a hundred years, right? And yet you used it as an excuse to lure us in. I really don''t know what to say about you!" Hearing that, Huo Yunfeng paused for a moment and then said in surprise, "Oh? Wild Saber Sect has not participated in the battle for a hundred years? I remember wrongly then...In any case, we''re betting on who''s going to win, Residence of Nine Supremes or Cangwu Union, so it doesn''t matter if there is no Wild Saber Sect!" Rolling his eyes, Ding Buke said, "I knew you were uttering nonsense just now! I almost believed that..." ... Down there, the sect leader of Cangwu UnionHong Changtianhad been standing for some time, clearly waiting for the arrangement of the matches. However, the three executive officers of Sacred Heart Palace above him seemed to be discussing something and did not pay him any attention. It was not appropriate for him to sit down, but he felt somewhat embarrassed if he kept on standing there. What was going on now? Yun Yang was also confused about the current situation. It seemed to him that the private discussion between the three above was surrounded in...a joyous atmosphere? What were they talking about that made them look so happy? Weren''t they supposed to get down to business? As both men were wondering, Huo Yunfeng turned to them and said leisurely, "Sect Leader of the Residence of Nine Supremes and Sect Leader of Cangwu Union, please come up here." Both men moved at the same time, going up in bewilderment. They set foot on the amethyst stand almost at the same time. "Let''s discuss the order of the matches." Huo Yunfeng was in a good mood at the thought that four supreme-grade spiritual jades were about to fall into his pocket. ''No gain is too slight to bother with, let alone four supreme-grade spiritual jades!'' So, with kind and pleasant countenance, he said, "You two discuss how the first match between the pillar forces and the second match between the top experts will proceed. According to the usual practice, Cangwu Union will decide the way to fight in the third match. After that, there may be the fourth and fifth matches. Decide how are you going to fight now and here!" No matter how pleasant Huo Yunfeng behaved and even spoke in an inquiring tone, both Hong Changtian and Yun Yang felt from his words that he had already made arrangements and that they just had to follow suit. "The arrangement is excellent," said Hong Changtian. Yun Yang accepted it as well. "That''s fine by me. I''ll do as Your Excellency bid." "Great! You can go back and arrange your men now. Start as soon as you can. The battle of the Celestial Luck Banners attaches the greatest importance to fairness, so I won''t say more." Huo Yunfeng paused, and his face grew more pleasant while his smile broadened before he spoke again, "I wish both of you get what you want. Haha!" The corners of Yun Yang and Hong Changtian''s mouths twitched. ''You wish both of us get what we want at the same time?'' ''Your blessing seemed really...odd!'' 1060 The First Victory! The blessing had no sincerity at all! Yun Yang curled his lip and Hong Changtian rolled his eyes. As both of them turned around and walked down the stands, Hong Changtian''s chilly voice rang out. "Sect Leader Yun, although there are always casualties in the fight, none of us will be truly wounded or killed thanks to the magical power of this realm. When this is over, we, as neighbors, should get together again." What he meant was that although he could not kill Yun Yang here, he could always do it later. Yun Yang smiled warmly. "Residence of Nine Supremes is a newly established sect, and we ought to consult Sect Leader Hong for the precious experience of being a sect with a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner. After all, we have no experience in holding a Celestial Luck Banner, and we might make ourselves a laughingstock for all..." His words were polite, but what he truly meant was that the Residence of Nine Supremes would certainly defeat Cangwu Union. Hong Changtian snorted angrily and flicked his sleeve as he walked away. Meanwhile, Yun Yang went back to his people while laughing. "The first match is between the pillar forces. I suggest Shi Wuchen, what do you think?" Yun Yang looked at the eight people. Luo Dajiang cleared his throat and said, "Yi Tuo will certainly do well, but I wonder if we have the chance to fight after him..." Shi Wuchen snorted as sword intent burst out of him, and Luo Dajiang was pushed back a few steps with a clanging noise. Then, he walked out with his sword without uttering nonsense. "I''m Shi Wuchen, Supreme Sword of the Residence of Nine Supremes. Which one among the seniors from Cangwu Union is willing to be my opponent?" He stepped into the arena with towering sword intent, striking awe into those who saw him. "Who is this man? He has a very strong sword intent!" However, as soon as the crowd heard his name, they roared with laughter, their voices ringing for a long time. "So he is Shi Wuchen, one of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, the famous whetstones of the Bound of Universe...No wonder I found him familiar!" With derisive laughter and cutting remarks ringing in his ears, Shi Wuchen''s face was impassive. "Yes, I am Shi Wuchen, who used to be called a whetstone. In fact, I am still a whetstone for you all here today. Now, I hope the people of Cangwu Union can show me some guidance and let me, as a whetstone, do my job. This is a rare opportunity, because when we are done here, we won''t be able to enjoy the benefit of being resurrected." He smiled darkly. "Please seize the opportunity." In the face of all the provocation and taunts that were thrown at him like an avalanche, Shi Wuchen remained calm and even seemed to be enjoying them very much. At the sight of this, Hong Changtian''s pupils constricted for the very first time. "Third brother," he called out in a low voice. Someone walked out from behind hima middle-aged man in his forties, judging from his appearance. With a cold and indifferent face, the man said, "I will not disappoint you, Senior Brother. I will win this match." Then, he walked out slowly. "Jiang Jingfei, the Merciless Sword of Cangwu Union, is here to experience Residence of Nine Supremes''s superiority." He paused for a brief moment before adding, "I''ve long heard brother Shi''s name, but I never had the chance of meeting you in person. Thanks to today''s match, I can finally fulfill my wish of sharpening my sword with the whetstone." A hint of a smile appeared on Shi Wuchen''s cold, impassive face. "After you." With a sonorous sword cry, Jiang Jingfei''s sword was drawn from the scabbard, and a bright light filled the arena as sword intent towered into the sky. The powerful sword intent soon spread across the whole place, causing the swords hanging from the waists of many to produce a clanging sound. He actually created a scene similar to thousands of swords crying in unison! Standing beside Yun Yang, Jiang Luoluo said, "This man is ranked the second strongest expert in Cangwu Union, but rumors have it that his cultivation base is actually above that of their sect leader, Hong Changtian. He devoted his whole life to swords, so even though he did not cultivate for many years, he has achieved mastery in the Sword Dao. He is a formidable foe!" "What is his current level, roughly?" "I''m not sure. Although Cangwu Union owns a Celestial Luck Banner, it is only a lower-class one, and the sect ranked the last. So, Phoenix Cry Sect has never paid too much attention to it. In fact, the reason I know some background of Jiang Jingfei is because after I came to the Residence of Nine Supremes, I''ve gone through some information when I had nothing to do..." When she talked, the contempt of a disciple from a middle-class sect against lower-class sects could be clearly heard in her voice. "What is the level of the strongest expert in your Phoenix Cry Sect, if I may ask?" Yun Yang asked pensively. Jiang Luoluo hesitated, but then said, "I''m really not sure about this. What I do know is that the cultivation base of my master, who is also the sect leader, has reached the peak first-tier of the Supreme Saint realm. However, I can''t guarantee that my master''s cultivation base is the strongest in the sect, and that there is no one as strong or even stronger." "That''s enough. Thank you!" As it was the secret information of her sect, Jiang Luoluo could not make it very clear. Nevertheless, what she said had told Yun Yang many things. In all major sects with a long heritage, the cultivation base of the sect leader was usually not the strongest. After all, the sect leader held another responsibility, that was to manage the whole sect. So, it was hard to focus on cultivating. But, the cultivation base of the number one expert in the sect was certainly not far apart from the sect leader. It was absolutely impossible to have a situation where there was a huge gap between them. ''I know General Commerce League has three Supreme Saints, and they are all third-tier experts. That''s why they have the strength and confidence to fight for the superior-class Celestial Luck Banner. Jiang Luoluo''s sect doesn''t rank too high among the sects with middle-class Celestial Luck Banners, and the sect leader is a first-tier Supreme Saint...From this, I can basically conclude that most of the sects with middle-class Celestial Luck Banners do not have Saint Lords. ''It is also highly possible that those super sects with upper-class Celestial Luck Banners but are ranked relatively lower might not have Saint Lords either.'' After pondering for some time, Yun Yang reached a conclusion that was rather positive for Residence of Nine Supremes. Meanwhile, Shi Wuchen was slowly drawing his sword in the arena; inch by inch, the bright blade was revealed before all. Compared with Jiang Jingfei''s spectacle, the way he drew his sword was undramatic, almost boring. But, no matter how one made a show of strength before the fight, the essence of a duel always lay in the fight itself. The first clash between them was a head-on exchange of their swords. Streaks of bright light crossed with one another as a thundering rumble burst out like the cry of a dragon or the roar of a tiger, stirring the souls of everyone present. Even though the match had just begun, they were already fighting in such an extreme way, which was rather rare in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners. The match between Shi Wuchen and Jiang Jingfei was the match of pillar forces and also the first match. As the ones who fought the first match, apart from winning, both of them had another responsibility related to morale. If the challenging side won the first match, their morale would naturally be boosted, and the confidence of the following challengers would certainly be elevated. On the contrary, if the defending side won, the situation would turn for the worse for the challenger. Therefore, both challenging and defending sides would do their best in the first match. Otherwise, Cangwu Union would not have sent Jiang Jingfei, their top expert whose actual strength was ranked in the top three within the sect, to fight the first match. In a head-on clash like the way they fought now, one''s cultivation base was the most important because under such a combat mode, the aid provided by techniques and movements was reduced to the lowest. Once a side suffered a setback in the attack, it usually meant total defeat. Therefore, if it had not come down to the wire, rarely did anyone fight in such a way, let alone when the match had just begun. That was the reason why the people from both sects became nervous when they saw their first exchange, some anticipating and some worrying that the outcome would be decided with just one move. Fortunately, the match was far from over. The crowd saw Shi Wuchen stagger before bolting thirty feet backward while Jiang Jingfei''s body swayed and moved back half a step. Both men turned to the side at the same time. Swoosh! Swoosh! Two beams of sword energy flew past both men''s throats at the same time. On the surface, they seemed to be well-matched in strength. Even though Shi Wuchen was slightly weaker, he was by no means unable to fight. The gap between them was negligible. The faces of Yun Yang and others grew serious, and the spectators from other sects looked shocked. Even Huo Yunfeng had his expression changed dramatically. Ding Buke and You Buneng, on the other hand, had their eyes lit up. In the battle of Celestial Luck, probing with divine sense was restricted. As a result, one could no longer find out the target''s actual cultivation base at a glance like usual. It might be the case for others though, but as the higher-ups of the Sacred Heart Palace, the judgment and experience of Huo Yunfeng and his two fellow brothers were far superior to that of those present, so they could still notice more details. Even though they could not find out the actual cultivation base of both men in the match right now due to the restriction of this realm, they could tell by just looking at Shi Wuchen that his retreat of thirty feet was on purpose. Instead, Jiang Jingfei''s half-step was true, because he had lost his balance and was forced to move back. In other words, Shi Wuchen was not as weak as he was showing! And clearly his opponent, Jiang Jingfei, did not realize that. Moreover, as they clashed in such an extreme way, no matter what was their strength, they would have to endure the impact. By retreating thirty feet, it was more than enough for Shi Wuchen to cancel out the impact. But Jiang Jingfei had forcibly taken the impact, and it was only when he could no longer hold it that he moved back half a step. As a consequence, the pressure he suffered was greater. As a conclusion, after the first exchange, not only did Shi Wuchen not fall into a disadvantaged position, but he actually gained a slight upper hand. The two men in the arena fought fiercely, exchanging strikes without stopping. Shi Wuchen continued his initial posture and fall into a complete disadvantage. Whenever their weapons clashed, his body swayed. At the sight of that, his opponent seized the opportunity by raining him with blows swinging and cutting and slashing the sword as if it were a chopping knife forcing Shi Wuchen to counter the attacks with force. It was clear that he wished to end the match as quickly as possible. Jiang Jingfei''s intention was obvioushe wanted to suppress and kill Shi Wuchen with absolute force! He wanted to declare that Cangwu Union could never be defeated with that domineering attitude! Shi Wuchen kept retreating, and after several exchanges, he had moved back at least four to five hundred feet, from the center of the arena to almost the edge. When they saw their man gain the upper hand, the thirty-odd people of Cangwu Union cheered at the top of their lungs, and the atmosphere grew warmer. Over on the Residence of Nine Supremes side, the disciples were also cheering loudly, their palms wet with sweat and their expressions extremely nervous. They looked as though they wished they could run into the arena and fight. At that moment, another loud clanging noise rang out. Like before, Shi Wuchen was weaker in strength, so he staggered and then quickly moved back three steps, his body swaying and his face turning pale. But this time Jiang Jingfei''s face was bloodless as well, and he was drenched in sweat. Despite that, his spirit was unusually high and his eyes burned with excitement. He pressed on, unwilling to relax. It was clear that he felt he had the upper hand and was anxious for success. Until now, both men had fought for over ten minutes. In the arena, Shi Wuchen''s condition was getting worse. He was breathing rapidly, and his dodging grew messier. Suddenly, he let out a muffled grunt and staggered, losing his balance. Even his sword was moved to the side, exposing his chest. Jiang Jingfei saw the opportunity he was waiting for. He laughed hideously and exercised an extremely fast movement technique as he dashed across a hundred feet like a bolt of lightning. The sword in his grip flickered with a captivating gleam as he roared and thrust its tip straight toward Shi Wuchen''s chest! His intention to kill his opponent was evident. It seemed the killing strike was unavoidable. Was the match about to over? Cries of alarm rang out from among the people of Residence of Nine Supremes. Although they knew that the dead would be resurrected and the wounded would be healed in the main arena for the battle of the Celestial Luck Banners, as it was the first time they had come here, it was normal for them to feel shocked and horrified in the face of life and death. But then, Shi Wuchen, who had lost his balance and was about to fall to the ground, suddenly reversed his declining condition. In the blink of an eye, he performed a rolling action which seemed impossible to the others and shifted himself three feet to the side. As a result, Jiang Jingfei''s sword flew past Shi Wuchen. It was a killing strike, so he had put all his strength in it, and it had passed the point of turning back. At this moment, Jiang Jingfei''s face fell. But, he had no time to react. After avoiding the killing strike, Shi Wuchen launched a fierce counterattack. He spun, and his sword thrust out like a venomous dragon darting out of its lair! The strike was extremely fast, its speed almost exceeding that of light. Even as the light had just reflected off its blade, it had reached its target. A soft wet sound rang out, signifying that the sword had accurately hit the target! Jiang Jingfei shrieked and his incredulous eyes moved to his chest. He saw a sword standing there, glinting coldly while streams of blood were gushing out. The sword came too fast, so fast that it had stabbed into the ground as soon as its tip pierced the chest! Roaring, he mustered all his remaining strength and wanted to jump to his feet, but he had forgotten that his body was pinned to the ground by the sword. As he leaped, his body was torn apart. But at this moment, he was so determined that he ignored his broken body and reached both hands out to grab Shi Wuchen''s neck. A gust of strong wind blew over. "You...cheated!" With a kick, Shi Wuchen ripped Jiang Jingfei''s already broken body into pieces. "What matters in a match is victory, and the rest is only trifles. Yes, I cheated, but so what? Don''t you know that there can never be too much deception in war? I can''t lose this match and I will not lose," said Shi Wuchen indifferently. His voice was not loud, but the people present all had sharp ears and eyes, so they heard him clearly. They learned a lesson from his words and each had their own understanding. Jiang Jingfei''s body broke into pieces in mid-air and scattered everywhere, blood spilling all over the place. 1061 Acting Is Hard Work The outcome had been decided. The man who had been attacking aggressively was defeated, now dead. Meanwhile, the man who had been dodging all the time and was in a disadvantageous position had miraculously accomplished a counterattack. The happy face of Hong Changtian turned pale in an instant while all the people of Cangwu Union had a dull look in their eyes as if they were struck by a thunderbolt. Defeated! The crucial first match was lost! And it was mysteriously lost when the wind was at their back! There could never be too much deception in war? What kind of deception was this? Hong Changtian almost coughed up a mouthful of blood. At this moment, a light flickered in the arena. The legendary benefit of resurrection had arrived as expected. Jiang Jingfei, who was dead with his body broken into pieces, came back to life in a flash. He stood there with a blank face, and suddenly roared after a few moments. "Shi Wuchen! Come over here!" At that moment, Huo Yunfeng cried out from his high stand, "The outcome had been decided! Why are you still shouting there? Get out!" When he heard that, Jiang Jingfei shivered all over, and his face turned deathly pale and bloodless. It was only after Hong Changtian had called him many times that he walked out of the arena, one heavy step at a time, as if he was dragging mountains behind him. Huo Yunfeng sighed softly. "He''s a fool! How could he not realize that his opponent was deliberately giving the impression of weakness to exhaust his strength and energy? He deserves to be defeated! In fact, it would be weird if he did not lose." Shi Wuchen came back with a pale face as well, greeted by his fellow brothers'' eyes which looked concerned but were playful. Luo Dajiang came up to him. "Ol'' second, it must be hard for you to act in this play, right?" Shi Wuchen snorted and rolled his eyes. "What else could I do? This is Boss''s plan...I wanted to cut him down with one strike, but Boss didn''t let me." Ren Qingkuang laughed. "Ol'' second, as you''ve experienced it personally, tell us, what level is that Jiang Jingfei''s strength at?" Shi Wuchen said with a snort, "He''s probably at the peak level of second-tier Saint. Had it not been because Boss repeatedly asked me to act according to the strategy, I would have turned him into ashes with one strike!" They all laughed, and no one mocked him for blowing his own trumpet. Instead, they patted him on the shoulder and kept praising him. "Ol'' second, you''re one good Ol'' second!" Shi Wuchen cocked his head and snorted. But then, he quickly turned to them, puzzled. "Why are you...not calling me Yi Tuo anymore?" "How could we have the heart to call you that again when you''ve made such a great contribution by winning the first match and even acted so hard, Ol'' second? We just couldn''t have the heart..." Someone said sincerely. He still felt something was not right. Scratching his head, he said, "No, I don''t feel right. You guys..." At that moment, Yun Yang interrupted him by saying with a seemingly serious face, "The second match is here! Stop bothering with names." Shi Wuchen, "..." The second match was the pinnacle of the battle. According to the usual practice, it was fought between the top experts from both sects. At this moment, Jiang Jingfei was kneeling before the stand belonging to Cangwu Union, unwilling to stand up no matter how others persuaded him. His face was covered with tears, and he did not speak a word. Hong Changtian had spoken a few words to him as if to comfort him, but he still refused to stand up like his knees were rooted to the ground. No one from Cangwu Union could change his mind. Shi Wuchen sighed softly. "He''s a tough man. I feel a little sorry for him..." At that moment, an old man in the opposite camp stood up with a sword in his hand, his whole body erupting with copious mystical Qi as he leaped off the stand mightily. "Stand up, Jingfei, and watch how I win back a match for you." The old man had grey hair, a hale and hearty face, skinny frame, and an unusual heighthe was over eight feet tall! When he stood up, he looked like a straight bamboo pole. He walked gracefully while his blue clothes fluttered against the wind, and he was within the arena in the blink of an eye. "Cangwu Union has lost the first match," he said coldly. "Now, which expert from the Residence of Nine Supremes will fight in the second match? My name is Gao Danyun, and I will be your opponent!" Yun Yang rose to his feet and was about to answer when Luo Dajiang said, "Boss, why don''t you let me fight this match?" Yun Yang halted and considered for a brief moment before nodding. "Yes, this will be more in line with the established strategy." Luo Dajiang laughed, obviously very proud of himself. While frowning, Ren Qingkuang said, "Boss, this match is the pinnacle of the battle, and according to the usual practice, is fought between the strongest experts of both sects. Gao Danyun should be Cangwu Union''s number one expert, but as divine senses are isolated here, we can''t find out his actual strength, making it the greatest uncertainty in this match. If Dajiang wins, then so be it, but if he loses, the following path will be tougher for us to tread. Even if we eventually win this battle, we would have lost the opportunity to continue challenging." A hesitant look immediately appeared on Luo Dajiang''s face when he heard that. After all, Residence of Nine Supremes''s goal was to seize a higher-class Celestial Luck Banner, so they could not afford to make any careless mistake in all the matches. They must win all the matches! The playful look on the faces of Lan Ruojun and others was gone as well, replaced by seriousness. Sure, Shi Wuchen had made a good start, but it might be because his opponent knew nothing about his true strength. The old man was obviously Cangwu Union''s number one expert, and if his strength was stronger than their estimation and he managed to defeat Luo Dajiang, who was weaker, their journey would end here. Yun Yang was the only one who still looked relaxed. "Don''t worry, Dajiang, I guarantee you will not lose. This old man''s strength is far weaker than yours." "Are you sure?" "Why would I lie to you? I''ve seen it with my own eyes!" Yun Yang laughed. Luo Dajiang was in high spirits once again. "In that case, I''ll fight him now." "Go ahead." Carrying his saber, he jumped into the arena. "I''m Luo Dajiang, the Supreme Saber of Residence of Nine Supremes. I''ll be your opponent!" A sibilant murmur pervaded the stands on both sides. "Another one from the Demiurge-Flawed Ten? This Residence of Nine Supremes is pretty interesting!" Huo Yunfeng could not help but laugh. "Two of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten have shown up. I wonder if more of them are here? Could it be that this Residence of Nine Supremes is the home for the famous whetstones in Bound of Universe?" "Don''t underestimate the Demiurge-Flawed Ten, Boss," said Ding Buke. "They have been whetstones for many years, and yet none of them died. This alone is already a rare story. Moreover, they not only have an astonishing strength that is not below the top fighting strength of the sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, but they are also armed with an extremely rich fighting experience. When they are gathered together in one sect, they become a fearsome group. This has been proven by the first match. I think that once the Residence of Nine Supremes gets the Celestial Luck Banner, it will surely soar rapidly." 1062 One Strike! "Well, that does make sense," said Huo Yunfeng. "But, doesn''t that mean Lead Supreme Yun Yang is not the strongest expert in this newly established Residence of Nine Supremes? According to the information in our hands, he is a genius who ascended from the lower realm, but his cultivation base is not too strong, at least not a match for any of the Demiurge-Flawed Ten. If that is true, doesn''t that mean he''s only working for others? I don''t believe that." You Buneng said, "Certainly not! Generally, the leaders of sects with a long history are all experienced and prudent people, and they don''t need to have an outstanding cultivation base. But, as the founder of a sect, he must be an extraordinarily gifted man. He would never work for others." "I agree with Old You. As a genius who ascended from the lower realm, Yun Yang would not be so short-sighted as to be used by others," Ding Buke added. "Moreover, although newly established, Residence of Nine Supremes had defeated five hundred sects and seized the qualification to fight for the Celestial Luck Banner. It is not an easy thing to accomplish, and definitely not something that the Demiurge-Flawed Ten could achieve." With a deep look in his eyes, Huo Yunfeng said, "It seems that this Residence of Nine Supremes is really interesting, and it is too early to say who will win the battle." You Buneng chuckled. "What goes around comes around. I can already see the sixty pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade smiling at me." Huo Yunfeng''s face darkened when he heard that, and the profound look on his face disappeared in an instant. In the arena Gao Danyun rested a hand on the hilt of his sword and said in a cold voice, "Between us, my sect is the senior. So, I will allow you, the challenger, to strike first!" Luo Dajiang gave a loud laugh and did not speak, but just took a long stride. Meanwhile, his body seemed to have doubled in size. His frame was large and tall to begin with. In fact, he was not shorter than Gao Danyun, and even burlier. And now with his body doubled in size, he moved like a great mountain with an imposing momentum, seeming unstoppable. As he ran for his opponent, a crisp noise rang outthe gold band that bound his hair suddenly broke, causing his long hair to wave fiercely in the air. Three steps later, he leaped and the saber in his grip abruptly swung down like a thunderbolt descending from the heavens! Domineering! Wild! His aura shook the heaven and the ground! At this moment, Gao Danyun felt a chill rose from the bottom of his heart as if he was plunged into a freezing river. He could not move or even think, and he just stood in place like a stone! He felt like he was a little lamb on a grassland, and in front of him was a prehistorical beast running wildly at him, eager to slaughter him. He was completely locked down. He could not escape. He could not avoid it. Flickering like a thunderbolt, the saber struck down at him. But Gao Danyun was, after all, the strongest expert of Cangwu Union. At the critical juncture, he finally came back to his senses. Letting out a roar, he slashed out his sword while putting all his strength in it. Meanwhile, he bolted backward in an attempt to defend himself. Clearly, he was not confident that he could ward off the attack. Even then, the saber came, and the blades of both weapons collided head-on. But, what seemed to create an explosive clash produced only a soft sound. The sword of Gao Danyun, the number one expert of Cangwu Union, was hacked in two, seeming vulnerable like paper. Without even slowing down, the saber continued to move down and cut into the crown of his head, went through his body and came out of his crotch, then hacked into the ground. A loud rumble rang out from underground, the noise caused by the powerful force of the saber smashed on the ground with. The rumbling echoed incessantly among the nearby mountains and valleys. The skinny body of Gao Danyun was cut into two equal parts by the saber, falling to either side and looking like two thin sheets of paper drifting helplessly in the wind. The match ended so quickly that it was beyond the imagination and expectation of everyone, causing a dead silence to reign over the audience for a very long time. All eyes grew wide in disbelief, including that of Huo Yunfeng and his two fellow brothers. Wasn''t this the match between the number one experts of both sects? Even if the match was not fought fiercely and intensely as everyone had expected, the two men should have exchanged a few rounds of attacks before one side was defeated by the other with an amazing move. If not, the match should have also been filled with plots or secret spells that were bizarre or unpredictable, surprising everyone. But in the end... Although the outcome was equally unexpected, it was over even before a strike was completed. Was this a joke? At the sight of this, the people of Cangwu Union jumped to their feet, their bodies stiffened as they stared fixedly at the arena like they were seeing ghosts. ''The challenger strike first.'' They had just heard their Grand Uncle-Master said like a gentleman. Then, the challenger struck, and the next thing they saw was their Grand Uncle-Master hacked in two. At this moment, not only were the spectators surprised, even Luo Dajiang was stunned. Blood was still dripping from the blade of his saber, but he had a baffled look on his face. At the beginning of the match, he was under great mental pressure. It was probably due to the risk of losing the match his fellow brothers were talking about and the fact that he could not probe his opponent''s strength here. And when that was coupled with his opponent''s imposing manner, the way his opponent confidently allowed him to strike first, the pressure grew even more tremendous. As a result, he struck out with all his power, for he feared that he might lose. But, he did not expect that his opponent, who was supposed to be the number one expert of Cangwu Union and acted like one as well, was killed by him with only one strike... How did this happen? Luo Dajiang was still in a state of confusion when the cheering of his brothers and disciples erupted behind him. He still could not figure out how that had happened. Scratching his head, he muttered, "It...ended just like this?" Huo Yunfeng''s voice, which sounded like he was having constipation, came from high above. "Residence of Nine Supremes won the second match of the challenge!" His heart was twitching when he said that. ''Damnit! My 120 pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade are about to fly away...'' ''Is this even real? I never expected this!'' The chair beneath him was already shattered by the mystical Qi leaking out of him. Although it looked intact right now, it was merely because his mystical Qi had kept it in shape. Once he stood up or retracted his mystical Qi, it would crumble immediately and turn into ashes. At this moment, his heart was filled with rage. ''Cangwu Union, do you even know that you are a sect who has owned a Celestial Luck Banner for over one thousand years? And over the years, no other sect except Wild Saber Sect could shake your foundation? Damnit! Why did you fight so poorly? Are you trying to make me lose?'' 1063 Victory! There was a flash of light. In the arena, Gao Danyun''s body, which had been sliced in two, vanished and then reappeared in the next instant, alive and unhurt. He stood there blankly, his face pale and his eyes dull. After a long time, his seemingly frozen body trembled while beads of sweat broke out of his forehead, trickling down his cheeks. What filled his head even now was the strike that shook the heaven and earth. It was a tyrannical strike that threatened the world, an unwavering strike that was without a rival and impossible to defend against. It was simply an extreme sense of death. He was no match for such a strike; he deserved to be defeated. After another long moment, Gao Danyun sighed melancholically. "I''ve lost..." As he spun, his graceful bearing was gone in an instant, and then he hobbled his way to his sect. Hong Changtian watched with eyes full of disbelief as his Grand Uncle-Master walked back like a dying old man. His body was still stiff and his mind was completely blank. In a trembling voice, he said, "Grand...Grand Uncle-Master... this..." With a pale face, Gao Danyun shook his head and said deeply, "His strength is far beyond mine. It was a complete suppression and had nothing to do with plots. I can''t even resist his aura. I''ve lost this match, and I''m convinced of the outcome. I think I''ll never forget this for the rest of my life..." Hong Changtian''s eyes widened instantly, filled with horror. "The third match..." Huo Yunfeng''s voice rang out from above. He turned his eyes to Cangwu Union while the people of the other eight sects did the same. To Cangwu Union, the third match was a match of life and death. They had lost the first two matches, and if they lost the third, they would be deprived of their Celestial Luck Banner. So, the decision was now in the hand of Cangwu Union. How would they choose to fight? Who would fight the match? Would it be a match of formation or between their disciples? They had to consider this carefully. If they won, they would not only recover some lost ground, but also have a chance to turn defeat into victory. But if they lost, they would be completely defeated. Hong Changtian''s lips were trembling; it was clear that he was at a loss. The defeat of the first two matches was unexpected, especially the second match, which was a miserable and shameful defeat. Now, as the third match was about to begin, he did not know what to do and could not make up his mind. Standing beside him, Gao Danyun''s face was still pale, but his eyes were flickering as he said deeply, "We are in a dangerous situation now. We have to win this match to lift our spirits, and only then can we talk about the rest of the matches. Although we have lost two matches, I''ve found something in them...Shi Wuchen, the man who fought the first match, has an amazing strength, but is clearly far weaker than Luo Dajiang. The gap between them is huge. However, the Residence of Nine Supremes still laid their hope on him to win the first match, which was the most important one. This can almost prove that Shi Wuchen is the strongest expert in the Residence of Nine Supremes apart from Luo Dajiang." Hong Changtian nodded slowly; that seemed true according to common sense. "Luo Dajiang is the strongest, then Shi Wuchen...That means the cultivation base of the rest in Residence of Nine Supremes is weaker than Shi Wuchen. Is this inference tenable?" Hong Changtian nodded again. "Jiang Jingfei lost the first match, but he was suppressing Shi Wuchen almost the entire time during their fight. Everyone saw that he was defeated in the end because of his opponent''s intrigue. It was a narrow win, and his true strength was actually greater than his opponent''s." "Yes, it is quite possible to say so." "Then, can we conclude that if Jiang Jingfei''s opponent was someone else, he should have won the match?" "Certainly." "But Jiang Jingfei has fought and cannot fight again. Luckily, it''s thanks to this rule that Luo Dajiang cannot fight again either. Otherwise, we''d be doomed! Changtian, your cultivation base is about the same as Jingfei. Although your attacks may not be as fierce, you are far calmer. We need to win the third march, we have to win! "Changtian, why don''t you suggest that the third march be fought between the sect leaders? "Their sect leader has not fought in the first two matches, nor have you! This match is basically equivalent to a match of life and death, and it is reasonable to be decided by the leaders of both sects." After listening to Gao Danyun, Hong Changtian''s restless heart gradually calmed down. He considered for a moment; the more he thought, the more reasonable those words became. Generally, the first match and the match between the top experts were matches to show all their strength, especially the first match. To Residence of Nine Supremes, it was a match they could not lose. If Yun Yang, as the sect leader, had a stronger cultivation base, he would have fought the first match. Although Shi Wuchen had won, it was a narrow and hard victory. There was probably one reason why they made such an arrangement: it was not because Yun Yang did not want to fight, but he was not strong. If he were to fight, the odds of them winning would be even lower. Hong Changtian nodded repeatedly as he rose to his feet. "Yes! The third match is the key, and it is inappropriate to be fought by others. Lead Supreme Yun, why don''t you and I, as the sect leaders, fight this match?" Yun Yang cleared his throat and said lightly, "No matter who fights this match, the outcome will always be the same. Residence of Nine Supremes will definitely win, and the Celestial Luck Banner is already in our bag." While laughing, Hong Changtian leaped down from the stand, drifting slowly into the arena like a cloud with his hands clasped behind his back all the way. "In that case, please come down here, Lead Supreme Yun. I''m Hong Changtian, the sect leader of Cangwu Union!" Yun Yang stood up and paused for a brief moment as if he was hesitating, then said, "Sect Leader Hong, if this match is fought by another person and not you, you will be able to retain your dignity as a sect leader even if that person is defeated. However, if you lose to me, the blow to the confidence of your disciples will be deadly. Have you considered this carefully?" "If we lose the third match, the Celestial Luck Banner will be taken away from Cangwu Union," said Hong Changtian with a smile. "By that time, what does it matter if we have the confidence or not? What does it matter if I no longer have the dignity?" But, he thought in his mind, ''This Yun Yang must be afraid. By talking so much before the match, he is trying to sway me into changing my mind and replacing someone else or distract me. This is not something that an expert would have done.'' That made him more confident. "Please, Lead Supreme Yun!" Yun Yang sighed and flew into the arena. On the high stand "Are the people of Cangwu Union crazy?" Huo Yunfeng''s eyes were wide. "The third match is crucial to them. Residence of Nine Supremes has just been established not long ago. Even if their higher-ups are all experts, their disciples could never be as strong, and only about ten of them are here. Cangwu Union should have requested a match between the disciples to recover some lost ground. Instead, they sent their sect leader to fight this match. What''s wrong with them?" Ding Buke and You Buneng did not understand that decision either and could not figure out the reason behind it. As the founder of a sect, if Yun Yang''s fighting strength was not strong, how could he have subdued experts like Shi Wuchen and Luo Dajiang? Was the sect leader of Cangwu Union an idiot? Could he have already given up and was trying to make a name for Yun Yang? In the arena Hong Changtian drew his sword, his face still full of smiles. "After you." Yun Yang''s hands were empty as he said lightly, "I think it''s better for Sect Leader Hong to attack first." Hong Changtian did not reject that; now was not the time for him to be courteous anyway. His sect had lost two matches in a row, and no matter how calm he looked on the outside, his heart was already boiling. The courtesy he had now was merely to keep the demeanor of a sect leader to take care of his face. And so, he struck out his sword without hesitation. A mountain of swords emerged, and then beams of light poured out of it, heading toward Yun Yang like monstrous waves that swept across the surface of a sea. "A thousand waves!" His first attack was already a killing strike. Man and sword merged into one as the mighty waves of sword light swarmed over. Across Yun Yang, the mountain of swords and the sea of swords stretched as far as the eye could see. He stood firmly in place while his purple clothes fluttered. In the face of such a mighty attack, all he did was lightly lift his right hand and open his fair palm. His movement was gentle and leisurely, clearly visible to all. "What? Not only does this Lead Supreme Yun intend to fight with his bare hands, but he also looks so nonchalant! He is just too careless!" Everyone was staring at his palm and saw that as soon as it was fully opened, it closed abruptly and a clangthe cry of a saberrang out! A saber had appeared out of nowhere in Yun Yang''s fair palm! A strange, beautifully-curved blade shrouded in fingers of purple mist! With the saber in hand, he seemed to have grown taller. He placed his left hand behind his back and lifted his right hand before swinging it straight down. The strike was almost identical to Luo Dajiang''s! The difference between them was that Luo Dajiang held his saber with both hands and leaped toward his opponent, taking advantage of the momentum, but Yun Yang only struck out his saber when his opponent was in front of him. In terms of the lead-ups alone, both strikes were very far apart. Luo Dajiang''s strike was awe-inspiring, as if he would either make it or break it with the attack, and Yun Yang''s strike was overly casual. However, the outcomes of both strikes were shockingly identical as well! There was a flash of light, and then Yun Yang turned around with his hands clasped behind his back, making his way back to his camp. Hong Changtian, on the other hand, was frozen in place, holding his sword in an thrust-out posture. A brief moment later, the sword broke in the middle with a soft crack, and two-and-a-half-foot long section fell to the ground. After that, a fine blood-red line appeared on his forehead, gradually growing larger and soon filling his forehead. Then, jets of blood sprayed out of it with a hissing sound as his body split into two parts. The strike had come too quickly and sharply, so the two halves of the body stood for a while before falling apart when they could no longer hold the balance. Just like Luo Dajiang, Yun Yang''s extremely casual and straight cut had split Hong Changtian''s body into two parts. Because it was so fast, the body did not fall apart until he had turned and walked over a hundred feet away. By the time Hong Changtian''s body fell to the ground, Yun Yang had already returned to his place, staring at the arena with the same indifferent look in his eyes, his handsome face expressionless. With one stroke, he had secured the Celestial Luck Banner, but this leader of Residence of Nine Supremes did not show any look of happiness or triumph. He was as calm and composed as before, as if the outcome was what was supposed to happen. Since it was supposed to happen, it did not deserve his surprise. All the people from the eight sects in the stands on either side of the arena, as well as Huo Yunfeng and his two fellow brothers, were rendered speechless once again, gaping at the scene for a long time. Everyone''s eyes were filled with thick disbelief. One strike...It was one strike again! Another match ended with one strike! Luo Dajiang''s strike was full of a domineering and powerful air, but Yun Yang''s strike was extremely casual, as easy as flipping one''s palm. The relaxed and smooth feeling was felt by almost everyone present. And the way his saber appeared out of nowhere in his palm and then silently disappeared after the strike gave them an even stronger impact. From beginning to end, no one could find out where did the saber come from and where did it go. All they saw was a flash of light, and then the match was over. "Residence of Nine Supremes is the winner of the match between the sect leaders!" Huo Yunfeng''s voice was hoarse and bitter. ''With three losses in a row, the outcome of the battle is now decided, and my 120 pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade are gone as well...'' ''How is this even possible! Have I really done too many wicked deeds? Have I!'' As he announced the winner, Hong Changtian was resurrected like the two before him. There he stood blankly and wordless with a pair of dull eyes, looking like a dead man. He took two steps reflexively, then suddenly wailed and burst into tears. The Celestial Luck Banner was gone! From then on, Cangwu Union no longer had the Celestial Luck Banner. It had lost its pride and was reduced to an ordinary sect in the martial world. If it wished to take back the Celestial Luck Banner... He closed his eyes as tears trickled down his cheeks. "Residence of Nine Supremes has won three matches in the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner and is now promoted to a sect with a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner." Huo Yunfeng''s voice was hoarse. "Congratulations, Residence of Nine Supremes and Sect Leader Yun." Everyone looked at Yun Yang and those around him with complicated eyes. ''The wolf is here!'' The same thought filled the mind of all. The fighting strength of Residence of Nine Supremes was simply too frightening. Hong Changtian returned to his seat in a daze as if sleepwalking, and what greeted him were the dull and sad eyes of all the people in his sect. "We''ve lost..." He took a deep breath. "Let''s go!" Now that they had lost, it was meaningless to stay here except to bear more humiliation. "Wait a moment, Sect Leader Hong!" Yun Yang''s voice rang out. "What else do you want?" Hong Changtian gritted his teeth. In the face of this youth who had killed off Cangwu Union''s glory that had lasted for thousands of years, he refused to put on even the most basic courtesy. "We still have two matches to fight." Yun Yang smiled. "A match of formations, and a match of disciples." The people of Thousand Mountains Sect, which was ranked eighth, tensed up instantly when they heard that, their bodies stiffening immediately. Even the people of the seventh-ranked Illusory Sword Sect sat straight up on hearing that. They could not believe that the Residence of Nine Supremes did not stop there, but wanted to win all the matches. What was the point of that? Yun Yang''s goal was as obvious as a louse on a bald head! 1064 Promoted Hong Changtian glared furiously and said in a voice thick with hatred, "Yun Yang, to cut others some slack is to give yourself the leeway in time of need. I advise you not to push things too far." "Push things too far?" Yun Yang said coldly. "I only know that this is the rule, and I can''t go beyond the rules. Residence of Nine Supremes'' goal has never been to stay at the bottom of the sects with the Celestial Luck Banners." "What does your goal have anything to do with us?" Hong Changtian bellowed angrily. Yun Yang''s face turned friendly as he smiled and said, "Have Sect Leader Hong become a fool after losing to us? Or are you pretending to be a fool? Let me just make it clear. The rules say that if we wish to keep on challenging, we need to win all five matches, so we have to fight five matches. If you don''t want to fight anymore, you can admit defeat now. We need the record of five straight wins!" Hong Changtian said darkly, "Admit defeat? That is absolutely impossible!" "If you refuse to admit defeat, fight us then! There''s nothing else to talk about." Yun Yang laughed. Hong Changtian''s eyes shot with blood. He turned around, only to see all the disciples in his sect looking dejected and despondent. Their eyes were dull and their spirits seemed to have completely gone with the defeat of the previous three matches. Were they still his disciples? They looked more like a group of dead men who had lost their minds and souls! They were in a state of utter stupefaction! Hong Changtian ground his teeth and then said in a deep voice, "Residence of Nine Supremes insists on fighting the remaining matches. Who wants to defeat their disciples?" The disciples looked at each other, and no one volunteered for a long time. "Yue Qingfeng!" Hong Changtian could wait no longer and called out a name. Yue Qingfeng was the lead disciple of Cangwu Union, who was also the recognized number one expert among all the other disciples. In the crowd, a comely youth with a pale face raised his head and said blankly, "We''ve lost our Celestial Luck Banner...What''s the point of fighting or winning this match? "If I may ask, Sect Leader, what''s the point for me to fight this match?" With tears coursing down his cheeks, he went on, "Am I fighting for the honor of our sect, for the preservation of the Celestial Luck Banner, or simply to stop Residence of Nine Supremes from winning all the matches?" Hong Changtian flew into a rage. "We, as warriors, must always advance regardless of the obstacles. We can never back off from any battles, not to mention that the enemy is throwing the challenge at our faces! Are the disciples of Cangwu Union lacking the courage and determination to face their foes?" Yue Qingfeng''s face was covered with tears as he straightened his body and said, "It is futile to fight this match. I would rather give up and let Residence of Nine Supremes have the chance to challenge a higher position! It had always been my dream to raise our sect''s position, but too bad that I didn''t have the chance to fulfill it even after years of hard work. "Since Residence of Nine Supremes has such an ambition, I have no desire to kill it off with my sword. "Now, my dream is almost impossible to achieve, so I hope that someone can win this honor!" Before his voice had died away, he leaped out from the crowd and stood in the arena. "I am Yue Qingfeng, and I represent Cangwu Union in the match of disciples!" Immediately after that, he straightened his body and cried out, "I admit defeat!" After saying that, he threw his head back and burst into laughter. "My long-cherished wish was to fight in the match of disciples as the representative of my fellow disciples once for the promotion of Cangwu Union in this venue. However, I didn''t expect that when I finally stood here, it was only to admit defeat! But no matter what, I want to die here at least one time!" His tears flowed, and he choked with sobs. Then, he lifted his sword and dragged its sharp blade across his throat all of a sudden. A head flew up into the air, spinning rapidly. Yue Qingfeng had put all his strength into this cut. His head flew hundreds of feet straight into the sky and only fell back after dozens of breaths. And when it touched down, the mouth opened and bit hard into the ground! At this point, the head finally stopped moving, but such a sight was extremely tragic to behold. Everyone was shocked. Looking at the headless body that remained standing in the arena, all the disciples of Cangwu Union were stupefied, their faces pale as sheets. Huo Yunfeng sighed. "None of the seniors in Cangwu Union is as praiseworthy as this disciple...What a pity!" A light flashed. Yue Qingfeng was resurrected, but he stood there for a long time. With a final wild laugh, he finally walked toward his junior brothers. When he got within the crowd, he bowed his head and spoke not a word as tears coursed down his cheeks. "The match of formations!" Hong Changtian was boiling with rage. "Cangwu Union will fight with all our might! We can never let Residence of Nine Supremes get what they want!" "The odds of us winning the match of formations are even slimmer," Gao Danyun said with a long sigh. "We''d better admit defeat. Let''s go, Changtian! Stop humiliating ourselves here! If others can snatch the honor from us, we can do the same in the future. There''s no point to keep on clinging to it now." After saying that, he bellowed, "Cangwu Union admits defeat! We give up fighting the match of formations!" On the high stand Huo Yunfeng said, "Cangwu Union lost two more matches and Residence of Nine Supremes has won all five matches!" In a cold voice, he then added, "Cangwu Union, you all can leave now." Suddenly, Yue Qingfeng stood up and said loudly, "May I have the permission from Your Honorable to be a spectator and witness how far can the Residence of Nine Supremes go?" "What happens after this concerns only the sects with Celestial Luck Banners," Huo Yunfeng said coldly. "Your sect has lost the Celestial Luck Banner, and that means you have no right to stay here. Mere ants do not have the right to watch the battles between the experts over the clouds!" He flicked his sleeve. "Go now!" Hong Changtian bowed his head and led his disciples away. When they had gone far away, Yue Qingfeng still stood in place, staring wistfully at the flat arena. "Qingfeng!" Hong Changtian turned around and growled. As Yue Qingfeng closed his eyes, two drops of tear fell to the ground. After that, he turned and strode away without looking back. Even when he walked past his fellow disciples, he did not stop or even glance at them, but went straight into the distance. Huo Yunfeng''s loud cry rang out from the high stand, "You have won the Celestial Luck Banner, and the celestial luck is now with you. People of the Residence of Nine Supremes, please be seated!" What he meant was Residence of Nine Supremes could now ascend to the empty high stand that once belonged to Cangwu Union. Yun Yang waved a hand and said lightly, "The seats need to be cleaned." As if answering to his call, a stream of water appeared out of nowhere and quickly cleaned all the seats. "Let''s go! "To our temporary seats, which are by no means the place we will stay for long!" The disciples were extremely excited as they followed their respective masters in high spirits and full of pride. The eyes of Shi Wuchen and his fellow brothers turned red as they stared at the empty high stand. ''We finally got the Celestial Luck Banner!'' 1065 Continue To Challenge When everyone was finally seated, a shadow of a Celestial Luck Banner suddenly appeared in the sky over the Residence of Nine Supremes. It flickered once and then vanished. In the next moment, a pure black Celestial Luck Banner with ''Residence of Nine Supremes'' written on its surface appeared in the sky. As the banner fluttered, a shadow of the banner appeared over the head of everyone from the Residence of Nine Supremes. But, the phenomena only lasted for a brief moment, and then all the shadows were gone. Only the black Celestial Luck Banner was still waving against the wind over them. Staring at the Celestial Luck Banner from a distance, Huo Yunfeng said lightly, "If the Celestial Luck Banner descends, it means the title has been fixed and you will only have the opportunity to challenge three years later. But, it is hanging in the sky right now. Supreme Cloud, do you mean to keep challenging?" "Yes!" Yun Yang answered. "Residence of Nine Supremes wishes to challenge Thousand Mountains Sect, the next higher sect with a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner. Please grant us the permission, Your Honorable!" "You have won all five matches, so you don''t need the permission from anyone to keep challenging." "Sect Leader Du Yangfan, do you have any objection?" Huo Yunfeng asked in a loud voice. The sect leader of Thousand Mountains Sect, Du Yangfan, smiled and said, "This is the rule of the Celestial Luck Banners, and my sect is never afraid of a challenge!" "If that is the case, you may proceed with the challenge." "As the challenged sect, Thousand Mountains Sect has the right to change the order of the matches," said Du Yangfan. "If I may ask, Your Honorable, is that true?" "Yes, you have the right to do so." "We choose the match of disciples as the first match, followed by the match of pillar forces and the match of formations. The fourth match will be a match of free will, and we will fight with a random method. The last match will be the match between the top experts of both sects. What do you think of this arrangement, Sect Leader Yun? Do you have any objection?" Yun Yang''s face was full of smiles. "The order of the matches is not our concern. You may arrange as you please and we will follow accordingly." As the decision was made, the people from all the other sects smiled at the same time. ''The Sect Leader of Thousand Mountains Sect is indeed a tactful man!'' Three men from Residence of Nine Supremes had fought in the previous challenge. Their strength was extraordinary, and among them, sect leader Yun Yang was the strongest, followed by Luo Dajiang. Judging from their prowess alone, no one from the bottom few sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners could be the match of these two men, not to mention the Thousand Mountains Sect. Therefore, as long as Residence of Nine Supremes fought the match of sect leaders and the match of top experts with these two men, they could almost certainly secure two wins. If that happened, the Thousand Mountains Sect would be in a dangerous situation. But, Du Yangfan did not follow the conventional pattern and found a chance to win in the established rules. First, it was Shi Wuchen. Even though his performance was not extremely weak in the previous match, it was not strong either. There were plenty of men in the Thousand Mountains Sect better than him. And the first match, the match of disciples, was the key to Du Yangfan''s planning... From what he could see, the weak spot of Residence of Nine Supremes was not Shi Wuchen, but the disciples. There were only ten of them, and half of them were children. It proved that they did not have many disciples. It was true that each of these disciples appeared to be amazingly gifted, but Residence of Nine Supremes had been established not too long ago. Even their leader, Yun Yang, was very young, which meant that these children had not cultivated for a long time and their strength must be very weak. The odds for Thousand Mountains Sect winning the match of disciples were extremely high. Moreover, once the match was won, no matter what happened later, Residence of Nine Supremes would not be able to challenge another sect. As a result, all the higher-ranking sects would have to thank Thousand Mountains Sect for gaining them at least three years. It was a tremendous favor. Furthermore, Du Yangfan had deliberately placed the match of top experts to the last, and replaced the match of sect leaders with the match of free will, which was unheard of. His purpose was to cripple the strongest fighting strength of Residence of Nine Supremes. Once his sect won the first three matches, there was no need to fight the rest. So, even though Residence of Nine Supremes could secure two wins with their two trump cards, it was pointless under such an arrangement. The main reason why Du Yangfan was confident that his sect could win the first three matches lay in the third match, the match of formations. As everyone knew, Thousand Mountains Sect had a formation that was invincible among the formations of the same rank. It was also this formationcalled ''the Seven Star Combat Formation''that laid down the foundation for them to be one of the sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banner. It could be said to be the cornerstone of Thousand Mountains Sect. By his calculation, his sect could certainly win the match of formations as well as the match of disciples. And when the expert from his sect defeated Shi Wuchen in the match of pillar forces, he would have secured his victory. ''No matter how strong you are, you have to wait for another three years.'' ''Even if your disciples have become stronger and can defeat my disciples three years later, you will still have to bow your head before my formation. So, if you wish to climb to a higher position, you will have to wait until six or nine years later.'' ''This is the biggest advantage of being a challenged sect, because I can set the rules!'' Du Yangfan could almost see Yun Yang and the people of Residence of Nine Supremes come with high spirits but scurry away dejectedly, along with the kindness and benefits showering upon him by the other sects with Celestial Luck Banners. After explaining the relevant matters of the following matches while struggling to maintain his demeanor, Huo Yunfeng''s face turned black immediately as two creditors were waiting for him. He turned and saw Ding Buke and You Buneng bow at him together. "Thank you for the sixty pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade, Boss! You are so generous!" Each of them could get sixty pieces, which meant Huo Yunfeng had to pay out one hundred and twenty pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade. Even though he was wealthy, he would still feel a pinch if he were to take out so many spiritual jades at one time. His eyes darted from side to side, and then he thought of another idea. "You have won the bet. It''s undeniable, and I''m willing to accept the loss. However, those who leave immediately after winning the bets are b*stards. I don''t think you will do that, will you? Now that Residence of Nine Supremes is challenging Thousand Mountains Sect, why don''t we bet again?" Ding Buke and You Buneng sighed. ''Clearly this guy wants to recover his lost... and if he wins, he wouldn''t mind if he is a bastard or not!'' "How do you want to bet, Boss? Are you the banker again? And what are the odds?" "We''ll bet like just now," Huo Yunfeng gritted his teeth and said. "You two are speaking in the same breath, so you must be betting on the same side. Now tell me, who are you betting on this time?" Both men carefully considered Residence of Nine Supremes''s strength and the order of matches arranged by Du Yangfan, then turned to look at the few little boys and girls... ''The number one disciple of Residence of Nine Supremes is actually a little girl. She does look pretty and cute, but...can she fight?'' The Residence of Nine Supremes would surely lose the match of disciples. 1066 Xiuxins Turn! And the match of formations after that...The Thousand Mountains Sect had never lost to anyone when it came to formations, even when their opponents were the few higher-ranking sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners. As for the match of pillar forces and free will...the wicked plan of their sect leader was plain to see. From all of the above, the outcome was predictable. "We bet on Thousand Mountains Sect! After all, it is a time-honored sect!" Ding Buke and You Buneng made up their mind. Huo Yunfeng flew into a rage instantly. "You can''t bet on Thousand Mountains Sect! Are you trying to bankrupt me? You ungrateful things! You''ve just won over a hundred pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade from me, and yet you still want to take advantage of me? Do you still take me as your brother?" Both men felt dizzy when they heard that. "You will still bet on Residence of Nine Supremes this round!" Huo Yunfeng decided for them. "Each of you will bet sixty pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade. It''s settled. I have the final say!" They were struck dumb, and it was a long time before they said, "Boss, you can''t do that to us!" "The odds are two to one!" Huo Yunfeng gritted his teeth. "No, no, we won''t play even if the odds are two to one!" They shook their heads repeatedly. "Three to one! This is my bottom line! If you still refuse to play, forget it then! Hmph! Looks like this is the end of our thousands of years of brotherhood!" Huo Yunfeng''s face turned blue and he was obviously very angry. Ding Buke and You Buneng sighed helplessly. "What should we do?" They gathered together to discuss. "He''s clearly trying to win back his spiritual jades..." "Who doesn''t know that? Can you just tell me what we should do?" "Aye...why don''t we just let him win back his spiritual jades? Otherwise, when we get back, we will have to look at his dark face for dozens of years. After all, the three of us spend most of the time together..." "Alright. We''ve rejoiced too soon today." Everything was great about this Boss, and he was loyal to his brothers and always took care of them. But, he was overly obsessed with wealth. His mind was always occupied with spiritual jades and precious treasures, and would immediately become hot-headed whenever he saw them. When the two finished their discussion, they turned around and agreed to play the game. "Each of us will bet sixty pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade! Boss, remember the odds are three to one!" "Of course!" Huo Yunfeng beamed with joy instantly. With the winning cards in his hand now, the odds of three to one did not matter at all. It was merely a decoration. "Boss, if we win, you have to pay 180 pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade to each of us!" Ding Buke reminded as he was still not convinced. He had to make it clear. Otherwise, with Boss''s temper, the odds of three to one might change to one to three. It was a painful lesson both of them had learned in the past. "Gambling is all about fairness! Why would I want to cheat you?" Huo Yunfeng said angrily. "If Residence of Nine Supremes wins, I''ll pay each of you 180 pieces, and if they lose, each of you will pay me 60 pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade. That''s the deal." "Your 180 pieces must be of supreme-grade as well," You Buneng pointed out. "You''ve only said 180 pieces but not supreme-grade spiritual jade. What if you pay us 180 pieces of inferior-grade spiritual jade when we win?" With an embarrassed expression, Huo Yunfeng said, "Damnit! You just don''t trust me, do you?" Both men stared at him with a knowing look. He ground his teeth for a while and said, "Fine, fine, fine! You win the bet as long as Residence of Nine Supremes wins the challenge, and I''ll pay each of you 180 pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade! But you lose if Residence of Nine Supremes fails to get promoted, and each of you will have to pay me 60 pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade. Are you satisfied now?" "It''s a deal!" The discussion between the three brothers finally came to an end and a new round of gambling was made official. But, Ding Buke and You Buneng suddenly felt worried. Although they knew the odds of them losing were higher, it was not necessarily hopeless. And once they won... Their boss, Huo Yunfeng, would become bankrupt straightaway. The 120 pieces from the previous round plus the 360 pieces of this round equaled to 500 pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade, which was almost an astronomical wealth... What should they do then...? Both Du Yangfan and Yun Yang were staring at the high stand from down below, their faces suspicious. What was the matter with these three executive officers? Why did they whisper to each other before every challenge? It was their battle and had nothing to do with those three. They were just the nominal hosts of the challenge. What was the reason for all the delay? The first match was between the disciples. Yun Yang turned to the side with a smile and said, "Sect Leader Du, my sect is new here and knows nothing about the mode of disciple match. May I ask how the match should be carried out? Is it one-on-one or a scuffle? Is it the best of five sets, three sets, or even seven sets or nine sets? We have no problem with all that. You can choose a mode that you feel more confident in. It really doesn''t matter, as we can accept all the above modes!" A roar of laughter broke out all over the place. Yun Yang was clearly jeering at Du Yangfan for not daring to fight him head-on and making every effort to avoid the strong while only targeting the weak. Du Yangfan''s face turned red instantly. After all, he was the leader of a sect, and he had the dignity to take care of. "I think it''s better for you to tell me which mode you prefer, Sect Leader Yun," he said coldly. "We''ll fight according to your choice. Thousand Mountains Sect has never feared any enemy." Yun Yang laughed. "In that case, Yun Xiuxin!" The little girl had been waiting for this moment for a long time, so she stepped forward and said, "This disciple is here!" Her voice was clear and crisp, but also mixed with a childlike tone that could not be concealed. "Go and experience the skills of the senior brothers from Thousand Mountains Sect, lest you be so arrogant in our home like a frog at the bottom of a well," said Yun Yang with a straight face. "This disciple understands!" Yun Xiuxin had a petite frame, and she was dressed in a cloth white as snow, with only a lilac belt around her waist. When she walked down the stands, she looked like a fairy who was gracefully descending from a cloud, beautiful and elegant. In spite of the appearance of such beauty, all the people present except Residence of Nine Supremes sighed at the same time. Why did they send such a delicate little girl... Judging from her appearance, she was not even fifteen years old, was she? Why did Residence of Nine Supremes send her? Could it be that they had already given up the first match? On the opposite side, several disciples of Thousands Mountains Sect were eager to fight the match. This kind of little girl was definitely the best opponent! ''If I am chosen to fight this match, I will definitely show mercy and not hurt her. Moreover, during the fighting, I must try my best to show my generosity, so that I will be adored by her when I win. And maybe in the future...'' "Please let me fight this match, Master!" The lead disciple of Thousand Mountains Sect, Han Kongqun, said with a serious face. "Residence of Nine Supremes came prepared. I don''t think they will send an ordinary disciple for no reason. We must not be deceived by her appearance. We can''t take this match lightly." What he said was very reasonable, and it seemed that he, as the lead disciple, should be sent to fight this match no matter what. However, all the other disciples were twitching their mouths. ''Damnit! Who are you showing this hypocrisy to? We are all from the same sect, and we know each other well enough. Who doesn''t know you are a goat who wants to push every beautiful girl onto your bed? And yet you still have the face to put on that righteous look...'' ''Who will believe you aren''t trying to take advantage of that little girl?'' All the disciples looked at him with disdain. "Alright, Kongqun will fight this match," said Du Yangfan. "As you said, there must be a reason why Residence of Nine Supremes sent this little girl. We must not be careless. This match must be won!" Han Kongqun could not help but beam. In a voice thick with joy, he said, "Understood! This disciple will do my best to complete the task." But, he thought in his head, ''This is going to be great! The match is certainly important. It goes without saying that I will become famous in front of all the heroes later, and maybe I can even earn the admiration of many beauties...At the very least, this little girl should be able to sense the mercy I show her during the match. A beauty like her should not be a fool!'' ''She''s really good-looking...hehehe...If only I could hold her petite body in my arms and enjoy it at night, inch by inch...How wonderful!'' With the reverie in mind, Han Kongqun moved. His body floated as he stepped out, his hands clasped behind his back and his clothes waving in the breeze as he drifted out elegantly. His levitation technique was indeed amazing; he was drifting forward slowly in the air as if something was holding him from beneath. Coupled with his tall and slender stature, black hair, face as fair as jade, gentle and warm eyes, prominent nose, and the black clothes he wore, he looked like an immortal. "This disciple of Thousand Mountains Sect does have an excellent appearance and demeanor," Yun Yang praised. "He is truly a man of striking appearance." His voice was loud and could be heard by all. Naturally, Han Kongqun, who was in mid-air, heard that too. His cultivation of the levitation technique was surely incredible, as he suddenly turned in the air and cupped his fist while smiling, "Thanks for Sect Leader Yun''s compliment. This disciple is Han Kongqun, and I have a lot to learn from Sect Leader Yun." Yun Yang nodded slightly and said, "And you are humble and well-mannered. Good, good! Sect Leader Du, I really envy you for having such an extraordinary lead disciple." But, Du Yangfan''s face grew dark. ''What are you doing, Han Kongqun? You should be fighting the match and not showing off! This is not the place for you to show off!'' ''You''ve wasted part of your mystical Qi to show off even before the match begins...Do you know the cultivation base of your opponent? How could you be so careless!'' His heart was filled with mixed feelings when he heard Yun Yang''s compliment, but to maintain his demeanor, he could only clench his teeth and say, "You are flattering him, Sect Leader Yun. My disciple is merely showing off in the presence of all the experts here and making himself a laughing stock. Your disciple, on the other hand, is the real talent, a lovely girl who everyone likes at first sight." While smiling, Yun Yang said, "As the saying goes, one night''s romance with a gorgeous girl, a happy death thus deserved. I didn''t expect Sect Leader Du to also be such a romantic man. No wonderLike master, like disciple!" Du Yangfan almost coughed up a mouthful of blood. In the field, Han Kongqun smiled and said, "If I heard it correctly, you are Yun Xiuxin, aren''t you? What a good name! The beauty in the cloud(Yun), pretty(Xiu) in appearance and clever in mind, and with a good heart(Xin) too. An excellent name!" Yun Xiuxin was stunned. ''What''s wrong with this guy? Is he here to fight? Why is he behaving so strangely? We are enemies, so how can he be so careless as to put his hands behind his back and expose his chest? Is he really so confident?'' She was only thirteen years old now, so how could she understand the passion men felt for women or the fact that he was trying to pick her up? Her head was filled with only victory or defeat, and how she was going to brag when she won the match later. Now, as she saw her opponent in such a relaxed state, she could not help but overthink... "Yes, my name is quite good, but your name, Han Kongqun...this name doesn''t seem very good." Han Kongqun felt his heart melting when he heard Yun Xiuxin''s crisp and childish voice as he stared at her delicate little face from a close distance. "Why?" "Your name is Han Kongqun. Does that mean you are a cruel man? Because of your cruelty(Han), herds(Qun) of wild boars in the woods are gone(Kong), either frozen to death or caught and eaten. What''s so good about this name? It is an ominous name." The little girl shook her head repeatedly and looked at Han Kongqun with sympathy. "Senior Brother, you better change your name. Even Han Er sounds better than Han Kongqun."[1] The corner of his mouth twitched as he said. "Junior Sister Xiuxin is so funny, haha!" Yun Xiuxin''s patience ran thin. "Let''s begin!" She drew her sword and cried out. But, Han Kongqun was still smiling. With a hand rested on the hilt of his sword, he said, "Junior Sister Xiuxin, how old are you now?" "What''s wrong with you?" Yun Xiuxin growled. "Do you want to fight or not? Why are you uttering so much nonsense?" "Why can''t we just talk first? It''s not too late to fight later." Yun Xiuxin rolled her eyes. "I don''t have the spare time to talk! If you don''t want to fight, I''ll do it!" Before her voice had died away, her sword stirred a ripple of sword light and she flew up into the air. Suddenly, a ray of light emerged from within the sword light, piercing through the air like a beautiful shooting star. The ray flashed and then vanished, never to be seen again. Yun Xiuxin had already attacked, but Han Kongqun was still showing off. His pair of bright eyes were gleaming on his handsome face, and the look in them was the gentlest. Coupled with his waving clothes, he had the look of an immortal. With the look alone, common girls and women would have been enchanted by him and thrown themselves into his arms, even inviting him to share their beds. In fact, it was with this good appearance of his that Han Kongqun had taken many beauties in the past. But now, he had miscalculated in this match, and that brought him his total defeat. 1067 You Did It On Purpose, Didnt You? Han Kongqun''s look at the moment was really quite good, more than enough for him to deal with any woman, or rather, any ordinary woman. As the saying went, all women loved handsome men. But, he was not facing a woman. Not only was she not a woman, she was not even a teenage girl. At best, she was just a little girl and had not yet developed the ability to appreciate a man as a woman. To Yun Xiuxin, all of Han Kongqun''s posturing was nothing but shadows or warning. The more relaxed he behaved, the more she thought of him as a tough opponent, which made her raise her fighting will to 100% or even 120%. And not only was she not interested in him, but she had also become extremely vigilant. This guy might be the strongest enemy she had ever faced, so she must go all out and fight with all her might. Based on this mentality, she was more serious than ever, mustering all her strength and attacking without the slightest hesitation. The ruffle of sword light produced a shooting star, one that could destroy anything. At this moment, she seemed to have merged with the sword. Her first attack was the strongest technique she knew, which was also the first style of the Saber Truth Yun Yang had taught herthe Merciless Blade! Han Kongqun was in trouble. His cultivation base was at the same level as Yun Xiuxin''s. Even if the little girl was slightly stronger, their overall strength should be about the same; the gap between them was negligible. He could definitely be regarded as a genius, for he already had such an amazing cultivation base at this young age. If he could focus and fight her, it would take at least a hundred rounds of exchanges before the outcome was decided. And with his fighting experience that was richer than Yun Xiuxin''s, it was hard to say who would win the match in the end. This was also the reason why he behaved so relaxed; his strong fighting strength was the source of his confidence. He was confident that few could rival him among his peers. Therefore, it was not a delusion that Yun Xiuxin felt he was full of confidence, as if everything was under his control and he would certainly win the match. But he made a fatal mistake: underestimating his opponent. Han Kongqun was truly a genius, but he was too young and lacked experience. Moreover, Yun Xiuxin''s appearance was too deceptive. At a glance, she was just a weak little girl, about thirteen, fourteen, or maybe fifteen years old. She was beautiful, charming, lovely, tender, weak, fair, delicate, childlike, adorable. Nine out of ten grown men would want to bring a little girl like her home, either enjoying her soft body inch by inch or making her their slave and keeping her in captivity, not to mention Han Kongqun, who was only a teenager. As someone who was a gentleman on the outside but a goat inside, Han Kongqun was no exception. It could be said that the moment he saw Yun Xiuxin, he had already fallen for her. Had he not, he would not have kept showing off himself. However, just as he thought he was having an enjoyable conversation with Yun Xiuxin, the fairy-like little girl suddenly turned hostile and attacked him. She struck out with her sword, and the strike was a fierce and terrifying move that he had never seen before. As the sword light wheeled, even her figure was nowhere to be found. On the other side, Han Kongqun''s hand was still on the hilt as he had not yet unsheathed his sword. He was still posturing and trying to attract glances. "I...hold on..." In the face of the aggressive attack, he only had the time to shriek and then Yun Xiuxin already rushed through him with the sword. Yes, she rushed through his body. The tip of the sword was what made contact with him first, and then it stabbed through the skin and ripped the flesh. Probably because her force was too strong and her speed was too fast, she actually forced her way through the small wound and came out of his back. Han Kongqun still hovered in mid-air in his gentlemanly posture. However, the expression on his face was one of disbelief and horror. There was a big hole between his chest and abdomen. If truth be told, it was only a hole as big as a bowl. Through the round hole, one could see Yun Xiuxin, who had just pierced through the body, the white figure that was rushing forward due to the great momentum. She still looked cute, lovely, petite, and fragile, but no one would think that she was weak and could be bullied now. The outcome of the match was decided as soon as the sword pierced his body. Han Kongqun saw darkness creep into his eyes, and he looked up as he fell to the ground. Even then, a kinky thought came to him, ''Her waist sure is tiny...'' Then, the man who had a tender heart for all women could feel and see nothing anymore. Du Yangfan''s face had turned as black as the bottom of a pot, and he had transformed into a volcano that was about to erupt. Yun Yang, on the other hand, sighed and said in a faint voice, "What a pity! This brother Han is outstanding in both appearance and demeanor, but he underestimated his enemy too much. If he were not so careless, it is hard to say who would win the match in the end." It was just as well that he did not speak, because when he did, Du Yangfan felt the anger inside him almost bursting out. If he could not choke it back, he feared he would explode like a powder keg. Meanwhile, Han Kongqun was resurrected in the field. With a blank face, he looked down at his chest, then turned to look at Yun Xiuxin, who had returned to her master excitedly and was talking noisily, beaming and gesticulating... The match was over. But, Han Kongqun suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of anger and shame. "Bit*h! How dare you use a honey trap on me!" He stamped his foot and roared, "Come over here! I''ll cut you to pieces!" He roared and screamed in the field as if there was no one else present, his face red with anger from the humiliation he had received. But, he suddenly heard a voice that was many times angrier than his ring out from the high stand, "The match is over! Get out of here!" It was Huo Yunfeng. At this moment, his anger was evident from both his words and expression. It could no longer be contained. Had it not been because of his current status as the executive officer who presided over the challenge, he might have flayed Han Kongqun. ''Damnit! You did it on purpose, didn''t you? You mean to make me lose this astronomical sum of supreme-grade spiritual jade, don''t you? How could you be so careless and underestimate your opponent in a match that will decide the fate of two sects? How could you be so lecherous in such a serious event? Are you sick? How long have you not seen a woman? How hungry and lonely are you? Tell me, how many fuc*ing lives have you not seen a woman for? How could you stand there and let someone pierce your heart with a sword? Are you fuc*ing insane!'' 1068 A Killing Formation Han Kongqun was still boiling with rage in the field. He was about to argue when a figure suddenly emerged behind him and kicked him in the back while uttering a sentence in a voice that was thick with fury and resentment, "Go and whimper between the legs of your grandma..." It was none other than Huo Yunfeng. The kick sent Han Kongqun flying across the air before he smashed onto the high stand belonging to Thousand Mountains Sect with a loud thud. Perhaps it happened so suddenly that the people had no time to react or maybe this guy did not have any friends, but no one stepped out to catch him. As a result, he slammed right at the steps and then rolled down the flight; only then did he let out a scream that sounded like a pig being slaughtered. The crowd was shocked. Who was this man? How dare he go right into the field and hit someone? Did he take everyone here for nothing? And, why did he sound so angry and resentful? What made him so angry and resentful? Who was this man? All turned their eyes to the man and saw the executive officer, Huo Yunfeng, standing erect in the field while glancing around. "Listen up, people! When a match is over, you must leave the field immediately. Do not waste time and do not utter impolite words! "If anyone violates this rule, not only will he be expelled, his sect will be expelled as well!" The announcement shut all mouths instantly. The executive officer was in a rage! Obviously, Han Kongqun''s behavior had gone beyond his bottom line! They must take it as a warning. His rage was understandable, though. Han Kongqun''s behavior was annoying and hateful, so it was no wonder the executive officer was provoked and decided to step in. But, many had other thoughts in their minds. Over the years, Huo Yunfeng had presided over several challenges as the executive officer of the Golden Palace, and there had been people who had done worse. And yet, he had never once flown into a rage. However, not only did he flare up this time, but he also swore at someone...It seemed a little unusual. After making the announcement, Huo Yunfeng turned and returned to his seat straightaway without uttering another word. On the other side, the people of Thousand Mountains Sect all felt ashamed. How was it possible for them to feel proud when their eldest senior brother, the lead disciple, was defeated, scolded, and had almost brought their sect into trouble? Han Kongqun had finally calmed down and come back to his senses. He came in front of Du Yangfan timidly, but before he could explain himself, the sect leader growled at him in a low, angry voice, "Go away!" Meanwhile, Yun Yang said with a pleasant smile on his face, "Sect Leader Du, your disciple has done nothing wrong but was just a little careless. Why should you treat him so harshly? It is common for a young man to lack experience. After today''s match, I''m sure his weakness will be corrected. At the very least, he is by no means weak in strength, and is even stronger than my disciple in my opinion. We''ve won the match with tricks, if truth be told...If they were to fight again, it is hard to say who would win." After that, he turned to Han Kongqun and nodded, "Brother Han, don''t take it to heart. Victory and defeat are both common in battle. You did not lose the match because of a lack of strength, but experience. If you take this as the lesson, it will be the biggest reward for you." Du Yangfan could taste sweetness in his throat as blood almost gushed out of it. ''Victory and defeat are both common in battle? Could the battle you mention affect the ranking of the Celestial Luck Banners?'' ''And how old are you? I doubt you are older than that good-for-nothing Han Kongqun! Don''t you feel ashamed by lecturing him like a senior?'' "The second match!" Huo Yunfeng''s voice was thick with gloom, like a volcano that was about to erupt. ''I''m suffocating! I''m more resentful than even the Thousand Mountains Sect! They can still vent it out, but I...'' "Sect Leader Yun, why don''t we fight the match of formations next?" Du Yangfan looked at Yun Yang. Originally, the second match was between the pillar forces, but he now wanted to change it to the match of formations. It was clear that Han Kongqun''s defeat had messed up his plans, and he urgently needed a victory to stabilize the situation. The second match must be won cleanly and swiftly. Otherwise, the remaining three matches would be extremely intense, while the odds for his sect to win would be extremely slim. Yun Yang smiled warmly. "Whichever you please! I''ve said before that we will fight according to Sect Leader Du''s arrangements." His words were courteous, but there was a rich note of sarcasm in his voice. As the sect leader of a sect ranked higher than Residence of Nine Supremes, Du Yangfan had set an order of matches that was favorable to his sect just moments before the challenge began. Although it was somewhat devious, such a move was still within the limits of the rules. But, changing the order again now was a condemnable act that he could not argue his way out of. He felt a flush of heat on his face. "Sect Leader Yun," he turned to look at Yun Yang and said with feigned politeness, "my sect will send seven disciples to fight the match of formations. I know the number is a little too much, but I hope you understand my situation. I beg your pardon." Yun Yang gave him a gentle smile. "Oh, you don''t have to say that. The match of formations has always been fought by combing the fighting strength of many. Your formation only consists of seven disciples, and that''s not many. I should be the one who begs your pardon, because my sect''s formation is composed of nine disciples." Du Yangfan was stunned. Nine disciples? ''Damnit! Your number is even higher than mine! Why don''t you just send every disciple in your sect?'' His face flickered as he said, "More people never mean stronger! The essence of a formation depends on cooperation!" Yun Yang nodded slowly. "I couldn''t agree more, Sect Leader Du! What you said hit the nail on the head." The words turned Du Yangfan''s face blue. Paying them no mind, he spun and cried out, "Stand out, the seven top disciples!" At his command, seven young disciples of Thousand Mountains Sect took a step forward together, led by Han Kongqun. Yun Yang, too, turned his head and said, "Everyone except Lu Changman steps forward." The top nine disciples, Yun Xiuxin, Sun Mingxiu, Hu Xiaofan, Bai Yexing, and the others came forward, leaving Lu Changman alone behind. "Sun Mingxiu supports others, Bai Yexing attacks at will, Yun Xiuxin take the center to defend against all the attacks! "Go now!" "Understood!" The top nine disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes answered in unison and flew down the stand together. They were all dressed in white, so it looked like a large cloud was drifting into the field. The only thing that stood out was the lilac belt around Yun Xiuxin''s waist. Han Kongqun stared at her as his eyes gleamed green like a cruel hungry wolf. Not waiting for his sect leader to give out the order, he waved a hand and led his junior brothers down. His desire to fight as soon as possible was clearly evident. "The Seven Stars Formation!" He cried out at the top of his lungs. As soon as they landed in the field, the seven disciples lined up in a formation according to the positions of the Big Dipper. As the disciple with the strongest cultivation base, Han Kongqun took the position of Megrezthe leading position of the seven starsand drew his sword, combat-ready. Clearly, he had learned his lesson from the previous match, so he had the sword ready in hand even before the match began. He did not dare to be careless anymore, and his killing intent was strong. "Killing formation!" Han Kongqun whispered as he glared at Yun Xiuxin from the corner of his eye. 1069 The Nine Peaks Formation A malicious look flashed in the eyes of the six other disciples when they heard Han Kongqun''s whisper. There were different types of formations, each having its own clever functions, and could be roughly categorized into illusive formations, trapping formations, and killing formations. The main function of an illusive formation was to confuse the target''s five senses; its lethality was relatively weak, and it was usually used to stop the enemy from advancing. The lethality of a trapping formation was greater than an illusive formation, but its main function was to trap the enemy, and it was withdrawn once the enemy was defeated most of the time. It was also the type of formation commonly used by Han Kongqun and his fellow disciples. The third typekilling formationspushed the art of formation to its extreme, and their only function was to slaughter. Even though the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner had the magical power to resurrect the dead, when anyone suddenly experienced death, the blow to his mind and heart was by no means easy to overcome. Many people''s hearts would be flawed because of such a blow, which would make their path of cultivation ahead bumpier. The side effect was especially obvious in the younger disciples. No matter how gifted, the mind and heart of young people were inevitably much weaker than those of adults, and many of them would die halfway through their cultivation. Therefore, if it were not necessary, the disciples of Thousand Mountains Sect, who was famous for their formations, rarely used a killing formation to avoid a failure to stop and bring themselves a great enemy for no reason. So, when Han Kongqun told his fellow disciples to deploy a killing formation, it meant that he wanted to completely destroy the future of the younger disciples from Residence of Nine Supremes. At that moment, Yun Xiuxin shouted from across him, "Nine Peaks Formation!" The moment the nine disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes landed, they quickly split up and each stood in a different direction. Their formation was clearly very different from the standard ones. Sun Mingxiu was in the center while the other eight formed a circle around him, with Yun Xiuxin facing the opponent''s Seven Stars Formation. There was a disciple between Bai Yexing and Yun Xiuxin, and another one between Hu Xiaofan and Bai Yexing. If one just looked at the three disciples, they formed a triangle shape. Unlike Han Kongqun, who whispered to his fellow disciples, Yun Xiuxin shouted her command in a voice that was loud and full of killing intent, "Killing formation!" "We are invincible! Kill all enemies!" "Understood!" Her eight junior brothers and sisters thundered in unison. Opposite to them, the faces of the seven top disciples darkened. ''While we have to make the battle plan in secret, they shouted out their intention for all to hear! How arrogant!'' Fuming, Han Kongqun pointed his sword forward and said, "Kill us all? How ignorant! We''ll see who will be wiped out later!" Almost at the same time, Yun Xiuxin pointed her fair little hand out as if she was too impatient to wait and roared, "Attack!" The next moment, two formations crashed into one another. It was also at this moment that Sun Mingxiu, who took the center position, suddenly cried out, "The sword of the same breath and branches!" Before his voice had died away, he extended his hands to either side. Meanwhile, Bai Yexing and Hu Xiaofan each grabbed one of his hands and placed the empty hand on the shoulder of the fellow disciple next to them while Cheng Jiajia rested one hand on Yun Xiuxin''s shoulder. Yun Xiuxin roared, yet her body did not move as she struck out her sword. Han Kongqun had fought many battles of formations, so he knew they were using a technique to gather everyone''s strength. He snorted in disdain and then said in a deep voice, "The scattering stars!" The Seven Stars Formation split up. At a glance, it seemed the seven disciples were running in disorder, but in fact, they had avoided the sharp tip of Residence of Nine Supremes''s formation and trapped the nine disciples within their formation. It was merely a cover-up technique for them to reform the formation. ''How are you going to deal with the attacks from the seven of us when your so-called Nine Peaks Formation only has one sharp tip?'' Inside the Nine Peaks Formation, a faint hint of a smile appeared in Sun Mingxiu''s eyes. "Sweeping across the world!" At his command, eight disciples pulled back their hands that were joined with their fellow disciples. However, they were not truly pulling back their hands. Instead, as soon as the hands were pulled back, they struck out once again. All of them struck out their palms, and the force that came with them was overwhelming. The force was too powerful to defend against, and it should not be something that a group of junior disciples could casually unleash. How was that possible? The people of the various sects around were people with rich experience and keen eyes. They saw what happened in an instant, but could not figure out how that had happened. Even if a formation was so magical that it could greatly increase the fighting strength of those within it, there was always a limit to everyone''s true strength. So, why were the attacks of the eight disciples so powerful? They were several times stronger than their actual strength! The spectators did not know that the key to this sudden change lay in Sun Mingxiu, who was surrounded by eight other disciples. At this moment, he looked perfectly normal and was standing firmly, but a careful glance at him would reveal that there was steam rising from the top of his head, and his face was pale and bloodless. It turned out that at that moment just now, he had ''lent'' his entire mystical Qi to others! That was what allowed the eight other disciples to unleash a volley of attacks that far exceeded their limits! The attack of the eight disciples shocked the entire audience, but it also turned Sun Mingxiu into an empty shell. However, his efforts were enough for them to reel in the victory. At this moment, each of the eight disciples around Sun Mingxiu attacked with a strength beyond their limits and the fifty percent strength added by the formation. Yun Xiuxin took the lead and confronted Han Kongqun, their swords clashing fiercely. Han Kongqun was about to roar to show his existence and strengthen his morale when he felt that the attack from his opponent poured over like an avalanche, pushing his roar right back into his stomach. Knowing that the situation had turned to the worse for him, he mustered all his mystical Qi to defend. As the disciple who took the leading position, if he failed to defend against the opponent and took a step back, the Seven Stars Formation would collapse and what awaited him would be a total defeat! Although his response was correct, defending with all his might without being careless, he was now facing a formidable power that was more than he could cope with. So, even though he tried his best to resist and even pushed back, blood still spattered out of his seven orifices. But, he was still in the best condition compared to the other members of the Seven Stars Formation. The others were also facing the same level of power, but their fighting strength was obviously not as good as his. He could still fight back while the others could not. As a result, painful grunts could be heard ringing out from all around him. With just this attack alone, the Seven Stars Formation, which Thousand Mountains Sect had the full confidence in and was claimed to be invincible, was severely damaged! 1070 Invincible In The Match Of Formations After gaining success with the first strike, the disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes did not pursue further. Instead, they backed off together, watching for the opponent''s possible counterattack while placing their empty hands on Sun Mingxiu, who then cried out once again, "The five lakes and the bright moon ripple together." At his voice, Yun Xiuxin, Bai Yexing, Hu Xiaofan, Duanmu Feng, and Lin Xiaorou turned and dashed toward each other in the opposite directions. They switched their opponents in the blink of an eye and launched another round of attacks. Five loud booms rang out one after another. Sun Mingxiu was completely exhausted after channeling all his mystical Qi into his fellow disciples, but his judgment was not weakened at all. Through the first wave of attacks, he had instantly concluded that the strongest disciples in the Seven Stars Formation were Han Kongqunwho took the leading positionand another disciple who took the position of Alioth. Although they were separately targeted by Yun Xiuxin and Bai Yexingthe strongest disciples of Residence of Nine Supremesand both of them had been able to gain some success, it was far from enough to win the match. Therefore, in the second wave of attacks, he avoided the strong but targeted the weak, making the five strongest disciples attack the five weakest in the opposite camp. The plan worked out instantly and produced the desired result. Because of the linking ability of the Seven Stars Formation, which equally shared the damage one received with the rest, all seven disciples in the formation coughed up a mouthful of blood at the same time. Overloaded, the formation backfired, injuring the seven disciples. With just two waves of attack, the advantages and disadvantages of both sides were already clear at a glance. The disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes attacked and moved quickly according to Sun Mingxiu''s will. Each of their attacks came with a power that was several times greater than their strength, and was targeted right at their opponent''s weakness. Although the Seven Stars Formation had its own magical ability, it was crude and vulnerable in the face of the Nine Peaks Formation. The seven disciples who suffered the backfire from the formation staggered backward at the same time. Han Kongqun roared orders in desperation, making vigorous efforts to turn the tide; but it was all too late. Meanwhile, Sun Mingxiu straightened himself, his eyes gleaming as he cried out one last time, "Unify the martial world and replace the regime!" After that, nine disciples quickly changed their positions and lined up in a row, as they exercised the technique of ''body fusing with sword'' at the same time. For a moment, nine sword beams shot five hundred feet into the sky like nine dragons! The power of the attacks was something that could only be achieved with a Saint-level cultivation base! But now, the sword beams of the nine disciples from the Residence of Nine Supremes were advancing together like nine Saints attacked at the same time! The spectacle they produced was incredible and appalling! The attack was the combination of the strength of all nine disciples who formed the Nine Peaks Formation, which was then doubled by the formation. Only then did it become so shockingly powerful! In the face of such a formidable attack, the miserable screams on the opposite side disappeared as soon as they rang out, with blood and gore scattered all over the place. After wiping out their opponents, the disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes rushed out of the field at top speed with the momentum of the attack. The sword beams pierced through the air as they traveled three thousand feet before landing on the stand belonging to them. Nine disciples bowed at the same time and cried out, "By good luck, this disciple was able to accomplish the task!" What was left in the field was blood and gore scattered across the ground. There was not even a bone that was not broken, and even skulls were shattered into pieces. Everyone was silent, and no one spoke for a long time. All the people from the other eight sects were utterly shocked by the spectacle of the white sword beams shot five hundred feet into the sky jointly unleashed by the nine disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes! The level of Saints! They could not believe that this Nine Peaks Formation could elevate the strength of the nine disciples to the level of Saints! How would the other sects deal with it when even Thousand Mountains Sect, who was famous for their formations, had failed? Compared with Nine Peaks Formation, the Seven Stars Formation was nothing but a piece of trash. At the moment, Du Yangfan''s face was as pale as a corpse. The rest of Thousand Mountains Sect also looked disheartened and discouraged as if their parents had just died, no longer proud and arrogant like before. They were defeated. They were defeated once again, and it was a match that they had the most confidence in. In the field, the seven disciples of the Seven Stars Formation were resurrected, but their faces were deathly pale and their eyes were filled with horror. A few of them were even shivering. The match had completely frightened them. It was hell! It was not the mortal world! But, none among them reacted more strongly than Han Kongqun. In just an hour, he had died twice. Although they were not real deaths, the feeling was exactly the same as reality. After he was killed in the first match, his heart was already filled with anger and resentment. When he was resurrected, he thought of nothing but to kill Yun Xiuxin for revenge. His state of mind was already a little imbalanced at that moment, but his fighting strength was not affected; instead, it became stronger because of his fury. However, what happened later was beyond his expectations. The Seven Stars Formation, which he regarded as the trump card, was completely destroyed with just three waves of attack. And instead of killing his opponents, he was killed by them. The difference between reality and his expectations was so huge that it could no longer be described with words. He stood stupidly in the field, his body was shivering and his eyes blank as he muttered under his breath, "I am dead...I am dead again...dead again... ahhhh!" Suddenly he screamed and put his head between his hands as he ran back to his sect. "I am dead, I am dead...I am dead again..." Because of the imbalanced state of mind caused by the repeated deaths, Han Kongqun had gone insane. Du Yangfan breathed out a long sigh and slapped Han Kongqun on the back, knocking him out of consciousness instantly. He passed him to someone behind him, then turned around and said bitterly, "My sect has lost the match of formations." On the high stand "The second match is won by Residence of Nine Supremes!" Huo Yunfeng''s voice was sad and bitter as well, as if he was mourning for someone. Then there was a long silence. Apart from the people of Residence of Nine Supremes who were celebrating among themselves, no one from the other sects spoke a word. The eyes that looked at Residence of Nine Supremes now, including those from the Golden Cauldron Sectthe number one sectwere filled with apprehension. The match of formations, which everyone thought was Residence of Nine Supremes'' weakness, was in fact their trump card! Almost everyone felt a chill running down their backs. The nine disciples of Residence of Nine Supremes were all little girls or boys, and few could be addressed as teens. In other words, they had not been cultivating for long and their strength was not extremely strong, no matter how gifted they were. But, the Nine Peaks Formation could forcibly elevate their strength to the level of Saints! One could only imagine the true power of the formation. It must be extremely frightening and appalling. At that moment, all the sects made a decision: ''The Residence of Nine Supremes has fixed its only weakness. If it climbs all the way up later and it is time for us to fight, we will never fight them in the match of formations!'' 1071 The Devious Gold-Hand Scholar Apart from courting death, fighting Residence of Nine Supremes in a match of formations would also bring the risk of destroying the future of their disciples. Thousand Mountains Sect was a clear example and warning. Du Yangfan sat in his seat with a dull face, his mind completely blank. Meanwhile, Yun Yang looked over at him while smiling. "Sect Leader Du, it''s time for the third match. How would you like to fight it? Will it be a match of pillar forces, a match of free will, or something else? Whatever your choice is, Residence of Nine Supremes will play along." Du Yangfan shuddered when he heard that and felt a chill run down his back. It was a fact that his sect had lost two matches in a row, and was disheartened and discouraged. But, the battle of the Celestial Luck Banner was not yet over. From what he could see and hear, Residence of Nine Supremes clearly wished to continue. And not only did they want to defeat Thousand Mountains Sect, but they also had even higher goals. But, how would he fight the third match? By now, the entire Thousand Mountains Sect had realized that Residence of Nine Supremes was truly much stronger than them. In fact, not only were they merely stronger, but they were also superior to them in every aspect. It was proven by the two matches they had lost. And now, the third match had undoubtedly become a match of life and death for them. After all, if they lost again, it meant that Thousand Mountains Sect would fall down one rank, becoming the last sect with a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner. It was an unacceptable outcome they would never like. For Thousand Mountains Sect, a drop in the ranking was the worst thing that could happen, and according their initial prediction, the soonest it would happen would be three years later. But, it was about to happen right now. They could not afford to lose the third match! In the worst case scenario, if they were defeated eventually, the Residence of Nine Supremes would have failed to secure five victories as long as they won this match, and subsequently lost its qualification to challenge higher-ranking sects. It was the smallest victory they could have in the end. But, the reality was different from what Du Yangfan had planned in mind. The question now washow could he win the third match? How could he ensure victory in this match? He frowned. His mind was in a jumble, and he was clueless. At that moment, he turned to look at a black-clad man who had been standing silently beside him. The man was his senior brother, Yang Ping, who was claimed to be a genius of martial arts Thousand Mountains Sect had not seen for thousands of years. He had a very profound cultivation base, which was not only two levels higher than Du Yangfan''s, but also stronger than all the elders of Thousand Mountains Sect who were cultivating in seclusion. He could be said to be the number one expert of Thousand Mountains Sect. In other words, Yang Ping was the strongest trump card of Thousand Mountains Sect, the ace in the hole. In the past, Du Yangfan had deliberately covered up his senior brother''s strength for a rainy day, saving him for the critical moment so that he could turn the situation around. Could now be that critical moment? "Senior Brother Yang," Du Yangfan sighed softly, "the next match will be the match of pillar forces. Why don''t you fight for our sect? We can''t lose anymore. We have to win at least this one." "Understood," said Yang Ping with an expressionless face and then stood up. Meanwhile, Du Yangfan gathered himself as he turned to Yun Yang and said, "The third match will be the match of pillar forces. My senior brother, Yang Ping, will represent my sect. What do Sect Leader Yun say?" Du Yangfan was, after all, the leader of a sect. Even though he was facing a critical situation, he could still clutch at the last straw that could save his sect, and he even maximized the efficiency of the straw. He was indeed an outstanding man. There was a reason behind his highlight of Yang Ping''s seniority. In a sect, most of the strongest fighting forces were elders while the sect leader was slightly weaker. It was rare for disciples of the same seniority as the sect leader to be extremely strong, let along stronger than all the elders. Everyone present knew that Residence of Nine Supremes wanted to win all five matches. Right now, the situation was clear for all to see: Yun Yang was the strongest fighting force in his sect and the next was Luo Dajiang. However, both of them would be saved for the match of free will and the last match between the strongest experts. So, if they sent Shi Wuchen, whose strength was weaker than the two, to fight this match, Du Yangfan was confident that his sect would certainly win the match given the other''s previous performance. Yun Yang nodded and said, "It doesn''t matter who fights the match. I''ve said this many times." "So...will you still send Shi Wuchen to fight this match?" Yun Yang smiled strangely. "Of course...not." "Good...WHAT?" Du Yangfan answered reflexively as he did not expect Yun Yang''s answer to be ''no'', and his next word came out like the croak of a frog. He suddenly had a feeling that he had fallen into a trap. ''He''s not sending Shi Wuchen? But why? Isn''t this the match of pillar forces? Is he planning to send someone else?'' A thought suddenly came to him. He had not mentioned that the match of sect leaders had been replaced with the match of free will. So, the Residence of Nine Supremes could, of course, choose Luo Dajiang, who was stronger, to fight the match of pillar forces while Yun Yang could fight the last matchthe match of the strongest experts. ''Why not? Wouldn''t this arrangement have a better chance of winning?'' If it were himself, Du Yangfan knew he would never give up such a high chance of winning. If it were Luo Dajiang who fought Yang Ping, the chances of his sect winning the match would be sharply reduced. Judging from the fighting strength Luo Dajiang had shown previously, Yang Ping would have an extremely slim chance of winning! At this moment, Du Yangfan was so upset that he was going crazy. Meanwhile, Yun Yang turned and asked, "My brothers, any of you who have not yet fought want to do a bit of exercise?" "Me!" "Me!" "Me! Me! Me!" Immediately, Tie Qingcang, Ren Qingkuang, Kong Luoyue and the others shouted noisily, all eager to fight. On the opposite side, Yang Ping raised his eyes which gleamed coldly. Beside him, Du Yangfan was shocked for a second. His eyes flickered with the light of hope once again, but they were also mixed with doubts. ''You are going to fight a critical match that will decide the ranking of your sect! Yes, your sect has won all the matches, so you can act like you are very strong. I can understand that! But, how could you send a random person to fight this critical match?'' But then, he saw that they began to play a finger-guessing game to decide who would fight the match, and it immediately set his eyes ablaze! ''How defiant!'' ''Do you take us all for nothing!'' "Haha!" Tie Qingcang flew out of the crowd and landed in the field, then threw his head back and laughed. "I''ve won, haha..." Kong Luoyue, who was standing in front of him and getting ready to throw out his fist, had a confused look on his face. But, it was immediately replaced with an angry look. ''How could you have won when I haven''t even played the finger-guessing game with you? I''ve fought so hard to get to the final of the game, and just when I was going to put out the last fight, you jumped out and announced that you''ve...won? Who said you''ve won?'' "Tie Qingcang, I can''t believe that a guy with thick brows and big eyes like you could be so devious!" Kong Luoyue was extremely upset and boiling with rage. Next to him, Ren Qingkuang and the others were laughing their heads off. None of them had expected that Tie Qingcang, who had always been an honest and simple guy, had a devious side in his character, and he even cheated so openly! 1072 A Fierce Struggle To be honest, even though they knew who was right and who was wrong, none of them would mind. They had all been defeated by Kong Luoyue in the finger-guessing game and were resentful for that. So, all they wanted to do was laugh when they saw someone pick the fruit of victory from him, and no one would uphold the justice for him. Besides, once a person entered the field, the decision was final and no one could change that. When Tie Qingcang made his appearance, the people of the other sects thought that he was Luo Dajiang, who had fought previously. After all, both of them were tall and burly, and their demeanors were equally imposing. Many of them thought of the rules Du Yangfan had laid out before the matches and understood his intention, so it was only reasonable for Luo Dajiang to fight the match now. To them, there was nothing unusual about the decision. On the other side, Yang Ping slowly rose to his feet and casually walked down the stand with a sword in one of his hands. According to the status he assigned himself, Yang Ping thought he should fight the match of the top experts. Yes, he was sent to fight the match of pillar forces because there was no alternative, but he did not like it all the same, and even felt a little uncomfortable. Tie Qingcang stood in the field like a tall iron pagoda, watching coldly as Yang Ping walked in his direction. At the moment, he was full of confidence. ''This Yang Ping is definitely no match for me!'' Coincidentally, neither of them was a talkative person. They stood in the field for only a brief moment and then the fight began. One of them used a sword, and the other used...a great sword. Yes, the sword used by the Gold-Hand Scholar Tie Qingcang was one size larger than those used by commoners. Its blade was wider by two fingers and longer by one foot, while it weighed double as an ordinary broadsword. It was truly a great sword. The match between the two men was full of sparks from the very beginning. Swords were swung at each other while the men advanced and retreated as they exchanged blows over and over again. As a result, streaks of blue sword energy spread out in all directions. The phenomena of energy dissipation was caused by the fact that both men were well-matched in strength and could no longer control the extra power. Yun Yang''s face grew grave as he watched them fight. Yang Ping''s cultivation base was stronger than he had expected. According to his expectations, Residence of Nine Supremes would scarcely find a tough opponent among all the sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, as the strength of everyone below Shi Wuchen had improved significantly. But, this man actually had the strength to equal Tie Qingcang. Apart from his physical strength, which was slightly weaker, the ingenuity of his techniques and the profoundness of his mystical Qi were not inferior to that of Tie Qingcang. Judging from all these, it was hard to tell who would win the match in the end. ''I can''t believe there is someone with such a formidable strength in a sect ranked the eighth! Since he is fighting now, does that mean Thousand Mountains Sect has a stronger expert who will fight the match of the top experts later? And, is Du Yangfan''s strength stronger than his? But, why can''t I see it at all? ''I''ve underestimated all the heroes in the world...It seems that the final goal has to be adjusted...'' Yun Yang sighed. Initially, he had planned to climb straight up to the middle-class, but he doubted it was achievable considering the situation he saw now. As thoughts thronged Yun Yang''s mind, he did not know that the higher-ups of the seventh, sixth, and fifth sects were sweating all over as they watched the two men fight. The outcomes of the previous few matches were all decided by either a swift saber stroke or a quick death. Although the results were shocking, they only meant that the gap between the fighting strength of both sides was tremendous and not on the same level, while these higher-ups could see nothing beyond that. But now, as both men were fighting each other with equal strength, they instantly figured out their true strength. It was at the peak fourth-tier of the Saint realm. Moreover, both of them were at this level, and none was slightly weaker. The top experts in their sects were at this level as well. It was hard for them to believe that there were experts of such a formidable strength hiding in these two sects. They could still accept the fact that Residence of Nine Supremes had one, as it was new here and they knew nothing about its true strength and reserves. But Thousand Mountains Sect...Why had it not challenged the higher-ranking sects when it had such a mighty trump card? Not to mention their Seven Stars Formation. Even though the formation was defeated by Residence of Nine Supremes''s Nine Peaks Formation, it was one of the best formations in all the previous matches of formations fought between the top ten sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners. It might not be the best one, but it could surely enter the top three. Therefore, no matter which sect it challenged, Thousand Mountains Sect could certainly win two matches. So why was it so low-profile and forbearing? The sect leader of Thousand Mountains Sect, Du Yangfan, felt depressed as he sensed the quizzical glances throwing at him from all around him. ''You think I don''t want to challenge?'' ''The reality is, Thousand Mountains Sect has only one genius whose cultivation base is absurdly strong. And even if we can win the match of formations, we will have only two victories, as we have no one to win the other matches. Therefore, it is a waste of time for us to challenge, and it will also expose our strongest trump card!'' ''Otherwise, I would have long challenged you guys. I''m not a fool! ''It is because there is no other way now that I have to use the trump card, to fight for the last chance of winning or even the last bit of benefits for my sect! You have no idea how depressed I am right now!'' The two men had fought fiercely for an hour. Suddenly, both of them shouted at the same time while leaping up together to strike each other with swords. A rapid clanging noise rang out in the air as sparks flew out into all directions. Crack! The two swords broke at the same time; the broken blades flew forward quickly with the momentum while the men were knocked back by the powerful impact. Tie Qingcang laughed as his sleeves suddenly ripped into pieces and flew away while a golden light burst out of his hands! "That''s...Gold-Hand Scholar''s golden hands!" Someone exclaimed from outside the field. Then, Tie Qingcang rushed forward at a high speed like a bolt of lightning, raising a hand that was shining with a blinding golden light. His power was even stronger than before! Yang Ping''s hand was on his storage ring and he was about to take out another sword to fight again. However, Tie Qingcang''s golden hand was already on him, so he did not have the time to do that. Left with no other choice, he backed off as he mustered all his mystical Qi and raised his palm to defend himself. With a loud rumble, Tie Qingcang was greeted with the counterattack Yang Ping unleashed with the strongest mystical Qi. He was thrown back into the air, but when he landed on the ground, he launched another wave of attack without the slightest hesitation. A bright golden light flickered and flashed, shining on the entire field and making it look as if it were made of pure gold. 1073 I won! The two waves of attack were closely connected, almost without any delay. Tie Qingcang dived like an eagle and then was knocked back up, but he dived again, launching another wave of attacks. After being attacked five or six times in a row, Yang Ping had staggered back several hundred feet. Although Tie Qingcang had been up and down in the air and his feet had not stepped on the ground, his mystical Qi and the force of his palm were getting stronger. Yang Ping gradually had a feeling that he was unable to keep up with the attacks. Tie Qingcang fell down on him again, and stronger and more fierce attacks followed. Yang Ping was a man with a profound cultivation base and rich combat experience. He knew that by being knocked back into the air, his opponent could not only counter the impact, but also borrow strength. If he allowed that to continue, he would soon be defeated. As the understanding came to him, Yang Ping gritted his teeth and put all his mystical Qi into his palm before throwing it out. With a loud rumble, Tie Qingcang was knocked back up into the air again while Yang Ping took the opportunity to back off two hundred feet and then quickly move one hundred feet to the left. After that, he took out the second sword and held it tightly in his hand. Now, the situation between them seemed to have changed again, but Tie Qingcang, who was in mid-air, still chose to continue his pursuit. He suddenly stretched out his arms and made a turn in the air like a huge eagle, then swooped down on Yang Ping again. At the same time, the sword in Yang Ping''s hand was already flashing aggressively. As if he had not seen the sword in his opponent''s hand, Tie Qingcang did not make any evasive moves and still smashed his golden palms down. Meanwhile, Yang Ping let out a loud roar and swung out the sword, but Tie Qingcang greeted it with just one hand and a sneer on his face. On the high stand Huo Yunfeng took a deep breath and said, "The outcome is about to be decided. Both sides have used their cultivation base and prepared moves after this attack. It is an amazing fight!" Ding Buke and You Buneng were also experts. They watched the fight intently, but their expressions were not as nervous as Huo Yunfeng''s. Although hundreds of pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade were at stake in this match, the two of them were ready to lose the bet even before the two sects began to fight. And now that the situation had changed and was developing in their favor, to the point where they were almost certain to win the bet, they did not care much about the winner of the match. Instead, they were more concerned about how brilliantly the match was fought. In the end, no matter who won, it could no longer change the fact that this match was a splendid one. For a moment, sword beams swept out all over the field while Tie Qingcang was waving his golden hands vigorously. The two men approached each other as quickly as lightning, and then they launched the most extreme head-on collision again with a loud rumble. Yang Ping roared as his already very powerful sword beam extended by another thirty percent in length, piercing Tie Qingcang''s palm directly. In the face of such serious injury, Tie Qingcang still kept his composure. Instead of pulling back the pierced palm, he pushed it down and clutched the blade tightly, letting his golden blood flow freely. Meanwhile, he struck his empty hand down like an axe. Yang Ping sneered and a sword suddenly appeared in his empty left hand, which he thrust hard into Tie Qingcang''s heart. It was fast, accurate, and ruthless. He not only had a profound cultivation base, but also had great attainments in sword arts, and could even attack with a sword in each hand at the same time! He was truly a peerless martial arts genius! The meaning of Yang Ping''s sword strike was simple and clear: ''you can hit me with your palm, but the price is that you will be killed by my sword while I am hit by you!'' Tie Qingcang''s expression remained the same, but his body gave a sudden twist. Even so, he did not slow down and still smashed down his palm crazily. In the blink of an eye, Yang Ping''s sword pierced his right chest, and the tip of the sword came out of his back. It was a real stab through Tie Qingcang''s body, and if given a brief moment, Yang Ping could inject a great amount of mystical Qi into his body and then detonate them. With the cultivation base of both sides being equal, Tie Qingcang would be dead for sure! But, the moment Tie Qingcang was pierced, he twisted his body again, locking the sword with his muscles and bones. Then, before the mystical Qi from Yang Ping''s sword could reach him, he smashed him hard on the right shoulder with a palm. Crack! The bones in Yang Ping''s right shoulder were shattered instantly and half of his chest was almost completely smashed as well. Now, both of his swords were trapped, one of his shoulders was broken, and the mystical Qi in him was in a chaotic state. But, Yang Ping did not show any panic. Although he could no longer use mystical Qi to blow up Tie Qingcang''s body, his left hand, which was still able to move, immediately loosened the hilt of the sword and then balled into a fist to strike the end of the hilt hard, sending the blade into Tie Qingcang''s body. Then, his fist continued to punch out and strike on the wound in Tie Qingcang''s chest, breaking his ribs. But, Tie Qingcang still did not back off. Although he was seriously injured, he took a step forwardcovered in bloodand slammed Yang Ping''s forehead with his. With a snap, Yang Ping''s skull cracked. The latter screamed and then retaliated by throwing his knee into Tie Qingcang''s lower abdomen. Then, the two men separated, but they were still very close to each other, almost leaning against each other. At this point, Tie Qingcang''s pierced right hand clutched Yang Ping''s sword tightly and slashed it hard at Yang Ping''s neck while Yang Ping''s left hand had turned into a palm knife and struck at Tie Qingcang''s neck almost at the same time as he tried to kill him with one quick strike. Tie Qingcang grabbed Yang Ping''s hand with his left and struck his head hard on Yang Ping''s forehead again, causing a large amount of blood to scatter from their foreheads at the same time. Yang Ping screamed even louder. His left hand quickly broke free from the constraint and grabbed Tie Qingcang''s neck, but the latter hit him on the forehead again. Bang! Bang! Bang! The fight between the two men was so bitter and intense that one could not look straight at it. Blood, gore, and even bone fragments splattered into all directions from the field while Yang Ping''s head, which had been repeatedly smashed on the forehead, had become something like a smashed watermelon, no longer whole and constantly spraying blood. Tie Qingcang was not much better either. Almost no part of his body was intact, and there was a hole in his right chest. Still, he kept smashing Yang Ping''s forehead with his. Bang! Bang! Bang! Every time he smashed, the hearts of all the people watching the match jumped fiercely. They felt their mouths parched and tongued scorched as fear filled their hearts! After a long time, the two men fell to the ground together! But, they were still moving, or rather squirming, as they desperately tried to get up. Yang Ping kept moving, but he suddenly threw himself to the ground after a few moves and never moved again. Tie Qingcang, on the other hand, was breathing heavily, spitting blood and visceral fragments from his mouth. But, he abruptly propped himself up with his left hand. Looking at the motionless body opposite him, Tie Qingcang burst out laughing, and then said in a hoarse voice after coughing out a big gulp of sticky blood, "I won!" But before his voice had died away, he fell to the ground and stopped breathing. 1074 Move Up Another Rank! The match was a draw in terms of the result because both men died together. However, the first person to die was Yang Ping while Tie Qingcang died only after he stood up and announced his own victory. Therefore, even though he died in the end, he was still the winner of the match. There was no doubt about this, and no one could question it. The faces of all the people in Thousand Mountains Sect turned pale, and their eyes were filled with only despair. Thousand Mountains Sect was thus knocked down by one rank. They fought three matches and lost every one of them, failing to save their last bit of honor. ''Two hours ago, we were in the eighth place, but now we are ninth...'' Du Yangfan put his hand over his chest and felt his heart ache so much that he could not say a word. Although the faces of the people in Thousand Mountains Sect were unsightly, they were not the worst, because the man with the most unsightly face was the one who stood up at this moment. "The winner of the third match is...Nine...Residence of Nine Supremes!" Huo Yunfeng''s voice was mixed with a disheartened depression. The pain he felt in his heart right now was akin to being pierced by a thousand arrows. ''My heart is broken! I lost this bet again, three hundred and sixty pieces of superior-grade spiritual jades! Together with the one hundred and twenty pieces that I lost previously, I''ve lost a total of four hundred and eighty pieces of superior-grade spiritual jade! I don''t want to live anymore, I can''t live anymore... Why did they lose a challenge when it was a shoo-in? And they even lost it so cleanly?'' At the moment, Ding Buke and You Buneng were barely maintaining their calm and indifference. "Boss, you often say that gambling should be fair and if one wants to play, one has to be willing to accept the loss. We feel embarrassed to say this, but we''ve won the bet, and...thank you for all the spiritual jades." Huo Yunfeng''s face was livid. "I''ll give them to you when we get back...I keep all supreme-grade spiritual jades at home..." "You''d better give them to us now." You Buneng twitched his mouth and said, "We know all your supreme-grade spiritual jades are in your ring. Someone like you won''t be at ease without carrying such precious things with you all the time. Also, I''m afraid that we will hardly see you again once we get back." "Am I the kind of shameless person who will not pay his debts?" Huo Yunfeng said with grief and anger, almost coughing up blood. "Yes, you are!" Both men nodded repeatedly, giving complete affirmation. "..." A light flashed through the field as Tie Qingcang and Yang Ping were resurrected at the same time. Their eyes were filled with blankness, but it was only for a brief moment as they immediately remembered the fight just now. With a complicated expression, Yang Ping said slowly, "If there is another chance in the future, I''ll learn from you again." "There are years ahead of us and we will definitely meet again." Tie Qingcang''s eyes were full of sincerity. Yang Ping nodded, then turned and walked slowly away. His expression did not become depressed because he was defeated, but it was very calm, and his eyes were bright. Clearly, he had benefited a lot from the fight and was likely to make another breakthrough in a very short time. In fact, that was to be expected. The road of cultivation was very rough and difficult, and the easiest way for cultivators to make progress was generally a life-and-death battle or wandering at the juncture of life and death. The strength of Tie Qingcang and Yang Ping was about at the same level, and both their fighting spirit and perseverance were almost equal. Although Tie Qingcang won the match, they were actually tied as far as both of them were concerned, and they knew they would make big progress after this moment. Therefore, the match was actually a great opportunity for Yang Ping. After all, with his current status, background, and strength, it was almost impossible to find an opponent equal to him in strength to fight an extreme battle that would not bring any negative impact. Therefore, the match was obviously a very rare opportunity. "Residence of Nine Supremes has defeated Thousand Mountains Sect, which was ranked eighth, in the Battle of Celestial Luck Banners and completed the promotion," announced Huo Yunfeng, feeling his heart bleeding. ''The pain in my heart is killing me! I''ve lost half of my life''s savings to these two little bast*rds in one day! Damnit!'' "Will Residence of Nine Supremes continue the challenge?" "Yes, of course we want to continue!" Yun Yang''s voice was clear and loud. "Sect Leader Du, we still have the last two matches." "Thousand Mountains Sect gives up. There is no need to fight the last two matches." Du Yangfan made the decision readily. If Yang Ping won the match just now, Thousands Mountain Sect would naturally try its best to continue fighting, for they might still have the chance to win. But, with three losses in a row, the fate of Thousands Mountains Sect''s demotion had become a foregone conclusion. There was no point in fighting the remaining two matches, and if they did, it was only to do free work for the seventh-ranked sect so they could better understand Residence of Nine Supremes''s strength and find ways to deal with it. ''Do we look so stupid? How can we do things that do not bring us any benefits?'' Huo Yunfeng swallowed. "Thousand Mountains Sect gives up the last two matches. Residence of Nine Supremes, the eighth-ranked sect, has now won all five matches and will automatically enter the next round of challenges. It will challenge the Illusory Sword Sect, the seventh-rank sect!" Hearing that, the expressions of everyone from Illusory Sword Sect changed. ''Residence of Nine Supremes'' morale is high at the moment, and their fighting capacity is even more appalling. Thousand Mountains Sect had sent all its elite, but it was still completely defeated... We really have no chance of winning!'' ''What should we do?'' "I''d like to invite Yun Yang, the sect leader of Residence of Nine Supremes, and Liu Chengfeng, the sect leader of Illusory Sword Sect, to come up here for a discussion." ... For a moment, the whole place fell into complete silence. In a very short period of time, Residence of Nine Supremes had won a series of matches and been promoted by two ranks. What''s more, everyone still did not know its real strength. Originally, everyone thought that the match of pillar forces, the match of disciples, and the match of formations were Residence of Nine Supremes'' weaknesses, but that did not turn out to be the case. Instead, they were its strengths! Moreover, after watching the second match of pillar forces and witnessing Tie Qingcang''s fighting strength, everyone held different opinions on whether Residence of Nine Supremes'' second strongest expert was Luo Dajiang. What rank could Residence of Nine Supremes reach? No one could say for sure. Why was a newly established sect so fierce and formidable? On the high stand "Liu Chengfeng, as the challenged sect, your Illusory Sword Sect can decide the rules of the battle," Huo Yunfeng said fairly. He gave Yun Yang a look and then quickly turned his head away. Although he only gave Yun Yang a quick glance, he felt his heart ache immediately. ''You are my jinx! I don''t want to see you!'' Yun Yang shivered at his resentful glance. ''What''s the matter? Why did he look at me like that?'' Liu Chengfeng, too, had a very complicated look in his eyes now, and the way he looked at Yun Yang seemed to be full of bitterness as well. ''What tactics can I use? Illusory Sword Sect''s formation is worse than Thousand Mountains Sect''s, and using it against Residence of Nine Supremes is no different from courting death. As for the match of pillar forces and match of top experts...with the strength that Tie Qingcang showed just now, none of us will be his match. A match between sect leaders? I think it''s better to forget it...The best I can do is beat that Shi Wuchen, and I can never be the match of Yun Yang. Perhaps only the match of disciples can still have some hope...But still, we will lose at least three matches! How am I supposed to choose?'' As the leader of a sect, Liu Chengfeng had always been very calm, but he was at a loss at this moment and did not know what to say. 1075 Its Time To Take Medicine! "I need to discuss with the people in my sect," Liu Chengfeng said bitterly. "Fine." Liu Chengfeng left the stand while Yun Yang stayed. "Sect Leader Yun, you don''t look very old. How old are you?" Huo Yunfeng tried to start a conversation. "Hmm? I''m twenty years old this year," Yun Yang nodded. "Well, I''m not young anymore." ''You''re not young anymore? How can you be not young anymore!'' Huo Yunfeng was startled by the answer. Although he had already guessed that Yun Yang was not very old with his judgment and experience, he never thought that this guy was so young, almost a teenager! Twenty years old! A twenty-year-old Saint! Was he going to scare people to death? There were not many geniuses at this age with such an amazing cultivation base even at the Sacred Heart Palace! Huo Yunfeng had thought that Yun Yang might be some old monster who had returned to his youth, but it turned out that he was really so young! "Sect Leader Yun, you are really a genius!" He said that with great sincerity. At that moment, Ding Buke said, "Boss, do you want to bet again? We will listen to you this time and bet on Residence of Nine Supremes." "Haha..." Huo Yunfeng put on a false smile and said, "You two can go wherever you want to die." ''Do you think I''m a fuck*ng fool? Whether Illusory Sword Sect will fight this battle is still unknown, and perhaps they will throw in the towel directly. Do you think I can''t see it? Do you really think of me as a rich fool? I have already fallen twice in the same pit. Do you want me to fall again for the third time? You two are really evil!'' ... Liu Chengfeng had returned to his stand and was discussing with several seniors of his sect. They discussed for a long time but still failed to come up with a good solution. Later on, each of them bowed their heads and their faces were filled with helplessness and humiliation. At that moment, Liu Chengfeng stood up. "There is no need to fight this battle. Illusory Sword Sect...admits defeat!" Admits defeat! The decision shocked everyone at once. It was equivalent to the Residence of Nine Supremes winning the challenge without a fight and being promoted to the seventh place directly! "Fu*k!" The sect leader of the sixth-ranked Beast Trainer Sect broke out swearing. "Liu Chengfeng, you are the leader of a sect with a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner! No matter how afraid you are of death, you can''t just throw in the towel like this! You should at least fight before giving up, shouldn''t you? Haven''t you heard the saying ''a man would rather be killed than scared to death''? How can you admit defeat without fighting! Don''t you feel ashamed?" The leader of Beast Trainer Sect, Qin Ruogu, was so angry that his nose was almost out of joint, but there were still some words in his mind that he left unsaid. ''If you don''t fight, how do we know if Residence of Nine Supremes still has hidden strength?'' "Illusory Sword Sect is ranked seventh, one of the three bottom sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners," Liu Chengfeng said calmly. "Even if we fall to eighth place, we are still at the bottom. There''s not much difference. We like Residence of Nine Supremes, so we have decided not to fight. By doing so, we not only make way for our friend, but also save some time for all the sects present. We are doing this for the sake of everyone." When he had finished, he nodded to Yun Yang, which meant, ''We are friends.'' Yun Yang, too, nodded and smiled. But, he was thinking in his mind, ''I think the friendship between us can only last until the end of this Battle of the Celestial Luck Banners...We are not going to be long-term friends. It is very likely that apart from these people here, many of the disciples you left in your base have been destroyed by Residence of Nine Supremes... ''If you can swallow such deep hatred, I will admire or be alert of you, but I will never regard you as friends.'' "The leader of Beast Trainer Sect, Qin Ruogu, please come up here and discuss," Huo Yunfeng said, then turned to Yun Yang and asked, "Sect Leader Yun, do you want to continue the challenge today or do you want to take a day to rest and continue the challenge the next day?" "We can rest during the Battle of the Celestial Luck Banners?" Yun Yang asked in surprise. Huo Yunfeng answered graciously, "Of course, you can rest! If there are many challenges, it is very likely that the gathering at Mount Penta-Tier will even last for a month." Yun Yang thought for a moment and said, "Then we choose to continue the challenge early tomorrow morning." Qin Ruogu breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Yun Yang say that. Such a decision was a piece of welcoming news for Beast Trainer Sect, because they now had at least one more night to come up with strategies and tactics. The Residence of Nine Supremes'' high morale and unrivaled momentum at the moment were too scary. Qin Ruogu did not want to admit that, but he was under a lot of pressure. Although Residence of Nine Supremes now had time to rest, regain strength, and even discuss tactics, they did not know much about Beast Trainer Sect. Yun Yang had definitely made a mistake by giving everyone a night to rest! On the night of the same day... "Now is the time for the nine of us to take the medicine." With a malicious smile on his face, Yun Yang took out some pills. "This is a wonderful place. It not only prevents any detection and probing with divine sense, but is also absolutely safe. In other words, we can safely break through our current realms without anyone or any sect knowing about it tonight. At least no one will share our joy until tomorrow." Yun Yang had a sinister smile on his face which did not match his handsome face. That smile made Shi Wuchen and thje others worry about Beast Trainer Sect. Whenever he smiled like that, someone would be severely screwed up. So far, there had been no exceptions. It seemed that the Beast Trainer Sect was bound to be in trouble tomorrow. In fact, just by thinking about it, anyone could roughly predict what might happen tomorrow. The people of Beast Trainer Sect would certainly formulate corresponding strategies and tactics based on the opponent''s strength they saw today. However, when they met their opponents in the field tomorrow, the strength of their opponents was actually be one realm higher than yesterday. How were they going to fight the battle? With that in mind, Shi Wuchen and the others wore a smirk on their faces as they took the pills given by Yun Yang one by one. "Don''t get too comfortable. We have one more thing to consider. Beast Trainer Sect is famous for controlling mystical beasts, and they will certainly use mystical beasts in the matches. We don''t have this kind of assistance, so when facing enemies assisted by mystical beasts, it''s going to be harder than ever to win. We must be very careful." "Also, Beast Trainer Sect is one of the middle-three sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners, so it is definitely more difficult to deal with than the Thousand Mountains Sect. We should also pay attention to this." Yun Yang told them with a serious face as if he was not the same person with the wicked face just now. The speed with which he changed his expression was almost the performance of the best actor. "With our cultivation base breaking through another realm tonight, we may not need to be particularly worried about tomorrow''s battle, but I am worried about the performance of our disciples in the match of disciples and formations because their opponents will use mystical beasts. They have no experience in dealing with mystical beasts. After all, our goal is to win all five matches, so we cannot lose even a single match." After hearing Yun Yang''s concerns, Shi Wuchen and others began to worry as well, their ease vanishing in an instant. It was indeed a problem that could not be ignored. 1076 Beast Trainer Sect! "As far as I know about Beast Trainer Sect, the cultivation base of the mystical beasts they can control will basically not exceed theirs. At most, they are at the same level, and even that is a very rare match. After all, the Yao race is always waiting in the dark. As long as the cultivation base of the controlled beasts exceeds that of their masters, the control will be weakened and the beasts will be easily turned against their masters by the Yao race. It is not uncommon for this kind of thing to happen in combat. So..." Luo Dajiang paused for a moment and then continued, "For those of us who have experience in dealing with mystical beasts, we often try our best to kill the beasts before fighting the beast controllers. After all, the fighting strength and savagery of the controlled beasts are not as good as they were, and their innate abilities have become very weak as well. So, their strength is definitely at least one level weaker than the original. In fact, they are not difficult to kill." Tie Qingcang snorted. "What''s the point of telling this now? We all know about this. The problem now is that although our disciples have excellent cultivation base, they have never seen mystical beasts. In the face of the sudden appearance of those savage beasts, it''s already good enough for them to not cry due to fear. It is too dangerous for them to fight those beasts rashly. If something bad really happens, I''m worried that it will leave some emotional shadows in them." It was indeed a tricky problem, and it would be a major crisis for Residence of Nine Supremes if it could not be solved. While frowning, Yun Yang said slowly, "You don''t have to worry about this. Take the pills and make the breakthrough, I''ll think of some way...Alas, it may not work as they are not prepared in advance. But, we have no other way now...Desperate times call for desperate measures." "What is your solution, Boss?" Everyone was so curious about Yun Yang''s method that they had no mood to take the pills and make the breakthrough. Yun Yang did not answer them; instead, he gathered all ten disciples and gave each of them a small bead. "You will wear this bead tomorrow in battle. If you meet a mystical beast, you can try to persuade it with the bead...Just try to communicate. I think it will be effective." All eyes grew wide in an instant. Try to persuade? Try to communicate? With mystical beasts? Could they understand? This...this was the desperate measure he mentioned? "You don''t have to be so surprised, and you don''t need to know what the beads in your hands are. All you need to know is that this thing has a very good effect on mystical beasts. When you are fighting a mystical beast, you just need to say, ''I''ve got good stuff here''... "There is one other thing you should be aware of, that is you can never allow anyone to take the beads from your hands. If anyone tries to do that, swallow it immediately. Have you all remembered what I just said?" "Yes." Yun Xiuxin and the other disciples were naturally very puzzled by Yun Yang''s countermeasures, but they also knew that this was not the time to ask questions. They just needed to follow the instructions; the master would not hurt them. Throughout the night, there was hardly a light or sound on the stand belonging to Residence of Nine Supremes. The stands were separated from each other by extremely thick white fog, so even if there were lights or sounds, they were all completely obscured. So, no one knew what was going on at Residence of Nine Supremes'' side. As for Residence of Nine Supremes'' opponent, Beast Trainer Sect, it was a sleepless night, for they were planning and preparing the whole night. "For our sect, tomorrow''s battle is a tough one!" Qin Ruogu''s expression was grave. "Our sect is different from Thousand Mountains Sect or Illusory Sword Sect. As that old codger Liu Chengfeng said, whether his sect wins or loses, it''s still one of the bottom three sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners. But, we are one of the middle three sects, and once we are defeated, we will fall to the bottom three, which is equivalent to falling one major tier. The drop in the rankings of Thousand Mountains Sect and Illusory Sword Sect did not actually cause any real losses, but we...Once we are defeated, our losses will be significant." "We must win this battle because we cannot afford to lose! I must warn you beforehand though, if you are defeated because of the absolute difference in strength, no one will blame you. But, if someone is defeated because of carelessness, you will have to atone for your sins by killing yourself in front of the Ancestral Master!" The look in Qin Ruogu''s eyes now was particularly fierce and frightening. Everyone nodded, and no one was perfunctory. After all, they all knew the seriousness of the consequences of losing the battle, so they did not think Qin Ruogu was making a mountain out of a molehill. "Now, let''s discuss specific strategies." Qin Ruogu took a deep breath and his expression became calm. "Our goal is to win three matches, that''s all!" Said an old man with white beard and hair, and a wrinkled face, his eyes flashing. "Residence of Nine Supremes'' formation has reached the acme of the arts of formation. It is the most powerful formation I''ve ever seen in my life, so it is impossible for us to defeat them in the match of formations. Personally, I suggest giving up the match of formations and not wasting our energy." "I couldn''t agree more with Uncle-Master! We really can''t win in the match of formations," Qin Ruogu said. "In your opinion, Uncle-Master, what are our chances in the remaining four matches? "Our sect''s strongest fighting force is you, Uncle-Master. As a peak fourth-tier Saint, you are our greatest trump card." Qin Ruogu asked, "In your opinion, what is the real level of cultivation base the few men who fought today, that Luo Dajiang, Tie Qingcang, and Yun Yang? If you were to fight, could you possibly defeat any of them?" The wrinkles on the old man''s face deepened at the question. He went through the day''s battle in his mind once again and said in a deep voice, "These three men should be Residence of Nine Supremes'' strongest fighting force. According to my observation..." He paused for a brief moment before saying, "even if their cultivation base is not as good as mine, the gap is extremely small!" Qin Ruogu''s face grew darker. "Doesn''t that mean that each of them has the cultivation base of a peak fourth-tier Saint? In other words, Residence of Nine Supremes has three peak fourth-tier Saints?" The expressions of the others changed dramatically as well when they heard the shocking fact, and their hearts were filled with panic. Illusory Sword Sect was by no means a weak sect when it could suppress Thousand Mountains Sect, who was famous for its formations. But, why had it not gone one step further? It was only because not only did the Beast Trainer Sect have mystical beasts, but also two fourth-tier Saints, while the Illusory Sword Sect only had one. The little difference in the high-end fighting force had determined the difference in the overall strength of the two sects. But now, on the surface alone, Residence of Nine Supremes already had three peak fourth-tier Saints. In other words, its overall strength had already surpassed that of Beast Trainer Sect! Not to mention the fact that the match of formations was given up even before the battle started, because they were completely incapable of winning. Under such a premise, it was extremely difficult, if not wishful thinking, to win three matches. "The situation has not reached the point where it cannot be handled..." The old man hesitated for a moment and then said, "Our sect is famous for controlling mystical beasts, so we naturally have to find ways in this. I will take Blue Wind Wolf to battle tomorrow. By stimulating the fire of life, I should be able to raise the winning chance to more than eighty percent and defeat my opponent as soon as possible." Qin Ruogu''s face flickered and then slowly showed a deep sadness. 1077 The Plan Has Been Decided! The so-called fire of life was the most intuitive manifestation of the life force. The fighting power increased by the fire of life could only last for a moment, and the consumed fire of life could not be replenished. Even Mount Penta-Tier could not make up for the loss. Besides, this kind of mystic art must be activated before the battle. The current condition of this Uncle-Master of Beast Trainer Sect was probably slightly better than that of the two old men from the General Commerce League, Zhang and Li. Although his life had almost come to an end, he could still live for decades. He had hoped to find opportunities to break through, or rare herbs to prolong his life. He was still hopeful. However, if he consumed his fire of life this time, his lifespan would be further shortened, and he might not be able to wait for his opportunities, while early death was certain. But, it was the only match that they could win, so Beast Trainer Sect must give it a shot! If he did not do that, Beast Trainer Sect would definitely lose. "Uncle-Master!" Everyone looked sad. "This is my battle, and it is decided." A serene smile appeared on the old man''s face. "I can''t stand to watch the heritage and glory that took thousands of years to build up by our ancestors get lost in front of me. Otherwise, I will have no face to greet all the ancestors when I die in the future." Qin Ruogu took a deep breath as he gritted his teeth and said, "Alright! Uncle-Master''s match is decided then." Everyone bowed their heads and remained silent for a long time. "Next, the second match," said Qin Ruogu. "The second match will be the match of disciples. Our sect should have a seventy-percent chance of winning. Each of Residence of Nine Supremes'' disciples is a genius, as we all can see without even using divine sense. However, it is precisely because they are young geniuses that they inevitably have the characteristics of being young and less experienced. They will certainly be caught off guard and thrown into confusion when our disciples fight them with mystical beasts. When the time comes, as long as we find the right time to deal them a killing strike, our chances of winning will still be very high." "Great! Let''s make the second match a one-on-one fight between disciples. How should the third match be carried out then?" Qin Ruogu asked. The old man gave Qin Ruogu a meaningful look. "The third match will be a match of sect leaders." "A match of sect leaders?" Qin Ruogu blinked. "I''m just a peak second-tier Saint but that Yun Yang is already a peak fourth-tier Saint. Uncle-Master, do you mean to let me sacrifice..." The old man smiled faintly. "No, I''m sure you can win. Have you forgotten about our Divine Beast..." Qin Ruogu perked up when he heard that. "Our Divine Beast...Yes, YES!" The sad look on his face was instantly replaced by a smile and the pressure on his mind was relieved by at least half in this moment. ''According to Uncle-Master''s plan, our odds could surely be increased to more than eighty percent! The old saying is rightthe older, the wiser!'' "If everything goes according to our plan, the winning rate of these three matches should be above eighty percent," said the old man. "But, just in case, we still need to prepare for one more match. It is still unknown whether Residence of Nine Supremes has played all its cards. When they were fighting Cangwu Union, the strength of Shi Wuchen they sent was only second class. But through such an arrangement, they made everyone misjudge him as their second strongest. We have already played all our cards, so we must not make such mistakes." "This disciple has an idea!" A young disciple broke in. "We can propose a match of mystical beasts, that is no human will be in the field, and the match will be fought between mystical beasts only." "Nonsense!" Qin Ruogu was displeased. "Residence of Nine Supremes doesn''t even have a mystical beast...Hmm!" He had hardly finished when he saw the significance of the suggestion. "It is true that Residence of Nine Supremes doesn''t even have a mystical beast, and it is absolutely unfair and unconvincing to rely solely on mystical beasts to decide the outcome. However, since Thousand Mountains Sect could avoid the match of sect leaders with a match of free will, why can''t we? The meaning of a match of free will is that we can control the rules, so we can fight however we want. Although it would bring disgrace on us in doing so, we will have a match that is sure to win." After listening to the disciple, everyone''s eyes lit up. It was really an excellent idea! ''Our sect is famous for controlling beasts to begin with, and it is reasonable for us to fight with mystical beasts or spiritual beasts. In fact, no one can blame us even if we fight with demon beasts. After all, we are the Beast Trainer Sect!'' "A brilliant idea!" Qin Ruogu burst out laughing. "In this case, we can really be said to be in an unassailable position. If we win the first three matches, then we will naturally not use this disgraceful tactic. However, if the situation really becomes unfavorable for us, we''ll have no other choice but to use this tactic to turn the tables!" "A wise decision, Sect Leader!" Qin Ruogu looked at the disciple and said, "Come to me for your reward when we return home in triumph." "Thank you, Master!" The whole Beast Trainer Sect was jubilant. But, the old man only sighed softly and closed his eyes because he felt a chill in his heart. ''It is understandable to include me in the starting lineup because there are no other means to win, but now that there is such a tactic to win a match, they can put me in the fourth or fifth match as a backup.'' ''But, why didn''t anyone think of it or bring it up?'' ''Is it just because the tactic is disgraceful and they refuse to give up that little bit of honor?'' The old man saw that all the people around him looked hopeful and full of joy as if victory were already in their hands, while no one thought that the life of their Uncle-Master would come to an end after the battle. He slowly closed his eyes again and felt that the chill in his heart seemed to grow stronger. ''I have been guarding Beast Trainer Sect all my life, and I am even willing to sacrifice myself at this most important momentBut, why do I feel so sad?'' ... The next morning Although the whole venue was shrouded in a boundless thick fog, the morning air here was fresher than outside. Everyone, including Huo Yunfeng, came to the stands one after another. They were all staring at the waving seventh-ranked Celestial Luck Banner with a complicated look in their eyes. The Battle of Celestial Luck Banners had not seen such an incident in many years. The Battle was held every three years. Each time, a challenger was born to challenge the last sect with a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner, and Cangwu Union was the sect that had been challenged every time in recent years, but had never been replaced. Over the years, its position had only been threatened by another powerful sect, Wild Saber Sect, and there had been no one else. However, Residence of Nine Supremes, a small sect that had just been established not long ago, had risen through the ranks soon after its emergence and was qualified to face the time-honored sects with Celestial Luck Banners. Then, after pulling Cangwu Union down from its position, it went on to challenge Thousand Mountains Sect and won by a big margin in the face of the rules maliciously changed by its opponent. After that, it even replaced the higher-ranking Illusory Sword Sect without a fight and obtained the right to challenge the Beast Trainer Sect, who was ranked seventh! No one had expected that Residence of Nine Supremes would be able to bring down three sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners in a row! 1078 I Dont Believe I Will Lose Again! Such a feat was more than appalling; it was sheer lunacy and ferocity! And now, Residence of Nine Supremes would continue to advance. No one knew how long its momentum would last, and no one could predict the rank it would stop at! At this moment, the people in the few higher-ranking sects all had a sense of crisis. The Beast Trainer Sect stopping the Residence of Nine Supremes would be the best outcome, but if they failed, Residence of Nine Supremes would become a thorn in the flesh and make everyone feel ill at ease at all times. When Huo Yunfeng saw that all the other sects except Residence of Nine Supremes had arrived, he could not help but roll his eyes. "They sure can keep their calm. Even their opponent, Beast Trainer Sect, has already arrived." Ding Buke smiled faintly. "If it were me, I would be very calm as well because the biggest goal of coming here was achieved yesterday, and the rest is a bonus, no matter how far I can go. So, why would they be impatient? And there is no danger here. Even if they were killed, they can be revived on the spot. In that case, why do they need to arrive so early?" "Yes, I quite agree." You Buneng burst out laughing. "Do you want to bet again?" Huo Yunfeng''s eyes darted from side to side. "Bet again?" Ding Buke and You Buneng''s faces flickered at the same time. Both of them had slept the night before with the two hundred and forty pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade they won in their arms, almost laughing in their dreams. Therefore, when they heard Huo Yunfeng still wanting to bet, they naturally felt horrified and panicked at the same time. It was the third time he invited them to bet, so he must be up to something. Would their luck be as good as yesterday? Today''s situation was different from yesterday''s. They were forced into the first game by Huo Yunfeng. Although they won in the end, it was actually a surprise. Then, they almost gave up the second game. After all, Huo Yunfeng''s intention to recover the loss in the first game was clear to see. But, they did not expect that it would be another surprise which brought them an unimaginable profit. And now Huo Yunfeng invited them to bet again. Naturally, they did not want to play with him because they had already reaped such great profits, so there was no need for them to take any more risks. "Yes, we will bet on today''s battle," said Huo Yunfeng. "Everyone has witnessed Residence of Nine Supremes'' formidable strength, which is beyond all expectations. However, the Beast Trainer Sect is one of the middle three sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners. Its strength is not weak at all, and you can''t compare it with Illusory Sword Sect, Thousand Mountains Sect, and Cangwu Union. Moreover, its people can fight with mystical beasts. The battle between the two sects is sure to be fascinating, and who will win is still unknown." "So this time, the odds are one to one. It is the fairest." Ding Buke and You Buneng exchanged a glance and both felt headache. If they had a choice, they would definitely not gamble any more. But, did they have a choice? They had won two games in a row, and their boss had lost so much that his face had turned green. If they did not give him the chance to recover his losses, they would just look as greedy as him. So, they still had to play the third game! But, as Huo Yunfeng said, it was difficult for them to judge who was stronger between the two sects and who would win today. Yesterday, everyone had misjudged Residence of Nine Supremes'' strength because of Shi Wuchen''s performance in the first match, mistaking a freakishly formidable sect for an underdog. And because it seemed weak, they were forced to bet on it. They thought they would lose the first and second games, but to their surprise, they won both games. But, who should they bet on in the third game? "Since it is difficult to judge, Boss, we''ll let you choose first. Tell us which sect you will bet on and we will bet on the other. We''ll let luck decide." Both men finally made a decision. The decision instantly put Huo Yunfeng in a dilemma, because even he found it difficult to make a choice. There was no question that Residence of Nine Supremes was very strong, and everyone could see it. However, almost every man among the higher-ups and pillar forces in Beast Trainer Sect had a mystical beast, and even their elite disciples were generally accompanied by pet beasts. These beasts were all fighting forces and not just for show. This must be taken into account. Under such circumstances, although Residence of Nine Supremes was strong, it might be no match for the Beast Trainer Sect. "I bet on the Beast Trainer Sect," Huo Yunfeng decided through gritted teeth. "I don''t believe I''ll fall in the same pit three times!" Ding Buke and You Buneng nodded helplessly. "In that case, the two of us will still bet on Residence of Nine Supremes. How much do we bet this time?" "One hundred pieces of supreme-grade! How about it?" After considering while gnashing his teeth for a long time, Huo Yunfeng finally came up with a number. The figure was somewhat unexpected to Ding Buke and You Buneng and surprised them greatly. They thought he would propose a bet of several hundred pieces of spiritual jade, but he only suggested a hundred pieces. This...was not quite like him! "Boss, are you running out of money?" You Buneng asked suspiciously. Boss''s wealth wasn''t so little, was it? Huo Yunfeng''s face suddenly turned red. "We are brothers, so we should bet small just for fun..." "Haha..." ... The Residence of Nine Supremes finally came out. The group of people headed by Yun Yang felt everyone''s gaze as soon as they showed themselves. All eyes that stared at them were filled with a complicated look. And the gazes from their neighbor, the Beast Trainer Sect, were filled with mixed feelings. "Sect Leaders of both sects, please come to me." Huo Yunfeng''s voice rang out suddenly. This time, both sects quickly decided on the order of the matches. Well, it was actually still the challenged sect, Beast Trainer Sect, who made the decision, while Residence of Nine Supremes accepted them all. The first match was the match of top experts; the two sects would each send their strongest experts to fight. After that would be the match of disciples, the match of sect leaders, the match of free will, and the match of formations. After learning the order of matches arranged by Qin Ruogu, everyone knew that Beast Trainer Sect had obviously given up the last match, and even the fourth match might not be fought in the end. After all, it had at least a seventy percent chance of winning in the first three matches. In the duel between experts, even a slight gap may affect the outcome, and a winning rate of more than sixty percent meant that the victory was basically in hand. "That''s fine with me." Yun Yang agreed readily. "In that case, you may go back and prepare." Huo Yunfeng was satisfied with Yun Yang''s readiness. Then, he patted Qin Ruogu on the shoulder and said encouragingly with a smile on his face, "Sect Leader Qin, I think highly of your Beast Trainer Sect." Qin Ruogu was flattered. "Thank you for your appreciation, Your Excellency! Beast Trainer Sect will not lose this battle!" Huo Yunfeng pretended to be calm and said, "Just do your best!" After all, he had a duty to perform, so he could not show too much partiality. At the very least, he should keep a fair attitude! At this moment, an old man with a bleak look was already standing in the field, waiting for his opponent. 1079 Youve Been Tricked! Beside the old man was a giant wolf with silver hair and even silver eyes. "I''m Meng Xiao, representing Beast Trainer Sect. I wonder who my opponent will be from Residence of Nine Supremes?" Yun Yang waved his hand and Luo Dajiang strode into the field while holding his saber upside down. "I''m Luo Dajiang, representing Residence of Nine Supremes!" After showing his mighty strength in the battle with Cangwu Union, Luo Dajiang''s status as Residence of Nine Supremes'' number one expert under Yun Yang had resounded through all sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners. No one dared to underestimate him or regard him as the former whetstone anymore, while his title of Supreme Saber spread like wildfire. "Supreme Saber! Before, I only had a brief glimpse of you and didn''t have a chance to look at you from such a close distance. You are indeed very handsome and mighty, an outstanding man!" The old man slowly took out his weapon, which was a strangely shaped silver hook. No one knew how many lives the silver hook had reaped. When it was taken out, its surface was shrouded in a layer of black light, which seemed very frightening. Luo Dajiang''s face suddenly flickered as he said in a deep voice, "The Soul Reaper!" The name ''Meng Xiao'' might not sound familiar to him, but the Soul Reaper, who was very famous in the martial world, had left a deep impression in him. The silver hook that reaped countless souls, and was the road to hell. If he still could not remember who the old man was after seeing the strangely shaped silver hook, all those years he spent in the martial world would have been wasted. "That''s just an undeserved title given to me by others." Meng Xiao''s expression was unusually bleak, his white hair fluttering. "After you, Supreme Saber!" A look of vigilance appeared on Luo Dajiang''s face as he glanced at the silver wolf that had risen to its feet in response to Meng Xiao''s movement. He slowly raised the saber in his hand and then said, "Please enlighten me, Senior!" With that, his upper body leaned forward slightly, and as his expression became serious, a thick and heavy aura rose from his whole body. Both of their divine senses were distracted by the place which had deprived their abilities to learn about the opponent''s fighting strength. However, as they stood facing each other at such a close distance, the perception of the aura was enough to let Meng Xiao have a brief understanding of Luo Dajiang. His face flickered, and the silver wolf also put on a look of vigilance almost at the same time. The old man and the wolf felt that it was no longer a human being standing in front of them, but a heavy and unshakable mountain. With just a simple move, Luo Dajiang had covered all his weak spots and gave his opponent no chance to attack. However, no weak spots did not mean that weak spots could not be created. Since Meng Xiao was such a famous person, he was naturally a seasoned warrior. The audience saw him tap lightly on the ground with the tip of his foot, then his body suddenly swayed as seven figures, each holding a silver hook, bolted out of him toward all directions. In the next moment, eight Meng Xiao surrounded Luo Dajiang while streaks of flashing silver light converged into eight waves of attack that looked like the rising tide, roaring toward him together. Meng Xiao''s attack had been very fierce so far, but every figure he had split up was accompanied by a silver wolf just like his true-self. These giant wolves moved with the tide as they leaped up and turned into streaks of silver light to pounce on Luo Dajiang! As soon as the battle began, Meng Xiao showed everyone his mighty power as a seasoned expert. His fighting capability was indeed extraordinary, and the power was more than enough to shake the heaven. In the face of such a powerful attack, Luo Dajiang did not dare to be careless. "Wind and rain in all directions!" he cried out. Even as his voice was still ringing in the air, the saber in his hand moved. It wheeled around his body, creating a layer of barrier that tightly covered him from head to toe. After that, his burly body rushed forward without paying any attention to the attack that came from all around him. He came to one of the silver wolf''s shadows and hacked it with the saber, splitting it in two. At that moment, a crisp clanging noise rang outit was the noise produced when the saber hit the hook! It also meant that Luo Dajiang had precisely identified the location of Meng Xiao''s true-self among the eight figures and then rushed to him directly, striking him with the saber! Meng Xiao grunted as all his clones vanished in an instant. However, Luo Dajiang also grunted at the same time, because at the moment when his weapon and Meng Xiao''s collided head-on, the silver wolf''s claws had already grabbed his right shoulder, ripping his skin and flesh and sending his blood flying all over the place. The silver wolf''s claws were surprisingly sharp. The toughness of Luo Dajiang''s fleshly body now was at the level of Saint King. Even if he stood still and allowed an ordinary warrior to hack him hard with ordinary weapons, the defense of his body would not be breached. However, he was hurt by the wolf''s claws! But, he was not the only one injured. The silver wolf also whimpered as its right front paw became bloody after attacking Luo Dajiang, with three claws broken. This was the counterattack of a Saint King; even a simple counterforce from the fleshly body had already injured the silver wolf. At that very moment, Luo Dajiang suddenly turned around and, while showing Meng Xiao his back, raised his saber and slashed it down hard at the silver wolf, who was rapidly retreating due to the intense pain caused by the injury. The saber flashed like a bolt of lightning as a towering killing intent poured forth like tidal waves. Meng Xiao staggered and lost his balance from the shock of the attack, and he was astonished by Luo Dajiang''s unexpectedly strong cultivation base that seemed to be stronger than his when he saw the silver wolf fall in danger. Having no time to balance himself, he threw out his silver hook at Luo Dajiang''s exposed back. He had quickly concluded that the silver wolf had revealed its true-self because its attack hit the target. However, Luo Dajiang''s actual strength was beyond his expectations, so he was naturally much stronger than the silver wolf. If the saber struck it, the silver wolf would definitely die. It turned out that Luo Dajiang''s actual goal was to get rid of the silver wolf first! Now, although he had thrown out the silver hook and temporarily kept Luo Dajiang''s killing strike in check, it was only a temporary measure and could do nothing to the latter. He had to follow up to truly save the silver wolf from the critical situation. Suddenly, Luo Dajiang laughed and said, "You''ve been tricked!" At that moment, he turned around abd kicked one of his legs backward, accurately striking the silver wolf in the stomach. The wolf whined as its huge body was knocked up into the air while Luo Dajiang slightly turned his body to the side. The silver hook flew past him with a streak of red; although it had taken away a patch of his skin and flesh, it did not seriously injure him. After kicking away the silver wolf, Luo Dajiang made a dash again. His whole body slammed into Meng Xiao like a whirlwind as the sharp edges of his saber flashed. A look of helplessness suddenly appeared on Meng Xiao''s face, because at this moment, he had no other choice. Just now as he went to the rescue, he naturally thought with his rich experience and knowledge that it might be Luo Dajiang''s deliberate act to lure him into the rescue. There was no reason for Luo Dajiang to get hurt in the first place; he had confirmed through their exchange that Luo Dajiang''s mystical Qi was, in fact, stronger than his. It was absolutely impossible for an expert like this to let himself fall into an extremely passive and bad situation from the beginning. Since it was an unusual behavior, it could only be a trick! And when fighting someone from the Beast Trainer Sect, the most correct method was to get rid of the mystical beast. So, Luo Dajiang''s target was the silver wolf from the beginning! Meng Xiao, who came to this conclusion, felt helpless. If he did not rescue the silver wolf, it would definitely die; when it died, he, who was already weaker than Luo Dajiang, would certainly be defeated as well. So, he could only choose to rescue the silver wolf with all his strength! But, he did not expect that Luo Dajiang''s real purpose in pretending to kill the silver wolf was just to lure him over. Luo Dajiang''s target was not the silver wolf from the beginning, but him. 1080 A Narrow Victory! With a thud, Meng Xiao tumbled backward, his body covered in blood. At that moment, the silver wolf who was kicked away by Luo Dajiang roared and rushed over desperately. It closed its jaws around Luo Dajiang''s left leg as numerous wind blades thrust out of its body and neck, cutting at his body. As if he did not feel them, Luo Dajiang paid the wind blades no mind. Instead, he strode forward wildly while dragging the silver wolf along. The wolf clenched its jaws tightly around his left leg while pulling itself back, but it was still pulled away by him, leaving long scratch marks on the ground. Soon, seven to eight of its sharp claws were broken, and blood was oozing out of its paws. Meanwhile, blood was gushing out of Meng Xiao''s left shoulder as his arm was chopped down by Luo Dajiang''s saber, who did not even slow down the attack and was raising his saber once again. A look of despair flashed in Meng Xiao''s eyes. Then, his body began to expand all of a sudden. Meanwhile, a burst of mystical Qipowerful and highly explosiveemerged and revolved around him, swelling rapidly with every turn. Self-detonation! He was detonating himself! Luo Dajiang halted his advancing steps abruptly and lifted his right leg. Bam! Bam! Bam! In just a flash, he had kicked over thirty times and smashed the silver wolf into a cloud of silver dust. After that, he threw his saber straight at Meng Xiao. At the moment, Meng Xiao''s body had expanded to its maximum, and he self-detonated before Luo Dajiang''s saber could hit him! The power created by the self-detonation of a peak four-tier Saint was by no means weak. In fact, it could shake the heaven and move the earth! Without hesitation, Luo Dajiang kicked the ground and threw his head back as he shot himself backward like an arrow. The powerful blast of the explosion tailed behind him, and then a saber light overtook the blast and himit was the saber he had thrown out earlier to stop the self-detonation. With a blink, the saber was thousands of feet away. The violent explosion blew his legs away; everything below his knees was gone, turned into blood and gore that flew in all directions, a miserable sight to behold. However, he was now over five hundred feet away from the center of the explosion, and although he had lost both legs, he was still alive! He took a deep breath as he paid no heed to the blood that ran out of the wounds, but pulled another saber out from his ring and used it to push himself up into the air as he cried out, "I won!" One of the two men who fought the duel was dead while the other survived, and no matter how seriously the survivor was wounded, he had won the match. It was an indisputable fact! All the people who had witnessed the match were speechless, causing a dead silence to reign over the whole place. The duel, which was short but extremely bitter, would certainly be imprinted on the spectators'' minds forever! It ended with Meng Xiao and the silver wolf turned into ashes, both dead. And while Luo Dajiang was still alive, he was seriously wounded. Had it not been because he was in the space of Celestial Luck within Mount Penta-Tier, he would be permanently crippled and unable to walk for the rest of his life. It was a narrow victory! Self-detonation was a tactic allowed by the rules. If anyone self-detonated and killed the opponent, it would be a draw because both of them would die at the same time. So, Meng Xiao''s choice was not wrong. After their first clash, he immediately realized that Luo Dajiang''s strength was stronger than what was shown previously, even stronger than his. He knew that even if he used his life fire to boost his cultivation base to a level that was stronger than when he was at his peak, and even with the help of the silver wolf, he would still be no match for Luo Dajiang. The actual situation was clearly very different from what was discussed last night, and the odds were reversed. Therefore, after he had failed to obtain success with his ultimate move, he chose to self-detonate. He intended to sacrifice his own life to kill Luo Dajiang, so that he could end the match with a draw, which would be considered as the biggest victory for his sect. He thought that under the extreme power produced by his self-detonationafter he had forcibly boosted his cultivation base by using his life forceLuo Dajiang would certainly be dead even though the man had already become a Saint King. But, he did not expect that the plan would fail because of the arm chopped away by Luo Dajiang, for the power produced by his self-detonation was sharply reduced due to the missing arm. And Luo Dajiang had handled the crisis correctly. Instead of resisting the explosion with his cultivation base of a Saint King, he fled at once. As a result, only his legs were destroyed and he stayed alive. The match was so fast-paced that the outcome would have changed completely with the slightest hesitation! ... The audience was still silent. The match lasted only for a short time, but it was the most intense one they had ever seen. In just five moves, a Saint King was seriously wounded, a peak fourth-tier Saint had self-detonated, and a Beast Kingthe silver wolfhad perished! No matter it was the silver wolf, Luo Dajiang, or Meng Xiao, all three of them were extremely decisive! And the fact that Luo Dajiang''s strength had gone beyond the peak level of a fourth-tier Saint and stepped into the realm of Saint Kings was a great shock to everyone present. Now, what was left in the field were the few broken teeth of the silver wolf, glinting brilliantly. The match was over. The loser had turned into ashes while the victor lost both his legs and was covered in gashes cut by the wind blades. ... Tears were welling up in Jiang Luoluo''s eyes. She wanted to jump into the field, but she managed to hold herself back. "The match is won by Residence of Nine Supremes." Huo Yunfeng''s eyes turned red when he said that. ''My spiritual jade! My money! My...Why do I have a feeling that I am about to fall into the same pit again? This Luo Dajiang...From the strength he showed yesterday, he was just a peak fourth-tier Saint. How come he turned into a Saint King today? This...this doesn''t make sense! Could he have hidden his true strength since the beginning? How many trump cards does this Residence of Nine Supreme still have? Why are they so strong? Why they can always make a comeback when they seem to be on the verge of losing? Can''t you just lose one match and let me be happy for at least once?'' As soon as the outcome was announced, the light of resurrection arrived as expected. Luo Dajiang and Meng Xiao reappeared in the field at the same time, and then the silver wolf was resurrected as well. Its silver hair still looked shiny, and it was glancing around in high spirits. But when it saw Luo Dajiang, its eyes were full of fear. ''Why is this human so savage and cruel...He is even fiercer than mystical beasts!'' Meng Xiao rested his eyes on Luo Dajiang and asked, "Did I kill you?" "Almost," Luo Dajiang answered calmly. "Both my legs were gone from the explosion, but I managed to stay alive." Meng Xiao breathed out a long sigh. "What a pity...What a pity...!" He waved and left the field with the silver wolf, his back seeming extremely lonely. 1081 The Most Uncertain Match! The silver wolf turned its head and glanced at Luo Dajiang as if it wanted to remember this human firmly in mind, and only then it left with Meng Xiao. Qin Ruogu stared at his Uncle-Master coming in his direction with wide eyes, his head reeling and his eyes filled with incredulity. He could not believe that his Uncle-Master, who was already half-step into the realm of Saint Kings, was defeated after using his own life force to boost his cultivation base, assisted by a Beast-King-level spiritual beast, and had even self-detonated in the end. It was simply a nightmare! "I lostI tried my best, but I couldn''t turn the tables," said Meng Xiao in a flat tone. "Focus and prepare yourself for the upcoming matches." Qin Ruogu nodded blankly while Meng Xiao sighed and walked to his seat. "Uncle-Master!" Qin Ruogu blurted out. "After this battle, no matter what the outcome is, I''ll leave the sect," said Meng Xiao without turning back. "I''ll spend the last days of my life visiting old friends, drinking and catching up with them, and maybe take a good look at this world. I''ll not stay in the sect anymore. When I die, someone will bring my body back." "Uncle-Master!" Qin Ruogu''s eyes grew wider, and his voice was thick with disbelief now. "That''s it." Waving his hand, Meng Xiao smiled faintly and said, "I''ve fought for Beast Trainer Sect for thousands of years. Now that my life is coming to an end, you ought to let me...relax and rest for a brief moment. "For the days that remain for me, I want to live my own life." He laughed in a low, hoarse voice and then took his leave. Qin Ruogu''s mind was blank. He could not figure out what was happening with his Uncle-Master. ''What''s the matter? It is just a failure in securing an expected victory, and I didn''t say anything harsh to him. But, why does Uncle-Master look so dispirited? Is this defeat such a huge blow to him?'' The sect leader of Beast Trainer Sect did not know what to say. It seemed that he had not realized even now what the reason that made his Uncle-Master leave in disappointment was. "The second match, the match of disciples!" Upon hearing that, a disciple of Beast Trainer Sect, who looked in his thirties, rose to his feet. With his Spirit Beast Band tightly clutched in hand, he bowed and said, "Master, this disciple will fight the match." "Good!" The disciple strode toward the field. Meanwhile, on the stand belonging to Residence of Nine Supremes... "Master, this disciple volunteers to fight the match!" Yun Xiuxin stepped forward. Yun Xiuxin was about to speak again when Bai Yexing interrupted her, "Senior Sister, you''ve fought a match before, so please let me take this one." She rolled her eyes and said angrily, "It is a match of disciples, so it should naturally be fought by Eldest Senior Sister..." Yun Yang laughed. "Yexing will fight this match." "Thank you, Master!" said Bai Yexing with a bow. "This is a tough match, but as long as you remember what I''ve told you, you should be able to win." Yun Yang looked at Bai Yexing and said, "Don''t be careless, because this match is the most uncertain match in my opinion for the Residence of Nine Supremes on this journey. Calmness and ruthlessness are more important than fighting strength in this match." "Understood! This disciple will definitely do my best and not disgrace the sect." "You may go now." "Understood!" Bai Yexing picked up his sword and started toward the field at a pace that was not too fast, thinking as he walked. ''This match is undoubtedly very crucial. My opponent will be assisted by a spirit beast, and his strength is most probably about the same as mine. So, how am I going to defeat him? ''Although Yun Xiuxin''s strength is the strongest among all disciples, she is a girl after all, and is too young. She will feel weak mentally when the opponent''s spiritual beast is slightly ferocious. Moreover, as the eldest senior sister of a sect, she cannot be defeated.'' ''So, I must take up this match, fight with all my might, and win by any means, even if it will cost my life!'' ''I believe I can at least fight for an opportunity to die with my opponent.'' ''No!'' Another thought came to him suddenly, "I can''t die with my opponent. This battle is unlike any other, as the attitude of the combatants toward death is far from comparable to other battles. They are not afraid of death, because everyone can be resurrected after the matches are over. Therefore, if I start out with this thought in mind, it means I have already predicted that I will not win, and at most will finish the match with a draw.'' ''Then, should I try another fighting method? Master had asked me to be calm and ruthless, but what does that really mean?'' Bai Yexing chewed his lips and hastened his pace. ... If the match between Luo Dajiang and Meng Xiao was fast-paced and brutal, then the one between Bai Yexing and his opponent was a match that sent a shiver down the back of everyone present. No one could believe that there were people who fought in such an extreme way! Previously, when Residence of Nine Supremes and Thousand Mountains Sect were fighting in the match of formations, Bai Yexing was one of the disciples. His strength was visible for all to see, and although his performance was amazing, his actual cultivation level was also known to everyone. As a result, Beast Trainer Sect had sent a disciple whose cultivation base had reached the level of Honor to fight against him. Moreover, the disciple''s mystical beast had gone beyond the level of ninth-tier, with an enormous body and a fierce appearance that could frighten anyone who looked at it. In the face of two such formidable opponents, Bai Yexing was at a complete disadvantage before he had even begun to fight. And everyone present could see the situation. However, Bai Yexing showed a stunning performance from the very beginning of the match. As soon as the battle began, he showed his palm and the fierce appearance of his opponent''s mystical beast disappeared immediately. It looked stunned for a moment before flying in his direction as if to chase something. It was a pity that the crowd was too far away to see what was the thing that had distracted the mystical beast. In any case, with the speed of the mystical beast, no matter what it was chasing, the time Bai Yexing could buy was only a few moments at most. In that instant, however, Bai Yexing rushed forward at an unprecedented speed, completely ignoring the sword that was about to pierce his chest and thrust his own sword at his opponent''s throat. His opponent, knowing that he had the advantage and would not die with Bai Yexing, hastily drew back his sword to defend himself while waiting for the mystical beast to return and join him in the attack. The disciple''s reaction was excellent, but Bai Yexing''s next move surprised everyone. Just as their weapons collided, his sword suddenly flew out of his grip, either knocked away by his opponent''s weapon or thrown out by himself. In short, he lost his weapon as soon as they met. 1082 Savage! Although the disciple of Beast Trainer Sect did not know whether there was any plot behind such a move, he felt that it was not a bad thing. How could it be a bad thing for him when his opponent had lost the weapon as soon as the match began? It only meant that his odds were higher. He quickly summoned his mystical Qi to attack again, but then was shocked to find it to be in a mess, for he had overreached himself to defend against Bai Yexing''s aggressive attack. It would take him at most the time of half a breath to recover, but at this moment, Bai Yexing rushed at him frantically before he was ready to fight back. He then tightly clamped his body with both legs and even reached out both hands to grab his neck! It was no longer an ordinary martial art move, but the way hooligans fought! Not only did the move come out of expectation, but it was also so sudden and quick that the disciple found it hard to move or even break free! His response was quick though. In the next moment, he had pierced his sword into Bai Yexing''s body; however, as his movement was restricted, the sword did not strike the vital spot. Bai Yexing, on the other hand, did not avoid the sword, but still strangled the disciple''s neck with all his strength. Meanwhile, his sword, which was knocked flying away just now, made a turn in the air and flew back. How could his sword be knocked away for no reason? In fact, it was the killing strike he had prepared in advance! The sword flew back from behind the disciple like a flash of lightning, shooting at him silently like a meteor. He did not know that, but all the spectators exclaimed in unison! It was too dangerous! Then, Bai Yexing used all his strength to keep him in place, causing both their bodies to be pierced by the sword together! Right in the arena of the Battle of the Celestial Luck Banners, in full view of all the spectators, the summoned sword stabbed into the disciple''s back, came out opf his chest, and then pierced into Bai Yexing''s abdomen. The disciple shrieked as his eyes grew wide in disbelief. But, Bai Yexing was expressionless, as indifferent as when he had just stepped into the field. And his eyes were calm and cold, as if he was not wounded at all. He did not stop there. Without uttering a single word, he twisted his body, forcibly breaking the sword that his opponent had stabbed into him and his own sword that had pierced both of them! Using his own bones, he had broken both swords! Such a scene could no longer be described as horrible and shocking! The disciple screamed in pain; he struggled desperately, parting himself from Bai Yexing and staggering backward. The way he looked at Bai Yexing was as if he was looking at a ghost! He could not believe there was a man in the world who would fight like this! A man who did not regard himself as a human! But, what terrified him even more came next; he saw Bai Yexing struggle to his feet and then turn to him while smiling calmly. Such a smile was more daunting than someone gnashing his teeth at him. The disciple felt his heart skip a beat, but then Bai Yexing was rushing at him once again. He lifted his broken sword and began hacking and slashing it frantically at Bai Yexing, sending bits of blood, flesh, and bone flying in all directions. But, the latter did not flinch and his expression did not change. With a soft wet sound, he pulled out the two broken blades in his body, turned them, and stabbed their sharp tips into his opponent''s chest. Once again, the disciple let out a scream that did not sound like it was coming from a man, and then he tried to counterattack. But, Bai Yexing opened his mouth and made a dash, piercing his white teeth into the soft flesh of the disciple''s throat. With the broken sword still clutched in his hand, the disciple kept hacking at Bai Yexing, trying to force him away. But, Bai Yexing clenched his jaws with all his strength as if he had no fear of death, until the man''s throat was torn apart by his teeth. Blood poured out of the man''s throat as he stared at Bai Yexing with fear pooling in his eyes. Soon afterward, his body went limp and he fell to the ground. All of this happened so quickly that it only took no more than a dozen breaths. Bai Yexing attacked with an extreme fighting style that would kill both his opponent and himself. Then, he loosened the grip of his sword, attached a spinning force on it, and allowed it to be knocked away. After that, he took the brief moment that his opponent''s mystical Qi was in a mess to rush forward, trapped the man in place with a move that was not a martial arts move, and let the opponent injure him while waiting for the sword to return, which did and impaled them together. He then used his flesh and bone to break the swords and stabbed the opponent with the blades. And his final move, the killing strike, was a bite on his opponent''s throat until it was torn apart. The series of changes was so fast-paced and out of everyone''s expectations, full of blood and terror! It was only then that the mystical beast, who had flown away for some unknown reason, came rushing back. Although it was away for only a dozen breaths, its master was dead. The disciple of Beast Trainer Sect was dead, but Bai Yexing''s condition was not much better. He was all covered in blood, and had even lost an arm. It was the result of the final counterattack from the disciple. With his remaining right hand, he took another sword out of his storage ring and held it tightly as he rushed toward the mystical beast without a word. Bai Yexing knew that he was severely wounded and could hardly fight again. But, the purpose of his extreme fighting style was to quickly finish the disciple and then fight the mystical beast, lest he was attacked by two opponents at the same time. Now that the first part of his plan had worked out, he had to muster all his remaining strength to finish the second part and win the match! The mystical beast had just gotten what it was looking for when it saw its master die. Shocked and fuming, it turned its body slightly and avoided the sword, then snapped its jaws around half of Bai Yexing''s body. But, little did it know that Bai Yexing had purposely brought himself into its jaws. Bai Yexing had his own judgment of his current condition; he knew he could no longer fight a dragged-out battle with the mystical beast, so he had to take risks. As the beast snapped at his body until a cracking sound could be heard, he swung the sword in his right hand and cut off two of the beast''s legs, and then stabbed it right through its chest. The beast roared and tried to escape, but as two of its legs were gone, it could not move as freely and fast as before. Taking the opportunity, Bai Yexing threw himself at it, hacking it with his sword. The beast went berserk as it turned back and closed its jaws around his right hand, ripping it from his shoulder. But that was before another of its front legs was cut away by the sword. Bai Yexing should not be able to fight again now that both of his hands were missing, but as the beast was ripping and biting him, he still did not give up. He used the same method again, turning his head and sinking his teeth into the hairy skin of the beast''s throat while crazily kicking and slamming the wounds all over its body with both legs and knees. The mystical beast, who had gone berserk, was stunned by Bai Yexing''s craziness, and a vague submissive feeling filled its mind. Eventually, it managed to free itself from his teeth, but then hopped away desperately with the only leg it was left with. It kept itself far away from him and no longer dared to approach, while its eyes were filled with fear. It had never seen a human being with such savagery. It was simply too frightening! Who was the mystical beast here? 1083 Residence of Nine Supremes Never Ceases To Advance! At this point, Bai Yexing was basically covered in wounds. Both his arms were gone, and blood was streaming out of his shoulder. He could die because of losing too much blood, but he did not make a sound. He pressed on toward the mystical beast silently while the latter whined piteously and backed off, limping with its only leg and soon forced into a corner. Standing there, it finally bared its teeth and threw itself at him. With both arms gone, Bai Yexing could no longer attack with mystical Qi, so he dashed forward and threw himself into the beast''s jaws. Then, he turned his head, put his bloody teeth into its throat once again, and kept kicking it with his legs. By now, the mystical beast was terribly frightened. With all its strength, the beast flung Bai Yexing away and then retreated to another corner, where it curled itself up while shivering. The fear in its eyes grew stronger and was plain to see, and the look on its face seemed to be saying that it wanted nothing but escape from the field. Bai Yexing struggled to his feet again and bolted toward the mystical beast. Everyone could tell that he was now at the end of his tether, that he was merely clinging to his last breath, and this charge of his was just a show. The mystical beast, on the other hand, though seriously wounded as well, still had the strength to fight back, which could be proven by how it had flung Bai Yexing away. At this critical juncture now, all it needed was a dash and it would be able to defeat Bai Yexing completely. But, the mystical beast, a black lion who was known for its savagery and violent nature, did nothing but whine and whimper. As Bai Yexing approached, it quickly spun with its tail tucked low and fled with its remaining leg, rolling and crawling out of the field. Everyone sighed; it was not out of pity, but admiration and approval. Anyone with a pair of keen eyes could see that it was a losing match for Residence of Nine Supremes, a match that they could not win. However, the outcome that everyone was expecting had been changed by Bai Yexing. As soon as the match began, he had fought desperately as if he wanted to kill his opponent at the cost of his own life. The disciple of Beast Trainer Sect, on the other hand, knew he was in an advantageous position, so he naturally did not want to risk his life. Since this first move, Bai Yexing had been leading the pace of the battle, forcing his opponent to take dangerous moves with even more desperate attacks. He had used the most extreme style to fight, risking his own life to try and win the match. Throughout the battle, he had shown everyone the true meaning of savagery; each one of his attacks and moves was a display of his determination. And it was his savagery that he had completely overwhelmed his opponent. A man''s cultivation base was important in a fight, but the fighting spirit was equally important. And once the spirit was reduced to its lowest, a defeat was certain. On top of that, Bai Yexing was persistent in his savagery, using it to oppress his opponent until he managed to kill him. He knew that if he could not kill his opponent before the mystical beast returned, he would have to face two opponents at the same time, and then he would surely be defeated. After that, he turned to fight the mystical beast. With his condition at that time, there was no way he could win, but he still used the same tactics, boosting his savagery to its extreme to injure the beast at the cost of wounding himself further. By relying on his cultivation base that was two tiers higher than the beast, he used his badly mutilated body to fight a bloody close-quarter combat, once again displaying his ferocity, ruthlessness, and savagery. Such a horrifying spirit had utterly frightened the mystical beast, causing it to lose all its courage to fight again after it was seriously injured and flee out of the field. Although mystical beasts had the word ''mystical'' in their names, they were beasts after all, which would make them unable to escape from their instinctive fear of stronger and fiercer existences. The match was no longer an ordinary fight between warriors, but a battle of courage and attitude. With the man, it was a battle of nerves. With the mystical beast, it was still a battle of nerves. The one that could be killed had to be killed as quickly as possible, and the one that could not be killed...could be scared away. It could be said that Bai Yexing''s opponent and the opponent''s mystical beast were defeated by his extreme tactics. From the beginning to the end, Bai Yexing had not uttered a single word, and he had not screamed or grunted. Even his expression had not changed at all. His eyes were calm and cold, as if his wounds were on someone else''s body, and he had no feeling at all. Even now, as the match was over and the outcome was decided, he still did not speak. He just stood there in the field, waiting for the announcement. His indifferent and calm attitude sent a shiver down the back of all those who were looking at him. Compared to a fierce enemy or even a ghost, this kind of savagery that hid under the calmness was even more frightening. "The match is won by Residence of Nine Supremes!" The announcement finally came. Bai Yexing breathed a sigh of relief, and then he could no longer move, not even able to lift a finger. He had exhausted all his strength, covered in wounds and having lost a significant amount of blood. With so many negative conditions, it was already a miracle that he could hold on until now. Everyone saw him standing straight like a spear, unmoving, with only a relieved smile on his face stained with blood and dirt. He seemed to have mumbled something soundlessly, and then he froze in place. Yun Yang was taken aback. The last soundless sentence Bai Yexing had said was, "Residence of Nine Supremes never ceases to advance!" The people of Beast Trainer Sect, including Qin Ruogu, were convinced of their defeat in the match. It would be a queer thing if Residence of Nine Supremes lost the match when it had such an amazing disciple. Every man had only one life, the same bones, blood, flesh, viscera, and brain. A defeat was certain when one had no courage to fight but one''s opponent did. A man who had the courage to face death and risk his life would certainly have more chances than those who did not. Qin Ruogu sighed, turned to Yun Yang and said, "Sect Leader Yun, we from the Beast Trainer Sect are sincerely convinced of our defeat in this match of disciples." In a rare occurrence, Yun Yang was visibly moved as he said softly, "I wanted to say your disciple did well, but I find such a courteous word hard to come out of my mouth at this moment, for my disciple has won the match beautifully. So, I''ll not pretend to be courteous anymore." Qin Ruogu sighed again with envy. "You should feel proud, Sect Leader Yun! With such an amazing disciple, Residence of Nine Supremes deserves to own a Celestial Luck Banner." At this point, even Huo Yunfeng was awash with emotion. The match had shocked him so much that he could not come back to his senses for a long time, and he had even forgotten about the supreme-grade spiritual jades that he was about to lose. ''It is worthwhile to lose my supreme-grade spiritual jades because of such a man!'' 1084 The Match of Sect Leaders With a flash of light, two men and a beast were resurrected in the field. Bai Yexing was in his white clothes; his missing arms were back, and he was in perfect shape. However, he still wore the same indifferent expression and stood there with a pair of calm eyes. Opposite him, the disciple of Beast Trainer Sect was looking at him with dread in his eyes as if the other was a ghost. As for the mystical beast, it simply did not dare to look at him. And when it caught a glimpse of him, it whimpered and hurriedly bowed its head, fearing to look at that calm face again. Bai Yexing had scared the wits out of the man and the beast with his fearsome fighting style, striking terror into their hearts. "Sect Leader, Master, Uncle-Masters, this disciple has succeeded in carrying out the assignment and won the match!" Bai Yexing reported. Kong Luoyue''s face beamed with satisfaction and pride while the rest nodded approvingly. "Good! Very good!" "Yexing, you have performed excellently!" praised Yun Yang, "No other first-generation disciples would have performed better than you in this match! Luoyue, you''ve found yourself an outstanding disciple!" Kong Luoyue''s face was all smiles as he said humbly, "Boss, you are flattering him! Yexing still needs to progress further, so you better don''t overpraise him." Shi Wuchen and others gave Kong Luoyue a sideways glance and suddenly felt like hitting him. ''Can you be any phonier?'' Yun Yang smiled. "I didn''t praise him because he won. Xiuxin was supposed to fight the match, and even if not her, I was thinking of sending Mingxiu. But, Yexing not only accurately predicted the opponent''s strength, but also understood the innate weakness of Xiuxin as a girl. If she were to fight the match, she would surely suffer a blow on her mental state..." "So, he stood up and volunteered. This is the reason why I praised him." He gave Yun Xiuxin a look and went on, "Although Xiuxin had defeated Yexing during a friendly match, if she were the one who fought this match, she would have lost by now." Everyone nodded and agreed with what he said. Even Yun Xiuxin, who was always so proud of herself, bowed her head. She knew her Master was right. ''If I had fought this match...apart from losing it, I would most probably be trapped in the fear of being devoured by the beast for a very long time. And, I can never be as savage as Yexing. Even if I could, I would not have the same determination as him!'' She knew that the match was won by Bai Yexing''s determination because his strength was weaker than the opponent''s. Sun Mingxiu was pondering too. ''If I were the one who fought this match, no matter how steadily and carefully I handled the situation, I could, at best, obtain an internecine outcome, and it would be absolutely impossible for me to win!'' "Sect Leader, you are flattering me!" Bai Yexing was still so indifferent. Yun Yang smiled and gave him a deep look. Bai Yexing did not negotiate with the mystical beast, and he had not use the bead Yun Yang gave him accordingly. Instead, he used a different approach to win the match. Just his quick wits alone were worth praising. Trying to lure such a mystical beast in the match of disciples was most probably...not very useful. The match was already over for some time, but the crowd seemed to be having a hard time collecting themselves. There was a figure in their eyes who used every possible means and all his strength to fight, who paid no mind to the bits of his own bones flying all over the place, who wore the same calm and indifferent expression from the beginning to the end of the match. A man who was indifferent and cold A man who cared nothing about other people, things, objects, or even himself Decapitation was a quick death that everyone could basically accept, because all senses would be gone as soon as the blade cut through the neck. But, when a man was badly mutilated during a battle, with his body covered in wounds and over half of his bones broken, and yet he still kept on fighting without even making a sound... Such a relentless man was rare in the world. Therefore, the eyes that looked at Bai Yexing now were all filled with respect, and that included the many high-level warriors present. At this moment, everyone knew there was a true man of iron in this world. Even if one captured this man, no matter how one tortured him or smashed all his bones to bits and pieces, he could still keep his mouth shut and not utter a single word. Everyone was sure Bai Yexing could do that. ... After a long time, Huo Yunfeng finally cleared his throat and said, "Let the match of sect leaders begin!" Yun Yang and Qin Ruogu exchanged a glance and stood up at the same time. "Sect Leader Yun, we at the Beast Trainer Sect have our very own unique means," said Qin Ruogu. "Although true experts will think nothing of them, they are pretty powerful. Please be careful!" Yun Yang smiled and said calmly, "Sect Leader Qin, Residence of Nine Supremes has never lacked trump cards, which has been proven repeatedly in this Battle of Celestial Luck banners." While laughing, Qin Ruogu flicked his sleeve and went down to the field. Meanwhile, Yun Yang followed leisurely as if he was taking a stroll on clouds. Both men stepped into the field at the same time. One''s hair were grayish-white, with a serious look on his face as if he was about to do something extremely important, while the other was young and handsome, relaxed and carefree, as if he was merely going for a walk in the country in spring. The difference between them was stark. Even the people of Beast Trainer Sect could see that, but their sect leader, Qin Ruogu, seemed to have not noticed it. It was most probably because the player saw less clearly than the bystander. Or perhaps he was too focused on the match. After all, he could not make any mistake as it concerned the last dignity of his sect. Might be it was the reason why he did not have spare energy to care about other unimportant details. In fact, the only thing that concerned this sect leader of Beast Trainer Sect now was Yun Yang''s shocking strength, which was at least one step ahead of his, or even two steps, possibly three steps... After all, the strength Luo Dajiang had displayed just now was already stronger than yesterday, and no one knew whether Yun Yang, as the sect leader of Residence of Nine Supremes, did hide part of his strength or not. If that were the case, then he could only rely on his sect''s divine beast. The divine beast had a long history, and it had been with Beast Trainer Sect for 4,300 years. However, although it was strong, it had a very eccentric character and was very difficult to control. Had it not been because of the critical situation, Qin Ruogu would not have used this trump card which had been long in hiding. Qin Ruogu prayed in his heart, ''Now, the fate of the whole sect is on you, so you''d better stop giving me trouble!'' 1085 Eh, Whats That Smell? Qin Ruogu felt somewhat relieved when he thought of the conversation he had had with the divine beast last night. The two men stood in the field while facing each other, but the distance between them was not as close as the few previous matches. After taking his place, Qin Ruogu felt that it was not safe enough, so he moved back another two hundred feet. Now, the distance between them was four hundred feet. The gap surprised Yun Yang. "Sect Leader Qin, aren''t you ready?" As he said that, he could not help but take a step forward. "Hold on!" Qin Ruogu stopped him from advancing further and then explained, "I''ll be only supervising the match. In other words, as long as you can defeat my mystical beast, you will win the match!" "Oh?" ''A mystical beast? I need to fight a mystical beast?'' Almost reflexively, Yun Yang stopped mustering his mystical Qi and used the Endless Divine Art, which he had rarely used in combat. An ancient-looking bracelet appeared in Qin Ruogu''s hand. He gently rubbed it and murmured something, then a light flashed all of a sudden and a hill emerged in the field. A black hill! It shocked the crowd, and when they looked at it carefully, they saw that the black hill was, in fact, a bear. A gigantic black bear! Its hair were pure black, and it stood over two hundred feet tall. Just one of its paws was almost as large as an ordinary house. When it stood there in the middle of the field, it looked exactly like a mini hill. The black bear seemed a little bit blurry after making its appearance. With a huge paw, it rubbed its eyes and opened its mouth to reveal its foot-long fangs, then craned its head and...yawned. When it was done with that, it turned to give Qin Ruogu a grumpy look, almost like a human. Clearly, the bear was sleeping just now. "Bear Saint King, our opponent is right in front of you." Qin Ruogu bowed and said, "You just have to defeat him and we will win. By that time, you can sleep for as long as you like. At least, we will not disturb you again for a very long time to come." The black bear picked its nose and dug out a lump of snot as large as a basin. Flicking it away, it cocked its head and glanced at Yun Yang, then went on to pick another nostril. After flicking away another lump of yellowish snot, it threw its head back and sneezed. Finally, after blowing its nose and feeling comfortable, it turned to face Yun Yang with a snort. Yun Yang had now rotated his Endless Divine Art to the maximum. Standing on the other side of the field with a smile, he stared at the black bear. As someone who cared so much about his appearance, Yun Yang naturally had a mild obsession with cleanliness. However, in the face of such a sloven bear, his eyes were filled with joy, which was mixed with a deep reminiscence. He thought of the little cute bear he had met not so long ago... ''I wonder how you two are doing in the woods! If there is a chance, I''ll definitely visit you again. You must wait for me!'' The black bear snorted again, then suddenly opened its mouth and thundered, "Little guy, are you Beast Trainer Sect''s enemy?" Many sects that knew nothing about the black bear, including Yun Yang and his brothers, were all startled by the loud voice. ''This bear can talk like a human? Is he still a bear? Or is there actually a man under that bearskin!'' "But, that''s not possible! How can a man be so tall and huge!" Yun Yang''s shock soon turned into joy. ''He can talk? That will make things easier.'' Compared to his cultivation base, strength, and all kinds of trump cards, Yun Yang was somewhat confident in his eloquence. When it was used properly, it meant there was good communication, and any enemy could be settled with a glib tongue. The black bear stared at Yun Yang with his big round eyes, clearly confused by the joy on the little man''s face. ''Shouldn''t he be pissing in his pants when facing me?'' Yun Yang smiled. "The battle is merely the reshuffling of ranks between sects with Celestial Luck Banners, and we are not enemies. But, since Senior Bear King has come out, why don''t you just enjoy the scenery and spend some time outside? You can also take the opportunity to make some friends. That''s beneficial to yourself and others." The bear grunted. Somehow, the more he looked at the little guy in purple clothes, the more he felt him to be...intimate. ''Why does he smell...so good?'' He was not the only beast who had that feeling. The Thousand Illusion Monkey whom Ji Lingxi had carefully served for three months, the mystical beasts the four noble young masters asked to train; Reddie, the lord of horses; Niello Bear, who would always be in Yun Yang''s memory; Moire Python, the five Whitey...too many mystical beasts had fallen for this feeling! Well, there was another mystical beast, who ran away from the opponent for some unknown reason in the last match. Now, could the black bear be an exception? The big fella could not help sniffing again, and the suspicion in his eyes grew stronger. Yun Yang laughed and drifted two hundred feet forward, standing only about thirty to forty feet from the bear. He looked up and said, "Lord Bear, you really look mighty and deserve all the respect and admiration." A complacent look immediately jumped up the black bear''s face as he said reservedly, "Well, I''m not that special." Even then, he could not help but sniff again. ''Eh, what''s that smell?'' "No, no, no. This is the first time this puny one saw such a fearsome Bear King. I was almost scared out of my wits when I caught the first glimpse of you just now. I think those so-called top mystical beasts are not as strong as you, Senior!" Yun Yang said in a sincere voice. His warm greeting from such a close distance and all the lavish praise made the bear king feel extremely comfortable. With his eyes narrowed, the black bear said, "If truth be told, although I''m fearsome and my cultivation base is profound, the rarest thing about me is my handsome appearance. There are few bears that can reach such a high level of looks." Looking at the huge black hill of flesh with all his imagination, Yun Yang could not find which part of the big fella made him handsome. Nonetheless, he laughed and said, "Senior, you are too humble! Among all the bear brothers I''ve met, not even one of them is more handsome than you. In fact, it is so rare to see one that is half as handsome as you." ''Well, I''ve only seen a few mystical bears. Compared to the smaller-sized Niello Bear and the stupid Ten Thousand Catty Bear, this black bear king is truly more outstanding.'' The black bear burst out laughing. His voice was so dull, deep, and loud that it shook the ears of all spectators. Panicking behind it, Qin Ruogu said out loud, "Bear Saint King, this man is our opponent in this match!" The black bear snorted disapprovingly as he looked down at Yun Yang. The more he looked at him, the more he felt that this little guy was a good man who not only had a pair of keen eyes, but was also very honest. And that smell coming from him...it was simply too cordial! ''It is a genuine, indescribable feeling of...affection! So much so that I almost thought he is one of my blood brothers...'' ''Why do I feel this way?'' 1086 Lets Be Friends "You''re too short, boy! Talking to you like this is rather inconvenient." The black bear expressed his dissatisfaction with the state in which he had to keep looking down. Yun Yang was not offended in the slightest as he smiled and said, "I don''t like this either. Look, I have to keep looking up as well, and since I don''t have the divine ability to transform myself larger or smaller as Senior does, there''s nothing I can do." The black bear thought for a moment and found what he said made sense. "Well, since you can''t grow taller, I''ll make myself smaller. It''s too tiring talking like this!" He had hardly finished when his gigantic body suddenly shrunk, then shrunk again, and again... Qin Ruogu was so anxious that he seemed like a cat on hot bricks. ''Why are you becoming friends with him? I thought you promised me to fight today! What you are doing right now is not what we agreed upon last night!'' "Bear Saint King!" "Shut up, boy! I know what to do!" The black bear turned and shot Qin Ruogu a fierce look. "You better not spoil my mood!" "..." As he grew smaller and smaller, the black bear felt the smell coming from Yun Yang grow richer. It was not the kind of smell that would make him drool like food, but a smell that gave him a feeling of intimacy. At last, a charmingly naive middle-sized black bear appeared in front of Yun Yang. He was as tall as Yun Yang, but had plump arms and legs, a fat neck, and a pair of fat lips. No matter how Yun Yang studied the bear, he still could not figure out which part of him made him look handsome. Was the aesthetic sense of bears so different from human beings? "Much better now," the black bear said thoughtlessly. "What''s your name? Do you have any wine?" "Wine?" Yun Yang was struck dumb. The bear was asking for wine? It was a praise to say he behaved very much like a human, but it seemed he was more human than a bear. Was he really not some man wearing a bearskin? "Of course! In fact, not only I have wine, but I also have plenty of delicious food, more than enough to fill our stomachs!" "Aye, take them out quickly! How can a gathering between brothers be without wine? We have to get drunk today!" As soon as he spoke, saliva began to run from his mouth. "Damnit, I''ve forgotten myself! Whenever I think of wine, my mouth always..." The black bear wiped his mouth with a paw and actually laughed at himself. "Bear Saint King!" Qin Ruogu could not stand it any longer. He rushed over from behind and said, "The reason I asked you here is to fight the match. Don''t forget that the outcome of this match will affect Beast Trainer Sect''s thousands of years of glory! Drinking now is not worthy of..." "Fu*k your trainer sect!" The black bear exploded. "Try to mention that whatever trainer sect again! Drinking is the most important thing now! Do you know what it means by the most important thing?!" "..." Qin Ruogu was struck dumb. It was a fact that Beast Trainer Sect was much hated by high-level mystical beasts, but once they were tamed, the hatred should be gone, especially for a guardian divine beast who had stayed in Beast Trainer Sect for thousands of years. Shouldn''t he have already gotten used to it? But, why did he... "Senior Bear Saint King, I hope you will abide by the spirit of the contract..." Qin Ruogu began to play emotional cards. "If not necessary, this junior would not want to use the contract to restrain you, but this match..." The black bear rolled his eyes and bared his fangs, "Why don''t you try and use that contract?" "..." Unhappy with Qin Ruogu''s attitude, the black bear grabbed a wine jar taken out by Yun Yang and cracked its mud seal with a slap. Then, he threw his head back and began to drink, before the jar shattered with a pop. But, its inside was already completely dry, as if it had been exposed under the sun for a thousand years in a desert. "A fine wine! A fuc*ing fine wine..." The bear snorted and said, "You''ve tricked me for thousands of years and yet you still want to trick me!" Yun Yang knew there must be something between them, so he simply stood by and watched like an onlooker while taking out pots of food and being a good dining companion. "Senior Bear King, come, you must try this dish. It''s delicious!" The black bear patted Yun Yang on the shoulder and said, "You''re good, very good!" Suddenly he laughed merrily. "I came to this world thousands of years ago, and so far, you are the first human who dares to let me pat on the shoulder. Hah! You''re good, really good!" As he said that, he patted Yun Yang on the shoulder again. Yun Yang suddenly felt bad for him. ''Had this black bear never enjoyed a bit of trust in his life? Is it really appropriate to be so friendly to someone whom he had just met for the first time? Initially, my plan was to kill him when he had shrunk smaller after being tricked by me. But, with the way he is treating me now, I feel somewhat guilty in doing that...'' The black bear kept his body the same size, but his mouth suddenly expanded as he poured two pots of food into it. Then, he drank another two jars of wine before breathing out a long sigh with a look of reminiscence in his eyes. "The wine is good, and so are you. When I have finished drinking later, we will fight each other. You won''t mind, will you? I did promise that little guy over there, and I can''t go back on my own words!" The bear was surprisingly polite. "No, I don''t mind at all. A promise is a promise, and a man''s word is his bond," said Yun Yang. "We are friends, and such a trifle thing will not affect our friendship." The black bear was delighted. "Good, good, good!" All of a sudden, he opened his mouth wide and leaned over, putting his jaws around Yun Yang''s body. In the face of such a sudden change, Yun Yang did not move at all. Instead, he was still taking out pots of food and jars of wine, and his expression was unchanged. Then, the black bear sniffed around Yun Yang with his big nose. It was a long time before he pulled his head back with a look of intoxication, and the way he looked at Yun Yang was even kinder now. Yun Yang had his own definition for friends; whomever he took as friends, he would trust them without reservation. His unflinching attitude, as a result, had boosted the bear''s good opinion of him. The mystical beast''s friendliness toward Yun Yang just now was based on the inexplicable fondness, but it was now based on the trust between friends, and even the kindred feelings between brothers! "It''s been thousands of years, yet today is my happiest day since that old fella who tricked me died..." There was a look of loss in his eyes. No one would have believed that a bear, a mystical beast, would have such a look in its eyes. Yun Yang did not say anything. He knew he could not interrupt the black bear now. Whether man or mystical beast, memory had always been the most precious treasure and could not be violated. The black bear drank another jar of wine and his eyes grew misty. "Before he died, that old fella asked me...he asked me to guard his sect for him, protect his disciples, and their disciples...and not let anyone bully them." "It''s been so many years that I almost can''t remember his face. But the promise...oh that fuc*ing promise..." 1087 Let Me Help You "All the bast*rds in this fuc*ing sect are as stupid as pigs!" The black bear cursed. "They never play ball games with me, never give me honey, never find monkeys to play with me, and never allow me to leave. Worst of all, they only think of me when they are facing something serious which they cannot handle..." "In life, there are always things that we have to do involuntarily, but they hurt when we look back..." Yun Yang sighed. The bear''s eyes lit up. "That''s right! That''s the saying! I couldn''t recall it just now." "Pardon me for saying this, Senior, but it seems you have not had a very good life in recent years..." When Yun Yang said that, he released wisps of life essence energy. After all, the implication of sowing discord in his words was rather obvious. With the human nature and rationality displayed by the black bear, it was reasonable for him to suddenly turn hostile. The life essence energy could come in handy should that happen. The truth was that Yun Yang had worried too much, because those words actually made the bear feel like he had found a bosom friend. He sighed forlornly and said, "I''m not just living a bad life, it is almost like I''m in jail! Do you know when was the last time I came out? Over three hundred years ago! Thanks to this bunch of black-hearted turtle eggs!" "Come, drink with me!" "Come, share this dish with me!" "Come..." The spectators on all four sides of the field were confused as they watched the man and the bear drinking and eating to their heart''s content. "What... what are they doing now?" "I thought they were supposed to fight each other? But why are they...drinking and eating like good friends?" "Could it be that they are competing to see who can drink more wine or eat more food?" Then, everyone turned to look at Qin Ruogu, who was standing at a corner like an idiot, not daring to urge the black bear to fight or even get closer. The look on his face was a mixture of hesitation, shame, anger, and confusion. It confused the crowd. Who was the sect leader of Beast Trainer Sect here? Qin Ruogu or Yun Yang? Why did it seem that their positions had changed? Yun Yang continued to rotate the Endless Divine Art, and the area affected by it was gradually expanding. The black bear''s face grew more and more relaxed, and then he simply lay on his stomach, only moving his head to drink and eat. From time to time, he also rolled back and forth comfortably. He did not mind exposing his belly to Yun Yang, which was the weakest spot of any mystical beast, and just kept drinking, eating, and recalling the old days. Before very long, he got so comfortable that he almost fell asleep. Qin Ruogu was so anxious that he broke out in a cold sweat. ''The strength displayed by Luo Dajiang is already at the level of a Saint King, and Yun Yang had proven that he is stronger than Luo Dajiang in the previous match. Even if his true strength is not as strong, it should be very close to the level of a Saint King as well. How could you show your belly in front of someone so strong? What if he has a divine weapon and uses it to sneakily stab you? That will be the end of everything.'' But, he did not dare to warn him. Just now, when he warned the black bear for the first time, the mystical beast turned a deaf ear to him. Then, as he warned the second time, he was knocked to the ground by the bear with a slap. Qin Ruogu felt emotionally exhausted by now. Meanwhile, the people of Beast Trainer Sect on the stands were also baffled by the situation in the field. "Is this the way our divine beast fights? Please forgive my ignorance, but I really can''t figure out how that''s going to win the match..." In the meantime, Yun Yang continued to pour forth his streams of eloquence, and he was even saying, "... if you''re not happy, you may as well move to another place to live..." ''What the f...'' Qin Ruogu was going crazy! ''Is he starting to poach now? How could he be so blatant? Doesn''t he know shame?'' "No, no..." The black bear was a very principled mystical beast. "Senior Bear King, if you are interested..." Yun Yang said through a voice transmission, "come to Residence of Nine Supremes after today''s match and I''ll help you shape your human form." "Seriously? Do you really mean it?" The black bear sat up immediately, staring at Yun Yang with his big round eyes. ''When the cultivation base of common mystical beasts reaches the level of Beast Kings, turning into human forms is the first thing they do. But poor me, although I''m already a Saint King, I still can''t do that...'' Everyone heard the question he blurted out in surprise. ''Shit! This is going to be bad...'' Qin Ruogu screamed in his mind. ''What are they talking about? Oh, heavens! I''m suffocating...'' Yun Yang smiled faintly and opened a tiny gap to his deific consciousness space, causing a unique aura to waft out of it. Although the gap was closed almost instantly, the black bear had already jumped to his feet, staring at Yun Yang with eyes full of surprise. Yun Yang raised a wine jar and said, "We are friends!" His voice was earnest and full of suggestions. "Yes, yes, yes!" The black bear agreed happily. "We are good friends... hahaha..." His attitude toward Yun Yang had changed subtly again. Before, although he was friendly, there was still a hint of superiority in his bearing. However, it was all gone now. Yun Yang put down the wine jar and said seriously, "Now that Brother Bear has recognized our friendship, things will be so much easier. When this battle is over, you can come to me anytime to solve your problem, and I''ll definitely fulfill your dream. I believe you understand that my words are not empty, and I have the ability to do that!" A rumble rang out immediately, ringing through the heaven and earth! A Heaven''s Vow was made! The black bear was so touched that his eyes turned red. ''My life is running out, with only a few thousand years left at most. If I still can''t turn into human form, I''ll no longer have the opportunity... ''But, I didn''t expect I would meet a nice guy here! He has just made a Heaven''s Vow! He''s a true brotherOtherwise, how could he have such a pleasant smell...'' "Brother Bear, despite what I''ve promised you, we should still fight each other as it is supposed to be, and I''ll not pull my punches just because we are brothers. I hope you will understand this," said Yun Yang in a serious voice. "My Residence of Nine Supremes will lose everything if I lose the match, so I can''t be lenient. Please don''t blame me if I wound you later in the fight." The black bear waved a paw and said, "Don''t worry, I won''t blame you. We are friends." If Yun Yang had said what he just said before he made the Heaven''s Vow, the result would have been totally reversed; it would surely further trigger the black bear''s negative emotion. "Also, no matter what''s the outcome of this match, I''ll still help Brother Bear break free of the shackles. Therefore, Brother Bear, please fight with all your might." For a moment, Yun Yang beamed with awe-inspiring righteousness. 1088 I Cant Believe I Was Knocked Unconscious! ''As long as I can succeed in taking human form, my oath with this sect will be rescinded...'' The black bear''s eyes were full of hope. On the other side, Yun Yang''s eyes lit up as well. The bear looked at Yun Yang and studied the righteousness on his face, then sniffed at the pleasant smell coming from him and felt the indescribable affection. He drank the fine wine and the delicious dishes provided by Yun Yang, then thought of the Heaven''s Vow and the promise to help him take the human form. "Don''t worry, brother! Your sect will certainly overcome this obstacle." The bear promised solemnly. "As I said, Brother Bear, don''t pull your punches on me. We have to try our best to do what is entrusted to us by others. Respect what you''ve promised, and that is how you respect yourself and me," said Yun Yang with an air of righteousness. The black bear grinned. "Of course! You respect me, so I naturally have to respect you, and I''ll respect the promise as well. How can we not keep our promise..." "I think we have had enough of wine," Yun Yang stood up, "Let''s begin, Brother Bear!" The bear rose to his feet while swaying and belched. "Aye... let''s begin." Qin Ruogu should be happy, for he finally heard the man and the bear say that they would begin to fight each other. But if truth be told, he felt that his heart was dead inside him. Previously, the way he stood embarrassingly in the field without doing anything had filled the heads of almost all the spectators with the same question: what was this Qin Ruogu doing there? And now, even he himself had the same doubt. ''What am I doing here? Who am I? Where am I?'' It was so embarrassing! ''Right, I''m here to fight!'' He finally remembered the reason why he was here. ''This is the third match of the ranking battle between the sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners. And if my sect loses again, our ranking will drop and become one of the lower three sects!'' ''Oh, heavens!'' But just now, he could only look at the man and the bear drinking and eating to their heart''s content, not daring to interrupt them. The situation made Qin Ruogu feel utterly ashamed. ''It''s finally going to be over. They are about to start fighting each other...'' However, that only made him even more depressed. He was no longer hopeful. As the sect leader of Beast Trainer Sect, he had spent a long time with this black bear, who was the divine beast of his sect, and he was very familiar with his temper and character. The black bear waddled about a hundred feet away from Yun Yang, where he stopped and roared suddenly. Then, his body began to grow bigger and taller rapidly. In an instant, he had transformed back to a gigantic monster that stood hundreds of feet tall. Yun Yang now looked like a tiny beansprout in front of the bear, who could probably blow him away with a breath without even using the paw. And yet, he did not draw his saber; his hands were still empty. "Brother Bear!" Yun Yang cupped his fist, "Please show me what you got!" The black bear waved a paw thoughtlessly and said, "After you." Yun Yang leaped into the air, his purple clothes waving gracefully as he struck a palm onto the bear''s chest. As soon as the black bear was hit by the palm, his huge body was lifted off the ground, thrown some five to six hundred feet away before smashing back down, causing the earth to shake violently. The big fella struggled a few times, and his limbs kept twitching as he cried out, "What a powerful palm strike! I can''t believe I''m knocked unconscious!" When he had finished, his body twitched once again and then he was not moving anymore. There was a moment of dead silence. Qin Ruogu was completely struck dumb. He had already expected something, but...wasn''t this too overt? In fact, he was not alone. Everyone present, including Huo Yunfeng and the other executive officers of the Sacred Heart Palace, were all stunned. "Damnit! I can''t believe they actually did that!" Everyone, including the culpritYun Yangwas speechless! It was just too fake! ''Couldn''t you put more effort into your acting? How could you come out with such an unconvincing excuse?'' ''Would you not fall to the ground and pretend to be knocked unconscious if you did not say that?'' ''Were you afraid that others couldn''t find out you were faking your defeat?'' Huo Yunfeng felt his heart trembling, and his eyeballs were already hanging outside the sockets. ''Fu*k! What is this! Am I dreaming now or what? How can this be happening? The mystical beast they had kept for thousands of years betrayed them because someone treated him with some wine, and it happened right in the field where they were supposed to fight each other? And he even fakes his defeat for his enemy? This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a drama in my life! What an eye opener! Beast Trainer Sect is truly worthy of its name...What a great beast they have trained! ''The defeat will only make you drop in ranking, but it will make me lose two hundred pieces of supreme-grade spiritual jade! Damnit! My wealth had already shrunk significantly, and now it''s even worse! Are you trying to bankrupt me?'' Huo Yunfeng was extremely upset, and he realized that he had fallen into the same pit three times. ''Fine! I''ve learned my lesson! From now on, whenever Residence of Nine Supremes is fighting someone else, I''ll definitely bet on them even if the odds seem extremely low!'' At this moment, a life-long fan of Residence of Nine Supremes was born! "The match is won by Residence of Nine Supremes!" Huo Yunfeng announced with a straight face. Surprisingly, Qin Ruogu''s expression had turned calm. ''We''ve lost? Well, that''s nothing unusual! Under such circumstances, it would be fuc*ing unusual if we won. I must be out of my mind to bring this black bear here to fight. I should have known...'' Qin Ruogu was, after all, the leader of a sect, so he knew how to judge the situation and what was the important thing to do now. Wordless, he walked slowly beside the black bear and pulled out the ancient-looking bracelet... "I''ll go back myself!" The black bear was resisting. "I''ll not go back in there again! ROAR!" Qin Ruogu''s face was dark. "But..." "No but!" The bear was exasperated. "You are trying to put me into that bracelet in front of my friend. What is your intention? Are you trying to put me to shame? In your dreams!" "..." "Do you know this crappy bracelet can no longer contain me?! Had it not been because it is rather comfortable to sleep in it and I was keeping the promise made with your ancestor, I would have long broken it!" "..." "In any case, I''m not going inside again! Try me!" "..." With a dark face, Qin Ruogu began to recite some spells. Clearly, he had made up his mind. The black bear was Beast Trainer Sect''s strongest trump card, a strategic weapon. Even if he were not sent to fight, he could still pose a threat to the enemies. If he were poached, Beast Trainer Sect''s overall strength would be reduced sharply by at least two levels, losing its right to be one of the sects with Celestial Luck Banners. Therefore, Qin Ruogu had made up his mind immediately to use extreme means! He firmly believed that the bracelet in his hand could subdue the black bear, and that his decision was right! With arms crossed over his chest, the black bear stared calmly at Qin Ruogu and said, "Go on, recite that spell once more. I''ll not go in there even if you recite it a hundred times!" Qin Ruogu did as he was bid, reciting the spell a few times, while the black bear grinned with arms crossed over his chest. Sure enough, the spell had no effect at all! 1089 A Match of Mystical Beasts! "Bear Saint King, you are not going to break your promise, are you?" After several failed attempts, Qin Ruogu played the emotional cards once again. "No," The black bear snorted. "I always keep my promise, but I''m soon going to completely fulfill the promise." Qin Ruogu''s eyes widened in an instant as he said incredulously, "What! You..." The black bear laughed and suddenly leaped into the air. With a dash, he was on the stands belonging to Beast Trainer Sect in the next moment. Using both of his huge paws, he repeatedly pounded his own chest and roared, "I''m about to take my human form! ROARRRR!" The people of Beast Trainer Sect turned deathly pale when they heard the thunderous announcement. ''When you achieve the ability to take human form, that will be the time you can regain your freedom,'' was the promise made to the black bear by the founding sect leader of Beast Trainer Sect, and also the black bear''s promise to the sect. From the day the black bear took his human form, he would no longer have anything to do with Beast Trainer Sect. Had the day finally arrived? ... After losing three matches in a row, it was official that Beast Trainer Sect was no longer the sixth-ranked sect with a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner. All its people were dejected as if their spines were suddenly taken away by someone, turning them into the walking dead. The thousands of years of glory had been destroyed, becoming the stepping stone for someone else. At this point, the leader of the fifth-ranked Blue Heaven Sect, Yu Changtai, thundered, "If I may ask, Sect Leader Yun, will you stop now or continue the challenge?" This was the first time he had spoken, and the purpose of his question was to understand Yun Yang''s end goal. If Yun Yang and the others from Residence of Nine Supremes were satisfied with their current rank, then there was no need to fight the remaining matches. However, if they insisted on continuing the challenge, it meant that they were actually targeting higher ranking sects! Yun Yang smiled. "Of course, we will continue the challenge! So far, there has not been a sect or individual who could defeat the Residence of Nine Supremes in any of the matches. Therefore, we will not stop advancing. Otherwise, we will just be looking down on ourselves." "What do you say, Sect Leader Qin?" asked Yu Changtai. "Are you going to give up the remaining two matches and admit defeat, or..." His words were full of suggestions. Eyes shot with blood, Qin Ruogu bellowed, "We will fight the fourth match! If Residence of Nine Supremes thinks it can defeat Beast Trainer Sect with a complete victory, it better prepare for a tough fight!" Yun Yang stared at him with a mocking grin. "Sect Leader Qin, your decision is rather...harmful to others and lacking benefits for yourself." Qin Ruogu snorted, his face livid. As Yun Yang had said, Qin Ruogu''s decision was indeed harmful to others and without benefits for himself. Beast Trainer Sect had lost three matches in a row. According to the rules of best of five matches, its defeat was a foregone conclusion. Even if it won the fourth match, it would not return to its original position. The decision served only one purpose: to stop Residence of Nine Supremes from advancing further. But in any case, Qin Ruogu had to fight this match. Yun Yang had poached the black bear in front of him and destroyed Beast Trainer Sect''s strongest trump card. He could not just swallow this insult and do nothing. "You had a secret conversation with Bear Saint King just now and used a dirty trick to defeat me without a fight! It''s true that I''ve lost according to the rules, but in the hearts of all the people of Beast Trainer Sect, we never lost this match!" Qin Ruogu said in a loud voice, "If you win the fourth match, we will give up the fifth match. In our hearts, the fourth match is the final match that will decide the outcome and not the third match! Beast Trainer Sect will defeat Residence of Nine Supremes in a match with true strength!" Many people of Beast Trainer Sect nodded when they heard that. That was right! Yun Yang had mysteriously won the match. Who would have believed that there was nothing fishy behind his victory? How could they be convinced of such an outcome? Yun Yang laughed. "Well, how does Sect Leader Qin wish the fourth match be fought?" There was a vicious look in Qin Ruogu''s eyes as he said, "We''ll fight with a match of mystical beasts!" The audience burst into an uproar. "A match of mystical beasts?" "Beast Trainer Sect is famous for keeping mystical beasts, so it is normal for you to fight with them. But, the Residence of Nine Supremes was never a sect like you!" "They don''t even have a mystical beast!" "We''ve agreed that the fourth match is a match of free will," said Qin Ruogu. "According to the rules, I have the right to choose the mode of combat, and I have decided for it to be a match of mystical beasts. We will fight with mystical beasts only. Let them decide the outcome in the field. It is the simplest and most direct method. Sect Leader Yun, you''ve won the third match because of the rules, so don''t tell me you are not going to respect the rules in the fourth match. Please summon your mystical beast, Sect Leader Yun." What he said seemed reasonable. Yun Yang had used a dirty trick to seduce the black bear and won the third match, so he could not complain when Qin Ruogu used the rules to win the fourth match now. But, everyone from Residence of Nine Supremes, and even the people of other sects, rolled their eyes at the same time. His reasoning was baseless. Putting aside the fact that he was somewhat shady in using a divine beast to fight the match of sect leaders, even if Yun Yang did seduce his mystical beast, so what? It was because he was not skillful enough and had weak control over his own mystical beast that the black bear was seduced by Yun Yang. If someone had to be blamed for this, it was he himself and not Yun Yang! And now, because his mystical beast was poached, he became so exasperated that he was making such a scene here, unwilling to admit defeat and just wanting to stir up trouble. He was clearly bullying the Residence of Nine Supremes! How could they fight this match? They simply did not have any mystical beasts, and yet he insisted on fighting a match of mystical beasts. It was like a fat man who weighed three hundred catties bet with a skinny man who only weighed seventy catties, "Let''s bet who has more fat! Whoever has more wins!" It was clearly cheating, a typical example of shamelessness! Yun Yang was taken aback. "A match of mys-mystical beasts?" He stammered a little. Qin Ruogu snorted and said darkly, "Please summon your mystical beast, Sect Leader Yun!" There was a strange look on Yun Yang''s face. "If I don''t have a mystical beast..." "Then you can admit defeat directly, and the battle between our sects will be over. There is no need for the fifth match to be carried out." Yun Yang''s face seemed to grow bitter when he heard that. Looking at his expression, Qin Ruogu felt the pleasure in his heart soar. ''You never expected you will have to face this, did you? Hahaha...'' "I know the Residence of Nine Supremes has many trump cards, so I''ll not push things too far. Let me give you a bonus: I''ll only send a King-level mystical beast, and if you can defeat it, you will have a complete victory." Before his voice had died away, a black light flashed and a fierce leopard, about seventy feet long and with colorful hair, appeared in the field. It roared into the sky after emerging, shaking its head and flicking its tail. Yun Yang looked up at Huo Yunfeng. Clearly, he was asking for his opinion, or rather, asking for help. Huo Yunfeng sighed; although he felt contempt for Qin Ruogu''s trick, it was still within the rules. "Let the fourth match, the match of mystical beasts, begin!" His voice drifted off the stands. With the announcement, it meant that the match was allowed by the rules. 1090 An Aggrieved Leopard People from the other sects were looking gloatingly at Yun Yang and those from the Residence of Nine Supremes. "Serve you right!" "Aren''t you puffed up with pride? Aren''t you invincible? Aren''t you looking down on all of us?" "Now you''ve hit a stone wall! Haha!" "You better admit defeat, brother! Even if you can win the heart of this mystical beast, you can''t transform yourself into a mystical beast, can you?" "Unless your Residence of Nine Supremes does have your own mystical beasts!" Yun Yang remained silent for a brief moment as if he was weighing out the situation, then said, "You''ve given me a big problem, Sect Leader Qin, controlling mystical beasts is never a skill we at the Residence of Nine Supremes have mastered. But, since you have provided me such a generous condition, it''s just not right if I refuse to fight. I have one question though...how many mystical beasts can we send to fight this match?" Qin Ruogu laughed so hard that his voice shook the heavens. "How many? Sect Leader Yun, as long as you have mystical beasts, you can send as many as you like. Ten, a hundred, it doesn''t matter." "Do you really mean it?" "Oh, yes! I really mean it! Why not?" "Well, I''m relieved to hear that," said Yun Yang. "Oh right, can we bring mystical beasts as well when we fight the other sects?" The question was directed at Huo Yunfeng. After thinking for a while, the executive officer said, "Bringing mystical beasts to fight is not a privilege of Beast Trainer Sect. A tamed mystical beast is considered the fighting strength of the beast controller, and part of the sect''s overall strength. So naturally, you can bring mystical beasts when fighting other sects." Yun Yang nodded. "I see. Then, I have no other questions." Yu Changtai laughed. "Since you have no other questions, please send your mystical beast into the field, Sect Leader Yun. Quickly win the match and end the battle between Residence of Nine Supremes and Beast Trainer Sect, because we from the Blue Heaven Sect can''t wait to fight you!" His words made the audience burst into laughter. "Win the match?" "This Yu Changtai is clearly mocking him!" "How could Residence of Nine Supremes win the match when they don''t even own a mystical beast?" "That''s right! They are about to lose the match!" Yun Yang''s eyes flickered as he said coldly, "I will not disappoint you, Sect Leader Yu!" When he had finished, he took out something and placed it in his sleeve, then gently rubbed at it. "All he knows is playing tricks." Qin Ruogu twitched his mouth in disdain. But, in the next moment, everyone who was laughingincluding Qin Ruogu and Huo Yunfengsuddenly stiffened and their eyes grew wide as if they were looking at a ghost. Because with the rubbing, a snow-white mystical beast jumped out of Yun Yang''s sleeve. He did have a mystical beast! Everyone''s eyeballs almost fell out of the sockets. "Damnit! This Sect Leader of Residence of Nine Supremes really has everything! He even has a mystical beast!" And then, another snow-white beast jumped out... And another... And another... One after another, four snow-white mystical beasts jumped on the ground, circling and meowing around Yun Yang''s feet like four cute little furballs. At the sight of the mystical beasts, the restless hearts of Qin Ruogu and others immediately calmed down. "They are...four cats? And they seem to be only kittens?" "Even if these cats are truly mystical beasts, they are at best pets. It appears that Yun Yang is forced to use them to fight in his desperation " "What does he hope to achieve with these little fellas? They can do nothing even if there are ten thousand of them!" "That''s right! Our mystical beast is a Twister Leopard, and although it is only at the king level, it can easily defeat them! No matter how strong a cat is, can it be stronger than a leopard?" At that moment, Yun Yang pointed at the field and said, "Go and defeat that big guy." A burst of titter rang out from the audience. "Are you mad or dreaming? You actually count on these four cute little things to defeat a king-level Twister Leopard?!" However, what happened next made everyone''s eyes grow wide once again. One of the cats meowed and turned to stare at the leopard in the field, and then the rest of them followed, turning their heads and staring at the field without blinking. "Wait, it seems that these four kittens understand his words?" "That cannot be! It must be a coincidence. If they can really understand him, they would have run away when they heard their master sending them to their graves!" But in the next moment, a white figure leaped into the air with a soft swoosh, flying toward the field. Then, in front of all the shocked glances, the figure grew larger and larger as it moved across the air. When it was about to fall to the ground, the cat had grown almost two hundred feet tall and transformed into a ferocious white monster! As soon as it landed with a boom, it threw its head back and roared! Nearly all the people on the stands were thrown off their feet! "Fu*k! This is not a cat, but a leopard! But...what kind of leopard is this?" "Why does it look like an Eclipse Panther?" "No, an Eclipse Panther can never grow so huge!" "Maybe it is a Twister Leopard?" "No, it can''t be! There is already a Twister Leopard in the field, and you can tell the difference between them at a glance!" "A Golden Jaguar?" "Impossible! They don''t look alike at all!" "A Snow Leopard?" "No, no, no, Snow Leopards are never so formidable!" "Then what kind of leopard is this?" While the crowd was guessing, another white figure flew across the sky, growing larger as it moved. Then another... And another... Soon, four snow-white monsters surrounded the Twister Leopard. The mystical beast, who was baring its teeth and showing its ferociousness just now, now crouched down in fear! It was completely suppressed in terms of size, level, and fighting strength! The pitiful leopard tried its best to curl up until it looked like a ball while whining piteously, its tail tucked low between its hind legs. ''Heavens! I thought you let me out to show off my mightiness? But why are four big fellas out here all of a sudden? I can''t defeat even just one of them, and any one of them can beat ten beasts like me at the same time! On top of that, they are surrounding me right now...'' ''This is bullying!'' The Twister Leopard was so aggrieved that it felt like crying. "Awoooo!" The four Whiteys roared in unison, and then their fierce and savage eyes rested on the Twister Leopard at the same time. ''It''s too scary!!!'' The leopard rolled over to show its belly, a gesture of submission. ''Please spare my life...'' The match was over. There was no need to fight anymore, because the leopard was already scared out of its wits. The stands were filled with dull eyes and blank faces! 1091 Admit Defeat! Qin Ruogu''s lips were shivering, his face deathly pale and eyes rolled upward. He looked as if he might faint at any time. It suddenly dawned on him that it was not without a reason Yun Yang could seduce the Black Bear King; it turned out that he was actually an expert in handling mystical beasts! Just these four leopards alone were enough to defeat almost all the mystical beasts in Beast Trainer Sect. Although they might not be able to defeat the Black Bear King, they could surely give him a tough fight as well. And when they were joined by Yun Yang, the bear might be in a dangerous situation of losing even if he were willing to fight with all his might. Moreover, no one could be sure that Yun Yang had used up all his trump cards. What if he still had other cards hiding in his sleeves? ''Brother, you should have told me earlier that you have such strength!'' screamed Qin Ruogu in his mind. ''If you did, I would have not wasted all the effort and time, and would have admitted defeat! It was not until I''d completely offended Residence of Nine Supremes that you showed a part of your strength...Why are you doing this to me?" ''Before today, Beast Trainer Sect was a prestigious sect with a lower-class Celestial Luck Banner But in just one day, we''ve lost three matches in a row, our ranking has dropped, and our divine beast is about to leave us. Worst of all, we have made ourselves an enemy whom we can''t defeat!'' ''Are the heavens bent upon dooming the Beast Trainer Sect?'' Subconsciously, Qin Ruogu turned his eyes to the Black Bear King, hoping the mystical beast could give him some advice. But, the bear only glared at him in disdain and then closed his eyes. ''Hmph! Now you are afraid! From the very beginning, I already felt that this little brother Yun is the best friend of all mystical beasts. Just look at what he had doneHe brought me fine wine and delicious food, and cared for me, giving me all the attention and talking nicely to me. Moreover, even though he is so strong, he still treats me like a brother. He is at least one hundred times better than all of you from Beast Trainer Sect! You regret it now? You all should have regretted it a long time ago!'' Yu Changtai, the sect leader of Blue Heaven Sect who was clamoring just now, had turned extremely pale with a look of despair in his eyes, while the corner of his mouth kept twitching. The people from the fourth, third, and second-ranked sects were completely struck dumb as well. On the side, Huo Yunfeng was gaping too, his jaw dropped so low that it almost dislocated. At this point, Residence of Nine Supremes'' endless trump cards had branded deeply on the minds of all. "The match is won by Residence of Nine Supremes!" ''What an idiotic act! I''m such a wastrel! I can''t believe I''m such a wasteful person! It is no longer deliberately losing money to others, but like after I''ve taken out all the money in my pockets, I even went to borrow money, then knelt before others and begged them to take my money while telling them that I''ll kill myself if they refused!'' "I''m so stupid, really stupid!" Huo Yunfeng muttered under his breath. "On behalf of Beast Trainer Sect, I give up the fifth match and admit defeat." As he said that, Qin Ruogu''s spirits seemed to be completely drained away. After that, he sunk back into his seat like a lump of mud. The complicated eyes of everyone were now fixed on Yun Yang, who said with a gentle smile, "Your Excellency, Residence of Nine Supremes wishes to continue the challenge! We would like to challenge the fifth-ranked Blue Heaven Sect!" Yu Changtai''s face turned ashen. "Well, I really didn''t know we could bring mystical beasts to the battle..." said Yun Yang regretfully. "We almost lost a few of the matches. Had I known this, I would not have let Yexing suffer so much!" He then smiled and said, "However, we will definitely not make the same mistake again. From now on, we will bring mystical beasts to every match we fight, so that we can show the greatest respect to our opponents with our strongest force." Yu Changtai covered his face with both hands. ''Please don''t respect me! Can you please not respect me? You can look down on me as much as you like, just don''t bring any mystical beasts when you fight me!'' ''Fu*k! How are we going to fight you when you bring Saint-King-level mystical beasts with you?'' "Damn the Beast Trainer Sect! They should have never suggested a match of mystical beasts!'' Everyone turned to look at Beast Trainer Sect with eyes full of hatred while the sects that had yet to be challenged were all staring at them with flames in their eyes. "If possible, I really wish I could swallow this bunch of brainless fools from Beast Trainer Sect one by one!" "They are pissing me off! What they have done is like digging out a pit for all of us to jump in! Residence of Nine Supremes didn''t even know they could bring mystical beasts to battle..." Huo Yunfeng''s eyebrows were twitching as he said, "Granted!" Right at that moment, Ding Buke and You Buneng leaned over with serious faces. "Boss, let''s have another game!" Huo Yunfeng stared at them in grief and indignation. "Although Beast Trainer Sect has mystical beasts, it is still no match for the fifth-ranked Blue Heaven Sect. So, I think it will be very tough for Residence of Nine Supremes to win again..." Ding Buke said. "Therefore, we will still bet on Residence of Nine Supremes this time. We are brothers, so we just play smart to lift the spirits." You Buneng chimed in, "That''s right! Boss, you''ve lost so much that we can''t bear to see you lose again. We will still bet on Residence of Nine Supremes, and not only that, we will bet everything we have, so that you can win back everything in one game." Huo Yunfeng''s face was already as black as the bottom of a pot as he said in a trembling voice, "You...Can you be more shameless than this?" "Why are you scolding us, Boss?" "Not only do I scold you, but I also want to hit you!" ... Residence of Nine Supremes'' following challenge suddenly became smooth sailing. After some deliberation, the fifth-ranked Blue Heaven Sect quickly came out with a decision. "We admit defeat!" Yu Changtai''s face was dark as if he were about to explode. Undoubtedly, it was aggrieving, helpless, and shameful for them to make this decision. But, he had no other choice, so he was forced to bow his head. The faces of everyone from the Blue Heaven Sect had turned black as well, and they were sighing in disappointment. The strength displayed by Residence of Nine Supremes was just monstrous. If they were to fight each other fairly, Blue Heaven Sect might not be their match. Although Blue Heaven Sect''s overall strength was slightly greater than Beast Trainer Sect, the difference was not much. And after witnessing the matches fought by Residence of Nine Supremes, they knew that their odds were extremely low. However, it was one thing that the odds were low, and another thing that whether they had fought with all their might! Generally, every sect with a Celestial Luck Banner had a special skill that others could not match. For example, Thousand Mountains Sect was famous for its formations and Beast Trainer Sect could fight with mystical beasts. As for Blue Heaven Sect, it was famous for its speed and movement technique! ''Traversing in and out of the heavens, traveling across the world with a sword,'' was exactly the essence of the cultivation technique that had catapulted Blue Heaven Sect to its current height. In terms of movement technique and speed alone, no other sects with lower-class Celestial Luck Banners could be its match. Even without what Beast Trainer Sect had done, Blue Heaven Sect might still not have the strength to stop Residence of Nine Supremes from advancing further, but it was not impossible for it to take away the other''s right to continue the challenge. 1092 Smashing! As long as the Green Veiled Sect''s disciples avoided a direct confrontation strategy in the disciples match and optimally unleashed the cultivation method and speed that they were good at, there was a very high chance they could pull any one of the Residence of Nine Supremes'' ten disciples down with them! While Yun Xiuxin and companions were skilled, they lacked practical combat experience. Once they met an enemy who played around in avoiding direct contact, it was basically foreseeable that they would turn impatient C it was even reasonable that they lost in the end! Now, however, the Residence of Nine Supremes'' combat force that they had to face rocketed to one that was assisted by Saint King level''s mystical beasts. How could they continue with the battle? The loss was imminent! Pushing themselves to continue with the battle would only induce more shame and frustration C it was better to admit defeat now. At least, they could save themselves some face and avoid the awkward situation of surrendering after being badly beaten up. Therefore, the Residence of Nine Supremes climbed up to the fifth spot without any bloodshed and carried on challenging the fourth-ranking Hall of Dragons. Similarly, the Hall of Dragons made the same decision as to the Green Veiled Sect after a round of discussion. They surrendered. There was no way not to. Despite the Hall of Dragons'' higher notch of capability, they were not confident that they could tackle the Residence of Nine Supremes that was now assisted by Saint King leveled mystical beasts. Their class or tier would not be affected by the drop of ranking anyway, in addition to the Green Veiled Sect as precedence, the feeling of frustration and powerlessness was very much lifted away! Moving on, the Residence of Nine Supremes began their conquest to the top three positions. The suspense was absent in the encounters of the top three sects. Firstly, third-ranking all-female Tower of Hundred Flowers gave in immediately; their martial skill, formation strategy, and techniques were excellent, a worthy opponent to the Residence of Nine Supremes, but the astonishing combat force shown by the latter actually hinted at exact clashes against the Tower of Hundred Flowers. Considering the assistance of mystical beasts, the ladies of the sect gave up directly and contributed to the Residence of Nine Supremes'' another win! Then, The Earth Pavilion sitting at the second rank that was indomitable for its defense became the first sect to fight the Residence of Nine Supremes after three continuous surrenderings from three schools. It was a pity. Perhaps they had overestimated their defense, perhaps they had underestimated the Residence of Nine Supremes'' overwhelming prowess. After four Whiteys fought respectively and a round of aggressive combat, The Earth Pavilion lost all five rounds and was sadly sent to the third placing. The Earth Pavilion, Tower of Hundred Flowers, Hall of Dragons, Green Veiled Sect, Beast Bender Clan, Shadowy Sword Sect, and Thousand Mountain Sect that dropped a ranking each did not leave the place. Watching from the side, it was obvious that they wanted to spectate the ultimate battle. Only when this bout ended would it mark the end of the Heaven Penta-Tier officially. The seven sects watched as the Residence of Nine Supremes changed its seat, again and again, slowly rising to the top. From when they had no seats and no podium when they had first entered to occupying the second place now, the sect''s progress was unstoppable! The gazes cast on them were complicated. Hundreds of thousands of years since the Bound of Universe had come into existence, there was never such speedy headway! From a nobody to a first rank contender, such achievement was impressive. Actually, the Residence of Nine Supremes had already weaved a brand new record in the Bound of Universe when they climbed onto the sixth rank. Then, they were breaking their own record, setting new ones time and again. The Thousand Mountain Sect sighed silently. Had they known that this would happen, why did they fight so hard? It was futile, making them a joke instead Looking at their performance now, the Thousand Mountain Sect realized how ludicrous their thoughts were C how dared they wish to stop the Residence of Nine Supremes with their insignificant force? Rendered in the most awkward position now was the Golden Cauldron Sect. The Golden Cauldron Sect was incredibly unnerved. They had been preparing for the battle with great vigor intending to take a step up from where they were by challenging the middle-class Celestial Luck Banner. They thought that they had done their best in getting prepared, they had already handed in their application. The third level might already be waiting for their challenge. Once the procedure here ended and all the other sects returned to their business, it would be the Golden Cauldron Sect''s time to pen a new glorious age of their own. Whether the advance happened or not, it would be a rare occasion to the Golden Cauldron Sect in recent years in addition to being a noteworthy achievement in the history of the martial world! Everything had been calculated but who would have known that a dark horse had leaped out of the blue during the final moment! Moreover, the dark horse had galloped its way aggressively and smashingly charged to their front, wanting to fight for the first rank in the lower class Celestial Luck Banner ranking. Honestly, the Golden Cauldron Sect no longer prized being top one in the lower class Celestial Luck Banner ranking. They already possessed a higher target and even the ability to achieve that target; it was only a matter of course that they would leave the past in the past. In spite of it, the current issue was that they would not have the qualification to ascend if they failed to maintain their position as the first How else could they take another step further? Furthermore, this was no more a problem of qualification C it was a matter of face now! Everyone was ready for their challenge but they were not going anymore because they were defeated by a sect that was initially ranked lower than them This would be the strangest mystery no one could expect! If this came true, the Golden Cauldron Sect would definitely become the butt of jokes among the Bound of Universe''s sects and cultivators for thousands of years to come! "We must fight! Not only must we fight, but we must also win!" The leader of the Golden Cauldron Sect, Wei Tao, was an extremely ugly man; having lean limbs, a bony face and thin lips, he had a big stomach bulging out. The top of his head was shiny without a strand of hair, a golden top indeed! C a bald man, basically. The others from the Golden Cauldron Sect were grim. They would surely fight but how? How would they fight in order to stand a chance of winning? If it were individual combat prowess, the overall force of the Golden Cauldron sect, with its intention to go for the middle-class Celestial Luck Banner, was nothing the other lower-class Celestial Luck Banner bearing schools could compare to. The Golden Cauldron Sect had three Saint King level two masters with one of them reaching Saint King level two pinnacle in his cultivation base. The three Golden Cauldron elders, too, were famous figures in many middle-class Celestial Luck Banner bearing schools. The trio was confident to win anyone from the Residence of Nine Supremes if it were a duel, even if their opponent were to be the top expert, Luo Dajiang. The latter was nothing to them. However, the damned Beast Bender Clan that opportunistically walked the gray area not only caused themselves to lose, but they also gave everyone else a terminator that was worse than a cheat code! C How could one tackle Four Saint King level mystical beasts! The reality was plain. Before the Residence of Nine Supremes fought with the Beast Bender Clan, they did not know that mystical beasts could take part in the battles. They had not even thought in that direction. Otherwise, they would not have suffered so much. The Beast Bender Clan should be damned!